*Nulli Secundus*
Second to None
My motto
Arthur Evans
Chapter 3
Plaform 9 and 3/4
THE NEXT DAY
The eight Gryffindors and Hermione's parents were too much for their car, so the Granger's decided to treat everyone to a Limo ride. The Limo arrived at 9:00am to take everyone, the driver's face paled at the sight of 9 sixteen year-olds. The Grangers made everyone promise to be on their best behaviour or they would have to ride with Mr. Granger who brought his families SUV along with Hermione and Harry's trunks. Harry left his Jaguar in the Granger's garage with the promise it woiuld never be driven.
Reaching Kings Cross station, everyone piled out of the limo and into the fresh air, reaching the barrier between platforms 9 and 10 the Gryffindor students tried to seem innocent as two-by-two they disappeared into the barrier, Hermione and Harry we the last two because they had to wait for their trunks to arrive. The Granger parents, trying to seem like everyone else around them, which was hard because Mr. Granger had Harry's trunk and was carrying Hedwig. Mrs Granger had one hand behind her back and was carrying something that they couldn't see. was carrying Hedwig. As Mrs. Granger gave Hermione a kiss goodbye, she held out her hand, in a cage was an Snowy owl, An almost perfect replication of Hedwig, Hermione's mother said, He doesn't have a name yet. And we know that you aren't that creative with names, so we bought you a book, It's called 1000 Names For Your Pet, named it something creative. Hermione nearly cried with joy and relief.
As Harry went through the barrier he saw Hermione breaking down in tears, she followed Harry through the barrier however. Harry and Hermione gave their trunks and in Harry's case Hedwig, Hermione kept her new owl with her, looking for Ron on the platform they made their way to the train. Not finding Ron anywhere, they got onto the train, walking down the compartments looking in each one until they came upon Arthur, already fast asleep in his Potions textbook. Ron was finding some amusement by putting some whipped cream in Arthur's hand. Hermione was about to talk when Harry put his hand over her mouth. Harry whispered and he moved towards Arthur. Ron turned around and saw Harry creeping up beside him. Whispering quietly, Ron said put some in his other hand. As Harry did as he was told, Ron flourished a feather from some type of bird. He bent over Arthur along with Harry. He was about to tickle Arthur's nose with the feather when Arthur attacked. He was pretending to sleep and caught Harry and Ron with good dollops of whipped cream to the face. As the threesome started to laugh, they looked at Hermione who was tapping her foot on the floor. What do you have to say for youselves? Harry answered for all of them when he took a finger and got a bit of the whipped cream and went . As Hermione shook her head in disapproving, the three boys exchanged nods and pounced getting Hermione with whipped cream all over her face.
The lunch tray lady came round and opened the compartment door asking Anything off the trolley today dears? Looking at all four of them with puzzlement she replied to herself, obviously not. closing the door ont eh shocked foursome.
Ten minutes later the compartment door opened again, however it wasn't the lunch lady, it was Malfoy. Sneering at Hermione and Harry, he said What are you two Prefects doing here? Don't you know you don't have to associate with this lower scum. And you, pointing at Arthur, Harry thought he must have gotten bolder lately. This train is for Hogwarts Professors and students.
I know Malfoy, I am a student of Hogwarts, so I look forward to our lessons together. By the way, I didn't have a chance to tell you four in Diagon Alley Malfoy's deepest secret. He has...
Malfoy bellowed, I'm going alright, no need to tell them my secret. Ha ha. Malfoy gace a weak laugh and dashed out of the compartment.
As soon as he left, Ron started to bug Arthur what Malfoy's secret was, he wouldn't let Arthur sleep so Arthur was forced to tell him. Alright, his deepest secret is, he has his own teddy bear, he calls it Pooky. Whenever he has a bad day, he looks for a hug from Pooky.
Fighting off fits of giggles Harry asked How do you know this?
When Malfoy came... um, I don't really remember actually.
Ron was on the ground laughing his head off, Hermione was fighting off laughs but was smiling. Harry on the other hand was trying to compose himself, taking deep breaths.
Changing the subject, Ron asked Harry, Why does Hermione have Hedwig?
Answering for Harry, Hermione said His name isn't Hedwig, it is Chip, short for Chipolatas. My parents gave him to me as a present for becoming a Prefect.
A voice magnified by a spell announced that the train was approaching Hogwarts. Hermione left while the boys changed while she went to the bathroom to change.
SKIPPING TO THE SORTING FEAST
(A/N: Arthur was sorted into Gryffindor, as you probably would have guessed.)
Dumbledore stood up, A few announcements before the feast, Ron groaned aching for food. First years should note that the Forest is forbidden to all, some of our older students should note that too. Looking towards Fred and George who seemed shocked at the accusation of disobeience. No magic is to be used in the corridors without special permission from a teacher, and finally Quidditch trials for some houses will be held two weeks from now. Now for the feast, Dumbledore opened his arms and the food magically appeared on the plates.
'Bout time said Ron as he dived for the Chicken drumsticks and the vegetables. Hermione also pick some food off the plates to eat, Ron noticed this and said, Haf yu gifen uf that shew spuf then? (Have you given up that Spew stuff then?)
Arthur grimaced and said Ron if I wanted the weather I would have asked for it.
Hermione gave a brief laugh and answered Ron's question, Yes, I have. Arthur convinced me that House Elfs loved to work for nothing. I wonder why you didn't tell me that?
Ron looked in disbelief as Hermione dug into her plate of mashed potatoes and steak. He quickly forgot as he grabbed a whole chicken for himself and started to eat it. Harry looked in amazement as Ron did not just finish the chicken but grabbed two more, Where are you putting it Ron? he asked.
Ron just rubbed his stomach and let out a extremely loud burp. Harry shook his head and said, Shouldn't have asked.
Dumbledore stood up at the head table, Prefects will lead their houses to their dormitories. Other students will follow at their leisure, Hermione and Harry got up with Arthur. Ron started to get up but fell down groaning Shouldn't have had that last chicken. Arthur just smiled and said, You two go ahead, I'll help Ron. Hermione called out for all 1st year Gryffindors to gather near the entrance, Harry and Hermione led the Gryffindors up the staircases to the Fat Lady, discussing how you need a password and how it is changed every week. Hermione warned the 1st years not to write the password down on a piece of paper, she gave an example of Neville Longbottom losing his piece of paper and allowing Sirius Black entering Gryffindor Tower.
Settling down the 1st years in their new dormitories was easier than Harry expected and as he entered the Common Room, he saw all the Gryffindor boys from his year settling down in the common room with their blankets, excluding Arthur. Why are all of you down here? he asked to no one in particular.
Dean answered, Because Ron is up there and he is snoring at the top of his lungs. Arthur is up there at the moment casting a Silencing charm on him.
At that Arthur came down and said okay guys, all set.
As the Gryffindor boys went back up to their dormitory Arthur was lagging behind, feeling concern for his new cousin, Harry said Are you okay, Arthur?
Um.. yeah I'm fine, I am not really tired, I think I read my Potions text, I need to brush up on a few things.
Sure, make sure you are awake tomorrow, Double Potions tomorrow with the Slytherins. Snape favours them by the way.
As Arthur made his way back to the Common room, Harry went up to his room to sleep. Harry fell into a deep sleep, and for the longest time he had a dreamless sleep.
THE NEXT DAY...
Harry, wake up! Time for Potions! Harry heard the voice waking up instancely he dashed for approriate robes, and got his bag and joined Ron who woke him up, obviously better from last night, and the charm must have been taken off too. Come on! he yelled, everyone already left for breakfast and thanks to you we don't have any time. They ran out of the room dashing for the dungeons. Entering the room they had dungeons in they saw Snape beginning to prepare for his lesson. Breathing heavily Harry and Ron went to their usual seats last row and as far from Snape as possible. Snape looking up spotted Harry and Ron, and with looks only used for Harry he stared at the pair who immediately brought out their textbooks and started to study them. The Slytherins entered the room next, with Malfoy at the head of them. Arthur and Hermione came in right after them and sat next to Ron and Harry, and started to talk between them. As they were talking Malfoy with Crabbe and Goyle to back him up, he approached the four of them.
Well, well, well, if it isn't the Pott-head, the Weasel, and mudblood.
Arthur grabbed the back of the robes of Harry and Ron, trying to keep things light, What, no hello to me Malfoy?
Shut up you... miserable excuse for a wizard.
Arthur was about to fight Malfoy when Harry had an idea, grabbing Arthur he said 10 points off Slytherin for insulting us Malfoy.
Oh yeah, 100 points off Gryffindor for doing nothing.
Arthur grinned, but acted innocent, bringing his wand out of his pockets he casted a spell under his breath, What did we lose 100 points for again Malfoy?
Malfoy said slowly, What are you deaf?
No, but I must say you are stupid, Arthur replied, I've casted a spell which records a conservation, want to hear it? As Arthur casted another spell to play the recording, Arthur and Draco's voice came out clearly, Rest assured that Professor Dumbledore will hear of this. Bye!
As Malfoy walked away stunned, the bell rung. Snape stood up to start his lesson. This term we will learn how to make a Fame potion, if you take it you might be as popular as our celebrity Mr. Potter. the Slytherins laughed and Malfoy gaining back some of his confidence turned around at smirked at Harry, Snape continued, If you make this potion correctly you will have the desired effect, no one will be able to resist your charm except members from the approiate gender. What ingredients do we need? Hermione's hand went straight up in the air, ignoring Hermione's hand he searched the room, tut, tut, nobody studied. Evans Arthur stood to mock attention, Arthur said, Yes General! What are your orders? the Gryffindors started giggling.
5 points off for disgracing behaviour, and 2 points off for every Gryffindor who laughed. Evans what ingredients do we need?
Two bezoars, 2 powdered roots of asphodel, 3 wolfsbane leaves, 5 Lacewing flies, and 16 leeches. Anything else?
Snape was left speechless as Arthur sat down, the Gryffindors immediately began to cheer.
Snape bellowed, Well Evans, if you knew the answer in the first place, why didn't you raise your hand? Are you a slacker?
Professor Snape, I am no more a slacker than you favour the Slytherins. I didn't raise my hand because you would have never answered it.
spluttered Snape, Class what do you say we have a competition, the winner gets 50 points for their house and if one gets it wrong the other may challenged, Evans and Malfoy please come up here. As Draco and Arthur went up there, Snape conjured two chairs for them to sit on. Now the competition begins, Malfoy, why would I find a bezoar? The Gryffindors began to jeer as they had learnt it in their first year. Silence, next interuption we be 10 points from their house.
Malfoy said, You can find a bezoar in a goat's stomach.
Snape smiled, Correct, Evans where would I find a Heward?
Arthur grinned, You can find it in a elephant trunk,
Snape smiled again, but Arthur smiled, You didn't let me finish, they are found only in African elephants.
Snape sneered at Arthur as he admitted That's right. in a low voice.
Malfoy, what is the difference between monkswood and wolfsbane?
There is no difference Professor.
Correct, Evans, what potion was used in the Black-Broomstick scandal at the 1875 Quidditch championship?
Professor it was the Steriod Speed Potion.
Snape groaned, Malfoy, what is the name of the potion that contains powdered root of asphodel with an infusion of wormwood?
Malfoy thought long and hard, Snape on the meantime was shocked that he hadn't learnt anything. I have no idea Professor.
I wish to challenge, Arthur said, As anybody would know it is called the Draught of Living Death.
Snape seemed to shaking with fury, that's correct, and for your reward, 50 points to.... Snape almost couldn't say the last word,
At long last the bell rung ending the class, as the students gather their stuff, all the Gryffindors stayed around to congratulate Arthur, but as they were about to offer congratulations to Arthur, Snape said, Get out of my sight or I'll take those 50 points off Gryffindor! The class quickly dispersed away from the dungeons, Ron and Harry went up to their Divination class while Hermione and Arthur, heads close together while talking about something, headed off to their Arithmancy class. Ron smirked at the retreating twosome, and said I think there is something going on with those two, what do you think Harry?
Well, I think that's not the only romance going on at Hogwarts. At that Ron blushed the colour of his hair and stuttered, W.w.w.what do yyou m.m.mean? Ha.harry?
I think you know what I meant, why don't you sit next to her in Divination? Harry replied.
You don't mind? said Ron who was slowly returning to his normal colouring.
Of course I don't, now quickly before Parvati takes the seat, as Ron dashed up to the Divination classroom, Harry opted for the slower route.
The following person has reviewed my story:
Little Maggie
Thanks for the comments, however I need more people to read and review, or I will scrap this and create a new story. Also I am conducting a poll, what do you want in a H/H fanfic, contact gje007@hotmail.com
Disclaimer:
Anything you recognize is not mine, anything you don't is!
Nulli Secundus