After the feast, all the first years were led to their dormitory by Molly Weasley, a fifth year Gryffindor prefect. Rose and Kayleigh walked side-by-side, happily buzzing about their life, themselves, and their excitement. After many tricky staircases that enjoyed moving, disappearing, and switching, the young Gryffindors arrived at a portrait of an overweight woman in a pink medieval dress, who, when noticing the crowd approaching, stood up straight to ask, "Password?"

"Boomslang Skin," Molly told the woman politely, and then her portrait swung open like a door on a hinge, revealing an archway-shaped tunnel.

Everyone followed the prefect inside, fighting to get through first.

The Gryffindor common room was mostly round. A fireplace sat near a corner, surrounded by squashy armchairs. Every blanket, rug, and curtain was scarlet. Picture frames on the walls were adorned with gold, and a proud Gryffindor lion could be found in the wallpaper patterns. Molly showed the boys to their dormitory, and led the girls up a tall, spiral staircase, and through a door labeled First Years.

From the first step into the room, Rose was in awe. The room was circular, and five four-poster beds surrounded a warm furnace in the center. Each girl's trunk had been set at the foot of her bed. Thick, velvet curtains hung from the posts of each bed to make privacy. Each bed also had it's own nightstand, where lay a silky scarlet-gold tie; two sweaters - one grey, and one in Gryffindor colors; and a scarf to match the Gryffindor pride. When all the first years shuffled to their own nightstands, they also discovered a copy of their schedules and materials they should bring to each class.

"The schedules are updated each week on the notice board in the common room," Molly informed them, "They usually just like to give the first years a copy so they don't get lost on their way to class. Chances are, you'll get lost anyways, but that's what I'm here for!"

Rose always adored her cousin's enthusiasm, but she couldn't see how a first year, lost in a seven-story castle - not counting the Chamber of Secrets - could locate a single Gryffindor prefect just to ask for directions.

"Your first class tomorrow is Transfiguration, which is on the first floor. Easy enough? The best way to learn the castle is exploration!"

She sounded like James.

"Goodnight! I suspect Professor Longbottom will be in the common room tomorrow morning to go over basic rules," and with that, Molly turned out the door and left five first year girls alone in their dormitory.

"So, who wants to introduce themselves?" asked a cheery blonde by the name of Emilia Bradley, who apparently noticed the other four girls were shyly keeping to themselves while unpacking their trunks.

Rose, who was folding her robes neatly into one of the drawers in her nightstand, was the first to answer, "Rose Weasley," she said as she stood up to face Emilia, who's bed was beside her own.

"Roxanne," said Rose's cousin from across the rounded dormitory.

"Noel Anouk."

With a bright smile, Kayleigh introduced herself, "Kayleigh Levitt."

"I'm Emilia," she said, "Emilia Bradley."

"And I'm tired," Rose answered, "tired of being awake. Goodnight!"

With that, she plopped down on her bed, the one she would sleep in for the next year, closed her red velvet curtains, and drifted away into a silent world of dreams.

"Albus Severus Potter," whispered a cool voice inside her head, "You have disappointed me. I meant for each of my children to join the noble house of Godric Gryffindor, but you, you have not."

"No!" Rose cried, "It's my fault, don't blame him!"

"You? How could it possibly be your fault that he is scum?"

"He is not!"

The bright green eyes of Albus Potter shone in the light from the dream, and they blinked as Rose awoke. She desperately tried to shake away the dream, and to shake away the thought, but it would not leave.

When she woke up the next morning, the girls were already getting dressed in their robes. Rose got up quickly and did the same. She grabbed her wand and walked down the stone steps leading into the common room. There was already a crowd of people gathered around a tall professor, who Rose assumed was Professor Longbottom, Herbology teacher and head of Gryffindor house.

"Breakfast is starting soon, but before you go down to the Great Hall, I just want to warn everyone that the Forbidden Forest is strictly, well, forbidden. Also, Quidditch try-outs are starting next week for any of those handy on a broomstick," James and Fred smiled at each other, "Curfew is eight o'clock. Any student found outside their common room after this time will be punished. You may stay in your common room as long as you like, but it is recommended you do sleep early so that you aren't tempted to make up that missed time in class. The common room passwords are subject to change at least twice a month. You should check the notice board regularly so that you aren't stuck waiting for someone else," the professor laughed to himself after he said this, presumably because he had forgotten to check himself multiple times while in school, "Professors and prefects are able to take away or add house points. At the end of the year, the house with that most points will be awarded the House Cup. I am proud to say that Gryffindor has been the holder of that cup for four years running. Is everything understood?"

There was a chorus of "yes," and then Professor Longbottom nodded, smiled, and exited the common room. Immediately, chatter broke out. A few students left the dormitory, some sat down, and some checked the notice board, including James Potter.

"Signing up for Quidditch try-outs?" Rose asked him.

"Of course! You don't expect me to play Chaser one year and then quit, do you? I'm going out for Seeker this year, like my dad was."

"Well, I hope you make it!"

"Thanks, Rose, I'm going for food, but watch out for Peeves!" James Potter ran through the tunnel and out of the common room.

"Wait! Who's Peeves?" she should have known. It was just like him to mess with a first year. Wand in hand, and several textbooks beneath her arm, Rose left the common room and began her long walk down the many staircases of Hogwarts castle.

It didn't take much time to discover that Hogwarts castle was one of the most difficult places to navigate through. Not even the staircases seemed like a problem to the amount of trick doors and portraits. After chatting with several of them, it became apparent that most portraits require a password with no obvious way of collection. This meant almost every shortcut is unavailable to anyone who doesn't know the castle inside and out. Also, since portraits liked to move around and visit one another, it was unlikely that you could link a face to a specific spot in the castle. There were also many different statues that opened more secret passageways, but they required passwords as well. Tapestries throughout the castle concealed doors, or paintings that looked like doors. Some of them had hinges on the opposite side, so it would confuse anyone who wanted entrance.

"This castle is so frustrating!" Rose complained as she sat down next to her cousin, James, for breakfast, "There's hidden tunnels, and seven floors, and a million staircases. Things would be so much easier if I just had-"

"A map?"

"Yes! A map would be so helpful!"

"Well," James was talking as though he knew something Rose did not, "If I had a map of Hogwarts, I wouldn't go giving it around to first years, would I?"

"Do you have a map to Hogwarts...?" Rose was legitimately curious.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"You do, don't you?"

"No," he said sadly, "Alas, I do not."

Rose didn't believe him, but before she could retort, she was distracted by a tap on the shoulder.

"Hey Rose!" It was Albus. "Slytherins have Potions with Gryffindors later today! Sit by me?"

"Of course!"

Albus seemed very happy as he took the vacant seat next to Rose. "Oh my goodness, Rose, Slytherin house is great."

"Are you serious?" It was hard to believe.

"Yes! Everyone is so laid back and nice. I've made loads of friends."

It was hard to believe that everyone in Slytherin house is nice.

"And the common room is awesome, Rose. A little cold, but it's still great!"

"Hey Al!" called a voice from across the Hall, and a girl came walking swiftly towards Albus and Rose, "What are you doing over here? Come back to the table!"

Rose recognized the girl from the sorting as Cynthia Rayne, a dark-eyed blonde with clean pale skin and an intimidating expression. She glared at Rose with a look of sheer dislike. In response, Rose tried to look as cheerful as possible.

Surprisingly, Albus got up and followed. "Bye Rose," was the last thing he said before accompanying the blonde back to Slytherin's table.

"Let's hope he doesn't turn into one of them," James said while stuffing his face with bacon, "My poor brother."

Transfiguration was taught by a kind old woman by the name of Professor Burkett. She seemed to be quite absent-minded, however, because she repeated many of the things she had already told the class. For example, Rose must have heard the phrase "an extremely difficult and precise branch of magic" at least seven times in the introductory lecture. It was far from boring, however, because Professor Burkett - like McGonagall, the previous Transfiguration instructor - was an Animagus, a wizard who could transform into an animal. Burkett told the tale of the difficult path it was to be able to transform into an animal. It was mentioned that she was only able to achieve it recently, after many years of practice.

Then, the class watched as Professor Burkett's face and body morphed into that of a silver rabbit who bounced around the room happily. When she transformed again into her human form, her face was full of laughter.

The astounded class of Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs applauded for over a minute.

It was not a long walk from the Transfiguration courtyard to the dungeons. Professor Serkent's classroom was lit by candle, and the desks were arranged in tables rather than rows. Rose walked inside and immediately found Albus, sitting across from Scorpius Malfoy, who's sleek blonde hair was easily spotted. He left an empty seat next to him, however, for Rose. Approaching Albus and Scorpius with caution, Rose smiled and sat down.

"Hello, Rose," Albus said peculiarly, with the sense that he was in deep thought.

"Hi," she answered quietly, careful not to interrupt him.

"Hey," a new voice said, and Rose looked over to see a smirk on the face of Scorpius Malfoy, apparently deciding whether or not to approve of his friend's cousin, "Weasley, is it?"

"Yes. Malfoy, is it?" Since he wasn't making an effort to be polite, she wasn't either.

"Of course, but you knew that."

"And what makes you so sure?"

"The look in your eyes," Scorpius smiled.

Rose couldn't help but feel violated somehow, as if he could see into her mind, even though it was such a small detail that he was able to analyze.

"Good morning class, I am Professor Serkent," a slow voice from the back of the room announced suddenly. Professor Serkent glided forward, making the candlelight shiver, "Welcome to your first day of Potions class."

Professor Serkent appeared young but had dark, long hair that reached his shoulders and looked unkept. He was very tall and intimidating with a long cloak that swept the floor as he walked.

"If you open the drawers of your desks, you will find some spare ingredients. Just to get an idea of how much you all already know, can anyone tell me, when combined, what potion these ingredients produce?"

Professor Serkent did not seem pleased with the result, because only one student had raised his hand - Scorpius.

"Mr. Malfoy, is it?"

"Yes, sir," he answered politely, "These look like the ingredients for Essence of Dittany, a healing potion."

"Indeed they do," Professor Serkent drawled, "Five points to Slytherin."

Rose felt particularly awkward sitting next to the two boys, who seemed to be good friends already. She couldn't help but wonder whether she should already have a friend in her house. Albus seemed to take more interest in talking to Scorpius, and he practically ignored Rose the whole lesson. The exception was when he asked Rose to pass over some knotgrass after Professor Serkent asked the class to brew a Forgetfulness Potion for practice. He hadn't expected them to succeed, which was obvious, but it was quite fun to make.

At the end of the lesson, Albus walked right out the door without even saying goodbye to Rose. Even Scorpius waved shyly before gathering his things and following.

This made Rose feel painfully replaced. Where was Albus, the kind, bright son of Harry Potter? Albus, the boy who would talk Rose through the night when Ron and Hermione were fighting? The boy who was always most excited to see his favorite cousin every holiday at the Burrow?

Albus was gone - or at least it felt that way.

Throughout the week, Rose became overwhelmed. In History of Magic, a class taught by a pearly white ghost by the name of Professor Binns who had a knack for putting a class to sleep, they listened to a long lecture. For the first few minutes, Rose listened attentively, quickly jotting down notes, but she eventually became quite bored listening to his monotone voice even with the eerie way it echoed throughout the room.

Astronomy was taught by Professor Alune, a witch who reminded Rose much of Albus in the sense that she always seemed to be in deep thought. Before, Rose used to wonder whether Albus was a Seer, or a wizard who could see the future. But now, she wondered whether Albus was bullying Hufflepuffs with the rest of the Slytherins.

Professor Alune assigned for them to study the night sky once a week and write down any observations - including the placement of the stars and planets.

Defense Against the Dark Arts was really the most exciting class. Professor Maren seemed to be the most enthusiastic of all the teachers. With a cheery voice, she told them all about magic theory and dueling. It was obvious that the entire class was more than excited to start, but Professor Maren told them they wouldn't actually be practicing spells until later in the year. With that, most of the excitement died down a bit, but not for Rose, who was taking elaborate notes.

At Wednesday's breakfast, Rose sat by Kayleigh Levitt, who was quickly becoming more and more of a friend. They were just discussing what spells they were most excited to use - The Gryffindors had Charms early that morning - when hundreds of owls fluttered through the windows of the Great Hall and circled over the tables. Each owl held a letter or a package that, upon finding its recipient, was dropped onto his or her lap.

Rose squealed a bit when she saw it - the dark barn owl that belonged to her parents. The envelope glided neatly onto the table in front of her, and Rose snatched up the envelope at once. Inside it were two letters. She unfolded the first one, and recognized her mother's handwriting.

Rose,

Your father and I are so proud of you. It's funny to think that you could be sleeping every night in the very same dormitory, or quite possibly the very same bed as I once did. The same cannot be said for your cousin, Albus, but Harry is just as proud of his son as we are of you. Try not to lose contact, though! Just because he's in another house doesn't mean you aren't still cousins! I cannot wait to see you for Christmas, but it just seems so far away. Please write back.

Much love,

Mom

Rose smiled, her mother was always so heartwarming. Excitedly, she opened the next letter from her father, not expecting the three Galleons that fell out from the parchment.

Dear Rosie,

The Galleons are for James. Tell him to buy you whatever you want when the third years take their first trip into Hogsmeade. I recommend the Honeydukes chocolate, it's delicious. Anyways, congratulations on making Gryffindor! You're mother is overjoyed, but I personally think she's off her rocker. I'm just glad you're not in Slytherin. Try to keep Albus out of trouble, if you can. And tell him we love him! Can't wait to see you for Christmas!

Love,

Dad

Pocketing the Galleons, Rose folded up her letters and turned to Kayleigh, who hadn't received any letters since arriving.

"I'm sure they'll write," Rose told her, "Your parents."

"No, they won't. I'm sure of it."

"Well, why not? Don't you think they'd be proud of you?"

"No," she said sadly, "I think they'd be jealous, actually." Kayleigh went on in response to Rose's confused expression, "Well, since my mother is a Squib, she was always overshadowed by my uncle, who was able to go to Hogwarts. I don't even think she was happy when I got my Hogwarts letter."

"Well, then I suppose that's her problem, isn't it? You're going to be great at magic, and if she can't see how fantastically talented her daughter is, then she takes too much for granted."

Rose hadn't realized until now just how much she was taking for granted. Loving parents, a large, happy family, and a Slytherin cousin who only wants to be accepted...

"If you'll excuse me," Rose said, smiling at Kayleigh, who was smiling back, "I need to go speak to my cousin."

With that, she picked up her books and walked over to the group of people wearing colors of green and silver.