A/N:Sorry it is a short chapter.
Chapter Three
Scorpius settled in well and his first week of lessons were manageable. Durmstrang had near enough the same curriculum as Hogwarts, just slight differences. He was pleased that his dad insisted he learn additional things from either him or a tutor. If he didn't have his dads tutoring he wouldn't have managed to fit smoothly into the Hogwarts NEWT lessons.
A few students were disgruntled that he seemed to do better than them, and he hadn't even been learning it with them. Rose relished the competition. Claiming it was about time someone was intelligent enough to challenge her for the top spot.
The teachers treated him no different than any other student, in fact some acted as if he'd been at the school since first year. Giving him no special treatment.
He had met a few other Weasleys and he even met Lilly. She informed him that she temporarily accepted him, but if he did anything that would have a negative effect on Al then she would hex him. Al had said his mum had taught her and had passed on her ability to cast a brilliant bat bogey hex, and he warned Scorpius to never upset Lilly.
Bryony and Jasmine became his good friends, he had a weakness for gossip – so he found them useful. However Al and Rose were the main people he hung out with. Al hadn't dumped Paige yet and Scorpius suspected he was just dragging it out, as he wasn't sure how to dump someone. Al didn't want to upset anyone and would often forgo his own happiness to keep others happy.
Something he would have to help change. Scorpius thought.
Scorpius was doing homework with Al and Rose in the joint common room. Once again chilling on the huge comfy sofas.
"NEWTs are going to be the death of me" Al whined.
Scorpius and Rose shared a look and smiled. Al stressed on a daily basis, mainly in his ability to pass his exams.
"I dreamt the other day that I was taking my Charms NEWT and I looked down and I forgot to put on any trousers or underwear. I was butt naked in front of Flitwick. That's not good for my nerves." Al sighed heavily.
Rose snickered and Scorpius took pity on Al. "Al when the NEWT's finally come around I will ensure you wear underwear and trousers. I will also make sure you don't die from stress. Promise."
Al smiled, "Cheers."
Rose suddenly laughed. When Scorpius and Al turned to her she explained, "If you were naked Al and stood by Flitwick, then your um meat and two veg would be directly level with his face."
Scorpius chuckled but abruptly stopped as Al looked mortified.
"Rose, that's going to be in my next dream now." He complained.
Rose laughed even harder, "So you are saying that tonight you are going to dream of being naked and shoving your junk in Flitwick's face. Al I didn't know you had a thing for him."
Scorpius did laugh then, he couldn't control it. Rose was funny.
Al glared at them, "That is not funny guys. Immature goons." He huffed.
After Scorpius managed to gain control of his laughter he noticed that Paige was glaring at him from the other side of the common room. Al had told her that he needed to study and that she should give him space.
Scorpius winked at her and returned his attention to Al. Knowing that Paige was picturing strangling him.
Scorpius was struggling to complete his ancient ruins homework, "I'm just going to go check a book out the library. I'll be right back." He said to Rose and Al.
They nodded but let him go.
On the way back from the library he encountered Paige. He kind of expected it, she obviously felt threatened and wanted to warn him off Al.
She stepped in front of him, "Malfoy" she tried to use his name in a threating manner and as an insult.
He smiled politely at her, he wasn't threatened or insulted, Malfoy was his name after all.
"I think I've got you figured out. You think you can slime your way into Al's life, act all friendly and pleased to be his friend. You must be up to something, I know it." She seemed pleased with what she thought she deduced.
He sneered at her, "It's no act. I am friendly to Al because I like him and I am pleased to be his friend. I think you need to question why you feel threatened by me, and I think you know why deep down."
She glowered at him, "I hate you. I don't trust you, and I am watching you."
Scorpius' face remained blank, "Hate is a strong word. Don't you think? Because it's on the far end of the spectrum, it's committed, and it leaves no room for doubt as to what you think. You can't possibly hate me after a week of knowing me." He condescendingly said.
She frowned at his coolness, his inability to be ruffled by her. He was too calm and collected and it annoyed her. "I do hate you. Just go away."
Scorpius thought she sounded like a spoilt child, who was angry as the conversation hadn't gone her way.
"I am going to leave, but not because you told me to. Because I must be getting back to your boyfriend. No need to join me, Al clearly pointed out you weren't welcome." He smirked at her and left her standing gobsmacked in the corridor.
He returned to the common room and revised from the book he collected.
"You took your time" Rose observed.
"Rose you do need to get out of this awful habit of yours, to state the obvious." He teased.
"Okay what I was trying to do was make a statement and hope that you would enlighten my as to why you took a long time." She reasoned
"Then next time just ask, why did I take so long? Hmm more effective." He spoke as if he was her parent.
She jabbed her quill into his ribs, "Git. Okay, why did it take you so long to get a book?"
He smiled, lowered his voice, "Because Paige decided to remind me that she was Al's girlfriend and that she doesn't like me."
Rose snorted.
"Rose snorting isn't very lady like." He often sounded snobbish and serious, but most the time he was joking. He was unsure if Rose knew that. Even if she thought he was being serious, she never took offense.
"You sound like my mum – not good Malfoy, not good at all. Do you think Paige knows your gay?" she whispered.
Rose did wonder what Al thought of her and Scorpius. As they were 'close', they were always whispering to each other. But Rose knew Scorpius was gay, so it wasn't like that. But Al didn't know that. To the rest of Hogwarts it seemed that Scorpius and Rose were developing a relationship.
"No Paige is just worried that as Al's friend I will commandeer all of his time, and maybe convince him to dump her. But it wouldn't surprise me if she figures it out eventually." He replied as he pushed her bushy hair away from her ear so he could whisper to her.
Al was watching Rose and Scorpius. They seemed rather touchy feely and very close. Scorpius had gently brushed her hair aside and whispered into her ear, like a lover would. Al wasn't sure what to make of that – he didn't want them to get together and ignore him. But he wanted his friends to be happy. He felt a bit strange watching them, but he couldn't name the feeling so he ignored it.
Rose caught the look on Al's face and decided to put an end to her and Scorpius whispering session. She pushed Scorpius away and said, "Blimey Malfoy next time you want to whisper to me and be that close, brush your teeth."
He laughed, "That would be your own rancid breath you can smell. All Weasleys smell like it." He teased.
She stared at him for a few moments and then laughed.
"Fucking arse" she replied and then continued to do her homework.
On the way to the Slytherin common room Al not so subtly asked, "So you and Rose seem close. Do you fancy her?"
Scorpius scrunched up his nose "Fancy a Weasley! Never. She's just a great friend that's all. She knows why my father and I have fallen out and is helping me through that. But no you don't have to worry about defending your cousins' virtue or anything. She's not my type."
Al smiled, "Oh that's good."
Scorpius looked at him and arched an eyebrow.
Al added, "Because I wouldn't want to go all ninja on you if you hurt Rose or something." He blushed and ducked his head.
Scorpius smiled but didn't comment. Until they were back in their dorm.
"What's a ninja?" a slight frown on his face.
Al smiled, "Oh well James and I would watch lots of Ninja muggle films. They are like spies and fighters. Um they are very skilled at fighting." He shrugged.
"Oh right so when you said 'you'd go all ninja on me', you meant you would beat me up?" Scorpius watched Al as he started removing his school tie and jumper.
Al looked away slightly, as if he didn't want to watch Scorpius undress. "Yeah that's what I meant"
Scorpius smiled, he definitely saw a blush creep on Al's face. He hadn't even removed his shirt or trousers. He was still fully covered in clothes, but the act of removing his tie and jumper obviously had some effect on Al.
"I think Rose fancies Scott Wood. I can't compete with him – he's like the most fancied bloke in school. I wouldn't want to compete anyway as I do not fancy Rose at all." He had started undoing his shirt as he spoke. His confession that Rose fancied Wood had made Al turn to face him again.
Al determinedly looked at Scorpius face and not at the exposed skin and chest.
"Scott Wood. She never told me. He's in the year above, when does she see him?" Al didn't like that Scorpius knew and he didn't. But then when it came to noticing who fancied who, he was oblivious.
"Well she hasn't told many people. As he is so popular she thinks he wouldn't look at her twice. But I think she helped him a few times when he was studying in the library." Scorpius explained.
Al climbed off the bed, his back to Scorpius as he started undressing. Scorpius removed his trousers and climbed into his pyjama bottoms and a t-shirt. Al was safe to look again. He could look all he wants I don't mind.
"Well Wood is attractive enough I guess, if you like that sort of thing. I mean he's a bit doe eyed with his big brown eyes. Doesn't fool me." Al said as he finished changing for bed and turning to face Scorpius.
Al thought Wood was attractive enough – maybe he liked men and hasn't figured it out yet.
"Yes he certainty knows how to act all innocent and flutter his eyelashes at girls, looking all innocent and doe eyed as you put it. He seems to like Rose. I think he likes it that she doesn't show how taken by him she is. I don't know I've only been here for a bit, I just like people watching."
He climbed in bed and decided to respond to his dad's letter before going to bed.
Dad,
Thank you for sending my shoes. Please do not worry about Goyle, he hasn't laid a finger on me and he leaves me alone most of the time. Just the odd insult, but I can handle that.
The lessons are great. I am grateful that you forced me to have extra tutoring though. It has helped my transfer to the Hogwarts NEWTs curriculum go that much smoother.
Rose Weasley is brilliant, she's one of my closest friends here. She is in most of my lessons and to be honest is probably just as smart, if not smarter than me. But I do like a challenge!
I note that you detected that I did not mention the name of my guide. I did that intentionally as I thought you might make some negative comment. However now you have gotten over the shock that I am friends with a Weasley I will tell you. My guide and my other close friend at school is Albus Potter. He's a Slytherin too, a seeker, and he has made me feel very welcome.
I have also made other friends, Parkinson's off spring as you put it. She's nice not like her mother, or the way you portray her mother anyway. She is a gossip but that can be useful at times.
Unfortunately being amongst so many lovely ladies has not changed my outlook of my future. I will not change my mind just because I am around witches. You need to learn to deal with it dad. Mother seems okay with it and Grandmother. Just you and Grandfather – I expected it from Grandfather, but you dad, you should know better. Tsk Tsk.
I know what you're thinking – sorry I won't push my luck any more. Please think about everything. I hate to feel that this will cause us to drift apart – but that all depends on your acceptance.
I will write again soon.
All my love
Scorpius x
He tried to remain positive, telling himself that his dad would come around eventually. It was nice having Rose to talk to, otherwise he would have gone crazy. However when he didn't have any distractions and he was led awake at night, he would think about the argument he had with his dad and feel hopelessness.
He rarely argued with his dad. They were very open and honest with one another and Scorpius respected his dad and his dad's opinion. However his dad was being ridiculous in trying to change his sexuality. He remembered when he first told his dad.
His dad was in his study and Scorpius had decided he was going to tell him that he was gay. He was pacing outside the study door for ten minutes, before his dad sighed and called,
"Scorpius either stop that pacing and go away, or come in and tell me what is clearly bothering you" he wasn't angry at Scorpius he knew that, he just couldn't abide pacing. It got on his nerves.
Scorpius entered the study and smiled at his dad.
"Hey dad. You know that you are always honest with me and I respect that. So I want to be honest with you too." He blurted as he looked at his dad.
His dad arched an eyebrow, "You haven't got expelled or anything?" he questioned.
Scorpius took a seat and shook his head, "No. Of course not. It is a personal matter and I've been keeping it to myself for so long and I hate keeping things from you. I want to tell you and I hope you will understand."
Draco put his quill down and walked around the desk, it was a barrier and he didn't want any barriers between him and his son. He sat in the chair opposite Scorpius.
"Continue I am listening" he softly told his son.
Scorpius took a deep breath, "I'm gay" he went straight to the point.
His dad was frozen, his face blank and emotionless. "Don't be silly Scorpius. How can you possibly know that? It is the environment that you have grown up in, no females around to bring out your true desires."
Scorpius frowned, "No. I'm gay. There is an all-girls school near Durmstrang and the boys often meet up with them and I have no interest in them. Dad it isn't something I can change"
Draco stood and sternly looked down at him, "I'm transferring you to a different school. Being at an all-boys school has obviously had an adverse effect on you. I should have known better. You will soon realise that you didn't know for sure and moving schools will help you."
Scorpius stood too, "Dad. Listen to me. I. Am. Gay! I have kissed another man. I have…"
"Scorpius do not finish that sentence." He warned his voice cold.
He continued, "In an all-boys school deprived of female attention, I am sure it is a normal and natural occurrence that boys seek gratification from other boys. It doesn't mean you are gay. I will not accept this. You will transfer to Hogwarts if we can get you in and you will start socialising with suitable pure blood witches." He icily declared.
Scorpius' hands curled up into fists, he had never shouted or raised his voice to his dad, but the idiot wasn't listening.
"You are being ridiculous. You are just mad because I won't be a good little Malfoy, marry an insipid boring pure blood women and have an heir. To pretend that live is grand. I am not going to forgo my happiness to fulfil a stupid and outdated family tradition." His voice was louder now, and firm.
"Scorpius I suggest you apologise this instant. You do not insult your family, me or our traditions. You will transfer schools, you will start courting witches and you will marry one of them in the future. You will not rebel just because you believe you are gay." His dad looked livid.
"I don't believe anything dad. I KNOW. Look I'll transfer schools, I'll even socialise with witches, but I promise you it will not change who I am one bit. If you cannot deal with this dad, then you will be very disappointed and when you figure out that you have acted incorrectly, I will be long gone and out of your life. Do not push me away by forcing your ideals onto me." Scorpius voice had lowered but still held the firm and cold tone.
"I will not take your confession seriously. I cannot. Just leave now before I say things we will both regret. I will contact Hogwarts and let you know if you are accepted." He sent a look to Scorpius that said that the conversation was over and he was dismissed.
Scorpius glared at him. He was ashamed that his dad had reacted this way. He admired his dad and in his mind he thought his dad was perfect and could do no wrong. Now that illusion was smashed – his dad was being a small minded idiot.
"Oh and Scorpius I will inform your mother. I suggest you do not tell your Grandfather ever." He warned.
Scorpius raised his chin, "I suggest that you mind your own business. I will tell whomever I like – it is my life." And he strode out the study.
He knew he had crossed the line, he never answered back when his dad order him to do something and he never spoke so rudely to him either. But he hated being controlled and bossed around.
Scorpius had waited until the next family meal, his dad had informed him that he was indeed starting Hogwarts in September. It was the usual Saturday dinner, his mother, father, both sets of grandparents and him were all eating a splendid dinner and acting the snobs that everyone thought they were.
"Scorpius your father has informed us that you will be transferring to Hogwarts. How wonderful for you." his Grandmother on his mother's side commented.
Scorpius looked at his dad, caught the warning in his eyes, Scorpius smirked at him, "Yes wonderful. Dad seems to think he can make me straight, as long as I get a regular glimpses of women and all their assets."
His father closed his eyes and appeared to be counting to ten. His mother concealed a smile behind her wine glass and both sets of Grandparents stared at him.
"You mean to tell us that you are gay Scorpius?" Lucius asked.
Scorpius nodded, "Yes. That is exactly what I mean. Father seems to believe it is a phase and in fact I do not know my own mind." He confidently said, knowing he was in for a shit lot of trouble with his dad.
Lucius gave Scorpius an icy glare, "Your father is quite right of course. You are sixteen you do not know what you want. We will show you."
Scorpius stood, "Excuse me. I no longer wish to dine with the present company. You cannot and will not force me to follow what you feel is best for me. It is my life, my mind and I know exactly what and who I am." He strolled out of the dining room.
Draco was secretly pleased that his son was confident enough to stand up to him and Lucius. He had always wanted to assert himself with his father but never did. He bowed to the Malfoy traditions and did as was expected. He felt proud that his son had the guts to go against his own family. But it didn't change the fact that he didn't believe Scorpius was gay, or he couldn't accept it. He still felt that he should marry and produce an heir and he was angry that he disrespected him in his own home in front of Astoria's and his parents.
Scorpius had been grounded for the rest of the summer holidays, he endured many lectures from Lucius and his dad. His mother said she was happy for him, that he proved himself to be a real man by standing up to his father and grandfather. She said she would be happy with whatever way of life he chose, as she knew he would make her proud no matter what.
His grandparents on his mother's side knew to stay out of family matters, especially when Lucius was opposed. The biggest surprise with his Grandmother Narcissi, she had sought Scorpius out and quietly listened to him. His fears, his reasoning and what he wanted.
"Scorpius your father is stubborn, but once he realises that this isn't a passing fancy for you and that being true to yourself will make you happy. I have every confidence that he will eventually accept it. He is still very much torn between his own independent mind and the part of him that has to obey the Malfoy and pureblood traditions. Please be patient with him." She touched his cheek.
"I for one am pleased that you feel confident enough to be your true self. You have gained my respect Scorpius. However I feel Lucius will never change his mind. You will have to tolerate his behaviour from now on. He will continue to try and make you see it his way. Stay strong and stand up for who you are. I suggest that you do this with respect. The way you spoke to your father was uncalled for and you should know better." She scolded.
"Sorry" he said and hugged her. He only really hugged her in private now, he was too old for cuddles with Grandmother, but he wanted to be comforted.
"Scorpius you okay mate?" Al asked concerned.
He turned towards Al's voice, "What. Yes I am fine. Just thinking back over the events of the summer, got lost in my own thoughts. Night Al."
"Night"
Scorpius woke early the next day so he could go to the owlary. He watched as the school owl flew away and become a tiny speck in the sky. Sighing he decided to go to breakfast. He was feeling despondent and low, he hated fighting with his dad. Being around Al had only proven to him that he was definitely gay. He was infatuated by him. In fact this morning when he got up and silently dressed, he had watched Al as he slept.
Lingering around just so he could watch his chest rise and fall in sleep, his mouth parted slightly and his hand tucked under the side of his head. He looked wonderful asleep and Scorpius had to leave before he did something stupid, like kiss him or climb into his bed and snuggle down on his chest.
Al woke and the first thing he noticed was Scorpius' bed was empty. He got up dressed and headed for the great hall. Scorpius was sat eating breakfast with Bryony and Jasmine at the Gryffindor table. Al waved and joined them.
"Hey guys. You got up early." Al said as he made eye contact with Scorpius.
Scorpius nodded, "Yes couldn't sleep. The issue with my dad is playing on my mind. I sent him a letter and decided to join these lovely ladies to get my dose of gossip." He smiled sweetly at the girls.
"Scorpius you are such a charmer – but you know we have no new gossip. We gave you all the new gossip the other day." Bryony said.
Scorpius shook his head disappointed, "Girls do not hold back on me. I know for a fact that Richardson and Abbott have broken up, because he slept with Hollis behind her back." He grinned when they looked gobsmacked.
"How did you find that out?" Bryony squealed.
Jasmine looked stunned "Wow the cheating bastard. Scorpius you sneaky git when did you learn this?"
"So you didn't know. Well that was unexpected. I overheard them arguing in the library. Abbott almost hexed his balls off. Shame really that Richardson could do with having a reminder that he isn't all that." Scorpius lazily explained.
Al rolled his eyes, "Scorpius you are as bad as the girls, gossip mad."
"I just like to know everything so I can exploit it and use it to my advantage. It can be useful when needs be." He shrugged.
Bryony said, "Slytherin"
"Yes I am. See that on my robes – that means I am a Slytherin. Stop being thick Bryony."
She giggled, "I like it when you get all arrogant and insulting. It's rather sexy."
He laughed, "Women. I guess you like a bad boy huh? Think you can change him? Make him a better person? Well men are bastards and think with their dicks – deal with it girls."
They only laughed harder, "We know. But it doesn't stop the fact that you are one sexy man"
Scorpius glared at them, "Will you stop that. Stop calling me sexy."
"Sorry" they both chimed.
Scorpius hated it when people were so full on. He knew he was attractive, he had been told plenty of times. But sexy – no that wasn't him. As Goyle put it – he was a pretty boy and that's it.
Al and Scorpius headed for the library to do some research. They had been studying for half an hour when Al blurted out.
"I'm going to spilt up with Paige tonight. Lilly told me she's been trying to intimidate her and that isn't acceptable. She has to get on with my friends and family but she doesn't." He sighed.
"I'm meeting her after diner and I'm just going to tell her it's over. I don't know how else to do it." He seemed at a loss for what to do.
Scorpius' glum mood disappeared in an instant. Al will be single by tonight.
"It is for the best. She might turn nasty or cry, but whatever she does don't let her change your mind." He reasoned.
Al looked horrified, "She might cry? I hadn't even thought of that. I'm terrible with people who cry." He groaned and put his head in his hands.
Scorpius chuckled, "You'll be fine. Come find me after and we can go flying or something." He knew Al found flying a comfort.
Al lifted his head up and smiled brightly at him, "Yeah okay I will."
After diner Scorpius sought out Rose and they hung out, laughing, joking and insulting each other.
"You know what Rosie I'll never forget the first time we met – although I'll keep trying." He drawled.
She punched him on the arm, "Don't call me Rosie, unless I can call you Scor or Scorp?"
He hated those nicknames but he didn't want Rose to know that, otherwise she'd call him them all the time. If he acted as if it didn't bother him, she would get bored and not call him them. He hoped.
"Sure. Deal Rosie." He coolly accepted.
She gaped at him, she obviously expected him to refuse. Now she was stuck being called Rosie and she hated being called that.
"Argh you are so annoying Malfoy" she seethed.
"I know – call it natural talent" he boasted.
Al strode in and plonked down in a chair. "Done. Still up for flying?" he asked Scorpius.
Scorpius smiled, "Sure" he packed his things away and stood.
"Bye Rosie. I would say it's been a pleasure but father taught me not to tell lies." He grinned and left with Al.
"Bye Scorp. Try not to lose your last brain cell when flying." She called after him.
Scorpius had a great time flying with Al. They complimented each other – compatible in the air. After flying for a few hours they headed back in, knowing they shouldn't be out this late.
Scorpius' hair had a few strands lose, fallen out of the ribbon as he was flying. Al suddenly leaned in and tucked the hair behind Scorpius' ear, smiling at him. It was a tender and intimate thing to do.
Al pulled his hand back sharply and looked away. "Sorry your hair was lose, you were almost eating it." He mumbled.
Scorpius didn't mind at all, but he didn't say that. Al was obviously dealing with new and difficult feelings and emotions. If Scorpius came on too strong he might retreat out of fear of the unknown.
"Thanks" was all he said.
The next day Paige glared at him, stormed over and poked a sharp nail into his chest. "I know you had something to do with Al finishing with me. I will make you pay." She threatened.
She saw Al walk up beside him and glared and stormed off.
"What was that all about?" Al asked.
"Nothing. She is just deranged." He smiled at Al and they headed for breakfast, making the most of the lazy Sunday by going down as late as possible.