Chapter 2: Trains, Sorting, and Feats

Albus walked along the aisle with Rosie, looking for an empty compartment. Every single one they passed was full to the brim with upper-classmen, waving around wands and laughing. Albus watched enviously as one boy transfigured his trunk into a bird, but grimaced as it began pecking at his face. Rosie stopped to watch as well, and started twitching when the boy began to bleed.

"Ugh," she sighed. "Stupid boy, I'll fix it."

Albus tried to stop her, but she had wrenched the compartment door open, whirling her wand out at the same time.

"STOP MOVING!" she yelled in a commanding tone. The boy stopped thrashing, and Rosie aimed her wand at the bird, which was zooming in all directions.

"Finite!" she spoke clearly, demonstrating her skill. It was obvious she had performed this spell before. Rosie stuffed her wand away with a grin, soaking in all the admiring looks she was receiving. Rosie looked at the boy expectantly, and he just watched with wide eyes.

"What? Piss off, firsty!"

Rosie laughed, and pulled out her wand. That shut him up.

"Look," he pleaded. "I don't want any trouble! I'm sorr-

"Densaugeo!" Rosie shouted, and the boy's teeth began sprouting at an alarming rate. Albus roared with laughter, and Rosie slammed the door shut, pulling Albus away.

"Rosie, that was brilliant!" Albus praised.

Rosie smiled.

"Thanks, Al. My mum taught me that. Come on, all the others are stuffed."

She opened the door and walked in, Albus following. He noticed a boy and a girl sitting in two seats, both looking taken aback. Albus knew instantly that they were first years, judging by their sizes, and the fact that their eyes were glued to Rosie's wand. She stuffed it in her robes, and sat down, Albus following suit. Rosie introduced herself formally; she took on her mother's wit and charm, unlike her father.

"Rose Weasley. Nice to meet you both."

Albus nodded,

"Albus Potter."

The boy's eyebrows rose.

"Really? Children of the Three? Wow, I've read about you guys. The name's Stephen Abbott."

Albus stifled a cough.

"Children of the Three? What's that?"

Stephen looked at the girl beside him, and she spoke in a smooth, controlled voice.

"He is referring to you parents- the three who brought down Lord Voldemort nineteen years ago. My name is Alexis Rowan Lynn, although I much prefer if you call me Lexi. How are you two?"

Rosie started to reply, obviously seeing this girl as a potential friend, but Albus cut her off.

"Our parents brought down Voldemort? When they were….only in their seventh year?"

Lexi's eyes narrowed.

"I see…your parents never told you." Rosie shook her head.

"I mean I always knew they did something special, but I didn't want to pry."

Lexi nodded.

"That was wise of you. Well, Albus and Rose, I have an entire book on the subject if you care to borrow it."

Albus nodded excitedly, eager to learn more about his parent's/aunt's/uncles past. As Lexi sifted through her bag (her schoolbooks were in her trunk, but like Albus and Rose, had packed a smaller bag for reading on the train), Rosie asked a question that got everyone's attention.

"What Houses do you two expect to be placed in?"

Lexi sat up quickly, speaking before Stephen had a chance to open his mouth.

"Well, I have relatives from both Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, and a few distant in Hufflepuff. I had a cousin put in Slytherin, but he got expelled, so we never discuss him. Personally, I would choose to be in Ravenclaw- I mean we are here for learning. However, Gryffindor would also be an excellent choice."

Albus decided she wanted Ravenclaw, and turned to Stephen, who said,

"I know I'll be in Hufflepuff. My mum was, and all her ancestors were. Don't go insulting Hufflepuff- yea, I know everyone thinks it's for duffers, but it's not."

Albus and Rosie quickly mumbled about Hufflepuff being an awesome House, and Albus distinctively remembered just what Uncle Ron thought about Hufflepuff. Lexi coughed.

"And you two?"

Rosie piped up, eager to get a word in.

"I think I'll be in Gryffindor, I mean all my relatives have always been in Gryffindor, but I wouldn't mind being placed into Ravenclaw one bit. I don't see myself in Hufflepuff, no offense, and certainly not Slytherin." She finished, and joined everyone in staring at Albus. Albus pictured his brother taunting,

"Al's gonna be in Slytherin! Ha-ha, better grow some scales first!"

Albus tried to remember what his dad had said about the Sorting Hat, but he couldn't get the image of his brother out of his mind.

"Gryffindor." he stammered. "Definitely, Gryffindor."

Lexi seemed impressed by his immediate response, and decided to start a new conversation.

"So Rosie, is that short for Rosaline? What classes are you looking forward to the most?"

As the girls and Stephen began a heated discussion about Transfiguration, Albus pulled out a book his father had bought him as a present, Hogwarts, a History. He had already read this book countless times, but somehow always found something new and fascinating each time. Albus looked up, sensing a pause in the conversation, and saw Lexi eyeing his book.

"You're reading that? That was the first book I read after visiting Diagon Alley!"

Albus hastily shoved it back in the case.

"Oh no, just looking at the cover. I've read it loads of times. I was actually about to pull out A Complete Beginner's List of: Spells, Charms, Hexes, Jinxes, Curses, and Counters."

Lexi snapped into attention.

"You got that? My mother refused, saying I had to focus on practical spells first. I suppose your father bought it for you…would you mind if I took a look at it?"

Albus shook his head and handed her the book. She opened it, oohing and ahhing at every page. Ten minutes time found them practicing basic spells on each other.

"Foliculous!" shouted Lexi.

Albus's hair began growing, soon covering his entire face. Rosie and Stephen burst into laughter, just as the compartment door opened.

"Anything off the trolley, dear- AHHH!" screamed the old woman when she caught sight of Albus.

Lexi stifled her fit of giggles, pointed her wand and murmured, "Finite." Then she nodded at the woman, pulling out a few coins. She was interrupted by a male voice.

"I've got that. My treat, no pun intended."

Scorpius Malfoy stepped into view, handing the woman a large stack of Galleons. She tossed handfuls of everything into a large back, handed it to Scorpius, and pushed the trolley away. Scorpius poked his head in.

"Is it alright if I join you four?" He gestured the bag of sweets, luring them in like a predator.

Lexi and Stephen shrugged, but Rosie and Albus hesitated. From what his parents and relatives had said, the Malfoy family was rotten, and not to be messed with. If Rosie had inherited one thing from her father, it was her hatred for the Malfoys. Albus, however, didn't see a problem- he just spent about 20 Galleons on them for no reason.

"Sure thing. Here, sit next to me."

Albus put his bag below his feet, making room for Scorpius. Rosie elbowed him hard, and ignored them both. Albus thought to himself, He hasn't given you any reason to hate him. Yet. And just because his father and grandfather were absolute jerks doesn't mean he is…

Scorpius handed out snacks, and Albus gladly took several Chocolate Frogs, Bertie Botts, and Drooble's Gum. When Scorpius offered Rosie some Pumpkin Pasties, she just looked away angrily without a word. Scorpius looked a bit crestfallen, but made the best of it. The spell practicing was over, seeing as everyone was distracted by the candy. Scorpius was telling everyone about his House ideas.

"Well, everyone expects me to be put into Slytherin, because of my lineage, but I'm not so sure. I've definitely got the intelligence and cleverness for Ravenclaw, and Gryffindor would certainly be a marvelous option. Not so sure about Hufflepuff…"

Stephen seemed to take offense to this, and muttered something about Slytherin. Rosie coughed loudly.

"You wish you had the bravery to be in Gryffindor."

Scorpius turned to her.

"Excuse me?"

Rosie flashed him a fake smile.

"You heard me, Scorpio."

Scorpius looked taken aback by her ferocity.

"It's Scorpius, actually, and have I done something to offend you?"

Rosie laughed to herself, got up, and walked out. Everyone looked around awkwardly, until Albus spoke.

"Don't mind her-she has a bit of a temper. She…er… doesn't like your family much, Scorpius."

Scorpius raised his eyebrows.

"I figured that, but I wish she would not assume my behavior is the same as my father and grandfather's. And please, Albus, or Al, call me Scor."

Albus chuckled.

"Scor?"

Scorpius nudged him playfully.

"My mom likes it, and it's easier to yell at me that way."

The four of them got back into the subject preferences, and took turns giving their opinions. Stephen was saying,

"Well, I honestly think all the classes sound very intriguing. Herbology is in my blood, so I look forward to that especially. I'm also very eager for Charms."

Lexi nodded.

"I am looking forward to everything, especially Transfiguration. I mean, changing one thing to another? It's simply fascinating. Potions and Charms also sound very worthwhile. I was speaking to my parents, and found out that in our third year we can take on more classes. I personally want to take as many as I can, especially Ancient Runes! I'm not so sure about Divination or Care of Magical Creatures though…"

Albus spoke up.

"Oh, I've heard from my dad that Care of Magical Creatures is brilliant, especially since Hagrid is teaching. As far as this year goes, I'm looking forward to Charms and Transfiguration. And Quidditch!"

Stephen frowned at this last option, and Lexi seemed a bit uninterested. Scorpius, however, seemed to agree that Quidditch was one of the most important things at Hogwarts. They started to discuss their favorite teams and brooms, but Albus noticed the other two starting to look uncomfortable, so he changed the subject.

"So, Lexi, Stephen. Are you two both purebloods? Not that it matters, honestly, but I'm just curious."

Stephen shrugged.

"I'm half-blood. Me mum's a Muggle, me dad's a wizard."

Lexi put in,

"I'm pure-blood. But I really don't think it makes a difference at all. What's your opinion, Scor?"

This was exactly Albus had intended- his real test for Scorpius.

Scor raised his eyebrows.

"Well I'm pure-blood, but I believe it makes no difference, no matter what your blood status is. I've always grown up hearing pure-bloods are so much better, but people prove that wrong all the time."

Albus beamed, and that was when they became friends, regardless of what anyone he knew thought or said.

Soon, they were swapping wands, discussing the different types of cores and wood. Albus was just telling everyone about his phoenix feather core when an intercom came on, and a loud, obnoxious voice began speaking.

"All students are advised to change into their school robes, as we are within ten minutes of Hogwarts Castle. Students are also reminded to leave all luggage on the train, as they will be brought to the castle separately. To all first-years (the four of them listened attentively), be prepared to meet Hagrid, The Keeper of Keys and Grounds, who will escort you to the castle on a different route then the others. Have a wonderful year at Hogwarts!"

Lexi stood up, announcing,

"I'm changing into my robes immediately!"

Stephen and Scorpius followed suit, so Albus decided to follow along.

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Ten minutes later, they were shuffling through the station, making their way towards the giant man waving his arms calling, "FIRST YEARS! FIRST YEARS, OVER HERE!" When Hagrid saw him, he grinned.

"Albus Potter! You look just like your mother! Except for your eyes. You've got your father's eyes." Hagrid laughed, because apparently this was funny to him.

Hagrid led them to the boats, and Albus climbed in with Scorpius, Lexi, and Stephen. Once they were moving, Albus looked around, noticing Rosie with some other kids, looking dejected. She caught his eye, and then looked away. Albus sighed, and craned his neck to the left, trying to see Hogwarts before everyone else. He leaned a bit too far, and…SPLASH!

Albus went underwater, soaking his brand new robes, and kicked his legs. He broke the surface, gasping for air, watching everyone laugh and point. Great way to introduce yourself, idiot! He thought to himself. Scorpius reached out a hand, which Albus took gladly. He clambered into the boat, and Lexi whipped out her wand, and said, "Tergeo!" Lexi siphoned the water away, and then muttered a second incantation. Hot air streamed out of the end of her wand, drying Albus's body and robes. When he was completely dry, he thanked Lexi profusely, and gave Hagrid a thumbs-up. Hagrid chuckled, shaking his head.

Albus glanced up, and first laid eyes on Hogwarts. The magnificent castle loomed in the darkness, its many windows brightening up the already starry sky. The towers reached high into the sky, seeming as if the castle never ended. Albus let out a loud, ohhh, and everyone grinned. It was the most spectacular thing he had ever seen.

Everyone got out of their boats and walked into the hall, whirling in every direction to admire every inch. Albus watched staircases move left and right, people and objects in portraits run around, and even a ghost zoom up to the highest point of the castle. When Albus faced front, he noticed Hagrid was gone, replaced by a calm looking blonde witch.

"Hello, first-years," she said in a slow, soothing voice. "My name is Professor Lovegood, the Deputy-Headmistress of Hogwarts. I am the Charms Professor and the Head of Ravenclaw House as well. I trust you all had a nice journey here, and now it is time for you to be sorted. There are four Houses at Hogwarts, known as Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Here at Hogwarts, your House is like your family. Talents and intelligence will earn your House points, and mischief and cheek will deduct points. Points are recorded in the large hourglasses over there," she said, gesturing behind the first-years. "The House with the most points at the end of the year will win the House Cup, a great honor. Hopefully you all will become great attributes to your respective Houses."

Albus leaned closer to Scorpius, and whispered,

"Hopefully."

Luna caught his eye, and Albus shut up. She continued,

"Your Sorting Ceremony will begin once we enter the Great Hall, so try to be quiet. Maybe even try to think of smart things. Oh, and Ms. Weasley," she said, looking at Rosie. "There are several Nargles above your head."

And with that, she led the first-years in a single file line into the great hall. The rest of the school was already seated, and stared at the kids walking in. Professor Lovegood waved her wand, and a stool, and long list, and a battered old hat appeared. The hat began to twitch, and it began to sing. Albus had read in Hogwarts, a History that each year of students hears the hat's song differently, although he wasn't exactly sure why. The book also explained that as a second-year and above, you might hear the Sorting Hat relate its song to current times.

"Oh, you may not think I'm pretty,

But don't judge on what you see,

I'll eat myself of you can find

A smarter hat than me.

You can keep your bowlers black,

Your top hats sleek and tall,

For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat

And I can cap them all.

There's nothing hidden in your head

The Sorting Hat can't see

So try me on and I will tell you

Where you ought to be.

You might belong in Gryffindor,

Where dwell the brave at heart,

Their daring, nerve, and chivalry

Set Gryffindors apart;

You might belong in Hufflepuff,

Where they are just and loyal,

Those patient Hufflepuffs are true

Are true and unafraid of toil;

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,

If you're a ready mind,

Where those of wit and learning,

Will always find their kind;

Or perhaps in Slytherin

You'll make your real friends,

Those cunning folk use any means

To achieve their ends.

So put me on! Don't be afraid!

And don't get in a flap!

You're in safe hands (though I have none)

For I'm a Thinking Cap!

Everyone clapped and cheered, but when Professor Lovegood raised her hand, the Great Hall fell silent. Professor Lovegood picked up the list, and called in a loud, clear voice,

"When I call your name, please come up to the stool and place the hat on your head."

"Abbott, Stephen,"

Stephen walked up nervously, and picked up the Sorting Hat. He had barely placed it on his head when it opened its mouth and declared, "HUFFLEPUFF!"

The farthest table to the right burst into cheers, and Stephen joined them, grinning. By the time Albus looked back, Professor Lovegood was already moving down the list.

"Cacklebrow, Stumpy"

Albus burst into laughter as a severely obese boy walked up and sat on the stool. The moment his bottom touched the small, wooden stool, it collapsed, sending him flying. Everyone laughed, but Albus actually began to feel a bit sorry for him. Professor Lovegood waved her wand, fixing the stool and replacing it with a heftier sized stool, and helped Stumpy back up. Stumpy put the hat on, looking disgruntled, and shrieked when it screamed,

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

Stumpy threw the hat off and ran to the table, almost falling off the bench. Strange kid, Albus thought. A few minutes later, Albus turned his attention back to Professor Lovegood, who said,

"Heffy, Morgana"

A black-haired girl walked up, and placed the hat on her head. A few moments later,

"RAVENCLAW!"

So far, Hufflepuff had received four students, Ravenclaw got five, Gryffindor got three, and Slytherin got three as well. Albus was lost in thought when he heard a familiar name called.

"Lynn, Alexis"

Lexi quickly walked up, gracefully placing the hat on her head. It sat there for a while, and Albus noticed the hat's mouth whispering to her. Then,

"RAVENCLAW!"

Lexi smiled broadly, and went to join her new Housemates. Then,

"Malfoy, Scorpius"

Albus looked over to see his brother James twist his face in repulsion. Albus felt his fists clench over his friend, and looked up to see the hat speaking, loud enough to hear noise, which was unusual. Albus tried to understand, but it wasn't loud enough. After what seemed forever, the hat opened its mouth and shouted,

"GRYFFINDOR!"

Albus whooped loudly, and the entire Gryffindor table let out a gasp. James began booing, but Albus poked his wand out, muttering, "Silencio". James and his friends soon found it hard to make any noises. Scorpius sat down, and grinned at Albus, who smiled back. Albus looked back up, and realized he was at the front of the line.

"Potter, Albus"

Whispers flew across the hall.

"Potter? Like Albus Dumbledore?"

Albus walked slowly up to the stool, feeling every single eye on him. He picked up the hat, sat down, and placed the hat on his head. It sank low, covering his eyes. It spoke in a raspy voice right in his ear.

"Hello, Mr. Potter. Ah, yes, an excellent mind. Ripe, fresh, and ready to learn. You will do great things, Potter, oh yes. Ravenclaw would be nice, eh? Sharpen up that bright mind of yours? Oh, but you've got courage. Mighty strong... well this is a tough one, eh Potter? Slytherin would suit you well…oh yes! Slytherin would acknowledge your intelligence, and enhance your skills to their finest."

Albus frowned, thinking, please, not Slytherin. Anything but Slytherin. Please.

"Not Slytherin? Much like your father, I see. Your brother practically begged me to put him in Gryffindor; he had these fears of his family disowning him. He was in tears. No, not Slytherin, eh? How bout' Ravenclaw? Or Gryffindor...Well?"

Albus thought, wherever I belong.

"Wise choice...you belong in…GRYFFINDOR!"

Albus almost yelped with relief, and yanked the hat off, and sat down next to his brother, James, at the Gryffindor table. James smirked.

"Wow, little Ally managed to get in! What a success. You and your new friend are just freaks."

Albus turned.

"At least I didn't cry to the hat, "Please! No, if I'm in Slytherin, my family will disown me!"".

James's face went red, and his ears went pink. Albus high-fived Scorpius, and heard him whisper,

"I must be the first Malfoy to be in Gryffindor, EVER!"

Albus whistled softly, and turned in time to hear,

"Weasley, Rosaline"

Seconds later,

"GRYFFINDOR!"

Albus and James cheered along with the rest of the Gryffindor table, and she sat down next to Albus. She blushed, turning to Scorpius.

"I'm sorry for my behavior earlier. I judged you before knowing you. If the Sorting Hat saw that your heart truly lay in Gryffindor, I'm willing to accept it."

Scorpius smiled.

"That's a start. Thanks, Rosie."

When the three of them turned to the table, a feast awaited. They dug in, eating more than they had eaten in ages. They talked to lots of other Gryffindor, learning secrets and tips about the castles, like which doors were fake, which stairs had Vanishing Steps and things like that. Then, dessert, which had the same effect on the three. Tarts, pies, cakes, puddings, everything imaginable. Once it was all devoured, Albus heard a loud clanging. He looked up and saw Professor Longbottom, the headmaster prepare to give his speech.

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Sorry, I know that that was a strange place to finish the chapter, but I think it was getting pretty long, and I'm kinda tired. Thanks for reading, and please review!