Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters or settings, that all belongs to the brilliant J.K. Rowling. Only the plot is my own.
A/N: I know that the first chapter was quite short but it seems like a few people like the idea so for now I will continue the story. I'll try to make things longer, but I hope you like it either way.
Chapter Two: You See Them?
Harry had so far remained the only occupant of his compartment on the Hogwarts Express, which was fine by him. In fact, Harry preferred the silence to having to block out the conversations of others, for almost all of Hogwarts had made clear that they did not like Harry and took to avoiding him as often as not.
This attitude had driven him further into his studies, however, and Harry had spent almost the entire summer pouring over his school books to learn as much as possible.
There was, of course, also the fact that he had also access to the Potter vault and had found some especially intriguing books. Just the day before, Harry had visited Diagon Alley, and while getting some gold out of his vault at Gringotts, he found a large stash of old-looking books hidden away in one of the far corners of the vault. Being the bookworm that he was, Harry withdrew as many as he could, and was now itching to have a look at the dozens of books he now had stored in his trunk. In fact, Harry had filled his trunk almost entirely with books. due to the lack of personal belongings he had ever retained while at the Dursleys.
For now, Harry was forced to wait for the chance to look these books, and spent the remainder of the train ride going over all the things he had reviewed and learned over the summer.
The previous year, Harry (along with all other first years) had taken the boats up to Hogwarts, but this year he was to take the carriages drawn by Thestrals. This came as no surprise to Harry, for having read Hogwarts a History, knew that this was how all the other years travel to Hogwarts after getting off the Hogwarts Express.
While dragging his trunk from the train, Harry watched as all his fellow second-years expressed shock or surprise at the carriages, obviously not having known about this beforehand. One thing that stuck Harry as peculiar however, was that a couple people seemed completely unsurprised by this. The fact that many children with older siblings or magical parents would not doubt have told there children about the carriages was normal, but the one person it struck Harry as odd that she was seemingly previously aware of the carriages was a short girl with bushy brown hair and rather large front teeth. If he remembered correctly, Harry thought this girl's name was Hermione Granger, though he was almost certain she was a muggleborn. Noticing the book tucked under her arm, he realized why she knew with a grin. She was clutching a fairly battered copy of Hogwarts a History, which looked as if it had been read many times over.
What Harry did not notice was that as he was contemplating his fellow students reactions to the carriages, they were quickly filling up. It looked as though almost all of them were full, except one which one Hermione Granger was currently boarding. Bustling over with his trunk, Harry slide into the carriage with Hermione, and headed off to Hogwarts.
Both Harry and Hermione were children used to not having friends, so neither made any attempt at conversation. They sat in silence, Harry continuing the potions book from the train, and Hermione reading from the Hogwarts a History she still held. It was a silent ride up to the castle until Hermione muttered to herself,
"Why can't I see them? It says there pulling the carriages.. Hmmm.""
At that Harry looked up at her, "Thestrals can only been seen by people who have watched someone die. If your lucky enough to not have, I don't think you should worry about it."
"Oh! I suppose that makes sense, though it would be so much simpler if they had just written it in. Thanks, though how did you know that?" Hermione replied, she was never one to let information just slip pass her so was curious to how she could have missed that.
"I read it in a book I have. Its not on the reading list but I'd be happy to lend it to you some time." Harry said smiling, this girl seemed to be just as book driven as him.
"Thanks so much! That would be wonderful. Your Harry right? I don't think we have properly met, my names Hermione Granger."
Harry and Hermione spent the rest of the ride talking about books, and getting to know each other better. For both, it was by far the longest conversation either had held with someone there own age. Arriving at Hogwarts, both left the carriage with hopes of a new friend blossoming in there mind.
A/N: I know this was still quite short but it is all I can manage for now (my computer is at 5% battery). Leave in the reviews what houses you think Harry and Hermione should be in, I have a fairly good idea of what I want but it would consider any idea given to me. Please follow and favourite, and of course review! Anything having to do with what house you think wither Harry, or Hermione, or both should go in can be left in the reviews or you can send me a PM. Thanks for reading!