Augusta Longbottom sipped her morning tea and looked out into her back garden at the now familiar sight of her grandson and Harry Potter sparring. What an interesting young man, Harry was, she reflected as she watched them exchange blows. He had only stayed with them for last month, but already she could tell that he wasn't a normal eleven-year-old. He trained with archaic weapons last used in the middle ages, he was as tall as she was, carried himself as if always prepared for a fight, and if they asked about anything he thought was too sensitive, he would shut down as if covered in armor. But he also had a softness to him, he always treated her with respect, he treated Neville more kindly than anyone else ever had, offering to train him when he had asked, and he would sit for hours, reading his textbooks and practicing with his wand with Neville. Not to mention the strange things that had happened. After the one time they had seen him run in Diagon Alley, he had been more careful about letting loose, but she had woken up early one day and saw him during his private training. He had lifted a boulder that had to have been at least 200 pounds, and had run around the edge of the property faster than the eye could track. And his American accent. Harry was definitely not an ordinary boy. But she didn't say any of that as the two walked into in the kitchen, sweaty, but excited.

"Still training even on the day you two are supposed to be leaving for school?" she asked, not unkindly, handing the pair some breakfast.

"Might as well train while you can," Harry said seriously, accepting the offered plate.

"Besides, gran, the train doesn't leave till eleven o'clock," Neville added, sitting next to Harry and digging in.

"Well, we can't be late," she said, joining them at the table, "You two both packed?"

"Yes, we both packed last night," Neville answered.

"Thank you for the breakfast, Mrs. Longbottom," Harry said, politely.

"You finished that fast?" she said, smiling, "You want any more?"

"No, I'm good," Harry said, taking his plate to the sink, but before he could do anything she levitated the dish, cleaned it, and floated it to the cupboard.

"I keep forgetting how wonderful magic is," Harry said, "I'm used to doing it the muggle way."

"I know," Neville said, reminiscing, "My family thought I was a squib for the longest time, then one time by Uncle Algie was dangling me out of a window and he accidentally let go. I bounced, right into the garden. Even though my family was magical, I hadn't really understood how amazing it was until I knew that I could those things." Augusta's heart twinged as she heard his story, she knew she hadn't been as nice as she could have been to her grandson, but he just reminded her so much of his parents. It brought tears to her eyes every time she thought of why they were in St. Mungo's instead of raising their son.

"It's almost ten o'clock," she said, trying to take her mind off of the painful memories, "We need to get going if we want to make the train."

"Of course," Harry agreed, heading for the stairs, "I'll grab our trunks."

"I'll help you," Neville said, hurrying after, "I need to find Trevor." She smiled, and sipped her tea. That toad was always making trouble. Perhaps she should get Neville a different pet when he got back from his first year. He had certainly earned it. Formerly a shy, unassuming boy, the few weeks he had spent with Harry had brought out the courage so present in his parents. She hoped he would find the same home away from home at Hogwarts that she had, and his parents after her, those many years ago.

-oO0o0Oo-

Harry stood in front of what appeared to be a solid brick wall between platforms nine and ten and looked back questioningly at Augusta.

"How do you suppose we keep the muggles out?" she asked, raising an eyebrow and gesturing for him to continue. He admitted that he had been supposing the wizards would have a mundane way for climbing aboard a train, and reminded himself that since he had been told he was a wizard, nothing had been ordinary. He was about to do as Augusta had told him, when he saw over Neville's should a nervous looking girl with bushy brown hair, clutching a book and an unwieldy trunk just like Harry's. Her parents were wearing the same confused expression that Harry had been just moments before. He immediately knew that they were first time Hogwarts students.

"Having trouble finding the platform?" he asked, kindly, walking over to them, "It's my first time too."

"Yes," the girl said, relief evident in her voice, "I've read all the text books and even Hogwarts: A History, and nowhere does it say how to access the platform."

"Mrs. Longbottom says it's through that brick wall," he said, gesturing to the person in question and then holding out his hand, "I've been staying with them. I'm Harry Potter."

"Really," she said, skeptically, "I've read all about you and nowhere does it say that you carry a sword and a bow and quiver."

"I didn't know I was in any books," he said, truthfully, though remembering that McGonagall had said he was something of a celebrity, "However, I can assure you that I am Harry Potter. Either way, the train will leave soon. Shall we get going?" She still didn't look completely convinced, but she shook his hand.

"My name is Hermione Granger, but first let me say good bye to my parents," she said, turning towards them. He watched as they gave each other tearful goodbyes, and wished that his parents, Chiron, or even McGonagall could have been there to see him off on his first day of wizard school. Grabbing her trunk, Hermione strode off to the waiting Longbottoms, Harry, still reminiscing, following in her wake.

"You go first, Neville," Augusta said, as they approached, "Show Harry I'm not leading him into a trap." Harry shrugged his shoulders, admitting he had been more suspicious of several doors in their house than what was strictly necessary. Neville smiled, wheeled his trunk forward, and disappeared through the brick wall.

"You two next," she said, "Best to do it at a bit of a run if you're nervous." Knowing that he had taken down every monster imaginable didn't prepare him for running straight at a solid wall. However, he took a deep breath, set off at a jog, and ran at the red bricks, Hermione at his heels. He tensed, waiting for the impact, but sailed right through. Augusta joined them at a properly sedate pace as they were busy staring around at all the sights. A gleaming red steam engine awaited them, letters in gold proclaimed it to be the Hogwarts Express, and a sign above read Platform 9 ¾. Packed with people and every sort of pet imaginable, covered in billowing smoke, Harry could not imagine a scene more perfect to see him off. Excited, he helped the rest of their group load all their trunks onto the nearest open carriage, said goodbye to Augusta, and climbed aboard just as the whistle for departure blew, waving at the rapidly disappearing crowd. As the train sped out of London, a wide smile spread across his face; he was finally on his way to Hogwarts.

-oO0o0Oo-

Neville sat, rubbing the sore spots on his palms from mornings of swordplay, listening to Harry and Hermione chat about muggle books and watching the countryside fly by. His heart fluttered with excitement, he would finally be able to attend the school his grandmother and his parents had attended. His eyes filled with silent tears as he thought of his parents in St. Mungo's, unable to see their son off to his first day of school. Given how unsure his family had been that he would be able to attend, this moment was especially important. Taking a deep breath and calming his mind like Harry had taught him, he was glad that Harry was his friend. When they first met, he could tell that Harry had faced hardships, and was stronger for it, and he wanted to overcome challenges the same way, so he asked Harry if he could learn how to fight as well. When Harry had agreed, they searched the whole Longbottom manor looking for a sword that fit Neville, desecrating a few suits of armor along the way. They had bonded over exchanging blows in the chilly Britain morning, warming up by the fire discussing wizarding and muggle culture, and going over their textbooks, practicing the spells within. He looked down at his sheathed sword, gold with embedded rubies, and was glad for the newfound strength it symbolized. Although he would always feel sad for his parent's condition, at least now he could do something to avenge them. They had found it on a suit of armor that looked like it had belonged to a Roman centurion, many centuries ago, and when Neville picked it up, it was almost like when he held his wand for the first time. He had decided to get a wand of his own, and leave his father's wand with it's rightful owner, in the hopes that maybe in the future would be able to wield it again.

Sensing his thoughts, Harry laid a quiet hand of support on Neville's shoulder, drawing him out of his reminiscing. He couldn't understand much of what Hermione and Harry were talking about, but he liked Hermione, she had helped him find his toad and had fixed his cloak, he could never figure out how to fasten it the right way. Besides, Harry was the most suspicious person he had met, combing the entire Longbottom manor for traps when he had first arrived. If Harry trusted her, he did too.

The door to the compartment slid open, revealing a tall, lanky teenager with bright red hair. He was the first person who was Neville's age and could rival Harry for height that Neville had seen. The boy was clearly distraught, eyes darting everywhere as if looking for something.

"Can I help you?" Harry asked, stern, but not unkindly.

"I've lost my rat," the boy said, "And my brothers won't help me look. Have you seen it?"

"No," Harry said, softening, "But we will tell you if we do. What's your name?"

"Ron," the boy said, still distressed but less so, "Ron Weasley."

"Well, nice to meet you Ron," Harry said, "This is Hermione, and Neville."

"And you are?" Ron asked. Neville reflected that Ron might mean well, but his manners were lacking.

"Harry," Harry said, not giving a last name, clearly valuing his privacy. Ron waited, but when Harry didn't continue, shrugged.

"See you at Hogwarts, then," Ron said, exiting, "Please let me know if you see my rat."

The door slid shut, only for it to be shoved open rudely again a few moments later. Neville recognized the middle boy flanked by two boys whose strengths were clearly lay in their brawn and not their brains. During one of the few times Augusta had taken him to the ministry, he had seen Draco and his father, Lucius. Augusta had steered him well clear of them, saying that their family was dark to the core, and Lucius had the minister in his pocket. Judging by the murderous look on Harry's face, his experience with Malfoy junior hadn't been pleasant either.

"What do you want?" Harry growled, unsheathing his sword and standing up. Neville immediately drew his sword as well, standing beside him. Hermione, looking confused but determined, leveled her wand at the intruders.

"We came here to ask you some questions," Draco said, sneering, although he failed to look intimidating when Harry could easily see over Draco's taller bodyguards. Neville could tell that although Malfoy acted brave, take away his henchmen and he'd run away screaming if faced with a fight.

"What makes you think we'll answer?" Neville said, pointing his sword at Draco. He wasn't about to let his friend be interrogated. Everyone had delicate secrets, and Neville could tell that Harry had more dangerous ones than most. Harry smiled at Neville, then turned back to Draco.

"Under any other circumstance, I would be tempted to use my sword to give you an answer," Harry said, his voice filled with menace, and Neville could tell that everyone knew Harry was speaking the truth, "But I'll let you go this once. Get out of this compartment before Neville has an accident with his sword. He hasn't quite mastered it yet, and I wouldn't want anyone to get hurt." Draco and his henchmen quickly left, their attempt to leave with some sort of dignity failing when they tripped over each other competing to be the first to leave. Neville swelled with pride that Harry trusted him to have his back, and resolved to be worthy of that trust. He wouldn't let Harry down.

-oO0o0Oo-

The train slowed to a stop, and the trio of friends disembarked. Over the heads of the crowd of students, a giant of a man was calling

"First years ov'r here, first years," in a booming voice. Weaving their way through the tide of people, Harry could tell that this man very well could be a giant. Twice as tall as any man, and three times as wide, he looked as if he could pick Harry up in one gigantic hand.

"Right, all the first years here?" the man said, shining a lantern so he could see all their faces. He seemed to be looking for someone in particular. "Follow me, I'll be leadin' you to Hogwarts." Harry's heart pounded with excitement. So much awaited him at this wizard school. He could learn magic, ask questions of McGonagall, and experience things he had never dreamed of. Perhaps, here at Hogwarts, he could even finally be able to learn something more about his parents and the fateful night that changed everything.

-oO0o0Oo-

AN:

All rights belong to the wonderful J. K. Rowling and Rick Riordan for the original stories.

Apologies for the late update. Harry will be entering Hogwarts in the next chapter, and the story will begin in earnest.

Thanks for your reviews!