Title: Sanity Lost
Author: SpecialAgentSloane
Rating: M
Summary: Albus Potter questions his existence as the line blurs between reality and illusion.
Warnings: drug use, slash, language, dark themes such as schizophrenia, violence, etc.
Note: You're allowed to skip the introduction if you'd like.
When Albus Potter was sorted into Slytherin, his whole world collapsed beneath him. He refused to show it, though, which – the sorting hat couldn't help but remark – was a very serpent-like thing to do.
After professor Longbottom removed the hat, Albus slid off of the stool at the front of the Great Hall and made his way over to the watchful students that blended into a mass of silver and green. Upon reaching the table, the Slytherins closest to him slid to make room. He was surprised, but he sat down regardless. When the other students began speaking to him, he was ever more surprised. From all that he had heard, Potters and Slytherins did not mix well. But he was treated as one of their own. It was as if there was nothing heinously different or wrong about a Potter sitting amongst the serpents.
By the time the first years were shown to their dormitory and changed into their sleepwear, Albus had spoken to the six other boys that were now his dorm mates. Because of his speed, he had gotten the best bed, at least in his opinion. It was the one right by the window showing the murky depths of the Black Lake and the mysterious creatures that lurk beneath the surface.
As he fell into bed, exhausted from the long, tiresome day, Albus's mind wandered.
Cunning…resourceful…a good leader…hesitant, but determined, you can be very stubborn and rebellious at times…yes, I'm thinking…SLYTHERIN.
Letting out a sigh, he drifted to sleep wondering why he ever thought he would be a Gryffindor in the first place.
Five years later…
"Al, come sit with me!"
Albus Potter flashed Alicia a grin. "I can't, gorgeous. Business to attend to."
Scorpius Malfoy rolled his eyes as the two boys stepped out of the common room and into the dark dungeons. "Stop leading the girl on, Al."
"You're one to talk," Albus smirked. "You and Elena?"
"You and Cassie," Scorpius retorted. "And Elliot, and Genevieve, and that poor Ravenclaw boy, what's his name…"
"Taylor," Albus responded as they finished their ascent to the fourth floor corridor. "That's just a bit of fun. He nearly jizzes himself every time I smile at him, let alone actually speak to him."
Scorpius wrinkled his nose. "You're a disgusting creature, Albus Potter."
Al slung his arm around the blond boy's neck, green eyes flashing with amusement. "Ah, but you love me."
"Usually."
The boys reached their destination and Albus looked down the hall to make sure no one was looking. When he was sure it was safe, he nodded to Scorpius who knocked on the door four times quickly, then added a fifth moments later.
The door opened and the boys were greeted by a tall student with dark hair, light eyes, and sickly pale skin.
"What is our decision?" he asked, voice scratchy.
"Live fast and die young," Albus drawled smoothly.
A smile broke across the strange boys face as he stepped aside to let the Slytherin boys in. "Albus Potter, Scorpius Malfoy, I'm Vince Rockford, and this is my workshop."
Scorpius raised an eyebrow, his silvery gray eyes disbelieving. Looking around, Albus couldn't help but mirror his expression. The dark, dingy classroom looked like it hadn't seen life in decades, and there weren't any potions ingredients in sight.
"Unimpressive, I know, but this is where the magic happens," Rockford assured them. "We're not working on anything right now, but we have our Special Brew ready for you."
Just as he said it, another boy appeared from another room in the back holding a vial containing a deep, purplish-red liquid topped with a dropper.
"Ten sickles," Rockford said.
Scorpius eyed the vial as he held out the money. "How strong is it?"
"Very potent stuff," the other boy stated. "I advise you only use a drop at a time. It's easy to use too much."
Albus grinned. "Can we try it now?"
The boy shrugged. "I don't see why not."
Albus took the vial and turned to Scoripus.
"Mouth open, head back," he commanded.
Scorpius smirked. "Trying to have your wicked way with me?"
Albus held the dropper close to Scorpius's mouth until he complied.
"That's it, on the back of your tongue," Rockford said.
After giving a bit to Scorpius, Albus dripped some into his own mouth.
The taste was disgusting.
"Would it kill you to flavor the stuff?" Albus demanded as he attempted to hold back a gag.
The second boy shrugged. "We never saw a reason to."
Scorpius grinned at Albus.
"Shut up," Albus grumbled.
"You'll feel the effects within the next ten minutes," Rockford said. "Let us know how your experience is."
Scorpius and Albus shook hands with the two.
"Have fun," the smaller boy whose name was Mars said.
"Good luck," Rockford added.
As the effects began to hit him, Albus wondered whether or not they'd really need it.