House: Ravenclaw
Year: 3
Category: Standard
Prompt: [Event] Being re-sorted / Requesting a re-sorting
Word Count: 887

The Wrong House

"Slytherin!"

Albus sat frozen on the stool, his hands gripping the sides, hard. No-one was clapping, only staring because Merlin, Harry Potter's kid was in Slytherin!

Shit, this was not how this was supposed to happen. The situation he'd talked to his dad about was purely hypothetical. He wanted to be in Gryffindor. James was in Gryffindor! James loved Gryffindor, his walls were painted red and gold, and all he talked about was how cool his school house was. He looked over to the Gryffindor table nervously, and it was then he realized James was actually one of the few people clapping for him – he and his friends had actually stood up in an attempt to get the other students to join in. He looked over to the Slytherin table where his new friend Scorpius was cheering along with the rest of Slytherin house.

Maybe this wouldn't be too bad.

He slid off the stool and risked a glance at the head table, where the Headmistress was clapping determinedly, the other teachers following her lead, a look of curious surprise on their faces.

Albus wanted to yell that he wasn't his dad – he was his own person and why did these expectations follow him around wherever he went? The 'we expect great things from you' speech from Ollivander at the wand shop, and the constant looks of awe from people he'd never met.

How was he supposed to live up to being a hero?

Well, fuck them. Albus walked to the Slytherin table and sat down next to Scorpius in a dignified manner, knowing every eye in the great hall was on him.

"Just ignore them," Scorpius whispered as McGonagall announced the next person, the witch in question tripping on the stairs, obviously confused at the whispers being passed around the hall.

And Albus did ignore them. Well, he tried, for a bit. That week, Scorpius was amazing, shooting nasty glances at anyone who looked at them too long, as if to say, yes he's in Slytherin – so what? Albus was grateful, although the looks secretly bothered him.

It took a week before he Albus snapped. If people didn't think he belonged in the Slytherin house, then he'd give them what they wanted.

.

"So, Mr Potter, what is it I can do for you?" the Headmistress asked, peering over the top of her glasses."

The office was not quite how Albus had imagined. It seemed a lot smaller and cosier than the grand image his dad had had painted it out to be. Sure, it was pretty impressive, with all the magical trinkets on the shelves and the paintings lining the walls, but Albus had been quite nervous to enter and seeing the size of the room calmed him a little.

"Why don't you take a seat?" McGonagall asked, kindly. "Now what is it that's troubling you?"

Albus didn't know where to begin.

"I –" he faltered. "I don't think... Is it possible to get resorted?"

McGonagall let out a short chuckle, before shaking her head. "I'm afraid not, Mr Potter. At least, I don't think it's possible. It's certainly never been attempted before."

Albus let out a huff. "But that's not fair! The sorting hat must have made a mistake or something and now I have to suffer the consequences."

McGonagall sighed, although seemed slightly amused at his dramatics

"Would you like a biscuit, Mr Potter?"

The headmistress had picked up a bright yellow tin from her desk and was holding it out to Albus, who looked at them in confusion, before picking out a custard cream.

"Thank you? But if this is a distraction, it's not going to work."

The headmistress chuckled again. "No, I suppose it won't. Why is it that you want a resorting, Mr Potter?"

"I don't belong in Slytherin," Albus stated confidently. "None of my family were in Slytherin."

"And? We've had twins in separate houses before, there's nothing wrong with that."

"I just feel like… Like I'm missing out, professor. They all grew up in Gryffindor tower, and their best memories were made being in such a great house."

Albus pretended not to see the glimmer of pride on the Headmistress' face at these words.

"But you have friends in Slytherin, do you not?" Albus nodded meekly. "Well, I daresay, you'll make some memories of your own Mr Potter. And, well, if it makes any difference, may I remind you that students can visit their friends in other houses should they make them."

Albus sighed. "I suppose. But… well everyone expected me to be in Gryffindor and be more like my dad, so I guess I just feel like I'm letting them down."

"You don't owe them anything, Mr Potter. Be true to yourself and you can shine in Slytherin.

Besides, I know a certain Mr Malfoy would be rather disappointed if you left him on his own don't you think?"

Albus said nothing but secretly agreed. He didn't think Scorpius would forgive him if Albus left him on his own.

"Well that's settled," McGonagall said, firmly.

"I suppose so," Albus said, and turned to leave.

"Mr Potter?"

"Yes?"

"If you have anything you wish to discuss with me, my office is open to you."

Albus nodded and walked out with a sigh. He was going to see Scorpius.