"Sure, I'll change first."

And Chris and Naomi have to wait outside.

"He's really...something. Did you want us to be the next Golden Trio?"

"Why not? We'd have to come up with a different name though."

"We'll come up with something. Copper, Iron, Quicksilver..."

"Your turn."

Josh is wearing what should probably be described as non-standard robes.

In a shocking shade of blue, they don't quite fit the dress code.

"Okay. My turn."

He heads into their compartment.

And when they are done the train will be almost at a stop!

There is a rather large man directing first years to the lake.

Yes, that means you!

Naomi gets in a boat, trying very hard not to look too wide-eyed at the castle and failing. 

Her fellow boatmate looks more nauseous than impressed.

The boats move fairly slowly; it seems giving an expansive view of the grounds is their main function. 

Naomi is too distracted by the castle to notice her boatmate being nauseous!

They reach the castle and are shuffled inside.

Her new friend falls in step with her.

"Hey. Do you think we'll all be in the same house?"

"Even if we aren't we'll stay friends."

He looks less sure of that, but he doesn't voice his thoughts before the Headmistress arrives.

A stern woman, she turns her intense gaze on them each in turn, before smiling at them all.

"Today, we show the world what Hogwarts represents. We stand firm, despite the challenges we're facing. All of you will learn, in time, what Hogwarts means to you, but I hope every one of you feels at home here. This castle has a grand history, far into the past, before recent tragedies. Together, we will walk into its future. Prepare to be Sorted."

She turns and leads them into the Great Hall.

The Great Hall is huge, made larger both by the charmed night sky decorating the ceiling and the empty spaces on the benches in the front table. 

Naomi eyes them as she walks with her friends. She steals careful glances at the ceiling.

Huge is the relevant word, yes.

Their target becomes clear as the Headmistress makes her way across the room.

"There it is. The Sorting Hat," says one of her new classmates.

"I wonder if I'll scare it the most." 

"The Hat doesn't get scared," Naomi chides. "I bet your mind isn't any grosser than mine."

"I think I'm crazier, but maybe you're right. I guess I'll have to make it laugh instead." 

"We should focus on the Sorting. Who here is first?" 

"I don't know, I don't know everyone! Yet. Speaking of which! What's your name?"

"My name is Derek. Yours?"