Albus Potter Had a Good Memory

by Brittnodo

Albus Severus Potter learned a lot growing up, this is a look into his memories and how he came to be the man he is today.

10. Brothers

Disclaimer- I don't own Harry Potter, crazy right?

Chapter 10- Brothers

Quidditch; the greatest sport ever and I, sadly, was a nervous wreck. Because I was a nervous wreck something changed between my brother and me forever;

Breathe in. Breathe Out. In. Out. In. Out.

I kept that mantra going as Jonathan Macmillan announced Quidditch try-outs would start next Saturday after breakfast.

I. Love. Quidditch.

I have been playing Quidditch all my life and fancy myself a pretty good seeker, not up in dad's caliber but good enough to beat the relatives in a few pick-up games at the Burrow.

I have a firm belief I will royally muck up this chance to be someone other then "Harry Potter's son", "Harry potter Jr.", or my least favorite "The-chosen-ones-chosen-look-a-like". Yeah, don't ask me where these pea-brains get their nicknames.

What didn't help matters was the intense pressure that lay on my shoulders.

First there is Dad the youngest bloody seeker in a century and later captain, Mum former seeker and chaser for Hogwarts, professional chaser for the Harpies and then a Quidditch commentator for the Daily Prophet, then there is James who last year made the Gryffindor Quidditch team as a chaser. Lets not count the fact Uncle Charlie, Uncle Fred, Uncle Ron, Aunt Angelina, and Aunt Audrey all played Quidditch too while in school. AND to add on top of that entire whoopla Teddy was a chaser, Dominque is a chaser, Louis is a Keeper and Captain, and last Fred is a beater on the various Hogwarts House teams.

My entire family will look down on me if I don't make the team. I'll be an utter disappointment, Gran will never knit me a sweater, Uncle Fred will disown me as his godson, Uncle Charlie will never send me another Dragon tooth (from a baby of course), Teddy will never write me, and Dad…Oh, Dad he will never look at me the same, he wont love me, he'll ignore me and treat me as if I don't exist and he-

I must've looked worse than hippogriff dung because Scorpius dragged me away from the dungeons, to a secluded hallway.

Scorp's grey eyes held deep concern as he asked, "Al you Ok? Your face got really pale back there."

I gulped and stuttered, "Q-Quidditch, I don't think I c-can do i-it."

"What do ya mean, Al?" Scorpius said incredulously. "You're an amazing seeker we played last summer; you beat me almost every time. And that's not only because I prefer to be a chaser, it's because you have an amazing flying ability."

I looked at my best mate and smiled a bit, even though that nauseous feeling hadn't gone away, "Thanks mate. I ah- need to go talk to Mantra* about something, I'll see you a bit later."

Scorpius reluctantly let go of my arm and walked away looking back a few times.

As soon as he rounded the corner I sunk to the floor. Sure, Scorpius' words were comforting but I still couldn't possibly believe I was good enough to make the team.

I felt absolutely terrible sitting there in this dark hallway. The floor was cold, and the window across from me showed –of all things- the Quidditch pitch. The bright flags waved gaily in the air taunting me.

Light footsteps littered down the hall coming from the opposite direction Scorpius left, I was about to high tail it out of there but to my surprise it was my 13 year old brother carrying the marauders map.

He looked at me with a smirk, his brown eyes bright under his rectangular glasses, and his dark brown-almost black hair was so askew he probably thought it looked good (I personally thought he looked a bit like a homeless person), he wasn't wearing his uniform, and instead he had on a simple pair of black jeans, red shirt and gray zip-up. I knew immediately he must either have been to Hogsmeade or is about to go.

"Hey, little brother," James laughed and ruffled my already messy hair. "Don't you look down in the dumps; did you get a snake bite? Because you know you little snakes are venomous!"

I scowled at him, I wasn't in the mood for James to tease me, nor was I in the mood to hear him insult my house so I said a muffled response and attempted to walk away.

Please put emphasis on the attempted.

I say attempted because James grabbed me by the shoulders and whipped me around so we where nose to nose (I had been graced with my Uncles height and Dads skinniness, while James received the short and stocky genes).

Glaring, I shoved him away from me with an angry, "Leave me alone, James."

James rolled his eyes and grabbed me in a headlock, "Aw, come on asp, be a good little snake and answer me"

"Leave me alone, James, and stop with the damn snake jokes, I get it I'm a Slytherin, the house of Snakes." I spat, pushing him roughly away from me.

"I bloody hell will not leave you alone, Albus. What's wrong with you?" James said hotly, his eyes were a dark brown almost black as per usual when he was angry.

I growled which probably sounded pathetic towards my elder brother, but it gave me some odd confidence, "Merlin, it's nothing. Why don't you just go back and be with Fred seeing you like him so much better than me? What use am I to you, when you've got Fred and Arthur? I mean I'm just your stupid, Slytherin brother. And you are just the perfect Gryffindor golden boy, well guess what I don't care."

There I've got it off my chest.

I've been harboring these bitter feelings for the past year and a half , they've just come to surface probably because I'm so stressed with this ruddy Quidditch thing and bloody insecurities or whatever Aunt Audrey goes on about as a Mind healer.

You see before James started Hogwarts we were super close, we did everything together, we were as Aunt Hermione called us "two peas in a pod". But then James went off to Hogwarts, and when he came home for the Holidays all he wanted to do was spend time with Fred and talk about Arthur Milverton, his best mate.

Arthur was, in my opinion, the biggest git in the world.

Arthur clearly despised me for being a Slytherin, he didn't care if I was James' brother, I was in his words, "a dirty snake who shouldn't have come out from under that rock."

Charming fellow, Eh?

Of course when he was around James he acted like I was his little brother. Yeah right, I'd rather be related to Nott (Which I probably am, now that I think of it).

So, James is back and I thought after those first few days it would be the two of us again.

It never was.

Sure, we spoke but most of the times it was mere pleasantries, and small concerns, or joined letters from our parents and Lily.

But it wasn't Al and James anymore. No it was Art and James.

And I despised it, but before now I was way too polite to say anything, about feeling unneeded and unwanted by my brother and best friend.

And to add on top of that, like a cherry on a sundae, he can do know wrong since he is a perfect Gryffindor and I'm a suspicious snake, who's up to no good.

I breathed heavily and watched as James' jaw dropped but before he got another word out I scrambled for the dungeons, I ran as fast as I could, completely mortified.

I am seriously over my head.

I decided to go to the one place where I could get some advice.

My dad would help me no doubt.

So I took a left and high tailed it towards Uncle Neville's office, I would need to get there fast because James passes that way to go his Common room.

When I got to his office I knocked several times before I got an answer.

Uncle Neville looked at me surprised and gestured for me to come in. I did and plunked myself down in one of his chairs in front of his messy desk, and put my head in my hands.

Soundlessly, Uncle Neville walked towards me and lay a rough hand on my shoulder, "Al, are you alright?"

I gulped and looked up my eyes connected with his instantly; he seemed to get what I wanted, for he walked towards his fireplace in the corner and Floo called my Dad.

A few minutes later my dad came out of the Floo gracefully, his Auror robes meticulously clean, and he took a look at me and strode towards me.

He silently kneeled down in front of me with a concerned look on his handsome face, "Al, what happened? Did someone hurt you?"

I looked at him and shook my head in the negative, I wasn't hurt physically.

Dad looked over at Uncle Neville who shrugged, his scarred face was troubled, and "He just came in like this. I had a feeling he needed you."

Dad nodded and replied, "Thanks Nev, do you mind if I take a walk with my son?"

"Of course you can!" Uncle Neville's face lit up, "You're Harry Potter. No one cares, and I assure you Minerva would be delighted if you stayed for dinner."

Dad grinned at his friend before looking at me, "Al why don't we take a walk? I know an excellent place where the two of us can go."

I shrugged and got up, dad lead me out of the room with a light hand on the back of my neck.

Right before we got to the first corner dad muttered a cuss, and when I looked up he was scanning the area.

"Sorry about this Al, but I need to perform an invisibility charm on us, if we want to get out of here unnoticed."

He preformed the charm, and we traveled through Hogwarts vast hallways to get to the Astronomy Tower.

When we made it to the very top dad took the charms off, and when I got a quick look at his face I saw that his eyes were far away, but almost as soon as I witnessed this it was gone, for he smiled at me and tugged my hand towards the railing.

It was a beautiful autumn day, not to warm not to cold, the sun was shining and students roamed around happily, enjoying their warm weekend before the bitter winter set in.

I let out a hearty sigh as the wind blew through my ruffled hair.

"So Al, want to tell your dear old dad what's wrong?" My dad asked a few minutes later.

I looked down at him (he was sitting on a step not far from where I overlooked the grounds), and shrugged.

He let out a sigh, and closed his eyes, "Albus, come sit by me."

I took one last look towards the lake to see the Giant squid splashing a few students, to my amusement, before I walked over towards the older man.

I sat next to my dad feeling small, as he put a long arm around my shoulders and begin to speak not above a whisper, "How about I tell you something you don't know about me? In return though you need to tell me what's bugging you, Deal?"

"Sure" I spoke for the first time, eager to have dad tell me something about him that I didn't know.

"Alright," He said quietly, "This isn't too pleasant but, I think you are mature enough to handle it. In my fourth year of Hogwarts Cedric Diggory was murdered, that was really my first experience with death other than my parents as a baby, and I had no idea how to cope. So, one day I was able to sneak out of my dorm and just take a walk, and as I did I found myself here. As I looked across the grounds I remember feeling lost, and alone, and by that time Sirius had already left to do work for Dumbledore, so I had no one really, well in my head. This place helped me cope, seeing as I couldn't sleep, every night till the day before we left on the train I came here to deal with the grief and guilt."

I was staring at my Dad, mouth agape and was about to say something but he continued, "My fifth year was horrid. I couldn't talk to Sirius, Dumbledore was ignoring me, Umbridge mad my life hell, and then I made one of my biggest mistakes of my life. I lead Sirius unknowingly to his death. I was a mess afterwards, I nearly destroyed the headmasters office, and screamed at the man till I was horse in the throat, but the old man took in stride, pissed me off even more, ya know?"

I unconsciously nodded in agreement.

"You do that. You're ridiculously calm, makes us even angrier." Dad's eyes popped open in surprise.

"Do I really?" He asked with genuine curiosity.

I nervously laughed, "Yeah, its rather annoying."

"Hmm, sorry, I know its rather frustrating; must've picked it up from…" Dad's voice trailed off and I watched as his eyes glanced over towards the edge of the Astronomy tower and almost imperceptible winced, before turning back to me with his eyes shut once again.

"Well, after I destroyed the office and was free to go, I checked in on your Aunts and Uncles, before coming here. There I was again dealing with another death that made my guilt palpable to the others and this was someone who… I loved greatly. I was able to relieve some pain by coming here alone. This was a safe haven if you will, until my sixth year."

Dad's face was naturally pale but it was bone white now as he talked about Sirius, my concern over rid my curiosity, "Dad, you don't have to say anymore, I'll tell you what's wrong."

Dad's eyes opened once again they were rather watery to my embarrassment, "No, Albus let me finish."

He settled back eyes closed once again, "My sixth year was…different. As you know I was learning how to destroy Tom Riddle, with Dumbledore as my teacher. I-I was always closer, if you will too him than other students, because of my unique position in the war, but he was rather fond of me, and the feelings were mutual, as I'm sure you know given your name. I was Dumbledore's man through and through."

He opened his eyes and looked at me from the corner of his eyes and I could tall he had a smile on his face, "The former minster called me that after I wouldn't be his poster boy, and I accepted that name proudly, quite funny how much it bothered Scrimegour. But anyways, as you know I was there yet again when someone I cared about died."

My eyes were trained on dads form, he was staring off into space as if reliving the memory, "I won't go into to much detail, about Albus Dumbledore's Death, but I will say when I watched him it happen, I never looked at this place the same. Just like when I go to the Department of Mysteries, I get a lump in my throat that I can't seem to dispel, and no matter how hard I try that hurt is still there, not as strong and potent as when it first happened but it's still there."

Dad looked out with a small smile, "After the battle of Hogwarts your Uncle George helped me realize how important I was to him and all your Aunts and Uncles, and I sort of helped him to I think a bit with him losing Fred. Do you see what I mean Al? This place is great for grief, so let your grief out, my boy!" When I didn't respond dad asked again.

"So tell me Al, why you are so distressed?"

My dad's soulful green eyes bore into mine, and me and my problems suddenly felt insignificant to Dads problems as a kid. I mean the man had to watch people he cared about and even loved be killed. And here I am whining about my big brother not wanting me, it makes my problem feel small and stupid.

"Never mind Dad, it's really no big deal." I said unconvincingly.

Dad eyes narrowed, "Spill it Albus, I didn't leave my very important job to hear my son spout rubbish."

I blinked, Can't hide much from Dad.

"Well," I started staring at my shoes, "It all started when Macmillan said he would hold Quidditch trials next weekend."

Dad interrupted me with a smile, "Well, that's good. You love Quidditch, and you're an amazing player."

I felt me cheeks heat up, "Thanks, but I was- still am- nervous, so badly did the nerves effect me, Scorpius had to drag me out of the room. He took me to a deserted hallway and we talked, I eventually convinced him to go, and not ten minutes later James showed up. You see before he came I was afraid if I don't make the team you'll be disappointed in me, and disown me."

I winced, as dad straightened up he knew what was coming, but continued on, "I wasn't in the best of moods when he came around, to begin with so when we kind of clashed, I sort-of blew up at him."

Dad scratched the back of his neck nervously, probably thinking this was a better problem for mum to sort out, no doubt, and opened his mouth several times before he actually spoke, "Well, what did you exactly say to him? And Al, I don't care if you play Quidditch or not you're my son and I love you, more than anything."

I bit my lip, and my eyes stared to water, "Thanks dad, I love you two but back to James, I told him the truth. What I've been feeling, lately."

"What have you been feeling lately, Al?" Dad asked gently.

"Left out I guess," I murmured, "James and I we used to be so close and now it's like I don't even know him. He's always spending time with Fred and that git Arthur, and he seems not to care about me anymore. And I think it's because I'm a Slytherin, I mean he is always making fun of me because I'm the first Potter to be a Slytherin, its just…hard I guess."

Dads face softened and he ran a hand through my hair, "Oh, Al why didn't you say anything, to him, or your mum and I? We would've spoken with him, if you couldn't?"

I sniffled, "I didn't want James to have to feel forced to spend time with me."

Suddenly, another voice broken from behind Dad and I, "Blimey, Al, I didn't realize you were feeling like that. I just thought you were busy with classes and stuff, that's why I haven't been spending time with you! I don't care that you're a Slytherin either. And I'm not making fun of you, I'm just teasing you, like how Uncle Bill teases dad and Uncle Ron, you know?"

James appeared suddenly as if he had been in plain sight the entire time, by removing my invisibility cloak and Dad smiled softly at him, "Hello James, nice of you to finally reveal yourself."

James laughed, and sat on my other side ruffling his hair, "Hey Dad, how're ya doing? Mum alright?"

"Good, Good, everything is going well" He said waving a hand around, nonchalantly.

James looked back at me, I stared at him wide eyed.

"Al, know one can replace you, you're my little brother, and if you would stop and tell me what's wrong next time maybe we could sort stuff out better."

Dad beamed and James proudly, while I stared dumbly back at him for blurting, "Where'd you get my cloak?"

James snickered, "Well, I had Scorpius get it for me because I was going to ah-," He looked to dad quickly, who mumbled, "I've gone deaf for the next ten seconds."

James beamed, "Yes, well, I was going to sneak you out with me through the one-eyed witch passageway, so we could spend the day together in Hogsmeade."

I gaped at my brother before groaning, "I'm such an idiot, James I'm so sorry, and I ruined everything."

"It's cool, Al, We always have next week."

The lump that had left my throat came back full force.

"Um, Al, you ok? You're looking' kind of green," James asked patting me lightly on the book.

Dad looked on in concern as I groaned, "Quidditch."

James grunted, "Huh?"

"They are holding try-outs next week."

"Yeah, and?"

Dad broke in for me dryly and said, "Your brother is a tad nervous, and has a ridiculous notion that we'll disown him if he doesn't make the team."

"Why!" James shouted, making me jump a foot high in the air, "You're great at Quidditch. Did someone say otherwise, because I'll beat them to a bloody pulp if they did?"

I shook my head.

"Then what's wrong? Your good at the game and that's all that matters."

I nodded, the lump in my throat lessened.

James sighed and rolled his eyes, "Tomorrow, me and you the Quidditch pitch, we'll practice. Deal? Besides I can't have you disowned, who'll, I sneak out with to visit Teddy with?"

I looked up, nodded enthusiastically and shook my brother's hand, but James would have none of that for he wrapped his arms around me and hugged me.

We let go quickly when dad chuckled and spoke, "Well, boys I'm very proud that the two of you sorted that out, for I am certainly hungry, and would love to eat."

I only noticed then that I missed lunch and was starving.

Both James and I nodded enthusiastically, and followed dad to the crowded Great Hall, where I had to endure many whispered conversations about me and my Dad but it all was really worth it, because I knew my brother cared about no matter what.

A/N: Hello, to anyone who is actually reading this! I just want thank the person who left that review in chapter 8 about Bush, I just want say I totally agree with what you said Bush did help, he probably has done more than we give him credit for but I don't know there was always something about him that rubbed me the wrong way (I responded here because I couldn't PM you for some reason). Aright then on to fun stuff I totally got my high score in bowling this week, I was ridiculously proud of myself (If you want to know it was 179, heh you probably don't but :p)

Please Review! Thanks to those who did review including my favorite reviewer AmiliaPadfoot, lol you probably deserve a trophy for reviewing this thing. And anyone else who faved, alerted and all that, THANKS.

Adios~ Brittany

PS I made a little * next to the name Mantra because that's what I named the DADA professor!