Chapter 1
“Ginny darling, what time must we leave to see the children off?” Harry ask. “The train leaves at nine sharp, dear, we mustn't be late.” Ginny frantically responded, “James Sirius is ready, it’s Albus Severus I’m worried about, being his first year and all.” Harry sighed, embracing his beloved wife he said, “I’m positive that both will be fine.” As the clock struck eight, the children hurried down the winding staircase in their enchanted cottage. Ginny ordered the trunks to the car as she arranged breakfast on the wide table. The children had been filled with anxious excitement about this day for months. Albus, with his hair tousled, reminded his father of himself as a young lad. Like father like son, Harry supposed. Harry smiled, fixed Albus’ hair and turned his attention to James, who was the eldest. “Now James, I expect you to look after your brother this year. No playing tricks or any of what Uncle Ron and I did as second years. I do not want to hear any reports from Headmaster McGonagall of your belligerent activities!” warned Harry. “But Dad,” complained James. “Hush now, to the car with the both if you! We cannot be late!” Harry responded.
Kings Cross Station. Harry was filled with nostalgia. It was a universe all to itself. All the people, muggles and wizards alike. All the sights and smells. All the excitement of young pupils heading off to school. All the nervousness of first years; like small birds about to leave the nest. Harry reminisced of the days when his wretched Aunt and Uncle had come to see him off at this very place. “Hurry now, don’t you want to go see Uncle Ron before you leave?” Harry ask. As the family approached the infamous Platform 9 ¾, Albus Severus stopped dead in his tracks, “Dad,” he ask timidly, “What if I get sorted into Slytherin?” Harry, sensing the young child’s apprehension, responded, “Albus Severus Potter, do you know how you got your name? One of the bravest wizards I knew was in Slytherin and I would not be prouder if you followed in his footsteps.” Hand-in-hand, father and son ran headfirst into the wall that separated the ordinary from the extraordinary. Running through the wall reminded Harry again of his previous exploits with Ron.
While Harry watched his children board the train, a familiar, cutting voice interrupted his thoughts. “They grow up so fast, don’t they, Potter?” said Malfoy, “It’s hard to believe that we used to be that age ourselves.” With a grimace, Potter replied, “It’s good to see you Malfoy.” “And you, Potter,” Malfoy spat as he went to go see his own son off. Not much about Malfoy had changed, still as cunning as a fox, he stalked around the train station in search of drama to be exploited. Like father like son, thought Harry again, remembering the character of Lucius Malfoy.
On the other side of a seemingly inconspicuous brick post, another world existed. Releasing the security blanket that was the the hand of his father, Albus Severus timidly followed his brother. As they boarded the stately train, James was quick to abandon his brother in favor of his friends. To James, the train was freedom from the expectations his father had set by his conquest years prior. Albus, knowing that he’d make friends after he had been sorted decided to sit alone with the solace of his own thoughts. Sitting alone was better than sitting with people he didn't like. Albus found an empty compartment and sat down, taking in the scenery. In the chaos of the train, Albus did not notice he was no longer alone. A small boy who had pale blond hair and a pointed face had entered the compartment and sat across from Albus. The boy carried an air of authority and superiority with him, much like his father once did, many years before. He cleared his throat loudly (Albus thought he sounded much like a toad when he did this). The boy outstretched his hand with temerity and said, “Pleasure to meet you. My name is Malfoy, Scorpius Malfoy.”
