Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (MOD Novelization)

10

Through the cluster of cloaks, the Weasley clan made their entrance. Ron, his tall frame and unmistakable flaming red hair standing out among the herd of wizards, walked with a casual gait. He exchanged warm greetings with familiar faces, his freckled cheeks lifting in an easy grin. Beside him, Hermione moved gracefully, her bushy hair tamed into a loose braid that cascaded over her shoulder. Her eyes flickered with excitement and motherly concern as she guided their children through the crowd. Rose, their eldest, clutched a hefty book titled Mind Over Magic: Mental Preparedness for Elite Chasers, her brow lined in studious concentration even as she walked. Hugo, younger but nearly as tall as his sister, darted ahead with a burst of energy, his hands gripping the handle of his trolley piled high with luggage and a cage from which a small owl hooted inquisitively.

Close behind were George and Angelina, arm in arm. George's eyes glinted with mischief, a hint of his trademark devilry lingering in his smirk, while Angelina's warm laugh echoed as she listened to his whispered jokes. Their daughter Roxanne, a spitting image of her mother, spotted her cousins and let out a gleeful shout. Without hesitation, she sprinted toward them, her long legs carrying her swiftly through the tangle of travelers. Her tightly braided hair flew behind her like a banner.

Lily called out for them, her face lighting up. "Roxy! Hugo!"

"Hogwarts—here we come," Roxanne cheered, her eyes twinkling.

"I brought my letter just in case," Hugo asked, slightly out of breath. "Do we need our letters? To get into the castle, I mean?"

Hermione approached the Potters, a proud smile on her face. "I'm pleased to announce Gryffindor's newest member of the Quidditch team."

"Our superb new Chaser—Rose Weasley," Ron added, beaming with fatherly pride.

Everyone congratulated Rose enthusiastically—everyone except Albus.

"I was vying for Keeper," Rose said modestly, though a hint of satisfaction gleamed in her eyes.

"Why aren't you clapping?" Roxanne asked Albus, noticing his silence.

"I hate Quidditch and she's playing for another House," he stated bluntly.

"She's your cousin," Angelina reminded him gently.

"Do you think she'd clap for me?" Albus retorted, a defensive edge to his voice.

"Al, that's no way to speak to your aunt," Harry admonished, his patience wearing thin.

"I told you to stop calling me that," Albus snapped back.

Harry took a deep breath, then took Albus by the arm and led him a few steps away from the group. The adults exchanged uneasy glances and gathered around Ginny.

"Having trouble?" George asked quietly.

"It's Al. He's a fantastic wizard—far better than James. And the same could be said of his closest friend, Scorpius," Ginny explained, her voice tight.

"Draco's boy," Hermione mused.

Ginny nodded. "Top of their class on the broomstick—no offense to Rose—and yet they refuse to try out for Quidditch. Classwork is a joke to those two because magic comes easily. They don't respect the lessons—or the professors."

"Sounds familiar," George said with a wink at Angelina.

"But Harry's not like Dad. He isn't taking it too well. That and... the other thing," Ginny added softly.

"Al's a Slytherin," Angelina replied sympathetically.

Ron, who had been scanning the platform distractedly, suddenly spoke up. "What's Percy doing here?"