Harry and Neville spent the night together at the cabin the night before they were to leave for Hogwarts. Lady Longbottom was relieved of her duty to take Neville to the station much to both grandson and grandmother's relief, as Remus and Sirius would take on the duty for both boys.
Harry sat looking up at the ceiling of his box, listening to the quiet snores of his best friend and godbrother in the bunk below him. He didn't know what time it was as the box had no clock. He grinned because it was the first thing he had noticed the box lacking. He wasn't sure if he minded not knowing how many more hours until he would leave Remus and Sirius and his home. His home. He loved it here. He loved everything about it and everyone in it as the grin slid from his face to be replaced by a pensive expression.
Harry marveled that it had only been a month since he had been told he was a wizard. A month ago he was living with his Aunt and Uncle. A month ago he didn't have the Marauders. His eyes went to the painting and he smiled as the trio was sprawled in their sofas and chairs sound asleep in their frame. He smirked as all three snored or talked in their sleep. Sirius sometimes would bark or whine like a dog. It was humorous and adorable at the same time.
A month ago he hadn't known he had a godfather, and three weeks ago he didn't know he had a godbrother. Three weeks ago his godfather had been in prison for crimes he didn't commit.
Finally, Harry gave up trying to sleep and quietly climbed out of bed and made his way out of the box, taking note that it was six in the morning. Remus had a normal clock that he said was magical in that it didn't run on batteries or electricity but rather on a modified Tempus charm.
Harry was fascinated by magic and couldn't wait to learn magic. His hand moved to his wand holster and he summoned his wand to his hand looking at it once again in wonder. The feel of his magic moving through the wood was warm and inviting. Reassuring. It seemed as excited about the prospect of learning magic as he was.
He grinned as he remembered the conversations he had with Prongs about the nature of magic.
Prongs believed that wands were creations to help wizards channel their magic. Essentially it harnessed the magic of tree and beast, the magic bonds with the object, with its essence, and a wizard and wand create a type of symbiotic relationship.
"A wizard who spends time understanding the nature of his magic and strengthening the relationship with his wand will find it much easier to do magic with that wand, but sacrifices his ability to tap into his magic without said wand."
Harry had thought about this a great deal, having held in his hand dozens of wands as Mr. Ollivander scoured his inventory for the wand he now had.
He remembered the warmth that had spread from his core to the tingling of his fingers, the blaze of power that flared to life when he had connected with it. He wondered briefly, what it said about him that his wand and Voldemort's shared a phoenix feather core. Would his wand work as well for Voldemort as it did for him? A worthy question that followed him to the dimly lit kitchen.
He had troubled questions about dark magic. He had listened to the marauders argue about what made a spell dark. They all seemed to agree that magic wasn't light or dark, but that you couldn't wield dark magic with the intent to harm without negative consequences.
"Dark magic, like dark deeds, damages the soul. It drives wizards to madness," Portrait Moony explained. "You can wield dark magic without dark intent and come away without that consequence, however, many have fallen into that trap, taken a bite of the poison apple and become addicted all in the name of the greater good."
Padfoot had argued that all magic was addicting. One could cast a light spell with the intent to kill someone and damage your soul just as much as if they had used the killing curse. There were plenty of examples of 'so-called' light wizards who became addicted to power.
Prongs agreed with him and said, "Magic isn't good or bad Prongslet. Magic is neutral and needs to be respected and you should mind your motives when casting spells."
Hearing the marauders, Remus or Sirius use pet names for him, always lifted his spirits. Harry remembered how the Dursleys always called him a freak. For a long time, he actually thought that was his name. His aunt had been embarrassed when an adult had noticed him trying to hide behind his fat cousin, and kindly asked his name. Shyly he had said with confidence, "Freak."
Embarrassed, his aunt made sure he knew his name after that. She even spent the five minutes it took to teach him to write it. 'Harry Potter.' He remembered looking at it written for the first time. He was four? That was when he had made the sign, 'Harry's Room.' The day he had learned that his name was Harry and not Freak.
Harry looked around the warm and inviting home that more and more felt like his and moved to start making breakfast. He hadn't been allowed to cook much since coming here, but he knew his limits and was trusted not to burn the house down.
He began frying sausages and chopping onions, potatoes, bell peppers, garlic, and parsley. He enjoyed cooking, especially if he got to eat too. The potato skillet went on the stove and he began cracking eggs into a bowl whisking together cream and cheese. So engrossed was he in his task that he didn't notice a second set of hands at his elbow. Neville grabbed a knife and started slicing the bread.
"You're up early," Neville noted, taking in his friend's demeanor and finding him difficult to read.
Harry nodded. "Yeah. Couldn't sleep."
Neville buttered the bread quietly, "Yeah. Me too."
Harry laughed, "I couldn't sleep because you were snoring so loud! And the marauders too. I spent half the night with a pillow over my head."
Neville blushed then grinned, "My mom snored too." Harry just shook his head and then smiled as he rotated the sausage and started cooking the eggs in a skillet.
"Where did you learn to cook?" Neville asked.
The food looked great and smelled even better. Neville thought the house elves could take a few tips from Harry.
Harry shrugged, "My aunt taught me." He frowned as he cast back to a memory of standing on a chair as his aunt spent the time teaching him how to cook. Even if she hadn't been warm and loving he remembered that they both seemed to enjoy that time.
She taught him how to crack an egg, how to marry flavors, how to spice food, how to saute and bake and fry, stew, and prepare all manner of meals. He had wanted to learn. Hoped that he could make her happy. She was happy to teach him. But they would eat it, Petunia would get the compliments, and Harry would eat the leftovers. If there were any. "But it was my grandmother who taught her and my sister how to cook. So whatever she knew, my mom knew too."
Neville nodded, "I guess it's the same with my gardening skills." Neville put the bread in the oven to warm, and began setting the table. "Are you nervous?" Addressing the elephant in the room.
Harry nodded, "A bit. You?"
Neville nodded smiling wryly, "A bit. I'm really glad we're going together. I'd be really nervous otherwise."
Harry nodded, "Yeah. Me too. I didn't even know magic was a thing until a month ago. Can you believe it?" Harry moved the food to the table just as Sirius and Remus arrived. Both marauders gaped at the boys.
Remus scooped Harry up into a warm hug, "Thanks cub. This looks great!" He saw that Harry had put a lot of effort into the meal and felt a rush of affection for the boy. He was really going to miss him. With Neville and Sirius leaving as well he was feeling a bit abandoned by his pack.
He couldn't resist the rush of envy he felt that Sirius was returning to the castle to become a teacher of all things. Remus had wanted to be a teacher his whole life and Sirius had never wanted to teach a day in his life.
His gaze moved to Sirius then, who had moved to help Neville with the tea and coffee. A foul drink that Lily had introduced them to. Sirius loved the stuff. He grinned as he remembered Sirius dragging them all to Muggle London to hunt for something called espresso. Surprisingly, they found a place advertising the drink and Sirius ordered four large mochas with extra whip and chocolate sprinkles. The drinks were delicious he had to admit, but once the caffeine hit Harry and Neville's kid systems all hell broke loose.
But whatever swill Sirius conjured in that thing called a french press was not that delicious chocolate drink from heaven.
He shook off his reservations and enjoyed the feast the boys had produced. Sirius gave Moony a look and said, "So Harry, I have something for you. Neville, it's right and good that you know about this too." Sirius removed something wrapped in cloth and handed it over to Harry.
Harry unwrapped the package that he realized was more like a silk purse and removed a circular hand mirror. One side of the mirror was polished silver with a regal looking stag in relief upon the surface. The hand mirror was a little bigger than his palm.
"This is a communication mirror, Harry. The marauders had them made so that we could get away with our pranks and stay in contact during detentions." Harry lifted a brow, "I know, we were weird. But… back to the mirrors. This was your dad's mirror. I have one, and Moony has one. If you ever need to contact us, for any reason, all you need to do is tap your wand to the mirror and say our Marauder name. Your mirror is set to the name Prongs. Sorry we couldn't change it. Mine is Padfoot, and Remus's is Moony. You will feel the mirror warm and vibrate if any of us is trying to contact you. You should keep it with you always Harry. To answer the mirror just tap it with your wand. We will be able to see and hear each other."
"Wicked." Harry held the mirror as if holding a fragile artifact. Neville nodded in agreement.
"You made these?" Neville asked, impressed.
Remus nodded, "One of several items we created for our mischief-making. You both should feel free to contact us for any reason." Both boys nodded and smiled at each other. Harry suddenly felt a bit better knowing he wouldn't be completely cut off from his guardians.
Harry and Neville thanked them both and then breakfast was done, the dishes were washed and it was time to leave.
They used the floo network to get to Grimmauld Place and then walked from there to the station. Hedwig had been sent ahead to the castle. Remus had shrunk the boy's trunks which he would enlarge when they got on the train.
When they had passed through the barrier to get onto Platform 9 and ¾'s Harry and Neville both stared in open-mouthed wonder. The scarlet Hogwarts Express awaited them and it was glorious.
Steam from the engine filled the hidden platform and dozens and dozens of people were milling about. Parents huddled with their Hogwarts-bound students for last-minute words of encouragement, and admonitions to be good. Harry observed a few tearful groups containing what Harry guessed were first-year students leaving home for the first time. He had a sudden bout of empathetic understanding and wanted to throw himself onto the platform, refuse to board, and throw an epic tantrum.
Sirius and Remus stood on either side of the boys protectively. "Right. Let's help you boys find a compartment and get your luggage on board." Remus suggested. Harry nodded and let himself be ushered onto the train. They found a compartment with two young female students who looked to be first years as well. "May we join you?" Harry asked the girls as it was the first compartment they had come upon with room for the both of them.
"Yes, of course." A strawberry blond girl in pigtails smiled and moved to the same bench as the girl, allowing the boys to take the other bench across from them. Remus removed the luggage and enlarged the trunks and Sirius levitated them to the racks above.
Harry and Neville stood awkwardly as for a minute, then Sirius dragged Harry into a tight embrace and whispered in his ear. "Don't forget to call us. And if you really hate it, you can always come home." Sirius reassured sounding hoarse and emotional which didn't help Harry's whirling emotions. But he felt bolstered as well, knowing it was okay to not be okay.
Harry nodded, unable to talk due to a massive lump in his throat. Remus took his turn hugging Harry and shaking Neville's hand warmly. "Remember. Study hard, but don't forget to have fun."
Finally, Remus dragged Sirius away and Harry went and sat down staring hard out of the window. Neville, covering for his friend's obvious distress, took the time to introduce himself and Harry to the girls. "Hello. I'm Neville, this is Harry."
Both girls blinked in astonishment to the dark haired boy staring glumly out the window. "Harry? Harry Potter?" The brown haired girl asked surprised.
Neville glanced at Harry who tore himself away from his pity party to remember his manners and nodded to the girl. "Yes. Harry Potter." He smiled, "Nice to meet you. And you are?" He asked quietly.
"I'm Hannah Abbott and this is Susan Bones." She introduced the pig-tailed girl.
Harry thought he recognized Susan's surname and asked, "Are you related to Madam Bones of the DMLE?" Harry asked.
Susan nodded, "She's my auntie." She sat up proudly.
"My godfather received a trial because of her. She made it so I could live with him. I owe her a lot. Sirius made a bet with his solicitor that she would become minister of magic within ten years." Susan blushed a bit but smiled at Harry, surprised that the famous savior to the wizarding world knew, had met her aunt.
Neville then looked at Hannah and smiled shyly at the girl.
"Hi Hannah. Are you excited about Hogwarts?" Hannah smiled at the sandy-haired boy grateful to be included in the conversation and the four first years nervously chatted together before suddenly the train gave a lurch and a long mournful whistle before it began to pick up steam and move out of the station.
Harry watched platform 9 ¾ grow smaller and smaller in the distance. He noticed a giant black dog running alongside the train, keeping pace just below his window for a bit, and he imagined the dog meeting his gaze as it barked and barked before the train finally outpaced it and left it far behind.
Neville reassuringly bumped him in the shoulder in an attempt to draw out his friend from his grief. Harry smiled at him tightly and tried to cast off his sadness at leaving Sirius and Remus and his home behind to focus on his friend.
Neville suddenly said, "Oh it's a Bowtruckle," bringing Harry's attention back to Neville as he showed Hannah and Susan his new friend.
Harry grinned at Neville who had proudly befriended the tree guardian and convinced it somehow to stay with him. Or maybe the creature had convinced Neville to keep it. Harry had seen it but still wasn't sure he understood what had happened.
Neville and Harry had gone to the Longbottom pond shortly after Neville had his wand made, and Neville had wanted to show the Bowtruckle.
Harry had watched in fascination as an insect-like creature about the size of his hand that resembled a Preying Mantis had climbed onto Neville's hand and inspected every inch of Neville's wand.
When Neville had tried to return the creature to the tree it had refused to go. It had dug its little claws into Neville's cloak and evaded his every attempt to return it to whence it had come. Harry had finally said, "I don't know Neville. I think it likes you."
Neville had nodded wide-eyed and the boys had immediately gone to talk to Remus and Sirius about the creature. Remus and Sirius had never heard of a Bowtruckle pet, but deemed it safe after observing how attached the creature seemed to the boy. Remus and Sirius had helped Neville make a terrarium for the creature and used the leftovers of the Rowan branch that Neville had kept, within the terrarium for the creature's new home.
Neville had been worried that he wouldn't be allowed to keep the creature as it wasn't on the list for approved pets at Hogwarts but Remus and his grandmother had somehow smoothed the way. Trevor unfortunately was let loose to the pond. Harry couldn't help but think that the toad seemed quite pleased to be set free.
"Oh he's adorable," Hannah had gushed. "What is his name?"
"Wiggy," Neville said. "He's named after the tree he comes from," Neville told the girls the story of how he befriended the tree guardian and how his wand was crafted from the branch his friend had gifted him.
The story enchanted the young witches and kept them entertained until the trolly arrived. Neville and Harry purchased a lot of sweets from the trolley and shared it with the girls. Little did Neville know he spared Harry a lot of 'boy who lived' questions.
Partway through the journey the door to their compartment slid open to reveal a trio of boys looking into their compartment with curiosity. "We were told that Harry Potter was on the train. Is it true? Are you Harry Potter?" A haughty gray-eyed gaze moved to Harry's lightning bolt scar. The platinum blond-haired boy gave off a certain Dudley-ish bully / spoiled brat vibe. Harry immediately disliked the boy and his attitude but Remus's etiquette lessons were coming in handy keeping his temper in check.
Harry stood and faced the trio. "I am." He looked from face to face not paying any attention to the anxiety clawing at his innards, "And may I ask who you are?"
"I'm Draco Malfoy. This is Crabbe and Goyle." He introduced his sidekicks. They reminded him strongly of Dudley's Harry Hunting pals. He didn't like them much either. Neville stood then moving to Harry's elbow.
"It's nice to meet you Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Crabbe, and Mr. Goyle." Harry poured it on a bit thick but continued despite his sudden nerves and shook all three boy's hands. "May I introduce my friends, Neville Longbottom, Hannah Abbott, and Susan Bones." Harry introduced eloquently. He wasn't sure he should be calling Susan and Hannah his friends as they only just met, but the girls looked pleasantly surprised to be named as such.
Neville reached across the space to shake all three of the boy's hands, following Harry's example. The girls just nodded to them. "Nice to meet you."
Soon Harry and Neville returned to their seats and their conversation with the girls, inviting the trio to join them. Thankfully, Malfoy and his guards left shortly after having nothing further to contribute to the conversation and wanting to go find someone to brag to about having met the Boy Who Lived.
Neville smirked at Harry shortly after they left and said, "Bet they weren't expecting you to treat them as well as you did. It's no secret the Malfoys had no love of the Potter family. They aren't friends of the Longbottoms either," Neville noted darkly.
Susan nodded to Harry. "The Malfoys have a dark reputation and they always seem to get away with everything. Auntie thinks the only reason Lucious Malfoy isn't in prison is because of his money."
Neville nodded, "Gran says the same."
Harry hadn't heard anything about the Malfoy scion so simply listened to the gossip, storing the information. He somehow thought that he had avoided making a powerful enemy. He smiled and for the first time was grateful for the etiquette lessons Remus had insisted on.
Shortly after Draco and his minions had left, their compartment door was opened again and a girl that both Harry and Neville recognized stood in the doorway. "Wotcher Harry. Wotcher Neville." The girl had bubblegum pink hair, a heart shaped face and pretty blue gray eyes. Harry blinked at her and then returned her lighthearted smile.
The train took a sharp turn, sending Tonks stumbling headfirst into the compartment where she sprawled face-first into the floor. "I'm alright!" She sighed, sitting up and rubbing her nose. "Damn feet." Her hair turned bright red.
Harry had spent some time talking to his guardians and the marauders about the people who had been at the will reading, and Tonks had held a lot of interest for both the boys as she was a Hogwarts student and a metamorphmagus.
Both Neville and Harry rushed to help her to her feet and Harry felt inclined to keep a hand on her arm to keep her steady. She grinned down at him and said, "Thanks."
Harry introduced her to the girls before asking her, "So you're a seventh year right? In Hufflepuff House?" Harry had done his homework and wanted her to know that he had cared enough to ask.
Tonks grinned impishly, "Yep." She sat with the firsties then and said, "So I have something for you Harry." She handed over a letter. "It's from my mother. She wanted me to give it to you. I'm afraid that she also is a bit miffed with your godfather."
Harry nodded having been privy to a conversation between Sirius and Remus about Andromeda Tonks.
Sirius was still hurt that Andromeda had believed him capable of murder. Remus had attempted to get Sirius to see reason by pointing out that the whole magical world had thought he was guilty of murder. But Sirius wouldn't be budged, even when Remus had pointed out that he had forgiven Remus for believing the same thing.
"Yeah, I think Sirius will forgive your mum soon. I mean Remus is working on it." Harry told the seventh year. "A lot of people didn't believe in him or give him a chance to explain." Harry felt the need to defend his godfather.
Tonks nodded. "Oh, I get it. Believe me. I just… Maybe you can put in a good word for her? I know she wants to make amends."
"But enough with the heavy. What house are you hoping for?" Tonks changed the subject noticing that the girls were paying an inordinate amount of interest to their conversation.
Both Hanna and Susan were hoping for Hufflepuff they told Tonks. Harry and Neville without hesitation said Gryffindor. Tonks, herself a Hufflepuff, told them a bit about her house, but when pressed she refused to tell them how they were sorted.
They shared their sweets with the seventh year but she soon after excused herself. "I better get back to my friends before they think I fell off the train." She half-joked. "You'll be wanting to put on your robes soon. We're almost there."
With a final mischievous wink, she left the compartment followed soon after by Harry and Neville who waited outside while Susan and Hannah changed into their robes. The girls then paid them the same courtesy and Neville and Harry quickly donned their school robes.
Neville gave his friend a grin because during the journey Harry had thrown off his homesickness and had despite himself had enjoyed the journey. "Hannah was nice." Neville confided to his friend.
Harry gave his friend a teasing look. "Yeah?"
Neville blushed when he realized what his friend was implying and shook his head, "No! I mean not like that!" Neville stammered which made Harry laugh.
"Relax Nev. I'm kidding. They both were very nice." Harry reassured his friend.
About fifteen minutes later they were pulling into Hogsmeade Station and Neville and Harry were ushered into small boats by Hagrid.
The two boys stared in awe at the castle, awash in magical light that gleamed like a promise in the dark. Harry couldn't help thinking that he would wake up and be back under the cupboard under the stairs and all of this would turn out to be a dream.
He shared a look with Neville who leaned over and whispered, "I think I'm going to be sick."
"Just breathe Neville. We got this." Harry took his own advice and breathed in the magic.