Harry had woken up feeling refreshed and ready for the long day ahead of him. He started with a long shower, followed up with excellent food as he'd come to expect from the House Elves living with him and finished it with getting dressed in some relatively high class but very dated clothing, at least to his taste.
When he looked at himself in the mirror across from his bed, he couldn't help but cringe. Being raised by Muggles fifty decades later had shown him just how stuck in the past the wizarding world was. Not that he minded most of it - these clothes were just horribly atrocious and overly done, which meant Abraxus would surely have many outfits similar to this.
Happy that his appearance would fit in with what'd he'd seen the others in last night, Harry once more went over his school supplies, ensuring that everything he'd needed from his Hogwarts Letter was in his possession. Laddey had done a remarkable job in not missing anything, he even went so far as to pack everything for Harry a second time after he'd ripped everything out to check.
Fully prepared and having made all the checks necessary to ensure he wouldn't forget anything, Harry made his way over to the Floo; Professor Slughorn had provided him with a private Floo address for him to use to avoid the masses just earlier that morning via a letter picked up from Laddey. From what he was told, only a few other students would be using it, all of whom were favoured by the Professor.
At the Floo, Harry grabbed a handful of Floo powder and looked around his parlour room once more. He wouldn't miss the silence or lack of warmth this building had, such a large building for one person was unsettling - even if he wasn't truly alone in it. Thankfully, he was headed home and even better, he would soon be able to speak with Dumbledore.
With his thoughts focused on his Headmaster and a new sense of urgency, Harry threw the Floo powder and gave the address provided by Slughorn.
He came skidding from the Floo but managed to stay upright, only messing up the rug slightly.
"Slightly better, Heir Peverell."
Harry recognized the sneering of Abraxus Malfoy and felt his head go limp. It was far too early in the morning to be dealing with the blonde git.
"Waiting for me again are you? Should I expect Riddle at the destination?"
Abraxus raised an eyebrow and opened the door beside him. "I'm waiting for another." the blonde boy then motioned for him to exit the door and fit in a closing remark as Harry did so. "Miss Riddle will most assuredly be at the end of wherever you end up going."
That was unsettling. Harry thought to himself, even if he knew the boy's words were truthful.
"Man of the hour, Harry Peverell! I've been waiting hours for you mate!" Before Harry could even form a response Aster had his arm wrapped around Harry until his hand rested on his shoulder. "You must be excited eh? Hogwarts, quidditch, girls… what more could you want!"
Sensory overload was too light to describe what Harry felt in the few seconds he'd been with his friend.
"Going for the strong and quiet type, Peverell?" Aster then clapped him on the shoulder and motioned with his free hand towards a tall brunette girl next to a slightly shorter blonde. "The tall one is Altha Owlet, other one is Selena Caprine, they're both Ravenclaw sixth years. Riddle occasionally studies with them, if you're lucky, she'll invite you for it. Smartest girls in the school I'd say, not to mention other qualities!"
A loud scoff sounded on Harry's other side and he was greeted with an annoyed looking Corene.
"Sorry I couldn't have been out here waiting like Rosier was, some of us have matters of importance to see to." She directed her apology to Harry while glaring at Aster.
"Shoo shoo, Riddle told me I got to bring our friend Peverell over to the compartment." Aster motioned her off like she was a pesky animal, only for Corene to stand more firmly at Harry's side.
"Riddle did say that, just as she told me to ensure you didn't get sidetracked." Corene locked her arm in Harry's and began leading the trio onboard. She ignored whenever Aster would point out people of interest, those people always being women around their age which amused Harry and annoyed Carrow.
Harry noticed along the walk that they were going almost to the far back of the train. "I pictured Riddle as somebody wanting to sit towards the front."
His comment was meant to start a conversation, as he completely believed otherwise - after all, what can you get away with at the front?
Corene answered. "Slughorn always has his meetings in an enlarged compartment towards the rear, Riddle was told once the meeting ended she would get to have use of it for the remainder of the ride."
Harry nodded and tucked away that bit of information, it seemed that Riddle was a favourite of Slughorn's and with what she'd said about him in their meeting, he knew why. If he were sent back to stop her, it would already be too late based on what he'd seen. She had strong friends, at least one powerful mentor and her eyes were on him.
He needed to speak with Dumbledore as soon as he could, perhaps being a Peverell would spike the man's interest just as it seemed to with everybody else.
Aster and Corene were both looking at him, waiting for him to comment on what she'd told him probably.
"Does he usually do that for students?"
Aster shrugged and shook his head while Corene responded 'rarely'.
Not wanting to ask any more questions that could come off as prying, Harry continued with the two in silence until they were coming up on a room with a student outside of it. Said student held out his hand without saying anything, Corene handed him three pieces of parchment.
Opening and examining each one, the boy grunted to himself three times before opening the door.
Corene entered first, followed by Harry and lastly Aster. Inside, Harry examined just how many students were in Slughorn's group.
At the head of the table sat the Professor himself, while to his right was Riddle with an empty chair to his left, beside Riddle was another empty couple of chairs followed by multiple members of the group from Malfoy's home. Opposite of Riddle's servants were students wearing various house coloured clothing, some of them looking more familiar than others if he were to guess their families.
"Harry Peverell, my boy!" Slughorn called out loudly, drawing the room's attention fully towards the new entries.
"Professor Slughorn," Harry replied with a respectful dip of his head.
"Come, sit! We were just beginning to speak about your appearance, this bunch has a great many questions for you!" Slughorn motioned for the chair directly to his left.
With no other choice and seeing the assembled students looking at him with a great range of emotions on their faces, he hurried over to the seat. Corene and Aster took up two of the empty seats near Riddle, with Corene leaving one spot between them. Immediately to Harry's left sat a boy close in age to him who was splitting his gaze between Harry and Riddle, the latter's filled with loathing rather than the curiosity he was given.
Sitting down, Harry looked towards the Professor who smiled wide and began. "No need to answer any question you feel is too personal Harry - we'll just have those interested in getting to know you go, starting with Miss Riddle here." Slughorn finished with an expectant look at the girl, who nodded politely in return.
"I'm sorry Professor, Harry and I are quite familiar with one another. Perhaps Potter would like to ask him something?" Riddle smiled at Harry when she said his name, something that didn't go unnoticed by the table if the quiet murmuring that arose was anything to go by.
Potter. For the briefest of moments, until she looked at the boy beside him, he thought she knew. Maybe she still did and she was toying with him, he wasn't sure what she'd seen in his head and that was something he was going to speak with her about as soon as the opportunity presented himself… so long as that opportunity wasn't somewhere too far from other people.
Now that he turned to the boy to his left, he could see his father in him. Maybe he was his Grandfather even, that would make him the first close relative he'd met other than the Dursley's.
"Peverell, it's nice to meet you after hearing about you in the Daily Prophet. My name's Marcus Potter." Marcus held out his hand, which Harry accepted and shook in what was an amazingly surreal moment for the boy.
With it still being his chance to ask something, he looked contemplative for a few seconds and then seemed to settle on something.
"I'll be the one to get it out of the way for everyone, do you have a House preference?"
Harry internally sighed and couldn't help but look towards Slughorn and Riddle, the former watching him intently while the latter gave a knowing smile.
"Gryffindor would probably suit me best." Murmurs picked up again, with Marcus Potter looking both pleased and smug.
What happened for the next ten minutes was a blur to Harry, as he was asked either mundane questions from those too afraid to ask anything of importance or questions entirely too personal. Some of those that stuck out to him still flashed in his mind.
How big is your family? He'd said that his family was small, not giving a number in-case that ever came back to bite him. Riddle had seemed more interested in this question than most others.
How did you meet Professor Slughorn? Harry looked at the man and said they met in a shop before going out to lunch, Slughorn then commented that they'll be having a good many meals with the gathered group throughout the year; Harry was invited to all of them.
How far along in your schooling are you? His answer was further ahead in some subjects while further behind in others, multiple offers of help were made from students that he hadn't been introduced to.
Those were the only three questions that he truly paid any attention to and once they were finished grilling him, Slughorn clapped his hands and drew the attention to himself.
"Thank you, Harry, for being such a good sport for us all." Slughorn then stood up from the table and called to the boy outside the door. Harry found out the boy's name was Perry and when he came in, he had plates of food with him along with a few other students. They were nothing incredibly fancy, simple snack foods with drinks of your choosing.
Harry followed Riddle's lead as she picked a few items and set them on a plate in front of herself, daintily eating while conversing with those around her. Slughorn did much the same in the sense of conversing, the man never seemed to stop as he made rounds from student to student. It was impressive and more than likely a contributing factor on just why the man had the connections he did.
Rather than joining any conversation, Harry decided to look at who was conversing with who. Marcus Potter seemed to avoid any of Riddle's group and instead spoke with three housemates of his, assuming they were wearing Gryffindor apparel for themselves rather than a partner.
When he looked over to Riddle to see who she was speaking with, she was looking at him and nodding her head while Abraxus spoke to her. If the boy was displeased at the lack of attention she was paying him, he hid it well. Harry looked at Abraxus next, then Corene who was seated beside him and gradually worked his way down until he realized that almost everyone from Riddle's group was here and seated together. They were all dressed similarly too, eerily so, while all the others with groups of friends seemed to be dressed however they pleased.
Feeling like somebody was looking at him, he chanced a glance back at Riddle who still looked as interested in him as ever. Abraxus had stopped talking to her and was now conversing with a boy across the table, Harry hadn't paid enough attention to know who it was. Rather than look over at Riddle again from Abraxus, Harry began to get up and the moment he did so, Riddle called to him.
He looked back over at her and saw that she was motioning for him to sit again with a friendly smile in place. Now, Harry could ignore her and hope that the results of his actions wouldn't lead to any problems down the road or he could sit again, joining in a conversation with her. If he sat back down and agreed, she would likely think that he was following her wants and in a way, he would be.
At a crossroads, he chose to sit back down rather than risk any fallout for publicly ignoring her - even if it seemed like nobody was paying all that much attention to them.
"What is it, Riddle?" His voice came off as being short with her as he pointedly avoided eye contact.
Riddle's eyes roamed his face, smirking as she saw that he was avoiding looking even remotely close to her eyes. "Professor Slughorn will be wanting to speak with both of us whenever he makes his way back over. You'll have to wait until he's done before you go socializing."
Checking to see if she was telling the truth, Harry looked past Marcus Potter and did see Professor Slughorn speaking with a group of students, very slowly edging his way over to Harry. Turning back to look near the girl, he attempted small talk to avoid her looking at him weirdly and in silence - as she'd been doing.
"You were smart sending Corene to speed up Aster."
"Did you really think Aster would do so without supervision? He's excitable in almost every situation, even when they need more serious handling." Rather than seem annoyed or bothered with his attitude, she seemed amused.
"Aster is certainly unique, reminds me of somebody I was friends with before coming here."
"Thanks, Harry!" Aster's voice shouted from across the table. Apparently, he'd said that quite a bit louder than he'd thought - the room had steadily been growing louder with all the conversations but while he was speaking they'd almost all dropped off. He couldn't help but feel he missed something when he turned to call back to Aster, seeing that most of the students were looking over between him and Riddle while speaking in hushed tones.
While he was embarrassed at the sudden attention, Riddle paid them all no mind. "Would tomorrow night work for our little tour? Aster and Corene have already agreed should you want them to join us."
She was smart to bring it up while everyone but Slughorn and the students involved in his conversation were listening. Harry casually glanced around the room and saw that, while Marcus Potter was still speaking with his friends quietly, his head was partially turned towards Harry.
"That should be fine, Riddle." Harry replied, hoping to not have his voice come off too eager or friendly with the girl across the table, hoping to avoid others thinking of him as just another underling of hers.
Riddle smiled at him and just began to open her mouth when Harry heard Marcus speak up from beside him. "If her tour of the Castle is lacking or boring, come find me Peverell. I promise you'll have some fun sticking with me and my mates."
Harry was thankful for the offer from his relative. He would never tell Marcus about their shared blood for fear of sounding crazy, but he would try his damnedest to become a friend with the boy.
" Harry will not find my tour to be lacking anything." Riddle said confidently before turning her attention from Marcus back to Harry. "What he won't tell you is that he and his companions often find themselves on the wrong side of school rules. Isn't that right, Potter?"
Choosing to remain neutral in the confrontation he was witnessing, Harry waited for Marcus' response, which instead came from one of the girls beside him.
"Rich coming from you, Riddle. Think everyone doesn't notice you and your friends in your less than encouraged activities?" It was a tall, sporty-looking redheaded girl that bit back.
Turning his attention back to Riddle, he saw her flash a beautiful smile at the girl. "If you have something to say, I find the direct approach is best." Riddle then raised a hand and began looking at her nails, not even bothering to look at the girl when she continued. "I can help you with that issue of yours too, that is if you'd like? I fear your opportunity will be missed if you wait much longer."
Harry watched as the girl went nearly as red as her hair and Marcus shot her a curious look before covering it up with spite.
"Marcus, I do hope you'll pass along my thanks to your father!" Unfortunately for Harry, whatever would have happened as a result of the conversation was lost as Slughorn dragged Marcus along with his friends into a conversation.
Curious and with a bit of time on his hands, Harry leaned forward. "What issue would that be?"
Riddle leaned forward, motioning for Harry to do so even more, which he did with almost no hesitation. When they were both fairly close, with Harry looking at her lips as to avoid her eyes, she opened her mouth and… tutted at him.
"I can't be telling you a ladies secret, Heir Peverell."
Harry leaned back in his seat, letting his head rest on the chair while Riddle laughed lightly to herself.
He should've expected her to be unwilling to grant any information for free. Rather than go back to speaking with her and get nowhere, he decided to content himself with thinking inwardly.
Marcus Potter didn't like Riddle and wasn't a friend of hers, this meant both groups were probably at odds and they likely knew a bit about one another. Harry had never heard of a Marcus Potter in his time but neither had he heard of a Corene Carrow or Aster Rosier. Marcus could end up being a good friend once he was sorted back into his house, somebody he could rely on as an ally against Riddle who knew her from years of shared classes. Based on the large group speaking with the Professor, Marcus was likely popular within Gryffindor and more than likely popular among other houses too.
Joining himself to Marcus' group of friends or at the least showing he wasn't a pawn of Riddle's, Harry could probably learn what Marcus' friend insinuated towards Riddle. Should the information be anything of importance, he could share it with Dumbledore and help chasten Riddle in hopes of her changing - as unlikely as he thought that was.
Almost imperceptibly, Harry moved his seat closer to Marcus. Harry would speak with him before they left the compartment for Riddle's group and express interest in getting to know him even if he couldn't accept the tour offer without antagonizing Riddle.
Closer to Marcus, Harry removed himself from his thoughts and listened in a bit on the conversation.
"-oliday with the Minister of Magic and his family this year. We'll probably do it again next based on how well he and my father got along." Marcus finished.
Slughorn looked excited at the most recent bit of information. "Pass along my good wishes when you see them both again for me!"
"Certainly, Professor." Marcus nodded respectfully.
Satisfied with whatever he'd spoken with Marcus prior to Harry's eavesdropping, Slughorn moved his attention to two of the boy's friends. "Wilber, your father continues to impress me with that shop of his! Will you be following in his footsteps after you graduate?"
Wilber, who was very tall even while seated, responded confidently. "Absolutely Professor, my father has been teaching me the intricacies of the business. If you have time, we're releasing a new potion that my fathers been working on for years and would love to hear your thoughts on it beforehand. Maybe we have something to improve upon that you'll be able to identify."
Slughorn clapped the boy on the shoulder once. "Tell your father whenever he wishes me to visit, I'll make time!"
Wilber responded as respectfully as Marcus seemed to and then Slughorn turned his attention towards the redheaded girl. Right as he was poised to ask a question, Harry was snapped from his listening by an attention seeking cough from his right, where nobody had been sitting.
Startled and put out, Harry turned to see Aster crouched conspiratorially next to him.
"Why are we spying on Potter's lot?" the boy whispered.
Harry looked over to his left to make sure they didn't hear before he turned back to Aster and whispered his response. "I'm trying to learn a bit about them you prat! Now bugger off so I can get back to it."
Aster didn't seem to take Harry's dismissal seriously and tapped him on the shoulder. "Avery knows anything worth knowing about them, just ask him."
"Will Avery tell me without Riddle's approval and free of any form of payment?"
Rosier nodded comically and whispered back. "Good point, you'll probably have to do something for her!"
"Conspiring against me boys?" Riddle mockingly whispered while leaning forward, her wand twiddling in her left hand while her right held up her head.
Harry and Aster both shook their heads in the negative, the latter saluting Harry before figuratively tossing him to the lions as he scurried off back to his seat.
Riddle, still leaning forward, spoke to Harry as she watched Aster walk off. "Depending on who you wish to know about, I'll tell you anything worth knowing about them with you having to give me nothing, think of it as a gift from one new friend to the other."
He knew better than to expect something from her with no cost, that simply wasn't what somebody like her would do. Whatever she wanted from him, she wouldn't say it in a room full of likely eavesdroppers.
"Thank you."
Harry turned away from her and looked to see how close Slughorn was as an estimation of how much longer he'd have them waiting. As it turned out, the man was speaking to the last of Marcus' friends and was already inching his way beside Harry.
Avoiding Riddle for the half a minute that passed until Slughorn made his way over to his seat was simple, Harry chose to eat a small bit of the assorted snacks near him. One of which was a box of truffles from La Fudgerie - he could easily see why Corene would take them as a bribe.
Now seated and making his plate, Slughorn looked between Harry, Riddle and those seated near her before tapping his glass with a knife, gaining the room's attention. "Our first meeting at Hogwarts will be two weeks from today, letters will find you with the details. Please help yourself to a plate before taking your exit."
A clear dismissal if Harry had ever heard one, he looked to Marcus who was standing up to leave and copied the boy, hoping to follow him back to his compartment for a conversation and hopefully the start of a friendship.
"Where are you running off to Harry?" Corene questioned from across the table, still seated and with a whole box from La Fudgerie in front of her.
"Making my exit?" His response sounded like a question even to his own ears, such was the lack of conviction in his tone.
"That wasn't meant for you my boy, goodness no! On the contrary, I wished to give you and Miss Riddle my full attention." Slughorn said with a good-natured laugh before taking a chocolate for himself.
"I did say Professor Slughorn wanted to speak with us earlier Harry ." Riddle reminded him, saying his name in a manner that made it seem like they were on friendlier terms than they truly were. It wasn't until he saw Marcus Potter close behind her, being one of the last to leave the compartment that he thought she did it, then again it could be for the reasons of getting under his skin or showing off to Slughorn.
He would have to go with all three unless it turned out to be none of them, as Slughorn immediately rolled with the given parcel of information. "Harry! I see you've already met Hogwarts most promising student!"
Riddle looked down with a blush on her cheeks at the compliment while Harry responded to the Professor.
"Abraxus was gracious enough to invite me to a gathering at his estate, Riddle introduced herself and offered her aid in acclimating."
"That was very kind of you Elaine and very fortunate for you Harry. I dare say in a few years time she could teach any subject if she continues progressing as she has thus far." Slughorn looked proudly at the girl and Harry began to wonder just how deeply in her pocket the man was.
"I couldn't teach potions as well as you could Professor, your mastery is unparalleled." Riddle responded in a sweet tone, causing Slughorn to chuckle and smile before turning back to Harry.
"Tell me if I'm wrong Harry, but based on the company you're keeping could I assume you'll be sorted into my House?" The Professor's gaze was predatory at the thought.
Before he could respond, Riddle did so for him, giving him a playful wink as she did so. "Unfortunately for us both Professor, Harry seems to think he'll be going into the House of Lions."
Neither Aster nor Corene looked surprised at the revelation, come to think of it none of Riddle's group did. It was likely she told them some of their conversation after he'd left or just as likely, they were simply better at hiding their emotions than he was.
Slughorn looked downtrodden but quickly spoke again, glancing between Harry and Riddle. "Unfortunate, yes indeed. Do you remember what I told you upon our first meeting Harry?"
Befuddled and not expecting the question, Harry tried to recall much of their conversation but embarrassingly couldn't think of whatever it was the man wanted him to remember. "I remember some of our conversation but that day was rather eventful."
"Not a problem!" Slughorn assured him before looking back at Riddle. "I told Harry here that he had great power and potential, sitting here now between the two of you, I dare say you have a competitor dear." he then looked towards the other attendees and loosed a disarming chuckle. "Not to discredit any of you, of course. After all, there's a reason those here didn't leave with the others!"
Riddle cocked her head at the Professor and put on her signature smile. "I could see it too when I met Harry initially. We appreciate the compliment Professor, thank you."
Harry echoed the thanks at the overestimation of his strength in comparison to hers.
Slughorn stayed on his focusing towards Harry. "Forgive me if this is too forward Harry," he prefaced "I've been keeping a close eye out for any signs of your family at the Ministry or Gringotts, you can be sure many others in our society are doing the same." the Professor justified as he glanced at Abraxus and allowed his eyes to go along most of Riddle's group before flickering back to Harry. "Nothing could be seen, not even the faintest whisper in the wind. I had thought if one looked hard enough there'd be a stirring in their assets or seats, but they're just as untouched as ever. Would you be willing to say anything on the matter? Don't feel as if you have to."
Harry remembered that his answer with Riddle had been vague and not admitting to any time frame in the slightest. It was likely suspicious that only a minor had come out from his family even if he'd told them he was gauging the public's reaction before anything major came. He would throw them just something enough that would keep that question away for a while.
"I'd appreciate it if this wasn't tossed around - my family won't be coming out for quite some time." He gauged the reactions of those around, most seemed to be uncaring while Slughorn was visually bummed out, Riddle too seemed to be unreadable. Looking back at Slughorn, Harry added something the man was sure to appreciate. "Thankfully, they've given me agency in deciding how to spend my time in the public."
Slughorn agreed with him if the smile and renewed look of interest was anything to go by. "Thankfully most certainly. Again, should this be too forward we can move on. With you appearing as the public figure for your family, are you staying in a home to yourself or do you still reside with the other members of your house?"
Supposing that he couldn't avoid having guests over forever, especially if he were to begin counteracting Riddle's influence, he answered truthfully. "I've been staying in one of the more secure homes, alone to some extent. If you wouldn't be opposed during the Christmas break, perhaps you'd be interested in visiting for tea?"
"That would be excellent, yes, I will certainly take you up on that." Slughorn looked excited at the prospect like he'd just been given an invaluable gift. Harry was confused about why it mattered so much to the man but didn't bother asking.
"Best not be thinking you'll get away without me visiting too, Peverell!" Aster spoke up loudly.
Rather than reprimand him as he thought she would, Corene nodded her head in agreement. "It would be very interesting seeing your home, I can only imagine it's beauty."
"Now now Aster, it's impolite to invite yourself over." Riddle said belittlingly and in a tone that made her seem like she was speaking to someone far younger.
Slughorn seemed amused with the injection from the trio while Harry was conflicted. He did want to get closer to Aster and Corene, inviting somebody over your home was a good way to do that, but it was clear they answered to Riddle. Anything they saw, were told or conversed on would get back to her - assuming she didn't find a way to join them on the visit.
"You seem to have made an impression on your peers already, Harry." Slughorn said happily from beside him.
Riddle snapped up the chance to speak before Harry could even formulate his response. "Harry has, Professor. We're lucky to have chanced upon him in Diagon Alley, more so that he's chosen to join us last night and today."
"I had a feeling the two of you would get along!" Slughorn replied animatedly, looking ready to continue when a knock on the door stopped him.
"Professor Slughorn, Professor's Everglade and Canis are waiting for you." A boy's voice called after the knock.
Slughorn abruptly looked at his pocket watch and stood up from his seat, grabbing another truffle as he did so. "It would seem time has run amuck and gotten me late! I suppose that's what happens when one's having fun. Do arrive early with your companions as usual Miss Riddle. Mister Peverell, should you need anything important, feel free to visit."
With those closing remarks, the portly man made his exit from the room and could be seen speed walking with a student in tow before Aster slid the compartment shut.
Harry looked at no one in particular when he asked aloud, "Is Professor Slughorn usually that… sporadic?"
"Not usually, no. Generally, he's very well planned out, I imagine with his club having increased and the uncertainty of your attendance he didn't leave himself enough time to finish what he wanted to." It was Daphne Oleander if he remembered her name correctly, that responded to him.
"Speaking of saving enough time, when is the Prefects meeting?" Reinhard asked, looking at the Head Girl when she'd finished speaking to Harry.
What surprised him was her look of deference to Riddle, who cast a silent tempus before shrugging and motioning once to the door.
"Now. We'll be going as a group to the Prefects' Carriage." Daphne then stood up followed by all the Prefects in the compartment but Riddle, who did so last while she slid a bit of rolled parchment to Harry.
Riddle then made her way to the front of the gathered Prefects, even passing the Head Girl without looking back at him. With only a few seconds of pause, she led the group at a casual pace and Aster once again slid the door shut when all were out.
Harry took the time with Riddle and most of her more ardent followers being gone to exit the compartment himself. When asked where he was going by Aster, he told the boy that he needed to use the restroom and would likely explore a little bit on the way to and from. Not necessarily lying, has he did need to use the loo after drinking a fair bit.
On his way to the restroom, which was in the same spot as it'd been when he used it in his time, he kept his eyes out for the compartment where Marcus was seated. Rather than his relative or even group members of his, he found somebody that'd escaped his mind - Goldhorn. She was seated with three other girls, all of whom bearing some sort of resemblance to her.
Noting where her cabin was, Harry continued until he did his business and then returned to it. When he peeked inside again, there were now five girls instead of four, one was the redhead from earlier. Wanting to know the girl's name and to speak with Goldhorn even if it was just a quick 'hello', Harry knocked on the door to the cabin.
It was the redhead who opened the door and now able to see her standing more clearly, she was fit, extremely so. "Peverell isn't it?" she didn't bother waiting for him to confirm who he was, "We're in the middle of something, what d'ya need?"
"Oh leave him be Vonnie." Goldhorn seemed to recognize him as she pushed past the redhead. "I wasn't sure you'd remember me!"
Trying his best to mimic Riddle's confident smirk in the presence of five good looking girls and probably failing, Harry leaned against the compartments door frame and spoke. "You were the first person my age I'd met, no chance would I forget you! I wasn't sure when I'd see you but I got lucky passing by and wanted to pop in."
Smiling shyly while one of the other girls giggled, Goldhorn told him "I'm glad you did!" and then motioned towards the other three girls that had looked similar to her. "These are my sisters Katie, Sammi and Kathy." now motioning to the redheaded girl for an actual introduction, "and this i-"
"Veronica Weasley mate, sorry for being short with you, saw you with Riddle's lot earlier but didn't know you were a friend of Sarah's." The way she said Riddle told him just how much she liked the other girl.
"That's quite alright! I figured with how Riddle and Potter-" boy was it weird referring to somebody else as your last name "-got on that there was probably history between them, a history that likely extended to their friends."
Veronica grunted. "Enough of it that I couldn't tell you it all with how much of the ride we've got left!"
Goldhorn rolled her eyes and butted herself back into the conversation. "She makes it sound so interesting, it's really just two groups with vastly differing opinions. I wouldn't be surprised if Marcus and Riddle were secretly lovers appearing as rivals!"
"This isn't one of your trashy romance books Sarah." One of her sisters quipped, which one was a mystery as he hadn't remembered their names to faces when told.
"As if Marcus would date that trollop." Veronica whispered to him, hushing him as he made to laugh.
"What was that word, Veronica?" Sarah called accusingly while the other girls made a series of 'oohs' at the use of her full name.
"Just telling Peverell here that he'll have to get going so we can change and get back to talking before we arrive at the castle. Right Pev?" The redheaded girl turned towards him and gave an exaggerated wink.
Catching on and feeling like he was in a somewhat familiar situation, he looked at Sarah. "That's right, I'll be seeing you around!"
"See you in the Great Hall!" Sarah, looking nullified bid him goodbye while her sisters gave him varying farewells.
"See you around, Pev!" Veronica said, ushering him out of the cabin and back into the hall of the train.
That wasn't what he'd hoped for but it was a good encounter nonetheless, meeting Marcus would just have to wait until he got back to Hogwarts.
Harry traced his steps back to the large compartment and knocked on the door. He didn't hear anything as he waited… and waited. After roughly a minute, the door was slid open and Aster was in his field of vision looking worried.
"Harry, you're back! thought I'd have to go looking for you mate!" His voice seemed strained and not as jovial as it usually was.
"Ah, our errant guest has returned." Abraxus' voice sounded from behind Aster. If the Malfoy git was here, it likely meant they all w-
"Well let him in then Aster." Riddle ordered, sounding louder than usual with a tinge of something else he couldn't find the word for.
Aster listened to the girl and quickly stepped aside, motioning Harry in before slamming shut the door. Everyone was seated more casually rather than mostly on one side and in order as they had been. Corene was sitting with Rosier's sister while other small groups were formed to pass the time. Riddle was seated at the head of the table where Slughorn had been with Daphne in her seat and Abraxus beside her.
"Do return to your seat Harry, I was just finishing speaking with Abraxus and Daphne." Riddle's voice was controlled again, whatever was in it before now gone.
Harry slowly made his way back towards his earlier seat, Abraxus shooting him a displeased look as he passed by, Daphne choosing to observe him. Once he was seated, Riddle looked to the other two who took their dismissal and made their way over to others further down the table.
"Exploring the train, Harry? I imagine it's quite the shock to you having been raised in confinement." He couldn't be sure, but the way she said it made him wonder if she were taking the mick out of him.
"It's impressive." Harry then decided now was the time to confront her, seeing as she'd sent her fellows away from them and likely couldn't do anything now that they were aboard the express. "Almost as impressive as the ease to which you invaded my privacy."
Riddle raised an eyebrow and rested her head on one of her hands, clearly unbothered. "Oh?"
He pressed harder. "You went through my mind and had no right to do that."
She lifted her head from her hand and leaned back in her seat. "It wasn't anything overly important if that matters."
"Regardless of what it was, you shouldn't have!" His voice was raised and he drew the attention of one of the groups closer to them.
Rather than get angry or shout back at him, Riddle played innocent, playing with a strand of hair as her cheeks blushed. "I'm sorry P- Harry."
He inwardly freaked at her words. Surely the ever cool and methodical Riddle wouldn't mess up mid-sentence?
She leaned forward, no longer playing with the strand of hair or blushing. Instead, her eyes looked away from him as she busied herself playing with a ring. "I told you before, you interest me."
Harry doubted her apology prior was sincere and her attempt at justification made him double down on that doubt.
Seeing that he was annoyed, Riddle grabbed his shoulder. He didn't flinch at the contact but it was a near thing.
"It wasn't fully right of me to do and I understand why it would anger you." her words were soothing as she began to lightly massage his shoulder. "What if I were to make it up to you?"
"How?" Was his single world reply.
"You wanted to know about somebody earlier, Potter I'm guessing based on how close you were to him, or at least somebody in his group. I'll tell you whatever you'd like."
It was appealing, but how could he trust whatever she said to be true? Harry began to pull away but felt her grip tighten on him. "Not good enough?" her voice sounded odd. "Do you have a subject you're lacking in? Multiple maybe? I could tutor you personally, you could become the best in your year."
That was a far better offer and felt ironic to him. She would teach him, the person dedicated to dismantling her.
Harry looked towards her - still avoiding eye contact obviously - and told her he would agree to that.
Riddle seemed appeased and let go of him, prompting him to pull out whatever textbooks he wanted to get started on.
He would then spend the remainder of the ride being caught up on Arithmancy and Ancient Runes, both courses Riddle seemed to know inside and out as Slughorn had said earlier.
By the time Riddle dictated that the group get changed before disembarking, he felt as if his head might explode and again, the cause of said headache was Riddle.
Aster stood beside Harry while Riddle led the group off the train and to the carriages, Daphne had told him during the walk that she would see him to the sorting rather than have him go with the First Years. He was immensely thankful for that.
Small talk was made on the carriage ride up to the Castle, with nothing important being said. It was good that nothing of note happened, as he felt odd making the trip without Ron, Hermione or the others. Aster even commented on the face he must've been pulling, telling him 'Don't worry Peverell, no matter where you're sorted you won't be escaping my handsome self' which seemed ominous when he thought about it.
Once he got past his funk from thinking of friends not yet born and Aster left him alone, he took the remaining time to take in the sight as they approached the Castle.
Hogwarts. His true home. It stood just as magnificently as he remembered. After seeing so much change while being in the past, it was comforting to see something that looked the same as it did in the future. More than that, in mere minutes he'd be under the same roof as the greatest wizard alive, Albus Dumbledore. His Professor would most certainly have at least a theory if not a likely answer on what he was doing in the past, better than that, Harry wouldn't have to rely solely on himself any longer than the two days he'd done thus far.
"Get moving mate! That feast waits for nobody!" Aster said from his side, poking Harry in the ribs as he did so.
Roused from his thinking, Harry got off the carriage and was escorted by Daphne until he stood beside her behind a very large group of Firsties, just hearing the end comments of what one much younger looking Dumbledore was saying before the man looked over to them.
Just seeing the man set him at ease and Harry swore he could feel a pressure lifted from his shoulders.
For his part, Dumbledore was like the castle; much the same. He wore a long flowing set of robes with stars and other symbols all over it, his glasses slightly forward on his nose rather than right against his eyes and finally, the warm look upon the man's face at seeing all the assembled students.
"Good evening Daphne." Dumbledore greeted, his tone familiar and light before turning to look at Harry. For the briefest of moments, it looked as if recognition flashed across the Professor's face before it was pushed behind a welcoming smile. "This must be Harry Peverell, I've looked so very forward to meeting you."
Harry could cry he was so happy. He swallowed air and dipped his head in respect for the man. "I could say the same Professor."
Smiling, the Professor nodded his head, bringing a hand to his chin contemplatively before pulling it away and snapping his fingers. "Wonderful, Miss Oleander if you would."
Daphne sighed from beside him and pushed through the gathered First Years, leading them towards the entrance of the Great Hall as Dumbledore somehow ended up beside Harry. "While now's not the time for making plans with so many eager young minds awaiting their sorting, do expect me to call for you to satiate an old man's curiosity if you're not opposed."
Struck at his fortune, Harry looked back at the man and for the first time, felt what Slughorn had mentioned. Dumbledore's power was practically making the air around the man electrified. "Of course Professor, it'd be an honour to speak with you."
"Wonderful most certainly." Harry then watched as the man made his way to the front, switching places with the Head Girl with no words spoken.
At the doors, the Professor looked back at all the students. "Let's begin."
Harry saw the large doors that lead into the Great Hall open wide at the words and so he made his way inwards next to the Head Girl.
It was time for his sorting.