So, as I said, the second of two chapters within one day/night. I hope you can enjoy this one as well.


King's Cross was large and, despite the early hour, packed with people at least twice her height. Hermione was worn from her three hour voyage, her shoulders ached from the unfamiliar weight put on them, as did her feet, but still she went on, trudging single-mindedly after the hooting barn owl, following its encouraging calls.

7 o'clock in the morning found the young girl insecurely looking around, the buzz of busy people swallowed her whole and for the first time she saw herself truly confronted with the real, big world that an eleven-year-old dreams to get to know. In Hermione's eyes, this very world seemed frightening at this moment.

She stood in front of the stone pillar that read '8' on one side and '9' on the other. "And now, pretty one? What now?"

The owl had lead her farther down the peers into the masses of people and now sat on the dangling sign that read '9'. Suddenly the bird swooped down and steered towards the pillar. Just as Hermione wanted to scream in fear for her companion, the agile body of the animal vanished through the pillar.

As easy as children switch from fear to delight, a broad smile appeared on the face of the young girl.

There it was – the magic she had waited to see, the magic that would show her just where she would need to go. Small feet jogged towards the pillar and just in the last moment when the final remnants of doubt set in and the smallest part feared she would collide with the cold brick wall, she stepped through the gate.

Wizards, whole magical families, stood at the platform, watching their children board the one train that Hermione had dreamt about ever since she had read about it: The Hogwarts Express. It was ancient-looking, compared to the trains that muggles used, but she had to admit that it had a certain charme.

As she passed by the many people that hardly noticed her, she caressed the outlines of the black train with her eyes. Inside already a lot of students had taken their seat, some of them as young as she was, standing at the window and calling to their parents, others – older ones – reclining in plush cushions, anxious to get back to their school.

A small squawk and the sound of fluttering feathers later, the barn owl sat on her shoulder, clipping its beak and giving her an owlish smile. Apparently the bird was very content to have led her safely here – Hermione certainly felt that her flying companion had deserved a treat.

Now self-assured and with the animal still on her shoulder, she stepped on the train, handing the man her ticket and then moving on in search of an empty student's compartment. It was easier said than done, for the train was long and by the time that Hermione finally found a truly empty compartment that had not been reserved for anyone, the Hogwarts Express had already departed.

The moment that Hermione heaved the backpack from her shoulders, the owl swooped off her shoulder and perched itself on the highest spot it could find in the compartment – the luggage deposit. In return the young girl safely stored her backpack under the seats, glad that her belongings fit in such a tight space.

Sitting down finally she turned her head to stare at the city that was very quickly vanishing and making way for green meadows and vast fields. Hermione was delighted to find that the Scottish landside agreed with her more than she had supposed it would – she had feared, at first, that she would have to accommodate her eyes to the ample space provided, that she would be used to seeing house next to house next to house next to house.

But apparently her eyes, as well as her mind, rejoiced in the change of scenery – to her it appeared as if she could run into one direction for days and still be able to see the one and only house that she would have run from. It felt comforting in a way.


She must as have fallen asleep somewhere during her scenery-ogling, for when she woke up the next time, it was to the gentle shaking of her shoulders.

"Wake up, lad, we're almost there."

Blinking, she found a seventh year next to her, his eyes were beautifully brown, as was his short hair and he had dimples in his cheeks as he grinned at her mischievously. "Come on, dress in your uniform, no one can get off the train if they're not in their uniform."

As soon as he had left, Hermione had scrambled to dress in her uniform – the last thing she needed now was to be left behind because she forgot to don her uniform. Her hectic fumble for the uniform woke up her companion, who had apparently been dozing on its perch. An inquiring chirp made her look up just as she slipped through the uniform.

"We're almost there." She smiled and the animal blinked owlishly at her before a shudder ran through it and it fluffed it feathers before going back to normal, clipping its beak at her. Hermione smiled at the motions that quickly became familiar to her.

Just as she had fastened her robes, the train slowed and came to a halt – her smile broadened, she was here.


Well, our little heroine arrived at Hogwarts - please review, the next chapter will be up soon =)