102 Chapter 102: "Journey Back to Hogwarts"

Harry, entering his second year at Hogwarts, found himself back on the Hogwarts Express. The excitement was clear among the students bustling around on platform 9 3/4. With him were his friends, Cedric, Roger, Angelina, and Alicia. Unfortunately, due to a lack of space, his other friends, Reginald, Elvinia, and Arabella, had to settle into a compartment next door.

As the train's whistle cut sharply through the chatter, signaling their departure, everyone quickly found their seats.

"So, Cedric," Roger started with a mischievous smile as the train began its journey, "I heard from my dad, who heard it from your dad at the ministry, that you're now considered the champion of Hufflepuff House?" He teased, causing a ripple of laughter to spread among their group.

Cedric's face turned a shade of red from embarrassment as he tried to brush off the comment. "Oh, come on, it's not really like that. My dad just tends to get a little too excited about my exam scores."

Angelina joined in, giving Cedric a playful nudge. "Yeah, but from what I've heard about how your dad's been talking you up, you might as well be named the Hogwarts Champion soon!"

Alicia added, with a twinkle in her eye, "Just imagine, 'Cedric Diggory, the Golden Boy of Hogwarts'—it does sound pretty impressive!"

The group continued to tease Cedric, who, despite his embarrassment, managed to laugh along with them, though it was clear he was looking for a way to steer the conversation elsewhere.

As everyone was enjoying a good laugh, the compartment door abruptly swung open. Fred and George Weasley burst in, each wearing their trademark mischievous grins.

"Guess what, Potter?" one of the twins began, and as usual, Harry couldn't tell if it was Fred or George. The other twin quickly jumped in to finish the thought, "We've apprenticed to a Marauder this summer!"

Harry, who wasn't particularly close to the Weasley twins, simply raised an eyebrow. "Really? And why are you telling me this?"

Unfazed by Harry's lukewarm reaction, the twins continued enthusiastically. "Because, dear Potter," one of them said, "since you're Padfoot's protégé and we're now training under a Marauder's tutelage as well, we thought—"

"—it would be perfectly fair to challenge you to a friendly duel of pranks. A prank-off, if you will," the other twin finished.

Harry shook his head, a small smile appearing despite his reservations. "I think I'll pass. I've got enough on my plate with my studies this year."

The twins looked at each other, pretending to be shocked. "Studying? Over pranking? That's outrageous!" they cried together. "Don't worry, Potter. We'll change your mind before the year's out," one of them said, winking.

Harry just grimaced in response.

Cedric, curious about the twins' mentor, asked, "Which Marauders are teaching you?" He, like the others in the compartment, had heard all about the infamous group of Hogwarts pranksters from Harry.

Fred smirked, "Well, we have a bit of an edge here."

George added, "We're being taught by both Prongs and Moony."

Alicia, puzzled, questioned, "How did you manage to get Moony to teach you? Harry mentioned he was more of a teacher's pet and not much into causing trouble."

Fred boasted, "No one can resist our charm..."

George chimed in, "Or our relentless pestering."

Cedric, trying to sidestep any future pranks, pleaded, "Good for you two. Could you possibly spare me from your mischief?"

George laughed, "No way! You're a celebrity..."

Fred teased, "The Hufflepuff champion."

George continued, "We love to challenge champions."

Fred concluded, "That way, we might become champions too."

Together they exclaimed, "The Champions of Mischief!"

Cedric groaned, indicating his resignation, while the others in the compartment burst into laughter.

As the twins prepared to leave, one of them left a mysterious hint, "Oh, and keep your eyes open at the feast tonight. We've got a surprise planned."

The door closed with a soft click, and the laughter faded, leaving a brief silence in the compartment. Cedric looked over at Harry, worry clear in his eyes. "What do you think they're planning? I've got a bad feeling about this."

Harry gave a noncommittal shrug, his thoughts already ticking through various scenarios. "Nothing good, that's for sure. Just make sure you're ready to duck under the table if things start to look strange."

Roger chimed in, "I'll take your lead, Harry. When you duck, I duck."

Harry nodded, "Sounds like a plan. Looks like I'll need to keep an eye out this year. You never know when those two might try something."

Cedric half-joked, half-serious, "Harry, could you teach me some cleaning spells or spells to counter whatever they throw at us? I'm not as quick on my feet as you."

Harry smiled, "Sure thing. Let's set aside the first weekend back. It'll be useful for everyone to know these spells, not just for pranks but they're handy for everyday messes too."

The excitement was palpable in Harry's compartment, particularly because this was the year they could try out for the Quidditch teams at Hogwarts.

Cedric was aiming to be a Seeker, while the other three—Roger, Angelina, and Alicia—wanted to try for Chaser positions.

Roger turned to Harry, curiosity in his voice. "What about you, Harry? Which position are you interested in?"

Harry hesitated slightly. "I like the Seeker spot, but I'm not sure I'll make the team."

"Why not?" asked Roger, puzzled.

Harry explained, "My daily schedule is already packed. I won't have time to fit in Quidditch practice, and I doubt the team captain would let someone play who can't make practice regularly."

With his commitment to his studies and the Knight Breathing method he was practicing, Harry didn't see room for the demanding Quidditch practice schedules. As a Seeker, teamwork wasn't as critical, so if the captain was lenient, he might play, but Quidditch wasn't a major priority for him.

Roger looked doubtful. "That's tough. It sounds like it'd be hard to join the team without going to practices. Isn't there a way you could squeeze in some Quidditch?"

Harry shook his head. "I've set up a specific training regimen. I don't want to disrupt that."

Cedric, half-joking, chimed in, "Well, that's good news for my team. I've seen you fly, Harry. If you were the opposing Seeker, my team and I wouldn't stand a chance."

The conversation shifted back to Quidditch strategies and stories. Harry admitted it would be fun to play against everyone, but it all depended on the team captain's decision. Regardless, he had brought his Quidditch broom along and planned to enjoy some friendly games with his friends during the holidays, if not in official matches.

The rest of the train ride flew by, filled with laughter and animated conversations. Friends moved back and forth between the two compartments, exchanging tales of their summer adventures and guessing what the new school year might bring.

By nightfall, the Hogwarts Express pulled into Hogsmeade station. Everyone quickly piled into the carriages, eager to get to Hogwarts. The thought of the upcoming feast in the Great Hall had everyone's stomach rumbling, and they were all ready to enjoy the delicious food waiting for them.