Hogwarts Express, Sunday, September 1, 1992

Wow! It's true, what the letter said. I'm a witch. I'm going to a school to learn magic. Incredible. Everything is so interesting. When I saw that there wasn't a platform "9 3/4" I thought everything was hogwash. But then, I saw somebody carrying an owl. I followed him and his (rather evil looking) father and saw them go right through the barrier between platforms nine and ten.

I was completely befuddled. However, I realized, the worst that can happen is that I bump my head. So I repeated what they did, and suddenly I was in what seemed like a totally different station! There was a maroon train that was smoking and it was labeled The Hogwarts Express! Can you believe it? I STILL can't.

I met a slightly pitiful boy named Nevile on the train. He had lost his toad, Trevor. While generously helping him to search for it, I met the famous Harry Potter. I must admit I expected a little bit more; after all, he did defeat Lord Voldemort. However, he seemed a scraggly boy who seemed to have made friends with redhead who had been trying to turn his rather fat rat yellow (It was a pitiful attempt! I quote " Sunshine, daisies, butter mellow, Turn this stupid, fat rat yellow." I doubt that's even magic!) He also had dirt on his nose, which annoyed me immensely for some reason. I bet he didn't even shower this morning. The nerve – I mean, he is about to enter the most amazing school in all of Europe, and he looks like he's going out to play or something!

I tried a chocolate frog on the train. It's not a real frog of course, but chocolate in the shape of a frog. Also, it's enchanted to sound and act like a frog! They were okay, but sort of gave me the creeps. Especially when it jumped in my mouth.

Oh dear. Journal, please forgive me! I forgot to fill you in on the facts. Okay, here goes:

I'm a witch, but my parents are muggles (that's the word for non magical people)

I'm a total outcast at school. Honestly - just because I'm smart and other people don't know how to spell, I shouldn't be persecuted. Perhaps if they actually opened books, they might get good grades like me.

Oh, and of course, my name! It's Hermione Granger.

Oh, Journal, I have to go change into my robes now, we're approaching the station. Wish me good luck!