-Chapter Three-

(In which we overhear the conversation at the Gryffindor Table)

Only when the food appeared on the table did Albus realise how hungry he was. And what food it was! Everything that Albus liked to eat managed to be present on the table. So enthralled by the food was he, that he didn't talk much to his new housemates. He was not alone; Scorpius also did not seem keen to join in conversation, nor did the others engage him in talk.

Rosie was arguing with James through a huge mouthful of steak.

"No. The Hat did not make a mistake. And if I was really a Squib, then I'd not be sitting here. So shut up."

Lesley Harper was talking to Constance Wheldon, another first-year Gryffindor about lessons.

"I bet you anything, I'm bottom of the class. And this place is so big that I doubt I'll even find the classes on time." Lesley said earnestly, "McGonagall's not teaching anymore, though, is she?" he added nervously.

Constance replied that she didn't know.

James turned to Scorpius.

"How come you're in Gryffindor , then? Your daddy's going to be fuming isn't he?" James sniggered.

"Don't mind him," Albus said in an undertone, to Scorpius, "He's always saying things like that to all of us."

Scorpius grunted moodily. Clearly, he was worried about what his family would say.

Once Albus was full to bursting, the plates wiped themselves clean and were replaced with the pudding. All flavours of ice-cream, chocolate gateau and other delicacies with the most delicious aroma.

They were now talking about families.

"My family are all Muggles, I had absolutely no idea I was magic until I got my letter," Lesley was saying.

"My parents are magic, but they're parents are Muggles" Constance told everone, "So, I'm pretty much familiar with both wizards and Muggles."

But everyone was apprehensive about classes.

Once all the plates were adoringly licked clean, Professor McGonagall stood up.

"Now that you have stuffed yourselves to the brim," she said a little dryly, "It is time for bed. Prefects, if you will…" she looked inquiringly at the students.

The elephantine sound of hundreds of students scraping their chairs was heard in the Hall, as a hard-faced Gryffindor girl called along their table, "First years, this way please! Follow me"

Albus, got up and nearly fell over, he was so drowsy. Rosie walked next to him. Scorpius walked warily behind. Lesley, turned to him,

"Oh come on! You're one of us now! No point in hiding it." And he dragged Scorpius to walk with them. Scorpius smiled reluctantly.

"Thanks," he mumbled.

They followed the Prefect girl up the marble staircase. Albus noticed that the coats of armour were moving slightly and the thought of them moving in the castle at night did not inspire much fear in him.

"Be careful of Peeves" the Prefect was saying, "Stay out of his way, and you'll be alright. Oh and also, don't get on Filch's, sorry Mr. Filch's " she added disdainfully "wrong side. And don't kick Mrs Norris either, however tempting it may seem"

They had now come to a long corridor at the end of which was a portrait of a fat lady in a pink silk dress.

"Password?" she asked as they approached.

"Myxomatosis" the Prefect replied. The portrait swung forward revealing a circular hole in the wall. They ambled through sleepily and entered a round, cosy room, with several squashy armchairs, tables and a fireplace in which a fire was crackling cheerfully.

"This is the Gryffindor Common Room," the Prefect said. "You will spend your free time here. Up the spiral staircase you will find the dormitories. Boys to the right and girls to the left. You will find that your belongings have already been brought up. Good luck for your classes" she added. Some people murmured thanks and then they found their way up the Gryffindor tower spiral staircase.

The boys' dormitory was a circular room with four four-poster beds. They had scarlet and gold hangings. Their trunks were near their beds. No one said anything while changing into their pyjamas. Albus lay down on his bed. For the first time, he felt a little homesick and missed his family. However, he was so drowsy that he fell asleep within five minutes. He woke up in the middle of the night extremely drowsy and thought he heard a snuffling noise. He went back to sleep again and almost forgot about it in the morning.