Chapter 6
Back on platform nine and three-quarters, time had relentlessly marched forward. Albus, now a year older, stood beside his father Harry, though the passage of time had left less visible marks on the latter. Albus hesitated, his voice hesitant as he spoke to his father, "I'm just asking you, Dad, if you'll — if you'll just stand a little away from me." Harry chuckled softly, his amusement evident, "Second-years Slytherins don't like to be seen with their dads, is that it?", "No. It's just — you're you and — and I'm me and —" Albuss aswer. But Harry continues be angry"It's just people looking, okay? People look. And they're looking at me, not you," -Harry interjected, a hint of disappointment in his tone, "It is because you don’t follow family traditions and don't be sorted into Gryffindor. I am disappointed in you." Albus sighed, feeling the weight of his father's expectations, "At Harry Potter and his disappointing son. At Harry Potter and his Slytherin son." Just then, James rushed past them, adding to the commotion, "Slythering Slytherin, stop with your dithering, time to get onto the train." "Corect said, James," Harry responded, his attention returning to Albus with concern, "Are the other Slytherins being unkind? Is that it? Maybe if you tried making a few Gryffindor friends . . . without Hermione and Ron I wouldn’t have survived Hogwarts, I wouldn’t have survived at all." "But I don’t need a Ron and Hermione. I’ve — I’ve got a friend, Scorpius, and I know you don’t like him but he’s all I need. Even if we both are Slytherin," Albus retorted, picking up his case and moving away, "You didn’t need to bring me to the station, Dad." Harry watched him go, a mix of emotions clouding his expression, "But I wanted to be here . . .". Rose and Albus stood poised with their cases, the platform bustling around them. Albus, with a hint of resignation, uttered, "Once the train departs, you can spare me the conversation." Rose nodded in understanding. "Indeed, we must maintain appearances for the adults," she replied. Suddenly, Scorpius emerged, his optimism apparent as he dashed forward with his oversized case in tow. "Hello, Rose," he greeted hopefully. Rose's response was firm and final, "Goodbye, Albus." Scorpius, undeterred, couldn't help but observe optimistically, "She's starting to thaw."