Chapter 10 The Scarlet Train

Harry took notice of his surrounding in confusion. There was nothing but clouds as far as the eye could see and Harry was standing on them. Above, the azure sky was crystal clear and Harry could make out a faint group of stars. He was high in altitude yet didn't feel the numbing cold or pass out from the lack of oxygen. He felt couldn't help but feel lost. Where was his familiar? It was unlike the pair to be separated for a period of time and Harry was starting to grow anxious. He was alone, there was no other person or being in any direction.

Just as Harry was about to wallow in despair, a loud piercing roar filled the skies. Harry gave a startled yelp and jumped in fright. He looked around frantically, the source of the roar had to be near. It made a warm and comfortable feeling spread from the center of his chest. His familiar was near! Another roar tore through the air; louder and closer. Harry could feel the bond between the two pulse faster, grow stronger. He could hear the sound of large wings flapping rhythmically. From the clouds burst a great and magnificent beast. Harry fell on his back from the rush of wind and surprise.

The creature was three times larger than a shire horse. It had six limbs, a long tail, and neck. It had white scales that gleamed in the sunlight, amber colored eyes, two large horns a series of smaller ones protruding from the back of its skull. And a spiked spine, with the exception of the shoulders, that went down all the way down to the tip of the tail. It was a dragon! A dragon that Harry had only read about in fairytales!

The dragon landed only a few feet from Harry. Harry knew, though he was unsure how, that the dragon was female. He reached out his right hand up to pet her snout. The dragon looked down at the small boy inquisitively, then bent down until she was only inches from Harry's hand. Amber eyes stared deeply into emerald. "I won't hurt you." Harry promised, though he wasn't sure he could even if he wanted to.

The dragon snorted and tentatively pressed her snout against the palm of Harry's hand. Harry felt his magic and the magic in the dragon react spectacularly and felt it run through his arm to the dragon and vice-versa. "Whoa." Harry breathed out. The dragon grunted in agreement, Harry then felt a hot searing pain from the hand that was touching the dragon. His hand felt as though it was on fire! He seized his hand from the dragon and stared down at his palm. There was some weird marking on it. But before Harry could ponder further on it, his world went black.

The Potter twins both woke up with simultaneous gasp. Their movements so quick that Harry quickly lost his balance and fell face first on the floor. The raven haired boy groaned in pain and rubbed the sore spot on his forehead; which happen to be on his scar. "Why am I always the one that falls off the bed?" Harry muttered

"Because I choose to sleep next to the wall." Arya replied. Bleary eyes looked to the digital clock and Arya groaned in frustration. It was six-thirty in the morning! She flopped back onto her bed and sighed angrily when she realized she couldn't go back to sleep. "Did you have a green dragon in your dream?" she called out to the tired boy.

"Mine was white." Harry replied blearily. He had just found a comfortable spot on the floor and was about to drift off to sleep when the door to their small room banged open. There stood their obese and ill-tempered uncle. Already there was a light shade of pink dusting his face. Great he's mad. Harry thought wearily

Nothing new there. Arya thought sardonically.

"Right, Petunia and I agreed to take you both to the train station to get on that freaky little platform." Uncle Vernon grouched. He smiled maliciously at the twins. "But I never agreed when to take you. Both of you get dress we leave for the station in half an hour." he turned away from the twins and they could hear him muttering "The sooner I get rid of you lot, the better." and slammed the door.

"How kind of him." Arya muttered, before her eyes widen in shock. "Harry do you know what today is?" she scooted up to the edge of their bed. Harry, feeling Arya's excitement and a small amount of annoyance through their bond, sat up and stared bleary eyed at his twin.

"A day where I won't get to sleep in?" Harry griped

"Don't be so dramatic." Arya rolled her eyes. "Today is the day we finally go to Hogwarts!" Harry's eyes widen in shock, the lull of sleep finally ignored.

"Yes! I don't even care that Uncle Vernon is taking us off a few hours early, we finally get to go to Hogwarts!" Harry spoke joyously. The last two weeks of August were spent in anticipation and mostly in the Dursley household. As the autumn term for Hogwarts grew ever closer Professor Holcomb had less time to teach the four soon-to-be first years the wonderful gift of flight. Meetings were being held in rapid succession, teaching plans drawn, and other protocols that made running a school, especially a magical one, run as smooth as possible.

Because of this the Potters had no choice but to spend the rest of their summer with the Dursleys. Aunt Petunia exact her revenge from all the unannounced guest tainting her 'precious' house. The Potters cleaned like they never cleaned before. There was a whole day spent dusting all of Aunt Petunia's curios placed about the house. Arya had swore that their aunt was a secret hoarder and Harry couldn't help but agree. He never noticed the amount of gaudy stuff strewn on the numerous shelves until now. Then there was the day where they had to deep clean Dudley's room. Harry was still shuttering at that. He swore he had never seen that color green before on Dudley's old socks. Gross. Yesterday was spent all day trimming both the front and back yard, and they only had one meal; a half of a ham sandwich and a glass of water. When they were finally finished the twins were sent to their room without dinner and promptly fell asleep in the rags they still owned.

Quickly the twins brushed their teeth and washed their face, making sure to use only cold water, ran a comb through their hair; though it was a futile attempt for Harry. They threw their hand-me-downs into the wardrobe and put on their new clothes that they got for their birthday. It was lucky for Harry and Arya that they had already packed their belongings into their respective trunks. By the time their shoes were tied and they double-checked that every item that mattered was packed, the two dragged their trunks down the hall and the stairs.

Uncle Vernon stood by the door tapping his foot impatiently, their Aunt Petunia was heard in the kitchen making a weekend breakfast. Harry was pleased to notice the look of surprise on Uncle Vernon's face when he saw the clothes the Potter twins were wearing. No more clothes from Dudley. Harry thought with glee. Arya agreed wholeheartedly. "Have everything? I will not turn the car around for any funny little objects you may have forgotten." their Uncle Vernon warned

"We have everything." Harry spoke. Uncle Vernon looked as though he didn't believe him but went out the front door anyway. Uncle Vernon unlocked the trunk to the brand new company car and got into the driver's seat, waiting impatiently. Harry and Arya helped one another lift their trunks into the trunk before getting in the back seat. Without checking to see if either had their seatbelts on, Uncle Vernon reversed from the driveway and left the house. Arya grabbed hold of Harry's hand. We're finally leaving. Arya said in disbelief.

Yeah, a whole year of not seeing the Dursleys! We'll actually have friends, and learn magic. Harry felt a multitude of emotions. Arya was happy, anxious, and there was a small amount of worry. Why was she worried? Rya? Harry nudged

I'm a little nervous. Arya finally admitted.

About?

What if we're sorted into different houses? Harry sat back in his seat. Of everything that has happened, he never once paid to mind of the possibility. All of their lives, the twins had never been separated. Since the time they first lived with the Dursleys, they shared everything: the cupboard, food, clothes, their room, even the bed. It was naive to think that the situation wouldn't change. Never mind the fact that they are on their way to a boarding school, the boys and girls obviously slept in different dormitories. That already would be weird enough for Harry, he was used to sharing a bed with his sister; even if he almost always ends up on the floor. What would it be like should they be sorted into different houses? What if Harry was sorted into Gryffindor and Arya was sorted into Ravenclaw? Would they be able to handle the new distance between brother and sister?

Did it matter? Harry had always stuck by his sister's side, regardless of if she needed it or not, and had never dream of turning against her in anyway. Until this summer it has always been Harry and Arya, Arya and Harry. They were all that they had, they were the only ones that they considered family. No amount of distance would change that, right? Right. Harry was trying hard to convince himself. He had to admit he was worried of being separated from Arya as well. What would become of their relationship should they be sorted into different houses? Would their bond be as strong as it always been or will it weaken? Was there such a thing as twin bonds weakening?

That was a problem that could wait. He still had the growing anxiety of being separated from his twin to worry about. He spent a few more moments pondering before he answered Arya. It doesn't matter. We'll still be brother and sister, right? Harry asked in reassurance

Yes. Arya answered back.

And nothing separated us before, why should this be any different? We'll still have the same friends and be in the same classes. The only difference will be that we'll have our own beds. I think we'll be alright Arya. Are you too scared to go to Hogwarts now? Harry challenged.

Arya's eyes narrowed and smirk grew on her face. Never.

Good. I'm sure we'll be fine, you'll see.

Before Arya could respond to her brother, the car came to a jolting halt. Harry noticed then, with minor surprise, that they were now in London right in front of King's Cross. Uncle Vernon had pulled the car into a parking lot and hopped out the car in an eager fashion. Harry hadn't seen his Uncle look this happy since he gotten a proposal after a business dinner that ended up promoting the man. Harry and Arya stared at one another in confusion as they saw their Uncle bring forth two trolleys and placed the two trunks onto them. He turned and gave the twins a nasty grin on his face. "Well here we are, good luck getting to that freaky school of yours on a station that doesn't exist." he let out a funny snort and maneuvered around the shocked twins. He hopped into his shiny car and drove out of the parking lot.

Harry and Arya stood in shell shock silence. "He left us..." Arya breathed in disbelief. "That-that horrible walrus left us standing in the parking lot!"

"I-I knew there was a possibility of him leaving us...but for him to actually do that. Do you think we should scry Professor Holcomb?"

Arya thought about it for a few moments, before shaking her head no. "I don't want anyone knowing we're related to that." Arya spoke in disgust. Harry didn't point out that Professor Holcomb already knew of the Dursleys and silently agreed. There were only two Angels that were almost fully aware of the family situation between the Potters and Dursleys, the deep dislike between one another. The unfair treatment the twins had received for years because of jealousy and fear. Now that Harry thought about it, Arya was right. Why worry the adults more than they need to? Professors Holcomb and McGonagall had done more than enough for them. Harry didn't want to come off as needy, he and his sister had dealt with the Dursley's treatment for years, they could handle a few more hours. Besides the last thing they wanted from their friends was pity. The others wouldn't understand and would only look at their situation with sympathy; something both were not a fan of.

And Harry and Arya weren't going to give their Uncle the satisfaction, even though he wasn't aware, of calling for help simply because they were left alone in a bustling train station. The twins had always watched out for each other. Why should now be any different? With that in mind the Potters went into the station, ignoring the curious stares, sat on an unoccupied bench and proceeded to wait until they either saw the Holcombs or Weasleys walking by.

"Come on dad, we're going to be late!" the impatient cry of one Draco Black called out over his shoulder. Draco was average height for his age, had a pointy face, platinum blonde hair, and gray eyes. He was the only child to Lord Regulus Black, whom was taking his sweet time walking through the station, hands in his pockets. Seriously what was taking him long? "Daaad!" Draco whined.

"Relax son, we're already an hour early because of you." Lord Black chuckled. He looked over to his older cousin, Andromeda Tonks, and both smiled knowingly. "Were we that bad at his age?" Regulus questioned

Dromeda, a nickname Andromeda went by, snickered behind her hands. "I think so, though I remember I was a little worse than Draco. Nearly gave mother a few gray hairs, on that day alone." Andromeda was only eight years older than Regulus. She was a beautiful woman with the same aristocratic features the Blacks were known for. She had light brown hair and soft gray eyes filled with kindness. Andromeda was the proud mother to Nymphadora Tonks, and loving wife to Edward "Ted" Tonks; whom was a Muggleborn. Because of this Andromeda was disowned from the Black family until Regulus became head of the family.

"I think my mother was happy to get me on that train by the time it departed." Regulus recalled fondly. There weren't many happy memories associated with his mother but there were times when the woman was caring...somewhat. His father was a cold and standoffish man, that only cared that the Black line would continue. He was somewhat cruel in his punishments, much like his mother, especially when Sirius came into the picture. Regulus had made a promised to himself when Draco was left in his care that he would never be like his father. He would show Draco the love and affection that every child deserved. It wasn't hard to legally become Draco's father, who would want the son of a Death Eater after all? And so Draco Lucius Malfoy was renamed to Draco Sirius Black. In honor of his older brother.

Sirius. He had seen the Angel a few days after the Council Meeting; Andromeda was allowed to come as she was a certified Healer. It nerved Regulus to see his once carefree brother look as though he died and came back to life. His thin nearly skeletal frame, molted wings, greasy hair that would put Severus Snape to shame, and his gaunt face. His eyes were haunted, no longer held the mischievous twinkle that Regulus had known his whole life. He wasn't ashamed to admit it was a tearful reunion for the three of them. Sirius was even more overjoyed that he would finally receive justice after so many years and have a chance to get custody of the Potter twins. Regulus wanted desperately to tell Sirius of Iris and their bright and curious daughter, Luna. It wasn't his secret to tell.

Regulus looked at his son curiously as he and Dromeda walked passed Draco. "What happen to being in a hurry to the platform?" Regulus teased lightly.

Draco looked up at his Dad then over to the direction of two black haired siblings. "What game are they playing?" Draco asked. Regulus looked over to see two children Draco's age playing some Muggle hand game. They sat on a wooden bench with large trunks sitting next to them. The game they were playing involved a lot of clapping and sliding their hands together. Regulus was as confused as Draco was, having never seen that particular game before. However there was something familiar about them. He couldn't quite place his finger on it, but it was nagging him the back of his mind.

"Reggie, are those the Potter twins you mentioned a few days ago?" Andromeda asked

Regulus stared more aptly at young children now. No...they couldn't be. Regulus thought uncertainly. But they were. It was the famous Harry Potter and twin sister Arya Potter, in the middle of a bustling train station, alone. Regulus quickly scanned the crowds looking for any adult that might be the possible guardian to the twins. Though he blatantly realized it was a futile attempt as he had no idea what their guardians may look like. It was very well possible that the twins were here alone. The thought enraged the single father, what kind of person would willing leave two eleven years old by themselves in a busy public place, where the possibility of being kidnapped was high? "It's them. Let's see if they need help getting to the station." Regulus spoke evenly. Andromeda recognized the hidden anger in the Lord's voice. Not that she could blame her younger cousin, if what she was thinking was true then Regulus had every right to be angry.

Harry and Arya were making a new record in playing a hand game known as 'slide', they were now at number twenty-seven. It was the only game they could think of that could keep them preoccupied while waiting for the magical station to open. The platform they were awaiting for was known as Platform 9 . The twins were informed by Professor McGonagall that the platform was between Platforms nine and ten, and that one must walk through a barrier between the two platforms. Harry and his sister had tried few minutes after sitting on a wooden bench, only to discover that it yet had to be open. Arya wanted to read her textbooks but wisely thought against it as it would warrant more unwanted attention from the Muggles; they were already getting stares for sitting in the station for nearly three hours.

Think we'll get to thirty? Harry thought as he was still counting aloud. The twins had developed a skill of holding two entirely different conversations, though it wasn't refined as of yet.

We better, then we can check to see if that platform is finally open. Arya spoke back. There has to be people there by now.

A man cleared his throat and threw off the twins from their game. Both released groans of disappointment. "So close." Harry sighed, Arya smiled at her brother's theatrics and turned her attention to the tall man standing before them, a boy their age, and a woman behind the boy.

"Yeah?" Arya spoke uncertainly. Harry tensed up as well seeing the man standing a few feet from him and his sister.

"I'm sorry to intrude, but I couldn't help but notice the two of you are by yourselves. Are you alright?" the man with gray eyes spoke kindly.

Though it did little to appease the twins, regardless of the kindness of the Holcombs and Weasleys, Harry and Arya were still wary around adults. Especially ones that they've never met before. "We're fine, our, uh, Uncle went to get us something to eat...he'll be here any minute." Harry lied, to his horror he could feel his cheeks grow warm. He never could lie without giving it away.

The man and woman smiled at one another. The boy shook his head and the twins could hear him mutter "Pathetic."

Arya narrowed her eyes at the platinum blonde hair boy. "What?" she snapped

"Nothing." he said too quickly.

Before Arya's temper reached dangerous levels the woman stepped into the situation. "What Draco meant," here she looked at the boy disapprovingly "is that we know you are lying to us. Don't worry, we're not here to harm you." the woman quickly interjected after seeing the alarmed faces of the twins. "My name is Andromeda Tonks, this is my cousin Regulus Black and his son Draco. We noticed the trunks and figured you were off to Hogwarts as well. It's Draco's first year." she informed the twins.

Harry and Arya relaxed slightly once they figured that Mr. Black and Mrs. Tonks were just concerned parents. "Nice to meet you." they both said politely. "The platform is open then?" Harry asked

"Yes, why would it not?" Mr. Black asked confused. The twins only shrugged, they stood up from the bench and grabbed hold of their respective trolleys and pushed them off to where the platform was.

"No reason." Arya shrugged "Thank you for your concern, but we're fine. It was nice meeting you." Arya smiled then headed off to the barrier, her brother falling into steps with his sister. He heard the boy name Draco mutter something but couldn't catch it. What do you think of them?

They seem nice, a little nosy. But I guess that might be a parent thing. Harry shrugged. They quickly walked up to platforms nine and ten and were pleasantly surprised to see Mrs. Holcomb standing by the barrier along with her sons, Murtagh and Eragon. It seemed that Murtagh went through a growth spurt as he was now only an inch or two shorter than his Mom. Eragon's smile widen when he spotted the Potter twins heading their way. "I found them!" he exclaimed

Actually we found you. Arya thought exasperatedly, but smiled anyway at the Holcomb family.

Looks like Eragon's persistence is starting to pay off. Harry teased

Arya snorted and looked at Harry weirdly. Whatever gave you that idea?

Mrs. Holcomb smiled and quickly embraced the twins in hugs. "I figured you two would arrive early. Where are your guardians, I would very much like to meet them." Mrs. Holcomb looked behind the twins to see if perhaps they were not far behind.

"Uh actually, they were really busy this morning. So they just dropped us off." Arya said sheepishly; she wasn't much better at lying than Harry was.

Mrs. Holcomb looked scandalized. "They just left you here, alone?" she asked in shock. Eragon and Murtagh also looked at the twins weirdly.

"It's no big deal." Harry tried to assure. "We told them that we would have friends meeting us here." he continued on. Mrs. Holcomb pursed her lips and look like she wanted to say more but left it alone.

She put on a smile for the children and quickly instructed the twins on how to get through the barrier. "You may take a running start if you're nervous." Mrs. Holcomb instructed. It was a surreal feeling, Harry noted. It was almost as if one would run through fog. Harry felt his jaw drop and through the bond could feel Arya's awe. It was a steam-locomotivethe color scarlet and black. There were already a few families bustling about with their children's trunks. A few of the kids were already in their robes and thus had their wings out.

"This is amazing." Harry breathed out.

"Yeah." Arya agreed. The others walked in behind the Potters and Mrs. Holcomb bustled them away from the entrance as she spotted another family heading their way. Eragon had the same awe and wonderment on his face like the Potters. It truly was magical. Harry never ridden on a train before, not even the underground, and to find that it was exactly how they would travel to Hogwarts was thrilling for the young boy. If this was how students arrived to a magical boarding school, he could only imagine what the school might be like.

"Come, let's find you a compartment." Mrs. Holcomb ushered the three first years. Murtagh had already went off in his own direction to save a compartment for him and his friends. They found a good one near the back and with a flick of Mrs. Holcomb's wand the three trunks levitated to the racks above the seats. They rushed back outside to wait for the Weasleys' arrival. Mrs. Holcomb had informed the Potters, with amusement, that the Weasleys always showed up ten minutes before the train left.

The next half hour, while Mrs. Holcomb talked with various parents, was spent between talking with Eragon and people watching. Harry and Arya's eyes both widen in shock when they saw a woman with a huge red handbag and a stuffed vulture on her hat walking with a slightly chubby, blond boy who was holding a squirming toad. They saw a girl with bushy brown hair talking avidly with her parents as all three stood in wonder at the platform. Harry noticed curiously an older dark skin student held a small box open and some of his friends around him scream as they saw something harry crawling around. To the twin's annoyance they spotted Mr. Black again talking with a family that had two daughters; one a first year to Hogwarts and the other too young to attend the magical school. Every now and then the man would scan the ever growing crowd as if looking for someone. Harry had the feeling the man was looking for him and his sister.

Finally, with only ten minutes to spare, a sea of gingered hair people made their way through the crowded platform. "Molly, we're over here!" Mrs. Holcomb called out to the woman. Mrs. Weasley's head snapped to the direction of Harry's group and smiled widely. She called over to her sons, Ginny was close to her mother, and led the family over to Mrs. Holcomb.

"Well if it isn't..."

"our favorite twins..."

"besides us." the Weasley twins finished together, already Harry could feel a slight dizziness talking with these two.

"Hey Fred, George." Arya greeted the two. Harry and Arya went to exchange hellos with the rest of the family. They looked at Ron weirdly at the ill-placed scowl on his face. "What's wrong with you?" Arya asked. Harry jabbed his sister on the side, she gave him a look that said "What?"

"Oh don't mind Ron." Percy answered with a roll of his eyes. "He's still upset because Scabbers ran away a few weeks ago."

"Scabbers, the pet rat?" Harry asked

"Yeah." Ron moaned. Ron would have continued on with his story but Eragon interrupted him when he saw a familiar person walking by.

"Roran, Uncle Garrow! Sorry Ron, I haven't seen them all summer, you can tell me more about Scabbers on the train." He rushed off to greet his cousin and uncle.

Must he always be so cheerful. Arya sighed

It wouldn't help for you to pick up on it every now and then. Harry snipped "So your rat?" Harry turned his attention back to Ron. Personally he wasn't fond of rats, reminded him of the time he had to set up traps when the Dursleys had rats...and he had to pick up the bodies. Ew.

"Yeah I placed him in his cage, like I always do, and I thought I locked it. But when I woke up he wasn't there, we checked the entire house and he was nowhere to be found."

"Ron we'll get you another rat, but you all must be on that train. It leaves any minute!" Mrs. Weasley spoke. She quickly went down the line and gave a kiss to each of her sons. Harry was shocked to see Percy already changed into his Hogwarts uniform, with a prefect badge gleaming over his left chest. She then gave tight hugs to Harry and the others, Mrs. Holcomb doing the same. Before they were all ushered onto the cars. Final farewells and promises to scry to one another, or write letters, were heard between parents and students. Some of the parents had tears in their eyes as they waved goodbye to their children.

Ginny was also crying as she stood next to her Mom. "Don't cry Ginny!" George called out.

"Yeah, we'll send you a toilet seat, promise!"

"Fred, George!" Mrs. Weasley yelled out. The final whistle blew, the wheels began turning, slowly getting traction from the railways and began to move. It quickly picked up speed and was then speeding out of the station through London.

We're really going to Hogwarts. Harry said in disbelief.

I know. Arya replied, equally stunned.

"Right then we're off to our friends." said Fred

"Play nice midgets!" George yelled over his shoulder as he and his fellow twin walked down the corridor.

Eragon and Harry, helped Ron tow his trunk over to their compartment. "Gods Ron, what do you have in here, rocks?" Eragon huffed out.

"It wasn't this heavy this morning!" Ron said "I think Fred and George had something to do with it." With some difficulty the three managed to place Ron's trunk onto the rack with the others.

"Gee thanks for helping us out Rya." Harry said sarcastically

"No problem." she smirked at the boys. "You do realize you will have to bring it down for when you change your clothes." she was met with a round of moans.

"Your sister is evil, mate." Ron groaned as he plopped down onto the seat.

"Yeah well you don't live with her." Harry said Nor do you live with a horse, walrus, and pig. he thought. He hissed in pain and rubbed the sore spot where Arya punched his arm. He turned his attention over to Eragon, Ron was sighing morosely out the window. "I didn't know you had a cousin." Harry said curiously. Or an uncle. Harry thought. He didn't know what to make of Eragon's cousin and uncle yet. He didn't want to judge them based on appearances, that would make him no better than the Dursleys, but his personal experience regarding uncles and cousins had made him weary with anyone with such a title. It was stupid and illogical, Harry knew, but it still didn't quell the fear he had for his Uncle Vernon. The man could be dangerous if you anger him enough.

"Yeah this summer they spent camping out in the continent. Uncle Garrow loves to go camping and Roran picked up the hobby as well. They wanted to just travel from one magical camp to another. They actually live in Carvahall just a few houses from us. Roran is a year older than us and is in Hufflepuff. You'll meet him at school." Eragon spoke happily. He then turned his attention to Ron. "Sooo...are you feeling any better?" Eragon asked awkwardly

"No." Ron sighed "Scabbers has been in the family for ten years! He was first Percy's rat, before he gave him to me a few years ago. Now he's out there all alone, probably starving or in danger. You know we have garden gnomes, they could have taken him for food!"

"Uh Ron, garden gnomes don't eat rats." Eragon supplied. "No offense, but Scabbers wasn't the best pet to have. Didn't you often complain how all he would do was eat and sleep? Maybe this time you could get a magical rat for Christmas." Eragon tried to cheer.

"Maybe." Ron sighed. His face flushed a brilliant shade of red as he realized he was on the verge of tears. "Sorry, I should be happy huh? We're off to Hogwarts and all." Ron finished lamely. Arya rolled her eyes playfully. "So what house do you think you'll be in?"

"I'm between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff." Eragon spoke

"Gryffindor seems the coolest." Harry said excitingly, Arya shook her head with a groan.

"You would." she muttered "I like Ravenclaw the best."

"I'm with Harry, Gryffindor is the best. Well really any house other than Slytherin would be good. My Mom told me that all the darkángels come from that house, including You-Know-Who."

The rest of the train ride was spent in laughs, multiple conversations, and eating. Harry had found that he had a sweet tooth when it came to magical candy, especially sherbet lemon drops. Arya had a taste for all things sour, and had two bags of sour apple bites. Ron was happily munching away on chocolate frogs while Eragon was gorging away on cauldron cakes. At one point a girl with bushy hair and large teeth came to their compartment asking if any of them had seen a toad hop by. She quickly figured out that the famous Harry Potter was on the train before leaving, and the rest of the ride Harry and his friends were interrupted by small groups of people wanting to get a glimpse of Harry.

Harry was quickly becoming irritated by the stares from the students and wanted nothing more than to hide in his trunk. The three other first years were quick to ward off the others by either their words or glares; Arya's was the most intimidating. Thankfully Fred and George made it their sole mission to prank any passerby, their reputation must have been well known as nobody else came by the compartment.

At one point Arya kicked the boys out of the compartment and pulled down the shades. "Ladies first boys." she said with a slam of the door.

"Is she always like this?" Ron incredulous asked Harry.

"No, sometimes she has an off day and just gives you an evil glare." Harry spoke spookily. Ron laughed but Eragon rolled his eyes.

"Yeah laugh all you want, I'm still getting the glares from her."

"Cheer up, at least she doesn't call you an idiot anymore." Harry said helpfully.

I'm still thinking it, Eragon!

He can't hear you.

So?

Keep that up and I'll lock you in a room with Eragon.

...You wouldn't. Arya said skeptically

Try me.

Harry and the other boys quickly changed into their uniform and weirdly enough could not find anything wrong with Ron's trunk. Harry was happy to have his wand once more strapped to his forearm, it almost felt as though something was missing. By nightfall the train was decelerating as it came to the station at Hogsmeade. After waiting all summer, Harry and Arya were finally at Hogwarts.