Disclaimer: Harry Potter and everything in it belongs to JK Rowling.
(01/11/18 Update) Just reread some of the early chapters, and admit certain parts seem a bit OC. I think I was trying to make it obvious Scarlet is intelligent for his age, especially amongst his peers, and went a tad overboard. I do promise it gets better really soon and I level my OC out as I become more comfortable with the character and my writing. I will keep this the same maybe make a small tweak, just so I could reflect on how far I came with my writing.
A Fresh Start
Chapter 1
As he looked out the window of his compartment he could see the countryside pass him by. This wasn't the first time he was on his own coming into a new situation, but it would be the first time he'd be around a lot more people than he's used to. He checked the window to make sure his appearance was in order, his hair was still spiked to the side, and his blue eyes still shone.
Scarlet Shade held mixed reaction when receiving his Hogwarts letter. He'd always had moments of "accidental magic" growing up, so it wasn't the curriculum that was the issue. The biggest problem for him was the large bodies of students. For the past few years he'd had this secluded bubble around him, and had been most comfortable in it, now he was going to be in a situation where he'd had to meet a lot of new people, and forced to interact with them on a daily basis.
He hadn't interacted with most kids growing up, but the ones he did meet were not very pleasant, maybe it was because of the fact they were muggles, and weren't used to "weird kids", such as himself.
His thoughts were interrupted when he noticed the train start to slow down. He looked out the window and saw that they had arrived at their destination. He pulled his trunk down from the overhead compartment and waited for most of the students to start walking out, he was in no rush and didn't want to be stuck in a crowd for longer than necessary.
As he waited for the train to clear out he kept an eye out at the passing by students, trying to get a better idea of who attended Hogwarts and to see who was joining him this year. Not too many students stood out, there was an older girl probably a 7th year, and the only reason she stood out was that of her bright pink hair. Aside from that Scarlet saw a few red-haired boys that resembled one another, it wasn't until he saw the smallest one talking to a boy with a scar on his face that grabbed his attention.
'Looks like I won't be the only one to stand out with a scar' He thought to himself.
If you were to look at Scarlet you'd see a line cutting across his left eye down to his cheek. For as long as he remembered he'd always had it. Sure enough, it would always cause enough stares wherever he went. It was always a small reason why he wanted to come here, he'd heard about a boy named Harry Potter, and how after defeating he-who-shall-not-be-named, was left with a scar on his forehead. Scarlet was certain he didn't defeat a dark wizard to get the one in his eye but wasn't sure how his scar came to be, maybe he could figure it out at school.
He soon noticed only a few students were left on the train. So he grabbed his luggage and started walking out. The first thing to pop out was a giant of a man near the front, he knew he'd probably see things he's never seen before, but to expect it and for it to actually happen were different. The half-giant was yelling out for first years to get on a boat, so he started walking over there.
He quickly noticed he was the one of the last few left, as almost every boat was full. He found an open seat behind a bushy haired girl, and redhead and sat down behind them. Soon enough the boats started moving on their own, and everyone was able to see Hogwarts in the distance. Scarlet had to grab onto the railing as he saw the castle for the first time, definitely big and intimidating with many towers around it, he looked over and saw most of the first years in awe as well.
As soon as the boats crossed the lake the half-giant directed the kids to follow him into the castle, and it wasn't long till they stopped in front of another individual who he had to assume was one of the teachers.
"Welcome to Hogwarts I am Professor McGonagall, now in a few moments you will pass through these doors and join your classmates. But before you can take your seats you must be sorted into your houses" The witch started explaining.
'Houses, was that what the older students were wearing their robes?' He thought to himself. He had studied a bit before arriving but that was more focused on academics rather than the school herself.
"They are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Now while you're here, your house will be like your family. Your triumph will earn you points, any rule breaking and you will lose points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points will be awarded the House Cup." She ended before being yelled over by a student.
"Trevor!" yelled a pudgy boy, as he bent forward to grab his frog.
Scarlet knew he would have to be very serious in front of the witch, just from the stern look she was giving the pudgy boy as he returned to the group, was something he didn't want to receive. Though Scarlet mainly kept to himself and wasn't really into jokes and pranks, so he felt he wouldn't do anything warranting that look from her.
"The sorting hat ceremony will begin momentarily" She finished and walked off.
Scarlet shouldn't have been shocked that not even one second after she left a commotion was started by a blond haired student he quickly learned was called Draco Malfoy. The way he talked and walked over to Potter and his red-haired companion rubbed Scarlet the wrong way. Someone that young shouldn't be as arrogant as Draco was right now. He couldn't hear what he was talking about, as a few first years beside him were worrying over how they'd be sorted.
"What if they make us fight one another?"
"I heard it's a really hard test." Someone whispered around him.
Hearing that last point the bushy-haired girl he shared a boat with started muttering every spell she knew, then turning over to Scarlet. " What do you think it'll be? I heard a few talking about how we'd have to fight a troll!"
"I doubt they'd kill us the first night, miss…." Indicating he wanted her name.
"I'm so sorry how rude, I'm Hermoine Granger, and you are?" she replied.
"Scarlet. Scarlet Shade." He answered.
Before they could continue talking McGonagall returned and started leading them through the closed doors. The Great Hall was filled with students and staff. He tried tuning out Hermoine as she started spouting out facts about Hogwarts, she was quickly annoying him with all her "helpful" facts.
As they arrived at the front hall Scarlet started to look around in awe. There were thousands of candles floating in mid-air above four long tables housing students. At the other end was another long table where he saw all the professors sitting. He looked around trying to find out how they were about to sort them, as he looked to his right he saw the same pink haired girl from earlier in the train. She must've felt his stare because she turned her head in his direction. She easily was a very pretty witch, with her heart shape faced, and dark eyes contrasting against her spiked bright hair. Eventually, a warm smile stretched across her face and she winked at him.
Scarlet never remembered a time in which he blushed as hard as he did right now. Sure while shopping for school supplies a lot of the older witches would mention how adorable he is, but none of their comments got this reaction.
Seeing Scarlet's bright red face, the pink haired girl had a small chuckle and turned away back to her friends. He made a point to notice which house she was in, so that he would avoid it when his name came up. He had a feeling she enjoyed getting similar reactions out of most people.
"Now before we begin, Professor Dumbledore would like to say a few words." Professor McGonagall announced.
He saw a man with a long grey beard stand up wearing festive robes. Scarlet couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the man's choice of wear.
"Another year at Hogwarts, and another group of young wizards and witches embarking on a journey. I wish you good fortune in the years to come; Hogwarts will always lend aid to those that want it. Now a warning, first years please note, that the Forbidden Forest is strictly forbidden to all students, Also our caretaker Mr. Filch, has asked me to remind you that the 3rd-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds, to everyone that does not wish to die a most painful death. Thank you" Dumbledore sat down, and everyone's attention was back on Professor McGonagall.
"When I call your name, you will step forth and sit on this stool, I shall place the sorting hat on your head, and you shall be sorted into your house." She explained.
One by one, students were placed in different houses. Scarlet still wasn't sure which house he wanted to be in, they all had different merits and showcased different skills from what he heard from nearby students as the hat sorted different students.
"Granger, Hermoine."
The bushy haired girl from earlier walked over a bit nervous, and still muttering every spell she knew as if it would help.
"GRYFFINDOR!" The hat yelled. Scarlet was inwardly surprised he thought she'd be a perfect match with Ravenclaw
"Greengrass, Daphne."
A small blonde haired girl strode up, what was odd was that she had a mask of indifference on her face. Most of the students in this year were all either beaming with excitement or scared silly. She, on the other hand, was calm, cool, collected, and hardly displayed any emotion on her face, much like him. Very odd trait to see in an eleven-year-old. He had his own reasons for behaving that way; he doubted she had similar reasons too. Scarlet felt he would have to keep an eye on her.
"SLYTHERIN!" The sorting hat yelled. Yes, most definitely keep an eye on her if what he heard about that particular house was true.
It wasn't until Harry Potters name was called that grabbed everyone's attention. Seemed everyone was eager to see where their savior would be placed. Soon enough the sorting hat yelled Gryffindor and the corresponding table erupted in applause, the loudest yet. Scarlet would be embarrassed if his house reacted like that to him, Potter hadn't done anything and yet celebrated like he won them the House Cup.
"Shade. Scarlet." Announced McGonagall after a few more students were sorted.
Scarlet took a deep breath and started walking over; he noticed the headmaster eagerly lean in his seat just like he did for Potter. 'Don't know whether to be happy or concerned I have his attention already'. He sat on the stool and took another deep breath before the hat was placed on his head.
Well, well, well. What do we have here?
Scarlet couldn't help but be startled as voices entered his mind.
Not to worry, just need to see enough to sort you.
"Anything but Hufflepuff." Scarlet said.
Looks like someone already has an admirer, don't tell me you're scared of a little witch.
"Something about her makes me uneasy like she sees something in me that I don't see" Scarlet answered.
I'm sworn to secrecy about what I see in other student's heads, but I know for certain you two would get along. Alas, Hufflepuff isn't the house best suited for you.
"Don't suppose you have any personal recommendations then?" Scarlet asked.
From what I see you have the abilities that would suit you well in the other three houses. Dumbledore was right; you are a special wizard.
"He said that about me? I've never talked to him before."
You'll soon realize your headmaster knows far more than you realize, but enough about that, now where to put you? Hmmm, how about….
"GRYFFINDOR!" Yelled the sorting hat.
As he made his way over to the table he spared a glance at Dumbledore. If one were to look at him they would see surprise, no. Relief?
'Why would he be relieved? I'm probably just over thinking it.'
The Sorting Ceremony ended when a dark-skinned boy Blaise Zabini was sorted into Slytherin. The stool and hat were then removed and the headmaster stood up to speak again. But it was Potter that took his attention, as he saw the boy clutch his head in pain.
It was the Headmasters last line that brought Scarlet's attention back to him.
"Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you!"
"Odd way to end it." Scarlet muttered to himself.
"That's just Dumbledore" answered the redhead, who he learned was called Ron Weasley. "People like to think he's out there, but all my older brothers tell me there's a seriousness to him underneath it all."
"He's the most powerful wizard there is!" A dark skin boy added, Dean Thomas he believed.
A few more first years all added their opinions on their Headmaster, the clear takeaway from it all was he's powerful, and they all respect him, even the muggleborn students. Maybe Scarlet was over thinking the man.
Soon the empty plates on the table were filled with food halting all conversations. Scarlet's mouth couldn't help but water looking at it all, an assortment of beef, and veggies, with a delicious selection of pumpkin juice. He quickly dug in, ignoring the surrounding conversations, until one, in particular, caught his attention.
Potter was asking about one their professors, Severus Shape. He looked over, the man seemed like another teacher he would have to extremely serious around. From the sound of it he was their potions teacher.
"He's known for being bias against students outside his house, best to keep your nose down." One of the taller redheads said, probably Ron's older brother from the looks of it.
He would have to be careful in potions class, and figure out a way to navigate through it without his grades suffering.
Soon the feast was over and Dumbledore instructed the Prefects to lead all first years to the common room. He would've enjoyed continuing seeing more of the castle on the way, but by that point, he just wanted to lie in his bed.
After the tour through the magical staircase, and hallway past an amazing sort of armors and paintings Scarlet could finally settle down in his dorm room. Which he has shared with five other boys for the next seven years.
Dean and Seamus seemed all right probably wouldn't be close friends anytime soon, Neville seemed very nervous and bit out of place compared to the rest of them, Ron was literally jumping with joy on his bed. Probably all the excitement of the first day, wait till they got their first batch of homework, he doubted Ron would still be this excited, and finally the boy-who-lived. He wasn't sure what to make of him yet, for a celebrity he wasn't anywhere close to arrogant, but he didn't seem to have much self-confidence either. Scarlet would wait before casting judgment on him.
Scarlet soon changed and got into bed pulling the curtains around him giving him some privacy. As he lay there he thought of what classes would be like and how he was going to survive seven years of this.
XXX
As Monday morning came around Scarlet wasn't surprised he was the first one up. When he'd first gotten his Hogwarts letter, he spent most of his time studying up on their school textbooks. Which involved staying up later than normal, and waking up early to fit more time to read. When he felt he got a to a certain comfort point in each subject, he started to ease up, but he did end up picking up the habit of waking up early, which he was fine with. Just meant he'd get first dibs at breakfast every day.
Scarlet quickly got dressed and walked down to the common room. He didn't stay in it too long last night, as he was tired from the feast. Now getting a chance to look around he could appreciate the effort put into it. It housed a lot of comfortable couches and chairs to socialize in, or study, the fireplace gave a home feeling to it, definitely made you comfortable, and he appreciated the staff for providing the room for them.
There weren't many students in the common room, but he did notice two first years. Lavender Brown, and Parvati Patil. He figured now would be a good choice to talk to them, but as he walked closer he could hear their conversation more clearly.
"Harry Potter is definitely cuter than I thought he would be." Lavender said.
Nope, nope, nope. He would not subject himself to "girl talk" regardless if they were his housemates. He got enough of that when he was getting his robes fitted in Diagon Alley. A pair of witches a few years his senior were getting new robes at the same time, and since he was in the middle of his fitting he couldn't leave the room and was forced to listen to them argue about who was cute in the weekly issue of Witches Weekly.
Scarlet quickly turned around and started walking out of their common room, the door opened on its own, and as he walked on the magical staircase he hoped he could still remember the route to the Great Hall because his stomach wouldn't forgive him if he missed breakfast.
With the help of a few prefects from Ravenclaw, he found his way to the great hall. It was still early in the morning so there were only a few students, though most of the staff were present.
He found his way over to his house table; he found a pair of red-headed twins was the only ones from his house present. He remembered before falling asleep Ron telling Harry about his mischievous twins, and to not get on their bad side. Not wanting to be on the receiving end of their jokes he figured a good impression would help.
"What do we have here brother? Another innocent Gryffindor not causing mayhem like us?" Said one twin.
"Indeed brother, he's a firstie, haven't had the chance to be corrupted." Responded the answer.
"Perhaps we should fix that."
"This firstie would rather not be corrupted, I already have to deal with your younger brother for the next seven years." Scarlet decided to butt in.
"Try living with him for eleven years, but we make the most of it."
"By volunteering him as our guinea pigs for our new products." At this point, Scarlet was starting to be a little unnerved at how they continued each other's thoughts.
"But enough of that, I'm Forge, and he's Gred."
"No, I'm Forge and your Gred."
"Nice try, I heard your brother call you Fred and George last night, don't know which is which yet. I'm Scarlet by the way." Scarlet shook both their hands.
"Ronnikins always ruin the fun." Fred said. Or was it George? It would take a while for Scarlet to tell which is which.
"At least he can't run off to mum."
"Or worse, Ginny."
Both twins shudder at the last thought.
"Well as enlightening as this conversation is, I best get my innocent self some breakfast before you cause toilet seats to rain down the Great Hall." Scarlet started to walk over to the other end of the table.
"Never used a toilet seat like that."
"But thanks for the idea!" One the twins shouted as he walked farther away. Scarlet worried to think what he might have just caused.
Scarlet still had time before they served breakfast, normally he would've taken the time to catch up on some reading, but since he didn't have his class schedule yet he had nothing to do but wait around. He started thinking about the students he interacted with so far. None of which seemed to peek his interest. Scarlet hoped that he would be able to see a more interesting side of them once in class, he doubted it though.
Soon the Great Hall started to fill with students and breakfast magically appeared. Scarlet had a brief chuckle about using magic as his excuse for most things; it was both lazy and comical answer to most things in Hogwarts. He noticed that even though most of his house was here there were a few empty seats around him. Before coming to school he hadn't interacted with people in his age group, so it didn't bother him. However, it did bring the notice to his head of house.
"Saving a few seats for your friends Mr. Shade?" Professor McGonagall asked while handing out class schedules to neighboring students.
"Why need friends when I'm enjoying a lovely breakfast with me, myself, and I?" Scarlet responded, before taking a sip of pumpkin juice.
"You aren't the first student to be shy about making friends Mr. Shade, here is your schedule. I implore you not to be late for your first class, Professor Snape doesn't have the patience for tardiness." She said handing him his schedule before moving down the table.
Scarlet didn't bother correcting her about the shy comment, as he took a glance at his schedule and saw true to her word potions being his first class; unfortunately, they would be sharing the class with Slytherin. He'd been here for only a day and even he knew having those two houses together was a disaster waiting to happen, the class after that is charms, then a lunch break, defense against the dark arts next, and finally herbology. The schedule was a bit packed, but if he organized his time wisely he would still have time to explore the castle and its grounds.
After quickly stopping by his dorm to gather his school supplies Scarlet made his way to the dungeons where the class was located. As he got close to the classroom he noticed two groups of students waiting to get inside. He stayed back a bit, to formulate a plan; he still had no idea how to handle Snape.
Soon the door to the classroom opened, and the man of his thoughts came out. He glanced over to the group of Slytherins when his eyes found his group of Gryffindors a sneer appeared on his face. If Scarlet ever found the sorting hat again he would burn it to the ground for not putting him in Slytherin. Potions would not be fun.
As he walked inside, an idea came to him. He looked at the seats and saw that the classroom was split in half, Gryffindors on the right, Slytherins on the left. He found an empty seat beside two Slytherin students deep within their territory in class. Either Scarlet would stand out sitting in a sea of serpents, or they would provide the perfect cover for him. Guess the hat was on something with me, it's going to take a stupid amount of Gryffindor bravery to do something like this.'
As he got closer he noticed one of the students at the table was Daphne Greengrass, the girl beside her he didn't recognize, she had red crop hair style both seemed to stop talking once they notice him come closer. Scarlet just needed to find something to break Greengrass's ice mask.
"If you didn't notice your kind sits over there." Greengrass coldly told him pointing to the far side of the room.
"My father said if there's a chance, always sit beside the prettiest witch of your year." Scarlet thought a compliment might break through her mask. A small part of him did admit both were very pretty, especially Daphne.
If anything her glare got colder, and she was about to grab Snape's attention. Maybe honesty would help.
"Hold on put your hand down, you and I both know that Snape has a certain dislike to all Gryffindor students. I thought by sitting around you all that he wouldn't notice me in your sea of green, and he'd leave me in peace and I'd be able to get my work done." Seemed the change of tactics work, as her glare disappeared and she seemed to be thinking over what he said.
"I'm surprised, that's such a Slytherin move, subtle, yet effective, alright you can sit here." She motioned to the empty seat.
"I'm Scarlet Shade." He said while sitting down and taking out his supplies.
"I'm Daphne Greengrass, and this is my friend Tracey Davis." She motioned to the redhead beside her.
"Sorry about my friend she can be a bit cold to strangers, I think she likes to make people uncomfortable." Tracey said,
"Tracey!" Daphne quickly hushed her friend before she could continue. Even though she was mildly embarrassed there wasn't a hint of blush on her face.
It was at that moment that a loud sound of the door being closed shut off all chatter in class.
'There will be no foolish wand waving or silly incantations in this class, as such I don't expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact the dispersion making. However, for those select few who possess the predisposition, I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle fame brew glory and even put a stopper in death." Professor Snape certainly had a gift for setting the tone in class, at this point having the class's undivided attention. Well, all except for one as Scarlet saw his gaze linger on a certain boy. "Then again maybe some of you have come to Hogwarts in possession of abilities so formidable that you feel confident to not. Pay. Attention." With each word raising his voice at the boy, who only just now looked up to the professor.
"Mr. Potter, our new celebrity." Snape continued with such contempt.
The way Snape said it made it feel as if there was bad blood between the two. Scarlet wasn't sure what an 11-year-old could do make an adult feel that way, but figured it wasn't going to end.
Scarlet was right, as the class went on Snape took every chance he could get to further humiliate Potter, asking question after question on certain ingredients and potions. It became clear that Potter couldn't answer any of Snape's questions, which surprised Scarlet. There were one or two questions he couldn't answer, but for the most part, he knew the answers. That fact that Potter couldn't answer one lowered Scarlets opinion on the boy. It was quickly being apparent to him that there was nothing special about the Boy-Who-Lived. But maybe he was being too harsh, it was only one class, perhaps he specialized in a different subject.
When Snape grew bored of Potter, he would move along to the other Gryffindor students, and criticize their work as well, while taking off points. Luckily for Scarlet, his plan had worked as Snape barley walked by tables housing Slytherin students, and thus he avoided any helpful tips from the potions professor himself.
Soon class was dismissed and Scarlet, Daphne, and Tracey handed in their finished potions and walked out of the classroom.
"Your plan worked, not bad for a Gryffindor." Daphne said when they were out of earshot of the other students.
"A Slytherin complimenting a Gryffindor? Must be my lucky day." Scarlet responded.
"Humor doesn't suit you." Daphne said dryly.
"Kettle, this is pot calling you black."
"I think it's cute the way you two flirt." Tracey interjected.
The cold stare she received from Scarlet and Daphne quickly quieted her.
"Seems we'll be seeing a lot more of each other in potions now that you practically got away with murder in that class, good day Shade." Daphne said as both she and Tracey started walking away.
"Nice meeting you Scarlet!" Tracey said
"Have a good day you two." Scarlet said as walked down towards his next class.
'Not bad so far, if that's the worst class Hogwarts has to offer, the rest should be easy.'
Authors Note:
Apologize in advance; this is my first work of fanfiction, so if there's anything that needs to address just let me know. This is an idea I've had in my head for the longest time, and now finally putting it on paper. The goal of this story is that it'll span all 7 books, though it will not be the same story with just an OC plugged in.
As JK said all her character have flaws, and Scarlet has his fair share that'll affect the story in different ways, he won't be a mary-sue character. There will be some differences in order to move the story along, for instance, Tonks is in her last year of school. I have the first couple of chapters completed and will be uploading them periodically. My aim is to have each chapter between 4000 – 6000 words. Thank you for your time, and I hope you enjoyed it.