Hey all! Another chapter! Okay bunny, live a long life!

 

Disclaimer/Notes: Pokemon belongs to Nintendo. HP belongs to J.K. Rowling. This is non-profit fanfic.

So, it shall be <> for telepathy, ** for thoughts, italics for pokemon talking.

 

Chapter 8: Dragons

 

            After Ash and Lance had showered separately, they returned, Lance in dragon form once again.

            Harry had already slid out one of the seats to become a rollout bed. He had unpacked a few of his own possessions. He was currently lying on his bed reading ‘One thousand magical herbs and fungi’.

            Ron was feeding his rat sandwich bits.

            Ash resisted the urge to glare. If Ron could have a pet _rat_, which wasn’t approved either, why couldn’t he have his pokemon?
            Talk about blatant hypocrisy.

            Still, he would keep Lance hidden.

 

            “Want to play Gin Rummy?”

            “Oh sure.” Harry said, putting down the book. “My eyes were getting a bit tired from that reading anyways.”

            Ash dealt out the cards, and they began a rousing game. They did not stop until six rounds later.

            “Luck, be a lady tonight.” Ash hummed, as he rolled out his own bed and climbed under the covers.

            “Turning in early?”

            “Brushed my teeth already, bathroom’s all yours.”

            “Thank you.”

            Ash was only somewhat unprepared when Lance shifted into human and put her arms around him. Her wings of steel flared out like a cocoon, the sharp blades ready to embrace a trespasser.

            After all, she needed to protect him even in his sleep. Sleeping was often the most dangerous time. Several mornings, Ash had woken up to find Lance watching him critically.

            Those were the times he knew she had dealt with assassination attempts in the night. Almost thirty times in his life…

            After all, even Hogwarts might be dangerous. Who knew if there were any magicians who disliked his father?

            Well, at least he was secure with her around.

            Ash fell asleep peacefully.

 

            Harry returned and also turned in for the night. Finally, Ron did the same.

 

            The next morning, the witch came by with an assortment of breakfast foods, so they all ate heartily.

            “This trip is so peaceful.” Ash said. “I hope school life is that way too.”

            “School? Ha! Homework takes all your time.” Ron said.

            Harry frowned. * It can’t be that bad… maybe Ron is still in a bad mood. *

            He picked up another forkful of scrambled eggs and chewed thoughtfully. From what he had seen of the boy, he definitely understood now why redheads were renowned for temper. However, he had no clue why Ron disliked Ash.

            Wasn’t the Weasley family fond of Muggles?

 

            Ash shrugged, as he finished eating and picked up another book. He could ignore the boy.

            “I’ll kill him if it turns dangerous.” Lance whispered in his ear.

            “I know.”

            Ash beamed. “I can’t wait until we get there though.”

            Ron humphed. He obviously was blind to the whole magical mystery of the whole experience.

            Ash and Harry were still excited.

            Ash wanted to see what ‘artificial magic’ he would learn, as compared to the nature and element-based type he used.

            Harry was just glad to be away from the Dursleys.

 

            Ash flicked his wand, as a book floated over to him.

            Ron ignored everything.

            Well, it could be done. Ash smiled as he fed Pidgey some strawberries he had conjured up, and waited.

            Maybe they would have visitors.

 

            Sure enough, soon, a boy with blonde hair pushed open the door.

            “I’m Draco Malfoy. I heard that Harry Potter was on this train?”

            “Pleased to meet you.” Harry said, shaking hands with the other boy.

            Ash offered his own hand. “I’m Ashura Rocketti.”

            “You are! I’ve heard of your father. A powerful man.” Malfoy said. “Very pleased to meet you as well.”

            They shook.

 

            Ron coughed. “Harry, I’m only warning you now. Some people cannot be trusted in the wizarding world. Pick your friends carefully.”

            “You’re one to talk, Weasley.” Malfoy scoffed.

            “Oh yeah?”

            “I mean, whose father works with muggles? Sheesh, and you totally take after him.” Draco taunted.

            With a yell, Ron launched himself at Draco.

 

            “You’re one to talk.” Harry spat. “Going on and on about how your family is the best. Ignoring the rest of us even though we offered you hospitality.”

            Ash smiled. * Nice… *

 

            Draco hit Ron with a curse before the boy could reach him. Ron tripped, his legs turning into jelly.

            “Suit yourself, Weasley.” He paused. “Well, too bad I can’t stay. His company is simply intolerable.”

            Ron shouted several curses, but without a wand nothing happened.

            “Hold on.” Ash said. “Summon Mareep.”

            The electric sheep hit Ron with Thunderwave, effectively shutting him up. Harry threw a blanket over him.

            “How about now?”

            Draco chuckled, enjoying the show. “Sure. Want some chocolate? My treat.”

            And so, what seemed like a friendship began.

 

End Chapter

Started/Completed 3/13/04