A Little Help from a Snake // Tomarry

3: All Aboard!*

Revised: July 9, 2021

Wattpad's being a bit weird and making this chapter show up out of order. Just follow the numbers in the title, I'll try to figure this out.

——————————

On September 1st, Harry opened his eyes to Azure prodding him awake. 'It's time to go to Hogwarts, hatchling!' she hissed excitedly.

Harry was wide awake at that reminder. He checked and double-checked his trunk and, satisfied that he had everything, exited his room. "I'm ready," he announced.

His uncle gave a nervous start, as if he had been shocked. "Where do I take you again?"

"King's Cross. I'll be able to find my way from there." With the help of a stubborn snake, he added silently.

Uncle Vernon drove in silence. Harry had barely stepped out of the car when it shot off, tires screeching. Rolling his eyes, Harry headed for Platform Nine and three-quarters. Before going through, he unlocked Hedwig's cage. "I think you should be able to fly there."

Hedwig hooted and nipped him affectionately before taking off. 'Ready, Azure?'

'Yesss.' Harry could imagine her bouncing like a child about to get a balloon.

On the other side, Harry could see families milling around. He passed them and went to find a compartment. Upon reaching it, he cast a feather-light charm on his trunk and lifted it up above the seats before sitting down.

He then took out his copy of Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger and began reading as the train moved.

He was on Chapter 3 when the compartment door opened and in came a blond boy with a pale, pointed face and a pug-faced girl.

"Do you mind if we sit here?" the boy asked.

"No, you're good." As long as you don't talk to me.

Unfortunately, the girl had other plans. "So who are you?"

Harry decided that since everyone would know who he was eventually, he may as well get the initial gawking over with. "Harry Potter."

Sure enough, the other students' eyes stretched wide, jaws dropping.

The boy recovered first. "My name's Malfoy, Draco Malfoy," he said haughtily. "And this is Pansy Parkinson. You'll soon find out 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. Harry looked down at it, then back up. "I accept your friendship," he said, shaking it. "But word of advice: if you want to make friends, don't say something that'll chase them off." He leaned back in his seat. "And you may as well call me Harry if we are going to be friends."

Malfoy nodded, looking pleased. "Then you can call me Draco."

Just then, the compartment door was opened and Harry recognized Ron, the youngest male Weasley. "Hello. Anyone sitting there?" he asked. "Everywhere else is full."

"Who are you?" Harry asked.

"Ron Weasley," the redhead replied. "And you are?"

"Harry Potter."

Ron's eyes widened. "Really?" He seemed to realize he was staring and looked away, his eyes landing on Draco. "What are you doing with him?"

"Sitting," said Harry.

"But with Malfoy? Come on, let's go —"

He grabbed Harry's arm and pulled. Azure, alerted by this threat, appeared, snapping her jaws toward Ron, but not trying to actually hurt him. 'Leave my hatchling alone!'