"GRYFFINDOR!"

The Gryffindor table erupted in cheers as Albus Severus Potter breathed a sigh of relief and walked into welcome arms. His brother gave him what seemed to be a slap of congratulations on the back. I'm not in Slytherin, thank god, Albus thought as he shook hands with his new classmates. Everyone shouted for him, drowning out the sound of the next person's name being announced A dark haired girl with large blue eyes framed by long eyelashes that brushed her pale cheeks every time she blinked took a seat on the stool and placed the Sorting Hat on her curly mass of hair. She caught Albus staring and her dark full lips turned up in a small playful smile. Albus blushed, turning away. His heart pounded in his ears as he caught himself praying she would be in his house. There was silence as the hat decided for the longest time that night. The girl closed her eyes and seemed to be concentrating just as hard as the hat. Whispers started to fill the hall as the time stretched longer. Albus' eyes furrowed in worry as the girl's shoulders tensed.

Finally, the Sorting Hat shouted, "SLYTHERIN!"

There was a pause then some scattered applause from the Slytherin table. Albus felt his heart drop as he watched her gracefully walk to the table. Her head turned and she tilted her chin at Albus, once again, caught in the act of staring at a girl he barely knew. This time, Albus steeled himself with as much courage as possible and nodded back, even though he felt blood rush to his cheeks.

"What are you blushing at, little brother?" James smirked as Albus turned an even deeper shade of red. He looked to see where Albus had been staring at. "Oh that pretty girl? Well, look at that. You fancy a Slytherin!"

"I do not!" Albus protested, slapping his brother's arm.

"Shush now. The headmistress is about to talk, but you so do fancy her," James laughed and turned to face Professor McGonagall who had stood up for the beginning of the year speech.

Albus didn't pay attention. Instead, he concentrated at sneaking peaks at the Slytherin girl. Her long legs were crossed delicately and she held her head high with confident shoulders back. She had high cheekbones and pale ghostly skin, like moonlight. Her delicate curls were pulled back in a beautifully messy ponytail. She joined everyone else in applause as the headmistress sat down and the food came.

James wiggled his eyebrows at Albus as he picked up a treacle tart and tried to not look over at the Slytherins. He imagined the girl in his arms and blushed as his mind wandered into romantic thoughts about her. Mentally, Albus slapped himself. How could he be so heads-over-heals in love with a girl who he didn't even know the name of? The shouts around him had drowned out the announcement of the girl and he wished he had heard her name. The girl was now chatting with a third year boy with big shoulders and locks of blonde hair. He laughed at his own joke and touched his greasy hands to the girl's soft fingers. Albus was glad to see her pull away and rest her hand away from his reach. The blonde boy didn't seem too happy and grabbed her shoulder and turned her around. She fought him off, but he came back. Not knowing what he was doing, Albus stood up and walked over to the Slytherins. The hall turned silent as they watched Potter walk over. Those who knew his father saw the same fiery spirit in his eyes as pulled the big third year off the girl's back. The teachers sat at the high table, not knowing what to do. Professor McGonagall started to stand up, but Professor Longbottom stopped her. He shook his head, "We'll intervene if there is a fight. Let the boy help her."

The third year stumbled back in surprise.

"What in the bloody hell is wrong with you?" he shouted.

"Leave her alone. I don't want to see your greasy hands on her again," Albus growled, surprising even himself by his sudden burst of anger.

The third year was not going to be stood up by a little scrawny first year. "What's your name runt?"

"Albus Severus Potter."

The third year seemed thrown off. "Potter?"

"Yes, Harry James Potter is my father," Albus said proudly, admiring the fact that his father's name still brought such respect. "What's your name? Not a Potter, are you?" James jeered from across the room.

"No, I'm a Lestrange. William Lestrange. My grandmother was Bellatrix," he said proudly.

"Bellatrix had kids? Did I mention our mum is a Weasley?" James joined Albus.

"You and your dirty family can go back to the Gryffindor table. Us Slytherins aren't Muggle lovers like you lot."

"Watch it Lestrange. Us Gryffindors happened to kick the Slytherin's butt 19 years ago. Your grandmum lost to us Muggle lovers didn't she?" James sneered. He grabbed Albus and led him away as the hall erupted in chatter over the-almost-fight. Albus felt a small hand on his shoulder and he turned around. The girl stood there, less than two feet away from him. He could see that her eyes had a greenish tinge by the pupil. She looked up at him, chin held high and proud.

"I don't need help you know," she whispered, her blue eyes flashing.

Albus looked down, embarrassed that his face had turned red once again. "A thank you is enough," he managed to say.

"Well, yes. Thank you, but I don't need help," she said and walked back to her table.

Albus stood; stunned by the coldness in her voice. Yet, her eyes had shown a glimpse of warmth and light. He shook his head and stumbled after his brother. It took all the self control he had to not turn to take another look at the girl sitting silently at the end of the Slytherin table.