The Secrets of the Blue Sky

Originally by J. K. Rowling
Fanfic-ed by Masked Lover

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ZOMG Deathly Hallows SPOILERS! ENDING SPOILERS!!! ZOMG!

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Chapter Three:

Hogwarts: A History


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"Scorpius, you forgot your wand," came a practiced whisper, Albus was practically sticky and wet from the sheer nervousness of having to return the wand. He usually was the one to respond to someone talking to him and by the looks of Scorpius, the blonde prince wanted nothing more to do with the shy Potter boy. He gripped his want that mingled with Harry's. "I would like to return your wand--I mean... Is this your wand Scorpius, I didn't steal it... I seem to... I mean I kind have it-- Because you forgot it. No... I have your wand Scopius, no that sounds threatening...

"I have your wand, Scorpius join me in Gryffindor."

Albus suddenly recoiled sensing his brother approaching, not that his brother was easily found with his long, red hair tied into a tall ponytail and mad, cheshire grin. The stench of smoke and mischief still on his robes.

"Why's your face so red, Al-blub?" James boldly swung his arm, hook his brother's shoulder and reigning in the reluctant first year. Albus looked left and right and until his eyes fell upon the blonde Scorpius casually talking to a slender Japanese girl who spoke in softly and sweetly in accented English. The brunette's hand ran over his own wand, then over Scorpius's that shared the same pocket, when the Malfoy heir spared him a moments glance to shoot at Albus an evil eye. "That slimy bloke bothering you, dear brother. Want me to deeeal with him."

The last thing Albus needed was his scheming brother tangled up in his personal business, especially seeing it was a delicate problem with a surly, icy Malfoy.

"No thanks, I think I've got to go meet up with the rest of the first years," Albus then forced a smile. "If all goes well, I'll see you in Gryffindor. Now then..." With great difficulty, Albus pried an overly friendly James from his shoulder and pulled his luggage closer to him hoping that nothing was left behind. When he looked up at his brother, Albus eyes just caught the pang of hurt that was reflected from James blue eyes.

"I'll be fine," Albus added, "worry about yourself."

"You," James said, and he said in his sincere voice which had often made a fool of Albus but still always caught the younger Potter's attention. "You... Being in Slytherin. I was joking about it. Don't take it personally, but it what I say as your big brother matters... The Gryffindor tower is nice and breezy and very stalagmite free."

"Thanks... James." There wasn't anymore to say, just a temporary goodbye.

"Albus! Over 'ere!!!" Bellowed Hagrid's cheerful voice, the giant seemed frailer then when he last saw him, but still unaffected by age. Albus wondered how Hagrid's children were fairing, but knew that the pair were never too far from Hagrid's remodeled hut. "Don't worry about yer luggage, it's be brought to Howarts for yer."

"I gotta go," Albus turned to see James was already reunited within his tight ring of Gryffidor's and caught him whacking one of his friends in the shoulder before dragging the group off to cavort, extort and more with his fellow Gryffindor's.

"Albus, oh, how I've missed saying that name and now I get ta say it more often." Hagrid laughed to himself although his face was as murky and mysterious as the water that they were nearing. The ground's keeper mind wandered until he remembered what his job actually was, "now, now children, don't be shy, come along!"

"Coming!" Albus did his best to ignore the racket his brother's friends were making as the the older students were being ushered to what looked to be carriages drawn by skeletal, winged horses. His brother, nor did anyone else seem to bothered by the ghostly horses. Albus himself wasn't too fond of real horses, even though his father and mother owned a few and from those awful experiences, was glad that Hagrid was now leading him away from said creepy carriages and to the boats along with Albus's fellow first years. It was getting quite dark out as the group was led onto boats and Albus noticed there was something inside the water, then noticed that there was a many thing living inside the water. Perhaps the carriages weren't so bad, but the crowd was pushing forward and he found himself on a boat that lead them towards Hogwarts.

Much to his preference, the boat was the least occupied. Albus found himself with the chubby asian girl that he had seen when he first arrived on the train. An afro-ed, dark skin boy with a thick accent was singing to himself towards the back of the boat and the blonde boy who he had held the package full of rabbits when he had been passing through the trains.

"You're Albus aren't you," the blonde boy said, as if the two were comfortable friends. Albus shivered at the strange boy's tone, his eyes bothering him a bit as they were quite odd. He seemed a bit too... friendly. And quite eerie too... a bit of a know it all with how he carried himself, and on a boat there was only so far that Albus could distance himself.

"I'm Alice," said the boy.

"That's a girl's name," Albus responded dumbly, his mind turning from the stranger to the towering castle that would have appeared in a more romantic fairy tale, then a dungeonous one. (Dungeonous meaning full of dungeons, according to his Uncle.) "So that's Hogwarts---"

"It's been renovated twice, as an apology from the ministry," Alice informed with a snobbish demeanor, "the Gryffindor area has been expanded and there has been more tunneling as to accommodate for the Slytherin's dormitories. Which is a pity because I intend to end up in neither. Are you alright with being called Albus, or do you prefer being called Severus."

"No one really calls me Severus, it's really just a--"

"In memory on Severus Snape, hero and former Potions Master. I kind of like the name Severus but you don't really suit that name right now--" Alice concluded, giving our poor hero the once over, "however, you do have potential to be great, but not like your father..." Alice noticed the boy's scrunched-up face, and smirked. "Well... I can see it in your eyes that you are wonderful by yourself. We're here."

Albus sighed in relief, glad to be free of Alice temporarily, but he noticed how rudely the snob was brushing off some love struck girls. There was a sinking--yet boat free--feeling of despair that he found himself within a storm of first years that scrambled too cheerfully into the entrance of Hogwarts. The excited pushing and rude shoving forced him onto the boats continued to bully him. Albus followed along, up the many, many stairs to where two familiar Professors stood and sternly looked over the mass of students. Not once did Albus see Rosie Weasley, perhaps the girl was more farther behind than would be expected and his attention began to drift until a familiar voice called it to attention. "Boys and girls, I know you're all excited, but please do simmer down so that Professor Longbottom and I may clarify the temporary madness that is your first impression and introduction to our beloved Hogwarts."

Uncle Longbottom smiled and stepped up to his cue. "Well, there has been a change of plans on how you will be introduced to Hogwarts, but first and foremost we will need to cover the rules of conduct and general expectations. In several moments, the lot of you will be sorted into for Houses which will be your dormitories for the remainder of the year. Your housemates will not only be your friends, but your family. Which is a guarantee as I have experienced it first hand myself."

Neville motioned to Teddy Lupin, who seemed all too happy to continue talking. "Oh, also house points! The more well behaved you are, the more house points you will gain, the less, the more you will lose. Also, at the end of the year, the House with the most House Points wins the House Cup and Bragging rights. Also, opportunities to win and be awarded House Points have increased due to the many events which have been added to the event schedule, but that will be discussed in further detail by your House Head. Last year it was Slytherin won," Teddy seemed a bit let down by this,"so all do your best to continue to fight with your all you might!"

A cheer erupted from the crowd of first year, but Neville who seemed all to familiar with the mob on both ends calmed the group again. "I believe now that Professor Lupin has covered the basics, the lot of your probably want to be sorted out into what House you're in." A noise of happiness and agreement signaled the progression of events enough for Professor Longbottom. "We do this by sorting hat, it's a simple process and don't be nervous. It may seem odd, but the sorting hat is one of my closest friends and he'll accommodate for you if you have any worries."

Alice smiled at Albus, all too friendly. "Shall we follow?"

"We?!" Albus sputtered, a hooked arm dragged him into the next room that awaited him with spectacular floating candles, a living ceiling, long, over-stretching white linen tables.

It was exactly what Scorpius had transcribed to him (at least what he thought that Scorpius did), a sort of moat (well lake) and a castle... There wasn't really a Princess, just some old guy... Talking. Not even talking loudly. Just, generally, so much so that one wouldn't even recognize that he was talking to them. It was kind of depressing. He looked like he didn't want to be there either. He absentmindedly rushed through the Professor's Introduction, mostly mumblings and mid-way had to be intercepted by Uncle Longbottom and then seated, where he sat, quite happy with himself and his half-finished job.

"That's very nice Aberforth, but you forgot to introduce yourself as Headmaster." Neville quipped, all too late and much too cheerfully.

"Oh right," Aberforth replied, very unenthusiastically. "I'll do that next year."

"Thank you all the same," came a mild voice, Victoire continued for the Headmaster, that Alice was now spouting historical nonsense about. Albus strained to hear her speech over Alice's chatty nature. "I am Victoire Weasley, as you can see, I am the Transfigurations Proffessor's Assistant. This is stout looking man is Mr. Longbottom, he is the Head of House belonging to Gryffindor and your Herbology Professor. Missus Carling at the doors is the resident Mediwitch and beside her is her brother, Mister Carling, the caretaker of Hogwarts. Oh, and the resident Potion Master is Mrs. Clover, who will soon be leaving for maternity leave but..." Victoire raised her slender hand to her lips, catching herself saying far too much.

"--And that concludes the rest of the introductions," Teddy exclaimed quite cheerfully with a patched, but mysterious item in hand. "And now someone... Something that needs no, or very little introduction: our Sorting Hat." Teddy produced the hat that he had been hiding, not so magically behind his back and much to Albus surprise it began to spout poetry!

The sorting hat began with an:

Ahem.

Hello, hello,
good lads and lasses,
who've flown from far
to seek their classes.
(I only seek to do you right
and milk you for your assets.)

If you are bold of heart, or laugh, or charm,
I place you somewhere fine.
You fit right into Gryffindor
And here you'll spend your time.

If in your wake--
Can't help but dream,
And step ambitiously.
There are things that you'll find there
when you join Slytherin.

Brains beat brawn,
Then beat themselves
In riddle, math and rhyme
In Ravenclaw, you challenge minds,
right here amongst your kind.

Alas, not last, dear Hufflepuff,
Not last or quite forgotten,
You'll salvage life
Discarded truths
Found here in Hufflepuff.

A Sorting Hat can place you
If you please
In just a place of mind
Inside a home of family
Of children, so sweet and kind.

But don't forget what you learn here
Is never once forgotten
If you remember love
--You'll find--
Your heart is never rotten.

"You're choosing Gryffindor right?" Alice inquired, the boy practically had his tongue in his ear he was so close to Albus. "I'm going for Ravenclaw myself. Not a good location, but knowing me I'll just figure a way to bend the rules. Loopholes, spells and things have many loopholes. Gryffindor is a great place if you've got your head in the clouds."

Albus was beginning to wonder if Alice was just loopy altogether, soon his semi-adopted brother began to call on First Years ("in no particular order"). It startled Albus a bit when the hat was placed on the head of a young girl named Silvia Goyle, placing the the hat upon her head and pronouncing her Slytherin which resounded in cheers from such table. Albus asked another easily answered question that seemed to annoy Alice to know end. "And the Hat puts people in Houses like Slytherin."

Alice shook his head at the empty-headed boy, "only if they want to be or it's in their nature."

"Oh," Albus noticed the young Japanese girl (Moe Kojima) who had been fondly conversing with Malfoy had been also been sorted into Slytherin. She seemed generally pleased and politely handed the hat back to Teddy. "Where do they stay... The Slytherins."

"And Slytherin's reside in the underbelly of the school," Alice continued. "Typical, stereotypical." Alice looked up amused as he watched Scorpius stalk up to the sorting hat.

"I have to stop him--" Albus look for a solution. What would the real Albus do? No... That was weird. He didn't want to to that--- How about Snape? He was the most methodical and understanding of all Slytherin dilemmas, no.. Severus would have let thing be as they may...

His dad?

Albus looked at the swirling world of role models, uncertain if he would be able to rise to the occasion.

There was a lurch on uncertainty in the pit of Albus's stomach as his resolve began to drain like a water in a shoddy bucket.

He wasn't handsome... or smart... or an old wizard...

Albu was just himself... not perfect, just plain Albus.

"That's ridiculous! A load of garbage!" Came a roaring voice behind his wavering conscience. "Are you an idiot, boy?!"

His Uncle seemed to swell in the back of his head, knocking around the negative thoughts with his girth and police baton. His Uncle wasn't perfect, didn't know magic or anything about Wizarding traditions but he tried, or lied and pretended he knew. Right! His Uncle was right!

His Uncle Dudley wouldn't put up with Wizarding nonsense and neither would Albus.

Although recklessness and bravery would be able to calm the grinding in his stomach or the thudding in his chest, it was quite thrilling like riding a broom. Alice kept on rambling, with his hand on his chin. "Oh, and there goes Scorpius Malfoy. His father, Draco Malfoy became a Slytherin even before the Sorting Hat was placed on his head. What? Calm down, Albus, before you--"

But Albus wasn't even looking when he jumped, his heart was beating madly but he didn't care. A dungeon was a horrible place to be.

"Scorpius, OH--" Albus's eyes swept the crowd as if he were sitting upon a stage, he looked at his older brother, who looked over joyed. James was biting his lip in anticipation with a thumbs up and a constantly winking eye at his younger brother, who in his eyes, was blooming into a fine Marauder.

"THERE you are, I've been looking for you EV-ERY-WHERE!" He saw some teachers at the back and sides of the hall making their way towards him, but some of the Gryffindor's were already moving closer, making it more difficult for faculty to suppress the excitement that was arising from Albus Severus Potter's sudden outburst. He had to move towards, Albus thought, Scorpius Malfoy quickly---and soon! "I mean, this WAND! YOUR WAND! MY... MY GOODNESS! It's BEEN JABBING ME, in... in the LEG! ALL DAY!!"

"Get off the table THIS INSTANT ALBUS SEVEUS POTTER!"

"Oh god, another Potter," moaned a Slytherin.

Scorpius looked at the boy with shock and Albus could see it in his eyes that he had wished he had never met the boy on that train.

"Roxanne," Albus shouted. He remembered that song was used to great effect when Dudley was annoying his neighbors with his horrendous racket. And then Albus as a six year old boy and his huge, uniformed Uncle would just jam to the sound. Knocking off their shoes, just having a good time. "You don't have to put on the red light."

"Pardon me, Albus?" Scorpius placed the hat on his head, trying to ignore the middle Potter child and just be sorted without distraction.

"Those days are over, you don't have to sell your body to the night!"

With the help of a Gryffidor's handy wand work, Albus managed to jump a table and avoid Mr. Carling narrowly.

"Roxanne, you don't have to wear that dress tonight."

"What?!" Malfoy's attention was suddenly re-directed to the Potter boy's nonsensical singing.

"---Walk the streets for money, you don't care if it is wrong or it is right!"

"Are you crazy? Why are you singing? I'm in the middle of a sorting!" The Sorting Hat gyrated uncomfortably, which went noticed by Teddy. The Hat seemed to have problems ingesting thoughts with all the events that were going on at once. Malfoy's thoughts were so muddled and indecipherable-- It made his hat-mouth purse, deep in thought. Without even hesitating Malfoy leapt into Potter's mad game and now there were now two boys precariously "playing" tag on the tables.

One with a sorting hat upon his head and the other with two wands in each hand.

Aberforth had seemed to, amazingly, fall asleep in the chaos and the student body was again, out of control.

"Yet another year," Victoire sighed.

"I've got your wand." Albus taunted as James would taunt him. At this point it was all acting, and more or less imitating a mix of James and Uncle Dudley. "It's in my hand, what... You want it? I want it!"

"I want it!" Scorpius hissed, just nearly missing the jump without the aid of a Slytherin student. "GIVE IT BACK!"

Albus was a few steps to quick for Scorpius and had narrowly escaped out a Prefect's grasp. Albus was without a clue what he was doing and had no regrets for acting out. For once, Albus wasn't thinking about being a hero, or the son of a hero, or the inheritor of a heroes name. He was just a kid being stupid and unafraid of judgment.

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TBC

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Author's Commentary:

LOL Draco stalk up--- I mean SCORPIUS!!! LOL basic re-reading indeed. Beta-ed version... Coming soon. Hopefully. It's all my fault actually, sending it in like yesterday. I apologize Herr Morgoth. Thanks for noticing my mistakes... I know basic re-reading, but it usually takes a week. And... and I skim. ;; I sent you this for beta... Hopefully I can send this sooner than I post it, but I like to update on Saturday. I'll get on the next chapter like... Like breakfast omelettes. But... But at least... somewhat there's a better quality to this update. (Feels bad.) I have also made a mistake, my intention was for Victoire to be a Assistant rather than Proffesor.

Why is Albus singing for someone who's so shy and wants to be ignored? Also Alice is the son of someone we know. You'll see. Also, if you haven't noticed Albus is afraid of darkness. (Dun dun dun!) Again you'll see. I gotta write more seeing and less telling. Yes.

Thank you for reviewing Fedishi, Dark Days, Lizzete, Mudblood Beauty, DarkPhoenix1987.

In about 6 hours time I will respond to all my reviews personally as to not stink up this fanfic. I apologize.

But again, please review.

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Next Chapter:

Aberforth avoided looking at the boy who projected his brother. Even though there was a mix of Harry somewhere and the boy obviously had a mind set of Sirius Black.

"Albus, take a step outside. Scorpius will be sorted before you."

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Chapter Four: The Sorting Hat