Since I couldn't reply to a couple reviews, Notes at the bottom! This is a longer chapter, fear not we do enter the express. For readers before 11-7-2021 there has been a shuffle and many changes to the first five chapters. Just a heads up. Still the same story, just shuffled once again, moving perspectives around and clearing some scenes.

Chapter 7: Off we Go

OooOooO

The trip was once again bumpy, if mercifully short. Still, it was a fair distance from the Leaky Cauldron. Harry looked at the building.

They had arrived outside a large, old-fashioned, red brick department store called Purge and Dowse Ltd. The place had a shabby, miserable air; the window displays consisted of a few chipped dummies with their wigs askew, standing at random and modeling fashions at least a couple years out of date. Large signs on all the dusty doors read CLOSED FOR REFURBISHMENT. Harry distinctly heard a woman laden with plastic shopping bags say to her friend as they passed, "It's never open, that place. …"

Professor McGonagall ushered him closer, and he felt the tingling in the air as they crossed some invisible boundary. "This is the entrance to St. Mungos, or at least the guest entrance. It wasn't easy to find a good location for a hospital. Nowhere in Diagon Alley was big enough and we couldn't have it underground like the Ministry, unhealthy. In the end they managed to get hold of a building up here. Theory was sick wizards could come and go and just blend in with the crowd."

"Right," said the professor, beckoning him forward to a window displaying nothing but a particularly ugly female dummy whose false eyelashes were hanging off and who was modeling a green nylon pinafore dress. "Professor McGonagall, here to give a student an examination."

For a split second, Harry thought how absurd it was for the professor to expect the dummy to hear her talking that quietly through a sheet of glass, when there were buses rumbling along behind her and all the racket of a street full of shoppers. Then he reminded himself that dummies could not hear anyway. Next second his mouth opened in shock as the dummy gave a tiny nod, beckoned its jointed finger. Harry glanced around at the jostling crowd; not one of them seemed to have a glance to spare for window displays as ugly as Purge and Dowse Ltd.'s.

"Right, lets go now."

They made their way through, like stepping through glass, or water. There was no sign of the ugly dummy or the space where she had stood. They had arrived in what seemed to be a crowded reception area where rows of witches and wizards sat upon rickety wooden chairs, some looking perfectly normal and perusing out-of-date copies of Witch Weekly, others sporting gruesome disfigurements. Harry stared straight ahead, he couldn't fathom how these things could have happened and didn't want to seem rude. It was then he noticed Witches and wizards in lime-green robes were walking up and down the rows, asking questions and making notes on clipboards. Harry noticed the emblem embroidered on their chests: a wand and bone, crossed.

They were directed to the desk, where the witch was busy reading a magazine of some kind before they absently started talking without looking up. "Welcome to St. Mungos, here to treat those for magical maladies, spell accidents, and what not. Please see to the sign to your right for whatever ails you."

Harry wasn't impressed, neither was the Professor. Harry did look to the sign as the Professor started talking to the desk person.

ARTIFACT ACCIDENTS . . . . . . . . . . .Ground Floor
(Cauldron explosion, wand backfiring, broom crashes, etc.)

CREATURE-INDUCED INJURIES . . . . . First Floor
(Bites, stings, burns, embedded spines, etc.)

MAGICAL BUGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Second Floor
(Contagious maladies, e.g., dragon pox, vanishing sickness, scrofungulus)

POTION AND PLANT POISONING . . . . Third Floor
(Rashes, regurgitation, uncontrollable giggling, etc.)

SPELL DAMAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fourth Floor
(Unliftable jinxes, hexes, and incorrectly applied charms, etc.)

VISITORS' TEAROOM AND HOSPITAL SHOP. … .Fifth Floor

If you are unsure where to go, incapable, of normal speech, or unable to remember why you are here, our Welcome Witch will be pleased to help.

Thankfully they were done and were directed to the second floor. Harry couldn't help but watch as workers of some kind were working around a stretch of wall near the stairs. Some were gesturing, others were arguing. Was that a cage they had? No... it was a lift that hadn't been installed yet. It was a curious sight to see as they started up the stairs. There were various portraits along the walls, most of them were moving! And some even left their frames to talk to each other!

They made it in a short time, and were directed to wait in one of the chairs. There wasn't anyone waiting here at this time.

It was also a short wait when another mediwitch came to gather the two. "Mr. Durlsey, Professor McGonagall, come this way please."

They were quickly ushered into a waiting room, moments later another healer came long. "Ah, this is a surprise, usually we don't get inoculations or physical examination requests. Especially from muggleborns. Please, relax, I will cast some diagnostic spells. It isn't really invasive, and far more quicker than you'd think."

That said he waved his wand, gently waving up and down where Harry sat. He noticed a scroll with a quill, it was writing by itself!

The Healer looked at the beginning results, when suddenly their eyes widen, looking back at the boy. "It can't be... Harry-"

"Not another word Healer! He is after all here for his health and security. Mr. Dursley is simply a concerned patient." The professor said, holding a hand up.

Looking between the two he took a breath and nodded. "Right, thank you for the reminder. This changes some things, but only a little." That said the man went back to work, this time casting some rather directed scans long the boys head, especially so around the scar location. He frowned slightly, adding something to his list before continuing. There was another muttered spell, this one he simply pointed at Harry, channeling it.

Harry's windows popped up now and then, a few spell effects were apparently active with countdown timers attached. They didn't look harmful, in fact majority of them were simply scanning spells. Not that it showed up to the scans apparently, the healer's wand even passed through a window a couple times without notice. A bit of a relief to Harry really.

The Healer looked the the results, confused. "Well Mr... Dursley, you seem to be inoculated for older forms of magical maladies, and according to some of these scans, even muggle ailments. Quite frankly there isn't much else we can do besides update some boosters, give a general nutrient potion regime to bring your body up to standards. Still, it is good initiative that you had came, most muggleborn stumble into these illnesses long before they decide to seek treatment. It is curious however that we don't have a record of these treatments, as the potions are rather restricted."

Sharing a look between the two the Professor nodded, knowing they had some questions to ask when she returned to Hogwarts.

"Er... What's the nutrition potions for?" Harry asked, the interaction seemingly going over his head.

"I'm assuming you are muggle raised, their dietary needs have been evolving over the last few decades towards a slightly... nutrient deficient course. Surely it is healthier for them, but not so for magical born. You see magic requires energy to use, and magicals have a core within them that can take that from digestion and fatty tissues in an emergency. Most muggle born and muggle raised use their cores unconsciously to absorb more. Thankfully we are seeing less of that these last few years, but it was more pronounced in the last thirty or so years." With that the healer wrote something down. "I suppose it has to do with the muggle economics or some such."

"How would I fix this issue?"

"Hm? Oh it's quite simple really, eat more foods that are denser in... calories I believe the term is. Fatty foods, sweets, snack foods. For whatever reason chocolate is an excellent source of energy. This issue usually fixes itself once these muggle raised enter Hogwarts, it is a magic dense environment, and usually there isn't monitored and measured dishes as you would find in their households."

"If that's true, how is this mitigated, surely it would take time for the effects to be reversed."

"I believe I can answer that one Mr. Dursley. The Welcoming feast is usually mandatory, as such all magicals there partake in it. It is quite ingenious really, we simply add a weaker dosage of the nutrient potion to the pumpkin juice. We do so a couple days a week for about a month. That usually fixes the problem."

"Well there you have it Mr. Dursley. Please note, that the nutrient potion also increases appetite, and assists with digestion as well. Please note to drink plenty of fluids as well. It should please you to know that you are one of the minor cases we've seen so far. The readings suggest that this has been corrected over the course of the last four years or so. This has also led to your magical core to be slightly more larger, and quicker to charge up. Dare I say you are almost on par with a second year than a first year starting up. Still, you only just reached magical stability, and things will stabilize from here."

"Ok, so why the head scans?" Even McGonagall was curious about that.

"That, well, it's been a recurring question amongst us healers. We wanted to be sure the scar isn't cursed in anyway, perhaps a window to You-know-who, or even a kill command. Just a precaution really!" seeing their alarmed looks the healer hurried to explain, "The only thing that I've detected was an old protection! It may be lingering, but I feel as a pediatric potioneer that it can stay. If you are that worried perhaps I can send you on to Spell Damage ward, for a deeper scan. They might have deeper scanning available, but according to the standard diagnostics, it isn't anything harmful. As far as I can tell, it is an old alert rune to warn when someone that had been keyed to it approaches. It seems inactive all things considered."

"So, it shouldn't prove to be an issue later on?" The professor had calmed down some at that explanation.

"I didn't say that, it just seems inactive, and keyed into someone. I do not know what it'll do one it activates once more if whoever it is keyed to nears. If it is even bound to Mr. Dursley here, or... someone else. You would need to consult with Spell damage about this if you wish. I am after all not qualified to deal with such matters yet as my specialties lay in magical maladies. Other than minor malnourishment, typical of muggle raised, Mr. Dursley here is in fine health all things considered. Although I must ask... Why the glasses? My scans indicate that they aren't really needed."

The professor looked at Harry as well.

"Well, Everyone will be expecting it, and if they are ever taken or broken, they would think I couldn't see. Why change that."

"Mr. Dursley, if you ever get upon the quidditch team, how would you explain it to others? It would go against regulation wearing those things if they are enchanted in anyway. And such enchanted items might very well be forbidden in the school."

"What, no! They aren't enchanted, they're just glasses. Besides, shouldn't there be prescription goggles of some kind? Surely a player with glasses shouldn't be a thing really, what if they get knocked off? It's a risk!"

The professor simply nodded, remembering to try and keep this in mind for the next year if the boy ever tried out for quidditch. The Healer simply nodded along, it wasn't really his business at this point now. At least the Gamer specific item didn't register, much like the ability for whatever reason.

That said, the professor and Harry would ask a few more questions as the Healer sent out a paperplane memo to the apothecary department requesting the required potions. It was an interesting discussion to say the least. It took a few moments to discuss the potions, what each did, and when to take them. The Nutrient Potion was required once a day for meals and would refill itself daily. The Apothecary was in charge of that one somehow, and would know if he had skipped any dosages. The potion was also slightly weaker as well, since he wouldn't need the full dosage.

The booster potions were also in rather small dosages, and would protect against various magical diseases that may come about, as rare as it might be. Harry took the boosters, grimacing at the taste. A thick phial of a light green potion was handed to the professor to give to his aunt. The nutrient potion.

At this point McGonagall asked if it would be required to bring muggle raised through St. Mungos as a precaution in the future, or if it was possible to do so at Hogwarts.

"Well, to that end we certainly can spare a Pediatrician team to assist at the start of each school year to administer these potions to the muggle raised. That way we gather them all at once. I'm just as surprised you have to ask for this one Professor McGonagall, surely this should have been handled by the Governors or even the Headmaster! I will need to submit this to the board here as well. Believe me, I get enough complaints about muggle raised bringing potential illnesses to our world, but not enough about preventing us from sending it to them." The healer rubbed their chin for a moment. "Thank you for bringing this up. To that end, here you go Mr. Dursley, for being a fine patient today."

With that said the healer passed on a chocolate frog, surprising the boy. "Now don't eat too much, don't want holey teeth now do we? They are a pain to grow back after all."

The professor even gave a feint smile at that, "Quite."

The two made their way out, finally heading back to Privet Drive. Once there the Professor gave the potion to his Aunt Petunia with the directions as well as a small scroll of what other potions he had taken. Sort of a home record for future visits. The three of them sat in the kitchen to discuss where the entrance to the train was, and when it left. Leaving a ticket as well, explaining that it would assist one muggle onto the platform when the time comes and not to lose it!

That done the Professor unshrunk his trunk in his room. She bid him goodnight and had left. Harry had gone to talk with his aunt, to let her know how the day had gone.

OooOooO

His aunt had taken him out shopping once again, this time for some alternative supplies. A few notebooks, some writing stuffs, nothing too outrageous. Not to mention spare work clothes to wear over his school clothes.

It also surprised him when she added a few of the muggle school reference books to his list. Seeing his look she explained, "I expect you to do well in your classes, but I will not allow you to fall behind in your normal studies either."

The boy couldn't argue that, and simply followed along.

He was also given hygienic supplies in triplicate. Especially so when he told her that he hadn't seen anything quite like it while shopping. That didn't mean that there wasn't, just that he hadn't seen any. He did point out that there might be alternatives, to which she countered that until he learned about them himself, he would simply have to deal with it. Without Vernon Harry was able to get a Player's Handbook for himself. He had hoped it would solve some things for him, or at least inspire him to create his own spells in time. He did pay for it himself, citing that he earned a few quid now and then for helping with chores in the neighborhood now and then. He just saved it up.

An easily explained excuse anyway. He didn't want to alarm his aunt that he had at least seventy pounds on hand so far.

It was at this point Harry wondered if there was a vendor or something available to Gamers, or if the ability only gave him an edge over others. It was something to ponder as they finished shopping.

Surprisingly enough Harry got a message from Professor McGonagall, letting him know that Rubeus Hagrid would be available to meet him at the Leaky Cauldron in the late morning of his birthday. Mainly to take him to get a familiar, as well as to escort him around the Alley. It was still a couple of days away, it would give him time to at least skim through some of the statements, Petunia only took one look at a page he tried to show her and said that she couldn't read anything. She claimed it was like the words and structures changed randomly. He tried to read it to her, but she seemed to lose interest and started doing various small tasks. It was then he had to get her attention and explain what had happened. Petunia didn't like it, but suggested that he simply read it and then they would try to get to the bank to see what options there was for her to help him.

It was at that point Harry realized he was basically on his own for the moment. Still, he wrote down any questions he wanted clarification on, nothing detailed to cause that issue.

Harry had a look at the bank statements concerning himself. It was sort of surprising that Hogwarts was already paid off for the next seven years, and there was a sizable trust fund for supplies, or at least what he thought was a sizable amount.

With the limited investment the account didn't really suffer from maintenance, but rather earnings. Things had basically plateaued with only very slight gains. Not enough to drain the accounts any time soon, but it would be noticeable had he claimed the Potter Accounts at 25. At least that was the projection based upon that one. Majority of the summaries had unfortunately gotten more dire as time went on. At least now with the galleons flowing that wouldn't be an issue.

There had also been various attempts at accessing the accounts by a varying amount of people. Some of them had noticeably been from something called the Potter Alliance, notes suggesting that these ones were using emergency one time access to lock down various things. Others though were there simply to take the accounts by 'blood' and 'ministry rights'. The notes for these were that those have been fined for potential theft. None though had actually gotten any real access.

Then there had been the rather long scroll of light attempts. Simply 'Concerned Citizens', 'Business Partners', and those that claimed to be 'Trusted Family Friends' who were firmly turned away. Majority of them fell into the first and last category, more so the last one with a recurring name, "Albus Dumbledore". The list of 'Business Partners' was fairly short. Only a handful were truly business partners who were concerned about deposits. The rest were those that tried to get away from the Goblin Finance department for defamation and were trying to pay fines, or those that tried to get ahold of the business accounts presumably to drain them over time.

Thankfully nothing nefarious had happened so far, and his timing couldn't have been any better.

Old business partners here and there submitted their dues usually on a quarterly basis. A couple had decided to not bother, and had in-fact been severed with fines. Only a single business has stopped altogether and that was due to it being shut down due to no owners.

Harry looked through the estates next.

A few were in dire need of maintenance, mainly to clear the grounds of the encroaching wilderness, as well as minor pest control. Those that had been rented out, majority of the tenants had decided that they didn't need to pay anymore. With no Head or Heir to say otherwise, the Goblins hands were basically tied. A handful had continued paying their fees though, and were doing so to this day at least.

What made Harry's blood boil slightly was the notes and audits. None of the non-payers would let the representatives in to do the check ups. Majority of the audits were basically done through a telescope from a broom. They had reported that some of the tenants had started their own businesses from home, some selling potion supplies, some grocery. One ambitious person even started a small farm. All were profiting in some way. Those that hadn't taken advantage of that, they were fairly well off! Having instead converted the surrounding grounds into places of gathering and parties. One person even turned their place into a inn of some kind.

There would be much to talk about estate wise whenever Harry got back with the account manager.

At least those that were still paying were sensible enough to let the audits do their jobs, some even sending requests to expand or start a business. Majority of them on hold until Harry could approve or deny. They were at least understanding of that one.

It only took him a few pages to realize that majority of it timely business, and nothing too onerous. Simply summary notes and easily understood terms. For that he was thankful. Once the summaries were read through then came the details and detailed statements. Seemingly, it did match up with what the summaries stated.

There was only a couple of days left before his birthday, and Harry managed to read through the summary notes, looking deeper into some of the urgent stuffs. Curiously there was a relatively 'small' investment with Vernon's company! Looking through it Harry realized it was a sort of late wedding gift to Petunia, except both shares were kept here, the other hadn't been given to her. Harry would have to ask some questions about that one, adding it to his notes.

At least a handful of other investments were strewn here and there in the muggle world. Some were fairly old, the notes indicated that they were started by his grandparents! They were safe investments really, and had held out throughout the years. Harry would also look into this as well, adding them to separate notes to give to his aunt to look up.

It would take majority of his time to go through.

OooOooO

Petunia had come with Harry this time, they were now back at Charing Cross Road. She didn't feel comfortable letting Harry go alone, nor did she want any more magicals visiting her house. She was also there as an advisory role for the accounts, Harry did mention that there were some non-magical listings and felt that she might have more insight on the subject. It was also to key her in as an emergency contact for whatever reason. He also had to set up the stipend that was forgotten about as well.

"I still don't understand all of this... nonsense about your pet. Surely they could have sent this Hagrid person along when you first went shopping." His aunt went on about once again, she was also smoothing down her outfit, one that was mismatched together at Harry's suggestion. He had noted that various magicals had no idea how to dress in the normal world, and this wouldn't draw too much attention until she could get herself a cloak or something. Harry himself had taken his cloak, and had only put it on once they were in the Leaky Cauldron. He had changed the inner color to a dark navy blue.

Harry didn't know that his mum had left behind some things from when she was a student. Some of that had carried over for when his aunt moved out. That his aunt had agonized over taking one of the robes to wear before ultimately deciding against it. Leaving it where it was in an old suitcase in the attic.

She knew better than to gawk around, not that she really cared to. Petunia had after all seen it all before, and was quietly marveling at the fact that nothing much had overly changed.

They made their way to the bank to finish that bit of business. It was a bit more involved, there had been a couple concessions made to allow his aunt to help assist in keeping the accounts. To make this possible her and her son had been given an account with the caveat that if neither provided a magical heir in two generations then the account would be reabsorbed back into the Potter accounts, no penalties involved so long as they didn't betray House of Potter.

Harry was made to claim Heirship to make this happen, and had brought the Ring Boxes. This was mainly to have a Goblin as witness. The process wasn't that odd all things considered, no real fanfare other than the ring sizing itself to fit. It worked on intent, and would only show itself if shown to others. Harry would have to send letters to the Potter Alliance that he had claimed that part at least, thus opening the Potter Alliance for business once again.

A few things were signed off, and Potter Gold was circulating the markets once again.

After that they had gotten his aunt a fitted cloak, she said that was as far as she was willing to go. It was a simple grey cloak on the outside with a light pattern of flowers on the inside.

They met with Hagrid later on, who had taken them to get a familiar. His aunt claimed that she was just a minder, and did not want Hagrid knowing who she was. The brilliant Snowy White Owl was perfect in Harry's opinion. It would still allow him to contact his aunt should he need to. He was still debating on a name before remembering the tale of a saint by the name of "Hedwig, that's your name, what do you think girl?"

She gave a bark of agreement before bobbing her head. It would be the start of a beautiful relationship.

That done Harry went back to the shop that sold various items to look around some more. Then they made their way back to the book shop, Harry was able to purchase some history books, and other such stuff. They didn't stick around long, they did however stop by for a treat at Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour, they even got a few treats to sample from the Diagon Alley's Honeydukes shop. All the while Hagrid was chatting about Hogwarts, the teachers, Dumbledore, the magical world, and various creatures.

Harry simply nodded along, asking a couple of questions here and there. Time flew by as they finished exploring, they bid Hagrid goodbye and returned back to Privet Drive.

OoOoO

The boy was currently looking through his skills and perks listings. It was just habit at this point, taking a break between reading through the school books, comparing some of them to the ones he had been gifted by his parents. He wasn't exactly sure when he would need to spend the points he had accumulated, so he had been stacking them up for now. Surely a couple had gone into some skills along the way, mainly for long term gains.

Majority of his skills though were naturally picked up along the way. [Mathematician III] for instance. Then, there was the new stuff he had gotten as well.

By now Harry had read what books he had purchased, as well as a few of the others that had finally unlocked after he tapped the spines with his new wand. Of course it also helped that it was after his eleventh birthday.

There was much to learn, most of the spells actually required more control than he had! Not to mention a slight surprise of level requirement. If Harry was determined he would be able to reach those levels before entering Hogwarts, but he felt it wasn't that urgent to learn them. That didn't mean though that he could skip out on learning other things.

He took the time to realize that he wasn't really specialized in much really. Sure he had a handful or two of spells he could utilize, but really, there was such a diverse amount of spells. Basically something for everything under the sun, and even more under the moon!

Harry was quite surprised when a whole branch of Potions skills opened up once he read through one of the books, those mainly about prep work, if not increased proficiency or skills. Then a whole host of skills required for Herbology as well! Where the mundane things he picked up somehow became important for various magical skills as well. Thinking about it he decided it only made sense, there would be some bleed through between skillsets. He doubted it would last long though, there may well be differences that was to be learned.

One book was a trove of potion knowledge, one that had been revised and rewritten by the current Potions Professor at Hogwarts! It was currently the second edition. Small improvements made through the preparation phase of brewing to increase potency. It wasn't a required book, but Harry had gotten it from his second visit to Diagon Alley. It was a subject that fascinated him somewhat, he wasn't sure if he had the talent for it, but he was willing to give it a shot!

He would visit the Library a couple more times, mainly to scour for anything. A few more spells were tried out, and he had come to realize that he couldn't perform too many different spells he had learned from the handbook. However, he could choose which ones he would try for the day anyway. He also couldn't enter his created instances to reset them. Once chosen, he couldn't change them until he had gotten rested once again. Harry felt that this was a strange mechanic all things considered. Whenever he tried to use these spells after having locked them in, he would get a small headache and they would cost an absurd amount!

Still, it was practice. It also let him figure out which ones to use, and which ones to leave behind. As he suspected though, he had found more immediate uses for utility types of spells rather than any direct combat spells. Surely this would change as time wore on. He had yet to venture to the second level, and vowed to try that next summer.

The last of August had finally arrived, and Harry was once again going through his stuff one last time.

He managed to pack away most of his school supplies in a order that made sense to him. Having also taken some storage boxes from the maze a while back, he used some to sort his stuff. He noticed that the first compartment was the one that affected the trunk's weight, so he stowed only a couple of items along with his clothes there. The rest he managed to fit into the second compartment.

Looking at what else he should take he opened his Mum's trunk to go through it once again, selecting a few volumes, a couple of her journals. There wasn't much else really besides books. He did also go through the Knapsack of Holding as well, sorting out copies of books, as far as he could tell they were only slightly out of date by a couple versions on some of them. Although, there were a few spells missing as well! He decided though the current versions will do. He did keep some of the items, adding them to his personal inventory.

He also took the time to sort that as well. Scrolls here and there were looked through, a couple books left behind as they no longer held much for him. The point was to travel light, who knows he could find more stuff and he would be out of room. He did discover a light limit on items, they couldn't be huge items, nor could they weigh too much either.

A few items were left behind as well, stowed away in the trunk, finally filling it to max capacity. With the enchantments added, no one at the house would bother it.

The bag felt slightly lighter, so he added some of the books, notebooks, and a couple of snacks. He didn't know if the train ride provided anything, and didn't want to take that chance. Just to be sure he added some extra on the off chance he made a new friend.

Hedwig gave a bit of a bark and slight screeching sound, Harry nodded, he got vague feelings from her now and then. Who knows, perhaps there was something to the familiar thing. He had suggested that she fly ahead to Hogwarts, he didn't think she would enjoy being cooped up in a cage. She instantly agreed to that.

OoOoO

Harry gave a brief hug to his aunt, shook hands with Dudley, and simply nodded towards Vernon before turning and seemingly melting into the crowds of King's Cross. They had arrived early enough for him to take some time. His aunt decided it was best he journey alone, she also didn't feel comfortable being surrounded by magicals.

it was at that point he took notice of the out of character people stationed around the platforms, some talking about the cover name of Hogwarts, subtly directing lost students to the correct platforms. It would explain the vast feeling of magic he felt when entering the station, perhaps it was like a subtle notice-me-not field, or even a confounding wards.

"Sure, Hogwarts is a nice place, but come on, to take a train there, especially located between platforms nine and ten? Please. I still don't understand how the vote lost to simply Floo the students there."

Harry could only stare at the obvious wizard, wondering how the muggles walking on by hadn't heard anything odd. Perhaps it was a confounding ward then. It wasn't the only thing he seen that was out of place. There was even a banner on it was directions to the platform in diagram form. As he looked through it another person walked up, traced a route before leaving again, skipping past the route to 9 3/4 entrance entirely like they couldn't see it.

There was plenty of time to get to the train, yet Harry made haste anyway. One, to get prime seating choice, and two, because Lily's journal complained about the lack of seating choice because Petunia would drag on, almost forcing her to miss the train.

Besides that, he might make a friend or two before even arriving to Hogwarts, a win-win situation really.

He had managed to find the entrance, it was fairly simple, there was even a helpful wizard there to gesture him in. There was a stronger tingle of magic, perhaps a stronger notice-me-not field had been set up. The boy didn't know that this was fairly new. It would ensure that the magical entrance would remain hidden safely, as well as ensuring no one was left stranded on the other side. This had been a recurring problem over the decades, at least 1 muggleborn was left stranded every other year.

Once through Harry's breath caught at the sight of the steam locomotive. A scarlet steam engine was waiting next to a platform packed with people. A sign overhead said Hogwarts Express, eleven o'clock. Harry looked behind him and saw a wrought-iron archway where the barrier had been, with the words Platform Nine and Three-Quarters on it. He had done it.

Smoke from the engine drifted over the heads of the chattering crowd, while cats of every color wound here and there between their legs. Owls hooted to one another in a disgruntled sort of way over the babble and the scraping of heavy trunks. There wasn't too many people milling about all things considered, he was fairly early.

He managed to find a neat compartment towards the middle of the train. It was slightly larger than normal. He was quite thankful he managed to stack a few extra points into strength, and that the trunk itself was multicompartment, halving the weight at least. It also helps that he managed to sneak on his gloves of climbing for the added grip. This let him to stow the trunk with a bit of effort. He wondered why these things didn't come with a minor featherlight enchantment or something.

Still, he managed to relax some, occasionally he would watch people come and go, students board, families staying their goodbyes. Majority of the older students arriving on their own first, they would meet up with friends, talk for a bit, stow their stuff away and head back to the platform, some breaking off to meet family.

There was the odd muggleborn that would arrive, sometimes with a sibling or a friend.

Other times Harry continued to read one of his books, marveling at the possibilities. Time flew by, and suddenly there was a shift of the atmosphere.

He looked up, feeling the change. It was one of haste, more families showing up, more rumpled looking students. It was as if they were fearful of being late and had rushed through. With cause as well, there was fifteen minutes left to board. Many ushering each other on board to put away their stuff and rushing back for their goodbyes. It somewhat amused and exasperated Harry at the same time. Apparently lateness was also a magical thing as well. Surely with all that magic could do, being late was a choice at this point... right?

Still, he continued to watch the happenings. With five minutes to spare an entire clan of redheads descended upon the platform, basically flying through the crowd. It was a common occurrence if the crowd's reaction meant anything. They were too far down for Harry to make out.

It was surprising as well when he took note of his own compartment. Another couple of students had joined him at some point, their trunks had been put away and they too were reading a book. Oddly enough they didn't have any colors to their robes, a new students then.

"Oh! S-Sorry, I'm Harry, Harry Potter." Harry said, suddenly sitting up straighter once he realized that he was being a bit rude.

The other person looked up, a girl, she tilted her head curiously before replying. "Charmed, I'm sure. Greengrass."

With that said she turned back to her book. The boy could only blink in surprise. All things told, she didn't say anything sarcastically, nor did she really give off any emotion whatsoever. Still, with that name he could only deduce that this was the Greengrass Heiress, Daphne.

Which meant... Turning to the other girl in the compartment she gave a timid wave, "Davis, Tracey Davis."

Of course. The two families were basically inseparable. Much like Bones, you'll see Abbot nearby. No Potter without a Longbottom. Just as you'll see Greengrass, with Davis right next to them. The boy simply blinked before nodding respectfully.

"I was a mite bit engrossed in my book. For that you have my apologies. Now that introductions are out of the way, would any of you two care for an apple?" Harry dug around his pack and brought out said apples. Both of them shared a look before each tentatively accepting the fruit.

Soon enough the train whistle blew, it seemed like everyone had made it aboard in a mad rush. Families lined all long the platform waving them off. The entire carriage barely shuddered as the train left the station.

Harry could swear he had seen a redheaded girl keeping with the train until there was no more platform, waving away before they rounded the corner.

He settled back into his book, in the corner of his eye he could see many students milling about, going from one end of the train to another. Most likely searching for friends and what not. It felt slightly awkward really, knowing that there was two others who were probably having some kind of silent conversation... or something.

It was then someone knocked on the door, they all looked over. It was a boy with a rounded face, Daphne and Tracey had ushered the boy in, Harry assisted with adding their trunk to the compartment.

"Thanks, Longbottom by the way, you can call me Neville." The boy settled down, shaking hands with Harry and slightly bowing to the two girls who waved back

"Harry Potter." He greeted back, the other boy gave him a surprised look before nodding.

Harry wondered who else might suddenly show up, this was basically half of the Potter Alliance Heirs. There was room enough for at least two more in the compartment, not counting trunk space. Harry observed as Neville and the two girls chatted like old acquaintances. It was probably to be expected, yet something felt... odd being near Neville.

It took him a moment before he realized that the boy carried himself slightly differently, one of cautious determination. Harry didn't quite know what to make of it really.

"Anyway, how about your Harry? Surely you're excited to start Hogwarts!" The boy asked, all of them looking at him expectantly.

"Oh, um... well it's a bit exciting all things considered. It would be nice to see where my parents had gone to school." Harry earnestly answered.

"Well of course, the Potters have been attending since it had opened as far as we can tell." Said Tracey, even Daphne nodded at that.

"My aunt told me that I'd always be going to Hogwarts, but she made sure that I was at least educated before going. It was a surprise when she told me let me tell you. I just wish my cousin was magical."

"Aren't you the last Potter though?"

"Tracey!"

Harry just fiddled with the book for a moment before answering. "Well, he's my mum's nephew, we were fairly close growing up. Still though! He seemed to understand! Last I knew he was going to his father's old school as well! So at least we're both getting what we wanted!"

Neville nodded along with that, the other two were considering it.

They kept to idle chatter, questions about houses, quidditch teams, subjects they look forward to. All the while students traveled up and down the train to meet up with friends, finding the loo, some looking for compartments, others simply exploring.

Each probably knew that there was much to discuss, but that could wait until they settled into Hogwarts. For now, they enjoyed the moment. They even had a good time when the snack trolley came around, Neville wanted to play a game of Every Flavor Bean.

Neville started off with a tree sap flavor, Tracey managed to luck out with blueberry while Daphne got grass, Harry's luck decided to flop on him at that moment gifting him with a soap flavor. His luck didn't really let up for him after that much to his chagrin. Still, they all had quite an amusing time. A few students stopped by to ask Daphne a few questions, gawk at Harry, or simply exploring. Before long darkness descended, and an excited atmosphere was building up. The boys stepped out of the carraige to let the girls freshen up and what not, both of them were already prepared.

They were nearing the final stop at Hogsmeade Village.


Wand reviewer: I have my reasons for him keeping the wand Holly and Phoenix Feather. Mainly to do with the symbolism of the brother wands. Look up the meaning behind the wood. The Phoenix Feather has many meanings, I've decided to go with simply a cycle of Rebirth, Power, and Greatness. That is my interpretation. My take is that Fawkes is only special because he only ever gave 2 feathers and not at the same time! My theory is that Riddle's core was given near a burning day, while Harry's was given at some point after a rebirth. Spent potential vs Growing potential respectively.

Also Fawkes isn't the Only phoenix around. Seriously, how are there not that many 'brother wands' concerning dragon heartstring, have you seen how big those suckers are? Each heartstring alone should be enough to make at least 2-5 wands each depending on the size of the dragon. You can't tell me that there isn't brother unicorn hair wands either.

Otherwise it would be limiting using just Unicorn Hair, Dragon Heartstring, Phoenix feathers. Surely there is far more choices in magical U.K. than those 3. It would be wasteful using a whole Heartstring, and a single phoenix feather considering how rare they seem to be. Either Brother Wands are super rare and it is all prophesized that they will meet in single combat, or be great allies. Or Brother Wands are fairly common, it's just that they are sold in varying times from creation, meaning that they will never meet in single combat. Seeing the effect is simply happenstance, and in the case of Harry and Voldy, an exception.

I couldn't respond, so here's your couple of paragraphs. Seriously, I have like a whole chapter about my choice of wand and core in my notes and potential selection. Not to mention the varying amount of cores, woods, and metallurgy. The potential different foci, but that would be telling.

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All Previous Reviews about "Private Drive", "Too many Perspectives", that has been somewhat addressed. There is still many perspectives, but now shunted to their respective chapters. Effected numerical chapters: 1-5. Chapters 6 and 7 remain unchanged, so far. Chances are I missed a couple, but at this point I couldn't be bothered.

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Do not expect the next chapter any time soon. Thank you for reading, catch y'all later.