58 Meeting with Peers

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Quietly, Harry took out his Hogwarts robe. The fabric was smooth and pristine, a stark contrast to Ron's worn and faded attire. As he dressed, his movements were graceful and efficient, each motion practiced and precise. He had learned long ago the importance of being prepared, a lesson that life with the Dursleys had ingrained in him. Now, as he readied himself for his arrival at Hogwarts, he felt a sense of anticipation mixed with caution.

Nigel, observing Harry's actions, remarked in his mind, "A new beginning, Master Harry. Hogwarts awaits. I do hope the food is to your liking."

Harry couldn't help but smile inwardly at Nigel's comment. The AI's observations, though often laced with humor, also carried a hint of genuine concern.

Ron, still looking at the darkened window, muttered, "Wish I could do that." His voice carried a mix of envy and admiration. Harry glanced at Ron, noticing the hint of longing in his eyes. It was clear that Ron yearned for more than he had. 'Must have grown up envying others.' He mused.

It was already evening when the train arrived at Hogwarts. Amidst the bustling crowd of students, Harry heard a booming voice calling out, "First years! Come on out. Don't be shy. First years, come 'ere." The source of the voice was a giant of a man, holding a lantern that cast a warm glow in the dimming light. Harry observed the man discreetly, activating his 'Observe' function silently.

[System Message: Rubeus Hagrid - Half-giant, Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts. Friendly and fond of magical creatures. No malicious intent detected.]

As Hagrid called out again, "Come, this way to the boats. Follow me," Harry followed the crowd, his eyes scanning his surroundings with keen interest. Approaching the lake, Hagrid's voice boomed once more, "No more than four to a boat." Harry decided to distance himself from Ron, opting instead for an empty boat at the side. As he settled into the boat, two girls and a boy joined him.

Harry's 'Observe' function activated automatically as he scrutinized his new companions.

[System Message: Tracey Davis. Open-minded and curious. No compelling spells detected.]

[System Message: Daphne Greengrass. Strong-willed and ambitious. No compelling spells detected.]

[System Message: Neville Longbottom - Under Long-term Confundus Spell. Origin of spell: Unknown. Note: Spell affects memory and decision-making. Subject's awareness of the spell's influence - Minimal.]

Harry frowned as he recognized the name. "Nigel, isn't he the other baby in the prophecy?"

Nigel answered with a mental nod, "He is. He could be in your place right now, Master Harry. The boy who lived. Instead, both his parents were crazed by endless torture. Growing up with his grandmother and Uchle, in constant comparison to his father, and reprimand made him weak-willed and insecure. I don't know the source that spell is, though. Most intriguing."

Harry nodded in understanding. Neville was someone he wanted to meet, hopefully becoming friends with him. Alice Longbottom, Neville's mother, was his godmother, and Neville was like a brother in fate.

He decided to break the ice, introducing himself with a touch of formality, "Hello. I am Harry Potter, Heir of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House Potter." His tone was composed, yet there was an underlying warmth in his voice. Extending a hand, he gently took Daphne and Tracey's hands in turn, planting a soft, courteous kiss on each, a gesture of refined manners he had learned through Nigel's guidance. Then, turning towards Neville, who looked a bit intimidated by the formality, he offered his hand with a friendly smile.

Daphne Greengrass, a girl with an air of confidence, raised an eyebrow at Harry's introduction but returned the greeting with equal politeness. "Daphne Greengrass, , Heiress of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House Greengrass. Pleased to meet you, Heir Potter," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity. Her demeanor suggested she was well-versed in the customs of the wizarding world's elite.

Tracey Davis, on the other hand, seemed pleasantly surprised by Harry's gesture and shocked by his identity. "Tracey Davis," she said, her voice light and friendly. "It's nice to meet you, Sir Potter."

Neville Longbottom, a bit flustered by the formal introduction, shook Harry's hand. "I-I'm Neville Longbottom, umm... , Heir of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House Longbottom." he stammered, his voice betraying a mix of nervousness and awe.

Harry, sensing Neville's discomfort, quickly shifted to a more relaxed posture, aiming to put him at ease. "It's a pleasure to meet all of you. Excited about studying in here?" he inquired, his voice carrying a genuine interest.

Daphne nodded. "Yes, though I've heard a lot about it from my family. It's quite the experience, I gather."

Tracey chimed in with enthusiasm, "I'm really excited! I can't wait to start learning actual magic, my folks at home only taught me the basics."

Neville, still appearing a bit overwhelmed, added, "Yeah. My gran says it's a big responsibility."

Harry listened attentively, his mind noting the different backgrounds and perspectives each of his companions brought to the conversation. He was particularly intrigued by Neville's mention of his grandmother, remembering Nigel's briefing about his family's tragic history.

Nigel's voice commented with a hint of intrigue. "Quite the diverse group you've found yourself with, Master Harry. Ms. Greengrass comes from an old pure-blood family, known for their pride and ambition. Ms. Davis, on the other hand, seems more grounded, perhaps from a less traditional background. And Mr. Longbottom, well, his story is a rather tragic one."

Harry nodded slightly, acknowledging Nigel's analysis. He knew that understanding his peers' backgrounds and motivations would be crucial in navigating Hogwarts' complex social landscape.

As the boat glided smoothly across the Black Lake, the conversation among the four first-years continued, with Harry skillfully steering it towards lighter topics. He asked about their interests and hobbies, and in turn, shared a few of his own.

Neville, gradually warming up to the group, shared his love for plants, mentioning his interest in Herbology. Daphne spoke of her fascination with the charms and potions, while Tracey expressed a keen interest in charms and enchantments.

Harry, listening intently, found himself appreciating the company of his new acquaintances. They were all different, yet there was a sense of mutual respect and curiosity among them.

As Hogwarts Castle came into view, its towering spires and grand architecture illuminated by the moonlight, a sense of awe filled the boat. Harry's eyes widened at the sight, feeling a surge of excitement at the prospect of exploring the castle's ancient halls and secrets.

Nigel's voice echoed in his mind, "Ah, Hogwarts. A place of endless mysteries and opportunities. It will be fascinating to see how you make your mark here, Master Harry."

Harry smiled inwardly, his gaze still fixed on the majestic castle. "Indeed, Nigel. Hogwarts is more than a school; it's the beginning of a new chapter."

Nigel's voice resonated in Harry's mind as they glided across the Black Lake, "Fun fact, Master Harry. This lake is the same one the four founders traveled when they first found this land. The tradition for first-years to pass through it is to see through the founders' eyes." Harry appreciated the trivia, feeling a deeper connection to the history and tradition of the school he was about to enter.

As they neared the castle, Harry's attention was abruptly drawn to a large tentacle briefly breaking the surface of the lake. His reaction was swift; he activated his Observe function to identify the creature. Tracey, noticing the tentacle as well, said, "I heard from my mother that this is the Giant Squid. It helps students if they fall into the lake."

[System Message: Kraken - Mythological creature, not just a Giant Squid. Capable of incredible feats of strength and known for its protective nature towards Hogwarts students. Magical properties: Highly intelligent and sensitive to magical energies.]

Harry's eyes widened slightly at the revelation. The creature in the lake wasn't just a mere squid, but a Kraken, a being of myth and legend. He was intrigued by its presence in the lake and its protective nature towards the students. The thought that such a magnificent creature resided in the depths of Hogwarts' lake added another layer of mystery to the already enchanting school.

Nigel offered a humorous observation, "Quite the guardian for a school, wouldn't you agree? I suppose it beats having a grumpy old caretaker with a cat."

As the boat approached the landing, Harry turned his attention back to the castle. Its towering spires and the vastness of its structure were illuminated under the moonlight, casting an awe-inspiring image. He felt a sense of anticipation, wondering what mysteries and challenges lay within those ancient walls.

Daphne, her gaze fixed on the castle, spoke with a hint of reverence, "It's even more impressive than what I imagined."

Neville, still a bit shy but clearly awestruck, added, "It's huge. I can't believe we're going to live here."

Tracey, equally mesmerized, nodded in agreement. "It's like something out of a storybook."

Harry, observing their reactions, felt a sense of camaraderie building among them. Despite their different backgrounds, the shared experience of arriving at Hogwarts seemed to be a unifying moment.

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