Train Journey

Teddy smiled fondly at him and ruffled his hair. "I think you might be the proof every one needs in order to see that Slytherins aren't all evil. I know you'll do me proud no matter where you're sorted, Al."

Albus smiled for a mere second before he drooped slightly. "James really wants me in Gryffindor," he said.

"James, in the nicest possible way, is a moron," Teddy snorted. "He has the emotional capacity of a teaspoon."

"I don't want to disappoint him," Albus mumbled.

"You won't. He will always be so proud of you because you're his brother, okay? So proud of you. Just like I am."

"But Ted-"

"Albus Severus Potter," Teddy interrupted sharply. "He will not treat you any differently, I promise. He's just as thick as dragon mucus."

"He's not thick," Albus said. "My brother is very smart." He frowned heavily. "Just because he likes Gryffindor so much, and wants me there too, doesn't make him thick!" he yelled. He turned and ran down the train, away from Teddy.
Victoire was leaning against a wall, watching. She moved towards Teddy and rested a hand on his shoulder. "Come on, we've got to check on the other students, he'll be alright," she said softly.

"Al," Teddy sighed, starting after him, stopping when Victoire took his shoulder. "I- I didn't mean it like that," he huffed.

"I know, and he'll come around. Just, give him some time," Victoire said. "We can check on him again when we get closer to Hogwarts."
Albus ran to the back of the train and raced into a compartment, slamming the door.

Teddy nodded reluctantly. "Let's go check on the rest of the train, then."
Scorpius jumped as his compartment door slammed open then shut again, and none other than Albus Potter was in there with him. He blinked.

Victoire took Teddy's hand and gently squeezed it.
Albus breathed heavily and turned, jumping slightly and backing up into the door of the compartment. He saw Scorpius Malfoy sitting in the compartment. "Oh, hello," he said quietly.

"Hi," Scorpius mumbled awkwardly.
Teddy squeezed back, then started walking down the train.

"Um... I'm sorry, for uh, slamming the door," Albus said.

"It's okay," Scorpius shrugged. "Are... Are you alright?"

Albus nodded, unconvincingly. "I'm Albus. Albus Potter," he said.

"I, uh, know?" Scorpius replied awkwardly. "I'm Scorpius."

Albus nodded. "I... know..." he mumbled and glanced around the compartment. "Mind if I sit?"

Scorpius ducked his head, nodding. He should have known, there was only one wizarding family with white-blonde hair. "'f course," he mumbled awkwardly.

Albus slowly moved over and sunk himself down onto the seat. "So, um... it's your first year as well, right?" he asked.

Scorpius looked up, swallowing thickly. "I- yeah."

Albus nodded and looked down.

"You don't have to feel obliged to stay," Scorpius mumbled after a minute.

"It's alright, I kinda like how quiet it is," he said.

Scorpius huffed a laugh. "Yeah, right?" He cracked a small smile.