Here's Chapter Eleven.
Professor McGonagall's Office couldn't have been warmer. Everyone was given a cup of warm, sweet Tea and some Ginger Newts from the Tartan tin, as Madam Pomfrey came bustling in to check up on Scorpius and Albus. She declared that they were fine but forced a bottle of Pepperup Potion down their throats which caused their ears to steam.
Scorpius was later curled up in an armchair by the roaring fire, savouring its warmth and listening to the howling wind outside, pleased that he was finally out of the bitter cold. The feeling was returning in his face.
Draco stood behind him with a protective hand on Scorpius's armchair and the pair of them were watching the others. Hermione was telling Ron off for eating too many Ginger Newts and Rose was shaking her head despairingly. Ginny was fussing over Albus and Harry was talking quietly to Professor McGonagall, both of them glancing over at Scorpius.
"Mum, I'm fine!" Albus said loudly as Ginny turned her saucer into a large brush and began attacking the many layers of Albus's Jumpers with it.
"You're covered in mud!" Ginny cried as she continued her relentless assault on Albus's Jumpers. "And drink your Tea," She added.
"It's hard to drink anything when you're attacking me with that thing," Albus said grumpily, wearily eying the brush in Ginny's hand.
"He looks fine to me, Gin," Harry said as he moved away from Professor McGonagall who went and sat behind her desk. Ginny relaxed and turned the brush back into a saucer and Albus tensed as Harry sat next to him, drinking some Tea.
"Dad," Albus said in a strained voice. "I went out to help Scorpius. He was really missing his Mum and it's unfair that she died and I couldn't just let him go out there alone. I had to help him."
Harry put down his Tea and gave Albus a searching look.
"I know," Harry sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're a good friend, Albus. I'm proud of you for helping Scorpius the way you did."
Scorpius smiled to himself and couldn't help but nod at that. He saw Albus looking less tense and a pleased smile forming across his face.
"But you gave us quite the scare!" Ginny exclaimed. "It was like Godric's Hollow all over again!"
Albus shrinked back from Ginny and Scorpius felt a strong pang of sadness and regret; He had caused the Potters to worry about Albus accompanying him in the Forest. He had seen the worry in both their faces in the clearing. Were they were going blame him for putting their Son in danger? He let out a small sniffle that he tried to hide. However, it was loud enough for everyone in the Office to hear and he felt eighteen pairs of eyes on him. Draco sank down into the chair next to him and patted his shoulder before drinking his tea and staring into space.
Albus made to get up, but Ginny rose from her seat before him and gently made her way over to Scorpius.
"Drink your Tea, Scorpius," She said gently. "It'll help you warm up."
Scorpius uncurled and sat up before touching his Teacup and taking a sip of Tea. The hot liquid seeped down his throat and helped bring him some well needed warmth to his stomach.
"Is that your snowman out there?" Ginny asked softly. "It's very good, and very tall."
"Albus made it," Scorpius said in a small voice. "I just helped."
"We both built it, mate," Albus said, looking at him with concern. "It was your idea."
"I didn't tell my Mum about it," Scorpius said sadly, fiddling with the sleeve of his Jumper. "She would've liked him. She used to like building snowmen. I didn't get to speak to her for long. I don't think she even wanted to see me."
"Don't be silly, "Ginny chided him gently. "I'm sure she was pleased to see you. I would've been if that was me."
"I wouldn't have found the Stone without Albus," Scorpius mumbled quietly. "He was brilliant. I would've frozen to death without him." He suddenly felt a strong surge of guilt bubble up at the thought of worrying Ginny. She had always been so nice to him and accepting him as Albus's friend without question. Seeing her face looking so pale in the clearing made him feel terrible.
" I'm sorry for worrying you by taking Albus with me Mrs. Potter," He said thickly. "I should've known about the Blizzard. I thought it was tomorrow night. I didn't mean to put us in danger."
"Oh, Scorpius," Ginny sighed softly. "The important thing is that you're both safe."
Tears blurred Scorpius's vision. He felt weak and pathetic. He was also angry with himself for trusting the Stone and thinking that he could've had his Mother back. Ginny gently pulled him in for a hug, which he melted into immediately. It had been quite and while since he was hugged like this and It reminded him a lot of the ones his Mother used to give him, the one that she couldn't give him tonight. A faint flowery scent filled his nostrils as he clung to Ginny, desperate to hold onto the memory of his Mother in the clearing. Her face, her voice, her radiant appearance. All his worries seemed to melt away as he he hugged her, thinking of his Mother.
Hushed voices were heard and Ginny gently let go of Scorpius and he could see Harry, Ron and Hermione gathered together and they seemed to be arguing and none of them seemed to be bothering to keep their voices down.
"Do you have to ask him tonight, Harry?" Hermione whispered. "Let the poor boy rest, for heaven's sake."
"We can't leave it, Hermione!" Ron muttered angrily. "What if he's kept it like he did the Time-Turner? We have to ask him now."
"He's obviously gone through quite an ordeal, Ron!" Hermione hissed. "He needs rest. Not having questions fired at him!"
"Look," Harry whispered tiredly. "We can't put this off, but we shouldn't interrogate him. We should see how he is. He's been through a lot. He needs someone to check up on him."
None of them seemed aware that the whole Office was listening in on their conversation. Albus tensed up, looking at Harry with suspicion and Draco bristled, putting a protective hand on Scorpius's shoulder. Before Hermione could say another word, Harry made a beeline for Scorpius and Ginny moved out of the way. Scorpius tensed as well, remembering the time that Harry had separated him from Albus. Could Harry be about to do it again? Harry reached Scorpius's chair and crouched down so that his face was level with Scorpius's and Scorpius looked into his face.
It was exactly like Albus's, although far rougher and it was littered with faint scars from many battles long past. On closer inspection, Scorpius could see that he looked tired, however his famous green eyes, exactly like Albus's were sparkled with concern. Scorpius willed himself to not stare at the lightning scar on Harry's forehead as he remembered that Harry didn't like that.
"Are you okay, Scorpius?" Harry asked softly. "Warming up? It was freezing out there, wasn't it? At least you didn't have to jump in a frozen pond like I did. Not something I'd be willing to try again."
Scorpius gave Harry a smile and a tiny nod and Harry shifted, looking like he was steeling himself for something.
"Listen, Scorpius," He sighed heavily, running a hand through his messy hair. "When we were out in the clearing and you had the Stone. Did you by any chance-?"
"I dropped it," Scorpius said abruptly, slightly surprised that his voice sounded normal. "Back in the clearing. I'm not lying this time. Look."
He twisted in his chair and turned his pockets inside out, revealing only his wand. Hermione threw Ron an angry glare.
"I told you," She hissed at him.
Harry looked rather relieved at Scorpius's news.
"That's good," He nodded. "I think it's for the best if it remains in the Forest. I want you to promise to me that you won't go looking for it again."
"I promise," Scorpius said at once. "I don't want to use that thing again."
"Objects like that can have a terrible influence on a Wizard," Harry said. "They can change them, and sometimes if they're not careful, they could waste away."
"I know," Scorpius mumbled. "Back at the clearing, I didn't want to drop the Stone. I wanted to hold onto it forever, to keep my Mum with me all the time. It was only Albus who was able to talk some sense into me. You must think I'm stupid. I think it makes me stupid, obsessing over a Stone."
"I think that it makes you human," Harry said gently. "To miss someone like that, to suffer. It's the most human thing imaginable, and that's what separates us from people like Voldemort. Not a day goes by where I don't miss my Parents."
Harry seemed to stare off into to space for a moment and Scorpius remembered that night in Godric's Hollow hearing Lily Potter's screams as she pleaded to Voldemort to spare her Son. The Office was silent, save for the whistling of the wind outside and the crackling of the flames in the fireplace.
Have you ever read the Tale of the Three Brothers?" Harry asked suddenly. Scorpius nodded.
"That's one of my favourites," He said, not sure where this conversation was heading.
"I like that one, as well," Ron said wistfully. "Probably the best of Beedle the Bard. I really like-"
"Shh," Hermione and Rose both said, glaring at Ron who fell promptly silent.
"Anyway, The Stone in the Three Brothers happens to be the Resurrection Stone," Harry said. " As you know, the Second Brother used it to bring back the girl that he was going to marry. He even lived with her for a while, but as time went by she grew more distant and sadder as she didn't belong with the living anymore. Eventually, he ended up taking his own life in order to join her in the afterlife."
Everyone was listening to Harry with rapt attention now. Even the portraits had stopped snoring.
"Dwelling on dreams," Harry continued sombrely. "Forgetting to live, it's not good for you, Scorpius. Believe me, I know what it's like. I almost wasted away in front of a Mirror, seeing the one thing that I could never have. You're not the first person to be tempted by the Stone. It can tempt even the oldest and wisest of Wizards."
Harry's head turned to the empty portrait behind Professor McGonagall's desk.
"Albus Dumbledore," Scorpius said quietly, suddenly understanding what Harry meant.
"You're never too old to miss someone," Harry said sadly. "And you never stop missing them. But some are better at coping at it than others."
"Harry's right," Professor McGonagall said softly. "I have lost many friends and loved ones during my years. Far too many for my liking. A lot of whom I miss every day. I too, would be tempted to use this Stone."
"I would've probably have been tempted to use it to bring Fred back," Ron said. "But then again, he was always so full of life that it would be weird seeing him as a shadow of himself."
"I think he'd find seeing us look older than him to be hilarious," Ginny said sadly.
"You used the Stone," Scorpius said suddenly to Harry. He wasn't being accusatory, but merely stating a fact. "During the Battle of Hogwarts. You brought your parents back.
"I don't think I was calling them, "Harry said thoughtfully. It was more like they were… calling me, so I could join them. Obviously that part didn't work out as intended. But the dead who loved us, they never truly leave us. Not really. And when you need them, you can find them right here."
Harry reached his hand out and briefly placed it over Scorpius's heart. Scorpius teared up again, thinking of the thirteen year old boy that he had read about conjuring his first Patronus in the form of his Father as a Stag. Harry dug his hands in his pockets and handed him a tissue.
"Will you be alright?" He asked as Scorpius dabbed at his eyes.
Scorpius nodded. Now that he was warmed up and had something eat and drink, he felt a little less shaken, but he found it difficult to get the image of his Mother's radiant face out of his head. However the thought of seeing his Mother look so well was a comforting thought.
"I will be," Scorpius said truthfully. "Thank you." Harry smiled and patted his shoulder.
"Glad to hear it," He said getting up with a small groan and straightening his back. "You're a good lad, Scorpius. I know you'll pull through just fine."
Scorpius beamed at Harry as Draco stood up and extended his hand out to him.
"Thank you," He said hoarsely, shaking Harry's hand. Harry looked taken aback briefly before relaxing.
"Will you be okay, Draco?" Harry asked him.
"I've spent the last two years of my life, stricken with grief and unable to fully move on," Draco said. "Knowing that my Wife is indeed in a better place has made me far happier than I've ever thought possible. But you're right; The Stone should remain where it is. Having it around permanently wouldn't be good for any of us."
"I think, Draco," Professor McGonagall said. "That you and Scorpius have some things that you need to talk about and make sure that nothing like this happens again."
Draco exhaled, running a hand through his long hair.
"Yes," He sighed. "You're right, Minerva." He turned to Scorpius, who noted that he looked quite dishevelled, rather unlike his usual elegant self.
"Scorpius," He said heavily. "This is all my fault. I should've talked to you more about your Mother. I could see that you were missing her and I did nothing to help you. I'm so sorry."
"I'm sorry, too, Dad," Scorpius said, standing up. "I'm sorry that I shut myself away and didn't try to talk to you about it. The truth is that I didn't think that I was ready to talk. I wanted to talk, but I couldn't find the right words. I don't think that I didn't want to admit that Mum was gone."
"I didn't want to admit that either," Draco said. "I would shut myself away in my Study for days, refusing to accept that she was gone. Thinking that it was a sick joke being played on me by this cruel, cruel world."
"It's easy to shut yourself away," Harry said. "But you have to remind yourself that the person you lost wouldn't want that. Sometimes, you have to force yourself to go on, even if it's the last thing that you want to do."
"I've always found it more bearable when you miss someone together," Ginny said, standing next to Harry who put an arm around her. "You two shouldn't have to miss her alone. You have each other and I think that's what Astoria would've wanted."
Scorpius and Draco both looked at each other. They had avoided the subject of Astoria for so long. The possibility of discussing her together was a daunting one, but Scorpius thought that it was a conversation that he ought to have.
"Well said, Ginny," Professor McGonagall said approvingly. "Perhaps it would be best if Scorpius should stay with you for the weekend, Draco? You clearly have many things that you need to talk through with one another. I want you to stay in the Hospital Wing tonight though, Scorpius. A Dreamless Sleep Potion will prevent any nightmares. Loosing someone is always difficult as is coping with that loss. There will be no punishment. As Harry said, older and wiser Wizards have been tempted by this Stone. My Office is always open should you ever need me."
Albus opened his mouth, but before he could say anything, Professor McGonagall cut across him.
"Yes, Potter I think you should stay with him," She sighed. "After all, the pair of you are inseparable. Something I haven't seen since…"
She glanced over at Harry, Ron and Hermione and her mouth twitching into a small smile.
"I think that would be for the best," Draco said, walking over to Albus and putting a hand on his shoulder.
"Thank you," He added. "For all you did for Scorpius, for us. Astoria was right. You are indeed incredible and the best friend that Scorpius could have. I hope you don't mind that I take Scorpius off your hands for the weekend. I have a lot of things to discuss with him but we would be glad to have you for another weekend, providing that your Parents approve."
He looked uncertainly at Harry and Ginny.
"Of course," Ginny said at once.
"You'd be welcome to have him," Harry smiled. "And we'd be welcome to have you both round ours. Perhaps we could have a drink as well?"
"I'm sure we can arrange it all in a few weeks' time, but thank you." Draco said, nodding at Harry before turning to Rose.
"And as for you, Miss Granger-Weasley," He said. "If it wasn't for you, I don't think any of this would be possible. You deserve a massive thank you from me. I'm sure it must've been rather difficult for you, worrying about Scorpius and Albus. I am very impressed with the way you handled the situation."
"You're welcome, Mr. Malfoy," Rose said quietly as she shook Draco's hand, as Ron and Hermione beamed with pride.
"Rose was worried about you," Ginny said seriously to Albus. "She tried to warn you, but you brushed her off earlier."
"Oh," Albus said tonelessly. "Right."
"We wouldn't have found you two if it wasn't for Rose," Harry said, looking pointedly at Albus.
Albus looked rather guilty under his parents pointed glares. Ginny motioned that he approach Rose. Albus got up reluctantly and shuffled towards Rose.
"Thanks, Rose," He said gruffly, not looking at her. "And I'm sorry about earlier."
"That's quite alright, Albus," Rose said with dignity. "And I'm sorry about dismissing the Resurrection Stone. You were right. It does exist, I was wrong and I'm sorry about the way that I approached you. It's just that after everything that happened last year, I was worried that something might happen to you again."
Albus's eyes met Rose's and he nodded.
"Thank you, Rose," Scorpius said warmly, breaking the moment between the two Cousins.
"Well, I'd better get going," Ron said, standing up. "Anyone want any food? It's been ages since I've been to the Kitchens. Hermione?"
"I've got to go over a few things with Professor McGonagall, Ron," Hermione said.
"Later," Ron said pointedly. "I'm sure Minerva needs her rest what with that Blizzard and everything. Come and have a Chocolate Eclair. I used to love those at Hogwarts."
"Trust you to remember the food," Hermione said fondly.
"Perhaps you could take Rose back to her Dormitory, Ronald?" Professor McGonagall said. "You did well today." She added, smiling at Rose.
"Yep, well done, Rosie," Ron said. "Blimey, it's been ages since I've seen the Gryffindor Common Room. You coming, Harry? Take a trip down memory lane?"
"Nah, I'll pass," Harry said. "I've taken enough trips down memory lane recently."
"Fair enough," Ron shrugged, making his way over to Draco and Scorpius. "My condolences, Draco," He said briskly. Draco gave him a curt nod.
"Thank you, Weasley," Draco said curtly, extending his hand and shaking Ron's. "I mean Ronald," He corrected himself.
"Nice of you to remember my name," Ron said with a smirk, before turning to Scorpius.
"Take care of yourself, Scorpius." He said, clapping him on the back. "And no more scaring your Dad, okay? He was worried sick about you."
"Okay," Scorpius smiled. Ron reached his hand out and shook Scorpius's. When he withdrew, Scorpius noted that he had a small bar of Honeydukes Chocolate clutched in his hand. He looked up at Ron, smiling and intending to say 'thank you', only to find Ron giving him a small wink.
"Come on, Rosie," Ron said, beckoning Rose out of the Office. Just as Ron was in the doorway, he stuck his head around the Office doorway.
"This is the second time that something from our past has come up," He said. "Funny how our past is biting us on the backside all of a sudden."
He disappeared around the corner and shut the door with a snap. Hermione leaned back in her chair and sighed.
"He's impossible," She said, shaking her head with an amused smile on her face. "Right most of the time, but impossible. I think we're done here, Minerva. The worst of the Blizzard has passed so you don't need us here."
"Why don't you accompany your Husband to the Kitchens, Hermione?" Professor McGonagall asked, peering at Hermione over her square spectacles. "You look as if you've had a long day. I can handle things from here."
"Well, if you're sure, Minerva," Hermione said getting to her feet again and making her way to Draco and Scorpius. "Good luck, you two. I really hope things go well for you both."
"Thank you, Minister," Draco said. "For all you have done."
"I'm really sorry about Astoria, Draco," Hermione said earnestly. "I hope you're not-"
"Everything worked out fine," Draco said calmly. "We both know where to go after this. Getting there won't be easy, but we'll manage it. After all, we have each other."
Draco put his arm around Scorpius's shoulder.
"Would you like a Toffee, Scorpius?" Hermione asked, digging her hands in her pockets and retrieving a small paper bag and handing it to him. Scorpius took out a fat Toffee.
"Th-thank you, Minister," He stammered, feeling slightly overwhelmed by the acts of kindness that he was receiving. Hermione smiled at him kindly.
"Here, take the whole bag," She said gently, handing him the bag. "I'll make some more. No doubt Ron has given you some Chocolate as well. Now I'd better stop that Husband of mine from eating all the food in the Kitchens. These crises just never stop."
With a last smile at Draco and Scorpius, Hermione dashed from the Office with a swish of her cloak.
"Well I think you boys should make your way to the Hospital Wing," Professor McGonagall said, looking at Scorpius and Albus. "It's been a long day for you both and need your rest."
"That's right," Ginny agreed, peering at Albus. "You both look exhausted."
"I'm not tired," Albus said defensively, stifling a yawn with the back of his hand. Ginny narrowed her eyes and Scorpius let out a giggle.
"That's what they all say," Ginny said drily. "Come on, move."
"And I'll have James's Cloak back, Albus," Harry said, holding out his hand. "I hope you found it useful?"
"Uh, yeah. We did," Albus said sheepishly, pulling out the Cloak and handing it to Harry. "We used it to avoid to Centaurs."
"Well at least you prepared for your trip," Professor McGonagall said, rising from her desk. "But if I ever catch you in another Common Room again without permission, Albus Potter, I shall change my mind about punishing you. Now come along, you should be in the Hospital Wing."
Albus went over to Scorpius and engulfed him in a big hug. Scorpius hugged him back fiercely. No words were needed to be exchanged between them. The knowledge that Albus was here for him was enough.
They parted and Draco put his hand on Scorpius's shoulder, leading him out of the Office. He felt a lot warmer now, and much happier after his chat with Harry. But he realised that he was very tired after his trip to the Forest. The only thing that he needed now, was his bed.
Two more chapters to go.