Chapter 1: Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy

The train left the station like a long scarlet snake leaving its burrow. Admittedly, the snake also looked as if it was smoking, because it was, after all, really a train, no matter how effective the simile was.

As she sat in the last compartment, Rose Weasley was terrified, as conscientious students tend to be on the first day of a new school. Albus Severus Potter was as excited as an eleven-year-old on their first day in a famous school… oh, right. Both of them chatted away, and did not notice the pale boy that was sharing the compartment with them.

“I’m so nervous, I can’t wait to get to school, and I’m afraid and… can you imagine all the things we’re going to learn? I hope I’ve prepared enough. I don’t know what I’ll do if I’m not,� Rose said, nervously.

“Stop worrying, Rose. You know you’ll be more prepared than anyone else. With brains like yours, you’ll be the best in the year!� Albus rolled his eyes.

“Oh, don’t say that, Al, I’m never going to get anywhere! Although… Mum says I’ll be in Ravenclaw, because I’m so smart…� Rose was back on track. “But I really want to be in Gryffindor. You know, after all the stories Uncle Harry’s told us. It’s supposed to be the best House.�

“Well, I’m not worried, I’m going to choose Gryffindor,� Albus said proudly.

“Father says Slytherin’s the noble House, but I don’t know,� drawled a voice.

Albus and Rose looked around, startled. Sitting by the window was a familiar pale boy with blond hair. Harry and Ron had pointed him out earlier in the station.

“Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy.� He held out his hand for them to shake. Rose took it politely.

“Rose Weasley.�

“A Weasley, eh?� Scorpius sneered.

“And?� growled Rose.

“Oh, nothing.� Scorpius lost his sneer immediately, replacing it with a drawl.

“And I’m Albus Severus Potter,� squeaked Albus Severus Potter.

“Really? Son of Harry Potter?� Albus nodded. Scorpius seemed torn between admiration and something else.

Despite his Weasley remark, and the fact that, for some reason, he couldn’t speak without drawling, sneering or drooling, Scorpius was actually quite friendly.

“So, you think you’re ready for Hogwarts then?� Scorpius drawled later on.

“I hope so! I’ve been looking through the textbooks and I’ve learnt a few spells, but I’m really scared that’s not enough,� Rose said.

“Well I don’t know what’s enough, so I’ve been learning all I can. Father’s told me I’m taking it too far, but everything’s so interesting. I like to learn about battles in History of Magic, and Father’s been helping me with potions, but the best part is creating the spells,� Scorpius told them, sneering uncontrollably.

“Creating?� Albus felt even worse. He had ignored Rose’s demands that he bury himself in his schoolbooks all summer, thinking it was just her usual paranoia, but if another student had been doing even more…

“We had to learn to create spells?� Rose shrieked, her red, bushy hair standing on end.

Scorpius shrugged. “I don’t know, but I thought I should try just in case,� he drooled.

Albus watched as his cousin turned from pink, to red, to purple, to blue, to green… “Okay,� he said fearfully. “Maybe we should just stop talking about school now.�

“He’s probably just joking,� Albus added in an undertone to Rose. She safely deflated.

“So, Albus,� Scorpius drooled, unfazed by the previously multicoloured Rose, “who do you think’ll win the League this season?�

“I don’t know. But did you hear? The Chudley Cannons have started winning!�

“Yeah, started. Those losers couldn’t dream of beating the Falmouth Falcons.�

Before the discussion could become a spirited argument that would threaten to consume the world in fire and ice (although how they would both work at the same time, nobody was sure), the compartment door slid open with a bang and a dimpled lady stood in the doorway, light shining around her heroically. She opened her mouth and spoke those sacred words that would change the course of history forever.

“Anything off the trolley, dears?�

Albus and Scorpius spun back from beginning their world-destructive argument and decided that food was more important than Quidditch. Albus and Rose piled themselves up with Bertie Botts Every Flavoured Beans, Cauldron Cakes and Pumpkin Pasties. Scorpius bought nothing.

“Aren’t you hungry, dear?� the lady asked him, tired after saving the world.

“Oh, I have my own food,� he sneered.

“Oh,� she said, looking slightly put-off by his tone. “Are you sure you don’t want anything? It’s really tasty; ask any of the older students here.�

“No, thank you,� he drawled.

“If you insist,� she said, and then burst into tears. “This is the first time in nineteen years that this has happened to me!� She sniffed, wiping her nose daintily and smearing bogies into her dress.

“I’m sorry,� Scorpius drooled and spit flew all over the lunch lady.

She left, disgusted and sobbing.

“So, what did you bring?� Albus asked curiously.

“Look,� drawled Scorpius, pulling out a soggy, half-rotten tuna sandwich from his bag.

“Ewwww!� squealed Rose. “Are you seriously going to eat that?�

“It’s my specialty,� sneered a grinning Scorpius. He pointed his wand at the sandwich. “Editto Burrito!� It immediately became a steaming hot, tasty-looking burrito.

“Wow,� breathed Albus as Scorpius stuffed himself.

Rose started to hyperventilate, muttering “He-invented-spells-he-invented-spells, oh no!�

“Yum!� he drooled after swallowing hugely. “I’m addicted to this stuff.�

Albus and Rose (who had calmed down by now, and was looking sulky instead) stared as Scorpius took out sandwich after sandwich and turned them into burritos, as if his bag was really a bottomless pit.

“Undetectable Extension Charm,� he sneered when he noticed their baffled looks.

After Scorpius had overloaded himself with burritos and Albus and Rose’s food had run out, Albus and Rose were about to begin a game of exploding snap when the compartment door slid open and a stout boy with brown hair stepped in.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t the famous Harry Potter…� he paused, looking confused, as though he had forgotten his lines “…Potter’s son. I’m Henry Macmillan, pleased to meet you. You don’t need to stay with riffraff like them.�

“They’re not riffraff!� Albus said indignantly.

Henry laughed. “One’s a Weasley! And the other’s the son of a failure from the Dark Lord’s days! Look, Potter, you’ll soon find out some Wizarding families are better than others. You don’t want to go making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there.� He held out a hand for Albus to shake.

Albus stared at him blankly. Rose coughed.

“Oh, yes,� he said, flustered. “I think I can tell the wrong sort for myself, Macmillan.�

“All right, Potter, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.�

“But you didn’t warn me about anything.� Albus frowned.

“Oh, sorry. I’m warning you about riffraff like them.�

“Who?�

“You, know, them.�

“Er…�

“Do I have to repeat my speech all over again?�

“No!� Rose suddenly cried, angst and desolation written all over her face. “It was painful enough the first time. Oh, the boredom! The boredom!�

“Get out,� said Albus coldly, over Rose’s wails.

“All right, Potter, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.�

“But you didn’t…� Albus began, but stopped as he noticed Rose’s pleading face. Henry left, miffed.

“I knew something was going to happen,� said Albus as the door slammed.

“Of course,� said Rose, nodding wisely after calming down. “The confrontation with the archenemy always happens after lunch.�

* * *

The light outside grew dim, and the trio were told to change into their school robes. The express rumbled through moors and hills until it reached a large lake, and eventually stopped at the station. Albus, Scorpius and Rose left the train hurriedly.

“Firs’ years! Firs’ years over here!� boomed a voice. Albus hurried over to the speaker, glad to see a familiar face – Hagrid often came to visit Harry and Ginny over the summer.

“Hi, Hagrid!� Albus called.

“How are yeh, Albus?� Hagrid asked.

“I’m great!� said Albus. A spray of water laden with algae shot out of the water and hit Albus in the face. “Maybe not,� sniffed Albus as the Giant Squid chuckled evilly.

Hagrid turned towards the mass of students around him. “Right, if yeh’d all hop into a boat, we’ll be off.�

Albus got into a boat with Rose, Scorpius, and, to his horror, Henry. The boats set off drifting gently across the wide lake. Albus looked over the edge of his boat and saw a long, purple tentacle under the shiny black water.

“Why’d you spray me for?� Albus hissed, but all he got as a reply was the sound of more evil laughter.

“Albus! Look!� Scorpius called.

Albus looked up and saw a huge castle; its sheer size and age was amazing.

“Tha’s it, kids,� said Hagrid. “Tha’s Hogwarts.�

The boats eventually ended up in a damp cave, more water dripping from the moss on the ceiling and onto Albus’s head. Albus groaned and sat down to contemplate the cruelty of the world, only to realise that he had sat down on a pile of bat guano.

“Albus! Come on!� Hagrid called.

Albus ran to catch up with the group, who were standing in front of a door carved into the rock.

“Oh dear, Albus,� sighed Hagrid. “Don’ worry, I’ll fix yeh in a jiffy.� Hagrid waved his umbrella, and to his shock and amazement, Albus was clean.

Hagrid turned away and knocked on the door, which opened to reveal a very, very short wizard.

“Here yeh are, Professor Flitwick,� Hagrid said.

“Thanks, Haggers. Come on, kiddos!� Professor Flitwick led them to a small empty chamber outside the hall. He smiled at all the first years.

“Yo! Yo! Yo! What’s goin’ on in your hip and groovy new school, Hogwarts?! I’ll tell you what! Are you ready to rumble? Well you’d better be, ‘coz soon you’ll be enterin’ the radical Great Hall, and taking your first step to becoming a true warrior in the battle against miseducation and illiteracy! You will be chosen to serve in four battle teams – Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, Slytherin or Gryffindor. Each warrior will have a minimum of five years of gruelling competition to add a bit of themselves to each team’s noble history. But watch out, dudes! We battle-masters can both give and take points for your sins and your redemptions. At the end of each year, those of you who survive will witness a special ceremony – and the battle team with the most points will receive the House Cup!� He looked at each bewildered student in turn, then smiled and turned towards a door at the side of the chamber. “Now, I must go and prepare for the ceremony. Wait here quietly and then I will call you in.�

But he needn’t have worried; the students had been shocked into silence and were too scared to utter a word. Flitwick soon returned, however, and led them to the Great Hall without any surprise hip attacks.

The hall was magnificent, with floating candles lighting it up and a ceiling showing the sky outside. At the other end of the hall stood a stool with a grubby hat on it and behind that was the teachers’ table. As soon as they entered the hall, the hat began to sing:

“First Years, First Years,
Years of First Years,
I have had to sort
To each strong House,
To each strong House,
For that’s why I was wrought.
You may say this was
A good reason,
For Gryffindor
To rip me from his head.
But because of the sort
The Houses have fought
There has been much blood bled
And tears shed.
‘How was I created?’
You ask yourselves.
Ah, it’s a secret, strange but true.
A delightful object
Of the Founders Four,
Gave me a head,
Allowed me to bore
You with tales,
Every year the leaves fall.
But that same object
Caused Hufflepuff to fret.
For she knew its true meaning, as well.
She hid the poor creature,
Where, an old keeper
Guards it, yes, guards it well.
But of this weapon, beware!
In this dark, dark year,
A First Year, a First Year,
Should fear.�

The hall was filled with the sound of applause. Albus was a bit confused by the song.

“Scorpius,� he said, nudging his friend. “What d’you think that was about?�

“Well, you see, um, well, er… it goes like this… um… I don’t know,� Scorpius sneered, looking slightly alarmed about the fact that he didn’t know something.

“Aahmes, Zuriel,� rapped Professor Flitwick.

“Yeah, Zuriel
You’re the latest case
Of… Of… er… of something that rhymes with case
The first first year to take the hat
Yeah, come on, join in my rap
(Although rap doesn’t technically rhyme with hat)
That’s okay, coz it’s exactly that
Someone, give my back a pat
You know, it’s just the basic facts
That a first year’s gotta take the hat
Yeah, someone’s gotta lead the track
Um… wayz, these rappers got hard work, dude…�

“Excuse me, Professor, but would you please just read the names and not try out your… ahem… delightful rapping ‘skills’ in public?� interrupted a disturbed-looking Professor McGonagall.

But she was not nearly as disturbed-looking as the tall boy who was staring in horror at Flitwick, just moments away from the hat.

“Aahmes? Zuriel Aahmes? Are you well?� asked McGonagall worriedly.

“Erk…� gasped Zuriel. He collapsed on the floor.

“AY! JUS’ GE’ ON WI DE PLOT, NAH DREADS!� bellowed a random brethren, obviously not English.

“Would someone escort Mr. Aahmes to the hospital wing, please? It appears that he has undergone an ordeal so terrifying that he is (at this moment) unable to complete the sorting. Carry on, Professor Flitwick.�

“Brethren, Random,� called Flitwick.

And so the sorting began.

“Malfoy, Scorpius,� Flitwick called a while later.

Scorpius’s name earned hardened glares and scowls from many faces around the hall. Scorpius walked shakily towards the hat, trying to ignore this. He put it on. There was a long silence in the hall, as Scorpius shook his head sometimes and nodded at other times. At one point he even did a funny little jerk of his head that nearly sent the hat flying. Finally, the hat seemed to have made a decision.

“RAVENCLAW!� it bellowed, nearly deafening the whole hall.

Scorpius walked more confidently towards the Ravenclaw table, nursing his ears.

“He’s in Ravenclaw?!� Albus asked, amazed.

“Well, he didn’t want to be Slytherin,� said Rose.

Finally, they reached the Ps. Albus’s heart seemed to stop with nervousness.

“Peters, Jeremiah.�

“GRYFFINDOR!�

“Pharamond, Phaon.�

“HUFFLEPUFF!�

“Polkiss, Piers�

“SLYTHERIN!�

“Potter, Albus Severus.�

“Potter, did he say?� Whispers suddenly broke out like pimples on a teenager among the first years. The rest of the hall simply stared at him with the same curiosity they had shown towards the other first years. Albus took a deep breath and walked up to the stool, imagining exciting battle music playing. He put on the hat; it slid over his face.

“I can’t see!’ he thought worriedly.

“Obviously,� said a voice in his ear. “It creates quite an effect, doesn’t it?�

“Yes, I guess so. What House am I in?�

“Ah, well, another Potter? I won’t even bother to ask you - you want Slytherin.�

“NO!� Albus shouted.

The hat chuckled. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to make someone scream. I was joking!�

“SLYTHERIN!�

“NOOOOOO!�

“I didn’t say that aloud you know.� Albus could tell that if the hat was human it would be rolling on the ground, squealing with laughter.

“You know, you don’t seem brave on the outside whatsoever. But you are, on the inside, etc. etc. Ok, here we go… GRYFFINDOR!�

Albus heard the hall burst into applause, as he took off the hat and ran to Gryffindor’s table.

“Congrats, little bro,� said James, “But what’s with all the sissy screaming?�

Albus sighed, he had almost forgotten about his pain-in-the-neck of a brother.


***
Albus hadn’t really looked around the hall before he was sorted, but now that he did he noticed the candles floating overhead and the famous enchanted ceiling, which displayed a very dark, cloud-packed sky that threatened to bust into rain at any moment. Albus looked around at the tables and, at the Ravenclaw table, noticed Scorpius bugging Albus’s cousin, Victoire, who had begged to at least have a passing mention in this book.

“Weasley, Rose.�

Albus jumped. He hadn’t noticed the time go by.

Rose confidently walked up to the hat.

“RAVFINDOR!� bellowed the hat almost as soon as she put it on.

There was a pause.

“I mean… GRYFFINDOR!�

Rose ran towards the Gryffindor table.

“I got in Gryffindor!� she whispered excitedly to Albus.

“Yippee, we didn’t notice,� said James dryly. “Now be quiet so I can hear the rest.�

Finally, “Zimraan, Aaron� was sorted into “RAVENCLAW!� and the headmistress stood up.

“Welcome to Hogwarts,� said a tall, black-haired witch in emerald-green robes, who Albus knew to be the strict, but fair Professor McGonagall. “As Professor Flitwick has told you, being a member of a House at Hogwarts is a great responsibility and I hope each of you recognise this and serve your house well. Now the older students will let you know that this is the most anticipated part of our ceremony, the first feast of the new year. Enjoy.� She returned regally to her high-backed chair in the centre of the teachers’ table.

Food suddenly appeared in dozens of bowls, trays and other holders. There was all the food you could imagine and along each table were several trays stacked with Ginger Newts. Albus piled his plate high with food and asked James about the teachers.

“Well, that’s Professor Longbottom – you know him. That’s Professor Flitwick, the charms teacher. Professor Shunpike teaches Defence Against the Dark Arts – you know he managed to fight the Imperius curse during the end of the war? That’s Professor McGonagall, the headmistress, and her protégée, Professor Morley is sitting over there; he teaches Transfiguration. There’s Hagrid, obviously. But I don’t know who that lady in the fancy hat is though.�

“Hey, what’s with Flitwick?� asked Albus. “He’s acting weird.�

“Ah,� said James, sighing. “Well, you see, Rita Skeeter decided to write a report on the Hogwarts teachers, and she described Flitwick as an ‘Oldie who didn’t move with the times’, so now he’s trying to prove he’s not old.�

Meanwhile, Rose was making friends with some of the other Gryffindor first years.

“Oh, and this is Albus,� she said, tapping Albus on the head. “Turn around, will you?�

“Hello,� said Albus shyly.

“Albus, this is Paul Campagne,� she said, pointing at a tall boy with straight brown hair, “and this is Krysta Holland.� A girl with a mass of curly red hair and a highly freckled nose grinned at him.

“I’m Albus Severus Potter,� said Albus.

“We know,� said James. “My name’s James Potter. I’m in third year so I can help you out if you need anything. If you ask nicely,� he added.

“Pleased to meet you.� Paul shook James’s hand.

“That’s right, start being nice from now.� James nodded approvingly. Albus knocked him on the head.

“So,� said Krysta, her eyes glowing, “are you really Harry Potter’s son?�

“Yes,� said Albus, embarrassed.

“No, I was talking to James.�

“Oh, so that’s where I know you from!� James shook Albus’s hand roughly. “Are you sure this knuckle-head’s related to me?�

“Oh, I was just joking, Albus,� said Krysta when she saw Albus’s face.

“Harry Pottah’s son!?� gasped a voice slightly further along the table. “Way boy, da’s something, eh? Ah jus’ come tuh Englan’, and ah nevah expec’ tuh meet Harry Pottah’s son! Two ah dem!�

“Er… who are you?� asked James in a slightly disturbed voice.

“De name’s Brethren, Random Brethren,� he said, pronouncing Brethren like ‘Bread-rin’.

“Wait… you were the guy who shouted at McGonagall?� gasped Albus. “That’s your real name?�

“Yeah. Wa’s wrong wit dat?� asked Random in a hurt voice.

“Er… nothing,� said Albus hurriedly.

“Well,� said Rose, pausing to chuckle in a knowing way, “it may be interesting to note the ‘brethren’ is actually plural for brother! What do you think of that?�

Random’s face darkened. “Da’s meh las’ name, arite? An’, it may be ‘in’trestin tuh note’ dat where I come from, dey does use brethren fuh one person.�

“Er… okay…� said Rose, alarmed. “Where’d you come from, Paul?� asked Rose, changing the subject.

“London,� he answered. “My parents were considering sending me to France, but my granddad insisted I come to this school. He says he fought the war in England and I should be proud of that.�

“Why’d they want to send you to France?�

“My dad’s from there, he says Beauxbatons is better. But granddad says all French wizards say that and my dad doesn’t understand the value of a British education. They had a big fight, but, you know, granddad always wins.�

“What about you Krysta?�

“I’m from Birmingham, and I didn’t know anything about magic ‘til Professor McGonagall showed up at my House. My dad’s always been sure the damage nineteen years ago was because of magic, but he’s always been superstitious and I was sure he was bonkers. We were so excited when we found out it was true. I’ve been reading that stuff in The Updated History of Magic all summer. I’m thrilled to meet Harry Potter’s sons! And I read in the Daily Prophet that you’d won the Springbury’s Boys’ Beauty Contest a few years ago, Albus (though I really don’t see why…).�

“Ah, Albus’s done nothing compared to me!� said James. “I inherited all the smarts, and I’m sorry to say that I left Albus with nothing but… nothing. And he only won the contest because the other boys were trolls.�

A pretty girl with long, shiny black hair and brown skin slid up to sit in front of James.

“Hi, James.�

“Oh, um, hi, Nadira.� He quickly turned away. “Albus, this is Nadira Florence, she’s in my class.�

“So, this is your brother.� She smiled. “Isn’t he cute?�

“Yuk. I am not a baby,� said Albus severely in a monotone.

“How was your holiday, James?� she said, turning back to him.

“Leave me alone, won’t you?� James muttered. “You’re a witch, you know that?�

“Yes, that’s why I come to this school.�

“I meant a bad witch,� James growled. “Y’know, irritating, pesky little…� His voice trailed off.

“Well, you’re… you’re a… wizard!�

Nadira was saved the embarrassment of five first years rolling on the ground laughing at her as Professor McGonagall stood to address the students at large. The last of the desserts vanished before them, and the hall became silent as the students turned to face her.

“Good evening, students, now that you have all eaten, I would like to make a few announcements.

“First years – though this is a reminder to you all – should note that the forest in the grounds is forbidden. You must not enter it without permission from me. I would prefer that you go no nearer to it that Professor Hagrid’s hut.

“Also, Mr Filch, our caretaker…� said Professor McGonagall. James, who had turned in his seat to face McGonagall, now yawned dramatically, closed his eyes and leaned back, crashing into Albus. There was a small commotion as Albus pushed James off of him, scattering a few goblets with James’ head. The fighting that ensued caused the bench to collapse beneath them, and the unfortunate Gryffindors seated there fell to the floor. The other students turned to watch the entertainment. On the teacher’s table, Flitwick and Hagrid were placing bets on who would win the fight.

“Sadly, Professor Slughorn decided to retire at the end of last year,� continued Professor McGonagall, oblivious to what was going on. “He made a wonderful contribution to the school during his time here, and he appreciates the cards that were sent to him over the holidays. William – he wanted to let you know he really enjoyed the box of crystallised pineapple you mailed him. I would now like to introduce our new Potions teacher: Professor Lyra Fernham.

“And now, I would like you all to stand and sing our school song.�

Rose shook Albus frantically, and said “Albus! The song!� Albus and James jumped up quickly and began to sing.

***

But outside, a gale of wind blew against a dark man’s cloak. The man was crouched on top of Hogsmeade station, watching the school.

The man smiled – it was all that could be seen of him, as his cloak covered the rest of his body and face. If he was right, and he was sure he was, then nineteen years’ waiting would be over. The man pulled a battered paper out of his pocket, read it for what felt like the millionth time and laughed mirthlessly.

The wait was almost over.

***

When they were done, Professor McGonagall sent them to bed, and the first years came together, following the stream of Gryffindors out of the Great Hall. Albus was exhausted as he climbed the thousands of stairs, ducked under hundreds of portraits and squeezed past millions of statues. He barely noticed any of them – he sincerely hoped that Rose had paid attention to where they had to go. Finally, a prefect led them towards a large portrait of a fat lady.

“Ooh! Ickle First years! Pleased to meet you!� she squealed. The prefect raised an eyebrow. “Oh, sorry.� She gathered herself together, and standing tall, said majestically, “Password?�

“Knickerbockers,� said the prefect.

“Remember that, won’t you, oh great genius Rosie?� said Albus.

“Uh-huh, I’m oh great genius Rosie now, am I? What will I be tomorrow?� Rose said irritably.

“Boys that side, girls this side. Your room’s the one with no one in it, duh. You’ll probably find your luggage there. Most likely. Now leave, midgets,� said another rather bad-tempered prefect.

“Waz wrong wit he, dreads?� muttered Random.

Saying goodbye to Rose and Krysta, Albus, Paul and Random made their way up a spiral staircase and found their luggage next to several four-poster beds. The beds were so warm and inviting that as soon as Albus lay down he plonked his head down on the pillow ready to sleep, only to realise he had missed and hit the bedpost instead. Tears in his eyes, he settled down in his bed once again, and Paul turned off the lights.

“Can you believe they don’t have a single elevator in this place?� said Krysta indignantly as they climbed what seemed to be the hundred and fortieth staircase for the day.

“Yeah, boy,� said Random, who was wearing a red sweatband. “But ah suppose dem flyin’ staircases is like elevators, eh?�

Albus groaned. “Don’t talk about the flying staircases. The last one we went on had a vanishing step!�

To make matters worse, Peeves the Poltergeist had become artistically inclined and was so good at it that he regularly painted fake corridors on walls that were so realistic that people often walked into them. Therefore, it was very, very easy to get lost. The new Gryffindors did so frequently.

“Late, late, late!� admonished Professor Morley. “Okay, it’s your first class, but you can’t continue to do this! Transfiguration is a very demanding subject that requires your full attention. You’d be wise to attend every class and arrive on time. And any messing around will be rewarded by you being thrown out, never to come back. Do I make myself clear?�

“Yes, Professor Morley,� chanted the nervous first years.

He then smiled at them and turned all their books into fluffy rabbits.

“How exciting!� said Rose, “I’ve always wanted a rabbit.�

Professor Flitwick laughed when he heard what had happened. “Yes, way cool, but it’s gonna be eons till you learn something that hip. BTW, I’m Professor Flitwick, but you can call me Fil! Now, say ‘Yo Yo Yo!’ when I call your name!�

They shared Charms with the Ravenclaws, and Scorpius hurried to sit next to his friends. “What did he say? That we can’t turn our books into rabbits? Oh, just you wait; I’ll show you something at break.� He grinned and refused to say anything more.

“Oh!� exclaimed Rose. “Rabbits!�

In a corner of the grounds, Scorpius had shown them he could perform this trick.

“You’re a genius, Scorpius!� Rose hugged the rabbit.

“Now I need my books back, sorry Rose,� sneered Scorpius.

Rose was excited.

“What are you excited about, Rose?� asked Albus, wondering what Rose was excited about.

“We have Potions next!� gasped Rose, tears of glory and wonder streaming down her face. “Isn’t this what you’ve been waiting for your whole life?�

“Er… no,� said Paul, raising an eyebrow. Besides, it was kind of obvious they had potions next. The entire class was standing around in the dungeons.

“Hey… did you hear? We have Potions with the Hufflepuffs,� said Krysta. “I thought you said we’d be with the Slytherins.�

“Aha!� said Rose, suddenly transferring to the mystical voice which she only used for matters such as this. “But are you not aware that the main character must always have Potions with the archenemy? Henry has somehow managed to worm his way into Hufflepuff, and we must have Potions with him so that we may have regular confrontations.�

“Breds, who’s Henry?� asked Random.

“It is I,� said Henry Macmillan, stepping dramatically into the limelight.

Everyone gasped loudly. In unison. You know, like how they do in movies?

“So, Weasley, you do not even give me a chance? You have prejudged me? Called me terrible? I am immediately cast Potter’s archenemy?�

“Pretty much,� said Rose, unfazed.

Henry snarled in rage and whipped out his wand, prepared to use the most powerful Hex he knew (The Bad-Hair-Day Hex), when Professor Lyra Fernham stepped in on cue.

“My dears! What is going on here?� Professor Fernham said sweetly, tossing an orange caterpillar scarf over her shoulder. (Or was it a scarf? There were rumours that Hagrid was breeding huge, multicoloured caterpillars for this reason.) They could barely see her face under the bright fuchsia floppy hat she was wearing.

Henry stared at the teacher, looking as though he was going to puke. He was therefore temporarily disabled from speaking.

“Professor!� squealed Rose, her large eyes shining innocently, tears welling up behind the lids. “Professor! H-he tr-tried to… Professor, Henry tried, h-he tried to H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-Hex me!�

She burst into tears.

“Is true, dreads!� said Random. “Fuh real!�

“Oh my! Don’t cry dear! Come on inside and tell me all about it…� said Professor Fernham kindly.

“But…� Henry began.

“Not a word out of you! You’ve been a terrible, naughty little boy, haven’t you? Now I want you to sit in the corner for the rest of the class and think about what you’ve done! And afterwards you’ll be going to the Headmistress’ office!� she said in a distraught, high-pitched voice.

“You know, I think Potions is going to be one of my favourite classes,� whispered Albus to Paul.

“Hmm… vastly engaging…� grinned Paul.

***

Throughout the week, a pearly white ghost, Sir Nicholas (fondly called Nearly Headless Nick), helped the Gryffindor first years to all their classes. By the end of the week, Rose and Albus had learnt to reach the Great Hall without getting lost. They had learnt much during that week, having met all their teachers: from the black-robed Astronomy teacher who they only saw on Wednesday nights and the bright Potions teacher, to the Defence against the Dark Arts teacher who shook Albus’s hand and said he knew Harry, and Professor Longbottom, who Albus nearly called Neville, before Neville said “shh!�

“Oh yeah, and Mum said to give you her love.�

The entire class burst out laughing, and Albus’s ears turned red.

That Friday, Albus, Rose and Scorpius went down to Hagrid’s hut. Albus knocked on the door, and was greeted by a loud, booming bark.

“Bach, Fang, Bach!� shouted Hagrid.

The dog began to howl to the tune of ‘Air on G String’.

“No, Fang!� Hagrid said. “BACK, Fang, not Bach!�

Albus, Rose, and Scorpius stared at the door.

“Hold on!� called Hagrid.

The door opened to reveal Hagrid’s hut.

“Oh, hallo there!� said Hagrid, “Come on in!�

When Albus, Rose and Scorpius were inside, Hagrid looked at Scorpius.

“An’ who’re you?� Hagrid sniffed, recognising a resemblance.

“I’m Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy,� sneered Scorpius, holding out his hand.

Hagrid shook it and opened his mouth as if to say something but then decided against it.

“So,� he said finally, “how was yer firs’ week?�

Albus launched into a description of the week, and then a question began to pester his mind, causing his scalp to itch terribly.

“Um, Hagrid…� Albus asked slowly. “Are you really breeding giant furry multicoloured caterpillars for Professor Fernham?�

“Ah,� said Hagrid.

Albus, Rose and Scorpius waited eagerly for the answer. And waited. And waited. As an afterthought, they waited some more.

“Um, Hagrid… aren’t you going to answer the question?� asked Rose.

Hagrid, who was frozen in his seat about to say something, shook his head. “Wha’?� he said.

“Um, Hagrid…� Albus asked slowly. “Are you really breeding giant furry multicoloured caterpillars for Professor Fernham?�

“Ah,� said Hagrid. “Tha’s stric’ly between me an’ Professor Fernham.� He puffed out his chest proudly. “Hogwarts business, yeh know.�

The next week, messages began popping up on the notice boards saying that the Gryffindors and the Ravenclaws would be beginning flying lessons on Thursday. Students became nervous, and they began trading tips and stories about broomstick flying to prepare. Albus had only ever flown once, and that… Albus didn’t want to think about it. Other students were telling tales about their days of flying and Albus wasn’t going to embarrass himself by recounting his only flying story.

“I remember when I was younger, me and my dad used to fly over hills and mountains,� said Krysta one day.

“Um… isn’t your dad a muggle?� asked Rose.

“Oh, well yeah…�

Scorpius prepared for the practices by building his own broom. It took him about a day.

“A whole day!� he sneered. “What a waste! I hope my broom works!�

Henry Macmillan had been talking loudly about his Firebolt 700, but people didn’t really believe him. They all thought that Albus knew how to fly, though. James was a Chaser for Gryffindor, and both Harry and Ginny were famous Quidditch players, but Albus wasn’t ready to use a broom after… the last time.

Finally, Thursday came. At breakfast, students were talking nervously about what they’d have to do. Albus was thinking back to the time he last used his toy broomstick and wondered whether his experience on it would help at all on a real broomstick. Scorpius sat by the Ravenclaw table talking loudly about his broomstick, and Rose was arguing with Krysta about the difference between aeroplanes and broomsticks. Then, suddenly, breakfast was over and the students were walking onto the Quidditch pitch.

Before Madam Hooch came onto the pitch, Henry Macmillan walked up to Albus, followed by two huge, muscular Hufflepuffs who looked as if they took steroids.

“Potter! These are my evil minions, Bob Smith–� he pointed at the more irritating looking one “-and Mooko Shackalacka-� he pointed at the larger one. “Fear them…�

“How come you’re here? This is a class for Gryffindors and Ravenclaws!�

“Ha!� scoffed Henry. “Don’t you know anything? Your archenemy always has to be there in your first Flying Lesson! Madam Hooch fixed it up! Idiot!�

“Yeah, Albus. It was rather obvious, you know,� said Rose reasonably.

Albus was about to retort, but then Madam Hooch came onto the pitch carrying a large bundle of brooms under her arm.

“Good morning, class,� she said, once she had laid out the brooms in front of the students. “Right, so choose a broom and we’ll begin.�

“Um, Miss,� drooled Scorpius. “I have a broom of my own.�

“Mr Malfoy? It is against the rules for a first year to have their own broom! I thought your father knew that!�

“I know, miss, but I was preparing for the flying lessons by building my own broom.�

“You built your own broom!?� Madam Hooch stared at Scorpius in shock. “How do you know it’s safe?! Pass it here!�

“Yes, Miss,� sighed/drawled Scorpius.

Madam Hooch took the broom from Scorpius and ran an expert eye over it. She felt the tail and the broom and nodded in a satisfied way.

“Excellent building. The Firebolt series, I’ve noticed, has a tendency to cause splinters and break apart after a while, but it seems you’ve fixed that problem.�

Albus knew very well about the Firebolt problem. That was why he was slightly afraid of flying – it’s quite scary to be flying one second, and the next the broomstick isn’t even there…

Madam Hooch sat on the broomstick and kicked off. In ten seconds she was a blur, and the students couldn’t see her very well. Fifteen seconds later, Madam Hooch suddenly appeared in front of the class.

“Amazing,� she murmured. “Fifty laps in fifteen seconds, now that’s something!�

Suddenly, Madam Hooch was herself again.

“Brilliant broom, Malfoy,� she said briskly, handing back the broom, “Now, stand by your broomstick and hold your hand over it. Then, shout ‘up’!�

As soon as Albus had shouted “up�, the broomstick he had taken shot up with so much power that it hit his hand, broke, and still continued upwards. Some minutes later, the two halves of the broom crashed down to earth with tremendous force.

“Potter! Calm down!� barked Madam Hooch. “I know about what happened with your father’s broom, but there will be no disintegrating brooms in this school.�

Albus wasn’t listening. He was staring in horror at the snapped broomstick. What if he had been on it!?

Eventually, Albus got a broomstick that didn’t break, and now had it in his hand.

Madam Hooch looked around at the class.

“When I blow my whistle, you will mount your broom and raise a few feet, then shoot straight back down. Any deaths are not my fault.�

Albus stared at her. SHOOT straight back down!?

The class rose a few feet and came down again. Albus had risen the few feet, and then gripped onto his broom, his face pale. It wasn’t that he was afraid of heights; he was afraid of broomsticks...