September 2nd, 2017: Hogwarts courtyard

"I just don't want to disappoint dad," Albus said

"I know how you feel," Freddie said.

“What do you mean?” Albus said taken aback

“Why does no one believe me?” Freddie said, holding her face.

“I mean dad does treat you differently,” Albus said, turning away from Freddie. “I just thought it was because we are the middle kids,” Albus said, trying to laugh. “Freddie?”

“I miss my dad,” Freddie mumbled, face still down.

“Yeah, I wish we could go to Romania,” Albus said. “Dragons, always”

“Dragons forever,” Freddie said, lifting her head.

“Dragons, always, Dragons forever,” They said at the same time.

That phrase was on a poster Charlie sent to Freddie and Albus. It was their little code to know that; even when they fight or not talk that they are still family and best friends.

"So, how is Victoire, the last time I saw her, she ran away when I saw her and Teddy snogging."

"She is good, still a little miss perfect" Freddie smiled.

Albus started to laugh saying “Little Miss Perfect, that sums her up perfectly”

"Have you made any friends?" Freddie asked.

"Yeah, actually I mean not a friend but yeah," Albus said flustered.

Intrigued, Freddie said "Who?"

"Scorpius Malfoy"

"A Malfoy?" Freddie laughed

"Why are you laughing?" Albus yelled.

"Uncle Harry's stories," Freddie said between laughing

"He is nice, and hey! come on," Albus said angrily

"Ok, ok," Freddie said, still smiling. "Promise me that you won't shut me out again. No matter what is happening. I am your cousin for Merlin's sake!"

"I promise, let's get to our next class, Slytherin and Ravenclaw are together all day," Albus said getting up, offering his hand to help Freddie

"Oh, we have Herbology next," Freddie said, getting up and ignoring Albus's hand. "I can't wait to have Uncle Neville as a teacher, I hope he is fine with us being late”