Thicker Than Blood

by MissusWitch

Prejudice runs rampant even in a world without Lord Voldemort, but when a Potter boy is sorted into the House of Slytherin, the next generation is set to change forever. This is the story of Albus Potter and Scorpius Malfoy, and how their friendship guided each other in times of love and strife. AL/OC, SM/RW

14. Interlude: Letters

Chapter 14: Interlude: Letters

Interlude: Letters

AAA.

Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all its Next Gen characters (except for the OC's) belongs to JKR; I just tinker-tanker.

Potter,

I've been so bored twiddlng my thumbs lately that I thought it might be fun to nag you for the remainder of the holiday.

How goes it in the outside world?

In all honesty, though, my owl's getting quite fat, and you did say I could write to you.

-S.H.M

AAA.

Malfoy,

I didn't think you were actually serious. Mail by owl is just the kind of thingyou'ddo, even though practically everybody's using email nowadays.

Do you even know what email is?

I guess I should tell you what's been happening around the house. James is a Cannon now, though I can't say any of us are surprised he aced his tryouts. He's been lording his new kit and uniform over the rest of us and driving everyone absolutely barmy. It hasn't even crossed his mind that the Cannons are only third in the League.

Lily's been a good sport about it. She put itching powder in his briefs the other day and he was in such torture that mum had to send him off to St. Mungo's. Didn't stop her from laughing at him the whole way.

Got my O.W.L results today. Aced potions, naturally, but I barely made it past DADA. I had to drop Transfiguration and Care of Magical Creatures too. Since I'm actually taking the time to write you, I bloody well hope you're not going to throw it all back in my face by making a snide remark, though I wouldn't put it past you.

I'm meeting Drew and Rowan in a couple days at Diagon Alley to have a look at the new Dragontail. Apparently, the Spanish Nationals are ordering a full set for their team. Dad's willing to buy one for me for getting into all the N.E.W.T classes I wanted to be in. I'll send you the complementary magazine if you'd like.

Well. This has been odd. I guess I'll look forward to your reply soon?

And, since I know you're going to ask, Isabelhasbeen coming around a lot lately.

And her tits feel fantastic.

Cheers,
Albus Potter

AAA.

Potter,

I know what email is, you prat. Like I said, my owl is getting a little too comfortable sitting in her nest. I doubt someone with nine O.W.L's (four of which were Outstandings and none below an EE, by the way) wouldn't know what bloody email is.

I'll tactfully avoid commenting on your O.W.L results, though some might think that getting below an Acceptable in Transfiguration is utterly disgraceful and might degrade a person to having an IQ borderline to a potato. Not me, of course.

Anyway, apart from sitting on my mound of gold here at home, I've been deciding what to do about my parents. I caught mum at it with one of the Ministry officials searching our house in the fencing room (Yes, we have a fencing room. You, Potter, may have the most coveted broomstick known to man, but I, Scorpius Malfoy, can brandish swords whilst reciting Shakespeare whenever I like).

I couldn't remember the old chap's name but he was meant to confiscate our old chalices for investigation, probably because of that one time Voldemort got totally smashed drinking out of them. They omit that from the textbooks because it was undoubtedly too epic for the likes of ordinary historians.

Now I know why our chalices are still here.

Do I tell my father that his wife's been an adulterous whore (the Bible's words, not mine)? Any advice on the matter?

-S.H.M

P.S. I'm glad to know Marrieto's tits haven't fallen off yet from lack of use. Or maybe girls do find uses for them when they're not getting felt up. I really should ask my mother someday on the matter.

P.P.S. How's Weasley doing?

AAA.

Malfoy,

I'm sorry to hear what happened. I reckon you should talk to your mum before anything else and hear what she has to say about it. At least give her a chance to tell your dad herself. If she won't, then I hate to say this, but your mum's a _ (very nasty word; one often associated with a female of the canine variety).

You might have noticed there's a poster attached. It's Abram Afanasi on the new Dragontail, and, yes, that's his autograph. We do live together so I know he's your favorite player. This has NOTHING to do with pity, by the way, because I would never spend money on you, Malfoy. I just happened to have a couple of these lying around 'cause, as you've often pointed out, I'm extremely rich and famous.

So just take the damn poster, ok?

Dad got a bit worked up the other day because the Aurors want him back in office. Something about following up on another set of leads regarding another rogue Death-Eater fan club that's been looking to recruit teenagers. Dad actually told Regis Llewellyn to sod off because he reckons this whole summer has been nothing but a headfuck and the department is just getting their knickers in a twist over nothing. Love it when dad uses that type of language.

Have you heard anything from the Notts? Can't believe term's starting in two weeks and their investigation still hasn't ended.

-Al

P.S. What does it mean when a girl says she's 'ready for the next step'?

P.P.S. Rose got into a strop with my uncle the other night when she came home late with Amanda Longbottom and a couple of muggle blokes. She's not allowed out of the house till we head off to King's Cross, but I reckon she'll sneak out anyway.

AAA.

Potter,

You might have heard by now, but as it turns out, mum and dad aren't Death-Eater fanatics! Shocker!

I have to say I'm a tad disappointed with the Ministry's verdict though. At least if there were new Horcruxes popping up in our hallways every now and then, I would have something to do for the remainder of this summer. Gotta hand it to our esteemed government and their fanfuckingtastic efficiency (so what if they got it wrong the last four times, eh?).

Luckily, we've still got some decent Wizarding folk hanging around this bloody country – like Abram Afanasi. I damn well won't be returning that poster any time soon.

Had a run-in with Gareth and Carpathia the other day at Potage's Cauldrons and it looks like the Notts have been cleared as well. You'll be seeing your chum healthy and well on the Hogwarts Express if the Notts haven't fixed her up with anyone yet.

Only joking, Potter. We don't do that sort of thing anymore.

Question about our pal Lucas though. The Rosiers are still under fire and word going around is that Daddy Rosier is going to trial at Wizengamot. Care to help explain what's happening on that end?

On a final note, I decided to take your advice and confront old mum on the recent usage of her libido. By 'confront' I mean that I got into a shouting match and, ah, accidentally let slip that nasty word of the canine variety. I might've let loose a couple of other equally nasty words too. You might know the one often associated with pastry (I'll give you a hint, fruit _).

She called me ungrateful and inconsiderate and now we're not on speaking terms. Oops.

-S.H.M

P.S. She wants a shag, idiot.

P.P.S. Out of curiosity, was Ronny the Biker one of these muggle troublemakers? Serves Weasley right for going out with square-faced neanderthals.

AAA.

Malfoy,

You should probably go apologize and tell her how you feel about it without resorting to insults. Talking about your feelings is allowed at Malfoy Manor, I reckon?

I'm glad to hear the Malfoys and the Notts are in the clear. I tried owling Thia a couple times but all my letters were sent back with the envelopes open. Someone had even taken the time to write 'Bugger off, twat' on one of them. Her father, I imagine. I've always heard he's rough around the edges, but never thought he could be such a _ (popular name from elementary English books. Hint: see Jane run, see _ run).

These euphemisms are getting creative.

Anyway, I couldn't wait to bring the next subject up as a postscript, so I've made it the main gist of this letter. I think you might be right about the shagging bit. I had the weirdest conversation with Izzie the other day. Out of the blue, she asks me if I've "ever been with anyone else"so, naturally, I tell her no and ask her if this is about "taking the next step". She goes on and talks about how she cares a great deal about me and that "if it was anyone, she would want it to be me". I'm sitting there gawking like an imbecile, and then she says:

"I don't mind if you've been with anyone else, Al. I'd just like to know because it matters to me. You'd understand if our positions were reversed, right?"

I wanted to tell her that I was more than happy to do anything with her, that it was all up to whenever she felt comfortable, but she looked so embarrassed about everything and it sounded like she had something else important to say. Then, of course, my ruddy cousins barged in and that all went to rot. Merlin, I hate large families.

How do I bring this up again? I reckon she's nervous because we're both a bit young, and Izzie's a year younger. Bloody hell, I'm nervous. I just want to do it properly.

I know what you're going to say. I'm an idiot. But surely you've got something to help me out.

I gotta run now. Our cousins from France are visiting and mum needs everyone around the house to help out with the bloody banquet she's got planned. By the way, my whole family thinks you're my new Tunisian penpal. It was the only way I could explain the amount of letters coming in and out.

Cheers,
Al

P.S. Oh rot, I forgot to answer your questions. Asked dad about the Rosiers. The Aurors found incriminating evidence that Evan Rosier was connected to that exploding muggle tube compartment incident a couple years back. Remember that? It was all over the muggle papers. Well, apparently, officials found the Orb of Gherruin hiding in his closet during their search—one of the rare objects well-known for causing mass explosions at will. Rosier is insisting that he got it as a gift from Thaddeus Nott, but the Notts are in the clear so no one's taking his word.

God, I hope Lucas is alright.

P.P.S. I'm surprised you haven't said a word about Chantal. Have you two called it quits yet?

P.P.P.S. Who the hell is Ronny the Biker?

AAA.

Potter,

Damn right it's sex, and if you don't know how to go about it, I suggest going to the nearest bookstore and having a go at the parenthood section. If that fails, take a long hot bath and hope your balls grow a little bigger. Honestly, the girl's practically throwing herself at you and if that's the case, don't assume Marrieto's as young and innocent as she seems. That whole conversation sounds too dodgy for my liking.

As for the doing it properly, I reckon there's no use in planning anything. It'll happen when it happens. On the whole, though, I'm pleased you've acknowledged my sexual superiority to yours.

This is going to be a short one. Father's getting suspicious over why there have been so many owls coming in and out. I don't think it would improve his mood to see I'm writing about our family affairs to a Potter (even if I'm disgused as his Tunisian penpal).

For the love of Merlin, I'm going insane in this house. If I have to hear my parents bickering again, I'll blow up the fucking armory.

-S.H.M

P.S. Jury's out on Rosier. He's agreed to 24-hour surveillance for six months but otherwise he's been acquitted. I wonder when the hell it's going to get into their heads that no pureblood family is that thick to try anything anymore. Do you realize that all the boys in our dorm have been under Ministry scrutiny this summer?

Except you, Potter. You actually got a bloody holiday.

P.P.S. There's no need to mention Chantal because nothing's changed. She wrote a couple times but it's all France and carriages and pretty ponies with that one. I don't know why you have this idea in your head that we have to call it quits. You can't call quits with a girl who's not your girlfriend, can you?

P.P.P.S. My thoughts exactly.

AAA.

Malfoy,

New family affairs. One of our cousins visiting from France is here to stay. Do you remember Head Girl Victoire? Yeah, well, her brother's transferring to Hogwarts.

Rose and I are quite pleased about it. We never understood why Louis was shipped off to Beauxbatons when both Vic and Dominique went to Hogwarts. Don't know why his mum and dad chose to have him closer to home now, but it had something to do with him causing trouble with a couple of blokes in his year. Louis is a great chap, though. He says the funniest things sometimes and he's got Veela blood so I reckon half the girls in school will be in love with him before term's out.

The other day he sorted out a problem with one of Rose's summer blokes. Let me tell you, this guy was mental. He was a waiter she'd met at some café and they were seeing each other for a few weeks before she called it off. Needless to say, he didn't handle it very well. He called loads of times, asking what "private girls' school" she was going off to in Scotland and listing out a whole bunch of names. That was weird enough, but then it gotreallymental when he started waiting for her outside her house. So Louis showed up at the door one day with nothing but a towel and asked him "if he wanted to have a good time". Poor bloke was so scared he buggered off and we never saw him again. It was a good laugh, though I bloody well think Rose has finally learned her lesson.

Cheers,

Al

P.S. Whatever you say, Malfoy

AAA.

Potter,

Is French Weasley better looking than me?

-S.H.M

P.S. I'm actually at a loss of words to say about Weasley this time. Never thought she had it in her.

AAA.

Malfoy,

Did you really just send your owl all the way here to deliver that message?

Anyway, term's starting in a couple days. I reckon when we go back to school everything will go back to normal, eh?

Cheers,

Al

AAA.

Potter,

Shit hit the fan (Well, not that there's a fan here in the Manor, since we have round-the-clock Cooling Charms).

I don't really know who else to write to, since it's late and, like you've aptly pointed out, no one really reads mail from owl anymore. You'll probably get a chance to look at this in the morning and hopefully, my owl gets some sleep before you do.

I blew up the armory. Couldn't handle the parents arguing anymore so I made a brilliant whopping wreck out of Father's precious weapons collection. Did you know that we actually own the sword Salazar Slytherin wielded at the Siege of Varrelyn? Well, it looks more like a horseshoe now that I've bent it all out of shape.

Father went berserk when he saw the mess. Mum stormed in after him and went berserk next to him. The whole scene was so bloody hypocritical (both of them yelling about something that I'd done wrong) that I tried to hold it in, really I did, but it slipped out.

You should have seen my father's face. All the blood drained out so quickly that I thought he was going to faint. I called mum a _ (nasty word associated with female of the canine variety) and a _ (nasty word associated with a pastry). I threw in a couple more words there too, most of which I could probably find euphemisms for but I can't be arsed at the moment.

Do you remember how I said that my father was an intense bloke and that a divorce would break him? Well, he couldn't believe it. Literally. After mum denied everything I said, like a right bitch (oops, slipped up there), that was enough for him to see me as a giant, fucking failure. There I was, the son who had blown a hole in his armory and his marriage, and he lost it.

I won't go into detail, but it was painful.

After that, I lost it. Packed up my bags, swiped my bank key, and got the hell out of there. Now I'm sitting in this dingy room at the Leaky Cauldron and I reckon I'll stay here for a couple nights until September 1st.

This is probably the last of my letters because I'm going to save money on post, but I'd just like you to know that I'm grateful. Without these stupid letters, I don't think I would've made it through with my sanity.

To answer your question, of course everything will be normal again. Couldn't have you thinking we were friends or something equally ridiculous.

-S.H.M

AAA.

Malfoy,

You're the only person I know that could handle something like that. Anybody else and I'd be worried.

There's only two days left till term starts and you'll have plenty to do at Diagon Alley. Maybe you could go and have a look at the new Dragontail yourself. God forbid, you could get some homework done and be that prick on the first day of class who knows all the answers. Oh wait.

I know this is a shot in the dark, but if something like this happens again during the holidays, you're welcome to stay at the Potters. We don't have a fencing room or an armory, but we have some damn good food. You might even get along with my mum. Just a thought.

I imagine it would be a great deal of fun, Malfoy.

See you at Hogwarts.

Cheers,

Al

P.S. No, I could never think we were friends.

AAA.

I did promise a fast update, didn't I?

One of my favorite interludes, if not my favorite. I hope you enjoyed that, because I had a great time writing it.

Thanks to hphilgreen and Classified for your speedy feedback! I'll try to please you for what I have planned in the next couple chapters.

Next chapter: Sixth Year commences.