Albus Potter and the sorting hat

CHAPTER III

 "Thanks Professor Hadrid, I'll take it from here" a tall and darkhaired man appeared before the huge doors separating the new students from the Great Hall.
"See yeh later, Professor Longbottom"
Neville turned around facing the newyears, showing a wrinkled hat.
"Welcome to Hogwarts. In a few instants your travel through magic education will have started. But before that, you will be sorted into four houses. Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Slytherin and Gryffindor"
"Are you okay Albus?" Scorpius asked watching his pale visage.
"Not really"
"Why? I mean, they only put an old singing hat over your head and it just says which house you go to"
"I know but- wait. What? What about the tests?"
"What tests?" Scorpius asked frowning. "Are you okay mate?"
"James, he said there were tests to prove the bravery, the intelligence, the cunning or the kindness. I've been practising a few spell with him to impress the judges"
"What judges are you talking about? It's just a hat."
"A hat?"
"Yep. They put a hat on your head, it listen to your thoughts and boom. You're in a house"
"I'm going to kill James"
"Mister Potter, are you listening?" Professor Longbottom asked raising an eyebrow.
"Sorry, Professor Longbottom" Albus apologised.
"How come you know everyone here and you didn't know about the Sorting Ceremony?" Scorpius said in a mocking tone.
"Oh shut up" Albus said punching him on the arm and smiling. When Professor Longbottom opened the Great Hall door everyone followed. As he was walking, Albus could sense a few stares.
"Albus Potter"
"A Potter. In our year"
"He's got his hair. He's just like him."
Professor Longbottom left the sorting hat on the stool and occupied his place at the teachers table, next to Professor McGonagall and the hat started singing.

"I've done this job for centuries
On every student's head I've sat
Of thoughts I take inventories
For I'm the famous Sorting Hat.

I've sorted high, I've sorted low,
I've done the job through thick and thin
So put me on and you will know
Which house you should be in...

By Gryffindor, the bravest were
Prized far beyond the rest;
For Ravenclaw, the cleverest
Would always be the best;

For Hufflepuff, hard workers were
Most worthy of admission;
And power-hungry Slytherin
Loved those of great ambition.

Are you afraid of what you'll hear?
Afraid I'll speak the name you fear?
Not Slytherin! Not Gryffindor!
Not Hufflepuff! Not Ravenclaw!
Don't worry, child, I know my job,
You'll learn to laugh, if first you sob."

The new students waited patiently until they were called, one by one. It wasn't long until it was Rose's turn.

"Rose Granger-Weasley" A few murmurings followed. And the security that usually wrapped her seemed to be gone. After a few minutes and an unheard conversation between the hat and Rose, the choice was made. "GRYFFINDOR!" Making the Gryffindor table cheer in delight and Rose sigh in relief. The hat kept sorting students. But Albus focused on her cousin.
She smiled while sitting next to the brownhaired girl from before and getting congratulations from her cousins such as James and Victoire. She looked back at Albus and shot him an encouraging smile.
"Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy" There was a silence that followed. Albus looked next to him where an even paler than usual Scorpius was petrified.
"That's you, pal"
"Oh Dumbledore. Do you think if I stay put they'll notice?"
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure they would. C'mon, it doesn't look that bad" Albus lied.
"Yeah, right. Um, see you on the other side, mate" Scorpius started walking towards the hat but stopped and looked at Albus "And... Um, may the force be with you"
"Seriously? You're quoting Star Wars?"
"Who said a Malfoy can't enjoy good films, Potter?"
Albus smiled now more relaxed and watched attentively. The hat was placed above Scorpius head. Albus thought it wouldn't take much time but the hat did'nt seem to be very sure. "SLYTHERIN!" A cheer at the Slytherin's table followed the announce. Scorpius looked at Albus smiling before he took off the hat and rushed to the table, almost falling at the steps.
"Who would put them there?" was heard above the cheer making Albus laugh. There were only three more students left to sort.
"Albus Severus Potter"
A dead silence fell upon the room. Albus gulped heavily and headed towards the hat, trying not to trip with the long robe. He took the hat and put it on his head.
"Um. Interesting. Another half Potter, half Weasley. But this one seems different."
"Please, Gryffindor, I need Gryffindor" Albus whispered.
"Need? You don't know what you need. I do. I wonder if it's what you want. Or what you think your dad want. You're just like him. He asked for Gryffindor as well, but I've always wondered, what would have happened if he went to Slytherin? It's a good house, you know? It would help to get out the best of you. There is much more to explore young Potter...in SLYTHERIN!"
The silence was broken with a thousand murmurings, and a cheer from the Slytherin table.
"He doesn't look like him after all"
"A Potter in Slytherin?"
Albus looked at the Gryffindor table, looking for familiar faces. James was looking at the plate before him, without raising the gaze, and avoiding any eye contact. Victoire smiled sorrowly at him. Albus looked for Rose. She was desperately looking for his attention. She mouthed an "Are you okay?" to which Albus nodded slightly before looking to his new house members. That's when he spotted Scorpius waving at him and Albus sat on the seat next to him.