Chapter 3:

Previously on Nineteen Years Later…

Oh, heck we've made you wait enough! I think you all remember how the last chapter ended, and if you don't, you need to read it right now. Cuz it rox! Well, on with the third chapter!

Albus sat on the old, wooden stool in fear. Pure fear. He had been dreading this moment ever since his brother had gotten his letter, and his parents had informed that he too would be getting the same letter in year's time. As Rose had said earlier, this was it. All of his friends, cousins, and his own brother were in Gryffindor. Heck, even the next generation of the family rivalry was in Gryffindor. He watched in terror as Headmistress McGonagall picked up the old hat and placed it on his head. There was a five-or-so second delay, and the hat began to speak.

"Hmmm…right….no," it continued. All the while, Albus was repeating the same two words over and over again in his head: "Not Slytherin, not Slytherin…" The crowd in the Great Hall could feel the tension and built-up anxiety, especially towards the Gryffindor table.

"Seems to be just like the father. Very bright. Creative. And courage, courage, ahh yes. Better be.." Albus froze up. All eyes were on him, this was it… "GRYFFINDOR!"

Albus was still frozen up. He didn't think he had heard right. From the excruciatingly deafening cheering erupting from the Weasley/Potter clan, he guessed that all had gone well. He jumped off the rickety stool, still shaking from aftershock, and slowly walked over to his family, a smile spreading over his previously nerve-stricken face.

"Yeah, Al! Great job!" screamed Rose.

"We knew you'd make it!" shouted Teddy, from the professor's table at the front of the hall. Also, there were his parent's friend Neville, now Professor Longbottom to him, and Hagrid, both clapping loudly and proudly.

"Good job, man," said James, as Al took the vacant seat next to him. Al quickly hugged his brother, who surprisingly hugged back. They ended it pretty quickly, so as not to seem too…well, yeah.

They sat through the rest of the sorting, the whole time a smile still plastered on Albus' face. He needed to remember to owl his mother and father, and tell his dad that he was right. He took his advice into consideration, and it actually worked. It gave him more inner confidence, but it definitely didn't show when he went up to be categorized.

When everyone was placed in their suitable house, Professor McGonagall stepped up to the podium to give her start-of-term speech.

"Good evening, boys and girls, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to another year at Hogwarts. Before we feast, I want to extend, on behalf of myself and the rest of the staff and alumni, a warm welcome to four people that will be joining us this year. First, we welcome Professor Neville Longbottom, and his wife, Luna, who will be taking over the positions of Herbology professor and librarian. May Professors Sprout and Pince have a lovely retirement, and may Madam Pince enjoy the rest of her life with her new husband, Mister Argus Filch."

At this comment, the entire room stifled laughter, and Albus thought he could feel two of his ribs cracking from the restraining. James, next to him, was making no effort whatsoever at hiding his amusement, and was animatedly talking about it Shane and Dan, who were across from them.

"Also, this semester, Hogwarts welcomes Theodore Lupin," (he winced at his real name), "and Victoire Weasley, who will be with us as assistant professors in Defense Against the Dark Arts and Transfiguration."

As the clapping climaxed, Victoire leaned in to plant one on Teddy, in front of everyone, but he swiftly turned his head, and suddenly acquired interest with Madame Pomfrey's broach. He loved his affectionate girlfriend, but was not up for public displays of affection.

"Okay, I would like to lay down a few ground rules for our new class of students. We want you all to know that the Forbidden Forest is, in fact, forbidden. We have had some…adventures…in the past, and we all need to steer clear of that. It is located towards the western side of the school, so avoid going there at all costs. Also, all students are required to wear their full uniform to and from class. Boys, you may remove your jackets in the classroom, but only with permission from a teacher. You never know when there will be an inspection, so no alterations."

It was ironically odd how, as she said that last sentence, she directed her attention fully on the trio of boys still privately holding their own conversation.

"So, with that said, let the feasting begin!" The plates in front of the students suddenly contained heaps of all of Albus's favorites: potatoes, drumsticks, and black beans. There were countless other dinner options, and, all around him, kids were excitedly digging into their dinners, not having eaten since the train ride. Al grabbed a piece of chicken, and began talking to Rose about how relieved they were to be in Gryffindor. They eyed Scorpius suspiciously from the end of the table, and watched as he ate all alone, ignored, and Albus kind of felt bad for him. He would have offered him to sit with them, if he weren't a Malfoy.

Suddenly, the back doors of the Great Hall swung open, revealing a tall, pale figure. He had greasy, blond hair, a pointed nose, and a robe buttoned to his chin. He looked like he felt important, and his stride was that of a mad scientist pacing his laboratory, thinking up an evil plan. "Sorry I'm late, Professor. I was held up at the Min… WHAT IS MY SON DOING OVER THERE!!!!!????"

Hehe, not much of a cliff hanger this time, but I think you all know who this mystery man is. I hope you're happy at how I ended it and everything. If you are, and even if you aren't, please review. The results have been fantastic so far! Thank you to candyk8, animanga128, surferchick2004, amythestpony, Cali Ra-chan, Princess Assassin, and SingingBird812 for reading and reviewing!!! We appreciate the loyalty so much, and you guys rock!! We love you all!

Much Love,

iheartron547