I'm back! Sorry for the gap between updates! I have family visiting from out of town so updates will be a bit slower for a while! Hope you enjoy!
Harry found that the gentle squeeze of Hedwig around his palm centered him, and enabled him to walk forward off the train without shaking, and he had never been more grateful for his new companion. A familiar booming voice called out over the din of students rushing about, and Harry grinned. Hagrid stood near the end of the platform, an lantern held high.
"Firs' years, over here! C'mon, don' be shy!" He bellowed. Ron's eyes grew to the size of dinner plates as he took in Hagrid's enormous form.
"Woah." the redhead commented as they made their way over to the growing throng of first years gathered infront of Hagrid.
"I ssssssupposssse little Ron hassss never sssseen a halffff giant beforeeee." Hedwig hissed softly. "Not that they're all that common to be fair." Harry chuckled softly and stroked her head softly. Hagrid grinned down at him as they came into his view.
"Harry, had a good trip I trus'?" He asked, his bushy beard creasing as he smiled. Harry laughed.
"Yeah, once I found the platform!" he said, shaking his head. Hagrid's eyes widened.
"Ah, I suppose I should'a tol' yeh abou' that." he muttered nervously. Harry snorted.
"Its alright Hagrid, Ron's mum pointed me right." he assured him. Hagrid peered down at Ron, who suddenly looked a tad nervous.
"Ron eh? Wouldnt be a Weasely now would yeh?" Hagrid questioned. Ron gulped and nodded. He grinned,
"Hope yer not as much trouble as yer twin brother's have been. They keep Mr. Filtch trottin' at all times!" he chuckled. Ron grinned and nodded.
"Yeah, they're a pain." he said, shaking his head. Hagrid looked about the sizable group that had formed around him.
"Alrigh', looks like we're all here now. Le's get to the boats, dont wan' to miss the sorting!" he bellowed, turning to lead the way. Harry looked at Ron nervously.
"What's the sorting?" he asked softly. Ron looked pale,
"They do some sort of test and put us in a house." He answered, chewing his bottom lip. Harry gaped at him.
"It's not a dangerous test is it?" He asked, his hands starting to shake again. Ron swallowed hard.
"I dunno, Fred and George told me some mad things about the first night. Mind you, I dont know how much of what they told me is true, they like a run about they do." Harry gulped.
"I hope they dont expect us to do magic or anything. I dont know anything about doing magic yet!" he muttered. Ron just turned an odd shade of green and focused on walking. Harry looked down at Hedwig, wrapped around his hand.
"Hedwig, what if I mess up. What if they send me home because they were wrong and I'm not actually a wizard!" Harry whispered to his snake. Hedwig tightened herself around his hand comfortingly.
"Harrrry, I'm ssssssssureeee you're being ssssssssilly! Even I can tell you have magic within you." She hissed softly. "And whatevvvver the tessssst may beee, I will be rightttt hereeee with youuuu." Harry smiled and stroked her gently.
"Thanks Hedwig." He whispered gratefully. She flicked her tongue affectionately, but before she could speak, they had reached their destination. A line of boats sat along a beach, two seats to each of them. Harry looked at Ron, the feeling of dread growing stronger. He had no clue how to manuver a boat, and from the look on Ron's face, he didnt either. Hagrid stopped in front of the first boat and turned on the first years.
"Two to a boat, quickly now!" he bellowed. Harry and Ron scampered forward to the second boat on the line and quickly climbed inside. Harry looked about himself for a paddle or something, but to his dismay saw none. Then, quite suddenly, as the last student seated himself, the boats took off of their own accord. Harry and Ron looked at eachother, quite relieved. Hedwig tensed herself around Harry's hand. He looked down at her.
"Are you okay?" He asked her softly. She bobbed her head minutely.
"I am not a ffffan of water. Myyyy kind cannot frequently ssssssswimm." she hissed nervously. Harry smiled softly.
"Don't worry Hedwig. I wont let you fall in." He assured her. She flicked her tongue appreciativly and he smiled. When he looked up Ron was giving him a odd look. He opened his mouth to ask what was wrong, but at that moment the castle came into view. Harry was suddenly overcome with a feeling he'd never felt before. He felt like he was home.
