He was 100% sure he had the worst luck in the world. A month into his new position and his team was seriously getting on his nerves.
Morrison was blunt and irritating and made the worst jokes at the most inopportune moments — the guy never stopped talking, not even when they were chasing down an elderly witch's stolen wallet in Diagon Alley (truly, the scope of crimes was mind-bogglingly banal) and almost always, he would brag about how many 'matches' he had gotten on this strange muggle app called 'Tinder.'
Tobias barely spoke and sometimes Neil wondered if the guy was capable of speech at all. The few times he did made Neil glad that the guy kept his mouth shut the rest of the time — seemingly gentle, Tobias was prone to outbursts when he got frustrated with himself, muttering angrily that "the beast will NEVER come out" or whatever crap that seemed to mean. Weird guy; boring most of the time and not good company. Okay that was a little mean. More like, he had no idea what to do in front of Tobias and often felt awkward.
Lily Luna Potter was perhaps the only one Neil can stomach on a daily basis — that was, until she started talking about her brother. Albus was good at this, Albus liked that, Albus did this and this and this and then somehow she would slip into a state of mourning about how she wished she knew where he was. It was as if she had joined the Aurors, transferring out of what seemed like a promising medical career in St. Mungos, for the sole reason of finding him again. (Perhaps she did.) Anyhow, it irritated Neil because Albus Potter was the reason why rules around age and promotions were tightened. The sole reason — or so he would like to have believed — that he wasn't promoted earlier.
Now Cynthia, Cynthia was the worst of them all. There were moments when she was openly hostile and insubordinate, bordering on mocking his young age, mannerisms, calling him 'snakey' and making jokes about his instructions. She openly questioned his abilities to be a decent team leader and constantly acted as if he did not know his job. Worst of all, there were times when she consistently interrupted his speeches.
"We will split into two groups to scout the area-"
"Oh, well, then who's going to stand guard back here?"
"We need to get the diagnostic of this venom completely corr-"
"That won't be needed, we don't have time."
"Right, team, we should come in 8am tomorrow-"
"That wouldn't be necessary, most teams do 9am."
And the rudeness goes on and on.
In all honesty, Neil was sorely tempted to complain to his superiors about Cynthia — and the rest of his team. And yet, part of him was worried that his seeming inability to manage most of them would reflect badly on future promotion prospects. Biting his lips, he had no choice but to (for now) deal with them.
Perhaps an opening would emerge in the future, perhaps the initial friction would give way to something more tolerable. As of now, however, there was no ending in sight. Director Thunberg, one of his supervisors, had offered a few tips on dealing with the lot, all while implicitly expressing sympathy towards his current position. ("Do let me know if things really go south for your team. I might be able to help," he also offered.) Apparently, Cynthia was hot-headed and traumatized, Lily was just traumatized, Tobias was introverted, possessed a disturbing magical condition and traumatized and Morrison Wilders was a loudmouth but also had a photographic memory (something he had proven during a task). A lovely bunch.
~X~
Weeks flew by in a blur and it was November already — or more specifically, it was Alumni Day, where former Hogwarts students visited their old school, attended formal dinners with their House Heads, conversed with their former professors, traversed the school premises and Hogsmede like eager students again and played one much anticipated Quidditch game, which was clearly the focus of this whole thing anyway.
This year's line-up was a combined Ravenclaw-Slytherin team versus a combined Gryffindor-Hufflepuff team. There was much chatter amongst his fellow students about who might be playing who. Some Gryffindors were definitely making monetary bets and Nigel was sure that some of his friends were joining in too.
"Potter, which side do you reckon is gonna win?" Yiannis asked as he chewed on a chocolate frog.
"Personally, I'd call it a toss-up. Both sides are evenly matched. Their side's Chasers and Beaters are stronger, but I hear our Seeker this year is good. It depends on how fast this match lasts, I guess," Nigel analyzed.
"Well, I'm betting on ours," Karen said with a huff. "What about you, Conrad? Conrad?"
"Stop distracting me, I'm clearly examining the magic around this parchment. It's fascinating," Conrad said with awe as he continued staring at the Marauder's Map.
"Mate, you've been staring at the thing for weeks," Nigel commented flatly. "And yours still haven't concluded anything meaningful."
"Breakthroughs always emerge when one feels most hopeless!" Conrad declared.
Dorothea giggled as she watched them bicker again. "Well, I reckon we're winning too. Neil Nott, our seeker, he could have been in Puddlemore. Ended up joining the Aurors though."
~X~
"Try harder," Neil grinned as he grasped the Golden Snitch in the air. Lawrence had lost a coin toss so he was, thankfully, relieved from 'Gran Duty' and was able to finally, after months of being submerged in work, find some time to play Quidditch with friends of old.
"I'm just saying, bro, I still don't know why you're not a professional Quidditch player," Arthur shook his head as he dismounted along with the rest of the group.
"Thanks for the flattery but I'm sure Martin there would disagree," Neil returned his words with some false modesty. In truth, these days, he was beginning to think that he had made a mistake back at Hogwarts when he foolishly decided to enlist as an Auror. Indeed, just what was he thinking? In the past few years, his friend Martin, along with the rest of Puddlemore seemed to be having the time of their lives. He could have been one of them. What had he gained by becoming an Auror - just what was he-
"Watch for the bludger!"
Neil ducked just in time.
That old feeling of exhilaration, whenever his team won and the euphoria gushing through his veins as he faced a cheering crowd - perhaps old-fashioned house rivalry played a part in all of this, but it made Neil really miss the good times at school. As well as continue to question his life choices.
"Well, folks, I say let's head to Hogsmede later and drink our hearts out!" Bran suggested. "Drinks are on me!"
"Seriously guys, as a member of the Aurors, our friend Neil can't be spotted at shady places when not on duty," Arthur interceded, much to the moaning of many others.
"No it's okay, I can afford to dip from time to time. Besides it's not like the place is that bad - if you want to talk about bad, I can tell you all about the horrors my brother went through while attending great-great-grandma," Neil said.
"Oh, we all know dearest…" Martin chuckled as he ruffled Neil's head.
~X~
"I just miss being in Hogwarts-"
"I don't."
"Well, because you're currently having a good time and I'm, well, I'm doing okay I guess… Okay, I realize I'm fooling no one here but consider this: you are promoted, you think you're going to have a decent career but then your team sucks and you begin to realize the multitudinous inadequacies of your own capabilities and character, wondering whether that was the real excuse people gave for not advancing you earlier was not because frickin Albus Potter went bonkers but because of the sole, unsalvageable reason that you suck!"
"Woahhhhhh!"
There were gasps all around the room.
"Sorry guys, I got emotional," Neil piped as he owned another shot. "I love these. Just look at them, they're on fire!" He pointed to the flaming shots of liquor. "You know what else is on fire? My entire career! I'm never going to get along with my team and so I won't get promoted and I'll spend my life forever as some low-level bureaucrat, hating myself and hating everyone around me."
"Come on bro, no need to wallow in self-pity, am I right?" Martin patted his back. "Really, things aren't always that good at Puddlemore. I mean, they're not bad but I have struggles too. Heck, we all make decisions in life and no path ever smooth. Just... you'll be fine."
"You should go on one of those sappy self-healing talk shows... just listen to yourself..." Neil murmured drowsily as he reached for another shot, only to be blocked by Arthur.
"No more alcohol tonight for you, son."
"I drink whatever I want, whenever I want." Neil snatched the shot-glass back.
"Now Mr. Prefect, you understand how us insubordinate mortals felt when you tried to stop us from drinking in the Common Room," Antoine declared.
"It was a Monday, Antoine, nobody drinks on a fucking Monday..."
"Okay, Neil, but say some emergency happens and you're suddenly called for duty, I want to know that our Aurors will keep us safe and not show up inebriated," Sam joked.
"It's fine, there's nothing that bad going on anyway, no nothing... boring... what's the worse that can happen tonight?" Neil mumbled.
"I don't know, maybe... Albus Potter is in England?"
"Not going to happen."
"No, I mean it, Albus Potter is in England right now, according to the Daily Watcher," Arthur pointed at the screen behind the bar table frantically. "Well shit, he's apparently knocked a couple of Aurors unconscious... wait, wait, wait... no... no..."
"You're joking... Arthur... why are you always like this?" Neil slurred, mildly vexed and pointing towards his friend in an accusatory manner.
"Errrrr I'm not, mate. Also, your alarm is sounding."
"Fucking hell, probably just Cynthia playing a prank on me. Fucking bitch..."
"Errrrrrrrrrr, Albus Potter has broken into the Ministry of Magic."
"Nonsense!"
"Mate, you should report for duty-"
"Does it look like he's fit for duty?!"
"Does it look like it matters?!"
"Does it look like it matters if it matters?!""
"You guys... it's okay. I'll ring my brother right now! I'm half-convinced that Lawrence corresponded illegally, against international and national law, in contacting and occasionally covering for Albus Potter. I'm dead-ass sure. I mean, okay... I'm not implying all Slytherins are related to shady criminals, after all, we're not - but - but, we're mostly a tight bunch too. Lawrence, Duke, Hector... my brother's mates - some of them must know something!" Neil ranted incoherently.
"Then bring me to them," came a stern voice.
Neil froze. "Director Thunberg?"
Crap.
"Your brother. Mind showing me the way?"
~X~
It was all over the news. Inescapable, all-consuming, making her heart pulsate, thump its way out of her chest. Lily couldn't take it anymore.
Her brother was in Britain.
At least, according to the news, he was in Britain.
One moment, she was catching up with old friends in Hogwarts after Alumni Day, complaining a little about losing the Quidditch game, joking around and forgetting about the world around her, feeling like a carefree student - and then in another brother had to be in Britain.
She last saw him a few days before the disaster at the Ministry, before she knew what he would become. Afterwards, he simply cut off everyone he knew. She tried to reach him in various way to little avail. They all tried to. He broke everyone around him. Her father - Harry Potter - was never the same again. The man tried to hide it, but she knew better.
So here she was, at the Ministry of Magic, ready to give it one last shot after she hurriedly bid her friends goodbye and disapparating into the night. Maybe she would no longer recognize the person he has become, maybe the Aurors would end up capturing him and sending him right to Azkaban, maybe he'll escape again and leave everyone behind - again.
"Dude! You know where Neil is? He was meant to meet the rest of the team here!" Morrison asked her as he rushed down to meet them.
"He said he was going out with his mates tonight. By going out, I assumed they were getting drunk. By deduction, I'm not sure if he's in the right condition to be here," Tobias speculated.
"Woah! That's literally the most this man has said. Like ever."
"Morrison, please... you're not helping," Lily muttered. She could sense everyone else around them getting progressively more nervous.
~X~
"Directorrrr," Neil slurred his speech as he stumbled along his boss. "I'm not saying Lawrence 100% knows what Albus Potter is up to. I'm only saying he might. Might. Please go easy on himmmm..."
Director Thunberg continued to stride onwards, without any regard for his words, understandably.
"Look, all he told me was that he smoked pot with Albus Potter once. Once. Somewhere in America, maybe. I'm not saying he's culpable - well, I really don't know if-"
"I'll need your permission to get into your Manor, Neil," Director Thunberg uttered with just a whiff of impatience. "I'd prefer to pay my visits the polite way."
"Fineeeeee... but don't kill Lawrence, pleaseeeeeeee... pretty pleasee..."
"Do I look like a murderous psychopath to you?" Director Thunberg snapped, his eyes glaring indignantly.
"Also, don't listen to anything my great-great-great gramma saysssss..."
"Neil, I won't wait forever."
"Understood boss..." Neil gave a drowsy salute.
~X~
Still drowsy from inebriation, Neil grabbed his flask and began downing water. He needed to think things through with a clear mind before apparating before the Ministry of Magic, where his team was currently situated.
And he felt utterly flustered and ashamed - just what was he thinking? Getting drunk, whining, stumbling around while the rest of his team was risking their safety guarding the Department of Secrets from potentially the most dangerous criminal of the decade. And just what was he doing, blustering and gossiping like a mad hen, blathering rumours about his own brother in front of his friends - especially when they were clearly unsubstantiated?
The look on Lawrence's face had been one of shock and puzzlement - and finally, indignance. His brother was back visiting the country for Alumni Day, excitedly cheering for him at the Quidditch game, glad to catch up with old acquaintances. And now the poor guy was in an interrogation cell, facing an intense inquisitor with a difficult reputation.
He couldn't exactly remember if his parents had heard all the noise downstairs. But he was sure they would be displeased by being frequented by an Auror.
Fuck him. His own terrible attitude, lack of drive and optimism, incessant whining had led to this. "No more thinking about Quidditch..." Neil muttered to himself as he apparated away.
~X~
There was a shutdown in Hogwarts. Barricaded in the Great Hall, there was much nervous chattering. The Ravenclaws were huddled together in one corner, speculating on the cause of the kerfuffle. His friends were either panicking or reading or panicking and reading.
Nigel shut his eyes as he buried his ears into his hands. There was a persisting headache plaguing him and he was sure he was meant to hear - and feel - something.
Nigel...
Nigel?
How are you, Nigel?
It's been so long...You were so small when we last met...
Do you remember me?
~X~
"If he's still not here, shouldn't we be the slightest worried?" Lily insisted. "Do you reckon he's in danger?"
"Plausible," Cynthia said as she joined the rest of the huffing and panting. "I rang our alarm amulets. He appears conscious... but a little... out... and surrounded by dark magic. But then again, these amulets are at a test stage."
"He's very likely inebriated and frequenting a shady bar like the Basilisk's Fang," concluded Morrison.
"Not likely, I was there," Cynthia said, ignoring the chuckles around her. "Then again, there are many others. This is a serious matter; we need to ensure he's in a good state to be on duty."
"He likely isn't," said Morrison.
"We'll have to try," Cynthia said with a worried sigh.
Cynthia bit her lip. This was urgent matter. They were on a mission, guarding the Department of Mysteries from a possible intrusion and their boss was nowhere in sight. That prick... sometimes she wondered why he wanted to be an Auror at all. He obviously did not enjoy being with the rest of the team - the disdain was palpable. He could have played Quidditch, enjoyed the life of a glamorous celebrity... and yet he threw that away. Why? She lost count on the number of times they argued over stupid details. She lost count on the number of times he clenched his jaw at something harmless coming out of Lily's mouth. It was like he disliked them for existing.
"I'm here!"
Speak of the devil.
"Sorry for my lateness... I ran into Director Thunberg and had a detour, in addition to being mildly inebriated," Neil admitted rather shamefully. "But that's no matter, we've got an important thing to do."
There were a few nods around the group, mostly tinged with skepticism. Neil sighed: "I know I haven't been the best team leader in the world... and I'm sorry for that. I hope things can get a little better from today onwards. I will do my best. For now, however, we should not become distracted by our previous misgivings. Intelligence sources put the chance of Albus Potter breaking in at 80%. We need to be ready."
"Neils right," Morrison concurred. "Let's capture the guy and put him on trial... Oh, sorry Lily, I-"
"No, you're right," Lily agreed. "This has gone on for too long."
~X~
"Uncle Albus?" Nigel whispered, baffled. The voice sounded awfully familiar, awakening an early memory. "What-"
Shhhhh... I'm communicating with you inside your head. Basically a derivation of Legilimency... You can just think what you want to say to me and I'll know...
Okay? Well, how do I know that it is you? I mean, I do, but what are you doing here?
Hogwarts has one of the most extensive libraries in the world and some very rare texts about special magic that is banned from the ministry.
You're not talking about the Dark Arts-
No, no, of course not... what kind of person do you think I am?
I dunno... some of my housemates think you're the most dangerous person alive.
Well, maybe they're not wrong, but I'm certainly not some shady Dark Wizard! I would never do anything to harm you... or anyone here.
I never thought you were. Mom and dad refuse to talk about you... says it might make things painful for grandpa. But I know you're a good guy.
There was a pause. Nigel wondered if he had said something wrong.
That's... touching to know. Will you do me a favour?
What is it?
I want you to come with me.
What-
~X~
He felt numb all over his body, powerless as he was hauled underneath a cloak and transported away from the Hall.
Don't worry I created an illusion of you reading Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and put you in a corner. Knowing Ravenclaws, they wouldn't dare make the mistake of interrupted something who was reading.
That's a bit much...
Whatever works. By the way, sorry for stunning you earlier.
He felt his limbs loosen. "Damn it, Uncle Albus, why would you need to-"
"To prevent you from squirming or being too loud. Get up, we've got things to do." Albus offered his hand and Nigel took it.
He remembered that face, that voice. Uncle Albus's bright green eyes peered into him, cheerful, a little mischievous, encouraging. He thought the man hadn't aged much at all, save for the dark circles around his eyes and sharper, hollower cheeks and jaw structure.
"Are we in the Library? Out of all the places you would need to break into, the Library?"
"Shhhh..."
"Alright then," Nigel whispered with a shrug. "I've missed you."
A smile from Albus - and then a hand came and messed up his hair. "I've missed you too."
"Now, you must be wondering why I needed your help," Albus explained as they progressed through the bookshelves. "There appears be certain spells on certain books that prevents me specifically from being able to access them. That's where you come in."
"Ah, okay. Why now? Why did you have to do all of this today?" Nigel questioned.
"It's Alumni Day... pretty easy to disguise myself, blend into the crowd, watch a Quidditch game or two from the stadiums, chill around Hogsmede. Why not?"
"Yeah, it was a good game. Our win was so close."
"Indeed. Highly likely that we would have lost based on Chasers alone. Not a Quidditch expert though."
"Oh... I'm thinking of trying out for the team next year."
"Nice. Our whole family is filled with good Quidditch genes. I'm sure you'll do great."
Our family. It was strange hearing him say that. He had been so absent in the past few years it was like he had been a ghost. His name was taboo during Christmas gatherings.
"How were your travels?" Nigel ventured curiously.
"Fun," Albus said. "I think you'd really love Rio - or Prague. Very different cities, very nice. You should visit it with James some day. I'm sure he'd love to take you there in one of his soulless business trips."
Nigel chuckled.
"We're here," Albus announced.
"But this is the Forbidden Section," Nigel remarked, a little worried.
"Don't worry," Albus assured him. "All I need you to do is pull that book off the shelf. It's been magicked to resist me, apparently."
"Oh, that's it?" Nigel reached for it and handed it to his Uncle, who proceeded to wrap it around some patterned cloth.
"That's from Marrakesh," Albus said as he placed the bundle in a bag. "By the way, have some candy. I got it from Turkey."
"Wow... Turkish delight? That's my favourite!" He gasped.
"Same old, same old... We better get going. I don't want to get you in trouble."
Nigel nodded as they slipped under the Invisibility Cloak again.
"When will you be back again?" He asked.
"I honestly don't know. But I'll let you know if I do. I'm sorry that's not really an answer." Albus sounded apologetic.
"I see..."
"It was good catching up with you though... Have a great time at Hogwarts, I'm sure everything will be alright. And remember: if anyone asks, you never saw or heard me."
"So a secret."
"Yup."
He hugged his Uncle.
~X~
A sickly green beam of light shot past her, causing containers on a shelf nearby to explode.
"What the hell Albus? What was that for?!" Cynthia yelled furiously.
Neil shot a stunning spell that barely missed the target.
Things were escalating.
~X~
It was mayhem all around them. Albus Potter had taken advantage of the chaos and slipped between the shelves, towards the section containing classified files. It seemed like he was after something important.
And he had back up.
Grunting, Cynthia dodged another blast and proceeded to chase after the target.
"- Leave me alone Albus!"
Lily.
Her teammate was disarmed and cornered by none other than her own brother.
"Look Lils, I don't want to harm you but you have let it go," Albus said with a shrug. "I have what I want, I have the backup, I have the means to get out of here. Now, if you would just- well - Petrificus Totalus... Sorry dear." Lily froze up.
"Reducto!" Cynthia pointed her wand at Albus, who was knocked over.
"Expelliarmus!" Someone else, a hooded companion of Albus, had managed to disarm her.
"Brachiabindo!" Another voice - Neil - shouted as ropes coiled around Albus. He closely sidestepped another attack. "Here, your wand!" He picked her wand and tossed it over.
"Thanks," Cynthia said with a nod as she caught it.
She paused to survey the situation. There were four intruders - one of which was incapacitated - and five of them. They could take on that.
Swiftly, she worked with Neil to disarm and bind the other wizard beside Albus.
"Crucio!"
She felt her blood turn cold as she turned around. Poor Tobias was squirming on the floor, screeching in pain, twisting and turning as his attacker watched impassively.
"Leave him! Expelliarmus!" She shouted. The spell was blocked.
When Tobias stopped screaming - and when the effects had worn off - he started shaking furiously.
"Cru-"
Morrison had jumped out of nowhere and tackled the attacker to the ground, grabbing his wand from his hand and snapping it in half. "Do not - you will not use an Unforgivable Curse."
"Oh but I'm only trying to help... Soon you will see-"
A punch.
"So we're going the fistfight route," Neil observed as Morrison proceeded to throw a barrage of punches at the target. "Or perhaps we should disarm or stun him instead- Shit!" He leaped aside, narrowly dodging another Killing Curse. There was still another one on the loose.
"Crucio!" Another Cruciatus Curse was thrown at Tobias, who collapsed on the ground just as he was beginning to recuperate.
"The Portkey, you idiot, now!" An entangled Albus shouted at his remaining companion. "Now!"
Within a split second, the two of them were whisked away.
"Shit!" Cynthia cursed.
~X~
So glass-half-empty, glass-half-full. They managed to capture two of the intruders, yes, who would no doubt provide some clues and leads. Yet they missed the most wanted person, who incidentally probably got away with some valuable information. Neil immediately contacted Director MacLaggen, who would send over the agents to transport the two into official custody.
The charm on Lily was reversed and she broke down, sobbing on the ground. It must have been hard for her, Neil realized. He tried picturing his own brother going crazy on him in a bad way. He simply couldn't. Something felt very wrong.
"Lily..." He walked up to her and gave her a hug. It was probably rather awkward. He was sure she found it strange and that Cynthia, who was also concerned, found it unexpected. But it was important to show that he cared even a situation like this. Even the smallest sign of emotional support helps. "None of this is your fault. It's going to be okay..."
"Lily, if you ever need someone to talk to... if you ever just want to chill and cry and hangout, my apartment door is always open," Cynthia remarked. "I know this is hard. I know... I... Neil - mind stepping back and letting me hug her?"
"Sure. Let me know if you guys need any tissue paper or anything. In the meantime, I'll check on Tobias and Morrison."
Cynthia nodded.
"Um... a little help here?! Why is Tobias having green scaley skin all of a sudden? HELP?!" Morrison was gesticulating frantically.
"What? What is the meaning of this?" Neil asked as he rushed over.
Tobias was still shaking.
"Buddy, are you okay?"
No response.
"TOBIAS?!"
The palpitations were getting more severe. There were spikes protruding all over.
"Merlin's beard is he a-"
A blinding white light engulfed him. Tobias crumpled on the floor, sleeping soundly.
"Sorry for the lateness," Thomas MacLaggen said as he strolled in. "We're part of transport backup."
Morrison and Neil shot furtive glances at each other, as if exchanging a newfound revelation. Let me deal with this, Neil mouthed.
"Thank you, Director MacLaggen. I appreciate it. Unfortunately, Albus Potter has gotten away, but his companions should lend us some data on his activities and whereabouts," Neil explained.
"And thank you for your service, Neil. You're not the first Auror he's slipped through, but we're getting closer."
"Morrison, why don't you take Tobias to the hospital wing? There are a few things I'd like to relay to the Director."
"Yeah boss. See ya later."
Thomas chuckled. "Interesting guy," he remarked.
"Your teammates... you get used to them. What can I say?" Neil shrugged. "Now, I've noticed that Tobias is a Maladic-"
"Yes, yes he is," Thomas interjected. "Is there anything else you would like to say?"
"Well, then why on earth-"
"Neil, you are dismissed for the rest of your day. Have a good night."