Disclaimer: I still don't own Harry Potter.
Once again, my next gen stories are not compliant with Cursed Child.
Day 25: Train
Scorpius Malfoy clutched his luggage nervously as he walked down the train. He passed compartment after compartment, but they were all crowded with students. Some did have spaces open, but just the thought of being stuffed in a tiny space full of so many strangers made Scorpius feel sick.
Finally, he found a compartment that held just two occupants, a boy with raven black hair and a girl whose long flowing locks were vibrant red.
As soon as Scorpius slid open the compartment door, words failed him as he realized just who the boy and girl in the compartment were. He had seen their faces in newspapers. The boy in particular looked exactly like his famous father. Scorpius knew his dad and their parents had had something of a…. rivalry in school, not to mention that his dad had become a Death Eater. He wasn't at all sure these two would want anything to do with him.
As he stood their awkwardly, the boy gave him a friendly smile, "Hi."
"H-hi," Scorpius got out with a slight stutter, "Um…. can I…. can I sit here?"
The two glanced at each other and then the boy nodded, "Of course. There's plenty of room."
"Thanks," Scorpius slid gratefully into a seat across from the two.
"I'm Albus," the boy introduced himself, "Albus Potter, and this is my cousin, Rose Weasley."
Rose was eying Scorpius with a look he couldn't quite decipher, but she gave a small smile and a nod of greeting when her name was mentioned.
"I'm Scorpius," he introduced himself, then hesitated before adding, "Scorpius Malfoy."
Neither of his companions seemed disgusted or shocked by the name.
"Are you a first year too?" Albus asked, "Rose and I both are."
Scorpius nodded. He chewed on his lip, feeling like he should say something, but too shy to do so.
"I can't help but be a bit nervous," Albus admitted, seeming to sense Scorpius felt uncomfortable, "My parents and Rose's parents were all in Gryffindor, so was my brother, and practically the entire Weasley side of our family. My dad's parents too. Dad and mum say it doesn't matter to them what house I'm in, but well…. I still can't help but wonder what everyone will think if I'm not in Gryffindor."
Scorpius felt a rush of empathy and relief, which loosened his tongue, "I know exactly what you mean," he exclaimed, "All my family have been in Slytherin for ages. And I just know dad is hoping I will be too. But I'm nothing like the rest of my family. I don't know where the hat will put me."
By the look on Albus' face, Scorpius could tell he was just as relieved to find he wasn't the only one to have these fears, and he felt a rush of warmth.
Albus smiled suddenly, "Alright, let's make a pact. No matter what house we end up in and how our families react to it, we'll be friends, even if we're in different houses."
Scorpius felt a small smile creep onto his face. He had never expected to be offered friendship so quickly. "Even if you do end up in Gryffindor and I do end up in Slytherin?" he asked, "Everyone knows they have a rivalry."
"Even then," Albus replied firmly, "So what do you say, Scorpius?" He held out a hand, facedown in front of him.
Scorpius only hesitated for a few seconds before he put his hand on top of Albus', "I'm in."
Albus turned to his cousin, "What about you, Rosie?"
Rose rolled her eyes, "I'm not going to abandon you because of what house you're in, Albus." Still she eyed Scorpius for a moment, that expression he couldn't read back on her face. Scorpius was sure suddenly she wanted nothing to do with him.
But then Rose smiled and put her hand over his, "I'm in."
I'll admit Rose's statement about not abandoning Albus was a bit of a jab at CC's version of Rose, who I couldn't stand. As always, I would love any reviews.
