Chapter One
HEAD BOY CAUGHT SNOGGING WHILE ON PATROL!
By Kate Cartwell and Kenzie McNamara
Seventh year and Gryffindor Head Boy, Albus Potter was caught snogging with his alleged girlfriend and Ravenclaw Head Girl, Clara Huffman while patrolling the Hogwarts Express on the way to school. The two were caught in an empty train compartment by Hufflepuff Prefects Margret Williams and Brandon Tate.
"Albus was all red and stuttering," Tate told us. "He told us to go back to our patrol. Clara wouldn't even look us in the eyes."
According to previous reports, it's not the first time Potter and Huffman have been caught being overly affectionate. Williams tells us that during the previous year's Prefects meetings the two were constantly staring at each other. They arrange their evening patrols, so they would be together and are constantly together in and out of school.
"There's an ongoing joke with Prefects that Albus and Clara are paired together for everything on purpose. They're the professors' power couple," Williams told us laughing. "But no really, they're really sweet when they're in a group but after a while it's a bit tiresome watching them make eyes at each other."
Potter and Huffman are in charge of organizing Prefect patrol schedules and running Prefect meetings. The two have been constantly spotted together since their first year at Hogwarts. The two are set to graduate in the spring. Potter is set to enter a Healer Training Program at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. Huffman aims to secure a position in Magical Law Enforcement Patrol.
From all of us here at Hogwarts Weekly, we wish not only this happy couple, but also all returning seventh years the best of luck with their final year as they prepare for their N.E.W.T.S.
"Look what I have," Rose said as she plopped down on the bench next Albus.
It was only their first week back at Hogwarts, and it seemed like Hugo, Lily and the rest of their staff were back, hard at work. The duo had formed an underground newspaper the previous year as a bit of a joke. They reported everything from gossip to house politics. The rest of the student population responded with roaring approval. Many students hadn't been sure that Hugo and Lily would continue the newspaper this year. Obviously they had gotten their answer.
"Blimey, they work fast," he said shaking his head as he took the newspaper from Rose. A picture of him and Clara sitting by the lake, laughing was plastered on the front page. He watched himself and Clara dissolve into laughter, her black rimmed glasses then askew on her face. "How did Lily and Hugo even get that picture?"
"That's a question for Katrina Creevey," a voice behind remarked. He turned to see Lily who wore a smug smile. "She's done a fantastic job for us so far." Lily sat down across from him and helped herself to a piece of toast with jam on it. "And to be honest Al, when I asked her for a picture of you and Clara, she handed me that and said she took it last year."
Rose rolled her eyes. She seemed to do that a lot since fourth year when she discovered how annoying Lily and Hugo could be.
"Honestly, you and Hugo are unbelievable," she said as she took a sip of her coffee. "How did any of you find time to work on any of this? It's the first week back and the teachers have already begun to pile homework on us. And, you have O. this year too! Lily, you and Hugo need to prioritize."
Lily snorted but said nothing. Albus knew for a fact that Lily had rather good marks and had an affinity for Charms, Transfiguration, and Arithmancy. She was a pretty diligent and attentive student. She just didn't broadcast it. He noticed whenever her friends compared marks she was uncharacteristically quiet. He, and her professors he imagined, knew she was brilliant.
"I am prioritizing," said Lily matter-of-factly. "I want to go into journalism after I graduate. Hogwarts Weekly is a good way to practice writing and work in a journalist's environment."
He noticed Lily look over Rose's shoulder. He knew that she was peering at the Hufflepuff table where Hugo and Lucy were sitting across from each other, deep in conversation. Hovering nearby would be sixth year Jason Goodwin. The three had their heads buried in the newest edition of Hogwarts Weekly. Since the creation of Hogwarts Weekly, Albus had since picked up on the many habits of several Ravenclaws, Hufflepuff, Slytherins, and fellow Gryffindors. The noted Hufflepuff trio had taken to critiquing the newest edition as soon as it came out in order to make improvements for the next edition.
"Rose is right, Lils," he said trying to sound neutral. When girls in his family fought, it was almost always brutal and messy. Getting caught in the crosshairs of a conflict was not what he wanted to do. "Doing well on your O. is important and you need to prepare. We know you're bright. It's time the rest of the world knew that too."
Lily ran her fingers through her ginger hair sighing. It was at times like these when he saw how much Lily looked like Mum. Her ginger hair and headstrong personality were all too reminiscent of his mother from the stories Dad, Uncle Ron, Uncle George, Uncle Bill, and Uncle Percy told.
"You're right, you're right," she relented. "Mum and Dad want me to do well. But, I just don't care enough for O. . Being a journalist doesn't require having an N.E.W.T in Transfiguration or Charms. It doesn't even really need an O.W.L either. You just have to be passionate about informing and educating people."
Albus offered her a smile. He knew that she had a lot to live up to. They each had a lot to live up to being children of Harry Potter, the boy who lived, the boy who defeated Lord Voldemort during the Second Wizarding War. They had each taken up professions and passions so different from their parents', than the wizarding society's expectations. It was only James, the Auror in training who fulfilled all the expectations.
"That was quite passionate Lily," Rose remarked as she got up from the table. "I'll see you all later. I have to go or I'll be late for Transfiguration. If I were you, I'd get a move on too, Al."
"Yes, mother," he responded rolling his eyes, attempting to duck as Rose messed up his hair.
"I should probably go, too," Lily said slowly getting up. "I've got Arithmancy first with Hufflepuff and that's all the way across the castle. I really don't want to run across castle today."
She tossed her hair as she got up. He brown eyes flecked with amber glinted mischievously.
"I'll see you at dinner tonight," she said. "I've got a newspaper staff meeting at lunch. And don't mind if Kiera or Eliza, ask you about the Healing Program at St. Mungo's."
His eyes widened.
"Lily," he moaned as she laughed at his obvious discomfort.
He sighed and slouched a bit. Seventh year was said to pain in the ass, and he was just feeling the beginning of it. The Healer Program he wanted to join required N.E. in Potions, Charms, Herbology and Transfiguration. It was hard to believe that after a year he would be out of Hogwarts and be forced into wizarding society.
Ever since he was little, he realized that he didn't have normal parents. His friends could go to Diagon Alley without being bombarded cameras and overexcited admirers. His father was the boy who lived, the famed defeater of Lord Voldemort. His mother was a retired Chaser for the Holyhead Harpies and current sports writer for The Daily Prophet.
Maybe he was overthinking it, but he had the feeling that the wizarding world was going to make his formal entrance into the work world a bit harder than it need be. He's brother had always like the attention until recently. James had finally matured and mellowed down a bit. He used to be an attention seeking prat, causing pranks and fiascos and still managing to get good marks.
He shook his head and gathered his things, and he tried to clear his mind. He had more important things to worry about like Transfiguration first things with Professor Patil. His father told him that Headmaster McGonagall used to teach that class, and he couldn't imagine having the class under her.
He had heard many stories from his father, mother, aunts, and uncles about the wrath of McGonagall and how strict she could be. Professor Patil was strict enough.
He marched out of the Great Hall, and he tried to ignore the sound of giggling fourth year Ravenclaws and the stares of a group of Hufflepuffs.
"Albus!" a girl's voice called to his as he stood at the Great Hall's entrance.
He turned and faced Clara Huffman. Her dark brown hair was pulled into a tight pony tail and her black rimmed glasses were slightly crooked. Her mocha brown skin seemed to glow an after effect of her holiday with her family to her father's home country of the Philippines.
"Hi Clara," he said with a smile as she rushed into him. He pulled her close, and he could smell her vanilla and lilac body wash.
She removed herself from her, and she looked up at him. "How are you?"
"I'm great," he replied. He fought the urge to grace a small kiss on her face. "I've got to run. Transfiguration with Patil."
She nodded in understanding.
"Of course, you don't want to be late," she tip toed upward and pecked his cheek. He could feel a warm blush rush to where the she had kissed him. "I'll see you at dinner."
He watched her run to a nearby staircase ambushed by a friend. He smiled to himself, and he couldn't help but wonder how he was so incredibly lucky.
xxxOOOxxx
Jason Goodwin breathed in the incense of Professor Trelawney's loft. He fought back the urge to cough, and he sent looks to his fellow table mates.
He had Divination with Gryffindor first period, and he sat with Gryffindors Louis Weasley and Rachel Zhang. Rachel, who was a sixth year Prefect, ignored his look for the most part, only a small smile gracing her face. Louis, on the other hand, gave a small snort.
He hated Divination, and he had no clue as to why he kept taking that class. He should have taken Rose's advice taken Arithmancy in third year instead.
He began to play with his yellow and black tie and tried to ignore Professor Trelawney's welcome speech. He wasn't alone in this. He knew for a fact that Rachel wasn't truly listening as her eyes glazed over. He was also aware that fellow Hufflepuff Justin Tan was scribbling notes and passing them to his friend Harper Donnelley.
The only two who seemed to be truly interested in what Trelawney had to say was Lisa Cho and Melody Brown. The two had been dating since fourth year and were well known groupies of Trelawney.
He rolled his eyes as Trelawney closed out her welcome speech. He fiddled with a quill, as Rachel gave him a swift kick from under the table.
"Ow!" he hissed. "What was that for?"
Rachel frowned. "We're supposed to be interpreting our crystal balls."
He stared at her for a long moment, for he no desire to actually look into his crystal ball. And by the looks of it, Louis was just as disinterested.
"Rach, do you see anything?" Louis asked he gave a bored look at the ball.
"Yeah," she replied. "I see you and Jason failing this class. Now come and actually do some work."
He laughed. "Come off it Rachel. I haven't actually said or done anything yet."
"Precisely," she retorted as she scribbled some notes on a piece of parchment. He had learned over the years of sharing Divination with Gryffindor that Rachel was a firm believer in tough love. He also knew she despised this class as much as he did.
"So how was your summer, Rachel?" he asked her as he pretended to write a note about his crystal ball as Trelawney walked past.
"Quiet," she replied. "I was in London with my aunt most of the summer while my mum and dad were traveling. How was yours?"
"Uneventful," he answered as he took a deep breath. "My sister, Eliza spent part of the holiday with Kate Cartwell and Kenzie McNamara. Mum was busy at the Ministry, and Dad had a business trip in America. He was trying to market some software to buyers in Chicago. So, I didn't do much…binge a couple series."
Rachel, whose parents were both wizards, gave him a blank stare. He forgot sometimes considering how grounded she was.
"Ah," she said. "It's a muggle thing, isn't it? Sorry, I forget that your Dad's a muggle. He's just so amazing, and I kind of forgot."
He couldn't help but smile at Rachel's excuse. Their mums were friends, and one summer the Zhang family stopped by for dinner. Rachel and his dad picked up a conversation rather quickly, and they were equally fascinated with each other.
"Wow, mate. She's met your dad," Louis said nudging him slightly. He had a sly look on his face, and he winked conspiratorially.
Rachel delivered another swift kick under the table, and Louis gave a muffled yelp of pain. Jason coughed and fought back the urge to laugh. Louis had been ticking off Rachel for year; one would think he would learn by now.
"We're not dating," she stated stiffly. "Now seriously Louis, get to work."
Louis rolled his eyes and ran his fingers through his hair.
Jason had to appreciate how attractive he was. Louis had ginger hair and warm green eyes; his skin was well tanned and slightly freckled from the sun. He was part vela and had a powerful magnetism. He could be a literal girl magnet when he wanted to be. He wasn't too bad with guys either, and if Jason was being completely honest if he didn't know he was straight he would definitely want to be with Louis.
Jason wished he had Louis's confidence. He had been helped by friends since first year, and he had only agreed to write for Hogwarts Weekly after Lily threatened to share his private writings with the whole school.
Speaking of which, he had to come up with a political piece for next week's Hogwarts Weekly. Molly had overenthusiastically forced him to write the second story by himself.
He sighed and put his head down on the table. It was going to be a very long week.
xxxOOOxxx
Scorpius Malfoy unpacked his things at his Potions station. Herbology with Ravenclaw had been uneventful and rather dull for him.
As he pulled out a worn notebook, he was aware of someone taking a seat next to him. He smiled to himself because he knew exactly who it was.
"Hi Rose," he whispered as he sat himself back up.
"Hey Scorpius," she smiled at him.
He took her hand under the table and gave it a light squeeze. He had missed Rose's company over the summer holiday. Her constant companionship during the school year had led to countless letters being sent throughout the summer.
Professor Slughorn cleared his throat to get the class's attention.
"Welcome back class," he said peering over the dungeon. "I'm looking forward to another term of working with all of you. And with that being said, I would like to introduce my new teaching assistant Mitchell DeMarco."
A man situated on a stool behind Slughorn gave a small wave.
"As you all know, I'm not a spring chicken," he paused as a small murmur of laughter permeated through the dungeon. "He will be with me for the duration of the year. So please treat him with the upmost respect. On that note, we will be working with the Draught of Living Death. Please turn to page…"
Scorpius zoned out for the rest of Slughorn's monologue; he watched Rose open her textbook and prepare her work station.
He mirrored her actions, and he watched her prepare her potion.
"You need to use the side of knife and use it to smash the bean," she said to him.
"Of course," he retorted as she did what she advised. "You've always been great at this."
She rolled her grass green eyes, and a lock of red hair fell from behind her ear. She had removed her robes and rolled up the sleeves of her blouse. She had faintest traces of mascara on her lashes, and her lips were painted a light shade of pink.
"You look nice today," he whispered as she dropped contents into her cauldron.
He saw her blush, and he fought back the urge to kiss her. He had been friend with Rose since third year. He wouldn't count first or second year because they hated each other back then. He couldn't remember why they had despised each other so much early on.
He asked her out at the end of fifth year and to his delight she said yes. Rose's siblings and cousins all knew that they were together, but their parents were still in the dark. He found it hilarious that two years had passed, and they hadn't been found out. Rose, on the other hand, was a bit paranoid that her father would find out and actually disown her.
"Thank you," she replied easily a smile gracing her face. "Have you seen the latest Hogwarts Weekly?"
"No actually," he replied. "Why?"
She frowned slightly. "Rumor has it that there's a shakeup in Prefect and Head Boy and Girl leadership. And for some reason, Molly and Jason found out that Al and Clara want you and I to deal with the new Prefects."
He gave an involuntary groan. He didn't mind the underclassmen, but he had no desire to help them sort out their responsibilities and sit in on their meetings. Fifth year Prefects were all too stressed and overdramatic for his taste; he should know he was one.
"I don't want to deal with the fifth year Prefects," he moaned as the contents of the cauldron turned a white creamy color. "If Al and Clara want more time to snog, they could do it during the Prefect meeting. They wouldn't mind."
Rose coughed, trying to stifle a laugh. She was smiling as she collect the sample of her potion into a flask.
The TA, Mitchell DeMarco, came up to them. "How are things you guys?"
"We're doing well so far," Rose replied beaming at him.
Scorpius was alerted to the fact that Mr. DeMarco was an American. He seemed pretty young, and if he had to guess he'd say that he was fresh out of school.
As if he sensed Scorpius's thoughts, Mr. DeMarco commented, "I graduated recently from Ilvermorny, and I wanted to travel so here I am. I specialize in potions, and one day I want to teach a class of my own."
"That's very admirable, Mr. DeMarco," he remarked.
DeMarco stuck out his hand, and Scorpius took it.
"Thank you, Mr…."DeMarco trailed off.
"Malfoy," he replied. "Scorpius Malfoy."
DeMarco nodded. "Thank you Mr. Malfoy. And please it's Mitchell."
He nodded and spooned the contents of his cauldron into a flask. He labeled the flask and made his way to Slughorn's desk. The potions master gave a smile to him, and Scorpius returned it.
His father and mother spoke fondly of Professor Slughorn, and from what he gathered the professor was well loved by former and current students alike.
He took a seat next Rose and took her hand again. She fought back a smile and squeezed his hand. He felt a smile tug at the corners of his mouth.
xxxOOOxxx
PREFECT LEADERSHIP SHAKEUP?
By: Molly Weasley and Jason Goodwin
According to some Hogwarts Weekly insiders, there's talk among the Head Boys and Girls, namely Albus Potter and Clara Huffman, about changing up leadership roles. The two Head students named above are in charge of Prefect patrols and Prefect and Head student meetings.
"They want to hand over Prefect meetings to Scorpius Malfoy (Slytherin Head Boy) and Rose Weasley (Gryffindor Head Girl)," fifth year Ravenclaw Prefect, Avnee Sodhi.
The reason is unknown as to why Potter and Huffman want to change leadership roles in their seventh year, but there are some speculations.
"Mr. Potter and Miss Huffman are hardworking students," Professor Longbottom told us. "With Mr. Potter being captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team and Miss Huffman being president of the Muggle Cultural Association, they are both high achieving students. They're both incredibly busy."
Longbottom suggests that the pair want to get a bit off they're place, and they feel it best to ease themselves out of the leadership positions. They want to get the current student body leaders used to functioning without them.
"They've been involved with Prefects and Head students for ages," newly minted Prefect, Martin Finch tells us. "I remember hearing so much about them fourth year when I was still hoping to become a Prefect."
A sixth year Slytherin Head Girl, Sabrina Webb comes over and comments, "Albus and Clara are awesome, but to be frank I think that they just want to spend more time together in their seventh year. Being part of these leadership positions keep you busy, especially when you're organizing it. I think it's romantic."
There's momentary silence from Webb, and it appears that she's thinking of something.
"Or maybe they just want to snog," she adds as the nearby Prefects burst into laughter.
We'll be following the latest updates to leadership positions as they come, and of course we'll look for the latest in all political new in and out of Hogwarts.
xxxOOOxxx
AN: Hi guys! So this is my first HP story, I'm so excited to share it with you all. This first chapter is on the short side, and I'm not too happy with it. So, feedback is greatly appreciated! I want to improve the characters, and I can only do that if I get feedback about character portrayal.
And if you notice any grammatical errors, please point them out to me! I was a bit too excited to share, and I didn't really look over this chapter too well.
So, feel free to drop a review in the box below, and follow and fav the story!