----

The warm summer breeze gently tugged strands of auburn hair from the ponytail as he hurried barefooted across the soft green grass.

"Where are you going?" the little dark haired seven-year-old boy asked as he tagged along with the older boy. "Home," the taller of the two answered, pickling up his pace. The little boy ran in scurrying little steps to keep up. "Why?"

The eleven-year-old stopped abruptly and the smaller boy ran into him, falling back wards. "Because Frances," he said patiently, reaching down to help the boy up, "The letters from Hogwarts are supposed to be delivered today."

A wide grin split Frances's face. "Hogwarts," he murmured with a bit of envy. "Classes, and Houses, and Quidditch, and you'll learn all about magic." His friend grinned back and ruffled the dark hair hanging freely down to Frances's ears. "Don't worry, you'll join me there in four years."

Frances's smile wilted slightly. "By that time you'll have lots of friends in your year and house," he pouted in fun, but his friend could see real sorrow in the dark eyes. "Besides," Frances said lightly, "You'll probably be in Gryffindor." His friend cocked his head to one side, blue eyes probing for hidden answers. "What's that got to do with anything?"

Frances smiled sadly. "I'll be in Slytherin. I know I will. All Snapes have been in Slytherin. Well, actually, I think I have a great aunt that was a Ravenclaw, but Father and Mother don't talk about her much."

Then Frances shook his head as if forcing the thoughts away and smiled at his best friend. "Come on Albus," he said, cheerful once more, "I bet it's here by now."

Albus nodded, understanding it wasn't something Frances wanted to talk about. He looked across the field and grinned slyly. "Race you!" He took off and was far in the lead when he heard Frances laughing and shouting something about how it 'wasn't fair' and that he had 'shorted legs.'

Albus was a fast runner and reached his parent's summer cottage long before Frances and hid just inside by the door. Predictably, Frances came running in a minute later and Albus jumped out and grabbed him.

The two were still wrestling on the floor, Frances losing horribly, when Mrs. Dumbledore entered the room. "You two," she scolded playfully, "I thought there were two Hippogriff in here, not two little boys."

Albus grinned at his mother and let Frances shoved him away. "Did it come?" Frances asked, climbing to his feet, dark eyes sparkling.

Mrs. Dumbledore faked innocence and quickly his her hand behind her back. "Did what come?" She laughed at Frances's look of horror and brought her hand out, a letter addressed in cornflower blue ink clutched lightly in her fingers.

Frances clapped his hands in excitement as the letter was handed to Albus who opened it carefully. "Dear Mr. Albus Dumbledore," he read with a wide grin, "We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment. Term begins September 1st. We await your owl no later than July 31. Yours sincerely, Avis Buckwash, Deputy Headmaster." Frances hugged his friend joyfully. "You made it, you made it!" he chanted as he hopped around the room.

There was a loud knock at the door and Mrs. Dumbledore went to answer it leaving the two boys to chat. She pulled the door open blinked in surprise. "Mr. Snape," she said attempting to smile again, "What a surprise." "Where is he?" Mr. Snape growled. Mrs. Dumbledore opened the door wider, knowing there was no point denying it. "He's talking with Albus. He just got his Hogwarts letter." "Congratulations," Mr. Snape said flatly.

Mrs. Dumbledore led him to the boys. "And you can send me an owl telling me how you like your classes and which teachers to look out for," Frances was saying, hands moving animatedly, "And-"

"Frances!" Mr. Snape barked. Frances fell silent instantly and looked fearfully at his father. "We are leaving now," his father continued smoothly. Frances nodded and hurried after his father without saying good-bye to Albus.

Albus and his mother watched them leave and didn't speak until the door had slammed shut behind them. "Isn't there anything we can do?" Albus said, looking tearfully up at his mother.

She shook her head and pulled him close. "It your father was home we might have said something, but," she shook her head, "Even I'm intimidated by Mr. Snape."

Albus pulled back. "But mum," he protested, "Did you see Frances's face? He's terrified of his father."

Mrs. Dumbledore nodded and pulled her son back. "But there is nothing we can do," she murmured.

"When I leave," Albus started slowly, "What will happen to him?"

Mrs. Dumbledore shook her head and sighed. "Poor Frances. He's such a sweet boy. I don't know Albus. I just don't know."