A/N: Spoilers ahead!
Full Summary: Albus is sorted, and his placement shocks the school.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.
The Sorting
Albus stood with the other first years, quaking. He watched as the hat was set on the stool and it sang its song, but he barely listened. He tried to calm himself, thinking of what his father had said to him on the platform.
You are named for two headmasters of Hogwarts. One of them was a Slytherin…
Albus surveyed the crowded tables before him as one by one first years stepped forward and were sorted. He looked at the faces, dreading the moment when his name was called, afraid of what House he would be in.
…and he was probably the bravest man I ever knew.
And suddenly the sounds of the Great Hall filled his ears. The shouts of the Sorting Hat and the applause and cheers of the tables were no longer muffled by his fear as he realized that the House he was placed in would not determine what he would do. As poor a reputation as Slytherin had, it had turned out a man who had saved his father's life more than once.
"Potter, Albus," his name rang out and he stepped forward. He placed the hat on his head and listened intently for the House he would be in. It was silent for what seemed like hours, but Albus knew was barely seconds, before it whispered in his ear.
"You have no protest to any House?"
No.
"Well then," mused the hat, "I think you're suited for SLYTHERIN!" And Albus jumped from the stand, a smile on his face as he replaced the hat on the stool. He descended down towards the tables, heading for the Slytherins, but he searched out his brother's face and gave him a bright, beaming smile.
.-.-.-.
"A Potter in Slytherin?" the portraits murmured, one to the other. The news made its way through the castle quickly until it fell on the ears of the former headmasters where they sat in their paintings in the headmaster's study. Most began discussing in earnest this strange turn of events. A Potter in Slytherin, how could it be?
Phineas Nigellus Black was beaming as he joined in the discussions. Only two portraits remained silent.
Severus Snape turned his eyes to Albus Dumbledore, both bearing different expressions. Dumbledore was torn between curiosity and pride, while Snape was torn between curiosity and revulsion.
"Who?" Snape queried, but the question was barely out of his mouth before Phineas gave him an answer.
"Why, it'll be Albus!" Phineas exclaimed, his voice brimming with pride. "Albus Severus Potter! Always knew there was something in a name. Well, I'd best tell his father." And with that, Phineas disappeared from his portrait to visit the one at 12 Grimmauld Place.
Again, Snape's eyes met Dumbldore's. Albus was smiling, his eyes brimming with tears of pride. Snape's lip curled upwards into something of a smile as he listened to the still muttering portraits surrounding him.