We're finally on our way to Hogwarts! Is anyone else as excited as I am? This chapter is the longest so far. Now enjoy!

Disclaimer: Don't own it!

A Train Ride

The next month with the Dursleys' was miserable. Uncle Vernon walked around looking like he was sucking on a lemon. He glared at Harry every chance he got and was determined to get Dudley anything he wanted in order to make up for the tragedy that had befallen Dudley. Aunt Petunia refused to acknowledge that anyone lived in the house besides herself and Uncle Vernon. She never looked in Dudley's direction and she took over all chores leaving Harry with nothing to do. This free time would have pleased Harry greatly, except for the fact that Dudley did not know how to deal with his abandonment by his mother. Dudley spent most of his time trying to hit Harry as hard as possible. Harry had taken to hiding in his bedroom (he wasn't forced back to the cupboard), blocking the door with his dresser so Dudley would be unable to reach him.

Harry was starting to think that perhaps Hogwarts would not be as great of a change as he had been hoping. He was sure that once he was there Dudley would make sure that Harry was just as friendless as he had always been. Any sympathy Harry had felt for Dudley had long since dissipated in lieu of this horrible treatment, and Harry hoped that Dudley would be awful enough to get expelled very soon. The only bright side during this whole ordeal was the owl Hagrid had gotten him. He had decided to call her Hedwig, a name he had found when skimming his History of Magic book. She was loving and was always happy to see Harry.

Soon enough September 1st rolled around. The night before Uncle Vernon had gotten himself in a tizzy, ranting about the absurdity of a Platform 9 ¾. Harry decided it was best to avoid his uncle as he muttered to himself, looking quite deranged as he did so. Harry packed his stuff in the new trunk he had bought in Diagon Alley. He lugged his trunk downstairs where it was place in the boot of the car alongside Dudley's own trunk.

Aunt Petunia did not even bother to leave her bedroom to see them off. Dudley came up with as many excuse as he could to delay their leaving in the hopes that she might make an appearance. Eventually they had to leave for fear that they would miss the train if they stayed any longer. Uncle Vernon was in a foul mood as he drove and Dudley could only stare glumly at the sky. Harry did not think he had ever seen such a sight as two depressed pigs.

The somber group arrived at King's Cross where Uncle Vernon unloaded Dudley's trunk onto a cart. He left Harry to struggle with his own trunk. Once Harry finally caught up with his uncle and cousin, Uncle Vernon had worked himself up into a fury. "No eleven 'o clock train. The ridiculousness of this whole thing. Sending us on a wild goose chase," he fumed. Harry looked around and saw the cause of his uncle's anger. There was a Platform 9 and 10, but nothing in between, nothing to indicate the existence of a Platform 9 ¾.

Harry was beginning to wonder if perhaps Uncle Vernon's head might actually explode when he caught a few words from the crown, "…packed with muggles as always." Harry looked to see a plump woman with flaming red hair who was being followed by a group of children with the same color hair. They were also pushing carts with trunks and they had an owl.

"Uncle Vernon, look," Harry pointed at the woman and her children. Uncle Vernon looked like he was about to start yelling at Harry when it seemed to dawn on him exactly what he was looking at. Uncle Vernon took off after the woman and nearly ran her down when she suddenly stopped.

"Oh, my goodness. Are you alright?" The woman asked in a kind voice.

"Are you," Uncle Vernon looked around before lowering his voice, "wizards?" The last word sounded like it was dragged out of Uncle Vernon's throat.

The woman started at Uncle Vernon for a moment before noticing Harry and Dudley standing behind him. She gave them a warm smile, "Ah. Going to Hogwarts?" Harry nodded. "It's my Ron's first year too," she said gesturing to the youngest of her brood of boys. He was tall and gangly looking in clothes that were a bit too short for him. Harry wasn't particularly impressed, and neither was Uncle Vernon apparently.

"Yes, yes. Very well. How do we get to the train?" The woman looked taken aback by the abrupt tone Uncle Vernon had used.

"Well what you want to do is walk straight at the barrier between the two platforms. It will take you straight to Platform 9 ¾."

"Run at the barrier! Are you mental?" Uncle Vernon exclaimed, causing a few passerby's to look at him strangely.

The woman frowned but still did her best to keep the kindness in her tone despite Uncle Vernon's obvious rudeness, "I'll send one of my boys through first so you can see how it's done. Percy, go on." The oldest of the boys, one with horn-rimmed glasses, nodded at his mother then he turned, ran straight at the barrier, and…disappeared. Uncle Vernon, Dudley, and Harry stared flabbergasted at the spot that Percy had been at just a moment ago. The woman turn back to the trio, "See. There's nothing to worry about, it's quite simple."

Uncle Vernon and Dudley exchanged nervous glances, and Harry realized that he would have to be the one to take the initiative. If was really lucky Dudley would not even bother with attempting to get on the platform and Harry could spend the year far away from his cousin. Harry lined up his cart, took a deep breath, and ran straight at the barrier. He closed his eyes, hoping that there would be no impact.

When there was no crash he opened his eyes to find himself on an entirely different platform. There were people wandering around dressed in robes of all different colors. Cats wove in-between people's legs, and owls hooted at one another from inside their cages. Harry looked around in amazement as he listened to the clamor around him. Behind him was a wrought iron gate with Platform 9 ¾ written above it. Harry decided to go and find an empty compartment rather than wait on his uncle and cousin.

As Harry made his way through the crowd he caught snippets of conversations. A plump boy was complaining, "Gran, I've lost my toad again." There was a group of kids surrounding a boy with dreadlocks who was holding a box. The girls around him started squealing when a long, hairy leg poked out of it.

Harry found an empty compartment near the back of the train. He placed Hedwig in the compartment before going back for his trunk. He was trying to heave his heavy trunk up the steps and failing miserably. As he was struggling a boy with curly brown hair, who looked to be around sixteen, came over, "Do you need some help with that?"

"Yes, please." Together they managed to haul the cumbersome trunk up the steps and into the compartment. "Thanks," Harry panted.

"No problem. Glad I could help out. I'm Peter Cresswell. I'm a prefect for Slytherin house."

"I'm Harry Potter," Harry said, wondering what Slytherin was.

Peter gasped, "Harry Potter. Wow, it is an honor to meet you." He reached out to shake Harry's hand.

"Uh, it's nice to meet you too."

"I hope that you have a good year at Hogwarts," Peter gave Harry one last wave before backing out into the corridor. Harry stared at the spot Peter had been at just a moment ago before sitting down next to the window. His gaze was drawn to his uncle and cousin who had apparently made it onto the platform. Harry slunk down in his seat hoping that they wouldn't spot him.

Harry was distracted from his viewing by the compartment door opening. In walked the youngest son of the red headed family that showed him how to get onto the platform. The boy stopped hovering awkwardly in the doorway. They stared at each other for a moment before Harry gestured to the seat across from him. The boy hesitated for a moment more, glancing back out in the corridor, before sitting in the seat.

"Hello," Harry attempted to start a conversation.

"Hi." They sat staring at each other until the train began moving. The boy looked out the window and waved good bye to his mother and sister who were still out on the platform. Harry could see Uncle Vernon was standing apart from the crowd, as if he didn't want to be associated with any of the people there, even if they were all wizards, and he was the odd one out. Dudley was nowhere to be found.

"I'm Harry," Harry decided he didn't want to give his surname and have to deal with the reaction.

"Ron Weasley," the boy responded. The compartment descended into uncomfortable silence.

"Is your whole family wizards?" Harry tried to break the stillness.

"Yeah. And you and your family must be muggles."

"Actually, my parents were wizards."

"Oh. I just thought, you and your family seemed to be having trouble getting on the platform, so it seemed like you are muggles."

"Well, my uncle and cousin, the ones you met, are muggles. I've been living with them since my parents died, so I didn't actually know I was a wizard until I got my letter," Harry explained.

"I'm sorry," Ron said sympathetically.

"I am too. My uncle and cousin are not the best people to be around. They're actually very annoying."

Ron blinked a couple of times at Harry's declaration, "You mean you don't like them?'

Harry suddenly felt a bit shy at having to admit that he didn't care for his relatives, "Not really."

Ron seemed to relax at this, "Good. I mean not good that you don't like your family, but good as in they don't seem all that nice. I don't mean anything bad by that, I'm just saying…" Ron trailed off looking as if he wished the floor would open up and swallow him.

Harry laughed, "It's fine. Like I said, I don't care for them either." Ron finally appeared to loosen up, as he smiled at Harry, which Harry returned. "They made a bad impression did they?"

"Yeah. After you went through the barrier, the big man's face went all red and he started yelling at mum, but all quiet, like he didn't want anyone to hear. He was going on about how it was an unnatural and freakish way to get to a train," Ron frowned, "I thought he was gonna hit mum, but George told him to either get on the platform or sod off."

Harry grimaced at the mental picture Ron made, "I'm sorry. He's just like that. He doesn't really like what he calls 'our kind'. He's not happy that Dudley is actually a wizard. For that matter, neither is Dudley. He's been really upset since he got his letter. I don't think he likes anyone magical, especially me."

"He did act very rude when he got on the platform, even nearly knocked Ginny over and didn't bother to apologize. And I don't get why. I mean muggles are great, they have really cool stuff, but there's nothing wrong with being a wizard."

Harry shrugged, "They doesn't like us for some reason."

"But your uncle is letting his son go to a school for magic? And Dudley is okay with going?" Ron looked very confused.

"I think my uncle is letting Dudley go so that he can gain some control and not become an embarrassment. He wants Dudley to get back to the 'normal world' as soon as possible." Ron looked like he was about to say something when the compartment door swung open. Dudley came flouncing in like he owned the place. Harry scrunched up in the corner, trying to make himself as small of a target as possible.

"There you are Freak, my trunk is up front. You should go get it for me before I pummel you. And who are you?" Dudley sounded very pompous and Ron did not look impressed.

"I'm Ron. You know you could carry your own trunk. You are a lot bigger than Harry, in fact I figure you're a lot bigger than most dragons." Harry had to cough back a laugh at the look on Dudley's face. No one had ever spoken to him like that before, except for Harry. Once the shock wore off Dudley's face became red and Harry suddenly lost the urge to laugh. He knew that Ron was going to be in for a beating. Harry himself was currently covered in bruises from his cousin's anger over the past month.

"What did you say?" Dudley advanced menacingly toward Ron, who did not looked cowed. Harry was nervous for his new friend, but unsure of how to stop the inevitable thumping.

"You had to have heard me. Or are you deaf as well as stupid?" Harry had to admit that he was impressed with the gumption that Ron was displaying, even if it was to be his last act. Dudley was scowling and had curled his hammy hands into rather large fists. He started stalking towards Ron who still looked calm. Dudley had only taken a few steps when Ron suddenly stood and whipped out his wand.

Dudley paused, looking unsure of this abrupt change in circumstances. Harry was wondering what Ron was planning to do. "I suggest you get out of here and deal with your own trunk. You should also find somewhere else to sit," Ron appeared completely unperturbed while Dudley seemed more and more confused.

"And who is going to make me?" This seemed to be the only retort Dudley could manage.

"How do you feel about being hexed before you've even arrived at school? I'm sure you'd look great in boils," Dudley looked flummoxed at the threat. It took him a few moments to work out exactly what Ron was insinuating. Dawning horror grew on Dudley's face as he stared at the wand in Ron's hand.

"Fine. It's not like I need your help anyway. You and the Freak can stay here together," and with that pitiful comeback, Dudley turned and fled the compartment.

Harry was bewildered at the fact that Dudley had been so easily defeated, and without any bloodshed. Harry was even more astounded by the fact that someone had stood up for him. "Would you have really hexed him?"

Ron looked a bit sheepish now that Dudley was gone, "No."

"Oh." Harry couldn't help but be disappointed by that fact. "You seemed like you meant it."

"Well, I wouldn't have bothered with threatening him if I actually knew how to hex someone," Ron admitted. This surprised Harry who looked at Ron and reappraised his opinion of him. Ron Weasley definitely had a steely center that was belied by his gangly appearance. Harry started laughing at the whole situation. Ron looked startled for a moment before he too started laughing. This went on for a few minutes before they settled down, grinning at one another.

"So do you know much magic?" Harry asked.

"Not really. We're not allowed to use magic till we get to Hogwarts. No one really knows anything till you get there." Harry felt much better with the knowledge that he would not be so far behind everyone else. Harry pushed his hair up out of his eyes, and Ron's eyes strayed to the scar on Harry's forehead.

Ron gazed open mouthed at the scar, pointing, "Blimey, you're Harry Potter."

"Yeah. But it's not that big of a deal. I'm just Harry really." Ron gaped for another moment, during which Harry began to feel embarrassed, before nodding and seeming to accept that he had been sharing a compartment with Harry Potter for the last half hour.

Harry and Ron spent some time after that talking. Harry learned that Ron had five older brothers and a younger sister. Learning about a wizarding world was fascinating to Harry, and Ron seemed equally as enthralled with Harry's description of the muggle world. A kind looking woman came by with a trolley full of sweets. Harry hadn't had much of a chance to have sweets because Dudley had always made sure to eat anything Harry had truly wanted. Now that he had the money Harry made sure to get several of everything.

He and Ron shared the lot, and Harry discovered the different types of wizard candy that were available. There were Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Bean, which literally had every flavor. And chocolate frogs that actually jumped. The chocolate frogs also came with cards of famous witches and wizards. Harry got a card with the Hogwart's headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. Harry was surprised at the fact that the picture could move, and Ron was surprised at the fact that muggle pictures didn't.

The countryside had been flying past for several hours when there was a knock on the door. A round-faced boy that Harry vaguely remembered seeing on the platform came in. He looked to be near tears, "Have either of you seen a toad? I seem to have lost him." Harry and Ron both responded in the negative and the boy shuffled out despondently.

"Not sure what he's so upset for, if I lost a toad I'd be grateful. Mind you I brought Scabbers, so I can't really say anything," Ron pointed at a rat that was snoozing in his lap, "He's completely useless. He could die and you'd never know the difference." The compartment door opened again to reveal the toadless boy who was now accompanied by a bushy haired girl.

"Have either of you seen a toad? Neville seems to have lost his," the girl said in a pushy tone. Harry and Ron shook their heads. The girl pursed her lips before nodding, "Well, I'm Hermione Granger. And you are?"

"Ron Weasley."

"Harry Potter."

"Are you really? I've read all about you in Modern Magical History and The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts and Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century," Hermione said.

"Am I?" Harry asked, dazed.

"You don't know? I would have found out everything I could if it was me. Do either of you know what house you'll be in? I think I would most like to be in Gryffindor, although I don't suppose that Ravenclaw would be too bad, well Neville and I should continue looking for his toad. You both should get ready. I suppose that we will be arriving soon," Hermione said all this without taking a breath before leaving the compartment.

"Whatever house she's in, I hope I'm not in it," Ron huffed.

"What are houses?" Harry asked.

Ron gasped, "You don't know?" Harry shook his head, feeling a bit daft for not knowing. "When you get to Hogwarts, you get placed in your house. They're Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. You stay in your house throughout the time you're at school."

"What house are your brothers in?" Harry asked.

"Gryffindor. All Weasleys are."

"How do they figure out what house you should be in?"

Ron frowned, "I don't actually know. I think there's supposed to be some sort of test. Fred said he had to wrestle a troll, but I figure he's probably lying." Harry felt his insides twist up in knots. A test? He was sure he would fail and have to go back to Privet Drive and spend the rest of his life cleaning up after the Dursleys.

Harry wasn't given much time to contemplate his imminent demise, when the compartment door opened for the fourth time this trip. He looked up expecting Hermione and Neville to have returned. Instead a small blond haired boy entered, flanked by two hulking figures, who looked more like gorillas than actual boys.

"Is it true? What they're saying? That Harry Potter is in this compartment?" The blond haired boy asked arrogantly. He instantly reminded Harry of Dudley.

"Yes. And who are you?" Harry asked.

The boy stepped forward, offering his hand, "I'm Draco Malfoy and this is Crabbe and Goyle." Harry was contemplating whether he should shake his hand when Ron snorted and drew Draco's attention. "Think my name's funny do you? There's no need to ask who you are. My father told me that all Wealeys have red hair, freckles, and more children than they can afford," Draco sneered. Harry made up his mind that he wasn't interested in becoming friends with Draco Malfoy, who had just turned back to Harry. "You'll soon find that some families are better than others. You don't want to go around making friends with the wrong sort." Draco's hand was extended once more.

"I think I can tell the wrong sort for myself, thanks," Harry declined. Draco turned a slight pink color at the rejection.

"You should be careful, Potter, or else you'll end up going the same way as your parents." Draco looked like he was about to say something else, when there was an announcement that they would be arriving in ten minutes. Draco sent them one last death glare before he and the gorillas retreated back in the corridor. Harry and Ron didn't have time to discuss the scene that had just occurred. They had to throw their robes on quickly before the train stopped.

Harry and Ron stepped off the train onto the platform. They were jostled around trying to figure out where to go. They could see a lantern above the heads of the students milling around, "Firs' years, firs' years. This way firs' years," a voice boomed out of the darkness. Harry led Ron through the crowd until they reached the hulking form of Hagrid. "Alrigh' there 'arry?"

"I'm good. It's good to see you Hagrid," Harry replied. Hagrid gave him a wide smile before he continued calling for the first years. Once they were all gathered together, Hagrid led them down to the edge of a lake. There were a bunch of boats waiting to carry them to the other side of the lake. Harry saw Dudley, who seemed to be keeping a wide berth around Ron. Harry smirked to himself as he and Ron entered a boat with Hermione and Neville.

They traveled across the lake and go their first view of Hogwarts. It was spectacular and left everyone with a sense of awe. Soon enough they were on the opposite shore. Neville found his missing toad, and then they were in front of the oak doors that would allow them entrance to Hogwarts.

Hope you all have been enjoying this story! Let me know what you think!