Chapter 8 : First look at Hogwarts

CHUCK

CHUCK

CHUCK

SWEESH

The sudden opening of the door surprised us, revealing the female lead highlighted in the Harry Potter series, Hermione Granger. Described as 'The most talented witch of her generation,' Hermione had a light complexion, bright brown eyes, and lots of bushy brown hair.

Also, the slightly protruding two teeth, give her an insecurity regarding her appearance in the canon. It wasn't exactly noticeable until I scrutinized it due to the numerous mentions in fanfics.

Her eyes took in everything in the compartment rapidly as she asked, "Has anybody seen a toad? Neville lost his."

She possessed a no-nonsense tone of voice, which might appear stern in adults like McGonagall, but coming from a peer, it sounded bossy.

"H-Hello Daphne, Hello Tracy," Neville's squeaky voice came from behind the witch. He was round-faced, short, chubby, and had blond hair, also with slightly protruding teeth. He paled upon seeing the girls beside me.

"Hello, Neville," came the responses, one cheery and one cold.

I didn't need to say which was which witch.

Hermione's eyes narrowed at Neville's timid greeting.

Ah, now I see where her initial dislike for Slytherin comes from.

Neville is the pureblood scion of the Longbottom house, and it's evident they knew each other from before. Perhaps, the rest of the purebloods did too. Neville's lack of confidence and social awkwardness likely stemmed from bullying by the Dark faction's kids, coupled with his grandmother's constant comparison between his father and mother, which must have left its mark on him.

The main reason for bullying is simply because of one reason- The Longbottom couple, between them, has the highest kill count from Dumbledore's side.

Anyways, the bullying has left its mark on Neville, and Hermione has just witnessed the signs of it. 

Just like her own experiences with bullying in school. Luckily, she had supportive parents and plenty of talent to build herself up. 

If Neville's reaction is indicative of how other would-be Slytherins treat him in the encounters on the train, it's no wonder she does not like them. The Slytherins are unwittingly dredging up her past trauma.

"It would be best to ask the older years or the professors after the train ride to help find it. I am Arjun Prasad. Nice to meet you," I entered the conversation, offering a solution to Neville's problem.

Hermione's embarrassment was evident to everyone as she introduced herself, "I am Hermione Granger, and nice to meet you too. I am sorry about being rude. Some of the students are cussing at me for no reason."

Ah! The bias is so strong even before the sorting. The silent glances without any greetings between the girls confirmed it.

"Thanks for the advice; there are only a few compartments left. We will check them. If we cannot find it, I will ask the seniors. I will meet you guys in Hogwarts."

"Sure, meet you there."

As I watched Hermione go through the hallway, Daphne's voice echoed, "She is a muggle-born."

"So?"

"It will affect you in forming relations in the future."

I smiled at her and replied, "A relationship with her is worth it. I will bet you a galleon that she will score better than you."

"You're on."

Well, that hit her ego and I am a gold galleon richer. The benefits of future knowledge are wonderful.

I was deliberate in this attempt. I wanted to arouse her curiosity towards me and Hermione.

I am not going to lose the connections from ¼ of Hogwarts.

Having observed the working model from Tom Riddle, despite his descent into insanity, I recognized his skill in gathering people.

I understood the importance of building relationships with Slytherins, aligning myself with their beliefs so that any talent or wealth I display would be attributed solely to my potential pureblood status, fitting their way of thinking and forming relationships based on it.

Once I had established enough close friends who would look past my status, I could then reveal my muggle-born heritage. It would undoubtedly be a disaster, but with careful planning and management, it could be done.

With my remark, Daphne would likely become curious about Hermione's talent. However, it wasn't to suggest that they would become friends; both were proud individuals with vastly different circumstances and would be sorted into opposite houses. Rather, I intended to secure their acceptance of me being friends with them both.

Starting with these two, I could gradually form relationships with other key figures such as Harry Potter and members of the Slytherin house, including Draco Malfoy.

The Malfoys, in particular, held significant influence within their house and were known for their mercantile nature. They were businessmen with connections to politicians, often operating behind the scenes of the government.

It's interesting how fanfiction often portrays characters in adversarial roles, even when there's potential for more normal relationships based on canon knowledge. Indeed, both Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter share common ground in the sense that they lacked genuine friends before Hogwarts.

Draco, spoiled by his parents' affections, and Harry, dealing with the absence of such care.

With enough foreknowledge and the right moments, I can easily see myself becoming friends with them both by the end of the year. No need to shout into the world like power power-hungry idiot and make myself a schoolyard rival from either side.

-========Hogsmeade station======

 The rest of the trip was uneventful until we arrived at Hogsmeade station.

"Firs' years over here."

The half-giant of Hogwarts and the kindest according to the canon knowledge. With a thing for XXXXX class beasts and believes that they are as harmless to others as they are to him.

"Arry, Ello there."

"Hagrid!" A scrawny kid with black hair waved at the half-giant and hugged him.- Harry potter, the hero around which the world is going to run around for the next seven years.

Hundreds of sounds made by the excited students made even the half giant's voice undistinguishable. We followed him as he guided us towards the lake. 

THUMP THUMP

THUMP

As the earthquake-like footsteps ended, Hagrid's voice was heard, "No more than four a boat".

I sat with my two new friends, joined by a slender boy with sleek white-blond hair, cold grey eyes, a pale complexion and sharp, pointed features. Now I am reminded of the proverb I read somewhere, "Talk of the Devil, He appears." 

Draco Malfoy The schoolyard rival of Harry Potter.

Talented, rich, and currently the student whose father has the most political power. As long we remove exceptions like Voldemort or Dumbledor, whose prowess in magic is unrivalled, Lucius Malfoy is the most powerful person in Britain now. 

He greeted both the girls and looked at me, 

"Hello, I am Draco Malfoy. Scion of house Malfoy."

"Hello, I am Arjun Prasad."

Draco's eyes narrowed at that. Again. Seriously, these would-be -Slytherins are trained too much by their parents in politics. The girls, now this guy is also cross-referencing the pureblood list or something.

The only thing stopping him from asking is the girls' association with me and the Off chance that I may be from a new pureblood family. Yes, New pureblood families form every generation.

"WOW!"

Shortly after, the majestic castle came into view on the huge rocks above the Black Lake. The black starry sky, along with the well-lit castle and their reflection on the lake, made sure this view was imprinted onto all who took a glimpse at it. The first years were entranced by its beauty, even those who lived in luxurious manors; none can compare to such an ancient building.

========== Hogwarts waiting hall==========

We soon found ourselves in front of Minerva McGonagall. She had a stern face, making the first thoughts of any who saw her that she must not be cross.

"The firs' years, Professor McGonagall." Said Hagrid.

"Thank you, Hagrid, I will take them from here." She nodded at him and escorted them into the entrance hall.

The stone walls were lit with flaming torches like the ones at Gringotts, the ceiling was too high to make out, and a magnificent marble staircase facing them led to the upper floors.

We followed Professor McGonagall across the flagged stone floor. I could hear the drone of hundreds of voices from a doorway to the right -the rest of the school must already be here - but Professor McGonagall showed the first years into a small, empty chamber off the hall. Soon everyone crowded in, standing closer together than they would usually have done, peering about nervously.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," said Professor McGonagall. "The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is an especially important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory, and spend free time in your house common room."

"The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house has its noble history, and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your house points, while any rule-breaking will lose house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the house cup, a great honour. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house becomes yours.

"The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the rest of the school. I suggest you all smarten yourselves up as much as you can while you are waiting."

Her eyes lingered for a moment on Neville's cloak, which was fastened under his left ear, and on Ron's smudged nose. Harry nervously tried to flatten his hair.

"I shall return when we are ready for you," said Professor McGonagall. "Please wait quietly."

I waited to watch other reactions, my boatmates had their emotions masked looking around.

Though Tracy and Draco failed in hiding their nervousness. Good, be kids for a second.

I soon saw Harry Potter with Ronald Weasley, telling them they'd have to fight a troll to be sorted. Neville Longbottom was visibly shivering with fear. Not just him, but the rest of the children were also shaking in fear at that.

I replied lazily, "That would be idiotic, and the new students would be dead. Considering there are a lot of living students. It seems you were pranked by your brothers."

I saw Ron blushing from embarrassment. Well, he is insecure about his siblings. Every one of them is special and talented compared to his plain self.

"He didn't know about that; I too would have believed that."

Ah! Mr. Savior is already protective of Ron. I just shook my head, noticing Draco making his way here. Probably to antagonize them for insults on the train. Now I don't want that.

"I am saying that because others were shaking from fear, especially the muggle-borns. I know about the feeling of being pranked by my elder brother and it's embarrassing. And I am sorry about that Ron."

I continue back towards the approaching Draco while saying my piece in a hurry, "You have a lot to live up to. See you later, and all the best, 'Mr. Savior' "

As Draco approached, his demeanour already twitching with irritation, I intercepted him, guiding our path back to where Tracy and Daphne stood. His pointed question was heard by me, "Why are you talking to Wesley and Potter?"

Now, I saw the spoiled brat in him. It seems the other 2 boys are the red buttons that need to be pushed, for him to break out of his manners and politics trained into him. Good to know.

I just laughed and said, "You will know in the future."