Shifting Loyalties - A Drarry & Severitus Fanfic

Chapter 21 - To Hogwarts We Go

The train chugged along through the countryside, the landscape whizzing past in a blur of green and gold as the sun climbed higher in the sky. Harry leaned back in his seat, feeling a mixture of excitement and anxiety twist in his stomach. Despite the teasing banter with Draco and Blaise, the reality of going to Hogwarts was sinking in. This was the start of something huge—something that felt both exhilarating and terrifying.

Draco had taken up position by the window, watching the scenery with a confident smirk on his face, while Blaise seemed content to observe quietly. Neville, on the other hand, fidgeted nervously, his hands twitching in his lap.

"So, you two know each other already?" Blaise asked, his eyes flicking between Harry and Draco.

"Since we were kids," Draco replied, glancing over at Harry. "We practically grew up together."

Blaise smirked. "Lucky you."

Neville, who had been unusually quiet, finally spoke up. "D-Do you think we'll be in the same house?" His voice wavered slightly, as though the idea of being separated from the first people he'd met on the train terrified him.

"Not likely," Draco said with a shrug. "I doubt you're cut out for Slytherin, Longbottom."

"Draco," Harry warned, shooting him a look.

"What?" Draco raised his hands defensively. "I'm just being honest."

Harry sighed and turned to Neville, who looked even more anxious now. "Don't worry about it, Neville. You'll end up where you're meant to be. Besides, the Sorting Hat's got it all figured out, right?"

Neville nodded, though he didn't seem convinced. "I hope so."

The compartment door slid open once more, and a girl with bushy brown hair stuck her head inside, looking slightly breathless. "Has anyone seen a toad? A boy named Neville's lost one."

Neville sat up straight, his eyes widening. "Trevor! Oh no, I've lost him again!"

Draco snorted. "A toad? Honestly, Longbottom. How exactly are you going to survive at Hogwarts if you can't even keep track of a bloody amphibian?"

Harry elbowed Draco sharply in the ribs. "Knock it off."

The girl, undeterred by Draco's comment, raised an eyebrow at the group. "I suppose none of you have seen a toad, then?"

Harry shook his head. "No, sorry."

"Right. Well, if you do see him, let me know," the girl said briskly, turning to leave. Then, as if an afterthought, she added, "I'm Hermione Granger, by the way."

"Did I ask?" Draco said turning up his nose.

Hermione's eyes narrowed disapprovingly at Draco before they landed on Harry, the familiar flicker of recognition flashing across her face. "Oh! You're Harry Potter."