Mean Wizards - Drarry

1: Off to Hogwarts

As the Hogwarts Express began to slowly pull out of Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, Harry Potter stood by the window of his compartment, his heart pounding with excitement and anticipation. The rhythmic chug of the train and the soft hum of conversation from nearby compartments filled the air, signalling the start of a journey that would change his life forever.

Outside the window, the platform buzzed with activity as the last students, who had been bidding farewell to their families until the last minute, hurried to get on the train before it was too late. Harry caught sight of his parents amidst the throng, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of the lanterns. Lily and James Potter stood side by side, their expressions a mix of pride and sadness as they watched their only son embark on his first journey to Hogwarts.

With a wave and a smile, Harry locked eyes with his parents, a surge of emotion swelling in his chest. He knew that he was leaving behind the familiar comforts of home, but he also knew that this was the beginning of a new adventure - one that he had been eagerly awaiting for years.

As the train picked up speed, Harry turned away from the window and glanced around his compartment, taking in the scene before him. His trunk sat at the foot of his seat, packed to the brim with his belongings, while an empty seat opposite him beckoned invitingly.

Feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness, Harry settled into his seat, his mind abuzz with thoughts of the wonders that awaited him at Hogwarts. The memories of his father's words were also echoing in his mind. He leaned against the window of his compartment, staring out at the passing scenery, his thoughts drifting back to the moment they had hugged on the platform.

He could still feel the warmth of his father's embrace, the pride and love that radiated from him as they bid each other farewell. And he could still hear the whispered words of advice that his father had imparted to him in that fleeting moment.

'Remember, Harry,' James had said, his voice tinged with a mixture of pride and mischief, 'keep the spirit of the Marauders alive. Don't be afraid to bend the rules a bit, have a bit of fun, and maybe even stir up a bit of trouble now and then.'

Harry couldn't help but smile at the memory, the familiar twinkle of mischief in his father's eyes etched into his mind. He knew that his father had always been a bit of a troublemaker in his own right, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of kinship with him as he embarked on his own journey at Hogwarts. He didn't think he had it in him to go looking for trouble, especially since he was nervous about being the new kid at school. He also knew his mother would have his head if he managed to get caught in detention, but it was still funny to pretend he could become as popular, charismatic and loved as his father had been in his Hogwarts years.

Just then, the compartment door slid open, revealing two unfamiliar faces - a bushy-haired girl with a stack of books tucked under her arm, and a red-haired boy with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Harry's heart leapt with interest as he watched them enter the compartment, their eyes alight with excitement.

'Hello,' the girl exclaimed, her gaze curious. 'Mind if we join you? It looks like every other compartment is full.'

'Of course!' Harry replied eagerly, gesturing for them to take a seat. 'I was just getting settled in. I'm Harry, by the way.'

'I'm Ron,' the red-haired boy replied, taking a seat opposite Harry. 'And this is Hermione.'

'It's nice to meet you both' Harry said, offering them a warm smile.

Despite being excited about the prospect of possibly meeting his first friends at Hogwarts, Harry also felt awkward under their scrutiny. He could feel that both of them wanted to say something. Hermione could barely restrain herself from asking whatever she wanted to ask. She probably thought it would come across as rude, but her not saying anything was making Harry uncomfortable, so he raised an eyebrow in hopes they would just get it over with.