Chapter 20

THE SUBSTITUTE TEACHER

"Okay class, in a few moments I will hand out your examination papers."

Every student looked at Professor Grindle. They thought it was okay to have him as a substitute teacher. Albus, however, wanted to leave the classroom the minute he saw Professor Grindle's face.

"I want you to do your very best."

Professor Grindle began passing out the papers. Albus was sure he would do well on this exam. He knew Defense Against the Dark Arts had been a bust because he couldn't concentrate. While Albus was thinking, he hadn't noticed that Grindle had already put a test paper on his desk.

"You will have until the end of class," he said. "Start."

Albus went to work. He answered the first three questions really easily, but the fourth question was more difficult. He peered over at Andrew. His quill was barely moving. Rose's quill was moving at a quick speed. She didn't even care that Professor Grindle was in the room. Albus began to stare at each student. It seemed everyone knew what they were doing but him. He stared down at his paper, and began to answer a few more questions. Herbology wasn't his best subject. When Albus got to the last question he felt relieved. He set down his quill and clasped his hands together. His palms were sweaty. Even though he finished his exam, he still felt nervous. Rose was wiping sweat from her forehead. Her curly ginger hair was sticking up. Albus suddenly felt eyes staring at him. Professor Grindle was leaning over his desk.

"Albus, come with me."

Albus gulped. What was going to happen to him? He stood up, and followed Grindle out of the Herbology greenhouse. They walked for what seemed like hours until they reached the outskirts of the Forbidden Forest. Albus was frightened. The forest was full of trees. You could barely see behind them. It was dark and cold.

"Professor Grindle, why did you bring me here," Albus said nervously.

Perhaps this wasn't the question Albus should have asked. Quick as a flash, Professor Grindle grabbed Albus by the throat and pinned him against a tree. Albus tried to scream, but nothing came out.

"Albus, your time is up."

"Why do you want to kill me," Albus said gasping for breath.

"You're the one. You're the one that's going to destroy the Dark Lord."

Albus thought about this. He thought he was going to join the Dark Lord. Thinking of what his father might think of him, his eyes became watery.

"Are you going to cry? This time daddy isn't here to save you."

Albus knew he was right. His dad was nowhere to be found.

"Yes…your famous father. He will die along with you."

At that moment, Professor Grindle raised his wand. Albus shut his eyes tightly. He just wanted this day to be over. Suddenly, a red spark hit Grindle from the side. Albus fell from Grindle's grasp. He hit the ground hard, and felt the grass around him.

"Leave…my…son…alone."

Albus recognized that voice. He looked wearily from the ground. He saw his father standing with his wand pointed along with Ron, Hermione, and many other members of the Order.

"Don't you have a class to teach," Neville said harshly.

Harry walked over to Professor Grindle, who was lying on the ground. He pointed his wand straight at his face. Grindle dropped his wand and stood up.

"Now…you're going to do what I say," Harry said.

Before Harry could finish this sentence, Grindle lunged forward to Albus. Harry placed himself in front of him.

"Do you know what that boy is?" Grindle spoke only to Harry. Harry could only glance from Professor Grindle, to the Order, to Ginny.

"Do any of you know what's to become of this boy?!" Grindle was now shouting towards the Order. His shouting echoed toward Albus.

"I know what he is." Harry said raising his wand.

"He's my son, and I love him." Harry now turned to look at Albus. Albus's heart normally sunk when his father looked at him, but this look was different. Albus smiled.

"I think you should get back to class Professor." Harry said sternly turning back to face Professor Grindle.

"You don't know what he's capable of do you? What he's going to do." Grindle said through his teeth.

"I've seen many people die before my eyes, I've seen people I love vanish, and I saw him die. I watched Voldemort die." Harry spoke out loud.

"Harry! Don't say his name!" Hermione suddenly shouted. Harry turned and looked at her.

"I'm not afraid of the name Hermione!" Harry shouted and turned back toward Professor Grindle.

"And I'm not afraid of you." Harry said pointing his wand towards Professor Grindle.

"I've never used the last unforgivable curse…. Touch my son again…" Harry paused and lowered his wand. He left Grindle with a fear. A fear that Harry might kill him. The professor simply turned and left the forest. Harry patted Albus's shoulder.

"Dad?" Albus spoke and stepped away from Harry.

"Why did you come here?" Albus looked at his father and quietly awaited an answer.

"I had to come see you."

"Why, is there something wrong with me?" Albus took a couple more steps back. This time his eyes were blinded with water.

"Is what Professor Grindle said true… or am I a death-eater?" Albus's voice was shaken, he was crying. Harry searched for words but could not find an answer.

"Dad?" Albus wiped his face about the same time Harry did, both the same way. Ron and Hermione quickly glanced at each other. Ginny wiped her tears.

"Dad!" Albus's voice shouted out and Ginny jumped. Harry looked up and towards the Order. Hermione walked forward.

"Tell him Harry." She said quietly.

"Harry!" A voice rang out from behind Albus. Seamus was running toward them.

"Harry!" Seamus stopped in front of Harry and began to catch his breath.

"I have to tell you…. you and the Order something." Seamus said puffing heavily. Harry having no choice followed Seamus over to the Order. They came together in a circle.

"Well, while we were in class…. "

"Get to the point." Harry said interrupting Seamus.

"Alright… We heard it… All of us did…. But…. It came from Albus. "

"Heard what?" Ron asked.

"The voice… his voice… You-know-who's." Seamus said glancing at Ron.

"It came from Albus…"

The Order turned and looked at Albus. Albus gulped. Harry only stared. What was to become of his son? Harry didn't want to believe it, but felt the fear of Voldemort's return wash over him as he stared at Albus. And the longer he stared the more it frightened him.