The Journey of Discovery

Chapter Two - Harry's Discovery

After the welcoming feast, Harry stayed behind to talk to Dumbledore about their upcoming trip to Australia. All they knew was that they were leaving on December Twenty, and returning on January Twenty Seven the next year. So he wanted to know where in Australia they were going, and how they were going to get there. It sure was long way to Australia and the train sure as hell wasn't going to be able to take them there.

He approached where Dumbledore was seated, in the center of the staff table. Dumbledore saw him approaching and smiled.

"What is it that bothers you, Harry?" inquired Dumbledore.

"I was just wanting to know more about out trip to Australia. Hermoine, Ron and I wanted to be able to organize a few things before we go. So if we knew where we were going, that will help our research."

"Well..." Dumbledore started.

Just then another person approached the bench. It was Draco Malfoy.

"Excuse me, professor, but I was wanting to know more about Australia. Where we are going, and are there any of those beaches with the hot guys?" "And girls?" he added quickly.

"Well, Mr Malfoy, Mr Potter and myself were just talking about." Harry and Malfoy looked at each other. Harry gave Malfoy a quizzical look, while Malfoy smirked at Harry. "As you are both prefects, I put my full trust in you to only tell the other prefects." Both students nodded in response.

"Very well then. I am pleased to announce, that we will embark on a journey to Western Australia. In the north of Western Australia, there is a small coastal shack that is home to Emuponds School of Witchcraft and Wizardry".

Both Malfoy and Harry looked at each other with excitement written all over their faces.

"So you said it is a coastal shack?" Malfoy asked.

"Yes. That is what I said, Mr Malfoy. It has it's own beach that no Muggle is able to access. The shack is about 20ft by 20ft. Once you enter the shack, it turns into a massive castle inside."

"But why not just make it a castle?" asked Harry.

"Because, Harry, Australia is not a place where you see many castles. It has a Quidditch pitch over the sand and ocean. You will be able to swim, and visit the nearby town of Broome regularly. The school will be on their summer holidays when we arrive. But most of the students have stayed to welcome us. We will be getting to Australia by our very own piece of Muggle transport. We have been given a Jumbo Jet! But it is no ordinary jet. It has been made so it can travel to Australia in a matter of hours, instead of a whole day's flying."

"Cool!" Harry said. "I have seen them fly by my house sometimes. I have always wanted to go on one."

Malfoy just stood there. He had never been taught about Muggle things in his family. His family despised the Muggle world.

"Will we be able to visit any other places in Western Australia?" Malfoy asked.

"Yes, Draco. We will be arriving in Perth, the capital city of Western Australia. That is the biggest place in Western Australia. There you will be able to discover Australia's culture, and see how Australia differs from England. Now off with both of you. You have heard quite enough. Now only tell the prefects won't you?"

"Yes, Dumbledore sir," both of them replied at the same time.

Both started walking together towards the big oak doors of the Great Hall when Malfoy said, "It will be great to get away from here, hey Potter?"

"Yes," Harry kept his answer short.

"I mean we will be able to spend some time alone. Get to know each other better."

"What do you mean, Malfoy? Do you want to spend time with me? But you hate me?"

"That's why we need to spend some time together, Potter. So we can put our differences aside so we can leave this place happy," Malfoy said confidently before heading down the stairs towards the dungeons.

What did he mean by that? wondered Harry. Is he trying to make friends with me? After all these years of picking fights, and calling me and my friends all the names under the sun, he, Draco Malfoy, wants Harry Potter to be his friend? A bit weird I think.

Harry raced up to the Gryffindor tower to tell Hermione and Ron about what had just happened. With Dumbledore and Malfoy.