The Depths We Will Go To

Part 2: Mischief, Mayhem, and Malice

Chapter 1: So it Begins Again

Fandom: -man x Harry Potter

Characters: Albus, Scorpius, Lenalee, Komui, Lavi, James, Russel, Ginny, Harry, Krory, mentions of others

Summary: In which we introduce headquarters.

Warning: Violence, language, shonen ai

Rating: T

Written by: Azhwi and Lost to the Hoping

The table looked veeerrryyy interesting this morning, apparently. Wonder why that is... It could have something to do with the beat down a la Kanda night before last (before he and Allen left on their mission). Or perhaps the running-in-terror-from-Kaumlin-the-nth at about three in the morning. "Why the hell was that guy allowed near the sodding lab?"

Scorpius looked up from where he was poking at his eggs. "Mm?" But when his friend didn't lift his head from the table, the Malfoy's brows furrowed. "Alright, what is it now?" he asked. It was a cold day in hell that Albus Potter didn't try to out-eat Allen (though he never would succeed, Scorpius hoped).

"Mmf," was the only reply the pale-haired youth got in answer to his question.

Luckily - for Albus - they were interrupted before the younger male could continue his line of questioning. His mouth snapped shut as a familiar, smiling female came over to sit down next to Albus (who had learned day one to keep his hands to himself).

"Hello, Lenalee," the Malfoy said politely.

"Good morning, Scorpius-kun!" The cheerful girl set her tray down by them. After three months of daily interaction, the female exorcist had finally been convinced to stop asking for an invite. "Um, is something wrong with Albus-kun?"

"Mmfmffmmf," Albus replied.

Scorpius sighed. "He's depressed because Miranda still won't go out with him." He glared at his friend. "She's way older than you anyway!"

Albus' head jerked up, and he scowled back at the Malfoy. "What?! Did you get into Grouchy's pot?"

"I sincerely doubt he has any," Scorpius retorted, frowning at him.

"Arg." Albus sat up fully and picked up his fork, offering Lenalee a hopeful grin. "Don't suppose you'd care to get lunch sometime, eh?"

A brilliant smile bloomed across Lenalee's features. "That's a fantastic idea! I-"

As if summoned by the almost acceptance (or perhaps the offer itself), a hand slammed down on the back of Albus' skull, sending it crashing into the table forehead first. "LENALEEEEEEE!" Komui cried ecstatically. "Ooooh, fancy seeing you here! I missed you sooooo much!" And he latched onto her with a happy giggle.

Scorpius blinked. "Hello, Mr. Lee," he greeted, inwardly amused. I suppose that's turn down number fifteen.

"Hello, Scorpius-san!" the borderline-insane Chief added, and beamed. "How are you this morning?"

Albus' head got three inches off the table before Komui's hand returned to it, slamming it down again. Scorpius resisted sinister cackles like a pro. "I am quite fine, thank you for asking. Will you be joining us for breakfast?"

By that time, Lenalee had managed to pop her head up from the suffocating embrace. "Brother!" The girl really had the cutest frowns imaginable. "You're hurting Albus-kun!"

"Oh he's quite capable of managing it, right, Albus-kun?" Komui asked with a disgustingly happy smile.

Albus flipped him the bird, and Komui ground his face into the table. Scorpius sighed. "You know, you're going to kill him, and then Mrs. Potter would not be happy." Not to mention, they'd be short an exorcist, which he gathered wasn't an ideal situation.

Komui stiffened, smile frozen in place. "Ah." He lifted his hand and Albus sat up, gasping for air. "Oh look at the time! Lenalee! You should come with me! I need your heeeeelllppp with something!" he said, clinging to her arm.

Scorpius stepped on his best friend's foot when the shorter male reached for his wand.

Giving the two boys a helpless smile, Lenalee sighed. "Okay, okay. I'll go with you, brother. Maybe later Albus-kun? And bring Scorpius-kun!" The mere slip of a girl turned murmuring, "You can't keep doing that! He's just being nice!"

"Whaaat? Oh, you're so innocent, Lenalee! So perfect!" Komui sobbed, and promptly dragged her off. As far from that lecherous hooligan as he could manage.

Scorpius sighed and opened his mouth, but- well, the snickers that he had been hearing had loosened out into a gut twisting guffaw.

The one redhead on the earth who wasn't related to the Weasleys rolled out from under the table clutching stomach and head alike in the throes of merry laughter. "What was that? The third time this month?" Lavi was in tears. "I swear, Komui is setting up the next robot just for you Albus!"

"I told you! It doesn't soddin' count if it's her brother turning me down!" the Potter roared, drawing the looks of several people nearby. "I wasn't askin' him!"

"Technically," Scorpius inserted quietly.

Down on the floor, Lavi blinked. Choked. Gagged. And started up again. "Gyeeahaahahaa!" And rolled back under the table... "Because he's Komui! And she's Lenalee!" Then... "Aaaauuuggghhh! Scorpius! My brain!"

Scorpius leaned over slightly to peer at the older boy, expression flat. "Serves you right, for rolling around on the floor like that. Get up before Albus realizes he can step on you," he replied, and straightened.

"Oh, there's an idea!"

"Yeee!" Grinning full out, the apprentice bookman skidded out and popped up to stand by Albus' shoulder. "Awww, you really are too cute when you do that you know? You keep asking... Lenalee always just starts to accept, because we both know she'd accept... and then Komui shows up." Lavi plopped down on the bench and shook his finger at Albus. "And you're asking Miranda for dates too. What's that about? Heeeh?"

"None of your damn business!" Albus retorted, sitting down again. Across from them, Scorpius did his evil Dark Lord smile. "Don't you even! Or Ameli gets it!"

"It would be a worthy sacrifice," Scorpius replied, expression similar to that of a mischievous cat.

The redhead on the other hand had a smile like edged glass. "Hey, Lenalee can handle herself. Or Komui will do it. But Miranda isn't so cheerful." One ginger brow rose. "She doesn't know you're asking Lenalee, does she?"

The dark-haired boy sighed and stabbed his fork into a piece of sausage. "No, and before you get all huffy, stop acting like I'm an evil villain. Miranda turned me down flat." Not that he blamed her. "Arggg. It's frustrating! I swear, every time Kanda returns to base, it's like doe eyes! EVERYWHERE!" He gestured with a strawberry. "And I share a soddin' room with one of the damn deer!"

Chuckling, Lavi shared a look with the blond wizard-turned exorcist. "Does he always whine this much?"

"No," Scorpius replied, giving his best friend an odd look.

The Potter frowned back at him. "What?"

"So, he used to whine less or more?" Lavi prompted, glancing between the stoic Slytherin and the confused Gryffindor. "Heey?"

Albus frowned when further silence ensued from his friend, and got up. "I'm going to go see if I can't find a sparring partner," he said, and took his dishes away.

Scorpius' brow furrowed as they watched the dark haired teen stomp off. "That is very odd. Perhaps he really is upset that Miranda turned him down?" he mused thoughtfully, eyes narrowed.

"Oooh? You don't know?" Lavi rested his chin on his crossed arms. Green eyes slanted towards the other. "That is interesting. Well!" The bookman jr sprang up to his feet. "I'm gonna go see if Krory is awake! Matron said that he should be coming out of the medical ward today. Wanna come along?"

"Krory? Oh..." Scorpius nodded, recalling the vampire-like fellow he'd only met perhaps twice. "Sure. Let me put up my dishes first, please." He got up and quickly stacked them before scooping them up and hurrying off toward the drop-off area. He set them down with barely a glance at the woman that was taking care of them, then returned to Lavi. "Alright."

"Fantastic!" Lavi threw an arm across the blond's shoulders. "Let's go see Fang-chan!"

Fang-chan? Scorpius gave the hand hanging off his shoulder an icy look and ducked out from underneath it. "Of course," he said, and made a mental note to keep out of reach.

xXx

Now, for the past decade, every year, on this day, James was extra diligent. He watched the shadows, he checked every door, he tested every water feature in his bathroom, and he shook out his sheets and clothes before relaxing in or on them.

Somehow, and he blamed Uncle George for this, over the years, every Potter learned to be very aware of his or her surroundings once a year. Because it seemed like the rest of the world wanted to see them covered in purple dye from head to toe. It wasn't just dye. Sometimes it was green spots. Other times the pitch of the voice might be altered to sound like the opposite sex. Once even Mum was given a rabbit's nose (Dad had quickly removed the hex and had disappeared until dinner) (Albus said he had been hiding under the cloak in the garden shed).

The pranks were endless (unless it was Mum, then she only let them get away with four).

But then, what better way to spend a birthday than dodging traps?

I think I can name a few activities, James thought, gingerly removing a carefully perched can of something above the open door. What is this?

'This' looked like typical neon green jelly. James poked a finger at it. It wobbled. It also tried to suck the rest of his hand in.

Ugh!

With a very wet sucking sound, he twisted his hand free. Out it came... along with the fresh scent of Granny Smith Apples.

How thoughtful.

"Now what do I do with this?" he wondered out loud looking down at the two gallon pail with wobbling jelly. "Komui maybe?" Say it's a gift from my brother?

Shrugging, he put the bucket down and turned to survey his room. Even from here, he could see the itching spell on the bed sheets.

Albus must have placed the pranks while I was in the shower. Not bad.

The good thing though, was that James only had to worry about one Potter, his younger brother at that. When it was Mum, Dad, and the Weasleys combined... Thank Merlin, it only happened once a year!

Letting out a sigh, James leaned back against the wall. It was just him and Albus.

It had been a shock in a way, seeing the one present on his bed this morning. He knew in his mind that it was his birthday, but seeing the cheerful wrapping drove home the point that, well, this wasn't home. He would see his brother later today, thank him, and maybe request a slice of cake at the cafeteria. But there wouldn't be the mob of family and friends downstairs.

Gah, I'm being ridiculous. James snorted and pushed off the wall. All that, and before breakfast. Maybe Jeri could do something with this jelly, he mused, picking up the pail.

Chin up, shoulders back, James stepped out into the hall... and nearly ran into someone. "Oof! I'm sorry!"

Russell smiled, taking a step back. "It's alright. My fault. I was looking for Albus. Haven't seen him, have you?" he asked. "I wanted to see if he wouldn't mind testing something with me... well, actually, the Chief wanted him to test it..."

Readjusting his grip, James shook his head. "You just missed him. I think he left our rooms maybe five minutes ago." He perked up a bit. "Did the Chief say whether it was a job for an exorcist or a wizard? Because if it's the latter, maybe I could help?"

The scientist barely suppressed his victorious grin as he eyed the youth up and down. "Actually, yeah, you just might be able to help us out." He smiled. "If, uh, you don't mind putting that... uh..." He eyed the tin. "Ooze down and coming with me?"

James smirked. "What? You don't like green slime?" Chuckling at Russell's expression, the wizard casually left the pail by the door. "Don't mind at all! Lead on, good sir."

Russell grinned and obliged, leading the elder Potter boy through the long halls until they came to Komui's main office. He paused and knocked. "Sir? Still there? I found him."

The door was jerked open and Komui grinned widely at them both. "Oh, fantastic! So quickly~ I knew you could do it! Soooo, James! Happy birthday!"

Taking one quick step back, James eyed both of them. "Thanks, Komui. Um, I thought you said you were looking for Albus," he said slowly.

"You know, Mr. Komui, moving out of the way would help," a soft, feminine voice pointed out.

Komui grinned sheepishly and stepped aside so James could see into his office.

"Mum?" The teenager gaped, blinking at the doorway. Then he was striding in, arms outstretched. "Mum!"

Ginny Potter grinned excitedly and all but tackled her eldest in a hug. "Jimmy!" she chirped happily, hugging him tightly. "Dad's here too."

The eldest Potter waved a hand from where he was sitting on the couch. "Oh no, don't mind me. I'm just chopped gilly weed," he drawled.

James looked over to protest, but ended up grinning when he saw that his dad was half covered in parcels. "You look more like a shopping cart than a plant, Dad."

"It's his own fault," Ginny quipped, stepping back. She wasn't at all surprised that Komui had made the wise decision and left to give them a moment. "He insisted. I think he's being secretive. Between you and me, I saw him at your uncle George's shop last week, so be careful."

"Mum," James smirked at her, "it's my birthday. I have to be careful of everyone now, it seems. Oh, but it's good to see you!" And James glomped on her again.

Huffing a bit in mock offence, Harry rolled his eyes at his wife who was giving him an amused grin over their son's shoulder. "I see I will have to get up to receive a hug."

Ginny sniffed. "As it should be." She stood up on tip toe to kiss her son on the cheek, beaming. "You've gotten taller! My goodness!"

"Have I?" He really hadn't noticed. "I guess so... Oh. Hi Dad," he added as his father reached over and dragged him into a bear hug. "Gack! I think the desk job is really agreeing with you!"

"Desk job," Harry scoffed, and scrubbed a hand through his eldest's hair. "Happy birthday, James. You alright then?"

Nodding, James patted his Dad's back. "I'm good. It's been interesting. Very different. Oh!" The two of them parted as James shoved a hand into his pocket. There had been something wriggling in... A howler? Only, it looked different...

Harry started to laugh. "I'm stepping back for this one," he said, pulling Ginny along with him.

She let him, looking very curious. "Oooh, a performance!"

"You're kidding me," James muttered eying the seal. Feeling a sense of doom, he sighed and tore open the paper envelope.

It fluttered up into the air taking on the usual malicious semblance of a mouth and...

"HAPPY BIIIIIRRRTHHHDAAAAAYYY! TOOOOOO YOOOOUUUUU!"

"Oh Merlin..."

"Haaaaaappyyyyy BIIIIRRRRRTTTTHHHDAAAAYYY TOOOO YOOOOUUUU!"

"He really can't sing can he?"

His mother chuckled. "Gets it from me, I'm afraid."

"HAAAAAAAPPYYYYYY BIIIIRRRTHDAAAAAYYY, deeeaaarrr JAAAAAAAAA-AAAAMES!"

James winced, half the castle could probably hear this.

"Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaappyyy Biiiiirrthdaay tooooooo yooooooouuuu-uuuuuu!"

The letter then promptly wrinkled itself up in a tight little ball mid air and exploded in a small shower of fireworks.

"Wow."

James looked over at his Dad.

"What?" Harry asked with a grin.

Ginny squealed, breaking the moment, and hugged her eldest again. "Happy birthday! Again! Ohh, my baby's a man!"

There was a hesitant tap tap on the door. "... mummy?"

She winked at James and nodded for him to go ahead and answer the door.

Waving a hand at them to stand to the side, James cracked open the door and peeked out. "Hello? There is a private meeting in session. Come back later."

Albus pulled an overly dramatic sad face. "But she's my mummy too," he said, lip trembling.

"Baby," James teased and stepped aside as Ginny shoved her way past.

"Aah, my Alby!" she cried, throwing her arms around his shoulders and squeezing. "Look at you! Oh, both of you have gotten taller! I swear! It's like you're being fed Miracle Gro!"

Albus snickered and hugged her back, going so far as to pick her up and spin in a tight circle. "Yup. That's what they feed us, Mum. Miracle Gro. Yummy!"

"Uh huh, come here." And both Albus and Ginny were dragged into a hug from Harry, who waved a hand at James. "Get over here boy!"

Shaking his head and grinning, James sauntered over. "I don't think there's enough-" And three pairs of arms opened and a space beckoned. "Right, can't say no to that."

xXx

Pale eyes peered at the taller man curiously. The man was currently speaking with Lavi about something, but Scorpius had already stopped listening since it seemed to have nothing to do with him. Of course, when they'd walked into the medical ward, and Lavi had refreshed Krory's memory as to Scorpius' identity, the boy had been paying close attention. Mostly so he could avoid the inevitable attempt for physical contact (in this case, a thwarted choke-hold).

That was a strange quirk of Lavi's, the pale boy had noticed. Touching, of any sort. Ruffling hair, patting a back, throwing an arm comradely around unsuspecting shoulders... Scorpius almost wondered if the older boy was purposely trying to piss him off.

This very well may have been the case, too, the Malfoy thought irritably. He sidestepped the redhead's hand when he tried to reach out and swat Scorpius' shoulder, grey eyes darting up to glance at Lavi's face. But Lavi carried right on with whatever he was jabbering about, not noticing the miss.

Malfoy's eyes narrowed slightly at the apparently oblivious man. Yes, it certainly did seem like the Bookman's apprentice was trying to get a rise out of Scorpius. However, after living half his life around the Potters and the Weasleys - among others - Scorpius had developed a stern mask that no one could crack.

And, that in mind, he drew a silent deep breath and let calm wash over him. Which was just as well, because Lavi was speaking to him. "I'm fine," he answered the concerned query, blank-faced.

After he seemed to realize Scorpius wouldn't say anything more, Krory spoke. "Well, good," he said slowly. "You were just so quiet."

With an exaggerated sigh, Lavi tilted his head and regarded Scorpius. "I think he's shy," he proclaimed, then aimed a wink at the bedridden exorcist, "even more than you when we first brought you in!"

Krory looked at Lavi in surprise, then at Scorpius. "Oh! I see! Well, Scorpius, there's nothing to be shy about-"

"I'm not shy," the blond deadpanned, slanting an annoyed look at Lavi.

Blink blink. "You're not?" Krory looked at Lavi, then at Scorpius. "Oh."

Irritating... Scorpius shrugged. "I apologize if I was being rude. I was just... erm... lost in thought, that's all."

For anyone else, the deflection would have worked, but this was Lavi. "Lost in thought hmm?" The redhead leaned toward him. "What about?" he chirped.

Scorpius leaned back slightly, expression going downright chilly. "The purpose of a thought is that it is inside one's head, and so not known to others," he said softly. "Why does it matter?" Like hell he was going to tell the redhead that he'd been thinking about... well... him. Lavi was definitely the sort of person that would intentionally take that the wrong way.

"Ah ah," the annoying teen shook his finger at Scorpius. "Thoughts are vocalized through words, and what better way to get to know each other than through conversation? Only those who are shy avoid conversation." Pause. "Unless you're Yuu-chan. Then it's a clear case of social constipation." Lavi nodded with authority.

Scorpius blinked at that. "'Yuu-chan'?" he echoed bemusedly. "Who is... oh. That's Kanda's first name isn't it?" He frowned. "Doesn't he say he doesn't like being called that?" Clearly, Lavi was the sort that also ignored one's wishes. It would figure.

"There! See?" Lavi beamed at him. "You just spoke your thoughts out loud! Didn't that feel good? You clearly want to talk to us. So!" The obnoxious twit propped both hands on his hips, both brows literally lost up in his red bangs. "What were you thinking about?"

Grey eyes had narrowed. "Why do you want to know?" he retorted, a little annoyed. It was so much easier dealing with a curious Albus, because all one had to do was hex him and walk away. Scorpius didn't know how Lavi would react (and a part of him was pretty sure that it would just doom him to eternal torment), so that wasn't currently an option. So how do I shake this idiot- … Oh. His eyes moved to look beyond Lavi's shoulder, at Krory. Whom was watching them both with avid, patient curiosity. "You're being rude, you know," he said to the redhead.

"Oh, I don't mind!" Krory protested, smiling. "Please, go ahead and continue."

Snrk! Lavi slapped a hand over his mouth, barely concealing his wide grin. "Fang-chan," he squeaked out, "I love you, man."

Krory blinked. "Uh... Thank you?" he said, confused. "Did I do something?"

Lowering his hand uncovered a surprisingly soft smile. "Aw, no. You're just being yourself." He reached out and patted the fanged exorcist on the shoulder. "Don't worry about it." Lavi twisted around to give Scorpius a smug grin. "I want to know because you're far too quiet like Fang-chan said. We're all here for the long run, so it's good to get to know each other. And about Yuu-chan..." Lavi shrugged. "Sometimes, I think he'd forget his own name if I didn't remind him of it."

The Malfoy stared at the older boy in surprise. Does he really think that way? he wondered. "I... see... That's very kind of you, Lavi," he said, brows lifting just so slightly.

"Bookman's apprentice," Lavi said, the smirk melting into a more sober expression. "In a way, I'm here to get to know people." Hopping up onto the bed, he brought back his happy smile. "And that's why I was asking. So, if you won't say what you were thinking... How about telling me and Fang-chan about Hogwarts?"

Oddly, the younger boy's own expression seemed to melt a bit. Rather than it's normal ice, though, it was... almost wistful. "Hogwarts is..." He frowned, eyes lowering as if to look at himself. The exorcist uniform was so very different on him than the robes he'd worn for years. "It's a school, like any other, I suppose. We had ghosts, which is something rare, I've realized."

"Ghosts? Really?" Krory asked, surprised. "How is that possible?"

"I don't know. Violent deaths, I've been told," Scorpius replied, looking at the vampire-like man.

A thoughtful Lavi tilted his head back, green gaze unfocused in thought. "Yuu said something about being able to see them. Even more, talk to one or two of them." His eyebrows were up again. "Lucid, somewhat friendly spectres." In a war with akuma, friendly ghosts were unexpected.

"Well, some of them were 'somewhat friendly'. Ah, but the Bloody Baron was quite stern!" Malfoy said, nodding almost as if to confirm it. "He always got upset when people interrupted his 'rest'. Except we kept trying to tell him that he didn't actually sleep."

Krory smiled. "You sound like you liked him."

"The Baron? Oh, I suppose, well enough," Scorpius replied thoughtfully. "You can say we had an understanding. He was my House's ghost."

"Oh! That's what I wanted to ask you," Lavi's attention snapped down onto the wizard. "What is the purpose of the sorting into the different Houses? And has the hat ever made a bad decision?"

Scorpius stuffed his hands into his pockets, adopting a very thoughtful expression... well, for him. "Ah, well, actually, to begin with the reasoning was very petty and selfish. It still is, to an extent. In the beginning, the four wizards of Hogwarts each sought to accept only certain types of people into the school. They could not agree on what kind, however, so they came up with the Housing system.

"Salazar Slytherin wanted the cunning and ruthless, with only the purest blood. Godric Gryffindor wished for those students with pure hearts and bravery, and didn't care for things like blood status. Rowena Ravenclaw sought out the children with the most brilliant minds, and the intent only to further their knowledge for the sake of all wizard-kind. As for Helga Hufflepuff, she was a very accepting witch, and believed that any witch or wizard should be able to learn their talents no matter their status, purity or personality."

He seemed to come back to himself then, realizing he'd gone off on a tangent, and fought the urge to flush. "Erm... as for your other question... No, the hat has never made an incorrect assessment."

Lavi looked at him with wide eyes. Blinked. "You just quoted that whole thing, didn't you?" At Scorpius' jerky nod, the redhead grinned. "I don't suppose you have textbooks on wizard history? Maybe I can take a look?"

Lowering his gaze to stare intently at his feet, Scorpius shrugged. "All I have is a book on the school... But you're welcome to it," he said softly. "I... don't need it anymore."

"Oh, don't say that," Lavi said warmly. "It's always good to have a bit of history with you. Alright! Fang-chan! I'm heading off. I'll see you when you're out, neh?"

The Malfoy gave the redhead a startled look. Now?!

Krory nodded, brows lifting. "Yes, of course. Thank you for visiting. I hope to see you again later, Scorpius."

"Erm... yeah. Later, sure," the blond replied a bit distractedly.

"Good luck on your studies, Lavi!" Krory chirped.

And the hyper-active idiot dragged Scorpius out into the hall. "So do all wizards get their wands on their first year at school? Do they get them earlier? Are any of the wands made of metal, or are all of them made of wood? Do you use spells for everything? Are ghosts affected by spells? Are brooms the only thing you use to fly? What about..." Lavi trailed off. "Erm... Sorry."

Scorpius gave him an icy glare. He'd almost hexed the idiot silent. "Some get them sooner, depending on the situation. Wands are only wood, there are spells for everything, yes, but I don't know them all so please don't ask. Ghosts are not affected by magic, no. And flying is an enchantment, so in theory, it could be applied to anything. Did I miss any of those questions? Also, can you stop asking at least until we get the bloody book?"

Were eyes supposed to get that shiny? It's not like the man was tearing up, but there was definitely something up with Lavi's expression. Because the man was positively giddy. "No, you didn't miss any questions and you said that the book was only on the school; not on everyday culture." Lavi beamed at him. "But... I suppose I can save my questions until we get there. Speaking of," he skipped ahead a bit, then turned around, "are we there yet?"

Must resist the urge to hex... Maybe I should just escape now... arg, but I already said I'd let him have the book. Right, then I'll escape. Perhaps I can catch Albus' eye... no. Bloody hell. Scorpius glared at him. "How old are you? Eighteen? Nineteen? You need to learn some patience," he scolded.

Lavi laughed, bringing his arms up to clasp behind his head. "Eighteen," he chirped. "And patience is overrated." Then the exorcist sighed and rolled his eye. "But I guess in this case, I will have to be. Since I'm not sure what you've done to your room's door."

So he does use that brain, Scorpius thought uncharitably, and wordlessly lengthened his stride, stalking ahead of the other. Fortunately, it wouldn't be a long walk, since the rooms (or at least, his) were just one level down. They drew to a stop outside of his room, and he waved his hand over the door. It pulsed with a faint brown light, and the light faded. The blond pushed open the door and stuck his head in. Good, he hasn't figured out how to break the spell yet.

Satisfied that Albus hadn't laid any traps, he stepped inside, leaving the door open for Lavi as he headed toward the wooden box in the corner. "It's in my trunk," he said with as much calm as he could muster.

For once the bookman didn't just bounce into the room. Instead Lavi peered at the door, the door frame, the threshold, even going so far as pressing the pads of his fingers to the wood frame. Finally, Lavi walked in, glanced at the box in question, then raised a brow at Scorpius. "No booby-traps?" he asked, brows raised.

The blond clicked open the lock and pocketed the key, pushing up the lid of the trunk. "Ah, well, unless one is myself or my father, and they try to open it, they'll get sucked inside and left there until I decide to let them out." He shrugged and smiled at Lavi. It was that Dark Lord smile he'd used that morning. "Oh, that reminds me, I think I left someone in there... ah well."

Lavi blinked once, then peered into the trunk. "Hmm, well, it looks clean. No juices. And there's just enough room..." Humming, he shot a look at Scorpius. "So, the book?"

Grey eyes narrowed suspiciously, but Scorpius turned his gaze back to the trunk. He shifted aside a pile of neatly folded robes, and what looked like a jewelry box, before picking up a particular book. Satisfied, Scorpius shifted it to one arm and closed the trunk, locking it again before getting up. He held out the book. "This is it."

"Thanks!" The redhead took the text with careful fingers, and grinned. "About that trap... If someone were holding on to you, would they still get sucked in? Or say holding on to... maybe the bed or a chair? Is there air?"

"Just the person would be sucked in. I would not be. And yes, there's air." I think.

"Hmm... Would their clothing be left behind?"

Scorpius frowned at him. He had a niggling suspicion about this line of questioning. "No."

Lavi grinned a little wider. "Okay! I'll see you for lunch? Dinner?" He pouted. "At least, by dinner please."

Frowning further, Scorpius shrugged. "If you're in the cafeteria."

One side of the redhead's mouth quirked up. "Aw. You're so hard to pin down! Dinner date it is!" And the idiot reached down, fingers grabbing at the handle of the locked trunk.

The Malfoy blinked as he watched the other male vanish into the trunk. He actually tried it? He looked down at the floor, where Hogwarts: A History sat innocently on the carpet. "Moron," he muttered, and left him there after setting the book on the night stand.

Meanwhile, in the dark confines of the wooden box, Lavi activated his hammer and looked around in the cheerful glow. Oh drat, I dropped the book. Glancing about, Lavi realized he was tiny and indeed in the trunk. This is AWESOME!

Jumping up and down, he tested the ground, er, cloth that he stood on. It was stable, if wobbly.

"Alright!" He extended the handle of the hammer and sailed off to the far side of the trunk. If Scorpius was going to leave him in here, he may as well look at the things in here with him.

I wonder if that jewelry box is trapped as well?

xXx

'Tis part two! I'm posting! YAY! XD