The Legacy of the Magizoologist

The train slowed to a stop at Hogsmeade Station, steam curling into the crisp evening air. Jamie stepped off the Hogwarts Express, clutching his terrarium tightly. Around him, first-year students buzzed with excitement, their breath visible in the chilly night. The sky above was a tapestry of stars, and the faint outline of mountains loomed in the distance.

"Firs'-years! Firs'-years over here!"

The booming voice belonged to a man so large he seemed half-giant. His tangled hair and beard framed a kind smile that immediately put Jamie at ease.

"That's Hagrid," Hermione whispered as she joined Jamie, her eyes wide with excitement. "He's the Keeper of Keys and Grounds. He works at Hogwarts."

Jamie followed the crowd toward Hagrid, his nerves settling slightly at the man's jovial tone.

"Come on, now, no dawdlin'," Hagrid called, waving them toward a path leading down to the edge of a vast, inky-black lake.

A fleet of small boats bobbed gently on the water, each glowing faintly from within.

"Four to a boat!" Hagrid instructed, gesturing for them to climb aboard.

Jamie found himself in a boat with Hermione, Neville, and Dean Thomas. As the boat pushed off the shore and glided smoothly across the water, Jamie's breath caught.

Hogwarts Castle appeared on the horizon, its turrets and towers glowing like a beacon. The sight stole the breath of everyone in the boat. The castle's reflection shimmered on the lake's surface, making it seem as though the entire structure floated on light.

"It's more beautiful than I imagined," Jamie whispered, his voice barely audible over the soft lapping of water against the boat.

Neville clutched his toad tightly, nodding. "I didn't think it would be this… magical."

Hermione smiled knowingly. "The books don't do it justice."

The boats docked on the far shore, and Hagrid led the first-years up a winding path toward the castle. As the group approached the enormous oak doors, Jamie noticed a small commotion to the side.

A pale-haired boy with a pointed face—Draco Malfoy, as Jamie recalled from the train—was speaking loudly to another boy, who had messy black hair and glasses.

"You'll soon find out some wizarding families are better than others, Potter," Malfoy drawled, his tone dripping with disdain. "You don't want to go making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there."

The boy with glasses, who Jamie realized must be Harry Potter, crossed his arms and glared. "I think I can figure that out on my own, thanks."

A red-haired boy—Ron Weasley—stood next to Harry, his ears turning pink as he muttered something Jamie couldn't quite catch.

Malfoy sneered, his gaze flicking dismissively between Harry and Ron. Before he could say more, Hagrid's booming voice interrupted.

"Inside now, all o' yeh! No dawdlin'!"

Malfoy gave one last smirk before sauntering off, flanked by two hulking boys Jamie guessed were his friends.

Jamie exchanged a glance with Hermione. "Did you see that?"

"Of course," she whispered back. "Malfoy's clearly a bully. But Harry handled it well."

Jamie nodded, feeling a mixture of admiration for Harry and unease about Malfoy.