Starting School

Newt and Tom were strolling through Diagon Alley, the hidden London shopping street of wizarding school supplies. It was a little crowded so Tom held his father's hand so they wouldn't get lost. Using Newt's savings in his bank from the 400 million copies of his published book, they had already brought his robes, items, and necessities. Now it was time for a final important item. A wand.

They stood in front of an aged black shop labelled Ollivander's Wands in letters of gold.

"You ready?" Newt asked.

Tom nodded. He hadn't talked much today. Newt knew he was going through a hard time but he was remaining hopeful as ever that Hogwarts would help heal the holes in his heart. They entered inside quietly, dinging the bell door. They didn't see anyone.

"Hello?' called Newt.

Immediately an old wizard with ruffled white hair appeared on a sliding ladder. "How lovely to see you, Mr Scamander," he greeted. "Welcome to my shop,"

"Hello Mr Ollivander," he greeted.

"It's been some time," Ollivander walked to his desk. "Your book is amazing,"

"Thank you,'

"What can I do for you?"

"Not me," Newt introduced his son.

"Hello there. Who might you be young sir?"

"My name's Tom," he spoke up a little awkwardly.

"How lovely to meet you. I take it you're going to Hogwarts like your father,"

"I am. I'm so excited,"

"Well, a wizard isn't a wizard without a wand. Wait here," Ollivander walked over to one of the shelves. He pulled out a box, opened it and handed Tom a black wand. "Give it a wave,"

Tom waved it. He made a vase explode. "Oh my gosh. I am so sorry,"

"Don't apologise my dear boy. It's all part of the process of finding out which wand is yours. This one isn't I'm afraid," He gently took the wand back and went to find another box. The next wand was gold. When Tom waved it, he made the bell fall off the door. Attempt three came. Tom was given a wand of various brown colours. Newt recognised it as hawthorn wood.

Tom took it and in an instant, he felt a strange surge of force which made his hair blow.

Ollivander smiled. "This is the one,"

Tom looked at his new wand. Then up at his ad who smiled proudly. He admired it. "Hawthorn wood. Unicorn hair core," Ollivander explained.

"Thank you, Mr Ollivander," said Tom.

"How much?" asked Newt.

"Eight galleons," Ollivander held out a hand.

"Done," Newt placed eight gold coins in his hand. "Let's go, Tom. You've got a big day tomorrow," They waved goodbye to Ollivander and walked out of the shop. They walked to a wall of bricks which magically shuffled out of place revealing a doorway to a pub – the Leaky Cauldron. They sat together at the table sipping soup and munching on the bread. Newt noticed he was a little quiet. "You okay?"

Tom nodded. "I'm fine. I'm just nervous," He and his dad had this conversation since last week. As much as he was excited to be learning magic, he was worried about everyone he would meet. Would they be kind to him? Or would they treat him horribly as Mary Lou did?

"Tom, " Newt held his hand. "You have nothing to worry about. Lorna wrote to me and told me she would take care of you. And Dumbledore will too. I know that these last few days haven't been easy for you. But I know they're going to get better,"

"I hope you're right,"

"They will," Newt pulled Tom into his arms and he felt his father's lips kiss his head.

In his bed, Tom's eyes remained awake. Gilly cuddled up closer to him and Bobo hugged his cheek. He felt his heart beating rapidly under his chest. Every second that ticked by meant a step closer to going to school. Eventually, he closed his eyes, remembering that he had adult friends waiting for him, promising to watch over him.

He woke up at a good time and Newt helped him prepare in his black robes. "There," he brushed his hair nicely. "You're ready. Come and look," he and Tom stood in front of the mirror. Tom saw himself as a student. All that was missing was a colourful tie. He would get one once he was sorted into his house. The house he was in would define what type of person he was. But what was he? Where did he belong? Did he belong to the ambitious Slytherins? The intelligent Ravenclaws? The brave Gryffindors? Or the kind-hearted Hufflepuffs?

"Were you nervous on your first day?" he asked.

"Very,"

"What about when you were sorted out into your horse?"

"I was just as nervous too. But know this, your house will be like your family. Everyone will welcome you. Lorna will make sure of that. You're gonna be fine. And no matter what happens, I'll always be proud of you," he kissed his head and Tom had never felt braver than anything.

His giant trunk was packed and Newt wrapped his scarf around his neck, the same one which he had given Tom the night they met in New York. Soon after he was ready, Lorna arrived at the front door. Rather than ride the Hogwarts Express, since he was going to be starting a little later than the other first years, she would be taking him there.

She entered inside and smiled at how handsome he looked. "You look like you're already a student, Tom. You ready?"

Tom nodded.

"I'll write to you every week," promised Newt as he gave him a hug.

"Me too dad," Tom felt Gilly nudging his side. He looked at him with pleading eyes. "Sorry, Gilly. You can't come,"

"He can come," said Lorna. "I'll speak to headmaster Dippet. Besides all first-year students need to have a companion. It's absolutely no trouble at all,"

Tom felt a smile form on his face. "Thank you. Do you hear that Gilly? You're coming with us?" He heard a whining moan from his robe pocket. "Bobo," he pulled a fold back and Bobo poked his head out. "Of course, you're coming too,"

"Best be off now," said Lorna. "I promise you I'll watch out for him Newt,"

"Thank you," Newt hugged her tight.

"Let me know if you hear anything from Tina and Jacob,"

He nodded. "Goodbye Tom," he hugged him tightly.

"I love you, dad,"

"I love you too son,"

Tom let go and Newt gave him one last encouraging smile. Lorna grabbed the handle of his trunk and pulled it forwards before holding onto Tom's hand. He picked up Gilly with the other and Bobo hung on tight. Then in a flash, they vanished.

Tom stood nervously outside the door. He didn't have Bobo or Gilly with him. He heard loud voices outside and chit-chatting outside.

Headmaster Dippet silenced the hall with his hands. "I know that this is a great Halloween night but I would like to introduce a new student,"

Tom saw the door slowly open and Lorna and her dad.

"You ready Tom?" asked Dumbledore.

Tom nodded.

"Come on. We'll be with you the whole time," promised Lorna. She offered a hand and Tom took it. She led him out into the open.

"I'd like to welcome Mr Tom Scamander to our school!" Dippet announced.

As Tom walked with Lorna, he looked ahead and saw the four long house tables with the four houses sitting down, all eyes on him; it was a little shocking. Some of them looked open and welcoming. The table on the far side looked menacing and unfriendly: the Slytherins. He hoped he wasn't placed with them. He knew Leta Lestrange was a Slytherin and she was good but she despised the thought of being with mean wizards. He noticed that one of them sat out from the crowd. She didn't look unfriendly. She looked curious. She was no mean Slytherin.

He flicked his head ahead and he saw Headmaster Dippet. "Welcome Tom. Now…I know that you're starting quite late…but I feel that with a lot of support and welcome from your future house you can keep on track. Now…come and sit," he showed a seat with a giant point wizard hat that was brown and wrinkled. "And the Sorting Hat will sort you in your house,"

Tom looked up at Lorna and she gently patted her shoulders. Biting his bottom lip, he walked over to the seat and sat down and the large pointy hat was placed on his head. He wondered what would happen.

"Mmm…" he felt the hat on top of his head talking. He almost felt his heart leap out of his chest. "A new student. Quite late a start. But still….how wonderful to sort another student out. Now let's see. You are many things young one. You're smart. Loyal. Brave. A little ambitious," Tom swallowed a lump in his throat. "But there is only one house for you. Better be…Hufflepuff!"

Tom breathed in relief when he saw the Hufflepuffs clapping and cheering for him, welcoming him. He gasped for joy. He turned his head and saw Dumbledore and Lorna smiling as they clapped. They cocked their heads down towards the table encouragingly. Unafraid and no longer nervous, Tom stepped down from the platform and towards the table where he was happily welcomed by a group of sweet Hufflepuffs. They shook hands with him. They said, "Welcome to Hufflepuff. They said he was lucky to have a great dad like Newt. He couldn't wait to tell his dad everything. He enjoyed the feast and when it was time to leave, the first years kindly escorted him to the Hufflepuff Common Room. They walked down the stairs to the Hufflepuff Basement towards a corridor that led to the kitchen. They turned a corner and saw a portrait door waiting for them. The prefect spoke a password and the door opened.

Tom walked inside with his new buddies. The Common roof was golden. Hanging above a fireplace was Helga Hufflepuff, one of the Founders of Hogwarts. She was surrounded by badgers, her favourite animal. Such adorable creatures. Tom remembered a badger toy his mother had once sewn for him when he was a kid.

"Welcome to the common room young Tom," the prefect said. "We hope you enjoy it here,"

Tom nodded. "Thank you,"

"Let's show you the boys' bedroom," a cheery kid named Jake pulled him down a hallway and Tom found himself in a giant room with several single beds with beautiful furniture.

"Wow," he breathed.

"Here's your bed," a boy named Sammy gently pulled over to a comfy bed at the far corner near a nice window where outside Tom could see a night-time view of the Great Lake and the Highlands. He looked at his bed and touched the covers, so soft and silky. His trunk was just in front of it. "This is perfect,"

Just after he spoke, Gilly appeared from under the bed. The kids shrieked in shock.

"What is that?" a boy cried.

"It's all right. This is Gilly. He's a Graphorn,"

"One of your dad's creatures?" asked a braver kid.

Tom nodded. "He won't hurt you. He's really nice. Say hi, Gilly"

Gilly moved his tentacles a little but tried to look friendly. The kids were a little frightened still but Jake and Sam managed to pluck up the courage to say hello. Gilly just as Tom said was very nice and the boys began to like him instantly. Bobo appeared out from under a pillow and Tom introduced him to the other boys too. His Hufflepuff friends fell in love with his creature companions and immediately they began plaguing Tom with questions about what other creatures his father had. Soon it was time to get some sleep. And when he did, Tom had never been more excited than ever for magical lessons.

The next morning, rather than start lessons, Tom was called to meet Lorna near the courtyard. When he met her, he saw a happy smile on her face. All he could express was happiness. "I really love my house," he said.

"I'm so happy to hear you say that," she said proudly. "I thought perhaps you could start off today with a nice tour of the castle,"

"I would love that," he said. "If it's no trouble at all,"

"Well, I have the perfect guides for your tour," she said. She flicked her head to see a certain red-haired Gryffindor walking towards her. "Ahh Ron, how lovely to see you,"

"Pleasure as ever Miss Dumbledore," she said.

"Please call me Lorna,"

"You're the head of our house. You deserve the respect,"

"It's still very sweet of you Ron. Tom, this is Ron Weasley. I've asked him to be your guide around the school till you're settled in. Now if you will all excuse me, I have some matters to attend to you. Have a fun day,"

The boys waved. Tom felt nervous but the Gryffindor offered a hand and he shook it.

"It's okay to be nervous. Felt like this on my first day here. You get used to it. Come on. I'll show you around," Ron took Tom around the castle, showing him the hallways on every level. Tom was mesmerised by the moving paintings, the ghosts that phased through the walls and the pieces of armour that moved their heads. The Hufflepuff ghost, the Fat Friar was very welcoming.

They had just turned round a corner when Ron accidentally bumped into a Slytherin with platinum blonde spiky hair.

"Hey!" the Slytherin grabbed his collar. "Watch where you're going, Weasel!"

"Leave him alone," Tom defended. "It was just an accident,"

The Slytherin shoved Ron into the wall and moved in on Tom who backed up. "Who are you talking newbie?"

"Leave them alone Abraxas!" a loud voice roared. The boys turned to see the girl with blonde hair whom Tom recognised from last night. "Why don't you pick on someone your own size?"

The Slytherin stepped back from Tom and Ron and marched on her. "Since when did you start standing up for other houses? Traitor,"

"Since you started tormenting people just because you think our family's better than other people?"

"Of course, we are. At least we don't have to struggle like Weasel's poor family and this Scamander kid whose father was expelled from school,"

"What do you think you're doing Abraxas?" Dumbledore appeared from out of nowhere and marched in on the Slytherin. "Twenty points will be taken from Slytherin for your aggression against other students. And don't you ever threaten your sister like that again,"

Abraxas stalked away giving a death glare to the Slytherin girl and the two boys. Dumbledore looked at them. "Are you all okay?"

"We're fine professor," Ron nodded.

"Would you both mind having Lucille join your party?" he asked.

"Not at all," said Ron. "Come join us, Lucille,"

"Thanks,"

"I hope you're having fun, Tom," said Dumbledore.

"I am a professor. Ron is a really great tour guide," he complimented earning an appreciated smile.

"I'll see you three in class in a very hour," Dumbledore walked away.

Tom checked in on the girl. "Are you okay?"

"I'm okay," she said.

"Tom, meet Lucille. Lucille, Tom. So Lucille, you coming with us?"

"Absolutely," she said. "Thanks, Ron,' the three walked off towards the courtyards and across a wooden bridge to some green hills.

"Thanks for standing up for me," said Ron to Tom.

"No problem. Thanks to standing up for us Lucille,"

"You're welcome. I'm so sorry about what my brother said to you two,"

"That guy was your brother?" asked Tom.

Lucille sadly nodded.

"Why is he so horrible?"

"He and his mean family think they can just treat people however they want just because they're rich. Not you Lucille of course," Ron made sure not to offend her. "They mock my family because we're not as wealthy as them,"

"Don't let him get to you," Lucille was a young respectful girl. "And Tom, you're so lucky to have a dad like Newt,"

"Is it true you and him keep many creatures safe?" wondered Ron.

Tom smiled. "We sure do. I could introduce you to my Graphorn Gilly and my Bowtruckle Bobo if you'd like,"

"You have magical creatures here?" he breathed. Tom nodded to his question. "You're so lucky,"

"I envy you two," said Lucille. "You both have families who accept you for who you are. My own family never accepts anything I do,"

"Your family is really that bad?" Tom asked. She nodded, shedding a tear, recapping the awful words her brother spat in her face. He patted her shoulder. "You just be you,"

"Thanks," she smiled, feeling a friendship grow between them.

"I know how much it hurts to have a brother let you down,"

"You have a brother?" Ron asked.

Tom nodded. "I don't wanna talk about it. What's your family like?"

"My parents work in the ministry of magic. I have one brother, Septimus. He's in year three. We may not be as rich as the Malfoys but we still love our way of life,"

"As long as you're enjoying it, that's what matters. My dad's career in Magizoology wasn't appreciated but he did it because he enjoyed it. And I enjoy Magizoology too which is why I'd like to follow in his footsteps,"

"Sounds like you've got your whole life planned ahead of you," said Lucille.

They walked towards a nice lookout point. "I wanted to save the best for last," said Ron. He showed Tom a magnificent view of Hogwarts castle surrounded by miraculous midday sunlight and ravishing hilltops. Tom had never felt more certain about this amazing school than ever. "It's amazing. Isn't it?"

Tom put up a very strong smile. "It sure is. Thanks for showing me everything, Ron,"

"It was nothing,"

"Thanks for letting me come along guys," said Lucille. "It really meant a lot,"

"You know you can always count on us if you need us to hold your back," Tom promised, earning a smile from Lucille.

"I'm afraid we need to get to class now," said Ron regrettably. "You ready guys?"

They nodded. Linking hands, they made their way back into the castle where they attended their first Defence against the Dark Arts teacher. Ron and Tom sat together. Lucille sat next to a Hufflepuff who with Tom's encouragement was nice to her and didn't treat her terribly because she was a Slytherin.

From that moment onwards Tom felt like this new beginning meant the start of something extraordinary. At the end of the week, he wrote his first letter to his dad.

Dear Dad,

So much has happened. I was sorted into Hufflepuff. I was proud at that moment to be in the same house as you. The Hufflepuff students are so nice. They really liked Bobo and Gilly. On the first very day, a nice Gryffindor named Ron Weasley took me on a lovely tour around the school; he's so cool and welcoming. And I met a Slytherin named Lucille Malfoy. She's just like Leta.- she's sweet and she's nothing like the other mean Slytherins. We've become extremely close friends.

I've enjoyed having Lorna and Dumbledore as my teachers. They've kept a great eye on me so far and I feel like they are family to us. I miss you a lot. But I really look forward to seeing you soon. Everything you said about Hogwarts is amazing. The Fat Friar was so friendly but Peeves that pesky poltergeist is such a menace. You should have seen how he made Ron's hair fly up in a frenzy.

Please let me know how life is back in London and if you've heard anything from Tina or Jacob.

Love Tom.

P.S. Please give each creature a hug from me.

Dear Tom,

I am so proud of you. Lorna has written and told me how amazing you are in your lessons. I knew that it wouldn't take long for you to catch up with the other students. It means that you are a very talented student. Just as I have always believed.

Life is great. Theseus and I are seeing each other more often. I feel like our relationship has improved very much. I've done all I can to comfort him but he is still broken sometimes. The creatures are doing well but it is not the same without you.

I am sad to say that I haven't heard anything from Tina or Jacob. I still hope they're doing well. I know these last few weeks have been difficult for all of us. And I dread to think of when the next fight against Grindelwald will be. But I know that we will face it together. I look forward to reading your next letter.

Love Dad

That's the first chapter for film 3 done. So Tom has started school. He is Hufflepuff like his dad and he's made some lovely friends. Note to say again, Ron Weasley isn't Ron from Harry Potter. It is an OC character. And so is Lucille Malfoy. Some other characters mentioned except the Hufflepuff students don't belong to me. Just my OCs. See you all soon.