Nimbus Albacore and the Cabinet In The Basement

By Malkon

WARNING: IF YOU HAVEN'T READ NIMBUS ALBACORE AND THE CURSE OF BLOOD, YOU MAY NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT IS GOING ON! PLEASE READ IT FIRST AS THIS IS A SERIES ^_^ If you search for "Nimbus Albacore" I promise you, that you will find it. Enjoy :)

Prologue: Summoned

"Dear Mr. Albacore," The letter started. "You are requested to attend a hearing in regards to the recent developments within the wizarding community. You are to stand trial to defend yourself. You are charged with being a threat to yourself and to all of wizardkind. Please join us exactly one month from the day you receive this to the time.

With all respect,

Symphonie Willards,

Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement

Ministry of Magic"

Nimbus Albacore sat on his porch outside of the tiny metal shack he and his Grandpa barely fit in. After a few rounds of shouting at each other, he'd needed a break. Coming outside, he'd looked up at the gray skies and sat to breathe. He hated living here. Having spent a year at a wizarding school away from the abusive household hadn't helped things. He longed to be back at Hogwarts, no matter how isolated he felt there. At least he'd be away from his Grandpa.

Things were considerably better since Hogwarts, the school for witches and wizards he'd been accepted to last year, had employed an elf to care for his Grandpa. He had time to study for his next year, didn't have to do some of the horrid chores his Grandpa assigned, and his mood was considerably less pessimistic.

Then the letter arrived.

Reality sunk in.

It could all be over in a flash.

Then a familiar furry sensation rubbed against his leg.

"What do you think?" Nim asked Miranda. He ran his hands along her silk black. Her tail twitched in anticipation in his fingers. "Think I'm going to be expelled?"

His cat meowed in response. He rolled his eyes. All she wanted was more petting.

He obliged.

"Still," He continued, knowing full well he was speaking to no one. "Can't blame them I suppose." He sighed.

At the end of his last year at Hogwarts, Nim's Professors made a shocking discovery. His blood, for some reason or another, reacted violently to pureblooded wizards. Word had gotten out, causing panic. It was only a matter of time before it caught up with him.

He stood, a sudden breeze causing the hair on the back of his neck to stand. He reached for his wand, gripping it tightly.

"Who's there?" He asked. He looked around, but whatever sensation he'd felt, seemed to be in his mind. He lowered his wand.

"There a problem?"

Nim spun around and jumped. It was just Sutty, the house elf Hogwarts had hired for his grandpa.

"No, it's okay." He sighed. "Thanks Sutty."

"Oh good, I've had it about up to here with your grandfather." She said, sulking as she went back inside the house.

He didn't blame her. His grandfather…wasn't the friendliest of people. Often yelling and demanding, always lamenting 'Mrs. Norris' whom Nim still didn't know anything about. He debated going back inside, but ultimately decided outside was better for the moment.

It was then, he began to trace in the dirt with his finger. He hadn't done it since last year. A sense of calm washed over him while he traced the outline, being careful with the drawing as to indicate more broad strokes rather than the short, more detailed strokes within. Last year at Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes, he'd seen a wall of "dirty art" which were crudely drawn pictures.

What he did was nothing like that.

The arm formed, along with the nuts and bolts. The image in his mind coming out piece by piece. Soon he leaned back, looking down at the detailed robot he'd drawn.

It was one of the things from his childhood he'd never been able to let go, and with the lack of letters lately…he definitely had time to reflect on everything that had to do with his family.

He knew, somewhere back in that family tree, he would find the answers to the question he'd had since last year. The one he was to stand trial for.

Why was his blood fatal to pureblooded wizards?

"Nimbus, come in, time for dinner." Sutty called.

He'd been so preoccupied with this drawing that he hadn't noticed the sun begin to set.

"Alright." He called back.

He pushed his thoughts and let his robot drawing disappear with with the passing wind. He sighed as night began to set and he opened the door to the tin house he'd been forced to live in since he was nine.

"Who's there?" A cranky voice asked.

"Just me grandpa." Nim responded, rolling his eyes. For the past three years, he'd been stuck with the only member of his family still alive. Until last year, he'd done everything for him. Every horrible, gross task asked of him because he had legal guardianship. This summer was better as Sutty was now here.

"Oh, just the boy." He spat into a nearby bucket, watching…whatever it was he watched on the television.

"Just ignore him dearie." Sutty came over. She put on a grin and put a plate of steaming chicken dumplings in front of him. Nim thanked her as she began to go back to doing…what he used to do for his Grandpa. He shuddered at the thought.

The savory flavor of the dumplings floated into his nose, filling him with the reassuring notion that he would go back to Hogwarts, where he felt most at home.

That is, if the entire wizarding community didn't sentence him to death.

He tried eating a bite of the dumplings, trying anything to take his mind off of the impending trial. But it was no use. No matter how many bites of chicken wrapped in the breading he took, none would make his own fears go away.

He didn't really say goodnight after he was done, just went to bed. He had a lot to think about. As he lay in his mattress, reeking of cat urine, thoughts ran through his head as expected. He hoped they would stop soon so he could get some sleep, but he wasn't hopeful.

Nimbus is standing in front of the cabinet. It's the one from last year that he opened and screamed. There is a musty odor coming from it. His nose wrinkles as he runs his fingers along the old oaken doors. He reaches out and touches the handle. A shrill note emits from it, but otherwise it's silent as he pulls it open. He looks down and sees stairs leading into a black pit.

He takes the first step.

"Up and at em Mr. Albacore."

Nimbus sat up, his whole body in a sweat. He hadn't had a dream that vivid since…

He looked over at the orb. It was glowing blue. He picked it up and looked at it still trying to figure out it's purpose.

"What's that dearie?" Sutty was cleaning his room, organizing a few things here and there.

"Nothing." Nim put the orb away. It was his last memento of Starm, a very peculiar elf who had gotten him out of a bind or two in the past, but mysteriously vanished at the end of the year. He'd gone to great lengths to ensure Nimbus had received this particular item, though Nim hadn't quite figured out it's purpose. He'd tied it to his dreams somehow…the only times it seemed to glow blue was when he had intense dreams. Part of him wanted to ask about it, but the other part felt like he was still obligated not to tell anyone. Like it was a puzzle that he needed to figure out on his own. It was silly…but it's how he felt.

"Alright, well I just received notice. A car should be by within the next few hours to pick you up for your hearing." She said. "Better get a move on." She said as she pulled out his Hogwarts robes and began ironing them.

Being in his living situation, Nim didn't exactly have the nicest of clothing. Wearing the robes would at the very least help give him the "I'm one of you" appeal in court. Truth be told, he was scared to death.

The one good thing that had happened to him since his family had died was getting the invitation to Hogwarts. If it was taken from him after only having one year to have some reprieve…

He shuddered.

He didn't want to think about it anymore.

Then there was a knock on the door.

"Coming!" Sutty called walking over and opening it. "Oh, Professor Coremund what-"

"I don't have time to explain."

Nimbus looked over to see the man enter the room. He had on his usual attire, a top hat, long regal robes, and a suit underneath. Today he actually had a purple vest on as well giving him a splash of color.

"Professor, what-"

"Come boy." He said as he grabbed Nim's arm. He looked to Grandpa who just scoffed. "I'm borrowing Nimbus. Would it be alright if he stayed with me after?" He asked.

"Don't care." Grandpa went back to his usual routine of muttering nonsense in front of the television, the name 'Mrs. Norris' coming up every once in awhile.

"Brilliant. Sutty, if I could implore you to have Nimbus' things sent to my house?" He asked.

"Surely." She bowed and gave Nim his robe. "Take care." She waved.

Coremund continued out the door still holding Nim's arm. "We have to move fast." He said looking back.

"Why Prof-"

"Shh, it's not safe." The professor looked around worried. Nim nodded and followed. No sooner had they left the wire fence that surrounded the Tin House Nim had lived in, a hooded figure appeared about thirty feet away.

"Got the drop on us do you Professor?" She sneered.

Nim recognized that voice almost instantly. It was the blond woman from last year. She had on her usual metal mask and hair that spilled out from the hood. She raised her wand.

"Expelliarmus!" Coremund shouted and the wand went flying from her grip.

"Still got a few tricks up your sleeve?" She sneered. "So do I."

Suddenly, more cloaked figures surrounded them as if summoned by some silent cue. They all appeared to be female.

All of them raised their wands.

"Give us the boy and no harm will come to you." The blond woman called.

"Nimbus hold on…very tight." Coremund looked at him, his mustache twitched. Nim gripped tight, eyes wide looking at all of the masked women.

Then all of a sudden, he felt himself get pulled through what felt like a rubber hose. He felt his entire body squeezed and pressed in from all sides. Breathing became difficult as he was yanked and tugged on by whatever mysterious force Coremund had used.

Then, just when he thought he was going to suffocate, he flew forward and fell on the cobblestone path that was Diagon Alley. He took a breath and felt his hands scrape. He grit his teeth as the pain emitted blood.

"Dear me that won't do." Coremund stepped forward, a white light coming out of his wand as the wounds healed. "There we go." He helped Nim up. "Close one." He chuckled nervously.

"What is going on?" Nim shook his head. There was so much he didn't understand.

"You aren't safe at your grandfather's place like we thought you would be…" Coremund said. He gave a sigh and looked around. "They won't attack you here yet…" He looked around and then ushered the boy into a nearby restaurant. "Headmaster Potter figured out just hours ago that there would be an attempt on your life…"

"How?" Nim blinked.

"The Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement came across a code, which when decrypted seemed to indicate that 'the one with the blood to be taken before the trial'." He said. "No sooner had this gotten decoded, Headmaster Potter sent for me to get you."

None of this really answered Nim's question. None of it explained what was going on. Whatever mysterious group that had attempted to take his blood last year, was still going strong and still after him.

"Thanks, but-"

"Not here." Coremund said. "Let's discuss it further."

Nim noticed more people were entering the restaurant now. A server walked up to the table. He had a ton of piercings that lined his ears and nostrils. His hair was green and dangled to the right.

"Can I get you two anything?" He asked, his five o' clock shadow obvious against his hallowed eyes.

"Coffee, black." Coremund nodded. "Nim?" He asked.

At the mention of the boy's name, the waiter's eyes narrowed, though he refused to say anything. A few hushed whispers arose from around.

"Just… orange juice please." He looked away trying to just stare at the table so no one else would have to look at him or talk about him.

"Coming right up." The server had a harsh tone as he walked away.

"Don't pay them any attention…" Nim felt Professor Coremund put a hand on his shoulder and he looked up to greet the smiling face that was looking back at him.

"What if it's true?" Nim said pulling out his letter. His greatest fear now coming to light. "What if I'm a 'threat to yourself and to all of wizardkind'?" He felt his fists clam up. He didn't know what to think anymore. Maybe he was some sort of monster.

"It's not and you know it." Coremund looked at him. It was like the man knew exactly what to say to him when he needed it the most. He looked up, his eyes misting. "You are a great wizard Nimbus Albacore. You are still figuring it out. You will get through this. Just… be prepared for a rough go at it. I will be representing you today. Try to do what I say."

Nim felt a tear run down his cheek. He wasn't alone in this. Not everyone had turned their backs on him.

"Thank you Professor." He sniffled and blew into a tissue the other handed him.

"You are welcome my boy." He grinned. "Now…we need to get you presentable for the trial. After we finish our food and drinks, what say we go to Madame Malkin's for dress robe fitting?"

Nim nodded. The server returned, bringing their beverages and taking food. Nim ordered eggs with a slice of bacon. It was one of the better breakfasts he'd had in awhile. He scarfed it down, feeling better.

Once the bill was covered, Coremund took him over to the dress shop. Nim was definitely not getting much support from anyone, but a lot of recognition. They walked in where Nim was fitted into a nice set of royal blue dress robes. Much nicer than his ones from Hogwarts.

After that, Coremund took him down for a haircut and then the two headed towards the Ministry of Magic for the hearing. They arrived at a phone booth after a few minutes where Coremund spoke softly into the ringer after dialing. Then the pair of them were pulled down into an underground catacomb.

Nim had never been to the Ministry before and marveled at the marbled architecture. He couldn't help but stare at the magnificent ceiling fixtures and lavish fountains, even though being drug along by Coremund who appeared to be in a hurry.

They arrived in front of an elevator and stopped.

"Alright Nim… like I mentioned, let me do most of the talking and stick to the facts if spoken to got it?" He gave the other a reassuring smile.

"Yes professor." Nim replied. The pair of them went down the hall as the elevator doors opened. Nim noticed a drastically different tone as they walked along. It was quiet, with only soft murmurs emitting from far away. He could hear their feet echo in the corridors. It only took a couple of minutes, but soon they approached a door with a man at a table sitting in front of it. He was writing with a long quill.

"Name?"

"Coremund, Sigrund, and I have here with me the defendant, Albacore, Nimbus."

The man stopped writing and looked up. His beady, grey eyes peering over his half moon spectacles.

"So, he's the one." The man looked up at Professor Coremund.

"'The One'," He turned to Nimbus. "Is named Nimbus, and you will refer to him as such while I'm around."

"Y-yes yes, I understand." The man began writing and then handed the quill. "Please sign and enter, the trial is due to start in fifteen minutes."

Nimbus did as instructed and signed next to his printed name. He noticed a long list of names, only recognizing a few such as Harry Potter, and Professor Simone from charms class. Once he was done he set the quill down. Professor Coremund signed after and then nodded to the man.

"Good day to you Eustace." He shifted his hat and turned to Nim. "Shall we then?"

A/N: AHHHHH Finally its back yay! Thank you to all of my readers for supporting me and asking when this would be out. I'm sorry it took a little longer than normal, NaNoWriMo kinda took over my life haha. The good thing is I got quite a bit done on this so the first several chapters are already written, just need editing! As always please leave me comments and feedback! Let's see what awaits Nim in year 2. Already off to an explosive start.