Parts (35-40)

I

Chapter 8

Battles and Bullies

Part 1: Low Spirits

Scorpius didn't say anything else to his allies about his day, he was tempted to ask them what they thought of his Aunt's letter and Varanian's possible tampering of the mail but he thought better of it. It seemed wrong to mention it or the obelisk and what Professor Ashain had told him about the blood runes in the wake of Rose's dad being in hospital, the last thing they needed was more on their minds so at the very least it could wait for a better time.

The whole atmosphere of Scorpius' world seemed melancholy over the next few weeks. Rose and Albus were noticeably worried about her dad, their concentration on their schoolwork was lacking and they were quieter themselves. Albus seemed to try be his usual self around his cousin to keep her spirits up but alone Michael had to pry talk out of him, Michael as usual being the one trying to cheer everyone up. Even Abby seemed quieter as did Molly, he supposed the whole Weasley clan would be worried and there were a lot of them, twelve in total according to Molly but three weren't at Hogwarts yet. Calderon too was unusually withdrawn and jumpy -albeit for different reasons than the others- so much that some of the other staff members picked up on it, you could tell who he was closer to by who noticed his change in behavior. Scorpius actually missed his demented laughter.

The biggest change to his routine was Quidditch practice though. The very next day Albus woke him up at the same early hour that Varanian made them get up, telling him that Quidditch Captain Cole wanted to see him. Scorpius was instantly awake as he went down into the common rooms to find nearly a dozen other students there with Cole, all of whom had been at the tryouts. Cole had apparently called the meeting after he'd left to tell them about the Quidditch practice times. They'd be training five times a week due to Scorpius' inexperience playing Quidditch, he'd cleared it with both Professor McGonagall and surprisingly enough Varanian had also agreed to let Scorpius keep his broom despite being a first year.

Scorpius found Quidditch practice both exhausting and exhilarating. On one hand it was great, he loved flying more than he'd ever thought he could and he actually got along with the other team members, with the exception of James. They seemed to think his potential as a Seeker outweighed whatever prejudice there was about him being a Malfoy and the Charms incident. He was pleased with the team, Molly had got Keeper, Freddie and James were the Beaters, Cole and two older girls who'd been on the team last year: Christine Wood and Danielle Scraffer were the Chasers and there were also five reserves who practiced with them too. One of the reserves surprised him as being another Weasley, Louis, who was an uncommonly handsome blond rather than a redhead like the majority of his cousins.

Quidditch practice did have its downsides though, it cut into his already small amount of free time for one. Varanian may have agreed for him to practice but he still was expected to have a detention every single day, on top of still keeping up with his homework. He also wasn't used to doing so much physical activity, after a week's worth of training he had muscles aching that he didn't even know he'd had.

Sometimes he felt as though he didn't have time to breathe, he was exhausted but he wouldn't slow his pace. He refused to let his work fall behind, failing because you deliberated neglected your work was different to failing when you'd actually tried. He'd rather try and fail then not try at all, it was the whole point of school, he quite literally couldn't sleep if he knew he still had homework to be done for the next day. He couldn't back out of Quidditch either, too many people were expecting it of him now, his family - who had sent him a bundle of gifts and congratulated him repeatedly in a very long letter, his allies, not to mention the team, even if secretly the prospect of flying around in front of a thousand eyes terrified him a bit. He mostly tried not to think about that. The plus side of being so busy though was that by the time he collapsed into bed at night, he was so tired that his sleep was free of nightmares.

He did reply to his family's letters, a short one thanking his grandmother for the treats - although he left out that the majority had been eaten by his friends and a much longer one to his parents with more detail on his life, or at least the positive aspects of his life and he didn't mention being stressed from everything. He was tempted to write to his Aunt Daphne about her strange letter but stopped himself, if Varanian had tampered with the letter then this would tell him that Scorpius knew about it and he feared what Varanian might do, he'd given Professor Ashain an extra page of probation rules out of spite for his comments after all.

Things did start to pick up more as they drew closer to October, the updates Rose was receiving on her father's condition - albeit always a few days later than they were dated - were improving. He remained unconscious but was more stable, they'd tried a rare old potion and it seemed to have helped and it seemed to put the cousins' minds at ease. According to the papers there were still no leads on who had attacked him though, the Shadows remained in the shadows. Calderon had gradually been becoming more his usual self as time went by, when October came he was pretty much back to normal and excited for Halloween.

"Eurgh!" Draco snapped irritably as they stalked through the streets, "why is everything taking so bloody long?!"

"Calm down, dear, we're nearly there," Narcissa offered gently but Draco was having none of it and walking so fast that Nacissa was struggling to keep up.

They reached red-bricked condemned cover that was used to hide the hospital finally, Lucius not having much time to examine everything as Draco and Astoria were already stepping through the window with Narcissa on their heels. Lucius supposed he couldn't blame them, if he hadn't seen Scorpius earlier than he knew he would probably be just as eager to get to the boy. He stepped through after them and found himself predictably in the much more sanitary looking hospital, the first floor of St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries.

It was crowded inside, the mid-morning rush perhaps but then Lucius hadn't spent much time in the hospital so he wasn't sure what was normal. The looks they were getting were normal though, angry eyes from people who believed the Malfoys shouldn't have gotten off so lightly for their part in the Second Wizarding War, he could hear them muttering and pointing. It was something they'd all been forced to endure since He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named had fallen, normally it annoyed him but he didn't care that day. He was all too aware that he'd sold his soul and feared at any second that something bad would happen, he'd heard nothing from those people since they'd taken Scorpius.

"Out of my way!" Draco snapped to the people in line at the desk marked 'Inquiries' which earned him some indignant looks, Draco didn't care however and barged his way past them to the Welcome Witch, "where's my son?!"

"There are other people in line first," the young witch pointed out in a seemingly forced polite tone, Lucius could hear several people muttering under their breaths in outrage.

"My son is more important than them! Where is he?!" Draco snarled slamming his fist on to the desk angrily, the witch jumped slightly but it only seemed to harden her resolve.

"Look, I'm sorry but you really must wait at the back of the line. Those people were here first."

"Please," Astoria begged before Draco could open his mouth and offend the Welcome Witch further, "our son is just an innocent little boy, he's only ten years old and we don't know how badly he's hurt or where is he is so please, please tell us where Scorpius is."

"Well..." the Welcome Witch started to say, her expression softening with sympathy before she was interrupted by a Healer.

"Scorpius Malfoy?" the Healer questioned, a plump gray-haired woman, "I'm the Healer-in-Charge of his ward, are you his family?"

"Yes, yes," Draco said immediately as his attention went to the Healer and his anger become worried desperation, "is he okay? Can we see him?"

"Follow me," the Healer stated and the four Malfoy's went after him, leaving behind a grateful crowd, "he's on his floor in the Miscellaneous section, the man who brought him in wasn't quite sure what had happened to him. He said that the boy had been missing for about ten months and you'd paid for him to be tracked down, is that correct?"

"Yes," Draco repeated worriedly, "he owled us this morning saying he'd found Scorpius and he was here but nothing else, except to ask for his pay but that's not really relevant. How is he? Is he okay?"

"We've done everything we can for him, healed him all we can."

"What does that mean? Is he going to be alright?" Astoria spoke up, sounding on the verge of tears as the Healer led them through the door into a ward, Lucius immediately spied Scorpius in the closest bed. He still seemed to be sleeping and he noticed Astoria visibly hold herself back from running to him, in favor of listening to the Healer.

"He's going to live, we've healed most of his physical injuries which weren't too major except... except his wrist, it won't heal, none of the usual spells or potions touch it and we're not sure why, especially as according to the man who brought him in that it was muggles who-"

"Muggles?!" Narcissa burst out and all of them looked stunned, Lucius didn't blame them for that either. He'd known it had to be muggles when he'd seen the gun, muggles hadn't even been on the list of suspects, "those filthy muggles did this to him?"

"That's what the other man said, I suggest you take it up with him. The wrist injury is not serious though, we can show him how to bandage it until it heals and it shouldn't effect his use of the limb either which is good. He was dehydrated but we dealt with that. He also either wasn't fed very much or was deliberately starved, he's underweight although not life-threateningly but its something to watch. You'll just have to make sure he has regular balanced meals until to get his weight back up, we can draw up a meal plan with you if you'd like."

"Sure," Draco said nodding and folding his arms nervously, his eyes darting between Scorpius and the Healer anxiously, "is that all?"

"Well physically yes," the Healer answered looking suddenly uncomfortable and saddened, "I'd be more worried about the emotional damage of it all, there's nothing we can do for that... I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this but you should know, he was sexually abused too."

"No, Merlin's... no," Draco stuttered and started crying, "how could... how could anyone... he's just a child, he's just my little boy."

"F-Father?"

It was the first time any of them had heard Scorpius' voice in such a long time, he sounded weak as his eyes fluttered open and the Healer was forgotten as his parents ran to him as he managed to sit up. Draco sat down on the edge of the bed and wrapped his arms round his son, Scorpius buried his head in his father's chest while Astoria sat down on his other side and attempted to hug him too.

"You're okay now, everything's going to be okay. You're safe, no one's ever going to hurt you again, you're okay," Draco sobbed before kissing the top of Scorpius head, pulling his son away to look at his face. Scorpius looked infinitely relieved and as ready to cry as his mother but he didn't.

"I thought I was never going to see any of you again, I thought I was going to die... I love you," Scorpius whispered and Astoria lost the fight with her tears as she hugged her son to her tightly, Draco just held his bandaged hand tightly and Narcissa went over to sit on the bed too.

"We love you so too," Astoria told him gently, "we love you so much, Scorpius, we're so glad you're okay, you're okay now."

The Healer seemed to decide to just leave them to it for then and walked off, Lucius just stood back and watched his family. Guiltily wondering if he hadn't blown off Celestine the first two times, if he had just heard him out, then would it have been possible to spare Scorpius from suffering? It would have spared him from being a murderer at least, even if Lucius thought the muggle who died deserved it, if anything Lucius wished he could've killed the man himself. After torturing him first. Anyone who hurt his grandson deserved a slow, painful death. He met Scorpius' gray eyes."WAKE UP!"

Lucius didn't know who had spoken but he shot up immediately, noticing Brutus' unmistakable face looking at him, not the best view to wake up to but he said nothing, merely gestured with his hand for Lucius to follow. Lucius was about to obey when he felt Narcissa's arm across his chest, gently pulling him back onto the bed. She was lying on her front, her eyes didn't open but her hand found his and she nuzzled her head into his neck.

"It was just a dream, sweetheart," she whispered comfortingly as she squeezed his hand, "it's okay."

"I know," Lucius said quietly back and saw Brutus roll his eyes in frustration, he gestured more forcefully for Lucius to come on before slipping out of the room with surprising stealth, "I just need some air for a minute, alright?"

"Alright," Narcissa agreed, flicking her eyes open sleepily. Lucius squeezed her hand back before climbing out of bed, he kissed her gently on the cheek and she smiled slightly, closing her eyes once more.

"Be back soon."

Lucius pulled on his favorite dressing gown before exiting the room, there was no sign of Brutus but considering all of their previous interaction had occurred in his study, Lucius thought that was a good place to start. He hadn't had contact with them at all since being branded, that was almost a month ago but he had no way or much of a desire to contact them anyway, although he knew they were still active as they continued to rule the headlines. His brand still stung painfully and had been mad itchy since he'd ran out of potion, he'd also been plagued by headaches of late but nothing seemed to help them, it all sank his spirits rather low. He reached the study and found Brutus slouched lazily on his couch with another bottle of his liquor in his hands, gulping it down like it wasn't worth a fortune.

"Seriously, do you mind?! Do you know how much that is worth?!" Lucius snapped irritably.

"Oh yes. I grew up around luxury, remember? Downside of course is that you get used it, all the cheap stuff is like goblin's piss in comparison and alcohol isn't the kind of thing that the master splurges on. Since you were taking so long I thought I'd help myself to some of yours."

"Again."

"Yep," Brutus said shamelessly with a grin as he got to his feet and walked over to him.

"What do you want this time anyway? Aside from my most expensive liquor."

"You wanted to meet the master, didn't you? The master is obliging your request, you should be grateful."

Lucius didn't even have time to think of a reply before Brutus was grabbing his branded arm with his free, Lucius swallowed a yelp of pain that his grip caused the sensitive wound before he was being engulfed by shadows again. The sensation was no more comfortable than last time, Lucius still found himself weak and staggering but this time Brutus forcefully hauled him with one hand into a chair.

"About time, Brutus," Celestine's voice snapped sharply, disapprovingly, "and stop drinking already! Do you really want to be drunk in the master's presence?!"

Lucius tried to force his mind to normalcy again as he took in the room, he was seating before a huge ornate desk in a rather lavish study. It wasn't all too much different to his own, except his own was less colorful and here there was a fire blazing and several lanterns around the place. It was warm and bright, drapes were drawn across the windows so he couldn't see anything from outside. Celestine was leaning against the wall in the corner, arms folded and a scowl on his face.

"Takes more than this to make me drunk," Brutus growled in reply and defiantly took another swig from the bottle, "Lucius here was taking ages tearing himself away from that wife of his."

"That ugly old hag?"

"Hey!" Lucius heard himself saying defensively before he could stop himself, "leave my wife alone."

"Don't worry," Brutus laughed, "your wife, son and grandson are on the master's off-limit list. For now anyway. Long as you do as your told and they don't do anything to piss the master off."

"You talk too much, you know that?" Celestine complained.

"You're just jealous."

"Jealous of an butt-ugly, lazy slob that does nothing?"

"Hey! I do a lot, I'm just supposed to be dead so I can't go prancing in the public eye like you can."

"Both of you," a new voice interrupted and Lucius looked over his shoulder to see a third man entering, another former Death Eater, Roland Seraph, "stop bickering, the master is ready."

"Not you too," Lucius grumbled with a heavy sigh as the olive-skinned man walked over to them, he looked different than when Lucius had last seen him. He did look older, his curly jet-black hair was looped with strands of gray but worst was most of the right side of his face was horrifically burned and the eye was covered by a brown eye-patch, his right arm was ruined and crippled uselessly to his side, "I really thought you would be better than this."

"I got a good deal going here," Seraph told him somewhat stiffly and nodded his head towards Brutus, "his bastard brother kinda ruined my own plans when he destroyed my followers and half my body, the master saved me and offered me a fair deal."

"Well next time don't booby trap your base with things that exploded because other people can use them to their advantage, its your own fault," Brutus said defensively and took another swig from the bottle, "bloody idiot you are, Seraph."

"I'm not an idiot, it was very smart and for every man I lost, an Auror died too. It is not my fault, it's his and I will be sure that your brother knows that's why he's being tortured to death when I get my revenge."

"Atty's off-limits, you know that."

"For now."

Brutus and Seraph eyed each other darkly, hatred burning in their gaze. Lucius' attention was drawn back to Celestine though, to his surprise he saw a Specter was forming beside the sandy-haired man. Celestine smiled, closing his eyes and held out his arms, immediately the Specter stepped into him and the man took a deep gasping breath as it did so. Lucius was incredibly confused, why would Celestine need a Specter inside him?

Celestine opened his opened and Lucius jolted in shock, they were now black. Completely pitch black. Pupil, iris, even the sclera were just black, a glowing shadowy black. Celestine smiled and walked towards the desk, his movements seeming different than before, more graceful almost as his moved his hand across the desk. Brutus seemed to notice this and violent grabbed Lucius, throwing him roughly onto the ground.

"Kneel before you master!" Brutus roared and slammed Lucius' head back down when he tried to look up, he was even more confused, how could Celestine be the master?

"Thank you, Brutus," Celestine's voice said but something about his voice seemed... different, "you can get up now, Lucius. I apologize for their rudeness, there's no reason why we can't all be civil, is there? Please, take a seat."

Lucius got to his feet shakily and sat back down, he raised his now throbbing head back up and saw Celestine was now sitting at the desk. His left leg was crossed over the right, the foot on the knee while his right elbow was perched on the arm of the chair with his head rested against the hand. His other hand was drumming the fingers on the desk while he continued to smile at Lucius. Brutus and Seraph were both kneeling on the ground, bowing towards Celestine at the desk.

"I don't understand," Lucius said slowly.

"Its quite simply really, your Specter is dormant but I can still see and hear through it whereas they can be used to possess completely, I can control the victim as though they were my own body and speak through them," Celestine explained or rather not-Celestine, the more he talked the more Lucius did notice the difference in speech. It was Celestine's voice but the shape of the words were different, the pronunciation slightly off which Lucius supposed made sense if someone else was using his voice, he wondered if that could happen to him, "dear Cel let the Specter temporarily possess him for this purpose so you can meet me as per your request, I'm sure you have questions and I see no reason as to not answer them."

"Can you do that to me?"

"Of course."

"I meant to meet you in person, you know."

"I know but this is in person for me, I could hardly show myself to you. If you happened to - you two can get up now - lose the Specter inside you then I would be at a disadvantage because you'd know my face and for now I intend to remain in the shadows. I am rather protective of my real body because I wouldn't want to die now, would I?" Celestine - or rather the Master - explained conversationally and Lucius was struck by a sudden bubble of hope as the other two men got to their feet.

"I could lose the Specter and keep my soul?"

"Well its a unlikely possibility but once gone you would have to agree to it all over again. However very few people know how to banish them, only my most trusted followers who wouldn't attempt it and even if they did then I'd know and have the Specter take your soul with it. That leaves two, one of those is me and the other... well he'd have to know you have a Specter first and you were exceedingly cruel to him before anyway. So I wouldn't get your hopes up, I own you, Lucius. I'm the Master now. The Shadow Master."

"Do you have an actual name?" Lucius wondered with a scowl, his bubble of hope refusing to burst.

"Of course but I'm not telling you it. To you I'm the Shadow Master, you may address me such," the Shadow Master told him and the grin on Celestine's face widened, "maybe you'll live long enough to know my real name, Lucius. I own your soul now but soon enough I will own every soul in the world, you're like... a pioneer. I will do what my father failed to do, I will take over this pathetic excuse for a world, I will own the world and everyone will bow to me. One day soon, every witch, wizard, every sentient species and every filthy muggle will know my name, they will tremble before my power and kneel before their Master or feel my wrath as I reinvent the world to my design. You look at me like I'm mad but I've spent nineteen years planning and gathering forces, consolidating my strength. Look at the fear and panic I'm causing, look at how many deaths there's been and that doesn't even count the ones I don't have credit for or the souls I own and I've only started making my move these past few months, imagine what I have in store. So Lucius, ready for your next task?"

Part 2: When Bad News Comes

Lucius staggered as he was sent spiraling by the shadow teleportation again, he really didn't understand why they couldn't just apparate like normal people. Brutus didn't seem to notice or care about his discomfort though, Lucius breathed deeply, annoyed by the strong perfume smell coming from him and saw they were in another house, it looked more like a cottage really with beams on the ceiling and cold sunlight streaming through the windows. It was the weekend, the Saturday in mid-October and he'd been taken to carry out his next task. He'd been dreading it since the Master had told him of it, now it was actually happening he felt even more apprehensive and he had a sickening knot in his gut.

He saw Seraph was there, looking impatient and scowling. There were a handful of others that Lucius didn't recognize though, men and women that all looked to be in different ages in their twenties. One girl was standing over a cauldron and had started ladling it into two goblets as soon as they'd arrived, a boy came over and sprinkled something from each hand into both and a third was standing nearby with two piles of neatly folded clothes in each arm.

"Am I missing something?" Lucius wondered.

"Did you really think you'd be doing this as yourself? Polyjuice potion to conceal our identities, we're doing it as the Minister's niece and nephew so he'll get discredited and they'll be blamed. The relatives in question currently suffering from a bad case of sleeping potion while we commandeer their house for this mission, their parents are vacationing in Italy for their wedding anniversary," Brutus explained with a smirk as the girl handed them a goblet each, "bottoms up, Lucius."

Lucius groaned and looked at the golden liquid, he didn't like the thought of turning into someone else even if it was good that it would better protect them. He drank it quickly as did Brutus, he'd expected it to taste horrible but it actually wasn't as bad as he'd thought. He regretted thinking that immediately. He felt like he was going to throw it back up, his legs seemed to give way and he fell onto the couch. An uncomfortably tingly stingy sensation spread out from his stomach across the rest of his body, he felt as though his skin was bubbling and when he looked at his hands he saw that they were, the skin was darkening and smoothing out. It was like he was shrinking because his clothes stated to be too big except at the chest which seemed to be expanding, his insides felt like they were being twisted inside out and he had an uncomfortable sensation in other places. Then it was over. He heard someone shrieking with laughter and turned around to see a skinny dark-skinned boy who looked no older than nineteen standing where Brutus had been, wearing Brutus' clothes that were oversized for his slight frame.

"Why are you laughing?" Lucius asked and slapped his hand across his mouth as the words came out, his eyes bulged, he had a high-pitched girlie voice. It took him a moment to recall that they were going as the niece and nephew, he looked down at his chest and felt himself blushing furiously, Brutus laughed harder, "why do I have to be the girl?!"

"Well you're older than me and the girl's older than the boy and you do have long hair like her," Brutus said in the boy's much younger, less gruff voice, "and I have a buzz cut like this kid. Have been thinking about growing it longer though."

"That's a stupid excuse! I'm a man!" Lucius shrieked in the girl's voice, blushing again at the sound of it which only made Brutus laugh more, "stop laughing! You're the one who smells like perfume!"

"It's not mine, I was with a woman last night."

"You?!"

"Shut up, both of you and get changed," Seraph interrupted glaring between them both as they were handed a pile of clothes each, "you know the master likes things to get done quickly and efficiently."

"I know what the master likes more than you do," Brutus grumbled snatching the pile of clothes, "taking five minutes to laugh at Lucius Malfoy for being a girl won't ruin anything, you only live once, Seraph, and you gotta laugh sometimes."

Seraph said nothing to this but didn't look like laughing, Lucius recalled he was quite a serious man, which was good because it made him trustworthy for getting things do. He got changed as quickly as he could, trying very hard to not look at his body or feel embarrassed. He didn't much like the feel of wearing a dress either, he really couldn't wait for it be over with. He was handed a wand as he finished changing, Brutus seeming to have finished before, he was now holding a different wand to his own and tapping his foot in annoyance for having to wait.

"You women take forever," Brutus complained as his smirk returned, Lucius failed to not blush and mentally kicked himself, he hadn't blushed so much in his life.

"Shut up," Lucius snapped at him irritably, "I'm still a man."

"Of course you are," Brutus said sarcastically as he pulled Lucius to his feet, finally losing his smile as he seemed to realize he'd also lost his muscles and Lucius felt very peculiar at having dropped a foot in height, everything was now on a level to him and he had to look up at Brutus, whereas before they were around the same height with Lucius being possibly just slighter taller, "come on, sis."

Lucius was swarmed again by shadows and a second later he was staggering against the wall in an alleyway, Brutus tugged at his arm to come on and not bother catching his breath. They exited the alleyway and were thrown into a throng of people, Brutus practically pulled him through the crowd with a vice grip making up for his loss of strength. He just sighed an annoyingly girlie sigh and let Brutus lead him, wondering what kind of mad desperate woman would possibly date a deformed dead man. They only came to a halt just outside the Leaky Cauldron and Lucius was again stricken by anxiety, along with -surprisingly enough- guilt.

"Do I really have to do this?" Lucius asked miserably and Brutus nodded.

"Unless you'd rather get your soul ripped out now," Brutus amended with a serious expression on the teen's face, "remember, we're after Longbottom while he's with his family, the master would rather he be hurt not dead but if he dies than he dies, don't make any special allowances to save him or his wife and son. Don't make any special allowances to save anyone, no man, woman or child, it can't seem like we have any preferences. The object is to instill fear and make Varanian think that the school is in danger."

"I remember," Lucius sighed heavily, even if he didn't know why that mattered. They drew their wands. "Forgive me."

Scorpius was in good spirits as the Quidditch practice ended as he was feeling good about his progress, he learned more from the practice and the tips from the other players than he did from flying lessons. They headed back to the castle, aside from a few who were showering. Scorpius never stayed back to shower, he couldn't, he didn't even use the ones in the castle unless no one was around. James had stayed back though, for which Scorpius was grateful. Despite being a grudgingly good Beater, the Bludgers James hit had an annoying habit of 'accidentally' going in Scorpius' direction.

The group was listening to Freddie chat excitedly about the new Halloween themed products his dad was working on as they headed back to the castle. Scorpius had passed Freddie's dad's shop before but had never gone inside, it had seemed fascinating to him but his father forbade it every time he'd asked when he was younger. The last time they went to Diagon Alley for his school supplies his dad had allowed it, it had been Scorpius' turn to refuse though, he hadn't really been in the mood for a joke shop anymore.

His good mood wavered when they got to the common room though, the rest of Gryffindor didn't share the Quidditch team's acceptance of him - minus James. Not that he wanted their acceptance, he still hated being in the wrong house but it would be nice to not get stared at so much. It was unnerving and put him on edge, it was one of the reasons he had started to look forward to his detentions because the staff didn't look at him with prejudiced eyes, even Professor Flitwick didn't seen to hold it against him about the Charms incident.

The Quidditch team went their separate ways to put away their brooms and change, Scorpius returned to the empty dormitory and tried to be quick as to not keep Calderon waiting. Predictably the assistant was waiting for him outside, chatting to the portrait that guarded the common rooms as he usually did, the plump lady rather enjoyed having someone to talk to.

"And now I must bid you farewell, talk to you soon," Calderon said to her with a bow as the entrance closed again, he didn't wait for her reply before he was leading Scorpius away, "so how was practice?"

Scorpius launched into an excited, detailed description of it for the assistant. He wasn't sure why though, Calderon displayed little interest in Quidditch and had mentioned before that he didn't even watch the school matches but he always asked and Scorpius always answered. He'd just finished when they stopped outside the gargoyle to Varanian's office, Calderon saying the password and Scorpius reluctantly followed him up.

"What are we doing?" Scorpius wondered worriedly, the prospect of spending a detention with Varanian killed his good mood.

"Cleaning Pippy's office," Calderon answered with a shrug as he literally skipped into the other room, throwing up his arms to summon a bucket and mop, "I wouldn't use magic if I were you, not for his office in case be comes back and complains."

"Okay," Scorpius agreed as he started on the floor, trying not to be disappointed as he had gotten much better as using magic in his detentions.

"I liked this room better when the portraits weren't turned away, seems kinda rude," Calderon was saying as he plopped himself down in Varanian's chair and looked around the room, sitting at the headmaster's desk suited him, "used to have fascinating discussions with them and with the Sorting Hat too but Pippy has it boxed up now too, it always refused to tell me what house it thinks I would've been in though. I would have liked to know that."

"Well its not too accurate lately and maybe it'll tell you someday anyway, whoever takes over from Varanian will probably put the office back normally like it was for Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall and err... Snape? Whoever else was headmaster."

"Pippy only made these changes this year, its his third year as headmaster but the first two years he had it basically the way Minerva did, except with pictures of his family on the desk but he put them away now."

"Why?"

"Damned if I know," Calderon said with another shrug and had a thoughtful expression on his face, "I liked it better before. You know this is where I first met Minerva? It was over the summer, about a month after my nineteenth birthday. I didn't know what to do without a master anymore, I had no home, no money, no one to help me and I was terrified of hurting someone else with my power. I thought Hogwarts might be willing to teach me some control, a stupid plan maybe but I didn't know what else to do so I came here, Ruby found me on the grounds as I was heading to the castle and brought me here to see Minerva. I was pretty terrified by that point and well... the windows kind of exploded, I expected to be punished like usual but she just fixed it and told me to sit down, right across from where I sit now and... well the rest you know."

Scorpius scowled and just went back to his work, sometimes he really worried about Calderon's past. Calderon started cleaning the windows though, magically the way he did without a wand or a spell, just motioning with his hand as he remained seated he rested his head on his hand and yawned. He looked tired but the marks on his cheek were almost completely gone at least as was Scorpius', he was just about to ask if he was supposed to mop under the desk or just go around it when an owl flew through the open open. Calderon looked immediately awake as the Barn owl dropped the letter on the desk in front of him, the assistant stopped cleaning the windows to open it.

"Are you really allowed to read Varanian's mail?" Scorpius asked worriedly, he didn't want Calderon to get in trouble.

"Of course, you think he can bothered to read his own mail? Gets me to read it all and summarize it, things of important or of interest he'll then read for himself or have me read it aloud to him," Calderon explained and turned to the letter.

Scorpius was working up the courage to ask him about Varanian's possible tampering of the mail, he would try to ask it casually since they were on the subject of letters and people reading them. But he noticed the expression on Calderon's face as he read, neutral becoming worried becoming horrified. He was on his feet the instant his eyes left the page, stalking towards the exit with it still clutched in his hand.

"Come on," Calderon offered and Scorpius had to run to keep up with him as the assistant made it to the stairs, he snapped his fingers as they started to go down and the mop and bucket were gone again.

Calderon was walking incredibly quickly and Scorpius could barely keep up with him as they came through the castle and out into the grounds, heading towards the forest. The expression on the assistant's face was anxious, Scorpius kept expecting him to explain what was happening, what the letter had said to freak him out but he said nothing.

"What's happening?" Scorpius asked finally as they went into the forest.

"The Leaky Cauldron was attacked," Calderon said darkly without glancing at him.

Scorpius was worried, Abby's mum was the Landlady and the family lived in the apartment above it... Scorpius scowled in worry, had it been one of the weekends that Professor Longbottom visited them? He couldn't remember if Abby had said. They reached the area where his allies and Nott were having their detention with a now redheaded Varanian, the headmaster leaning against a tree and supervising them. He felt an angry twist in his stomach and from the way that several nearby trees suddenly burst into flames, Calderon seemed to feel the same.

Varanian looked irritated at the interruption and opened his mouth, probably to yell at Calderon before the assistant pushed the letter into his hand. His allies and Nott stopped what they were doing with the discs to watch, looking at him in askance to which he held out his hands and shrugged to say he hadn't a clue too. Well he did but he wasn't entirely sure why it was so important that Varanian see, he hoped Professor Longbottom hadn't been there. An even worse thought struck him, what if one of any of Abby's family had died? Varanian read it silently, curiously enough his hair changed to the tawny color again as he read and when he looked up his expression was worried.

"Um... the trees are on the fire," Nott spoke up sounding terrified, Calderon gestured and the fires died, "thank you."

"That's enough for today, you were nearly done anyway, " Varanian said and the others looked visibly relieved, "you're dismissed except Amy and Lily, come here."

"Abby and Rose," Calderon corrected and Varanian looked annoyed as Nott wasted no time in bolting, the others remained - including Albus and Michael - and cautiously approached Varanian. Scorpius stayed too, he wasn't sure that being dismissed applied to him and clearly something was wrong.

"Whatever their names are," Varanian snapped before turning to Abby, "the Leaky Cauldron was attacked, your parents and brother are all in hospital in critical condition."

"Are they going to be okay?" Albus asked worriedly as Abby gasped in shock and put her hands over her mouth, tears pricked at her eyes and Rose put her arm around her friend comfortingly.

"It doesn't say," Calderon answered solemnly.

"Didn't I dismiss you?" Varanian asked irritably of Albus, who stared at his feet but didn't leave as the headmaster turned back to Abby, "you're to see them now, along with your sister and brother. Unless any of you don't want-"

"I want to," Abby interrupted tearfully and Varanian just nodded.

"Then you have permission to, Hermione Weasley requests the three of you be ready and she'll pick you up in an hour. You too Daisy, if you want to see your father in the hospital while the Longbottoms will be there but she wants to point out that he's still not conscious, she was trying to wait until he was but its your decision if you want to see him now."

"I want to see him now," Rose confirmed.

"Alright then. But you don't have an hour, as soon as your ready then Marius will take you there."

"I will?" Calderon wondered looking confused.

"Marius, they could die. I don't think its something that should wait, even for an hour and I can't very well go," Varanian pointed out and Abby couldn't help but burst into tears, Varanian seemed oblivious to this though, "you can find out how Neville's doing too, we need to know about his condition and I'd rather have you there than rely on those half-wit Healers and distracted family to tell us things."

"I suppose."

"Well I know, Hogwarts can survive without you for a day. Get the other Longbottom kids, tell them to pack an overnight bag because not sure how long they'll be. Girls, come on with me, need you to go to the Gryffindor tower so you can pack your overnight bag then you can wait in my office for Marius and the others," Varanian announced and started to head back to the castle with everyone in tow, Scorpius grabbed Rose's arm.

"Get the letter," he breathed into her ear, she'd given him enough hassle about it and this was their chance. She nodded and gave him a slight grateful smile.

"Scor, do you know where either the Hufflepuff or Slytherin common rooms are?" Calderon asked of him and Scorpius jumped in surprise.

"Err... yeah Slytherin one, yeah."

"Good, because you're helping me get them."

"I am?"

"You're my assistant, aren't you?" Calderon questioned and Scorpius felt an odd surge of pride, other people had called him that but it was the first time that Calderon had and it made him feel incredibly proud for no reason and he nodded, fighting back a smile that would be inappropriate considering the worry for the Longbottoms, "good, so assist, so it'll be faster if we split up. Go there and see if Nick Longbottom is there, if he's not then ask around for where he'll be and track him down. Tell him what we know and take him to the headmaster's office, you know where it is and you know the password."

"I will," Scorpius said, determined not to let Calderon down as they reached the castle.

Scorpius and Calderon split off from the main group, Michael and Albus following with Varanian and the girls uncertainly and worriedly. Scorpius was actually glad to have something to do, he was worried too and worry had a habit of eating you up inside. He may not be as involved as the others who actually knew the Longbottom family or were part of it but still cared, it was Abby's family and she was his frie- ally and he liked Professor Longbottom himself. He'd had a few of his detentions with him after all, he was one of the ones that had a good relationship to Calderon and despite his father's dislike of the man, Professor Longbottom had always been nice to him too.

He'd never actually been to the Slytherin common room before but he'd heard it described by his father and grandparents, he knew where it was. He tried saying the password that Hal had given him but it must have been out of date by then because it didn't open up, he groaned in frustration and in desperation started hammering on the entrance.

"Hello?! Anyone in there?!" Scorpius called as loudly as he dared and pummeled his fist against the stone so much that it hurt, "someone! Anyone!"

He was just considering getting out his wand and trying using a spell to make it open, he didn't think it would work but at the very least a bit of magic might make some student come to investigate. He didn't have to though because the entrance opened and he saw Hal standing there, looking worried.

"Hey Scorpius," Hal greeted him and seemed to smile nervously, "what are you doing here?"

"I need to find Nick Longbottom. Is he in there?"

"Nick?" Hal repeated and nodded, "sure but wh-"

"I need to talk to him. It's urgent."

"Did Calderon send you?"

"Yes."

"Well come on then."

Scorpius had expected Hal to just go inside and fetch Nick for him but he moved aside instead, to allow him access. Scorpius wasn't complaining, as long as he got to talk to Nick. Hal led him up the passageway, occasionally looking at him in askance but Scorpius thought it was probably best to keep it to himself and Nick.

The Slytherin common rooms was very different to the Gryffindor one, he knew it extended part way under the lake and as a result there was a greenish tinge to the light. Instead of seeing outside, from of all the windows you could see beneath the water, his father had said once that the swishing water was relaxing at night. There was a bunch of leather couches with Slytherin's seated around them, all the wood seemed dark. He thought the room was very grand but cold. It was the house that he should have been in really, the house he'd been expected to be placed in. But as he stood in that room though... he didn't feel like he belonged there and the water was creepy, it reminded him of almost drowning on the first day.

"That's Nick over there," Hal said and pointed out a boy who was snogging a pretty dark-skinned girl who looked slightly older than him, "I'll um... leave you to it, I'm kinda supposed to be doing prefect stuff now but if you need anything else."

"I'll ask, thanks Hal."

Hal seemed to nod nervously before heading back down the passageway, Scorpius took a deep breath. No one was really paying attention to him, too engrossed in whatever they were doing as he strode over to Abby's brother. Abby had talked about him before, despite the difference in house they were actually quite close, closer than she was to her sixteen year old sister anyway. He knew Nick was in the same year as Molly and played the same position as her for Slytherin, according to the team he was good. He was skinny with short brown hair that the girl was currently running her hands through while he moved his hand on her leg, Scorpius cleared his throat very loudly and they both stopped and looked at him with indignant expressions.

"Do you mind?!" the girl exclaimed glaring at him.

"Do you?! You're in a public place and he's only thirteen, don't know how old you are but don't you think you're too young?" Scorpius complained and she looked even more outraged but Nick only chuckled.

"Just wait until you start liking girls," Nick pointed out and leaned back confidently, resting comfortably in the corner and smiling oddly, "or boys I guess, if you swing that way. So what can I do for my little sister's friend who managed to sneak into a common room that's not his own?"

"Calderon sent me. I..." Scorpius started to say but was put off by the still glaring girl, "I kinda need to speak you alone."

"Best indulge him, Mathilda, wouldn't want you to get levitated to death," Nick said to the girl - presumably - who sighed in frustration and got up and stalked off, Nick peering after her as she went at rather a low angle and Scorpius had to bite back a snap of irritation that he should be more respectful to women, "take note of his, being a star Quidditch player gets you all the hottest girls, if you're any good as a Seeker than you might want to learn to take advantage of that."

"The Leaky Cauldron was attacked," Scorpius blurted out and Nick's smile died in an instant, "your parents and brother are in hospital in critical condition. If you want to see them then you need to pack an overnight bag now, then I'll take you to Varanian's office so you can wait for your sisters because Calderon's taking you there."

"Okay, I want to see them," Nick stated firmly, resembling Abby and Professor Longbottom more with the worried expression on his face as he got up, "wait here, I'll be right back."

Scorpius awkwardly waited for Nick, people were starting to notice the non-Slytherin now. He saw them pointing and muttering, a particularly threatening group of apparent seventh years started advancing on him and he drew his wand for comfort, even if he doubted that he could take them on. Strangely enough they stopped moving and went back to their seats. He scowled just before Nick got back, he now had a jacket on and had a rucksack slung over his shoulder.

"What's with those guys?" Scorpius asked him and nodded at the older boys.

"Well all of Slytherin knows you managed to nearly kill your class, not to mention kicking Kyle's ass on that train and no one has ever kicked Kyle's ass before, there's a lot of talk about you being trained in the Dark Arts by your Death Eater family. Not to mention you're Calderon's assistant, no sane person wants to get on his bad side if they can help it so... yeah," Nick explained and scowled, "why does it matter? My family's in hospital right now, nothing else is more important than family, okay? Just take me to Varanian's office now please."

Part 3: Good, Bad and Ugly

"Been a while since I was in here," Varanian commented as he led the four children into the Gryffindor common rooms, looking around almost nostalgically.

"You were in Gryffindor?" Rose wondered in horror, she didn't want him to have been in the house as her.

"Obviously," Varanian snapped and his hair turned black again, "now girls go pack and boys seriously, be dismissed or you can go back to the forest."

Albus and Michael gave them a last pained look and muttered their wishes that Abby's family would be okay before leaving, Rose went up with Abby to the girl's dormitory. It was empty for which she was grateful, she didn't really feel like explaining anything to the other three girls. Abby had gone quiet as she got changed and packed up quickly, Rose did the same and took the letter out about Varanian with a firm resolve. She wasn't sure whether to keep it in her pocket or put it in the bag in case the headmaster checked either, finally she pocketed it in a hidden pocket on the inside of her jacket as she thought he was less likely to search her person than her luggage. She was glad that Scorpius had reminded her of it, he was alright. For a Malfoy.

Although the letter was just a backup, she intended to tell her mother in person and show her rune on her chest if she wanted proof or point out the fading marks on Calderon's cheeks. Not that she would need to do that, her mother knew that she wouldn't lie about something like that although she wasn't sure how Calderon would react to that. Whether he would back them up or defend Varanian, she didn't know him well enough to make a decision but she thought he was probably afraid of the headmaster and that's why he did nothing, when they told him he might get brave or not. It would help if he would back her up, from a legal standpoint she thought an adult testifying was probably worth all six eleven year olds put together.

"Ready?" Abby asked worriedly and Rose nodded, trying to shake her head of it for now. Abby would be worried about her family rather than that, well she was worried to but she was trying to remain rational as the burden of stopping Varanian fell on her.

They went back downstairs where Varanian, now tawny haired again, was waiting for them and still looking about the common room nostalgically. Enjoy it while you can because its the very last time you'll be here, today is your last day as headmaster of Hogwarts. We've won. Rose tried not to smile smugly at that, they weren't quite in the clear yet and Abby's family were still hurt. She'd known Abby and her siblings her whole life, Professor Longbottom was 'Uncle Neville' at home and his wife 'Aunt Hannah,' Rose did hope they'd be okay.

They followed Varanian back through the castle to his office, Rose hadn't actually been there before but she'd heard the gargoyle and entrance described from her family and Scorpius, who'd also told them all the password as being his dead wife's name. The other four weren't there yet and so the girls were alone with the headmaster in the office, the portraits all creepily turned against the wall. Rose supposed it was for the best, she didn't a lot of the old headmaster's would probably approve of what he was doing. She despised Varanian and was sure others would too if they knew. Varanian's hair shifted to black again as they walked over to his desk, he turned back to face them and leaned against it.

"I'm sorry for this," Varanian said quietly as he raised his wand and Rose had one horrified second to react, she couldn't. She couldn't think of what to do. She froze.

There was a white flash and Rose staggered forwards, Varanian caught her and Abby both before they fell. The wave of dizziness passed and they both stepped back, the headmaster looking at them with concern. Rose scowled, she couldn't remember what she'd been thinking of or what had been happening before the flash.

"Are you two alright?" Varanian questioned worriedly, Rose tried to give him a reassuring smile. She was well behaved and hadn't seen much of the headmaster since she'd been at Hogwarts, aside from at meals from a distance, but he seemed such a nice man to worry about them.

"I think so," Abby offered, "just felt a bit dizzy."

"Probably shock, make sure you eat something won't you?"

"We will, I'm sure mum will make sure of that," Rose pointed out and the headmaster nodded gladly.

She heard footsteps and looked back to see the Malfoy and Abby's older brother Nick entering the office, she tried not to stiffen with anger at seeing the Malfoy. She despised him. How he'd landed in Gryffindor she would never know, Malfoys were evil. He constantly beat her at everything, no matter how hard she tried, it was infuriating. She was sure he cheated somehow, being Draco Malfoy's son it seemed likely and maybe even the rumors about him being taught the Dark Arts were true, he had attacked her Charms class after all. She'd been there, she knew she had but for some reason it was difficult to remember it. He was a quiet, weird boy that she stayed away from anyway. Abby and Nick ran to each other, hugging each other tightly. Scorpius came over to stand by to her, she couldn't help but wrinkle her nose in disgust, why couldn't he just stay away from her?

"Do you have it?" the Malfoy whispered to her and she frowned, wondering what in Merlin's name he was talking about. He was probably just trying to annoy her, like she didn't have enough on her mind with her dad and the Longbottom family in hospital. He was such an insensitive jerk.

"Don't talk to me, freak," Rose sneered at him and he looked both confused and strangely hurt by this as he stepped back but thankfully fell silent.

Not five minutes later, Calderon showed up with the sixteen year old Heather who also went over to be hugged by her siblings while the assistant went to stand beside the Malfoy. She looked at them for a moment and felt slightly confused, they both had faded marks on their cheeks. She couldn't remember noticing them before, that was weird but they looked almost fully healed now but she didn't recall the injuries fresher or how they'd got them. She supposed doing something as the Malfoy was his assistant but it didn't matter, the Malfoy suffering was good although she felt bad for the assistant. She'd probably been too busy studying or worrying about her dad to notice, she didn't want to look at the Malfoy anyway although Calderon was handsome, she didn't mind looking at him.

"Take care, Scor," Calderon was saying to the Malfoy and offering him a slight smile.

The Malfoy didn't have time to reply as Varanian was ushering them away from him and to the fire place, he let Rose go first as it was her house they were Flooing to so her mother would know about their plans. Her mother didn't seem surprised in the slightest to see them, or if she did then it didn't show. She just looked worried as Calderon explained Varanian's reasoning and wasted no time in getting them to the hospital.

St Mungo's was packed, the attack had been pretty bad apparently from the looks of things. Aunt Gabrielle - well she wasn't a real aunt but she was Aunt Fleur's sister and an honorary member of the Weasley-Potter clan - met them and started leading them to the Longbottoms, she worked there as a Healer and looked both swamped with work and extremely anxious.

"Hannah and August are stable for now," Aunt Gabrielle told them worriedly as she stopped walking in the midst of a hectic looking ward, Rose spotted the Longbottoms as well as her dad in a further bed with Uncle Harry and Cel hovering by him but came over to them as they were noticed, "but Neville... you might want to say your goodbyes. I'm so sorry, we've done everything we can."

"No," Calderon growled suddenly and Rose glanced back to him, she'd almost completely forgotten he was there, "I'm going to watch anyone die."

He said it so matter-of-factly and his face became a mask of determination, he stood at the foot of Neville's bed even if he was facing down the ward with his back to Rose. He stretched out his arm towards Neville with the flat of his palm facing him, light exploded out from his palm immediately and shot towards Neville. Calderon gritted his teeth and seemed to almost push out with his hand, the intensity of the light increased and Rose watched in amazement as it enveloped Neville and the visible cuts and burns he had on his cheek and hands started to heal before her eyes.

"You shouldn't use magic like that!" her mother snapped, "its dangerous, you could destroy yourself."

"Well I'm mad so it doesn't matter," Calderon answered.

Abruptly Calderon laughed his high-pitched maniacal laughter and threw his hands up into the air, more light exploded out of both his hands, shining tendrils that shot out in all directions across the ward and beyond. Rose had to squint to continue looking at the all consuming light, it seemed to seek out the injured and she watched their visible injuries heal before her was saddened to see that the light seemed to bounce off her dad rather than healing him like the others but it was incredible, she saw people sitting up and looking at themselves in amazement at being healed, tearful family members throwing their arms around them.

Calderon's laugh became a cry of pain, though both were barely audible over the thrum of the magic coming from him. Rose tried to look back to him but the light was shooting out from every part of him in every direction, she couldn't look it was so bright. Rose gasped as some of the light hit her in the chest, there was a momentary jolt of pain before a soothing feeling of warmth and healing flooded her. She didn't know why, she hadn't been hurt in any way, not that she was complaining, it felt good. She noticed that Abby too was being seen to by the light, she didn't think that Abby had been injured either though.

She barely heard Calderon's scream over the sound of magic, another wave seemed to shoot from him and then it was gone. She looked back to Calderon, his arms were lowered and breathing sounded jagged and heavy. He staggered forward and her mother reached out to try to steady him, he grabbed her arm and seemed to be alright as he turned back round to her direction. He looked exhausted and his eyes seemed to be struggling to stay open, he swayed uncertainly on his feet as everyone looked at him in a mixture of amazement and shock still.

"I... I'm going to sleep now," Calderon whispered, barely audibly before he collapsed onto the floor.

"Feeling guilty?" Varanian questioned and Scorpius looked up to see that he was now alone with the headmaster

"Worried," Scorpius corrected him, "I'm worried about Professor Longbottom and his family."

"Eighteen people have died so far, those inside the Leaky Cauldron and muggles who just happened to be outside a building that they don't understand the significance of. Do you even understand the significance of it? It's the entrance to Diagon Alley, the entrance to the Wizarding world. Do you know how screwed the world would be if muggles found out about our world?"

"I'd imagine it would be bad," Scorpius said awkwardly, not sure what Varanian really expected him to say as the headmaster ushered him over and motioned for him to sit.

"It's the same people who attacked the train, they shot the same symbol into the sky as they set they attacked the innocent people in the pub to get to Neville and then set it alight, blew up the apartment above it where Neville's family lives."

"That's horrible."

"Horrible?" Varanian repeated darkly and as he spoke scars that looked like they were from burns appeared on his neck, the bottom of his chin and the edges of his cheeks, his hands were also afflicted by this and his fingernails were non-existent. Scorpius was suddenly very aware of Calderon had said about Varanian being tortured and burned, he figured Varanian used his Metamorphmagi ability to hide it, "do you have any idea what it feels like to be burned alive? Horrible doesn't do it justice!"

"Well what do you want me to say? I can't do anything."

"Sure, like you didn't know that your grandfather's organization was going to attack Neville! They couldn't get to the school and Marius stopped them on the train so they go after the staff, do you really think Neville deserves to die? He's been nothing but nice to you, despite the fact that you're the evil spawn of Death Eater scum!"

"My grandfather isn't leading the Shadows! And I didn't know and I don't want Professor Longbottom to die!"

"Lies!"

"It's not lies!"

"Yes, yes it is and you know it! I bet your grandfather was personally involved in the attack, how many do you think died by his hand alone?"

"My grandfather wasn't involved! He may not be a particularly good person but he's not one of them!" Scorpius yelled defensively, he knew his grandfather had done bad in the past and he was still upset with him for torturing Calderon but he knew his grandfather wouldn't do anything like that now. Lucius regretted being a Death Eater, he wouldn't want to join another insane group of evil people, let alone lead one, anyone was lying if they said different, "do you understand?! He turned against the Death Eaters and he'd never join another psycho dark cult, he regrets it and so does my dad and they wouldn't do that! I know they wouldn't!"

"Of course you would say that but I know the truth. I know they're after this school and I know you're grandfather is behind it," Varanian sneered and his eyes flashed black again, "take of your shoes and socks."

"Why?!"

"Because I said so."

"But-"

"You could take out your want instead and get expelled," Varanian interruped raising an eyebrow darkly and Scorpius irritably took off his shoes and socks, "now put your feet on the desk."

"Why?!"

"Because I said so! Marius isn't here to give you your detention so I'm giving you your punishment instead so put your feet on the desk or hand over your wand."

Scorpius took a deep breath, reminding himself that Rose would have remembered the letter. In fact, she didn't even need the letter as she could just tell them in person and show the marks from the blood runes if they didn't believe it. They'd be rid of Varanian soon. With that one comforting fact, he confidently leaned back and put his feet onto the desk as Varanian took out his wand with a grim expression.

Scorpius was about to ask what he was going to do when he lashed out with the wand, Scorpius gasped at the shock of pain that cut across the soles of his feet. The same stinging, searing pain that he'd felt before across his cheek. He met Varanian's ice cold eyes.

"You promised Calderon that you wouldn't lay a hand on me again," Scorpius pointed out firmly, not letting the worry show in his voice but Varanian didn't flinch.

"Well since Marius disobeyed me when I told him to watch your grandfather, I don't think I'm obligated to keep my promises."

"That's not a good re-" Scorpius started to say but was cut off as Varanian lashed out again against his unprotected feet. And again. And again. And again.

"Every time you try to talk or question me then I will give you an extra one for every word, on top of the eighteen you're getting for those people who are dead because of your kind."

"You're evil," Scorpius breathed and Varanian struck him again, more forcefully and Scorpius squeezed shut his eyes against the pain as he felt the blood trickling from the wounds on his feet. He hated Varanian.

"You're evil. You deserve this, Scorpius."

Lucius sat with his head in his hands. The potion had worn off and he was himself again, in his own clothes again. He didn't know where he was though, a different place to where they'd been before. He actually didn't know how much time had passed, Brutus had left him awhile ago and he hadn't looked up since. He didn't really care.

Guilt tore at his insides, he'd done bad things before as a Death Eater but for some reason this got to him. One of them had been a friend of his, one of the few he had left who had helped him get him inside Hogwarts. It had been his granddaughter's third birthday, Lucius had actually sent her a gift as a thank you for her grandfather helping him, she'd been blowing out the candles on a three-tier cake when they'd attacked. Brutus hadn't hesitated to attack the happy family, Lucius had followed suite.

It was surprisingly easy to launch an attack on magical folk, they were too surprised to properly mount a defensive and the few who did Brutus cut down with the killing curse before they could get a spell off, the only exception being Longbottom himself who they'd been trying not to kill although Lucius wasn't sure he'd survived when the fires started. He could still hear the screams.

"You still moping?" Brutus complained and Lucius' head shot up to see the Soul Eater standing before him with a bottle of firewhiskey in his hand, he'd swiped it from the pub as it burned, "when did you get a conscience?"

"When did you lose yours?" Lucius shot back and Brutus took a swig from the bottle, wincing as he did so.

"I didn't. Why do you think I like drinking?"

"You still did it though."

"So did you."

"Are you going to have your soul destroyed if you refuse?"

"No, contrary to popular belief I'm a gray soul like you not a black one like Seraph. The master needs my permission for a Specter to enter me, if I refused anything then I wouldn't turn round and say yes like an idiot. Besides I have a good relationship with the master, my opinion gets taken on-board. The master wanted to take their souls not their lives before I spoke up, you know?"

"Well there's proof that your master's a lunatic, he, she, it or they care about the opinion of a stupid, ugly, alcoholic," Lucius pointed out and Brutus scowled deeply.

"The master is a person and you shouldn't be such a jerk to me, you know?"

"You people own my soul. You intend to rip me apart. Hurt my family if I refuse. What possible reason would I have to be nice to you?"

"Nevermind," Brutus muttered with a sigh and shook his head, taking another few gulps of the firewhiskey.

"What did you want anyway?"

"To make sure that you still had your Specter, there was... an incident at the hospital and the master was worried."

"And you can tell that just by looking at me?"

"It's rare but some people can sense them, I'm one of them. Think its genetic, the master said Atty seemed to have it but he clearly doesn't realize it, its just a weird creepy shivery feeling that makes no sense if you don't know what you're looking for," Brutus explained with a shrug, "worries the master a bit, its an advantage for the Soul Eaters but in the hands of not a Soul Eater."

"So your brother isn't a Soul Eater?" Lucius wondered and felt slightly more relieved that there wasn't a Soul Eater teaching his grandson. That he was aware of anyway.

"No. Not yet anyway, he's going to join us eventually though."

"What if he doesn't?"

"He will!" Brutus snapped angrily and Lucius felt himself smile a cruel smile at the desperation in Brutus' voice, he hoped the Soul Eater never got what he wanted, "if not he'll have to die and he's not dying on me. Same goes for your grandson, you know? Most people who are off-limits are just off-limits because the master has plans for them to join us or other uses, if they don't or they lose their usefulness then they will die."

"Scorpius will never join you!" Lucius shrieked in panic as he jumped to his feet, "leave him alone! I gave my soul to protect him, not have him join your crazy... cult!"

"The master thinks he has great potential," Brutus told with the cruel smirk that Lucius had had a moment ago, "you should be proud and you've already set him on the right path with your beliefs about blood purity, the abuse he suffered at the hands of muggles just reinforces it all in his mind. Not to mention the fact that Malfoys are looked down on in society, the wizarding world hates you. You really think in the end that he'll defend any of those people? He won't, you know he won't."

Part 4: Guy Stuff

Scorpius lay on his side on his bed with the drapes pulled shut. His feet were still searing with pain but it was more bearable, it had been hours ago, it was worse if he walked. It was why he had opted to skip dinner, the thought of walking all the way there and all the way back made him groan inwardly and his frien- allies were nowhere to be found. He just lay there in the silence. Usually his mind would be doing a million things, worries would be surging through his mind and he'd be thinking of what homeworks he had to do. Not this time. There was just silence.

He was only disturbed by the sound of footsteps, they approached him and pulled back the drapes. He wondered why he even bothered closing the damn things. It was Albus and Michael, they both looked worried and gave relieved sighs when they saw him.

"I told you, he'd be here," Albus said to Michael before turning back to him.

"We left dinner early to look for you when you weren't there," Michael explained, "Varanian told us."

"Varanian told you?!" Scorpius wondered in shock, Varanian had told him that if he told anyone - especially Calderon - then he'd regret, he'd sworn on Scorpius' mother's life that he'd regret it.

"Well yeah, he told everyone."

"Why would he do that? He told me not to say anything."

"I guess he thought they should know, that he deserved credit for doing something good," Albus answered and Scorpius felt a mixture of confusion and anger, why would Varanian want 'credit' for hurting him? Was he proud? How could people think it was good? What was wrong with people?!

"How are you doing?" Michael asked gently as Scorpius sat up, careful with the soles of his feet.

"Okay I guess, it hurt a lot at first but once you get used to it then its not as bad."

"I'm sure he'll be okay, I think he's one of those people that are tougher than they look," Albus offered comfortingly and Scorpius was even more confused by the sudden jump in conversation to Professor Longbottom.

"Well yeah, obviously he is," Scorpius said awkwardly, Professor Longbottom had been an Auror so he was stronger than you would think of a Herbology professor, "I hope he'll be okay."

"Yeah, I know how close you are to him."

"Well I'm not that close to him," Scorpius pointed out but he supposed they meant how his detentions got him to know all the staff better than the rest of them, "I'm more worried about how Abby's coping with it."

"Abby barely knows him," Albus said and scowled in confusion, Michael did too and Scorpius looked between them in bewilderment.

"She knows him a lot more than barely, he's her father."

"He's not-" Michael started to say before pausing and clicking his fingers, "oh, you thought we were talking about Professor Longbottom."

"Obviously," Scorpius sighed in agreement, it was an exhausting conversation, "who were you talking about?"

"Calderon."

"What the hell are you talking about?" Scorpius complained with a roll of his eyes, he wasn't in the mood for it and the other two exchanged awkward anxious glances.

"We thought you knew," Albus stated slowly.

"Knew what?!"

"That..." Michael began before sighing worriedly as he fiddled with his hands nervously, "Calderon kinda... well you know how he's always randomly using magic, the way that he does? He healed Professor Longbottom, he healed all the Longbottoms... he healed a lot of people."

"That's good, though right?"

"Yes, very good," Albus interjected with a forced smile that faded, "good for the people he healed anyway."

"In healing them he kinda hurt himself," Michael finally said and Scorpius had a suddenly sick feeling in his stomach, "he's in the hospital, he's really weak and they're not sure..."

Michael trailed off and Scorpius' eyes trailed away, Michael didn't need to finish the sentence and Scorpius was glad he didn't. He stared at a random piece of floor that blurred from tears that refused to leave his eyes, he wiped them away angrily and hung his head, curling his fingers into the edge of the mattress.

"Are you okay?"

"Fine."

"Wait, what were you talking about before then? About being hurt?" Albus spoke up worried and Scorpius' flicked his eyes between them, deciding whether he should tell them or not. He sighed and pulled off one of his socks, showing him the variety of crisscrossing marks on the sole, at least they'd stopped bleeding, "Varanian did that to you!?"

"I'm surprised that you're surprised."

"We have to take you to the hospital wing," Michael pointed out with a deep scowl.

"You know we can't. Besides, depending on when Rose gives over the letter Varanian could be arrested at any minute. We just have to wait for that."

"And in the meantime what? They're nasty."

"I'm fine," Scorpius snapped darkly and Michael rolled his eyes before going over to his own bed and searching through his stuff, "what are you doing?"

"Well since you're being stubborn, I'm going to do what I can for your foot or feet."

Scorpius wanted to protest that it wasn't necessary but thought better of it, he didn't want to start an argument with Michael, the mudblood could be pretty stubborn when he wanted to be. He just waited and tried not to feel awkward while Michael saw to his feet, filling his cauldron with water to wash the wounds first then getting some antiseptic from a first aid kit that he'd brought with him. Albus was just watching in fascination.

"This may sting a little," Michael pointed out before he dabbed gently with a ball of cotton wool soaked in antiseptic, it was an understatement.

"Sting a little?!" Scorpius burst out after a yelp of pain, "it's almost as bad as when I got them!"

"Do you want them to get infected?"

"If this is the alternative than yes!"

"Come on, its not that bad. It's alright now, isn't it?" Michael questioned and Scorpius was forced to concede that the stinging had receded considerably but his scowl remained as Michael continued applying the antiseptic.

"What kind of healing do muggles have?" Albus complained as he shook his head, "its amazing they can survive without magic."

"We have our ways."

"They," Scorpius corrected him, "they have their ways. You're not one of them."

"Gee, you make it sound like there's two different species. We're all human and that's all that matters."

"Sure. I guess."

"Oh come on, you can't still buy into that blood purity crap," Albus said irritably with a frown.

"I don't, I just... am wary of muggles, had some bad experiences with them in the past. They don't seem very good."

"I'm muggle-born," Michael pointed out.

"Yeah but you're magical, if anything I feel bad that you didn't have magic growing up and you had to grow up around them."

"Varanian's a pure-blood and he used magic to hurt you," Albus said slowly, "plus Calderon's muggle-born I think, he dresses like a muggle. Surely you can see that blood purity really has nothing to do with anything, you're smart, Scorpius, you have to see that."

"Calderon's not a muggle-born, he's at least a half-blood," Scorpius informed them, having parents being Death Eaters meant they had to be magical, he felt another pang of worry for the assistant as he thought of him again, "he's mentioned his parents as being magical before, I don't know why he dresses like that. And I can see that, I just... not all muggles are good, just because they don't have magic it doesn't mean that they can't hurt you."

"Like I said," Michael interjected as he finished with the antiseptic and took out some bandages, "we're all human, some humans are good and some humans are bad. It has nothing to do with being magical or not."

"Yeah," Scorpius nodded, he could agree to that as the mudblood continued. Although he still thought muggles were worse and if either of them had been through what he had then they'd agree with him.

Scorpius didn't sleep much or at all that night, Michael may have done all he could for his feet but he could nothing for the pain or for his worries about Calderon. He was awake when Michael got up for Varanian's detention, practically dragging the more sleepy Albus out of bed. To his surprise they were only gone a few minutes before they returned, he felt a bubble of hope that they were finally free of Varanian.

"Do you think Scorpius is awake?" Michael was saying and he heard Albus yawn in reply.

"Damned if I know, I'm going back to sleep."

"Scorpius, are you awake?" Michael asked of him instead and Scorpius immediately sat up pulled back the drapes to see Michael standing there with a handful of papers in his hands, he handed them to Scorpius when he saw him, "here, they're memos for some of the other teachers. Varanian wants you to deliver them when you get up, then go to the Library for your detention. You have to go to the Library for your detention every day unless you hear different."

"So he's not been arrested yet?" Scorpius wondered and couldn't help but feel biting disappointment as Michael shook his head.

"Not yet. He's not feeling well though so we get the day off."

"Well... that's good."

"Yeah... So I'll just leave you to go back to sleep."

Scorpius sighed heavily and put the papers on his bedside table, lying back down but both of them had forgotten to close the drapes. He watched as Michael went back to his own bed, he didn't go back to sleep though. He lay on it fully clothed and took out his wand, holding it above him turning it over and around with an anxious expression. He looked on the verge of tears.

"Are you okay?" Scorpius asked gently and Michael shot him a slightly surprised glance before answering.

"Yeah. Just... feeling a little homesick I guess, with all this stuff with Abby's family and Rose's dad... makes me wonder about my family. I worry about them a lot."

"Why don't you write to them? You don't have to be magical to receive an owl, you don't even have to be magical to hand it a letter to be sent back," Scorpius pointed out, realizing that Michael hadn't got a single letter since he'd arrived.

"My stepdad told me not to. Said if he heard a peep out of me before picking me up in June then I'd have to go home, go home and never go back to magic school."

"That seems kind of harsh."

"Bob is like that," Michael said with a shrug as he wiped his eyes, "mum had to beg him to let me go in the first place, she was so proud once the shock wore off and I can't let her down. I feel like I'm failing her when I always suck at everything, I made a lousy muggle and a worse wizard. I shouldn't be here, not in this house or this school. I'm a coward and a talentless wizard, sometimes I think I am a muggle and Calderon made a mistake, got me confused with someone else."

"Hey, come on, you know you're not a muggle, you're clearly magical and you can do magic. You're just still learning to control it, we're all still learning and you're anything but a coward!" Scorpius offered, trying to sound comforting but Michael still looked miserable, "you know, you stood up for me when no one else did."

"If I was really brave then I would have told my mum that my stepdad was right and not gone to Hogwarts at all, I should have stayed at home so I could take care of my little brothers and sisters and my mum like I'm supposed to. But I didn't, I wanted to be a wizard too even though in the back of my mind I knew that Bob was right. I was too selfish and too much of a coward to admit it. I'm a bad person."

"You're not a bad person!"

"But its true," Michael cried and violently wiped his eyes, "I am bad and selfish, my brothers and sisters aren't magical and they need me to take care of them and if I was really a good person then I wouldn't go and do something that can't because its cruel and I certainly wouldn't just leave them all alone."

"Michael..." Scorpius started to say and bit his lip awkwardly, he really wasn't good at this and he'd had no idea Michael even felt that way, "you've never said any of this before."

"Well I didn't want to bother any of you, everyone has enough going on without being bored by my stupid problems."

"This friendship thing works both ways, you know? You help us and we help you and everyone helps each other," Scorpius pointed out and to his surprise Michael smiled slightly, "what?"

"That's the first time you've actually called us friends."

"Well... we are. Just you know, don't tell Albus and Rose that I think that. And I'm not friends with bad people so you're not... bad."

"Thanks... You know, for listening."

"Anytime."

Scorpius must have slept a bit after that because the next time he opened his eyes, he was greeted by sunlight streaming through the window. Usually the drapes covered it, it was the first time he'd woken up to see the light coming through the window. The first thought that popped into his mind was that it was a shame that Hufflepuff had booked the pitch because it was more pleasant weather to practice in, the second thought was that his feet were still searing painfully. He hoped Calderon was alright. He saw Michael was awake and reading one of the Potions textbooks.

Scorpius closed the drapes so he could get dressed in privacy, being careful of his feet although the task of having to walk places still filled him with dread. When he was dressed, he opened all the drapes so he could see the whole room and not just Michael. Reuben and Angelo were gone - probably to breakfast - while Albus was still bundled up in bed, sound asleep.

"Morning," Michael greeted him, "careful on your feet."

"I will be as careful as I can while I deliver this memos and go do detention in the Library," Scorpius said with a sigh and Michael looked sympathetic as Scorpius scooped up the memos, "unfortunately, that seems like a lot of walking. Catch up with you later."

"Good luck."

Scorpius managed not to cringe at the pain until he was out of the dormitory, with every step the wounds on his feet screamed in protest but it was bearable, at least more than it had been yesterday. He was still cursing Varanian's name under his breath while he went around with the memos, taking the opportunity to ask the teachers for news on Calderon. Annoyingly they didn't seem to know much though, there'd been no word since yesterday although Professor McGonagall was visiting him.

He went to the great hall after to grab some slices of toast to eat as he walked to the Library, Calderon's sporadic eating habits had taught him to eat on the move and when he had time because you never knew when you'd have time to sit and eat a meal. Well that was how it was for Calderon anyway, Scorpius had much more normal time to eat except on weekends and sometimes the afternoon.

He didn't mind working in the Library, the old Librarian was a tad scatterbrained but friendly enough to Scorpius and he liked the quiet. Usually they just sat quietly at the desk together unless the Librarian was doing something or dealing with people being loud or misbehaving, or obviously when someone was checking a book in or out, in which case Scorpius would put them back. Sometimes they talked, or played Wizard chess to pass the time, or read -the Librarian was always encouraging him to read- and sometimes he was even allowed to work on his homework if things were quiet enough. That day was especially busy though, Scorpius was up and down a lot more than his injured feet liked very much.

Victoire Weasley came in after awhile, the girl was an exceptionally blue-eyed beautiful blond but apparently 'a demon with a bat' as she had been Gryffindor's star Beater for the previous four years before quitting to focus on her NEWTs. Scorpius hadn't said two words to her but he felt kinda bad for her, whenever he saw her he saw guys hitting on her and she would always frustratedly tell them that she had a boyfriend and wasn't interested. It didn't stop them trying though, Scorpius thought they should be more respectful to her. She came back with a stack of books to check in and went to get more to check out immediately, Scorpius was left to put them all away. It was as he went to put them away that he spied Albus and Michael sitting at a table with their books out, Michael saw him and waved him over.

"Hey Scorpius," Albus said brightly, "how's it going?"

"Okay I guess, my feet hurt," Scorpius answered with a shrug and Albus' smile wavered slightly, "is that our Transfiguration homework?"

"Yes it is... Don't suppose you know what year the trexus spell was first attempted?"

"1438. Professor McGonagall told us that last week."

"Well I can't remember stuff from that long ago, I mean why teach us it last week if its needed for our homework this week?"

"Probably because we're not goldfish," Michael pointed out with a sudden look of mock shock, "you're not secretly a goldfish are you?"

"No!" Albus protested and Michael's cheerful teasing smile returned, "why are we always studying anyway? Why don't we blow it off and do something fun while the girls - especially study-mad Rose - are away? Take our minds off things."

"Because we don't want to fail all our classes?" Scorpius wondered slowly.

"Ah, so there is a reason for things. Shocking," Michael commented leaning back and Albus scowled.

"Okay fine so we have to study but we could still... do something different now its just us like... talk about guy stuff, things we couldn't talk about with Rose and Abby here," Albus said and Michael raised an eyebrow.

"Guy stuff? Like what?"

"Um... I don't know... erm... Ah, we can talk about girls we have crushes on."

"Okay. Are there any girls you have a crush on?" Michael questioned and Albus gave him a look of intense concentration before seeming to give up.

"Well no, not really... Are there any girls you have a crush on?"

"Nope."

"What about you, Scorpius?"

"No," Scorpius scoffed, he couldn't imagine having a crush on anyone like all those crazy lovestruck older students. Besides, no girl could be as great as Molly.

"Glad we could have this conversation," Michael stated going back to his homework, "can we go back to work now?"

"Fine," Albus grumbled with a sigh, "can you get the Librarian to let you come join us at least, Scorpius?"

"Maybe when we're not so slammed," Scorpius pointed out and held up the stack of books higher, they nodded in understanding, "fingers-crossed."

Scorpius went back to putting away the books, annoyingly they were very scattered and two of them were from the Restricted Section, he saved those until last. Only sixth and seventh years were allowed in the Restricted Section usually, younger years were only allowed with signed permission from a teacher but Scorpius was allowed while he was carrying out his detention in the Library.

He liked the Restricted Section, mostly because it was deserted and partly because he thought it was interesting seeing what titles of the books that were classed as Restricted and trying to guess what potentially dangerous magic they held. He put the first book back easily but the second one was from a much higher shelf, he had to use the ladder to climb up to the shelf, wincing at the pain it caused his feet. He popped it back into place and took the opportunity to look at the nearby titles, as he usually did but his attention was caught by a particular shelf where the titles on the spines were all in runic script.

His mind darkly turned to the blood runes and he pulled the nearest one out to thumb through it, the entire thing seemed to be in runic and he had no idea what it meant, let alone if it was about blood runes. He tried the second one with just as little understanding. And the third. And the fourth. He was about to give up when he picked up the fifth one, a much smaller book wedged between the two toppled over slightly so he could see the cover. Above the faded gold runic letters was a huge runic arrow, exactly like the one on the discs.

He took that one instead, it also seemed to only be in runic but looked handwritten and had diagrams that also looked hand-drawn. Diagrams that seed to confirm his suspicions on what the book was about, the very first one he came across was of one of the blood sucking discs. He flipped through more of the pages and found a second diagram that looked like the obelisk, over the following pages there were more of it from different angles and on the pedestal pit, including one with someone's hand on it. He flicked through some more pages and found what he guessed was the orb that Professor Ashain had mentioned, held in the palm of someone's hand, it was probably not too much smaller than the size of a golf ball. In fact they had it three more times over the next few pages, all in different colors. The first white, the second black and the third was gray. He wished fervently that he could understand runes.

He hovered there, debating whether or not he should take the book and try find some way or someone to translate it for him before he heard the Librarian calling for him. He turned just in time to see the Librarian entering his section with a stack more books for Scorpius to put away, he hastily shoved the blood rune book back and went to go back to work. He would have a think about it and come back later.

Part 5: Too Far

Things did slow down eventually in the Library and Scorpius was allowed to work on his homework with his friends, he was glad he had so much, he liked the distraction. He didn't tell them about the blood rune book, he still hadn't told them about the obelisk and he thought it was best to wait for Rose and Abby to get back or he'd just end up explaining it all again. Besides as soon as Varanian got arrested it wouldn't matter anymore, he still found himself thinking about it though whenever his mind strayed from the work.

They finally packed up so they'd have time to put their books back before heading to dinner, they had just started to head down the grand staircase when Scorpius say James and his friends coming up the stairs. James also seemed to notice him and smirked, drawing his wand.

"Hey Malfoy!" James called loudly as the trio paused, "heard about what happened to your great protector, not so great now is he? Half-dead in a hospital bed."

"Shut up!" Scorpius snarled as fury seethed inside his soul and James' friends whooped with laughter that their taunt had got to him, his wand was in his hand before he knew it.

"No, don't engage him," Michael hissed in his ear and grabbed his arm back, "you'll get in trouble with Varanian."

"That's right, listen to your boyfriend," James said tauntingly, "don't be so psycho, psycho. Guess that's why you get along with Calderon, you're both mad."

"James, come on. Back off, please," Albus pleaded but if anything James' grin widened, people were giving them a wide berth.

"Sorry my traitor-y brother but I've been waiting so long for this. Eat fire, Malfoy!"

James yelled the last and everything suddenly seemed to be in slow motion as he lashed out with his wand, a burst of magic shot towards him. Scorpius tried to raise his wand to fight back, regardless of what trouble he'd be in, he wasn't going to just stand around and let himself be hurt again. He was sick of being a victim. But Michael was still holding his wrist to his side, as he tried to raise his arm, Michael both held him back and shoved him to the side. Scorpius started to fall and tried to stop his fall as the blast of magic shot into Michael instead, the mudblood was thrown violently back.

Fury blazed through him and Scorpius was on his feet in an instant, he snatched his wand up with his left hand and aimed it at the laughing James. His scarred wrist seared with pain and for an instant, he almost thought he saw fire wrapping itself around his wrist before shooting through his hand and wand. Magic erupted from the end of his wand and launched towards James, he saw the smile fade for a split second before the gray light pierced him. The bully was flung back, over the heads of his friends and slammed into the wall behind before dropping like a rag doll onto the ground.

Scorpius was breathing heavily, he was so angry. He knew people were staring but he wasn't looking at them, he tried to force away his anger as he glanced to Michael. Albus was helping him to his feet, Michael was doubled over in pain, he looked like he was going to be sick. And then he was, but instead of vomit, fire came out of his mouth and scorched the stone steps. Albus' eyes widened in horror.

"Why would you do that?!" Albus yelled at his brother, James' friends were also helping him to his feet.

"Well Calderon likes dragons, doesn't he? Thought it would be funny," James answered before laughing as Michael fell to his knees and spat out fire again, "and it is! And is that really all you got, psycho? I'm not scared of you! You're just weak and pathe-"

"Wingardium Leviosa!"

Scorpius' spell interrupted the end of James' sentence as he flung his arm to the left and James' body followed the movement of the wand so that he was dangling in the air, dangling in the center of he grand staircase at its highest point. He heard the horrified gasps of those around him but he didn't care.

"You want me to be psycho then I'll be psycho!" Scorpius screamed, his wrist was trembling and James looked terrified, "think its funny now!? Think its funny to curse Michael now?! Think its funny to insult Calderon now?! Think its funny to trip people up on the stairs?! To pick on them?! Do you?!"

"Don't drop me," James begged and Scorpius jerked his wrist, James' body jolted and the older boy burst into tears, "please, please, please... I don't want to die... why is no one helping me?!"

"Do you think I'm weak now?! DO YOU!?"

"Scorpius please, calm down," Albus pleaded and Scorpius spared the horrified boy now beside him a glance, "think about this, please. If you drop him this time then... you don't want to be a murderer, do you? It's not what Calderon would want. He's my brother... please, you made your point."

Scorpius wished he could say that he wasn't already a murderer, that he didn't care what Calderon would want because he wasn't there and he was probably going to die like his sister had. He slammed his wrist back to the right and James rolled back onto the steps, not exactly a gentle landing but he was safe and Scorpius wasn't used to using his left for spells anyway. His wrist was still searing with burning pain...

His wrist was in agony, he felt like it was on fire. He wanted to scream but his mouth wouldn't obey him, his lungs wouldn't even draw the breath for him. The pain was excruciating, it just kept searing. He wanted to cry but his eyes wouldn't obey him, his tears wouldn't even form. It hurt so much and he didn't know why. He tried to move but his body refused to even twitch, he thought he was lying on his front but the last thing he remembered was starting to pass out after Marvin had given him the drink. What was wrong with him? His wrist just burned.

"Why are you doing that to the kid again?" a man's voice asked, Scorpius recognized it... Marvin.

"Don't question the master!" a second male voice snapped, Scorpius didn't recognize that one.

"So I'm not allowed to be curious?" Marvin complained.

"You know the deal, you agreed to it and you know enough so don't question the master," the second voice growled and the pain in his wrist stopped, or at least dulled to being bearable.

"Fine," Marvin said sulkily and Scorpius tried to open his eyes, he fought his open eyelids and tried to force them to open. It was so hard but he wanted to see. He wanted to know. He wanted his mum and dad, where were they?

"There, its done. Hold up your end of the deal and we'll hold up ours."

"I understand, I'm not an idiot."

"Good."

He finally succeeded, his eyes opened just a crack. He was a different room, it was night and he was on his front, he thought he was probably on a bed. He saw Marvin, standing with his arms folded staring at the dark corner. There was no one else though, he was just alone with the shadows. Scorpius wanted to frown but his face refused to budge, it was hard enough just keeping his eyes open, just staying awake. He must have been dreaming.

"Hey, look who's awake," Marvin said and seemed to notice him, the muggle walked over to him and sat on the edge of the bed beside him, Scorpius felt the man's fingers running through his hair gently.

Scorpius wanted to ask what was happening, how he'd got from the kitchen to wherever he was, was he sick? Had Marvin brought him here because he didn't know where he was or where he came from? Was he still in the house? Or was he somewhere else, a muggle hospital maybe? He didn't want to be sick, he wanted to go home or at least back to where he was staying. Why did he have to get lost? His mouth refused to even consider making words, Marvin was looking at him with his stoic emerald eyes as his fingers got rougher, his nails dragged painfully into Scorpius' scalp but he couldn't stay awake another second longer.

"Stay away from me," Scorpius said quietly to James but the older boy scrambled to his feet and bolted with his friends racing after him regardless, "we need to get Michael to the hospital wing."

For once there was no argument as Albus nodded, looking at him with a strange expression with his emerald eyes and Scorpius shivered, hoping he didn't look as shaken as he felt. Sometimes he really wished that Albus had different color eyes. His anger was extinguished. He'd practically forgotten about his weird dream, the pain had felt so real though. He tried to ignore it as much as he tried to ignore the looks he was getting. He cursed himself mentally, what he gone and done now? He sighed miserably and went to Michael's other side, his friend had fallen to his knees and continued to clutch his stomach and vomit fire. Real actual fire.

They helped the small boy to his shaky feet, people were giving him an even wider berth now and the portraits were calling out their panic in case the fire reached them. They had to urge Michael to walk, they couldn't try to help him as he continued to clutch at his stomach with both hands. Michael was shaking badly and kept his head hung as they walked though the castle, every few minutes fire continued to shoot out from his mouth and scorch the stone or walls and once set a tapestry on fire, Scorpius had to try a spell he'd seen in one of the textbooks to try and put it out, thankfully it worked.

The journey still seemed to take forever though, he thought it probably felt so much longer to Michael. He was worried and guilty, the spell had been meant for him. He should be the one throwing up fire, not Michael. Michael was an idiot to get in the way of a spell meant for Scorpius, why did he have to be so stupid? Didn't he see that he could get hurt? Hadn't Scorpius warned him not to protect him?

They finally reached the hospital wing and Madam Pomfrey started to come over to them as Michael started to spit fire, they violently waved at her to get out of the way and she looked momentarily shocked before she jumped into action. She managed to get him onto a bed before he threw up fire again, the bed opposite caught fire and Scorpius immediately put it out with the spell. She nodded her thanks and conjured a steel bucket with water in it for him for to fire into rather than the furniture while she rushed away.

Michael sat on the bed with the bucket that looked nearly twice as wide as he was, he had his hands gripping the sides and his head bowed into it. He was still shaking and Scorpius noticed for the first time that his cheeks were stained with tears, or possibly his eyes had just been watering. He and Albus just sat awkwardly either side, not sure what to do and wishing Madam Pomfrey would hurry up.

"Here Michael," Madam Pomfrey said finally and gently as she came back with some vials of potions, handing him the first one to down, "these should shield your throat and mouth from the flames, these others are to try settle your stomach. I think it'll lessen it but we'll just have to wait until it passes I'm afraid."

"You can't make it stop?" Albus whispered looking anxious as Michael threw up more fire before he could take any more of the potions.

"G-G-Guess wi-wizard med-medical s-sucks t-t-too," Michael spoke up in a cracked, rasping voice with a smile that couldn't have looked more forced before he downed the second potion, Albus laughed nervously.

"Guess you're right there."

"Don't try to talk," Madam Pomfrey announced firmly and Michael's smile died as he nodded, hurriedly going back to the bucket as more fire came up. Albus looked down guiltily, "you two that aren't spitting up fire, what happened?"

"It was my brother," Albus told her without hesitation, Scorpius was surprised and from the look of surprise on Albus' face he hadn't meant to either but it was too late to take it back. If possible, Albus looked even more guilty.

"He said eat fire and waved his wand and... this happened," Scorpius finished for him and Albus nodded miserably, "it was meant for me though."

"I'll see what else I can dig up, you don't see this every day," Madam Pomfrey said slowly, leaving the potions by Michael's bedside while she left again.

"I'm sorry," Albus apologized still looking down, "its all my fault, he's my brother."

"That doesn't make it your fault," Scorpius told him firmly, "he was attacking me, its my fault."

"No its my fault."

"No its mine."

"You nearly killed my brother, that was your fault. Michael getting hurt is mine, that way we're both at fault."

"Sh-Shut u-up b-b-both of y-you," Michael interrupted and spared a pained glare for each, "i-if its an-anyone's... m-my f-f-fault."

"She said not to talk."

"Th-Th-Then st-stop ar-arguing," Michael told them weakly and Scorpius felt even more guilty -and from the look on Albus' face, he seemed to feel the same- as Michael threw up more fire. Arguing over who was to blame wasn't going to help Michael.

For awhile they just sat with him in silence, except the sound of Michael throwing up fire and Madam Pomfrey's occasional comments. Scorpius didn't know what to say and Albus didn't seem to know either, he wasn't sure if it was even polite to talk when Michael couldn't although he supposed you could talk to him rather than over him like that they had been when they were arguing and that would be okay. They still said nothing though. They were there though, the thought of leaving his friend alone to suffer hadn't crossed Scorpius' mind the entire time and he had a feeling Albus felt the same.

His wrist was still hurting, even though the pain was receding and he decided to take a look at it. It looked even more livid than before, more raised and around the middle one here were bits of purple as if from infection or a bruise or something. It was odd. The sound of footsteps was what drew his attention away eventually, it was Professor McGonagall and James.

"How's Calderon?" Scorpius asked before he could stop himself and surprise cracked the professor's stern expression momentarily.

"He's very weak but in good spirits when he is conscious and wants to come home, I think he'll be okay though," Professor McGonagall told him and he sighed with relief, that was something at least, "I think you should be more worried about yourself right now, from what James says."

"Did he tell you that he did that to Michael?" Albus wondered and pointed his thumb at Michael as he threw up more fire, the professor cringed but James didn't show a hint of remorse.

"No, he didn't."

"I was aiming for him," James said and gestured to Scorpius before Michael threw up a particularly violent burst of fire.

"That doesn't make it okay. Both of you with me to see the headmaster then."

"What?! But he nearly killed me! He's insane!"

"That's why he's coming as well and it doesn't give you the right to insult him."

"Do I have to?" Scorpius wondered and the newcomers look angered by this, "I mean I know I have to but can't it wait, I don't want to leave him."

"Al will still be here so its fine," James snapped, "you're not getting out of this, Malfoy, Varanian will have your wand for this."

"The decision lies with the headmaster and the headmaster alone, its not up to you, Mr Potter," Professor McGonagall chided him and James shot her a dark look, "now come on."

"Good luck," Albus whispered as he went back to staring guilty at the ground.

"Thanks a lot, bro," James sneered to Albus before they left.

Scorpius couldn't help but feel like he was walking to his execution as he followed the professor through the castle, he hung his head miserably. Every step still hurt his battered feet, every step was a reminder of what Varanian was capable of and with every step his sense of dread only increased.

He didn't have to close his eyes to remember how much it hurt to get the welts on his feet, he didn't have to close his eyes to remember how much it had hurt when James and friends had attacked him and the Gryffindors had just watched, he didn't even have to close his eyes to remember how everything Marvin had done to him hurt. He thought of Marvin again, he could practically feel the barrel of the gun against the back of his skull as he walked, he felt just as trapped and hopeless.

His clenched his fists. He hated it. He hated that he had so memories of being hurt, he hated that he just let it happen. He was a wizard and he had talent, he was capable. Before he'd even stepped foot in the castle he'd killed a man in self defense, defended Molly from more experienced, more advanced wizards and fought off whatever had been trying to drown him in the lake. He wasn't weak when he chose not to be. He had to stand up for himself because no one else would, being abducted had taught him that no one was going to come magically save you, sometimes you had to save yourself. At the end of the day, you were just alone in the dark and you could fight it or let it destroy you. He would fight.

If Varanian expelled him then he wouldn't rest until the headmaster was rotting in a filthy, dark, disease-ridden cell smaller than Calderon's room where he belonged for the things he'd done. If Varanian tried to hurt him again then he would fight until his dying breath.

It wasn't what he expected when he got to Varanian's office though. Varanian was in his chair, his eyes closed and his head rested on his hand with a pained expression on his face. His hair was short, messy and tawny again and his scars were visible. He looked exhausted and seemed unusually weak and fragile, he didn't seem to notice that they were there until Professor McGonagall cleared her throat. His eyes flicked weakly open and for a brief moment the scars vanished but returned, Scorpius supposed he lacked the concentration or strength to keep it up. He wasn't quite sure how the ability worked. He wondered if that was what Varanian really looked like then.

If Professor McGonagall noticed he seemed out of sorts -or didn't care, or it was normal for him to be like this in private then- then she didn't show it as she told him about what she knew of what happened but left the details for them to explain. James eagerly spoke up first and launched into an explanation that made it sound like he'd been walking along innocently before Scorpius had brutally attacked him, he added the bit with Michael as an afterthought and made it sound like it was in self defense. Varanian still didn't move as he listened or give any kind of reaction before calmly asking Scorpius for his side of the side. Scorpius stuck to the truth, both of them had been at fault and he didn't try to shy away from his own part in it.

"Alright," Varanian said tiredly, "Minerva, if you would see to it to give... Mr Porter? A suitable punishment and I will see to Scorpius alone."

"Is he going to be expelled?" James asked hopefully.

"Go now," Varanian growled, that sounded much more like himself. Although Professor McGonagall seemed reluctant to leave him alone but finally led James away, James protesting that he didn't deserve to be punished as he went. Varanian waited until they were completely gone before lowering his hand and speaking again, "sit down."

Scorpius didn't move. Expecting Varanian was going to hurt him again, his hand closed around his wand in his pocket protectively, ready to use it. Varanian didn't even look angry, just sighed heavily and closed his eyes for a moment before opening them again.

"Or not then. I went too far with you yesterday, I shouldn't have done that and I... I regret that I did that. Regardless of who you are. Marius may be right, anger is the worst," Varanian said in an unusually civil tone, "I think you went too far with Mr Porcher too and I think you know that."

"Yes, I do."

"Then I think you've been punished enough, you're already in detentions for a year anyway. You may go."

"That's all?" Scorpius wondered in amazement, the headmaster really wasn't acting like himself and Varanian started to not before stopping himself and rubbing his temple, "are you alright?"

"No. Now go already."

Part 6: Obsessing

Scorpius left Varanian's office quickly but started to wonder if he should have done something, clearly something was wrong with Varanian even though he didn't know what. Professor McGonagall hadn't seemed worried, then again she didn't seem to like the headmaster particularly much. He went back to the hospital wing and both boys as well as Madam Pomfrey seemed surprised to see him, it made him nervous, did everyone secretly hope and want for him to be expelled behind his back?

"What happened?" Albus asked curiously with a worried expression as Scorpius came and sat back down with the pair, "did Varanian... y'know? Did he hurt my brother too?"

"No, told Professor McGonagall to give him a detention so they left..." Scorpius said and paused while Michael vomited up more fire, "then he said that he'd gone too far yesterday and he regretted that he did that, said he thought I knew I'd gone too far too and that as long as I knew that then I'd been punished enough, already having detentions for a year and stuff. He seemed... I don't know, hurt or ill or something though. He told me to go but I don't know if I should've done something, even though he's evil I mean... its not right to ignore someone's pain."

"Urgh, if he's suffering then good," Albus grumbled crossing his arms firmly, "if anyone deserves it then its him. Besides if you'd stayed then he might have changed his mind about you, just because he'd in a weirdly human mood today... it doesn't change anything. He'll be arrested soon anyway, you'd think since Calderon healed everyone that she would have given the letter over already."

"Did Varanian seem okay this morning? Maybe they're... I don't know, investigating or something? I'm not sure how it works. Or maybe they're just too preoccupied with the attack on the Leaky Cauldron, don't have anyone to spare for Varanian at the moment."

"No! I don't know about your parents but mine put our safety above everything, so do Rose's, they wouldn't rest if they knew we were hurt or in trouble," Albus snapped defensively as Michael spat out more fire, Scorpius was struck with sadness as he thought of his abduction, had his family rested? Had they tried to save him? "And I don't remember about this morning, I was half asleep on my feet."

"Okay."

Scorpius didn't know what else to say and he didn't feel like talking anymore anyway. They stayed with Michael for awhile in continued awkward silence, only leaving when Madam Pomfrey chased them off to bed. He seemed to be getting even more weird looks than normal from people as they walked in silence back to the dormitory, the entire common room went silent as they entered and Scorpius saw James storming over to them with a furious expression.

"Why aren't you expelled?!" James demanded immediately.

"Varanian thought being in detentions for a year was enough punishment," Scorpius offered, it was as close as he dared say but James looked even more livid.

"Bloody teacher's pet, get whatever you want," James sneered glaring at him venomously, "just wait til my father hears of this."

"I'm not afraid of your father, or you," Scorpius said as calmly as he could manage, he couldn't let James get to him again, "so if you could get out of my way so I could go to bed."

For a moment he didn't think that James would move, the older boys knuckles were white as he clenched them violently but seemed to think better of it as he stepped aside so they could get by. He thought he heard James snarl something that sounded like 'traitor' to Albus as they passed and continued on up, their eyes burning into the back of Scorpius' skull as he went.

Reuben and Angelo were laughing and playing a game of exploding snap as they entered, they stopped the second they saw Scorpius. He went over to his bed quickly and sat on the edge, they seemed to return to the game and he just stared at the ground listening. He couldn't help but feel a bit envious, he wished that he could just relax and play games with his friends like he and Yip used to. To not have the weight of worries on your shoulders, to not have to live with the pain of your past.

"Remember when things were that simple for us?" Albus said quietly, clearly on the same train of thought as Scorpius as he glanced as his friend and saw him sitting on his own bed opposite.

"That was such a long time ago now," Scorpius whispered sorrowfully and Albus frowned slightly.

"Do you think a month and a half is such a long time or were you just that miserable at home?"

"It's complicated."

"My cousin, Vic, says that when someone says that it means that actually its quite simply but they don't want to talk about it."

Scorpius just shrugged and Albus just sighed again before muttered his goodnight and closed all the drapes. It wasn't like he was deliberately keeping things from Albus just for the hell of it, it was hard to talk about it and he tried so hard to bury his past so far into the back of his mind that it couldn't touch him and he didn't want to deliberately dig it up. He didn't want his friends to know anyway, they'd think less of him. He knew they would, just like his family did. He rubbed his wrist as he thought of it, at least it had stopped hurting, even if the strangeness about it remained. He half-thought he should tell someone but decided against it, he couldn't bear the risk that they'd ask how he'd got it. It had been caused by muggles after all, it wasn't like it could be anything serious. His feet were still killing him though. He just sighed and clambered into bed, drifting in and out of an uneasy sleep.

In the morning they visited Michael briefly before heading to breakfast, he looked exhausted but apparently he'd been up all night still throwing up fire, James' curse was pretty nasty. He was as surprised as Albus to see Rose had returned and was waving them over to sit by her, dressed promptly and neatly in her robes like she hadn't been gone at all. He didn't see Abby though. He didn't see Varanian either.

"Hey stranger," Albus greeted his cousin as she rose to give him a quick hug, she gave Scorpius a nod of acknowledgement before the trio sat back down and he asked in a more hushed tone, "so... news?"

"It was amazing," Rose breathed immediately, "you should have seen Calderon, they said that things didn't look good for Uncle Neville and then he healed him, he healed so many people. Light kinda erupted out of his hands and from him and it was everywhere and everyone was healing, he healed the scar from Varanian's detention even. Not dad though, the magic kinda bounced off him but Uncle Neville, Aunt Hannah and August are all okay now. He's taking some time off work for a bit though and the others from school, just to spend some together as a family since they nearly lost each other and to all rebuild the Leaky Cauldron because it... the damage was pretty bad."

"How's Calderon?" Scorpius asked eagerly but she just shrugged.

"I don't know, he kinda collapsed when it was over and I haven't really seen him since. Uncle Neville visited him but I didn't ask how he was doing. I'm not close to him like you are, Scorpius. Mum said that he was lucky to be alive, there's a reason witches and wizards use wands and its not just because its a lot more difficult."

"Okay... did they arrest Varanian?"

"No," Rose said and looked suddenly sadder as she sighed heavily, he and Albus exchanged a confused look, "he altered our memories. I didn't remember anything about what he did to any of us, I barely even remembered Scorpius. It was only when I got back that I remembered, mum didn't want me to miss classes while dad was still unconcious. I'm pretty sure that he did the same to Abby. I'm sorry, I didn't remember, I couldn't stop him."

"That bastard," Albus muttered and slammed his fist onto the table.

"Yeah."

"Did he seem okay to you?" Scorpius wondered and Rose blinked in surprise.

"No, actually he looked ill or something. So what did I miss?"

Albus and Scorpius looked between each other before Albus finally started to tell her about what happened with James, Rose didn't seem to be able to make up her mind whether to be angry at Scorpius, angry at James or worried about Michael more and it dawned on him that it was probably how Albus was feeling. It must be difficult, he realized, when your friend had attacked your brother and your brother had attacked your friend, a bit like how his grandfather had tortured Calderon as he cared about both of them.

They still sat around with him in classes though, it seemed strangely empty in class without Michael or Abby. They always took turns by each other and always tried to sit near each other, or at least in a two and a three so that no one was alone, there was almost a silent unspoken rota of who sat where with who and it was completely out of whack with just the three of them. He was glad for Albus and Rose but he found himself missing the others, it felt weird to go all day without answering a single magical question for Michael or not once hearing the subtle scribble of his constant writing down of notes. It seemed quieter without Michael, he was the one who always managed to draw them into conversations and out of their worries. It was even worse to think of him doubled over in pain and throwing up fire, actual fire, rather than being there, at least Abby had her family and was free of Varanian's detention. The headmaster's memory alteration worried him to no end, they couldn't stop him if they couldn't even remember what he'd done.

He wanted to visit Michael after class but he had Quidditch practice and detention, although Varanian showed up to tell Albus and Rose that they didn't have to do the blood runes. He still looked like a wreck, like he was going to pass out at any moment but the cousins didn't seem to care for being free for another day. Scorpius was confused as to why being ill seemed to be making him nicer, it made no sense. Quidditch practice was the most awkward that it had ever been, Captain Cole and Molly were the only ones who weren't eying him worriedly at the start and he made Scorpius and James shake hands before they'd begin.

"Whatever's going on in your personal lives with each other, it stays on the ground," Cole said firmly, "you can be the bitterest enemies in your own time but in Quidditch time you're a team, my team and in the air you are the same side. So shake."

Scorpius offered his free hand, which happened to be his left as he held his broom in the other and James snarled as he clasped him with his much larger hand. He squeezed so hard that it was painful for Scorpius before he noticed a spark from his wrist and James yanked his hand away as if burned, glaring at him ever the more but Cole was satisfied and they began. He was especially glad to fly, there was no pressure on his battered feet while he was in the blissfully kind air. The others seemed to come around as the practice wore on and by the time they landed, it was as if the tension had evaporated and everything was normal again. He gave Molly and Cole credit for that, Cole for his unbiased leadership in the air and Molly for treating him normally. She was a star.

"Thanks," Scorpius told her as they headed back to the castle together, "most people are looking at me like I'm the reincarnation of You-Know-Who."

"Well I know you, you're not cruel or evil. You were just defending your friend and lost your temper a bit by the sounds of it, I don't blame you, I mean I'd be pretty pissed off if someone attacked someone I cared about," Molly said with a shrug and am infectious smile that he couldn't help but return, "its not like you killed him or anything, people have a habit of overreacting. You know that for awhile everyone thought my Uncle Harry was the Heir of Slytherin just because he spoke Parseltongue?"

"Really? I had no idea Harry Potter was a Parselmouth."

"He's not anymore... not since You-Know-Who was defeated. Calderon's a Parselmouth, y'know?"

"He is?!"

"Yep! I heard it before but I didn't believe it until I saw it," Molly said nodding furiously, "in Transfiguration we were turning ropes into snakes and Professor McGonagall had him assist with the class, never knew why until Billy's rope-snake went to attack him but Calderon hissed at it and it backed off. He said that the snake had said that it - she, he called it - didn't appreciate being part rope but it would agree to back off despite it's discomfort."

"I had no idea," Scorpius admitted but then he supposed that due to the association with Dark wizards, Calderon wouldn't want to broadcast his ability considering his Death Eater parents, "I wonder what its like being able to talk to snakes, or animals in general really."

"Yeah, sometimes I would love to know what Hopper is thinking!"

"Yeah! Or Free."

"Or Jynx... This cat that belongs to a girl in my dorm, it always - always - chooses mt bed post to scratch at."

"Or the Giant Squid in the lake, it saved my life," Scorpius offered and Molly's eyes bulged with shock, it took him a moment to realize that he hadn't actually told her - or anyone - about it saving him from nearly drowning, "sorry, thought I'd mentioned that."

"No, you didn't mention nearly dying. That's kind of a big deal."

"Well it seems to happen to me a lot recently, with the train and the lake and... I guess I didn't have the easiest first day at Hogwarts."

"No you really didn't. I don't think anyone's actually managed to miss their own sorting before, I've heard one kid fell in once but the squid put him back in the boat and he still made the sorting. Aside from nearly dying you didn't miss much, in fact you didn't have to anxiously wait and panic about what house you'd be like every other first year does."

"I'd have had a good reason to panic," Scorpius said with a sigh, "I never expected to be in Gryffindor. Maybe it was because I missed the sorting that the hat made a mistake and put me here."

"You don't still think the hat made a mistake, do you?"

"Well yeah, I'm still in Gryffindor and I don't belong here. Although I saw the Slytherin common room when I was getting Nick and I got the feeling that I wouldn't belong there either. I don't think I'm smart enough for Ravenclaw and I guess I'm too evil for Hufflepuff so I guess I don't belong anywhere."

"Well I'm glad you're in Gryffindor, even if you're not," Molly pointed out firmly as they reached the Gryffindor common rooms, "I like our late homework conversations and for the first time since I started here, I think we have a real chance of winning the Quidditch Cup because of you."

"Why me? I'm not that good and I've never even played a real game before. I'm sure..." Scorpius started to say worry as Molly muttered the password to give them entry but he couldn't bring himself to say that James would've been just as good, "that someone else would have gotten Seeker and been just as good as me."

"Are you kidding? Ravenclaw's smashed everybody for years, they have a strong team all round. Slytherin's had a hard time losing since Kyle Nott became Seeker, if the Cup was only awarded on victories rather then points then they'd currently be the reigning champs. Hufflepuff's not got the best offensive team but their defense makes up for it. There's literally like ten points only between them, I don't think its been so close in years! But you, you're better than Nott, you're naturally talented on a broom and meticulously observant, you're a Seeker, you have to seek the Snitch before you can catch it and you're highly capable of doing both. This is like the last real chance that Gryffindor will have to win for years, its the Triwizard Tournament next year which will be held in Beauxbatons so we'll still have Quidditch but the seventh years will all go there so we lose all sixth years - including Cole, that's why he's so desperate to win this year because its his first, last and only as Captain - and the seventh years we have now will be graduated so that's our entire Chaser force gone so we'll need new ones to train up. Freddie is the oldest of the main team that'll be left so he'll almost certainly be Quidditch Captain - unless we get a random newbie whose never been on the main team appointed which is even worse! - and he's not exactly very organized, we need organization and planning if we'd have any chance with the new Chasers so I don't think we'll have a good enough team to beat the others for awhile, Chasers make up nearly half the team after all so I really want us to win this year," Molly told him quickly, spiraling into well thought out a Quidditch rant. Her face went as red as her hair as she seemed to realize this, "sorry. I just feel so passionate about things, I tend to blurt out information."

"It's okay, its good you care so much," Scorpius offered with a weak smile that seemed to put her at ease as she brushed a strand of curly hair from her face.

"Wish my parents saw it like that. Dad's never been much into Quidditch beyond friendly family games and Mum's a home-schooled witch, she never had much experience or interest in Quidditch," Molly said with a sigh, "sometimes I feel like if Gryffindor won then they'd see how important it is to me because I'll have something to show for it, see it as a strength rather than a pointless distraction from my studies, y'know?"

"Yeah," Scorpius muttered, starting to feel bad for thinking of Quidditch as a childish game when it clearly mattered to her and if it mattered to her then it mattered to him, "we'll win, Molly."

"That's a nice unusual burst of enthusiasm, I'm sure we will," Molly commented but her smile returned regardless, "see you later, I got to get started on my Ancient Runes homework."

"See you later," Scorpius offered as they parted ways, unable to stop himself from returning her smile before he did. She always had a way of making him smile and he wasn't sure why.

He went back up to his room to get changed before heading to the Library for his detention, his feet not too happy about being used but thankfully the Library was quieter that day and he got some of his Charms homework done. He was going to have a major homework catch up session that night, after his detention and after visiting Michael again in the hospital. He couldn't help but think of the blood rune book again while he was there, there were a few candidates he could ask for translation.

He knew Professor Ashain had studied them in school and passed with the flying colors, he was almost certainly capable of understanding it and he knew about the obelisk at least. However he was still an adult and adults had a habit of thinking children shouldn't worry about things, it made him doubt that the professor would be willing to translate or at least to tell Scorpius what he read. There was also Molly, she was studying Ancient Runes after all as one of the subjects she'd chosen for third year, she would probably be more willing to do it for him but she was new to the class and he wasn't sure how capable she was of translating it. There was also the option of trying to figure out a way to translate it himself, which was good for not getting anyone involved but also the least likely that he'd get an accurate translation, aside from the time-consuming trickiness of it.

He still hadn't decided what was the best choice, both had their pros and cons. He checked that the book was still there when he had to return some inventory to the Restricted Section, he was tempted to take it when he saw that it was there. Stealing was wrong but it was just borrowing, he had every intention of giving it back, he just wanted the information it contained. Especially if Varanian was going to alter their memories when they left the school, he had to be stopped and not just from hurting them, from what Professor Ashain had said... he didn't think the blood runes were a good thing. If he couldn't stop Varanian then maybe he could stop his plans, maybe then he'd leave his friends alone at the very least. He decided to risk leaving it again, he didn't think many students would be interested in blood runes but he was still afraid of coming back and seeing it gone.

He waved goodbye to the Librarian and headed back to the hospital wing to see Michael, Rose and Albus were both already there and poor Michael looked just as bad - if not worse - then he had earlier. His friend did give him a weak smile as he saw him approach before violently throwing up fire again, he noticed Rose cringe at that.

"How you doing?" Scorpius asked gently of Michael without thinking.

"I-It h-h-hurts," Michael rasped in reply and Rose scowled at him.

"No talking! How many times do I have to tell you?! Madam Pomfrey said to not talk so don't you dare let another syllable cross your lips, Michael Harold Sanford!" Rose barked immediately, Michael blinked in surprise while Albus chuckled.

"Harold," Albus muttered shaking his head and Michael opened his mouth to counter with a reply but a look from Rose silenced him.

"Severus," Scorpius offered up instead.

"Hyperion."

"What's wrong with Hyperion?" Scorpius wondered and the cousins both laughed, he frowned not understanding what was wrong with his name but his confusion just seemed to amuse them more and even Michael seemed to try to laugh but it must have been too difficult because he winced and rubbed his throat.

"Sorry, we shouldn't laugh," Rose said finally clearing her throat, "I actually like Harold."

"Harold," Albus repeated and seemed on the verge of laughing before his cousin gave him a stern look, "okay, okay, they're not that bad. When I have kids I'm going to give them cool names though."

"Like what? Frosty the Snowman?" Scorpius offered trying to be teasing but the cousins looked at him in confusion while Michael smiled in understanding before spitting up more fire, "seriously, have your parents buy you a TV for Christmas and learn these references about bizarre muggle stuff."

"Maybe we will. And you know I meant cool names like... Albus junior, or Blade or Claw. I was thinking like Ruby or Sapphire or Cloud for girls."

"Those names are terrible!" Rose shrieked.

"Well what are you going to name your kids then?"

"I don't know, I like old names. I use to like Philip but Varanian kinda ruined that for me. What about you, Scorpius?"

"I'm never having kids," Scorpius scoffed, crossing his arms and shaking his head, "I'm staying away from the marriage, dating, love, girls thing altogether, it seems like so much hassle and the world's too dangerous for kids, bad things happen all the time."

"Good luck with that," Rose offered in a tone that sounded sarcastic but Scorpius decided to let it slide.

"On the subject of Varanian though, did you notice how he wasn't at Lunch either and he still didn't look okay?"

"Yeah I did. What is wrong with him? Do you think that he'll die?"

"I-I-"

"No speaking!" Rose interrupted Michael before he could speak and the mudblood rolled his eyes, she seemed to feel sympathetic as her expression softened. She got out some parchment and ink, handing them to him, "you can write though."

Michael smiled slightly and eagerly started writing, stopping twice to throw up more fire but he seemed determined to say - or rather write - whatever was on his mind. When he was done he shoved the paper to Rose, she tutted and muttered something about his spelling as she went back and to correct it which earned her another eye roll from Michael before holding it out for them to read what it said.

Varaynian was here last night! Said head hurt so bad 'like my head's going to implode, its worse than last time' and wanted something for the pain. MP said nothing worked last time so not likely to work this time. MP said needed to stay here to find source. V got mad (V hate hospital/healers) and stormed off

"Well there you go, Scorpius," Albus commented as he finished reading last, "Varanian's got a little headache, maybe the pain is making him realize how much it hurts to hurt people so he's being nicer."

"Death Eaters killed his family and lit him on fire," Scorpius pointed out, "I think he understands pain perfectly fine. It's just weird."

"Well can you stop obsessing over it? Varanian's our enemy, who gives a damn if the man's in pain? Maybe its nature's way of punishing him for being evil. It's a good thing that we shouldn't worry about."

"Yeah," Rose nodded in agreement and Scorpius sighed, he still thought it was weird but he supposed they were right.