Albus Potter and the Healing Springs

The rest of Albus’ holiday vacation went smoothly. Frequent visits from his family, and seeing everyone enjoy their presents was a pleasure to him. 

Fortunately, around New Years Albus recieved an owl from Johnny informing him that he was safe. He also mentioned that a group of ministry agents from the Department for Control of Magical Creatures were now regularly patrolling the school. 

Good, Albus thought. Now there won’t be anymore attacks.

The car ride to Kings Cross wasn’t a very pleasant one. Along with all the snow covering the roads, the gloomy sky, a particular little girl wasn’t fond of her brothers leaving again. 

“You guys can’t go without me!Take me with you!” pleaded Lily, while tugging on James’ shirt. Albus fortunately wasn’t next to her.

“Lily, why do you want to leave me so fast?” asked Mum. “I’ll be very sad when you’re all at Hogwarts.” 

“Because I hardly get to do anything. All we do is stay home, I want to play with a bunch of kids at Hogwarts!” explained Lily. 

It’s a school, not a playground. Albus thought. It isn’t even safe. 

Albus was a bit upset to be leaving his family and having to go back to Hogwarts, but was glad he would be seeing all his friends again. 

When they finally arrived to Kings Cross and reached the Hogwarts Express, Mum started checking that James and I had everything we needed. 

“Do you have your bags, your books?” asked Mum. “Have you got any money incase you want something from the trolley?” 

“Yes Mum,” simultaneously chanted Albus and James. They hugged their family and made their way on board. 

“Do you have your charms?” asked Luna right before Albus and James were about to board the train. 

“No, I must have forgotten it at home,” replied Albus. 

“Same,” said James.

“No worries I’ve brought some more for you and your friends,” exclaimed Luna as she gave them both small bags full of the charm necklaces. “Keep an eye out for those nargles,” 

James shoved the bag into his backpack to make sure no one saw it. Albus did the same, yet he was curious of what exactly these necklaces were. 

Walking past the compartments he saw Rose and the Ravenclaws chatting animatedly. Albus greeted them but he was most anxious to find his two best friends. 

“Albus!” yelled Ronnie and Alex, with their heads sticking out of a compartment. They hugged him and invited him to sit with them.

“How was your holiday break?” asked Alex. 

“It was pretty good, how was yours?” answered Albus. 

“Good as well, did a lot of studying with my mum.” 

“Why would you study?!” protested Ronnie. “All I did was eat and sleep.” 

“Because - oh you wouldn’t understand,” sighed Alex. “Anyways, I did find some information on the Healing Springs.” 

Before Alex could go on, the compartment door flew open and Scorpius Malfoy came in, and shut the door quickly. 

“Oh not again,” protested Albus. 

“Well maybe Lestrange did something to him!” argued Ronnie. “Malfoy, are you okay?” 

“Yes, I - I can’t talk about it,” replied Malfoy. “But can I please sit here?” 

Ronnie nodded, and Malfoy sat opposite Albus. 

“You look so beat up,” sympathized Ronnie. “Are you sure there isn’t something we can do? I’d love to give that Lestrange a good punch.” 

“She’s very aggressive so I wouldn’t try that,” warned Malfoy. “I wish we weren’t sorted into the same house.”

“So why are you always around her?” 

“As if I wanted to be,” replied Malfoy. “Her dad is my grandmothers nephew. Bella ran away from home about five years ago and since then has been living with my grandparents.” 

The trio gave each other curious looks. All this information was coming from Malfoy, and he had no problem sharing it with them.

“Everything is even worse now,” continued Malfoy. “Ever since she got this bloody cat.” 

“Cat?” asked Alex. “You don’t like cats?”

“It’s not that,” replied Malfoy. “It’s just that hers is a menace, just like her. She got one for Christmas.”

“Now Scorpius, don’t go fraternizing with the enemy,” spat Bella from outside the compartment door. “Such a shame I thought you of all people would be a bit more trustworthy.” 

Bella looked at Hunt, and she opened the door. Then she looked at Knight, and she grabbed Malfoy by his collar. All while Bella simply pet her cat. As they dragged him away, Bella ordered Malfoy around. “Scorpius you need to feed Salena soon.” 

This encounter left the trio speechless. Even Ronnie seemed to be at a loss for words. Bella had her friends at her fingertips, and even Malfoy, although he didn’t want to be. 

How can someone so beautiful treat people so badly? thought Albus. It can’t be her fault.

“Something sure is wrong with that girl,” criticized Ronnie.

“Exactly, and we need to help her!” pitched Albus.

“That’s not what I meant. She needs to help herself by changing,” said Ronnie. “Before I need to slap the evil out of her.”

As much as Albus wanted to think otherwise, he knew Ronnie wasn’t joking. Bella Lestrange was someone that Albus couldn’t figure out. He spent the last couple of months just trying to get her to notice him, and now, everything feels different.

Albus then decided he needed to distance himself from her and think about it all. He so badly wanted to be with her, but right now it wasn’t possible. Albus kept to himself for the rest of the train ride to Hogwarts, upset that the first girl he ever took interest in turns out to be someone he knows he has to stay away from.

For now, at least.

“So Alex, are you going to tell us what you found out about the Springs?” asked Ronnie.

“Oh, yes I almost forgot,” replied Alex. “What I found is that the Springs are rumored to be found at Hogwarts.”

“Hogwarts?! You don’t think-“

“Yes, I do,” confessed Alex. “I think we should find it.” 

“So you’re telling me you’re keen of sneaking around the school while a monster is on the loose?” argued Albus. “Because I sure am not.”

“But if there’s a chance that we can get water from the springs and cure Taylor Jones and the Blast-Ended Skrewt,” stated Alex. “We can’t pass that up, we need to try.” 

“Well I’m hoping that you have a map to the springs or something then,” said Ronnie. “Because I have no idea where we would start.” 

“Ronnie, if there was a map -” started Alex.

“I have a map,” said Albus.

His two friends looked at him curiously as he took out the Marauders Map. Albus tapped his wand and recited I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.

“It’s a map my dad gave me,” explained Albus. “It’s not to the Healing Springs, but it shows all of Hogwarts so maybe it’s in here.”

“Can I take a look?” asked Alex. Albus gave him the map and Alex quickly started looking through it. “Remarkable this is, we could find anything!”

“So maybe we’ll find the Springs!” cheered Ronnie.

“We will have to take a closer look later. Here Albus,” said Alex as he gave the map back. “At least we have something to start with.”

“There’s also something I didn’t tell you guys,” confessed Albus. “I keep having these weird dreams, about the monster, I don’t know what they mean.”

“What happens in them?” quired Ronnie. 

“I don’t exactly know. The dreams seem random, but they always include the three of us against it. One time it was just me running away from it by myself,” recounted Albus.

“Well that will never happen,” started Alex. “Because we’d never leave you by yourself.”

“Whatever is going on,” said Ronnie. “We’re in this together.” 

Even though the situation was bad, Albus couldn’t help but smile at his friends. All this time he was scared they’d think he was crazy, but now he realizes that they truly are a team. 

* * *

 

The anticipation for the Quidditch tryouts was more than obvious all around the castle, but especially in the Gryffindor common room. The news about the monster didn’t scare anyone, especially with all the ministry agents hanging around. Albus couldn’t help but worry. The monster could easily attack the people from the ministry. No one knew what they were up against, which made it all the more worse. 

Instead of guessing at what could be terrorizing the castle, everyone was predicting who would make the Quidditch team. Even Albus knew that James was definitely going to make the team again. Unfortunately, he didn’t think Ronnie would.

Yes, Ronnie was a naturally skilled flier and all, but she never played Quidditch that much before. Having been born with muggle parents, she didn’t even know of the sport. Lately she’s been practicing at catching and throwing balls around, but that was no substitute for the actual roughness of the sport. Albus helped her practice with the balls because it had nothing to do with being in the air. Alex read up on strategies on how she could be a better player and just to inform her of the sport. “Quidditch Through The Ages” was all they were reading lately.

Quidditch Try-Outs were held the day after everyone returned from Christmas Break. 

“You know, I actually think I could maybe have a chance,” said Ronnie enthusiastically.

Albus wasn’t so sure but he just simply replied “Yeah, I really hope you do,” to her. She giggled and then playfully rolled her eyes at him. 

“Johnny said that he wanted to come to the tryouts with us to support you,” said Alex to Ronnie while walking to the Great Hall to get a quick snack before going off to the Quidditch pitch.

“Well then he needs to come meet us quick because I want to get there a little early to make a good impression!” said Ronnie enthusiastically.

Ronnies excitement made Albus feel even worse about the fact that he didn’t think Ronnie would get in. Maybe if her and James didn’t irritate eachother, he could have helped her. But that wasn’t going to happen, and it was way too late regardless.

“Hey! Over here!” yelled Johnny from the Hufflepuff table. He was sitting with his friend, Pagan Cowell. 

“How was your vacation here?” asked Albus as he and his friends approached the two. 

“It was fine,” said Johnny. “I wasn’t alone, had Pagan here to keep me company.”

Pagan Cowell giggled slightly to the comment. Albus had never talked to her much before, because whenever they meet up with Johnny, she is too shy to join in. She had medium height brunette hair tied into a braid. 

“So Johnny, we need to get to the Quidditch pitch right now! I need to get there early!” exclaimed Ronnie as she tugged at his cloak. 

“Pagan would you like to come?” asked Johnny. 

“I think I rather stay here,” she said. Her voice was soft and sounded nervous. 

“Oh just come on!” protested Ronnie as she tugged at her cloak too. 

Ronnie forced them all out of the Great Hall and began to run to the Quidditch pitch. Her company had to sprint in order to keep up with her. 

Part of him really wanted Ronnie to make it solely because he knew it’d irritate his brother. Yes, Albus and James had become a little closer than before but it doesn’t mean Albus still didn’t like to see him annoyed. Especially if it’s something like competition.

When they all finally reached the Quidditch pitch, Albus was the first to notice that it was early, but they weren’t the first ones there. Already in the air, was James.

“What are you children doing here? This is Quidditch try-outs, not a day care,” James joked around. He smiled at Albus, and went serious in the face when he looked at Ronnie.

“We’re only a year younger than you, so don’t get so confident. Plus, I’m here to try-out for the team,” said Ronnie.

“Try-out for the team?! But you’re a first year?!” yelled James laughing with Rick.  

“It’s not impossible! You’ll see, then you won’t be laughing so much!” spat Ronnie.

Madame Hooch came into the pitch and looked perplexed to see so many first years.

“Here to support your brother, Potter?” asked Madame Hooch.

“Not exactly,” answered Albus. “Ronnie is going to try-out.”

“Cambridge?” quired Madame Hooch. “But Miss Cambridge you’re a first year.” 

“Just because I’m a first year doesn’t mean I’m not good,” protested Ronnie.

“I’m sorry but first years aren’t allowed to try-out,” informed Madame Hooch.

The frustration in Ronnie’s face clearly showed. Albus, not being very informed of Quidditch, had no idea this was a school rule.

“But- that’s not mentioned in ‘Quidditch Through The Ages’” argued Alex.

“It’s a school rule Mr. Greenfield,” said Madame Hooch. “I’m really sorry Miss Cambridge but I don’t know what to tell you.”

“No! I am going to try-out. If James Potter could try-out last year why can’t I,” argued Ronnie. 

“James Potter was just an exception-“

“Is it because I’m muggle born?” spat Ronnie. 

“Now Miss Cambridge, this is not a prejudice matter,” 

“Then let me try-out. If you could make exceptions before than make them again,” argued Ronnie. “Better yet, forget the rule altogether.” 

Madame Hooch stood there with a hesitant face, clearly upset with Ronnie. “Fine” she said, before she went and got a school broom for Ronnie to use. 

The determination Ronnie was showing really surprised Albus. He didn’t think she was this passionate about making the team. While Ronnie was flying around, Madame Hooch gave a subtle smile. 

Although he had his doubts, Albus wanted Ronnie to show off and actually make the team. It would make people take not only the current first years seriously, but take her seriously. 

“Maybe we should get a good seat and support her, it’s all we can really do,” suggested Alex. Johnny nods agreeing with him.

“Alright then. Let’s go,” said Albus as he started to go up to get a better view. 

This was Albus’ second time being on the benches in the Quidditch pitch. The first time being last year, during James’ first game. Albus and his friends sat very high so they could see as much as possible. The pitch stretched a large amount, and the interior was decorated with huge banners representing the four Hogwarts houses. The day that was picked for these try-outs was perfect. The sky was clear and the snow around Hogwarts had already cleared up. 

James flew over to where Albus was sitting. “I’ll admit, she’s a good flyer, but she won’t make the team.”

“Yeah, well we’ll see” replied Albus. 

Maybe if she made the team, Albus thought, she’d make more friends and become popular. She would be happier.

After about five minutes, Albus could easily see the floods of Gryffindors coming into the Quidditch pitch to try-out. The chances of Ronnie making the team kept getting slimmer and slimmer.

Albus was getting nervous, and he wasn’t even the one trying out! He couldn’t even imagine how Ronnie felt, until she flew by next to them.

“It’s getting a little chilly, should of brought my jumper!” exclaimed Ronnie.

“Is that all you can think of? Aren’t you nervous?” asked Albus, surprised of how calm she was.

“Why on earth would I be nervous? This is fun! I love flying and I’m confident that I’m good. If I don’t make the team, there’s always next year,” said Ronnie. “I’m just glad I’m being allowed to try-out at all.” 

“That’s a great way to look at it!” said Alex cheerfully.

“Yeah, I’m still mad that neither of you wanted to try-out with me though!” said Ronnie.

“But that’s because none of us are as good as you,” said Albus very sincerely. “Now get over there and show them what you’ve got! I believe in you”

“Thanks,” said Ronnie very genuinely. She flew down and the try-outs were about to begin.

Penelope Toyle was gathering up all the Gryffindors ready to try-out, and a lot of them looked really confident, especially Ronnie.

“Now I want to make this very simple for you guys,” announced Toyle. “I just need you to sign all your names here along with what year you’re in, as well as the position you want, and then I’ll begin to test you individually.” 

All the Gryffindors quickly did the task, and after a few minutes Toyle was ready to begin.

“Sarah Whitehall,” called out Toyle. “Fly around the pitch as fast as you can, and then fly back. I’ll throw you a Quaffle and let’s see if you can catch it.” 

Sarah Whitehall was a good flier, but when it came to catching the Quaffle she completely missed. 

“Okay, that’ll be all, thank you,” said Toyle. “Right, so next is Veronica Cambridge-“

“That’s me!” exclaimed Ronnie.

“Wait - you’re a first year! You can’t try out to be the seeker!” blurted Toyle. 

At those words, Madame Hooch ran over to Toyle, Albus couldn’t hear what she was saying, but she must have convinced her to let Ronnie try out because she then ordered Ronnie what to do.

“Okay then, Cambridge,” started Toyle. “Fly around the pitch, and I will release the snitch, let’s see how fast you can find it.” 

“Okay!” cheered Ronnie. 

Ronnie flew up in the air really quickly and made a good turn coming around back to the end where Toyle was. When Toyle released the snitch, Albus only saw it for about a second until he lost track of where it was. But fortunately, Ronnie seemed to have found it quickly. After about two minutes of watching Ronnie chase a golden glare, she finally caught it. 

“I’m impressed,” confessed Toyle. “I’ll get back to you in a bit.”

Toyle moved on to the other students trying out. Three other people tried out for the seeker, among them was James. He was the only one who was better than Ronnie. 

“She’s quite good, very energetic,” said Cowell. “I hope she makes it.”

“Yeah, me too,” added Alex. 

Albus regretted sitting up so high, because whenever Toyle wasn’t loudly announcing something he had no idea what was going on. After a few minutes of what sounded like silence to Albus, Toyle began to announce the new installment to the try-outs.

“So I pretty much have picked out who I want for the team,” began Toyle. “But I need Cambridge and Potter to try-out for seeker again.”

“You can’t be considering her instead of me?!” yelled James. 

“I just need to be sure about my decisions,” replied Toyle. “We have a big season coming up. I need the both of you to fly up, and I will release a snitch. Then let’s see who can catch it first.”

“You can’t be serious -” started James.

“Fine! Let’s do it then!” Ronnie interrupted. “Not afraid of a challenge are you?”

James’ soared into the air giving Ronnie a smug look. Ronnie did the same, and the two levitated for a few seconds until Toyle finally released the snitch. 

The first one to react was Ronnie, and she began to chase the snitch. James followed, and the two were flying really fast side to side. 

“Go Ronnie!” cheered Alex and Johnny. Pagan sat quietly, but looked very anxious. 

Albus couldn’t believe what was happening. Ronnie was so close to making the team, but it’d mean James wouldn’t. Even though Albus wanted James to be a bit annoyed, he knew that if he didn’t make the team it’d destroy him. 

Ronnie and James both dived to the ground and were flying barely five feet above the ground. Toyle and the rest of the Gryffindors had to run out of their way as the two approached. The snitch flew up, and James pulled up quickly and was right on it’s tail. Ronnie tried to do the same but instead she and her broom flipped and she fell off of it. 

“No! Ronnie!” yelled Alex. 

“I hope she’s okay,” groaned Johnny. 

James was then yelling “Victory” as he lowered himself with the snitch in hand. Unaware to what happened to Ronnie. Albus and his friends ran down the stairs and into the grass to come to Ronnie’s aid. 

“Oh my goodness! This is why I don’t want first years trying out!” yelled Madame Hooch as she ran over to Ronnie. “Dear, are you hurt? Do you need to go to the hospital wing?”

“No, I’m fine,” sniveled Ronnie. “It just hurts a little but I’ll be alright.”

Ronnie got up and slowly limped over to her friends. 

“Thanks for all the support guys,” she said. “I’m sorry I couldn’t make you proud.”

“But you did make us proud,” insisted Albus. “You were amazing, you know none of us could ever do what you did.”

Ronnie smiled but then squealed at the pain in her leg. 

“Come Ronnie, stop being so stubborn. Let’s go to the hospital wing,” said Alex as he wrapped her arm around him and he led her inside the castle with Johnny and Pagan. 

Albus was following until he heard James call him. He jumped off his broom and ran over to Albus. 

“What happened? Is she okay?” he asked in a fearful voice.

“I’m not sure, I hope so,” answered Albus. “Congrats on making the team.”

“Thanks, I just wish she didn’t get hurt.” 

The Gryffindors congratulated James, but they weren’t as cheerful as they would have been had the accident not occurred. 

Albus then ran off to join his friends in the hospital wing, and try his best to comfort Ronnie.