AlbusScorpius

On Your Side

Chapter One: Introduction.

A/N: I do not own the Harry Potter universe. This IS an AU, which stands for Alternate Universe, which means things are different from the books. Namely that Scorpius is a lot older here than he is in the books. I can't expand on that too much without giving something away. So, sit back, and I hope you enjoy the first chapter of this story, dedicated to my dear friend xNomii, who will also be BETAing. I love youuu!


A small blond haired child stared up with wide grey eyes as he listened to his grandfather tell him a bedtime story. It was a scary story, but every time he was asked if he was scared he denied it; he was a big boy now. His grandfather's face would light up with pride and he would continue the story, despite the fear in his grandson's eyes. The small boy listened intently as he finished the tale with a flourish, his ageing hands gesturing to aid his story. The large grey eyes that looked so much like his son's widened once again and the mouth fell open slightly.

"So you see, son. No matter what people say, it was not a fight for good and evil. It was a fight between two groups. The winners write history, so they can say what they want. There is no nobility and truth in their lies."

"But I thought Mr Potter was a good man."

Anger flashed his grandfather's face. "Who said such a thing? Mr Potter is as bad as those he fought; he did not care about what happened to us, did he?"

White-blond hair shook side to side.

"Who said Mr Potter was a good man?" he repeated.

"It-it was daddy. When I asked him who Mr Potter was. He said he was a good man."

There was a sound from the door which sprung open, the child jumping in fright and the elder man turning to see who barged into the room. A man no older than twenty four stepped into the room, glancing between his father and child suspiciously, settling on the older man and narrowing his eyes.

"What are you talking about?" he questioned.

"Why are you telling him Harry Potter is a good man?" was the response.

The younger man's chest puffed out as he sighed in annoyance. "He's far too young to understand the complications, father. And Harry Potter is a good man," he turned to his son, face softening. "Don't worry, Scorpius, grandpa's just telling fanciful stories."

The child nodded, but remained silent as his father grasped his grandfather's arm, hoisting him off the small stool that was placed by his bed for night time stories and bringing their faces close together with a warning snarl, whispering words the child could barely hear.

"Stop filling his head with hate."

"Lucius, Draco, this is hardly the place for you to be arguing," scolded a feminine voice from the door. The three males turned to see the lady of the manor standing in the doorway. She smiled down at her grandson, beckoning the two men out of the room and moving in to give him a kiss on the forehead. "Sleep well, little Scorpius. Everything will be fine in the morning."


Scorpius glanced down at the letter resting on his desk, his hand clutching the mirror in his pocket. He sucked in a breath and put the letter safely in a pocket of his suitcase, closing it and sealing it, ready to head to his new job as Transfiguration Professor. Grey eyes squeezed shut and he lifted the case, going over the instructions from the headmistress in his head. It would be bizarre to be working side by side with people who had taught him merely three years before, but he felt an apprehension and dread that didn't come from his new job, but from the reason why he applied in the first place.

They're looking for a new Transfigurations Professor.

He shook his head, trying to rid himself of the unease he felt. It would not do if his grandfather saw that he was uncomfortable with the task at hand, he had to be strong willed. Determined to do what was asked of him, no matter how uncomfortable it made him feel. Because this was the right thing to do. He had to enact his grandfather's revenge in memory of his grandmother. The world had no right to toss her aside as they did; no right to slander her name. He couldn't let his grandfather down again.

You have failed me once. Here is your second chance.

A knock on his door made him jump, and he spun round to see a well-dressed man standing in his doorway, lines on his face making him seem older than he was. Scorpius relaxed, smiling slightly and nodding at his father, who returned the gesture and walked forward, patting his son on the back comfortingly. Scorpius glanced back down at the luggage in his hand.

"You read to go, son?"

Scorpius met his father's eyes and nodded confidently. "Yes, I am."

"It'll do you some good to be away from your grandfather's insistent ramblings," Draco said with a scowl. "I worry you take what he says too seriously sometimes."

"I know," the younger man rolled his eyes. "I'll be fine. I'm glad you're going to miss me."

The scowl eased into a smile. "Of course I am. You best write to us to let us know you arrived safely, and whether or not you're enjoying it," he hesitated for a moment. "And give Minerva my regards."

"Of course, father," Scorpius gestured to the door. "I best be off. I believe she wanted me to travel by train, and if I remember rightly it is very prompt."

"Yes, well, have a safe trip," the man chuckled. "It's a bizarre thing, watching you pack for Hogwarts again."

"Trust me; I'm just dreading the train ride."

The two men headed out of the room and down towards the entrance hall to the Manor, seeing the eldest Malfoy standing by the front door, the cane that held him once with grace now holding him in a hunch, long white blond hair now thin and grey. He turned as he heard footsteps, smirking upon seeing the younger men, bowing his head to his grandson. The two arrived, an awkward moment, where Draco eyed his father suspiciously.

"I hope you have a pleasant journey," Lucius said dryly. "I know how you love trains."

"Thank you, grandfather. I will make sure to visit when I get the chance."

The man's smirk widened. "Oh, I believe you will have plenty to keep you busy."

Scorpius swallowed a lump in his throat and turned to give his father a quick hug, nodding his head to his grandfather, and smiling briefly as he left the cold house, apparating away with a crack.

"What are you planning, father?"

Lucius smiled at his son. "What are you talking about, Draco?"

The man narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "You will stop filling my sons head with lies, do you understand? I thought we got past this while he was at school, but I overheard you telling him more bullshit yesterday. I'll not have any of it."

Lucius' smile merely widened and he turned, hobbling off to the study. "Perhaps you should go make sure your wife has taken her medication, if you still call her such."

Draco clenched his fists, grinding his teeth in a mixture of anger and sadness. When his son was first born, he was a happy boy, in a warm house, and they were a family that was brought together after the war, despite the scandals and hate from their enemies and friends. There were five of them, and there was love. But no longer was there warmth that filled the house. The dark corners and hidden emotions that they had tried to ignore had gotten to them, and then Narcissa-!

He turned on his heal abruptly, dispelling the thoughts that were creeping into his mind, heading back up the stairs towards his wife's chambers, reminding himself of the bright, talented young woman he knew he still loved, despite her imperfections. With a click of his fingers the house elf was by his side in seconds, carrying a tray, well aware of what time it was.

"Things will certainly be different without Scorpius here, Rinkle," he said with a heavy sigh. "I hope you're prepared."

The elf nodded her head, scurrying after her master with large sad eyes. "Yes Mr Malfoy Sir. We will be fine."


OOOooooOOOoo I totally just ruined the mood, didn't I?

I hope you enjoyed this first chapter, and that it wasn't too short. Obvsly the other chapters will be longer, this one was just the introduction. I have a well thought-out (kind of) plan for this story, so you need not worry about me going off track (much). Hopefully I will be able to write something that isn't a trashy little humour fanfic like usual. Please don't be afraid to give some constructive criticism; I won't be able to improve something if you don't point it out. Then again I still seem to be mildly apostrophe mad.

R+R

Thanks ~

Kivea R.

PREVIEW

"Rose! Rose! Have you seen him? The new teacher?"

"Merlin, Al, don't you join in with all this gossip too!"

"But Rosie, the train ride will be boring if I don't have entertainment!"

"I saw him on the platform. It was hard to miss, with you staring at him so intently."