Music I listened to while writing : Jealous Guy – The Weeknd (John Lennon)
Albus opened his eyes to the night. Always night. Whether it was 3 AM or 6 AM, it was always night in the dungeons. No light filtered through from under the lake. Around noon, the greenish water would absorb the sun's rays, which pierced through with yellowish reflections, but so early in the morning, the dormitories were plunged into deep darkness. But it wasn't 7:00 yet, because the symphony of alarms hadn't begun—the unbearable sequence of different ringing tones, staggered and interrupted by silence, according to each student's habits and schedule. An irritating but necessary cacophony. No waking up with the sun; alarms were indispensable for Slytherins.
Albus had always found it unsettling never to see the sky. He missed the stars. Why had they built the Snake Common Room in the dungeons? Slytherins were known to be ambitious, and someone who truly wants to feel their ambition always looks up at the stars, right?
He grabbed his wand and murmured a light spell, dimming it so as not to wake anyone, and checked his watch. 6:15 AM. A perfect time to enjoy the shower without the invasion of still-sleepy Slytherins. He sat up, pushing the covers away, and sat on the edge of the bed, his head in his hands, eyes closed.
Too early, still tired, but I have to shower, too many people later, too tired, I want to sleep more.
The usual thoughts of a school day flooded his mind. He knew that once breakfast was over, he'd be ready to take on the world, maybe even face two or three Voldemorts. He chuckled at the thought, ran his hand along the wooden frame of his bed, and knocked three times. A simple act of protection taught to him by his grandmother. Knock on wood three times to ward off bad luck.
Superstition, but if it could keep him from ever living through the Great War, he would gladly rub his hand raw on the wood. He heard three knocks and looked up toward the bed next to his. Scorpius, still lying on his stomach under the covers, his cheek pressed against the pillow, one eye half-open, had also knocked on the wood, a small smile on his lips. Albus smiled back.
Malfoy cleared his throat slightly.
"What are you trying to protect yourself from?" he asked in a hoarse, still-sleepy voice.
"Something stupid."
"Ah." He lifted his head a little and continued, "You're right, you can never be safe from stupidity. Especially other people's."
He pushed himself up with his arms, the blanket sliding down his back, and sat on his heels, hands on the pillow, like a cat ready to stretch. He wasn't fully awake yet; Albus realized as he watched him climb out of bed and stumble on his thin legs, unsteady, hair falling over his face. Potter chuckled.
"An alcoholic would walk straighter than you."
"Shut up. You're not a morning person either," Malfoy retorted, heading toward the showers.
Albus wasn't going to argue. He would have gladly crawled back into the warm covers. And his feet were cold too... He followed his friend, but Scorpius had already disappeared into one of the showers. He stepped into another and turned on the taps, finding the perfect temperature, almost scalding.
This morning, he had woken up dreaming about Saturday's match. His first match as Captain. His first match since receiving his nomination letter. From then on, he had dreamed of victory. Saturday's match would be a friendly one, true, but against his brother. He could win; he knew it. After about ten minutes, as he was rinsing his hair, he let himself drift into his daydreams.
"You are the gold dust, you are the you and us." He took mouthfuls of shower water and noisily gargled before resuming his singing with even more enthusiasm. "You are the sunrise, the love of my life."
"Potter."
Albus quickly turned off the water when he heard Scorpius calling him from the other side of the door.
"Yeah," he said, wiping the water dripping down his face.
"Were you singing a love song in the shower?"
"…no."
"Forgot you weren't alone, huh?"
"…yes."
He heard Scorpius walking away, laughing, and he turned the water back on, but he knew his humiliation wasn't over.
Wrapping a large towel around his waist, he came out to join Scorpius by the sinks, bracing himself for a few teasing remarks. He found the boy standing on tiptoe toward the mirror, carefully applying black eyeliner under his left eye.
"You're putting on makeup. That's a first. At least here."
His tone was slightly disapproving.
"I'm pale. I don't want to give the professors any more reason to side with Madam Pomfrey. She'd be thrilled to get me back into a hospital bed. So, I put on blush, and then my eyes looked tired, so... a chain reaction. And I took the opportunity to cover the marks on my neck. Look!"
"Ah."
While brushing his teeth, Albus observed the products scattered on the sink. He recognized lipstick, mascara, an eyeliner pencil, and something his sister used too, for drawing a line on her eyelid.
He averted his eyes and continued brushing. He wondered if he should comb his hair today. He liked the effect the shower had on it, and he wouldn't get the same result with gel. He tilted his head left and right. No, definitely, the comb wouldn't be an option today. He spat, rinsed his toothbrush, and grabbed a towel to dry his face.
"Verdict?" Scorpius asked behind him.
Albus turned around and froze at the sight of the boy. He swallowed, breathed in as he dried his hands, and placed the towel on the edge of the sink, searching for words.
What could he say? Scorpius was stunning. The lipstick was only slightly darker than his natural lip color. His eyes were lined above and below with two black strokes, and black mascara intensified his gaze. Nothing extravagant, but beneath the dark touches, the blue-gray of his eyes illuminated his face, framed by the cascade of blond hair falling over his shoulders. The curve of his lips was enhanced, drawing attention irresistibly.
Yes, he was stunning. But Albus didn't like it. He didn't want Scorpius to look like the photos he'd seen in magazines. He didn't want to see him like this at Hogwarts. His heart tightened.
"I... I'm not sure that'll go over well with the others."
Scorpius seemed surprised, and his face darkened.
Albus continued, "I mean, you already draw enough attention, even when you don't ask for it, so..."
"Wait," Scorpius interrupted, stepping back, troubled. "I asked if you liked it, not what the others would think."
"I like both. Without makeup too," Albus insisted. "And it's more... traditional for a boy."
Scorpius bit his lip, exhaled loudly, and turned back to the mirror. He leaned on the sink, scrutinizing his reflection.
"I like it this way," he finally said, haughtily. And he left the bathroom, taking his makeup kit with him.
"Great…" Albus muttered when the door slammed.
He already hated this day.
Albus had been right to worry. Arriving in the Slytherin common room confirmed his suspicions about the day ahead. As soon as eyes fell on Scorpius, whispers began. Mostly from the girls. Helena Cray, a little pest among the snakes, leaned over to whisper something to her friend, who glanced at Scorpius and giggled.
Nothing unusual so far; girls were often jealous of Scorpius. Unfairly, in a way—Scorpius' looks hadn't drastically changed the sexual preferences of the Hogwarts students! At least, that's what Albus thought until he saw Aaron Briani, Slytherin's own Beater, swallow nervously at the sight of the young Malfoy. Pretending not to notice his friend's discomfort, Albus greeted him, made a few remarks about the next practice, and together they followed Scorpius, who was leaving the common room.
Potter watched him out of the corner of his eye. Something had changed. A new kind of arrogance emanated from Scorpius. He looked down on those around him, but with no emotion—perfect indifference—which gave his movements a peculiar grace. He no longer seemed to want to blend in with the other students.
Albus had always known this was a lost cause, but now, Scorpius seemed liberated. And Albus wondered from what.
What had changed since yesterday? There had been the incident with Kyle Goyle and his time in bed, sure. And then that other thing… the thing Malfoy had disappeared for. The thing he refused to reveal. Was it really over, as he'd said?
They passed a group of sixth-years in the corridor, and instinctively, Albus moved closer to Malfoy, who superbly ignored their lecherous looks.
"You could put on your sweater, if not your robe," Albus said, glancing at the clothes Scorpius lazily carried on his arm.
"Why? It's not cold."
"He's right, the autumn is mild," Aaron added. "I'm not wearing my robe either. What a nightmare, those wizarding clothes…"
But Albus wasn't listening; he was watching Malfoy, with his green tie loosened and his shirt sleeves rolled up, and sighed as they entered the Great Hall.
When Dorian saw Scorpius, he raised his eyebrows and smiled. He winked at Malfoy as he entered, pointing to some free seats beside him at the Gryffindor table, near Nicolas Greengrass. Scorpius' cousin was holding the pretty Sally by the hand, while Lily showed them a "touchscreen music player," as she called the device in her hand—a roundabout way of bragging about her new iPhone in front of Purebloods who had no clue about the technological marvel of the Muggle product.
"Very nice," Dorian whispered when Scorpius sat beside him.
"Thanks." Scorpius glanced at Albus and added, "Apparently, not everyone likes it."
"Or maybe everyone likes it too much," Albus replied, flashing a similarly fake smile at Scorpius.
"Pretty subtle," said Dorian, brushing a strand of hair behind Scorpius' ear. "I've seen far worse."
Albus wondered what "worse" could mean, as at the other end of the Gryffindor table, a guy he didn't know elbowed Ross Finnigan, nodding toward Malfoy. Ross cast a disdainful look at Scorpius, a sneer on his unattractive face.
"It's strange though," Aaron chimed in, "the hormones in this dining hall are boiling over… like when Sophia Creevey went from a B-cup to a D-cup in sixth year."
"Mostly because she wasn't wearing a bra under that white shirt... OUCH!" Nicolas yanked his hand away from Sally, who had dug her nails into his skin.
"Where is Sophia, by the way?" Aaron asked, scanning the Hufflepuff table.
"Are you stupid?" Albus grabbed a toast. "She finished Hogwarts last July."
"Damn, my ray of sunshine!"
"To puberty!" Dorian toasted with his coffee mug. "And to the complete, new exploration of our sexuality, where a glimpse of cleavage—or, in this case, a few strokes of eyeliner—can drive all teenagers wild."
"Lovely…" Scorpius grumbled, as Dorian clinked his cup against his. "No, I'm not toasting to that."
"You're no fun in the morning," Nott pouted, but Malfoy ignored him, casting a sidelong glance at Albus' annoyed expression.
Seeing the young boy so irritated humiliated him. His reaction in the bathroom had been hurtful. But now, his refusal to even look at him and the scowl at his appearance spread a wave of shame through Scorpius' body. He bit his lip and turned away, grabbing his sweater and putting it on, crossing his arms. He wasn't cold, but he felt ridiculous. He lowered his head, letting his hair fall over his face.
What had he expected? That Albus would look at him with the same desire he had for Kate Davies and her tight jeans? Ridiculous. He was desired by many, but not by the one whose gaze he wanted.
He couldn't manage to eat anything and settled for wrapping his fingers around a large cup of coffee to warm his hands.
The sound of wings drew everyone's attention. Scorpius kept his eyes on the black liquid while packages dropped from the dozens of owls swarming the Great Hall.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a sealed letter land near Dorian, who made no move to take it. They both knew that seal. Dorian's expression darkened.
"He wants me to come live with him," he muttered.
He was talking about his father, Scorpius knew. He waited for Nott to say more, but he didn't.
"That's stupid. Your home is Hogwarts, and after your final exam, you'll have your own apartment."
"Let's say he wants to claim my holidays."
"But—"
"My grandfather is sick," Dorian explained, his eyes betraying more annoyance than compassion. "My father's scared."
"Scared of what?"
Albus had spoken. He blushed instantly, ashamed of his interruption, convinced he had intruded on a conversation where he didn't belong.
"Of being alone," Dorian said, unbothered. He continued in a tired, almost disdainful tone. "Of losing his mind, or having to admit to my grandfather and himself that the family isn't what it once was. He's tightening the weak bonds we have. An illusion."
"I love having you with me, Dorian, but maybe you should give him a chance. Sometimes your father seems…"
He hesitated.
"Going mad?" Dorian asked.
Scorpius felt his heart tighten. Yes, that was it. And Dorian seemed indifferent.
"It's the loneliness driving him like this."
"Or his cowardice." The same disdain in his voice. "But what am I supposed to do? Save him from himself?"
"He's your father," Malfoy murmured.
"They're eaten up by it, this damn memory of greatness. But we can't blame them. We were all from prestigious families, apparently. You have to break free from that idea, or it'll consume you, like it's doing to my father... and most of the Death Eater families, really."
Scorpius couldn't argue. His family had done relatively well when he thought about it. But that was because they'd kept their wealth. Much of the possessions of the old families who had served Voldemort had been "redistributed" as "compensation." Some of that money had funded hospitals for war victims. The dispossessed families struggled to admit their social decline or the loss of status and respect for their lineage. That was the case for the Notts, who clung to past glory. His mother was a bit like that too…
"Aren't you going to read it?" Scorpius asked.
"Not yet," Nott said, pouring himself another cup of coffee. No sugar, black, bitter.
Scorpius looked at Albus' profile, his long lashes framing his gaze. He seemed detached, out of place, oblivious to the sounds of the hall, though it was crowded and noisy. Suddenly, Malfoy wanted to get closer, to enter his space, where Potter seemed to have retreated. He wanted a place in that world, to chase away the shadows of irritation that had clouded the boy's face since this morning.
He reached out a hand.
"Excuse me," Scorpius heard behind him. He jumped and turned around.
A second-year student, most likely, stood behind him with two friends, one looking as ecstatic as the first, and the other, embarrassed, seemingly praying to be anywhere else.
"Um, well... we're all huge fans of Adam Rice, and, um... he's about to start filming his new movie, it says right here!" She suddenly thrust a gossip magazine in front of Scorpius' face, making him back up against the table in alarm. The page showed the young actor pushing through a crowd of hysterical fans. "And, um, we wanted to wish him good luck on the shoot and also tell him how much we loved his last film!"
"Yes,The Curse is our favorite movie!" exclaimed the second girl, her voice so shrill that part of the Gryffindor table jumped, and Scorpius stepped back further towards Dorian, who was staring at the girls as if they were five-eyed beasts.
Only Albus remained still. He hadn't turned toward the girls and didn't even seem to be listening to what they were saying. He seemed distant, unreachable.
"And we were wondering if, well, if by chance you... if you had his personal address?"
"Yes, his personal address!"
Scorpius felt Albus tense beside him and clearly heard his friend's irritated sigh, and he felt his own anger rising. The whole situation was absurd.
"Scorpius, give them Adams Rice's address so they'll leave!" Briani interjected.
"I don't have it," Scorpius said, more annoyed than he thought he would sound. His tone was sharp and clear, drawing more eyes toward him.
"But I thought..."
"Well, you thought wrong. Why would I have his address? I don't care about Adams Rice. Now, leave! You and your crazy friends, get lost!"
The girls were petrified. He turned away, ignoring them, and waited for them to leave. He could hear their footsteps and angry whispers, and he was pretty sure one of them called him a "jerk." What a delightful day…
"I'm not sure it was really worth it," Dorian said, glancing at his schedule.
"I told you going out the night before the first day back was a bad idea!"
"Oh, calm down, it's not like I took that picture. If I were you, I'd blame the real culprit of the evening: the bottle of rum." He stood up and grabbed his bag. "Besides, Rice is a nice guy. He covered my stake at the card table. And I have his address."
Everyone turned to look at him. Even Scorpius seemed surprised.
Dorian shrugged innocently.
"Well yeah, to pay him back."
They arrived at Charms class early to get the seats in the back. It's what they always did. Despite what Potter had said, Scorpius was a bit stressed, as they still hadn't found an object to enchant for their assignment, mostly due to his hospital stay. Teddy had told Albus that he wouldn't ask for the assignment right away, so there was no need to worry, even though Rose had grumbled that special treatment didn't help them in the long run. Her opinion softened when she saw Scorpius unconscious in the infirmary bed.
"Last class of the day, I thought we'd never get through it," Albus exclaimed as he collapsed into his chair.
Class hadn't started yet, but Scorpius was nervously flipping through his Charms book.
"How about an enchanted mirror?" he suggested suddenly.
"Like inSnow White?"
"Snow White... isn't that the Muggle fairy tale where the prince is a necrophiliac?"
"He's not a necrophiliac!" Albus protested.
"Would you fall in love with a woman lying dead in her coffin?"
"He loved herbefore!"
"... Admit it, it's still weird."
Albus burst out laughing, shaking his head.
"You're unbelievable," he murmured. He tucked a strand of hair behind his ear.
Scorpius looked at him, surprised by the tenderness and the smile that appeared on the boy's face.
It was the first smile of the day, and Scorpius felt his heart swell.
A noise near the door caught Albus' attention, and his eyes darkened. Scorpius saw Goyle walk into the classroom with Mulciber and Avery.
Goyle met his gaze, and Scorpius smiled at him kindly, scratching his cheek lightly. A gesture that made Kyle tense, who still bore faint bruises on his own cheek where Malfoy had bitten him.
"The professors think it was him who sent you to the infirmary," Albus said, looking at the Slytherins. "Because of the bite mark you left on his cheek. You tore his flesh off."
"And nearly choked on his blood if you want to know," Scorpius replied, feeling Albus tense up beside him.
"How did he explain the bite marks?"
"He said he was attacked by the Grim and managed to escape, but the beast bit his face."
"The Grim?"
"It's the black dog that brings bad luck when you see it at the bottom of teacups." Albus smiled at Scorpius' incredulous expression. "If you had studied your third-year Divination classes, you'd know."
"Not all of us had Trelawney for Divination in third year," Scorpius joked. He was new at Hogwarts, but the reputation of the old Divination teacher had quickly reached his ears. "Teacups? Divination's about the stars, why teacups?"
"Excuse us for not having professors as amazing as yours."
Scorpius tensed at that and groaned when his still-aching muscles contracted. He hoped he'd be fully recovered for the match.
"A dog? I do have sharp canines... But is that dog real?"
"No, it's just a bad omen symbol. Goyle's even dumber than I thought. But with the curse I'm going to put on him for what he did, he'll wish he'd seen the hellhound."
"I told you I'd prefer if we just left it at that," Scorpius said, pressing his fingers to the back of his neck. His back still hurt. Albus' fingers slid under his hair, replacing his own, gently caressing. Scorpius felt delightful shivers run through him.
"You're supposed to be ready for the match against Gryffindor," Albus murmured, his fingers slipping under the boy's collar. "I want my Seeker in top form."
"Yes, Captain," Scorpius whispered, blushing.
Professor Lupin entered the class, and Albus' fingers left his skin. The class began. The advantage of sharing a class with Ravenclaws was that there was never any random student questioning, as the blue house students constantly raised their hands to answer questions. Denying them that right was practically scandalous. It allowed the others to relax or catch up on aDefense Against the Dark Artsassignment, as Albus was doing.
He wouldn't have time to finish it this weekend.
Scorpius had stopped flipping through his book.
"Teddy's not bad," he said thoughtfully.
"Teddy's your cousin," Albus replied, scribbling with his quill on the parchment.
"Distant cousin. I was just saying. Don't get upset. He's got that Black elegance. Even though the Lupin side seriously ruined his features. It's really a shame."
"That's not very nice."
"I'm not very nice."
Albus stopped writing for a moment and tapped the table. He hesitated.
"With everything that happened, I didn't have time to ask you, but... the reason you were absent..."
"It's over," Scorpius interrupted him.
"But you won't tell me anything?... Just tell me if it was a boy or a girl."
"Why do you want to know that?" the boy grimaced, clearly embarrassed.
"I thought we were friends."
"It's not as friends that you're asking me that."
"I don't see why you'd be embarrassed to tell me. It's not like we're..."
Scorpius exhaled and turned toward Albus, scrutinizing him.
"So, what are we then?"
Albus opened his mouth but didn't know what to say and ended up looking away.
"I don't know, but..."
"Albus!" The boy jumped. Teddy was looking at him, along with most of the students. "Are you not interested in what I'm saying?"
"Uh, yes, yes, Professor Lupin."
"Really? Then read us the next part from page 56 of the textbook on the Summoning Charm."
Fortunately, Scorpius had somewhat followed along and pointed out the passage to Albus.
After the reading, the boy resumed his homework, but his heart wasn't in it anymore. A heavy silence enveloped them, and neither seemed willing to break it. Albus tried to focus on his work, but the quill threatened to tear the paper with every letter. He had read once that anger never truly disappeared, it accumulated, and at some point, it had to come out in one way or another. Potter hoped he could contain it until Saturday, so he could release it at a more useful time.
A paper goose flew toward Scorpius. Whether it contained an insult, admiration, or a lewd drawing didn't matter. They'd been coming all day. Malfoy reached out, but Albus set it aflame in midair.
Once again, Lupin called him to order.
"We're doing theory in this class, Albus. Put your wand away."
Albus ignored him and went back to his writing.
"It wasn't meant for you," said Scorpius.
"I don't care. It's getting a bit much."
"This isn't the first time."
Since his arrival, he'd received plenty of letters in all kinds, pleasant and unpleasant. He had always treated them with indifference. But this wasn't Albus's business. He had never burned the letters sent by Potter fanatics.
"Today set new records," Albus replied almost disdainfully.
"I'm not the one with a fan club. Why does it bother you so much?"
"Because I feel likeyou're asking for it!"
Scorpius thought he had misheard.
"What do you mean?"
"A boy doesn't wear makeup."
Scorpius felt as if he had been slapped. His face flushed. He placed his hands flat on his book. He hated himself because Albus's words hurt, and he couldn't stand that.
"The first time we talked, you told me it suited me very well."
His voice was weak.
Albus stopped writing and pressed his quill onto the paper. He ran his tongue over his upper lip as if concentrating to keep his calm. He turned to Scorpius.
"It's not about my opinion here. You're not posing for a photographer or out on a Friday night. You're in a school. I don't understand, what changed since yesterday? The makeup, the attitude. I thought you wanted to stay out of the spotlight."
"I tried, and it didn't work."
"For that to work, you'd have to know how to be discreet."
"Oh, and giving me the Seeker position, that's discreet? I didn't ask to be noticed, not by them anyway…"
"I hate all of this," Albus whispered, and the anger was palpable in his voice.
"All of what?"
"All of this! I don't like the image it gives of you."
"I didn't ask for anything."
"But damn it, you have a reputation. People see you on an actor's lap, not to mention the business with Danilovitch and the photos on London Bridge."
"How do you know about the London Bridge photos?"
"Everyone's seen them," Albus said, shrugging, almost embarrassed.
"No, not everyone. Those were the first photos I ever took, and not many people in the wizarding world have seen them. You're pretty well-informed for someone who hates the tabloids…"
"Whatever, that's not the point! You carry a past, true or not. A world-renowned Quidditch player! With that, even the guys who aren't interested in you become curious. Hell, even Briani."
"That's your biggest problem? That your friend who's into big chests drools over me?"
"Maybe it is, yeah. I'd like my Beater to focus on the match and not your ass."
Scorpius clenched his fists. He could already feel the angry tears welling up in his eyes. He looked away.
"That's disgusting," he muttered.
"Just don't cry. You'll mess up your makeup."
It was too much. Scorpius closed his book and grabbed his bag.
"What are you doing?" Albus murmured, more disoriented than he'd been a few seconds earlier.
"I'm changing seats."
"Stop that! You're being ridiculous."
Albus was almost begging, but Scorpius didn't listen. Ignoring the stares, he left his spot at the back and took a seat in the middle row, at a three-person table closer to the front, next to Rose Weasley.
"Hi."
"Hi…" Rose replied, surprised to see Scorpius setting up his things at her table.
"Does it bother you if I sit next to you?"
"It's already done, isn't it?" she smiled.
Scorpius smiled back. He liked Rose.
Lupin noticed Scorpius had changed seats but decided not to say anything. Albus would probably be more focused on the class now.
"Have you decided on the object you're going to charm?" the young girl asked.
"Not really, that's what I'm trying to figure out."
"If you need help, don't hesitate."
Scorpius smiled again. He was indeed considering asking Rose for help with this assignment. Albus hadn't been much help so far.
"Trouble with Al?" Rose asked, glancing toward the back of the room, where Albus seemed to be silently fuming.
"He's awful."
"I think it's jealousy."
"He has no reason to be jealous."
"Hmm, perhaps. But I think you bring out the worst in him."
"Oh, great. So it's my fault again? It can't possibly be the Faultless Potter. Listen, Rose, I like you. But this is none of your business."
"No need to snap at me. Do you think I'm blind?"
Scorpius didn't respond, his eyes fixed on the professor, pretending to listen. Rose sighed.
"I know Albus isn't an easy person. He has depth, something darker, which makes him dwell a bit too much on what'sdark. Of course, he hides it; he's always hidden it. Even when we were kids, he tried to conceal his melancholy; it didn't fit with the house style. It's the same here, he's gotten used to pretending."
She paused, and Scorpius felt his body tense. He wasn't ready to hear what was coming next.
"But Albus has a fascination with what'sdark, sad, or broken. You just have to see how he looks at you. He's always had something missing inside, something incomplete. And he mistakenly thought you could fill that void."
"What do you want me to say to that?" he snapped sharply.
Rose seemed to hesitate for a moment.
"Scorpius… You and Al. It's nothealthy. It won't work. I'm telling you honestly, I don't like the couple you form. Albus has imagined a lot about you, and I think he's becoming disillusioned. In any duo, one has to be stronger than the other. One has to be more balanced than the other. Right now, Albus is playing the stabilizer, but he might be even more fragile than you. It breaks my heart to see him struggling so hard to hide it at Hogwarts and fighting even harder to hide your unhappiness, too. It's exhausting for him."
"I never asked him for anything!"
"I know. He's the one who wanted to meet you. He thought you could teach him to befree… But you seem to have even more chains than he does. You two should have run away from each other. But now, it's too late."
"So what am I supposed to do? Leave him alone and distance myself?"
"No. But be a friend to him and only a friend. Right now… you're taking up too much space."
"I take back what I said, Rose. I don't like you at all."
"I'm sorry."
And her melancholic smile was charming.
"He's taking up too much space too," Scorpius murmured.
He heard Rose sigh sadly.
"I know."
End of Chapter 15