The Hogwarts Express

This painting by Jim Kay is a preliminary version of the artwork featured on the front cover of the illustrated edition of The Philosopher's Stone. It shows the busy platform nine and three-quarters at King's Cross as students board the Hogwarts Express at the beginning of term. Harry Potter is singled out, standing with his loaded trolley and Hedwig amidst the hustle and bustle of families seeing off their children. The Hogwarts Express has a fierce, fire-breathing animal head decorating the top of its chimney and a shining bright light – a small winged hog sits at the very front, a nod to the name of Hogwarts. This journey marked Harry's transition to the world of magic, away from the Muggle-realm of the Dursleys.

A scarlet steam engine was waiting next to a platform packed with people.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone