Chapter 1
The Hogwarts Express stood resplendent at Platform 9¾, its polished exterior gleaming under the early morning sun. The air buzzed with anticipation, punctuated by the excited chatter of students reuniting after a summer away. Rose Malfoy-Parkinson, clad in her black robes, felt a familiar thrill wash over her as she stepped through the barrier, the brick wall of King's Cross Station melting away to reveal the bustling platform filled with witches and wizards.
“Can you believe it’s our last year?” Rose mused, her voice a mix of excitement and nostalgia. Her chestnut hair fell in a long braid down her back, and her green eyes sparkled as they scanned the scene. Her two best friends, Albus Potter and Scorpius Malfoy, stood beside her, equally engrossed in the lively atmosphere. “I know, right? It feels like just yesterday we were scared little first-years, terrified of getting sorted into Slytherin!” Albus said, nervously adjusting his glasses as he glanced around at the throng of students. Scorpius leaned casually against a luggage cart, an easy grin on his face. “Please. I was born ready for this! I’ll be the star of the Quidditch team, and they’ll be talking about my legendary exploits for generations!” “Sure, as long as you don’t crash into another tree during practice,” Rose teased, crossing her arms and smirking at her cousin. “Let’s not bring that up,” Scorpius replied, feigning offense but unable to suppress a chuckle. With a determined sigh, Rose turned toward the train. “Come on! We don’t want to miss our chance for a good compartment. Last year, remember?”
They hurried aboard, their laughter mingling with the clattering of luggage and the lively shouts of students. Rose felt a rush of nostalgia as she navigated the familiar corridors of the train, her heart swelling at the thought of all the memories they had created over the years. Finally, they found an empty compartment and tossed their bags onto the overhead racks. Once settled, Rose leaned back against the cushioned seat, allowing herself to soak in the moment.
“I can’t wait to see everyone again. Do you think Hugo has grown taller?” she asked, thinking of her younger brother. “He better have! I’m tired of him thinking he can challenge me to duels when he’s still half my height,” Scorpius replied with a playful glint in his eyes.
As the train began to move, Rose turned her gaze out the window. The countryside unfolded like a vivid tapestry, the greens and golds blurring together as they sped away from London. Each passing scene brought back memories of childhood trips with her family, of exploring the fields and chasing after butterflies.
“Remember our first trip on the Express?” Albus asked suddenly, breaking her reverie. “We were all so nervous about getting sorted. And then when the Hat sang… I thought I’d faint!” Rose laughed, the sound light and carefree. “And Scorpius was convinced he’d end up in Gryffindor just to mess with everyone.” “Hey! It was a legitimate concern!” Scorpius protested, crossing his arms. “Those lions are fierce!”
As the train rattled along the tracks, they reminisced about their early days at Hogwarts—the pranks they had pulled, the friendships they had forged, and the trials they had faced together. Each story deepened their bond, reminding them of the unique connection they shared. “Do you think it’ll be different this year?” Rose asked, her tone turning more serious. “I mean, it’s our last chance to really make the most of our time here.” Albus nodded, his brow furrowed. “I feel like there’s more pressure this year. With N.E.W.T.s looming over us, it’s hard not to think about the future.” “True,” Scorpius said, leaning forward. “But we can’t let that ruin our last year. We should make it unforgettable!” Rose felt a spark of excitement at the thought. “You’re right. Let’s promise to do something memorable. We’ll be legends by the time we leave.”
With that, they set about planning their year. The conversation flowed easily, punctuated by laughter and the occasional playful argument over who would excel in which subjects. As the train rolled through the lush English countryside, a sense of comfort enveloped them. Rose felt a familiar warmth fill her chest. They were not just friends; they were family, and together, they could face whatever challenges awaited them at Hogwarts. As they drew closer to the castle, the landscape began to change. The rolling hills gave way to the rugged terrain of the Scottish Highlands, where the peaks loomed majestically against the sky. The air grew cooler, filled with the scent of pine and earth.
“Almost there!” Albus exclaimed, peering out the window. Rose’s heart raced at the sight of the looming silhouette of Hogwarts in the distance, its turrets and towers reaching for the heavens. The castle stood proud against the setting sun, the golden light casting an ethereal glow over the stone walls. “It’s beautiful,” Rose whispered, her voice filled with awe. “It always is,” Scorpius agreed, his expression softening. “It’s like coming home.”
As the train pulled into Hogsmeade station, the familiar sound of the whistle pierced the air. Students began to gather their belongings, excitement palpable as they prepared to disembark. “Ready?” Rose asked, glancing at her friends, who nodded in unison. With a shared sense of purpose, they stepped off the train and onto the platform, the chill of the evening air invigorating. The atmosphere buzzed with energy as students reunited with friends and family, laughter ringing out against the backdrop of the towering mountains. As they made their way to the waiting carriages, Rose caught sight of her parents, Pansy and Hermione, deep in conversation with Harry and Ginny Potter. A wave of affection washed over her as she noticed the warmth between them, despite the varied paths they had taken.
“Mum! Mother!” she called, waving enthusiastically. Pansy turned, her face lighting up with a smile. “There’s my girl!” she exclaimed, pulling Rose into a tight embrace. “Have a good summer with your brother?” Hermione asked, her eyes sparkling with pride. “It was brilliant! I can’t wait to tell you everything,” Rose said, glancing back at Albus and Scorpius, who were chatting animatedly with the Potters.
As they settled into their carriage, the thrum of magic enveloped them, the castle drawing ever closer. The excitement of a new year loomed large, a blank canvas waiting to be painted with adventures, challenges, and memories that would last a lifetime. As they approached the castle, Rose felt a surge of determination. This year would be different; it would be memorable, a culmination of everything they had learned and experienced. Together, they would make the most of their final year at Hogwarts.
“Let’s do this!” she declared, her voice ringing with enthusiasm. With a shared resolve, they rode toward the future, hearts full of hope and excitement, ready to embrace the adventures that awaited them at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
_________
The Great Hall was a breathtaking spectacle as Rose, Albus, and Scorpius entered, the enchanted ceiling reflecting the starry night sky above. Floating candles flickered like stars above the long tables filled with eager students. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement and chatter, the echoes of laughter mingling with the tantalizing scents of roast chicken, potatoes, and an array of desserts. Rose felt her heart swell with pride. This was where she belonged. As she gazed at the long tables stretching out beneath the floating candles, her gaze drifted to the Slytherin table, where she spotted her Uncle Draco, his light hair unmistakable among the sea of green and silver robes. He was engaged in conversation with other Slytherin professors, but every so often, his eyes darted toward the Gryffindor table, as if searching for his children.
“Look at all the new first-years,” Albus said, nudging Rose with his elbow. He leaned closer to the table, excitement dancing in his eyes. “They look so small!” “Just like we did,” Scorpius replied, a playful smirk on his face. “I bet they’re all terrified of the Sorting Hat. I remember practically shaking when it was my turn.”
The Sorting Ceremony commenced with the usual fanfare, and as the first-years stepped forward one by one, Rose felt a swell of nostalgia. Each name called echoed through the hall, and each student approached the Sorting Hat with a mix of excitement and fear. “Welcome to the Gryffindor table!” Rose shouted at one particularly timid-looking boy who looked like he was about to faint as he shuffled forward. He turned and gave a nervous smile, which encouraged the others around him. As the hat sang its annual song—a whimsical tune filled with rhymes about bravery, cunning, intelligence, and hard work—Rose leaned in closer to Albus and Scorpius, eager to share her thoughts.
“Can you believe it’s our last Sorting? After this, we’ll be the ones giving advice to the first-years,” Rose said, her voice tinged with excitement. “Let’s hope we don’t scare them off,” Albus replied, grinning. “Imagine if they think Gryffindor is all about tackling dragons and dueling trolls!”
As the last verse ended and applause erupted, Rose’s heart raced with anticipation. The new Gryffindors took their seats amid cheers and excitement. She caught sight of her mother, Hermione, at the staff table, her expression a mixture of pride and nostalgia. Rose felt a warmth swell within her—a sense of belonging and continuity. “Are you ready for this?” Albus asked, glancing at the food now filling the table. He eagerly served himself a generous helping of mashed potatoes and roast chicken. “Absolutely,” Rose replied, filling her plate. “I’ve been waiting for this feast all summer!”. The trio dived into their food, their conversation flowing freely between bites. They caught up on everything they had missed over the summer, sharing stories about their travels and adventures, their voices mingling with the jubilant atmosphere around them.
“Did I tell you about my trip to France?” Scorpius asked, his eyes wide with enthusiasm. “I went to a wizarding village that was straight out of a fairy tale. The architecture was incredible! I even tried some French pastries that were… oh, you can’t even imagine how good they were!” Albus raised an eyebrow. “Let me guess: you brought some back to impress us?” “Not exactly,” Scorpius admitted sheepishly. “But I’ve got the recipes! We can bake them together one weekend. If you’re lucky, I might even let you taste them.” “Just make sure they’re not burnt,” Rose teased, giving him a playful nudge.
As the feast continued, the hall buzzed with laughter and excitement. The first-years exchanged nervous glances, but as they filled their plates, they began to relax, settling into the warmth of their new house. “Hey, we should introduce ourselves to them after the feast,” Rose suggested. “They might need some guidance, especially after all those rumors about the Forbidden Forest.” “Good idea,” Albus agreed, glancing toward the group of first-years who were now tentatively laughing among themselves. “I remember how overwhelmed I felt when I first got here. They’ll appreciate it.”
After dessert—an assortment of pastries and a mountain of treacle tart—the hall was alive with chatter. Rose, Albus, and Scorpius made their way to the first-years, who were clustered together, still wide-eyed and chattering nervously. “Hey there!” Scorpius called out, grinning broadly. “I’m Scorpius Malfoy, and these are my friends, Rose Malfoy and Albus Potter. Welcome to Gryffindor!” The first-years turned, their expressions a mix of surprise and awe. Lila, the freckled girl who had looked nervous earlier, stepped forward. “Hi! I’m Lila,” she said, her voice shaking slightly. “Are you really related to Draco Malfoy?" “Yes, but I promise he's not as bad as he seems ” Scorpius replied, earnestness in his tone. “We’re here to help you adjust. Hogwarts is amazing once you get the hang of it.” “Yeah,” Rose chimed in, her tone warm. “And the Forbidden Forest can be safe as long as you stick together. Just be cautious and stay on the paths during the day. It’s full of magical creatures that are more curious than dangerous, as long as you respect their space.” Lila nodded, her expression softening as she relaxed. “Thanks! I was worried about that. I heard some really strange stories about what goes on in there.” “Strange things do happen,” Albus said, adopting a serious tone. “But that’s just part of the adventure. Just keep your wits about you, and you’ll be fine. We’ll be around if you need anything.”
As they chatted, Rose couldn’t help but notice the camaraderie forming among the first-years. They exchanged nervous smiles and started to share their own stories, bolstered by the encouragement of their older peers. “Do you know who our Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is this year?” Lila asked, a hint of worry in her voice. “I hope it’s not someone too scary.” “Last year, it was Professor Wren, and she was fantastic!” Rose replied, feeling a sense of pride in sharing their experiences. “You’ll love it. It’s one of the best classes at Hogwarts.” “Just don’t mention anything about the werewolves,” Scorpius added with a mischievous grin. “That’s when things get really interesting.”
As they finished their conversation, the first-years looked visibly more relaxed, excitement replacing their initial anxiety. They waved goodbye as the trio turned back toward the Gryffindor common room, hearts lighter. “That went well,” Rose said, a smile playing on her lips. “I think they’ll fit in just fine.” “Definitely. We should check in with them again soon,” Albus suggested as they walked through the dimly lit corridors of the castle. The portraits along the walls whispered to one another, their faces flickering with life.
When they finally reached the Gryffindor common room, the warmth of the fire greeted them, its flames dancing merrily in the hearth. The room was buzzing with activity, laughter and chatter filling the air as students exchanged stories about their summers and began to settle into the rhythm of the new school year. “Let’s find a good spot by the fire,” Scorpius said, plopping down onto a plush armchair. Rose and Albus joined him, sinking into the comfortable furniture as they took in the familiar sights and sounds. “Ah, this feels right,” Albus said, stretching his legs out in front of the fire. “Nothing like the first night back.” As the hours slipped by, they reminisced about their past adventures, sharing stories of pranks pulled on unsuspecting professors, late-night escapades in the castle, and their very first encounters with magical creatures.
“Remember the time we tried to sneak into the Restricted Section?” Scorpius laughed, recounting the story of their ill-fated attempt to find a book on legendary beasts. “We thought we were so clever until Madam Pince caught us.” “Right! And she made us read every single book on library etiquette as punishment,” Rose chimed in, her eyes sparkling with laughter. “I still think it was worth it just for the thrill.” Albus grinned, leaning forward. “That was one of the best nights! But next time, let’s not bring a Howler with us; that was a bit much.” As they continued to share stories, the warmth of the fire wrapped around them like a cozy blanket. Yet, even amid the laughter, a small, nagging thought lingered in the back of Rose’s mind. The rumors of the Forbidden Forest, the strange happenings, and the cloaked figures they had heard about through whispers—there was something unsettling about it all.
“Have you heard any of the rumors going around?” Rose finally asked, her voice growing more serious as the laughter faded into a contemplative silence. “About the Forbidden Forest?” “I’ve heard bits and pieces,” Albus admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “Some students say they’ve seen shadows moving in there, and there are reports of strange noises at night.” “Exactly,” Rose said, her brow furrowing in concern. “It’s not just stories. We should keep an eye on things. It could be important.” Scorpius shrugged, trying to lighten the mood. “Or it could be nothing, you never know at Hogwarts."