Chapter 2

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter! I wish I did though...:(

Harry made his way towards an empty compartment. Along the way he literally bumped into Malfoy.

"Watch where you're going Potter!" Malfoy sneered.

"Why don't you watch it Malfoy?"

Malfoy smirked. "Think you'll be the big man on campus just because your father was? Clearly, you don't have any minions following you around to worship the ground you walk on..."

"Get stuffed Malfoy. "

Malfoy kept on smirking and walked back to his compartment.

Harry found an empty compartment and threw himself on a seat. He closed his eyes and smiled, 'At least Malfoy and I still hate each other. I wouldn't be able to take it if we were all buddy-buddy.' He tried to process the past four hours.

'If I'm not the chosen one, does that mean Neville is? What if it's not Neville? What if there is no chosen one? I need to find Neville.'

At that moment the compartment door opened and a girl stepped inside. It was Hermione!

"Excuse me, but could I sit here? Everywhere else is full."

Harry grinned, "Be my guest!"

"Thanks." She gave a small smile.

Harry noticed that she'd already changed into her Hogwarts robes. "You're eager aren't you?" He gestured towards her robes. Hermione blushed.
"I'm just so excited I couldn't wait! I absolutely love school and I was showing it to my parents. You see, nobody in my family's magic. Oh! I'm Hermione Granger by the way." She held out her hand.

"Harry Potter. Nice to meet you." They shook hands.

The moment their hands connected it was like a burst of electricity. They both pulled back startled. Hermione spoke anxiously "I'm so sorry! I'm pretty sure that was me." She gestured towards her extremely bushy hair. "Things like that always happen because of this."

Harry surveyed her. He felt like a million butterflies had suddenly decided to lodge in his navel area. He was pretty sure it wasn't the static electricity that had caused that. It was more like a sudden burst of magic. Harry felt the heat rush to his cheeks.

"Don't worry about that."

Hermione gave a smile and asked, "Is everyone in your family magic?"

"Yeah, but my mum is like you, she comes from a muggle family."

Hermione's eyes sparkled with excitement. "What do they do your parents I mean?"

"My dad's an auror and my mum's a healer."

Where was he getting this information? He assumed his father was an auror because Sirius had mentioned a raid but his mum?

"What about you Hermione?" Harry asked even though he already knew the answer.

Hermione spoke enthusiastically, "Both my parents are dentists. Err...you do know what a dentist is right?"

"Yeah, did you forget? My mum's muggleborn! Do you have any siblings?"

Hermione shook her head. "I wish I did. Do you?"

"Yeah, a brother and sister."

Hermione sighed,"That sounds nice. It's kind of lonely sometimes being an only child. Mum and dad are great but I wish I could have friends my own age." She blushed when she said that.

Harry looked concerned, "You don't have any friends?"

He'd never bother to ask Hermione before. He assumed that in primary school she indeed had friends but had gotten estranged with them over the years due to attending Hogwarts.

Hermione shook her head. "Some children just don't like others because they're different. I guess it's due to being magical, they could sense I was 'different' in a way. Before I got my Hogwarts letter, I'd just started my first year of Secondary school and it was exactly the same as primary school. So I usually kept to myself and focused on my studies. It pays off; I get top marks in everything."

The last part she said with great pride. Harry never felt so bad for Hermione.

"Don't worry Hermione; I'll be your friend." Her eyes were suddenly bright with tears.

"Thank you Harry, you don't know how happy you've just made me."

Hermione relaxed in her seat but continued to survey Harry.

"I'm just wondering if we've ever met before. It seems so oddly familiar sitting and talking with you. I usually have a hard time connecting with people and it's so comforting to be sitting here with you."

Harry's eyes widened. 'Was she remembering?' Hermione answered her own question. "It must be due to us being both magical thus we are able to connect much easier. But I still can't shake this feeling that I know you."

She continued to eye Harry and he wished she didn't. It was making him uncomfortable due to the fact he kept blushing under her gaze.

Clearing his throat, "I take this as a sign that we are destined to be lifelong friends."

Hermione gave a mysterious smile. "Or maybe we knew each other in a past life!"

Harry started coughing. Hermione looked at him concernly.

"Are you ok?" She fished in her backpack and took out a bottle of water.

"Here."

Harry took some gulps and tried not to choke on the water. The cough died down. Hermione looked anxious.

"I'm fine."

Harry reassured her. The compartment door opened and the trolley snack witch asked them if they wanted anything. Hermione observed the snack trolley in awe. There were so many different things she had never seen before. Harry bought some of everything. Hermione bought a few Chocolate Frogs and some Cauldron Cakes. She smiled slightly. Her parents would have a fit if they saw what she was eating. They were quite strict about no-sugar. Very rarely she had the opportunity of sugary snacks. Some instances were on birthdays and special occasions. Harry offered her some Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans. She was quite repulsed by some of the disgusting flavours.

"Can't they just make normal ones?" she asked after spitting out a tar flavoured one.

Harry gave her a lopsided smile.

"Then it would take away the element of surprise!"

The compartment door opened again and two boys walked in. It was Ron and Neville.

"Sorry but have you seen a toad? He keeps getting away from me." Neville looked so tearful.

"No I'm sorry but we haven't."

Harry answered. Neville's lower lip trembled. Harry felt bad but a wave of excitement. Ron and Neville were now here. Now he could find out if Neville was the chosen one. He tossed two chocolate frogs their way.

"Here! Sit down for a bit. I'm sure your toad will turn up."

Neville and Ron sat down and munched on the chocolate frogs.

"I'm Harry Potter and this is Hermione Granger."

"I'm Ron Weasley and this is Neville Longbottom."

"Nice to meet you."

Harry looked impatiently. There was no reaction from Hermione claiming she had read about Neville in a book. Neville wasn't the chosen one?

"Are you both first years?" Harry asked.

"Yup, you guys too?"

Ron and Neville discussed their backgrounds. They were practically the same as their old life. Neville lived with his grandmother and Ron had 6 siblings. Harry felt a wave of irritation. If Neville wasn't the chosen one who was? What about the prophecy? Harry sulked slightly. This meant he had to do research once he got to Hogwarts. His biggest question, what happened to Voldemort?

Neville and Ron left shortly to continue searching for Neville's toad. Harry left Hermione for a few minutes to put on his Hogwarts uniform. When he returned Hermione was curled up with a textbook. She looked up when he entered. Closing the book and setting it aside she settled forward to keep chatting. Hermione wanted to know everything possible of the Wizarding World. She announced that she had purchased a number of books from Flourish and Blotts to educate herself but she wanted a firsthand account about how things worked. Harry did his best to answer all her questions.

The talk turned to school subjects.

"Oh, I'm ever so nervous to start school. I've already memorized our book set I hope that's enough. I just don't want to be behind everybody else."

"Don't worry Hermione." Harry reassured her. "There are loads of people who come from muggle families. My mum for instance despite coming from a muggle background ended up being top of her class and she was Head Girl in her 7th year." Hermione looked slightly appeased.

"Have you attempted any spells yet Harry? I have just a few simple ones and they worked out." Hermione announced.

Harry wondered, 'Would my 6th year spells work?'

"I don't know...I haven't tried any yet."

"Well, let's see then!"

Hermione leaned back to see his attempted. Harry decided to impress Hermione. He chose a spell that would be significant to her. He chose the summoning charm and prayed that it would work. Pointing his wand at her transfiguration book and said, "Accio textbook!"

The book flew out of the chair and he caught it. Hermione's jaw dropped.

"Harry! That's a 4th year level spell! How did you do that?" "

Harry smirked slightly, "I don't give away my secrets Hermione!"

Hermione attempted it. The book twitched slightly but remained quite stationary. Hermione pouted. "Oh, it's not fair!"

She crossed her arms and glared at Harry. Harry gave her a special smile and leaned forward.

"I'm sorry...do you forgive me?"

Hermione looked into his green eyes. Her heart began to beat a bit faster. She felt the blood rush to her cheeks. 'Why is he looking at me like that?' She felt the corner lips twitch into a smile.

"Of course you idiot! But, you have to teach me how to do it!"

Harry smiled. "Deal!"

The conductor announced that they would reach Hogwarts in fifteen minutes. Hermione started fretting about the sorting.

"Oh I hope I get Gryffindor! That's the one Dumbledore was in and it's supposedly the best!"

They rode the rest of the ride in companionable silence when the train came to a stop.

They descended the train and heard Hagrid call out, "Firs' years over here please! This way please!" Harry and Hermione followed the small group of students who made their way over to Hagrid. Hagrid led them over near the lake and saw a dozen or so boats.

"Everybody, four to a boat! Hold on, who here lost a toad?"

"Trevor!"

Neville broke away from the small group and ran over to Hagrid and clutched on to his toad. Harry and Hermione got in one boat and were joined by Neville and Ron.

"Forward, march!" Hagrid called out and the boats drifted forward.

They all caught a glimpse of the castle and there was a mummer of admiration from the students. Hermione clutched onto Harry arm.

When the boats reached the bank they all descended and saw a witch waiting for them on the steps. It was McGonagall. She beckoned them to follow her. McGonagall led them to a room.

"Welcome to Hogwarts. I am professor McGonagall. Shortly we will begin the sorting. The four houses are: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. I ask you to wait here for a moment. I will return and bring you in the Great Hall when we are ready. I wish you all the best of luck." And she left the room.

Harry never thought he'd have to do this all over again. This time around he was much calmer, but a sudden wave of panic hit him. What if this time he didn't end up in Gryffindor? Obviously he wouldn't end up in Slytherin but he could end up in other houses. But he knew those house weren't bad. He just thought about how his parents would react if he ended up in a different house. He swallowed rather loudly.

Hermione turned to him and whispered, "Don't worry. I'm sure we'll end up in the same house."

She seemed a great deal calmer than on the train. Maybe this was her poker face. The ghosts walked through the walls and several people shrieked. The ghosts surveyed the new students and wished them all the luck. McGonagall returned and asked them all to follow her.

As they entered the Great Hall Harry took in the surroundings. It was no different than when he first entered it 6 years ago. Harry took in the stool and the sorting hat. His heart started beating unevenly in his chest. The Hat opened at the brim and began to sing the sorting song. It was the exact same one it sang at his original sorting. The hall burst into applause.

McGonagall announced that when she would call them up they would put on the hat and it would decide which house they should belong. McGonagall call up various names and Harry recognized all his classmates from his year. They all went to the same houses as in his past. When Hermione's name was called she gave Harry's hand a squeeze and walked up, sat on the stool and placed the hat on her head. Minute pause and the hat declared "Gryffindor!" Hermione smiled and ran up to the table. Neville also joined the Gryffindor house.

Harry's name was called. But this time there were no whispers or mummers. Harry sat on the stool and placed the hat on his head. A voice in his ear spoke:

"Well, well...Harry Potter, we meet again!"

'What? You remember me?'

"Yes indeed! I am wondering how you got here Potter. So very curious but you know, this is not your destiny."

'Not my destiny? I'm happiest here than I ever have been.'

"Be that may be Potter, but you are not supposed to be here. Time is running out. I will sort you accordingly but take heed Harry Potter! You must choose wisely.

I hope you make the right decision. I will place you in "Gryffindor!"

Harry took of the hat and ran towards the table. The Gryffindor table burst into applause. Hermione was beaming from ear to ear.

"Well done Harry! I told you we'd be in the same house!"

Harry smiled weakly. Hermione caught on his mood.

"Are you alright? You seem pale."

"Huh...I'm fine Hermione. Don't fret. I'm just a bit hungry and relieved that I'm in Gryffindor."

"Hmm..." Hermione looked at him suspiciously.

Ron was also sorted into Gryffindor and the four of them were sitting next to each other. Dumbledore stood up and gave his speech. He beamed at all the students.

"Enjoy the feast!"

The four of them dived into the food. Harry missed the Hogwarts food. He helped himself to everything. Hermione and Neville were enjoying a conversation about Hogwarts. So Harry turned to Ron.
Ron declared, "I'm glad that's over with. Merlin, I was shaking all over."

Harry agreed with him. They discussed quiddich teams. Ron was still a Cannons fan but Harry was a diehard Puddlemere United fan. They enjoyed debating about it for a bit.

When the last remains of the food disappeared, Dumbledore declared that they sing the school song. Harry couldn't help but laugh. When that was all done, Dumbledore dismissed them and told them to head on to bed.

Percy Weasley who was a prefect led the first year Gryffindors towards the dormitories. They encountered the portrait of the fat lady. Percy gave the password "Fortuna Major" and it swung open. They all clambered inside and took a good look. The Gryffindor common room looked exactly the same. Percy pointed out the girls' dormitories and Hermione bided Harry good night.

"I'll wait for you in the Common Room and we can go down to breakfast together!" She turned to Neville and Ron. "You're both welcome to join us." Ron and Neville agreed.

The boys climbed the stairs to the first year room. Two boys were already there. They introduced themselves as Seamus and Dean. Dean was putting up a poster of the West Ham football team. Harry declared himself a fan of Manchester United.

The boys tucked themselves in to bed. Harry lay in his bed and thought about the day's events. It made him feel happy inside. However, the sorting hat's words lingered in his mind. He decided that tomorrow when he had a moment he would do some research about Voldemort. Turning over to his side as he closed his eyes, Harry prayed to God that when he woke up this dream wouldn't end.

AN: Thanks for the reviews guys! It means alot! I will try to update asap! :) xox