CHAPTER 7: The Holidays
Christmas Holidays - 1st year, 2017
"What you two did last night? And where have you been this morning?"
Scorpius couldn't help but be startled by the slam of his compartment door. It was Rose – face as red as her bushy hair, Kellan standing behind looking over Rose's shoulder at Scorpius and Albus who were sitting comfortably inside. It's the first day of the Christmas holidays and all students were already on the train starting to head back to London.
Albus grimaced, "Hello to you too, Rosie."
"Stop the cheeky attitude this instant, Albus Potter. What happened last night?" both hands were on her waist.
Kellan grinned taking his place beside Albus, "Is it true? You two were being pranked for laughing all night in the girls' bathroom and ended up having to spend the night in the hospital?"
Scorpius holding his head in his hands sighed, "Who told you that?"
"Who? Well, everybody," seeing Scorpius' distress, Rose didn't have the heart to stay angry, "Kellan and I looked for both of you at the hospital as soon as we heard it at breakfast. But we couldn't find you anywhere!"
"Everyone thinks that's James' doing," chuckling, Kellan said to Albus, "Your brother and cousins couldn't stop laughing all morning and wishing they could take all credit for pranking you two, but apparently they didn't."
"So, will you tell us what happened and where you disappeared all morning?"
Before He or Albus could answer Rose, the slam-door opened again. This time it's Louis.
"Ah, you found them, Rosie!" Louis cheered and turned shouting at the distance, "James, Fred, they're here!"
"This is why we need the Marauder Map," they could hear Fred's nagging from outside, "So we don't have to look for them like ordinary wizards." Then, he appeared at their entrance door laughing heartily, "There you are! Is it true? – you two laughed all night, and in the girls' bathroom too!"
James walked in, "Who did it? I wish it's me! That's brilliant," Albus' brother laughed gleefully.
"None of that was brilliant," Albus glared at his brother, making the Marauders laugh harder.
Scorpius for the umpteenth time whined and held his face.
Rose, who was sitting beside Scorpius, patted his shoulder, "Come on, tell us!"
"Nothing really," said Scorpius convincingly, "No one pranked us."
"It was Neville!" Albus grumbled, "He found us wandering around after curfew and instead of taking point or even giving us detention, he chose to take us to the hospital and tell nonsense to Madam Goldstein."
"Neville will never do that!"
"Why were you wandering around!?"
"Professor Longbottom really told a lie?"
"What're you two doing after curfew anyway…"
"You must be using the map! Now that it's already Christmas can we take it back?"
Scorpius couldn't help but be amused deep in heart. He chose to remain silent though, smirking, letting Albus explain to his loud family since they had agreed from last night that the Chamber's adventure would be kept secret, except for James of course – Albus couldn't wait anymore to show off to his brother.
"It's not a complete lie," annoyed, Albus said to Kellan. "Neville actually found us laughing in the corridors after curfew. He just had to emphasize it at the hospital, then the rumors would spread right away."
"And the bathroom?" Louis asked.
"We were in the corridor next to the bathroom," Scorpius helped.
"What bathroom?" Fred was puzzled.
"Does it matter? Albus said exasperatedly.
"2nd floor bathroom?" James narrowed his hazel eyes.
Ups, he guessed right, Scorpius thought to himself, curious with Albus' response.
Albus though, only gazed at his brother.
"Well?" James returned the gaze, waiting impatiently.
Albus smirked at James – an actual sly grin which Scorpius was so proud of showing how a true Slytherin was Albus at this very moment.
"Like I said James, we were laughing," Albus emphasized as he wanted to tell him, both he and Scorpius did laugh because they made it into the Chamber.
"No way!" James yelled jealously, "That's a lie!"
Albus' smile widened, shrugging nonchalantly, "Think what you want."
James swore muttering about evidence's demand at home, stood up and grumbled to his two confused cousins, "We're out of here, let's go!" then walked out followed by questions from Louis and Fred.
"What is that about?" Kellan asked curiously.
"Just James, being dramatic," Albus answered nonchalantly.
Rose didn't buy it though, raising her eyebrow, "Really?"
"Really Rose, there was no prank," Scorpius said sternly. "We're just wandering around looking at another new passage, trying different possibilities of room requirements, and laughing unimportantly when Professor Longbottom caught us." When Scorpius saw Rose still wanting to argue, he added the lie smoothly. "It was late and I was hungry, we went to the kitchen first, then started strolling, therefore we didn't take you two."
Kellan chuckled, "But in the end you're not only caught, you became the talk!"
"Like I said, that's all because of Neville," Albus blurted out.
Scorpius gazed at Rose, nodding his head earnestly, Just buy it! Just buy it!
Rose snorted, "Fine, I believe you!"
At last, at a glance Scorpius and Albus smiled slightly at each other.
They were now more than half way through. Scorpius and Kellan were playing wizard's chess, Rose was reading, while Albus was watching the game – had fought Kellan before Scorpius, and won.
"So, who else, besides my family, will be coming to your house this Christmas?" Kellan asked Albus after doing his knight's move.
"Mum and Dad are going to invite the DA, especially whose kids are going to start their Hogwarts School next year. Your sister is one of them right?"
"Yup! Sophie would love to have friends before Hogwarts. She's so nervous, telling me about all that in her letter," Kellan explained as Scorpius once again ate his last knight. After doing another move, Kellan asked, "So, beside Roxanne and Lucy, who else will be with Sophia next year?"
"The Scamander twins," Rose answered. "Gran said that Luna and Rolf have returned from Peru. They will settle in Ottery St. Catchpole until Lysander and Lorcan go to Hogwarts. They definitely will be invited at Christmas."
"Alice will join your sister too," Albus added. "My Godfather's family will be coming to the Meadow, surely."
"Frank Longbottom has a sister?" Scorpius asked intrigued. He knew Professor Longbottom's son, Frank, who was a Gryffindor in their year, but never knew about his daughter.
"Oh, he has. His sister was a fragile and sensitive little girl," Albus said with annoyance, "I bet she'll be with Lucy in Hufflepuff."
Scorpius raised his eyebrow.
Rose chuckled, "Albus once made Alice cry. Since then he's always avoided the little girl. And everyone knows that Alice has a crush on Al," she added with a mischievous laugh.
"That's too bad! Sophie really wants to meet Albus," Kellan followed laughing. "I think she's fancied you since our first meeting five years ago," he said to Albus amusedly, "Don't tell her I told you that."
Albus grumbled and chose not to comment or react to the laughter of his three friends.
"My family has returned to live in London," Kellan told them. "Sure, we keep our house in Berlin – all my family from my Mum's side still live there anyway. But today is the first time I'm going to see our new house! You guys must visit me this holiday," he said excitedly, "You too, Scor! Are you really not coming to Albus' house this Christmas?"
"No," reluctantly Scorpius answered. "I told you guys, my family and I will spend the holiday in France."
"Yeah, but is it really every day during holidays?" Rose asked for the hundredth time.
Before Scorpius could respond, Albus cut in, "It's alright. We still have summer and another holiday. He will come to the Meadow one day," he said to Rose, "Or even to Finsbury and meet Uncle Ron," Albus wiggled his eyebrows laughing.
Rose by the way lived in central London, Finsbury – a bustling commercial area on the edge of the City of London. It was a three-story urban townhouse, with four bedrooms in it, one of which had been transformed by her mother into an extensive private library.
"No way," Rose looked troubled, "We should invite him to The Burrow first, before setting foot in my house. I'm sure of Uncle Harry's big-heartedness, but my Dad – he can be a git sometimes. It's not safe for Scorpius yet."
"I'm right here," Scorpius could only grimace.
Kellan followed Albus who was still laughing.
Eventually, the train began to slow down indicating they had arrived at King's Cross. Rose and Kellan said goodbye to Scorpius and started walking out of their compartment. Albus stayed.
"Remember what we talked about last night," he said. "You don't have to choose."
Scorpius smiled gratefully, "Write to me, okay? Aristotle will know how to find me." The truth was, not every day will be spent in France, just for New Year.
"I will."
With that the two Slytherins separated.
From a distance Scorpius could see his parents standing apart from the crowd. Once again his father's face tensed without a smile, while his mother anxiously looked around for Scorpius.
A shout of joy called out Albus and James' name for afar, stopping Scorpius. It was a little girl wearing a khaki-brown overcoat, her hair hidden behind a hat and a matching cream scarf – but Scorpius could still see the crimson color from her bangs flowing out. Her fair skin was pale but clear, though there are a few visible freckles around her button nose. She was beautiful and adorable. She threw her tiny self into Albus' arms first, and then ran to James who happily picked up the laughing little girl. They were very loud and lively, but Scorpius couldn't help but smile at the display of affection.
So, that's Lily, Scorpius kept smiling, but then realized and justified his expression. He turned, continued walking to his parents, and saw his father's frown – surely the old man had noticed everything.
"Dad, Mum," greeted Scorpius lightly.
"Scorpius," his Mum sounded relieved. She gave him a slight hug and smiled fondly, "You're taller, and more handsome of course."
Scorpius couldn't help but smile. His mother had always adored him since he'd been born – 'her little prince' she said.
"Son," his father held his shoulder for a bit, "Let's go home. We can talk more at home."
With that the three Malfoys walked to the Floo-Network and headed back to their Manor.
When they arrived at the Manor, Linky immediately took Scorpius' trunk to his room. Dinner was already served, so the three of them walked to their dining area. It was so grand that Scorpius dared to say that all Weasleys-Potters could be comfortably accommodated there. Ridiculous, what am I thinking, he swore to himself. It was after the dessert serving, only then did his father speak.
"So, when will you tell us that you've been friends with the Weasleys?" Draco's voice was steady and full of hidden emotions.
Scorpius paused for a while. "To be precise it's actually a Potter and well, one Weasley," he said wittily. Between Potter and Weasley, his father reluctantly will choose the former. Draco didn't respond but only stared, so Scorpius asked, "How do you know?"
"Professor Leroy told us," his mother answered.
Alwyn Leroy was his potions professor and head of Slytherin house. He's from France and an old friend of the Malfoy family.
"He told you, or you've been spying on me this whole time?"
"Scorpius," Astoria said sternly, "Just answered your father's question."
Scorpius sighed, "Well, I'm sure Professor Leroy already told you everything." Scorpius shrugged, "It is I who want to know your reactions."
"Explain to us then, what's the reason?" Draco asked impassively.
This was their way of discussion since they moved to and from France – no judgments, assumptions, or accusations before hearing point of views and explanations from the opposite party.
"It just happened." Scorpius returned his father's gaze, "We instantly became friends the first time on the train. Albus chose to be Slytherin with me, Rose chose Ravenclaw so she could be close to both of us."
Draco was silent for a long time, but no one wanted to break the silence – not also Scorpius. Then, his Dad asked slowly, "The Potter boy chose Slytherin because of you?"
"Yes."
"Just like that? I thought the hat chose it for us."
Scorpius shrugged, "If we deserve to be in more than one house, we could ask the hat. Albus is a worthy Gryffindor but he asked to be put in Slytherin."
Again, silence.
This time his mother asked, "No ulterior motive then, darling?"
"Motive?" Scorpius confused.
Astoria looked uneasy, bit her lip, and exchanged glances with the emotionless Draco.
"Well, we thought you had your reasons," Astoria explained nervously. "Maybe, maybe to get good connections for your future; or-or maybe to restore Malfoy's good name…"
And that's what made Scorpius furious. Of course, for their family there was always a scheme, motive, or politics. His family didn't know about sincerity or loyalty. All this time he always thought there was something wrong with him because he was so different. But after knowing the true meaning of family and friendship from Albus and Rose, even Kellan, he knew now, it wasn't he who was wrong.
His parents instantly knew how angry he was even before he coldly said, "I'll presume you didn't say those things before, Mum. If we're done here, may I be excused?"
"So, that's it?" Draco's emotions overflowed, his voice raised. "You cannot accept our disapproval or disappointment, but we have to let you get angry and just walk away like that?"
"Disapproval? Disappointment? For what reasons, Dad?"
"Well, you tell me!" He exploded. "I never know what goes on in your complex mind? Of all wizards there, why should they? Do you have no dignity? Is it okay with you, if your so-called friends say something terrible about you, or your family and ancestors, or even me – your father?" Draco was standing now and began pacing, face red with rage, "But maybe you just don't care, do you? Because that's how you feel about me, it always has been and always will be."
Scorpius' heart was pounding, his mouth locked, his fists clenched. It had always been like this, things had always been a sensitive topic for their family. Why couldn't they easily exchange affection like Albus' family? Why should everything be peppered with distrust and prejudice?
"Draco, please calm down and sit," Astoria pleaded. She turned to her son, "Scorpius darling, just tell us about your friends. Are they worth it? And why not tell us from the beginning?"
After a while, Scorpius exhaled wearily. "I will never let anybody bad-mouth you or our family, Dad, let alone befriend them. The thing is, Albus and even Rose, several times backing me up from the ridicule of others, even when I didn't need their help. But that's just what friends do, supporting each other." Then, he turned to his mother, "So, the answer is they are, Mum. They're worth it. And I just wanted to tell you in person, not by letters."
"What about their family?" harshly Draco asked.
"What about them?"
"Don't play words with me, Scorpius. You know what I mean, what about Weasley and Potter?"
Scorpius shrugged, "I don't know yet. But, it's Albus who I befriend with, not his father or uncle. And he invited me to their house this Christmas, so it means something, right? – he wouldn't invite me if his parents were against it."
Draco only grumbled and finally sat down at his chair.
"We can accept that surely," Astoria said calmly.
"But no visiting their house!" Draco declared. "And why should you, why not the boy comes here?"
"He wanted to," Scorpius said nonchalantly. "But I have to know your reaction first before inviting Albus here."
Draco squinted at his only son, "We'll discuss it another time. For now, I'm asking you to say no words about this to any of your grandparents. We do not need another unnecessary confrontation. And who knows how long that be, this friendship of yours."
Scorpius held back his anger that had come back to the surface. Nodding stiffly, he answered, "Of course."
And with great effort, changing the topic, even though it was still a little awkward, they started discussing other things and spent time as family.
Summer Holidays, 1st to 2nd year, 2018
The next semester went by quickly, couldn't believe it's now the first summer vacation for Scorpius. James had won the Quidditch cup for Gryffindor – catching the Snitch in every game, positioning Gryffindor to be unbeaten that year – something that irritated Albus making him intent on joining as Slytherin seeker next year and ending Gryffindor's record.
Rose became the first place in their year – successfully beat Scorpius in every subject except for Magical Theory, History of Magic, and Potions; although Albus of course beat them both in Defense against the Dark Arts. Scorpius still happily ended up in second place, earning the scorn of his father for having to be beaten by the redhead Granger-Weasley – something Scorpius didn't really care about.
It was the beginning of August and Scorpius still hadn't managed to get permission to visit each other with Albus. His father, though, did not forbid him, but also did not happily support the friendship with Potter-Weasley and chose to turn a blind eye about it.
That year the Quidditch World Cup was held. The final would take place on August 18th in Ontario, Canada. And if the England team could win the semi-final against Egypt tonight, the Potters would travel to Ottawa midway through this month, to watch the final against Transylvania which had already beaten Japan last week and ensured themselves in the final match. As such, Scorpius had less than two weeks left, if this mutual visitation between him and Albus was really to be made.
The answer came to him last night through Aristotle. Albus had sent him a letter telling Scorpius to go to Diagon Alley today at 10, and to take his father with him for whatever reason Scorpius could think of. So, here he was, under some vague excuse, walking side by side with his father in Diagon Alley, looking around for Albus.
"You need me to bring you here. Now that we're here, what exactly are you going to do?" Draco asked his son, keeping his expression unreadable as he always did in public.
"Ng," Scorpius confused how to answer that, but thank Salazar he heard his best friend calling from beside.
"Scor! I've been waiting for you." Albus halted in front of them. And then he looked at Scorpius' father pretending to be surprised, "Oh, you're with your father?"
Draco spoke slowly to Scorpius – his cold eyes never left Albus. "So, is this your plan? Meeting up with your so-called friend?" his father sneered.
Before Scorpius could say anything – not that he knew what to say anyway, Albus greeted politely, "It's nice to meet you, Mister Malfoy. I'm Albus Potter."
Scorpius was grateful in his heart that Albus didn't extend his hand, for he was sure his father would not possibly want to repay it.
Draco paused for a while, gazing deeply at the boy before him, "You look so like your father," he said, unable to contain himself. Then, he returned to his son impassively, "If you want to spend time with your friend, I can leave you here, and pick you up after lunch, Scorpius."
"Wait," Albus cut in, "Scor, maybe we can ask your Dad's accompaniment for our project."
"We can?" Scorpius asked, trying to hide his confusion, because he didn't know what project Albus was talking about.
"Of course if it doesn't bother you, sir," Albus said to Draco.
Draco raised his eyebrow intriguingly. "And what project is it?" he drawled.
Albus looked around just in case, and then spoke almost in a whisper, "We are going to take the Basilisk's horn to Mr. Ollivander. Scorpius and I are curious if maybe the wandmaker needs it for his projects."
Clever, Al! Scorpius had to hide his smirk at Draco's astonishment. Since last Christmas he'd never had a chance to tell his father about his adventure. Who knew it might come in handy nowadays.
Supporting his friend's plot, Scorpius explained to his Dad in a low voice, "Albus took me to the Chamber of Secrets last Christmas, Dad. We harvested some of its useful parts."
"Who knows about this?" grasped Draco, "And why take them to Ollivander?"
"No one knows," Scorpius answered hastily. But hesitantly he turned to Albus, "Or have you told your Dad, Al? Or James?"
"James only knows that we managed to get into the Chamber," Albus responded calmly, "And I haven't yet had the chance to tell my Dad about it."
Draco squinted at Harry Potter's carbon-copy boy, "And why telling me this?"
Albus looked into the man's grey eyes seriously. "We discussed it, Mr. Malfoy. And we do want to treat those parts as useful as possible. Scorpius told me that you know a lot about Potions, therefore I thought maybe you could help us decide."
"And going to Ollivander is my idea, Dad," Scorpius helped, "We read in Salazar's journal, that his wand core was a Basilisk's horn. Therefore we want to ask Ollivander about it – for the purpose of magical knowledge only."
"Salazar's journal?" Draco whispered.
"We found it in the Chamber also," Albus elaborated.
"It's in Latin, I managed to read most of the contents," Scorpius added.
Draco contemplated not only for a moment, Scorpius and Albus waited patiently. After two or three minutes full of silence, the Malfoy patriarch sighed, "Let's discuss this privately in the Manor."
Scorpius was wide-eyed, while Albus kept his passive expression.
"You keep asking permission for your friend's visit, let's do it then," Draco said again. He turned to Albus, "Are you allowed to go with me, Albus Potter?"
"Please, just call me Albus, sir," Albus genuinely smiled, "And I have to tell my Dad first. He's at my Uncle's shop, the WWW."
Draco nodded, "Lead the way then, Albus. I will ask your father's permission."
"Y-you will?" Scorpius couldn't help but stammer.
However, Albus quickly withdrew Scorpius' hand and led them along, "This way, Mister Malfoy."
And with that the Malfoys followed Albus off to the Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes.
From the beginning of summer, Harry always knew how Albus wanted to spend the holiday with his best friend, Scorpius. June and July had passed, but even now at the beginning of August this wish had not yet been realized. Somehow, Harry understood Draco Malfoy's reluctance. Harry himself wasn't too sure how to respond – which was clear if he had to choose, he would prefer the Malfoy boy visiting their Meadow than the other way around. Therefore, when his second-born son asked yesterday night to take him to Diagon Alley to meet Scorpius today, Harry willingly agreed – even heartily agreed when Albus asked to see his friend alone, for Scorpius came with his father.
Now waiting for Albus, Harry was talking and helping his brothers-in-law at the shop. Lily was safe at home with Ginny, and since Hermione was busy at the ministry despite the weekend, Rose and Hugo were also with them at the Meadow. Being an adult, Harry's sure Teddy was spending time with Victoire somewhere. And James was upstairs with Fred and Louis – after buying a lot of prank stuff, the three Marauders had been in Fred's room scheming mischievous plans that Harry didn't want to know about.
"Don't you think Albus has been gone too long?" Ron asked for the umpteenth time.
"Don't mind him, Harry," George responded. "He just likes to annoy us by asking the same questions over and over again."
Do not have the heart of his best friend's worries, Harry smiled, "He has the mirror, Ron. He'll contact me, if something happens." The mirror he was talking about was the same mirror Sirius gave him twenty-two years ago, the two-way mirror. He asked Hermione to duplicate it, now all his kids had it. Even Lily who hadn't been to Hogwarts yet, or Teddy who had come of age, also had it.
"Now you say it," Ron grumbled.
Harry chuckled, "Just because you cannot stop worrying."
"Who wouldn't, if he hangs out with Malfoy," Ron scoffed.
"And what do you think I would do to him, Weasley? Kidnapped him?" sneered a voice – whose drawn sound was very familiar to them.
Draco Malfoy emerged at the entrance. Beside him was standing his son, who was incredibly similar with him, and also of course Albus.
Ron tensed, instantly standing stiffly beside Harry. George looked uneasy approaching. Harry though calmly kept his cool and returned the gaze of the man who had always been his nemesis.
"Malfoy," Harry greeted simply.
However, Ron being Ron hotly said to the man, "You're not welcome here, Malfoy!"
"Uncle Ron," Albus reproached his uncle incredulously.
Draco snorted, "As if I should gladly step foot in here and see your boring face."
"Dad, please," Scorpius ceased his father desperately.
"Alright enough," Harry said dismally. He turned to his best friend holding his arm, "Go ahead, Ron. Let me talk to them."
"What!?" Ron's face was bright red without going through red first.
George sighed, taking his brother's hand, "Come on, Ron. I want to discuss the upcoming products with you anyway."
After the two Weasleys left, accompanied by Ron's nagging voice, Draco muttered to Harry, "Never change, your brother-in-law – always hot-heated."
"Well, it seems you always know where his hot-button is."
Draco shrugged nonchalantly, "He started it."
Albus decided it's time to step forward, pulling Scorpius with him, "Dad, you never had the chance to meet him. This is Scorpius Malfoy, my best friend."
Albus was speaking in a proud manner. Oh, how similar his son was to him. Harry himself would also defend and encourage his best friend if the said-friend was in an unfair situation. The Malfoy boy though looked gloomy, as if regretting the beginning of this meeting, which was far from a friendly situation.
Genuinely Harry smiled at the boy, "I've been looking forward to this meeting for a while, Scorpius. Albus told me a lot of interesting things about you."
"It is very nice to finally meet you in person, Mr. Potter." Scorpius tried to calm his heartbeat, "It is me who's very lucky to have Albus as a friend."
Harry softly laughed at the boy's honesty. The sigh of the man in front of him, made Harry look up. Draco at the moment was staring resignedly at the two Slytherin boys.
The blonde man briefly shook his head, and then spoke to Harry, "I'd like to take Albus to the Malfoy Manor, if it's okay with you, Potter. My son has been asking for it for a while. And after meeting your son, I see no reason to turn him down."
Harry frowned, "As for now?"
It's Albus who replied, "May I, Dad? Please."
"You haven't asked your Mum's permission, Al."
"Can't you ask Mum for me? I can mirror-call her, if she wants."
"Until when? Do I need to pick you up tonight?"
"I don't mind if he's staying over," Draco answered, surprising not only Harry but also Albus and Scorpius who both gaped. Then, Draco spoke again, "And I can apparate him home tomorrow."
It's very confusing to Harry. "But he doesn't bring any of his stuff at the moment," Harry tried again.
This time it's Scorpius that hastily responded, "He can use mine, Mr. Potter. I promise you, you don't have to worry about all Albus' needs."
Harry paused for a moment running out of reasons. Then, he saw his son's face. Albus was pleading with him, and Harry knew how Albus wished for this improvement of their friendship. He sighed, "Well then, I also see no reason to argue."
Harry looked up at Draco, "I guess I'll leave my son to you, Malfoy. It's not an exaggeration if I expect you to treat him well, will you?"
Draco nodded sincerely, "I will."
That's lightened Harry's heart. "Do you mind if I speak to my son for just a minute? – alone."
"Not at all," Draco said. "I'll see you around, Potter." Then he said to his son, "Come now, Scorpius. Let's wait outside."
"Thank you for letting Albus stay with us, Mr. Potter," Scorpius beamed at Harry. "And it's very pleased to know you."
"The same with me, Scorpius." Harry returned the smile, "I look forward to hearing from you again soon."
Then, the father-son walked out of the shop.
Harry studied his son.
"You're not angry with me, aren't you Dad?" Albus began to fidget under his father's gaze.
"No," Harry said. "I'll try to explain this to your Mum, but if she gets mad at you, you'll have to endure it."
Albus grimaced, "Mum will understand. She knows how I wish this to happen. Next time it'll be Scorpius' turn to come to our house."
Harry chuckled, "We'll see." And then, he seriously asked his son, "Remember you have the emergency-portkey with you?"
Albus nodded, stretching out his right fingers, he whispered, "Remember our code."
On Albus' right middle-finger, a small emerald ring appeared. The shape of the gemstone was oval – stood out above the plain gold ring.
Harry found those gemstones in the Potter family vault after the war, a family heirloom. There were several of them inside, full of powerful protection magic. He turned them into a portkey ring, apart from its original function as a shield. Not that it was effective against all kinds of spells or jinxes, but just the dark curses. And it's also not to make them immune to those curses, but to be able to sense its presence, thus giving them time to anticipate, dodge, or even fend off.
However, Harry's main reason was to make them as portkeys. The ancient gemstones, the powerful protective magic in it, coupled with Harry's modified ward runes, allowed the wearer to penetrate any wards, to teleport them to the save-place, that for now was their home, the Potter's Meadow. If something happened to their house, there were several other save-places on Harry's list that had already been chosen.
To summon the ring, they had to say 'remember our code'. Without those three syllable words, the ring would be invisible and even the wearer wouldn't feel the presence of the ring on their finger. However, visible or invisible, its existence as a shield was never unaffected. And then, to activate the portkey the password was 'Ignotus'. It had come to Harry's knowledge that those ancient gemstones were from his Peverell ancestor. It was from Ignotus Peverell, therefore Harry used his name as the activation password. And then, the wearer – and only the one using the gemstones – could teleport to the save-place. It couldn't carry other people who didn't wear the ring.
All the Potters and only the Potters knew about this. Harry had told it as a bedtime story to all his kids. About their Peverell ancestor, the ancient gemstones, and the Potter invisibility cloak. Everything he told them except for the Deathly Hallows – that's only Ginny who really understood, and Ron Hermione who knew part of it. He gave Teddy the amethyst ring, ruby for James, emerald for Albus, and sapphire for Lily. Ginny's engagement diamond ring was that ancient gemstone. Last, Harry himself used the black diamond ring.
Albus smiled, and whispered, "It is safe," then the ring disappeared again. These three syllable words were to unsummon the stone. Still smiling, Albus said soothingly to his father, "Don't worry, Dad. Nothing bad is going to happen to me."
"Yeah, but I have to make sure," Harry grinned. "Your wand is with you?"
Albus revealed his cloak, showing the dark-green wand-holster belt – a present from his Godfather on his twelfth birthday, four months ago – and pulled out his 11 inch cherry wood, dragon heartstring wand, and then showed it to his father.
Harry breathing a sigh of relief opened his arms, Albus unhesitatingly put himself in his father's arms. "Be safe, and have fun," he said to his son.
"I will, thanks Dad."