AN: Chapter 5 is here. Readers have questioned as to why graduated trainers only had 4 pokémon. I will try to explain that in this chapter.
I named Harry's mail HootHoot Hilda and not Hedwig because imo Hedwig is awesome and she deserved to be more than some mail owl. Harry will be getting an awesome pokémon named she will be named Hedwig, sometime in the future. Keep patience my dear readers.
Also, some users suggested increasing the number of pokémon to a full team by the time students graduate. I have decided to increase the number to 5.
2 for the first four years and 1 each for fifth, sixth and seventh years. I will attempt to explain my reasoning in the story and also why the number is staggered.
Coverart by u/noisy_mime
Chapter 5 : Of Trains and Crowns
The day was finally here. 1st September 1991. Harry had spent the whole night making sure that his stuff was packed and he wouldn't leave anything at the Dursleys. The train would depart at 11:00 am. At 9:30 am he met Mr. Blackwood outside the Dursleys house. Mr Blackwood helped Harry load his trunk into his cars boot. And they were off. Vernon and Dudley hadn't bothered saying goodbye. Aunt Petunia looked like she was about to say something but turned her head. Harry was fine with it. He had wished Dudley goodbye and best of luck in his new school, Smeltings. Dudley hadn't replied but Harry had felt he had done his part.
They arrived at Kings Cross station in a little under an hour. Mr. Blackwood helped Harry unload his trunk onto a car. Hilda jumped from the backseat on to Harrys shoulders. Harry had offered to let Hilda fly to Hogwarts, but Hilda had calmly hopped onto the backseat of Mr. Blackwood car, while Harry rode up front. Harry had shrugged, Hilda was definitely strange! Harry, Hilda and Mr Blackwood walked towards the elusive platform. It was a long way towards the back of platform 9. Harry and Mr. Blackwood approached the conductor in front of the door. Harry flashed him his ticket and he let Harry go through the door, but stopped Mr. Blackwood.
"Its allright, he is a trainer," Harry tried to explain.
"I am sorry son, only Hogwarts student and their parents allowed. That's the rule." The conductor kindly said.
"But he is …."
"Its all right Harry." Mr Blackwood assured Harry, while nodding at the conductor. "I know Hogwarts takes it secrecy seriously. We can say our good byes here."
Harry looked like he was about to cry, "Will I see you again?"
"Of course, If you ever get the chance to visit Johto, look me up. I will show you the sights around Johto and now that I am a professor too, maybe I will get a chance to come and teach a class at Hogwarts."
"That would be awesome."
"And we will write to each other all the time." Mr. Blackwood assured
"I will miss you, Mr. Blackwood. I never got a chance to tell you this before, but you changed my life. I have a future because of you."
"You have a future because you worked hard. Never underestimate yourself Harry and always remember the Dursleys are the ones who are worthless. Never listen to them."
Harry nodded and hugged Mr. Blackwood again.
"Now go, your life awaits."
Harry walked through the door, without looking back. He wasn't sure he could keep in the tears if he looked back.
Mr Blackwood watched Harry disappear through the door before he too turned back and left. After all, it wasn't only for Harry for whom an exciting future awaited.
Platform 9 despite the exotic name, wasn't very different from Platform 9. It was the same size as Platform 9, but the train on the platform was something to behold. It was huge. Even, Harry who was no expert on trains could confidently state that this was the largest train. Ever! At the head was a giant red steam engine belching out enormous amounts of smoke in the air. In gold letter engraved on the engine was "HOGWARTS EXPRESS". Very subtle, Harry thought. The engine was followed by numerous carriages in the same red but with a black roof. The platform was jam packed with people and pokémon. There were announcements blaring from the PA system.
"Parents are advised to not crowd the entrance."
"The first three carriages are reserved for First-year students."
"Students are advised to not release any large pokémon on the express."
"Parents are advised to not coddle their children."
"Students are warned to not use pokémon to cause any shenanigans."
Harry found the last one hilarious. Maybe Aunt Petunia could learn from it. Just beyond the entrance to Harrys right was one family that was definitely violating a few of the advisories.
The family consisted a large group of red-haired people. The mother looked harangued as she tried to corral her children into a group. There was a self-important looking tall fellow who seemed to be ordering his siblings to behave. A pair of twins who had their lickitungs and eeves out. A young red-haired girl was petting the eevees, while the lickitungs were bothering another younger looking boy.
"Mom, Fred's and George's lickitungs are licking my hair." The young boy whined.
"Mom, can I go with them to Hogwarts. I will be bored at home alone and the eevees will miss me." The young girl eagerly asked their mother.
"Fred, George return your pokémon, they are making a nuisance of themselves." The woman replied straightening the young boys hair. "And no Ginny dear, you can go next year. And let the eevees go. We will get one for you next year."
The young boy jealously glared at his sister for that.
"Promise!"
"Promise, dear." … "Fred, George recall your Pokémon this instance" The women yelled at the twins.
"We are only introducing little Ronnie-kins, to Lickitung here, Mom. You know Lickitung is very affectionate." The twins answered together, giggling. "And don't worry Gin-Gin, we will send you something special from Hogwarts, to keep you entertained at home. Maybe a toilet seat."
The little girl giggled at that.
Harry tuned them out. The sight of a happy family had tugged at his heart. He shook his head to keep away unnecessary unhappy thoughts. He had promised to not be sad anymore. Harry wheeled his cart towards the second carriage and with a little effort lifted his trunk onto the carriage. Hilda still sitting comfortably on his shoulders. He wheeled his trunk, feeling thankful that he had paid the extra galleons to have the wheels installed, to the last cabin. He slid the door open. It was empty. He walked in, shut the door behind him and lifted his trunk onto the overhead luggage rack with a lot of effort.
Hilda flew up and sat on top his trunk.
"You could help you know." Harry glared at Hilda
Hilda stared at him, as if he was stupid.
"Silly bird."
Harry released Nero. Nero came out with a bark and looked around curiously.
"This is new place. Looks just like a cupboard but bigger. Maybe friend Harry is moving to a new cupboard. Fun!" Nero thought.
"We are in a train. We are going to Hogwarts, boy. It's the end of hiding for you." Since Nero had no idea what a train was, he jumped on the seat and put his head on Harrys lap. Since Harry had nothing to, he reached out to his trunk and pulled out a book. The book closest to the top was Hogwarts a history.
Stroking Nero's head, Harry opened the book to read, the chapter on the founders. The book wasn't terribly interesting but it was better than sitting idly by and more information about Hogwarts was always welcome. Harry was reading about the founders respective expertise. Godric Gryffindor was master of fire and fighting type. His ace was an Arcanine. Salazar paradoxically mastered poison and steel. His ace was an Arbok. Rowena Ravenclaw was a master of psychic and flying types. Her ace was a Pidgeot. And Helga Hufflepuff was a master of Normal and water types and her ace was a Linoone. The founders were the only teachers when Hogwarts started with only 18 students. Hogwarts would grow over the years and hundreds would come to attend.
Harry was interrupted by a knock on the door. The door slipped open and the same red-haired young boy from the platform entered.
"Everywhere else is full and this is the last cabin in the car. Can I sit here?"
Harry nodded and the boy entered with his slightly battered looking trunk. Harry helped him stow the trunk on the overhead racks.
Before Harry could introduce himself, the boy excitedly shouted "You are Harry Potter, aren't you?"
Harry nodded.
"WOW. I am…." Before he could introduce himself, the door flung open and the twins from the platform entered. Both of them had an eevee on their shoulders.
"Ronnie-kins" the twins began
"Look"
"What"
"We"
"Found" the twins spoke in a confusing alternating matter.
The one on the right opened his palm to reveal a tiny spinarak.
"Lee, got one as his second pokémon." The first twin said
"isn't it super cool" the second twin added
The first twin extended his hand towards the boy.
"Keep it away from me" the boy presumably named Ronnie-kins shouted waving his hands in the air as he shrunk to a corner of the seat.
The twins laughed boisterously. They then turned towards Harry.
"Looks like Ronnie-kins has made a friend."
"Messrs Fred and George at your service" they said together.
"Harry Potter" Harry said extending his hand
"You really are, aren't you?" They both shook his hand together. They then pointed to Ronnie-kins, who was still scowling from a corner, and said "Don't worry, not everyone in our family loves you."
Ronnie-kins was red in the face.
"Look us up when you get to Hogwarts. We will show you around. We know the castle better than anyone. Alright Adios." The twins left with a final goodbye.
Harry sat back down. The twins were interesting. Harry hadn't figured out who was Fred and who was George.
The cabin was filled with awkward silence. Ronnie-kins was still red in the face. So Harry began "So…."
Ronnie-kins interrupted him. "That's a dark type." He said loudly with a frown, pointing at Nero.
"He is." Harry dryly said.
"But, but you are Harry Potter and darks types are dangerous and unreliable." Ronnie-kins said standing up.
Harry stood up in anger. His eyes glaring "What did you say about Nero. He is my friend. If you have a problem with him then you can get out." Ronnie-kins shrank back in fear.
Harry sat down and went back to reading his book. The other boy also sat down but with a frown. No one spoke a word for a while.
The train had started to move, back when the twins had entered the cabin. Harry enjoyed the silence. He had nothing to say to someone who misjudged dark types.
Someone knocked on the road. Harry yelled come in.
Two slightly chubby young girls with pigtails, one red haired and one blonde entered the cabin. The blonde one had a Happiny in her arms.
"Maybe we sit here." The red haired one asked
"Sure, come in." Harry said.
The other boy glared at them.
"Hi I am Susan Bones, and this is Hannah Abbott. We are best friends." The red haired one introduced herself and her friend. Happiny, the Happiny happily exclaimed.
"I am Harry Potter."
"Really, do you have the scar." Hannah Abott exciteldly asked as Harry frowned.
"Hannah." Susan yelled. "I apologize for Hannah. She sometimes forgets to use her brain." Susan glared at Hannah.
"I am sorry too." Hannah apologized looking sad.
"Its alright. I am just not used to all this fame." Harry said accepting the apology. "Here, I will help you with your trunks."
Harry lifted the trunks himself and stowed them away.
"What a gentleman," Susan said as she and Hannah giggled. Harry turned red in embarrassment.
"This is Joy," Hannah said introducing the Happiny. "I have always wanted to be a healer and I was overjoyed when Mr. Ollivander gave me a Happiny. I immediately named her after Nurse Joy."
"WOW" Susan said finally spotting Nero who was sitting in the far corner of the seat. "Is that a houndour? Those are super rare."
"Ladies meet Nero. Nero say hi! Nero is my starter, and the lady sleeping on my trunk is Hilda, my mail Hoothoot, she loves to sleep except for when there is a letter to deliver. It's best to let her sleep. She can get real cranky if woken up for no purpose." Nero walked up to the girls and barked. While Hannah was a little apprehensive, Susan happily sat down next to Harry and petted Nero. Hannah sat opposite to Susan beside "the boy".
"I have a puppy too. Pluto!" Susan shouted and a growlithe bounded in happily with its tounge wagging.
"Meet Pluto, my starter. I have had him for a month now. I got him form Ollivanders. Apparently he is from the stock of my Aunts and Officers Jennys Arcanine"
Nero spotted Pluto and jumped down to greet him. Both pokémon got to know each conversed while their trainers conversed.
"Pluto loves to stand guard. Even when there is nothing to guard. This is why he was standing outside the door." Susan said with a laugh.
"Growlithe are awesome. They are fast and nimble and fearlessly stands up to bigger and stronger foes. They always protect their trainers, no matter what. Pluto must like you a lot, if he guards you unprompted."
Both Susan and Hannah were surprised at Harry's knowledge.
"I love Pluto too." Susan replied.
"That was so awesome Harry. How do you know so much about pokémon. I had thought you had grown in the muggle world." Susan added.
"Not all pokémon, only growlithes. My teacher had one. He was a five badge trainer from Kanto, who quit the circuit to become a teacher. He helped me and Nero out a lot. We had our first battle with him. Lost but it was amazing."
"You have already had a pokémon battle against a veteran trainer." Hannah exclaimed with stars in her eyes.
"What training have you done with Nero? What moves does he knows?" Susan impatiently asked.
"Well, we worked on his physical fitness. I would work out with him too." Harry said
"You do look rather fit." Hannah interjected and then both Hannah and Susan turned red.
"Hannah, you really do forget to use your brains sometimes." Susan said. "Go on Harry"
Harry continued as if nothing had happened. Girls were weird. "We have mostly worked on his fire type attacks and evasion and dodging. Nero knows headbutt, smog, ember, fire spin, flame charge and beginning stages of flamethrower and bite."
Everyone, even Ronnie-kins mouth hung open at this.
"Those are some very high-level moves. I wish growlithe could use them." Susan grumbled
"We can train together at Hogwarts. Nero would love the company."
"Really, Thanks Harry." Susan said and then hugged Harry.
Harry stiffened at first, then relaxed. This feels nice, he thought
Happiny-Happiny. The Happiny interrupted.
"You can come too Happiny." Susan said
Susan spotted Ronniekins glaring at them and asked Harry.
"What's his problem?"
"We aren't talking. He thinks darks types are dangerous."
"They are." Ronnikins spat out.
"They aren't." Susan corrected. "Dark types are some of the most loyal pokémon around. My Aunt says that the hatred against dark types is spread by subpar trainers who don't have the skill to train dark types or people who refuse to move on from the war. My aunt has a pangoro, he is a dual fighting-dark type from Kalos and he is absolute sweetheart."
Harry was glad that the bias for dark was not present among everyone. He felt bad for Ronniekins though.
"Look man, I am sorry for shouting at you. We can talk again but please don't insult Nero again." Harry said.
Turning to the girls Ronniekins held out his hand and said. "Hi, I am….."
Ronnie-kins was interrupted by a chittering Cyndaquil that came running through a small gap in the door. The cyndaquil approached Nero and Pluto and started chittering loudly. "Cynda, Cynda, Cyndaquil" The three pokémon started running in circles playing. Harry bent down on the floor.
"Where did you come from little guy?" Harry asked stroking Cyndaquil on the head. Cyndaquil seemed to lean back into his touch.
"He probably sensed his fellow fire types and came to play." Susan said.
"She is a girl", Hannah said looking critically at the Cyndaquil.
Harry looked up at the girl questioningly.
"Don't think too much about it. Hannah is good at these sort of things." Susan said on her friends behalf. Hannah seemed proud of herself.
"Sorry girl, Guess you wanted to play, these are Nero and Pluto." Harry said continuing to stroke the cyndaquil,
Quillll…. Cyndaquill… the Cyndaquil agreed.
The door slid open and a pudgy, short, timid looking young boy with a round face, red form exhaustion stood at door. Panting and bent over with his hands on his knees, he said, "Cyndaquil, thanks Arceus, I found you."
"I am so sorry for the trouble. Cyndaquil is very naughty, she always runs away from me. I am Neville, Neville Longbottom."
"Hi! Neville. Please have a seat. Your cyndaquil is just playing with the fire type pokémon."
"I am Harry Potter." Harry got up off the floor and after dusting his robes, offered a hand to Neville.
Neville squeaked upon hearing Harrys name and gingerly shook his hands. This is Nero, my houndour. Neville sat next to Hannah.
"Harry is an awesome trainer. Nero already knows many moves." Susan complimented Harry. "You have already met Pluto and Joy here." Susan said pointing to the Growlithe and Happiny.
"Do you guys know each other already." Harry said indicating to Susan, Neville and Hannah.
"My aunt and Neville's grandmothers are friends. Neville would often get dropped by his grandmother at our place. Hannah and I know each other from a very young age. The three of us along with some other kids used to have playdates as kids." Susan replied for them.
"We would always play pokémon and trainers as kids. Neville would always choose a pretend to have a fire type pokémon." Hannah pointed out.
Neville sighed at that. "I wish that were true now." To answer Harrys questioning look Neville continued. "I am not a very good trainer. Cyndaquil barely listens to me. For a while before I got my Hogwarts letter, my grandmother was planning to home school me and lead me towards growing berries. My uncle Algie convinced her otherwise."
"I am sure that's not true. Fire pokemon are impulsive and training them is difficult. You are in the same boat as the rest of us. Why don't you join us at Hogwarts? Me and Susan are planning to get together and train Nero and Pluto." Harry suggested
Neville's eyes widened at the offer, "Are you sure, I am not very good though."
"We are sure Neville. Train with us." Susan firmly stated.
Neville nodded and sat backing up to the backrest relaxing his shoulders.
Another knock sounded on the doors. And an elderly lady peeked in and asked, "Anything off the trolley dears."?
"What do you have?" Harry asked genuinely surprised.
"Candies and chocolates, dear. A little bit of everything, Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Bean, Cauldron Cakes, Chocolate Poliwags, Drooble's Best Blowing Gum, Jelly Slugs, Liquorice wands, Pumpkin Pasties, Blood Pops, Flaming Charizards, and even Honeydukes Finest." The lady replied.
Harry had no idea what they were, but they all sounded really interesting and for the first time in his life he had money to spare. He saw Susan and Hannah reach into their robes.
"Guys, I got this." Harry said as he got up. "A few of everything please." He handed over 5 galleons to the lady and she handed Harry a veritable mountain of candy. She was about to return 2 galleons when Harry waved his hand. "keep it."
"Oh my! I couldn't possibly," but Harry insisted.
"Here I will keep this," She pocketed a galleon while handing one over to Harry. "Bless you dear. Have a great day children," She wished them before she walked on pushing a trolley.
Harry put the candy between himself and Susan. "Help yourself guys."
Ron meanwhile had pulled out a plastic bag containing the 4-dry looking corned beef sandwiches. He looked disappointed at them. Harry looked at him and said, "You can take some too. Here I will even trade a couple of these for a couple of your sandwhiches." Harry said tossing a couple of chocolate poliwags his way.
Before Harry started eating, He reached up to his trunk and pulled out a bowl and a bag of pokechow. Pouring the pokechow, into the bowl he said to Nero. "Heres your lunch boy, I know you cant eat chocolates and I didn't want to leave you hanging while we enjoyed ourselves."
To the rest he said. "Canine pokémon shouldn't eat chocolate. This is speciality fire type food. Pluto and Cyndaquil and welcome to join him. I am sorry I have nothing for Happiny."
Hannah nodded her head, "You really do know your canine pokémon Harry. And don't worry about Happiny, she can eat the sweets just fine."
While the pokémon ate the pokechow, the students gorged themselves on chocolates.
An hour or so passed. The door to the cabin flung open, and a bushy haired, buck toothed girl, with impeccably creased uniform with an azurill in her arms spoke,
"I am looking for a cyndaquil, a boy named Neville lost his. Oh Neville you are here eating chocolates, I have been running ragged, You really should have informed me that Cyndaquil was less important than chocolates". on Spotting all the wrappers she said, "you shouldn't even eat so much candy. They cause cavities and obesity among young children" Neville looked red with guilt and embarrassment.
She continued to the rest of them, "Your pokémon are running around, you should control them better. The announcements at the station clearly said no shenanigans," she spoke in a slightly superior sounding tone.
Susan who had enough spoke up, "Who are you? and why did you barge into our cabin? And FYI Neville is not less concerned about his cyndaquil, the one on the floors is his. Our pokémon are none of your concern, and it wasn't just Neville who ate the chocolates, we all did."
Hermione looked taken aback at that blunt answer but she rallied on. "I am Hermione Granger, I am a Muggle born, the first trainer in my family but we have a meowth and because of that I know everything about pokemon and I believe we were told to make sure that our pokémon are on their best behaviour. Are they your starters? Mine is Azurill. I haven't named his yet. I am divided on the whole naming scenario. Some of the books I have read state that naming helps in forming a bond. Others state that naming is irrelevant and pokémon should be made to obey regardless." Hermione said in a single breath.
"Don't believe all the books you read. Naming is not useless. It is a personal preference. Naming means absoulutely nothing to a pokémon. It is for the trainer's point of view. Once you name a pokémon you subconsciously separate him from the rest species and it make him special just for you." Harry stated. Hannah and Susan were again surprised at the depth of Harry knowledge.
"Of course, I am going to believe the books. Where did you get your information from, can you quote your source, because if you can't then your information is not credible" Hermione imperiously stated.
Harry just shrugged at that. It was not his job to teach people about bias in literature and how owning a pet meowth didn't mean you knew "everything" about pokemon
"You people still haven't told me about the starters. I also heard that Harry Potter is coming to Hogwarts this year. I have read all about him. Won't it be so cool to meet him?" Hermione Granger asked again impatiently.
Susan sighed, she looked around and everyone looked away. She had become the unofficial spokes-person for the group. "Pluto the Growlithe is mine, Joy the Hapinny is Hannah's, you already know Neville's cyndaquil and Nero the Houndour belongs to him", she finished pointing at Harry.
Hermione looked at Ronnie-kins expectantly. He sighed and pulled out an old looking pokeball. "Mine is a furret, nothing special. He is boring and does nothing." Ron said before pocketing his pokeball.
"You shouldn't keep your pokémon trapped in a pokeball. They are sentient creatures and deserve freedom." Hermione complained.
Susan sighed again. She was getting tired of the spokesperson role. "That is none of your business, Miss Granger. It's a trainer's personal choice where he keeps his pokémon. You were speaking of the announcements, They also said to keep large pokémon in the pokeballs. What if Ron had a Charizard or a Nidoking. Should he have let them out too?"
Hermione looked embarrassed at the correction and changed topics quickly. "What house does everyone want to be in? I want to go to Gryffindor. It is the best house. Prof Dumbledore, the headmaster and the strongest trainer in Albion went to Gryffindor."
Harry wanted to correct her misconceptions but then again it was not his job.
Before anyone could reply, Hermione looked at her wrist watch and said. "I have to go; I have an appointment with the train driver. I have so many questions for him."
As soon as Hermione was out of sight. Ronniekins muttered, "I hope in am not in the same house as hers. Honestly! What a nightmare."
"Thanks for not mentioning my name Susan," Harry said
"No problem, I know you don't like you fame. Plus, the girl didn't seem a very friendly sort." Susan smiled at Harry.
Hannah began, "So, what houses."
Ronniekins said, "Gryffindor."
Susan said, "Hufflepuff definitely", Hannah also nodded and agreed.
"I don't think I am strong enough or brave enough for Gryffindor, so Hufflepuff most likely, my gran will be pissed though," Neville glumly said as Hannah consolingly patted his back.
All eyes turned to Harry, "Dunno and honestly don't care. Any house is fine for me."
"Even Slytherin"
"Even Slytherin, Why what's wrong with Slytherin?" Harry asked
"That's where all the evil, dark trainers go. All the You-know-who supporters are from Slytherin." Ronniekins said
"I am sure that's not true." Harry said. Hagrid had mentioned something similar but Harry was sure that an entire house, 1/4th of Hogwarts couldn't be evil.
"Slytherin doesn't have a very nice reputation." Susan said
A while passed. The door flung open yet again. This time it was the blond boy Harry had seen at Madam Malkin's, flanked by two brutes.
"I heard Harry Potter was coming to Hogwarts this year." Malfoy started
"what is to you Malfoy?" Susan asked
"Bones moving up in the world I see, a weasel, an almost Muggle and a loser" Malfoy said pointing at the three people in the cabin
"Get out of here Malfoy," the three fire types growled at him
Malfoy paled at seeing a Houndour. He wanted to say something but the Houndour was bearing his fangs, in a very threatening manner.
"I will be leaving and when I find Harry Potter, I will make sure he has quality company, unlike your sorry lot. I might introduce him to my starter. My father got him for me from Sinnoh." Malfoy said in a snobbish tone and then walked out. His two henchmen following behind him.
"Did anyone notice the similarities between Malfoy and Granger?" Hannah asked.
"Hmm". Susan spoke. "Both spoke in a superior tone. Both gave out pointless advice. Both have a crush on Harry here. Both are dead set on their houses. Both insulted Neville"
I get it Hannah continued the line of thought. "Malfoy is really Muggle born."
Both Hannah and Susan giggled at that.
While Neville said with a laugh, "I hope Malfoy heard that. He would probably die of embarrassment."
There was an announcement on the train PA system. "Arriving in Hogwarts in half an hour. Please change into you uniforms and return your Pokémon. Disembark the train in an orderly manner. First years please follow, Mr Rubeus Hagrid. He will be waiting at the train station. Please leave your trunks in the train. They will be delivered to your respective dormitories."
"Let's change. Boys please step out." Hannah and Susan said.
Neville said, "I have got to go anyways, my trunk is in a different cabin."
"We will wait for you by the train door." Hannah said.
Both the girls and the boys took turns in getting changed.
Hilda swooped down and landed on Harry shoulders.
The train arrived at Hogwarts. The girls and Harry waited for Neville while their fourth companion decided to go on ahead.
Neville finally came out "Sorry, Sorry I got delayed. The students in my cabin were taking forever to get changed and I was the last one in."
"No problem let's catch up to Hagrid." Harry said and then yelled, "Hagrid wait up."
"Harry I was getting worried when I didn't see you there. Thought I would have to pay the Dursleys another visit." Hagrid said with a smile.
Harry grinned and said to the three others, "Hagrid is my friend, he introduced me to Diagon Alley and helped me with my school shopping."
They caught up to Hagrid.
"Harry you seem to have grown even bigger. Tell your HootHoot to fly to the owlery."
"You heard the man Hilda."
Hilda flew towards her destination.
They reached a lake and on its banks were a series of boats.
"No more than 4 to a boat". Hagrid yelled.
Harry, Neville, Hannah and Susan took a boat for themselves.
The boat moved slowly across a lake. As Harry and friends were gazing out to the lake. They saw what looked like a giant fin atop a diving shape.
"Is that a gyarados?", Neville nervously asked.
"I wouldn't be surprised. Hagrid loves his giant pokémons." Harry assured.
Other students were also gasping and murmuring at seeing a gyarados.
"Don't you all worry, that's Bubbles. He is a sweetheart." Hagrid assured absolutely no one.
"Bubbles, he named a gyarados Bubbles." Susan asked disbelievingly.
Harry laughed, why was he even surprised. "He also has a Machamp named Sprinkles and an Aerodactyl named Maya."
"No." Hannah whispered in horror. "If I were a gyarados. I would eat my trainer on principle for just naming me Bubbles."
The foursome laughed.
As the boat moved forward. The magnificent view of Hogwarts came into view. It looked majestic and everyone ooohhed and aaahhed at the castle.
"Best view in my opinion." Hagrid said. "It never gets old."
Harry and the rest silently agreed. Hogwarts looked amazing.
Hagrid led the boats to an alcove. Where he helped the students disembarked.
A stern looking, tall, elderly woman was waiting for them. She was wearing black robes with a gold and red trim and her hair was tied back in a knot.
"The first years, Professor." Hagrid said.
"Thank you, Hagrid, Now please take your seat on the teachers table." The woman spoke to Hagrid.
"Please follow me children. I am Professor Minerva McGonagall. I teach "Pokémon behaviour" and I am the head of the Gryffindor house. Now please smarten up. I will lead you to the sorting."
The children followed the professor till they reached a large door.
The professor spoke, "The sorting will begin in a few minutes. Once the doors open, your names will be called one by one and you will proceed to your shopping. Your house at Hogwarts will be like your family. Your actions will reflect on your house. So please maintain decorum"
Meanwhile, a red-haired boy was panicking, saying things like, "I have heard we have to fight a snorlax to get sorted", "what if am not successful," "Will I get sent home" …... this was also making other first years start panic.
Finally, Harry had enough. "Look Ronnie-kins Weasel, you have to calm down man! There is no way we will fight a Snorlax."
Rons ears had turned red and Malfoy was laughing hysterically on hearing the name.
"That's not my name." Ron grumbled
"It's not! but your brothers called you that multiple times."
"My name is Ron Weasley." Ron said
"You are Harry Potter, aren't you?" Malfoy interrupted. "I am Draco Malfoy and I believe that we should be friends. You need to keep away from the riff-raff and the commoners." He said glancing at Ron beside Harry and Susan, Hannah and Neville, behind Harry.
Harry caught the look and it pissed him off. This Dudley wannabe wanted to decide his friends for him.
"Draco Malfoy, I can choose my friends for myself. We will only become friends if you improve your attitude." Harry replied and then moved away with Susan, Hannah and Neville.
Draco Malfoy fumed at that and then returned to sniping at Ron Weasley.
"You look nervous, Neville, worried about the sorting." Harry asked and Neville nodded.
"Don't worry, we will remain friends, whatever happens." Harry assured Neville. He turned to Susan and Hannah and nervously asked
"We are friends, right?"
Hannah and Susan looked at each other and then rushed forwards and grabbed Harry and Neville in a group hug.
"Of course, we are friends, you silly oaf and we will always be friends no matter what." Susan firmly stated. Harry liked that.
The huge double doors flung open. They lead to a giant hall. It was lit by thousands and thousands of fairy lights that were floating in mid-air over four long tables, where the rest of the students were sitting. These tables were laid with glittering golden plates and goblets. At the top of the hall was another long table where the teachers were sitting... The hundreds of faces staring at them looked like pale lanterns in the flickering candlelight... Harry looked upward and saw a velvety black ceiling. The ceiling was very dark and it looked like it extended into the night skies. Harry could see Hagrid on the teachers table. Hagrid waved a at him
"The lights are suspended in a permanent psychic net and it is said that the ceiling looks so dark and infinite because ghost type pokémon live up there. I read about it in Hogwarts a History." Harry heard someone say.
"Please follow me children." Prof McGonagall said. She led the children through a wide passage in the middle of the halls, between the four tables to an empty space between the teachers table and the house tables. There on a slightly raised platform was a stool on which there was a large bone crown with a red gem in the centre. It looked like a Slowkings. Attached to the crown in the back were three feathers, red, blue and yellow
"This is the sorting crown. As I call out your name. Take a seat on the stool and place the crown on your head. The crown will sort you." Professor McGonagall said as she pulled out a rolled-up scroll.
She began "Hannah Abbott" Hannah sat under the crown. The gem glowed and then a voice that seemed to echo out from the very walls of the great Hall said "Hufflepuff"
Hannah placed the crown and proceeded to the left most table. Where students received her with claps.
"Alice Achebe" "Ravenclaw"
"Susan Bones" "Hufflepuff" Susan excitedly joined Hannah at her table. Neville seemed to be getting more nervous. The sorting continued till the next person Harry knew was called.
"Hermione Granger" Granger sat under the crown and made a disagreeable face. "Gryffindor" With a self-satisfied smile Hermione made her way towards the rightmost table.
The order of the tables looking down from the teachers table seemed to be Gryffindor-Slytherin-Ravenclaw-Hufflepuff.
Neville Longbottom was called out. After a few minutes, the hat called out "Gryffindor" Neville heaved a sigh of relief, smiled at Harry and proceeded to the Gryffindor table.
Draco Malfoy was immediately placed in Slytherin.
After a pair of twins that were placed in Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, Sally-Anne Perks in Hufflepuff, Harry Potter was called out.
Harry walked up to the stool and put the crown on his head.
He was immediately transported to a vast green field. In front of him was a giant slowking. It was huge over 40 feet tall.
The Slowking started to speak in a very loud voice. "Hmmm…. I see plenty of courage, and a curious mind, not much a goal yet but willing to work towards it."
"You are very big." Harry Shouted.
"What?" the Slowking whose monolouging had been interrupted, asked
"You are very big," Harry repeated in awe. "Can all pokémon get so big".
The Slowking stared at him as if he was an idiot.
Then the slowking started to shrink and kept shrinking till it reached a normal size.
"Of course not. Pokémon don't get that big."
"Oh!" Harry seemed almost disappointed. "Where am I" Harry asked as he turned around to inspect and look at his body now that he was no longer over-awed by the giant pokémon and the shock of being in an alien place was finally registering.
"You are in the crown of course. My crown to be precise"
"How did I get here?"
"I bought you here"
"Why"
"To sort you of course, keep up kid. Now where was I. Yes….. a sharp mind, and a desire to prove yourself. You will do great in Slytherin."
"Not Slytherin!"
"Why not Slytherin? Slytherin will lead you to greatness. It will help you find your goal"
"I want to be with my friends. Put me in Gryffindor, Hannah and Susan are in Hufflepuff, so I can be in Gryffindor with Neville."
"Ah loyalty. I should put you in Hufflepuff for that." The Slowking giggled.
"I wouldn't mind, but I don't want to leave Neville alone."
The slowking thought over it. But Harry interrupted again.
"How did you get here. Did you get trapped in the crown?"
The slowking decided to indulge the kid.
"Okay story time kid, I used to belong to Rowena. It was 2 years into the founding of Hogwarts, I was already old by then, and I got injured in battle. I would have passed on but I was the one who was keeping the barriers around Hogwarts, Rowena requested that I hold on. With a ritual that she designed and using the three feathers and sacred ash, she gave me greatly increased psychic power using which I imprinted a copy of myself onto my crown."
"What feathers? Sacred Ash?"
"The feathers on my crown, you see them?" Harry nodded. "They arent any regular feathers, they were gifted to Godric, Helga and Ravenclaw by the great Moltres, Articuno and Zapdos, when they appeared to bless the school. The sacred ash was Salazar's, he had received it from the Ho-Oh."
Harry was staring at open mouthed amazement.
"The four artifacts, boosted my power enough for me to imprint myself on my crown and from then on for the past 700 years, I have watched over Hogwarts and her students. My psychic abilities allowed to sort students, so I started doing that too."
"You are trapped in the crown. That doesn't seem very nice."
"I am not alive Harry Potter. Think of me like a muggle computer. My body has long since passed on."
"If you are 700 years old, how do you know about computers."
"Through the minds of the students I sort of course. I am very powerful psychic, you know" The slowking proudly said.
"We have been here a while, Wouldn't the others notice this? The other sortings haven't taken so long."
"The other sortings have taken exactly as long as they needed to. And don't worry we are in your mind. Time doesn't pass the same here."
"Why were you so big in the beginning?"
"Its my mind too… I can be as big as I want to be"
"Oh!" the slowing seemed eccentric.
The slowking began again.
"Courageous and a predisposition for fire types. Gryffindor it is! Do come visit me sometimes Harry Potter, I am always in the headmasters office."
Harry blinked as he realized he was back in the great hall. A shout of Gryffindor came from the walls. The Gryffindor table started cheering and started chanting, we got Potter! We got Potter!
Harry hurriedly moved towards the Gryffindor table. He sat next to Neville, while the sorting continued. Ron Weasley got sorted into Gryffindor. A red haired pompous looking boy got up and clapped Ron on the back. It ended with Blaise Zabini getting sorted into Slytherin.
The headmaster got up "Welcome," he said. "Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!" The headmaster sat back down and as if by magic food appeared on the table. Harry's mouth fell open. The dishes in front of him were now piled with food. He had never seen so many things he liked to eat on one table: roast beef, roast chicken, pork chops and lamb chops, sausages, bacon and steak, boiled potatoes, roast potatoes, fries, Yorkshire pudding, peas, carrots, gravy, ketchup,"
"Eat up Harry! I am Percy Weasley, Gryffindor fifth year prefect."
Harry nodded and took some of everything on his plate. His yearmates introduced themselves.
Dean Thomas wanted to be a pokémon watcher and an artist. He was a muggleborn.
Seamus Finnegan wanted to be a gym leader. He loved electric and exploding pokémon. He was from Vermilion city in Kanto and was apparently related distantly to Lt. Surge.
Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil also introduced themselves, they wanted to be fashion designers and participate in showcases. Hermione's nose had scrunched up at that.
Fay Dunbar also wanted to be a grooming expert.
Kellah Moore was a muggleborn and wasn't sure what she wanted to be, but was interested in learning more about fighting type pokémon as her starter was a Machop.
Harry and Neville introduced themselves and Neville shyly stated that he was looking to go into his familys berry growing business.
Harry stated that he wanted to travel the world and possible compete in the gym circuits.
A pale translucent figure popped up from under the table through the plates of food. "Good evening students, I am the Gryffindor house ghost, Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington or you can call me "Nearly Headless Nick". Harry saw similar pale figures were introducing themselves, at the other tables.
"Ghost, as in ghost pokémon?" Harry asked a little creeped out
"I am no pokémon, I can assure you my young friend. I was once a knight who fought in the skirmishes after the great war."
"But how are you here, shouldn't you be dead" another voice asked.
"Alas no one knows, it is said that Hogwarts is so rich in pokémon energy, that those of us who gave up our lives for Hogwarts, could leave behind an imprint empowered by the energy around Hogwarts. No new ghosts have formed for many years. These days students just come to Hogwarts and go on with their lives. We, the ghosts of today were dedicated servants, for Hogwarts, living and dying for her. I doubt I could survive, outside of these walls." Nearly Headless Nick said wistfully
The mood had suddenly become sombre.
"Don't fret children, enjoy your feast. We ghost will look after you lot and free to approach us if you have any questions."
As the dinner continued and the students talked. Seamus started to complain. "It's a shame that Hogwarts has such strict rules about pokémon. If I wanted, I could raise a full team and already challenge my uncle for the gym leader position in a year."
Percy who had heard the comment couldn't help but comment. "No, you couldn't Mr. Finnegan. Pokémon training is a difficult endeavour and even of you could somehow catch six pokémon there is no way, you could train them to a respectable level in a year to challenge a gym leader. Also it would be illegal, in the entire triumvirate region the minimum age for a youngster license is 14 years, only after which you are allowed to go on a journey with one starter. Hogwarts is bound by the law to prevent students under the age of 14 to own anymore pokémon."
Seamus just grumbled at that, "I could so do it." Dean patted him on his back.
"But Mr. Weasley, even after the age of of fourteen, we are only allowed three more pokémon." Kellah asked.
"Please call me Percy. It is true. Fifth, sixth and seventh years are allowed to get one pokémon each year, to bring the total number to five before graduation. This is done to ensure that the students aren't overwhelmed with pokémon. You have to remember that while you are at Hogwarts, the reposiblity for the upkeep of both you and your pokémon is undertaken by Hogwarts. Limiting the number of pokémon helps keep the costs down. Keeping the pokémon numbers limited also helps the trainers to really connect, interact and understand their pokémon.
Also, people tend to forget that Hogwarts dose not only cater to trainers who are interested in battling. Bureaucrats, healers, potioneers, researchers, groomers, diviners, explorers, adventurers, all kinds of students come to Hogwarts. Battling is a very small part of the overall curriculum here. Trainers other than battlers rarely need a full team. I, myself want to go work for the ministry, so I don't intend to have more than 3 or 4 pokémon. My eldest brother Bill is an explorer. He explores various ruins and forests for Gringotts, he only has 4 pokémon on his team. My other brother Charlie works at the Safari Zone in Johto. He has a full team and some. It is necessary because his work requires him to constantly battle unruly pokémon."
Everyone nodded at Percy's explanation.
Harry who himself was wondering at the pokémon limit nodded at Percy's explanation. It made sense.
As dinner was winding down. Harry nicked a few pieces of steak and wrapped them in a napkin for Nero later. The food was replaced with deserts of various kinds. Harry who was full from dinner just took a slice of treacle tart.
Professor Dumbledore got up to speak. Harry looked over to the head table, where he saw that a greasy looking, hooked nose man was glaring at him. Harry had no idea what to make of that.
"Ahem — just a few more words now that we are all fed and watered. I have a few start-of-term notices to give you.
"Prof. Quirrell who was away on a trip for the past year had rejoined us. he will be teaching the Battling class."
"I would also like to welcome Prof. Rubeus Hagrid to the teaching staff. He has recently acquired his master breeder license and will be a valuable addition to Hogwarts. He will take over from Prof. Grubby Plank who has left to enjoy her life in retirement."
"A round of applause to welcome our new professors."
Harry clapped vigorously for Hagrid.
"First years should note that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. And a few of our older students would do well to remember that as well."
Dumbledore's twinkling eyes flashed in the direction of the Weasley twins.
"I have also been asked by Mr. Filch, the caretaker, to remind you all that
Battling with or without pokémon is forbidden in the corridors."
"And finally, I must tell you that this year, the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a very painful death. Now we shall sing the school song."
Everyone got up and sang the school song each to their own tune.
Harry looked at Dumbledore strangely. He wondered if the old headmaster was "all-there".
"Is he serious, about the death thing" Harry asked Percy.
"He seems to be," Percy replied and then pointed to all the first years
"First years follow me. I will lead you to the Gryffindor dorms."
All the first years followed Percy Weasley. He led them though the winding hall and staircases to a large bright red and gold door. On a keypad next to the door, he typed in a few numbers.
"This here is the voice recognition system. Please come here and say your name, followed by this phrase. This will register your voice. Next time just say the password and the door will open. The current password in "Arcanines nine knight"
The students registered there voices and walked through the door to a large cicular room. It was filled with round tables and chairs and various couches all located along the wall. There was a chess set on one the tables, a fireplace and mantle.
Prof McGonagall was seated on one of those chairs.
"Thank You for leading the first years prefect Weasley. I also heard your explanations to the first years during dinner. Ten points to you for that."
Percy beamed in pride.
"You are all tired so please take a seat." Prof McGonagall began.
"I am professor Minerva McGonagall. I am the head of Gryffindor house. It is my duty to care about your wellbeing. If you have any questions or concerns please bring it up to me or one of the prefects."
"Gryffindors are known for being brave and reckless, I don't want to encourage that sort of behaviour in my house. Bravery without thoughtfulness is dangerous and ultimately pointless. I want all of you concentrate on your studies here in Hogwarts and use the various resources available to be the best versions of yourself."
"Now let me give a few customary notices."
"Feeding, cleaning and grooming you Pokémon are your responsibility. Mr Hagrid our care and breeding professor has stocks of high-quality Pokémon food available for every type. It's all free of cost and you can mix and match and different additives according to the preference of your Pokémon. Hogwarts trusts you to be responsible and not waste food. Small Pokémon may be fed in your rooms, but try to use the feeding rooms attached to the common room to avoid a mess."
"For cleaning similarly, the small Pokémon may just use the attached showers, but for large Pokémon use the bathing area attached to the greenhouses."
"For grooming, our expert is professor Burbage. You may book an appointment with her and she will teach you. Hogwarts provides the basic grooming kits but for anything more extensive please get your own kits."
"Every professor has 2 research assistants. Please approach them if you have any problems. The office hours for the professors will be up on the notice board tomorrow."
"Now I will wish each of you a good night. Welcome to Hogwarts and I will see you all at breakfast tomorrow morning where I will hand out your class schedules."
Percy led the boys to their dorms. The boys dorm was on the left and the girls on the right.
Harry trunk was placed next to the furthest bed by the window.
There was also a table and a chair next to the four-poster bed.
The boys chatted among themselves for some time. They released their starters. Harry's houndour and Neville's cyndaquil were already friends. Seamus had a voltorb that rolled under his bed. Dean had a smeragle that introduced itself to cyndaquil and houndour. Ron released his sentret, almost as if he was embarrassed.
"That's a cool pokémon Ron", Seamus said. He was from Kanto and had not see any sentret before. The boys talked some more as their pokémon played. Harry fed some of the meat to Houdour and cyndaquil. The rest of the pokémon were apparently vegetarian and voltorb ate electricity.
As Harry was lying down on his bed. Nero cuddling to his side. He tough about the question he had asked Percy during dinner.
"Is the food like this every day?"
Percy had replied, "Not so many items, but yeah more or less."
Before falling asleep Harry thought. It looked like Hogwarts really was the solution to all his problems. The food, the training, the shelter and the loneliness. Hogwarts was awesome.
Chapter 5 is done. I will be posting 2 more chapters. One with various first year students and their starters and another with a list of professors and their subjects.
I hope everyone found my explanation for the pokémon limit convincing. I had to rush the chapter in the end there, so i hope the quality wasn't too bad. Now that Harry is at Hogwarts, the chapters are started getting more complicated so expect a longer gap between updates.