It was Harry and Aldric's first time at Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, and they looked around with wide-eyed curiosity. Compared to them, Ron was much more composed, his gaze fixed on Harry with a look that suggested he wanted to say something but was holding back.
Aldric spotted a few familiar faces nearby. Neville was getting a stern talking-to from his grandmother, his face full of frustration. Further off, Malfoy was saying goodbye to his parents, who all carried that same air of superiority that seemed to keep others at a distance, leaving an empty space around them as everyone gave them plenty of room.
The three boys hurried onto the nearly departing train and found an empty compartment to settle into. Unable to keep it in any longer, Ron gathered his courage and asked, "Are you really Harry Potter?"
Harry pushed his bangs aside, revealing the lightning-shaped scar on his forehead.
"Wow! I'm in the same compartment as the famous Harry Potter!" Ron grinned and immediately started chatting excitedly.
Seeing them hit it off, Aldric decided to join in. "Harry, I've been asking around Diagon Alley these past few days, and I've heard some things about you. Honestly, the situation might not be as good as we think," Aldric said, putting on a serious face.
"Because you defeated the Dark Lord, a lot of his old followers aren't happy with you, especially those pure-blood aristocrats."
Aldric went on to share his thoughts, thinking someone as innocent as Harry might be easy to influence, if Dumbledore could sway him, so could he.
"That's right, Harry. Those so-called aristocrats are trouble, especially the ones in Slytherin, they're basically little Death Eaters!" Ron overheard and quickly jumped in to agree.
Aldric found it amusing. Ron himself came from one of those pure-blood families, yet he was so quick to trash the pure-blood aristocrats. No wonder the Weasleys were called 'blood traitors.'
Harry was clearly impressed and started firing off all kinds of questions about the wizarding world.
As they talked more, Ron warmed up to Aldric, and when the snack vendor came by, Harry bought a bunch of treats for everyone.
Just as they were munching and chatting, a round-faced Neville walked in. "Excuse me, have you seen my toad?" he asked, his eyes brimming with tears. Harry and Ron shook their heads. "I lost it again. It must hate me! It always tries to run away from me!" Neville sniffled.
"He'll come back," Aldric said quickly, trying to comfort Neville.
Neville Longbottom came from one of the 28 pure-blood families, the Longbottoms, and was one of the few who leaned toward being friendly with Muggles, so it was important to befriend him. "How about I help you look for him?"
"Really? But it's okay. I don't want to bother you guys. Thanks anyway," Neville replied shyly, looking down.
Aldric knew this kind of kid needed a straightforward approach. "Yes. Let's go," he said firmly and led Neville out of the compartment. "Harry, Ron, you don't need to come. Someone should watch our luggage."
Harry, who had been about to offer help, sat back down at the sound of that. Aldric and Neville walked past compartment after compartment.
Aldric knocked on doors and asked if anyone had seen the toad, while Neville kept his head down, quietly following behind. When they reached the last compartment for first years, a girl with thick hair appeared, none other than Hermione Granger, one of the famous trio.
Seeing Hermione with her big smile, Aldric couldn't help but grin to himself, his plan was working perfectly. First, he planted the idea that pure-blood aristocrats were all villains in the hero's mind. Now, he was making Hermione, the hero's closest friend, and Neville think he was a helpful and trustworthy ally.
"Have you seen Neville's toad?" Aldric asked Hermione, grinning so hard his face felt stiff.
"What kind of toad? Who even keeps toads as pets?
Don't you think they're kind of gross? You're all first-years here, right?" Hermione fired off questions quickly.
Neville looked up, forcing a small smile at Aldric, though tears still ran down his cheeks. "Trevor always goes missing," he said softly. "He'll probably turn up on his own eventually. Thanks for staying with me so long, Aldric."
"No problem, Neville. You said Trevor disappears sometimes, then suddenly comes back?"
"Yes."
"Then it's okay, Neville. Trevor's just playing with you. He clearly likes you; otherwise, he wouldn't run off and come back," Aldric reassured him.
"We'll do one more sweep, and if we still can't find him, we'll ask the teachers at school," he said gently.
Neville lowered his head, trying to hide his tears, and whispered thanks over and over. "Alright, sorry to bother you, but we're going to look for Neville's toad now."
"Wait! I want to come too," Hermoine suddenly spoke up.
"By the way, do you know magic? At home, I've tried a few simple spells just for practice, and they actually worked.
No one in my family knows magic, so when I got my acceptance letter, I was shocked but really excited, because, as far as I know, this is the best magic school.
I've even memorized all the textbooks, and I just hope I can put what I learned to good use."
Aldric was probably the first person Hermione had met on the way, so she stuck close to him. Hermione talked nonstop all the way back to Harry's compartment and was still full of energy when they arrived.
Aldric held up a hand to signal her to stop. Just then, two tall boys blocked the doorway.
"I think I can spot the odd one out myself," Harry said coolly as Aldric squeezed between them. "What's going on?"
"Aldric! That's Draco Malfoy! His whole family are Death Eaters!". The two boys hurriedly explained when they saw Aldric.
"Ah! Red hair, ragged clothes, so you must be a Weasley.
I bet none of your clothes are new. After all, your poor dad's salary can't support you.
I even heard your mom has to sell snacks to help out. Is that true, Weasley?" Draco's face flushed as he glared at Ron.
Aldric felt a sudden surge of anger. He had dealt with people like Draco before, arrogant bullies who hid behind their fathers' names. Without thinking, he stepped forward and grabbed Draco's collar.
"You wanna fight, kid?
Huh? Want me to punch that pretty face of yours?
I swear I'll beat you so badly even your mom won't recognize you!"
In his past life, Aldric had taken down plenty of people. Under his murderous glare, Draco felt like he was staring down a fierce tiger.
Crabbe and Goyle tried to step in, but Neville, despite trembling, held them back tightly. Before long, Draco was sweating profusely.
Breaking free from Aldric's grip, he nervously straightened his collar to hide his embarrassment. "Just you wait! My dad's on the Hogwarts Board of Governors!" he spat."I'll make sure he expels every one of you!"
Draco hissed, his voice dripping with venom as he stormed off, flanked by Crabbe and Goyle. Even from a distance, his angry words echoed behind them, sharp and threatening.