CHAPTER 9: The Potter's Meadow
Christmas Holidays - 2nd year, 2018
"So, you're definitely going to spend two whole nights with the Potters?" Rose confirmed while looking at Scorpius.
It was the 22nd of December. The Hogwarts express had just halted at London King's Cross station platform 9¾. Scorpius and his three best friends were getting ready to get off the train for their second year's Christmas break.
That year, two of Weasley cousins, and Kellan's little sister, Sophia Finnigan, had joined them at Hogwarts. Sophie, Roxanne, and Alice Longbottom – Frank's little sister – had been sorted into Gryffindor, and Lucy as predicted had joined the Hufflepuff. The Scamander twins must be separately sorted, Lorcan was with Lucy in Hufflepuff, while Lysander was with Rose and Kellan in Ravenclaw.
Albus managed to become the Slytherin's Seeker and successfully beat the Gryffindor team in the last match by only ten points because of the extraordinary game of James who was now one of the deadliest Chaser at Hogwarts. With half a semester to go, and with the ferocity of James as the new Chaser, the Gryffindor team was still as open to claiming the Quidditch House Cup as last year. Rose and Scorpius had not managed to join the houses' team this year, things they'd been working on again next year.
"Yes, Rosie," it was Albus who answered, "And yes, his parents agreed to this."
"Well, if you said so," she replied, annoyed at Albus. Shrugging, she said again, "Just want to make sure."
"And you did that for the hundredth time already," Albus scolded.
Scorpius laughed softly at the two bickering cousins. He knew that Rose was just worried about him. Acting as the peacemaker he spoke to Rose, "You know, me going to Potter's house now is less of a concern than Albus going to Malfoy Manor last summer, which he actually managed to get out of safely with nothing less."
"Or you're going to my house, yeah…" Rose nodded somberly. She then smiled, "Well, have fun there! Aunt Ginny and Uncle Harry are going to be the best hosts you'll ever meet. And you'll also have Lily to amuse you all the time, and maybe Teddy will be there too."
"Then stop worrying so much, Rose," Kellan chuckled, gently patting Rose' shoulder. He turned toward Scorpius and Albus, "Too bad I can't join you guys. But enjoy it, Scor! I'll see you guys after break, happy Christmas!" With that the brown-haired boy waved and got off the train first. This Christmas Kellan and his family would spend the holidays in Berlin with his maternal grandparents.
"I guess I should go too," Rose sighed. "I think it'd be better if my Dad's not there when you meet Uncle Harry," she chuckled, "I don't want to ruin the holidays, and definitely don't want to make a fuss either."
Albus laughed.
"Will we see you tomorrow?" Scorpius smiled.
"I don't think so," Rose whined, "I told you my grandfather Granger invited my family this year, well guess what – it'd be this weekend."
Albus looked concerned. "Don't let his words affect you. And tell Hugo that too."
"I will," Rose smiled reassuringly. "Well then, happy holidays guys. See you at Christmas, Al – see you next year to you, Scor," she laughed.
Scorpius saw Rose get off the train and waved one last time at the two of them. She immediately walked towards her father, Ron Weasley, who was busy chatting with Albus' dad. The bushy red-haired girl hugged her uncle first and without delay took her father's hand, leading him out of the station, leaving the confused Harry Potter alone.
Beside Scorpius, Albus was chuckling. "Right, then. You're ready?"
"You know, people who heard might think that the two of us are going straight to war," Scorpius smirked.
"Yeah, it's never going to be easy right, with your family and mine," Albus grinned, "Come on, my Dad will start to worry if we don't show up."
Albus immediately fell into his father's embrace as he and Scorpius stood before Harry. Affection, Scorpius thought, smiling in his mind, was a natural thing in the Potter-Weasleys family, something that he's still not used to.
"It's so good to see you, Al," Harry beamed.
"Me too, Dad, I miss you," Albus replied honestly in his father's arms.
"And how've you been, Scorpius?" Harry smiled at Scorpius, extending his hand.
Scorpius promptly took the man's hand and shook it, "Good, It's been great Mr. Potter. Thanks for having me in the Meadow."
"Oh, you're very welcome," warmly he said.
"Are you alone, Dad?" Albus asked. "Lily's not coming? Have you met James?"
"I actually came with your Uncle Bill and Uncle Ron, I met the Scamander and they've already gone home with the twins," Harry said. "Yes, I've met your brother, he and the two marauders also Roxy and Lucy took off with Bill. No, I didn't bring Lily because I want to make sure everything goes smoothly with the fidelius charm when Scorpius arrives at house. And Ron's been rushed home by Rose just now, do you know what was it about?"
Albus chuckled, while Scorpius ventured to answer.
"She said she didn't want me to meet Mr. Weasley yet," Scorpius grimaced.
Harry laughed, "You guys should give Ron more credit than that. He actually wants to meet you, Scorpius."
"After what happened last summer at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes," Albus quipped, "Na-ah, not a chance."
"Well I'm sure it'd be different if Draco wasn't there," Harry chuckled. "But first, maybe we should take Scorpius to the Burrow to meet everyone at once," he said mischievously, "Less drama and more fun, what do you think, Al?"
"Ha-ha, very funny, Dad," Albus shook his head, while Scorpius could only nervously laugh with them. Soothingly Albus said, "Let's see how these two days go first, shall we?"
"Sure," Harry still looked amused.
He then took the two Slytherin boys to the Floo Network at the south end of the platform 9¾. "I've opened our floo to this station for half an hour," Harry explained. "I can close it any time after we're all in the Meadow. Now Scorpius," the man halted before Scorpius, his wand's at the ready, then softly he said the incantation, "I, Harry James Potter, the secret keeper of the Potter's Meadow, gave you Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy the secret location of my house," and with that a piece of parchment appeared from the air and landed in Scorpius' hand.
"You never said it out loud, Dad," Albus commented, "Usually the parchment will just pop out of the air."
"Yeah, but I remember you said how Scorpius loves magic knowledge," Harry answered. Then he winked at Scorpius, "You don't mind, do you Scorpius? The fidelius charm undoubtedly is one of the most complex and inexplicable spells to learn."
"I don't, Mr. Potter," Scorpius answered hurriedly. Admiring the man's consideration toward him, he gratefully said, "I'm very curious indeed, thank you."
Harry smiled kindly, "I want you to silently read the parchment and memorize it."
Scorpius looked down at the piece of paper. It said:
The Potter's Meadow may be found at Muker, Upper Swaledale, 54.41° N, 2.15° W
Finishing reading, Scorpius looked up at Harry, "Done, sir."
"Good," Harry smiled, "Just think about the location, and speak 'the Potter's Meadow' clearly when you use the floo."
Then the bespectacled man handed him a plain oval locket, "Put it on," Scorpius did as he said. It looked like just an ordinary locket, however there's an opal gemstone hanging on as its pendant. "If, and I said only 'if'," Harry gazed at him intently, "If you get lost, there's an instruction inside the locket, just do as it says, and I promised you, you'll be okay."
Scorpius nodded.
"I'm sorry about all this complex stuff," Harry smiled apologetically, "It'd be actually easier to just apparate the two of you to the Meadow, but I want you to be able to use this station's floo to go to our house from now on whenever I open it."
"It's okay, sir," Scorpius smiled, "Let's do this."
"See you at home, Scor," Albus encouraged him.
He nodded then walked inside the fireplace and took the floo-powder. He thought about the address location, and clearly shouted, "The Potter's Meadow."
The familiar spinning sensation told him he was exploring the floo-network to the Meadow. And like its sudden start, he suddenly stopped and swiftly positioned his foot so that he did not fall.
Scorpius stepped into a grand entrance hall, whitewashed walls and wooden floors – a traditional cream-grey Ladole rug covered almost everything. The ceiling was high and so brightly open bathed in light, even though it's already dark outside. The two-tone winding wooden-staircase in natural wood and white riser was stretched obliquely in front of him leading to the second floor, a minimalist modern glass wine cellar was under the staircase.
The house was simply idyllic. He could see the Potter family portraits hanging along the wall of the stairs leading to the upstairs. Scorpius couldn't help himself but smile.
"Albie?" The cheerful voice descending the stairs caught Scorpius' attention.
It was Lily Potter. The last time he saw Albus' little sister was at King's Cross last Christmas. He didn't know how long her hair was back then, but now the thick dark red hair was flowing straight almost to her waist. She definitely grew taller, and didn't look as cute and tiny as last year. However her lively expression was still adorable, wearing that pretty white fluffy knitted sweater with blue polka-dot legging and slippers, Scorpius couldn't deny how beautiful she was even as a little girl.
"Oh," she halted at the end of the stairs. At first, she was surprised, but then she smiled at him and looked even prettier now. "You're not Albus," softly laughing, she stated the obviousness.
"Clearly not," said Scorpius, keeping his expression level. Just because everyone adored this lovely little girl – and it's true, all Weasleys cousins, and the Longbottoms, Finnigans, even Scamanders, also everyone who knew her, always adored Lily – It didn't mean Scorpius had to be immediately fascinated by her too, right?
Gazing at him, she approached – her lovely smile never left her face. "I'm Lily," she said simply.
"I'm Scorpius."
"I know who you are," she giggled. How could anyone resist those enchanting laugh?
Before Scorpius could say anything, Albus emerged from the fireplace.
"Scor?" his best friend searched and found him, and then Albus smiled, "Good! You don't get lost then."
Without warning, Lily threw herself in her brother's arms. The little girl laughed happily, and said lots of loving and longing words.
"Lils, let me breathe first," Albus laughed along. "Yes, little bud. I miss you too. Have you met Scorpius?"
Lily let go of the hug, her eyes sparkling. They were brown, Scorpius thought. Same color as James's, but more radiant.
"I have," she grinned, "And he's more handsome than you."
And just like that, Scorpius couldn't help but smile. This little girl was definitely a trouble.
Albus grumbled, "It's because you like his hair, admit it! You always said you liked Aunt Fleur and Victoire's hair."
"What can I say," she shrugged with those enchanting giggles, "I've seen too many red and black or brown in our family."
Her laugh was contagious, Scorpius chuckled.
Albus looked at him, "Please anyone would always choose me over you."
"I'm not saying anything," Scorpius grinned.
"And he's more handsome now, when he smiles," innocently Lily commented again making Scorpius laugh.
"Right, Lils," Albus huffed, "Words like that shouldn't be said out loud." He then explained to Scorpius, "She asked me once how you look, and I said that I'm more handsome," Albus shrugged, "But, this bud is now for sure just trying to piss me off."
"Or," Scorpius smirked, "She just stated the fact."
Lily burst out laughing, followed by Scorpius, while Albus could only roll his eyes.
The green-fire from the Floo-network lit up again, Harry Potter appeared from the fireplace.
"Scorpius, glad you did it," Harry smiled, "Everything's good?"
"Yes, Mr. Potter," Scorpius nodded, handing back the locket to the Potter patriarch, "I didn't have to use this."
"Excellent," Harry looked relieved. "It's actually a portkey, but I'm glad you can use the floo in King's Cross to get here from now on."
"Albus?" another voice from the back room caught their attention.
Ginny Potter walked into the room with a bright smile. Her red hair was front-braided, a lighter color than her daughter's – similar to Rose's, and shoulder-length short. She's wearing a green Holyhead-Harpies' apron over her grey leisure-sweatpants and hoodie set. She looked chic and fit, despite her petite stature. Scorpius could see James' eyes and face on hers, also Lily's – however Lily's face was thinner like her father.
The beautiful woman tightly hugged her son, "Oh, I miss you, Al! Look at you, you're taller," she put her hands on Albus' smiling face, huffed, "Your Dad always said one day I'd be the shortest in the family."
"I did not. When did I?" Harry made a face.
"You did, Daddy. I heard, I was there," Lily teased.
"Oh, you little traitor," Harry laughed, hugging the littlest Potter.
Ginny turned to Scorpius, "And you must be Scorpius." Unexpectedly, the woman took Scorpius into her arms, "It's lovely to finally meet you, dear."
Scorpius couldn't help but blush. She smelled nice and was very warm too.
Ginny let go of him, and saw his embarrassed face. "Oh, forgive me," she grimaced.
"Mum, what are you doing?" Albus asked exasperatedly.
"It's called 'hug', Al," Lily responded cheekily. "It's very common, for our family at least," she giggled again, her father laughing with her.
"It's because Albus always talks about you," Ginny explained apologetically to Scorpius, "It's like I've known you already."
Before Albus could again protest, Scorpius intervened, "It's, it's all right Mrs. Potter," he stammered, "Lovely meeting you too." Scorpius sighed and gave her his best smile, "I'm aware now that Weasleys-Potters always love showing affection."
All laughed except Albus who was again rolling his eyes.
"You'll get used to it," said Harry warmly.
"Well, we've prepared Al's room for both of you," Ginny smiled at Scorpius. And then she encouraged her son, "Take Scorpius to get settled, Al. Dinner will be ready soon."
"Come on, Scor."
And with that he followed his best friend up the stairs. They realized a second later that they weren't alone.
"Are you following us, Lils?" Albus raised his eyebrow, the sister of his was walking slowly behind them.
"I just want to show Scorpius your room," sweetly, she answered.
Albus squinted, "All right, what've you done to my room?"
"Nothing," she shrugged innocently.
Scorpius smiled at her, "I don't mind if she's coming."
"She's already wrapped you, hasn't she?" Albus huffed to him, making Scorpius chuckled.
"Relax, Al," she rolled her bright brown eyes, "I'm not James. I'd never trouble you."
"Fine," Albus' corner lips lifted slightly, "Let's see what you did then."
Just like downstairs, the rooms on the second floor were divided into left and right wings. When Scorpius reached the top of the stairs, he directly faced the spacious connecting sitting area. It was a very comfortable sunken living room – with comfy white sofas, wooden floors, and the glass wall covering all the west side of the room – revealed the beautiful scenery of Yorkshire dales in the daylight. Again, it was simply idyllic.
Albus led him to the right wing, into a hallway that connected the rooms. There were three bedrooms: one on the east side – widened to the north – was Lily's bedroom attached with a small bathroom inside; the two extending to the west were first Albus's and then James's – separated by a Jack & Jill bathroom for the boys. When they finally entered his best friend's room, Scorpius heard Albus gasp.
"You like it?" Lily was soaring, "What do you think? What do you think!?"
Scorpius surveyed the long rectangular bedroom. The bed was in the middle of the room, opposite was a Muggle television mounted above a stone fireplace, to the left of the entrance there was a long wooden drawer, and to the right of the entrance was the door to the bathroom which was connected to James' room. The entire west wall was a glass window, with a wall-mounted wooden study desk attached to its entirety. The bed was king-size, and what caught Scorpius' attention and surely Albus too, was a long wooden bunk bed above the mattress – mounted to the wall and propped up by two wooden bookcases which were on either side of the king-bed's side-tables, plus two ladders on each shelf. It definitely was a built-in bunk bed, but very modern and splendid.
"Wow, Lils!" Albus beamed, "This is brilliant. When I asked Mum to prepare the bed for Scorpius, I never thought you guys planned to redecorate everything." He immediately climbed the bunk bed, admiring all of it, "And everything's green!"
"I picked the color," Lily replied happily.
"How was this room before?" Scorpius couldn't stay quiet, gazing at the entire room in amazement.
"Well, for the start, all the wooden furniture – the desks, drawers, bed – were brown, but now they're all dark green. Grey duvet and rug?" Albus laughed, "Excellent choice of colors, Lils!" Still standing on a ladder, he continued explaining to Scorpius, "The bed was only the bottom mattress, but now it's changed to these beyond-brilliant bunk beds!" Albus looked at Scorpius excitedly, "Come here, Scor! It's so wide up here."
Following Albus, Scorpius hurriedly climbed up another ladder which was near the glass window. It's so cool! Scorpius was excited, smiled widely – damn, he was even beaming just like Albus.
From below, Lily was giggling, "You can put two small-double beds head-to-head up there. Well it's only one right now, but it's a simple doubling charm, Daddy can do it. Mum said when Kellan came you all could sleep alone and don't have to share. Even if Frank came along, two could still sleep comfortably on the bottom," she chattered. "If you want, you can sleep together on the bunk tonight."
Albus jumped down and scooped up his sister in his arms, twirling and laughing happily, "This's so cool, Lils! Thank you."
"You should say that to Mummy and Daddy. I just helped out a little," Lily's giggles never stopped. "Well, I'm done here, I'm going down first."
Scorpius watched her go. Not just the little girl, this whole family's really something. Scorpius' heart was pounding with gratitude.
Albus caught him contemplating. His best friend smiled understandingly, "Speechless?"
Scorpius weakly smiled and nodded. "Don't you think it's too much?"
"Nope," Albus answered reassuringly. "I've always wanted a bunk bed, but Dad said he'd give it if needed. And now I have friends I can offer to stay over, so this's just the time."
"Lily mentioned Frank," Scorpius glanced curiously. "Did he often sleep here?"
"Not often, but ever. And instead of sleeping on the mattress, we both slept in sleeping bags on the floor. Frank likes weird things."
"I didn't know you two are that close," Scorpius frowned. "I never saw you talking to each other at Hogwarts. What happened? Is it, is it because of me?–another Slytherin-Gryffindor thing."
Albus chuckled, "Nothing happened. We just have other friends, which isn't wrong. Relax, Scor," he smiled, "I and Frank don't talk much, but that doesn't mean we're enemies. His Dad is my godfather, his sister is my Mum's goddaughter, we're practically godsibling."
Scorpius smiled back and nodded in relief.
Knocks from the door and a light voice turned them around. It's a turquoise-haired young wizard wearing head-to-toe black attires, the Potters' godbrother, Teddy Lupin.
"So, what do you guys think about the room?" walking in, he grinned then ruffled Albus' messy hair.
"Brilliant!" Albus grinned back, "You know I've wanted a bunk bed for a long time."
Still grinning, Teddy twined his right hand around Albus' head, "So good to see you again, Al. Won't you introduce your best big brother to your friend here?"
"Scor, this is Teddy, another annoying older brother of mine." Teddy pretended to glare at Albus who was chuckling, "Teddy, this is Scorpius."
"Hi," Scorpius smiled. "Your cousins talk a lot about you."
"You mean the Weasleys kids? Oh, I'm sure they're talking too much," the young metamorphmagus rolled his amber eyes. But then he got serious, "Speaking of cousin, it's you that is actually my real one. Are you aware of that?"
"Yeah," Scorpius hesitated. "Ever since Al and Rose mentioned you, I've been thinking about it. We're second cousins of Black bloodline, aren't we?" He saw Teddy nodded encouragingly. "But, I can't ask my Grandmother. It's a sensitive topic, I'm sorry."
Teddy kindly smiled, "It's okay, Scorpius. Here's the thing," sincerely he said, "I told my Grandma you're staying over with the Potters, and she asked me to tell you, asking you, if you don't mind of course, to have some lunch with us tomorrow afternoon. We're after all a family, by blood at least for now."
Scorpius was astonished, Albus had to nudge him after a while.
"Like I said, if you don't mind of course," Teddy hastily added. "We live in Rowridge Farm – Isle of Wight. But, our floo is linked here, so it'd be easy. We can invite Al if you want," he added with a mischievous wink at Albus, "even if it'd cause more trouble than help."
Caving in, Scorpius bowed his head. "Doesn't she hate me at all? Don't you?" he softly whispered, "My family is the reason you don't have parents."
After a moment of silence, Teddy said calmly, "It isn't your fault." Scorpius looked up at Teddy who was contemplating, beside his best friend who was listening in silence. "Even to your father," Teddy continued, hoarsely this time, "Or even, even to your grandparents, it's all in the past." He sighed, "Harry always said revenge and grudge will lead us to nothing, only bitterness."
Teddy smiled at Scorpius who looked more flabbergasted. "I'm an Auror, Scorpius. Even when I was just out of training, I've seen cases where wizards who looked good outside were truly evil inside. Otherwise, there're also those who were involved in crimes but didn't really comprehend the effects or the meaning of their actions," he said thoughtfully. "I'm saying is, who am I to judge? It all happened when I was a baby and you're not even born yet."
There was only silence. Scorpius didn't know what to say. It was Albus who broke the silence.
"You should go," Albus said lightly. "You'll love Grandma Andromeda. She's so ladylike but also kind."
Teddy chuckled, "Who knows? Maybe you and she will get along quickly. Even spending more than half of life with a Muggle-born, she's never lost her pureblood demeanor," he smiled. "Well, that's it, you don't have to if you don't like it, Scorpius."
"I want to!" Scorpius responded hurriedly, "Really, I just… I don't…," he sighed, "What I'm saying is thank you. I'd love to meet her and spend lunch with both of you tomorrow."
"Good," Teddy smiled, "Enough with the heavy talks, I'll leave you both now. Ginny has been busy preparing a special dinner for you. I'm going to see what I can do to help."
When they were alone, staring at him, Albus raised his eyebrow, "You okay?"
Scorpius chuckled, "I kind of like it actually. Your family is so accepting of me, I don't know what else to say."
"If it's too much, we can just stay here. They'll understand."
"And miss all your family's bicker or shows of affection? – no way!" Scorpius smiled widely. "Come on, let's go downstairs and socialize."
Albus laughed.
Before going down, the two of them took the time to look around the entire rooms on the second floor. At the end of the hallway there was a door leading to the attic storeroom and across Albus and James's room – beside Lily's was an apothecary.
"You have a proper potions lab?" Scorpius said, amazed.
It was a white and brown modern apothecary mini room, no windows but so bright and cozy. The room was elongated, one side of the wall was covered with white shelves – the same color as the wall – of various potions ingredients, many of which were still unfilled. There was a wooden table with a few white chairs in the middle of the room for concocting, the equipment and cauldrons were in the wooden cabinet at the end of the room.
"This's Lily's request for her 7th birthday. This room wasn't here and was part of her room. But for the sake of her liking, and since James already has the quidditch pitch, and Teddy and I already have the defense training room in the basement, she asked to build her own potions lab, and as usually Dad will do whatever she asks," seeing Albus rolled his eyes, Scorpius amused.
Remaining on the second floor in the south wing was a small bathroom, a library at the end, and a playroom at the middle – filled with billiard and chess wooden tables, sofas that surround the whole room, and several gyms.
"There's no room for Teddy?" Scorpius asked curiously.
"Dad meant to make this room his," Albus pointed to the playroom, "It used to be an indoor kid's playground – the cousins would play with us all day here. Lily's room used to be Teddy's, but when Lily's big enough and Teddy had already been in Hogwarts, he declined to turn that room to his."
The two of them started down the wooden spiral staircase which was on the second floor catwalk in front of the playroom, leading directly to the spacious living room on the left wing of the house.
"He would take turns sleeping in mine, or James's, or Lily's – well, James actually most of the time," Albus continued grumbling, "because he liked to be told about Hogwarts, and I should humbly ask to join them."
Scorpius had to hold back his laughter, both of them had reached the lower floor where they could see it was already occupied by the littlest Potter who was playing chess with her father.
"Thank you for the bunk bed, Mr. Potter," Scorpius immediately voiced his gratitude, "It's so cool."
Harry smiled back, "I assume you both love it then? It's Albus' wish for a long time."
"Yeah, I'm the one who's more ecstatic actually," Albus grinned. "Thanks Dad, you're the best!"
Lovingly, Harry ruffled Albus' already messy hair while the boy sat down near his father, Scorpius followed next to him – close to the so serious Lily. Harry seemed to be trying to contain his amusement at his daughter.
"Since when did you become interested in chess?" Albus asked his sister.
"Since all that's left here was only me and Hugo," without taking her eyes off the board, she answered. "He doesn't have you to play with anymore, let alone Louis, or even Lysander, just me. That's why I have to be competent."
"For the sake of him or you?" Scorpius unconsciously voiced his thoughts.
"Is that different?" Lily looked up frowning, "Of course for me. If Hugo gets bored, he'll become moody and annoying, and I'd have to deal with it myself."
Scorpius burst out laughing, but soon came to his senses and covered his mouth keeping his expression level. Albus and Harry both looked amused at him.
"What's so funny?" Lily puffed out her cheeks.
"Nothing, Lily," Scorpius couldn't help but laugh again, softly this time. The thing was her thoughts were beyond his mind and her utterly adorable pout made everything doubly funny. "You're right, if Hugo is even the slightest bit like his sister, making sure he's not moody is an important task."
"You don't know Hugo," Lily sighed, "A moody Rose is much-much better."
At that time Harry managed to overthrow Lily's bishop.
"Oh no, I don't have any more bishop," Lily whined desperately.
"Don't focus on how many pieces are slaughtered," Scorpius helped instantly, didn't have the heart to see her troubled. "Focus on making as many of yours surround the king. Like this," Scorpius pointed to one of her knights, "Knight to H6, check!"
Lily cheered happily, genuinely praising him, making Scorpius chuckled. But when he looked up to see Harry and Albus staring at him with one eyebrow raised, he blushed, "I'm sorry."
"You can help her, Scorpius," Harry chuckled. "Anyone who sees her pouting won't be able to stay still."
"Beside," Albus grinned teasingly, "Our mission is to make sure Hugo doesn't get bored while playing with Lily, right Lils?"
"Yes," Lily said as if it's a matter of fact. "Scorpius, help me again, please."
Seeing the adorable pout again, Scorpius couldn't refuse to help the little redhead. He guided her thereafter.
"Told you, this bud has completely wrapped you around her tiny little fingers," Albus chuckled.
"Well, who's not?" Harry followed chuckling.
"Guys," Teddy's head peeked out from the entrance hall, "Dinner's ready! Hurry up before Mum gets angry," the turquoise haired man grinned.
After promising to teach Lily again another time, the little girl led them walking towards the dining room. From the entrance hall, Scorpius could hear James' voice.
"Yeah, but if that happens, it'd be a tight position. I can still lose!"
"That's why, darling," Ginny's voice's soothing, "You should do the second plan. Make sure Frank…"
"Mum, we have company," James cut in hastily when they all emerged, "And two of them unfortunately are the snakes," said James smirking at Albus and Scorpius.
"Like I care about all your strategies?" walking in, Albus sneered.
Scorpius stepped into a very wide vaulted ceiling room consisting of an open large kitchen and spacious dining area with a long table that could accommodate up to 20 people. Ginny was busy at the kitchen – pacing behind the counter, while James was sitting on a bar stool just now chatting with his mother. Teddy was occupied setting the table – Lily immediately helped her godbrother.
Seeing them, Ginny smiled widened, "Do you love the room, Scorpius?"
"It's brilliant, Mrs. Potter. Thank you," Scorpius humbly smiled. "Your house is very beautiful and warm. Is there anything I can help with?"
"Oh, it's very nice of you. Just take the seat, dear. Teddy and Lily are enough to set it all."
Scorpius took the place next to his best friend, while Harry sat down at the head of the table.
Albus looked at his brother, "When you arrive anyway? I thought you'd be sleeping at Shell Cottage."
"Why, miss me?" James grinned cheekily. "I wanted to, but Mum floo-called me." He sighed, "Scolded Loui and Freddie just because they wanted me to stay."
"Well, you know I just miss you very much, Jamie," Ginny smiled sweetly.
"Sure, Mum," James chuckled, "I miss you even more." The bespectacled boy then turned to his brother again, "So, what were you saying? You really don't care, huh?"
"Let me make myself clear," Albus said nonchalantly, "I don't care if Gryffindor wins the Quidditch Cup again this year. The fact that I beat you in the last match has satisfied me enough."
James annoyed, "And you won't be able to say something like that, when you're the captain of Slytherin." He stood, taking place beside his father across Albus and Scorpius.
"And you're sure that Albus will be the one someday?" Scorpius smirked.
"Please, it's in our blood," James rolled his eyes. "It's as sure as the fact that Rose will be the Head Girl of your year. Or to the extreme, as one day Aunt Hermione will be the Minister for Magic…"
"Don't say it out loud in front of your Uncle," Harry amused, "Ron's always blown at the thought of Hermione as a minister."
"Or," James continued, "as sure as the fact that Teddy will one day propose to Vic…"
"Okay," Teddy blurted out, "Don't bring me on your ridiculous sureness, James!"
"Or," James continued, still ignoring all the interruptions, "as sure as the obviousness, that Lily will succeed me as the Gryffindor's captain in her fifth year."
Lily, who had been giggling all the way around James' absurd sureness theories, was now laughing out loud. Her laughter was again contagious, Scorpius and the girl's parents laughing along her.
"When you graduate, Gryffindor will still have Frank or even Roxy," Albus reminded him.
James smirked at him, "Wanna bet?"
"I will," from the kitchen counter, Ginny smirked back, ignoring Harry's disapproval, "I'd say Roxy will be the captain first."
"You'll lose, Mum," James laughed. "All right, everyone has a say. How about 10 Galleons?" Seeing his mother's glare, he corrected, "Fine, 5 Galleons! Come on, start!"
"I'll say," Albus chimed in, "Frank would be your successor."
"Huh," James scoffed. "If not because of me, he wouldn't be a seeker this year, let alone survive next year when Lily replaces him."
"Next year?" Scorpius confused, "Next year, Lily will be still a first year."
James' smirk widened, "Wanna bet?"
"James," Ginny warned, "If you don't mind, let's stay with one bet, please."
"Sure, Mum," James chuckled, "Anything you say."
"Well," shrugging, Teddy joined, "I'm with Ginny. Roxy will be the captain first."
"Huh," again James annoyed, "You both don't know her that well. She'd choose prank over Quidditch at any time. She even could be scarier sometimes than Fred."
Harry sighed, "Do I have to partake here? Because if I must, I'll always choose Lily at any time," he widely smiled.
"I know I can always count on you, Dad," James grinned.
Now everyone looked at Scorpius, waiting.
"Err," Scorpius amused, "I must take a part too, mustn't I?"
"Come on, Scor. It'll be fun," Lily giggled, unconsciously saying his nickname. The girl took her seat next to James. From across, she looked at him and smiled sweetly, "So, what do you think?"
And Scorpius' mouth just said words without any command from his brain, "Sure, Lils," saying back her nickname, he smiled at her. "You can be the next captain after James."
Albus and Harry laughed.
James frowned, then turned and squinted at his little sister, "Alright, what have you done? Why Malfoy choosing after you?"
"She said that Scorpius is very handsome," amused, Albus reported, "directly, in front of him, twice."
Ginny laughed.
"And complimented him over and over on being smart, after he helped her beat me at chess," Harry informed also.
Teddy followed laughed, sitting beside the said girl, hugging her shoulder fondly.
"Lily…," desperately, James could only whine, holding his head in his hand.
"What?" Lily huffed, leaning on Teddy, "It's all true. I just stated the facts."
Scorpius, who was already embarrassed, blushed even more.
"Alright," Ginny said between her laughs, "Stop making Scorpius uncomfortable." She finally sat down between her husband and Albus, after placing the special dish on the center of the table. It was the classic French meal, a large bowl of Beef Bourguignon.
"Wow, Mum," Albus smiled, "You're making French food."
"Not just any French food," Lily grinned, "It's Scorpius' favorite, and just wait for the dessert, you'll love it."
"It is," Scorpius awed. "How do you know?"
"Well, I hope you don't mind, I've been writing with your mother since Albus said that you'd stay over with us," Ginny smiled genuinely. "And in one of our letters, I asked and she mentioned that your favorite French foods are this one and Crème caramel."
"I didn't know you both are acquaintances, of course I don't mind," Scorpius said hastily. "Is she, is she being nice, Mrs. Potter?" Scorpius couldn't stop himself but ask – he had to make sure.
"She is," Ginny said soothingly, "She's a nice person, Scorpius. Your mother loves you very much."
Scorpius looked down for a moment. "Thank you," he choked. Then he turned and gazed at the Potter's parents, "Thank you," sincerely he said again, his voice was hoarse, "Not only for this, but for everything – the room, the kindness, everything."
"You're very welcome, Scorpius," Harry genuinely said.
"Yeah," Ginny added, "We just want you to enjoy the time you have with us."
"I am, I do," Scorpius smiled, managing to control his flowing emotions.
"Let's just start eating," James smirked, "Before you guys make him weepier."
"Don't be dense, Jamie," Lily chided, responding with a cheeky smile by James.
Together with the Potters, Scorpius then started eating those delicious dishes. He enjoyed this warm beautiful evening, with these beautiful people, in this beautiful house, that surely he would never forget for the rest of his life.