Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. J. K. Rowling does.
The last few weeks passed as a blur. Life at the Dursleys had definitely improved. He still had to do the work, but at least they didn't verbally abuse him anymore. And they had given him Dudley's extra bedroom. It seemed like they were scared wizards would come barging in their front door. Dudley had taken to making himself as small as possible whenever Harry was in the room. Harry found this very amusing. Aunt Petunia chewed her tongue, fighting back insults she was longing to throw, and Uncle Vernon turned a nasty shade of red whenever they caught sight of Harry.
Harry had taken to subscribing to the Daily Prophet, the popular Wizarding World newspaper. The newspaper seemed to have printed Harry's appearance at Diagon Alley. The photo showed of Harry being swarmed by reporters in the Leaky Cauldron. Another article which had been published after that day, caught Harry's attention. Apparently, a man disguised as a goblin had broken in and entered a high security vault. The goblins, it seemed had not taken kindly to this and they had thrown out every wizard or witch in the bank. They had a picture of the goblin. Harry had thought that he looked suspiciously like Ragnok but Harry couldn't really tell; in his opinion, they all looked the same.
Harry went into the living room where Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia and Dudley were watching television. Harry cleared his throat to get their attention. Dudley squealed and instantly ran out of the room.
"Uncle Vernon," Harry began, "my school starts tomorrow, so could you drop me off at King's cross?"
"How are you even getting there," Uncle Vernon snorted. "Flying carpets?" He laughed at his own joke.
"It says to go through platform 9 and 3/4 quarters," said Harry.
"Platform what Boy?" asked his uncle, disbelieving.
"There's no such thing," scoffed Aunt Petunia.
"That's what my ticket says," said Harry.
"Alright," said Uncle Vernon. "I'll drive you to London tomorrow. I've got to pick up a order from my drill company anyway."
"Thank you," said Harry and headed back upstairs. He double checked he gotten all his school things and stroked Hedwig's wings, an snowy owl he had purchased at Diagon Alley. He undressed and climbed into bed.
The next day Uncle Vernon drove Harry to King's Cross station. Harry was very excited! He was going to Hogwarts!
"There you go," said Uncle Vernon triumphantly. "Platform 9 and Platform 10." His uncle was right.
"See you next summer," sneered his uncle and drove away. Harry began to panic. What was he to do? He had no muggle money and he was already attracting attention because of his owl. Harry desperately looked around. Stay calm, he told himself. Other witches and wizards were likely to be going on the platform too. Harry decided to wait between the barrier separating the two platforms. He pushed the trolly holding his trunk and owl and leaned on the barrier. He fell straight through it. Harry nearly toppled over. He had appeared in Platform 9 3/4 quarters. He had done it.
Harry looked in awe at the busy platform. Mothers and fathers were seeing off their children and owls hooted to one another. The train was a scarlet monster with its scarlet engine and its billowing steam engine. Harry went into the train, found an empty compartment, placed his things on the luggage rack opened a charms book and started practising wand movements. The train began to move and they were off, setting off to Hogwarts. The land around them got greener and greener as time passed by. A boy knocked at the door and opened it. He had bright, red messy hair and freckles all over his face. He was holding a pet rat in his hand. When he saw Harry he gasped and ran away, yelling something about Harry Potter. Harry shrugged and returned to his book. He was interrupted again. A bushy haired girl said in a bossy tone, "Has anyone seen Neville's toad?".
"Nope," said Harry. But the girl wasn't even listening. She was looking at Harry's wand.
"Are you doing magic then?" she asked. "Lets see it then."
"Err, okay," said Harry nervously. He decided to perform the wand lighting spell Lumos. Except he didn't know the wand movement. "Lumos!" He cries, unconsciously putting loads of magical power into the spell. There was a flash and a dazzling beam erupted from Harry's wand. Harry grinned.
"How did you do it with the wand movement?" she cried. "I'm Hermione Granger, by the way."
"No idea," replied Harry. Hermione began babbling away about magic and all the things she would learn at Hogwarts. She went off in a huff when she saw he wasn't even listening.
The train began to slow down and Harry changed into his school robes, bubbling inside with excitement. "Please leave your luggage here, they will be brought up to the school," a voice announced. Harry filed out of the door with the other students, looking around him. They were in a small village. Harry could see turrets and towers ahead. Harry heard a very familiar voice shouting over the din, 'First years over here, first years!'
"Hello Hagrid!" He yelled over the noise.
"Harry!" Hagrid shouted back, waving. Hagrid led him and the rest of the first years towards a lake, where a line of boats were waiting. Hagrid sorted them into boats and they started sailing towards Hogwarts. It was starting to get stormy. Hagrid led them towards the castle through the grounds and Harry admired the magnificence of the castle. They reached the front of the castle and Hagrid knocked. A stern looking woman with green robes opened the door.
"Here you are, Professor McGonagall," Hagrid said.
Thank you Hagrid," she said. Hagrid walked away. "Come in," she beckoned, imperiously. Harry and the rest of the students were led into an anti-chamber. Harry caught a glimpse of the Great Hall, which was filled with students.
"When we say so, you will walk into the hall," she said. "Don't panic and walk to the stool and put the hat on. You will then be sorted." She left. Harry could hear the boy who had gaped at him say that he thought they would have to battle a mountain troll. Harry was very relieved. Hermione began speaking very fast about Hogwarts ceiling wall which was, apparently, enchanted to look like the sky. Proffesor McGonagall reappeared and they formed a line. She led the out of the door and into the front of the Great Hall. The ceiling looked like exactly what Harry felt. A bubbling of nervousness. Staff teachers were sitting at the Staff table watching them while the students behind. Proffesor Mcgonagall brought a old, dirty hat and sat it on the stool. Harry wondered what was about to happen. Then the hat broke into song.
Oh you may not think I'm pretty,
But don't judge on what you see,
I'll eat myself if you can find
A smarter hat than me.
You can keep your bowlers black,
Your top hats sleek and tall,
For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat
And I can cap them all.
There's nothing hidden in your head
The Sorting Hat can't see,
So try me on and I will tell you
Where you ought to be.
You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true
And unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
if you've a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin
You'll make your real friends,
Those cunning folks use any means
To achieve their ends.
So put me on! Don't be afraid!
And don't get in a flap!
You're in safe hands (though I have none)
For I'm a Thinking Cap!
Everyone began clapping. Professor McGonagall began to call out names and one by one they were sorted. Harry didn't mind where he was sorted to except Slytherin. Finally it was his turn. 'Potter, Harry!'
Phew, got that out of the way. I might not be able to update now as I've got exams coming. Anyway, please review. Tell me what you like about this story and what you didn't like. I know my grammar sucks so ignore them please. Hope to see you in the next chapter!