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Chapter Two:
For the first time since Albus started Hogwarts, James elected to join him and Scorpius in the compartment. To Scorpius's delight, Rose was also present. Albus knew exactly why they were here: They wanted to know more about the Excalibur Games.
His cousins dragged it out of Uncle Percy, as they seemed to take after their Uncle George more than their father, in tenacity to find things. While messing around in his office one day, the kids intercepted a paper airplane that hadn't been magically sealed, relating to the games. There wasn't much in the message aside from the title and how trolls were too unpredictable to be used in the tournament.
Scorpius seemed to enjoy being the center of attention. He thoroughly studied the subject and seemed thrilled to have a reason to share his knowledge with others.
"The last possessor took Excalibur to Roanoke and was killed by some sort of beast," he explained. "The colonists, fearing the sword was cursed, threw it into the ocean."
"So, the sword gives the owner incredible power," Rose said. "Like the elder wand?"
"In a similar way, but not quite, as the sword has been known to give the owner visions from previous owners and new skills."
"It would be amazing to own something like that," James said. "And we're all eligible to compete! Sixteen by June is the cut-off date! Think of it, Potter Vs. Potter a duel to the end."
James had finally matured and was much nicer to him since Albus and Scorpius's time-traveling experience. Their father was doing more to connect with both of them, and they had formed a stronger bond.
"One person gets to represent each house," Rose said. "No other schools are involved. Three challenges, plus a duel with the spirit of Merlin himself. I'm up for the challenge."
"Cheers, cousin!" James said.
"I'll cheer you guys on," Scorpius said. "I'm not interested in that kind of power. Besides, I've had my 'grand adventure' and didn't particularly care for it all that much."
"You'll still try to pull the sword out, won't you?" Albus asked.
"Of course, my father would show me his boot if I didn't. I doubt I will be picked."
"I don't want it either honestly," Albus said. "I'm not the Boy Who Lived. I have no interest in some grand destiny."
"Truthfully, brother," James said with a sigh. "I'm with you. I see what our father has gone through in being called special and famous throughout his school years, and it messed with his head. No, I'd rather chart my path after school, and make a name for myself then."
"I never thought I'd live to see you two agree on anything," Rose said.
"That makes two of us," Albus said with a smile.
Albus noticed Rose's smile didn't reach the full extent of her face.
"Something wrong?" he asked.
"Mum's moods are becoming darker," she said. "Dad and she are fighting more. She wishes he would take things more seriously, and he wishes she would lighten up. We got a lot of hate when mum first acquired the position, but that seemed to taper off. For some reason, it has gotten worse in the last six months again."
"I'm sorry," Scorpius said.
"I'm just glad to be away from it," Rose said. "I don't think Dad was joking when he said he wished he could come with us though."
"Things will work out," Albus said.
"Definitely," James said. "This is my last trip to Hogwarts. In June I will be a full wizard."
"So, help the wizarding world," Albus said.
"So, help it indeed," he said with a grin and a wink.
…
The grounds surrounding the whomping willow were encircled in an elaborate garden that from a distance, looked like the Hogwarts crest.
"Neville, you have truly outdone yourself," Minerva said. "It is beyond anything I could have expected."
"Professor, you're making me blush," he said.
They and Filius looked were examining it from the steps of the castle. The train was due to arrive in half an hour.
"The first wave of defense are the pungent-smelling plants. Don't worry, I made sure the smell can't get this far up. Some students may be able to bypass that with a bubble-head charm, so Filius helped me set up charms like the ones used to deter muggles from entering the castle. The last line of defense is a fire-repellent variety of Devil's snare that will scream to alert the castle if any student gets that far."
"You truly have thought of everything, chap," Filius said.
Neville checked his watch. "I really should change. Students will be here soon."
"I once hosed Pomona off minutes before students were due to arrive," Minerva said.
He nodded and left.
Filius and Minerva stood for a moment in silence.
"You feel it too, don't you?" he said. "Trouble is coming back to Hogwarts."
"I had a feeling it might start up again, once Potter's kids started school. All the nonsense with keeping Potter and Malfoy separated. I have tried so hard to keep children safe since the war. It feels like I'm not doing enough."
"Minerva!" Filius faced her. "Only a handful of students have died in the twenty-some years you've been in charge. Look at the records of your predecessors. You've done a phenomenal job, dear woman!"
"Four is too many," Minerva said. "I should have ended things early."
"You have never been known to abandon Hogwarts," Filius said.
"I know you'd do a great job."
"I don't want the job," he said. "I intend to retire this year also."
Minerva stared at him.
"I've been training in private, Jeremiah to take over for me," he said. "Despite being a distant relation of Tonks, he is not particularly accident-prone. Madam Maxime has expressed interest in the head job."
"Why didn't you tell me?" she asked.
"Minerva, I'm tired despite only being six years younger. I lost both my daughters to these wars. Melina will have died three years ago. I want to spend time with my grandchildren in America and maybe tutor some duelists on the side."
"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" she asked.
"You've had expectations for me to take charge of the school for decades. I wasn't ready to disappoint you."
"I would have understood, I just wish you had told me sooner."
"I'm not sure you would have. You live at the school year-round. It seems as though there is nothing you care for outside these grounds."
"Of course, I do! I just choose Hogwarts first."
"I'm not sure it is healthy. I worry what you will do upon retirement."
"I'm an associate editor for Transfiguration Today. I like to bake, as my father taught me. There is so much more to me than what you've seen."
"Minerva, dear I don't want to fight."
"Then go check on what the house-elves in the kitchens are up to."
"Minerva, I didn't mean to upset you."
"But you have."
"We still have time to talk this out."
"Not really, check on the house-elves."
Filius looked shocked.
"That's an order from your headmistress, while she is still in charge."
He stomped off.
Minerva stared at the grounds. This promised to be a tumultuous year at Hogwarts.
A barn owl appeared with a letter. She read it. The Minister was coming. Another surprise. Minerva suspected this wasn't going to be the last of the day.