Flowers
Grey never thought that he'd grow sick of solitude but, midway through the following week, he decided that he'd rather sit through an eternal potions class than spend another minute in his room. Twyla was out roaming the castle grounds. His cat had more freedom than him.
In an hour, he was due at Elks' office for another Charms tutoring session. But, he didn't want to go and spend his afternoon listening to his professor drone on about 'the joys of teaching'. Grey was positive that teaching was not a career for him. He didn't want to spend the rest of his life in this infernal castle. Or, work alongside his father. It was odd now to think of how happy he'd been when the idea was initially proposed. But that had been an offer of a Hogwarts that included Richard. It wasn't the same anymore.
He and Albus hadn't spoken since Sunday. Well, more accurately, Grey hadn't spoken to him and, he'd stopped attending their daily afternoon tea. He knew that the silent treatment was a very childish route to take, but frankly, he was running out of options.
It was this train of thought that birthed his next terrible idea. Grey had decided that instead of attending his Charms tutoring, he was going to visit his uncle in Hogsmeade. He was hoping that Abe would admire his act of rebellion and not immediately rat him out to Albus. But, either way, he was leaving the castle.
All morning he'd been practising carrying his wand in his animagus form. The most comfortable way was to hold it in his talons, or else it obstructed his breathing. However, he finally felt ready. Before leaving, he scrawled a quick note and left it on his bedside table. It read:
"Albus,
Don't worry. I've gone out for a little while but I have my wand. I have not been kidnapped. I'll be back by 7 at the latest. "
If Albus came knocking, he was fairly confident that it would calm him.
So, he transformed, grabbing his wand and manoeuvring out his open window. Grey knew the easy part would be getting to Hogsmeade. However, he was certain that the anxieties would kick in when he turned back into himself. That was the whole point of this though. How could he expect to move on if he didn't face his fears? Besides, if anything went wrong, his uncle would be nearby.
Soaring above the road, Grey felt sure his plan was flawless.
Hogsmeade was very busy when he arrived. There appeared to be some sort of summer market in the town circle and the improving weather had all sorts of people milling about. It was certainly a baptism by fire.
Carefully, he swooped down into an empty ally near the Hogs Head to change back. He made sure it wasn't the same one he'd been kidnapped from several months prior. Gripping his wand tightly, it took Grey several minutes to muster the courage to leave the ally. He didn't recognise anyone on the adjacent road. Although he hardly expected Grindelwald to deploy acolytes he would recognise. Either way, none of the passing public looked like they were on the hunt and his uncle's inn was only three doors down. He could do this.
Taking a deep breath, Grey left the safety of the shadows. Nobody paid him much mind which was a miracle considering how many suspicious looks he shot at passersby. The fifty yards to the Hogs Head felt more like a tense game of hide and seek. But Grey found no enemies hiding in the dark or any malice in the eyes of the strangers he passed. He made it to the inn entirely unscathed. But he didn't put his wand away.
Upon entering his uncle's establishment, Grey found it filled with all sorts of peculiar characters. However, the sight of Abe at the bar put his mind at rest. No one would dare to act under the eye of so many witnesses. He hoped as much. At the very least, he thought the unnerving patrons respected the man who supplied them with alcohol enough to not cause a scene.
Thankfully, most of them didn't even acknowledge him. One goblin did give the young Ravenclaw a funny look but Grey was sure that the interests of goblinkind did not align with Grindelwald's. He was most likely surprised to see someone so young in a pub.
Abe didn't notice Grey until he got right up to the bar. When he finally clocked his nephew's presence, he froze momentarily, eying him with suspicion.
"You're not supposed to be here, are you?" He sighed, setting down the glass he had been cleaning.
Grey grimaced, "No."
His uncle rolled his eyes but a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
"Butterbeer?" He offered.
"Oh, no thanks. I didn't bring any money."
It would have been difficult to carry alongside the wand. Abe just scoffed.
"Do you really think I'd make you pay?"
"Yes," Grey stated plainly.
"You have a lot to learn lad," His uncle chuckled, uncorking a bottle and sliding it across the bar.
Grey smiled gratefully and took a sip. Meanwhile, his uncle quickly wiped a smudge off the large mirror behind the bar and then pulled up a stool.
"So, why are you here?" He asked as he sat down.
Grey furrowed his brows at the question. He thought the answer was fairly obvious.
"I wanted to see you."
Abe raised an eyebrow.
"You sure you're not just trying to piss off my brother?"
Grey scoffed.
"He probably won't realise I'm gone."
His uncle observed him with a mixture of amusement and curiosity.
"How are those Charms classes going?" He asked, very clearly changing the subject.
"I'm supposed to be in one right now."
Abe smirked, "Not enjoying them then?"
"I'm definitely sure I don't want to be a teacher. The advanced magic is fun but that's about it," Grey confessed, taking another swig of his butterbeer.
"Well, I don't blame you. People are a nuisance."
Aberforth eyed his patrons with distaste.
"Why do you run an inn then?"
"Merlin knows," His uncle grumbled, "I like the cooking part of the job."
Grey smiled slightly. He had sampled Abe's food and it was very good. The man rose suddenly and wiped at the same spot on the mirror again. Grey watched him with confusion. The patch of the mirror hadn't been smudged in the few minutes since it had last been cleaned. He examined said patch as his uncle retook his seat.
"As much as I admire your little act of rebellion," Noted Abe, "You should have asked your father."
Grey held back a groan.
"He would have said no."
"Well, that's because he's a stuck-up twat. But at least he'd a twat that cares."
Grey smiled at the statement but he couldn't ignore the gloomy feeling that tugged at his chest.
"You're easier to talk to," Grey grumbled, picking at the label on his bottle.
"I thought you two talked a lot?"
Grey just shrugged.
"Things change," He mumbled.
He heard Aberforth sigh.
"Albus can be difficult."
It was nice to have someone listen to his point rather than correct him. His uncle's comment relaxed Grey slightly.
"I just want to move on from everything. But I can't do that if he doesn't let me leave the castle and get over my fears," He admitted.
"You certainly did a good job getting here," Abe confirmed.
Warmth filled Grey's chest.
"Next time I see him, I'll have a word if you like?" Abe went on.
Grey looked up in surprise.
"Really?"
His uncle smiled, patting his shoulder.
"Course lad. I wouldn't mind seeing more of you too."
For the first time, Grey actually wanted to hug someone. But he refrained and instead beamed at his uncle.
"Thank you," He said as sincerely as he could.
At that moment, one of the patrons approached the bar. Aeb sighed heavily and got up to serve them.
"Why don't you go upstairs, I'll bring some tea up in a bit?" He muttered hastily.
Grey smiled and nodded, grabbing his half-drained butterbeer. However, something caught his eye, pausing his exit. A portion of the mirror had fogged up as if someone had breathed on it. In the condensation, smudged words were being written by a seemingly formless hand. They read:
'I want to come home.'
Aberforth noticed Grey's puzzled expression and turned to the mirror. His body jerked in surprise as he scrambled for the cloth to wipe them. Grey took that opportunity to dart upstairs. He got the impression it was something his uncle did not want to talk about.
The upstairs room was shaded, so Grey immediately lit the lanterns. A chilly draft was seeping from an open window. Scottish summers were hardly warm thus, Grey went to close it.
"Please don't shut the window."
Grey almost dropped his butterbeer. He spun around, searching for the young woman who had spoken. But the room was empty.
"I like listening to the people." The voice sounded again, to the left of him. "So Abe leave it open. Please don't shut it."
In utter surprise, Grey turned to face the portrait of Ariana Dumbledore. She was watching him with an anxious expression.
"I won't close it," He mumbled tentatively.
The portrait beamed. She had such a beautiful smile.
"Thank you."
Still in shock, Grey pulled over a nearby chair and sat down in front of the large painting.
"I think your hair is dusty," She commented.
Grey reached up to feel his hair before he realised what she meant.
"Oh, um. No, it's naturally this colour," He explained.
Her painted brow furrowed.
"But you're not old," She frowned.
An involuntary smile rose to his lips. He liked this conversation, it was the easiest he'd had in ages.
"No, I'm 16," He replied.
Ariana smiled again.
"You're older than me," She giggled.
Grey ignored the pang of grief that hit his chest.
"I guess I am."
"You look like Gellert, he had dusty hair too."
Grey couldn't ignore the pain that time. Meanwhile, Ariana surveyed him more and as she did, her smile faltered.
"Who are you?" She asked finally.
Part of him didn't want to tell her - he felt ashamed. Yet, there was something about the way she looked at him that stopped him from lying.
"I'm Grey. I'm Albus and Gellert's son."
Immediately she laughed. It was such a lovely sound.
"That's not how children work," She giggled.
It was infectious. Grey chuckled too.
"No, I suppose not. I think I'm just a special case."
"You're funny," Ariana smiled.
"Thank you."
It felt like a high compliment.
"Do you like my flowers?" She asked.
Grey glanced at the soft-painted beds of wildflowers behind her.
"Yes," He confirmed, "They're very pretty."
She beamed at him.
"Do you want to know a secret?" She whispered with a cheeky grin.
"Ok."
"They're not real! They're just paint!"
Their joint laughter mingled, filling the little room. However, Ariana's died first.
"I miss flowers," She sighed wistfully.
Grey felt a painful lump swell in his throat.
"I'll bring you some," He pledged.
His heart leapt as her smile returned. He wished that she was more than paint.
Suddenly, he heard the raised voice of his uncle downstairs.
"Oh, hello ALBUS. What brings you here?"
It was a warning signal.
"I have to go," He whispered to the painting.
Ariana looked disappointed.
"I promise, I'll bring you flowers."
And with that, he hurriedly transformed, grabbing his wand. As he dived out the open window, all he heard was the voice of Ariana, quietly saying: "Pretty bird," in her soft tones.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
He chose to change back just outside the village, on the opposite end to Hogwarts. The area was lightly wooded, so he hoped it would make it difficult for Albus to find him. Grey knew this area of woodland backed onto the forbidden forest, so he would have to be careful where he went. But he was confident that it was a good hiding place.
Wandering through the dappled sunlight was calming. Although the path was shaded, Grey pushed up his jumper sleeves and loosened his collar. The trees acted as a barrier from the gentle breeze so it was almost warm. All around him, Grey could hear the soft sounds of wildlife. He found himself wondering how many were of a magical origin, and secretly hoping that if so, he'd stumble across their hideouts.
He followed the naturally worn path deeper into the woods, keeping an eye out for any indicators that he should turn back. But he wasn't too worried. He even put his wand back in his pocket. It was the calmest Grey had felt in a long while.
As the path meandered further, Grey began to hear noises that he recognised. Mixing with the tramping of hooves, he could hear low screeches, each as beautifully mournful as the next. Eagerly, he filled the sounds. They led him to a dark clearing, hidden by tall pines.
A dozen or so thestrals were resting and grazing in the shade. A smile rose to Grey's lips as he took in the sight. Until he realised that they weren't alone.
There was a young man with his back to Grey, feeding the thestrals from a metal bucket. Grey tried to back out of the clearing without announcing his presence but fate had other plans. The man turned just as he moved to leave. For a moment, they both froze like dear caught in headlights.
Grey recognised him. He was certain he had seen the young man at Hogwarts. His face was hard to forget. He had several thick scars cutting across his nose and central face. They stood out against his umber skin and swept back, waving black hair. Once he'd got over the shock, the stranger smiled widely, his posture relaxing.
"Sorry, you startled me," He exclaimed in a thick Scottish accent.
An apology rose to Grey's lips but his anxiety prevented him from uttering it.
"Do you want to feed them?"
Grey was taken aback by the offer, but he saw no harm in accepting. Cautiously, he approached the stranger and took the metal bucket from his outstretched hand.
The thestrals were watching him closely. Grey took a slab of meat and tossed it at the nearest one's feet. His smile returned as the gaunt creature guzzled down the steak.
"They're seriously misunderstood creatures," The stranger remarked.
Grey turned to look at him.
"Yes, I agree."
The stranger smiled as Grey spoke for the first time.
"I'm Narain," He greeted, holding out a hand, "We go to Hogwarts together."
Grey wiped the meat juice on his trousers and shook Narain's hand.
"Grey," He muttered.
Narain chuckled, ducking his head.
"Yes, I know."
An uncomfortable feeling stirred in Grey's stomach. The boy must have noticed the change in his demeanour.
"Don't worry, I'm not stupid enough to think you're cursed."
Grey relaxed slightly.
"Sometimes, bad things just happen to good people," Narain continued, taking back the bucket, "At least it lets us see them."
He threw another piece of meat to the awaiting thestrals. Grey couldn't help but wonder what he'd experienced, but he daren't ask so soon.
"You're a Ravenclaw, right? Going into 6th year?" Narain asked.
"Yes."
"I'm going into 7th. Not looking forward to N.E.W.Ts," He grumbled, "I'm in Gryffindor, by the way."
"Explains why I didn't know you," Mumbled Grey.
"You recognised me though. I saw it in your eyes. The scars are hard to miss, I know," He chuckled.
Grey shrugged awkwardly. It was nice to be having a proper conversation for a change but he wasn't very good at meeting new people.
"I didn't know you lived in Hogsmeade too," Narain added, leading the discussion.
"Oh, um, I don't. I'm staying at the castle," He admitted.
Narain raised his eyebrows.
"Merlin's beard, is it odd without everyone there?"
"Yes, very," Grey chuckled.
He was starting to relax into the conversation.
"How come you're staying at Hogwarts if you don't mind me asking?"
Immediately, Grey began thinking of every lie that could fit. Then it occurred to him that he'd never been explicitly told to keep his family to himself. He had no doubt that Albus would prefer it to be kept secret yet, somehow that spurred his answer more.
"Dumbledore's my father. So I stay because he stays." He replied nonchalantly.
Narain's eyes widened. His expression contained both surprise and admiration.
"You're joking," He breathed.
Grey sighed, "Trust me I wish I was."
"He certainly kept that under wraps. I thought your last name was Willow."
"It still is," Grey stressed, "It's a fairly recent discovery."
"Merlin's beard."
"Preferably don't spread it around," He added, having no idea if he could trust this person.
Narain laughed, "I don't think anyone would believe me if I did."
"Fair point."
Grey felt a smile returning to his face.
"So, you like magical creatures?" He worked up the courage to ask.
Narain nodded, glancing fondly at the thestrals.
"I do indeed. It's my main subject for my exams. I want to work with dragons," He explained.
Grey was impressed and slightly intrigued.
"Sounds interesting."
Narain grinned. "Fancy it yourself?"
"Not sure," Grey hummed, "I'm still trying to figure things out."
It was good to know it was an option though.
"But I do really like magical creatures," He added.
"I knew I liked you," Narain chuckled, clapping him on the shoulder.
A spark of happiness blossomed in Grey's chest.
"I know a tree with bowtruckles in the Hogwarts grounds," Remarked Grey, feeling his confidence grow.
Narain raised an eyebrow.
"Really? Well I know a niffler burrow in the hills, perhaps we should trade secrets?"
Grey grinned. Although the chance of leaving to explore was next to nothing, especially after his stunts today, he would happily sneak out again if it meant finding a niffler and maybe making a friend.
"Sounds fair," He shrugged, trying to be casual.
Narain seemed very pleased with his answer.
"I'll send you an owl at some point soon then on where to meet. When are you free?" He asked.
Grey thought of his Charms tutoring every other day and his uncle's Sunday visits.
"All week, except Sunday afternoons."
"Noted," Retorted Narain, "I reckon we're going to get along well Grey. It's nice to find someone with common interests."
Grey's heart leapt at his words.
Narain's friendly smile faltered abruptly. He was peering at something over Grey's shoulder with a look of confusion.
"Professor Dumbledore?"
Grey's stomach plummeted. He turned to face his father, who was smiling lightly and leaving against a nearby tree.
"Good afternoon, Mr Thakkar, enjoying your holidays?" He inquired politely.
"Yes sir, Grey and I were just discussing magical creatures," Narain replied.
Albus eyed Grey with an unreadable expression.
"Yes, my son does have a particular interest in that subject," He noted.
Something in him twisted - it was the first time Grey had heard Albus refer to him as his son in public.
Meanwhile, Narain shifted awkwardly beside him. The tension between the Ravenclaw and his father was hardly subtle.
"I should probably head home," Narain announced after a minute of uncomfortable silence, "I'll write to you soon mate," He muttered to Grey, giving him a look that could only be interpreted as 'good luck'.
Grabbing the bucket, Narain hastened from the clearing.
Now alone, Grey glared at his father.
"I got your note," Albus commented calmly, pulling the slip of parchment from his pocket.
He strolled closer to Grey.
"Why are you here then?" Grey huffed, not bothering to mask the discontent in his voice.
"You really have to ask?"
Grey rolled his eyes.
"Nothing bad happened. Look-" He flung his arms wide, "I'm still alive. I haven't fallen apart yet."
Albus sighed, reaching Grey. The Ravenclaw felt considerably smaller as he stood definitely up to the man.
"I even made a friend," He announced strongly.
His father looked down at him, a hint of sadness behind his eyes.
"And I'm very glad you did. But - "
"But what?!" Grey interrupted, taking a step away from Albus, "But I shouldn't have left? But I could've gotten hurt? But I've let you down? But I'm too much like Grindelwald?"
Grey was shouting now.
"Well, I'm sorry father. I'm sorry that I'm shit at playing happy families. I just wanted to get out of that fucking castle and see my uncle."
He was breathing heavily, staring furiously at Albus. The wizard just watched him with a grave, unreadable expression. Regret was prickling in Grey's chest but he swallowed it down. With one last glare, he turned and stormed off into the forest.