"It is never too late to be what you might have been."
George Eliot
IV
On September 1st, Hermione and Tom obediently followed Mrs. Cole, the strict matron of the orphanage, as she led them through the bustling streets of East End. Their acceptance letters from Hogwarts, the renowned school of witchcraft and wizardry, had arrived, and they were now on their way to catch the train at King's Cross station.
Mrs. Cole, harboring a deep dislike for Hermione and Tom, who were the most brilliant and peculiar children in the orphanage, begrudgingly accompanied them. She considered them troublemakers and liars, and was relieved to finally be rid of them. However, she also resented the responsibility of guiding them through a world she knew nothing about.
"Stay close, you two!" she snapped, as they turned a corner. "We don't have all day!"
The two orphans exchanged irritated glances. They had eagerly anticipated this day for weeks, ever since they discovered their magical abilities and learned they were not ordinary children. They had devoured their textbooks, procured the necessary supplies, and packed their bags with enthusiasm. Boarding the Hogwarts Express and embarking on their new lives was an exhilarating prospect.
Yet, they had to endure Mrs. Cole's constant grumbling and scolding throughout the journey. She complained about the heavy traffic, the cacophony of noise, the expenses of the train tickets, and the inconvenience of the entire trip. The matron also warned them sternly against causing any trouble at the station, threatening to send them back to the orphanage if they did.
They finally arrived at King's Cross, and Mrs. Cole hurriedly guided them through the entrance. Glancing at the large clock on the wall, she let out a sigh.
"We only have ten minutes to find your platform," she informed them, her voice tinged with concern. "But where is it exactly?"
Hermione and Tom examined their tickets, which both displayed the peculiar destination: Platform 9 3/4.
Perplexed, they furrowed their brows. This detail had escaped their notice earlier. How could there be a platform 9 3/4? They knew for certain that there were only platforms 9 and 10, separated by a solid wall.
Scanning their surroundings, they hoped to spot someone who could offer assistance. Yet, all they saw were muggles, non-magical individuals, bustling about to catch their trains, oblivious to anything out of the ordinary.
"Come on, let's not waste any time!" Mrs. Cole urged, tugging their suitcases along. "We must find it!"
She led them towards the barrier between platforms 9 and 10, searching for any sign indicating platform 9 3/4. Unfortunately, none was to be found.
Frowning, the matron turned to Hermione and Tom, her suspicion evident in her voice. "Are you absolutely certain this is the correct ticket? Is this some sort of prank?"
Nervously, the two orphans shook their heads. "No, ma'am," Hermione replied. "This is the ticket we received from the school. There must be a way."
Mrs. Cole let out a snort of frustration. "A way? Where? Platform 9 3/4 doesn't exist! This is absurd! How are you supposed to board your train?"
As she scanned the area, desperate for an explanation, only muggles caught her eye, completely oblivious to her predicament.
Just as she was about to give up, a guard stationed near the ticket barrier caught Hermione's attention. Dressed in a uniform and cap, he had a whistle in his mouth. It seemed he was regulating the flow of people exiting the platform, ensuring the muggles remained undisturbed.
Mrs Cole approached the man, pulling Granger and Riddle along with her. She cleared her throat before politely asking, "Excuse me, sir, could you please tell us where to find platform 9 3/4?"
The guard looked at them with a friendly face and a twinkle in his eye. It seemed like he recognized Hermione, Tom, and their suitcases. "Platform 9 3/4?" he repeated, as if he hadn't heard her. "Are you certain that's what you're looking for?"
Impatiently, the matron nodded. "Yes, yes, we are. These children need to catch their train. It's leaving in five minutes. Please, sir, where can we find it?"
The guard winked at the two orphans, then pointed towards the wall between platforms 9 and 10. "It's right there, madam," he replied. "Just run straight at it. You'll go through without any problems."
Mrs Cole stared at him in disbelief. "Run straight at it?" she repeated. "Are you out of your mind? That's a brick wall! We'll end up breaking our noses!"
The guard chuckled. "No, no, you won't. Trust me, madam. It's a special wall. Only those who know can pass through. It's a secret, you see. A magic secret."
He lowered his voice and leaned closer to Hermione and Tom. "You two are going to Hogwarts, aren't you?" he asked softly.
Excitedly, the friends nodded. "Yes, sir, we are," Tom replied. "We're first years and we're incredibly excited!"
The guard smiled.
"I can tell just by looking at you - you have the unmistakable aura of magic. But don't worry, you're in good hands. Just listen closely and follow my instructions. Run straight towards that wall, and don't slow down. You'll feel a gentle tingling sensation, and before you know it, you'll be on the other side. Trust me, what awaits you there is truly marvelous. You'll absolutely love it."
He glanced at his watch and furrowed his brow in concern.
"But time is running out, my friends. You only have three minutes left. So, without further ado, off you go. And may luck be on your side!"
He stepped aside and motioned toward the wall, signaling for them to proceed.
Hermione and Tom exchanged unsure glances. They couldn't be certain if they could trust the guard or if he was trying to deceive them. Nevertheless, they had no other option but to give it a try.
Grabbing their suitcases tightly, they sprinted towards the wall with all their might. Mrs. Cole chased after them, shouting desperately.
"Wait, wait, stop! You can't do that! You'll hurt yourselves! Come back, come back!"
But it was too late. The two orphans reached the wall, shutting their eyes tightly. They felt a peculiar tingling sensation, and suddenly, they were on the other side.
As their eyes opened, they were greeted by a breathtaking sight. They found themselves standing on a bustling platform, teeming with people and filled with a symphony of noise. Their gazes landed on a magnificent scarlet steam engine, proudly displaying the words "Hogwarts Express" on its side. They observed children dressed in robes, carrying owls, cats, and rats.
They had succeeded. They had discovered platform 9 3/4.
Glancing back, they saw Mrs. Cole on the other side of the wall, her expression a mixture of shock and confusion. She couldn't see them, the platform, or the train. All she could perceive were oblivious muggles, completely unaware of her presence.
The matron shook her head in frustration and walked away, having reached her limit with the nonsense happening around her. Determined to put the troublesome duo out of her mind, she made the decision to never speak of them again.
Hermione and Tom felt a surge of relief and joy as they left behind their old life and world. Smiling at each other, they tightly held hands and made their way to the train with their suitcases in tow. Their excitement was palpable as they searched for an empty compartment, ready to embark on their journey to Hogwarts.
Seated in their compartment, the two friends were engrossed in reading Hogwarts: A History for what seemed like the hundredth time. Their thirst for knowledge about the wizarding world knew no bounds, as they hoped to find their place within it.
Unbeknownst to them, the door to their compartment opened, and three boys walked in. The tallest among them was Abraxas Malfoy, the same unpleasant boy who had treated them poorly on Diagon Alley. He had mocked their appearance, belongings, and lack of parents, even going so far as to insult them with the term "mudbloods," meaning those with non-magical heritage.
Accompanying Malfoy were his friends, Evan Rosier and Radolphus Lestrange, both hailing from prestigious and affluent wizarding families. Sharing Malfoy's beliefs in blood purity, they looked down on Hermione and Tom, deciding to derive amusement at their expense.
Malfoy sauntered into the compartment, sneering as he spoke, "Well, well, look who we have here. The two poor kids from the orphanage. What brings you here? Did you beg for a ticket?"
Hermione and Tom glanced up from their book, their expressions filled with disdain towards Malfoy. They had no desire to engage with him and silently hoped he would leave them alone.
"We are going to Hogwarts, just like you," Hermione responded calmly. "Now, please, go away. We don't want any trouble."
Malfoy cruelly laughed at her words.
"Trouble? You don't want trouble? Well, too bad. You're already in trouble. You see, you don't belong here. You don't belong in our world. You're nothing but filthy mudbloods who know nothing about magic."
He turned to his friends, a smug expression on his face.
"Isn't that right, boys?"
Rosier and Lestrange nodded in agreement and joined Malfoy's laughter, clearly finding amusement in their target's appearance and reading material.
"Exactly, Brax," Rosier chimed in, smirking. "They're clueless. Look at how they dress. Their clothes are tattered and ancient. It's like they've been wearing them for ages."
Lestrange snorted and reached for Hermione's book, seizing it from her grasp.
"Take a look at this," he jeered, examining the book's cover. "They keep reading the same book over and over. How utterly dull. Don't they have anything else to read?"
He noticed their names written on the cover and mockingly read them aloud.
"Hermione Granger and Tom Riddle. What kind of names are those? They sound like jokes."
Lestrange showed the book to Rosier, who burst into laughter.
"Especially this one," Rosier added, pointing to Tom's name. "Tom Riddle. What a riddle indeed. Is he a human or a beast? A wizard or a muggle?"
Malfoy joined the group, directing his attention to Hermione.
"And what about you, Granger?" he sneered. "I've heard of the Dagworth-Granger family, renowned for their potions. But I've never heard of you. Are you really related to them? Or are you just pretending to be someone you're not to boost your image?"
He spat out the derogatory term.
"Mudbloods. That's what you are. Filthy, disgusting mudbloods. Learn to show respect to your superiors. Bow down and beg for mercy."
Malfoy leaned in closer to Hermione, whispering in her ear.
"Or maybe you should just leave. Go back to wherever you came from. Return to your pathetic orphanage and never show your face again."
Hermione felt a surge of anger and fear. She despised Malfoy and his companions, detesting their words and actions. The witch loathed the way they made her feel and desperately wished for them to stop. She longed for them to disappear.
Determined, Hermione raised her hand and clenched her fist, feeling an unfamiliar power coursing through her. She commanded her book to return to her.
The book flew out of Lestrange's hand, landing safely in Hermione's lap. She clutched it tightly to her chest, defiantly meeting Malfoy's gaze.
"Blood is irrelevant," she asserted firmly. "Whether pure-blood, half-blood, or muggle-born, it holds no significance. It doesn't matter if you have parents or not, what you wear or what you read. What truly matters is who you are and the actions you take. And you, Malfoy, are nothing more than a bully. As for me, I am a witch. And I am not afraid of you."
Malfoy and his friends were left dumbfounded. They couldn't believe what they had just witnessed. The fact that Hermione had wielded magic without a wand astonished them. They laughed, not just at Hermione's words, but also at her book and clothes.
Their laughter continued, filling the air with their amusement.
The witch could feel her anger building up, her power surging within her, and her voice trembling.
"Stop," she said, her voice barely audible. "Stop laughing. Just stop."
But they didn't stop. They continued laughing, mocking her relentlessly.
Hermione's frustration grew, and she raised her hand, shouting.
"STOP IT!"
In that moment, a surge of magic surged out of her, striking Malfoy and his friends. They were lifted from their seats, crashing into the compartment wall before falling to the floor. Groaning, they clutched their heads in pain.
Hermione gasped, her hand flying to cover her mouth. She didn't understand what had just happened. She didn't know how she had done it. And she didn't know if she had hurt them.
Looking at Tom, she saw awe in his eyes. He had witnessed everything - her use of magic, her confrontation with Malfoy, and her defense of herself.
He smiled, whispering in admiration, "That was amazing, Hermione. You were amazing."
Returning the smile, Hermione whispered back, "Thank you, Tom. You're amazing too."
Their eyes locked, a bond forming between them. They felt a connection, a sense of trust.
Unaware of Rosier and Lestrange rising from the floor, their faces contorted with anger and fists clenched, the two orphans remained oblivious. They didn't notice the wands being raised, nor the spells being cast.
Only when Malfoy's voice rang out did they snap back to reality.
"Watch out!" he yelled.
Turning around, Hermione and Tom saw Rosier and Lestrange pointing their wands at them. A flash of light accompanied the incantation.
"Stupefy!"
Swiftly, they dodged the spell, taking cover behind their seats. Another word was spoken, followed by another burst of light.
"Expelliarmus!"
Their wands were wrenched from their grasp, landing near Malfoy. The two friends exchanged uncertain glances, unsure of their next course of action.
Suddenly, they heard the approaching footsteps of Rosier and Lestrange, who began to taunt them.
"Nice try, mudbloods," Rosier sneered. "But you can't defeat us. We are superior to you in every way. Stronger, smarter."
Lestrange nodded in agreement and added, "And we're about to teach you a lesson you'll never forget. One that will make you regret ever crossing our path."
With wands at the ready, they wore sinister smiles and declared, "Say goodbye, mudbloods."
Hermione and Tom felt a surge of fear and anger welling up within them. They locked eyes with Rosier and Lestrange and defiantly responded, "No."
Raising their hands and clenching their fists, an inexplicable power flowed through them. They concentrated, willing Rosier and Lestrange to cease their attack.
A burst of magic erupted from them, striking the two tormentors. Rosier and Lestrange screamed, dropping their wands and writhing in agony. Their heads throbbed with a burning sensation, and a paralyzing fear consumed them. The pain was unbearable, and despair overwhelmed them.
The orphans observed their tormented foes, experiencing a complex mix of emotions. Satisfaction mingled with guilt.
Unbeknownst to them, Malfoy had risen from the ground. His face registered shock, and his hands trembled. Holding his wands, he desperately intervened.
"Stop it!" he yelled.
Startled, Hermione and Tom turned to face Malfoy, who aimed his wands at them.
In an instant, a flash of light accompanied his command, "Finite Incantatem!"
Their newfound power faded, and their grip weakened. Rosier and Lestrange visibly relaxed, taking in much-needed breaths.
Malfoy's gaze shifted between them, a mélange of relief and anger. He decided it was time to leave, gathering his friends.
He turned around and walked towards the door, opening it and gesturing to his friends. He said, "Come on, boys. Let's go and find a better compartment. Let's find some real wizards."
Tom watched him leave, feeling a surge of relief and joy. Unaware of the door closing behind him, they also didn't notice Hermione's hand lifting and clenching, her magic working to lock it.
"It's over," she stated, her voice filled with a mix of emotions. "It's over. We're safe."
Overwhelmed, she started to cry and sob, her body shaking and trembling.
"It's just like it was in the orphanage. They hate us," she lamented.
Tom held her, offering comfort and solace. "It's not the same as the orphanage. We have each other. We have magic. We have hope."
He wiped away her tears, smiling gently as he kissed her forehead and whispered reassuringly. Taking her hand, he squeezed it tightly.
"As long as we're together, you have nothing to fear. And I have you. That's all that matters."
Looking into her eyes, he saw her smile and felt a connection to her soul. He knew her heart, and it resonated with his own.
Riddle reached out for the book, opening it carefully. Next, he retrieved their wands and passed the holly one to her. Finally, the young wizard took her hand and led her to their seats, settling down beside her.
"Let's read, Hermione," he suggested, and the two of them eagerly delved into the captivating tales within the pages of Hogwarts: a History for the remainder of their journey.