Chapter 5: On the Train

As Harry struggled through the crowded platform, dragging his heavy trunk, Wade Gray had already claimed an empty compartment. Seizing the moment, he changed into his school robes and opened Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them—a book he’d come to love more than any other during the past month. While he’d skimmed every book he’d bought, this one stood out. Not just for its content, but also because of its author—Newt Scamander, the protagonist of another series of films featuring Harry Potter. Newt’s deep affection for magical creatures and his legendary magical case—something Wade envied immensely—only added to the book’s charm.

A moment later, the compartment door slid open. A girl with brown hair stood in the doorway, her sharp chin lifted as she asked, “Excuse me—anyone else joining?”

Wade glanced at her prominent front teeth and replied, “No.”

“Oh.” She dragged her trunk inside, settled down, and looked up. “Hi, I’m Hermione Granger.”

Wade closed his book and offered his hand. “Wade Gray.”

“You’re reading Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them? So you’re a first-year too? Me too! And by the way—” she added, her voice quick and proud, “I’ve memorized the entire book. All the other textbooks, too.”

She paused only briefly before continuing, “Oh, and I’ve practiced a few basic spells. They all worked! For example—Lumos!”

A soft glow bloomed at the tip of her wand.

“Though I haven’t memorized the books,” Wade said, pulling out his own wand, “I can still do it—Lumos!”

Two small, glowing orbs floated in the air, mirroring each other like twin stars. Hermione grinned, her eyes alight with wonder. “Isn’t that amazing?”

Wade nodded silently.

Hermione suddenly remembered something and blurted out, “Oh—I’m a Muggle-born, you know. No one in my family has magic. You probably see this kind of thing all the time, right?”

“No,” Wade said. “My parents don’t have magic either.”

“Then we can help each other,” Hermione said brightly. “I mean, kids from wizarding families probably start learning magic as soon as they can walk. I don’t want to be the worst in class.”

“Don’t worry about that,” Wade chuckled. “I’m pretty sure no one else has memorized the whole book. Maybe you’re the only one. Seriously impressive, Miss Granger.”

“Hmm… well, it’s not that impressive,” she stammered, cheeks flushing. “Some parts are really tough. And I didn’t try a few spells at home because the book warned that getting them wrong could have… well, terrible consequences.”

Just as she trailed off, the compartment door opened again. Hermione let out a sigh of relief and turned toward the doorway.

A round-faced boy stood hesitantly in the frame, fumbling with his words. “Um… sorry… can I sit here?”

“Of course!” Hermione said at once, her voice warm and welcoming.

The boy awkwardly set down his trunk and sat, fingers twisting together nervously—clearly not used to talking to strangers.

Hermione leaned forward. “Hi! I’m Hermione Granger. This is Wade Gray. We’re both first-years. What’s your name?”

“Neville,” he mumbled. “Neville Longbottom. Uh… also a first-year.”

“Oh,” Hermione said, curious. “Are you—like me—Muggle-born?”

Neville looked down. “No… my parents are both wizards.”

“So you must know a lot of magic already?” Hermione asked. “I’ve only managed Lumos and Reparo so far. But I’m still not sure about the Petrification Charm—was it Petri-ficus Tot-a-lus or Petrifi-cus Tota-lus?”

Neville blinked. “Pe—Petri… what?”

Hermione blinked back, clearly confused.

Neville’s face crumpled. “I… I haven’t even mastered Lumos yet!”

“…Oh.” Hermione’s expression shifted—part disappointment, part relief. She straightened up slightly. “Well, that’s okay! I can teach you—meaning, we can learn together…”

Neville looked like he might cry.

“Neville,” Wade suddenly said. “Is something moving in your pocket?”

Neville glanced down. “Oh! My pet—it always runs off.”

He pulled out a dull gray toad, cradling it in his palm. “Look, this is Trevor.”

Wade and Hermione instinctively leaned back, subtly distancing themselves from the creature without drawing attention.

The toad stretched its legs and leapt suddenly, launching itself from Neville’s hand. The compartment door had been left open when Neville entered, and Trevor didn’t hesitate—he bounded out into the corridor and vanished with two quick hops.

Neville stared at his empty palm, stunned for two seconds before letting out a wail. “Trevor!”

He dashed after it, and Wade heard the boy crash into the train car’s wall.

The two remaining in the compartment exchanged a look.

Hermione whispered, “I knew the letter said it was allowed… but I never thought anyone would actually keep a toad as a pet!”

Wade nodded in silent agreement. He knew some toads—gold, pink, emerald green—could be strikingly beautiful. But this one? Dull, bumpy, and utterly unremarkable. Who would actually like something like that?

Yet Neville clearly did.

After a long while, the boy returned, eyes red and tear-streaked. “I couldn’t find him… everyone said they didn’t see him…”

Wade tried to comfort him. “The train’s sealed. We’ll find him when we get off. No one’s going to steal a toad.”

Neville didn’t seem comforted. Tears still fell in silent drops.

Seeing his distress, Hermione sighed and stood. “I’ll help you look.”

She glanced at Wade for confirmation. He shook his head.

Hermione and Neville left. The once-bustling compartment fell into sudden quiet.

Wade turned to the window. Rolling hills drifted slowly past, fading into the distance.

He knew that if he joined them, he’d end up meeting Harry and Ron—two boys who, at eleven, would easily become fast friends. In that case, the legendary trio would grow into a quartet.

But after careful thought, Wade decided he didn’t need to latch onto the protagonist’s coattails. The story of a schoolyard-level battle against a dark lord didn’t fascinate him. What truly captivated him was magic itself—its depth, its mystery, its endless possibilities.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end