Chapter 3 - Second Thoughts
The rest of the week passed amid a quiet but intense group of planning sessions among the Kitsunes, tactics and goals debated and discarded, before with much regret they accepted that there were too many unknowns to make any real plans, only guidelines that they would have to be prepared to ditch at a moment's notice.
Their first guideline, naturally, was to hide Harry's and by extension their own abilities. While it would be nice to be so over-estimated that no one opposed you, they felt there was no way any society could be so completely awed by a single boy days short of his eleventh birthday. That left encouraging the other sort of fatal error, having opponents underestimate you, and hidden abilities were a great way to get just that. The obvious candidates were all the chakra-related skills they had, since those were, it seemed, completely unknown and so no one would think to look for them. Their knowledge of the Wizarding World might also qualify, but it was so meagre that they dismissed it.
Their second guideline was also obvious. Learn all you can. Thankfully they would be expected to do some looking around and should be dismissed as tourists if they got caught looking. They were, after all, just Muggles to these people, and generally dismissed as harmless. The ninjas had to shake their heads at that.
The last was in many ways the most obvious of all, simply to be cautious. It was also going to be surprisingly difficult to keep in mind. After all, they were the Kitsunes, veterans who had survived countless fights.
Saturday morning dawned at last, and the various people made their way to the meeting point. Minerva McGonagall had the furthest to go but the easiest trip. She took the Floo to the Leaky Cauldron and then walked the rest of the way. Next to arrive were prospective student Justin Finch-Fletchley and his parents, half an hour early, and taking a couple of minutes to shop while they waited for the others. Next were the Grangers, they took the tube, arriving fifteen minutes early, and spotted the tall Professor, walking up to her and making small talk. Last of all to show themselves were Harry, Naruto and Hinata, five minutes later.
"Now that we are all here, I would like to start with some introductions. As you remember, I am Mistress McGonagall, Professor while in school. To my left are Mr Hamish and Ms Imogen Finch-Fletchley with their son Justin, then Drs Matthew and Elizabeth Granger with their daughter Hermione, and Mr Naruto and Ms Hinata Todd with their son Harry."
After a round of handshakes and hello's, Minerva proceeded to guide the group to their destination, asking each parent to keep hold of their child's hand in order to let them bypass the muggle-repelling charm on the Leaky Cauldron. She added, "While it is not my favourite place, it is famous within our world both for being the connection to Muggle London as well as for the barman, Tom, a very friendly man who enjoys getting to welcome people to the Alley. For some, the décor adds to the charm." Her expression mirrored her distaste briefly, then she held the door for them as they got their first taste of the Wizarding World. She held back a sigh. The tiny, grubby-looking pub was just as dark and shabby as ever, and she knew it wouldn't make a good impression on the Muggles or their children. It never did. She couldn't change it, though, and no one would listen to her suggestions. In some ways she felt that the Wizarding World clung to its traditions too much.
As expected, Tom called out a greeting to her, and added his own welcome to the families she was guiding, and soon after they made their way out the back into a small, walled courtyard empty apart from a trash can and a few weeds. Before the inevitable questions could be asked, Minerva drew her wand and tapped the appropriate brick after pointing it out. The brick quivered, and soon a hole appeared, quickly growing and soon they faced an archway large enough for their party to go through, opening onto a cobbled street. At least this got a good reaction out of them.
"Welcome to Diagon Alley. First, you may like to go to the bank, Gringotts, to exchange your money for the wizarding currency, Galleons, Sickles and Knuts, one Galleon is worth 17 Sickles, 1 Sickle is worth 29 Knuts, so 1 Galleon is nearly 500 Knuts. Currently the Galleon is set at just under 50 Pounds Sterling. Before I forget, Mr Potter, here is the key to your vault at Gringotts that your parents set up for you when you were born." She produced the key, giving it directly to the boy, who promptly made it disappear.
"The bank itself is run by goblins, and it's important to remember they aren't human; they have their own customs and history. Do not show your teeth to a goblin as they will likely see it as a challenge or insult. Likewise, doubting the security of the bank will also be seen as an insult. While there have been attempts made to breach the bank, in over a century of goblin control no thief has managed to steal from them." She allowed a brief smile to pierce her professional demeanour. "My own funds are stored here, and I have full trust in their security."
She led the group through the streets and onward into a marble building, facing a set of silver doors with an engraved warning to thieves before a pair of goblins bowed them through and on into the bank proper. The inside was busy, a great marble hall with scores of goblins at work with ledgers, coins or precious stones, and most noticeable to the visitors was the long counter, goblins on their side sitting on high stools, and wizards and witches queuing up to be served. Minerva pointed out the empty aisle on the far side where currency exchanges were performed, before offering to go with the Muggle parents in case they should want her advice or presence. After they turned down her offer, she then led Harry's family to a free teller, politely informing it that they wished to visit Mr Potter's vault. Harry produced his key upon demand where it was examined. "That seems to be in order. Very well, I will have someone take you down to the vault. Griphook!" The teller bellowed the last word, and another goblin came over with a rather surly expression, or so it seemed to the group.
Griphook looked at them once then turned around, obviously expecting them to follow him as he walked towards one of the doors leading off the hall. He held the door for them, and the change in decor was obvious. Instead of more marble there was a fairly narrow stone passageway lit with flaming torches. After a brief whistle, a cart came hurtling up the tracks toward them, stopping just short, and they climbed in with Naruto aiding Minerva who was having some trouble.
The ride started quickly, and their cart knew the way, Griphook not even bothering to steer as they hurtled through the maze of twisting passages. Harry tried to remember all the directions simply as a test to himself, as he was sure his Dad and Hinata-mum would be doing the same, and once he thought he caught a glimpse of a burst of fire illuminating a large animal. The cart's change of direction yanked it out of his sight before he could be sure, but he would be sure to ask his parents when they got home for their impressions.
As suddenly as it started, the cart stopped and Harry was a little disappointed, the ride was fun! After letting Naruto help the ladies out, Harry followed and made his way to the vault entrance where Griphook was waiting. Minerva McGonagall was standing a little distance away, her back to the door as she didn't want to be rude and look into someone else's vault, it would be most improper. Griphook opened up, amid billowing green smoke which cleared to reveal mounds of gold coins, columns of silver and heaps of little bronze Knuts. Ruthlessly suppressing a gasp, Harry turned to ask Mistress McGonagall "Excuse me, but how much would you recommend I withdraw for my Hogwarts supplies?"
Minerva considered the question briefly. "If you don't go overboard, you can acquire everything you need new for about fifteen Galleons. If you wish to buy any souvenirs or trinkets, I'd recommend another few Galleons at most."
"Thank you very much." Harry counted out the twenty Galleons she had indicated, then another thirty just in case. Luckily for him, McGonagall still had her back turned to give him privacy so she didn't see quite how much he withdrew. As he left the vault, he passed most of the money to Naruto to keep it safe. After all, who would be able to mug his Dad?
The return trip was also quiet, and Harry noted that they took a different route. Once back in the marble hall, they were reunited with the rest of their party, and left to begin their shopping. Mindful of two of her new students, she decided to take them to the bookstores last. Their first stop was Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions to be measured. Madam Malkin took to giving Harry and Justin her attention while Hermione went off with her assistant. Justin and Harry were directed to stand on footstools where Madam Malkin draped a rather shapeless oversized robe on each of them before proceeding to pin them back to the correct measurements. Harry found the process just about the same as in a normal shop with only the style of clothing having changed, though he was spared being stuck by pins as some shops had done. He decided to chat with Justin while they doubled as mannequins. From earlier observations, he sized Justin up as having come from a fairly well to do family, and guessed that he would expect a more formal introduction. He tried to recall his etiquette lessons to cover it, but failed so he decided to wing it.
"Hello, I'm Harry Potter."
"Justin Finch-Fletchley. I'd shake your hand but I appear to be tied up at the moment." Justin's upper class accent was clear, as was his sense of humour.
"Of course. So, what do you do when you're not used as a stand-in for a store mannequin?" Harry asked, smiling at the other boy.
"Well, I quite like rugby, though Mother doesn't like me playing it, she feels it's too dangerous for me." Justin rolled his eyes and Harry nodded. Sure, his parents put him through a lot of dangerous things, but they were always there to keep it from going too far, protecting him.
"My school had more interest in football, and I liked playing in the midfield. I was captain of the school team this year, and we didn't do too badly against the other schools in the region."
Soon enough, all the measurements had been taken, the robes had been taken off them, and they were free to escape until later in the day when they would pick up their finished robes. Their next stop was Ollivanders Wand Shop for their wands, something that got both the children and their parents excited. Minerva would later reflect that Harry's tendency to attract trouble manifested itself even here before he got to Hogwarts.
The visit started as normal, the group entering the shop, Ollivander nowhere in sight and presumed to be out the back of the shop. Just as Ollivander opened his mouth to surprise his customers, Naruto spoke up. "Ah, Mr Ollivander, I presume?"
Caught by surprise himself, Ollivander took a couple of seconds to find his voice. "Garrick Ollivander at your service, sir." He walked around in front of the group, still off-balance at his ambush turned upon him like that. "Ah, yes, I thought I'd be seeing you soon. Harry Potter." At this statement, Harry almost rolled his eyes. It was like this man was trying to be extra spooky for his customers. The way he was ignoring everyone else, however, struck him as plain rude. "You have your mother's eyes. Ten and a quarter inches long, swishy, made of willow. Nice wand for charm work." When Ollivander moved closer to crowd Harry, he received several glares including from McGonagall and gave it up as a bad idea. "Your father, on the other hand, favoured a mahogany wand. Eleven inches. Pliable. A little more power and excellent for transfiguration. Well, I say your father favoured it - it's really the wand that chooses the wizard, of course."
Harry spoke up at this, "What do you mean the wand chooses the wizard? Aren't they just dead bits of wood? How can they 'choose' anything? It almost sounds like you make wands for the wands, rather than making them for the wizards."
Naruto put a hand on Harry's shoulder and Harry stilled. "My apologies, now may we get started with buying these sticks?" At Ollivander's expression, he quickly amended that. "These wands, that is. We want to get three for Harry for now. If he runs low, then we'll return for more."
"Three wands?!"
"Well, they are fairly expensive and Harry is good with taking care of his tools so we don't see much risk that he'll need more than that this year."
"But.. but... one wand, one wizard. That's the way it's done."
"Well, we're not doing it that way, sir. If we only got one wand for Harry then it would only take one accident and Harry would be left unable to complete his classes, wouldn't he? Now, we understand that wands are sold here, and we are looking to buy them. Why aren't you happy with making more money? I thought you were in business." Naruto looked politely confused.
While Minerva was still caught by surprise, Mr Finch-Fletchley spoke up at this point, adding his support. "We also want three wands for our boy."
"And three for our Hermione," Elizabeth Granger added.
Ollivander was looking more upset. "I sell one wand per wizard, as I sell only the very best match to each! There are no finer wands anywhere!"
Naruto shared a look with the other parents and decided to soothe some feathers. "Then we will only buy one wand each from you." His smile was calculated to reassure Ollivander while his wife discreetly reminded the other parents that there was another wand shop in the Alley they had passed on the way to the bank.
"Very well, sir." Ollivander pulled a long tape measure out of his pocket. "Mr Potter, which is your wand arm?"
"And how would I know that, Mr Ollivander?" Harry asked, very reasonably he thought.
"Which do you write with?"
"Oh, my right arm."
"Hold out your arm, that's it." Ollivander proceeded to measure Harry in a variety of odd ways, and spoke as he measured. "Every Ollivander wand has a core of a powerful magical substance. We use unicorn hairs, phoenix tail feathers, and the heartstrings of dragons. No two wands are the same, just as no two unicorns, dragons or phoenixes are quite the same." Here he looked briefly at Naruto before adding, "And of course, you will never get such good results with another wizard's wand."
What followed was that Ollivander would hand Harry a wand, tell him to wave it, snatch it out of Harry's hand, then pluck out another wand from his stock and repeat the process. One wand, a dozen, then two dozen, Ollivander looked positively gleeful. "Ah a tricky customer! Hmm, let's try this one." Before anyone could ask what he meant, he disappeared and returned carrying a wand he treated almost reverently. "Holly and phoenix feather, eleven inches, nice and supple. Give it a wave."
Harry took the wand and felt a sudden warmth in his fingers. He raised it above his head and gave it a wave, producing a wave of multi-coloured sparks. "Oh very good, indeed. Curious, however, most curious."
Harry sighed a bit, wishing the man would just quit being so melodramatic. "What is 'most curious', Mr Ollivander?"
"Why, I remember every wand I have ever sold, every single one. It so happens that the phoenix whose tail feather is in your wand gave another feather, and only one. It is very curious indeed that you should be destined for this wand when its brother - why its brother chose He Who Must Not Be Named. Curious indeed how these things happen. I think we must expect great things from you, Mr Potter. After all, He Who Must Not Be Named did great things - terrible, yes, but great."
Harry nodded keeping his expression firmly under control and Naruto paid for the wand, as well as a comfortable holster, and finally it was time for the other two children to get their wands. Everyone was happy except for the proprietor when they found their matches much quicker, they paid and left.
After a quick break at Florean Fortescue's, they resumed their shopping, fairly quickly filling the rest of their list and starting with trunks, where they got ones engraved with runes to provide 3 compartments for extra space, and to resize the trunk at the touch of the owner's wand; these made the rest of the shopping a breeze. Even the bookstore was less painful than Minerva had feared, or maybe it was just that after the trip to Ollivander's, everything else seemed easy. Even the side-trip to Jimmy Kiddell's Wonderful Wands where the parents managed to get their spare wands wasn't that big a production. Harry found a decent match, he thought, with a dogwood and dragon heartstring combination, when he gave it a wave, it gave off sparks and also gave Hermione a set of foxy ears until Minerva reversed the transformation with a wave of her wand - Harry studiously ignored his parents' amused and teasing looks. A quick visit to Eeylops Owl Emporium and a permission form from Minerva to allow Harry to have both his cat Cesarina (which at least behaved like his Familiar) and an owl for contact with his parents saw him purchase a beautiful snowy owl he named Miyuki. With their robes ready at Madam Malkin's, their excursion was complete.
Minerva escorted the group back out through the Leaky Cauldron and into the late afternoon sun, bidding her future students farewell with her usual professional demeanour firmly in place. Before they split up the children asked their parents if they could keep in touch. Phone numbers and addresses were exchanged, with Hermione happy that Harry was only in Surrey and able to visit more easily than Justin, whose family lived in the Lakes District. She and Harry had bonded rather quickly when they discovered their shared love of books, and she gave a big smile and heartfelt "Yes!" when he asked her to be his friend.
Harry and his parents returned home, and as soon as they had gotten everything sorted out to be examined by the Clan, Harry asked to use the phone, giving Hermione a call. She was excited to hear from him so soon; apparently she was afraid he would change his mind. Harry laughed, saying he had worried about that too, and then asked her about the books she bought, with the conversation drifting from there over various other topics. Harry was happy that she invited him over, with their parents permission, and promptly invited her to attend his birthday party the following Saturday afternoon, instead. Their plans made, they hung up and went their own ways, Hermione to dinner and Harry to a debrief of the day by the Clan, over a dinner made by Naruto naturally.
Harry set himself to speed-read his course-books with the aid of the memorisation techniques he was taught, wanting to get that out of the way that night so he could free up time for all the other things he had to do, most important of all was to decide before his birthday if he should go to Hogwarts.
It was one comment from his parents that effectively made the decision for him. "You could always go to both schools, Harry. That's the advantage of the Shadow Clone technique. And if it doesn't measure up, just come home. We can always find another way to learn magic if you need it." With just that, Harry's worries disappeared. He could send clones to regular school while the real him went to Hogwarts. While the clones would have to disperse regularly, they were able to replace themselves before switching. Sure, he would have to work out the logistics, decide where to allocate his Clones and so on, but the relief of being able to do both was stronger than he would have expected. He went to sleep with a smile on his face, content for now to leave the decision until the morning.
'I should have known better.' Harry thought to himself and smiled. His parents had gone all out for this birthday, inviting all his friends and some parents too, though he caught the preparations for the parents including some of Naruto's best cooking as well as some nice single-malt scotch set aside for later. It wasn't the first time his parents had thrown a large party, but it was the first time they had thrown such a large one for Harry. 'Then again, this is the first time I've had time off completely in years, not even a single clone working or training. It's... kinda odd, actually, refreshing, but also weird. I keep expecting one of them to drag me off to lessons.' He grinned, remembering some of his more recent jokes when they tried that. Intellectually he knew that most of them had been deliberately allowed to succeed, but it was still so funny seeing his Dad dyed pink from head to toe.
He petted Cesarina as he sat down on the couch, relaxing as ordered while a small army of clones tended to every detail of the party. Miyuki flew in, claiming his shoulder for her perch and rubbing her head against him until he gave her attention too. Leaning back, Harry finally enjoyed his enforced break until the doorbell rang. He got up and smiled, Cesarina held in one arm, and answered the door.
"Ashley, Stephanie, Michelle, Ella, Meaghan and Sandra!" His smile threatened to split his face, and after a round of hugs he stepped aside to allow his friends into the living room where he had been waiting, dutifully handing over his cat to Meaghan who cooed over her. 'I can't wait to see their faces when they discover that their cute little cat is really a powerful tiger!' In idle moments, he wondered that no one had ever connected his cat with the occasionally seen big cats that lived in the forest when their colours matched so well, but he supposed it was a bit much given what they knew. After all, a race of tigers with a miniature form was far from normal.
Within minutes, Harry was involved in the conversation when the bell rang again as other guests arrived. This kept up until everyone was there, including Hermione and her parents. Hermione was rather shy around 'his girls' until Harry broke the ice, asking her if she was reading anything good at the moment. Her quick look at the others revealed none of the warning signs she had come to know all too well, and she relaxed, getting pulled into the group quickly and finding to her pleasure that she was welcome and that Harry's friends shared at least part of her love of reading.
Harry used a variety of tricks to keep the subject of the new school year from being raised, aided he found by Hermione. A shared look told him that she knew he couldn't talk about Hogwarts and was trying to help keep the secret, a small nod back conveyed his gratitude.
Dinner was a big success and the cakes garnered praise from everyone. The cake was cut, the songs were sung, the guests eventually made their way home at last. Harry collapsed, exhausted in a way the ninja training had never managed. Some quiet words with Naruto and his mums and Harry made his way to bed, falling asleep only after his brain stopped replaying the day.
His days settled down, deciding how he would apportion his Shadow Clones in the coming year, two would go to school with 'his girls', one taking his place while the other was there as a backup, in case the primary was dispelled, and refining his chakra control in his spare time. Four would work on his ninja training and trade skills with his parents. That left six to go to Hogwarts, exploring and investigating everything he could find, as well as watching his back.
He completed his reading of the school books for the year, and rewarded himself with 'pleasure reading', defined within his family as reading you do without the speed-reading techniques. He worked his way through some extra books on Potions seeing as the prescribed textbook listed known recipes but was dangerously lacking on other information like basic ingredient preparation or safety precautions. That led to studying more information on magical plants and animals, and so on.
He also spent time with his friends both old and new, having an afternoon at the Grangers' home the Friday following his birthday. It was a nice, warm home, a blend of modern conveniences and older style furnishings that somehow worked well. As he expected, there weren't many sweets on offer, but he certainly couldn't complain about the food (not that he would). Harry also discovered that Hermione inherited her love of books from both parents, the family library taking up two whole rooms of their London home and it included a healthy selection of science fiction and fantasy classics, including some that Harry hadn't been able to find in the town library. A quiet time of reading and a nice walk around the neighbourhood made for a peaceful time. While Harry had also spoken with Justin, they hadn't been able to arrange for visits due to the distance.
As the last week before Hogwarts approached, his parents became more demonstrative of their love for him. While they knew that his clones would be around, they were also sending him off into a new world with unknown dangers. They also drilled him on his escape and evasion techniques. If they couldn't be there with him to help out or face their share of it, they wanted to do what they could to ensure he came home to them.
Saturday the 31st of August arrived, and the entire Clan made their way into London to King's Cross Station, scouting the area, before heading towards where Platform 9 and ¾ was supposed to be. Harry found the wall easily enough. He gave the wall a quick feel, but it felt completely solid to his touch. He took a breath, remembering his new Professor's words about approaching the wall with intent to pass, and gave it a go. While it would be embarrassing if he were failed, he could stand the risk, so a brisk pace, and his goal firmly in mind, and Harry made it! He looked around even as he tried to fade into the background, calling on his training and hoping he hadn't been noticed in that brief time. It seemed luck was with him, though he guessed that shouldn't be surprising. No child was expected to use the portal a day early and they would hardly be watching every second of the day anyway. As he completed his initial survey, he headed on back to the normal side of the station where he was examined by his family. When he suggested going back now that they know it was safe, Yuugao reminded him that they weren't even able to watch him go through the first time. Harry could have slapped himself. "When we went to that pub, we had to hold our parents' hands to let you see it and come with us. Let's try that here."
Anko-mum suggested trying something else that would let them speed it up if it worked, so as Harry approached the portal again he had his parents' hands in his hands, on his arms and shoulders and anywhere they could reach. It passed the first test when they didn't suddenly find better things to do, and the second when they all made it through, the adults immediately disappearing from sight as Anko-mum took him out of the way. He sighed, he knew they were being more protective for a reason, even knew what it was, but it was still a bit demeaning. Anko-mum simply wrapped him up in a tighter hug, and distracted him from his pique by rubbing against him. She just loved the way he still blushed at that.
After a thorough examination of the wizard side of the portal, they returned, noting that they didn't need assistance for that, and went out to lunch before some last minute shopping. As Harry was taken through department stores and their clothing department, he reflected it was strange, though par for the course for his life, that any member of his family could create finer and better tailored clothes than he had ever seen in a shop - even Harry himself, though he admitted that he might be pushing it there.
The dinner that night was an excuse for the Clan to make the very best feast they could, and they made sure he had packed his weapons and armour, his books and clothes, and the rest of his equipment. They always started with the most important items, they said.
A touch of excitement and anxiety wasn't enough to stop him sleeping, they had burned that reaction out of him years ago in training, and he woke up rested and thankful for that as they showered, changed, ate breakfast and headed out to the station.
'King's Cross is quieter than yesterday,' Harry thought as he dodged the crowds. He always felt a little crowded in London, and he made his way through to the portal fairly quickly, bringing his parents through again, all but Naruto and Anko-mum fading out of sight, and Harry looked around the still fairly empty platform. He had an hour until the train was due to depart, and there it was, a red steam engine reminiscent of a popular class from the 19th century, if he remembered what Michelle said; she was the train enthusiast of his little group.
The crew were there, checking it over and getting it ready, he guessed, and a few adults in robes were scattered around the place while their children either stayed close by or were, he figured, already on the train. Like his parents, Harry tried to assess the people he saw. Already he spotted signs that they were wizards, their clothes were either completely wrong, these robes and pointy hats that Hogwarts demanded, or their fashions had odd failures, like that tweed jacket, pipe (unlit) and men's shoes on a middle-aged woman.
Harry got out a book to pass the time until his friends arrived, reading "Arithmancy by the Numbers: A Beginner's Guide" since he was curious about the subject, wondering how similar it was to the maths he'd learned in school and with his family. He just finished the first section and was starting the next when he noticed familiar bushy hair appear through the portal, putting the book away and heading over to greet Hermione.
The moment she spotted him was easy to recognise, the big smile was a giveaway and she rushed over to him, talking seemingly without breathing. "Did you know I found you listed in another five books? They've got even more stories about what happened to you and where you disappeared."
Harry winced, for all Hermione's enthusiasm she still suffered occasional lapses of tact and even after all that his family had done for him, he was still understandably pained by the reminder that his original parents were murdered and he was left with the Dursleys. To her credit, she quickly realised her error and began stammering her apology, leaving him to let her off the hook. At least she was learning and coming out of her shell. He had hopes that in time she would be as easy to be around as his other girls, then cursed to himself at even thinking of them as 'his girls'. Damned parents and their teasing, they were getting to him. He didn't notice that he smiled as he thought of them as his.
When Justin joined them a few minutes later they started saying their goodbyes to their parents and getting onto the train to find a compartment. They found plenty empty and claimed one close to the back of the train in the hope that they wouldn't have to share with strangers. They settled in and waved goodbye again from the train as it pulled out from the station, taking their seats and getting comfortable.
After talking about their time since they met in the Alley, including Justin passing on his congratulations about Harry's birthday again, they discussed what they thought Hogwarts would be like. An hour into the trip, there was a timid knock at the door. Since Justin was closest, he opened up to see a round-faced boy almost in tears. "Sorry," he said, "but you have seen a toad at all?"
They shook their heads and Hermione stood up, "No, we haven't, but I'll help you look if you like. I'm Hermione Granger."
The boy was looking a little happier at the offer of help, "Thank you, and I'm N-Neville, Neville Longbottom."
Harry stood up, offering his hand, "And I'm Harry. Justin, would you mind our compartment while we help Neville here?"
"Sure, Harry." Justin leaned back, keeping guard of their trunks while Harry and Hermione went off to do their good deed for the day. He reflected that it was something of a relief not to be the Finch-Fletchley heir here, as well as how odd his new world was turning out to be. Pet toads, making a hero out of a baby - not that Harry seemed to like his fame any more than Justin liked the way his classmates had treated him different because of his surname - and the weird clothing. He idly wondered what else would happen.
A few compartments into the search, after asking Neville about his toad, Harry asked if there was any magic that could find the toad for them, or better yet take it to them. Neville brightened and said there was, so after that they searched for an older student who they could ask to cast it for them. They got lucky with a student with a shiny blue and bronze badge on her chest with the letter P on it. She quickly cast a couple of spells and Trevor the toad zoomed into her hand before being quickly passed to Neville. She also conjured a new cage and made Neville put him inside. Red-faced, Neville quickly complied and thanked her before almost fleeing the compartment. Harry and Hermione caught up to him at the end of the carriage, asking if he would like to spend time with them, maybe help them get to understand this new world.
Justin, when asked, thought it was a good idea. His family were encouraging him to work hard and do well, but he was painfully aware that he could use all the help he could get. Plus it wasn't like Neville was a bother, so he offered the seat beside him since Harry and Hermione took the other side.
An hour later the door was yanked open. Three boys entered, the centre one had a pale, pointed face and a superior air that increased as he looked over the people in the compartment, noting that only one of the children inside were from a respectable - ie Pureblood - family and rumour had it that the Longbottom boy was almost a Squib. He sneered mentally, secure that his minions were on his flanks.
"Well, Longbottom, they're saying up and down the train that Harry Potter is coming to Hogwarts. I don't suppose a Squib like you has seen him, have you?" Before Neville could answer, the arrogant boy followed up his own question. "Oh look how the Longbottom's have fallen, consorting with a bunch of mudbloods, now."
Harry looked up at the pale, blond boy. A quick evaluation later prompted him to comment. "And what makes you think this Harry Potter kid would want anything to do with you? No. Unless you have something intelligent to contribute, move along please. We don't appreciate the interruption."
The arrogant boy swelled up with indignation. "And just who do you think you are to tell a Malfoy what to do?"
Drawing on much of his etiquette training from Hinata-mum, Harry decided a high-brow insult would suffice. "Given that you haven't actually introduced yourself and still see fit to cause problems, I see no reason to acquaint myself with such an uncouth person."
"I am Draco, son of Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, Pureblood since time immemorial. If you don't even know that, then you are obviously beneath my notice. Come, Crabbe, Goyle, let's leave these lowly mudbloods to wallow in their filth." The trio sneered at the seated group before turning and leaving the compartment.
Harry looked at the group. "Not very bright, is he? He barged in, insulted everyone present when he had no idea who we were, he didn't even notice that I match at least part of the descriptions they all have of me. I don't know about any of you, but I won't be in a hurry to spend time with someone that lacking in manners and sense."
Neville choked on his own spit before sputtering out, "You're Harry Potter?"
Harry grinned, "That's me. We all read the descriptions in the books, and I'm still wondering who provided those!" He growled, then calmed down so he didn't scare off the new boy. "As you can see, I'm just a boy, and I certainly haven't rescued maidens from any dragons." He smiled, trying to help set Neville at ease. 'Though I suppose that would be easier than some of my missions.'
"Don't worry about it, mate. I know I didn't tell you my surname when we met, and the fame is why. I'm not used to it, I don't like it, and I don't understand why they praised me for dealing with their serial killer when there were two adults with wands and training and everything right there with every reason in the world to do it for me. Besides, I was just a baby, what was I going to do? Cry at him?"
Neville's answering laugh was a little forced, but he saw Harry's point. Between that and Harry not kicking him out, he was calming down again. Hermione's questioning about being raised magical helped settle him further, and being able to answer their questions, being the one they looked up to in even a small way, did wonders for his confidence, enough that he could really relax and enjoy himself for the first time that day.
The discussion about the Houses at Hogwarts was something of an eye opener for each of them. Hermione mentioned what she had heard, that Ravenclaw was for the smart, Gryffindor for the brave, Hufflepuff for the loyal and Slytherin for the ambitious. Neville added that the Houses had something of a different reputation, people thought Gryffindor was for the Good and Noble, or for the fearless idiots, depending who you asked. Ravenclaw was supposedly for the know-it-alls. Slytherin was where evil wizards and Dark Lords were spawned, since that's where You Know Who got most of his followers. Lastly, Hufflepuff was effectively a dumping ground for those not good enough for the other Houses. He also said he didn't know how they were chosen, his Gran refused to tell him, since that was the Tradition. The way he said it, she was very devoted to Traditions.
Justin said that those reputations didn't make much sense if the division was made honestly. For example, Slytherins were supposed to be ambitious and cunning, but you don't have to be a future Dark Lord to have ambitions, they come in all shapes and sizes. Justin said his ambition was to do well at Hogwarts for his family, and to see what he could do to help them using what he learned. Harry had a different sort of observation. He said that if they got to choose, they should choose based on what sort of people they wanted around them, as long as they got all the same teachers which it looked like they did. If you went to Gryffindor, you would be surrounded by people more likely to be brave which sounds good, but since they aren't sorted for their brains also means they may be reckless idiots. In Ravenclaw, they should be smart enough, but you're not guaranteed they'll be helpful, trustworthy or good. Slytherin sounded more like a snake pit, especially with its already bad reputation pushing the people in it in certain ways. While they could presumably learn to be more cunning there, he thought it would probably be too political especially for him as their Boy-Who-Lived. Hufflepuff was supposed to get the hard-working and the loyal, and that sounded more like the type of people he liked around him if he couldn't choose for himself. From the description, he felt they would be the friendliest people, even if they weren't supposed to be the most brilliant or cunning or brave.
He smiled at Hermione, "I think it would be the best place for you, don't you? I know I could always use more trustworthy friends. And Justin, you sound hard-working enough for them, right? Neville, what do you think?"
Neville wasn't sure, he couldn't set aside his society's perceptions so easily and still hoped he'd be good enough to be in Gryffindor like the rest of his family. He quickly changed the subject. Neville's story about his first accidental magic was worrying; being hung by his feet by his own family trying to scare him into showing his magic? Harry felt some sympathy for the other boy, ruthlessly suppressing the memories of his own abuse at the hands of 'family'. Still, it helped start up a list of funny stories and incidents, and they had a good time, getting changed into their robes half an hour before they were due to arrive at Hogsmeade station, the boys leaving the compartment first to give Hermione her privacy, then she did the same for them.
As the train pulled into the station, the corridor was already filled with students eager to get off and stretch their legs after the long ride cooped up together. Neville suggested that they wait until the crowd was gone, an idea they all endorsed. After they got out, leaving their luggage on the train as instructed, onto the dark platform, a lamp came bobbing over the heads of the students, and a deep voice rumbled "Firs' Years! First Years over here! C'mon, follow me! Mind yer step now!"
They saw a big beard on an even bigger man, the owner of the voice, and followed him and the other younger students down a steep and narrow path. "Yeh'll get yer first sight o' Hogwarts in a sec" the big man called over his shoulder, "jus' round this bend here."
There was a chorus of oooh's as the path suddenly opened up onto the edge of a large black lake, stars reflected in its cool waters. Beyond it atop a rise perched a vast castle with many turrets and towers, its windows sparkling as much as the lake.
"No more'n four to a boat!" Hagrid called, pointing to a fleet of little boats sitting in the water by the shore. Harry helped Hermione first into their boat followed by Neville, Justin and himself.
"Everyone in?" Hagrid shouted from his own vessel, having a boat all to himself. "Right then — FORWARD!"
And the 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 towering over them as they sailed nearer and nearer to the cliff on which it stood.
"Heads down!" Hagrid yelled 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. Then they clambered 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. A flight of stone steps and a landing later, they were crowded around the huge, oak front door. Hagrid raised a gigantic fist and knocked three times on the castle door.
Thank you all for the support. The response to my first story has exceeded all my expectations.