Freak of Nature – Chapter 5 (Hogwarts Express)
Remus had been the one to take Harry to Diagon Alley when the day got closer. He had chosen a day where the streets wouldn't be crowded with students and their parents.
Petunia and Dudley had tagged along with them. Petunia had tried to see if Dudley may have wanted to stay home. She didn't want him to turn into how she had been. So, bitter about magic that she turned against it. But Dudley had fought and said he wanted to be there for his cousin. So, she agreed and went along with the pair.
Harry had been amazed by the alley and that had been just the entrance past the Leaky Cauldron. He had made sure that Harry had his scar glamoured, he didn't want his first trip be ruined by being crowded by unknown witches and wizards.
Their first stop had been Gringotts after leaving the Leaky Cauldron. You couldn't really buy supplies with muggle money. Well... you could, but they probably would give him a weird look before directing him towards Gringotts.
Remus had used his experience with Diagon Alley and took them on a Wednesday at lunch. Because of this, the streets were as quiet and empty as Diagon could get. He had done this so Harry's first experience in the magical world wasn't ruined with fans overwhelming him.
Petunia had insisted on going, she was not about to sit at the house doing nothing while her son and nephew went with Remus for the day. Even if it was just shopping for Harry's wizarding supplies. She hadn't done so when Lily had gone to Diagon year after year, choosing to sit at home and sulk. She had been worried about Dudley; she didn't want him to see all this magic knowing he couldn't be a part of it. But apparently, he was better than she had been. He had stomped his feet saying he needed to support Harry.
Remus had escorted them Gringotts first.
The bank was run by goblins. "Don't stare, treat them with utmost respect and be straight forward. They don't those that are rude or try to suck up to them." Remus had warned his three companions. "They are vicious when provoked. But no one will guard your gold better."
Remus had taken the two boys on the cart ride down to Harry's trust vault. Petunia choosing to stay topside. It was a short trip and back.
After Gringotts, they had stopped by Ollivanders, though Petunia had sort of hung back, not quite going inside. Before mustering her courage and entering the old wand shop.
She could feel the magic hanging around, it was very intense. She was just thankful that Harry eventually got his wand so they could leave.
The next few shops were the Apothecary and getting Harry's telescope and scales. That had been a quick in and out. Though Petunia could feel the next shop would be longer.
It was a bookshop.
They followed the list to the letter, with a few exceptions.
"What are these all for Remus?" Harry asked.
"Don't you remember Professor McGonagall saying that you needed to study up for Potions, especially if you are to deal with Snape's teaching methods?"
Harry frowned; he did remember. He still didn't like that old bat of a wizard. Though the books did seem interesting, and he was always eager to learn.
But he did like Professor McGonagall, she was nice at least. Nothing like those other wizards that had talked to them. He wished Remus would be there at Hogwarts too.
At his Uncle Moony's encouragement, he picked out some easy reading books for his spare time. Quidditch Through the Ages, and Hogwarts; A History. He had even chosen some books on classes he would take as a third year.
Remus claimed it was to help Harry get an idea on what classes he may like. Though he was free to read them at his leisure.
Soon after, they finally left the shop. Thankfully there were only two stops left. Robes and getting an owl.
Remus had said that he needed to have a way to communicate between them while he was at school. Not even mentioning the fact that the school had an Owlry and they had school owls he could borrow.
Even if Remus and Petunia had tried, they wouldn't have been able to say no to buying that gorgeous Snowy Owl that was now perched on Harry's shoulder.
Harry had decided to make sure his owl had the perfect name. Unsurprisingly, it was Remus who had given him the perfect name. Hedwig. She had the appearance of being fierce, it was quiet fitting that her name meant battle.
Before any of them knew it, they were at Kings Cross on the First of September. They stared at the wall of brick between the signs that read Platform 9 on one side, Platform 10 on the other dubiously.
"You are kidding." Harry asked with a raised eyebrow, Remus just chuckled and nodded.
"I don't like this," Petunia mumbled with a shake of her head.
"Will I go splat?" Dudley asked, scarily enough he seemed like he wanted to test it.
"No, if you had been a Muggle, you would have to hold mine or Harry's hand to get through. But because of the inactive magic in squibs, you can get through, and also do Potions and basic Runes. Tunes, you will come with me. I know this is scary." Remus soothed.
"Auntie Tunia?" Harry asked, "You don't have to? You can say goodbye here?"
It was with her nephew's sweetness and concern that Petunia straightened up and braced herself.
"No dear. I am doing this for you." She said firmly nodding, blushing at the pride on Remus' face.
"Whoop!" Dudley hollered before running headfirst at the barrier, Harry blinked and suddenly his cousin was gone.
"Dudley! Oh, that child." Remus laughed heartedly. "Off you go Harry." with a grin Harry ran at the barrier, after seeing his cousin vanish, he had no reservations.
Harry felt himself tense as he passed through the barrier, although he could only tell he was through by the excess magic in the air. If Remus hadn't of been teaching him to meditate for his core, he wouldn't have noticed it. At first all he could see was white steam filling the station, but as it cleared, he felt his heart skip a beat.
Dudley was watching him with a wide grin, Harry's green eyes wide as he took in the massive scarlet train before him. A large sign with Platform 9 3/4 above the crowd.
"This is amazing!" He breathed out moving to stand at Dudley's side.
Students of all ages, sizes and races ran around them, he could see the various trunks and animals on trolleys. Owls, cats, toads, he even swore he saw a rat out of the corner of his eye before it was gone.
Harry jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder. But smiled when he realized it was just his Uncle.
"She's magnificent, isn't she?" Remus asked like he already knew the answer, but Harry nodded eagerly. Petunia was silent but was taking everything in just as wide-eyed as the children.
"Remus!" A loud voice called out over the noise of children calling out to friends and family.
"Dowager Longbottom!" Remus greeted happily, waving over a woman dressed in the most bizarre ensemble. She had on a long green dress, tightly fit. Topped off with a large stuffed vulture on her black hat, and a ferret scarf.
"I have told you to call me Augusta." Dowager Longbottom sniffed, she seemed like a strong woman, holding herself high. Shoulders back, eyes sharp, tone powerful.
"Of course, Augusta." Remus smiled.
"Neville! Where are you, child?" Augusta called, turning around, her stern and formidable expression softening slightly as her grandson made his way to her side.
"This is my grandson, Neville." She introduced.
Neville was a soft boy. Dark blonde hair brushing in a neat cut around his eyes and ears. Chubby, but not in an overweight way that Dudley had been once, but more baby fat and haven't grown into my height of kind of way. Baby blue eyes wary as he took in the people before him, shyly waving hello.
"Hello, Neville. Augusta, this is my family that I told you about." Remus greeted. " This is Lily's sister, Petunia Evans, she is the Mother and Aunt of my cubs. Dudley Evans and Harry Potter."
"So, this is Harry Potter?" Augusta asked, studying the boy intently.
"Augusta," Remus warned.
"Oh pftsh, relax, Remus. You know me, I don't believe in holding a child above the masses as an icon. He should be a child. But it is still an honour to meet Alice's Godson and the child behind the stories you have told me. But it is a pleasure to meet you all," Augusta smirked.
"So, are you ready for Hogwarts?" She asked Harry, peering down at him.
"Yes Ma'am," Harry squeaked.
"Oh, none of this Ma'am. Technically you are family. Augusta or Grandma will do." She said before turning to greet Petunia and Dudley.
Harry let out a breath once he was free from her stare.
"Sorry." Neville mumbled. "She can be scary."
"It's okay. Hi, I'm Harry!" Harry grinned sticking his hand out to shake like Remus taught him.
"Hi, I'm Neville." Neville smiled nervously as he grasped Harry's hand, as if expecting it to be retched back and laughed at.
"It is good to meet you both." Augusta smiled good naturedly before nodding her head in a greeting. Remus had informed her of his fear of how people would treat Harry. Though she couldn't help but slip into remembering the stories about him. She at least knew there was a difference between what you heard and the truth.
She used that moment to quietly chat with Petunia and Remus while the boys talked. But then she realized the time.
"Neville, dear, as rude as this is. The train will be leaving soon, and we won't want dear Harry to miss it either," Augusta suddenly interrupted.
Harry let out a pained sound as Petunia grabbed him into a tight hug. "You need to write at least twice a week." She demanded, tears in her eyes.
Harry nodded quickly before returning her hug. It had caught him slightly off guard. Before diving at Remus into a hug. He almost didn't want to go; he knew he would miss them.
"As your Uncle and Co-Parent, be good," Remus whispered as he kissed Harry's head. "But as Marauder I expect a letter of detention in the first month. Though, I'm expecting you to be in Ravenclaw. But I supposed Gryffindor wouldn't be too bad either," Remus teased with a grin.
Harry glowered at him before asking, "You sure you still won't tell me how we are sorted?"
Remus gave him a secretive smile, "enjoy your year, Harry. And remember what we told you."
"Don't let anyone be my friend because of my fame. If they react to my name in a way that doesn't seem right or ask questions with excitement, then be careful." Harry quoted seriously with a nod.
"But I have Neville to help me!" Harry chirped up happily. "Family is better than friends." He declared grinning at the shellshocked blonde.
Despite his words, Harry's hand had hung loosely by his side. Where he knew his tail was hidden. He was hoping that Remus' words were right, and it was obvious that he wouldn't be in the girl's dorms. He wasn't sure on how private their baths would be. But he trusted Remus.
He knew that he wouldn't be able to hide it like his mother had been able to. But Remus had faith in him and that seemed to be enough. But unfortunately, according to Remus' words, the boys' dorm didn't give off the same privacy his Mother had had in the girls' dormitories.
With trepidation and some more waving, Harry and Neville climbed up on the train.
Harry didn't stop waving until Remus, Petunia, and Dudley were out of view as the train continued on the tracks.
Neville stayed by his side as they searched for a compartment. Thankfully they managed to find an empty one up the front of the train rather quickly.
"This one looks good," Harry chirped, "We should've asked Remus to lift our trunks up before we left the station," he grunted as they struggled to lift the trunks above their heads.
"Whoa, tiny. Don't hurt yourself." A voice came from outside, "Here, let me." Harry felt his trunk leave his hands and watched it settle on the racks above the seat. Harry looked to see who had helped him. It was a slightly older boy, maybe thirteen.
The first thing that Harry noticed about him was his hazel eyes and the fact he looked to be on the muscular side. He had dark brown hair that was brushed away from his eyes.
Harry watched, mesmerized as the boy before him, proceeded to lift Neville's trunk without breaking a sweat
"I would have thought first years would know better than trying to lift trunks up there," the older student remarked.
"We, uhh, we didn't know any older students to ask for help." Harry blushed.
The brunette raised an eyebrow in disbelief.
"Better than a Gryffindor," he muttered.
That's when Harry noticed the Snake emblem and green trim on the robes. Remus had told him to be wary of Slytherin's but to be aware that not all of them were bad kids. His deceased Grandmother Dorea Potter née Black had been a Slytherin in her day. His Godfather's favourite cousin Andromeda had been a Slytherin who married a Muggleborn Hufflepuff. Unfortunately, it was the majority and loudest of Slytherin's he had to steer clear of. But this one seemed nice; he didn't have to help them. But he hadn't expected to be faced so early with discrimination against other houses. He hadn't even been sorted into a house yet.
"My parents were Gryffindors." He felt himself say, no, why did he say that? Harry could feel his cheeks heat up. Neville's nervous cough wasn't helping!
The Slytherin turned to look Harry fully, "is that supposed to mean something to me?"
"Uhhh..." Harry stuttered, he didn't know how to respond to that. He obviously didn't know this Slytherin, but he felt like he needed to say something. And now he felt stupid for saying something to begin with.
"You don't hate Gryffindors?! But I thought—" Harry felt himself respond.
"What that we are all evil and want to kill Gryffindors?" the Slytherin snapped?
Harry suddenly felt embarrassed and ashamed for his thoughts. But he felt he couldn't help it, not with everything that was said to him. Especially after the behavior of Snape.
"That's not what I meant! But what else am I supposed to think when you say something like that!" Harry couldn't help outburst.
If Petunia and Remus were there, they would probably be reminded of Lily and her infamous temper.
The Slytherin laughed, "I can see the Gryffindor right in you! Only a Gryffindor would get so defensive."
"I'm not defensive." Harry mumbled with a pout.
He snorted before crossing his arms, "Whatever you say... I could have easily meant that a Gryffindor would give you living hell just because you are struggling with your trunk."
"But what do I know... I'm just a slimy Slytherin, right?" he muttered sarcastically
"No!" Harry gasped.
The Slytherin blinked in surprise, whatever he was expecting, it wasn't that.
"My grandmother was a Slytherin, so I know not all of them are like that. That's like me comparing all Slytherins to Snape," Harry growled.
"You know Professor Snape already?" the Slytherin questioned, taken aback.
"You could say that..." Harry muttered sarcastically. "Seeing he was the reason I almost declined going to Hogwarts."
The Slytherin's eyes widened comically.
If Harry hadn't been so annoyed by the thought of Snape, he may have snickered. He still wasn't very happy at the notion of having to take Potions with that greasy bat. But at least he didn't have to be in his class all day.
"Why would a Professor be the reason for you not to attend?" the Slytherin asked baffled.
"He bullied my Aunt as a child, then came with the Headmaster and Professor McGonagall to deliver my acceptance letter. His superior than everyone attitude is disgusting, and he was rude to both my Aunt and Uncle! Then he got angry when they wouldn't take it lying down. He never even explained anything, just demanded that I went to Hogwarts and expected to follow a stranger." Harry huffed out, frustration leaking out. He wasn't sure why he was being so open with this boy; he didn't even know his name! But he felt like he could be, felt relaxed and calm. He had only felt that way around his family.
"Why in Merlin's name would you have the Headmaster, and two Heads of Houses drop your letter off? Even Muggleborns should only be visited by Professor McGonagall," the Slytherin asked baffled. Although a pureblood and a Slytherin, he was sort of friends with a few Ravenclaw Muggleborn and Halfbloods in his year after being paired together for Charms and Runes projects.
"Your guess is as good as mine," Harry replied, though he knew exactly why. But he wasn't going to tell that to him. The Slytherin obviously didn't know who he was, and he rather keep it that way. He was enjoying his company and didn't want him to change like Moony warned him will happen.
But he knew it was going to happen and he didn't know why he felt so disappointed and downhearted by that.
The boy narrowed his eyes, "You know why, you just don't want to share." he said finally with a smirk. "I will figure out your secrets, Tiny."
"My name isn't Tiny," Harry pouted, turning startled when Neville laughs behind him. "Oh, umm, this is godbrother Neville."
"Don't mind me." Neville chuckled; he had been enjoying this. So far Harry had seemed as shy as him, but he was volleying with the older Slytherin easily.
Harry blushed.
"I'm Graham, what's your name then Tiny?" Harry just gave a secret smile.
"Now that would be telling," Harry smirked, inside he was shocked, he didn't expect to say something that cool!
"OI MONTAGUE!" A loud voice thundered from behind them
"Where the fuck did he go?" another deeper voice joined.
Harry blushed at the vulgar language; his aunt would be furious if he had heard such things. Which was evident from the number of times she had lectured Remus for it.
"I'M COMING! MERLINS BALLS!" Graham stuck his head out the door to shout down the hall. "That's my mates." He said softly to Harry. "They don't have a patient broom in the shed." He rolled those beautiful brown eyes.
Harry shared a look at Neville, resisting the urge to laugh.
They watched as the Slytherin stormed out of the compartment. No doubt to go after his mates that were yelling at him.
"Well... he was interesting..." Harry remarked.
"You seemed to like him." Neville teased softly.
Harry blushed, hiding his face into his hands. "I don't even know what happened." He admitted. "I don't usually talk that much or get angry."
"He didn't seem to mind." Neville offered comfort. "He could've left straight after helping us with our trunks. But he stuck around"
"Yeah..." Harry mumbled. Trying to think on why Graham had stuck around. They were just first years. Shouldn't he have better things to do? And didn't older students tend to not like those younger than them?
They were startled out of their seats when their compartment door swung open with a bang. A lanky redhead, covered in freckles with a long nose with dirt smudge, bright blue eyes and second-hand clothes burst in.
"Er, hi!" He said loudly. "Everywhere else is full, can I sit here?"
Harry felt himself freeze on whatever he had just been about to say. He didn't like the way that red-haired kid was staring at him. He felt really uncomfortable and could already feel himself starting to close up on himself.
More than anything he wished that Remus or Petunia was there.
He also highly doubted everywhere would be full. This train was made for taking hundreds of students to and from Hogwarts. But he didn't like being rude, and from Neville's nervous expression he was the same.
"Umm, I guess." Harry offered tentatively.
"Great!" The redhead grinned, plonking himself down easily next to Neville opposite Harry. Neville carefully slid over slowly, giving them some space between them. It was then, that Harry saw he didn't have his trunk with him. When meant he must have found a compartment to store it... 'Hmm' he narrowed his eyes.
"I'm Ron!" The redhead grinned cheerfully.
Harry frowned; he didn't want to give out his name. He didn't like this boy, but he didn't want to be mean. He didn't even know why he had decided to barge into their compartment.
He wondered if he could pull out one of his books and read and just ignore the boy. Though he didn't want Neville to feel unwanted.
"I'm Neville," Neville spoke, noticing Harry's apprehension. Truth be told, he wasn't sure if he liked this redhead, but first impressions could be wrong.
"I am so excited to start Hogwarts!" Ron cheered, seemingly oblivious to the other two boys' discomfort. "I will be in Gryffindor of course, with my best friend."
"Where are they?" Harry asked, if he had a best friend, why wasn't with them.
"I can't find him," Ron responded easily and quickly. "But Harry Potter is famous, so he probably is caught up with some fans" he rolled his blue eyes. "I will go look for him again later."
Harry sunk down lower in his seat; this is what Remus had probably meant. That didn't make it any easier to listen to. Had it really been a good decision to go to Hogwarts? He had even felt a little less enthusiastic about being in Gryffindor if he was able to. His parents and Remus had been in the house and he liked where Professor McGonagall was the Head of House. It seemed like a good house, though he wasn't sure if he was very brave.
"What house will you guys be in?" Ron continued with a grin.
"We won't know until we get sorted," Neville said confused.
"Well yeah, but I know I will be in Gryffindor. My entire family has been for generations!" Ron shrugged. "It's the best house. Even Dumbledore was in it!"
"Great..." Harry muttered darkly.
The last thing he wanted was to think about the old coot right now. He didn't like the way he had been all smiles when Snape bought him to talk. He had then defended Snape bullying his Aunt! And then threatened his Aunt to remove him! A few years ago, he would've jumped at the chance. But he had a real family, who was some headmaster to take him away? Petunia had also admitted that Vernon hadn't lied about Harry being found on their doorstep in the morning. She had shown Remus, Harry and Dudley the letter that Dumbledore had left with a toddler, on the doorstep, on a cold night in the middle of Autumn! Anything could have happened to him! He came back to the present and Ron was still going on about how great Dumbledore and Gryffindor was. He felt his inner Marauder rise. It had been buried deep during his early years, but Remus actively encouraged it.
"I don't know." Harry hummed. "Hufflepuff is a pretty great house, I mean Hogwarts own Healer was one. Uncle Moony told me that majority of Healers come from there. Healers are heroes, they save lives, bring lives into the world, and make the lives of those leaving comfortable." Harry rambled out, not letting on that he was smirking on the inside as Ron's face dropped.
"And while my Grandfather was a Gryffindor, my Grandmother was a Slytherin! Uncle Moony tells me stories about her all the time! She was a powerful Runes and Warding Mistress!"
Ron's expression went extremely sour at the mention of Slytherin. Neville smiled softly; he could feel his confidence rising just being around Harry.
"My mother and her family were all Ravenclaws!" He added with the same false excitement as Harry. "She was an Auror with my father and my grandparents were Obliviators, keeping our world safe from breaches against the statute of secrecy."
Ron sat quietly, mouth agape, blue eyes flickering between the other two boys in shock.
He tried to talk, but all Harry and Neville could hear was a few gargled sounds. They shared a look of mirth; it hadn't even taken that much to shut the redhead up.
It was then, that a knock came from the door before it was slid open. An old lady with grey hair, in a loose curly bun, and kind brown eyes peered in.
"Anything from the Honeydukes trolley dears?" She asked sweetly, a smile crinkling her laugh lines.
Ron scowled and shook his head, hand falling into his moss green jacket pulling out badly wrapped sandwiches.
"All set thanks." He grumbled. It wasn't fair, Percy, Fred and George had been talking about what sweets to get. But his mother said they earned their money, if he wanted to get sweets, he had to work for it beyond normal chores.
Harry and Neville stood with a grin each and made their way over, standing either side of the open door.
"I will take, two Chocolate Frogs, a box of Bertie botts Every Flavour Beans, a bag of Treacle Fudge, and Sugar Quills," Harry said gleefully handing over the coins. Remus had recommended what to get based on James and Lily's taste and what muggle food Harry liked.
"Two Chocolate Wands, a box of Ice Mice, and a Sugar Quill." Neville rattled off handing his own money over.
Harry and Neville sat down happily, arms full of their sweets. Completely ignoring Ron eying their food jealously.
He glumly opened the wrapping pulling out the four sandwiches that had been smushed.
"She always forgets I don't like corned beef." he bemoaned, eyes darting to Harry and Neville's sweets and back quickly.
"At least she remembered to feed you," Harry rolled his eyes, reaching up into his trunk, pulling out a muggle Tupperware container.
"Uncle Moony made me promise to eat lunch before the sweets," Harry told Neville with a chuckle.
"So did Gran." Neville laughed pulling out his own sandwiches, although unlike Ron's they were not flattened and were cut into triangles. "Eggs and Cress sandwiches," he said happily, Gran always made sure the house-elves made Neville's favorites for lunches.
"Yum," Harry grinned, "I've got a Steak and Kidney Pie. My Aunt makes them in small individual sizes for lunches. Uncle Moony places warming charms, so they don't go cold."
A loud sqwuak drew Harry's attention, Hedwig was in her cage beadily eying Harry's pie. "Oh, Hedwig." He laughed pulling out a large steak piece and placing it in her cage bowl. She hooted happily munching down her treat. He left the cage door open in case she wanted to stretch out her wings.
"Bossy girl," Harry grinned fondly.
"She is beautiful," Neville praised Hedwig, preening at their attention. A second disapproving hoot had Neville laughing. "Yes, Beaumont you are beautiful too." Neville soothed the tiny male scops-owl. "You know, my Uncle Algie wanted to give me his toad for Hogwarts after my first accidental magic. But your Uncle reminded my Gran of how useful an owl is and how strong the bond can grow."
Harry grinned, Uncle Moony was the best, of course, Moony had mentioned when they were in the store getting Hedwig, that most students with Toads were bullied.
"Lucky." Ron glared at the two owls, both the snowy owl and the scops-owl were rarer than the other breeds. Of course, these two had one each, they probably never had to want for anything.
"I've just got Scabbers." Ron pulled out the old rat, laying him on his lap. "My brother Percy found him in the garden and kept him as a pet. Then when he made Prefect, he got an owl and I got this useless thing."
"It's not useless." Harry scowled. "All animals are wonderful; he is just old judging by his fur and size."
"Yeah well, Perfect Prefect Percy got an owl."
Harry and Neville shared another look, this boy was something else. Faking being Harry's best friend, being jealous over the small things, and now bashing his own brother to perfect strangers?
"Anyways, come on, share the sweets." Ron grinned leaning over to grab a chocolate frog from Harry's stash.
"Excuse me?" Harry cried batting his hand away. "I didn't say you could have my sweets!"
"What? You got plenty." Ron shouted.
"I got them for me and Neville." Harry stood firm; he was over being pushed around. Things were much better at home now, but he promised himself that he would never let that happen again.
"RONALD BILIUS WEASLEY!" A strong voice snapped from the doorway. "WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING?" A tall wiry redhead stood in the door. Unlike Ron, he had a small button nose, thin round glasses and pristine robes on with a pin on his chest with a large P. The only thing they had in common was their red hair and blue eyes.
Ron stared at his older brother in shock. Of course, Perfect Prefect Percy arrived at this damn minute! He opened his mouth to defend himself, maybe he could leak a few tears about them bullying him. That always worked with mum. But before he could start, Percy carried on without waiting to hear his side!
"Mother taught you better than to steal from others and you best believe I will be writing to her about this," Percy frowned at his brother, filled with disappointment. Even Fred and George would have never done what his younger brother just tried to do. And Fred and George had never been the best role models to begin with.
Ron opened his mouth to defend himself again, he could feel his face heating up in his anger. His hands were clammy as they clenched tightly. Blue eyes were flashing darkly much to the concern of Harry and Neville. It was unnerving the amount of rage in front of them.
"IT'S NOT LIKE THEY CAN'T BLOODY AFFORD TO SHARE!" Ron finally burst out. "THEY HAVE BRAND NEW RARE OWLS EACH AND BOUGHT MORE FROM THE HONEYDUKES TROLLEY THAN WE GET IN A YEAR!" Percy looked on horrified as his brother just kept screaming, heads were popping out of the compartments up and the down the train.
"I guess the dark purebloods think they are too good for normal people." Ron sneered, voice finally lowering in volume, but now instead of petulant, he was venomous.
"RONALD!" Percy snapped, but before he could continue, Harry laughed, tears leaking out of his eyes.
"So, because I have money and won't share with a stranger, I am a dark pureblood?" Harry gasped out as he giggled. "I am a half-blood thank you very much, raised by a Squib Aunt."
Harry then leant over and glared at Ron, giggles gone and only a frown left. "You barged into our compartment, lied to us straight off the bat. Then got jealous at the sight of our sweets and familiars. And finally! You bashed your own brother and familiar to us without even knowing us for ten minutes. Your own brother is a sight better than you," Harry finished. "So please, do explain how that makes you the normal one out of us?"
Before Ron could shout again, Percy had heard enough and hauled Ron up by his ear.
"I apologize. I promise our mother will hear about this." Percy spoke to Harry and Neville.
"Thank you." Harry and Neville chorused. Thankfully Percy was extremely more likable than his brother.
Once Ronald and Percy had left, the rest of the ride was spent in peace and easy companionship. Harry learnt Neville was in love with Herbology and even named his owl after the father of Herbology himself. Pulling out Beaumont Marjoribanks Chocolate frog card which he kept on a chain around his neck. It was his motivation and inspiration.
Neville learnt Harry loved reading books, about anything really. He also loved animals and couldn't wait until the third year when they could take Care of Magical Creatures. He had even talked about the time that the snake had escaped from the zoo that he had been at when he had turned eleven.
Before they knew it, the train was finally pulling into Hogsmeade station. Thankfully they had changed into their robes shortly after Ron was gone. That way they didn't have to scramble for their robes at last minute.