As the Hogwarts Express rolled to a stop, its wheels releasing a warm, comforting scent of magic and parchment, Hermione turned to you with an air of excitement mixed with a hint of nervousness. Gathering her books like shields in her arms, she reminded you with a sharp yet familiar tone, “Do try not to lose your luggage before we even reach the boats.” Her words held no real bite, just the nervous energy of anticipation that seemed to cling to everything and everyone in the air.

The boat ride across the Black Lake was an adventure all on its own. The water shimmered with an eerie, almost supernatural glow as you and Hermione settled into your small vessel. Hermione couldn't resist pointing out every magical detail to you—how the lake's surface rippled like liquid silver under moonlight, how tiny glowing will-o'-wisps danced just beneath its surface, leading them deeper into enchanted waters where even ordinary fish had learned tricks from their wizard neighbors over centuries.

And then came the moment — when something massive shifted in those depths below... A shadow so vast it darkened half their path for a heartbeat before vanishing again into inky blackness somewhere beyond sight?

Hermione gasped sharply beside them but didn’t flinch away; instead she leaned closer toward edge until nose nearly brushed cold mist rising off waves—eyes wide not fear but fascination burning brighter than any torchlight ever could!

"Is that...?" she whispered breathlessly before finishing sentence aloud because truth be told? She already knew answer well enough without needing say anything more either way really… Because floating serenely beneath moonlit surface now lay none other than legendary resident giant squid itself staring right back at both students through glassy windows.

As the boat drifted closer, the giant squid flicked its tentacles idly through the water like a cat batting a string. Its body, which seemed almost translucent in the moonlight, loomed close enough to cast shadows upon your faces. Its eyes, as big as dinner plates, studied you both with quiet patience, almost as if it was waiting for something. For a moment, everything was perfectly still, the air held in suspended waiting.

Hermione's mouth formed a soft "ooh" sound, her eyes wide with wonder. "It's...incredible," she breathed. "I've never seen it so close before."

The boat finally bumped gently against the weathered wooden dock, its ropes coiling like lazy serpents in the water. The squid gave one last slow wave of its tentacles—almost as if saying goodbye—before sinking gracefully back into shadowy depths where it belonged.

Hermione didn’t move for a long moment, still staring at where it had disappeared beneath waves until you nudged her elbow lightly with yours: "Earth to Granger?"

She blinked rapidly then flushed pink realizing she'd been caught spellbound by creature far more fascinating than any textbook illustration could hope capture properly anyway... But instead protesting (like usual), this time? She just grinned sheepishly while hauling herself up onto solid ground again; books clutched tight once more now but not because nervous anymore —no! Simply because hands needed something anchor themselves around so heart wouldn't escape chest entirely from sheer exhilaration coursing through veins tonight…

The grand hall of Hogwarts loomed before you both, its towering ceilings adorned with floating candles that cast a warm golden glow. The air was thick with the scent of roasted meats and freshly baked bread, mingling delightfully as students filled their seats in eager anticipation.

Hermione straightened her robes nervously beside you—though she'd never admit to such weakness aloud—and glanced around at all the other first-years who looked just as uncertain (or downright terrified) beneath weighty gazes already directed toward them by older students waiting see where they'd be placed...

Then came the moment.

“Hermione J Granger… please come forward.”