A Year at Hogwarts

chapter 3

 "How do you get to school in Sydney?" Ginny Weasley asked. It was a week later - they were on the Hogwarts Express making their way to Hogwarts. Harry was surprised they used a train to go to Hogwarts, although Aunt Sarah had already told him about it when telling stories of her time at school. "It depends on where you are in relation to the school," Harry began, "Because I live in Sydney, my Aunt Sarah takes me in a Muggle car to an underground car park, which is apparently hidden from the Muggles with the same sort of wards that hide the Leaky Cauldron from Muggles. From there, you walk through a passage which takes you to the main hall." "Wow," Ron said. "If you live in another of the Australian cities, you might also get taken in a Muggle car or bus, depending on circumstances. If you lived in say Adelaide or Melbourne, you would use a Portkey if you're Muggle born or Muggle raised or if you have a family member who can, you can apparate there. The Portkey and apparation point is in a special room next to the underground car park." "Why can't we have something like that at Hogwarts?" Ron asked, "These train journeys get rather boring, not to mention we have to get up really early." Harry knew exactly how he felt – Mrs. Weasley had them all up at 5 AM. Following a major rush in which all the Weasleys had forgotten to pack items, there was breakfast in which they were only given two minutes to eat before more packing had to be done. Harry had packed his trunk the previous night. Sirius had to check it – he told Harry it was better than the Aurors executing a search warrant issued by Umbridge and planting dark items that would see Harry in Azkaban before the day was out. Being Lord Black meant his word meant something. They then used a magically expanded Ford Anglia (which Harry was sure was illegal, it would be in Australia) to drive to King's Cross Station (after refusing to return to collect items that had still

been forgotten, Mrs. Weasley told them that she would have them sent on – Ginny pouted because she had forgotten her diary and no amounts of looking cute and innocent would make Mr. Weasley turn back). Ron told Harry that his father had made his mother believe that the car was bigger on the inside thanks to the Muggles although he suspected she didn't believe him. While Harry was talking to Ginny, the compartment door opened and a voice could be heard. "Hey, Weasley," the voice said, apparently addressing Ron, "You planning on entering and earning some much needed glory for your family?" "Entering what?" Ron asked. "You don't know – a brother along with your father working for the Ministry," the boy said, "I've known since Minister Fudge told my father. I suppose it pays to have good connections." "Actually, you're talking about the Triwizard Tournament." Harry said. Everyone looked at him, "I've known since the Ministry tried to talk the Sydney Academy into participating earlier this year. The school took a vote on the matter and the majority said no. I was one of the people who said no." "Who are you?" the boy asked. "Who are you?" Harry asked. "Draco Malfoy," the boy said, "and you are?" "Harry Potter." "You should be able to do better for yourself, Potter," Malfoy said, "Hanging about with blood traitors – you won't get far at Hogwarts hanging about with them." "Actually Malfoy, I would rather be anywhere than here," Harry said, "I was only staying with them because your precious Minister Fudge and that idiot Dumbledore said I had to. I don't blame the Weasleys at all and if you looked beyond prejudice and tried to get along, you'll find some people pleasant company." "Things are different at Hogwarts, Potter," Malfoy said, "Forget what you learnt at that school you've been attending about how Purebloods and Mudbloods should get along and members of other houses associating. You're a Potter, which - like the Malfoys - are a pureblood family. I'm prepared to overlook the fact your father dirtied his line by marrying a Muggleborn, I can help you find your proper place in our society." He held out his hand – Harry looked at it. "I'll think about it alright," Harry said, "If what you say is true and members of different houses don't associate or get along, it'll be best to save it IF I get sorted into Slytherin. I don't think your father would be too happy if you made friends with me now only for me to be sorted into a house other than Slytherin." "You have a point there, Potter," Draco said, "If you get sorted into Slytherin, maybe we can be friends." "Maybe." Harry said. Draco and his two friends left the compartment. "Are you serious about being friends with him?" Ron asked. "Not really," Harry said, "I can't see me being sorted into Slytherin. I know my parents were in Gryffindor and going by your family, I might end up in there or Ravenclaw, but I won't be here long enough to participate in house rivalries. Also, it was an easy way to shut him up – either that or hex him and I don't want to give them an excuse to find some reason to keep me here in England." A little bit further into the trip, a bushy haired girl stopped by the carriage.