Chapter 2

Harry, Arthur and Fred went back to the compartment and started chatting. Fred told them about his life so far. He was the Great-Grand Son of Ron and Hermione Weasly, and Harry and Arthur were surprised that they had not met before.

"We have herd a lot about you, but its funny that we have never met" Said Arthur. "I know, I'm not sure why…probably my parents being all 'protective'. They don't like me meeting new people" They continued to talk until Harry finally said that they should all get into their school robes and prepare to go to the castle via sailing across the Lake (a very old Hogwarts tradition).

The Hogwarts Express finally came to a halt at Hogmead's Station, and it was just as Harry's father had explained it to be - but he couldn't see all of it because it was dark, so he thought about coming back here later to explore it properly. They walked out of their compartment and down the carriage, and went out the door, trying not to be trampled by the older years. They got out of the train and Harry was intrigued by all the people around him. Suddenly he walked straight into something. He looked up to see a very tall man with massive hair and a shaggy beard. "Um…Hagrid?"

"No, no ma boy. I am Barbam, son of Hagrid". Harry, Arthur and Fred all looked at each other, all knowing that this made sense with the height and the amount of hair that Barbam had on his head. "Oh right. Sorry" Said Harry. "Thats alright" said Barbam "Would talk longer but you all got to go to the boats now, I'm talking you. Kind of a tradition for our family to do all that. Im gamekeeper as well, just like me dad".

They walked and walked, for at least 10 minutes. Neither Harry or Arthur knew how long it took to get to the boats - they guessed that their dad forgot to mention this. After about 15 minutes, they reached a dock, where lots of small boats bobbed around. It was calm weather so they were glad that they couldn't get to wet. Harry remembered that his dad had told him a story of when his father, Harry Potter had been in 4th year when a storm hit when all the first years were sailing across the Lake. He said they all came in soaking wet and there was even a little boy who fell in and got pushed back into the boat by the Giant Squid.

All the first-years got into the boats and they magically started moving towards the Castle. Hogwarts was even more beautiful then Harry and Arthur's dad had ever described to them. Its size was something that was the first shock - then how big the lake was, and the famous Whomping Willow as well. The boats pulled up and everyone got up, including Barbam, who had a boat to himself because of his size. They were led up some steps and through a big, oak door. Everyone filed through and went down the corridor and there was another big door. Harry could only guess that these were the doors to the great hall. A women in black robes came out from the hall to greet them.

"Hello everyone. My name is Professor Ponitur, follow me through the Great Hall. It is time to get sorted into your houses."