Disclaimer: JK Rowling owns everything in the Harry Potter universe.

Fresh Start Ch 9

When his father had spoken about the afterlife he'd told Scarlet about moving on from your body, that you'd travel to the great beyond with nothing weighing you down if you lived a good life…Then why did he feel so tired?

Scarlet tried to move his body but his limbs weren't responding, he could hear noises in the background, voices maybe, but it was unclear to tell. He wasn't sure where he was; the last thing he remembered was passing out on the floor, so where was he now? The man had talked about another place, a fiery hell. Would be ironic a freezing spell would send him to the hottest place in the world, but so be it. Which only confused him since he didn't feel hot, in fact, his body felt like it was lying on something soft.

He once again tried to move his limbs; he could feel his arm move slightly, it must've been noticeable as the voices grew louder, he could hear them all saying the same word, what was it? He tried to listen.

"Scarlet!"

People were calling out to him, he tried to say something but his mouth wouldn't work, so he tried to move again. This time he could move his arm slightly more, that in turn only caused the voices to get louder.

"Scarlet! Come on wake up!"

It sounded like….Tonks. So with everything he had he tried to force his eyes open, a blinding light welcomed his efforts, he preferred it when he could only see darkness. The light soon disappeared as pink blur entered his vision, he moved up slowly trying to get a better look.

"Easy there Scarlet, your body is still tired, just lay down." A soothing voice said.

Yes, lying down was good. It was nice, relaxing, and easy. His vision soon focused and he could see multiple people standing around his bed. To his right was Tonks, she looked happiest he's ever seen her, but he could see her eyes were very red, had she been crying?

He looked over and saw Jess and Rebecca by Tonks side, they looked just as happy as her. He could only barely smiles in return, hoping to appease them. Scarlet continued to look around and saw Tracey at the foot of his bed, and to his surprise was Daphne was right beside her.

"Wotcher ladies." He said weakly, his throat felt very dry.

"Wotcher Scarlet, you had us worried." Tonks said beside him. Jess walked over to the other side of him and held a glass of water by him, he moved his mouth and drank it quickly, and it felt so refreshing, he nodded to her when she took the cup away.

"How long have I been passed out for?" He asked.

"A couple days, we all came as soon as Dumbledore told the school what happened." Rebecca explained.

Scarlet was a bit surprised by that, the teachers had made an effort to keep concealed the fact they were hiding something in the school. He wondered how much the Headmaster really shared with the students.

"What did he say?" His curiosity was peaked; he wanted to know how much was told.

"Dumbledore said professor Quirrel was trying to steal something from the school, and that you Potter, Weasley, and Granger stopped him." Tracey informed him joining in on the conversation.

'That's smart, didn't mention the stone by name, didn't want to cause a panic then.'

"What about the others? Are they alright?" Scarlet wasn't sure what happened to them after they separated.

"Those idiots-" Tracey elbowed Daphne in the ribs at that comment. "Your friends all turned up in the infirmary just like you. Gragner and Wesley's injuries were minor, while Potter woke up just hours before you and was already discharged." Daphne informed him.

He nodded at that, his plan worked then. "I'm a bit surprised you're here Daphne, I'm happy don't get me wrong, but a bit personal don't you think?" He still remembered Daphne's promise to maybe make a better effort at friendship with him; he could at least try to have some fun. He noticed his words had the desired effect as Greengrass blushed in embarrassment at the attention, and Davis's laughter didn't help the girl.

"Yes well, someone-" Tracey elbowed Daphne in the ribs again. "Tracey! Told me I was having my head up my arse, and knocked some sense into me." She said, Scarlet could see Daphne was genuine in her words.

"I think we both had our head up our arse's, maybe we should give this crazy thing called friendship a try." Scarlet suggested.

He could see Daphne mockingly considering it. "My time is very valuable Shade, what is in it for me?"

"I'll buy you whatever sweets you want when I go to Hogsmeade next time." He offered, Tonks had mentioned chocolates are the best way to get on a girl's good side.

'I believe that's a worthy compensation for my time." Daphne agreed.

"Awe! I think it's sweet your buying your girlfriend candy already. I've taught you so well!" Tonks teased. Scarlet had completely forgotten she was right there. The teasing he'd have to endure for the rest of the term!

Scarlet groaned in annoyance, he looked over and saw Daphne twitch her eye at Tonk's comment. Tracey's laughter wasn't helping. Greengrass may be trying to break out of her shell for him, but she was still a pureblood and had to act composed in public.

"Is she always this irritating?" Daphne asked through clenched teeth.

"Always, if it wasn't for the fact she was teaching me advanced spell work, I'd have left her a long time ago." Scarlet joked.

"Oi! Don't talk about me as if I don't have feelings!" Tonks wiped a fake tear in her eye. Scarlet couldn't help but roll his eyes at her.

"Speaking of advanced spells, Madam Pomfrey told us your magical exhaustion was due to you using a spell well beyond the knowledge of a first year." Jess spoke chiding him.

Scarlet couldn't help but gulp in fear; he'd been hoping everyone would forget that little fact. He could feel the tone in room shift and everyone was giving him a serious look. With no way out, he decided to tell the group everything since Halloween all the way until that night down below, omitting a few personal details like his fear and the philosophers stone, but giving them an idea of what happened.

No one said anything for a few minutes taking in what Scarlet said. What could they say? No one knew there was something hidden underneath the school until it actually happened.

Tonks was the first to say something. "I don't know whether to knock you silly on the head, or be proud of you for doing what's right." He could see a real tear fall down her face, as she moved closer putting her hand on his arm for comfort. "But I think I speak for everyone in this room when we say we're proud of you, and glad you're still with us."

"It's true!" Tracey joined in. "Without you here, I'd be left all alone with the Ice Queen over here."

"Quiet you!"

"Just next time, tell one of us. I know the idea of friendship is something strange and uncomfortable for a boy like you but were her to help." Tracey finished.

"I think that's the nicest thing I've heard someone from Slytherin say." Rebecca joked.

"Not all of us are pureblooded bigots, we just want to mind our own business and get through the school year." Tracey informed in a rare form of seriousness.

"Excuse me?" A voice said behind the curtain.

Everyone looked over to see brown hair girl emerge from behind the curtain.

"Glad to see you're alright walking about Hermoine." Scarlet mentioned seeing his friend. He couldn't help but sigh in relief.

"Same can't be said to you, honestly what's with boys and their hero complex." She chastised. That got the group of girls to laugh at her comment. Scarlet wanted nothing more than to hide underneath the blanket, but he was a big boy! He'd face this head on.

"Don't be too rough on him sweetheart, its built into them to always save a pretty girl from danger." Tonks joked winking at her.

"Well maybe next year I'll be the one to save you, Scarlet." Hermoine said moving closer to him.

"If it means trading places right now, then I'll gladly be your damsel in distress." Scarlet joked. Both laughed at that, Scarlet was glad to see there was no more tension between them, he'd missed this.

"Thank you, for everything. I don't know if we'd make it out alive if you hadn't distracted the troll." Hermoine grabbed his hand.

"Anytime." He squeezed her hand bank. Scarlet meant those words, he hated the feeling of just standing by and watching as his friend purposely put herself in danger, next time if something like this hadn't he wouldn't hesitate to join in. Of course, he'd like it if they at least planned ahead of time, but one issue for now.

"Mr. Shade!" A voice yelled breaking the moment.

The curtains were thrown back and Scarlet could see an angry Madam Pomfrey staring at him, with all the talking he'd forgotten just where he was at the moment.

"I told you all you could stay here as long as you want, as long as you inform me the moment he woke up!" Madam Pomfrey rushed over to his side and started to perform diagnostic spells over him. Everyone had a sheepish look on their face.

"Sorry, we all got worked up in the moment, if you'd come earlier you'd see it was a very emotional ordeal." Tonk said trying to escape the wrath of the healer.

Pomfrey didn't bother with a response and continued with her spells work. Once she was satisfied she walked out to grab a potion and handed it to him. It smelled awful. "I want you to drink every drop, with any luck you could get out of here tonight, and still have days to study for your exam."

Scarlet groaned at the thought of exams, he'd have to spend the next couple days in the library to be fully prepared. With a sigh, he swallowed the contents of the potion in one gulp. It tasted exactly how it smelled, and he had to hold in his gag unless risk it all coming back up. Satisfied with the result Pomfrey grabbed the bottle out of his hands and walked off to tend to other patients.

"Seeing as you're already taken cared of, I think its time I got some food in me." Tonks patted for stomach for extra emphasis.

"A hungry Tonks is a bitchy Tonks." Jess muttered before walking off.

"Oi! You would be too if you were hungry!" Tonks ran off after waving goodbye. Rebecca shook her head at her two best friends antics and waved goodbye before joining them.

Leaving four first years together there was an air of awkwardness.

"Hermoine this is Daphne Greengrass and Tracey Davis. Tracey, Daphne this is Hermoine Granger." Scarlet introduced trying to break the silence.

"Pleasure, I've noticed you in the classes we share. Very studious student." Hermoine said trying to get a good first impression.

"Likewise, not every day you see muggleborn perform better than most purebloods in this castle, I think you hurt a couple of male egos." Tracey winked.

Hermoine seemed happy at that comment. "Yes, I believe I have." All three girls were soon laughing, but Scarlet could tell that Daphne was forcing it a bit.

"Hate to have to interrupt this, but I and Daphne have herbology class in a couple minutes." Tracey said.

"We'll see you out of this room soon Scarlet, don't think just because you're a hero that we'll help you make up for the lost work." Daphne said, he told she wasn't being serious; she winked at him before walking off with Davis in tow.

"Nice friends you have there." Hermoine muttered when the two Slytherins were out of earshot.

"Nice friends for a couple of slimy snakes don't you agree?" Scarlet asked.

"For your information, I never gave in to Ron's prejudice views on Slytherin, but you have to admit they aren't easy people to approach." Hermoine responded, taking a seat beside his bed.

"No, I agree with you on that. Greengrass nearly chewed me out trying to sit at her table. I saw something behind her mask that somehow attracted me to her, I look forward to getting to know her the next six years." Scarlet said.

"And where do I fit in your six-year plan?" Hermoine asked in mock seriousness.

"Following your savior like a lost puppy." Scarlet joked. Hermoine couldn't hold in her giggles at that comment.

"I'm sorry about not listening to you." Hermoine said after she calmed down. "As rash as your tactics were, you were right. We almost didn't make it out alive if it weren't for you."

"I'm just glad your safe." Scarlet could've scolded Hermoine for being reckless these past months, but at the end of the day, he was just they both survived this ordeal.

They broke into a comfortable silence between them, there wasn't anything that needed to said. His actions the other night had proven to her who the true Scarlet is, and she was happy to finally have him as her friend again. However, there was one thing still bothering here.

"Um, there is one thing I need to talk to you about." Hermoine said breaking the silence. Scarlet noticed she was deep in thought trying to find a way to speak her next words carefully.

"What is it? Don't tell me you're wondering if pink is Tonks natural hair color. Get enough blokes asking me that and it becomes difficult to concentrate after awhile." Scarlet said trying to unwind her.

"No, its Harry and Ron. I talked to them about what happened, and I believe you three need to give each other another chance." She stated. Scarlet raised an eyebrow at her comment; she knew his dislike for both boys. "You showing up the way you did, really gave the impression on you, more so to Ron. I don't know how but Harry looked like he expected you to come that night. Point being, I would like it if you three put aside your differences and try to get along." She finished with conviction.

Scarlet wasn't sure what to do, he hadn't gotten along with the boys, he merely tolerated studying with them for Hermoine's sake, but could he actually forge a friendship with them? Ron's view on Slytherin house on a whole would be something they'd have to work past. Scarlet figured Potter would be easier since they owe one another an apology.

He looked over a Hermoine and could see her looking at him, waiting for an answer. He wanted to say no, he really did, but he knew he'd be falling into old habits. He sighed heavily and nodded his head.

That put a giant smile on her as she stood up and wrapped him in a hug, he wasn't sure when they're friendship started to include hugs but right now he was too tired to care.

"Thank you, thank you, and thank you! I already talked to them they're willing to try too." She said, her voice muffled by his shirt.

"I apologize for interrupting the moment." A voice said.

Scarlet looked past the bushy hair and saw the man that had been plaguing his thoughts all year. Albus Dumbledore.

Hearing someone behind them Hermoine quickly let go and addressed their headmaster.

"What are you doing here professor?" Hermoine asked.

"I wished to see how Mr. Shade was recovering, I hope you don't mind the unexpected visit." Albus said sitting down beside Scarlet.

"No, seems everyone is coming and going here." Scarlet didn't know how to feel talking to the man. He'd wanted to talk with him before but he'd been nervous about the answers his Headmaster might give him

"Ms. Granger would you mind giving me and young Mr. Shade some time, there are a couple of matters I'd wish to discuss with him." Dumbledore asked.

"Of course. Scarlet hope to see you at dinner." She waved goodbye to him and left the infirmary leaving just the two of them left.

Neither spoke for a few minutes merely staring at one another. Scarlet didn't trust his voice to not sound nervous, talking to a person of Dumbledore's stature he wanted to appear and sound as confident as possible.

"Safe to say this conversation is long overdue, may I call you Scarlet?" Dumbledore said finally making the first move.

"That's fine." Scarlet simply said.

"I imagine you have certain questions to ask?" He continued. Scarlet nodded, he had a lot of questions he needed answered. "Then I promise to answer them to the best of my ability."

"How do you know me? Everyone at Hogwarts told me you mentioned my name to them as if you know who I am, but I've never heard or seen you before coming to this school." Scarlet asked, he sat up to get in a better position.

"In truth I know very little about you Scarlet. When you came to Hogwarts that was the first time I'd seen you since you were a couple months old. However your parents I know fairly well." That wasn't the answer Scarlet expected but he kept quiet letting the man continue speaking. "Steven and Susan Shade were students at my school years ago, Susan always had a natural talent at Hebology, while Steven was a star on the Quiditch field, though not that magically gifted as other students, they were a joy to teach."

"That still doesn't explain how you know of me right now." Scarlet could see the man sigh sadly at his comment, since arriving here Dumbledore looked very tired and looked his age.

"During the war, numerous pureblood families were approached by the dark lord for their loyalty. Shades included. They, however, chose not to follow him, and instead join the group that I'd formed to combat Lord Voldemort." Scarlet was surprised he'd said the name so willingly and without flinching slightly. Everyone was too afraid to say the name as if it was taboo.

"During the remaining months before Voldemorts defeat the Shades had you, they were so joyous of their child, and they'd been trying for years to conceive a child. Susan and Steven learned quickly that you were special Scarlet. When a child is young it normally takes a few years before they start-displaying forms of accidental magic, however, you Scarlet was showing it weeks after. The true signs of a very powerful wizard to the eye of most people. Unfortunately for your parents, the other side found out about their gifted child, not wanting you to be used against them they launch a full-scale assault on their ancestral home. By the time we arrived it had already been too late, we had managed to save you but your parents were already dead, and your home was burned down." Albus explained sadly.

Scarlet could feel a lump form in his throat, he was the reason they were dead. If he'd just been a normal child his parents would still be alive, and he wouldn't have to live with those muggles. He didn't know what to say to what Dumbledore told him, was there anything to say to killing your parents?

Scarlet felt a hand on his shoulder, he looked up and saw Dumbledore looking at him sadly. "I know what you must be thinking, but it isn't your fault. No one blames you for what happened, and I know for certain your parents don't either; they loved you very much and gave everything to protect you."

Scarlet sat there thinking about it, he knew it was the Voldemorts fault his parents were dead, but he still knew he was the catalyst for what happened, it would take time for him to accept it. "Is that how I got my scar?"

Dumbledore looked at his left eye and was quiet for a few moments, Scarlet wasn't sure what to make of it."When we found you, you were gravely injured, when we saw the blood covering your face we feared the worse, we were thankful we had someone on hand who had a gift for healing spells." DUmbledore explained.

"What happened next?"

"It was decided that in order to protect you, that you would be placed with a muggle family. The Ministry was worried that if they placed you in another magical family they too would meet the same fate as the Shades." Albus further explained.

Scarlet couldn't help but curl his hand into a fist at the thought, he needed to know who's idiotic idea was it to put him in the bloody home. "Who placed me with those muggles?" He asked through clenched teeth.

"In all honesty, I have no idea. To the public, we didn't release the information on who adopted you. To this day people have no idea as to your current whereabouts the past few years. In private it was decided that you'd be housed within a muggle family, however, who exactly made the decision only the Minister of Magic at the time knows. In order to keep it as secretive as possible only two individuals know, the person who placed you in the muggle care, and the Minister at the time. I apologize if that isn't the answer you were looking for." Scarlet wasn't sure how but he could tell Dumbledore was holding something back.

"You may not know where I was placed, but you know where I live currently?" Scarlet took a shot in the dark and asked.

Dumbledore looked at Scarlet for a few moments before finally speaking. "Yes, I do. You caused quite the havoc in the Ministry when you disappeared four years ago; Minister Fudge had paid me a personal visit requesting I aid him in the search for you. Alas, our efforts were for naught as we were unable to locate you."

"Then how were you able to send my acceptance letter?"

"That's quite a simple explanation, there is a device in my office that's charmed to write down the name and current address of every child who displays a gift for magic at the age of eleven. Once your name was written down we knew where you were, I'll admit the amount of power taken to get there past all the wards would kill most wizards, but you, however, were able to do so as a child, extraordinary." Dumbledore seemed excited at Scarlet's accomplishment, looking back it did take a severe amount of accidental magic to apparate that long of a distance. "Of course when we found out you're whereabouts Fudge wanted to immediately take you into custody and make you a ward of the Ministry. I however as muggles say talked him down that ledge. I made an agreement with him." Dumbledore said.

"What kind of agreement? Not the one where we sell our souls kind?" Scarlet asked. That got the man to chuckle a bit before continuing.

"No, nothing of that severity. As long as you are a student until you reached majority you'll able to continue living at your current home." That put Scarlet's mind at ease, he'd been worried coming into this meeting that he would be told he'd have to go back to those muggles, or to another family. He'd like living where he was now; he liked the seclusion it included, though now that he'd form personal relationships with people he wondered if he'd still the solitude.

"But that still doesn't explain how you know me? Or better yet, force me into Gryffindor house." There were still a lot of unanswered questions he needed to know before the year ended, and only Dumbledore could tell him.

"Scarlet do you mind if I tell you a story? I promise it relates to your situation." Dumbledore asked him.

Scarlet nodded at the man's request, he wasn't going anywhere.

"Back when I was a teacher at Hogwarts I was tasked with delivering an acceptance letter to a peculiar student. This student didn't have a family and grew up isolated in an orphanage. When I first met the young boy, the level of magic he was able to display at such a young age astounded me, but I could tell there was something within him that he was hiding." Scarlet could help but narrow his eyes in thought; already he could see similarities to the boy of mention. "When the boy entered Hogwarts he was sorted into Slytherin house, the house, in particular, is notorious for its cunning, manipulations, and the politics involved within its rooms. On the outside, the boy was a perfect student, excelled in all his classes the teachers adored him. Unfortunately, the habits that I'd hope he'd drop being in an environment of people his own age didn't. Instead, it manifested, to the point where he didn't pursue friendships and bonds, but only alliances and partnerships with students."

Scarlet was starting to have an idea of where this story was going, and how it related to him. "What happened to the boy."

He could see Dumbledore sigh sadly, his shoulders started to sag, and once again it reminded him of how old his Headmaster was. "He died. He was overcome with the pursuit of his goals and ambition and lost sight of what truly mattered, and died because of it." Dumbledore walked over to the pitcher of water beside him and poured himself a glass before drinking it.

"Scarlet as you already had figured out I saw a lot of similarities in you both. The four houses in Hogwarts would all be proud to have had you join them but I felt Slytherin, in particular, wasn't right for you. I was worried that in the chance you were sorted into Slytherin house you may have faced the same fate as him. That instead of opening yourself to other people as you have done so this year, that you would instead further secluded yourself. I apologize if it appeared that I manipulated you in any way, but I'm just an old man who didn't want to repeat the same mistake twice, can you forgive me?" Dumbledore asked,

It was a lot to take in for Scarlet; he knew the man had some involvement in his sorting, but not to this degree. Scarlet wasn't sure how he felt. He'd obviously done what the Headmaster had hoped for; he'd indeed formed relations to numerous students, not just his own house. Scarlet couldn't help but wonder what his life would've been like in Slytherin, would he have thrived in the game of politics, or would he have fallen in the background and hid in the shadows, while boys like Nott and Malfoy fought for control. It did, however, remind him of something.

"Is this why professor Snape has been forthcoming with me? I've heard rumors of his disdain for Gryffindor's." Scarlet asked. If he'd originally been meant for Slytherin he could see why his Potions teacher would tolerate him.

"Yes indeed, I'll admit Severus was furious to find out he lost a remarkable student, to Gryffindor especially." Albus admitted with a soft chuckle.

Scarlet couldn't help but laugh, he would be angry too, he was just thankful his professor didn't target him in class. "Just one more question professor."

Dumbledore had a smile on his face as his eyes twinkled. "You want to know what happened with the Philosopher's stone?" Scarlet was a little freaked out he guessed correctly, though he could've sworn he felt a slight tinge in his head, he'd leave as just a lucky guess.

"Yes, and not the watered down version you gave everyone else, I nearly died protecting that rock I at least should know what happened." Scarlet sat up straighter trying to make his point as strong as possible.

"After your collapse, Harry managed to come face to face with Quirrel. The man was after the stone for his master. With the help of very powerful blood magic, Quirrel was killed upon trying touch Harry, I arrived just as he passed out. The stone afterward was deemed too dangerous, and was destroyed." Dumbledore explained getting up.

"Who was his master?"

"Lord Voldemort." Dumbledore simply said. That took Scarlet by surprise, wasn't he supposed to be dead?

"After Voldemort failed to kill Harry back in 1981 his body was destroyed and he was left as a spirit in this world, he needed a host to survive and he had one in Quirrel. I believe Voldemort planned to use the stone to bring himself back."

"Is he still out there? Or did Potter kill him for good?" Scarlet was slightly worried and was hopeful for the former.

"No, Voldemort is still out there, though very weak. I believe it'll be awhile before he makes another attempt." That calmed him down a bit; he didn't how to feel if every year Voldemort tried a different attempt to attack this school. If this risking his life was becoming a regular occurrence he'd be dead, not long from now.

"I wouldn't worry yourself over it Scarlet, I assure you myself and the teaching staff are fully capable of handling any who threaten Hogwarts and her students." Scarlet was starting to become unnerved at how Dumbledore seemed to know what he was thinking, maybe it comes with age.

"I'm afraid I've taken up much of your time Scarlet. Pomfrey is well known to take utmost care of her patients, and encourages them to relax; I can see our conversation has done the opposite." Dumbledore apologized, though he didn't look apologetic.

"It's not a problem professor, I'm glad to finally have some answers thank you." Scarlet thanked the man.

"My office is always opened to those that need me, enjoy the rest of your day Scarlet." Dumbledore left and since waking up Scarlet was left alone.

It was a lot of information to take in; he didn't expect Dumbledore to be so forthcoming with his answer. Actually thinking about it he did expect it, just maybe he would answer it vaguely or in riddles. Regardless Scarlet was happy he now had a better idea of what happened, he still felt guilty over what happened to his parents, but knew he would need time to move on from it.

Scarlet took out his wand and cast Tempus, and saw it was around midday, Pomfrey had told him she'd be keeping him in here for a few hours, he needed to do something to pass the time. He looked around saw Hermoine had that covered as well, or maybe it was Daphne? He didn't care he was just happy a couple of his schoolbooks were on a small table beside his bed.

Scarlet grabbed the first book on top and opened it to where he last left off. It wouldn't be for a few minutes before he realized Dumbledore didn't mention one important fact to him. 'Who was the student he was talking about?'

AN: A bit more talking this chapter, and Scarlet finally comes face to face with Dumbledore. A bit more of how Scarlet came to be is answered, and he's forging relationships with others. Just because he's willing to give Harry and Ron a chance doesn't mean it's going to go smoothly second year. One more chapter for the first year and then we can move on to the enxt year, which I'm very excited about.