Hogwarts - The Next Gen.

Chapter 4. Gossips

After leaving the classroom, Y/N and Lilly walked giggling through the hallways of Hogwarts. Eventually they came to the greathall where all the students were eagerly gathering for their lunch break.

The latest gossip was everywhere and an atmosphere of excitement hung over the crowd reading the copies of the Daily Prophet newspaper.
Y/N was apprehensive and her heart sank at the disturbing news.

"Mudbloods try to invade the Wizarding World" the headline screamed. Y/N furrowed her brows, her head dizzying with questions as she turned to Lilly for answers.
"What is a mudblood, Lilly?" asked Y/N, her voice laced with confusion and concern.
Lilly's face paled at the question, her eyes filled with sadness and frustration. "It's a derogatory term used to describe witches and wizards who come from non-magical families." she explained, her voice in bitterness. "It is a term used by people who believe in blood purity, who think that only those born into magical families are worthy of being part of our world."

Y/N's stomach turned at the realization, her mind struggling to contain the hatred and prejudice. Before she could process the information further, another headline caught her eye. This one was even more shocking than the last.

"People still looking out for Death Eaters." it read, sending a shiver down Y/N's spine. The article described the ongoing efforts to capture all of Voldemort's remaining minions. It also evoked memories of the dark days the magical world experienced so long ago.

But the gossip about Scorpius and his father, Draco Malfoy, caused the most uproar within Hogwarts. "Mother and wife died, but was it really the disease or did someone cause it?" speculated the headline. Scorpius became enraged and stormed out of the hall, closely followed by Rose and Albus.

"How can they keep making these things up?" exclaimed Lilly, her voice trembling with anger and disbelief.
Y/N could only watch in shock as the drama unfolded before her, her heart heavy with the weight of the revelations that had been exposed. In a world full of magic and wonders, darkness still seemed to lurk, ready to strike at any moment. Also, did this have anything to do with what had happened earlier on the train? Had she just walked into a horror movie or was this just gossip?

Outside tensions were running high between Scorpius Malfoy and Albus Potter. They became entangled in a heated discussion. Voices raised, tempers flared and accusations flew back and forth like sparks from a wand.

"You have no idea what you're talking about Scorpius!" exclaimed Albus, his frustration clear in his voice. "Just because your family has a reputation doesn't mean everyone is out to get you."
Scorpius responded angrily to the accusation, his jaw clenched together in anger. "Don't you dare talk about my family like that, Albus!" he shot back, his voice laced with venom. "You don't know what it's like to be constantly judged. And for what? For your family's wrong choices...?"

Before Albus could respond, Rose Weasley, Albus niece and friend of Scorpius, intervened. "Boys, stop this! By raising your voice like this, you're achieving just the opposite!" she interrupted, her voice becoming calm but determined again. "We have to find a way to stop this."

Scorpius then focused his anger on Rose "And what about you, Rose?" he demanded, his voice sharp with accusation. "If you think that's so important, why don't you tell your aunt and her colleagues?
They should stop writing lies about me, my father and about my mother. Didn't she and your father dislike my father?...!"

Rose's expression softened, her eyes filled with empathy as she placed a comforting hand on Scorpius' arm. "Scorpius, I understand you're upset, but lashing out at Albus won't solve anything. We know you're not like that." she said softly. "We are all in the same boat and we need to find a way to support each other.

Albus nodded in agreement, his anger dissipating as he realized the truth in Rose's words. "...Y-you're right, Rose," he admitted, his voice softer now. "I'm sorry, Scorpius. I know how you feel." Scorpius exhaled again with a sneer "Here we go again, Potter thinks he knows how it feels. WANT ... he's always being compared to his father. The hero of Hogwarts ... the invincible ... and the famous Mr. Potter!" "SCORPIUS" Rose got angry and slapped him in the face. "Please wake up! Sorry about that ... but we are your friends. Not your enemies! We are not our parents. And yes we do know what it's like to live in someone's shadow! It's not nothing when everyone has a certain expectation of you."

Scorpius' voice stopped as he struggled to find the right words. He took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions raging within him. Finally, he spoke again, his voice tinged with vulnerability. "It's okay... I-I just need some time." he replied, his tone more subdued. "I'm just tired and feel like I'm constantly being attacked. I'm sorry for lashing out at you guys. I know you guys are just trying to help me."

Albus nodded understandingly, his own expression softening with sympathy. "It's okay, you're my buddy, remember?" he reassured him, grabbing his hand and pulling him in for a hug.

Rose and Albus then stepped back, to give him the space he needed.

The atmosphere became less grim. Suddenly Professor McGonagall came storming out, with a stern, no-nonsense expression.
"What's the point of all this commotion?" Professor McGonagall demanded an explanation.
Lilly, sensing the gravity of the situation, quickly stepped forward and held up the newspaper for the professor to see. "Professor, it's this article in the Daily Prophet," she explained. "It spreads lies about Scorpius."

Professor McGonagall's gaze hardened as she read the headline and tucked her lips into a thin line. "I understand," she muttered in a serious tone. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Miss Potter."
With a nod, Professor McGonagall turned and walked purposefully toward Scorpius, Albus and Rose. Y/N watched from the sidelines.

McGonagall cast a stern look. "Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Potter, Miss Weasley," she said in an authoritative voice. "I assume you are aware of the seriousness of this matter? It seems wise to discuss it elsewhere. I look forward to seeing you in my office later."
After a moment of silence, the three nodded and Professor McGonagall turned to Lilly. "Well, Miss Potter," she said with a small sigh, "It seems this situation is resolved for now."

Lilly's thoughts were almost consumed with worry about her friend Scorpius. After all, what would he have done if Albus and Rose hadn't been there?
Would Scorpius then fall into depression or want to destroy everything around him? After all, they were his best friends, his confidants, his pillars of support in times of need. Lilly let out a sigh "Yes, Professor. Thank you."

Y/N, noticing Lilly's troubled expression, approached her cautiously. "Lilly, is everything all right?" she asked softly.
Lilly looked up, "I'm just worried about Scorpius," she admitted. "He's been through so much and I'm afraid he's letting himself go crazy."

Y/N frowned her eyebrows "Are you.... maybe...in love with him?" Lilly's eyes widened in surprise and disbelief. Who would dare ask such a thing of her? "Scorpius is a friend. That's all," she persisted, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Y/N sensed Lilly's discomfort. "I'm sorry, Lilly. I didn't mean to upset you." she apologized. Lilly sighed and her shoulders slumped slightly "It's okay, Y/N. Come let's go to the next class. We're already late." she replied.