Final Rewrite of NG Mysteries of Hogwarts, I just want to get these done and finished. There are plenty of characters in here including OC's (obviously as there are not many established in this timeline) also if you would like your own character to be in here, please send me a message or something in a comment. Please READ and REVIEW, even if its just a few words.
Side Note: There may be more characters now (not many) because of CC. But anyways, I will be editing this and moving it forward.
Voices of the Forest
Chapter 1
A New Tale Begins
Albus walked down the corridor of the Hogwarts Express in deep thought. He knew he should be looking for a compartment for he and Rose, but his mind was mulling over what his father and brother had said. He heard his cousin give an annoyed sigh, he smiled. He really wanted to turn around and tell her she sounded like her mother, but he looked to see a nearly empty compartment. There was only one other person in it; staring out the window. He swallowed hard and tried to bite back his nerves, he hated how he got when he met new people, but he was going to push past it. He was not going to be in Slytherin… He just wasn't. He opened the door.
"Ohm… H-Hi, may we join you?" asked Albus, he nearly kicked himself for his stutter and gave a hopeful smile, there was a long pause.
"Sure," said the boy quickly looking from the window with a hopeful smile, that fell back into a nod as he looked back out the window.
"Scorpius, right?" asked Rose as she went to shove her trunk in the upper compartment, "I'm Rose Weasley."
"And I'm Albus, Albus Potter," smiled Albus quickly as he looked at the blonde boy.
The boy turned from his window slowly; he looked like he was questioning their motives in talking to him. Albus almost laughed at his expressive face, his blue eyes fell on Albus for a moment before deciding to answer for what seemed like ages. He still looked uncertain about them being in here with him, he raised a brow at the commotion Rose was making with their trunks before speaking.
"I know who you are, it's hard not to," he gave Rose's fire red hair a brief look before glancing back to Albus, giving a flicker of a smile.
"What's that supposed to mean?" she snapped, Albus cringed, hoping she didn't take offense, she was always touchy about her bushy hair, that and her large front teeth.
"Did you need help?" asked Scorpius quickly, he looked caught in emotions that Albus couldn't decipher.
"… No thank you," said Rose, taken a back, as she gave the trunk another shove and it fell into place.
"Thanks Rose," smiled Albus as she sat down next to him; she was taller than him, so it only made sense she'd put the trunks up there, and he doubted Scorpius was much taller than himself.
"Welcome," she smiled before reaching to take a book out of the bag she had at her side.
"Sooo.. Ohm, you're a first year too, right?" asked Albus as he turned to Scorpius who'd gone back to his window, fidgeting with his sleeves, "At least, that's what my brother said."
"Yes," he said with a nod, he raised a brow quickly, "James Potter?"
"Uh yeah, you've heard of him," smiled Albus happily, but his smile fell at Scorpius look of disdain.
"He has potions with my sister," said Scorpius with a glare, "Yeah, I've heard of him."
"Slytherin? Is she?" asked Rose, looking up from her book, though her voice didn't sound like it was a question.
"As a matter of fact, yes. She is in Slytherin," said Scorpius casually, he went back to the window.
"Your house too I suspect?" asked Rose, as if she already knew the answer.
"Don't know, like I said, I'm a first year as well," said Scorpius, "It doesn't really matter, too much."
"Really, I expected you'd say….." Rose was cut off quickly.
"Just because my father's side of the family and my sister are, does not guarantee that I want to be in the same house or that I will be sorted into such," said Scorpius quickly, his expression fell back to one of forced calm, "Besides, there's nothing wrong with Slytherin."
"Well," grumbled Rose as she looked back at her book, "With an attitude like that I'd say you're headed there."
"Pardon?" asked Scorpius with an agitated look.
"I don't want to be in Slytherin.. personally," said Albus, his face fell, "My dad says there's nothing wrong with it if I am... but if I am, that's okay too."
"Aren't you a Potter AND a Weasley?" asked Scorpius, Albus nodded, "Then I don't think you have much to worry about."
"Didn't you just say your family was all in Slytherin? Because that would be a contradiction to your previous statement," said Rose, Scorpius glared, "Besides Albus, James is just messing with you like normal. If anything, you'd be in Hufflepuff if you weren't in Gryffindor."
"Why Hufflepuff?" asked Albus in shock, this had never factored into his mind before.
"Now what's wrong with Hufflepuff?" asked Scorpius with a raised brow, he looked at Rose,"Are all houses but Gryffindor beneath you?"
"... Ohm… Q-quidditch, do you like Quidditch Scorpius," Albus saw the glare off between the two as if it was a beam of red light between them, "I do."
"What?" Scorpius looked away at Rose in confusion by the random change of topic, he smiled a little, "Ohm, yes I like Quidditch."
"Oi, you lot, what are you doing?" the door slid open to reveal a thin faced boy with messy auburn hair and freckles, "I saved you lot a seat... oh. Getting friendly, are we?"
"Hardly," said Scorpius, his eyes darted to Rose, James' hazel eyes squinted behind his glasses.
"Well good.. I don't want…" James was cut off as another head slid into view; this one held a broad smile, darker red hued hair, in what looked like dreads, and a darker complection with dark freckles.
"You harassing a bunch of first years, my dear cousin?" asked the boy with a smirk as he ruffled James' already messy hair.
"Hey Fred," beamed Rose, Albus smiled happily.
"Hey you two.. come on Jimmy, they found a compartment and they're making an attempt at friends with.. er?" Fred looked at Scorpius for a name, he opened his mouth.
"Malfoy," said James, giving Fred a nudge, his eyes went a little wide but more with curiosity.
"Malfoy? Oh…" said Fred, "So this is Scorpius? You're Scorpius."
"Yes. Excuse me but was there some sort of newsletter about my arrival?" asked Scorpius in confusion, Albus snickered slightly.
"Nah, it's just your sister wouldn't shut up all last year," Fred was cut off by James.
"Per usual…" Fred cut James' possible insult off.
"About how her brother Scorpius was coming to Hogwarts this year…"
"Should be a newsletter warning though…"
"Glad to see you're getting acquainted…" Fred started pulling James from the compartment.
"Excuse you…"
"Be nice; make loads of friends you lot…"
"Except M…" Fred was forcibly shoving James down the hallway.
"We best be going, we have to meet up with Jordan and Thomas…"
"No we don't…"
"See you all at Hogwarts," smiled Fred as he dragged James off and out of sight.
"What… was that?" asked Scorpius, still confused by their mere arrival.
"My brother James and our cousin Fred," said Albus feeling a little more calmed by Fred's previous presence.
"Oh, I imagined him looking more like my sister described," said Scorpius with a shrug, "He doesn't remind me of a troll."
"A troll?" asked Rose with an insulted look.
"He's more of ogre, if anything," smirked Albus, Scorpius snorted.
"That's your brother," said Rose quickly.
"So he's reminded me my whole life," said Albus, Rose smirked and rolled her eyes as he looked back at Scorpius, "So, what do your parents do then?"
"I wonder.." said Rose as she engrossed herself in her book again.
"Why?" asked Scorpius, he looked to Rose, but Albus won over his attention again.
"Just making conversation. My dad's head of the Auror's Department and my Mom's a Quidditch and Sports Journalist for the Quibbler and occasionally the Daily Prophet," Said Albus proudly, "And Rose's Mom is Head of Magical Law Enforcement and her Dad's an Auror too… he also helps to run Weasley Wizard Wheezes."
"I can speak on my own thank you," Rose sighed, "Besides, my dad was an Auror, if you payed attention this summer, my dad has decided to devote his whole time to the new shop opening in Hogsmede next year."
"Really?" asked Scorpius, his eyes wide, "My sister said there already was one? Anyways. My Dad works in the Department of Mysteries. My mom was a Healer, but she decided to stay at home instead.
"There is one, but there expanding it again," said Rose, smiling proudly, "They just opened on in Bulgaria last year."
"They opened one up in North America, didn't they?" asked Scorpius, he seemed to be relaxing a bit.
"No, unfortunately, the permits are very tedious," said Rose, she went back to her book and Scorpius suddenly looked uncomfortable again.
"Do you like our family shop?" asked Albus, eager to continue the conversation, Scorpius' face went pink and he looked at his feet.
"I'm... I'm not allowed," he said quickly, and looked out the window.
"You don't talk much, do you?" asked Albus with a smile, as Scorpius fell back into silence, "Why aren't you allowed?"
"It's not a big deal," said Scorpius, he played with his sleeves again, "I wasn't really planning on socializing you know."
"Why not?" asked Albus, he raised a brow.
"Al, will you just leave him alone," said Rose getting out a new book.
"I want to know why he doesn't want friends?" asked Albus, he was confused, making friends outside his families close connected ones, was exactly what he was looking forward to most, "I wan't to make friends, if I can. Sometimes I have a habit of making an awkward situation even more awkward. Mom says it's adorable, I beg to differ."
"It's not that I don't want friends." said Scorpius quickly, "I'm just... I'm not really good at making friends... I think."
"Do you want to be friends?" asked Albus, hopefully.
"What?" asked Scorpius in shock.
"Well. I think your interesting. And by are proclamation, we're no good at making friends. So why don't we be friends. Maybe my awkward and your antisocial could work in our favor. Besides, I think your nice," said Albus, he wondered if he was insulting him now.
"How did you get that idea?" asked Rose, with wide eyes.
"Well, he hasn't told me to bug off or insult me," said Albus, he looked to Scorpius' hopefully.
"I'd like to be friends." said Scorpius quietly, but a real smile spread across his face.
"Great!" said Albus, he felt the rest of his nerves fall away.
The train ride continued, with many discussion, Rose nearly buying out the trolley, Scorpius panic attack at being allowed sweets... which he was apparently restricted from... and Rose switching to yet another book, it was going well. Albus and Scorpius were in a dramatic debated about Quidditch teams and the brawl that had happened last cup. Turned out, there reserved seats were directly under theirs last year. Albus was certain now, that James' dropping of popcorn, might have been on purpose. That thought occurred as Scorpius said, he'd been enjoying it, until a series of food fell on them as the team scored.
"You know, sometimes people have a hard time distinguishing a loss on a team for their friendships, you know. I've heard lots of stories from our family. It can destroy friendships," asked Rose as she took a bite of a licorice wand, the last part seemed hopeful, "You know... house wars."
"It's only an issue if you're the losing team," said Scorpius as he opened up a chocolate frog.
"Also, what if your routing for the same house," said Albus as he picked up the Chocolate Frog card before smiling and tossing it too Rose, "Uncle Ron."
"Thanks," smiled Rose, she looked at Scorpius who had put his card in his pocket, "Collecting?"
"I have seven already of him," said Scorpius as he looked at Albus' wrist watch for the time.
"Really?" asked Rose as she put the card in her bag, "I didn't think… well."
"What, you'd think my dad would allow me to only collect the cards of people he liked?" asked Scorpius, smiling, "Then I wouldn't have many cards, then would I? Hard to like people you'd never met."
"This is true, and you'd have an incomplete collection," said Rose with a nod.
"It's my goal to have enough doubles to decorate an entire wall of my bedroom with them," said Scorpius with a proud smile and a blush, "You know, I think it'd be interesting."
"Agreed," smiled Albus, "Rose has most of her walls covered in photos, it drives my aunt crazy."
"That's because my bedroom walls are still a horrible shade of pink from when I was a little girl, and my parents refuse to repaint it," said Rose in sight disgust, "They're convinced I'll grow to like it again."
"I'll trade you walls," scoffed Scorpius, "Mine's an opal color, I don't know what it was intended to be… it's just shiny and white... and not white."
"Opal?" Albus began to open his mouth to inquire, but he was cut off by the compartment door opening again.
"Uh," groaned Scorpius whose face fell into a forced smile.
Albus looked in the doorway and knew instantly that it was Scorpius' sister. They shared very similar features and it was much easier to pin them as sibling versus he and James. She was thin like Scorpius and though she seemed paler than her brother, they both had silvery blonde hair. Her nose twitched as her face fell into one of disdain; they had the same upturned nose, though hers might have been a little more simply based on her demeanor. Her chin was more pointed than her brothers and her eyes were a slate gray that contrasted with Scorpius' blue ones. Albus knew she was in Slytherin, but it wasn't hard to figure out if he hadn't. She'd already changed into her robes. Albus glanced at Rose who seemed to be admiring how straight and regulated the older girl wore her uniform.
"Scorpius, I said Compartment Six, this is well passed that," her voice had a bored sound to it, more like she wasn't upset as she was more slightly inconvenienced.
"There was a whole bunch of girl's in there, so I found my own," said Scorpius, indicating to the compartment.
"You'd much rather sit by… others… rather than your own sister?" her voice wasn't as bored now, more a slight tone of outrage to her voice, Albus saw her glance at Rose.
"I'm making friends," said Scorpius, Rose's brow arose and Albus smiled and waved.
"I'm Albus Potter," smiled Albus, giving her a nervous wave.
"I figured," she gave Scorpius a look that Albus recognized as a silent argument between siblings; he often had those with Lily rather than James who was always vocal about his anger.
"We we're talking, I'm sure your friends are missing you," smiled Scorpius, obviously attempting to get the elder to leave.
"I can take a hint, you lot better get dressed, we'll be there in exactly fifteen minutes," said his sister with a heavy sigh before swinging around and walking down the trains halls.
"She's pleasant," said Rose with an eye roll as she began putting away her things.
"Actually, for Nancy.. that was," said Scorpius as he got up and pulled out some clothes from his bag.
"Nancy? Is that short for a longer name like Scorpius?" asked Albus as he began to grab his things, "Nancy is rather... boring compared to that."
"If I answered that truthfully… I doubt I'd even make it to the sorting hat," said Scorpius with a chuckle.
It wasn't long after they'd changed, that they'd began to slow down to the platform to Hogwarts. Albus felt nervous again, it had gone away when he'd been talking to his new friend. However, now he was worried that Scorpius might be in a different house than him, something that seemed to be putting a pep in Rose's step. He glared at his cousin, humming as she got her trunk and looking towards a slow moving Scorpius. He liked Scorpius, he felt less awakward around him, he even laughed at some of Albus' jokes that had normally earned him an eyeroll. However, his thoughts moved elsewhere as they reached the hallways and some fourth years nearly ran into him.
"Cauldwell! Peason! Both of you knock it off and pay attention to where your walking!" came a girl's voice from farther behind them, one of the prefects directing traffic.
Albus climbed off the train's steps after Rose, who was cheerfully pulling her trunk behind her. She glanced back at Scorpius and Albus talking briefly and felt annoyed very quickly. She sighed; leave it to Albus to be friends with someone they weren't supposed too. She knew her mom had told her to ignore her dad's advice, but she knew her dad had reasons. He's mentioned stories about the Malfoy's before when her mom wasn't around. She wondered if they were all true, she shook her head as Albus spoke and they got off the train.
"Hi Hagrid," smiled Albus as they hauled over towards the massive form.
"Holy..." Scorpius muttered looking up at the half giant in shock, he slowed his walk to flank behind them.
"Hey, Scorpius," said Albus, turning around and stopping there walk, "No matter what house. We can still be friends, right?"
"Yes." said Scorpius, still in shock at Hagrid's size, he shook his head and smiled, "Definitely."
"Ello Hagrid," said Rose cheerfully, as Hagrid's wild mane and warm eyes looked down happily at them.
"Well, 'ello Rosie, Albus. Safe travels I hope, looking forward to school," beamed Hagrid, his eyes went wide as he saw Scorpius staring up at him in curiosity, "Oi, you must be Malfoys! Look just like 'em. You do."
"Ohm, hello," said Scorpius, nervously, he gave a slight nod, and looked down at his feet.
"We met on the train," said Albus happily, "We're friends."
"Oh blimey. This is a 'ight to see," said Hagrid, with a shocked smile, "But I'm glad to here. Right, we should get going to the boats. First Years! Over here!"
"Wow," muttered Scorpius, "He's massive… What's he do?"
"He's Care of Magical Creatures teacher and Keeper of Grounds and Keys," said Rose smugly as they headed towards boats near the lake's dock.
"Four to a boat, please. No pushin' now, come on," said Hagrid as a few other first years playfully tumbled near the edge of the water, "All righty? Why don't you three head on over to that one."
"Come on Scorpius," said an excited Albus jumping in the boat beside what must have been Hagrid's, "I wonder if we'll see the Giant Squid."
"Okay," said Scorpius quietly, who stopped and helped Rose in.
"Thanks," she hesitated before taking the hand he was offering to get in.
The boats slowly moved towards the grand silhouette of the castle in the dwindling light breaking through rain clouds. Scorpius felt a wave of uncertainty rush over him at this sight. He felt Albus shake his shoulder and looked at his new beaming friend. He was panicked now, what would happen if they were in different houses. He was also confused at this new friendship, he'd ecpected that his family above all would ignore him. He was used to getting looks from people when he would go with his dad places, Diagon Alley had not been a treat. He had not expected his first friend to be Harry Potter's son, that was for sure.
Albus's mind was on a similar subject. He had made a friend. He had made his first friend on his own. This, to Albus, was amazing in itself. The only friends he had were family ones or cousins. Which, sometimes, he wondered if they didn't find him annoying at times. He wasn't like his siblings when it came to being likable. Sure, James could be a bit of a tosser sometimes, but he was very charismatic and easily won the center of attention. He was also very witty, and charming at times. Then there was Lily. Lily, though she had a temper sometimes, was downright lovable. Always full of energy, forward, creative, and had no problem asserting herself. Albus, was none of these things. He often felt worried about saying the wrong thing, so he wouldn't say anything in group settings. Up until two years ago, he mostly hid behind his dad. He'd get shy and stutter around people outside his family, or often make people uncomfortable with too many questions when he did speak. He often wondered where he go it from, being shy and awkward for the most part. His dad, even in tough situations, always seemed so diplomatic and charming. His mom was always witty and charming, and never bit her tongue; but when she said things, it was flawless. Albus, sometimes, felt like he didn't belong.
"We're 'ere," said Hagrid as the boats gave a slight jolt, pulling Albus out of his thoughts.
As they entered the grounds and began walking up the stairs, they barely avoided some water balloons being flung at them by Peeves the poltergeist. Albus noticed a thicker boy glaring at him; he thought he heard someone call him Goyle or something, but wasn't really paying attention. A man walked out of the doors to greet them cheerfully. He was tall and nowhere near pudgy as he once had been. He had rather neat dark brown hair and amber eyes, his round face was very welcoming.
"Hello first years, I am Professor Longbottom," said Neville happily and ignored some snickers, "When you walk through these doors you'll see four tables, but before you join your classmates... You will be sorted by the sorting hat where it best thinks you should be. Now follow me."
"Remember, no matter what house," said Scorpius, who was shocked at his own words.
"Yes, no matter what house," said Albus as he glanced James and Fred whispering with some of their friends, he swallowed hard.
"Good," sighed Scorpius as he glanced his sister, she was giving him a confident smile.
He sighed and looked at the hat sitting upon the stool, what house would he be in. Scorpius often stuck out in his family. He knew he was smart like dad, but that really was it. His sister often said he was more like their mother than anything, but she was much bolder than he was. Nancy had taken a lot after their father, more than their mother; clever, smart, attention seeking, and confident. Scorpius mostly kept to himself, he didn't like conflict. He really didn't like getting people mad, but sometimes it just happened, he didn't know when to stop talking when he started. He supposed this was mostly due to having sisters, often forgetting when to stop talking but trying to stop the fighting at the same time. He almost leapt out of skin when he heard his name; he'd been so deep in thought he'd forgotten about the sorting. He walked up to the stool and sat down nervously, his heart was racing as the hat covered his eyes.
"Oh? Another Malfoy. Well I see now. You're not much like your father at all... Hmm.. Your mind seems to show me that you are a bit of a sore thumb in your family; always the rebel in a way, ay. You have a thirst to prove yourself however, but you're loyal. Smart too. Ah, but I see who you truly are. Underneath all that worry and shyness, beats a strong mind, personality, and heart. Easier then I'd have thought. I have the perfect house for you. GRYFFINDOR!" yelled the sorting hat.
Scorpius felt his stomach drop, and his eyes widened. As the hat was pulled off his eyes, he saw Professor Longbottom's fading shocked expression into a smile. The hall seemed silent, then slowly a few claps came from the Gryffindor table. He nearly stumbled as he left the stool, he glanced towards his sister, but he couldn't see her in his sprint towards the Gryffindor table. He froze, not sure where to sit, no one had really moved. To his shock, it was James who slid over and indicated next to him. James looked to be in his glory as he stared right towards the Slytherin table as Scorpius sat next to him. He looked to see the horrified face of his sister staring back. As was probably appropriate. The only Malfoy in Gryffindor.
"Whoa," said Rose in shock, "I can't wait to tell dad this. He's going to lose it…. Brilliant."
"Great, I'm up," said Albus with shock, he wanted to be in Gryffindor so bad; he crossed his fingers as the hat was placed on his head.
"Ahh... Potter? Let's see. How strange, you seem so timid and shy but you have bravery deep within. Hmm, how strange, but I see where you want to go, and perhaps it'll help you find your strength. But I also see something else, maybe Slytherin… hmm. Very hard, but where shall I put you," said the sorting hat.
"Please, Gryffindor, please," thought Albus, he really wanted to be there.
"Oh, I see. Choosy are we, just like your father, I see. very well GRYFFINDOR!" said the hat and applause greeted the group, Albus ran to sit next to Scorpius.
"Brilliant! Where in the same house!" said an excited Albus, which Scorpius smiled in response, though not as boldly as Albus.
"Rose is up," interrupted James.
"Okay, your fine," she smiled to herself as she sat on the stool and the hat flocked over her eyes.
"Well now! Definitely smart. Ahh a Granger and a Weasley. Witt, brains, bravery, and quick tongue. Hmmm, where to put you. Well my dear, that's easy. How about GRYFFINDOR!" yelled the sorting hat.
"Oh this is going to be great!" yelled Albus happily as she sat on other side of him, "Think about it!"
"My parents are going to pass a cow," said Scorpius with a smile, "Yours?"
"Well, It's not like we've created some weird vortex or blown up the castle," said Albus in defense.
"To our parents, we might as well have," said Rose, "My Dad's going to flip when he hears Malfoy is in the same house as us."
"With you two? Those can all happen," muttered Fred as he shook his head, "I'm pretty sure the three of you might just put that to an actual test. Haven't properly introduced myself, Fred Weasley. Cousins, with this lot."
"Well, honestly going to say I'm actually a little more satisfied to say this than I should be," smirked James, "Welcome to Gryffindor, Malfoy."
"I can't wait for class tomorrow," said Rose cheerfully, completely engrossed in what possibilities her first day of class might be.
"Prepare yourself to hear that phrase over and over again," said Albus in a whisper, Scorpius really didn't get it, but as Rose started listing off their first classes and a little about them, he thought he might.
"Noted," said Scorpius as he glanced over to where his sister had once been sitting, he grimaced, he knew exactly what she was doing, "I wonder if I should even bother writing my parents about this, looks like they'll know within the hour."
TO BE CONTINUED
