Chapter 1

After Albus Potter had waved goodbye to his family and seen them disappear when the train hurtled round the corner, he turned to look at Rose Weasley, who smiled back at him. And together they went to look for a free compartment.

After a long search they settled themselves into an empty compartment near the back of the train. Rose and Albus started to talk freely to each other,

"Hey Rose, which house do you want to be in?" Albus asked eagerly. "I think you'll be in Ravenclaw, you've got the brains for it."

"Thanks Al" She said, blushing slightly. "To be honest, I don't really mind. But if I had to choose, I'd probably pick Gryffindor, or yeah, Ranvenclaw." She replied honestly.

"I want to be in Gryffindor..."

They talked for a while, sharing their fantasies with each other about what they think Hogwarts will be like when they arrive. But they were soon interrupted by a knock on the glass door of their compartment. Rose stood up and opened the door for a small boy with light brown hair and the odd freckle on his small face, to enter. It was Nathan Longbottom.

"Oh, hello, Nathan." Rose said.

"Hello..." Nathan said shyly.

"I haven't seen you since you came over just after Christmas." Albus said.

"Uh, yeah." He replied.

"So Nathan, do you want to be in Gryffindor too?" Rose asked.

"I hope so, but I don't think I have what it takes. Aren't you supposed to be bold and daring?" Nathan asked quietly.

"Well, kinda, but my dad said that the hat takes your thoughts into account as well." Albus said proudly.

"I hope so..." Nathan said worriedly.

"Don't worry Nath, i'm sure you'll be fine. Why don't you guys get changed, i'll wait for you here. I'm already in my Hogwarts clothes." She said.

As the boys left with their Hogwarts uniforms, Rose stared out the window into the clear sky, thinking how thankful she was that she already had two friends. She had worried all throughout the holidays, dreading the thought of being completely alone.

I should have known i'd have Albus with me, we've been friends since we were born, but somehow, I could just see him with a group of other boys without me. She thought.

After lollies had been eaten, questions had been asked and games had been played, the Hogwarts Express slowed to a stop. As soon as they took their first step off the train they found that the noise was deafening! They heard squeals of excitement, heaps of loud voices and a booming, deep shout which made all the other sounds seem quiet.

"Firs' years this way!" Shouted Hagrid.

As the three of them pushed their way to the front of the crowd, where Hagrid was standing, Albus shouted at the top of his voice, to be heard,

"Hello Hagrid!"

"Albus! Great to see ya." Hagrid replied happily. " Oh, and hello Rose! Good to see you as well Nathan!"

After Hagrid was sure all the first years had gotten off the train, he turned and stalked off in the direction of the lake, expecting the young students to follow.

It had been a peaceful journey to the other side of the lake. The water had been calm and everybody had enjoyed a relaxing boat trip to the other side, no matter how squashed they were in the small boats.

Albus was now standing next to his two friends, Rose and Nathan, looking up at the huge towering building known to be Hogwarts.

Wow. It's beautiful. He thought. I know mum said it was big, but really? I'm never going to survive my first year at Hogwarts without getting lost.

"It's beautiful." Rose commented, sharing his thoughts.

They stood there looking up at the lit tower until they got pushed mercilessly by the huge crowd of students.

"Weasley, Rose." Came the voice of Professor Frost.

Rose pushed her way to the front of the line and picked up the Sorting Hat from the stool and placed it over her head as she sat down.

"Gryffindor!" The hat shouted after a few short moments.

The table full of Gryffindors erupted with loud claps. Rose took a seat at the top of the table and smiled with relief.

"Melody, Indigo."

"Gryffindor!"

"Malfoy, Scorpius."

Albus stiffened, he had heard what his Uncle Ron had said about the Malfoy's. Within seconds of the Hat touching the blond haired boy's head, it screamed "Slytherin!" The boy seemed pleased and took haste to sit down at the Slytherin table.

"Harley, Emily."

"Ravenclaw!"

"Filius, Jack."

Hufflepuff!"

"Longbottom, Nathan."

Albus turned to Nathan, who had gone completely pale, and said "Good luck."

Nathan smiled weakly, and slowly walked up to the stool bearing the hat. After a few intense and silent moments, Albus heard the Hat shout,

"Gryffindor!"

Albus looked up at the staff table, and saw Professor Longbottom smile proudly as his son took a seat at the Gryffindor table next to Rose.

"Finnigan, Grace."

"Ravenclaw!"

"Potter, Albus."

It's now or never. Albus thought as he moved toward the Sorting Hat. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw his brother, James, smirk to his friends. After placing the Hat over his head he thought determinedly,

Gryffindor. Please be Gryffindor.

Ah, Gryffindor, just like your father. He heard the hats voice say in his head.

Please!

Oh, alright, if that's what you really want.

Yes.

"Gryffindor!" He heard the Sorting Hat announce.

"Thank you." He whispered to it as he placed it back down on the stool and went to sit at the cheering Griffindor table with Rose and Nathan.