The train journey ended, and the crush of first-years was pulled out into the cold night air.
The air was damp and smelled of pine and damp earth, a stark, welcome contrast to the stale smell of the Dursleys' house.
Harry looked up at Hogwarts Castle, a colossal, dark outline against the stormy sky.
He was genuinely struck by a sense of wonder, but his Gamer's Mind immediately contextualized the feeling.
System Note: Emotional State: Awe (Positive). Current Environment: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (Tier 4). Magical Energy Saturation: High.
He felt a deep satisfaction that transcended simple childhood happiness.
He was finally in a High-MAG Zone, a place where his MAG (160) stat could be truly developed.
The thought of the Dursleys' cupboard—the low-level Grinding Area—felt impossibly distant.
He followed the chattering crowd until they reached a towering figure waiting by a pair of massive oak doors.
Appraisal: Minerva McGonagall. Level: [ERROR: LEVEL TOO HIGH].
Harry adjusted his focus, confirming the reading. The System had never failed to provide a level before.
Minerva McGonagall
Title: Deputy Headmistress; Transfiguration Master
Level: 100+ (Estimate: 120-150)
Trait: Strict Discipline (MAX)
Warning: Do not attempt misbehaving. INT-based interactions recommended.
Harry straightened his robes. His current level meant he was essentially a beginner in this environment.
McGonagall was the most powerful being he had ever encountered. He would have to maintain extreme vigilance and respect.
"Welcome to Hogwarts,"
Professor McGonagall said briskly, her voice sharp and precise.
"The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses."
As she explained the houses and their values, Harry used the moment to consolidate his current mission objectives.
[MAIN QUEST: The Sorting Ceremony]
Objective: Be sorted into the House that best facilitates long-term power acquisition and growth.
Sub-Objective 1: Maintain the façade of the ignorant, emotionally-driven orphan. (Crucial, given McGonagall's scrutiny).
Sub-Objective 2: Prevent the Sorting Hat from perceiving The System or the Gamer's Mind skill. (Current Defense Status: Active).
Reward: +1 Level, [House Bonus Skill], [Reputation Boost].
Harry nodded appropriately at her speech, his eyes wide and innocent, playing the role of the overwhelmed newcomer.
His INT was already analyzing the political landscape: Gryffindor for protection and exposure, Slytherin for power and restricted knowledge.
He knew which path he needed to project.
McGonagall led them through the great oak doors, into the magnificent stone entrance hall, and up a staircase.
Ron, clearly still impressed by Harry's decisive, silent move against Malfoy earlier, leaned in.
"She looks terrifying, doesn't she?"
"She has high MAG output,"
Harry whispered back, using terminology Ron wouldn't understand.
"Stay focused and don't make any unnecessary moves."
They were ushered into a small chamber next to the Great Hall.
Harry could hear the low rumble of hundreds of students waiting on the other side. This was it. The point of no return.
When Professor McGonagall returned and gestured for them to follow, Harry took a deep breath.
His HP and MP bars were full. He was ready to face the final check before the game truly began.