First Year

Neville Longbottom tried to avoid getting stepped on, and ignore the confused and sometimes gawking looks from his peers, as he scrambled down the train hallway. Sure, by the lightning scar on his forehead, he was apparently the Boy Who Lived. And yet, he couldn't keep his pet toad in his grasp for ten minutes! He wondered if anyone would try to help him locate Trevor. If they didn't stare at him dumbly first, star-struck by his fame, they might jeer at his unbecoming incompetence. On his hands and knees, he certainly didn't look like a Dark Wizard killer or a hero.

All at once, he bumped into a pair of white stockings - jarring, as most people who had encountered him were able to get out of his way. "Are you looking for something?" the voice attached to the stockings asked.

Neville looked up. A girl - who appeared to be a first year like himself - stared down at him with a kind face. She had frizzy brown hair and even deeper brown eyes. She drew about even with him in height. Also striking about her was how she didn't seem fazed by whose presence she was in. Strong and determined.

"My... toad," Neville flushed. "He hopped right out of my arms before I could even find a compartment."

"Not to worry," the girl prissily took charge. "I'll help you look for him." She laughed as she helped him to his feet. "But you won't get very far crawling." Then she peered closer, getting a good look at him. "Holy cricket... you're Neville Longbottom! I'm Hermione Granger." She stuck out a hand and the pair shook. Side by side, they proceeded up the train corridor, until at last, they came upon a green toad sequestered against one sliding glass compartment door. With the Trolley Lady coming up in the other direction, the animal was sufficiently cornered so that Neville could trap him.

"Gotcha!"

By this time, the corridor was empty, with everyone having found and filled a compartment. Neville and Hermione tried several before two redheads - they looked to be identical twins - stuck their heads out of one and beckoned to the pair of first years.

"Hey! You lot! You can bunk with us!"

Appreciative that two older students would care to help them, Hermione and Neville joined the twins in their compartment. Everyone promptly introduced themselves.

"Fred and George Weasley. This room is all yours for right now. We have some fun to do," Fred informed.

"But if you have any questions, just come to us," George winked. And the duo scampered off; Hermione noted the Exploding Snap cartridges in their hands.

Neville and Hermione sat across from each other, smiling in relief at having found accommodations... and a friend.

"Hungry, are you?" the girl asked.

Neville grinned. "Starving."