I'm gonna cry. Dang it! Come on, you are a strong person! Pull it together, you are not a crier! Saying goodbye to my family has been much harder than I expected. I mean, Hogwarts is gonna be amazing! I cannot wait! It's just the idea of not seeing Mum and Dad and even that little bugger Hugo for months! Until Christmas!

Not playing chess with Dad in the evenings, him letting me win and me pretending I didn't know he was letting me win. Not swapping books and drinking tea with Mum. No incredibly fond memories with Hugh come to mind at the moment, but he can be a sweetheart sometimes.

My mother hugged me tight and sighed. "My little girl, all grown up and going to Hogwarts," she said, her own eyes welling up. I think I know where I get my quick tears from. Not to mention Grandma Molly. I think was not meant to be strong when it came to crying, I have too many forces against me: there are too many easy criers in my family.

"I cant believe this day is already here," my dad said, a hand on my shoulder, his little way of protecting me as subtly as he could manage.

Hugh looked frustrated. I knew he was pleased to see me go, but would possibly miss me, and definitely found it unfair he had to stay home for two more years. Lily looked straight up peeved. She was two years younger, but still my closest girl cousin and I was bummed she wasn't coming too.

I gave her a big, quick hug. "Lily, I'll write you all the time, I promise!"
She made a pouty face.

"Don't worry, you'll be on that train in no time," I said.

With one last look to my family, I hopped on the train, waiting for Albus. Thank goodness I had him, or I would really be nervous.

Once Albus joined me, we agreed to split up and look for Frank. The three of us have been inseparable since birth, and it better stay that way. Among my worries concerning Hogwarts is the monumental fear I have of us falling apart. I mean, what if Al and Frank were Sorted into one House without me?

Before I even made progress looking for Frank, these two older girls approached me. One was very tall with a beaky nose and the other a small brunette with ears that stuck out. They were looking at me quite strangely.

"You're Rose Weasley," the tall one said. It wasn't a question and it wasn't friendly, in fact she was sort of sneering.

"Yes." I said awkwardly. But I didn't know what else to say. I'm never the one approached by wizards- it's always my parents, they're the famous ones!

"We've read all about your family of course. It's my mother that likes to indulge in the tabloids that feature your family, so of course I've heard of you. Once or twice," the other girl said.

"Oh?" I replied still very uncomfortable. If they wanted to come off as uninterested and too good for me, why are they even talking to me?

"You're supposed to be rich aren't you? Because for someone with very famous parents, you don't look too well off. Don't you think, Marjorie?" the blonde said, flicking her hair.

I can't believe anyone could be so blatantly rude! I'm frozen in shock. What do these people want with me?

"No, you really don't, dear," Marjorie said condescendingly. "You're hair could use a few thinning potions and your clothes look so," she sighed, looking Rose up and down. "Muggle-y."

Astonished! I am absolutely gobsmacked. How could anyone actually speak to a stranger like this? Do they expect they're doing me some favor? You're supposed to look like a Muggle, it's a Muggle train station! Not to mention, I rather like this sweater.

I tried to explain this to them but was interrupted.

"We can sort you out, I suppose," the taller girl said. "You're in desperate need of a makeover. People at Hogwarts will be expecting you to be more…well more."

My jaw was hanging open by now. Who are these people and is this what Hogwarts is gonna be like? I couldn't think of anything to say. I always wished I was super quick and witty, but I never seem to be able to think of a real good comeback in time. Usually, I'll reflect on the conversation later, and suddenly realize what I should have said: the perfect retort for whatever situation, but by then, of course, the moment has passed. Right now I'm just standing here like an idiot.

All of a sudden a tall blonde boy sauntered into the group and said, "As far as I can tell only thing in need of a makeover is your bloody attitudes. I know you're jealous, but please restrain yourselves from being condescending towards a defenseless first year."

I recognized him immediately! Draco Malfoy's son! Malfoy, siding with me? What is this? Also, "defenseless first year"? Let's not get carried away here. I was merely composing my thoughts.

The girls turned and sneered. "And this is coming from a Malfoy? Your family wrote the book on condescending."

"Right we did, so you won't mind if I tell you to run along now?" Malfoy said in a patronizing tone that made even me feel a little inferior. "Maybe to some hideous eye-makeup convention?"

The girls seemed to try and cover up their defeat with glares and sneers but they scurried away, obviously bested.

Malfoy turned his attention to me now. He looked at me strangely, his eyes were serious but his lips twitched into an almost smile. He was taller than me, and I'm pretty tall for my age, and paler, which was saying something because I'm pretty much the palest person in the family. He had golden blonde hair that was combed neatly to the side, and he had the air of someone well cared for. His eyes were perplexing. They were sort of gray-green-blue: like pond water. Oh bollocks, here he is expecting me to say something and I'm comparing his eyes to a pond. I'm so weird!

"Thank you for that!" I said. I sounded a little out of breath. I don't want to be having a conversation alone with Malfoy! Where is Albus?

"Why do you look so surprised?" Malfoy asked, his face immediately darkening and growing defensive.

Why is he getting all on edge? I'm so confused I can't think straight. "Well, you know," I smiled awkwardly. He's got to realize why this is unusual. We were basically born to despise each other. "You're the last person I would expect to come to my rescue." I tried to smile in a friendly way, but he seemed to be getting the wrong impression.

"Not that you shouldn't have, I totally appreciate it, it's just surprising that someone like you would be the first to jump to my defense." I became aware I was talking too much and making it worse, but somehow couldn't stop. I tend to ramble on without thinking through what I say. It's the weirdest thing: I think everything through, I weigh the consequences of every action, but the second I get a little nervous my brain shuts off. I'm still talking. "I mean, Draco Malfoy's son? I'm just shocked that-"

"That what? I'm an actual human being who doesn't relish in the suffering of others?" His face was now a bitter mask.

Oh Merlin, he's right, I jumped to conclusions about him! I am so stupid. But how can you blame me? His family has got such a reputation. But what do I say now?

"I only meant that…I mean my parents have talked about your dad before, and no offense, but he sounded like a bit of a bully." Her parents had told some stories, and her dad was never very forgiving towards Draco.

"A bully? He was a bloody Death Eater," he said, laughing bitterly. "But he's not like that now. In fact, even then he… wait, why am I even explaining this to you?"

This has been the most emotionally draining five minutes of my life. First I leave my family behind to embark on this journey, only to be pounced on by two ridiculous, shallow girls who blatantly insult me. Then, Malfoy comes to my rescue, and within fifteen seconds of our conversation, he's turned against me. Brilliant.

"You of all people should know that kids don't equal their parents. I am not my father. I thought the daughter of two very famous wizards might get that." He almost turned to leave but instead said, "But I suppose you enjoy all the attention? Do people say you've got your mother's brains and your father's courage? Well let me remind you that you aren't your parents either."

Ok, pal you know nothing about me. You're doing the same pre-judging you were criticizing me of here.

"Just because I'm surprised that the spawn of Draco Malfoy- former Death Eater- helped me -a half-blood and a Weasley- doesn't mean I need you lecturing me!" I tended to over-accentuate words in an argument. Something I got from my mother.

"I know I'm not my parents, and I would have accepted that you weren't yours, until you went off like that! You only proved that you are a jerk not to mention an over reactor! I barely said one thing to you and you-"

"Weasley, I couldn't care less what you think of me. In the future I'll know not to associate with your kind-"

What a catch this kid is. My kind! As if we're a species. I was right all along, he is just a spoiled, arrogant rich kid.

"My kind? What do you think we-"

"Not because you're Weasleys, or half-bloods or whatever, but because you're arrogant-"

"Oh I'm arrogant?"

"Presumptuous, judgmental-"

"You talk about judging people based on their family, and here you are judging my family based on your own impression of me! You hypocrite!" I said, poking him on the chest.

I glared at him, my chin jutted out. But he was pretty intimidating his stupid pond boring into me. Guess the pond froze over cause he is like ice. Oh my gosh, that was the lamest thing I ever thought. All of Frank's stupid jokes and puns are getting to me.

He was still, just looking at me as if I was an errant toad that had the nerve to leap onto his dinner plate. I'm used to family quarrels and arguments with the cousins, but this kid is completely different than anyone I have ever met, and he's a little bit scary. But before I could shrink away, he just shot me one last look dripping with hate, plucked my hand off his chest as if it was some foul bug, and stormed off.

Albus had been standing behind him, looking bemused but confused. "Rose, was that the Malfoy kid? You're picking fights already, schools not even started yet!" he chuckled.

"Yes, I've made a friend," I said crankily, storming through the halls. My beautiful first train ride- ruined.

"What happened?" he asked, gesturing towards the compartment where Frank was waiting.

"Oh I've just been having a lovely chat with…I don't even know his name. The Malfoy kid. Spoke with the bloke for two seconds and he gets all offended," I said, rolling my eyes and bursting into our compartment. Frank looked worried and asked what had happened. Frank was always worried.

I very reasonably tried to explain the events of the past few minutes, but he didn't seem to understand.

"I mean I'm sure he was harboring some pre-formed ideas about our family too, but-"

"So, Frank," Al rudely interjected, "what House you hoping for?"

I rolled my eyes again. He's just trying to change the subject, we've gone over this a thousand times. I don't know why he would though, Malfoy seems like an interesting enough topic to me.

Frank responded with the answer I already knew and I huffed. Jerks.

"Fine, I won't tell you anymore. Your loss, it was just about to get good," I said, and I rummaged around in my bag and pulled out a book. Mum had given me this pile of books (Muggle and magical) to tie me down until winter holidays. I was currently starting To Kill a Mockingbird.

But I couldn't concentrate on Scout and the gang. Malfoy was nagging at the back of my brain. I hated the idea that someone disliked me; it made me extraordinarily uncomfortable. I had flaws, yeah, but who didn't?

Maybe I'm a little bossy. Not around the "cooler" old cousins, but with Al and the younger ones, I like to take charge. So? And maybe I'm a bit of a know-it-all. Dad said it was something I inherited from Mum. But it had never caused any significant rifts before.

I'm like my Mum in a lot of ways, I guess. People are always saying so. "Oh you look so like your mother" and "Hermione, she's got your brains". I do have incredibly thick and bushy hair, but it's color is debated upon. Sometimes it seems red and sometimes it's more like my mother's shade. We share a love of books, reading, knowledge, and we always strive to be the best.

I consider myself a sensible girl: the voice of reason. I've always been told I'm mature for my age, and I take pride in that. I'm no rule breaker or prankster like Molly or James. I hate getting into trouble, being scolded is something I take care to avoid.

I think I'm like my dad too though. I'm all freckly, and I have definitely inherited the Weasley complexion. I'm a ferocious blusher- sometimes I blush when I'm not even embarrassed. I'm pretty much in a constant state of blush. I'm also really clumsy. I love Quidditch, but my lack of coordination prevents me from having much talent in it. I may be a little considered lazy and a bit of a procrastinator, especially when it comes to schoolwork. I don't really share Mom's fervor in that department. I like learning, but the assignments usually don't correlate. Seems kind of pointless to me. I'm not much of a confronter either. I can be a bit argumentative, but today has already been more action than I'm used to.

We pulled into Hogsmeade and things were suddenly chaotic. There were people everywhere shoving and shouting and rushing around. I caught a glimpse of my cousins Fred and Louis, standing taller than most of the people around. Louis had his arm draped around his latest girlfriend and Fred was flirting with some blonde as well. The two of them were quite the heartthrobs- they were good looking and popular and everyone wanted to be friends with them. Fred with his perfect, dark skin and humble smile and Louis with his confidence and classic good looks. They were a formidable pair, easily the handsomest boys in their year.

Fred writes to me sometimes about his girl troubles. I'm sort of the one everyone goes to for advice. I may be eleven, and have zero experience, but I must give a good take on things because even Victorie asked me what I thought she should do about Teddy (before anyone else, thank you very much) and she's a seventh year!

But before I could even look for more of my family, I was beckoned by Albus to follow the booming voice of Hagrid. He beamed at the sight of us all- he was a regular guest at family functions and was basically apart of the family. His eyes looked like they might be tearing up and he whimpered, "I remember when yer parents were 'ere."

"Yer parents met right on that very train, Rose. And Al, I think yer's met at the station."

Al nodded. Aunt Ginny had told them once how she had pined after Uncle Harry for six years before he ever gave her the time of day. The only person I met on the train was bloody Malfoy and those stupid girls.

Frank, Al and I climbed into the boats with another small first. I sat perfectly still the whole way across the lake. Knowing my luck I would shift in my seat and capsize the whole boat. I saw Malfoy in a boat not far from us, with a very large boy and two other girls. He looked even paler in the moonlight and his eyes were fixed on the castle. I turned my own eyes to the spectacular sight.

In a tidal wave of emotions, it suddenly hit me. In just a few moments I would be sorted. Wasn't it just a few days ago Al and I were talking about how Hogwarts was 5 years away?

I have no idea where I'll be sorted, but I'm certain it wouldn't be Slytherin. I'm not least bit assertive and at the moment lack any significant ambitions. And I may be smart and clever, but I'm not wily or sly. Ravenclaw seemed possible. I'm no genius like Mom- I don't have that natural ability to just know things, I have to work at it to be successful. But I think I'm pretty smart and eager to learn. Hufflepuff was also very likely. I'm loyal and friendly and quite a people pleaser. Dom thought it's my maternal nature that would make me Hufflepuffy. But its really Gryffindor I want. Of course that's what I want, its practically in my blood. But I'm not exactly a daring person. I don't jump to go on crazy adventures and tend to look before I leap. But I can dream. Maybe the Hat will see something else.

"Malfoy, Scorpius!" Neville called, his eyebrow arched in interest. Scorpius? Oh that is rich. Wow, that's just cruel.

Malfoy was on the stool for a while, longer than anyone else yet. He looked as shocked as I was when the Hat cried, "RAVENCLAW."

Oh my gosh, this is a free for all. People are being sorted willy nilly- it's totally unpredictable!

I began wringing my hands and trying to speak words of encouragement to Al, but was I barely paying attention to what I was even saying. Al didn't seem like he was listening either.

He was being called up now. I gave him a shove forward when he didn't move (where would he be without me?) and he stumbled to the Hat.

I studied the moment intently. The Hat was placed on his head, paused and then his mouth burst open and he announced Gryffindor.

I felt a little torn. On one side, I'm so proud and truly glad for Al. On the other side, I feel as if my whole life is going to collapse and cave in on itself like a slowly dying star. Who am I kidding, I wont get Gryffindor, and I wont make any new friends and Al and Frank would forget about my and the emotional toll will cause me to fail my classes and they'll kick me out and I will never learn magic and my family will reject her and I'll live a miserable hobbit-Squib life.

"Weasley, Rose!"

I inhaled sharply. Heavens to Merlin, I may fall over where I stand. I walked up to the Hat gingerly, as if each step I took would break a hole in the floor.

Be graceful. Like a feather. Don't fall! That would make Malfoy all too happy.

I took deep, soothing breaths as Neville placed the Hat on my head.

A voice was suddenly talking to me. It was the strangest sensation.

"Hmm, you're head is all filled with contradictions. Confident yet insecure. Shy yet bossy. Defiant yet obedient."

Ok, I don't like this Hat poking around and tossing out personal information about my inner self.

"Well, we can rule out Slytherin… and I think Hufflepuff. We both know you're not Slytherin material and you may be sweet and friendly, but you're not a Hufflepuff either. Perhaps Ravenclaw…"

Oh gosh, I wouldn't be with my friends and I'd be with Malfoy!

"You have a preference?" the Hat asked.

I'd like Gryffindor, but its up to you.

…Duh of course its up to you, you're the Hat.

"That I am." The Hat seemed to be considering something and then said, "I think the Gryffindor House could really value you. And I think you'll come to embrace that side of yourself. Because its there…GRYFFINDOR!" the Hat announced.

"Oh my goodness!" I said out loud, beaming. Don't cry! Not now, not now. Save it, Weasley. I may start sobbing with the Hat still on my head. This has just been too emotionally draining of a day. Neville patted me on the shoulder and I got up and scampered over to my new Housemates. I was greeted with all kinds of congratulations, and I sat next to Frank.

During the feast, (oh my gosh, I needed this feast, I haven't eaten in hours and I was becoming an emotional wreck) I became acquainted with one of the girls next to me, Andie. She's a peppy blonde girl who's father works for the Ministry. She seemed pretty nice and really funny and I'm glad to have a friend in my dorms.

After eating a lot and making friends, my fears were squelched. Who cares about Scorpius (haha) Malfoy and what he thinks? I doubt I'll even interact with him at all in the years to come. I've got a new friend, and my best guys in my House. What was I so worried about?

The Headmaster stood and the Hall quieted.
"Welcome everyone, to another year at Hogwarts!" he said cheerfully. He had light brown hair and a pleasant expression. "First years, we're all so excited to have you here. Everyone should know the Forest is off limits and that magic in the hallways is discouraged against."

A wheezy, grumpy man in the back coughed.

"Excuse me, as our caretaker Mr. Glubson will remind me, magic in the halls is prohibited. I can't wait to begin another year of learning and celebrating together, so let's waste no time. Off to your dormitories!"

As everyone was dispersing and the first years were trotting after the prefects I lost track of Albus.

"Frank, where'd Al go?" We looked around and Frank pointed out a black haired kid who looked an awful lot like Al talking to Malfoy.

"No, that kid is with Malfoy. It's not Al." But I moved towards them, totally confused. It was Al and he was cordially chatting with Malfoy. Well, this is awkward.

"Al, everyone's heading back to their common rooms now," I said, ignoring Scorpius. "You don't want to fall behind and get lost."

Scorpius's face was cold. "Nice talking with you Al. Glad to see not everyone in your family is a totally stuck-up arse," he blatantly looked at me and my jaw dropped. And he just sauntered away.

"What was that? What was that?" I asked.

"I was just introducing myself," Al said.

"Why? Didn't you hear anything I said earlier? And he just called me an, well you know!" I was uncomfortable with saying bad words.

"Sorry, Rose. He seems like an all right bloke to me and I don't have any reason to be his enemy," Al said.

I do not understand this kid.

"Yes, you-"

"Look, Rosie, He's not going to be my best friend, I simply introduced myself. I promise, I will never love him more than I love you," he said with a smile, putting his hand on my shoulder.

"Oh Merlin, if there is ever a day where I have to compete with Malfoy for your attention, I may have to dive into a Devil's Snare. Promise that'll never be called into question!"

He promised, and we ran to catch up with our classmates.

The girls in my dorm all seemed nice enough. There was a pretty black girl with tight, little curls named Kristen, a really thin blonde named Charlize and a girl named Jade, who was as freckly as me, but had silky, dark brown hair.

I knew I would get along with Andie the best, but the other girls seemed pleasant too, with the exception of Charlize, who gave me the impression she was faking the big smile she gave me. She just doesn't really come off as sincere. But at least she isn't trying to make me over.

I relayed to Andie the incident with Malfoy.

"Oh Scorpius? My dad knows his dad, his family came over for dinner once."

I pressed her for details and she didn't disappoint.

"Well, his dad's pretty formal, kind of serious, but he seemed to loosen up after a while. I mean, he was cracking jokes and such." She looked at me and I nodded to indicate I understood and she continued, "His mum's great. She's super pretty and really funny. Not like you would imagine her. And she's totally into Muggle stuff. She came over once and watched a Muggle movie with my mum."

Again, I'm surprised. Curse my pre-formed ideas, I'm so primitive.

"Scorpius I've only met once and he barely said a word to me. Really kept to himself. My brother said he got him talking about Quidditch, but I didn't see it happen. I'm really surprised he stood up for you, he seems really shy."

I felt super guilty by now. He put himself out there and I cut him down. I "stole his Snitch" as Dad would say.

But you know what? He's a jerk. He didn't give me a chance either.

…Whatever. I'm never going to talk to him again.

I was super tired, but I still wanted to write my parents before I went to bed. My owl, Rigby (who I named during my Beatles phase) was waiting at my window when we had come up. I said goodnight to the other girls and pulled out my favorite quill and some parchment.

Dear Mum and Dad,

Hogwarts is brilliant. Absolutely gorgeous, like you've always said. I can't believe I'm actually here, this is mental.

Now for what you've been waiting for…drum roll please. I'm in Gryffindor! I was so surprised! Anyway, I love it already, the Tower's so cool and Neville will be my Head of House! Al and Frank are with me too! I've made a friend already, Andie Singer. Her dad Mike works for the Ministry, do you know him?

I've also made a bit of an enemy. I had the pleasure of meeting Draco Malfoy's son. Charming boy, and he absolutely adores me.

Anyways, I'm bushed. I'll elaborate later. It's been a long day and I'm off to bed.

Love you say hi to Hugo for me,

Rose

Dear Lils,

I'm in Gryffindor, really happy, made friend, got in a fight with Malfoy kid, too tired to explain now.

Much love,

Rose

I crawled into bed and pulled the covers up to my chin. You know when you find that spot and position that is so comfortable you could die happy? That's where I am right now.