Ron Weasley and the Philosopher's Stone

I read textbooks, and in the afternoon I flew on an old broom with my brothers. Bill also advised me to exercise, saying I have to walk and run a lot if I want to fulfill my dream. And it's worth getting a weapon besides a magic wand. He goes to work himself with a long silver-plated knife, almost a sword. Can I buy one too? If they do accept me… *** On the first morning of September, I woke up at seven o'clock and couldn't sleep anymore, I was too excited. I got up and got into sweatpants -I probably shouldn't have gone to the train station in a wizard's robe, it was easier to change clothes on the train. Unfortunately, for security reasons, there was only one passage leading to the station, and it was on the Muggle side. It's also enchanted to allow only wizards and squibs to pass. Although they do not possess magic in the full sense of the word, they have some abilities. But of course they are not accepted at Hogwarts. The platform is universal, so trains depart from it to simpler magic schools. Hogwarts is, in a sense, a school for the elite of the magical world. If you get there, you have high potential and they will try to get their hands on you after graduation. There are too few of us to waste magicians. Even Muggleborns, although they are usually weaker than purebloods and have no clue about our traditions. Therefore, they are accepted into schools in a simpler way. Where they explain everything about the magical world. They say even Hogwarts used to have a preparatory course on the traditions of the magical world. I carefully studied the list of necessary books and things sent to me to make sure that I hadn't forgotten anything. After pressing up and shaking my abs, I picked Skabbers up on my shoulder and started pacing up and down the room, waiting for the rest of the Weasleys to wake up. Two hours later, my father stuffed huge suitcases into the trunk of our Ford, we all got inside and drove off. We were at King's Cross station at ten-thirty sharp. After unloading the suitcases and putting them on the trolleys, we headed to the train station. There was a large plastic sign with the number nine above one platform, and a similar sign with the number ten above the other. There was nothing in the middle. How many people are here. I've never been in such a crowded place before. Mom put a distraction charm on us for Muggles. And we took the trolleys at the station and rolled the suitcases forward, and Dad went to work. “I thought there'd be a whole bunch of Muggles here...” A boy with black hair sticking out in all directions and wearing round glasses turned sharply. Did he hear us? Muggleborn or something? He's kind of scared and dressed in nice clothes, but it's clearly not his size. Everything is hanging in a bag. Apparently, he's also after someone. “So, what's your platform number?” Mom asked. Yes, there are quite a lot of platforms at King's Cross. And not all lead to schools. “Nine and three quarters," Ginny squeaked, tugging at her mother's arm. “Mom, can I go too?..” “You're too young, Ginny, so calm down.” Mom took my sister with her so as not to leave her alone at home. Aunt Lucretia was busy, and mom just didn't want to leave Ginny with old grumpy Aunt Muriel. And Ginny wanted to say goodbye to us. “Well, Percy, you go first.” My brother walked towards platforms nine and ten. A crowd of tourists passed between us, and when they finally passed, Percy had already disappeared. “Fred, you're next," Mom commanded. “I'm not Fred, I'm George," replied the twin she was addressing. “Tell me honestly, woman, how can you call yourself our mother? Can't you see that I'm George?” They've changed icons again. He's wearing Fred's red badge. “George, dear, I'm sorry," Mom said apologetically. “I was joking, I'm actually Fred”, said the brother and moved forward. That brute. By the way, Fred said yesterday that they would take them off at school altogether. The other twin shouted after him to hurry up. And after a moment, Fred disappeared from sight, and Ginny and I were left. Now it was George's turn. He also went forward and disappeared as suddenly as the first brothers. A black-haired boy with green eyes came up to us. Damn, they're almost glowing. Their glasses hide them well, their greenery doesn't catch the eye so much. Although my eyes are bright too. Only light blue ones. With a trolley on which stood a suitcase, a cage with a white owl. “Excuse me," he said timidly. “Hello, dear.” Mom smiled at him “Is this your first time going to Hogwarts? Ron, my youngest, is also a rookie.” She pointed at me. “Yes," the boy confirmed. "But the thing is... The thing is, I do not know how…” “...how to get on the platform," his mother finished understandingly for him, and the boy nodded. “Don't worry.” She winked at him cheerfully. All you have to do is go straight through the dividing barrier between platforms nine and ten. The most important thing is that you can't stop and you can't be afraid that you'll crash into a barrier. If you're nervous, it's better to walk fast or run. You know, you better go right now, in front of Ron.” “Uh-uh... Okay," the boy agreed. He was obviously scared and was going to take the wall with a battering ram. Definitely Muggleborn. He pushed his cart forward and looked at the barrier. Then he moved towards the barrier. He was constantly being pushed by people scurrying past, besides, the cart was very heavy for him. The boy leaned on the handrail of the cart and ran heavily. approaching the barrier, he entered it and disappeared from sight. Damn, it's time. I ran after him, pushing a heavy cart. In front of the barrier, I couldn't stand it and squeezed my eyes shut. Phew, it's gone. So, now I wouldn't hurt anyone. I stopped and walked away. Jeanie ran out after me, then my mom came out. I was on a crowded platform with a scarlet steam locomotive. I know Muggles haven't had them for a long time, but it suits us fine. The sign on the board read: "School in Birmingham 9.30", "Hogwarts Express. 11.00" "School in Wales 12.00" I looked back and saw that the ticket booth had disappeared, and in its place is an arch with a wrought iron gate and a sign: “Platform number nine and three quarters”. Clouds of smoke spewed by the steam locomotive floated over the heads of the people gathered on the platform, and colorful cats scurried under their feet. I immediately hid the Skabbers in my bosom. By the way, I asked Percy why such a strange name. And he said that the Skabbers used to be very thin and covered with scabs when he found him in the garden. I should have removed my rat earlier, but I was already so used to carrying it on my shoulder that I just didn't think about it. The smartest rat understands everything. But lazy… I could hear voices, the creaking of heavy trunks, and the disgruntled hoots of owls talking to each other. The first few carriages were already packed with schoolchildren. We arrived late because of the traffic jam. Schoolchildren leaned out of the windows to have a last word with their parents, or fought for free places. The boy with the black hair had already moved further along the train, peering into the windows of the carriages in search of a place. We continued to push through the crowd and finally stopped near the carriage, which was located almost at the very back of the train. The twins had already disappeared on the train. The mother, standing by the carriage, called them. Fred? George? Are you here? “We're coming, Mom.” The mother suddenly pulled a handkerchief out of her pocket. I don't like it so much. “Ron, there's something on your nose.” I tried to dodge, but she grabbed me and started rubbing the tip of my nose with a handkerchief soaked from a stick. “Mom, leave me alone!” I protested, but I only managed to free myself when my mother let me go. “Oh, oh, oh, little Ronnie has a dirty nose," one of the twins sang mockingly. “Shut up, George," I said. “Where's Percy?” Mother asked. “There he goes.” The elder brother came up to the others. He had already changed his clothes, and he was wearing a black school uniform, and on his chest was a shiny silver badge with the letter "P". “I'll just be a second, Mom," he said. “I'm there, at the very beginning of the train, where they've allocated a carriage for the elders...” It's starting again. How long can we talk about this? He hasn't shut up all August. “So you're the prefect now, Percy?” One of the twins was terribly surprised. “Why didn't you tell us, we didn't know.” “Come on, he seemed to be saying something to us”, The second twin chimed in. “One day...” “Or two," said the first. “Or three," the second one continued. “Or the whole of August...” “Oh, shut up.” Percy waved his hand. “Why is it that Percy has a new uniform and we have an old one?” One of the twins caught himself, indignantly pointing at the brand-new robe. “Because he's a prefect now.” It was clear from the mother's voice that she was proud of her son. “Well, dear, I wish you a good study, and send Hermes when you get there.” She kissed Percy on the cheek and he left. And then she turned to the twins. “Okay, now you two. You have to behave yourself this year. If I get an owl telling me again that you've done something wrong- blown up the toilet or...” “Blew up the toilet?” One of them was amazed. “We have never blown up toilets.” “Why don't we try?” the second one chuckled. “Great idea, thanks Mom.” “It's not funny," the mother snapped. "And keep an eye on Ron." “Don't worry, we won't let little Ronnie get hurt...” It's better to be unattended than with them. They're constantly testing their jokes on everyone. The potion makers are unfinished. It is worth eating only in the great hall and away from this couple. “Shut up," I muttered again. Although I was younger than the twins, we were all about the same height. I had stretched out quite a lot in the last year, so my brothers' clothes were a little too short for me. "Yes, Mom, you can't imagine," George began. “Guess who we just met on the train?” “Do you remember the black-haired boy who stood next to us at the train station?” Fred asked his mom. "Do you know who he is?" “Who is it?” “Harry Potter!” George seemed to exclaim. Oh, what's going to happen now. I looked at my sister. “Oh, Mom, can I get on the train and look at him? Mom, please...” Well. Who would doubt it. My sister can't wait to meet you. “You've seen him before, Ginny. And don't stare at the poor boy like he's an animal in a zoo. Is it really him, Fred? How do you know that?” I didn't guess right. “I asked him," Fred explained. “I saw his scar and asked. But the scar is actually what they say, it looks like a zipper.” “Oh, poor thing, no wonder he was alone!” Mom exclaimed. “I was still thinking: why isn't anyone seeing him off? He's so polite, so well-mannered.” Alone?! He's a hero, but he looks like there's just no one to take care of him?! strange. It says in the books that Director Dumbledore hid him with his relatives in a safe place. I didn't know the Potters were poor either. Although they went to America back in the 70s. “Come on, that's not the point,” One of the twins interrupted her. “Do you think he remembers what You-Know-Who looks like?” The mother suddenly became stern. “I forbid you to ask him about it, Fred. Don't even think about it. Does he really need to be reminded of this today?” “Come on, come on, I won't.” The train driver's whistle sounded loudly. “Come on, hurry up!” the woman said, and the three of us climbed into the car and, remaining in the vestibule, blew kisses to my sister and mother. My sister suddenly burst into tears. Apparently she was upset that she was staying alone in the Hole. At least I used to play chess with her. “Come on, Ginny, we're going to fill you up with owls”, one of the twins comforted her. “We'll send you a toilet lid from the school bathroom,” The second one promised. “George!” Mom exclaimed indignantly. “I'm just kidding, Mom.” The train started moving. I saw my mother waving at us, and Jeanie, either laughing or crying, running after the train. But soon she fell behind because the train was picking up speed. The train swerved slightly to the right, and the platform disappeared from view. Houses flashed by outside the window. We walked down the train. But this is my chance to get to know him. Maybe you can even become his friend? “And where is the compartment where Harry is sitting?” “We'll show you now.” Said one of the brothers. They've already taken off their badges. After five minutes of walking, we were already standing under the door of the compartment. I opened the door a crack and looked inside. “Is it free here?” I asked the black-haired boy from the train station, pointing to the seat opposite. “In others, there is nowhere to sit at all.” I lied. Although all the compartments we passed were already packed. But it was Harry I wanted to sit with. He nodded, and I quickly sat down. So don't stare openly, don't stare. I stole a glance at him, but immediately shifted my gaze, pretending that I was very interested in the landscape outside the window. “Hey, Ron!” the twins called out to me, looking into the compartment. We'll go. Lee Jordan is riding two cars away from us, he's carrying a giant tarantul with him. Damn, couldn't they not say the last thing? I really dislike spiders after their next joke. After all, a thirty-centimeter spider instead of a teddy bear is scary. Besides, he also bit me. “Go on," I mumbled. “Harry, we still haven't introduced ourselves to you.” The twins were smiling. “Fred and George Weasley. And this is our brother Ron. I'll see you later." “See you later," Harry and I said almost simultaneously. And the twins were gone. “Are you really Harry Potter?” I blurted out, I was bursting with the desire to ask this question. I hope this isn't another prank by these red-haired assholes. Harry nodded. “Oh, I thought this was another Fred and George joke”, I exhaled. "You really have one... Well, you know...” I held out my finger, pointing at Harry's forehead. Harry ran a hand through his hair, exposing his forehead. When I saw the scar, I didn't take my eyes off it.  “So this is where You-Know-Who is...” “Yes," Harry confirmed. "But I don't remember that." “Don't you remember anything at all?” I was hoping for the opposite. “Well, nothing at all?” I just remember a lot of green light, that's all. Hmm, judging by the description, it looks like Avada. But they don't survive after it. “Wow,” I shook my head. I sat and stared at Harry, not taking my eyes off, as if fascinated, but then I caught myself and stared out the window. “Do you have wizards in your family?” Harry asked. It looked like he was interested in me too. Well, he should have lived with Muggles again. Does he even know about school? “Uh... yeah. I think so”, After some thought, I gave it out. “Mom has a cousin, he's a squib, he works as an accountant, but we never talk about him.” We need to ask him in more detail about his appearance. “I heard that you lived with relatives.” I was very curious. Daddy's a fan of Muggles out there. “What are they like anyway?” “Terrible... Probably not all of them, though.” “But my aunt, uncle, and cousin are terrible. They're all Muggles and they hate magic, can you imagine? I wish I had three magical brothers like you.” Yeah, I guess I guessed right. But who gave Potter to Muggles, doesn't he have an uncle and family on his father's side? However, they left with the ends. And the Americans and I don't get along too well, because a lot of Muggle-Borns left for that continent at one time. And the Salem witch coven is generally headed by a renegade from the Black family. It's been 200 years. “I have five of them.” My voice was not at all cheerful. “I'm the sixth. And now I have to do everything to be better than them. Bill was the best student at school, Charlie played quidditch, and wore the captain's armband. And Percy has become a prefect. Fred and George, of course, do all sorts of nonsense, but they have good grades, and everyone loves them. And now everyone expects me to study as well as my brothers. But even if it does, it won't do anything, because I'm the youngest. So I need to become better than them, and I don't think I can do it. Besides, when you have five brothers, you never get anything new. So I'm going to school with almost everything old-I got the uniform from Bill, the magic wand from him too, and the rat from Percy. I began to share my pain. Then he reached into the inside pocket of his jacket and pulled out a fat gray rat that was sleeping peacefully. No, to think that he had fallen asleep again. “His name is Skabbers, and he's completely useless- he sleeps all day. Dad gave Percy an owl when he found out he was going to be a prefect, and I wanted one too, but they don't have one... I wanted to say that I got a rat instead.” “My ears are red. I said a lot of unnecessary things. I stopped talking and looked out the window. What if Harry doesn't want to be friends with me because we're poor?” Harry paused and said that he had never had any money of his own. And about how he wore old clothes for Dudley and never got proper birthday presents. I cheered up a bit. Maybe I can really make friends with him? But I'll have to write to my mom about the gifts, even if it makes him happy for the new year. She said that our family knew his parents well. “And until Hagrid told me, I didn't even know I was a wizard.” Harry continued. "And I didn't know anything about my parents or Voldemort...” I pulled away from him, clutching the seat. Even brave wizards still don't pronounce that name. Is he crazy? “What are you doing?” Harry was surprised. “You called You-Know-Who by name!” There was fear and respect in my voice. “I thought it was someone else, but you...” “I wasn't trying to be brave," Harry explained. “I just didn't know that you can't pronounce that name. Now do you understand what I was saying? I still don't know so much, I still have so much to learn... And I'm afraid... I'm afraid that I'll be the worst student in school” it seems that this thought has been bothering him for a long time. I should cheer him up. I had a wand myself, but my mother forbade me to do magic. And I only got it this summer. But I was practicing simple spells with the branch, which Percy showed me without my mother knowing. He's totally obsessed with studying. “Don't be afraid," I reassured him. “There are a lot of students at the school who grew up in Muggle families, and they learn everything pretty quickly. After all, the school has a pretty strong selection process. They just don't take idiots and weaklings there. All graduates of Hogwarts must pass the OWL at least satisfactorily, and a conversation with a future employer begins with good grades. Some even require excellent grades in their core subjects.” Unfortunately, Muggleborns have problems with the higher branches of magic, which require a large reserve. That's where all these ministry bans came from. Although some rituals are really creepy. And they were banned long ago. But Dad says pureblood families still practice them on holidays. While we were chatting, the train had left London and was now speeding past fields and meadows where cows and sheep grazed. Harry and I fell silent, looking out the window. He seemed to be interested in everything, and I was thinking about what I could talk about with him. And is it even worth being friends? After half an hour of thought, I decided it was worth it. Even with such a small amount of knowledge and problems in the family. And I liked him as a person. At about half past one, there was a knock from the vestibule, and then a smiling woman with a dimple in her chin looked into the compartment. “Would you guys like something to eat?” Harry jumped up hastily when he heard the tempting offer. My ears turned red again, and I mumbled that I had brought sandwiches with me. So Harry went out into the hallway alone. Even though I had pocket money, I saved it for Christmas. It's necessary to make gifts. Yes, my mother handed me sandwiches. A few minutes later, he returned loaded with purchases and dumped them on the seat. I looked at the small pile of sweets. Won't it tear? “Are you that hungry?” I asked him. “I haven't eaten since last night.” Harry replied, unwrapping a pumpkin cookie and taking half a bite at once. I pulled a paper bag out of my suitcase and took out four sandwiches. Damn, again. “She always forgets that I don't like smoked beef.” I said sadly. Well, when Mom stops confusing me with Bill. My brother loves beef. “I'm changing it to my own.” Harry handed me a cookie. “Come on, join us...” “No, you won't like these sandwiches- the meat is dry and there's no sauce,” I shook my head and tensed up. “Mom just forgot-she has a lot of us...” I didn't think to take the sauce myself. I decided that since mom gave me pork, you can eat it without mustard. “Come on, eat.” Harry nodded at his sweets. Well okay. The meat is really overdried. She keeps forgetting that I don't like beef. I moved to his seat and held out my hand to the slide. Well, their sandwiches. I'll leave it as a stash or give it to Percy. He likes beef, unlike me and the twins. “What's this?” Harry asked, picking up a package of chocolate frogs. “They're not real frogs, are they?” I almost laughed at the thought of his face when he unwrapped the frog. “No, they're not real, they're just made in the shape of frogs, and they're made of chocolate, and look, they're kicking and if you hesitate, they can jump away. Really,” I smiled. “If you eat, don't throw the liner away - I don't have enough Agrippa...” “What?" said Harry. “Oh, of course you don't know," I said. “There are collectible cards inside. From the series "Famous witches and wizards". Many guys collect them. I have about five hundred of them, but Agrippa isn't here, and neither is Ptolemy, I think.” Harry unwrapped the frog and pulled out a card. She tried to run away, but he automatically jerked his hand and grabbed her, after which he put it in his mouth. Hmm, he only needs to be a hunter on the team. Good reflexes and a good build. But he's going to have trouble buying a broom. After chewing on the chocolate, Harry began to turn the card over in his hands. “So that's what Dumbledore is like!” he exclaimed. “Don't tell me you've never heard of Dumbledore!” I protested. “Can I take one of the "frogs" - maybe Agrippa will get caught...” Of course, I was more attracted to chocolate. But the cards are also interesting, but it's quite difficult to get the right one there. Half of my collection is replays of the cards I already have. Harry turned the card over and began to read the insert. Then he turned the card over again and was surprised. “He's gone somewhere!” he yelled. I looked at him in surprise. “But you didn't expect him to be here all day," I said. “He'll be back. But I've got Morgana again, and I've already got six of them. Why don't you take it and start collecting?” I looked around at the bunch of "frogs" that were waiting to be unwrapped. I love chocolate. Although milk Haneduk is much tastier. “Help yourself," Harry offered, following the direction of my gaze. “By the way, did you know that among Muggles, if a person is photographed, then he does not disappear from the photo?” What's the truth? “What are you talking about?” It's so boring. Although it can be useful. “What, they're not moving at all? Well done! Dad used to bring the camera home, but he enchanted it so that the photos on the film would move.” Harry stared at the card until Dumbledore's image appeared on it again. Soon he had eight of these cards. It took a long time before Harry put aside the last of his collection. He stared at her for ten minutes. “You should be careful," I advised, noticing that Harry had picked up a bag of pills. "It says they have very different tastes, so that's the real truth. No, there are quite normal flavors there - orange, say, or chocolate, or mint, but sometimes you come across spinach, or kidneys, or tripe. George claims that he somehow came across a candy with a taste of snot.” He might be joking, but I've come across some pretty nasty candies. I chose a green dragee, examined it carefully, and took a bite. “Fu!” I grimaced. “Brussels sprouts! It's also bitter.” We had a lot of fun eating these pills. The area outside the window has changed dramatically. The cultivated fields were replaced by forests, rivers and green hills. We've probably already entered the magical passageway and are driving along the frontier. Someone knocked on the door of the compartment. Neville Longbottom appeared in the doorway, whom I passed as we walked along the platform. He looked like he was about to cry. “Excuse me," said the boy, "Have you seen a toad here?" Harry and I shook our heads together, and Neville began to wail. Mom says that his parents were also friends of our family, but something happened to them and now Neville is being raised by his grandmother. And she's worse than our Aunt Muriel. “I've lost her! She's always running away from me!” “She'll be there," Harry assured him. "Yes, I suppose so," Neville said sadly... And with that, he left. “I don't understand why he's so worried.” I shrugged my shoulders. “If I had been carrying a toad with me, I would have lost it on the platform. Although my rat is not much better than a toad, so it's not for me to talk about it.” The rat was still asleep, snuggled in my bosom. Maybe he's dead a long time ago, or maybe he's asleep-it doesn't make any difference. “It looks the same," I said disgustedly. “Yesterday I tried to enchant it to turn yellow - I thought it would look more interesting that way, - but it didn't work out. I'll show you now, look...” I rummaged in my suitcase and pulled out a battered-looking magic wand. It was chipped in several places, and there was a glint of white hair at the end. Oh, couldn't they at least buy a new wand this year... no, I understand that it suited me, but it's going to fall apart soon. Although, Bill bought himself a new one in his fifth year, maybe I'll buy one for myself. “The unicorn's fur is almost out," I remarked sheepishly. “so…” Before I could raise my wand, the compartment door opened again. The chubby boy appeared on the doorstep again, but this time there was a girl with thick brown hair with him, who had already changed into a school uniform. Her front teeth were a little too big. I went through the children of wizards. Half-blood or Muggleborn? “Has anyone seen a toad? Neville lost her, and I'm helping him find her. Have you seen her or not?” the girl asked in a downright bossy tone. Should I advise them to find a prefect or not? No, well, them… “He's been here before, and we told him we hadn't seen him”, I answered, but the girl didn't seem to be listening to me, her attention was focused on the magic wand in my hands. “Oh, are you showing miracles? Come on, we'll take a look too.” She sat down on an empty seat, and I got nervous. No, what a girl. “Er-er-er," I said hesitantly. “Well, okay.” I cleared my throat and raised my wand again: “You fat, stupid rat, turn yellow and become like butter, like bright sunlight.” I waved my wand as Fred showed me yesterday, but nothing happened. The brat was still gray and still sleeping peacefully. Damn, it didn't work out again. Was he joking? “Are you sure this is the right spell?” The girl asked. “It's not working, haven't you noticed? And here I took some simple spells from books to practice a little, and everything worked out. Try saying mutare colorem and imagine that the rat turns yellow. “mutare colorem.” I imagined a Skabbers with bright yellow fur. It worked! Hooray, he's yellow as a chicken. Suddenly, its color changed back to gray. Damn, but even in winter he calmly changed the color of his skin. “There are no wizards in my family, I was so terribly surprised when I received the letter from Hogwarts - I mean, pleasantly surprised, because this is the best wizarding school in the world. And of course, I have already memorized all our textbooks - I hope that this will be enough to study better than everyone else. Reparo.” The girl pointed her wand at Harry's glasses wrapped with blue electrical tape. “Oh, by the way, my name is Hermione Granger, and you?” She was talking very fast, but still I caught the meaning of what she said and I was worried. Well, wow. No one told me that textbooks should be memorized. Exchanged glances with Harry. No, he didn't seem to have learned them either. These are the languages I learned. Mom brought some kind of artifact that she rented on Diagon Alley, and I accelerated my learning of old languages. Just like math and English. We're neighbors with Muggle Britain, after all. Most of the local magicians speak English. Although purebloods also learn French, and some German. After all, Beauxbatons and Durmstrang are also very good schools. Like all the Weasleys, we also learned the Irish language. They say our clan is from there. “I'm Ron of the Weasley clan," I muttered. “Harry Potter," Harry introduced himself. “Are you really Harry Potter?” The girl's gaze became very attentive. “You can be sure that I know everything about you. I bought a few books that weren't on the list, just for extra reading, and your name is mentioned in “Modern History of Magic”, and “The Rise and Decline of the Dark Arts”, and “The Greatest Events of the Wizarding World in the Twentieth Century”.” “Yes?” That's all Harry said, stunned. Well, yes, in order not to embarrass him, I did not tell him how much they write about him and about dolls too. “God, didn't you know?” the girl was surprised. “If I were you, I would read everything about myself that can be found in books. Yes, do you know which faculty you will get into? I've already found out something, and I want to believe that I'll be in Gryffindor. It seems like this is the best option. I've heard that Dumbledore himself once studied at this faculty. By the way, I think getting into Ravenclaw would be nice too... Okay, we'll go find Neville's toad. You two better get changed, I think we'll be there soon. And she left, taking the chubby man with her. I still advised them to go to the first carriage to the elders and ask them for help in finding Nevil's toad. They say there is a simple search spell. The toad will fly by itself. Although if the doors are closed, the spell won't work. But you can ask the seer where she is. They guess very well. Especially when they see the probability lines. Although they say that the seer is a charlatan at school now. But she gives good material. “I don't know which faculty I'll be in, but I hope we'll be on different levels”, I whispered and put the magic wand back in the chest, “It didn't work out, and it was all because of this stupid spell. George assured me that it would work, but now it seems to me that he invented it himself to make fun of me. And transfiguration, on the advice of the girl, did not last long.” “What department do your brothers study at?” Harry asked. The guy was interested in everything. “Gryffindor," I nodded, saddened again by the thought of the prankster brothers. “Mom and Dad were there too.” I have to go there. Although the program is the same for all faculties now, future fighters traditionally go to the red and gold. “I don't know what will happen if I get to some other one. It would be nice to get into Ravenclaw, but I can't imagine what would happen if I got into Slytherin.” With my background in the crazy Weasley family, they won't let me in there. The elite of the magical world go there to make acquaintances. Even though we're purebloods, Dad's considered a little crazy because of his fascination with Muggles. And we're not rich, especially by the standards of the sacred twenty-eight, as they call themselves. Although we're going in there too. Besides, Dad's not popular with the purebloods right now because of his Muggle Protection Act. “This is the faculty where studied Volde... You-Know-Who?” Harry quickly corrected himself under my gaze. “Yeah," I nodded and fell silent dejectedly. “You know, it seems to me that the Skabber's mustache is still yellow, so the spell has worked at least a little," said Harry. He was obviously trying to comfort me. Well, to hell with him and the rat. I'll paint it later. I'll ask Hermione about the spell. Since she's learned the whole textbook. And it's designed for five courses. The rats are really magical, according to Mom. “And your older brothers, who have already graduated from high school, what are they doing now?” “Charlie is in Romania studying dragons, and Bill works for Gringotts Bank and went to Africa on their business," I explained. “Have you heard of Gringotts? Did you hear what happened the other day? The "Prophet" wrote about it... Although yes, Muggles have other newspapers... Anyway, someone tried to rob a top-secret safe.” Harry's eyes widened. “Really? And what happened to the robbers?” “Nothing. That's why they wrote about it so much, they didn't catch it. Dad says it must have been a powerful dark wizard, otherwise he wouldn't have been able to get into Gringotts and break into the safe and then come out of there unharmed. But the strangest thing is that the robbers didn't steal anything. Of course, everyone is afraid that You-Know-Who is behind this. Well, you've heard about Quidditch, of course.” I was absolutely sure of it. It's the best sport in the world. All boys and girls dream of playing it. Or they support a professional team. I have a favorite team, the Pedl Cannons, and I've been rooting for them since I was six years old. “Which team do you support? I'm in favor of the Guns, even though they've been considered outsiders for the last thirty years, since their catcher changed. The old one got injured at the game and doesn't play on the field anymore.” “Er-er-er... I actually don't know any teams," Harry admitted. “What are you talking about!” I was shocked. “This is the best game in the world!” I started campaigning for my first friend. Although I talked to the other children of wizards, we lived in the wilderness and met very rarely. And I started explaining to Harry that Quidditch is played with four balls, that each team has seven players and each has its own place on the field and its own functions. Then I started describing the most famous matches I've been to with my brothers. Then he told me what kind of broom I would buy for myself if I had the money. I wanted to try myself as a goalkeeper for the school national team. So I need a broom that's not too fast, although it's maneuverable. The comet is the very thing. They make good brooms and are not expensive. Unlike the same Nimbus. I was explaining to Harry the intricacies of the rules of the game when the compartment door opened again. But this was no longer Neville, who had lost his toad in the company of Hermione Granger. Is there a passageway here?! Three boys entered the compartment, and in the center was a pale boy with white hair, a typical Malfoy, he looked at Harry with interest. The kid had snow-white hair smeared with gel, and gray eyes. “They say all over the train that Harry Potter is riding in this compartment. So it's you, right?” “That's right," Harry nodded. The two who came with the pale-faced man were tough guys, and they looked rather unpleasant. Flanking the pale-faced man, they resembled his bodyguards. “This is Crabbe, and this is Goyle," the pale-faced man casually introduced them, noticing that Harry was looking at his companions. “And I'm Malfoy, Draco Malfoy.” I cleared my throat. Well, they gave him a name. Dragon, wow. Although I've heard that the Malfoys are descended from ice dragons. Just like the Weasleys from the fiery ones. That's why we fight all the time. I could barely contain my laughter. Draco Malfoy gave me a disapproving look. “You find my name funny, don't you? I won't even ask you your name. My father told me that if you see a red-haired and freckled boy, it means he's from the Weasley family. A family with more children than their parents can afford.” And a punch in the face for that? Having delivered this murderous tirade, Malfoy turned back to Harry:   “You'll soon find out, Potter, that there are several wizarding dynasties in our world that are much cooler than all the others. You don't need to be friends with people who don't deserve it. I'll help you figure it out. You're my second cousin. He held out his hand to shake, but Harry pretended not to notice. Damn, he's my second cousin, just like Harry. But my grandmother can't stand Blacks any more than she can stand Malfoys. “Thank you, but I think I can figure out for myself who deserves what,” Harry remarked coldly. Draco Malfoy did not blush, but pink spots appeared on his pale cheeks. “I'd be more careful if I were you, Potter," he said slowly. “If you're not more polite, you'll end up like your parents. They, like you, didn't know what was good for them and what was bad for them. If you hang out with scum like Weasley and that Hagrid, it'll be worse for you. You may be a half-breed because of your dirty-blooded mother, but you're one of the twenty-eight.” Harry and I rose from our seats at the same time. My face turned the same copper red as my hair. Right now, someone's going to take a hit. I'll smash his nose without any magic. How dare he call someone a mudblood? The devouring brat. “Repeat what you said," I demanded. I started flexing my arms before hitting. It's not right somehow. We're magicians. Even future ones. “Oh, you're going to fight us, aren't you?” Malfoy said contemptuously. “Yes, if you don't get out of here immediately”, Harry declared bravely. “Oh, we're not going to leave at all, are we, guys?” Malfoy chuckled, turning to his companions. “Besides, we're hungry, and you've got a lot of food here.” I remembered the fighting techniques that Bill showed me last summer. First, drop the burly man on the right, then punch the left one in the nose, and in the meantime they come to their senses to give this blond brute a hard time. Goyle reached for the chocolate frogs on one of the seats. I jumped on Creb, but before I could touch him, Goyle let out a terrifying scream. There was a Skabbers hanging from Goyle's hand, biting into his finger with small, sharp teeth. Crabbe and Malfoy staggered back, and Goyle waved his hand, trying to shake off the rat and howling in pain. And as soon as the Skabbers finally unclenched his teeth and flew away, hitting the closed window, all three of them instantly disappeared. They probably thought there were more rats hiding in the compartment, or maybe they heard footsteps, because a second later Hermione Granger looked into the compartment. “What's going on here?” she asked, looking at the sweets scattered on the floor and me holding the rat's tail. “I think he's passed out," I said, turning to Harry. And then I took a closer look at the Skabbers. “No... I can't believe it! Imagine, he fell asleep again.” The Skabbers was actually asleep. By the way, what else is this about the Hagrid clause? This is where he saw him with Harry. Isn't he a forester and doesn't go further than Hogsmeade Castle? Although Harry seemed to say something about Hagrid bringing him a letter. So stop. Did he take him shopping?! Were all the professors busy? “Have you ever dated Malfoy before?” I asked. “Yes, I met him at Madame Malkin's when I was buying robes. He was all about kicking Muggleborns out of Hogwarts. And I'm like a Muggle-born myself, since I grew up with Muggles. And then I went shopping with Hagrid, and Malfoy saw him through the window. And he said he was a drunk. After Aunt Petunia's lectures about my drunken parents, I'm just freaking out with such words. So I grabbed my robes and ran out of the store. I didn't even look at my clothes. Although there was money. I had to ask my aunt to buy me a sweater and warm pants at a second-hand store. Yeah, what can I say. By the way, why did they send this bully with him? He hadn't even told him how to get on the platform, and neither had Harry's clothes. Madam Malkin seemed to think that he, like all Muggleborns, only needed robes. But they buy them in their stores. And Harry is too shy. “I've heard about his family," I began gloomily, remembering Dad's stories. They were one of the first to come back to our side when You-Know-Who disappeared. They said he had bewitched them. And my father doesn't believe in it. He said that Malfoy's father didn't even need a reason to turn to the Dark Side. They say that pure-blooded magicians like to kill Muggles during rituals and generally for entertainment, as they did in the magical war. Hermione was still standing in the doorway of the compartment, and I turned to her: “Is there anything we can help you with?” And why is this girl picking on us. I've never understood my sister and her friend Luna. And here's a total stranger. What's another crush on Harry? She's staring at me, though. Oh, whatever. “You'd better hurry, otherwise you won't have time to change clothes. I was just in the driver's cabin talking to him. He said we were almost there. Have you been fighting here? They're good, nothing to say. We haven't reached school yet, and we've already got into trouble!” When will she leave us alone? How to get her out of here. Oh right. “It was the Skabbers who fought, not us.” I glared at the girl. “Why don't you come out and let us change?” “Of course. Actually, I just came to see you because there is a terrible fuss in all the carriages, everyone is behaving like little children and rushing through the corridors. Hermione snorted contemptuously, as if to say that she disapproved of such behavior. By the way, you have dirt on your nose, you know?” I glared after her, and Harry stared out the window. Outside the window, where the mountains towered and endless forests stretched, it began to darken, and the sky turned dark purple with the first stars. The train slowed down. Harry and I quickly took off our jackets and pulled on long black robes. My robe was a little too short for me, and sweatpants were sticking out from under it. “We'll be at Hogwarts in five minutes”, The driver's loud voice echoed through the carriages. “Please leave your luggage on the train, it will be delivered to the school separately. Do not forget the familiars in the compartment. We're taking it with us.” Harry got nervous, and I turned very pale. “Harry, take Hedwig with you, and let her go on the platform. There's an owlery in the castle. She'll find her own way. Leave the cage here.” I put the Skabbers in my bosom. We stuffed the rest of the sweets into our pockets and went out into the hallway, where the rest of the children were already crowding. Hedwig, the delighted owl, flew next to us. The train slowed down and slowed down and finally stopped. There was a terrible crowd in the corridor, but after a few minutes I finally found myself on an unlit small platform. It was cold outside, and I shivered. Then a large lamp swung over the heads of the guys standing on the platform, and I heard a voice: “Freshmen! Freshmen, come here! Hey, Harry, are you all right?” The shining face of a giant towered above the sea of heads. I wonder if Hagrid fell into a cauldron of bone-as a child? And why was he expelled from school? “So, is everyone here? Then follow me! And look at your feet! Freshmen, follow me!” Slipping and stumbling, we followed Hagrid down a narrow path that sloped sharply down. We were surrounded by such dense darkness that it seemed to me as if we were making our way through a forest thicket. All conversations died down, and we walked in almost complete silence, except for Neville sneezing a couple of times. “Just a few more seconds and you'll see Hogwarts!” Hagrid shouted without turning around. “Okay, careful! Everyone over here!” “Oh-oh-oh!” there was a collective, delighted exclamation. We were standing on the shore of a large black lake. And on the other side of it, on top of a high cliff, stood a giant castle with turrets and loopholes, and its huge windows reflected the light of the stars strewn across the sky. “Four people per boat, no more,” Hagrid commanded, pointing to a whole flotilla of small boats bobbing near the shore. Harry and I found ourselves in the same boat as Hermione and Neville. Damn… As they say, you will communicate with whoever you sail with. Not with this nerd. I would have chosen another boat, but Harry balked. And we sat down first, and then Hermione dragged Neville to us with a toad in her hands. “Are you seated?” Hagrid, who had a private boat, shouted. “Then go ahead!” The flotilla moved, the boats glided across the glass-smooth lake. Everyone was silent, staring at the huge castle. The closer we got to the cliff he was standing on, the more he towered over us. “Bow down!” Hagrid shouted loudly as we approached the cliff. Everyone tilted their heads, and the boats ended up in a thicket of ivy that hid a huge crevice. After passing through the thicket, we entered a dark tunnel, which, apparently, ended right under the castle, and soon moored to an underground pier and disembarked on the rocks. “Hey, you!" shouted Hagrid, addressing Neville. The giant was examining the empty boats and apparently noticed something. “Is this your toad?” “Oh, Trevor!” Neville yelled happily, stretching out his arms and hugging his toad to him. Didn't he perform the familiar binding ritual on his toad? Why the hell was he driving her at all? I have a pet rat, she doesn't give a damn about anything anymore after the twins' jokes. Although, as long as I can remember, he was very calm, eating and sleeping. Yes, sometimes I played with Percy and my rat. Hagrid led us up a flight of stone stairs, lighting the way with a huge lamp. Soon everyone was on the dew-soaked lawn at the foot of the castle. Another flight of stairs and now we were standing in front of a huge oak door. “Is everyone here?” Hagrid asked. "Hey, have you lost your toad yet?" Neville hugged his pet closer. After making sure that everything was in order, Hagrid raised his huge fist and knocked three times on the castle door.