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Day 46: Contrast
McGonagall watched the two boys speaking to each other across the courtyard. The heads, one so dark-haired and the other with hair that was nearly white, were bent close together.
It still gave her an odd feeling to see the two boys together, remembering two other boys, years before, spitting insults at each other and getting into fights practically any time they were in the same room. Albus Potter and Scorpius Malfoy were both the spitting image of their fathers; it could have been Harry and Draco sitting there, but for the fact that the boys were clearly best friends.
Albus was a lot like Harry in some ways. He had that same kindness, that same determination to help anyone who might need it. He was less bold than his father though, and had much less of a knack for getting in trouble (for which McGonagall was eternally grateful.)
Scorpius, on the other hand was as different from Draco in temperament as he was like him in looks. Where Draco had been arrogant, Scorpius was insecure. Draco had strolled into every room like he owned it; Scorpius was painfully shy and was more likely to hide in the back and hope no one could see him. Draco had been a bully; Scorpius was kind to everyone.
As strange as it was to watch them together, McGonagall had to admit it was really no surprise that Albus Potter had reached out to shy, timid Scorpius, Harry's friend group had always been a motley group of outcasts as well.
"What are you thinking of, Minerva?" A familiar voice brought McGonagall out of her thoughts.
McGonagall turned to Pomona Sprout with a small smile and inclined her head toward the two boys, "Oh… the difference a generation makes."
Sprout laughed, watching as a girl with long red hair joined the two boys, "It's funny, isn't it, how something can seem so utterly familiar and so completely different at the very same time? I remember another trio of students who always used to choose that very same spot during their breaks."
McGonagall chuckled, "I suppose the similarities and the differences are all just part of the great mystery of life. It makes one wonder what the generation after this one will bring.
"Everything will change," Sprout replied, and then smiled, "And everything will stay the same. And so it will continue long after you and I are gone."
"And no doubt, one day in the future there will be some other pair of old women standing here reflecting on the enigmas of life," McGonagall said, her usual dry humor bringing the oddly philosophical conversation back down to earth.
Sprout chuckled, "Perhaps I'm getting philosophical in my old age, but I think a little reflection on the enigmas of life is good for the soul every now and then. Don't you agree, Minerva?"
"I suppose that I do," McGonagall replied, "As long as one doesn't let their head remain in the clouds for too long."
Sprout chuckled again and the two women fell into a companionable silence, watching as the latest group of Hogwarts students enjoyed the sun and the warmth of the day, just as so many generations had done in this very courtyard before them and so many generations would continue to do so after them.
Well… this one took a weird turn. It started out as a simple exploration of Albus and Scorpius and contrasting them (especially Scorpius) with their fathers. Then it somehow turned into reflections on the meaning of life. I also couldn't quite figure out how to end it. So… there it is. I would be interested to know what everyone thought of this one as I don't even know what I think of it. Writing it has put me in a rather odd mood.