Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or the characters
Lily was focusing all her energy packing her things, trying desperately to forget the incident that happened at Scorpius' flat. Lily threw several of her things into her trunk without even bothering to organize any of it. Lily came across the letter from Scorpius that she had forgotten to read earlier that day. She stared at it for a long moment before throwing it into her trunk. There was nothing he could say to her now, but she couldn't bring herself to leave the letter behind. She was drawn away from her thoughts by a light tapping on her window. The familiar owl was perched just outside, with a letter for Lily. She knew he would be writing her, no doubt having read her letter by now. She sighed letting the bird in. She opened the letter, her heart pounding, and read the letter.
Lily,
I am not sure what happened between now and last night that could possibly change your feelings for me, but I think we need to talk. I don't want things to end like this for us. I really care about you. Your mum invited Al and I over for dinner, so I will see you tonight.
Always,
Scorpius
Lily felt a small surge of anger flood through her veins. He didn't even bother to address the fact that a beautiful blond had been in his flat earlier. She must not have bothered to mention that Lily had dropped in. Lily continued packing her things until it was time to get ready for dinner. She changed out of her clothes from earlier, throwing them on the floor. She contemplated burning them, but thought it was a but over the top. After settling on a khaki skirt and navy blue top she ran a brush through her hair. She sat down on her bed with her head in her hands, not wanting to face anyone. A light, tentative knock, pulled her out of her spot on her bed. She opened her door and stood frozen for a moment. The unbelievably handsome blond stood in front of her, looking somber.
"Lily," he said, reaching out to touch her. "Lily," he said again, "we need to talk."
Lily finally snapped out of her frozen state. "About what?" Her voice was so low she wasn't sure he would hear her.
"About your letter from earlier. Are you going to leave me out here in the hall?"
Reluctantly she pulled open the door, allowing him in. He stood awkwardly by the door, as she moved away from him to sit on her lavender bedspread.
"I wanted to talk earlier," Lily started, sounding more confident than she felt. "I went by your place."
"You did?" Scorpius smiled, feeling relieved for a moment, before noticing Lily's grim expression.
"I did, Beth didn't tell you?" Lily spoke casually, not allowing her emotions to seep into the conversation.
"What?" Scopius looked seized with panic for a moment. He was trying to calculate his next words, carefully, knowing Lily would not give him another chance. "Lily, you have to listen to me, she is nothing to me."
Lily wanted to know what Beth was doing there if she meant so little to him, but refused to give in, knowing that was exactly what he wanted.
"It doesn't matter," she said coldly.
Scoprius could feel her slipping from him. "Please, Lily. She came by to talk, that's all."
"Oh, she came by to talk. Talk about what exactly?" Lily's voice grew more distant with every word.
"Come on, Lily, why are you doing this?"
Lily noted that he didn't answer her question.
"Teddy's teaching at Hogwarts," Lily blurted out the words that had been bothering her all day.
Scorpius looked at her quietly for a long moment. "I don't know what that means," he said quietly.
"I don't either. I think that's the problem. I went to your flat to talk about things, and then Beth was there, and I just don't know what to say. What was she doing there? Do you know how much it hurt me to see her there. And you didn't even tell me about it. I think that's the kind of thing two people in a relationship should share with each other. When the ex comes by." Lily pulled at the ends of her hair in frustration.
"What about Teddy. He's always hanging around. Do you think that doesn't bother me?" Scorpius stepped towards Lily, grabbing her hands from her hair. "Do you even realize the affect you have on me? I have never been a jealous guy. But sometimes I want to curse Lupin into oblivion."
Lily could feel the tears in her eyes, but she forced them back. She would not cry, she was too smart for that.
"She was in your house," Lily spoke slowly, each word holding its own weight, "while you were in the shower." She paused staring at him hard for the first time since he entered her room. "Do you realize how that looks." She forced herself to stand up. "You should go."
"Lily, please." Both of them could hear the agony in his voice as she forced him out of her room. She didn't look at him as she closed the door.
She had a few minutes before dinner started to compose herself. When she exited her room she left the pain behind as well. Everyone was in the living room, except for her mother, who was in the kitchen preparing the meal. Lily decided to join her, not feeling up for putting on a façade quite yet.
"Hi mum." Lily entered the kitchen and began helping her mother with setting out the dishes.
"Darling, why aren't you out there with the others?" Ginny looked up at her daughter that looked so much like her, but she thought even more beautiful.
"I just don't feel like it." Lily didn't look up, but her mother already knew something was bothering her.
"Trouble with Scoprius?"
"I just don't see it working out with us." Ginny was disappointed to hear her daughter say that, but understood.
"You know, I dated a boy before your father. He didn't make me happy, but I tried to stick it out with him. I wished I hadn't bothered with him at all. I always loved your father, nothing changed that, whether I was dating someone else or single." Ginny smiled at her daughter. There was no point to her little revelation, but she was always open with her children, and hoped that it helped Lily in some way.
"Thanks, mum." She didn't tell her mother that Scorpius had another girl in his flat, or that she had feeling for Teddy, though she wasn't sure how she felt about him at the moment. One thing she was sure of was that she had thought of Teddy less when she was with Scorpius, so maybe she didn't feel as strongly for him as she had originally thought.
As everyone filtered into the kitchen Lily realized that everyone was there, both her brothers, Vera, her dad, and even Teddy. Lily sat between James and Teddy. Scorpius sat across from her next to Albus.
"So, Lily are you ready to head back to school?" Her dad questioned.
"Yes, I think so," Lily answered looking down at her food.
"We sure are going to miss you, Lils. It's nice having all you kids home." Harry smiled genuinely at his daughter. She had been a daddy's girl when she was young, but was growing up, and he understood her less everyday. At least that's how it felt.
"I already miss you daddy," Lily said truthfully. She hated leaving her parents, especially her dad, who was always kind and understanding.
Harry smiled, and continued chewing his food.
"At least you'll have Hugo with you," James turned toward his sister.
"And Teddy," Ginny added, not seeing the scowl on James' face.
"Yeah," Teddy put his hand on Lily's shoulder. "I'll be there for you Lils." Scorpius was staring at Teddy's hand on Lily openly angry. Teddy grinned at Lily, not seeing Scorpius' reaction. "It's going to be great."
Lily quickly attempted to lighten the mood, seeing not only anger radiate from Scorpius, but also James and Vera. "Too bad I'll be so busy with NEWTS. I'll probably never see you."
Albus was staring at Vera and Scorpius, trying to understand their hostile moods.
"I'm sure you can make some time to hang out with your god brother," Teddy replied.
"I'm sure she'll be too busy with me," Vera said glaring at Teddy. James smiled in her direction, Albus looked at her shocked by her rude remark. Scorpius was still staring at Teddy, and Harry and Ginny looked at each other, seeing if one knew something the other didn't.
Lily tuned everyone out throughout the rest of the meal, refusing to acknowledge Teddy's gaze, or Scorpius' scowl. Both clearly had things to say to her, but she just wasn't ready to deal with them. And then there was Vera, her best friend, who overstepped her bounds for the first time. She expected something like that from Cassie, but never Vera.
Everyone went into the living room when the meal was over, besides Harry and Ginny, who decided to turn in early.
Albus immediately turned to Vera. 'What's gotten into you?" He questioned Vera, sternly.
"Ease up on her, Al." James said as he took a seat on the loveseat.
"What the hell do you care about her?" Albus spat the words at his older brother. He saw the glances the two exchanged during the meal.
"I'm just saying there's no need to be so harsh on her for speaking her mind."
Lily took a seat next to the fire in her father's reading chair. When she was young and he left for work she would often sit there, his scent lingering until he got home and refreshed it. Scorpius leaned against the mantle, near Lily. Teddy sat at the writing desk across the room, but kept his eyes on Lily, who was watching the flickering flames of the fire.
Albus was standing face to face with James, anger bubbling in his veins. The two men were close to the same height, James a little over and inch or so taller.
"You always have to have everything, huh? Can't stand it when I have something you don't. You always have to one up me." Albus spoke threateningly toward his brother.
Lily looked up at her two brothers, standing inches apart from each other. She stood up quickly, forcing her way between the two.
"Albus, what is your deal?"
"I'm not surprised you're taking his side." His accusing tone hurt, but his words stung even worse.
'Al," Lily started.
"Don't bother denying it. I see you two. Always telling each other everything." He turned to Vera. "And I know he's the handsome, funny Potter. So go ahead."
Vera stood up glaring at Albus. Her hand twitched. She wanted to smack him for his insinuation that she wanted him because of his last name, or that she could be so shallow.
"It's not about you, Albus," James said. "You don't understand."
"I never understand, do I?" He turned his accusing stare on Vera. "No one tells me anything."
"How dare you?" Vera finally spoke. "I have never misled you. I never pretended to like you. And I wont start now." She turned to leave, wanting her words to sink in, but Albus caught her hand.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"It means I did like you. But it turns out you're just another jerk." She yanked her hand free from his too tight grasp.
"And you're just another girl looking for attention by being with a famous Potter."
Lily gasped at her brother's hurtful words. Scorpius shook his head. Vera turned to run out of the room, tears in her eyes, but was caught by warm arms.
"Hang on a second," James whispered in her ear. She looked up at him through her tears.
"I don't know what the hell your problem is Albus, but you better get yourself straight. You have no right to talk to Lily or Vera like that. You should leave." James stood tall, radiating authority, much like her father did at times.
"Who are you to tell me what to do?" Albus took a step toward his brother.
"Mate," Scorpius stepped in front of him. "I think it's time to leave."
"I'm sure you want me to leave so you can make another pass at my baby sister."
Lily's eyes widened. She was tired of the whole situation unfolding in front of her.
"I have to get some fresh air," she told no one in particular. Teddy stood up ready to accompany her, but was stopped by James.
"We'll go with you, Lils." He said, pulling Vera next to him. Scorpius eyed Lily as she put her coat on. He was telling her something with his gaze, but Lily didn't have time to figure it out as James and Vera pulled her out the front door.
They walked aimlessly in silence around the land that surrounded their small home. Finally Vera decided to go inside, saying she was tired. James and Lily took a seat on a bench at a park near their home.
"What happened in there?" James finally spoke.
"I know what happened. Albus snapped. He feels inadequate compared to you. You were the golden Gryffindor, and he ended up in Slytherin. You were the Quidditch star, and he only played because he was expected to. You get the girls. Your funny, outgoing, and he isn't."
"How do you know this?"
Lily sighed. "I've watched for years as you awe people, and Al just sits there, unassuming."
"You think he's right? Do you think I was trying to take Vera from him?"
"That's ridiculous, James."
"I don't think it is. I mean, of course she is pretty, but I wouldn't want to hurt Albus."
"I know, James. And Al knows too, he's just upset right now. His head will clear, and I'll have to talk to Vera." Lily sighed standing. "We should get back."
James walked her back, before apparating home. Lily figured Albus and Scorpius and Teddy would be gone. But when she got inside she was surprised to see Scorpius still sitting by the fire. He looked up when Lily entered, the pain in his eyes evident.
"Lily," he breathed.
"Scorpius," Lily said evenly. She looked passed him at the dying embers, feeling like she could understand them for the first time.
"Please, just hear me out." He stood up, but didn't make a move toward her.
"Fine."
"Beth doesn't mean anything to me. Yes, she came by to see if we could start things up again, but I told her I wasn't interested." He crossed the room in two long strides, placing his arms on Lily's shoulders. "Lily, you are the only girl I want to be with, don't you see that?"
Lily put her hands up, to stop him.
"Scorpius, I like you. But this isn't just about you having another girl at your flat. This is about me. I need some time to think and figure things out."
Scorpius brushed his fingers along the contours of Lily's face gently. He leaned down, gently brushing his lips against hers.
"I'm not giving up on you, baby."
Lily smiled, and despite herself she was relieved to hear that.
AN: I don't know why I made Albus a jerk, even though I love him! So I have had one voter on my poll, which makes me a little sad. I really want to know what stories you all are enjoying most. I only have two more weeks left of school after this week, so I'll be able to get chapters out a bit faster over the break. Please, please, please R&R, it makes me happy, and when I'm happy I write more!
