What if... (Harry Potter One Shots)

Harry Potter - Under the Stairs

'..."What if I'm in Slytherin?"

The whisper was for his father alone, and Harry knew that only the moment of departure could have forced Albus to reveal how great and sincere that fear was. 

Harry crouched down so that Albus was slightly above his own. Alone of Harry's three children, Albus had inherited Lily's eyes. 

"Albus Severus," Harry said quietly, so that nobody but Ginny could hear, and she was tactful enough to pretend to be waving to Rose, who was now on the train, "you were named for two headmasters of Hogwarts. One of them was a Slytherin and he was probably the bravest man I ever knew." 

'But just say - ' 

' - then the Slytherin house will have gained an excellent student, won't it? It doesn't matter to us, Al. But if it matters to you, you'll be able to choose Gryffindor over Slytherin. The Sorting Hat takes your choice into account." 

"Really?" 

"It did for me," said Harry. 

He had never told any of his children that before, and he saw the wonder in Albus's face when he said it. But now the doors were slamming all along the scarlet train, and the blurred outlines of parents were swarming forwards for final kisses, last-minute reminders. Albus jumped into the carriage and Ginny closed the door behind him. Students were hanging from the windows nearest them. A great number of faces, both on the train and off, seemed to be turned towards Harry. 

"Why are they all staring?" demanded Albus, as he and Rose craned round to look at the other students. 

"Don't let it worry you," said Ron. "It's me. I'm extremely famous." 

Albus, Rose, Hugo and Lily laughed. The train began to move, and Harry walked alongside it, watching his son's thin face, already ablaze with excitement. Harry kept smiling, and waving, even though it was like a little bereavement, watching his son glide away from him... 

The last trace of steam evaporated in the autumn air. The train rounded a corner. Harry's hand was still raised in farewell. 

"He'll be alright," murmured Ginny. 

As Harry looked at her, he lowered his hand absent-mindedly and touched the lightning scar on his forehead. 

"I know he will." 

The scar had not pained Harry for nineteen years. All was well. 

With a heaving and shuddering breath, Harry woke up on his bed underneath the staircase to see his unopened Hogwarts letter lying beside him. 

Sorry it's been so long since I last updated, I just haven't had any ideas. I know this one is really, really short but I just wanted to get this idea down - it's not mine though (I found it and I just wanted to see it written down). Either way, I hope you enjoyed it and I'll try to update in the next couple of weeks.