LIONS AND EAGLES
HOGWARTS - SCOTLAND - FEBRUARY 20th - 2020 A.D.
'Everybody has these odd little things about there personalities…Albus always had this weird thing about his body. Like when he got impaled with that broken glass, when he got that wood suck through his leg, even when he was stabbed through the hand. He always hated having things in his body that didn't belong there... Broken bones, lacerations, electrocution, burns, pain in general he could deal with but when something went inside…he couldn't stand it. I once saw him fiddle around with a bullet wound in his shoulder for two hours before he finally pulled the round out. Didn't have a doctor nearby so he had to do it by hand. Odd little knack to have but there you go…'
'Not many people noticed the odd little things like that. Most people only focused on the big stuff… I watched him pop a guys head like a champagne cork once, right in the middle of the Ministry Atrium. He built up so much pressure on the poor bastards temples that his head literally exploded. It actually became kind of a calling card of his. Exploding heads. One of the most horrible things that I ever seen. Didn't faze him at all of course. He only did it to people he thought had earned it. Or when he wasn't in control… The stupid idiot had tried to kill him. Half the people that tried to kill Albus ended up needin' a machine to breath, the other half don't breath at all…I remember someone screaming…think it was Hermione. She was yellin' about the fact that the guy was unarmed and that he had surrendered. Albus replied.'
"Well that just makes him stupid…"
As expected, Albus didn't remain in the hospital wing for long. In fact the moment it no longer hurt to walk he was limping his way out, despite the protests of Madam Pomfrey.
Hogwarts being Hogwarts; the place was alive with rumours and talk of what happened in the Shrieking Shack. He hated it. He suddenly knew just what it was like to be the boy-who-lived and he couldn't stand it. Everywhere people running up to question him and beg for little bits of info.
It had had a knock on effect as well. Scorpius, Rose and even Aurora, where the centres of attention where ever they went. This meant that it was almost impossible for Albus to spend any time alone with Aurora, something he desperately craved.
One good thing that had come out of all this was that people were showing Aurora a lot more respect. The horrible whispers and mummers that usually erupted in the areas that she went, had changed to excited talk of what happened. Of course, she still wasn't treated like a normal student. She wasn't suddenly liked by the whole school, but most people (Even James, Fred and DJ.) were trying to be a bit more accommodating.
However, at this moment those things had taken a back seat to his current agenda. Earlier in the day he had received an invite to have a meeting with the headmaster. Just getting away from the annoying students was nice enough.
As he walked towards the entrance to the office, he began wondering whether or not he should tell Tannis about the strange powers that had been manifesting inside him. Unfortunately, by the time he arrived at the gargoyles, he still hadn't decided.
They jumped aside without him even needing to speak. In side the office, Professor Tannis was sitting behind his desk with a fresh cup of hot tea next to him and what looked like a muggle science magazine in his hand.
"Albus, thanks for coming." He said gesturing him to sit. "Madam Pomfrey isn't happy at the fact that you escaped her infirmary."
"Sorry, I was spending way too much time in that hospital. Needed to get away." Albus said sitting down.
"Well I can't blame you there. How's the leg?"
"Still attached."
"I should hope so."
Around the room the small, silver and gold whizzing instruments continued to pop and blow small puffs of smoke. It had become a strange kind of tradition, to keep the office the way it was during Dumbledore's time there.
Albus glanced up at his portrait. Apparently Dumbledore had been trying to read the same article that Tannis was before Albus entered.
"Mr. Potter. I'm glad your feeling better." He said happily.
"Yes, and thank you for desecrating my resting place." A snide voice spat from his left.
Snape had his arms folded like a child throwing a tantrum. His pointed nose was turned up.
"It's hardly your resting place...I thought you were buried in Godric's Hollow?" Albus quizzed.
"I am, but that doesn't mean the shack didn't hold...sentimental value." Snape hissed.
"I'll lay some flowers on the rubble!" Albus grinned. Snape was about to yell something but was cut off by Tannis.
"You'll be delighted to hear that your fathers cloak was recovered without a scratch on it." He said happily. "Remarkable object...of course you know why."
"Yeah, my dad told me."
"Of course."
"Professor, can ask how you had my fathers cloak?" Albus asked quickly. He had been wondering about it for a while and Dumbledore's odd explanation had done absolutely nothing to satisfy his curiosity other than informing him that it was an outright lie.
"I would have thought that was obvious Albus. Being the headmaster of this school doesn't make me all that inconspicuous. There are certain things that I need to take care of, that are best done in secret." He said simply. Albus knew what he was actually saying.
"You left it there for Aurora didn't you? You knew they would try and arrest her." Albus surmised.
"I'm afraid I don't know what your talking about Albus." Tannis smiled and took a sip of his tea. Professor Dumbledore give a low chuckle from his portrait. It was as good as any confession.
"Would you like a cup?"
"Sure."
Tannis waved his wand and one of the Hogwarts house elves named Nook appeared. "Could you bring Albus a cup of tea please Nook."
"Certainly." The house elf nodded happily and disappeared, return a few moments later with a cup of tea.
"Lithgo told me that my mom and aunt had a go at you when you first let Aurora go to school here." Albus said.
"Yes, they were extremely displeased. But they had no grounds to dismiss her so she was able to stay. Quite surprising really…for such an intelligent and logical thinker, Hermione was certainly grasping at straws. I'd even go so far to say that she got a bit childish at one point and threw a tantrum." Tannis smiled.
"Then, how about we treat each other as adults?" Albus asked.
Tannis raised his eyebrows, apparently a little surprised about Albus's forwardness.
"I may not be a genius but I'm not an idiot. That cloak wasn't just sitting there by chance. Aurora, didn't just happen to receive her letter to this school. Tell me why your helping her so much."
Tannis paused for a second and sipped his tea. He placed it back on his desk and looked at Albus seriously. He took a deep breath before beginning.
"After completing my NEWT's and finishing my time at school, I took a part time residency at St. Mungo's. I say part time, because the rest of my time was spent doing a similar residency at the muggle hospital, St. Mary's. I was fascinated by all aspects of medicine, muggle, wizard all of it. And not to sound to boastful, but I was seen as quite the prodigy. A medical genius some would say. But juggling both jobs took it's toll on me and… despite the fact that I had become secretly addicted to the muggle painkiller Morphine, I was far too stubborn to give up on either residency."
Albus was shocked. The thought of a Hogwarts headmaster being a drug addict was a disheartening and shocking one.
"Not too long after that, there was an explosion in Diagon Alley. One of the few remaining Death Eaters, fleeting attempts to honour the Dark Lords memory. There were seven casualties and twenty four wounded. And if a young woman named Rachael Dawn hadn't stopped me there would have been twelve casualties. Not because of the explosion but because I was about to administer the wrong dosage of burn treatment…"
Albus couldn't move. he was gripping his tea so hard that the cup was about to break.
"She had been in St. Mungo's stealing supplies for her fiancé who had been recently wounded in a fight with some very unpleasant gentlemen...Shortly after that I resigned my residencies and returned to Iran. It took me six months to kick the drugs but I managed it in the end." He attempted to give a faint smile. "I didn't trust my self to be in a hospital though…I was worried I might be tempted to relapse. Temptation after all effects even the most powerful of people."
Albus couldn't help look up at Dumbledore's portrait. He was nodding and looking sombre but didn't speak. Albus had heard the story of the Deathly Hallows so many times, he knew exactly what temptation could do to men.
"I continued to study medicine, as a hobby in my spare time. Of course I made sure I didn't go near any kind of prescription drugs. In fact it was the Muggle field of genetics, in particular, that held me together. It had been a passion of mine to try and discover just what made muggles different from wizards and I'm convinced that the answer lies somewhere in the human genetic code. That occupied most of my time, until one night when Rachael appeared on my doorstep, begging for my help." Tannis gazed at the floor. "She asked me to help her husband who had been badly wounded during a fight with a group of Aurors. One of which was named Harry James Potter…"
Albus dropped his cup which smashed on the floor. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Had Tannis actually saved the life of the man that nearly murdered his father?!
With a quick flick of his wand Tannis cleaned up the broken cup and spilt tea. He looked at Albus for a second but couldn't seem to hold eye contact.
"I couldn't refuse her…" He continued, now staring at one of the many whizzing instruments that sat around the room. "She stopped me for making the worst mistake of my life...so I patched him up…I owed Rachael more than I could ever repay." Tannis seemed to try and look at Albus but couldn't quite manage it. "It was shortly after I helped him, that John and Rachael introduced me to their daughter…Aurora."
Albus seemed stuck in suspended animation. He couldn't even speak.
"When Rachael explained that there were going to be a lot of people coming after the Lennox's, she asked that should anything ever happen to them, that I would look after Aurora. She saw me as a flawed but well meaning human being. And for some reason she trusted me. I swore I would do anything I could to look after her. They had other friends...people...far more powerful than myself...but they were in the same situation as John and Rachael so...I agreed."
Tannis's eyes finally found Albus's. "She was killed four weeks later…" Tears had appeared in his eyes.
"Of course John took matters into his own hands and would later be responsible for putting your father into a coma…I didn't see him or Aurora again until eighteen months before I took this office."
Albus eyes were glued to Tannis, although he still couldn't manage to move.
"John was…sick…and he asked that I make sure Aurora gets accepted at Hogwarts. Despite the fact that she had already had several years of magical instruction, he wanted her come here and have the life he never did. He wanted her to be happy. So I agreed. Considering I never actually took guardianship over Aurora, I think I was unlucky. She is a truly remarkable person...but you already know that…" Tannis looked at Albus's disbelief and sighed. "I'm not going to ask you to forgive me…I just hope that you can try and understand."
But he already did. He owed his life to Aurora and he would probably never be able to properly pay her back. If she had asked him to help her father…he would have done it. Just for her. As Albus pondered this, he simply stared into space. It took Albus a full thirty seconds before he was actually able to speak.
"I don't blame you…" He said quietly. "I would have done the same…" He said truthfully.
Tannis smiled with pride.
"Where did Aurora go? After her mother died. If she didn't stay with you?" Albus asked.
"Well, she and her father travelled the world pretty extensively. Since John was a Squib he made sure that Aurora was given magical training by a great many wizards and witches. And they all agreed that she was just as, if not more, gifted than her mother."
"I've noticed." Albus said absently.
"Not all countries share the same wizarding laws as this one. There are quite a few in fact that allow owning a wand and training of magic as soon as a child begins to show their ability. Aurora has already had over eight years of magical training but we both agreed that it was best for everyone if she tried to blend in, rather than stand out." He explained.
"I know, she doesn't like the lime light...she almost rammed my head through a wall when I volunteered her for Quidditch." Albus smiled as he remembered.
"I seriously doubt that she would ever intentionally hurt you Albus...but you must understand...her life doesn't have the same guidelines as most people. She is under constant attack simply because of her name and the more she tries to be normal, the worse it will get. People will always suspect her, she can never really have what she truly wants…" There was a measure of sadness in his voice.
"I would be dead if it wasn't for her…" Albus breathed. He was in the same position as Tannis. He owed her more than he could ever pay back.
After a few seconds silence Tannis spoke again.
"Now that I have briefed you on my melodramatic past and previous interactions with the Lennox family, perhaps you would be good enough to tell me what actually caused the destruction of the Shrieking Shack?"
Albus seemed frozen again. He should have known that he wouldn't be able to keep it quiet for long. Tannis wasn't exactly stupid and Albus hadn't exactly tried to cover it up.
"Aurora signalled me with her Patronus and I signalled your father but not before heading to the Shrieking Shack my self. I saw Aurora put the cloak on and enter the shack just as the entire upstairs wall was blasted out. Now forgive me for saying Albus, but your magical abilities don't have a history of causing high powered mass destruction and I highly doubt Lithgo was foolish enough to use a blasting hex inside an old structure like that." Tannis explained.
"I don't know what it was…" he said honestly. "It was like a wave of energy...a shockwave. It just came out of me when he...when…"
"When he confessed?" Tannis finished for him.
"Yes. It's happened before as well. Just after Christmas when I was arguing with James." Albus felt very awkward about admitting his odd ability.
His mind wondered back to the shack. "When Lithgo…I wanted to kill him…I tried to kill him…"
"Albus -"
"I still want to kill him!" A cold darkness had crept into Albus's voice.
"Killing changes people Albus. I would never ask you not to defend yourself in that kind of a situation but be careful. Lithgo is a murderer Albus, you don't want to be like him." Tannis warned.
"Maybe he was right. The ministry, the authorities...they're too soft...some people shouldn't be given chances." Albus could feel his blood boiling and his heart beating harder the more he thought about it.
"Lithgo will spend the rest of his life in prison Albus. The Dementors may be gone, but Azkaban is still one of the worst places in the world."
"Hell's worse...and that's where he deserves to go!" Albus spat.
"He'll end up there eventually."
"That isn't soon enough!" Albus growled. "I had him…" He breathed quietly. "I had him by the throat...I should have finished him...but he got to his wand. Then Aurora…"
"Albus...your actions very nearly killed you both. I would suggest that you try to control yourself in the future." Tannis said quickly.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, that whatever this ability of yours is, it's clearly something that you aren't in complete control of. You just said that it only happened when murderous thoughts entered your mind. What if you lose control and injure an innocent party?" Tannis warned.
"I'd never hurt Aurora!" Albus spat, angered that Tannis would even suggest it.
"Actually I was talking about James." He said, causing Albus to hit a wall of dread. He was right. James was a flashy annoying prick most of the time but he was still his brother and he loved him. He suddenly remembered just how frightened he had been when he slammed James into the wall and seen the blood from his wound.
"I don't mean any offence, but I think it wise not to use this power and try a stay relaxed until you can gain more control over your self Albus." Tannis said softly.
Albus could only nod. Becoming enraged and attacking the psycho that murdered his friend and tried to hurt Aurora was one thing, attacking his own family was another. Perhaps I should takes some Calming draft...or maybe take up yoga...
Nah...
"Have you ever heard of anyone one having this kind of power?" Albus asked.
"I've heard rumours…there are a few documented cases of people having extra sensory abilities. Telekinesis, clairvoyance…" Tannis said conversationally.
"What's Telekinesis?"
"The ability to move objects with your mind." He said quickly. "But what you described doesn't sound like Telekinesis. I've never heard of any quite like a sudden blast of energy erupting from a person. Especially a person that didn't have a wand…those kind of spells are possible, but I don't think that even Voldemort could have cast them without his wand."
"I did a bit of research but couldn't find anything." Albus grumbled.
"Wandless magic, although possible, will never be a powerful as magic cast with a wand. It's actually part of one of my theories on the muggle, wizarding differential." Tannis sounded quite quirky to be talking about his hobby.
"What's your theory?" Albus asked quickly.
Tannis was a bit surprised that Albus was interested. "Well I'm afraid to truly understand it you would need a degree in genetics, but in simple terms…I believe that magic is a separate entity in this world. Much like the weather. It exists everywhere around us. I am certain that wizards have a slightly different genetic code than muggles and, through using a wand, they can tap into the power that allows the casting of spells."
Albus nodded. "Like the Force…" He mumbled.
"The Force?"
"Star Wars, you know Jedi Knights and stuff. Darth Vadar…It was on TV over Christmas." Albus trailed off.
Tannis laughed. "That's actually an extremely accurate way of putting it."
"Does that mean you know where I can get a Light Sabre?" Albus giggled.
"Sorry Albus, I don't think caretaker Filch would appreciate students carrying weapons all over school." Tannis said amused. "And no offence but you seem to be able to do enough damage without a Light Sabre."
"I'll try to keep it under control from now on."
Suddenly it hit Albus. He knew exactly what he needed to do to clear his mind and stay calm.
"Thank you sir." Albus said standing.
"For what?"
"For helping Aurora...for being understanding…" He said rather awkwardly before heading to the door.
"Oh Albus." Tannis called. "The Potters are always welcome in this office." He stated.
Albus nodded and smiled again before leaving.
He headed straight for the Room of Requirement. The door materialised and he entered. Whether on some subconscious level or simply by accident, he actually left the door open.
Inside Albus approached the beautiful Bechstien Grand Piano sat in the centre of the empty room.
He sat down and laid his fingers on the keys, still trying to think of what song to play. He knew exactly what to play the moment a quick flash of Marcus's face entered his mind.
Moonlight Sonata
He began, slowly letting the sounds drift of the strings and reverberate around the empty room. It was the first song Aurora had taught him and there for the one he was best at.
His lament to his fallen friend. And his vow to justice.
If it took him the rest of his life, he would hunt down Lithgo and make him pay for his misdeeds. He didn't care what anybody tried to do to stop him. He didn't care that it was against the law. The Law is flawed and vengeance is too wild. It's a bunch of rules, made up by men! Justice existed long before the laws of men were written down on paper. Justice is pure, natural and the right of anyone who had been truly wronged.
He moved into the concerto.
Marcus deserved Justice. Albus deserved justice. People only get what they deserve if they take it…or if it's force on them…
Lithgo's words echoed in his head as he finished his lament.
When Albus turned he saw Aurora standing the doorway.
"How long you been standing there?" Albus asked.
"Long enough to know your angry." She walked into the room, not bothering to close the door behind her. "Your strokes are too hard. You can't play an aggressive lament. It has to be gentle."
"Sorry, I'm not in a very gentle mood." Albus stated flatly.
"That's understandable." She said sitting down next to him. "If your angry, play something strong…it'll release the tension." She nodded to show Albus that a whole orchestra of instruments had appeared around the room.
Albus laughed.
"So what do you want to play?" She asked smiling.
"I don't know. You decide."
"Alright." She gave her wand a quick flick and suddenly all the instruments positioned them selves in mid air as if they were being held by invisible musicians. Albus laughed with amazement. Clearly Aurora didn't have a problem with showing her true power in front of him anymore.
"Follow my lead." She said simply. She began to play.
One of the base guitars began to pay at the same time as her which was quickly joined by the drum kit. Albus didn't have a clue what she was playing until the main tempo came in.
He laughed aloud. Aurora was playing Back in Black by AC/DC. It was one of the tunes on his MP3 player.
He joined in just as they hit the chorus. They laughed at the fact that they were playing a heavy 80's rock on a grand piano with a group of charmed instruments leading the backing tune.
For the next hour they continued to play the most unlikely songs on the grand piano including: Iron man by Black Sabbath, WAR by Edwin Starr and even Supermassive black hole by Muse. Completely unaware that at the open the door, a crowed of students had appeared listening the duo play.
Lynx, Violet, The Bobs, Hammings, Bogdon, Lily, Hugo, Scorpius, Rose and even Danny Mink (Who was even now, sporting a very swollen mouth and drooling slightly.) had stood silently listening to Albus and Aurora do there own interpretations of their favourite songs. They finished there own private (bust no so private) concert with She Hates Me by Puddle of Mudd, complete with lyrics.
It wasn't until the second verse that everyone that had gathered at the door decided to start singing along with them. After the initial shock and laughter they simply decided to finish the song. By the end there were thirteen people singing at the top of there voices "SHE FUCKING HATES ME!"
As soon as the song was finished the spectators began shouting there requests. There some very odd request followed by several Queen and Beatles songs. I am the Walrus seemed to be a favourite.
"Sorry folks, that's all we've got time for." Aurora said feeling her stomach rumble.
"Boo! Encore!" Hugo shouted.
"Alright one more." Albus said smiling.
He finished up by singing and playing solo, My Way or the Highway by Limp Bizkit.
He finished to a resounding round of applause that included a very happy and smiley Aurora.
A while later Aurora was eating dinner in her usual spot at the Ravenclaw table. Albus entered the main hall and after giving his brother a quick look, he walked over towards the table and sat with Aurora. James had only become more frustrated with Aurora. Since it was clear that she was in fact being controlled and that the school there for had absolutely no grounds to expel her along with the fact that she did indeed save Albus's life a couple of times meant that he was only able to hate her and not get her thrown out.
Aurora looked like she wanted to warn Albus as he sat down but didn't speak. Instead she was struck dumb when Albus was suddenly joined by Scorpius and Rose. Aurora didn't know what to say. The other seemed perfectly oblivious to the fact that they had just blown off there own houses to sit with her.
She never told them, but the gesture meant more to her than they could know.
"Any news on Lithgo?" Scorpius asked.
"Nah. Someone apparently spotted him down by Dover. Probably trying to scurry out of the country as quickly as possible at the moment." Rose informed.
"He'll scurry of the fucking planet if he knows what's good for him!" Albus spat coldly.
"Al, don't even think about going off on some vigilantly thing! The Auror's can handle it." Rose warned.
"They'll just lock him up! I want him dead!" Albus hissed.
"Albus -" Rose tried but was cut off.
"Oh come on Rosey! We have no idea who he could be hurting at the moment, especially since he still has that damn Voodoo Doll of his." Albus scowled.
Scorpius suddenly started choking on his food. Albus hit him on the back a few times and passed him some water. Aurora however was looking at Scorpius very suspiciously. Scorpius saw her and tried to give an innocent look.
"What?" He asked scandalized.
"What did you do?" She demanded.
"Do? I didn't do nothing'" He spluttered trying to go back to his food. Albus joined in on her suspicions.
"You know she's a Legilimens Mal. She'll just look in your head if you don't tell her. That's if she hasn't already…" Albus glared at Aurora.
"Hey! My head is private!"
"Oh that won't stop her!" Albus hissed. Aurora gave Albus a sweet innocent and extremely insulting look.
"Alright…I might have found the Voodoo Doll in the wreckage…"
Aurora, Albus and Rose's mouths fell open.
"And where is it now?" Aurora asked slowly.
"I might have…misplaced it…" He said quietly.
"MISPLACED IT?!" Albus roared causing half the heads in the great hall to turn. Albus noticed and lowered his voice. "Do you have any idea how dangerous that thing is?!"
"I'm sure it will turn up…I think someone might have already found it…"
"Who?" Albus asked.
Scorpius didn't answer, instead he turned very slowly to look at the Hufflepuff table. Albus, Rose and Aurora followed suit. There at the table, the Bobs were frozen like statues with the most menacing and mischievous grins on there faces, looking right back at them.
"You gave it to the Bobs! Are you out of your fucking mind!" Albus hissed through gritted teeth.
"I'm sure they're trust worthy…" Scorpius didn't do a very good job of suppressing the smile on his face.
He clearly knew exactly what the Bobs were planning to do with the doll. The Bobs sadistic grins moved at the same time to look directly at James Sirius Potter, then back to Albus. They started nodded at him as if to say '…Your gonna love this!'
Albus suddenly felt a small grin of his own creep onto his face.
The Bobs noticed Filch enter the main hall. Mrs. Norris was strolling around his feet.
"Bob…target has arrived."
"Copy that Bob. The Operation has a green light."
"We are a go."
Underneath the table, Bob one was holding the Voodoo Doll and his wand. With a quick flick and a muttered word, James suddenly gave a strange jolt at the Gryffindor table. He shook his head looking slightly confused.
"Asset has been acquired!"
"Good shot Bob, let's rock and roll!"
James suddenly and involuntarily stood up from the Gryffindor table. "Hey, what the hell!" He yelled, having no control over his body movements.
"Lock on to target Bob."
"Copy that Bob."
James began walking down the table like partially petrified person. To the onlookers he simply seemed to be doing his own version of the Robot. "Who doing this! Stop!" James squealed, sounding quite worried. James, unlike Aurora had been, was awake and fully aware that someone was controlling his body.
The controlled James continued to walk down the table until he was facing Filch.
"Asset is locked on!"
"Time on Target, 10 seconds!"
James walked oddly towards Filch who was now looking at him with just as much confusion as the rest of the room. James was now yelling so loud for help, that the entire hall had turned to watch him.
Bob One gave a small flick of his wand. Without warning, James suddenly grabbed Filch by the face and planted a massive wet kiss on his lips!
"Direct hit!" Both Bobs said in unison.
The entire hall of students burst into fits of laughter. Even Fred and DJ were practically rolling around on the floor, holding they're sides, gasping for air. After about ten seconds of kissing Bob released his hold on James.
For a second Filch and James simply looked at each other, praying that what just happened was some kind of horrible nightmare. As soon as it dawned on them that it wasn't, they both screamed in complete horror and bolted out of the main hall as fast as they could.
The hall couldn't have laughed louder if they tried.
"Operation complete, outstanding work Bob!" Bob one said shaking Bob twos hand.
"Not too bad your self there Bob."
A loud cough came from behind them. They turned to see Professor Arken standing behind them. She was probably the only person in the hall that wasn't laughing. Even Professor Longbottom seemed to be trying very hard to suppress his laughter, as were many of the other teachers.
Arken's eyes narrow and she held out her hand.
"Oh yes, Professor we happened upon this in the courtyard earlier today." Bob one said handing her Voodoo Doll.
"I'm sure you did." She glared. "Up!"
Both Bobs stood and were led out of the hall to a huge round of applause and laughs. As they passed the Ravenclaw table, Bob two lent over to Albus and spoke in what sounded like a very posh, upper class, aristocratic voice. "Revenge is a dish best served cold old boy."
Albus couldn't laugh harder if he tried. A Slytherin, working with a pair of Hufflepuff's to target a Gryffindor that had been harassing a Ravenclaw! House unity was a wonderful thing.
QUIDDITCH FINAL - RAVENCLAW Vs. GRYFFINDOR
HOGWARTS - SCOTLAND -MAY 15TH - 2020 A.D.
The Bobs received three weeks worth of detention for there little stunt but both agreed…it was worth it. James hid his face for the public for about two weeks before he began trying to hunt down a murder the Bobs.
Albus was blissfully free from Nightmares and attacks from James since he could simply retort with an insult about Filch. Which he did anyway from time to time.
Albus wasn't able to resist the urge to experiment with his ability. He went to the room of requirement several times and tried to practice. To his annoyance however, he was only able to make a few objects shake a little. His power only seemed to respond when he was extremely angry. Shame…be a handy thing to have in case anymore psychotic teachers turned up… He thought.
To his frustration, Lithgo had seemingly dropped of the face of the earth. Harry and the Minister had sent warnings out to all other magical governments, but it was highly unlikely that he was return to the UK. They still hadn't announced that Deacon Fielding was dead. They were hoping it would bait Lithgo out but nobody was holding there breath.
Albus didn't get to spend much time with Aurora. Lynx had them training fiercely every time they were out of lessons. They would either work on tactics or try and find useful info able there opposition (Gryffindor). Lynx had also taken quite a paranoid stance when it came to training. The team would use the pitch at random intervals and most of the time it would be at night or very early in the morning. Albus was a bit upset that he didn't even get the chance to watch her train.
He had been desperate to talk about their friendship and the possibility that it could become something more but she would duck, dive or change the subject every time he tried. Although he kept his hopes up, the message was becoming painfully clear that she simply didn't want Albus in the same way that he wanted her.
Albus had actually caused a few more POPS! of light in the main hall when he saw Aurora talking happily and laughing with a fifth year Ravenclaw named Cody Miller. He was a talk, hunky looking guy with light brown hair and he was on the Quidditch team. Quite a few women around Hogwarts classed him as a hottie, which only made Albus hate him even more. Now that she wasn't quite so hated around school, she was getting noticed by the opposite sex a lot more often. Albus couldn't blame them there, in fact he was amazed that it had taken the boys this long to notice just how incredibly beautiful she was.
However, in the morning on May 15th he had arrived at the great hall to see what was unmistakably flirting, going on between Aurora and Cody! Her hands were touching his chest every few seconds and she would play with her hair when ever he made her laugh.
Albus couldn't stand the sight of it and shot to the Room of Requirement. He was getting angry and per Tannis's instructions he was trying desperately to keep his temper under control. Music was usually the best way, followed by Tea at Hagrid's hut or spending some time with Buckbeak. None of it was working today.
The more Albus tried to blank it from his mind the worse it got. He started inventing little scenarios in which Aurora would become the most popular and wanted girl in school and forget about Albus all together.
She's not your girlfriend! She has the right to flirt with whoever she wants! He lied to himself.
As the images entered his mind he felt the strange sensation in his chest return.
He looked at the chair of the grand piano.
What the hell…give it a shot…
He raised his hand and focused his rage. The wave erupted like an explosion and not only blasted the chair across the room but ripped through the piano as well, smashing it to kindling.
For fucks sake! I liked that piano!
A second wave erupted, not from his hand this time but from his body, smashing the already busted rubble into smaller pieces.
Tannis was right…He had little, if any control of this ability and it would be extremely dangerous (For Cody) if he got this angry in a public place.
He stayed in there for a while, thinking things over. When he was convinced that he was sufficiently calm he left the Room and went to his lessons. Muggle Studies had naturally been cancelled, so he had a free period after Divination.
It wasn't until he was actually sitting in the class room with a crystal ball in front of him that he realized the Tea Leaves had in fact been correct. Trails and Suffering. Damage and Destruction. Evil and Murder. They had all come true. And just like Aurora had 'predicted' they had come true in a way Albus never could have expected. He was now convinced that the strange looking bird thingy was indeed a Phoenix, given the fact that he could turn an entire grand piano into fire wood and destroy a historical building just by getting angry.
He paid way more attention in Divination from that moment on.
It was after class that Albus was walking down the corridor towards the common room when he bumped into Aurora. She was way more chirpy these days. Yeah because of Cody fucking Miller!
Albus anger started to rise and he thought it best not to talk to her when he was in this kind of a mood.
"Hey you ignoring me or something?" She asked as he turned to walk away.
"No…I…I've got a headache…" Albus lied. He didn't want to look at her. If he looked to closely at her incredible wolf like eyes he would be temped to lunge forward a kiss her.
"Oh, I was just going to see if you wanted to go to the Room of Requirement." She said airing.
"I was there this morning…" He decided to keep the piano accident a secret and besides, by the time he returned to the Room, there would be a brand new one waiting for him. "Why don't you and Cody go!" He couldn't stop himself.
"Excuse me?"
"I saw you this morning. You were flirting your arse off in the great hall!" He growled.
"So what if I was!?" Aurora spat back. Albus should have realized that she would go all gentle and try and explain. She would get defensive and probably attack him. "I can flirt, date and fuck whoever I like!"
POP! There was a flash of light above his head.
God that's annoying!
"What the hell was that?!" Aurora asked looking bemused.
"Nothing…good luck with ya match…" Albus stormed off.
"Albus wait! I am a woman! I like getting attention from men! He's a really nice guy, if you just talk to…I didn't mean to rub It in your face." She forced.
"So your allowed to get with him but not me?!"
"We talked about this." She said quietly.
"Yeah and you said that you wished we could!"
"But we can't!"
"Why?! I know you feel something for me Aurora!" Albus was getting frustrated.
"Yes, I do. I like spending time with you. I think your funny, kind, friendly, generous, smart and completely out of bounds!" She said.
"But Cody Miller isn't?!"
"I'm not going out with him Albus!"
"Yet…"
"Albus, if I want to date him I will! I'm gonna spend my whole Hogwarts life alone just because -"
"Forget it." Albus could feel his blood pressure rising. It wasn't a good idea to be angry around Aurora, or anyone else for that matter. He charged off down the corridor.
"I'm sorry." She said quietly before turning to walk in the other direction. It sounded like she didn't actually want him to hear her say it. "I want to be happy as well…"
Albus stopped. She was right and he didn't want to leave things like that.
"Aurora." She called. Albus took a breath and tried to think of something to say. "DJ hurt his elbow in practice yesterday. He'll be favouring his right side…good luck." It was about the best he could think of.
"Thank you." Aurora said softly.
Albus turned and continued walking. Why does she always have to smell so good!!
"Good afternoon, I'm Bob Lawson."
"Yes and I'm Bob Little and welcome to the final of the Hogwarts Quidditch cup."
The Bobs were sitting in there announcement box as the stadium began to fill with students. The Quidditch final had brought the stadiums capacity to bursting point. It was being called the most popular final in twenty years. And it was obvious why. With the rivalry between the players of Ravenclaw and Gryffindor, the war that was raging between Lynx, James and Aurora and the fact that Gryffindor hadn't had such a serious challenge for the cup in the last fives year, people were talking about this match all year.
Normal only a few scouts would come for various Quidditch teams around in the country but for this final The entire Puddlemere United and Holyhead Harpies teams were present. But they weren't the only surprise guests to turn up for the match.
"I don't think I've ever seen the stadium this full Bob."
"This could be the world cup final the way it's going Bob."
"Abso-bloody-lutly Bob."
"Yes ladies and gentleman we have a cracker in store for you today."
"Ravenclaw Vs. Gryffindor!"
"To say that there is no love loss between these two teams is a grossly inaccurate statement!"
"Ready to tear each other limb from limb is more accurate I think Bob!"
"Indeed, but before the match gets underway, Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, we are in the presence of greatness, please give a very warm Hogwarts welcome to PUDDLEMERE UNITED!" Bob one screamed over the mic.
The stadium erupted in cheers and applause. A few members of the team waved and smiled to the students.
"And try not to drool to much lads, it's THE HOLYHEAD HARPIES!" Bob two yelled.
The all witch Quidditch team waved and smiled as the stadium burst with cheers again.
"They aren't the only celebrities in the house today though Bob."
"Your not wrong Bob, please give a warm welcome to Minister for Magic! KINGSLEY SHACKLEBOLT!"
There was another roar of applause. Kingsley followed suit with the Quidditch teams by waving and smiling. He was sitting in the teachers stand surround by the Weasley/Potter clan. Harry was sitting with Ginny just behind Kingsley with Teddy Lupin and Victoire Weasley to there left. Bill, Fleur and there family were on there right. Percy, his wife and kids were on Kinsley's left while Ron and Hermione were on his right. Fred and Angelina were just behind them with Roxanna.
"The best minister in a hundred years! We're all going to be very sad to see you go."
"But no offence, I think I would prefer the sexy brunette over the scary black man."
"Abso-bloody-lutly Bob!"
Kingsley laughed while Hermione flushed and looked scandalized. Ron laughed out loud while Ginny whispered something in Hermione's ear causing her to giggle.
"And for those of you that haven't already notice the Lightning Bolt scar, position vicariously on the forehead of a certain gentlemen… Ladies and Gent's, CAESAR IS PLEASED TO BRING YOU, THE CHOSEN ONE HIM SELF! -"
"SAVIOUR OF THE WIZARDING WORLD -"
"HARRY JAMES POTTER!!"
The roars and cheers were ear splitting. Female students were screaming 'I LOVE YOU HARRY!' and 'MARRY ME!' in every corner of the stadium. The teachers and Qudditch players joined in clapping and cheering as Harry went slightly red.
"Sorry girls, he already married." Bob two informed receiving a large number of 'BOOO's' from the crowed.
"Yes and married to none other than Ginerva Molly Potter! Celebrated player of the Hollyhead Harpies!"
"That's correct Bob, she scored over 10,000 points during her time with the team."
"Not an easy feat to accomplish Bob."
"Especially if your starting at zero Bob."
"Were else would you start Bob?"
"With her? I'm afraid I can't answer that Bob, there are children present."
Ginny raised her eyebrows with mock scandal as the stadium laughed. Harry gave Ginny a kiss on the cheek and whispered something in her ear.
"Very soon we will have one of the most anticipated matches in Hogwarts history. So much so in fact, the school has seen fit to bring in a special, League ref on this one."
"That's right Bob. Please give a warm welcome to Dietrich 'The Hammer' Downes."
The crows cheer the ref that had already taken the field. Dietrich was know throughout the Quidditch world because of his extreme toughness and zero tolerance for rule breaking. Tannis had suggested a professional ref because of the mass popularity the match was bringing. Albus had a feeling that he arranged for 'The Hammer' because he knew several players would take this opportunity to cause Aurora considerable pain, if they could.
"We have one hell of a game on our hands today, but before that we are going to take little break."
"That's right Bob, when we come back we will find out the thoughts of Holyhead Harpies Captain Taylor Simms and more importantly, whether or not she's single."
The crowed laughed.
"That's right, and then it's show time. I think the question on all our minds is: Will the Lions Roar or will the Eagles Soar? We'll find out after this commercial break…"
Professor Arken leaned forward and whispered in Bob ones ear as Bob two stood up and walked away with his mic.
"I am being told that there is no commercial break so we'll go straight to Bob with the thoughts and martial statues of Captain Taylor Simms." Bob ones said.
"Thanks Bob." Bob two was now standing in front of the stand which the Hollyhead Harpies had occupied. "Yes we are here with the beautiful, elegant and very sort after Captain of the leagues champions, The Hollyhead Harpies." Bob two turned to Taylor Simms.
She was pretty much as they had described. A beautiful, athletic woman in her late 20's with Strawberry Blond hair and big brown eyes. She was slightly flushed and embarrassed from the comments the Bob's had been making and was smiling.
"So Taylor, what do you think we are going to see in this match?" Bob asked.
Taylor was still laughing slightly. "I think it's going to be great. Gryffindor have had a pretty impressive winning streak but you should never count out Ravenclaw just because they're the underdogs." She said happily.
"I'm sure you've heard about the controversial appointment of Ravenclaws new seeker. Any thoughts?"
"Well, I've heard a lot of rumours and I don't have any inside info or anything so I'm just going to have to say; let the flying do the talking." Taylor replied.
"Abso-bloody-lutly. I'm sure you'll be keeping an eye out for the new talent on the circuit while you're here?" Bob asked.
"We're just here to enjoy the match, but we'll keep our eyes open."
"Yes indeed. And I do believe your wedding ring has fallen off." Bob said quickly.
"I don't have a…" Taylor suddenly realized the cheeky little trap she had been caught it.
"There we have it folks, An excited, sexy and single Captain Taylor Simms. Back to you in the studio Bob." Bob said walking back to his co-host.
"Once again Bob, we don't actually have a studio. This is an announcement box." Bob corrected.
"My mistake Bob."
Over in the Stands, people were taking there positions, setting up banners and flags for what ever team they were supporting. Professor Collins walked through the Ravenclaw stands with a huge smile on his face. He would glance up at the Hollyhead Harpies once every few minutes. Probably wondering which players he should ask for autographs later on.
Collins was struck dumb at the sight of two students in front of him. Scorpius and Albus were standing in the Ravenclaw stands with a great view of the pitch. Both had Ravenclaw flags in their hands.
"Umm…aren't you two in the wrong stands?" Professor Collins asked.
Scorpius and Albus looked at each other for a second then turned to the Professor. "No." They said in unison, then turned back to the pitch.
Collins looked slightly confused but decided not to make a big deal out of it.
"YES! The wait is over!" Bob ones voice resounded around the stadium.
"It's the Lions out first, led out by Captain Amy Clynner. Followed closely by Seeker extraordinary James Sirius Potter -" They covered the mics. "Wanker!"
"- Elton Marsh, Fred Weasley, Rose Weasley, David Johnson and Keeper Ryan Finnigan."
"Do you think that Ryan having to square off again his own sister, will have any effect on this game Bob?"
"I think Violet Finnigan effects a great many things Bob…mostly trouser comfort." Bob two said to a mass wave of laughter.
"HEY!" Ryan shouted from the pitch but was ignored.
"And here come the Eagles! Led out by Captain Lynx Cabot! Followed closely behind by Violet Finnegan -"
"Now there's a sexy image!"
"Keeper Cody Miller…"
POP! Albus's temper had flared at the very mention of his name.
"Chaser Imogen Walthers, Sky Hendry, Beater Eric Shmit and Seeker Aurora Dawn Lennox." The cheers died down slightly at the mention of Aurora.
"Odd looking Broom she's got there Bob." Bob two said examining the strange instrument that she was carrying.
"Yes it is Bob, but as I've always said; When it comes to wood, it's not the size of the shaft, that counts, it's the driving force!" He said in all seriousness.
Many Hollyhead Harpies players, and indeed the whole stadium, burst into laughter. Bob one actually blew a kiss towards Captain Simms.
The players took position in the air while the two captains came to the centre of the field to meet 'The Hammer'
"Alright, you all know the rules, I want no fuckin' about, let's see a professional match. Captains shake hands, give your all, Let play!" Dietrich said as Amy and Lynx begrudgingly shook hands.
They mounted there brooms and shot into the air.
The ref released the snitch first. Then the Bludger shot up. Then the Quaffle.
"LET'S GET IT ON!" Both Bob's shouted and the crowed erupted into cheers.
The Gryffindor and Ravenclaw papers exploded into action, shooting off in every which way. Violet straight away, grabbed the Quaffle and began a game of 'one-two' with Imogen. The two headed towards the goal post as Fred an Lynx batted the Bludger at each other like a game of Tennis.
Rose suddenly shot through the middle of them, causing Violet to break off her attack on the goal. She recovered quickly and passed to Sky, who wheeled around and began shooting for the goal.
Suddenly she spotted the Bludger coming straight for her and dive bombed out of her way just as Amy Clynner punched the Quaffle out of her grip. It was picked up by Rose who began bolting towards the Ravenclaw goal posts.
"Nice interception by the fiery Red Head!"
"SHE SHOOTS!"
Cody managed to punch the Quaffle away, but it was picked up by Elton Marsh. Eric Shmit came shooting out of nowhere and snatched the Quaffle away from him just as he was about to shoot.
Eric passed the Quaffle to Violet but was immediately his in the back, by the Bludger, courtesy of David Johnson. He didn't fall of his broom but needed a few seconds to regain his control.
The Quaffle pass was intercepted by Amy and she began heading for the Ravenclaw goal again. She was about to pass to Elton when suddenly, like a bird of prey, Aurora came shooting out of the sky straight in front of her, throwing her off balance and causing her to misjudge the pass.
Imogen managed to snatch the Quaffle out of the air and began her run towards the goal posts. This time Aurora was with them providing cover and blocking the Gryffindor's attempts to intercept.
It was pretty obvious, that her broom was one of a kind. It was just as fast, if not faster then a Lightning Bolt broom but was more manageable. She was jetting everywhere, causing complete havoc among the Gryffindor counterattack.
"I gotta get me one of those." Bob one said, in awe of her flying ability.
"She everywhere!"
Imogen made a fake pass to Eric. The deception worked and opened up a hole in the Gryffindor defence. She made a quick pass off to Violet who shot.
"WHAT A GOAL!"
"RAVENCLAW LEAD 10-0!"
Aurora's actions had seriously pissed off the Gryffindor's. Only sixty seconds back into the match, Amy scored and equalized. Aurora again tried to get involved with they're attacks but Fred Weasley sent a Bludger straight at her. She dive bombed to dodge it but was then slammed into by James. Aurora was blasted into the wall of the stadium and onto the ground, causing a whistle to be blown.
The Ref flew over to James who was holding up his hands acting innocent.
"Oi! That's naughty! Bludger penalty awarded to Ravenclaw! I see that again and your off!" The Hammer yelled.
On the ground, Lynx and Violet were helping Aurora back onto her broom. She was dazed but otherwise alright. Aurora grabbed Lynx and whispered into her ear.
"Can you hit a that Bludger at Fred's broom?"
"Yeah, but what's the point, if it breaks they'll just get him a replacement." Lynx wondered.
"I don't want you to break it, I just want you to hit…from below." Aurora grinned.
Lynx smiled sadistically. "Your mean!"
The ladies shot back into the air. The Bludger flew over to Lynx ready for her to take her penalty.
The whistle was blown. Lynx tapped the Bludger, sending it shooting towards the ground. Before it hit, she dived under it and gave it an almighty wallop!
The Bludger bolted through the air and connected with Fred's hand that was gripped around his broom. Fred yelped in pain as another whistle was blown.
"I bet that hurt…"
"Nice catch don't ya think Bob?"
"Yeah, shame it's against the rules though." They laughed.
"WHAT?!" James objected! "THAT WAS BLOODY DELIBERATE!"
"Hand Ball! Ravenclaw Penalty! Watch for the Bludgers at all times!" The Hammer said in an official tone.
Lynx, Violet and Aurora laughed along with the rest of the team.
Lynx flew into position and prepared to take her second penalty. This time Fred decided he would simply balance on his broom in order to protect his hands.
The whistle blew. Lynx again tapped the Bludger downwards, shot under it and smashed it upwards. This time the ball hit Fred's broom causing it to jolt upwards and whack him hard in the happy sack.
"OOOOOWWWW" The Bobs cringed. The entire stadium winced in pain.
Fred's eyes bulged and almost rolled into the back of his skull as he groaned in pain and fell off his broom. He hit the floor clutching his nuts.
"Right in his Golden Snitches!"
"It's going to take more than Madam Pomfrey's healing touch to take the sting out of that one Bob!"
George leaned over and whispered to Ron.
"There go me grand children!"
It took Lynx a lot of effort to suppress the smile on her face.
"Broom impact! Play on!" The Ref yelled and suddenly the match was back on.
Ravenclaw scored three goals, but Gryffindor were able to equalize again. Then, an attack led by Rose allowed her to Score and bring Gryffindor into the lead. 50-40.
The intensity of the match had only increased. The challenges were becoming more daring and more violent. Every single player was now sporting some kind of injury and several warning were handed out by the Ref. Both the Hollyhead Harpies and Puddlemere players were watching the match with great interest and pointing at players that had taken there fancy.
"HERE WE GO!!" Bob one shouted as he saw Aurora and James jetting down the centre of the field.
Both of them giving everything they had to try and catch the illusive Snitch. James tried to bump Aurora off balance but failed. They were heading straight for the goal posts when DJ and Amy suddenly flew in. DJ Rammed Aurora on the left, while Amy hit her from the right. Fred Weasley was ready and waiting up ahead as he wheel back for a massive strike on the Bludger.
Aurora spotted him a spilt second before he lunched the Bludger at her. Blocked in on both sides, all she could to avoid being smashed in the face was move her head at the last second. The Bludger glanced off the side of her jaw. DJ and Amy broke away, allowing Aurora to fall lifelessly to the floor.
With Aurora down, James was free to peruse the Snitch. He shot after it, as it darted in different directions trying to escape, unaware that Lynx was heading straight for him.
James looked up just in time to see Lynx throw her Beaters Bat straight at him. James dive bombed away but she hadn't been aiming for him. The Bat collided with the Snitch smashing it to pieces.
The crowed didn't know what to do as the whistle was blown. Mouths had fallen open on every corner of the stadium. Even Harry and Ginny looked shocked. Bob two actually dropped his mic.
"Is that a foul Bob?"
Bob two picked up his mic. "I don't know Bob! Has that ever happened before?"
"I never heard of it."
Even the Hammer was looking confused.
"Could that count as a Snitchnip?"
"Can't do, she never touched the bloody thing."
The Ref walked over to the broken pieces of the Snitch that had fallen to earth. Like a wounded soldier, the remaining wing of the snitch was flapping about on the floor, trying to return to it's job.
"That's flown it's last match…"
"I think that poor little fellas gone to that big Quidditch pitch in the sky."
"God rest him." The Bob's actually sounded quite sad at the site of the broken snitch.
Violet and Cody had landed next to Aurora, who had begun to stir. Albus's gut clenched up at the sight of Aurora lying helpless on the floor. The was another POP! As he saw Cody, very gently, touching her face and rubbing her back.
The Ref made a few strange hand signals and then pulled out his wand and summoned a replacement Snitch.
"No points awarded, no fouls, game on!" The Hammer shouted.
"Fair call Bob!"
"Gotta love the Hammer!"
Cody helped Aurora to her feet as the Ref came over. "Lennox, you alright? You need a healer?"
"I'm fine!" She hissed. She turned to look James right in the eyes. She reached up and yanked a loose tooth from the back of her mouth and dropped it on the ground. She spat blood on the field and headed over to her broom.
"This isn't just a game anymore Bob!"
"This is match!"
The players shot back into the air.
What continued was one of the greatest Quidditch battles in Hogwarts history. The players were going all out! Any opportunity to bust up another player was taken. Violet received a huge smack in the face from Amy, which opened up a nasty cut above her left eye. This pissed Lynx off so much that she actually decided to ram Amy into the goal post, giving Gryffindor a ten point penalty.
After several more goals on both sides, Gryffindor were still leading 90-70.
Suddenly Aurora and James were off again. This time Aurora was hitting back as hard as she could causing a massive tug of war between the two. Again, DJ and Amy tried to set Aurora up for another encounter with Fred and the Bludger, but Ravenclaw was ready for it.
Eric flew straight into Amy and Imogen took out Fred as he was about to lunch the Bludger.
Now it was only Aurora, James and DJ.
Suddenly Cody came out of nowhere and slammed into DJ. Now it was only Seeker Vs. Seeker and the two bolted through the air, chasing the new snitch.
James rammed Aurora, trying to knock her off balance. She stayed on, clutching her broom with white knuckles, her eyes locked on the snitch.
For Albus, time seemed to suddenly move into slow motion. The snitch had suddenly darted right and Aurora had gone with it, only without a broom.
She had actually leapt from her custom made broom, into the air with her arm outstretched.
Albus felt like someone had stabbed him in the gut as he watched her fall to the earth, 30 feet below.
She impacted with a horrible Thud!
Immediately, the Ravenclaw players and even Rose, banked around and landed next to her body.
"Aurora!" Lynx said crouching next to her. "Can you hear me?"
Aurora's eyes flickered open. "Yeah, I can hear ya, stop shouting." She said sounding like she had just come out of a very long and deep sleep.
"What the hell's the matter with you!? You jumped off your broom!" Rose shrieked.
"Yeah…I was tryin' to catch this…" Aurora held up her hand. In her palm was the small, golden ball, wings still fluttering excitedly.
"SHE GOT IT!" Bob one screamed!
"IT IS OVER! IT IS OVER! IT IS OVER!"
"Sons and Daughters of Gryffindor! -"
"Nearly Headless Nick! -"
"Professor Dumbledore! -"
"McGonagall! -"
"Weasleys! -"
"Potters! -"
"BOYS-WHO-FUCKING-LIVED! -"
"Your boys have taken a hell of a beating today! A HELL OF A BEATING!"
Without warning, the entire Ravenclaw house flooded the pitch, running over towards they're team. Lynx had grabbed a still dizzy Aurora, hugged her tightly and planted a massive kiss on her slightly swollen cheek. The rest of the time were running up to hug and kiss her as well.
Albus spotted his brother and the other Gryffindor's (minus Rose) walking off the field looking more pissed off and depressed than ever before.
"Don't worry James, I'm sure Filch will be happy to give you a big kiss and a massage." Bob two shouted over the mic.
James actually went for his wand before realizing he had left it in the locker room.
The massive crowed of people around were chanting 'Ravenclaw!' over an over.
Dozens of students had also crowed the other stadium seats and were trying to get autographs from Harry and the Weasley's. Several others were trying to talk to Puddlemere United and the Hollyhead Harpies. The Bob's had already left the announcement box and were in the middle of trying to get a date with Captain Simms.
Albus was about to join the mad rush of students until he saw it was Cody's turn. He hugged her gently and for a second the two looked into each others eyes. Cody leaned in a kissed her on the lips.
He couldn't stand to watch her kiss him back as the crowed wolf whistled. He turned and started walking away from the field.
You wanted people to treat her fairly! You wanted her to be happy. Be happy for her…
He told him self over and over again. He knew his brain was right, but that only made him feel worse. He couldn't stand this kind of torture. The Crusiatus would have been more welcome. He wanted her, needed her, loved her… And could never have her…
Albus stopped in his tracks as he spotted, just behind the stadium and away from the massive excitement the match had produced, a young girl with fiery red hair, locked in a passionate kiss with his friend Scorpius Malfoy.
"Bout bloody time!" Albus yelled. He managed to smile at them as Rose turned and flushed bright red. Scorpius just laughed.
"Not a word to anyone!" Rose yelled back.
"My lips are sealed! You should probably go somewhere more private though!"
Scorpius and Rose looked at each for a second then began walking (Very Quickly) towards the castle.
Albus was again left with his thoughts and loneliness as he slowly made his way back to the castle. You should have expected this… There are no happy endings…only stories that haven't finished yet…
Unfortunately the image of Aurora kissing Cody didn't leave his mind over the next few days. In fact it was all he thought about.
Aurora obviously realized that Albus had seen her kissing Cody. She kept her distance from Albus, but smiled sadly whenever she saw him in lessons or the great hall. He was determined not to have an argument about this with her. Not just out of fear of his power but because he knew he would be acting petty.
She'd done a hell of a lot for him and he has no right to get angry because she wants to be happy. Happy with someone else!
It was a bit unfair that she got his hopes up after they had survived his dreams but they were both a little emotional after that. We weren't our selves…well I was…but she obviously wasn't…
Albus spent a lot of time in the Room of Requirement (that now had a new Grand Piano). He wanted time to himself and didn't want to be a nuisance to Rose and Scorpius, who had been disappearing off to empty broom closets anytime they weren't in lessons. He was happy for Rose. And Scorpius. And on some level Aurora, but he couldn't help feeling like he had been left out. Been overlooked some how. It was fair for everyone else. But not for him.
They had all had quite a year. He couldn't help think that he got the raw deal though. Aurora got Cody Fucking Miller and treated like a normal person. Rose, finally, got over her shyness and got with Scorpius. Albus got attack by a psycho, almost disowned by his family and a strange ability that he has no control over.
Yeah…someone up there likes me!
In two days he would be leaving for the summer. At least he would have some time away from having to watch Cody and Aurora laughing and smiling in the great hall every day.
If she had a different name, she would still be way, way, way out of your league. Come on! You were dreaming if you thought that you two could ever be…
But it was a good dream…
As Albus walked towards the Great Hall to get an early dinner he almost walked straight into Aurora. His heart leapt into his throat. She was so incredible.
"Al, hey, I've been looking for you." She said without her usual level of confidence.
"You found me." In fact it was Albus who spoke confidently.
He wasn't going to try and break them up or complain about her not fancying him. He was determined to get over it as soon as possible. But nothing took away from her beauty or how much he wanted her.
"Look…I want you to know I'm not ignoring you or anything." She said.
"I know, you have a lot more friends now. And a boyfriend. I can't monopolize your time." He said truthfully.
"I really didn't expect…you know at the match…with Cody…" She said sheepishly.
"Yeah, he a romantic ol' sod isn't he. Sweeps you off ya feet, right in front of everyone." Albus actually managed a fake smile.
"He's a really nice guy Al. He's always been nice to me. I think you'd like him if you talk to him." She said hopefully.
"Pass."
"Al -" She tried.
"I understand that you two are together and I'm not going to try and change that, but don't ask me to like it. You know how I feel." He stated. Albus was actually quite impressed with his level of maturity so far.
"I'm sorry if I've hurt you." She said quietly.
"Well I'm not going to lie and say that it didn't…" Aurora looked at her own feet, like a naughty child. "But…I was thinking about it earlier. If you had a different name, you would have been way out of my league, from the moment that school started, so I spos' I shouldn't really be all that surprised now."
"Don't say that Al! Your a great guy and you deserve -"
"Deserve!" Albus felt his blood boiling as Lithgo's words began to echo around his head. "The only way you get what you deserve is if you take it, or it's forced on you! And I never get what I deserve!" He said darkly. Aurora looked stunned.
"That's a direct quote by the way!" Albus said as he began walking away.
"I don't want to loose you as a friend Albus!" Her voice trembled as she spoke.
"You won't." Albus said at once but didn't stop walking. I still owe you…
Aurora was actually blinking back tears. She never wanted to hurt Albus, but she had managed it nevertheless.
After dinner, Albus began packing up his things. They would be taking the Hogwarts Express back to King's Cross the next day.
'Deserve. It's an interesting concept. Most of the time it relies on the ego of the person in question. Albus wasn't actually sure what he deserved at the time. He only knew what he wanted. Deserve and want run on such a fine line, it is often very hard to tell the difference. I suppose at some point we all believe we are entitled to something. Whether we have earned it or not. I can tell you one thing though…He got something he deserved on the train back to Kings Cross.'
A/N - One more chapter to go! The chapter is call A Deserved Future. It's already waiting to validate, so shouldn't be too long. The last chapter also has a sort of Epilogue and a quick summary of the Sequel Colossus II : Evolution. There is also a trailer up on YouTube for it. Hope you enjoy.
Thanks too everyone that has read and reviewed.