Once again all rights go to J.K. Rowling and not me! This is a long chapter, so don't say I didn't warn you and it's also not too exciting but we do meet the other two main characters here! Firstly, I cut out the Sorting Hat song because it's 11 at night and I'm too lazy to write one, but I will edit this eventually and put one in. Also if there are any errors let me know and I will fix them, after all it is very late at night here and I do want to upload.

Chapter 3 – The Hogwarts Journey Begins

Lily noticed the rest of her summer holidays soared by accompanied by reading, Quidditch practice and family visitors. On the night of the 31st of August Lily found herself once again in her room as she packed her things in preparation for her Hogwarts journey to begin. She had packed her textbooks, equipment and robes. Now she stood by her family photos wall, debating which photos to take with her so she could hang them in her dormitory.

She heard the door open and someone come into her room, "hi James," she said without turning around.

"Aww how did you know it was me?" James asked.

"You're the only person who comes in my room without knocking," Lily rolled her eyes at her brother's foolishness; "shouldn't you be packing?"

"Meh, I'll do it tomorrow."

Lily continued to pack while out of the corner of her she saw James lounging on her bed, "so Lils, you gonna be a snake like Al or a lion like me?"

"I honestly don't mind, both houses have their advantages and disadvantages," Lily shrugged, "and James why are you in here?"

"Avoiding Al," James said Lily saw James roll his eyes, "he's just annoying me…y'know strutting about with Scorpius?"

"Sometimes you two are so immature," Lily rolled her eyes herself and pulled some photos off of her wall including the one of her family with Viktor Krum, the one of her and her brothers in the backyard playing Quidditch (with Albus attempting it) and a poster of the Holyhead Harpies. She heard James leave and as she rummaged through her cupboards she spotted her school uniform. Ginny and Harry had wanted their children to have a basic education in reading, mathematics and science so they were sent to the local Primary School. Lily had finished Junior school and Year 6 in the Muggle world, which suited her just fine. She hoped she had skill in magic, because Muggle classes were not for her.

As she closed her trunk she looked out the window again to see the sun setting as it hung low in the sky. Knowing she'd need to get up somewhat early, she pulled back her covers and hopped into bed just as her mother walked in, "All packed sweetheart?"

"Yes Mum," Lily responded. Ginny sat on the bed.

"Alright hun, you nervous about tomorrow?"

"Not yet, just excited!" Lily said and Ginny smiled at her animated expression.

"Okay, sleep well," Ginny said, kissing her daughter on the cheek and exiting the room. Sleep did not claim Lily until the sun had well and truly set, but finally she fell into a slumber.

"WHERE IS MY WAND?"

Lily awoke with a start to loud banging and shouting coming from the next room. She rubbed her eyes and glanced at her clock.

9:30am

"WHOA!" Lily cried, leaping out of bed and rushing to the bathroom to have a quick shower. Albus passed her in the hall carrying his socks and underwear, "you had a shower Al?"

"Yes, you might want to hurry," Albus whispered, "Mum is in a foul mood because James didn't pack as usual."

"Okay thanks for the heads up," Lily replied.

After showering Lily packed away her things and lugged her trunk into the hallway, Bandit's cage under her arm. Harry was passing in the hallway with a steaming mug of tea.

"Oh here Lils, I'll get that," Harry said, he whipped out his wand "Wingardium Leviosa" he said and the trunk began to levitate. He took it down the stairs and Lily followed eagerly, still clutching Bandit's cage. Albus' and Scorpius' trunks were already down here, and so was Scorpius himself.

"Hey Lily," Scorpius smiled at her, "you ready?"

"Sure am!" Lily replied, "James however is another matter."

"HOW COULD MISPLACE YOUR TELESCOPE?" they heard Ginny yell.

"I DON'T KNOW!" James roared.

"ACCIO!" Ginny cried. Eventually several minutes later Ginny was levitating James' trunk down the stairs followed by a dishevelled looking James who had his arms crossed.

"Honestly, our son…." Ginny shook her head, "what's the time Harry?"

"10:15am," he replied, "c'mon kids if you want to make the train we better hurry." The six of them hurried outside and opened the garage. The car, a Fiat Bravo sat in there. Harry busily opened the back and shoved everyone's trunks in; the car was magically expanded to fit them all. Lily spied Harry's motorbike which rumour has it belonged to his godfather. Harry got into the driving seat, with Ginny in the passenger seat. Scorpius, James, Albus and Lily all fit together quite nicely in the expanded back seat.

Harry constantly tapped the steering wheel with his wand as the car weaved in and out of traffic. Thankfully as it was a Sunday Lily noticed that the traffic was non-existent and they arrived at King's Cross Station with fifteen minutes to spare.

"Let's go!" Harry said as they grabbed trolleys for everyone to put their luggage on. Several passers-by gaped in interest as Lily and her family walked past. Upon approaching the barrier Lily watched as James went first, then Albus and Scorpius. Ginny and Harry each grabbed a side of Lily's trolley and ran through it, she closed her eyes bracing for impact but emerged onto a smoky platform full of frantic parents and students rushing onto the train. She saw through the steam that Ron and Hermione were coming toward them, "bit late aren't you?" Ron laughed, "Rose and Hugo are already on the train!"

"Here let me help you Lils," Harry said. As he put the trunk on the train, Lily turned to her mother who smiled down at her.

"Have a good term Lily and we'll see you at Christmas. Don't let your brothers annoy you, be good and Hagrid does want to see you," Ginny announced and hugged Lily tightly. After saying good-bye to her Mum, Uncle and Aunty she approached her father.

"Bye Lils, don't forget that Hugo is already on the train waiting," he announced, "and don't forget to enjoy yourself, okay?" She nodded and hugged her father tightly, feeling his warm, comforting arms around her. The train began to steam and toot impatiently and Harry helped her on.

"Bye dad, I'm gonna go find Hugo!"

"Love you Lils!" Harry called. With a final wave Lily began to push her way past students bidding their parents farewell, dragging her trunk behind her. She smiled and inhaled deeply, she couldn't believe it….she was off to Hogwarts! Peering into every compartment she finally saw Hugo talking to a girl that Lily did not recognize. She was petite and well-rounded with chubby cheeks and tightly curled blonde hair.

Lily opened the compartment door and both Hugo and the girl smiled at her, "hey Lily!" Hugo said, jumping up helping Lily stack her trunk along with his and the girl's, "Eileen, this is my cousin Lily Potter, Lily this is Eileen O'Sullivan."

"Nice to meet ya!" Eileen had a definite Southern-Irish accent and stood up to shake Lily's hand warmly. Eileen had a kind face with light sky-blue eyes and very pale skin. Lily noticed that Eileen was also shorter than her. Lily took a seat next to Hugo, and gazing out the window as the train finally began to move.

"So…." Lily began awkwardly.

"Did you know you were a witch Lily?" Eileen asked curiously.

"Yes, always known. I have wanted to come here for so long, ever since I could remember!" Lily said, smiling at the memories of her watching James leave on the train when he was 11, "what about you?"

"I didn't know. My Dad is a Electrician and Mam is a Doctor-," she began but Hugo cut her off.

"Doctors, those people that cut people up?" he asked, with a definite tone of disgust in his voice. Whether or not Eileen noticed was a mystery because she simply just pushed on.

"Yeah. Do you have equivalents of those?"

"I don't even know what an electrician is," Hugo replied, "but we have Healers in our world."

"We don't use electricity so we have no need for electricians," Lily added, when Hugo stared at her she shrugged, "Mum wanted us to have a basic education so the three of us went to Muggle schools."

"Well then I want to be a Healer, I always said I wanted to be like Dad and then suddenly a handsome blonde wizard turns up at the door telling me I'm a witch! It was ever such a surprise!" Eileen smiled. Lily couldn't imagine the shock of it all, even though her father and Hermione had told their stories of how it all happened for them.

"So do you know about Quidditch?" Hugo asked.

Eileen shook her head, "not really."

"WHAT?" Hugo replied, his voice rising, "it's the best game in the world! I can't really play all that well, but Lily can!" But instead of letting Lily speak, Hugo pressed on explaining the rules. Eileen watched with interest, gazing fondly at him but Lily smiled at the both of them happily. As she turned to look out the compartment window into the corridor she saw two faces pressed against the glass. She rolled her eyes as James and Fred walked in. Eileen and Hugo looked up when they came in.

"Eileen, this is James Potter, my brother and Fred Weasley, my cousin and guys this is Eileen."

"Coolies, nice to meet ya!" Fred beamed at her, "got a house preference?"

"I honestly don't mind," she replied.

"Well I want to see you all in Gryffindor!" James cried, pretending to wield a sword, "anyways Fred we better head off, we do have to prank my brother. See ya guys!" they said and left.

"You have another brother?" Eileen asked.

"Yeah, his name is Albus – he's a bit of a daddy's boy," Lily said.

"What about you Hugo?"

"I have a sister named Rose, she's the same age as Al," Hugo replied, "how about you?"

"I have an older sister who's 14 but she's a Muggle, and a younger brother – he's nine. We don't know if he's a wizard or not – we'll just have to wait and see," Eileen explained, "although something magical would've happened by now we reckon."

The lunch trolley soon past and they combined their money and bought some Cauldron Cakes, Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans and Chocolate Frogs. Lily ripped open the packaging and dug into her Cauldron Cake as Eileen opened a Chocolate Frog, "Lily?"

"Yeah?" Lily asked, looking up at Eileen.

"Is your Dad's name Harry by any chance?"

"Sure is," Lily said, "why?"

"He's on a Chocolate Frog card!" Eileen stared at both Hugo and Lily in wonder but the two of them simply shrugged.

"He's famous, read the card out!" Lily said.

"Harry Potter, also known as "The Boy Who Lived" is the person who eventually defeated the Dark Wizard Voldemort. He is the only known person who has survived the Killing Curse, surviving at age 1. He was the youngest seeker at Hogwarts in a century at age 11, cast a corporeal Patronus at age 13 and won the Triwizard Tournament at age 14. Nowadays Harry is head of the Auror Department and enjoys a game of backyard Quidditch with his wife, children and extended family."

"It's a lot to live up to," Lily said, "I'm glad it's not me."

"Youngest seeker in a century?" Eileen gazed open-mouthed.

"That's not even half of it – he's also killed a Basilik, fought Voldemort in several duels, and actually stopped Voldemort from stealing the Philosopher's Stone when he was 11," Hugo said, "he's a legend."

"Wow," Eileen did not look like she could say anymore. As they sat in silence a tap on the door made Lily jump and spill Cauldron Cake wrappers on the floor, turning she saw a red-faced boy clutching his trunk at their compartment door. She got up and opened it. The boy was very tall and skinny with wiry dark brown hair and grey eyes, "can I come in, no one will let me in and there are no carriages left."

"Sure," Lily said and he smiled gratefully, placing his trunk near the others and sitting down awkwardly as Hugo and Eileen stared at him.

"I'm Lily Potter, this is my cousin Hugo Weasley and our friend Eileen O'Sullivan," Lily introduced them.

"I'm Archibald Nott, but everyone calls me Archie," he said quietly, staring at his hands. Eileen handed him a Chocolate Frog and smiled at him, he gave a half-grin back and ripped open the wrappers, "so what's everyone's story?"

After everyone explained how they were connected Archie began with his, "like you Lily and Hugo I've always known. I'm an only child and both of my parents were in Slytherin, so that's where I will probably be. I do want to go there but at the same time I think my parents want me to go there."

"That's like Rose," Hugo said, "the Hat wanted to put her in Ravenclaw but she fought furiously with it because she felt our Dad wouldn't like it if she weren't in Gryffindor. She was a seven minute hatstall before she won and the Hat put her in Gryffindor. However after finding out that both Dad and Mum didn't care she said she regrets it hugely – wishes she was in Ravenclaw to be different much like Lily's brother."

"My brother loathed Slytherin," Lily commented, "but apparently he didn't mind and the Hat put him there."

"Hat?" Eileen asked, Lily looked out of the window and saw rolling hills with sheep and cattle as well as the sun beginning to set.

"You'll see," she smiled. The four of them foraged through their trunks and pulled on their robes, Lily's hands beginning to shake. She couldn't believe that she was soon be at Hogwarts. Eventually the train began to slow and finally pulled into Hogsmeade Station. People began filing into corridors.

"Y'know I'm surprised Al or Rose didn't visit," Lily remarked as they stepped into the overcrowded corridor.

"They probably thought we'd visit them," Hugo scoffed as they fought their way onto the platform. It was a warm night and the older students followed a different path to the horseless carriages. Eileen started to make her way over but Hugo grabbed the back of her robes, "we go on boats."

"Firs' years!" a booming voice leapt out of the darkness. Lily turned and saw a gigantic figure with a lantern standing on the platform. Almost 12 feet tall with a now silver bushy beard and beetle-black eyes, Rubeus Hagrid loomed over them.

"Hi Hagrid!" Lily called and Hagrid smiled warmly at her.

"Ready?" he asked, when they all nodded and the other first years arrived Hagrid led them toward the Black Lake. Little boats sat on the Lake when they arrived, "no more than four to a boat!" he called, clambering in one himself. Lily, Hugo, Eileen and Archie took one and waited, when everyone was seated Hagrid called "FORWARD!" and with a lurch, the boats began to glide along the lake. When turning around a section of bushes everyone's heads snapped up to a massive castle built on the lake, the windows lit like beacons in the darkness. No one seemed more amazed then Eileen who actually kneelt and gripped the boat tightly, staring open mouthed in wonder.

The castle loomed closer and soon they glided under the castle itself, eventually emerging onto a dimly lit underground wharf. They all clambered out and followed Hagrid up the steps and through some corridors that Lily wanted to never see again, slime covered the walls and the floor was damp. Eventually they surfaced to the surface and Hagrid led them to the oak front doors where he wrapped on them, and they opened.

Neville Longbottom stood and Lily heard Eileen give a sharp intake of breath and Lily heard her voice, "he's the wizard who came to my house." They said good-bye to Hagrid and followed Neville, although known here as Professor Longbottom into the Entrance Hall. Great hourglasses sat against the walls: rubies for Gryffindor, emeralds for Slytherin, sapphires for Ravenclaw and an unnamed gem for Hufflepuff. They followed Professor Longbottom into a small room off of the hall.

"Good evening First Years – welcome to Hogwarts! I am sure you will have a pleasant seven years here. I am Professor Longbottom and head of Gryffindor house. Hogwarts has four houses – Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin. Each has produced excellent wizards and witches. Your house is everything – you sleep and socialize in your own dormitory, you have lessons together. Achievements earn points, while rule-breaking loses points. The house with the most points wins the House Cup at the end of the year; now follow me in single file."

Lily found herself in front of Eileen and Hugo, but behind Archie as they marched into the Hall. Lily gazed open mouthed at the sheer scale of the Hall. Four long house tables lined it, with thousands of candles floating in mid-air. Professor Longbottom lined them up facing the students and pulled out a long piece of parchment "when I call your name, please step forward and I will place the Hat on your head where you will be sorted."

Lily felt that the Cauldron Cakes she indulged on would make a re-appearance as she watched scared looking first years go to be sorted; she had never felt so nervous. The numbers thinned as more and more were sorted, finally it neared her group of friends. Out of the corner of her eye she saw James and Fred poking faces at her – with a pang she realised she didn't have a sibling to do this too.

"Nott, Archibald!" Professor Longbottom called. A few people laughed at this, and Lily supposed it sounded like 'Not Archibald!'. Lily watched Archie shaking furiously as he made his way up to the hat and sat down, the hat slid over his eyes. Everyone watched tensely for several moments before the hat yelled out "SLYTHERIN!" Archie had a slight crestfallen look; he looked fleetingly at Lily, Hugo and Eileen and made his way over to the applauding Slytherin table. Lily watched as Albus made a spot for him and patted him on the back.

"O'Sullivan, Eileen!"

Eileen walked smartly to the hat, a grin on her face as she sat down. Mere moments passed before the hat yelled out "HUFFLEPUFF!"

"We knew that was going to happen," Hugo whispered to Lily over the applauding, "she's good-natured." The respectful Hufflepuff table applauded as Eileen made her way over and sat down, still smiling and made herself comfortable to watch the rest of the sorting.

"Potter, Lily!" Professor Longbottom announced. Lily felt her stomach drop and her legs felt like jelly. How the hell are we all in order she thought to herself as her breath hitched in her throat as eyes swivelled in her direction. She cautiously made her way up to the stool and sat down, trembling as the Hat was placed over her head.

Another Potter eh? A voice hissed in her ear, your parents and brother James have bravery and daring and were placed in Gryffindor while your other brother, Albus clearly belonged in Slytherin.

Did Al want to be there? Lily thought.

That he did, the Hat replied, but you, you are clever but do not belong in Ravenclaw house, so there's only one place you can go.

Lily gripped the seat tightly and shut her eyes, fearing the worst, and finally she heard the hat yell "GRYFFINDOR!" Warm, utter relief spread over her. A floating feeling came across her as she glided to the applauding Gryffindor table and sat down next to her brother.

"Knew you'd be in Gryffindor!" James said, "but I did have a feeling you'd go into Slytherin…."

"I actually thought you'd be in Ravenclaw," Fred said. Lily smiled but turned as she watched 'Ray, Elaine' sorted into Hufflepuff. Now that she was seated she could see the High Table clearly. Professor Sprout, the Headmistress sat smiling kindly at Elaine who made her way over to the Hufflepuff table. Next to her was an empty seat, Professor Longbottom's presumably and to her other side sat tiny Professor Flitwick. There were a few Professors she did not recognize but her attention was bought back to the Sorting when "Weasley, Hugo!" was called. Lily watched as he stumbled and almost fell over on the way to the Sorting Hat. The Hat barely touched his head before it screamed out "GRYFFINDOR!" He flopped gratefully into a seat beside Lily. After the sorting finished Professor Sprout stood up and smiled warmly, "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I have a few announcements before the feast.

"Firstly, the Forest is forbidden to all students. Secondly, we have a new staffing change. I'd like to welcome Professor Zabini, the new Transfiguration professor and head of Slytherin house," she said. There was a small round of applause, this was obviously the man that her father spoke of. He had short black hair, with dark skin and a stiff upper lip, He did not smile as he was applauded.

"Also to our new students, as staff we have decided that at mealtimes students may sit wherever they like. This rule has been in place since 1998 to encourage House unity; you will only be required to sit with your fellow House members at feasts and special occasions. Furthermore Quidditch trials will begin shortly. First years will commence flying lessons and the best will be allowed to try out for their house team.

"That's all I have to say, so enjoy!" she smiled and sat back down. Lily turned and saw plates of mouth-watering food magically appear in front of her eyes. She grabbed some chicken legs and tucked in hastily.

"Do people actually go to other houses?" Hugo asked as he shovelled mash potato into his mouth. James nodded his mouth full of food.

"Yes," Fred said, "heaps of people do. Rose frequently goes to the Slytherin table to be with Al and Scorpius and they come over here as well." The food was simply delicious and Lily gorged herself on dinner and dessert. She continually gazed over to the Hufflepuff and Slytherin tables. Eileen was chatting merrily with a few other first years whom were laughing at a joke she had just told. Archie looked nervous, Lily could see his fork shaking in his hand but Albus seemed to keep a steady flow of conversation up with him.

Lily sat back and massaged her stomach, "there's a food baby in here," Lily remarked as Hugo laughed. Professor Sprout dismissed them and Lily and Hugo stood up, eyes drooping feet shuffling they followed none other than their cousins; Louis Weasley and Molly Weasley – fifth years. Lily and Hugo followed their cousins and climbed staircase after staircase yawning and stretching. All Lily could think of was a soft warm bed.

"How's Dominique, does she like Beauxbatons?" Hugo asked Louis as they climbed.

Louis shrugged, "not really. She'd rather be here but Mum insisted that one of her children go to Beauxbatons." Eventually however they had arrived at a portrait of a fat lady in a pink dress, "Expecto Patronum" Molly said and the portrait swung open. After clambering in Lily found herself in a cosy common-room, a fire blazing in the fire place and fat, squashy armchairs.

"Follow me girls," Molly said, Lily gave Hugo a parting wave as Molly, pushing her long brown hair out of her piercing blue eyes directed them up a spiral staircase. Eventually a door with a sign 'First-years' came up and Lily and the other Gryffindor girls walked in. Five four-poster beds sat in the room. Lily found hers and opened her trunk, pulling on her pyjamas. Some of the girls chatted but Lily who did not know any of them couldn't be bothered and feeling as though her eyelids would fail climbed into bed before they did. As she gazed out of a nearby window she couldn't help feeling excitement down in the pit of her stomach – she had made it to her first year of Hogwarts. She fell asleep with a grin of pleasure on her face.

Like it? Bored as? Please let me know by reviewing! I do not have many readers but I appreciate every single view and review! I am glad my story is loved by at least one person, chapter 4 will probably take a few weeks and the plot will begin to surface, and Lily may try out for the Quidditch team!