Chapter 7
“I hate this so much.” Albus muttered, once he and Scorpius had both made their way to their usual compartment on the train. The weather outside had decided on a torrential downpour, despite it still being summer. The windows had already begun to mist up, creating patterns of ice carefully curated upon them from the cold.
“It’s to be expected, Albus, of course people are going to stare, they’ve just seen Harry Potter on the Hogwarts express.” Scorpius reasoned, taking the seat opposite Albus and slinging his bag down beside him. There’s always been that slight ridiculousness to it, the idea of people getting so wound up about his dad.
His dad had decided to board the train with them, instead of flooing to Hogwarts. He supposed it made sense, he was already at the station, and Neville had done it every year since his children had started there. Albus knew Neville would be grateful for some company on the ride, and his dad agreed.
“But why do they have to stare at me!” He huffed. “They know he’s my dad, it’s old news.”
Scorpius shrugged. “Well we’re clearly not the ones to ask how our classmates' minds work. I’m sure we’d have a couple more friends if we got that one figured out.”
Albus grinned at him. He was aware of people still passing through the corridor, glancing in at them both and muttering amongst themselves. He occasionally caught the word ‘Harry’ or a muffled giggle. He really hoped it would all stop once people realised his dad would be permanently on school grounds, even though he did not want him fighting his battles for him. Though, at least it was better than being relentlessly called a ‘Slytherin Squib’.
“I’m almost certain dad will check up on us at least every half an hour.” Albus commented. “Just to make sure we aren’t escaping any trains.” It had meant to deliver as a joke, but neither ended up taking it that way, and it resulted in a silence.
“I should probably get ready to leave soon.” Scorpius commented, letting out a small sigh as he did so.
“Oh, yeah. How long will you be?”
Scorpius, being a prefect this year, was meant to join the rest in a compartment soon, meaning Albus would be left alone for a while. Although he’d decided he didn’t mind that, he needed some time alone, before it began to get chaotic again.
“An hour max? I’m not really sure what it is they need to say, or do. I’ll try and be back as soon as possible, I promise.”
They were surprisingly a couple of hours into the trip before Albus spotted his dad by the door, inevitability checking up on them. Scorpius had already been to his meeting, coming back to inform Albus that it was incredibly dull, and that Rose had inevitably taken lead.
Albus looked at his dad, it seemed to be the first time he’d left his original carriage, as there was a trail of students following behind him, soft giggles echoing from them. Albus really hoped they’d go away once his dad was in their compartment.
He watched as he pushed the door open and slid in, rather ungracefully, and smiled toothily at the two of them. He was already dressed smartly in extensive black robes, which he hadn’t been wearing on the way to the station; they were like ones he used to wear at the ministry.
“Glad to see you both.” He chuckled, a little, and remained standing by the door. “Only a couple more hours to go now.”
Albus nodded, aware that there was still a congregation of giggling girls outside of their compartment door trying to avoid eye contact with him.
“Have either of you seen James? I’ve looked inside every compartment on my way to yours and can’t seem to find him, and this is one of the last ones.”
“Yes, he was at the prefect meeting. Although I suppose he’s back in his compartment now.” Scorpius piped up.
“Oh, yeah. I’m pretty sure he’s in the very last one, he makes sure to get it every year obviously.” Albus rolled his eyes in response.
“Okay, great, thank you.” His dad nodded, and glanced back checking to see if the students had disappeared, although of course they hadn’t.
“You two are okay then? I should probably head out…or at least try to.” He rubbed his head in distress.
Albus smiled in amusement. “Yeah, we’re fine. See you at the sorting?”
“Yeah. See you at the sorting.” He nodded and then carefully pulled the compartment door open and fled out.
There was a certain chill to the air that made Albus shiver slightly as they stepped out from the Hogwarts express onto the platform. The familiar scene of students bustling to get on carriages was set before him. Scorpius was trailing behind, neither unsure how to get through the crowd without being trampled.
“Potter!”
Albus swung around, unsure if the yell was directed towards him. He wasn’t used to his surname, it was usually some ridiculous variation of it or ‘slytherin squib’. Maybe, just maybe, it had finally stopped.
As he tried to pick out who had just called out to him his eyes landed on Karl Jenkins.
“Yes, you, Potter.” He repeated, affirming it was Albus he was speaking to.
Albus gulped and could feel Scorpius also tense beside him. When it came to Karl it was never good.
Karl moved forward, coming closer, bustling a few first years as he made his way through. “Is it true? Harry Potter, teaching at Hogwarts.”
It wasn’t fully what he’d expected, it came across too nicely, not the usual tone he used with Albus. Perhaps his dad being at school had frightened them away.
“Er, yeah.” Was all he had to say.
“What, so he can keep an eye on you? Make sure you don’t go resurrecting any more dark wizards? It’s kind of pathetic, don’t you think? He probably quit his job as Head Auror because of his incompetent Slytherin son.” Karl spat, and Albus suddenly felt all hope he had quickly deflate, all the hope he held for it ending.
Albus didn’t respond, he didn’t need to. Karl knew he was wrong, he realised now, after so many years of the bullying, that they never meant what they said, even if it’d taken him many years to understand that.
He grabbed Scorpius by the arm, making sure he wasn’t gripping too hard, and pulled them both away, finally finding the courage to push through the crowd.
The two of them eventually made it to a carriage, and jumped on, just the two of them like it always had been. Scorpius was looking at him intensely with a look of concern in the mix.
“Are you okay?” He whispered.
Albus tried to swallow the feeling in throat that wouldn’t move. He wasn’t sure why he felt so down about what Karl had said, why had the words affected him so much? Surely he was used to it by now. Maybe it was the lost hope he had for it finally being a good year.
“Albus?” He realised he still hadn’t responded.
“Yeah, I’m fine. Sorry.” He muttered, and turned away from his friend to stare at the passing trees.
The Great Hall was filled with an aroma of anticipation and excitement, for reasons Albus pinpointed on his dad. He’d received more than several stare’s since walking into the hall, one’s that flittered between the two of them, back and forth. Opposite both him and Scorpius were Mateos and Elias, who had managed to locate them after what they claimed was a struggle.
His dad was seated beside Neville at the teachers table, and positioned at the very end. Albus had thankfully managed to avoid any awkward eye contact with him so far. The sorting had already happened, and few new Slytherin students were seated at their table, all sharing a similar look of anxiety that Albus remembered all too well.
He’d been jabbing at the few pieces of chicken he’d added to his plate of food, leading to some regret after realising he really wasn’t hungry.
Scorpius too didn’t seem to have eaten much when he glanced over at his plate, Albus wasn’t too sure why.
“You don't reckon my dad has a speech or anything, right?” Albus voiced, cringing inwardly at the simple thought of it.
Scorpius shrugged. “I’m not sure, there’s never been any new teachers, I’m not sure how it works. He would’ve said if he did though, surely?”
“I don’t know-” He was interrupted by the usual clinking of metal on glass, and Mcgonagall stood. “I guess we’re about to find out.” He whispered.
“Welcome back to another year at Hogwarts, and welcome to our first years joining us.” She began. “I just have a few things to say before I allow you all to go up to your dorms and have a well deserved rest.”
“I would like to start with my usual reminders, the forbidden forest is off limits to any student, quidditch tryouts will begin in two weeks time and you can find out times on the bulletin in your common room. Alongside those you will find your timetable for this year in your common rooms.” She paused and there was a general mutter amongst the hall.
“Okay, so now that I’m done with that, I have a couple more things to say.” She began, and Albus slowly pulled his hands up to his face, ready for the eyes to turn towards him.
“I’d like to introduce you to our new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Potter.” She beamed, and moved out of the way, watching as he stood and took a neat bow.
Albus stared ahead, feeling the eyes, yet avoiding contact with any of them. At that moment he was just grateful his dad hadn’t arranged a speech.
“Thank you. Classes will start as normal tomorrow, and I can now let you all off to bed.” Mcgonagall stepped back up to say. “Prefects, will you please lead off the first years to their common rooms.”
He felt Scorpius begin to stand beside him and he looked up, both boys locking eyes. “See you later?” He asked, smiling.
“I might be quite late, I’ve got rounds to do this evening, don’t wait up for me.” He replied. “I’ll see you tomorrow though?”
Albus couldn’t shift the uncomfortable feeling that’d caught hold of him, but he shrugged it off and nodded up at his friend. “Yeah, okay. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Scorpius was right when he’d said he’d be back late that night. Albus awoke the next morning, not remembering having seen him before he finally had managed to drift off to sleep, something he was still struggling with. Scorpius’ curtains were still pulled tightly closed, and so Albus assumed he was still asleep. With a quick check of his watch, the time read seven am. That meant they had exactly two hours until their first class of the day started, and Albus still hasn’t checked his timetable.
After a hasty shower and pulling on his uniform, he walked back into the dorm to see Scorpius awakened, also fully dressed.
“Morning.” He called, grabbing his tie from his bedside table.
“Good morning.” He heard him reply. “Have you seen the timetable?” A hint of worry in the voice.
“No? Why?” Albus questioned, turning around to read his expression.
Scorpius paused for a second. “We have DA first.”
Albus now did feel slightly sick. “Oh. What house are we with?” Please don’t be Gryffindor.
Thankfully, Scorpius’ expression relaxed a little before speaking. “Only Ravenclaw, so that’ll be fine.”
“Great.” Grabbing his bag Albus motioned over to the door. “Breakfast?”
“Yeah, let’s go.”
They’d gotten through breakfast without many stares, and Albus had assumed the commotion of his dad had died down just a little. After everybody had been taught by him at least, once they’d realise, then everything would be fine.
Albus and Scorpius were certain they’d make it to their first class on time, especially after a relatively early start. They’d spent a generous amount of time at breakfast, leaving ten minutes before their class started. Though Albus had quickly realised he’d managed to forget his wand in the dorm, leaving the two a short ten minutes to run up there and grab it before class started.
Trying to navigate their way through the corridor was deemed harder than expected and Albus had to somewhat regretfully shove a group of first years that just weren’t moving out of the way. They had a total of two minutes now, and we’re still a good distance away.
“You reckon my dad will give us detention?” He grinned.
Scorpius seemed a little put out, not picking up on the joke. “Erm, I’m not sure.”
“I’m kidding, he won't. We’ll just tell him we got lost or something.”
Scorpius raised a brow at him. “Got lost!? Albus we’ve been here for four years, that’s a likely story.”
“It’ll be fine.”
“We made it.” Scorpius commented, once they’d rounded the corner to find his dad’s classroom. They were by no means on time, but the door was open and they’d agreed to just walking in.
Albus took a deep breath and glanced behind at Scorpius, who nodded, before taking a step into the room.
As he looked in he spotted his dad at the front, pacing up and down, animatedly explaining something. The class seemed to be intently watching, and no one had yet noticed their presence. Though a couple more steps into the room didn’t keep it that way.
Albus immediately scanned the room for an empty seat, inwardly sighing when he spotted the only two at the very front of the classroom. That was when his dad had finally looked up and spotted the two of them at the back of the classroom.
He paused what he was doing and his face transformed into the usual look of disappointment his dad tried doing when he really wasn’t too bothered. Albus knew that look from the many times James had gotten into trouble in first year, Mcgonagall owling home, his dad struggling to shield the swell of proudness.
“It’s nice of you two to join us.” He shook his head. “Come in quickly, there’s an empty seat at the front.”
Albus nodded and made a beeline towards the table, shoving his bag underneath it and sitting down.
“Of course he doesn’t get in trouble.” A voice muttered from behind him, rather loudly, which went unnoticed by his dad.
“Actually, Mr…?” His dad began, making Albus want the ground to swallow him there and then.
“Johnston.”
Albus watched as his dad continued. “I will speak to them both at the end of the lesson, and provide appropriate measures. But it is not up to you how I punish my students.”
The class was silent for a minute, before his dad continued with the lesson.
“So, as I was saying.” He started to pace up and down again. “I will be teaching you the ins and outs of dark magic, its uses and effects, over the next term.”
“This lesson shall begin with a light introduction to the three unforgivable curses, and how cruel they’re uses are.” He stopped when several hands shot up.
“Yes?” He pointed towards a Ravenclaw, Addie Richards.
“Addie Richards.” She began with. “I was wondering if we’d get a first hand account of your experiences with the curses.”
Albus tried his best not to let out a huge sigh. The last thing he needed was his dad recounting his own stories.
“Well, I have considered it, and I suppose it would be a useful contribution to your learning.”
There were several mutters spread across the room, mostly of excitement.
“I’m aware of the advantage I have when it comes to teaching you. I can provide as much experienced knowledge as I'm able to with all three curses.”
There was a small commotion at the back of the room. “Do you remember it? Do you remember You Know Who giving you the scar?”
Albus recognised the voice, Lucas Rowle. He spared a sour glance backwards at the boy, who seemed entirely oblivious at the effect of the question he’d just asked. Albus shook his head in anger and felt Scorpius’ soft gaze beside him.
His dad sighed, rubbing his forehead, before speaking. “Well, I was only a baby…of course. I don’t really remember enough to give you a detailed account. Although I can help describe the effect of it to you all.”
Lucas spoke again. “You know, my grandfather says that whole ideal was ridiculous.”
“Sorry, what was ridiculous?” His dad questioned, Albus could practically feel the anger building.
“The fact that the entire wizarding world depended on you, on a baby, for so many years.” He could sense Rowle shying away from the anger.
“What is your name, may I ask?”
“Lucas Rowle.”
There was a slight pause of recognition in that moment, and Albus could tell his father knew his family.
“Well, Mr Rowle, I understand you are entitled to an opinion. However, do you believe that Voldemort was in the right? That people’s faith was in the wrong person?”
The class turned a deadly type of silent for a few seconds.
“Well…I think everybody idolising a one year old was ridiculous, yes.” He replied, snarkily.
“So you think they should’ve idolised Voldemort instead.”
If his dad wasn’t about to lose it, Albus definitely was.
“No. I just think that some people caught up with Voldemort weren’t all bad.”
“Really?”
Albus was almost at his limit. He turned to Scorpius who also seemed uncharacteristically angry and also a little pale, not holding any signs of his usual joyous self.
“Yes.”
“Well, I don’t appreciate death eater sympathisers in my classroom, so if that’s the way you think I’d like you to leave.”
Rowle stared at him in shock and a little disgust. “You’re kicking me out because of my opinion?”
Albus was done. He spun around on his chair to face Lucas Rowle. “Yes, he is. You believe that death eaters are good people? People that tried to kill my dad almost every day of his life, for years! People that tried to hurt many parents of people in this room.”
“Albus.” He could distantly hear his dads warning, though his anger blocked out the other voices.
“Yeah, shut up you Slytherin Squib.” Rowle spat.
Albus ignored him, the way he’d grown accustomed to.
“If you really think like that then maybe you should go and join them in Azkaban, then you can start recruiting your own.” He continued, feeling almost like he was on fire.
Rowle glared nastily, beginning to conjure a response, until both of them were shut down.
“Albus! Rowle, I'd like you to leave my classroom and make your way to Professor Flitwick's office. Al, step outside please, I’ll speak to you soon.”
Albus glared bitterly at Rowle and watched him storm out with a dramatic exit. Albus waited a second before lifting himself from his chair and following him out of the door.
The halls were vaguely empty, except for a few students congregating across from him. Rowle had already disappeared around the corner, and Albus was certain he was not going to Professor Flitwick's office. He was probably already going off to start his recruitment.
It wasn’t long before his dad joined him outside, where he’d taken position on the floor, leaning up against the wall.
“Albus.”
He glanced up, watching the stare of disappointment painted across his face. “Can you stand up, please.”
He reluctantly pulled himself up from the floor, still leaning against the wall.
“Why?” His dad spoke.
Albus shrugged his shoulders, aware of the glances from the other students across the hall.
“I don’t need you fighting my battles for me, Albus. I understand you got angry, so did I, but you need to learn to keep it in.”
Albus gulped. “I’m sorry.”
“Has he ever given you trouble in the past, Rowle?”
Albus tried to think back to previous years. He’d learnt to block out the comments now, and he never really knew who uttered the nasty words in the corridors. “I don’t know.”
“You don’t know?”
“Yeah. I don’t know. He might’ve said some things in the past, I can’t remember every person.” He muttered.
His dad’s expression grew into concern. “Al, how often are people saying things? It has to be fairly often if you can’t even remember who’s saying them.”
“It’s fine. I just don’t pay attention, that’s all.” He lied.
“Can I trust you to go back in there?” He gestured towards the classroom door.
“Yes.”
“You won’t start anything?”
“I will if I'm given a reason to.” He mumbled.
“Albus, I can handle the class by myself, it’s my job.” He uttered.
“I know.”
“So, will you go back in there, sit down, and not say another word?”
Albus attempted a nod, reluctantly, and pulled himself off the wall. “Do you have to keep us after class as well? I’ve got Mcgonagall next and she already hates me.” He added as an afterthought.
His dad, as expected, pulled a face at him. “Yes. You managed to be late to your first lesson of the year, Merlin knows how, and I’ve got to look fair in front of your classmates. And Mcgonagall doesn’t hate you, you know that.”
Now it was his time to pull a face. “Well, she definitely has something against me.
His dad slowly pulled the bulging door back open, motioning for Albus to walk back in. “Wonder what that would be.” He whispered sarcastically as he ushered him in.