I have to have a lot of filler for this chapter, because this would be the chapter that Harry and Ron would be flying the car to Hogwarts and Hermione would be on the train on her own, probably worried sick about where they were.

Imma have her strengthen a few connections tho. So she won't be entirely bored

Imma also write some ish about the sorting. Imma make up a new song and everything. And with the exception of Ginny, Colin Creevy, Luna Lovegood, and Harper (i gotta give this dude a last name tho), all the names you've never seen a day in your life are made up for sorting sake. They may appear again if I can remember them, who knows.

Anyways, on with the fic!

Chapter 28: Where Are They?

The morning of September 1st arrived with a mix of excitement and nerves bubbling in my chest. Today was the day I'd finally return to Hogwarts. The past few weeks at home had been pleasant, but nothing compared to the thrill of being back at school with my friends. I hadn't seen Harry or Ron since our trip to Diagon Alley, and as I pulled on my favorite jumper and jeans, I glanced over at the stack of their letters on my nightstand. At least we had kept in touch.

"Mimi, breakfast is ready!" Papa called from downstairs, his voice carrying the warm familiarity that always made leaving just a little harder.

"I'll be right there!" I replied, brushing out my hair and tying it back into a neat ponytail. My reflection stared back at me, and I gave myself a small nod of encouragement. This was going to be a wonderful year, I could feel it.

Downstairs, Mama had prepared a full breakfast—eggs, toast, and a steaming pot of tea. "You'll need a proper meal before your long train ride," she said, fussing over me as I sat down.

"I'm not sure how much I can eat," I admitted, the excitement of the day making my stomach flutter.

"Just try," she said, sliding a slice of toast onto my plate. "You'll thank me later."

Papa finished loading my trunk into the car while I picked at my food, too jittery to eat much. Soon enough, we were packed and on our way to King's Cross. The drive felt both familiar and surreal; this was my second year now, and yet the magic of it all still felt so fresh.

At the station, we made our way toward the barrier between Platforms Nine and Ten. The hustle and bustle of travelers surrounded us, the air filled with the sound of rolling luggage and hurried voices.

"Are you sure about this wall?" Papa asked, giving it a skeptical look.

I couldn't help but laugh. "Yes, Papa. It's perfectly safe. You saw it last year, remember?"

"Yes and it still scares me," he said playfully. He gave me a smile, though I could see the worry in his eyes. Mama reached out to smooth a stray strand of hair from my face. "We're so proud of you, Jeanie," she said softly, her voice tinged with emotion.

"I'll miss you both so much," I said, hugging them tightly. "But I'll write as soon as I can, I promise."

With a deep breath, I gripped the handle of my cart and walked steadily toward the barrier. The moment I passed through, the familiar sight of Platform Nine and Three-Quarters came into view. The scarlet steam engine of the Hogwarts Express stood waiting, its polished exterior gleaming in the morning light. The platform was alive with students, parents, and the occasional owl fluttering overhead.

I maneuvered my cart toward the train, keeping an eye out for Harry and Ron. I hadn't seen them since Diagon Alley, and I was eager to catch up. But as I scanned the platform, there was no sign of their familiar faces. Where were they? Surely they wouldn't miss the train, would they?

Feeling a slight pang of worry, I loaded my trunk onto the train with the help of a porter and climbed aboard. As I made my way through the compartments, the excitement of returning to Hogwarts mingled with the nagging question in the back of my mind: Where were Harry and Ron? Surely, they'd turn up. They had to.

I settled into an empty compartment, the nagging thought of Harry and Ron's absence still prickling at the back of my mind. I told myself they'd be fine—they always were—but it didn't stop me from glancing out the window every few minutes, hoping to spot them on the platform.

Just as I started to pull out one of my books for a bit of distraction, the door slid open, and there stood Ginny Weasley. Her bright red hair was tied back in a neat braid, and she looked around nervously before meeting my gaze.

"Hi, Hermione," she said shyly. "Do you mind if I sit with you?"

"Of course not, come in," I said, smiling warmly. Ginny hesitated for only a moment before plopping down across from me.

We sat in silence for a beat before I asked, "Have you seen Harry or Ron? I thought they'd be on the platform, but I didn't spot them."

Ginny shook her head, her brow furrowing. "No, I haven't seen them since before Mum and I got onto the platform. I thought maybe they'd already found you."

I frowned, my earlier worry resurfacing. "That's odd. Do you think they could have missed the train?"

Ginny shrugged, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her robes. "Maybe... but it's not like Ron and Harry to miss the train, is it?"

"No, it isn't," I agreed, though I tried to sound reassuring. "I'm sure they'll turn up. Probably just a mix-up somewhere."

Ginny nodded but still looked uneasy. I decided to change the subject. "So, are you excited about your first year at Hogwarts?"

Her face brightened slightly. "I am. Nervous, though. Fred and George keep teasing me about getting lost or ending up in the wrong House."

"Oh, don't listen to them," I said with a laugh. "You'll do brilliantly, I'm sure of it. And if you ever need help, just find me or one of your brothers."

We started talking more about Hogwarts—her excitement for the classes, her worries about making friends, and the houses. Ginny was endearing, and I found her nerves reminded me of my own before my first year.

The door slid open again, and Neville Longbottom poked his head in. His round face lit up when he saw us. "Hi, Hermione! Mind if I join you?"

"Not at all, Neville," I said, motioning to the empty seat next to me.

Neville plopped down, carefully balancing a plant pot on his lap and gave a polite smile to Ginny, who returned it.

"Trevor's gone missing again," he said with a sigh. "I've been looking for him since the train left."

"Oh no," I said sympathetically. "I'm sure he'll turn up, though. He always does, doesn't he?"

"Yeah, I suppose," Neville replied, though he didn't sound entirely convinced. He glanced at Ginny and asked, "Are you Ron's sister?"

Ginny nodded. "Yeah, I'm Ginny Weasley. I'm starting my first year."

Neville beamed. "You'll love it. Gryffindor's brilliant. I mean, I hope you're in Gryffindor."

"I hope so too," Ginny said with a small smile.

As we chatted about Hogwarts, the door slid open yet again, and Parvati Patil popped her head in.

"Hi, Hermione! Neville!" she said brightly. "Oh, hello. You must be Ron's sister. You look just like him."

Ginny blushed and gave a small wave.

"Mind if I sit for a bit? Lavender's gone off to settle in her little cousin, and I'm bored stiff," Parvati said.

"Sure," I said, scooting over to make room.

Parvati plopped down and immediately launched into a story about her summer, which involved a series of mishaps at a family wedding. Her animated retelling had us all laughing in no time, even Ginny, who seemed much more relaxed now.

As the train rolled on, I felt a little more at ease. The absence of Harry and Ron still gnawed at me. What in the world could have happened to them? I hoped they were okay.

The train finally screeched to a halt at Hogsmeade Station, and I gathered my things as the aisles filled with the bustling energy of students eager to get to the castle. Ginny stuck close by my side, her nervous excitement practically radiating off her. Neville was just behind us, carefully cradling Trevor, as he had finally managed to find him.

Stepping onto the platform, the crisp evening air hit my face, carrying the scent of pine and lake water. The platform buzzed with chatter and shouts, and the dim glow of lanterns lit up the sea of black robes. Hagrid's booming voice rose above the noise as he called for the first years.

"First years, this way! Over here, follow me!"

Ginny glanced at me, looking slightly pale. "Do you think Harry and Ron are here? Maybe they're just ahead somewhere?"

I scanned the platform, my eyes darting from group to group. But no matter how hard I looked, I couldn't find them. The knot of worry that had been growing in my chest tightened even more. "I don't see them," I admitted reluctantly. "But they'll be here. I'm sure of it."

Ginny gave a small nod, her hands clutching her robes. "Alright," she said quietly, though her voice betrayed her doubt.

"It's going to be fine," I said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Hagrid will take care of you. And I'll see you in the Great Hall soon."

She gave me a weak smile before joining the other first years gathering around Hagrid. I watched her go, my heart aching a little for her nervousness. I remembered all too well how daunting this night had been for me when I first arrived.

I turned toward the carriages, which stood waiting just beyond the platform. They moved as if by magic—an astonishing sight that still amazed me, even though I knew by now not to question it. Climbing into an empty one, I placed my bag on the seat beside me. The carriage swayed slightly as others boarded nearby, their voices floating through the air. But I couldn't focus on their excitement or the scenery around me. My thoughts were consumed by the absence of Harry and Ron. What could have happened? Where could they be? My stomach twisted with unease.

The ride to the castle felt agonizingly slow. I stared out at the dark horizon, my heart lifting slightly as the towering silhouette of Hogwarts came into view. The castle was as magnificent as ever, its glowing windows standing out against the night like hundreds of stars. Even after a year away, the sight of it still filled me with awe. It was home—a place of safety and wonder—but tonight, my worry overshadowed the joy I usually felt returning here.

When the carriages stopped, I climbed out, my feet crunching on the gravel path. The grand stone staircase loomed ahead, and I hurried up with the others, clutching my bag tightly. The glow from inside the castle spilled out onto the steps, welcoming us all back. But as I stepped through the great oak doors, my heart pounded with anticipation. I scanned the crowd, my eyes searching desperately for Harry and Ron. I was seriously starting to consider that they had missed the train.

The Great Hall was as magnificent as ever, its enchanted ceiling reflecting the deep navy sky scattered with stars. Golden plates and goblets gleamed on the long tables, and the warm, flickering glow of candles floated high above us, casting a soft light over everything. The chatter of students echoed around the vast hall, rising and falling like waves. I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder, no matter how many times I'd seen it. It was as if Hogwarts itself was welcoming us home.

I slid into my seat at the Gryffindor table, still scanning the room for any sign of Harry or Ron. I suddenly felt a pang of loneliness. The noise and energy of the hall were comforting, but without them, it didn't feel quite right.

"Oi, Hermione!" Fred's voice jolted me out of my thoughts. He and George appeared on either side of me, identical mischievous grins plastered on their faces.

"Have you seen Harry or Ron?" Fred asked, leaning in. "We lost track of them at King's Cross."

"No," I said, frowning. "I haven't seen them since Diagon Alley. I thought they were with you."

George raised an eyebrow. "With us? No. They never sat with us on the train. You sure they're not lurking about somewhere?"

"I've been looking all over," I said, my voice tinged with worry. "They're not here. What if something happened to them?"

"Relax," George said, patting my shoulder. "I'm sure they will turn up."

The first years filed into the Great Hall, looking nervous and awestruck, just as I remembered feeling last year. They shuffled in behind Professor McGonagall, who led them to the front of the room where the Sorting Hat sat waiting on its stool. It was old and tattered, the brim slightly drooping, but its presence commanded attention. The chatter in the hall faded as everyone turned to watch the ceremony. Ginny was among them, her face pale but determined as she glanced around the room.

The Sorting Hat twitched, its brim curving upward as though it were smiling. Then, to no one's surprise, it burst into song, the raspy voice echoing through the hall.

In times of old, when Hogwarts rose,

Its founders, four, their virtues chose.

Four houses they established here,

Each bound by traits they held most dear.

Brave Gryffindor, with heart so true,

Valued courage to see things through.

If you're bold and take the lead,

To Gryffindor you'll go, indeed!

Fair Hufflepuff, with steady hand,

Taught hard work is what makes us grand.

If loyalty's your steadfast creed,

Hufflepuff is where you'll succeed.

Wise Ravenclaw, with sharpest mind,

Believed in wit and learning combined.

If clever thoughts your time consume,

Then Ravenclaw will give you room.

And Slytherin, so shrewd and sly,

Found cunning's strength would never die.

If ambition runs in your vein,

To Slytherin you'll stake your claim.

So place me here upon your head,

And let me judge what must be said.

For in my brim, your traits reside—

A house I'll choose where you'll abide

The hall burst into applause as the Sorting Hat finished its song, dipping its brim as though taking a bow. I clapped enthusiastically, smiling at the first years who were now whispering nervously among themselves.

"Always impressive," Fred murmured beside me, though his tone was half-amused.

"Let's hope it doesn't scare them too much," George added.

The Sorting Ceremony carried on, and despite my mounting worry about Ron and Harry, I tried to focus. The first years all looked so small and nervous, clutching their robes and glancing around the towering hall with wide eyes. Professor McGonagall read the names from her list, and one by one, the new students stepped forward.

Robin Abbott, a girl with sharp features and a proud stance, approached the Sorting Hat. It barely touched her head before it roared, "Slytherin!" She walked briskly to the Slytherin table, her expression unreadable.

Ashley Bones, whom I understood being Susan's little sister, was next, a shy looking girl with her hair in pigtails. The Sorting Hat deliberated for a moment before calling out, "Hufflepuff!" She looked relieved as she scurried to join her new housemates, greeted by warm cheers.

Sienna Brown, Lavender's little cousin, who carried herself with quiet confidence, was sorted into Ravenclaw. She smiled softly and joined her table, where the other Ravenclaws were already making space for her.

Colin Creevey was so excited, he nearly tripped on his way to the stool. When the hat shouted, "Gryffindor!" his face lit up like Christmas morning. He darted over to our table, looking as though he couldn't believe his luck.

I was surprised to tune the sorting out. I had way too much on my mind. I had half a thought of going up to Professor Dumbledore myself and demand we find my boys.

Luna Lovegood's wide, dreamy eyes darted around the hall as she seemingly floated toward the stool. The hat seemed to consider her for a moment before deciding, "Ravenclaw!" Luna smiled serenely and made her way to her table, unfazed by the curious stares.

I could hear Percy, Fred, and George having an argument in whispers. It seemed as if Percy wasn't appearing concerned enough about Ron for the twins liking.

Asani Shafiq, a lovely girl with thick curls and a nervous stance, approached the stool. The Sorting Hat shouted, "Gryffindor!" Asani grinned and sauntered over to our table, looking pleased.

Harper Travers, a tall boy with piercing eyes, sat on the stool with an air of determination. The hat boomed, "Slytherin!" and Harper joined the Slytherin table.

Damien Thompson, a round-faced boy with a nervous smile, shuffled to the stool. "Hufflepuff!" the hat called, and Damien jogged over to his new table, his nerves giving way to a smile.

"Ginevra Weasley!" McGonagall called out. I tapped Fred's arm to get his attention from arguing with Percy.

Ginny walked up to the stool with confidence, though her cheeks were flushed. The hat barely grazed her head before shouting, "Gryffindor!" Our table erupted in cheers as Ginny joined us, looking thrilled. Fred and George gave her pats on the back.

"Weasley and Gryffindor go hand and hand, I'll always say"

"HEAR, HEAR!"

As soon as the Sorting Hat was carried away, the golden plates before us filled with an abundance of food: roast chicken, mashed potatoes swimming in gravy, steaming vegetables, and platters of pumpkin pasties and treacle tarts. The smells were heavenly, and the hall filled with the sounds of students digging in eagerly. I could hear Fred and George boasting about their summer pranks over the clinking of goblets and laughter ringing out from every table.

But despite the warm and festive atmosphere, my appetite had all but disappeared. I poked at my mashed potatoes with my fork, turning them over and over as my mind wandered back to Ron and Harry. My stomach churned with unease as snippets of conversation drifted toward me from all corners of the hall.

"Did you hear about the car?" someone whispered nearby.

"They flew it—crashed it, I heard!"

"Bet it was Potter. He's always up to something."

My cheeks burned as I listened, though I couldn't bring myself to join the conversations around me. Were they really talking about Ron and Harry? It all sounded so far-fetched, flying cars and trees, but I couldn't shake the worry gnawing at me.

Ginny, sitting a few seats down, looked as though she wanted to ask me something but stayed quiet, nibbling nervously on a roll. Colin Creevey, across the table, was chattering excitedly about Quidditch to anyone who would listen, his camera dangling from his neck.

"Do you think Harry will join the Gryffindor team again this year?" Colin asked loudly.

"Course he will," said Fred with a grin. "We'd kick him out if he didn't. Best Seeker we've ever had."

Just as the pudding disappeared, Dumbledore came into the hall from a door near the teacher's table. The noise in the hall quieted instantly, all eyes turning to the headmaster as he stepped up to the podium. His long silver beard shimmered in the candlelight, and his ever-present twinkle glinted in his eyes as he surveyed the room.

"Welcome!" he said, spreading his arms wide. "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! Before we begin to digest our delightful pudding, I must trouble you with a few announcements. First, a reminder to all students: the Forbidden Forest is, as its name suggests, strictly forbidden to all pupils. That includes those who think themselves particularly adventurous." His eyes flicked momentarily toward the Gryffindor table, where Fred and George exchanged knowing smirks.

"Second, Mr. Filch has, once again, added a new batch of items to his list of banned objects. The full list—now spanning approximately four hundred and seventy-two items—can be found pinned to his office door. Do take care to avoid it, unless you enjoy scrubbing the trophy room with a toothbrush."

A ripple of laughter spread across the hall, though I barely noticed it. My eyes were glued to Dumbledore, willing him to say something—anything—about Ron and Harry. But instead, his expression brightened as he continued.

"And now, to introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher." His voice lifted, and every head turned toward the staff table. "Please give a warm Hogwarts welcome to Professor Gilderoy Lockhart!"

There was a burst of applause, mostly from the girls and some of the younger witches at other tables. Lockhart stood, flashing a brilliant smile that made me blink at its shine even from across the hall. His robes were a deep turquoise, embroidered with silver patterns that caught the light, and he waved enthusiastically as if he were greeting fans at a performance.

"Oh, Merlin," muttered a fifth-year boy behind me. "He's going to be unbearable."

I wasn't sure what to think. I'd been so eager to meet him in Flourish and Blotts, yet seeing him now, I couldn't help feeling a bit embarrassed by his theatrics. Still, he was an accomplished wizard, he had indeed earned the right.

Dumbledore's voice drew my attention again. "Now go! Rest well, and prepare for another year of learning and growth. And, as always, may your time here be magical!"

The applause faded, and the hall began to empty as everyone made their way to their respective houses. I lingered, my eyes darting across the room, desperate to catch a glimpse of Harry or Ron. The rumors swirling around my head couldn't possibly be true, could they? A flying car, crashing into a tree? It all sounded ridiculous, but the pit in my stomach wouldn't go away.

After my search proved fruitless, I sighed and decided to make my way to the common room. On the way, I found a seventh-year Gryffindor who gave me the new password after I explained my situation. "Wattlebird," he said. I thanked him and hurried on, my feet dragging a little from exhaustion.

As I rounded a corner and stepped off one of the moving staircases, a flash of red hair caught my eye. My heart jumped. There, just ahead of me on the next flight of stairs, were Harry and Ron. I bolted after them, my robes flying behind me.

Ron gave an awkward wave, his grin a little too forced. "Hermione. You look swell..."

"There you are!" I exclaimed. "Where have you been? The most ridiculous rumors—someone said you'd been expelled for crashing a flying car!"

"Well, we haven't been expelled," Harry said quickly, trying to sound reassuring.

"You're not telling me you did fly here?" I asked, my voice rising. The very thought of it made my head spin. My hair was practically crackling with frizz from the sheer frustration I was feeling.

"Skip the lecture, please, and tell us the new password," Ron said, brushing past my question with a roll of his eyes.

"It's wattlebird," I said through gritted teeth, "but that's not the point—"

Before I could get another word in, the portrait of the Fat Lady swung open. A sudden roar of applause burst from the common room, and I saw that practically the entire Gryffindor house was still awake. The room was packed, with students perched on lopsided tables and squeezed into armchairs, clearly waiting for Harry and Ron to show up.

Before I could even process it, arms reached through the portrait hole, grabbing Harry and Ron and yanking them inside as cheers echoed through the room. I scrambled in after them, barely keeping my footing.

"Brilliant!" Lee Jordan yelled above the noise. "Inspired! Flying a car right into the Whomping Willow—people'll be talking about that one for years!"

"Good for you," added a fifth-year who rarely spoke to us, giving Harry a thumbs-up.

Fred and George pushed their way to the front, their grins stretching ear to ear. "Why couldn't we have come in the car, eh?" they said in unison.

Harry and Ron looked sheepish at first, but their grins quickly returned under all the praise—until Percy appeared, his expression the exact opposite of amused.

Ron tugged at Harry's sleeve, suddenly eager to escape. "Got to get upstairs—bit tired," he mumbled, dragging Harry toward the boys' dormitories.

"Night," Harry called back to me, his grin faltering slightly under the weight of my scowl.

I folded my arms, glaring after them. I had half a mind to follow them upstairs and demand an explanation for their foolishness, but my body had other plans. Exhaustion hit me like a crashing wave, and the adrenaline that had kept me going all day began to fade.

I trudged up to my dormitory, where Parvati and Lavender had yet to return. Their beds were still neatly made, and the room was quiet save for the soft rustling of the wind outside. I unpacked my pajamas and toiletries, then headed to the bathroom to brush my teeth. I scrubbed harder than necessary, trying to work out my frustration. A flying car. What on earth had possessed them?

After changing into my pajamas, I climbed into bed, my eyes wandering to the window, the night's sky looking as if it was painted with stars. Despite my lingering anger at Harry and Ron's idiocy, a warmth settled over me. I was back at Hogwarts. Back in my second home. And as I pulled the covers up to my chin, I couldn't help but smile.