A/N; This story is coming to a close in the next few chapters, believe it or not.

I'm not gonna torture you all with my usual rants.

Anyways, on with the story.

Chapter 14

Christmas

Things at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry became very grim after that. Very grim indeed. It was by some sort of miracle that the school was no immediately closed after the attack.

The Gryffindor Common room itself had been attacked.

The Gryffindor Common room itself had fallen under assault.

And the bodies, everywhere...

Luckily, there were no fatalities. Perhaps this and this alone was what kept the school from being closed on the spot. Regardless, Aurors no walked up and down the Halls, security had been upped tenfold, and tensions ran high.

What terrified Albus most, however, was this; that thing got back up.

It fell directly off Gryffindor tower, and it got back up. It got back up as if it had been nothing, as if falling several stories was an everyday occurrence for it, before it looked up and smirked, taunting them.

Albus was sitting beside his brother's side.

James was the only one in here. It seemed the creature had been after him. It had been after James. It merely attacked the rest of the students because they got in the way. Because they stood up to it. Because they, like the Gryffindors they were, like the bold lions they were, they fought back, tooth and bone.

James was sleeping. The thing hadn't managed to finish whatever it had been doing to James, and Madam Patil, the school nurse, had assured Albus that she was sure James would make a full recovery within days and would be back up on his feet in no time.

Of this Albus was sure of; James and Justin had found something.

They knew something, discovered something, and this thing had come for them. This thing had tried to hunt them down because of it, tried to take them out.

Albus wished he'd listened to his brother earlier, but he'd been too damn stubborn, not wanting to go into that forest. Then again, if they had, all three of them... The forest was were the creature had run off to. Albus doubted any of them would still be breathing if they had made their way to that place.

Of course, the forest was being searched. In fact, the whole school had been searched. Rumor had it some enchanted map had been used in the search as well. But, in the end, nothing. The thing had escaped without a trace, just gone.

Albus was sure it was still prowling somewhere, he just didn't know where that where was.

What was that thing, anyways?

From what Albus could gather, it was some form of shapeshifter. That, or it had a really handy stack of Polyjuice Potion at it's disposal... But he doubted it was human. What kind of human can do things like that? It was practically feeding, feeding, of his brother's magic.

Though, on the bright side, they now knew what had happened to the other vics...

Bane and Justin had both suffered the exact same treatment. They had been subjected to the things powers, and the result lay out before them. St. Mungo's were already attempting to develop something to get them back on their feat, but Albus suspected it wouldn't work.

It was more than just magic the thing was feeding off of.

He didn't know what, but he just knew. A feeling, in his gut.

Albus felt a gentle hand on his shoulder, and looked up at Rose standing behind him. There were heavy circles under her eyes, just like all the others. While the creature hadn't managed to feed of those in the Common Room long enough to do any serious damage, it had left them like this; tired, delirious, sore, with deep bruise like circles under their eyes.

"How are you holding up?" she asked softly before taking a seat beside him.

Albus looked back at James, at his sleeping face. James tossed and turned a bit. He was having a nightmare. Again.

"He knew something, Rose. They both did. The thing... It went after them because they knew something..." Albus whispered in a barely audible voice.

Rose grimaced but didn't comment.

Then, she pulled something out of her bag. Albus wasn't paying attention, his attention locked on his brother, on his own flesh and blood. Sure, James was the biggest, most annoying prat on the planet but he never wanted something like this to happen. It hurt, seeing his big brother, who was usually so strong, energetic and joyful so fallen.

"Look." she said, thrusting the papers at him. Albus took them, but he didn't look down. He didn't want to. "Al'." Rose sighed. He let them drop with a thud. She shot him an irritated look before picking up the stack of papers. There weren't many, just a few parchments upon which she had written, trying to connect all the pieces. So far, she'd gotten nothing concrete, though if inference was to be trusted... Well, let's just say Albus would not like the results.

Rose stood, and, without a second glance, walked right out the room.

"These are dark times." Uncle Neville spoke. For once, there was complete and utter silence. Everyone, without a doubt, was lacked in rapt attention as Uncle Neville continued. "We have had some hardships this year. Nearly two months ago, Professor McGonagall, our Headmistress, was kidnapped. We believe her still alive, but for how long... And now, with the most recent attack in the Gryffindor Common Room, I must stress the following; you are not to be snooping around. You are not to be out after hours. You are not to be about all on your own. A teacher will accompany each and every student to their next class. I... I admit. The future of Hogwarts is threatened. If there was ever a time to unify, it is now, in this dark hour. If these attacks cannot be stopped... Then I am afraid that the school may need to be closed." Uncle Neville spoke mournfully.

He seemed to be gearing himself up for another leg of a speech, but his voice constricted within his throat, and he sat down. Albus watched him carefully, and saw how his eyes had a thin rim of red around them. Uncle Neville, the man legendary for leading the famed Dumbledore's Army and chopping the head of some bloody snake, had been reduced to tears. Albus supposed he should have expected it.

After all, Justin was Uncle Neville's son, and Justin was in a state just like Bane's. And who knew if he would ever-

The food appeared.

Albus ate, but not because he wanted to. He needed to keep his strength up, after all. He had to, for James.

He had to find that thing that hurt his brother.

He had to find it, and take it down.

Albus Potter had never been a vengeful person, but, right now, the feeling ripping through his chest, beating in his heart, screaming in his senses. It was a dangerous feeling indeed, and it was a side of Albus that rarely came out. A side that was more aggressive and angry, a contrast to the usually peaceful boy.

He closed his eyes for a bit, shaking his head.

James was going to be alright. He had to be. He had to be.

Christmas vacation came.

Which meant Albus' birthday was coming up.

Sometimes, he wondered if his parents had planned for Albus' birth to be on the Winter Solstice. Regardless, that was the exact date his birthday fell upon, a few days before Christmas. Which meant he never really got any birthday presents, but he didn't mind.

Especially not this year.

Albus didn't smile through it. His mind was locked on the comatose James, praying his brother would wake up, praying his brother would be alright. The Healers had already come, had already told him that they expected James to make a full recovery. They just insisted that all he needed was rest, that all James needed was rest, but Albus knew he wouldn't be able to smile again until his brother was alright, until he was up and kicking it again and being his usual annoying-ass pranking self.

Ginny walked in to the room, and a sad smile played on her lips. She wanted to cry, but held strong. Albus' head was lolled over on the bed, practically laying on top of his brother. He was snoring softly, and, for the first time in days, her youngest son looked at peace. She glanced up to James, and her heart gave a brutal wrench.

She wished it was her, on that bed, her that the thing in the school had come after. Part of her didn't want to let either of her boys walk back into that school, but she knew she had to. There was worry and panic everywhere. That was what that thing wanted. And she'd be damned if they just layed back and took it without a word, without a single attempt to fight back.

Ginny took a blanket, and covered Albus with it, then walked out the door, swearing to herself that when she found the thing that hurt her boys, there would be hell to pay.

Albus woke up with a small groan. Had he fallen asleep last night? He hadn't meant to. In fact, he couldn't remember the last time he slept, truly slept. It had been long. Far too long.

A couple of days?

A week?

Who knows. All he knew was that he had to keep James company. Never mind how pale his skin was getting and how mum had to on more than one occasion force food down his uncooperative throat.

Sleepily, he blinked several times as his vision cleared- as much as one's vision can clear when they're practically half blind- and the image before him made him jump into alertness.

"Whe'... Where... Am... Ami.. Ami.." Ami? What? Was he trying to say 'Amy'? Albus didn't even know James knew an Amy. "Am I..." James finally managed.

Oh. That made more sense.

"James!" Albus cried and wrapped his arms around his brother in a bone crushing hug.

"Owe! Al-... It... Hur..." James tried to speak.

Albus, getting the message, leaned back. "Sorry." he said, but he couldn't help the Cheshire Cat grin that creeped its way onto his face.

"Albus, Al, what's wrong, is he-" mum ran into the room, a dirty apron wrapped around her waist, her hair a little dirty and a sponge in her hand. Ever since what had happened to James, she's taken to spending every minute of every hour of every day attempting to scrub down all traces of grim all over the house. Apparently, cleaing distracted her.

Then, taking in the sight of her oldest, gazing back at her through lethargic eyes, a sponge dropped to the ground and mum walked up slowly before wrapping James in a gentle hug, a small sob escaping her lips.

"Mum.. Wha' happ'en." James grumbled.

"Shh, sweetie. Don't talk." mum scolded, before turning to Albus. "Water. Kithcen. Go!"

Albus nodded and rushed off to get the water.

Again, the days after that were like a blur. James was slowly recovering. His Healer, Madam Zeller, a witch who couldn't have been more than five years younger than mum and dad, stated he should be up and running again within a few days and that his body was merely in aftershock at this point. In other words, James was fine. Just really. Really. Tired.

The holiday itself passed over like a haze.

Rose, at last, didn't look like she was mad at her mother. Albus assumed they had talked it out, but there was something else. As Rose ate, she looked scared. No one else would have been able to tell, but Albus had spent practically every waking moment of his short few months at Hogwarts, and he knew her.

Aunt Hermione seemed to sense something as well, but, if she did, she didn't comment on it.

When he asked her what was wrong, she turned, and looked at him through big glassy eyes that seemed strangely blank. "Something's coming, Al. Something big. And I'm scared."

And, with those crytic words, she turned away and continued eating her dinner.

Albus still didn't know what the papers Rose had tried to show him back in the Medical Ward where, and, frankly, he didn't care. Okay, so maybe his curiosity had been spiked just a tad bit, but he did not care, he did not want to know. Nope, not at all, not in the slightest.

Aunt Hermione gave a small prayer before she began to eat.

The food prepared by Grandma was always the best in the world, and, for a moment, in the joys of food, Albus forgot about all else. He forgot everything going on around him. He forgot about what was happening in the school. He forgot that his dad would be gone the following day, as Aurors and hit-wizards had been combing up and down the school endlessly after the incident in the Gryffindor Common Room.

No one talked about it, here at the Burrow.

They were outside, not fitting inside.

While the old building was bigger and more secure than it had previously been, the Burrow was still nearly identical to what it had once been years ago. To simply put, there were too many memories etched in that rickety little tower of wood and splinters, memories Grans didn't want to let go off.

The table was alive with chatter and jokes.

Albus smiled. He hadn't smiled like this in a while, hadn't let himself enjoy himself, but, at the moment, it was all he wanted to do. Sure, James was still a little slower than usual, but he was back on his feet nonetheless.

They opened their presents after that.

It didn't have the usual Christmas cheer around it, but it was a time with family, and that was what truly mattered in the end.

Uncle Neville was suppose to show with Aunt Hannah, but at the last second they'd sent an owl. They'd decided they were going to spend the holiday at St. Mungo's, with Justin. No one was really surprised by this unexpected turn of events.

As night descended upon them, the Potters were forced to leave. Grans gave each of them a bone crushing hug before they departed, and then, they were off.

"Albus." a voice called as Albus was making his way to his room, his eyes sleepy and bleary. He was dressed clad in his pajamas, and had just left the bathroom.

Albus turned and looked at his father, who motioned him to come. Albus eyed him a little suspiciously, remembering how the monster had impersonated Justin, but this was dad. That, and he doubted the thing could get into their house in the first place. So, he stood, and went to him.

Dad led him to his study. Books lined the wall, but Albus knew most were just for show, if the dust on the bookshelves was anything to go by. There was the rare occasion when dad actually did end up pulling a Hermione and actually sat down to read one of his extensive volumes, but those times were rare indeed.

He rounded his desk, knelt, and opened a drawer. Dad pulled out an old silver cloak. It looked a little frayed, but was still brilliant. It looked and smelled like it had been in that particular drawer for years.

"What is that?" Albus asked, his eyes scrunched up in curiosity. Dad looked up.

"I could tell you, or," he began before draping the cloak over himself. Albus nearly jumped a mile in the air. "I could just show you." his now invisible father finished.

Once Albus had gotten over his momentary shock, he spoke, awestruck. "What is that thing?"

Dad tossed off the cloak, grinned, and set it on the desk. "This," he began, his fingers threading through the silver silk, "Is my invisibility cloak." he answered. "Or was."

Albus looked at him confused. Was?

Dad picked up the cloak and tossed it to Albus.

Incredulously, Albus glanced down at the object he had caught, looking up at his father with stunned eyes. "Me? You're giving this... To me?"

"Potter family tradition." dad smirked a little before leaning back on his desk, crossing his arms in a very none-professional manner. He looked tired. Dead tired. Albus was sure his dad had rested less than he had. Hell, he was sure his dad had searched up and down the castle several times, to no result, because whatever that thing was, it covered it's tracks, and it covered them good.

"I- I can keep it?" Albus was amazed as he felt the object in his hands. This was amazing. The best gift ever. He loved it.

"Yup." dad grinned. "And, I want you to do something."

Oh. Great. The catch. Why is there always a catch?

"And what exactly is that?" Albus stated suspiciously, looking up at last to stare into a pair of eyes so much like his own.

Dad picked up a piece of paper, scribled on it, and handed it to Albus. "Be there. Midnight. Third day back. Bring Rose, if you need to."

Albus glanced down, confusion etched in his eyes before looking back up. "Why, exactly?"

"Because, you're a Potter and a Weasley mixed in one. Whatever's in the school, I want you to be prepared- if, and only if it comes after you, understand? I don't want you to go looking for it, you got that?"

"Yes sir." Albus nodded resolutely.

"Good. Now, get going before everyone starts wondering where we ran off to. And keep that cloak away from your brother, the hell he'd cause with it..." dad patted him on the back and grinned at the end, and Albus couldn't help but laugh. There was no denying how chaotic his brother could be.

Albus turned and walked out the door, heading straight for his room.

Harry gave a great sigh, his eyes still locked on the door where his son had just walked through.

"You're sure it'll go after him?" he whispered into the darkness.

Out of the shadows, a figure showed itself. His eyes were also locked on the now closed door. "Yes. Yes, I'm sure. And, if the boy runs, it will hunt him."

Harry closed his eyes, and felt like banging his head against a table.

His son was in danger, and he couldn't pull him out of it. But, the least he could do was prepare him, just in case, just in case the worst came smashing down upon them.

"Do you at least know what it is? What's after my son? Can you tell me that?" Harry asked, eyes still closed.

"Not human." was the cryptic reply, and, with a small barely audible pop, the man was gone.

This time, Harry really did hit something.