/Chapter 2: The Hogwarts Express

A week had passed, as it was now time to board the Hogwarts Express. They had all packed their things the night before, and were ready to go back to the hustle and bustle of Hogwarts. Mr. Weasley helped to UN-pack all their things from the new muggle car, the Ferrari. He had put a spell on it for unlimited car space, as he had done with his last muggle car.

Harry went first into platform 9 3/4. He went at a bit of a run, he was anxious to board the train and meet up with Hermione. Ron followed Harry unto the platform, then came Ginny. They said their good-byes and then they went to sit down in the back of the train.

Hermione was already there poised and waiting for them. She hugged Harry and Ron once they had come into the compartment. She then ushered them to sit down. Hermione sat across from the both of them. The train would be taking off in a couple of minutes.

~*~

The food cart came rolling around about an hour after the train had taken off. Harry bought the usual; chocolate frogs, Bertie Botts every flavour beans, and some other things that you would be able to find for example: Zonkos.

Hermione started the conversation first. "Did you hear about Hogesmade? It was all over the news"

"Yeah—" Ron was stuffing his face full of chocolate. "—I don't like it at ALL! —Unless they catch the criminal, we won't be able to go to Hogesmade! —Well that isUnless we sneak through that witch's hump thing. Or, do you reckon Snape's closed it off?" Ron was now rummaging through some more treats.

"Snape's probably already had it closed off, or guarded, either of those. Well, we know that we can always go through the Whomping Willow way" Harry was sitting back with a full expression on his face, he had eaten to much chocolate frogs.

Hermione nodded her head in agreement as Harry spoke. "So what do you think Dumbledore will have us do when we are supposed to go to Hogesmade?" Hermione was now rummaging through a small bag she had brought with her.

"I don't know, Hermione. But, I'm sure he'll let us do something" Harry was looking at Ron now, who was also sitting back relaxing. There was only 2 more hours until they would arrive at Hogwarts. "But, the question is—who was that man who used the Avra Cada—" Harry broke off.

"Who know?" Hermione's nose now in a book, Which Witch is Which, "Maybe we will find out? Like we usually do?" Hermione let out a faint chuckle.

~*~*~*~

Ron was the first to spot the Hogwarts castle, Harry was sleeping, and Hermione was still reading her book, occasionally you heard some ooo's and ahh's coming from her. Ron woke them up.

"Harry! Hermione! We're nearly there!" Ron shook them as Harry as he was saying this. Hermione dog-eared her book and put it back in her bag.

"Well then, I believe you two should put on your robessince we're nearly there. I'll wait for you in the next compartment." Hermione picked up her bag and headed to the room across from them.

As Harry and Ron slid on their robes, the train came to a screeching halt. A man's voice was echoing on the train, "We have arrived at Hogwarts, please step lightly as you get off the train. Your bags will be given to you soon enough." There was a faint click and the voice disappeared.

The students were then called out by grade. "Firs' years, follow me!" A deep voice sang from beside the Hogwarts Express. It was Rubeus Hagrid, the Hogwarts gamekeeper and teacher. All of the first years followed Hagrid to the boats on their way to Hogwarts.

The rest of the years were called off; 7th years, 6th years, 5th years, 4th years, 3rd years, and lastly 2nd years. Harry, Ron and Hermione met up in the line of 6th years when they were called. Everyone had smiling faces. That was with the exception of Draco Malfoy and his thugs, Crabbe and Goyle. They were standing in the line with crossed arms, and with faces that looked like they had just eaten a lemon.

Professor McGonagall led them to the castle as she quickly gave out some instructions. She sometimes eyes Harry and Ron as she was talking.

~*~

They arrived at the Entrance in only a short time. McGonagall said, "Now, as all of you know, the sorting ceremony will start momentarily, when you enter you shall sit at your correct house table. The feast shall begin soon.

And with that McGonagall opened the carved doors entering them into Hogwarts.