#my hot take is that george is more of an elizabeth than lucy is

[potatoesandsunshine]

write the weird crossover you want to see in the world.....

[braveclementine]

Epilogue

Warnings: None

Copyright: I do not own any Marvel characters or locations. However, I do own a few OCs like Elizabeth, Katherine, Stacy, and Jessie. I do not condone any copying of this.

Optional Read: Some parts of this are going to be sad and might spoil the happy ending I had before. This doesn't really offer any plot and you won't miss anything if you simply end reading at the last chapter.

Also, in case you're concerned about the number of kids: It's over a course of over one thousand and more years so don't worry, the kids are pretty well spread out. 

You've been warned

Trigger warnings: Death

Your kids names by the time you died:

~ Lucy Sarah Marvel- Bucky

~Vincent Jack Marvel- Fury

~Marcel Yomaya Marvel- T'Challa

~James Rupert Marvel- Rhodey

~Temperance Hope Marvel- Tony

~Lloyd Heimdell Marvel- Thor

~Vera Shuri Marvel- T'Challa

~Rán Elizabeth Lokidottir- Loki

~Kiara Donna- Stephen

~Zia Maria Marvel- Fury

~Elijah Kai Marvel- Tony

~Arlo James Marvel- Steve

~Jörd Odinson- Thor

~Janelle Ruth Marvel- Bucky

~Nya Isabel Marvel- Clint

~Laura Rue Marvel- Clint

~Frederick Remus Marvel- Sam

~George Sirius Marvel- Sam

~Angela Natasha Marvel- Clint

~Cole Edward Marvel- Stephen

~Freyja Lokidottir- Loki

~Sebastian Paul Marvel- Bucky

~Claude John Marvel- Steve

~Kisa Wanda Marvel- Sam

~Cebisa Gugu Marvel- T'Challa

~Clementine Y/N Marvel- Tony

~Wendell Nick Marvel- Fury

~Damon Skye Marvel- Bucky

~Edward Jarvis Marvel- Tony

Order of which you died:

1. Rhodey: A year and a half after bonding ceremony Last thing he said to you: You didn't have to help me clean up, but thank you hot mama.

2. Clint: Twenty-seven years after bonding ceremony Last thing he said to you: Kind've ironic it's Cancer that's killing me, isn't it? Anyways, don't be sad birdie. I'll see you on the other side.

3. T'Challa: one hundred and forty-seven years after bonding ceremony Last thing he said to you: I'm just going to go and show Cebisa the boundary lines. She's the newest little royal so she's got to know her own country. I'll see you when we get back, my Nkosazana.

4. Sam: Two hundred and sixty-three years after bonding ceremony Last thing he said to you: Don't worry, the mission will be a breeze. I'll be back in time for Kisa's birthday, you know I wouldn't miss that for the world babe. Just keep a hold of that good luck charm I gave you for Christmas. Oh, and don't forget to take care of my boys, alright?

5. Thor: One thousand, one hundred, and thirty-seven years after bonding ceremony. Last thing he said to you: Don't cry my princesse. I'll be waiting in Vahalla for you.

6. Fury: One thousand, one hundred, and fifty-eight years after bonding ceremony. Last thing he said to you: It was just my time babydoll. I'm not a stupid man. But with all this magic in the world, it can't be possible that we won't see each other again in the afterlife. Besides, now I get to see my sons again.

7. Loki: One thousand, nine hundred, and eight-four years after bonding ceremony. Last thing he said to you: Honestly my Queen? I think this is the first time I've beaten my brother in a competition. I can't wait to gloat in his face. Save those tears pet. You don't need to cry over me. I want the last thing I see of you to be your smile.

8. You: Two thousand, fifty-four years after bonding ceremony. Last words to Steve and Bucky: I love you both so much, I hope you both know that. I'll tell Sam you guys said hi, okay? Last words to Tony: You know, finding out the Avengers were my soulmates was the scariest thing in the world. But I wouldn't have changed a damn thing. I love you Tony. Last words to Stephen: Please don't cry Stephen. We got so much more time together than anyone else ever will. I only want you to remember the good times, okay?

9. Bucky: Two thousand, two hundred, twenty-four years after bonding ceremony Last words to Steve: Here's the end of the line pal. Don't blame yourself, I'll haunt you from the other side. I love you baby.

10. Steve: Two thousand, two hundred, tweyty-five years after bonding ceremony Last words to Stephen and Tony: I can't do it anymore. I can't live without them. Guess you're the last two left. I'm sorry

11. Tony: Two thousand, three hundred, and five years after bonding ceremony Last words to Stephen: I know you're sad, but don't be. I'm actually kind've excited to see all of them again. We're all going to be a huge, happy family once more. Just don't join me to soon. Do all the things you wanted to do first, okay? Promise me that.

12. Stephen: Two thousand, three hundred, and ten years after bonding ceremony There was no one to say his last words to: I'm coming home

When you all meet again

You woke up in a dazzling field of purple flowers. You sat up slowly, breathing in the fresh air. The field was completely empty and you got to your feet. Looking around carefully, you confirmed that you were alone.

Your feet seemed to move of their own accord, as though a magnetic pull was leading you across this field.

Your feet made almost no noise as you walked across this path, you and you noticed that you weren't wearing any shoes. Your feet felt the grass prickling and tickling underneath your feet.

At the edge of the field, the forest opened up to show a single house down in a valley.

It was huge, stretching from side to side, extending far back. It had a whole farm with animals and fruits trees and vegetable plants. The sun shone down brightly on the entirety. A stream of water cut through the back end of the forest, a smaller, though good sized cottage sat there.

Kids played all out on the front lawn, before looking up at you. They were all around the age of ten to fourteen.

"Moms home!" Vincent shouted. "Look, moms home!"

The kids ran up the slope towards you, while you ran down the slope towards them. You had missed them so badly. They had died so early as they hadn't been passed along the immortality gene- unless they were Thor and Loki's children.

"I knew I felt something." A long time hearing, but hugely familiar voice said.

Your eyes pricked with tears, spinning to see Rhodey there.

"James!" You said, tears streaming down your face, throwing yourself into his arms. He kissed the top of your head.

"Hey there sweet mama." He grinned.

"Y/N!" Thor laughed, sweeping through to pull you into a huge hug. Loki, T'Challa, Fury, Clint, and Sam followed behind quickly.

"Steve and Bucky love you." You murmured as Sam gave you the last hug.

"I miss them." Sam mumbled.

"They miss you too." you whispered, cupping his face, before kissing him.

"Hey, we have one last person." Clint said, pointing. "Well I mean, you know, one more group."

You grinned, running over and pulling Elizabeth into a hug. "Oh my God I missed you so much!"

"I missed you too." Elizabeth said with a watery smile. "Thank you so much for everything. For taking care of Minerva and protecting her. Thank you so much."

"You're welcome." You murmured. "Where is Minerva anyways?"

"She's with Hogun." Elizabeth said with a smile.

"Good. I'm glad that he's here with you." You said softly.

Elizabeth's smiled was sad now. "I did get scared, when he killed himself. And I was angry at first, wanting him to stay for her, but I was glad for the company. Rhodey didn't show up until a little later."

"Is this. . . Heaven?" You asked.

Elizabeth paused and looked around. "Hmm, I don't really know. From what we've explored, it just seems like another world except. . . it's. . . brighter. It's happier. Although you can't have kids in this world. If you could, Hogun and I would have a thousand."

You giggled. "I'm glad that we're all here."

"As one family." Elizabeth finished.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

***

You woke up, feeling a tingly feeling in your stomach.

You quickly made your way out of the house, watching as Bucky walked over to the edge of the cliff. You sprinted up it, leaping into his arms. He hugged you tightly before laying kisses all over your face.

"I missed you doll."

"I missed you too Teddy bear." You mumbled.

You noticed that his metal arm was gone, a real flesh arm in place of it. You didn't feel disappointment this time. Here, you were all in your pure forms.

"Bucky!" Sam's voice was ecstatic behind you. The two of them collided in a fierce hug, teeth and tongue clashing as they tried to get as close as possible to each other. You were almost certain that they would rip each others' clothes off each other right then and there.

Now, you were only waiting on three more.

***

You were already with Sam and Bucky when the tingly feeling happened again, a year or so later. The three of you had been walking along the forest line and you raced back to the house.

"It's Steve, I can just feel it." Bucky panted. "I can feel him."

When you reached the top of the hill, you found that Bucky was correct, but both you and Sam did a double take.

While Bucky barreled in Steve's arms, you and Sam looked at his new body. He was about the same height as Bucky, instead of a few inches taller. He wasn't as muscular in the shoulders, more lean and thin. He didn't look sickly or scrawny, but he wasn't the wall of muscles that you had known.

"I know." Steve said, sounding almost apologetic as Bucky finally let him up off the grass. "It's different, isn't it? I've almost forgotten what Bucky looks like with a metal arm."

You sobbed, leaping into his arms. "Stevie you're home!"

"Yeah cookie, I'm home."

"Stevie." Sam mumbled, hugging him tightly, crying as well.

"Aww baby." Steve cooed, wrapping the both of us tightly in his arms. "Don't cry, everything's okay."

***

When Tony came, he came like everything was normal. His hands were in his pockets and he simply strolled along, not even pausing at the crest of the hill before sauntering down the hill like he owned the place. The only difference was there was no glowing arc reactor in his chest.

"Well don't you look a day over two thousand." He grinned, winking at you.

You giggled. "What a flirt."

"Guess I've still got it." He said, pulling you into a hug. "Fuck I missed you."

"I missed you too." you mumbled into his chest. "How's Stephen?"

"He's okay. He's grieving. I told him not to follow to soon after me. I didn't want him to kill himself like Steve did." Tony whispered. "But I'm afraid he will."

"Well, being in love for two thousand plus years is probably equivalent to when couples die a few months apart when they've been married for fifty plus years." You amended, "You know, the normal couples."

Tony chuckled. "Yes, but I do feel bad for the pain he's going through. I hope this gets easier."

"Once Stephen joins us, we're complete." You whispered. "There's no death in this world. You know I actually got to meet George Washington?"

"That's fascinating. I should call up Albert Einstein and Newton." Tony said, growing excited.

You giggled, "Call them up hmm?"

"Can we invent in this world? Gosh this is fascinating. Hmm, I wonder if the other world was a world for the dead as well, we just don't remember our previous lives. Wow, I wonder. . ." He immediately went off on a tangent that you quickly got lost in.

But that made everything feel like normal.

***

You and Tony were the ones to greet Stephen as he came striding out of the field. His hands were uncovered, and you noticed all of his scars were gone. He too was changed.

Part of you hated the changes. You hated that Bucky no longer had a metal arm. You hated that Steve wasn't the same. You hated the missing glow from Tony's chest. You hated Stephen's missing scars.

But this was the place for change. This was the new yous and the old yous put together. This was your new home.

"Stephen." A smile spread across your face in seconds, wrapping your arms around him. "Welcome home."

"Welcome home." Tony said, kissing Stephen passionately on his lips. "Did you do what I asked you to?"

"I did." Stephen nodded, wrapping one arm around you, holding Tony's hand.

"Are you going to tell me about it?"

"Every minute." Stephen promised and the three of you walked up to the house. "First I went parasailing. . ."

No, it wasn't actually perfect.

But that was what made it home.

~The End~ For Real This Time

[tabloidtoc]

OK, December 21

You can buy a copy of this issue for your very own at my eBay store: https://www.ebay.com/str/bradentonbooks

Cover: Queen Elizabeth cancels Christmas

Page 1: Big Pic -- David Beckham in an ad for Haig Club 

Page 2: Contents 

Page 4: Bella and Olivia Jade Giannulli -- life on their own -- find out what Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli’s daughters have been up to while their famous parents sweat it out in prison -- Bella has been so stressed out and felt she deserved a trip with her buds so she went to a luxury resort in Santa Barbara over Thanksgiving weekend 

Page 6: It’s been a little over a year since Felicity Huffman was released from prison after serving her time for role in the college admissions scandal but she is finally starting to get her life and career back on track -- initially she was nervous about working again given the controversy and everything that went down and she seriously wondered if there would be anything out there for her material-wise but she shouldn’t have worried as she landed a part in an upcoming pilot in which she’ll play a recently widowed owner of a Triple-A baseball team and she’s really excited about the show 

Page 7: Kristin Cavallari is fed up with Carrie Underwood’s meddling in her divorce from Jay Cutler -- after Kristin called time on her seven-year marriage Carrie and her husband Mike Fisher who used to be Nashville couple-friends to both Kristin and Jay have taken Jay’s side and since then there’s been some snide stuff said that’s made it clear how Carrie really fills about Kristin -- while Jay spent Thanksgiving with Carrie and Mike, Kristin filmed a wine-fueled Instagram Live and Carrie finds this type of thirsty behavior on social media incredibly lame and she’s saying it’s obvious Kristin cares more about upping her profile than making any type of family peace 

* After nearly 60 years in showbiz Cher has a different aspirations -- since traveling to Pakistan to help a mistreated elephant from a local zoo be relocated to an animal sanctuary she’s saying this is her new mission to help endangered species in third world countries and campaign for other good eco causes -- Cher spends much of her time cooped up and bored in her Malibu mansion and her trip made her realize there’s a world out there that needs her help 

* Mark Harmon of NCIS is all work and no play these days and nearly two decades in the same TV gig as Leroy Gibbs has only made things worse as the responsibilities of the show seem to wear heavier on Mark by the year and even on a break you can’t get him to crack a smile or tell a joke; he’d rather go lie down in his trailer -- off set Mark and his wife of 33 years Pam Dawber get along because they’re such homebodies and Mark can usually be found working on his cars in the garage or relaxing in the yard and he cherishes his quiet time but people have stopped inviting him out because he’s known as Mr. Boring 

Page 8: Dolly Parton is spreading Christmas cheer far and wide with a new TV special and album and Netflix movie but at her home in Tennessee the holiday spirit is decidedly lacking because Dolly is forgoing her favorite 40-year-running traditions which are filling her house with trees and driving her nieces and nephews and their kids around her farm in golf carts dressed as Santa and handing out presents because of her concern for her husband Carl Dean who has Alzheimer’s disease and he’s in a high-risk group for coronavirus so she’s restricted the property to just them and two staff members -- it breaks Dolly’s heart to have to cancel her big annual celebration and she’s still decorated her home to the nines but it’s a lonely feeling knowing the family won’t be there to see it 

* Prince William and Duchess Kate Middleton are proving themselves to be perfectly postmodern parents by raising their kids Prince George and Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis with firm rules for TV and electronic use -- Kate who recently revealed she’s fielded her share of temper tantrums actively attempts to stave off meltdowns with a strict rewards chart and the kids have to earn screen time -- Kate prefers to keep them busy with activities like board games and hikes and baking which the children enjoy anyway

* After spending the last several years living a relatively low-key life in his native England Russell Brand is desperate to have a bigger presence in Hollywood but his wife Laura insists he stay put -- Russell’s craving SoCal living and the copious acting jobs and event invites that came with it but Laura prefers their British life outside the spotlight with their young daughters -- while some work has come to him in England like the upcoming Death on the Nile if he had his way he’d make a more aggressive career push in L.A. 

Page 10: Red Hot on the Red Carpet -- stars stand out in festive green dresses -- Carly Pearce, Angela Bassett, Zendaya 

Page 11: Jodie Comer, Adriana Lima 

Page 12: Who Wore It Better? Melissa Gorga vs. Jennifer Lahmers, Abigail Spencer vs. Hailey Bieber in Max Mara, Olivia Culpo vs. Aurora Culpo 

Page 14: News in Photos -- Brooke Burke with Christmas ornaments that will be auctioned by non-profit Operation Smile 

Page 16: Audrina Patridge brought along her daughter Kirra’s favorite toys for a picnic in Beverly Hills, Padma Lakshmi visits The Vitamin Shoppe in NYC, Brandy at the BET Soul Train Awards 

Page 17: Kelly Rutherford felt the love from her dogs in L.A., Shawn Mendes out for a walk in Miami 

Page 21: Robin Wright and husband Clement Giraudet held hands while riding their bikes in L.A., long-time friends Gabrielle Union and Snoop Dogg unpacked ingredients delivered by Shipt 

Page 22: Josh Duhamel on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Karlie Kloss on her new Adidas collection 

Page 24: Vanessa Hudgens snuggled up to her beloved pup Darla while at the park in L.A., Jay-Z taking a walk around the island in Hawaii 

Page 25: Kimora Lee Simmons and her children handed out food to residents of a housing complex, Prince Jackson safely helped a community church distribute food to those in need 

Page 26: Inside My Home -- Ariel Winter’s stylish setup 

Page 28: Like most Garth Brooks and wife Trisha Yearwood have had a challenging 2020 but their 15-year marriage was put to the test this past summer when the country superstars’ daughter Allie tested positive for Covid-19 -- they were worried sick and had to go into quarantine themselves and not being able to hold Allie’s hand was terrible for both of them but fortunately Allie’s case was mild and Garth and Trisha’s tests came back negative 

Page 30: Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott who have amicably coparented their daughter Stormi since their split last year and recently spent Thanksgiving together as a family are drawing up plans to have another baby together in 2021 because both of them want to give Stormi a sibling ASAP and neither can imagine going through this process with anyone else -- the exes are figuring out a contract to specify their family plans that will protect Kylie’s money and outline coparenting terms more formally and give them each an agreeable share of custody if things don’t stay as rosy down the line

* They’ve costarred in five films and have proclaimed they’re each other’s work wives and are finally single at the same time so pals of Jennifer Aniston and Jason Sudeikis are urging the longtime friends to give it a go romantically especially now that Jason has split from Olivia Wilde -- Jennifer always says Jason makes her laugh the way no one else can -- while Jason’s primarily focusing on coparenting his kids he’s long harbored warm and fuzzy feelings toward Jen and he would love to ask her out but the only thing holding him back is the potential to ruin their solid friendship

* Love Bites -- Johnny Galecki and Alaina Meyer split, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky dating, Jonathan Bennett and Jaymes Vaughan engaged 

Page 31: Matthew Perry’s loved ones are worried the Friends star has made a rash call by suddenly getting engaged to literary manager Molly Hurwitz -- the on-off two-year romance between Matthew and Molly has been dysfunctional from the get-go and Matthew’s way more into this than Molly who seems to love him more like a brother

* A rough year for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle including inter-family strife and a move across the pond and a devastating miscarriage has only strengthened their bond -- after Meghan revealed she and Harry had miscarried in July the two were quite overwhelmed by the outpouring of compassion and the response not only validated their decision to go public a thousand times over but it also helped them grow even closer -- they’re determined to put this behind them and try for another baby at the earliest opportunity but more than anything else it’s really underlined how they belong together as soulmates 

Page 32: Cover Story -- Queen Elizabeth’s holiday shake-up -- inside the monarch’s heartbreaking decision to call off the family’s annual Christmas celebration -- the queen will celebrate the holidays at Windsor Castle in Berkshire for the first time in more than three decades -- while the queen is upset not to have the company of the younger royals this year she has to think about her and Prince Philip’s health 

Page 36: Katie Holmes’ season of joy -- how Katie is spending the holidays with her new love Emilio Vitolo Jr. 

Page 38: Mistaken Identity -- with these celeb look-alikes it’s deja vu all over again -- Carrie Underwood and Reese Witherspoon, Daniel Radcliffe and Elijah Wood 

Page 39: Mark Wahlberg and Matt Damon, Amy Adams and Isla Fisher, Lucy Hale and Selena Gomez 

Page 40: Interview -- Tommy Lee’s new beat -- the veteran rock star opens up about his latest solo album and his new fan base 

Page 42: Gal Power -- how Wonder Woman actress Gal Gadot gets into superhero shape 

Page 43: Fight Club -- these buttkicking superheroines pushed themselves to new limits -- Brie Larson, Scarlett Johansson, Danai Gurira 

Page 46: Style -- Zendaya for Lancome’s new mascara 

Page 48: Sleek activewear from celeb-loved label Gigi C Bikinis makes it easy to look like a star when you work out 

Page 49: 5 minutes with Adrienne Bailon 

Page 54: Entertainment 

Page 58: Buzz -- Disney Holiday Singalong featuring Ryan Seacrest, Katy Perry, Pink and daughter Willow, Ciara and her kids Future and Sienna 

Page 60: Sound Bites -- Nelly on feeling disappointed with placing third on Dancing With the Stars, Kaley Cuoco on husband Karl Cook’s social media presence, Megan Fox on first meeting boyfriend Machine Gun Kelly 

Page 61: Paul McCartney on why he doesn’t like taking pictures with fans, Cardi B joking about how her 2-year-old crashed her selfie video 

Page 62: Horoscope -- Sagittarius Vanessa Hudgens turned 32 on December 14 

Page 64: By the Numbers -- Dan Levy 

[somekind0fmagic]

Chapter 8. Disappointment

I do not own Harry Potter or the characters created by Rowling

(Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13, Chapter 14 )

Chapter 8. Disappointment

March and April went by quickly. Soon they were nearing the end of May and then the end of their first year. Albus only told Anneliese what happened with James when she convinced him that he would feel better afterwards. Even though he refused to admit it, he did feel better. They didn’t tell Scorpius for the fear of what he could, or would, do. But as they neared the end, Albus began to have an increase of worry. After Albus had heard what his Uncle had said, anything to do with him became a tense affair. Of course that was only when he saw him, but the downside was that his parents and his Aunt Hermione and Uncle Ron were very close. Them and his father were best friends throughout school and they went with him when he went looking for Horcruxes. His aunt and mother were also very close, they themselves being best friends too.

He wasn’t even going to mention how bad it would be to be around Rose. She was bitchy and annoying enough while they were at school, he didn’t want to see how bad she could get. He didn’t mind his younger cousin, Hugo. He never made an effort to be an ass. But the poor kid is easily influenced and sees his father as the best thing in the world. He would do anything he asked and believe anything he says. Albus also knew that if Hugo gets sorted into Gryffindor that James would take advantage of that fact.

Knowing how his mother was, he knew he wouldn’t be able to hide up in his room. He could just hangout with his little sister, but then she had friends she could hangout with. He could go to Shell Cottage, assuming that Dom would be there. Or he could stay at Weasleys Wizards Wheezes, he knew his Uncle George wouldn’t mind. Then again, he did remember Scorpius mentioning how he was usually bored being an only child and that his parents were okay with him staying over. Or maybe even Anneliese, but he remembers her mentioning that her parents were wary of her staying over at a guys house. Deciding that they would only be able to hangout and he would probably only get, at most, 12 hours away from his family. 

He decided that he would just figure it all out when it happened.

----------------------------------------

Scorpius pulled his tie loose and shed himself of his black robe. “Why the hell is it so hot?”

Albus, who had his tie undone completely and the top two buttons of his top undone, his robe in his arm as well, ran a hand through his black hair. “Because, mother nature knew you were getting too pale and needed more light.” Anneliese just rolled her eyes, she brushed her bangs out of her face for what, at least to Albus, was the 100th time. “Y’know, there’s this thing called a headband that you could use. I’m pretty sure I bought you one for Christmas.”

She scoffed and casually retorted, “Well there’s another thing called a hairbrush, maybe you’ve heard of it? It helps keep your hair neat. Or how about hair gel? Another thing that helps your hair stay neat.”

“I like it messy, not messing with it gives me more time to sleep in the morning.”

“No, you just hate that brushes tend to break whenever you use them.”

Albus shrugged at Scorpius’s comment, “So what?”

“It wouldn’t do that if you brushed it more than just once a month.”

“Twice a month, actually.” Albus quipped quickly.

Anneliese rolled her eyes, “As if that is any better?”

“It is, I used to do it once a week, but I figured, you know what? My hair is impossible to tame, why not I just embrace it.”

“You’re lazy Albus.”

“Of course I am, my dear, someone in this group has to be.”

Anneliese felt her cheeks get hot, for once, actually happy it was hot. “You guys aren’t wrong, it is hot.”

“Took ya long enough.” She rolled her eyes and Scorpius looked at her confused. She waved him off and slipped off her robe and rolled up the sleeves to her top.

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“Hey L? Do you have anyone starting Hogwarts next year?”

Not even looking up from her book she replied, “My sisters Liana and Alexa. They turned 11 last November. You?”

“Yeah, 3 of my cousins. Louis, he’s Vics’ little brother, he’ll turn 11 in August. Then there’s Lucy, Mollys’ little sis, she’s not as uptight as her though, she turned 11 last September. Then there’s Roxanne, Freds’ younger sister, she turned 11 in January.”

She nodded, turning the page of her book, “That sounds nice. You close with them?”

He shrugged, “I guess, I’m closer to Louis' sister Dom though, she decided to go to Beauxbatons instead though.”

“Hold old is she?”

“Our age, but you wouldn’t think it. She looks way older.” Anneliese nodded absentmindedly, “What about you? Are you close to those two?”

“Meh, we get along, but we’re sisters so we fight a bunch.”

“Ah, makes sense, I guess.”

She giggled softly, “You really don’t, do you?” She sighed as she saw him shake his head out of her peripherals, “Well, basically, we’re girls. Geneivieve, Alexa, Liana, and I fight all the time over stupid things like hairbrushes or how long the other has been in the bathroom. I feel sorry for my brothers, they have to deal with us all the time. I think they sneak into a guest bathroom when we’re arguing.”

“Wait...if you have a guest bathroom, then why do you fight over that?”

“Al, if you were a girl and Lily’s sister instead of brother, you would understand what I’m talking about.”

They heard the soft laugh of Lorene Zabini, they looked back at her. Her usual short and curly purple hair was long, straight, and black. It was shocking when she changed it and when she was asked why she just would shrug her shoulders and say something about needing a change in her life. Her arm was around her girlfriend, Elizabeth Boles, waist. “Sometimes I wish I had a sister, or a sibling at least.”

“You don’t?” 

She shook her head, “Nope, sorry Potter, but I’m a lone wolf.”

Her girlfriend rolled her eyes, “Then what am I?”

She looked at her, nothing but love was in her eyes, “The one person I agree to not be a lone wolf with.”

“Cute.”

“You know it.”

Before they started snogging, Albus and Anneliese turned back around. “Sometimes I wish my parents didn’t have so many kids.” He looked at his friend with confusion. She neer said anything like this before. “And...I don’t know, maybe it’s selfish, but I wish I was an only child.”

“Why?”

“Because, then I would have my parents undivided attention.” She said it so softly that he barely heard it. But he felt a pang in his chest when he heard her. He didn’t say anything. He just wrapped his arms around her and held her close. Only agreeing with her mentally. I didn’t want to be one until recently.

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Albus stared at the top of the curtains above his bed. Why did she say that to him? They hadn’t been friends for nearly as long as Scorpius and her had been. Unless he knew? No, he knows her better than that. So why? She never seemed like she wanted that, never did she complain about how she didn’t get attention at home. Maybe something had happened over Easter break. She did seem upset afterwards.

He sighed, knowing he wouldn’t be able to sleep with this much on his mind he got up and grabbed his wand. Slipping out of the dorm room wasn’t difficult. All the guys were deep sleepers. He walked down the stairs, no one was sitting in the common room, making him wonder just how late it was. He opened the door to the common room and slipped out. 

The castle was eerily quiet. It was like it was empty. All he could hear was his quiet breaths and his steps. Of course it wasn’t as bad once he got out of the dungeons, but it still wasn’t amazing. But he continued to walk, he was honestly so unsure where he was going. He just knew he had to be careful and not get caught. He noticed a tapestry with a bowl full of fruits. He remembered something his dad mentioning the summer before he started.

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Flashback

Albus sat at the table, watching as his dad made him a sandwich. “Hey dad?”

“Yeah Al?”

He sighed, “Dad, what if when I’m Hogwarts and I’m hungry, but say, it’s the middle of the night, where would I go?”

“The kitchens of course.” Harry turned around and handed his son the sandwich.

“Okay, but where is that?”

“Behind a painting of a bowl of fruits. You have to tickle the pear.”

Albus raised an eyebrow, “Are you serious?”

“No, I’m your dad. But really, you have to.”

“Sure.” He didn’t believe him, but he dropped the subject.

End of Flashback

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Maybe his dad was right. Mum did say he was occasionally. He walked over to the painting and tickled the pear, and to his surprise, the painting opened and revealed the kitchens. A few house elves were cleaning. One noticed him, immediately recognizing who he was. “Mr. Albus Potter, an honor it is. What brings you down here?”

“Oh...um, I was just walking around. Sorry, I’ll get going.”

“Oh, please, let me make you something. Anything.”

“Well...can you make a peanut butter and honey sandwich and have it heated?” Albus wasn’t sure if he should be asking, but the house elf was so insistent.

“Of course sir! Right away, please sit down!” Albus cautiously walked over to a table and sat down. 

He laid his head down as they made the sandwich, letting his thoughts drift. Only was he kicked out of them when he heard the soft clink of a plate being placed on the table. He lifted his head and softly smiled at the house elf, “Thank you.”

“Of course sir! I wasn’t sure if you wanted anything to drink so I got you some water just in case. Is there anything else you would like?”

“Just your name?”

“M-my name?”

“Yes?”

“Well, it’s Zipsey!”

“Well, thank you Zipsey.”

Albus took a bite of the sandwich and smiled. His mum made this all the time. It smelt and tasted like a cookie. He tried to think of the last time she had made it. He made sure not to take a long time to eat. And once he was finished he placed the plate and goblet into the sink and left. 

He made it back to the common room without being caught by anyone. He walked back into the dorm room and curled into a ball. How long had it been since his mum made that food? How long had it been since she really only took James’ suggestions in what to eat? How long had it been since they had had a family meal that didn’t end in an argument between him and James because they never got along?

How long had it been since he started disappointing them?