"Maybe we should have taken up Molly's offer to sit with her and her friends after all. The train is already nearly full.…" Albus Potter said to his cousin, Rose, as he followed her through the train, his eyes darting back and forth as he soaked in the chaos of the compartments on either side of them. Although their cousin, Molly, was only about four months older than Rose and six months older than Albus, she had been born in August, which meant she had started attending Hogwarts the previous year. Molly had made several friends in not only her own house, Hufflepuff, but also the others as well.

"Don't worry, Al. We'll find a place," Rose assured him. "Besides, Mum and our dads first met when they were going to Hogwarts as first years. We might meet our closest friends here too! We can't do that if we're with Molly and other second-years."

"I guess…" Albus muttered. At least if they sat with Molly, he could stay quiet and let his more outgoing cousins do all the talking. Albus was mentally preparing himself for the stares and gasps he knew he'd likely get when he told people he was Harry Potter's son. Not that Albus didn't love his dad, but… the Potter name certainly brought a lot of attention.

"Look, let's try this one," Rose said as she stopped at a compartment with only two young students in it, a boy and a girl. Before Albus could answer, Rose slid open the door and poked her head inside. "Hello! Are you first-years?"

"Yeah, we both are," said the girl as the boy nodded.

Rose grinned. "Great! So are we. I'm Rose Weasley and this is my cousin, Albus Potter. May we sit with you?"

"Of course," said the girl. "There's plenty of room. I'm Sophie Scott."

The boy, meanwhile, stared at them with wide eyes. "No way. The kids of the Golden Trio? My dad said you two were starting this year, but I didn't think I'd actually meet you on the train! My name is Owen Ferguson."

"Golden trio? What are you talking about?" Sophie questioned, frowning slightly.

"Oh, are you a muggle-born?" Rose asked as she entered the compartment and sat next to the girl. Albus tentatively sat down across from his cousin, next to Owen.

"I have no idea what that is. Should I be offended?"

"Oh no! My mum's a muggle-born! Are your parents magic?"

Sophie laughed. "No. It was quite a shock to us all when I got my letter. Mum and Dad never imagined magic was real!"

"Your parents are muggles, then. It's a word we use to describe people who aren't magical. That makes you muggle-born. It's not an insult, trust me."

Sophie nodded. "Well, I'll have to take your word for it. Who are your parents, anyway?"

"It's a long story," Albus said, but he smiled a little. It was kind of refreshing to meet someone who had no idea who his parents, aunt, and uncle were. For once, he wasn't just a Potter, the son of Harry and Ginny. He could just be Albus.

"We've got time," Rose said as the train started to move. "See, back in the eighties, when Uncle Harry was born, there was a man named Voldemort, and he -"

Rose was interrupted by the compartment door opening again, and all four heads turned towards the boy standing in the doorway, his grey eyes uncertain. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but is there room for one more?"

"You're Scorpius Malfoy, aren't you?" Rose said before anyone else could answer. "My dad pointed you out on the platform."

The boy nodded. "Yes, that's right."

"Well, come on then, Scorpius. Sit down. Are your parents famous too?" Sophie said.

If possible, Scorpius looked even more nervous, but also confused. "Er… a little, I suppose? I mean, Malfoy is a well-known name, but…"

"Sophie here is muggle-born," Rose said tactlessly. "So if you have a problem with that, Malfoy, you'd better leave."

"Rosie, don't be rude," Albus said softly as he saw Scorpius's eyes widen as he took a step back towards the compartment door he had just closed. Albus hated when people judged him just by his name, and he imagined Scorpius might feel the same.

Scorpius quickly shook his head. "Oh, I don't have a problem at all! Please let me stay, I promise I don't care about blood status…."

"... I thought you said muggle-born wasn't an insult," Sophie said warily, glancing between the other four.

"It isn't," Rose reassured her as Scorpius quietly sat next to Albus. "It's just, going back to Voldemort…"

Albus listened quietly as Rose explained the story of the wizarding wars and the role his father had played as the Boy Who Lived and Defeated the Dark Lord. Owen chimed in occasionally, while Albus periodically glanced over at Scorpius. The blonde-haired boy seemed particularly interested in staring at his shoes. Growing up with a well-known last name must have been just as hard for him, Albus realized, living in the shadow of his family for better or worse.

Sophie seemed absorbed in Rose's story. She listened intently, nodding occasionally. "Wow, that's a lot," she said when Rose was done. "I think I got most of it, but I'm still kind of lost."

Rose laughed, "That's okay. It's a long story. You don't have to understand everything straight away."

"What houses are you all hoping for?" Owen asked. "My dad was a Ravenclaw, and my mum is an American. She was in Thunderbird at Ilvermorny. I think I'd be a good fit for Ravenclaw, but I could see myself in Gryffindor, too."

Sophie shrugged since she had no background knowledge of the houses. Meanwhile, Rose's cheerful demeanor suddenly dropped as she frowned slightly. "Well… I really want Gryffindor…. Most of our family except for our cousins Victoire and Molly have been Gryffindors. I'm a little nervous I won't get in, though…. I hope I have what it takes. Albus and I have dreamed about being in Gryffindor together ever since we were little, right Al?"

Albus nodded but didn't say anything. In reality, while he used to dream of being in Gryffindor like his parents and most of his uncles, aunts, and cousins, Albus wasn't so sure if he belonged there. Even though Rose was nervous, Albus was sure she'd be okay no matter what house she was in. Rose was much braver than he was, and she was smart too, one of the best students in her year in her muggle primary school. If she wasn't in Gryffindor, she would certainly be a Ravenclaw. Their cousin Victoire was a seventh-year Ravenclaw, and the family had accepted her when she had been sorted there. Their family also supported Molly when she had been sorted into Hufflepuff. Albus knew if he was in Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff he would be accepted just like Vic and Molly, but what if he was in Slytherin? His dad said he would be supportive, but what about the rest of his family? His family's rejection was one of Albus's biggest fears. No matter how hard he tried to convince himself, Albus knew he wasn't cut out for Gryffindor. Even without James' taunting, he just knew. James' teasing just raised his anxiety even more. Albus didn't want to admit he was scared he belonged in Slytherin because he knew the entire Malfoy family had been in Slytherin, and he didn't want to offend Scorpius.

"I'm fine with any house," said blonde boy admitted. "My grandfather expects me to be a Slytherin like the rest of my family though."

"Slytherin is the last house I would want," Rose said. "No offense, Scorpius, but Slytherin still has a… not so great reputation."

"What do you mean?" asked Sophie.

"Most of the death eaters were in Slytherin," Owen explained. "A lot of their children and grandchildren are now at Hogwarts. My dad says there's still a lot of prejudice in that house, more so than the others, anyway."

"But not everyone is bad," Scorpius said softly. "I'm not going to lie to all of you, I know my family did bad things. But my dad's trying to be better. He's mostly stayed to himself my whole life. If I'm in Slytherin, I want to make a difference. I want to prove that Slytherins can change and we're not all bad. Only members of a house can change its reputation, after all."

Scorpius had a good point, Albus had to admit. He seemed kind-hearted, nothing like the Malfoys his Uncle Ron was always complaining about. Surely someone so nice couldn't be bad, even if he did end up in Slytherin. Albus admired Scorpius' goal. He wasn't sure what it was, but something drew him to the blonde-haired boy. Something told Albus Scorpius was someone he could count on. He wanted to get to know him better. Albus wanted to be known as someone other than Harry Potter's second son. Surely Scorpius deserved the same courtesy, and it wasn't fair to judge him based on who his father and grandparents were.

The rest of the ride passed quickly. The trolley witch came by, and the five first years bought a few handfuls of sweets each as they continued to chatter excitedly about their upcoming arrival at Hogwarts. After a while, the compartment door opened to reveal Albus's and Rose's older cousin, Dominique.

"Hey Rose, Hey Albus! Settling in alright?"

"Hey Dom," Rose greeted. "Yes, we've been talking with this lot the whole way. This is Sophie, Owen, and Scorpius."

Dominique grinned. "Great to meet you all. I'm Dominique Weasley, a 6th year Gryffindor prefect and Rose and Albus' cousin. I hope to see at least some of you in my house. I'm just making rounds and letting everyone know that we'll be arriving shortly, in about ten minutes."

The first years thanked Dominique, and the older girl headed off to the next compartment. The conversation picked up again, but Albus found himself gazing out the window more than listening to what the others were talking about. Soon, they would be at Hogwarts, and a seven-year journey would finally begin. Though slightly more relaxed than he had been before boarding the train, Albus couldn't help but feel apprehensive about the sorting ceremony. So many thoughts were floating through his head. James taunting him that he would be in Slytherin. Uncle Ron saying he would disinherit them if they weren't in Gryffindor, even though he was - mostly - joking. Slytherin's reputation… but on the other hand, Scorpius, a boy who seemed kind despite his ancestry, coming from a family who had been Slytherins for centuries, save for his grandmother's cousin, Sirius Black. Albus didn't know what to think anymore. His dad had said if he really wanted to be in Gryffindor, the sorting hat would take his choice into account. The thought had comforted Albus, but… did he want Gryffindor? He wasn't completely sure.

"Look, we're here! There's the castle!" Owen shouted excitedly, interrupting Albus' thoughts. Sure enough, across what must have been the Black Lake, stood the towering form of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Despite his nerves, Albus couldn't stop the grin from appearing on his face. No matter what happened at the sorting, this was going to be his second home. The train crept to a stop, and the students filed out of the train.

"Firs' years over here!" With his booming voice and towering frame, it was easy for Albus and Rose to find Hagrid and lead their little group towards the boats. Hagrid grinned widely as soon as he saw the two cousins. "Hello, Albus, Rose! It's great to see yeh both! Did yer parents tell yeh I invited yeh to tea on Friday?"

"Yes, Hagrid!" Rose chirped, not wasting any time getting into a boat. "We'll be there!"

"And bring any new friends with yeh!" Hagrid's eyes landed on Scorpius, and Albus thought he looked a bit taken aback as he blinked a few times. However, he shook his head and seemed to decide against making a comment regarding the young Malfoy. "Right then, into the boats, all of yeh."

Albus and the others piled into the boat after Rose, and the boat started moving across the lake. The castle looked brilliant, even more so than James and the older Weasley cousins had described. Once the boat reached the other side of the lake, the students climbed out and followed the other first years that had been ushered into the castle. Albus looked around as he walked, soaking it all in. He know Hogwarts was incredible, but he never imagined it could look as grand as this. The first years were stopped by a set of large doors. At the front, a short wizard with white hair stood on a floating platform so that even the students in the back could see him.

"Good evening, first years," the wizard greeted. "My name is Professor Flitwick. I am the deputy headmaster, professor of charms, and Head of Ravenclaw house here at Hogwarts. I hope you enjoy your time with us. In a few moments, you will enter the Great Hall, where you will be sorted into one of four houses: Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, Slytherin, or Gryffindor. You will sleep, attend classes, and share a common room with your housemates, so remember to look out for one another, as well as students from other houses. We are all family at Hogwarts. The sorting will begin in a moment. Please form two lines. I will return when we are ready for you."

With that, Professor Flitwork disappeared through the doors. The first years were buzzing with anticipation, waiting for the wizard to come for them. Patience was hard at a time like this, even for someone like Albus, who was usually fairly good at waiting.

"I wish we could just go in already," Rose sighed.

Beside her, Sophie nodded vigorously. "I already love this place! It's so… mystical! I want to see more!"

"Ready?" Scorpius asked Albus quietly, offering him a small smile.

"Ready as I'll ever be," Albus said. He wasn't sure if he would ever be ready, but at least he wouldn't be in suspense much longer. Soon, he would know where he belonged.

Finally, the great doors opened, and the first years were ushered in. Albus scanned the room, searching for familiar faces in the room. He found the Gryffindor table right away, scattered with Weasleys. Molly's wide smile could be seen beaming at them from the Hufflepuff table, and Victoire sat tall and proud with the Ravenclaws, Head Girl badge glistening on her chest. No Weasleys nor Potters sat at the Slytherin table. Not a single one.

The Great Hall fell silent as the sorting hat sang its song, and Professor Flitwick called the first name. A boy named Eric Branstone was sorted into Hufflepuff. Albus wished his name came sooner in the alphabet, but at least his name wasn't Weasley. Rose was going to be one of the last students to be sorted, if not the very last. Albus watched his fellow first-years be sorted one by one. For some, the sorting hat made a decision as soon as it touched their heads, but for others, the hat needed a minute or two.

"Ferguson, Owen!" Professor Flitwick said after Mia Farley had been sorted into Slytherin, calling up the first member of their group.

Owen hopped onto the stool, grinning as Professor Flitwick sat the hat on his head. Less than thirty seconds passed before the hat declared, "Ravenclaw!"

A handful more students were sorted, a couple of Hufflepuff, a few Gryffindors, and a female Slytherin. Finally, Scorpius was called to take his place on the stool. The boy held his head high and looked straight ahead, but Albus recognized the nervousness in his eyes as he sat down and the hat rested on his head. A minute passed. Then two. The second ticked by, and the students and the Great Hall became restless, murmuring to each other.

"Is Malfoy actually going to be a hatstall?" Rose loudly whispered to Albus.

It sure seemed that way. However, Scorpius hadn't quite been on the stool for five minutes before the hat finally reached a decision. "Slytherin!"

"So the hat went for the expected house after all," Rose said. "I wonder which other house it was debating."

Albus only shrugged and watched as a quiet, stoic boy named Elias Montague and a tall, smug-looking boy named Jameson Nott were both sorted into Slytherin as well. The next student, Alexandra O'Connor, was sorted into Ravenclaw. Albus knew his name must be coming up soon, since there couldn't be many students between O'Connor and Potter.

Albus's heart was racing when he finally heard Professor Flitwick call his name. He ducked his head and felt his cheeks heating up as he heard James whoop loudly from the Gryffindor. Around the Great Hall, students were whispering to one another. Albus knew being Harry Potter's son was going to earn him a lot of attention, but he really wished he could fade into the wall, away from the spotlight. Albus took a deep breath and sat on the stool, closing his eyes as Professor Flitwick slid the hat over his head.

"Ah, what an interesting mind," a voice that Albus figured belonged to the sorting hat. "Somewhat like your father, yet different as well, I see. I do see some bravery in you…"

I don't know about that… Albus thought despite himself.

"No? Hm… you do have courage, even if it isn't always initially visible. You have a strong sense of honor and doing what's right, too. I see you are dedicated to your family and want to do them proud, but long to be your own person as well. You have the potential to achieve great things and make a difference. What that is remains to be seen. Yet there is quite a bit of uncertainty in you…"

I just want to be me. To go where I'm meant to be. But how do I know where that is? I… I'm just scared…

"Ah, yes," said the hat. "It's true, you would do well in Gryffindor. But you need more room to grow. No, the perfect place for you to reach your full potential is definitely… Slytherin!"

As Professor Flitwick lifted the hat from his head, Albus was suddenly keenly aware of the hushed whispers that floated around the Great Hall. Of course they did, how shocking it must have been for a son of Harry Potter to be sorted into Slytherin. As he hurried to join his new housemates, Albus kept his head down, avoiding the gazes of his brother and cousins at the Gryffindor table. He found an open spot next to Scorpius, who grinned at him.

"I was hoping we'd be in the same house."

Albus smiled back at him. "Yeah, I'm glad you're here."

"Well, isn't this a surprise?" the boy across from Albus said. "I thought all Potters were mangy lions. Sure they didn't make a mistake, Potter?"

"Oh, lay off him, Nott! If he was sorted here, then he belongs here, just like the rest of us," a girl with short, dark brown hair scolded him. She then turned to Albus. "Welcome to Slytherin, Albus. You can call me Farley."

"She doesn't like her first name much," said an older boy who looked a lot like the girl. "Says it's too girly. Name's Ignatius Farly, and I'm this one's big brother. I for one am honored to have you in my house."

"Just admit that you want his autograph, Iggy," the younger Farley said with a grin. "Sorry about him, Albus, Iggy's always been obsessed with knowing as many famous people as he can."

"Oh, um… I see…" Albus said awkwardly. He then turned his attention back to the sorting just as Richards, Calvin was sorted into Ravenclaw. Sophie Scott went to Gryffindor after sitting on the stool for about a minute or so. Albus caught Rose's eye as she stood in line, waiting her turn, and quickly looked away. Rose had been his best friend since he was born, and he wasn't ready to face her yet. What if everything changed between them now that he was in Slytherin? Surely Rose wouldn't be in Slytherin too. Yet, a small part of him hoped she would be, and their dreams of being in the same house would still be in place, just a different house than they had imagined. Several more students were sorted before Professor Flitwick finally called Rose's name.

As Rose sat on the stool, her eyes were closed, and she seemed to be whispering to the hat. After a minute or two, the hat made it's decision and called out, "Gryffindor!"

Albus sighed. Although he knew in his heart there was no way Rose could have been anything but a Gryffindor, or possibly a Ravenclaw, he couldn't help but feel disappointed. He watched as Rose joined James and their cheering cousins, feeling a little isolated as Roxy gave her a high-five. Albus tried to push the feeling away. He wasn't meant to be a Gryffindor, after all.

The sorting concluded with Benjamin Zabini being sorted into Slytherin. The boy sat down next to Nott and gave Albus a cold stare with narrowed eyes. Albus looked away, choosing to face the friendly members of his new house. With the exception of Nott and Zabini, most of the other Slytherins either were friendly towards Albus or ignored him.

After Professor McGonagall finished welcoming the students to Hogwarts, a feast appeared on the tables. Albus didn't realize how hungry he was until the food was in front of him, and he couldn't help but pile his plate with his favorite foods. Around him, chatter commenced, and Albus sat quietly as he ate, soaking everything in.

"So, Potter," Ignatius Farley said, getting Albus's attention. "If anyone gives you shit about being in Slytherin, come to one of us older students and we'll make sure they regret it. Once sorted, a Slytherin is a Slytherin whether their family has been in the house or not."

"Er… Thanks," Albus said, smiling slightly. He knew his choice had been made. He was a Slytherin now, no matter what anyone else thought. Only time would tell what effect being in Slythering would have on him. With one glance at Scorpius's gentle smile, though, Albus knew he was where he was meant to be.

Author's Note: Hi everyone! I hoped you enjoyed my interpretation of Albus Potter's sorting. For now, this story is a one-shot. However, I may turn it into a multichapter fic with an actual plot depending on a few factors. Primarily, if I ever have time and energy to use my limited free time to actually write a full-length story, something I haven't done for years. I am a graduate student near the end of my academic career, and long story short, I will be needing to do so much academic writing this upcoming summer (2022) that I'm sure I'm not going to want to spend a lot of free time on writing for fun. A secondary, much smaller factor will be how much interest there is. So if you enjoyed this sample of my next generation writing and would like to see more, feel free to let me know.

If this one-shot does become a multichapter fic, it will not be released for a long time because I want to write the majority of it before posting it. This way, I will be able to have consistent updates (probably weekly or every other week) and readers won't have to wait months between updates. I also want to ensure I can finish it without adulting getting in the way, because the last thing I want to do is leave readers hanging.

Thanks for reading! Reviews are always appreciated.