Reality Bites Harry Potter

Unexpected Train Passenger

I'm worried. This was the year of the bad, and I was not living for it. Not only do I have my O.W.L's to worry about, I have to worry about imposter Moody and Voldy coming back! Not only that, there's no quidditch this year because of that stupid Triwizard Tournament. Plus, there was the dance, which I was looking forward to. But I was only looking forward to it, because that meant I get to dance with Theo. I don't believe I'm any good at dancing, but I hope Minnie opens up the invitation to the rest of the school and not just Gryffindors. If not, I'm sure Shay and I could work something out for those who are interested. On the day we went to King's Cross to board the train, the Weasley house was busy as usual. I took care of my stuff the night before, so I was sitting at the breakfast table nibbling on some toast. "Pyper, dear, did you get everything?" Mrs. Weasley asked me. She seemed anxious and looked like she'd cry if I told her no.

"Yes, I've got everything. My trunk and Salazar are sitting by the door." I told her.

"Oh, good. If only the others thought this far ahead." She muttered, shaking her head. I smiled. I've been writing Theo since we got back from the World Cup, and he was worried. I told him that everyone was mostly okay. Harry didn't look too good, but he was doing much better compared to before. Also, even though Shay and I both know what's going to happen this year, Mrs. Weasley, Bill, Charlie, and Percy were still being annoying butts about teasing what was going to happen. I mean, I shouldn't be annoyed by it, but it was just annoying every time one of them brought it up. Charlie and Bill ended up leaving yesterday though, because they had to get back to their work and what not. I was a bit sad to see them go, but then I remembered I'd see them during the tournament this year. I wish there was some way to keep Harry out of the tournament all together. That would save everyone a lot of trouble. Stupid imposter Moody. Yes, I know who he actually is, but it's easier just to call him imposter Moody. So, there. The fireplace in the kitchen coming to life, brought me out of my thoughts. Mr. Diggory's head was there, floating, and he was talking to Mrs. Weasley. Soon, Mr. Weasley was rushing to the kitchen, while Mrs. Weasley found him a notepad and a quill. Harry came in to hear Mr. Diggory talk about how Moody was attacked and that everyone just thought he'd imagined the attack. Yeah, if only that were the case.

Soon, everyone was rushing to get their things into the back of several muggle taxis. The drivers looked pissed and slightly confused, but did their best. I must applaud them for their effort of not just saying forget this and leaving. Having to deal with ruffled owls and an upset cat, and then Fred's trunk falling and fireworks going off on the drivers. Those poor, poor people. By the time we arrived at King's Cross, we had to hurry to the platform or we'd miss the train. Pansy was one of the first to find me. She immediately hugged me and then dragged me off to the back of the train. I waved at Shay and the others before following her. The moment I saw Theo, I hugged him tightly. I wrote to him this summer, yes. But writing to someone was different than talking to them in person. "Hi, there." Theo said chuckling as he hugged me back.

"I missed you." I said, smiling sheepishly.

"How's Harry?" Draco asked me.

"Better, but he's still shaken up about it." I said grimacing.

"About what?" Blaise asked curiously.

"About what happened at the Quidditch World Cup." Pansy said frowning. "I heard it was awful."

"Oh," Blaise said surprised. "I heard about that. I'm glad everyone is safe."

"Me too." I said smiling. "So, besides recent events, how was everyone's summer?" Draco gave me a look. "I already know about yours, Draco. So, you're fine." He nodded and excused himself, saying he was going to look for Harry. I smiled. I'm happy for those two, they've come so far. 

"I had to deal with my parents," Pansy said grimacing. "They were more intolerable than normal."

"Yikes," I said frowning. "Your mom still doesn't listen to you?"

"Yep," Pansy said sighing. "I honestly don't expect her to change, but it would be nice if she did."

"How was your summer?" I asked Theo.

"I spent a lot of time at Blaise' house." Theo said shrugging.

"Yeah, at this point, you might as well move in." Blaise said shaking his head. "Before you came over, Mum had been asking when you were going to be over next."

"She's really nice." Theo said smiling. Blaise nodded.

"I don't know what I'd do without her, honestly." He said smiling. "You're always welcome to come over, not just when your dad isn't home."

"Thanks, I appreciate it." Theo said beaming. Aw, I wish I could offer that to Theo. But I somehow don't think Minnie would approve of a boy staying in the house. A noise in a nearby compartment, caused us to look at each other in alarm. I got up and decided to investigate it, telling the others to wait here. Surprisingly, they listened to me. I slowly opened the compartment door next to ours and nearly screamed out in surprise. Standing before me was none other than Newt Scamander! The guy who wrote Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them was standing in front of me!

"Oh, hello there," He greeted me. "Can you tell me what year we're in?" In typical Newt fashion, of course!

"1994," I answered him. He looked at me surprised and then he looked like he was going to feint. "I'm assuming you had a bit of bad luck with a Time Turner?"

"Yes, how'd you guess?" He asked surprised.

"I know someone who's used one for her classes last year." I said shaking my head. "Um, do you mind waiting here a bit? I'm going to get my sister and then we can talk." He nodded. I closed the door and went back to my compartment.

"What was it?" Pansy asked worriedly.

"I won't lie to you, but I need you to trust me." They nodded. "Okay, I'm going to get Shay and we'll deal with that compartment, and once we're done, I'll tell you."

"Okay, but you're no fun." Pansy said pouting. I chuckled.

"Thank you for trusting me." I said, before going to look for Shay. I found her napping in one of the compartments. I'm assuming she wanted some time to herself. "Shay," I said gently shaking her. "Shay, wake up." She groaned and opened her eyes.

"What?" She asked, annoyed.

"I need you to follow me," I said urgently. "Newt Scamander is standing inside of a compartment in the back of the train."

"What!?" She asked, her voice going up a few octaves.

"Shh!" I shushed her. "Come on!" She nodded and followed me back to the compartment Newt was standing in. Before we even opened the door, Shay gasped. "Control thy self, child." She stuck her tongue out at me. We went inside and Newt looked at the two of us. "I forgot to introduce myself, my name is Pyper Harper and this is my sister, Shayla Harper."

"It's nice to meet you, I'm Newt Scamander." He said smiling.