The Crossroads of Fate
Chapter 3: The Inheritance From James Potter
The visit to Hogsmeade ended in the evening. Albus and Alexis parted at the grounds as Scorpius was droning on about those magical armors. It seemed he really did his homework on them but he seemed really proud to have financed them and they would come when Lancet had some made… somehow. He handed the key to the Manor back to Albus which magically reattached itself to the keychain. The gates shut closed behind them and a sizzling noise signaled the activation of a powerful Barrier Charm. Albus actually felt very sheltered in the school grounds now. With these protections, at least from what he was told and led to believe, the Reservation could not enter no matter how powerful they became. He had a small grin as the sizzling noise stopped and everything settled back to normal.
"They were first developed in 1996," Scorpius was saying casually, caressing a chest plate fondly. "They were ordered but hardly used in the second war because of the faults to their design. But check it out, I actually tried casting the Sectumsempra Curse at it and it was just absorbed. Imagine how much it could help. The Reservation don't have them so we have the edge. We just need to hide this somewhere while Lancet learns how to duplicate the others, where do you reckon?"
"Room of Requirement maybe?" Albus suggested, looking around. Lights were on in Hagrid's old hut with several shapes moving. He was curious. Who else apart from Lorcan or Lycah could be there? Lysander had just gotten back.
"I'll just go then," Scorpius sighed. "Hide these. We can't let anybody find them. In fact, no one wears them until we meet as a group."
"Fair enough," Albus said, still thinking on Alexis' talk with him. He somehow felt a little better about James after talking to her. "And we can't meet as a group until we know more of what Incommodo is doing. Neil's been silent lately and he won't get out of his dormitory."
Albus sat in the middle of the yard, looking around the large expanse. The grounds seemed awfully quiet, everything seemed normal. For just a second, Albus could close his eyes and act as if nothing had happened to change the school in the slightest. It had been his home for two years straight. Even with the keys, Albus did not visit his old home, knowing that of all places, it was probably the one place the Reservation knew most about now. He jingled them around in his pocket fondly, thinking very deeply of the entire situation.
James was dead but Hogwarts as a whole lost so much more than a student. It lost its teachers and its Headmaster. Albus remembered sadly riddling over who each chess piece represented. If all held true, the Rook and the Bishop were all that was left and the Queen and Knights were gone. Incommodo seemed to have things under control and for once, Albus was actually curious to see where he intended to go. He could not raise a hand against Hogwarts so it could not be anything bad. At least, not yet but Albus intended to do what he had to do and end his reign before the year was up. He felt in his small bag Alexis' gift to him. Would the book really help? Alexis did not even know his predicament so if she saved him without knowing she did, Albus was never going to be out of her debt.
"Hey," Alexander's voice said suddenly making Albus jump. "I've been wanting to talk to you."
"What about?" Albus sighed.
"About my sister," Alexander said quietly, regarding Albus through his red-rimmed glasses. Albus braced himself. He knew this talk would happen eventually. He knew that eventually, Alexander would want to talk to him. So, what would Albus say? Was it fair for him to even date Alexis if he knew his life was on the line? And what if it turned out he survived? Could he just call things back on with her so easily? No, he would stay with her. If he died, it would be a death and nothing more. But both of them deserved some companionship in their lives. Nothing guaranteed she would live either. Plus, Albus would not lie to her brother. If they both lived throughout the war, Albus was going to stay with her for the rest of their lives.
True, Albus was just seventeen, yet it felt like an eternity. It felt like his whole life had led up to this upcoming year. The exchange students, the provocation getting Soto out, Incommodo's rise, the journey through the forest and the Amulet, the Princess, the Relics… it all led to this year. Like a climax. A final fight just waiting to happen. And Albus wished he could have longer than the life he already lived. He was not afraid to admit it to himself this time. Maybe two years ago, he would've scoffed at the suggestion, in second year he would've childishly mimed a retch, but this time, seventeen, he knew what he wanted. If they lived, he was going to marry her. And Alexander picked up on those vibes. He was not an idiot. In fact, now Albus thought about it, Alexander was a good judge of character if he picked up Albus' true intentions from the year before.
Albus looked at him readily, bracing himself for the question he knew was going to be asked. "Albus Potter, are you going to marry my sister?"
If the situation had been any less serious, he might have laughed. So, what would he say? Yes? If he said yes, would he tell Alexis? And if he said no, would Alexander call the bluff? Slowly, he nodded. Alexander glared at him accusingly, "Ok… don't."
"Really?"
"I mean it!" he said, going red. "Or I'll tell her. I'll keep your secret as long as you keep your mouth shut!"
"Do you really dislike anyone being that close to Alexis?" Albus asked him.
"No," he said quietly, looking at him very seriously. "I don't. Alexis loves you. I don't know why, I don't know what she sees in you but she loves you. And… and I dislike her heart being broken," he added seriously. "I'm not an idiot, Potter. If my sister is with you, and something happens… she won't be ok. Hear me? And I'm only twelve, I can't deal with her grief. We already lost our father and our mother ran out on us. If you die- and in this war with you as a leader, you will- she won't be ok."
"I'm not asking for anything until the war is over," Albus promised him. Alexander looked a little teary as he considered Albus. "You know, Alexander, we could be friends."
"But we're not," Alexander said quietly, rubbing his eyes. "And we can't be. You- my- my sister is all I have and you're taking her away from me! You!" He burst into tears.
Albus was not sure how to deal with this. He slowly sat across from him and said quietly, hoping nobody could overhear them, "Even if I wanted to, I can't. Alexis almost broke up with me last year because she loved you more. You are her life, her reason for existence, and the only reason she loves me is because she sees you. How do you think I feel sometimes, knowing it's your image she loves, and not Albus Potter? What do you want me to do?"
And Alexander fixed him with a brown-eyed stare, very serious, almost adult if he was not crying, "Don't die. I'm serious. Don't. Don't you dare. If you care a shred about Alexis, you won't. She's worried sick about you!"
Albus stopped. So, there it was. Alexander voiced his own insecurities. Would Albus die? If so, would Alexis be ok? He hoped so. He really did. He had little choice then. He was needed in life, not death. So, why was death beckoning him? This question, Albus would not find the answer to until much, much later. He nodded slowly, making sure Alexander could see, "Ok… I got it. I- I'll try my best not to die."
He had to. He had to find a way to get Voldemort off. Was it worth it? Was it worth the Dark Arts? Would he have to create a Horcrux and split that part? It would not be as unhealthy as it was splitting an actual soul because Voldemort was not him. He was simply reversing it. Or was he? Would he still suffer physical side-effects? Would he suffer those effects no matter what he did? Albus did not know, even as Alexander left, he did not know. But he needed to know. He needed a way out.
He watched as Mors Incommodo walked to the castle with the rabbit-like man Theodore Nott. Was he hired as a new teacher? Was that it? He had arrived the previous year in hopes of bringing his son home before renting a place in Hogsmeade and staying around. Since then, Hogsmeade had expanded and according to Neil, Incommodo visited the village every day, Arsenal members patrolled it at night, and there were rumors that Centaurs kept a watch as well. Albus did not know the allegiance of some creatures or beings yet though. Lysander ventured into the forest almost every day to see the Centaurs and they refused to say anything as always.
"Hey, Al," a familiar voice went.
Albus turned, not sure if he was ready to face him. But there he was. Louis Weasley. Albus had never been too close to him. Ever since he was five, Albus had avoided both him and James. James was his brother and over the years, especially up to James' first year at Hogwarts, their relationship somewhat improved before suffering ups and downs. Albus' own first year was proof. Despite their mutual interest two years ago, they had not been close either. Louis was James' cousin and best friend. He actually was a big help the previous year when Albus wanted to give Alexis a good birthday dinner. Now, he was among Albus' few cousins left living in Hogwarts and his days there were numbered now he graduated.
"Doing alright?" Albus asked, trying but failing to remain neutral and instead sounding a little sympathetic and miserable. He and Louis shared the pain of losing James.
"Could be better," Louis shrugged with a sigh. "Listen, I was- going through James' stuff. Things he left in the dormitory. It took me a while to work out how to do this but… he'd want you to have a couple of things."
Albus' heart sank. Want. Want. James would want Albus to have a couple of things? Would he? After all they went through, in spite of estrangement, James wanted him to have something? Albus braced himself, a part of him knowing full well what was coming as Louis first handed him a long parchment. Louis sighed and pointed to the list, "List of people he trusted. People who told him things. Took two years to make it perfect. Three years since Slytherin house always eluded us. I guess since you're Slytherin, you'll manage it better."
The list was not long but he could tell each of them had a purpose. He could also tell that those in bold were the ones that died and those with a star next to them were too special to ignore. Albus knew James was close to some people, but he never knew how close.
Phillip Macmillan- Hufflepuff house.
Penelope Macmillan- Hufflepuff house
Pierre Macmillan- Hufflepuff house
Michael Finnigan
Thomas Finnigan- Ravenclaw house
Jeremiah Brown- Artist, forged signatures of three teachers to get off detention.)
Colin N. Creevey
Malcolm Mold- Slytherin house (enemy but idiotically lets things slip.)
Mark Wallader- Walter Mold- Slytherin house
Lorcan Scamander- Slytherin house (thank Scorpius for that.)
Neil Nott*- everywhere? Needs special attention.
Tommy Peakes- Ravenclaw house
George Coote- Ravenclaw house
Alice Longbottom- Ravenclaw house
Frank Longbottom- Hufflepuff house (finally a foothold there. Pity he thinks he's so cool.)
Note: How Al managed in a month what I couldn't do in a year, I'll never know. Damn him. What's his secret?
Scorpius Malfoy- Dark Arts (and a trip in Knockturn Alley… lucky.)
Rose Weasley- Gryffindor
Mark Wallader- Gryffindor (I wish he was Al's enemy now Al has access to our Common room. Damn him.)
Seth Lean- Slytherin house (as if Al needs it, he is in Slytherin, damn him. And Seth of all people!)
Neil Nott (he stole my protégé.)
Alexis Ackerly- Ravenclaw house (and Al's obvious main squeeze.)
Hugo Weasley- Fora Vulneroman (because she's too scared to talk to me.)
Fauna Redgrow (as if Rose, his cousin is not enough.)
Note: All of the above is useless. The Hogwarts Guard is legion. We could probably start a newspaper of the school's dirty secrets and expose everyone. Pity we live in times too dark to allow for that sort of thing. Maybe in the next life…
Albus almost laughed reading it. He could just imagine James' real frustration at being outshined but Albus was touched. James acknowledged that Albus outshone him a long time ago, quickly, in a way James never tried. Or maybe Albus was just lucky. Albus would've never managed if Seth had not offered him deals and promises in fifth year, never would've managed if he did not create the Hogwarts Guard which never would've taken off if James had not supported him. James did not give himself enough credit. A part of Albus just wanted to stare at the list, a list of people who either left or died. A list of people Albus trusted, an untouched list of Albus' friends.
"Al," Louis offered. Albus sensed Louis' hand stretching out and Albus looked up. Louis was grim as he held out an envelope. "He told me to give you this if anything ever happened to him. It's bewitched so only you can open it. I can't." Albus made to open the envelope but the letters on it glowed red, reading Don't open unless you're ready. Trust me. Albus gave it a second thought, thinking maybe he would open it after he had gotten over what happened two weeks ago. "He'd want you to have this too."
Albus felt like he was inheriting something precious. Now he thought of it, he probably was. Louis handed him the new Marauder's Map. Albus stared at it in shock. Louis was giving it to him. To him. Albus. How was he supposed to see this? Louis patted him on the back and Albus looked up from the map, trying to keep his own expression stoic. Louis was still looking grim, "Hogwarts isn't a sanctuary for seventh year graduates. So… I'll be leaving pretty soon. Dunno where everyone is really. I want to join your dad's group but I can't find him."
"Have you tried the abandoned bungalow in the countryside off Hogsmeade?" Albus asked.
"I intend to," Louis sighed. "Look, James would've wanted us to fight, ok? You led a Guard. Let me go on the offensive outside and see what happens. I still think we can do this."
"You do?" Albus asked hopefully, honestly not seeing a way past this mess.
"What's an army of magical Inferi anyway?" Louis shrugged. "They're basically just undead, pyrophobic wizards."
Louis did not offer any more than that. In fact, he did not even say goodbye. He left, leaving Albus to kneel down on the grass, staring at the new map James had made almost two years ago. The New and Improved Marauder's Map.
Albus wiped his eyes, feeling he was probably still not over his brother's death. He sighed and pocketed it, wishing so much it had been anyone else but James. They had so many unresolved issues, so many things left unsaid that basically left a dent in Albus' mind. If he had just talked to James despite everything, tried talking to him. He never even knew for sure if James regretted what he did. Albus took it for granted. He took for granted that James would always be there to reconcile with when he got older but he wasn't. It made Albus feel terrible about all of it.
He wiped his own eyes, staring at his reflection in the lake, sobbing, alone, finally alone. He felt good being alone. Maybe this was what he needed. To be alone and sort through it himself. Still, it was never in Albus to cry. After he wiped his eyes, no more tears spilled out. He just… felt. He sighed, giving up and made to get up. A distant noise went on from afar but Albus did not look up. His thoughts were still rolling through. He kept reliving the duel over and over in his mind, playing and replaying everything. How he, James and Lily, the Potter siblings, fought the Reservation off together and despite their enemy being powerful, they held them off. They took advantage of the small space and held them off. It was only when James charged them when he died. Albus never asked. Did he truly mean to die then and there? Why did he charge when they were doing so well otherwise? Was it because James knew they were short on time? Albus knew it too. He barely got away when he Cursed Lily to fake a death.
Albus was ripped from his thoughts when he heard a distant, louder noise coming from Hagrid's hut but it still seemed quiet. It was nothing bad or he'd have known it, surely. He looked up and saw it was growing dark. Deciding that was enough reminiscing for one day, he made for Hagrid's old hut and knocked on the door. He could hear voices inside but no one answered. He rapped again and waited. Finally, the door opened impatiently by Lycah, "What?" she demanded.
"I'm hearing"- he stared inside. On the table was Kabe Vulneroman and his sister Fora, and laying on the bed was none other than Melvin Ollivander and beside it was a boy with green hair, a hooked nose and red eyes. There, Albus thought Melvin had left the school. What was he doing there when he lived in Diagon Alley? Wait, what was happening? People he knew lived in Diagon Alley were living in Hogsmeade now, Weasley's Wizard Wheezes was reduced to a street stall, and now Melvin was there. Albus did not know what was happening but he did have a very bad feeling about this. "What's Melvin doing here?"
"Let him in," Lorcan's bored voice said from elsewhere.
Lycah sighed and stepped aside for Albus to walk inside. The hut looked messier than it usually did. Trash was cluttered on the floor, the teacups were scattered over the table, one was in pieces on the floor, the bed was messy and unmade, and Melvin just lay back, staring up at the ceiling. "What's happening?" Albus asked Melvin.
"Go away!" Melvin said angrily.
"Well, he's mad," Lycah shrugged. "Bye, Potter."
"Wait a sec"-
"Do you always insist yourself upon others?" Lycah asked him, arms folded as she stood in front of him, blocking his way further in.
Albus sighed angrily and folded his arms back, "I come back from Hogsmeade which is twice as big now people from Diagon Alley apparently joined them for no apparent reason, a student who I thought had left is back, Kabe and Fora are here and that never happened before, and a couple of Muggle-born siblings underage just managed to escape, I have family in Diagon that I'm worried about and this place is a royal mess."
"Well, Werewolves are messy, what of it?" Lycah demanded. "None of it is your business as Ollivander clearly asked you. And Muggle-born kids, Potter? Two wizards in a Muggle family, do you think I'll believe that?"
"It's the truth, the Goals are"-
Lycah widened her eyes suddenly without saying anything. She actually looked on the point of leaping at him when suddenly, "Let him stay," Fora said in a quiet voice. "He does need to hear."
The hut went silent. Even Melvin rolled over to stare angrily at her, looking very much like a pouting child. Ironically, the boy next to him was calmer. Albus was aware that this was probably the first time he ever heard Fora speak. Judging by the reactions, this was the first time most others heard her speak. Only Kabe seemed unimpressed. Albus was also interested in what she said. Albus had to stay, she said? He needed to hear? His immediate impression was that this was something serious. He had a bad feeling Diagon Alley was attacked but he refused to believe it until it was confirmed. Melvin was supposed to live in Diagon Alley, heck so were most of Hogsmeade's residents now, and the Vuleroman siblings were there, the quietest one actually proved that she did in fact possess a voice, and as she spoke, the mood suddenly changed.
Lysander put aside what he was doing, which now Albus saw included cards and a small charred piece of wood beside which rested Lysander's newly acquired pet, a whitish gray wolf called Timber who had grown over the past two weeks. Lorcan put down his book and Kabe went over to help Melvin up to sitting position on the bed. Melvin threw Albus a look of intense dislike before fixing his eyes on his feet which barely touched the floor for how large the bed was. Beside Melvin was a stack of parchments rolled up into scrolls. Albus was curious as to what they contained and Melvin seemed very protective of them. He seemed shaky and resistant to talking as Kabe tried convincing him to talk. Lycah folded her arms and leaned against the wall, looking very impatient with the events taking place. Albus did not understand. What was her problem with everyone?
"Calm down," Lorcan muttered to her.
Lycah fixed him with a look before blurting out, "For Merlin's sake, Ollivander, spit out or get out!"
"You know what, fine!" Melvin said angrily and made to get up before Kabe threw an angry look at Lycah, trying to put a helpful arm around Melvin. The wand maker's grandson finally folded his arms and with a last angry look at Lycah, said, "Ok, ok, I'll talk. But I finish and you let me go."
"We need to hear this," Kabe told him pleadingly.
"I know we do but Melvin's been silent since we got here," the boy said with a timid, soft-spoken voice.
Melvin seemed to be struggling for words, like he witnessed a trauma but instead of scaring him, it angered him and somewhat saddened him, "Diagon Alley was attacked," he said lowly.
The weight of his words hung over for a bit, sinking in more and more. Diagon Alley was attacked, Albus thought. His first worry was how his Aunt Angelina was. Was she ok? Then, he thought that this explained why Melvin was upset. Did he lose his grandfather? What exactly did he see? Wait- was the DA there? Why did she send Weasley's Wizard Wheezes to Hogsmeade? Albus knew her and his Uncle George- when he was alive- hired youths for part-time jobs but was this why Cherry and Lancet Goal were there? Judging by the presence of so many, Albus had a terrible feeling that it was not just attacked, Diagon Alley was probably smoldering by now.
"Ok…" Lorcan encouraged.
"That's it," Melvin said bitterly. "That's all I know. I just came here yesterday. I dunno how everything else is. Who won, whether the DA arrived, if- if grandfather is even alive."
"We- we need to find out," Albus said in a small voice, not at all the way he used to talk when he was a leader. "Did- did you"-
"I know nothing," Melvin said, folding his arms and looking at him. "I only saw one Evening Prophet saying it was attacked. I got nothing today."
"Who has the Prophet?" Albus asked. Nobody answered. It almost exasperated Albus that nobody seemed to have bothered reading the newspaper for any news regarding what Melvin said. "Seriously, nobody reads?"
"Why the heck would I read a Wizard's newspaper?" Lycah asked tiredly. "It's controlled by the Reservation. I'm a Werewolf, remember? My kind are on Dubium's side. I'm the first to be spared."
"You"-
Before Albus could exclaim, Melvin did. He leapt at her, wand out and for how startled she was, she stepped back, tripped over her own mess and fell back, Melvin's wand on her. She seemed surprised. Clearly, nobody had threatened her before. Melvin might have cast a spell too if Lysander of all people did not hold him back, looking very casual and calm and almost spacey but still holding him back. Lycah seemed momentarily surprised before getting up and dusting herself off, sighing in defeat. "I don't read newspapers. Sue me. Want to know the news? Ask someone else. Want to get some help? Ask someone else. Want a place to stay? Ask someone else. Want some understanding? Ask someone else. I'm not your friend, I'm not anybody's friend. The only friend I have is Lysander and that's only because he isn't demanding!"
Lycah sighed in anger and walked off, Lysander blushing a little from being mentioned. Albus was angry at Lycah too but he did not dare say a word at that moment with tensions running high. He was considering leaving the hut when a knock sounded. Albus was surprised anybody knocked. The hut was fuller than usual that evening, who else would want to come in? He turned to the door, bracing himself for Lycah to yell in exasperation but it never came. She just opened the door and standing there was Neil Nott.
Neil was James' best spy and informant. Albus never knew much about the quiet, soft-spoken boy. "Al," he said shortly.
"Please, take him away," Lycah grumbled.
"Yeah, cause I'm the root of all evil, aren't I?" Albus sniped back angrily.
Whoever wanted to respond did not because Neil chose that moment to quietly press a cut and rolled The Quibbler article in his hand. Albus and Neil met eyes and for the first time, Albus saw something. Hurt. His eyes were completely devoid of hope in a way that made Albus feel terrible. They looked broken, as if something, some event that happened so long ago had permanently shattered him. He nodded once and left out the door, leaving it open. It was as if Neil read Albus' mind from afar. Quietly praising James for his uncanny ability to spot a good spy like Neil, Albus unrolled the article and read, well aware of Lycah, Lorcan, Lysander, and even Melvin reading over his shoulder.
Daily Quibble: Diagon Alley Attacked:
Diagon Alley was yesterday attacked by the Reservation in a terrorizing sweep across the Wizarding world. The feared ship seen across the skies by witches and wizards landed in Diagon Alley two days ago, demanding for all to turn themselves over. While many turned themselves over, most remained in their homes and the wandmaker Garrick Ollivander fought them off until the DA arrived and managed to get most residents to safety. The Dumbledore's Army and Ministry Law Enforcement arrived at the scene and did battle. Five DA members along with Garrick Ollivander were found dead amongst the ruins of the once-bustling alley-town. A further two of the DA are considered captured or missing, rumored by many to be former Herbologist Neville Longbottom and Magizoologist Luna Scamander. The Ministry refused to comment on the rumors that they lost the brunt of their Law Enforcement but did suggest that the rumors that the DA lost their Headquarters last month ring true.
Albus expected Melvin to yell out of grief but he just sat down, staring ahead in a spacey way that reminded Albus of his Aunt Luna. He seemed miserable and very shocked. The boy beside Melvin also seemed hurt, and wiped an eye. Albus guessed he must have been Melvin's younger brother. Lorcan actually seemed on edge and offered hastily and feebly, "Not- not everything The Quibbler says is true. It's just the only source you have to go by."
"What would be true then?" the boy asked hopefully.
"Well, whenever it says something along the lines of the Ministry not commenting, it usually means it was not even suggested," Lorcan said slowly, processing what he read as well. "Just hoping to spread rumors. That was the reason it was created to begin with."
"What about the DA?" Albus asked.
"I wouldn't worry about the DA," Lorcan said after some thought. "When the Quibbler is vague, it means it's just speculation. The main point was getting across what happened to Diagon Alley. So, I'm pretty sure that not too many died. If they did though, they're probably the members we don't know, the newly recruited ones from before the Battle of Hogwarts or from the DA's recent rise. If it was anyone on top, like the original members from 1995, we'd know."
"What about grandfather then?" Melvin asked, voice cracking.
"When it names the casualty, you can assume- it- it's true," Lorcan sighed.
"Mum is captured?" Lysander said in shock, hurt crossing over his usually misty eyes.
"Maybe, maybe she's captured," Lorcan emphasized. "The- the captures are just rumors because they can't tell. These are just rumors spread by the populace."
"Oh, yeah," Lysander said in relief. It really did seem like both were trying to convince themselves their mother was still fine. It made Albus wonder what the truth really was. "Only the dead is really confirmed."
Melvin slumped down again, a tear leaking from his eyes and the boy offered him a hug. Kabe pat his back sympathetically. "We're- we're the last Ollivanders left," Melvin muttered. "And I'm the only one who can understand all the notes I did. I- I can't… Morph, we need to write to mum, now. And dad. Say what happened and that we're safe. They're going to get worried."
"What's so important?" Kabe asked.
Melvin looked so scared and Morpheus was actually shaking, his hair changing color slowly from red to brown. His natural hair color made itself known as he looked down. Melvin seemed very solemn. Whatever the papers held were important to him. He slowly turned to Morpheus, "Take them," he said shortly to Morpheus' shock. "Just take them. I'm in more danger than you are, my life is probably forfeit. Just… take them and study them on your free time. They explain everything. How to make wands, what sort of woods and cores to use, the best results, everything."
"Mel, I… I have studies"-
"So do I!" he yelled. "But this is more important and you're only first year, you have less subjects than I have this year."
Morpheus slowly took them, shocked at his brother's worry. Whatever Melvin had, it did seem rather important to the family, especially if the wands in the sop were destroyed. Diagon Alley was gone and the wand shop with it. Diagon Alley had been so well protected, and it was gone. And it was gone so easily. All the orphaned kids Neville took in, the shops hi Uncle once ran… that was why Cherry and Lancet were in Hogsmeade. They fled the carnage. They must have just got out. A Muggle-born family who learned of magic before they even turned eleven. And they learned of it in a horrible way, through death.
"I'm sorry," Albus offered feebly for all the good it did. He was not sure how he could help. He never lost his grandparents or his mother or father- yet- and could not claim to know how it felt.
Melvin did not answer Albus directly, he just clutched his hands around the scrolls of parchment tightly, "I'm trusting you."
"Trusting?" Kabe asked.
"I can't fight," Melvin said angrily. "They're after me. The Reservation is after me. They got my grandfather now they'll get me. I can't fight them!"
"Why can't you?"
"I betrayed them once, didn't I?" Melvin shot at Albus. "They're after me, now. You can't just expect me to fight them head-on! That's crazy! That's suicide! I don't want to die!"
"You don't have to," Kabe shrugged. "You're in Hogwarts. Even the Reservation can't get in now and they're pushed back to beyond the mountains surrounding us. They can't even take Hogsmeade now. We're completely protected and so are you."
Melvin still looked disbelieving and upset but he stood up at least and looked around, "Are the New Roots still here?"
"No," Albus told him. "We drove them out."
"Can I- can I go to my Ravenclaw Common room?" Melvin asked hopefully.
"Go ahead," Lysander said casually. "Good luck."
"Erm… your brother might have to kip somewhere with us until his house is sorted out," Lorcan said uncertainly.
"Alright!" the boy said mournfully, and to Albus' surprise, his hair changed color to red and his nose to a more straight position. His eyes were still red though. "Oi, Morpheus, anyone ever tell you Pinkeye is a disease?" Lycah commented.
Albus watched the Ollivander boy leave, shoulders slumped and back hunched. He left the hut and shut the door behind him. The small gathering in the hut was silent, the news of Mr. Ollivander's death still sinking in. Melvin had not wanted to grieve in front of them so he had left. Lycah started cleaning her mess up half-heartedly but still shaken at Melvin's sudden attack and she was beginning to throw Albus demanding looks as well. Fora was as silent as the grave, nodding silently to something quiet that Kabe was telling her. She seemed miserable and Kabe was tracing something on the table with his fingers. Lysander was returning to the table and started writing on a long piece of parchment, Dear Lila, and Lorcan was humming something incomprehensible under his breath as he rested against Timber the Wolf, who let out a small growl before going silent.
Finally, Lycah fixed Albus with a determined eye and said, "The Goals. Spill it."
"The- the Goals? Why do you want to k"-
"Spill it, Potter, or get out!" Lycah yelled, making Lorcan look up from his writing.
"Ok, ok… what do you want to know?"
"Names for starters," Lycah demanded. "And make it quick."
"Cherry and her brother Lancet," Albus answered simply. "They are Muggle-born, when their parents were killed they were given a place in Diagon and worked for my Uncle George and Aunt Angelina. They're in Hogsmeade now and Cherry is about to start Hogwarts. Happy?"
Lycah did not look happy at all. Something seemed to be bothering her now, something that actually erased her angry look. If anyone knew, it was Lysander who hurried over to mutter something to her. She shook her head briefly, unaware that Albus was still watching her. She seemed very upset. Did she know them? Come to think of it, Lancet did remind him of Lycah when he got impatient. But he seemed to have a more respectable air about him, calmer and more considerate. Lycah was too easily angered.
She nodded silently and returned to her own bed, not getting up this time, not even bothering to kick anyone out. The way she acted, it was like someone died. After heaving a long sigh, she fell asleep and Albus took that as cue as well. It was not illegal. Some students like Neil slept in Hogsmeade during the summer so Albus was well within his rights to stay in a hut that night. Albus actually just felt himself slip against the wall of the hut and sleep. He felt groggy and tired. A day and night of grieving, dating and replaying memories was oddly exhausting. Finally, after about a minute of yawning, he fell asleep and oddly enough, despite it not even being his hut, he was not awakened until the early hours of the morning.