The rain had just begun to fall as Harry Potter stepped onto the stone path that led to the towering, ancient walls of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The castle loomed majestically against the darkening sky, its turrets and spires reaching like crooked fingers into the clouds. Thick ivy clung to the stone, and windows shimmered faintly, glowing with warm, flickering light from within. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and the faint aroma of burning candles, mingling with the cool, fresh smell of rain. As Harry approached the grand entrance, he could hear the distant rumble of thunder, a reminder that a storm was gathering. The enormous wooden doors, carved with intricate symbols and patterns, swung open with a creak, revealing the dimly lit foyer. Inside, the flickering light of torches cast dancing shadows on the stone walls. The faint hum of voices and the clatter of dishes echoed through the corridors as students hurried about, eager to reach their common rooms before the storm grew worse. Harry’s gaze drifted upward, taking in the vast ceiling above him. It was enchanted to mirror the sky outside, which was now dark and stormy, with streaks of lightning illuminating the clouds. The ceiling seemed alive with swirling gray and black, adding to the mysterious, magical atmosphere of the castle. Every corner of Hogwarts was filled with secrets and stories—hidden passages, moving staircases, and portraits that watched silently as students passed by. He walked through the corridors, feeling the coolness of the stone beneath his feet and the gentle hum of magic that seemed to vibrate through the very walls. The banners hanging from the ceilings fluttered softly, despite the calm inside the castle, their bright colors contrasting with the gray gloom outside. Every step he took was familiar yet filled with wonder—this was a place where magic was real, where history and mystery intertwined. As Harry made his way toward the Gryffindor common room, he passed by the ancient suit of armor that stood guard outside the main staircase. Its eyes seemed to flicker with a faint glow, as if it was alive, watching over the castle. The portraits along the hallways chuckled softly or whispered secrets as he passed, and the portraits of past headmasters gazed solemnly from their frames, their eyes full of wisdom and knowledge. Inside the common room, the warm glow of lanterns and the crackling of the fireplace welcomed him. Cozy armchairs and plush cushions beckoned students to sit and relax after a long day. Outside, the rain continued to fall in steady sheets, creating a soothing rhythm against the castle’s ancient stones. Harry settled into a chair near the fire, feeling the warmth seep into his bones, and listened to the rain tapping against the windows. Despite the storm outside, inside Hogwarts was a sanctuary of magic and comfort. The castle’s timeless beauty and mysterious charm made Harry feel safe and at home, even on the gloomiest of nights. As he gazed into the flickering flames, his mind wandered to the adventures that awaited him in the days to come, knowing that within these ancient walls, anything was possible.

Answer the following questions based on the passage above.