OK, so this story is important because it adds another character to the mix

As always, JK owns the world, or at least the magical portions

Chapter 2

Teddy had explained everything, and Albus could not be more shocked. Somehow, James had out as well, and he came to explain with Teddy what their dad had said when he came to explain it to James two years ago.

"He didn't want us to deal with the fame and the pressure," said James, after Teddy had finished. "He and mum were worried that we would try to do the things our father did or try to live up to the hype. They also didn't want us thinking we were above other people."

When Albus thought about it, the story explained so much. The people bowing to Harry on the streets and stammering when they met him, the excuses made for random gift baskets and presents finding their way to their house. Even the, what Albus now supposed it was, fan mail from wizards, witches and squibs from across the country and even from America and Asia and the rest of Europe, people they didn't even know. It all made sense.

The rest of the train ride was a blur. Albus vaguely remembered getting on his robes, descending from the train and onto the Hogwarts platform and getting in a boat, assisted by Rose, followed by Lucy and Scorpious. The boats across the lake now were able to hold four people in each, according to Hagrid's shouting.

When they disembarked on the other shore, Albus lost his grip on Rose's arm. Scorpious and Lucy were pulled past him in the current of other first-years. "Albus!" he heard over the roar of others. Pushed out to the edge, he felt himself tripping and falling. Unfortunately, he took someone else down with him.

Albus landed on his back, someone with blonde, curly hair on top of him. He heard the sound of books falling and the customary groan of pain form both persons involved in the fall. From the other person's groan, Albus could tell that it was a she.

"Oh shoot," she said, "I'm so sorry! I am such a klutz!" the girl rolled over from on top of Albus' spleen and pulled herself up. She stood up and held a hand out for Albus.

"Hi, I'm Emily Thomas."

Albus took the hand and let her pull him up. Her books were scattered around them.

"Albus Potter."

Albus watched Emily's eyes widen and her jaw drop. Albus had always wondered why people did that when they met him, but now he knew. He bent over and picked up Emily's books as she was still in shock. When he stood back up, books in hand, he looked around for the rest of the group. Unfortunately, they were no where in sight. Books under one arm, Albus grabbed one of Emily's arms in his free hand and pulled her with him in the direction that the group was moving before they had become separated.

"Look," said Albus, still dragging Emily, "I just found out that my father defeated the most dangerous dark wizard of all time, so that means that only I have the right to be in shock, so SNAP OUT OF IT!!!!"

Emily shook her head roughly and only then seemed to realize that Albus was leading her.

"Welcome back," said Albus, releasing her arm. Emily stopped though, in the middle of the path they were currently following. Albus turned to face her. "Well, c'mon. The feast will start without us if we don't hurry." Emily shook her head one last time, sighed, and walked to catch up with Albus. They then ran down the path to find a pair of gargantuan doors which, when opened, led into an opening hall, where, unfortunately someone was waiting for them. Neville Longbottom motioned them over to him.

"Oh, shoot," murmured Emily, for the second time that night.

"Exactly," whispered Albus, making her smile briefly. They walked slowly over to Neville. He had his arms crossed, and was staring them down.

"I am so disappointed, Albus," began Neville. "When Professor McGonagall said you were missing, I thought she had to be kidding. Of the three of you siblings, I knew that I could always count on you to be on time, turn in your assignments and pass every test. Both of you, this is a horrid way to start your first year at Hogwarts!" By the end of this speech, Neville had raised his voice to shouting level.

"Neville lo-" began Albus, before getting cut off.

"No, Albus, you are at Hogwarts now. It is Professor Longbottom!" Neville sighed and rubbed his forehead. "C'mon, we have to get you into the Great Hall. This way." Neville, oh I mean Professor Longbottom, led Albus and Emily through a maze of halls and finally through a door and into the Great Hall behind a big table where the teachers were sitting. None of the teachers turned to look, but almost every student did. Emily turned a shade of red that none knew existed, but Albus held his head high and faced the hall. He looked to the Gryffindor table, where his cousins and siblings sat. Teddy gave him a heavy glare, Fred and Roxy waved excitedly, Victoire looked concerned, James glared and everyone else just looked away. In line, Rosie rubbed her forehead while Scorpious and Lucy whispered together, looking in there direction.

"Mr. Potter, Miss Thomas," said McGonagall, sternly, "if you would grace us with your presence, please."

Albus and Emily moved forward and got in line. Neville took his seat as herbology professor. Emily moved close to Albus and whispered in his ear.

"Help, my sister is trying to kill me with glares."

Albus looked over the crowd and saw a girl with Emily's hair glaring in their direction. Too much longer later, the pair reached the line and their sorting.

So, Al isn't off to a great start. I've finished writing the story, but I won't publsih anymore until at least one of you reviews. C'mon, I will take anything! A comment, a question, a simple "ur story sux!", anything! But no more chapters until then!!