The night was perfectly cold when Harry stepped out from the Hogwarts Express. He looked around and saw Hagrid over the sea of dark heads, yelling the usual "Firs' years this way!" he noticed Harry, Ron and Hermione and waved, then chuckled at the sight of Dudley in his huge black robes.
"Come along, we've got to move", Remus called, dragging Sirius which now has transformed into a dog. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Dudley hurried out from the Hogsmeade Station and reaches hundreds of invisible horse-carriages (only the horse, not the carriage) They headed towards a silvery one and Ron opened the door. Harry winked at Ron and the turned to Dudley.
"Dudley, you're not coming with us", Harry said, trying to sound serious.
Dudley's face dropped 6 feet lower. 'Wh-what?"
"You're not with us", Harry said. "The tradition of Hogwarts is that every first-timers ride a boat to the castle. You'll have to go with Hagrid."
"Hag- Hagrid?" Dudley choked. "You mean that big hairy man?"
Harry was slightly annoyed. "Yes, come on. I'll bring you to-"
"Harry, stop it", Hermione snapped from the carriage. "We'll be late. Come on, Dudley. Up to the carriage. Don't listen to them."
Dudley looked at Hermione bewilderedly and reluctantly climbed up, where he edged as away as he could from the huge black dog. Sirius bared his teeth playfully at him, and Dudley looked as if he'd rather walk to the school than be with either this huge dog or that big giant.
After an hour or so in the carriage, they arrived at the ernomous castle of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry smiled at the sight of it, but Dudley looked as if he was to stay in a Dracula Castle. "You'll like here soon", Hermione promised. She decided to be kind to the scared looking boy- unless he showed that he's nastier than Malfoy that is!
"You know something strange?" Harry asked. "What?" Ron asked back. "We haven't seen Malfoy all day", Harry said. 'Why, you miss him?" Ron teased. "No!" Harry replied. "It's just........... I dunno........ weird."
"I tell you, I don't miss Malfoy more than I miss the Skrewts last year", Ron said idly. "Or even Snape."
"Yeah", Harry said. "Actually it's better off without-"
"Hey, Potter!" a familiar drawling voice.
"..........Draco Malfoy", Ron said with a sigh. "I told you to be careful with what you wish for!"
Waltzing towards them, was a silver-blond haired boy with the usual cold sneering smile. "Still alive aren't you Potter?" he said.
"Yeah, why?" Harry shot back. "Did you miss me?"
"I heard your cousin's coming to Hogwarts, Potter", Malfoy said. "How come he came in so late?"
"None of your business. So buzz off", Harry snarled.
But Draco already saw Dudley heaving his fat body down the carriage. "That's your cousin, Potter?" he laughed out loud. "No wonder he's a late starter. I expect his magic blood is drowned under pieces of fat in his flesh."
"Shut up Malfoy", Harry said angrily.
"Come on." Remus grabbed Harry's hand and pulled him back. Before they left he said to Malfoy. "If you hate people saying things about your family, don't say anything about the others'."
Malfoy only looked his nose at him.
"Don't get your temper to big on him, Harry", Ron said. "After all, he only slagged Dudley."
"He's not getting away with anything from me", Harry said. "I'd get mad if he slags Uncle Vernon."
Dudley glared at both of them.
"DUDLEY DURSLEY!"
this time Dudley jumped and nearly cowered when he saw a very strict-looking old lady. Professor McGonagall, Hogwarts' Deputy Headmistress marched towards them. Remus went up to her and smiled to her. "Hello professor", he said.
"Good day to you, Remus," said McGonagall. She peered at Dudley before saying. "You'll have to come with me now, Mr. Dursley. You too Potter, if you please."
Harry looked at her, then nodded to Ron and Hermione. "I'll see you later", he said.
With that, he, Dudley, Remus and Sirius (Snuffles as a dog) followed McGonagall across the corridor to her office.