This is it: The big one.
The cold persisted and the path was getting thinner as Scorpius and Albus continued their way through the Forest in silence. Exposed, gnarled and twisted Tree roots were sticking out along the path and Scorpius was sure that he could see a large clearing ahead that was bathed in Moonlight. Scorpius's heart was hammering in his chest when he saw it.
"Are we there already?" Albus asked in amazement. Scorpius checked his map and saw that the clearing was right ahead. A large surge of excitement shot through him.
"Do you know, I think we are, Albus!" He said excitedly, sounding like a child on Christmas morning. "We're finally here! How great is that?"
He left Albus's side ignoring Albus who was calling his name and ran, full of excitement towards the clearing. He somehow managed to avoid tripping over the exposed roots and when he reached the entrance, he looked around the clearing expectantly, seeing if there was any indication on the Stones whereabouts. But there was none. The clearing was quite large and there was plenty of snow on the ground. There were the remnants of what looked like Spider webs still in some of the trees. Scorpius briefly imagined it being full of Acromantulas, all going about their lives. Scorpius thought that the clearing looked quite sad and very eerie after being so full of life.
The sky above them was clear with the stars twinkling down and the moon shone down upon the clearing giving it a silvery glow. Albus came running into the clearing out of breath and clutching his side.
"Scorpius," He panted, looking slightly grumpy. "Wait for me, will you? Is this it then? "He added looking around the clearing in wonder.
"This is it, Albus," Scorpius said, barely containing his triumph. "The clearing where Harry Potter sacrificed himself to Lord Voldemort during the Battle of Hogwarts! This is the place that marked the beginning of the end for Voldemort! We're standing in history, Albus! History! My geekiness is a quivering like it has never a quivered before! "
Albus continued to look around the clearing, taking it all in with a strange expression on his face. Scorpius had a feeling what was on Albus's mind.
"Albus?" Scorpius asked. "Are you alright?"
"This is the clearing where my Dad died, Scorpius," Albus said quietly. "Well he didn't really die, but that part of Voldemort that was inside of him was destroyed. But he was still hit with the Killing Curse like he was in Godric's Hollow. I always used to hate it when people used to go on and on about how heroic he was. But being here where my Dad got hit, going on the same journey that he did. It really gives a feeling for the tragedy of the whole thing. It's a lot to take in."
"I know," Scorpius said softly, putting his hand on Albus's shoulder. "My family didn't fight on your Dad's side, but growing up, I've always admired your Dad for what he's done and since I visited that timeline where Voldemort ruled the world, that admiration has increased. It was hell in that world, Albus. Complete hell. Muggle-borns were being locked up in the dungeons and I was a complete monster."
"Yeah. I've been appreciating my Dad a lot more since he told me about more about the battle," Albus said, moving around the edge of the clearing. "Anyway, that's enough depressing thoughts for one day, So," He said after a moments silence. "The Resurrection Stone."
"Do you have any idea where he could've dropped it?" Scorpius asked, trying to keep his voice steady as excitement was rising up inside him again.
"Well, I'm guessing that my Dad would've dropped it by the clearing entrance," Albus said slowly. "So we should try there. Do you have any idea how we're going to retrieve it? Should we summon it?"
"I don't think magic is going to help us here," Scorpius said. "What we need, is good old-fashioned man power and elbow grease to recover the Stone."
"The Muggle way it is then," Albus grinned.
They both dropped to their hands and knees and began searching in the snow. It was very cold and wet and Scorpius could feel the wetness soaking into his many layers. He didn't know how long they searched for, but the optimism that he had earlier was slowly fading by the minute, as they found nothing but twigs and small animal bones. He kept pushing forward, silently repeating to himself, 'any moment now'.
"Scorpius," Albus said softly causing Scorpius to jerk his head up and look at him.
"Have you found it?" Scorpius asked eagerly. Albus shook his head.
"No, it's just that you're shivering." Albus said hesitantly. He was right:The snow had melted and had soaked Scorpius to his skin. He was doing his best to try and ignore it but now that Albus had mentioned it, the coldness swept over him. He looked at his hands; red and shiny from digging in the snow and a horrible realisation came crashing down upon him: It was a mistake coming here. He had led Albus out here for nothing, and now they were both in danger of freezing to death. He couldn't believe how foolish he was in thinking that he was going to see his Mum tonight. He looked miserably at Albus, silently willing himself not to cry.
"Take my cloak," Albus said, unfastening it and handing it to Scorpius.
"What?" Scorpius asked, flabbergasted. "I don't need it, Albus. You keep it."
"Take it," Albus insisted, eyes flashing with determination. "I don't want you freezing to death."
Scorpius knew that it was no use arguing with Albus. He took the cloak and wrapped it around his shoulders. It was as wet as his own cloak, but Scorpius appreciated the gesture nonetheless.
"Don't worry, Scorpius," Albus said quietly, looking at Scorpius's downturned, miserable looking face. "We'll find the Stone.
"No, we're not," Scorpius sniffed. "We're never going to find it, Albus." He said quietly as the chill pressed down upon him. It reminded Scorpius a lot of The Dementors in the timeline where Albus never existed. It seemed to chill his very bones. It didn't help that some clouds overhead moved in front of the moon bringing the clearing into darkness.
"Of course we will," Albus said bracingly.
"No. We won't!" Scorpius shouted, jumping to his feet. "Don't you see? It's lost. It's been almost twenty-four years since it's last been seen. For all we know, someone else has probably stumbled upon it and picked it up. I-I'm sorry, Albus. I've wasted your time. Rose was right. Those Centaurs were wrong. This trip was a complete waste of time."
"No. We just need to dig deeper," Albus said fiercely, his eyes glinting with determination. "Don't give up yet, Scorpius. We'll find it. Trust me." He gave Scorpius a soft smile and resumed his digging.
Scorpius turned away; he couldn't bear to see his best friend's optimism turn to despair. He walked along the edge of the clearing, pulling the damp cloaks around himself. He was ready to get out of this place. It was darker and far more intimidating than he realised. He should never have come here. The clouds shifted and the clearing was full of Moonlight once more. Scorpius was just summoning up the courage to tell Albus to stop digging and come back to the castle with him when Albus let out an excited shout.
"Scorpius! I've found something!"
Scorpius wheeled around, excitement returning to him.
"What is it?" He asked eagerly as he ran back to Albus, dimly aware of his cold and his wet clothes that were clinging to him. Albus was holding something up that looked like a small, black pebble. Scorpius swore that his heart skipped a beat.
"This was buried quite deep," Albus said. "It's like something crushed it into the ground. A Centaur hoof, maybe? I had to use a gouging charm. It looks exactly like what my Dad described it as looking. Here."
He handed Scorpius the Stone who took it with shaking hands. It was cold to touch and Scorpius examined it. There was a large crack down the middle and there was a symbol on it. It looked like a triangular eye. His heart leapt with excitement. He was finally holding the Resurrection Stone.
"This is it, Albus," He said in a shaky voice. "The Resurrection Stone."
"Are you going to try it out?" Albus asked uncertainly.
"I-I don't see why not," Scorpius stammered. "What do I do?" The thought that he may very well be seeing his Mother shortly seemed too good to be true. He made his way to the centre of the clearing and looked down at the Stone in his hand. How was this done? Does he just think about who he wants to see? Albus followed him and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"You need to turn it over three times." He said.
Scorpius smiled at Albus in gratitude. He wouldn't know what to do if it was just him out here alone. Something made him hesitate however. What if it didn't work? What if it did work but she didn't want to see him? What if she was angry? The emotions that he was feeling must have shown up in his face, because Albus squeezed his shoulder gently.
"It'll be alright," He said softly. "I'm with you. Do it when you're ready."
"Okay," Scorpius exhaled, his heart beating at a thousand rates per second. He turned the Stone over, once, twice, three times in his hand. Nothing seemed to have happened yet, but then Scorpius heard something shuffle on the ground in front of him. He looked up and let out gasp. Albus looked around confusedly.
His Mum was standing there looking right at him. She wasn't exactly a ghost, but she wasn't solid either. She was wearing the gown that she wore when she died and it shone whiter than the snow on the ground. But it wasn't what she was wearing that caught Scorpius's attention. She didn't look frail anymore. Her face was fuller than he had ever seen it in life. She had an air of great elegance about her and she was searching his face hungrily, as though she would never be able to look at him enough.
"Mum?" Scorpius breathed, daring to believe that he was really seeing her. Astoria gave him a brilliant smile.
"You've grown so much," She said.
Scorpius's breath caught in his throat; This was just simply too good to be true. His Mother was standing there smiling at him, looking far healthier than he had ever seen her alive.
"I've missed you so much," He chocked out, reaching out to her with the hand that was not holding the Stone. Astoria reached out as well and his hand passed through hers as if it were made of smoke. A powerful ache rose up inside Scorpius. Half joy, half terrible sadness.
"I've always been watching you," Astoria told him firmly, her eyes blazing like fire. "Even if you couldn't see me. I've always been there."
"Did it work?" Albus asked, looking around for Astoria. His voice snapped Scorpius back to reality.
"She's right here, Albus." Scorpius said gesturing to Astoria. Albus looked in Astoria's direction but his eyes didn't seem to focus on her.
"I don't see anyone," Albus said confusedly, frowning at Scorpius. "There's no one there."
"She's right in front of you," Scorpius snapped. Was Albus doing this deliberately? "Can't you see her?"
"No, I can't," Albus said. "Scorpius, I don't see anyone."
"But I can," Scorpius said. "How come you're not able to see her?"
"I'm part of you," Astoria said softly. "Invisible to anyone else. But he will only be able to see me if you open your heart and want him to see me."
"Okay, I'll do that, then." Scorpius nodded, feeling slightly uncertain. Astoria gave him an encouraging smile, and he shut his eyes tight and focused with every fibre of his being on wanting Albus to see Astoria.
"Scorpius, what are you-?" Albus began, but then Scorpius heard Albus let out a gasp. "I think it's worked, Scorpius! I-I can see her!"
Scorpius opened his eyes to see Albus looking at Astoria open mouthed in astonishment, utterly mesmerised by her, his cheeks slightly pink.
"Albus," Scorpius said, not believing that he would ever be seeing the day that his two most favourite people in the world meeting each other. "This is my Mum, Astoria Malfoy. Mum. This is my best friend, Albus Potter. The one who I met on the Train."
"H-hello, Mrs. Malfoy," Albus stammered, looking slightly dazed. "Albus. I mean, I-I'm Albus. Albus Potter. Pleased to meet you."
"And I'm pleased to meet the young man who has befriended my Son." Astoria smiled. "It's nice to see that my sweets worked. Did you know that he used to talk about you all the time?"
"Did he?" Albus asked, a pleased little smile forming across his face.
"He came home that Christmas ever so pleased that he met you. He wouldn't stop talking about you." Astoria said, her eyes twinkling. "Draco and I were worried whether or not if he would make any friends when he started Hogwarts. And you really are something special, going out of your way to help Scorpius find this Stone so he could speak with me."
"He's told me so much about you," Albus said, putting his arm around Scorpius's shoulders. "I'm sorry I didn't meet you before you-well."
"I'm sorry too," Astoria said solemnly. "I'm sorry that I had to leave you and your Dad, Scorpius. I know it's been hard for you both, but you have each other. I was never destined for old age."
Tears blurred Scorpius's vision. "I know," He said thickly, taking a deep breath to steady himself. "I'm- I know it's been a while since I last saw you, but I'm in my Fifth Year now, Mum." Scorpius mumbled, wanting Astoria to know what he had been doing since she died. "Third Year was horrible without you and my Fourth Year was rather hectic. I almost destroyed the world. I'm not sure if you should be proud of that. But I'm enjoying Fifth Year. It's pretty fun and I'm going to take my OWLs soon. I hope I do alright."
"You're going to do brilliantly," Astoria beamed. "You always do brilliantly."
"Gosh, I hope so," Scorpius said. "I've done a lot of revising already."
"You're going to get straight O's in every subject," Albus snorted, rolling his eyes.
"Don't say that, Albus," Scorpius said quietly.
"You probably will if you put enough effort into your studies," Astoria said softly. "Remember: Practice makes perfect. So tell me about your adventure last year."
Scorpius, with a little help from Albus briefly explained about their adventure with the Time-Turner, how they got lost in time and how they stopped Delphi. By the time they had finished, Astoria was beaming at Scorpius with pride.
"You were so brave," She said softly. "Especially in that dark timeline. I'm so proud of you. You're not that evil Scorpion King. You're good and kind and your Father and I are both happy how you turned out. You're Scorpius the heroic, you know."
Scorpius let out a small laugh and Albus shifted his feet uncomfortably and withdrew his arm from Scorpius.
"Mrs. Malfoy, I-I'm sorry for dragging Scorpius into all of that trouble," He said uncertainly. "I-I didn't think and I didn't know how dangerous Time Travel was and I never meant to endanger Scorpius."
"What's important is that you were able to get out of it," Astoria said wisely. "You were able to fix time and sort thing out with your Father. It's a pity that I couldn't join you. I would've had a few choice words to say to that Delphi girl, let me tell you."
Astoria's eyes seemed to shine fiercely and Scorpius and Albus both grinned at each other.
"There they are!" Called the all too familiar voice of Rose Granger-Weasley, making them both jump.
"I can't believe Rose followed us," Albus muttered angrily.
"Your Cousin's been worried about you," Astoria said to him. "She's got your parents looking for you. That's not all."
"Dad's here, isn't he?" Scorpius asked.
"Look behind you," Astoria said softly.
Scorpius and Albus both wheeled around and saw eight figures coming towards them, each with lighted wand points and Rose in front. Scorpius looked at the other seven and felt as if his entire stomach had dropped to the ground. Harry and Ginny Potter were there, both looking very pale and worried looking and both called Albus's name. The Minister for Magic herself, Hermione Granger and her Husband, Ron Weasley were also there. Ron was looking nervously around the clearing, clearly checking if there were any spiders lurking about. Rose was hanging back by her parents watching uncertainly. Scorpius saw Professor McGonagall behind Rose and felt as if he were going to be sick. He was definitely in trouble now. Her mouth looked thinner than he had ever seen it.
"SCORPIUS!"
He saw his Dad with the Potters looking paler than usual.
"Scorpius Malfoy! Albus Potter!" Professor McGonagall called. "Come here at once and hand over this 'Resurrection Stone' before you freeze to death!"
"No!" Albus called back defiantly. "We're already using it, Professor!"
Scorpius had to admire Albus's nerve. Professor McGonagall's mouth went even more thinner and her nostrils flared.
"If you don't come here at once Potter, you will both be spending another year in Detention!" She stormed.
"It's alright, Minerva," Draco said calmly. "Let me handle this.
"Draco, I really don't think-" Professor McGonagall began, but Harry cut across her.
"Let him do what he has to do," He said with a meaningful look at Draco who nodded at him.
Draco stepped forward towards the Boys, his robes billowing out behind him. Albus hung back allowing Draco to address Scorpius.
"Scorpius, what on earth do you think that you doing out here?" Draco asked him shakily. Scorpius shut his eyes again tightly, willing with every fibre of his being for Draco to see Astoria.
"Don't you know how cold- "He stopped with a gasp. Scorpius opened his eyes and saw his Father staring right at Astoria, with a mixture of surprise, elation and anguish on his both stood there for a moment before Draco spoke.
"Astoria," He said in a choked voice full of longing.
Astoria give him a radiant smile, eyes sparkling with happiness.
"Hello Draco," She smiled.
Draco stood rooted to the spot for a moment, unable to move. He seemed transfixed by Astoria's image.
"You look so beautiful," He said after a moments pause, slowly moving towards Astoria and stretching his hand out to stroke her cheek. His right hand went straight through her like Scorpius's did and let out a small moan of anguish.
"And you're as dashing as ever, dear," Astoria winked. "Even though you are going a bit grey."
"What? Where?" Draco asked urgently, his left hand springing up to his hair. He stopped when he saw Astoria was laughing.
"You were always such an easy target," She chuckled. "Don't ever change, Draco."
"A lot has changed, Astoria," Draco said solemnly. "And some changes, leave holes in our hearts that can never be filled."
"Time heals all wounds, Draco," Astoria said.
"Not this one," Draco said, briefly placing his hand over his heart. Astoria smiled at him sadly.
"You could've married again," She said. "You could've moved on and met someone else."
"There will never be anyone else," Draco said fiercely and Astoria beamed at him. "I've missed you, so much, Astoria."
"I know," She said. "But you knew that that day would come sooner than you thought it would."
"That didn't make that day any easier," Draco said quietly. "I wasn't prepared for it."
"You made it easier by holding my hand," Astoria said. "Both you and Scorpius being there helped a lot."
"I always thought I was in the way," Scorpius said quietly. "I didn't know how to help."
"You were a brilliant help," Astoria beamed at him and Draco patted him on the shoulder. "I see you've been looking after my Roses," She said, turning to Draco.
"I've been following your specific set of instructions to the letter," Draco said. "And they brighten up the Manor grounds."
"And the Roof Garden, Dad," Scorpius chipped in. "We've been looking after the Roof Garden and the Creeper Vine's been flourishing, Mum. "
"It seemed such a shame to let it all go to waste," Draco remarked. "I often go up there when I think of you. Your touches greatly improve the Manor "
"But we can show you, Mum," Scorpius said excitedly, the idea shooting through him. "Now that I have The Stone, we can talk more often. It'll be as if you're never dead."
Draco winced and Astoria looked at him sadly before looking at Draco. They seemed to be having one of their silent conversations that they used to have regularly back when his Mum was alive.
"I don't belong on your side of the veil anymore, Scorpius," Astoria said sadly. "I've moved on. I'm in no pain in the afterlife and it was my time to move on. I know that wasn't what you wanted to hear, sweetheart. You worked so hard in trying to find this Stone, I know that, but you really must try and let go."
Scorpius felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. He had come all this way to find the Stone. He can't lose his Mother now.
"But we don't have to have you around all the time," He reasoned, the panic slowly rising in him. "We could call you once a week or something. Once a month, once a year, maybe? As long as I get to see you again."
"We will see each other again, Scorpius," Astoria smiled. "But you won't be able to stop using this Stone. You've got your own life ahead of you. Live it, and remember me. You can't stop death, Sweetheart and you can't reverse it. Drop this Stone before you become obsessed."
Scorpius thought she had a good point. But he didn't quite like the idea of letting go of his Mother so soon after he found her. Astoria seemed to know what he was thinking as smiled at him in that knowing way that she used to do.
"There's a time for living and a time for time letting go, Scorpius," She said softly, trying to pat him on the shoulder but her hand went through him. "My time is up and I am at peace. It's time that you let go. It's not your time to join me."
Scorpius opened his mouth, determined to argue, determined to have his Mother in his life once again when he felt a hand rest on his shoulder. He looked up and saw that it belonged to Draco.
"Your Mother's right, Scorpius." He said quietly. "We can't keep this Stone. This isn't living, what she's like now. I wouldn't be able to live like this, not being able to touch her. Being dependent on a Stone every time I want to see her. Let her rest in peace, Son. We did all we could for her. Like it or not, we have to let her go."
Tears welled up in Scorpius's eyes at Draco's words. He knew, deep down that Draco was right, but hearing the words seemed to increase the pain. He wanted to argue, to tell his Father that they could work something out, but he couldn't find a reasonable argument. He felt a hand on his arm and saw that it belonged to Albus. He had forgotten that Albus was with him.
"Scorpius, listen to them," He said quietly. "That Stone. It's got a bad effect on you. If you keep it, it'll only end up controlling your life. I don't want to lose you. Please, listen to them."
Scorpius looked at Albus and saw the worry in his brilliant green eyes. He felt a large surge of guilt and it was all he needed to know that he was being ridiculous about this. He couldn't keep the couldn't lose Draco. He couldn't lose Albus. He nodded and Albus smiled at him.
"Thank you," Astoria smiled at Albus. "You really are such an incredible young man. Promise me that you will continue to take such good care of my Son. You two are stronger when you are together. "
"Of-Of course I will, Mrs. Malfoy," Albus said, wrapping his arms around Scorpius's shoulders once more. "Scorpius means the world to me."
Scorpius's face grew rather hot for a moment and something warm was blossoming in the pit of his stomach. It felt like butterflies were bouncing around, but it was instantly replaced with a deep sadness and the realisation of what he must do. But it was difficult. It was as if his fingers holding the small cold Stone were frozen to it. He saw Draco smile and pat Albus's shoulder before looking at Astoria once more.
"I would've sold my soul to spend another moment with you," Draco said softly.
"Promise me you won't get lonely in the future, Draco," Astoria said seriously. "Don't shut yourself away in the Manor whilst Scorpius is at Hogwarts. Take care of yourself, for me. You have friends now. You don't need to hide from anyone anymore."
"Anything for you, Astoria," Draco said, steeling himself. "I had to keep myself from using my Father's Time- Turner just to see you again. Seeing you here, looking well and whole again, is the best thing that could happen to me. You have, and will forever be my Light in the Darkness. Goodbye Astoria, and thank you."
"Until we meet again, Draco." Astoria smiled at him and Draco smiled back.
Tears were streaming down Scorpius's cheeks. He wanted to tell his Mum how much her absence weighed down upon him, how unfair it was that she had to leave them. But he couldn't find his voice. Instead he took a deep breath.
"I love you, Mum," He choked out. He knew now that he had to drop the Stone, but his fingers were still curled around it and wouldn't move. He felt Albus's hand touch his own, warming his fingers up and giving him the strength to do what must be done.
"Goodbye, Scorpius. I love you too, sweetheart." Astoria said softly, her face wearing a bright smile. Scorpius's fingers uncurled and the Stone slid out of his hands and his Mother vanished as if she were smoke.
Silence filled the clearing and Scorpius became aware of how cold it was again. It was as if his Mother kept the cold away. Clouds had covered the moon again, bringing the clearing into darkness once more. He was suddenly aware that it was snowing again. Small flurries began settling in his hair, like the weather was crying as well. But he didn't care about that at the moment. He could still see his Mother's face smiling at him and he wanted to memorise it forever.
He was unaware of Albus placing an arm around his shoulders again or of Draco trying see if he was alright. He felt numb as he stared at the ground, unable to stop his tears from splashing into the snow. Draco wrapped an arm around his shoulders and Albus withdrew. Scorpius turned around and hugged Draco, taking him briefly by surprise before he pulled Scorpius closer. Scorpius clung to him, letting out all his bottled up emotions as Draco patted him on the back like he used to do when Scorpius was little.
"I know, Scorpius," Draco said softly, his voice shaking. "I miss her too."
They stood like that for a moment, both Father and Son grieving for the Wife and Mother that they had lost, just like they should've done when Astoria died, Scorpius noted.
He heard movement and the others discussing things that he didn't care about. His Mother's face seemed to be imprinted in his mind and he wanted it in there as long as possible. He heard someone shout Albus's name and light footsteps scurrying in the snow before Albus let out a cry of surprise.
"Mum, geroff me," Albus yelped. "I'm fine."
"You scared us to death," Ginny said. "Where's your cloak?"
Scorpius gently untangled himself from Draco to see Ginny Potter giving Albus a fierce hug. With shaking fingers, unfastened Albus's cloak and handed it over to Ginny who let go of Albus who looked relieved that he wasn't being hugged fiercely by his Mother anymore.
"Albus was just trying to keep me warm, Mrs. Potter," Scorpius said shakily. "I didn't want him to be silly, but he insisted."
Ginny's face softened.
"Oh, Scorpius are you alright, dear?" Ginny asked him softly, gently taking the cloak from him.
Scorpius shrugged: He felt a such wide range of emotions, that it was difficult for him to put it all into words. Draco patted his shoulder.
"He will be," He said hoarsely to Ginny. "He just needs time. We both do."
"I am truly sorry for your loss, Scorpius," Ginny said. "You would be more than welcome around ours during the holidays."
"That would be fitting, I think." Draco smiled at her as Harry Potter came hurrying over, face looking like death.
"Albus are you alright?" He asked urgently.
"Yeah, I'm fine, Dad," Albus said. "I was just keeping Scorpius company. I couldn't leave him to go out alone, could I?"
"You look cold," Harry said. "And wet. And is that mud that you're covered in?"
"Yeah I think it is," Albus said sheepishly. Scorpius couldn't help smiling at him.
"Here," Harry said flicking his wand and drying Albus, before turning his wand on Scorpius and drying him as well. Scorpius savoured the instant warmth and the absence of the depressing chill.
"Th-thank you, Mr. Harry Potter, sir," Scorpius stammered, feeling very nervous all of a sudden. What if Harry decided to separate them again?
"You're welcome, Scorpius," Harry said, smiling at him. "It's good to see you safe." He added, patting him on the shoulder.
"Dad, did we scare you?" Albus asked Harry shrewdly, eyes narrowed and looking very tense all of a sudden.
"Of course you did, Albus," Harry said, his voice shaking. "I was terrified. It was like Godric's Hollow all over again."
Albus untensed and smiled at Harry, before launching himself at him, tackling him in a big hug. Harry hugged Albus back just as fiercely and they both looked as if they would never let go of one another. Scorpius knew that it was harder for Harry to be here than it was for Albus. He was the one who was hit by the Killing Curse here after all.
"I think perhaps we should return to the School," Professor McGonagall said, walking over and causing Harry and Albus to break apart. "I want Madam Pomfrey to check on the boys. Just in case they need to spend a night in the Hospital Wing."
"So we're not in trouble then?" Albus asked her hopefully, causing Scorpius to crack a smile.
"I haven't decided yet, Potter." Professor McGonagall said coolly, glaring at him. She clearly hadn't forgiven him for his defiance earlier.
"Professor McGonagall," Scorpius said thickly. "Please don't punish Albus. This was all my idea. Albus was just trying to stop me doing something stupid. I-if you punish Albus, then you will have to punish me, too."
Professor McGonagall's face softened as she surveyed him. He was sure that she gave him a small smile. Her mouth looked less thin at any rate.
"I think that we should discuss this when we are back at the School, Scorpius." She said softly, patting his arm. "And it's good to see you in one piece."
"That Blizzard's coming back," Ron said as the wind picked up again, blowing snow into their faces. "I don't fancy our chances walking back to the Castle in this weather. We'd be frozen solid before we reach the front doors and that's even if we make our way through the Forest. Surely we can create a Portkey? That'd get us there faster."
Hermione considered this and nodded.
"We'd be able to avoid the Blizzard and be able to get back to the office without having to go back through the Forest," Hermione said slowly. "That's good thinking, Ron!" She beamed, kissing him on the cheek.
"Always the tone of surprise," Ron muttered, ears turning red but looking very pleased with himself as Rose was scowling at her Parents.
"That is, of course Minerva doesn't have any objections?" Hermione asked, looking at Professor McGonagall
"None whatsoever, Minister." Professor McGonagall said briskly. "We should get back to the Castle as soon as possible."
"Right, no time to waste, then," Hermione said, summoning a fallen branch. She tapped it with her wand and muttered "Portus" The branch glowed bright blue and Hermione beckoned to everyone.
"Everyone gather round," She said bossily. "We don't have much time before it leaves and we need to get out of this Blizzard as soon as possible."
Ginny gently ushered Scorpius to the branch whilst Harry was guiding Albus. He saw Rose giving him a concerned look as they gathered around the branch. It was definitely pity this time, he noted but he wasn't in the mood to care much. It was as if his desire to impress Rose belonged to a different person. Draco stood on his other side and placed a comforting hand on Scorpius's shoulder.
"Okay everyone on the count of three," Hermione said loudly. Everyone reached out to touch the branch. "One, Two, Three"
Scorpius felt a jerk behind his navel and a rush of colour sped before his eyes as they were lifted off the Forest floor and heading back to Hogwarts as just the Blizzard overwhelmed the clearing.
This chapter took longer for me to edit. Apologies for the longer than usual wait.
There's still three more chapters to go.