September 1st, 1991, King's Cross Station, London, 8:55 AM.
The Hogwarts Express took the form of a large red, 4-6-0 steam engine, named Hogwarts Castle. Originally fitted with steam by the Muggles who built it, the locomotive later ran exclusively on magic.
The three took a moment to admire the dazzling red and black behemoth on the railway.
"Ah, according to the trolley witch, the train didn't take kindly to students who tried to leave when it was moving, possibly implying that it had some form of sentience." Ethan exclaimed whilst Harry and Luna exchanged curious glances regarding the train.
"Truly, this could be the most solid evidence of the harmonious combination of magic and science..." Ethan mumbled.
On the other side, both Harry and Luna seemed to not really comprehend Ethan's words as the two children exchanged a shrug. They had already gotten used to this side of him—a true genius.
Under the brilliance of the morning sun, which was rather rare in London, the entirety of the train became much more lustrous as the architect of the grand old-aged station as if coated with freshness, accompanied by the ever-liveliness of all its passengers, children's chatting cheerfully with their respective families and relatives.
Anticipation of a new semester was filling the air as Harry watched the rowdy scene, with a hint of feeling lost slowly building up inside the boy. He held on tight to Ethan's hands as the three began walking towards the ticket agent, his minds raged with warry thoughts of his upcoming school life.
Suddenly, Harry felt a similar gentle touch ruffling his head. Looking up, Harry met the assured smile of his Dad and on the side was Luna's bright grin, alleviating all his previous anxiety.
Having done all the necessary work, Ethan crounched down to his young boy, his voice as gentle as ever. "From now on, you gotta take care of yourself out there, Harry. I believe you can do it." Ethan smiled
The boy smile back as he nodded.
"I think you will love Hogwarts; the enchanting thousand-year-old castle is quite something. Study well; make true friends, Harry."
Harry nodded. "Oh, Dad, Luna told me that there would be a Sorting Ceremony for the new students. We'd be sorted into four different houses, so what was yours?" The boy's eyes sparkled with eagerness.
Ethan chuckled as Luna chimed in. "Of course, it must be the Ravenclaw like mum, right, professor?"
"Yes, The Ravenclaw, intelligence, and curiosity."
"Wow." Harry exclaimed. "I hope I'll get sorted in there too..." the boy said sheepishly.
"Don't worry about that too much, Harry; I'd do well in any house as long as you stay true to yourself. Now let's get you going." Ethan handed the boy his trunk.
Holding on too his trunk, the boy said meekly, his eyes somewhat sadden. "B-but, w-what if I couldn't make any f-friends, Dad, you know... I'm a-"
Ethan placed a hand on his shoulder. "Harry, true friends are like stars, you can only recognise them when it's dark around you. It's okay if you feel out of place at first, but eventually good things will show up; just stay true to yourself."
Harry looked at his Dad and Luna, who was nodding on the side.
"Everything is going to be alright." Ethan pulled the boy into a warm hug shortly before Harry made his way to the train.
The boy, walking briskly as to avoid passersby gazes, only stopped once he got on the train. Harry looked back at Ethan and Luna, standing amid the crowd. The boy waved goodbye before going to find his compartment.
...
After while, Harry finally found an empty compartment to settle in.
Having placed his trunk down, the boy sigh in relief. Along the way, he could feel numerous gazes set upon him. He was afraid that someone would recognise him by his scar so the boy opted to lower his head so as to hide within his hood.
Looking at the passing scenery outside, Harry began to relax his mind, thinking about Hogwarts and what would be waiting for him there. When suddenly someone quickly pushed open the door, he abruptly sat across Harry and pulled out a newspaper out of nowhere to hide his face.
Harry almost jumped in fright.
"Pardon, but I can stay here for a minute," the boy sitting opposite Harry said.
"U-u, O-okey..." Harry tried his best to sound normal as he too pulled out of his book, Sherlock Holmes, to cover his face.
*Thud thud thud*
Shortly after the strange boy's arrival, loud foot steps followed outside the compartments. Harry slightly lowered his book to see what was going on, then he saw three boys outside.
One had brown hair and deep blue eyes; despite being weedy and stringy, he exuded an aura of shrewdness and cunningness, greatly reflected by the smug he was carrying on his face.
The other two was oddly resembled each other in Harry's eyes, as they both seemed to be... lacking in introspection or inquisitiveness... The only difference was that one was fat while the other was... lankier.
The three look around at the compartment they passed by. At Harry's compartment, the chubby was the one to check. "Hey you, did you see Draco Malfoy?"
'Draco Malfoy?' Harry shook his head as he hid behind his book, avoiding eye contact.
"Tsk," the boy said before turning back to his other friends. Soon, the three continued walking under Harry's puzzle. His eyes darted between the group and the strange boy hiding his face in the newspapers sitting across from him.
"Phew." The boy, whom Harry assumed was the one the group'd been finding, put away the newspaper and extended his gratitude towards Harry. "Thank you; I was hiding from those idiots."
Harry nodded in reply, still hiding behind the book.
"Ugh, those three were sent by my father to 'look after' me; what a joke; you don't know how frustrating they are." the boy rolled his eyes.
"Anyway, I'm Draco Malfoy, Nice to meet you." The boy, with white-blond hair, cold grey eyes, a bright complexion, and rather sharp, pointed features, said so with a bright smile as he extended his hand for a shake
Through his gaze, Harry could feel the boy's earnestness, but still...
"Uh... are you ok?" Draco said as he observed Harry's timid posture. He'd been waiting for Harry's reply.
With all his courage, Harry heaved sigh of resolve. 'Come on, Harry, you can do it; this is the first step'. Relying on Cogitation to steady his mind, Harry braced himself for his first social greetings.
Then, once again, the door of the compartment was opened abruptly.
"Excuse me, do you mind? Everywhere else is full." The ginger boy said, he sounded somewhat tired.
"Not at all... " Draco's eyes narrowed as he took a careful look at the boy. "Red hair and those hand-me-down clothes—you must be a Weasley."
"Hm? Oh, sleek blonde hair and that ever cranky voice, no bout a Malfoy." The ginger boy acutely threw back. "Tsk, what are the odds?"
"Uh... guys." Harry began to sweat as Draco and the red-haired boy exchanged hostile glances. 'What should I do?' Harry cried inside.