~What Am I Feeling?~
~Chapter 3- The Power~
Their first dinner at Hogwarts was amazing. Scorpius had never tasted anything so delicious. The house elves never prepared anything particularly amazing and neither of his parents ever cooked. Scorpius was in absolute heaven at Hogwarts already. As for Albus, he was enjoying dinner as well. He had always loved his Grandma Molly's cooking since he was little, but this almost lived up to it, something Albus never thought would happen.
Soon enough, they were hurried out of the Great Hall, in order to be shown the way to their common room. Scorpius was still very surprised that Albus was in Ravenclaw but as he started to talk to other members of Ravenclaw, he realised they weren't all quite as anti-social as him. Scorpius sighed to himself; he was going to have to learn how to be more friendly.
Suddenly, Scorpius felt a hand rest firmly on his shoulder. Scorpius instantly swivelled around, only to see Professor McGonagall standing there, smiling softly at him.
Albus soon followed, his eyes widening slightly in surprise as he saw the Headmistress standing there.
"Mr Malfoy, could I speak to you before you continue to your common room?" McGonagall asked in a monotone, not giving anything away, to the eye anyway. Scorpius understood that there was in fact a caring streak coming from her towards him, something he know why was there, but he accepted anyway.
"Um, of course Headmistress." Scorpius said in a quiet voice, being careful to be polite. Scorpius peeped over his shoulder at his gaping friend, "I guess I'll you back at the common room?"
Albus instantly grinned and nodded, "I'll make sure we're in the same room! I'll save you a bed next to mine!"
Scorpius couldn't help but smile widely back at that and giggled in amusement, "Thank you, Albus."
Scorpius followed McGonagall down the halls of Hogwarts as he admired the moving paintings gracing the walls, greeting the Headmistress when she walked past.
"You've made friends with Albus Potter?" McGonagall asked abruptly and Scorpius nodded quickly, "I would not have expected that. Especially with how much your fathers hated each other. But I've heard Albus isn't much like his father and, if I'm correct to assume, you're not much like yours."
"Not particulary."
The rest of the journey to McGonagall's office was in silence but it wasn't too long. Scorpius was seeing a part of the castle which was mostly just corridors and portraits. He couldn't wait to see the rest of the castle. He thought that maybe he and Albus could explore together the next day.
McGonagall muttered a few incoherent words when a door suddenly appeared on a wall. She opened it for Scorpius, allowing him to enter first. Scorpius muttered a quick thank you when the door was shut behind the two.
This office was the most fantastic thing he had seen so far. It was a round room, with the desk on a slightly higher platform. All sorts of books sat on the shelves around the room as well as many different magical objects Scorpius didn't recognise.
More portraits circled the room, but these seemed more important. Scorpius even recognised some of the faces.
"Is that Albus Dumbledore?" Scorpius thought out loud, almost blushing as soon as he had said it. The old man with a sparkle in his eyes friendly face always warmed Scorpius' heart. He saw him many times in books. He was someone he would have liked to have met. Someone who could easily inspire many. It was strange to think that Scorpius' father had tried to kill the man with a sparkle in his eyes.
McGonagall smiled and made her way up to the desk, "Yes, it is," She gestured for Scorpius to sit and he obeyed almost immediately, "They're all fallen heroes of the war. Next to him is Severus Snape, your father's Godfather as you probably know and an extremely brave man. I always think it's good to remember them, even if it is painful sometimes." McGonagall said this confidently, knowing Scorpius would be able to understand.
Scorpius glanced around at the moving pictures. One which caught his eye was of a red headed boy who gave a cheeky smile once Scorpius caught his eye. He knew that face. And he knew where from. His father had mentioned in the past that the Weasley family lost a family member in the war. The Weasleys had twins he knew and one of them had fallen in the war. Fred, he remembered. His father had always seemed very solemn about that. Once they had gone into Weasley Wizard Wheezes on Diagon Alley. He knew the face of the living twin, George. In fact, George had chatted to him quite friendlily, for the first and last time, even though he knew Scorpius was a Malfoy.
"That's Fred Weasley." Scorpius stated while staring at the portrait.
"Yes, dear Fred," The professor sighed, bowing her head, "George never was the same after he died. Then again, you couldn't expect anything more. They were both extremely bright, but just never used their abilities in an… academic way," She chuckled, shaking her head, "But they used them to do what they enjoyed. And they made a success out of it. Poor Fred, poor George. They're still truly inspirational.
"But anyway, we should get down to business," McGonagall sat upright in her chair, "Although, it was nice to discuss something more mature with a student. It doesn't happen often.
"I assume you understand why you're here?" She raised her eyebrows and he nodded slowly, "I have never taught a student with your power before. And don't think I ever will again. Professor Dumbledore did, in fact, in his earlier years of teaching. I'm not exactly sure what to do for you, but if you need anything, do not hesitate to ask, I want you to know this. If you need any help, please ask.
"There is a rare stone which can help your power," Scorpius' attention perked up to a all time high and his lips parted in shock, "You've never heard of it? The student who once came to Hogwarts with your power wore it around his neck and the stone would stop any emotion from reaching him before he could feel it himself. We've been searching for a stone for you in preparation for your arrival. We were hoping to have it before you arrived but, unfortunately, we had not had much luck. But a wizard in South Africa contacted us, saying some Muggles have dug some up while mining."
"So… it's a natural stone? What's it called?" Scorpius said with enthusiasm. If he could stop his power from affecting him all the time… school life would be so much easier.
"It's called Baralime. Extremely rare. It's not completely natural, only the basis of a shield for your power. Incantations need to be made on it before you can use it. It may take a couple of months to get it right but you should have it soon." The professor smiled, realising how much it could mean to Scorpius.
"Thank you so much, Headmistress." Scorpius said breathlessly, a goofy grin across his face.
Suddenly, there came a knock on the door. McGonagall yelled a firm enter when an older girl, wearing a Ravenclaw uniform entered.
"You wanted to see me, Headmistress?" She said delicately and politely.
"Yes, Violet, this is Scorpius," McGonagall turned back to the smaller boy, "Violet is a prefect for your house. Do you mind if I tell her about your gift and she watches over you for the next few months, Mr Malfoy?"
"That's fine, Headmistress." Scorpius nodded.
McGonagall briefly explained Scorpius' power to Violet. She seemed unchanged by the explanation and took it all in as if she were in a lesson.
"I've read about it." Violet smirked proudly, tipping her head up.
"Good. I would like you to watch Mr Malfoy and make sure he settles in fine without too much hassle," McGonagall glanced at Scorpius again, "You may bring him back to the Ravenclaw common room. Will you be okay now, Mr Malfoy?"
"Yes, headmistress. Thank you." He said gratefully.
Scorpius was completely tired by the time he reached the Ravenclaw tower. Violet had hardly spoken to him. Not that Scorpius minded. He enjoyed admiring the changing stairs and stone statues of Hogwarts for the first time in peace. And he just wanted to get up to the dorm to see Albus again.
They reached a tower with a swirling staircase which took what seemed forever to climb. When they reached the top a huge door stood there, suddenly a voice came from the door.
"What goes up and down the stairs without moving?"
Violet looked to Scorpius, as if to prove himself that he could answer the question. Scorpius hesitated for a second, before answering the question with ease, "A rug."
The door instantly flew open, Scorpius' eyes widening in excitement as he saw the common room for the first time. Blue tapestries hung over the grey walls, which somehow looked silver to Scorpius. There were many tables in the room, naturally of course and some of the older years were already occupying them, books scattered around them as they studied hard. A large comfortable sofa sat near a blaring fire, other students seated, chatting.
Despite it being late, the common room was bustling, mostly with first years it would seem. Excited jitters travelled through the room but Scorpius just wanted to find Albus. As if an answer to his thoughts, Albus appeared from the crowd, bounding towards him.
Scorpius was almost knocked back as Albus through his arms around the small boy's neck. They both giggled in delight and Scorpius returned the hug, confidently which was something Scorpius didn't do often.
"I thought you had gotten into trouble already!" Albus raised his eyebrows and quirked his lips. He tapped Scorpius on the nose playfully and Scorpius couldn't help but release a nervous giggle.
"No… Professor McGonagall just needed to speak to me…" Scorpius said with care.
"First years, up to your dorms!" Violet suddenly yelled from behind Scorpius, "Get ready for tomorrow's lessons!"
Like the obedient students they were, the first years quickly scurried up the stairs. Scorpius glanced back to Violet, who was already walking away from them. Scorpius knew he wouldn't rely on her if he needed any help.
Albus suddenly grabbed Scorpius' wrist and dragged him away, yet again. They climbed the many stairs, Scorpius still glancing around to admire the portraits covering the walls.
"I'm so happy that I'm not in Slytherin!" Albus exclaimed, as he showed Scorpius into a room. It was a large room with four double beds circling it. Deep blue drapes hung over each bed and the ceiling was decorated by a cleverly painted swirly pattern with sapphire colours and hints of silver. Scorpius noticed his trunk and owl sitting on one of the beds already, "And even happier that I'm with you!"
Everything was working out well so far. Scorpius had ended up in a good house, one which he could work particulary well in, he had found out he may receive something which would prevent his power from bothering him too much and most importantly, it seemed he had made a friend already.
"I'm really happy too…" Scorpius said while gazing around the room, "Are we the only ones here?"
"For now," Albus jumped onto his bed, then patting a space next to him for Scorpius, "A prefect said there's a lot of moving around with the rooms in the first few weeks, people getting comfortable and everything."
"Oh, okay."
"So, what did McGonagall want to speak to you about?"
The question took Scorpius back. Did he tell Albus about his power? If he wanted to be friends with him… then he could trust him, right? And Albus would accept it… he seemed like an accepting person. And he actually couldn't think of an excuse right now, "If I tell you something… will you keep it a secret?"
Albus' face softened, immediately understanding Scorpius' serious tone, "I'm your friend. Of course I would. You can trust me, I like you Scorpius."
"Okay… it's a little weird, but… I want to tell you…"
Scorpius quickly explained the essence of his power to Albus, saying it as fast as possible, worried that Scorpius wouldn't understand or would now dismiss him completely because of it. He was regretting telling Albus about it all already. He should have kept his mouth shut, saved it for a few more weeks or even months.
"I-I know you must find it weird and everything… b-but I still want to be friends," Scorpius said desperately, finally taking a seat next to a shocked Albus, "I know you're shocked and scared right now… and slightly confused but… I would never use it against anyone… I-I just couldn't."
Albus' parted lips softly closed and his face relaxed, "It's slightly strange Scor," Scorpius' head lowered, yet his interest perked at the new nickname, "But… I really like you. We've got on well today, haven't we? I still want to be friends and see how things go. I don't think it would bother me too much… And, I don't think you would use it against anyone," Albus grinned, shaking Scorpius' hair, who couldn't help but smile too, "You're too nice for that."
"You… I… you don't think I told you this too soon?" Scorpius said nervously, nibbling on his bottom lip.
"I think we're gonna be good friends, Scor. And it's better you told me now than lied to me about it. It would have been worse if I found later though." Albus held out his hand for Scorpius.
Scorpius blinked for a second at Albus' hand, before slowly letting his own slide between the other boy's fingers, "Thank you so much, Albus."
"Call me Al, Scor." Albus said with that cheeky smirk of his face.
"Okay… Al." Scorpius giggled, face flushing yet again, but he didn't think too much of it.
Albus tapped Scorpius' nose again fondly, "You're the only one who's allowed to call me that."
~X~
A/N: Oh dear, there was a lot more I wanted to put much more in this chapter but realised quite how long it was going to be anyway! Sorry all!
Thank you to: drumline, JuicyPumpkin, Albiiee And Lou Forever xx, Words Of A Feather, for being the first reviewers for the first two chapters! Keep on leaving your opinion guys! I love getting feedback!
Next chapter: Albus and Scorpius have there first day at Hogwarts.