I don't own JK Rowling's wonderful work, nor is Anthony Horowizt's Alex Rider mine (though I wouldn't say no to Alex Petyffer)

Harry shifted in his seat, resting his head against the cool glass of the train window. It was like black marble outside except for the twinkling of the raindrops that were sliding down the pane, which glittered orange as they pulled into a station. Outside he could see the indistinct shapes of people moving about under the glare of the lamps. Eventually the train came to a stand still and he heard the hiss of the automatic doors as they slid open and the cold voice of the woman on the intercom announced the name of town they had arrived and the one to come next. It was certainly not the Hogwarts express, Harry reflected. The thought of it made him feel another tug of nostalgia. What he wouldn't give to back at Hogwarts, with Ron and Hermione and Ginny.

But he knew that couldn't happen. He couldn't go back until he had completed the mission Dumbledore had started. His stomach squirmed at the thought of it, as doubt settled the way it usually did whenever he thought about it. He was only one week into the summer holidays and he'd already had a run-in with the Death Eaters. He was lucky to be alive. Though he certainly wasn't safe, not even hiding out on this muggle train, with it's scuffed seats and empty coke bottles rolling around under the seat.

After a moment it seemed the doors were about to close once more, but a blurry figure was running towards the train in the dark. It jumped on just as the door slid shut. Harry frowned at the boy who stepped into the compartment. It seemed he wasn't the only one in trouble.

xxx

Alex Rider was in trouble. When am I ever not he thought bitterly, as he raced around a corner, his feet pounding on the hard ground. He risked a glance behind him and although the street seemed deserted he didn't break his pace. His heart was banging wildly against his ribs as he ran towards the light coming from the station. Perfect. He had to put as much distance between himself and his pursuers as was possible.

The rain was still falling thick and fast, but he barely noticed, he was already soaked to the skin anyway, his t-shirt sticking to him, his hair plastered to his head. He sprinted up the stairs onto the platform where a train lay waiting. He didn't have any money on him since it had all been taken from him back at the complex, but he couldn't worry about that now. He ran the last few metres and jumped on to the train. The doors slid shut behind him and breathed a sigh of relief. He didn't know where the train was going but if he could just hide out until morning, he might still be in with a chance. Alex pushed his wet hair out of his eyes and turned into the compartment. It was empty except for a boy of about his own age with jet-black hair and glasses. The boy glanced at him as he entered and he realised he must look a bit of a state. He took a seat on opposite side of the isle to the boy, who had gone back to staring out of the window. Alex rubbed his arms to try to instil some heat back into them for they were numb with cold. He was grateful for the heater by his feat. Alex settled back in his seat but he was far from being relaxed.

xxx

Harry turned back to the window but all he could see were the raindrops and his own pale looking reflection, his green eyes looking black beneath his untidy hair. He wondered briefly what that guy's story was. It wasn't just that he'd come pelting on to the train, wearing only black joggers and a white t-shirt, or the bruise that covered one eye. It was the wild look on his face that Harry recognised as that of someone who had narrowly avoided something bad. He had felt the same feeling mere hours before, when the Death Eaters had caught up with him and he'd had only enough time to grab the bag that he always kept packed for emergencies and make a break for it. He hadn't wanted to use magic, since he was still underage and could be tracked. And it was only sooner or later that the Ministry was overrun. Maybe this boy had been in trouble with the Death Eater as well? Nothing was impossible these days, where muggles and wizards alike were having to bare the brunt of Lord Voldemort. He had certainly looked relieved to have made it onto the train.

Harry checked his watch again. It was twenty past midnight. He figured he'd reach central London in about fifteen or so minutes. From there he'd make his way to Grimauld Place. He had considered the Burrow but he wasn't going to put anyone else in danger. Too many people had lost their lives trying to protect him. Besides, he would never have been able to find his way there. No, Grimauld place seemed like the obvious answer. He could lie low there before figuring out his next move. As long as no more Death Eaters turned up before he got there. His hand automatically closed on the wand concealed in his pocket.

xxx

Alex laid his head back against the headrest and closed his eyes. He was tired. He hadn't slept for over twenty-four hours and his body was still sore from the beating he'd received. Nevertheless he couldn't sleep. Not yet anyway. It seemed, from the voice in the intercom that the train was destined for central London. He had been lucky. He could report back to MI6 quickly. He would have contacted them earlier but his communication device (disguised ingeniously as a key ring by Smithers) had also been taken from him. But the first chance he got he would tell them. Whether they would believe him or not, he didn't know. Hell, he wasn't entirely sure he believed it himself!

But what he'd seen… It made no sense. Things had been strange these past few months; there was no denying it. It was as though the whole world had gone crazy. But what had started off as a seemingly straightforward mission had turned into something much bigger, that involved something more than he, and possibly MI6 were aware of.

He had seen a man being blown off his feet, though his attacker was ten feet away. He had seen heavy objects rise through the air off their own accord, not to mention the people in cloaks and masks. He didn't like to admit to himself that what he was seeing was…well, magic. Maybe he was being stupid. Science could explain pretty much everything these day and as for the people in cloaks, maybe it was a cult? People taking advantage of the chaotic state the country was in.

Alex opened his eyes at the sound of footsteps and tensed immediately. But looking round he saw it was only the conductor. "Tickets?" he said. The black haired boy produced his ticket, and the guard glanced at it, satisfied. He turned to Alex, "Can I see your ticket please?" he said, pretending not to notice Alex's appearance.

"I don't have one."

"You can purchase one now," said the man, holding the bulky electronic thing around his neck.

"Uh, well, I don't actually have any money," said Alex, feeling his heart sink as the man took on an authoritative air.

"Well, then I'm sorry son. I'll have to ask you to get off at the next stop."

Alex blinked in annoyance. He really couldn't be bothered with this right now.

"Look, I can't. I've lost my wallet and I need to get to London," he said, failing to keep the exasperation out of his voice.

"Well, I'm sorry. Rules are ru-"

"It's all right. I'll pay for him" Both Alex and the guard looked round at the thin boy opposite. He reached into his pocket and shoved some money into the man's hand. He looked shocked, and glanced from Alex to the boy, looking slightly confused. Then he shrugged handed Alex a ticket and ambled away up the train.

Alex stared at the boy for a moment, "Thanks" he said eventually, "You didn't have to bother though."

"It's fine," he said. Alex couldn't help noticing an almost depressed look in his eyes that looked older than the boy was himself. It wasn't something you saw often in teenager but his thin face looked tired and worried, though he was smiling casually.

"I'm Harry" he said, "You didn't look as if you had any cash on you."

"No, I guess not. I'm Alex and thanks again, really."

"No problem."

xxx

Harry wasn't sure why he had decided to help this boy, Alex. Maybe it was because he too seemed to be on his own and trying to keep out of everyone's way. "So, who were you running from?" he asked casually. If Alex was in trouble with Death Eaters or was in anyway involved with the magical community he wanted to know about it.

"What made you think I was running form someone?" he said, almost defensively. Harry shrugged, "just seemed that way. Plus you keep checking all the exits."

Alex narrowed his eyes suspiciously, "Why did you help me?" he asked.

"Would you rather I hadn't?" said Harry, somewhat annoyed.

Alex shook his head, "No, I'm glad. I just don't know why. What did you say your name was?"

"Harry Potter" said Harry. He was used to people gawking at him when he said this, used to the way their mouths opened in surprise, how their eyes travelled to his forehead. But he had not expected recognition from this blonde boy. But Alex frowned and looked down. It was clear to Harry that his name was not new to Alex. He tensed. Was this boy a wizard? If so, he didn't recognise him. He'd never seen him at Hogwarts. It was best just to play innocent for the time being, until he knew more.

"So how come you're going to London?" said Alex casually.

"Visiting relatives. What about you?"

"I live there." Harry nodded, "So, you lost your wallet? That's bad luck."

Alex nodded though it was clear his mind was elsewhere.

"Did you lose your jacket as well?" Harry asked coolly. The boy glared at him, "What's with the 20 questions?" he said.

"Nothing, sorry" said Harry, shrugging. He turned back to the window, but was still aware of Alex staring at him. There was definitely something up with him. Maybe he was being paranoid and he really was just some muggle who'd lost his wallet. The train began to slow down as it pulled into the next station.

xxx

Harry Potter. For a moment Alex had had to rack his brains to think where he'd heard the name. But then it came to him. It had been back at the complex. One of the men there, a big thuggish looking one had mentioned the name. He had been talking to his cronies, whilst Alex had been tied up and gagged. It seemed this Harry Potter was important to them somehow, but he hadn't expected him to be so young. Why had the name of the boy he just happened to be sharing a compartment with, be the name uttered by one of his captors? Was it mere coincidence? How was this Potter mixed up in the whole thing? It would probably be best to sit it out. Quiz him and see what part he played. He regretted getting angry with the guy, but suddenly hearing the name had sent alarm bells ringing and he'd tensed up.

The train was slowing down; light could be seen out side on the platform. The doors opened but no one came into their compartment. After another few minutes it rolled on again. Alex wondered if his pursuers had put the word out yet. It was more than likely, so it meant he'd have to be on his guard every time they stopped. He dared not sleep though his tired body was crying out for some rest.

Alex jumped when he heard a bang from further down the train. At first he thought maybe it was something falling out of the luggage rack, but now he wasn't so sure. Harry too had sat up straighter and seemed to be listening hard, almost as though he'd been waiting for the sound. He frowned and glanced over at Alex before sitting back in his seat, though his eyes still remained fixed on to the compartment door.

Alex too listened carefully but he could make out no other sounds of commotion. Despite this, he remained alert. After all the missions he'd done he'd learnt to trust his instinct and something was telling him, things weren't right.

It took perhaps another twenty seconds before the compartment door slid open. Three men stepped inside.

Simultaneously, as though they had both received an electric shock, Alex and Harry had jumped to their feet.

This is my fist fic, so some reviews would be really helpful!!

thanks, xxx