CHAPTER 2
Albus got off the train and looked around in wonder. The Hogwarts station was nothing like he had expected it to be. His brother had rarely mentioned the station if only to talk about the horseless carriages which were not the real surprise for Albus. It was the size. He had expected the station to be big, grand and crowded but instead he found it to be tiny and dark. He shivered in the cold air.
"What should we do now?" asked Rose as she got off the train.
Ruth was just about to ask a tall boy wearing a prefect badge where to go when the three of them could see a lamp bobbing over the heads of the students and along with that a loud, rough voice called out, "Firs' years! Firs' years o'er here!"
"Rose look it's Hagrid!" Albus said quickly recognizing the looming cheerful face of Hagrid.
Rose replied, "I know!"
"You know that guy!" Ruth said still recovering from the shock of seeing such a huge person as Hagrid.
"Hallo Albus 'n Rose!" said Hagrid as he noticed them, "I'm goin' ter be taking yeh ter the school, all right!"
Slowly all the first years along with Rose, Ruth and Albus followed Hagrid down a steep path.
"Yeh'll get yer firs' sight o' Hogwarts in a sec" Hagrid called over his shoulder, "nearly there."
And as Hagrid finished speaking in the distance the students could see the magnificent, massive castle. There were many 'wow's and 'cool's that had emerged from the young group of wizards and witches that Hagrid was leading. As their gaze passed away from the castle they saw the lake which was drawing closer to them. It seemed to be sparkling but it was in fact just reflected light that was being received from the beautiful castle on the other side of the lake.
"Four in a boat" shouted Hagrid followed by, "Not there pal, yeh can meet up with yer pals when we reach the school" noticing a fifth boy climbing into a boat. Hagrid himself seemed to ignore the 'four in a boat' rule as he seated his massive body into one whole boat alongside the other boats. Noticing this, Albus laughed and muttered to Rose and Ruth, "Looks like a teacher isn't following the rules."
Rose saw this and smiled saying, "Uh oh."
Albus sat with Rose, Ruth and a boy who did not speak a word. Albus, Ruth and Roe also did not speak amidst the chatter from the other boats.
"Forward" shouted Hagrid and all the boats across the lake towards a seemingly underground harbor right below the castle. When they reached, all of them got out and approached the front door-a huge and wooden one. Hagrid knocked on the door thrice and waited.
The door swung open to reveal a fare, tall, broad-shouldered jolly wizard. Albus and Rose immediately recognized him as their parents' friend Neville Longbottom.
"The firs' years, Professor Longbottom" said Hagrid.
"You don't need to call me 'professor' Hagrid. Neville is fine" said Neville in a deep, kind natured voice and Hagrid acknowledging Neville's statement left.
After that Neville showed the first years into a small, empty chamber which through a door, led to the Great Hall from which Albus could hear hundreds of voices.
"The others are already here" whispered Albus and Rose nodded in acknowledgement.
"Welcome to Hogwarts" began Neville when he was sure he had all of their utmost attention, "Soon you will be sorted into your houses. Your house will be quite like your family while you are here at Hogwarts. You will attend classes along with the students of the same year of your house and sometimes also with other houses along with yours. You will also sleep in your house dormitory and can pass your time in your house common room."
"The four houses are Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin" he continued. While at Hogwarts your triumphs will earn your house points while indiscipline and rule-breaking will lose your house points. The house with the most points at the end of the year wins the House Cup. Is that clear?"
His statement was met by nods and some weak 'yes's from the first years.
Then Neville with a "Please wait quietly" left the chamber.
It was unusually quiet suddenly. After all the energy the students were bursting with before, it seemed as if everyone was now exhausted completely. Albus was still pondering whether he would be placed in Gryffindor or Slytherin. And then he remembered his father's words when Albus was abut to leave, "The Sorting Hat takes your choice into account" Would it? He was still pondering all this when Professor Longbottom returned.
"The sorting ceremony's about to start" he told the first years. "Now follow me."
Professor Longbottom opened the door and led them into the Great Hall. Albus had never imagined such a spectacular place.
The Great Hall was lit by thousands of candles floating mid-air over four long tables parallel to each other, where the other students were sitting. Each table seated one house. The tables led on to a raised platform where another long table was present. At this table the teachers were sitting. As Neville led Albus and the other student to the teachers' table, Albus felt as if he was being watched. Not by one individual, but by all the teachers, students and ghosts in the Hall. But the second Albus looked around the Hall he could not spot even a single eye looking directly at him. But Albus was sure that everyone had turned away and that they had been watching him just a second ago. Mainly to avoid all those staring eyes Albus looked upward and saw the bewitched black ceiling dotted with stars. He then, despite his greatest efforts not to, glanced at James who was sitting on one of the long tables. He also spotted his cousins Fred, Roxanne, Dominique, Louis and Victoire.
Then Albus looked across to see Neville place a dusty, old hat on a stool. It had a pointed tip and a slight curve near the bottom that looked like a closed mouth. Albus took this dusty hat for what it was, the Sorting Hat.
And then the hat opened its small curve to reveal an open circle from which words poured out in tune-
"Hi there students
A hearty welcome me sends
And now you will be sorted
Not by the way you've just departed
But by your characteristic traits!
Into Slytherin you may go
If cunning and wily you best know
Slyness and malice we greet here
Year after year
Into Gryffindor either you may
If bravery and courage you lay
Heroes we greet
And so you stand such a chance on this seat
Hufflepuff also may meet you
For the loyal and trustworthy few
Don't be sad
For Helga did not make Hufflepuff bland
And to the house of Ravenclaw others
In whom intelligence and wisdom shudders
If you meet here you must know
That you won the House Cup not a year ago
So come now and embrace
Your house with honor and praise
And don't worry about war
For since 19 years there hasn't even been a scar!"
There was a loud applause once the hat finished singing. Albus knew what was going to happen next.
Professor Longbottom stood next to the hat and started reading names of students from a long roll of parchment.
"Allen, Abigail"
A tiny girl with curly brown hair sat on the stool and Professor Longbottom placed the hat over her head. The hat completely covered her eyes and just touched her nose. After a few moments of silence the hat shouted, "Ravenclaw!" That was followed by a loud applause from one of the tables which Albus now assumed was Ravenclaw.
After that was Olivia Anderson who was sorted into Hufflepuff and then Jacob Bailey was sorted into Ravenclaw. 'Campbell, Riley' became the first who was sorted into Gryffindor as a loud applause emerged from the Gryffindor table. Harvey Clarke was the first one to go to Slytherin. As he watched him go sit at the Slytherin table Albus wondered whether he would go to Hogwarts. Despite the fact that his father had said that the Hat takes his choice into account Albus still was nervous. He could not even imagine what his brother and cousins would think about him if he turned up in Slytherin.
Lost in thought, Albus did not hear as Elizabeth Davis went to Hufflepuff, Lucas Edwards to Ravenclaw and so on until Professor Longbottom called out, "Lestrange, Ruth" Albus looked straight at Ruth but she did not notice him among the many who were waiting to see where she would end up. Silence engulfed the Great Hall for what seemed like an hour to Albus. And then the Hat shouted, "Slytherin!" Ruth then walked up towards the Slytherin table amidst loud applause. Albus managed to catch a disappointed look on Ruth before it quickly morphed into a smile. Albus wondered why she was that disappointed as she had seemed pretty upbeat about going to Slytherin in the train. Albus also felt a bit sad because Ruth was his friend and he wanted her to be in his house.
But Albus did not have long to cling on to that sequence of thoughts as Professor Longbottom called out, "Malfoy, Scorpius" Again the hat-wearer had Albus's utmost attention. The moment the hat touched Scorpius the hat called out, "Slytherin!" In contrast to Ruth, Scorpius had a wide smile smacked right on his face as he went and sat down at the Slytherin table. He sat down next to Ruth but Ruth seemed very uncomfortable by his presence. Well, at least my friends aren't getting along with my enemies, thought Albus.
What if the Sorting Hat has only a specific quota to fulfill for each house like only 4 or 5 in every house? Albus thought. I think that many students have already gone to Gryffindor and so now the Sorting Hat has no choice than to put me in Slytherin? If Albus was feeling nervous before, how he was feeling now was nothing in comparison. Albus could even feel sweat drops fall from his temples on to his hands. He didn't want to go to school anymore. He wanted to be back at Grimmauld Place where he could be safe and happy with his family. Albus did not hear as "Parker, Finn" was sorted as he was engrossed in his dilemma. His quota theory was proved wrong as Finn was sorted into Gryffindor. But of course, Albus did not know that.
And then, as if resounding a million times, came "Potter, Albus" from the mouth of Neville Longbottom. Albus could hear his heart beating so loudly that he was sure that everyone in the Hall could hear it. He wondered whether his beads of sweat generated by his anxiety could be seen by everyone. If they could see it, he knew everyone would think he was a coward. And then he remembered that no student of Gryffindor was ever and would never be a coward. With this bold thought in mind, Albus went and seated himself on the stool and Professor Longbottom placed the Hat on his head. But slowly, Albus's anxiety returned and all the consequences of what would happen if he went to Slytherin passed through his head. Only now he pondered on his father's words that the Sorting Hat takes his choice into account. How the hell was he supposed to speak to the Hat? He had not seen any of the other students speaking.
So Albus whispered silently, "Not in Slytherin…not in Slytherin." And then suddenly Albus could hear, "Interesting" in his mind. It sounded strange. Albus was only used to battling with his soul and his mind and he felt as if his privacy had been breached. Whatever the voice was, it seemed to recognize Albus's fear and said again in his head, "It's me! It's the Sorting Hat!" Albus was relieved. The Sorting Hat continued speaking, "This brings up the third potter in a row who does not want to go to Slytherin. But are you sure…..All right then." And then the Sorting Hat said aloud, "Gryffindor!" And the hall erupted in applause mainly from Gryffindor.
Albus took off the hat and a look at the teacher's table revealed smiles on Hagrid, McGonagall and Neville. But then Albus noticed an old woman with grey hair and a black cloak over herself. But what really caught Albus's attention was her hunchback. She stood up and shouted pointing a wild finger at Albus, "Stop! That boy cannot be sorted! His brother is alright but his boy is as dangerous as his father! When his father was here all sorts of mishaps occurred and they will occur again if you do not stop him! I sense a dark year, the return of the Dark Lord! The boy must be stopped at all costs!"
Albus was taken aback. All the students were muttering to their friends and everyone was staring at that teacher. Albus deduced that she was new as everyone seemed surprised just seeing her as if they did not know her.
"That'll be enough Professor Hunchback" said McGonagall. This statement was met by soft giggles and laughter around the Hall to which McGonagall said, "And that will also be enough students. May I remind you Professor Hunchback, that at Hogwarts we do not tolerate nonsense. I will not give you another warning. And now let the sorting continue."
Albus was very happy as he was sorted into Gryffindor, amused about how Professor Hunchback's surname matched her appearance and a bit worried about her prediction. He went and sat down next to James and Fred.
"So you turned out to be in Gryffindor after all" said James
"And don't you take that hunchback women seriously" muttered Fred at his side, "I bet she's the new divination teacher. Usually the divination teacher is always crazy. The last one predicted that at least one person would die in Hogwarts everyday. Don't worry though. You won't have to take divination until your 3rd year."
Albus was momentarily distracted as Rose was being sorted.
"Another Weasley! You never run out of those!" the Hat said aloud.
Albus could see Rose go red with embarrassment and Albus himself could relate to that during his encounter with Scorpius on the train.
"Gryffindor" shouted the hat and the Gryffindor table applauded as Rose came and took a seat next to James.
Soon the Sorting was over and the Sorting Hat was put away. It was now that he realized how hungry he was.
Then Professor McGonagall said, "Welcome to Hogwarts, first years and welcome back to the other students. As we look forward to a new year, I would like to introduce Professor Hunchback, the new Divination teacher. Now, I'm sure you're all hungry so tuck in."
Albus did not understand why McGonagall had said 'tuck in' until he noticed all the students around him busy eating. The food had magically appeared on the silver plates that were on the table. Once he saw the food, Albus did not hesitate even for a second to start eating. He picked up a delicious looking gravy laden drumstick and started munching on it. There was so much to eat and Albus had never been so content with what he had eaten.
"All that looks delicious" said a ghost who was watching Albus eating an apple pie.
"If it's so delicious why don't you come and eat?"
"Oh I'm a ghost, I don't need to eat. By the way, I'm Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington" said the ghost.
"So you're the famous Nearly Headless Nick" said Rose.
"I prefer Sir Nicholas de-" began the ghost but another first year, Finn Parker sitting opposite to Albus interrupted the ghost with, "Nearly headless? How can that be possible? Show us why you are nearly headless. My father said it looks very odd."
Sir Nicholas looked irritated but all the same he pulled his ear to show his head stuck to his neck by a small strand of skin. Many students looked at him for a moment and then turned away. Sir Nicholas seemed to feel disappointed by this response and went away in gloom.
Soon all the good food was over and the feast was in turn also over. Albus looked once again at the teachers table to check whether they were still eating or not. They were not and then a teacher staring at him caught Albus's attention. She was lean and wore spectacles and Albus stared right back at her. He continued staring until James said, "Um Al? I thought you knew that it's rude to stare at teachers."
"Oh!" said Albus very embarrassed and not knowing what to reply.
"Looks like you've fallen in love with old Daisy flower" said James laughing.
"Old Daisy what!"
"Oh she's just the Transfiguration teacher. She's really really strict and we all hate her. The only consolation is that she teaches well." said James
"If she's so strict why did McGonagall even employ her?" asked Albus.
James's friend sitting opposite to him said, "Well some say that she's related to McGonagall which is actually quite likely. I mean just look at them! Both of them are lean and strict and- anyway others say that no one else would take the job but that's unlikely as Transfiguration is a popular subject to teach. And even others say that Daisy blackmailed McGonagall but that of course is highly improbable."
Before Albus could reply, Professor McGonagall got to her feet.
"There are a few start-of-term notices I must give you all. First years should note that the forest is forbidden to everyone and that magic should be used only during classes and use of magic elsewhere is forbidden under normal circumstances. All products from joke shops like Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes are forbidden under the advice of the caretaker of Mr. Filch. Any pranks in classes shall not be tolerated and I speak directly to you, Fred Weasley."
At this Fred stood up and took a low bow that was followed by loud applause from many students. One of his friends even whistled. But as soon as he sat down, Fred let out a groan. Albus assumed that he wanted to follow in his father George's footsteps of pranks in classes but now it would be tougher to do so.
McGonagall continued, "It is time for bed now. Prefects will escort the first years to their respective common rooms."
Albus and Rose got down and followed a few Gryffindor first year to a surly looking fifth year with jet black hair and a short thin girl both wearing a prefect badge.
They followed the prefects up a marble staircase. Albus followed them up a few more stairways and started wondering when they would reach the common room. Then suddenly the prefects stopped, and in turn the first years stopped in front of a large portrait of a very fat woman.
"Password?" she asked
"Blubbering Humdinger" said the prefect and continued, "When you come to the common room again you must tell this password to the Fat Lady and you can enter" as the painting swung open to reveal a hole in the wall. The first years went through to find a round, cozy room with big and comfortable chairs. The girls were led in one direction and the boys in another, up a spiral staircase into the boys' first years' room where five four-poster beds were laid out. His owl Winterhest was on top of one of the beds, along with his luggage and Albus knew that that was his bed.
Albus saw a few boys there already.
"Hey I'm Finn you're Albus right?" said a tall, muscular and sturdy boy.
"Yeah" replied Albus
"I'm happy to be in Gryffindor, but I don't think you are, you look sad"
"No! I'm quite happy to be here….it's only….."
"Oh about that hunchbacked woman and about –er- your father?" questioned Finn
Albus nodded pulling up his pajamas.
""So is it true that when your father-the mishaps?"
"Well I don't know. I wasn't there was I? I only wish my father had talked about his Hogwarts years more often"
And with that Albus got into his bed and instantly fell asleep dreaming about running away from Hogwarts as he didn't want to go to Slytherin, and then the Sorting Hat speaking in Professor Hunchback's voice saying that he was a bad boy and so was expelled and Albus was running away, away and away….