Friends on the Train

The next morning, she dragged her trunk and Mahshi's cage downstairs and checked out. King's Cross was a few miles away but her heavy trunk didn't weigh her down. She had put wheels on it so it would be easier to move. She was one of the first to arrive that morning.

Mora wheeled over to the partition between platforms 9 and 10 and began to stand beside it, just like Hagrid told her to do. Leaning slightly into the wall, she felt herself go through and entered onto Platform 9 3/4. She checked her trunk and cage with one of the porters and found a seat on the train.

She watched as student after student appeared with their trunks and family. Mothers sniffed and hugged their children and fathers gave their sons firm handshakes and words of congratulations.

About five minutes before the train's departure, the number of students grew dramatically, but Mora immediately recognized three from the Leaky Cauldron. They rushed to get their trunks checked and hurried onto the train.

I told you we should have been earlier. All the seats are taken, said a girl's voice.

What about this one? said a boy. The boy with red hair poked his head in. Are you saving these seats?

No. Please come in, Mora replied.

The three sat down.

The boy with red hair asked, Were you in the Leaky Cauldron yesterday for lunch? I think I remember seeing you there in a booth in the corner.

Yes, I was there. I think I remember you, too. Pausing, she thought, then said, Yes, I do remember. You looked like you were good friends and having a good time.

We are and we were, said the girl. I'm Hermione Granger.

I am Mora Airs.

Ron Weasley, chimed in the red headed boy.

Harry Potter. Pleased to meet you, Mora, the other boy replied.

Harry Potter? I have just become familiar with your name, although your actions are not unknown where I come from, Mora said. She watched the others roll their eyes slightly and Harry turned pink.

Where are you from? asked Hermione.

A small, Mediterranean country called Mahshi.

Never heard of it, said Ron.

Not many people have heard of it. As I said, it is a small country. We are ruled by a monarchy and a body of people called the Adsmer. Few people, other than those in high power of other countries, know of us.

How do they know me in Mahshi? asked Harry.

Voldemort's reach went well beyond England. She did not notice Ron wince at the name. We knew and feared him. Those you call Muggles here, were unaware of him, but we knew he was dangerous. When we realized he had been defeated, we rejoiced. Things were investigated and it was learned that a child was responsible for his downfall, but the exact details were not known. We did not know his name, your name, till I read about it this summer.

Wow. I had no idea that his terror was so widespread. Harry seemed to think that there was something different about her. He felt like she was trustworthy, even though he had no proof that she wasn't connected with Voldemort or any other Dark Magicians. She just had an aura of reliability. Harry shifted in his seat and looked out the window. You know he's back, right?

Hermione and Ron yelled.

Turning quickly to the others, who seemed to be objecting to his truthfulness, he said, What? If the people where she's from also feared Voldemort, she's got a right to know!

I had not heard. Mora looked out the window, with a concerned look on her face. I will have to send a message to my parents tonight. Thank you for your candor, Harry.

A still pause filled the air. Mora hadn't noticed the beginning of the train's motion. She watched the scenery go, ever faster, by.

So you're a first year? Ron asked.

In a way. Mora told them the story of her admittance to Hogwarts.

I guess you'll have to be sorted, still. But no matter what house, we'll probably have a double class sometime with you, Hermione said.

In what house do you three live? Mora asked.

all three replied.

The rest of the train ride, Mora was entertained with stories of the trio's adventures. They only paused when the food cart came around and Mora was completely awed at the array of sweets that were there (she got some of everything and paid with her still full pouch of coins, which seemed to catch Ron's eye). As the afternoon wore on, the stories continued, then Harry told the final story of how he witnessed Voldemort receiving a body and how he was an unwilling role of it.

Amazing! Frightening, but amazing. Mora looked at them all the turned back to Harry. Voldemort is a key part in your life and now your are a major part of him. With such intertwined lives, I am sure you will be meeting, again. She smiled at him. But I know you know that.

I do. And if Voldemort is going to be up to his old tricks of death and destruction, few people will be left uninvolved with him.

Hate to interrupt this dreadfully morbid conversation, but we should change. We are almost there, Hermione said, with and air of authority.

The four decided that he two boys would wait outside while the girls changed and then they would switch so the guys could change. Before anyone could get up, though, Malfoy popped his head in the compartment.

Another first year! Are you the one that is coming in as a fifth year? Malfoy asked.

Yes, she is, so please move on, said Ron, turning red in the face.

I hope you know you shouldn't hang around with these lower classes. I can tell you're of a better quality family than they are.

And how do you find yourself being so high and mighty that you could judge others? Mora asked, with a sarcastically sweet tone. She didn't like Malfoy already.

Apparently you don't take pride in the purity of your linage.

I do indeed. I just do not feel the need to flaunt it, unlike some. Also, how can being around those who have interesting things to say spoil, as you are implying, my linage? Mora glared at Malfoy who glared back.

I recognize that look. I know what you are, Malfoy exclaimed, with an alarmed look on his face.

You are the only one who needs to be bothered with that burden. Good day!

Malfoy shut his gapping mouth and walked away, past his two big goons that were not far from him. We should get changed, Mora said. The others nodded.

The boys walked into the corridor and the girls quickly switched into school robes. I have a question, said Hermione. What did Malfoy mean by he knew what you were?'

Not to be mean, but instead, entirely honest, I would like to keep that to myself. No offense taken, I hope

Not at all. Just a bit of curiosity, I'm afraid.

No harm in asking. I just do not feel free to answer.

Hermione and Mora exited so Harry and Ron could change.

Can I make and agreement with you? asked Hermione.

Perhaps. It will depend on what the agreement involves.

If I figure out what Malfoy meant and ask you specifically, will you tell me if I'm right?

Mora thought for a second. If you also promise you will not bother me with excessive questions everyday, I agree.



The door opened and Hermione and Mora went back in and sat down. A few minutes later, the train stopped at Hogsmeade station.