AlbusScorpius

On Your Side

Chapter Eleven: Potter Cottage

A/N: I HAVE FINISHED MY PLAY! Which means I get to start revision srsly. OH THE JOYS.

Scorpius Malfoy was not at all impressed. He thought about the decision he had made the night before as he put a vest on over his shirt, tugging at the collars slightly. Unsure exactly what to expect, he'd opted for not wearing robes; a very rare occasion. But from what he gathered of reading about Harry Potter's past, the man was raised by Muggles, and in a lot of photographs appeared to favour Muggle clothing over traditional wizard clothes. It was a fashion that was becoming very popular, so he assumed he'd look less out of place this way. He tugged at the jeans, something his aunt had practically forced on him; she was very big on fashion. He let out a slight sigh as he combed a hand through his hair once again, looking at himself in the mirror, trying to shake off the nerves. Though they were understandable when he was going to see someone like Harry Potter.

Someone his grandfather was so keen on hating.

He'd been told stories about the war. As bedtimes stories as a child, as meal time conversation when his father wasn't around, whenever his grandfather could, he would tell Scorpius about the war. They made for good nightmare material. Only his grandmother had ever painted Harry Potter in a good light, and Lucius had said, with the utmost pride, that his wife was very kind and forgiving of people. But that it was Harry Potter's fault that the mediwizards wouldn't treat Narcissa to the best of their abilities. That it was Harry Potter's fault that his Aunt Bellatrix had died, leaving her sister on her own. That it was all Harry Potter's fault.

Harry Potter owed his grandmother his life, Lucius would say, and the man was not honourable enough to pay.

Sucking up all his nerve, the man left his room and began on his way down the stairs, the house elf meeting him by the door to hand him his jacket and make sure he was returning for dinner. He strode down the path to their house, reaching the gates of the Manor and apparating to the closest point to the Potter Cottage, glad that the school registry had the coordinates of the student's homes.

He was surprised when he was stood facing a woody area, a long cobble path in front of him, on a country road with no cars about. He sucked in a breath and stepped forward, the small gate not budging an inch. Scorpius scowled slightly, looking around to see a speaker next to the gate, a buzzer waiting for him to press.

The blond was waiting for approximately ten seconds before someone answered.

Looking down the cobble path, he saw a redheaded figure leave the quaint house and begin down the path towards him, a woman from what he could make out, around his mother's age. Her blue eyes looked up questioningly and widened slightly at seeing him, her relaxed slightly forced walk becoming much more hurried, and as she reached him he saw her face was lined with appreciation.

"Are you-?"

"Scorpius Malfoy," he greeted, nodding politely. "I'm here to see Albus, I'm his-!"

"Transfigurations Professor, I know," an eager smile took over her face. His excuse for arriving quickly seemed to be dissolving. "Please, please, come in!"

"Thank you, Mrs Potter."

It wasn't hard to figure out who she was. She had been a Quidditch player when he was a small child, retiring a few years after he started school to become a prominent sports writer and mother of three children, wife of the Hero of the Wizarding World. He'd seen her photograph many times. She was certainly a very popular playing amongst the boys and the girls when he was at school.

Scorpius followed her back to the cottage, which really was what it was, hands fisting at his sides, not quite sure what to do with them. The prospect of going into Harry Potter's house to accuse his son of breaking into the Manor seemed a lot less appealing than it did the night before. And the way Ginny Potter had greeted him was slightly unnerving, though a bit flattering. He wasn't quite sure he understood exactly why she seemed so willing to invite him into her house without asking why he was there.

He stepped through the threshold, the redheaded woman holding the door open for him, glancing around as she shut it. There were pictures everywhere. Of different holidays, framed newspaper articles, a vase of flowers. It was incredibly homely. Ginny was in front of him again with a smile, leading him towards the living room and offering him a drink.

"We've heard all about you," Ginny said with a soft smile as she placed a tea tray on the coffee table, pouring Scorpius a cup. "We're incredibly thankful for all your help with Albus, he was lost at Transfiguration when he started this year, could barely do the simple things. Now he can conjure things? It's fantastic!" she handed him his cup, moving to pour her own. "You must be a brilliant Professor. Even my youngest agrees with Albus when singing your praises, and they never agree."

Scorpius chuckled slightly at the idea of Lily singing his praises. She wasn't the praising type. "Thank you, Mrs Potter. They're very talented children."

"Oh, please, Albus may be talented but he's certainly not talented at Transfiguration, that's all you," Ginny said with a cheeky grin. "Would you like me to go get him? He's been practicing all holiday, though at the beginning he was a bit," she grimaced. "Well, I think he might've had a falling out with one of his friends. He's been much happier today though."

The blond couldn't help but feel slightly guilty. "Yes, I'd appreciate you getting him."

"Not a problem," she stood, moving to the door and disappearing. There was a sudden loud noise that echoed through the house, followed by the woman shouting.

"Albus Potter it is midday! Get your arse out of bed and downstairs, you have a guest – oh no, James, do not give me that look, I know you've only been awake for half an hour. You can come downstairs and help me with getting lunch ready, and you can do it right now! Your sister's been awake for three hours! She's already left to go out!"

Scorpius sat, eyes wide, half way through drinking some tea, turning to look at the door. He couldn't imagine his own mother doing something like that. Merlin, she had a voice on her.

A few moments later she was back in the doorway, a smile on her face like she hadn't just let anger rip through the house, speaking with the same friendly calmness that she had addressed him with so far. "He'll be down in a moment, Professor."

"Thank you again, Mrs Potter," Scorpius replied with a nod before the woman disappeared again. A few moments later a brunet popped his head through the door, brown eyes narrowing curiously, freckled face scrunching up and vanishing as quickly as it arrived. Scorpius sucked in a breath, wondering if that was the second person who was in his house last night.

It was a few more moments before a very messy-looking Albus stepped into the room, Scorpius' heart reacting in an extraordinarily inappropriate way. He didn't need to have heard Mrs Potter's rant at her son's laziness to know that the boy had just woken up; the boy's hair was tousled in a way it never had been before, green eyes slightly watery as he rubbed them, clothes thrown on haphazardly.

"I told you, Finnigan, I don't have the- Professor Malfoy!" the boy jumped out his skin as he looked up, a bright red taking over his face. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to make sure you've been keeping up with the Christmas work I set you, practicing the things we did at the beginning of the year. It's important to keep practicing these things."

Albus shifted nervously, tugging on the hem of his shirt and trying to subtly pull his jeans up from the back. "I have, don't worry, Professor. I've definitely been keeping up with the work."

"I'm pleased to hear it. Why don't you sit, tell me about what you've gone over?" he asked, fixing Albus with a stern look. "I hear you've been practicing breaking into people's houses too."

The boy stilled, swallowing a lump in his throat and glancing at the door.

"Sit down, Albus," Scorpius said, turning back to his drink as the boy slumped over to a chair next to the sofa. "How about we talk about why you and who I assume was your brother were seen in my house last night. My grandfather would very much like to contact the Auror's and demand justice for having our home broken into in the middle of the night," his grey eyes became steely. "Specifically my room, while I was asleep."

"I-my brother-we-well-I can explain."

"Then start explaining."

A head popped back round the door, both occupants of the room looking up to see the woman of the house smiling at their guest. "Will you be staying for lunch, Professor Malfoy?"

Scorpius floundered like a fish. "I-I hadn't planned on it-!"

"Don't worry, it won't be a bother! We'd be happy to have you, with all you've done for Alby!"

Albus flustered at the nickname, but latched onto the suggestion. "It'd be nice to have you for lunch!"

"I didn't have plans, but-!"

"It's settled then! Jamie!" she called, leaving the room again. "Set for an extra person!"

The blond looked back to Albus, who had a winning grin on his face, suddenly thrown out of teacher-mode. "Is she usually like this?"

"She's a very determined woman."

Scorpius cleared his throat, attempting to get back to the topic at hand. "Now, we really need to talk about-!"

"Why don't I show you our garden?" Albus asked eagerly, jumping out his seat and pulling the other man up, throwing him for a loop again, with green eyes glittering with happiness. "You'll love it, we're pretty much attached to a forest!"

"Albus-!" he did try his best to sum up the courage to press the matter of the Potter boy's coming into his house, but when the boy looked back with that toothy grin and those sincere eyes, all courage was shattered in an instant, left only with reluctant submission and a small smile.

They passed the doorway to the kitchen, a friendly smile on Ginny Potter, a suspicious look on the eldest child.

Scorpius found himself speechless for the second time that day, however, as he stepped out onto the back porch of the Potter's home, met with a large expanse of space, flower beds and trees scattered everywhere in a beautiful pattern, apparent that someone in the house had a green thumb.

"My Uncle Neville, mainly," Albus said, traces of fondness in his voice. "Though mum and Aunty Luna helped. Or at least mum bossed everyone around while Uncle Neville managed to negotiate with her. And Aunty Luna's just very good with outdoorsy-things. Dad looks after it really though," emerald orbs turned to Scorpius. "Do you want to walk round it?"

"It's as big as our garden at the Manor," though significantly better kept, Scorpius added inwardly. The entire Manor was in need of refurbishment though. "If not bigger."

"There's a gate that runs all the way round, with a few charms to keep it private. The paparazzi were always trying to get to dad when everything settled down after the war; it's when he first bought it. Decrepit and rundown, it was like his pet project to get through things. Well, his and all our family's, anyway, seeing as he gave Grimmauld Place to Teddy's Grandma."

The two stepped down from the porch, Scorpius first, and began on a small walk round the garden. There was a large expanse of area with a shed, which Albus pointed out as their broom shed and a space for Quidditch, and several different parts of the garden that appeared to be dedicated to certain people and family members, a pond with fish in, an old looking swing set. Scorpius could barely remember when the Manor gardens looked so beautiful.

"Albus! Scorpius! Lunch is ready!"

They looked back to the house, seeing a redheaded woman shouting out of the kitchen window, before shutting it again and returning to whatever it was she was doing.

Albus turned back to his Professor with another grin. "You won't regret staying. Mum's a brilliant cook."

"I'm sure she is," Scorpius said, standing there looking down at the younger boy for a few moments. Albus could certainly be described as cute, with a slightly round face, probably something that he would lose in a few more years. The green eyes were certainly something to behold, large and innocent, coupled with the messy black hair darker than most people's. The odd freckle dotting his face only added to the picture.

"We should get going," the older man said, practically running back to the house, forcing his thoughts away. He missed the triumphant look on his companion's face.

Inside the house Scorpius discovered two extra people, one he'd seen before, and one he'd only seen in pictures. The small redheaded girl was surprised he was there; the false-innocent look was nowhere to be found however, looking bored and moody instead. The middle-aged man, however, was not as surprised. He looked just as welcoming as his wife, if not more.

Perhaps this was the allure of Harry Potter that his Grandfather had told him about.

"So, you're the famous Professor Malfoy, are you?" he asked, green eyes holding the same mirth that Albus' often did. He understood the 'startling resemblance' that his father had talked about now. "I've heard a lot about you."

"Dad," his younger son said, an embarrassed whine in his voice. Scorpius couldn't help but find it amusing.

"Mr Potter," the blond greeted, holding out a hand in greeting. When Harry shook it he had a handshake as firm as Scorpius expected. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Sir."

"Drop the sir, son. It makes me feel incredibly old," he replied with a grin that was almost identical to Albus', but with a sage note behind it. "Harry will be fine."

"Of course," Scorpius said, clenching his fists awkwardly again, unsure how to proceed. Before anything more could be said Mrs Potter was calling to them again, and Scorpius found himself being led into a dining room, as homely as the rest of the house, though slightly more modern, decorated more with paintings than photos this time.

Before he knew it he was sat down being served Sunday lunch with the people his grandfather despised more than anything in the world.

"You have a lovely home."

"Thank you, Scorpius!" Ginny cooed, clearly proud of her home. When Harry rolled his eyes Scorpius assumed he was probably the one who put in more effort. "We worked very hard on it."

"I worked very hard on it."

"I helped!" she defended, scolding her eldest son about eating more salad. "So, Scorpius, do you enjoy teaching?"

"I do," he said with a nod, dimly aware of the two boys sat to his left whispering away at each other. "It's very rewarding, being a Professor. I'm surprised at how much I enjoy it."

"Neville's also said it's very rewarding, satisfying I think he said."

Harry looked up, a slight nervousness in his eyes. "How are your parents, Scorpius? I haven't heard much of Draco recently."

Scorpius was surprised. His father never talked of the Potters, and when he did it was only to tell him that 'Harry Potter was a good man', with some strain. He certainly didn't seem to hold the Weasley's in high regard, and Scorpius was under the impression they were all related. He couldn't help but question the man's intentions when he began asking about Scorpius' parents.

"My parents are well, thank you. My father is very busy, as usual."

"He always worked very hard," there was an odd mixture of fondness and irritation in Harry's voice. "At everything."

Ginny's smile was very genuine. "Last time I saw Draco was at a match, years ago. Before we had kids. I think you were there, Scorpius," she said with that cheeky grin. "You were an adorable little baby, if I remember right."

As Albus began to chuckle slightly, Scorpius felt his face heating up, clearing his throat. Harry gave his wife a disapproving look, though the woman simply took a sip of her wine.

"Send our regards to your father," Harry said, trying to diffuse the embarrassment that was oozing off their guest. "We might not have been on the best relationship at school, but I owe him. And your grandmother."

"He seems to think he owes you."

Harry laughed slightly at this. "I suppose. They both did a lot more than just help me though, even if they don't realise it."

The three youngest glanced between the adults, slightly confused. They could see regret in their father's face, sympathy in their mother's, and confusion in their guest's. With a hint of bitterness.

"My Grandmother…" Scorpius started, cursing himself for losing composure in front of other people.

"The healers said that there was nothing they could do," Harry supplied, grimacing at the words. "I didn't believe them at first, and I know your grandfather never did."

Ginny bristled, eyes narrowing. "Lucius Malfoy-!"

"Honey, not now."

"Yes now," she insisted, turning to Scorpius with a fierce look in her eyes. "Your grandmother was a lovely woman, and even when all of the healers gave up hope, Harry and his friends looked into the files, trying to find something that they'd missed. Even Madam Pomfrey, the school nurse, who you know, never a more honest healer was there, who looked into it."

"She came to the house," Scorpius confirmed. "I remember it."

"She was the only one that Lucius would allow into the house to see Narcissa. No one else. Only Madam Pomfrey. And only once."

There was a pregnant pause, where Harry tried to think of something to say.

"We didn't have the time or resources to help your grandmother," Ginny decided, turning back to her food. "No matter what Lucius Malfoy says. James, I told you to eat some salad."

"But-!"

"Just because you're nineteen doesn't mean you can't eat salad."

Scorpius looked across the table to see the Master of the house, who was gazing into nothing with guilt carved into his features. Scorpius looked down at his own plate, words of his grandfather running through his head.

They didn't do anything to help.

"My father doesn't blame you," Scorpius said, looking up at Harry. The mini-argument that was going on between Ginny and James came to an abrupt halt as the two men looked at each other.

"He what?"

Scorpius smiled wryly at the disbelief on Harry's face. "Draco, he doesn't blame you for what happened to my grandmother. He knows you did all you could. That there was nothing more you could do."

A small smile broke on the Auror's face. "Thank you."

It wasn't until Scorpius found himself outside the front door, preparing to leave that Albus mentioned what happened at lunch. The rest of the meal had quickly picked up pace again, the Malfoy feeling more comfortable there than he had before, with the banter that danced round the table starting just as easily as it had stopped. Albus smiled at him as he fixed his jacket, turning to say goodbye, despite the fact that his original question still hadn't been answered.

"Are you okay?" Albus asked, smile becoming slightly nervous. "After dinner, I mean. Mum tends to just go on rants without really thinking sometimes.

"I'm fine," Scorpius said, nodding slowly and looking away. "I just need a bit of time to think. My father may have forgiven Harry, but my grandfather, well," he grimaced. "My grandfather is quite spiteful."

He noted that he'd never actually said that about his grandfather before.

"Old people tend to be," Albus joked, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Your grandfather, he was in the first war, wasn't he?"

"Yes, he was."

"I imagine he's very set in his ways."

Scorpius chuckled, enjoying the way the simple sound made Albus light up.

"My dad's always tried to teach us to forgive people. That everyone deserves a second chance. And that just because someone was on the wrong side, didn't mean they wanted to be there. He said," Albus paused. "He said that a lot of people were threatened. And that even if they weren't, we shouldn't judge their children for their actions."

"Your father's a very smart man."

Albus gave a proud smile. "I like to think so."

"About what happened yesterday," Scorpius started, giving the boy a stern look. "I'm not going to ask why you did it, and we're not going to be reporting it. But don't do it again. Its borderline stalker-ish."

"Sorry, Professor."

At least he was making an effort to look guilty.

Scorpius turned and began down the path to the apparition point, waving in farewell as Albus shouted a goodbye, crackling the air as he vanished.

Rinkle popped at the door as he arrived, taking his jacket from him and hanging it up, bowing low. Scorpius sent her away with a request for a drink to be brought to his study and headed up the stairs, mind in turmoil.

"Did you enjoy yourself, Scorpius?" his father's voice asked as soon as he opened the door.

"I went to see the Potter's."

Draco raised a fine brow at the words, his son flushing in shame as soon as they were spoken. "The Potter's?"

"Their son, he's struggling with Transfigurations. I have to tutor him during term time; I was making sure he was keeping up."

"I see," the older man smiled. "You're enjoying being a Professor, then?"

Scorpius nodded, lips pulling upwards. "I am."

"Blaise tells me you're doing very well," Draco confirmed, walking forward and patting his son on the shoulder. "I'm proud of you."

"Thank you father."

"Did you see," there was a moments of hesitation, worry crossing Draco's face. "Did you see Mr and Mrs Potter?"

"I did," Scorpius gave his father a knowing look. "Mr Potter seems well. He asked about you. Mrs Potter invited me to stay for lunch."

The older man clearly did not believe this for a second. "Really?"

"Yes, she was very friendly. Thrilled that her son's marks were shooting upwards."

"Let's not tell your grandfather about this," Draco said, though his tone wasn't its usual sombre while talking about Lucius. Instead it seemed cheerful. Playful. "I doubt he'd be impressed to find out you had lunch with the Potters."

Scorpius chuckled. "I doubt he would."

OH MY GOODNESS we just got a new house and it's the filthiest house I've ever stepped in I swear. But I must rush this note because we're about to go clean it and it doesn't have internet (so no time to check over it myself). My Beta did though.

R+R!

Thanks ~

Kivea R.

PREVIEW

"No matter what I feel it doesn't change the situation."

"You're just scared."

"Let it go, Mr Potter."

"No,"