Bathilda Bagshot stood bewildered rooted to one spot for a while as Kendra Dumbledore slammed the door on her face. She was shocked and for a moment, silver tears slid down her eyes. She ran out of the gate and upon entering her own house, recounted the tale to her mother. Her mother could find no explanation but she knew Percival Dumbledore had been taken off to Azkaban. She thought maybe this was the reason they chose to hide. She coddled her daughter and offered to go herself some other day.
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Aberforth shut himself in the room the whole day going over what he had said impulsively to Albus. But he never regretted it. He was true. Albus, who he had liked in his childhood, had turned out to be the most insensitive brother. He had seen many things. His parents had preferred him. In his heart, Aberforth knew he may not be as talented as Albus, but he was not entirely devoid of it. Why didn't his father think him capable? Why had he favored Albus? Why this distinction? Childishly, he thought. He felt left out of everything. The only thing now he looked forward to is Hogwarts. But then he would have to leave Ariana alone. How could his mother handle his little sister alone? Should he say no to Hogwarts? No, his mother would get angry. After all, she had said to Albus that he needs to get qualified as well, brilliant as he was. Why should he then be an exception? But, he trembled at the fate and future of his little sister. He loved his sister very much, but she adored Albus and Albus never gave her a thought. It never occurred to Albus to take care of his sister as much as Aberforth.
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September 1 arrived faster than Albus would have thought. It was time for Hogwarts. At eight in the morning, he was shaken from his slumbering sleep. He yawned and then, suddenly he remembered, Hogwarts! He rushed and dressed up into wizard robes. Kendra took his hand and apparated to King's Cross.
Once at King's Cross, they got through the barrier between Platforms nine and ten. Platform 9 ¾ appeared in front of them. Albus was too excited. He saw a crowded platform filled with children and their parents. But they all hushed up as Kendra walked past with young Albus. Some whispered but Kendra ignored them and so did Albus.
The scarlet train joined the station. Children began to flood in. Albus waited. His mother knelt beside him and said, "Listen to me, Albus. Your father wanted you to do everything possible to uplift the name of our family. Although, he fell from his objectives. But I do so also. Study well, Albus. I know you are brilliant and will do well. Listen to me! Ignore what others say and Albus, no word of Ariana shall pass your lips. Be wary of your tongue. Speak wisely and do well. Now go, be good."
Kendra smiled and beckoned Albus inside the train. Albus smiled too hugging his mother.
"See you at Christmas, dear. We shall make merry then."
"Take care of Ariana, mother, and Aberforth, though I doubt he will miss me much." said Albus.
"Now, I must go dear. Aberforth and Ariana need me." Kendra smiled again and disapparated.
Albus felt lonely again and began to search for a compartment. Some way yonder, he found one empty and he took it to sit in. He eyed outside the window. But there was a strange sight. A red bird with a golden yellow neck flew towards him and perched on his window sill. Albus patted it on its neck. The bird definitely felt affinity towards him.
"I shall name you, Fawkes." said Albus.
The bird was a phoenix, a rather strange bird. It squeaked with its high pitched noise. Albus smiled. At the same, there was a knock on the door. Albus looked towards the distraction. A young boy stood with tiny freckles on his face. It looked contagious but Albus knew it was not. He asked the boy in.
"May I sit here?" he asked, pointing to a seat opposite him.
Albus nodded.
"Thank you. Other folk just won't take me in. They think they will get it, you know, these freckles."
Albus's eyes furrowed, "What are they?"
"O, a year back I had caught dragon pox. It is cured though, but still these freckles remain though. I hate them, they make me an outcast. People refuse to even speak to me. You are the first." he said gloomily.
Albus muttered, "Oh!"
"By the way, I am Elphias Doge. What's your name?"
"I am Albus Dumbledore."
"You cannot be!" he exclaimed loudly. "Your father didn't –"
Albus nodded again.
Elphias looked at him in awe. "You are like me then, an outcast. I just heard your name whispered some way back. They do not think highly of you, you know. But well, they do not seem to take notice of me, either. We are in the same plight, Albus. Wow, a nice rare bird that. A phoenix, I suppose."
Albus said, "Yes, this is Fawkes."
"Cool name that." said Elphias.
The train hooted and began journeying backwards. Many parents were waving their hands at their children before disapparating.
"I cannot wait. Hogwarts! Here I come!" shouted Elphias, putting his arms behind his back, smiling at Albus who reciprocated in kind.
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