Music for writing : Hello (Cello Cover) Vesislava Todorova


2020 – End of Fourth Year – Summer

Albus was practically dancing on the London sidewalk, oblivious to the looks passersby were giving him.

"We should buy this cinema!" he shouted into the night, and Scorpius burst out laughing, his mind hazy.

They had just left a showing at The Prestige. The Muggle cinema had screened a film, almost a musical, twenty years old, and Albus was spinning around, stomping his foot on the pavement, singing the songs he had loved.

"How wonderful life is, now you're in the world!" he said to a young girl who looked at him, half-amused and half-wary, a slight smile on her lips.

"We should buy this cinema, Scorpius!" he repeated again.

Albus loved this place, with its old stones and Victorian style. The old man who ran it had told him it would be closing soon. A shame, a disaster!

"It's not profitable," Scorpius said, watching him twirl as he clung to a lamppost.

"So what?" Albus asked, arms wide open, a big grin on his face.

Scorpius started laughing at the boy's enthusiasm and even more when Albus pulled him into his twirl for a fiery tango.

"Roxanne!" Albus sang. "You don't have to wear that red dress tonight!"

"Shh! You're going to wake the whole neighborhood!" said Scorpius, pulling away. "I'd rather not get arrested by Muggles!"

"Oh! I can imagine your father's face if he had to come get you from the station."

Even though the idea amused him, he seemed to calm down slowly. He grabbed Scorpius by the shoulders.

"Listen to me! We could live here together after Hogwarts!"

"Oh my God, you're serious," Scorpius said, shaking his head.

"Of course I'm serious!" Albus said, not losing his smile. "We could live in the apartment upstairs. We could watch all the movies we wanted. Scorpius, we have enough money to buy it!"

Scorpius grimaced. Living in the apartment upstairs? That dump probably hadn't been lived in for 50 years; it had turned into a dusty storage room for the cinema's grimy, tattered seats, broken projectors, and burnt-out bulbs.

"We have enough money to buy it," he declared. "And I have enough money to keep it afloat while it loses more and more money. What a deal!"

Albus pretended to be offended.

"Hey! I'm rich too."

Scorpius nudged him in the shoulder, hard enough to make him let go.

"You won't stay rich long if you make unreasonable investments."

He had resumed walking towards the subway station where the passage to the wizarding world was located.

"I think it's a great idea!" Albus shouted behind him.

"It's madness!" he called back, not stopping.

Suddenly Albus grabbed his arm and pulled him close.

"Why madness?"

He seemed serious now, and Scorpius thought carefully, aware that Albus might keep them out on the streets of London all night if he didn't give an answer.

"Albus, we're 14. Neither of us knows what we want to do after Hogwarts. What studies, what plans? So much could happen. Who's to say we'll live together?"

"I don't know." He suddenly seemed uncertain, almost disappointed, then he composed himself. "But I know there won't be an 'after Hogwarts' without you."

Scorpius couldn't help but smile at this declaration, and Albus insisted, "So why not buy it? Even if we part ways, it'll be our headquarters, our sanctuary! Just yours and mine!"

Scorpius sighed, feeling his resistance weaken. He loved this place too. Why was he resisting? Albus's fingers pressed into his bare arms.

"Say yes, please, say yes!"

"Okay."

Albus froze, barely able to contain his excitement.

"Seriously?"

"Yes. I said yes. Can we go home now?"

But Albus lifted him off the ground and spun him in his arms, deaf to his friend's protests until Scorpius pinched him hard enough to be put back on the ground.

"You're impossible," Scorpius grumbled. He tried to pull away, but Albus didn't release his hold. He looked up at the boy still holding him. Albus's gaze was dark, his pupils dilated, lips slightly parted. He stared at him.

"What are you…" Scorpius began, but he couldn't finish.

Albus had pressed his lips to his. Albus was kissing him.

Softly at first, brushing his mouth, planting tender, damp kisses. Scorpius's mind went blank. When Potter felt he wasn't being pushed away, he deepened the kiss, letting his tongue slip into his mouth, playing with his, sliding his fingers through his hair, holding him tighter and tighter, and for both of them, time slipped away.

Potter finally let him go, out of breath, but he didn't break eye contact, searching for something in his gaze. Then, when he leaned in again, Scorpius stopped him, both hands on his chest.

"What are you doing, Albus?" he asked softly, looking at Potter, shaken. He was trembling. "What are we doing?"

"I don't know," Potter murmured in a hoarse voice, his gaze bright. "I don't know."

And he captured his lips again.


1997 – 12 Grimmauld Place

Harry chewed slowly, not taking his eyes off the teenagers sitting across from him.

His gaze lingered especially on Albus and James. On his sons.

By Merlin, he had two sons; he could hardly believe it. The idea of a future felt impossible. All his thoughts and his entire being were focused on Voldemort and defeating him. As long as that monster was alive, he couldn't envision a future.

And yet, that futurwas in front of him, eating toast.

James bit into a slice of buttered bread, glancing at his brother, who, with his nose in his bowl of coffee, paid him no attention.

"Eat at least one piece of fruit," he said, reaching for an apple.

"Sod off."

"Watch your language, boy," growled Mad-Eye, pouring himself more orange juice.

Albus shot him a sideways glance, which Mr. Weasley promptly suppressed with a clearing of his throat.

"My boy," he said in a comforting tone, "I know the situation is… delicate. But in these troubled times, we have to stick together. The pressure outside is so intense… Let's consider this place a haven where we can escape the hostility. And for that, we all need to do our part."

Albus softened for a moment, but when his eyes met his brother's, his frown returned.

The two boys didn't seem to get along. Or at least, Albus appeared hostile toward his older brother, who seemed to tread carefully whenever he had to speak to him.

Harry knew he shouldn't think this way, but this Albus got on his nerves—he felt like banging his head against the wall. Yet, Albus ignored him splendidly, while James would smile whenever their eyes met. Harry felt naturally close to James; he reminded him of Sirius, and his heart filled with warmth and sadness.

Yet, it was Albus he most resembled physically. He had the same black hair and green eyes. He didn't wear glasses, and his cheekbones were higher, his face more slender. Harry sensed that he didn't want to be there, unlike the others who, although cautious, gladly interacted with the members of the Order, curious to know them or see them in a different light.

James's face had brightened when Fred and George entered the kitchen, and Hugo had immediately approached them, listening to the twins talk about their business ventures and latest inventions. Rose was engaged in conversation with Nymphadora, captivated by the young Auror.

Only Albus didn't join the group; he stared intensely at the door, lifting his head each time someone entered, only to drop it in visible disappointment.

"Waiting for someone?" asked Ron, who had noticed his behavior.

Albus gave him a quick glance, then returned his gaze to the door.

His face lit up. Harry followed his gaze and grimaced.

Snape had appeared, and his heavy step reminded Harry of his pacing in Potions class. He hated the sound of those footsteps. Severus greeted the assembly with a quick nod, his gaze lingering on Albus, who was watching him intently.

"Severus!" Molly called. "Come, have a seat. You'll have some coffee?"

"I won't stay long; I just wanted to see the…" He sneered as he looked at the young newcomers. "Potters and Weasleys, just as I expected."

"Perhaps our children," George joked, nudging Hugo's hair, who grumbled and pushed his hand away. "What do you think, Fred? This little redhead looks a lot like us!"

"Stop teasing him, Fred," said Arthur Weasley with a smile. "You know he can't say anything to you."

"Are we sure of that?" muttered Mad-Eye, his dark gaze still fixed on Albus.

"The tests were conducted on the specimens I have," Snape replied impassively. "I couldn't find anything that the Dark Lord could use."

"Specimens?" Rose scoffed, annoyed. "We're not lab rats!"

"Depends on who we're talking about," Hugo mumbled, wincing as Rose hit him on the shoulder.

"But they're fine, aren't they?" asked Albus, and Harry was surprised by the weakness in his usually harsh voice. "They're alive?"

"They're alive," Snape agreed, a disdainful smirk on his lips, "and both are being held by Lord Voldemort."

"That's terrible," Hermione exclaimed.

"You claim these two young people can't reveal anything?" Dora asked, worried. "Even under torture?"

"I put Dumbledore's spell to the test myself all night," Snape replied, moving closer to the fireplace. "I couldn't detect anything. And, in any case, I don't think they intend to talk."

"Who are they?" asked Harry.

The adults exchanged wary glances, unsure of what to say.

"Hey!" Ginny snapped. "We have the right to know!"

"What right?" Snape asked disdainfully.

"We're not sure," said Mad-Eye, "just as we can't determine the exact parentage of James, Rose, Hugo, and Albus. Although we can guess, based on certain… clues. Dumbledore's spell is powerful, protecting us from others—and from ourselves! Even doubt can save us."

"Voldemort never doubts," said Hermione. "Why hasn't he killed or tortured them? Why keep them with him? Unless…" She trailed off, thinking hard, her face going pale. "Unless they're from his side."

Harry felt his heart clench, and he turned to James, who looked away, refusing to meet his gaze.

"Wait, Hermione, you mean children of Death Eaters from the future are being held by Voldemort right now?" Ron exclaimed, panicked.

Hermione was about to respond when Albus intervened,

"Who they are doesn't matter. Snape just told you they're no threat to you."

Ginny scoffed, "Children of Death Eaters are no threat? Are you insane?" she asked, not waiting for a reply before turning to Hugo. "You said they could betray us."

"That's not true!" Rose retorted, exasperated.

"You shouldn't be eavesdropping," Albus retorted sharply.

"You wouldn't have to snoop if you stopped shutting us out," Harry replied sharply.

"They won't betray us!" Albus shouted, making everyone at the table jump.

Harry shot up, furious. He leaned over the table, slamming his hands on it, threateningly.

"We can't take that risk! Do you understand what's happening here, you fool? We're at war!"

Albus looked taken aback. He tried to speak but held back. Harry wanted to smash his nose against the edge of the table. He didn't have time to dither. Such a waste of time! He knew Snape was coming this morning, and he was burning to ask why he had made an Unbreakable Vow for Draco Malfoy. So many things were in play, so many unanswered questions, threats looming over him and the people he loved. He couldn't afford to waste time on sentimentality.

Trusting Death Eaters' children?Absolutely not.

"They have no intention of speaking," Snape said in a detached tone, drawing everyone's attention. "I'd describe them as passionate and strong young people. But both have significant weaknesses that must remain secret." His gaze met Albus's. "Or the Dark Lord could break them."

Albus looked away, his jaw clenched.

"And why wouldn't they talk?" Ginny insisted. "Because of the spell?"

"Or because they're blood traitors?" Ron sneered.

"I can only tell you they won't reveal anything," Snape replied. "For now…"

"But can we take the risk?" asked Nymphadora, agitated. "I agree with the young ones; we're in a serious situation."

"And what do you suggest, Miss Tonks?" Snape hissed disdainfully. "Would you like me to poison them in their sleep so your own rest remains undisturbed?"

Dora looked scandalized and was about to respond, but Mad-Eye interrupted.

"I don't like the situation either, but we have to trust Dumbledore, Nymphadora. And we have orders: no interference. That's what we'll do." He took his staff and hobbled toward the hallway. "We'll go to the living room; I have things to discuss with you. You too, Severus." He turned to the teenagers still seated at the table, raised a finger, and added in a stern tone, "If I hear any fighting, I won't hesitate to take action, and you don't want to deal with me."

Harry felt the urge to roll his eyes, but the memory of a ferret-Malfoy dissuaded him.

Following Mad-Eye, the adults left the room. To Harry's surprise, Albus stood up and grabbed Snape's cloak as he passed by.

"I need to talk to you," he murmured.

Severus scrutinized him, studying his face, lingering on his eyes.

"I know," he said. Then he tugged on his cloak to make the boy let go and turned away before leaving.

Albus remained standing, his head lowered, deep in thought.

Harry watched him. He just couldn't figure this guy out. He turned to James, eager to get some answers. Arms crossed over his chest, leaning back in his chair, he waited for Potter to speak.

"You're causing quite a mess," Harry remarked, studying the boy's reactions.

James grimaced and nodded.

"We're aware. More than you think. But we didn't do anything to end up here." He gave a bitter smile. "Just to be clear, I was late for Potions, running down the corridor, and I'd almost reached the classroom door. Then suddenly, I was caught in an icy whirlpool. Everything went black, and I felt like I was falling into a void, faster and faster. I lost consciousness, and when I woke up, I was lying in the middle of the Forbidden Forest." He nodded toward his companions. "And they were with me."

"I was in the Great Hall at Hogwarts," Hugo said. "I was working on an essay with my Charms partner, and everything went blurry. I asked my friend what was happening, but he couldn't hear me. The whole room started spinning around me, and then the ground disappeared, and I fell."

"Merlin, that must have been awful," George said, and Fred nodded beside him.

"Same for you?" Ginny asked Rose.

"I… I was in the library," the girl said in a faint voice, blushing. She cleared her throat and continued more confidently, "We know it's a demon that brought us here. A demon that lives in a mirror at Hogwarts. If we could find this mirror, maybe we could find a way to go back home."

"How do you know it's a demon?" asked Fred.

"Because I talked to it," said Albus. "I was in front of the mirror when it happened."

"You saw it? It spoke to you?" Hermione asked, her curiosity piqued.

Albus seemed reluctant to answer.

"Not exactly. Disconnected words. I understood a few phrases. It didn't seem familiar with our language, the language of humans, I mean. It laughed a lot. It said, 'Will you make the same choices?' And then I fell…"

"You don't know why it sent you here, to this time?" Hermione pressed.

Albus shook his head, shrugging.

Rose hesitated, choosing her words:

"It's easy to understand… that this time period is a test for each of us."

"Yes, exactly," James agreed bitterly. "I think the demon is testing us."

"Why would a demon do that?" Ron asked.

"For amusement," replied Hermione. "Demons have always enjoyed playing tricks on the living, corrupting them, making them suffer."

"So we find the mirror," Harry said impatiently. "And then what?"

The teenagers exchanged puzzled looks.

"Right. You have no idea… Brilliant, absolutely brilliant."

"Dumbledore is looking for a solution," Hugo began.

"Dumbledore should be focusing on defeating Voldemort!"

"I know," Hugo said, holding his hands up in a calming gesture. "We all know."

Harry took a deep breath, on edge. He really didn't need this. He ran a hand through his messy hair, trying to calm down.

"Tell me about the other two," he asked, eager for more information on their visitors and especially the two who were missing. "Why were they captured and not you?"

"Good question," Hugo scoffed.

"Stop it, Hugo," James sighed wearily, dropping the knife with which he had been crushing crumbs of bread.

But the redhead persisted:

"Did you see how he was lagging behind? Like a slug. I wondered if he'd purposely gotten himself captured."

"Enough!" Rose said, slapping her hand on the table. She pointed a finger at Hugo. "You wouldn't be here, none of us would, if they hadn't led the Snatchers off on another trail! We'd all be Voldemort's prisoners if it weren't for them."

Hugo tried to respond but was cut off by Albus.

"But he's right," he said. "It's not normal; they shouldn't have been captured." He seemed burdened, his voice sad. "I didn't understand anything. He was right behind me. I tried to grab his hand, but he stopped me and told me to run."

"He couldn't keep up," Rose said, hesitating. "Not with his leg."

James clicked his tongue and looked insistently at Rose, but she dismissed him with a wave, determined to ignore him.

"His leg?" Albus asked, straightening, a new tension in his voice.

"His leg was broken less than a month ago," Rose explained.

"But… no," Albus stammered, shaken. "What's going on?! How do you know that? And why didn't I ?!"

"Because he told me not to tell you," Rose replied regretfully.

Albus stood up, knocking over his chair. In a flash, he grabbed his brother by the throat, raising his fist above his face.

"If you hurt him…!" he shouted, but his arm was stopped by Fred, and George grabbed him around the waist, pulling him back.

"Whoa! Calm down!" said Fred.

But Albus seemed not to hear him, his eyes fixed on James, who made no move to back away.

"Explain yourself, scum; I'm sure it's your fault!"

Exasperated, Harry positioned himself between them, ready to intervene.

Albus groaned in anger as he saw Potter standing between him and his brother.

"Move! Now!"

"We told you to calm down," said Harry through gritted teeth.

"Get out of the way; this doesn't concern you!" Albus shouted, furious as he approached Harry. "Focus on Draco Malfoy, and leave us alone!"

A chill ran down Harry's spine, and cold anger filled every fiber of his being.

"What do you know about Malfoy?" he asked, his voice dark

"Harry," Hermione whispered in concern, ready to intervene.

Albus let out a small, dark, joyless laugh.

"Don't count on me to tell you anything. You'll have to figure it out yourself. In the meantime, stay out of my business!"

That was the last straw. Harry grabbed Albus by the collar. With a swift, brutal move, he shoved him and pressed his face against the table, jabbing his wand into the boy's neck.

"You think this is a damn game?!" he shouted, deaf to his friends' pleas for him to let go.

But suddenly, his wand flew from his hand and was thrown against the wall behind him.

Surprised, Harry looked up at the kitchen door.

"By Merlin, can't you stay in a room for ten minutes without trying to kill each other?" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed, her wand pointed at them.

A little ashamed, Harry released the boy. He still wanted to slam his head into the wall, but he had no desire for Molly to see him… beating up his own son.

"We've contacted Dumbledore," Mad-Eye grumbled, looking at the scene before him. "He thinks it would be best if you were all sent to Hogwarts."

Albus lifted himself from the table, his lips bloodied, and let out a wild laugh.

"Finally, some good news!" he said with relief.

End of Chapter 9


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