In the dim, underwater light of early morning, the Slytherin dormitory came to life, its ambiance inspired by the serene depths of the Black Lake. Albus and Scorpius were the first to awaken, their movements breaking the stillness much like the first gentle rays of dawn pierce the night. The dorm's architecture, with its stone walls and arched ceilings, was bathed in a soft, greenish glow, filtering through the enchanted windows that offered a tranquil view of the lake's underwater world.
Fish of various sizes and colours glided past, casting fleeting shadows across the room and on the beds lined against the walls. The cool, damp air carried the fresh scent of the lake.
As Albus and Scorpius gathered their things, their quiet chatter and the rustling of clothes nudged Nott and Zabini awake.
With a quick snatch of his towel and wash kit, Albus darted towards the bathroom. The taps, shaped like elegant serpents, hissed to life with steaming water at a simple twist. Albus marvelled at the instant warmth, a rarity given their deep, dungeon location.
Enveloped in the misty warmth of the shower, Albus's mind wandered. He pondered over the urgent conversations he needed to have with Rose and James, aware that James wouldn't likely pen a letter to their parents until evening. However, he was uncertain if Rose had already reached out.
Either way, gotta hurry, he thought to himself.
Stepping back into the dorm in his Hogwarts trousers and a plain undershirt, Albus found himself amidst a whirl of morning activity. Zabini was rummaging through his trunk in a disorganized frenzy, scattering clothes like fallen leaves in autumn. Hawk, his hair tousled and eyes bleary, lay sprawled on his bed, idly flicking through a Mirrortok. Scorpius stood waiting for his turn to take a shower, meanwhile Goyle's thunderous snores played in the background.
The tranquil morning air was abruptly pierced by Nott's exasperated voice. "Oi, who's nicked my towel?" His frantic search through his belongings escalated.
Quick to defend himself, Zabini snapped back, "Don't pin it on me! This one's mine," his eyes shooting a keep-your-hands-to-yourself warning glare at Nott.
Albus, busying himself with straightening his bed, listened to their bickering but soon found his gaze drawn to the bright light seeping through the window, reflecting off the lake's surface.
"Isn't that your towel there, squashed behind the trunk?" Albus chimed in, pointing out the missing item.
Nott, sheepishly retrieving the squashed towel, muttered a begrudging thanks, which only earned a dismissive roll of the eyes from Zabini.
Hawk, gradually coming to life, chuckled while engrossed in a ReflectoReel on his Mirrortok. "Oi, look at this," he said sleepily, the glow from the screen lighting up his face. "Megan from Hufflepuff's turned her cat's fur to match her hair colours."
Nott peered over. "Blimey, that's bonkers," he said, eyes fixed on the display. "My brother's always banging on about these ReflectoReels. Stayed up half the night watching them, I did. They're proper addictive."
Zabini, watching with a touch of scorn, remarked, "No surprise you look like you've been on the wrong end of a Bludger. Too much screen time, not enough kip."
"My brother's the same, addicted to that thing. Guess it's good that they only work at Hogwarts."
Zabini then turned to Albus. "Ready for Quidditch, Potter?" He tapped on the bathroom door, urging Scorpius to speed up.
"Absolutely! Can't wait to find out when we start," Albus responded, tucking his clothes into his trunk.
"Should be soon, I reckon," Nott added.
Zabini, with a mischievous glint in his eye, teased, "Planning to try out for the team, Potter?"
"Want to be a seeker," Albus announced confidently.
Zabini's eyes lit up. "A showdown with your brother, now that'd be a sight!"
"Yeah, I haven't thought about that part," Albus said. "What about you? Fancy a spot on the team?"
"Chaser for me," Zabini declared, puffing out his chest.
Nott laughed. "But can you keep up? Potter's got Quidditch in his blood, not sure about you," he said, sharing a smirk with Albus.
"Oi, watch it, Nott. I zip through the air with more grace than you could muster in your wildest dreams,"" Zabini shot back with a playful grin, knocking on the bathroom door again. "Hurry up, Malfoy, or we'll all be tardy!"
"Just a minute!" Scorpius called from inside.
Hawk, now fully awake and stretching, moaned about his interrupted sleep. "Could've done with more shut-eye. Goyle's snoring's like a troll in a drum!"
"Tell me about it. Sounds just like my brother. Drives me mad," Albus added with a grimace.
Nott glanced at the still-sleeping Goyle. "Should we give him a nudge?"
"Better had. We'll miss brekkie at this rate," Hawk replied, already heading toward Goyle's bed.
As Scorpius stepped out in his school robes, Nott seized his chance and darted into the bathroom.
"Oi! That was my turn!" Orion protested loudly.
From behind the closed door, Nott's voice rang out, cheeky and playful. "Better watch out Zabini, don't forget this is the serpent nest!" The sound of laughter echoed around the room.
Albus, in a whirl of movement, donned his school shirt and tie. He stood before a full-length mirror against the bare wall, adjusting his tie and smoothing his hair. Scorpius joined him, primping his own hair in the mirror.
Albus studied his reflection, the green and silver of Slytherin replacing the expected red and gold. The sight was odd yet fitting; his green eyes seemed to dance in harmony with the Slytherin colours.
Fully dressed, the boys hastened out, their footsteps resounding through the corridors as they aimed for the Great Hall to grab breakfast and their timetables. Goyle, trailing behind, had opted for a trip to the owlery over a much-needed shower.
"I'm sticking with you, Scorpius," Zabini announced, wrinkling his nose at Goyle's lingering smell. "Can't stomach that pong again."
"If he doesn't have a wash tonight, I'll force him," Scorpius assured, walking beside Albus.
Albus joked, "Hope my nose hairs don't shrivel up before Potions." His quip drew grins and giggles, especially when he added, "Bet the potions smell better than Goyle, anyway." Their laughter filled the corridor, with Nott's being the most raucous.
It dawned on Albus how well Scorpius was fitting in. He was relieved that the others didn't hold his Malfoy name against him. Albus too, despite being a Potter, was accepted. It seemed being in Slytherin was enough, and this made Albus see his house differently.
As they descended the grand staircase, Albus asked, "We're going the right way to the Great Hall, yeah?"
"Pretty sure. Father said the quickest route's via the great stairs, and it's not far from the dungeons," Scorpius replied.
"And it's near the kitchens too, right?" Hawk added from behind. "Heard it's next to Hufflepuff."
Approaching the Great Hall, the morning light streamed through the windows, casting a glow over the house point hourglasses.
Scorpius paused, pointing outside. "Look over there,"
A lively group of Gryffindors were engaged in what looked like a dance challenge, while a younger student used a Mirrortok to record it, their movements enhanced by lights of different colours as they moved their wands with the music.
Nott nudged Zabini. "Why don't you show them your moves?"
Zabini rolled his eyes but with a hint of a smile. "In your dreams, Nott. I've got better things to do."
As they entered the Great Hall for the second time, Albus was immediately struck by the stark contrast from the night before. The vast hall, which had seemed almost mystical under the night's enchanted ceiling, was now awash with natural light. The grandeur of the space was undiminished, but the ambiance had shifted.
The enchanted ceiling now mirrored the clear, bright blue of the morning sky, casting the entire hall in a cheerful, vibrant light. Sunlight streamed in from the tall windows, bathing the four long house tables in its warmth, enhancing the colours of each house banner and making the silverware gleam.
Gone was the dim, candlelit mystery of his first night; in its place was a hall that buzzed with energy, alive with the sounds of morning chatter and laughter. The scents of breakfast were even more inviting in the daylight, drawing Albus in as he navigated through the busy tables.
His eyes quickly found Rose amidst the sea of students, her red hair a beacon under the sunlit brilliance of the hall.
"Hey, Potter, where you off to?" Zabini called out, but Albus hardly registered the call.
"Morning, Rose," Albus said, a nervous edge to his voice. The surrounding Ravenclaws paused, casting fleeting glances his way before returning to their breakfasts. Emmett Annesley gave Albus a wary look, but Albus just shrugged it off.
"Al! Hi!" Rose's face lit up, her enthusiasm a stark contrast to Albus's more subdued air. "Pop a squat! Just got my timetable from Flitwick. We're in Herbology with Longbottom. And Potions with Whiteland – they say he's half a vampire, can you believe—"
"Rose," Albus cut in. "I can't stick around; gotta head back. But listen, don't tell anyone, not even our families, about my Sorting. I want to keep it under wraps, maybe surprise them at the holidays."
Rose's eyes widened, and she whispered, "Okay, your secret's safe. I don't know how to tell them about my own sorting either... Now that I think of it, I might do the same. Mum'll suss it out, but Dad and Uncle Harry, not a chance."
"Right, right," Albus said quickly, eager not to miss breakfast. "And make sure James keeps it zipped too. Need to dash back for a bite and grab my timetable."
"Understood. See you in Herbology," Rose nodded.
"Catch up later? After lessons?" Albus proposed.
"Library sound good?" Rose responded, already standing up.
"Perfect. Later, Rose." Albus turned to leave just as Corvus Zabini slid into the seat next to Emmett, giving Rose a casual nod.
"Zabini," Albus acknowledged, still getting used to addressing both brothers by the same name.
"Potter," Corvus replied, waving hello at his twin brother in the Slytherin table.
Professor Whiteland suddenly appeared, his imposing figure and deep voice demanding attention. "Mr. Potter," he said, a stern note in his voice.
"Hello! Err... I mean good morning, Professor," Albus answered, a bit startled.
"You're supposed to be at the Slytherin table with your housemates," Whiteland advised, handing Albus his timetable. "Off you go."
"Sorry sir, I was having a quick word with my cousin, sir," Albus explained in haste.
"When I declare that you are to be seated at the Slytherin tables, it is not an invitation for rebuttals or excuses. It means be gone," Whiteland commanded, before turning on his heel and departing.
"He's a bit of a hard case, isn't he?" Rose murmured, a sigh of relief escaping her.
Emmett chimed in, "He's a bit more prickly in the mornings. They say it's the vampire in him, more comfortable at night."
Albus tucked away that fascinating nugget. "Time for some grub. See you later, Rose."
"Ta-ra, Al!" Rose called out as Albus headed back to rejoin his Slytherin pals.
Back with his Slytherin mates, Albus couldn't help but crack a smile. With Rose in on his plan, now he just needed James to keep mum about his Sorting. He quickly stashed his timetable and joined the animated breakfast banter.
"Where's Goyle? We're pushing it for Herbology."
"Herbology's up first, is it?" Hawk asked, sipping his pumpkin juice.
"Yeah, we're paired with the Ravenclaws," Orion confirmed, his mouth still half full. "Then it's Transfiguration, and don't forget Astronomy tonight."
Chewing his breakfast, Albus piped up, "And we've got Double Potions with the Gryffindors on Friday. Should be a laugh."
"When's our flying lesson?" Nott wondered.
"Before Defence Against the Dark Arts, if I'm not mistaken," Albus replied, double-checking his timetable. "Yeah, ten in the morning."
Nott snorted. "Thought it said 'p.m.' for a sec!"
Just then, a girl with a bold streak of purple in her hair slid into a nearby seat, a boy with tousled hair joining her. She loaded her plate, jumping right into the conversation.
"What's this about someone having a funny turn in the loo?" she asked, her eyes twinkling mischievously.
"Nah, nothing like that," Nott replied, looking around. "Hang on, where's my brother?"
"Still in the shower, or maybe he's lost in those Mirrortok filters," the boy joked, grabbing some toast.
Albus watched the lively banter with a grin. As the chat tapered off, he glanced at Scorpius, who was happily digging into his breakfast.
"Oh right, you've not met these two yet," Nott piped up, catching up Albus' confused expression. "Potter, this is Mischief and Mayhem, or as they're less dramatically known, Marcus and Shane. They're my brother's mates."
"We're also last year's Beater hopefuls for Slytherin," Marcus added, a cheeky edge to his voice. "Shame first years can't try out."
"Really looking for fresh talent this year," Shane said, pulling out her Mirrortok. She played a ReflectoReel showcasing her and Marcus's aerial antics.
"Just mucking about," Marcus chimed in. "Captain's tight-lipped about our real strategies."
Marcus turned to Albus. "If you're anything like your dad was, we could use you. Otherwise, we're stuck with Yaxley as our seeker."
Shane rolled her eyes. "Tried to prank him into quitting. Even put a fake Dark Mark on him, but Whiteland's keen on sniffing out Dark Magic. No luck."
"Anyway, last year Gryffindor pipped us at the post, all thanks to his seeker," Marcus said, looking at Albus. "I bet you know him, you two share a mother I believe."
Albus nodded. "Yeah, James has always been brilliant on a broom."
"Which is why we're hoping you've got the same talent," Shane said, half-joking. "Slytherin could use it."
Marcus mused, "Wonder if Whiteland could bend the rules for you."
Shane chuckled. "Or maybe a bribe? Though McGonagall would never go for it."
"She's too Gryffindor to play that game," Marcus concluded with a resigned shake of his head.
"Guess it's just tough luck for us," Shane added, a touch of disappointment in her voice.
Watching the older Slytherins strategizing about Headmistress McGonagall, Albus couldn't help but find them cool. He mused that their help could come in handy, but his train of thought was interrupted by a familiar laugh. Looking up, he spotted his brother James entering the hall with his best mates, Marshall and Gale, in tow.
Seizing the opportunity, Albus sprang up and headed towards them, mirroring Professor Longbottom's approach from the other side of the hall. He slowed down, watching as Longbottom handed James and his friends their schedules before returning to the head table. Spotting his chance, Albus quickened his pace, positioning himself between James and the Gryffindor table.
"What do you want, snake?" James's tone had an edge Albus hadn't heard before. They'd had their tiffs, but James had never been outright rude.
Albus retorted, "Seems you've forgotten I'm your brother." He added firmly, "Need a word, James. Alone."
James, clearly more interested in breakfast, tried to sidestep him. "Not until I eat."
Albus blocked his path. "It'll be just a minute."
Felix Marshal, James's mate, intervened, shoving Albus aside. "Didn't you hear it? He said he'll eat first."
Albus trailed James back to the table, determined not to lose this chance. He knew he might not get another shot at talking to James until much later, perhaps too late.
"Fine, I'll talk here, but keep it down," Albus whispered as James sat, flanked by Gale and Marshall.
"I need a favour," Albus began. "Rose is in on it too, just so you know."
James's interest piqued at the mention of Rose. "What is it?"
Albus leaned in closer, his voice barely audible. "I don't want you blabbing about my Sorting to Mum and Dad. Not a word to anyone in the family, got it?"
James, loading his plate with eggs, paused and looked up. "Ashamed of your house already?"
Albus, trying to keep his tone light, smirked. "No, just planning a Christmas surprise, that's all." He watched as James's expression shifted from amusement to something else – it seemed like a serious expression.
"A surprise, you said?" James' face twisted in disbelief, as if he couldn't fathom Albus's intentions. "So, you land in the worst house and think it's all a laugh?"
Albus, unfazed, shot back, "Why so gobsmacked? Thought you'd appreciate a good joke."
James's expression darkened. "Jokes are for trivial stuff, Al. Seems like you don't give a toss about our family's name."
Albus, puzzled, asked, "How's that even connected?"
James, clearly frustrated, snapped, "J-just drop it, alright?"
"But Rose isn't blabbing about her Sorting either, even though she reckons Aunt Hermione will twig on," Albus pointed out.
James paused, giving Albus a hard look. "Rose being a Ravenclaw fits. And not that I think of it..." he trailed off, his voice laced with disdain. "You've always been a bit of a snake. Wouldn't be surprised if you started hissing any day now."
Albus felt he should be offended but just couldn't muster it. He forced a smile. "So, you'll keep it in the low?"
James gave an exasperated roll of his eyes. "Fine, I won't say a word."
"Cheers, then. Got to head back for breakfast," Albus said, striding confidently back to the Slytherin table. The relief was palpable; he had been anxious about James's answer, but now he could focus on his upcoming classes.
As Albus slid back into his seat, Scorpius looked up. "All sorted?"
"Yeah, all good now," Albus replied, his grin returning as he rejoined the breakfast hubbub.
Once breakfast was done, the first-year Slytherins faced a new challenge: finding the greenhouses for Herbology. With Professor Longbottom and most of the Ravenclaws already out of sight, they couldn't simply tag along behind.
A brief natter with some older students set them on the right path – down the grand staircase and along the first-floor corridor. Nott nearly took a tumble on a dodgy step, but they carried on, pelting down the stairs and racing through the twisty corridors. Albus thought these winding passages would be brilliant for a game of hide-and-seek.
They arrived at the greenhouses, tucked away in the Transfiguration courtyard. The place was a stunner, split into two areas. One side was all business, with lofty desks and a massive blackboard where Professor Longbottom was setting up. Albus was relieved that his Slytherin uniform didn't raise any eyebrows.
The other side was like something out of a magical botanical book, crammed with all sorts of plants and potion ingredients.
Over on the Ravenclaw side, Rose, Tesa, and Corvus Zabini waved them over. Orion couldn't resist a dig at Corvus, who just shot back about the quiet he'd had without his twin around.
"Reckon you're up for Herbology?" Rose ribbed Albus.
"Watch me ace it," Albus shot back with a grin.
"Keep dreaming," laughed Rose, then turned to welcome Scorpius.
Professor Longbottom's voice brought them back to the present. "All right, let's get cracking!" And with that, they plunged into their first Herbology lesson. Goyle turned up late, but Longbottom let it slide this once.
Next up was Transfiguration with Professor Hookum. Despite their late arrival, the Hufflepuff head was understanding. The classroom was intriguing, with all sorts of objects for practice. Their first task was turning a match into a needle, and Scorpius nearly nailed it, leaving Albus a tad envious but determined to up his game.
When class wrapped up, just shy of lunchtime, the group, minus Goyle, made their way back to the dorms, taking the grand staircase as their new favourite shortcut.
"Can you believe it? Homework on day one!" Nott grumbled as they made their way down the stairs.
"It's not like they've asked us to write a 100 paged essay," Albus replied with a shrug.
"Yeah, but it's our very first day," Nott moaned, still not convinced. "Seems a bit much."
"It's a doddle, really. We'll have it sorted in no time," Scorpius chimed in confidently.
Orion, walking behind them, piped up, "Nott's got a point, though. It's our first night at Hogwarts. We should make it memorable!"
Hawk, rolling his eyes, joked, "Yeah, let's ask Whiteland if we can throw a wild bash in the common room!"
Zabini, with a hint of sarcasm, suggested, "Maybe not a full-on party, but a games night could be a laugh."
Albus nodded in agreement. "We could break out the magical chess or Exploding Snap."
"I'm in," Scorpius declared enthusiastically. "Let's do it after dinner."
As they neared the common room, they spotted a group of first-year girls heading the same way, with Caroline Cornfoot at the helm.
"He's not really a monster, you know," one girl tried to reassure the others, her voice a mix of fear and intrigue.
"But he's... he's..." another girl stammered, taking a deep breath. "Half vampire!"
"Only half," Sophie, whom Albus recognized, added. "Wish he was all wizard, though..."
As they reached the wall that concealed the common room entrance, some of the girls noticed the boys behind them. A couple quickly turned away, faces flushed. But one girl shot Scorpius a dirty look, whispering something to her mate.
The girl turned to Scorpius, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Morning, Malfoy. Still among the living, I see."
Albus, eyebrows raised, quipped, "Why wouldn't he be?"
She flicked a glance at Albus, then back to Scorpius. "Just checking," she said, a playful edge to her voice.
Scorpius managed a polite smile. "Yeah, I'm all right. Umm... Should I be worried?
Her smile broadened, teasing. "Aww you're so cute" she giggled, and her friends joined in, barely containing their laughter.
Scorpius, cheeks flushing a shade of pink against his pale complexion, tried to play it cool.
Caroline, stepping in, said, "Ease up, girls." She turned to the wall and whispered, "Basilisk fang."
The wall slid open, revealing the entrance. As they filed in, the girl lingered, slowing to match Scorpius's pace. "I'm Elisabeth, by the way. Elisabeth Montague."
"Pleased to meet you," Scorpius replied, his manners impeccable.
Elisabeth beamed at him, while some of her friends rolled their eyes in the background. Albus, watching the interaction, decided it was time to stash his bag in the dormitory, not keen on leaving it in the common room.
As he left, Albus's thoughts briefly wandered to Professor Whiteland. He found the man a bit eerie but figured there was nothing to fear from the half-vampire professor. After all, the Headmistress wouldn't have hired him without good reason.
After coming from his dorm, Albus caught a glimpse of Elisabeth approaching Scorpius again, this time on her own, Albus couldn't help but feel amused yet slightly sympathetic towards his friend. Scorpius didn't seem to have any romantic interest in girls yet, and Elisabeth's forwardness didn't sit well with Albus. Deciding to give his mate a heads up, he quickly made his way back to Scorpius.
"Look who's here," Albus muttered, nudging the others to glance back.
Scorpius, spotting Elisabeth approaching, bolted across the common room, narrowly missing a few candles in his haste to escape. Elisabeth was left standing, her expression one of bemused confusion.
Albus couldn't help but chuckle when he heard Scorpius's distant call, "Let's go guys, don't want to be laaaate!"
Orion rolled his eyes, chuckling, and dashed after Scorpius, with Albus close behind, both still laughing.
Halfway down the corridor, Scorpius slowed to a stroll, allowing Albus, and Orion to catch up, both still sniggering.
"Shut up..." Scorpius muttered, his cheeks-tinged pink. Albus felt a twinge of guilt, yet he couldn't help but find Scorpius's embarrassment rather fun and a bit cute.
Orion, catching his breath, teased, "Looks like you've got yourself a fan, Scorpius!"
"Give it a rest, Zabini," Albus said, trying to sound stern but his laughter betrayed him, making his attempt less intimidating than he intended and making Orion laugh even louder.
Orion, undeterred, grinned. "Mate, you're a hit. With looks like yours, you'll have admirers queueing up, Slytherin or not."
Seizing the moment, Orion whipped out his Mirrortok. "This is gold," he chuckled, capturing Scorpius's blushing face. "For the memories," he said, showing off the image.
Scorpius's cheeks reddened further as he rolled his eyes and urged them to move on.
They continued towards the Great Hall, focusing on their Transfiguration homework. Nott and Hawk joined shortly after, followed lastly by Goyle, who regretted lagging behind.
Albus and Scorpius made quick work of their assignments, breezing through with ease. Albus felt a surge of optimism, hoping this efficiency would continue throughout the year. Soon after, Orion, Nott, and Hawk finished up, with Scorpius lending Goyle a hand with the trickier parts.
As the evening light filled the Great Hall with a warm glow, Albus's thoughts drifted to Rose. Despite the day's excitement, he sensed she was holding something back.
"I'm off. Catch you at dinner," Albus announced, standing up from his stool.
"Got a spot saved for you. And don't forget tonight's games," Scorpius reminded him, as he helped Goyle with a particularly tough question.
Navigating the twisty corridors of Hogwarts, Albus mentally mapped out the labyrinthine layout, keen on not losing his way back.
Pausing outside the grand library doors, Albus gathered his thoughts before stepping inside. As the doors creaked open, he was immediately enveloped in the rich scent of old parchment and leather, mingling with a faint aroma of polished wood. The air was cool, carrying the soft murmur of hushed conversations and the gentle rustle of pages.
The towering bookshelves stretched upwards, their dark wood gleaming under the flickering light of floating candles, casting playful shadows on the stone walls. These shelves, packed with books of every imaginable shape and age, whispered secrets of ancient magic. The cool stone floor, worn smooth by countless students, added to the library's ancient charm.
Cosy reading nooks, each lit by a soft, glowing lamp, offered sanctuary amidst the stacks. Plush chairs, imbued with a hint of lavender, promised comfort and calm to stressed students. Nearby, the stern figure of Madam Pince, the librarian, moved silently, her robes whispering against the stone as she patrolled her realm with an eagle eye.
Amidst this sea of knowledge, Albus spotted Rose, her bright red hair a vibrant contrast to the muted tones of the library. She was deeply engrossed in her studies, with Tesa and Corvus by her side. The familiar sight anchored Albus, his footsteps quiet on the stone as he navigated through the labyrinth of shelves towards them.
"Hey there! What's the craic?" Albus greeted them, breaking the silence.
"Al! Hey! All's well here," Rose replied, looking up from her notes. "Just prepping for Charms. You had that one yet?"
"Not yet, that's on tomorrow's schedule for me," Albus said.
Corvus, not looking up from his book, quipped, "Has my brother managed to get himself kicked out already, Potter?"
Albus, leaning casually against the table, replied with a grin, "Not quite, but he might end up committing murder if we don't work on our dorm's hygiene."
Corvus chuckled, "Wouldn't be surprised, Potter. It's just a matter of time".
Rose then stood up, signalling Albus. "Time for a quick chat, Al. Be right back, guys."
Tesa, gathering her things, chimed in, "I'll come along for the—"
Rose cut in with a smile, "Just Albus and me this time. You've got that chapter to finish, remember?"
"Oh right, how could I forget about it," Tesa said, giving a small wave to Albus as if asking for help.
Tucked away in a quiet corner of the library, Albus and Rose made themselves comfortable on a cosy sofa, well out of the librarian's strict gaze. Rose kicked off their chat with a light-hearted query. "So, what's it like being a Slytherin, then?"
"Better than I expected, actually," Albus admitted, sounding a bit surprised himself. "Thought being a Potter might make it tough, but everyone's been quite friendly."
Rose chuckled. "That's hardly the Slytherin Dad's always banging on about."
"How about you? Settling into Ravenclaw alright?" Albus asked, genuinely curious.
"It's fab!" Rose's eyes sparkled. "Was a bit worried, y'know, being a Weasley and all. But it's been ace."
Albus peered at her, a bit more seriously this time. "But how are you really feeling about it?"
Rose hesitated, her gaze drifting towards the window at the far end of the row of bookshelves. "Well, I keep thinking about Dad's reaction. He's always going on about Gryffindor and all that. I'm just... worried he might be let down that I'm not in Gryffindor."
She paused, lost in thought, and they both sat in silence for a moment.
The silence was suddenly interrupted by raucous laughter nearby. A bunch of students, crowded around a Mirrortok, caught the librarian's sharp eye and promptly got told off, scurrying out of the library.
Rose shook her head, a touch of annoyance in her tone. "That's the third time now. I mean, why bother coming to the library if you're not here to study?"
Resuming their chat, Albus offered, "Your dad might find it tough at first, but Aunt Hermione will help him see reason. You know how your dad can jump the gun a bit. He'll come around eventually."
Rose nodded, a hint of worry still in her voice. "I guess so. It's just the 'until then' bit that's bothering me."
"You just need to hang tight until he's ready. Meanwhile, just enjoy Ravenclaw. And since we're both keeping our Sorting a secret, we don't need to worry about it until Christmas. That's ages away," Albus reassured her.
"It does add a bit of pressure, doesn't it?" Rose pondered aloud.
"Maybe a bit," Albus grinned. "But it's all part of the fun, isn't it?"
There was a pause in their conversation, each lost in thought.
Breaking the silence, Albus asked tentatively, "You knew you weren't going to be in Gryffindor, right?"
Rose gazed out the window at the end of the bookshelf corridor. "Yeah, I sort of did," she admitted, turning back to face Albus. "I wanted to tell you so many times. I wasn't sure how to deal with it myself, let alone how you'd take it."
Albus felt a pang of guilt. "I should've asked if something was up. You're my cousin and my best friend, and I didn't even notice."
Rose gave him a reassuring smile. "It's okay. Looks like you were wrestling with your own Sorting worries."
"True. I was a bundle of nerves about it."
"Did you think it might be Slytherin before talking to Scorpius?" she probed gently.
Albus hesitated. "Part of me always knew Gryffindor wasn't a fit. As I learnt more about the houses, I started seeing myself in Slytherin. It became more apparent the closer we got to Hogwarts."
Rose nodded, understanding. "You never mentioned it, even when we talked about the houses."
"I didn't know how to bring it up. I didn't want to be labelled as something evil before I even had a chance."
"You're not evil, Albus. Slytherin doesn't make you evil. It's just a house that suits you better, that's all," Rose reassured him.
Albus smirked, "I'm starting to see that. They're... well, nice, in a very Slytherin way. But what about our family? I'm the first Potter-Weasley not in Gryffindor, and even worse, in Slytherin," Albus mused, fidgeting with a nearby book.
Rose sighed, "It'll be a shock, no doubt. But Uncle Harry's not one to hold grudges against Slytherin."
Albus countered, "Not hating a house is one thing. Having your son sorted into it, quite another."
Rose smirked, "Plus, there's your new friend Scorpius."
Albus nodded, a new concern dawning. "That'll be another surprise for them."
"The good thing's that..." Rose started saying. "We might be the odd ones out in a Gryffindor family, but we've got each other."
Albus smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. "Yeah, we do."
"And you know," Rose added with a sly grin, "your Sorting will probably overshadow mine. So, less fuss about me being in Ravenclaw."
Albus rolled his eyes but couldn't hide his smile. "Thanks a lot, Rose."
Finishing his chat with Rose, Albus headed back to the common room. He found his mates deep in a game of wizard's chess. Jumping right in, Albus quickly got the measure of Hawk and Nott's careful tactics, outplaying them with ease. Zabini, though, was a tougher nut to crack, really testing Albus's chess prowess. In the end, it was Scorpius who nearly had him beat in a nail-biting final play.
As they hung around the chessboard, the time ticked away, bridging the gap before their night-time Astronomy class. Scorpius, always one for hitting the books, grabbed a potions text and sank into an armchair, keen to brush up his knowledge. Orion and Nott kept at their chess standoff, while Hawk tried to concentrate on his notes, despite Goyle's constant natter and, well, let's just say 'unique' aroma.
Albus's attention drifted to the wall, covered in moss and vines. It didn't look fake at all. He noticed the slight dampness, probably because they were under the lake.
He ran a finger over the moss, finding it soft and springy, cool and almost calming to the touch. Leaning closer, he could just make out the sound of water dripping. It was like the wall itself was part of the lake.
He wondered if magic was behind the growth of the moss or if it was all natural. He pressed his hand against it, noting the slimy yet gentle texture, his hand barely getting wet.
Scorpius, looking amused, called out, "You planning to flirt with the moss all night, or can I have a bit of that attention?"
Albus glanced up, a bit startled. "Just curious is all," he said, ignoring the flirting quip. "Is that alright with you, Your Highness, or should I get a permission slip signed?"
Scorpius laughed and gestured for Albus to come over. "Need a hand with this potions work." Albus shook his head, declining. Scorpius put on a pleading look, widening his eyes. Albus smirked but stayed put. Scorpius's face dropped, and he pretended to start crying.
"Albuuus, please help," Scorpius continued his over-the-top act.
Albus couldn't help but laugh. "You're such a drama queen," he said, sitting down next to Scorpius. The chair was a squeeze for the two of them, but they managed. Settling in, Scorpius eagerly pointed out the bits of the textbook he was finding tricky.
Author's notes
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