Neither Harry Potter nor Cats belongs to my, sadly.
R&R please.
Over the next few weeks of summer Misto mostly read the books they'd bought for his first year in Hogwarts, danced and sung, or played with Quaxo. The owl was as shy and scared as he used to be and the boy was determined to make sure Quaxo got to feel as much friendship and love as he'd gotten with the Jellicles. So while Misto was locked up in his room with his owl and books Munkus and Demeter were in the, now, open room in the basement.
It was a simple room with a long table and back as well as a small free area. Down there the two went through the books of the library and tried out one spell after the other. Already having theoretical knowledge of things through the memories helped them along quite nicely, yet Misto saw easily in which directions they excelled.
Munkus main-talents seemed to be Defence against the Dark Arts, Potions and, much to everyone's shock, the Dark Arts themselves. The man himself had only sighed and said: "It was to be expected with Mac being my brother."
Demeter on her side was quite the master when it came to Charms and Transfiguration.
Misto himself had no idea what he would be good at, but Munkus told him: "You'll find out at Hogwarts, don't worry so much. Besides, if we get the hang of it, I'm sure the original conjuring cat, the great and magical Mr Mistoffelees will do perfectly well." That had sent Misto into laughter, which had only increased when Munkus had suddenly leaped at him to tickle him. Demeter, having decided this was quite the bonding moment, had taken a few pictures of it. The next few days she'd carried the camera with her everywhere, taking lots of shots from Munkus and Misto in the funniest and most embarrassing situations. After a week the two males had turned it around though and snatched the camera away, before taking turns in taking shots of her too. It was one of the greatest summers Misto had ever had.
The only thing he still missed dearly was the rest of the tribe. Vic's worry about him, Coricopat and Tantomile, who he used to hang out with the most, even Tugger and his Fan-Club, no matter if their squeals and cries hurt his ears. He also missed Jenny and Jelly. The two made the greatest fish-pastries around and were great to talk to. Skimble made incredible tea and like Asparagus had the greatest stories to tell.
Fact, Misto missed them all dearly and he was certain it wouldn't get better anytime soon. Everytime he met someone new, he instinctively compared them to the Jellciles.
Right now though, he was checking his packed trunk for one last time before they would leave for Kings Cross Station so Misto could board the Hogwarts Express. Quaxo, confined into his cage, hooted happily, apparently quite eager to get to Hogwarts. Misto smiled to himself. The owl was so much happier after a summer with him and his family. It was just like he himself used to be. He was just closing his trunk again when the door to his room opened and Demeter's voice called: "Sweetheart?"
"Yeah Mum?", asked Misto and turned to look at his parents. None of them minded their new relationship anymore. To be honest, it felt quite natural by now, and pretty nice. Sure, Jenny and Skimble had done their best to be good surrogate parents to him, but he'd always felt closer with Munkustrap and Tugger and now having one of the brothers as his father figure was…he couldn't describe it.
Now both of his parents walked in, Munkus obviously hiding something behind his back. The two kneed down where he crouched in front of his trunk and Munkus asked: "Close your eyes and stretch your arms." Rolling his eyes Misto followed the request and felt how something was placed into his arms. "Open up." He opened his eyes, to gasp. A bound book lay there. He opened it carefully, tears springing into his eyes. It was a photo album full of the pictures they'd taken over the whole summer.
"We found the developing solution that would make the pictures move in one of the books but…we thought it'd be more personal this way", explained Demeter slowly. Misto closed the album and placed it down before he flung himself at the two adults, hugging them tightly. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!", cried the eleven year old. He was hugged back as tightly and Demeter cried: "Everlasting Cat! Misto I'll miss you so much." Munkus only tightened his hold on him, pressing Misto against his chest, which told Misto more than any words the man could've spoken words.
"I'll miss you two too, so much", whispered the boy back.
The family sat together like this for a while, then they finally pulled apart and Munkus checked the time. "We better get going or we'll be late."
Misto nodded and grabbed his album. No way he was going to put this into the trunk. He put it into the backpack he was going to take onto the train with him. In it was some money, a few pens and a pad. It took away the last available space in the backpack, but Misto didn't mind, neither the new weight. It was definitely worth it.
Far too soon for his liking they'd arrived at Kings Cross and walked into the station.
"So, honestly, through the wall?", asked Misto. Both adults laughed and nodded. They walked down the platforms nine and ten and turned left. Misto suddenly was about to crash with another trolley when Munkus grabbed his and pulled it back in time. Misto stumbled back, but Demeter steadied him while Quaxo gave an annoyed hoot. Another hoot sounded and Misto looked up. The other trolley belonged to a red-head that looked to be around fifteen. On it was an owl as well.
"My apologise", said Munkus. The red head opened his mouth to answer when…
"Ahw, too bad you didn't collide", whined another voice. Three more male and two more female redheads appeared, the three boys were pushing trolleys as well. "FRED! Hogwarts too?", asked the only adult in the group, a plump woman. Misto nodded and the woman offered: "Go first, we don't mind." She reminded Misto a bit of Jelly.
"I do", called two redheads in unison. They were obviously twins and reminded Misto of Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer.
Munkus said his thanks, then asked: "Ready?" Misto nodded and together the three of them jogged up to the barrier and were through the next second. Misto gasped when he saw the beautiful black and red engine at the platform.
Demeter whistled impressed and laughed: "Skimble would be so of us jealous right now." Misto laughed at the thought of how the Railway Cat would react over this train as well. He could almost imagine a bit of drool running down the waistcoat wearing tom's chin. "Come, let's load in Misto's stuff, then we have some time left to say goodbye", offered Munkus.
Misto nodded and the three of them walked up to one wagon. Munkus heaved the trunk into it while Demeter took Quaxo and Misto had his backpack. They put it into an empty compartment and hugged each other tightly once again. Demeter was crying a little when they parted and Munkus, to Misto's utter shock, had wet eyes as well. "Write as soon as possible, promise me that", asked Demeter. Misto gave a strained smile and nodded. "I promise." "I love you sweetheart", sighed Demeter and kissed his forehead. Munkus ruffled his hair affectionately, electing a purr from the boy. The man chuckeld weakly and advised: "Careful with that in Hogwarts." Misto nodded and whispered: "I'll miss you dad." Munkus just nodded, then left the train as well.
Misto sighed and settled down next to a window. When he looked out, he could see his parents on the platform. Demeter was sobbing into Munkus shoulder. Misto sighed again. They'd only had had this one summer to get as close as a real family, but they had managed and parting now hurt a lot. For Misto, who'd never had proper parents, and those two who probably missed Jemima day by day, it wasn't easy to part now.
Suddenly he heard the door open and looked up. A skinny boy with messy black hair, emerald eyes and glasses stood there. "Oh, sorry if here's fully already", said the boy. He was about to leave when Misto jumped up and called: "No, don't worry. I'm alone. Come in."
The boy smiled in relief and started heaving his trunk inside. Misto frowned and stepped forward. As skinny as this boy was, it was a wonder he could even lift his trunk up. "Here, let me help you", offered Misto and together the two of them managed to put the trunk away. They collapsed across each other, then Misto sat up and said: "Now, how about introductions?" The boy nodded and Misto continued: "Misto Jellicle."
"Harry, Harry Potter."
"The boy who lived?"
"Has everyone but myself not heard of my fame?", asked the boy exasperated.
Misto snickered and answered: "Don't worry, I don't know much. My parents may both be wizards, but we prefer to live more or less like Muggles. Sheesh, Mum and Dad have a normal job, nothing magic-related." "Really?", asked Harry. Misto nodded and said: "They own a Dance-Studio in Kent, Ramsgate, that's where we live." Harry smiled a little, then the compartment door opened again.
The youngest of the male redheads from the barrier stood there. "Anyone sitting there?" he asked, pointing at the seat next to Misto. "Everywhere else is full." Misto didn't really believe that, but rather guessed the boy was here because Harry was here, but if he was nice…Harry looked like he could need a few friends.
"Come in", answered both boys in unison. The redhead sighed in relief and sat down next to Misto. He glanced at Harry and then looked quickly out of the window, pretending he hadn't looked. Misto shook his head, but didn't comment. This boy grew up with viewing Harry as a, more or less, hero. A little like Pouncival and Tumblebrutus. They viewed Tugger as hero too.
"Hey, Ron." Misto looked up again at the new voice. The Twin redheads stood in the door. "Listen, we're going down the middle of the train - Lee Jordan's got a giant tarantula down there." Ron shuddered and Misto got the feeling this boy was no big fan of spiders. "Right," mumbled Ron.
"Harry," said the other twin, "did we introduce ourselves? Fred and George Weasley. And this is Ron, our brother. Oh, hey, we saw you at the barrier too. What's your name?"
Misto smiled at them and answered: "Misto Jellicle, nice to meet you."
"Strange name", stated one twin, to have the other catch up, "nice one though. See you guys later, then." And they were off before either of the boys could say anything. Mungo and Teazer, thought Misto.
"Are you really Harry Potter?", blurted Ron out after a few seconds of silence. "Way to be blunt", snickered Misto and Ron blushed. Harry just nodded. "Oh -well, I thought it might be one of Fred and George's jokes," said Ron.
Wow, they really do sound a whole lot like Mungo and Teazer. Wonder if they're thieves too. Troublemakers definitely.
"And have you really got - you know..." Ron frowned a little, then gestured to his own forehead.
That was when Misto remembered the stories about Harry he'd read, though he doubted the truth behind most of them. He'd survived a killing course performed on him by an evil Wizard called Lord Voldemort. Not many knew really how Harry had survived, though Munkus had a theory that based on what Jellicle Magic did. When you selflessly give your life for someone you care a lot about, this one is protected from death for one time. This could be similar, but no one knew what exactly happened that night after all.
Harry now pulled back his bangs to show the lightning-shaped scar. That's certainly no natural scar, thought Misto while he looked at it. With my actual magic I can easily sense the dark forces in it. Ron stared until Misto thrust his elbow lightly into the redhead's stomach.
"Uh, yeah, sorry, but that is where You-Know-Who-…you know?"
"Yes," said Harry, "but I can't remember it."
"Nothing?" said Ron eagerly.
"Ron, you don't ask such things just like that", cried Misto.
"Really Mist, it doesn't matter. I remember a lot of green light, but nothing else."
"Wow," said Ron. Misto glared at the redhead, then asked Harry: "Did you just call me Mist?"
"Uh, sorry if you don't like it. I just thought-"
"It's okay", soothed Misto with a grin. Everlasting cat this boy was more insecure than he used to be in his first month in the Junkyard. "I kinda like it." Harry smiled at that, before he turned to Ron and asked: "Are all members of your family wizards too. Mist's parents are."
"They are?", asked Ron. Misto nodded and looked at Ron expectantly. "Well, I think so," said Ron. "I think Mom's got a second cousin who's an accountant, but we never talk about him."
"So you must know loads of magic already", asked Harry.
"Just because someone was born into the Wizarding World they don't have to be naturals at magic Harry. I can't do anything with my wand yet", argued Misto, then he leaned back. The train had given a jerk, they were off. Harry nodded in understanding. "I heard you went to live with Muggles," said Ron. "What are they like?" "Horrible -well, not all of them. My aunt and uncle and cousin are, though. Wish I'd had three wizard brothers."
Misto frowned, but made a mental note to include Harry's situation into his letter to his parents.
"Five," said Ron, looking gloomy. Misto winced. He understood that well. The more kittens a queen had, the harder it was for her and the kittens. "You see, I'm the sixth in our family to go to Hogwarts. You could say I've got a lot to live up to. Bill and Charlie have already left - Bill was head boy and Charlie was captain of Quidditch. Now Percy's a prefect. Fred and George mess around a lot, but they still get really good marks and everyone thinks they're really funny. Everyone expects me to do as well as the others, but if I do, it's no big deal, because they did it first. You never get anything new, either, with five brothers. I've got Bill's old robes, Charlie's old wand, and Percy's old rat."
Misto nodded in understanding, so it was like he'd feared. "Maybe you'll do none of those things Ron, but everyone can do great things, if they just want to", soothed Misto. "You just sounded like my dad", stated Ron. Misto laughed and answered: "I copied that from mine." He glanced over at Harry, to find him watching them with a smile.
Harry did remind him a lot himself when he was new to the tribe. As new as Misto had been back there Harry was now to the Wizarding World. I'll help him as much as I can, vowed Misto to himself.
Suddenly Ron reached inside his jacket and pulled out a fat gray rat, which was asleep. "That's Scabbers by the way, and he's useless, he hardly ever wakes up. Percy got an owl from my dad for being made a prefect, but they couldn't aff - I mean, I got Scabbers instead." Ron's ears went pink. He seemed to think he'd said too much, because he went back to staring out of the window.
Misto didn't think there was anything wrong with not being able to afford an owl. Apparently Harry thought the same, since he started explaining how he'd never had any money in his life until a month ago. He told them all about having to wear Dudley's old clothes and never getting proper birthday presents. This seemed to cheer Ron up. "... and until Hagrid told me, I didn't know anything about being a wizard or about my parents or Voldemort." Ron gasped. "What?" said Harry. "You said You-Know-Who's name!" said Ron, sounding both shocked and impressed. "I'd have thought you, of all people -"
"I'm not trying to be brave or anything, saying the name," said Harry, "I just never knew you shouldn't."
"Because you should say it", cut Misto in. Both boys looked at him and he stated: "So what if Voldemort", Ron flinched, "is dangerous. I'm going to be afraid of him, not his name. A name is a name and if you fear the name already, how can you ever face the one behind the name."
What Misto had just told them was Munkus' opinion to some of the Jellicles fearing speaking Macavity's name.
"Copied from your Dad again?", asked Ron. "What do you think", asked Misto back with a grin. While they had been talking, the train had carried them out of London. Now they were speeding past fields full of cows and sheep. They were quiet for a time, watching the fields and lanes flick past. Around half past twelve there was a great clattering outside in the corridor and a smiling, dimpled woman slid back their door and asked: "Anything of the cart dears?"
Ron's ears went pink again and he muttered that he'd brought sandwiches while Harry and Misto went out into the corridor. Misto checked the sweets and soon bought himself a few chocolate frogs and a package of Bettie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. Harry came back in, having his arms full of at least three packages of everything. He dropped the stuff on the empty seats and the lady left, obviously happy with her successful sale.
Ron stared when Harry started to search through the food. "Hungry, are you?"
"Starving," said Harry, taking a large bite out of a pumpkin pasty. He closed his eyes and smiled happily. Ron had taken out a lumpy package and unwrapped it. There were four sandwiches inside. He pulled one of them apart and said, "She always forgets I don't like corned beef."
"Well, then let's switch for one of those", offered Harry and held out a pumpkin pasty.
Ron tried to decline, when Misto cut in: "Oh Ron, don't be like that. After all, friends share, don't they?"
"Friends?", asked Harry, his eyes alight with hope. Did he never have any friends, wondered Misto, hiding his shock at the thought. "Well, I'd love to be friends with you guys", stated the boy. Harry grinned and looked at Ron. The redhead looked at both, then smiled.
"Friends it is." And with that he accepted Harry's pasty while Misto snatched one of his sandwiches. As a cat he'd always loved corned beef, he wondered if it was still as good as he remembered. Ron watched him surprised and before he took a bite, Misto asked: "You don't mind, do you?" "No, of course not", answered Ron. Misto smiled and bit into the sandwich. The flavour of the meat exploded in Misto's mouth and he 'mhhhh'd happily. "Did I mention I love corned beef?", asked he, gaining laughs from his new friends. He took another bite and once he was done Ron handed him the other three.
"Here, if you like them, eat them, I wouldn't anyway." Misto smiled at his new friend and offered him four chocolate frogs in return. Ron tried to refuse when Harry stated: "You know, it's only fair. You gave him four sandwiches after all." Misto nodded and said: "Exactly. Take them, I don't mind." Finally Ron took the chocolate frogs and Harry picket up one of his own.
"What are these?" Harry asked Ron, holding up a pack. "They're not really frogs, are they?" "No," said Ron. Well, yes and no actually, thought Misto, but remained silent. If you do the unwrapping wrong they can jump you. He said nothing though, he was still enjoying the corned beef too much to care much. "But see what the card is. I'm missing Agrippa."
"What?", asked Harry. Misto was about to answer when Ron beat him to it. "Oh, of course, you wouldn't know - Chocolate Frogs have cards, inside them, you know, to collect - famous witches and wizards. I've got about five hundred, but I haven't got Agrippa or Ptolemy." Misto watched how Harry unwrapped his Chocolate Frog and picked up the card.
"So this is Dumbledore!" said Harry.
Ah, so he has Dumbledore. "Got three of 'em", muttered Misto through the sandwich. "Don't tell me you'd never heard of Dumbledore!" asked Ron at the same time. "Muggle raised", reminded Misto the redhead, who flushed and started opening the frogs he'd gotten from Misto. Harry meanwhile turned over his card and mumbled out what was written. ALBUS DUMBLEDORE, CURRENTLY HEADMASTER OF HOGWARTS Considered by many the greatest wizard of modern times, Dumbledore is particularly famous for his defeat of the dark wizard Grindelwald in 1945, for the discovery of the twelve uses of dragon's blood, and his work on alchemy with his partner, Nicolas Flamel. Professor Dumbledore enjoys chamber music and tenpin bowling, thought Misto. He knew that one card pretty well.
"He's gone!", exclaimed Harry suddenly. "Well, you can't expect him to hang around all day," said Ron. "He'll be back. No, I've got Morgana again and I've got about six of her... do you want it? You can start collecting." Ron's eyes strayed to the pile of Chocolate Frogs next to Harry, waiting to be unwrapped. Obviously the four he got from Misto didn't hold the cards he still needed. "Help yourself," said Harry. "But in, you know, the Muggle world, people just stay put in photos."
"Do they? What, they don't move at all?" Ron sounded amazed. "Weird!"
"Not that much when you're used to it. I could show you", offered Misto while he brushed crumbs from his pants. Both looked at him and Harry asked: "How?" "Mum and Dad made me a Photo Album of this summer so I can see them when I'm missing them. Didn't make the pictures move though. It's more personal that way they think and I think so too."
"That's kinda nice", sighed Harry, a little longing in his voice. Misto put the last sandwich down and pulled his backpack onto his lap. He pulled the album out and opened it. Harry got up to look at it as well and he smiled at the first picture.
It was of Misto, Munkus and Demeter in the backyard on a blanket. A neighbour of theirs had been kind enough to take it. Misto was on his back, being tickled mercilessly by Munkus and Demeter had grabbed the man's shoulders, trying to pull him away, laughing all the while. "Hey, are your parents hair-colours natural?", asked Ron suddenly while he poked the picture confused.
"They won't start moving because you poke the picture Ron", laughed Misto causing the redhead to blush again. "But yes, as strange as it seems, their golden and silver bangs are natural." "They seem nice", whispered Harry. "They're the greatest", sighed Misto while he closed the book and put it away again.
A while later Misto opened his box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. "You want to be careful with those," Ron warned Harry when he saw the boy with the glasses look at it. "When they say every flavor, they mean every flavor - you know, you get all the ordinary ones like chocolate and peppermint and marmalade, but then you can get spinach and liver and tripe. George reckons he had a booger- flavored one once."
"Ew", commented Misto with a shudder.
Ron picked up a green bean, looked at it carefully, and bit into a corner. He grimaced. "Bleaaargh - see? Sprouts."
Misto snickered. That was certainly not the worst pick you could have. Demeter had managed to get Chilli once. For an hour she couldn't taste anything. Now Misto picked up a bean, a white one, and popped it into his mouth carelessly. He'd tasted a lot of gross things when grooming his fur after getting it dirty on the streets and till now no bean could match the taste of half-dry asphalt that had been in his fur once. Harry and Ron watched how he chewed, before he smirked and stated: "Egg."
"Wow", stated Harry, before he asked: "May I?"
"Go ahead", offered Misto. Harry picked one up and bit on it carefully. Then he smiled and also popped the whole bean into his mouth. "Well?", asked Misto. Harry grinned and answered: "Curry." Misto grinned and popped a new one into his mouth, before he smiled and licked his lips. "Mh, salmon, one of my favourite fish." The boys continued that for a while.
One would eat a bean, then tell the others what it was. The countryside now flying past the window was becoming wilder. The neat fields had gone. Now there were woods, twisting rivers, and dark green hills.
Right now they talked about hobbies and Misto admitted: "I do really like dancing and singing…and I guess I'm quite good at it."
"Sing something!", demanded Ron.
"WHAT?", exclaimed Misto.
"Why not?", asked Harry.
"But…I don't know what. There is so much."
Harry thought for a second, before he smiled and leaned over. "Can you do that one?" He whispered the song into Misto's ear, who smiled and nodded.
"Sure I can." "Sing", demanded the other two.
Misto sighed, but took a deep breath and began.
Save me from drowning in the sea
Beat me up on the beach
What a lovely holiday
There's nothing funny left to say
This sombre song would drain the sun
But it won't shine until it's sung
No water running in the stream
The saddest place we've ever seen
Everything I touched was golden
Everything I loved got broken
On the road to Mandalay
Every mistake I've ever made
Has been rehashed and then replayed
As I got lost along the way
There's nothing left for you to give
The truth is all that you're left with
Twenty paces then at dawn
We will die and be reborn
I like to sleep beneath the trees
Have the universe at one with me
Look down the barrel of a gun
And feel the Moon replace the Sun
Everything we've ever stolen
Has been lost returned or broken
No more dragons left to slay
Every mistake I've ever made
Has been rehashed and then replayed
As I got lost along the way
Save me from drowning in the sea
Beat me up on the beach
What a lovely holiday
There's nothing funny left to say.
Misto fell silent and looked at his friends. Harry and Ron stared at him, then breathed: "Wow." "You're incredible", added Ron enthusiastically. "You should join the Frog Choir."
"The what?", asked Harry and Misto.
"The school choir. They're great singers I heard. I'm sure you'd fit."
Misto was about to argue, when there was a knock on the door of their compartment and a round-faced boy came in. He looked tearful. "You okay?", asked Misto before the boy could start. He shrugged and said: "I lost my toad. Have you seen one at all?" When they shook their heads, he wailed, "I just keep losing him! He keeps getting away from me!"
"He'll turn up," said Harry, obviously trying to cheer the boy up. "Yes," said the boy miserably. "Well, if you see him..." He left. "Don't know why he's so bothered," said Ron. "If I'd brought a toad I'd lose it as quick as I could. Mind you, I brought Scabbers, so I can't talk." "Be a little more caring, will you", asked Misto. "That boy obviously cares a lot for that toad."
"Alright, alright sorry. But look at this", he pointed at the rat snoozing on his lap, "He might have died and you wouldn't know the difference," said Ron in disgust. Well, that's true, thought Misto while he scanned the rat. Something didn't feel right with this animal. "I tried to turn him yellow yesterday to make him more interesting, but the spell didn't work. I'll show you, look..." He rummaged around in his trunk and pulled out a very battered-looking wand. It was chipped in places and something white was glinting at the end. "Unicorn hair's nearly poking out. Anyway-"
He had just raised his wand when the compartment door slid open again. The toadless boy was back, but this time he had a girl with him.
She was already wearing her new Hogwarts robes and her bushy hair reminded Misto in an amusing way of Tugger's mane. "Has anyone seen a toad? Neville's lost one," she said. She had a bossy sort of voice that Misto really couldn't put to any Jellicle he knew. "We haven't seen him yet Neville, sorry", said Misto, looking at Neville. Neville just sighed and nodded.
"Oh, are you doing magic?", asked the girl, spotting Ron and his wand. "Let's see it, then." She sat down. Ron looked taken aback.
"Er - all right." He cleared his throat. "Sunshine, daisies, butter mellow, Turn this stupid, fat rat yellow." He waved his wand, but nothing happened. Scabbers stayed gray and fast asleep. That was so not a spell, I guess he got it from the twins, thought Misto with a smile.
"Are you sure that's a real spell?" said the girl. "Well, it's not very good, is it? I've tried a few simple spells just for practice and it's all worked for me. Nobody in my family's magic at all, it was ever such a surprise when I got my letter, but I was ever so pleased, of course, I mean, it's the very best school of witchcraft there is, I've heard - I've learned all our course books by heart, of course, I just hope it will be enough - I'm Hermione Granger, by the way, who are you?" She said this all in probably one breath and very fast.
Now Misto groaned internally. She might not be Etcetera and chase after the first hot boy she found, but she had definitely the same lounges as the kitten queen.
"I'm Ron Weasley," Ron muttered.
"Misto Jellicle."
"Harry Potter," said Harry.
"Are you really?" said Hermione. "I know all about you, of course - I got a few extra books. for background reading, and you're in Modern Magical History and The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts and Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century." "Am I?" said Harry, looking quite dazed.
"You do realize most of what is in those books is not true anyhow?", asked Misto now, looking at Hermione. She tried to argue, but he continued: "Books are great for learning, but from the little I talked with Harry about and the little I read in Modern Magical History I can tell that most of that is made up." Hermione blushed beet-red, then got up and said: "Anyway, we'd better go and look for Neville's toad. You three had better change, you know, I expect we'll be there soon." And she left, taking Neville with her.
"Whatever house I'm in, I hope she's not in it," said Ron. He threw his wand back into his trunk. "Stupid spell - George gave it to me, bet he knew it was a dud." Thought so, thought Misto. Those twins sounded like Mungo and Teazer more and more with every time he heard about them. He needed to include them into his letter.
"What house are your brothers in?" asked Harry.
"Gryffindor," said Ron. Gloom seemed to be settling on him again. "Mom and Dad were in it, too. I don't know what they'll say if I'm not. I don't suppose Ravenclaw would be too bad, but imagine if they put me in Slytherin."
"Isn't that the house Voldemort was in?", asked Misto. Ron flinched and he continued: "Goodness Ron! It's just a freakin' name." Ron shuddered, but then pulled his robes over his head. The other two copied him, getting ready. "So, what's your Quidditch team?" Ron asked after they sat down again. "Er - I don't know any," Harry confessed. "And I'm not interested in it right now", added Misto.
"What!" Ron looked dumbfounded at both of them. "Oh, you wait, it's the best game in the world -" And he was off, explaining all about the four balls and the positions of the seven players, describing famous games he'd been to with his brothers and the broomstick he'd like to get if he had the money. He was just taking Harry through the finer points of the game, Misto had his pad and a pen out and was sketching Vic at the last Jellcile Ball where she'd doe the opening dance, when the compartment door slid open yet again.
But it wasn't Neville or Hermione this time.
Three boys entered and the one in the middle, obviously the leader, was a pale boy with blonde hair. He was looking at Harry with a lot of interest. "Is it true?" he said. "They're saying all down the train that Harry Potter's in this compartment. So it's you, is it?"
"Yes," said Harry. He was looking, like Misto, at the other boys. Both of them were thickset and looked extremely mean. Standing on either side of the pale boy, they looked like bodyguards. "Oh, this is Crabbe and this is Goyle," said the pale boy carelessly, noticing where Harry was looking. "And my name's Malfoy, Draco Malfoy." Ron gave a slight cough, which was obviously to hide a snigger, Misto was certain of that. Draco Malfoy looked at him. "Think my name's funny, do you? No need to ask who you are. My father told me all the Weasleys have red hair, freckles, and more children than they can afford."
"Take that back!", spat Misto and got up, his pad and pen forgotten on the ground. He had always been fiercely protective of those he cared about. "And who are you?", asked Malfoy. "Misto Jellicle and you don't want me as you enemy", snarled Misto angrily. Malfoy though just ignored him and turned back to Harry. "You'll soon find out some Wizarding families are much better than others, Potter. You don't want to go making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there." He held out his hand to shake Harry's, but Harry didn't take it.
Good thing he doesn't take it, thought Misto, boiling with supressed rage. Then he felt a strange sensation at his fingertips. He looked down, to gasp softly. Crystal blue electricity crackled softly around his fingers. A sudden scream jerked Misto out of his wonder and his old magic disappeared to wherever it had come from.
He looked up, to find Malfoy and his goons running off. Ron was picking up Scabbers by his tail. "I think he's been knocked out," Ron just said. He looked closer at Scabbers. "No - I don't believe it - he's gone back to sleep-" And so he had.
"You've met Malfoy before?", asked Misto while picking up his stuff. He'd seen the recognition in Harry's eyes. And so Harry explained about meeting him in Diagon Alley.
"I've heard of his family," said Ron darkly. "They were some of the first to come back to our side after You-Know-Who disappeared. Said they'd been bewitched. My dad doesn't believe it. He says Malfoy's father didn't need an excuse to go over to the Dark Side." Misto peered out of the window while Harry and Ron continued to chat. It was getting dark.
He could see mountains and forests under a deep purple sky. The train did seem to be slowing down. A voice suddenly echoed through the train: "We will be reaching Hogwarts in five minutes' time. Please leave your luggage on the train, it will be taken to the school separately." Misto's stomach lurched with nerves.
He felt as nervous as he'd felt before fully revealing himself to the tribe before he'd brought Old Deuteronomy back form Macavity.
Ron and Harry, he saw, looked pale. The two crammed their pockets with the last of the sweets and Misto shook his head in amusement. The train slowed right down and finally stopped. People pushed their way toward the door and out on to a tiny, dark platform. "Firs' years! Firs' years over here! All right there, Harry?" Misto almost staggered back when a gigantic man waved at Harry, but Harry grinned and waved back. "C'mon, follow me - any more firs' years? Mind yer step, now! Firs' years follow me!"
Slipping and stumbling, well, all but Misto who still walked like a cat after all, they followed Hagrid down what seemed to be a steep, narrow path. It was so dark on either side of them you were lucky to still see the path you walked on. Nobody spoke much, which Misto enjoyed quite much. Silence was always something he enjoyed and as conjuring cat it was necessary that he spent a while in absolute silence every now and then, otherwise his magic would've gotten out of control.
"Ye' all get yer firs' sight o' Hogwarts in a sec," Hagrid called over his shoulder, "jus' round this bend here." Then there was a loud "Oooooh!" The narrow path had opened suddenly onto the edge of a great black lake. Perched atop a high mountain on the other side, its windows sparkling in the starry sky, was a vast castle with many turrets and towers. "No more'n four to a boat!" Hagrid called, pointing to a fleet of little boats sitting in the water by the shore. Harry, Misto and Ron were followed into their boat by Neville. "Everyone in?" shouted Hagrid, who had a boat to himself. "Right then - FORWARD!"
And the fleet of little boats moved off all at once, gliding across the lake, which was as smooth as glass. Everyone was silent, staring up at the great castle overhead. "Heads down!" yelled Hagrid as the first boats reached the cliff; they all bent their heads and the little boats carried them through a curtain of ivy that hid a wide opening in the cliff face. They were carried along a dark tunnel, which seemed to be taking them right underneath the castle, until they reached a kind of underground harbor, where they clambered out onto rocks and pebbles. Everlasting Cat was Misto glad to have solid ground back under his feet. He might bath and shower now, but he still wasn't a big fan of water. He preferred the dry ground.
"Oy, you there! Is this your toad?" said Hagrid, who was checking the boats as people climbed out of them. And really, a fat toad sat in one of the boats. "Trevor!" cried Neville blissfully, holding out his hands. The toad hopped into his arms and then they scurried up a passageway in the rock after Hagrid's lamp, coming out at last onto smooth, damp grass right in the shadow of the castle. From close it looked just a magnificent as from afar. Not everyone would necessarily call the castle beautiful, but it had its own kind of beauty. Just like the Junkyard, realised Misto while he looked around. Somehow this small similarity between Hogwarts and his home made his heart ache a little less.
They walked up a flight of stone steps and crowded around the huge, Oak front door. Many of the others gasped for air already, but Misto still felt quite fit and it hadn't been that much of a walk, though he admitted the connection between the underground harbour and the castle could be built better. "Everyone here? You there, still got yer toad?" Neville nodded and Hagrid raised a gigantic fist.
He knocked three times on the castle door.