Chapter 21: Home

Albus stuffed all his textbooks back that morning. Borthwick was tucked in his cage (Naomi had fluffed up his feathers again, insisting they looked dirty until Albus told her that it would be better if she would just go and get her own pet owl).
Borthwick whimpered sadly in it's cage and Albus ruffled it's feathers, leaving a fluffy spot out of all the smoothness. "Hello, Borthwick. Has it been too long, buddy?" Albus asked, "Want to go outside?"
Borthwick looked away, a sign that meant 'no.'
"Hungry? Are you hungry?" Albus asked.
Borthwick clucked his beak impatiently and looked away again. Albus held down his tongue, thinking.
"What's gotten in to you?" Albus gave in. "What is it, Borthwick? What's bothering you?"
Nothing. Borthwick shuffled and hooted several times back at Albus. Borthwick hooted impatiently when Albus didn't react and clawed Albus's hand, leaving a red mark. Albus groaned and wiped off drops of blood from it and turned to Borthwick.
"Something's gotten into you." Albus whispered and shook his head after returning to his task, thinking about whether he should ask Naomi to take a look at the owl.
Soon enough, Albus headed to follow the line of students that were heading home for Christmas. Naomi was going to her mum's for the days left to spend time at home. Albus and Andrew were headed to Albus's house. Andrew found himself in a constant state of excitement because he was going to meet Harry Potter, Albus's father, live and in person.
Albus only found himself smiling and Andrew's behavior after he took a seat in his usual compartment with Andrew, Teddy, Aubrey, Naomi, and James sitting across and beside him. It made the compartment just a bit crowded, but the single compartment was fit for six.
Alfie Poe and Archie Wyatt weren't going for Christmas. They said they had 'pranks' to work on, and this made James a little bit irritated.
"Hello again, Albus, Naomi, Andrew." Aubrey greeted them with her usual friendly wave and smile. Albus smiled back and his smile turned to a frown when he heard the voice again.
Der Knecht ist gekommen.
DER KNECHT IST GEKOMMEN.
James, Teddy, and Aubrey looked at the three suspiciously.
"Looks like you've seen a ghost." Aubrey finally whispered, then smiled faintly. "What's gotten into you lot? Naomi?"
Naomi looked pale but tried to smile, Andrew and Albus followed suit.
James smirked. "Little bro's got some of his own fears. I guess ghosts have really scared him eh? Don't worry, Al, I'm pretty sure ghosts aren't present at the moment."

A while or so later, Albus, Andrew, James and Teddy Lupin (and Rose) were at the front of Albus's house. It was a tall one, made with a fine sort of brick. It sat straight up. The front porch was sprinkled with small Sandersonia, an orange lantern- shaped flower and at the edges were Pink Zinnia flowers all planted perfectly in an array that led to the entrance.
Albus knocked on the door but it was already opened by Albus's little sister.
Lily smiled when she opened the door and cocked her head into the house, then shouted, "Mum! They're here!"
A soft shuffling came from the inside and Albus's mum came to the door. She was wearing a simple set of robes.
"Blimey, has the lot come early, Lily, dear?" Albus's mum ruffled Lily's hair, then gave Albus and James a hug. "I did miss you two," Albus's mum turned to Teddy and Andrew, "do come in! The pumpkin juice and blueberry pastries are still heating up!"
Everyone came in. The house was mostly neat, a few of Lily's toys scattered here and there. The aroma of fresh lavender and honey speckled through the air, and warmth filled the room and took away all the homesickness that lay wide open in Albus.
Lily was at the edge of the room. She was looking at Andrew, face hot pink, struggling a smile.
The house had many winding halls from the living room. The living room was circular. Many halls started from there. A few pictures of the family and a few beautifully illustrated pictures of galloping unicorns and Thestrals were lined in an array.
The middle of he room was filled with sofas that formed around a rectangular table.
Everyone took a seat on the sofas.
Behind the sofas was the kitchen counter. A few chairs were placed at the counter. At one chair there were knitting needles magically knitting themselves a vividly colored sweater. In front of the sofas was a long shelf of books on magic.
"Amazing house, Albus." Andrew whispered, looking around for more, and Rose smiled.
"Thank you," Came a voice. It was Albus's father. The usual circular glasses were placed at the bridge of his nose, and he was drinking coffee, dressed in robes.
"And welcome, all of you. And Teddy, and...," Dad looked at Andrew.
"It's Andrew." Andrew said.
"Andrew," Albus's dad finished.
Dad smiled, and held out a hand and Andrew shook it a bit too vigorously, amazed.
Albus's mum came into the living room again, carrying a plate of pastries and two other plates of pumpkin juice and strawberry pie followed her magically and took their seats on the table.
"Eat up, you lot." Albus's mum said before turning to James.
"And YOU, young man, I am disappointed at your behavior this year." Mum put her hands on her hips, shaking her head. "As usual, lots of complaints. I got one from Mr. Malfoy, an angry letter. It stated you actually did such terrible prank to Scorpius! Didn't you?"
Rose smirked as James stammered a yes.
"I am disappointed!" Mum turned her head. "You may only eat three pastries, as punishment."
"But, mum, someone's got to finish the plate!" James reasoned and everyone laughed, including mum.
Albus's mum then left again to the kitchen and Aunt Hermoine and Uncle Ron came into the room, smiling, coming with Hugo Weasley at their side.
Aunt Hermione hugged Rose.
"Did you beat Malfoy on the tests, Rose?" Uncle Ron asked and Aunt Hermione glared at Ron, then smiled. "Now, now, dear, we don't need to get Rose against him!"
"Actually, I am now mum," Rose smiled.
"Why, that's great!" Uncle Ron exclaimed, giving Rose a five. Hermione shook her head, smiling.

Albus couldn't wait for the rest of the break to turn up.