Challenges

Shipping Wars Competition: Scorose Vs Scorbus (HPFC) - Prompt #2: Nervous (emotion)

The Gigantic Harry Potter Collectables Challenge (HPFC) - (1) Bezoar: Scorpius/Rose (pairing); (2) Erumpent Horn: "Are you flirting with me?" (dialogue); (3) Blueberry flavoured bean: Blueberry (object)

HPFC Royalty Competition - 1,500w+ & Prompt 1. "It doesn't look broken."

Greek Mythology Category Competition (HPFC) - 6. Demeter: Write about a Slytherin. (Immortals)

Word Count: 3,353

Rain spattered down heavily on the bedroom window. Scorpius Malfoy watched as the droplets rolled down the foggy glass. It was the morning of the first of September. The day he had been extremely excited for had finally arrived. The day on which he was, at last, embarking on the next stage of his life by attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Scorpius had packed and repacked his trunk seven times, each time convinced that he had forgotten something only to prove himself wrong. His mother had despaired after the third time he just had to re-check everything and just left her son to it. Scorpius had grown up with tales of the magical castle told to him by his mother and father. He hadn't had many children his own age to associate with in previous years and Scorpius was looking forward to finally making some friends. A loud squawk made Scorpius lose his train of thought. He looked towards the source of the sound; a black barn owl. Scorpius stroked Artemis' softly to calm her. His parents had bought her for him once he had received his Hogwarts letter as a going away gift. In all honesty Scorpius might have preferred a cat but he knew that his mother desperately wanted to make sure that he would keep in touch with them and so he chose Artemis. Now that he had her he was glad and couldn't imagine replacing her with a cat.

"Scorpius," his father's voice called up the stairs. "It's time to go. Come on!"

"Coming," he called back.

Grabbing his trunk in one hand and Artemis' cage in the other Scorpius made his way down the stairs and found his parents waiting for him beside the fireplace. His mother looked as though she had been crying but had attempted to hide it. In order to spare her feelings Scorpius acted like he had seen nothing. His father pulled him into a hug and quickly released him. Then his mother pulled him into her own arms and kissed him sweetly on the forehead. It was their way of saying goodbye, they did not approve of public displays of affection. His father grabbed his trunk, grabbed a handful of floo powder, and threw it into the fire. He stepped in, called out King's Cross, and disappeared. Scorpius then stepped into the fire himself, holding Artemis in one hand, and followed in his father's actions. The station came spinning into view and Scorpius stepped out of the fire where his father and a man from the ministry were waiting. His mother arrived and the three of them exited the room and walked across the muggle train station to platforms nine and ten. They discretely leaned against the barrier and Scorpius found himself facing the gigantic scarlet steam engine he had only ever imagined.

"Let's find you a seat," said his mother.

They walked along the platform's edge, steering clear of the majority of people. Scorpius noticed a few people throw his father a dirty look though he himself didn't seem to notice or just didn't care. His parents were Draco and Astoria Greengrass, both proud Slytherins. It was the house the others tended to despise but Scorpius wanted to make it his mission to change that. That was not the reason a few people were glaring at his father now though, as Scorpius well knew. However, he was forbidden to discuss the real reason. Scorpius saw his father nod curtly across the train station to someone and curiously followed his gaze. He saw a large group of people staring at him and his family, including the infamous Harry Potter. Beside him were his wife and two best friends as well as his children. A girl with brilliant red hair particularly caught his eye. She was already wearing her brand new Hogwarts robes and talking animatedly with one of her many cousins. For some reason the group made him feel rather nervous, something he hadn't felt up until that point. Scorpius felt a slight tug of his arm as his father steered him towards an open carriage door. They loaded up his trunk in the empty compartment and continued to wait as he chattered on to his mother and father about the coming year. Finally it was time to leave and a loud whistled sounded nearby. Scorpius scurried back onto the train with one last fleeting hug for both of his parents. He leaned out of the compartment window and waved manically as the train began to move. Then they rounded the corner and Scorpius found himself feeling extremely alone. Outside in the corridor people were moving up and down the train claiming seats. He was beginning to think that nobody would sit with him when the compartment door slid open to reveal two people he would not have expected.

"Are these seats taken?" the boy with bright green eyes asked.

"No, feel free," said Scorpius with a smile.

The boy quickly sat down opposite him but the girl with the bright red hair he had seen earlier just stood there and glared.

"Albus I don't think we should sit here," she said.

Scorpius felt as if he had been punched in the stomach. Instead of letting his hurt show he merely continued to smile.

"Why not, Rose?" asked Albus.

"Because he's a Malfoy."

"So what if I am?" said Scorpius pleasantly.

"Sorry, I don't remember speaking to you."

"Ah well, manners and all. Blueberry?"

He held out the punnet of blueberries his mother had packed him but Rose just narrowed her eyes.

"No thanks."

"More for me then."

Scorpius grinned and popped a few in his mouth with a wink before offering them to Albus.

"Are you flirting with me?"

"Maybe," said Scorpius. "What would you say if I was?"

"I'd say no thanks!"

"There's that phrase again, I'd say you were a little overly defensive if anything."

"Ugh!" said Rose to Scorpius' amusement. "Are you coming?" she said to Albus.

"Er, there isn't anywhere else to sit… let's just stay here," said Albus.

"Fine!"

With that Rose stalked away, slamming the compartment door behind her. Albus looked sheepishly at Scorpius who was still grinning. When he realised that Scorpius wasn't offended a small smile spread over his lips.

"Hi," said Albus holding out his hand. "I'm Albus, Albus Potter."

"Scorpius Malfoy," he replied taking it. "Nice to meet you."

~P~

His heart pounded as he walked partially drenched past his fellow first years and up the stone steps to the dais. He sat shakily on the wooden stall and momentarily saw hundreds of faces staring up at him before darkness engulfed his vision. For what seemed like forever but was really a few seconds all he heard was silence until a soft voice spoke directly into his ear.

"Malfoy, Malfoy. Another Malfoy. Well let's have a little look. Ah yes I see. You most definitely belong in SLYTHERIN!"

The last word was shouted for all to hear and the table on the far left burst into cheers. He took off the hat and handed it to the deputy headmaster Professor Longbottom before half-running towards his new house table. Scorpius was euphoric to have been sorted into the house of his ancestors and couldn't wait to write and let his parents know. He had zoned out for a few minutes and returned to the present in time to see Albus called up. Scorpius really like Albus, they had sat together on the train and found that they had more in common than either of them had expected. He looked over and saw Rose looking up intently from the Gryffindor table. After what seemed like an age the hat finally called out Albus' house and it wasn't the one anybody had been expecting.

"SLYTHERIN!"

Albus took off the hat and stared over towards where his family sat at the table on the opposite end of the hall. Nobody was clapping and cheering, everybody was in too much shock. Albus had turned extremely white and shakily got to his feet. Scorpius stood up and began to clap and cheer his new friend to which Albus smiled meekly. The rest of the Slytherins seemingly joined in although their shock still showed. Professor Longbottom hastily moved onto the next student as Albus sat down next to him.

"Are you alright?" Scorpius hissed.

Unable to speak Albus merely shook his head, continuing to stare down at his hands. Scorpius looked over at the Gryffindor table to find Albus' family staring at him in shock. Rose saw that Scorpius was looking at her and turned her nose away but Scorpius was too preoccupied to dwell much on her rudeness. Throughout the dinner Albus continued to be quiet and ate very little. They finally arrived at their dormitories to find that the two of them would be together. Scorpius tried to make Albus feel better but it didn't seem to be working. Although Scorpius was sorry that his friend was sad he couldn't help but also feel some happiness that his new friend had been sorted into, what was in his opinion, the greatest house.

~P~

Over the next few months Scorpius settled down into school life. He really enjoyed flying and had been made a reserve on the Slytherin team despite not having his own broom as first years were not allowed. It was unlikely that he would get to fly in any games but he enjoyed the practices and team spirit. Albus was not a natural flier but was exceptional at charms. He had settled down and finally accepted that he truly was a Slytherin now. His family had been extremely supportive although Rose still didn't like Scorpius. In fact she turned her nose up and walked away whenever she saw him. Scorpius had taken to flirting with her at every possible opportunity which merely enraged her, amusing Scorpius greatly. Albus didn't like being caught in the middle but often found himself there as he was Scorpius' best friend as well as Rose's cousin. Over the holidays Scorpius wrote to Albus often and even invited him to come and stay. His father was hesitant but his mother made sure that he agreed.

Snow was falling thickly on the day Albus arrived. Scorpius flew down the stairs and threw open the door before Albus even had time to knock. He was accompanied by his mother and father who looked a little taken aback at the surprise. Draco and Astoria came to the front door and greeted the other parents. The two boys raced off leaving them to it. After a while Albus' parents called up to say goodbye and walked back out into the blizzard. They only had the weekend together but it was enough. Scorpius showed Albus all of his favourite places in the house and the village. He had never really had anybody other than his snobbish cousin to share them with before and so he was more excited than necessary. A letter arrived for Albus on the second night from his cousin Rose.

"Oh and tell Scorpius to go suck on a Doxy egg," Albus read out.

Both of the boys fell around laughing. "Well I'm glad she's thinking of me," said Scorpius.

"Give over, she's not even here!"

"Oh yeah, I forgot."

~P~

"That was a piece of cake," Scorpius yawned.

"Was it?" asked Albus sceptically.

Scorpius rolled his eyes. "Come on, Al. We studied hard for these exams. You know it'll be fine."

"Transfiguration is the hardest subject!"

"Whatever, let's just celebrate the end of exams! We only have a few days left until the end of term, let's have some fun."

"And do what?"

"Go down to the lake. Come on!"

"Fine, but don't you dare push me in this time."

"No promises."

Scorpius wiggled his eyebrows at his friend at which Albus playfully pushed him. They walked down to the lake together chatting about the exams that were now over and what they would do with their summers. When they reached the water's edge Scorpius looked up and spotted a familiar red head sitting with a group of friends nearby. She smiled and waved at Albus while giving Scorpius her usual scowl. Scorpius winked in reply.

"At least we won't be disappointed about not coming top in anything though," said Scorpius.

"What makes you say that?"

"Well it's obvious who's going to get the highest marks."

Scorpius inclined his head towards Rose.

"Oh yeah."

"Maybe we'll come second."

"Maybe you'll come second, you mean."

Scorpius rolled his eyes again. "Don't be ridiculous. You've got just as much of a chance as I have."

"Only in charms… and maybe history of magic."

"Well then."

A shadow fell over the two of them. They looked up and Scorpius found the form of Rose Weasley hovering above them.

"Can we help you?" Scorpius asked.

Rose ignored him. "Albus, my mum wrote to tell me that I'm going home with your mum and dad from London so we need to make sure that we get off the train together, okay?"

"Okay."

"Good, I'll come and find you when it's time to get off." She turned her gaze to Scorpius who was still staring at her with a smile on his face. "What?"

"Nothing, you just look stunning today, Rosie," said Scorpius. He blew her a kiss.

"Ugh!"

She stormed away and plunked herself back down beside her friends. Scorpius continued to grin as Albus rolled his eyes.

"Do you always need to do that?"

"Yes." Scorpius laughed and Albus joined in. "Let's go for a dip."

"No! Don't you dare… I'm not going in there again! Scorpius!"

~P~

A brisk wind ruffled the grass beneath his feet. It was the final quidditch match of the year – Gryffindor versus Slytherin. This was the game that would decide the cup and Scorpius was anxious that his team should win it. He was now a second year and had finally made the team as a Chaser due to Felicity Branson dropping out a few weeks before. Albus had improved immensely in his flying, Scorpius had always known he'd had it in him, and was now a reserve like Scorpius had previously been. On the opposite team Rose Weasley was playing as the Gryffindor team seeker, having made her team since the beginning of the year. A fact she joyfully reminded Scorpius of often. Her dislike of him hadn't thawed but she no longer ignored him, rather came back with witty responses to everything that he said. Scorpius couldn't help but smile at her as the captains shook hands. She rolled her eyes in response causing Scorpius to grin.

The whistle sounded and they kicked off. For a while Scorpius focused on the game, scoring two goals apiece for Slytherin. On his third attempt he fumbled the ball to groans from the Slytherin end of the pitch. Rose, who was nearby, was laughing hysterically at him. Scorpius flew up in front of her towards the other end of the pitch.

"Looking good, princess," he called back to her.

Rose narrowed her eyes at him. "You're going down, Malfoy!"

Scorpius laughed and sped off to meet his teammates. He caught the ball by the tip of his fingers and began to weave towards the goalpost. BAM! Out of nowhere a bludger hit him square in the back and he dropped the quaffle right into the hands of the opposing team. He swore under his breath and flew after his attacker to get it back. Suddenly the whistle sounded and he turned to see Rose triumphantly holding a struggling golden snitch in her hands. His groan couldn't be heard over the tumultuous applause the Gryffindor's were making. The final score was two hundred and ten to one hundred and twenty. He landed with the rest of his team and began to walk back to the changing rooms. A soft hand grabbed him just as he was about to enter. Scorpius turned to find Rose Weasley standing in front of him, a sparkle in her eyes.

"Good game, Princess," she said before walking off.

Scorpius grinned and walked into the tent. The place where Rose had placed her hand on his arm tingled pleasantly for the rest of the day. He was in a daze thinking about her the entire time from then on until he got into bed that night, not even noticing Albus' usual chatter when he met him outside the changing room. In the back of his mind Scorpius was slightly annoyed having lost but he was too happy about other things that had happened that day to care too much.

~P~

"Pass me the Lethe River Water," Rose said curtly.

"Here you go, honey," said Scorpius sweetly.

"Shut up."

They had been paired together by Professor Copely. She had decided to pair each of the Gryffindors with a Slytherin; a notion that pleased some more than others. Rose, to her obvious dismay, had been paired with Scorpius, to his obvious delight. The two bickered and bantered over their potion brewing. So far Rose had so far allowed herself two smiles, but had hidden them almost at once. Albus made a stopping motion to him across the room, to which Scorpius merely smiled back causing Albus to roll his eyes. Albus was the only person who knew of Scorpius' newfound crush on Rose and didn't think that Scorpius was going about it in the right way – by making fun of her all the time. Clearly Scorpius disagreed.

"Hey so I've got another one. What do you call a redhead that goes cray cray?"

Rose looked up, a dangerous glint in her eyes. "I don't know. What do you call a redhead that goes crazy?"

"A Ginger Snap!"

"Ha ha, very funny."

"I thought so."

"Can we get back to work now."

"No I've got more. What do you-"

"What does a blonde and a beer bottle have in common?"

Scorpius smirked. "I don't know, what?"

"They're both empty from the neck up."

Scorpius couldn't help but laugh. "Good one."

"Thanks. Now pass me two Valerian Sprigs."

He complied and went back to picking off the mistletoe berries. As a joke he held the rest of the bunch up above their heads. Rose turned back towards him and shook her head when she saw the berries.

"Seriously?"

"A man's gotta try!"

"Strong use of the word 'man'."

"Ouch."

Rose rolled her eyes. "We need more Valerian Sprigs."

"Why?"

"This one's broken."

He picked them up and examined them in his hands. "It doesn't look broken."

"Well it is so get more."

"Fine!"

When he got back it was to find Rose getting the juice out of the berries. She snatched the sprigs from him almost immediately.

"Finally! What took you so long."

Scorpius shrugged. "I spoke to Albus for a-"

"You have five minutes left!" called Professor Copely.

Rose jumped and began to quickly shove and stir the ingredients in the cauldron. They filled a vial full of the potion they had made and Scorpius handed it to Professor Copely as Rose cleared away. As the class packed up Scorpius struck up a conversation again.

"So, are you gonna miss me over the summer?"

"Miss you? Why would I do that?"

"Oh because you're hopelessly in love with me, of course."

"You wish!" Rose scoffed.

"That hurt!" said Scorpius, mockingly holding his heart.

Rose rolled her eyes again. "I'm sure."

"Don't worry, gorgeous. Summer will be over soon enough and we'll see each other again."

"Oh thank merlin! Whatever would I do without you?"

"I know that you're joking but I like to see this as progress. And you might see me sooner than you think."

"Why's that?" she asked sharply.

"Because I'm coming to stay at Al's over the summer," said Scorpius. "Might see you there."

"Lucky me."

Scorpius watched as Rose exited the classroom with her friends, a smile still spread across his face.

"Mate," said Albus. "Give it up."

"Are you kidding? It's only just beginning."