Sorry
2 September 2017
When in the morning Albus woke up and saw the green curtains and the light from the windows distorted due to lake waves, that was the moment Albus realized it was not a nightmare. It was the reality. He was Slytherin. A Potter in Slytherin.
Saying all that in a row sounded weird. He has not been able to talk to anyone since yesterday, not his brother, not his cousin and not even named his roommates.
He was glad to see that his roommates were not present, so he got ready and headed for the Great Dining Room. On the way he thought of his family, he knew that his father and mother would not mind, then there was his little sister, Lily, who couldn't let it go any further because she could not. What really worried Albus was James' reaction and that of the rest of the family. His aunt and uncle might be annoyed or surprised by it. The only thing that relaxed Albus was the thought that he surely had Teddy's support, he was the only one in the family who did not belong to Gryffindor. Besides, his grandmother was a Slytherin and he knew well that she was a good person, he had met her a couple of times. She was just a sweet old lady unable even to kill a fly.
During breakfast Albus reflected about what implies being a Slytherin. The first thing was all the people thinking he probably will be such a bad person, like the majority of the well known wizards from the house. The bad reputation was due to the large number of dark wizards who had belonged to that house. He knew well it was also kind wizards, like Merlin or Andromeda or even Severus, at least that is what Harry told him when he asked about the two people who gave him a name. But having 3 good or relatively good people did not change years of history. Albus' greatest fear was no longer that he would not reach the exaggerated expectations imposed on him, which he could no longer achieve just because of the house he had been selected for. Now it was also to become a bad person. What would make Albus the exception to the rule?
The days passed and he had not spoken to his brother or his cousin. Neither able to read the letters his mother sent him, although he knew that she was probably very worried about him. The days passed and turned into weeks and with that the first month of the school year had already passed.
The only change had been to start studying with one of his roommates, Craig Bowker. It turned out that his roommate was a very nice boy, talked his head off and seemed to know everyone in the castle. Or that was the impression he gave because whenever they walked down the corridors he said hello to everyone.
Now they were on their way for the Transformation class. The class was taught by McGonagall, who had refused to leave her position as a teacher even after taking over as headmistress. Principals were not supposed to teach. On the way Craig was excitedly talking about Halloween and how some older fifth formers had invited him to a party after he had beaten them in a game of Snap Explosive in the common room.
When they arrived at the class and took place they were surprised to see that McGonagall was not there as usual, instead there was a young woman with blue hair that reminded them of the same one Teddy had.
- As you all can see today McGonagall is not going to give you the class and she is no longer your Transformation teacher. I am going to be your teacher - Whispers began to be heard throughout the classroom and Craig and Albus looked at each other without understanding what was going on - Let me finish after you came up with any conclusion. McGonagall is all right. She just can’t continue giving the classes so she asked me to be your teacher. But I promise I am going to try to be as good a teacher as she is. With all said, my name is Delphini. Pleased to meet you. Open your books to page 30.
With all that said, the new teacher began to teach, it was almost the same as teaching with McGonagall, the only change was how young the new teacher seemed to be. The class flowed normally and they sent an essay for the following week which everyone complained about, seeing it as excessive on her first day as a teacher. As Albus gathered his things he was surprised to see the teacher ask him to stay at the end, Craig looked at him in surprise and Albus could only shrug his shoulders and tell her to wait for him outside.
- I saw you had good degrees in all your subjects - Delphini started - but also you are not the most brilliant student. Less in Transformation. Your work today was good, but I know you can do it better Albus - After saying that, I give him a smile - If you need anything anytime just let me know I will help you.
- Anything else, teacher?
- No, well yes. Call me only Delphini.
And with that Albus left the class more confused than before.
- That all the teacher said you? - Craig and Albus were eating while talking about the weird interaction he had with the new teacher.
- I swear. It was so odd.
- I heard she have 20 years
- Oh, so she probably went to Hogwarts with my cousin…
- Which one? Sorry for the question, I know you hate to talk about your family - Craig knew that because all the other million times he tried to extract information about his family.
- Teddy and no problem bro. It is my family at the end of the day.
- Talking about your family… Do you already talk with any of them? - Craig knew well Albus had not spoken to any of them for at least the last month - I know you do not want but you just said it, is your family at the end of the day. Probably they are worried. You know how it is going in Hogwarts and that stuff.
- I was going to send a letter to my mother but… - Albus stopped talking because far away from the Great Dining Hall he saw Rose who, realising she was looking at him and when she made eye contact, got up and left.
- But?
- Sorry Craig, I forgot I had to do one thing.
Albus started to follow Rose outside the Great Dining Room. He stopped following when Rose stopped walking outside the castle in one of the yards, then she turned to meet him face to face.
- Why are you following me? - Rose asked almost shouting
- Why did you keep staring at me?
- I asked first, why? Why now?
- I do not know. Is just…
- Just? It's been a month Albus. A fucking month.
- Sorry I was… Do you know how hard it has been for me? - Albus’s leg started to shake because of how nervous he was getting.
- If I know? Do not play the victim now. I know you do not want to be here. I know you just do this to piss me off.
- Do what?
- This. Be a Slytherin. I should have known since you were talking to Scorpius on the train - Rose folded his arms and let out a sigh - Why are you talking to me now?
- Because you are my cousin and my best friend. And the Scorpius thing was just one time. I never spoke to him again, even though we shared a room. I do not want this. Being on Slytherin, it was also so difficult for me.
- So now I am your best friend? You know? You know how worried was your mom about you? Why do you do not sent her anything? She just needs a letter. A single letter saying you are doing well.
- I am saying all this is so difficult for me. I am very ashamed. I need time.
Rose stood silently watching as Albus jerked in place due to the anxiety coursing through his body. Albus did not quite understand the impulse that had brought him to this situation.
- She just need a fucking letter - Rose stepped forward, closing the distance between them.
- I know - Rose took another step, causing Albus’s nerves to increase.
- You haven’t spoken to James either.
- I have not had time
- What were you doing that you didn't even have time to talk to your brother?
- Studying and stuff like that, you know.
- You have never liked studying - The distance was getting shorter and shorter and Albus felt more and more short of breath.
- Maybe people change? - Albus mentally chastised himself for that poor choice of words.
- Maybe.
They were only inches away from each other, fearing for what Rose would do, Albus closed his eyes. What he didn't expect was for Rose to give him a hug.
- Please Albus do not do this again - Feeling his cousin tighten her arms around him, Albus felt a strange pressure in his chest that he couldn't quite understand. Pulling their bodies apart, Rose grabbed the sides of his arms and looked him in the eye - You had us all worried. Harry even thought about coming to Hogwarts to talk to you but Mum wouldn't let him.
She used to show affection but not like this. The displays of affection between them tended to be more ‘aggressive’. They didn't hug much, so he didn't know how to react, but a whispered ‘I'm sorry’ was all he could manage.
- You are forgiven, but don't worry us like this again.
They both laughed and sat down on a nearby stone bench. And so they began to catch up.