Chapter 6
Albus heard a light knock on his door and he turned on his desk chair to face whoever was bothering him. “Albus.”
“Dad.”
His dad awkwardly went to sit on his bed, throwing a hoodie aside to do so. “What are you up to?”
Albus looked at his dad sceptically. He hadn’t really been doing anything, just scribbling over a piece of parchment, feeling sorry for himself. “Nothing.”
“Oh.” His dad scratched the back of his neck and looked at the floor. “You know, I never got Head Boy. Your mum didn’t get Head Girl either.”
Of course that’s what he wanted to talk about.
“Actually, both Ron and Hermione did. And junior prefects weren’t even a thing when I was at Hogwarts.”
Albus started to kick an abandoned ball, that was lying on his bedroom floor, against his wall.
“Okay.”
He wasn’t sure what he was meant to say, he also knew both his parents had been quidditch captains during their years at Hogwarts- though he didn’t press that matter.
“Albus. Please look at me.” He slowly lifted his head up from where his eyes had been set on the floor. His dad stared at him solemnly. “You know we don’t love you any less than James and Lily.”
He glanced down again, remembering the harsh words from his father not so long ago. “I know.”
“We love you all an equal amount, and I really mean that, Albus.” His dad exclaimed, pausing for a second afterwards. “And I know it can be hard sometimes, but things like this don’t make us think any less of you.”
Albus looked towards his dad, locking eyes with the soft knowing glare he knew so well. “I know.”
His dad looked down at his lap, seeming to be contemplating something. He slowly lifted his head again before opening his mouth.
“Did you really want to be a prefect, Albus?”
He rubbed the back of his head, realising how much he did not want to be a prefect. “No, it sounds like too much responsibility.”
His dad chuckled and grinned at Albus. “I thought so. You know, Mcgonagall did consult me before making final decisions.”
Albus was surprised at this. “Really?”
“Yeah. She was asking about James and Lily, obviously, but also Scorpius. I told her he was a perfect choice, of course. Although, don’t get angry, I asked her not to pick you.”
Albus honestly wasn’t bothered about becoming a prefect, but his dad ensuring that hadn’t happened did not make him feel too great. “What, why?”
His dad sighed, “I just didn’t think it would be great for you right now, with the counselling and all the work you’re going to get next year.” He tried to reason.
Albus guessed he understood, though it still annoyed him a little. “Oh. Yeah, I suppose.”
“Just don’t overthink it, Albus. You’re a smart kid and me and your mum both love you loads.”
Albus was slightly taken aback by the overwhelming affection coming from his dad, though he accepted it and fell into the awkward hug his dad initiated. “Dad?”
His dad pulled back and stared him in the eye. Albus had decided to pluck up the courage to ask about the matter that’d been bothering him since he’d found out.
“Yes?”
Albus took a deep breath. “I’m just- I’m a little bit scared about how everyone will react to…us? You?” He struggled to word how he felt about his dad working at the school next year.
Although he seemed to understand immediately. “Al, It’s going to be fine. The other kids aren’t still bothering you, are they?” He questioned with worry.
Albus wasn’t sure how to answer that. He knew that the bullying was a lot better than it had been, but he also knew it hadn’t completely stopped. He guess he’d just grown accustomed to the comments, learnt to block it out.
“Not really, it’s not like it was before.”
He didn’t miss the pity in his dads eyes when he looked up, yet he spared the sorrowful words to an extent. “Al, it's all going to be fine. I can’t imagine my teaching will make anything worse, it could perhaps help.”
Albus grinned. “I don’t know, you might be an awful teacher. That would most definitely lead to more bullying.”
“Hey! Don’t knock my teaching abilities before I’ve even started.” He laughed back in a defensive mock tone.
There was less than a week left of the summer holidays before school started back up again, and all Albus could think about was seeing Scorpius again.
“Albus!”
“You’ve lost him to Scorpius again.”
“He’s probably daydreaming about them f-”
“James!”
Albus glanced forward at his brother who was doing an awful job at trying to suppress a grin. His parents were also sat opposite him, his mum sipping from a cup of coffee whilst his dad flipped through a book. Lily was sprawled out on the chair beside Albus and was spreading copious amounts of jam onto her slice of toast.
“Albus?”
He finally registered that his mum was speaking to him. “Yeah?”
“Please can you try on the new robes we bought you later? I’ve left them in your room.”
“Oh, erm yeah.” He responded, still slightly in a daze. All he could think about was the fact that Scorpius was going to be there in a few hours.
“Is your room tidy?” She added.
Albus knew full well that his room was not. He was certain his mum did as well. “Yeah, it’s…tidy enough.”
“You don’t want Scorpius having to sleep in your mess! You have three hours to tidy it, Albus.” She continued to lecture.
“I’ve seen his dorm, Scorpius is probably used to it by now.” James added, unnecessarily.
“Piss off, James.” He muttered, unfortunately not out of earshot of his parents.
“Language, Albus Severus!”
Albus huffed and pushed back on his chair, deciding he didn’t want to finish his breakfast or sit with his irritating family any longer.
Up in his room Albus had made a lazy attempt to tidy his room within the last couple of hours and decided on just giving up. James was right, Scorpius was used to his mess and he wasn’t bound to care.
Albus stood in front of his mirror trying to perfect the various strands of hair that didn’t seem to want to sit correctly on his head. He’d dressed in a nicer shirt to what he’d been previously wearing and was wearing jeans instead of joggers.
He eventually gave up on his hair as he noticed somebody hurrying past his bedroom door. He glanced towards the open door and spotted Lily grinning eagerly at him.
“Yes?” He questioned in an irritated tone.
“Your really blonde friend is here.”
Albus’ expression immediately perked up and he turned back to give one last glance at himself in the mirror before hurrying out of his bedroom.
Downstairs he could hear muffled chatter and it became obvious that Scorpius was there speaking to his parents. He spared no time in making his way towards the kitchen, where he heard the voices coming from.
Inside he was met with his mum and Draco Malfoy conversing animatedly, he was not entirely sure what they were saying. Though he didn’t much care, and felt his entire face light up as he spotted his favourite blonde haired boy beside Draco, looking a little awkward.
“Scorpius!” He exclaimed and rushed over to hug his friend in such an exaggeration that made both their parents abruptly pause their conversation.
“Al-” He heard Scorpius begin to usher before he was crushed by the weight of Albus.
As he pulled away, a little stiffly, he turned to notice both his mum and Draco exchanging a look that Albus did not like.
Breaking the sudden silence, his mum spoke. “Okay, so Draco we will make sure Scorpius gets to the station safely on Monday, don’t worry.”
Albus watched as Draco slowly nodded at his mum and carried a slightly unnerving and uncharacteristic smile. “Thank you, Weas- Mrs Potter.”
Albus turned to Scorpius, catching his eye to make sure he’d also noticed the slip up. They both shared a knowing grin with one another.
The boys had been up in Albus’ bedroom for a few hours before they’d been called down for dinner. This had sent Albus into a panic, knowing that this was his first proper, formal interaction with his entire family.
“Okay, please don’t feel like you have to laugh at every single joke James makes. Also, you don’t have to answer all of my parents ' questions, they’re just nosy. Lily likes to talk a lot and will probably get on your nerves, although I’ll tell her to stop if she does. Actually, you don’t have to speak at all if you don’t want to-”
Albus stopped, registering the look of concern plastered upon his friend's face.
“Albus, it’s fine, your family’s great.” He reassured him. “Let’s just go down, it’s been a while since your mum called us.”
“Okay.” Albus muttered back. “Let’s just get this done with.”
Downstairs Albus made his way over to his usual seat, where his parents had moved the extra seat beside it. They were all already sat down, albeit his mum who was dishing up plates of shepherd's pie.
“Hi!” Lily jumped in, barely allowing Scorpius a chance to breathe, and pulled Scorpius into a hug.
Albus could see Scorpius immediately tense. “Lily, get off him!” He yelled quickly, fully aware Scorpius was not a huge fan of physical touch from just anybody.
Lily instantly backed away from Scorpius, apologising. Though she seemed thoroughly unbothered just seconds later, and took back her place in her usual seat.
“Hello, boys.” His dad greeted them both.
Scorpius grinned broadly. “Hello, Mr Potter.”
“Call me Harry.” He smiled warmly back at Scorpius. “Although I suppose it will be Professor Potter soon.” He laughed.
Albus scrunched his face up at the idea of addressing his dad the same way he did with his other teachers. It just seemed too much, too awkward. Although, James clearly had a different opinion.
“I cannot wait to be granted with your extensive knowledge, Professor Potter.” He bellowed in an exaggerated manner, attempting to bow down at his fathers presence whilst seated.
“James, you make me dread teaching you more and more everyday.”
Albus rolled his eyes as his brother continued his dramatic performance, now pretending to be overly offended at what had just been said.
“I’m sure you’ll be a great teacher.” Scorpius commented.
His dad looked genuinely comforted at Scorpius’ words, and something inside of Albus warmed. A swell of affection.
“Thank you, Scorpius.”
His mum was now swerving her way towards the table, juggling several plates in her hands, attempting to hand them out around the table.
“So, Scorpius, how’s your dad doing?” Albus rubbed his forehead in distress as his dad began with the expected questions.
Scorpius, though was of course still beaming, eager to answer. “He’s doing well actually, or at least better than he had been.”
Albus watched his dad expectantly, unsure of where he was going with the conversation.
“Yes, I’m sorry, Scorpius.”
He wasn’t sure what his dad was apologising for, whether it be Scorpius’ mother, or the allegations, or even the mess Albus had gotten them into. However Scorpius seemed to somewhat understand and nodded in gratitude.
“Do you play quidditch, Scorpius?” James voiced, unaware that the mood of conversation had shifted.
Scorpius seemed a little caught off guard. “Oh, erm. I used to play it a lot when I was younger, dad enjoys it, although I don’t as much anymore.”
“What team do you support? Or are you not really into watching it?”
Albus just wished his brother would stop with the antagonising questions. Scorpius was trying to eat his dinner, he didn't want to be interviewed.
“Yeah, I support the Arrows. Dad and I used to see them all the time.”
James had now a mouthful of food, and was nodding along in approval to Scorpius’ answer.
“Yeah, the Arrows are a pretty solid team.” His mum commented. “They’re quite high up in the league aren’t they?”
Albus was trying his best not to zone out of the conversation surrounding quidditch, like he usually did at dinner times with his family. He didn’t want them to start asking Scorpius ridiculous questions, even if his friend seemed perfectly happy answering them. Sometimes he just had to remind himself that he and Scorpius were very different people.
Finally Albus sensed the quidditch talk slowly coming to an end, and just knew where the next line of conversation was going before it had even started.
“So are you all excited to get back to Hogwarts on Monday?” The eagerness on his dads question not passing over to Albus.
“Obviously! I cannot wait for your class, dad.” Lily gushed, looking as if she was about to jump from her seat.
“Yeah, even if I have a load of exams, I’m quidditch captain now and head boy.” James beamed, trying very little to hide the arrogance of it.
His dad looked towards him and Scorpius seated opposite him. “How about you, boys?”
His dad was aware how little they both enjoyed school compared to his siblings, yet he wasn’t looking for a negative answer, so Albus just didn’t say anything.
“Yes, I’m sure this year will be good. Although I’m a little nervous for OWLS.” Scorpius answered, truthfully.
“Don’t worry, Scorpius. From what I’ve heard and seen you’re a bright boy, you’ll do great. And besides, you have me to guarantee you an O in defence against the dark arts.”
“Albus?”
Albus glanced up from his dinner. “Yeah?”
“Are you excited?”
Albus would usually say no, just for the dramatic effect, or to piss off his parents, although Scorpius was there and he couldn’t do that.
“Erm, sort of.” He lied, badly.
“Yeah?” His dad went along with it. “Are you finally going to visit Hogsmeade this year?”
Albus gulped, avoiding all eye contact with his brother, remembering their small trip there not so long ago, and stared straight forward at his dad. “Me and Scorpius can’t go to Hogsmeade, remember? The whole punishment thing.” He mumbled.
“Ah, yes. I was thinking about speaking to Mcgonagall about that. I think you’ve both had it rough enough, a little fun would be good.” His dad grinned and took a sip from his glass of water.
Albus had to say he was rather surprised, and stared at his dad sceptically, considering the unexpected offer. Scorpius was the first to speak.
“Really?” He gushed, and Albus could see his eyes widening at the idea. In moments like that it was hard for Albus to ignore the effect his stupid idea had on Scorpius.
“Of course, I’m sure she’ll agree to letting you both visit. Especially with exams coming up, you’ll need the break every now and again.” Albus watched as his dad rested his eyes on him, waiting for a response. “What do you think, Al?”
Albus forced a smile. “Yeah, thank you dad. That’d be good.”
Albus woke from a light sleep the next morning, pulled away from the comfort and peace by the dullsit tone of his brother ringing upstairs.
“Al!”
“Albus!”
“Come on! I’m coming up!”
He rubbed his eyes, feeling a light headache due to the lack of sleep he’d gotten last night. Neither of the boys had gone to bed particularly late, however Albus had been struggling to fall asleep for a while now, and last night hadn’t been any better.
Scorpius was sat up on the blow up bed they’d arranged on his bedroom floor, clearly also having been woken by James.
“I think James wants you.” He croaked, flopping back onto his bed.
Albus looked at his bedside table, checking the time. It was already 10 o’clock. His bedroom door was pushed open, revealing James stood eagerly outside of it. He was dressed head to toe in quidditch clothes, broom already in hand. It didn’t take Albus long to figure out what James wanted.
“We’re going to the quidditch pitch, are you coming?” He leant against the doorframe, growing impatient.
Albus glanced towards Scorpius, who shrugged his shoulders at the idea.
“Erm, okay.” He answered. “Give us like twenty minutes though? We just woke up, thanks to you.”
James grinned, and slapped his hand against the top of the doorframe (for reasons Albus was unsure of). “Welcome, be quick. Oh and Scorpius can use my old broom.”
After what actually took almost an hour of getting ready, and his mum forcing them to eat breakfast, the four managed to finally leave the house, broomsticks in hand. They’d had to use cases, to hide them from and suspecting muggles they might pass on the way there. Albus thought they resembled the chairs they’d once used years ago on a spontaneous camping trip his parents had planned. After that, Albus had decided he never wanted to sleep in a tent ever again.
“So there’s a quidditch pitch near your house?” Scorpius questioned with strong interest.
“Yeah, you need a wand to access it though, and it’s obviously hidden from the view of muggles.” Albus explained. “It’s one of the main reasons Mum and Dad chose the house, it was close enough for mum to walk down regularly and practice when she was still a part of the Harpies.”
They’d been walking for around five minutes before they arrived at their destination and James, who was old enough to use magic outside of school, used his wand to grant them access.
Albus watched as the mould covered fence, that hid the contents behind, began to transform into a metal gate, shining under the glint of the sun. The quidditch pitch began to appear, as seen through the gaps in the gate, though still well enough hidden behind the long series of bushes that surrounded it. James pushed the gate open and led them through.
“Okay, so obviously we won’t have a seeker but I’ll be the keeper.” James instructed. “Lily, beater? We could both use some practice in our usual positions for this season.”
“Yeah, I’ll be the beater. Are we having two chasers?” She responded eagerly.
“Probably best to have two beaters, you can’t do much on your own. Scorpius, are you any good as a beater?” James questioned.
“I mean I’m fine, I suppose.” He answered fairly modestly. Albus didn’t think he’d even seen Scorpius play a game of quidditch though, so he wasn’t sure.
“Great. Al, chaser, because I know you’d have a meltdown if I made you take any other position.”
Albus screwed his face up and aimed a punch at James’ arm, badly missing as he flinched out of the way. “I would not.”
“Whatever.”
James immediately mounted his broom and flew up to the hoops situated on the other side of the pitch, followed by Lily who circled him a couple of times. Albus shared a slightly reluctant glance at Scorpius as they both began to mount their brooms as well.
The game went on for almost an hour, before Albus had to stop, announcing he was too tired and needed a break.
“Honestly, Al. It’s only been an hour, you’re so unfit.” James complained, circling the pitch as if he was making a point.
Albus just decided to ignore him and glanced towards Scorpius who was throwing the bludger back at Lily, signalling that he too was following behind Albus.
Both boys landed on the group and disposed of their brooms by their congregation of belongings.
“Are you okay?” Scorpius asked, rather randomly.
Albus glanced at him, surprised that he’d sensed any worry Albus had.
“Erm, yeah.” He responded.
Scorpius nodded. “Should we walk back?” He asked.
Albus was extremely tired and decided that a break was necessary. “Yeah, let’s head back.”
Scorpius trudged ahead a little and Albus fought to catch up.
“Scorp.”
Scorpius scratched the back of his head and turned towards him.
Albus continued. “Last night, at dinner. You said this school year was going to be good. Do you really think so?”
Scorpius seemed surprised at the question, as if he’d been expecting something completely different. “Oh. Er, yeah, I think it’ll be better. Don’t you?”
Albus really couldn’t see this year being any better than the others, not much had changed. “I don’t know.”
“Well, Mateos and Elias, they’re speaking to us now, so that’s more friends. We might be able to go to Hogsmeade, and we’re caught up with classes. Oh, and your dad will be teaching us!” Scorpius listed off all the reasons.
“You really think my dad teaching us is a good thing?” Albus raised an eyebrow in question, almost laughing at the ridiculousness of it.
“Yeah, it’ll be great. I’m sure he’s going to be a great teacher and plus, no one will dare cross us when they know your dad is around. They might even see how similar you both are, and realise he doesn’t hate you.”
Albus really hadn’t thought too much about the benefits of his dad being at the school. It was just too easy to focus on the negatives.
“You really think so? And we’re not that similar.” He said defensively.
“Yes, I really think so. And we’ve already gone through this Al, you know you are.” He grinned.