Albus Potter and the Pride of Hufflepuff

Albus Potter and the Pride of Hufflepuff

Chapter 1: The Train, Sorting, and Cellar

“You'll be in Slytherin for sure Asp. It's a good thing snakes are cold-blooded. I heard the Slytherin common room is under the Black Lake.”

Al kept replaying James's taunts in his head. A loud voice in his head, which he feared was his own, believed James was right. Al had been lost in his own thoughts so long he hadn't realized he was causing a jam in the corridor. “Oi, are we ever going to find a compartment Al?”, asked his cousin Rose. She was starting to look a little impatient and that was not a good thing when it came to Rose Weasley.

“Right, sorry Rose,” he apologized. “This compartment only has one kid. How about it?”

Rose slid the door open, so Al took that as the okay and quietly walked in. The sole occupant of the compartment was dutifully reading a book and Al did not want to be rude. At the sound of two new occupants, the boy lowered the book and looked curiously from Albus to a steadily reddening Rose. Albus quickly realized this was the blonde Malfoy boy from the platform, a fellow first year. Before all could even get out a hello Rose tugged at his sleeve and he looked over uncertainly. Her ears had turned a nasty maroon color as she whispered, “Al we need to talk.” Albus gave the Malfoy boy if he remembered right his name was Scorpius, a shy smile then was almost dragged into the corridor.

“Al we cannot sit with Scorpius Malfoy. Didn't you listen to my dad?”

“You have to be kidding Rose. Uncle Ron is a little bias. We do not know the first thing about the guy.”

“My dad said I have to beat him in every exam though Al.” Rose was almost pleading with him.

“If you can't make friends with every first-year you score higher then well you and I will be getting a lot closer than we already are, Rosie.”, teased Al. “You are a genius when it comes to books. I thought you of all people could be reasonable when meeting new people.”

That was Al's final word on the matter as he reentered the compartment. Scorpius's face had lost all its curiosity over the new occupants and now showed all the emotion of a marble statue. Albus had a very bad feeling that he and Rose were talking louder than was safe.

“Oh, so the Weasley prodigy and her Potter pal have decided to tolerate me.” Scorpius spat. “I hope you don't really think you can beat me at anything Weasley; I am a Malfoy after all.”

Al had to give his cousin some credit, she had the decency to at least look ashamed. Scorpius did not break eye contact as her ears turned an awful maroon color. Albus however saw something sparkle in his eyes that was not the malice he was trying to give off. Scorpius Malfoy was close to tears. Albus was overwhelmed with a desire to understand this mysterious boy; he was certainly nothing like the Malfoys of his father's era.

“What are you reading there?”, Rose asked quietly. As if she did not trust herself to speak any louder due to embarrassment. Scorpius was so surprised by this question that he forgot to look furious. “Uh...the Transfiguration textbook. I've sort of finished the rest.”, he answered shyly.

“You have read all the books?” Al said. “Blimey Rose, you guys should get along brilliantly.”

“Have you read Hogwarts, A History?”

“Yeah, your mum revised it right?”

At this all Rose could do was nod. No one in the next generation was very comfortable with the fame associated with the Golden Trio and the rest of the family. Al figured this was a good time to take a seat, so he slipped into the seat across from Scorpius and Rose took the one next to him. Scorpius put the book away and it hit Al that they had nothing to talk about.

“So, I'm Albus Potter, call me Al.”

“Rose Weasley. Rose is fine.”

“Nice to meet you. I am Scorpius Malfoy as you clearly knew.” he said with a sly smile.” Please call me Scor. My dad is terrible with names.”

Al and Rose both had to laugh at that one. “Clearly you don't know my dad. The great Harry Potter honored me with the name Albus Severus Potter.”

“Wow, that is an unfortunate combination,” Scorpius said while holding back laughter.

Suddenly it was all too much and his laughter exploded throughout the compartment. It was a light, friendly laugh. Before Al and Rose could make sense of it, they had joined in, tears rolled down their face as they gasped for air. Just when it seemed like the moment would never end the trolley witch came by and the trio was forced to quickly regain their composure. “Anything off the trolley dears?”

Al and Scor came back with licorice wands, half a dozen pumpkin pasties, as many chocolate frogs as they could carry, and Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. “Your love for Bertie Bott's is unnatural Al.” Al ignored this statement as he tossed a handful of beans into his mouth. The flavors turned out to be strawberry, chocolate, butterscotch, and, unfortunately, mustard. As the others dug into the rest of the candy conversation shifted to the Hogwarts houses. “You two will be Gryffindor, of course. That's the family house, right?”

“Well, I wouldn't mind Ravenclaw. My mum was a hat stall between that and Gryffindor and we all know how that turned out. I want to make my own name. My stupid cousin however thinks he is going to end up in Slytherin.”

“What,” exclaimed Scor, definitely shocked. “Mate everyone I have ever met is a Slytherin. If someone is going to be sorted into Slytherin it is pretty obvious. Let's just say they have very distinct personalities. You, Potter, are going to be fine.”

“Maybe I won't end up in Slytherin but where will I go then? I'm not particularly gifted or clever and I just do not fit in with the Gryffindor crowd. I'll probably be stuck in Hufflepuff.”

“Don't sound so down about that. I've read Hogwarts, A History a couple of times and Hufflepuff's are loyal, have the best common room, produces pretty successful wizards historically, and just all-around good. The softie reputation is totally undeserved. Hufflepuffs just are not known for showing off.”

“Wait a minute, a Malfoy is defending Hufflepuff and a Potter is afraid of being a Slytherin. If anyone heard this conversation the wizarding world would implode,” said Rose.

“You're not wrong, cousin.”

“My grandfather will die of shock.”

There was a lull in the conversation, so Al suggested wizard chess. Rose declined immediately and opened up her own book to read. Al started digging through his trunk to find his chess set Uncle Ron got him when he was nine. He found it quickly but had a hard time shoving his books and clothes back into place. He didn't want anyone seeing the mess deep within the trunk.

“I'm not very good but I'll play if you want to put a couple of Sickles on it.”

“If you say so,” Al smirked. Everyone in the Wotter Clan knew Al was second only to his Uncle Ron when it comes to wizard chess.

Two hours later Scorpius Malfoy was down eight sickles and Rose had fallen asleep reading. Scor was a little quiet after losing so many matches, Al suspected he was a bad loser. Al sat watching the sky get darker and darker as the scenery rolled by until the compartment door opening broke the silence. It was a flushed-looking Frank Longbottom. “Hey, can I sit with you guys? James and Fred were trying to test new Weasley Wizard Wheezes products on me. I barely escaped.”

“James can be so inconsiderate sometimes and downright reckless,” said Rose.

“So far he sounds like a real saint your brother,” said Scorpius disapprovingly.

“Rose, you know that is not fair. James loves our family more than anything and he is bloody smart. He just puts most of his brains toward pranking,” Al lost the love in his voice very suddenly. “If any of you ever tell him I said that I will hex you into oblivion.”

“When you learn all, those hexes let me know cousin,” Rose retorted.

“Guys, I believe we will be arriving soon,” piped up Frank. “We should probably change into the school robes.”

It took the better part of an hour for this newly formed gang to find their robes, take turns changing, and reorganize the contents of their trunks. All without any serious injury. Although there was an incident involving Scorpius slipping on a Rememberall, which caused it to break. Frank apologized for any injury Scor may have suffered and Scor apologized for breaking the valuable trinket. All was forgiven with a quick Reparo spell used by Rose. The gang was ready just as the train had come to a halt, so they quickly joined the mass of students piling onto the platform. It did not take long for them to track down the half-giant Hagrid in a sea of adolescents. He was like a redwood amongst flowers.

“Firs' years, Firs' years this way,” Hagrid boomed.

“Hello, Hagrid!” chanted Albus, Rose, and Frank in unison.

“Hello yeh three,” He beamed. “Good ter see yeh.”

“Hagrid this is our friend Scorpius Malfoy.”

A look of surprise came across Hagrid's face and was gone just as quickly. “Hello, 'spect 's nice ter meet yeh Scorpius. Well best get yer boat kids,” he ended awkwardly.

“Once Hagrid realizes what kind of person you are your name won't matter,” Al reassured Scor as the group all scrambled into the nearest boat. “Promise.”

“He's right,” agreed Rose. “Hagrid is the sweetest person there is.”

With that, the group went silent for the journey across the Black Lake. Each young first year was lost in thoughts of what to expect from the Sorting and the years at Hogwarts to come. The lake was so calm that you would never believe all kinds of magical creatures and a giant squid called its deep depths home. Combined with the cloudless and starry night sky, it was such a peaceful night. Then the pleasant silence was broken by more than fifty voices gasping and 'oohing' simultaneously. They had come around the bend and got their first sighting of the majesty that is the Hogwarts castle. Al's parents, aunts, and uncles were never exaggerating when remembered its splendor. Perched atop a cliff, hundreds of windows lit up like a Christmas tree, Al could feel the magic intertwined with those great stone walls. The ancient castle had a beauty so obvious Al felt foolish as he whispered, “It's amazing.”

Al came out of a dreamy trance as the fleet of boats finally docked at the harbor and his fellow first-years shuffled awkwardly back on land. It took some extra prodding from Rose for all to join the confused mob. Al became more and more anxious with every step. It became all too real when he passed the statues of the flying boars and climbed the steps to face the castle's tremendous oak front doors. The doors swung inward at only Hagrid's second knock and Al was pleasantly surprised to see the smiling round face of Professor Neville Longbottom shrouded in golden light.

“Well hello, there students. We can always trust Hagrid to make the journey without too many injuries,” he laughed.

Al heard a few sighs of relief as everyone left the coolness of night to step into the Entrance Hall, for the first time.

“Welcome to Hogwarts. In just a few moments I will lead you into the Great Hall to be sorted. The four possible houses are Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw. Once you have been sorted your House will be like your family for the next seven years. In some cases, maybe for life,” Professor Longbottom paused at that and Al took note of the twinkle in his eye. He recognized that look from the times when his father would talk of his happier Hogwarts moments. Neville clapped his hands together and launched back into the speech. “Naturally, inter-house friendships are encouraged. I can tell you all will come to be excellent witches and wizards, with proper guidance. Without further ado, we will get started then.” Neville turned on the spot and the anxious young sorcerers fell in line behind him.

Even though Al's nerves were escalating with every step he, along with all the other first years, couldn't help being in awe of the clear night sky magically reflected on the ceiling. Rose was animatedly chatting with a young Indian girl about the various enchantments placed on the Hogwarts ceiling so Albus switched to looking around at the, already quite full, house tables. It didn't take long for him to find his various cousins and brother James as they were cheering on the appearance of the first years loud enough to earn a stern look from Professor Longbottom as he passed.

Placed on a four-legged stool was a patched, dirty, leather hat. To the untrained eye, this was an ordinary hat, no longer useful as headgear but anyone who's ever heard of Hogwarts knew better. The Great Hall was quiet as The Sorting Hat opened up its brim to sing.

“I represent four great sorcerers and all that they believe.

Gryffindor of wild moor known for bravery and daring.

Can't forget lovely Rowena, wiser than any man.

Full of creativity and wit.

Oh, Salazar's ambitions knew no bounds.

Resourcefulness and cunning were what he prized.

A truer heart you'll never find than Helga Hufflepuff.

She took the most loyal and did what was just.

So, put me on, I'll find your home. For I am the Sorting Hat!

“Adams, April” A girl with light brown, braided hair separated herself from the crown and shuffled quickly to the stool. She sat down slowly but deliberately. She fiddled nervously with her braid until the Sorting Hat shouted, “HUFFLEPUFF.”

“Allard, Mathilde.” was called next. She had short black hair and a green tint to her skin Al was certain wasn't natural. Almost as soon as the Sorting Hat touched her hair it called out

“RAVENCLAW.”

“Avery, Todd.” A curly-haired boy strolled nervously but proudly to the stool and beamed as he heard, “GRYFFINDOR.”

A handful of more people were sorted, including the first new Slytherins. Albus was mildly surprised to realize he was less stressed now that the Sorting was in full swing. He was starting to get a little bored until he heard a name that pulled him from his daze. “Dursley, Delilah.” His eyes widened in shock and he whirled around at the tap on his shoulder. Rose looked more confused than she had ever been in her life and only managed to point at Delilah as she shuffled to the front. She looked more terrified than any of the first years sorted up to now. Her eyes darted around the massive chamber nervously before the old leather hat covered her eyes. A few seconds later Professor Longbottom was giving her a gentle nudge towards the Hufflepuff table. Al was still wrestling with the question of why his dad never thought to mention that there was another magical cousin starting at Hogwarts. Surely his cousin Dudley would have immediately come to his dad for help.

The Sorting continued; unperturbed by this groundbreaking revelation that Albus Potter's family manages to have any secrets left. Steve and Samantha Green both landed in Gryffindor, Megan Gwynn went to Slytherin, Delia Hope skipped her way to the Ravenclaw table, and on and on for quite a while until Al heard, “Malfoy Scorpius.”

Albus respected the fact that Scor maintained his composure but he didn't doubt his friend's nervousness. His name was the first one to get a big reaction out of the students watching and judging by the sweat being wiped on to his pants Scorpius knew it, too. He looked at Al, right before the hat hit his head and Al flashed what he hoped was an encouraging grin. To most everyone's surprise, the decision was not immediate. No doubt they all assumed this Malfoy like all the others was Slytherin for sure. In fact, as Al glanced over at the Slytherin table he saw a seat opening up. However, a couple of minutes went by and nothing had happened yet. Scorpius's calm exterior was gradually faltering. His cheeks have flushed a shade of red even Uncle Ron would admire and suddenly the Hat's brim opened wide to cry, “HUFFLEPUFF.”

The Great Hall went eerily silent. Even Professor Longbottom's eyebrows raised considerably. He managed an encouraging nod in the direction of the Hufflepuff table. As soon as Scorpius stood, they clapped and cheered enthusiastically. Knowing their reputation, Al did not doubt it was genuine.

There were precious few names before Albus was called and his early fears were threatening to overwhelm him again. He glanced over at the Gryffindor table to see James and Fred already chatting with some of the first years. No doubt bragging about some prank they had planned. Molly had her nose buried in a Herbology textbook, Lucy was dozing off, Louis was checking his hair in a cup. Everyone else seemed to actually be interested in the Sorting. Al looked back in time to see 'Milligan, Morna' follow Scorpius to the Hufflepuff table and 'Peck, Reed' join the Ravenclaws.

Suddenly it was his turn and he felt goosebumps as Neville called out “Potter, Albus.”

He was accompanied on his long walk to the stool by excited chatter. Al was used to that, however. Just part of growing up a Potter. What was causing his knees to knock as he sat down was letting down his family. He didn't have a lot of time to brace himself before the hat blocked out his vision and a raspy voice whispered in his ear. Wait that's not right; the Sorting Hat was in his head.

“Ah, another Potter. Think you won't fit in anywhere, do you? You seem quite clever to me, but brains are not your prized possession. Young Albus is afraid of Slytherin? Nothing wrong with a little cunning and ambition but you don't have the right attitude to fit there.” Albus breathed a sigh of relief so great he heard the Sorting Hat chuckle, but he did not care. He suddenly felt light as a feather. “You've got courage. Maybe not the daring sort like your brother but courage all your own.” Having been brought back down to earth and able to relax, Albus's thoughts drifted toward Scorpius alone in an unfamiliar environment. “Hmmm, loyal to him already. A Malfoy no less. A good heart you've got there. Only one place for you...HUFFLEPUFF.” That last part echoed off the walls for the Great Hall had gone dead silent for the first time in possibly forever. As the hat was plucked from his head Al realized he couldn't be more pleased. All his worries moments ago seem pointless now.

He took his place amongst the Hufflepuffs right between Scorpius and Frank Longbottom. Frank flashed two thumbs up. Scorpius clapped him on the shoulder proudly and even seemed to be smirking good-naturedly.

“Brilliant that you're here mate. I knew you wouldn't be taking my spot in Slytherin.”

“I let James get in my head. This feels right.”

“Could you help me shake this kid,” Scor mumbled. He nodded toward the person sitting to his

left.

Al leaned forward slightly to get a look at the kid Scorpius was talking about. A stout, dark-haired blond boy looked up from polishing his wand. He must have been trying to give Scorpius some privacy while he talked to the new arrival. He beamed when he realized that the new arrival was Albus Potter and he was looking right at him.

He extended his arm right past Scorpius, exclaiming, “Well I'll be, it’s great to meet you. Name's Daniel MacMillan.”

Al returned the shake with a polite smile. “Nice to meet you.”

“Can't wait to see The Cellar. My dad told me all about it.”

“The Cellar?” inquired Albus.

“Well, yes. That's what us badgers call the common room, of course.”

“Oh, obviously,” said Scor dryly.

Daniel, sensing Scor's tone, excused himself to talk to some older housemates. Albus looked up and down the table. He noticed a handful of people eyeing him curiously, but most were chatting amiably with old friends and new. Some even appeared to be content waiting patiently for the food to appear. Frank gently nudged him with his elbow, pointing to the front of the hall. Al was surprised to see his cousin Rose taking a seat on the stool. Quite a few first years must have been sorted while he was talking to Daniel and taking in his surroundings. Less surprising was the fact that with every passing second her ears turned a vivid maroon color. Judging by the thin-lipped, stern expression and folded arms the root of this change seemed to be frustration, not embarrassment.

“Looks like another hat stall on our hands.”

“RAVENCLAW.” The Sorting Hat cheered. Albus thought he detected a hint of laughter in his voice. He would have to ask Rose what it said to her. But, for now, he settled for clapping along with the joyful Ravenclaw table. He noticed a good portion of the other Hufflepuffs joining in.

After Rose was Sorted Albus zoned out permanently. There were only three kids left and judging by the gleeful cries from the next table over they all ended up in Slytherin. With that, the Sorting ended and the thoughts of hundreds of students seemed to simultaneously switch to the impending Start-of-Term Feast. Most were in varying states of fidgetiness; shaking legs, tapping fingers, patting their insistently growling stomachs. As all eyes turned towards Headmaster Flitwick Al could tell he was well aware of the state his audience was in. Luckily, Flitwick had the common sense to keep his speech short.

“Good evening, students new and old,” he squeaked, from quite literally atop the winged podium. “Good luck to all young witches and wizards just Sorted. A few small reminders; no magic in the corridors, the Forbidden Forest remains off-limits to all students, and the ever-growing list of forbidden items is posted outside Mr. Filch's office. That should cover it.” With that, he clapped his hands and the long tables were filled with all sorts of food a person could want. Roast beef, chops, mounds of mashed potatoes, chips, roast chicken, sausages, and much more. Albus cheered to himself while some of his neighbors gave audible whoops of delight. Al loaded his plate with mashed potatoes and gravy and a particularly appealing steak and kidney pie and dug in. He saw Scor from the corner of his eye going to work on some lamb chops.

Albus had just begun reaching for some sausages when all the food vanished to be replaced by desserts. He hesitated for a second but then shrugged and spooned several helpings of pudding onto his plate. He heard a chuckle to his left and stopped, spoon inches from his mouth, to turn and look at Scorpius.

“May I help you?” he asked, slightly irritated.

Scorpius threw his hands up in a mock plea for mercy, “By all means, mate. Just thought you'd like a breath.”

“You're one to talk, Scor. I saw you attacking those potatoes.”

“Excuse you, Potter,” Scor gasped. “I am a gentleman. I do not 'attack' my dinner.”

“I don't know Scor, I watched in horror as you took down that bowl.” chimed in Frank.

Scorpius made a small noise of annoyance but accepted his defeat. Al shot him the best Malfoy smirk imitation he could muster up. Albus intended on returning to his butterscotch pudding but as soon as he retrieved his spoon, that vanished. The final interruption to his meal came in the form of a wiry-looking fifth year with a mop of brown hair. “Alright first years, off we go.”

The Great Hall filled with the sound of wood scraping stone as the benches cleared. Some groups formed orderly lines; others formed tight clusters in an effort to force their way through the doors. The first Hufflepuff prefect was joined by his female counterpart. Apparently, she had been gathering up the stragglers. Al had been admiring her silky black hair and round cheeks when she glanced over at him and smiled. He looked away, immensely embarrassed. When Scorpius reached to mess with his hair, as a way of teasing, Al's ears burned.

Before they knew it the first years were being led down the kitchen corridor; followed by most of Hufflepuff House. At the end of the corridor was a painting of a bowl of fruit that covered the whole wall. Scorpius seemed very interested in the painting but that was not their destination. The prefect duo turned towards a stack of sideways barrels just right of the painting.

“Listen up, please, first years,” called the girl cheerily. “Our entrance is rather unique compared to the other Houses. It does not call for a password. What you'll have to do is find the middle barrel in the second row and tap out the name Helga Hufflepuff. Expect, perhaps, the muggleborns you all should be aware she was the founder of our house. Would you mind demonstrating, Jaime?”

The male prefect, who apparently goes by Jaime, responded quickly. He had to crouch to find the appropriate barrel but when he did, he deftly and rhythmically tapped out the pattern. Al hazarded a guess that he slowed it down for the benefit of him and his fellow first years. The barrel in question swung outward soundlessly to reveal a wide but low-hanging tunnel. Albus looked at Frank, who had gone wide-eyed at the sight of the tunnel. Al was also slightly nervous, but curiosity won out, so he volunteered to take the lead.

Al was in awe at the room before him as he climbed out of the tunnel. Even though it was certainly nighttime, and they were on the bottom floor, away from windows, the common room was filled with the pleasant glow of a sunny meadow reflected from windows that shouldn't be there. There were multitudes of plant life dangling from the low hanging ceiling and covering the shelves. Many of which Al was certain he wouldn't be seeing till his O.W.L and N.E.W.T. Years. The floor space was taken up by plump, black, and yellow couches and armchairs. Al was only vaguely aware of Scor and Frank tugging at his sleeves. He realized as he snapped back to reality that the only people in the common room now were the fifth-year prefects and a dozen first years. All of which shared Al's awed expression.

The prefects had taken position in front of a painting of a blonde, rosy-cheeked, young witch. Al heard a few 'wows' when she waved. To either side of them were round oak doors. Jamie spoke up first this time.

“Okay, the door on the left leads to boys' dormitories and right is girls. Get some rest if you plan on attending class your first day.”

Before they made it all the way to the dorms the black-haired girl piped up, “By the way, if you need anything, he's Jamie and I am Beth. We're both on the Quidditch team, also. If anyone is interested in that.”

Albus was last in line behind his housemates through the door to their room and he noticed Jamie looking at him in particular when Beth mentioned Quidditch. It was like he was sizing him up. Al wasn't at all surprised. People assuming you're a Quidditch prodigy comes with the name. As long as they were not hoping he was a brilliant Seeker Al could handle it. He preferred being a Chaser.

There were seven beds arranged in a semi-circle in the first-year dorm. Each one had bright yellow curtains and a patchwork quilt. Copper lamps were the only things taking up space on the bedside tables. Al, Scor, and Frank found their trunks by the three beds farthest to the left and started getting ready for bed. The other four boys found their own trunks and did the same.

“If we’re going to be dorm mates, I believe introductions are in order,” said a curly brown-haired boy from his bed on the far right. “I'll start. Name's Paul Finch-Fletchley.”

“Daniel MacMillan.” said the boy Al and Scor talked to earlier, from Paul's left.

“Preston Smith.” announced a blond boy with a pointed nose.

“Frank Longbottom,” Frank said shyly.

“Uh, I'm Albus Potter,” Al said, not much more confident than Frank. He was certain they all knew his name, so it felt awkward introducing himself so formally.

“I'm Scorpius...Malfoy.” Scorpius hesitated to say his last name, but he had on the same expression as when Albus and Rose entered the compartment. Even now, having been sorted into nearly the polar opposite of Slytherin, he was bracing himself for rejection.

Al looked around the room carefully. Preston was visibly unnerved but silent. Daniel looked like he was trying very hard to keep his expression polite. Paul's eyebrows rose momentarily but his expression was kind. The boy farthest to the right was clearly lost in his own thoughts. In fact, he looked absolutely overwhelmed by his surroundings. Only then did Al realize the boy had not introduced himself. It did not look like Scor's introduction would cause too much drama, so Al turned his attention to the unknown boy.

“What about you, mate?” he asked the boy.

The boy seemed startled at being addressed directly and his voice quivered, “Oh, uh, my name is Phineas Ryan. I'm a-a muggle-born. You can call me Phin, i-if you'd like.” His eyes swiftly returned to staring at his feet. As if he didn't expect to get friendly enough with anyone for them to honor the nickname.

“That's brilliant. My dad was muggleborn to Phin,” remarked Paul. “I can teach you what I know about old Hogwarts. If you don't mind.”

Phin was grinning ear to ear when he looked over at Paul. Possibly the most relieved anyone has ever been. The look on his face told Al that that was the first reassuring thing anyone has said to him since he got on the train. Al's heart went out to the kid.

“Our families have gone here for centuries,” Al assured him, indicating Scor and Frank on his right and left. “We got your back.”

“Now this is an amazing group of friends to make on your first night. Loyalty is what us Hufflepuff's are all about, I suppose.” cheered Paul.

Daniel nodded his approval and even Preston's expression softened. With that statement to set the tone for the groups' time at Hogwarts, they decided the next best move would be to get some sleep. Albus carefully slipped under the covers and turned out the light. As he drifted off to sleep, he was fairly sure he had never felt more at home than the minute he stepped out of that tunnel and into The Cellar.