Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

Warning(s): Slash; Language; Adult Content;

Parings: Scorpius/Albus

Note: Again, an apology for the few grammar mistakes sprinkled throughout chapter 3.


Chapter 3: Prepping the Prey

The first few weeks of the term went off without difficulties. Albus had his meeting with Professor Longbottom – his head of house – and was immediately approved for his Defense Against the Dark Arts, Transfigurations, Charms, Arithmancy, Herbology, and Potions N.E.W.T. level courses.

"Now I know you managed an Exceeds Expectations on your Herbology O.W.L., Albus, but I want you to know that you just scraped that up. I hope to see you putting a bit more effort in this term, as the material will be significantly more demanding," said Neville Longbottom. Albus adored his father's old roommate. He and his wife Hannah would come over for major celebrations in Godric's Hollow and they were always wonderful to the Boy-Who-Lived's children.

"Of course, professor!" chirped Albus, giggling slightly at his Herbology professor's attempt at being uncharacteristically serious. "Mum and Dad give their love!" he said as his schedule appeared on his piece of parchment as Neville tapped his wand twice.

Albus found his sixth year courses to be the most intense yet. He easily adapted to the more complex transfigurations and spell work, such as morphing large inanimate objects like a desk into pigs; however, Herbology and Potions proved to be quite tricky. It's not that he was bad at them per say, but compared to the logical, mathematical structure of Arithmancy and the more practical, wand-based magic of Transfigurations, DADA, and Charms, the two fundamentally science courses required a different train of thought. They demanded rigid and undivided attention and could yield potentially the most disastrous results.

Rose was taking the same course load with the addition of Ancient Runes. Albus had Potions, Transfigurations, and DADA with Nik and Marco, so the four Gryffindors spent much of their time studying together in the Library or house common room. While his classes had proved to be a time-sapper, Albus still managed to go running early every day before his morning meal. He was a naturally early riser and liked being on a consistent schedule, even if he didn't necessarily have class right after breakfast. The crisp Scottish air seemed to cleanse his thoughts before the day began and it gave him an opportunity to be out of the way while his dorm mates were getting ready. After Marco's comments about his body hair preference, Albus wasn't jumping to change in front of his friends any time soon.

While the year was running as usual, there were a few students, Albus noted, who were behaving quite out of character – the most noticeable was James. He seemed to be on some sort of Quidditch and power high that seemed to have no end in sight. Tryouts had gone 'splendidly' if Marco's sarcastic tone was anything to go by. Albus and Rose didn't like watching tryouts because it usually involved James, Miles, and Marco yelling their heads off at potential new members. In their third year, the four veterans's (including Fred at the time) tension became so bad that Sophie Andolmina, Marco's co-beater, wound up having an emotional breakdown while 'so obviously and stupidly misjudging' one of the chaser hopefuls. Therefore, the cousins had Nik relay the drama after lunch.

This year's lineup apparently looked promising, but rumor had it that Louis and Scorpius were also finding success in their respective tryouts. Poor Devon Wilson, thought Albus. Devon was the Hufflepuff captain and a badger beater legend. His skill as beater was the only reason why Hufflepuff didn't lose by 500 points every year and he was responsible for more broken bones than probably anyone in the last two decades at Hogwarts. Devon was arguably the most individually talented Quidditch player at Hogwarts, but even though his command of his outstandingly sub-par team was excellent, there was only so much influence a beater could have over the score count of a game. They lost practically every match.

It was the last week of September and his older brother sat sternly, boring over a letter he'd just received moments ago by owl post one morning; Albus resumed his morning discussion of the culture section of The Daily Prophet with Rose. The only truly accurate part of the newspaper was the culture section. It gave reviews of recently opened wizard-owned restaurants across the country and had editorials about the hottest new music groups, literature fads, and fashion, food, and design trends. Nik and Marco teased the cousins daily on their animated reactions to the new stores cropping up in Diagon Alley or Will-O-Wisp square out in Whales.

Albus didn't notice James looking at him with a worried expression on his face.


Dear James,

I hope you're having an excellent first few weeks back. I'm glad to hear that tryouts weren't as much a let-down as last year. The house, as always, has become uncharacteristically quiet, but we're adjusting nicely. Your mother toyed with the idea of getting a cat or something to fill the void that has been plaguing us for the last three years without you kids at home.

Everything is going alright in the office. Uncle Ron and Mr. Malfoy are still having their small rows between their cubicles. Thank Merlin I have my own office space as Head; but you have no idea how ticklish the small smirk Aunt Hermione has when she calls us all into her office for weekly reports. I think her recent promotion to Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement has taxed her and Uncle Ron's relationship a bit – but Ron's just being stubborn.

How go classes? How are your friends? Hope there's nothing too serious to report. I heard from Uncle Neville that Hogsmeade weekends will be starting up in mid-late October, so just hang in there for a few more weeks. I will be sending letters shortly to Al and Lily in a few days, but I wanted to hear back from you first and get your thoughts on the new term before I grill the young'ins.

James, I also want to draw your attention to something I noticed recently — more specifically at King's Cross on the day of your departure to Hogwarts. As you know, Al is relatively naïve when it comes to relationships (romantic ones) and has not really tested the waters since coming out; however, when I saw him boarding the train I observed several of the older male students to be looking at him in a way I have seen you look at Grandma Molly's chicken pot pie. Now I don't want you turning into some malicious guardian, but if you could just look out for your brother's well-being. I fear that his kind and innocent disposition and unawareness of his own appeal might blind him from those that wish to take advantage of him. I trust you to trust those with good intentions and to back off if Al finds someone who might make him happy.

While I would say the same for Lily, I know that she's as feisty as anything and is far less trusting than Al. This letter is not supposed to make you fear for Al's safety, but to remind you of your role as older brother. You've already made your mother and I so proud of all you've accomplished, and with your obvious popularity, we both know that you hold a good amount of weight and credibility amongst your peers.

Hope you can write back soon! We want updates about everything! I did notice that Ravenclaw girl, Elizabeth Chang, making eyes at you on the platform before term started. You might have better luck than I did with her mother more 20 years ago.

Take care son, and keep up the great work,

Love Dad (and Mum, though she doesn't know I sent this letter)

P.S. You might want to keep tabs on some of your friends, particularly Miles — he seemed to look at your brother in a way that might be cause for some small monitoring.

James blanched. Obviously his father's sole purpose for writing was to tell him to make sure guys weren't taking advantage of his little brother. His dad was the most sincere person he knew and he could tell that his father's words of being proud and whatnot were completely genuine, but James could tell that his comments about Al were much more urgent than his seemingly neutral words showed.

James knew what some people said about Albus and it made him less than pleased. Matters had only intensified with the start of the new term. While the annoying comments of 'oh he's so cute and friendly!' from countless female classmates who thought of his little brother as some sort of pet were aggravating and just plain stupid, the sexually charged ones of his male peers was downright infuriating. On occasion, he caught a sixth or seventh year Ravenclaw or Slytherin checking out his brother and he'd scowl at them as a warning to back off, but that was not very common. However, just last week he was in the changing rooms after a pickup match for practice between Hufflepuff and Gryffindor and overheard one of Devon Wilson's friends mouthing off about his little brother. The altercation that followed had been one of James's low points of the last few weeks.

flashback

As he turned from his locker to leave for supper he heard the arrogant Hufflepuff's comments.

"Dev, have you seen Potter's younger brother this year? I'm not usually into guys, but fuck, that'd be a pretty good piece."

"Actually," replied the deep gruff of the Hufflepuff captain. "I have noticed that as well, but I'm not really interested."

Damn right you aren't, Devon. At least one of you has a brain and isn't a complete fuckhead.

"Dude! Why not?! Could you imagine him after a long, tough game congratulating you by getting down on his knees and —"

James saw red. He couldn't believe someone would have the audacity to do that. Well actually, he could. This type of conversation was common changing-room banter, but that didn't stop the eldest Potter child from being absolutely livid at such a lack of respect for his little brother.

"… and from what I've heard, he's never really hooked up with anyone. Oh shit, could you imagine being his first? He'd probably be biting that lip hoping to stop his cries from being heard. Fuck, he'd be tight. I think I might pull him aside after supper one of these days and ask him if he needs help studying or something…"

At the mention of how the Hufflepuff was going to go about seducing his younger brother, James made his presence known.

"Hey arsehole, why don't you shut the fuck up about my brother before I curse you till your balls fall off!"

The two Hufflepuff looked startled. Devon could tell he had to do damage control quick or house relations would surely take a hit. He knew how protective James was of his cousins, let alone siblings, and did not want the Boy-Who-Lived's eldest son on his bad side.

"Hey, Potter. Don't listen to Kyle; he's just being an arse. He didn't mean it; of course he wouldn't go for Alb—"

"Oh shut up, Dev, you know I was being serious," his friend cut him off. He fixed his gaze challengingly on James. "What? Scared your little brother'll want me back? I bet I could have him lying on his back begging for my dick in twenty minu—"

SMACK! James had reeled his arm back and punched Kyle Lynch as hard as he could right in the stomach. The chaser doubled over in pain and had little chance to retort as another punch was angrily thrust upon his left shoulder. The Hufflepuff chaser fell against the changing room floor with a thud.

Devon Wilson stood back, not even trying to intercept this assault for two reasons: he didn't wanted to risk his captainship, but also he felt Kyle deserved to be shut up a bit. The captain had spoken a few times with Albus and the younger boy's spritely personality, extroverted and all-around nice behavior warranted none of Kyle's cocky, lust-filled disrespect.

With a look of such detest and acidity, James leaned down to the groaning chaser, "if I hear you speak of my brother like that ever again, I will make sure that you will lose each of your tiny balls in the middle of Sunday brunch…is that clear?"

He received a weak nod before James gathered his things and giving a nod of farewell to Devon and stalked back up to the castle, expression dour and marked with rage.

present

After folding up his father's letter and calming his rising nerves, James went back to eating his porridge. His thoughts were interrupted.

"Hey James, everything okay?" came the slightly hesitant voice of his little brother. Caught a bit off guard, James's first response was to bite back.

"What, Albus? Can't you see I'm busy eating?" He looked over to see his brother's face clouded with hurt and moist eyes brimming with tears. Fuck.

"I.. uh.. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you. I.. it's just.. you looked a bit tense while reading your letter. Who was it from?"

"Oh Merlin, Al, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to snap, I've just been under a lot of pressure, what with Quidditch and all. And yeah, the letter was from Dad. Expect one in a few days." At the sight of his brother looking a bit less strained he continued, "really, Al. I'm really sorry for biting. Are you free tonight after supper? I think there are a few things we should talk about! I promise everything's fine."

"Yeah, I'm free!" chirped Albus, relieved that his older brother wasn't directly mad at him. "See you then!" and with that he collected his books and Rose and darted off towards Transfiguration.

He would be having a small chat with Albus today about being a bit more conscious of the affect he might have on others. And what did his dad mean, keep tabs on some of your friends — particularly Miles? Was he looking at Albus in less than platonic ways? Merlin, everyone's getting on his nerves.


Scorpius Malfoy's first month of school was going splendiferously if he could say so himself. He was taking seven courses, the five he needed for Auror training, as to follow in his father's footstep, and additionally Ancient Runes and Muggle Studies. The keeper believed that a firm grasp of the Muggle world would help him greatly in the long run, especially if he planned on working in a department that had frequent overlaps with Muggles — many dark wizards still conducted much of their in the Muggle world, as to further mask their identities.

Quidditch tryouts had also gone well. They replaced a beater and a chaser. They weren't outstanding, but the new younger players rounded out the team nicely and left for no weak link. He would be surprised if they didn't win the Quidditch Cup this year.

After the welcome back feast the first night, Scorpius had given little thought to the Albus Potter situation. He knew at some point he would have the younger boy writhing beneath him looking up at him with those overly expressive emerald eyes, but for now he wanted to focus on Quidditch and his academics.

Though Scorpius was able to give relatively no effort and still receive top marks, classes were a bit more demanding this year. It wasn't the difficulty of the material, but that he was given so much more work. And by work, he meant reading. It was obscene how many translations he was required to do per day. Although his father told him that the previous professor, Bathsheda Babbling, was a nightmare. I guess Professor Horne is a blessing. By the end of September, however, Bastian was becoming antsy; he had had no success on the Rose front and had resorted to what he referred to as 'inadequate lioness chits.'

"… and Thomas used her teeth practically the whole time. It was awful, but at least it shut her up for a good ten minutes. I swear I kept cool when talking to Weasley, but for some reason when I asked if she wanted to study with her she thought I was kidding."

"You wagged your eyebrows and raised rabbit ears when you said 'study,'" answered Persephone. Currently she and Claire were flipping through this week's Witch Weekly unenthusiastically — apparently the retirement of the Oliver Wood from Puddlemore United had left very little juicy news for the two friends discuss. It had arrived with this morning's post.

As Scorpius bit into a raspberry-almond scone, he glanced over at the Gryffindor table and saw James Potter reading a letter, concern growing on his face as he reached lower on the page. As he stuffed the note in his pocket, Scorpius watched as James's brother put a hand on his should with a look of worry.

Although he couldn't hear the boy's response to the younger Potter's question, he knew it must have been delivered with bite and impatience as Albus recoiled and looked disheartened. Merlin, what a wuss. As if rehearsed, within seconds the two were hugging and appeared to be sharing apologies. Jeez they were annoying, Scoripus thought. Actually, only James Potter's actually annoying, Albus is just too nice for his own good. You know, the last time I spoke to him – before the encounter on the Hogwarts Express – he was nothing but pleasant and quite giggly. Maybe I should say something to him today to remind him I'm here and ready to stake my claim. I'll do it during Potions; he usually needs assistance. Scorpius chuckled.

"So Scor.." began Bastian, shifting the keeper's attention. "Do you think you can get a move on in making baby Potter wanting you? Then you can introduce me to Weasley! It'll be perfect. I've been so disappointed with my hook-ups this month I'm about ready to swear monogamy if Weasley's a decent lay."

"Yeah, I'm on it."


After an excellent Transfigurations period – well, to Rose and Albus, that is – the Gryffindor foursome migrated from the first floor down to the dungeons for their Potions lesson. On Wednesdays they had Potions directly after Transfigurations so the trek wasn't so bad. But on Friday afternoons, going from the dungeons to Arithmancy on the western part of the fourth floor was hellish. Rose and Albus barely ever made it.

"So what do you think Professor Ace will assign us today?" mused Rose aloud.

Professor Marigold Ace was a fairly recent addition to the Hogwarts staff. She replaced Horace Slughorn after his long overdue retirement about a decade ago. She was young, only about 36, and had the most pleasant demeanor. While she tolerated no lip, her playfulness towards her students and sharp, but never mean-spirited humor made her one of the more popular instructors at the magical school.

"No idea, I just hope nothing too difficult," prayed Albus. "Remember what happened last week when she decided to 'have some fun' by giving each of us a random potion from her gigantic lexicon of potions? Thank Merlin Marco and I got a potion we covered in fourth year, but Zabini and MacMillan were stuck making the Draught of Enlightenment! It was horrible. No one could brew that in 90 minutes! I felt so bad!"

"Yes, well I'm sure it'll be fine today, shorty," reassured Nik.

"Hey!" came a roar of protest at the so frequently used nickname. "Anyways… do you guys wanna sit out by the lake after lunch during our free period today? I want to spend as much time outdoors while the weather's still good!"

With a resounding 'yes' from his friends, Albus pushed open the dungeon door and led his Gryffindors to their usual table in the middle row on the right hand side out of six large, four-person stations.

"….and that leaves Mr. Malfoy paired with Mr. Potter! Okay class, please move to an appropriate station and begin your antidotes! Most successful team gets an extra 50 points to their houses."

Albus went white as Nearly-Headless Nick. Oh Merlin! I've avoided him all term! Just keep cool. Act normal. He's just Scorpius Malfoy. Act like you've always acted with him! The petite Gryffindor picked up his copy of Advanced Potion-Making and book bag and moved timidly across the aisle to sit in the stool left unoccupied next to the stoic blonde.

Scorpius, on the other hand, couldn't have been more pleased with Professor Ace's bold decision to do inter-house pairings. Now he could spend the next hour and a half dropping subtle comments to engage the boy and make him sweat.

"A pleasure as always, Potter" he drawled as the Savior of the Wizarding World's youngest son sat down quietly. Must remember not to frighten him off or act like a prat.

"Yes, of course, Scorpius" he replied, a bit miffed and tight. Shit! I just said his first name! Oh Merlin, what am I doing!?

"Relax, we've got this. I've brewed half of the antidotes we're going over today a million times." Scorpius was trying to make Albus to be at as much ease as possible. Oh yes. Did he just use my first name? My, my, is he going to be fun.

"Anyways, why do you get this list of ingredients from the supply closet and I'll prep our workspace," he all but whispered in Albus's ear. The younger boy took a sharp inhale of breath and the sudden closeness. He blushed a bit and turned away quickly.

"Of.. of course. I'll be right back!"

"Potter…" Albus stopped as he was three feet away from the table. He turned around slowly and look up into Scorpius's eyes. "You forgot the list…" The Slytherin laughed what sounded like a true and honest laugh.

Though embarrassed for his stupid forgetfulness, the Gryffindor couldn't help but feel a twinge of victory at knowing he made Scorpius Malfoy laugh.

"Oh, right! Sorry!" He grabbed the paper swiftly and bolted for the closet.

Scorpius heard a shuffle from behind him and then Adrian Higgs was at his side. "Merlin, Scor, cut him some slack. If you spend the next 86 minutes whispering in his ear he might burst into flames." The boy slinked away with a look of pure glee on his visage, back to his station with a Ravenclaw girl when he saw Albus return from the supply closet, hands filled with ingredients and face beaming.

"I think I got everyth—!" As Albus approached the Slytherin, he accidentally knocked into the corner of the countertop and lost his footing. As he gave a quick squeak of surprise and fright while he began his fall, Scorpius instinctively caught him by the waist and pulled him in as to steady his feet. "Uh… thanks," said Albus, looking mortified.

"No problem," he winked. "Now put those on the table and let's get to work."

The next hour and fifteen minutes or so went by quite excellently. They made light conversation, mostly about classes, professors, and co-curricular activities. Albus was getting more and more disenfranchised as the friendlier side of Scorpius Malfoy became clearer. The nicer he was, the deeper Albus's crush became. At least when they were mere acquaintances he could pretend that the Slytherin keeper was cold, obnoxious and bigoted; but now he had to try and reign his feelings in for someone who he would like nothing more than to parade himself around with.

Scorpius was enjoying himself immensely. Albus was behaving exactly how he had heard others describe him: bubbly, energetic, a bit unaware of his own energy, and still actually pretty bright. While he made sure that he kept them focused on the antidote, he allowed Albus to lead tangents on his daily activities and interests. Even though there was little middle ground by way of Quidditch, they shared many similar preferences, such as colors, bands/musicians, and foods. Whenever he thought the smaller teen was getting a bit too comfortable, he would accidentally brush his hand on the other's or say something rather lewd as to get a blush or a stammered sentence out of the Gryffindor. All in all, he thought today's potion's lesson was an absolute success.

"… and so I convinced Rose that we should place the fireworks beside James's bedroom window. So when they went on, he thought someone placed some sort of explosive outside his room! He even wet himself! It was so funny! Although, dad wasn't very happy. I think it was the only time he's ever scolded me. But it was totally work it!" he stopped his rapid paced story at smirk he received from the keeper. "What?..."

"Haha, nothing. I wouldn't've thought James'd be the type to piss himself from fright! Nice one Al!"he knew this would get the reaction he so desired. Albus looked completely taken aback at Scorpius's use of his first name. The blonde calculated he would basically close the deal by using not only his first name, but his nick name of preference. He was not disappointed.

At first there was a look of shock splayed across his face. Then it morphed into one of absolute bliss; his vibrant eyes swimming with excitement and affection. "Thanks!" he gave an unsteady, yet uncontrollable giggle-laugh.

"Not that I didn't love hearing of your pranks on your older brother, but we only have five minutes left. How about you begin packing things up while I take the antidote up for testing."

A grinning nod gave his confirmation and he ladled some of the potion into a goblet and walked down the center aisle. Along the way he passed Bastian working with some random Hufflepuff. He discretely nudged him and hissed in his friend's ear: "got him. He's mine."

When he returned to his station, after Professor Ace announced that Rose and Morgan Zabini won the antidote prize, Albus sat beaming on his stool, looking nothing short of someone who's just been given a new Thundershock 5000.

"What's got you grinning like someone who's just found a thousand Galleons?" he asked smoothly. The boy coughed a bit out of embarrassment.

"Uh, you know. I'm really proud of Rose for winning us some house points!" His face flushed. Color rose in his cheeks and adorably accented his few freckles as the Gryffindor bit his lip. If he does that one more time, I'm going to throw him on top of Professor Ace's desk and ravish him in front of the whole class.

The bell rang and Albus fled to his friends and dragged them out of the classroom so quickly you'd have thought they were dismissed early. Scorpius turned to his friends and gave them a triumphantly smug look.


Albus felt as though he had been hit with four Cheering Charms and his friends were beginning to take a toll. But nothing mattered. Scorpius Malfoy was the most wonderful guy at Hogwarts. And he called him Al! That must mean something! How could it not! Albus's three friends practically carried him to lunch as he was so dizzy with emotions. The high from second period carried him through to the end of the day up until after supper.

As we was leaving the Great Hall, Albus saw James leave his friends and walk over to him.

"We need to talk.." he said in a firm, slightly grave voice. Albus felt that his favorite day of the term was about take a turn.


AN: Thanks for reading! If you have any recommendations, please review and I will try and take them into account! I have a general idea of where the story is headed, and I expect about 10 – 12 total chapters.