Chapter 2: First Impressions

The days leading up to September 1st were a blur of preparations and anticipation. My mother, who worked as a Healer at St. Mungo's, took time off to help me get ready. We spent hours poring over my new textbooks, practicing basic spells, and discussing Hogwarts. Each passing day heightened my excitement and nervousness.

Finally, the morning of my departure arrived. I stood on Platform 9¾, marveling at the scarlet Hogwarts Express, which stood proudly, billowing steam. The platform was bustling with families, laughter, and excited chatter. For a moment, I forgot my anxieties and let myself be swept up in the magic of it all.

"Take care, Oliver," my mother said, pulling me into a tight hug. "Write to me often, and remember, have fun and make friends."

"I will, Mum," I promised, hugging her back. "See you at Christmas."

I boarded the train, dragging my trunk and carrying my new owl, a tawny named Athena. Finding an empty compartment, I settled in, feeling a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The train whistle blew, and slowly, we began our journey to Hogwarts.

As the scenery outside the window transformed from bustling cityscapes to the serene countryside, the compartment door slid open. A boy with red hair and freckles peeked in. "Mind if I join you? Everywhere else is full."

I recognized him instantly. Ron Weasley. "Sure, come in," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

He heaved his trunk inside and sat opposite me, a shy smile on his face. "Thanks. I'm Ron, by the way. Ron Weasley."

"Oliver Evans," I replied, extending my hand. "Nice to meet you."

We shook hands, and soon, we were chatting about our families, Hogwarts, and our excitement for the year ahead. Ron's easygoing nature helped put me at ease, and I found myself relaxing and enjoying the journey.

"Have you got your wand yet?" Ron asked, pulling out his own to show me. "Mine's second-hand. It's got a few nicks and scratches, but it works."

I nodded and showed him my wand. "Twelve inches, acacia wood with dragon heartstring. Ollivander said it's good for defensive spells."

"Blimey," Ron said, his eyes widening. "That's a great wand. Mine's willow with a unicorn hair core. It belonged to my brother Charlie."

Before long, the compartment door slid open again, and a bushy-haired girl entered, looking around with a curious expression. "Has anyone seen a toad? A boy named Neville's lost one."

I recognized her instantly. Hermione Granger. The brains of the trio. "No, we haven't seen a toad," I said. "But you're welcome to look around."

She thanked us and quickly checked the compartment. "I'm Hermione Granger, by the way. Who are you?"

"Oliver Evans," I said, smiling. "And this is Ron Weasley."

"Pleasure to meet you," Hermione said briskly. "You should change into your robes soon. We'll be arriving at Hogwarts shortly."

As she left, Ron raised an eyebrow. "She's a bit bossy, isn't she?"

I chuckled. "Maybe a bit. But I think she'll be alright."

We changed into our robes and soon enough, the train began to slow down. The excitement in the air was palpable as we gathered our belongings and prepared to disembark. Following the crowd of first-years, we were greeted by a towering figure with a bushy beard and twinkling eyes.

"Firs' years! Firs' years over here!" Hagrid called, his voice booming over the chatter. "Follow me, we're takin' boats to the castle."

Ron and I shared a boat with Hermione and a round-faced boy who introduced himself as Neville Longbottom. As we glided across the dark lake, the silhouette of Hogwarts appeared, its turrets and towers illuminated against the night sky. It was more breathtaking than I had ever imagined.

We reached the castle, and Professor McGonagall awaited us, her stern expression softened by a hint of a smile. She led us into the Great Hall, where hundreds of students sat at long tables, and the enchanted ceiling mirrored the starry night outside.

"The Sorting Ceremony will now begin," McGonagall announced, placing a worn, old hat on a stool. One by one, students were called up, and the hat announced their houses.

"Evans, Oliver!" McGonagall called.

Taking a deep breath, I walked up to the stool and sat down. The hat was placed on my head, and immediately, a voice echoed in my mind.

"Ah, an interesting one. Knowledge of the future, a desire to make a difference. Courage and intelligence in equal measure. Where to put you?"

"Gryffindor," I thought firmly. It was where I could make the most impact, where I could be close to Harry and help him.

"Gryffindor, eh? Very well, if you're sure… GRYFFINDOR!" the hat shouted.

The Gryffindor table erupted in cheers as I joined them, feeling a sense of belonging and purpose. Ron was sorted into Gryffindor soon after, followed by Hermione and Neville.

As the feast began, I looked around at my new housemates. Harry Potter sat a few seats down, his green eyes wide with wonder. This was it – the start of a new adventure, a chance to make a difference.

With friends by my side and knowledge of what lay ahead, I felt ready to face whatever challenges Hogwarts had in store. The future was uncertain, but one thing was clear: I was no longer a mere spectator. I was part of the story now, and I intended to write my own chapter in the magical world of Harry Potter.