I don't own Harry Potter

September 1st 1971

Albus Wolfric Brian Dumbledore knew this day was coming. The day his son would walk through the door and into the hallowed halls of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The day he'd been looking forward to and dreading all in one fallow swoop. He watched as Minerva left the great hall to get the first years. His heart was pounding in his chest. Over the heads of the other children he watched as they walked in. His eyes zoomed in on the boy he loved more than anything. Black hair in its flyaway motion. Hazel eyes sparkling with playfulness.

The boy born to him way past his prime the boy who he loved with all he had but couldn't claim publicly. Albus had married Caroline Potter and for years they'd hoped and prayed for kids. They finally gave up figuring they'd never have any until long after they'd given up hope. James had been born. The cost of his birth was high though it was Caroline's life and without Caroline by his side Albus was broken. Because of who he was his marriage had always been a secret and thus they'd figured they could keep James a secret to but with Caroline gone the only person Albus had to turn to was his brother and Sister in law. Churles and Dorea Potter. They took young James in and raised him so that everyone in the outside world would believe he was their son. James knew the truth but he wasn't to speak of it not to anyone.

Albus's mind came out of his thoughts as he watched the sorting ceremony continue. "James Potter." Minerva called out. James walked up so cool and collected but Albus could see the tremor in his legs. He watched the hat slide over his eyes. The one thing the boy had inherited from him. The seconds ticked past. Until finally the old beaten hat yelled. "Gryffindor."

Albus let out a breath he hadn't known he'd been holding as he watched James rush to the Gryffindor table amongst thunderous clapping. He watched him high five the Black's eldest son. Albus shook his head. He was sure there would be a Holler about that one in the morning. He stood up and cleared his throat. The sorting ceremony ended and everyone was settled in their seats.

"All I have to say is Oddment blubble and Tweet." He watched the fascinated faces as the food appeared in front of them.

"So James is a lion you must be proud." Minerva whispered.

"Yes." Albus's eyes twinkled. Of all the staff only Minerva knew his secret.

"No matter how unbiased you try to be you'll always be a lion at heart Albus." Minerva chuckled but Albus wasn't paying that much attention to his friend and deputy headmistress he was watching his son. Watching him make new friends and be a kid. He tried to see James every week but sometimes things got in the way and trying to set up the new school year had taken time and effort he was far from a perfect father and he knew that but he didn't' know how this would play out with James in the school now Eleven years since the boy had been born. Eleven years since his wife had died and he loved and regretted every moment of it for reasons he wouldn't speak of. He watched as the food disappeared and stood up to give his start of the year speeches before sending everyone off to bed. He watched him go and wondered what the morning would bring on James Potter's first day of Hogwarts.

A/N I know its not great I tried to get into the head of Albus but alas he wouldn't let me to far in. dang it. But I promise the story will get better. It will follow James through school and then see what happens with Harry. Should I have it all linear or should I skip back and forth between James's time and Harry's?