The Boy Who Lived

Chapter 2

'Let's go, Nev, we will be late.' shouted Augusta Longbottom.
'In a second, I can't find Trevor' he shouted back.
'Why do you leave things till the last minute? ' asked the stressed Augusta.' How will you manage to live in Hogwarts?'
'Found him' said Neville, relieved. 'Let's go.'
They sat together in the car waiting outside their house.

King's Cross Station

'We're here, Nev, wake up' said Augusta as she woke her grandson up who had slept during the journey.
He had been unable to sleep the whole night due to the excitement of going to Hogwarts and making new friends.
He shook his head and blinked his eyes.
He followed Augusta to platform 9. He then ran right into the wall between platforms 9 and 10 guided by his grandmother.
He saw the Hogwarts Express and was dumbfounded by it. Hundreds of people were standing in Platform 9 3/4. The parents were tearfully saying their goodbyes. A group of people having flaming red hair stood out in the crowd. A boy, about his age said something to his mother and went to the train.
'Move ahead, Nev' said Augusta bringing him back to his senses. 'You won't find a good seat.'
'So this is it, Grandma.' said Neville. 'I'll see you after a whole year.'
She ruffled his hair affectionately.
'Take care of yourself and don't get into trouble.'
'Don't worry, Grandma.'
He hugged her and then rushed to the train.
He went ahead trying to find a compartment when he saw a blond boy rushing out of a compartment, his face flushed with anger. He saw into the compartment and saw two people.
He recognised one as the red headed boy he saw earlier. The other boy had jet-black hair and a lightning shaped scar on his forehead. He felt a sudden connection to him, something he had not experienced before. He closed the door and ran ahead. He saw a compartment occupied by a girl. He asked her politely if he could sit to which she replied affirmatively.
After a few minutes of silence, the girl said
'I'm Hermione Granger', extending her hand.
He took it and introduced himself.
'I'm Neville Longbottom.'
They struck up a conversation. He came to know that she was Muggle-born and also very intelligent. He also knew that she would be the smartest girl in his year. They were interrupted by a group of boys. One of them was the blond boy who he saw earlier surrounded by two boys.
He came straight to Hermione and said 'You're the girl who was showing off on the platform weren't you?'
Hermione was taken aback by his words.
'I'll see you around, Mudblood.' he sneered.
Neville stood up and said 'Get out'
The boy looked at him and then left the compartment.
'What an idiot.' he said.
'You shouldn't have, Neville,' she said shaking her head. She stayed put in her place and didn't say anything on the whole journey.