A/N: Implied corporal punishment.
"Perhaps it is better to be irresponsible and right, than to be responsible and wrong." - Winston Churchill
F
###
March 1966, a shackled Hogwarts
Kids. Again, and again. Cam McKinnon had just watched Rupe Weasley's backside leak. Rupe had been questioned by his "auntie cousin", but he passed out smiling. Sammy Abbott refused to let Frankie, Craig McIntyre, and Dickon Ward out of arm's reach.
On Eddie Bones' birthday after Transfiguration Club, dark corridors stretch and Dickon had vanished. Sammy quavers but Frankie urges them on, swallowing his pants.
"We won't, laddie," Craig manages.
"I'm not having that," Frankie mutters, voice deeper.
Loud footfalls somewhere. They turn, wands ready.
"Get him!" a boy says.
"Mudblood!" Ursula Flint laughs. "Quack."
Frankie and Sammy pull Craig back, all shaking against the wall.
"Keep looking for more!" the boy says.
Craig rubs Sammy's back, clinging onto Craig. Frankie edges along the wall.
"Laddie!" Craig hisses.
Frankie presses against the corner, dim light fading, towards closer footfalls. Let them. Frankie drags a leg forward. Please run. He darts across the corridor. Unfamiliar footfalls chase.
Frankie turns, Adam's apple pounding, and bounces off squatness.
"Oops," Amycus Carrow giggles wheezingly, pallid face lighting up brightly. "Look what we've got? The youngest Longbottom!" he cries louder.
Frankie scrambles but Carrow shoves. Frankie's head rams. Carrow's Slytherin crest presses.
Carrow titters. "Where'd yer friends go?"
"None," Frankie snaps thickly.
"I'd believe it." His fist blurs.
Wetness stings. Darkness.
Wrists cold, head heavy, jaw sore. Familiar labored breathing.
"-tell each other?"Arty Weasley wheezes.
"The best methods to keep secrets," Cassiopeia Black's voice taunts. "Even your own brother?"
Frankie jerks, chains jingling. Black straightens up among the desks, cane bloodied. Arty slumps over a desk, cheek cut.
"Good evening, Mr. Longbottom," she states, posters over the windowless walls. "Your jaw was fixed so I hope you will be cooperative."
"Leave him," Frankie says flatly.
"Get up, Weasley," she snaps. "We need proper manners-"
"You." Arty forces his plaid trousers up, staining. "Don't care." Blood flecks his Ravenclaw crest.
Frankie swallows harshly. Arty falls onto the desk, stifling a grimace. Black smiles wryly but strides through the desks. Frankie shifts against the wall, toes wiggling in his trapped boots.
"Did you forget your common room is downstairs, Mr. Longbottom?" Black steps up, crossing her arms and Arty had disappeared. "Who else was with you?"
"We were trying to hurry," Frankie's voice strains. "You call this safe?"
"You are severely undisciplined," she says sharply. "Your role models are hardly good examples in their behaviors."
A desk scoots.
"Watch out for cousins then," Frankie flits off.
She swings her cane but topples, exclaiming. The cane flies and hits the wall, cracking in half. She catches herself, kicking. Arty wretches up onto a desk, a wand in hand.
"Give it back!" she cries.
"Weasleys are sly too." Arty waves it towards Frank.
Frankie slumps, legs still stuck.
"You filthy Weasley," she spits.
"No," Arty's deeper voice calm, as Frank fumbles at the manacles with wet fingers. "What will your close cousin, our aunt Callidora have to say? You're done." The wand clatters.
"Out!" her voice cracks. "Get out!"
Frankie's ankles fall free and he scrambles. Arty holds a bleeding hand out, sleeves stained. Frank's gut twists. Footfalls storm outside. Arty tugs Frankie's arm, both staggering over each other.
"Arty," Frankie gasps.
Footfalls rush into the corridor. The door swings open and Todd Longbottom sweeps in, scarlet Quidditch robes billowing. He throws his captain badge down, cut face twisted.
Frankie splutters, fingers red.
"If any of you use an excuse ever again," Black's voice drips chill, "you will be hanging from the ceiling downstairs."
"Duly noted, professor," Todd states.
"Frankie's-" Arty collapses.
Frankie stumbles, but Todd steadies him.
"Healer now!" Todd exclaims,
Sara Zale dashes in. Frank runs out, right into a stout girl's arms.
"You're safe." Julie Fortescue's waves tickle, body warm. "Safe?"
Frankie swallows shaking, face hot.
"Frankie?" Paisley Brown's voice. "Let's get back to the common room."
Frankie sniffles and falls into Paisley's arms, rubbing his back.
"Arty," he gasps.
"They'll help him," Paisley says. "I'm sorry." She guides him along.
Back in the common room, the candlelit oddly flickering but Miss Crockford passes out tissues. The third years group divided as Professor Kettleburn gather everyone then asks if anyone else could come forward.
Among N.E.W.T. advocates and fifth years, Pasco Weasley shakes his light red head and Max Brown had his thicker mop top buried among friends.
"Please," Professor Kettleburn says wearily, "only communication can truly solve anything and come to understanding. Of course the worst punishments are severely wrong, but rebellion isn't the answer anymore."
Hugo Leach stands and leads a few for the outside barrel lid. Frankie sniffs. Nellie Malfoy, face stoic, but arm around Laney Prewett, face wet with her chin against her knees.
"-be all right, laddie," Craig whispers, half cradling Sammy.
Dickon glances at Frankie, damp face slack.
By morning, Aunt Callidora had stormed in, alongside Uncle Tim and Aunt Cedrella. Openly, visibly. Cassiopeia Black now on severe probation who swore on the River Styx she would tone down. That night, worse raids, but most Hufflepuffs stayed in.
"Max, what's happening?" Frankie's voice wavers, in a fuller study room as Max Brown drags for the round door.
The others glance over.
Max's cracked lip twitches. "Miracles take hard work, marras. Let us take it from here." He plods out, sealing the door.
Now Wednesday the twenty-third, with Elementary Transformation that morning, but thank Merlin for Professor Dumbledore.
"My Transfiguration classroom is open as always for additional practice after classes, but please," his twinkle flickers, "remain very careful."
Art Club at six, as if Nellie Malfoy could risk the cupboard, and orange sun fading afterwards. Frank runs back to the common room with housemates.
"It's mostly new moon again," Sammy Abbott says heavily, at a study table after Dylan Oakby's Quidditch team brought Hugo Leach and his roommates back safely.
"Hufflepuff's safe anyway." Frankie lifts his fountain pen.
Curly heads all over the common room. Marla in sanctuary? Frank opens his sketchbook, carefully to a poster.
Eons later, talk that Crockford had been called to the staffroom and Professor Eickenboom had come comforting kids. Distant footfalls in the outside tunnels.
"-carrying someone," Helen Peasegood said.
"What's happening?" Becky Abbott cries.
The hospital ward tunnel door burst open. Paige Longbottom comes out, dark bob sticking. Professor Kettleburn clambers out of the outside tunnel and people help him out.
"Miss Longbottom?"
"Max Brown's safe, not too badly hurt." She indicates back. "Mass raids've started and clergy's closing the sanctuary gates."
"Where's Duncan McCrimmon and-?"
"Paige!" a Cornish girl cries.
Paige runs back in, sealing the hospital ward door.
"If anyone has anything that can save your older friends," Professor Kettleburn says. "Please come up now. I have a list of people I want to see in my office. Mr. Leach, I'm afraid your year is first."
"Yes, sir," Hugo says stiffly.
"Sara, no!" girls cry from the hospital ward.
"-in Slytherin!" Sara Zale's voice echoed down the tunnel.
People rush. Professor Kettleburn collapsing. And the candles flicker.
"Wonders of wonders," people sing. "Miracles of miracles."
Their voices echo, till Grace Partridge and Megan Oakby roll in. Their friends hurry over, catching Grace, crying. Megan steps aside. Breaths bate.
"Duncan McCrimmon," Megan gasps, "Sanders Blackworth and every roommate-"
Becky Abbott and Helen Peasegood shriek. Craig slumps. Frankie wraps his arms, Craig quavering.
"Especially Nat Kowalski," Megan's whisper rings.
Gasps stifle. The candles flash. And flutter out. Chill rushes. Darkness. Cries pierce the cold air. Frankie's lungs suck. Craig's arm wraps. Sammy's sobs muffle. Dickon's arm brushes.
###
Valentine's Day, 1968 - a freed Hogwarts, almost
Watches ticking, Frank's blue Wiggenweld Potion bubbled gently but the Slytherin supremacists queued at Slughorn's desk. Lestrange stepped back to his cauldron and waved his wand over the shining potion, disappearing. He raised his eyebrows, face bandaged, but slipped his wand away.
A lift and Teddy set his cauldron beside the brazier, flicking the heat off. He scooped a phial full.
"Five more minutes." Sam raised his watch, his own potion more turquoise.
Frank nodded. "Someone better watch though."
"Fair anyway," Teddy said, as Craig raised his purple turquoise potion phial. "It's good enough, mate."
"Glad it's nearly over." Craig stood up and he and Teddy set off chatting about Hogsmeade.
A few minutes later, most of the Slytherins had left and Frank and Sam joined the other Hufflepuff boys to Slughorn's desk.
"A five today, Mr. Abbott," Slughorn said.
Frank went up.
"A six, m'boy." Slughorn handed it back. "I will see all the passing potions safely, of course."
Frank pocketed it and headed back with Sam. Frank took large labeled potion bottle from Teddy and filled it. They poured the phial contents in the bottles and joined the other Hufflepuffs in the corridor.
Passing talk about Kay Weasley and Fabian Prewett in the entrance hall and upstairs. On the first floor, the Hufflepuffs kept together down to the hospital wing.
Frank lightly knocked and he and Teddy went in.
Arty breathed heavily but easier, far bed screen half open to Madam Reekes, red robes creased. Miss Pomfrey took a phial from Teddy and swept over to Madam Reekes. Frank and Teddy set up the ward.
"How was he earlier?" Teddy wiped down a bottle.
"Managing."
They reached the large open potions cupboard and put the bottles onto the marked spot. They quietly discussed career advice and Frank set back up the ward.
Miss Pomfrey guided Madam Reekes along the opposite beds.
"He's awake, dear," Madam Reekes said wearily.
Frank reached the bed screen and Arty shifted. Frank dropped onto his knees.
"Ey up," Frank said softly.
Arty smiled weakly. "Feeling better, mate."
Frank's beads heavy. "Sure?"
Arty twitched an arm. "Bandannas fade, don't they?"
"Just rest please," Frank mumbled.
Arty settled into his pillows, chest heaving. Frank stood up carefully, past Arty's badly worn orange high tops. Teddy shakily paler, dark. Frank brushed a hand and they set down.
"Last time, back then?" Teddy muttered.
Frank's Adam's apple tightened. "Out cold," he managed thickly.
Teddy quivered. Frank rubbed Teddy's back and led him out.
A lecture in Combative Arts but Aunt Matilda Bones kept it cheerful enough without Frank and Craig participating much, with no points docked, or Frank's poor uniform. After the lesson, Frank and Craig rejoined roommates but on the crowded staircase, Teddy ran into Frank both stumbling.
"Oi!" Craig snapped.
The boys disappeared into the crowd.
Down, they stepped down into the entrance hall but Teddy stumbled. Frank pulled Teddy up and Craig darted around.
"Invisible," Teddy muttered. "Don't think just me."
"Someone was there," Craig whispered.
Sam urged them on. They pressed through into a younger Hufflepuff and Gryffindor group and hurried outside.
The breeze lightly fluttered, clouds dotted above. The others hurried for the greenhouses and the fifth years kept down the path towards where other Hufflepuffs and Slytherins gathered on the edge of the forest around Professor Kettleburn who raised a hand.
"Any trouble, boys?"
"Some, sir," Sam said.
Stifled sniggers but Professor Kettleburn introduced crups and asked around.
"So are crups English then?" Teddy wondered louder. "Which came first?"
"Good question, mate," Rigel Blackworth grinned, from the supportive Slytherins. "So what?" He turned, towards Lestrange glowering.
"Which is it, Blackburn?" Lestrange stated, bandages tight. "From the great cousin himself."
"Pay attention." Josiah Zale stepped up, scratched prefect badge shining. "Let's get back to the lesson."
"Why don't you go back to your secluded villages?" Lestrange spat.
"We were all separated," Josiah said calmly, kippah quivering. "So now, we cooperate or don't."
"Just get rid of your cat." Lestrange stormed away, past a tree.
Supremacists plus Nellie Malfoy hurried after him, with Dromeda Black at her heels.
"Let's keep on then," Professor Kettleburn said. "Ted, can we talk please?"
Teddy and Sam trudged over. Barks and Hagrid's cheerful voice. Birds tweeted above and clouds peeked through the snow topped trees. Laughter somewhere.
Closer barks ahead and classmates rushed forward. Frank's hand fell against his painted upside down sun on his bellbottoms. Dirt all over. Craig raised folded robes, his own dirty.
"Alright?" Craig whispered.
"We fought too," Frank breathed.
Craig nodded grimly. Frank pulled the robes on, Newscap heavy. They trudged over branches towards loud barking. Frank pulled his hood on, muffling. Tittering ghosts drifted by.
Valentine's Day activities went highly regulated and everyone was sent to their common rooms by eight o'clock. The next afternoon, lecture was first before practice and Fittleworth smacked the desk, cane sharp.
Frank rubbed his spiky guinea pig carefully, shaking in his lap, cool and pulseless. Craig's rabbit crouched to launch forwards.
"I realize the circumstances, Longbottom, but show me you are capable of improvement."
Frank chuckled. "We are, sir," he said lightheartedly. "Gamp's law something but they're alive enough." He held his trembling hands out. "Does it really help?"
Fittleworth flicked his cane. "You have the weekend to perfect it, Longbottom. Remember your priorities." He swept off. "This pertains to everyone in this room as your O.W.L.s dictate your future, whether you choose to continue schooling or not. Dismissed!"
Their animals vanished and Frank stuffed his textbook away.
"Longbottom!" Fittleworth's cane swiped.
Frank dropped his bag and trudged through. Whispers floated. Dickon Ward glanced up, packing up. Fittleworth behind the desk and his cane crossed with his arms.
"A warning, sir?" Frank brushed his palms against his robes.
"You continue to question my authority." Fittleworth raised his cane. "Which of your role models have faced this similar situation-" He pointed at the desk, "having continued Transfiguration despite my promotion?"
"How's that relevant?" Frank said flatly, crossing his arms. "I'm doing my best."
Fittleworth flicked his cane.
"No." Frank stepped back, wrists tingling. "We're done."
"Does it not clearly state in the rule book that a teacher may dictate their methods in their own classroom?" Fittleworth asserted severely.
He stuffed his hands in his pockets. "This incidence hardly seems fair. I'm trying my best."
"You ought to improved your focus by now. Hands out!"
Half worried whispers. Ravenclaws flitted out.
"It wouldn't be much, mate," Jim Darcy piped up. "We've got Defense." He shouldered his bag.
His roommates followed.
Dickon sat on his desk. "Frank's right, sir, but it's your classroom."
Other Hufflepuffs filed out.
"Take fifteen points from Hufflepuff and detention tomorrow evening, so use your time in Transfiguration Club wisely tonight, Mr. Longbottom," Fittleworth said.
"Yes, sir," the lump stuck.
Fittleworth flicked his cane and Frank held his hands out. Fittleworth's cane blurred. And prickled. Again. Sniggers got shot down.
"Dismissed. Mr. Ward-" Fittleworth said, and Dickon stood, "I would watch your tongue."
Frank joined Dickon and they rejoined Sam and Craig.
"His fault." Frank took his bag from Sam.
Some stares down the corridors but they made it upstairs. At the first floor, Frank and Craig headed west for the sanctuary and Sam and Dickon hurried on upstairs.
On Friday, Double Antidotes went fine. McGonagall was strict in Elementary Vanishment but firmly reminded them to practice and reach out for any needed help from anyone.
"I'm doing everything," Frank said, on the way downstairs with Craig and Sam.
They stumbled. Sam caught Frank.
"Watch it." A boy glared at them, blocking a girl.
"Sorry," Craig led Frank on, hand at his sleeve. "You're all right, laddie."
Out the front doors, Frank and Sam joined Teddy Tonks and Vasu Mishra for the greenhouses and Craig hurried for Care of Aquatic Creatures. Around the castle, his beads bouncing.
"You okay, mates?" Vasu said mischievously, dark hands pink and bell towers high above.
Teddy smiled, hands pinker. "Detention too."
"Keep us in order sounds like."' Frank trudged on, Sam at his side.
Teddy and Vasu followed.
Aunt Tilda and Professor Griffiths had canes on the wall, untouched. Notes came at dinner and Hufflepuffs filled out the barrel hole for detention, bags primed.
The Great Hall doors were wide open full of talk and staff lined along the entrance hall. Frank gripped a Water Ball. At the front, Max Brown flounced his seed beads and they cast Bubble-Head Charms. Water, faux fire, and stink pellets exploded.
Shouts. Water splashed and stink floated. They ran for the marble staircase. Lights flashed. Frank blocked. Craig skidded. Vasu yelped. Teddy rammed into Frank. His knees hit the floor and he fell beside Teddy. His bubble popped.
"Stand down!" a man's voice called. "Brown, over here now!"
"Which one?" Max asked lightheartedly, as Frank and Teddy helped each other up "Here, sir." He straightened his jacket.
"Are you in charge of this fiasco?" Ormskirt asked, dark purple robes sweeping.
Distant noise upstairs. Jeers from the Great Hall.
"Which mess?" Max asked.
Ormskirt stopped at the center of the hall, looming ahead. "On your knees, Brown. You're in charge of more than this only."
Max swayed his shoulders. "Depends, sir."
"We're done!" Teddy exclaimed.
"Hasn't it fixed owt?" Paige Longbottom cried.
Max threw his jacket off to his vest disheveled over his T-shirt, seed beads tucked. He sauntered to the wizard but spun on his boot heel.
"Get Pringle then," Max stated. "Little's changed."
Max dropped to his knees, gasps stifled, then flopped over grimacing on his bum. Frank's heart skipped. Ormskirt pulled up Max up by the scruff of his vest, beads slapping his chest.
"Who gave you detention, Mr. Brown?" Ormskirt asserted, still shorter.
Max jerked. "Professor Poole, who stopped caning harshly."
Ormskirt straightened Max out. "Miss Longbottom, can I trust you to see your housemate upstairs or did you receive detention together?"
"The Deputy Headmaster thinks I'm outspoken, but yes, sir." Paige went over and took Max's arm. "Where to?"
"Professor Poole."
Paige and Max crossed over and others parted, and they headed up the marble staircase. Portraits muttered. Talk grew from the Great Hall.
"The rest of you pranks out without-" Ormskirt started.
Everything exploded. And they ran.
"Freedom!" Boys pumped fists.
"Fairness!"
"Impudent kids!" a wizard's portrait said.
They tore upstairs. Frank's beads bounced. Craig grinned. Teddy and Vasu laughed. They passed the first floor landing. Noise closer upstairs. Professor McGonagall's distant thick accent.
Spells flew. They blocked. People stumbled. Frank split a spell before it hit Craig. A red spell flew forward. Craig's back into Frank's beads. They fell sideways. Frank's elbow ached.
"Half Scot and a Highlander," Ursula Flint's voice taunted. "Isn't it nearly Jewish Sabbath?"
"Shah-baht," Frank emphasized.
Flint threw Craig behind. Frank's arm were grabbed and he rammed into her. Her grip tight around his beads.
"Where's everyone gone?" she whispered. "Left you?"
"Having fun?" Frank's voice strained.
"Get off!" Craig declared, struggling over against Miranda Montague.
"Good thing you're hanging around wizarding blood," she said coldly. "Still, what does Tonks have?"
"Powerful," Frank said, "you're scared."
She smiled. "Leach won't be running next year."
His beads loosened. She pushed and Frank collapsed beside Craig. The girls ran.
"Aye," Craig panted. "We've got it."
"Maybe," Frank managed.
They pulled each other up, magically untangling their beads, but nothing had rubbed off their necks. Frank and Craig pressed close, pulses steadying. Distant noise. They raised their wands and headed to the landing. Portraits orange lit.
The Gryffindor noise died out before Shabbat and everyone retreated to common rooms. Mass bans from Hogsmeade, including Oso and friends plus Kay Weasley. Max Brown had red hands and smacked legs, but passed on they were only testing them. And scattered warnings from supremacists about Minister Leach.
The next morning, Marla Moody finally replied with details about coming home for the weekend. Others had already left for home, especially if no Hogsmeade. Crockford, Sprout, and Kettleburn saw everyone upstairs so they could check permission forms easier.
The Hufflepuff advocates found empty spots and got food. Some time later, Professor Kettleburn limped behind and he smiled tiredly.
"Hello, boys. It seems we have a problem."
"Yeah," Teddy said thickly, across. "That's…"
"I'm afraid so, yes," Professor Kettleburn said. "Your detentions are now on Monday evening and Mr. Abbott, you will be joining your housemates."
"Yes, sir," Sam said.
"Those of you with plans home for the weekend are allowed but I have reminded your parents to help you take this seriously. We expect appropriate behavior when you return and the rest of you ought to stay in your common room. Are there any questions?"
"And if we're not?" Vasu smiled, mushroom flitting by.
"The same, Mr. Mishra, but you may leave your common rooms under supervision. We do need to talk about your-"
The mushroom hit Teddy's nose and fell towards his plate, but flipped back. Craig summoned it and stuffed it in his mouth, slipping his wand away.
"Wandless magic, boys, outside close friendships," Professor Kettleburn said sternly.
Teddy and Vasu tittered.
"Sir," Frank said. "Is Max Brown banned forever from Hogsmeade?"
"As long he is a student, yes." Professor Kettleburn's silver mustache twitched. "I have others to see now."
"Of course, sir," Sam said.
Professor Kettleburn trudged off.
"This can't lead to suspension." Sam had turned.
Teddywiped his face hastily, fully Korean. "If it proves a bloody point."
"It never does!" Sam's voice cracked.
Craig leaned over to Sam. Frank's half eaten sunny side eggs stared up.
"So we weren't here," Teddy said.
"And we wish we had." Vasu ate mushrooms. "Others do too. But it's happening again, sounds like." He glanced at Frank, who took a bite of toast. "Pushing us away since Christmas."
"I don't remember," Frank muttered, strawberry jam too sweet.
"Exactly," Teddy said quietly. "We're not gonna let them win, mate."
"You're brilliant." Frank cut his egg whites. "Take the chances."
"So're you, mate," Vasu whispered.
"Sure." Frank chewed his eggs. "Either way, I probably wouldn't've cared for here, till like now. So if I don't take mine across Europe or the U.S.-" Sam wiped flecks off his arm, "then-Sorry, lad." Frank grabbed a clean napkin.
"It's all right." Sam took it. "You go wherever you want."
"Ilvermorny?" Craig smiled, closer to Sam.
"You're a Thunderbird." Sam folded the napkin.
Sam and Craig whispered about correct houses. Teddy and Vasu discussed Asian schools, but Vasu smiled mischievously at Frank.
By that afternoon with knapsacks, Frank, Sam, and Craig joined a Hufflepuff group to Hogsmeade and Flooed home. Separate for once.
"Ribblesview!"
Frank stumbled out, steadying. Heidi barked cheerfully.
"Franklin?" Mam called.
He set his piggies' carrier, Patches and Rex squeaking, on Mam's green tartan armchair. He dropped onto his knees. Heidi licked his face, her black beard soaked. His scars and acne eased. Mam's heels clicked and Heidi barked, bounding away past boxes. Frank beamed, slobber dribbling.
"You can never stay clean." Mam smiled, vanishing soot and slobber.
Frank pushed himself up with the coffee table. "What's with the boxes?" He tugged his beads out.
"Two years, of course," Mam said stiffly, strawberry brown waves neater. "I thought you were much better."
"Fine, aye." Frank swung his knapsack on. "Dad home?"
"Quite, aye." Mam strode in by bookcases. "Let me see."
"I'm fine!" Frank dove around the red sofa, tossing a plaid cushion. "Stairs is all."
A taxidermy songbird cocked its head, gaze lightless.
"You're putting your weight on one leg." Mam crossed her arms. "That can cause problems either way."
Frank straightened up. "Books." He trudged over, raising a hand. "Don't touch me hair." He dodged her, towards Dad's glass cased RAF medals, and out the room.
The light on in the dining room and door half open, Frank dropped his bag at the wall and knocked
and knocked on the door.
"Now then?" Dad said, something clinking.
Frank stuck his head in, smiling. "Ey up."
Dad smiled, surrounded by Muggin Studies charts and essays, steaming Yorkshire rose mug set aside. "Come in, son." His greying dark mustache slacked.
Frank went in, tobacco stronger. "Mam this fussy too?"
"The boxes are precaution," Dad said, as Mam went upstairs. "I've got no intention of moving unless we must. How's Hogwarts?"
"The prank thing was planned yesterday, or released anyway." Frank dropped into a chair, pushing St. Hilda's attendance rolls aside. "Seventh year advocates' idea."
Dad marked an essay. "Aye. Your brother's at the Bells' for the afternoon. Even so. I don't wish to compare, but they let you all off easy."
"If they line us up, they know they'll get worse," Frank said flatly, accent thicker. "How widespread's Max Brown's deeds?"
"Spreading everywhere in Northern England." Dad set the scroll aside. "Hence the boxes." He sat back. "What do you suspect about those few days before this term?"
"Someone came." Frank brushed through his motto beads. "Nobody's-?"
"No." Dad hastily glanced towards the heavy wool curtained window. "Not yet at least."
"Did you wash, Franklin?" Mam called sternly.
"I haven't touched owt!"
"Your beads and Heidi?"
Dad swirled his quill pen and Frank stood up, trudging out.
"I haven't touched Heidi." Frank shouldered his knapsack and went upstairs. "You haven't touched owt else?"
"I washed and put your guinea pigs away, aye," Mam said looser. "What are your plans today?"
In his bright bedroom, Patches and Rex chutted. Frank shut the door, locking it.
"I expect not, love," Dad said, as Frank double Imperturbed it. "-no ball either. I'm happy too."
Mam's retort about the Malfoys muffled. Frank tugged things out of his knapsack and sunk into the orange egg chair, wheels squeaky.
He opened his matching paint splotched binder and got out school pamphlets. Extra cushioned sleeping bags at Queen Medb's Academy? He shifted, still sore. Wrists together, he inhaled, and out. Pringle's distant faint taunts. Focus. The usual. Who? Oso? Craig? Teddy? Everyone? Frank panted, throat tightening.
Mischievous blurs. Leo's dazzling grin. Oso and Pip laughing. Frank's insides slid away, his beads pressing into his fingers. Damp, but clean.
"Freed," Frank gasped, collapsing into his arms.
Arguments soon as Oso got home about wanting to get back to the Bells but even Kay Weasley was back to the Nest. The next afternoon after lunch, muffled laughter and triple barking behind Laurel House with the Potters in Leadworth.
"Tell them to shut up." Leo Potter plopped more whipped cream onto lemon tart, just down the table in a trilby. "My head aches."
"Drank too much last night?" Frank cut another slice of roly-poly, strawberry jam oozing out.
"Not certain what happened," Leo's mouth partly full. "You keep away from the Malfoys, generally." He swallowed harshly and swigged water. "How's she been?"
"Nellie?" Frank wiped custard off his face. "Less after Christmas, but still. Mostly through Laney Prewett." He took a bite hastily.
"We need it, mate." Leo straightened up, Wayfarers reflecting. "Perdita!" He pointed over.
Perdy barked but dashed over, black and white ears flapping. She dove under the table. Grama yelped. Gramps patted her back. Leo shifted, smiling, and rubbed Perdy's head, red heart cloth draped over her smooth coat. Frank smiled, nibbling roly-poly.
"You're too loud, girl," Leo said. "How's Jamie then?"
Perdy sighed against Leo's knees, settling. Through the garden past the small Quidditch pitch, Jamie jumped off a blossoming cherry branch missing Oso's outstretched shoulders, grinning, and Jamie bounced laughing.
"-swear I heard more," Leo muttered, as Perdy darted back under the table out past Great-aunts Sue and Effie unfazed. "I'm going inside." He wiped his face and picked his plate up.
"Need anyone?" Frank scraped jam and custard with his fork.
"I'm okay, thanks." Leo trudged through the garden, up the porch, and into the Tudor cottage. The wind chimes jingled.
Frank finished his roly-poly. Great-uncle Monty and Gramps had turned back to talking grimly. Perdy's bark bounced back. A lost deeper bark in the air, gone. Frank squeezed his heart pendant.
"Nah then, lad." Oso tugged the roly-poly platter around Frank and dropped in Leo's empty seat. "Erm, you okay?"
"Done entertaining almost eight year olds?" Frank pushed the custard bowl over.
Oso waved a pink hand. "We need our fat." He scooped whipping cream on his slices. "Aunt Brenda's getting back on ghost catching duties, so hugging time."
"Ghosts're here." Frank streaked custard onto Oso's pudding. "You've been rather quiet."
"Aye, well, maybe I realized I can blend in a bit better." Oso splattered cream on Frank's blazer. "What was Arty thinking?"
"Love turns your head, lad." Frank carefully vanished the cream off.
"Sounds boring." Oso licked his messy lips. "But you're more fit anyway."
Frank plopped custard onto Oso's plate. Oso glared, straightening up, over Frank's shoulder.
"I'm not the one who got caught, not for love." Oso mixed custard into his whipping cream. "Unless something's goin' on with the other Black twin." He took a bite, tittering.
"There's not." Frank stood up. "Enjoy your pudding."
"I haven't got anyone," Oso argued.
Frank set for the house, beads heavier. He passed through the garden and past the ramp as he set onto the porch. The door creaked and he stepped inside.
Chatter from the kitchen, Frank pressed down the hall. White bright faces shining in frames. Tabby and Pip smiling mischievously. A warmth drifted from the open sitting room, but no voices.
Frank knocked lightly. Leo glanced up from a bookcase, closing a blue leather bound.
"Nah then." Frank smiled slightly.
"My dad just left." Leo pushed the book on the shelf. "It won't matter."
"What won't?" Frank stepped by the ticking chestnut grandfather clock past knight paintings.
"He's not on the Wizengamot, even then." Leo leaned against the bookcase, glass beads peeking. "We'll do our best."
"They broke the law big time." Frank stopped at another bookcases, brushing a herbology book. "How's Egypt?"
"Great," Leo said coolly, olive skin flickering in the candlelight. "Doesn't it bother you that you don't know your ancient ancestral roots?"
"Weren't you Normans?" Frank brushed through his clay animal beads.
"The Peverells came from Germania, but Merlin knows about the Potters until the original patriarch." Leo turned, busying with a book. "Here."
Above the carved mantle, Prongs jerked his antlers. Frank cleared his thick throat. Leo turned a page, dazedly distracted. Frank slid off Magical Beasts: Not To Be Feared? by Alfred Potter and dropped onto a cushioned chair, copyright 1843. His pocket warmed. The back door closed and a ringing laugh faded.
Frank shut the book and Leo straightened up. Oso set down the hall.
"Up for chess?" Oso grinned, stepping in the doorway.
"If you don't mind me slaughtering your chessmen into oblivion," Leo said haughtily. "You're on, mate."
Oso came in, unzipping his chess pouch. Frank stood up with the book, he clapped Oso's back. Warmth drifted past. Leo drew up the chairs around the chess table, marble set glittering, and Oso sat down.
"White or black?" Leo smiled slyly, dropping down.
L
Leo narrowly let Oso win the rematch, both of them determined not to follow family straight home, but Oso eagerly joined Frank and Heidi in the end. Jamie and Snuffles dashed upstairs while Leo and Perdita claimed a corner in the sitting room.
"Comfortable, son?" Great-uncle Monty's voice said wearily, hours later.
Leo shifted, but Perdita grunted against his chest. Great-uncle Monty smiled blearily, in his vest and braces and bent elbows on his knobby knees.
"Jamie staying tonight?" Leo mumbled, pillows under his head.
"If he's asleep before his mum's back, yes," Great-uncle Monty said softly. "Valentine's Day is a prime time for spirits, I'm afraid."
"Home's barmy," Leo said hollowly.
"Looks like you've got an excuse tonight," Great-uncle Monty's mischievousness glinted. "You need the sleep, since I hear Egypt is two hours ahead."
Leo yawned. "Tell him be quiet."
"His gran is, don't worry." Great-uncle Monty pulled himself straight with a chair. "Of course we all do."
Leo's lip twitched. "Goodnight, uncle." He scratched Perdita's head, warm pulse calm.
By the time Aunt Brenda roused Leo and Perdita, still dark out, she was on the way upstairs to carry Jamie home. Half aware, Leo stumbled to the kitchen with Perdita guiding him along.
He slumped into a chair and swigged the steaming coffee. He unfolded the note from Aunt Brenda, sending everyone's love.
After a small breakfast at Leadon House down the next street, Leo stepped into Tabby's bedroom and kissed her mahogany red wavy fringe. He slipped out, her floral plaque vague, and downstairs.
"You behave," Mum said sternly, rubbing Sleekeazy's into his damp neck hair in the drawing room and other plump hand around his upper arm.
"It's a waste of potion," Leo said disgruntled, shifting in her grip.
"Come now, my dearest," Dad said amusedly. "I found us men both a fez."
Leo jerked in her loosening grip and ducked, but she turned on Dad.
"You look ridiculous," Mum's voice oddly airy. "I know the top's taken care of."
Leo popped up from behind the red sofa. Dad grinned, tossing a second fez, as his black tassel flopped. Leo topped it and bowed slightly.
Mum smiled sweetly, fading. Dad stepped over past Greek paintings, holding his hands out to Mum. Leo swung his knapsack on from off the side table. The little warmth was gone.
"Mate," Leo breathed.
Dad's soft whisper, arms wrapped around Mum. Dawn peeked barred through the purple silk curtains and Leo strode out, past stirring Peverell portraits and Albion paintings.
Perdita snored from under the stairs and Leo sunk onto a step, knapsack heavy. Horse paintings nickered. Orange sun drifted through the thin windows.
"Leo?" Dad leaned against the drawing room doorframe.
"Egypt might be better for college," Leo said hollowly, cloak deep. "Or whatever."
"Let's finish this term first at least." Dad's dark circle beard firm. "We can determine then."
Leo nodded. "The Blacks won't want me around much longer," he added loud enough.
Dad glanced back. "Perhaps." He stepped over. "She's scared, son. We can't let it get the best of us, I hope?"
"I know the world's dangerous," Leo asserted, watch heavy. "I won't let them use me."
"Of course." Dad sat beside the wall under a horse painting, stretched elbows on his knees. "Even then." He took his fez off. "They're much more clever than last time."
"Then what?" Leo slipped his off. "A proper Potter?"
"A ignorant one?" Dad flipped his tassel. "I hope you and your sister grow beyond us, eh?" He put it on and pulled his gold pocket watch out. "We ought to go."
Leo pulled himself up with the railing and around the stairs. He dropped at Perdita's window, horseshoe over her name, and crawled past the curtain. Perdita stirred in her large plaid bed, light seeping from the magical window across.
"Hey, girl," Leo said softly. "I gotta go."
Perdita sighed. She sat up and curled up on his lap. He rubbed her smooth black back.
"You've got the horses." Leo kissed her head. "Nothing can tear us apart," his throat hoarse.
She nuzzled his face gently, their noses nearly the same size. Leo smiled and scratched her ears.
"Go try and find Pongo, girl," Leo said easier, "but sleep some more first."
Perdita rubbed his whiskers and climbed back into bed. Leo edged out, past the photos and decor, and tugged the curtain back.
At the fireplace, Mum squeezed Leo into a tight embrace and kissed his cheek. The dark oak family clock ticking o the mantle, everyone home.
"I know," Leo muttered, pulling out. "I'm fine. St. Mungo's today?"
She shook her head. "No, take care, sweetie."
Leo nodded, fixed his knapsack, and followed Dad through the fireplace. Ticking loud, Leo spun away.
A portkey to Italy, for a pit stop and see the Boneses, then another to Cairo. Leo and Dad Apparated straight down to Aswan to the edge of the Nile.
The ancient mud brick temple shadowed, cooling down, as they pressed into the court. Leo's beads fluttered, tucked under his leather messenger bag strap. The statue of Heka towered, entwined serpents twisting.
Leo smirked, tugging out his red dishdasha. "We could've if we hadn't stopped in Italy."
Dad laughed. "Still deeply secret, son. We'll see you next month."
"See you later," Leo said in Arabic, stuffing his patched denim jacket away. "I know I've earned every detention."
"Keep learning." Dad jerked his head towards the school, tassel flopping. "I need to stop by the Egyptian Ministry."
Leo nodded and set through the pylon and pyramidal towers enveloped. And down the stone stairs into the earth, as he slipped his dishdasha on and clothes away.
