CHAPTER 4: The Knowledge
Rose Granger-Weasley always knew that she could be sorted either to Ravenclaw or Gryffindor. She was just like her mother – thirsty for knowledge, perfectionist and ambitious, but more detached. She was grateful coming from a big family. Therefore, she didn't need to bother making friends. Her mother had to make friends long ago in her Hogwarts' first year. Luckily, ever since that accident of the lost Troll on their first Halloween she'd befriended her dad and uncle – and her mum cherished it with her whole heart every day.
Especially after her grandmother Granger passed away. Rose never met her maternal grandmother. She died before Rose was born and her mother always blamed herself for not spending more time with her. Her grandfather Jack married again a year after Jean Granger died. This caused the relationship of her mum and grandfather to deteriorate. Well, it was truly inconceivable to all of them how muggles could easily separate or remarry. Marriage was more magical in the wizarding world – it was like an unbreakable bond, once in a lifetime event. In the eleven years of her life she could only count four visits to her grandfather.
To her mother the Weasley was not just in-laws but also her true family and Uncle Harry was her brother. Well, maybe that was the Granger girls' trait – it's not easy to make friends but when they had, they loved them wholeheartedly. The same went to Rose – she loved all her cousins, especially Albus. They'd been best friends since babies and somehow they loved the same thing – knowledge and quidditch. Now, having chosen Ravenclaw she might have to make friends with her housemates – the thought alone was exhausting her.
"Want to come to the hall with us, Rose?" one of her roommates asked. Thankfully there were only three Ravenclaw's girls this year. The one asking, Sharon Levy – her frizzy brown hair not as wild as Rose's – was kind enough trying to include Rose in all conversations. Clearly 'though she and the other girl, Isla Lewis – a short dark haired girl – befriended more naturally. Maybe that's because of their almost similar last name, but really Rose did not care. Since last night she had no time to socialize and apparently it still prevailed right now.
Politely she shook her head, "No, you guys can go ahead."
When the two of them came out, she tried again to tie her hair. It was hopeless. At the Burrow, Lucy usually braided her hair and amazingly was able to tame her bushy hair. She snorted and threw away her comb then went outside. Her dad always said she was prettier with her hair left naturally, so she just had to trust his opinion as usual.
Ravenclaw common room would always amaze Rose. The room was very bright with lots of windows all around the top side of the walls. The roof dome was high and all made of glass – last night she could see millions of stars through it, now she saw the clear morning sky. It was a spacious and elegant, two-story round room – with lots of sofas and study desks on the first floor; and a circular catwalk with full wall bookshelves – lots and lots of books inside – on the second level. Being in this room was like Christmas or like the first time her Dad took her to Quidditch World Cup 2014 – it's like a dream came true. She could spend all day just staying and reading. It's like a bonus from her decision yesterday.
"Ah, Rose. Don't tell me you're waiting for me?" It was a boy with a lighter brown hair color and the same height as her. He had a small, clean face with a large chin and a thin upper lip.
Rose frowned, "Should I?"
The boy laughed, "And here I thought you wanted my company for breakfast." When he saw Rose still confused he continued smiling. "You don't remember we talked last night? I sat next to you."
"I remember you're talking to everyone at the table. 'Though, I didn't pay much attention."
He still laughed, not offended at all. "Then, I guess you don't remember we walked side by side to the common room yesterday and I said good night to you before we went to our respective rooms."
Rose shook her head. She went to the common room yesterday along with the other seven first years Ravenclaw following the prefect.
"Well, I saw you had a lot on your mind," he observed.
Rose didn't know how to respond to this boy. She thought she should apologize but it came out questioningly, "Ng, I am sorry?"
Again that boy chortled, "I'm Kellan Finnigan. I bet you don't remember my name."
"Rose Weasley," she answered.
"I know who you are," He chuckled. "Come on, we should go down before all the best food's gone."
Too flustered to refuse, Rose just followed along.
"So, what do you think about Ravenclaw?" the boy asked lightly, ushering her to the great hall.
Still hesitated, Rose replied shortly, "Full of light."
"Yeah, and there are lots of books – like we would just read rather than rest after studying all day!" The thought upset him.
Rose frowned again, "Umh… I prefer reading."
The boy, Kellan, laughed hard again. "Well, you're a true Ravenclaw then. I thought you wanted Gryffindor, with all the laughs and yells yesterday and you being thoughtful all night."
"I chose Ravenclaw," Rose shrugged.
"Really?" He then sighed. "I asked the hat yesterday, when he'd been contemplating for too long, to just put me in Gryffindor – then he shouted Ravenclaw. Stupid hat! I think he just lost track and accidently put me there."
Whatever response was lost when Rose saw his three troublemaker cousins turned up at the end of the hallway.
"Ah, my favorite cousin in the universe, Rosie-flower!" Louis said first. Louis, with his sweet words. At twelve her charming cousin was already a looker. His long strawberry blonde bangs swayed perfectly on his flawlessly beautiful face. He looked like Uncle Bill, but Aunt Fleur's veela genes smoothed his appearance. It was like Uncle Bill's face but smaller with sharper eyes, firmed eyebrows, straight nose and the most striking bright blue eyes that ever seen.
Then after the three stopped in front of her, her mischievous cousin drawled, "Well-well-well, who is this if not our beautiful lion cousin." Freddie was looking at her in annoyance, "ah, wait a minute! She's not worthy enough because she's just a crow!" Fred indeed was the nosiest among all her cousins, but also the funniest. Looking almost like Uncle George, he also had the Weasley red color just like Rose but straight hair for sure, with darker skin, fewer freckles and brown eyes.
Rose couldn't help but respond, "Actually, it was a raven – a big and exquisite black raven!"
"Who asked?" he retorted scathingly while Louis chuckled.
"Why are you three here and not in the great hall?" Rose put her hands on her waist.
"Well, you're not my Mum, not my Gran; jeez you're not even Aunt Hermione so we have no obligation to answer your questions," Fred answered irritably.
Louis interceded grinning, "James doesn't want to face Albus yet. So, we decided to have breakfast in the kitchen."
Somehow it intrigued the boy on her side. Kellan awed, "Do you guys know how to get to the kitchen? Where? How?"
"Ng, who are you? Why are you talking to us?" Fred disfavored.
However, Rose's attention was now drawn to her bespectacled and black-haired cousin in front of her who looked sullen. James also looked like Uncle Harry but not quite as much as Albus had. He's like a mix between his mum and dad. The eyes were definitely Aunt Ginny's bright brown eyes and his nose was a Weasley's long nose. But his figure, his face shape, and of course his messy raven hair were entirely his father's. Of all her cousins, James was the most passionate. He loved deeply, lived joyously, played quidditch wholeheartedly, but also frustrated excessively.
"Not speaking to me too, Jamie?" Rose simpered, "No funny words?"
James sighed, "Hi, Rosie."
Seeing him crestfallen like that troubled Rose. She came forward and hugged her cousin tightly – he's much taller than the last time. Not for long, James returned the hug.
As they parted, Rose said soothingly – looked him straight in the eyes, "Get mad, then get over it James."
He shrugged, avoiding her gaze, "Don't know what you're talking about."
'Oh well, always the drama queen', Rose thought – she chuckled. "You know exactly what I mean. You can't avoid him all the time."
"All these things are really stupid! I think he's doing it to get back at me," He exploded.
Louis rolled his eyes exasperatedly. Fred being smartass – nodded solemnly several times, his expression was full of fake understanding. Under other circumstances, Rose would have burst out laughing.
"Then Mum told me to grow up, Dad and Teddy asked me to do nothing else instead just like you said 'get over it', worst Lily begged me to be nice or she would follow him!"
Louis put his hand to his face moaning while now Fred closed his eyes, shaking his head knowingly.
And as if that wasn't explained enough, James continued, "And she'll be a snake too! We all know Lily's much more cunning and scary than Al. Then, we'll lose all Gryffindor's future seekers. And when I became captain I would constantly lose to those sneaky snakes – my quidditch career would be over before it even started, and all because of my siblings!"
Couldn't handle it anymore Rose guffawed, "So, all come back to quidditch then?"
"He's been saying those words since this morning," Louis complained.
"Actually, mate," Freddie shook his head affectedly, "He's been like this all night and I had to hear all the moaning alone. So, you're not the one complaining."
Louis gaped, "You're right! Thank Merlin I wasn't sorted to Gryffindor."
Rose sighed exhaustively from laughter, "You're all nuts. And here I'm related to you three." Smiling, she talked patiently to James, "All right stop being dramatic. He didn't do it to grieve you. He did it for Scorpius."
"What?" All three of them responded together differently – Louis wondered, Freddie shocked, James annoyed.
"He did these stupid things – all of this just because of the Malfoy boy?" James whined.
Fred was still open-mouthed, however Louis burst into laughter.
James got more annoyed, "And please, do tell what's so funny, oh wise one, my dearest cousin?"
"Can't you see it? He's Albus' best friend now…"
Rose cut in, "Our best friend – mine and Albus's."
Louis continued giggling, "Even better! Therefore, this Malfoy boy will always be with them, spending time with them, even soon would be staying over at the Meadow."
Fred finally cried out, "What in the name of Merlin was he thinking? Clearly he wasn't thinking at all!"
"That's what I've been saying all day all night, idiot." James looked defeated.
"Okay, enough!" Rose blurted out. "You three," pointing her index finger, "stop all these attitudes this instance." Then, she squinted at James, "Especially you! You know Albus. If this continues, he'll close himself off! You don't want to lose your brother just because of some stupid, absurd, ludicrous, unimportant prejudice of the bloody house rivalry, do you James?"
"And all she said without one single breath," Louis drawled smiling, while Fred just clapped.
Fred then wrapped his arm around James' shoulder. "You know I'm undoubtedly with you on this, Jamsie. But our Rosie here got the point. It's not worth Albus' wrath. Between the three of you, well Lily's means disaster; you're annoyance, but Albus's – it would be bloodshed. And I can't handle the family rift. Potter's fortune rests solely on the shoulders of you two."
"Shut it, Fred!" James barked out grumbling, "You're not helping."
"Besides, you still have Lily, just make sure she's happy and she'll choose your side. And that takes us back to 'be nice' to Al," Louis added smirking.
"Right! Right, I still have Lily. Right! Be on her good side, right," James rambled. Then, he looked up to see Rose's amused face, "Okay, chill Rose! I'll talk to Al at lunch, promise."
"Good," beaming, she kissed both his cheeks; then turned her gaze to Fred. "And Freddie? Are you still fed-up?"
"The only thing that makes me annoyed was because I lost the bet, nothing else, milady," he answered modestly.
Rose chuckled, and gave him a sloppy kiss on his left cheek, ("Ewe, Rose!" Fred whined) "How much do you lose?" She asked curiously.
Fred annoyed, "10 Galleons!"
James pointing to Fred and himself – added, "Each."
Louis howled with laughter.
"10 Galleons!?" Rose burst out, "Frederick Fletcher Weasley! Your pocket money for a month is not even up to that much!"
Fred hid behind James, "That's why I'm grateful that I have a generous James Potter here as my cousin."
"Wait until I tell Aunt Angie and Aunt Ginny." The two boys turned pale, making Louis laugh harder. "Really, Lou?" Rose narrowed her eyes at him now, "20 Galleons in one night! That's robbery! What would Aunt Fleur say?"
Louis stopped laughing, "Alright, dear cousin of mine. Breakfast time will end soon, and your poor little friend here has to listen to all our bickering." He kissed her on the cheek and pushed her to go, "Off now, little firsties. We'll see you at lunch."
And with the last waves, they left. Rose sighed.
"Well, that was interesting." The boy, Kellan, talked.
Rose confused, "Why are you still here?"
He chuckled, "Because you didn't tell me to leave. Besides, I was enjoying the show." When he saw her only tilting her head, he continued grinning, "Let's go, I'm starving."
And again too flustered to refuse, Rose just followed along.
"You'll get sick," Scorpius commented dryly.
Albus looked up from his dish to the friend next to him. Grinning, he talked with one's mouth full, "Uncle Ron said that this kind of meal is served only occasionally. Tomorrow nothing will be as complete as this."
It was the traditional full English breakfast, but on Albus' plate it looked overfull. Just thinking about it already made Scorpius stomach's tight.
Albus scanned the table in front of his best friend, "Why aren't you eating, Scor?"
"I ate, Al – a lot. And finished minutes ago and here you are still eating a plateful of food."
Albus shrugged, "I'm a growing boy." Scorpius could only shake his head.
"So, I saw you wrote last night," his friend hesitated. Albus gave his attention, so the boy continued, "You told your family about me?"
Albus raised his eyebrow. "Of course," then continued eating.
After a moment of silence, Scorpius asked, "And?" his voice quavered.
"Nothing to worry, Scor," Albus answered smoothly and looked up smiling, "Nothing to worry."
Scorpius breathed out silently. He changed the topic, "Alright, are you going to finish eating?"
"I want to, but Rosie is not here yet. What is she doing? It's not like her to be this late," Albus frowned.
"Ah, there she is!" Scorpius smirked.
The two Slytherin boys turned to look at the entrance. Rose was walking in beside a neat brown-haired boy with green eyes – although not quite as unique as Albus's. Albus vaguely remembered seeing that boy somewhere, but he couldn't grip it. They saw Rose talking to the boy, and then the boy skipped alone to the Ravenclaw table while Rose came closer to their seat. Without hesitation the girl slipped between Albus and Scorpius.
"Oh, I'm starving," She grumbled, starting to take everything to her plate.
Albus helped her, chuckling – not notice all the frowns or angry glares around the table.
Scorpius trying to keep his emotion unseen was getting agitated.
Secrecy was one of values held by Slytherin. The three things their prefects emphasized last night were one: their dormitory was confidential; two: the humiliation of Salazar's name was unacceptable; last but no least: be worthy!
"Last time I noticed, your table was on the other side, Weasley!" Across them, a fifth year brunette girl drawled resentfully.
Rose stopped eating – squinted her blue eyes, while Albus looked up expressionlessly. When Scorpius opened his mouth to respond, a deep male voice was heard behind the three of them.
"Ah, here you are! I've been looking for you, Miss Weasley," Professor Dallas MacDougal, the head of Ravenclaw House smiled at Rose. He was their Astronomy Professor – his shaggy light brown hair slightly raveled as he looked down observingly at the three first years in front of him. "You're almost late; I hope you can still enjoy your breakfast." Then he took a paper from his hand, "Here is your schedule."
Rose took it politely. When the professor started to turn away, she softly called, "Oh, Professor?"
"Yes, Miss Weasley?" His baritone voice sounded curious.
"Well, I was just wondering. You see, I've been doing my research on all Hogwarts history and rules before coming here. My mother always said detailed planning and good preparations would always lead into perfection. Come to think of it, how it fits entirely into intellectual wisdom – where being intellect we'll always be curious and learn, while being wise never was ignorant and stick-on the truth only."
The professor raised his eyebrow – a glint of amusement adorned his hazel eyes.
Scorpius now was crossing both his hands on his chest, tilting his head – enjoying his red-haired friend's speech with her articulate voice.
Albus, smiling, softly nudged her, "And your point is, my dear cousin?"
"Oh yeah, Albus," she smiled sweetly. "Well, Professor! If I have to face a certain circumstance – where there were none rules let alone any history to support it, instead of baseless and wholly insubstantial individuals prejudice – what do you think, sir? Should I stand by the truth or dissolve into the ignorant and baseless assumptions?"
"And what was the circumstance if I may ask, Miss Weasley?" He replied calmly.
Rose laughed politely, "Oh, Professor you know… Prejudice will always be the same at Hogwarts. I've been sitting here with my dearest cousin and my new best friend who unfortunately happen to be in a different house from me. And somehow, even though there was no rule forbidding it, there was still one who was ignorant enough to be against it. What would you say, sir?"
"Then, Miss Weasley," He smiled widely now, "It is very clear to all of us, that you should stand by the truth and the truth only." And after looking around sharply to the students, he went back to his seat at the front.
Rose turned around with a satisfied smile and then continued her breakfast. Albus scolded her to slow down so as not to choke, while Scorpius looked directly at the Slytherin brunette who had been complaining.
She lifted up her chin haughtily, "Well," she drawled. "I see you got your point there, little miss-chatty-mouthy! Enjoy your breakfast." She sneered mockingly, and with that, left with her friends.
"See?" Rose spoked one's full mouth. "And that's why it's always lovely to speak with level-headed people. Depends only on who is wiser and more rational than others."
Albus chuckled, "You should be proud, Rose. First day of school you already got your own nickname."
Scorpius shook his head, smirking. "Well, maybe that's the answer why Slytherin could stand Ravenclaw the most."
"Oh, Scorpius!" Rose beaming, "In the end what matters the most is what kind of person we are and not our house – my Mum's word."
Scorpius laughed, "Whatever your Mum said, Rose – whatever you're Mum said."
"So, why were you late?" Albus observed.
"Before that, you boys got your schedule? What's your first subject?"
Albus took her schedule and scanned, "Don't worry we got everything the same all day."
"Yes!" Rose chirped and took a full bite of her pancake.
Scorpius cackled, "So, that's the reason you chose Ravenclaw, huh?"
"Like I said, detailed planning and good preparations always lead into perfection," She winked giggling, and added, "My Mum's word," while Scorpius said at the same time, "Your Mum's word."
Rose and Scorpius burst out laughing, Albus annoyed, "So, now you'd tell us why you were so late?"
"I met James." Rose said lightly while still eating.
Scorpius' face turned agitated.
Albus only raised his eyebrow to his cousin, "And?" He drew out.
"He'll talk to you at lunch."
Albus beamed, "You're definitely my favorite cousin."
"You've to compete with Louis, then. He's told me that several times since last night," she giggled.
"No, I don't. I'm sure you'll always choose me," Albus grinned, while Scorpius sighed in relief smiling too.
After breakfast the three of them went to the second floor of class 31. Their first class was Defense against the Dark Arts. It was one of the subjects Albus most looked forward to. Their way there was very interesting – the castle was magnificent, full of magic and history – full of mystery for sure. In time like this Albus wished he had the Marauder's Map with him. Unfortunately at the moment it's still with James. Their father asked them to share. Well, maybe when his brother actually made it into the Gryffindor team, he'd be kind and happy enough to lend him.
When they got to the class, the light brown-haired Ravenclaw boy that walked with Rose before waved, "Rose!"
Albus curiously looked at his cousin's face. She frowned and looked confused. Albus smiled, "So, who is this friend of yours?"
"No idea," She muttered.
Albus took the lead and sat next to the boy followed by Scorpius and a reluctant Rose.
The neat boy smiled happily, "Great! Now I don't have to sit alone."
Hearing his singsong voice, made Albus recognize him at last. "I remember you! You're Seamus Finnigan's son, Kellan!"
The boy laughed, "Finally! How've you been, Al?"
"Great!" Albus grinned and turned to look at Rose. "We met him at the Meadow, Rose – at Dad's birthday. When was that, mate?" Albus asked the boy, "It's been too long."
"Summer five years ago, that time when my sister and I visited England for the first time."
"Oh yeah," Rose chimed in finally grasping. "Why didn't you mention it?" She genuinely smiled now.
Kellan chortled, "Why? So you could be nicer to me?"
Rose blushed, making Albus curiously ask, "What the story?"
"Oh, the fact that she didn't remember me after we talked and walked together all night," Kellan smirked.
Albus laughed, "Oh, you have to understand, easiness was never Rose' specialty. She thinks making new acquaintances was very tiring."
"I just had a lot on my mind last night," she murmured, which made Scorpius chuckled.
Kellan's interest shifted to the blonde boy grinning, "So you're the one making a fuss over the Weasley-Potter cousins, huh?"
The Malfoy heir only raised his eyebrow with no expression.
Kellan chuckled, "I'm just curious. I had to witness James' tantrum this morning."
Rose explained, "Well, he was with me when we passed by James, Freddy, and Louis."
Scorpius smirked, and then extended his hand, "Scorpius Malfoy."
"Kellan Finnigan," replied him warmly.
All students stopped talking when they saw a tall middle-age wizard walk to the front of class and turned around. He paused for a moment gazing at all Ravenclaw and Slytherin first years before him. His angular face adorned by a slightly gray mustache and thick ducktail-beard looked very serious. Professor Ellias Weiss was not only their DADA teacher but also the Hogwarts' Deputy Headmaster.
"I must admit," He began – his voice deep and full authoritative, "that I have high expectations from this class, as all said this class is for the ambitious and perfectionist of all students." He smiled briefly, not reaching his downturned eyes – all students were focused on his stern gaze. "Therefore, I'd like to challenge you to something that even your first year textbook has not yet explained," He continued, "Who here can describe that Dark Arts were not evil?"
Most of the class including Kellan gasped, Rose looked contradictory. However Albus saw his friend next to him slowly raised his hand – Albus expressionlessly gazed at him.
A glint flickered in his dark grey eyes, Professor Weiss nodded, "Mr. Malfoy."
"Because it's been here from the beginning, I guess…" Scorpius warily spoke, his tone and face unreadable, "Part of nature – like the day would never come before the night's over, as long as there has been light there has been dark. The balance of the universe creates itself - one cannot exist without the other."
"Well explained. And where is this idea coming from, Mr. Malfoy?"
Scorpius' head bowed slightly, "It's just my thoughtful thinking, sir."
The man was truly smiling now and he slowly caught a glimpse of the class again, "Now, who wants to argue young Mister Malfoy here?"
When Rose raised her hand, the professor nodded to her, "Yes, Miss Weasley."
"Well, it still doesn't answer the evil nature of the Dark Arts, sir. Because it is true that the Dark Magic was evil for the one who used it will be trapped and corrupted the body and soul until it's no longer a human being but the evil itself," she answered passionately, "And because of that in this class we will learn to defend against it."
"And that could be the resume of all what we're going to study this year, Miss Weasley," Professor Weiss winked. "Before we continue, does anyone else want to add or argue?" The professor looked around, his eyes laid on Albus, "Perhaps you, Mr. Potter? What do you think?"
Albus paused a second then responded slowly, "I'd say that I agree with both of them, Professor." When the gray-haired wizard smiled encouragingly, Albus continued, "The first statement was knowledge and the other was tendency. And knowing is not evil – but to decide between light and dark, I'll always stand by the light. We all should."
"Good thinking!" Professor Weiss beamed, "You three! We need those thoughts for our Wizarding World. And for that, 25 points for each of you!" The man smiled brightly to the class now, "Not bad to start our class journey. I want an essay about 'Good and Evil of the Dark Arts' on my desk for next week."
"But Professor?" Rose asked, "What's the right answer then?"
"That's Miss Weasley," He smiled, "Will be your mission to find it out in your seven years of study at Hogwarts. Hopefully, you all would be wise enough to give me the answer when you're ready to graduate." After he silenced for a while – eyes gazing at students, smile grazing his broad face – He spoke again, "Now open your book at page twelve, we will start with five categories of known Dark Magic.
Albus did as he was told, briefly glanced at Scorpius. His friend was staring intently at him, his face looked unsure. Albus was used to that expression by now, so he smiled reassuringly making the blonde boy shake his head smiling also.