The Potter Family

The Secret Room

"You're lagging behind." Teddy said as Albus struggled to keep up with him through the darkened corridors of the school. "The position of the room has changed since they rebuilt the school." said Teddy "But it's still there and James thinks he's the only one who knows about it. He's a little naive that way." He stopped in front of a wall that was right opposite some knights in rusted armour. "It's less conspicuous now." said Teddy "Corner of the school. Hardly anyone knows about it." Albus blinked "But WHAT is it. WHAT is so special about this room and why can't I see it?" "Wait and watch." said Teddy rubbing his palms together in anticipation. Then, as they watched, a door appeared on the wall. Albus was sure it hadn't been there a minute ago. "The Room of Requirement?" he asked, a little awed "Right in front of you." said Teddy, "Haven't been here since my fifth year. Ready to see its wonders?" Albus nodded. Teddy walked confidently towards the door while Albus followed a little hesitantly. "I bring to you...." Teddy took a theatrical pause "The Room of Requirement." He flung the door open. Albus blinked. The room was smaller than he'd expected. Almost like a broom cupboard and there was no sight of his brother in it. "You said James would be here." said Albus. Teddy looked a little puzzled but not completely disappointed. "Must have left." he said grinning "But come on...when do you get to see a magical room? Not very often. Right?" "It's not very impressive." said Albus "And I've got to find James." "It's only ten'o clock." said Teddy "This is not the only room here. You can go to any room you think of...." "Not now." said Albus, determined to find James. "Some other time." "Right." Teddy said pretending that it was all right Albus hadn't been that interested in the room." I'll get you back to your dormitory. Your brother will probably be there."
*****
Albus woke up late the next morning and he woke up just because Teddy decided he'd slept for too long and poured a glass of water on his head. "What was that for?" he demanded when he'd finished spluttering and coughing out the water that had fallen into his mouth. "If you want the last bit of breakfast, you'll have to come now." said Teddy. "And James hasn't turned up yet. Get your robes on and come to the Great Hall. Rose is waiting for you." he waved and walked out of the dormitory. "Wait....." Albus called out but Teddy was already out.
By the time Albus got dressed and rushed down to the Great Hall, the breakfat was over. Rose caught him by the back of his collar just as he was about to rush to his first class. "You heard about James?" she asked him "Yeah." he said "Where do you think he's gone?" Rose looked at him appraisingly "What's wrong with your tie?" Albus conciously tugged at his crooked tie "Forget about that." he said "James has been missing since yesterday." "That's what i wanted to talk to you about." she said forgetting temporarily about the tie. "We should tell someone. He could be trapped somewhere or something. Hogwart's has really changed from what dad told me about it. Just yesterday I nearly fell down a hidden trapdoor on...." "...I don't think so." interrupted Albus "James has been here for three years. He'd know the school by now." The Great Hall was emptying out fast "I'm getting late for Transfiguration." said Rose "I'll meet you at lunch and if James doesn't show up by then, we'll have to think of something." Albus quickly proceeded to retie his tie. "Herbology." he said. Neville wouldn't say anything if I was half an hour late. "Fine." said Rose rolling her eyes "You can stay here for half an hour if you like. I'm going."