* I just wrote this tidbit tonight. For those of you following the story, I just wanted you to know that I am indeed continuing now. I suppose this is more of a teaser...but I wanted to let you see where the next part of this story is going. Nothing too shocking, but I wanted to get an idea of who was still following*
Chapter Five Part One
Through the wafting smoke emitted from a bright red train not but ten yards away, Harry read "Platform 9 3/4" on a placard hanging above his newly adopted family. The bustle of young witches and wizards in their Hogwart's robes and ties saying their goodbyes and hurrying to get on the whistling train dazzled him nearly as much as Diagon Alley had just a month earlier. The only unhappy individuals among them, he noticed, were
Bellatrix, Draco and Mr. Malfoy - all wearing a wrinkled nose along with scornful eyes.
"Mudbloods everywhere," Bellatrix seethed.
"Don't worry dearies," Narcissa purred as she knelt down beside Harry and Draco. "I'm sure you'll find Crabbe and Goyle waiting for you when you get on, you mustn't pay any mind to your lessors. I want you both to write the moment you arrive, understand?"
Harry now found his own nose wrinkling in disgust upon hearing this. Having met both the klutzes during his time with the Malfoys, he had concluded that better conversation could be had with a pair of toads. Nevertheless, both he and Draco replied with their obedient 'yes ma'ams' at once.
As expected, Lucius knelt down beside them next, putting his hands on each of the boy's shoulders.
"Draco, you already know what I expect of you. The arm twisting it took to appoint Severus as headmaster will pale in comparison to your punishment if I receive any bad reports. And do not forget, Harrison still has much to learn. It is your job to guide him through his first year at school."
"I understand father," Draco responded with a nod.
"And Harrison," Lucius turned to Harry, still referring to him by what he considered to be his 'proper' name, "remember what Aunt Bella, Narcissa, and I I have taught you. Many of these families still believe your their 'little champion.' They have expectations. Don't conform to what they think you ought to be, go and be the wizard you think you should be. I hope to hear great things from you."
"I will try Uncle Malfoy, thank you," Harry responded as he attempted to maintain eye contact with Lucius.
Giving them both an approving nod and a pat on the shoulder, Lucius stood and levitated their trunks for them. Following him to the train, Harry and Draco could hear Bellatrix screaming at them from behind.
"Anything less than top marks and you'll be spending Christmas cleaning the dungeons with your toothbrush! And that goes double for you my little viper!"
Harry cringed at this. After a month of lessons from her, he knew that she wasn't one to make empty threats. However, he also knew that she was a formidable ally never to be taken for granted, for which he found himself rather grateful.
"Here we are!" Lucius shouted over the engine upon reaching the train, levitating their trunks into one of the compartments that ran along the lower exterior of the locomotive. "Go on now! I expect to hear from you both after you first day of class...and Harrison?!," he hollered before turning away.
"If anyone asks about your familiar, you make it clear to them that you have explicit permission from Headmaster Snape. I have taken the liberty of adding a few texts in your trunk that I believe you will find most interesting!"
Nodding his head in appreciation, he followed Draco into the red carpeted corridor of the Hogwarts Express.