The trail ended into patchy grass and there was Hagrid, along with Professors McGonagall, Flitwick, and Vector. They all had smiling faces for the students, though they were poised for battle should the worst arise. The boats were mandatory for the First Years, though it was now also an option for those who were uncomfortable with the thestral-driven carriages. Judging from the panicked reactions of the students, a lot of them have seen death this past year.