September 1st 1991

Hogwarts Express

Jack Forrester sat in the compartment reading the Book of Standard Spells Stage 1 as he waited for the Hogwarts Express to reach Hogsmeade. He had heard the rumours that Harry Potter was to be starting Hogwarts as well this year, but he was not obsessed as he had heard some of the people he had observed were at Kings Cross. He was willing to make friends, but he would not be too sad if it took time to make them.

He held in his right hand his wand, which was twelve inches, made of alder wood with a dragon heartstring core. He had been practising the Levitation Charm on a mirror which he was currently using to stare at his reflection. His brown hair had finally flattened with his piercing blue eyes making sure he had set his uniform correctly.

Sighing he levitated the mirror back into his bag. He knew that soon he would arrive at Hogwarts and go through the sorting which his Mother and Father had told him much about. His Half Blood Father John Forrester was in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement as an Auror and had been a Ravenclaw. His Half Blood Mother Mary Forrester had been in Slytherin and was now a Potions Mistress. Both had been separate from the pure blood dogma that seemed to have coming out from some its students.

Luckily his father had also taught him basic Occlumency to keep anyone from learning anything they shouldn't personally, plus protect any house secrets that Jack knew. He also had been taught by his parent some decent duelling and potion brewing knowledge. Overall he had a significant lead over most students starting the First Year this year. However he wouldn't take this for granted or slack off. He was eager to learn everything he could.

He was thankful of the knowledge he had already thanks to his parents, but he knew that what he knew was tiny compared to what there was to learn. Charms, Defence Against the Dark Arts and Potions were the classes he was looking forward to the most. He had no real love for Quidditch, preferring the Muggle game Chess. He was willing to do his best and make his parents proud.

Then suddenly he felt that the train was slowing down, signalling the approach of it to Hogsmeade. In his mind he pictured which house he would be in. However he knew that whatever it was he would be making the most of his time at Hogwarts. The journey was now beginning from this moment.

Stepping off the Hogwarts Express and towards the loud voice coming from a very large man. "First years come this way! Come this way please!"

Walking in the crowd Jack looked around in curiosity at his now fellow year mates. He felt a sense of apprehension as he didn't yet know at the Sorting Ceremony which house he would be sorted to. At this point they had made their way along a shady path that had led to a fleet of small boats, which his parents had told him sailed themselves across the Black Lake.

As they sailed across the Black Lake, he continued to ponder his potential and what his limits would be. The boats arrived at a small landing stage near the base of Hogwarts Castle the new arrivals buzzing with excitement and apprehension. He was feeling very excited and looked forward to the Sorting which was now moments away.

As he waited for his sorting he looked around at the house tables with a calculating gaze. Finally setting eyes on the top table where the Staff sat, he could see the Headmaster Albus Dumbledore watching carefully.

Pulling his attention back to the sorting, he finally heard his name called by the Deputy Headmistress Professor McGonagall.

"Forrester, Jack!"

Walking with purpose he reached the stool and sat down.

The hat was placed on his head and suddenly a voice appeared in his mind.

'Hmm you have such an interesting mind like your mother and father. Gryffindor and Hufflepuff are definitely not for you...as you are not reckless and also you would be bored in Hufflepuff.'

'Damn right' came the mental response from Jack.

'Glad we agree. Well I am sure that you are studious and intelligent, but you also have cunning and ambition...hmmm...you will be great in...SLYTHERN!"

'Good luck Mr Forrester...' wished the Sorting Hat before it was lifted from his head.

Walking towards the Slytherin table he realised that now he was on his rightful path...