Without The Flick Of The Wand
By Albus Potter
I often hear the phrase, 'Muggles are completely oblivious to the hardships we have had to face in the Wizarding world.'; or something to that effect. The impression I always get from that, is that we are all questioning the intellect of Muggles. Or maybe we are even forgetting that most Muggles aren't aware that Wizards and Witches even exist in the first place! But it seems we like to find anything possible to criticise Muggles.
More importantly, how many wizards are even aware of what goes on in the Muggle world? Can anyone honestly say they really know all the hardships which Muggles face? And can we criticise them about not knowing of Wizarding problems, when we don't know about theirs?
The truthful answer, would be no, we don't know everything about Muggle hardships. Even I can't say I know everything that has happened in the Muggle world and I have been studying them since I was thirteen.
But that is why, I am writing this novel. Or a diary, some people might call it.
I have always been fascinated with Muggles. My Father, who to this day, is one of the greatest wizards on this earth, still doesn't understand my obsession with Muggles, and he was the person who I would say I am closest to. I don't understand it myself. Maybe it's the fact they live their lives without magic when we are so reliant on it, I don't know.
But what I do know, is that I have always wanted to explore their world in more depth than any wizard has ever done before.
And that is what I'm planning to do. But not just one Muggle society: the first thing to know is that Muggles have many different cultures, some more advanced than others.
I will be visiting seven very different countries: Italy, India, Japan, USA, Brazil, Kenya and New Zealand.
I will delve into these different civilisations with three aims:
1) To understand the Muggle world to a new degree 2) To prove how Muggles should be considered equals to Wizards, despite the fact our worlds are completely different.3) To provide an appreciation to how Muggles live without magic in different ways, but in no way does it make them lesser beings to us.
Albus huffed and leant back on his chair, resting a hand on his forehead. That's half of the introduction and he was already tired. What was it going to be like writing the rest of the book?
It was his choice though. He had been wanting to do this for ages, waiting for the opportunity and the right time. Travelling around the world, studying the ways of Muggles, it's absolutely perfect for him. And he was so glad it was happening at this point in his life.
Albus' father is Harry Potter, famous Harry Potter, saviour of the Wizarding World, the boy who lived. His family had always been in the spotlight, ever since he was young. Paparazzi were always trying to snap photos of them and he had actually had to be taught how to deal with them. Everyone loved Harry Potter's children. As soon as they were born.
He never particularly liked it. Albus was far more reserved than his brother James, who had gone on to be a chaser in some Quidditch team Albus didn't know. And Albus was not as popular as his younger sister, Lily, who was still in Hogwarts, and is very friendly and outgoing. Albus guessed it suited him more, writing a book. It was something quieter, more detached. And he enjoyed writing. He had always kept a diary and loved that. Plus, he didn't really have to make many public appearances and he just really wanted to go on this trip.
Another reason Albus was also different to his family was because he liked guys. No one else in the whole family is gay, except for Louis, and everyone was… very aware of it. It is not that they didn't approve, Albus just didn't think they were all completely comfortable with it. His mother and father were fine with it and so were his siblings. Aunt Hermione didn't mind and nor did Rose Weasley. But Albus knew that Uncle Ron didn't treat him the same as when he used to. And Uncle George too. They were both more cautious around him, as well as some other family members, like Hugo who probably picked it up from his dad.
The person who got him through it was Louis Weasley. Louis Weasley was Albus' best friend, who also happened to be gay. Though that was inevitable; Louis was a Veela and attracted men like a moth to a flame. He always loved the attention from the men and it came as no shock when he came out. But during Albus' coming out about two years ago, Louis had been the one there for him the whole time. He had support and helped him and Albus didn't think he could have done it without Louis.
Albus was now twenty one and working in the department of Misuse of Muggle Artefacts in the Ministry, just like his Granddad, Arthur, did. But he had always wanted to push it a little further. His fascination about Muggles furthered than just the Ministry and this department. He wanted to know everything about Muggles and he thought the only way to do it, was to experience it first hand.
The Head of the department, Thomas Figg thought it would be a great idea to send Albus all around the world and then write a book about the things he experienced. It gave the opportunity to face all the different cultures of Muggle life. He agreed instantly, although the Minister of Magic wasn't quite as happy about it. Figg thought they should have the approval from the Minister of Magic because then people would find the book more reliable, however, he really did need to be persuaded. Albus didn't know why the Minister was so against it, but he didn't think about it too much.
The door flung open and Figg skipped into the room. He had an extremely bubbly personality and if it weren't for his enthusiasm, this trip would probably not even be happening, "How is it going, Al?"
"I've written about half of the introduction." Albus nodded, stretching his arms behind his head.
He glanced at my page and then frowned at Albus, "It's not very long."
"I didn't want it to be long. I want it to be straight to the point, not like those annoying drabbles some authors write." Albus said simply, a worried look on his face.
"Well, I'll read over it later," Figg perched on the side of Albus' desk while staring at him, "I've got some news about who you're going to be going on the trip with."
"Oh yeah, who?" Albus asked with a curious expression, slight excitement tinted in his eyes.
"Well, the Ministry wanted someone who they trust to keep it all in order."
"In order?"
"I know, they're still a bit wary of the whole thing. Stuff about some wizards not approving, blah blah blah. But anyway, Scorpius Malfoy is going to be accompanying you."
Albus' eyes widened dramatically, "Malfoy?"
"Yeah. Is there a problem?"
"Other than the fact the guy teased the hell out of me for being the only Potter who was in Ravenclaw instead of Gryffindor. And we still haven't completely got over the family feud." Albus spat. Albus had never liked Scorpius Malfoy. They were in the same year in Hogwarts but Albus had avoided him like the plague. Unfortunately, Albus had been subject to Scorpius' stupid pranks and annoying jokes. Although he tried to ignore Scorpius, it had only made him dislike the Malfoy even more.
"Well, they said he seemed happy to go with you."
"Why him?"
"He's head of the Magical Law Enforcement Patrol and they said they trust him. He's very efficient and is going to organise events, flights, accommodation etcetera." Figg explained briefly but convincingly.
"And I was actually looking forward to this trip."
~X~
Albus arrived at the airport with Figg. Figg thought that instead of apparating, they should actually go on an airplane to their first destination, to have that experience. Albus guessed it makes sense, but it was only the fact that he would be alone with Malfoy that bothered him. Malfoy really did drive him mad in Hogwarts. Only Potter to not be in Gryffindor; a phrase that has rang through Albus' head for years. His words really did effect him at the end of the day… But Albus didn't let him ruin his days at Hogwarts and he certainly wouldn't let him ruin his trip. If Malfoy had to come along, fine. Albus didn't want him to, but it definitely wouldn't stop him from having the time of his life and learning a lot about Muggles.
They strolled through the airport as Albus admired the happy tourists, giggling with smiles painted across their faces. He noticed a girl on one of those 'phones.' In Scorpius' opinion, Muggles were very clever. They had used all the resources they have, to create amazing contraptions. Wizards still used owls to communicate, while Muggles are having conversations over little boxes of metal in a matter of minutes. And they say Muggles are stupid?
Albus caught sight of Malfoy and instantly frowned, lowering his head stubbornly. Figg continued to march towards Malfoy with Albus sulking behind. Malfoy saw them, smiled and waved them over happily.
He looked exactly the same as he did in school. The blonde was quite a bit taller than Albus, about a head higher. Many people said he was handsome. If Albus looked hard enough, he could see it too but it still didn't make up for his horrible personality.
When they finally reached Malfoy, the other man clapped a hand on Albus' shoulder, "Hey Al! You excited?"
"Sure." Albus said with raised eyebrows.
Malfoy crinkled his forehead and studied Albus' features, "You holding grudge or something? Or are you tired?"
"Let's just say, I wasn't exactly pleased when I found out it were you coming on this trip." Albus grumbled, casting his eyes to the floor. Albus was always upfront and honest, maybe a reason he didn't have many friends.
Malfoy seemed a bit taken aback but a sadness washed over his face, "Whatever I did, I'm sorry. If I did something, I probably didn't mean it, I might have been joking, but I am sorry anyway."
Albus instantly shrugged it off, "Whatever. Where are we off to first?"
"Venice, Italy."
A small smile appeared on Albus' face. He had always wanted to go to Italy and apparently Venice was amazing. He was excited that Venice was the first place they were going to, "Nice. Well, we should get going. Thanks for everything, Thomas." Albus said to Figg.
"You have a good time," Figg patted the brunette's back and gave him a stern look, "You two get on and remember to write, Al. And be careful with magic. Don't let anyone see you using magic, both of you."
~X~
Malfoy and Albus sat next to each other on the airplane, even though Albus had tried desperately to sit away from him. Albus could feel Malfoy's eyes on him. He wondered why he was staring at him like that but like always, Albus just ignored Malfoy.
To distract himself and also lighten the atmosphere, Albus got out his notebook and pen. Albus didn't think there was any point using a quill. See, there's another great invention from Muggles. The ink is already inside the pen! And pens were just far more practical. They're easy to use, carry and it's not like he's going to spill ink all over the page unless the cartridge bursts!
Malfoy had been trying to make small talk but Albus made it very clear that he was not interested. All Malfoy was here for was to show Albus where he was going and find him somewhere to rest and sleep. Nothing else.
An airplane is a substitute for a broom, some could say. Or substitute for the floo network or apparation. It is what Muggles use to travel to different countries. My first impression is that it is more crowded and uncomfortable than a broom. The chairs are tightly packed and I honestly can't figure out how they've fit them all in here and even included a little path in the middle. There are hundreds of people on this plane! On one plane!
But is this better than a broom? It fits more people in than a broom does, obviously. They don't use magic, which is quite important. The fact that Muggles have been able to create something so brilliant, without magic and just through the power of their minds: doesn't that show that Muggles are just brilliant? Wizards would not be able to fly without brooms or magic. Yet Muggles have done it. Flying without magic.
Although, I do think they could easily make this more comfortable. I'm currently squashed up next to Scorpius Malfoy. By the way, he will be travelling with me. God help me.
No. Albus had to scratch out that last part. It was unprofessional to be complaining about your partner or co-worker or whatever Malfoy was to him.
We're heading to Venice, Italy now. Venice is the city with canals for streets. People say it's like a maze but the buildings are beautiful. I've been told that the culture is probably most similar to the British Muggle way of life than to any of the other countries we will visiting. Italian life. We'll just have to see when we get there.
"You writing for the book already?" Malfoy questioned with a hesitant smile.
"Yeah." Albus mumbled, shifting in his seat.
"I think it's a really good idea doing this book. Not many wizards really understand or appreciate Muggles. I think it's good to do this." The Slytherin said shyly, hiding behind his hair.
"Well, it's going to be fun."
"You know we're going for Carnival season?"
Albus grinned widely, "Yes! I was so glad when I realised we would be there for carnival… Apparently it's the best time of year to go!"
"Yeah… It should be good! I don't know much about it but I've organised for us to help with some of the preparation and join in with the festival." Malfoy said with enthusiasm.
"You're really into this, aren't you?" Albus half-smiled, looking at Malfoy through his messy locks.
"I'm not really that ignorant. My family are, but I'm not. I swear!" Malfoy raised his hands.
~X~
When we got off the plane, the first thing I noticed was the food. There were shops in the airport selling all types of Italian delicacies. The Italians do have a reputation for eating a lot but I didn't think it would be this extreme. Then again, I can't wait to experience the amazing Muggle home cooking, especially some which was considered to the most delicious in the world.
I am annoyingly hungry now.
Albus glanced around at Malfoy who was still grinning like an idiot. Albus had already noticed that Malfoy really did smile a lot.
"Let's go to the hotel. It's not too far. We'll can find out of the cars which take us places." Malfoy said and reached over to shake Albus' hair affectionately.
Albus blushed and ducked his head away from Malfoy, "A taxi." He corrected the other man.
"A taxi. Y'know, I really can't wait for this whole trip."
~X~
A/N: Soo I've decided to repost this story! Yay! And new and improved! I've basically made some changes to this story, just with language and stuff like that and changed the POV because I don't really like writing in first person anymore.
Part of the reason I'm reposting this is because of fanfiction deleting stories with sexual content... the original did have sexual content and I was worried it would get deleted and then my account would get deleted etc... I think it's stupid, fanfiction deleting stories and they're going to have to delete looooads of stories really xD
I'll probs post the next chapter soon!
