Chapter 18: HOGWARTS EXPRESS
September first, the date where everything changed for a young boy who had grown up devoid of love and security, a date when the hero of the nation finally got a place he could call home, a date when a lonely child made a lifelong brother.
The mere thought of his journey had made Harry emotional as he woke up on the morning of september first. Despite the hardships that he had faced in the wizarding world, it was also true that he had found a place for himself, a place where he had people who he could call family.
Harry woke up, had a light breakfast and was out of the house before seven so that unlike last time he reached the train on time and hopefully meet with hermione. As far as he could remember Hermione had already been on the train by the time he and Ron arrived on the station. He knew that one way or another he was bound to be in the same cabin as Ron and therefore did not wish to go out of his way to invite him. Harry wished that all the bonds develop naturally like they had in his previous life.
Harry hailed a cab from the main road outside of Surrey and reached King Cross at nine. Harry had a single suitcase along with a backpack and therefore was easily able to carry them on the station. A eleven year old travelling alone was bound to be stopped by a official on the station and to avoid this harry proceed with utmost haste towards the wall separating platforms nine and ten.
Harry took a deep breath and walked straight into the wall. He was out the other side and the view was just as magnificent as he had remembered.
The train was standing on the platform in all of its glory, with steam rising up the engine and students crowding around the platform while their parents were hugging them goodbye and making them promise to write everyday. Harry remembered being intrigued by it in their fourth year and asking Hermione on how the train was selected as the mode of transport. Hermione being Hermione quotes that "A daring and controversial solution to the thorny problem was finally suggested by Minister for Magic Ottaline Gambol, who was much intrigued by Muggle inventions and saw the potential in trains. " She went on to explain that though it looked like a normal steam train, it covered almost five hundred miles in under eight hours.
Harry looked around the station and caught sight of Hermione who was with her parents as they helped her in loading the suitcases on the train. It was a surprise for them when they saw me, I greeted them and feigned surprise at Hermione being selected for hogwarts. I informed them that I too just recently found out that my parents were magical when a hogwarts professor came to inform me. They had a understanding look and asked us both to keep a lookout for each other when in school.
Hermione and me then waved them goodbye and proceeded to find us a booth. As is the case with all things magical the train was not all it seemed, it was magically enhanced to have way more room then what was visible from the outside. Harry and Hermione continued their conversation about their plans for hogwarts.
Seeing as this was as good a opportunity as any Harry told Hermione that she should stick to only performing in the exams rather than throughout the year as even the children of wizarding world will not like a muggle born witch who is trying to one up them at every turn. Harry also explained that though it might not be her intention, people might perceive it as such.
Hermione understood Harry's concern and consented to try and be as quiet as possible. Harry understood that this was going against Hermione's nature but still wished for her to have a better Hogwarts experience then the previous one. It had taken Hermione a full five years of proving her excellence before she was recognized by her own peers. Harry also told her to have fun during her stay in Hogwarts as he could get her enough books to read when she is away for the breaks in the muggle world.
Hermione was very happy that her first friend cared so deeply for her. She too reminded him that though he is to be famous and somewhat smart he should not slack off otherwise she will not talk to him indefinitely, though it might seem a childish tantrum Harry felt very warm towards his friends concern and gave his nod while acting all serious. Harry reminded Hermione that he would be introducing her to his fiancee, Daphne Greengrass.
Hermione was a thorough reader and along with Harry's perspective on topics related to wizard world, she did not have any false prejudices against slytherin and therefore harry had deemed fit to inform her that Daphne will most probably be sorted out in that house due to her status and family and to only judge her based on her own merits and demerits. hermione knew that both she and Daphne were dear to harry and therefore it was so important for him that they liked each other.
As the clock neared eleven the station became more crowded and the voice grew louder, Harry and hermione just enjoyed looking out the window from their carriage onto the platform. Harry also caught sight of a flurry of redheads who arrived on the platform in a rather hurry. The mother was seemingly shouted instructions and the children were making their way to their own friends. The last redhead stopped beside their carriage and the mother hugged him while letting out little tears and saying last minute goodbyes. Harry also saw the little girl standing by her mother's side, a girl he had fallen in love with, Ginny.
The clock finally struck eleven and as if clockwork the train gave a last whistle as it began moving. My journey to Hogwarts had finally begun, Again.
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