Ginny's face burned as her mum fussed over her on the crowded platform, her arms weighed down by a bag Mrs. Weasley had stuffed with all sorts of treats and - as she called it - essentials for the journey. While Ginny glanced around, desperately hoping none of her future classmates would catch sight of her being babied like this, her father was talking to her in a low, serious voice about "staying safe, keeping out of trouble" and "writing often".
"Now, Ginny…" her mum said, as they stepped onto the train, leading her down the narrow corridor. "Make sure you remember to keep all your things in one spot. And don't go leaving your cloak lying around, you know how things can just vanish."
"Mum," Ginny muttered, hoping to stifle the embarrassment building in her throat. Her brothers had always found seats by themselves and she couldn't help but notice that her mum had never followed them onto the train like this.
"Oh, I know, dear, but it's important," her mum said, continuing to march down the corridor as she searched for an empty compartment. "And don't forget that you've got snacks and clean handkerchiefs and…" she rummaged through the bag before shoving it gently into Ginny's hands.
"Oh, look, Arthur, isn't that little Luna Lovegood sitting all by herself?"
Ginny tensed, seeing the familiar blonde hair peeking over the top of a book a few compartments away. "Mum, it's fine - I'm alright on my own," she mumbled, but her mother was already ushering her back down the hall.
"Oh, nonsense! You and Luna have known each other for years - such a lovely girl," Mrs. Weasley said, practically dragging Ginny along. "She'd be thrilled to have your company. Go on, dear!" She gave Ginny an encouraging nudge into the compartment.
Luna looked up, her large, dreamy eyes brightening as she spotted Ginny. "Oh, hello, Ginny," she said with a serene smile. "I was just reading about Nargles. They're known to infest mistletoe, you know."
Ginny forced a smile, trying to ignore the mortification prickling at her cheeks as her mum and dad finally left, waving and calling last-minute reminders down the corridor. The door slid shut, and Ginny slumped into the seat across from Luna, already anticipating a long train ride full of unusual conversation.
Luna tilted her head thoughtfully. "You've got a lot of Wrackspurts around you, Ginny. More than usual."
Ginny managed a weak chuckle, though Luna's words lingered in her mind. "Do I?" she murmured, trying to ignore the slight shiver running down her spine.
Ginny offered Luna a polite smile, trying to keep her tone light. "Actually, I just remembered… I promised my brothers I'd bring them something before the train really gets going. You know how they are, always forgetting things."
Luna blinked up at her, entirely unbothered. "Alright, Ginny. I'm sure your Wrackspurts will clear up eventually."
Ginny stifled a small, nervous laugh, clutching her bag with the diary safely inside. "Right… well, I'll be back later then, Luna." She slid the compartment door open, slipping into the corridor and letting out a soft sigh of relief. She didn't want to be unkind, but she also didn't want to start her Hogwarts journey with everyone seeing her as the girl who only had one… unusual friend.
Ginny strolled down the narrow corridor of the Hogwarts Express, her bag slung over her shoulder, the faint weight of the diary inside pressing against her. She peeked into compartments as she passed, her initial relief at leaving Luna fading into a pang of loneliness. Most of the compartments were already filled with groups of laughing, chatting students - old friends reuniting, siblings catching up and other first-years who had already settled in.
As she passed by one compartment, she saw a girl sitting alone by the window. She looked about Ginny's age, her dark hair pulled neatly back, her expression calm and composed as she gazed out at the passing countryside. The girl's compartment was empty otherwise and she gave Ginny a polite nod, inviting her in without a word.
Ginny opened the door and slipped in, offering a small smile. "Hi, do you mind if I join you?"
The girl returned her smile, gesturing to the seat across from her. "Not at all. I was hoping to meet someone else going to Hogwarts for the first time."
Ginny slid into the seat, setting her bag beside her. "I'm Ginny Weasley. I'm a first-year, too."
The girl nodded, seeming to consider the name before replying. "Mira Fenwick."
Ginny's eyes lit up with recognition. "Fenwick… are you related to Mervyn Fenwick, the Tornados' Keeper?"
Mira's face softened, a hint of pride evident. "Yes, he's my cousin. My family's quite proud of him, though I don't see him too often. He's always busy with Quidditch matches and training."
Ginny grinned, impressed. "I've seen him play! My brothers are big Quidditch fans, so I've gone to a few matches. He's brilliant at the goalposts."
Mira's smile grew, looking pleased with Ginny's enthusiasm. "Yes, he's very talented. My parents say he's made a name for himself already. They're hoping he'll eventually play for England."
As the conversation slowed, Ginny glanced down, fiddling with a thread on her sleeve before looking back at Mira. "So… what house do you want to be in?"
Mira paused, a faint smile crossing her face. "I think Gryffindor would be nice. Both my parents were in Gryffindor and I know they'd be pleased if at least one of us kept up the family tradition. My brother, Marcus, is in Ravenclaw, you see," she added. "And my uncle Benjy was a Gryffindor. They say he was really brave," her expression proud. "He fought against the Death Eaters in the war. He died protecting people."
Ginny's face fell for a moment, remembering the stories of her uncles Fabian and Gideon, who had fought bravely. "My mum's brothers - Fabian and Gideon Prewett - they died fighting too."
They exchanged a solemn look, each feeling the weight of their families' histories and sacrifices. It felt oddly reassuring to Ginny, to have this kind of connection with someone on her very first day.
After a reflective pause, Mira perked up. "But, even with all this talk of houses, they haven't told me how we actually get sorted."
Ginny groaned, half-exasperated, half-nervous. "I know! My brothers are no help - they just keep saying I'll have to fight an Acromantula or a troll." She rolled her eyes but couldn't shake her lingering worry. "It's got me wondering if the Sorting's something awful, but that can't be right, can it?"
Mira laughed lightly. "Marcus wouldn't tell me anything either. I asked my parents, but they just said it's a time-honoured tradition not to tell the first-years. Makes me wonder if it's all just to keep us guessing."
"Probably," Ginny agreed, managing a chuckle. "They're all being far too mysterious."
As the conversation drifted back and forth, Mira rested her hand on the book lying on her lap. Ginny glanced down at it, curious, then looked up at Mira as a lull settled between them.
"What's that you're reading?" she asked, nodding toward the book.
Mira straightened a little, looking down at the cover. "It's about old rituals," Mira said, holding up the cover. "Nothing dark, though - these are mostly light and protective rituals. I'm really interested in Samhain rites and other ancient traditions. It's sad… everyone hears the word ritual and thinks of dark magic or human sacrifices, but that's only one small part of it. Most are just about celebrating nature, protecting your home and remembering ancestors."
Ginny's interest was piqued. "I didn't know rituals could be like that. My mum's done little protective spells around the house, I think, but she never called them rituals."
Mira nodded. "That's part of what fascinates me. A lot of magical families don't realize how many of their customs come from these old traditions - rituals that keep their families connected or protect their homes. I know it's not a subject taught at Hogwarts, but I hope we can at least get a glimpse into some of that in our classes."
"That would be fascinating," Ginny agreed. She hesitated, thinking about her upcoming classes. "I guess I'm just excited about magic in general - Charms sounds amazing and Portions too."
"I know what you mean," Mira said, her eyes brightening. "I've wanted to try transfiguration spells ever since I heard about it from my brother. I think it's my top choice. There's just something incredible about changing one thing into another entirely."
Ginny nodded, feeling some of her nervousness ebb away. "That does sound brilliant. And my brother Bill told me Defence Against the Dark Arts is good - if you get the right teacher, anyway. He said learning to protect yourself is one of the most important things."
Mira's face grew thoughtful as she traced a hand over the cover of her book. "I'm excited about that too. And History of Magic, if it isn't too boring. But mostly Transfiguration."
They smiled at each other, sharing the same eagerness for what lay ahead. Ginny, with the comforting weight of Tom's presence nearby, felt for the first time that Hogwarts might really be a place where she'd find her own path - one that could surprise even her brothers.
Ginny had just started to relax, talking about classes with Mira, when the compartment door slid open, revealing Hermione Granger, looking slightly flustered. She glanced around, her brow furrowed in concern, before her gaze landed on Ginny.
"Ginny! Have you seen Ron or Harry anywhere? I can't find them on the train."
Ginny shook her head, her stomach tightening. "No, I haven't seen them since we left the platform. They're not here with you?"
Hermione frowned, crossing her arms thoughtfully. "I thought they'd be with you and your brothers, but no one's seen them anywhere." She glanced back down the corridor, looking torn between staying and continuing her search.
Just as she opened her mouth to say something else, Ginny's eyes caught something outside the window - a flash of light. She turned to look and her heart leapt into her throat.
There, gliding in the sky alongside the train, was her dad's enchanted Ford Anglia, with Ron and Harry clearly visible inside, looking completely windswept and terrified. The car wobbled in the air and just as they watched, Harry, hanging halfway out of the window, struggled to steady himself, nearly slipping out altogether.
"Merlin's beard!" Ginny gasped, clutching the edge of her seat. Her heart pounded as she watched Harry scramble back into the car, her panic rising with every passing second. "They're going to fall! Hermione - look!"
Hermione's eyes widened as she rushed to the window. "Oh my god, what are they thinking? They could be killed!"
Ginny's face went pale. She felt torn between horror at the danger Harry was in and the dread gnawing at her chest as she realized what this meant. Not only could they get hurt or worse, but the consequences would be disastrous for her dad. "They're using Dad's car… if they're caught…" her words trailed off, but the weight of her fears was clear.
Hermione pressed her hand to her mouth, glancing between Ginny and the flying car with a mixture of worry and disbelief. "This is bad. Really bad. The Ministry will find out. What were they thinking?"
Ginny's hands were shaking as she tried to focus on the scene outside the window. It was her father's car, enchanted with so much effort and secrecy, now out in broad daylight. And if something went wrong... she swallowed, the panic filling her voice. "If they get caught, Dad will be in huge trouble. He could lose his job!"
The train began to pick up speed, and they could see the car struggling to keep up, swaying dangerously in the wind. Ginny's eyes didn't leave the car as a hundred emotions flooded through her. Fear for Harry's safety, frustration at her brother's impulsiveness and a gnawing dread about what this would mean for her family.
"What should we do?" Ginny whispered, feeling helpless. It felt strange to stand by and watch, unable to stop them or even get them to listen.
Hermione looked as helpless as she did, biting her lip. "Nothing right now… let's just hope they don't get caught." She paused, then added, "But if they do make it to school… they'll have a lot of explaining to do."
Ginny nodded, trying to calm herself, though her eyes stayed glued to the car. She prayed silently that they would make it to Hogwarts safely and without anyone seeing them. But in her heart, she knew the consequences would follow them.
After Hermione left, Ginny felt a swirl of emotions - the worry for her father, the fear that Ron and Harry were risking their lives and the general nervousness she'd felt all morning about starting at Hogwarts. Mira, sensing her tension, closed her book on rituals and looked over with a soft, reassuring smile.
"It'll be alright, Ginny," Mira said gently. "Your brother and Potter are resourceful. They'll figure something out."
Tom's voice drifted into her thoughts, calm and steady, soothing the panic that threatened to rise.
"Mira is right. They are bound to reach Hogwarts, one way or another, and worrying won't change a thing. Focus on yourself, Ginny."
Ginny took a deep breath, letting herself sink into the peaceful bubble Mira and Tom seemed to create around her. The train ride settled into a comfortable routine of quiet conversation, Ginny flipping through a copy of Quidditch Weekly, while Mira continued with her book. It felt surprisingly easy, sitting there in quiet companionship, her worries softening.
When the Hogwarts Express finally pulled into Hogsmeade Station, Ginny and Mira changed into their robes, laughing softly at their awkward attempts to adjust the unfamiliar folds of fabric. The air buzzed with excitement as they joined the throng of students spilling onto the platform. Almost immediately, Ginny heard the booming voice of Hagrid, the Hogwarts gamekeeper, calling for the first years.
"Firs' years! Firs' years to me!"
Ginny joined the small group of first years gathering around Hagrid, her stomach twisting with nerves and excitement. Mira was by her side, her wide eyes reflecting Ginny's own mixture of awe and anticipation. As they waited, a boy with a camera slung around his neck approached them, his expression bright with excitement.
"Hi! I'm Colin Creevey," he introduced himself with a grin. "Are you two first years too?"
"Yes," Ginny replied, smiling back. "I'm Ginny Weasley and this is Mira Fenwick."
They exchanged brief introductions before Hagrid waved them forward, guiding them toward the lake where small boats bobbed gently in the water. Ginny, Mira and Colin climbed into one together and as they pushed off Colin snapped a few quick photos, unable to contain his enthusiasm.
"I still can't believe all this is real," Colin whispered, his voice filled with awe as he captured the scene around them. "I mean, Hogwarts!"
Mira smiled, glancing at Colin's camera. "Are you going to take a photo of everything?"
"Definitely!" Colin replied, glancing back at the shimmering view. "I can't wait to show them to my family."
As their boat glided across the lake, Ginny gazed up at the castle coming into view, its tall towers and twinkling windows illuminated against the night. She felt a mixture of nerves and anticipation swelling in her chest, but having Mira and Colin beside her kept her grounded, reminding her that she wasn't alone.
"Magnificent, isn't it? Don't worry, Ginny. This place will soon feel like home."
She shivered slightly, not from the cold but from the comforting presence of Tom's voice, grounding her, like he had since the day she'd first written in the diary. Even the sight of the looming castle, which might otherwise have made her feel small and insignificant, seemed less daunting with him by her side.
Stepping out of the boats, the first years huddled together, gazing in awe up at the castle as they made their way through the vast entrance doors. They waited just outside the Great Hall, the murmur of voices and clinking silverware drifting through the massive oak doors.
As the group of first-years waited outside the massive doors of Hogwarts, Ginny stood close to Mira, her nervous excitement returning as she took in the grandeur of the castle around them.
Just then, a boy with sharp, calculating eyes approached, his gaze settling on Mira with a look of polite interest.
"Hello Fenwick," he said, his voice smooth but cold. "I'm Nathaniel Harper. I believe our families are acquainted." He glanced at Mira's robes, nodding approvingly. "It's good to see some respectable bloodlines in this year."
Mira gave a polite nod, though her expression was unreadable.
Harper's gaze shifted, noticing Ginny beside her. His mouth twisted slightly as he looked Ginny over, taking in her simple robes and her red hair. "Though I'd be careful about the company you keep, Fenwick. Blood traitors can be… disappointing."
Ginny felt her cheeks burn, but before she could react, Mira raised an eyebrow and replied smoothly, "Better blood traitors than children of Death Eaters."
Harper's face hardened, and a faint sneer curled his lips, but before he could retort, Professor McGonagall's stern voice cut through the tension as she strode up to the group.
"First years, follow me, please."
Ginny shot Mira a grateful look as they fell into line, her spirits lifted by Mira's quick defence. She hadn't expected to feel such a strong sense of loyalty from someone she'd just met, but Mira's comment had made her feel immediately understood, like she might have found a good friend.
Professor McGonagall led the first years into the Great Hall, where the dazzling ceiling reflected the night sky, with floating candles casting a warm, flickering light over the long tables filled with older students. Ginny fell into line with the others, casting a nervous glance toward Mira, who gave her a small, reassuring smile. At the front of the hall sat a tattered, ancient-looking hat on a three-legged stool. The hall grew quiet and then, to her surprise, the hat began to sing about bravery, loyalty, cunning, and wisdom. Ginny's heart pounded as each student in front of her was called forward, Mira among them and as her new friend joined the Gryffindor table to welcoming cheers, Ginny could feel her own nerves intensify.
Finally, her name echoed through the hall. "Weasley, Ginevra."
Ginny took a deep breath as she stepped up to the stool, eyes focused on the Great Hall's far wall to avoid the hundreds of curious faces looking at her. She felt the Sorting Hat slide down over her ears, casting the room in shadow and filling her senses with a strange, humming presence.
"Another Weasley," it mused, sounding almost bored. "But there's something different… something hidden, yes… a shadow."
Ginny's stomach clenched. The Hat's presence drifted closer to the quiet, constant presence of Tom in her mind. She could feel it pause, almost hesitating.
"Is this… Tom Riddle?" the Hat wondered aloud, a trace of alarm in its tone. Ginny's breath caught. Her mind raced, but the Hat continued, its voice softening with a strange detachment. "No… someone else… strange, yes. But not my concern."
A wave of relief mixed with confusion surged through her. The Hat had sensed Tom - but dismissed him? Why? The Hat's voice shifted away from that momentary distraction, its tone brisk, as though it had turned back to the task at hand.
"You have courage," it intoned, "and loyalty - just like the others. And so…"
"Gryffindor!"
The last word rang in her ears as the Hat was lifted from her head, the noise of applause and cheers flooding back into her awareness. She stood, still dazed, making her way toward the Gryffindor table, where hands clapped her on the back and bright faces welcomed her. But her mind was reeling, unable to shake the Hat's eerie recognition of Tom.
Once she took her seat next to Mira, Ginny's thoughts sharpened. "Tom…" she whispered mentally "the Hat… it said your name. It knew you were there."
"Don't worry, Ginny," Tom replied, his tone gentle and reassuring. "The Hat remembers everyone it has ever sorted and it's been more than fifty years since it placed the real me. For a moment, it may have sensed my presence and assumed I was the real Tom Riddle."
"So, it thought you were actually…" she hesitated, glancing at the faces around her, "alive?"
"At first, yes," Tom said, his voice steady, soothing. "But the Hat is designed to see only enough to sort. Once it realized I was simply a memory, an enchantment within the diary, it lost interest."
Ginny nodded slightly, letting Tom's explanation settle over her. It made sense, but the notion left her with an odd feeling - like the Hat should have cared more or maybe warned her. But it hadn't. And no one else seemed to notice or worry.
A part of her wanted to ask Tom more, to press him for details, but the clatter of plates and laughter from her new housemates distracted her, pulling her back to the present moment. Tom had been there all along, guiding her, reassuring her. And while the Hat's words were strange, Tom's explanation did make sense.
As Ginny settled in at the Gryffindor table, she found herself completely spellbound by the Great Hall for a moment. Hundreds of floating candles hovered above, casting a warm, flickering light, while the enchanted ceiling reflected the twilight sky outside. It was like stepping into a dream.
She glanced around, hoping to spot Harry and Ron, but neither of them were anywhere in sight. Just across the table, Hermione looked tense, her gaze scanning the hall with a worried expression that matched Ginny's own concern. Where could they be? Ginny felt a familiar pang of anxiety rise up, but almost instinctively, Tom's calm voice echoed in her mind.
"They're resourceful, Ginny," he assured her smoothly, "I doubt anything could keep them from Hogwarts for long."
His words steadied her, helping her refocus on her surroundings. As the feast began, a girl with lively brown curls to her left introduced herself as Emily Kirke, while a quieter blonde with a nervous gaze - Daisy Bennett - sat nearby. They both greeted Ginny warmly and Mira gave them all a nod sitting beside her.
"So, did the Sorting Hat say anything unusual to you?" Emily asked with a playful grin, eyeing Ginny. "You looked a bit lost in thought afterwards."
Ginny's heart skipped a beat, but Tom's calm words steadied her. She gave a composed smile. "It was… a bit odd, but it seemed to know what it was doing."
"Same here." Daisy added softly, tucking a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. "It went back and forth between Hufflepuff and Gryffindor before finally picking Gryffindor."
As the conversation continued, Ginny realized she felt more at ease. Tom's gentle encouragement allowed her to respond with a confidence she hadn't known she possessed. Soon, she was even laughing along with her new friends as they shared stories about their families and mused over what lessons at Hogwarts might be like.
Mira leaned over, looking curiously at Emily and Daisy. "Are either of you good at Gobstones? My brother's the captain of the Gobstones Club. He's in Ravenclaw, but I'm sure I could put in a good word if you'd like to learn."
Emily shook her head, wrinkling her nose in amusement. "No, I'm terrible at it! I tried with my cousin last summer and he beat me every single time!"
Ginny felt herself laughing, feeling lighter and more confident with each passing moment. It was as if Tom was gently guiding her, helping her speak at just the right times, sharing insights and responding to little cues in the conversation. It was almost like he could read the room better than she ever could.
As the feast drew to a close, Ginny felt a comfortable warmth inside her chest. She hadn't expected to make friends this quickly or to feel this sense of belonging. For a moment, she simply enjoyed the presence of the girls around her, basking in the joyful atmosphere.
"See, Ginny?" Tom's voice echoed softly in her mind. "You're exactly where you should be."
After the feast, Ginny followed her new roommates to the Gryffindor common room, the crackling of the fireplace welcoming them as they climbed up the winding staircase to the girls' dormitory. She settled into her bed as Mira, Emily and Daisy chatted around her, sleepily recounting the feast's highlights. Tom's voice gently guided her, helping her join in, making her feel like a part of their easy camaraderie.
As the others began to drift off, Ginny lay back, staring at the heavy red curtains around her bed, feeling a rare sense of peace. She whispered a quiet "thank you" to Tom, letting his calming words soothe her as she finally drifted into sleep, feeling connected to him in a way she could not explain, but was thankful for.