2022- Scorpius Malfoy
My life changed third year. That was the year Professor Longbottom paired me with Albus Potter for a project during Herbology. I originally had misgivings those first twenty minutes of being partnered with Albus. Of course I knew who Albus was, everyone did. I also knew both our families had, let's say, a history, and Albus knew the same.
If you looked back to that day, the day that changed my life, you would see two awkward, skinny boys sitting as far away from each other as possible considering the tiny workspace they were forced to share.
It wasn't as if we disliked each other. We didn't know each other. I had been able to go through two years at Hogwarts without being introduced or in close proximity to Albus or any of his family. Because we both knew of our shared past we were extremely uncomfortable. It wasn't until Professor Longbottom intervened that we actually said our first words to each other.
"Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Potter. I have noticed you two are not working together. This assignment will partly be graded on teamwork. Is that understood?" Professor Longbottom was giving the two of us a very stern look. I hadn't noticed him come up to our table, for my eyes were focused on the floor watching a beetle try to climb up Mary Ellen Donner's stool. I was doing anything to avoid looking in Albus' direction.
"Yes, Nev-Professor Longbottom," squeaked Albus. I had never heard Albus speak before, and unfortunately for him, this moment will forever be ingrained in my mind. Albus never had a high voice, not even as a prepubescent thirteen year old, but his fear of being reprimanded by professors rendered his vocal chords strained. I still laugh about it every time this memory floats its way to the forefront of my brain. This moment also answered for me the rumors that the Weasley/Potter children are close to Professor Longbottom outside of school.
"And you, Mr. Malfoy? Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir."
"Splendid. Now, I want to see you two work together. It wouldn't hurt to make an effort. I know your families have a past, but this is a classroom. It isn't personal," said the Professor as he made his way to supervise other tables.
I blanched, and I am pretty sure Albus did as well. How could the professor be so nonchalant about our history? A history I am not comfortable talking about now, nor will I ever be. Albus and I have decided not to discuss it. We know it is there, in back of the minds of our families and consequently, our minds. We, as in Albus and I, don't let it bother us too much. We are not our fathers, we are our own individuals and we live in a different time. That being said, it is also true I have never seen the outside of my best friend's house, let alone the inside of his room. I know he lives in Godrics Hollow and that his clan (it is the easiest way to describe the Weasley/Potter family) gathers at a place called the Burrow, and that is the most I think I will ever know. At least that is the most I will ever know until I turn seventeen and apparate into Albus' room (secretly, of course). But back to the moment that changed my life.
Albus turned to me with a stupid grin on his face. I blame it on his awkward ways then. Neither one of us had yet grown into our height; I even had a few more inches in me left. Third year was probably the worst year for Albus, looks wise. His face was so skinny. But fortunately, that problem has been rectified. He is now almost as good looking as I am.
"I suppose he is right. This isn't personal. It is just a school project. I don't even know why it would be a problem if it were personal. I have no problem with you. I don't even know you. What say we start with a clean slate? My name is Al," said Albus, his hand extended to me in a sort of peace offering.
I didn't know what Albus had been thinking, and to be honest, I still don't. But I am glad nonetheless. I remember looking at his hand and thinking about what consequences would come if I took his hand in mine. I thought of families becoming outraged at Professor Longbottom for pairing us together, I thought of angry letters from parents, and fights in the hallways when our parent's grudges became our own. The image of us becoming best friends never crossed my mind, which in hindsight was quite stupid of me. Because when I looked into Albus' face, a face of openness and compassion, I didn't think about consequences anymore and I took his hand.
"I'm Malfoy."
It was the moment that changed my life forever, and only for the better, no matter how uncomfortable things have become at times. Life has become loads better but those first few months of Albus' and my friendship almost beat out my first two years of Hogwarts as being the worst time in my life. I am actually upset with our families because that shouldn't have been the case. I should have been happy. I had a friend!
My friendship with Albus has been the only source of tension for my father and me. It was the first time I have seen my father act selfishly (this may come as shock to some, but he is a decent man and a good father). His response to my letter informing him of my new friendship was not pleasant. He essentially asked me to cut ties with "the Potter boy" and forge other friendships with the Slytherins. He didn't ask me to end my friendship with Albus because he thought unfavorably of Albus or thought the Potters as unsavory people. No, he wanted me to end my friendship, my first friendship, because it made him uncomfortable. Well, that was just simply unacceptable. And did he really expect me to be friends with the Slytherins? They have to be the meanest looking people I have ever seen in my life. And I have been under the glare of Albus' Uncle Ron. Also, my father knows I am not good at meeting people. It is a miracle Albus and I ever became friends. I'm not even friends with my dorm mates and I live with them.
I am friendly with my fellow Ravenclaws but I wouldn't go so far as to call them friends. This is why I say the first two years of my Hogwarts life were the worst. I was incredibly lonely. At first, most students were wary of me because of my family. I understood why and I let it go. After everyone got over the shock of a Malfoy being sorted into Ravenclaw, some of my dorm mates made a few attempts to befriend me. And I tried, I really did. I am an only child and never had been around children my age. So I was polite and that worked for a while, but politeness can only take someone so far. I am shy and guarded, it is just part of who I am. But this meant that others had to make an effort to get to know me. An effort they apparently weren't inclined to make. Looking back, I am fine with that. At the time, it hurt. I hated seeing my dorm mates go off to do something fun and not invite me. But now I have Albus. With Albus, it was easy. Both of us are shy, but for some reason, not with each other. I don't care to rack my brains with an explanation as to why, but we are just comfortable together.
Another thing to separate me from my housemates, besides my social shortcomings, is that fact that I am studious. You wouldn't think so, right? With me being a Ravenclaw? Being a Ravenclaw means you have a brain and love to use it. It doesn't mean you are an obsessive freak about studying. And with those obsessive study skills comes the need for organization and a case of basic anal retentiveness. These character flaws did not fair well with a group of rambunctious twelve year olds, and still don't, even though those twelve year olds are now sixteen and seventeen and not so rambunctious. But once again, Albus proves to be a true friend and look past these flaws. He even embraces them a bit. I think this is because I remind him of his cousin and other best friend, Rose Weasley.
Albus was also having trouble convincing his family at home that his friendship with me was worthwhile and appropriate. But after Christmas break third year, Albus came back to school positively glowing. When I asked what Albus was so happy about, Albus jumped at the chance to tell me what he calls his "first act of bravery". Apparently, Albus' Uncle Ron (a truly scary man, might I add) was not taking the news of him and me being friends well. The two were involved in an argument that ended with Albus Stunning his Uncle. After Albus was finished telling me his story about the argument and how his family had finally given into the reality of our friendship, I felt thoroughly ashamed.
"Gee, mate. You didn't have to do that," I said.
But Albus flung his arm around me.
"You're my best friend. If you aren't worth sticking up for, who is?" replied Albus. He clearly did not realize how important this moment was for me because what he followed up with was so under-whelming Ialmost forgot the sentiment of his previous statement. "Let's get to the Great Hall. I am so bloody hungry I could eat a pregnant hippogriff…and Hagrid." And he walked away, unknowingly leaving me behind reveling in my happiness at have a friend, a best friend.
I took this as my opportunity to call Albus something I always wanted to call him.
"Oi, Potter. Wait up!"
Albus turned to me with such shock on his face I almost laughed. "Potter? Why do you think you can call me Potter? You know I hate that."
"What? You can't let your best friend call you Potter?" It was pathetic of me I know, but I thought I might have dreamt him calling me his best friend. I had to make sure.
Albus looked at me, smiled and shrugged. "Guess I can. C'mon! I'm hungry!"
And I have called him Potter every since. And I am happy to report I am the only one who is allowed. Even during Quidditch matches, the announcer is forced to call him Albus.
Anyway, the fact that my father thought I would actually give up a great friendship and resort back to my former hermit ways just showed me he did not know me at all. But we talked: he told me of what really happened between the Malfoys, Weasleys, and Potters (it was really uncomfortable watching him relive his past, which I know he isn't proud of) and I told him of how important Albus was to me (this was also uncomfortable for me, and I am pretty sure my father came away from that conversation thinking I was a homosexual). But now we both have a new understanding for each other. He has come to accept my friendship, but only to a certain extent. Albus still isn't allowed over to our house and I am not allowed over to the Potter's place, even though an invitation has never been extended. I know why this is, and I accept it. But that doesn't mean I forgive my father and I probably never will. Just like I will never forgive him for something else.
What were my father and mother thinking? I know having a constellation for a name is a family tradition. But Scorpius? Why not Caelum or even…Pavo? Draco is normal compared to my name. When I was sorted and started classes I made sure my fellow classmates and professors knew I was to be called Malfoy and if they couldn't do that, then there was no point in talking to me. My name is the one thing I will never, ever forgive my father for.
But he is a great father. Like Albus feels guilty for wanting to separate himself from his family, I feel guilty for liking my family. Well, I don't like my Grandfather (who I only met twice before he died) or my Aunt Bellatrix (she was insane and quite possibly the devil reincarnate). I do, however, love my Grandmum Cissy (she was the first to separate from the Death Eaters and move our family forward) and my mother's family (I don't see the Greengrass' very often but they are lovely people. Nan Greengrass always has a present for me when we visit). My father has always been supportive of me, save my friendship with Albus, even for things I was at first wary to divulge. Such as my being sorted into Ravenclaw; my father was so sure I would be placed in Slytherin, and my love for Muggle music. He even bought me a CD player for my fifteenth birthday. But Albus doesn't know about that. Even though Albus is my best friend, I do have secrets. Two secrets…to be exact.
One: My love for Muggle music. Don't ask me why I can tell my father, who still has some prejudices against Muggles, and not my best friend, who comes from a notorious Muggle-loving family. I don't know. Maybe I think he will take the piss? I should probably tell him. It isn't that big of a deal. But the second one is.
Two: I'm not sure when it happened, but it did. I fell in love with Rose Weasley. I am completely enamored with her and it is probably the worst thing that could have happened to me, simply because she is Albus'. She is his, and I pity the fool who tries to nab her away.
I blame Albus though. If he had never extended his hand that fateful day in Herbology, Rose would have never come under my radar. Well, maybe she would have. I can't be sure. But I know that I never took too much interest in her before. It wasn't until Albus' clan became part of my life that I fell head over heals. Yes, I had noticed her before. I would have been blind not too. She is stunning. Even through what should have been her awkward teenage years she was stunning. But between my studying and what with keeping my room clean and trunk organized, I didn't have time to think about her or any girl. But that all changed when I became friends with Albus. Rose became a ball of fire that invaded my thoughts more than is considered healthy. I can still remember the day I met her, and in turn, fell in love.
Albus and I were in the library working on the Herbology assignment we were paired up on, when Rose walked in, followed closely by Roxanne. This was the first time I became aware of the sixth sense Albus seems to have when it comes to Rose. The moment she stepped into the library, Albus' head rose from the book he was a second before engrossed in. Rose doesn't have this same sixth sense, so she didn't even notice Albus was in the library.
My attention was drawn to Rose and only because Albus was so intent on watching her. I remember thinking how she was so beautiful. Then and now, I love to watch her walk. Even at thirteen she had a certain elegance to her. She walks with her head up, meeting the eyes of those passing by. Her auburn hair (I wish for the day when I can run my hands through it) glistens with any light, golden specks shimmering. It is long and straight, but looks so soft. Ah, I am turning to mush. Back to my memory:
Rose directed Roxanne to a table, not too near to ours, but right in our view. Albus started chuckling, and I turned to him wondering what he could possibly find amusing. He just shook his head and continued chuckling.
"What is so funny, Al?"
"Oh, just that Maxwell Singerhouse noticed Roxie come in. He is going to go over and chat her up, just you wait. This is going to be very interesting," said Albus.
"Why is this going to be interesting?" I asked, completely uninterested. I have never cared to watch people flirt. It is almost as bad as seeing public displays of affection. And I loathe public displays of affection. Why do I need to see people being intimate? Can't people just hold off until they are in private? If only to make third parties more comfortable?
"Rose is going to get upset," said Albus. Okay, maybe I was interested.
"Why? Is she jealous?" I asked, trying to keep my own jealousy out of my tone. The thought of Rose liking someone made me feel like vomiting.
Albus laughed at my question. At first, I was sure he detected my jealousy. He quickly sobered up when the surrounding tables were giving us dirty looks.
"No, she isn't jealous. She really dislikes Maxwell. Something about him trying to sneak a peak at her Charms homework last year," shrugged Albus. His eyes were still trained on his cousins, but if they hadn't been he would definitely see the relief in my face at hearing this piece of news. If one thing can be said about me, it is that I have a very telling face. "She is just in this crazy study kick this year. I mean, Rose has always been one to study, but this year…Just yesterday I was in here with her. I didn't have a quill so I asked her for a spare. I don't know what I was thinking. Take a look at this."
And Albus proceeded to lift his shirtsleeve, exposing a nasty looking gash in the middle of his forearm.
"Yes. Not doing that again. Her quills are sharp," said Albus. Albus looked at me and noticed my horrified expression.
"Oh! She didn't do it on purpose. She apologized profusely and even wrote my Charms essay for me. She is just really temperamental. When she is angry, she just…reacts," said Albus, trying to find the right word.
"Reacts? She almost sawed off your arm," I whispered. I was truly worried for my new friend. Rose always seemed pleasant, if not a little overbearing (which I never minded). Her hand was always up first when a question was asked of the class. She also had a really nice smile. I had noticed that second when I was walking down the corridor between classes. Rose was walking towards me with this bright, contagious smile. I almost smiled back, but luckily, I heard James Potter behind me call out to her. She did not seem the type to physically abuse someone. She was so…dainty. Some might think of her as somewhat fragile looking, I like to call her willowy. But looking at that gash made me want to rethink my impressions of her.
Albus shook me out of my thoughts by saying, "Oh no! There he goes."
We both watched as Maxwell Singerhouse left his table of friends and strutted his way over to Roxie, and though Maxwell didn't know it, Rose's sacred study place. When Maxwell took his seat next to Roxie, Rose simply rolled her eyes and focused even more on the pages of her book. When he started talking, not whispering but full out talking to Roxie, Rose huffed and rolled her eyes again. When Roxie gave out a loud, flirty giggle and Maxwell unknowingly placed his hand on Rose's book, essentially blocking Rose from her precious words, Rose lashed out. She slammed her open book on Maxwell's unsuspecting hand, making Maxwell roar out in pain.
"This is the bloody library, Singerhouse. If you want to flirt take it outside. Some of us like to study, not listen to others try and catch a bird," Rose violently whispered as she began packing up her things.
I noticed Maxwell was so stunned he couldn't even reply. Roxanne at least had the sense to look sheepish.
"Sorry, Rosie," whispered Roxie.
"It's fine. I am just going to find a new table," sighed Rose and she started to walk away. I was watching Rose's face when a look of realization spread across her face. She stopped, turned slightly and said, "Sorry for hurting your fingers."
Maxwell simply nodded his head in reply. I am pretty sure Maxwell has never uttered a word in Rose's company since.
"Told you it would be interesting," whispered Albus, obviously trying to stifle his laughter.
As Rose began to look for a new table I could sense Albus about to call her over. I shook my head to tell Albus to stop. I really did not want to be close to her at that moment, no matter how beautiful she was. Albus smirked at this, and said, "Oh, stop it. We will be fine." And with that he raised his hand to grab Rose's attention.
Rose looked relieved when she saw Albus and she started to make her way over to our table, and then she saw me. She stopped mid-step and shook her head slightly. Albus sighed and summoned her over with an aggressive wave. I noticed with his other arm, the one Rose hadn't punctured with a quill.
When Rose sat down she took out her book and began reading. She didn't even look at me. Albus gave a slight cough to grab her attention. She raised her head with a look between annoyance and question. That was when I noticed she had a small smattering of dark freckles across her nose. And not to mention she has beautiful, bright blue eyes shielded by long, black eyelashes.It seems unnatural for her have black eyelashes, but she does. I had never been that close to her before but every new discovery about her face made me want to be closer. I had to stop myself from leaning over the table to get a better look.
"Rose, this is Malfoy. I'm not sure if you two have properly met," said Albus, ignoring the look from his cousin. Rose turned her eyes onto me and I felt my breath catch. That seems to happen a lot now: Losing my breath when I see her. She has made me a lovesick fool. But her eyes didn't hold annoyance when she looked at me, but there was question. Like, why is a Malfoy sitting with my cousin?
"Hello, Scorpius," said Rose, and she turned her attention back to her book.
I was so taken aback all I could do was nod in reply. She called me Scorpius. Everyone knew my name was Malfoy. So many things about Rose made me question my sanity that day. I thought she was beautiful and friendly, and then I thought she was scary, and then I thought she was beautiful, and then I thought she was insane. And then I thought maybe I could forgive my parents for naming me Scorpius. Because her mouth made the most perfect movement when she said my name and if my name had to be Scorpius in order for that mouth to make that movement, so be it.
So maybe I could remember when I fell in love with Rose Weasley.
But being in love with Rose brings about so many problems. Oh, so many problems.
1. Who is Rose? Yes, she is a Weasley. Yes, she is the most beautiful creature I have ever set my eyes on. Yes, she has a scary temper when studying. Yes, her family and friends call her Rosie, and in James's case, Stem. But that is all I know. After three years of being best friends with her best friend, that is all I know. Albus never speaks of his family and I know it is because he likes to separate himself from them, but I mean…come on! Albus and Rose are incredibly close and they are with each other all the time, except when I come and steal Albus away. How can he not talk about her? I don't know, but he manages. I guess I could ask Albus about Rose…if I wanted to die.
2. Albus is very protective. Albus has insulted every bloke who has shown the smallest amount of interest in Rose. And if you know Albus you know he is possibly the sweetest guy ever but listening to the creative expletives he uses to describe Rose's admirers almost makes my ears bleed. Albus has also been known to recruit James in hexing these sorry fellows. I still remember the disaster that was Steven Creevey. He was a sixth year when he started fancying Rose, when we were in fourth year. Albus and James single-handedly brought his reputation crashing to the ground, something about being a pedophile. I don't really remember, but I do remember seeing neither hide nor hair of him during his seventh year, except when he was on his way to classes. Because of my fear of Albus and I guess, James, I have been forced to admire Rose from afar.
3. I would never do anything to ruin Albus' and my friendship. It is way to important. And if I am going to risk the relationship I have with my father for it, I am not going to give Albus up because of stupid puppy love.
4. I don't think she even knows I exist. The whole three years I am a best friend of her cousin and I have received a total of five hellos and ten small smiles. Not like I am helping the cause.
5. I have this problem, and it doesn't only apply to Rose. It happens with everyone but Albus. I clam up. I can't talk. Some people have called me snobby, I know because I hear them when I walk past them in the hallways or in the common room. I am just shy and I don't know the words to say. So, I don't say anything at all unless I am spoken too. Being an only child with my only company being adults has made me uncomfortable with teenagers. When I am an adult I fully expect to feel comfortable mingling with people my age. But now, I am not and I really wish I were. Because I really want to talk to Rose.
And this want forced me to come to a conclusion this last summer. I am going to talk to Rose. My sixth year at Hogwarts will be the year that I come out of my shell, turn my back on my former self, forget my fear of Albus and James, and grow a pair. I simply cannot stand not knowing her.
Now, I have thought this out the best to my ability. If I am just friends with Rose Albus can't kill me. I have also come to the conclusion that if I become friends with Rose, I will fall out of love with her. There has to be a reason she hasn't had a real boyfriend, right? Besides Albus and James that is. I hope so, because if my plan backfires on me…so help me Merlin. I will come out of this a pathetic, lovesick, friendless lad.
So now I find myself standing outside the Prefect's compartment, about to submerge myself in the Weasley/Potter clan, something I have never done before. And I am quite possibly the most nervous I have ever been in my life.
"Hey, Potter!"
Here we go.