Harry Potter and the Story Without Delphi

Chapter 21: Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder Returns

Scorpius's failed love confession landed him and Nova detentions every Saturday until Christmas. It was known throughout the school as "The Great Halloween Heartbreak" and brought the trio almost as much negative attention as they had received in their first year. They would find themselves doused in flowers at unexpected moments and laughed at for simply walking down the halls.

"It's been a month and it still hasn't let up!" Scorpius exclaimed angrily, picking rose petals out of his hair.

"And who do we have to thank for that?" Albus said pointedly, after spitting a rouge petal out of his mouth.

Despite telling Rose and anyone else who would listen that he had absolutely nothing to do with the event, Rose still refused to talk to any of the three of them. Albus was sure that this would make for an awkward holiday, but he decided to deal with one problem at a time.

"Honestly, I'm surprised she got so mad," Nova said, brushing petals off her shoulder, "It was pretty awesome."

Albus stared at her incredulously.

"What part of that was awesome? The terrible poetry? McGonagal threatening to expel you guys?

"Hey, that poem took a long time ok!"

Albus shook his head and sighed, wishing that either of his best friends had a drop of common sense
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While Albus appreciated some peace and quiet after all the harassment, he thought something was eerie as the trio walked down the hall to go to their Charms lesson. There were always a few people in this hallway, but it was completely empty. Albus tried to put the thought from his mind and began listening to Nova and Scorpius complaining about the upcoming class.

"-and he REALLY expects us to be able to do that spell? Do I look like the Minister for Magic?"

"Honestly! We're already drowning in that ridiculous punishment essay, seriously ten thousand words??"

"We didn't even do anything!"

Before Albus could say anything, the hallway suddenly became pitch black. Nova and Scorpius both shrieked, and Albus could feel two hands grip onto his arms. Albus could tell it was Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder.

"What's happening?!" Scorpius exclaimed.

"Isn't it obvious?" Albus said, "It's some bully with a flair for the dramatic."

A voice spoke in the darkness, which Albus recognized but couldn't place.

"I don't think you're really in the position to make sarcastic comments."

For some reason, this annoyed Albus.

"What, are you going to teach us a lesson? Put us in our place? For the hundredth time, I had nothing to do with the Halloween Heartbreak!"

"It's not just your friend's stupid proposal," the voice said, 'Nobody wants you guys at Hogwarts!"

"So where are you sending us? Heaven?" Nova remarked with a snicker.

There was a pause, then Albus got a strong blow to the head. Nova and Scorpius both moaned with pain

How could Nova, who was part of the reason for this bullying, go around making sarcastic remarks? Before he could think of anything, Albus heard a yelp, and the hands let go of his arms.

"RUN!" yelled Scorpius.

Without a moment's pause, Albus ran as fast as he could in the opposite direction. He felt himself slam into someone, but he ran too fast for them to grab him. Eventually, he found himself alone in a random corridor, with no idea of where he was.

Albus felt his heart pumping in his chest. There was something especially scary about the encounter he had just had. He felt anger towards Nova and Scorpius, but at the moment he really just wanted to find them.

He began to wander around the deserted hallway, looking for an exit. On the walls, there were lots of different paintings that were moving but silent. Albus found this odd, as the Hogwarts's portraits usually never shut up.

As Albus looked at a painting of mice doing gymnastics, he caught something in the corner of his eye. When he turned, he saw a person turning the corner into the next hallway. "Hey!" he yelled, "Do you know where the exit is?"

The person didn't respond, so Albus ran after him. He saw the person had already gone far down the hall, but he could see vibrant red hair.

"Hey!"

The person turned momentarily, and Albus was shocked to see the face of Uncle George.

"Uncle George?"

Suddenly, the person disappeared. Albus blinked, sure he had imagined his uncle.

Then, Albus realized that he had seen someone with two ears.

"Oh my-"

A/N Thank you for everyone who is still reading! Special shoutout to @Jeejeeshel for the encouraging comment! Please like, comment, and keep reading! All advice and thoughts are welcome!