The Legacy of the Magizoologist

As they chatted, the door to the compartment slid open again, revealing a blond boy flanked by two burly companions. His sharp features and sneering expression immediately set the room on edge.

"Well, well," the boy drawled, his voice dripping with disdain. "First-years making friends already. I'm Draco Malfoy. And you are?"

Jamie stood up, meeting Draco's gaze evenly. "Jamie Carter."

Draco's eyes flicked to the terrarium, then back to Jamie. "What's that? Some kind of pet plant?"

Jamie's jaw tightened, but he kept his tone calm. "It's a Glowthorn. A magical plant."

Draco smirked. "Only someone with no proper wizarding background would bring a plant to Hogwarts."

Hermione stepped forward, her tone sharp. "There's nothing wrong with bringing a plant. It's probably more useful than half the things you've packed."

Draco's sneer deepened. "And who are you to talk? A Muggle-born, I bet."

Before the tension could escalate, Jamie spoke firmly. "You should leave. This compartment's full."

Draco glared at him but seemed unwilling to pick a fight. With a final sneer, he turned and left, his lackeys trailing behind.

Hermione huffed, her cheeks flushed. "What a horrible boy."

Neville nodded. "He always acts like he's better than everyone else."

Jamie sat back down, his heart still racing. "We'll just have to prove him wrong."

By the time the train began to slow, the three felt like old friends. Jamie had told them stories about the creatures he'd cared for, while Hermione and Neville shared their hopes and fears about Hogwarts.

As they stepped off the train and onto the platform at Hogsmeade Station, Jamie felt a swell of excitement. For the first time, he wasn't just stepping into a new place—he was stepping into a new life, with friends by his side.

The castle loomed in the distance, its windows glowing like stars against the darkening sky. Jamie clutched the terrarium tightly, a quiet determination settling over him.

This was only the beginning.