Chapter One:
Albus Potter absent-mindedly chewed his bottom lip as he stared out the window of ‘The Hogwarts Express’, waving his parents dejected good-byes. His Dad wrapped his arm around his Mum, pulling her close and his Mum rested her head in the crook between his head and his neck like it was the most natural thing in the world. Albus had heard the stories that Uncle Ron and Auntie Hermoine had recited during drunken moments at the holidays, he knew all about how his Mum and Dad had gotten together. Ginny Weasley and Harry Potter, love-stricken teens, secretly pining for each other for years.
“It’s really happening.” He heard Rose sign, as the train slowly pulled out of the station, “We’re going to Hogwarts.”
Rose was his cousin, Ron and Hermione’s eldest. She looked almost exactly like her Mum had looked when she was younger, except for the ginger hair. That was the touch of Weasley-ness coming out. She smiled at him, and squeezed his hand, trying to comfort him.
“Don’t worry Albus; we’ll be back in a few months. It’ll be fun.”
Albus nodded in unspoken agreement, even though the butterflies erupting in his stomach told him that right now, it didn’t seem fun. It seemed scary, to be going hours away from his family. He had never stayed the night away from his parents before, not that he wanted people to know that he was nervous. It seemed stupid really.
James Potter suddenly burst into the compartment, plonking himself down on the seat beside Rose, opposite Albus. His hair fell in front of his eyes, forcing him to sweep it away. It was his fault really, letting his hair grow so shaggy and un-tidy. When Albus had questioned him about it, James had gone red, and left their shared bedroom, giving Albus a small shove as he walked past.
“Excited for your Sorting, Al?” James’ smirked, his hazel eyes glinting with amusement. “Better get your green and silver ready.”
“I won’t be in Slytherin!” Albus protested, crossing his arms across his chest. Sometimes, having an older brother was definitely the most annoying thing in the world.
“Ssssssss-SLYTHERIN!”
Albus swung out and went to hit James on the shoulder but missed, punching the wall instead, his knuckles making a cracking noise. Albus pulled back his hand, holding it close to his chest, nursing it.
With that James laughed a deep throaty chuckle, and Albus frowned. Rose, who had been reading ‘Hogwarts: A History’, looked up and raised her eyebrows at the pair.
“Boys. No fighting.” She threatened, daring one of them to protest.
“Or what, Mrs. Weasley?” James teased, “You’ll read to us?”
“No, but I can do this.” Rose said, closing her book and promptly using it to beat James around the head with it.
“HELP. HELP. I’M BEING BEATEN!” James protested, curling himself up into a ball.
Albus laughed, and Rose re-opened the book and started to calmly read again, like she hadn’t just attacked someone with her book. Albus swore he saw her smile, as she read.
James looked like he was about to say something, but was interrupted by the compartment door sliding open again, and an old lady was popping her head in.
“Anything from the trolley, dears?” She asked, and the three dug in the pockets of their robes, producing handfuls of Sickles and Knuts. Rose was counting out hers, when James stood up, handing the lady a pile of coins. Then he stepped outside to the trolley laden with sugary goods. The Hogwarts Express Sweets Trolley had to be one of the most profitable businesses in wizarding Britain.
