Tuesday August 31st, 2021:

Rose was comfortably perched against the headboard of her bed, thumbing through the pages of what appeared to be a giant portfolio — inside were in-numerous photographs. The photos that she was concentrating on contained bygone events with her and her once closest cousin. The one that she was exceptionally having trouble deflecting her fixed stare from was an image of her first birthday; she had a Devil's Food-cake flavoured cupcake made for her by her parents. In addition, ensuing her and Albus digging their palms into the pastry to eat, they swatted the specks of cake at each other from their chocolate-sticking fingers.

Rose grinned fondly, and soon after, her fixed stare guided to another photo; this one was the two of them being caught hand reaching into a cookie jar. She was the one helping Albus up, and Albus being the one 'hand caught in the cookie jar'. Both of them resembled deer in the headlights turning their heads around to face the couple: being her aunt and uncle. Harry and Ginny were agitated, but they apparently agreed that it was too precious to not at least recapture the cute moment between them. Followed by Ginny nagging them while Harry hid the cookie remains inside of a high-reaching cupboard, secured with a spell-accessible lock on the handle. That way both of the inexperienced five-year-olds would be unable to access it themselves.

Browsing each different photo lengthened for a long period, until she bit her bottom lip and sealed the book shut. She considered herself strong and not exactly the emotional sappy type. She was kept to herself, but she found that after losing her once best friend, she had been alone. She had some other friends, but not chummy enough to send any owls to. Every now and then, she would write a letter to her ex-boyfriend, Scorpius. Her bond with the Malfoy was unrivalled compared to others she would abide with, he was the only person she knew who would go on and on about what he has learned and what he would want to learn, much like herself. Nevertheless, her guilt for the way she had treated the tenderhearted Malfoy for such a protracted amount of time was relentlessly clinging on her conscience.

She and Lily would regularly write to each other, and Roxanne, Molly, and Dominique would send her a letter every now and then, but with the drama going on in Dominique's state of mind, her letters were excessively short and limited for the sending process.

Relatives aside (Scorpius being an exception), she had no true friends. She brought to mind that night prior to her trip to King's Cross Station; her mother used her mystic maternal psychic powers to see through Rose when she assured that she was not distraught about anything. She perceived Rose to be anxious at the possibility of nobody liking her, so she enlightened her that for her first year of Hogwarts it took some time to make friends. From her story, Rose was intrigued by the fate of her parents not only meeting on the train, but also her uncle Harry! Even before they actually became friends!

With that bit of useful knowledge in mind, she was set on discovering the ideal compartment to make friends for her first year. In the compartment she selected was a sharp-witted and fierce brunette triumphantly performing the Softening Charm on her copy of Magical Theory. She was Polly Chapman ... but what a mistake that was.

Rose currently yearned to make things right and decide on her friends more cautiously, and Albus was the perfect person to start with. He was her first best friend after all.

Now she felt that she needed a second opinion. The only two people in the house with her at that very moment was her brother and father — her mother had been wrapped up in work (to her usual dismay). Hugo was the absolute last person she would request advice from, so reluctantly she sought out her father. He did not give advice much, but when he did, she took it to heart. He may have not been the brains of the family, but he had a strong moral centre that she admired.

Halting in her spot to go through everything in her head, she eventually made up her mind and marched downstairs for her search.

Hugo whisked on past her as she reached the final step of the staircase, chasing their family tabby cat throughout the house — it was their little bit of "fun", at least on Hugo's part.

Rose rolled her eyes, but with luck thereupon her side she located her father through the glass-panelled door leading to the backyard. He appeared to be swishing his wand, his movements synching up with the trimmers as they spruced up the hedges of their garden. She smirked; it was well known to her that her mother disagreed on her husband's often lazy tactics when it comes to yard work or chores in general. But despite arguing that it was efficient, he would listen, at least, when she was not home.

She slowly swung the door open with the noise immediately causing her parent a slight jolt and the hedgetrimmers virtually flying up in the air.

"Dad?"

"Hey, sweetheart," Ron said, catching his breath from the unexpected jolt. His yardwork carried on properly again. "Do you need anything."

"Yes, actually," Rose responded, "but first I must warn you that mum is suspecting you using your magic for work around the house, so she told me to tell her if you've been doing so. And our neighbours, the Charles, as well."

Ron gasped, followed by his head slouching to the side to make sure the coast of their magic-folk neighbours was clear. At first sight it seemed that way, until his eyes wandered over south-east of their well-kept flourished yard to spot a boy just Rose's age tending to their ripe cherry tomatoes.

"No need to worry, sir," Dominic said. "My folks are out, and I don't care what you do, so..." He shrugged.

Without one ounce of realization of what she was doing, Rose chuckled. When the realization ultimately caught up with her, she exchanged the chuckle for a cough. Dominic blinked, just as befuddled as Rose herself was from that express of enjoyment. Though he hated to admit it, the sound of her chuckle was nice, and abrupt heat increased in his face that had nothing to do with the sun rays beaming down on him.

"Don't worry, dad. I won't tell mum either. At least, just this once," Rose said.

"Ah, so you're a rebel now, are ya?" Dominic called out, picking the fruit without even looking at them. "Might not work well with you being a prefect and all."

"I'm not a prefect," Rose said.

"You're not? But you're the perfect person to be one!" Dominic exclaimed.

"Which is why McGonagall chose me, but I turned it down," Rose said. "Too much responsibility for my taste."

"Huh. I admire that," Dominic complimented.

While Rose approved of the genuine compliment, she didn't approve of the extra company when she was in need of advice. "Anyway, dad, can we go inside?"

"Sure," Ron said instanteously, not liking the longing look the teenaged boy was gawking at his daughter with. He set down the trimmers and sheltered his wand in his pants pocket.

"Dad, I would like your advice on something," Rose said as the sliding door closed behind them with a steady clink.

Ron's expression was stumped and astonished all in one go. "My advice?" Then his expression changed to comprehension. "Oh, it's because your mother isn't here, huh? Unless ..." His blue eyes widened in such a way that Rose was almost convinced that he suddenly saw her as a spider. "You need the advice for boys-"

"Well, it is about a boy, but not in the way you think," Rose reassured.

"Good!" Ron piped up, encouragingly driving her towards the living room couch.

They sat down, but prior to discussing, Rose craned around in case Hugo was about to run into the room still chasing the cat or was hiding behind a chair, eavesdropping on them. Confirming that he was nowhere to be seen, she started. "It's about Albus."

Ron understood right away.

"Are you two still not getting along," he asked.

"Well, better than we have been the past few years since starting Hogwarts..."

"You did apologize to him, right?"

"Sorta."

"What do you mean "sorta"? Ron interrogated sternly.

"Well, I-I spoke to him more, and I apologized to Scorpius. Aka: his best friend-"

"But you didn't apologize to him?"

"N-No, but I thought my actions was enough."

"Rose," Ron said more courteous but still stern. "We talked about this. It was wrong of you to shut out your own cousin like that just because of a dumb house sorting..."

"That's precisely what I wanted to talk to you about," Rose interrupted. "I want to make it up to him, but he is more pig-headed than Scorpius to talk some sense into. What should I say for him to mean it?"

"Well, are you really sincere about all of this?" Ron asked.

"Of course," Rose replied.

"Then show it, so he knows you really mean it," Ron said.

"Hmm, seems simple enough," Rose said. "Thank you, dad."

She hugged her father, but he held her tighter. Ever since becoming a teenager he hugged her in such a way like if he were to let go, she would leave forever.

"Oh, and I need a favour," she managed to say from being squeezed so tightly.

"Hm?" Ron asked, his one eye peaked open to look at Rose while in their embrace.

"I would prefer to get this done with before we head off to school tomorrow. Can you bring me to the Potter's today?"

"Sure," Ron replied, finally letting go. He rose from the couch to prepare for the unprolonged trip ahead, and as he did he heard the pitter patter of little feet closing in on him. The source of these steps were their tabby cat scampering past his feet with Hugo in pursuit. He circled the table in front of the couch so he wouldn't knock anyone down, and vanished as quickly as he appeared.

"For goodness sake, Hugo! Enough already," Rose commanded.

"Serves the furball right waking me up six in the morning," Ron mumbled, fiddling with his pockets in search of his keys.

"That's the time you're supposed to wake up anyways," Rose said.

"Not weekends," Ron corrected.


Ron gave the door of the Potter's home a firm and rhythmic knock when arrived with Rose, and from the knock they heard Lily's energetic voice from inside yelling, "I'll get it! I'll get it!" Accompanied by her footsteps drawing closer and closer. "It's Rose and uncle Ron! I knew I told you I knew that knock!"

"Are you waiting for our permission or something? Open the door already!" They heard James say.

Lily mimicked her brother under her breath and flew the door open. "Hi Rose! Hi uncle Ron!" She squeezed them both with her hug and let them in.

"Wow! Your hair is growing very well," Rose flattered.

"Thank you! I was hoping it would," Lily said.

Lily's radiant auburn hair typically brushed the top of her shoulders, but now it draped over them as well as her chest.

Harry was the only parent who seemed to be home, and to both of the Weasley's surprise, Draco Malfoy was seated across from him. They were drinking Butter Beer and actually laughing, and it in no way sounded fake or forced. The two men peered over at the visitors.

"Hey, Ron. What's up?" Harry casually asked, as if his former arch nemesis was not sitting across from him.

"Er, sorry. I know you and Malfoy have been pretty chummy with each other, I just never thought I would actually see you guys laughing and smiling," Ron explained as best as he could.

"Neither would I," Harry said, accompanied by a chuckle.

"Scorpius is here for a visit again," Draco added, saying nothing more.

"Do you two need anything?" Harry asked.

"I wanted to talk to Albus, if that's alright," Rose said.

"Sure. He's upstairs in his room with Scorpius," Harry said.

"Won't take long," Rose told her father, walking upstairs.

Ron joined his best friend in a glass of Butter Beer, though still trying to get over being with Draco.

While striding by the hallway, heeding the laughter and talking of the infamous duo of friends, she couldn't help but wait by his door, listening to them. Something that she would never admit to someone was a very big reason why her and Scorpius broke up. Yes their bickering got out of control, but her boyfriend fancied someone else. Though Molly had told her in secret that Scorpius obviously had feelings for his best friend, but she brought up that she had a hunch. She wasn't upset as she should have been, but she knew that they had something special.

Interrupting her state of mind, she knocked on the 'privately sealed' door and while Scorpius was still laughing over something, Albus asked cautiously (obviously afraid of it being James) "Who is it?"

It took a while for Albus to open the door. He looked at her for a while. "Um, hi? Are you here to talk to Scorpius?"

"No, I wanted to speak to you," Rose replied.

"Scorpius, what day and month is it today?" Albus asked.

"August thirty-first?" Scorpius answered, confused.

"So, it's not April Fool's Day?" Albus said.

"Nope," Scorpius said, finally catching on.

Albus looked at Rose again.

"And what day is opposite day?" he asked.

"It's not really a specific days," Scorpius said.

"You must be serious then," Albus said.

"Yes," Rose said, impatiently.

"I'll leave you guys to it. Just going to check on my dad," Scorpius said, strolling out of the room.

"What do you want? The only time you ever wanted to talk to me is when you would lecture me," Albus grumbled.

"Sit down, please," Rose demanded, proving Al's point.

Albus did, not looking forward to their little pep talk.

Rose handed Albus a couple of photographs.

"Remember these?"

Albus shuffled the photos one by one. Every one of them contained him and Rose. Not only did he feel nostalgic from reliving these memories with only one glance, but also heavyhearted from the loss of them.

"Yeah," Albus said heartily.

"So, I have a proposition," Rose said.

"Okay?"

She had a lot of those.

"Since we've been in Hogwarts we have been growing further apart. I realize that it is my own fault, and not of yours."

Albus didn't speak.

"Before that happened, we have always been very close when we were younger, and I often reminisce about those days and miss them. Therefore, my proposition is this: I won't interfere with your own life and choices and I treat you the way a cousin should, and you don't ignore or scold me when I try to do so." She reached her hand, waiting for him to shake it.

As stuck-up was Rose always was, Albus missed her company regardless. She was the type of person who would just enjoy having fun without the competion, which was always a relief with Al's dreadful performance in sports, and she would frequently think up the most ridiculous scenarios when they would play (although not considered ridiculous at the time.)

With that all in mind and seeing the sincerity in her eyes and taking a once over at the photos, he shook it.

"Wow. Didn't think that would work. Excellent then," Rose said satisfied.

By the time Scorpius returned upstairs, the sight before him was jarring. Albus and Rose talking ... while actually smiling!

"Hey, Scorpius! Check these out!" Albus said.

"No! I don't want him to see those!" Rose protested. "I resembled a boy those ages."

"All in your imagination, Rose," Albus said, handing the photos to Scorpius. Rose went red.

Scorpius enjoyed them, and he was pleasantly surprised to see them getting along.


Saturday September 11th, 2021:

Sitting on their dormitory beds — to Dominic and his friend's amazement — Albus was flicking his wand in majestic circles around him, his eyes preoccupied with his Standard Book of Spell, Grade 5. Where as the nerd Scorpius didn't have a book nor wand in sight, but instead a broom.

"Hey, you blokes. Did you see this?" the only boy in the dorm who wasn't concentrating on the odd role reversals asked, holding the parchment in the air for everyone to see.

"What?" Dominic asked, giving up on deciphering Albus and Scorpius' odd role reversals.

Him and the opposite teen read the ad together silently:

Stress of exams, O.W.L.S or N.E.W.T.s getting you down?

Come and see Rose Granger-Weasley of Gryffindor in the library

Friday: 7:00pm-10:00pm

Saturday: 11:00am-5:00pm

Sunday: 11:00am-5:00pm

"Rose Granger-Weasley is no longer being arrogant and is instead using her brain to tutor others, Albus is studying hard and Scorpius isn't. I'm not so sure what's real anymore," Dominic stated, loud enough for Scorpius and Albus to hear. His laugh wasn't mocking, but more pleasant, so they didn't take it as an insult.

As if reading their minds, Albus said to Scorpius, "Aren't you going to study?"

"Not right now," Scorpius replied, grappling the tail of his broom. "I'm going to practise my flying. And you're coming with me."

"Now? I need to learn this spell. It's been plaguing me for a while now," Albus said.

"Since when did you study?" Scorpius laughed.

"I need to boost up my charms for a more than average mark for when we do our O.W.L.s," Al answered.

"Which one are you trying?' Scorpius questioned.

"The Mending Charm?"

"The Mending Charm? That's a simple one," Scorpius said.

"Maybe for you," Al said under his breath. "Every time I tried it, people would just tease me while hovering over me. "Reparo."

The rippled up blank piece of parchment (that was deliberately ripped for testing), stuck back together, hand movement like a backwards G.

"You did it! See? It's not that difficult! Now come on!" Scorpius said all of this so rapidly and grabbed Albus by his shirt.

"Where are we going?"

"To the Quidditch pitch. I'm going to just fly around for a bit. Bring yours, let's go!"

"You know I'm not good at flying," Albus said.

"You seemed to do well on Cloud Swifer."

"That's different."

"I know you can do it. Come on," Scorpius said, finding Al's broom himself and passing it to him.

Four years Albus had known Scorpius, and he stillcouldn't say no to him.

The sky facing down on the pitch was indistinguishable from the bewitched ceiling Albus had back home: starry, dark blue, with grey whiffs of cloud occasionally drifting by. It was a gratifying atmosphere to fly with. It was certainly not a warm night though, because chills travelled throughout his body.

"Little chilly tonight," Scorpius said.

"Tell me something I don't alr—" Out of nowhere, something warm cloaked around Albus' shoulders, and it turned out to be Scorpius' sweater. "What is this for?"

"You were cold," Scorpius said.

"I'm pretty sure you do that with a girl," Albus said. "Besides, now you will be cold."

"I'll be okay. Once I'm moving about in the air, really gets the sweat going," Scorpius said.

Albus could have continued to persist Scorpius that he didn't need the sweater, but he couldn't deny that he enjoyed Scorpius' warmth around him, so he didn't bother.

"So, why did you want me to come?" Albus asked, calmly.

Scorpius shrugged. "I just wanted the company, and I thought that you would think it was fun."

"Let's find out," Albus said, smirking and mounting his broom.

They flew off together, barrel-rolling, nose diving as they would whirl around, and Albus only wished he could have been soaring further like he did on Storm Kicker. He hastily fought against his temptation however, because the last thing he wanted was to suffer through another year's worth of detention. It wasn't as spectacular as riding on a majestic creature with wings, but it was no less rejuvenating. When the flying came to an end, Albus took delight in noticing the sweat in Scorpius' hair and on his skin that he ordinarily had when finished with Quidditch practise or a match.


Saturday November 13th, 2021:

They were always there; the corridors, outside the castle, the Great Hall, the library, and in the classrooms. 'They' were girls and boys of every house, but the majority of them being Slytherin following Scorpius.

Because of his improving Seeker skills, his house had achieved the Quidditch Cup after so many years. Those who were not apart of the preceding winning house stalked the talented Seeker for another reason: his confidence gained from that special day, in conjunction with his newly formed lean muscular build. And with Rose's approval (who was already societal), he was given a high stature. Girls (and a boy here and there) would bring him his favourite treats from Hogsmead, and frequently hand him compliments and short to long ranging conversations.

In advance of the first Quidditch match of the season, Scorpius relaxed side by side with Albus below a beech tree by the Great Lake. Albus rejoiced in feeding the school's giant squid dwelling beyond the glittering ripples of water. Knowing what the creature's appetite was from reading one of his plentiful books of magical creatures that Hagrid gave him whether as a holiday gift or not, the giant tentacle rose out of the water with a splash so powerful that the teen's clothes were drenched and latched onto the shrimp taken from the Great Hall during supper.

The time passing by with the feeding was not different from any other time they would hang out since coming back from their summer holiday, not with numberless of people chatting it up with Scorpius.

They barely had time to relax. Many people approached their hang out at the beech tree to support Scorpius. Even Rose and Cora stopped by and wished him the best of luck.

"I told James to wish you luck, but he doesn't want to. He takes our house's pride very fervently," Rose said.

"Of course. That wank," Albus grumbled, taking James' behaviour more seriously than Scorpius.

When Rose departed, Scorpius caught a glimpse of the newest Chaser of their team; she was out for an isolated stroll, hands in her pocket with a troubled crease between her dark flawlessly curved eyebrows.

"Erika!" Scorpius shouted.

Erika lifted her head and grinned when her dark glistening brown eyes found him, she was friendly, smart, and funny. A great addition to the Slytherin house.

"No need to be nervous," Scorpius said.

"I'm not nervous," Erika fumblingly giggled.

"Come on. You can tell me," Scorpius said in a sing-song voice.

Erika sighed. "Fine, I am a little. Ever since leaving Mahoutokoro School of Magic, I have been trying my best to leave a good impression on everyone. It's difficult when you're a student who switches schools being fifteen, you know? This game means a big deal to everyone here, so the idea of letting them down in my first match-"

"That won't happen!" Scorpius finished. "You played flawlessly in all of our practises!"

"Yes, but practise is much different from the actual deal," Erika said.

"Well, I wish you luck," Scorpius said.

"Me too," Albus said.

"That's sweet of you two. I would wish likewise for you, Scorpius, but you won't need it," Erika said.

She winked and Scorpius' gaze followed the elegant movements of her just past shoulder length shining ebony hair as it bounced along with her strut.

"I don't hear the name Erika much," Scorpius muttered.

"Huh? Oh yeah. I guess so," Albus said, put off from that random comment.

"It's nice though," Scorpius said, maintaining his watchful eye on the path Erika exited from, like she was still there. "Did you know she wants to be a healer?"

"No," Albus replied, even more put off.

"She told me one time when we were leaving practise," Scorpius said.

"It's amazing how seriously these people take this game," Albus said, not enjoying the conversation or subject Scorpius was beginning to brew. "They act like the fate of the world depends on it, and now they don't treat you like shite just because you're good at it."

"I don't think it's winning that is drawing people to me, but my confidence," Scorpius said, withdrawing his stare on the retreating Erika, as well as his thoughts.

"I know. I'm just saying," Albus remarked. "Just make sure to be careful."

"I will," Scorpius reassured.

The enormous writhing tentacle arose again to snatch the final handful of shrimp from Albus' hand, and Scorpius pointed his wand at his robes to have a wave of hot air stream from the peak, and then to his own. Now they were no longer soaked; something Scorpius wished he had remembered to take care of when Erika was there.


The blustery weather howling and swerving on outside was so powerful that barely strutting over the borderline between the pitch and the locker rooms Scorpius already felt the combination of wind and rain slap his face.

But through the howling of the intense breeze he could still make out the deafening cheers echo throughout the stadium, and spot the flock of swaying green and canary-yellow flags and banners. He didn't focus on the flags or banners however as much as he did on Albus already gawking over to his direction. He waved, and Scorpius gleefully but nervously waved back.

Albus was finally confident about Scorpius' abilities after so many months, but no matter what, witnessing a Bludger closing on him, nose-diving near to the ground, or another player advancing next to him and occasionally punching, Albus would panic.

The captains shook hands, and in five seconds the whistle blew. Scorpius launched into the air, performing his objective as Seeker, he scouted about for the golden flying Snitch.

"And they're off!" Abigail Wood announced. She may not have been good at the game itself, but she was proven to be quite the engaging announcer. "Given the current weather conditions, it would be near impossible for anyone to see what they are doing, especially for the Seekers to seek out the Snitch! But that won't stop Horace Jameson of Slytherin flawlessly heading for the Bludger flying towards Erika Yushamor — in possession of a Quaffle!"

Albus was relieved that Horace was on Scorpius' team, so he won't pummel him into the ground: Horace was very skilled with his hitting.

Only a minute into the game, Scorpius saw that Erika's talents weren't being embellished. Her broom controlled erratically and now and again a Bludger would just miss her, and a Quaffle would always be stolen when she would retrieve it. But he didn't focus on Erika for very long and instead swerved to the opposite direction Horace was heading, desperately searching for a speck of gold beyond the downpour. Hugo — being Hufflepuff's Seeker — zoomed all around with a watchful eye, but then decided to exhilarate high above the clouds to search there. He never liked to waste time and mosey around.

Scorpius chose to stay put below the clouds, edging over to the Hufflepuff's goalposts.

"Erika Yushamor scores the first goal!"

The Slytherin crowd went especially hysterical.

Scorpius momentarily gave up his Seeker duties and saw Erika hovering mid-air, in complete shock with the widest smile on her face. He cheered for her, and Erika saw this and flushed.

Remembering, Scorpius continued his search but saw nothing. Just then Hugo emerged from the clouds - to Scorpius' relief - without the Snitch in his hand.

Suddenly, there flickering it's light supersonic wings was the Snitch. Gasping, Scorpius dived with the wind and rain lightly slapping his face. He was eight feet away with his arm extended forward. The commentary was completely unheard by him, but then Hugo came veering in of the left of him, also with his hand reaching forward.

Scorpius' heart fluttered in fear, but then a Bludger — hit by Hufflepuff's Beater — threw both of them off course. In just a few seconds, the Snitch flew upward from position. Scorpius was feeling indifferent about the sudden block, grateful for interrupting Hugo, but the other of it blocking him.

Disappointment was heard from both opposing team supporters, including Albus, but that quickly changed with the Hufflepuff supporter's applause and uproar when one of their team's Chaser scored.

"The two teams are now evenly matched! Eighty points each!"

The two Seekers darted up past the clouds. Scorpius was skilled at diving, but not so much the vertical soaring, especially in the rain and dark patches of clouds.

Unlike Hugo, where soaring was his speciality.

Scorpius narrowly avoided the Hufflepuff and frantically scanned his surroundings, with Hugo ahead of him.

Neither of them could see the tiny golden nuisance, but with both of them simply hovering, they both took their time and searched. Then, the speck of gold revealed itself, circling around a cloud. Scorpius accelerated with all of his might, trying not to blink — which was difficult due to the wind in his eyes — and saw Hugo following him at the corner of his unblinking eye.

The Snitch flew downward, and Scorpius smirked. With his talent as an advantage, he swooped down and kept on it. Now that he was closer to the ground, he could hear the crowds again, and at the moment they were ecstatic on the Slytherin side.

"Scorpius Malfoy of Slytherin is in pursuit of the Snitch, with Hugo Granger-Weasley of Hufflepuff tailing behind him!"

Scorpius could slightly hear someone calling out his name and cheering him on, and to his surprise, it was Albus! Albus was never so loud or excited for these sort of events, but Scorpius was sure inspired.

Good timing too, because Scorpius increased in speed and inched closer and closer to his target, with Hugo barely falling behind. His hand closed in around the struggling Snitch at the end of his house's side of the pitch.

The whistle blew and the Slytherin supporters jumped from their seats and cheered while the Hufflepuff supporters booed or hid their faces under their hands.

Scorpius landed to the ground and showed off the Snitch to everybody.

"Great game, Scorpius!" Bert Macmillan (the Slytherin Quidditch Captain) praised, patting his shoulder.

A handful of his team-mates hoisted him into the air on their shoulders, and Erika approached him.

"Great job!"

"It was pretty great," Scorpius acknowledged through the roaring cheers. "But you were the first to make a goal!"

"He's right!" Bert chimed in. "All of you were great!"

Everyone congratulated each other, and then put Scorpius back down. He felt a tap on his shoulder and saw Hugo.

"Good game, Scorp," Hugo said, reaching his hand out.

It was clear on his face that he was disappointed. Scorpius shook his hand and said, "Thanks. You too."

When the team was on their way to the locker room, Scorpius was interrupted again, this time by Albus.

"You!" Scorpius said. "What was with that yelling encouragement, huh?"

"I thought you needed it," Albus said. "Nice hair by the way."

Scorpius looked confused, but then touched it since he couldn't see it. His standard thin slicked back hair was currently rumpled pointed upwards like the tip of a flame.

"Must be all of that wind," Scorpius said. "You know I just might keep this look."

Albus swore that with every game he won, Scorpius grew more and more self-assured. With a preposterous hairdo like that and proudly keeping it, he was sure he was being crazily overconfident with his beliefs. Though secretly Albus could not deny that he adored his style choice.


Friday November 26 th , 2021:

A reserved twenty-four-seven watch was set on Roger Parkinson-Jones from the act of Hermione Granger-Weasley speaking for the Ministry to order each professor to keep their eyes open, and none were more eager to volunteer than Filch.

From that act, Roger no longer carried through any cruel towards his peers, but it was clear to all of those people who were there to witness the use of the Cruciatus Curse that his square pugnacious face was even grimmer than the norm as a result. Even his posse: featuring Dylan, Horace, and Mary were all especially careful while speaking to him and often kept their distance. Even his wand was confiscated from him when he wasn't in classes.

"Albus," Scorpius whispered.

Scorpius and Albus were sitting in Transfiguration class, scribbling their notes down there were no doubt important for their upcoming O.W.L.S.

"Yeah?" Albus whispered back, his cheek tilted on the palm of his hand.

"Don't turn your head, but Roger is staring at me."

"Why?"

"I don't know, but he is doing that a lot lately. Looking like he wants to strangle me or something," Scorpius said.

Albus looked at Roger without turning his head, and saw that his friend was right. "I wouldn't worry too much about it. He can't do anything, remember?"

"I know, but I just have a feeling that he's hatching something, and it's ... scaring me," Scorpius mumbled.

Persistent to forever protect his friend, Albus looked at the blond and tenderly grazed Scorpius' hand with his. "Well, if he is. I'm not going to let it happen."

Scorpius smiled, slightly feeling better. He didn't even say a word about Albus' hand lingering on his longer than it should have.

Albus forced himself to detach his hand and inattentively advanced with his notes.

The bell rang and the teens gathered their textbooks, parchment, and quills. Luckily Roger wasn't looking at him anymore.

Roger was the aftermost student to exit the classroom, wretchedly walking out into the hallway — escorted by Professor Medlis — and he inspected the right to him, and then the left, desperate to discover a way of escaping. With his wand currently in hand and his intelligence of limitless jinxes that most of his brain-dead classmates could only dream of memorising, it would be simple enough to conjure up a spell to knock out the professor guiding him. The level of complications to conjure an effective spell was not the problem, but the professor ratting him out afterwards. Not even a memory spell would do because it would attract plenty of suspicion, not that he knew how to do one anyway.

Glancing to the right of him into a narrow-down separate corridor steering into the Prefect's Bathroom — guarded by its usual statue of Boris the Bewildered in front — was something highly conspicuous: James Sirius Potter appearing out of thin air. Although he was of the age to Apparate, Roger knew of the rule of not being able to do so inside the castle, so he knew that wasn't the case. He was proved to be correct when James tugged away at a non existent material of some sort and clinged to his hand, judging by its current form. He looked pleased with himself. Roger theorized that he sneaked into the lavatory fully invisible without needing the password because of it.

That little bit of silver lining was everything Roger required: it was the invisibility cloak Harry Potter used in his Hogwarts years! He was told of its uses from stories, and upon hearing about it, he yearned to have it in his possession.

"What are you looking at, young man?" Professor Medlis demanded, sceptically.

Commonly, Roger didn't speak, until he shifted his wand at the rear of his back as he whispered, "Reducto."

Medlis jumped from an immediate and unexpected blasting resulting from her classroom, and Roger acted like he was bewildered himself while immediately tucking away his magic tool.

"What in blue blazes?" Medlis exclaimed, aiming her attention to her possibly destroyed classroom. "Listen here, young man. You stay right here. Only because It could be very dangerous."

Roger sensed that Medlis didn't feel contented enough to be leaving him unsupervised, examining from her hesitation, but sooner or later she made sure nobody was around for Roger to bother (missing the sight of James standing right next to the statue in front of the Prefects Lavatory) and left to examine the damage.

Just in time too, because James was about to scram.

"Petrificus Totalus!"

With a sideways five forming with his hand, a blazing white molecule of light belched from the peak and binded James' arms and legs together as he tumbled face down on the floor. His eyes were still open and shifting side to side in utter turmoil and fear.

"Fumos."

The corridor suffused with smog, blinding his victim from witnessing him, let alone anybody else who could be potential onlookers.

He approached the frozen in place teen and reached for the smooth invisible material clinging to his hand. He abducted it, produced a counter-spell to vanish the thick layers of smoke and hid James somewhere so nobody could spot him.

He rebounded to the spot the Transfiguration professor told him to stay put as a swarmy grin incurved at his lips.

In the interim a distressed Professor Medlis came back and dragged Roger with her to enlighten Headmistress McGonagall about the unknown source of all the embellished books and chairs in her study, Roger mentally plotted for the foolproof opportunity to do what he thirsted to do. But he was smart enough to not expose his pleasure by fixing his face to a miserable grimace. It was uncomplicated with McGonagall eying him distrustingly when Medlis explicated the situation.

The foolproof opportunity came when Scorpius was entirely isolated leaving the library after helping Rose with her tutoring that night.

He shammed Filch with entering the Slytherin dungeons to make it seem like he was going to turn in for the evening, only to drape the cloak over his whole body and depart when the abutting Slytherin passed through the password requiring portrait.

"I think that went pretty well," Scorpius said, lending her partner in tutoring a hand with clearing off any leftover quills, parchment, or books from their table.

"Excellent!" Rose concurred. "I think we are making a difference."

"Same time tomorrow?"

"Sure!" Scorpius said, walking alongside the Gryffindor to the door.

"Still keeping your hair like that, huh?" Rose teased.

Scorpius stroked his shiny, cluttered platinum locks and grinned. "I like it. It's like my ... my thing that sets me apart from others.

"Yeah, because nobody else in this school has that untidy look," Rose mocked.

"I meant as a Malfoy," Scorpius mumbled.

"Oh I know what you meant. Sheesh."

"Besides, others seem to like it. Even Albus."

"Of course he does..."

"What?"

"Nothing." Rose opened the door and gave Scorpius' arm a benevolent punch. "Goodnight, Scorp."

"Goodnight."

The second Scorpius shut the door behind him and not a teacher, student, ghost, or even caregiver was in view, an anonymous violent force knocked him in the face. The punch was so powerful that it sent him collapsing to the floor. He strained to move, his grey eyes dilated, cheeks swollen, nose flowing with blood, as well as his mouth. Consumed by terror, he tensely craned his neck around to seek out the felon.

Luck wasn't on his side when all he could seek out was a desolate corridor, particularly with something jolting at his stomach just as powerful as the foregoing assault.

Every region of his body ached as he curled up into a ball and securely cradled his stomach. He was left there, bewildered, alone, hurt, but mostly terror-stricken.

"Wow, I didn't know tutoring would take that lon- BLOODY HELL! What happened?!"

Albus rushed to the bewildered teen, sharing his wide-eyed stare.

"I-I don't know," Scorpius stuttered. He was trying everything he could to hold back his tears, but it was difficult.

"What do you mean you don't know, Scorpius?! You have a black eye, bruises, and you're bleeding!" Albus said.

"I-I felt it, b-but I couldn't s-s-see anyone or anything," Scorpius whimpered.

Albus thought his friend had gone mad until he came to a realization. "Roger."

"What?"

'It was Roger! James keeps whining to me that someone stole his cloak today, but the person immobilized him and cast some smoke around so he couldn't see who it was. "Honestly, this has that prat written all over it!"

"But, how c-could he know about the c-c-cloak?"

"Must have seen him use it or something," Albus growled. "I'm going to kill him! If I get expelled along with him, so be it. Come on."

"Where are we going?"

"To McGonagall's office."

"But, we don't have any proof."

Albus gritted his teeth. "Fine. You're right. We'll need James for this, and of course that prat. Come on." His tone was then calmer when holding his friend's arm to their room.


Saturday November 27 th , 2021:

Albus kept an everlasting watchful eye on Roger seated inches away from him on the opposite side of the Slytherin table, his breakfast was untouched on his plate and his hand violently clutching his fork. Scorpius was doing the opposite, keeping his eyes on the table so he wouldn't cause any more trouble. People kept staring at Scorpius' swollen bruised face, some whispering to one another and others coming up to him, asking what happened.

"Who did this to you?" Erika Yushamor asked, resting a hand on Scorpius' shoulder.

"I don't know," Scorpius answered for what seemed like the hundredth time.

"I wish I would have been there checking that exact corridor," Dominic regretfully said – who just became a prefect.

"It must have been a powerful student. Either he used some sort of spell to blind himself from your view or perhaps erased your memory after punching you, and that's why you don't remember," Erika suggested.

"Then why would he remember the actual punching?" Dominic butted in.

Erika didn't respond.

"That bastard is so guilty," Albus said under his breath.

"Who?" Dominic asked.

"Roger, from the looks of it," Erika said, grimly.

"Roger ... of course," Dominic growled. "He is the most likely subject. He is shown to be quite skilled in using spells and, well ... it's Roger."

"And ever since he had the professors on his back he has shown to be quite pissed, but today of all days he seems fine. Suspicious?" Albus said, his eyes still where they were.

"Shame we have no proof," Dominic grumbled.

"Mister Malfoy, what do you think you are doing wasting your time in here when I quite clearly told you to go see Madam Pomfrey?" A voice suddenly came from in between Scorpius and Albus.

"I wanted to eat first, mam," Scorpius said.

"Unless you are going to starve to death, you have no excuse to choose food over your own health. Now, come alone," McGonagall ordered, seizing Scorpius' arm with his uneaten chicken leg still in hand.

When that moment passed, Slytherins anchored their glances in the direction of James marching over to their table and stood behind Roger with his fists clenched.

"You. Come with me. Now," James growled.

That growl petrified Albus — who was alert to the tone from where he was seated. Not even McGonagall's preceding demand was as harsh, which felt hallucinatory from James of all people.

"What the hell do you want with him, Potter?" Dylan demanded on the left of Roger.

"Why don't you mind your own business?" James snapped, snatching Roger's arm mirroring what McGonagall did with Scorpius, but again, much harsher. Albus bolted upright from his seat to follow.

James pinned the Slytherin to the cool stoned wall of the Entrance Hall with a hand fisting at his school robes. "First you torment my brother, then you torture an innocent creature, and now you beat up Scorpius. Well, guess what? Now you have to deal with me."

Witnessing, Albus could have sworn that somebody stealing the cloak would be the primary source of James' fury, but with the subject not being touched on once, Al couldn't respect him any more than he presently did.

Roger sniggered malevolently from the threat that he considered to be an empty one, which triggered both of the Potter brothers to the point of heat surging over their faces.

With his free hand, James punched the sniggering Slytherin breaking his nose and then kicked him in the shins for good measure.

"JAMES SIRIUS POTTER! STOP THIS AT ONCE!"

The seventeen-year-old poised into place, his chest heaving up and down at an alarming rate from his hostility hammering within him. James prided in himself being tough, but he never picked a fight, even more performing physical assault. Seeing the wrongdoer squirming on the ground in anguish with ceaseless blood trickling down his nose was satisfying initially, but when his violent tendencies deteriorated, guilt swept through him.

"Come with me this instant!" McGonagall commanded, storming to James' side. He unhesitatingly walked with her.

"Is everything alright out here, Minerva?"

"There was an act of violence. Please escort Mr. Roger over here to the Hospital Wing, Mister Longbottom," McGonagall said, tilting her head to where Roger was on the floor groaning.

That order horrified Albus from the loathsome being in the same room as Scorpius, but he had to assure himself that Madam Pomfrey would never allow that sort of thing to happen.

When Neville assisted Roger, Albus sprinted ahead to catch up with James and McGonagall.

"James, you've got to explain everything to her," Albus whispered.

"Obviously," James retorted.

"Including the cloak," Al stressed.

James made a noise that was somehow a sigh blended with a groan. "I will, but she's going to take it away for sure. Dad's gonna kill me, and mum will do worse when she finds out."

"I'm certain she already knows about the cloak already," Albus said.

"Even if she does, she will only focus on how dangerous of an advantage it is after Roger using it," James argued.

"Look, just do it, okay? I've got to check on Scorpius," Albus said, turning away, but he quickly returned to whisper, "Wicked punch by the way."

"Thanks," James said, chuckling.


The large and extremely grotesque gargoyle guarding the Headmistress' office slouched aside with the mention of her password as the wall behind it separated in two.

After mounting up the continual steps of the spiral staircase and accessing through the glimmering oak door, McGonagall gestured to the chair across from hers, and so he sat down.

The office was as large and magnificent as it was when it formerly belonged to Headmaster Dumbledore, and portraits of snoozing ancient headmasters and headmistresses still remained. The only alternations being the additions of countless antiques and the atmosphere feeling more somber to the guests rather than humorous.

"Mr. Potter," McGonagall started, her hands tied together and eyes behind her squared spectacles focusing on the teen. "I am honestly speechless from your previous actions. You have always been one to cause mischief here and there, but never have you done such a thing like this—"

"Professor," James interrupted. "I couldn't just not do anything about Roger! He is cruel and dangerous! Have you seen Scorpius Malfoy's face? He did that to him!"

"What proof do you have of this, Mr. Potter? A teacher has been watching Roger Parkinson-Jones daily," McGonagall informed.

"I can't explain that, professor, but all I know is that someone knocked me out with a body-bounding spell and there was dark smoke all around me so I couldn't see his face. Next thing I knew..." He then took a deep breath. "My invisibility cloak was gone."

That seemed to strike the Headmistress' attention. "Is that so?"

"Yes, and he must have used it to beat up Scorpius! If you or any other of the professors need proof, dig into Roger's pockets and find the cloak."

There was a silence.

"I appreciate you telling me this. It was a very bold action. However, my hands are tied. It was very wrong of you to fight fire with fire, and to use your father's cloak when not in crucial circumstances. I will be retracting your house fifty points, and you will be serving a nights detention."

James reacted as if someone punched him in the stomach. House points have always been important to him, and Gryffndor has been first place for the last two years.

"However, because of your boldness and loyalty, you also earn ten points."

"Thank you, mam."

From the oak door unanticipatedly came a knock.

"Who is it?" McGonagall examined.

"It's Cora Figel, mam."

James hoisted his droopy head, feelings his spirits rise. Cora was frequently kind and understanding towards him unlike others.

She walked inside.

Back in James' second, third, and fourth year a radiant scarlet glow formed at Cora's smooth dark brown cheeks from eying over at him, but ever since she had a boyfriend that no longer was the case; he didn't know how to feel about that.

"Sorry for barging in, mam, but this had to do with James' current situation," Cora said. "And if you ask me, he deserved what he got.

"Thank you!" James praised, fighting off the craving to get up and hug her. Seeing McGonagall's cold piercing reaction, he recgonized his mistake and stayed silent.

"Ms. Figel, you know very well that violence in this school is not permitted, no matter how "worthy" of the victim it is—"

"—yet it's alright for Roger and other students to do the exact same thing? Before the watch was put on Roger, mind you. I've seen him, Dylan Brageth, and Anastasia Cynder of Gryffindor abuse students whether it is verbal or physical, and nobody seems to care or notice! Well, I am willing to change all of that..."


By the time Scorpius and Albus returned to the Great Hall, there was a commotion of troubled voices, particularly at the Ravenclaw table. They didn't have time to see the cause of this with Cora storming off from her table past Albus and Scorpius.

"Cora? What's going on?" Albus asked before she was completely out of sight or earshot.

"Ask them," Cora said. "I'm sure they'll be happy to tell you."

Unsure, both of the boys decided to go to the table that was making the most noise. They asked the group of people the same thing they asked Cora, and Louis (who was in Ravenclaw as well) responded with, "Vell, first it vos the Gryffindor table freaking out for a reason I'm not sure of, and then Cora Figel told McGonagall that zis school was "too dangerous". Now everybody is pissed off at her. I don't really mind zoh."

"Poor Cora," Albus mumbled, believing what she was doing was entirely justified.

"Wonder what was going on at the Gryffindor tables," Scorpius said.

Albus looked, and that's when he realized that he didn't see his brother anywhere. "Where's James? He should have been back by now."

They walked over to their table, but before they could question anyone, Lucy Weasley (without looking at them) asked, "Wondering what all the commotion is about?"

"Yeah," Albus replied.

"James cost our house fifty points but owed ten," she replied, playing a game of Exploding Snap with her sister, Fred, and Lily.

"Do you know where he went," Al asked.

"No," Lucy answered.

Lily suddenly motioned for Albus to go over to where she was. "He went to he Trophy Room."

"He told you that?" Albus said, sceptic.

"Don't you know? I never let anyone leave without telling me where they're going," Lily said, smug.

Albus smirked and latched onto Scorpius' arm so they could make their exit.

In the Trophy Room stood James, staring longingly at the glass-overlaying case of Quidditch Cups and Awards, with his hands buried into his pockets. Albus and Scorpius opened the already ajar door.

"What are you two doing here?" James asked gloomily.

"We wanted to know where you were," Albus replied.

"How did you know I would be here?" James questioned.

"Lily," Albus said.

"Of course," James said, rolling his eyes and looking back at the special services of the school.

"What are you even doing here?" Scorpius asked, taking a step forward.

"I wanted to be alone, but obviously it didn't work," James said. "And I just wanted to look at the trophies.

"You seem to be staring at one," Albus pointed out, standing next to James. "Are you looking at the photo of or dad or something?"

"Umm, yeah."

"You can't fool me, brother. You're looking at the photo with Cora catching the Snitch back in 2019," Albus said.

James looked like he was going to deny that, but instead he said, "What? How did you-"

"James, I have been having detention for a year. I know exactly where everything is behind that glass," Albus said, nudging his head.

"So, what happened with McGonagall?" Scorpius said.

"I told her ... everything. I told her to check for the cloak in Roger's robes or in his dormitory. And she gave our house a lot of points removed. Now my housemates practically hate me, since we were already not doing well for the past couple of years. Since people barely come here, I felt it was good to come here. By the way, how is Cora doing? When I left, the focus was no longer on me but on her. Apparently she yelled at McGonagall for the danger in this school and wanted a more watchful eye from the teachers."

"We saw her," Scorpius said. "Running out of the Great Hall."

James looked concerned. "I may think she went a little too far, but she doesn't deserve all that hate."

"Well, we're going to Hogsmead (since we can now), want to come with us? Maybe take your mind off it?" Albus requested.

"I don't really feel like it, but thanks," James said.

"Wow, he must really be out of it. He never says no to Hogsmead," Albus whispered to Scorpius as they left.

"Albus! Scorpius!" a voice addressed, running up to them when they were about to head outside. It was Dominic. "Did you hear? Roger just got expelled! Even most of his "friends" seem indifferent about it."

The two teens beamed.

"It's about time!" Albus said, delighted.

Speak of the devil, the recognizable raven-haired teen walked up to them.

"Nasty beat-up you got last night," he drawled. The three opposing boys stood in utter fear. They have never heard Roger speak before, and already they were missing when he didn't. "You should be grateful, I actually let it easy on you." His sneer intensified. "Oh, and if you can, give your father the same treatment. Tell him it's from me. Ditto for James Potter."

"You son of a bitch!" Albus bellowed as his fellow Slytherins attempted to hold him back. "Someone as evil as you deserves much more than just expulsions!"

"Yeah, I know many will relish seeing you in the Daily Prophet couple of years from now, locked in Azkaban," Dominic said.

Roger scowled as McGonagall led him away. A few feet away the boys head Peeves chanting:

Nasty Roger,

always a bother.

Throwing punches and scowls in your wake,

now do you see what is at stake?

When he was to continue or restart his opening line, McGonagall commanded, "That is enough, Peeves!"

For once in their lives, the three boys laughed along with the wicked poltergeist, but that didn't last long when a horn was blaring through their ears.

"Slytherin beasties," the ghost said, now a few inches above them. "Very impolite is it to eavesdrop and chuckle at others misfortunes."

The Slytherins barely heard a word he said from the intense ringing in their ears. They covered their ears and walked away.


Wednesday December 1 st , 2021:

Roger-free at their house's table, Albus and Scorpius laughed and constantly added to their golden breakfast plates as they exchanged cheerful small talk. While bullies mocking them became practically extinct from their former year onward, Scorpius and Albus were blinded by joy from Roger leaving. The small talk between the two however was not as frequent as Scorpius' conversations with his admirers and new friends.

"Oy, Scorpius!"

To break up the fanclub was Rose standing there at the table dressed in her scarlet and golden Quidditch robes.

"You're changed already?" Scorpius asked.

"Well, I am the captain now. Must be punctual," Rose said. "Speaking of which, that's what I wanted to talk to you about. I have been up for hours thinking of strategies for my team today, so I'll be really out if for tutoring. You will help, won't you? Dealing with a lot of other fifth years today."

"Err — yeah. Of course—"

"Brilliant. See you around," Rose said.

"We'll miss ya, Rose," Dominic added to the already ended conversation.

"I know you will," Rose said, smirking. "Bye, Dominic."

Dominic smiled and soon noticed that Scorpius and Albus were giving him questionable looks. "What?"

Instead of answering that question, Albus slanted himself towards Scorpius to whisper, "You didn't sound like you had everything under control for what Rose assigned you to do."

"I'll be alright," Scorpius said, with conviction.

"Are you sure about that?" Albus asked. "I haven't seen you pick up a book of any kind in forever."

"Obviously he's been too busy. Besides, he doesn't need it," a fellow Slytherin boy said. "He's already one of the smartest blokes in the school."

"You're definitely right about that, Jerry, but Albus always means well," Scorpius said, tousling Al's hair like James often did to him.

Albus frowned, but with a smirk. Why did he have to have a crush on such a prat?

Just a second subsequently, the Slytherins were once again met with another Gryffindor approaching them, this intruder being Lily.

Recurrently, the bullies would tell her to sud off in a mocking manner, but from the aftermath each time, they knew not to harass her out of all the Potters.

"Albus. I need to talk to you," Lily demanded. Albus didn't like the sound of that urgent tone.

"What is it?" the boys asked together.

"It's James. I'm a little worried about him," Lily expressed. "I think the loss of house points has gotten to him. I told him we've moved on, but he won't listen."

"What do you want us to do?" Albus said.

"Whatever you can do," Lily said.

She didn't say anything else, and just left.

Typically Scorpius would be the more eager one to help, but he was too preoccupied talking with his admirers.

"Guess I'll try. Coming with me?" Albus asked.

"Huh? Oh, I'll catch up with you," Scorpius assured.

Hesitant, Albus departed and decided to drop in on James' convenient spot when he was distressed: the Trophy Room. To his dismay from the wasted travelling, he wasn't there.

His travelling extended from corridor to corridor until he at last moseyed on outside and heeded his brother's voice; he was in one of the spots Albus preferred to be when he was outside: by the lake with the giant squid. Next to him was Cora.

"What are you doing out here?" James asked Cora. From that question, it was unmistakable that he just got there.

Albus couldn't make out what she was saying from the distance he was at, but judging from James saying, "Yeah. They haven't got over what I did either,"Albus assumed that he was talking about the loss of his house points, but going by Lily's word, he was lying.

James plucked out a tiny in size foursquare package from his pant's pocket and chewed on it. Once he did, he opened his mouth and a lion's roar escaped from it. Al knew what they were, they were the Animal Crackers that have you make the sound of whatever type of animal you have eaten.

Cora laughed charmingly.

"Make you feel any better?" James asked.

"A little, yeah," Cora admitted.

"I remembered you loved wild animals like I do." For some reason James' voice softened while saying the concluding three words of his sentence.

"I'm happy you remembered," Cora said.

"Would you like some?" James requested, his mouth full. Cora didn't seem to mind the impolite manners.

"Sure. Why not?" Cora said.

Albus was startled with how James acted around Cora. He was calm and not being inappropriate (minus speaking with his mouth full).

"So, is your boyfriend on your side?" James asked, trying everything in his power to not sound bitter nor hopeful.

"No," Cora replied, fiddling with the lion animal cracker in her hand. "In fact, he broke up with me because of what I did."

"Excuse my language but, what a dick!" James said, rubbing the Ravenclaw's back. He took a moment to do a celebratory fistbump when he made sure Cora wasn't looking, and Albus shook his head with a titter from James' enthusiasm.

"That is a fair term to use," Cora said, laughing.

Finally remembering why he was there in the first place, Albus emerged from behind the trees. For reasons he didn't quite comprehend, James scowled at him as if he were interrupting something important.

"Hello, Albus," Cora greeted, softly.

"What do you want?" James grumbled.

"Rude," Albus said. "Cora, I'm just going to borrow my brother here for a moment."

"Okay," Cora said.

James lazily arouse from the ground, and Albus led his irked sibling to a nearby tree. "So, how have you been holding up lately?"

It was obvious that James was still bothered by being pulled away from Cora, especially when he heard her roaring in the background like he was a minute ago. "I'm fine, I guess. Kind of hoping for my house to win the Quidditch cup so we could win back the points. Oh, no offence to Scorpius or anything."

"You really care about those points, huh?" Albus said, choosing to ignore James' last comment.

"It's our house's pride. Of course I care," James defended.

"They are just points. It's not a big deal, James," Albus said.

"It is," James disagreed.

"And I'm guessing nothing I could say could change your mind?"

"Yup."

"I figured."

Albus was about to leave until James stopped him.

"Wait! I wanted to give you something." He reached into his pocket and put something in Albus' hand. Albus couldn't see it, but he knew what it was from the feel of it.

"Is this the-"

"Shh," the seventeen-year-old whispered desperately. "And yes, it is. You need it more than I do."

Albus couldn't find it in his heart to be mad with is irritating brother at the time being. "Thanks. But dad gave it to you as a gift."

"I know, but I got this," James said with a smirk, pulling out what seemed to the normal eye a plain piece of parchment, but was in in fact the Marauder's Map he stole from their father years ago which he seemed to let him keep anyway. "At least until I graduate. Also, it's not like you're keeping the thing. I'm just letting you borrow it during days you are in school. So over the holidays and after you've graduated, it's mine." He clapped Al's back and made his way back to Cora.

"Wait!" Albus said.

James rolled his eyes but harkened his demand.

"When Roger stole the cloak from you, you were seen walking out of the Prefect Bathroom. What were you doing there? Taking advantage of their spacious bath tub?" Albus asked playfully.

"Naturally, but then again, it also doesn't hurt seeing a certain someone being in the bath as well," James said, winking and leaving Albus there disgusted.

Just then, Scorpius exited the castle out of breath.

"There you are," Albus said.

"Sorry. So many...people...couldn't...get...away," Scorpius panted.

"It's fine. I don't think you would have made much of a difference with his stubbornness anyways," Albus said.

"Oh, it didn't work?" Scorpius asked.

"Nope," Albus replied.

Peaking over, Scorpius said, "he doesn't seem as upset anymore."

"Yeah. One can only hope that Rosemary Jordan doesn't see this."

"Who?"

"James' girlfriend."

"Oh ... yeah."

"Then again it would be worse for her to find out that her boyfriend is a spying on another girl taking a bath in the Prefects Bathroom," Albus included, directing his thumb to point where Cora was sitting.

Scorpius appeared just as horrified as Albus until they were both disrupted by someone running up behind them.

"Scorpius, are you coming?" Erika asked, her broom in hand.

"Where?"

"To Quidditch practise. Doy."

"It doesn't start till ten minutes."

"I now, but it's best to get there early. Especially since you are pretty much our star player." Erika didn't wait for an answer and brought Scorpius with her. "Come and watch, Albus."

Albus would normally be frustrated with someone doing this, but he liked Erika. It was always nice to have someone good-hearted in Slytherin besides Dominic.


Albus sat at the edge of the long bench of the stadium, as confident yet apprehensive as he always was about Scorpius' flying skills.

In the air, Scorpius zoomed past his teammates when seeing the Snitch, hovering low to the soil beneath. He dived and one of their teammates (pretending to be the other team's own Seeker) streaked out towards the Snitch as well on his left. The Snitch flanked the centre of one of the goalhoops and scooted off towards the other of the stands; its change of direction did not throw off the pretend Seeker nor Scorpius, so they both pulled their brooms around, and they were now neck and neck.

Scorpius' breathing felt burdensome against his chest as the wind lashed against his face from his speed — his fingers were so close to closing around the tiny, attempting to break free ball and he pulled his broom upwards, his fingers just inches away from the struggling ball in his hand and Albus screamed his approval, until Scorpius made the imbecilic decision to stand on his broom so he could have a better approach and...

WHAM!

A Bludger walloped the blond squarely in the back and he flew forwards off his broom, releasing an ear-piercing scream.

"SCORPIUS!"

Albus bolted as fast as lightning from the bench and was the first to hold Scorpius close to him, followed by Madam Hooch.

Everyone soaring in the sky mounted off of their brooms and crowded around their wounded player.

"What did you do that for?! Were you trying to hurt yourself?" Albus lectured to the blond like a bossy mother.

Scorpius couldn't speak from the pain jolting throughout his leg.

Horace was laughing in the background, and Albus would have given him a much more severe injury than Scorpius if he weren't preoccupied with comforting him.

"Where does it hurt?" Macmillan asked.

"M-My leg. I think it's broken," Scorpius groaned.

"I'll go get Madam Pomfrey," Erika said.

"At least it's not an actual match," one of the Slytherins said.

"Are you serious? That's what you're worried about?!" Albus barked.

Scorpius struggled to move.

"Oh no you don't," Albus demanded, keeping Scorpius in place.

"Sorry, mommy," Scorpius retorted.

Albus glared at him but with the slightest smirk. "You and your sarcasm lately."

"What can I say? I've been around you too long," Scorpius said softly and strangely seductive. Albus tried to hide the blush creeping on his cheeks. It didn't help when he added, "You shouldn't worry your cute little head about me. I'll be fine."

"Did you just call me cute?" Albus practically squeaked.

"Perhaps," Scorpius replied.

Albus playfully hit him.

XXX

"What is this? An autograph signing booth? Shoo! Shoo!" Madam Pomfrey commanded, shooing everyone away from the bed Scorpius was resting in like they were rats.

Scorpius' fan-base eventually exited the Hospital Wing, except for Albus.

"Mam, can I please stay here just for a few minutes? He—"

"I would expect you to say such a thing. It's impossible to separate you two," she said, gently with a suggestive smile. Then her tone was demanding again. "I will give you five minutes and no more."

Albus agreed.

"After all, he might need it when chugging this down," Madam Pomfrey said. She presented a grand skeleton designed bottle and poured a good quantity down his throat. As it poured down, smoke puffed out of Scorpius' ears like the aftermath of eating a Peppermint Imp, but less pleasant. The vile taste nearly caused him to gag and his leg was hurting more than it already was in the process.

Albus held his hand. "How long will it take to heal, mam?"

"He will need to stay for the night," Pomfrey answered, putting the Skele-Gro back in its place on the shelf.

"I think you're letting yourself get pressured, Scorp," Albus said, still holding his hand. "Confidence is good to have and all, but having too much can be dangerous. If you keep this up, you're only going to keep hurting yourself."

Scorpius groaned as a sharp splinter-like pain travelled through his already injured leg.

Albus admired Scorpius' bravery taking all of the pain. He never had to consume the Skele-Gro, but he heard about the taste and pain from Lily when she broke her arm when getting herself into a fight last year.

Albus suddenly took out a package of Chocolate Frogs from his school robes. "Here, I forgot. Rose already had the card so she gave it to me. I don't want it, but I think you're going to like it."

"Thanks," Scorpius said. He ate the Chocolate Frog eagerly and went straight for the card. He gasped with a huge smile.

"Now you only have one to collect," Albus said.

"Bertie Bott!" Scorpius said. "Brilliant!"

Being as wealthy as Scorpius' family was on both sides, Albus could never grasp why Scorpius insisted on searching for every single card just like everybody else without just paying for dozens of packages all in one go with all of his money to get it all done much faster.

While absorbing the beauty of the card he had been waiting to own for so long, Scorpius felt something irritating his hair. Whatever it was, it was swaying side to side. He felt like somebody was very lightly brushing his hair, and then he saw something glossy and brown in the shape of a frog hop onto his nose. He giggled immediately, and saw that Albus was directing it.

"It seems like forever ago since I did this with you on the train," Scorpius said, not wasting time by capturing the chocolate frog and shoving it into his mouth.

"One of the best moments of my life if you ask me," Albus said. "Oh, who am I kidding, it was the best moment of my life."

"Definitely," Scorpius said, smiling gently.

"Alright, your five minutes is up," Madam Pomfrey told Albus. "Go on, go on."

"Already?" Albus asked while being gently pushed towards the exit.

"See you, mate," Scorpius said.

"Feel better," Albus said.

"No need to be so demanding," Scorpius joked.

Albus left, missing his best friend already.

Scorpius felt likewise; he wasn't so good being isolated from others, notably since his mother passed away. The whole night he had to deal with being alone, but he comforted himself with memories of him and Albus first meeting on the Hogwarts Express. He was anxious of the very concept of not making any friends, but he made one, and the son of Harry Potter of all people!

He smiled enrapturedly, feeling blessed that they have met. And so the thoughts of Albus Severus Potter comforted him into a quick and untroubled sleep.

Time seemed to flow on tortuously for Scorpius, staying put in his hospital bed. He was painstakingly bored, hankering to get out the upcoming morning to see Albus...

"Scorpius."

Scorpius' back jolted straight upward startlingly; it was completely dark, and it was very unlikely that Madam Pomfrey would let anyone enter the Hospital Wing at this time of day. But he didn't really care, all he cared about was Albus being there. He also swore that he was wearing clothes in his bed a moment ago, but now he wasn't.

"What are you doing here at this time of night?" Scorpius asked.

"I wanted to see you," Albus answered, uniting with the clothless Scorpius on the bed. "That's okay, isn't it?"

"Of cou-"

Scorpius' sentence was cut short when he felt Al's sweaty hand wrap around his exposed member. He moaned spontaneously. He's wanked off before, but this was entirely different. It was the best feeling he ever experienced, and the fact that Albus Potter was doing this to him was enough to rear him off the edge.

Logically he should have asked his friend why he did that, but all he wanted to do at that very moment was to grab Albus by the back of his head and kiss him, and so he did, abandoning all logic from his head. They've only kissed once for "practise", but this time there was tongue involved, and it made the Malfoy realize how much he's missed out.

He longingly unbuttoned Al's pyjama shirt and marvelled at the sight of his body. After marvelling, he kissed his way down Albus'freckled neck as he moaned in approval. It made Scorpius hard in an instant. Even more when Albus expressed his approval in several different comments:

"Mmmm, Scorpius."

"Yeah, just like that."

"Oh God, I love you."

Everything felt perfect; Scorpius was in the moment. It's like he has been waiting all of his short-lived life for this moment, and he wasn't aware of it until now. He was on the verge of sliding Al's pants down his hips, and he was about to see what he desperately wanted to see the most...

"Scorpius?"

Scorpius' eyes shot open, flummoxed on the change of events, but not the scenery. Albus was still sitting next to him in his bed in the Hospital Wing, but he had a shirt on, and his expression wasn't so much in pleasure as it was concerned. Not to mention that Scorpius himself was still wearing every bit of clothing he had on from the night before. His hardness constricting against his pyjama bottoms however was the only thing that remained.

"Are you okay? I heard you muttering and groaning," Albus said.

That's when Scorpius finally understood ... it was just a dream. With that knowledge, he yanked the covers of the bed over his legs. Hopefully Albus didn't already notice.

"Yeah. Ahem. I'm alright. Just dreaming, I suppose," Scorpius stammered.

"Good. Just wanted to tell you that you got an owl from my mum and dad. They are inviting you and your dad to come to our place for Christmas day," Albus said, revealing to him the unfolded letter.

"Great," Scorpius said, taking the letter to read it himself.

"So, are you ready for breakfast?" Al asked.

"Um, I'll be there in a sec. Just gotta wash up first," Scorpius said, awkwardly.

"Okay, I'll meet you there," Albus said, getting off the bed.

Scorpius couldn't tell if it was because of the dream or not, but he suddenly found his friend immensely attractive in every way.


Saturday December 25 th , 2021:

"Scorp, wake up!"

The blond's droopy eyelids sluggishly parted from the wake up call, and out of all people to wake him up, he was glad it was his best friend. But he was especially contented that he didn't have to hide an erection from him this time.

"Happy Christmas!"Albus said, baiting Scorpius with a candy cane like he was baiting a fish with a worm on a hook.

"Right, Christmas! Happy Christmas to you too, mate," Scorpius stumbled.

In the act of Scorpius running his slender pale fingers through his own rumpled hair, Albus believed that his already appealing new hairstyle appeared even more attractive on mornings.

Scorpius yawned and made out a splendid sounding harmony from downstairs, only for the harmony to deteriorate into a high pitched rise and fall of vocal chords, followed by laughter.

"Lily is filling the house with cheer with her carols," Albus said, dryly. "And Teddy decided to join her. Wouldn't want to miss that."

"I'll be right down," Scorpius said. Albus nodded, chucked the candy cane at him and shuffled his hair — he couldn't resist.

Scorpius chuckled softly and slightly turned his head so he could take a gander at the weather outside the bedroom window. He was anticipating the traditional Christmas setting: giant fluffy snowflakes of all shapes and sizes graciously falling from the sky, but that wasn't the case. Snow did fall from the dimly lit grey sky, but they were barely visible specks which thawed as soon as they hit the ground. He would have been left down from the cheerless weather if he wasn't already feeling melancholy.

The foregoing day for Christmas Eve, Scorpius celebrated the holiday with his father, the third Christmas with the absence of his mother. It was a fine dinner, but her absence was still felt. But now that he was about to celebrate Christmas Day with the Potters for the morning, Scorpius' loss already felt greater from the envy he felt over the Potter children being around their compassionate, supportive, not to mention alive mother.

Discouraged, Scorpius walked downstairs and encountered Lily and Teddy with their high-pitched singing, recurrently interrupted by their own laughter.

"Love, you sing so well. What's with the pitch?" Harry asked his daughter like he was a toddler.

"It's not as fun," Lily said. "I don't want to be corny."

"Aww, come on. You had such a nice voice. Remember you would sing for us and change into different outfits for the song and would danc-"

"Dad!" Lily interrupted, blushing furiously. "I'm a teenager now!"

"I know," Harry assured. His face went pale like that statement really hit him hard.

"Morning. Happy Christmas," Scorpius heard Ginny say as she hugged and kissed Albus.

"Thanks, mum. You too."

As Harry held Albus next, Scorpius swallowed a lump down his throat. A dreadful sensation lay in the pit of his stomach, feeling like he might fall to pieces.

"I think our baby doesn't approve of the singing very much," a massively pregnant Victoire said. She was offering Ginny a hand with setting up the table. So much in fact that she was more or less doing everything herself.

"Vic, I told you I got this," Ginny said, suspending the expecting mother from picking up a fallen fork from the floor. "You need to take it easy."

"I'm fine," Victoire protested stubbornly. "It's honestly the least I could do. You and uncle Harry always go out of your way to make things special for Teddy and I. It's just so-" She was discontinued by her words swapped with sobs.

"Yikes. Hormones are scary," James said, not taking kindly to her disruption of the humorous carolling of Lily and Teddy.

"The actual crying may be the result of hormones, but not my gratitude," Victoire sniffled, brushing away her tears with one of the napkins on the table. "And I will take a break, auntie. But only because the baby's kicking like there's no tomorrow."

"Can I feel?" Albus suggested energetically.

"Of course," Vic said, taking a seat on the living room couch next to James.

Albus hurried on over to his cousin and slumped down to his knees in front of her. He settled a hand on her fluttering belly as his bright green eyes shifted even brighter in wonderment. It cheered Scorpius up to see that, but at the same time made things worse seeing an expecting mother.

Albus looked enthralled like he was ironically a kid at Christmas.

"Exciting, huh? More than one new family member on the way," James said, boosting his glass of eggnog into the air.

"What in Merlin's beard are you on about?" Victoire said over Lily and Teddy's laughter. "There's not more than one baby living in here."

"Nope, but in here," James said, jabbing at Al's belly. "Congratulations again, Al. Excited to be an uncle although you still haven't told me who the father is."

Albus frowned and shielded his apparent bloated stomach. "Shut up."

"It's Scorpius isn't it? If you're lucky enough it could be twins!" James continued.

Scorpius giggled and flustered, but stopped when seeing Albus' expression.

"Rude, James," Vic said.

"So, is it going to be a girl or boy?" Albus asked, praying to go off topic.

"I'm guessing a boy and a girl," James said. "Oh, wait, were you indicating Vicky?"

"James, I swear to Merlin!" Victoire snarled. "And we're keeping it a surprise, Albus."

At the rear of the crowded sofa, Draco was occupying his time by having a conversation with Harry. According to him, it was a chummy yet awkward small talk that he enjoyed nevertheless. Scorpius was elated to watch his father relishing in being in somebody else's company. He was less isolated, and Scorpius knew that's what he everlastingly yearned for.

"Scorpius. There's a hot coco waiting for you at the table. You look a little chilly," Ginny said.

"Thank you," Scorpius said.

Him and Albus seated themselves by the side of each other at the Dining Room table, and he was appreciative that Ginny memorized that he not only favoured a dozen of marshmallows in his cocoa, but notably the rainbow tinted ones. His own mother consistently made him special goods like that. Ever since her passing, his home in Malfoy Manor was confined and somber. The chambers were colorless and frankly too spacious for just two people. There was no excitement, it was all so dull. Where as the Potter's was the distinct opposite. Their house was a respectful size, and there was colour. And never a moment of silence, which obviously irked Albus, but not him. Everyone he knew who had siblings — especially Albus — would remark to him how lucky he was to have no siblings, but he always wanted one.

Scorpius just decided to drink his hot coco in piece along with Albus, fearing that he would cry if he spoke.

Victoire already jotted down what she was going to buy for people next year, including gifts for the baby. Lily stopped doing carols and instead decided to spruce up the atmosphere due to the gloomy weather outside.

James and Teddy launched a jeopardous snowball fight outside with their blaring voices easily being heard from those cozied up inside. Ginny played some television holiday specials while Harry baked gingerbread hotcakes with the delectable scent overflowing the entire house. Absurdly the more miraculous heart-warming things came into being, the more Scorpius felt like he was on the verge of weeping.

When finished breakfasting, it was time to unwrap presents. Scorpius already received plenty of gifts from his father, aunt, and grandparents on both sides, but Draco saved one for him Christmas day.

There was an avalanche amount of gifts to keep track of there at the Potter's.

Ginny was lavished with heaps of bath oils, a footbath, fresh Quidditch gloves and polish, and lilac-scented perfume.

For Harry, quite a few sweets (that were customarily Treacle Treats), clothing, and a book about dealing with stress (a joke from James) although Harry was slightly considered otherwise.

For Teddy, multi-coloured ties, a chock-full of Bertie Butt's Jellybeans, a mini galloping figure of a pony (his favourite animal), a guide to camping, and a phoenix sweater.

Victoire received a whole slew of pink clothing, jewellery, a book of baking, and the most recent issue of Witch's Fashion magazine.

James was given a leatherbound book from Lily labelled "James' Diary". She winked and he scowled, but playfully. But the scowl was impermentant when acquiring the newest broom model: The Lightning Dash 1000 from his parents and he flipped out. And much like Harry, he also got loads of sweets.

Lily got pink bunny slippers, new pair of earnings, and several new fantasy books.

Even Draco received a gift from Harry and Ginny which was a fruitcake; he was one of the few people universe to actually enjoy it. And Draco contributed everyone with a Galleon each so they could buy whatever they wanted.

Lastly were Scorpius and Albus. Albus got a stress ball from James, plenty of books, and a lot of animal related merchandise.

Scorpius was the origin of practically all of the sweets given to everybody, and Albus apparently spread the word of how much his friend loved goodies because that's all he got from everyone, only Albus added a Magical Symbols Game along with them, and Draco giving him the Lightning Dash 1000 just like James. He was astonished when Harry handed him something else. He hesitantly reached for it and slowly unwrapped. He unfolded the wool sky blue sweater and saw something that appeared to be a dotted sideways fishing hook. He may have been intelligent, but his knowledge of astronomy was very limited.

"It's the Scorpius constellation," Harry said, smirking.

"I was making you the sweater, and I was about to put the initial of your name, but that would be ripping off my mother's style, so I asked Albus, and he suggested this. Clever, eh?" Ginny said.

Albus blushed.

"Sorry my knitting isn't that spectacular."

Scorpius stared down at his gift, his fingers unsteadily clutching at the fabric.

"You should be grateful. All of you," Scorpius snapped at a taken aback Albus, James, and Lily.

He thudded the sweater against his seat and bolted upstairs, leaving behind the group of bewildered family members.

Draco was solo in comprehending the spontaneous flare-up.

"He'll be alright. I'll go up and speak with him," Draco consoled the Potters.

"I can speak to him, Draco," Ginny insisted, not even waiting for Draco's approval or response by lifting herself from her chair. He didn't stop her.

Upstairs, Ginny acted out on her pursuit only concluded as soon as it started when she saw the door of their bathroom closed.

"Scorpius?" Ginny addressed with her ear pressed against the door.

Initially there was no reaction, but eventually on the counter side of the door she made out a wheezing sounding "Yeah."

"I know my knitting isn't all that great, but there is no need to be angry about it," Ginny remarked.

Scorpius contrived a valiant effort to not laugh, but a solitary titter managed to flee from his mouth.

"Sorry about that. I loved your gift ... a lot actually," Scorpius said.

"Can I come in?" Ginny requested.

The blond hesitated. "Sure."

Ginny entered and kneeled down to the young man's level. They both realized that it would be a odd thing to witness to anybody else, but they both didn't care.

"I'm really sorry. It's just ... it's ..."

"Another Christmas without your mother," Ginny finished, as considerately as possible.

Scorpius' breath was even more unstable and his lips quivered.

"It's okay. You can let it all out," Ginny said.

"B-But, it's Christmas," Scorpius said.

"Right," Ginny said, "but keeping your feelings bottled in will give you a bad case of the humbug. Trust me."

Scorpius didn't know whether he should have laughed or cried, but that inner conflict within him shifted when Ginny leaned forward to snugly embrace him. Something about the warm and protected contact felt accustomed to Scorpius, and it eased him into the embrace. He buried his face into her shoulder so he could release his held back tears as she used one of her hands to stroke his back up and down.

It felt like eternity since he last felt a mother's comfort, and soon enough his tears were not so much for grief, but for being at peace.

For what felt like hours contrary to minutes of essential motherly compassion, they at long last heaved away from each other.

"Scorpius, how are you doing?" Ginny and Scorpius looked to the bathroom door that stood ajar and saw Albus. "Just letting you know that I was the first to check up on you, but mum over here was the first to actually offer and your dad told me not to overcrowd you. But I'm here now ..."

"Heh. You're cute, Albus," Scorpius chuckled. "And I'm doing much better."

Something vocal came out of Albus' mouth, but it certainly wasn't words, not even an identiable sound like a laugh or a groan.

Ginny smiled at one boy from the other. "Will you be alright to go back downstairs, Scorpius? This is actually the time when people young or old — old like me — would use at least one of their gifts. Or in Teddy's case ... all of them. Maybe you and 'cutie Albus' here could play that Magical Symbols game he gave you," she suggested.

"I would like that," Scorpius said.

He bolstered himself from the closed toilet seat and excitedly caught a hold of his friend's hand so they could return to the others and allow his Christmas celebration to truly begin.


Sunday June 19th, 2022:

"Albus, it's the first day of summer vacation. Why are you pacing like this?" Scorpius asked.

Albus was indeed pacing — by their cherished pine tree alongside the Whomping Willow to be precise.

"I can't believe we have to wait to find out our results. I wish they could just tell us before we leave for the summer."

"That sounds like something I would worry about, not you," Scorpius said. "Since when do you care so much about failing?"

"Ever since the catastrophe we did getting us into detention in our fourth year, I realized, I could be doing something useful and helpful in the world. If I don't graduate, I won't be able to do that," Albus replied.

"You don't have to graduate to do something good in the world," Scorpius said. "Your father didn't have to."

"I don't mean that kind of way of helping or changing the world. Remember I told you I wanted to work with animals? I guess not because you were chatting it up with Erika I believe. I got back from the career choice meeting."

"Oh, right. I'm sorry," Scorpius said.

"It's fine," Albus said. "Besides, if I don't pass, I won't be with you anymore. Only for the holidays. Plus, it would be nice to proudly tell me children in the future that I graduated."

"Already having kids, are ya?" Scorpius said.

"No, but you know what I mean. I'm going to mostly fail anyway," Albus mumbled, kicking tiny specks of rock from the grass underneath his feet. "Speaking of kids, Teddy and Victoire sent me another photo of little Dora. Want to see it?"

"Sure," Scorpius cheerfully said, delighted in getting off the subject.

Out of Al's pockets surfaced a moving photo of Teddy and Victoire laughing while trying to hold their three month old daughter in position for the picture — one of Teddy's hands were tickling her belly. Her face was chubby but heart-shaped like her father. The spiky thin strands of hair on her head was a beautiful fair blonde like her mother, but her eyes were a light blue, not inherited from either of her parents, but her grandfather on the Weasley side.

In Victoire's excellent handwriting she wrote:

This morning at 8:45 in the morning specifically precious little Dora giggled for the first time ever! Unluckily, she never likes the camera on her, so we couldn't cinematize the moment. Which is why Teddy had to tickle her in this very photo I have given you.

She's already growing so fast. We love her so much. And in case you're wondering, no her hair still doesn't morph. Luckily she's perfect the way she is.

Can't wait for you to see her!

Love, Vicky and Teddy

-xoxo

"She really is adorable," Scorpius said, fawning over the photo. "Are they married yet?"

"I don't know what's going on with that honestly. They never mention it," Albus replied.

"Isn't it obvious why?" Rose asked, unexpectedly joining them in their spot. "They are focusing on discussing Dora and nothing else."

"You sound like James," Albus said.

"I know, but it's true," Rose said. She coolly leaned alongside the pine tree and set free an unrestrained sigh. "It sure feels good to be done with our O.W.L.S."

"I'm guessing you are confident about your results?" Albus asked.

"Of course," Rose said. "What about you two?"

"Well, you just missed Albus pacing about, thinking he's going to mostly fail. When in reality it will be me."

"You? Scorp, you may have had your head in the clouds most of this year —figuratively and literally — but intelligence doesn't leave you just like that. The worst you could get is exceptional, but not a fail."

"Thanks," Scorpius said, not really convinced. "I'm sorry for backing out of most of our tutoring sessions."

"It's alright. I pulled through on my own ... hopefully," Rose said.

To Albus and Scorpius' disconcertment, Dominic joined them at that instant, making their secluded spot on Hogwarts grounds less secluded. "Hey, Rose. I was thinking, maybe we could hang out during the summer," Dominic suggested.

"Yeah, sure. Dominic, how did you find my tutoring?" Rose said quickly.

"They were excellent," Dominic said.

"Well, I guess I should have questioned somebody else. You pretty much aced everything, so it would be easy for you."

Dominic seemed flattered. "Thanks, but I hear people talk about your help all the time."

"Really?"

"Absolutely."

"Good to know."

"I still don't understand why you even went in the first place. You never complained about needing help," Scorpius said. "Maybe because I am not the complaining type," Dominic said.

"Well, you didn't complain because you didn't need help," Scorpius added.

Dominic's face went red in both frustration and embarrassment.

"Don't mind them, Dominic," Rose said. "I would like your precise feedback."

"Is that really that necessary?" Dominic said.

"Of course! Now come on," Rose said, cravingly dragging the reluctant blond away.

"I just wish me putting off all of that tutoring actually pulled off for winning our house the Quidditch Cup," Scorpius said.

"Yeah, thanks for that, Scorpion," Horace asserted from near-at-hand. (By happy chance, Horace would never trod any further from his justified cowardice of the Whomping Willow.)

"How does it feel to be back to be a loser?" the Slytherin Jerry mocked.

"Oh boo hoo, he didn't win out house a pretty shiny little trophy. Why don't you two get a life and care about things that actually matter?" Albus mocked. "Besides, nice thing to say from one of Scorpius biggest "fans", Jerry."

"Oh, piss off, Al," Horace growled.

"Hey! Don't talk to him like that!" Scorpius snapped.

"Enough!" All four of the teens were silenced from the intimating and uproarious voice of Madam Hooch. "If you boys have nothing courteous to say, then leave this instant!" She was already the supervisor on castle grounds, but ever since Cora's complaints, she had an everlasting watch, especially on Albus and Scorpius.

Horace and Jerry left, and when they did, Albus said, "And you." He restrained Scorpius to the tree with his hand immovably established on his chest. "Stop being so hard on yourself about not winning a pretty trophy!"

Scorpius smirked and poked Albus' nose. "Love it when you're feisty." As usual, that sort of compliment was met with speechlessness from Albus.

"Albus! Albus!"

From the peppy and high-sounding voice, Albus would have sworn that it was Lily, but the pitch was a wee bit matured — which meant that the person was Roxanne.

"Did you hear?"

"Hear about what?" Albus asked.

"Come with me! Both of you, Roxanne cheerfully said. Her cheerful tone reduced with her last sentence because of what happened with him and Roger.

Astonishingly, Roxanne ushered them over to the Greenhouses. She pointed to the skirting of the shack but was as equally stupefied as the two boys when witnessing James leaning against the wall with Cora Figel's waist sheathed inside of his arms. They were infinitely staring deep into each other's eyes that they didn't notice the three teens staring at them, and they were speaking softly to each other.

"Is this what you wanted to show us?" Scorpius whispered to Roxanne.

"Umm, no," she replied.

Using his hands around his mouth to pretend he was speaking through a megaphone, Albus yelled "ARE WE INTERRUPTING?"

Not only did Cora and James jump, but so did Roxanne and Scorpius.

"What the hell, Albus?" James barked.

"I couldn't deny the perfect opportunity. You didn't seem to mind interrupting Teddy and Victoire with their snogging session back on my first year..."

"WE weren't snogging. We were just talking," James excused.

"Just celebrating him graduating," Cora said, blushing.

"Oh, that's what I was asking you about, Al," Roxanne said, remembering.

"You passed?" Albus asked.

James nodded.

"Congratulations!" Scorpius said. "What did you want to do afterwards?"

"I want to be a charms teacher here some day," James answered.

"I wish I knew what I wanted to be," Scorpius said.

"You can be anything you want to be, Scorpius," Albus said. "You got the brains."

"But I don't want a boring job, and I don't think I would be able to take all of the responsibility of most jobs," Scorpius said.

"Which is why this will be my last year here. I just want to work as a cashier," Roxanne said.

"Wait, so you aren't going to graduate?" Albus questioned.

"Nah. Don't need to really ... I don't need the extra schooling and especially since Roger is gone now-"

"Roger deserved what he got," Cora said as politely as she could.

"I get that you are friends with everybody, but I'll never understand why you are so persistent with that jackarse," Albus said.

James cleared his throat both for the reason of going off topic of Roger and to put the attention back on him.

"Oh, sorry about that, James," Roxanne apologized, trying to keep her temper hidden from what was just discussed. "We're happy for you."

"Yeah, and that means you won't be around to bug me," Albus said.

"Keep talking like that I will take back the gift I gave you," James said.

"I'll be good," Albus said, quickly.

Nobody knew what they were talking about except Scorpius.


Hogwarts hosted their conventional end of the year feast celebration. Including the pre graduation festivity for the graduates.

Ensuing their Headmistress' speech and results of the added up points of each house, in order being: Ravenclaw, Slytherin, Gryffindor, and then Hufflepuff, the graduates threw their hats in the air, followed by Rosemary Jordan hastily kissing James on the lips. James returned the kiss and held her close to him. Albus couldn't believe his brother was still so clueless. He glanced over at the Ravenclaw table and saw Cora excuse herself from the table with tears in her eyes. He knew how she felt all too well.

After the feast, a great number of students made their way to Hogsmead for further celebration. Rose offered to go with Albus, and so they accelerated their way through the crowds in Honeydukes with a handful of sweets and in the course of time hung out around a fence enclosed by the mountains and the village.

"So, how did you find this school year went for you?" Rose asked, biting the head off of her chocolate frog.

"Normally I would say good, but with Roger being expelled, I say great," Albus said.

"Excellent perspective," Rose chuckled.

"How about yours?" Al asked.

"Stressful, but it all came together by the end," Rose said. "And thankfully I got over missing someone as unpleasant as Polly."

She saw just the person she was referring to in the company of her new best friend Mary Zabini staring at the Shrieking Shack but not going in.

They both saw Fred helping a first-year girl tie up her shoelaces while she looked embarrassed but grateful.

"It's a shame that Fred didn't pass like James," Rose said. "The main reason why I put together my tutoring sessions was to especially hope those who have learning disabilities like he does. Dominic explained to me in great detail why I did well, but it didn't help Fred it seems."

"Everyone learns differently. There ought to be a few unsuccessful ones here and there," Albus said.

"Yeah, I know," Rose said, disappointed.

Plentiful students entered and exited out of different shops in the vicinity of them, so they caught a glimpse of many recognizable faces strolling by. Even Scorpius and Erika were wandering off together from Honeydukes to the Three Broomsticks. They genuinely looked to be enjoying each other's company, and Albus tried to shake off his feelings of paranoia and jealousy ... unsuccessfully though because Rose perceived.

What they saw next was their cousin Molly holding hands with another red-headed girl with pigtails, both of them huddled together with their red and gold Gryffindor scarves nestled so abutting to their necks that you could hardly see their chins.

"Rita Seaka."

"What?" Albus asked.

"That's the girl's name. Haven't you heard about them?" Rose said.

"I knew she always fancied girls, but no I didn't hear about them."

"You need to get out and hang around people more."

"Why would I want to do that?"

Rose laughed, and so did Albus.

"Speaking of, where are you with relationships? Ever since Abigail I mean," Rose said.

"Err-well, nothing much to say really," Albus said, awkwardly. "There are times where I miss going out with her, but we still hang out at Hagrid's. I can tell she still likes me though."

"Why did she break up with you again?" Rose asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh, you know, it just wasn't meant to be."

"So, are you crushing on anyone now?"

Albus could feel himself mentally breaking down from that question. He couldn't tell her, he couldn't tell anyone.

"No," he replied after a delayed moment.

"Really?"

"Yeah."

"You don't have to tell me who it is, you know."

Albus looked to her and then looked away. He needed to say something.

"Alright. I do," Al muttered.

Rose felt triumphant. "I knew it! Who is it?"

"Hey, you said I didn't have to tell you that."

"Oops," Rose said, disappointed. "Do you want to tell me about her or him?"

Albus was silent for so long that Rose was convinced that his way of saying no, but he spoke. "They are everything good in the world. They make me laugh even when I don't want to. They can be a pain in the arse, but it somehow makes me love them more. But what hurts the most is knowing that they'll never feel the same way. But who knows this feeling might just be temporary and go away."

Albus wore the widest of smiles.

"Wow. Sounds like a special gu— person," Rose said. "You know, one of the biggest reasons why I broke up with Scorpius is because I felt like he had feelings for someone else..."

"What? Who?" Albus asked too quickly.

Rose wanted nothing more than to tell him, but she quickly realized that the way she phrased that could have made it seem like she was angry with him or he was the cause of their breakup. "That I'm not so sure."

"Oh," Albus said. He didn't know why he was so eager to know the answer, he knew Scorpius would never have those type of feelings for him.

It was uncomfortable between the two afterwards, until Scorpius and Erika departed from the Three Broomsticks.

"I'm going to pack my things," Erika told Scorpius. "See you on the train."

"See you then," Scorpius said.

Rather than waving good-bye ordinarily, Erika wriggled her fingers. When she was quite always from Scorpius — who was standing still in the spot she left him in — Rose drew the conclusion that this was the perfect time to interrogate him. "Scorpius, can I talk to you privately for a second?" Rose said earnestly.

"Err — sure," Scorpius said.

"Can I come along?" Albus proposed.

"What part of "privately" don't you understand?" Rose retorted.

"Just thought I'd ask," Albus said, bewildered from her behaviour.

Scorpius warily tagged along with Rose to a spot where they were out of Albus' view.

"Sorry about that, Scorp. Just wanted to ask you something," Rose said.

"That's okay," Scorpius said, secretly hoping that Albus wasn't offended with how away they were from him.

"Are you still alright with how things are between us?" Rose asked.

"Of course," Scorpius said. "You're brilliant, Rose. But that doesn't mean we need to go out. Why? Are YOU okay with how things are?"

"Yes, yes. I agree with everything you said," Rose said speedily. "So, have you found that special someone yet?" She tried to come off as nonchalantly as possible.

"Hm, good question," Scorpius said, acting to contemplate deeply. His acting carried on much longer than he intended.

"So, are you ever going to answer my question?" Rose said, rapidly becoming quick-tempered from the absence of sound.

"Well, finding the love of my life, I haven't done that yet, but-" Scorpius smiled goofily.

"But what?"

"Can you keep a secret? Keep in mind that is something I haven't even told Albus yet."

"Sure."

Scorpius signalled Rose to come closer to him so he wouldn't risk anybody nearby to hear him. "I have a big crush on ... someone," he whispered.

Rose would have felt as triumphant as she did when Albus told her the same thing moments ago, but she made sure to reduce her expectations. "Really? But I'm guessing you won't tell me who?"

"Only if you really want to know."

"Well, I do."

The blond searched their surroundings intently. "You know Erika Yushamor? One of the Chasers for the Slytherin Quidditch team and the person I was just hanging out with?"

"Yeah. What about her?"

"Well, it's her."

"What's her?"

"I have a crush on her."

Rose was speechless. "Wait ... what?"

"Huh, I didn't know I was that subtle about it," Scorpius said.

Rose couldn't believe what she was hearing. How could Scorpius be so stupid? How could both of them be this stupid?

"Uh, Rose?" Scorpius asked, realizing her silence.

"Why are men so clueless?" Rose snapped, leaving Scorpius there abandoned and stumped.

"How did the talk go?" Albus asked when Rose returned.

"Well, it went," Rose mumbled.

Albus cocked an eyebrow. "Huh?'

Rose didn't trouble herself in answering, but even if she wanted to, it was interfered with Scorpius assembling with her and Albus, almost spooked to make eye contact with her from the way she was acting.

The three of them diverged from the path of Hogsmead to make their way back to the school.

"Guess we better finish packing," Albus said. "What do you have left to pack, Scorp?"

"I haven't even started packing yet," Scorpius said.

"You're kidding, right? Just last night I saw you packing up your books," Albus nagged. "Now you're going to have to rush with everything."

"I don't mind," Scorpius brushed off.

"Aren't you forgetting that last year and the year before that you forgot ONE item here at the school? When you get organized earlier, you don't forget things as much," Albus said. "How many times do I have to tell you that?"

"Trust me. I won't let it happen again," Scorpius grumbled.

"You better not," Albus said.

Rose couldn't take it, it was like listening to an old married couple, or more specifically, her own parents.

"Man, James was right, I do sound like my mum," Albus said. "Sorry about that. I just don't want you to forget anything."

"No worries," Scorpius said. "I understand."

Out of the blue, Rose propelled Scorpius into Albus. "Oof! What was that for?" Scorpius questioned.

"Kiss and make up already. You two are driving me bonkers," Rose said, marching farther away from the pair. The two teens gawked at each other, soundlessly speculating if Rose was feeling well.


A/N: There you go, Chapter 7! Get ready to wait another 2-4 months or so for the eight chapter! Seriously though, my apologies for the wait I have to put you guys through between each chapter. But hey, I'm just making sure this fanfic is actually written well :) Love you all! And please leave more feedback!

P.S: Dora is short for Nymphadora.