On the Hogwarts Express

The train rattled on the tracks as it made its way through the country side. The smoke billowed from the chimney and the light from the sun was slowly fading as the glowing orb made its way past the horizon. The students encased in the speeding red engine sat comfortably, enjoying sweets and treats; laughing as they day dragged on. Most of them were overly-excited about returning to the castle and the first year students were swapping ideas and theories about the castle and what to expect within.

Some of those first years included Albus Potter and his bushy red haired cousin, Rose. They sat together in a compartment filled with their family and close friends. His eyes were trained on the passing country side as laughs filled the compartment. It was not hard to see that something was off with the middle Potter-boy.

"Hey," Rose whispered, placing a hand softly on his arm, "are you okay?"
"Fine," Albus replied curtly, not looking at his cousin.
"Al, you know that all this worrying is going to be for nothing…" Rose began, "None of us will care what house you're in…" Her eyes were trained on his face but he did not look at her.

Suddenly the compartment door slid open and two more bodies squished in.
"Hey!" James called, holding out his hand for the boys to high-five. Albus looked up at the intruders and his eyes widened. Their ties seemed to pulse with some sort of eye catching detail, but Albus knew that it was only him that it would affect. The silver wrapped with the green seemed to shock the boy dumb because just at that moment the taller of the two extending his hand and smiled.
"You must be the famous brother 'Al' we've heard all about," he said kindly, "I'm Mark and that's Farbar." The other boy nodded his head – his head of dark brown curls bobbed as he did. Albus just stared at them, unsure of what he should do.
"Al?" James called. "I've told you about Mark and Fabz… right? They're cool!" Albus looked from his brother to the boy before him, then from the green to the red and gold. They were… friends?
"Hi…" he eventually managed to get out, his voice soft as he took the Slytherins' hand.
"He can talk!" Mark laughed, slapping Albus' shoulder playfully. "A pleasure, I'm sure!" He said with a humorous air and went back to where his companion was sitting – across from James.

Conversation started back up and the laughing increased. Everyone seemed so at ease with the intruders, like they had always been there. Rose placed a hand on Albus' knee, causing his eyes to dart to hers.
"See?" She said softly. "Nothing to worry about." The rest of the train trip passed with no worries, and even as the sorting hat was placed over his eyes Albus felt no fear in him.

"SLYTHERIN!" The hat screamed to the crowed and Albus found his way beside Mark and, with a warm smile, the older boy clapped him on the shoulder once more.
"Welcome to the gang."

A/N: Words - 521

Sept Event - Being on the Hog. Express