| The Changling |
| Though always fun, Harry’s visit to Ron’s passed uneventfully, except when Hermione arrived, and they went to Diagon Alley. And the days passed. Weeks turned to days, until finally they would be getting on the Hogwarts Express in two hours. "Is everyone packed?" said Mrs. Weasley, to which they all responded with a sleepy yes that morning. The time flew by, and Mr. Weasley called for cabs. They came and everyone piled in, the drivers looking slightly irritated. They arrived at platform nine and three quarters with twenty minutes to spare. Harry, Ron, and Hermione went through first, leaning casually against the supposedly solid barrier, and then they were on the other side, the scarlet steam engine puffing away. Ginny and Mrs. Weasley followed, then Fred and George, and Finally Mr. Weasley. They began to pile their trunks in, but Ron, Harry, and Hermione found only one compartment, and like their third year, it already had one person in it. It was a girl about their age, with long brown hair, wearing deep blue robes. She was listening to music on what seemed to be an ordinary muggle CD player. They had never seen her before. She mouthed words of songs lazily, not noticing them as they walked in, or if she did she didn’t acknowledge them. "Er, excuse me, do mind if we sit here?" said Harry She shrugged her shoulders indifferently, not bothering to look at them, continuing to mouth words of songs. "Who are you?" Harry stared at her She took off her headphones and looked at them finally. "My name’s Elisa," "I’ve never seen you at Hogwarts," Hermione said cautiously "That’s because I don’t go to Hogwarts," "Then why are you on this train," said Ron, voicing what everyone was thinking. "I’m an exchange student from America," Harry had wondered about her accent "I didn’t know they had an exchange student program," Hermione said "New thing this year," she said, sitting up from her position on the seat. "I’ve introduced myself, and I’d like it if you introduced yourself to me," "Sorry. I’m Hermione Granger," Elisa nodded slightly "Ron Weasley," said Ron shortly "I’m—" "Harry Potter," Elisa finished, "You’ve got the scar," The train started up. "What’s your last name?" "Calconn," "I’ve heard of you! You’re a Changling!" said Hermione "Yup," "What’s a Changling?" inquired Ron Hermione answered, "Se can turn into any animal at will, instead of just one like an animagus. They’re really rare," Elisa smiled. It was frightening. Harry suddenly noticed her eyes. He himself had strange eyes, emerald colored, but she, she had blood red ones, cat slits for pupils and a flat, snakelike nose. It reminded Harry of Voldemort. As if reading his mind, she said. "Ignore my eyes," she said, staring into his own. He shuddered involuntarily. |