I've had this story rattling around my head for a while now and I've been working to get this up but it's been taking longer than I've thought.
Harry Potter belongs to J.K Rowling
It was a wet day in Wiltshire and a family of three were making their way across a water soaked field where the river had burst its bank. A magnificent Manor House loomed behind them under an iron-grey sky. The smallest of the three, a small boy, ran ahead of the other two and took a big jump. Water splashed everywhere as the small boy jumped into the puddle. He laughed as some of it splashed his parents causing them to jump back.
"Scorpius be careful," Draco Malfoy said worriedly. "You'll get all muddy."
"He's alright, Draco dear." His wife, Astoria laughed. "Stop worrying. It's only water after all."
"Watch me Mum! Watch me Dad!" Scorpius cried excitedly and he took a running jump into a very large puddle. It was a lot deeper then he thought and Draco winced as water splashed all over the place and Scorpius got soaked. Astoria laughed her head off at the sight of her wet, muddy son.
"Scorpius! Look at you!" Draco cried, pulling out his wand. "You're soaking wet."
"I know! It was great!" Scorpius said happily as he looked around for another puddle to jump into. "Can I jump in another one?" He asked.
"I don't think so," Draco grumbled as a jet of hot air shot out from his wand, instantly drying Scorpius. "We don't want you complaining about feeling uncomfortable now, do we?"
"You'll catch a cold," Astoria added, her eyes twinkling. "And if you're not careful, you could fall through to another world and we'd never get you back."
Scorpius's eyes widened in wonder. "Really?" He asked.
"That's right," Draco said catching on. "You should be careful, because you might enter a world where there are no sweets."
"And what would you do without any Pepper Imps?" Astoria asked, trying to keep a straight face as Scorpius looked horrified at the thought of no Pepper Imps in his life.
"You wouldn't want that, would you?" Draco asked.
"No, certainly not!" Scorpius said, looking between his parents. "That's a horrible idea. I like my Pepper Imps and I like this world. I want things to stay like this for ever."
"Come on," said Astoria, as Draco shifted uncomfortably. "Let's go feed the ducks."
Before Draco and Astoria could move, Scorpius sped towards the river bank, his feet squelching as a result of his water-logged wellies whilst taking extra care not to jump into any more puddles.
"Scorpius, wait for me," Draco called as he tried keeping up with his son.
"Getting old, dear?" Astoria asked him, a small smile forming on her lips. Draco looked at her fondly.
"He's got lots of energy," He remarked. "I can't keep up with him. He's so happy as well."
"Yes," Astoria smiled, taking Draco's hand and leaning her head against his shoulder. "I hope he stays that way."
He was happier. Happier than he had been for a while, and Fifth Year was a busy Year for Scorpius Malfoy and thankfully, it was one where nobody was trying to murder him or torture him or change time to bring back long dead dark Wizards. He was looking forward to taking his O.W.L.s and facing the future. Yet there was one person who wouldn't be there, and it left a hole in his heart that could never be filled: His Mum.
It had been two years since she had died and he had been missing her ever since. Yet lately, his memories of her had been fading and he was scared that one day he was going to forget her voice completely. She had been weaving in and out of his dreams lately and he'd reach out to touch her and she'd fade as if she were smoke. He'd have that dream every night before waking up in a cold sweat and turning over to go back to sleep.
Her absence weighed down upon him profoundly and he found himself wishing the impossible: That he could get her back.
But she could never come back. She was in a place where he could never reach her. However, he had read somewhere that there was a device called The Resurrection Stone which could bring back loved ones. He had heard rumours that Harry Potter may have used it during the Battle of Hogwarts when he had to sacrifice himself to Voldemort.
It was all he had to go on and it gave him a burning obsession. He began further research in the Library on the subject of the Resurrection Stone, but was only able to find more rumours. As the days went by, he spent longer and longer in the Library and his best friend, Albus Potter, Harry Potter's Son was starting to voice his concerns. He stopped staying at the Library late at night and began to take his books back to his Dormitory where Albus caught him reading about his Dad. Thankfully, he was amused rather than annoyed and didn't trouble Scorpius any further.
He was lying in bed one night reading a Biography about Harry Potter when Albus entered the dormitory bringing in a strong smell of Potions smoke which caused Scorpius's nose to wrinkle.
"Reading about my Dad again, Scorpius?" He asked in mock disgust as he opened his trunk and dug in it for his pyjamas.
"Oh, sorry," Scorpius muttered, worried that Albus might take offense. "I'll call it a night."
He made to bookmark his page but Albus stopped him.
"You don't have to stop," He said hastily. "I don't mind if you read about my Dad. He is Harry Potter after all and I know how much you're a big history geek." He finished with a smirk.
Scorpius gave him a small smile and carried on reading as Albus changed into his pyjamas. After he changed, Albus scooted onto the bed and sat next to Scorpius.
"So, what part are you reading about?" He asked, peering over Scorpius's shoulder interestedly.
"The Battle of Hogwarts." Scorpius replied distractedly.
"Has my Mum thrown herself into my Dad's arms, yet?" Albus asked dryly. Scorpius rolled his eyes.
"No, I'm reading about the bit where Harry gives himself up." Scorpius said.
"Oh yeah!" Albus exclaimed in wonderment. "The bit where he 'dies'. Sorry," He grinned sheepishly. "Did I spoil that bit for you?"
Scorpius rolled his eyes again, a small smile forming across his face.
"He didn't exactly 'die', Albus." He chuckled. "You're living proof of that."
"He meant to," Albus said thoughtfully. "I guess that part didn't work out so well."
"I've seen the alternative," Scorpius said testily. "I'm glad that it didn't."
"Yeah," Albus exhaled, running a hand through his messy hair. "So am I."
Albus fell silent but stayed next to Scorpius who began reading again. They remained in companionable silence for a while whilst Scorpius was reading. Albus continued to peer over his shoulder. After a while, Scorpius shut the book and set it on his bedside table.
"I can't find it," He muttered to himself, kneading his forehead with his knuckles.
"Are you alright, Scorpius?" Albus asked worriedly. "What are you looking for?"
"It's nothing important." Scorpius said evasively. He didn't want Albus to worry about him any further.
"If it's nothing important, why are you looking so stressed out?" Albus asked reasonably.
Scorpius tensed. Should he tell Albus about what he was looking for? He was certain that Albus wouldn't laugh or tease him but he didn't want to admit it out loud to himself. He didn't want to trouble Albus about it, either, as things were improving for him as well. As if he knew what Scorpius was thinking, Albus put a hand on Scorpius's shoulder.
"You know you can talk to me, mate," He said softly. "Don't go bottling it all up. It'll only drive you crazy. Trust me. I know about these things."
Scorpius looked at him and Albus gave him a small, soft smile that only Scorpius was privy to. The smile caused a warmth to bloom in Scorpius's chest, giving him the courage to tell his friend the truth.
"You always have a way of getting me to tell the truth," He muttered. "I'm just glad you didn't tickle me this time. I was looking for any mention of The Resurrection Stone I remember reading a book that claimed your Dad may have used it when he gave himself up to Voldemort, but so far I've found nothing!"
Albus stared at him for a while, face unreadable and a small frown appearing on his face.
"Why are you researching about The Resurrection Stone?" He asked slowly. Scorpius looked up at him, about to answer but Albus cut him off. "Unless," He seemed to have realised. "It's about your Mum, isn't it? You want to use it so you could bring her back, don't you?"
Scorpius stared at Albus wide eyed for a moment before forcing himself to give a tiny nod.
"I know I'm probably being ridiculous," He said quietly. "Talking about bringing back the dead when our last attempt failed spectacularly, but I've been really missing her, Albus. I don't know if it's to do with the weather, because she really used to love the winter or if it is to do with our adventure last year. Because, well, she was part of the reason why I came with you. But as you know, she got sick and was dead in all of the timelines we visited and with this Stone, I'll be able to see her again."
Albus stared at him for a moment and Scorpius regretted saying anything. He was stupid to think that he could get his Mum back. Albus probably thought that he was being ridiculous, wishing he could see his Mum again, but then Albus pulled him into a hug.
"I'm sorry," Albus said sadly, rubbing Scorpius's back. "It's really rubbish what happened to her. Of course you want to see her again. You know you can talk to me anytime about this, right?"
Scorpius nodded, thankful he was able to confide in Albus and get it off his chest.
"You know I swore that I was going mad," Scorpius mumbled. Albus pulled out of the hug to look at him.
"Why's that?" He asked with a smile, his bright green eyes sparkling with so much affection, that it took Scorpius's breath away.
"Only one book mentioned that your Dad may have used the Stone at the Battle of Hogwarts and that was just a passing comment. I was searching through all the others and not one mention was made. It's as if it's a conspiracy theory or something. I tried researching about The Resurrection Stone but all the credible Historians such as Bathilda Bagshot seem to dismiss it as a myth. It's as if it has never existed." He turned away from Albus, deep in thought. Perhaps the Stone was a myth after all. Maybe he was wasting his time.
"Yeah, it's not something that my Dad likes to talk about," Albus said slowly. "He's probably worried that it'll fall into the wrong hands or something."
Scorpius turned his head around so fast to look at Albus, that he cricked his neck. "You mean the rumours are true?" He asked excitedly as he rubbed his neck.
"They are," Albus nodded. "My Dad used it to bring my Grandparents back, along with his Godfather and my Godbrother's Dad, Remus Lupin."
"What did he do with it?" Scorpius asked eagerly. Albus shrugged.
"Dropped it, I suppose," He said. "It's probably still there. Out in the Forest."
Excitement flooded Scorpius and he felt a surge of hope going through him making him feel as if he could fly several times around the world on his broom. Yet there was one thing nagging at the back of his mind.
"Wait a minute," Scorpius frowned, voicing his thoughts. "How do you know all of this?"
"Well I am Harry Potter's Son," Albus said with a wry smile. "Dad told me. He spent a lot of time with me over the summer, and we were talking about things. At first, I was worried that it was going to be vomit inducing but surprisingly enough, it wasn't. The Battle of Hogwarts came up one day, and he was telling me how he's had to live with the deaths of so many friends for twenty-four years and he mentioned how he used the Stone and how he walked to his death."
Albus wasn't looking at Scorpius now. His eyes didn't seem to be focusing on anything. They were filled with sadness and his face looked glum. Scorpius put a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Are you still in there, Albus?" He asked softly. Albus seemed to snap out of his thoughts and his eyes met Scorpius's once more.
"Sorry," Albus mumbled. "It's just after everything that happened last year, I think- But yeah, the Stone exists, Scorpius. I don't know where the clearing is but it definitely exists. Dad never told anyone else. I don't think he even told James and Lily."
Scorpius laughed with relief. He had spent weeks researching the Resurrection Stone and found nothing. He briefly wondered why he didn't ask Albus in the first place.
"That's brilliant! That's amazing! That's the best news ever!" He beamed pulling Albus into a tight hug. Albus laughed.
"It's good to see you happy again," He chortled, patting Scorpius's back before pulling out of the hug. "You should get some sleep." He said seriously. "You look exhausted. We don't want you falling asleep in History of Magic now, do we?"
Scorpius laughed. "Who'll take your notes?" He giggled.
"Exactly," Albus grinned as he gave Scorpius's shoulder a squeeze. It took a moment for Scorpius to fully register what he said.
"You should take your own notes, Albus!" Scorpius huffed indignantly. "I won't be able to do the exam for you."
"I probably will if you crash out tomorrow," Albus snorted. "Although being such huge nerd that you are, I'm pretty sure that I'll know most of the questions thanks to you."
"Oh, really?" Scorpius asked, feeling in a mischievous mood all of a sudden. "Well then, Mister know it all. Have you ever read the bit where your parents were reunited after the Battle of Hogwarts?"
"Well, yeah," Albus said, rolling his eyes. "My Mum throws herself into my Dads arms. "Anyone can tell you that."
"Well that's not strictly true," Scorpius said. He grabbed the book again and found the part that described the aftermath of the Battle of Hogwarts and pretended to read.
"There were reports that Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley were found by the Hogwarts Lake, arms wrapped around each other and snuggling as if there was no tomorrow,"
"Stop! Albus groaned."Those are my Parents that you're reading about!"
"But it's romantic, Albus," Scorpius insisted, trying his hardest not to laugh. "Don't you want to read about the part where after the battle, they finally locked eyes upon each other and your Mum ran the length of the Great Hall to kiss him passionately in front of everyone? That part brings tears to my eyes."
"That's funny," Albus said, shaking his head at Scorpius. "That part brings vomit to my mouth. No one should read about their parents doing stuff like that."
"If you think that's bad, you should read about their Wedding day," Scorpius said, failing to control the grin that was spreading across his face. "Apparently, they kissed for- "
Scorpius was cut off as Albus launched a pillow that hit him square in the face. It slid off him and landed between them. Scorpius burst out laughing before hitting Albus with it. The two boys were soon involved in a fast pillow fight before collapsing on the bed in a heap of giggles. It took a while for them both to calm down. They were both red faced and breathless with laughter.
"There was no need to assault me with a pillow," Scorpius wheezed, trying to push Albus off him.
"That's what you get for talking about my parents kissing," Albus snorted, bopping him on the nose and scooting off him.
"And you fell for my cunning ploy," Scorpius said happily. "They didn't really do all of that. But it was worth saying they did to see the look on your face."
"Yeah, I noticed," Albus grumbled. Scorpius tried to suppress a yawn but failed. Albus noticed and the laughter disappeared from his eyes and was replaced by concern.
"You're tired," He said pointedly.
"Well that usually happens when one has had a long day and is repeatedly assaulted with a pillow," Scorpius said matter-of-factly.
"Get some sleep, yeah? "Albus said softly. "I know how much you love History of Magic."
"Well that was my intention before you came in, but that's a suggestion that I'm eager to take," Scorpius said. Albus grinned and hopped of the bed and got in his own.
"Sweet dreams," Albus sing-songed, causing Scorpius to laugh.
Scorpius put his book back on his bedside table and grabbed his wand and waved it, causing the curtains around his four-poster bed to fly shut. He was quite sure that he was too excited to fall asleep, but in no time at all, he fell asleep and his mother wove in and out of his dreams again clearer than she had been for a while.
I'm still working on this story. I did originally plan for this to be a long one-shot but I have decided that it needed to be posted as a multi-chapter story.
I will probably update this once a week depending.