Ron Weasley from the trio still appeared, and Brian felt an indescribable sensation stir within him. He had delayed boarding until the last moment—not just to confirm the safety of the wooden boats but also to avoid Ron Weasley. After all, once the Sorting Hat ceremony was over, Brian expected to be placed in Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff, which would naturally reduce his involvement with the Iron Triangle.
But now, seeing them together, Brian was certain: once the trio became acquainted, his life might change dramatically—because of Harry. Still, despite the turmoil within, he kept his expression neutral. If Weasley thought he disliked him, he might whisper something to Harry, and Brian could end up with the same reputation as Malfoy.
"Of course I can. My name is Mike Brian," he said, smiling slightly and extending a hand in polite introduction.
"I'm Harry Potter!" Harry replied, a bit shyly—he still wasn't as natural or outgoing as Hermione when meeting strangers.
Ron Weasley hadn't even sat down before he stumbled forward, eyes wide. "Oh my goodness, you're the one?" He stared at Harry for a long moment, making Harry flush. Harry quickly nodded and said, "Yes, that's me."
"So you really have... you know." Ron pointed toward Harry's forehead. Just then, Hagrid, sitting alone in a boat, called out, "Is everyone seated? Let's go!"
Hagrid pulled out a small umbrella and tapped the hull of his boat. Instantly, all the little boats glided smoothly across the mirror-like lake, as if enchanted, making their way swiftly toward the castle.
The ride was so steady it felt as if they were traveling on solid ground. Yet, the students remained quiet, only occasional whispers breaking the silence. Harry didn't dare speak loudly. Instead, he brushed aside a lock of hair from his forehead.
Under the moonlight, Brian and Ron caught a glimpse of the lightning-shaped scar. Brian only glanced at it before turning his attention to the beautiful scenery around the Black Lake. Ron, however, widened his eyes, clearly wanting to say something—but the stillness around them kept him silent. He muttered something under his breath instead.
The boats passed into a dark tunnel and came to a stop at what resembled an underground dock. The students disembarked and climbed onto a shore covered with gravel and small pebbles.
Hagrid led them to a massive oak door. On the way, he found Neville's lost toad, bringing tears of joy to Neville's eyes.
Now the reality hit—becoming a Hogwarts first-year student, learning magic. Even Brian, a transmigrator equipped with a system, couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement. At this moment, Hogwarts was all he could think about.
Hagrid instructed them to wait quietly before stepping up to knock on the castle doors and disappearing inside.
Ron, finally free to speak, leaned in and whispered, "Was it the Dark Lord who did it?"
"Yes," Harry answered honestly. "But I don't remember anything."
"You don't remember anything? Oh, I'm sorry. Um—what house do you want to be in?" Realizing how awkward his question was, Ron quickly tried to change the subject.
"I don't know much about any of them, but I heard Gryffindor is pretty good. Is your whole family made up of wizards?" Harry asked.
"Of course! We're all wizards, and every one of us is in Gryffindor. All the houses are good—well, except Slytherin," Ron added proudly.
Just then, a haughty voice cut in: "Only noble pure-bloods belong in the noble Slytherin house."
A blonde boy with slicked-back hair approached, flanked by two students who looked more like bodyguards. He gave a slight smile that carried a chill. "The moment I saw you, I knew who you were. Big nose, red hair, second-hand robes—you must be from the stinking Weasley family. Those robes must have cost your family everything, huh?"
Ron's face turned crimson with embarrassment and rage. He cursed under his breath, but the boy ignored him and turned to Harry with a calculated look.
"So it's true—you're Harry Potter. I'm Malfoy. Draco Malfoy. The noble Malfoy family could be the right choice for your friends." He extended his hand toward Harry.
Harry's gaze turned icy. He didn't take Malfoy's hand. Instead, he stared him down and said in a low, firm voice, "I think I can choose my own friends."
Malfoy raised an eyebrow, about to retort, when the massive door behind him creaked open. A tall witch in emerald-green robes stepped out, her dark hair pulled back tightly and her expression stern. Hagrid followed behind her and said, "First-years, Professor McGonagall."
"Thank you, Hagrid. I'll take them from here." Professor McGonagall's tone was brisk. Her eyes landed on Malfoy. "Mr. Malfoy, it's impolite to turn your back on a professor."
It was clear she had overheard everything. Malfoy turned and silently slinked to the back of the group, his followers trailing behind.
Professor McGonagall stood tall, exuding an aura of command. The group of first-years was too intimidated to even breathe loudly. Brian groaned internally. He hadn't even officially started school and was already noticed by a professor. Staying away from the Iron Triangle, he thought, was absolutely the right call.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," Professor McGonagall finally announced. "The start-of-term feast is about to begin. But before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you must be sorted into your houses."
She proceeded to describe the four Hogwarts houses, explaining house points, rules, and school expectations. She ended with the reminder:
"The Sorting Ceremony will begin in just a few minutes. I suggest you tidy yourselves up while you wait. I'll return shortly. Please remain quiet."
Her sharp gaze swept across the group before she turned and entered the Great Hall to speak with Dumbledore.
Brian noticed that her eyes had lingered the longest on Harry, Ron—and himself. Although he knew she was mostly looking at Harry, he still felt uneasy. He couldn't help but wonder: was the Occlumency granted by the system truly reliable?