Continued from the previous chapter due to the word limit.
- Well, it's the first time my little Ronyquin is going to Hogwarts... All you have to do is walk straight at the barrier between platforms nine and ten. - The red-haired woman explained to Potter, while the red-haired boy sighed exasperatedly at the nickname. - You can run if you're nervous. - She finished, as Harry positioned himself, looking at the column beside the little red-haired girl, who was wishing him good luck.
Running as instructed by the redhead, Harry finally passed through the stone wall that seemed more like a mirage and invisible veil that embraced his skin, soon noticing a large train after strangely passing through what should have been solid.
The smoke from the locomotive drifted over the heads of people talking excitedly, while cats of every color weaved between their legs. Owls hooted to one another, disgruntled, overlaying the hubbub and the clatter of heavy trunks being dragged.
Harry walked slowly among the adults, feeling Fyexbolt stirring under his blazer due to the various animal noises.
Many stared at Harry with curiosity, both because of the dark sword always sheathed at his waist and the scar on his forehead, making many believe he was someone very famous. However, his physical appearance didn't match who they theorized, thinking he was just a fanboy of the Boy-Who-Lived, not the first crazy person to slice their forehead to have a similar scar.
The first carriages were already full of students, some leaning out of the windows talking to their families, others fighting over seats. Harry pushed the trolley along the platform, looking for an empty spot outside, passing a round-faced boy who was saying:
- Gran, I lost my toad again.
- Oh, Neville... - He heard the woman sigh.
Further ahead, a boy with dreadlocks was surrounded by a small group of boys:
- Let us see, Lee, go on.
The boy lifted the lid of a box he was carrying in his arms, and the people around screamed and yelled when something inside the box poked out with a long, hairy leg.
Harry kept walking through the crowd until he found an empty compartment at the end of the train. He first put his owl inside and then started pushing and forcing the trunk towards the train door, when he was interrupted by a boy:
- Need a hand? - It was one of the red-haired twins he had followed to pass through the barrier.
- Please... - Harry said as he separated his newly acquired suitcase.
- Gred! Give me a hand here! - The redhead, identical to his brother, exclaimed, and soon with the twins' help, Harry's trunks were finally placed in a corner of the compartment.
- Thanks. - Harry said, brushing the slightly sweaty hair from his forehead due to the recent rush he had half an hour ago.
- What's that? - One of the twins suddenly asked, pointing to Harry's scar, where he soon looked at his reflection in the window and realized he was referring to his scar.
- Blimey! - Said the other twin. - You are...?
- He is... - Said the first twin. - Isn't he?" he added to Harry.
- What? - Potter asked, still not understanding what they were referring to.
- Harry Potter! - The twins said in unison.
- Ah, yeah! That's my name. - Harry said, where the two boys looked gobsmacked, and Harry felt a bit embarrassed. Then, to his relief, they heard a voice from the open train door.
- Fred? George? Are you there? - The redhead from before reappeared, shouting, but her voice came from outside the train, and Harry could see she was with the little redhead, who was amazed by what must have been the entire Hogwarts Express.
- We're coming, Mum! - Both shouted, giving one last look at Harry before jumping out of the train.
Harry sat by the window, half-hidden, observing the red-haired family on the platform. The mother had just pulled out a handkerchief.
- Ron, you've got something on your nose. - The redhead matriarch said as the younger boy tried to escape her clutches, but she caught him and started cleaning the tip of his nose.
- Mum, get off. - He said, wriggling away.
- Oh, is Ronykins got something on his nose? - One of the twins teased, making Harry laugh, as he liked their personalities.
- Shut up. - Said Ron.
- Where's Percy? - The mother asked.
- Coming through. - Both red-haired twins said as if heralding a king, who came in wide, black Hogwarts robes, and Harry noticed he had a shiny silver badge with the letter "P".
- Can't stay long, Mum. - He said. - I'm up front, the prefects have separate compartments...
- Oh, you're a prefect, Percy? - One of the twins asked with great surprise. - You should have said something, we had no idea.
- Wait a minute, I think I remember him saying something. - Said the other twin. - Once...
- Or twice...
- A minute...
- All summer! - They said in unison.
- Oh, shut up! - Said Percy, the prefect. This made Harry smile even more at the redheads' antics.
- Anyway, why did Percy get new robes? - Asked one of the twins.
- Because he's a prefect. - Said their mother fondly. - Alright, dear, have a good school year. Send me an owl when you get there. - Finally, she kissed Percy on the cheek, and he walked away. Then, turning to the twins, she said. - Now, you two, behave yourselves this year. If I get another owl saying that you… you blew up a toilet or…
- Blew up a toilet? We've never blown up a toilet. - One of the redheads said, as if such an accusation was unbelievable.
- But it's a great idea, thanks, Mum. - The other redhead said with a mischievous look at his brother, who was already imagining one of their pranks working out.
- It's not funny. And take care of Ron. - Their mother censured them with a stern tone, but her expression belied this fact.
- Don't worry, Ronykins is safe with us. - Both twins said, standing to attention.
- Shut up. - Ron commanded again, while his nose was red from where his mother had rubbed it.
- Hey, Mum, guess what? Guess who we just met on the train? - One of the redheads began.
Harry, who was sitting and focusing on the twins' funny conversation, found it strange as he could clearly hear what they were saying, even though they were outside with all the noise from the locomotive and the excited shouts of students and families.
It was as if his hearing became sharper in just one specific point where he was focusing.
- We just saw Harry Potter! It's amazing... He's taller than us and looks our age... Didn't you say he was eleven? - One of the redheads said with genuine emotion in his voice.
- Harry Potter! - The little redhead's voice piped up with amazed surprise and curiosity. - Oh, Mum, can I go on the train to see him, Mum, please…
- Poor thing, he's not a zoo animal for you to look at. Is it really him, Fred? How do you know? - The matriarch said with natural conviction, referring to the right twin, which made Harry promptly try to identify any differences between the twins to mark them without error.
- I asked him. I saw the scar. It's really there, it looks like a rune, and strangely, he's our height and looks even older.
The older redhead tried to continue the conversation, but there was a loud whistle, and the woman said:
- Hurry up! You don't want to miss the train. - She said, and the three boys boarded the train.
At that moment, they burst into Harry's compartment, leaning out of the window for their mother to give them a goodbye kiss, and the little sister started crying under Harry's gaze and the mother's surprise, who now indeed saw the scar on him.
- Don't cry, Ginny, we'll send you loads of owls. - One of the twins said, followed by the other.
- We'll send you a Hogwarts toilet seat.
- George! - The redhead scolded the boy, who laughed in response. Harry noticed that he had a slight individual freckle on his left cheek, while the other twin, whom the mother called Fred, had a similar freckle on his right cheek.
- Just kidding, Mum. - George replied cheerfully, and soon the train started moving after the final whistle and magical locking of the doors.
Harry saw the boys' mother waving and the little sister, half-laughing, half-crying, running to keep up with the train until it picked up speed and she was left behind, waving.
Harry watched the girl and mother disappear as the train rounded a bend. The houses flashed past the window in a blur.
Harry felt a great thrill. He didn't know where he was going, but it had to be better than the place he was leaving behind.
At this point, both red-haired twins realized they had invaded an occupied compartment:
- Don't worry! You can stay if you want. - Harry said while opening the recently received book and soon was surprised by the information inside.
[ ... ]
Since the train's departure, what had been many excited voices about the trip, simply fell silent over the passing minutes.
Harry was now focused on reading the book he had received from Niklaus, noticing that it was actually a bestiary written by someone named Newt Scamander. It contained information on various creatures, whether small, medium, large, or giant.
It described the type of diet for each, medications for common diseases, where they lived, and the best biome for each one.
Harry had never thought so many different creatures could exist outside his reality, but before he could continue, he was interrupted by the voice of one of the redheads in front of him:
- So it's really you? The great Harry Potter!? - The twin with the freckle on his right cheek, whom Harry now knew to be Fred, asked excitedly, making Harry laugh.
- It's not that grand... it's just Harry. - He said, still finding all the grandeur with which everyone treated him rather strange.
- Is it true you killed a dragon? How was it? - George, the twin with the freckle on his left cheek, asked with shining eyes, confusing Potter.
- How and why would I kill a dragon? - Harry asked in doubt.
- Well, it's in one of the famous tales of the great adventures of the Boy-Who-Lived. - Both redheads said together.
- I think someone misled you, or you simply read some fictional story. - Harry said with amusement. - I barely knew dragons existed; there's no chance I could kill one. Why would I? If I could tame it and feed it as a new protective friend. - Harry finally said while the twins laughed.
It was noticeable that the tales were indeed exaggerated, and seeing all this humility and even sarcasm in Potter made them like him even more. The books always depicted him as a great eleven-year-old wizard ahead of his generation, giving him an arrogant air.
The reality, however, was a completely different story.
After quickly flipping through the last pages of the book, he felt very curious about the suitcase beside him. The book mentioned that everything he needed would be inside, so with his curiosity piqued, Potter finally picked up the suitcase under the twins' watchful eyes.
As he opened it partially, a ferocious roar emerged from inside, audible only within the respective compartment.
- Oh... What's in there? - George asked with surprise and malicious excitement.
- I knew it, there's a dragon! - Fred said, making the other redhead nod in agreement.
- I have no idea! I got this suitcase from a recent acquaintance. - Harry said while now finishing opening it and placing it on the floor.
- Is it an interdimensional suitcase? - One of the twins asked excitedly, while from above, he could see an improvised ladder on a log, surrounded by what looked like a workspace with herbs, potion bottles, ingredients, and drawers.
- This is so cool. - Harry said while putting his hand inside the suitcase and feeling a slight breeze, as if he could actually enter it and be situated in that room.
- Are you going to go in? - The other redhead asked with a pleading look, practically begging Potter to let him see it too.
- Sure! - Harry said as he got up from his seat and put his foot into the suitcase, already feeling the first improvised wooden step. This made him continue until only his head was left outside the suitcase.
- If you want to come too... It'll be fun to find out what's in here... well, that or at least I won't die alone. - Harry finally said, as he descended further under the watchful eyes of the two redheads, who weren't sure if he was joking, especially with another roar resounding.
Immediately, the twins got up and finally descended along with Potter.
[ ... ]
Several minutes had passed since Harry and the twins entered the suitcase, each of them marveling at the enormous house inside the suitcase.
Harry was the most surprised by everything, while the twins had already heard about such things, and their pranks and daily life in the wizarding society gave them a better understanding of magic.
- Guys... Come see this! - Harry called to the twins, who were rummaging through drawers looking for something interesting. With Potter's voice coming from outside the house, both finally walked to the destination.
When they arrived, each twin's eyes widened at the sight.
It was as if there were an entire world inside. The sky was slightly orange from the setting sun, the grand lands and mountains in the distance, even flying beasts soaring through the skies, while others walked on the ground.
It was something completely surreal for each of them. What the twins had imagined as a "suitcase house" was now an entire world inside, and apparently, there were hundreds of sectors with various environments, diverse biomes, and stations tailored for each animal classification.
Harry, quickly flipping through the book in his hands, soon said:
- Those over there are Graphorns. - Harry identified the species while pointing to several large, four-legged animals with what appeared to be thick skin, similar to dragons in illustrations.
- That's an Occamy. - Potter read out loud while pointing to a snake-bird hybrid full of feathers at a great distance.
- And that's a Bowtruckle. - Harry finally said, spotting a small green creature that looked like a twig, walking on one of the wooden pillars.
The surprise in the twins' eyes was evident, especially when Harry's phoenix flew out of his blazer pocket and started playing with the supposed Bowtruckle.
- Gred... this suitcase is the one, isn't it? - One of the twins asked the other in doubt.
- Definitely, Forge... - The other replied.
- What suitcase, what are you talking about." - Harry asked them, looking at him oddly.
- Man, we have classes about this at Hogwarts! Or at least one of the only books we really dug into studying. - George said.
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them! Written by Newt Scamander. - Fred added.
- When Niklaus explained the suitcase to me, he did say it was from an old friend named Newt. - Harry explained, surprised.
- I don't think you understand. This is the lost suitcase of the famous Magizoologist Newt Scamander. There are only books mentioning this suitcase that this wizard carried for part of his life, and when he retired, he aimed to make it disappear and never exposed where he took it. And now you have in your hands such a rare and incredible artifact. - George said, the redhead speaking without a joking tone for the first time.
- No matter what you do, don't let anyone find out about it... If the ministry hears about it, they will certainly try to confiscate it because of the rare animals that live inside. - Fred continued with Harry's agreement.
- But how am I supposed to hide it? - Harry asked, knowing clearly that the Hogwarts professors wouldn't be fooled by a suitcase with an immense world inside it.
- It's mentioned that this is a Muggle-repelling suitcase. - Fred said.
- You just have to activate that feature, and it will appear to be just a common suitcase. At least it'll work until you can store it in the dormitories. - George explained, and soon the trio planned to return to the train compartment, with Potter's phoenix staying inside, playing with her new friend.
[ ... ]
Harry, Fred, and George, who had been inside an interdimensional suitcase in the last compartment of the locomotive, soon aimed to get out, where to their surprise, another little redhead was sitting right there.
He looked confused at the sight of his brothers coming out of a suitcase, and then both redheads said:
- Hi, Ron. - The twins said in unison.
- Listen, let's go to the middle of the train. Apparently, Lee brought a giant tarantula. - Fred said as he headed for the door with his brother in tow.
- Alright. - Ron grumbled.
- Alright. - Ron grumbled.
- Harry, did we introduce ourselves? - The other twin said, but before Harry could answer, he added. - Gred and Forge Weasley. And this is Ronikins, our little brother.
- Don't forget the "Muggle-repelling charm", mate. - The twins finally said in unison, with Harry nodding in farewell.
- See you later. - Harry said as the twins closed the compartment door as they left.
Harry quickly examined his suitcase in every corner, soon finding a small button labeled "Muggle repelling charm." When activated, nothing seemed different.
However, upon opening it, it appeared to be just a medium-sized suitcase with some standard Hogwarts clothes, watches, and a wallet commonly used by Muggles.
- Are you really Harry Potter? - Ron blurted out curiously, at the same moment Harry was placing his bestiary inside the suitcase and adjusting it under the seat. Harry calmly confirmed, under Ron's admiring gaze.
- Oh, well, I thought Fred and George were joking about you being the same age as them... - Ron said, impressed or something that made his face turn red at Harry's good looks. - And you have the... - He finally said awkwardly, pointing to Harry's forehead. Harry quickly brushed his messy bangs aside to reveal the lightning-shaped scar.
- Actually... if you're eleven, then we're the same age. - Harry replied, pulling his hair back, making it messy but stylish in Ron's view.
- But... that's impossible! No one's ever said anything about wizard kids growing up early. - Ron said, not knowing how to explain Harry looking eighteen at eleven.
- I used to find it strange too, and thought I was very different from everyone else. - Harry said, remembering what his appearance had cost him. - But seeing that goblins, wizards, and magic exist... made me realize nothing is really impossible. - He finally explained.
- Wow! - Ron said, impressed, staring at Harry for a few minutes, then, as if suddenly realizing what he was doing, quickly looked out the window again.
Noticing Ron's flushed face from staring at him too long, Harry smiled and started a conversation:
- Is everyone in your family a wizard? - Harry asked, finding everything about magic as interesting as Ron found him.
- Um… They are, I think. I believe Mum has a second cousin who is an accountant, but he lives very far away.
- So you must know a lot of magic. - Harry didn't ask but practically stated, because just as he understood the Muggle world, the boy should understand the wizarding world.
It was strange for Harry to consider him a little boy, being the same age as himself, but the difference in maturity and innocence was quite vast.
While one would surely be embarrassed to hold a girl's hand, the other already understood well about relationships with the opposite sex due to some obligations he had been forced to undertake.
The Weasleys were apparently one of those old wizarding families that a pale boy in Madam Malkin's had been talking about with one of the attendants. Harry remembered that other boy and saw a predominant pride and even arrogance in him, while the one in front of him now was a mix of vast innocence and humility.
But who was Harry to judge someone? In truth, he felt he was a bit of everything. Courageous, humble, loyal, proud, ambitious, charismatic… and perhaps even psychotic.
Noticing the silence that had settled due to Harry's daydreaming, it soon became possible to hear:
- I heard you went to live with Muggles. What are they like? - Ron asked.
- Horrible… Well, not all of them. But my aunt and uncle are. I would have liked to have three wizard brothers, or maybe just to have lived with my cousin Dudley. - Harry replied, smiling at the drastic change in behavior his cousin Dudley had after receiving his first scolding in life, which came from Harry himself.
- Six. - Ron said, and for a second he seemed sad. - I'm the sixth to go to Hogwarts. You could say I have to live up to our name. - Seeing that Harry was interested in his story, the boy continued. - Bill and Charlie have already finished school. Bill was head boy and Charlie was captain of the Quidditch team. Now Percy is a prefect. Fred and George mess around a lot, but they get great marks and everyone thinks they're really funny.
- Everyone expects me to do as well as the others, but if I do, it's no big deal, because they did it first. And you don't get anything new with five brothers. I wear Bill's old robes, Charlie's old wand, and Percy's old rat… - As he spoke, Ron put his hand into the inner pocket of his jacket and took out a fat, gray rat that was sleeping.
- His name is Scabbers and he's useless, hardly ever wakes up. Percy got an owl from my dad for being made a prefect, but they couldn't… I mean, instead, I got Scabbers. - With that, Ron's ears turned red. He seemed to think he had said too much because he went back to looking out the window.
Harry didn't think it was a big deal that someone couldn't afford to buy an owl. After all, he had always had to work to support himself from a young age. In a way, he was bothered by the boy complaining so much about his life when he had a loving family to care for him, but he wouldn't judge him, especially since he was just a child and still had much to learn. Taking his parents' side would only make the boy upset for no reason.
So, Harry briefly shared some parts of his life, like how he always had to work after his body underwent such drastic changes, and how he had never received a birthday present in his life.
Hearing this, the redheaded boy cheered up a bit, as Harry didn't mind him talking about his life and seemed to have a life as difficult as his own.
This again bothered Potter, seeing how the boy compared his life in a loving home to living in an abusive home like the Dursleys', but Harry dismissed it again as just the mentality of a child who didn't understand the complexity of everything Harry had said.
- ... And until Hagrid told me, I didn't know what it was to be a wizard, who my parents were, or even this Voldemort. - Harry said, looking out the window, then noticed Ron's shocked expression. - What is it? - Harry asked in confusion.
- You said You-Know-Who's name! - Ron exclaimed, looking both shocked and impressed. - Everyone who says it is cursed, and I thought of all people, you...
- I'm not trying to be brave or anything by saying his name. It's just that I never knew you weren't supposed to. See what I mean? I have a lot to learn..., but don't mind me saying "Voldemort". They say it's a cursed name, but maybe it's just a title that became so famous that his allies invented that you should fear the name. - Harry finally said, though the admiration in the boy's eyes was still evident.
As they talked, the train continued its journey through an environment that Potter couldn't recognize. It was certainly not London; it felt more like he had entered a completely different world after passing through the platform barrier, without the usual houses, cars, and No-Mag surroundings. Even the air seemed cleaner and more pleasant. They now traveled through fields full of cows and sheep, occasionally passing cottages and villages that were soon lost to the high speed of the express. They remained silent for a while, contemplating the fields and paths flashing by, and even the insects that occasionally perched outside the window were different from those in No-Maj society, making Potter truly theorize that he was no longer connected to planet Earth—well, figuratively speaking, of course, because, in his view, the modern No-Maj society would have already left its mark on such open spaces with light poles, roads, and buildings... but not here. For long stretches of land and hills, there were only animals, villages, strange insects, and people in ancient robes, with staffs and birds flying in confusing patterns that he had never seen, much less in such quantities.
Around half-past noon, they heard a loud noise in the corridor, and a dark-haired woman with a lovely smile on her face appeared with a trolley of sweets and snacks:
- Anything from the trolley, dears?" the woman asked while Ron stared at everything with shining eyes, along with Potter, who focused his gaze specifically on the woman.
Harry, who had seen many things that looked great, quickly stood up, but Ron's ears turned red again, and he murmured that he had brought sandwiches while Harry went into the corridor.
He had never had money for sweets at the Dursleys' house, and now that his pockets were jangling with gold and silver coins, he was willing to buy as many chocolate bars as he could carry. However, the woman didn't have bars; she had Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, Drooble's Best Blowing Gum, Chocolate Frogs, Pumpkin Pasties, Cauldron Cakes, Licorice Wands, and various other strange things that Harry had never seen in his life. The closest thing he had ever tasted were coxinhas, both savory and sweet.
Not wanting to miss anything, he bought all the coxinhas and various other sweets, paid the woman, who smiled seductively at Potter, causing Ron to blush with embarrassment and Harry to wink back at her.
Ron's eyes widened when Harry brought everything into the compartment and dumped it on the empty seat.
- Hungry, aren't you? - Ron said while Harry laughed.
- Starving. - Harry replied, picking up a chicken coxinha and taking a bite. - I never had much money for sweets or snacks, so I have to enjoy it. - He finally answered while watching Ron take out a lumpy package and open it.
There were four sandwiches inside. He opened one and said:
- She always forgets I don't like canned tuna. - The redhead complained with a look of disgust.
- I like it, want to trade? - Harry offered, handing over a chicken coxinha. - Here, take it.
- You don't want this, it's really dry. She doesn't have much time. You know, we are seven.
- It's fine... I like homemade food. - Harry cut off the boy's argument while taking the sandwiches and handing over the coxinha. - Go ahead, eat… - He finally said while taking a bite of the sandwich, showing a look of satisfaction.
[ ... ]
- What's this? - Harry asked Ron, showing a pack of Chocolate Frogs. - They're not real frogs, are they? - He was beginning to think nothing could surprise him.
- No. But see which card it is, I'm missing Agrippa. - Ron said with a smile.
- What? - Harry asked in doubt.
- Of course, you don't know. Chocolate Frogs have cards inside, you know, for collecting, famous witches and wizards. I've got about five hundred, but I don't have Agrippa or Ptolemy. - Ron explained, with Harry comparing it much to the Dragon Ball cards he always got in the cheese puff packets he bought during work breaks.
Harry opened the Chocolate Frog and pulled out the card. It was the face of a man. He wore half-moon glasses, had a long, crooked nose, silver hair, beard, and mustache. Under the portrait was the name Albus Dumbledore.
- So this is Dumbledore... - Said Harry, with a hidden feeling of anger. However, he managed to hide it very well, making him seem like a fan of the man in the redhead's eyes.
- Don't tell me you've never heard of Dumbledore! Can I have a frog? Maybe I'll get Agrippa. Thanks. - The boy said to everything, where Harry showed that he could eat whatever he wanted from the sweets and snacks.
Harry turned the card over and read:
"Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore - Currently Headmaster of Hogwarts.
Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot and Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards. Awarded the Order of Merlin, First Class.
Considered by many to be the greatest wizard of contemporary times, Dumbledore is particularly famous for his defeat of the Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald in 1945, for the discovery of the twelve uses of dragon's blood, and his work on alchemy with his partner, Nicolas Flamel. Professor Dumbledore enjoys chamber music and tenpin bowling."
Harry, not only surprised by the headmaster's achievements but also by the fact that the card was moving, was astonished when the figure simply disappeared.
- He vanished? - Harry asked, this being a novelty compared to his Dragon Ball Z cards.
- Well, you can't expect him to stay there all day. He'll be back later. Oh no, I got Morgana Le Fay again, and I've already got about six of her... Want it? You can start your collection. - The boy said, handing the card to Harry, who accepted and couldn't help but admire the beauty of the dark witch and Merlin's number one enemy. Ron's eyes drifted to the pile of unopened Chocolate Frogs. - Help yourself. - Harry said, amused by the boy's shy demeanor. - But, you know, in the Muggle world, people stay still in photos. - He explained, finding the omnipresent magic strange.
- Do they? What, they don't move at all? - Ron seemed surprised. - That's weird!
Harry's eyes widened when Dumbledore returned to the card and gave him a small smile. Ron was more interested in eating the frogs than looking at the famous witches and wizards, but Harry couldn't take his eyes off them. Soon, he had not only Dumbledore and Morgana, but also Hengist of Woodcroft, Alberic Grunnion, Circe, Paracelsus, Merlin, and even a lion they named the Supreme King of Narnia.
Finally, he tore his eyes away from the druid Cliodna, who was scratching her nose, to open a bag of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans.
- You've got to be careful with those. - Ron warned. - When they say every flavor, they mean every flavor. You know, all the ordinary ones like chocolate, peppermint, and marmalade, but also spinach, liver, and tripe. George reckons he had a bogey-flavored one once. - Ron picked up a green bean, looked at it carefully, and bit off a corner. - Blech! See? Brussels sprouts."
They had fun eating the beans. Harry got toast, baked beans, strawberry, grass, coffee, sardine, and even mustered the courage to nibble the corner of a funny gray one Ron didn't want, which turned out to be pepper.
The fields outside the window were becoming wilder. The neat rows of crops had vanished. Now there were woods, twisting rivers, and dark green hills.
They heard a knock on the compartment door and the round-faced boy Harry had seen on the platform entered. He looked tearful.
- Sorry, but have you seen a toad at all? - He asked, and both shook their heads. - I've lost him! He keeps getting away from me!
- He'll turn up. Why don't you sit down and calm down a bit before you go looking for him again. - Harry consoled, oddly seeing a mirrored image of himself before he was seven in the boy.
- I don't understand! He never stays with me and is always escaping. - The boy said while Harry and Ron exchanged looks.
- Why don't you try to make him realize he needs you when you find him? - Harry suggested. - For example, do something he likes that no one else does, or give him food that only he gets from you. That way, he'll always go out for a walk, but eventually, he'll come back knowing you're his home. - Harry finally said, drawing from his great experience with animals, both domestic and wild. - Besides, we're on a train, and frogs don't like this kind of environment; he has probably nestled into something more natural for him.
- You're right, he always runs away at the same time and reappears at the same time. - The boy said, understanding that every animal needs its own time to wander or rest and always returns when it knows its owner needs to leave.
- Here! Have a brigadeiro coxinha, no need to worry unnecessarily. - Harry said, handing over one of the coxinhas. - Animals are very smart, and if they know how to take care of themselves, they can go as far as possible and will eventually return home.
- You're right! Thank you. - The short, chubby boy said, excited. - I'm Neville Longbottom, pleased to meet you. - The boy finally said as he returned to his compartment, chewing on one of the greatest chocolate wonders ever created.
- I don't see why he's so upset. - Ron said, looking uncomfortable with their proximity. - If I brought a frog, I'd want to lose it as quickly as possible. But I brought Scabbers, so I can't say anything.
The rat continued to nap on Ron's lap, and when Harry looked closely, he could see that it was missing a toe and wasn't really sleeping but secretly watching Harry.
This made Harry's eyes unconsciously flash very quickly and threateningly.
- He could be dead, and no one would know the difference. - Ron said disdainfully, not noticing Harry's eyes, but the rat did and desperately hid in Ron's clothes. - I tried to turn him yellow to make him more interesting, but the spell didn't work. I'll show you. Look... - He rummaged through his bag and took out a very worn wand. It was chipped in some places, and there was something white shining at the tip.
- The unicorn hair is nearly poking out. Anyway..." He had just raised the wand when the compartment door opened again. The boy without the toad was back, but this time he had a girl with him. She was already wearing her new Hogwarts robes.
And judging by her authoritative style, she had clearly forced Neville to keep searching, even though he was already calm.
- Has anyone seen a toad? Neville's lost one," the girl said in a bossy tone, her bushy brown hair and large front teeth quite prominent.
- We've already told him we haven't seen a toad. - Ron responded, but the girl wasn't listening, looking at the wand in his hand.
- Are you doing magic? Let's see it then. - She said as she sat next to Harry, followed by Neville sitting next to her, leaving Ron somewhat disconcerted.
- Um... alright. - Ron cleared his throat.
- "Sunshine daisies, butter mellow, turn this stupid, fat rat yellow." - He waved his wand, but nothing happened. Scabbers remained gray and completely asleep.
Harry, who had already theorized something, thought it might be another prank by the red-haired twins.
- Are you sure that's a real spell? - The girl asked. - Well, it's not very good, is it? I've tried a few simple spells just for practice, and they've all worked for me.
- Nobody in my family's magic at all, it was ever such a surprise when I got my letter, but I was ever so pleased, of course. I mean, it's the very best school of witchcraft there is,
- I've heard. I've learned all our course books by heart, of course. I just hope it will be enough - I'm Hermione Jean Granger, by the way, who are you? - She said all this very fast, in a tone of pride and superiority toward the redheaded boy.
- "Jean Granger?" - Harry thought to himself. - "She only needs to be a redhead telepath with a cursed phoenix sealed within her... who knows, maybe we can manage that."- Potter continued thinking while touching the pocket of his blazer that held a baby phoenix.
- I'm Ron Weasley. - Ron grunted, apparently not liking the girl.
- Harry Potter. - Harry responded, still trying to find ways to transform this girl into one of the most famous telepathic mutants on the planet, or at least one of the witches... it would be interesting, and Harry was already feeling bored, which definitely wasn't a good sign considering what happened around him when he got bored.
- Wow? I've read about you, of course. I have some extra books for background reading, and you're in Modern Magical History, The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts, and Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century.
- It's all false! If you're thinking I could kill one of the most powerful wizards or slay a dragon... I think we just need to have common sense to understand that an eleven-year-old could never achieve such feats. - Harry explained, making sure she understood this fact.
- Anyway... Do you know which house you'll be in? I've been asking around, and I hope I'm in Gryffindor, it sounds the best. I've heard Dumbledore himself was in it, but I suppose Ravenclaw wouldn't be too bad... Anyway, we'd better go and look for Neville's toad. And you'd better get changed, you know, we'll be there soon. - And off she went without waiting for a reply, taking the toad-less boy with her.
- Whatever house I'm in, I hope she's not in it. - Ron muttered, throwing his wand back into his trunk. - Stupid spell. George gave it to me, bet he knew it was a dud.
- Which house are your brothers in? - Harry asked.
- Gryffindor. - Ron said, his sadness returning. - Mum and Dad were in it too. I don't know what they'll say if I'm not. I suppose Ravenclaw wouldn't be too bad, but imagine if they put me in Slytherin.
- Is that the house Vol... I mean, You-Know-Who was in? - Harry asked, already knowing Ron didn't like to hear the name of the fallen Dark Lord.
- Yes. - Ron replied, sinking back into his seat, looking miserable.
- But, you know... judging a house by a single evil member who belonged to it, I think that kind of prejudice never helps... It's not a house that will shape our image, but ourselves. - Harry explained, with some conviction. Ron denied everything and soon asked to change the subject.
- So, what do your older brothers do now that they've left Hogwarts? - Harry continued, genuinely curious about what a wizard does after finishing their studies.
- Charlie's in Romania studying dragons, and Bill's in Africa doing something for Gringotts. Something about an Egyptian wizard's soul sealed in an object or some other nonsense the goblins invented to scare us wizards. - Ron said, unaware of how this information could be significant for many things related to Potter. - Did you hear what happened at Gringotts just before we boarded? Mum said Dad couldn't Apparate with us because the Daily Prophet is all over it, but I guess living with Muggles, you don't get the paper.
- Anyway, some guys tried to rob a high-security vault. - Ron said, making Harry's eyes widen. This immediately made Potter pull out his black card from his blazer, checking his account balance.
A hologram appeared in front of them, displaying an extremely large amount of galleons, allowing Potter to ensure his bank accounts were intact.
- Wow... You seemed to have a lot of money! But not that you were the richest on the planet. - Ron said, impressed and turning as red as a tomato for some reason at the displayed amount, where soon the hologram vanished.
- Can this be our little secret? - Harry asked, with Ron immediately agreeing. - So, did they catch the thieves? - Harry finally asked.
- No, and that's why it's such big news. They weren't caught. Dad was called in right away, but they're theorizing it must have been a powerful dark wizard to fool Gringotts, but they think they didn't take anything, which is strange.
- Of course, everyone gets scared when something like this happens because You-Know-Who might be behind it, even though he's dead, you know... a lot of people still feel dread about those times coming back... at least that's what my dad says. - Ron explained everything, while Harry mentally processed the news.
He was starting to get a chill every time You-Know-Who was mentioned. He supposed this was part of entering the world of magic, but it had been much more comfortable to say Voldemort without worry. At least for him, who hadn't lived during the war caused by that wizard, it was certainly understandable the public's apprehension and adoration toward him.
Now he just had to study what happened in that war and be careful not to scare others with topics they didn't even want to think about.
- So, what's your Quidditch team? - Ron asked.
- Um... I don't know any. - Harry confessed.
- What? - Ron seemed shocked. - Oh, wait, it's the best game in the world.
And he went on to explain everything about the four balls and the positions of the seven players, described famous games he had been to with his brothers, and the broomstick he'd like to buy if he had the money.
He was showing Harry the qualities of the game when the compartment door opened once again, but this time it wasn't Neville, the boy's clone, or the future flame telepath Harry would create under his arms.
Three boys entered, and Harry instantly recognized the one in the middle: it was the pale boy from Madam Malkin's robe shop he had seen from a distance, treating an attendant poorly.
- Is it true? - The pale boy asked. - They're saying on the train that Harry Potter is in this compartment, and that he looks eighteen... So, it's you?"
- I am... and it's a bit rude to call others without introducing yourself, don't you think? - Harry asked, while this kid seemed to be some sort of leader among his two chubby friends, who acted like bodyguards. But the scene was so ridiculous due to their size that Harry was really conflicted whether to laugh or slap these pretentious kids.
- Oh, this is Crabbe and this is Goyle. - The pale boy introduced them carelessly, noticing Harry's interest. - And my name is Malfoy, Draco Malfoy. - Ron coughed lightly, which might have been hiding a giggle, making Malfoy look at him and Harry again, making his mind wander to the secret agent character 007, Bond, James Bond.
- Do you think my name is funny, do you? No need to ask who you are. My father told me all the Weasleys have red hair, freckles, and more children than they can afford. - He turned to Harry, who paid little attention to the silly jabs. - You'll soon find out that some wizarding families are much better than others, Potter. You don't want to go making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there. - He held out his hand to shake Harry's, but Harry didn't take it.
He simply stood up, grabbing his suitcase and giving a smile to each of them.
- Don't drag me into silly, childish arguments. You can measure the size of your micro penises and how you really think you're up to the task while I'm out of here, kids. - Harry said as he left the compartment, leaving each boy blushing with embarrassment or even anger and confusion. - I'm going to change and store my suitcase, see you later. That is, of course, when you're not trying to hide your romantic feelings... because come on, I don't judge... so feel free to kiss each other all you want. - Harry finished, laughing sarcastically as he left and closed the door, keeping it locked when he saw the desperation and denial in each kid's shouts.
- Ah, so easy to affect the fragile mentality of a youngster. - Harry sighed contentedly as he walked down the corridor, while being the target of many students' gazes in other carriages.
That was until he passed a compartment and saw Fred and George inside. With two taps on the glass, attracting everyone's attention, the redheads soon excitedly left the compartment.
- Harry! - They both said in unison. - Long time no see! - They continued, laughing at the lack of expression on Potter's face, which made it even funnier to them.
- Do you know where I can store this suitcase and get changed? It'd be strange to walk around with it in my hand. - Harry asked the two, who immediately smiled.
- Of course we do! But first, come here... let's introduce you to everyone. - George said, pulling Harry into the compartment.
- Everyone, this is Harry Potter! - Fred said to the others, who widened their eyes.
- Harry Potter, this is everyone. - George continued, despite their friends' protests.
- Pleasure to meet you, Potter! I'm Cedric Diggory. - A boy slightly older than the red-haired twins introduced himself cordially, with Harry shaking his hand.
- I'm Cho Chang. - An Asian-looking girl younger than Cedric introduced herself cheerfully, giving Harry a kiss on the cheek, to which he responded with a wink.
- I'm Lee Jordan, but you can call me Lino. - A boy with a stylish afro hairstyle said, almost greeting Harry while holding a tarantula. - Oops... almost.
- As you know, I'm Harry. Pleasure to meet you all. - Harry introduced himself, noticing they were all dressed in school robes. Harry loosened his tie as he now faced the twins.
- Follow us, young lord! - The twins said in unison, already pulling the suitcase from Harry's hands to take him to the right place to change.
[ ... ]
Leaving a specific compartment where everyone changed their robes, Harry soon saw the red-haired twins excitedly holding a tiny suitcase in the palm of one of their hands:
- What's that? - Harry asked, incredulous that it was his suitcase.
- We used the 'Diminuendo' spell on the suitcase. Now you can carry it in your robe pocket. - Fred explained, smiling.
- But don't forget, in three hours, it will return to its normal size. So make sure you're in your dormitory, keeping it hidden as a regular clothes suitcase. - George concluded, with Harry chuckling in admiration as he held the tiny suitcase between his fingers.
- I still have to get used to this magic stuff. - Harry finally said, as both twins laughed but then looked at the sword sheathed at his waist.
- Why do you always carry that sword? - George asked.
- Is it real? - Fred asked with a pleading look, as Harry unsheathed it with a fine cutting sound resonating.
- I train martial arts and Kenjutsu daily for protection, as it's better to visibly intimidate others than actually get into a fight," Harry explained while Fred held the sword by the safe area, only for the other end to hit the ground.
- It's really heavy, how do you manage to carry this around all the time? - Fred asked, having to hold the katana with both hands.
- You get used to it over time. - Harry said, already walking down the corridor of carriages, with Fred and George playing with the katana.
Only then did he notice it was getting dark. He saw mountains and forests under a purplish sky.
Harry walked calmly down the corridor, barely noticing when he almost bumped into the trolley of the lovely candy vendor who had served him recently.
The woman smiled gracefully at Potter, who, seeing her putting away some heavy boxes from the seemingly bottomless trolley, opted to help her as he felt the train starting to slow down.
At first, the woman said it wasn't necessary, but Harry insisted, making her laugh happily.
- Thank you. - The woman said, while Fred and George stopped what they were doing to invade a nearby compartment and spy on Harry's actions, their antics causing the girls inside to laugh.
- Looked pretty heavy. - Harry smiled at her thanks. - Do you work with these sweets every day? - Harry asked the woman, who smiled even more.
- I have a shop full of them... It's called Honeydukes, and I'm the one who makes the ones derived from the Muggle world. - The woman said proudly. - Although many wizards don't buy the ones I make. - She added, a bit downcast this time.
- I loved the coxinhas you make... I think the others are just wasting time not trying them. - Harry said, making the woman smile at the compliment. - I'm still not used to magical sweets, so please don't stop making these wonders... I need them to live. - He said, making the woman laugh in understanding. Wizards tend to be very creative and even crazy in creating their sweets and snacks, and many avoid trying Muggle foods, which are some of the best.
- And what's the name of my new favorite customer? - The woman asked as she finished putting away her things, getting very close to Harry.
- It's very rude to ask someone else's name without introducing yourself first. - Harry replied, making the woman laugh. She quickly steadied herself by leaning on Harry's shoulder due to the train's abrupt slowing as it announced they were one minute from Hogsmeade.
- I'm Amanda Flume, my parents own Honeydukes, though I run everything here now... but if you ever want to visit, you're always welcome. - The woman whispered in Harry's ear, followed by a quick kiss on his cheek, then she stepped back, laughing at his surprised look.
The train gradually slowed until it came to a stop. People jostled to reach the door and get off at the small, dark platform. Harry shivered in the cold night air coming in as the train doors opened.
He smiled at the woman in front of him.
- You can bet I'll visit sometime. - Harry said, heading to the other end of the carriage. - By the way, my name's Harry Potter. - He said this, surprising the woman. - See you around, Amanda. - He finally said with a smile, as Fred and George pulled him out of the train.
With the appearance of a lantern swinging above the students' heads, Harry heard a familiar voice:
- First years! First years over here! All right there, Harry? - The large, burly man called out, smiling over a sea of heads.
- My dear Harry... You waste no time. - George said with a mischievous grin at Potter.
- I hope you end up in Gryffindor! We'll have lots of fun this year. - Fred said, handing Harry his katana, which he sheathed, impressing many onlookers.
- Come on, follow me. Any more first years? - Hagrid called again as Fred and George followed their friends.
Slipping and stumbling, they followed Hagrid down what looked like a steep, narrow path. It was so dark around them that Harry thought there must be tall trees there.
No one spoke much. Neville, the boy who kept losing his toad, sniffled a couple of times in the cold that settled over the area.
- You'll get your first sight of Hogwarts in a sec. - Hagrid called over his shoulder. - Just round this bend here.
There was a loud chorus of "Oohs" and "Aahs" as the narrow path opened suddenly onto the edge of a great black lake.
Perched atop a high mountain on the other side, its windows sparkling in the starry sky, was a vast castle with many turrets and towers.
- No more'n four to a boat! - Hagrid called, pointing to a fleet of little boats sitting in the water by the shore. Harry and Ron were followed into their boat by Neville and Hermione.
- Everyone in? - Shouted Hagrid, who had a boat to himself. - Right then… FORWARD! - The fleet of little boats moved off all at once, gliding across the lake, which was as smooth as glass.
Everyone was silent, staring up at the great castle overhead. It towered over them as they sailed nearer and nearer to the cliff on which it stood.
- Heads down! - Yelled Hagrid as the first boats reached the cliff; they all bent their heads and the little boats carried them through a curtain of ivy that hid a wide opening in the cliff face. They were carried along a dark tunnel, which seemed to be taking them right underneath the castle, until they reached a kind of underground harbor, where they clambered out onto rocks and pebbles.
- Hey, Neville! Isn't that your toad? - Harry asked, extending his hand, and the toad jumped onto it from their boat.
- Trevor! - Neville cried joyfully, reaching out.
- Remember what I said! Make sure he knows that even if he goes out for a walk, he has to come back to you. - Harry told the boy, who smiled excitedly to have his toad back.
Hagrid looked at Potter in admiration, already considering him a potential future hunting buddy.
They followed Hagrid up through a passageway in the rock, emerging onto a smooth, damp grass, right in the shadow of the castle.
They walked up a flight of stone steps and crowded around the huge, oak front door.
- Everyone here? You there, still got yer toad? - Hagrid called to Neville, who raised his hands happily, with the toad between them.
At that, Hagrid raised his giant fist and knocked three times on the castle door.
An act that would change Harry Potter's life forever.
What he once imagined would be working day after day to support himself and pay his tuition at a school near his deceased parents' home was now a new beginning created by himself, and he would not let anyone dictate what he should or shouldn't do.
And with that, I end the seventh chapter of Changed Prophecy.
I hope you are enjoying it, and don't forget to comment below XD
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Niklaus:
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Ron Weasley:
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Fred and George Weasley:
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Neville Longbottom:
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Hermione Jean Granger:
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Cedric Diggory:
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Cho Chang:
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Lee Jordan:
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Amanda Flume:
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== Creatures from the Muggle-Repelling Suitcase ==
Graphorn:
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Occamy:
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Bowtruckle:
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