*Morpheus pov*
The only indication of surprise that shown on his face was the fraction of a second he let his eyes widen before he returned to his neutral state.
"It was enlightening." Albus replied with a gentle smile
I nodded while stepping over to his cabinet where I knew he kept the good stuff, "I figured it would be." I hummed in thought looking at my options
He laughed, "Try the bottle furthest to the right." he suggested, "I'm not surprised you knew of my visit." his voice betrayed any hesitance
Plucking the bottle I prepared two glasses, "You regret it yes?" he looked at my to continue, "Making a deal with me."
Albus shook his head softly while taking his glass and inhaling the scent, "Sometimes, most of the time I don't. It's interesting knowing you are a bad person. Knowing you carry alternative motives and yet." he took a sip, "I trust you in some odd way."
I laughed, a full belly laugh, "Albus you don't know how many times those words have been said to me. I guess some things never change."
His lips curled into a grimace, "Did they regret it?" the pause was deafening, "Did they regret trusting you?"
I didn't respond right away.
I couldn't.
So many people.
So many lives ruined, "They did, and one day I'm saddened to know you will too."
"Gellert seems to be one of them." he pointed out changing the subject
I grinned, "Oh yes, I imagine he regrets ever meeting me. Alas not everyone can rule the world. Not to worry though my friend I think Gellerts ashes are beginning to ignite."
"He is in prison unless you are saying you wish to help free him?" his eyes hardened
I shook my head, "I will do no such thing."
"That smile of yours, it is infuriating," he spoke honestly and I couldn't hold in my chuckle, "So everyone says."
Suddenly he leaned forward, "How old are you?"
I gave him a toothless smile, "However old I need to be to put your mind at rest Albus. We are not enemies and hopefully never will be. Toms support has grown but so have his number of enemies, we have taken measures already to insure the war is much more difficult than he imagined."
Albus frowned, "Yes, by making murder legal. Stooping to his level is not something we should entertain"
I scoffed, "Is it tiering seeing everything in black and white?" shaking my head slightly I continued, "You act as if the Aurors will be consumed with bloodlust and start killing innocents at random. They needed this change Albus, or more innocent lives would be lost. Perhaps the train to Hogwarts would be emptier."
He glared heavily at me, "Perhaps you're right, I don't think we will ever agree on this subject Morpheus. Let's go back to the main subject, tell me about your family I haven't seen much about the Everglades outside of your reputation."
"Yes, we are a secretive bunch," I replied swirling my glass, "and will continue to be so, look harder Albus you will find your answers."
He laughed, "Point me in a direction I can look I do enjoy a challenge."
Standing I shook my head, "It's not that simple, you know were the answers are but don't know how to get them. You've tried before and met a wall, break it."
Before I left I looked over my shoulder, "Oh before I leave Jobberknoll Feathers, Silverthorn Berries, and Valerian root don't mix well with alcohol especially a vintage like the one you ruined. Trying to make my tongue slip and secrets spill would be insulting and even pact-breaking but you are lucky. To me it was just a joke performed by a child."
*Narrator pov*
As a train speeds northward, the bustling station of 9 3/4 gave way to rolling green fields and misty forests. It crossed old stone bridges, winding along quiet lakes, and eventually jutting through the rugged Scottish Highlands. Around halfway through the journey, the trolley witch appeared, pushing her cart filled with magical treats like Chocolate Frogs, Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, and Cauldron Cakes.
This would usually be an active time for the Hogwarts Express, the students would pay for all of their treats and share them with friends. Chocolate frogs would jump around begging to be caught.
This time and probably for the foreseeable future the train was awkward. Not somber but not cheerful. The muggle-borns who leave the magical side of Britain during the summer were just getting caught up with what has been happening. The students who lived in the magical side already knew.
Some were scared others worried, and most were anxious.
Usually on the way to Hogwarts, there would be a slight mingling of students. Maybe a couple compartments being shared betwixt the houses but, today it was purely house-by-house. No one was mingling the ravens didn't want any part of the drama, the lions and snakes couldn't help but be at each other's throats. The Badgers just wanted to hang out with each other.
To the new students, the ones without houses it was nerve-wracking.
As the train come to a stop at Hogsmeade Station, a loud voice called out over the students' quiet chatter, "Firs' years, this way!" New students gather, wide-eyed and huddling together, feeling both excitement and nervousness. They follow the towering figure of Hagrid down a winding path that leads to the shore of the Black Lake. The lake stretches out, vast and dark, reflecting the evening sky and distant lights of the castle.
Small wooden boats await them, rocking gently in the water. Each boat held four students, and as they climbed in, their breath misted in the cool night air. With a gentle push, the boats began to glide across the still water, the only sound being the gentle lapping against the sides. The castle soon appeared, towering over them with its spires and towers lit up against the night. Gasps and whispers of awe fill the boats as they take in their first sight of Hogwarts, its reflection shimmering in the lake.
Meanwhile, the older students made their way up the path where a line of enchanted carriages awaits them. Each carriage is drawn by a Thestral, skeletal and winged, with large, hauntingly beautiful eyes that watched the students with quiet intelligence. Only those who have witnessed death can see them; for others, it seems as if the carriages pulled themselves along the winding path.
After the sorting ceremony, Albus stood in front of all of the students and staff, "Today marks the start of another year, to the new students we all welcome you to Hogwarts halls may you find knowledge and guidance while inside them. I know this year is different than the last, what is happening outside of this castle is very real and saddening. I promise as long as you are here Hogwarts will keep you safe. Now let's eat!"
The students clapped and smiled before turning to the feast in front of their eyes, pouncing onto the copious amounts of food.
The anxiety, worry, fear, and more began to melt away.