The Next Generation: Albus Severus Potter

Nessa's Departure

I sat on the train with Nessa sitting next to me, both of us wearing our Slytherin robes. She leaned her head on my shoulder.

"Nessa?" I asked her, softly.

"Yes, Al?" Nessa replied.

"I need to tell you something," I gave a deep breath.

"Shoot," she replied, worry playing in her eyes.

"I have a smoking problem."

She was silent for a minute. Was she going to leave me?

"I figured. I mean, you kind of smell like cigarettes. Which is why I have not given you a kiss yet today. It's disgusting, the smell."

I nodded; I knew this very well.

"Are you going to leave me?" I asked her, nervous.

She laughed; what about that was funny?

"Oh, Al! Of course I wouldn't leave you because of your smoking problem. I love you too much. Besides, I'm going to help you get better."

That relieved my worry, but soon enough it piled up back in my stomach.

"But what if I don't want to?" I asked her.

"Well, then if I give you help, and you don't accept it... I'm not certain. I mean, you could get lung cancer- and a bunch of other things, including death."

I stayed silent as she continued to speak with me.

"And second hand smoking... It's more dangerous than smoking. All the chemicals breathed out are ejected into the air, and the nearest human being or living organism nearby will receive all of those. It could make them get lung cancer and even die.

"And if you won't accept help, Al, I might have to leave you. At least for a little while. But I will stay with you- if you are willing to receive help. Are you willing to receive help?"

I thought for a moment.

"No," I admitted. "I don't want any help."

Nessa smiled sadly at me. Disappointment and sadness were in her icy blue eyes; she looked like she was going to spew out salty tears at any given moment.

"I'm sorry, Al. You won't get help?"

"No," I sternly stated. "I don't need help."

"Alright. I'm breaking up with you, Al. I love you so much... But I don't want to have my heart broken if you die or get ill. I'm sorry. Maybe if... When you're better, come and talk to me."

She walked out of the compartment, and left me sitting there speechless. Nessa just broke up with me- because I won't get help.

That's her problem now. I don't need any help. I don't have an addiction.

"He's you do," my brain replied.

"No, I don't."

"You can think that."