A/N: This is a more serious chapter that revolves around identity and the struggles these kids are going through. It was tough to write because I'd been anticipating this one for so long, but I took my time with it, and I think the chapter turned out much better than I imagined. Hope you like it as much as I do!
- 4 -
Comfort Food
*.*.*.*.*.*
Scorpius Malfoy sat by the pond, enjoying the late August afternoon as he sketched a pair of swans floating on the mirrored surface. When he finished the outlines, he got out his paint palette and used a special water-filled brush to apply the colors. Emerald for the grassy bank, a lighter green for the weeping willows, and different shades of blue for the sky and water. The paint dried quickly on account of the wind. Scorpius was only wearing a thin button-down shirt and he shivered as a gust blew against him. Guess I better go back inside and get a jacket, he thought, closing his sketchbook and making his way up the hill.
Scorpius was approaching the garden archway when he saw something that made him stop in his tracks. A dark-haired man was kissing his mother's neck. She pulled him into the hedge maze, giggling like a teenager. The idea of her having an affair hadn't crossed his mind before. Sure, his parents weren't lovey-dovey, but they seemed fond of one another. Within seconds, the image of his caring mother was replaced with that of a selfish adulterer. So, this is what she does while father's working! Scorpius wasn't the type of person who sought out confrontation, but he was too angry to walk away. He went into the hedge maze, following the sound of their voices. He found them a minute later, wrapped around each other, and snogging passionately.
"What is going on here?" he said in a harsh voice that sounded eerily like his father's.
They sprang apart. Astoria's pretty face wore an expression on horror. "Oh, gods, Scorpius! I didn't know you were home today." She attempted to smooth her disheveled caramel hair. "I thought you were with the Potters."
"No. They're having a family day together and I didn't want to impose." Scorpius glared at the man. "Who in the bloody hell are you?"
"Honey, please don't be rude."
He let out an indignant laugh. "I'm being rude? You could have at least gone to a hotel!"
She flushed an angry red. "I know you're upset, Scorpius, and you have every right to be, but don't you dare use that tone with me! I'll explain everything to you." Astoria touched the man's arm and whispered something to him. He nodded and she turned away.
Scorpius sent the man one last defiant glare before following his mother out of the maze. His heart was racing painfully fast; he'd never felt this irate before.
"Let's sit by the fountain and talk," she said.
Scorpius took in some deep breaths of air. He only sat down when he felt more in control of himself. For a while, the only sounds were the splashing water and trilling birdsong. Then his mother began to speak.
"I need you to know that I'm not betraying your father. Draco knows about Alexei."
He met her hazel eyes. "You really expect me to believe that?"
"It's the truth, Scorpius. Your father and I had an arranged marriage. Draco made it clear to me from the beginning that romantic love wouldn't be possible for him."
"Why not? Is he gay?"
"No. He's not interested in sexual relationships at all. That's why we've always slept in separate rooms."
Scorpius broke out in a cold sweat. His mother had verbalized something that he'd been denying for years. I'm exactly like my father… I never felt like I belonged in the Malfoy family, but clearly I do because I've inherited their deficiencies.
Astoria placed a hand on his shoulder. "Are you okay? You're pale as a ghost." Scorpius shook his head. "I'm sorry you had to find out this way, honey."
He stared down at the ground. "Why did father get married if he didn't want to?"
"Because he knew that it was his duty to carry on his magical line. Purebloods are raised to believe that family obligation is more important than our own individual desires. I know it may seem old-fashioned to you, but this is how witches and wizards have survived through the ages." She paused. "Even though it wasn't his idea, Draco never regretted having children. He told me that it was the best decision he ever made. I know your father is hard on you, and he struggles with showing affection, but he loves you very much."
Scorpius swallowed the lump in his throat. "And what about you, mum? Does he love you?"
Astoria's expression softened. "He does. We're partners and good friends."
"And you've been happy with that?"
She put her arm around him. "Yes. Your father gave me two wonderful children. How could I not be happy?"
"But you have to sneak around… you have to live a lie. Wouldn't it be better to get a divorce?"
"We're going to wait until Calista is a little older."
"And meanwhile, you'll just carry on your affair?" he asked. "How is that man even okay with this?"
Astoria let go of him. "Alexei understands that family comes first. I know you don't approve of our relationship, but please try to understand."
"I need some time to process everything." Scorpius stood up. "Don't tell father that I know until I leave for school." He couldn't face him right now, because if he did, he'd confess to being the same way.
Scorpius felt disconnected from his body as he walked back to the manor. Part of him was relieved that another person could relate to what he was going through, but it didn't make the reality any easier to accept. Because Scorpius had convinced himself that he could change… that someday he'd meet someone who would make him feel something. But his father was forty years old and he'd never been attracted to anyone. I'm going to be this way for the rest of my life, he realized. I'm going to end up alone. Scorpius let the tears slip down his cheeks. Whenever something was bothering him, he'd always talk to Lily Rose. But how can I tell her about this?
He wiped his face with the sleeve of his shirt and pulled open the massive oak doors. Calista was staying over at Dominique Weasley's, so it was as quiet as a tomb inside (and nearly as cold). He hurried up the wide staircase. As he ran past the portrait gallery, a few stern ancestors called out to him.
"Are you crying, boy?"
"Have you no shame? Malfoys don't cry!"
Scorpius slammed his bedroom door behind him.A fire was lit in the grate and he stood in front of it. Once he stopped shivering, he glanced down at the art box in his hand. Scorpius sat cross-legged on the floor and took out his sketchbook. He flipped to the watercolor pond. I'll never be able to look at this again without remembering what happened today. He tore out the sketch and threw it into the flames.
*.*.*
It was a week into the new school year and Scorpius had gone down to the lake to clear his head. He was startled out of his reverie when someone plopped down beside him; a someone with masses of curly brown hair.
"I used the marauder's map to find you," Lily Rose explained. "Look what I brought." She pulled out a large thermos, blue speckled camping mugs, and a round tin that probably contained sweets. Scorpius could smell the delicious aroma of hot chocolate as she poured it. "Here you are."
"Thank you." He warmed his hands on the mug before raising it to his lips.
She opened the tin. "There's pumpkin oatmeal cookies too."
He took one. The cookie was just the way he liked it: moist and chewy. They ate their snack in silence – staring out over the lake, and watching the sunlight glint off the water.
Lily Rose spoke after a minute. "You haven't been yourself. Want to talk about it?"
"Not really," he replied.
"You'll feel better if you tell me. Then it won't be weighing on you so heavily."
Scorpius sighed. He knew she was right. "My mum is having an affair. Or maybe it isn't one since my father already knows." And then it all came spilling out… how he saw Astoria and Alexei kissing, the arranged marriage, and Draco's lack of interest in sex or romance. "My parents are getting a divorce when Calista is older."
"Wow, I'm so sorry, Scorpius. This must be really difficult for you."
"Yeah, it was a shock." He gazed down at his hands. "I didn't want to tell you because your parents have such a loving relationship. I mean, the Potters are practically the perfect family – that's why I always want to be over at your house. And then you have my family with their antiquated pureblood ideals about duty and sacrifice."
"It might be antiquated, but you wouldn't be here if it wasn't for that arranged marriage." Lily Rose placed her hand over his. "I can't imagine a world without you in it."
He hesitated slightly. "Do you think my father is a freak?"
"Of course not! He's just different is all."
His heart was hammering, but he gathered the courage to ask the next question. "What would you say if I told you I was like him?"
"Scorpius, look at me." He met her compassionate green eyes. "I already know that you aren't interested in relationships."
That surprised him. "You do? How?"
"Well, you are my best friend, so of course I'd notice. And let me just say this now: there's absolutely nothing wrong with you."
He shook his head. "It feels like there is. I'd rather be the same as everybody else."
"And I'd rather be like you. I could do without the painful crushes and breakups and confusion over my feelings."
"Sure, all those things sound inconvenient, but at least you won't end up alone. I will because of my inability to love someone," he said morosely.
She frowned. "What do you mean by 'inability?' Don't you love me?"
"You know I do. You're my dearest friend, but that isn't the same as romantic love. It doesn't count."
"Like hell it doesn't! According to the ancient Greeks, there are eight different types of love. What we feel for each other is Philia – an affectionate love between companions. And it just so happens that the ancient Greeks thought it was the most important kind! That's why you won't end up alone, because you have me."
He blinked back his tears. "You really mean that?"
"Yes! I know that modern society places an emphasis on Eros being the superior love, but it really isn't. That's why I like reading about ancient Philosophy because they have a much deeper understanding of the human condition."
"Could you lend me some of those books?"
She smiled at him. "Absolutely. I'll ask my mum to bring them next week."
"Thanks, Lily."
She leaned her head on his shoulder. "Do you feel better now?"
"Yeah," he replied, putting his arm around her. He could smell her coconut shampoo.
"You're so much better than a boyfriend," Lily Rose said softly.
The word 'boyfriend' caused a jolt of anxiety to pass through him. "About that… what's going to happen to us when you get one? Won't you have to stop being close to me?"
"Never. If he doesn't understand, then he won't be my boyfriend for long."
Scorpius wanted to believe her, but friendships being dropped was an unfortunate reality. He'd seen it happen countless times at Hogwarts. "Maybe you won't want to spend as much time with me if you have someone else to be with," he continued.
She lifted her head from his shoulder. "You're practically my other half. I would never get tired of you or abandon you for someone else. That's a promise, okay?" All he could do was nod because his throat was too tight to speak. Lily Rose wrapped her arms around him. "I love you, Scorpius. Don't ever forget that."
The fear of being alone subsided as he clung to her. "I love you too," he murmured. It was the first time he'd ever told her so, but it wouldn't be the last. Because he knew that what he felt was love – no, it wasn't romantic, but it was just as deep, just as strong. They would always have each other.
*.*.*
Aisling woke on the morning of the October full moon with a pounding headache. Not only were her muscles sore, but her senses were heightened to an uncomfortable degree. The chattering in the Great Hall made her migraine even worse, and the cloying scents of perfume ruined her appetite.
"I'm leaving now," she told Lily Rose. "I need to take my medicine."
"I'll come with you."
The two friends went to the Hospital Wing. Madame Abbott greeted them when they walked in. "Have a seat on the bed, Aisling. I'll get your potion." She returned half a minute later carrying a goblet-full of Wolfsbane.
Aisling drank the bitter liquid as fast as she could.
"I'm sorry about this, but I won't be able to stay at the hospital wing tonight," Madame Abbott informed her. "Neville and Felix have the flu, so I need to be at home with them."
"Oh, well I understand. So one of the interns will be locking me in?" Hannah only stayed at the school during full moons. Otherwise, students from St. Mungo's School for Healing were sent over to work the night shift.
"Yes. I've informed Mr. Tachibana about you. He's a responsible young man, and very trustworthy. He won't tell anyone about your condition."
"Do you mean Rei Tachibana – Kaede's older brother?" Lily Rose asked. Kaede Tachibana was the Gryffindor Seeker.
"The very same. He graduated last year."
"I remember him," Aisling said. "He was a Slytherin Prefect." And a very attractive, intimidating one at that. Her stomach did a nervous somersault. Why couldn't it have been a female intern?
"Hannah, could I have a Pepperup potion please? I woke up with a sore throat."
Madame Abbott placed her hand on Lily Rose's forehead. "You do feel a bit feverish. I'll get one for you. But if you have the flu that's going around, Pepperup won't cure it."
"Cheers," Lily Rose said, downing the potion. Within seconds, plumes of steam began to leak from her ears. This side-effect would last for hours.
The girls said goodbye to Hannah and headed for the History of Magic classroom. They bumped into Freddie along the way.
He flashed Lily Rose a grin. "Hey, little tea kettle. You contagious?"
"Probably."
"I better stay away from you then." Freddie walked beside Aisling and whispered, "How you feeling, Ash?"
"I'm hanging in there." Her headache was lessening somewhat thanks to the Wolfsbane.
"Course you are. You're the strongest person I know."
Aisling smiled. His compliment would have caused her heart to skip a year ago, but she'd long outgrown her crush. As much as she admired Fred Weasley, they didn't have very compatible personalities. He was too outgoing for her.
"You know, Potter, I don't mind if you're contagious," Baz Hakim said. "I'd love to miss class for a few days. You'd be doing me a real favor by giving me a kiss."
"Baz, do you want me to hex you?" Freddie asked, a rare look of annoyance crossing his handsome face.
Right. That was the other reason Aisling had got over him: because it was obvious to her that he fancied Lily Rose. Oh, he'd deny it out of loyalty to Louis, but that wouldn't make his feelings go away.
"Stop it, Freddie. I'm perfectly capable of handling him myself." Lily Rose took a handkerchief from the pocket of her robes and blew her nose into it. Then she held it out to Baz with a sweet smile. "You can have my germy snot rag."
Freddie let out an appreciate laugh. "Nice one, Lils!"
Baz grimaced. "Uhh, yeah… think I'll pass."
The bantering continued until they reached the classroom. Professor Binns never paid attention to the students while he lectured, so Aisling cast a cushioning charm on her desk and took a nap. The next period was Herbology, but the substitute professor only asked them to harvest some Belladonna and Rue. She had an hour lunch break – followed by Divination: her last class of the day.
"Good afternoon, children," Professor Trelawney said in her mystical voice. "My Inner Eye has advised me that we must take a break from our current lesson plan and read the tea leaves today. Please come down to the front and gather your supplies."
Aisling carried the cups and chocolate digestive biscuits back to their table, while Selena scooped the leaves into the teapot. Tessomancy was the form of Divination that she had the least amount of faith in, but she welcomed the chance to enjoy a relaxing cup of earl grey.
Selena read hers first. "Ah, this is very clear, isn't it?" She moved the cup and pointed. "See, the heart shape? It means that romance is about to enter your life."
Aisling thought it highly unlikely. She had gone on a few Hogsmeade dates over the years, but nothing had come of it because she hadn't encouraged them. A relationship meant honesty, and how many teenage boys would want to be with her after learning her secret? As for falling in love, she didn't see the point since she'd never be able to have human children. Female werewolves could only reproduce with other werewolves on the full moon. And when they gave birth, the offspring were wolf pups. Learning this made Aisling realize what a broken monster she really was.
"You're thinking unkind things about yourself, aren't you?" Selena asked, adjusting her pink glasses.
"You would too if you were me."
"No, I wouldn't. You're a beautiful, worthwhile individual, Aisling Hannigan. I've seen happiness for you, but that can only happen if you allow it into your life. A lonely future isn't a reality – it's a choice. Remember that when the time comes."
Aisling chewed on her bottom lip. Selena had a way of making even the wisest people feel foolish. All of her 'reasons' felt like excuses now. "Thanks for your advice, Selena. I'll try to follow it."
Her friend nodded. "That's all I ask. Okay, now it's your turn to read my cup."
Aisling blinked at the soggy leaves, trying to discern a shape. "Hmm, it looks a bit like an owl to me. Perhaps you'll be receiving a letter? Or sending one."
"As a matter of fact, I was planning on posting a letter to my parents after class."
"Oh, good! I got something right then."
Selena smiled. "You and I both know it was just a lucky guess."
"Well, your prediction might also be guesswork," she huffed.
"It isn't. I've already seen it."
"Care to elaborate?"
"No, but you'll find out for yourself soon enough," Selena replied mysteriously.
*.*.*
Aisling used Lily Rose's invisibility cloak to avoid any patrolling Prefects. She took it off just outside the hospital wing, folded it up, and stowed it safely in her messenger bag. Don't be anxious, she told herself. Madame Abbott said that he was trustworthy, and Healers have a duty to uphold a patient's privacy. Aisling squared her shoulders and pulled open the door.
The lights inside were dim, so she didn't see Rei Tachibana until he got up from an armchair. As he walked towards her, she noticed that he was only a few inches taller – around 5'9 or so – with a slim, elegant build. His shiny black hair fell across his forehead just as she remembered, but he now wore a pair of stylish, wire-framed spectacles.
He held out his hand. "Hello, Miss Hannigan. I'm Rei Tachibana."
His palm was dry and slightly cool to the touch. "Hi. It's nice to meet you."
"Have a seat in the chair. I'll get you some water." He returned a moment later with the glass.
"Thank you," she said, taking a large gulp.
Rei sat in the armchair opposite her. "So, Madame Abbott tells me that you're a Ravenclaw."
"That's right."
"I was a hat stall between Ravenclaw and Slytherin. I almost picked your house, but I didn't fancy having to solve a riddle to get inside the common room."
"It's really not that bad. The door knocker will let someone in as long as they reason it out. Rowena Ravenclaw just wanted us to use our minds."
He looked at her. "The views must be amazing from up there."
"They're breath-taking. I usually get up before dawn just so I can watch the sun rise over the mountains. The sunsets are gorgeous too."
"Well, now I'm convinced that I chose the wrong house."
She suddenly wished he had been a Ravenclaw, because then she might have known him.
"When you were a student here, I thought you were intimidating," Aisling confessed. "But I must have been wrong about you because you seem rather nice."
Rei chuckled. "That was just my persona as a Prefect to keep the underclassmen in line. But thank you for calling me nice – I like to think of myself as pretty easy-going."
"Yeah? What kinds of things do you like to do?"
"I spend a lot of time reading in cafes. Sometimes I go to museums or theater productions. My favorite place to be is at my flat though. I live above a bakery and it always smells fantastic in there."
"Wow, you're lucky!" Aisling pictured a sunny space decorated with bookshelves and modern furniture. "Do you have a cat by any chance?"
"I do! How did you know?"
She shrugged. "You just strike me as a cat person. What's her name?"
"Praline. She's a spoiled calico princess," he added with a grin. One of his upper teeth was crooked, but it was a charming imperfection that only enhanced his attractiveness.
Aisling returned his smile. "Well, you should always spoil your pets."
"That's true. Do you have any?"
She shook her head. "Most animals are scared of me. I suppose I smell like a predator to them."
"It must be hard." Rei's eyes were full of sensitive concern. "I can't even imagine the pain you must be going through right now. Yet here you are – still smiling an hour before moonrise. Your strength is admirable, Miss Hannigan."
The compliment made her blush. She didn't know how to respond to it, but a student entering the room spared her from any awkward silence.
"Oh, hey, Claudia," Rei said to the younger girl. "What brings you here tonight?"
"I'm coming down with a cold."
"Yes, there does seem to be an epidemic at the moment. Would you like a Pepperup potion?"
She nodded, coughing into her hand. "Can I stay here tonight? My dormmates don't want to catch my illness."
"Sure. Pick a bed and I'll fetch that potion for you."
The younger girl sent Aisling a disapproving look before walking past her. She probably thinks I'm just here to socialize. Her nerves returned all over again. Aisling drank the rest of her water, wishing that she was already in her safe room.
When Rei returned, he leaned close to her and whispered, "Wait for me on the fourth floor. I'll be up in ten minutes." Then he said in a louder voice. "Goodnight Miss Hannigan. I hope you feel better soon."
"Thank you for the potion," she replied, playing along. "Goodnight."
Once Aisling reached the fourth floor, she ducked behind a tapestry. Her room was at the end of the torch-lit hallway. She wasn't sure if Rei knew which one it was, so she sat down on the cold floor. Her muscles were aching horribly, and her head was throbbing in time to her heartbeat. She closed her eyes and waited for him.
Aisling heard Rei's footsteps approaching. "I'm sorry about that," he said quietly. "Claudia is friends with my little sister. I didn't want her getting suspicious about why you were there."
She tried to rise from the floor, but her body wasn't cooperating. Rei hurried over and extended his hand. "Let me help you, Miss Hannigan." She took it gratefully and he pulled her up without any effort. Rei put his arm around her. "Here, lean on me. Which room is yours?"
"The last one on the right." His robes smelled faintly of cedarwood, cloves, and orange spice.
He pulled open the door, revealing a medium-sized room with a crackling fireplace, plush red carpet, a small table, and a bed pushed against the wall. Rei helped her over to it.
She let go of him and sat down on the edge of the mattress. "Thank you."
"Can I get you anything else?"
She shook her head. "I just need to lie down."
"Of course. I'll say goodnight then." A blush colored his cheekbones. "Sorry, that was the wrong expression to use. Of course it won't be a good night for you. I wish I could say something comforting, but I have no idea how to convey my sympathy."
"Your kindness is comfort enough."
He touched her shoulder. "I'll be here at seven with your restorative potion."
"Okay. See you then."
The door shut behind him and Aisling collapsed onto the soft bed. Her body was burning with fever now. She glanced at the clock on the bedside table. Forty-three minutes to go. At around the ten-minute mark, her pulse would speed up, and she'd start pacing as her body prepared for the change. But until then, Aisling would imagine herself in Rei's flat above the bakery… they were sitting together on the sofa, and Praline the calico cat was curled up beside them. At one point, he leaned over to kiss her. Aisling knew it would never happen, but she needed an unrealistic dream to distract herself tonight.
*.*.*
She was lying on the floor, sobbing from the pain of changing back. Aisling's skin felt raw and ripped open. She couldn't move for several minutes. When she did manage to get up, her legs felt as wobbly as a newborn faun's. Aisling pulled a fleece robe over her naked body and went over to the window. She stood there, watching the sky change from a hopeful pink to a determined orange. Becoming a werewolf had made her aware of her own mortality in a way that most people were not. That's why she got up before dawn – to remind herself just how beautiful being alive was.
Aisling changed into her clothes and combed her shoulder-length hair. She searched through her bag but couldn't find any Metamorph candies. Great, now Rei's going to see me with this ghost white hair. Last night, it had been her usual dark blue. Aisling glanced in her compact mirror, wincing at the reflection staring back at her. She was pale and wan, with dark circles beneath her eyes. Oh well… there's nothing I can do about my appearance.
Her stomach rumbled as she sat on the bed. The nausea from yesterday was replaced with a ravenous hunger. Aisling was thinking about food when a knock sounded upon the door.
"Come in," she called out in a raspy voice.
"Hello, Miss Hannigan. I brought you some breakfast. I wasn't sure what you'd like, so I asked the house elves for a little of everything."
Aisling cleared her throat. "Thanks. That was really nice of you."
He set the tray down on the table. There were scrambled eggs, strips of bacon, sausage links, buttered muffins, apple-cinnamon porridge, a glass of orange juice, and a small pot of coffee.
"This is a lot of food. Why don't you join me?"
Rei flashed her a grin. "I was hoping you'd say that. It's why I brought two cups and an extra set of utensils." He sat down opposite her and reached for a muffin.
Aisling tucked into the sausages first. She needed some protein to recover her strength.
"Is that the natural color of your hair?" he asked.
"No. It used to be brown, but it turned white after my first transformation." She took a bite of eggs. "I hate it. That's why I use Metamorph candies to change the color."
"Well, I think your white hair is rather beautiful." He gave her a little smile. "You remind me of a yuki-onna: a female snow spirit from Japanese folklore."
Being called beautiful made her heart skip a beat. "Are you from Japan then?" she asked, trying to play it cool.
Rei speared a sausage link with his fork. "I was born there, but I've lived in England nearly my whole life. My father got a job with the British ministry when I was two. We still go back to visit our extended family though."
"I've heard that it's a lovely country. And Mahoukotoro is supposed to be an amazing school."
"It is; my older brother was a student there. I could have gone too, but Hogwarts felt more like home to me." He poured himself a cup of coffee. "Do you want one?"
"Yes, please. I take two sugars and a bit of cream." Aisling used a warming spell on the porridge. "So why did you decide to become a Healer?"
"I had to spend a few weeks in St. Mungo's when I was a child. Watching the Healers made me appreciate what they do for others." He passed her the cup of coffee. "I wanted a career that meant something, you know?"
"I feel the same way. That's why I'm planning on getting a job at the Remus Lupin Foundation once I graduate. I've volunteered there the past two summers now."
"I know about that foundation! Do you want to work on developing a cure?"
"No, I'm not very good at potion-making. I'd like to work in the Mental Health section as a counsellor. A lot of werewolves don't have emotional support networks and they suffer from depression. I want to help them through that – I want them to see there's still hope."
He smiled at her. "I'm sure you will, Miss Hannigan."
"Please call me Aisling."
"Only if you call me Rei," he replied playfully.
She laughed. "Deal."
They continued to chat while they ate. Aisling found out that Rei was nineteen, that he lived in Stoke Newington, and that his favorite café was a French bistro in Chiswick. She told him that she was learning the guitar.
"Really? Do you sing as well?"
"Yes. I've started writing my own songs."
"Wow, that's impressive! I'd love to hear you play sometime."
"I've only performed in front of my roommates before," she told him. "I'm kinda shy around people I don't know very well."
Rei smiled. "In that case, why don't we hang out during Christmas break? I could take you to my favorite café and then show you around the village."
"I'd love that! Oh, but I can't Apparate until next summer."
"That's fine – I'll pick you up. We can owl each other with the details."
Rei Tachibana just asked me out, she thought, stomach swirling with butterflies. It gave her the courage to say something that she'd normally never dare say. "I wish you could be here every full moon. I've really enjoyed spending time with you."
"Me too, Aisling. Tell you what, I'll talk to Madame Abbott about it. I'm sure I can convince her with my Slytherin powers of persuasion," he joked.
That made her laugh. "I'll put in a good word for you too."
They finished their last bites of food. Then Rei reached into the pocket of his robes. "Here's your restorative potion."
Aisling's fingers brushed his as she took it from him. "Thanks." It had a sweet taste, unlike the Wolfsbane.
"Does that help you?"
"Yeah, it usually works within the hour."
"I'm glad to hear that, but I hope you're going to stay in bed today," Rei said, the Healer in him emerging.
"I don't usually miss classes after the full moon. If I made a habit out of it, someone might realize the truth."
"I understand, but your body needs time to recover from the trauma you've been through. Would you consider a compromise of resting this morning and attending classes in the afternoon?"
"Sure, I can do that. I am really tired… it'll be nice to go back to sleep."
"I won't keep you then." He rose from the chair and vanished the breakfast tray. "I should get going anyway. Another student showed up last night with the flu. I need to check on them before Madame Abbott comes in."
She nodded. "Thank you for everything, Rei. You made it a lot more bearable."
"It was my pleasure," he replied, smiling. "Goodbye, Aisling. Take care of yourself."
"Bye. I'll see you on the next full moon."
As Aisling walked back to her dormitory, she thought: I might have to start believing in tea-leaves after all…
*.*.*
Freddie had no idea how, but by lunch time, practically the entire school knew that Aisling was a werewolf. He hurried up the spiral staircase that led to the Ravenclaw common room. Selena had told him during breakfast that Aisling was planning on attending her afternoon classes. He leaned against the wall and waited for her to come out.
Aisling's face broke into a smile when she saw him. "Hey, Freddie! What are you doing here?"
"Listen, I've gotta talk to you about something important. Let's skip lunch in the Great Hall and go down to the kitchens today."
"Sounds serious. What's going on?"
"There's no easy way to say this, Ash." He rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Somebody found out about you and spread it around."
The color drained from her face. "You're kidding, right?"
"I wish I was."
"No… Rei wouldn't tell anyone. Not even his sister."
Freddie's brow furrowed. "Rei? Who's that?"
"Tachibana. He was the intern who looked after me last night."
"Oh! Yeah, it couldn't have been him. Patient confidentiality and all that. Was anyone else in the hospital wing?"
"A younger girl named Claudia. I guess she's friends with his little sister, Kaede. But I left after she arrived, and Rei didn't meet me until ten minutes later."
"Maybe she followed him?"
Aisling shook her head. "We only talked about me being a werewolf in my safe room. How could she have heard that?"
"Extendable ears. My dad sells loads of them," he replied.
"I guess it's possible. Rei was only in there with me for about a minute though. If she was eavesdropping, it was probably this morning. We had breakfast together in my room. That's mostly when we talked about my condition." She chewed on her bottom lip. "Why would Claudia follow him though?"
"She might have a crush."
"Oh, Merlin," she groaned. "Rei asked me out on a date."
His eyes widened. "What? Really?"
"Yeah, we made plans to meet up during Christmas break. If Claudia was using extendable ears, hearing that would be reason enough to sabotage me."
"What a vengeful little brat! I'll ask Kaede about it during Quidditch practice."
"I kept it a secret for so long, and for it to come out like this…" Her dark brown eyes filled with tears. "Freddie, everyone is going to hate me. I'll be an outcast."
"Hey, no you won't." He draped his arm around her. "The prejudice towards werewolves isn't as bad as it used to be. And if anyone dares say anything to you, I'll hex them."
"Maybe I should go back to my room."
"Hiding won't make it any easier. Plus, you really shouldn't spend time in that den of germs."
Aisling wiped her eyes. "I suppose you're right. Poor Lily feels so miserable right now."
"You know, I'm thinking about using the bubble-head charm until this flu epidemic is over." That got a laugh out of her. "So, tell me about this Rei bloke."
Seeing her light up made Freddie happy. If anyone deserved some romance in their life, it was Aisling.
They went down to the kitchens to eat lunch. He told her what she missed in D.A.D.A and let her copy his notes. Before leaving, Freddie asked one of the house elves to send up a tray for Lily Rose. He scribbled out a note. "Please send this up with her food."
"Yes, Mr. Weasley, sir."
"Thanks, Tansy." Aisling was grinning at him. "What's that look for?"
"It's just nice of you to think of Lily."
"Well, I'm sure she's starving up there. Food always makes me feel better whenever I'm ill."
She raised an eyebrow. "Hmm. Are you sure that's all it is?"
"Course. You know me – I try to be a good friend."
Aisling sighed. "I wish you'd start being honest, Freddie. I know how to keep a secret."
He looked away from her. "There's nothing to say." That was a lie of course. He had a lot to say – the only problem was that if he did, he might not be able to hide it all away again. But I'm obviously doing a shite job of hiding it now, he thought. Has anyone else noticed? Or is Ash just very perceptive? Freddie was sure that Selena knew, but she was a Seer, so there was no fooling her anyway.
"I can practically hear your mind racing."
Now it was Freddie's turn to sigh. "Just leave it, Ash. I'm not ready."
"Okay. I'm sorry if I upset you. I only want to help you the way you've helped me."
"I appreciate the offer. No one can help me with this though."
"Sometimes all we need is a friend to listen."
He gave her a sad smile. "You'll be the first person I come to if I ever change my mind."
Aisling put her arms around him. "It's going to be alright," she said in a soft voice.
Freddie's nose tingled with suppressed emotion. Being vulnerable terrified him but having someone acknowledge his pain was also a bit of a relief. Even so, he couldn't fall apart right before Care of Magical Creatures. Freddie let go of her and managed a gruff "thanks."
Aisling patted the side of his face. "Come on, tough guy – let's get some fresh air. It will clear both our heads."
He didn't speak again until they were outside. "Ash, please don't spring that on me again. It's too much for me."
"I won't. I know you're afraid of showing emotions, but keeping them bottled up only makes you feel worse. I know all about that. It's why I started keeping a poetry journal."
Freddie let out a mirthless laugh. "There's no way in hell I'm writing poetry."
She smiled. "I wasn't suggesting you do. Writing about difficult subjects does help a lot though. You could even burn the entries afterwards."
Freddie saw himself scrawling: 'I'm in love with Lily Rose' on a scrap of parchment and throwing it into the flames. Maybe doing that would make my feelings disappear. But then the clouds parted and he knew it wasn't going to be that easy. Not when everything reminded him of her – including the sunshine slanting down from the overcast sky.
*.*.*
Lily Rose's entire body hurt, her throat was on fire, and she was burning with fever. And on top of everything else, she was hungry besides. Staggering down all those flights of stairs in her condition was impossible though. She couldn't even send a message begging for help because none of her roommates had a pet owl. I hate that mobile phones don't work here! Lily Rose tried to read The Secret Garden, but she couldn't focus on the words.
Then a miraculous thing happened… Tansy the house elf appeared in her room holding a tray of food. "Thank you so much," she croaked as the little elf placed it on her bed. "How did you know I was hungry?"
"Tansy didn't know, Miss Lily Rose. Mr. Freddie Weasley told me you was ill, and he asked me to bring up some food for you."
She brightened. "Freddie did? That was sweet of him."
"He left a note for you too, miss."
A scrap of folded parchment was tucked under a bowl of chicken noodle soup. She pulled it out and read the short message.
.
Lils – Thought you could do with some comfort food. Feel better, F
PS: Don't read too much, you need your sleep.
.
She smiled. It's so like him to think of food. Freddie had learned to cook from his grandmother Molly, and because of that, he was a big believer in the healing power of a good meal. She thanked Tansy for delivering it.
"You're welcome, Miss Lily Rose. Let Tansy know if you need anything else." The house elf Disapparated a moment later.
The hot soup helped her sore throat. There was also a pot of honey-lemon tea and a bowl of delicious apple crisp. If Freddie had been there, she would have tackled him in a bear hug. Full and contented, Lily Rose reached for her book. She read the chapter where spring arrived at Mistlethwaite Manor. And like the flowers blooming in the garden, something was beginning to sprout inside her heart – something as new and delicate as a green shoot pushing up through the soil. Lily Rose would tend it and water it and wait patiently to see what kind of feeling it would grow into.
Closing note: I created moodboards and character profiles for Aisling and Scorpius on my livejournal, so head over there if you'd like to see them!
Some of you may already know, but for those of you who don't, Scorpius is aroace (aromatic + asexual). This orientation has been getting more exposure lately, although it's sadly lacking in mainstream media (and even rarer in fanfiction due to shipping). It's one of the reasons why I wanted to include this storyline. Lily Rose and Scorpius have a deep bond with each other, but it was important to me that it never turn romantic. I'll also be exploring the 8 different types of love in this fic xD
The next chapter won't be released until January, so until then, I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday season!