His First Real Friend

His First Night

"Goodness gracious, Harry!" said Hermione, peering out of the window of their compartment, "it's starting to get dark."

Harry glanced through the window too and saw that she was right; wispy pink clouds drifted across purple skies. He couldn't help gawking at the majestic view. It was the first time he had ever seen mountains and forests up close, rather than in schoolbooks, or on television whenever he was allowed to watch (which was very rare after the evening news; it usually only happened when the Dursleys had forgotten to send him to his cupboard).

"Harry," said Hermione in her bossy tone of voice, "You'd better put your robes on quickly. We'll be at Hogwarts very soon."

"Er...Okay!"

Harry opened his trunk, spotting his folded school uniform next to his robes. He glanced at Hermione who was still sitting in her seat and his face grew warm. She was already wearing her robes and didn't seem to be inclined to leave.

"Erm—"

"What?"

"Hermione, I need to change."

"Oh! I'm sorry, Harry. Do you want me to leave, then?"

"Erm—" Now Harry was in a quandary. He didn't want to tell his new friend to leave, but he wasn't sure that he felt comfortable changing in front of a girl either. "Not really, but—"

Hermione looked a bit exasperated, and like she was going to tell him to make up his mind, then she seemed to think better of it.

"Alright Harry. I'll stand outside the door. Just knock when you're ready."

He breathed a sigh of relief. "Thanks Hermione! I'll be quick."

Her bossy look softened and she gave him a little smile and got up. The moment she was gone Harry hurriedly changed into his uniform and robes, flinging his muggle clothes messily into his trunk, and sweeping the rest of his sweets on top. He knocked on the door and Hermione entered, sitting down with him again, then Harry frowned.

"What's wrong now?"

"What about your luggage?"

"Oh! It's in a compartment with some other girls. It should be alright though. I can get it when we get to the train station."

Harry relaxed again, and moments later a voice emanated from some unknown source announcing their imminent arrival at Hogwarts.

"...Please leave your luggage on the train," the voice continued, "it will be taken to the school separately."

"See?" said Hermione primly. "It won't be a problem at all now."

"Cool!" said Harry, feeling relieved that he wouldn't have to lug his monstrously heavy trunk off the train; but his stomach began doing little flips as the Hogwarts Express slowed. He looked at Hermione and saw that her prim expression had been replaced with one of anxiety.

There was a loud shriek as the train lurched to a halt. Harry and Hermione both gulped as they exited the train and joined the growing crowd. As they were jostled by the throng, Harry suddenly realised that Hermione had a tight grip on his hand—no doubt so as not to get separated from him in the mob of students—and he felt his cheeks growing warm with embarrassment again. He hadn't really considered what people might think of him being best friends with a girl.

Harry buried that impulse, deciding quickly that he wasn't going to care about what other people thought. Then he heard a familiar voice booming across the platform and saw a gigantic hairy figure with a glowing lantern towering over everyone.

"Firs' years, this way!"

"That's Hagrid," said Harry, grinning.

"Oh, my goodness!" said Hermione, her eyes turning into saucers. "He does look like a giant."