Welcome all to Hogwarts: A Reprise. My name is Tes Stone, and this is the story as it continues in my imagination. Most characters and setting belong to J.K. Rowling. Some are personal additions by the author.
Theme by Caroline Tucker.
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So, last night, I couldn’t sleep, so I was pondering story arcs for HR. I was thinking through the next gen kids, and Teddy crossed my mind. If he was born towards the end of the seventh book, he would be nineteen. Meaning he would have left Hogwarts before most of the next gen kids got in. Help? I am assuming it is just a choice for some authors to make him younger…
“Please turn to page 12 and read over the list of ingredients needed to produce a boil cure potion. You will have one hour,” declared Professor Dorny, a slight little man, to the first year potions class. Lucy sat at the back of the class, at a table by herself. This was a potion she was familiar with from home, so she almost didn’t need the book to make it. She was glad that it was easy, because it let her mind wander to other thoughts. She was surprised to find that they drifted to the other girls in her room. She never really had friends growing up, and always looked forward to attending Hogwarts so that she could have that opportunity. Lucy found that she really liked the other girls, and really hoped that the Headmaster made them stay in Slytherin. Just as she was starting to become sad over possibly losing these new acquaintances, the door creaked open and the four girls tried to quietly slip into the room.
“You came ba –,“ Lucy started, only to be cut off by the Professor.
“Well ladies, thank you for joining us. I assume you are Miss Weasley, Miss Bobbin, Miss Singh, and Miss Hillsford, am I correct?” he asked.
“Yes Professor,” chimed the girls all at once.
“Well, I received a note ahead of time, so your tardiness is excused for today, but let’s try not to make a habit of this shall we?”
“Yes, sir,” they all replied, a hint of relief in their tone.
“Now, girls, two of you take a seat with Miss Pucey, the other two go to the next table over. Turn your books to page twelve. You now have less than an hour to make this potion. Proceed.” The girls scrambled to their tables, Rose and Amanda taking the seats with Lucy.
“So you all are staying?” Lucy asked as she helped them to get their potions underway.
“Looks like it,” Rose replied in hushed tones, “But we want to make a new name for Slytherin. We don’t want people to think all Slytherins are evil or bad. It’s time for a change for this house. Show them all that we can be true, brave, clever, and loyal and that the time for Slytherin’s bad reputation is past.”
“That sounds like an excellent idea!” Lucy exclaimed, getting her a quizzical look from Professor Dorny. “It’s exactly what Slytherin needs! We may even be able to clear the name of some of the older families. Scorpius Malfoy is a student here you know.”
“Son of Draco Malfoy?” asked Amanda.
“That name sounds familiar,” Rose mused, “But I have never met any of the Malfoys.”
“Draco was your uncle’s rival when they went to school. He became a,” Amanda lowered her voice even further, “Death Eater, at an early age, and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named gave him the task of killing the great Albus Dumbledore. Didn’t your uncle tell you any of these things?”
“Not really. My mum told me the overview of their history, but it really was never interesting to me. My little brother, Hugo, eats it all up. He knows the history of my family better than most historians I think. So, Scorpius is this Draco’s son, eh? Well, maybe he isn’t a bad kid either. We’ll see. First, I think we need to let our names be known. In a good way,” Rose ended with a smile.
“And before that,” Lucy added, “We need to finish this potion!” They all giggled quietly, and spent the rest of the class finishing the potion, and quietly telling Linda and Jasmeen their ideas.
After Potions was Herbology for Rose, Amanda, and Lucy, while Jasmeen and Linda went off to History of Magic. To Rose’s surprise, it was a combined class with first year Gryffindors. At a table near the rear of the greenhouse, she saw Albus and Xeno sitting down in front of their alihotsy plants. Before she got a chance to approach them, Professor Longbottom walked into the greenhouse.
“Good morning first years, let’s get stared shall we?” The professor said with a huge smile. “First, I want to all to mix up who you are sitting with. I want two Gryffindor and two Slyeherin students at each table! Make haste!” All of the students scrambled to readjust themselves quickly. The three girls quickly decided that Rose and Amanda would go sit with the boys while Lucy went and sat with a cute, but shy, Slytherin boy named Gabriel Addams.
“Oy, you two!” Rose said to get Albus and Xeno’s attention, “Do you have room for us?”
“Rose! Yeah, of course,” Albus said surprisedly. “So, you got turned down I see.”
“Yeah, but it’s all for the best. We are aiming to make a new name for the house in general. It’s not just up to Gryffindors to look good you know!” Rose said with a smile. “Oh, and this is Amanda, you met her this morning.”
“Hi,” said Amanda sheepishly. “I’m sorry if I was a bit too forward this morning, I am just amazed that I am getting to meet you. I mean, all of this is amazing for a muggle-born like me, but after reading all of the histories and autobiographies about your parents…it’s overwhelming.”
“That’s…alright,” Albus said warily. “Just as long as you’re not some sort of stalker – OW!” Albus yelped in surprise as Rose smacked him on the arm. “What was that for?”
“Be nice,” Rose said, glaring at her cousin. “Now, what are we doing Xeno?”
“Not sure, my da didn’t tell me. Probably some sort of basic care or something,” Xeno said, looking bored. He had been caring for plants of the magical and non-magical varieties since before he could talk. Just then, the Professor got to the head of the tables and spoke.
“Well, there, that’s better. Might as well start some friendly house relationships early in the year. Now, we are going to begin our studies of magical plants with some basic pruning. These alihotsy plants are robust, and none too delicate, so don’t be afraid to make mistakes. But please wear gloves, the leaves can cause hysteria, so getting them onto open wounds or small cuts would be very bad. All of them need some pruning due to overgrowth, so just turn to page 5 of your books to see the basic theory. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!” The rest of the class was passed in amiable conversation between the three friends and Amanda, whom the boys were finding was quite funny as well as knowledgeable. They only glanced at the description in the textbook, because Xeno was more than happy to tell them how to do it properly. Because of this, they each pruned two plants each, while their classmates barely finished one. Before they knew it, the bell rang for their lunch break.
Rose, Albus, and Xeno, as well as Amanda and Lucy, all left Greenhouse 2 in light spirits. They made their way quickly to the Great Hall, prompted by growling stomachs.
“Wow, who knew that brewing one potion and trimming a few plant could make me this hungry?” Lucy said, poking her stomach.
“I know! We had a huge breakfast, and I’ve been hungry since the middle of History of Magic. Obviously, Professor Binns hasn’t changed much since our parent’s days here,” Xeno said.
“That is one class I am definitely NOT looking forward to,” said Rose. “Thankfully, I don’t have it until tomorrow. Oh, Look! It’s Jasmeen and Linda! Hey!” She called to the two girls, who crossed the hall to catch up with them. “Hi! How was your first History of Magic class? Xeno said theirs was awfully boring.”
“Oh it was,” Linda said with a groan. “Nearly fell asleep during the first half hour.”
“It could have been interesting, if Professor Binns didn’t have such a droning voice,” Jasmeen grumbled. “Anyway, how has your first day gone so far?”
“It’s been okay,” Amanda said with a smile. “Herbology is going to be easy, well, that is if Xeno keeps helping us.”
“Of course I will! That book is wrong a third of the time. It will not only cause you to get a bad mark but, even worse, you could damage a plant!”
“That would be your priority wouldn’t it?” Albus said with a laugh. That caused them all to laugh as they entered the Great Hall. It was there that they realized they had an issue.
“Well,” Lucy began. “Where do we sit?”
“It makes no sense to split up just because we are in different houses,” Linda said.
“Yeah, I see many people sitting at tables that isn’t their house table,” Xeno said indignantly. “Besides, it’s not like it’s a rule or anything.”
“Let’s just switch off, one day at Gryffindor table, one day at Slytherin,” Rose decided. “This will also help make Slytherin and Gryffindor seem like we don’t have to be ememies!”
“Sounds like a good plan,” Jasmeen decided. They all trekked to the Gryffindor table and sat down to get food. Nobody looked at them twice. It seemed like they were on their way to making Slytherin and Gryffindor become friends. They talked with other Gryffindors like James, and his second year friends, and they thought it was a good idea. They gathered that there were more and more intra-house friendships as the years went on. Maybe, Rose thought, she could learn to be truly happy with her house. She really might belong here, surrounded by new and old friends.
The first year Slytherin’s last class of the day, for the other four for them were the next day, was a double Charms class with Ravenclaw. Professor Wimple was a retired Ministry official, and used to work on experimental charms. From what the girls could gather, he was a fairly good teacher. That first day, they started on a tickling charm to start the year off on a light note.
“Rictusempra,” Linda pointed her wand at Rose with a little flick. A weak pinkish light came out of the end and flew towards Rose.
“Hehe! Okay, I felt that one,” Rose said giggling. “My turn! Rictusempra!” A whitish light was what emanated from Rose’s wand, flying towards Linda.
“Not much,” Linda said with a shrug. “Think you need more feeling. Try again.”
“Okay. Rictusempra!” Rose added more of a flick this time, and focused a little harder. This time, the light was a bright pink, and it caused Linda to hold her sides with laughter.
“Well done Miss Weasely! Well done!” Professor Wimple said encouragingly. “Okay, class! Let’s pack up. Homework is a paragraph on the Mending Charm, which is what we will work on next class! Good work today everyone!” With that, the five girls pack up their bags and made their way to the Slytherin common room to relax and get some work done before dinner. Besides the paragraph on the Mending Charm, Rose also had to do research on a wart removal potion and write and entire scroll on proper pruning, so she wanted to get started. As they got down to the hall where the entrance to the common room was, they saw that a platinum haired boy, also in Slytherin robes, was just ahead of them.
“Salazar Slytherin,” The boy said to the proper part of the wall, which opened to reveal the common room. He stepped inside, and the girls hurried to follow. He quickly headed up the stairs to the boy’s dormitories and out of sight.
“That was Scorpius Malfoy,” Amanda said in a hushed tone.
“Well, he didn’t seem too friendly,” Rose observed. “He didn’t even say hello. Well, maybe he’s shy, or doesn’t have time for first years. I’ve heard a lot of second years try to act like they are better than us. Oh well, we will talk to him later.” The rest agreed and started to work on their homework until dinner. All in all, Rose thought today had gone extremely well, and she had high hopes for this year. Not only had she made new friends, but they were friends who wanted to make a difference with her, or at least try to. Maybe they would even get past the cold exterior of people like Scorpius Malfoy…
In the Great Hall the next morning, Rose sat with Linda, Jasmeen, Amanda, and Lucy at the end of the Slytherin table closest to the door. All of their robes now bore the Slytherin crest, having been changed while they slept, much to their chagrin. The four self-proclaimed misfits ate their breakfast in near silence, while Lucy continued to talk about her parents and her life, occasionally getting a comment or two from the other girls.
“So, Lucy, what do your parents do?” asked Rose distractedly, as she looked towards the door for signs of Albus or Xeno.
“Well,” Lucy drew the work out, “I told you it had been hard for them after the fall. They eventually did both start working at a potions distributor, packing merchandise, but they rose up, and now they own half the company,” she proclaimed all in a rush. “Mummy is looking for them to purchase the other half next spring.”
“Oh, well, that must be very nice for them,” Rose continued to look out the door, straining her neck to see around people still arriving to breakfast. In that instant, she caught a glimpse of platinum blonde hair. Rose jumped up and ran to the two entering the hall. “Al, Xeno!”
“Rose!” the boys exclaimed as they ran to her. The three met at the far end of the Ravenclaw table. They both then began to interrogate her, talking at the same time.
“How can you be in Slytherin?”
“There has to be some mistake.”
“They aren’t being mean to you, are they?”
“You slept in the DUNGEONS?”
“Are they turning you evil?”
“What are you going to do?”
“Oy! Albus! Xenophilius! Clam yourselves! I have a plan!” Rose interjected. She caught them up on how she was going to appeal to the Headmaster and the Sorting Hat just as the other girls walked up. The boys backed up, seeing the Slytherin crest on their robes.
“Rose, who are they?” asked Albus.
“Boys, this is Linda, Jasmeen, Amanda, and Lucy. All except for Lucy are the ones who are going with me. Girls, this is – “
“They are Albus Severus Potter and Xenophilius Frank Longbottom. Also known as Al and Xeno. Sons of two of the heroes of Hogwarts,” Amanda cut in quickly. She was staring at the boys in awe. Under her gaze, the boys backed up even further.
“Er, yes. Anyways, we need to get going. I will meet up with you two at lunch to tell you how it went,” said Rose.
“Alright, bye Rose, and good luck,” Albus said.
“Bye Rose, I’m sure it will turn out okay,” Xeno said with a smile. With that, the two boys walked to the Gryffindor table to get their breakfast. Rose looked after them sadly, but shook herself into action.
“Okay, are we ready to do this?” she asked the girls.
“I think we are as ready as we’ll ever be,” Linda said. “Are you coming with us Lucy?”
“No, I have to go get ready for Potions. If you really don’t get switched, I’ll see you there,” Lucy replied. With that, she gave a little wave, and walked off. The other four girls walked down the hall to find the Headmaster’s office. They passed the giant, empty glass containers that held the House Cup points, and walked quickly to the gargoyle statue that guarded the office.
“Password?” the statue said lazily.
“Oh no, we don’t have the password!” Jasmeen exclaimed. “What do we do now?”
“Excuse me, sir gargoyle,” Amanda said. “But we don’t have the password. May we please talk to Professor McGonagall? It’s urgent.”
“Amanda, that will never work you need – “ Linda was cut off.
“The Headmaster will be down momentarily.” The statue said. The four girls stared at each other in wonder. Soon, the statue turned to reveal a spiral stone staircase, with the Headmaster walking down slowly.
“Hello girls, and what might it be that you need?” Professor McGonagall asked curtly. The girls stood there in silence, but then Rose stepped forward slowly.
“Good morning Professor. We, uh, we wished to have a word with you. You see, we four,” Rose gestured at herself and the other girls, who looked at the Professor with a touch of fear, “Would like to appeal to you to change our Houses. We don’t fit in, and we don’t believe we fit the qualities…needed, to be a student in Slytherin House.” Professor McGonagall stood in front of them, and let her eyes sweep over the four girls.
“Please, come with me,” the Headmaster turned and started back up the staircase. It started turning, so the girls hurried to get on, surprise and excitement in their eyes. Maybe it would work after all! When they reached the top, they stepped out into a large room with a balcony leading up to another room. It was lined with books in bookshelves and portraits of past Headmasters, just now stirring from their sleep. A large desk was against one wall, and comfortable looking furniture and many lamps adorned the room. Above the desk, two large portraits were hung. Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape looked down at them as they entered. Directly below them on a shelf, was the Sorting Hat. The girls were now shaking in fear and anticipation. What if they were expelled for their insolence? They looked to the Professor worriedly. “Now, children,” Professor McGonagall started, “Switching your Houses is unheard of. The Sorting Hat was enchanted with certain qualifications by all four founders of Hogwarts. The House you were sorted into is where you absolutely best fit in, and no changes can be made, but if you have questions, you may ask the Sorting Hat yourselves.” She stepped aside so they could have a clear view of the hat. It stirred and drew itself up to speak.
“Slytherin House looks for students who show ambition, cunning, leadership, and resourcefulness. You four demonstrate these abilities wonderfully. You will all do great things in Slytherin House. Switching is not permitted or allowed,” the hat then settled back down.
“There you have it girls, I’m sorry. It’s out of my hands. I am sure you will grow to have pride for your house in time. Now please, you all must hurry to not be late for your first class,” they were ushered out in this manner by the Headmaster, and were soon standing in shock outside the office and the statue again.
“Lucy was right,” Rose said sadly. “There is no switching. This is where we belong. At least, we now are sure. We must accept that, agreed?” All the girls nodded sadly, but determination soon grew in Amanda’s eyes.
“Let’s make the best of it. Slytherin will have students who are not typical. We will forge a new name for the House!” exclaimed Amanda. The other girls soon agreed, and rushed off to potions to rope in Lucy and tell her the news.
As the trio entered the hall, they gazed upon the large staircase, upon which a small tabby cat sat, idly looking at them all. It was mostly brown, but with grey stripes along it’s body and some grey around the muzzle. If you looked closely, the patterns around its eyes might look like spectacles. Unlike many of them, they knew that this was not just any cat. Many first years pointed and looked confused, but just then, the cat transformed into a slender older woman. She wore long black robes, and had her brown hair in a tight bun at the back of her head. She faced the students and said, “Welcome, to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I am Proffesor McGonagal, your Headmaster. Please, follow me so the sorting can begin.” Many of the students stood stunned, but others pushed from behind, and all of them scrambled to get into two lines behind the Headmaster. They walked on like this, into the brightly lit Great Hall, between the Ravenclaw and Gryfindor tables. Overhead, the sky showed a starry, cloudless night. Rose saw her cousin, Albus’ brother, James Sirius Potter, and gave him a small wave, which he smiled at. He frowned when he saw his little brother walking next to Rose with his head down, looking very frightened. The first kids in line halted, as did the rest of the line. Proffesor McGonagal stood on the raised stairs and held a parchment in her hands, on a stool next to her stood a very battered pointed black hat. The Sorting Hat looked out at them all and gave a movement akin to a nod. Proffesor McGonagal called out, “Abbott, Geoffry!”
“Oh! It’s starting!” whispered Rose. “I can hardly stand it! I’m really excited! But, how are you doing, Al?”
“I’ll be fine,” he answered.
“Gryffindor!” yelled the hat. The Gryffindor table cheered as Geoffry went to sit down.
“Bernard, Chelsey!”
“Hufflepuff!”
This went on for quite a bit longer, the three friends trembling with a mixture of excitement and fear. Students were sorted into all four houses quite evenly, and cheers filled the hall each time a house name was called. After a while, Proffesor McGonagal called, “XenophiliusLongbottom!” Up at the head table, Professor Longbottom sat up a little straighter, and looked down attentively at his son. The hat was placed on his head, Xeno’s eyes staring intently up to his hairline.
“Gryffindor!” The table cheered, proud to have one of their favorite teacher’s son in their house. Nevill himself looked extremely pleased, and clapped along as well. Albus clapped and cheered for his friend too, and was distracted by being happy for him.
“Potter, Albus Severus!” Al was startled, and looked around confusedly, so Rose gave him a small shove forward. Slowly, in the dead silence of the room, Albus walked forward, up the stairs to the stool. He sat down, feeling sweat trickle down his spine. The hat was placed onto his head, and he felt it take a breath, about to speak.
“Wait!” called Albus in his mind to the Sorting Hat. “Please wait, I am not ready, I don’t know where I belong.”
“Well, well, well. Like father like son, eh boy? Let me guess, ‘Not Slytherin’?” said the hat in a tired tone in his mind.
“Um, no. Well…um, I don’t know. I feel like it should be either Gryffindor or Slytherin, but I feel as if I don’t have the right qualities…I’m – “
“Albus Severus Potter, please, will you trust me? I see in your head here the right place to sort you. I see you will be a great wizard, like your father and namesakes. May I proceed now?
“Yes…I guess so.” The hat took another intake of breath, while Albus held his own.
“GRYFFINDOR!” Albus leapt off the stool, an enormous burden taken from him. He ran to the Gryffindor table to the wild cheers of those in his house. Xeno slapped him on the back, and James ran up and tousled his hair. He looked over at the line where Rose was, and she gave him thumbs up. After a short wait, it was finally her turn.
“Weasely, Rose!” She walked confidently up to the stool and sat down. The hat was placed upon her head, slightly obscuring her vision.
“ANOTHER Weasely I see.” Rose jumped a bit at the voice in her head.
“Uh, yes, now can I be sorted please?” She thought back at it.
“Well, yes, but you are a difficult one.” The Hat intoned. ”Well, obviously you would be an excellent addition to Ravenclaw house, but Gryffindor would do well to have you as an addition as well. And yet…ah, I know where your destiny lies…”
“Wait…what?”
“Slytherin!”
“What!?” Rose was shocked. She sat in the stool, even when the hat was taken off of her. She looked over at Professor McGonagal, who also looked stunned, but motioned for her to go on. The Slytherin table clapped tentatively at her approach. They stared at her, confused, and then changed their attention to the head table, where speeches were being made. “This can’t be happening,” Rose thought to herself. “Me? In Slytherin? My destiny? There must be a mistake somewhere…” Food soon appeared in front of her, but she only pushed things around her plate. Rose was lost in the confusion, anger, and sadness that battled in her mind. “I’m the daughter of two of the Gryffindor’s who helped to save Hogwarts many times, so why am I better off in Slytherin?” Soon came the time for prefects to escort the first years of their house to their new dormitories. Rose saw Albus and Xeno waving to her frantically as they were leaving the hall, but she was too filled with shame to go talk to them. She followed, at the end of the line, not really paying attention to anything. They were led into the dungeons and stopped in front of a blank wall about halfway down the passage.
“Salazar Slytherin,” said the prefect. Then, the wall opened, to revel the opening to their common room. It was lit with candles, and a small chandelier. There were many comfortable looking armchairs, a large fireplace, green and silver hangings, and other bits of furniture sitting about the room. Girls were headed up one staircase, so Rose followed, still in her trance of self-pity. Once up in her dormitory, she found all of her belongings sitting neatly on one of the four poster beds. Other girls were unpacking, and generally making themselves at home. Rose opened her trunk, and the first thing she saw was the large, homemade quilt her Grandma Weasely had made for her. It was red and gold, and emblazoned with a rearing Gryffindor lion.
“Argh!!!” yelled Rose as she picked it up and threw it to the floor. Just for good measure, she stomped on it. She then fell heavily onto her bed, tears springing to her eyes. In the corner of her blurred vision, she saw three of the other girls approaching her.
“Um…hi. Uh, it’s going to be okay. We, uh, we didn’t think we’d be placed in Slytherin either. See?” The girl held up a yellow and black stripped scarf. My name’s Linda. Linda Bobbin. My family has always been in Hufflepuff, I am about as confused as you are.”
“My family has been mixed, but never in Slytherin.” said the second girl. “My mom was in Ravenclaw, and her sister was in Gryffindor. They know your parents if I am not mistaken. I know you. You’re Rose Weasely.” Rose looked up into the face of the second girl, who was of a darker complexion.
“Who are your parents? Why do you know me?” she inquired.
“Well, they both married, but back in school, they were Padma and Parvati Patil. Padma is my mom. I’m Jasmeen Singh. And, everyone knows your family.” replied Jasmeen. The third girl then stepped forward.
“Yeah, you guys are practically famous.” piped up the third girl, who had been quietly listening. “Your mom and dad are the heroes, Ron and Hermonie. And your aunt, Ron’s sister, is Genevra, or Ginny, who is married to The Boy Who Lived himself: the famous Harry Potter!” Rose stared at her, and blinked.
“That is very accurate…and rather creepy. Not many people know Auntie Ginny’s whole name. Who are you?”
“Oh,” the third girl looked down sheepishly, “My name is Amanda Hillsford. I’m Muggle-born. As soon as I got my acceptance letter, I studied all I could about the wizarding world. I asked so many questions when the man from the Ministry came to talk to my parents. Once I went to get my books, I studied all the histories, even the more recent ones, which is how I know so much about your family. And, why I am confused as to why I am in Slytherin. Usually, they aim for pure blood.” At this, Rose, true to form, raised her head knowing that she knew something someone else didn’t.
“After the fall of Voldemort, it was noted that the Sorting Hat had started to turn away fewer and fewer Muggle-borns and mixed bloods. Nobody knows why, but I guess that would explain it.” Rose looked less sad, and had a gleam of understanding after she realized what she had said. “But still, I think I want to appeal to the Headmaster in the morning after breakfast. Uncle Harry told me that the Sorting Hat spends the year in her office, so that is where I will start. You three are welcome to join me.” The three girls had started to nod their heads, when another voice piped up. They had forgotten the fifth person in their room.
“And what is so bad about being in Slytherin? My whole family has been in Slytherin. I know for a fact, that one of your cousins was named after a Slytherin Headmaster. Isn’t that right Weasely?” Rose turned her head to look at the girl sitting on a bed at the far end of the room. She had long black hair, and a pale face. She looked at them from dark eyes down a pointed nose.
“Well, yes. What of it?” said Rose incredulously. “He’s also named after Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, who it has been debated as being the best headmaster of all time, and he was in Gryffindor. Severus Snape wasn’t Headmaster for very long. But yes, they were both great men, and are regarded as such; especially after Uncle Harry told their stories to the wizarding world. And who are you anyway?
“I’m Lucrecia Pucey, but I go by Lucy. I take offence to you four for not wanting to be in Slytherin and apparently thinking it is something awful. My parents are good people. Not all Slytherins from before the battle at Hogwarts nineteen years ago were bad people you know.” Lucy turned away and faced the wall. “Many people were hated and ridiculed after the battle for having been in Slytherin. My parents had a hard time finding jobs and raising me. Just think about that before you judge.” At this, Rose remembered her mother’s advice.
“Lucy, look, I’m sorry. I don’t mean it to be like that, honest. I’m just, surprised is all. I still am going to make my appeal, but I don’t do it for those reasons. I want to do it just to be sure that this is to be my path in life, okay? I don’t mean to judge.” Lucy rolled back over and smiled at Rose.
“Okay, but I don’t think you guys will be switched. It’s unheard of.” she said more jovially.
“I only want to understand.” Rose and the other girls continued to make their beds and climb into them. Rose turned over in her bed and looked at the Gryffindor blanket folded on her table. If only she got a good reason and began to understand would she accept this destiny. Soon, she fell into a dreamless sleep.
Rose Weasly sat next to Albus Severus Potter as they waved goodbye to their family. She felt excited about going to Hogwarts after all these years of hearing stories about it. The spreading grounds filled her mind as she drifted through the halls described to her by her mother and father. She looked forward to every aspect of her upcoming school year: hours studying in the library by candlelight, finding all of the hiding places throughout the school, attending interesting classes, eating the wide variety of food served in the Great Hall, and making new friends. There seemed to be nothing bad, in her mind. Next to Rose, Albus slumped in his seat and sighed.
“What’s wrong Al? Aren’t you excited? It IS Hogwarts after all…think of all the things we will be doing! All of the other young wizards and witches…”
“It won’t matter. It will be all for nothing if I am sorted into Slytherin. My dad told me that the Sorting Hat will listen to what I really want, but it could still happen. Then all my time will be spent being vile.”
“Don’t be silly Al!” cried Xeno Longbottom. “Even if you are placed in Slytherin, we are still your friends. You will still be having loads of fun with us.” Xeno was the son of Proffesor Nevill and his wife Luna. His full name was Xenopillus, after Luna’s father, but Xeno was easier to say. He was short and squat, with striking platinum blonde hair. He wore a dirigible plum around a necklace, and tended to forget everything, but everyone liked him just the same. No matter what the situation, Xeno always had a smile on his face. “Not all Slytherin’s are vile…well…not, completely vile anyway.”
“Mother always says,” Rose chimed in, “Never to judge someone based upon their house.”
“Maybe.” Albus continued to slump into his seat, dejected. He didn’t even budge when the snack trolly came along. Rose bought him a package of Bernie Botts Every Flavour Beans, and sat them next to him.
“Al, we are getting close. Might want to put your robes on,” said Rose about a half hour later. She and Xeno already sported their brand new black school robes. Slowly, Al rose and got on his robes in a melancholy fashion. He stared at the left side, where he envisioned a Slytherin crest would soon sit.
*****************
The Hogwarts Express pulled into the station at Hogsmade, steam covering the platform, and enveloping the figure that stood there. Rubeus Hagrid, scruffy as always, with Fang at his side called out, “Firs’ years! Firs’ years with me! Come along now!” Rose and Xeno ran to him, embracing what they could of his legs, Fang leaping about and licking the two of them.
“Hagrid!” They shouted gleefully, letting go and trying to calm Fang down and wipe off the slobber. “It’s been so long!”
“We haven’t seen you since Christmas!” said Rose.
“I haven’t seen him since before Thanksgiving at the Annual Dumbledore’s Army Dinner.” cried Xeno.
“Ok, calm down, calm down you lot!” Hagrid looked around and peered past the other first years that had started to slowly drift forward. “Where’s Al? He got on th’ train didn’ he?”
“Oh, yes,” said Rose, “He’s just…in a mood. He thinks the Sorting Hat will put him in Slythrin.”
“Well that’s jus’ silly. Gryffindor’s in his blood! Both sides! He has nothin’ to worry ‘bout.” Just then, Al came shuffling up to them, head down, hands in the pockets of his robes. He looked up briefly, gave a weak smile to Hagrid, and then continued past them up the path to the lake. “Right then. Let’s get goin’ then. We’ll catch up later. Firs’ years, gather ‘round! This way!” Xeno and Rose followed Hagrid up the path with the other first years to the lake to get in the boats. They saw Albus sitting all alone in a boat, so they clamored into it as well.
“Al, cheer up,” Rose said, “It will be okay. We will be here for you no matter what. Remember what Uncle Harry said to you. Just ask the Sorting Hat to put you in Gryffindor. Or don’t. Just listen to what’s in your heart.”
“Yeah, mate,” said Xeno, “Slytherin can’t be so bad.” At this, Albus looked up at the two of them.
“It’s…it’s not that I think Slytherin is bad…it’s that, I don’t know where I’d rather be placed. I’ve been thinking, and I know they are both equally great, but I don’t know where I’d fit in. I want to be there if you two get in, and it’s where me and Rose’s parents were placed, and it’s where James is, but I still am not sure. I have heard so many bad things about Slytherin, but I also don’t believe I have any of the qualities to be in Gryffindor.” Albus stared at them, eyes shining, looking for all the world, so helpless and lost.
“Then you really need to listen to your heart Al. When the time comes, and it’s coming soon, you will know. You will always be you, no matter what house you are sorted into.” Rose smiled at him and patted his shoulder.
“Thank you Rose,” said Al. “I will try. Promise you guys won’t hate me or let me turn into a bleater if I am in Slytherin anyways?” He grinned sheepishly at them when they laughed.
“Of course mate,” Xeno said with a grin. They all looked up as they drew nearer the castle, and the dock came into view. One by one, the boats docked and first years climbed ashore. Some whispered to each other, but most were silent. Hagrid led them up the winding path to the front gates. Large winged boars flanked the gate, with the words ‘Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus’ across the top. Rose chuckled to herself: her mother had told her the meaning. They fast approached the front doors, and Rose reached over and squeezed Albus’ shoulder again, and Xeno did the same on his left side. Together, they walked through the front doors for the first time into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
