The+Next+Trio

This is a new idea I'm trying out. Rose, Scorpius, and Albus become friends. We'll see what happens:

The Next Trio

Chapter One The Beginning 2017-First Year

Rose I climbed on to the Hogwarts Express and knew that this was it. I was going. Finally, I was going to the place where I would learn the magic that I’d watched my mother and father do all my life. Glancing around, I saw Al still on the platform, whispering to his dad. He nodded and hopped on the train after me. “Come on! Let’s find a compartment,” I said quickly and excitedly. “Yeah, okay.” My name is Rose Weasley. I am the daughter of the oh so famous Ron and Hermione Weasley and niece of the even more famous Harry Potter. Albus Potter is my best friend and my cousin. My family is huge. I have a little brother, Hugo, and I have no idea how many cousins I have. Too many to count. All my life I have been waiting for this moment to come, to be on my way to Hogwarts for the first time. I’ve read about it, but I am sure that it will be even more amazing than I imagine it. We walked down the train, looking for an empty compartment. At the end of the train, there was one compartment with a first year in it, reading, but otherwise it was empty. I tentatively slid open the door and asked, “Hello. May we sit here? Everywhere else is full.” He looked up in surprise and I saw his face. It was Scorpius Malfoy, the boy my father had warned me against. He nodded, slowly. I sat down across from him and Al, next to me. He stared at us and said, “If you don’t mind me asking, why do you want to sit here? Everyone else has avoided me. Just because...well, because I’m a Malfoy.” He looked down, as if afraid that we’d leave now. I spoke up, “That’s awful! You can’t judge a person on their last name!” He sighed, “But people do.” “Well that’s stupid!” He shrugged. “Anyway, I’m Rose Weasley. And this is Albus Potter, but everyone calls him Al.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Nice to meet you. I’m Scorpius Malfoy.” I nodded. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I looked at Al, “Are you gonna just sit there or are you gonna say something?” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He started and put a hand out to shake, “Sorry,” he said quietly, “Al Potter. Pleased to meet you.” Scorpius shook his hand and then we all remained silent for a moment. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Soooo...,” I started in an attempt to break the awkward silence, “What house do you want to be in?” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“I don’t know. My father really wants me in Slytherin, but I’d much rather be in Ravenclaw or Gryffindor. What about you?” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“I don’t really care. As long as I can make friends and learn, I’m good.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Anywhere but Slytherin,” Al said quietly. Scorpius nodded, understandingly. The tension was broken. As the conversation turned to quidditch, I opened a book to read. I was terrified of the prospect of flying. My dad had been trying to get me on a broom since I could walk. Al, of course was a natural born flyer. He wanted to be seeker on the house team, as soon as he could try out. It makes me sick just watching him. I knew I couldn’t avoid flying much longer as we’d soon have flying lessons, but I could try. I don’t approve of Uncle George’s Skiving Snackboxes, but maybe just this once... <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Rose? Rose? You still with us?” Al said, snapping in front of my face. He muttered to Scorpius, “This happens every time she opens a book.” He laughed. I rolled my eyes and checked my watch. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“The lunch trolley should be coming soon.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“About time. I’m starving.” True to my prediction, the trolley was there in a couple of minutes. I pulled a couple galleons from my pocket. With it came James, who bought some sweets from it and then entered our compartment. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“What are you doing here, James?” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Ah, Mum told me to check in on you guys once or twice.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Why?” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Make sure your not in to trouble or anything.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"Yeah, 'cause we're the ones who need watching." <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Whatever.” James looked around and saw Scorpius. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“What the bloody h*ll is he doing here?!” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Sitting, James. I thought that you were at least smart enough to recognize that action, but you, once again, have proved me wrong.” I glared at him. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Do you know who that is, Rose?!” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Yes, James.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“HE’S A MALFOY!” he shouted. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I raised my own voice, “SO WHAT!” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“SO WHAT? SO WHAT? WHAT ARE YOU BLOODY THINKING?” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I spoke in a forced calm, “I am thinking that you are dim enough not to see past his surname.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“You know what his father was. What his grandfather was! Rose! The Malfoys are deatheaters!” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“How can you judge him?! You don’t even know him!” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Neither do you, Rose.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Go away, James,” I said coolly. He made a face but left. Al came back in with some food. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“What was James doing here?” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Telling me off for sitting with Scorpius.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Prat.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Tell me about it.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Oh, the trolley’s leaving. If you want to get something to eat, you better do it now.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Oh. I’ll do that then.”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Scorpius <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline;">I watched as Rose left, amazed that she had stood up for me, a Malfoy. I couldn’t help but wonder why she, of all people, did it. I mean she was a Weasley. The daughter of the famous Ron and Hermione, war hero's. And Albus Potter, son of THE Harry Potter. Why would they even talk to me let alone sit with me. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Sorry about James. He’s a prat.” I looked up at Al. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Wha? Oh it’s nothing. I get it all the time.” It was true. I’d never had any friends. I’d avoided the kids of my fathers old school friends. They were just as bad as their fathers. Anyone who was even halfway decent would discard me as soon as they knew my last name. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“He’s just prejudice. He’ll come round...eventually.” I shrugged and grinned. Rose came back in <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">and sat down. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Some time later, she checked her watch and and exclaimed, “You two need to change in to your robes! We’ll be there in ten minutes!” and left the compartment to let us change. She reentered the room, bouncing on the balls of her feet with excitement. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“We’ll be there soon. We’ll be sorted. We’re really going!” she beamed. Al grinned at her. I smiled. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Yeah. We really are.” The train rolled in at Hogsmead station and we slowly got off, lugging our trunks on to the platform. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A large man was calling, “Firs’ years o’er ‘ere!” He was enormous. Ten feet tall at least. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Albus pointed at the man and said, “That’s Hagrid. He teaches Care of Magical Creatures.” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Oh,” I replied quietly.” The man led us to a fleet of boats and Rose, Al, and I shared a boat as we sailed across the lake, staring up at the castle in all it’s glory. It was just as I had imagined it, only better. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Wow...”Rose said softly. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Yeah.” The boats drew closer, moving on their own accord. We reached the shore and climbed out. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Here it is,” Al breathed. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Hogwarts.” Rose grinned and lead the way in.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Albus <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline;">I stepped inside the vast hallway to see Neville standing in the doors, waiting for us. He smiled at us and nodded before beginning to explain the sorting and houses. I didn’t listen. I was terrified, even after dad had reassured me about the sorting. He said that if I didn’t want to be in Slytherin, I wouldn’t be, but still, what if... <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Al,” Rose tugged at my sleeve, “Come on. The sorting’s about to begin.” Sure enough, the students were beginning to move into the hall. Neville took a scroll from his pocket and began to call out names, smiling warmly at each student as they walked up to the sorting hat. I shifted nervously, while Rose positively beamed, her eyes swooping about the room, taking in every last detail. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Malfoy, Scorpius.” Scorpius’s face paled. Rose smiled at him and gave him a gentle push. He stumbled forward and sat on the three legged chair and the hat was placed on his head.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Scorpius <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The hat slipped over my eyes and there was a voice in my ear. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“A Malfoy? Hmmm... You seem like a bright boy. But afraid to follow your family. Slytherin is not a bad house, you know. Not all wizards who go there go wrong. But perhaps it isn’t the house for you. Gryffindor wouldn’t be a bad choice either, but also doesn’t quite fit. I’m thinking it better be RAVENCLAW!” There was no applause, as there were for the other first years. Instead, an outbreak of whispered surprise. I sighed in relief at not being placed in Slytherin. I saw Al and Rose grinning up at me as I made my way to the Ravenclaw table. A couple more names were called before Al’s.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Albus <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Potter, Albus.” Neville grinned at me. I froze. I couldn’t move. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Go on Al. It’ll be fine,” Rose whispered. She squeezed my arm and I walked slowly forward, my fears of being in Slytherin suddenly stronger than ever. When I sat down on the stool, Neville put the hat on my head. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I heard it say quietly, “I remember your father. He too feared Slytherin. I suppose he made a good Gryffindor, but I still think he would have done well in Slytherin. I could put you in Gryffindor. You wouldn’t mind that, would you? You do come from a family of Gryffindors. But you also want to be with your friend, don’t you. A hard decision. Friends or family?” There was a long pause before the hat cried out, “RAVENCLAW!” I felt dizzy as I got off the stool. I, descending from the Weasleys and the Potters, two families that had been in Gryffindor for ages, was in Ravenclaw. I wasn’t disappointed, though, in fact I was glad. James was staring at me in disbelief. I grinned at him. He shook his head. Rose was beaming at me as I sat down next to Scorpius. I smiled back.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Rose <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Al sat down next to Scorpius. I watched my two friends as they started to talk and all I was thinking was that I better be in Ravenclaw. I watched the two of them till my name was called. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Weasley, Rose.” I marched up fearlessly and the hat was on my head in an instance, whispering in my ear, “Another Weasley. Very intelligent. Just like your mother. Fearless and out spoken. Gryffindor, perhaps? But you have your decision made, I can see. I won’t stop you then. RAVENCLAW!” I grinned and ran down to squeeze myself between Al and Scorpius.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Albus <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I let out a sigh of relief when the hat cried out, “RAVENCLAW,” and Rose bounded over to sit with us. She squeezed between Scorpius and I and we talked quietly until the last person (Zabini, Seth) was sorted. Professor McGonagal stood to make a speech and we quieted. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Welcome, students, old and new. Congratulations to our newly sorted first years and welcome to Hogwarts, your home for the school year. I assume you’re all hungry so dinner is served.” As she spoke the last three words, gold platters loaded with delicacies materialized in front of us. I could see James at the next table, grabbing anything and everything he could see and shoving it in his mouth. I looked away. A cloud drifted by on the enchanted ceiling. I let out a sigh and breathed, “We’re finally here.” Rose smiled at me and answered wistfully, “We are. We really are.” As the last people finished their meals, the platters refilled themselves with mouthwatering deserts. I helped myself to some treacle tart, a favorite of mine. Shortly after, McGonagal stood to make a fuller speech. To be honest, I wasn’t really listening to most of it. Lysander Scamander stood up at the other end of the table and called “First years, follow me.” Another girl was calling the same thing. I didn’t know her.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Scorpius <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">We stood up. Albus and Rose quickened their pace as to catch up with the fifth year boy that was beckoning the first years forward. I followed them. “Hey Lysander.” He turned to see us. Lysander’s eyes lingered on me for a moment but he quickly averted them. “Hello, Albus, Rose. Who’s your friend?” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“This is Scorpius.” He nodded and offered his hand. I shook it. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“It’s a pleasure. I’m Lysander.” Lysander was tall and with blond hair and a serene expression. We followed him and the other girl up to Ravenclaw tower where an eagle door knocker opened it’s beak and spoke. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“What is the advantage to nonverbal spells?” <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Lysander gave the answer, “In a duel, your opponent will not know what spell you might cast,” before turning back to the first years and explaining that, “You have to answer a question to get in. Usually it should ask you something that you learned in class recently. If you don’t know, you have to wait for someone else who knows.” He led us into the common room and said “Boys dorm is up the stairs on your right and girls, the same on your left.” The common room was wide and circular with midnight blue carpet. In the center of the room, there was a statue of Rowena Ravenclaw. The walls were lined with bookshelves and there were fluffy arm chairs in front of the fire. My fellow first years gazed around the room in amazement. Rose was already eyeing the bookshelves hungrily. Slowly the crowd of eleven year-olds thinned as they climbed up to their dorms. Now it was just Al, Rose and I and several older students chatting by the fireplace. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“It’s brilliant,” Rose breathed. She walked, dreamlike, over to one of the bookshelves and knelt, running a finger along the spines of the books. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Yeah. It is,” whispered Al, still staring around. I nodded silently, in speechless awe.