Merlin woke up to Morgana hitting his cheek with her paw.
“What?” he grumbled.
You need to wake up if you plan to catch the train on time, she said.
“Crap! Morgana, will you please go wake the boys? We need to leave in ten minutes!”
They’re already awake and fed. They also have their allowance with them and are completely ready to go.
“Thanks, 'Gana. You’re a life saver.” He snapped his fingers to change and sped through his morning routine. He raced down the stairs. “Sorry I’m late, boys,” he said.
“Just hurry up, Dad. I don’t want to miss the train!”
“Alright, alright, I’m coming.” Merlin hopped in his car and both boys did the same. He began to drive after making sure everyone was buckled in.
They reached King’s Cross with twenty minutes to spare, and quickly made their way to the platform. Once there, they said goodbye and both boys climbed onto the train. Quilo was wrapped around Colin’s torso in snake form and Cleo was following Harry.
Harry waved with Colin as Merlin faded from view. “So, what now?” Colin asked, fiddling with his camera strap.
Harry smiled at him. “Well, I’m going to find Ron and Hermione. You can come with me, or you can try to branch out.”
Colin instantly chose to accompany Harry. He was bubbling with excitement and taking pictures of nearly everything before Harry reminded him that he didn’t want to run out of film before the year even began. He stopped taking photos, but remained bubbly and cheerful.
They reached the compartment, only to find that Ron and Hermione weren’t there. Harry frowned and sat down to wait for them, pulling out his book on dissecting spells. He hadn‘t had much time to read it, but figured the train ride would provide that. Colin sat beside him and began chatting with Quilo.
“Hello?” A timid voice said from the doorway, causing Colin to look up, though Harry was oblivious.
“Hello!” he said cheerfully. “How can I help you?”
The boy gestured to the empty seat. “Do you mind if I join you? No one else has let me in so far.”
Colin nodded and he sat down, watching Quilo warily. “I’m Peter,” the boy said.
“I’m Colin, and this is Harry.”
“Remember to use proper introductions, Colin,” Harry said, finally looking up from his book. “My name is Harry Potter, Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter. This is my little brother, Colin Creevey, Heir to the Most Ancient and Noble House of Emrys."
Peter smiled. “I’m Peter Stark, Heir to Stark Industries.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Heir Stark.”
“Are you American?” Colin asked.
Peter nodded. “Yeah. I’m from New York. I’m just transferring here this year since my dad heard it was a better school than Ilvermony.”
“Awesome! What year are you?”
“Second. What about you guys?”
“I’m a first year. Harry’s a second. Sorry if he’s not much company. He’s been holding off reading this book for weeks.”
“Oh? What book?”
Harry merely showed him the cover and continued reading.
“Oh, I’ve been wanting to read that one, but I’ve been more focused on trying to integrate no-maj technology with magic.”
At that, Harry’s head snapped up and he set aside his book, much to Cleo’s displeasure. “How’s that going?”
Peter looked a bit flustered at the sudden interest he was receiving but smiled at the mention of his work. “Good, so far. I’ve basically got unlimited resources because of my dad, so I’ve made some progress. Wanna see?”
Harry nodded and moved to sit by Peter. “Of course!”
Colin zoned out as the two began talking about things he didn’t understand. Instead of listening, he thought back to how Harry had introduced him and a smile creeped onto his face. He turned to Quilo. “Did you hear that? He called me his brother!”
Meanwhile, Peter was showing Harry the latest StarkPad that he had gotten to work in magic saturated areas. “It still doesn’t work with magic, but it works around it!”
Harry held the device reverently. “You could be famous if you patented this! You would be the person who brought technology into our world!”
Peter smiled happily. “I mainly just want to use it for personal projects,” he explained. “I could totally make you one, though.”
Harry clapped his hands together excitedly. “I really hope you get Gryffindor. I would love to have you as a dorm mate. Oh, but then Severus wouldn’t get the chance to know you. I take it back. Be in Slytherin. Severus will love you.”
“But Harry, won’t we be enemies then?”
Harry frowned. “Ravenclaw or Gryffindor then. I could probably get Sev to give you a chance.”
Peter smiled. “I’ll see what I can do.”
Harry, if you don't introduce me to this one, I will murder you in your sleep.
“Geez, Cleo, alright. Peter, this is my familiar, Cleo. She’s a kneazle, and a genius.”
Peter perked up. “You have a familiar? Man, I’ve been searching for mine ever since I learned of them.”
“Yeah, she’s the best. Hey, maybe I can help you find yours. They could be at Hogwarts, you know. Do you know how to feel your magic yet?”
Peter shook his head thoughtfully. “No, but I didn't think of that. I’ll start as soon as I can.”
The two began talking about more mundane things to get to know each other better. “No way! You call the potions professor by his first name?”
“Yeah. We got over this old grudge we had and now it feels wrong to call him by his last name. Is your dad seriously Tony Stark?”
“Yeah. He adopted me after my aunt passed a few years ago. He’s a great dad.”
“Please introduce me!” Harry begged. ”He’s, like, a genius!”
“Only if you get me an in with Professor Snape.”
“Deal.”
“Anything from the trolley, dearies?”
They bought some treats and continued talking.
“Favorite subject?” Peter asked.
“Potions, easily,” Harry responded. “I’m rubbish at brewing, but the theory behind it is fascinating.”
“Cool! I’m kind of the opposite. I‘m great at brewing, but I can never remember the theory. My favorite subject is probably DADA. I want to be an auror.”
“What house are you hoping for?”
“Honestly? Gryffindor. You seem like a fun person, and I don’t really fancy book work. I’m smart, but I prefer hands on learning.”
Harry leaned back and smiled. “You’ll get in.”
“Guys, I think it’s time to change,” Colin pointed out.
“Thanks, Colin,” Peter said with a bright smile.
After they changed, they returned to talking about magic.
“So, dissecting spells?”
“Oh, yeah. I’m hoping it will help me understand them easier. I’ve found I understand things the best when I can break it down and see what each part does and how.” Harry shrugged.
“Mind if I borrow it when you’re done?”
“Sure. Oh, it looks like we’ve arrived.”
Sure enough, the boys could see the towers peeking over the trees as the train slowed. They had reached Hogwarts.
YOU ARE READING
Merlin's Apprentices
FanfictionAfter Arthur died and magic was legalized, Merlin traveled and met plenty of people who benefited from his knowledge before he settled down by the shores of Lake Avalon to wait for Arthur's return. He founded a hidden community and became famous, bu...
