Chapter 10
It was early morning when Albus left the desk. The work tired him because his notes were so exhaustive and detailed. If there as anything he had learnt from his Aunt Hermione, it was that keeping Records is the best way to keep any part of your work from getting lost. But the biggest disadvantage to this was that it made proofreading a tough job. Yet, he managed to get the job done. His work was the only thing that had kept him sane after he had lost Renelle.
Renelle was more than a colleague or a research partner for him. She was his dearest friend and his chief confidante. She was the only one who knew what did on those trips away from London, which he used to justify as going to collect ingredients for his laboratory. She knew the reason as to why he never took the chance to tell his family. Yet, she never stopped pushing him, always encouraging him to take his chances on letting his family know. Albus remembered with a pang, that one of the last conversations he had with her was on this very issue. It annoyed her to no end when he refused to discuss the topic.
"But Al, it's your life. Why should you bother about your image as Harry Potter son? That's not the only part of your existence. Your Dad is awesome, and he will never stop you or discourage you from doing what you want. Why are so against talking to them?"
"It's not about my Dad, Nell. It's about me. It's about how I want myself to be perceived, not just to the media, but also to my own family. They will never know why I ever chose to go down that path. They'll never understand. It is better for them to not know about this, not now and not later. This is something best kept between us."
For him, the hardest part was acknowledging that she was right. However, as much as he agreed with her, he could never bring himself to actually follow her advice. The reason why he never did it was that he was afraid that this would endanger his family's life even more, as it would make them even more prominent than they were now. The secret of his identity was not just to preserve himself, he did it also to protect his family. His first conditions to Edward Gamberworth, when he approached him to work for the Department of Mysteries, was complete anonymity. No one should ever know that this was Harry Potter's son was in the DoM. Gamberworth agreed immediately, not just because he understood Albus' helplessness, but also because he came from a similar background. His father was the brother of a Death Eater who once roamed the very halls in which he worked. He understood the prejudice that one might face from coming from a prominent family. The promise of anonymity was what had drawn Albus to DoM. And yet, now he was here, standing in a country he had never visited before, and knew practically nothing about. That fact that it was his Dad who had sent him here, was a bone-chilling prospect for him. He had his suspicions that he was being watched over, but still, never actually expected it to be true. He had always subconsciously thought that Harry would have kept a watch over his children to keep them safe. He just hoped that Harry didn't know the full extent of his work because it was truly staggering to think of the consequences it could have. He himself didn't understand all of it, and he had accepted that he probably never would.
The first time Albus discovered this was when he was just out of Hogwarts. It was the summer after his seventh year, and he had just graduated from Hogwarts. It had been just two weeks since he had ridden the boats back from the Great Lake and seen the castle as a student for the last time. It was then that his Aunt Luna had come to visit them, and told them about her latest discoveries.
Luna was a dear friend of Albus' Parents and was also the Godmother and one of the Namesakes' to Albus' Sister, Lily, whose given name was Lily Luna Potter. Though she was not their aunt by blood, all the Potter children adored her. Her stories of far off lands and those of exotic, beautiful creatures would keep them occupied for days.
Luna Scamander(nee Lovegood) was a Magizoologist who worked as a researcher who would hunt down some of the more obscure species on the planet. Her husband, Rolf was the grandson of the famed Magizoologist, Newt Scamander. Rolf shared his wife's passion for discovery and adventure. He met her on an expedition to Brazil, to study Augereys in their natural environment. The two immediately hit off and soon fell in love, and got married. Luna's many discoveries included the previously unknown Dukuwaqa and Heliopaths. She also discovered Nargles, tiny microscopic beings that were unnaturally attuned to negative and frazzled minds. This was a discovery which was hailed throughout England, as Nargles were previously considered to be Fiction. Luna was a kind woman, if slightly unorthodox in her ways. She always encouraged everyone, from her own children to Albus and his siblings that the only measure for your genius is your success, not what society perceives as normality. Despite her slightly eccentric behaviour, Albus was very fond of her, and aside from the ones in his family, she was one of his favourite woman in the world.
On that day, she was sitting in their living rooms, telling them about her recent assignment to track down a group of Nundu in East Africa, and her encounters with the people there. Albus was almost transfixed as she described the large nomadic societies and how they travelled to different regions almost every year to escape the harsh weather. What interested him the most was that almost all of their magic was entirely wandless.
The thing that caught his attention the most was what Luna had called the defining experience of their adventure. According to her, as they were travelling and tracking the herd, they actually saw a female give birth in front of them, and what they saw was nothing short of ordinary.
"The Nundu was no different looking than the others. In fact, if we had not seen her give birth, we would never have figured out that she was Pregnant. However, as we were walking, she suddenly set herself down and began to wheeze heavily. The other members of the pack immediately stopped, and then, instead of staying with her, began to spread out in different directions. We were puzzled at first, but hen realized they were doing it to protect the mother as she was giving body was, at the time, almost twisted with pain. She was breathing in huge gasps, and then, let out a loud, high pitched cry. It was unlike anything I had ever heard a Nundu make. Then, it happened. We saw a tiny little baby Nundu, right under the mother's body. Unlike the mother, instead of a dark coat, it had a light brown one. He had none of the characteristic spikes on its head, and its eyes were closed. It had a long snout, and if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I would have thought it was an Anteater. Then pack gathered around the newborn. They first sniffed it rather curiously, then, to our amazement they all began licking its face, and in doing so, they got its eyes to open. The mother, on the other hand, was in the corner, digging into the earth. On a closer look, we saw that she was burying something inside the hole. Then the herd stood up, and the mother hoisted the newborn on her neck, and they made their way back into the forest."
"When we get down from the trees where we were hiding, we saw what she had buried in the hole. It was the afterbirth, from when the baby was born. We later assumed she did it to ward off any trace of their presence there."
Albus was fascinated with the story. Luna had a way of presenting even the most inconceivable of things in a way that made it seem real. Later, as Luna was leaving, she called Albus to him, and said,
"Al, I know that my travelling fascinates you, so I have a proposition for you. You see, this week, I will be going to Mexico, this time to track a group of Dugbog. They will be laying eggs in the season, and their eggs are very valuable for making Wolfsbane Potion. A group of Potioneers will also be travelling with us.
"Ok. And what does that have to do with me?"
"I am telling you because I know that everyone from your family goes on a trip after their seventh year. This year, it is your turn. I have spoken to your parents, and they are in agreement too. Now, I have to ask you and let me tell you, it's just an offer, and you can always refuse. It's entirely your choice."
"Refuse what?"
"Would you like to join me?"
It was as though someone had pulled the ground from beneath his feet. He didn't know how to react.
"Come with you? To Mexico? I..."
"Darling, it's entirely up to you. I just asked because, well, I had always assumed that you enjoyed hearing about my travels. If you do not wish to go..."
"NO! it's not that, Aunt Lu, it's just.."
Al considered it. He had always wanted to go to one of Luna's expeditions. He was always fascinated with her stories. But, now when actually given a chance, he found himself hesitating, but he didn't know why. Hew as a bit nervous, and he chalked it down to the excitement. He thought, fuck this, I'm gonna go.
"Are Mum and Dad okay with this?"
"Yes. I spoke to them as soon as I came. Your Dad was a Little nervous, but your mother calmed him down. I suspect, the Wrackspurts were toying with his mind. They are both in favour."
Al laughed. Luna always had a way of making tense situations lighter.
He then thought about it and said"Alright, Auntie. I will join you. When do we leave ?"
Her face broke into a grin, and she said, "Splendid. We leave on the 4th, at Dawn. Your father has said that he will arrange a portkey for us. You will have to apparate to my home. Do you have your License?"
He nodded. He had passed his test in his first attempt, something that ticked James off, as it took him three attempts to pass.
"Good. Then I will see you again on the 4th. You know where to meet us. Goodbye, Al. Don't let the Wrackspurts enter your mind. They can eat your thoughts you know."
He laughed and wished her Goodbye too.
The next few days were filled with anticipation for Al. He had packed and repacked his small bag thrice, almost driving Ginny insane.
"For the love of Merlin, Al. It's seven days, five of which you will be spending in a tent. There is no need to carry so many clothes."
Finally, the big day arrived, and Al, dressed, as Luna had asked him to, in Muggle Safari-style clothes, and India Rubber boots, stood in his hallway, embracing his mother. His dad gave him a quick hug, warning him to stay safe, and James, was, as usual, ribbing him. Lily was laughing too, but in the end, she caved in, and gave him a big bear hug, and told him to come back in one piece.
He rolled his eyes and walked out his porch. He then spun around, and in a flourish found himself looking at the familiar Rook-shaped Lovegood House. The Scamanders chose to live here, instead of their estate in Edinburgh, as it was easier to arrange Portkeys here. It was also because both Rolf and Luna loved it here, as it gave them a sense of freedom, that Edinburgh didn't have.
Al walked to the backyard, where many other people were also present. To his delight, he saw many famous Potioneers, including Claudia Mason, and Henry Daniels. Both were dressed similarly, though Claudia chose to wear Brown pants, instead of Camo ones. He walked up to them, and before he could say anything, he saw Luna rushing toward him, saying,
"Oh, Al. Good, you're here. I was wondering where were you. The portkey leaves in ten minutes, and I thought I would have to go get you."
"No worries, Aunt Lu. I got here just fine."
"Oh, have you met Claudia and Henry. No, then allow me to introduce you. "
She walked up to them and said"Claudia, Henry; could you spare me a second. I would like to introduce to you my Godson, Albus Severus Potter. Al, Claudia Mason and Henry Daniels".
"Good to meet you, Mr Potter. I must say, you look very much like your father. "
"Oh, but that's not to say you have nothing of your mother. Your nose looks exactly like hers. By the way, did I mention, I am a huge fan. Could you please ask her for an Autograph?"
"Henry,lay off the poor lad. He hasn't come here to be hounded about his parents.
"No, but it can't hurt to try, now, can it?"
"You're incorrigible."
"And you're no fun."
Albus laughed through the exchange. Both Henry and Claudia were well-known names, for their invention of a new improved version of the Wolfsbane Potion, that had a lesser number of known Side-Affects than any other known variety. Claudia had an average stature, neither too tall not too short. Her brown hair had been tied into a plait, and her pale skin was covered with freckles. She looked like his Aunt Audrey, only minus the glasses she wore. Henry, the other hand, was a short plump man, with a balding head. He had a ruddy face, with a pointy nose and beady eyes. He looked like a very Jolly Goblin.
Luna then told them, "The portkey is about to leave in a few minutes. We can talk later, but now we need to get near it."
Al and the group walked up to the portkey, which was an old walking stick. They all held on to it and a minute later, It began to glow, and Albus felt a familiar tug in the navel sensation before he began spinning.
When he landed, he saw a that he was in a glen, with dark green moss covering the ground. There were tall trees surrounding the place, and they were laden with Ivy Curtains. There were some opening in them, which, Al presumed, led to the trails.
Luna turned to them and said. "This is where we will make camp. Rolf has already been here for a couple of hours and has surrounded the area with enchantments. However, it is prudent that we do not take any undue chances. So, I will be going around the glen, and check if there are any places where the spells have to been strengthened. I will be needing a few people to help me with this. The rest of us will stay here and set up camp. There are not many of us, only eighteen so there will be two to each tent. Please pick who you will share your tents with. Also, there will be no rendezvousing in tents. We have come here for research, not on a holiday."
This elicited a round of laughter all around. Then a loud baritone sounded across the group, saying "Now where is the fun in that, Luna?"
They all immediately turned to see Rolf Scamander walking towards us, with a few people(mostly men, Al noticed) shouting "here! here!"
He was a tall, broad-shouldered man with a full head of blond hair, and a Rich Bronze Complexion. Rolf had mixed ancestry, with many races, including English, Irish, Central American, Indian and Ethiopian thrown into the mix. He had a round face, with a pointed nose, and a rather rounded chin, with a beaming mouth. He had astonishingly bright blue eyes, and overall had a very good-humoured expression about him.
Luna looked at him, and immediately rushed to him and gave him a hug. He responded by hugging her back and kissing her lightly on the forehead. Some people wolf-whistled, and others laughed.
Both Luna and Rolf took the good-humoured teasing well and walked back towards the group. Luna then said, "Alright now, let's get back to work. We don't want to be too late, or else the Curmads may come and distract us."
"Right you are, dear. Now, we need a few people to come with us to check on the enchantments. Who is coming with us?"
A few people volunteered, which included Claudia.
"Fine then, you all are coming with us. The rest of you lot can set up the tents. Someone can light a fire. It will get cold in the night, and unless we start the fire now, it will be difficult to get it started later."
They all got to work. Henry volunteered to start the fire, and Albus being good with charms, offered to help him.
"Sure. Let's get this done, shall we?"
Albus nodded, and they got to work. They began collecting a few dry twigs and began to arrange them in a pile. They both then cast Incendio, and it took a few tries before the fire caught on.
Al asked Henry, "Is lighting a fire safe? Aunt Luna told me that fires can attract wild animals"
"True, but we are much greater in Number. Numbers mean safety. Also, the enchantments they will cast will also include a disillusionment charm. This will disguise any sign of a fire. Also, we will all freeze to death if we don't light a fire. I don't think you know this, but the temperatures change very drastically. It can drop to minus three or four very easily, especially in a cloudless night like this.
Al nodded because he understood what Henry said. It was getting dark and colder by the minute, and Al was suddenly very glad for the fire.
Within two hours the group had set up the tents, and Rolf and Luna's group had also returned. They all chose their tents, with Albus deciding to bunk with Henry. He seemed like a decent man, also he was very knowledgeable about all the things that usually happen with an academic expedition.
They all gathered around the fire to have supper, which was a bowl of rice and beef stew. They were all having fun, laughing and joking and telling stories of their own expeditions. Luna's stories, from when they tracked a group of Grindylow to the Black Sea to her recent Nundu adventure got many cheers from everyone.
Rolf then began to talk, and his expression was serious. "I know that hearing stories from others makes this seem like a very simple task. But, I assure you all, this is not child's' play. It is very dangerous for anyone, no matter how experienced a tracker, no one will be alone in the woods. So let me emphasize this very carefully, and Al; this is especially important for you, because you are new to these areas, and are relatively inexperienced with this. No one will ever venture out of camp alone. I repeat, no one. Not even for a second. Even if you need to relieve yourself, you will take someone else with you. And I want everyone to have one of these, and if anything goes wrong, you will able to signal us what has gone wrong."
He then pulled out a small pouch, in which there were many small wristbands, made of hemp. They had a small black stone at their face, which also hid the clasp.
"The stone you see is enchanted with a Protean Charm. It will be activated when you rub on the stone five times with your thumb, and the others will begin to grow hot and will tell us of where the person is. Has everyone understood?"
All of them nodded. Al understood why they all had to be connected, in the event of an emergency, they would all have the ability to contact each other. Numbers equal strength, he said to himself quietly.
"Now that we are done with that, I suggest you all get a good night's sleep. We will be waking up bright and early to start on the trail. Sleep well everyone, and don't let the Nargles get you."Luna said cheerfully.
They all said goodnight and made their way to the tent. Al went with Henry to the tent they had chosen, crawled up inside his sleeping bag, and dozed off.
Today was the Sixth Day in the woods, and everyone was in high spirits. They had found the nesting grounds on the second day itself and discovered several newborns. Claudia and Henry managed to sneak in one egg each, to Rolf's disapproval. They said that it was alright, as their mother had died already anyway.
"You sure about this, Mason?"
"Absolutely. We found the corpse nearby. It would have been cruel to leave them there, Rolf. Even if they would have hatched, they would have starved to death. It's better this way."
Rolf didn't look like he agreed, but let the subject drop.
As for Albus, he had a great time with the group. He learnt many things about hiking and animal watching. He learnt to set up watching stations in trees and how to approach nesting grounds safely. however, the most important thing he gained was the friendship of the group around him. Apart from Claudia and Henry, there were many other people he had become friendly with.
One of them was a tall, surf boy looking man from New Zealand. His name was Matt Denson, and he had a habit of calling everyone ' mate '. The other guy he became friends with was Noah Blyth. He was a charming Irishman, with a rich brogue colouring his words. He and Matt were subject to many crushes among the ladies back home, to his amusement.
The other person he became really good friends with was a young woman named Renee Campbell. She was Scottish and had gone to Hogwarts a few years before him. She was the Wizard Equivalent of a Marine Biologist, as she had been studying aquatic species ever since she had left Hogwarts. She and Al immediately hit off, as they were the closest in age, while all the others were nearly 26 or older.
Renee was easy-going, and a tomboy to boot. It was evident by her style, which consisted of close-cropped blond hair. She was short, with an athletic body, and long shirts and baggy pants. Her shoes were converse, which amused him to a great deal, because she otherwise claimed to hate Americans, calling them "Hapless Dobbers". She looked like a fairy, with her tiny features, and large eyes. Albus would have called her cute, but because he knew her in real life, and knew that she was anything but.
"A whirlwind is what you are, Re", he used to say.
And today was their last day in the forest. They had all packed up their tents, and Rolf sent a Patronus to the Brazilian Ministry, to ask for permission to set up a Portkey.
They all sat around the fire, laughing joking and exchanging addresses with the promise to write to each other. Rolf said it would be a while before they got a reply, so they decided to have a last farewell bonfire.
Al and Henry set up the fire, as after the first time, they became the fire-starters as Claudia named them.
"When ya start a job, ya finish it.", she said cheekily.
After the fire had begun to burn brightly, they began to skin the few pigeons they had managed to catch it the forest. As they began to roast the birds on the makeshift spits, Noah suddenly got up, saying he needed to take a leak.
"Talk about bad timing, mate. ", said Matt.
"And for that comment, you're my wingman, Denson. Get off your arse."
"You're a dick."
"Yes, and a wanker too. Not gonna help your case."
Matt scowled but didn't say anything, as he followed them out of the tent.
Claudia rolled her eyes and said, "I'm gonna go check on these idiots. "
It happened so fact that no one could figure out what had gone wrong. One moment they heard Claudia step out of the camp, the next they heard a loud, blood-curdling screech. As they rushed out what they saw horrified them.
Claudia was lying on the ground, with blood pouring out of her mouth. Her throat had a deep gash running through it. Matt was sprawled on the forest floor, unconscious and covered in blood as well.
They were all frozen with shock before Luna's urgent voice shook them out of their reverie.
"Quick, get them inside. No one will panic. Henry, vanish the blood trails. Somebody, look for Noah."
A voice called out from the trees, someone Al identified as Jason walked up to the group, in his hands, a bloody shirt which Noah was wearing.
"he-he-he's not there. I checked. He's gone" Jason stammered out.
The implications sunk in. Before anybody could say anything else, Luna spoke up again, this time firm, with an edge of steel to her voice.
"Quiet. Now is not the time to panic. Henry, go behind the trees to vanish any traces. Jason, Miller and Alexa, follow him. Keep up your guard. And if you see anything at all that you don't recognize, run. Do Not Engage It. Am I clear?"
They nodded and went ahead, wands drawn.
"The rest of you, bring them in. We need to see to their wounds."
They picked both of them up, who were bleeding buckets of bright red blood. It looked like one of the goth-horror movies Al had once seen with his cousins.
Luna rushed in and called out to Mila, their resident healer. She was speechless for a second, they immediately got to work. The wounds looking like someone had run a huge claw through their bodies. The bleeding stopped in a few minutes, but they were pale and Matt looked blue.
"There is nothing else we can do for them. They are stable for now, but we need to get them to a Hospital."
Luna nodded tersely. Jus then Rolf came running from outside, his expression furious.
"What in the name of Merlin just happened?"
"We don't know. We found them outside like this. Noah is gone."
Rolf was tense. Everyone around was afraid and then, Luna began to speak, in a calm, controlled tone.
"We can't apparate out. The magic here will prevent us from reaching our destination properly. And both of them are too weak to be travel by Portkey. So this is how it is going to happen."
"We will split into three groups go towards the trails. If anyone finds Noah, they will send up Green Sparks. If they don't, they will spend up Blue sparks. If anyone senses danger, they signal the others. Mila, you will stay here with them. They are still weak, and cannot be left alone. Two of us will stay back to guard camp. We will search for no more than a mile, and if we do not find him, we will return to camp. No one will go beyond a mile. Am I Understood?"
They all nodded. Then Luna turned to Al, and said,
"Al, you and Renee will stay here and guard camp. Under no circumstances will you leave the glen. If anyone returns to you, they will identify themselves with the keyword ' Snidget'. Anyone who comes to camp, and does not speak the word, you will attack. Anyone, Even me. Clear?"
Albus nodded, so did Renee. They knew that this was no time to argue.
Then Rolf turned to him and said, "My Patronus will return in thirty minutes. If it did not come back by then, send a Patronus to your father, informing him of what happened. Send one to your Uncle Ron and Aunt Hermione as well. They will know what to do."
Albus nodded again. He drew his wand and went to Renee, who was looking equally determined.
"Right then, let's move, and remember, no one will move anywhere alone. You will move in a group and any sign of movement immediately cast stunners and run."
The groups split and left quickly. Al and Renee took up position outside the camp. They were patrolling the entrances when they heard voices from inside the glen.
They rushed in an saw that Claudia was awake. Mila was rubbing her hands as they were slowly turning blue, and her eyes were bloodshot."
"Talk to me, Claudia. What was it outside?"
"L..."
"Yes, go on"
"Le...Le..."
"Come on, you're almost there,love."
"Le...thi...follddd..."After which she passed out again.
Both Al and Renee looked at each other in horror. The Lethifold was a carnivorous and highly dangerous magical creature. It resembled a black shroud and had a taste for human flesh. They were vicious, and very few people had ever escaped a Lethifold alive.
Then they heard it. A loud, guttural moan outside. They looked at each other, then took their wands and advanced outside. They saw nothing outside, and no one either.
But then, he heard a shriek. Renee was lying on the ground, with a large shadow hovering over her. Her expression was frozen in a mask of terror. Al rushed to help her and began to cast a Patronus. Before he could do anything, however, he felt a tug, not at his navel, but at the scruff of his neck, and felt himself being pulled away.
When he landed, he found himself near a large pond. Noah and Renee were lying there. Noah's face was pale and drawn and he looked like he would not live for long. Then he saw it.
The Lethifold was a dark shadow of black swath. It had no face, and no legs either. It was gliding above the ground like a sheet on a peg.Albus immediately drew up his wand, but before he could do anything, the creature swept through him, knocking him down, and made him lose his wand in the process.
Seeing him unarmed, the thing rushed towards him. Albus put his arms around his face in terror, thinking it was over for his.
Then, it happened. A sudden bright light blinded him and startled the creature. When he opened his eyes, he was shocked.
There was a familiar white stallion near him, his Patronus, warding off the Lethifold. But that was not what had shocked him.
The Horse had not emerged from his wand, which was lying uselessly on the ground next to him. His hands were glowing silver, and there was actual light pouring out of them. To his shock, he realized that the Patronus, that was currently warding of the Lethifold, had not come from his wand, it had come from his own hand.
Albus was speechless. Never before had he seen something like this. He knew how difficult it was to conjure a Patronus even under normal circumstances. He had never heard of one being conjured wandlessly. And even when he had seen wandless magic, it had looked nothing like this. It looked as though the light was pouring out of his very palms, almost as though someone had lit a white fire under his skin.
The Lethifold slunk away, and Albus heard voices. Then he saw something else, something that shocked him right out of his senses.
The Patronus, instead of Disappearing into the air, began to shrink and contort, before turning into pure white light. The light then began to seep into his hands, absorbing it, until it was no more.
Albus fell to the ground in shock, unable to comprehend what just happened. He found his wand lying near him on the ground and picked it up.
The noises were revealed to be Rolf's search party, and when he saw Al, Renee and Noah immediately signaled Luna and the rest of them. He then instructed the others to pick up Renee and Noah and take them back to camp.
He turned to Albus. Harry and Ginny's second boy had always intrigued him, and now, when he saw the boy cast such a magnificent Patronus, he was filled with an overwhelming amount of respect for the young wizard.
Presently, he was frozen to the ground, his expression incoherent. Rolf carefully lifted him up, and spoke to him, "Al, are you all right?"
Slowly, he nodded. Rolf said, "Was it a Lethifold?"
Another small, imperceptible nod."
"Did you cast the Patronus?"
Al looked at him, with an expression that said, "What do you think, dumbass?"
"Al, that was incredible. That was the most powerful Patronus I have ever seen ."
No reaction from him. Probably still in shock, he thought.
"Can you tell me what happened?"
Slowly, haltingly, he began to talk. He told him about Claudia, about the noise, and Renee being attacked and how they were somehow transported to this place.
"But how did you manage to find enough strength to cast the Patronus? Lethifolds are dangerous, how did you distract him long enough?"
Albus thought for a minute. He did not understand what had just happened, and he did not wish to spook olf. What just happened, was something that had to remain a secret, at least until he understood himself what had occurred.
"I cast an Incendio, which distracted it. But it did not do much harm. It turned the thing away from me though. It began to charge towards Renee and Noah, and by then I was ready. I just thought about saving our lives and I saw my stallion. After that, I don't remember." He finished quietly
Rolf was listening quietly all along. Before he could say anything, Luna came to them. She hugged both of them, her relief evident. Rolf filled her in on what had happened. She looked at Al gratefully, but came to her feet, saying.
"He needs to rest, Rolf. A lethifold attack is no joke. Thank Merlin that he did not get hurt. If something had happened to him, I would never have been able to forgive myself or face Ginny and Harry."
Rolf nodded , and both of them put their arms around him, and slowly walked them back to camp. By now, all the people had returned to camp, and Renee, Claudia and Matt seemed a bit better. Noah, on the other hand, looked a lot worse.
By then, Mila had received the Patronus and had already turned an old rag into a Portkey, due to leave in minutes.
"Right, so I think we are all back. Mila, you and 5 others will go back with this portkey. You will have to take those three with you. Henry, you and the others will take the second Portkey. Noah will come with us. Al, you too. We will be going by Thestral."
They nodded within five minutes, they had all departed. Rolf called the Thestrals to him. ( Albus could see them because he had seen his pet crup, Moony die at the age of 8.) They strapped the stretcher with Noah on it to one Thestral, and Luna jumped on it too, to stabilise the weight. Rolf and Albus climbed on the other. With a large swoosh of their wings, they set off.
It took them about an hour to reach the city. Ginny and Harry were nearly hysterical with relief. They held on to him and began sobbing. Ginny went up to Luna and began screaming at her for putting her son in danger. After five minutes however, she broke down and began sobbing in her arms, thanking her for saving Al's life.
Luna was standing there and most uncharacteristically, began sobbing too. The two women held each for a minute, while Harry was profusely thanking Rolf as well
"No, it is I who has to thank you. It was your son who saved our lives, with his Patronus."And then he began to tell him what happened. Al stood silently throughout the exchange, and did not say a word, not until the next day when he flooded back to London with his parents did he talk again.
His parents were equal parts shocked and proud when Rolf had told him the story. They had never expected Al to do anything like that.
For Albus, though, the experience changed his life. He began to try to repeat it, tried to retrace his steps, but could never succeed, until about two years ago.
Albus was interrupted by his musings by a loud rap on his door He opened it, and saw that it was Cela. She said that it was time for the debates to start and that everyone was looking for him. Albus said he would be out in a minute, and put away his notes, and picked up the parchment he had been working on the previous night. He splashed water on his face, changed into formal robes, and put on the necklace with the Amethyst pendant He picked up his wand, glanced around his room to see if he needed anything else, and stepped out.
Outside, he saw her, looking rather vexed, for which he apologized. He then took her arm, and they set off for the grand hall. Let the Debating begin.