Harry paced quietly in his apartment, knowing that he couldn’t avoid his son forever as much as having a son scared the shite out of him. He was HARRY FREAKING POTTER! He needed to suck it up and deal with his son head on. He’s pretty certain he knows who his mother is and that thought makes him very happy. He really hopes that his son is like Gin, well, maybe not completely, but a little.
Hedwig hoots softly in the corner and he can’t help but smile, moving over to stroke her feathers softly. I have missed you, girl. He jotted a note quickly out on a piece of parchment:
Albus,
Would you like to stop by for tea this afternoon?
Harry
Harry attached the note to Hedwig and sent her off with his message, hoping to hear back soon.
*******
Al was not exactly avoiding Harry, but he wasn’t actively engaging him either. Dealing with a young Ron was one thing, but Harry was his dad. What on earth could Al possibly tell him without spoiling his whole future?
Al was lounging in his bedroom and sketching some cartoons when Hedwig arrived. He really wasn’t expecting an owl in their new abode so he was surprised to find Harry’s note. He guessed it was time to face the music. He wrote back, “Yes, I will see you soon” and sent Hedwig on his way.
He didn’t dress up, but he made sure to wear jeans free of holes and a button-down shirt. He arrived at his dad’s place and knocked.
******
Harry took a deep breath and opened up the door, smiling at Al, before holding the door open.
“Hello,” He said, as Hedwig hooted softly in the corner. Harry looked over at the bird fondly. “I got Hedwig back. I don’t know how but I’m not about to look a gift horse in the mouth. I have missed her.” Harry shook himself out of the past and looked at his son.
Now, if that wasn’t a mind-bender, he didn’t know what was.
“Are you hungry? I could fix you something,” Harry brought his hand up to his neck, in a nervous gesture.
******
“That’s good,” Al replied regarding Hedwig. He automatically gave the bird a small smile. “It’s good to have something familiar here.” Al still didn’t trust the “gifts” from home entirely, but so far nothing terrible had happened with them. “And, no, I’m fine, really.” He didn’t want Harry going to trouble on his account. Besides, he was too nervous to eat. “So, er, I’m not going to spoil the future too much unless you want to know something so if you have questions…” He trailed off and lifted a hand up in a “you know” gesture.
******
Harry nodded his head slightly and gestured for the boy to have a seat. “Make yourself at home… I mean, if you want,” Harry sighed, rubbing a hand over his face, I fought Voldemort for Merlin’s sake. Why am I so nervous to talk to you?” The question could be rhetorical or not. Harry figured he needed to grab the bull by the horns, to borrow an American phrase. “Don’t worry, I know all about messing with the timeline,” He laughed slightly. “How old are you, Albus?”
******
Well, at least Harry was honest. The whole situation was bloody awkward. “I’m 17,” Al replied before he moved to sit on the sofa. “Still in school. It is good I’m used to muggle things or that might be difficult here.” He wiped his sweaty hands on his jeans. “You are not much older,” he couldn’t help mentioning. “I don’t expect you to be…like my dad or anything. But maybe we can be mates.” It was working out okay with Ron, but he wasn’t sure how being friends with his own dad would work out.
******
Harry chuckled softly. “That might be one of the only times hearing that something muggle was useful,” He settled with his tea. Harry sucked in a breath, his eyes trained on his teacup. His life was so messed up sometimes that he had a hard time wrapping his head around it. He was glad that Albus seemed more well-adjusted than he did at that age. “I turned 19 in July,” he murmured. “Mates huh? And how do you see that working?” His tone was warm and genial.
*****
Al shrugged. “One day at a time,” he suggested. “Do you like video games? I’ve played some since I have muggle friends and they seem to like them. Or we can go to a film. I just got a job at the theatre so we get a discount.” He was rambling, but he couldn’t help it in his anxious state. “What are some things you like to do at this…er, time of your life?” He knew things older Harry liked, but he wasn’t sure they’d be the same.
*****
“You mean Dada and dueling aren’t hobbies?” Harry responded with a quirked eyebrow. Yes, Al, he could be sarcastic when he wanted to be. “I’m having a go at you,” he clarified. “Well, I love flying but I really only learned about magic 8 or so years ago. What do you do for fun?”
*****
Al chuckled at Harry’s joke. He still didn’t feel at ease, but he felt better. “I like to write and sketch,” Al replied. “Mostly cartoons.” He pulled out his phone. “I took a few pictures of what I am working on.” He held the phone out to Harry to look at it if he wanted.
*****
Harry couldn’t help but smile proudly at Albus’ phone. “Well, let's see them,” He made a grabby motion with his hands. He sat down with the phone, thinking that he could get used to being friends with his son.