Disclaimer: I have never, nor will I ever own Harry Potter. If I did, I wouldn't be writing from my bathroom floor. The only things I claim as mine are the (sometimes terrible and confusing) plot and thought process for which it's written. Thank you for reading and please review.

I checked my watch again as I pulled up to King's Cross. I was late. Again. I could almost hear my professor now. "Don't make this a habit, Miss Williams. You came to England to study, not to sightsee."

She had a point I guess, but come on! I was a twenty year-old American loose in London. I wanted to see and do everything before my studies were over. I wanted to lose myself in English culture and history. Which I did, quite often and (usually) unintentionally in random streets and buildings.

As I ran into the station, I zigzagged through passerby after passerby, looking for the right platform. I prayed that I hadn't missed my train. I couldn't afford another failing grade, especially for something as simple as a fieldtrip. The whistle was blowing as I rounded the corner, someone calling for last boarders.

"You're going to make it!" I triumphantly exclaimed to no one in particular.

Grabbing the side bar, I jumped onto the train, my face alight with relief.

Until I felt the ground disappear under me, the rails coming closer. Time slowed as I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing for the imminent pain.

It never came. The platform must have been higher than I thought. Keeping my eyes closed, I relaxed a little. Maybe I'm already dead. That didn't feel at all like I thought it would.

Slowly, my brain began to register my unknown surroundings. I was sitting on what felt like a church pew, the not quite scratchy fabric irritating my palms ever so slightly. Maybe I'm in a church. What if it's my funeral?!

It certainly smelled like a church. My nose was picking up the fresh scent of cleaning products, mixed with a twinge of warm bodies and candy. I could hear chattering in the background, but it didn't sound sad. In fact, it sounded like children talking. And a train! Maybe you made the train and just dreamed you fell!

Cautiously I popped one lid open, quickly shutting it. Gathering my courage, I opened both. This was definitely not a church! My behind was firmly planted in a train car. Standing up, I slid the door to the car open just a bit and peeked out. The talking was louder now, seeing as many of the other cars' doors were open. Did they remodel the train or something?

I shut the door and sat back down. Cold was radiating from the window, so I automatically pulled the sleeves of my sweater to cover my fingers. Wait just a minute! I wasn't wearing a sweater this morning! I sprang to my feet, finally noticing my appearance. My jeans, light jacket, and t-shirt had been replaced with a charcoal skirt, white button-down blouse, and a thick grey sweater. Something around my neck also caught my attention. A tie had appeared where there previously hadn't been one. Not only that, but it was decorated with silver and emerald stripes.

My eyes dashed around the room, trying to pick up anything that would look familiar. Neatly folded beside my previous spot was something black. I plucked it from its tidiness and held it out. It almost seemed like a graduation gown, yet it was made up of different fabric. My fingers noted something along the breast of the gown.

My face paled as I gazed at the embroidery. This couldn't be possible. I had to be dreaming! There, making me doubt my own sanity, was the Slytherin crest. At that moment, I knew exactly where I was.

I had caught a train, all right. I was aboard the Hogwarts Express.

Author's Note: This is the first Harry Potter fan fiction that I've ever rewritten. This is also the first fan fiction I have ever published. I ask that you use constructive criticism when reviewing, remembering that your words will affect my self-esteem and willingness to finish. I want honesty, but you don't have to be cruel.

Also: I am aware that this will start out slowly. I rather like when the characters fall in love over time. J I will try and update after I get at least two reviews for each chapter, depending on my school schedule. If you have any questions or would like to share anything, feel free to PM me.

Lots of love,

Toni3