warnings - mentions of abuse.
disclaimer - I do not own any character familiar to you.

What Friends Are For

He slid out his bedroom window and eased his way to the ground. He zipped his sweatshirt and pulled the hood over his shaggy blond hair. He ran as quickly and quietly as possible until he knew he was far enough away his mother or father would not catch him. He slowed to a brisk walk, a gentle summer breeze caressed his face.

It was a few miles to the meeting place. When he arrived he saw the familiar, slender figure of his best friend leaning against the lamp post. "'Ello." Louis approached him, lowering his hood.

"Hello," His friend also wore his hood up, covering his short, slick, blond hair. Unlike his friend, he did not lower it. "Thanks for coming."

"What's going on? Is everything okay?" Earlier that day, Louis had received a letter from his friend asking him to meet him at half two and not to be late.

Scorpius Malfoy sighed and lowered the hood of his navy blue sweat-shirt, revealing a large bruise along his cheekbone. "Grandmum had to go help Aunt Andromeda... She was going to take me but Teddy is sick and she thought it be better I stay with Granddad."

"She doesn't know how he treats you?" Louis asked.

"No. He is always real nice when she is home... then when she is gone, he goes all cold. I don't know why he hates me."

"I doubt he hates you Scor," He wasn't sure if it was the truth but, he didn't know what else to say. "Why don't you tell her."

"No, I love my Grandma Narcissa and I don't want to hurt her and if Mum or Dad find out they might not let me visit them anymore."

Lous nodded. He wondered if he should tell his own mum and dad but, Scorpius had told him in confidence and he didn't want to ruin their friendship. "Do you want to come stay with us until she comes back?"

"Do you think your mum and dad would mind?"

Louis shook his head, "No, they love company; besides, it is the summer holidays and Molly and Lucy are over for a visit. It would be nice to have someone other than another girl around. We'll just tell them you came over early and ask over breakfast if you can stay. I'm positive they will say yes."

Scorpius chuckled, "Thanks Louis,you're a great friend. You know that?"

"Don't mention it mate. That's what friends are for. Now lets get back to my house before my mum and dad realize I am gone." Louis clapped his friend on the back as the two began the walk back to shell cottage.

note - In my head canon Narcissa and Andromeda made up after the war. Hope you all enjoy this. It has been a while since I have written a friendship piece. -Danielle