Harry stood at the entrance to Platform 9 , the solid brick wall that had just parted like a curtain, revealing a bustling world hidden from Muggle eyes. He clutched the handle of his newly purchased trunk in one hand and balanced Hedwig's cage in the other. The snowy owl inside hooted softly, as if sensing his nerves.
The platform was alive with activity, and Harry found himself momentarily overwhelmed by the sights and sounds. Witches and wizards in an array of brightly colored robes hurried about, some already bidding tearful goodbyes to their children, others giving last-minute instructions with stern expressions. The sheer vibrancy of the place was almost blinding. From the deep purples and emerald greens of traditional robes to the bright yellows and reds worn by the more flamboyant wizards, it seemed as though every shade of the rainbow had been summoned to the platform.
Students, some younger siblings not yet old enough to attend Hogwarts, ran around excitedly, their faces alight with the thrill of adventure. A little girl with wide eyes tugged at her mother's robes, pleading to be allowed to go, only to be met with gentle laughter and a promise of "next year." Older students, already dressed in their school robes, strode confidently through the crowd, some carrying broomsticks slung over their shoulders, their chests puffed out with pride as they showed off their Quidditch jerseys. Harry watched them with a mixture of awe and longing, imagining what it must feel like to be so sure of yourself in a world that was still so new and strange to him.
He felt a pang of discomfort as he looked down at his own clothes. In contrast to the magical garb all around him, he wore simple, well-worn Muggle clothing—a plain white t-shirt and jeans, with a pair of trainers that had seen better days. While Harry had always appreciated the practicality of his Muggle attire, especially after years of making do with Dudley's cast-offs, he suddenly felt out of place among the wizarding crowd. His outfit, so normal in the Muggle world, now seemed almost absurdly plain against the backdrop of shimmering robes and enchanted accessories.
But Harry had made a deliberate choice. He had magical robes tucked away in his trunk, but he wasn't ready to stand out just yet. The last thing he wanted was to draw attention to himself before he even boarded the train. He had spent the summer with Sirius Black and Remus Lupin at the Highgarden , a place filled with beautiful forest and garden. There, he had learned to embrace his heritage as a wizard, but he still harbored the deep-seated desire to keep a low profile. After all, the wizarding world could be a place of fame and notoriety—something he wasn't quite ready to embrace.
Sirius and Remus had wanted to come with him to the platform, but Harry had insisted they stay behind. Sirius, still uncomfortable in the presence of large crowds, had reluctantly agreed. After spending years in Azkaban and then recently got released , mingling with the wizarding community was not something he was ready for. Harry didn't want to subject him to the scrutiny that would come with his appearance in public. Besides, if anyone recognized Sirius, they would undoubtedly recognize Harry as well. Despite his lightning-shaped scar being slightly less noticeable after his glamour and healing potions, Harry knew it wouldn't take long for someone to piece together who he really was.
At eleven years old, Harry was taller than most of the first years arriving at the station. He had grown quickly over the years, his constant training at the Runestone Castle resulting in a lean, muscular build. He was stronger, faster, and more disciplined than he had ever been before. If it weren't for the childlike curiosity still evident in his green eyes, he could easily have been mistaken for a third-year student. The physical changes alone were enough to throw people off; no one would immediately connect him to the scrawny boy from the Dursleys' house.
With a deep breath, Harry adjusted his grip on his trunk. His fingers brushed against the cool surface of the lock, the password-activated mechanism a small but comforting reminder of his secret life. He had chosen a simple trunk for his school supplies—nothing too flashy or out of the ordinary. His advanced trunk, enchanted with hidden compartments and protections, was still safely hidden away at the Runestone Castle. The only special feature this one had was its password protection, which opened only when Harry spoke the words "Runestone Castle."
Hedwig gave another soft hoot, as if urging him to move forward, and Harry took her advice. The sooner he found a compartment on the train, the sooner he could disappear from the crowd. He had no intention of lingering on the platform longer than necessary.
As he moved through the throng of people, Harry kept his head down, avoiding eye contact. He had spent enough time around wizards to know that even the slightest recognition could lead to unwanted attention. For all his newfound strength and knowledge, Harry still craved the anonymity that had been stripped away from him the moment he learned of his true identity.
The Hogwarts Express loomed ahead, its gleaming red engine billowing steam into the air. Harry's heart pounded with anticipation as he approached the train, the reality of his new life sinking in with every step. This was it. The start of his journey into the world of magic. But this time, he would do it on his terms.
As Harry neared the open train doors, he couldn't help but notice a few familiar faces from Diagon Alley, where he had spent time shopping for his school supplies. There was a girl with bushy brown hair who looked like she was trying to memorize the titles of every book she had bought, and a girl with blonde who was chasing after a mischievous-looking cat. Harry felt a pang of curiosity about them—were they first years too? What were their stories?
But before he could dwell on it, Harry reminded himself of his goal: find a compartment and keep his head down. He slipped inside the train and began making his way down the narrow corridor, peeking into compartments as he passed. Most were already filled with groups of chattering students, some reuniting after the summer holidays, others nervously introducing themselves for the first time.
Finally, near the back of the train, Harry found an empty compartment. He quickly stowed his trunk in the overhead rack and placed Hedwig's cage on the seat beside him. The owl blinked at him with large, amber eyes, as if approving of the choice. Harry sat down with a sigh of relief, grateful for the temporary solitude.
As the train whistle blew, signaling the imminent departure, Harry gazed out of the window. The platform was beginning to clear as parents waved their last goodbyes, and younger siblings were pulled away, their faces pressed against the glass to catch one final glimpse of the magical train.
Harry's thoughts drifted back to the Runestone Castle and the treasures it held. He wondered how different his life would be now that he was heading to Hogwarts. The magical world was vast, and there was so much more to learn. But one thing was certain: he wouldn't be just another student at Hogwarts. He had secrets—ancient ones, powerful ones—and they would guide him in ways no one could predict.
As the train lurched forward, Harry felt a thrill of excitement. The Hogwarts Express began its journey, leaving behind the Muggle world and plunging into the unknown. This was the start of a new chapter in Harry's life, one filled with magic, danger, and discovery.
Harry settled into his seat in the compartment, feeling the gentle sway of the Hogwarts Express as it chugged along the tracks. The countryside rolled by outside the window, but Harry barely noticed. His mind was far from the scenery, immersed instead in the pages of the Journal of Eldritch Gosling, a fascinating collection of entries by a wizard explorer who had ventured into the darkest, most mysterious corners of the magical world. Each page was filled with stories of strange creatures, ancient ruins, and forgotten spells. The journal had been a treasure of knowledge, and Harry found himself drawn to it, captivated by the tales of adventure and danger.
He flipped the page, reading about Gosling's encounter with a tribe of centaurs in a distant forest. Harry admired the way Gosling described the experience with a mix of reverence and awe. It was clear that the wizard had a deep respect for the magical beings he encountered, even those that others might view as mere curiosities.
Harry sighed softly. Reading was easier than socializing. It always had been. Books didn't judge him, and they didn't ask difficult questions. They didn't expect him to be anything other than who he was. In a world where he was still trying to find his place, books provided a refuge—a place where he could lose himself in stories that were far removed from his own reality.
It wasn't that Harry didn't like people. He just didn't know how to connect with them. His experiences with the muggle world had left him wary of others, and even now, after spending time with Sirius and Remus, he still found it hard to break out of his shell. The only person who had ever truly understood him was Luna Lovegood, a girl who was as peculiar as she was kind. Luna had a way of seeing the world that was entirely her own, and Harry often felt that she saw through the masks people wore, straight to their hearts. But making friends had never come naturally to him. Luna had approached him, not the other way around. She had decided that they were friends, and Harry had simply gone along with it.
Luna was like a little sister to him, someone he felt fiercely protective of. But she was also beyond understanding, her mind working in ways that few could follow. Harry often wondered if he would ever meet anyone else like her, someone who could break through the walls he had built around now, though, Harry was content to keep to himself.
The journal was a good distraction, and he had already read most of his course books for the year. He had prepared as much as he could, eager to start his education at Hogwarts. But there was still a part of him that felt nervous, unsure of what awaited him at the school.
He was just about to dive into another of Gosling's adventures when a knock on the compartment door pulled him out of his thoughts. Harry looked up, his heart skipping a beat. He wasn't expecting visitors, and he hoped it wasn't someone who had recognized him.
The door slid open, and two girls stepped into the compartment. Both looked around Harry's age, and it was clear from the way they hesitated that they were also first-year students. The girl with black hair wore a nervous smile, while the redhead beside her blushed furiously as her eyes landed on Harry.
"Um… can we sit here?" the red-haired girl asked, her voice a little shaky. She avoided Harry's gaze, her cheeks turning an even deeper shade of red.
Harry blinked, taken aback by the request. He wasn't used to people asking to sit with him. Back at the Dursleys', he had always been ignored or pushed aside, and even at Runestone Castle, Sirius and Remus had given him plenty of space, understanding his need for solitude.
"Sure," Harry replied, trying to sound casual. He gestured to the empty seats across from him.
The girls exchanged a quick glance before stepping inside. As they settled into the compartment, Harry couldn't help but notice that both of them seemed a little flustered. The redhead kept sneaking glances at him, her blush deepening each time their eyes met.
"I'm Susan Bones," the red-haired girl said after a moment, her voice still a little high-pitched with nerves. She offered a tentative smile, though she still seemed to be struggling to meet Harry's gaze.
"And I'm Hannah Abbott," the black-haired girl added, giving a small wave.
"I'm Harry Potter," Harry introduced himself, trying to keep his voice steady. He watched as both girls' eyes widened in surprise, and the blush on Susan's cheeks deepened even further.
"You're… you're Harry Potter?" Susan squeaked, her voice rising in pitch. She seemed momentarily at a loss for words, her hands fidgeting in her lap. Harry had seen that reaction before, and it still made him uncomfortable. People's expectations of him were always tied to the legend of his name, rather than who he really was.
"Yes, I am," Harry said simply, giving her a small nod. He quickly looked back down at his book, hoping that the conversation would move on to something else. But he could feel their eyes on him, and he knew they were both staring at him intently.
"You're a first-year too?" Hannah asked, her tone more composed than Susan's, though she still seemed curious. "You look older."
Harry smiled faintly. "I get that a lot," he admitted. "I grew a bit over the summer."
Susan nodded, but she couldn't quite hide her blush. She glanced at Hannah, who smiled back, and the two girls seemed to relax slightly, though they still muttered to each other in hushed tones. Harry caught snippets of their conversation—mostly about him, it seemed. There was a lot of whispering and even some quiet squealing, and Harry could tell they were trying to be discreet, though they weren't doing a very good job of it.
Despite himself, Harry found the situation almost amusing. It was a far cry from the days when he had been ignored or bullied. Now, he was the subject of fascination, even if it made him feel awkward. But he didn't mind too much. They were friendly, at least, and their excitement was kind of contagious.
He noticed that both girls had their trunks with them, and they seemed to be struggling with the weight of them. Without thinking, Harry offered, "Do you need help with your trunks?"
Both girls looked up in surprise, their eyes widening again. "Oh, um, that would be great," Susan said quickly, her voice a little breathless.
Harry stood and flicked his wand, and with a simple gesture, both trunks lifted into the air, floating effortlessly toward the luggage rack. He guided them into place, securing them with ease.
Hannah's jaw dropped. "You can already use magic?" she asked, astonished. She had clearly not expected to see magic performed so casually, especially from another first-year.
Before Harry could respond, Susan cut in, her tone filled with admiration. "Of course, he can do magic—he's Harry Potter!"
Harry didn't correct her. It wasn't entirely true that he could use magic effortlessly; he had practiced hard at Runestone Castle, learning spells that most first-years wouldn't attempt. But he didn't feel the need to explain all of that now. Instead, he simply nodded and returned to his seat, picking up his book once more.
Susan and Hannah went back to their whispered conversation, though they kept sneaking glances at Harry every now and then. Harry pretended not to notice, focusing instead on the journal in his hands.
He flipped through the pages, immersing himself in Eldritch Gosling's tales of far-off lands and magical creatures. The adventurer had traveled to places Harry had only ever dreamed of, encountering beings both wondrous and terrifying. Harry found himself lost in the descriptions of enchanted forests, hidden cities, and dangerous beasts. It was a world that seemed so different from the one he had known growing up—a world full of possibilities and wonders.
As the train continued its journey, the rhythmic clacking of the wheels on the tracks became a comforting background noise. The compartment grew warm and cozy, the soft hum of conversation blending with the sounds of the train. Outside the window, the landscape blurred by, fields and forests giving way to rolling hills.
Occasionally, the trolley witch would pass by, offering sweets and snacks to the students. Susan and Hannah bought a few Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, and they giggled as they shared the treats. Harry politely declined when they offered him some, preferring to stay absorbed in his reading.
But even as he read, Harry couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. Every so often, he would glance up from his book to find Susan and Hannah studying him with wide eyes, as if they were trying to memorize every detail of his appearance. He knew they were curious—everyone was when it came to Harry Potter—but it still made him feel a little self-conscious.
Despite that, Harry couldn't help but feel a small sense of satisfaction. For the first time in a long while, he wasn't alone. He had company, even if he didn't know them well. And though he wasn't sure if they would become friends, it was nice to have someone to share the journey with.
As the train rolled on toward Hogwarts, Harry found himself growing more excited by the minute. The school was still a mystery to him, but it was a mystery he was eager to unravel. And as he turned the pages of Eldritch Gosling's journal, he couldn't help but wonder what adventures awaited him at Hogwarts.
The compartment remained quiet, save for the occasional giggle or whispered conversation between Susan and Hannah. They seemed to have settled into a comfortable rhythm, stealing glances at Harry now and then but mostly talking to each other about what they were expecting at Hogwarts. Harry overheard snippets about the different houses and the Sorting Ceremony, but he tried not to listen too closely. He didn't want to intrude on their conversation, and besides, he was too engrossed in his book.
But after a while, the quiet began to make Harry feel a little uneasy. It wasn't that he minded the silence—he was used to it, after all. But there was something about the atmosphere that made him feel like he should say something, anything, to break the tension. He wasn't sure why, but he felt like he owed it to the girls to try and be polite, even if small talk wasn't his forte.
"So, um… are you excited about Hogwarts?" Harry asked, closing his book and looking up at Susan and Hannah. The question felt awkward coming out of his mouth, but it was the best he could come up with.
Susan looked up, her blush returning as she met his gaze. "Oh, yes! I've been waiting for this day for years," she said enthusiastically. "My aunt, Amelia Bones, told me so many stories about Hogwarts. She's really important at the Ministry, you know? And she always said that Hogwarts is the most magical place in the world."
Hannah nodded eagerly. "Me too. My mum went to Hogwarts, and she always talks about how amazing it was. I can't wait to see the castle and everything. I wonder which house I'll be in…"
Harry smiled, relieved that they seemed eager to talk about Hogwarts. "Do you have any idea which house you might be sorted into?" he asked, genuinely curious.
Susan hesitated, glancing at Hannah before answering. "Well… I'd like to be in Hufflepuff. My whole family has been in Hufflepuff for generations, so I suppose it's where I belong too. But… I wouldn't mind being in Gryffindor either. They're brave, and… well, I'd like to think I'm brave too."
Hannah grinned. "I think you'd be a great Hufflepuff, Susan. You're loyal and kind, just like a Hufflepuff should be."
Susan blushed again, clearly pleased by the compliment. "Thanks, Hannah. What about you?"
Hannah shrugged. "I don't really know. Hufflepuff sounds nice, but I wouldn't mind Ravenclaw either. I like learning new things, and Ravenclaw is supposed to be full of smart people."
Harry nodded thoughtfully. He didn't know much about the houses, but from what he had read, each one had its own unique qualities. "I guess we'll find out soon enough," he said, trying to sound optimistic. He had no idea where he would end up, but he hoped it would be somewhere he could fit in.
The conversation continued, and Harry found himself relaxing a bit. Susan and Hannah were easy to talk to, and they didn't seem to expect too much from him. They asked him a few questions about his life before Hogwarts, but Harry kept his answers vague, not wanting to delve into the darker parts of his past. Instead, he steered the conversation back to Hogwarts, asking them about what they were most looking forward to.
"I can't wait to see the Great Hall," Susan said with a dreamy look in her eyes. "My aunt said it's the most beautiful room in the entire castle, with a ceiling that looks like the night sky. And the food—she said the feasts are amazing!"
Hannah nodded in agreement. "And the magic! I want to learn everything there is to know about magic. Charms, Transfiguration, Potions… it all sounds so exciting!"
Harry smiled at their enthusiasm. He couldn't deny that he was looking forward to learning magic from Hogwarts too. It was something he had dreamed about ever since he discovered the old castle and the hidden world of magic. The idea of actually studying magic in a real school, surrounded by other wizards and witches, felt almost too good to be true.