A/N: Whew! Over 150 reviews now! I should update even sooner for this! You guys seem to be enjoying this story. The action now begins! I know you guys are especially looking forward to seeing what becomes of Draco. Will he become the lovable, bullying Slytherin prince we are familiar with or will he become something else? Anyway, I should probably stop talking in the A/N and get the story started, eh? Welcome to Book One: Sorcerer's Stone of Fledgling!
Another Note: I am now on Twitter, guys! I will be posting when I will be updating the stories on there. If you want to follow me, my username is ChristinaELupin. Thanks guys!
Book One: Sorcerer's Stone
Chapter Thirteen: Train Ride
Since Severus and Minerva were at Hogwarts doing their preparations for the new term, they asked Remus to drop Harry off at Kings Cross. Sirius wanted to tag along but Remus put him in his place.
"Even in your Animagus form you would attract too much attention," the werewolf replied. "You greatly resemble the Grimm."
Sirius huffed and crossed his arms. "I am well aware of that. Do you remember the jokes James made about my animal form?"
Harry opened his mouth to ask a question when Remus shook his head. "That's a story for next time, cub. You'll be late for the train if you get Sirius started on his stories."
"Yes, Mr. Pot, I am a very beautiful black kettle," Sirius said.
The eleven-year-old laughed. Remus let out a sigh and tugged on the boy's collar. "Best be off now, cub. We'll be using my mum's old car to get us to the station."
Sirius looked surprised. "You still have that thing? I thought you got rid of it."
"Just because I don't drive it a lot doesn't mean I chucked it. At least I can still drive and have a valid license."
Remus closed the main door on Sirius' face. Harry tried to quiet his laughter as he got into the passenger seat of the car.
"Why can't Sirius drive?" Harry asked as Remus started the engine.
Remus shifted the stick into reverse and backed out of the makeshift garage his father had made just for the car. "It's a long story, but I think we have enough time for me to tell. When James and Sirius became of age to drive, they immediately got their licenses. How they managed to pass the driving test, I have no way of knowing. See, cub, both your godfather and father were terrible drivers. They preferred to drive fast and would often get tickets for speeding. One night, Sirius was out at a bar and he decided to drive himself back home. Back then, Sirius would get drunk a lot and when he's drunk, he's very loud and obnoxious. So, he's driving home and rear ends the car in front of him, which happened to be a Muggle. They got into a fight, the police came, and took Sirius to jail because he was drunk. He kept doing this and eventually got his license taken from him."
Harry's green eyes were wide when Remus glanced over at the boy beside him. "I know Sirius was a troublemaker in his younger years, but that's bad," he said.
Remus chuckled. "Just let it be a lesson between you and I, cub. Don't do anything Sirius has already done and you'll be fine."
(((_)))))
They finally pulled into the parking lot of the train station. Remus grabbed a trolley and helped his 'nephew' haul his trunk and owl cage. For his eleventh birthday present, Minerva had bought him an owl of his own, a beautiful snowy owl he named Hedwig. At first, he was afraid that Fawkes would be jealous of the owl but when he saw his phoenix sing to his owl, he was happy. Fawkes told Harry that he would be at Hogwarts in the headmaster's office if he needed the fiery bird. That soothed the boy.
Harry took out his ticket and frowned. "This says Platform 9 and ¾. There is no such platform."
Remus chuckled and pushed the trolley. "Think in terms of magic, Harry. Do you really think we would want to openly flaunt our status in front of Muggles? The platform is hidden, just like Diagon Alley."
"Hidden behind what? A pillar?"
"Exactly."
"Wouldn't Muggles notice several people throwing themselves at one particular pillar?"
"That is what I said when I was eleven," the werewolf replied.
The two stopped once they reached platforms 9 and 10. Harry stared at the pillar separating the two platforms, hardly believing that another platform was hiding behind such a small thing. Sure, he spent a few years in the magical world but that doesn't mean that he still couldn't get surprised by something. Remus led him toward the pillar, instructing him to lean against the surface.
"We must act like nothing is going to happen," he said, crossing his arms across his chest. "There are too many witnesses, so sending the Obliviators wouldn't work."
"Got it," Harry replied.
They stayed there until Harry felt the bricks vanish behind him. He tried not to yelp as he was forced backward. In mere seconds, he balanced himself and looked around at his surroundings. He was on another platform, with a scarlet steam engine feet away from him, with the words Hogwarts Express scrawled on the nose of the engine.
"Let's find you a compartment before they all fill up," Remus said, steering the trolley toward the train.
The two found a compartment toward the back of the train and Remus shoved Harry's trunk and owl into the carriage. Harry smiled, trying to fight the burning sensation building in his eyes.
"You'll be fine," Remus said, seeing through the smile. "First few weeks are tough, but once you make friends and get into the routine of finishing essays, you'll forget about being homesick. Besides, your adoptive parents are at school with you."
A snort from behind Remus made the two jump slightly. "Sucks to be you, Harry."
Harry smiled at Draco, who was dragging his own trunk behind him, no sign of his parents. "But your dad is a member of the school board. Isn't that worse than having both of your parents working as professors in the school?"
Draco shrugged. "I suppose. Hello Remus."
The werewolf nodded. "Draco." He turned back to his 'nephew' and pulled the younger boy into a hug. "Take care of yourself, cub, and don't forget to keep sending letters."
"I will," Harry whispered, his face pressing against the soft fabric of the man's robes.
Remus gave one last squeeze and he pulled away, heading toward the barrier leading back to the Muggle world.
"You got a compartment already?" the blonde asked.
"Yeah. C'mon."
((((((((_))))))))
"You've gone mental, Albus, thinking that you can house something of this significance in this school and not expecting someone to not be suspicious."
"Why do you think I asked Hagrid to retrieve it in the strictest manner of secrecy?"
Severus snorted. "Even the most stupidest person would know that Hagrid has no bank account in Gringotts. Even more important, everyone knew you associated yourself with Nicolas Flamel and if they knew it was the Sorcerer's Stone that was taken…."
"I am beginning to believe that young Harry has made you become a worrywart, Severus," Professor Flitwick replied, hiding a smile. "You would never have expressed such qualms before."
Before Severus could open his mouth, the door opened and Professor Quirrel entered, looking nervous. He adjusted his turban on his head and strode toward the table. "S-sorry for my lateness, Albus."
"Quite alright, Quirinus," Dumbledore said, his blue eyes twinkling behind half-moon glasses. He swept his gaze across the table. "I trust you all have finished your syllabuses for your classes?"
Murmurs of agreement were uttered and the headmaster smiled. "Excellent. Meeting adjourned. The students will be here within the hour."
Everyone left except for Severus and Minerva. Fawkes let out a short song, feeling the younger man's frustration. He agreed with the man but chose to remain silent. Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, locking eyes with the Potion's master.
"I know you are uneasy, Severus. You are not alone. Harry has too much weight on his shoulders and he isn't even aware of it."
"I would rather that…. that thing stay away from my son, Dumbledore," Severus said quietly, his voice seething with rage. "I will not lose him like I lost his mother. She was my best friend, the only thing good I did in my young life. I fear that the Dark Lord has knowledge that the Stone is in our walls."
"We will cross that bridge when it happens," the old wizard responded.
Severus caught the finality in Dumbledore's voice and he let out a sigh. "I should get ready for the feast." He pushed himself up and stalked out of the office, his robes billowing after him. Minerva shared a glance with Dumbledore and she too left.
(((((((_)))))))
"What's he doing here?"
Harry stood in between Draco and Ron, the two eleven-year-olds glaring at each other.
"He's my friend," Harry said to Draco. "And you are my friend too. I would rather you two get along so I don't have to choose between you. I don't expect you two to be best friends; that would be asking too much."
Ron suppressed a growl and he stepped back. "Fine. But if he says one thing against my family one more time…."
"If you will do the same," Draco responded, straightening. He took a seat on a bench, reaching through his owl's cage to stroke the soft feathers of the eagle owl. The large owl let out a soft hoot, closing its amber eyes.
Harry relaxed and dropped his arms. He sat down next to Draco and Ron plopped down across from the two. Draco's lip curled at the lazy action. At a young age, a wizard was shown how to properly sit, even during a talk with friends. Slouching was seen as disrespectful.
The three boys were silent, even when the train gave a lurch and started to speed away from the platform. Ron had to poke his head out the window and wave to his mother and sister.
"At least you have a family to wave to," Draco replied when Ron pulled the window shut.
The redhead raised an eyebrow. "They don't even show a little affection to you?"
Both Draco and Harry snorted. "Emotion is seen as weakness in my family, Weasley," the blonde said. "Money is what is key. My father was raised to believe that and so was I, only I was smarter to realize that money isn't everything. Look at Harry."
"Thanks for shining the spotlight on me, Draco," the dark-haired boy muttered, shooting his friend a half-hearted glare.
The door to their compartment slid open to reveal Hermione. Harry noticed that she was dressed in her robes already.
Her smile widened when she saw Harry. "Harry! I didn't know you were here or I would have bunked with you instead. I was overhearing a conversation about the four different Houses. I am not sure what House I would get Sorted into."
"Probably Ravenclaw," Harry said, smirking.
"I wouldn't mind, but I've heard good things about Gryffindor."
Draco raised an eyebrow. "You don't seem the type to go into Gryffindor, Hermione. Gryffindors are hard-headed, judgmental, nosy, and bloody heroes. I would have thought Ravenclaw or Slytherin for you."
Draco and Hermione were slowly becoming friends, all thanks to Harry. The three of them would hang out together at a local Muggle park, holding conversations. Draco had gotten over the girl being a Muggle-born and he started to like her. She was intelligent, unlike the boys his father had found for him. He had managed to lose the two goons, Goyle and Crabbe, before he found Harry on the platform.
"Still, probably Ravenclaw. Slytherin is very picky about their students," Harry added.
"Why?" Hermione asked, tilting her head.
"Salazar Slytherin opposed the thought of opening a Hogwarts education to students who were born from Muggles," the younger boy said. "Most of his students are completely pureblood, with the exception of a few half-bloods."
"Oh." She went silent. "By the way, have any of you seen a toad? Neville lost his."
The three boys shook their heads. Hermione's face fell. "I've no idea where that thing went. No one has seen Trevor." She sighed. "I'll see you later. I need to check a few more compartments." She slid the door shut.
"I would have killed myself if my pet was a toad," Draco remarked.
"I've got a rat and he isn't any better than a toad," Ron said, pulling a lump of fur from his pockets. The plump rat had its tail wrapped around itself, apparently asleep. "Scabbers is useless."
"Most rats are. How long have you had him?" Harry asked.
"He was once Percy's and he had him for a long time."
Draco leaned forward, interested. "More than five years?"
"Yeah." Ron frowned at the look both boys donned on their faces. "What's wrong with that?"
"Rats, even the magical kind, don't live long lives," Harry said.
"We've had him for at least nine years," the redhead said.
"That's a long time." Draco stared at the rat. "It seems in real good condition."
Ron opened his mouth to defend his rat but a look from Harry shut him up.
(((((_))))))
The rest of the train ride went smoothly, with the boys pigging out on sweets and playing wizard's chess. Draco and Ron would often beat Harry, despite the many lessons Minerva and Severus gave the young boy. Stalemates were often in the matches of both boys, with Ron winning a handful of times. As soon as the train was within five minutes of approaching the station, the conductor announced that they had to change into their robes. The boys changed and patiently waited until the train slowed to a stop.
They followed the students off and joined Hermione and Neville. Draco's lip curled again at the sight of Neville but he said nothing, shaking the chubby boy's hand. Harry let out a sigh, wondering why Draco couldn't be more friendly toward Ron and Neville.
"First years over here," Hagrid's voice boomed, echoing around the platform.
"Whoa!" both Ron and Neville exclaimed.
"Is that a giant?" Hermione whispered to Harry as the five approached the large man.
"Not quite," Harry whispered back.
(((((_))))))
End of chapter
A/N: Sorry for ending this so abruptly, but I wanted to get the train ride done and I didn't want to ramble too much. I hate it sometimes when authors lengthen a scene that doesn't need the extra chit-chat. Besides, I wanted the boys to talk a little about Scabbers at least. He will become important later in the story, especially with Harry and Draco interested in how a rat can live longer than expected.
Again, I do have a Twitter account if you want to follow me. I will post things up on there, how progess is with the stories, and even ideas of new stories. Thanks again for all of your lovely reviews. I'm halfway now to 200 reviews!
Next Chapter: The students get Sorted. Will there be any changes?