Albus Severus Potter (A Harry Potter fanfic)

Secrets

It was Monday, and lessons had begun again. Everyone had easily slipped back into the routine of waking up and dragging themselves to some classroom that your feet knew the way to; everyone apart from James, because no such routine existed for him.

It was hard, however, for students to get used to the death of Lockheart, even though they had only known him for a few months. Most students hadn't even spoken to him, but they felt bad all the same. James had written to his Mum and Dad, and was eagerly awaiting their response to it. James knew of course, that his parents had once had the pleasure of meeting Lockheart, so they would probably be more affected by his death than he would be.

Most of students were seated at the house tables; the Durmstrang and Beauxbaton students were sitting around their tables too. Some of the students had begun to eat breakfast, but most were waiting for the post to arrive. Suddenly, loud hoots and screeches filled the Hall. The owls flooded into the room and the air was filled with falling letters.

James snatched his letter out of the air. It was a familiar parchment envelope, and inside it was a familiar feeling parchment coated with familiar writing. James read over the letter quickly.

Dear James,

We're sorry for not writing for so long, we've been wrapped up in work.

We have to warn you though, Hogwarts isn't safe. You can tell this to your siblings, but after that, tell them nothing else. Once you've read this letter through, burn it in the fire behind you (we know where you sit). Also, tell this to Albus and Lily when there is definitely no one listening.

As you know, Professor McGonagall is old, too old to be alive. The only way she could be doing this is with a Philosopher's stone, which she does not have in her possession. It means that someone is supplying her with the Elixir of Life. She's not being mailed this, so she must be meeting up with someone secretly.

We need to find out who and we need you to help us. On your next Hogsmeade trip (15th March) before you go to Zonko's, can you please follow her and find out where it is she is getting the Elixir of Life? We know you have the Cloak, so use it.

As well as that, we've found out that Lockheart was apparently murdered at Hogwarts in the Gryffindor common room. That wasn't Gilderoy Lockheart. The real Lockheart hasn't left St. Mungo's since 1993. The one who you've spent the past few months with was a fake and now he's been killed.

There's no way you can possibly help with that one, and for your safety I advise you, Albus, and Lily to stay away from the teachers. That shouldn't be too hard, but make sure you don't go after them for homework or anything like that.

We're very sorry for not writing for 2 months, we've been away for so long, and even as we write this we know that we aren't safe.

Lots of love,

Mum and Dad

James ran his eyes over the letter again, trying to understand it. He knew what he had to do. "What's that?" asked Jane, interrupting his train of thought.

"Nothing important," he said, and with a nonchalant shrug, he balled up the letter in his hand and threw it over his shoulder, into the fire.