Re:HP-A New Life

I am 15 chapters ahead on my patreón, check it out if you are interested.

https://www.patréon.com/emperordragon

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Chapter Eighteen: Aboard the Hogwarts Express

Harry and Rose had just made themselves comfortable in their train compartment as the Hogwarts Express began its journey. Outside the window, the scenery of the countryside blurred into motion, but Harry barely noticed. His thoughts lingered on the sight of Neville Longbottom with his parents and grandmother at the platform.

They're alive, Harry thought with a small pang of relief. In the other timeline, the Longbottoms had been left irreparably scarred by the war. Here, they were whole, smiling as they waved goodbye to Neville.

Rose, oblivious to Harry's inner thoughts, was busy feeding her owl, Luna, small bits of dried treats. She hummed a cheerful tune, but Harry's attention wandered. He had searched for Hedwig, his loyal companion from another life, in Diagon Alley but couldn't find her. The absence left him feeling incomplete.

A sudden tapping at the window startled him out of his thoughts. He glanced over, his heart skipping a beat as he saw a snowy owl perched on the narrow ledge outside.

"No way," Harry whispered, his breath catching.

He quickly slid the window open, and the owl swooped inside, landing on his arm.

"Hedwig," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

She hooted softly, her golden eyes locking onto his with a knowing look that sent a wave of warmth through him.

"Harry," Rose said hesitantly, glancing at the owl. "Who is this?"

"She's mine," he replied simply, stroking Hedwig's feathers.

Before Rose could respond, the door to the compartment slid open, and a red-haired boy poked his head in. "Mind if I sit here? Everywhere else is full."

Rose nodded eagerly. "Sure! Come in."

The boy grinned and plopped down across from her, introducing himself as Ron Weasley. Rose and Ron hit it off immediately, chatting about Hogwarts, Quidditch, and everything in between.

Harry leaned back, letting their conversation wash over him as he focused on Hedwig. She nipped affectionately at his fingers, her presence grounding him in a way he hadn't expected.

A little while later, the compartment door slid open again, and a bushy-haired girl stood there, followed by Neville Longbottom.

"Has anyone seen a toad?" she asked briskly. "Neville's lost his."

Neville, however, ignored her and looked straight at Harry. "Harry, can you help? I know you can."

Harry reached for his wand, tucked neatly inside his robes. With a flick, he muttered, "Accio toad."

The toad zoomed out from beneath one of the seats and into Neville's waiting hands.

"Thanks, Harry!" Neville said, his face lighting up.

The bushy-haired girl gasped. "That was Summoning! You're not supposed to learn that until much later! How do you even know how to do it?"

Harry gave a small smile but didn't answer.

Rose, clearly enjoying the attention, leaned back with a smirk. "What can I say? My brother is the Chosen One. He's just ahead of the curve."

Ron's eyes widened. "Wait... you're Harry Potter?"

Harry sighed, shooting his sister a look. "Thanks for that, Rose."

Hermione's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she began peppering Harry with questions about his magic and his life. Harry answered politely but deflected most of her inquiries, content to let the others carry the conversation.

As Ron, Rose, and Hermione bonded over sweets from the trolley, Harry sat quietly, reconnecting with Hedwig. Her presence felt like a small piece of home, a reminder that, despite everything, some things remained constant.

When the train rattled along through the countryside, Harry allowed himself a rare moment of contentment. For now, he was just another student heading to Hogwarts—a boy with friends, family, and a new beginning.