Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to Harry Potter, nor do I put any claim whatsoever onto Harry Potter. I am making absolutely no profit on this, and I am not making this to gain anything whatsoever.
A/N: Harry is an Occlumens, due to the extensive knowledge of the Black family. He also found out he was a Parselmouth during a particular incident with a Snake-Summoning Charm.
Chapter 3: The Hogwarts Express
Harry woke at five o'clock the next morning and was too tired and nervous to go back to sleep. He got up and pulled on his jeans because he didn't want to walk into the station in his wizard's robes- he'd change on the train. He checked his Hogwarts list yet again to make sure he had everything he needed, saw that Hedwig, his owl whom Sirius had bought for his 10th birthday, was still in her cage, and then paced the room, waiting for Sirius to get up. He reread his Potions textbook for the third time. He needed to, because his teacher was none other than Severus "Snivellus" Snape, his godfather's childhood nemesis. Knowing him, Snape would try and deduct as many points as possible from Harry on the first day of school. After a while, Harry set the book down and started pacing the room again.
Two hours later, Harry was being driven to King's Cross in Sirius's magically altered car. At half past ten Harry wheeled his cart onto the station, with Sirius helping. They stopped, looking at the barrier between platforms nine and ten.
"Remember, walk straight at the barrier. Don't stop and be scared you'll crash, that's very important. I don't want to suffer a broken nose." Sirius instructed Harry, who rolled his eyes at him.
The pair waited until were less Muggles around, then ran through the barrier. A scarlet steam engine was waiting for them, next to a platform packed with people. Grey smoke drifted from the engine, winding over the heads of the chattering crowd beneath it. Glad that he had worn makeup to cover the scar, Harry looked around for an empty compartment.
"I'll see you soon, Harry. Try not to cause too little trouble. Don't go flaunting your Occlumency and Parselmouth skills. Also, see if the Weasley twins have my old map." Sirius said.
"Will do." Harry responded. He spotted a round-faced boy boarding one of the last compartments.
"Is that Neville?" Harry asked, just as the boy tripped on one of the steps.
"I think that is. Go introduce yourself to your godbrother." Sirius urged.
Harry tried to lift his trunk, to no avail. He pulled out his wand. "Wingardium Leviosa!"
The trunk and Hedwig's cage started to rise into the air. Harry opened the door to the train and guided the floating objects inside. Opening a compartment door, Harry saw Neville and a certain girl with large front teeth and brown, bushy hair.
"Can I sit down here?" Harry asked.
"Sure." Neville nervously said.
"Were you using the Levitating Charm?" the girl asked.
"Yes." Harry replied simply. Sitting down next to Neville, he extended his hand. "I don't think we've met. I'm Harry, your godbrother. You're Neville, right?"
Neville just stared at him. Finally, he nodded and shook Harry's hand. "Godbrother? Gran's never told me I had a godbrother."
Harry cocked his head curiously. "She didn't? Your mother's my godmother."
"What's your last name?"
"Do you have to ask?"
"Sorry. Gran's always talking about how important it is to make friends with the right families."
"It's alright. I'm Harry Potter."
Neville's eyes widened.
"Where's your scar?" the girl asked skeptically.
"What? Oh, sorry." Harry wiped the makeup off his forehead. "I hid it using makeup. I don't like everyone staring at my forehead."
"That makes sense. I'm Hermione Granger, by the way." Hermione shook hands with Harry. "I know all about you, of course- you're in Modern Magical History and The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts and Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century."
"I've read countless books on me. Most of them are highly exaggerated."
"Oh. What House do you think you'll be in? I've been asking around, and I hope I'm in Gryffindor, it by far sounds the best-"
"Oh no! I've lost my toad again!" Neville said, searching his pockets.
Standing up, Harry and Hermione checked the corners of the compartment. They couldn't find any trace of Neville's pet.
"Maybe you can ask someone to use a Summoning Charm? I know there's a prefects' carriage somewhere on this train." Harry suggested.
"Okay, I'll try that. See you in a bit." Neville left the compartment in search of the prefects' carriage.
The train started to move. Harry poked his head out a nearby window, and waved back at Sirius. He watched as his godfather slowly became smaller and smaller, before he disappeared over the horizon. After he could be seen no more, Harry turned his attention back to Hermione.
"What were you saying?" he asked.
Hermione started talking super fast. "I was talking about Gryffindor. It sounds the best. I mean, Dumbledore was in that house! You know, the wizard who discovered the twelve uses of dragon blood?"
"Sorry, but could you speak a little slower?"
Hermione blushed. "Sorry."
"It's alright. Happens to everyone."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"Thanks for understanding." Hermione said, still blushing.
"No problem."
At that moment, Neville came back, his toad in his hands.
"Did you know that Lee Jordan had a giant tarantula? Fred and George are talking all about it!" he said excitedly.
Harry jumped up. "Sorry, I just remembered something. Got some business with the Weasley twins."
Harry grabbed his mokeskin pouch and left the compartment. He traveled toward the front of the train, peeking into every compartment until he found one with two red-headed identical twins. They simultaneously looked up at him.
"Hello there," one of them said. "I'm George."
"And I'm Fred." The other one said.
"How do I know you two aren't switching your names to confuse me?" Harry asked suspiciously.
The twins glanced at each other, then at Harry, not expecting that someone could see through their ploy so easily.
"What brings you here?" asked the twin, presumably Fred.
"I heard that you two know every single corridor and secret room in Hogwarts. Is that true?" Harry asked.
"That's us." George said proudly.
"What would you do if I told you there was a secret room and passageway you guys never found?"
The twins exchanged another meaningful look.
"You know, that's impossible." Fred said.
"Is it? Did you look behind every mirror? Tickle every picture? Crawl under every tree?" Harry asked.
The twins looked shocked.
"How did you know that?" Fred asked.
"I have my ways. Anyway, you seem so sure that you know every secret place inside Hogwarts. Do you by any chance have the Marauder's Map?"
This time the twins actually leaped out of their seats in shock.
"How did you find this out?" George asked, suddenly tense.
"Relax, relax. My father was Prongs, and my godfather is Padfoot. Moony's a family friend, and Wormtail is in Azkaban."
"Your father is Prongs? Who are you?" Fred asked.
"I'm Harry, Harry Potter."
"You're joking!" George exclaimed, but the scar on Harry's forehead said otherwise.
"What do you want?" Fred asked.
"I was just wondering if I could keep the Marauder's Map. It's kind of my inheritance. You guys could borrow it from time to time. I also hope you don't mind if can help you with some pranks? Padfoot has some fabulous ideas. In exchange, I could arrange for you to meet with the remaining Marauders. Also, I could show you an Unplottable room in Hogwarts with its own secret passageway. What do you say?"
Fred and George had a quick whispered conversation.
"We're in." they said.
Fred took a seemingly blank piece of parchment out of a pocket, which Harry took. Tapping the paper with his wand, he muttered "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."
The parchment suddenly transformed into a map of Hogwarts, complete with tracked movements of everyone inside. Dumbledore was pacing around his office, Snape must be brewing something in the dungeon, and Bathilda Bagshot was sitting in a chair by the fireplace with Professor McGonagall in the teacher's lounge. Sprouts was in the greenhouse, Trelawney in her room in the North Tower, and other members of the faculty, including Hagrid, were doing various things around the castle.
"Mischief managed." Harry said, and the map instantly became a blank piece of parchment again. Taking out his mokeskin pouch, to the awe of the Weasley twins, he deposited the Marauder's Map inside. His pouch currently contained his father's two-way mirror and Invisibility Cloak, along with a small bag of Galleons. He mostly stored his prized possession inside his mokeskin pouch, except for his father's wand, which was hidden in his shoe in case of an emergency.
"Thanks for doing business with you guys. Talk to me in the Common Room if you feel up to some pranking, okay? I'll show you the Room of Requirement over the weekend." Harry didn't wait for an answer, instead leaving the compartment and joining Hermione and Neville again.
Neville was looking thoroughly confused by everything Hermione was talking about, but was trying to understand. Harry sat down between them and joined the conversation, which was apparently about Hogwarts, A History.
"Did you know that the History teacher, Bathilda Bagshot, wrote Hogwarts, A History?" Hermione said.
"I'm sorry, I don't think a lot of people have actually read that book." Neville said.
"I have." Harry said.
Hermione's eyes glowed. "You did? I'm not the only one!"
Hermione kept talking about all kinds of facts. Harry was starting to think she would be a good fit in Ravenclaw. While she may be very talkative and kind of a know-it-all, Harry thought she would be a good friend to have. Around half past twelve, a smiling, dimpled woman slid back their door.
"Anything off the cart, dears?" she asked.
Harry stood up, and proceeded to order a couple Pumpkin Pasties, Cauldron Cakes, Chocolate Frogs, and even dared to buy a few of Bertie Bott's Every Flavored Beans. Sitting back down, he offered some of the sweets to his friends. Neville took a chocolate frog, and Hermione, curious, took a packet of Bertie Bott's Every Flavored Beans.
"Do you know what we'll be learning?" asked Neville, looking at his Card. He frowned.
"It's Dumbledore. Here, you want it? He asked, giving it to Hermione, who eagerly read the Card.
"I think we have Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, History of Magic, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Astronomy and Herbology." Harry replied.
"Don't forget the regular subjects, like math and science. You also forgot to include flying. That's not a subject, but we still learn it." said Hermione.
Neville paled. "I don't know how to fly. I'm probably going to fall off my broomstick. Come off it, I'll probably fail all my classes."
"Don't say that!" said Harry.
"My whole family thought I was a Squib. It took Great Uncle Algie accidentally dropping me out of an upstairs window to have something magical occur."
"They dropped you?! If you were a Squib, you could've died!" Hermione gasped.
"Most people would rather be dead than be a Squib. At least now I've got Trevor and my dad's wand." Neville waved his wand around.
"Your father's wand? Did it choose you or something?" Harry asked.
"Huh? Uh… I think so…" Neville said.
"What is it?" Hermione asked eagerly.
"Thirteen inches, cherry and unicorn hair."
"Unicorn hair?"
"Uh… yeah. So what?"
"Unicorn hair just so happens to be very loyal to its first owner. It might not work as well as a hand-me down."
"Really? Neville, you better tell your Gran to go to Ollivanders over the weekend. I can pay for the wand." Harry offered.
"You would? Thanks! I better write to Gran. Can I use your owl? What's its name, by the way?" Neville asked.
"Hedwig. You can use her. She probably needs her exercise, anyway."
"Oh, thanks!" Neville said, getting our a quill and parchment. He took out his inkwell, accidentally spilling a couple drops onto the paper, and started to write, his half-eaten Chocolate Frog forgotten. Suddenly, the compartment door slid open, and Draco Malfoy, flanked by two hulking figures.
"Is it true?" he said. "They're saying all down the train that Harry Potter's in this compartment. So it's you, isn't it?"
"What's it to you?" Harry asked.
"I haven't seen you a lot in the Wizarding World. Probably don't have many friends, then. You don't want to make friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there." Draco said, looking at the Muggleborn witch.
"So you can find me people like those two?" Harry guestered at the heavyset boys, who he presumed were bodyguards.
"Oh, this is Crabbe and Goyle. My father just wanted them to be with me, in case something happened to me."
"I'm not sure if you'd noticed, but I think I already found some friends. I think I can tell who the wrong sort are for myself, thanks."
Draco Malfoy turned a tinge pink. "I'd be more politer if I were you, Potter. Unless you're a bit politer you'll go the same way as your parents-"
"Are you threatening me?" Harry said calmly. "I am the Heir to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. Your family's honour will be tarnished if you try to harm such an old and noble bloodline."
Draco Malfoy flinched. "I am extremely sorry, I didn't know that. I apologize for my actions. I presumed you were off living with your Muggle relatives. I did not mean any harm to the Most Noble and Ancient House of Black. Please forgive me for my actions."
"It's alright. Just go away, please."
This time Draco Malfoy did go red. He started to speak, but changed his mind and closed his mouth. He turned, motioning for his bodyguards to come, and briskly walked out the door, not bothering to close it. Hermione, who was sitting closest, closed the compartment door.
"What was that all about?" asked Hermione.
"In the Wizarding World, there are three 'types' of people: Purebloods, half-bloods, and Muggleborns…" Harry proceeded to give a long talk about blood purity and the Sacred Twenty-Eight. Neville pointed out some details Harry had missed. After a while, Harry poked his head out the window. It was getting dark. He could see tall mountains and majestic forests beneath the violet sky, and a sliver of sun was barely peeking through the top of the trees. Harry felt as if the train was gradually slowing.
"We should probably get changed. Looks like we might arrive at Hogwarts soon." Taking off his jacket, Harry slipped into his long black robes. Hermione and Neville did the same.
"We will be reaching Hogwarts in five minutes' time. Please leave your luggage on the train, it will be taken to school separately."
Harry snorted. "Yeah, I'm not leaving my valuables on the train. Do you guys want to bring anything? I've got a mokeskin pouch with an Extension Charm on it."
Curious, Hermione peeked inside. She gasped. "How is this possible? Where does all this extra space come from?"
Harry laughed. "I don't know. Either of you want to take anything? No? Okay, then."
When the train stopped, people came out onto a tiny, dark platform. Looking around, Harry could make out the silhouette of the landscape, along with some minor details.
"Firs' years! Firs' years over here!" said a gigantic man who towered over everyone. Harry thought he looked like a half-giant.
"C'mon, follow me- any more firs' years? Mind yer step, now! Firs' years follow me!" the man shouted.
"Excuse me, who are you?" Harry asked.
"I'm Hagrid, Keeper of the Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts." the man replied. Harry could vaguely remember his godfather talking about this man.
The first years followed Hagrid down what seemed to be a steep, narrow path that Harry thought should be better maintained by the school governors. Harry, who had a natural balance, combined with his godfather's training, calmly trudged along the path, amidst the clambering, stumbling, and slipping students. Nobody spoke much, aside from a few whispers here and there.
"Yeh'll get yer firs' view of Hogwarts in a sec," Hagrid called over his shoulder. "jus' round this bend here."
There was a loud "Oooooh!"
Harry just admires the view, impressed. The narrow path had opened up onto the edge of a great black lake. Perched atop a high mountain on the other side, high and regal, its many windows sparkling in the starry sky, was a vast castle with many turrets and towers, resembling an impenetrable fortress.
"No more'n four to a boat!" called Hagrid, pointing to a fleet of little boats sitting in the water by the shore. Harry, Neville, and Hermione were followed into their boat by a red-haired boy with lots of freckles, who seemed to be wearing hand-me-down robes.
"Everyone in? Right then- FORWARD!" shouted Hagrid.
The boats sailed soundlessly over the water, which was smooth as glass. The fleet slowly moved towards the cliff on which Hogwarts stood.
"Heads down!" yelled Hagrid as they were carried through a curtain of ivy, traveling down a dark and dreary tunnel underneath the castle. The tunnel was almost pitch black.
"Lumos!" called Harry, a brilliant bright light shining from the tip of his wand. Everyone shielded their eyes for a second while their eyes adjusted to the light.
"You can already cast spells?" the red-headed boy asked in awe.
"Your parents didn't teach you anything?" Harry asked, surprised.
"No," said the boy glumly. "I have five older brothers and a younger sister who my parents adore."
Connecting the dots, Harry asked, "Are you a Weasley?"
"Yes. I'm Ron Weasley." said the boy. "I have a lot to live up to in Hogwarts. Bill was Head Boy, Charlie was Quidditch Captain, Percy is a Prefect now, and Fred and George are always funny and popular, even if they don't receive the best grades. I don't think I have a chance, to be honest."
"Don't be like that! You'll do fine! Just study for the tests in advance. In my opinion you should usually start studying for the final exams four months in advance." Hermione said.
"Blimey, four months? Are you insane?" Ron said.
"I'll have you know, those tests are very important. If you don't pass them, you could be held back." Hermione responded, affronted.
"You're still crazy! What kind of person studies four months in advance?!" Ron exclaimed.
"Hermione does. I support her, even if you don't." Harry said evenly.
"And who are you?" Ron asked.
"Harry. Harry Potter."
"Blimey, really? Can I see your scar?"
"Why does everyone ask me this?" Harry groaned, exasperated.
"Please?" Ron said.
"Fine." Harry pulled aside his bangs. Ron proceeded to star at the scar for a good five seconds.
"How does it feel? I mean, to be rich and famous? Does it feel good?"
"Gee, my parents were murdered and I survived, so now I'm famous! This feels so good!" Harry said sarcastically.
"Sorry, I didn't mean that." Ron said, head down.
Before Harry could respond, the boats arrived at an underground harbor. Harry climbed out of the boat, and proceeded to walk up a flight of stone steps, stopped in front of a huge, oak front door, which must've been the entrance to the Great Hall.
"Everyone here?" Hagrid asked. After doing a headcount, he raised his gigantic fist and knocked three times on the door.
A/N: I would've uploaded this sooner, but my computer had an update. Anyway, feel free to review this story if you have any suggestions, found a mistake in my writing, or have some comments or criticisms.
A/N 2: This is the first scene with Ron bashing. I did not portray him badly, I literally took his attitude from the first book and put it into a couple of lines here. I don't think Harry will befriend Ron with this kind of attitude, now that he is siding with Hermione. Ron will instead become friends with Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan, but will probably come up a couple of times throughout this fanfiction.
