I watched my cousin go up to the stool we were all supposed to sit on. I could almost feel Albus' hands shaking and his legs not working in the right way because, oh well, that is the way I feel too. I saw the black-haired boy sit on the stool and the steady hand of Professor put the ancient hat on his head, so it fell over his eyebrows. I saw Albus purse his lips together, and the moment later the Sorting Hat shouted out: «SLYTHERIN!»
Brilliant, I thought. Just brilliant. I thought that Al will get unhappy about the Hat's decision, but he seemed to already be talking with a boy at his right, with this special smile on his face. Slytherin now is not what it used to be, as Uncle Harry says. There are still some grandchildren of Death Eaters, but the whole faculty has changed. Mom says that maybe it is because of the new head - Professor I-cannot-remember-her-name.
The most unexpected thing of this evening that got even professors surprised is the sorting of the Malfoy boy. He was one of us in this sense. One of the children being watched by everyone. Everyone knows our last names and who our parents are. However, unlike Potters and Weasleys he was expected to be sorted to Slytherin. Which did not happen. Everyone, including me and Al, were left gawking when the hat yelled ,not even touching silver head for longer than a second, «GRYFFINDOR». Poor boy seemed even more lost than before. Me and Al got to seem him on the train: all alone with a book on his lap. Made me feel sorry for him. He stumbled from the stool and went to the Gryffindor table, apparently expecting to be rejected, as I could tell from the look on his face. I watcged him sit down and squeeze his eyes shut. Moment after I saw a hand fall on boy's shoulder and he turned his head to be greeted by a dark-haired boy, who smiled at him and tried to pretend that he does not notice Scorpius Malfoy's shocked face.
"Weasley, Rose."
Oh stars, please Rose just don't fall. I climbed up to the stool, closing my eyes, so I will not see my family members looking at me.
"Oh, one more Weasley. Reckless, smart, and sly. Slytherin?"
«Mmm, I prefer red.»
"Red, you say? Well then…"
GRYFFINDOR!
Happy as I could be I ran to my faculty's table. I saw the gap on the bench, and sat down. Turning my head in different direction I spotted James smiling at me, and rolling his eyes in direction of Slytherin table. THen I turned my head right and caught the pair of light eyes looking at me with a surprised expression. When the boy saw me looking, he looked down and blushed a bit. I extended my hand and smiled at him.
"I am Rose."
He finally looked up, and smiled back, his long fingers curling around mine.
"Scorpius Malfoy."
Dad is so NOT going to be proud.