-1"History is made by those who challenge it." - Sir A. S. Potter

MARAUDERS

NEAR THE UZBEKISTAN BORDER - THE MIDDLE EAST - DECEMBER 5th 2030 A.D.

DAY 1712 OF THE MARAUDERS CAMPAIGN

Albus stared out across the distant mountains. The endless carvings of rock in the world. The impassable route to his enemy and his victory. His army sat behind him, resting from their harsh journey. Wondering if he would lead them on or would he finally admit defeat and take them home? Would he finally yield to the earth or would he continue to fight?

He was wrapped in dozens of layers of rags, mostly furs. Under that was his custom made, goblin forged armour. Despite the deserts surrounding them, in the winter, this was one of the coldest places on earth. The warmth of the cobalt, ruby encrusted sword at his side simply wasn't enough anymore and that only made him question the crusade even more. The long scars, like claw marks that went from his sideburn just missing his left eye and down to the curve of his cheek were quite visible now through the rough stubble that had grown on his face. That plus his red skin from the biting cold made his face seem so much more worn. The bags under his eye and even the smallest scars were clear now. His long unruly, jet black hair sat matted on his shoulders from lack of care. And yet there was still so much life inside of him

While his soldiers murmured and whispered they're many doubts, Albus continued to stare at the great rocky obstacles in front of him. He didn't care for the belly aching of the army; it came with the job. But what he did care about; was his troops questioning his judgement. After all, he had led his army across the world and now, when victory was close enough to touch, they faltered. He feared that perhaps he had simply taken them too far.

As the thought entered his mind, Scorpius, the greatest of all his generals, climbed the small rocky hill he was stood on and stopped beside Albus.

"They say that there's over a hundred caves up there. And he has men hiding in all of them. If we pass through, they'll attack." Scorpius reported.

"Who wouldn't? They're luring us into an ambush." Albus answered. The sound of horses becoming unruly could be heard from behind them.

"On the upside there is, apparently, dissention amongst his ranks. He fears you and is afraid to fight you again. If we find him maybe he will ask for terms."

"Let's hope so. I don't want another massacre." Albus stated solemnly "Eleven months to the day and we still haven't been able to finish this."

Scorpius looked in the same direction as Albus. He saw the ruthless rocky mountains that awaited them but Albus seemed to see more then just nature. "Hey!" Scorpius waited for Albus to face him. "You're not giving up are you? Because it was your idea to come here! " He laughed.

"No." Albus chuckled back. "It's not in me to give up."

"Then what's got you in such a mood?" Scorpius asked.

"The usual. Fear, doubt, failing." Albus answered

For a minute Scorpius seemed confused, then retorted. "You've never failed. How can you be afraid now after how far we've come?" He sounded proud.

"It's because we have come so far that I fear failing…We are after all, in the end, victims of our selves and our obsessions." He said still starring at the mountains.

"I don't believe that. This was never an obsession, it's a duty. A task. A crusade. One we were all happy to take up. Everyone in the army, everyone that's at home, everyone that follows you knows you're a great man." Scorpius turned attempting to look Albus in the eye.

Still he stared at his rocks. "And there in lies the problem…look through history Mal. So many great men have been destroyed by their own legends. Undone by their own glory… I fear, above all else. Not my own destruction but the destruction of my friends, my brothers and sister, my family. Will they be pulled into that endless abyss with me?" He closed his eyes trying to block the thoughts. "It's cruel that even I, with all my power, cannot guarantee that none of us will have to suffer anymore."

"As is the way of the world" Scorpius stated simply.

"The world's harsh Mal. It's cruel and unforgiving. But more than that, we are cruel. We men are retched things. Full of so much hatred and death… I question why we were even given life in the first place." Albus said.

"You're starting to sound like my mother…" Albus looked at him with an expression that spelled out 'Please no!' Scorpius laughed. "People have asked that question since the beginning of time and still no one has been able to answer it truthfully. But…perhaps we are here to become more that what we are. Isn't that what we've been fighting for all these years?." Scorpius reminded him.

"I fear I may have been wrong." These words shook Scorpius. He had never heard Albus speak this way before.

"If you were wrong, would you have gotten us this far?" Scorpius seemed almost insulted by the way he was talking.

"I've taken us around the world. We've conquered country's …We've destroyed loved ones…We've enforced my will onto others and you still call me great? …I wonder what my father's saying." Albus asked finally looking Scorpius in the eye.

"You've done more then your father could have ever dreamed." Scorpius took a breath. "You know I would never dishonour your father but you are simply more than he was…Your father was a good and brave man but he wasn't a warrior. He protected those he loved but he survived through a miraculous turn of events…that might make someone a hero but it doesn't make them a warrior…" Scorpius paused, half expecting Albus to shout at him or even hit him. He just continued to stare at his mountains. "Your father had the courage to face the darkness and fight even though he couldn't have possibly won. That makes a hero or a lunatic…but look closer…what did he really do? Did he really change anything? He defeated the Dark lord but what did he really do. What did he really accomplish and more importantly would we be here if what he did lasted? He brought peace to the wizarding world but you and I both know, that kind of peace never lasts. The kind of peace is just the pause between two wars."

Scorpius giggles at his own words. "He won his battles through chance and luck and help…you didn't. You faced the darkness with nothing more than what you we're and you stood tall. You fought it! You took a band of frightened rebels and made them into an unstoppable army. You devised battle plans and commanded legions. You looked evil in the eye and refused to back down. That, everything you've done, is what makes a man a warrior, makes him great… Greatness is becoming more than what we are. From making people better then they begin. You told me that." Scorpius tried again.

"Who am I to presume such a great feat? Who am I to try and command the world in this way?"

"You are Colossus…You make miracles…you make the world the way it should be and I am not afraid to follow you in to battle again."

"How many battles have we fought Scorpius?" Albus looked quickly from the army behind him and then back to the rocks in front, as if he was afraid he might miss something. "I truly can't remember how many fights we've been in. How many brothers and sisters we've lost…how many people we've conquered…where does it end?" Albus seemed to almost beg Scorpius's eyes for an answer.

"You once told me that at the end we are not what we were born but what we made our selves. That we are everything we have done in our lives. Everything we have changed or been changed by… I remember you, long ago…I remember you before what you are now. Before this four year campaign began. Before we became Marauders. When we where nothing more than idle school boys, still wet behind the ears and fearing our mothers and fathers. So concerned with the tiny details, the small comforts that we had grown far too accustomed to…I remember what we were…I remember what we all were before you challenged us to be better. I remember what the world was before you changed it. I remember why I followed you then and why I follow you now…and I am a happy man, knowing that everything you have done was the right thing to do. I am happy knowing that the Colossus made this world a better place." Scorpius's voice echo incredible pride and with this Albus looked him in the eye.

"And what if the world simply wasn't ready for a Colossus?" Albus's voice shook.

For a moment there was silence but Scorpius again found the answer to his question within his own pride.

"Then you have still done more than anyone before you. And even if it you hadn't challenged the laws of existence and stood your ground, you have lived to do right. What man is a man that doesn't try to make the world a better place?" Albus looked into his friend's eyes remembering everything they had been through together. "What ever the answer to your question is…I am proud to have been at your side through it all." Scorpius said meaning every word and with that Albus seemed to suddenly become more empowered than he had done in a very long time.

"They call me a king…but I think the real king is standing right next to me." Albus said smiling.

"I'd rather just be a friend." Scorpius said with the same pride in his voice.

"Sorry brother…but you went far beyond a friend long ago. In fact I think you went far beyond being a king long ago."

"As long as I'm still a Marauder I won't argue." He said back quickly. Albus smiled with pure pride and happiness.

"We are all still Marauders, long after the day we die." He said.

It was in this moment, the memory disappeared and Scorpius returned to the now.

ISTANBUL - TURKEY - JULY 23rd - 2100 A.D.

He was in his beautiful house looking out over his balcony, still smiling and blinking back tears.

The house had taken his wife's fancy the moment she saw it and whatever she desired, she got. The home had the look of ancient Greece or even the home a senator in ancient Rome might live in, when he carried favour with the people. An open marble mansion. Wild, exotic flowers grew everywhere. The smell of jasmine and herbs was always in the air. There were marble pillars and even in-door water features.

Warm air and the cool breeze had made the day of the nicest of the year so far. The temperature was perfect as the sun began to set and would make it an ideal night for an outside meal.

The rays of light silhouetted the Istanbul skyline and the peaceful harbour below. The day had been so clear that the islands of Kinaliada and even coast of Yalova and Koru were visible in the distance.

It was one of his favourite views, despite the fact that it had always brought back the memories of his time as a Marauder… He always felt at peace on days like to today. He even felt rejuvenated. This was helped by the imminent arrival of his wonderful family for a long awaited meal. The old Scorpius Malfoy had been injected with new life over the past few days and the visit of his family only made him happier. Despite his spindly white hair and beard, his aching bones and bad eyesight. He felt young again.

Even from the top floor of the mansion Scorpius heard the doorbell sound. He smiled and turned away from his view and began to head for the stairs.

By the time he reached the ground floor one of his extremely well paid butlers had already answered the door. (Rose had resolutely refused to have house elves working in their home) Standing in the large marble entrance hall were his three beautiful daughters, now grown up with families of there own. He was greeted before he even reached the bottom of the stairs, not by any of his daughters but by his favourite grand daughter Anya. Eleven years old a full of life. She had her mothers beautiful red hair and amber eyes.

She had already latched herself around his waist and was hugging him tightly.

"Goodness you've shot up since I last saw you, I barley recognize you Abby." He said smiling.

"Granddad! I'm Anya!" She said scandalized.

"You are?" He pleaded fake ignorance and smiled. "Oh dear, I must need my glasses."

He finally reached the rest of his family and was greeted one by one. First was his youngest and most fiery daughter Dawn, now twenty seven with her husband Marcus. "Hi dad." She said softly kissing him on the cheek. He returned the kiss and hugged her. "Marcus good to see you again." He held out his hand to be shaken by his son in law. "How's everything at Gringotts?"

"Uh, let's just say numbers really don't have the appeal they once did." Marcus said smiling.

"Perhaps you should take a job in the department of magical law enforcement like Ian." He said smiling.

His second youngest daughter Molly was already smiling back at him… "Ian's sorry he couldn't make it, he's been swamped at work lately." She said kissing her fathers cheek. "Well he's a busy man, maybe next time."

"Well he said that he's going to try and finish early this week. If he can he'll come over and bring the kids." Molly said.

"Oh excellent."

He was greeted by two strapping young boys next. Alex and Peter. Both eleven, fresh from there first year at Hogwarts. Dawn's children. "Hi granddad!" They said excitedly at the same time.

"Good to see you, how was your first year?" He asked and immediately they began talking excitedly at the same time about there many misadventures during there first year. "Hi granddad." Scorpius was now looking at the fourteen year old Abby. She had grown since her last visit and was now looking more like her mother and more of a lady then ever before.

"You look radiant Abby." He said smiling. He looked up to see his eldest daughter, Violet glowing at him. "Yes and she already has all the boys chasing her."

"Mum!" Abby said turning scarlet.

"Ah, just like your mother then." Scorpius said walking over to her. "Thanks for coming Violet." He said as he hugged her. "Wouldn't miss it for the world. Sorry I can't say the same about my husband."

"He's head of the Auror department; you can't expect him to be available all the time." Scorpius brushed off.

"I know, but he was really looking forward to this." Violet said sadly.

"No matter, we'll still enjoy ourselves." He smiled. "Rose is out in the garden." He said to the rest of his family.

The grand kids immediately bolted through the house towards the back. Marcus, Molly and Dawn did there best to try and slow them down and stop them from breaking anything along the way. Scorpius just laughed at their feeble attempts at controlling their children.

"So." Violet said as soon as they were alone. "How's the book coming?" They began walking towards the garden together.

"Oh, it's getting there. In honest, I'm having some trouble recalling all the small details. I think I should have invested in a pensive long ago." He said.

"I'm sure it will come back to you." Violet re-assured him.

"Let's hope so, I don't have much of a book if it doesn't." He chuckled.

They reached the large open entrance to the garden. It was huge and perfectly kept. Exotic flowers and plants from all over the world were spread throughout the space. In the centre of the garden was a long wooden table, with cutlery and candles already set up.

Across from the table was a beautifully crafted fountain with gold filigree etched into the sides. It was by the fountain, Scorpius's wife Rose was stood. She was the same age as him but still seemed to glow with life. Her children and grand kids were gathered around her, updating her to everything they had done since their last visit.

Scorpius smiled at the site of his wonderful family together again. "It's been good for me." He said still loving every second he saw his family. "To remember it all. Thinking about it from the very beginning. It's made me feel alive again." Violet was silent for a moment then spoke with softness in her voice. "I'm glad you're doing it dad. I think he would have appreciated it." Scorpius looked at his daughter with all the pride he could muster.

"I wish everyone was as wise as you my dear." He said again kissing her on the cheek. "Albus's life is a dangerous subject to broach in the wrong company."

"I know how much he cared for you and you for him. If I knew nothing else that would be enough." Violet said.

Scorpius looked ready to drop to his knees and cry. He had never been more proud of his daughter in his whole life. Before his feelings had a chance to overwhelm him he was being shouted at.

"Granddad! Granddad!" Anya had run over to them with a hyperactive look on her face.

"What, what's the emergency?" He asked smiling.

"I forgot to tell you, in thirty nine days, I start my first year at Hogwarts!" She exclaimed looking like she was about to explode if she didn't tell everyone in the immediate vicinity.

"Oh, god helps us. I hope you don't plan to be as mischievous as your mother was." He said winking at his daughter.

"Hey! I was a model student!" Violet said exaggerating her shock.

"Ha!" Scorpius laughed.

"I'm going to be just like you granddad! I'm going to make friends and have adventures and be a hero just like you!" She said bouncing round.

"Hero?" Scorpius said with a twinkle of pride in his eye. "No, I wasn't a hero. I was a friend…I hope…something a good deal more important then being a hero."

Anya suddenly stopped bouncing. She looked confused. "But you fought in the war? You were a Marauder!"

"Yes, but I went into battle because I was his friend and I believed in what we were doing." Scorpius said smiling down at her.

Anya's face was stuck with contemplation.

"Sir, dinner is almost ready." Scorpius's butler had retuned.

"Ah, thank you Simon. Shall we sit down?"

A few minutes later the family was sitting around the wooden table in the garden and meal had begun.

"So, Violet tells us that you're writing a book…about Albus." Molly said. Violet coughed loudly trying to stop Molly from finishing her sentence but was too late. If she had been in range she probably would have kicked her. The table went quiet all of a sudden; Scorpius was the only one that didn't seem affected by the silence. Dawn, however looked like someone had just jabbed her with a cattle prod.

"Yes." He took a sip of his wine. "I was reading a history book on him about a month ago and I was very surprised to find just how woefully inaccurate it was. I thought I should set the record straight and let people know what kind of man he really was…it's the least I can do."

Marcus looked interest while Dawn looked murderous. The grand children were captivated. Rose merely seemed to know that this subject would have eventually turned up. Scorpius carried on with his meal as if the continued silence wasn't happening.

"Well…how's it going?" Marcus asked half interested, half uncomfortable.

"Slowly but surely. It's quite a long story." Scorpius said absently.

"Well, can you give us an excerpt?" Marcus asked.

Dawn suddenly slammed her fork down hard on the plate. "Oh wonderful!" She scowled grabbing her wine and taking a large gulp.

"Dawn!" Violet objected.

"What?" She shot back at her sister.

"Don't be like this!" Violet pleaded.

"Oh come Vi. He was a Tyrant! A murderer! He overthrew the ministry! I don't need to remind you of all the people he murdered! And you know he will just idolize him!" Dawn scowled while pointing a shaky finger at Scorpius. "I don't need my children hearing anymore stories about that man!"

"What! Mum!" Alex and Peter shrieked in objection. "We wanna hear!"

"Now boys, your mothers right…I plan to give a recount of my experiences so it's quite possible it may be a little one sided." Scorpius intervened. "It's your mother's decision and she has made it."

The boys looked like they had been stepped on. They're puppy dog eyes immediately turned to they're father.

Marcus had no defence against that. "Dawn, they're going to hear about this stuff sooner or later. They're at Hogwarts now and we both know you can't go five minutes without hearing something about him there." He tried delicately to console her. "I'd rather they knew the truth than some warped tale…just for historical purposes."

Dawn seemed to get even angrier known that he was right. "Alright fine! Tell us dad! Tell us some more stories about the monster! Tell us all about your friend Albus, the great man!" She hissed.

Scorpius looked solemn for a moment. He didn't look at any of his family's faces; instead he had begun to stare deeply into his goblet of wine. "I have known many great men in my life…but only one Colossus…and never will there be another like him." He said. His voice carried both pride and sadness.

"Thank god." Dawn murmured under her breath.

"Tyrant, Monster, Murderer, he was called those things and far worse. Some called him Warrior, others Warmonger. Some called him Saviour…Hero…King…some still do. But all agree he was a force of nature and when he looked you in the eye…you could do anything, be anything…nothing was impossible. Over the years his legend had been diluted and twisted by those who hated him the most. Now he is painted as either a crazed visionary or a power hungry madman…what could be further from the truth. What do those people know of the world?" Scorpius looked up and found Anya's eyes locked on him. "Power? He had more power then anyone that came before him but it wasn't from what everyone expected. He wasn't born with power, no, far from it, he earned it. He was a titan, a god or as close as any one has even come. He was the greatest man…the greatest friend I ever knew." He blinked back the tears. "And as much as many may object, the legend of Albus Severus Potter will live forever."

"SEE! Listen to him!" Dawn yelled standing from the table.

"Dawn!" Again Violet came to her fathers aid.

"It's quite alright Violet" He said attempting to restore harmony among his family. "None of you were alive when this happened. I don't expect you to understand and I doubt many people would admit that there were times, just moments…when we worshiped and loved Albus…as a god." Scorpius looked on the verge of tears. Dawn seemed to pick up on her fathers upset and sat back down. "It is often the darker areas of his life that are remembered far more then his accomplishments. Usually by the people that hated him and all he stood for." Scorpius took another sip of wine. "But then, how can I describe this accurately, how can I tell the truth? Because I believed in him, as we all did back then, my tale is of course bias, so can it actually be called the truth? How can I explain what it was like to stand in his presence? To be a part of that great Marauders army? To watch him topple world leaders like chess pieces, to march over twelve thousand miles and still be undefeated? How can I really tell you about the Colossus that sort to make all men better than they were?"

"If that's what you call a man that wanted to rule the world!" She hissed back.

"Rule, no…why would he ever seek to rule? He had everything he ever wanted long before his great campaign ever began. He sought to give the world something that's never been seen before….history is filled with wise old men spouting tales of power and war and love that they have experienced in there lives. But that does not make them great. The truly great are the ones that embraced their own visions. The ones that had the courage…to follow their hearts. And the many prices he paid to try and fulfil this incredible dream…great tragedy, loss, death…he paid them gladly, just for the chance to make the world…to make all men great."

Memories suddenly came flooding back to him. The pure glory and wonder that it once was to stand in his by his side. He was finding hard to concentrate. He took another slip of his wine and tried to focus. Again, he found the faces of his grand children. They were too young to understand how the older people here felt and so there minds were open, innocent and completely free of judgement. They would want to hear the story from start to finish before they ever made any kind of judgement. He looked again at Anya. She was so full of life and potential; he wondered whether telling her would influence her as she began her life at Hogwarts. He feared the rebellion that might rise inside her after hearing the truth. But then he realized Albus's story wasn't there to strike fear into people's hearts or insight rebellion. It was there to inspire.

"He wasn't always this way of course." Scorpius continued. "Once he was a normal boy, a student of Hogwarts…some even went so far as to call him an under achiever. He never stood out in the way his father did during his first years. Some wrote him off as common. But he went through a lot more in those years than people realized. Just because his exploits never made the front page of the Daily Prophet didn't mean they didn't help mold him. The truth is that it was his early years that forged him into the unbreakable man he would later become. Without them, he would have been nothing."

Abby, Anya, Peter and Alex were already so captivated that there mouths were hanging open and small morsels of food had begun to fall out.

"Of course we all know where he came from. His father had defeated the Dark Lord Voldemort and was the wizarding world's most revered hero. Greatness was always expected of Albus…as it was with all the Potter children. But no one could have ever imagined what he would become."

"Yeah! Harry stopped Voldemort and then his own son turns out to be even worse then he was!" Dawn exclaimed.

"Worse you say? I laugh…Albus was never evil." Scorpius did in fact chuckle at this which only seemed to enrage Dawn further although she managed to keep her self under control. "It's always been easy to demonize the people that we don't understand. You call him a tyrant! Tell me, of all the tyrants in the world, all that he destroyed, all that he didn't, of all that have lived through the years, how many gave so much to this world? How many respected and loved the people of this world as much as he did? No, he never wanted to rule…he wanted to unite the world in a way that so many thought impossible! And he would fight to do so…He was extreme, passionate, eccentric and yes, he often cast the rules and laws to the wind. But he was never evil." Dawn scoffed at this.

Scorpius merely turned back to his grand children. "We know of course, the more epic moments in his life. When his choices affected the world. When even the most powerful of empires would rise or fall by his will. When he rallied armies behind him and toppled governments. When he shocked the world with his blood and courage. Everyone remembers of course the Azkaban incident. When he overthrew the ministry, the day of darkness… The great cavalry charge at the battle of London. His swift revenge on those he believed had wrong him. His victories over any who challenged…when the world trembled before him. But so few know what was behind that man. What it took for him to face his demons. What made him the Colossus. Everyone was only concerned with what they could do to gain that kind of power, that strength, that fearlessness. Nobody realized that much of his future was shaped by the small events of his past and the people he shared it with."

Scorpius looked Dawn in eye. She seemed to want to look away but couldn't. "So few people understand…what made him truly great…was love. The reason we have such harmony now is because of his love for everyone on this earth…His love would shape the world." Scorpius took a breath. His voice was becoming brittle as he spoke. The memories were bringing back past pains that still haunted him. "Albus never lusted for power or glory. He lusted for love…and truly, no one could love like Albus but to challenge that love was give birth to a powerful and terrifying force that annihilated any who opposed him. Love was all he ever really wanted. He never wanted to be the Colossus he became. He often said that his greatness was his curse. For greatness and glory can only come from suffering and struggle. And I truly believe that no one ever suffered as much as Albus."

He again had to pause for second to regain his composure before continuing.

"His father had accomplished what many believed to be impossible. He had defeated the dark lord Voldemort. He had brought peace to the wizarding world…But had anything really changed? The muggles were still unaware of our existence; believing us to be nothing more than fairy tales and myths. " Scorpius continued.

"After the battle of Hogwarts, Harry immediately started training as an Auror, despite the fact that he didn't have the required NEWT's." Scorpius giggled. "Whilst Ginny went on to become a valued member of the Holyhead Harpies. The Harpies managed to secure the championship only months after Ginny joined them, it should be noted. A few years later, Ginny became pregnant with her first child and decided to leave the Quidditch world behind. Quidditch after all is an extremely dangerous sport, especially when played in the professional league and she wouldn't risk any harm to her child. They wed shortly before Ginny gave birth, as they had planned to do for some time, to they're first child. James Potter. All who knew him could swear that James was the reincarnation of Harry's father of the same name. Two years later she would give birth to Albus Severus and two years after that Lily Potter. After the birth of Lily, Ginny was hired as a Quidditch Correspondent for the Daily Prophet."

He cleared his throat quickly.

"Even the wisest and most powerful of prophets and seers couldn't have predicted how Albus would one day, change the world. He seemed so…normal…but at the same time, some of us could see there was something different about him. Unfortunately this could only be seen by the ones who looked close enough and there were very few of them. I know…I was there…I was one of them." He told the tale as if it was happening as he spoke.

The memories suddenly overwhelmed Scorpius and he was no longer in that beautiful garden having dinner with his family. He was in Albus's life, breathing every breath he took, walking every step he took, living every moment he did.

And there he was, only eleven years old and still so full of life and innocence.

OUTSIDE PETHAM - ENGLAND - AUGUST 21st - 2017 A.D.

Albus was playing with the Hippogriff Buckbeak/Witherwings as he always did. The brilliant animal had been sent to them every summer for three years now at the request of Hagrid. It had made Albus more excited then Christmas to know that he was coming to visit. They would play in the huge gardens of Potter manor for hours every time he had visited before.

'At eleven years old, much to his parents delight; his early years were free from oppression and evil. And they took to teaching him all they knew of kindness and the many virtues and goodness they held dear. These things he embraced and carried with him always. But of course growing up with a father as famous as Harry had it's drawbacks. He always felt that he was living in the shadow of his father's legend and to disappoint his family had always been one of his greatest fears…His older brother James was already starting to make a name for himself. The rumour was that Harry's greatness and Ginny's power had passed to James and his younger sister Lily, apparently skipping Albus all together. His brother had a certain flare to him, let's just say.'

Albus seemed to have an aura of life around him. A glow that warmed the hearts of anyone that was near to him.

Both Harry and Ginny, watching him now, had found it strange that although they shared such a wonderful friendship, Albus resolutely refused to allow Buckbeak to take him into the air. He only road Buckbeak when he was on the ground, almost imitating a horse. They would never take to the air as Harry had done in there meeting during his third year. This, plus his indifference towards Quidditch had lead Harry to believe that his second son was in fact afraid of flying.

Across from Albus was his older brother James who had mounted his Lightning-bolt broom (The fastest in the world) and was practicing his seeker skills by chasing a Golden Snitch through the air. He didn't seem to notice Albus or Buckbeak at all. James was clearly not afraid of heights.

'Upon James's arrival at Hogwarts he was immediately idolized and revered by all…and further more he was living up to peoples expectations becoming a Quidditch hero and a bit of a trouble maker. Just like his father, James was allowed to become the Gryffindor seeker during his first year, something many others were refused. And naturally, by the end of his first year, he led them to victory over Hufflepuff by beating Ravenclaw in the final. This was repeated with a final victory over Ravenclaw in his second year Quidditch final.'

A few feet away from both brothers was the beautiful, young Lily. She was a perfect hybrid of her mother and father with long fiery red hair and a temper and passion to match. She had her wand in her hand and was attempting to master the summoning charm 'Accio'by practicing on a small snail The ministry had turned a blind eye to all the Potter children getting wands and practicing magic underage. Another benefit of saving the wizarding world. Suddenly the snail shot toward Lily so fast she didn't have time to move. The snails shell impacted with her left eye and she swore with pain and annoyance.

'Lily had started to show her ability with magic from a very young age, some even went so far as to call her, uncommonly powerful. Lily was in fact the reason Harry had asked the minister to allow her a wand four years early. He had hoped that with a wand her magical abilities would be slightly more controlled. This was a wonderful success and at the same time, a tremendous failure. But, nevertheless, all agreed that she would one day become a very gifted witch. The eyes of everyone quickly turned to James and Lily as they had done once before.'

Albus was now feeding Buckbeak some left over meat for the previous night's meal while stroking his neck.

'It was Albus who seemed to be the disappointment the of the family for he neither showed much love of Quidditch nor considerable talent with magic.'

Albus clapped his hands grabbing Buckbeak's attention then suddenly darted away down the garden. Buckbeak, of course, gave pursuit as was one of they're many games.

'One of the only early talents he showed was his respect for animals and they for him. He seemed to display an uncommon understanding of animals, especially magic animals that even Rubius Hagrid had found astonishing. It was during one of Hagrid's many visits to Potter manor, that he noticed it and then volunteered to bring Buckbeak on his next visit. His parents knew he would be a master of Hagrid's class long before he even came to Hogwarts. However his ability with magical animals aside, his ambition, unlike his brothers was, non-excitant. He was far more humble, quiet and at the same time more private and nervous of his future. He never told anyone this of course, he kept his fears locked away, deep inside until the days in which he would face and overcome them. He was after all the middle child, loved no less but still neglected from time to time. His brother had captured the spotlight for the past two years and his sister had already begun to raise a few eyebrows with her…accidents. But of course he, unlike his parents before him wasn't challenged at such a young age. James had made it his mission to live up to the Potter name from the first moment he stepped onto the Hogwarts Express but Albus….He was never forced to stand out in anyway, that came later. But even when his life started changing, people still found it hard to believe he would ever live up to his father, or even his brother…Things aren't always what they seem…'

'No one could have known what would rise from between the shadows of his kin…If they could, perhaps we would have had warning…'