The Mystery of the Chamber of Secrets

Chapter 3: Making friends

Harry and Etta found that Ron and Hermione were sharing a carriage with a ginger haired girl of about Etta's age.

As they sat down Ron said, "This is Ginny, my younger sister. She is starting at Hogwarts this year."

"Nice to meet you," said Harry, "This is Etta, who is also starting at Hogwarts this year."

He left a space on the seat so the two red-haired girls could sit together. There was an awkward silence for a few minutes and to calm herself Etta bent down and released Pterano from his basket and he leaped lightly onto her lap.

"What a handsome cat," said Ginny admiringly.

Pterano purred loudly.

"He's called Pterano. Would you like to stroke him," Etta asked.

Ginny did not need telling twice.

"Yes please," she said reaching out her hand to scratch behind his ear.

"I wish I had a cat to bring to Hogwarts," sighed Ginny.

"I'm sure Pterano won't mind a bit of extra attention from such an enthusiastic admirer," said Etta, with a smile.

Etta and Ginny chattered for the whole of the journey, sharing cauldron cakes, which both girls were very partial to. Pterano spent the whole trip cosily curled up on one of their laps and was decidedly reluctant to get back into his basket when the train pulled into Hogwarts station. Harry, Ron and Hermione spent the journey discussing why Harry couldn't get through the barrier at Platform nine and three quarters.

"Etta is already a very talented witch," said Hermione warmly, "I hope she's in Gryffindor too."

"Her cat, Pterano, helps her with magic. They have a special bond which allows them to combine their magical abilities," Harry explained, "I think that Pterano can understand human speech."

Ron and Hermione were very surprised that they could combine their magic, which was not usual for magical creatures. Harry suspected that Etta had this ability because she was part dinosaur. He had been told by Mr and Mrs Green about his and Etta's dinosaur heritage over the summer, but also that he should keep it a secret. Harry decided to change the focus to who might have placed the barrier there.

"It wasn't a student," he said, "That sort of magic would be far too advanced for a second year student."

Etta was listening to the conversation at that point and said, "Perhaps it was Dobby. He didn't want Harry to back to Hogwarts."

"Well, we don't know who else it could be and it would make sense for him to keep trying as he seemed to worship Harry so much!" Ron said with a laugh.

Harry punched him playfully in the arm.

"Shut up Ron!" he replied, slightly embarrassed.

The subject was dropped and the remainder of the journey passed uneventfully.