Harry Potter Characters X Reader

37: The Secret Garden

TW: Clear. Rating: PG.
[Complimentary to The Slytherin's Snake.]

Scorpius took the letter from his owl. It was from Albus.

Scorpius,

There weren't a lot of details in the letter we got from Hogwarts, but they're having another Triwizard Tournament. It's in France. My dad and Aunt Hermione aren't pleased. Apparently it's being used to sweep the whole Delphi thing under the rug. James wants to enter. My dad really wasn't pleased with that. I'm really confused and nervous about James.

—Albus

How could they...? Why would they...? It was stupid regardless.

***

On the first day of school, Scorpius and Albus sat together at the Slytherin table. There was no explanation of the Triwizard Tournament. Strange. Finally, Professor McGonagall stepped forward for the welcoming speech.

"Welcome back to Hogwarts, students!" she called with a thin smile. "This year is special, very special, because for the first time in almost 30 years there will be a Triwizard Tournament. The Triwizard Tournament was last held twenty-eight years ago in Hogwarts with one of the contestants being Harry Potter. Tragically, that tournament marked the beginning of something terrible, which cast the tradition back to the vanishing cabinet.

"But this year, it returns! This great tradition of Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Koldovstoretz represented with one sorcerer of legal age competing in three tasks will take place in France. This means that all seventh years will be staying with our host alongside myself until the final challenge ends. The rest of the school will be able to view the challenges from the quidditch pitch but will otherwise run as usual. This year will be full of learning regardless of festivities honoring this tradition.

"Now, let's shift to our ordinary-"

She continued on with things Scorpius had heard enough in the previous years. He looked to Albus to see he was lost in thought, probably thinking about his brother James. Was he jealous? After everything they'd been through...hopefully not. If so, Albus was just like his dad. If James was the champion, would he lose Albus for the tasks? If so, how long would he be gone?

"Now, seventh years, please follow me to the Room of Requirement so we may travel to France. To all other students, behave. Have a good school year!" she called cheerily, the tables suddenly flooded with food.

Every seventh year rose and followed Professor McGonagall out of the Great Hall. Scorpius watched Albus wave goodbye to James, hoping against hope that he wouldn't lose Albus at all this year.

His wishes came true...kinda. James did become Hogwarts champion, and Albus would be going to France, but...his father sent him a letter that he would be going to France with Albus. Why? He had no clue.

He looked to Albus and silently handed Albus his letter. "What?" Scorpius asked.

"Yeah..." Albus handed over his letter. "I get what I want for once. We're going to France!" he laughed.

"This is going to be...awesome," he decided.

***

On Saturday, his dad and Albus's parents arrived at Hogwarts and took Albus, Lily, and Scorpius to the Room of Requirement.

"Brings back memories, doesn't it?" Harry asked. "Vastly different memories as well. Falling in love, Dumbledore's Army, and...well...saving someone's life. I can't remember who," he speculated, scratching his chin.