Harry could feel someone pulling him into a suffocating hug. He looked up and realized it was Mrs. Weasley.
"What took you so long?" Ron shouted gleefully.
"My train was a little delayed," Harry answered. "Where's Hermione?"
"I'm right here. Don't you recognize me without my hair?" Harry looked at Hermione. Right away he saw what she had meant. She had cut her hair so it was just a little bit past her shoulders. It was no longer bushy but somehow had become smooth and sleek.
"Hermione why'd you cut your hair," Harry cried.
"It was getting in my way," she confessed.
"Hello Mrs.Weasley. Hey Ginny," Harry greeted them.
"Who's that?" Ron asked pointing at Leah.
"Oh, this is Leah. She's going to Hogwarts too. She asked me to help her find her school supplies," he explained. "Leah, this is Hermione, Ron, his sister Ginny, and his mum, Mrs.Weasley."
"Hi," said Leah. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Leah started walking down the street towards Gringotts, which was their first stop. Harry was surprised to find that Leah had an account there. When he asked about it she said shed explain later. After getting their money the set off down the crowded street to Flourish and Blotts. Leah looked as if she had just eaten a lot of candy.
"Do you like to read?" Hermione asked Leah.
"Very much," Leah said as if she didn't here Hermione.
"Well, I think we'll be good friends then," Hermione laughed. The whole group pulled out their lists Leah, of course had the longest list and like Harry they all offered to give her their old books. Leah accepted gratefully. Around noon they stopped by Florean Fortescue's. Leah, Harry, Ron and Hermione all shared one small table.
"Are you just starting Hog warts this year?" Ron asked.
"Yeah," Leah said. I guess I'll have some catching up to do when we get there. I would have studied over the summer but I don't have any of the books we need."
"Why didn't you start with us six years ago," Harry said remembering what had happened to him.
"Well, about this time six years ago I was on holiday in America. We never really stayed in one place so I guess I that's why I didn't get my letter. Being so busy with other things on their minds none of the teachers remembered that one student had failed to reply to their letter. A few days ago I was at camp near my summer home. My mum picked me up early and told me I had a visitor. A man named Hagrid told me what had happened. He gave me my letter and told me they were expecting me to be there September 1st. They sent me on a train to London yesterday," she finished.
"Do they expect you to learn everything you missed in one year?" Ron's eyes widened.
"Well, I was told I had to learn all I can that I missed this year in my spare time and I was expected to take year classes. I could probably start studying to day but I don't have a wand yet." Leah added.
"Then let's go get you a wand!" Hermione exclaimed as she grabbed her bags and set off.