The United

Chapter 4 : James

Albus's Defence against the Dark Arts lesson was actually very boring. They wrote down a lot of defence spells and got homework which was to match the right spell to the different scenarios. Although the Defence teacher Professor Oyzo kept reassuringly saying that they would never have to use does spells because nothing could happen to them now.

Albus followed his class down to the greenhouses a little gloomily.

"Hi. What's up with you?" Rose asked as she joined him on the lawn.

"Oh nothing, just Defence was a bit-"

"Basic, right? Hopefully this will be better." Rose said.

"Yeah." Albus smiled even though it wasn't that Defence against the Dark Arts was basic that bothered him at all.

Professor Longbottom ushered the class into Greenhouse One. The lesson was spent with them growing what looked like green mushrooms. Greeni used to stop runny noses. Rose squeezed hers a little too hard and a greeny slimy gung spluttered out on to her robes, "Yuck!"

Albus enjoyed Herbology a lot as he already knew Professor Longbottom, who was friends with Albus and Rose's parents. It was also an active lesson no quills needed.

At lunch they found Emma in the hall, Scorpius was nowhere to be seen. They ate at Emma's table hurriedly to raised eyebrows. After they had finished they went outside. It was an unusually warm September day. They found Scorpius sitting by the lake with a few Slytherin friends. Albus was going to turn back but the girls walked confidently forward. Scorpius looked up with a smile anyway, Albus relaxed.

Albus noticed a girl sitting next to Scorpius, she had golden wavy hair and deep dark blue eyes.

"Hi," said Albus.

Rose stared astounded.

"Oh hiya, I'm Marley Thomas." She breathed.

"Albus Potter." He told her eagerly, for once cool with a stranger.

"I know." She fluttered long eyelashes at him.

But his bubble of happiness was popped dramatically.

"You been avoiding me Al?" A snarling voice said behind him.

It was James, honey-coloured hair falling into his round hazel eyes. His lips twitched into a jeering smile.

"Of course not, James. Just been making friends." Albus replied softly.

James eyes swept passed Albus to scan his company. Albus was disgusted by all of the girls blushing. Except Rose of course.

Scorpius looked up and turned cold instantly. James glared at him and turned to Albus with a frown on his face.

"I'm not angry with you." He said seriously.

"Well what a relief! I was seriously worried there!" sarcasm dripped from Albus's mouth.

"Don't be like that Al, I know you're upset about being in Ravenclaw, but I really don't care." James tried.

"No wonder you're not in Ravenclaw." Muttered Albus.

"Fine, Al, we'll talk about this later." James sighed and walked away.

Albus turned back towards the castle avoiding anyone's eye. He was on the castle stone steps when his friends caught up with him. Albus's spirits were lifted by their support.

"Hey Albus...who was that...freak?" Panted Scorpius.

"My brother."

"Oops."