A/N: Hello, people!

I don't own Harry Potter.

I have no beta.

ENJOY! *Chapter starts with a flashback.

Albus Severus entered the shop slowly. It was old and covered in dust. There was a counter toward the back of the room with shelves full of books and on it, was a single lit candle. Papers scattered across the flat surface beside the burning wax.

A man with salt and pepper colored hair, appeared from one of the aisles. He had bright blue eyes and a kind smile, putting Albus' worry at ease a bit. "Hello, Mr. Potter, Ms. Weasley."

Rose, who was standing beside him, gave a smile and waved to him.

"Let's see. From what my father told me of your parents' wands, I should be able to help your wands find you."

Dad had told him that this man was Garrick Ollivander II and that he was just as good as his father at wandlore. He also wasn't as mad looking, according to Uncle Ron.

The man flitted about the shelves, gathering boxes and bringing them over to the counter. He approached Rose first and handed a long, dark wand over. She shook her head when nothing happened and he smiled lightly, replacing it with another wand.

Finally, five wands later, she found a match. The wand in her hand was giving off a blue glow.

Mr. Ollivander's eyes twinkled, "Ah, 10 ¾", Willow with a unicorn horn core. Pliant and quite stubborn."

"Thank you," she smiled, handing him seven Galleons.

"A pleasure my lady." He turned to Albus next, "And now for Mr. Potter."

The man fiddled around, having Albus try out several woods and when he realized that Yew fit him, began to thrust as many Yew wands as he could find, into the boy's hands.

His match finally came in a 12" Yew and Phoenix Feather. It was pale and shined nicely. And it made his magic jump! As if it was its own person. The light that poured from the tip, was so white, it nearly blinded him.

Ollivander explained that the Phoenix Tail Feather in his wand, came from the same Phoenix who gave the feather for his father's wand. Apparently it was given some time in the 90s and held under terrible scrutiny. He had been worried about fashioning a wand with it, but had initially gotten over his fear. He couldn't let worry for who would bond with the wand, to disrupt the process of creation.

Albus liked his wand. It was unique, with a curved handle that had runes carved into the wood. He really liked how it came alive in his hand.

This was his wand.

"Very good, Mr. Potter. That'll be seven Galleons."

Albus grinned and paid the man.

"Thank you, sir."

"See him there?"

"Who?"

"Harry Potter's second son of course!"

"Oh! I can't believe that he's in Slytherin!"

"Well I think it's great that he isn't scared. It shows good upbringing."

"Do you think he's good at Quidditch?"

"Do you think that he'll be a Seeker too?"

Albus wondered if every day was going to be like this. People stopped and pointed at him. They whispered loudly about him. He wasn't even famous! What had it been like for James? Or even dad?

As soon as the Slytherin first years appeared in the Great Hall the next morning, whispering began.

Scorpius took the seat across from his again and said, "It'll die down after a few days. Some of them have no class or self-restraint. And obviously don't know how to be subtle."

"I know. I hope it ends soon. Was it like this for James?"

"Most likely."

They piled their plates and made it halfway through them before Louis appeared, handing then their schedules. "Here you are and there are maps on the back. Uncle Harry made it a point to inform Professor McGonagall that this is an overwhelming experience for the first years, especially muggleborns just getting used to magic. When he attended, it took he and Uncle Ron two weeks to remember where their classes were, managing to get there on time finally without receiving detention. He suggested maps be given out to help the new students along," Louis explained with an easy grin.

They thanked him and he moved on to other students.

"We have Potions first thing, with the Gryffindors," Scorpius pointed out.

Albus sighed, "I hope there's no fighting. I don't like fighting."

"My father told me that it's a lot better these days than it was when he attended. The other Houses aren't as against Slytherin as they used to be, because the Slytherins did not participate in the Battle of Hogwarts and just left the premises. Also, the work of the former Headmaster who my father's godfather, Severus Snape, seemed to really make people think twice. And then your father has been pushing for inter-House unity for years and people have finally decided to listen."

Albus looked around the hall at the various students. He noticed many people staring at him, but he didn't see any glares or sneers. So maybe it wouldn't be as bad as he thought it would be.

"We should collect our books, once we're done. We don't want to get on anyone's bad side and since I don't know anything about Professor Rowling, I say it's best to start out on good terms," Scorpius stated after checking his schedule.

"Good idea."

The boys left the Great Hall after a few moments and returned to the dorm to fetch their books and much needed equipment for Potions.

"It's a good thing that the Potions room for first years happens to be in the dungeons. No stairs for us to worry about yet."

"Apparently the staircases change and every now and then, the rooms do as well."

"This is going to be a bloody nightmare," Albus groaned.

They were the first students to reach the class and calmly waited inside, sitting together just because they could. Moments later, more students filed in. Gryffindors and Slytherins choosing their own seats and pulling out their quills and parchment.

At the stroke of nine, Professor Rowling entered the room. She was rather short, possibly not even five and a half feet tall. Her hair was shoulder length and blonde, she looked nice, but looks could be deceiving.

"Welcome to Potions, first year Gryfs and Slyths. I am Jo Anne Rowling and I've been teaching Potions for the past five years. I earned my Mastery five years ago, managing to be the second youngest Potions Master in history. I was only thirty-four and it was a big deal for me. I was in Ravenclaw when I attended Hogwarts. I do not care for House rivalry and I will award points to those who deserve them. Do the work and you get the credit, simple. Now, I'm going to take roll and then ask some questions."

And that was that.

"Now then, I'd like to see if you know any of these questions. They are not first year material however, so you will not be penalized if you do not know.

Now, who can tell me a characteristic of the love potion, Amortentia?"

Both Albus and Scorpius raised their hands and Albus noticed that no one else did.

Professor Rowling grinned at them, "We'll go with Mr. Malfoy first and if your answer is different Mr. Potter, then you'll have your turn."

Scorpius smirked, "The steam spirals in distinctive patterns."

"Correct," the professor smiled. She then nodded to Albus, whose hand was still raised.

"It smells different to each person, according to what attracts them."

"Correct boys, take five points collectively for Slytherin!"

She looked around and asked, "What is the Oculus Potion used for?"

No one raised their hand.

"That's alright, it isn't widely used. The Oculus Potion can correct eyesight and it counteracts the Conjunctivitis Curse. It is deep orange in color.

Name an ingredient the Draught of the Living Death."

Albus raised his hand again. This was something Aunt Mione had mentioned. She said only dad was able to brew it correctly.

"Mr. Potter?"

"Powdered root of Asphodel."

"Good. Do you know any others?"

"An Infusion of Wormwood, Water, Valerian Woot, a Sopophorous Bean and a Sloth Brain."

"Correct! Five more points for Slytherin. Now, onto the lesson."

And just like that, Potions was revealed to be a favorite, because Professor Rowling was fair and encouraging.

The last block for the day, was DADA and it was still before lunch.

The professor was a dark-skinned man with piercing green eyes. He was very tall and lithe in appearance, wearing black and green teaching robes.

"I am Blaise Zabini and I am Head of Slytherin House. I like dueling and eating chocolate. I will not be favoring the Slytherins just because they are my snakes. Credit is given where it is due. And we will begin class with roll call and then we will discuss the Knockback Jinx, theory and practical."

DADA was another favorite for Albus. Mostly because he understood the theory easily and when they were told to practice on the little figurines lined up for them, he got it on the first try. The incantation was Flipendo and it was pretty amazing.

Half the students in the class managed the spell, each earning a point for their House. Scorpius was among them.

In the end, it was fourteen points to Slytherin and thirteen points to Gryffindor.

They were told to write half a foot about the effects of the spell and various ways it should be used when not dueling.

Then came lunch.

Apparently, the post came at lunchtime on a regular basis. Vashti, the family owl, came in through the rafters above, swooping down to drop a box beside his right arm, before landing on his left arm.

He handed her a piece of bacon, which she nibbled happily and thanked her for flying all that way. She ruffled her feathers slightly and prewened under his praise, before hooting and flying off.

"First official day and you already get something," Scorpius said in shock.

Albus shrugged and untied the ribbon, shuffling through the twists and ties. And then the lid was off and Albus stared down at the long piece of parchment that was obviously folded repeatedly, and the blue piece of stationary resting atop it.

He knew what the parchment was, having seen many copies of it over the years. Instead of grabbing it, he took the note which was obviously written by his Self-Writing Quill, because neither of his parents had such neat script.

Dear Al,

By now, you have most likely found out about your father's fame. He is indeed known for defeating the former Dark Lord and for surviving the killing curse twice. He'd know for many other reasons, but these are the most important.

The reason we never told you kids, was because we didn't want you to grow up thinking you were entitled to something because you have famous family members. And we didn't want to burden you with the social sharks that the newspaper workers can be. It was horrible for your father growing up and he didn't want it to happen to you three.

James learned last year and unless she finds out before school, Lily will also find out in her first year at Hogwarts. Besides, we didn't believe at it was important to know, seeing as your father has never once liked his fame.

Enclosed in the box, is your very own copy of the Marauder's Map. James has his own and Lily will of course receive hers on her first official day at school. All of the Weasley children in recent years have gotten one as well. We're keeping them in the family. Please behave and do well in your classes. We know that you were sorted into Slytherin and we are proud of you. Please make sure that Rose takes routine breaks and doesn't overwork herself with studying. She can be very much like Mione when she wants to be.

All my love,

Mum.

Albus looked up, eyes locating his cousin as she sat at the Ravenclaw table. Her head was bowed slightly over a long slip of parchment and he could see from his angle, that her mouth was pressed in a firm line.

"Scor, I'm going to go speak with my brother. If I don't come back, I'll meet you in the Common Room later, or I'll just show up at dinner."

The blonde frowned, but nodded. "Be careful."

Albus gathered his things in his bag and left his table to collect Rose from hers. She was frowning as they confronted James, who sighed in a very put upon manner.

"Alright, let's talk."

James led them from the hall and outside, into the courtyard. Rose raised her wand a mumbled something, flushing when she realized they were watching her curiously.

"Silencing charm," she murmured.

Albus decided to start with the line of questioning, since Rose looked uncomfortable.

"Is this the plan for everyone in the family?"

James nodded, his shaggy curls bouncing. "Yeah. If they don't manage to find out before first year of course."

Rose cleared his throat, "How did you take the news?"

"I thought it was bloody brilliant!"

Albus couldn't find it in himself to agree. Though his father was well known for some admittedly amazing things, the fame aspect didn't appeal to Albus in the least. There were more important things to think of. Like the fact that they'd been lied to. It wasn't just withholding information, their parents had lied as well.

"Am I the only one who isn't happy about this?" he asked, voicing his confusion for them to hear.

"I'm not happy that I had to learn from someone who wasn't even a member of my family," Rose interjected. "That's my only issue. I can understand why they did it, just fine."

"What about it could even make you unhappy?" James asked, looking at his brother like he'd gone mad. Albus did not appreciate that.

"I'm angry for the same reason as Rose and also for the lying."

"'Lying'?" two voices chorused.

"Yes. Lying. All our loves, we've asked them what their Hogwarts experience was like and that always said the same things. 'Fine,' 'Just like everyone else's," or 'Nothing special,'. Then I have to find out from the back of a Wizard Card, that my father did indeed have an exciting time here. He killed a 1,000 year old Basilisk in his second year, learned the Patronus Charm in his third year, was Triwizard Champion in his fourth year, made a Defense club and taught his friends, survived the killing curse twice and defeated a dark lord all within the span of seventeen years. I'm angry that people I don't know, are asking me questions that I can't answer and I'm angry that they know more about my father than I do and I live with him! I angry about learning this from a card. About the lying. I don't understand why neither of you thought of this."

"You're overreacting to this, Al," James huffed.

"Oh yes, how dare I be offended that I was lied to my whole life. This makes me wonder what else they lied about. Aren't you curious? This does not make me want to trust them!" he hissed in return. "Yes, let's teach our children to be good upstanding citizens by lying to them for eleven years."

Rose' eyes went wide and she glanced at James before taking a large step away from both of them. James was glaring.

"What is your problem? Why are you acting like this? This isn't a big deal. Rose and I aren't like this and no one else reacted this way."

Albus scoffed, "That's all well and good for you, but I'm different than you all are. I actually see the entire situation for what it is. While they may not have meant it to come across like this, the fact is, they lied. And I feel they could have gone about it much better than not telling us. Our safety wasn't compromised, there was no need to lie and withhold information. Pardon me for being emotional when I find out my parents have lied to me my whole life. Obviously I'm not allowed my own emotional responses."

Rose stepped in before James could retaliate, "Jim, shut up. You know as well as I that Al is emotional and takes things to heart. Stop being so insensitive and try to see this from his viewpoint. What if you found out suddenly that Aunt Lily lied when she told you that you sang wonderfully when you started all those years ago? What if someone comes along and tells you that you can't sing and when you ask her if it's true and she tells you that she lied, you wouldn't be happy, would you?"

"Mum would never do that," James insisted with folded arms, being deliberately obtuse.

Albus growled impressively and leveled his older brother with a glare, "You know what, James? Piss off."

He turned around then, ignoring Rose' gasp of shock at his dirty language and stomped back into the castle, turning left and following a long and empty corridor.

He walked for what seemed like ages, his anger sufficiently keeping him going and completely getting him lost because he was too busy thinking instead of paying attention to his surroundings.

He pulled out his own map and said the phrase, "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."

Ink bled across the parchment, making Hogwarts visible. He located his own name and realized that he was in an uninhabited part of the castle. There were no people around his little dot for what seemed like miles and he was on the fifth floor.

He sighed and plopped himself down on the cold stone floor, laying back.

He was so confused!

"You're sad."

Albus jumped in shock, feeling goose pimples litter his arms as a feeling of cold water trickled down his back. He was alone! He hadn't expected a voice that wasn't his own.

He sat up quickly, looking around for the owner of said voice.

Standing… or perhaps a better term for it was, 'floating', not to far down the corridor, was a ghost. She was tall, with long wavy, dark hair and an old-fashioned dress complete with bust and belled sleeves. Clothing like that wasn't common in the last few centuries, so she had been dead for quite a while.

He then remember that while she was dead, she was still a lady with feelings. Not responding would be rude.

"Yeah, I am. How did you know?"

She looked to be on the higher side of depressed. Like she was usually sad but not as sad as usual, if that made any sense.

"Frowning indicates unhappiness," she said lowly, quirking a brow.

He flushed at such a simple answer. Of course.

"It's only the first day of classes," the ghost pointed out. "What happened?"

Albus stared at her in confusion, wondering how to answer. "I found out a lot of stuff between yesterday and today and it's just… too much to handle at the moment."

The ghost floated closer and he stood quickly, not liking the height difference. Standing didn't help him much.

"You look familiar," she said as she began to circle him. "I believe I met your father. He came to me for help, a few years back. A scar is on his forehead?"

Albus nodded. That was his dad. He knew of no one else who had scars on their foreheads. Apparently, the scar meant something too.

"Yes, he defeated the defiler of my mother's diadem. The dark lord. He was rather kind, despite being on a time sensitive schedule."

"I'm sorry, but who are you exactly? I don't want to keep mentally referring to you as 'lady'."

She gave a small smile, "I am Helena Ravenclaw, the Grey Lady and House Ghost of Ravenclaw. And you are?"

"Albus Severus Potter."

Helena's shimmering form folded in half slightly and he realized that she was sitting on a window sill. He looked around, realizing that this section of the castle had many windows and archways.

"Now then, what is troubling you, Mr. Potter?"

"Uhh… are you sure you want to know? It's sort of confusing and I'm twisted in all these knots about it."

"Start explaining," she demanded simply.

Albus couldn't help but wonder if all ghosts were so bossy. He was reminded of Rose.

"My dad is apparently famous for a never-ending list of amazing things, but he never told us. Never said he survived the killing curse, let alone twice! Or that he killed a Basilisk when he was twelve. That he mastered an advanced charm used to fend off Dementors, while only in his third year. Especially that he defeated a dark lord and won the last war. Now while I'm not happy about that it's not so important to me. Then there's the fact that people are asking me about him and I realized that I can't answer. I don't know my own father. I don't like it. And then the whole list of things he did while in school, that is why I'm angry.

I mean, he always told us that his school years were normal and just like everyone else's had been. And all of these things contradict his words completely. He lied. He and mum and all of my family lied. They don't tell anyone until the second day of school, because someone would have told us already. And apparently they try to butter us up with magical maps that can tell us where everyone in the castle is at any point in time.

And while I don't agree with the not telling us about his fame, I can get over that. I understand the reasoning though I don't agree.

I'm just angry that I was lied to for eleven years.

And my older brother told me that I was overreacting and I'm angry because I don't know if I have a right to be angry or if I am taking this too hard. It's all confusing and not making me feel any better. And he is too blinded by the pomp of it all. The 'being related to someone famous' thing. And Rose and the rest aren't like I am. I'm the only one who is offended and that's why this is all so confusing."

He ranted. He hadn't ranted in like four years! Was he seven or something?

"You are entitled to your feelings and opinions. No two people are the same. You obviously see an entire level to this situation that no one else bothered to consider and that is why you're so hurt.

My mother had done something similar to me, with her diadem. I was her only child and it was supposed to be mine, since I was her only heir. She always said I would have it one day. She refused to give it to me when I asked. The diadem was magically crafted to enhance clarity and wisdom in the mind and I really wanted it. For many reasons. But when she broke her promise, thereby lying to me, I stole it away and she sent the Bloody Baron after me. He'd been attempting to court me for years, but I was not interested in him as more than a friendly companion. I refused to return with him and he killed me in his anger. Upon realizing his mistake, he took his own life in grief."

Albus frowned, only seeing a slight similarity in their stories.

"The point of this is, it's okay to feel betrayed and hurt, but do not do anything foolish. When I returned to Hogwarts as a ghost, I learned that my mother succumbed to illness and had passed on. Her ghost did not linger and I never had the chance to hear her reason for why she denied me my birthright. All these years later, I have come to understand that I was too young and immature to handle the responsibility of the diadem. She never actually intended to come across as a liar. She was waiting for when I was ready and I acted without thinking. I never had the opportunity to apologize for my actions.

My advice to you, is to not do anything, until your parents explain everything to you. If you run now, you may just regret it. And there may come a day, where you will return to find them gone and you'll be filled with guilt that you didn't even attempt to listen to them. Do not let your anger and pain, get in the way of your mind."

She stood from her position, nodded her head toward him and floated through the wall, leaving him alone in the corridor.

Albus sighed as he entered the dorm. Scorpius was sitting on the sofa nearest the door, reading a book. The blonde looked up upon his entry and quirked a brow.

"You're here. Good. I was almost worried."

"Yeah," he nodded. "James was being a right git and I needed time to myself."

"Does this happen a lot in your house? I'm an only child so I am rather curious about families with loads of children."

Albus sat on the sofa opposite the Malfoy heir and pulled out some parchment, intending to write his Potions essay immediately.

"Well, James is a bit of a git all the time. He likes to exaggerate details because he thinks making people worry is hilarious. Lily and I don't share the sentiment. Older siblings seem to think it's their job to make life harder for the younger years."

He started writing as fast as possible while still remaining neat. Scorpius was staring at the ceiling in silence. Minutes passed.

"You're really going fast with that. Are you sure you're doing it right?" the blonde asked after ten minutes.

"Professor Longbottom is a family friend and visits often. He's into Herbology and always has information for us to learn. Herbology and Potions go hand in hand and that's why I know so much about plants. Our parents took to making sure we knew much before coming here. Aunt Mione was adamant about us knowing first year curriculum already, so that we could get a head start on second year. Rose already knows shield charms."

He shook his head. He'd really need to learn them too.

"Did you have tutors while growing up?"

"No. We went to a muggle primary in London, for basics. Aunt Mione drew up these long parchments for us to work on for an hour after class every day, to assist in our magical education. Summers are half learning, half fun."

"Do you ever just wish they gave you a tutor instead?"

Albus shrugged, "I never considered it. I guess I would have, because making muggle friends is difficult when you're better at everything and they can't come over your house lest we risk exposure. You can't explain certain things to them."

He finished his essay rather quickly and reviewed it over, to make sure that he liked how everything was worded. Once it dried, he rolled it up and tied it together with a green ribbon.

He then quickly moved onto his essay on the Flipendo spell.

Scorpius leaned over his parchment and clicked his tongue. "Your writing is so much nicer than my own," he commented.

"I took a course on what the muggles call calligraphy. It's learning to create decorative letters with ink and can be very difficult. It requires a steady hand. You ever see those old stories where the first letter of the first word on the page, is enormous and super detailed?"

The blonde nodded.

"That's calligraphy."

Albus was able to finish his work and Scorpius followed him into the dorm.

"Supper will take place within the hour. A Perfect is supposed to escort us there. They'll be doing this all week. My father told me that during his school years, they had to do everything on their own. According to him, your father also proposed the Prefects being guides for the first week."

Albus nodded, not too keen on hearing about other things his father had done.

"Where are the other first years?" he asked after a moment of noticing that they were the only ones in the room.

"Other parts of the Common Room, Library and possibly lavatories."

They went back to the Common Room to find Horace and Millicent Davis, along with Phaedra Parkinson, Ignatius Nott and Antonio and Adrianna Zabini, all sitting in the other 'room' of the Common Room. The 'rooms' were divided by a small walkway, where the fireplace and hearth were.

"You two finished your work already?" Horace asked in bewilderment, looking up from his parchment and books.

The two boys nodded.

"Are you going to sit together in every class?" Phaedra asked, cocking a brow at them. Her black hair was pulled back with a green ribbon that bounced as her head moved.

Albus and Scorpius shared a look and nodded together. "Yes."

Ignatius had dirty blond hair that was parted to the left. It had a slight wave. His eyes were dark, but looked almost completely black in the shadows as his pupils were blown wide. Albus was proud of the fact that he didn't shiver.

"You two will be good friends," he boy stated simply.

"Huh?"

Albus wasn't so confused, because he'd seen a similar look before. "Are you a Seer?"

Ignatius merely smirked in response.

Attentions drifted elsewhere as the two free boys were drafted into assisting everyone else with their work. They asked questions and proposed situations. Even helped practise the Flipendo spell, which everyone managed to perfect by the end of the hour.

The rest of the first years appeared by the time a Prefect came to show them to dinner.

Dinner was grand, just like the first night. One of the older Slytherins made copies of their Daily Prophet and passed it along the table, so that everyone could see the head article.

Vampires Attack Wizarding Family!

The Rothberns' are a pureblood/halfblood mixed family who are staunch in the belief that magical creatures are not worthy of magical rights and should be put down permanently. This view has made them an enemy of many a witch and wizard who are members of the RAMC(Respect All Magical Creatures) faction of the DRCMC. *Not all members of said faction work in the DRCMC.*

Last night, 1 September 2017, the family had been sitting down for supper, when their house was raided by vampires. The family as a whole, was slaughtered mercilessly and their attackers left the magical world a message written in their victim's blood.

'Those who oppose the rights of The Guild, shall suffer a most horrifying end. Good only awaits the few, who see us as what we truly are. Beware.'

Dear readers, we need to ask. Is this message a real threat? Who are 'The Guild'? Are the vampires planning a rebellion against wizard kind?

This loyal reporter intends to find out!

As always,

Minerva Skeeter.

The students turned to each other and began talking quickly. Albus met Scorpius' gaze.

"This is a bit not good," the young Potter mumbled.

Scorpius nodded but asked, 'Why would they want to rebel, if that is indeed the case?"

The dark-haired boy shrugged. "There were a lot of people pushing against magical creatures years ago. Maybe they're finally hunting them down or something."

"Or something."

Further discussion was interrupted by Rose, who had appeared by Albus' side with a letter in hand.

"It's for you," she said. "I sent a response back and explained your problem. Mum told uncle Harry and he wrote you this."

Albus stared at the letter for a moment, internally deciding if he should refuse it or not. But that seemed a bit petty to him and he wasn't a baby. He could handle it.

"Thanks," he mumbled, accepting the offering.

"I hope it all works out," she replied while ruffling his hair.

The ginger turned and went back to her own table.

Albus placed the letter in his robes, saying, "I'll read this later."

Scorpius ave him a pitying look and said, "Maybe everything will work out fine."

"I can only hope."

A/N: Another is done!

I came up with the RAMC. That is not to be confused with the Royal Army Medical Corps of Britain.

Professor Rowling is indeed named after J.K. Rowling, though I tweaked Joanne into two names.

Vashti was the name of the first wife(turned traitor) of King Ahasuerus in the Book of Esther from the Bible. I always liked her name, even if I hated her as a person. Vashti the Owl, is also vain like the historical figure was, as referenced by her pleasure at the praise she received.

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