Albus Severus Potter took one last glance out the side window as his father fingered the scar on his forehead during his goodbyes, the boy smiling at his parents and giving them one final wave to last until the Christmas holiday. Within moments, his parents were out of sight with King's Cross moving further into the distance, white clouds of steam billowing from the smoke stack, the engine propelling the gleaming red and black Hogwarts Express forward.

"Come on," came a voice behind him, Rose gesturing down the train toward a relatively empty compartment, eager to avoid her ever-bossy older cousin. Molly, it seemed, had become as much the image of Percy as Rose had become a perfect splice, in both mind and body, of both her parents. "I wonder when they come with the trolley…I'm starved!" she exclaimed, having inherited Ron's stomach, the girl opening the door to the train car and letting herself inside.

"There's something new." Rose turned to see the all too familiar face of her cousin Fred staring right back at her. Despite the lack of orange hair that would typically give away the Weasley relation, taking more from the Johnson side of the family in appearance, his features showed very little variation from his father's and, therefore, his namesake's. The same mischievous smile curved on his lips as he stood in the car doorway and added a, "Here, try one of these. Dad-"

"No," the girl said immediately, not willing to try anything her cousin handed to her, knowing full well the problems any treats offered by Fred Weasley would cause. She'd learned her lesson the last Christmas when a truffle made her earlobes drag the floor, and watched on Hugo's previous birthday when the caramel created pimples that talked to him, and forget about the Easter before that. No, lesson learned.

Fred just shrugged at the response, going back to peddling the various Weasley treats up and down the train cars, ever his father's son. Albus shook his head as he watched their older cousin continue making his passed uncle proud, the younger boy pushing his way into the car Rose had entered, taking a seat.

"You think my dad would disown me if I got in Slytherin?" asked Rose, apparently still disturbed by the idea of bearing emerald and silver for the next seven years, the thought nearly turning her own skin green. She had entertained the idea of Ravenclaw, though she would be lying to herself if she didn't truly want to reside in Gryffindor with the majority of her family and friends.

"Doubt it, though Dad said you can choose if you want to. Well, not really, but he said the Sorting Hat, uh, considers your opinion or…something," articulated Albus, trying to remember what his father said about the subject. Not that they had much time to debate on the subject as the only other occupant of the train car raised his face above the book he was reading, sending a steely look toward the cousins.

"There's nothing wrong with Slytherin. Better there than some of the others…" came the previously ignored third person in their compartment, Scorpius' eyes giving him a haughty appearance, his face looking only mildly interested and largely casual at the presence of his neighbors. "My family has been in Slytherin for years. I might throw myself out of a window if I got into Hufflepuff, though."

"Oh, would you?" returned Rose in her own proud tone, sending the boy a look of her own, though a slight smirk formed on her lips at the triumph of her retort. "I'll have you know, some of the greatest wizards and witches come from Hufflepuff," she added in a sharp voice, surely thinking of Hannah Abbott, Cedric Diggory, and Nymphadora Tonks, among others. The silver-blond boy stared daggers at her for a moment, creating a thick tension in the air. On their rare prior meetings throughout their lives, Scorpius proved to be nothing more of a nuisance, though the lack of parental eyes watching their children and their poorly practiced jinxes might create more than a mere annoyance in coming months. For the most part, however, Scorpius tended to leave them well enough alone.

Seeing the threat rising in the air, Albus cleared his throat and, in an effort to relieve the tension, asked, "So, which class are you most looking forward to?" The other two looked at him, Rose with more of a quiet amusement, Scorpius taking the annoyed approach with a casual eye-roll. The first of many, he was sure, as the Hogwarts Express pushed through the English countryside to the Scottish Highlands.

The first years filed out of the train with the all too familiar apprehension of what awaited them once through the castle doors. James sent his brother a smirk, letting out a few hisses to get a rise out of the boy as Molly shook her head and helped usher others into the carriages, flashing her prefect badge in an effort to warrant more respect, very much her father's daughter. Albus shook his head, returning a look toward his brother as the older boy disappeared toward the thestral-driven carriages. Before he could dwell on James' actions, however, Hagrid appeared, filling Albus with a sweet sense of familiarity and security.

"Hiya, Hagrid," he said, rather pleased to see the half-giant standing before him after the many years of visits during Christmas and summer holidays. Albus looked around and noticed many of the other students gaping up at his parents' old friend, though he supposed he couldn't blame them. It wasn't every day one came across someone the size of Hagrid, his hands alone the size of dustbin lids, his legs the size of small tree trunks.

"'Lo, there," came Hagrid, smiling down at the child before he cleared his throat and addressed the whole lot of anxious first-years. "Righ', then. This was to the boats! First years, follow me," he called, waving them forward with his massive hand, beckoning them toward the lake where numerous small boats awaited their arrival. Albus could hear the hooting of owls and thought happily about his new snowy owl his parents bought for him in Diagon Alley. The distant meow of a cat nearly caused the boy to laugh outright, realizing Crookshanks would surely still be alive come Christmas just to torment Ron with its continued existence.

Albus and Rose took a seat, immediately allowing their eyes to take in the full view of Hogwarts from the serene lake, the fires in the torches and the lights in the windows creating a glow about the place. Having long been told of the battle the school had seen several years before their births, the children looked for signs of battle scars that the castle had earned the night that took scores of lives, including that of their uncle.

There was a hungry curiosity and a sad reality that came as they moved closer to the place where so many had lost their lives. A mixed warmth seemed to rise up in Albus at the knowledge that it had been that very night his own father had defeated the most feared dark wizard of their, and possibly any, time. It had been his father, with the aid of his mother, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends, that allowed him and his generation to live in peace, to be able to practice magic within Hogwarts without fearing the outside world it shielded them from.

Movement in the water seemed to shake him of his reverie, his boat rocking slightly in the cool, dark waters of the lake. Glancing toward Rose, it seemed the girl had the same sort of thoughts racing through her mind that Albus had currently playing in his own, though he recognized the tense concentration in her features as she internally went through her knowledge of the lake from Hogwarts: A History. He had been told a monster lived in the depths of Hogwarts Lake, and though his father tried to stem any fear by explaining his own hour spent searching the waters during the Triwizard Tournament, his brother's announcement was ringing in his ears. He could just picture some over-sized fish with fangs shooting from the water, devouring him before he even had the chance to set foot in the enchanted castle, before he was able to find out, once and for all, whether he was to be in Gryffindor or Slytherin.

A large, tentacled arm rose out of the water and a scream in the distance could be heard, letting out a panicked, "It's the kraken!" followed by fellow travelers' own yells of terror. Albus could feel his heart beat wildly beneath his chest, searching ahead of him for any sign of help. His eyes caught a glimpse of Hagrid who was up at the front, trying to calm the frantic first-years, going so far as to stand in the boat he was in to get their attention. The fact that the boat held Hagrid's weight at all had proven to be a surprise to most, including, he was slightly ashamed to admit, Albus himself. However, as the man stood to ease the crowd of its new-found fear, Albus saw how Hagrid's presence in the boat seemed to be a very tense balancing act and, at the uneven stance and added pressure, the boat gave way and the part-giant toppled overboard.

Screams rang out around him and Albus searched the water for his old friend, wondering how well a half-giant man could take on an actual-giant squid. He didn't have long to ponder this thought, though, as Hagrid could be seen rising out of the water gently with the aid of the beast's arm wrapped around his abnormally large waist. "Ruddy first-years, hollerin' their heads off," he could hear the sopping wet man mutter, seemingly to the creature who had a grip on him as it slowly carryied him the rest of the way to shore.

Albus heard Rose beside him breathe a sigh of relief and get a rather perturbed look on her face. "Honestly," she started, looking at the distressed students around her, "Don't they read? The thing's harmless." Her cousin watched her for a moment, wanting to mention how she too had reacted though deciding against it. She was far too much like her mother when corrected or contradicted, and he could think of a number of things he'd prefer to endure before Rose's disapproving looks or lectures.

As the boats docked, Albus was relieved to see Hagrid's features had returned to their normal good-natured, unbothered state, his hair more silver and his face more wrinkled than in his father's day, though no less friendly. He turned and could swear he saw the giant squid waving before diving back under the water. Shaking off the thought as they were led into the large front door of Hogwarts, he waited impatiently with the others in front of the doors to the Great Hall prior to sorting. His heart beating, Harry's words in his head regarding the ability to, in some sense, choose your House, Albus still kept his fingers crossed that the hat would shout "Gryffindor" to the wild applause of friends and family.

His daydream was pushed temporarily out of his mind as a voice from below broke the awe-struck students from their thoughts. Albus looked down and smiled slightly to himself in slight recognition as the small stature of Professor Flitwick could be seen in front of the mass of students. "Excuse me, everyone. Attention!" the man called out above the first-years, the mutterings behind Albus soon silencing as they all strained to catch every word.

"In a few moments you'll pass through these doors and join your classmates! But, a few words before you do. First, as some of you well know, the Sorting Ceremony is about to begin. You'll walk, orderly please, to the front of the Great Hall and be sorted into one of the four Houses- Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Gryffindor or Slytherin. Once you are sorted, do not hesitate to take a seat with your fellow housemates. Your house will be like your family while here at Hogwarts. You will share living quarters, common areas, classes, and even a quidditch team with them. In addition, positive actions will earn points toward your House, while negative will have them taken away. The House with the most points at the end of the year will earn the coveted House Cup. Now, are there any questions?" Flitwick finished, his high voice sounding both firm and friendly.

With no arms in the air or voices raising in concern, Flitwick gave a quick nod and the doors to the Great Hall opened, the rest of the school already seated, staring at the newcomers. Albus felt a strong sense of insecurity with all eyes on him, a pink tinge finding its way to his ears as he caught sight of his brother, beaming excitedly. Rose was beside him, muttering things to herself and he thought better of breaking her own one-way conversation. Whatever it took to keep calm, he'd allow her to do it.

They all stood there, even Scorpius had an anxious look painted on his face as Flitwick brought the ancient Sorting Hat forward and sat it on the stool, silence taking over the Great Hall for a moment before the hat sprang to life. The first-years looked curious, particularly the mesmerized muggle-borns, the rest of the student body waiting silently before the hat broke the quiet with its usual moment of verse prior to the Sorting.

Oh, I may be old and tattered,

A tad out of fashion, too.

Though I doubt another hat

Can do quite what I can do.

So you may keep your sporty caps,

Your fedora and bonnet as well.

For I can tell without a doubt

In which of our Houses you shall dwell.

An uncommon gift, I do possess,

And I hold it with great pride.

Just slip me on and I can see

In which House you should reside.

Will you be in Gryffindor,

Where live the brave and true?

If you've got nerve and chivalry

Then the lion may be for you.

Or, how about dear Hufflepuff,

Where the most hardworking dwell?

If you are patient, just, and loyal

Then the badger suits you well.

You might belong to Ravenclaw,

Which likes skill and wit the best.

If you've an eager, clever mind,

Then it's the raven above the rest.

Last, but not least, in Slytherin

Acceptance you will find.

If you prove quick and cunning,

You may be the serpent kind.

So put me on, let me take a guess,

(Though guessing's hardly what I do).

For, I can see inside your head

Which House is right for you.

Thunderous applause rang out through the Great Hall, Fred letting out an energetic whistle, his sister Roxanne shaking her head but laughing nonetheless. After a few moments, McGonagall waved her hands a bit, with a slight smile on her face, indicating quiet as Flitwick unrolled the parchment with various names on it and began the Sorting Ceremony.

As the names were called (Adonis, Bacchus, Bishop…), Albus's eyes went from the Sorting Hat, calling out the various Houses, to the table where all the professors sat and applauded each student upon the announcement of their new home. While some sat there, largely unfamiliar, he couldn't seem to suppress a smile at the recognition of others. Hagrid had taken a seat at his usual place with his fellow professors, Professor and Headmistress McGonagall now sat in the middle with Flitwick calling first-years to the front as the Deputy Headmaster. Catching sight of his "uncles" (one by blood, one by deep friendship), the boy barely kept himself from waving wildly at the Herbology professor, Neville Longbottom, and the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Bill Weasley.

Finally, his own name was called and fear gripped him like an icy hand over his still thudding heart. What if he was in Slytherin? He supposed he could live with it, but the stories James had relayed about the dungeons did nothing to quell his apprehension as he made his way to the stool and took a seat, closing his eyes for a moment, waiting…

"Ah!" came the Sorting Hat in his ear, causing him to jump somewhat, the boy hoping no one caught this, though the hat didn't seem to notice. "Potter…Let's see here…Brave, yes, brains, hardworking too. Difficult, sir, like your father…"

"Not Slytherin, not Slytherin," the boy caught himself saying, his eyes closed as he willed the hat to consider his opinion and keep him far from those sickening green dungeons. He'd gladly take Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw, so long as he didn't have to slink around the Slytherin common room for the next seven years.

"Not Slytherin? So like your father. You've got the brains for Slytherin, yes, ambitious, sure, but not quite Slytherin material, are you my boy? No, I'd have to say…GRYFFINDOR!" No sooner had the name rung out that an explosion happened at the Gryffindor table, James mouthing a, "Told you!" over the crowd.

Albus, glowing at this point, seemed not to give much thought to his brother and his earlier teasing as he bounded to the table, welcomed with pats on the back from friends and strangers alike. A warmth filled his stomach as he watched the professors at the table clapping for him as well, Neville sending him an encouraging nod and Bill beaming brightly at his young nephew. It was as if he had gulped down an entire bottle of butterbeer, and, though ravenous for the feast to begin, he waited for Rose's turn.

He could see her, still muttering to herself, and in his current elated state (and the fact he was partially hidden from her view) he let out a laugh, though kept his toes crossed with small bit of nerves still in his stomach for his cousin. He seemed to be cursing her last name and its place in the alphabet about as much as she was by the time Flitwick called, "Weasley, Rose!" the girl quickly making her way to the stool as if it was both a reprieve and an execution. It took a moment…two moments…three…

"GRYFFINDOR!" it called to another round of applause. The tension he didn't realize he had seemed to let go all at once as she ran toward the table, her smile showing her bright white teeth she had inherited from her mother and her dentist grandparents. The hard part was over, at least for now, and after a few words from the headmistress, the tables filled with any sort of food anyone may want. Albus and Rose took one look at each other, smiled, and dug in as if they had inherited some Lupin gene, though they figured it had to be the Weasley side of them as they tore into their dinners.

Tomorrow new challenges would take place, but today all that was left was stuffing themselves silly with pastries and pies before lazily making their way up to bed where their things were already laid out for them by the kindness of the house elves. Hermione had reminded them to leave a note of thanks, which they tiredly did before saying their goodbyes and departing to their individual dormitories. Tomorrow was another day, and Albus couldn't imagine what it would have in store.