Hey all! This is a story I wrote for the "Your Argument is Invalid" challenge. Hope you enjoy!
He still remembers the first time he heard the words spoken, came across someone bullying his new friend. They're the cruel words of children; Death Eater taunts and just picking at his name.
"Scorpius? What kind of a name is Scorpius?"
"Sounds like you're a mini Death Eater, just like your dad."
"They shouldn't let you into this school after what your family did."
"Evil little snake, you need to be taught a lesson."
And it's after this, when he's found Scorpius hiding in a broom cupboard, eyes rimmed red from tears, with a black eye and bruises on his arms, and he asks why Scorpius wouldn't let him help, saying that two of them might at least save him from the bruises.
"I can't Al." Comes the soft reply, "I have to stand up for myself, show that the Malfoys are different now. I'm not my father, and they have to learn that for themselves."
But they don't learn it, and as time goes on and they learn to use their wands, the attacks just get fiercer. And still Scorpius refuses to let him help, insisting that he has to do it himself.
It's not until fourth year that he gets the courage; not to stand up to the bullies, but to ignore his friend's orders against help. He uses the Invisibility Cloak his dad has just given him at the start of term, and follows Scorpius until the bullies stop the blonde boy.
"Back for more, little snake?"
"We have a special treat for you this time; almost as good as the Cruciatus."
"If you beg nicely, we might let it stop before you faint. This time."
And, unable to take it anymore, Albus takes off the cloak and steps around the corner. He freezes for a moment, shocked to see faces he knew among the group of bullies; children he's seen playing with James for years, and even his cousin Louis. And it's Louis, he notices, who is hanging back, reluctance plain in his eyes as if he'd been dragged along.
He walks closer, as if he hadn't heard their words.
"Oh there you are Scorpius. I've been looking all over for you. Oh, hello boys."
"You're just in time, Potter. We're just about to teach this little snake a lesson about walking in the same corridors as decent people."
"Who, Scorpius? He's a pretty decent fellow. Now, if it were Goyle, I could see your concern. I don't know how often he bathes, but it isn't enough. Now if you could move aside, we have places to go."
"Now see here Potter! This…scum needs to be taught a lesson. His whole family is evil and he'll go the same way. Even his name sounds perfect for a Death Eater."
He laughs, rolling his eyes. "What, Scorpius?"
"Yes."
Closing his eyes, an odd smile lights his face as he thinks of his aunt Hermione and her Muggle turns of phrase. He opens his eyes again, smile now just a baring of teeth. "Longbottom, you need to think about who you're talking to before you speak. Scorpius doesn't have an evil name, it's unique."
"He's practically named after a Death Eater!"
"My name is Albus Severus, your argument is invalid."
And with that he grabs Scorpius and pulls him away, the two sprinting down the halls and laughing together, knowing they have struck a blow against the bullies, and though their troubles are far from over, they have crossed the last barrier of their friendship forever.
Fin
