To all those who enjoyed Sourblood and wanted a Hogwarts sequel... welcome back. Your reviews and encouragement have pushed me to write more; thank you. To those who haven't read Sourblood... welcome.
The original story took place when Scorp was four and was told from Lucius Malfoy's perspective, and does not have too great an effect on the plot of House of Gambaru. However, the Malfoys grew and changed a lot all those years ago; so if you don't want to be shocked by Draco running a charity or Scorp playing Smoke on the Water for Lucius, then reading Sourblood first would be an excellent idea. Here is the link; s/7476728/1/Sourblood, and the story is not too long.
I am trying to keep to cannon as much as possible in this story, however there are some things that I am changing to suit the story. For instance, all sources seem to point to Scorpius being an only child, but I gave him a little brother named Paullus. There is also no mention of him being blind in cannon, but hey, that was the whole point of Sourblood. Hagrid has also been confirmed as a Gryffindor by Rowling, however his loyalty, and his kindness towards creatures that other people consider monsters, has always made me see him as a Hufflepuff, so, he is a Hufflepuff here. Also, I realise that my Goyle is a bit out of character... I've been having too much fun writing Goyle in Slytherin Stand and that may have influenced me a bit here. Hopefully you can forgive me when you meet his daughters. I will give warnings in places where I knowingly screw with the cannon,
Finally, I would like to ask anyone who reads this and is vision impaired to correct me if you see that I have written something inaccurate about Scorp.
Well, here's the story; I hope it is as good as people were hoping it would be. I'll try and update monthly, and just for the record... I do not own the Harry Potter universe.
SCORPIUS MALFOY AND THE HOUSE OF GAMBARU
Chapter 1: The Best Birthday Ever
Scorpius Malfoy had been excited about going to Hogwarts ever since he could remember, and now it was finally happening. He could smell the smog of the Hogwarts Express, could hear the chatter of other excited children and the noises of a menagerie of animals. Even through his school shoes were solidly built, he could just imagine the ancient cobblestone platform beneath his feet.
His father held his upper arm, guiding him through the noisy crowd. Scorp didn't object to being guided. After all, he had never been to Platform Nine and Three Quarters before, and the crowd was big and energetic; two factors that made it tricky for him to get his bearings. But still, he was twelve-years-old, and heading off to Hogwarts; he already knew that things would be harder for him than for most of the other students, and he didn't want his future classmates to see him being led around by his Father and assuming he needed help with everything.
His father came to a brief stop, and the innocent conversation the family had been having about Hogwarts stopped. Before Scorpius could even ask what was happening though, his father began walking again and his Mother continued the sentence that had been cut off.
"What happened?" Scorpius asked. "Did you two see someone you recognized?"
There was another brief silence. Scorpius imagined that his parents were looking at each other and having a silent conversation.
"No," His Father would be saying with his face "he doesn't need to know this."
"You can't protect him" His Mother would reply just as silently. "If he was sighted he would have seen it. We shouldn't hide things from him."
"But I really don't want to tell him. It'll upset him. Let's just let him be happy."
"We can't protect him from bad things just because he can't see them."
"Oh, alright then."
"It was nothing Scorp" Dad said. "I just saw some people I knew from when I went to Hogwarts, and stopped to wave to them. Well, not wave, I really just nodded in their general direction."
"So you saw some people that you didn't get along with when you were young?" Scorp asked. There was another brief pause from his parents, and Scorp sighed to himself. Why did they always act so surprised that he could see the obvious? If it had been someone Dad had gotten along with then he would have said something, or kept walking while waving.
"Well, no Scorp, I didn't get along with the people I saw" Dad said. "But since Hogwarts, we have been civil to each other. It wouldn't have been very nice for me to ignore them."
"I understand. But why didn't you want to tell me? I know you weren't a very nice person back at Hogwarts."
"Well, it's just awkward. Sorry Scorp."
"Your Dad just likes to hold onto grudges longer than he admits" Mum said. "And it doesn't help that well..., Scorp, do you remember a girl called Rose Weasley?"
"Nope. Is she a relative of the famous Weasley family?"
"Yes, and you played with her a few times back when you were little. You met her at Aunty Daphne and Uncle Dennis's wedding, and her Mother and I arranged a few play dates for the two of you after that."
"Oh... no I'm not sure remember. Wait? Was she the bossy tomboy girl?"
"You've knew a couple of bossy tomboy girls Scorp" Dad said. "But I think you're thinking about the right girl."
"Okay. I don't really remember much about her, just that she was bossy, tomboyish... and asked a lot of questions about being bind. I mean, more than other kids."
"Probably the Weasley girl" Mum said. "Anyway after a while you two started to be less interested in being friends, and things were never smooth between Dad and her father, so the play dates stopped."
"Okay... and her father was one of the people you saw just then?"
"Yes" Dad said. "Him, his wife, and Harry Potter and his wife."
"Ahhh... your old school rival."
"How did you know that?"
"You were against him in the war, and in the same school year. You may have never told me the names of any kids you were mean to, but I can put two and two together."
"His definitely a Ravenclaw dear" Mum said to Dad.
"Well, okay it wasn't all me" Scorp admitted. "Maffy and Uncle Greg told me. But it is obvious."
"Fair enough" Dad said. "Now, they both have children starting in your year. Scorp, promise me that you won't be mean to them just because I didn't get along with their parents, alright?"
"Why would I be mean to them just because you don't like their parents? That's silly."
"That's good Scorp" Dad said. "I'm really proud of you. Oh, but don't get too friendly with that Rose girl."
"What do you mean too... Dad, I don't want a girlfriend!"
"Alright Scorp. If you say so. Oh, Maffy and Paulie are back from the toilets."
Sure enough, Scorp could hear his eight-year-old brother's high pitched voice over the crowd.
"I bet Scorp will be in Gryffindor Maffy" Paulie said. "They're all brave like Scorp, and they do stupid things too; like sliding down the stair rails!"
Scorp groaned; sliding down the stair banister had seemed a very good idea before he reached the bottom. Yes he came up with many ideas that were risky enough for sighted children, but he was just trying to have a bit of fun. Surely that didn't automatically put him into the house of stupid risk-takers.
Not that he was really opposed to being in Gryffindor; he did see himself as brave, and they probably had more fun than Ravenclaws. Plus Uncle Dennis had been in Gryffindor and he was awesome.
But it would be nice to be in Slytherin; dark reputation or not, his whole family had been there, and so far three of the Goyle sisters had been sorted there too. It would be nice to be in a house where he already knew a few friends.
"Hey Scorp!" Paulie said. "I just saw a girl with a tiger cub!"
"Wow, you can have a tiger at Hogwarts? That is so cool!"
"I think it was just a cat with a tiger coat" Maffy said. "Maybe it's owner tried to turn it into a tiger."
"It still looked really cool though!" Paulie said. Judging from where his voice was coming from, Scorp figured that Paulie was right in front of him now. He reached out his hand, and then brought it down until it found Paulie's shoulder. Paulie was so much shorter than Scorp - so much shorter than other eight-year-olds even - but he had a big personality. And he was fidgety too; Scorp could feel his shoulder moving beneath his hand. Surely Paulie must be overdue for a haircut, for his untamable curls were bouncing against Scorp's hand.
"Paulie" Scorp said. "I promise you that once I get back from Hogwarts, I'll make you a tiger coloured cat!"
"But Scorp, you won't be able to see how the tiger stripes are going."
"Well I'll make it an oddly coloured cat and you'll be happy with whatever you get."
"Deal!"
"You might have to wait a few years for that" Dad said. Well, it's almost eleven, we better get you on the train and all settled in Scorp."
"What do you mean we?" Scorp asked. "You're not going to guide me onto the train are you Dad?"
"I'll just quickly show you around and then help you find an empty compartment," Dad said, "and then I'll be gone."
"Draco he doesn't need the other students to see him being put in a compartment by his Father" Maffy said. "The carriages are easy to navigate, I'm sure Scorp can find his own way. And Scorp, if you are worried we can get the conductor to help."
"I still think -"
"Dracohis going off to Hogwarts for the first time. Please don't humiliate him."
"Oh alright. But I'm getting the conductor right now."
"Draco wait" Maffy said. "Now Scorp, inside the carriage there is a narrow hallway with compartments on either side. There are ten compartments on each side of the hallway, each one about two meters by two. At each end there are entranceways with two exit doors on each side, and two unisex toilets beside each door at the far end. If you go past the toilets you'll reach a door that leads to the next carriage. We're in front of the third carriage at the moment; if you keep going left - your left as you enter - you'll be able to keep going through the rest of the carriages. Have you got all that?"
"Yes Maffy. Did you remember the measurements from when you were at school?"
"No, I got your Uncle Greg to have a look for me. Do you think you'll need the conductor?"
"No I'll be right."
"Scorp are you sure?" Dad asked.
"Don't worry Dad. I can navigate Malfoy Manor perfectly; and even sighted people get lost in there."
"I'd still be happier if you let me find you a compartment" Dad said.
"It's not going to happen Draco" Mum said. "Our little boy is in Hogwarts now; we are now officially uncool"
"I still think you're cool Mum" Paulie said. "Though, Dad can be really embarrassing."
"I'm embarrassing?" Dad said.
"Only sometimes" Scorp said. "And don't worry, Paulie is more embarrassing."
"How am I embarrassing! You're just a dumbhole Scorp!"
"See what I mean?"
"You take that back you hippie!"
"Boys stop right now" Mum said. "Now Scorp, you better get on the train, but first off, your Grandfather has one last present for you."
When Scorpius had first learnt that the Hogwarts Express left on the first of September, he had been worried because it clashed with his birthday. But so far he had had the best birthday ever; the whole family had gotten up early and had birthday cake for breakfast, and everyone had gotten him presents that he knew he would use a lot at Hogwarts. Some, like Uncle Blaise's 'Teacher Radar', Scorp just knew would serve him well for the rest of his school life.
"You didn't have to get me another present Maffy" Scorp said. "That tin of pics was awesome. They all feel really strong."
"Yes, I'm glad you liked them" Maffy said. "But since your old guitar isn't going so well, you might want something to use your new pics on."
"Maffy you didn't" Scorp said, suppressing the urge to jump up and down like Paulie. His old guitar was now covered in sound altering dings and a bit too small for him, and Dad had convinced him to leave it home until it could be fixed. Scorp had been a bit sad at the thought of going to Hogwarts without a guitar, but now...
"Hold out your hands Scorp" Maffy said. Scorp obeyed and instantly a large wooden object was placed in his hands. He placed his hands all over the new guitar, feeling all its curves, fingering the fret board, running his fingers along the steel strings. Once he had gotten a good look at it, he placed the strap over his shoulder and began to play that immortal riff from Smoke On The Water. Oh yes, this guitar sounded good. It was perfect.
"Thank you Maffy!" Scorp said, swinging the guitar around to his side and giving Maffy his biggest bear hug. "Thank you so much, I love it!"
"I'm glad Scorp. But don't play when you should be studying."
"I won't Maffy" Scorp said, knowing even as he spoke he was lying.
"Okay, you better get on the train now" Mum said. "Let me help you get your stuff up the stairs."
Scorp didn't protest as his parents helped him put his school trunk and owl cage onto the train; after all they were heavy, and Maffy assured him that other children were getting help with the steps as well. Once Scorp's luggage was safely in the train, the whistle blew and there was a mad dash of children getting on the train. Scorp went back to his family.
"I love you Mum."
"I love you too Scorp" Mum said as she hugged him and kissed his forehead. "Have a safe trip. And give our love to Uncle Greg and his family alright?"
"Aright Mum, I will" he said, as he moved to the next family member. "I love you Dad."
"I love you too Scorp" Dad said, hugging him back with enough force to crush him. "And remember, it's alright to ask for help if you need it."
"I will."
"And don't forget that the Goyle's will all be looking out for you."
"I know."
He escaped his father's protective grip, and then latched on to his grandfather.
"I love you Maffy."
"I love you too Scorp" Maffy said, giving him a quick hug and then roughing up his hair. "Enjoy the rest of your birthday alright?"
"Thanks Maffy" He said, trying to remember where Paulie had been standing. He found his little brother quickly, and gave him a hug despite his protests.
"Goodbye Paulie."
"You're a big girl!" Paulie said, squirming to get out of his brother's embrace.
"I know, I love you too."
"Okay, I love you. Have fun at Hogwarts Scorp."
Scorp boarded the train, and said one final goodbye to his family before taking his luggage and walking left (as he had entered) and trying to find a compartment that sounded empty. Most had laughter and voices coming from them, and he didn't want to ask to share a compartment unless absolutely necessary. He came to one compartment near the end of the hallway filled with the shrill voices of young girls and was thinking he would have to make his way into the next carriage, however the next compartment was completely silent.
"Hello" Scorp poked his head through the door. "Anyone in here?"
No reply, excellent. He walked in, placed the owl cage holding Geddy on the seat, and began hoisting his trunk into the luggage rack above him. Geddy was hooting, so Scorp placed a finger in the cage and let his bird nibble it.
"Rebbit. Rebbit"
Was that a toad?
"Um, excuse me," said a girl's voice,"but um, you just put your owl on my book."
"Oh sorry!" Scorp said quickly picking up Geddy's cage. "I'm so sorry, I thought this compartment was empty, because, you were really quiet and well, I'm blind so I didn't see you... I'm sorry."
"Oh no no, I'm sorry. I didn't know you were blind; I should have spoken up sooner. It just took me a while to figure out what you were doing. Sorry."
"No don't be sorry. I'm the one that just walked into your compartment and started putting my stuff away."
"Yeah, that was really weird."
"Sorry... um, so I guess I should move on now."
"Oh, no it's alright. You've already put your trunk up, I wouldn't want you to have to get it down again. And besides, I don't know anyone here, so it would be good to have some company."
"Okay. Oh, the train his moving. Want to wave to the people at the platform? We have a window right?"
"Yeah we do, my family is right under it."
Scorp walked to the other end of the compartment, and joined his fellow traveler in waving out the window. Of course he couldn't see anything, but he soon heard Paulie yelling out something about giant spiders and having fun, and knew that his family was watching him leave.
"Okay, the train has turned the corner" she said. "Wow, we're really going!"
"I know! I've been so excited about going to Hogwarts since well, forever!"
"Oh wow, does that mean your parents are magical as well?"
"Yeah, all my family are wizards and witches. Are your family Muggles?"
"Yup, total Muggles. They thought the letter was a joke at first, but then one of the professors came around to explain things for us. It's so exciting, discovering a whole new world."
"Yeah, it must have been amazing seeing everything for the first time. My Uncle Dennis is Muggleborn too, and he said that it was just a real mind-bender going to Hogwarts for the first time. He's told me a lot about the Muggle world, but I've never really had a chance to experience it firsthand. Except with music; Muggles have much better music than Wizards."
"Cool. Can you play many songs on your guitar?"
"Heaps. I've been playing since I can remember. I like classical rock mostly; The Beatles, Rush, Led Zepplin, Def Leppard, Rainbow, Dio... there are just so many awesome Muggle bands."
"I know. Have you ever heard of Metallica?"
"Yeah I've heard of them." Scorp said. "I haven't heard much of their stuff though, but they seem pretty cool."
"They're awesome, and they're still going and releasing albums! Though, my parents don't like me listening to that sort of music, so by the time I'm old enough to go to a concert they would probably have retired. But my friend Monica's father is a roadie, and he introduces me to all these bands."
"Wow a roadie... that is awesome! My Grandparents on my Mum's side don't like me listening to rock either. But my parents will let me listen to anything as long as they listen first and censor out the swearwords. But my Uncle Dennis lets me listen to the non-censored songs anyway."
"That is so cool! Oh, my name is Kiyomi by the way. Kiyomi Kanno. My parents are Japanese, so that's why my name is a bit strange."
"That's not strange at all. My name is Scorpius. Scorpius Malfoy. But everyone calls me Scorp. Now that's a strange name."
"That is. Is Malfoy a common surname for Wizards?"
"Nah, my family are the last ones with the name. We're what's called an old Pureblood family, and many other families have stranger names than us."
"Wow, that is so cool."
"Depends on who you ask really. Pureblood families used to really not like Muggles or Muggleborn Wizards and Witches. Some are still like that, but mine is sane now."
"Oh."
"Oh, don't worry if anyone says something about being Muggleborn. Hardly anyone is like, an actual Pureblood these days. And even less people care about it. I have friends at Hogwarts, and they say that the only people who have a problem with Muggleborns are gits, and everyone hates them."
"Oh that's good. Professor Goyle told my family that there had been a war with extremists who didn't like Muggles, but she said it was all over and I'd be accepted by Wizards no problems."
"You've met Professor Goyle?"
"Yeah, she was the Professor that came to help my parents get my school stuff. She was soooo nice."
"No way. She's my Godmother! That's amazing that you've met her. Did she tell you that she lives at Hogwarts with her husband and five daughters?"
"Oh wow, so the whole family lives at Hogwarts?"
"All year round. Uncle Greg is the assistant Groundskeeper, and Aunt Selene... well, I guess I should call her Professor Goyle now - she teaches History of Magic. They were both in Slytherin. And so far three of their daughters are too. What house do you think you'll be in?"
"I don't know. Professor Goyle said she would love to see me in Slytherin, but she also said that I'd be a more likely to encounter discrimination there. How do they put you in Houses?"
"Oh, they have this hat that you wear, and it reads your mind, and decides which house you're best suited for."
"That sounds easy. So there's no test?"
"No test at all!"
Just then there was a knock on the door. Kiyomi said 'come in', and Scorp heard the door come slightly ajar.
"Oh um, hi" said a young boy. "Are you two First Years as well?"
"Yeah" Scorp said.
"Oh um, well, I was just in the next compartment with my cousin and her friends, but it's getting a bit crazy in there. Would I be able to sit in here for a while?"
"Sure, come in" Kiyomi said. "I'm Kiyomi, and this is Scorp."
"I'm Albus" the boy said, sitting down next to Scorp. "Oh, cool owl!"
"His name is Geddy" said Scorp. "And Kiyomi has a toad."
"My parents wouldn't let me get an owl or a cat" Kiyomi said. "So I begged them to get me a toad instead. His name is Mr. Toad."
"That's a good name for a toad" Albus said. "I wanted an owl, but my parents want me to share my Brother's owl Nimbus. At least for now they said."
"I'll probably end up sharing Geddy with my little brother when he gets to Hogwarts" Scorp said. "But Paulie doesn't like birds that much anyway. He wants to get a cat when he comes to Hogwarts."
"I wanted a cat originally" Kiyomi said. "But I really like Mr. Toad."
"Rebbit!"
"Hey Scorp, was that your brother on the platform?" Kiyomi said. "The really little kid with the curly dark hair that was yelling about giant spiders?"
"Yup, that's Paulie."
"His so cute. I only have an older sister called Motoko."
"I'm a middle child" Albus said. "I have an older brother called James, and a little sister called Lily. James is a git."
"He can't be that bad" Scorp said. "After all, he is your big brother."
"You don't have any older siblings do you?" Kiyomi asked.
"I had an older sister named Aquila, but she died before I was born."
"Oh, sorry."
"That's alright."
"Well, you're lucky not to have an older brother" Albus said. "James always teases me, and he thinks his so much better than everyone else just because his the son of two famous people."
"You're parents are famous?" Scorp asked.
"What I... no no, forget I said that. It's nothing."
"Nah, tell us" Kiyomi said. "I've never met anyone famous before."
"Well, alright. My last name is Potter. My Mum played for the Holyhead Harpies, and my Dad is well, the Harry Potter."
"Who?" Kiyomi asked.
There was a pause, and then Albus gave a relieved laugh.
"You really don't know who Harry Potter is?"
"No, I'm Muggleborn."
"Oh yeah, you wouldn't know... well that's awesome. I get so sick of people telling me that I'm going to do great things just like him, or that I look just like him."
"I don't think you look like him at all" Scorp said.
"Really?"
"Well I'm completely blind, so of course I don't see the resemblance."
"Oh, really? You're blind? What happened?"
"Just the way I was born. How about this? I won't make a fuss about you being Harry Potter's son, and in return you don't make a fuss about me being blind."
"That sounds awesome" Albus said.
"You know, I'd already forgotten you were blind" Kiyomi said.
"Thanks."
"No problem."
"Oh Albus?" Scorp said.
"Yeah?"
"My last name is Malfoy."
"Oh."
"And mine is Kanno" Kiyomi said.
"Awesome" Albus said. "I like you two. Even if my cousin Rose thinks your family is no good."
"Am I missing something here?" Kiyomi asked.
"Not really" Scorp said. "I don't think our parents got along when they were at Hogwarts, but my Dad said he doesn't care if I'm friends with Albus or anything."
"My Dad hasn't said anything either way" Albus said. "I assume he'll be okay with it. Either way, I'm not going to judge anyone without knowing them first."
"Sounds like a plan" Kiyomi said. "Judging people is a good way to miss out on a good friend. If I'd accepted my parent's judgment on my friend Monica, I'd have never gone near her."
They spent a while longer talking about families. Kiyomi's sister was a Muggle, and was apparently brainy, snappy, and most likely jealous that Kiyomi was special and she wasn't.
"I just hope it doesn't drive us apart any further" she said. "She's already strict on me like my parents are, I don't want her to hate me."
Albus's brother was - according to Albus - a bully. James was starting his third year, and had been threatening Albus with what would happen if he wasn't sorted into Gryffindor.
"I hope Paulie doesn't hate me as much as you two hate your older siblings" Scorp said. "Even though he calls me names sometimes, I'm pretty sure he adores me."
"You imagine he adores you" Albus said. "But right now his really upset that you're going to Hogwarts and he isn't."
The conversation shifted from siblings, to parents, and then Grandparents. While talking about Maffy Scorp let slip that it was his birthday, and his new friends sang happy birthday to him and both gave him IOUs.
He already missed his parents, but this was shaping up to be the best birthday ever.
They had already passed a lot of countryside, and Scorp had played a few songs before they were interrupted again. This time the intruder was another boy who said he had been looking for Albus for ages.
"Rose was really worried when she realized you were gone" The new boy said. "I went looking through the entire train, and then I find you right next to our compartment?"
"Sorry Birdie. I didn't mean to stay away long, but I made some new friends. This is Scorp, and this is Kiyomi. Why don't you stay with us a bit?"
"Sevy, Rose is really angry."
"Well... sorry."
"Wait," Kiyomi said. "Sevy?"
"It's a nickname" Albus said. "His name is Albus too. Albus Byrd. And since that's a bit confusing, I call him Birdie. But he can't call me Potty, because that just sounds wrong. So he calls me Sevy, which is based off of my middle name, Severus."
"I didn't think Albus would be that common a name" Kiyomi said.
"It's very common amongst Wizard children nowadays." Scorp said. "I had a friend called Albus before I came to Hogwarts. He didn't have a nickname."
"Well," Kiyomi said. "If it's so common, and since we know of at least three Albus's amongst us, Albus, would it be alright if I called you Sevy too? Or just Sev? I went to school with three Jessicas, and that was really confusing."
"Well, If you have to" Albus said. "But I still prefer Albus or Al."
"Except when it's me doing the calling" Birdie said. "I guess being the son of Harry Potter guarantees that you are the Albus."
"No Birdie, it's not like that. I'm sorry, I can't help what other people call us. I guess being called Sevy isn't too bad."
"Don't worry, I'm used to it. Oh, the snack trolley is coming."
Scorp heard footsteps as Birdie entered their compartment, and then he heard the squeaky wheels of the trolley. Then the door opened and a voice called out for snacks.
Wait a sec, Scorp knew that voice.
"Uncle Greg!"
"Scorp? Ah there you are. I've been looking for you."
"I didn't know you rode the Hogwart's Express!"
"Last year the lady who usually brings the trolley around died, so volunteered for the job. I think I'll do this every year. Who are your new friends Scorp?"
"The boy next to me is Albus Potter, and the boy standing up is Birdie, erm, I mean, Albus Byrd. And here in the corner is Kiyomi Kanno. Everyone, this is my Godfather, Greg Goyle; Keeper of the Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts."
"Hello everyone. And Scorp, I'm Assistant Keeper of the Keys and Grounds. Hagrid still holds on to most of the important keys."
"I think I've heard of you" Albus said. "Did you replace Hagrid as Care of Magical Creatures as well, or just as Groundskeeper?"
"Oh no. Never" Uncle Greg said. "I can do everything around the grounds that needs doing, but I don't have half as much knowledge about magical creatures as Hagrid. He just knew I was strong, reliable, and already lived nearby. Though I don't think I would have gotten the job if Hagrid hadn't become Deputy Headmaster and gotten too busy."
"I bet Hagrid is an awesome Deputy Headmaster."
"He has been doing a good job" Uncle Greg said. "Him and Headmaster Flitwick make a good team."
"My Brother Cedric says Flitwick is a Ravenclaw" Birdie said. "But I'm not sure what House Professor Hagrid is in. Oh wait, he was in Gryffindor right?"
"No, he was in Hufflepuff actually" Uncle Greg said.
"Is he the Head of Hufflepuff then?" Kiyomi said. "Like how your wife is the Head of Slytherin?"
"You know my wife?" Greg said. "Ah, hang on, I think she told me about you. Brown-haired Japanese girl from a really skeptical family, right?"
"That's me."
"Yes, I definitely remember hearing about you. Selene says she had a lot of fun helping you and your family shop for Hogwarts. And you were interested in History of Magic right?"
"Yes, she made everything sound so fascinating."
"You'll love her lessons. But no, Professor Hagrid isn't the Head of Hufflepuff. To be the Head of a House, you have to teach a core subject; meaning you First Years have to start your lessons with that teacher straight away. Professor Hagrid teaches Care of Magical Creatures, and you can't take that until Third Year."
"Who are the other Heads?" Scorp asked. Maybe if he knew more about the teachers in charge of the four houses, he could better decide where he wanted to be.
"Well, you know your Aunt Selene is the Head of Slytherin, and also the History of Magic Teacher."
"I thought History of Magic was taught by a Ghost" Birdie said.
"It used to be" Uncle Greg said. "But no-one really learned anything from Professor Binns, so he got fired. He can still be found at times teaching to empty classrooms though."
"There are ghosts at Hogwarts?" Kiyomi asked.
"Oh yeah, heaps of them" Uncle Greg said.
"But they aren't like the ghosts in Muggle stories" Birdie said. "They don't hurt anyone."
"Oh that's good" Kiyomi said.
"Just keep an eye out for Peeves" Uncle Greg said. "But his not really dangerous; just a nuisance. Anyway, You have Professor Goyle as head of Slytherin. The Head of Gryffindor is the Herbology teacher, Professor Longbottom. He's pretty good as well."
"I've met Professor Longbottom a lot" Albus said. "His my Godfather. Is he on the train too?"
"Nah, none of the teachers are aboard" Uncle Greg said. "Anyway, for Hufflepuff you have Professor Llewellyn; she's the Potions Master, and everyone loves her classes. And finally, we have the Astronomy Teacher Professor Sinistra as Head of Ravenclaw House."
"Cedric says she's really great" Birdie said. "And she was teaching back when my mother was at Hogwarts."
"What House was your mother in?" Uncle Greg asked. "Maybe I knew her"
"She was in Ravenclaw like Cedric" Birdie said. "Her name was Cho Chang."
"The name sounds familiar" Uncle Greg said. "But I can't place her, sorry. What about your father?"
"He didn't go to Hogwarts, he was a Muggle."
"Fair enough. So, what House do you want to be in? Ravenclaw like your mother and brother?"
"Definitely!" Birdie said. "'Wit beyond pleasure is man's greatest treasure.' I couldn't imagine being in any other House."
"Mr. Goyle" Kiyomi asked. "Which is the best House to be in?"
"Oh, all the Houses are good" Uncle Greg said. "Until you get sorted that is. Then your House is the best and all the other's suck."
"Yeah but, I want to show my parents that I can be the best Witch ever" Kiyomi said. "I've always been a slower learner than my sister; even though I try really hard. And my parents are worried that by going to Hogwarts instead of a normal school I won't know as much."
"You'll end up in whatever House is best for you" Uncle Greg said. "Though it sounds to me like you'll either be in Ravenclaw or Slytherin. Ravenclaw values intelligence and a thirst for knowledge, while Slytherin values ambition and resourcefulness. You could do well in either House."
"But isn't Slytherin only for Pureblood students?" Albus asked.
"Nope" Greg said. "You don't have to be Pureblood to be ambitious and resourceful. There haven't been as many Muggleborns in Slytherin as in the other Houses, but there have always been some. Including my wife."
"Really?" Albus asked. "the Head of Slytherin House is Muggleborn?"
"Yeah, and she is so awesome" Kiyomi said.
"She must have been really brave being in Slytherin during the war" Albus said.
"She was very brave" Uncle Greg said. "Braver than most Gryffindors. But it was her Slytherin resourcefulness and cunning that got her through."
"It would be cool being in Slytherin like she was" Kiyomi said.
"If you want to show your parents that you're serious about learning though, you should aim for Ravenclaw" Birdie said.
"What do you mean aim?" Kiyomi said. "I thought you just put the Hat on and it says where you belong."
"Yes, but you've got to tell it where you want to go and why. Otherwise it could put you anywhere."
"I guess Ravenclaw would be an alright House to be in" Albus said. "But, I'm not sure I'm as into learning as Birdie seems to be."
"Not everyone is" Uncle Greg said. "And that's alright; everyone is suited to different things. Not being in Ravenclaw doesn't mean you're stupid."
"I know. But well, I guess really I just want to be in Gryffindor like the rest of my family" Albus said. "My parents, my grandparents, and all my cousins, and my brother of course; they're all in Gryffindor. Though I guess Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff would be alright. I was worried about being in Slytherin, but you make it sound alright Mr. Goyle."
"Slytherin is a great House to be in" Uncle Greg said. "No need to be worried."
"But you said before that everyone thinks their House is the greatest" Scorp said. "So well, your biased as heck Uncle Greg."
"Ah point taken. Now little Scorpius, which House would you like to be in? I don't think you've ever told me straight up where you want to go."
"I don't really know where I want to go" Scorp said. "It would be nice to be in Slytherin with the girls; but, I just want to be in the same house as my friends. If I get put in the same House as Kiyomi and Albus I'll be happy."
"But you don't care about being in the same House as me?" Birdie asked.
"I've only known you for about ten minutes" Scorp said. "And besides, Ravenclaw doesn't sound that fun. Even if my parents think it's perfect for me."
"Ravenclaw would be a lot more fun than Slytherin" Birdie said.
"Trust me kids, Hogwarts is fun no matter which House you're in" Uncle Greg said.
"What are the traits of Gryffindor and Hufflepuff?" Kiyomi asked.
"Gryffindor's are the brave ones" Albus said. "They have what it takes to be heroic, and honorable. Most of the Heroes from the war were Gryffindors."
"And Hufflepuffs are well, the nice ones" Uncle Greg said.
"In other words, the rejects" Birdie said.
"I bet I'll be in Hufflepuff" Kiyomi said. "But it would be really good if I could be in Slytherin. I bet my parents would be really proud of me if I was. They really respected Professor Goyle."
"But Gryffindors have been considered the greatest House for decades" Albus said.
"Ravenclaw is the House for anyone who wants to show how smart they are" Birdie said.
"Well then" Scorp said. "Kiyomi wants to go to Slytherin, Albus wants to go to Gryffindor, and Birdie is going to Ravenclaw. So, where does that leave my plan to stay with my friends?"
"Maybe you should try and get into Hufflepuff" Albus said. "That way there will be one of us in every House."
"You'd probably make a good Hufflepuff Scorp" Uncle Greg said. "But then again, you'd make a good anything. You're smart, brave, kind and highly resourceful. Maybe you'll give the Sorting Hat a stroke."
"Has that happened before?" Scorp asked.
"Never" Uncle Greg said. "It'll find the right place for you. Now, I better get this Trolley to all the other compartments. Here you lot, Chocolate Frogs on the house. Catch."
Scorp had his palms ready in case Uncle Greg threw some of the sweets at him, but once the other three had caught their Chocolate Frogs Uncle Greg just placed three in his hands. And then, before Scorp could do anything else, he felt a large parcel being placed on top of the frogs.
"And heres another present from me and your Aunt Selene" Uncle Greg said. "Happy birthday Scorp!"
"Thanks Uncle Greg!"
"Hope you like it. Enjoy the rest of your trip kids. I'll see you all at Hogwarts. Hope you're all happy wherever the Sorting Hat puts you. And I hope you all end up in Slytherin."
The children laughed as they said their good-byes to Uncle Greg. Once he was gone Scorp started opening his new present.
"Is it really your birthday today?" Birdie asked.
"Yup, I'm twelve today."
"You must be the oldest First Year then."
"I'd say so. Unless someone else is turning twelve today. If I was born a day earlier I'd be starting my Second Year today."
"Well, Happy Birthday."
"Thanks."
Scorp now had the wrapping paper off his present, and could tell it was a book; a Braille book. He ran his fingers across the title.
Hogwarts: A History
Of course. He had been surprised Aunt Selene hadn't given him a copy before. But having Hogwarts a History in Braille... Scorp was very pleased with that. Mostly when he had to read something he used his headset or got one of his parents to put a speaking charm on the words, but a Braille book could be read in bed without the bulky headset or keeping other people awake. And judging by the size of the book, he would spend a lot of nights reading it.
"What type of book is that?" Birdie asked.
"It's Hogwarts: A History" Scorp said.
"How can you tell? There's nothing but dots on it."
"It's Braille writing" Scorp said. "I can read it by feeling the bumps."
"But isn't Braille for... wait are you blind?"
"Yup."
"Oh, sorry. I thought you were just not looking at anyone because you were rude or something."
"I try to look in the general direction someone's voice comes from. Sorry if that isn't good enough."
"No no no, it's cool. Sorry. Um, if you don't mind me asking, how are you able to go to Hogwarts? I thought you had to be able to navigate the castle and do school work unaided to get in."
"I can navigate a castle and do schoolwork on my own."
"Oh. Really?"
"Yup."
"Oh. Cool."
There was an awkward silence after that. Scorp knew Birdie hadn't meant to point out his blindness in such an awkward way, but that didn't mean that Scorp couldn't be cranky with him. Fortunately Albus either understood that Birdie had overstayed his welcome, or was able to time coincidences really well.
"Well Birdie, we better go and let Rose know that I'm okay. I'll be back really soon guys."
"Okay, see you in a few minutes Al" Kiyomi said. "Bye bye Birdie."
"Bye Kiyomi, bye Scorp." Birdie said. "Nice meeting you."
Albus and Birdie left, leaving Scorp and Kiyomi alone again.
"So, are these chocolate frogs good?" Kiyomi asked.
"Yeah they're really tasty. And they come with a Famous Wizard Card. I have a huge collection at home. Oh, be careful when you open them though; they hop around pretty fast."
"Oops, too late."
Scorp heard the chocolate frog jumping around, and Kiyomi getting up and chasing it around. Scorp got up and helped her, following the sound of the frog's landing. He bumped into Kiyomi, but they both just giggled a bit and went back to the frog hunting.
Until the door opened, and Scorp heard something splatter. Then of course Kiyomi started giggling.
"Is this your chocolate frog?" Said a girl.
"Yes... sorry it landed on your face."
"If you're sorry, why are you laughing?"
"Well, sorry, but you look funny."
Scorp could imagine a girl - probably with long hair that she brushed and styled - with a splattered sticky chocolate frog on her face. He couldn't help but chuckle a bit.
"Something funny, Malfoy?"
"Who are you, and how do you know who I am?"
"I'm Rose Weasley" the girl said. "And I know you because my father pointed you out to me on the platform. He warned me about your family."
"My Dad told me about you too. He said we used to play together when we were little, and that if I wanted to be friends with you again that was okay."
"Ha!" said another girls voice. "Probably trying to see if they could get you to worm your way into the Weasley's good books"
"Elliott leave him alone" Albus said. "Scorp hasn't said a thing about Rose all day, and I walked into the compartment and started talking to him on my own, so it's not like he was out trying to get to me."
"Whoa whoa" Scorp said. "I heard a lot of footsteps, I know there are quite a few of you there, but just how many people are here?"
"Well these Rose with the chocolate in her hair" Kiyomi said. "Plus Albus, looking really on edge, and Birdie is at the back with a tall skinny guy trying to look invisible. And there are two other mean looking girls flanking Weasley. Now, will someone tell me why Weasley and Scorp have such bad history? Did Scorp trip her over when they were four or something?"
"His father was a Death Eater" Rose said. Scorp flinched at the accusation; he couldn't deny it, since his father had been a Death Eater, but how could he possibly expect Kiyomi to remain friends with him if she thought his family were Death Eaters.
"Death Eaters?" Kiyomi said. "They were the Pureblood extremists right? Scorp, your father wasn't one was he?"
"He was" Scorp admitted. "But he didn't like it, and he certainly isn't anti Muggleborn anymore. I mean, my uncle is Muggleborn and he and Dad get along well."
"See Rose?" Albus said. "Scorp is fine, his not trying to kill me or anything and his family isn't evil. You don't have to worry about me."
"Albus, his father is Draco Malfoy" Rose said.
"I think you're just looking for an excuse to be mean" Kiyomi said. "Scorp's an awesome guy and if you want to hate him because of something his father did before we were even born, then you've got mud for brains."
"Take that back!" Rose said. "my Mother is the smartest witch of our times, and I don't need some fatty bombah to insult my intelligence!"
"THAT'S ENOUGH ROSE!" Albus shouted. "Kiyomi is my friend, and so is Scorp. I'm not going to let you just stand there and insult them!"
"Um, Albus, she insulted me first."
"But she was right, you were being stupid with what you said about Scorp. You don't even know him and your already jumping to conclusions."
"Albus, I'm just looking out for you."
"Well, you don't need to insult my friends to do that" Albus said. "So just go, all of you!"
"Albus if you think I'm going to let Malfoy -"
"Rose," Birdie said, "Scorp is alright. I was talking to him before, his cool. And so is Kiyomi. Come on Rose, Sevy is fine here, so let's go before we make things worse."
"Fine" Rose said. "Have fun with your new friends Al. I'll see you at Hogwarts. Providing of course that James was wrong about you being bound for Slytherin."
Two sets of footsteps walked off, followed by Birdie saying good-bye and walking off with another set of footsteps. So, that should leave Albus and another of Rose's group still in the doorway.
"I thought we were your friends Albus" said the girl Albus had called Elliott before.
"Well, yes you are" he said. "Well, I mean, I like hanging out with you guys, but you're really more Rose's friends than mine."
Elliott stormed off without another word.
"Sorry about that" Albus said. "Rose has always been really protective of me, and she's always thought that we would like, go to Hogwarts together and be really close and that. But well... I just can't stand her best friend."
"That Elliott girl?" Kiyomi asked.
"Yeah. Her name is Elliott Frost. We've known her since we were toddlers, and she's always been mean."
"Who are the rest of the people she had with her?" Scorp asked.
"Well," Albus said "these Rose's other best friend, Tara Cattermole, who is usually nice, but well, she's a bit thick. And she goes along with whatever Elliott says."
"A bimbo?" Kiyomi asked. "She sure is blond enough to be a bimbo. No offence Scorp."
"What? I'm blond? How can this be?"
"Come on, you knew that" Kiyomi said.
"Yeah okay, I knew I was blond."
"Yeah well you're not a bimbo. Unlike Tara" Albus said. "And of course there's also Birdie, and his best friend Kurt Davies. We met them a couple of years ago in Tutor Group"
"Tutor Group?" Kiyomi asked.
"Most wizard children are homeschooled" Albus said. "But sometimes we go to visit a tutor, and there's usually a small group of us."
"Oh okay" Kiyomi said, relief noticeable in her voice. "Do you have friends from Tutor Group Scorp?"
"My mother is a tutor" he said. "But usually her classes are for children with intellectual disabilities, or children with severe physical disabilities. No-one from her groups are starting Hogwarts this year."
Scorp decided that now would be a good time to get back to his Chocolate Frogs. It wasn't that he didn't want to tell his friends about Aquila House or his Mum's Tutor Group, but that would lead to talking about Albus Merryweather. Albus had died from his condition last year and it still hurt to talk about him. He would tell his new friends one day, but not now. Despite his encounter with Rose Weasley and her friends, Scorp was still having a good trip, and while he could think about the good times he had had with Albus Merryweather, talking about his death was just too sad.
Albus Potter had brought his trunk with him when he returned from Rose's compartment, and soon he had truly made himself at home. They ate their chocolate, and their packed lunches. Then they looked through their cards.
He had been about to get out his headset to read the cards, but then decided that now was a good time to try some magic. He got out his wand, and cast the reading spell his parents had so often cast for him. He expected something to go wrong, but instead the card started reading aloud it's information about Gwenog Jones; former Captain of the Holyhead Harpies.
Which then prompted Kiyomi to ask about Quidditch, and Albus to happily explain it. Then all three of them got out their wands and began to practice simple spells. Apart from Scorp's Reading Spell, not much else worked.
They spent the rest of the journey uninterrupted. Until it had turned dark outside, and it was time to change into their school robes. Scorp felt as fidgety as Paulie when they pulled up to the platform. An announcement by the conductor said to leave all luggage, including owl cages, cat baskets, and their occupants on the train. Scorp let Geddy nibble his fingers again as he said good-bye, but Kiyomi kept Mr. Toad in her pocket and brought him with her as they got off the train.
The cool Autumn breeze hit Scorp's face as they stepped onto the platform. Over the sound of the students, Scorp could hear Uncle Greg calling for the First Years. Scorp took his white cane (enchanted to fold up unnaturally small and fit in his pocket) out and got Kiyomi and Albus to describe the platform for him.
"Find: Uncle Greg" Scorp said to his cane. the cane then started leaning slightly to the left as it's homing spell guided it towards Uncle Greg's homing bracelet. He made sure Kiyomi and Albus were still with him, and then walked with them towards Uncle Greg.
Towards their start at Hogwarts.