Chapter 7: Journey into Wizarding Education

Duddley pov

Finally, the day we separate into different streams of education. Today Harry was leaving for Hogwarts, and I would leave for Smelting 5 days hence. We spent the last couple of days together, having all the fun that we could.

Getting to King's Cross station platform was easy. Mama remembered that we had to go through a wall to platform 9 and 3 quarters, but did not remember where it was. So we waited for a while to notice someone doing it. After about 10 minutes, luckily Susan came to us with an official and strict looking woman in her monocles.

"Hey Duddley, Harry. Good morning Mr. and Mrs. Robin. What are you waiting for here?"

"Hi Susan" Mama smiled at her, "I know there's a barrier we have to cross through, but I don't remember where it was."

"Were you not told during your introduction to the magical world? I am Amelia Bones, pleased to meet you. Susan did tell me about meeting your family at Diagon Alley."

"Nice to meet you too. We received no introduction. But that maybe because Harry here is my nephew and he had wizarding parents. I don't know. So would you show us the barrier, Ms. Bones?"

Amelia Bones smiled, "Of course. You have to walk through that wall. But you have to be holding your nephew, since he is the only one wizard. Would you rather come with us instead?"

"Please, and thank you."

So we went. Mama and Susan were with the lady while Papa and I were with Harry. I watched as they casually walked through the solid wall as if it was not there and disappear. We firmed our hearts and did the same. I had to close my eyes in fear that I would crash, but when Papa patted my shoulder, I opened my eyes. What met my sight was so wonderful. There was glistening steam train with carriages that looked to be of middle ages. There was a platform full of people; students, siblings, parents, pets, trunks; moving hither thither in complete disarray.

The Bones had already left, so we moved along the train searching for an empty compartment. When we found one, Papa loaded Harry's luggage in there and they came out. Since Paladin had agreed to stay with the parents, he had already left last week to the forest, saying he could not bear farewells.

"So this is it." Harry rocked on his toes, "Wish me luck?"

Mama could not control herself and took him into a strong hug.

"Study well. Enjoy yourself. Stay safe. Stay happy. Promise me Harry, that you would not indulge someone unless you want to. Don't let yourself be forced into doing anything. And never hold back your potential. Shine like you can, just like your parents would have wanted you too. Don't let your popularity get to your head. Write lot of letters, and the ones for Duddley will be posted to him as soon as I get them. Okay? Don't forget us mundane in all the magic."

"I promise Aunt Petunia. Take care of yourself too, okay?"

Mama nodded and let him go, Harry then turned to Papa. "Take care of both of you Uncle. I'll write as often as I can. I will even tell you about the first quidditch game."

Papa smiled and ruffled his hair. At last Harry turned to me, "Best Buddies Forever, right?"

I nodded, "Best Buddies Forever. Enjoy Harry, and tell me about everything."

"Sure, you too. Play well and study better. Tell me how your practice and matches goes. Hmm?"

I nodded. The train gave its warning whistle and Harry hugged me out of blue, "Don't forget about me Duddley." He was almost crying.

I ruffled his hair as I hugged him back. Man I would miss him. He finally boarded the train as it started moving, and waved until he was out of sight. I watched the train disappear around the turn.

"That was Harry Potter, wasn't it?"

It was Ms. Amelia Bones. So she had recognized him. I thought the fame and all that was all exaggeration. Mama nodded.

"It looks like he grew well with you. I wonder why Dumbledore was against placing him with you so much."

Mama snorted, "Oh he was against many things, I presume, just to keep Harry under his control."

"I am glad that he did not succeed. I don't trust Dumbledore. Under him, the boy would either be arrogant or completely subservient."

"I just hope he survives what awaits him, that he stays true and strong."

"Let's hope so, indeed."

Now, I have to prepare for my adventures.

Neville's pov

Having bid farewell to my Gran, I was just about to enter an empty compartment when suddenly I was pulled back. It was then I noticed that there was luggage already there. They were three boys, the two behind were burly and fat, while the one ahead was pale blond. His sneer alone told me that he was a Malfoy. Draco Malfoy, their heir.

"Heir Longbottom" He nodded at me.

"Heir Malfoy" I nodded back.

"We are sitting there. I don't fancy sitting with a near squib. You are alone like always, why don't you just find another for yourself."

He just walked into the compartment after saying that, followed by his lackeys. That was humiliating. Oh god! I thought I would be away from all that once I am away from my relatives. I thought I was getting a new start. Sigh! I guess the life never changes so easily. Mom! Dad! Was saving me that necessary that you had to leave me all alone. What use I am anyway?

Tears were brimming in my eyes as I walked on with my luggage and Trevor, my toad. However much Uncle Algie gave it to me as an insult, I love my toad. It keeps bugs away from my plants and is a constant company.

Plop!

Except now, maybe. I thought that as my toad jumped from my pocket and plopped away. I tried to follow it, but it was faster than me with my luggage. It soon vanished, maybe into some compartment.

Oh god! Humiliate me further, why don't you?

I decided this was my fate, and started towards the first compartment.

"Excuse me; did you see my pet toad come in here?"

"Toad? Really? No, I did not, but why would you want a toad as pet?"

I did not answer and moved on. There were similar answers everywhere. In one of the compartments, I met Hermione Granger.

"Wow! Really? You have a toad as pet? I am a muggleborn and have been reading a lot about the magical world. The books say that magical pets are more attuned to the owner than a non-magical one. Is you toad magical?"

I was embarrassed to have to deny.

"Anyway, I'll help you look for it. It would be interesting to watch one close. Did you know that…?"

And on went the walking encyclopedia. I would have been more comfortable searching for Trevor myself. As we were walking to another one, I saw a boy coming from the loo holding and cooing to Trevor.

"Trevor! There you are!"

Finally I found him. The boy holding him, still in muggle clothes, was fair and black haired, looked slender yet strong, a bit taller than me, and was tickling Trevor into small croaks. He looked up at my shout.

"Hi! Is he yours?"

"Yes, thank you. I was searching for him all this time."

"Without even settling in first? You must like him a lot. Doesn't he, Trevor?"

He tickled Trevor again who croaked and jumped into my arms. Before I could say anything, Hermione spoke,

"How do you know it's a male?"

"Oh that was common sense. I matched him with what I studied regarding reproductive system in school."

"Oh, so you are a muggleborn?"

"No, why would you think so?"

"I've seen only them talking about going to school."

"Ah I understand. I was raised by my aunt, who is a muggle."

"So you are as good as a muggleborn. That's okay. I'll help you as I am one too."

The boy just shrugged. I did not understand why Ms. Granger was berating him so, as if she was better than others.

"So when did you get your letter? How much time did you have before knowing about the magical world? I am lucky to have six months to prepare."

"I think it would be best if we get seated. You seem to have been standing since the train started. Come, I'll help you with your luggage."

Relieved, that was what I felt as I was finally accepted, even if by muggleborns. As the boy was hoisting the luggage onto the racks above, Ms. Granger simply sat down and looked around. I put my backpack on there too and introduced myself with a short bow.

"Hello. I am Neville Longbottom. Thank you for your help in finding my pet. May I ask who you are?"

Ms. Granger butted in before he could respond, "Why are you being so formal? We are only first years."

I felt irritated at her presumptions and disregard. The other boy may have felt it too, but he ignored her and bowed back to me.

"Greetings Heir Longbottom. Pleased to meet you. My name is Harold James Potter."

I gasped inwardly, so this is the boy who lived.

"Greetings Heir Potter. I welcome you back into the wizarding world…."

I would have completed the formal greeting, but Ms. Granger interrupted me with her loud gasp.

"Potter? You are Harry Potter, aren't you? I've read all about you in…."

She would have gone on, but he interrupted her abruptly.

"Excuse me Ms…."

"Hermione Granger. I am…"

"Ms. Granger, will you please do us the minimum curtsey of being silent while we finish our introductions. I will talk and explain you everything else later, okay?"

She nodded, stunned into silence at his rebuke. Harold Potter then looked back at me, smiled and nodded his head. I remembered my unfinished introduction.

"I welcome you back to the wizarding world and convey my regret for the loss you suffered. I personally would like to establish the alliance between us if you so agree."

This was the way to re-establish the alliance our families had with each other, which broke when both our parents were incapacitated.

"Thank you, and I am amenable with your wish to establish the alliance. Now that THAT is done, please call me Harry." He smiled at me

"And me Neville."

That said, we finally sat down. I was surprised to find him educated enough in the customs of the wizarding world. He must have had good tutors. I felt good myself for remembering all that was taught to me.

"Sorry, Ms. Granger, but you should not have interrupted." Harry said.

Ms. Granger seemed irritated, "I was just talking. What's with all this formality? You sound as if you are middle aged people, not 11 year olds."

"Ms. Granger, if you were…"

"Call me Hermione."

"Okay, Hermione, if you were going to Japan, would you not bow before them in greeting."

"Of course, it's their standard greeting."

"Then why would you assume that wizards won't have one?"

"Oh come on, we are still in Britain and I've never heard of such greetings."

"You are in a different culture altogether. For the six months that you said you had, did you not study any book on the culture and society of Wizards?"

"Why would I need to know them, I am a muggle born."

"Here to become a part of magical world. Please don't be affronted, but please don't interrupt some culture before you know about it, okay?"

Hermione nodded, appeased, "Okay, You make a point. So Neville, what do you know about magic? I've tried to learn as many spells as I can with the correct wand moments. I want to be able to do them easily once allowed to do so."

I was aghast at the sudden change of topic, "Umm…. not much else. My family thought I was a squib for so long, my magic is not that strong."

"Oh! Pity, but don't worry, the professors will help you catch up. Hogwarts is the best school in Britain. Anyway guys, I'll leave you for now. I'll ask some seniors about the classes. See you later in school."

And she left immediately. I can see that it was because she would not learn anything from me and because she thought Harry knew nothing too. At least, the compartment was peaceful now. I looked over to see what Harry was doing. He was giving treats to his owl and coaxing her to come out of her cage. The owl was looking at him suspiciously.

"Is she hurt?"

"No, she just doesn't trust me yet."

My eyes widened, "Is she wild? How will she carry posts if she does not trust you?"

"In a way. I did buy her at the Diagon Alley, but she is wild. Her family was killed before her eyes when she was captured. So she distrusts everyone human and refuses to come out of her cage. I am just trying to tell her that I won't harm her."

This was new. People usually would ignore such pet and buy a cooperative one.

"Thank you for defending me against Ms. Granger."

"It's okay. She was the one wrong. So, what family do you have? I have just my aunt, uncle and cousin."

And on went the conversation. I liked Harry. He did not probe on my abilities or measure my worth in any way. He just shared his own experiences and prompted me to do the same. It was a nice change from the usual backseat that people give me. And Merlin bless me! He was happy guy and his happiness just permeated around.

The trolley had just left and Harry and I were loaded with chocolates and treats. I liked chocolates, yes, but watching Harry buy loads of every kind left my mouth hanging. When asked, he just said that having a chocolate always makes anyone feel better. Harry was delighted with Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans, whooping at every good taste and shuddering at bad ones. Watching him was entertaining. I wish I was that open. He devoured the treats like they would vanish if not eaten soon. And it was for the best for who came in next. The door slid by and a Weasley stood there.

"Hi, I am Ron Weasley. Oh! Hi Neville. Have you seen Harry Potter anywhere? He is supposed to join Hogwarts with us, so he must be on the train."

I looked towards Harry who just shrugged. He then turned towards Ron, "Hi! Nice to meet you."

"Woah! The boy-who-lived! It's great to meet you." He barged in to sit beside him and took one of the chocolate bars without asking, "I'm Ronald Weasley, call me Ron. I can't believe I am finally meeting you. I've heard so much about you."

Harry looked mildly confused, and Ron went on after seeing that look. "Oh come on. You defeated you-know-who as a baby. Do you remember how?"

"No. I was three years old and was sleeping."

"You defeated him in your sleep? Wow!"

"No, I said I don't know what happened."

"Then how did you get your scar? Can I see it once?"

Harry looked uncomfortable. I could understand. Ron was showing the maturity of a teaspoon if he could not see how he was hurting Harry. And he was eating Harry's chocolates which Harry was watching with mild irritation.

"Look, I am not comfortable discussing…."

"Please, just show me once. You are famous for your scar. You should be proud of it. That night is history for you defeated a dark lord whom none other could."

Ron then did the most insensitive thing and tried to brush aside his hair over the scar. I could see that Harry was close to tears, so I took hold of his hand before Ron could reach him.

"Ronald Weasley, please leave."

"Neville? I just wanted to talk to…"

"You are upsetting him Ron."

"What? I am just telling him that he became special that night. That's nothing to be upset about."

"That was the night he lost his parents Ron. Show some sense and leave before you say something even worse."

Ron paled when he realized what I said and took a step back.

"Hey Harry! I'm sorry, I did not mean it. I was just excited to meet you. I'll see you at school okay? Sorry."

Harry just gave him a small smile and turned his head towards the window. Ron left swiping one more treat with him. I sighed and started wrapping up the sweets and chocolates we had. Harry shook himself out of his stupor and his eyes widened at me, "Hey! What are you doing?"

"Umm… packing up the treats? We are reaching the school anyway. We have to get ready."

"One more chocolate, please."

"Harry, we already ate a lot. Didn't you say that you want to save them for school?"

"Please Neville?" He put up his puppy-dog eyes at me.

"Ugh! Stop that. Take it. And not one more, okay? God! I am not your guardian." I looked at him after putting them away, "And then you give some to your owl too! She will turn fat and crash down somewhere while flying."

Harry choked himself on his chocolate as his snowy white owl gave me the most terrifying glare, slowly and pointedly took the chocolate (which she was refusing till now) in her mouth and turned her back to me. Harry could not hold his laughter and I had to join in soon.

Harry had finally coaxed his owl out of her cage, promising viewing the castle the first time together. So we three went with Hagrid, a giant man and keeper of grounds, to school in boats across the lake. The castle was magnificent to look; it was castle with the four turrets and large ground surrounding it. We could not see much before we were led inside by the deputy Headmistress and Professor Minerva McGonagall.

The great hall was beautiful too, with four long tables with, a long table for teachers at the front, lighted with floating candles all around and fire lamps on the walls, and even the ceiling enchanted to show the weather outside. But I was nervous enough not to be able to concentrate on or appreciate anything. What if I was not sorted anywhere? What if they decided I was not good enough for attending Hogwarts? What if everyone could see how poor I was at magic?

Before I was ready, my name was called. Oh the sorting already started? I staggered and tripped in nervousness, but Harry caught me before anyone could notice and gave me a reassuring smile. A voice spoke inside my head the moment I put the sorting hat on my head.

"Ah! A bright mind, love for plants and herbs, a brave heart, and well trained in all formalities as necessary. I do not think you would do well in Slytherin, as you would be trounced by their pressure and it would be hard to make friends. Ravenclaw would not fit either, for as I said, you cannot work under sheer pressure. You need support not pushing, encouragement not competition. Hufflepuff would do well in that regard and you abide by their principals of loyalty and hard work. But you would do well in Gryffindor too, and their companionship would let you mould yourself into the character you dream of, but do not dare to be."

"But I am not brave enough, or daring enough to join Gryffindors." I thought back to him.

"Bravery and Daring is not speaking all the time or plunging into any situation. It is standing up when necessary and sticking to your principals when in a fix. I can see that people around you assume that you will join Hufflepuff, but I also see hesitation in your mind. Remember what you mother said when you were young – 'Always stay true and follow your heart'. Since you are suited for both Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, tell me what does your heart says… Ah! I see it. Very good then. You would join your classmates in…"

"GRYFFINDOR"

The hat shouted the name of the house loud. It felt like a dream walking to that table and everyone of that house clapping for me. I snap out of that trance when everyone started whispering loudly around me. Harry's name has been called.

I watched Harry as he put on the hat. He was calm and smiling. Maybe he would be sorted into Gryffindor too and we would be house mates. I would have one friend then for sure. He sat there for a longer time than others, sometime shrugging, sometime smiling, and sometimes shaking his head. Finally after about seven minutes, by which time everybody was anxious, the hat shouted

"GRYFFINDOR"

I was happy, my house was happy and so were the Weasley twins who were singing in chorus, 'we got potter, we got potter'. Harry came and sat beside me, even though Ron kept the place beside him open, and I felt happy.

The feast was good and the headmaster introduced Professor Quirrell as to the new professor for the defense against dark arts. He also gave us a warning not to brave a corridor on the third floor as it would mean death. I did not care about that; I would not dare that anyway. That said, I slept in peace that night.