Between Two Worlds: The Weasley Intervention

Chapter 3 : The Cunning Serpent

The scarlet Hogwarts Express gleamed in the September sunlight as Navier made her way through the crowded platform. Now a second-year, she carried herself with more confidence, her Slytherin robes worn with pride. As she navigated through the sea of students and parents, her eyes scanned the crowd, searching for a particular messy-haired, bespectacled boy.

She spotted the Weasleys first - a flash of red hair and the sound of Mrs. Weasley's fussing. Then she saw him: Harry Potter, looking small and overwhelmed amid the chaos of Platform 9¾.

Without hesitation, Navier made her way over to the group. "Fred! George!" she called out, grinning as the twins turned to greet her with identical mischievous smiles.

"If it isn't our favorite snake," Fred (or was it George?) said with a wink.

"Come to see us off, have you?" the other twin added.

Navier laughed, then turned her attention to the newcomer. "And you must be Harry Potter," she said warmly, extending her hand. "I'm Navier Grace. Second-year Slytherin and friend to these troublemakers."

Harry looked surprised, his green eyes widening behind his round glasses. "Nice to meet you," he said hesitantly, shaking her hand. "You're... friends with the Weasleys?"

"Don't look so shocked, mate," Ron chimed in. "Navier's alright, even if she is a Slytherin."

As they boarded the train, Navier found herself naturally falling into step with Harry, helping him with his trunk and guiding him through the crowded corridor. She could sense his nervousness and felt an overwhelming urge to protect him.

"Don't worry," she said softly as they found a compartment. "Hogwarts may seem intimidating at first, but it'll feel like home before you know it."

Throughout the journey, Navier stayed close to Harry, Ron, and Hermione (who joined them later), regaling them with stories of Hogwarts and answering their questions. She noticed the curious glances from other students, no doubt wondering why a Slytherin was so friendly with the Boy Who Lived, but she paid them no mind.

As the castle came into view, Navier felt a surge of protectiveness wash over her. She turned to Harry, who was staring out the window in awe. "Remember," she said, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder, "no matter what house you're sorted into, you've already got friends here. And if anyone gives you trouble, Slytherin or otherwise, you come find me, alright?"

Harry nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Thanks, Navier."

The Sorting Ceremony was a tense affair. Navier sat at the Slytherin table, ignoring the whispers and stares from her housemates as she watched Harry approach the Sorting Hat. When the hat finally shouted "GRYFFINDOR!", Navier found herself clapping along with the red and gold table, earning her more than a few odd looks.

As the weeks passed, Navier's protective instincts towards Harry only grew stronger. She made a point of checking in on him regularly, offering help with homework, and standing up to anyone who dared to bully him - including members of her own house.

One particularly memorable incident occurred after a heated Potions class. Navier overheard Draco Malfoy taunting Harry in the hallway, his voice dripping with disdain as he mocked the Boy Who Lived.

Without hesitation, Navier stepped between them, her eyes flashing dangerously. "That's enough, Malfoy," she said, her voice low but firm.

Draco sneered. "Defending Potter now, Grace? Have you forgotten which house you're in?"

Navier stood her ground. "I haven't forgotten anything, Draco. But I also haven't forgotten basic decency. Back off."

The confrontation drew a crowd, students whispering in shock at the sight of a Slytherin defending Harry Potter. But Navier didn't care. She stared Draco down until he finally skulked away, muttering under his breath.