Chapter 1- Old & New

The room was well lit by the full moon's light, painting it with its ominous silvery shade. Next to the door was a large closet, and on its inverse, a dark writing desk with bookshelves all around it- full to the brim with books, so much so that the wall behind was barely visible. Single bed faced the large window, from which the green willow below was visible by day and the shining stars by night.

Albus himself lied down, crumbled in his bed sheets, his dream quickly fading away, leaving behind only a cold sweat as a reminder. For some reason the fever he had four years ago came to mind, and for a moment he expected to see his parents at his bedside. But the clean and tidy space, organized solely by him (which was an irregular behavior in his family) was clearly empty, and, glancing around, he was unable to shake the feeling that he was being watched.

Fortunately, the calendar above his desk caught his attention, pushing the last memory from his dream away. The cube that showed the day glittered in the shade, moving between the words 'Dad', 'Birthday' and '37' with confetti in the background. He remembered now, he wanted to bring his father some present this year but didn't know what to choose.

His little sister always drew childish pictures on those occasions, and while dull, was still better than his older brother, who didn't even bother to do as much. His mind drifted to them- they were a messy bunch, often leaving chaos wherever they went, and if not for their two house-elves, Sponge and Scrubby, their house would have likely fallen apart years ago.

For a moment Kreacher, the old house-elf they owned in the past, went through his mind. But soon the thought of the long-gone dead elf was cleared, making way for a renewed worry of the impending school letter, or rather, its unexplained delay. The anxiety boiled in his stomach once again, making him fill sick.

It didn't made sense that it hadn't arrived yet, since Rose, his niece, already got hers. And to make things worse, both his father, who was a higher up in the ministry of magic, and his mother, who worked in the prominent newspaper 'The Prophet', couldn't been able to explain to him why it was happening.

Cool breeze went through the room, sending shivers throughout his body. He fidgeted restlessly while exhaling in frustration, wondering whether he should close the window, knowing full well he wouldn't be able to go back to sleep. His parents insured him that no owl from school will come at night. Yet, he couldn't help but hoping to catch a glimpse of the bird approaching the mansion, it also made more sense to wait at this time (they were night birds after all).

He knew something was wrong with his own acceptance, remembering how in the previous year James and his friends got their letters right on time, which was not surprising considering that half of the faculty at Hogwarts were close friends with his parents.

But for some reason, when it came to him, it was strictly 'School Business', and they didn't want to get involved in any irregularities. Albus turned around, anger now replacing his worry. He wasn't blind to his family worried faces and deaf to their hushed conversations.

Tired from moving around in his bed he simply laid still, staring at his ceiling, feeling insignificant in his big room. What was the truth? The question burned in his head. Was his brother right about him? Was he a squib? Someone who is completely lacking any kind of magical powers even if born into a magical family.

He read that there is no way to know for sure before using a wand, but all his siblings have already exhibited some sort of magical abilities. James had a tendency for blowing up things and Lily had a peculiar influence over plants, not to mention the rest of weird thing he heard from his extended family.

He turned again, feeling a cold that had nothing to do with the wind passing in his body. He didn't remember anything unusual from his past, merely differentiating himself by being serious and organized, special for things that were completely normal.

What would life be like without going to Hogwarts? Will he be forced to learn in a regular muggle school? Studying boring and useless things while the rest of the kids in his family will acquire magic. James' tales about trolls in the basement and ghouls in the forbidden forest crossed his mind, making him wonder what he will be more- jealous or miserable.

As the sun begun rising in the distance, drowning the moon silvery glow with its golden brightness, Albus felt the tiredness of the whole night soaring in him, yet decided to get out of bed. He hastily put on a pair of jeans and his favorite shirt on- black with white illustration of snake in infinite shape eating its own tail before quickly organizing his bed and exiting the room, heading down to catch an early morning snack.

He had almost reached the bottom of the wooden staircase when the noise of kitchenware was heard. Keeping quiet, Albus carefully finished the rest of the way downwards trying to avoid any squeaks, nearing the entry to catch up who got up so early and why.

His uncle's tired voice came up, "No one supposed to be awake that early", there was a pause with a loud sip, and then he continued with a groggy tone, "We could have as easily met there and catch another hour or two of sleep". "Stop with the complains, Ron! Not everybody is used to get up late", his wife replied in her usual energetic tone, "And drink your tea like a human being, you'll wake the kids with all that noise".

"There is no reason for me to rise up with the sun", there was another sip (this time a quiet one), "The real crowds only come around 10, and George force me to prepare the shop the night before anyway". "What about Tristan? Have you already found a replacement for him?", Albus heard his father clear voice (who unlike his uncle sounded fully awake).

"No, but he still does a good job, despite the illness", Ron yawned, "And what about the fire? it could have ended in much more damage than it did". "It was probably Freddie", his uncle scoffed, "I swear Harry, this kid may even put his name giver to shame", there was another pause, "You're not going to snitch on me, are you?".

"The ministry has better things to do", Albus' father replied. "I don't know", Hermione reentered the conversation, "There are a lot of guideline violations there and…". "Anyway", Harry cut her off, "we want to finish our business in Diagon Alley before people will arrive, and even if we weren't famous, people would be interested in why we are shopping for school so late".

Albus' heart began pounding in his chest, his family postponed their school shopping so far, waiting for his acceptance letter to arrive. He wanted to burst in and demand to know whether the document finally came but stopped himself once he heard the next question. "So… Why didn't Al get his letter on time?", asked Ron, "I mean, Rosie and all her friends already got theirs…".

"Well…", Harry began, but was quickly cut off, this time by his own wife, "None of your business, keep your gigantic nose out of it". Albus recognized his mom angry tone, imagining her becoming tomato red like she used to at those times and recoiled a bit out of habit.

There was a moment of silence, and then in half jokey and half serious manner Ron retorted, "Wow Gin, what's eating you? You even more hot headed than usual". "By the way", Hermione persistent in her regular busy attitude, "It's quite an unusual anomaly, and no one, not even Neville or McGonagall told us anything about it. And you two are not help at all".

"You kept investigating even after we told you not to?", his mom's tone became dangerous now (he instinctively took a step backwards). "We should know what is going on with our nephew", his uncle wife either didn't recognize the danger or didn't care, "We have never kept secrets from each other, and we shouldn't start now!".

"And right you are", Harry quickly stepped in, sensing the tension in the air, "But we'll do it when we're ready, right Ron?". "Of course", his uncle quickly replied, aiding Albus's father, "We'll speak about it when you two are ready", "But…", Hermione began again.

A loud squeak came behind Albus, making him jump and turn so fast that he nearly fell over his own feet, "Merlin's beard", he blurted. Atop the stairs, stood Sponge- his house-elf with what have seem to be a huge basket of only socks nearly at her size (which was barely a meter high).

"I'm sorry young Ms. Potter", she said in her worried high shrill voice, "Sponge had no attention of scaring him". "I'm not scared", he avoided her galleon sized eyes who stared at him with worry while still being out of breath, "Just up for a morning snack", he murmured and turned back to the kitchen.

Albus entered, widely yawning, pretending like he just woke up. All the adults, except for Ron, who cooked breakfast at the stove, were seated next to the table, uncomfortably looking at him. "Hey Al", his mother got up and hugged him, "Why are you up so early? Having problems sleeping again? Still dreaming about that tree?", she let go and looked at him, still red faced from her argument.

"No, just got up for a snack", he lied once more, "Why are you guys awake?". "We wanted to go out together for shopping", his father rose to greet him as well, "Therefore we invited those weirdoes and their kids" he gestured towards Ron and Hermione. "Hey", Ron called while flipping something that looked suspiciously like a pancake, "I'm not weird, I'm…", he pondered for a second, "…Exceptional", he finished.

"So…", Albus heart raced, "…That means I got the letter?". "Indeed, it is", his father smiled, "I wanted to give you this in bed, but since you already up...", he reached into his pocket and handed him the envelope. On its back was a coat of arms with a lion, a serpent, an eagle, and a badger, all circling a big letter 'H'.

"Come on, open it", said his mother with anticipation. Albus slowly drew the letters inside with shaky hands, trying to preserve his precious gift. There were two yellowish parchments, and he eagerly began reading the bigger one:


HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

Headmistress: Minerva McGonagall

(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., International Confed. of Wizards)

Dear Mr. Potter

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.

Term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.

Yours sincerely,

Filius Flitwick

Deputy Headmaster


"I'm so glad you finally got your letter", Hermione said, advancing the kitchen entrance, "I'm going to wake the kids", she exclaimed and went out, making sure to hug Albus on her way. "Indeed", Ron appeared next to him as well and whacked his back so hard that he nearly fell over, "Can't wait to see who's the better dueler- you or Rosie".

"They aren't going to fight", his mother smiled and sat back down, opening the newspaper in front of her, "They better not!", she raised her eyes and gave Albus a stern look. "We don't even have our wands yet", he shrugged while carefully placing the letter back inside the envelope. "That's the spirit! No need to pretend, my wife isn't here", his uncle laughed, whacking him again, "Now come, I made breakfast".

"Hey dad?", Albus asked, knowing he probably wouldn't have another opportunity for it with the rest of the kids around, "Why did my letter only came now?". "Oh, don't worry about it, just a little bureaucracy misup", Harry ruffled his hair, "happens more often than you think".

The lie was seamless, and if he hadn't eavesdropped earlier, he would have never guessed otherwise. He wanted to say something but decided that he better not reveal what he heard. Instead, with a somewhat damped mood, he went and unenthusiastically begun eating his breakfast, sorting his way through the overdone or underdone pancakes (his uncle liked to cook, but wasn't very good at it) and at the same time preceded to read the second letter:


HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

UNIFORM

First-year students will require:

Three sets of plain work robes (black) One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar) One winter cloak (black, with silver fastenings)

Please note that all pupil's clothes should carry name tags.


COURSE BOOKS

All students should have a copy of each of the following:

The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk

Throughout Magical History (Vol 1) by Fergus Shimpling

Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling

A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch

On shrubs & Plants by Pomona Sprout

Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander

The Guide to Self-Protection (Grade 1) by Quentin Trimble


OTHER EQUIPMENT

1 wand

1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)

1 set glass or crystal phials

1 telescope

1 set brass scales

Students may also bring, if they desire, an owl OR a cat OR a toad.

PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICK

Yours sincerely,

Lucinda Thomsonicle-Pocus

Chief Attendant of Witchcraft Provisions


His reading was interrupted by the entrance of his niece and nephew, and soon after his sister. Rose briefly greeted him and then immediately started discussing in excited voice her shopping plans with her mother, ignoring the food. Her younger brother Hugo, meanwhile, did the complete opposite, ignoring his surroundings and gorging whatever he could catch like a starving animal. Only Lily seemed genuinely happy about the news, asking him questions about the subject.

The kitchen, although big, became loud and crowded, making Albus feel small and forgotten. He already ached to go to Diagon Alley, finish his shopping and then do some quiet reflecting in his room. The situation became only worse when his big brother arrived (late in his regular fashion- after at least three times the grownups went up to wake him up) and, as always, begun teasing on him.

An outsider would have never guessed that the three Potter kids were siblings. James was handsome and energetic, being taller and muscular for his age, with somewhat tan skin and bright brown eyes and hair to match; Lily was small and gentle and had a constant smile on her face, looking like a miniature copy of her mom, with fiery red straight hair and brown eyes; meanwhile Albus himself was quiet and collected, looking in his own right like a small version of his father, with thin face, knobbly knees, constant untidy jet black hair and bottle green eyes (though he lacked the round glasses who were unique to his dad).

"Congratulations for finally getting the letter, Al. You're officially not a squib", James smirked at Albus from across the table while drowning his pancakes in syrup, "Hope your wand wouldn't contain something girly like unicorn hair or something". "There is nothing wrong with unicorn", Albus replied, "I'm pretty sure uncle Ron has one".

His brother shrugged, "Never mind that, it is the least of your worries", and then he continued in low enough voice so the others wouldn't hear, "After all, we soon will have our first Slytherin in the family. such an honor!". "I would not be in Slytherin!", Albus, without thinking, immediately countered in the same low voice, "I would be in Gryffindor!".

He regretted those words as soon as he ousted them, knowing that his brother will seize it as admission of fear. And sure enough, the reply was not late to come, "Of course you will", his brother's smirk widened, a juvenile spark ignited in his eyes, "You are too much of a chicken to be in Gryffindor, too dumb to be in Ravenclaw, and honestly, not even Hufflepuff will be nice enough to accept you".

Albus mood worsened, he didn't have the power to fight James after his sleepless night. So, instead, he turned to the Weasley family side, ignoring his brother as he began hissing at him. But the ordeal was fruitless- Rose, who was enthusiastic to finally go to Diagon Alley, spoke with her mother so fast that their conversation became almost incomprehensible, and Hugo just kept being served more and more food by his father, looking determined to consume his own body weight in pancakes.

They were similar to their parents the same way Albus and Lily were to their own- Rose had a fair skin, brown eyes and a mass of bushy frizzy hair; and Hugo had blue eyes and was relatively tall ang lengthy, with big hands and nose, already at the same height as his older sister (though still too young to grow a glorious mustache as his father). The only difference that sat them apart from being identical smaller copies the same way Albus and his sister were, was their hair colour- Rose got her father red hair and Hugo got his mother brown one.

It was complete mayhem and Albus was glad when the two families finally began organizing for their departure, soon gathering near the fireplace. "Good", said Harry when James finally came, after taking his time dressing up, and Hugo arrived from the kitchen, still nibling on some leftovers.

"We don't want to spend too much time", he continued, "there is expectation for big crowds later this day, so we need to finish our shopping before there'll be too much commotion". Albus exhaled in frustration- every single time, before his family went out, they had to calculate the amount of people they'll encounter.

Adoring fans always stopped to congratulate his parents, thanking his father for defeating the dark lord two decades ago and thrilled to meet his mother who until not so long ago played in the famous 'Holyhead Harpies' Quidditch team. James was fond of the constant attention, but the rest tried to avoid it as much as possible.

"Yes", his mother said, "we'll finish our business quickly, so no running off to meet friends", she looked at James as she stated it. "Okay, enough chit-chat", declared Ron, "come on kids, older to younger". "Remember to say specifically 'Diagon Alley's Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes', so you won't get send to Hogsmeade, Manchester or anywhere else", Hermione reminded as James stepped forward and took a handful of floo powder, "George will wait for you there".

"I know, it's not my first Quidditch", his brother murmured as he entered the fireplace, then he spoke the words with confidence and twirled away with a bright flash of green fire. Albus was next, carefully saying the words and closing his eyes as the world spun around. This way of travel was certainly his least favorite, making him feel extremely sick each and every time.

After what seemed to be a full minute, he finally reached his destination, landing on uneasy footing, his stomach still turning. "We have a whole section dedicated for vomiting", his uncle swiftly greeted him, "You may want to check it out- a lot of bowls over there".

"Thanks, but I'm good", replied Albus and stepped outside the huge, decorated fireplace into the backroom of the joke shop. "You sure?", George squinted at him, "No need for the 'sib smasher'? Perhaps some of the freshly 'Fart and Flight' collection?".

Albus smiled, feeling his stomach calming down, "No, really, I'm good". "Fine, suit yourself", his uncle shrugged and petted him on the shoulder, "Good to see you smile for a change. Now, accuse me…", and with that he sarcastically bowed and went to welcome Rose, who just arrived.

From all his extended family (and there were a lot of them- only his grandmother seemed to know them all), George was his favorite. He had the Weasley trademark red hair that in his case went down to his shoulders, but unlike his younger brother Ron he was shorter and bulkier and had a year by year growing gut that he jokingly called 'happy belly' or 'habby' for short.

As Hugo arrived, awkwardly tumbling forward in a bundle of arms and legs, Albus turned and entered the store's main lobby. It was weird seeing the joke shop empty, without numerous costumers filling the aisles to the brim. Apart from the Gringotts bank, it was the only location in Diagon Alley that had a whole building to itself.

It was open and round, with each of its seven floors dedicated to different subjects- from prank equipment for school and fireworks to protective clothing and love potions. Every level had its own unique colour and style and was connected to the others with various lifts, stairs and slides that constantly changed locations. And, in the middle of it all, was a huge space were giant wacky adverts continuously changed.

Albus got closer to the nearest section, that was malevolent themed, and wondered between the black ball who chased the loser, or the dart board shaped like an ugly red eyed snake man that shot hot beams on whomever missed the target. He finally extended his arm towards the board when he was caught by Ron, who held James' ear in his other hand.

"Trying to steal, are we?", he asked and took them to the counter near the exit were the rest waited. "No, I was just looking around", struggled Albus to no avail. "Sure, and I'm just a giraffe", the former laughed, "Well", James began, "you kind of reminding… Ouch!", he got pinched, warned to not go there again.

"Well Ron", George approached with Lily on his shoulders, busy making braids in his hair, exposing a purple auricle that changed forms where his left ear should have been, now taking the shape of a pointy cat lobe, "Beating costumers again?", he asked. "They tried to steal from my shop", answered him his brother, "And not for the first time".

"First", George sat Lily down, "You mean my shop. Secondly, Potters are free to get whatever they want in here. And thirdly, I would never have the heart to stop a good prankster", he saluted James. "Oh, yes you will", interfered Ginny, "I swear, the previous year I got so many letters that I was able to fill a scrapbook out of all the parchments".

"It's not my fault that Professor Longbottom doesn't have a sense of humor", James replied, "And Professor Hagrid told me that all of you got into more trouble than me in school", he pointed a blaming finger at the adults. "Professor Longbottom's humor doesn't include exploding toilets", answered their mother, "And I'll have to discuss Hagrid about what he saying to you". James began to reply but was cut off by his father, who cleared his throat and indicated at his bettered golden watch.

As they went outside, Albus wasn't surprised to see the painting that was supposed to contain Fred, George's identical twin who died in the war, empty as usual. It saw every minute in the picture as a waste and spend most of his time bothering the other shopkeepers, pretending to be a ghost, or making fart noises whenever they opened their mouth to speak.

The boulevard was mostly empty, and the few who did walk up and down the street were busy with their own personal business and didn't snoop around. He glanced at the shop they just left, who stood tall and imposing at the northern outskirts of Diagon Alley due to its immense size.

Because of prier code violations the ministry of magic banned any outrageous posters to be displayed on the building, so it was completely white on the outside. Or at least it should have been, because it was constantly covered in unremovable graffiti, drawings, and witticisms- mainly targeted at the government.

Both uncle Ron, who ran the shop, and Uncle George, who owned it, said it was a terrible case of vandalism. But considering the consistency and the way it was presented, Albus had hard time believing it (one time even suspecting to observe his own father's handwriting).

He checked a new scribble- a badly drawn fat figure eating what have seemed to be the British Isles, with the saying 'Don't Let the Blob Get You' written underneath, all in neon paint that changed colour depends on which way you looked at it. Then they separated into two groups, Albus and Rose with Harry and Ron, and the rest with Ginny and Hermione.

"If you find Freddie tell him to come here", called George as the groups began descending into opposite directions, "I need to tell him to… Umm… Guard better next time…". "Sure do, brother", Ron chuckled, and then turned to them, "Follow me lads, I know a shortcut straight to the bookshop".

He led them off the main street and into a maze of narrow paths, speaking in hushed voice with Harry while his daughter blubbered to Albus about her school plans. Thankfully, they reached 'Flourish and Blotts' quickly, and Albus could stop pretending to listen to her as they entered the stacked bookstore.

"Hallo Ms. Booker", Ron greeted the empty space and soon a rounded woman with blond hair and oval glasses appeared, carrying various books in her hands. "It's Baker, you Weasel, and I did choose the right job…", she noticed Harry and went quiet, her eyes become round behind the thick lenses- not a rare occurrence with people who met Albus' father.

"Hey", he said, little embarrassed, "I have a couple more kids who need schoolbooks" he turned his head towards the children. "Yes, of course", she huffed, still star-struck, "Let me show you the first-grade school section, and the second grade- for James, right?".

"That's right, and we hope he will actually open one of those this year", Harry responded, drawing an exaggerated big laugh from the bookshop owner, "Such a handsome and nice kid", she said, pointing them to their desired destination. Albus rolled his eyes and began collecting the books he needed from the shelfs.

Anyone who was able to call his brother 'nice' was sure to have a large amount of people's misjudgment. He gathered all his necessary books and impatiently waited near the counter with his father, who tried to the best of his abilities to ignored Ms. Baker.

Meanwhile, Ron trailed his daughter, who seemed determined to buy half of the store, appearing to seriously ponder whether he should put a body-binder spell on her or not. Albus himself would have probably checked what the place had to offer in any other day, but right now he was too anxious to already reach the wand shop. Finally, Rose finished her harvesting, and they were able to pay and go out.

"Just imagine if Hermione was here", growled Ron as they strolled down the road, carrying at least ten more books than he should've. "We would have never left the store", Harry smiled. "Right", his uncle answered, "I swear, every day she becoming more and more like her mother", he shifted his daughter's bags from one hand to another, "Did I tell you she joined a book club? I don't even know how she managed to find time for that".

"Why are you bothered by that so much?", Harry asked him, unable to hide his amusement. "Because I had to replace her last week during her trial with Sullivan, and the book was awful…", "What was it about?", interjected Rose, who walked hands free next to her father.

"The building of the wizarding community in America with a dash of romance on the side", he grumbled, "I zoned out five minutes in, your mum was furious…", he weakly ended. They laughed at his uncle as they reached back the main boulevard, passing by an imposing snow-white multistoried marble building.

Albus recognized the small pointy eared goblins observing them with spite in their black eyes. "Dad, could we go to the Gringotts bank today?", Albus excitingly asked as it was one of the only locations in Diagon Alley that he had never visited. "I've already told you, Al", the smile left Harry's face, "Neither me or your uncle are allowed in there. The goblins had forever forbidden us from entering there again".

"Is it because you ruined the building with a dragon?", Albus smirked. "No, they can forgive that", Harry peeked at the creatures, "We did something much worse", he signed, "We stole from them". "Blimy", Ron quietly said, "they seem even more irritated than usual, aren't they?".

"But…", Albus begun, "…It was for a good cause and happened long time ago?", his father finished with a crooked smile, "Their species never forget, and as they see it, a bunch of wizards stole from their bank and destroyed it because of their own internal feud". The thought of goblins blowing up the joke shop and blaming it on their own civil war crossed his mind. Imagining it, he wondered whether he would have acted the same.

They left the bank behind, the guards now shrinking to the size of ants in the distance and walked by the renewed 'Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor' (this time Harry seemed to want to cast a body-binding spell on Ron). Then they visited Madam Malkin's shop and continued to buy potion ingredients, quills, cauldrons, and other necessary equipment in the various shops, Albus' anxiousness growing at every stop as it became clear that getting the wands was kept for the end of the trip,

"Well, only two to go", Harry eventually declared as the group reached the animal shop, "And then to get the wands. So, stay strong", he added to Ron, who struggled carrying his daughters' bags. "I wish Hagrid was here", Ron said, "He would've taken everything like it was nothing but feathers", "You're just out of shape", answered him his friend.

They passed the entrance- an ugly gate made of stone animals who turned their heads towards the passing street walkers. "I'm in a perfect shape for someone my age, not all of us need to run around in our jobs, and you two…", he turned to Albus and Rose, who stood and stared at them, "You don't have to stand there all day and listen to how old I'm getting, go on and find a pet- as long as it's not a cat… or a toad… especially not a rat... Just pick an owl!".

They both followed his request and started searching for a suitable companion in the dim and dense shop, accompanied with a variety of squeaks, yowls and howls and a very distinct undertone smell of manure. Albus went over a massive tortoise with gemstones on his back, a group of tiny pink dogs small enough to fit in his hand and a trio of Clabberts, reaching the owls' section.

He preferred a simple bird he will be able to use for sending mail, and Barny, the bad-tempered barn owl of James crossed his mind as he checked the various winged creatures, trying to select one for himself. At the end, after Rose rushed him to hurry (which was unfair, since she took her time in the book shop), he chose reliable looking great grey owl and approached the counter.

Rose already waited for him there, holding, for the dismay of her father, a small white cat in her hands she named Chalk. As the young and unfocused shop keeper, who seemed dirty and animalistic as the rest of the store struggled to count the money he was given, Albus examined the black rats behind him and the red eyed snakes who were unwisely located next to them, dozing off a bit under the dim light and heavy air.

Finally, they were handed the right amount of change and headed out. "Nice shirt" said the clerk as they turned around for the exit. "Thanks", he replied to the daydreaming guy, who looked at him surprised. "What are you doing?", asked him Rose from the entrance, "He told me I have a nice shirt", Albus said, pointing at the confused man.

"No one will ever say it, it's hideous. Now come, I want to get my wand already", she impatiently said and turned, followed by an increasingly enraged Albus. They kept walking, now reaching to the southern outskirts of Diagon alley, were Albus had never been. 'Watson Wands Inc.', he saw the sign from the distance, written in big respectable letters.

"Never been here", said Ron as they neared the store, "I heard this guy is pretty shady, but he's the best option until Alera will return from her internship with Ollivander". "So did I, and I didn't like the way he acted when I came here with James last year", Harry replied and opened the door, "Though I'm not sure Ollivander himself was much better".

The empty shop was small, yet spacious at the same time, with magical feeling in the glowing air, as if static power radiated between the shiny silvery walls. There was a single huge green marble counter in front of a passageway to the back, from which a small man, covered in long sleek grey robes, appeared, so fast it seemed like he materialized from thin air.

He had narrow pale face with wicked eyes, so dark that they looked like black hollows, and thin black hair that he gathered in a small pony, despite big bald spot at the crown of his head. When he opened his mouth, his voice was the precise tone that Albus expected it to be.

"Welcome, my good gentlemen and lady", he greeted them with an overly exaggerated oily tone, raising his gloved hands, "How may I be of service?". "Wands", said Ron with detested expression, "wizards still need them". The small man squinted his eyes, quickly peeked at the scar on Harry's forehead and then completely altered his attitude. "Come here girl!", he ordered Rose, pulling out a measuring tape from his pocket.

It immediately began measuring her height, arm length, head circumference- all while the shopkeeper eyed her with interest. "Stop!", he ordered after a minute and went to the back of the store as the measuring tape lifelessly fell on the floor, quickly returning with four brand new elongated boxes with golden fastenings.

Rose took out the wands one by one and excitingly waved them around, trying to see if there was any kind of reaction. Nothing happened until the third one, when a purple aura came from the tip, filling the room with a nice warmth. "Very nice", the shop owner took the wand from the delighted Rose and put it back in the box, wrapping it with a fancy cover with his own small black wand.

"26 and a half centimeter, stringy Vine wood with unicorn hair tail core", he announced, "Reliable and faithful, for those who seek greater purpose", he seemed genuinely sad to be separated from it as he handed her the prepared package. "And that with be 17 galleons", he snarked at Ron, who mumbled "Thief", and began digging through his pockets.

"Come on", Albus was pressed forward by his father. He nervously swallowed, experiencing the full weight of the expectation dawning on him. The shop owner watched curiously, "I remember your brother", he said, "32 and a quarter centimeter Blackthorn with dragon heartstring, very rare and powerful, suited for warriors who seek challenge. Got him on my first try".

The measuring tape sprung back to life and began measuring Albus as well. But unlike with Rose, there were no stoppage this time, and he started to feel uncomfortable as time went on. "Very interesting", the small man muttered, "What so…?", Albus begun asking, but was cut off, "No need for conversations", the volatile man snapped and started to scratch the bald part on his head.

As the measuring tape finished its job (after measuring the length between Albus nostrils) there was a complete silence, the only movement is the shop owner continues head scratching. He gawked at him, his scalp turning red, visibly confused. Albus could almost see the wheels turning in his head as he finally turned around to the back of the shop, shortly arriving with a dozen different boxes.

"30 and a half Ash, dragon heartstring", Albus carefully took out the first wand, and barely touched it before he was given the next, "28 and quarter English oak, unicorn hair", but he barely even blinked as it became, "29 Cedar, troll whisker". It went on and on, and before long the shop owner turned back to bring another batch. As he went through the variant wands it dawned on him that the shop owner had no clue what will fit him.

His fear grew with every additional minute, and by now there was no description of the passing tryouts, just brief testing. The small man became increasingly frustrated, inaudibly cursing under his breath while shoving wands into Albus' hands before angrily tossing them aside. His father, meanwhile, stood by and tried to encourage him by saying that it happened to him as well, which didn't help very much.

Nevertheless, Albus, with shallow breath, fought the urge to shiver, feeling the cold spreading in his body. The sun continued rising as time went on, lighting the store as sounds of street wanderers became ever more prominent. At some point, a wizard with a cracked wand and a young woman with a small blonde kid with the same look of daze as Hugo so often had, were seen next to his uncle and niece worried faces in the back.

His father face became stiff, the only sign given by him is a solid clasp of his son's shoulder every time a wand failed. Albus was sure by this point that his brother was right, and he was indeed a squib, utterly unmagical, as a terrifying picture of himself admitting it to his family began forming in his head. The room around felt smaller and smaller…

By this point, the counter was full to the brim with wands and the people who waited in line (there were quite a few of them at the moment) whispered impatiently to one another at the back of the store and peeked frequently at Albus, who wanted to bury himself out of embarrassment.

The shop owner, openly upset, turned to Harry and wanted to say something but was cut off before he managed to oust a single word. Taken to the side of the store they launched a loaded exchanged, with Albus' father towering over him. Then, all of a sudden, he fell quiet, looked at Albus with fascination and resumed to scratch his head.

Then the shop keeper again went to the back, returning shortly after with a crumped old box. He carefully opened it, revealing an aged and dusty wand, one that was obviously used numerous times before, "34 and a quarter centimeter Yew with phoenix feather core", he presented in hushed and almost fearful tone, making sure to avoid any contact with it. "Al, don't…", his father abruptly called, but Albus, who was certain it's just going to be another dud, already sent his hand.

The surge of energy was incredible, he could have done any spell and defeat anyone with ease. And although there wasn't any visible sign like Rose's wand, he knew the rest sensed it as well. The hushed chatting stopped, and the cat and owl in Ron's hands begun squealing and making fearful sounds.

The shop owner, after a couple of long moments of looking at Albus in what have seemed suspiciously like respect, turned relieved to his father, leaving the wand in Albus' hand. "That will be…", he begun, "I'm not paying for that!", spat his father with a burst of cold anger, removing the wand from Albus' hand, and the euphoric feeling with it, "Where did you get it from?".

The room temperature froze at once, and Albus, for the first time in his life, feared his father, who looked ready to blow the whole place down. "Just some old friends", the shop owner returned to his initial oily tone, this time mixed with plea. "What friends?", the atmosphere became even darker as waiting customers got closer to the back wall.

"Relax!", Ron stepped forward and placed a calming hand on his friend's shoulder, "Not now!". The curse was lifted, and the room returned to its initial warmth, the light illuminating once more. "What's wrong with my wand?", Albus asked his father, who turned away surprised from the shop owner and faced him.

"My wand…", he repeated in a low voice and expertly twisted it in his hand, pondering to himself in silence. "Nothing!", he suddenly called and placed the wand inside his robes, "I just have a distain for secondhand products". And with that, Harry grabbed his son and went out, so fast that Albus barely had time to register what happened.

They accelerated through the street, almost running, the on goers faces blurred in their eyes. His father ignored everyone around and didn't stop until he reached the joke shop, now full of people, and quickly marched to the backroom, were the rest waited. "Here you are, I started to worry", Ginny said, and then saw her husband sealed face and Albus, utterly out of breath, "What happened?". But Harry just shook his head and stayed quiet.

Albus scanned the rest- James had an elongated and fancy wooden box with flight broom silhouette craved on its side; Lily held a bouquet of orange flowers who seemed to be moving like they were dancing; and Hugo was halfway through a giant ice cream cone. Seeing it wakened his craving for his wand, he already missed the exhilarating feeling that came with it.

Ron and Rose burst through the door, both visibly tired and out of breath, carrying the rest of the shopping bags with them. They as well didn't say a word and his uncle, without wasting time, took out floo powder and signaled the kids towards the fireplace, putting a quick end to the trip. And, just like that, they started entering the fire one by one, disappearing into the green flames.

Albus and his father were the last to go, "What's wrong with my wand?", he again asked, stepping inside the huge fireplace. "Nothing is wrong with it, it's just a wand", Harry answered, and seemed genuine about it, and then with somewhat of a crooked smile, he added, "I will, however, bring you it only before school. The same as with James".

And with that Albus twirled away, turning in the vacuum towards his destination. The journey was shorter than usual this time as he was busy repeating his father words in his head. Yet only when he reached his home the thought struck him. If nothing was wrong with the wand it left only one other option- something was clearly wrong with him!