Hello Everyone!

I know it's been like 5 years, but I recently had a wave of Harry Potter nostalgia, and I remembered I wrote this way back when. I was looking through old files on my computer and I found this chapter nearly finished, so I decided to finish it the way I had originally intended and post it.

Thanks to all of the feedback over the years, and apologies for any inaccuracies. In particular, I'm American, and I have a terrible knowledge of British English (so please excuse all the Americanisms, I try my best but most of them slip through hehe). As for the plot of the story itself, don't worry, James doesn't hate Albus forever :P

While I do have the rest of this story planned, plot-wise, I'm not sure if I'll get the time to write it all, but I'll try. Anyway, enjoy :)

Chapter 9: Homeward

Albus basked in his Quidditch victory as the first signs of winter began to appear at Hogwarts. Tiny snowflakes began to flutter to the ground, coating the castle and the surrounding area in a blanket of snow. Albus, being a cryomancer, was absolutely delighted, often liking it better outside than inside. He read on in A Beginner's Guide to Cryomancy to find that an elemental mage has the ability to draw magical power from their element. He experimented with it and found that his cryomancy was much stronger when he was outside in the snow.

Classes continued as usual as November became December. Neville always had interesting plants to examine, Corby always annoyed Slytherins, and History of Magic continued to bore everyone to sleep, save for Rose. Class work began to increase due to the imminence of the winter holidays. Professor McGonagall assigned two parchment lengths every night about a topic in Transfiguration. Rose continued to be the top of the class, with Scorpius and Albus close behind. In Charms, the trio, with Scorpius' help, managed to master the color-changing charm, the switching spell, and other neat little charms.

In Potions, Albus did so well Slughorn even came up to him to ask him to do extra credit on the last day before break.

"Sure professor, what potion would you like me to make?" Albus inquired.

"It's a Second-Year potion, but I am certain you can handle it. It's a Sleeping Draught, used commonly by witches and wizards suffering from Insomnia," said Slughorn. He handed Albus a recipe for the potion on a piece of paper. "You should have all of your ingredients you need already." Albus smiled.

"No problem, professor, I should be able to get it done over the holidays," said Albus. Slughorn smiled before quickly turning to rescue a Ravenclaw student who managed to melt his cauldron. Acrid black smoke filled the Potions room and Slughorn dismissed them all early.

"I don't think it's very fair! Why can't he ask me for extra credit!?" asked Rose indignantly as the three of them walked out of Potions class. It was a cold, wintery day in mid-December, and the three of them were bundled up in winter cloaks, and their scarves at hats which sported their House colors.

"Oh relax, Rosie, you already have an O in the class, what difference does it make?" retorted Scorpius.

"What difference does it make? I am just as capable as Al of making the Sleeping Draught! I think it's house discrimination!" cried Rose in response.

"House discrimination? You are kidding right?" replied Albus.

"Well, what other reason can it be?" Rose asked in response.

"Guys, what's the point in arguing about this any more?" said Scorpius, with a tone of prudence in his voice. Rose rolled her eyes.

? "Fine. How about we go out to the lake, since classes are all over? The snow probably makes it look really pretty," she said. The three of them trudged through the snow all the way down to the lake, which had a thin coating of ice on it. Albus heard footsteps behind him, and quickly whipped around, but he saw no one there.

"Stop it! Your paranoia is making me nervous!" shouted Rose. Albus glanced back to where he heard the footsteps, and, to his chagrin, another letter from Gaunt was sitting there.

"See! I'm not just being paranoid! Look!" said Albus. He quickly walked over and scooped up the envelope. Sure enough, Gaunt's neat handwriting was visible on the front.

Albus Potter

Eastern Shore

The Lake

Hogwarts

"But where did he come from? I mean, he had to leave footprints!" said Rose.

"Maybe he used another blue snake bird thingy…," suggested Scorpius.

"I've read up on them, they're called Quetzalcoatls. They are feathered snakes with large wings native to the Yucatan Peninsula, and they fly around snatching birds out of the air. They're apparently supposed to be green and they're extinct, so I don't see how it's possible for Gaunt to have one, much less a blue one."

"Rose, we're not lying, he had a blue feathered serpent." said Scorpius.

"That's not possible," said Rose, offended by the notion that information she read in a book was wrong.

"Well, anyway, I'm opening this letter, so argue all you want," said Albus. Albus tore open the envelope and took out the letter. Rose and Scorpius read over his shoulders.

Dear Albus,

Lovely seeing you again, although you didn't see me. I trust you are well, and ready for your Christmas holidays. I am writing this letter to make yet another ardent plea. I am innocent, You-Know-Who forced me into service as a Death Eater against my will after he murdered my parents. And yes, it is true; I am related to You-Know-Who, him being my third cousin. I know this may seem a bit farfetched but I assure you I am telling nothing but the truth.

Now, you may ask, why am I telling you this? Well, seeing as whom your parents are, I'd like you to convince them for me once you accept this fact as true. For now, I'll leave you with another fun riddle about my whereabouts. Enjoy.

Sincerely,

Anton Morfin Salazar Gaunt.

"Ugh, not another clue, what is it this time?" groaned Scorpius. Albus pulled out the tiny scrap of paper and unfolded it.

Bamboozling clues, what could they mean?

Everywhere I go, all I see is green

"Green? Could he be near the ocean?" asked Albus. Scorius shrugged, but Rose's eyes narrowed in "deep-thought" mode.

"Let me see the other clues again, please," she said. Albus reached into his pockets and pulled them all out. Rose put all three papers in line and read aloud:

Crinkled though this paper may be,

Here where I am, all eyes are on me.

Another confusing hint, a perplexing clue

Mabye the snakes know, they may tell you

Bamboozling clues, what could they mean?

Everywhere I go, all I see is green

"Hmm…this is interesting," mumbled Rose.

"What is?" asked Albus, expecting Rose to see something he didn't.

"Every clue begins with something unrelated, then a line describing where he is," Rose replied.

"And…?" asked Scorpius expectantly.

"Well, there's definitely something peculiar about them, I'm sure. But I can't put my finger on what it is. I mean, why give clues as couplets? Does he like poetry or something?" asked Rose. Albus shrugged.

"Maybe we should wait for the other clues. I'm sure there's more," said Albus. He stashed the three papers in his pocket and started trudging back to the castle with Rose and Scorpius in tow. After they were about halfway back to the castle, Albus glanced back toward the lake and saw a black-hooded figure leaning down. With a flick of the figure's wand, the ice shattered.

"Wait, watch," said Albus. The three of them watched as the figure, which Albus was sure was Gaunt, leaned down to the water for about five minutes, before standing up and looking their way. His wand glowed white and an Imperma-Fog charm erupted, concealing Gaunt from view. Rose quickly drew her wand and darted back, shouting,

"Finite Incantantem!"

The fog charm vanished, but no trace of Gaunt was left.

"We almost had him!" shouted Scorpius dejectedly. The three of them returned to the castle to eat their last meal.

"He's really stepped up with following you, Al," said Scorpius.

"Yeah, I don't like it. What could he possibly want?" asked Albus worriedly.

"Well, his letters clearly say he wants you to convince your parents that he's innocent," said Scorpius.

"Oh, come on. You honestly expect me to believe that's all he wants?" said Albus dubiously.

"But what was he doing at the lake?" asked Scorpius.

"I don't know, but I don't like it. Something's up, and I don't know what it is, but I'll find out." said Albus. They finished their dinner and left for the Slytherin dormitories to pack up for the train ride home.

Albus gathered up his belongings into his big, mahogany trunk. He looked around at the emerald green drapes of his dormitory one last time before heading out to the common room. He felt rueful that he had to leave the Slytherin Common Room. He would be returning to James' constant teasing and a group of cousins who were more than happy to play along with it. Breathing a heavy sigh, Albus made his way toward the door.

"Albus, may I have a word?" came a dry, emotionless voice from Albus' right. Albus turned to see Professor Snape's portrait looking intently at him.

"Yes, professor?" Albus asked.

"I wouldn't worry too much about your family. Yours is far from being as dysfunctional as mine was, and I didn't turn out too bad, did I?" said Snape, a rare, faint smile crossing his usually pursed lips. This poignant sentiment seemed to brighten Albus' mood slightly, and he was glad for it. Snape was right. Albus still had Lily and Dad and Mum to look forward to.

"Thank you, sir, have a Happy Christmas," replied Albus.

"And you as well," said Snape.

"See you, Al! Have a Happy Christmas!" called Coluber from the other side of the room.

"Thanks, Col! You do the same!" replied Albus. He left the Slytherin Common Room and headed up to the Great Hall. Most of the students had already left for the train. Rose and Scorpius were sitting at the Slytherin table alone, playing Wizard's Chess.

"I'm really going to hate going back to my family for Christmas," said Rose.

"As soon as James tells them all that we're friends with Scorpius, they're going to kill us," said Albus sadly.

"Oh, come on, your family doesn't hate me that badly, do they?" asked Scorpius jokingly.

"Yeah, they do," said Albus, chuckling.

"I'm offended. To think I was going to send them a Christmas card…" snickered Scorpius.

"Well, it's getting late. Rook to E7. Checkmate, let's go to the train," said Rose lazily, making Scorpius stare in shock as to what move she just played. They gathered up their things and headed out the main doors to the train station in Hogsmeade. Once they were aboard the scarlet steam engine, they found a suitable compartment much more quickly than last time. With a loud whistle, the train was set into motion. The whole ride home they were animatedly talking about Anton Gaunt and where he could possibly be.

"I mean, maybe he's hiding in the lake…," said Rose.

"In the lake!? Are you completely mental? How would he breathe?" asked Scorpius.

"His element is water. He might be able to survive in it, if he's such a powerful wizard." said Rose.

"And he was doing something weird at the lake today. That might be a good suggestion, we'll have to check it out later."

"The train has now arrived at Platform Nine and Three Quarters. Please gather your things and exit the train. Have a safe holiday." came a voice over the loudspeaker.

"Well, good-bye mate, have a Happy Christmas," said Albus.

"Yeah, Happy Christmas, Scorpius," said Rose.

"Thanks guys. You have a good Christmas too," said Scorpius.

"We'll try," said Albus dejectedly. With a heavy sigh, Rose and Albus gathered their things and left the compartment ahead of their friend. As Albus stepped onto the brightly lit platform, he felt out of place. The bright lights and loud noises were so different from the dim yet pleasant and quiet atmosphere of the Slytherin Common Room to which he had become accustomed. He and Rose searched around before spotting a tall, lanky man with long, flaming red hair.

"Dad!" cried Rose.

"Uncle Ron!" cried Albus. The two of them dashed over to Ron and embraced him in a hug.

"Hello kiddos! How are you?" said Ron goofily.

"Good Dad, how about you?" asked Rose.

"Can't complain. Your mother's driving me up a wall with holiday errands and decorating, but otherwise I'm fine." chuckled Ron. James coolly strode over after saying goodbye to a group of Gryffindor girls. "Well, if it isn't Mr. Popular himself. Glad I am lucky to be graced by your presence." Ron snorted.

"Hey, Uncle Ron, how are you?" said James.

"Good, good. Just telling your brother and cousin here how Aunt Hermione has been driving me insane." said Ron. Ron glanced over to look at something, and James withdrew a photograph. Clearly visible were Albus, Rose, and Scorpius walking by, oblivious to whoever took the picture. James smirked and quickly stashed the photo away when Ron turned back around. Albus and Rose gulped.

"Why the long faces? It's Christmas! Come on! McGonagall's class can't be that bad, can it?" chuckled Ron. "Alright, let's go. I hired a Ministry car to take us back to Grimmauld Place." They passed through the barrier and back into the Muggle train station. Muggles bustled to and fro, unaware of the wizards in their midst. Ron, Albus, Rose, and James made it to the parking lot, where a long stretch limousine was parked.

"Come on, it's first class." said Ron. Rose rolled her eyes and smiled. They climbed into the vehicle, which quickly zoomed down the streets of London before arriving at 12 Grimmauld Place. The unassuming townhome was only visible to those who were informed of its secret. Rose had said it was a Fidelius Charm, or something like that. After Ron checked around for onlookers, he led them up to the front door and inside the house.

"Al! James! You're back!" He saw Lily run down the hallway and embrace James in a hug before turning to hug Albus. His mother and father came out, along with his Aunt Hermione. He ran up and hugged his parents, and Rose gave a hug to her mother as well.

"We really missed you guys," said Harry, beaming at Albus.

"I'm so glad you're all home," said Ginny, smiling. "Kreacher made some snacks, why don't you all sit down and eat something?" Ginny ushered all of them into the dining room, where Kreacher had piled a stack of cookies, a bowl of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, and a big cake with the words "WELCOME HOME MASTERS ALBUS AND JAMES" written on it in icing. The icing changed colors from neon purple to neon red and every color in between.

They all eagerly sat down to dig in, and Albus took a healthy helping of cake and a couple cookies.

"So Al and Rose, how do you like Hogwarts?" asked Ginny.

"It's great! We love all of our classes," said Rose.

"Well, everything except D.A.D.A," said Albus.

"Why is that, Al? I thought you liked the subject," asked Hermione.

"Well, Corby's the teacher. And he hates Slytherin. Absolutely despises the house and anyone in it. He took points away from me just because I beat a Gryffindor in a practice duel." said Albus, recalling the irritation that Corby caused him.

"Well, we all knew Corby's a bit of an airhead," said Ginny, laughing. "I told your father to fire him the first time I met him."

Albus laughed.

"How are you doing in classes, Al?" Lily asked.

"Really well. I have O's in almost every subject," he said, grinning proudly.

"Well, you still could use a little work on Transfiguration, as Professor McGonagall said on numerous occasions," Rose added smugly. Albus stuck his tongue out at her. The adults in the room laughed.

"And you could do better in Potions," he retorted. At that point, Lily reached out and fiddle with Albus' green and silver scarf.

"I think I like these colors better than the ones on James'," she said. Albus grinned.

"Thanks, Lily, I think so too."

"What's the Slytherin Common Room like, Al?" Ron asked. It seemed like the words were heavy on his lips, as though he couldn't believe he were asking them. Hermione eyed her husband suspiciously.

"You were there, you don't remember?" she asked, so as to gloss over it.

"I was twelve, Hermione. That was a long time ago!"

Everyone chuckled.

"When were you there, Uncle Ron?" Albus asked.

"I was there too," said Harry. "We snuck into the common room disguised as Crabbe and Goyle to see if Malfoy was the one who opened the Chamber of Secrets."

"Speaking of Malfoy, how's about that promise you made me on Platform 9 3/4, Rosie? Are you beating Malfoy's prat of a son at every test?" Ron asked, grinning deviously.

Rose shot Albus a brief glance of panic before replying calmly.

"Yes, well, every subject except Charms. We both have O's in the class but he's a little bit better at it than I am."

"You really seem to know a lot about Malfoy's grades, Rose," James smirked. Albus' eyes widened before he could come up with a convincing lie.

"First-Year Slytherins and Ravenclaws have a lot of their classes together. And Scorpius is in my House," said Albus. "We all talk about grades and such. Rose asked me one day."

"I still can't believe it," said Ron, "A Malfoy and a Potter in the same house." Ginny shot her older brother a dirty look before placing her hand on Albus' shoulder.

"Nothing wrong with that, Al," she said. "I'm very proud of you for not being afraid to be different." She gave her son a kiss on the forehead.

"Well, why don't you kids go put your stuff away," said Harry. "Rose, Hugo, you two are going to stay the night here and we'll all go Christmas shopping in Diagon Alley tomorrow."

James, Albus, and Rose all nodded and marched up the stairs, with Hugo and Lily following close behind. Albus made it into his room and was unpacking his things. He was glad to see the poster of the Brazilian Quidditch Team still hanging next to his bed. He placed his schoolbooks and cauldron on his desk. He sat down on his bed and flipped open Advanced Potion Making to a page about the Draught of Living Death. It was quite a complicated potion, and Professor Snape had made all manner of corrections and additions to the original recipe. The Sleeping Draught Slughorn wanted Albus to make was a much simpler version, but Albus thought he could apply some of Snape's modifications. Albus was trying to understand the rationale behind the changes when he heard a soft tap at his door. He looked up to see Lily standing in the doorway, smiling sweetly.

"Can I come in and talk to you?" she asked. Albus nodded. He put the book on his nightstand. Lily sat down at the edge of his bed.

"I missed you a lot," she said. "The house was really empty without you here."

Albus smiled.

"I missed you too, Lily."

"Is Hogwarts hard?"

"It's…challenging, but fun," he said. "It would be a little bit better if everyone stopped teasing me."

"James?" she asked. Albus nodded. Lily rolled her eyes and Albus laughed.

"He won't leave me alone. He thinks just because I'm in Slytherin that I've somehow disappointed the family."

Lily laughed.

"That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard!" she said. Albus chuckled. He did miss Lily. She and Albus had always been close. Not that they weren't close to James, but Albus and Lily always understood each other better, and could confide in each other about what worried them.

Another tap on the door, and Rose came into the room to join them. Lily began asking both of them all about Hogwarts, and they talked about classes, the professors, Hagrid, the Great Hall, and all sorts of things for quite a while.

"Have you guys made any new friends at Hogwarts?" Lily asked. Albus and Rose nodded.

"Promise you won't tell," he said. Lily nodded.

"I would swear it with one of those magic oaths, but I don't know the charm, and I don't have a wand," she grinned sheepishly. Albus and Rose laughed.

"Scorpius Malfoy," Albus whispered. Lily's eyes widened, and she began to chuckle.

"Uncle Ron is going to kill him if he ever finds out. Does Dad know?" Lily asked. Albus nodded. At that point, another knock came at the door, and the three of them looked up to see James. He waved the photograph in front of them tauntingly.

"You'd better stay on my good side, Al, Rose," he said, winking. He ran away before Rose could come up with a clever retort. Albus explained the photograph to Lily.

"You're going to have to tell everyone at some point," Lily said. "Why not just do it on your own terms, so James doesn't let the secret out?"

Albus smiled. Though Lily was the youngest Potter, sometimes she had the wisest advice.

"We will," he said. "When the time is right."