Authors Note:
Havn't you always felt the need to write out exactly whats on your mind when it comes to fan fictions? That's exactly how I felt. I became so into the story I am writing at the moment, that my mind is just blasting with ideas as I type. The story is coming alot quite well as of right now. Ideas are just spilling out.
I have took place in your reviews and did as you asked, and fixed some major errors in this chapter. I realised I have made it look like it was James' first year, and the teachers as well as Hagrid know who James is, but not who Albus is. My mind is ready to flow with more chapters that will end Albus' seven years of school at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Thanks all, I hope you like it! Read and Review ! :)
P.S. My thanks go out to the following people for Reading and Reviewing, thanks alot guys, I loved reading them and I'll mention you in my chapters later on. I'm going to start adding my thanks' to people in the chapters I create that Review since they show their appreciation, I'll show mine gratefully. Here are the people I thank firstly: Sir Sean Connery, Hollystream, Sunshine72, thanks again guys!
A Fresh Beginning: Albus Severus Potter
Chapter 1: All aboard the Hogwarts Express
Start of term, September 1st, 2007
Albus Severus Potter managed to wave goodbye to his parents with a tint of sarcasm in his cheery face. He really didn't want to leave for a whole three months until the holidays; as it will be the longest he has left home for. But at the same time, Albus was had been excited for this day ever since he received his unexpected letter inviting him to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and providing information with appropriate supplies such as books, cauldrons, parchment and so on. On the other hand, his older brother, James Potter, felt the need not to say goodbye because he did the year before. Albus and James were hard to tell related. Albus was smart, quiet, and thoughtful. His hair was always tidy in the same way every day. He was always asking questions on what to do. He shared the same personality as his mother, Ginny Weasley. James was the outgoing, popular, and curious guy; just like his father. His hair was always untidy. It's as if he just came out of a heavy hurricane tide. Whenever there was a question on his mind, he was determined to get the answer; without a doubt.
Albus found it hard to find a compartment nearly empty, as the train piled with wizards and witches, toads and owls, cats and rats and many more species. Albus heard his name called out of a compartment behind him, where he met his brother who was, unsurprisingly the only one there.
'Albus, over here.' His brother shouted, 'It took a while but I managed'
'Brilliant.' Albus replied, and took a seat on the opposite seat across his brother.
'How cool is this?' James said enthusiastically.
'It's great, I guess.' Albus said, quietly.
'Oh, I get it, you miss mum already? I daresay it's only been fifteen minutes since we got on the train. Must be a record if you must'
James found it a little harsh to be nagging on his brother even though it is the longest he has been away from his parents too. He couldn't help but feel the least bit homesick but manages to relax himself by thinking of the wonderful castle waiting for their arrival.
'Look Albus, I know how you feel. It's the exact same feeling I had when I first waved goodbye. But unlike this situation, I was on my own and I was able to come through it. There's nothing to be nervous about, lots of people are feeling the same way you are. Besides, that's not even to worry, the only problem you should be affected by is what you're going to get from the trolley. Dad mentioned chocolate frogs but I think I'm going to go with the every –flavor beans. What do you reckon?'
Albus was too busy thinking of what would happen once they arrived at the castle to pay attention to any of the rubbish James was talking about. So he merely answered with a "yes", leaving his brother to turn his face towards the plump, friendly old witch pushing a dazzling trolley stacked with candy imported from Honeydukes.
'Albus, the trolley's here!' James declared, slightly raising his voice.
'James, mum didn't give me any money,' Albus said worriedly, 'what am I going to do?'
'Relax Al; mum gave me your money in case something happens. Here', handing Albus his stack of Galleons.
'Thanks James' Albus said while rummaging through his suitcase to find his money bag to store his wad of Galleons.
'Anything from the trolley? Anything from the trolley? Good day boys would you like anything from the trolley?' said the fragile woman, pausing for an answer.
'Can I get five chocolate frogs, two pumpkin pasties, and a stack of Bertie Bott's every flavored beans.' James asked mostly declaring.
The old witch looked puzzled, and merely answered, 'I don't know, can you?'
'May I please?'
'Thank you, that's much better. Now there you are son. That will be seven sickles please. Thank you. May I get you anything, sir?'
Albus felt surprised at being called sir, and took a while to reply; when he did, 'Umm, yes please, may I please have a Cauldron Cake, please mam?'
'Of course you may dear. Would you like anything else, no cost needed, just for your being of manners. Go on, take whatever.
With that being said, Albus managed to point towards the Drooble's Best Blowing Gum and with the flick of a wand, Albus was holding his choosing.
'Have a marvelous day boys, especially you my dear' the old witch said, and continued pushing the trolley, 'anything from the trolley', as her voice faintly faded away.
'Please Albus, may I please try one of your blowing gum, please, did I mention please?' James laughed, sarcastically at his own brother.
'Oh come off it, I was only using my manners, something you don't have', Albus replied.
It has been a long eight hours since they first arrived on the Hogwarts Express. Albus and James are stuffed with the amount of chocolate and candy they ate alongside their journey aboard. The two boys have each taken their spot and napped until their arrival. The cauldron cakes have an effect that apparently makes you tired – or it could be the fact you cleaned the old witch of her trolley. Anyway – Albus had a faint dream which involves his father worrying about him. He couldn't remember anything but it all resolved in him waking up with the feeling of not moving. He could feel the Hogwarts Express stop. He knew they had finally arrived.
'James, wake up. James we arrived, James!' Albus finally yelled, waking his poor brother up, his hair untidy as ever.
'What Al?' James replied, eyes closed, still partly asleep.
'James there's nobody else on the train. I reckon they're already in the castle, I think we slept while everyone else left. James they missed us!'
At the last two words Albus shouted, James immediately woke up, straightening his back and taking his luggage out. Albus imitated his brother by packing his things.
They were quietly disturbed by the dark figure of a tall, old man who is covered in what looks like gravel. He was wearing a dirty cloak, robes and a handkerchief hanging out of his necktie.
'What are you two lads still doing in here?' The old man questioned. He had a very deep voice which involved a surprising tone. 'Everyone left ages ago! I daresay they're already in the castle starting their sorting, what are yeh doin in here? Get out yeh lazy gits! I'd run if I were you, you might not make it!'
'Sorry sir, we were asleep while everyone left, I wonder why nobody woke us up,' James asked, although regret what he said once he saw the blinds over his compartment. He must have put them there when they were sleeping. 'Oh.' James forcefully said.
With that said, the two wizards ran out to find a greeting Hagrid in their way. Hagrid was the Care of Magical Creatures Professor and normally escorted the young wizards across the lake and in the castle to begin the sorting ceremony. Hagrid's beamed over the two helpless wizards as his voice interrupted the silent, misty night.
'Er yeh are boys, where 'av yeh - Ahh, James Potter, been 'n 'nough trouble last year 'avn't ya boy? 'nd who's your friend 'ere? Follow me, up 'ere.'
'Sorry sir, but are you Hagrid?' Albus asked, having to look straight up, unable to see Hagrid's face above his beaming body compared to them, or anyone really.
'Yes I am lad, I 'spect you know I am the Care of Magical Creatures Professor,' Hagrid announced happily. 'But that's not teh worry ri't now son we gotta get yeh to the castle to get yeh'r sorting announced.'
'Yes Professor, my father has told me an enormous amount of information about you sir, you use to be the gamekeeper of Hogwarts?' Albus asked.
'Albus, he's a Professor, not a gamekeeper. What on earth are you speaking about, you're embarrassing Professor Hagrid!' James told Albus.
'Did yeh say Albus,' as Albus gave a nod, Hagrid continued, 'May I ask who yeh'r father is lad?'
'Harry James Potter, Professor Hagrid.' Hagrid stopped dead in his tracks, with a stern look on his face. 'I dare ask you know who he is?' Albus questioned Hagrid.
'Yeh'r Harry's son as well? Harry Potter?' Hagrid asked. Albus nodded. Hagrid turned his face towards James, with a look that said "I-dont-believe-this", and James nodded once more, strangely confused.'My, my, my! Yeh'r Albus Severus Potter. I heard the name before, I reckon it was in 'eh papers. So, yer Harry's second son? 'Ow many more is er?
'One more, Professor, just Me, James, and Lily, sir. She's starting in two years.' Harry replied, nervously.
Hagrid was hardly paying any attention as he made his way into the far-too small row boats compared to his huge self. Hagrid was already motioning them to settle in the boats to row across to the other end, where they shall reunite in the feast.
Once they were across, James attempted to open to doors handles but it wouldn't budge. He pulled harder and harder and nothing strained.
'Them doors will never open, there's a series load of enchantments and blasted spells put on this castle. Hagrid pulled out a large pink umbrella, similar to the one Harry experienced during his school years; and pointed it towards the doors.
'Alohomara, no, duo remplintem - Dang this blasted contraption, what is that spell-'
Suddenly, the two large wooden oak doors opened revealing an old aged witch who goes by the name Headmistress Minerva McGonagall.
'Professor Hagrid, where have you been', McGonagall's voice was as high as ever, she was wearing her hair in a tower with the legendary bun. Her robes are emerald green, matching her bright eyes. She seemed older than anyone Albus had seen in his entire life. 'The ceremony has just begun, and there is one less empty seat. Who do we have here Professor Hagrid?'
'This, 'edmistress is James, and Albus Severus Potter.' Hagrid replied, putting emphasis on the last word, "Potter".
Professor McGonagall looked bewildered. She kept the same face for what felt like hours, but was no more than fifteen seconds; but for someone this old, it must be a record.
'I see, this is Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley's son? Yes, I certainly won't forget you, Mr. Potter. Welcome back,' McGonagall welcomed warmly, with a tint of sarcasm. She then, turned her gaze towards Albus, who turned redder than a tomato. 'I trust you are Albus Severus Potter; Son of Harry James Potter, and Ginevra Molly Weasley. First year at Hogwarts, and I hope you have a splendid year, I'm sure your father did, apart from trespassing, pranking, and wandering around four hours after curfew. You two should be proud of what your father has done for us nineteen years ago, as our school of Witchcraft and Wizardry would have not existed. I welcome Hogwarts as your home. Please follow me and we shall indeed join the ceremony as every other welcomed guest.
I hope you liked this one, It took me a while to write it because I couldn't think of much to say in such a small chapter. PLEASE REVIEW ! I need to know what I have to improve on! Since it's the holidays I'm going to be working on this story every day from now on after Christmas, enjoy
- Firas
