A Different Train Ride

The three arrived exactly where Harry had envisioned: the approach to Gringotts. He looked at his two passengers.

Both were looking around, Neville a little more shocked because Ron had already experienced this.

The Traveler got their attention. "Ron." The red-head looked at him. He handed over the letter. "This is for you to hand over, since your name is on it. Don't be too nervous but don't act like a Malfoy. Alright?"

Ron snorted. "Like I would act like that ponce."

Harry smirked. "I've seen it – I much preferred your behaviour before your hormones kicked in. You're a good kid but your jealousy can get ugly. My own Ron probably left me and/or Hermione 4 times before coming back after he settled down."

Ron did not look happy at that idea.

Harry turned to Neville. "Neville, you are going to help get revenge on the Death Eaters who attacked your parents."

Wide-eyed at that, Neville stood straighter. "How?"

"You are going to tell the Goblins the following: 'Honored Manager, I have come to learn something that might negatively affect your bank and have come to report it. Through a trusted source, I have learned that Bellatrix Lestrange, blood enemy to the House of Longbottom, has likely placed within her Gringotts vault an item that is cursed with the foulest of magics, one which might affect any sentient it comes into contact with.'

"'While I do not know if this is grounds for any penalty against the vault holder, I felt it best that you are aware so that any action you feel appropriate under law, treaty, or contract can be made.' And if he asks what it is, only say that you know it is a Founder's relic – Hufflepuff's Cup – stolen from its previous owner, and cursed by Tom Riddle. Okay?"

Neville nodded. He would not fail to bring that bitch any trouble he could send her. This was something he would have NO problem remembering.

Harry ensured the two boys were ready and then led them to Gringotts. It being September 1st, the lines were small and they were soon being seen by a teller. "Honored Teller, I am named Marak Illumian by those of your race, and I wish to speak to someone with authority to deal with vital matters."

The goblin looked at the human and ensured that he appeared as records indicated. Satisfied, he asked, "And these are?"

"Neville Longbottom of House Longbottom, and Ronald Weasley of House Weasley, youngest brother to one of your employees."

The teller inspected the two boys before dropping down and disappearing into the back. Very soon, the three were led to an office.

They were presented to a goblin named Steelknife. When the goblin motioned them to sit, instead of sitting Ron put the letter on the desk and waited.

The goblin looked at the human child curiously and then opened the letter. The manager's eyes widened slightly as he read it – it was his only reaction. When he was done, he looked at the child.

"Your signature is on this?"

"Yes, sir."

"And you didn't report this earlier why?"

Ron sighed. "I didn't think of it. I also thought that Dumbledore would report it to whoever needed to know because it happened at Hogwarts. He," Ron pointed his thumb at the Traveler, "told Harry that it likely hadn't happened and so we wrote this and signed it." Ron paused. "If there's going to be punishment, punish me. Hermione and Harry were muggle-raised and didn't know. My brother is a cursebreaker for you guys – I should have thought of it." Ron then stood taller, waiting for judgment. The Traveler reflected that Ron before hormones really was a better sort than he was before his balls dropped.

The manager asked curiously, "You would take the punishment for the other two?"

"They're my friends," was his only response.

The goblin nodded. "Your loyalty does you proud. We will accept this as youthful inexperience. Pray tell your cohort that the mistake should not be repeated." Ron nodded, relieved that there seemed to be nothing bad happening because of this.

The goblin looked at the Travler curiously. "You are amused?" he asked the smiling man.

"Sorry. But your words are better than you know: Cohort is appropriate."

"Oh?" the manager asked curiously.

"Their bonds were forged facing a twelve foot tall troll last year. Ron here," he put his hand on the boy's shoulder, "was the one to knock the troll out using its own club, employing a spell he had failed at learning just hours earlier. Battle brings on close bonds."

The goblin looked at the boy, who had a slight blush but who was otherwise calm. "Interesting." He turned to the other boy. "And you?"

Neville stood straight and looked the goblin right in the eye, which would have amazed his Gran or the Professors who taught him: There was a reason he was sorted into Gryffindor.

Neville dutifully reported what the Traveler had told him and then stood back.

The goblin considered the boy and then asked the Traveler, "And your part in this?"

"A facilitator. I was the one who told him of the Lestranges' possible breech in contract, thus allowing him to achieve some measure of revenge for what they did to his family. I am certain that you understand the idea of revenge against one's enemies."

The goblin grinned at this. He addressed Neville. "We shall inspect the vault, young wizard. And if it is as your report states, we will inform you of the consequences against that vault holder. You did not make any guarantees that the item is actually there and did not order us to perform any actions, only asking us to act as we desire. So if the item is not there, we will not penalize you. I find myself hoping it is there so that we can aid in getting revenge on those beasts."

Neville had a small smile as he nodded. "Revenge against enemies and profit while achieving it."

"You will go far, young one," the manager said approvingly.

The Traveler asked to speak privately and the two boys were led out of the office, waiting with a guard who was nearby. They talked about what had just happened.

After about fifteen minutes, the Traveler and the manager came out and they were led to a station where the Traveler was given gold against Harry's account. "Return in ninety minutes and that other matter will be resolved. Ensure you have the needed item."

The Traveler grinned and nodded. The two boys were curious but the Traveler would only say, "It's a gift for Luna."

Ollivander was surprised to find two customers who should have visited him a year earlier, but quickly helped the two boys with finding proper wands as late birthday gifts. Harry also purchased several inexpensive holsters – pigskin and not Dragonhide. Harry and the Traveler had agreed that spending too much money on Harry's friends might offend them. He did buy a Dragonhide holster for Harry.

Ollivander also helped wrap the other two wands up for return to the families – only Aurors were allowed to carry two wands as a matter of course.

Harry then quickly led the two boys to the Magical Menagerie. Ron was allowed to pick out an owl. He picked a Little Owl – not wanting to allow too much money to be spent on it. The owl was lively and Ron instantly fell in love with it.

Crookshanks was right where Harry expected – Hermione was getting the cat as an early birthday present. Harry and the Traveler figured it was best to ask forgiveness than permission in this case. Harry had also said to get Ginny a pet as a late birthday gift. Ron helped pick out one he thought Ginny would like, a black and white spotted kitten.

Harry picked out one more set of items – the two boys with him were really curious but decided they would find out soon anyway.

They made it back to Gringotts with only a few minutes to spare. The two boys were shocked at what the last item was but both agreed that Luna would love it. It had only cost Harry a few galleons – the goblins were feeling generous toward their visitors.

The boys carried everything while Harry provided transport once again – it was a good thing that he had his abilities that were different from apparation because apparating onto a moving train would otherwise be very inadvisable.

The three girls and Harry had spent the intervening time getting to know each other. Harry had found Ginny, once she got over her shyness, to be quite the firecracker. The stories of what she would do to the twins if they pranked her make him very uncomfortable even as he laughed. He would try to stay on her good side.

Luna frustrated Hermione, amused Harry, and was calmly accepted by Ginny. Regardless, the newly made friends were found quite acceptable – you couldn't help but love the little blond girl.

Harry had opened up a little bit about his childhood – he had told the story of the zoo and a few instances of his accidental magic. Luckily, none of the girls pitied him – he would have hated that.

Hermione just enjoyed making friends who were girls – as mature as she was she was still just twelve (almost thirteen) and the idea of close friends, even if slightly younger, made her happy.

Suddenly, the three who had left appeared right in front of them – it was good that they avoided being in the middle of the compartment for just this reason.

The girls were a bit wide-eyed at the fact that the returnees had several cages they were carrying.

Harry jumped up, grinning. "All set?" he asked the Traveler.

"Yes. No problem at all."

"Okay, which one is first?"

Ron held up the cage with the small tiger-like creature. Truthfully, it made him nervous but if Hermione liked him … Ron said, "Harry paid for him and I picked him up, so Happy Early Birthday, Hermione. Meet Crookshanks."

Hermione almost squealed as she accepted the cage and quickly opened it. The large half-kneazle immediately jumped out and onto her lap, claiming his human. She was instantly in love. "He's soooo pretty!"

The others weren't as enthusiastic – but to each her own.

Ron showed the others his new owl. "This is Chudley." Ginny snickered – Ron just rolled his eyes. "He's my new owl." Ron put the cage up where most students kept their owls on the Express, leaving the cover on so that the owl could sleep.

Neville handed one cage to Ginny. Harry said, "Happy late birthday – I didn't have anything when were at the Burrow but I hope you like it. Ron helped pick it out."

Ginny was also quickly entranced by the new addition. A big half-kneazle was good for Hermione but Ginny was far happier with a kitten. She quickly hugged the boys and then retrieved her new cat which she called Blackie – unlike most black and white cats where their face was often white surrounded by black, this kitten had a completely black head and had white spots over its body..

The Traveler sighed in relief internally at her reaction – a kitten was a far better confident for a little Ginny Weasley than that damned Diary.

Neville handed the last covered cage to Luna, who looked at it curiously. The Traveler explained, "In many universes, these can be found living near the goblins. Such was the case here. They eat roots and tubers and things that grow in the ground. They are utterly harmless except to sweets which they will steal – so keep your chocolate locked up."

Luna pulled the cover back and, suddenly, her expression was not spacey anymore – at all. Her wide eyes took in the small bunny-like creature which had ears which were twisted like the crumpled horns which adorned its forehead. The small creature snuffled at the girl who had put her face so close to the cage.

The others covered their ears in response to the Traveler's motions (except Luna who only had eyes on the creature in the cage) just in time. Luna gave out joyous shriek when she finally realized that, yes, she had just been given a Crumple-Horned Snorcack.

Harry would later remark that Luna must be related to that Houdini bloke that he had heard about as a kid with how fast she had the cage open as was snuggling with the small creature. The wee' beastie (as Hagrid tended to call it when he was introduced) seemed to soak up the attention. Luna named it Cocoa for its light brown fur.

After the amazement had been overcome and the children had all met their new pets as the case may be, Harry handed out the holsters as early Christmas gifts. "Not as good as Dragonhide, but much better than keeping it in your pocket. Safer too."

Harry learned from the Traveler that he had only spent 65 Galleons total (of which 20 were for his own holster, meaning that the rest was less than 50) – he accepted the rest of the Galleons and put them away. He considered the money well spent.

With a bit over an hour left to the train ride, the boys retreated to the passageway to allow the girls to change and then the groups reversed. The remaining time was spent talking about the pets and the wands that had been gotten.

When the Express arrived to Hogwarts, Harry retrieved the Diary and the cage holding Pettigrew and said, "Okay, Folks. Let's go." He allowed Ginny to hold the Diary so that she could give it to the Headmaster. Even though she would rather not, she wanted the satisfaction of turning it over. Ron took Scabbers for the same reason. Luna came with for her own particular reason.

The Traveler snagged Percy on the way, as he had information about Scabbers. He was confused as to why the man had dragged him over to his younger siblings but said nothing as he saw they were approaching the Headmaster, a Ministry official (Madam Bones), an Auror (Mad-Eye Moody) with his apprentice (he recognized Tonks as being a graduate from the year before – he didn't use her first name even in his mind as he remembered being hexed), AND his parents.

The Traveler stopped with the students and said, "Hello, Headmaster Dumbledore, Amelia Bones, etc."

Albus Dumbledore looked at the man who arrived with Harry Potter and his friends curiously. "Hello. And who may you be?"

About the answer, Harry glanced around. "Excuse me." He addressed a particular group of students who were lollygagging nearby. "Mr. Malfoy. Once again this is a private conversation. Your presence is not needed. Please make your way with your fellow students to the carriages which will take you to the school."

Looking slightly mutinous, Draco Malfoy and his minions quickly retreated. Harry nodded in satisfaction. He glanced over to the young red-head.

Ginny came forward and handed the Diary to the Headmaster. "Headmaster? This book was in my textbook when I returned home after visiting Diagon Alley. Lucius Malfoy had picked up my book after they had been knocked over and he was the only one who could have put it there. He," she pointed to the Traveler, "said that Tom Riddle was you-know-who and that the fact it writes back when you write in it is really bad."

The Headmaster looked at the book with eyes slightly widened even as Mrs. Weasley in the background screeched in response to what she had just head. He addressed his student. "Thank you, Ms. Weasley, for bringing this to me. You have done the Wizarding world a great service. Please be ready to be called to my office as necessary to further discuss this as needed."

Ginny nodded and retreated. Luna didn't wait but walked forward, holding up her cage. "Headmaster? The school list said owl, cat, or toad, but I was given Cocoa, which is a Crumple Horned Snorcack. Can I keep her at school?" Luna gave her most soulful look to the Headmaster.

Once again surprised, the Headmaster replied, "I have never seen one, only having heard about them from your father's magazine."

The Traveler provided, "They live near the goblins and are harmless, eating roots and tubors. And they like sweets."

The Headmaster nodded and noticed the friendly nature of the creature in the cage. He smiled and said, "I see no problem with giving a special dispensation. I would enjoy seeing the creature again later when time permits."

Luna gave a happy smile. "Thank you, Headmaster!"

The Traveler motioned to the girls. "Go and see Hagrid who'll help you. Luna? Hagrid will watch Cocoa during the sorting for you – just tell him it's a Crumple Horned Snorcack and that you'll bring her to his hut when you have time for him to meet it properly." He watched with a smile as the two young girls quickly moved to where the other first years were.

Ron was done being patient and he pushed forward. "The older Harry told me that Scabbers here isn't really a rat but is an animagus named Peter Pettigrew who was the real traitor who set You-Know-Who after Harry's parents. We've had him for nine years since Percy found him when we were younger. Percy gave him to me when he got an owl. He said that the man in Azkaban is innocent and is Harry's Godfather."

Amelia, Alastor Moody, Nymphadora Tonks, and Albus Dumbledore were in shock as young youngest Weasley brother turned the cage over. Seeing no other choice, he passed it on to Amelia Bones.

The Traveler interjected, "Considering he's listed as a dead man, and that he's been hiding in a Pureblood home for eight years around small boys, I don't think there is anything stopping you from giving the rat bastard Veritaserum before Fudge or Malfoy can prevent it. You'll note the Dark Mark on his arm once you force him to transform back to a human. Sirius Black is innocent and has never had a trial. If you don't take care of it, Harry here," he put his hand on his younger self's shoulder, "will actually use his fame to crucify the Ministry for denying him his Godfather. I'd take care of it quickly and quietly if I were you until he's in front of the Wizengamot."

Harry, the local one, was nodding vigorously. "I hate my fame but that won't stop me if my Godfather isn't taken care of properly."

The Weasley Parents and Percy were in shock when they found out exactly who Scabbers was. They were fully supportive of Harry as he spoke about getting the truth out of the fugitive. Molly was a bit worried about Harry consorting with someone who had been in Azkaban.

Amelia looked at the rat in the cage, who had woken up and was now running around uselessly, and said, "We'll take care of it." She turned the cage over to Mad Eye, who looked at the small creature with a vicious smile.

The Traveler said, "I think the rest can be taken care of inside. The carriages?"

The students all got into once carriage, Percy volunteering to get them inside, while the adults all got into another. The Traveler casually enlarged the inside, allowing room for them all.

Once inside the carriage, Harry addressed Amelia. "Madam Bones? Do you have an Auror who is on medical leave or who is about to retire who can take a year off to teach Defense at Hogwarts? I'm certain you would like to ensure possible future applicants have the necessary training."

The Headmaster interjected. "What is the problem with our newly appointed professor?"

Harry glanced at Mrs. Weasley, not wanting to upset her, but answered the question. "Gilderoy Lockhart is a complete fraud. His books are based on true stories – but he did not of the actions described. He has made his fortune finding hero types like Harry who do extraordinary things but do not brag and obliviating them after stealing their memories. He's a fraud, a con man, and a criminal of the highest order. His best spell is the 'Obliviate' and I would not allow such a man around teenage girls – or boys – if you get my meaning. He has no other real skills or knowledge. Every book is based on stolen memories."

Amelia was wide-eyed. "I was not aware." She paused. "All I can do is take him into custody and question him. He will claim pureblood privilege to prevent Veritaserum from being used."

"Yeah, well he's a halfblood. I'm all for using the rules that the Wizengamot passed to hoist them on their own petard. They're the ones who allow Veritaserum on muggleborns and half-bloods without Wizengamot approval, if this world is anything like my own."

Amelia chuckled. "As it is in this world." She turned to her two Aurors and said, "We'll need to take him." She paused. "Arthur? Can I get your help in bringing him back to the Ministry tonight?"

Arthur, who had been comforting his upset wife, nodded. "I'll be happy to help bring the fraud in for his just deserts." Molly was nodding in agreement – much horrible information had just been given to her over the last twenty minutes and getting revenge on a liar was just what the doctor ordered.

"Okay. Headmaster, I will send Auror Peasegood to teach Defense. He took a curse and is on medical leave. By January, we can see if we can find a different Auror to watch classes."

The Traveler interjected, "Voldemort cursed the position. So anyone who takes it has to be a Professor for less than a year – no tenure. Rotating Aurors through Hogwarts with their pay being paid by the school for their time teaching will ensure future Aurors have the needed skills and will prevent the curse from activating. Hopefully, the curse will be gone soon though."

The Headmaster looked at the man with interest. "How could that be achieved?"

"Because I'm going to help kill Voldemort permanently in the next few days."

The carriage was wide-eyed at that.