The air was brisk as the train started to speed ahead. Smoke leaked from the chimneys, its wheels keeping their steady pace. The trolley had candy filled up to the brim and jovial banters from most of the Hogwarts students could be heard all the way from platform 9¾ . It was that time of the year where Hogwarts school started again and everyone was going back for another year of learning, fun, and Quidditch.
Many students gathered to greet their friends and various peers. James Potter was able to see his favorite band of mischievous friends. Molly Weasly kindly greeted her friends while Dominique joined in playing Exploding Snap. Louis merely observed from the corner, with the Weasly twins, Fred and Roxanne, playing a few of their favorite tricks on some of the newbies. The Prefect Victoire Weasly scolded some Third-Years for their impetuous language, before trailing along to her shared compartment with Dominique. Meanwhile, their cousins, Rose and Albus were still having trouble finding a compartment to lay and pack away their belongings.
"Ugh! I can't find a single space for us to fill up," complained Rose. "It's like a corridor hallway with no doors in hindsight." She scowled, unhappy, and Albus chuckled, amused.
"No need to fret, Rose, I'm sure we'll find someplace to sit down somewhere along the way."
She snorted. "Easy for you to say. You just hope to have the farthest compartment away from James. Meanwhile, I am trying not to ruin my robes. They've been ironed last night and I don't want to ruin mom's efforts."
Albus blanched at the James part. "B-But I don't want to be in sneaky S-S-Slytherin. I can't stand James' taunting," he squeaked. The house inhabited so many evil people, it's practically a cursed abode. According to James only the evilest of people make it and you were considered an outcast if you ever step inside.
Rose rolled her eyes. "Remember what I said prior to this moment. It doesn't matter what house you get in because the house you were chosen for reflects on your personality - who you are inside." Rose put a hand on her heart and one on Albus'. "Loyalty and kindness for Hufflepuff, smarts and critical thinking for Ravenclaw, bravery and pride for Gryffindor, and cunning and wits for Slytherin. Whichever house you embody is a big part of who you are." She spoke with much sincerity.
He let go of her hand and smirked. "So there's a change I might not get into Slytherin?" Albus could feel relief rush through his blood vessels.
Rose sighed, saying, "A 25% chance, obviously, but now that you have jinked it it's now possibly a 34% chance of Slytherin and 22% chance of all the other houses."
Albus frowned. "Why do you always have to degrade me? Your almost as bad as James."
"Because I am a pessimistic with some twists," she said as if was the most obvious thing, "duh!"
"A pessi-what now?" Whatever Rose was spouting out was probably a complicated word no one uses these days.
"Never mind, Al." Read a dictionary, would you? she thought. "Forget I said anything."
The two kept walking along, checking for empty compartments. But, to no avail, all of them had at least three or more students piled up inside. Some with deadly silences and pointless gazing or others with insane, noisy parties, or even ones with just quiet chatter among themselves. Then, someone brought the two out of their misery.
"Rose! Al!" called Victorie, who was peeking out of her compartment. "Do you want to sit with me?" She gave a reassuring look to their scared expressions. She always knew it is hard to find a space in Hogwarts Express.
Rose beamed. She was thankful for Victorie's kindness. "Yes please, Victorie." She climbed in the nearly-full compartment and managed to squeeze in between Dominique, who was on her fifth round of Exploding Snap, and a jet black haired boy, who stared out the window.
Rose, with the help of Dominique, settled her large luggage bag aside. She smiled as she felt more comfortable than before.
"What about you, Albus?" asked Victorie.
"Erm... um..." Albus glanced at how little space was left and knew there wasn't enough room for him and all of those people inside to fit. "It looks a bit crowded. I'll find a compartment where there's less people."
Victoire frowned, but knew Al, no matter how short he was, couldn't fit in. "Okay. But if you can't find anyway to sit, you can come back later."
"Okay," Albus grinned. "Thanks, Victoire. I'll see you and Rose later, as well as Dom."
"Bye, Al," Victoire and Rose said.
"See you later, little Albus," Dominique pitched in her farewell. She immediately went back to her card game after.
Victoire closed the compartment door softly and went to speak with Rose about Hogwarts' features. Rose, who could not stop her excitement, immediately went to asking questions. Victoire giggled at Rose's curiosity.
Albus chuckled as well. Rose was like a balloon with so much air that it could burst at any minute. He seemed content at the fact his favorite cousin was in a exhilarating mood. She was a rascal when it came to magic. She had dreamed of coming here since she could talk. She would always frown when her other cousins got to go. Now, it was her shot, as well as his.
He trailed off to the long hallway of compartment doors.
Albus almost near the end of the train. He didn't really pay any attention to where he was headed. All he just did was think about the silly taunts James spoke to him about.
I am just saying, Al, you might be in Slytherin. It has the evilest history, with its scary founder, his chamber with the basilisk and where mum went all mad with the diary, there's Voldemort to add in, and it's where Draco Malfoy, dad and the whole Weasley clan's nemesis, lived in. You could serious be disowned for living in the abhorred place.
Would he really be in Slytherin? Could he in the worst possible house?
Rose's words floated back to him to when they were on the platform before entering the train. You have a big chance to live in Slytherin. My dad said he'll disown me if I managed to land myself in there. Mum said she didn't care because it's a part of who you are, but I'm worried my dad will kick me out if I do end up in Slytherin.
It would seem inevitable the Weasley clan would be in turmoil if any one of them ended up in Slytherin.
Though, another voice popped inside his head. You were named after two headmasters. One of them a Slytherin and he was probably was the bravest man I ever knew. You're gonna do find, Al, and if the sorting hat does put you in Slytherin, then the entire house will gain a smart student, won't it?
His father's reassuring words were sweetness to Albus.
The sorting hat does take your choice into account, Al.
Was that actually true? Just imagining the Harry Potter of the century in Slytherin would be a catastrophe. And if it did take your choice into account, that wouldn't be fair, would it? It's pretty much choosing what you want and not what the sorting hat thinks is the best for you.
Realization washed over Albus. He had an epiphany blink in front of him. It didn't matter what James' words were because being in a house of Hogwarts means you have characteristics that resemble the house. It doesn't mean you are exactly the rumors that surround that house, just the characteristics - a part of who you actually are.
But he still didn't want to be in Slytherin, unless he was chosen for it, of course.
Albus smiled, not noticing he bumped into someone.
"Watch where you're going!" a boy's voice called as he picked himself up.
Albus snapped out of his stupor and looked up to see an angry-looking boy with golden brown hair and bottle green eyes. He was a head taller than short Albus, being slightly more chubby, and had some muscles on his legs. "Sorry," he nervously apologized, feeling intimidated.
"It's fine." The boy belted a glare. "Just watch where your going next time." He faced a girl next to him, and who Albus didn't see. "Are you okay, flower?"
What type of name is that? Albus could laugh, but not aloud. It would be too rude and her companion didn't seem like the next door neighbor you would meet. However, he could admit she seemed more sweeter. Her hair was caramel colored and her eyes were like his siblings', chocolate brown, only almond-shaped.
Who could get more sweeter than that? (Note the sarcasm.)
"Yes, I'm fine, Nathan," murmured the girl, looking down at her feet as it if was the only thing she could do. The way she sounded was like a whisper through a noisy crowd.
Then, she reached a hand to the still sitting Albus, who gradually accepted it and rubbed his sore bum. Suddenly, the girl felt pain soar through her arm and held it tightly.
Nathan noticed her clutching her arm tightly. "Your arm is still sore from yesterday, Ams. The healer said no muscle pulling, remember? We better take you inside our compartment." He swatted her away and waited before glaring at Albus. "You," spat Nathan with lots of venom. "Next time watch where you're going, little brat." He stared with seriousness in Albus' eyes. "I am warning you."
Albus paled, as the glare added in more intensity. "Got that," he gulped.
"Good," he smirked. He stepped away, running to catch up to the girl up ahead.
Albus felt chills slither down his spine. He really should've paid a little more attention to the pathway. Even just a tiny bit.
Albus climbed into an empty compartment and placed his belongings in the storage space above him. He finally found a compartment after so long. He would invite Rose, but he knows she'll come and find him eventually. Besides, she seemed so invested with her conversation with Victoire.
He peered out the window, watching the view slowly move in and out. "The train is moving at a fast pace," he whispered. He saw all birds following the train, the smoky sky billowing, the grass freshly greener than bushes, and mother nature smile in his way.
"That's because we've been moving for nearly an hour," a voice interrupted.
Albus gasped, a jolt of fear follow through.
The voice merely chuckled. "Did I give you quite a fright?"
Albus shifted his direction to the voice. He saw a blonde - almost colored white - haired boy, smirking off as if he ruled the world. His eyes glinted grey, amusement circling in those huge irises. The blonde boy stood up, crossing his arms, and observing Albus like a museum artifact.
"Sorry about that, chap."
"None taken," Albus stammered. "I just thought it was an empty compartment."
Scorpius rolled his eyes. "It's totally normal not to notice me. I was being quiet and had my nose stuck in a book, which its cover happens to be same color as the seats. And considering you were in a trance, or maybe of a daze, you couldn't see me."
"Okay..."
"I'm Scorpius Malfoy," he introduced after a moment. He propped up to Albus and eyed his entire figure. "And you must be a Potter from what I can tell. Albus Severus Potter to be exact. Correct?"
Albus' eyed widened. How did this boy know?
"Easy. My dad told me all about you Potters and Weasleys."
How is he doing that? Reading my mind?
"I can read people very well. My parents think it's both a curse and a blessing." He smirked and plotted himself back on his seat, where a lot of the trolley candy piled up.
"Wow, that's a lot of candy you have there," Albus said amazed. It would take five months of allowance to be able to pay the same amount of candy he had bought.
Scorpius blinked before realizing the stacked up candies lying next to him. "I bought all these sugar-indulging items for my friend. She tends to love eating candy. As for me, I don't. I'm more into sour candies."
"Can I have -"
"No," Scorpius glared.
"But -"
"My friend will be expecting me to bring it with me to Hogwarts to give to her later."
"Can I have one?" asked Albus, pleading. "Please? Just one."
Scorpius silently observed him before making his decision. "Fine," he flicked a package of chocolate frogs, "just one. I'm sure she won't mind. She does like sharing."
"Thanks." Albus opened the package and quickly chewed on the jumpy frog.
"No problem." Scorpius leaned back into his seat and went back to his intriguing book.
"So, what house do you think you'll be in?" Albus tried to make conversation.
Scorpius flinched, lowering the book. "Close your mouth and finish chewing before repeating that sentence."
Albus rolled his eyes, but did what he was told nonetheless. "Sorry, your majesty," he sarcastically joked.
"Now, now, you don't need to get all fussy, peasant," Scorpius played along, "I was just saying."
"But seriously," Albus reverted back his normal voice, "what house do you think you'll be in?"
"Hopefully, Slytherin, but my parents said any other house is fine, too."
Albus gagged at the answer. "Well, I don't want to be in Slytherin."
Scorpius raised an eyebrow. "By the sound of your tone, you seem to despise Slytherins. You were an alright guy until you said that very sentence."
Albus nervously bite on his candy as he tried to forage an excuse. "No, no, no. I mean that I don't want to be in Slytherin because I don't know anyone in Slytherin." Al could congratulate himself for the quick save. "At least in Hufflepuff there's my god-brother Teddy, my cousins Victoire and Louis are in Ravenclaw, and all the rest of the family clan are in Gryffindor."
"Remember what I said earlier, I can read people easy." Scorpius gave him a back pat. "However, that was a nice save, Al. I won't be angry... for now."
Al showered in relief.
Suddenly, the compartment door opened and someone popped in. Albus expected it to be Scorpius' friend to step inside, but it was Rose instead. He forgot she existed for the moment. He guessed it was because Scorpius was quite an entertaining wizard.
"Al!" she squeaked. "There you are. I was looking for you. We're almost at Hogwarts. I presume at least 20 minutes left." She noticed the massive space in the compartment. "May I sit down?"
"The compartment's full," Scorpius replied with a blank expression.
Rose shot him a questioning look before sitting next to Albus. His cousin and new acquaintance - friend? - just stared at each other.
"Like I'm going to listen to you, Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy," she spat after a while, breaking the eye googling.
"Fine, be that way, Rosaline Lavender Weasley."
Intense glared sparked between the two. Rose had her thorns shooting out and Scorpius brought his claws into the fight. Albus could see lots of sparks fly across the small room. No one could stop them now.
He nervously laughed. "How is it you know each other?"
"My dad told me about the Malfoy family and their misfortunes, Al," replied Rose, not moving an inch from her staring contest.
At the same time, Scorpius replied, "My mother warned me about the Weasley girl named Rose, who is quite the temperament," with the same intensity Rose used.
Rose took a quick deep breath, then stood up with eagerness. "I better get my trunk from Victoire since we're nearing Hogwarts. You two better change into your robes," she referred to her own robes, "and get ready to board off." She slipped out. "Arrivederci! I'll see you at the sorting ceremony." She closed the door with a large slap.
Albus seemed confused. "What's arrive-der-ri-ci mean, Scorpius?"
By the time Albus asked that question, Scorpius was already hooked onto his book, nose deep inside again. "You mean arrivederci?" he repeated, peeking out.
"Yes."
"Goodbye." Scorpius slammed the book, standing up, and reaching for his dry-clean robes wrapped up in a dress cover.
Albus frowned. "Wait, what do you mean by 'goodbye'?"
"That's what it means. Goodbye." Scorpius rolled his eyes. "Merlin forbid, you have never held a dictionary before."
"My brother, James, says only losers read dictionaries, except for Aunt Hermione and Rose - they're exceptional. He said girls aren't considered geeks when reading dictionaries."
Scorpius snorted. "What sexist and rude remarks your brother make. I don't see why you should listen to him."
"You've never had a big brother who likes to poke fun at your at every turning corner." Albus shivered in disgust. He was reminded of the 'leaving for Hogwarts' prank that happened in the morning.
Scorpius nodded. "Fair point." He tossed Al some extra robes. "Here, these robes smell better and are high quality, made specially from the Muggle world's top brands."
Albus measured the robe on himself. "Why are you giving me robes?"
"Because your brother is James Sirius Potter, known in Hogwarts for his infamous pranks that all professors, even Headmistress McGonagall, dislikes and has the tendency of getting detentions every day. He could have tampered with your robes for all we know."
Albus paled. "I understand. Thank you."
"Your very welcome," Scorpius replied. Then, he realized Albus' frightened face. "For some reassurance, at least you're only dealing with him at home. Imagine if his fellow friends slept over at your little abode for a week. It would be a ruckus, for sure."
Albus blanched. More James to stay over? One was enough to handle, but four? Four times the trouble? Merlin no! The peace he created will be destroyed. Brutally.
Scorpius knew Albus was very agitated, but continued anyway. "The four troublemakers - some people call them 'Trouble Gone Four Ways' - have went down in history since the Muranders' time. And they're only in Second-Year now, which means they'll definitely be down in Hogwarts history."
"Oh, Godric!"
Scorpius chuckled. All Albus would do for now is just dress up for Hogwarts. He'll tell his parents about this predicament later.
"We've arrived! I repeat, we've arrived!" the conductor yelled.
Luckily, Albus finished tying his robes on and reached for his baggage. He opened the compartment door and was about to walk out.
"What is this?" Scorpius complained. "I give you chocolate frogs, definitions, and robes but you don't even help carry the candy. What type of friend are you?"
"We're friends?" Albus asked, surprised.
"Oh, definitely not," Scorpius' voice went high pitched. "We spent, at least, an hour speaking and I gave you things. I'm pretty sure we had a bit of fun. But apparently not because we're not 'friends.'"
"No, I didn't mean it that way!"
Scorpius rolled his eyes. "Just help me with the loads of candy. Or you hold the candy and I'll conjure up some candy holders."
"The second option."
Albus did what he was told and the two ended up getting their belongings. They laughed away at Albus' corny jokes as jumped off the train. Albus may have not gotten a compartment to himself, but he did get a new friend.
He felt more secure that Hogwarts wasn't so bad. And he might not be in Slytherin at all.
Write a comment