First Year
Neville hears the train compartment door slide open and rushes to crawl back out from underneath the seat he was searching. Ever so clumsy, he bumps his head on the seat and groans.
“What are you looking for?”
A girl with bushy hair and rather large front teeth raises an eyebrow in question as she peers down at Neville. She looks friendly enough despite the bossiness in her tone.
“My toad Trevor! I’ve lost him somewhere on the train, I can’t seem to keep a hold of him. He’s just so slippery you know? Anyways my gran will be so upset if she finds out I’ve lost him again.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll help you look for him. He couldn’t have gotten far. My name is Hermione Granger by the way.”
She holds out her hand and Neville notices when she tries to wipe it discreetly on her robes after he shakes it.
“Um, Neville Longbottom. First year. Thank you very much Hermione.”
••
Neville lets Hermione take the lead as they knock on door after door. Trevor is nowhere in sight. Neville is ready to give up once they’re threatened with a stinging jinx after interrupting two snogging sixth years. Hermione continues to march on despite Neville’s pleas, she’s barely tapped the next door when they hear a commotion near the back of the train.
“WHAT IS THAT THING!”
They rush to follow the sound of shrieking girls all the way to the back of the train and before Hermione can open the door, they’re confronted by a sneering Pansy Parkinson holding up Trevor.
“Im assuming this revolting creature is yours.”
Pansy walks past Hermione with her nose in the air and promptly drops Trevor into Nevilles hands.
“You’re lucky I caught him before Milicent’s cat did.”
“Thanks Pansy! Wow he really likes you!”
Neville beams at Pansy and gestures to the way Trevor attempts to jump back in Pansy’s arms.
Pansy prods a sharp,manicured finger into Neville’s chest.
“I want you and your disgusting pet to stay far away from me. Got it Longbottom? I better not see your portly face coming around here again” Pansy slams the compartment door shut and leaves Neville in a daze.
“Well she wasn’t very nice! You knew her name, are you two familiar with each other? Im not sure I want to be friends with someone who’s acquainted with someone like her!” Hermione huffs and crosses her arms, tapping her foot impatiently as she waits for him to answer.
“That was Pansy Parkinson, I only know her because her mum used to bring her over for tea at my gran’s. I haven’t spoken to her in years though. I don’t think she really likes me.”
Hermione nods and smiles apologetically.
“It’s okay Neville, I’ll be your friend. Let’s go find somewhere to sit and- OH NO, you’ve let him get away AGAIN!”