The next morning came all too soon for Rose. She pulled back her curtains and saw that all of the others were still sleeping. One of them was in the middle of a dream and kept muttering about wizard cards.

Rose tiptoed out of her room and down the stairs. She was not surprised to see James and Albus already occupying to the chairs by the fire. Lysander sat in another, completely engrossed in his Charms textbook.

"I couldn't sleep," said Albus, his eyes wide and excited. "James and Lysander said they'd stay with me while I waited."

"You haven't slept?" said Rose. "Your eyes are as big as galleons."

Albus shook his head and began to bounce in his chair.

"Yeah, that's kind of our fault," said James.

Lysander shot him a pointed glare.

"Well, my fault," James amended sheepishly. "See, I thought that we could do something to pass the time..."

"He put a Cheering Charm on Albus," said Lysander with an exasperated look on his face. "I'm looking for some way to dull down the effects."

"Have you tried-"

"A depressive charm?" guessed Lysander. "I'm worried about the negative effects it could have. I think we have to wait this one out."

Rose sat with the boys and listened as Albus recounted part of the previous night's tryouts. From James' expression, he had already heard this repeated a handful of times before now.

"I don't think it matters that I'm young," said Albus gleefully. "Some of the others were too, and he sent them away early on, but he wanted me to stay and do some real playing."

The common room slowly began to fill with people. Dominique came down the girls' staircase and patted Albus on the shoulder as she passed, offering her silent support.

In the mass of people, it was almost possible to miss Cameron come down from his dormitory, but instead of heading for the notice board, he approached their group by the empty fireplace.

"Albus," he said, "can you come talk for a few?"

Albus sprung to his feet, nodding mutely. His eyes were still wide, but he didn't look quite as cheerful as before. He followed Cameron into a corner and sat with him at a small table.

"No," groaned James, eyes locked on the pair. "Cam, don't do it, c'mon."

"He didn't make it?" guessed Lysander quietly.

James shrugged and gestured at the pair.

"Maybe he did," said Rose, hearing the false optimism in her own voice. "Maybe... he wants to talk about the schedule or something."

The trio watched Cameron's conversation for a few painfully long minutes. At last, both boys stood and shook hands. Albus lingered at the table for a moment before returning to his chair.

"Well?" demanded James. Rose's eyes were still on Cameron, who had just posted a list on the notice board and was slipping silently out of the portrait hole.

"I'm gonna be a reserve," said Albus quietly, not meeting any of their eyes. His exuberance had quickly fled, leaving behind a slightly deflated version of Albus in its wake. "He said I'm still too new, but if I practice as a reserve now, he'll do extra sessions with me and I can one of the spots next year."

"That's great!" said Rose brightly. "That'll be great experience for you. Congrats, Albus."

Albus smiled faintly.

"Aw, being a reserve would be great!" exclaimed James, throwing his hands up. "I didn't know that was an option! I'm gonna be stuck doing the same thing all year."

James' indignation seemed to cheer Albus up, and he smiled genuinely and nodded.

"It will be pretty cool," he admitted. "And if anything happens during practice or a game, I get to jump right in!"

"That means Cameron must think you're well-rounded," said Lysander. "Congratulations, I'm glad it worked out."

Rose exchanged a look with James, who winked. She was thankful that he had known exactly what to say to lift Albus' mood.

"Lemme see who else made it," said James. "Coming?"

Rose went with them to the notice board, where a small crowd had already gathered, each person craning to read the list. Rose ducked under a sixth year's arm to get a look.

Gryffindor Quidditch team.

Captain Cameron Thornton

Keeper: Dominique Weasley

Seeker: James Potter

Beaters: Cameron Thornton

Patricia Longgrass

Chasers: Charles Mink

Will Graceland

Zelma Castillo

Reserve: Albus Potter

"Zelma's on the team" said James appraisingly, "that'll be interesting. Patricia replaced Louis, go figure... and Graceland. Nice mix."

Rose didn't know any of the new team members, and now that Albus was no longer a nervous wreck, she was much more interested in getting to breakfast before she had to go to class.

Scorpius was lingering awkwardly by the Gryffindor table, pretending to be interested in one of the ancient pillars that tapered out as they reached the enchanted ceiling. When he saw Rose and Albus walking over, he grinned and met them halfway.

"So?" he said.

"Reserve," said Albus, "but he says I'll be in next year if I train with them."

"Nice!" said Scorpius, grinning. "James still playing Seeker?"

James had just come up behind Albus and put a hand on his shoulder. He looked Scorpius over, then smiled thinly.

"We should eat before class," he said, not looking away from Scorpius. "Besides, Cameron won't want you being too close to the other teams. C'mon."

Albus let James guide him to the table, but Rose stayed behind. Scorpius waited until James was far enough away before speaking.

"Well, if James thinks I'll make the team, then I shouldn't be nervous," he said lightly. "Go on, then. I'll see you in class."

They spent most of their Defense Against the Dark Arts class reading from their textbooks. Professor Evariste got their attention when there was ten minutes until the bell so that they could begin discussing the material. Rose was already way ahead of the assigned reading, so she had to keep reminding herself not to ask questions about things that the rest of the class hadn't gotten to yet.

An owl arrived for James at lunch, interrupting a heated debate about two Quidditch teams that Rose didn't follow. James opened the note and stared at it blankly, a faint blush rising up his cheeks.

"What?" asked Albus.

"I think Dad knows I took his map," said James, turning the note so the others could see it. All that was written was Use it well.

"I mean, he didn't send a Howler," said Rose, "so I guess he's not that mad."

James nodded, stashing the note in his pocket with a small smile.

The next morning, Albus clambered through the portrait hole with a stack of toast and a frown.

"No more jam?" asked Rose, taking a piece from him. She had decided not to leave her very comfortable chair just for food, not when others were going downstairs and said they'd bring her some. She was trying to get ahead on her Potions work.

"Scorpius made the team," said Albus, sitting across from her. "He's a Chaser."

"Oh," said Rose, torn between happiness for Scorpius and sympathy for Albus. "Well- like Cameron said, they wanted smaller players for their team, right?"

Albus shrugged and bit into a slice of toast.

"Maybe they had fewer people try out," offered Rose.

"James said he'd hex him for me," said Albus through the dry mouthful of toast. "I don't think that would help."

Rose wanted to reply that she knew it wouldn't help, but now wasn't the time.

September wore on, finally breaking away from the review lessons that Rose despised and into new territory. Albus left with James for each Quidditch practice but usually didn't return for an hour after James trudged back inside. Rose was worried that he would fall behind in his schoolwork, but somehow he was able to juggle his schedule much better than James.

"You just have less to do," groaned James one night, trying to bluff his way through a Charms paper he was completely unprepared for. "My classes are harder than yours."

Albus rolled his eyes, and to his credit, did not mention that he was spending more time than James on the Quidditch pitch, which made up for easier lessons.

One morning over breakfast, a note arrived from Professor Evariste.

I'm making tea this afternoon. You, Albus, and Scorpius are more than welcome to join me.

All the best,

Professor Evariste.

"We're going to see Evariste after Charms," Rose told Albus, setting the note down. She didn't have a chance to tell Scorpius about the invitation until Potions, where she lost five house points for talking while Professor Slughorn was giving instructions. She felt her cheeks flush as Kara Welsh giggled.

After Potions came Charms, where they continued their work on Cheering Charms with the guidance of Professor Flitwick. Rose had already earned herself full marks on this section, so she let Albus practice casting on her. By the end of the class, Rose felt like she had inhaled a box of fairy dust and was floating down the corridor.

Professor Evariste laughed upon seeing her, bouncing and grinning outside his room. Albus was trying to contain his laughter and failing miserably.

"I'm brewing a batch of calming tea," said Evariste, settling back in behind his desk, "which should release some of your... pent-up energy."

"I already finished my Cheering Charms," said Rose eagerly, "so Albus was working on his. And I've read up through chapter five, which I should really stop doing because then I get bored when we talk about things I already know."

She popped her hands over her mouth as Professor Evariste laughed.

"Sorry," she said, "sorry! I didn't mean- obviously it's not boring."

"Of course," said Professor Evariste. "Here, your tea."

"Thank you!" cried Rose as Evariste slid a mug of tea to her. She took a sip immediately. The hot water seared her mouth, causing her to almost spit it out.

"Careful," she warned, tongue throbbing, "the tea is hot."

Evariste touch the side of her mug with his wand. "Try it now," he said with a gentle smile.

Rose took a cautious sip and found that the tea had cooled. As she drank, she began to feel herself settling back into her skin.

"I hear you made your Quidditch teams," said Professor Evariste, looking between Albus and Scorpius. "That should be fun to watch."

"Do you know anything about the dragons that are coming?" asked Albus suddenly. Rose had actually gone a few days without remembering that they would soon have these visitors.

Professor Evariste leaned back in his chair and played with one of his rings.

"A bit," he admitted, "but I'm one of the few who are not too keen on the idea. Most of the professors are excited that we are trying something so... innovative here at Hogwarts."

"You don't think they can be trained?" asked Rose.

"I don't know," said Professor Evariste, "but it seems like a huge chance to be taking. I know Professor McGonagall has final approval of all lessons, so I'm sure that everything will be well-vetted."

There was still hesitation in his voice. But then he smiled, clapped his hands, and leaned forward, propping his elbows on his desk.

"But enough of my worries," he said. "How are your other classes going? As boring as mine?"

Rose nearly choked on her tea once more, then saw that he was grinning at her.

"Absolutely," she said.

Albus and James were spending more time out of the common room and on the Quidditch pitch as the weather grew cooler. One evening, they reappeared through the portrait hole together and collapsed onto a couch wearing matching expressions of relief.

"No practice for a week," sighed Albus. "McGonagall doesn't want us flying around when the Riders arrive. Hagrid's prepping the grounds."

"We'll have to work extra hard to make up for the lost time," said James, but there was no disguising that he was just as happy for the break.

The prefects and professors spent much of that week issuing repetitive notices and warnings whenever they had the chance. Rose was tempted to keep a tally of how many times she was reminded that on the morning of the Riders' arrival, the students would be on lockdown inside their common rooms to prevent anyone from 'accidentally' wandering onto the grounds.

"Who would be dense enough to do that?" asked Rose on the morning of the Riders' arrival after being warned by yet another prefect, this time from Hufflepuff. "I don't want one of the dragons landing on me, thanks."

She had stayed up late the night before, anticipating what this day would be like. After breakfast, everyone hurried back to their common rooms to wait for the Riders' arrival. Since the Gryffindor Tower had an excellent view of the grounds, most of the students were crammed into the main area, waiting to catch a glimpse of the dragons when they arrived.

"I'm going back to bed for a bit," she announced as Albus, James, and Lysander looked around for a place to sit. "I'm sure I'll be up before they all get here."

Tia Marsh was the only other girl up in the dormitory. "Looks like we had the same idea," she said to Rose, clipping back her full, curly hair. "Liam and I want to watch the Riders arrive, but I am beat."

"Same here," said Rose wearily. "Where are the other girls?"

"What, the terrible trilling threesome?" said Tia. "They said something about a love potion, then scampered off. They seem to be over this whole dragon thing."

Rose was not surprised that her other roommates were occupying themselves with love potions, of all things.

It seems like it was only moments later that Tia was shaking Rose awake. "The boys are hollering up a storm," she said excitedly. "I think it's time."

Rose rushed down the staircase to find Albus and James pressed against one of the windows. People were crowded around each of the windows, trying to get a peek at the Riders.

"Come on, butt out of the way," said James, clearing the path for Rose through the bundle of students by his window. "Rose, come on."

Rose nudged her way through the crowd until she was kneeling in the deep windowsill with Albus and James.

"Thanks," she said James. "Did I miss anything?"

"Just McGonagall and the teachers coming outside," replied James, scanning the grounds.

"We're thinking that they'll come on dragonback," said Albus eagerly. "If they are, McGonagall better get out of the way!"

"I hope one lands on Slughorn," muttered James nastily. His feelings for the Potions master had not changed since the train ride to Hogwarts.

Minutes passed, tension filling the murmured conversations around Rose. Her concentration had begun to wane when there was a sharp gasp from behind her.

"It's them!" screamed Domenic Woodard, a boy in Albus' dormitory.

Everyone pushed to get closer to the windows. Rose was pressed against the glass, through which she could see the scene unfolding below.

Four specks appeared in the bright sky. The spots grew until Rose could make out color and detail. The dragons dwarfed their Riders and filled the sky, blocking sunlight to the grass below. There were two bright red, one mossy green, and one blue.

"They're huge!" cried a first year.

"Shut up, Pip," said a boy who must've been her older brother.

Rose marveled at the sheer magnificence of such creatures. One of the reds had landed in the field, and his Rider slid off. The others remained airborne, beating their wings slowly to maintain their height.

Professor McGonagall approached the Rider, but he stopped her before she got close to the dragon. They had a distanced conversation, which ended with the man returning to the dragon.

On command, the dragon knelt down low to the ground and allowed the man to mount him again. The man looked up to where the other Riders were circling overhead and began waving his arms, gesturing to the Forbidden Forest.

"They must be keeping them in the forest," said Albus, his eyes wide. "Hope the other creatures don't mind..."

The man returned to the sky, rejoining his friends as they began to fly back towards the horizon. Moments later (Rose marveled at how fast these creatures were in the air) they dipped below the tree line and were gone.

Chatter broke out as students melted away from the windows. Rose stay seated, along with Albus and James.

"I want to get on one of those, first chance I get!" said James with excitement.

"Cameron will murder you," said Albus sternly. "He doesn't want us anywhere near them, remember?"

James shrugged, seeming unconcerned with Cameron's wrath.

The afternoon wore on slowly. Platters full of sandwiches and flagons of pumpkin juice materialized when the lunch bell sounded, inciting groans from some of the students. Rose, too, had hoped that the lockdown would lift in time to have a proper lunch. She helped Albus with his Potions paper, but every few minutes, her eyes were drawn to portrait hole. She knew that when it opened, there would be a mad rush to get to the Great Hall for the celebratory feast welcoming the Riders to Hogwarts.

Albus was checking the length of his paper when the portrait hole swung open. All of the students turned to stare at it. Professor Evariste climbed through, followed by Nearly-Headless Nick.

"We're not leaving until it is quiet!" Professor Evariste called above the sudden clamor. The noise died down as quickly as it had begun.

"If only it was always so easy to silence them," said Nearly-Headless Nick as he floated towards the ceiling.

Professor Evariste regarded the room silently, looking contemplative.

"I'd like you all to behave tonight," he said seriously. "It will not have my house acting out in front of our guests." He crooked a half smile, then said, "Let's leave that to Slytherin, alright?"

The older students and hollered as the younger ones laughed. Rose raised a brow Professor Evariste, who winked.

The Gryffindors followed their house head down to the ground floor and into the Great Hall. The Ravenclaws were already there, backs straight and hands folded on their table.

James mocked their stance as he sat, but everyone else was concentrated on the head table. Five new places were set, but only four of them were filled.

The man whom they had seen dismount his dragon that morning now sat by Professor McGonagall's side in the place of honor. He had dark hair pulled back into a ponytail that looked to hang down to the base of his back. On his left were two olive skinned people, a man and woman. They were seated by a burly man, whose muscles filled out his broad structure.

The Hufflepuffs began to filter in, and a man slid alongside them. He broke away from the students and walked slowly towards the head table. He walked with a limp- one of his legs seems to be moving more easily than the other.

"Marco!" cried the man by McGonagall 's side. "You have made it!"

"Just got off of the train," said Marco quietly. He didn't need to raise his voice; the entire room was silent. "A pleasant route."

"Up over here!" said the burly man, patting the empty seat. "We're waiting for another group of students, then Giovanni will start us off."

As Marco took a seat, the Slytherins arrived. Professor Slughorn had an unpleasant expression on his face as he led his students to their table.

"My apologies to our guests," he said, his voice tight and clearly aggravated. "Some of my students don't know the meaning of locked in their dormitory."

Professor McGonagall sighed and shot the Slytherins an exasperated look. "We shall discuss this later," she said. "I believe that Giovanni has something to say, correct?"

Giovanni stood, and the room in silence. "Good evening, all of you," he said with a grin. "You all do not know how excited I am for us to be here."

"Not half as excited as we are," muttered James.

"I will not take too long," continued Giovanni, "but I would like to let you all know that there will be an informational meeting after dinner tomorrow. Anyone who is interested in riding should attend."

With a rueful grin, Giovanni sat. Everyone was uncertain if they should clap or not. Finally, the decision was made for them. Food filled the gleaming platters, and the feast began.