A.N. Hello everyone!
All this pertaining to the Harry Potter Universe precisely belongs to a Ms. J.K Rowling
I am not her, so therefore I do not own Harry Potter
"French" (you'll know when you see it)
Enjoy!
The Sum of All Fears
"There! That's the last of them," said, Xeno clearly exhausted from printing hundreds of newspaper copies that day. With the September edition ready a day ahead of schedule, he decided to go unwind in the library. As he climbed the stairs, he noticed a shadow coming in his direction. Rounding the corner, he saw his daughter making her way down to her bedroom, visibly exhausted.
"Why so knackered, Moonbeam?" he asked softly. She looked up at him and gave him a smile, yawning.
"Me and Albus have been reading all day! I just want some sleep now," she said, her voice carrying dreamy overtones.
"That's 'Albus and I', hun." Luna nodded complacently, clearly too tired to complain. "I'll let you get off to bed now. Sleep tight; don't let the wrackspurts bite," he said, pulling his daughter close. She hugged him lethargically, arms drooping even as she nuzzled his belly.
"Good night daddy, I love you too," she said, drifting down the stairs. He turned his gaze back up to the library door, light spilling through underneath the crack. "Maybe now's a good time to talk to him" said Xeno to himself. He pushed the door open, entering the library and found Albus surrounded by a dozen candles, a pile of books next to him, and a giant tome in hand.
"You know, sleep helps process all that info you're drinking up," chuckled Xeno softly.
"Mr. Xeno!" exclaimed the young boy, nearly flying out of his seat to give him a solemn bow.
"Albus, love. There's no need to be that formal with me."
"Okay Xeno," nodded the dark-haired child, setting the book in his hands-on top of the pile. 'One step at a time' he thought. He magically summoned a chair and a cup of tea, sitting down next to his quasi-son.
"What are all these things you're reading, Al?"
"All sorts of things, Xeno! That one's from Mexico," he pointed, "and that one's from Egypt, and this one," lifting the book from his lap, "This one's from Japan!" he cried, albeit with less enthusiasm than he had after a good night's rest.
"Well, that's a lot of different subjects! Are you enjoying them?" Albus nodded drowsily, his eyes beginning to flutter. "My my, a Ravenclaw if I ever saw one," he mused softly. "But Albus, you know you can't just do this all night. Body and mind need rest, and I know personally what happens when you ignore that," he chuckled.
"But I need to know things father. How can I learn everything if I take breaks?" he exclaimed, anxiety flickering in his eyes. This surprised Xeno, who sought to put the boy's mind at ease.
"Rome was not built in a day. Knowledge works in quite the same way. You need to take breaks so that you understand what you just read, and not just go by simple memorization."
"But I need to keep going farther!"
"Oh? Why do you believe that?" Xeno noticed that his ward was clearly upset.
"If I don't keep going, I'll never find out about-" he caught himself, eyes gripped with fear.
"About?"
"Nothing Mr. Xeno," he mumbled. Xeno had a feeling he knew what the problem was.
"Albus, look at me." The boy obeyed hesitantly. "You're afraid of the fact you don't know who you were before, aren't you?" The boy stiffened for a second, but gave him a small nod, his eyes beginning to tear up.
"Oh Albus," he said, pulling the child in close for a hug. "You're too young to be haunted by those kinds of demons. I know you want to know what happened, but if you let the fear of it consume you, you'll never be free." He felt his shirt grow moist as the gentle boy gave soft sobs.
"I'm sorry Xeno. I never meant to let you down," he moaned.
"You never let me down, love. I'm just sad because you feel afraid of something that I know I can't control," he said, a knot stuck in his throat. "The past is past, and we should not dwell too heavily on it. We cannot progress if we do. Don't seek knowledge to satisfy your fear, but seek it for your curiosity, passion, and understanding." He saw Albus turn to him, his guardian, piercing green eyes wet with tears. For several moment, Albus held a question on the tip of his tongue, floating through the tender silence. Xeno flashed an encouraging smile to finally coax it out.
"Can-can you carry me to bed tonight, Xeno?"
"Of course I can," he replied, a wane smile still tugging on his face. Banishing the tea and chair, he reached down to carry a boy who needed to be reminded he was loved. They made their way out of the library.
"Xeno?" he yawned.
"Yes, Al?"
"Who's Midoyama?" Xeno pondered a moment.
"I think there's a Midoyama as the Warlock of Inter-magical Cooperation at the ICW. Why do you ask?"
"I read something about him in book," replied Albus. Xeno could tell there was more to that but decided against asking for the time being. He continued to Albus' room, and placed his son on his bed, next to yet another pile of books.
"Good night Albus. I love you."
"Love you too Uncle Xeno." He was asleep the moment he slurred those words. Something warm blossomed in the older man's heart as he heard those sweet words.
"One step at a time, Xeno," he told himself as he closed the door, "one step at a time."
-oOoOoOoOo-
Iyoshima General Mages Hospital
The Future
"Is he always like this?" asked Dominique sadly. James hadn't stirred in the two weeks since the funeral and was beginning to look a bit more dead than alive.
"Mostly," replied a weary Bill. He wished he didn't have to tell his daughter that her twelve-year-old cousin may or may not wake up. He'd heard healers Sakai and Kobayashi arguing about what to do from inside their office, but each overheard discussion sapped him of hope.
"I wish I didn't have to go to Beauxbâtons on Monday," his daughter's brow creased with worry.
"And why's that?"
"So that I could be here when he wakes up."
"But that could take a while," he replied, still trying to not dash her hopes despite his own doubts.
"Well, then how about you put a glamour on Louis and he can go in my place." At this point Fleur spoke up in surprise.
"Minou, ne dit pas ça!"
"Maman it's a joke! Besides he's always talking about how jealous he is of me and Vicky!"
"Well I'm sure that Louis wouldn't be able to pretend to be you for very long," piped in Bill. "Besides Vicky would recognize her brother very quickly." Dominique sighed.
"Yeah you have a point," she said morosely. The atmosphere of James' hospital room was clearly weighing her down.
"How about you go find Vicky and Louis and grab a light snack from the moldu University" suggested his wife.
"Sure," she shrugged. "Can you glamour me maman?" Fleur quickly applied the glamour on her daughter, who then quickly slipped out of the room. That left Bill and Fleur giving each other pained expressions. There were so many feelings that passed between them every time they sat here. This whole month had been back and forth between France and Japan, and between jet-lag and mourning, they both felt a tiredness that sank into their bones.
"'ave you spoken to Lord Midoyama lately?" asked Fleur hesitantly, well aware of his animosity towards the man. He sighed loudly.
"Fortunately he said that we have custody since the will designated us next of kin, so at least that's been sorted out." Despite the obvious relief in his voice, Bill knew his wife caught the look of concern in his eye.
"It appears that there's more to it than that" she noted. Bill sighed as he really did not want to have this conversation.
"Yes chérie, there is. Since Ginny and Harry received protection from Midoyama's clan, they are…were effectively members of the clan as well, which means that their children must receive their full education in the Home Islands." His wife didn't look too pleased.
"Zey are onnestly concerned about that when we don't know what happens when he awakes? Incroyable!" Her Veela allure was flaring up in frustration. He could sympathize with said anger.
"I know, I nearly punched something when he started talking about it." Fleur sighed.
"Well, what type of schooling do they have, boarding like Hogwarts was or more like Beauxbâtons for the younger years?"
"Beauxbâtons" replied Bill. Fleur cursed.
"that means we will need many more portkeys," she sighed.
"We'll figure it out," responded Bill softly. Suddenly a rustling noise caught their attention. They glanced over at the hospital bed and Bill's eyes went wide. There was James, squirming in bed as though he was wrestling with the sheets. He was at the boy's side in an instant. His nephew's eyes were blinking rapidly, trying to scan the room, though remained mostly clouded in confusion.
"Albus?" croaked James, voice rusty from disuse.
"No James, its Uncle Bill," he said as softly as possible, clutching his nephew's bony hand.
"Where's Albus?" he asked, very confused, switching haphazardly between Japanese and English. It broke Bill's heart to hear him sound so vulnerable, so fragile.
"Albus isn't here, Jamie," replied Bill, his voice thick with emotion and tears threatening to fall.
"But I saw Al, he was with me," he insisted, voice cracking and hoarse. Despite the rescuers tireless efforts, they still hadn't found the little boy's body and Bill didn't think his nephew was ready to hear that he wouldn't see his little brother again.
"He's not here James," he replied softly.
"Nani? But I saw him at home," he insisted again. "He had…funny name, but it was Al!" Sweat drops were forming on his face from the exertion, and his eyelids were beginning to droop. Before Bill could say another word, Fleur came running in with the healers followingclosely behind. It was Kobayashi and Hosokawa if he wasn't mistaken. He hadn't even noticed his wife stepping out.
"Weasley-san," said Kobayashi, slightly out of breath, "we will need you and your wife to let us check his vitals and run some tests." He nodded and turned back to James briefly.
"James, the healers are going to see how you're doing, okay?"
"But Al?" he said, already beginning to slip back into unconsciousness. The medical staff sprang to action testing the machines, and attempted rouse him again. Bill watched the whole scene in tears, answering James question with a quiet whisper.
"I don't know, James. I don't know."
-oOoOoOoOo-
Pandora knew it was late, but she fancied a cup of tea. It was only days when work was very taxing that she ever felt the need to resort to a late-night cuppa. As she enjoyed the soothing aroma, her husband appeared in the kitchen looking equally tired.
"Thank you for brewing the pot of tea earlier. I really needed it upstairs."
"So that's where the chair and cup went off to."
"Aye it was," he relied softly.
"Warn me next time you wandlessly summon chairs I'm about to sit on." A small chuckle escaped his mouth. However, she saw that a hint of sadness rested on his face.
"I was just talking to Albus."
"Was something wrong?" she asked, unsure of the situation.
"In a way," he replied quickly. "It seems like his loss of memory is affecting him a bit more than we thought."
"What do you mean?" Her brow creased with concern.
"He's afraid of the lack of knowledge and was compensating by trying to learn as much as possible."
His answer was met with silence lasting but a moment. She drew a deep sigh.
"Albus is so cheerful that sometimes it's hard to remember that he's been through such trauma." She spoke gravely, speaking wisdom laced with grief. "He's strong though, I can see it. If anyone can pull through this, it's him"
"And we will be right there beside him, as a family," he finished, setting aside his tea. The two shared a hug of understanding, finishing with brief kiss.
"As a family," she repeated wistfully. "Even though it's been an interesting month, learning how to live with two children, I wouldn't trade for any in the world,"
"Neither would I dear," he replied, drawing circles on her back. She pulled back, picked up his tea, and handed it back to him.
"So the September edition's all finished and ready for shipping?" she asked promptly before sipping her own.
"Well," he began. She gave him a glance of suspicion, laughter escaping his lips. "Yes, not to worry. I finished at least an hour ago and the owls are sure to arrive any moment now."
"Good! Now I get to enjoy my husband for a few hours before he disappears to some new hole for his next scoop!" she teased.
"Oh shush! You know that I care about you deeply," he said as she rolled her eyes.
"Of course I know that dear. Did you get any new subscriptions this month?" He drew figures in the air with his hands before turning back.
"With Victor Macmillan, the Nott siblings, and Nobby Leach, I'd say it's about a dozen."
"Quite a feat considering five years ago it was nothing but you, my sister's family, and a few friends who read this old rag."
"Well, it just goes to show you that people are tired of the same propaganda the Prophet spews out without looking at the real problems," he replied, passion glimmering in his eyes. "Unfortunately, some people like Malfoy were spewing something about 'subversive material' at the latest Wizengamot, so we still have to keep it low key."
"So it's still coded this month," she asked, though it sounded more like a statement. Either way her husband nodded as he drank. She could see that even through the hope and fire that burned within him, there was a great amount of sorrow present in his demeanour. She knew where this was going, yet as always, she knew he would be itching to talk about it again.
"You're doing this for them, aren't you? Even after all this time," she answered, wearing an all knowing look on her face.
"How could I not," he whispered. "They spoke out against the Death Eaters, the Ministry, and the 'Order-that's-not-supposed-to exist'. When the Prophet fired them, they started their own paper" He paused. "My parents wanted a Magical Britain that allowed its people to be informed and proactive, like the rest of the world is," he explained nostalgically, having recited those words many atime before. She picked up his thought from there.
"I know. It's obvious we live in a bit of a police state that shuts out everyone. Muggles, centaurs, goblins, werewolves, even other mages from around the world."
"Exactly! Of all those that left Britain during the Blood War, at least half of them are still stuck in Refugee camps in Ireland and France. It was because my parents knew what was going on that they were…" he hesitated, "…that they were permanently dealt with." She pulled him close again, whispering softly in his ear.
"I understand. This needs to be done if we want a place where our children and grandchildren aren't dealing with the same problems tomorrow. I'm proud of what you're doing you know. Don't ever forget that." She glanced at his face and saw a genuine smile of gratitude.
"You know, we discuss depressing topics too often," he noted.
"But that's who we are," she countered, "We're able to brave the storm, even in our strange little way."
"Well then oh mighty Evie Lovegood, any more wisdom?" he gushed as he made gestures of bowing towards her. Since he was using middle names, it was time to tease him back.
"Not that I know of, Felix," she grinned slyly, using his middle name to her advantage. He scowled, just as she expected he would.
"You just had to say it," he whined.
"At least its better the Luna's."
"What? It's a good name. And it's Irish!
"Remind me never to let you pick names again," she joked, composing herself promptly. "But in all seriousness, we will be watching the youngest Weasleys tomorrow."
"Oh?" he replied, raising his eyebrows.
"Apparently, Arthur was invited to an "Our-kids-are-off-to-Hogwarts" party," she stated as the candle flickered, casting shadows around the room. "This is the first time that Molly's joining him, so she can't take care of Ron and Ginny."
"So then I'll watch them. You still have potions to brew, but since tomorrow's delivery day, I'm free."
"Thank you love, that's just what I needed to hear." Her sweet smile made her husband grin as he finished sipping his tea.
"Know what else you'd love to hear?" smoothly replied Xeno. She banished her tea and gave him a smirk.
"I think I know exactly what I want to hear," she laughed, grabbing him by the arm as they made their way up the stairs for the night.
-oOoOoOoOo-
Ron wasn't happy. Every year for as long as he could remember, his mother had taken all seven of her children to King's Cross on the first of September. However, he and his sister were told they'd be unable to go for the first time ever, simply because his parents were going to a party immediately afterwards. Completely unfair!
"Why can't I come?" whined the young boy to his mother. She shot him a glare, silencing his pleas before he could finish.
"I've already told you, Ronald! It's not a party for children, and that's final! Ginny stop fiddling with your bow," she said as she fussed over his younger sister. Ron resorted to the only thing he could do: sulk. As they made their way over the hill, he saw his Charlie, Percy, and the Twins waving to them as they lugged their trunks to their father's new flying car, laughing all the while.
"How do you even know there's a party? Dad's left for work already!"
"Your father will be back in two minutes. Honestly Ronald, just because your father's at work the moment you get up doesn't mean he won't be here when it's time to go." He huffed again, turning to his sister. She gave him a look of sympathy.
"Smile now, sulk later," she whispered. "That way she fusses less." An incredulous glare was his only response as he felt betrayed by his sister's suggestion. The towering rook-like structure of the Lovegood home came into sight, and his mum spent the rest of the way there reminding them of the rules, fussing, and warning them to behave. He was quite angry, and it didn't help that his mother was escorting them there when he knew the way to the Lovegoods like the back of his hand. It's as if she didn't trust him!
Finally as they crossed the property line into their front yard, Albus and Luna came bolting out of the house, half racing, half ready to tackle them. They were followed by Uncle Xeno, who seemed to be as calm, even with the slight breeze whipping his hair up in a whirlwind of pale locks.
"Pan told me all about the situation last night," he called, Albus already dragging Ron and Ginny towards the house. His friend's enthusiasm was contagious, and even though he was still upset, Ron gave the Lovegood siblings a slight smile.
"Oh, good. Tell her I'm glad she could do this at the last moment," replied a grateful Molly.
"I'm sure she'll be thrilled," he said smirking. Molly Weasley gave a quick reminder to her children, and in the blink of an eye, she was gone, having apparated back to the Burrow. "Well," exclaimed Xeno, clapping his hands together. "I'm going to make some brunch! Anyone want to join me?" Ginny and Luna quickly bolted inside, asking why the man couldn't hurry up. He then turned to Ron and his own son with an expectant look. "What about you boys?"
"In a minute," came Ron's reply, earning him a glance of confusion from the others present.
"Sure thing but remember the food you make is worth more." Within a flash, Xeno had left the boys alone, Albus still confused as to Ron's reaction.
"What was that about?" he asked. Ron shrugged. "Oh c'mon. You're acting sulky. Like you couldn't go to King's Cross or some-…oh." Albus' realization was made more poignant by the fact that the Ford Anglia was rising into the sky at that moment, making Ron's eyes start watering. They both stared at the car as it flew further away, and Ron felt bitterness welling up in his heart. Out of the corner of his eye, he barely noticed his friend's eyes' light up just as the car disappeared from view.
"We're going to King's Cross," declared the boy. The only thing Ron could make of his friend's statement was shock.
"Are you barmy?"
"Um…no?"
"We can't get to King's Cross! That requires-"
Floo powder and a fireplace," finished Albus confidently. "The fireplace is on the second floor, near Aunt Pan's potion's lab. She's busy right now, and Mr.-Uncle Xeno," Ron noticed the correction, "is in the kitchen with our sisters."
"So we can go use the floo network and get there in two seconds flat! Al you're a genius!" he cried, joyfully hugging his friend as they laughed.
"Wait!" said Albus. Ron groaned.
"What now?"
"We need to leave something so that they don't think we've disappeared."
"Like a note?" he offered.
"Yeah! Be right back!" Albus bolted into the house, leaving Ron to wait outside by himself. 'Will this really work?' pondered the red-haired boy. It wasn't like they could make any mistakes. Just throw the powder into the fire, call the name, and there! They'd be standing in front of the Hogwarts Express. However he felt like he was missing something but couldn't remember it. 'Must not have been important,' he reasoned.
"Oi! You coming or not?" Shaken out of his thoughts, Ron saw his friend waving a sheet of parchment triumphantly. "Read it, it's foolproof," said Albus smugly. Ron skimmed it.
Uncle Xeno,
Went to Ottery St. Catchpole with Ron
Be back soon,
Albus
"You think that's good enough?" he asked skeptically, knowing that the Lovegood parents were not the gullible sort.
"It'll buy us enough time. I mean, it's not like we'll get lost or anything." With the smile on Albus' face, Ron felt assured by the plan. They scurried into the house, careful to leave the note in the living room before sneaking up the stairs. They had to be extremely quiet as they approached the fireplace, knowing that Albus' aunt was still nearby, even if she was engrossed in her work. Finally, they entered the room connected to the floo, where a fire was burning softly in the hearth.
"Okay, let's do this." Ron made his way to the small pot on a nearby table, finding it full to the brim with a green chalky powder.
"Here Al, take some," he called offering his friend a pinch before taking one himself. They approached the fireplace cautiously, watching the flames crackle over the glowing embers.
"You know what to do?" asked Albus, Ron confirming with a quick nod. The two threw their powder into the fire simultaneously, causing it to turn into a bright green conflagration. They stepped into the hearth and began calling out the name of their destination.
Unfortunately, as Ron called out 'Platform Nine and Three Quarters', his friend had coolly declared 'King's Cross'. Ron stared at Albus in shock as they disappeared amidst the emerald flames.
All that remained in the room was an uncapped floo jar and dying embers to indicate that they had ever been there.
AN. reviews are always welcome!
Enjoy,
Cepheus
