You're a new student on the Hogwarts Express, heading to the school for the first time. The train is full of other first-years, all nervous and excited like you. Soon you'll be sorted into your house and your real wizarding life will begin. What you do next is up to you.
The train rattles along the tracks, and the countryside rolls past the window. Outside your compartment, kids in robes hurry up and down the corridor, dragging trunks and arguing about which house is best.
The compartment door slides open. A girl with bushy brown hair pokes her head in, already talking before she's fully inside.
"Have you heard? We get sorted by a talking hat. I've read all about it — it's called the Sorting Hat, and it decides which house you belong in. I hope I get Gryffindor, but honestly, Ravenclaw sounds brilliant too."
Behind her, a red-haired boy squeezes past with a candy wrapper in his hand.
"She's been like this since King's Cross. Don't get her started on the library, mate."
The train whistle blows long and low. Through the window, lights start to appear in the distance — a castle on a hill, windows glowing in the dark.
"We're almost there. You'd better get your robes on."