Albus Severus Potter (A Harry Potter fanfic)

Before the Ball

The Second Task had been something that no one was forgetting any time soon. They were in fact forgetting about the Valentine Ball, and the preparations. It took much effort from the matron and Lockheart to get students away from the Hospital Wing and the Champions. The only people allowed into the Hospital Wing were teachers and close friends of the Champions; and of course anyone else who was actually injured sick. A number of students had attempted to sneak in, while pretending that they were ill to try and see the Champions, so the matron had had to take out some green curtains to shield the Champions from unwanted stares. Most students had been eager to see the Champions because rumours were saying that the wings were permanent.

∞

It was soon Wednesday and the Champions had finally been released from the Hospital Wing and rumours were spreading throughout the school like wildfire. Most of them weren't true, but the close friends of the champions enjoyed laughing at the stupidest, though their laughs were occasionally forced. Some of the silliest rumours they had heard were things like 'the Champions have to drink a ginger and rats tail potion 10 minutes to keep them from turning into a dementor'. These were also, unfortunately the same sort of rumours that forced the Champions and their friends to fake a laugh. The laugh was fake because they knew the truth about the Champions' condition. The Champions had to, actually, take a modified Polyjuice potion every hour to keep their wings away; no one had been able to find a way to remove their wings so, for now, they were deemed to be permanent.

Professor McGonagall had thought that it was best if they took the potion until a cure was found, so that they could continue studying and then they could even go to the Valentine Ball. The headteacher had also handed Lockheart the job of organising the finishing touches of the Valentine Ball, he seemed to have taken a liking to this and could sometimes be heard muttering to himself 'strange sense of deja vu, very strange sense'.

∞

In a sixth-year Herbology lesson, Professor Longbottom was asked by a Hufflepuff student "why was Lockheart muttering about deja vu last week?" At this, Professor Longbottom seemed as if he was about to burst out laughing, but said - with a suspicious smile - that he didn't know a thing. Albus, who knew Professor Longbottom better than most people (he called him Neville) decided to ask him more about this, as the smile that was now plastered across his face made Albus very suspicious.

He stayed behind about Herbology, and walked over to Neville after the greenhouse was cleared. "Neville," he began, drawing out his name more than necessary. "Do you know why Lockheart was muttering about deja vu?"

Neville laughed, "yes, actually. I do." Then he sobered up a bit. "I know everything that happened," his face was now a lot darker compared to earlier, as if he'd been reminded if a unpleasant memory. "Maybe you should ask your dad about it, he knows a bit more about the start." His face was cleared now, and he was focusing on covering the Tentacula with soil.

Suddenly, Albus let out a half-shout. His knees gave way and he was clutching onto the table for support. Neville dropped the soil and quickly held up Albus. "Where is it?" he asked, panicking.

"Pocket," breathed out Albus. Neville took out a small vial. He had to force it down a bit, because Albus was doubled over and there were now two visible stumps on his back. As soon as he'd swallowed a few drops of the potion, he gasped in a huge breath and the stumps disappeared.

"You can't forget to take it," said Neville, completely serious. "If you're on your own, you might die of this. Please don't forget."

"I won't," said Albus, feeling guilty because of the worry written all over Neville's face. "I was meant to take it after Herbology, but ..." he trailed off.

Neville relaxed, "its fine. You have the rest of your day off don't you? Go and enjoy it." He smiled at Albus and handed him his vial back. Albus smiled weakly back, and put the vial back into his pocket.

"Bye," said Albus, leaving the greenhouse.

∞

Thurday passed in a blur. Girls were getting their letters out again and ordering last minute things from various shops in Hogsmeade, boys were meeting up with their dates and sorting out their dress-robes, and everyone was buzzing about the whole thing. Some teachers had given up trying to control their classes, but some teachers like Professor Binns appeared to be unaware of the upcoming event. It was something everyone was looking forwards to, because it wasn't just everyone watching their fellow students battle - though they did enjoy that greatly - they were able to participate in this event. Everyone was looking forwards to the day off tomorrow and the Ball in the evening.

Soon, the sun rose upon a Friday morning.