AN: I don't know who is actually still reading this, but I promise it is not abandoned! So sorry of the wait, I started college so things have been insane with that and I also did NaNo this November so I have been swamped.
Just another note, this story is going how I intended it to go along. At times it feels like I am forcing it instead of allowing the characters to lead, but I have had an ending in mind since before I started writing Paper Moon. Please don't hate me if it is not what you intended to read.
By June, Lily was packing up her things in the staff quarters. David watched, half curious and half confused as she did it the muggle way. She took great care to fold things up and place them in her suitcase. When she started on the rest of her things, the books she head perched on a shelf, she turned to him. "You don't have to stay."
"I said that I would help you move, and I am." He crossed his arms over his chest as he leaned against the wall. "Why do you do it like this? You have magic."
Lily gave him a smile. "That doesn't mean I should always rely on it. I use it, but there's no harm to doing things the muggle way." She shrugged. "Mum uses magic for everything, she leaned it from her mum. Dad was raised muggle, he still does things that way because it's what he knew. Besides, it's good to understand their world, because we live in it too."
She finished the task, closing the boxes of books and trinkets with a sweep of her wand. A smile crossed David's face as he pushed off from the wall. "You sure about this? Moving into the cottage too?"
"After that transfiguration so we could each have our own room? Of course I want to live there. Besides the person in my flat wanted to extend the stay anyway." She shrugged. "I was actually thinking of going home for a short visit. I miss London, I know it's only been a few months, but…"
"I understand. If you didn't know my parents prefer me to see them once a week, but I usually make the trip every two weeks."
"Are you going for some freelance work?" Lily asked, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear.
"Yeah, I got an offer."
"Do you want to come with me?" Lily questioned. Her eyes looked at him, all wide and hopeful. She crossed the room, coming close to him, her hand grazing his arm. "It wouldn't be an inconvenience."
"I don't think it would be a good idea," he answered slowly. "I mean…" He stepped away from her. "Showing up at a complete strangers house with their daughter in tow, that's—"
"You're not a stranger, our parents are old friends." She shrugged. "I'm just…" She took a deep breath and ran a hand through her hair. "I don't think I'm really ready to go home just yet and I'd like to have someone there."
"It's your family Lily."
"I know, but…Things haven't been the same in a while and they…Well, I know they think that I just run whenever things get tough and I do, I'm not saying that I don't, but this time…I think I was meant to come to Durmstrang." She looked at him, her eyes were wide and glistening. David held out a hand but she took a step back from him, waving away any attempts. "When I first came here I thought it was a mistake, I hated it so much. It was this cold, unfamiliar place, but it feels so right now. It's hard to explain. I loved St. Mungo's and the people, but I couldn't picture staying there forever."
"Funny how things work out."
"Yeah, we really should get moving."
Lily wondered as David helped her if she was only making the same mistake again. Perhaps she never was meant to stay in London, perhaps she was meant to go elsewhere, but one thing she wanted to be careful of was David. How many times had she tried to make a person into a home before? In hindsight what she had with Scorpius was dangerous, part of her still missed him, but she didn't need him anymore. She never did. Jordi was a disaster waiting to happen and the two would probably never be in the same country for longer than a few days…Michael was the only one who she regretted. Right now she was going to push him from her mind and focus on the present.
Albus was at Scorpius' house watching as he dug though his closet to get dressed. "Come on…"
"My answer is still no," Scorpius said, turning to face him. "Besides, we can't…" The statement hung in the air as he took a step forward to set a hand on his shoulder. Their relationship had been functioning in secret for a better part of a month. Only when they were alone or in a strange place would they feel safe enough to be open with one another.
"Would you be angry if I put in a transfer?" Albus questioned.
"No, neither of us is going to compromise so we can be together. The last thing I want is resentment—"
"What if it's something I want? There's a job opening in the investigative unit. You're better at field work than I am, so you should be the one to stay."
Scorpius bit back a comment. He would be happy for Al, but at the same time despised the fact that he would be getting another partner. The only person he wanted was Roxie. He tried hard not to think about her, hell he still couldn't say his name without his throat catching. All he wanted was his friend back, but Al made it at least bearable. "You would be good at that."
A small smile crossed Al's lips as the shorter man stepped forward, one hand going to his arm as he leaned in to kiss him. It was short and sweet and felt right. Albus grinned when they pulled apart. "My sister's going to be home and my parents want me there."
"Lily's finally coming home?" Scorpius asked.
"Not permanently," Al replied softly. "She leased out her flat for longer, renewed her contract, and found a place to stay on the school grounds for the summer. I think she may be serious."
"You know she'll run again."
"Score…"
"No, Lily's famous for it. You get to close to her and she bolts. How long is Durmstrang honestly going to last?"
"Just come with me, please."
"I guess, but are you going to spend tonight here?"
Albus didn't respond just gave him a lazy grin and slung an arm around his shoulder, squeezing him.
A few hours later Scorpius and Albus had arrived separately, one by floo and one by appartation, at the Potter house. Al was first and Scorpius was second, he was well-received by Ginny who greeted him like one of her own children. Harry smiled at him, talked to him a bit, they did see each other frequently at work.
"Lily will be here in a bit, so will James, he's bringing home a girl."
"What?" Al's eyes widened. "James has never brought anyone home."
"Don't jinx it," Ginny said. "Lily mentioned something about a friend coming with her, did she tell you?" She looked at all three of the men in the room, a frown on her face. "The first time she'll be home in months and she wants to bring someone over, I just…" The thought was cut off by a small cracking sound. "Must be James, Lily said she was using a portkey to Diagon Alley and then flooing from there."
"Mum?" James called out and entered through the front door. Swagger was still in his walk, but it was a bit different. Gone was his clothes precariously arranged to be purposely askew. Instead he wore dark jeans with a v-neck t-shirt that clung to his chest. He kept a tight grip on the girl's hand who was behind him. She was a slight thing with dark blonde hair in braid slung over her shoulder and eyes obscured by wide framed glasses. She wore a simple dress that hung loose on her tiny frame. "Al, Score, it's nice to see you. This is Beatrice."
"You can call me Bea," she answered. "James has told me so much about you all."
"Nice to meet you," Harry stepped forward, holding a hand out. Beatrice stepped away from James and shook it. "I wish I could tell you that I've heard a lot about you, but James has seemed to have kept quiet."
"I know," she said softly, tilting her head and looking around. "He didn't want me to bring this up, but it's only fair. James has told me about…I'm not a witch."
Harry rubbed a hand across his face and looked at his son. The damn kid looked sheepish, just like Teddy did when he got caught with Victoire. This, though, was different. "I still wish we heard about you. I could care less if you have magic or not, Merlin knows James needs someone with a good head on their shoulders."
"Hey!" James said, but Beatrice quieted him with one hand on his shoulder. "I didn't mean to spring this on you, but Bea and I…I wanted you to meet her."
"I thought he was a football player originally and got furious at him for lying to me." She curled against his side again and soon everyone went into the kitchen. An early dinner would be soon, but right now they were snacking on cheese with crackers along with various drinks that amused Beatrice. She'd never tried butter beer before and laughed when it made her feel all warm on the inside.
Soon enough they were gathered around in the living room while Harry continued to make dinner. It was staying warm while they waited. It seemed to be ages before the fireplace rumbled and Lily stepped out. She looked the same, ripped black jeans and sleeveless shirt with messy hair. The man behind her towered over her, looking intimidating even in a button down with worn jeans. "Mum!" Lily said as Ginny came over to give her a hug. "The whole family is here…" Her eyes rested on Scorpius, but she didn't say anything just shifted her focus to the girl sitting beside James. "Hi, I'm Lily I don't think we've met before."
"Beatrice." She got up and held out a hand. "You're his sister I'm assuming."
"Yes." She shook the hand and when she released it, she grabbed for David. "This is my friend, David, he teaches at Durmstrang with me."
"Oh, it's lovely to meet you…" Ginny looked at him, tilted her head and then leaned back to meet Harry's eyes who was currently in the kitchen. He came out and took in the scenario.
"Good to meet you as well," he answered. "I'm sorry you look familiar, what was your name again?"
"David Krum, I believe you know my parents."
"Yeah, I didn't know you were teaching."
"Flying," he answered. "I'm actually in town for a few days, I do some freelance work for sports in magazines and newspaper columns. Lily said it would be fine to stay with you…I hope it's not an inconvenience."
"Of course not, the rest of my kids live in town." He looked at his daughter pointedly.
Lily laughed and closed the distance between her and her father giving him a hug. "I missed you too." She hugged him tightly and didn't want to let go, but did anyway. As she pulled away she ran a hand through her hair.
"Dinner's about ready, I'll check on it, catch up and come in a few."
Lily turned and saw her brother sitting on the loveseat, carefully situated next to Scorpius. "David, this is my brother and his friend."
"Nice to meet you." David's smile was tight as his eyes rested on Scorpius. "What was your name again?"
"Scorpius Malfoy," he repeated slowly. "I work with Al, we're aurors."
"Lily told me a bit about that."
The red-head reached for his arm, gripping it tightly as she looked at him with panic in her wide eyes.
"I haven't heard about you, but Lily doesn't talk to me much these days," Scorpius said.
Albus reached for Scorpius the same way Lily reached for David. His eyes looked a bit panicked as well. James, though, watched with a mixture of confusion and curiosity.
"Why don't we eat?" Harry interrupted.
Dinner itself was an awkward affair. Scorpius picked as his food while Albus looked at him with concern. Lily prodded her meal eyes shifting to David every once and a while. Poor Beatrice had no idea what she had gotten herself into as she sat at the table with the Potter family. Finally, once things had settled down some, Lily turned her attention to her.
"Where'd you go to school?" Lily questioned. "You look like your about our age, but I don't remember you from Hogwarts."
"I didn't go," she answered softly.
"Oh, well where did—" Her eyes looked around the table and she gripped her fork tightly. "Seriously, James? After you lectured me for dating Michael you go and do the same exact thing?"
"It's different." He reached to grab her hand and lace their fingers together. "I love Bea."
She dropped her fork and looked at her brother. He'd said those words to family, but she's never heard them uttered to someone else before. No veritisum was needed to see if he was telling the truth. "I see." She bit her lip and looked down at her plate before looking up again. Al was looking straight at Scorpius, head tilted slightly. The two of them were silently communicating. Something was going on.
James and Bea ended up leaving rather early, but Scorpius and Al stayed for quite some time. Score begged off early even though Al was planning on staying for a bit longer. Lily had been upstairs with David, showing him her room when she found a book Albus had asked about earlier that evening. Heading downstairs, Ginny told her to go out to the garden. When she did she caught sight of two figures, of Scorpius and Albus… Scorpius bent ever so slightly to place a kiss on her brother's lips and she was frozen in the spot.
When she first learned that Scorpius was interested in men, she never thought it would come to this. Deep down inside, she had hoped that at some point they would reconcile. It was a stupid thought, the two of them were going in opposite directions and it seemed like their paths would never intersect again. Now, she knew just how right she was.
They both turned toward her, mouths forming her name at the exact same time. Against her better judgement, she stepped forward. "I should be mad, but…" She pursed her lips together, eyes going towards the man she loved, and then flickering in the direction of her brother. She tilted her head and Scorpius reached out to grab her arm. At that moment in time memories flickered through her mind, of Scorpius and Albus together…Then they morphed into the something else…She saw the two of them together a little girl clinging to Albus' side…"We were never meant to have a future." Her voice sounded hollow, eyes wide with a haunted look inside of them.
"Lily we haven't told anyone," Albus tells her. "We can't, not yet unless we want to be shuffled around without any say in the manner. The Ministry is strict about inter departmental dating for Aurors."
"I'm not going to say anything. I promise." She looked at them one last time before turning around and not looking back. Heading upstairs she was going to go to where David was, but she stopped herself. It was high time that she started to become independent. She didn't need anyone. Just like it was time for Scorpius and Albus to admit that they were ready for commitment, it was time for her to admit that she was ready to be on her own.
Lily was busy gathering her things off of the kitchen table and throwing them in a satchel when she heard a crack of apparition. She looked up through a veil of hair and sighed. She had been living with David most of the summer and tried her best for the pair of them to be amiable roommates. Time and time again she told herself that was all she wanted. "Hey," she replied when he walked through the door, and tossed her bag over her shoulder. "I won't be back until late, but I made some pasta last night, left overs are in the fridge if you want them."
"Lily, wait…" he said. "Where are you going?"
"Does it matter?" she quipped, but when she saw his reaction she softened her face. "I'm getting some things set up in my classroom. School starts in two weeks."
"I live with you and I haven't seen you for more than a few minutes at a time in months."
"We're both busy." She shrugged. "Besides, it's really your house I'm just staying here while the staff quarters are closed inside the castle."
David rubbed the back of his neck and looked her over. "I'd like it if you'd stay. This place is too big for me by myself."
"This place is a roomy shoebox," Lily replied with a snort. "David you are a fantastic person and I like living with you, but I can't do anything more than that. Right now I need to sort myself out before I add someone else into the mix, do you understand?"
David nodded. "Lily I do not want you to feel uncomfortable, but I truly do like having you here. Even if we just stay friends it is nice sharing the space with someone." He gave her a smile. "Thanks for the meal. Will I see you tonight?"
"Most likely, I won't be at the castle late." As she left, she had to admit it was nice to have someone who cared about her. Perhaps in time she could make herself care about him without getting too attached.
Scorpius' heart was racing as he scanned the perimeter, wand in hand. Him and Albus were on duty, it was one of the last days before Albus' transfer kicked in. They were supposed to go on an ordinary patrol, reports of magic being used in a predominantly muggle area. Usually that meant some punk wizard teens were hanging around and showing off. Unfortunately that was not the case.
"You alright, Score?" Albus questioned coming up beside him.
"Fine," he said, his grey eyes going to meet the green of Al. He gave him a smile, the bright color bringing him comfort. "I already summoned back up. We just need to secure the area and make sure—"
A stream of light headed in their direction, hitting the wall of the building behind them. "Aurors, we order you to stop," Scorpius said in a firm voice, taking a step forward to stand in front of Blaine. The next few seconds passed quickly, a wizard in a dark robe with a hood appeared, drawing a wand. What happens next was not clear, but a spell is shouted, Al moves, twisting his body, a stream of light follows and the next thing Scorpius sees is his partner hitting the ground. "Al!" He dropped to his knees were Albus is sprawled out on the pavement.
"I'm fine go after him…" His voice is strained.
"You're bleeding." He touches his head and his fingers come away sticky with blood. "I am not leaving you."
"Protocol," he urged.
"Backup was already called." Scorpius grabs Albus' hand and laces their fingers together. He wipes his hand on the robe and puts a light hand on his shoulder. "Stay down, we don't know what you hit when you fell or what the curse was."
"I love you," he said with a lazy smile on his face.
"Where did that come from?"
"Just… You being you, Score." He raised his head up a bit and Scorpius leaned down so they met halfway. He did not care they were in public, Al was going to be okay, he told himself as he let them kiss. It was simple, their lips pressed against each other for a good while. Before long Scorpius heard someone clearing their throat.
"The subject has been apprehended." It was Harry, walking forward as he pushed his glasses up his nose. "We will talk about this later. Son, do you feel stable enough to be transported to St. Mungo's for a checkup?"
"Yeah, Scorpius was being cautious."
"I can see that." Harry gave the two boys a narrow look. "We need to discuss this. You did good work calling back-up when you did." Harry kicked at the ground and watched the two men. "I will take care of everyone else, just make sure Al gets taken care of."
"Of course, sir," Scorpius said, looking down where Albus was practically rolling his eyes and getting ready to object.
"You are enjoying this way too much."
"Shh...Let me help you apparate." He squeezed tighter and with a crack they were gone. The two ended up in the urgent care at St. Mungo's within moments Healers descended upon, Scorpius pulled away from Albus and told to head to the waiting room. He did just that, but was not alone for long as soon enough Harry showed up.
"How's Al doing?"
"It hasn't been long enough, I think they have worse cases before him." Scorpius felt his palms get sweaty as he rubbed them off on his robe. "I apologize for the inappropriate behavior between Al and I."
"You're apologizing for getting caught." Harry's tone was neutral, his eyes centered on the floor. "How long has this been going on?"
"Since the start of the summer…It just sort of all fell into place. We tried staying away from each other and keeping things professional, but… Al wanted to transfer out anyway and I wanted to test the waters before anything drastic happened."
"Merlin…" Harry shook his head. "I am not too keen on being the last to know everything. I always find out something about Al in the worst possible way." He looked at Scorpius. "I know this is a personal question, but as a dad…"
"I like both men and woman," he explained. "When I was with Lily I was attracted to her, but… It may seem peculiar since Al is her brother, but the two are completely different and I've known Al since I was 11. The two of us were friends first."
"Well, I will have a hell of a time finding you another partner."
"Sir, I… Al says I am better at being an Auror than him, but I don't know how true that really is. After today, well not just today…I know that I can't do this forever. Aren't there openings in the Magical Law Enforcement, the division where Hermione works."
Harry just reached over to pat him on the shoulder. "I will see what I can do." He gave him a smile. "For now just keep things on the down low."
"I will, sir, don't worry."
"Sir, Merlin, Score you make me feel old." He shook the shoulder a little bit. "I have known you since you were a kid, I think you can call me Harry about now." The man got to his feet. "I am going to go handle things, but see to it Al gets home safe. Ginny and I will drop by his flat later, if he can't leave the hospital for whatever reason come back to the office to let me know. Alright?"
"Of course, s—Harry," Scorpius finished trying to manage a smile. As soon as he left the worry washed over him. Al would be alright, he was coherent when they brought him in and none of the Healers seemed too concerned. He picked up an issue of a wizarding magazines. He hadn't seen one in ages, thankfully. Usually his mother clipped out articles or sent the entire magazine whenever they published an article about him. It was always accompanied by an enraged note. With a sigh he pushed it away, the two bit articles not able to capture his attention. He leaned forward on his knees and clasped his hands together. It was hard to keep his cool, his heart started racing and his palms sweating as scenarios played through his head. The last time he was here, it was for him, but his mind kept on flying back to the day they brought Roxie.
"Mr. Malfoy, are you alright?" One of the Healers stepped forward, he had seen her before on countless occasions. It was not a surprise, aurors were known as frequent flyers in St. Mungo's.
"Perfectly fine," he questioned. "Do you know the condition of Albus Potter?"
"A healer is just finishing up with him, you can come in shortly."
"He's alright?"
"He has a concussion and required a few stitches, but the curse was just one that sent him flying back, there was no more damage than a hard shove." The woman gave him a smile. He had seen her working with Lily before. Lily never came out and talked with patients, she was not very good comforting people whose loved ones were injured.
"Thank Merlin." He tilted his head and rubbed his palms together. "I thought for sure…" Suddenly his voice seemed to choke up, he did not want to cry not over something like this. "I lost my first partner and if something happened to Al…"
"Let's take you back, the healer in there should be just about done." She patted his shoulder as he got to his feet.
Scorpius towered over the rather petite woman, but she seemed much more confident than he did. Soon he found himself in front of an area partitioned off by curtains. A man was finishing up with Al, giving him a vial of some sort of potion. When he looked up he saw Scorpius. "You're the partner?"
"Yes, I got direct orders from my boss to escort him back to his flat."
"I will be fine, Score," Albus objected.
"Always best to ere on the side of caution, Mr. Potter." He turned to Scorpius. "See to it he doesn't fall asleep, if the pain gets bad he can take one sip of the potion as needed, but no more than five in a day, alright?"
"Of course." As Scorpius helped Albus up and pretended to play the role of a concerned co-worker fussing over a man that was clearly capable. They did it well until they got through the door of the flat. In split second Scorpius' face changed.
"Score?" Al asked. "Are you actually going to tell me what is wrong?"
He embraced him, hugging him as tight as he dared. "Merlin, Al…I…I was just terrified that you would be gone too." He looked him straight in the eye.
"Score… Scorpius…" Albus pushed away. "You really were scared."
"If I lost you…"
It was in that moment something clicked between the two of them. All the secrets, hidden affections, lying…it was all worth it. Soon enough, though, they would have to bring it fully to the surface, because it seemed like this was not going anywhere.