A/N: Been quite a while since I updated this story. The last few months I've been polishing off the last three chapters of my other long running fic. Tails' TARDIS Tales. That story is now finished (it only took 7 years and apparently 253,818 words!) so I'm returning to this story at last. Thanks for all the feedback on the last chapter. I knew probably not everyone would like it and that's fine. It was an experiment I wanted to try so I did. Now it's done and there aren't any other extra crossovers planned for the foreseeable future.

Thank you naruhinafan1234 for being the 200th person to favorite this story. And thank you my readers for pushing this story past 30,000 views.

I don't own either Harry Potter or Dungeons and Dragons. They belong to their respective creators. The only things that are mine are the story itself and any original characters I might come up with. Please read and review; I always appreciate feedback. Constructive criticism is welcome, however no flames please.

Now let's get on the Hogwarts Express with Harry!

10 – HOGWARTS EXPRESS

When Harry emerged from the Untempered Schism he was not the same as he had been before he went in. Io initiated Harry into what being a dragon god really meant and his responsibilities towards others of his kind. They spent a lot of time getting to know each other too. Harry was enthralled by his grandfather's stories as the elder dragon talked about his own history, his children's history, the other gods in the pantheon and where they fit in, about dragonkind in general and how dragons were related to other reptiles.

The dragons were the first reptiles to have a spoken language. As time went by they taught it to the lizards, their closer reptile relatives. From there it spread to the other reptiles until it became their common language. The dinosaurs on Earth had even spoken it when they existed. Amphibians spoke it too, but their version was a little different, kind of like how British English and American English are the same, yet different. Birds, on the other hand, did not speak it. Even though they were directly descended from the dinosaurs birds had evolved far enough away from reptiles that they had developed their own distinct language and lost the ability to speak Dragon.

The two dragons traveled to many different worlds in the cosmos and saw many of the different kinds of dragons that lived on them. Some of those trips make up stories in their own right but there's no time to tell any of them now although it should be mentioned that Io took extra time to show Harry the world of Oerth as a place that Bahamut had frequently visited in earlier years – and still visited from time to time, and he pointed out Castle Greyhawk in particular which was a famous (or perhaps infamous) place that drew adventurers from many different realms. While they were on Oerth they visited Faix Templamut who was Bahamut's grandson and therefore Harry's nephew. It was a matter of considerable amusement to all concerned just how much older the nephew was than the uncle.

All told Harry spent many years with his grandfather – or so it seemed, for no matter how much time seemed to be passing Harry noticed that he wasn't aging. Eventually Io declared this part of Harry's training to be finished and sent him home with the promise that they would meet again when the time was right for Harry to receive his specific divine aspect. Lastly, before he and Harry said goodbye Io confirmed that the scale in Harry's new wand had been one of his. Then, in the blink of an eye, Harry reappeared in the audience chamber of his father's palace to find his parents waiting for him.

"Mum, dad" said Harry once he got his bearings.

"Welcome back Harry" said Bahamut.

"It's been so long" said Harry, "but neither of you have changed at all."

"It hasn't even been an hour since you entered the Untempered Schism" said Daranni.

"What?!" exclaimed Harry, "but – " Bahamut stopped him and explained how even though it seemed like years had passed while Harry was with Io inside the Schism out here less than an hour had passed. Time did not always move at the same pace everywhere and a being as powerful as Io could often control how fast time was going in a specific place, either compressing it or stretching it out as needed. Harry's eyes got very wide as he took in this last surprise of his Initiation. It certainly explained why he hadn't aged while he was with his grandfather.

"I understand your disorientation" said Bahamut, "the same thing happened to me when I was initiated, and to your mother, and your Aunt T, and all of the other dragon gods. It will quickly pass. You've taken a major step towards assuming your place in our pantheon. I suggest you rest now and take things easy for the rest of today and tomorrow." Harry thought for a moment and then agreed that he would.

Harry made his way to his sleeping chamber and curled up to rest. His last thought before drifting off was to wonder just when and how he would see his grandfather again. He slept the rest of that day and night without waking up even once. It was one of the best sleeps he'd ever had – restful, refreshing, and without dreams. When he finally woke up late the next morning he felt like a new dragon.


September 1st had come. Harry Potter was going to Hogwarts. It was a Sunday that year but for a big London station like King's Cross that didn't make much difference. It was 9:30 AM when Harry arrived at the station accompanied by Remus and Sirius. His parents were also with him but they were disguised as other people than James and Lily. The two of them wore the forms of an elderly couple. To look at them you might have thought they were Harry's grandparents.

They didn't have any problems getting on to Platform 9 and they were rather early so it wasn't too crowded yet. All of them thought this was just as well since it meant not having to deal with lots of fans who might have been looking for Harry. The group walked all the way down to the end of the train and took the very last compartment in the last car on the theory that it would be easier to see people coming if you only had to look one way for them.

Once Harry's things were squared away in the compartment he joined his family on the platform to watch other people arriving in the station. The crowd was growing rapidly as more families arrived with their children.

"A lot of people are going to be looking for you today" said the disguised Bahamut to Harry, "but you need fear nothing."

"I know" said Harry, "if anyone does try anything the looks on their faces will be interesting."

Before anything else could be said Harry heard someone call his name. Turning toward the sound he saw Neville Longbottom quickly approaching him, his parents Alice and Frank right behind him

"Neville" said Harry as he greeted his friend and god brother, "good to see you."

"And you" said Neville. Greetings were exchanged all around. The Longbottoms all realized at once that the elder couple were Harry's parents. This was not a surprise to them. As some of a very small number of people who had known the truth about Harry's family before the announcement in the wizarding press they had sometimes seen Harry's parents assume different forms.

"Let's get you two onboard" said Frank Longbottom to the two best friends. It only took a couple of minutes before Neville's trunk was stowed away beside Harry's and they were settled in their compartment. After that it was just a matter of passing time until the train left. Harry and Neville spent time talking with their families and watching other magical families arrive as 11:00 AM drew closer.

"Now don't forget to have fun" said Sirius, "and play some good pranks."

"But don't take it too far" said Remus.

"Agreed" said the disguised Bahamut to Harry, "there's a difference between a funny prank and bullying. Your mother and I will very disappointed if you become a bully."

"As will we" said Alice Longbottom to Neville.

"You don't have much room to talk about not being a bully considering what things were like during our years at Hogwarts" said Sirius to Bahamut.

"Neither do you" said Bahamut, "but I was actually someone else in those days. What's your excuse?"

Before Sirius could say anything the train whistle blew. It was time to go. Harry and Neville just had time to lean out of the compartment windows and say goodbye to their families before the train started to move.

"We're on our way" said Harry to Neville as the two boys leaned back in their seats watching the train leave the station and pull out into the streets of London as it began its journey North to Hogwarts.

"Yes we are" said Neville, "I wonder why we didn't see any of our other friends yet?"

"Considering we're all the way at the back of the train" said Harry, "they probably just haven't come back this far. I'm sure some of them will turn up sooner or later." Harry reached over to Hedwig's cage and let the owl out. She flew up to perch on the luggage rack. Then he opened Raja's aquarium and placed the young Komodo Dragon on his lap.

"So these are Hedwig and Raja?" asked Neville. Harry had written to him about them in his most recent letter.

"Yes" said Harry. Raja looked at Neville and hissed something while Hedwig gave a brief bark. "Raja says 'hello'" continued Harry, "so does Hedwig."

"Hello to you too" said Neville to both Hedwig and Raja before he opened up a cat basket that was near him and took out a pure black kitten that was about halfway grown.

"Hello Voldemort" said Harry to the cat which looked at him and meowed a greeting, completely unafraid of Harry's presence for some reason "I love that you named him after You Know Who."

"It seemed appropriate" said Neville, "he's completely dark, has a lot of pride, and thinks that we're all his servants."

"Which you are" said Harry while Voldemort the kitten curled up on Neville's lap looking rather smug.

"That's true, besides it's also fun" said Neville with a wicked grin as he petted the cat's head.

"You're going scare everyone in the school when you call him for the first time" said Harry, "I'm looking forward to seeing that."

"My dad told me that Professor Dumbledore laughed when he told him what I named my cat" said Neville, "he said it was one of the best ways he'd ever come across to help people stop being afraid of saying his name." Harry nodded. He'd not yet met the headmaster but he'd heard a lot about him. It did sound like something he would say.

"I saw your letter on the Ginger plant in Herbology Today a couple of weeks ago" said Harry, "the editors seemed to like it."

"They did" said Neville happily, "they asked me if I'd be interested in working it up into a full article. I finished it and sent it off two days ago. It should appear in next month's issue."

"That's great" said Harry, "congratulations."

"Thanks" said Neville, "my first professional article. Hard to believe."

"Not to anyone who knows you" said Harry, "you're a born genius with plants. You'll probably be teaching herbology before first year is halfway done." They laughed a little at this but they also both knew that there was a lot of truth to what Harry said.

They sat in companionable silence for a little while before Neville stirred himself.

"May I ask you something?" he asked Harry.

"You may always ask" said Harry with a grin, "I might not answer."

"Ha ha" said Neville, "seriously though there's something different about you from when we last saw each other."

"Oh?" said Harry raising an eyebrow.

"You seem more confident than before – which is saying a lot" said Neville, "like you're older."

"We're both older" said Harry, "we turned 11 a month ago."

"But you seem a lot older somehow" said Neville, "I'm not sure why but somehow – did something happen recently?" Harry looked at Neville for a long moment while deciding what to tell him.

"Yes" he finally answered, "just a couple of days ago. I can't really talk too much about it right now as I'm still getting used to what happened. I met my dragon grandfather."

"Io?" asked Neville in amazement as Harry nodded, "you actually met Io? I didn't know that was possible."

"Why not?" said Harry, "you know what my parents are. If they exist then why shouldn't my grandfather exist too? Meeting him was – " he stopped as he tried to find the right words but Neville held up a hand to stop him.

"Say no more" Neville said, "I can see it's had a big impact on you. If you don't feel comfortable talking about it that's fine."

"Thanks" said Harry, "but I will tell you about it someday."

Before either of them could say anything else there was a knock on the compartment door. Neville gestured for the person outside to come in and the newcomer slid open the door. A girl who looked to be about their age looked inside. She had big bushy hair, large front teeth, and was already in her Hogwarts robes. She was dragging a trunk behind her.

"Hello" she said, "is there room in here? Some older girls forced me to leave my compartment. Said they didn't want some silly first year messing up their space."

"That wasn't very nice of them" said Harry, "sure, we have room. Come on in."

"Thank you" said the girl as Neville and Harry helped her to lift her trunk up onto the rack opposite where Hedwig was perched, "This is my first year at Hogwarts and I'm so excited. I've heard it's the best school of magic there is. I'm the first in my family to go. I didn't know that all of the things that were happening around me were magic. It was such a surprise to get my letter but I was glad to get it. My name's Hermione Granger by the way."

"Whoa, whoa!" said Harry raising a hand as if to stop her words, "slow down and take a breath. I can tell you're excited about Hogwarts but you don't want to drop dead before you even get there."

"I'm sorry" said Hermione with a somewhat rueful smile, "I know I overdo it sometimes."

"Nothing to be sorry about" said Neville, "we're both excited too. But you should relax for a bit and enjoy the ride. No need to arrive at Hogwarts before we actually get there."

"I'll try to remember that" said Hermione as she relaxed back on her seat which was next to Harry, "are you both first years too?"

"Yes" said Neville, "I'm Neville Longbottom and this is my God Brother Harry Potter."

"Really?" asked Hermione, "you're Harry Potter? The one who appears in all of the recent history books? I've read all about you."

"You and just about everyone else in the wizarding world" Harry muttered.

"I'm sorry?" asked Hermione a bit taken aback at Harry's reply.

"Harry doesn't like his fame all that much" said Neville, "he understands it and he puts up with it – but he doesn't really like it and it's likely to have only gotten worse these past few weeks. That's why we came to the station as early as we did."

"Gotten worse?" asked Hermione before she realized what Neville meant, "oh you mean that stuff in the Daily Prophet about you and your family? That's really true?"

"You read the Daily Prophet?" asked Harry, "you're really rushing into the wizarding world fast. Most Muggleborns don't even know about the wizarding press until after they start school."

"I wanted to know as much about the wizarding world as I could" said Hermione, "so I had my family subscribe to the paper for the last few months."

"I see" said Harry, "well, yes, that recent revelation about my family is true."

"I wasn't kidding when I said Harry was my God Brother" said Neville with a grin, "his mum is my Godmother. Literally."

"And his mother is mine" said Harry quietly.

"Wow" said Hemione, not sure what else to say.

"Don't let it bother you" said Harry, "it doesn't matter who or what I am or what my parents are. I'm just someone going to Hogwarts for the first time, like you."

"Thank you" said Hermione, "do either of you know which house you'll be in? I hope I get Gryffindor. It sounds by far the best."

"Maybe it is" said Harry, "but is it the best house for you?"

"I'm sorry?" asked Hermione, confused by the question.

"Well" said Harry, "there are four houses at Hogwarts, right? Each one has its own reputation. They say Gryffindor is for the brave – "

"– Or the reckless" chimed in Neville with a chuckle.

"Yes" said Harry, "Hufflepuff is for the loyal and hardworking – "

"– Nothing wrong with that" added Neville, "seriously, there's nothing wrong with Hufflepuff even though a lot of snobby people claim that only average people get sorted there. It should go without saying that they're wrong about that."

"Ravenclaw is for the intellectual types" continued Harry, "it's the 'smart' house."

"Though some say that Ravenclaws spend so much time buried in their studies that they lose track of what's going on in the world around them" said Neville.

"And finally" said Harry, "we have Slytherin which is the house for the ambitious and the cunning."

"Unfortunately it's also the house where most of the kids of the Pureblood Supremacists tend to go" said Neville with a dark look on his face, "don't go there."

"It's not an evil house by nature" said Harry, "not everyone there is bad by any means. My human grandmother on my dad's side was a Slytherin and dad said that she was one of the nicest people you could ever meet. But like Neville said many of them come from old Pureblood families that really look down on Muggles and Muggleborns. You wouldn't be accepted in that house by very many people. Even I would have trouble there since I'm a Half-Blood."

"You're not a Half-Blood" said Neville.

"When my mum was mortal she was a Muggleborn" said Harry, "she was still mortal when she had me so I'm a Half-Blood."

"No" said Neville, "you were a Half-Blood when you were born – but you're not now."

"What are you then?" asked Hermione.

"Harry is a God-Blood!" said Neville with a wide grin. Harry mock punched him.

"Very funny" said Harry, "please don't go spreading that term around."

"I'll think about it" said Neville, smirking.

"So" said Harry turning back to Hermione, "now that we've told you about the houses which one do you think is the best? Not which one has the best reputation but which one do you think would be the best for you?"

"I – never thought about it like that" admitted Hermione, "I don't know what to say."

They sat in silence for a little while watching the land go by. They were now outside of London and speeding through the countryside.

As the day wore on they had visitors, not too many though since they were at the very end of the train. Some of those who visited them were friends who had been looking for them. Hannah Abbott and Susan Bones stopped by together to say hello. Cedric Diggory also looked in on them at one point. There were also a few others who were in other compartments in their car who were visiting their neighbors. Two boys and two girls who had been sitting together in the next compartment all came in together. The boys were named Terry Boot and Michael Corner and the girls were twins named Padma and Parvati Patil. They were all first years. Harry and Neville invited them to stay.

"Getting a little crowded in here" observed Michael. Harry looked up and noticed that, yes, there was just barely enough room for everyone. He muttered something under his breath and made a small gesture. Suddenly the compartment was twice as big as before.

"How did you do that?" asked Hermione in amazement.

"Dragon magic" said Harry in an offhand manner.

"Oh wow" said Terry, "um, are you sure you should be showing us that?"

"Maybe a month ago I would have said no" said Harry, "but knowledge of my true family is out now so it doesn't matter. That was a Spell of Spatial Expansion. It's not anything a wizard can't do."

"That's right" said Neville, "we would use the space expansion charm. Same result, different way to do it."

"That makes sense" said Terry nodding his head.

"There are lots of things my family keeps secret" said Harry, "things that only dragons know of course – but that's not one of them."

"You're not going to start showing off, are you?" Raja hissed up at Harry who looked down in surprise.

"What? No" said Harry, "just stating a fact, but don't worry. Secrets are secret for a reason."

"Oh, are you a Parselmouth?" one of the Patil twins asked (Parvati if Harry remembered correctly). Her sister (Padma) then answered the question.

"Of course you are" said Padma, "as a dragon you can speak to all reptiles. We know that."

"Really?" asked Harry looking at the twins with interest. Parvati blushed a little.

"We do" she said, "I just wasn't thinking. Our granduncle is a Parselmouth and he told us all about it. That Parseltongue is really the ancient language the dragons speak."

"It is?" asked Hermione.

"Yes" said Parvati, "and it's NOT the sign of a dark wizard despite what many people in Britain may say."

"Definitely not" said Padma, "our family is originally from India. Parselmouths help to control the many poisonous snakes in the country. They also help on dragon reserves. Parselmouths in India are very well respected."

"I imagine they would be" said Michael, "I didn't know dragons could speak and being able to talk to them would be very useful."

After that they spent some time getting to know each other. Michael was a half-blood from Britain. Terry was also British but he had some American blood in his family tree as one of his ancestors came from the family that helped found Ilvermorny, one of the American magic schools.

"What a beautiful kitten" said Parvati a little later as she looked at the black cat on Neville's lap which looked at Parvati and meowed.

"Thank you" said Neville, "I got him two months ago. He's growing fast."

"What's his name?" asked Padma. Neville glanced at Harry who winked at him.

"His name's Voldemort" said Neville.

There was silence in the compartment that was broken only by Harry attempting to stifle a snigger.

"I'm sorry?" said Michael, "I must have heard you wrong. For a second I thought you said your cat has the same name as You Know Who."

"He does" said Neville in a completely nonchalant manner.

"Why would you name your cat after You Know Who?" asked Hermione.

"I have my reasons" said Neville but didn't elaborate any further.

"You're going to scare people whenever you call him" said Terry.

"We know" said Harry, "but people should get used to it. It's just a name after all."

Before anyone could respond to that the door to the compartment opened again. Harry looked to see who was coming in and smiled at the newcomers.

"Fred, George" called Harry as the two red-haired Weasley twins entered the compartment, "or should I say Gred and Forge? How are you guys?"

"Harry, oh Harry" said the first one, Fred Harry said to himself. Unlike most people he could tell the twins apart but when he was asked how he was able to do that he (much to the frustration of many others) would just smile and say "it's obvious."

"We've found you at last" said George.

"We started at one end of the train – " continued Fred.

"And headed to the other end – "

"Until there were no more compartments – "

"That you weren't in so – "

"By process of elimination – "

"You had to be in this one and – "

"Here you are" they finished off together. Harry and Neville laughed, Terry, Michael, and Hermione all looked a bit bemused by the twins while Padma and Parvati gave each other knowing smiles.

"Is this what verbal tennis is like?" Michael asked Terry who just shrugged.

"We read the news about you and your family" said George.

"And that is the best prank we've ever seen" said Fred, "acting like a normal, mortal wizard when really – "

"– All the time you were a dragon god" said George.

The two of them dropped to their knees and bowed low to Harry in a very over-the-top and theatrical manner.

"We're not worthy oh great one!" they both cried out together. Harry and Neville laughed again. The others all looked a bit shocked at first but soon started smiling or laughing themselves as they realized the twins were just joking and Harry was fine with that. Hermione leaned over to whisper in Harry's ear.

"They didn't know?" asked Hermione.

"No" Harry whispered back to her, "only Neville and his family, my godfather, my honorary uncle, and a couple of others in the wizarding world knew the truth about me and my parents before the story broke."

"Oh" said Hermione.

"Our friend Luna also knew" said Neville, "she always seems to know things and she's always known what Harry is."

"Really?" said Hermione, "I'd like to meet her."

"You'll have to wait until next year" said Neville, "she doesn't start Hogwarts until then."

"Get up you two" Harry was now saying to the twins, "my pranking buddies shouldn't be bowing to me like this."

"Not until you give us your blessing oh great master" said George. Harry rolled his eyes.

"Just say something, anything" said another person from the doorway, "you know how they are." This boy was about the same age as the twins and wore his hair in dreadlocks. His name was Lee Jordan. Harry had met him a few times with the twins.

"You're right Lee" said Harry before putting a hand on the head of each twin and saying in a low, mock solemn voice, "arise oh faithful disciples. I Harry James Potter, son of Bahamut through his human form of James Potter, better known as the Marauder Prongs, godson of Marauder Padfoot, and honorary nephew of Marauder Moony do bid you stand."

"Thank you great Marauder spawn" intoned both Fred and George in the lowest voices they could make as they stood up. There was a moment of silence and then everybody in the compartment started laughing again.

"You guys are great" said Terry holding out a hand and giving his name followed by Michael, Hermione and the Patil twins.

"You're twins too?" asked George, "do you also twin speak?"

"Yes we do but – " said Parvati.

"We don't do it often because it – " said Padma.

"Drives our parents crazy" finished Parvati.

"Of course it does" said Fred, "it drives our mum crazy too, although our dad doesn't mind so much."

"We'll look out for you at Hogwarts" said George, "twins should stick together after all."

"Say Fred," Neville asked, "where's Ron?"

"What? He was right behind us" said Fred, he looked back out through the door of the compartment to behind Lee, "he's still out in the corridor."

"Well ask him to come in" said Harry, "there's still room."

"You heard him" said George motioning to someone outside the compartment. Another red-haired boy who was clearly also a Weasley walked shyly into the compartment. He looked to be about the same age as the other first years. He was already wearing his Hogwarts robes.

"Come in Ron" said Neville, "join us. Don't you want to meet some more of your classmates? Except for your brothers and Lee we're all first years."

"Hi" said Ron sounding a bit shy as everyone introduced themselves to him. He looked a little nervous to be stepping into such a crowded room.

"Relax Ron" said Harry, "we're not going to eat you."

"Bad choice of words Harry" hissed Raja.

"Oh please" Harry hissed back, "everyone knows that metallic dragons don't eat people. From what I've been told humans taste terrible anyway." Harry looked up from Raja and saw Ron staring at him as if he'd grown an extra head.

"Are you all right?" Harry asked him.

"You're a Parselmouth!" exclaimed Ron, "you can speak to snakes!" Harry rolled his eyes. Here we go again.

"Ron" said Neville, "does the animal sitting on Harry's lap look like a snake to you?" Ron took another look at Raja and realized that no, it wasn't a snake. He looked down a bit embarrassed.

"It sounded like Parseltongue" he muttered.

"Ickle Ronniekins" said Fred.

"When have you ever heard – " said George.

"Parseltongue being spoken?" finished Fred.

"No, no" he's right" said Harry, "it was Parseltongue."

"So you can speak to snakes?" said Ron looking up again.

"Ron" said Harry, "I'm a dragon. Of course I speak Parseltongue. ALL reptiles speak it. Why people think it's only for snakes I don't know. Also we don't call it Parseltongue, that's a human name. Reptiles call it 'Dragon'"

"Why?" asked Hermione, "if it's a common reptile language why is it called 'Dragon?'"

"Because the dragons spoke it first" said Neville, "and they taught it to the other reptiles."

"How do you know that?" asked Terry.

"I grew up with Harry" said Neville, "I picked up a lot of dragon legends and history on the way."

"It's true?" asked Ron looking Harry in disbelief, "what the Prophet said about you? You really are – "

"Yes, yes and all that" said Harry cutting him, "for once the Prophet told the truth."

"We knew the article was true because Rita Skeeter didn't write it" said Lee, "can you imagine what it would have been like if she had?"

"I'd rather not imagine that, thank you" said Harry, "if Rita decides to write about me or my family she'd better be careful. My parents won't look kindly on any false reports and slander she might try to write about them."

By now it was getting late in the afternoon so most of the guests in Harry's compartment said goodbye and went back to their own compartments to change into their school robes while Harry shrank the compartment back to its regular size (much to Ron's amazement). Ron stayed since he was already in his robes. However he and Hermione did step out into the corridor so Harry and Neville could change into their own robes. Once they were done the other two came back into the compartment and sat down again. They were now passing through rougher country as they headed into the wilds of Scotland.

"Interesting scenery" said Hermione, "I've never been to Scotland before. Have any of you?"

"No" said each of the three boys. They were silent for a few minutes before the sound of the compartment door opening again attracted their collective attention and they looked over to see the newcomers.

Three boys entered the compartment. One, the leader of the three by the looks of things, was a fairly tall (for a first year Harry guessed), thin boy with a pale, pointed face, blond hair that fell smoothly around his head, and grey eyes that reminded Harry a bit of ice. The other two who stood behind him on either side were both big hulking boys who looked a bit like gorillas.

"Is it true?" the first boy asked looking at Harry, "they've been saying all up and down the train that Harry Potter is in this compartment. So it's you?"

"It is" said Harry, "and the three of you are?"

"This is Crabbe" said the boy pointing to the one on his right, "that's Goyle, and I'm Draco Malfoy."

Ron tried to stifle a snigger but Malfoy heard him.

"You want to laugh at my name do you?" he said turning to look at Ron, "it's obvious who you are. Obviously one of those blood traitor Weasleys my father is always telling me – "

"Whoa!" said Harry cutting off Malfoy, "please don't start throwing insults around. It's not a good way to make a first impression."

"You want to tell me about making impressions?" responded Malfoy, "you're not making a very good one yourself. Some wizarding families are better than others Potter. It's important to know the right ones. I could help you there." He held out his hand to Harry.

"I'll shake your hand because it's polite" said Harry as he did so, "but as for the rest, why would you think I don't already know who the right ones are? I haven't been cut off from the Wizarding world all my life you know."

"Maybe not" said Malfoy, "but considering the company you're keeping I'd think you'd want to get to know some more influential and powerful families than these two blood traitors and this obviously – " Malfoy hesitated as he saw the warning look on Harry's face " – muggleborn person."

Neville laughed.

"Don't you know who you're talking to?" Neville said, "Harry's family is far more powerful and influential than either of our families will ever be – or any wizarding family for that matter."

"Neville please, you're making me blush" said Harry.

"Just stating facts" said Neville.

"Yes but you don't need to rub it in the poor boy's face" said Harry, "he can't help who his relatives are."

"Yeah" said Ron, "it's not his fault his parents are prats."

"That was uncalled for" said Hermione.

"He insulted my family" said Ron, "it's only fair."

"Maybe, but you shouldn't sink to his level" said Hermione.

"Potter you need better friends" said Malfoy who was starting to look angry. Behind him Crabbe and Goyle stood watching, both impassive.

"To be fair you did escalate things" said Harry, "Ron might have been wrong to find your name funny but you didn't have to start throwing insults around. I really don't like it when people do that."

"You'd better watch yourself Potter" said Malfoy, "don't talk back to your betters."

Harry laughed.

"My betters?" he said, "I was raised to treat people with respect, but not to suffer fools."

"You'll wind up just like your parents if you're not careful" Malfoy said in a threatening manner.

"You mean" said Harry with a smirk, "grow up, be a god, have worshipers, and rule my own realm? That sounds pretty good to me! What do you think Neville?"

"I think it sounds pretty good too" said Neville with a grin, "especially since as your God Brother I get to be a part of it."

"That's right" said Harry, "do you want to be my high priest? Or maybe my Prime Minister?"

"Ask me in ten years" said Neville, "I might know by then."

"You don't really expect us to believe that crap the Prophet printed about you?" Malfoy said in disbelief.

"Why not? It's true" said Neville, "I've been to Mt. Celestia and seen where Harry and his family live. It's an incredible place."

"Sure it is" sneered Malfoy, "like a Half-Blood son of a Mudblood could possibly live better than a Pure Blood."

The temperature in the compartment suddenly seemed to drop down to below freezing as Harry stood up very suddenly and gave Malfoy such a look of anger that it made the boy step back in shock. Behind him Crabbe and Goyle drew in their breaths but said nothing. They looked like they would rather be somewhere else, anywhere else. Meanwhile Voldemort the kitten had started hissing at Malfoy while Neville kept a grip on him to stop him from attacking Malfoy.

"If you ever insult my mother again" said Harry in a dangerously soft voice, "you will be very, very sorry." Malfoy gulped looking at Harry but he did his best to rally himself with an even bigger sneer.

"I don't like your attitude Potter," Malfoy snarled, "I think it's time you were put in your place."

Malfoy drew his wand and raised it – and then froze as he felt a knife suddenly pressed against his throat.

"You will not attack my prince" hissed a low voice in Malfoy's ear, "that is if you want to live to see the end of this train journey." Neville, Hermione, and Ron all looked at the woman standing over Malfoy and holding a knife to his throat in shock as she had just appeared from out of nowhere. Behind her two dragonborn guards had also appeared and had their hands resting on Crabbe and Goyle's shoulders to stop them from interfering although since neither boy had made a move to do so they were not otherwise restrained.

"Kurya" said Harry, "let him go. He can't harm us."

"Only if he lowers his wand and puts it away" was the reply. Harry nodded.

"You heard her Malfoy, "said Harry, "I suggest you do as she says."

"How dare you Potter," said Malfoy, "why I'll – "

"Are you really so stupid as to issue threats when your life is on the line like this?" demanded Harry, "I thought Purebloods were supposed to be smarter than that. Now put your wand down." As if to emphasize the situation Kurya wiggled the knife up and down against Malfoy's throat. Reluctantly Malfoy lowered his wand and put it away. At a nod from Harry Kurya released him and stepped back. Malfoy's face was red with anger and humiliation.

"You'll pay for this Potter" he growled, "when my father hears about this he'll – "

" – Do nothing if he's merely smart" said Kurya cutting off Malfoy, "if he's actually wise he'll discipline you for daring to antagonize a dragon god."

"You're lucky it's only me you went up against" said Harry, "if it had been my aunt she would have burned you to ashes in an instant and then she would have burned your parents to punish them for how they raised you. We don't have to be enemies but if you want to be on good terms with me you should rethink your attitude. Now for your own sake please leave."

"You heard him" said Kurya, "shoo!" Gritting his teeth Malfoy turned and stalked back up the train car. Crabbe and Goyle both lingered behind.

"We're sorry" said Crabbe after Malfoy was gone, "we didn't know he was going to do that."

"Yeah" said Goyle, "we apologize for his behavior."

"That's okay" said Harry, "it's hardly your fault. By the way, what are your first names?"

"I'm Vincent" said Crabbe, "thanks for asking."

"My name's Gregory" said Goyle, "pleased to meet you."

"Likewise" said Harry shaking their hands, "have you met my friends Neville, Hermione, and Ron?"

"We have now" said Crabbe with a small smile. Everyone chuckled at this, even Kurya and the two dragonborn guards cracked smiles. It was obvious that both Crabbe and Goyle were smarter than they appeared to be at first glance.

"We'd better get back" said Goyle, "before Draco comes looking for us and gets himself into even more trouble."

"You sound like his minders" said Hermione.

"Someone has to be" said Crabbe with a sigh.

"You have my sympathy" said Kurya.

"Thank you" said Goyle, "see you at Hogwarts." Harry, Hermione, Neville, and Ron all said goodbye to Crabbe and Goyle as the two of them went to follow Malfoy.

"Kurya" Harry turned to the woman still standing by the compartment door, "I didn't expect to see you here today."

"I couldn't resist keeping an eye on you" said Kurya with a smile, "even though you already had some guards."

"Do my parents know you're here?" asked Harry.

"No, but I doubt they will mind" was the reply, "your godfather and honorary uncle will probably find it funny." Harry nodded, knowing Sirius and Remus they probably would.

"Oh" said Harry to his classmates, "Hermione, Ron, this is Kurya. She is one of my father's seven closest advisors. Neville you remember her, right?"

"Yes" said Neville, "from one of the times I visited you on Mt. Celestia. It's nice to see you again."

"You too Neville" said Kurya before turning to Hermione and Ron, "and hello to you both."

"Kurya is actually a gold dragon" said Harry, "but she often has to shape shift for her job."

"What's that?" asked Hermione.

"I do a lot of deep cover research and information gathering" said Kurya, "most of it is what you humans would refer to as 'classified.' My full name is Kurya the Eye which I hope will tell you something."

"It's a very fitting name" said Harry.

"Have you been here the whole time?" asked Hermione, "just invisible? Them too?" she gestured at the dragonborn guards.

"Not exactly" said Kurya, "it's kind of hard to explain it to people who aren't familiar with us. First let me assure you that we were not watching you without you knowing it. That would be both rude and unprofessional. You don't have to worry that someone is spying on you when you take a shower or change your clothes for instance. Let's just say that we – " and she gestured to herself and the two guards " – have the ability to know when one of our lords needs us and we are able to instantly turn up wherever we need to be. So no, I wasn't actually here watching you, but I knew what was going on and we three stepped in when that Malfoy boy was about to attack Harry."

"You didn't have to do that" said Harry, "I could have dealt with him."

"I know you could have" said Kurya, "but it was our duty to do so."

"Blimey that sounds confusing" said Ron, "why not just be present and visible all the time? Wouldn't that keep people from starting stuff?"

"Maybe," said Kurya, "but I think Harry would find that to be a bit – stifling."

Before anyone could reply to that a voice sounded over the speaker system of the train.

"We will be reaching Hogwarts in the next five minutes" the voice said, "please leave your luggage on the train. It will be taken up to the school separately. Please return your pets to their cases so they can also be brought up to the school for you. Do not worry about them, they will be perfectly safe."

"Well it looks like it's time for me to leave" said Kurya, "have a good time my prince, and don't do anything I wouldn't do."

"That will be quite hard" said Harry, "I don't know of anything you wouldn't do."

"Exactly" said Kurya with a grin. Giving the kids a wave she noiselessly vanished. The two guards also vanished after nodding to Harry.

"How did they do that?" asked Hermione, startled by the sudden disappearances.

"Same way they arrived" said Harry, "they just went back to where they were before."

"It looked like apparition" said Ron, "wizards and witches can do that too although apparition is usually much louder. We won't learn it until we're all much older."

"Well it looks like we'd better get ready" said Harry as he put Raja back into his aquarium, "I'll see you up at the school Raja." Then he looked at Hedwig, "I assume you want to fly to the Owlery on your own?" Hedwig barked an affirmative at Harry who nodded his head. Meanwhile Neville was picking up his kitten and putting him back in his basket. The kitten did not sound happy about this and was meowing a protest.

"Sorry Voldemort" said Neville as Ron gasped behind him, "I doubt they'd let me bring you to the feast. But if anyone does anything bad to you let me know."

"You named your cat after You Know Who?" asked Ron.

"Um, yes?" said Neville as Harry laughed and even Hermione had a small smile.

"Are you insane? Why would you do that?" demanded Ron in confusion.

"He has his reasons" said Harry.

"But – " began Ron but stopped when they all felt the train slowing down and coming to a stop.

"I guess we're here" said Hermione, "shall we get off the train?"

"Yes, let's" said Neville and with that the four students exited the train and stepped on the station platform. They had arrived.

(To Be Continued)

A/N: This was the longest chapter I've ever posted of any of my stories. I figured you all deserved it after having to wait so long for it.

If Neville seems out of character here as compared to canon remember that in this story he was raised by his parents rather than his grandmother after they were cured of their Cruciatus comas by one of Bahamut's healers (see chapter 6) so he's grown up much more confident in himself. Also, growing up with Harry certainly didn't hurt.

Credit where credit is due: I got the idea to make Crabbe and Goyle smarter and friendlier to Harry and his friends from MrWriterWriter's hilarious story One Punch Wizard. Their snarky characterizations in that story are very funny.

Lastly, I have no idea why I decided to name Neville's cat after Voldemort. It just popped out as I was writing the chapter and it stuck. Hopefully it might make for a good running gag.

Thanks for reading. Until next time...