Harry Potter and the Story Without Delphi

Chapter Two: Testy Thomas's and Feisty Finnigans

The rest of the way to Hogwarts, Albus and his new friends ate through a mountain of sweets and exchanged thoughts about the upcoming sorting.

"I'm telling you Albus we should all just become Slytherins!" Nova exclaimed, after Albus had lamented about being claud in silver and green for the third time.

"You know you can't chose right? The Sorting Hat decides, so Albus is probably better suited for Gryffindor," replied Scorpius.

"My dad said the Sorting Hat takes your feelings into account," blurted Albus, immediately regretting it.

Nova looked ecstatic "See! There is sort of a choice. How do you know Albus isn't destined for Slytherin?"

"My families been in Gryffindor ever since we can remember."

"In books, the hero always strays from the usual path."

Albus was about to tell her that if she was looking for a hero, she was a generation late, but he was enjoying that somebody was completely clueless about his famous father.

"Let's not fight," Scorpius said "We all became friends like ten minutes ago."

Albus assumed a exaggerated snobby pose "You dare proclaim that you lot are my friends? Talk to me when you have actually can make decent small talk."

They all burst out laughing, and at that moment, Albus thought his father was right about being the best place in the world.

And then he remembered Rose.

Was it really justified to drop his life long best friend for some people he barely knew? Well, she didn't have to be so rude to Scorpius, who was clearly friendly, and he was sure she would scorn Nova the same way after she heard she was gunning  for Slytherin. And, if she wanted to apologize or wanted to hang out with them, there was no way he would say no. He listened in to Scorpius trying to explain a Peppermint Imp.

"It makes smoke pour out of your ears," he said

Nova looked at him like he was crazy. "Seriously?? And it moves by itself? It's alive?"

"Yes, yes, and no," he said patiently. It's not an animal, but it moves by itself."

"Cool! Can I try one?"

Just at the moment, the train pulled into the station and students streamed out of the compartments.

"Never mind" she said "I don't want to make my entrance looking like a steam kettle"

Scorpius and Albus chuckled. Then realized something.

"We all forgot to change!" exclaimed Albus

"We need to change??"
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5 minutes later, Hogwarts robes hastily put over muggle clothing, the three children hurried of the train. A huge man, which Albus instantly recognized as Hagrid, the Potter's longtime friend, was calling out,

"Any 'mo first years?" he bellowed. He seemed to be looking for someone.

Albus waved. "Hey Hagrid!"

"There yer are! I was lookin' for you! Why you so late?"

"Sorry, we forgot to change before the train stopped."

"O' course ye did. Well hop on with yer friends, glad you made some didn't ya?"

There were no empty boats left, so they joined one that looked slightly more empty. The kids on it already slightly gawked at Albus and stared coldly at Scorpius. Nova noticed this apparently and tried to make conversation.

"So," she began "What are your names?"

The people turned their heads and seemed to just have noticed her. They looked at each other, as if debating to answer.

"My name's Ellie. Ellie Thomas."

"My name's Jack Finnigan."

     Something about their last names rang a bell in Albus's head, but he couldn't directly remember why. He decided to keep silent.

But of course, they knew him

"Your Albus Potter aren't you" said Jack "My dad roomed with yours at Hogwarts, back in the day."

That was it. His dad had mentioned a Seamus Finnigan.

"Mine too," said Ellie "Dean Thomas is my dad's name."

"So you all know each other!" Nova jumped in "Or well at least your dad's do."

Albus had noticed Scorpius had gone very quiet. When he turned to looked at him, Jack and Ellie followed suit. When they realized who it was, they sneered.

"What are you doing here Malfoy? Gonna do some Dark Magic?"

"Maybe show us some Voldemort powers," said Ellie in a stage whisper.

Nova looked confused, but Scorpius turned bright red and Albus became angry.

"Excuse me?" replied Albus "Is that my friend your talking to?"

Nova seemed to have realized they said an insult.

"Hey, you lay off my friend!"

Scorpius seemed to go even red. He motioned for them to stop.

"It's fine. And I am not the son of Voldemort, for the last time."

"You have a problem?" said Albus, just for effect.

"Um...no. Sorry about that." Albus's disapproval had made them change their opinion.

"Well then," said Nova brightly, in another attempt at conversation "What house are you aiming for?"

"Gryffindor," they both said, in unison.

Nova seemed to have been let down by that answer.

"Honestly, what does this house come with, a puppy? Everyone wants to get a membership."

They were about to retort when Scorpius pointed at the distance and shouted with glee.

"Look at that! It's Hogwarts!"

They all turned. Albus saw the beautiful castle his father had described so many times, and thought it was every bit as magnificent. There was several oohs and aahs from the five soon to be first years, on the way to the most turbulent years of their lives.