Essence of Crimson Roses

By: Technicolor Visions and LeLoUcH Fan Girl

(Prequel) 1: Sorting Hats and a New Beginning

Albus Severus got off the train, his stomach a massive jumble of jittery nerves; he tried to recall the words of encouragement his father had given him. Never in his life had he been so utterly terrified, and for such a trivial reason. Maybe the thoughts and feelings harbored from one James Sirus Potter, A.K.A The-Boy-who-likes-hyphenated-words. Since Albus had received his Acceptance letter, his older brother had come up with the notion that it would be a good idea to put the idea of having Albus "disgrace" the family by being sorted into the infamous, and much resented, Slytherin house. It was with shaking hands, that Albus made his way to the boats. Thinking of ways to manipulate the students around him, so that they would leave him alone about his parentage. He was not as oblivious as his siblings, and had taken the time to fully understand just how powerful his dad was. He still had a hard time connecting the eternally joyful and compassionate Healer he knew as dad, with the famous Harry "The Chosen One" Potter. He knew he would be offered some very influential friendships just because of who his father was, but Albus refused to be remembered as an afterthought in the history books. Albus would make a name for himself that would make his dad even more proud of him than of James.

Albus was pulled out of his thoughts when Deputy Headmaster Longbottom, who he had known all his life as Nev, cleared his throat and began giving the speech every First year had to endure about the houses, and their history. Professor Longbottom caught his eye and smiled at him as he finished speaking and opened the doors to the Great Hall. Albus took a deep breath and walked confidently into the hall, the rest of the first years following like terrified lambs to the slaughter.

Turning his shoulder, Albus caught the silver gaze of the youngest Malfoy, feeling a grudging respect towards the only other first year with the guts to walk confidently to the front of a hall filled with an excited hush, smirking as the hat was placed on his unnaturally blonde hair. After a pregnant pause, the hat finally filled the hall with a cry of "SLYTHERIN!" Scorpius Malfoy strutted to the table where the he was immediately accepted as the new Slytherin Prince, little did he know that his reign would be cut short.

When his name was called, Albus smirked at his brother, wondering if James would make him sit by him when he was done being sorted. Albus rolled his eyes knowing his brother would make him sit in the middle of his obnoxious friends. He broke eye contact when the hat came over his vision. He heard a voice whisper in his ear, it seemed to take longer than Albus thought it would, as him and the hat conversed. Finally the Hat shouted out, "Slytherin!"

The hall was silent except for the voice of James- Brain Dead-Potter, who stood and yelled, "YEAH! BABY BRO IN THE LIONS DEN! PARTY TONIGHT! WHOOOOP!" His victory dance was cut short when he finally came to his senses and came to the same stunned realization as the rest of the hall had come to know. His baby brother had not only been sorted into another house, but had been sorted into the vile rival house of James' very own house. Slytherin. James sat down silently, trying to figure out how this had happened.

Albus sat on the stool for a few more minutes before finally rising to shaking legs. Gulping, he held his head high, as his feet moved to the table farthest from his brother. He sat apart from the others, feeling as though a giant target had been pinned to his chest. Finally a single clap ran through the hall. Scorpius Malfoy caught the eye of his new housemate and smirked, ignoring the shocked glances from the other students.

Rose Weasley was the only child left after the great Potter shock of the century. Skipping happily up to the stool, she grabbed the hat, and thrust it onto her head. It took less than a second before the tattered hat cried out, "GRYFFINDOR!" This time, James's clapping and cheering was accompanied with the others in his house. Giving the red haired girl a bright smile, he motioned for her to take the seat next to him. She smiled and gracefully made her way over to the offered spot, and before sitting down, she gracefully slugged him in the shoulder. James merely laughed at his friends actions, feigning injury as the headmistress started the feast.

Albus looked down at the wonderful display of food around him, but he did not fall onto the delicious smelling food like the other first years did. Raking his fork through his potatoes, Albus wished that he could just disappear. "So," Scorpius Malfoy suddenly appeared next to James, setting his plate down and continuing to eat for a moment. Finally, looking up, he said, "you planning on catching that Golden Snitch while I score us as many points as possible."

Looking up, Albus was shocked, thinking that the Malfoy heir was just messing around. Seeing the smirk adorning the marble face, Albus smirked back, "You know it Malfoy." Conversation with Scorpius flowed easily for James, he found that the young boy was just as Qudditch savvy as he was, and found a delight in the devilish plans that Scorpius shared with Albus. Albus was ripped from his happy conversation, as his brother roared with laughter across the hall.

James caught his brother's stare and spoke loudly over the students, "Wonder what dad will say when he finds out there's a dark lord in the family?" The hall erupted with laughter, all except for the Slytherin table. The idea of having Potter in their house was unsettling, but NO ONE disgraced one of their own.

A seventh year opened his mouth to speak, but Albus smoothly replied, "I believe we've had this discussion before brother dear." the Great Hall shushed as they waited for the Potter brothers to fight, "After all, we both know that you're just upset that the Qudditch Cup will never be connected to your name."

"Bring it baby bro! I'd like to see how confident you are when you DON'T make the house team," James smiled widely at his brother.

"Not only will I make the team, but I'll make the team using a school broom instead of your novelty Firebolt 260," Albus smirked as James looked as though he had been slapped.

Scorpius smirked, "Be quiet Potter. You're just upset we got your superior brother." Slytherin house erupted into cheers, all sliding closer to Albus as Scorpius shared a look with his new found friend.

James searched for a comeback, eyes landing on Rose, 'Well we got a perfect set of Weasleys! And we all know how you love losing to them Al."'

"We all know that Gj and Fred can barely ride a broom. And as for Rose, well, she's just a girl after all," Scorpius replied.

"EXCUSE ME?" Rose slammed her fork down, daggers shooting from her eyes. Breathing deeply, she sighed, "You both are acting like immature twerps. Will you please sit down, shut up, and eat!"

James did as told, knowing that Rose's temper was not something one should ever want to be on the receiving end of. Albus motioned for Scorpius to say nothing more, also knowing of how violent the girl Weasley could be when angered.

McGonagall smiled to her deputy Headmaster, "I think this should be a very interesting seven years."

Neville looked out to the children he had known for all their lives. Smiling widely, he couldn't help but feel a sense of dread. Those children...Merlin help them all.

A/N: Hey y'all! I hope you like this, my BFF and I are writing it together, so updates may be a little slow, depending on schedules, but this story will most likely not be dropped. Please ask any questions you may have for us in your reviews that I know all of you will be kind enough to leave, because you are all good, upstanding FanFiction Addicts right? Just as I thought, well thank you for allowing our story to rot your brain! See you next chapter!

Max N Angel