I do not own Harry Potter or the characters created by Rowling.
So...when I first wrote this...I don't even know how long ago, it was low *cough* highkey crappily written and the chapters were much shorter. This was originally 2,989 words. Now it is 4,468 words. That means I wrote an extra 1,479 words.
Anyways, this is also posted onto my Tumblr account imnotobsessedwfictionalchracters and my Wattpad somekindofmagic1 so you can check it out on there too!
But anywho, hope you enjoy!
Love Z 3
Chapter 5. Sweet Dreams of Holly and Ribbon Mistakes Are Forgiven
Albus awoke very slowly and quietly. The sun was barely coming through his maroon curtains, he yawned and pushed himself off of his bed. He sat on the side of his bed and looked around. He didn't really look around at it when he got home the previous night. He had almost forgotten how...Gryffindor it was.
With the dark red walls and his white desk and bookshelf. Maroon curtains that let little light in. It all just felt so...not him. At least not him anymore. He shook his head and looked over to the alarm clock on his desk. He sighed when he read that it said 8:30. Merlin he wished that he would have woken up later. He wanted to get more sleep during the break.
But he knew his mum was about to come and see if he's up anyways. Not that she would wake him up, she would just check on him. He yawned as he got up, he glanced down at his leg and saw his pajama pants had scrunched up at his knee. He shook his leg, making the pants leg fall down. He opened his door and walked out of his room. The door across from him was still shut, telling him that James was still asleep. Albus silently thanked Merlin for that. He looked down the hall and saw that Lily's was open, as he walked past, he heard her in there talking on the phone.
He yawned as he walked down the stairs, trying not to trip on his pants. He silently walked into the kitchen. He was surprised to see his dad dressed for work. It was a Saturday and he rarely worked on the weekend. Plus he usually was off today. Tomorrow was literally Christmas Eve. "Morning."
His parents, who had been talking with one another, both looked at him in surprise. The surprise quickly fell from both of their faces and a smile fell on his mums. "Morning sweetie, how'd you sleep?"
He shrugged, "It was alright. Weird that I woke up so early. Guess I'm used to having to be at breakfast at this time." He walked into the kitchen and opened the fridge to grab a water.
"Didn't you have to be at school by 8:30 before?"
Albus stopped and thought about it for a moment. His dad was right. He turned back and shrugged again. "Well...I was wanting to ask you two something?" Both of them hummed in response. Albus bit his lip before he asked, nervous on if he should. But he did. "I was curious...if I could...could I invite a friend or two over? Or maybe go to one of their houses?"
He watched as his parents looked at each other and then back at him. His dad cleared his throat. "Which friends?"
Albus sighed, he knew that he would ask it. So Albus sucked in a breath before saying their names. "Scorpius Malfoy and Anneliese Green. Annie was the one with me when I came up to you guys yesterday."
Albus stared at his parents. His dad looked wary of it but his mum just gave him a soft smile. "I have no issue with it. I should be home most of the break anyways so they're welcome anytime. And as long as it is okay with their parents, you can go over."
Albus looked at his dad and watched as he sighed, "I guess I don't see why I would say no. Just let us know a day beforehand."
Albus smiled widely and hugged his parents, "Thank you!" He pulled away and ran up to his room. He grabbed a paper and something to write with and started the notes to his friends. He started with Scorpius because he knew how to fill it out.
Scorp,
Hey, it's Al, I wasn't killed haha, I asked my mum and dad and they said you could come over as long as your parents are okay with it. Just let me know, I hope it's the same day as Annie comes over too. To me it would seem weird not having both around. But still, like I said, let me know so I can tell my parents. And my mom said the same about me going over to yours
Al
Of course, he wrote practically the same thing to Annie. Only difference was that he sent it out to different people. He got up from his desk and walked downstairs and to the snowy white owl that his dad had bought when he was about 7. "Hey Frost, can take these to Malfoy Manor in Wiltshire and Green Manor in Wales?" The owl blinked as an understanding and flew off out the window. Albus watched as Frost flew away. Only looking away when he was so far out of Albus's sight.
Albus turned around and walked out of the small room. He walked back into the kitchen and saw that his dad was now gone, but his mum was making something. "Hey mum, I sent Scorpius and Annie the letters to tell them that they can come over."
She didn't turn around and continued to cook, "That's good that you sent them, your father left for work by the way. And I'm making pancakes." She sighed and turned back to him, "Could you get your siblings down?"
Albus nodded and left the kitchen. He stopped before he walked up the stairs, he hadn't spoken to James since the argument. So he already knew James's opinion on Slytherin House. So he knew James's views on him. But Albus shook his head and walked up the stairs, he stopped at Lily's room first. Mostly since he crossed it first. "Lils?" She looked over at him, the phone against her ear. "Mum wants you downstairs. She said she's making pancakes." She nodded and he heard her say something about having to go to whoever she was on the phone with.
But then Albus walked out and down to James's room. He moved to open the door, but then he suddenly froze. He couldn't do anything. He just stood there. Doing nothing as his hand was hovering over the door handle. But, even while he wished it didn't happen, he was thankful that before he could open the door, it swung open.
The two dark-haired boys stared at each other. No words were spoken. And Albus felt like he would choke if he even tried. But he knew that James knew that he couldn't start a fight, unless he wanted to get in trouble. They both knew that, unlike at Hogwarts where he can get out of it as teachers have faith in him, their mum didn't. So all that did was just ram himself into Albus's side and since he was so much bigger than Albus, it caused him to fall back. But instead of getting up, Albus stayed on the floor for a few seconds. After a moment, he shook his head and pushed himself up and walked down the stairs, back to the kitchen.
When he got downstairs, James and Lily were already sitting and eating. He sat down in his usual seat and grabbed a few pancakes. They all ate in silence for a few. Until his mum spoke. "Albus, what was that thud a few minutes ago? Before James came down? You took a little to come down after him. Was everything okay?"
Albus glanced over at James, who was staring at him. Almost daring him to tell their mum the truth. Albus looked back at his mum. And for a brief moment, he thought about telling the truth. But he didn't. "Oh, I just ran into the wall. Nothing really."
She looked surprised, "Oh. Well, are you okay?"
Albus nodded, "Yeah." He laughed, "Trust me. I'm better than Anne ever is."
His mum raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
He laughed more, "Yeah. She's always running into something! Don't think she can go a day without getting a new bruise."
His mum laughed, "Sounds like someone else I know."
"Hey! I haven't gotten injured in forever! That's not fair!"
"Didn't you just run into a wall, Al?"
"Shut up, Lils."
"Never." Lily sighed, "Mummy, can I get a new book bag? I noticed mine has a hole in it and the left strap keeps breaking."
He watched as his mum held back a groan. "Lily, you could have told me when we were at the store earlier?" She ran a hand through her hair, "I'll get it when I have the time."
"Hey mum?" It was Albus's turn to try not to groan. He wasn't excited to have to hear whatever it was about James.
"Yes dear?"
"I was curious if I could invite Oliver, Frank, and Jay over?"
Albus looked over at James as he said the names. Oliver Creevy, Frank Longbottom, and Jason Bell-Wood. James's three closest friends. Oliver was the son of Dennis Creevy, his younger brother, Colin, was named after their Uncle who died at the Battle of Hogwarts. Frank was the son of Neville and Hannah. And Jason was the son of the famous Quidditch players Oliver Wood and Katie Bell. James, Frank, and Jason grew up together while they had met Oliver their first year. Albus remembered when it used to be James, Frank, and Jason against the world. Then Oliver and Jason had joined Quidditch with James their first year and Frank fell to the back. And Albus had never really noticed it until this year. Frank was almost like a lost puppy. Following behind the other three.
"Well...I don't see why not. I told Albus he could invite his friends over. Just the same rules apply. Your dad and I would prefer it if we have a few hours notice beforehand."
Albus tried not to notice the glare James sent his way before he went to all smiles. "Yeah, of course. They may be over later today if their parents allow it."
"James!"
"They'll call before, mum!"
"You should have asked us last night! You had more than enough time!"
"I'm sorry, mum. I will next time."
"Good. Now just let me know who all will."
"Of course."
Albus rolled his eyes before standing up, "I'm done, mind if I head up to my room?"
"Yeah, go ahead. Maybe go on and pack your bag for tomorrow. Just so we have to worry about less when we all wake up." His mum turned to James and Lily, "You two as well."
Albus nodded and, after putting his plate into the sink, he ran upstairs and to his room. He silently shut his door and laid down on his bed. He had forgotten about Christmas at the Burrow. All day with his family. All day with those who may just hate him now. He sighed and thought back to the Platform when he got back. At least he knew his Uncle George would make him feel better with some jokes.
When James's friends came over, they didn't stay for very long. So Albus was thankful as he didn't have to put up with them for very long.
Albus ran down the stairs as he heard his mum yell his name. "Yes?"
She turned and handed him a letter. "Says it's from Annie. Can I call her that? Or would she prefer me to call her Anneliese instead?"
Albus shrugged, "I'm not sure. I know that her mum is the only other person who calls her 'Annie'. But I know everyone else calls her Anne. So I think that would work."
She nodded, "Okay."
Albus nodded and opened the letter.
Al,
Sorry for replying so quickly. I'm rather bored here, even with a full house. Anyways, my mum said that she was fine with me going to your house at any time, as long as it's after tomorrow (and vice-versa to you coming over). I'm going to see him tomorrow, so why don't I ask him when would work for him, if he is able to (and hasn't written to you already).
In other news, how how your break been already? How is your ferret? And sister? Is she being as insufferable as mine? They all keep asking me questions and I'm sitting here and questioning if I was this way (and according to Aidan, I was).
Anyways, I better go know, I talk later
Annie
"What did she say?"
"Oh, just that her mum is okay about her coming over and me going over."
His mum nodded, "Well, just keep me updated. Have you got your bag packed yet?"
No. "Yes."
"Go do it."
He sighed, "Of course, mum."
Albus didn't do it that night.
But, he finished packing his bag before he was yelled at that they had to leave. Of course, that easily could have been because he had decided to just pack 2 pairs of pants and shirts (plus some socks). He was putting small things that were going to keep him occupied when there was a knock at his door. He yelled for them to come in and he soon after he heard the door opening and his dad's voice following soon after. "Your mum wanted me to come up and check on you kids. And it seems like all of you left your packing to the last minute. Didn't she tell you all to pack last night?"
Albus rolled his eyes, "Yes, she did. But, I actually am ready. Just adding some things." He wasn't lying. It only took him around 30 minutes after he woke up to get everything packed.
His dad nodded and sat in the chair that went with Albus's desk. "I never got to ask you yesterday, do you know when your friends are coming over?"
He nodded, "Annie said her mum was alright with whenever, as long as it's after today. And she should be seeing Scorpius today and she's going to ask him. But, I got a letter from him too this morning and he basically said the same as her."
"Well, alright." Albus continued to add things to his bag. When he finished he closed the bag and his dad spoke up. "Listen, everyone is surprised with you being in Slytherin, and I won't lie, while I don't know what is exactly being said, I know some have said some...questionable things about you being in Slytherin. But just know that your mum and I don't care, neither do your grandparents, your Aunt Fleur was actually happy and she said something about how maybe you'll get better fashion." His dad stopped for a moment and laughed at that. And funnily enough, Albus joined him. Once they both calmed down, he dad cleared his throat and stood up, "Well, we should get going. We're Flooing this year, your mother doesn't want to apparate. Especially since we don't have Teddy to take you, James, or Lily."
Albus nodded and grabbed his bag before following his dad out of his room. He flicked the light off and shut his door. When they made it down the stairs, his mum sighed in relief. "Good, I was just about to call for you two." She ran a hand through her hair. "Let's get going, I don't want to be reprimanded by my mum again for being late." She motioned between James and the fireplace. "James, you first."
James walked over to their mum and took the floo powder and walked over to the fireplace. He lifted his arm before yelling, "The Burrow!"
When the fire died down their mum motioned for Lily to go and once she disappeared into the flames his mum turned to him, "Albus, I know things are tense with you and some of your family, but please interact with them. Even if it's just your younger family members. I do not care. I just don't want you to isolate yourself. Understand?"
"Gin-" His dad started but Albus interrupted him,
"No, it's okay and I will mum. Now may I go?" She just nodded and he grabbed the powder from the tiny pot. He noticed the look his dad was giving his mum when he turned around in the fireplace. "The Burrow!" Albus said it loud and clear and immediately felt the green flames engulf him and soon enough he was spinning.
To no surprise, he fell forward when he landed at the Burrow, but he felt someone grab him. "There you are!" He was engulfed into a hug, due to the person being around his height he knew it was his cousin Dominique. She pulled away from the hug and he noticed her strawberry blonde hair was longer than the last time he saw her. "How has Hogwatz been? I heard you were put into Zlytherin."
He moved out of the way from the fireplace and over to the couch and shrugged, "Alright, I guess. How has Beauxbatons been?"
She smiled softly, "Oh, it is so beautiful there, the uniforms are very zoft too! Silk is what it is made from."
"It sounds wonderful."
"By the way, I am happy that you got into Zlytherin, it makes you much more unique."
"Thanks Dom." And he had planned on just leaving it there, but something pushed him to ask the question. "Hey Dom?" She nodded at him to continue after he froze. He sighed before continuing. "When you...when you were told I was in Slytherin, what was your reaction?"
She looked at him surprised. "Oh! Well, I think if I remember correctly, I just smiled and said something about it making you unique." She moved some of her hair behind her ear, "Why do you ask?"
He shrugged, "I was just curious." She nodded as an understanding.
"Well well well, if it isn't mini Harry Potter, except this time he didn't beg to not be in Slytherin." Dominique and Albus turned their heads to their Uncle George. "How're you doing kid? Make any friends?"
"I'm doing good Uncle George and yeah, I've made a few, but really only 2 good ones."
George nodded, "That's good kid, good that you have friends who don't care and good that you're doing good." He turned to face Dominique, "And how about you miss I-have-decided-to-live-in-France-for-about-9-months-of-the-year-rather-than-in-Scotland-for-that- long?"
Dominique laughed at her Uncle, "Good Uncle George, how about you?"
He smiled widely, "Amazing, business is great, my kids are happy, and my wife still loves me."
"That's good Uncle George."
As the night progressed, Albus mostly talked to Dominique. But he slowly learned that his cousins Lucy, Louis, and Roxanne didn't care much about him being in Slytherin. Hugo, on the other hand, was a little iffy about it. But it didn't surprise Albus too much. His Uncle Ron did talk the most crap about Slytherins. He learned that for the most part, the adults didn't care. Or at least not enough to make it known to him. Hell, his Uncle George made quite a few jokes about how unlike his dad, Albus didn't say no to Slytherin. And even though he was trying his best to hide it, Albus knew that his Uncle Ron just chose to pretend that Albus wasn't a Slytherin.
It was probably midnight, all the other kids were asleep but Albus just couldn't. He sighed and turned to his other side. Making him face the kitchen. And it seemed like when he did that, he was instantly privy to the conversation that was going on
"-Harry, are you really not worried about Albus? He's friend's with a Malfoy and-"
"How many times do I have to remind you that Narcissa Malfoy saved my life, Ron? And honestly, I credit her for being part of the reason we won the war. But I get it, you don't trust them. But what I can't possibly understand is that you are assuming an 11 year old boy is a bad person just because of his family! And it feels as if you don't think I can have trust in my son's judgment of people. And Ronald, if you want to say anything, at least he didn't attack his cousin for no reason!"
"Harry's right Ronald, yes, I was a little wary because he's friends with a Malfoy. Purely because of all of the bad things from the past. But once I got past that, fairly quickly mind you, I realized that it doesn't matter! Scorpius, Draco's son and Albus's friend in case you didn't know, isn't Draco or Lucius. He is his own person. And in case you forgot, Draco has done everything he possibly could and more to put the Malfoy name into a positive light. But if you can't see that, then I don't know what to tell you!"
Albus squeezed his eyes shut. He didn't want to hear anymore. He flipped back to the other side and tried to sleep. And it took a while, but eventually he was finally able to fall asleep.
He was one of the first of the kids to wake up. And when he did, he got up and walked into the kitchen, where all the adults plus Teddy, Vic, and Dominique were. Albus kept his eyes away from his Uncle Ron's gaze and sat next to Teddy. Almost as soon as he sat down, a plate was sat in front of him by his grandmother. And he heard her say something along the lines of 'do you even eat there?'
"Trust me, she does it to everyone during their first Christmas back. You'll be good next year."
Albus looked at Teddy and nodded, "I'll remember that and hold you to it."
"I bet you will." Teddy sighed and took a piece of bacon off of Albus's plate. "How has school been? Heard you made friends with Scorpius Malfoy and Anneliese Green. Knew her brother Aidan a little."
"You know Aidan?"
"Only slightly. Mostly due to him being on the Quidditch team, and a good player, and him being the Slytherin Prefect in Vic's year."
Albus nodded, "And school's been...okay. Annie and Scor make it tolerable."
"Ah, already of the opinion that school sucks? Think you beat James's record then."
Albus let out a stale laugh, "I guess. Mostly just the things I've dealt with this year that has made it annoying."
"Albus?" He looked at his Aunt Hermione. "Your Uncle Ron and I-"
"Albus stopped her, "Please, I don't wanna hear an apology from you guys." Especially since he knew his Uncle's may not be genuine. "I just want to forget the situation. Okay?"
"Of course."
Albus nodded and went back to his food. And he wasn't lying. He did want to just forget about it. It happened. So what? He didn't care really anymore. He just wanted to go on with his life.
A few hours later at around noon, Albus was playing a game of wizards chess with Lily. "Albus? You have a package and two letters." Albus looked over to his mother, "Says they're from Scorpius and Anneliese."
He called off a place as he checked Lily's Queen. "I'm done, I can't beat you." Lily said with defeat ridden in her voice.
Albus laughed before getting up and walking up to his mother, "Thanks mum." She nodded and handed them to him. He walked back over to the spot where he had been and opened the letter from Scorpius first.
Al,
Yeah, I know I'm probably gonna be seeing you in a few days but I wanted to go ahead and send this. I have no clue what you wanted so I just bought you this. I remembered you saying something about needing a new jacket so I got you one. Hopefully it fits you.
Scorp
Albus turned to the package and opened it. A green silk jacket sat inside. He pulled it out and saw that it was stitched together with grey threading and had 'Potter 06' on the back. Since it was Christmas Day he wasn't wearing the sweater his grandmother made for him, but instead it was a long-sleeved dark blue top. He slipped the jacket on and smiled as it fit him. And it felt nice. He moved the box away and looked at Anneliese's letter.
Hiya Al,
Heard Scorp say he was getting you a jacket and I sat here in my room trying to figure out what to get you. Then I decided to get you this, it's called a hematite ring, it'll help to absorb negative energy and should calm you when you're stressed or worried. It's also a very protective stone and is great to carry to help you stay grounded in many situations. I know you get worried and stressed easily so I thought you could use it. It'll mold to your finger.
Annie
He looked at the ring and slipped it onto his pointer finger, he watched as it molded to his finger. He smiled, but then stopped when he realized that he hadn't gotten them anything. He made a mental note to ask his parents if they could go and get them something.
Albus waited as his mum and dad said their goodbyes to his grandmother and grandfather. He was standing there awkwardly, he had felt like anything he did was awkward since he'd woken up. "Are you ready to go, Albus?" Albus broke out of his trance when he heard his mum's voice, "Albus? Are you okay?"
He looked around and saw that his siblings and dad had left. "Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry, just spaced out." His mum nodded and handed him the floo powder pot. He took some and walked into the fireplace. "Potter Manor!" He felt the green flames engulf him and almost immediately felt himself falling onto the floor. He pushed himself up and off the floor, grumbling to himself.
He tried to walk up to his room but he heard his dad's voice, "Albus, wait a minute. Your mother and I want to talk to you." Albus tried not to groan, sometimes he really hated his dad. When Ginny arrived she immediately turned to Harry, telling him to start. "I don't think that-"
Albus didn't even let him finish, "I know. I should have just let them apologize. I just...I really don't want to talk about it anymore. Alright?" He sighed, "Now I'm going up to my room and going to bed. Goodnight."
He didn't even give his parents a chance to say anything. He just ran up to his room, the room that, ironically, belonged to Sirius Black when he ran away from home. He tossed the bag across the room and fell onto his bed face first. Just wanting to go to sleep, and surprisingly, sleep wanted to take him.