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Teddy's Agenda
"I'm telling you guys, something is strange about Teddy and Victoire", said James, the night after they reached the common room. "Do you think its a disease?"
"Its nothing like that James.", siad Rose. "They like each other".
"But a little too much", said James. He sat on his regular (according to many students) arm chair and started to ponder about the matter.
"Ofcourse they can like each other. Victoire is in her 6th yearand Teddy is in his 7th year. He will soon pass out school, become an auror and probably get married after that", said Rose.
Albus tended to join in but he was sort of distracted towards Alex Longbottom who was reading the Quibbler. Albus had the feeling that maybe Alex could become his life time pal. The only ones he knew till the time were his brother and cousin. He had to make friends with others as well.
"Rose, James, I'll be back in a second." siad Albus.
"But where are you going?" asked Rose, desperately.
"Just around", said Albus and went off to meet this young attracter.
Alex, apparently wasn't bothered. Many girls came upto him (because of his cute looks) and wanted to have a word with him. But he was desperate not to bother. He was indulged in her mother's official dialy.
Albus proceeded. He wasn't really sure of what he should say, uthe made a trial speech.
When he approached him, his eyes, unexpectedly fell on the cover page of the Quibbler which had bold writing: Ministry worry about Dark Returns. Harry Potter suspects Trouble.
He was dragged to the cover so much that eventually Alex saw him and talked to him instead. "They are saying nasty things about the aurors, they.....the minister's assisstants."
Albus was quite distracted for a while but then was brought back to reality. "Do you think its true? What did the magazine say?" asked Albus.
"The magazine will only publish things that areheard and shown to them. But I think there is no depth in the writings", said Alex looking down at the magazine and then handing it over to Albus.
Albus saw the magazine. Inside there was a moving pictureof Kingsley Shacklebolt who was being questioned by many reporters. And the other page had the picture of a man whom he had known from birth. Harry Potter was lecturing a group of aurors about the danger as predicted by him.
"According to full proof evidence, Syrine Lestarnge is back", said Alex.
Albus had not really heard the name but the word 'Lestarnge' was very familiar to him. He had known that a death Eater named Bellatrix Lestarnge had once murdered many of hisparents' dear ones.
"So you are saying that the ministry claims that a new shool of Death Eaters are on the formation and the leaders happen to be Syrine Lestarnge and Draco Malfoy", said Alex, worried. "Isn't it strange? While this Malfoy man makes wicked plans that would apparently torment the lives of so many again, his dear little son Scorpious will have his sweet time ruining the lives if students like us in Hogwarts."
Albus sighed. He was already worried about his father because he always indulged in solving others' problems.
"So you're saying that there is nothing that can stop this rumour?" asked Albus.
Alex looked at him folded his lips.
Just then, Rose called out "Albus! What's taking you so long?"
Albus turned around and smiled reluctantly.
"Is she always after you?" asked Alex, looking at Rose and then at Albus.
Albus had expected a comment as such. "Not really", he lied" Its just that she always gets hyper when it comes to extra protection".
"Strange girl", commented Alex. Albus did not argue.
"My parents often talks about your parents", said Alex after a short pause.
"My parents never stop talking about yours as well", said Albus. "They were the best of friends when they were in school. Together they even defeated and killed the darkest wizard of all times".
"I know.....its something we should be, atleast you should be proud of", siad Alex.
"I am proud of it....but I'm not really sure whether they can be proud of me", siad Albus.
Just then, a young (proably third year) came running upto James and panted for breath. Everyone looked at him alarmingly. He wanted to say something but his words would not come out of his red lips. Everyone crowded around him and started asking him what had happened. "News.......ne.........lis.....listen", he panted and then, taking a deep breath he cried out. "Tedd...Teddy was called by professor Mc'Gonagall in her office this a few hours ago. Some of us evesdropped to catch what they would talk about. Professor wants Teddy to become the schol prefect".
And suddenly, shouts of joy and laughter filled the Griffindor common room.
"OUR TEDDY RULES!"
"HE IS THE BEST!"
"GRIFFINDOR RULES!"
But they were not able to proceed. The boy who had brought in the news suddenly cried out "But he refussed".
At once, the shouts of joy turned into screams of anger and rage.
James grabbed the boy's collar and asked,"Are you serious Jeremy?"
"Absolutely", said Jeremy.
At once, whispers followed the comment.
"Why would he do such a thing?"
"He should have considered the decision".
"Is Teddy in his senses?"
"Professor Mc'Gonagall pleaded a lot but Teddy simply refussed. He said that it was his agenda-not to take any responsibilities", reported Jeremy.
But then a fierce looking boy said, "I'll tell you why he did such thing. He is trying to be too modest. That little creep wants people to love him more rather than respect him".
James hushed him and said, "Victoire should explain to him what he is doing".
"But she has already tried doing that", said Jeremy.
"And what makes you think that Victoire would do that? Afterall, she's a Ravenclaw", said that fierce looking boy, grumpily.
"There's got to be a logical explanation for that", said Rose.
"There has to be", said James. "Teddy is troubled about something".
Then a short pause followed and suddenly, James asked Jeremy,"Where is Teddy?"
Jeremy siad that he was in the library.
James hurriedly got out of the common room and some students followed along with Emily.
The commosion in the common room had subsided and Rose finally joined Albus and Alex.
"What are you guys doing for so long?" asked Rose. "Did you hear about Teddy? I wonder what could have happened to him so sddenly".
Albus was sad for Teddy but he was even more troubled for his father. Alex resumed his reading and Albus decided to head upstairs for bed.
The day, he thought, would never end....but he slowly closed his eyes and fell asleep.
Anupamaa
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