Chapter 3
Harry entered the station with nerves and excitement coursing through his body. Though he hadn't gotten much sleep the previous night (due to last minute checks and preparations for his first day at Hogwarts), he strode with his trolley of possessions through the station, dodging and weaving through the thousands of people walking around with bags and luggage. They all seemed to walk with purpose, and today was the day he could finally say that for himself.
He stared at his ticket
"Platform 9 ¾ - Hogwarts Express, 11 O'clock"
And there he stood, Platform 9 to the left, and Platform 10 to the right, but no sight of Platform 9 ¾. Harry observed his surroundings, looking for either a potential fellow Hogwarts student or a security guard. After a few seconds of scanning, Harry had seen a family hurrying between platforms 9 and 10 - yet not going through either. So he decided to subtly walk over towards them, maybe they knew how to get to Platform 9 ¾.
Between platforms 9 and 10, Harry's attention was drawn to a family that stood out. A girl of his age, standing between her parents, her aura emitting intellect. She was endearingly beautiful. Her curly brown hair reached below her ribs, and her expression showed warmth and excitement. Her parents, both with muggle attire, showed pride and support. Harry couldn't help but feel a curiosity about the girl.
"Come on Hermione! You don't want to miss the train on your first day at Hogwarts. It's almost 11!" A woman yelled in a hushed voice. Hogwarts? That was Harry's cue.
"Excuse me" Harry said while tapping this woman gently on the arm.
"Yes, dear?"
"I heard you say something about the train to Hogwarts, i was wondering if you could maybe tell me how i could get there too?" He asked politely. And in return, the woman gave him a warm smile.
"Ahh is this your first day at Hogwarts? It's my daughter, Hermione and her friends', first time as well! You see, you just walk straight through the barrier between platforms 9 and 10, and you'll be straight there. Try not to be scared or nervous, that makes it all the lot harder. Best to do a bit of a run if you're worried." she explained kindly. "Hermione, darling, why don't you go first and show him?"
Harry looked over to Hermione, who gave him a slight smile.
She turned towards the barrier, with her trolley at the ready, and jogged forward, soon turning into a run. And with that, Hermione had gone right through, and disappeared from the station. Harry stared at the divide, in shock and amazement. Hermione's mother gave a proud smile, and nodded.
There were two other girls, presumably Hermione's friends, who were staring at the divide, awestruck. On the right, a slender blonde stood with straight hair falling down to her waist, emitting an air of elegance. On the left, a shorter girl with fiery crimson hair, her vibrant locks contrasting with the surroundings. Both girls possessed both beauty and elegance. The girls caught Harry's eyes, his cheeks flushed red, indicating his shyness and slight embarrassment.
"Your turn now dears, the train is going to leave soon." She urged.
The blonde was the first to go, then the redhead followed shortly after.
Hermione's mother looked at Harry, indicating his turn to go. Harry nodded as he gripped onto the handles of the trolley and walked with a fast pace, picking up speed as he got closer and closer towards the barrier. He shut his eyes tightly, expecting to feel a crash, but his doubts wore off as when he next opened his eyes, he was greeted by the sound of steam trains and families bidding farewells to their children.
'Hogwarts Express' read the sign of the train. He had made it. A smile of relief appeared on his face as he boarded the train.
As the whistle pierced the air, signalling the departure, and the train lurched forward. Harry, sitting in an empty compartment, remembered this journey would be a lengthy one. A satisfied sigh escaped Harry's lips as he retrieved a book from his bag – Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein"– he immersed himself in its pages. An hour or so passed with the rhythmic pattern of rain accompanying Harry's journey through Shelley's gothic masterpiece.
Harry couldn't help but let the fatigue get the better of him. He closed the book and rested his head on the cold, yet comforting window. Eyes gently shutting, he succumbed to the melody of the moving train, drifting into a peaceful slumber.
An hour or so had passed, the compartment still remained empty, the only thing filling the silence were the light snores of Harry. There was a soft knock on the compartment door, awoken from his peaceful nap, Harry grumbled irritably as he swung open the compartment door, revealing an unexpected sight. It was the three girls Harry had seen at the barrier.
Curiosity sparkles in the girls' eyes as they meet Harry's gaze. Breaking the silence, the redhead extends a warm greeting, "Hi again! Mind if we join you? We couldn't find any other empty compartments."
"No, not at all. Have a seat!" He replied eagerly, perhaps this could be his opportunity to begin to make new friends.
However, an awkward silence settled in the compartment as the trio sized each other up. It was broken when Tracey Davis, the redhead, introduced herself, followed by Hermione Granger, then finally, the girl next to her as Daphne Greengrass. Daphne's deep blue eyes met Harry's emerald gaze as she gave a slight nod and a small smile. Harry, introducing himself simply as "Harry," no last name, no middle name. Just Harry, for now.
The silence lingered until Tracey spoke again, questioning Harry's reluctance to say his last name. Harry, with a small smirk, replied that they'd have to wait until the sorting to find out. Observing him with a curious look, Daphne couldn't help but speculate that he might be a Muggle-born. But then why would he be smirking?
"So, Harry, any reason you're keeping your last name a secret?" Hermione inquired.
Harry, leaning back with a grin, responded, "Just a little mystery. Keeps things more interesting, don't you think?"
Tracey chuckled, "Fair enough. Hogwarts is full of mysteries, after all."
Curiosity lingering, Daphne leaned forward, her deep blue eyes fixed on Harry she asked, "Which house are you hoping to be sorted into?"
Harry, pondering the question, replied thoughtfully, "Well, I've heard a lot about Gryffindor, but I'm open to whatever the Sorting Hat thinks is the best fit."
Hermione raised an eyebrow, "Gryffindor, huh? Interesting choice for someone keeping their last name under wraps."
Harry smirked, and gave a cheeky shrug in response.
Daphne chuckled, "Nothing wrong with a bit of daring. But what about you, Tracey? Any particular house you're aiming for?"
Tracey grinned, "Slytherin, of course. Cunning and resourceful – suits me perfectly."
A few moments passed by without a word until Harry spoke, "I think there's probably still another hour or two before we arrive at Hogwarts. I'm going back to taking a nap, which you so kindly disturbed." He gave them a mock stare while rolling his eyes, a playful smile accompanying it afterwards. Tracey giggled and promised, "Sorry about that, Harry, but we'll wake you up before we reach Hogwarts." Harry gave his thanks, and proceeded to doze back into sleep.
As Harry snored peacefully, Tracey, Daphne, and Hermione delved into conversations about their plans for Hogwarts. The anticipation of the magical school and the adventures that lay ahead buzzed in the air, enhancing the enchantment as the train whizzed through the landscapes.
As the Hogwarts Express continued its journey, an hour passed, and the anticipation within the compartment grew. The rhythmic sound of the train on the tracks created a soothing backdrop to the trio's journey.
Eventually, Tracey, true to her word, gently woke Harry from his nap. "Hey, Sleeping Beauty, we're almost there. Time to wake up," she teased, giving him a playful nudge.
Harry stretched and yawned. "Thanks, Tracey." He glanced out of the window, noticing the changing scenery as the train approached Hogwarts.
The excitement in the compartment reached its peak as the majestic turrets of the Hogwarts Castle came into view. The train slowed to a stop, and the trio gathered their belongings, ready to leave the Hogwarts Express.
As they stepped off the train onto the platform, the cool air of the Scottish Highlands greeted them. The magical aura surrounding Hogwarts was chilling.
A large man stood not too far from them. In fact, He was probably three times as tall as a regular man, and perhaps two times as wide. He had long, thick, scruffy-looking hair
"Make sure ye get all yer bags kids!" The man said with a thick west country accent. As he was doing so, his eyes met Harry's and a smile formed across the man's face - grinning ear to ear. Harry had also smiled back, something about this man seemed all too familiar.
—
The massive hall echoed with a hushed excitement as Harry, Tracey, and Daphne took their places among the sea of first-year students. The enchanted ceiling above painted a breathtaking inky night sky, with stars which sparkled in real time – capturing the essence of the magical world they were about to enter.
Professor McGonagall stood at the front, holding the Sorting Hat and a scroll in her hands. "When I call your name, you will come up here and sit down on the stool," she announced with authority. "I will then place this hat on your head. You will be sorted into a house, and once that is done, you will go and join your house. Let us begin. Hannah Abbot."
The nervous-looking girl with blonde hair slowly walked forward, her eyes darting around the Great Hall. She hesitated for a moment before taking a seat on the stool. Professor McGonagall gently placed the Sorting Hat on her head. The hall fell into a momentary silence, tension building as everyone awaited the Hat's decision.
After what felt like an eternity, the Sorting Hat shouted, "HUFFLEPUFF!" Cheers erupted from the Hufflepuff table, and Hannah Abbot, now beaming, made her way toward her newfound housemates.
The sorting continued, names being called one after another. Each student approached the stool with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. The Sorting Hat, seemingly privy to the deepest corners of their personalities, took its time deciding the fate of each student.
As the sorting progressed, Harry and his newfound friends couldn't help but marvel at the diversity of the houses. Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff each gained new members. The atmosphere in the Great Hall buzzed with a combination of anxiety and excitement.
The anticipation heightened as Professor McGonagall's voice echoed through the Great Hall. "Tracey Davis!" Tracey exchanged glances with Harry, Daphne, and Hermione. receiving reassuring looks from them all. With a heavy sigh, she made her way to the stool.
Tracey sat down, and the Sorting Hat took its time as if engaging in a thoughtful conversation with her. Finally, it shouted, "SLYTHERIN!" Tracey removed the hat, squealing, and sharing a joyful look with her friends, before heading to the Slytherin table, greeted by welcoming cheers.
The sorting continued, and soon it was Daphne's turn. The hall hushed as Professor McGonagall called, "Daphne Greengrass!" Daphne smiled, walking up confidently, casting a glance at her friends. The Sorting Hat barely touched her head before declaring, "Slytherin!" Daphne joined Tracey at the Slytherin table, the two exchanging celebratory smiles.
Daphne and Tracey exchanged eager glances, both silently hoping that Harry would join them in Slytherin as they awaited his turn. The Great Hall stemmed with anticipation as Professor McGonagall called out, "Harry Potter." The name echoed through the hall, raising whispers, stares and pointing fingers.
At the Slytherin table, Tracey and Daphne's eyes widened, jaws dropping in realisation that they had befriended the Boy Who Lived. Harry, however, met their gaze with a small grin, seemingly unfazed by the attention. He calmly walked up to the stool, where the Sorting Hat awaited, and took a seat.
As the Sorting Hat settled onto Harry's head, the hall fell into an expectant hush. The whispers grew more apparent as the Hat delved into its thought. Harry's expression remained blank, and Daphne and Tracey exchanged quick glances, silently conveying their anticipation.
As Harry settled under the Sorting Hat, a voice whispered in his mind, "Ah, another Potter. Quite the legacy you have, my boy. Gryffindor, where courage dwells, would be fitting, or perhaps... Slytherin?"
"Slytherin?" Harry responded internally, surprise apparent, as his thoughts echoed through the chamber of the hat. "And how will Slytherin be a good choice for me?"
The Sorting Hat chuckled in response, its voice resonating in Harry's thoughts. "Slytherin has produced some of the most powerful witches and wizards, and it's also the house of ambition, resourcefulness, and cunningness, which I can clearly see you possess. You've got a thirst to prove yourself, don't you, Harry Potter?"
Harry paused and contemplated this for a moment, a curiosity burning within him. "I want to make my mark, to explore the depths of my power and its potential."
The Sorting Hat seemed to nod, as if it understood Harry's evolving mindset. "Very well, Harry. BETTER BE SLYTHERIN!", the Sorting Hat yelled, it's voice booming across the Great Hall.
The hall fell into a silence, a pin-drop moment that lingered. Tension hung thick in the air as seconds ticked away without any announcement. Harry, feeling a bit uncertain, finally stood up and carefully placed the Sorting Hat on the stool.
The silence was broken by an elderly man with a long white beard, seated in the middle of the high table on a golden throne. The headmaster, Harry presumed. A slow and deliberate applause began, starting from the high table and gradually spreading throughout the Great Hall. Moments later, the hall erupted with screams from Slytherin, they now had Harry Potter, The Boy Who Lived, in their house - fuling their sense of pride.
As Harry made his way to the Slytherin table, he couldn't ignore the curious glances and wide-eyed stares. The whispers and conversations around him were a mixture of awe, speculation, and doubt.
He approached Tracey and Daphne, who had thoughtfully left a seat empty for him. As he settled between them, before he could say anything, Tracey exploded with questions, demanding to know why he hadn't revealed that he was The Harry Potter. The questions continued to pour out, creating a buzz of excitement around them.
Daphne intervened with an amused smile, suggesting that Tracey calm down. She, too, seemed curious about why Harry had insisted on keeping his identity a secret. Harry chuckled and explained that sometimes it's better to keep things hidden and make a grand entrance, today being an epiphany of that. Tracey responded with a light punch to his shoulder, followed by a playful "Prick."
The trio were now waiting for Hermione. And surely enough, after a few moments, Hermione was called to the stool. Professor McGonagall placed the hat on her head. Silence lingered in the air for a while, Hermione had a look of confidence. The silence was finally broken when the Sorting Hat yelled "RAVENCLAW!" A smile appeared on her face, and the Gryffindor table cheered, later receiving applause from all across the hall.
Eventually, the hall settled down. All the first-years had now been sorted into their houses accordingly. The headmaster, which Harry learned was named Albus Dumbledore, stood up.
"Welcome, students, to a new year at Hogwarts!" Dumbledore's voice echoed through the hall, and the attention of every student was now focused on him. "I see familiar faces and many new ones. We are here to learn, to grow, and to create friendships and alliances that will last a lifetime."
Dumbledore's gaze momentarily lingered on Harry, then darted to the friends he had made along the way. He flashed a smile at him, before saying, "Now, I believe you must be hungry after your journey. Let the feast begin!"
With a clap of his hands, the Great Hall transformed. Plates appeared in front of each student, filled with many traditional dishes inclusive to all. Excitement and enthusiasm filled the air. Dumbledore encouraged everyone to dig in, and the students needed no further invitation.
The trio, along with their fellow Slytherins, indeed dug into the feast, exchanging stories along with laughter. Each dish began to be replaced after being finished, awaiting for the next student to indulge in. The ceiling overhead showed a live view of the inky night sky, adding a magical element to the Great Hall.
"So, Harry Potter eh? What's it like being the Boy Who Lived? You surely must have had enough fame to last a lifetime already!" Daphne said, while taking a bite out of the steak.
Harry gave a slight chuckle, running a hand through his unruly hair. "Well, not yet. I've only ever really had two main encounters. One of them was when I was getting my wand, the man seemed to already know my name and addressed me as 'The Wizarding World's Saviour', though I think he meant it in a mocking way. And today was my second time I guess. But I figured it's more fun to keep things interesting. Besides, I wanted to be just another wizard, not Harry Potter, if only for a while."
Tracey added, "Well, you certainly succeeded in that. And hey, I'm sure you'll live up to that title soon enough. I think we all knew that Slytherin had its secrets, but Harry Potter, 'The Wizarding World's saviour' 'The Boy Who Lived' seems to be holding many more!" chuckling at her own remarks.
The trio all exchanged amused glances, the bond between them strengthening with every shared moment. The words of Dumbledore being evident - "We are here to create friendships and alliances that will last a lifetime".
As the last of the food disappeared, Dumbledore stood up again. Just before your prefects take you back to your dorms I have a few more announcements to make."
"The third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is strictly off-limits to all who do not wish to die a very painful death. To those who might be tempted, know that a creature of unspeakable horror guards that corridor. You have been warned."
The gravity of Dumbledore's words hung in the air, casting a momentary shadow over the eager faces of the students. Despite the ominous warning, Dumbledore's demeanour shifted back to a cheerful one.
"Mr Filtch, our caretaker, has also asked me to remind you that no magic should be used in the corridors in between classes. Quidditch trials will be held in the coming weeks, and we have some exciting surprises in store for this school year. But for now, let the feast be remembered as a splendid beginning to the year. To our new and returning students, welcome! And to the beginning of another magical year at Hogwarts!" With a final twinkle in his eye, Dumbledore sat back down, signalling the end of his speech.
—
After the feast, the first-years were led to the Common Rooms by the prefects.
Geo, Slytherin's prefect, led them to the dormitories, a sinister grin playing on his lips. There was a great door before the Slytherin Common Room, an entrance with three snakes. Two snakes on either side and one large one, teeth piercing the very air above them, as if ready to attack any who were unwelcome. It was a very large and spacious room, covered in emerald and silver. The walls were covered with ancient paintings of the great witches and wizards which came before them. What was mesmerising about these paintings were that they seemed to come to life. You'd occasionally be greeted by their waves of the neighing of their unicorns - or whatever magical animal they had.
Chills were sent down Harry's spine as they entered the dimly lit common room, the air seemed to thicken with an unspoken tension and fear of the unknown. Geo's eyes shone with intensity and assertion as he addressed the new Slytherin recruits.
"Welcome to Slytherin, where cunning and ambition thrive," Geo proclaimed, his voice carrying an eerie confidence. "In this house, we value strength, resilience, and the ability to adapt. It's survival of the fittest, my friends."
As Geo delivered his foreboding speech about the unpredictability of Slytherin, a hushed conversation among the students began. A daring fourth-year, couldn't contain the unsettling news any longer. He quickly whispered to his friend "Did you hear about the sixth-year who got sent to St. Mungo's? I heard he challenged one of the seventh-year student to a duel and got beaten badly. Ever since then no one's heard of him."
The murmur spread like wildfire, casting a shadow over the room. The air grew tense as Geo turned instantly to the source of the voice glaring at him, no one had ever dared to interrupt him. The no longer daring fourth-year cowered under the cold glare shaking immensely.
Geo's eyes flashed with fury. "You dare interrupt me?" Geo bellowed, his voice echoing through the common room. The room fell silent, everyone's attention now solely on the unfolding confrontation.
Attempting to apologise, the fourth-year stammered, "I'm sorry, sir. I didn't—"
Geo, unwilling to tolerate any further disruption, raised his wand with a swift, practised motion. "Dissendium!" he roared, casting the spell directly at the daring student. The room was filled with a sudden, eerie quiet as the fourth-year was hurled backward, crashing into the stone wall with a sickening thud.
The collective gasp of the bystanders filled the room, their shock evident. The fourth-year lay unconscious on the floor, a trickle of blood marking the impact. The collective gasp of the bystanders filled the room, their shock evident. The boy lay unconscious on the floor, a trickle of blood marking the impact. He turned to one of the prefects, nodding at him "Take him to the infirmary." Geo ordered. The other prefect nodded in agreement and walked over to the 4th year picked him up and walked out of the room.
He turned back to the crowd, "Disruptions will not be tolerated while I'm speaking, am I understood?" he declared, his manic grin returning, coldly observing the room.
"Yes sir!" A collective response came from the students.
"Good, now as I was saying, let me give you a piece of advice. Slytherin is not just a house; it's a battlefield. Form alliances, create bonds, because within these walls, you'll find challenges and traitors at every turn. Fights can erupt unexpectedly, and some might end up paying a lengthy visit to the nurse – and some may not make it back at all. Madame Pomfrey has had all too many of our students in the infirmary – too many tales to tell. So it's best to stay in your lane, and know where you and your loyalties stand."
Slight gasps of shock appeared as Geo's words hung in the air. The students exchanged uncertain glances comprehending everything that just happened. Geo left the room, giving just one, final, sly chuckle, leaving the students to settle in the dark reality.
Harry, Tracy, and Daphne walked further into the room, emotions radiating with a feeling of The Sublime.
"I think it's safe to say that we may not be safe in Slytherin." Tracy said with a heavy sigh, flopping on a beanbag in the corner.
"Honestly, I mean was making a student fly across the classroom really necessary?! And the poor boy was bleeding!" Daphne chimed in, with horror in her voice.
Harry exhaled deeply, "Really is survival of the fittest in here." Before he could finish his sentence, he was interrupted.
A gasp escaped Tracey's mouth, "Oh my god, did you guys hear about the things that happen in the dormitories?" her remembrance of her revelation leaving her wide-eyes. Both Harry and Daphne shook their heads and shrugged.
"No, we haven't. Care to fill us in?" Daphne replied
"Well, it's said that the older years often sneak into the girls' dormitories! And no one is able to stop them, it's been happening for years!"
"How disgusting! How are they even getting away with that?" Daphne said, seemingly repulsed.
Well, you saw what Geo did to the fourth-year. Nothing is really going to stop the older years from doing whatever. You can't really be surprised, after all they are–" Harry's sentence was interrupted.
"Harry Potter, is it?" Harry looked behind him to see a blonde with a slick back called out walking towards Harry. His face was pale, superiority written all over it.
"Get lost Malfoy!" Daphne hissed, leaving no room for Harry to respond.
"Well, well, that's not very nice of you Greengrass, is it? You all heard what Dumbledore and Geo said - we are here to make alliances and friendships." the boy snickered.
Tracey scowled, "Go find someone else to bother, you are unwanted here."
"No one gave you permission to speak, mudblood."
Harry, unaware of what was actually happening, finally spoke, "Guys, let's just see what he wants." Both Daphne and Tracey exchanged a seething glance, and nodded reluctantly.
Harry, turning to Malfoy, "Yes, I am. What's it to you, Malfoy is it?"
Malfoy flashed his eyebrows at the girls, while smirking to himself. "Yes, Draco Malfoy. Pleasure to meet at last Harry potter." he put his hand out for a handshake, and Harry hesitantly obliged, glancing at Daphne and Tracey with uncertainty. "I've heard a lot about you, Potter. I've heard the tales – truly remarkable your story is. And not just yours, – your family's too. You see, my family, the Malfoys, had a great history with the Potters. My father said that it was one of the strongest intercession of family alliances to have lasted. And up until now, it was thought to be lost."
Harry just blankly stared at him, "Thank you, I guess." not knowing what else to say.
Malfoy continued, "'Till now, no one had known where you had gone. And I think this would be an opportunity to reform the alliance that was once formed between our families. As Dumbledore said, after all, we are here to make friendships and alliances to last a lifetime. What do you say, Potter?"
Harry, once again, looked at Daphne and Tracey, unsure of what to do. However, they too, were unsure of what to do. But then, a spark lit in Harry's brain. This really was
an opportunity to reform the alliance. To carry on what his parents were once a part of. To carry on the Legacy of the Potters. After all, the Malfoy's did seem to hold a lot of power and influence too.
"I agree. It would be a great opportunity for us." Harry finally replied. Daphne and Tracey both exchanged shocked expressions. Malfoy's smirk widened.
"Pleasure doing business with you, Potter." Malfoy expressed, while walking away.
"Since we're going to be in an alliance now, you should get used to calling me Harry, Draco." Harry called out. Draco paused for a minute.
"We'll see about that, Potter." Draco replied with a grin, continuing to walk off.
"Are you sure about this, Harry?" Daphne asked, uneasy with the idea.
"Yes, trust me. This would open up many doors and opportunities for us. We don't want to miss out!" Harry said with certainty.
The girls both exchanged a look, then slowly began nodding.
"Fair enough, after all, it is a smart idea I guess." Daphne admitted.
A yawn escaped Tracey's lips. "I'm off to bed, it's getting late and we need to be up early tomorrow. Daphne, you coming?" Daphne nodded in agreement.
"Right then, in that case, goodnight, Harry."
"Night, Harry"
Harry smiled and waved them goodbye, "Goodnight. Sleep well, both of you. See you in the morning."
With that, Tracey and Daphne bid Harry farewell and headed towards the Girls Dormitories. Harry, however, also felt tired, but not tired enough to be able to fall asleep. So he got out "Frankenstein", and continued to read.
After a while, eventually he had found himself drowsy, and figured that it was indeed time to go to bed.
Harry changed into his pyjamas and settled onto his bed, staring up at the enchanted ceiling. He found himself stuck in a reverie, thoughts of all the new information he had discovered today replaying in his mind. He couldn't help but wish that his parents were there, able to hear about all the new Hogwarts updates, and experiences. However, there was nothing Harry could do but wonder.
As the memories of today's events replayed in his head, a soft yawn escaped Harry's lips. Turning to his side, he took off his glasses and put them on the bedside table. He then closed his eyes, allowing the sleep to take over him.
Tomorrow was going to be a day filled with more adventures and discoveries. He'd officially start going to classes, magical classes.