DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the witches and wizards featured in the story unless otherwise stated. Not that every girl doesn't wish she could say she owned the Fabulous Potter Boys or Scorpius Malfoy... ;D
The first day of school is always daunting, no matter if you are 5 or 15. The promise of time spent with friends and time learning fascinating new things makes it a little better. So when Albus Severus Potter awoke for his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he didn't know what to expect. He had seen many of his friends over the break, especially Scorpius Malfoy and Albus' clan of Weasley cousins. Unfortunately for Albus, known as Al to his closest friends, was rudely awakened by his alarm clock. Apparently his elder brother James Sirius II decided to start off the school year with a prank. Al's mother Ginny had come in yelling at Albus to turn off the alarm. It woke up almost the whole house. Except James of course, who cleverly decided to sleep with ear plugs.
After mumbling how it was James' fault and rolling out of bed, Al went over o his closet and opened it. His mirror hung over the door, and Al looked at himself. He was clad only in a pair of sweatpants, and the summer Quidditch games with James and their younger sister Lily Luna II, as well as with their cousins and friends, had been kind to his physique. Al wondered if Scorpius or James spent a bit of time admiring their bodies in the mirror. Al wished he looked as good as they did, but Al guessed it was because they were Quidditch players. They were very popular with girls, while Albus was rather awkward around girls who weren't his family members, or very close friends, like Vidia Dolohov. Al's father Harry's voice came into his head at that moment. 'Be happy as you are, Al. You're special in your own.'
Sighing, Al went into the closet and pulled out a pair of jeans and a plaid button-down. He'd already packed the day before, his trunk sitting at the end of his bed. Once he was ready, Albus plodded downstairs, finding his father in the living room reading the latest issue of the Quibbler, and his mother and sister in the kitchen eating. James was obviously still asleep. Al greeted his family, sitting and grabbing a plate to heap on food. Harry came into the kitchen, ruffling his son's hair and kissing his wife and daughter.
"I didn't know you were an early bird, Al." Harry chuckled.
"Ha ha, Dad. You know James spelled my alarm."
"Well you'll just have to get him back, won't you?"
"Harry! Don't encourage them!"
"Yes, Dad, otherwise I'll have to break it up again."
The four Potters laughed, just as James entered the kitchen.
"Break up what, Lils?"
"You and your mirror. We've decided it's an unhealthy relationship."
"Ha ha, Al, how very Uncle Ron-level humor of you. Sleep well? I see you just couldn't wait to get up for Mum's cooking!" Albus glared at his brother, rolling his eyes. Ginny pulled James by the ear and made him sit and eat. They didn't want to be late to catch the Hogwarts express. Harry went upstairs when everyone finished to levitate the tracks downstairs. Everyone loaded their belongings, including the pets, into the family car, before driving to King's Cross.
When the Potters arrived at the station, they immediately scurried for Platform 9 ¾. Checking to see if any Muggles were watching, the family of five passed through the barrier, the sound of the train and the sight of the crimson engine with smoke billowing out ensuring Father and Mother that their children would be well taken care of. The Potter children immediately looked around to see if their friends had arrived. A few feet down the platform was Johnathan Finnegan, James' partner in crime. With that, James quickly bid his parents adieu before heading down the way to meet his best friend. Albus turned to his parents.
"See you for Christmas, Mum. I'll write in a few weeks."
"Of course. Love you, Al. Take care of Lily… and James, for that matter. And say hello to Neville for us!" Ginny smiled, hugging her son.
"Do your best, Al. Remember we're always proud of you, no matter what."
"Thanks Dad. See you in a few months. Are you still guest lecturing in Defense Against the Dark Arts this year?" Harry nodded, hugging his son before sending him off. Albus waved to his parents before joining his brother on the train. He put his things in the baggage compartment before finding James. The younger Potter brother would go find Scorpius later.
"Not going off to find your dear little Malformed, Alby?"
"Don't you have a girl to go vex, Jamesy? As it so happens, I decided to spend some quality time with my favorite sister."
James chuckled, impressed with Albus' retort. He bowed, taking his seat across from his younger brother. John eventually joined them, the three of them talking about what happened over the summer and future plans for the coming school year. Lily popped in with Hugo to say hello before disappearing again. Eventually Gideon joined them, his boisterous laughter filling the compartment. At some point, James noticed some girl he knew walking by alone, and he was out the door with barely a goodbye. At that point, Al took his cue to head off and find one of his friends. He heard a commotion down the corridor and decided to investigate. Knowing Scorpius, he would be caught up in the middle of this. The charismatic young Slytherin was known for stirring the pot when he got bored. Al heard someone call Scorpius out, and his defensive hero-complex kicked in. He arrived at the door of the compartment, pulled it open, and pulled on his tough face, wand in hand.
"Alright, who's asking for a Bat-Bogey Hex?
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Sorry the chapter is so short. I'll try to post quickly to make up for it. They should get longer as I go along. I love Albus' character because he has a lovely mixture of awkwardness and spunk. James is so much like his namesake. I can imagine that Harry and Ginny would be really great parents (not that I ship them, because, you know...) and would always know what to say to make their children's days better. :) Please, no flames, but R&R would be lovely!