September 1st seemed to arrive much faster than normal that year. Scott Peck, dressed in his dark blue Ravenclaw robes, got the attention of several passerby because of his clothing and his obliviousness to anyone who stopped and pointed. He arrived at King's Cross station, and when he reached the barrier between platforms nine and ten, he casually leaned against it, disappearing without any of the nearby Muggles noticing.

Scott looked around at the familiar setting. To his left was the red train he had first boarded 26 years earlier. It seemed a lifetime ago to him. He started walking along the station platform, where dozens of families were gathered to see off their children to the term at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As he got closer, he saw a group of familiar faces, including the flaming red hair that belonged to several in the group. When they saw him approaching, they smiled.

"Scott!" Harry exclaimed as the two shook hands. "Long time no see! How have you been?"

"I've been great," Scott replied as he hugged Harry's wife, Ginny. "Defense Against the Dark Arts is quite a fun subject to teach, you know. Even if I have to have you come and entertain my class with your tales as an auror."

They all laughed. Harry and Ginny's oldest son, James, rolled his eyes and walked away, searching for something more interesting.

"Sorry about James," said Ginny. "You know what he's like."

"He reminds me of his uncle Ron," Scott replied, nodding at Ron.

"Don't know what you're talking about," said Ron, grinning as he shook hands with Scott.

"Oh, of course you don't, Ron," said Hermione, hugging Scott. "But you'd know exactly what Scott was talking about if he was talking about something related to that shop."

"But of course!"

They all laughed again before Harry spoke.

"So, is it true that McGonagall retired?" he asked.

"Well, she did retire as headmistress," Scott explained. "She seems to be getting on a bit and decided she'd rather go back to teaching rather than run the school. I've been helping her as deputy headmaster for the last decade, so that's probably why she asked me to take over for her."

"She did?" exclaimed Hermione. "And have you decided?"

"Course I did," said Scott. "You're looking at the next Headmaster of Hogwarts!"

"Oh, Scott, that's wonderful!" Hermione cried, pulling Scott into another hug.

"Coming from the Minister for Magic, that means quite a bit," Scott replied, grinning at Hermione's blushing.

"Oh, shut up," she said, trying to sound cross, but smiling.

"So, who's going to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts now?" asked Ron.

"You all remember our old friend Nigel?"

Everyone nodded; it was hard to forget someone who thought of them all as heroes.

"He's been teaching Transfiguration since McGonagall left the post, but she practically demanded she go back to teach her best subject. Wouldn't take no for an answer. So, my first duty as headmaster was to appoint him as Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher so that everyone would be pleased."

"Sounds like you made the right decision," said Harry.

"Yeah, I sure hope so," Scott said. "And so since it's my first day as Headmaster, I decided to take the train to the school so I can meet some of the students."

"Well, you can meet one of them now," said Ginny, gesturing to her younger son, who was looking at Scott with some apprehension. "This is our son, Albus, who is starting at Hogwarts today."

Scott turned to Albus and smiled at him, shaking his hand. "Pleasure to meet you, Albus."

"Thanks, it's nice to meet you, too. My parents have told me loads about you."

"Well I hope it was nothing too bad," Scott said, grinning at Harry and Ginny. "You know something Albus? I could tell right away you are your father's son. You have his and your grandmother's eyes. They stuck out to me right away. They are distinct and set you apart from the others in your family." Albus lit up as Scott talked. "Are you ready for your first day at Hogwarts?"

"I think so, Professor," he said.

Scott held up a hand. "You don't have to call me 'Professor,' Albus. Feel free to call me 'Scott.' I've never been comfortable with students calling me professor. Most just call me Scott or Peck."

"All right then," said Albus, grinning. "Well, Scott, I think I'm ready for Hogwarts. I'm just a little worried that I'll be put in Slytherin."

Albus glanced up at his father, who sighed.

"Well, you know something, Albus?" Scott said. Albus shook his head. "There is absolutely nothing wrong with being a Slytherin. That house has belonged to hundreds of great witches and wizards who are far different than Slytherin's reputation. You have nothing to fear from being a Slytherin, except maybe some friendly competition from other members of your family," Scott added, smiling.

"Thanks, Scott," Albus said. "That makes me feel loads better."

"I'm glad," Scott replied as a whistle blow sounded throughout the platform.

"Looks like it's time to go," Scott said. "It was wonderful to see you all again!"

"Yeah, great to see you again, Scott," Harry said, pulling Scott into a hug. "Say hello to everyone for me, and tell Nigel that I'd love to come and speak to his class."

"Oh, I will."

"And give Neville our love, since I'm sure the boys won't do it," added Ginny.

"I'll expect full reports on the goings-on at Hogwarts," said Hermione, suddenly sounding cross again. Scott glanced at her for a few seconds before Hermione burst out laughing. "Only joking."

"Oh, you're so funny, Minister," Scott said, giving her a hug. "I think you should leave the jokes to your husband."

"You and me both," said Ron, clapping Scott on the back.

"Well, I'd better get on board or I'll miss this bloody train. Might have to steal a flying car and take it to Hogwarts."

Harry and Ron roared with laughter as Scott turned and boarded the train. The Hogwarts Express slowly started to move away and Scott leaned out of a window, waving heartily to Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione. Once they disappeared from view, Scott walked a few steps before finding a compartment where Albus, James, Rose and Hugo Malfoy sat.

"Hi, everyone, do you mind if I join you?" he asked as he stuck his head into the compartment.

"Not at all," Albus said excitedly. "Come on in."

Scott smiled and walked into the compartment, his robes billowing behind him. He sat down next to Albus, who seemed a little giddy.

"I'm Scott Peck, your new Headmaster of Hogwarts."

All was well.