CHUCK
CHUCK
CHUCK
SWEESH
The door suddenly opened, surprising us. It was Hermione Granger, the main female character in the Harry Potter series, known as "the most talented witch of her generation." Hermione had a light complexion, bright brown eyes, and lots of bushy brown hair.
She also had slightly protruding front teeth, which gave her some uncertainty about her appearance. This wasn't very noticeable until I checked it. In fact, I only remembered it thanks to the many mentions in fanfics.
Her eyes took in everything in the compartment rapidly as she asked, "Has anybody seen a toad? Neville lost his."
She had a no-nonsense tone of voice. In adults like McGonagall, it might seem stern, but from a peer, it sounded bossy.
"H-Hello Daphne, Hello Tracy," Neville's squeaky voice came from behind the witch. He was round-faced, short, chubby, and had blond hair, also with slightly protruding teeth. He paled upon seeing the girls beside me.
"Hello, Neville," came the responses, one cheery and one cold.
I didn't need to say which response from which witch .
Hermione's eyes narrowed at Neville's timid greeting.
Ah, now I see where her initial dislike for Slytherin comes from.
Neville is the pureblood scion of the Longbottom house, and it's clear the girls and Neville knew each other from before.
Hmm, perhaps the rest of the purebloods knew each other, too.
Neville's lack of confidence and social awkwardness likely stemmed from bullying by the Dark faction's kids, coupled with his grandmother's constant comparison between his father and mother, which must have left its mark on him.
The main reason for bullying is simply because of one reason- The Longbottom couple, between them, has the highest kill count from Dumbledore's side.
Anyway, the bullying has left its mark on Neville, and Hermione has just witnessed the signs of it.
Just like her own experiences with bullying in school. Luckily, she had supportive parents and plenty of talent to build herself up.
If Neville's reaction shows how other Slytherins treat him on the train, it's no wonder Hermione doesn't like them from day one. The Slytherins are unknowingly bringing up her past trauma.
"It would be best to ask the older years or the professors after the train ride to help find it. I am Arjun Prasad. Nice to meet you." I entered the conversation, offering a solution to Neville's problem.
Hermione's embarrassment was obvious to everyone as she introduced herself. "I am Hermione Granger, and nice to meet you, too. I am sorry about being rude. Some students are cussing at me for no reason."
Ah! The bias is so strong even before the sorting. The silent glances at any greetings between the girls confirmed it.
"Thanks for the advice; there are only a few compartments left. We will check them. If we cannot find it, I will ask the seniors. I will meet you guys in Hogwarts."
"Sure, meet you there."
As I watched Hermione go through the hallway, Daphne's voice echoed in the room, "She is a muggle-born."
"So?"
"It will affect you in forming relations in the future."
I smiled at her and replied, "A relationship with her is worth it. I will bet you a galleon that she will score better than you."
"You're on."
Well, that hit her ego and I am a gold galleon richer. The benefits of future knowledge are wonderful.
I was deliberate in this attempt. I wanted to arouse her curiosity towards me and Hermione.
I won't lose connections with a quarter of Hogwarts. Watching Tom Riddle, despite his madness, I saw his skill in gathering people. I understood the importance of building relationships with Slytherins. By aligning with their beliefs, any talent or wealth I show would be seen as part of my potential pureblood status, fitting their way of thinking and forming relationships.
Once I had established enough close friends who would look past my status, I could then reveal my muggle-born heritage. It would undoubtedly be a disaster, but with careful planning and management, it could be done.
I mentioned something to spark Daphne's curiosity about Hermione's talent. However, Daphne and Hermione wouldn't become friends because they were proud and had different circumstances. They would be sorted into different houses. My goal was to make them accept me as a friend to both of them.
I started building relationships with Daphne and Hermione. Through them, I could connect with other important people, such as Harry Potter and Slytherin members, including Draco Malfoy. The Malfoys had a lot of influence in their house and were known for their business dealings and political connections. It's interesting how fanfiction often shows characters as enemies, even when there's potential for normal relationships if the canon knowledge is used right
Both Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter had something in common—they didn't have real friends before Hogwarts. Draco was spoiled by his parents, while Harry lacked such care. Because of this, they had no real friends.
With enough foreknowledge and the right moments, I can easily see myself becoming friends with them both by the end of the year. No need to shout into the world like power power-hungry idiot and make myself a schoolyard rival from either side.
-========Hogsmeade station======
The rest of the trip was uneventful until we arrived at Hogsmeade station.
"Firs' years over here."
The half-giant of Hogwarts and the kindest, according to the canon knowledge. He has a thing for XXXXX class beasts and believes that they are as harmless to others as they are to him.
"Arry, Ello there."
"Hagrid!" A scrawny kid with black hair waved at the half-giant and hugged him.- Harry potter, the hero around which the world is going to run around for the next seven years.
Hundreds of sounds made by the excited students made even the half giant's voice undistinguishable. We followed him as he guided us towards the lake.
THUMP THUMP
THUMP
As the earthquake-like footsteps ended, Hagrid's voice was heard, "only four a boat".
I sat with my two new friends, joined by a slender boy with sleek white-blond hair, cold grey eyes, a pale complexion and sharp features. Now I am reminded of the proverb I read somewhere, "Talk of the Devil. He appears."
Draco Malfoy—the schoolyard rival of Harry Potter. He is talented and rich. Most importantly, he is Lucius Malfoy's son. If we exclude exceptions like Voldemort or Dumbledore, Lucius Malfoy is the most powerful person in Britain now. He greeted both girls and looked at me. "Hello, I am Draco Malfoy, Scion of House Malfoy."
"Hello, I am Arjun Prasad."
Draco's eyes narrowed at my surname. This is the second time. Seriously, these future Slytherins are trained too much by their parents in politics. The girls, now this guy, are also checking the pureblood list or something.
The only thing stopping him from asking is the girls' association with me and the Off chance that I may be from a new pureblood family. Yes, new pureblood families form every generation.
"WOW!"
Shortly after, the majestic castle came into view on the huge rocks above the Black Lake. The black starry sky, along with the well-lit castle and their reflection on the lake, made sure this view was imprinted on all who took a glimpse at it. The first years were entranced by its beauty, even those who lived in luxurious manors; none can compare to such an ancient building.
========== Hogwarts waiting hall==========
We soon found ourselves in front of Minerva McGonagall. She had a stern face, making the first thoughts of any who saw her she must not be cross.
"The firs' years, Professor McGonagall." Said Hagrid.
"Thank you, Hagrid, I will take them from here." She nodded at him and escorted them into the entrance hall.
The stone walls were lit with flaming torches, like the ones at Gringotts. The ceiling was too high to make out, and a magnificent marble staircase facing them led to the upper floors.
We followed Professor McGonagall across the stone floor. From a doorway to the right, I could hear the hum of many voices—the rest of the school must already be here. Professor McGonagall led the first years into a small, empty room off the hall. Soon, everyone crowded in, standing closer together than usual, looking around nervously.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," said Professor McGonagall. "The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is an especially important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory, and spend free time in your house common room."
"The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house has its noble history, and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your house points, while any rule-breaking will lose house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the house cup, a great honour. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house becomes yours.
"The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the rest of the school. I suggest you all smarten yourselves up as much as you can while you are waiting."
Her eyes lingered for a moment on Neville's cloak, which was fastened under his left ear, and on Ron's smudged nose. Harry nervously tried to flatten his hair.
"I shall return when we are ready for you," said Professor McGonagall. "Please wait quietly."
I waited to watch other reactions. My bedmates had their emotions masked looking around.
Though Tracy and Draco failed to hide their nervousness. Good, be kids for a second.
I soon saw Harry Potter with Ronald Weasley, telling them they'd have to fight a troll to be sorted. Neville Longbottom was visibly shivering with fear. Not just him, but the rest of the children were also shaking in fear at that.
I replied lazily, "That would be idiotic, and the new students would be dead. Considering there are a lot of living students. It seems you were pranked by your brothers."
I saw Ron blushing from embarrassment. Well, he is insecure about his siblings. Every one of them is special and talented compared to his plain self.
"He didn't know about that; I too would have believed that."
Ah! Mr. Savior is already protective of Ron. I just shook my head, noticing Draco making his way here. Probably to antagonize them for insults on the train. Now I don't want that.
"I say that because others were shaking from fear, especially the muggle-born. I know about the feeling of being pranked by my elder brother and it's embarrassing. And I am sorry about that, Ron."
I continue back towards the approaching Draco while saying my piece in a hurry, "You have a lot to live up to. See you later, and all the best, 'Mr. Savior' "
As Draco approached, his demeanour already twitching with irritation, I intercepted him, guiding our path back to where Tracy and Daphne stood.
His pointed question came as expected. "Why are you talking to Wesley and Potter?"
Now, I saw the spoiled brat in him. It seems the other 2 boys are the red buttons that need to be pushed for him to break out of his manners and politics he trained all his life. Good to know.
I just laughed and said, "You will know in the future."