Harry and Tombs made their way to Platform 9 ¾ a hour before it was to leave. There weren't that many families around at the moment, which made it even better for their plans. Just as Tombs promised, Harry was put under a glamour that seemed to completely change him. His hair was now a dirty blonde and his eyes were a honey brown. The changes seemed small to him when they were talking, but when he looked in the mirror, it seemed to completely change his face. Hopefully it would hold for the duration of the train ride.
"So how do we do this again?" Tombs had to smirk at Harry. Even though Harry was usually able to hide most of his emotions, there were times that they clearly showed. If Harry wasn't so young, Tombs might be willing to give him a few lessons in mind magicks. Tombs hoped that he was in Harry's life long enough to see about that. The kid seemed to have grown on him.
"There is a wall that is in between the 9 and 10 platforms. There is a pillar before you reach Platform 10 that is the barrier for Platform 9 ¾ that is warded against muggles noticing. We'll just have to move quickly through the barrier. For some strange reason it's set up to only allow passage if your jogging or running at it."
"Really? There isn't any other way that you are able to go through?"
"There is a Floo Network set up, but I thought that it would be better if we went this way."
"Why? Wouldn't it have been easier?"
"Yes, but I wanted you to be able to tell where the muggle entrance was. Plus I thought that your first Floo travel would be better in a less occupied setting. We'll probably use when I pick you up from Hogwarts for the will reading." Harry nodded at that before he thought of something.
"Would you be able to pick me up earlier? I would like to meet with the goblins to go over everything that they found before the reading." Tombs nodded at this. It would be better than having to wait around on a Saturday.
"That's a good idea. Since I'm taking you through the Floo on the way there, I can show you the joys of Apparition on the way back." Harry felt a chill go down his spine. The look that Tombs was giving him had Harry thinking that he shouldn't eat anything beforehand. "We'll worry about that later. For now, let's focus on getting you set on the train. The barrier is coming up." Harry looked and saw the pillar that Tombs was talking about. Harry also noticed that everyone else was avoiding the pillar, but looking at the other pillars Harry could see people standing in front of them or leaning against them. Guess that's the spells Tombs was talking about.
"So we just start running when we get close enough?"
"Yeah. This is the entrance for muggleborns and some wizarding families that decide to use this instead of Flooing to the platform. Now get ready, we're about to go through to the platform." Harry hesitated before he started jogging with Tombs. This was the start of another chapter of his new life and he was equally worried and excited. Harry had to hope that this would be the start of something great.
000000 Sirius Black & Remus Lupin 00000
Sirius and Lupin were sitting in the hospital room slightly down. Today was the day that Harry boarded the train to Hogwarts, and neither of them was able to see him off. The Healers thought that it was too soon to let him out of the hospital and Remus didn't want to leave Sirius alone. Not to mention that they only got a letter from Harry that seemed a little stilted. But neither of them could blame him, but it didn't make either of them feel better.
"Do you think that we will ever be close to him, Remus?"
"I really don't know, Sirius. We both failed him in our own way. Lily and James trusted us with Harry, but we both allowed our grief and anger to cloud our judgement and duties. Hopefully we will be able to get to know him and build a relationship with him." Sirius nodded at this, but it didn't help him that much. Sirius couldn't help to think that this was mainly on him. No matter what Remus says, Sirius felt that he had more responsibility than Remus did. Sirius was the one named godfather, and for a single moment he had acted like one. He went straight to the Potters the moment he felt something was wrong. The moment he saw Hagrid with Harry, he felt both relieved and heartbroken. Relieved that Harry was alive, but heartbroken knowing that if Hagrid was carrying Harry then his friends was dead. He had asked Hagrid to take Harry, but as soon as Hagrid gave him an excuse that Dumbledore had sent him to take care of Harry, Sirius ran after that traitor as fast as he could. Deep down, he knew that he never fought as hard as he should have when it concerned Harry. And look at what it got him. He was imprisoned in Azkaban, Remus was cut off from his pack, and Harry was tossed with abusive relatives. Sirius looked at the journal on his bedside table. He hadn't started it yet, but decided that now was a good time as any. Before he could reach for it though, a knock on the door caught both men's attention. The door opened to show Andromeda.
"Hello, Sirius, Remus. May I come in?"
"Andy, of course. I thought you would be taking your daughter to the train, unless she's already graduated?" Andromeda had to smile at that.
"No, Nymphadora is in her final year at Hogwarts and the train has safely left the station. I thought that I would come and visit you afterwards since I have the day off." Sirius nodded before realizing that Andromeda was still standing by the door.
"Come in and take a seat. It's good to see you."
"You as well, Sirius and Remus, of course." Remus nodded with a gently smile on his face. Andromeda was always kind to him, even after learning about him being a werewolf.
"Thank you, Andromeda. It's good to see you as well."
"Yeah, it's nice to have some other family here."
"Of course, Sirius, although I feel that I should be apologizing to you. I never did anything after I found out that you were arrested and sent to Azkaban."
"It's okay, Andy …"
"No it's not. Out of our entire family, we were always the closest to each other. No matter what, I should have made sure one way or another if what they were saying about you was true or not. It shames me to say that I was afraid that if I did, especially after what Bella did, that they would assume that I was a part of this. Especially since Bella and I look so much alike, I was sure that many would think that I was like her as well. It wouldn't have mattered that I married a muggleborn and had his child." The bitterness and shame in her voice was plain to hear.
Sirius and Remus was both speechless for a moment before Sirius was able to snap out of his surprise, which was a statement since Remus was usually the one to handle these situations.
"Andromeda, I understand and thank you, but me spending time in Azkaban is not your fault. It's the fault of Dumbledore, Crouch, and myself. If I had done my duty and taken Harry in like I was supposed to, then this would not have happened. Even then, if Dumbledore and Crouch weren't such bastards and actually did the right thing, then we would have never been in this situation. I don't blame you or you Remus for that matter, for not looking closer at my imprisonment. What happens now is that we heal and move on from it." Both Remus and Andromeda were surprised at Sirius' words. It was one of the few times that they heard Sirius be, well serous. And compassionate when either of them thought about it. But they were both glad at that and nodded their heads in agreement. Both knew that they would never stop blaming themselves, to a point anyway, about Sirius' time in Azkaban, but they can focus on making a future that included all of them. Andromeda reached out and squeezed Sirius's hand in understanding and gratitude.
"Thank you, Sirius. It's a relief that you do not blame me. I hope that we can be family once more." Sirius nodded before smiling.
"Alright, enough of this heavy stuff. How is your Nymphadora. I remember her starting to get control of changing her hair and facial features." Andromeda couldn't help laugh at that and even Remus let out a chuckle. Sirius would always brag about what Nymphadora was doing in relation to her metamorphic abilities.
"She is now able to do full body transformations, of the same gender at least, is able to do some minor animal transformations, like a duck's bill or a dog's paw, and is even able to change her vocal cords to mimic anyone that she hears. Although I do wish that she wouldn't choose a hair color that can be seen yards away in the dark." Sirius' dog bark laugh filled the room.
"That's good to hear. It's almost surprising how well she has control of her abilities without the Black family magicks flowing through her." That seemed to spark something in Sirius that he completely missed the minor flinch of Andromeda. Remus sent her an apologetic smile before their attentions were brought back to Sirius.
"Now that I think about it, how would you and Ted feel if I accepted the both of, and Nymphadora of course, into the Black fold. I would understand if you didn't want to come back, but it would be nice to have a sane Black." Andromeda had to laugh at this. The Black madness was something everyone attributed to the family thanks to the Dark Magic running through their veins as well as the inbreeding that was practiced. Marrying first and second cousins weren't as frowned upon in the Black family as it was with other families.
"Sirius, you're sane as well, for a Black anyway." Remus had a teasing smile to lessen the jab. When Andromeda got control of her laughter she answered Sirius' question.
"Cousin, I would like to be brought back into the family. I and Ted talked about the possibility, although we both thought that it would be further down the road until you got better. I don't want you straining yourself bringing us into the Black family, especially since Ted doesn't have any of the Black blood…"
"Andy, Andy, calm down. The Healers approved me of doing magic by next week. I'll start building my magic reserves back up so by the time the Yule holidays come around, we can start the rituals to make the Tonks family a branch to the Black family." Andromeda beamed at Sirius, glad that Sirius was accepting her and her family into the Black family, as well as interrupting her rambling to tell her. The rest of the day went with Remus, Sirius and Andromeda getting to know each other again and reminiscing about happier times. They had enough time to discuss the other member of their family that they wish to bring into the fold.
00000 Harry Potter, Hogwarts Express 00000
Harry managed, with Tombs' help, to find an empty compartment to wait in. After putting his trunk on the overhead shelves, Tombs gave him a couple more pointers before leaving to the platform. Harry could still see him waiting off the side, just to make sure that Harry got off safely and prevent anything while he still could. Harry felt thankful at this, and wished that he could ride on the train with him. Unfortunately that wasn't an option. Harry resigned himself to that fact.
Harry decided to people watch while he could. It would be another half hour before the train was supposed to leave, making the platform even busier than before. He saw a father and son with blond hair so light that it was almost white with a woman with brown hair. The entire family was striking and intimidating that caused many people to give them a three feet breathing room. Harry also saw another family with two daughters, one looking forlorn that the other was going. It interested Harry about the different reactions that he saw.
Some families seemed to be the definition of proper behavior while others seemed to not care that others were seeing them embarrass their kids. Harry couldn't help laughing at some of this. Harry was brought out of his people watching when his compartment door was opened.
The boy who opened the door seemed to either be a tall first year or a short second year. His hair was styled into a neat messiness that Harry wished he could mimic if only his hair would cooperate. His clothes were high end from what Harry could tell, but washed him out a little with his light complexion that told Harry that the boy had seen little to no sunlight. Luckily, Harry's staring wasn't considered rude since the other boy seemed surprised that someone else was in the compartment.
"Sorry, I didn't think that anyone would be on the train yet. I can find another compartment." For some reason Harry didn't want the mystery boy to go. Maybe he could be a friend, or at least an acquaintance before his identity was revealed. So before the boy could fully turn around Harry called out to him.
"It's no problem. If you want we can share. I can even help you with your trunk." The boy seemed to be surprised but nodded his head in agreement. Harry helped him put his trunk up, noticing that it also had a feather light charm on it. "Glad you got the feather light charm on it or we'd have even more trouble with it."
"Yeah, my grandfather is not really one to lug something around, so he got me one of the more useful charmed trunks."
"Yeah, I have a lot of books, so mine would be a nightmare without it." Both of them laughed at that.
"So, do you think you'll end up in Ravenclaw since you brought your own library?"
"Not sure. I think it either Ravenclaw or Slytherin. I mean, I like reading and learning new things, but I also like using that knowledge instead of learning just to learn. By the way, I'm Harry Pitch." Harry stuck out his hand, waiting for the other boy to introduce himself.
He and Tombs decided to keep his first name since it was common and just changed his last name. That way he didn't have to worry about not responding if someone called him while on the train. It only may be for one day, but both of them thought it best not to draw any attention to the fact that Harry would hesitate recognizing his name. The other boy speaking brought Harry out of his thoughts.
"I'm Theodore Nott, but usually everyone calls me Theo." Theo shook Harry's hand and it took a moment for Harry to recognize the name.
Harry read that Cantankerus Nott wrote the book about the Sacred 28 and that his son was a confirmed Death Eater spending his life time in Azkaban. This must be his son, meaning that Cantankerus was the one watching Theo since his father couldn't, ever. It seemed that his knowledge showed on his face since Theo's seemed to have closed off. He yanked his hand back before standing up.
"I guess you didn't realize who I was before. I'll get my stuff and go into another compartment."
"Hey, it's okay. I wasn't about to do anything. I was just going to see if you were into blood purity before either of us had to leave. I'm a half-blood myself, so you never know how anyone is going to react."
"You sure? I wouldn't want to taint your chances of friends since I'm a Death Eaters son." Theo looked at Harry strangely and a little bit of hope under his guarded expression.
"I'm sure, as long as you don't start sprouting off the Sacred 28. My father may be a pureblood, but my mother wasn't."
"Really, I don't recognize your surname." Theo took a seat, although he wasn't as relaxed as before. He was on the edge of his seat, waiting to run if it seemed like a good idea.
"Yeah, I'm sure. My family hasn't been in Britain for a couple of generations, so I'm not surprised. Most of the fortune has been made out of Britain." A little white lie, but close enough to the truth that it didn't raise enough flags.
"So why are you in Britain again if your family is out of the country?"
"I'm living with some of my relatives hear. My family was killed in an attack." Theo blanched at this, not that you could really tell with his complexion. Harry was thinking if Theo ever went outside or was he naturally pale.
"Sorry, I didn't know. I'm sorry for you lose." Harry nodded in thanks, deciding to change the subject.
"Thank you. Which house do you think you'll get into?" Theo seemed to be relieved and latched onto the new subject. They talked about that, as well as the other families that they saw. Five minutes before the train was to leave, a huge family of red heads rushed in.
"That's the Weasleys. They're a pureblood family but lost their fortune two generations back thanks to the Malfoy family tricking them. The Wizengamot made a law about doing something like that again, but it was too late for the Weasleys. Not to mention that they say that they're not purebloods and turn their backs on our traditions has labeled them blood-traitors to this day, although grandfather says that the oldest sons aren't as bad as their parents."
"Do you know why?"
"Well, the oldest one works with the goblins as a curse breaker. Usually, grandfather looks down on them socially, even if he respects the job, but he once met the oldest while in Egypt and said that he was really respectful and seemed to honor the old ways. The second son on the other hand is a dragon trainer. Grandfather hasn't met him of course, but some of his friends do business with the dragon trainers for legal parts and say that he also follows the old ways. It's rumored that the both of them got jobs out of the country the moment they graduated to be away from their overbearing mother and to also practice the Old Ways. Can you imagine having to leave the country to practice wizarding traditions?"
"No. Does anyone know why the Weasleys are so against the Old Ways? I mean, it is a part of their family magicks."
"That's why they're even more of an outcast then they already are, although it seems that some of this generation are returning to the Old Ways. As to the why, many think it has to do with my grandfather writing the book about the Sacred 28 a couple of decades after the Weasleys lost their fortune. I think it's because no one stood with them or helped them that they started to resent pureblood culture and turned from it. Even now they say that they have some muggle blood in them. Mind you, most have a little in their line, but they don't yell it like the Weasleys do. But it doesn't matter since Arthur and Molly Weasley are firmly against the Old Ways and our traditions. Add the fact that they have such a big family and extremely poor makes others sneer at them for not being able to properly take care of their kids. Especially when many families can't have more than one or two children and would love to have more."
"So there are some who are envious that they have a big family?"
"Yes. They have seven kids. That is the most anyone has had in several generations. But the reason people sneer is because it's said that they can't even send their kids with a proper wand until around their fourth or fifth year, and that's even with the scholarship money that they receive from Hogwarts." Theo shook his head at the thought. Everyone knew that not having a proper wand could stunt a wizard's growth.
Harry on the other hand took another look at the family. They seemed to be looking for someone while being loud, causing everyone to look at them. It seemed that Molly Weasley was trying to wipe one of her son's face, but he was fighting it before escaping to the train. The only kid who stayed with the older Weasleys was a little girl that Harry assumed was their daughter. It seemed that she would be joining them in the next year or two. Harry couldn't tell since they were further down on the platform.
"Do you think that any of the other children are interested in wizard tradition?"
"It's hard to say. The only thing that I've heard about them are the twins that we saw. They are the fourth and fifth oldest of the bunch, but are known to be heavy pranksters. From what I've heard is that they don't bully one house over another thankfully, or Slytherins would be the main target with them being in Gryffindor. Just watch yourself and see if you could get yourself in their good graces. It seems that they don't prank their friends as much as other people." Harry nodded at the new information.
Harry was starting to worry that wizarding politics started at eleven and you had to work your way up from there. Letting out a small sigh, Harry looked over to his companion. Even though his family was known in supporting the madman the destroyed his life, Theo seemed nice, if a little lonely. Harry was hoping that Theo really didn't follow in his family's ideals in how to be a pureblood. Harry may be new to the wizarding world, but the books that he read and what Tombs told him gave Harry the base ideals flouting around the pureblood sector. That didn't even cover what the half-bloods and muggleborns thought.
The train's whistle sounded and the last couple of stragglers got on before the train started moving. Both boys watched as parents and family members waved the train off, both spotting the person who brought them to the platform.
Tombs gave Harry a little wave that he returned. Harry was going to miss the man, although his morning grumpiness wouldn't be missed beyond the occasional laugh. Cantankerus Nott spotted his grandson, but continued to look grim faced. Theo knew that his grandfather wishes for him to make connections with other approved pureblood families, but for the life of him Theo didn't want to follow his family in their hate. Unlike the rest of them, he didn't have a problem with half-bloods that knew wizarding traditions and muggleborn and raised wizards who were willing to learn. Theo looked at his companion.
He could tell that Harry didn't know all of the British pureblood customs, but maybe they could help each other. Theo would be able to help with that in exchange of his protection as a half-blood. Everyone knew the Nott name, and if they weren't they were quickly informed. If he was known to be friends with a half-blood, then he wouldn't be hexed by the those who didn't align themselves with You-Know-Who. The only downside was watching out for those that did support You-Know-Who. His father didn't bribe or claim Imperius when his trial came up, so they were told to stay away at best and torment at worse. Merlin he hoped that his plan worked before anything serious happened.
Little did Theo know that the companion was more than a half-blood. He would be surprised with everyone else when Harry Potter's name was called.
00000 One hour before Hogwarts 00000
Theo and Harry were in their compartment reading the books that they brought. After talking and getting to know each other for half of the trip, they were interrupted by the trolley lady bringing in treats. They brought a little of everything to tide them over until reaching Hogwarts. Harry figured that he liked the miniature treacle tarts, blood pops, acid bombs, and chocoballs the best. The chocolate frogs, wands and every flavor beans were good as well, except for some of the beans. Whoever choose to have one taste like dirt or snot had a very sick sense of humor. Theo on the other hand seemed to like the blood pops as well, and everything remotely having to do with chocolate. Harry couldn't help arching an eyebrow while watching Theo inhale down his hall. At this point, Harry didn't see a pureblood heir, he saw a regular eleven year old boy with a chocolate obsession.
After their sugar rush, they continued the trip by playing games. It was the first time Harry played any of these games, which he was able to explain away with not having anyone his age to play with. After their third game of gobstones, which Harry won two of, they settled into reading some of the books that they brought. Theo seemed to be reading a history book while Harry decided to read Hogwarts: A History. It was interesting, if a little dry, when both boys were brought out of the readings by their compartment door being forced open and a bushy haired girl poking her head in.
"Have you seen a toad? Neville here lost his and we're looking for him." The girl said it all in one breath while motioning to Neville. Looking past her, they saw a slightly pudgy and baby faced boy that stood nervously, and if a little apologetic, behind his companion.
Theo and Harry looked at each other in surprise before turning back to the newcomer. Before either of them could give a response, the girl spotted the books they were reading and seemed to think that was an invitation.
"Oh, wow. I saw that history book when I went book shopping, but couldn't get it because it cost so much. I was so disappointed but my mother said that they might be able to buy it if I really wanted it and did my entire chore list when I came home for the summer. I almost can't wait, but I'm still excited about coming to Hogwarts and learning everything and looking at the library it has. It's a shame that it's the only public wizarding library, but it must mean that it has some really good books at school. Oh, you're reading Hogwarts: A History? I read that book three times already. It is so interesting that I couldn't put it down. I've read all my school books as well and can't wait until we do the spells in them. Oh, where are my manners? My name is Hermione Granger. What are your names?"
Both boys were shocked and even Neville seemed a little surprised. No one thought that someone could be so rude and it seemed the Hermione didn't realize the number of pho-pas she committed in under a minute. Theo was the one who found his voice first and leveled Hermione with a glare that was quite impressive for an eleven year old. Harry was going to ask Theo to teach him that for future use.
"Ms. Granger, I don't know what your parents teach you, but here with civilized people we knock before entering a compartment. We could have been changing into our robes for all you know before barging into our compartment." Hermione seemed to realize that she made a mistake, but her humiliation wasn't done yet and by the end of Theo's 'rant' she would be pale and trying not to cry because of embarrassment.
"Not only that, but you come in here firing questions like you own the place and not allowing us to get a word in edge wise. And by the look of your companion's face, you probably didn't even ask him if he wanted your help, just forced yourself on him while dragging him around the train. And to add insult to injury, you plop yourself here like we are good friends and start chatting away before you remember some semblance of culture and introduce yourself.
"I reckon that you should look up manners while you're in the library if you want to last while you're here. I have a feeling that your fellow Muggle raised students would find your social skills and manners lacking to say anything else. Now, if there isn't anything else that you can insult us with, you may leave." Hermione eyes watered while she continued to pale before running out of the compartment, almost running into Neville. They watched her go before they turned to each other.
Harry decided that he should be the one to break the silence this time.
"Neville, is it?" Neville nodded his head while shifting from foot to foot. "Why don't you come in and take a seat for a moment?"
Neville seemed to hesitate for a moment before moving into the compartment and closing the door. Harry smiled at him before introducing himself.
"Hello, I'm Harry Pitch, and my sharp tongue friend here is Theodore Nott."
"Nott?" Neville seemed to become even more nervous. Theo on the other hand seemed to have gotten an even icier look on his face before turning away. After spending so much time with Harry, he forgot that just about everyone else would be judging him because of his family name.
"Yes, Nott, but don't let that fool you. He's very nice once you get past his wit." Theo looked almost insulted and that seemed to have eased Neville a little bit before his attention was brought back to the situation at hand.
"My name is Neville Longbottom. Sorry about earlier. I was just looking for Trevor, my toad, and when I asked Hermione, she automatically tagged along. You guys were the fifth compartment that we came across and I have a feeling that she didn't impress the other occupants as well." That got a snort out of Theo.
"If she barged in with them like she did with us, then I'm not surprised. She's lucky that she didn't come across anyone changing."
"Or snogging for that matter." Harry grinned as Theo let out a laugh before getting a hold of himself. Neville even let out a little chuckle.
"How about me and Theo change into our robes and see if one of the older years can summon Trevor, or at least know how to track a toad." Neville smiled at that while Theo cocked an eyebrow at being volunteered for this little treasure hunt. Harry gave Theo his newly discovered puppy dog eyes that made Theo huff in fake annoyance.
"Might as well. It's not like I won't have time to finish my book." Theo and Harry changed into their robes before all three boys left the compartment.
They made sure to avoid the compartments already visited before, and managed to find some 5th year Hufflepuffs that were able to help them summon Neville's missing toad and transfigure a portable tank for them. Harry made sure that Neville joined them in their compartment for the last leg of the ride. They just got settled before they heard a knock on the door. Theo seemed to become the initial spoke person for the group and allowed the person entry. When the door opened, a red hair boy, although not as red as the Weasleys, poked his head inside. He had wire rimmed glasses on, a slightly pinched face and had a badge with a 'P' on it.
"We're almost at Hogwarts so… "Whatever the boy was going to say died on his lips when he noticed that everyone were already in their robes. "Oh, good, you're already changed. That's good. Remember to leave all your bags here. The house elves will put them in the right dorms after you get sorted." Just as quickly he came he was gone.
"Does anyone know what just happened?" Harry looked confusingly at the door. Theo answered for Harry.
"Whoever he was is a Perfect by the badge he was wearing. There are two from every house from every year 5th year and up. There is also a Head Boy and Head Girl that's in charge of the Perfects. They are probably going around the train to make sure everyone is prepared for our arrival to the Hogwarts' platform."
"Okay, next question. Does anyone know how the sorting goes?" Neville seemed to take the next question.
"No. That is kept secret, although many of the upper-years that have siblings or other family members coming this year usually tell them stories to scare them a little." Theo nodded his head before their compartment door was forced open again the second time today.
The person standing there was a red headed boy around their age with worn robes that seemed to be put on in haste and a smug on his nose. Harry recognized him from the large redheaded family from the platform earlier. Harry was brought out of his assessment by the visitors demanding tone.
"Hey, have any one of you seen Harry Potter? I've been looking for him but haven't come across him yet." Harry was slightly insulted by his demanding tone and decided to see why he was so interested in looking for him, without revealing that he was Harry Potter.
"And why would you be looking for Harry Potter? It must not be important since it took you the entire day to make it to this edge of the train." Theo smirked while Neville seemed to try to disappear into the bench. Ron on the other hand seemed to be trying to imitate the color of his hair. Harry wasn't sure if it was because he was angry or embarrassed.
"I got distracted. Not to mention I was going to offer him friendship so he can know who to hang out with. Weasleys are a known light family that can help guide him since he's new to the wizarding world. That way he wouldn't have to spend time with Death Eaters in training." Ron jerked his head towards Theo before turning his attention towards Neville.
"I'm surprised to see you in here Longbottom with this scum, but I guess someone has to keep an eye on the Slytherins." Both Theo and Neville flushed at Weasleys' words, but Harry reddened in anger. During the short time in knowing the both of them, Harry thought of them as his friends and got really protective of them.
"You have a lot of nerve calling someone scum when you barge in here like a brute and demand answers in one breath and then start insulting people in the next. I would not be surprised if Mr. Potter declined your friendship since it seems you would dictate who he needs to associate with like a toddler. Maybe you should review your manners before going to another compartment. How you haven't been hexed yet is beyond me, unless your tiring search has caused your tongue to run away with you. A little piece of advice if you do happen to find Harry Potter, look into a mirror and whip off your face." Theo snickered at this and Neville looked like he was trying to decide between continuing to hide or laughing. Ron on the other hand was looking like a lobster with how red he is. Harry wanted to deliver the final word so made his way over to the door.
"Now, if you don't mind, some of us home-trained wizards would like to continue our trip in piece. And do straighten your robes out. It looks like you've dressed yourself in the dark." Harry slammed the door in his face and locked the door before turning towards his companions. "Don't know why we didn't lock this door to begin with." Harry smirked before dropping back into his seat. Theo and Neville smiled back at him. Neville was the first one to break the silence.
"I don't think that you're a Death Eater in training. And I don't have anything against Slytherins." Theo nodded in thanks.
"I figured that someone was going to say something about my father. My grandfather and his Sacred 28 book doesn't help either." Theo scowled at that.
Living with his grandfather was no easy task, especially since he wasn't named the heir at the moment. His second cousin has been trying to get into his grandfather's good graces ever since he realized this. The fact that he's already graduated and making a name for himself as a gentleman's club owner was infuriating to Theo. Not to mention that his grandfather telling him point blank that if Theo didn't impress him this year then his cousin was getting the heir ring, ignoring the fact that his cousin couldn't stop himself from gambling and sleeping around. If someone didn't kill the idiot because of his debts, then it would because he couldn't keep his pants up.
"Theo?" Harry's voice brought him out of his dark thoughts. Harry and Neville were looking at him in concern. Theo flushed before ducking his head.
"Sorry. It's just that I'm already judged because of them. I don't even believe in all of this pureblood crap that they sprout. But because we are a dark family and wasn't shy about praising the 'Dark Lord' that I'm automatically a Death Eater in training with loads of dark, evil spells just waiting to use on some muggleborn. I wouldn't do that to anyone, nor am I evil for having dark magic." Theo huffed before blushing when he realized that he unloaded some of his frustrations on his new friends.
Theo was shocked when he felt two different hands on his shoulders. Harry seemed to have moved closer to him and Neville stood across from him with a reassuring smile. It seemed that he was getting over some of his shyness that Theo noticed before.
"I understand being seen as something that you're not. My gran sees me as my dad, no matter that he's been in St. Mungo's since I was a toddler. She only took me to get my wand recently because of something the Board of Governors said during a meeting. Beforehand she was going to make me use my father's, even though it wasn't a fit at all. It's completely different, but the same as well. We're both seen as something that we're not. Maybe we can help show everyone else who we really are?" Neville seemed to become shyer by the end of his speech, but Harry nodded his head in agreement.
"I'll help too. I have a feeling that we can help each other, no matter what house we end up in." Both boys agreed with Harry. The three of them settled after that to enjoy the rest of the train ride. Little did they know that their pact was going to be put to the test so soon.
000000 Quirrell 000000
Professor Quirrelll sat in his office waiting for the time to head to the Great Hall to great the children. He's been worried because his master wasn't pleased with the news of the Curse Breakers and Warders coming to the school. Not only would they be strengthening the wards around the school, but they would also remove the curse on the Defense Against the Dark Arts class. This might be the only time for him to be within the school to get the stone, but to finish his work against the Potter boy. The only thing that seemed to make him happy was the fact that Dumbledore would be sent to Azkaban. Quirrell had to admit that he was glad as well. Even before he met his Lord, Dumbledore always made him feel uneasy. A hissing voice brought him out of his thoughts.
"Quirrell, it is almosst time for the welcome feasst. Head down now."
"Yes, my Lord."
"And Quirrell, you better get the stone before the Wardersss are finished with their tassksss. They may not be able to do the more powerful wardsss, but they might be able to put up enough to expel me. You would not like that if that happensss." The pain Quirrell felt made sure to reinforce the message.
"Yes, Master." Quirrell managed to stutter.
"Don't stutter! We are not going to get fired because of your incompetence!"
"Yes, Master." Quirrell whimpered because of the pain. They managed to make it to the Great Hall, although some of the other professors commented on his pinched expression. Quirrell managed to alleviate them while almost sighing when Voldemort eased up on the pain. The doors opened and the students walked in to wait for the sorting. It was almost time to look at their enemy.
