Chapter 1: The Train
A/N: Thanks for all of the reviews, everybody. After I finish this note, I'll reply to them all. I know I messed up a bit on the previous chapter (it was the Prologue), but, come on, it was my first time ever posting something. In this one the paragraphs are going to be spaced out, so it's easier to read, I will not accidentally put "want" when it's really meant to be "wand", and there might be a couple of other mistakes too. Also, it's sort of weird, but twice my dot dot dots haven't showed up on fan fiction & also italics didn't show up either. Oh well, at least one did. All right, here are the review answers. (Come on people, I know this is my first fic, but it can't be THAT bad, I need more than TWO reviews, also considering that one was from my friends whom I told to review, and the other was from me.
Mistress Hermione: Thanks, Élisabeth (is that how the accent goes??). So, how's it going? If you have any suggestions, tell me at school or email me. Remind me to get my story from Sylvie tomorrow (actually never mind because I typed this ages before I'm going to post it so ignore that last comment).
Sally Ally: I don't think I'll bother reviewing every single chapter, but I should on the Prologue. See you right now this second.
The train chugged on. Expecting to be along for the whole journey, Stella was surprised when another child entered her compartment. It was a boy, brown haired, a little pudgy, and had a circular face.
'If you've come to laugh at me, then there's no point because I really don't care and I'll just ignore you,' Stella said, continuing to read.
'I - I haven't. Honest. I just can't find an empty compartment anywhere. This one has the least occupants,' the boy stuttered out.
'Oh, my goodness!' A girl emerged from behind the boy. She had horribly bushy hair, bright red in colour. She had brown eyes, and oversized front teeth.
'Well, I'd expected to see you somewhere, but certainly not run into you on the train. You're Stella Potter. My mum was one of you're dad's best friends at Hogwarts. She's called Hermione Granger. Have you heard of her book, Simple Spells? Oh, look, you've got it right there. I'll tell mummy, she'll be terribly pleased. My father was one of your father's friends, Ron Weasley. And your mother's Katie Bell. She used to be on the quidditch team, and I think she still does something with it now, doesn't she? My name's Tory Granger. Well, actually, it's really Torence, but Tory seems to fit me better. Don't you agree? Let's see, and this is Neville Longbottom II. Your father knew his father too! Have you brought an animal? I've got a cat called Crookshanks. I know he looks sort of odd, but really, he's all right. Neville's got his toad, what's it called, Neville? Travis? Truman? Oh, Trevor, that's it. Have you brought your robes onto the train? I've heard that we have to be wearing them when you get off the train. Oh, yes, there they are, you have. Hold on a minute, have you read all of the required textbooks yet? After asking around, I thought I'd be the only one, but there you are. If you've gotten started on a different book, then you must have read all of the ones that we have to read. I just couldn't put them down this summer. They're all so interesting. What about that new Defense Of The Dark Arts book? I expect you liked the part about your father-'
'No, not really, my father's not exactly someone to brag about.' Finally Stella managed to get a comment in.
'What do you mean?' The girl - no, Tory, Stella corrected herself - asked.
'Well . . . if you must know, my father quit wizardry at the age of sixteen and now enjoys getting drunk each night and sleeping at the Muggle pub every day as hobbies.'
'Oh.' That was all that Tory could get out, ashamed at herself for asking such a question.
'It's all right. I suppose it's better this way. I feel a little better now that I've confided in someone,' Stella said. 'And now, back to some of your previous questions and comments. I never knew about Ron Weasley, but my mum told me about your mum, right after she bought the book for me. She teaches little children quidditch for a living. Yes, I've got an animal. I've got a toad, too, like Neville. It's a she. And it's called Imbécile. I got her in France, so the name's French; it means "nincompoop". And it was too late by the time I realized that and tried to change it. And no way have I read all of the textbooks. I've only started the Charms one because it looks really interesting.'
'Well at least you've read a little. I always say that a person who reads a lot will grow up to be all the more smarter. So, now that we've all gotten to know each other a little, may we please sit down?'
Stella had almost forgotten that Neville was there. She had been so wrapped up in her conversation with Tory that he had just seemed to disappear. But it was nice to know that someone else had a toad, so there was someone else who didn't have another reason to laugh at her. 'Sure. I'm sorry to keep you standing all of this time,' Stella answered politely. Tory and Neville took a seat across the table from her. Stella placed a bookmark in her place in Simple Spells, and lifted her gaze to the two other soon - to - be Hogwarts students across from here. It was sort of odd, really. She hadn't quite expected to make friends so soon. She had a feeling in her. A feeling that said that her, Neville and Tory were going to be together for a very long time.
At precisely one o' clock, there was a rattling noise somewhere and then a loud knock came from outside. Tory jumped up from her seat and pulled the door open, revealing a slightly plump witch with a jolly smile on her face. She was pushing a trolley in front of her filled with Pumpkin Pasties, Cauldron Cakes, Bertie Bott's Every-Flavor Beans, Chocolate Frogs and Drooble's Best Blowing Gum. On the bottom shelf were lots of different - coloured pitchers, obviously filled with drinks of some sort.
'You're the trolley witch!' Stella exclaimed. 'I've heard about you!'
'Too right you are, little girl. But the one you might have heard about was probably my mother. She retired quite some time ago, and I decided to take over her occupation. Anything?'
Stella reached into her bag for her money pouch. 'Oh, blow it, I've forgotten my money. It's with all of my other things in the luggage compartment.'
'It's all right. I'll lend you some,' said Tory.
'You sure you won't mind?' Stella asked.
'No, of course not.' Tory produced a beige bag jingling from the sound of coins banging together. 'What do you two want?' As Stella and Neville murmured their responses, Tory paid the woman, who looked quite pleased. The three of them all helped to lift the big load of food that had just been bought. It was plunked onto the wooden table in the middle of all of them, and the trolley witch left to go on to the next compartment. Over the food, the trio talked about their pasts. Stella told Neville and Tory about her parents and their adolescent life. Tory told the other two about her parents and grandparents, how they were all dentists, though the grandparents worked in the muggle way, while her parents were in the magical business. Neville didn't say anything when it was his turn.
'Oh, come on, you must have something to tell us,' the two girls said.
'Well, sort of.'
'Then come on; let's hear it.' Neville, without facing Stella and Tory, muttered about his grandparents. They had been in St. Mungo's, until recently, they had miraculously recovered from their problems and had moved back to their own home. They had been fine for a month, and had just started to feel comfortable again, until Voldemort had struck once again. But this time, he had taken no mercy. He had gone in and just simply murdered the Longbottoms while they were asleep. It had been such a trauma for Neville and his parents; they had almost not made it. But when they got the letter for Hogwarts, it had made them all a bit happier; as they hadn't been sure that Neville was going to get in. They had all refused to let that bother them, yet it still lurked at the back of all of their minds.
Neville sobbed at the end of his story. Stella guessed that it had just been too much for him, all at once. She offered him a Chocolate Frog to cheer him up, and he accepted it, swiping at his eyes while unwrapping it.
'Look! It's your mother, Tory! "The most intelligent witch in a century to enter Hogwarts School Of Witchcraft And Wizardry".'
'Wow,' replied Tory, I never knew she was on the Chocolate Frog cards. She never told me.'
'We will be arriving at Hogwarts School in just five minutes,' the intercom suddenly blared out.
'Oh, shoot!' cried Stella. 'And we haven't even changed into our robes yet!' Stella, Neville and Tory all jumped to their feet and all yanked their school robes from their bags. Dashing off to the bathrooms with the others, Stella felt that she had friends at last.
A/N: Thanks for all of the reviews, everybody. After I finish this note, I'll reply to them all. I know I messed up a bit on the previous chapter (it was the Prologue), but, come on, it was my first time ever posting something. In this one the paragraphs are going to be spaced out, so it's easier to read, I will not accidentally put "want" when it's really meant to be "wand", and there might be a couple of other mistakes too. Also, it's sort of weird, but twice my dot dot dots haven't showed up on fan fiction & also italics didn't show up either. Oh well, at least one did. All right, here are the review answers. (Come on people, I know this is my first fic, but it can't be THAT bad, I need more than TWO reviews, also considering that one was from my friends whom I told to review, and the other was from me.
Mistress Hermione: Thanks, Élisabeth (is that how the accent goes??). So, how's it going? If you have any suggestions, tell me at school or email me. Remind me to get my story from Sylvie tomorrow (actually never mind because I typed this ages before I'm going to post it so ignore that last comment).
Sally Ally: I don't think I'll bother reviewing every single chapter, but I should on the Prologue. See you right now this second.
The train chugged on. Expecting to be along for the whole journey, Stella was surprised when another child entered her compartment. It was a boy, brown haired, a little pudgy, and had a circular face.
'If you've come to laugh at me, then there's no point because I really don't care and I'll just ignore you,' Stella said, continuing to read.
'I - I haven't. Honest. I just can't find an empty compartment anywhere. This one has the least occupants,' the boy stuttered out.
'Oh, my goodness!' A girl emerged from behind the boy. She had horribly bushy hair, bright red in colour. She had brown eyes, and oversized front teeth.
'Well, I'd expected to see you somewhere, but certainly not run into you on the train. You're Stella Potter. My mum was one of you're dad's best friends at Hogwarts. She's called Hermione Granger. Have you heard of her book, Simple Spells? Oh, look, you've got it right there. I'll tell mummy, she'll be terribly pleased. My father was one of your father's friends, Ron Weasley. And your mother's Katie Bell. She used to be on the quidditch team, and I think she still does something with it now, doesn't she? My name's Tory Granger. Well, actually, it's really Torence, but Tory seems to fit me better. Don't you agree? Let's see, and this is Neville Longbottom II. Your father knew his father too! Have you brought an animal? I've got a cat called Crookshanks. I know he looks sort of odd, but really, he's all right. Neville's got his toad, what's it called, Neville? Travis? Truman? Oh, Trevor, that's it. Have you brought your robes onto the train? I've heard that we have to be wearing them when you get off the train. Oh, yes, there they are, you have. Hold on a minute, have you read all of the required textbooks yet? After asking around, I thought I'd be the only one, but there you are. If you've gotten started on a different book, then you must have read all of the ones that we have to read. I just couldn't put them down this summer. They're all so interesting. What about that new Defense Of The Dark Arts book? I expect you liked the part about your father-'
'No, not really, my father's not exactly someone to brag about.' Finally Stella managed to get a comment in.
'What do you mean?' The girl - no, Tory, Stella corrected herself - asked.
'Well . . . if you must know, my father quit wizardry at the age of sixteen and now enjoys getting drunk each night and sleeping at the Muggle pub every day as hobbies.'
'Oh.' That was all that Tory could get out, ashamed at herself for asking such a question.
'It's all right. I suppose it's better this way. I feel a little better now that I've confided in someone,' Stella said. 'And now, back to some of your previous questions and comments. I never knew about Ron Weasley, but my mum told me about your mum, right after she bought the book for me. She teaches little children quidditch for a living. Yes, I've got an animal. I've got a toad, too, like Neville. It's a she. And it's called Imbécile. I got her in France, so the name's French; it means "nincompoop". And it was too late by the time I realized that and tried to change it. And no way have I read all of the textbooks. I've only started the Charms one because it looks really interesting.'
'Well at least you've read a little. I always say that a person who reads a lot will grow up to be all the more smarter. So, now that we've all gotten to know each other a little, may we please sit down?'
Stella had almost forgotten that Neville was there. She had been so wrapped up in her conversation with Tory that he had just seemed to disappear. But it was nice to know that someone else had a toad, so there was someone else who didn't have another reason to laugh at her. 'Sure. I'm sorry to keep you standing all of this time,' Stella answered politely. Tory and Neville took a seat across the table from her. Stella placed a bookmark in her place in Simple Spells, and lifted her gaze to the two other soon - to - be Hogwarts students across from here. It was sort of odd, really. She hadn't quite expected to make friends so soon. She had a feeling in her. A feeling that said that her, Neville and Tory were going to be together for a very long time.
At precisely one o' clock, there was a rattling noise somewhere and then a loud knock came from outside. Tory jumped up from her seat and pulled the door open, revealing a slightly plump witch with a jolly smile on her face. She was pushing a trolley in front of her filled with Pumpkin Pasties, Cauldron Cakes, Bertie Bott's Every-Flavor Beans, Chocolate Frogs and Drooble's Best Blowing Gum. On the bottom shelf were lots of different - coloured pitchers, obviously filled with drinks of some sort.
'You're the trolley witch!' Stella exclaimed. 'I've heard about you!'
'Too right you are, little girl. But the one you might have heard about was probably my mother. She retired quite some time ago, and I decided to take over her occupation. Anything?'
Stella reached into her bag for her money pouch. 'Oh, blow it, I've forgotten my money. It's with all of my other things in the luggage compartment.'
'It's all right. I'll lend you some,' said Tory.
'You sure you won't mind?' Stella asked.
'No, of course not.' Tory produced a beige bag jingling from the sound of coins banging together. 'What do you two want?' As Stella and Neville murmured their responses, Tory paid the woman, who looked quite pleased. The three of them all helped to lift the big load of food that had just been bought. It was plunked onto the wooden table in the middle of all of them, and the trolley witch left to go on to the next compartment. Over the food, the trio talked about their pasts. Stella told Neville and Tory about her parents and their adolescent life. Tory told the other two about her parents and grandparents, how they were all dentists, though the grandparents worked in the muggle way, while her parents were in the magical business. Neville didn't say anything when it was his turn.
'Oh, come on, you must have something to tell us,' the two girls said.
'Well, sort of.'
'Then come on; let's hear it.' Neville, without facing Stella and Tory, muttered about his grandparents. They had been in St. Mungo's, until recently, they had miraculously recovered from their problems and had moved back to their own home. They had been fine for a month, and had just started to feel comfortable again, until Voldemort had struck once again. But this time, he had taken no mercy. He had gone in and just simply murdered the Longbottoms while they were asleep. It had been such a trauma for Neville and his parents; they had almost not made it. But when they got the letter for Hogwarts, it had made them all a bit happier; as they hadn't been sure that Neville was going to get in. They had all refused to let that bother them, yet it still lurked at the back of all of their minds.
Neville sobbed at the end of his story. Stella guessed that it had just been too much for him, all at once. She offered him a Chocolate Frog to cheer him up, and he accepted it, swiping at his eyes while unwrapping it.
'Look! It's your mother, Tory! "The most intelligent witch in a century to enter Hogwarts School Of Witchcraft And Wizardry".'
'Wow,' replied Tory, I never knew she was on the Chocolate Frog cards. She never told me.'
'We will be arriving at Hogwarts School in just five minutes,' the intercom suddenly blared out.
'Oh, shoot!' cried Stella. 'And we haven't even changed into our robes yet!' Stella, Neville and Tory all jumped to their feet and all yanked their school robes from their bags. Dashing off to the bathrooms with the others, Stella felt that she had friends at last.