Chapter One
Albus Potter
Albus Severus Potter wasn't like most eleven year old boys. After all, how many wizards could say that their dad was the famous Harry Potter?
Albus knew that his dad was famous. He even knew that people used to call him the boy who lived.
What Albus didn't know, is what his dad was famous for...
His dad kept insisting that he would know the story at the right time, and that he didn't want his story to hang over his childrens' heads.
Their mother was no help. Albus had tried asking her, but she would simply chuckle and tell him to write his own story. Why was he so worried about taking up his dad's story?
Albus had eventually resigned himself to it. He would have to go to Hogwarts and begin a story of his own...
It just so happened that he'd be starting at Hogwarts very soon. He was eleven, and his parents expected his school letter any day.
His older brother James was already in his third year at Hogwarts, and Albus simply could not believe some of the things he'd heard. His brother made Hogwarts sound like the most magical place on earth.
James told him about the moving stairs, and ghosts, and suits of armor that come alive in the night. He told him about sealed off, forbidden corridors.
Albus could only guess at these things in his mind. He'd never seen any of them, but that was about to change.
His dad had been all too happy to tell him things about Hogwarts:
"There's forbidden corridors all right," his dad had said with a laugh. "I'd better not get any letters about you sneaking around though!"
"Would I do that?" Albus had replied innocently, but with a wink.
Still- Albus knew his dad had been serious...
His parents had been right to guess that their letters wouldn't be long arriving. They arrived during breakfast on a Sunday.
Albus knew of course that the Muggle post didn't run on Sundays, but Wizard post ran with the owls, and that could be any time.
Albus was just tucking into a bowl of Corn Flakes when a rather large barn owl zipped through the open kitchen window. The owl dropped a heavy parchment envelope next to his bowl of cereal, and another in front of James, but he wasn't paying attention. His letter had arrived!
Albus turned over the envelope in his hand, mouth dropping open in awe at the Hogwarts seal. Finally his own letter!
He shakily tore away the seal and felt a satisfying jolt as his hands closed around the parchment within.
He beamed at his parents. Both of them beamed back. He opened his letter and began to read:
Dear Mr. Potter,
We are pleased to inform you of your acceptance at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Please note the required school supplies for first year students listed below:
The Standard Book of Spells: Year One
Transfiguration Today
Magical Water Plants of Greater Europe
Practical Potions
Navigating the Stars: Adventures in Astronomy
1 Pewter Cauldron: Size 2, Standard
1 Beginner's Potion Set
Note that students may also bring an owl, a cat, or a toad- should they so desire.
Term begins on September First. The Hogwarts Express leaves at eleven o'clock sharp from Platform Nine and Three Quarters, so make sure to be on time.
Professor Neville Longbottom
DEPUTY HEADMASTER
Albus looked up from his letter, head buzzing from what he'd just read.
Of course he knew that they'd be getting his school things in Diagon Alley. He'd gone with them just about every year to pick up James's things.
His parents looked ready to answer questions, but he didn't really have any right at that moment.
Well that was easy, his dad remarked, giving his mother an amused look.
The only thing they didn't have to get in Diagon Alley was their school robes. The tailor in Godric's Hollow was more than sufficient.
It was therefore agreed that Ginny would take James and Albus to the tailor the next morning, while Harry stayed at home with Lily.
Godric's Hollow was such a small village that everything was easily in walking distance.
After a quick Monday morning breakfast of eggs and toast, Albus was following his mother and James out the front door, and up the Main Street.
Godric's Hollow was a strictly wizarding village, so there wasn't a Muggle in sight to bother with.
It was a sunny morning, and as they walked, some of the more familiar faces greeted them.
Good morning Mrs. Potter, greeted old Mrs. Harris as they passed.
Good morning, Ginny returned quickly.
Soon they had reached the tailor's. The tailor was a middle-aged wizard named Mr. Brodace, who Albus's parents knew well.
Why Mrs. Potter! Mr. Brodace greeted as the bell above the door signalled their entrance.
He beamed at Albus and James delightedly.
Hogwarts? he said knowingly.
Yes sir, Albus replied.
Well right this way m'boy.
Albus soon found himself in a premade black robe, which Mr. Brodace carefully hemmed.
You'll do right well at Hogwarts, Brodace boomed as he worked. 添our father being who he is and all. I'd be very surprised if the other students aren't wantin your autograph the first day!
Yes well, Mrs. Potter cut in, clearing her throat for emphasis. 鏑et's not give him a bloated head until then...
Right you are Ginny! the tailor agreed.
Mr. Brodace finished hemming Albus's robes, and then started on James. He would be getting new robes this year- having long outgrown his first ones.
I could do with a cup of tea, Ginny remarked suddenly, covering a yawn with her hand.
You go head mum, James told her. 的'll be fine here.
Ginny considered it before agreeing. After all, James was old enough to be trusted by himself in the village.
Can I stay with James? Albus asked.
I don't know, she mused, giving James a suggestive smirk. 鼎an he?
Fine with me, James said lightly, and she was off.
Mr. Brodace chuckled as he pinned James's robes.
Can't say I blame Mrs. Potter and all. I could do with a cuppa myself, just now.
About twenty minutes later found James and Albus standing outside the tailor's in their new robes.
Albus thought quickly, knowing there had been something he'd wanted to do before heading off to school in roughly two weeks.
Oh yeah! he said suddenly as they walked. 鼎an we go visit grampy and gran?
You know they aren't really there, James remarked, a sudden distant look in his face.
Its still their, you know...
Albus didn't want to say grave. Their grandparents were buried in the Godric's Hollow church yard, and they hadn't been to visit in awhile.
James of course ended up relenting. He usually did when it came to Albus.
