A Fresh Beginning: Albus Severus Potter

Chapter 2: A messy arrival

It has been a long eight hours since they first arrived on the Hogwarts Express. Albus and James are stuffed with the amount of chocolate and candy they ate alongside their journey aboard. The two boys have each taken their spot and napped until their arrival. The cauldron cakes have an effect that apparently makes you tired – or it could be the fact you cleaned the old witch of her trolley. Anyway – Albus had a faint dream which involves his father worrying about him. He couldn't remember anything but it all resolved in him waking up with the feeling of not moving. He could feel the Hogwarts Express stop. He knew they had finally arrived.

'James, wake up. James we arrived, James!' Albus finally yelled, waking his poor brother up, his hair untidy as ever.

'What Al?' James replied, eyes closed, still partly asleep.

'James there's nobody else on the train. I reckon they're already in the castle, I think we slept while everyone else left. James they missed us!'

At the last two words Albus shouted, James immediately woke up, straightening his back and taking his luggage out. Albus imitated his brother by packing his things.

They were quietly disturbed by the dark figure of a tall, old man who is covered in what looks like gravel. He was wearing a dirty cloak, robes and a handkerchief hanging out of his necktie.

'What are you two lads still doing in here?' The old man questioned. He had a very deep voice which involved a surprising tone. 'Everyone left ages ago! I daresay they're already in the castle starting their sorting, what are yeh doin in here? Get out yeh lazy gits! I'd run if I were you, you might not make it!'

'Sorry sir, we were asleep while everyone left, I wonder why nobody woke us up,' James asked, although regret what he said once he saw the blinds over his compartment. He must have put them there when they were sleeping. 'Oh.' James forcefully said.

With that said, the two wizards ran out to find a greeting Hagrid in their way. Hagrid was the Care of Magical Creatures Professor and normally escorted the young wizards across the lake and in the castle to begin the sorting ceremony.

''er yeh are boys, where 'av yeh ben? Sorting ceremony begins 'n nearly 'ive minutes. Better get yeh goin, follow me,' Hagrid's deep voice recalled.

'Sorry sir, but are you Hagrid?' Albus asked, having to look straight up, unable to see Hagrid's face above his beaming body compared to them, or anyone really.

'Yes I am lads, I 'spect you know I am the Care of Magical Creatures Professor,' Hagrid announced happily. 'But that's not teh worry ri't now son we gotta get yeh to the castle to get yeh'r sorting announced.'

'Yes Professor, my father has told me an enormous amount of information about you sir, you use to be the gamekeeper of Hogwarts?' Albus asked.

'Albus, he's a Professor, not a gamekeeper. What on earth are you speaking about, you're embarrassing Professor Hagrid!' James told Albus.

'Did yeh say Albus,' as Albus gave a nod, Hagrid continued, 'May I ask who yeh'r father is lad?'

'Harry James Potter, Professor Hagrid.' Hagrid stopped dead in his tracks, with a stern look on his face. 'I dare ask you know who he is?' Albus questioned Hagrid.

'Yeh'r Harry's son? Harry Potter?' Hagrid asked. Albus nodded. So did James, and Hagrid turned his face towards James, with a look that said "so-are-you?" and James nodded once more. 'My, my, my! Yeh'r Albus Severus Potter; and yeh'r James Potter? My I have been waitin' fer this day fer a lon' lon' time lads. 'ow's Harry?'

Just when Albus opened his mouth, Hagrid was already in one of the row boats motioning them to repeat the same and jump in.

Once they were across, James attempted to open to doors handles but it wouldn't budge. He pulled harder and harder and nothing strained.

'Them doors will never open, there's a series load of enchantments and blasted spells put on this castle. Hagrid pulled out a large pink umbrella, similar to the one Harry experienced during his school years; and pointed it towards the doors.

'Alohomara, no, duo remplintem - Dang this blasted contraption, what is that sp-'

Suddenly, the two large wooden oak doors opened revealing an old aged witch who goes by the name Headmistress Minerva McGonagall.

'Professor Hagrid, where have you been', McGonagall's voice was as high as ever, she was wearing her hair in a tower with the legendary bun. Her robes are emerald green, matching her bright eyes. She seemed older than anyone Albus had seen in his entire life. 'The ceremony has just begun, and there is one less empty seat. Who do we have here Professor Hagrid?'

'This, 'edmistress is James, and Albus Severus Potter.' Hagrid replied, putting emphasis on the last word, "Potter".

Professor McGonagall looked bewildered. She kept the same face for what felt like hours, but was no more than fifteen seconds; but for someone this old, it must be a record.

'I see, this is Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley's sons? You two should be proud of what your father has done for us nineteen years ago, as our school of Witchcraft and Wizardry would have not existed. I welcome Hogwarts as your home. Please follow me and we shall indeed join the ceremony as every other welcomed guest.