Disclaimer: Y'all know the drill. Everything that doesn't belong to me belongs to JK (aka anything worth owning). Enjoy and REVIEW!!

Albus Severus Potter was a good boy. He had been a good boy as long as he could remember. He had been a good boy at four when he was found sobbing in a closet because he had cracked a vase. He had been a good boy at seven when he had stayed put in the middle of the cereal isle of the super market, even when his father didn't come back for a whole hour ("You didn't have to stand the whole time Al!"). He had been a good boy at eleven, twelve, all the way through Hogwarts and beyond. I suppose that is why no one, least of all Albus himself, expected he'd return from his research trip any less a good boy than when he had left over a year before. But change is inevitable.

Albus lay on his bed, tossing a Quaffle up to the ceiling. "Bang" he relished in each sound of the ball slamming against the plaster. He hoped his parents could hear. He could tell he had changed. He had gone to India a naïve, eager-to-please child and had come back a surly, obstinate, and, well he had thought he was an adult. If the whole mess had happened only a few months before, he would have come back to England, embarrassed, but complacent. That was before Madhavi. With her, he had finally felt like a grown up. Then in swooped his father as usual and took over. He groaned and turned over.

He had been home for two weeks, two long weeks. And the worst thing of all was that Rose was going back on assignment the next day. She was the only one he could really talk to. There was James but his elder brother took very little seriously and had always made him feel silly and inadequate. Then there was Teddy but he was a bit tied up with his new wife and Albus had a suspicion that he and Victoire would be increasing their family very soon. He smirked despite himself. Teddy married, with a baby on the way, he was so old!

He pushed himself out of his bed and grabbed his crutches which were resting against the chair. Grunting, he pushed himself to his feet and hobbled over to the closet. He pulled out a button down linen shirt, his favorite pair of jeans and his potions ingredient boxers (a Christmas from Rose). He sat on the desk and pulled off his Donaghan Tremlett t-shirt revealing his thin but muscular torso. Maddy has always liked his abs. He pulled on the shirt and was immediately overcome with the scent of lavender and sage perfume, her favorite called Arabian Nights. His eyes prickled and he brought the shirt up to his nose, breathing deeply. It was silly really, to cry over a shirt but he missed her.

He carefully slid the shirt into his desk drawer, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. It wouldn't due to smell like her all day. Instead be picked out a cotton tunic and pulled it over his head. It was soft and well worn and so achingly familiar that Albus nearly started crying again. It had been the first thing he'd bought in Mumbai because Madhavi had said in passing that she thought it was nice. They hadn't been dating then.

Holding onto the desk with one hand, he pulled off his boxers. He had always been too tall and lanky but he had gained some muscle during the research trip. Maddy liked men with a little meat. Just as he was pulling up his jeans, the door opened to a very disgruntled Harry Potter. "Oi!" Albus exclaimed, trying to pull up his jeans and hop toward the door to close it at the same time. He tripped and Harry rushed forward.

"Are you okay?" Harry asked, offering his son a hand and trying hard not to laugh.

"Get out!" Albus barked, pushing himself up, holding his jeans up with one hand. Harry, blushing profusely, backed out of the room. A flair of pain shot up Albus' leg and he had to bite his fist to keep from crying out. He hopped to the bed and sank down, closing his eyes and grimacing. A knock sounded at the door.

"Al, I'm sorry, could I come in?" Harry asked tentatively. Albus gave a noncommittal grunt that his father took as a "sure, be my guest!" The aging auror stepped in, rubbing his scar. The years had taken their toll. His face was marked with more smooth scars that, although not quite as marked at Mad-Eye's, garnered a fairly similar response. He had wrinkles around his eyes and in the corners of his mouth and his once raven-black hair was peppered with gray, as was his newly acquired beard.

"What do you want?" Albus asked tersely.

"Are you okay? You look like your leg is bothering you. Do you need more potion or maybe the wheelchair again?"

Albus glared at him. "I'm fine," he forced through gritted teeth.

"Okay, if you're sure. . ." Harry sounded skeptical but barreled on, finally getting to the topic for which he stormed in in the first place. "I'm just wondering what this is?" he held out a piece of parchment with the Ministry seal in the corner, his face going stern.

"That is an application," Albus replied simply, looking at his father defiantly.

"I bloody well know it's an application Albus!"

"How did you get your hands on it? Threaten to fire anyone, use your big strong muscles to intimidate a secretary?" Albus flicked his wand at his crutches which zoomed toward him.

"Albus do not test me."

"Can you hear yourself? Do you hear the words that are coming out of your fucking mouth? Do I have to ask permission for everything? It's none of your bloody business," he said as he heaved himself up, wincing but holding his tongue.

"There is an ongoing investigation about your attack Albus. You were going to just leave the country without telling anyone while a murderer is on the loose, on the hunt for your blood! Do know how stupid that is?"

"It was a mistake on my part. When are you going to just accept that? I made a mistake and believe me, I am paying for it." He moved quickly out of the bedroom and onto the landing, Harry was quick on his tail.

"You know it wasn't a mistake Albus. We're trying to narrow down who did this but until that time you are not going anywhere."

"What are you going to do to stop me?" Albus asked, not turning around. Losing his temper, Harry flicked his wand at his son who froze in mid-step.

"I just want to protect you," he murmured desperately. Why couldn't people understand that? Why didn't people realize he was just trying to keep them safe? Sighing, he released the freezing charm and Albus staggered forward.

"I don't need your protection. I am an adult and I am going out with Rose," Albus finished icily before making his way down the stairs. Harry didn't attempt to follow him. Rose was in the hallway, chatting with Ginny.

"What's up with you Al?" Rose asked, grinning at him.

"'S nothing. Let's go."

"Okay," Rose replied uncertainly.

"Don't be back late Albus dear," Ginny shouted after them. Once they were outside, Rose turned on him.

"What happened Al?" Al hurried down the street, trying to suppress his pent-up frustration. She hurried to catch up with him. He looked fixedly in front of him. "Come on Al, let's go somewhere where we can talk," she said breathlessly, jogging at his side.

"I don't want to bloody talk!" Albus yelled. "That's all anyone does is talk, talk, talk and meddle in things that are none of their business! I don't want to fucking talk! I want to get drunk, I want to get shit-faced, pissed, whatever the hell you want to call it but I do not want to talk."

"Okay," Rose replied cautiously, looking around to see if anyone had heard. "We'll go to The Roach." The Roach was not the pub's actual name, in fact, it had a rather cutesy name that Rose could never seem to remember, suppressed it from her memory is probably most likely. They referred to it as the Roach because it was not the most cleanly place, to put it kindly. But it had cheep firewhisky and nobody bothered anyone.

Wordlessly, the two apparated and reappeared a moment later in the dingy, dark pub. Without a word, Albus hobbled across the room to the bar. "Firewhisky," he spoke quickly and banged down a couple of Knuts. The bartender, a large brutish man with a shiny, bald head, took and examined the coins before shoving them into the pocket of his over-large, grease stained trousers. He pulled a dusty shot glass from the shelf and filled it to the brim with firewhisky. Rose ordered a butterbeer and sat beside Albus who had his fingers wrapped around the top glass. He was staring intently at the amber liquid, blinking too quickly.

"Albus . . . " she began, resting a hand on his shoulder. He downed the shot and brushed her hand away. "Albus, not everything can be solved with firewhisky. Your problems will still be there in the morning when you come to, along with a mammoth headache. Remember after, after Scorpius and I broke up when I drank a whole bottle of firewhisky and ended up passed out on Uncle George's front stoop?" Albus grunted angrily. It was a subject Rose seldom broached. It had been a short-lived rebellion, ending in tears on both sides (Scorpius because Albus had broken his nose). "I know it's hard but I won't be here tomorrow and I know you don't want to talk to anyone else so just tell me what's wrong with you."

Albus beckoned for another drink and placed a pile of coins on the table. He downed another shot and, to Rose's shock, he began to cry. Albus was usually rather guarded with his feelings. He didn't like for people to see him as weak, least of all his family. Anger she could take; she had dealt with her father's on more than one occasion, but crying was a different game of Quidditch entirely. He buried his head in his arms, his shoulder shaking uncontrollably. "Everything's f-f-falling apart. I, I just m-m-miss her so much."

"Oh Al."

"I don't understand!" he exclaimed, banging his fist on the bar, earning a few disgruntled looks from the other patrons. "I thought she w-w-w-was the one, you know? I was going to marry her."

"Marry her? Al you only knew her for a couple of months."

"It, it was this one time, we thought she was, that she was pregnant and we talked about it and decided that if she was, w-w-we would get married. And now she's gone, my job is gone and I just feel . . . gone." Rose rubbed his back slowly. "I've lost her . . ." Albus whispered, a far-away look coming into his eyes.

"It will get better. Soon you'll be back at work and out of your parents' house and everything will be better. It just happened a couple of weeks ago so what you're feeling is completely normal."

"I am just so mad at Dad," Albus said softly as if he didn't really believe it. "I've never been so mad at anyone in my entire life. I wish Maddy had been pregnant. He couldn't have hauled me away then! I'd still be there and-"

"You really think that would have stopped him?" Rose asked, snorting. "He would have just brought Maddy with you and the two of you would be sleeping in your room. Your mum would be criticizing everything about her. Grandmum would be giving you lectures about banging her before you got married. Can you imagine James?" Despite himself, Albus snorted.

"Forget my room, Mum'd make her sleep in the garden shed." Rose nudged him playfully.

"There it is, the smile I was looking for. It will get better you know. I'll be back in a month or so to see Hugo and Lily graduate." Albus nodded and beckoned for another firewhisky. Just because he had talked didn't mean he couldn't get pissed.

Rose had to take Albus home through side-long. "Come on Al, just a few more steps and you'll be in your bed."

"D-dya know what I think?" Albus slurred.

"Hmm."

"I think that banana is the funniest word don't you? Buh-nah-nuh," he collapsed into uncontrollable giggles.

"Almost there Al, just one more step," Rose pulled him up and rung the doorbell. Harry opened the door a minute later, his eyebrows raised.

"Sorry Uncle Harry but I have to leave at five tomorrow morning and I've yet to pack," she apologized, passing Albus off. "I'll see you in a couple of weeks Al."

"What! You can't leave!" Albus exclaimed, falling against his father's arm. "We didn't find the bananas Rosie. Who will I find the bananas with?" Rose chuckled.

"Just wait and we'll find the bananas when I get back." She gave him a quick embrace before apparating.

"What have you been drinking Albus?" Harry asked, choking at his son's breath.

"Firewhisky, jusabit of firewhisky," he answered, tottering dangerously. The crutches had been forgotten at the pub. "Odo was so brave and true, never balked when they said boo," Albus sang at the top of his lungs.

"Shh, Albus, let's get you to bed."

"Bed!? How about another glass of firewhisky, whaddoyasay?"

"I say firewhisky is the last thing you need," Harry replied, helping Albus up the stairs. It was slow work what with Albus' injured legs and drunken jelly-limbs. Once in Albus' room, Harry helped him to the bed. Albus fell asleep almost immediately and Harry stood back. He tucked the covers around him, pushing back his raven bangs with the tips of his fingers. It seemed like yesterday, when Albus' cry had first rent the air. He had been so nervous, even after James. Albus had been so small and frail, so perfect. He had had jet black hair even then. "Good night my boy, my sweet boy," he murmured before leaving the room. If only he could have frozen time right there, before the walls broke and everything was turned upside down.

Rose had been right, he did have a massive headache the next morning. In his weakened state, he couldn't even properly transfigure new crutches, settling on an old walking stick he had found on a family vacation to Peru four years before. When he stumbled into the kitchen, his parents, Aunt Hermione, Uncle Ron, James, and Sophie were sitting down to pancakes and scrambled eggs. "Good morning!" James greeted brightly and loudly.

"Shut up," Albus hissed, glaring at James. He fell down into an empty chair. Harry pushed over a glass of something that looked mildly like troll bogeys. He recognized it immediately though from his many . . . many drunken escapades. He downed the glass and breathed a sigh of relief. He piled pancakes on his plate and began eating voraciouslsy. Getting pissed had helped a bit. He even managed to make somewhat civil conversation for the first time since he had been home. Harry left to finish some work at the office with a wide smile on his face. Unfortunately, that smile would fade before the day was over.

After taking a shower, getting dressed and transfiguring some proper crutches, Albus sat down at his desk to start pouring through the massive pile of work Arsenius had sent to the office. He had just pulled out his quill when there came a sharp knock on the window. He looked up to see Madhavi's very familiar brown owl, Chalta. He got up quickly and opened the window. He almost hurt the poor animal as he pulled the letter off of her. She nipped his finger angrily and flew back out the window. He tore open the envelope and pulled out the letter.

My darling Albus,

I miss you more than I can say. I thought this would make it easier for you to leave since you had no choice and that it would please your parents but I can't stand it anymore. I see you everywhere and even started crying over one of your old shirts. I know your house is closed to floo so I'm at the Leaky Cauldron. Meet me there at 1:30. I love you and cannot wait to kiss you again.

Yours Always,

Madhavi

She missed him! Albus felt a bubble of happiness grow inside of him. She loved him and missed him and was at the Leaky Cauldron. He could go back with her and they could forget any of this had ever happened. He looked at his wrist watch. It was already 1:10; he didn't have much time. He hurried around the room, stuffing things half-hazardly into a duffle bag. In ten minutes, he was ready. He shrunk the bag and stuffed it into the pocket of his jeans before apparating.

He searched the room for her and finally, there she was looking more beautiful than he had ever seen her. She had curled her long raven hair and it hung in soft waves down her back. She was wearing a soft, white dress and a pair of smple sandals. She exuded such an air of careless beauty that it took Albus' breath away. He hobbled to her side and she looked up, her almond eyes glowing. She stood and pulled him into the most passionate kiss they had ever shared.

"Oh I missed you," he breathed, steadying himself. "Let's go, let's leave. I have everything I need." His voice cracked desperately and she looked to him with concern and love dripping from her eyes.

"What about your family? I thought we could stay here for a while. Maybe your family would actually learn to-"

"No, let's go back home," Albus interrupted, intoxicated by her. She smiled softly and nodded.

"Yes, let's go home."

A/N: I know it's a bit late and a bit shorter than the ones before but it's the best I can do at the moment. I really should have been doing my History midterm so reward my procrastination with REVIEWS! Thank you to all who did for the last chapter. I appreciated it more than you can know. On a side note, Hillary was AMAZING! I hope all you of-age US-ers vote/voted in your primary. Have a happy week.