CHAPTER 1: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Mr. and Mrs. Potter were proud to say that life was great. They were happy and had a family. Their kids, James, Albus, and Lily, were pretty much well behaved, with a few exceptions of course. Life had improved since the fall of Voldemort nineteen years earlier.

Mr. Harry Potter was an Auror for the Ministry. He had aged somewhat, but still had the same messy, black hair, glasses, and scar. Now, he had some stubble, some muscles, and some scars. He loved his job and helping the world.

Mrs. Ginny Potter had retired from being a Chaser for the Holyhead Harpies. After that, she wrote the Quidditch column for the Daily Prophet. She had shoulder-length red hair and stayed fit. She loved her job and being a mother to her children.

James Sirius Potter was the oldest and was about to start his third year at Hogwarts. He was a Potter through and through. The boy had messy dark hair, brown eyes, and glasses. He was sorted into Gryffindor, was good at magic, and became a Quidditch Seeker.

Lily Luna Potter was the youngest with red hair, brown eyes, and a wide smile. She wasn't going to start Hogwarts for another two years. However, everyone knew she was going to be in Gryffindor.

Albus Severus Potter was the middle child and very different. He looked like his father with black hair, green eyes, and had similar facial features, but that is where the resemblance ended. They weren't sure what House he was going to be in. His brother thought Slytherin.

"Maybe Slytherin." James teased.

"No. I won't," he protested. "Mom!"

"James," Ginny Potter scolded.

"What?" He held his hands up.

"Stop teasing your brother. Eat."

"Okay." He rolled his eyes.

"Mum. When will we get dessert?" Lily asked.

"In a minute. First finish your dinner. You can't fill up on sweets."

"We're lucky she lets us have any," James muttered.

Ginny slapped his upside the head.

"Maybe I just won't let you lot have any."

"No!" Lily pouted.

"Thanks James." Albus glared.

The clock chimed and Harry Potter's picture moved to show that he was home. As the children ran to the door and talked to their father, Ginny made him a plate and sat it on the table. Harry picked Lily up and kissed her cheek. He patted James on the back and ruffled Albus' hair. Sighing, the boy fixed his usual unkempt hair.

"Hey Gin," he said, still holding Lily.

"Hey stranger." She smiled.

He sat Lily down and went to his wife, and kissed her. All of the children made a noise. Shaking his head, he sat down at the table. Instead of eating, pulled something out of his pocket.

"What is it?" Ginny asked.

"A couple of things. The most important is…Al's letter." He held it up as everyone stared.

"My Hogwarts Letter." Albus said, quietly. "Let me see it."

Harry handed it to him and smiled as his son teared into it. The boy quickly read it with a small grin. He stopped and looked at his parents.

"I'm going to Hogwarts."

"Yes. Soon we'll have to go to Diagon Alley. Is the list of supplies there?"

"Yeah."

Ginny looked over his shoulder.

HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY

UNIFORM

1st year students will require

Three sets of plain work robes (black).

One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear.

One pair of protective gloves (dragonhide or similar).

One winter coat (black, silver fastening).

Please note that all students' clothes should have name tags.

COURSE BOOKS

All students should have a cope of each.

The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk.

A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot.

Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling.

A Beginners' Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch.

One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllids Spore.

Magical Drafts and Potions by Arenius Jigger.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find The, by Newt Scamander.

The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble.

Home Life and Social Habits of British Muggles by Wilhelm Wigworthy.

The Wizarding World: Volume 1 by Leda Roulling.

OTHER EQUIPMENT

Wand cauldron (pewter, standard size 2) set.

Glass or crystal phials.

Telescope set.

Brass scales.

Students may also bring an owl OR a car OR a toad.

PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS.

"Okay. I guess James can give you some of his stuff like old textbooks," Ginny said.

"I'll get it later." James replied.

"Make sure you do. And while you're in there…clean your rooms."

"Sure." He laughed.

"Why do you suppose there is a Muggle Studies book?" Ginny asked.

"I don't know. I guess we will find out."

A few weeks later, the Potter Family got ready to head to Diagon Alley. They got on a train and rode to London. Travelling through the city, James told his brother about Hogwarts. None of it was true though, but Albus didn't know that. They all passed many shops, restaurants, and other places. Finally, they go to the Leaky Cauldron.

"Oh, Harry Potter." A man walked up. "Could y-you maybe, um, sign this for me?"

"Sure."

As he did so, his family had various reactions. Ginny sighed, James smirked, Lily smiled, and Albus glared. Soon, many people were trying to talk to their parents. It took thirty minutes to get through the Leaky Cauldron. They went out back to a small, walled courtyard.

"This is my favorite way to Diagon Alley. I took James here his first year. Now it's your turn." Harry said quietly. "Three up, two across."

Harry tapped the bricks three times with the tip of his wand. The bricks started to move and reveal a small hole, which grew larger and larger. A second later, there was a huge archway that they could walk through. They stepped on the cobblestone street and started to shop. Right away they found cauldrons. After that, they had to go and get Albus a uniform.

"Ah, another Potter," Madam Malkin said. "Looks like his father." She stared at him for a second. "The same size…" The old woman ran off and came back for some cloth.

Albus got up on the stool and stood there. The woman draped the cloth over him and started putting pins in them. He was almost done when the Weasley family walked in.

"Rose!" The boy called, trying not to move.

"Hold still," Madam Malkin said.

"Sorry."

"Must be fun to be there," Rose said.

"Loads." The boy rolled his eyes.

"How have you been? Ready for Hogwarts?"

"I think so," He looked at the ground.

"Me too, but I hate we can't have broomsticks and play Quidditch," Rose pouted.

"I think I am fine with that."

"What? How dare you? You're a Potter. You will be great."

"Ok."

"Yeah. We both can play with Gryffindor." She smiled, imagining it.

"Unless he is in Slytherin," James said, joining the conversation.

"Oi. Stop saying that." Albus said.

"Yeah, that joke isn't very funny," Rose glared.

"All done," Madam Malkin said.

"My turn," Rose said.

"I'll be right back." She rushed off for some more cloth.

"Hogwarts will be great. We will be in Gryffindor, get to learn all sorts of stuff, and go on adventures…" Rose went on. "It will be just like when your parents went to school."

"But…we aren't our parents. What if I'm not great like my dad?"

"Nonsense. Of course you will be great," Rose rolled her eyes like that thought of him being unlike his father in any way was impossible.

"If you say so," The boy sighed.

"You're done."

"Thanks."

They went back to their parents.

"You okay?" Harry ask noticing Albus' expression.

"I'm fine."

"Well, let's get some ice cream. Just us two." Harry suggested.

"Okay."

Albus went into the ice cream shop and looked at the many flavors. He couldn't decide. His father and brother like chocolate and raspberry. His mother and sister like strawberry. After a couple minutes of looking he decided on vanilla with caramel syrup. His father got the same as usual. Both sat in silence. Albus was still nervous about Hogwarts and Harry didn't know what to say.

"Um, Dad?" Albus finally said.

"Yes, son."

"Do you think I will be sorted in Gryffindor?"

"I believe so, but it doesn't matter if you aren't. Only the Hat really knows," Harry answered.

"Well, then I guess I can't wait to go to Hogwarts to find out." The boy plastered on a fake smile, trying to comfort himself.

"Let's go back. We still have to buy you a wand."

They met back up with the rest of the Potter Family. Ginny had gotten the other things; scales for Potions class, a telescope for Astronomy, ingredients for Potions, and the textbooks. James had gotten himself some odd items for his pranks later. Lily had some parchment and was writing something. The whole family went to Ollivanders.

"Can I get one?" Lily asked.

"Not now. Wait until you go to Hogwarts," Ginny told her.

"Fine." She crossed her arms and pouted.

James, who already had his, stood and planned pranks.

"Hello, Albus Potter, isn't," A soft voice said.

A man walked out. He was tall, with greyish hair, and almost white eyes.

"Yes, sir."

"I see." Mr. Ollivander pulled out a measuring tape.

He measured many things; his arms, legs, head, and even nostrils. After he was done, he stared at Albus. The boy shifted and didn't look him in the eye. Finally the man looked away and started to pace.

"Hmm, my father gave your father…I wonder." Mr. Ollivander turned and pulled a wand off the shelf. "Hawthorn, 12 inches, Phoenix feather. Rigid." He handed the want to the boy.

He waved it around and nothing happened.

"Alright. Try this, Beech wood, 11 inches, and unicorn hair. Springy."

Albus raised it and again nothing happened.

"Let's see. Ebony, unicorn hair, 11 inches. Whippy."

The boy barely moved his wrist when it was snatched out of his hand.

"No. Vine, dragon heartstring, 11 inches, nice and supple." He handed it to Albus.

Again, nothing. The man grabbed many wands. The pile was getting high and Albus was getting impatient. Lily and James were trying to wander off. Both Harry and Ginny were getting a little frustrated with them.

"Try this. Holly, unicorn hair, 11 inches, and slightly yielding." Mr. Ollivander handed it to him.

Albus grabbed it and suddenly felt warmth coming from the wand. On it there were little seeds, which Albus rubbed. The wand seemed to be alive in his hands. He lifted it slightly, and waved it. Sparks flew from the end of it and light.

"I see. It's a very good wand. One of the last one my father made. I remember what he said when he made it, right before Voldemort showed up. 'The one with this wand is destined for hardship, but they will prevail and surprise the world.'"

Shaken up, Harry paid for the wand. Ollivander was a smart man and was right about a lot of things. He feared for his son at Hogwarts. Hopefully, the man had gotten the wands mixed up. Surely, everything was going to be okay now that Voldemort was gone. Nothing bad would happen.

Weeks later, the family was heading back to King's Cross. Albus shivered as they made to the station. Autumn had come strong and fast. Leaves were already turning and falling. Harry and Ginny were leading their kids through the place, trying to keep up with all of them. The car exhaust, yelling, and such made it hard to focus. As Albus and James pushed there things, Lily trailed behind, crying.

"Can't I go to Hogwarts? Please, Dad." She pulled in his sleeve.

"It won't be much longer," Harry said.

"Two years is a long time. I want to go now!"

"I won't!" Harry heard Albus' say. "I won't be in Slytherin."

The boys were still arguing over it.

"James, stop it!" Ginny yelled.

"Well, he might be," James said, smirking.

"Stop." Ginny glared at her son.

"Fine." James rolled his eyes and ran off, pushing his trolley.

"You'll write to me, won't you?" Albus asked, happy his brother was gone.

"Every day," Ginny said.

"No! Not every day," Albus said quickly. "James said most people only get letters once a month."

"I wouldn't listen to your brother," Harry told him. "He likes a laugh."

They stopped at wall and Albus stared, terrified.

"It's alright." Harry patted his son on the back. "Just close your eyes and run. When you open them you will see the train."

"Sounds easy." Albus nodded.

He closed his eyes and ran. He cringed, waiting for the impact, but one didn't come. He opened his eyes. He was standing on a platform. He looked up and say Platform 9 ¾. Then, he say the train.

"It's exciting, isn't Al?" Harry said, making Albus jump.

"Yeah. So where are they?" Albus asked, looking around.

"I think that's them over there." Ginny pointed.

Four people came from the mist. Ron was standing there with his arm around Hermione's waist and was talking to Hugo and Rose. Rose had her red hair pulled back into braids and was already wearing her brand-new Hogwarts robes. She turned, ran over, and hugged him, almost knocking him down.

"Hey Al! I am so excited. Hogwarts!" She squealed.

"Yep." He smiled back at her.

"Parked all right, then?" Ron asked Harry as he walked over. "I did. Hermione didn't think I could. It's only a Muggle driving test. She thought I would have to Confund the examiner."

"No, I didn't," Hermione lied, "I had complete faith in you."

"Thank you." He leaned towards Harry and whispered, "As a matter of fact, I did Confund him." The pair loaded their kids' trunks onto the train. "I just forgot to look in that wing mirror. I could use a Supersensory Charm for that, so no harm done."

"Sure Ron," Harry laughed.

When they returned, Lily and Hugo were having an animated discussion on Hogwarts Houses. Rose and Albus tried to talk, but it was useless. Both fathers smiled at the children.

"If you're not in Gryffindor, we'll disown you," Ron teased, '"but no pressure."

"Ron!" Hermione hit his arm. "Don't say things like that."

Lily, Hugo, and Rose laughed, but Albus just stared at the ground.

"Don't listen to him," Ginny said, patting Al's back.

Ron was no longer paying attention, but staring far away at something. He caught Harry's eye and nodded at someone some fifty yards away. There was three people standing there and one looked very familiar. Harry tensed.

Draco Malfoy was there with his family. He wore a dark coat that was buttoned up to his throat. His hair had receded a little, making his pointed chin more pronounced. The little boy next to his resembled Draco greatly. His wife had dark hair and appeared to be really skinny. She clutched Draco's arm and he had an arm around her waist. Draco caught them all staring at him and nodded, then turned away.

"So that's little Scorpius," Hermione said.

"Make sure you beat him in every test, Rosie."

"For heaven's sake," Hermione said, half amused, half angry. "Don't turn them against each other before school has even started."

"You're right. My apologies, ma'am." He smiled.

"Hey!" A voice said in the mist. It cleared and revealed an excited James.

"There you are," Ginny said.

"Teddy's back there," he said trying to catch his breath. He pointed over his shoulder. "Just see him! Come on."

"No. Now what is it?" Ginny crossed her arms.

"He's…snogging Victoire!" He held his arms out.

They just stared at him, not interested. James' arms dropped down to his side and he huffed, unhappy about their lack of excitement.

"Our Teddy. Teddy Lupin. He's snogging Victoire. Our cousin!"

"And?" Harry shrugged.

"It's big deal. So I asked him what he was doing-."

"You interrupted them?" Ginny said.

"Well…"

"You are just like Ron, so insensitive."

"Oi." Ron looked at his sister.

"He said," James gather their attention again, "he'd come see her off! Then told me to leave. But, he was kissing Victoire Weasley." He looked at them, still upset.

"Oh," Lily rolled her eyes. "Wow. Now they could get married. Would it be lovely? Then, he would really be part of the family."

"You're right," Harry said, touching his chin. "He already comes over for dinner four times a week and sleeps over. Let's just invite him to live with us and be done with it?"

"Yeah!" James said. "I can share a room with Al-."

"No," Harry said, sternly. "My house would be demolished."

He checked his old watch that had once been Fabian Prewett's.

"It nearly eleven, you'd better get one board."

"Give Neville our love!" Ginny told James.

"Mum! I can't give a professor love."

"But you know Neville."

"He is still a Professor. I can't waltz into Herbology and give him love." He shook his head, then tried to kick Albus. "Hey, Al, watch out for thestrals."

"What? I thought they were invisible?!"

James laughed, let his mother kiss his cheek, gave his father a quick hug, and then leapt onto the train. He waved back and ran off to meet his friends.

"Don't worry about thestrals," Harry reassures Albus. "They're gentle creatures. There is nothing to fear. You won't even see them."

"Really?"

"Of course. You are going to the school in boats, not carriages."

Ginny kissed Albus' cheek.

"See you at Christmas."

"Bye, Al." Harry hugged his son. "Don't forgot Hagrid's invited you for tea next Friday. Don't mess with Peeves. Don't duel anyone until you've learned how. And don't listen to James."

"I will. But…"Albus paused.

"Yes?"

"What if I'm in Slytherin?" Albus whispered to his father.

Harry knew that only actually fear could have forced his to ask. Harry kneeled down in from of Albus'. Meeting his son's green eyes, which he alone got from Lily.

"Albus Severus," Harry said quietly, so that nobody could hear, "you were named after two headmasters of Hogwarts. One of them was a Slytherin and he was probably the bravest man I ever knew."

"But just say-."

"—then 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' face when he said it. The doors of the train were start to close and people were running to get on the train. Albus got one last hug and kiss from his parents. He jumped onto the carriage and Ginny closed the door behind him. The train began to move and Harry walked alongside it, watching his son's excited face. Harry kept smiling and waving, even though it was sad to watching his son glide away from. He stood there, waving until it was gone from sight. For whatever reason, he was worried about him and didn't want him from his sight.

"He'll be alright," Ginny said, grabbing his hand.

"I know he will."

He lowered his hand absentmindedly and touched his lightning scar on his forehead. The scar had not pained Harry for nineteen years. All was well.

Albus and Rose got on the train. One was nervous, while the other was excited. The pair walked down the carriage of the train. From behind, the Trolley Witch came, pushing her trolley.

"Anything from the trolley, dears?" She asked. "Pumpkin Pasty? Chocolate Frog? Cauldron Cakes?"

Albus stared longingly at them. His parents didn't allow him many sweets. He stood there, until Rose noticed.

"Al. We need to concentrate," She scolded.

"Concentrate on what?" School hadn't even started yet, he thought.

"On who we choose to be friends with," Rose said like it was obvious. "My mum and dad met your dad on their first Hogwarts Express, you know…"

"So we need to choose now who to be friends with for life? That's quite scary." He looked to his feet and twisted his fingers.

"Actually, I find it exciting. I'm a Granger-Weasley, you're a Potter- everyone will want to be friends with us. We've got a pick of anyone we want," Rose said, confident.

"So how do we decide- which compartment to go in…"

"We rate them all and then we make a decision."

Albus went to the first compartment and opened the door. Sitting there, was a lonely blond kid. Scorpius, he remembered. He was alone and surrounded by sweets. Albus smiled at him, knowing this was the one. The boy smiled back.

"Hi. Is this compartment…?" He started.

"It's free. It's just me."

"Great. So we might just-come in- for a bit- if that's okay?"

"That's okay." Scorpius said.

"Albus. Al. I'm-my name is Albus…" He choked out.

"Hi Scorpius. I mean, I'm Scorpius. You're Albus. I'm Scorpius." He looked at Rose. "And you must be…"

"Rose," She said, curtly.

"Hi Rose. Would you like some of my Fizzing Whizbees?"

"I've also got some Shock-O-Choc, Pepper Imps, and some Jelly Slugs. Mum's idea-she says," Scorpius started to sing, "'Sweets, they always help you make friends.'" He realized that singing was a mistake. The boy blushed. "Stupid idea, probably."

"I'll have some...Mum doesn't let me have sweets. Which one would you start with?"

Rose elbowed Albus in the side while Scorpius wasn't looking. He ignored her.

"Easy." Scorpius smiled. "I've always regarded the Pepper Imps as the king of the confectionary bag. They're peppermint sweets that make you smoke at the ears."

"Brilliant, then that's what I'll-," He was hit by Rose again. "Rose, will you please stop hitting me?"

"I'm not hitting you," She lied.

"You are hitting me and it hurts."

Scorpius, realizing what was happening, stopped smiling.

"She is hitting you because of me."

"What?"

"Listen, I know who you are, so it's probably only fair you know who I am," Scorpius said, trying to be brave.

"What do you mean you know who I am?" Albus, asked nervous.

"You're Albus Potter. She's Rose Granger-Weasley. And I'm Scorpius Malfoy. My parents are Astoria and Draco Malfoy. Our parents-they didn't get on," He finished quietly.

"That's putting it mildly," Rose said harshly. "Your mum and dad are Death Eaters!"

"Dad was-but Mum wasn't," Scorpius said, affronted.

Rose looked away at the mention of his mother.

"I know what the rumor is, and it's a lie," He told her.

Albus stood there, shocked. He looked to Rose, who was uncomfortable and not meeting his eyes. Then, Scorpius, who was desperate for a kind word.

"What is the rumor?" He asked, unsure if it was okay.

"The rumor," He emphasized. "Is that my parents couldn't have children. That my father and grandfather were so desperate for a powerful heir - to prevent the end of the Malfoy line - that they...that they used a Time-Turner to send my mother back…"

"To send her back where?" Albus wondered.

"The rumor is that his parents asked Voldemort to help them make a son, Albus." Rose said, gently. There was an uncomfortable silence. "It's probably rubbish. I mean...look, you've got a nose."

Scorpius laughed, grateful.

"And it's just like my father's," Scorpius promulgated. "I got his nose, his hair, and his name. Not that that's not a great thing either. I mean - father-son issues, I have them. But on the whole, I'd rather be a Malfoy than, you know, than the son of the Dark Lord." He shared.

Scorpius and Albus eyes meet. Something passes between them. A kinship.

"Yes, well," Rose interrupted, "we probably should sit somewhere else. Come on, Albus."

Albus doesn't move. He sat there and thought about it. This was a big choice.

"No," he said strongly. "I'm okay. You go on…"

"Albus. I won't wait." She warned.

"And I wouldn't expect you to. But I'm staying here," He replied.

Rose stared at him for a second, before turning.

"Fine!" She left.

Scorpius and Albus sit, staring at each other.

"Thank you," Scorpius said quietly.

"No. No. I didn't stay for you. I stayed for your sweets," Albus said, leaning back.

"She's quite fierce," Scorpius commented.

"Yes. Sorry." He apologized.

"No. It's fine. Do you prefer Albus or Al?"

After a second he said, "Albus."

Scorpius having ate a Pepper Imp, suddenly had smoke coming out of his ears.

"THANK YOU FOR STAYING FOR MY SWEETS, ALBUS!" Scorpius yelled.

"Wow," Albus laughed.

The boys are candy and talked about what they knew about Hogwarts, Soon they were putting on their robes and getting ready to get off the train. The train stopped and they got off. Scorpius and Albus, with the others, were led to the school by Hagrid.

"Hey, Al." His face fell as he saw Scorpius.

"Hey, Hagrid." Albus waved.

"Oh." Scorpius smiled. "Hey, Hagrid." He waved as well.

Hagrid, shocked, waved back.

The students were led to the Great Hall. All stared in awe at the room, the enchanted ceiling, and the children of war heroes.

"Albus Potter," Polly Chapman said.

"A Potter. In our year," Karl Jenkins exclaimed.

"He's got his hair," Yann Fredricks whispered. "He's got hair just like him."

"And he's my cousin," Rose said, causing them to turn. "Rose Granger- Weasley. Nice to meet you."

McGonagall called them to order and gave a brief speech. They were to put on the hat and be Sorted into the following houses; Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, Gryffindor, and Slytherin. The Hat came to life and started to sing.

"I've done this job for centuries.

On every student's head I've sat.

Of thought I have inventories.

For I'm the famous Sorting Hat.

"I've sorted high, I've sorted low.

I've done the job through thick and thin.

So put me on and you will know.

For I'm the famous Sorting Hat."

"Rose Granger-Weasley," McGonagall said.

The girl skipped to the stage and sat on the stool. The Sorting Hat was placed on her head. Almost immediately it yelled out.

"Gryffindor!"

People cheered as she smiled. She got off and joined her fellow Gryffindors. Rose sat next to James.

"Good job, sis. Soon Al will be here," He said.

"Yes. Hogwarts is going to be great."

Meanwhile, Albus sat there nervous. He wasn't as confident as his family members. He stared, not listening, until his friend was called.

"Scorpius Malfoy."

Both listened to the whispers. Scorpius climbed onto the stool. The Hat was placed on his head.

"Ah," It said, startling him. "I see. You are not like the other Malfoys I have sorted. You are kind and smart. I wonder…"

'I want to help my family,' Scorpius thought.

"Your family?" It asked.

'Yes. I want to fix their reputation.'

"Well, then Ravenclaw will be a great fit."

'I don't want to leave Slytherin. All of them, the whole House, deserves redemption.'

"Oh. Now that's ambitious. The right kind. Well, alright."

'I want Slytherin.'

"Slytherin!" It called.

Slytherin cheered as everyone else stayed silent. Scorpius, half smiling, went and joined them. He met Albus' eyes and both smiled widely.

"Albus Potter."

He timidly walked to the stage. Albus stepped up and sat on the stool. Everything seemed to slow down. He held his breath and stared at the ceiling. The Hat was sat on his head.

"A new Potter. A strange Potter. You have some bravery and you aren't dumb. There is some resourcefulness."

'Not Slytherin.'

"Oh. You're father said the same thing. Are you sure?"

'I don't want to be different.'

"But you are. Being in Gryffindor won't change that. You won't belong there."

Albus suddenly looked at Scorpius, who was so hopeful. Albus had felt a connection to the boy. How bad could it be? Scorpius was there. He wasn't evil. Maybe everything would be okay. It will be as long as he was with his...friend.

"So you've decided," It said.

'Yes.'

"Slytherin!"