Okay so from here until Summer 1992, you will see some lines and phrases from the book Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Those lines are owned by J.K. Rowling, and in no way am I trying to claim them. They are needed because this is a POV telling of the books, and I will have to use some of the things that Hermione has been told and heard around her. However, I may tweak some a bit to fit Hermione's internal dialogue and thoughts.

You will also see some lines and phrases from my fic The King's Chronicles. Conversations and moments between Ron and Hermione that happened in that fic will be showcased here, only in Hermione's POV and perspective.

That's all me, minus Rowling's work.

On with the fic!

Chapter 5: The Hogwarts Express

The next morning, I woke up before my alarm. For a moment, I lay there, staring at the ceiling, my heart pounding with anticipation. Today was the day.

Everything in my life was about to change.

I threw back the covers and jumped out of bed, the cool floorboards beneath my feet sending a small shiver up my spine. I hurried to my bathroom, where I washed my face and brushed my teeth as quickly as I could without skipping a single stroke. My mind raced with thoughts of the day ahead: the train, the castle, the classes.

I finished up and returned to my room, where my outfit for the day lay neatly folded on the armchair by the window. I'd originally planned to wear my blouse and skirt—something smart and proper for the occasion—but Mama had suggested something more comfortable for the long train ride. With a small sigh, I pulled on a soft jumper and my favorite pair of jeans, telling myself I could always change into my uniform closer to arrival.

By the time I was dressed, the smell of breakfast wafted up the stairs. I grabbed my wand box from my bedside table and tucked it carefully into my bag before heading down to the kitchen.

Mama was bustling about, flipping pancakes while the kettle whistled on the stove. Papa was seated at the table, the newspaper open in front of him, though he didn't seem to be reading it.

"Morning, Jeanie," Mama said brightly, turning to smile at me. "Excited?"

"Very," I said, sliding into my seat.

Papa folded the newspaper and set it aside, his dark eyes meeting mine. "You're sure you've got everything packed? Nothing left behind?"

"I checked three times last night, Papa," I assured him.

"Good," he said, nodding. "But we'll check again before we leave. Just in case."

Mama set a plate of pancakes in front of me, along with a steaming cup of tea. "Eat up, darling. You'll need your energy."

I dug in, though my nerves made it hard to eat as much as I usually would. The clock on the wall seemed to tick louder than usual, each second pulling me closer to the moment I'd been waiting for.

After breakfast, we loaded my trunk and owl cage—though sadly, no owl yet—into the car. Papa insisted on double-checking the straps holding everything in place, while Mama handed me my coat with a soft smile.

"Let's go," she said, her voice warm but tinged with emotion.

The drive to King's Cross was quiet, save for the hum of the engine and the occasional comment from Papa about traffic. I stared out the window, my heart thudding as I imagined what the train station would look like. Would there be other students there? Would anyone be wearing their robes already?

When we arrived, Papa parked the car and helped unload my things while Mama checked the ticket Scarlett had given us. "Platform Nine and Three-Quarters," she murmured, her brow furrowing.

"Sounds straightforward enough," Papa said, though his tone was skeptical.

We made our way through the bustling station, weaving through crowds of travelers pulling suitcases and boarding trains. My heart sank as we reached Platforms Nine and Ten—there was no sign of anything unusual.

"Are you sure this is the right place?" Papa asked, glancing at the ticket again.

"I think so," I said, my voice uncertain.

Mama turned to a passing railway worker. "Excuse me, could you tell us where to find Platform Nine and Three-Quarters?"

The man gave her an odd look. "Never heard of it. Try looking again, love."

"Very helpful," Papa muttered under his breath.

Just as I was beginning to panic, I spotted a family nearby with a trolley piled high with a trunk and an owl cage. The parents were chatting cheerfully as their children laughed and jostled one another.

"They're wizards," I said quickly, tugging on Mama's sleeve. "They must know where to go."

We approached them hesitantly, and the mother turned to us with a kind smile. "First time at Hogwarts?" she asked.

"Yes," Mama said, looking relieved.

"Not to worry, dear. It's a bit tricky at first, but it's easy once you know how. Just walk straight at the barrier between Platforms Nine and Ten. Don't stop, and don't be scared. Off you go!"

I stared at the barrier, my stomach flipping. Walk straight at it? What if it didn't work? What if I crashed into it?

"Go on, Jeanie," Mama said softly, giving my shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

I took a deep breath, gripping the handle of my trolley tightly, and stepped forward. My heart raced as I approached the solid brick wall, but just as I was sure I would hit it, the world seemed to shimmer. A moment later, I was standing on a completely different platform.

As I stepped through the shimmering barrier, with Mama and Papa appearing behind me a moment later, we all looked around in amazement.

"Well," Papa said, his voice a mix of awe and disbelief. "That's something."

"It's wonderful," Mama whispered, her hazel eyes wide.

I was in awe.

There it was—the Hogwarts Express.

The train was like something out of a storybook, only better because it was real. Its deep scarlet paint gleamed in the sunlight, polished to perfection as if it had been waiting just for this moment. The golden lettering on its side spelled out Hogwarts Express, bold and elegant, with the faintest swirl in the letters that gave them a magical air.

Puffs of white steam curled up from the engine like clouds being born, twisting and dancing in the air before vanishing. The sound of it was alive—a steady huffing and chuffing, as though the train itself was breathing, ready to carry us to places we'd only ever dreamed of.

The carriages stretched endlessly, it seemed, their windows glinting in the light. I could just make out students leaning out, calling to their families or chatting excitedly with friends. The doors were wide open, and I imagined that stepping inside would feel like entering a world entirely different from the one we'd left behind.

The platform buzzed with energy. Students in every shape and size darted about, their trunks rumbling behind them on squeaky wheels. Owls hooted from their cages, their voices blending with the calls of parents reminding their children not to forget this or that. A few younger students stood frozen, staring at the train with the same awe I felt, while older students looked confident, like they belonged here.

I couldn't help but notice the engine itself. It was enormous, towering over us, its metal pipes gleaming like silver veins against the rich red of the body. The smokestack let out another puff of steam, and the whistle blew—a sharp, joyful sound that made my heart race.

It was perfect. It was magical. It was everything I'd imagined and more.

As I stood there, gripping the handle of my trolley tightly, a single thought raced through my mind: This is it. This is where it begins.

"It's time," Mama said gently, brushing a tear from her cheek as she turned to hug me.

Papa pulled me into a firm embrace next. "Write to us as soon as you can, Mimi. Let us know how you're settling in."

"I will," I promised, my throat tight.

After loading my trunk onto the train and saying one last tearful goodbye to Mama and Papa, I wandered down the narrow corridor of the Hogwarts Express, peeking into compartments. Most were already filled with chattering students, some laughing, some comparing their wands, and others just staring out the window. I finally found an empty compartment near the middle of the train and slid the door open, settling myself by the window.

As the train began to pull away, I pressed my hand against the glass, watching Mama and Papa wave until they were nothing more than specks in the distance. My chest tightened briefly, but then I turned my attention to the countryside rolling by. I was on my way to Hogwarts.

A knock at the door startled me, and I turned to see a round-faced boy standing there with a nervous expression. He clutched a small suitcase in one hand and a shabby-looking toad in the other.

"Mind if I sit here?" he asked, his voice quiet but polite.

"Not at all," I said, scooting over to make room.

He heaved his suitcase onto the rack above and plopped into the seat across from me, holding the toad carefully on his lap. "I'm Neville Longbottom," he said, offering a small smile.

"Hermione Granger," I replied, returning the smile. "Is this your first year too?"

He nodded. "Yeah. Gran's been going on about Hogwarts for ages. I think she was worried I wouldn't get in."

"Why not?" I asked, genuinely curious.

Neville shrugged, looking down at the toad. "I'm not very good at magic. Gran says I'm a late bloomer."

I tilted my head thoughtfully. "Well, there's no rule that says you have to be amazing at magic right away, is there? That's what school is for—to learn."

His face brightened a little. "I suppose so. Thanks."

"What's his name?" I asked, nodding toward the toad.

"Trevor," Neville said, holding him up. "Gran got him for me. Says I need a proper pet to keep me out of trouble."

I chuckled. "He seems... quiet."

"Yeah," Neville said with a grin. "Probably smarter than me already."

We spent the next little while chatting. Neville told me about his gran's strict rules and his sprawling old house filled with magical knick-knacks, while I shared a bit about my parents and how I'd only learned about the wizarding world a few weeks ago.

"You sound excited," Neville said, his tone tinged with envy.

"Of course I'm excited!" I said, leaning forward. "There's so much to learn—charms, potions, transfiguration. And the library! I bet it's enormous."

"I guess," Neville said, fidgeting with the strap on Trevor's cage. "I just hope I don't mess things up too badly."

"You'll be fine," I said firmly. "And if you ever need help, I'll be happy to study with you."

Neville smiled at that, though he still looked a little nervous.

I took some time to go and change into my Hogwarts uniform. I was way too excited to continue to wait as my mother had said.

A couple hours later, a cheerful voice called out, "Anything from the trolley, dears?"

I turned to see an old woman pushing a trolley piled high with treats: chocolate frogs, cauldron cakes, licorice wands, pumpkin pasties, and so much more. My eyes widened at the sheer variety.

"Wow," I breathed. "Look at all of it."

"Want to get something?" Neville asked, already pulling out a handful of coins.

I hesitated, remembering Papa's stern warning about sugary treats. "I probably shouldn't," I said reluctantly. "My parents don't want me eating too much sugar."

Neville nodded, though he bought a chocolate frog and a pumpkin pasty for himself. I couldn't help but watch as he unwrapped the chocolate frog, which promptly leapt onto the seat beside him before he managed to grab it.

"Would you like a piece?" he offered, holding out the frog's leg.

"No, thank you," I said, smiling. "But I appreciate it."

Just as we were settling back into our seats, Neville's face fell. "Oh no," he muttered, glancing around.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Trevor," he said, panic creeping into his voice. "He's gone!"

I stood immediately, scanning the compartment. "He can't have gone far. Let's look."

We searched under the seats and around the luggage racks, but there was no sign of the toad.

"We should check the other compartments," I suggested.

Neville nodded, his face pale with worry.

We made our way down the corridor, peeking into compartments and asking if anyone had seen Trevor. Finally, I slid open the door to a compartment near the back of the train.

Inside were two boys—one with messy black hair and glasses, the other with bright red hair and a smudge of dirt on his nose. They looked up in surprise.

"Has anyone seen a toad? Neville's lost one,"

"We've already told him we haven't seen it," said the red haired boy. I was about to say something else, but the wand in his hand caught my eye.

"Oh, are you doing magic? Let's see it, then." I said excitedly, sitting down. The red haired boy looked as if he was taken aback, but I was too excited to see another child do magic, I missed the cue.

"Er — all right." He said, clearing his throat.

"Sunshine, daisies, butter mellow,

Turn this stupid, fat rat yellow."

He waved his wand, but nothing happened. The rat, who I believed he was attempting the spell on, stayed gray and fast asleep.

I was confused. Shouldn't he have known what to do?

"Are you sure that's a real spell?" I asked. "Well, it's not very good, is it? I've tried a few simple spells just for practice and it's all worked for me.

Nobody in my family's magic at all, it was ever such a surprise when I got my

letter, but I was ever so pleased, of course, I mean, it's the very best school of witchcraft there is, I've heard — I've learned all our course books by heart, of

course, I just hope it will be enough — I'm Hermione Granger, by the way, who

are you?"

By the looks on the boys' faces, I could tell that maybe I said things a little too fast. I took a moment to take both of the boys in.

The one with the round glasses had untidy black hair. His green eyes were bright and sharp, and there was a faint, lightning-shaped scar peeking out from under his fringe. He looked up at us with a curious expression, tilting his head slightly as he listened.

The other boy had bright red hair, freckles scattered across his face, and a slightly bored look in his blue eyes. He was slouched back in his seat, fiddling with a battered-looking wand in his hands. His clothes looked a bit too big for him, as though they'd been passed down from an older sibling.

"I'm Ron Weasley," said the redhead

"Harry Potter," said the black haired one with the glasses.

I felt a bit of excitement. I had read about this boy! He was really famous in the wizarding world. A celebrity if you will. Wow! I was attending a school with a famous wizard!

"Are you really?" I said. "I know all about you, of course — I got a few extra books, for background reading, and you're in Modern Magical History and The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts and Great Wizarding Events of

the Twentieth Century."

"Am I?" said Harry, looking positively astounded. I was confused. Did he not know of his fame?

"Goodness, didn't you know, I'd have found out everything I could if it

was me," I said, getting up. "Do either of you know what house you'll be in? I've

been asking around, and I hope I'm in Gryffindor, it sounds by far the best; I hear Dumbledore himself was in it, but I suppose Ravenclaw wouldn't be too

bad...Anyway, we'd better go and look for Neville's toad. You two had better

change, you know, I expect we'll be there soon."

And with that, I left, Neville following closely behind.

We went down to other compartments asking about the toad. I was starting to grow tired of this small adventure, so I urged Neville to go back to our seats after I finished talking to the conductor about when we would be arriving. As we made our way back to our compartment, I couldn't help but get frustrated at the children that were running here and there down the narrow side of the train. I understood with the excitement in the air, it was more than likely hard to stay still, but must they be so rowdy?

Neville went ahead of me while I went back in another compartment, eager to catch my breath. As it turned out, it ended up being the same one from earlier where we had met Harry and Ron.

"Can we help you with something?" Ron asked.

"You'd better hurry up and put your robes on, I've just been up to the

front to ask the conductor, and he says we're nearly there." I said. I gave them a once over. They looked a bit disheveled from the last time I had seen them.

"You haven't been fighting, have you?" I asked, placing my hands on my hips. "You'll be in trouble before we even get there!"

"Scabbers has been fighting, not us," said Ron, scowling at me. "Would you mind leaving while we change?"

"All right — I only came in here because people outside are behaving

very childishly, racing up and down the corridors," I said, in a sniffy

voice that I hadnt meant. However, he had irked me on the spot. "And you've got dirt on your nose, by the way, did you know?" pointing at his dirt smudged nose.

I turned and walked away as quickly as I could. Why did I just say that? I sounded positively stuffy. And here I was supposed to be making friends. I could already tell that Ron would more than likely not want much to do with me.

Felt a bit like the first day at the bus stop at the start of 5th grade last year.

The train slowed as it approached the station, the rhythmic clatter of the wheels growing softer and softer. I pressed my face to the window, my heart pounding. The view outside was dark, the faint outlines of distant hills illuminated by the silvery light of the moon.

"We're here," I whispered, half to myself.

Neville shifted nervously in his seat, clutching Trevor's empty cage. "What if I forget where to go? Or do something wrong?"

"You'll be fine," I said, though my voice trembled slightly. I wasn't sure if I was reassuring him or myself.

As the train came to a stop with a hiss of steam, the chatter of excited students filled the air. I stood quickly, smoothing my jumper. I had left my bags on the train as instructed. My nerves buzzed like electricity, but so did my excitement. Hogwarts was just beyond those doors, waiting for us.

Neville and I followed the stream of students off the train and onto the platform, the cool night air brushing against my cheeks. I clutched my wand box tightly, as though it might steady me.

"Firs' years! Firs' years over here! All right there?"

The booming voice cut through the chatter, and I turned to see the largest man I'd ever laid eyes on. He stood a head and shoulders taller than everyone else, his wild beard and hair making him look even more massive. Despite his size, his face was kind, his dark eyes crinkling with a smile.

"C'mon, follow me—any more firs' years? Mind yer step, now! Firs' years, follow me!"

"That's Hagrid," Neville whispered. "Gran talks about him sometimes."

I nodded, falling in step behind the other first years as we followed him down a steep, narrow path. The darkness on either side of us felt almost impenetrable, the faint rustling of leaves and snapping of twigs the only sounds aside from our footsteps. Nobody spoke much, the excitement of the train giving way to a nervous hush.

"Yeh'll get yer firs' sight o' Hogwarts in a sec," Hagrid called over his shoulder, his voice cutting through the darkness like a beacon. "Jus' round this bend here."

I gripped the strap of my bag tightly, my heart racing as we turned the corner.

"Oh!"

The narrow path suddenly opened onto the edge of a vast black lake, its surface so smooth it looked like glass. And there, perched atop a high mountain on the other side, was Hogwarts.

The castle was breathtaking. Its turrets and towers rose high into the starry sky, their windows glowing warmly like tiny lanterns. It looked like it had been pulled straight from the pages of a storybook, grand and impossibly beautiful.

I stopped in my tracks, unable to tear my eyes away. "It's... incredible," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Neville nodded beside me, his expression a mixture of awe and nerves.

"No more'n four to a boat!" Hagrid called, pointing to a fleet of small wooden boats sitting at the edge of the lake.

I saw Harry and Ron climb into one of the boats. Neville and I followed, carefully stepping into another and settling onto the smooth wooden seats. The boat rocked gently beneath us, but the water was calm.

"Everyone in?" Hagrid shouted, his booming voice carrying across the lake. "Right then—FORWARD!"

The boats moved all at once, gliding across the lake as if pulled by an invisible force. I leaned forward, my eyes fixed on the towering castle as we drew closer. The reflection of Hogwarts shimmered on the water, making it look even more magical.

The cool night air brushed against my face, and for a moment, everything else fell away—the nerves, the uncertainty, even the lingering sadness of leaving home. All that mattered was the adventure ahead.

"Heads down!" Hagrid bellowed as we approached the cliff.

We ducked as the boats carried us through a curtain of ivy, revealing a hidden tunnel beneath the castle. The air was damp and cool, the sound of water echoing faintly against the stone walls.

When we finally reached the underground harbor, we clambered out onto the rocky shore. My legs wobbled slightly, but the excitement buzzing through me made it easy to ignore.

"Oy, you there! Is this your toad?"

Hagrid held up Trevor, who looked none the worse for wear despite his brief escape.

"Trevor!" Neville cried, his face lighting up as he took the toad in his hands.

We followed Hagrid up a steep passageway, emerging onto a stretch of smooth, damp grass. The castle loomed above us now, its stone walls and towering spires even more imposing up close.

As we climbed the stone steps leading to the massive oak doors, my stomach fluttered with nerves again. I glanced at Neville, who looked pale but determined.

"Everyone here?" Hagrid asked, glancing around. "You there, still got yer toad?"

Neville nodded quickly, clutching Trevor tightly.

Hagrid raised a massive fist and knocked three times on the door, the sound echoing like thunder.

I held my breath, the weight of the moment sinking in. Beyond that door was the start of everything I'd dreamed about. I had a feeling Hogwarts was going to be brilliant.