14 Hogwarts Express

"Mr. Granger, Mrs. Granger, Hermione, good afternoon."

Artel greeted the Grangers with a warm smile hiding his true feelings.

"It's nice to see you, Artel."

Mr. Granger responded with a smile:

"We were a bit concerned since Hermione has never traveled alone on a train before."

"Don't worry, Mr. Granger. Hermione is a smart girl, and I believe we'll look out for each other."

"You're quite the gentleman."

Mrs. Granger's fondness for Artel seemed to grow even stronger. Mr. Granger checked the time and said:

"Alright, it's nearly time. You should get on the train."

"Goodbye, Mom and Dad. I'll see you at Christmas."

Hermione and the Grangers exchanged farewells, and Artel also said his goodbyes before he and Hermione walked onto the platform together.

The platform was bustling with activity. A dark red steam train was stationed on the tracks, bearing the sign "Hogwarts Express, 11:00."

The air was filled with chatter as young wizards bid farewell to their families, interspersed with owl hoots and occasional cat sounds.

Artel and Hermione navigated through the crowd, found a less crowded compartment, and settled into an unoccupied space.

Artel stowed away his suitcase before helping Hermione place hers beneath the seat. Hermione peeked out of the compartment, observing the other young wizards on the platform. Concluding that there was nothing particularly noteworthy, she re-entered the compartment and took her seat.

"Artel, have you been reading books this past month? I've read several and even tried practicing magic spells. I've managed to master a few."

Hermione looked at Artel eagerly, a mixture of excitement, pride, and a hint of friendly competition in her tone.

"Really? That's impressive!"

Artel dryly complimented Hermione before adding:

"I've been studying magic as well, but I find some of the spells quite challenging. I probably won't be able to use them just yet."

Artel wasn't lying. He had indeed learned various spells, but some, like Bone Dragon Summoning and Lich King Summoning, were beyond his reach. Additionally, Holy Light Magic and Life Magic were more intricate, and he had only grasped the basics. Higher-level elemental magic posed its own challenges.

Hermione comforted Artel, acknowledging that even some spells in her elementary spell book were proving difficult. She suggested that they might uncover the key to casting them during their classes. She went on without knowing what Artel was really engaged in.

As they chatted, the train whistle blew, and the Hogwarts Express began its departure. The compartment door opened, revealing Neville Longbottom—a chubby wizard carrying a toad named Ralph.

"Sorry, there aren't many compartments left."

"That's alright. You can sit here."

Hermione offered her seat to Neville before taking the space beside Artel.

"Thank you. I'm Neville Longbottom."

Neville stowed away his belongings and introduced himself, his toad in tow. He cast an apprehensive glance at Artel and Hermione, concerned they might not welcome his pet.

"This is Ralph. He's a friendly toad. I hope you don't mind."

Artel assured Neville that he didn't mind the toad's presence.

"I'm Hermione Granger."

Neville visibly relaxed as Hermione showed no aversion to the toad, a reaction he was accustomed to from other girls.

"Artel Shelby."

Artel nodded in greeting, indicating that he was fine with the toad as well.

"It might be a good idea to close the compartment door, just in case the toad decides to explore."

Artel offered a practical suggestion. Neville thanked him and secured the door.

The compartment fell into a momentary silence before Hermione initiated conversation again.

"Are your parents also wizards?"

Neville, realizing that Hermione was directing her question at him, nodded in response:

"Yes, they're both wizards."

Neville's parents had been driven to madness by the Death Eaters, currently residing at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. He was raised by his grandmother, though he didn't intend to disclose these personal details.

Sensing Neville's timidity, Hermione didn't press further. Instead, she shifted her attention back to Artel, discussing Hogwarts-related matters with him.

While Artel hadn't read the history of Hogwarts, he was familiar with the original books and movies. This familiarity allowed him to engage in conversation with Hermione on the topic.

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