The disclaimer is in the first chapter.
I would like to give thanks to the Higher Power. My home team of cheerleaders, Mom and Son, front and center.
Yes, one more chapter.
A hug to Marc the Unruly, SlytherinSal and Noppoh for all of their support through this project. I know, the quarantine doesn't promote them, so, I'll send them through this platform. Thanks, guys.
This story is still M+18. Mature language and themes.
I don't feed trolls so don't bring them around.
Reviews are welcome.
Enjoy!
Chapter 6. The journey to Hogwarts.
Hogwarts Express. 1 September 1991. 11:30 am.
Looking back, Harry(Andy) just wanted to have a moment to hug and kiss his girl after not being able to see her for years. Years that he spent all over the globe chasing more training and learning methods on how to get rid of Horcruxes and disband terrorist cells. It sucked since his mother and father had to be invisible and he could only call Hermione on the magical mirrors. For crying out loud, she got more interesting as time went by and now she was cornered by Nev — which was fine since he was friends with her — but also by that blond ponce Malfoy, who followed her like a bad smell. Yes, his mother was right, it wasn't Hermione's fault, she was just beautiful, but damn it, when a boy wanted some freaking privacy with his girl it was like the fates would just turn and answer, "Ah, no."
They sat down and just as he was about to close the doors, a girl's hand stopped it and a new head popped in. She asked in a very polite voice, "Hi, I'm Daphne Greengrass, would it be okay if I sat next to you?"
Hermione noticed the beautiful girl speaking to Andy and how Andy was trying hard to make his mind up on what to answer. He breathed slowly, his shoulders slumped, and answered the question, "Sure, we have space, come in."
Soon, Hermione was looking at their new traveling companions, Daphne Greengrass, Susan Bones, Sue Li, Neville Longbottom, and the Weasley twins, Fred and George. The compartment was close to being overcrowded. It was then that Hermione had a great idea. She grabbed her multilayered trunk and opened it while saying to the rest of the crowd,
"Why don't we move into a better place? This is my trunk, but I think you guys are going to like it."
The trunk opened to a staircase and, after one landing of stairs, they introduced the group to the housing layer. The group gasped. It was a muggle-magical trunk; it had it all. Daphne took Hermione's hand and said, "You and I are going to be good friends, heiress Granger. Thank you for your kind hospitality; it means a lot. However, I haven't got a clue on what half of these things are. Can you tell us about them?"
Most of the others nodded and said "Yeah."
"Okay." Hermione nodded and started explaining, going through the kitchen, the video library, and the movie theater. Everyone displayed manners when a small brunch was set up by Andy and Hermione, and they all settled in the movie theater to watch a movie called the "Princess Bride." After that, the next one was, "Star Wars Episode IV".
It was then that the twins started whispering, "I tell you Fred, it's like the fair Hermione is after our hearts and I hate the idea of her having to choose. So, I guess it will be the two of us."
"Yes, brother, the two of us," replied the other.
"Hey, shut up! She is not a prized mare, she is a person, and she already has a boyfriend. I'm just her friend and, before you continue, he's crazy," whispered Neville.
Daphne blinked and noticed that Hermione was trying hard not to roll her eyes. She took Hermione's hand and asked, "Do you mind telling me where you purchased this trunk?"
Hermione rose from her seat and went to the kitchen. After retrieving a pitcher with juice, she served a glass to Daphne and then one for herself. She said, "It was a gift from my parents when I decided to study in Hogwarts. If you want to, can I send a letter and ask the name of the manufacturer?"
"Yes, I would like that." Daphne took a sip of her juice. "I have noticed that Mr. Longbottom is special and very loyal to both you and Mr. Simmons," added Daphne.
"Your observation is correct. Neville and Andy are best friends since their mothers are best friends. Andy and I met a couple of years back. Every summer, the Simmons visit the Longbottom's. The Simmons are a weird, adventurous bunch, full of surprises. Andy is just like Neville said, an eccentric, but he is also a goofball and he loves his baby brothers dearly while his dog means the world to him. However, the one person who is really scary is Andy's mom. You saw her at the station; she made an impression on the elder Malfoy?"
Both girls laughed. "Are you going to go into Slytherin?" asked Daphne.
"I prefer Ravenclaw, but I'm attracted to Gryffindor too," answered Hermione.
Susan and Sue Li approached the table, and Susan asked, "Is this a private conversation or can we join?"
Hermione smiled. "Not at all, join us. Would you like a glass of juice?"
"Goodness, my head is still spinning from all the wonderful mundane shortcuts and magic you have in this place. I was wondering, could we continue meeting here after we reach Hogwarts?" asked Susan Bones, as she too received a beverage.
"Oh, that sounds like a wonderful idea," said Sue Li.
"If it's no imposition?" asked Daphne Greengrass.
"No, not at all. We would have to meet through the aid of a house-elf though. Lula and Tibbles are attending my parents, but I'm sure I can arrange an elf express invite at least once a month?" said Hermione pensive.
"Yes, that way, if they sort us into different houses, we are still in contact and we have our own secret girl club," said Daphne.
"Fine, I know when we are not wanted," said George Weasley, and he raised his chin while talking to his brother. Fred pouted and made puppy eyes as he placed a hand on his heart. "Oh, the treachery, brother, to be rejected because we're not girls!"
"I mean, I expect Ron to be rejected because, well, because he's Ron, but us, we have personality," said George. "And charm," said Fred. "Plus, we have a ton of ideas on how to create havoc, and ways around Hogwarts," said George. "It's just not fair," said Fred. "Gender racism, oh be still my dear heart."
Andy crunched popcorn and passed the bowl to Neville. Neville blinked, took a bite, and said, "Wow, I'm not a fan of drama, but these two are sharp. I mean, to lay it this thick just because they want to keep watching movies and have the mundane snacks, and, to top it all, trying to guilt-trip Hermione. Andy, why don't I just kick them out?"
"No Neville, Hermione is correct, friends better than foes, unless these two have become addicted to chick flick movies, or trying to get in touch with their sacred feminine side. I was about to tell them that I too brought in my muggle-magical trunk and it has its perks, but, if they feel so at ease with eleven-year-old girls, I think..."
"Wait, you're eleven?" George and Fred asked in stereo, looking at Andy.
"Uh, yeah, this is my first year in Hogwarts, though my mom said it was going to be an interesting start." Andy stopped his speech when he noticed the group, except for Hermione and Neville, gape at him. "What, do I have something on my face?"
"What do they feed you?" asked Susan Bones.
Hermione smiled and said, "The same as everyone, however, remember Andy travels all over the globe and they have complemented his diet with exercise and vitamins."
Andy smiled and said to her and the rest, "A good diet and a crazy set of tutors that hate me."
"Maybe we should get a crazy set of tutors that hate us too, so we could look as good as you?" asked Susan.
Fred added, "Oh, worry not little Susie, Hogwarts will deliver a lot of hateful characters, we promise."
"Speaking of Hogwarts, we should get ready," said Hermione,
Andy nodded and summoned his fist-sized trunk. He took off the shrinking spell and nodded to all the males, "Come along gents, let the ladies get ready."
He then turned to Hermione and asked, "By your leave, my lady?"
"Go on, we'll meet later and ascend together.," She nodded and turned. Just before she could take a step, Andy took her arm, pulled her into a hug, and whispered into her ear, making her blush. Then he disappeared into his trunk.
"What did he say?" asked Daphne.
"As you wish," replied Hermione, while the rest of the girls sighed.
Hermione noticed how a lot of things happened to them after getting ready. The train stopped, and the group exited Hermione's trunk. Once out, the twins opened the doors and Professor McGonagall met them.
"Is there a problem, Professor?" asked Hermione.
Professor McGonagall stared at all the children gathered in the compartment and answered, "According to Mr. Draco Malfoy and Mr. Percy Weasley, a set of students, including his brothers, were missing. Can you explain?"
"It's all my fault ma'am. I placed a 'Notice-me-not' charm on the door and muted the compartment since people kept trying to get in. Was it wrong?" asked Andy.
Minerva noticed the boy and observed that there was something vaguely familiar in his eyes, and then she remembered. "Oh my goodness, you're Andrew James Simmons. Of course, your mother would have told you how to protect yourself and others. But Mister Simmons, while your intentions meant no ill will, you scared your classmates. Now, would you be so kind as to repeat that feat?"
Harry(Andy) nodded. He raised his left hand and flicked his wrist. His magic wand slipped into his hand with the gesture and he then waved it. A second later, the door locked, and the conversations muted. Minerva looked at him and then she waved her wand and said 'Finite Incantatem'.
"Well, I guess that explains it. Too bad that you are not sorted into a house yet, otherwise I would have given you 10 points for a well-cast charm and another 5 for doing it without words. Now, children, hurry up. We have a sorting feast to attend to," said Professor McGonagall as she exited the room and apparated away.
After the transfiguration mistress had gone, the twins said in stereo, "Mr. Simmons, that was wicked!"
"And, that's why Andy is Hermione's beau," said Neville.
"Neville, I'm sure you are going to find a girl pretty soon, that is if she hasn't found you already," replied Andy.
It was a good thing that it was twilight since all the girls in the entourage blushed crimson.
Funny enough, when Hermione boarded the boat, Andy took her hand. Behind them, Neville and Daphne followed, and just in time, another pair of students followed from different ends.
"Ah, Miss Granger, are you alright?" asked Draco Malfoy.
"I'm doing great, Mr. Malfoy. I see you've made new friends," said Hermione, while acknowledging the new boy next to him.
It was then that Draco turned and found himself face to face with a big brown rat on top of a red-haired boy's shoulder. The blond boy took a step back, not without yelping.
"Look, Draco, he likes you, and what is not to like about you? You look like a blond rodent; it's a match made in heaven," said Neville as the boats advanced.
The Malfoy heir didn't see the two boys in the boat doing a high five since he was busy doing his best impression of being near an open sewer, while next to Ron Weasley.
"You'll pay for that, Longbottom, and you, Weasley, put that thing away or it might drown on his way to the castle."
"I'd like to see you try. You're not in your mansion, Malfoy, so try me. Now, step away or go into the water, your choice?"
Crabbe and Goyle cracked their knuckles, and it was then that the two boys in question felt a gigantic hand on each of their shoulders. "Four in a boat, in you go," said Hagrid as he boarded after the four boys nodded and took his suggestion.
Hermione smiled at the sundown and the beautiful castle welcoming all to its dominion.
After the four friends stepped out of the boats and gathered, the ghosts came in and greeted everyone. Then, they all marched into the great hall, while Hermione looked at the enchanted ceiling. Andy walked next to her and he added, "I've read Hogwarts a History and it said that the imagery in the vaulted ceiling in the Great Hall is a special spell that makes the top look like a mirror reflection of the sky."
Neville just added, "Wow Andy, you read a book."
"Hermione, I sense Neville wants something, but his chimpanzee noises confuse me. I'll try to communicate," said Andy, as he punched Neville on his arm.
It was then that Daphne lost it and laughed out loud. A bit later she disguised her laughter as clearing her throat, and Professor McGonagall placed the sorting hat on the stand and the old headpiece did its song. The sorting continued and, much to the chagrin of the Headmaster, Harry Potter was absent.
Hermione got sorted into Gryffindor, Neville too. Ron got sorted into Hufflepuff, Daphne to Slytherin, Susan Bones to Hufflepuff, and Sue Li to Ravenclaw.
Andrew Simmons got the weirdest reaction since the Hat began laughing after it landed on his head. After more than a minute, the cloth cap wheezed and said, "Better be Gryffindor!"
The sorting came to a close, and after the very confusing speech given by the Headmaster, the feast appeared. The Weasley twins moved all the way to the firsties place, "Miss Granger, welcome to Gryffindor," said Fred. "Welcome, Messers Simmons and Longbottom. If either of you has questions, come to us. Our eldest brother Percy is going through a metamorphosis and soon enough will resemble a ginger version of the bat of the dungeons. Even though we want to help, the poor thing is just obsessed with being obnoxious. So, if you need anything, please let us know."
The twins returned to their seats and, after the feast, the three friends rose from their seats and waited for guidance. Andy, on a quirk, followed the twins, and just like they had predicted, Percy sucked as a prefect. The twins revealed a shortcut that got them into Gryffindor tower just in time to be noticed by the elders in charge, and after getting the password, the kids walked in and took notice of their surroundings.
"Well, I can't wait for tomorrow," said Hermione,
"Neither can we," said the twins.
"Good night guys," said Hermione as she walked up the staircase to her room.
"Good night," said Andy, Neville, and the twins.
The twins waited for the common room to clear and, after a moment, Andy, Neville, and the Weasley twins got close to Andy. "You have a moment Mr. Simmons?" asked Fred.
"Yes, how can I help you, gents?" asked Andy,
"Yeah, um, can you tell us, Mr. Simmons, why is this map telling us you have two sets of names?"
Right in front of the four, a beaten parchment revealed Neville Francis Longbottom, Fred, and George Weasley, and next to them, Harry James Potter, aka Andrew James Simmons.
Andy raised an eyebrow and then looked over the map. He zeroed in on another couple of names and then he replied to the twins. "Oh, I have a better question," he said as he pointed at the map and inquired, "Why does the name 'Peter Pettigrew' appear to be on top of 'Ronald Bilius Weasley'?"
"WHAT?" asked the twins.
-oo0oo-
