"That's when Scor lunged at you and took you both down the hill! Even the elves had trouble getting the magical ink off your clothes. Limstella and Lily thought it was hilarious. I was merely jealous that Scor got ahold of you first."
I watched Al happily as his laughter rang through the house. Sitting there cross legged in casual clothes, eager and friendly, hair still damp from the rain. His eyes glowing with memory. Genuine elation radiating off him... He's as sweet as ever.
"I can't believe you let him attack me. The whole thing was his fault."
"You forget how naughty you were back then. It was your idea to provoke the scribblers in the first place. We all knew you'd end up Slytherin after that."
Al laughed again. His beautiful smile shining brightly. He's so perfect... and as blinding as the sun. He doesn't even realize it.
"Hahahah. I'm still too naughty for my own good. Slytherin indeed."
We talked on and on for what seemed like hours, time escaping us completely as the rain fell harder against the mansion's windows. Al simply sipped his tea absently, completely enraptured by me and my stories of the past. If I hadn't known how much he cared for Scorpius I might have taken to heart his candid affection.
There came then suddenly the sound of the front door slamming hard against the wind and rain, followed closely by the clicking of heels on marble. The hairs on my neck and arms flew dangerously up in anticipation. I had lost complete track of the time.
"Can it be? Boys laughing? Finally have someone special to introduce to us Raven? You rarely ever bring one back home." My mother inquired, making her way around the corner from the entrance, she didn't have a drop of water anywhere on her. The benefit of being an adult and allowed to use magic.
"Does my nephew have himself a handsome date?"
"Mother, aunt Daphne I can explain..." my voice failed me as they both walked into the living room to discover me and Al cozy in front of the fire. Their smiles vanished the moment they realized who my guest had been.
"Oh... Al... I-I mean Marquess Peverell. Of course. Forgive me. What an unexpected honor to have you here."
"Renée!" Albus squeaked excitedly, rising swiftly to make his way over towards my mum. She was so shocked to receive the hug that her expression froze awkwardly in place. When he released her Al bowed his head towards my aunt. "Lady Daphne."
"You... remember us..." Mom stated frightfully, turning towards me for explanation. I sighed heavily before nodding.
"Not to worry I promise. Entirely my fault the whole mess. I'll explain as much to my family if the need arises. Although i'm certain they'll have more explaining to do than I when the subject comes up."
"Oh I see... Well then make yourself at home." The relief on my mum's face was all i needed to calm myself. Aunt Daphne merely continued to examine Al skeptically, not trusting the scene in front of her. "I'll have the elves prepare you something to eat, they're just delivering the groceries now."
"Thank you, that would be lovely. Raven and I got caught in the rain and i'm waiting for my clothes to dry off naturally. If i use magic here they'll know. Would it be terribly impolite of me to ask one of your elves to help with that too?"
"Of course not dear of course not."
"It's good to see you." Al offered warmly after a moment of mutual staring. His voice was gentle and kind.
"Its astonishing to see how much you've grown. You look so much like Ginevra. I haven't seen your mother in ages."
"That's right, i'd forgotten that you mum and mrs. Malfoy used to model together right after the war."
"Speaking of which... would you mind maybe getting the elves started on the food..." I added suddenly to give her the hint. I very much wanted Al to myself for as long as he decided to stay. My mom looked confused until i motioned not too subtly towards the door.
"Oh... Well we will let you two catch up. I wouldn't want to monopolize your company."
The boy smiled and half bowed while the women left the room.
Another half hour passed of us sharing stories before the elves brought out some plates of sliced bread and an assortment of cheeses. My concentration was so fixed on him that I barely touched the food. It took every ounce of restraint to keep myself from lunging at him.
Al was in mid sentence, retelling a story of how he and Scor had snuck into the forbidden forest when he stopped to rise quickly at attention. I shifted towards the figure by the stairs, surprised to see my grandfather there. I got up immediately and as quickly as Al had.
"Lord Garth Greengrass, Earl of Greenmire. It has been a long time."
"His Grace Albus Peverell, Duke of Elderwood, Marquess of Hallow's end, Earl of Dartmoor and viscount of Glastonbury."
"It's not often people intentionally honor me with my full set of titles."
"I never cared for you hapless brother. You we were always quite fond of. I don't waste time with false niceties. James was never your father's successor. If you are here in my living room then I take it you remember me, along with the rest of it."
"I do sir, but I promise i'll handle the matter delicately."
"Can't be helped. My Grandson always liked you too much to keep very well away. Sentimental poof that he his."
I winced at the insult, until grandfather smiled heartily. He hadn't broken eye contact with Al, examining him intently. He loves me but i don't know if he'll ever get used to the idea of me liking boys.
"It's good to see you lad. Your laughter has been much missed in this house."
"Grandfather... There was some unfortunate business about Albus running into Lucius. You wouldn't know anything about that would you?"
"Nothing I would risk involving our family in. Wizarding Britain has had enough of plots and intrigue to last us a millennia. We Greengrasses don't involve ourselves in politics. Thats how we've survived this long. I told Lucius as much. My eldest daughter will be here soon, she may know a little more about the Malfoy's plans. Although i'd wager not by much."
"Oh... well I'd actually like to be gone if Astoria is returning. My friendship with Scorpius has put his mother and I at odds you see. I wouldn't want to cause any trouble. I was quite rude to her when last we saw each other."
"My other grandson eh? It seems you've known for a while now. I'm surprised you kept it a secret if your memories had been restored for so long."
"No I didn't... well that is... Scorpius and I met again at Hogwarts and became close a second time, without us knowing. Until... well... it's of little import. Now that I think of it though, I really should be going. I've imposed on you for long enough its seems. It was very good to see you all again. I hope our next meeting will be sooner than the last."
"No no, what nonsense! Not an imposition at all my boy! Although i do echo the latter. I hope we see each other again soon."
My grandfather always had a soft spot for Al.
"Here Al, let me walk you to the floo." I offered, rising from my seat to accompany the twit as our elf Druella handed Albus his dry clothes.
"You did have that effect on everyone didn't you. Even grumpy old Garth liked you." i noted when we were out of earshot.
"Well I am rather charming."
"You are." I repeated, grabbing his hand gently and turning him towards me. The cold marble floor seemed far less intimate than the sofa and crackling fireplace. "That being said, when do I get to see you again?"
He scanned me cautiously before replying, staring off towards the fireplace. He refused to meet my gaze.
"Don't phrase things like that. I'm happy to meet up whenever I find the time, i just... wouldn't want you to think... that I was... encouraging you..."
"Why on earth not?" I offered, leaning in to try and kiss him, he pulled back too quickly for my heart not to ache.
"Don't... please... you know I can't..."
"Why not? He's straight Al. You know that. He's more likely to end up with Appoline Valois than you."
"Yeah no, please don't put images like that in my head either."
"You're really in love with him huh? Then it doesn't matter. Does it? What he is. He could be a mass murderer and you still wouldn't feel differently... I just don't understand, if you can never be with him, then what's the point?"
"I... don't know... I don't know anything. I've never felt like this before in all my life. Assassinations, bombings, obliviations, old memories and echoes. I don't know whats real anymore. Please let me think about all of this for a bit. I'm involved in more political drama than you can fathom. I'd love to hang out though, if it's just to share old stories. I so want to hear about your time at Dragmaur and all thats happened to you since."
"While you're thinking about things?" I inquired skeptically, annoyed by his hesitation. He frowned at me for snapping.
"Don't be like that. Can't you... can't you tell how much your presence affects me already. You... make me very nervous simply to be around... alright. I just... i'm not... I still..."
"Genius Al, still merely a boy. I understand. Don't add me to your list of pressures. I'm content for now just to keep you company if you need it. That is until you get over Scor of course."
He gave me a disapproving look for my last comment before finally smiling. I wasn't going to give up so easily. Even if it was close to hopeless.
"Ok fine Al, you win. I agree. On the condition that you let me kiss you goodnight one last time."
He rolled his eyes, that beautiful smile still plastered on his face. At least i amused him. It was something.
"You don't ever relent do you? Fine, get it over with." He offered exasperatedly.
He hadn't expected me to back him slowly up against the stone wall. Nor was he ready for the intensity of my presence. I stared at him for a long moment, close enough to feel the warmth of his breath on my face. I let the tension build, leaving him to examine me nervously, gulping as his skin reddened. Finally as I leaned in his eyes darted frantically over my features then finally down towards the floor.
"W-wait... I was joking..."
"No you weren't."
"W-well then I... I... changed my... m-mind. Alex... I think... we should..."
"I don't really care what you think." I whispered placing my hand against his cheek. Our eyes closed together as our lips met. The kiss was tender and real, going on and on. I could feel the hairs on my arms and neck stand on end as chills ran down my spine. He was the one to finally pull back.
"Wow..." He panted quietly as our lips hovered closely. He was trembling.
"You're absolutely amazing Al. I really hope you know that..."
"Raven... I... I'll see you later."
"I'm looking forward to it... You should be aware. Even though the Greengrasses don't get involved in politics. I would make sure we did... if it was to protect you. We would follow you... I would follow you... if you needed me... to whatever end."
I watched his eyes widen at that just before he disappeared into the emerald flames.
"Whether or not you return my feelings..." i whispered quietly to myself.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~)◊(~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
APOV
I erupted suddenly from my fireplace at our palace on Isle Avalon, confused more than anything by the events of the day. I felt so sick that i thought i might collapse. My dad, mum and older brother Teddy were of course all waiting up for me in the dim firelight.
"Where on earth were you for the last six hours! We've had the aurors out looking everywhere for you." Dad barked angrily approaching the fireplace where I stood casually dusting myself off. Ice ran through my veins even as i felt the heat rise to my face.
"I told you not to waste their time didn't I."
"We were worried sick about you. How could you vanish like that? Where on earth did you even run off to that was so important?"
"Fuck off all of you. I'm tired and I'm going to bed. Gryffindor shits..." I cursed angrily trying to walk past them. My dad grabbed my arm to try and detain me.
"Don't you dare talk to your mother that way!" I spun my eyes towards him, staring with more malice and venom than he'd ever seen. Dad almost recoiled at the intensity of the sight. I shifted down to contemplate his hand as though testing him to keep it there. Before he knew what was happening I heated my skin up to a boiling temperature forcing him to release me.
"AGH!"
"That's not fair Allie, we were only worried about you. We wanted to know where you were. If you were safe. That's all" Ted offered kneeling down to my height as dad cradled his wounded hand. He had stepped in between us to try and diffuse the tension.
"Really want to know where I was? I spent the day at Greengrass Manor with some friends I seemed to have forgotten. How is it that that happened I wonder, Minister for Magic? How could I ever have been made to forget something so very important?"
The shock on my parents faces was total. They looked like they'd seen a ghost.
"It... isn't like that Al. Damnit! They shouldn't have even spoken to you about this."
"This wasn't their fault, i assaulted Raven's mind for information when I realized he knew who i was. You aren't to do anything to them... in fact if i find out you've done one more thing to me or anyone i care about i will kill you. Do not mistake that."
His red masked unspeakables emerged from the shadows at the threat. My dad merely sighed and motioned for them to stand down.
"I don't know what to say al. We did what we did to protect you. All of it. It was not meant as a punishment."
"To protect me? Are you serious? I didn't need your protection! I needed my friends! I needed to think i was normal! You stole it all from me, my memories, even Ella and Scor. I knew when i met him he was important to me. I felt like i'd known him my whole life. Then you took him away a second time. I didn't even get to see Ella before she died! Its sick what you people stole from me!" I spat angrily, my sadness and rage intermingling.
"Al..." Dad tried, reaching out to me a second time. I withdrew my hand as though disgusted.
"No! Enough of this fuckery. Accio wand!" I shot concentrating as hard as i could until the slender piece of wood flew from dad's pocket into my hand. "This is MINE! do you understand! Because i don't trust any of you with my safety anymore. Try and take it a second time and i swear you will never see me again." I walked right passed them towards my room slamming the door so hard that Lilie squeaked from under the covers of my bed.
"Oh... sorry Lils... i didn't know you were in here."
"Yeah well I was waiting up for you this whole time! I was worried sick. What an idiotic thing to do, running off like that."
"I'm sorry i worried you sis." I whispered climbing in next to her. She rolled sideways towards me, tucking herself neatly into the space between my arms, wrapping them around herself as though i were a cover.
"Don't ever scare me like that again. We thought a terrorist got ahold of you."
"Lol nothing quite as dramatic as that."
"I'm serious Allie, can you imagine if anything had happened to you? I'd be completely surrounded by idiots. I wouldn't survive their stupidity." I rolled my eyes, smiling to myself.
"I think you'd do just fine. Creepy ninja."
"Did you see Scorpius? Is that why you disappeared today?" She asked contemplatively after a minute.
"What? No... i mean... i saw him but that wasn't why I left... we're still... fighting."
"Hmm... you know Allie... you don't ever have to lie to me." She whispered opening her eyes to stare into mine. "I know you're in love with him... i could see it in your face. That's why you've been so upset lately... isn't it?"
"Lily..." I whispered hesitantly, thinking about the pain eating its way through my chest. Finally i nodded in defeat. I couldn't hide anything from her. My baby sister. The only one in the family who understands me.
"Oh Al. You're such an idiot. He feels the same way. I'm sure of it. That part isn't what you should be worried about."
"Don't be silly Lily... I know he doesn't feel the same."
"Listen dumb one. Last week he was so miserable about your fight that he turned his wine emerald green by accident... this was in public mind you."
"What are you on about? So what if he did? i don't see how that's even remotely relevant... oh..."
"Yeah, the exact shade of emerald too."
"Well... he thinks of me as family... that's all."
"Yeah, because I absently turn my juice the color of my gorgeous brother's gorgeous eyes when i'm missing him right?" She offered sarcastically. "Honestly, even with my brother complex I wouldn't do that. I'm telling you... maybe he doesn't even recognize it as love, but that's what he feels for you."
"I... that's not... he's straight... he can't be..."
"For a genius, you can be really dense. What does love have to do with gender or sexuality?"
"Oh just go to sleep Lils."
"You know... if you're worried about his safety more than anything... you'll just have to gather enough supporters to side with you two in the event of a catastrophe. I'd fight for you. If you asked. So don't not live your life because you're afraid of what might happen to him. You saved me once you amazing twit... if you'll recall... and i'd die to pay you back for it. My amazing brother. We just need to be ready for what's to come. Your new role with the Aurors will allow you some of the opportunity you need, trust me."
I pretended not to hear her... but her words had echoed Raven's. Maybe they were right? Maybe if I could distance us from the politics of it all... we could be together...
"Louis would protect you too... and Rory... there's Lorcan and Lysander as well... you have more people in your corner than you realize. Think about how you can best get the rest of them to see you the way we do. I guarantee you it'll be harder to fear a normal kid than some secret weapon boy wonder who's been kept hidden by his world renowned hero father."
