Music I listened to while writing : Estella's Theme - Patrick Doyle (From Great Expectations - The Score)
Then he took a deep breath and pushed the door open.
He entered the bathroom silently and stood still near the entrance. Scorpius was there, in front of the long row of ornate sinks, a frail white figure made taller by gray heeled boots. His almost white blond hair fell nearly to the middle of his back. He was slightly bent forward, leaning toward the large mirror that covered the entire wall, busy applying black mascara to his long lashes with quick and precise movements, unaware of the young man watching him.
Albus observed him, searching for something to say, wondering if this was the right moment to talk. Scorpius put the mascara wand back into the black tube and looked at his face in the mirror, tilting his head gently from side to side, inspecting his eyes. He looked up and his pupils met the green eyes observing him in the reflection.
"Oh!" He jumped and turned abruptly to Albus. "You scared me!" he exclaimed, startled but not angry in the least.
"Sorry," said Albus. He was scared too. "I came in, and you didn't hear me, and then, I... I've never seen a boy putting on makeup, so I watched you a bit."
Scorpius let out a short, wary laugh.
"But it looks very good on you," added Albus, not knowing how to make the other boy feel at ease.
"Do you want to try?" Scorpius asked, offering him the mascara tube, a hint of challenge in his voice.
"Uh, no! That wouldn't be a good idea," replied Albus. "I already stand out enough as it is."
Scorpius raised an eyebrow, and Albus bit his lip, regretting his words.
"I mean…!"
"Don't bother, I get it," replied Scorpius. He put the tube back in his pocket and turned back to the mirror, turned on the hot water, and ran his hands under it. "I don't wear makeup to provoke. My presence already annoys enough people. I do it because I like it. It gives the impression of being… someone else. You came here for something, didn't you? Don't mind me."
I came to talk to you… Albus wanted to say. But he kept the reason for his presence to himself.
"I wanted to wash my hands."
He moved closer to the sink and let the warm water run over his hands. Out of the corner of his eye, he watched Scorpius in the mirror, then looked down at his fingers and noticed the ring he wore on his index finger.
"That's a beautiful ring, is it silver?" Albus asked, eager to break the heavy silence.
"Yes."
"Is it a gift?" Albus asked.
"In a way."
Scorpius gave one last look in the mirror and turned away, ready to return to the main hall. Albus quickly turned off the faucet, grabbed one of the white towels, dried his fingers, and suddenly extended his hand in front of Scorpius as he was about to leave.
"I'm Albus Potter."
Scorpius stood frozen, straight as a post, then began to laugh softly, looking at him indulgently.
"We know each other, you know?"
"No. We've seen each other a few times, but we've never been introduced. You don't know me," said Albus, his hand still extended, insistent.
Malfoy hesitated, sizing up the young man, then took his hand in his own and shook it.
"Scorpius Malfoy."
Albus smiled, satisfied.
"This year, you're coming to Hogwarts? In the fourth year, right?" he asked, releasing the young boy's hand. Scorpius stepped back to lean against the wall. His steps were somewhat unsteady, his boots clicking on the floor. The alcohol was slowly making its way through his system.
"Yes, and Dorian will be in fifth year."
"It's quite rare for the headmistress to allow students to come to Hogwarts mid-year."
"Our case is quite rare, Potter," replied Scorpius, annoyed.
"Call me Albus, please."
Scorpius looked at him coldly but said nothing. "Do you know which house at Hogwarts you want to be in?"
"I don't have a preference," he replied curtly.
He seemed keen to avoid this subject, all subjects.
"I'm in Slytherin, you know?" added Albus.
Scorpius looked at Albus.
"So I've heard… Your family must have appreciated that," he said with a smirk, visibly amused.
"Not really, no…"
Why is he doing this… Albus wondered, irritated.
"You don't know anyone at Hogwarts, right? We'll be in the same year. I can help you, guide you. If you want, of course."
"Potter is going to protect me? What luck…" replied the boy, crossing his arms.
"That's not what I mean!" retorted Albus, exasperated. "It's complicated to talk to you. I'm not trying to manipulate you. Stop being so defensive!"
Scorpius's face suddenly softened and became sad. Hesitant, he seemed troubled by Albus's reaction.
"I'm sorry, I'm not used to…"
He fell silent, as if the words were forbidden.
Albus calmed down in response to the young blond's reaction and waited for him to speak.
Scorpius's face recomposed itself, and he smiled.
"You know what? Never mind. I have to go. Nott must be waiting for me, and waiting isn't his favorite pastime."
"We'll see each other on Monday, at King's Cross station."
"Yeah, sure," he said as he headed for the door to rejoin the main hall.
He turned back to Potter, seemed to hesitate, then said, "Don't hold it against Dorian, for earlier. Sometimes he has trouble controlling himself. Not everyone bears the same burden from the 'War.' Some have more to carry than others."
He turned towards the door and placed his hand on the handle.
"Scorpius," called Albus from behind him.
Malfoy didn't respond but waited.
"I'm not your enemy."
Scorpius opened the door and left without a word.
Albus watched the swinging door slowly close. He didn't know what to think.
He was disappointed. Yes, he was disappointed. And he didn't really know why.
He had hoped for more from Scorpius. More understanding and attention. But Scorpius had been secretive, cold, and… cynical. He was defensive, as if he feared Albus would try to harm him.
But he was also reassured because he had spoken to him. He had heard him laugh. He had shaken his hand. He had agreed to get to know him.
They would talk again. He was sure of it. When they were at Hogwarts, they would have time.
Albus snapped out of his reverie, lifted himself off the edge of the sink where he had been leaning, and returned to the main hall. Approaching the table where his family sat, Albus glanced over at Malfoy and Nott's table. Scorpius was looking at him, and upon meeting his gaze, he quickly looked away. Albus smiled. For him, it was a good sign.
He sat back in his seat between Rose and James's empty chair.
"Lily told me to choose the chocolate fondant," Rose said to him.
"That's perfect, thanks," said Albus, smiling at his little sister.
"What happened to you?" Rose asked, "You left so suddenly and now you're back all cheerful."
He was about to answer when Ron exclaimed, "The Ministry should be able to search Malfoy Manor at will! They lost the right to any private property or family secrets when they invited Voldemort to live with them."
"They were rather forced to offer hospitality," said Harry grimly.
"We couldn't conduct the desired searches before they left for the Muggle world. After they left, no one could enter the Manor. The protection spells were too powerful. But now we can obtain the commission we wanted to search the cellars."
"Ron, the war ended over twenty years ago. The Malfoys returned because the Ministry assured them the situation was safe for them."
"Safe for them? What about the wizarding world? Has it been safe since they returned?"
"The Malfoys stay out of wizarding politics and finance. No one can reproach them for anything," said Hermione, concerned about calming her husband.
"For now."
"Oh no, Dad, not you…"
"Sorry, Ginny," said Arthur, "but I spent a good part of my life wanting Lucius Malfoy to be recognized for his crimes. I accepted that my son-in-law's testimony allowed him to avoid prison, but I still have a bitter taste. And I'm not the only one."
Harry leaned back slowly in his chair.
"I didn't ask for clemency," he said firmly. "I simply told the truth. The Ministry judges decided that Lucius, Narcissa, and Draco wouldn't go to Azkaban. That disgusts more than a few; but it's the decision of justice."
"They might have been wrong," said Teddy. "The Malfoys have enemies among Voldemort's opponents but also among his former allies. Some see them as traitors, others, whose fathers are in Azkaban, are sickened by a justice that let Lucius and Draco go free. And I fear that Scorpius will soon have to pay for that."
"He's already paid. I don't think there are any Death Eater children who are safe," said Harry, turning toward the table where Dorian and Scorpius sat.
The two boys were finishing their dessert, chatting.
Harry turned to Ron:
"Do you know how Nott got that scar on his eye?"
Ron shook his head.
"He was attacked by young wizards, eager to avenge parents and grandparents who sometimes hadn't even participated in the war. Hurting Death Eater kids feels like justice, like doing the right thing. The common thread in these attacks is the use of Muggle weapons. They use baseball bats, knives, daggers, box cutters, guns, or just beat them to death with their fists and feet. To add to the shame of being hit, these children, usually 'pure-bloods', are beaten like Muggles."
Harry glanced at the table in the distance.
"Dorian's injury came from an attack with a broken bottle. He wasn't even nine. He was disfigured. Draco gave him first aid, which saved his eye. At St. Mungo's, they managed to reconstruct his face. He's left with that scar as a reminder."
Ron had no response. No one did.
Albus thought about what his father had said. He remembered James's threats.
Would Scorpius and Dorian be in danger at Hogwarts?
"At Hogwarts, there are a few who don't appreciate them coming. You wouldn't want to be on the wrong side if things get ugly," James had said.
A shiver ran down Albus's spine. He wasn't sure what he should do or if he should do anything at all. Should he talk to his father? Even though he had no concrete idea of any danger.
But if he did nothing…
Scorpius and Dorian had gotten up and were heading towards the restaurant door. The servers wished them a good evening as they handed them their coats. Eyes followed them, and murmurs began to spread softly. Albus became aware of the looks the restaurant patrons were giving them. Looks of disdain and fear. They despised and feared them at the same time. But none of the looks were kind. It made Albus sad.
He turned to watch the two boys leaving the room. Dorian had his arm around Scorpius's shoulders, leading him towards the exit.
Before passing through the hall door, Scorpius turned to Albus, his gray eyes meeting Albus's green ones. The boy smiled, a sad smile, and Albus returned it. They walked away.
"I hope they'll allow themselves some escapades tonight that'll put them on the front pages of tomorrow's paper," sighed Ginny.
"How can you say that, Ginny?" exclaimed Hermione.
"When Malfoy and Nott's antics are on the front pages, James's escapades are less noticeable," explained the redhead simply, taking another sip of coffee. "It's not complicated; with their looks, those two have quite the conquests."
"James too," added Albus.
"I don't think James collects women and especially young men like Dorian and Scorpius. For them, it's almost like a sport. I wonder what Lucius and Draco think of Scorpius's behavior."
Albus smiled. His mother didn't know half of the trouble James could get into, and it was better that she didn't.
Harry pensively watched his son. The smile exchanged between his son and Draco Malfoy's son had not escaped his notice...
End of Chapter 2
Feel free to follow me on social media, but ABOVE ALL, don't forget to vote for the chapters of this story, it helps me immensely as an author. Also, leave comments on the chapters, during or after reading—it's always a great joy to read your reactions.
You can also follow me on Instagram: tiffanybrd0
💫 Support me on ! 💫
BECOME A FREE MEMBER FOR FREE !
If you like my story and want to help me continue writing, please visit my page. Your support will allow me to dedicate more time to writing, improve the quality of my stories, and also work on new projects. By joining my community on , you'll gain access to exclusive content, early chapter releases, voting rights (for story continuations or plot developments), and much more!
Thank you for your support. 🌟
🔗 My : p.a.t.r.e.o.n.c.o.m./TiffanyBrd