Hello Guys! So I think this is probably the penultimate chapter, its a long one and a lot of secrets and motives will be revealed in this one, I really hope you like it! I've been writing this chapter for a while because I wanted to get it just right and I hope I've done it justice. Also, I read the Cursed Child and * spoilers* its so similar to this fanfic! Albus and Scorp best friends, in their fourth year, Voldemort fanatic wants to harm them, I'm kinda annoyed actually because I didn't like a lot of aspects about the cursed child (The non romantic relationship between Rose and Scorp being implied when there was loads of chemistry between Al and Scorp, the whole voldemort had a child thing, the time turners that miraculously didn't get destroyed after all, Ron only being used for comic relief and not the amazing wizard he is, I could go on.) But I loved how Al was in Slytherin, it was a nice change from what we all expected!
Anyway, enough negativity, if you enjoyed the cursed child I'm not judging you, it just wasn't my thing. Hope you enjoy this chapter!
*From Rowell's P.O.V sort of, not in first person though, idk*
"Keep up Kez, we can't be seen dragging him around" whispered Rowell impatiently to Kez, a fellow Slytherin, who was trailing behind due to the weight of dragging an unconscious Albus down to the dungeons. "I'm trying my best, he's such a fatty." Replied Kez, huffing. They made their way swiftly down to the dungeons and into the abandoned classroom not far from the Slytherin dormitories, without meeting anyone on their way. Rowell shut the door gently, and muttered Muffliato and Colloportus to ensure they wouldn't be disturbed, and cast shielding charms around the outskirts of the room, so if anyone came in they would see an empty room. Kez had shoved Albus up against the back wall and had bound his wrist to a pipe using the incarcerous spell, and the tightening of the ropes caused Albus to stir. Rowell walked over to a weakened Albus, and leaned over him, casting a dark shadow over Albus. "Finally, justice will be served." Spoke Rowell in a low voice, as Albus let out a groan of pain.
James Potter was sat in one of the squishy red arm chairs in Gryffindor tower. He was waiting up for Albus after his first session with a mind healer, and looking at the clock, he realised that Albus must be running a bit late. Perhaps McGonagall's lecturing him in her office he thought with a smirk, he had been on the end of a few of her lectures. He continued to skim through the copy of The Daily Prophet he had picked up off the table, finding nothing interesting, and put it down with a sigh.
"James, if you don't want to read that paper, please stop picking it up over and over again, you're putting me on edge." Said Rose, exasperated. James rolled his eyes,
"I'm bored Rose; Al should be back by now."
"Exactly, and you're constant fidgeting is making me nervous, I'm worried about him. What if he's had a panic attack? He hates talking about his problems to us, let alone a stranger." She sighed and leant her head back against the chair, her plait hitting the upholstery with a thud.
"He'll be alright, they're professionals, they'll know exactly how to handle it if he does have one." Said James despite the worry in his voice.
They both sat in silence for another ten minutes, watching the fire grow ever weaker with the passing of time. Rose was yawning every minute now, evidently tired from all the homework she had been doing, and James watched as her eye lids began to droop. "Rose, you can go to bed if you like, I'll wait for Al." Rose did another giant yawn as she tried to say
"No it's fine, I can stay awake."
James rolled his eyes at her, unconvinced. "Rose, please just go to bed, you look shattered." He said, "Albus will be fine." Rose frowned slightly, but gave in and smiled gratefully at James. "Thank you, good night." She said whilst stretching out of her arm chair, and walked up to the girl's dormitories hiding another yawn. James chuckled silently to himself, and began flicking through the daily prophet again.
He didn't realise he had fallen asleep until he felt his arm being nudged, and heard a stern voice calling his name. "What year is it" he said in a sleepy haze whilst rubbing his eyes. "This is no time for jokes James, you need to come with me. Now. Albus is missing." Spoke Professor McGonagall's voice in hurried tones. James immediately became aware of the severity of this, and clenched his jaw to keep him calm. Lily was stood by her side, biting her nails with nerves, she looked as confused as James did. Professor McGonagall lead them quickly out of the Gryffindor common room before he said "Wait, we should tell Rose- "
"There's no time James, we need to find him. Your parents are just arriving in my office."
James was so confused, how could Albus have gone missing? Was it the floo network, or something more serious? By the look on McGonagall's face and her quick pace, he suspected the latter. He decided not to bombard her with questions until they reached her office.
When they arrived, he heard the grate rumble, and his father tumbled out of the emerald flames looking dishevelled and white with concern. "Dad what's going on?" said James, but his father said nothing, and only hugged both him and Lily tight. Their mother followed, looking stern, like she was ready for an attack, her ginger hair flowing. McGonagall conjured them all a chair, and sat them around her desk.
"I have strong reason to believe that Albus is missing and is in danger, and here is why. I was away for a quick meeting when Albus arrived back to my office after his appointment at 9pm, as Albus Dumbledore here told me he arrived safely," McGonagall gestured to the portrait of the old headmaster, and he waved at them. Harry nodded his head in thanks, now was not the time for sentiment. "I noticed there was a letter for me from his mind healer, Gwen Summers, which I thought unusual as it had only been the first session. I realised it was a letter concerning the safety of Albus, they are legally obliged to inform me immediately if their patient is in danger." McGonagall picked up the letter gravely, and read aloud, "'Albus has informed me of severe bullying from some of the students at Hogwarts, the main culprit named Jeffrey Rowell, 5th Year Slytherin. Albus has reported threats of violence, actual violence from him and accomplices involving Albus being injured, and stalking. He reported a sinister letter from Rowell describing an attack he would carry out on Albus' friend Scorpius Malfoy if Albus told anyone about the bullying, and describing other violent attacks. This has been taking place since his first year at Hogwarts, and has since escalated in his fourth year, and I believe this is damaging his mental health and that Albus could be in danger. I regret that I am disappointed in Hogwarts' failure in finding out about this bullying." McGonagall finished with a slight shudder, looking down at her desk.
The room was silent, Harry's mouth stood ajar, and no air appeared to be entering or leaving his body. Ginny's hands were clenched into fists, and she had angry tears in her eyes. Lily seemed frightened to move, and James was boiling with rage. "I knew he was hiding something!" he bellowed, shattering the silence. "He was injured, and he wouldn't tell us who did it. How dare they threaten him! I'LL KILL- "
"James please stop! This isn't helping." Said McGonagall rather gently, and James took a deep breath, not remembering when he had stood up, and slowly sat back down.
"I have never been so disappointed with myself, four years of bullying has gone right under my nose, and I am to blame. I have let you and your son down Harry, I'm sorry- "
"We don't have time for this Minerva." Interrupted Harry sharply, "What else do you know" McGonagall sighed and continued her story.
"The letter stated that Albus wanted to tell you himself, but of course that had to be abandoned for his safety. I was very eager to know that Albus had returned safely to Gryffindor tower, and contacted the fat lady. By this time, it was ten and I knew he should have returned. Unfortunately, she said no, Albus had not returned nor had she seen him. I knew then that something was wrong, he had gone missing." She sighed and clasped her hands together. "So I contacted you all, and all of the teachers are searching castle, the students haven't been informed yet." She looked exhausted.
Harry immediately perked up "The marauders map! We can find him using that, as long as he hasn't left the grounds." And hope was suddenly in the eyes of the Potters. "You know I don't like that map, but as long as you don't let it fall into the wrong hands, use it." Said McGonagall, and Harry was back in the fire place in an instant. "Professor, are you thinking he's been taken by force?" James asked cautiously, he didn't want to cause more upset. McGonagall swallowed thickly, "I expected the worst, yes, but if he is simply wandering the corridors then at least he is safe for the time being." There was very uncomfortable silence that followed this, as they waited for Harry to come back with the map.
Finally, the grate rumbled again, and Harry was holding the precious marauders map as he climbed from the emerald flames. He immediately pointed his wand at the parchment and said "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good", revealing the map before them. All eyes were searching for Albus' name, until Lily said "There he is! That's an odd part of the castle…"
*****************************meanwhile, back to when Albus was awaking*************************
Albus opened his eyes slowly. The room he was in was dark and smelt damp, and he felt the tug of a rope on his left wrist. Albus looked up into the sinister black eyes of Rowell, and he jerked violently against his restraints. "You won't escape; we took your wand as well." Said Rowell with a certain enjoyment in his voice. Albus' breath quickened as he realised he was a sitting duck, and a sheen of sweat was building on his forehead. "Where am I?" he managed to stutter to Rowell. Albus was met by a cold laugh from him, as he said "Why would I tell you that? I'll be the one asking the questions tonight anyway." Rowell took out his wand and stroked it with an evil glint in his eyes, Kez stood watching with his arms folded like a body guard. Albus stared at the wand wide eyed, realising he was now going into full panic mode. His mouth was dry and his brain felt like mush inside his skull, he tried not to think about what Rowell would do to him.
"I think we should have a bit of fun first, don't you Kez?" said Rowell with that same sinister smile Albus had come to know. Kez nodded his ugly head in agreement, and Rowell pointed his wand at Albus, his face now twisted with anger. "This, is for my family, and for Voldemort. CRUCIO!" Rowell bellowed. Albus felt his bones catch on fire, felt his head split open with the pain he was experiencing, and could only faintly hear his own screams of pain over the whooshing sounds in his ears. He had learned about the cruciatus curse, but nothing could have prepared him for the hell he was going through, the blackness around his vision when Rowell finally lifted the curse, the lack of oxygen in his body that caused his limbs to shake. Albus was panting hard, leaning forward on his one free hand and knees, whilst Rowell chuckled a low and malicious chuckle. "You don't know how long I've wanted to do that Albus, in fact, I think I'll do it again. CRUCIO!" And the pain came again. It was no easier to bear the second time round, Albus felt his throat sting from the screaming he couldn't control. Rowell lifted the curse after what felt like hours, and Albus was horrified to find tears on his cheeks, as he tried to discreetly dab them away. He felt pathetic, cowering beneath Rowell. "It's no use Albus, no one will hear you scream, I've enchanted the room." Rowell took great pleasure saying this to Albus, and Albus felt a deep sense of doom within him.
"Now you've had a taster of the cruciatus curse, hopefully that will encourage you to loosen your tongue. Your father and the rest of your blood traitor family destroyed my family during the Battle of Hogwarts, and now they will pay the price. I've been watching your movements for a long time Albus, but I can't seem to get to you or your family. Something shields it from me. You will lead me to them. You will tell me where you and the other Weasleys live, and I will avenge my ancestors and Lord Voldemort himself." Rowell spoke his plan swelling with pride, and grinned at Albus wildly. Albus couldn't believe what he was hearing, all of this, for a dead cause? "You're – a fanatic." Albus managed to heave out between panting breaths. Rowell growled, "I'm honouring my ancestors, my name, I'm doing what Lord Voldemort intended to do, this cause didn't die with them." He said in a dangerous voice.
Rowell pointed his wand at Albus once more, "Tell me where you live, and where the Weasley's live, or I'll use the curse again." He said in a low growl, his face contorted with vengeance. Albus found something within him at that moment, something that was strong, ferocious. Albus steadied his breath, and said "No", clenching his jaw, prepared for whatever Rowell could throw at him. He would never tell him, never put his family in harm's way just to avoid the pain, he would protect them, even if it killed him. Albus was feeling brave for the first time in his whole life, and it was empowering. Rowell grunted with frustration, and once again bellowed "CRUCIO" at Albus. The pain was still the same, but this time, Albus had a reason to hold onto reality, to hold back the screams, to withstand the pain, for his family.
The curse lasted longer out of Rowell's frustration, and Albus felt himself growing weaker, his vision beginning to blur around the edges. But Albus felt strong in his mind, Rowell would never over power his will to protect his family, the bond was too strong for him to break. "You won't break me, so you might as well kill me." Said Albus between laboured breaths, "I'll never let you hurt them, you sick- "Albus was cut off by another dose of the curse, this time it was Rowell who was yelling with anger. "You have no right to speak to me that way! Your father caused this, you and him will both pay the price." Rowell paced the room for a few minutes, obviously thinking what to do next. "Hadn't anticipated I'd be strong did you? Didn't think I'd resist you?" said Albus with a triumphant grin whilst wiping the blood from his now bleeding nose, knowing he was taunting Rowell.
"Shut-up, Potter. You'll regret talking back to me." Threatened Rowell, pausing to glare at Albus. "Or what? You've done your worst." Said Albus, feeling ever more in control.
Rowell paused suddenly, and Albus saw the light bulb light up behind Rowell's dark eyes, and that feeling of control seemed to melt away. "Of course, how could I have forgotten? I don't need to threaten you anymore; I'll threaten that friend of yours. What's his name? Scorpius." Rowell hissed. Albus felt his heart drop into his stomach, and felt his body turn to ice. There was nothing he could do to stop this except to give up the information, Rowell would make him choose. "I'll give you one more chance. Tell me how to get to your father and your family, or I'll torture Scorpius in front of your eyes." Rowell was grinning now, as he twiddled his wand in his fingers, daring Albus to say no.
Albus couldn't speak, how could he make this choice? He didn't want either, but he knew that was no option. Albus opened and closed his mouth like a fish gulping for air, lost for words at the unanswerable question. Rowell didn't wait for an answer for long. "Fine. Come on Kez, let's go and find Scorpius, I'm sure he'll be delighted." He said with malice.
The panic was back, rising as fast as bile in his throat, "No please, leave him out of this. Leave him alone!" shouted Albus desperately. He had gained back some strength and was struggling with the rope on his wrist. Rowell looked towards the struggling, and contemplated. "Well we can't have you escaping now can we? SECTUMSEMPRA!" he bellowed across the room, and Albus' right thigh was sliced open. Albus yelled out in agony, and soon blood was spilling from the wound, puddling around him on the floor. I'm going to die here. I'm going to bleed to death. Was all he could think in a haze of pain and panic. "Try escaping on that bad leg and I think you might just lose it." He faintly heard Rowell laugh coldly, and he resealed the door behind himself.
Albus brought a shaking hand down in an attempt to cradle his leg, but he couldn't bear to touch it. He had never bled so much before in his life, and was already feeling the effects of the blood loss. The room began to spin, and Albus held on to the cracks in the floor in an attempt to steady himself. He attempted to shout, forgetting about the silencing charm on the room, but what left his throat were only strangled cries. His throat was hoarse and dry from the screaming he had done.
I'm sorry Scorpius
Albus felt his body keel over
I'm sorry
**************************************Back to Harry and the others**********************************
Harry leapt down the stairs from McGonagall's office, not bothering to wait for the others. He had to get to Albus, that was all that mattered in the world. He and the others flew through the corridors like gusts of wind, their feet barley touching the ground. The only sounds were panting echoing off the walls, and the drumming of shoes on the stone floors. After an eternity of exercise, they reached the room where Albus was supposed to be. Harry tried the door, and upon realising it was locked, performed the alohomora charm. Harry burst open the door and saw,
Nothing. An empty room sneered back at him. The map doesn't lie, the map never lies, this can't be happening, "The map never lies!" shouted Harry angrily through laboured breaths, he wasn't used to this much running anymore. "Wait." Said Ginny softly. She stepped forward slowly, and outstretched her arm in front of her, pointing her fingers like a ballerina. Ginny felt the wall of magic part at the tip of her fingers as she walked slowly through the shielding charm. Harry caught on as to what she was doing, and followed behind her. What they saw would live with them forever, lingering in their memories like a bad stench, with all the others from the dark days.
"Albus." Harry whispered as he saw his son, slumped against the wall, pale as death itself, surrounded by what looked like 5 pints of blood. Harry was reminded horribly of the fight he'd had with Draco Malfoy in his sixth year, the blood swirling around the bathroom floor. Harry dashed forwards, whilst Ginny got rid of the shielding charm. James and Lily stumbled backwards at the sight in front of them. Lily began to cry, covering her eyes as if shielding herself from the reality in front of her. James, was, being James. Like a cauldron boiling over, face as red as Mars, he kicked the wall with a furious growl, clenching his jaw to breaking point. He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms in an attempt to clear his head from the anger.
I let this happen to my brother.
Harry broke the rope that was tied around Albus' arm with a point of his wand, and slowly cradled Albus in his arms, as if he were made of paper. Ginny knelt down beside him and stroked his ruffled hair, saying gently "Albus, can you hear us?" Albus stirred gently, and his eye lids fluttered but didn't open fully. They both breathed out the sigh of relief they hadn't realised they'd been holding in. "He's alive" were the only words Harry could speak in that moment, swallowing the growing lump in his throat.
Harry went to lift Albus up in his arms to rush him to the hospital wing, before he heard Albus speak in such a weak voice that he almost let go of his emotions. "Wait." Came Albus' whispering voice, "Scorpius, in danger." Harry and Ginny were wide eyed, and both turned to McGonagall who was now in the door way, her hand covering her mouth as she took in the scene and the words. She looked like she had swallowed a draft of living death. "I need to go to the Slytherin common room, Scorpius isn't safe. Harry, take him to Madam Pomfrey. Ginny, come with me. James and Lily, go into my office, the password in Snitch, and ask the man in the portrait on the far left to contact the Ministry to come to Hogwarts. Tell them I sent them, and I will explain everything when they arrive. Be quick." McGonagall gave everyone the orders, leaving no room for objetions, and Harry was reminded of the soldier McGonagall he had seen at battle for Hogwarts. James, finally glad of a way to help and a way to vent his anger, bolted down the corridor with Lily on his tail. Harry scooped up Albus like broken glass in his arms, and ran down the same corridor.
"Come on Ginny, we don't have much time." Said McGonagall, and they ran towards the Slytherin common room, fire in their eyes.
Okay PSA! I'm not being prejudice against Slytherins in this fanfic (look at Scorp) I only made the bullies Slytherins because a lot of the wizarding families that supported Voldemort were in Slytherin so it made historical sense. I respect and like Slytherins, my boyfriend is one, and Rowell and his other mean friends are a rarity in the days after Voldemort, thank you!