1. 5. The Letter and the Song

It was at dinner that night when Dublis returned with a reply from his mom and dad. Albus had just finished his dessert when he heard a squawk and Dublis alighted next to him, holding out his leg. Albus removed the letter quickly and opened it.

Albus,

Firstly, let me say that your mother and I will support your decision. However, we think it best that you should ask Headmistress McGonagall to transfer you immediately. I understand it must be terrifying to be sorted into a house with such a bad reputation. I will write Professor McGonagall in the morning, asking for your transfer. Hang in there son, this will all be over soon.

Love from your concerned parents

Albus sat stunned for a moment in his seat. Then, without a word, he leapt up, crushing the letter in his hands and ran out of the hall before Scorpius could see him cry.

Liar! he thought in his mind. Liar, liar liar! You said you would accept me if I was in Slytherin! You liar!

He ran, not knowing where he was going. He crashed through corridors and careened around corners, up staircases and through doors. All he wanted to do was find some place alone. He finally stopped on a floor that must have been close to the astronomy tower, where there stood an old suit of armor and an empty space of wall below a window. There was no one around. He buried his face in his hands and wept. How could his father say such things? How could he be so untrusting?

He stayed there for so long that the sun had almost set by the time he finally stood up. Fancying a look out of the window, he lay his head on the cool stone sill and wished with all his might for about the hundredth time that he hadn't been put in Slytherin, that he was sitting with Rose and the other Gryffindors, that his parents didn't hate him. Well, maybe he could do that, as soon as tomorrow. If his parents were going to write McGonagall, then it was all over. This thought only brought shame to him, however. What would Scorpius say when he found out that Albus had betrayed his wise words, had taken the easy route? What on earth should he do?

Suddenly out of nowhere, Albus heard a sound echoing around him. He jumped and spun around. He couldn't located the source of the sound, it sounded like it was coming from on top of him. It sounded like a song. He had no idea what it was. It didn't seem to be singing. It was the most beautiful music he had ever heard. He felt entranced by it, as though all his cares were washing away.

The song died after a time and Albus felt a brief panic at its absence. He gazed around desperately, hoping to locate the source. The sun was almost set and it was difficult to see. Suddenly he heard a rushing sound and something huge descended out of the air straight in front of him, something massive and feathered that streaked off towards the forbidden forest and out of sight.

He stood there for some time until the light completely died. Them, making up his mind, he headed back to the Slytherin dormitory.

"Basalisk," he said and then entered the common room. Scorpius was there, looking worried.

"Al, are you ok?"

Albus took a deep breath. "Yeah," he said, crushing the letter from his parents in his fist. "I have to send a letter Scorp. Right now!"

"My owl Olivia is in our dorm, you can use her," Scorpius offered.

Albus felt close to tears again, but these were of gratitude. "Thanks Scorp, you're the best!" And they hurried off to their dorm room.

Albus wrote the letter with gritted teeth.

Mom, dad. I'm staying in Slytherin. The sorting hat put me here and I trust it's judgement. Please do not write to Professor McGonagall.

Love, Albus