Chapter 5
Scorpius,
How’s France? Has your dad taken you to that fancy place you buy all of your clothes yet? Things are boring here, I’m at Grans currently and it sort of went just how I’d expected it to…
The rest of the family is leaving later today, except Rose's family, so at least it will be a little less chaotic.
Do you notice everyone trying to be that extra but nice to you? Although I guess there’s only really you’re dad. My family is driving me mad with it, though I guess there’s not much I can do. I really cannot wait to see you again at Hogwarts, even if I have to put up with dad being there. Can you imagine??
Hope you’re having fun…
Albus.
Albus had managed to avoid the majority of his cousins for the past day or so ;they had been playing endless games of quidditch (which he had no interest in joining). His dad had bugged him earlier that week about the school work he needed to complete, even if it was the summer holidays. So he’d reluctantly brought it along with him- knowing he’d need something to fill his time with. It had forced him to almost complete everything he needed to catch up on in the couple of days he’d been at his grandparents.
He’d still not properly spoken to Rose, with her attention being captured by the rest of his cousins. However, he knew he'd inevitably have to when they all left. Everyone seemed to be pointedly ignoring everything that had happened, from last month to last night. It actually seemed as if everyone had calmed down when it came to the sympathy, he was sure his mum had said something to the rest of the family. Although he’d decided he didn’t care what anyone thought anymore, at least it had stopped.
He was still cooped up in the bedroom he’d been sharing with James and Teddy, which he was grateful for his mum ensuring. James had quickly protested at first, reluctant to leave Fred and Louis, but Albus had noticed the look of concern that he held when looking at him. He knew James didn’t want to upset him, so he agreed.
He was on his final essay that had been set by Professor Mcgonagall for over the summer and had nearly finished for the summer. His dad had been talking about the books he was planning to set for his year of teaching, hinting at Albus and his siblings to maybe start looking at them. Although Albus didn’t see the point of being ahead of his classmates and wasting his summer. They’d all get to the same point eventually, anyway.
Albus started to write his final conclusion when there was a light knocking on the door that he’d made sure to lock. “Albus? It’s dad.”
Albus sighed slowly, “Come in, it’s locked by the way.”
“Alohomora.” His dad unlocked the door and the handle twisted as he pushed it open to make his way inside of the bedroom. His dad had a rare smile on his face, the one he usually gained when around family. “How are you getting on?”
“Good. I’m on the final essay.” He gestured towards the few pieces of parchment laying on the desk.
“That’s good. Dinner will be ready in five, might want to make your way down.”
Albus nodded at his dad and stood to follow him downstairs.
When they’d made their way down Albus noticed most people already seated at the table. It wasn’t unusual, it was always a rowdy competition when it came to food and the Weasleys. Albus looked around the table for a vacant seat, relieved when he noticed his mum nodding towards one between Teddy and Lily. The table was filled with an arrangement of dishes and glasses, crimson coloured, that obviously hadn’t been filled yet due to the collection on scavenging Weasleys.
Albus seated himself between his brother and sister, trying to avoid eye contact with his Aunt Hermione who was seated opposite him. “Have you finished all your work, Al?” Albus noticed Teddy speaking to him.
“Er, yeah nearly. Just need to finish Mcgonagall’s essay.” He gulped.
Teddy grinned, “Never fails to set homework over summer, does she? I remember not handing mine in once, it didn't end well.”
Albus smirked back at Teddy, knowing how unnecessary strict the Professor could be. “Yeah, she’s not a fan of lacking homework.” Albus was interrupted by an arm reaching across his face, now aware that the food had been placed on the table. Teddy noticed Albus’ look of apprehension at his family, laughing. “I’m sure you’re the only one here that hasn’t inherited the Weasley obsession with food.” He ruffled Albus’ hair. “
Albus spent the rest of the dinner listening in on others' conversations, specifically his uncle Charlie’s description of the latest dragon he’d discovered in Romania. He’d recently gotten back from a trip with colleagues, after a report about an unknown species of dragon discovered in Romania. They’d spent the last month there, figuring out where it had come from and what it was doing there. Albus loved listening to his uncle speak breathlessly about the thing he loved most. To his right James was animatedly talking about his latest girlfriend, which Albus had little interest in listening to. Though he was thankfully distracted by an owl pecking on the window opposite him, which his aunt Hermione had also noticed. She got up to retrieve the note from the owl, undoing the window. Albus unmistakably recognised the owl, Scorpius’.
“Who’s sending a letter this late on a sunday?” Albus’ uncle Ron scoffed.
“Who’s it for? I don’t recognise the owl.” His uncle Bill asked, “It looks like a posh one, though. A ministry owl?” he added with a slight chuckle.
“Nope.” His aunt patted the owl and let it fly away. She leant towards him. “This is for you, Albus.” He accepted the note, expectantly.
His dad peered over, “Who’s that from?”
“Scorpius, obviously.” Lily chimed in, next to him.
Albus ignored both of them and slid the letter into his pocket, watching as everyone lost interest and returned to their original conversations.
Once everyone had finished, Albus had escaped to the living room, managing to grab the armchair in the corner- now able to open the letter in peace. At least until someone walked into the room. He realised he couldn’t get away with hiding up in the bedroom for the rest of night, especially as everyone would be leaving soon, so he relocated to the next quietest place. He flipped the letter over and ripped it open, the familiarity of his best friends handwriting washing over him.
Al,
Sorry, it took me a while to reply, I’ve been busy all day.
I hope that things aren’t too bad there. I know you said it had gone as expected, but was it really bad? Please let me know if you’re doing okay, I really cannot wait to see you again as soon as I get back. It’s good that the rest of the family are leaving, how are things with Rose? Have you guys spoken? I know how you were feeling about speaking to her again. If you haven’t yet, I’m sure you’ll get the opportunity later on this week. If you have, say hi to her from me!! Hi Rose!
Things here have been great. I do understand what you mean. I can tell dads trying extra heads at the moment…I’m not sure if it’s guilt. Although I’m kind of enjoying how close we’re getting at the moment, it feels a bit like it used to. I’m sorry that your family is being a little overbearing. I guess dad can only do so much, there’s only one of him not four.
Yesterday we went to this amazing museum! There were paintings all over the walls and the ceilings, and they were muggle paintings!!! Dad had promised to take me. It was actually a really nice day. Today was equally great, we went to the shops (and yes I went to the fancy clothes store- so be ready for some new pyjamas!).
You shouldn’t be worried about your dad teaching next year either. I know he’ll be great, and the other kids will be fine. Maybe at first it might be a bit ‘wow’ to them, but if anything things might get better. People might realise you’re not actually that different from your dad, and that he very clearly doesn’t hate you?
Anyway, hope you don’t go too insane! I’ll hopefully see you in a few weeks.
Scorpius.
Albus grinned to himself as he imagined Scorpius scribbling on the piece of parchment, fancy quill in hand. He stared at the paper a little longer, slipping deep into a daydream; not noticing his brother and cousin enter the room. “Merlin, Al. How’s the love letter?” James taunted from the other side of the room, snapping him back into reality.
“Love le…what?” Albus looked up, a little flustered. James just smirked, annoyingly and somewhat knowingly, Merlin he infuriated him.
“It’s from Scorpius, right?” Fred, who had entered with James, asked. He was also grinning from ear to ear.
“Yeah..”
“Cool.” Fred nudged James and they both burst into a small fit of giggles. Albus chose to ignore them, folding up the letter and shoving it back into his pocket.
His cousins had all left the previous day and Albus had attempted to hastily escape to his current bedroom, just after. He’d woken up early that morning, the result of having gone to bed relatively early. James was sprawled out on the bed next to him, his duvet lay abandoned on the floor. He was unsure if anyone else would be downstairs, so he pulled a shirt on and carefully crept down the stairs. He trod upon the dusty floorboards and jumped from the last step, now hearing a small clattering coming from the kitchen, meaning he wasn’t the only one awake.
As he rounded the corner he spotted a flash of red hair, though that accounted for half the people currently in the house. He neared further into the kitchen, slightly grudgingly as he noticed who was there already.
Rose was removing a jug of milk from the fridge, however recently distracted by Albus’ entering. He studied her expression, she furrowed her brow slightly and stared him deeply in the eye. Then she turned away looking back down at the milk she’d previously been pouring into a mug. “Hi.” She muttered under her breath.
Albus shuffled forward, collapsing into the nearest chair before him. “Hi.” He replied, equally bored. He guessed they were doing this now.
“Albus.” She said, then paused. He wasn’t sure if he was meant to reply, or if she was going to continue. She picked up the cup of tea she’d just made and walked over to him, taking the seat opposite.
“Are you doing okay? Like seriously.”
It wasn’t what he was expecting, which was strange because that was the only thing people seemed to currently be asking him. He took a deep breath.
“Erm. Things are better, I guess.”
Rose looked genuinely worried. “I feel really bad.”
“For what?”
She took a second to think. “Everything. I feel like I could’ve stopped all of this.”
Albus sighed. “Rose. You do realise Scorpius had nothing to do with it all. It was my idea, I made him do it. Not being friends with him wouldn’t have changed anything.”
She smiled, Albus was a bit taken aback. “No, not that. I know, Scorpius is great, I wouldn’t dream of separating you two if I could. Although don’t tell him I said that first part.” Albus grinned. “I was horrible to you, Al.”
He leant back on his chair, running a hand through his hair. He was dumbfounded by his cousin’s sincere apology, because with Rose it was never usually that way. He wasn’t sure if he was pleased or not. “Oh.” Was all he could manage.
“You don’t hate me, do you? I’d understand if you did.”
Albus was still unsure if it all. “What do you actually want, Rose? We both know that the possibility of us being best friends again is completely ruled out.”
“I’m not saying that. I just don’t like how it is at the moment. The silence.” Rose interjected.
“Yeah, silence, you never did like that.” Albus tried, lightening the atmosphere and Rose scoffed, smiling at him.
They sat in the newly silence for a minute.
“Can we not hate each other?” Rose was still smiling slightly.
Albus looked at her, nodding. Rose’s smile morphed into a grin and she got up to pull him into a tight hug. “Love you, Albie.” She mocked.
“You too, Rosie.”
It was nearing the last week before they went back to Hogwarts and Albus was impatiently counting down the days until he’d get to see Scorpius again. They’d previously arranged for Scorpius to stay on the last couple of days, planning for him to join them on the drop off to King’s Cross. His mum had explained she wasn’t sure if Draco would want that, that he might’ve wanted to drop Scorpius off himself- though when she’d owled him he’d replied straight away, agreeing to the arrangements.
Albus grabbed a glass, pouring a small portion of orange juice into it and taking a large gulp. Lily sat opposite him, eyeing the orange juice expectantly. Albus eyed her back, catching the look of mischief she had in her eyes, he was starting to regret drinking the juice now. “Lily, why are you staring at that as if it’s about to explode.” He questioned.
Lily smiled, looking up at him and resting her head on her hand. “You know, I’m actually surprised it hasn’t yet.” She still had the mischievous look lurking on her face.
“Why.” Albus was getting increasingly worried. “Lily. Why would the orange juice explode?”
“Well…” She started as Albus slid the glass of juice further away from him. “I really wanted to test out this potion I’d made…”
Albus stared at her in disbelief. “Lily.”
“And well I knew there wouldn’t be anyone willing to try it…”
Albus interrupted again. “Please tell me I didn’t just drink a potion you’ve conducted.”
Lily sighed, still mildly pleased with herself. “I promise it wasn’t harmful, and it clearly didn’t work.”
Albus raised an eyebrow at his sister. “How reassuring. What was it meant to do, and am I going to die?”
“Well, it was meant to make your hair immediately style; or at least look less messy. Although that obviously failed.” She gestured up at his mess of jet black hair, he self consciously reached up to run his hand through it.
“Okay, well I’m going to inform mum and dad, just in case I end up dying…you know?” He replied dryly, getting up to find his mum. However Lily was clearly distracted by something else behind him.
“Hogwarts letters!” She yelled, waving about three letters that she’d just detached from an expectant owl. “Yes, a treat, there you go.” She grabbed a small biscuit from the jar and passed it to the owl, who accepted it and flew back out of the window.
“Morning, you two.” Their dad stepped into the kitchen, smiling at them both.
“Morning.” They replied in unison.
“Now, let’s see those letters.” He took them from Lily and went to sit down at the kitchen table.
“Mum! James!” Lily screamed, once again. She then rushed to sit beside their dad.
Albus joined them, unsure of why Lily was so excited about a Hogwarts letter. His took his from his dad as he slid across the table to him, just as his mum entered with a cup of coffee in hand. “Quite early for Hogwarts letters, isn’t it?”
“Yes, way too early.” Albus’ dad chuckled. James was now wandering in, clearly having just woken up. He ruffled his hair, messing it up even more.
“I think James needs some of your potion, Lils.” Albus grinned.
Lily glanced up at their brother, smirking. “Well, it doesn't work.” Albus noticed their dads attention had been grabbed.
“What potion is this?”
Lily stepped in quickly. “Nothing! It doesn’t matter. Letters!” She impatiently waved her letter around in the air.
Albus had already slowly started to rip his open, sliding out the piece of parchment that listed the books and equipment he’d need for that year.
“YESSS.” His sister instantaneously squealed. “I KNEW IT.”
Albus glanced up at her, still unsure of why she was so enlivened at a Hogwarts equipment list. That was until he noticed a burnished scarlet coloured badge clasped in her hand. A junior prefect badge, of course. Something James had also received in his fourth year, to their parents' delight. However, something Albus had failed to receive- not to anyone’s surprise.
“Lils! That’s awesome!” Their parents gushed, hugging Lily tightly and inspecting the badge that she’d now pinned proudly to her pyjama’s .
“Holy shit!” Albus heard his brother cry a second later and warily looked at James, taken aback at his reaction in front of their parents. Although he felt his heart sink when he realised the cause of the reaction.
“James. Language, honestly.” His mum bellowed, however stopping when she noticed what Albus just had. This time, two shiny badges were laid upon Albus’ siblings hand. Head boy. Quidditch captain.
He felt slightly dizzy, almost nauseous. He glanced down at his empty envelope. He wasn’t sure if he could stay in the room any longer.
“That’s my boy!” Harry cheered, embracing James in a hug, alongside his mum. Albus sank into his chair and busied himself by looking down at the list of books he needed for that year.
Fifth year students will require:
The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 5 by Miranda Goshawk
Defensive Magical Theory by Wilbert Sanders
A Guide to Advanced Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
“Al?” He reluctantly glanced up, his family all staring at him. He swallowed the lump in his throat.
“Yeah..?”
“Are you okay? You look a little pale.” James commented.
Albus pushed his chair back, aiming to hastily get out of the room. “Yeah, fine. Just going to get dressed.” He paused and then looked between James and Lily. “Well done. For getting the badges.” Then with that he left the room.