Albus and Vernon

It was quite easy to understand why Vernon both hated and adored summer. Summer meant holidays and Albus. Summer also meant seeing his family and control. Albus and holidays obviously won.

When Albus came home, Vernon felt safer. It was as if a sudden sense of tranquillity washed over the neighbours and everyone no longer relied on pettiness. Albus was clearly a favourite among all the children at Brewery Lane. The street in a town that was quickly bubbling and thriving. The houses looked almost identical but Albus's looked the best.

The single oak held a tire swing and a tree house where the children stashed away sweets and teens kept their alcohol. Albus could be trusted because he understood. He never trampled in the children's lives but graciously allowed the children of Brewery Lane into his. He was also a glorified babysitter.

Children and teenagers naturally gravitated towards the house with the giant oak and tire swing. They gravitated towards Albus and his grandfather-like looks and mannerisms. They loved Albus and Albus loved them. He loved them all from Jamie who was only three year-old to Catherine who came home from her final year of medical school. He listened to their babble and reminded them their fears were not a weakness.

Vernon rested against the oak as he watched Catherine fight for the football against Roger. She was the only girl (he knew) who wore jeans all the time. Her long legs tripped Roger and she sprinted towards the goals. He quickly got into a more defensive stance as Catherine flew forward. She would have been a great footballer if she was a boy. Everyone knew that Catherine was unstoppable but they tried anyway. It was better for a man to be defeated while fighting.

She showed no mercy or fear and she kicked the ball high and made it travel fast. Vernon tried to defend his face. The ball smacked his face getting his nose and turning his cheeks an angry red. Blood drizzled from his nostrils and Catherine only looked slightly apologetic she was more unhappy that her goal was stopped. The blood gushed faster and no one seemed take notice as the game resumed. It was only when Vernon hit the ground with a sudden thud that the others began to panic.

Catherine ran inside to fetch Albus. Albus smiled at Catherine only for his face turn as he saw her panicked face. He grabbed a first aid kit and ran to Vernon. He felt frustrated that he had to hide his magic but diligently took the the young man's pulse and mopped the blood of his face. He sent Marge to go collect her parents permission for Vernon to stay the night.

The extraordinary and ordinary watched the day wax into night. Vernon had woken up and eaten with gusto. Albus smiled. Children were children no matter the amount of magic pumped into the air. They had very simplistic lives with an uncomplicated view of the future. It was what attracted Albus to teaching in the first place.

Summers came and went. The Dumbledore yard always fill led to the brim with children until it wasn't anymore. That year had been the coldest in history. Many unexplained deaths had happened in the area. Vernon trembled with fear each time he opened the papers. He prayed that Albus would come back.

Like all true children, Vernon, grew up. He no longer believed in magic and fairytales and Albus and holidays. He lost his childhood without Albus. He vowed to make his son rely on no one.

A/N: Tell me what you think and thank you for reading. Xx