Guilt Beyond A Beating Heart

Scorpius Malfoy was the happiest boy his parents had ever seen, for his eyes shined as bright as the beaming sun and his skin felt as soft as pillows upon a touch. In their isolated house, Scorpius made plenty enough friends with the lighthearted rabbits and mourning doves to be bothered by any of it. He could adventure out into the surrounding forest that hid them from the world, free to skip along exposed rocks and smile up at the moody morning sky with untampered glee. They were happy as they were, his mother able to watch from an intricate window, awaiting her husband’s return from the slave of the merchant’s trade.

Scorpius’s father was gone more than he was home, and it was sombre to all of them. Scorpius missed him dearly when he went into town or beyond the borders of their familiar land, but he’d always be greeted with a dearing smile by his beloved son and a hug fierce enough to ensure he’d never leave and not come back. Despite his father’s busy schedule, his mother ensured he was a boy of education, and he mirrored her love for poetry and literature, his nose constantly in a book as he bumped off walls and nearly stepped on the tails of stowaway mice he’d grown to consider roommates.

Scorpius loved his little family and his home, sheltered from the harsh world outside enough that he found himself in his own bubble of paradise. He was a prince to his parents, absent of a title or kingdom of his own, he was a prince nonetheless. Every prince’s life has trying however, and tragedy can strike any lovely kingdom, no matter how happy and sheltered. And so the beautiful queen of their secret palace carrying the name Astoria fell sick, finding a rest in her husband’s arms as Scorpius watched his perfect kingdom lose its heart.

The doctor took so long to respond Scorpius knew the answer already, staring down at his mother, he held her cold hand and stared deep into her glistening eyes, his father shaking at his attempt of remaining strong for the very young and innocent fifteen year old Scorpius. His mother looked fierce with honesty as she gripped his hand however. “Everything is going to be alright my star, you just keep being your kind, happy self and I’ll feel much better…” Her smile made his worries slowly wash away as he returned it, his tears drying in his eyes as he reminded himself that his mother was here and alive, right under his hand and looking at him with that loving gaze.

She was bedridden in her illness, Scorpius’s father, Draco, refusing to leave the house for his work and instead taking a permanent seat by his beautiful wife. Scorpius appreciated the time with them both, able to read to his mother and speak with her about everything on his mind, in case she ever wanted to tell the stars about him when she was gone. Without fail, before bed every night Astoria would take her son’s hands and look him in the eyes, her voice pulling him back to earth as he struggled to keep her gaze.

“Remember our rule, my star?” Scorpius’s eyes would light up as he spoke.

“Be kind, and love, no matter what.” He nodded his head, meeting her beautiful eyes as she smiled.

“Yes… continue to be your happy self my star, I hope you’ll forever find something to make saying goodbye so hard…” her eyes filled with tears, and Scorpius felt he could be saying good night to his mother for the last time, and he’d bite his tongue to resist having his last moments with his mother filled with sadness and tears.

“Yes, maman, I promise…” he smiled, and his eyes searched his mother’s face, trying to capture this moment forever. His mother’s pale skin, her slit eyes, her weak smile, her knitted eyebrows, her glassy eyes, and the purple under those dark eyes. He stepped back, their hands leaving each other, Scorpius resisting the urge to reach out and grab her dainty hand once more before turning on his heel and leaving her sights through the doorway, unable to look back at her in fear he wouldn’t be able to look away.

Met with his father, he watched the man struggle to keep up his composure, swallowing harshly, he kissed the top of Scorpius’s head before walking past him, shuffling into Astoria’s room, not looking back at his son. Scorpius stood alone, thinking over that mental picture of his mother’s loving look, hoping that it’d never leave him so long as he felt his heart beating and his happiness growing.

He’d tried so hard not to cry too loud during her small funeral, for the sake of the other mourners, he stood idly by his father’s side, both unable to take their eyes off the casket. Scorpius felt a weight fall over his shoulders that day as he took his last look at his mother’s peaceful face, swallowing down guilt as he tried desperately to convince himself she was only asleep. His father remained strong for him, clutching his shoulder, his voice hoarse. Scorpius was glad there were few people gathered for the ceremony, though he felt that the whole world should’ve felt some grief from her passing as he could feel it bursting out from his chest, what was meant to be distributed to many was all bottled up in a single boy as he said his tearful goodbye to his mother.

She was buried in a cemetery just outside the walls of the distant kingdom, enough distance that Scorpius could only stare outside his window towards the direction of the cemetery, unable to visit her nearly as much as he’d like. His father tried desperately to keep Scorpius’s life as normal as possible, though their goodbye hugs when he went off on another one of his long trips were tighter and more forceful now, as if they too were saying their last goodbyes. Scorpius knew his mother didn’t want him to feel this dread, turning to the positive things in life, he buried himself in books, experiencing lives unlike his own, lives that were not yet exposed to the shadows lurking behind every lit up corner.

One morning, Scorpius found himself in curiosity at his father’s knitted eyebrows, perhaps considering something heavy. They sat in the backyard, looking out into the bushes and garden from where they sat, it was quiet enough Scorpius could hear the leaves rustling from a way away. He’d set aside his book and straighten his back sitting on the green bench, his full attention on his father. “What’s bothering you?” He asked softly, not wanting to startle the man out of his daydream. His father looked back into his silver eyes, less confliction and more worry.

“We mustn’t stay in this state forever…” The words made Scorpius frown, his curious mood switching to one of hidden sadness at the reminder of just three years ago when his mother had passed, how nothing had changed since. “She wouldn’t want us to be this way… not forever, especially you. I don’t like leaving you here alone as I do…”

“It’s alright father.” Scorpius leaned towards him, longing for the closeness Astoria used to give him, “I know how to tidy up after myself, and I’ve learned how to cook well enough-“

“It’s not that I’m worried about…” Draco closed his eyes, “you’re all alone here at home- sometimes weeks on end… you need more than just me in your life Scorpius. Isolated here away from everyone else isn’t healthy for you…” he looked between his son’s eyes with concern. Scorpius bit his lip, he supposed mice and finches weren’t as socially fulfilling as another human being.

“You’re not suggesting we move closer to town… are you?” Scorpius, now worried his father would leave behind the only place that reminded him of his mother, felt panic rise up.

“No, no of course not!” Draco assured him with a weary smile, “I know somebody- a childhood friend that is,” he began, intriguing Scorpius, “her husband has recently passed and it’s left her and her children distraught… I thought…” he paused, and Scorpius was able to put it all together as he smiled. He reached his hands out and set them on his father’s, brightening his smile to erase that conflicted look off his father’s face.

“I understand.” Was all he felt he needed to say, and it was enough to make his father smile sadly.

“I know you don’t do well with change sometimes… especially change so… drastic.”

“I promise it won’t be a problem, father.” He nodded his head, an excited smile on his face to finally have someone else to speak with around the house that wasn’t stowaway mice. (Though they were quite a lovely bunch of mice).

“Thank you, Scorpius.” Draco reached out and pulled his son into a tight embrace. Before Scorpius could fully lean into the hug, his father pulled away, his hands on his arms. “I haven’t seen her since we were quite young, I expect she’s changed. We were very close back then, I’m sure she won’t be any trouble,” He assured the younger, “and you’ll have two lovely step sisters to keep you company, their names are Violetta and Cassiopeia. They’ll all arrive just one night before I leave for my next trip so we best be sure the house is in perfect condition for them, shouldn’t we?” He tilted his head, and Scorpius lit up, he loved chores.

“I’m so excited to meet them, father!” He hugged Draco around the midsection again before springing up from the bench, hopping up onto a marble fountain and balancing on the edge, “I’ve never had siblings before- do you think they like books too? Perhaps I could share mine with them,” He considered as he looked up to a small family of yellow breasted finches, watching them fly in spirals towards the trees.

“Well from my time with them they’re…” his father paused, “They’re quite the character’s! You can certainly try your best with books…” he stood, an unsure smile on his face as he approached his son, holding out his hand to help him down. “Be good to your step-mother and step-sisters Scorpius, you’re to always-“

“Be kind, and love, no matter what.”

Scorpius was very excited to meet his new family members, happy that the house was to look more lived in as he dusted off the ledges of tables and mopped the floors, wishing to have it spotless in hopes they’d stay around longer. His father tried his best to help Scorpius around the house, doing the bulk of the kitchen but eventually being forced by his son to go back into his study, insisting he shouldn’t be pressuring himself to do chores after being gone so long on his exhausting trips. Scorpius always loved to do the chores around the house, it was entertaining as there was nothing else to really do, and he felt more content when he knew it was clean.

As he swept the crevices of the stairs, he squealed as three mice tumbled down between his feet, struggling to regain balance. He looked down at the frantic mice, smiling exasperatedly down at them, “I told you not to come out during the day! If father sees you he’ll toss you out.” He crouched down on the steps, watching their curious faces as they tumbled over each other, avoiding the large bristles of the broom. He considered for a moment before reaching his hand out, “You look quite hungry, we have some scraps left from dinner.” At his words, the mice all one by one climbed up his hand and a little up his arm.

He loved speaking to the animals because he truly felt that they listened, and he felt he could understand them too if he had the ears for it. Shuffling into the kitchen, he swept up the crumbs of crusted bread and picked off pieces of cheese, placing the food items onto the ground as the mice scrambled to it, beginning to stuff their faces enthusiastically. He watched with a smile, hearing their soft squeaks and seeing their glances of gratitude towards him as they dragged the rations of their meal towards their home, wherever that was in the house, Scorpius didn’t know.

He’d resume his cleaning and feel a rush every time he thought of his new, delightful family members. He wondered what they’d look like, what they’d sound like, and how quickly he could become their new family member. After blowing out the final lit candles, brushing his hair, and collapsing onto his bed, he fell into a deep slumber filled with dreams of a loving mother and two adoring sisters.

Waking up early that morning, Scorpius took his designated place by his father’s side and followed him towards the doors of the house. Along the walls were the painted faces and names of their family members, back from the first ever owner of the house right down to Scorpius’s portrait. He loved to trace his hand over the faces and names on the branches of the family tree, always feeling something in his chest release at the sight of his mother’s dark eyes before moving on to another name.

The doors flung open and Scorpius blinked rapidly at the sunlight blaring in. Adjusting to the light, he was able to focus on the crackling of gravel under hooves and a high pitched laughter from the carriage drawing it’s way closer. His father set a gentle hand on his shoulder, reminding him to breathe as the horses stopped and the carriage door was flung open. Expecting to be met with smiling faces and a greeting, he saw faces screwed up in anger and heard the high pitch sound of teenage girls.

“Would you stop tugging my hair-!”

“I wasn’t! Even if I did, you deserve it! You couldn’t keep your hands off my dress for even a second! Admit it! I have better taste!” Two girls stumbled out from the carriage, both giving each other distasteful looks, and both very identical. Scorpius looked between them, while they had the same curly black hair, one held hers up in a bun and the other allowed it to sit atop her shoulders. The one with a green dress spoke up.

“My heavens is that him!?” She squealed, hidden slightly by her mint green fan, she leaned towards her sister, “he’s so skinny-“

“And so pale…” the one in yellow leaned towards the other, and Scorpius looked down at himself, realising they were talking about him. His father stepped forward to assist the last woman out of the carriage, but Scorpius’s attention was on the whispering girls as they approached him. The one in green shouted.

“I love the hair colour!” She said without a smile, “quite unique-! Is that natural?” She pointed at him, and Scorpius leaned back slightly.

“Um, yes-“

“Have you ever thought of dying it a normal colour? Or is it just an attention seeking thing?” The one in yellow asked, leaning towards him, he leaned back slightly more.

“Oh… well… no,” he looked aside, “would you like a tour of the house? To get you familiar-?”

“He’s asking if we want to go inside his farmhouse,” the one in yellow chided as she leaned towards her sister.

“He’s proud of it, it seems. Is it as much of a mess inside as it is out here?” Scorpius smiled.

“Not at all, I’ve made sure it’s clean and ready for your arrival-“

“Great, would you be a dear and carry our bags in?” The one in green tossed her hair aside and strode towards the carriage, pulling out two large bags and plopping them in front of Scorpius. “We are your guests, you know, it would be quite improper of you to not help two young ladies.” She smirked at him before striding past, making him scramble to pick up her bags, balancing them on his arms as he followed both into the house, craning his neck over the side of the bags.

“What er-… interesting decor…” the one in yellow said with a disgusted look towards the wall of the family tree, “have you ever thought of redecorating, step-brother?” She kept her back to him as she strode inside with a swagger.

“No not really- and you don’t need to call me anything formal like that, you can call me Scorpius if you wish-“ this made both girls let out a shriek of laughter. The one in green spoke.

“Scorpius!? What an-“ she coughed, looking at her sister with amusement, “interesting name… I think we’ll call you perte d'espace!” She pointed at him in delight, her sister cackling beside her.

“He doesn’t know what that means!” She laughed.

“Mais bien sûr je comprends, c'est ma deuxième langue.” He smiled, his step-sisters merely stared at him with confusion.

“Now, now, ladies, play nicely.” Waltzing into the home as if she owned it, Scorpius turned around to see his father following a woman into the house. She was lean and skinny, her triangular face full of confidence just like her daughters. Her short black hair reached her jaw as she smirked down at Scorpius, a green fan fanning her face from the June sun. She wore a green dress with mint and black details, and a large black sun hat that dipped down, nearly covering her face and her pointed, triangular nose. Her heavy black mascara and black lipstick brought out her prominent white skin as she stretched her high cheekbones up into a wicked smile. “I’ve heard just so much about you.” she nodded at Scorpius, “A kind, helpful, promising young man is just what we’ve been needing in our family of three.” Her face of sympathy made a metallic taste set in Scorpius’s mouth, though he smiled despite it.

“It’s truly lovely to meet you.” He placed down the twin’s bags, lowering himself into a respectful bow, making the woman laugh delightfully.

“No need my dear no need! Well aren’t you a flatter! My name is Pansy, and these are my two girls.” She gestured to the girl in yellow, “this is Cassiopeia and this-“ she gestured to the one in green, “is Violetta. I do hope you can excuse the bother while we’re here.” She fanned herself, and Scorpius glanced at his father, who was eyeing his new step-mother with either hesitance or regret in his eyes. Scorpius lifted the girl’s bags at once.

“It’s really no problem, I’ll put these in your room.” He nodded towards the girls, who whispered to each other as he struggled to pull himself up the stairs carrying their bags. Plopping them down onto the floor of their bedroom, he did a survey of the room, looking into every corner and crevice before opening a drawer and seeing a family of mice. “So this is where you take refuge…” he shook his head with a smile, “I’m terribly sorry to say this on short notice, but this room has new occupants… you wouldn’t mind moving camp somewhere less occupied?” He tilted his head in a pleading manner, making the mice stumble over each other to climb up the walls of the drawer and scamper out of the room, dragging ripped cloth and stored rations with them to another area of the house.

Once ensuring there were no other secret occupants, he tiptoed down the stairs, listening to the shrieking of Violetta and Cassiopeia. “Did you see his ragged old clothes!? And that stupid look on his face- he looked like nothing more than a mutt begging for attention!” Cassiopeia shrieked, causing her sister to wail out laughing. Scorpius looked down at his clothes.

“They call this decor! I’ve seen more interesting architecture in a blacksmith’s outhouse!” Violetta laughed, Scorpius looking down at his feet. He’s sure they just aren’t too accustomed to new people, just like him. When they get to know each other better they’ll surely come around. Somebody clearing their throat behind him caused him to jump, looking back to see his father.

“Is there a password or have you found yourself in wonderland?” He smirked, making Scorpius smile again.

“Apologies, I was lost in thought.” He scampered down to the end of the staircase, allowing his father down as he followed him away from the screeching girls, into his quiet study near the front door.

“Finding it hard to adjust already?” He asked with a smile, making Scorpius shrug.

“I’m sure it’s just going to be strange for now… things will get better when they’ve settled in,” He insisted, more so to himself than his father. Draco took his son’s hands, looking him in the eyes.

“You both always saw the best in everything,” he said with a soft voice, making Scorpius melt into a smile.

“Only because you always give me hope.” He wrapped his arms around his father, a bright smile on his face as he felt the older man slowly wrap his arms around Scorpius. “It’s all in hope of finding new happiness, isn’t it?” He asked, his father pulling away with a smile.

“Yes! Yes, happiness, we deserve a second chance. To move on, to finally see the world how you see it…” his eyes turned sad, but his smile remained pure. Scorpius felt as if everything else in the world froze and the world blurred, only his father in sight. “Promise me that no matter what, you’ll show kindness and love towards your step-mother and step-sisters?” He asked, Scorpius nodding quickly.

“Always.” He promised, his eyes going towards the doorway where his step-mother, Pansy, stood.

“Excuse me, am I interrupting something?” She asked with a tight smile, Draco shaking his head.

“Not at all, I was just going to begin getting ready for my next trip out of the kingdom.” He released his son’s hands, making Scorpius’s smile falter slightly. At least this time he won’t be alone.

“Oh of course, it’s just…” Pansy paused, looking pitiful, “my darling daughters are finding the sleeping arrangements quite confining… they’ve always shared a room and were so excited to have their own and with how small theirs is…” she trailed off, making Scorpius ponder for a second.

“My bedroom’s one of the biggest, they could share mine for now?” He suggested, and Pansy’s eyes lit up.

“Oh what a brilliant idea! You’re such a selfless boy…” she smiled, though something in that smile was off putting. Scorpius would never voice it though.

“I’m sure they’ll feel much more comfortable like that-“ he passed by her, “-I’ll move my stuff now.” He kept his assuring smile plastered on as he climbed the stairs, hearing the whispers of his step-sisters.

He moved their bags into his room swiftly, Violetta and Cassiopeia taking it upon themselves to help him by throwing all his belongings out of the room and into the hallway. Carrying his piles of clothes and possessions, he opened the smaller spare bedroom with his hip and stumbled inside, plopping his things down onto the bed again. His eyes traced over the small pile of white roses at the top of his possessions. Some were vibrant and full of life, others were wilting, and some were dead and straw-like at the stem, though they all stacked upon each other gracefully. His hand touched one of the more vibrant ones, avoiding the thorns on the edge. A squeal from across the house grabbed his attention.

“Filthy rodents! Mama! Get them out!” Violetta squealed as her and her sister raced out Scorpius’s old room, three tiny beings scampering out as well, galloping towards the staircase.

“Oh come here! Come here!” He whispered out in a yell, grabbing the attention of the mice as they redirected towards him, hopping their way into his room and leaping up, clutching onto the sides of his drawers. He opened one of the sliding compartments, allowing them to slip in.

“It was here!” Cassiopeia screamed, leading her sister, Pansy, and Scorpius’s father to the top of the staircase. “Where did they go!?” Violetta turned to Scorpius.

“You! Where did you see them run off to!?” She demanded. Scorpius stepped slightly in front of the drawers, his hands behind his back.

“I didn’t see any mice, are you sure-“

“Oh shut it!” Violetta squealed, “it ran all along my dress mother! Come see! Their scraps of trash are in our room!” She and her sister led their mother, who looked thoroughly annoyed. Draco and Scorpius shared a clueless glance before the older blond slowly trekked down the stairs.

Scorpius quietly approached his bedroom door and closed it, turning back to the drawers and opening it, smiling at the mice struggling to climb up the wall of the compartment. “That was much too close for my liking,” he sighed, “looks like you won’t be needing to move out after all. How do you feel about roommates?” The mice looked up at him, sniffing towards him happily. He knelt down beside the drawer, “We’ve never become fully acquainted, have we? I’m Scorpius, and you’re…” he paused, looking at their pink noses and grey fur, “mice… how would you like names?” He looked between them, eyes landing on the biggest one, “You can be Teddy-“ he looked to the second largest, “you can be Alice…” he then turned to the smallest, meeting its beady eyes, “and I’ll call you Chip. I’ll find your possessions back soon, I promise.” He smiled down at them, and stepped away, allowing them room to scamper out if they chose.

He turned back to the pile of things on his bed, his eyes going to the white roses. He smiled admiringly at the flowers, reminding himself of every single time he’d ever been given one by his father, that every one reminded him of the feeling of him coming home. He made the best out of the situation, moving his things around to accommodate the room and even managing to sneak some cranberry sauce and parsnips up to his tiny friends in the drawers, to replace their previous tossed rations. The house was definitely more alive with the loud presence of his step-sisters and the watchful eye of his step-mother, but he ignored their bother as he instead rounded the corner to his father’s study room again, meeting his eyes hesitantly.

“Ready for your trip tomorrow?” He asked in a weak voice, hoping his father would drop the job once and stay with him a little longer. Draco smiled sadly at him, standing from his desk.

“I feel much better going now that I know you have some company here.” He rounded the desk and met his son on the same side, giving him a reassuring smile. “What would you like me to bring back for you? Anything particular?” He asked, making Scopius giggle.

“You’ve forgotten my request?” He asked, a hand on his chest to faint hurt.

“A white rose I presume?” His father raised an eyebrow, making him smile.

“The first one you lay eyes on, if it isn’t too much trouble…” he smiled up at the man, who’s white-blond hair fell slightly over his face.

“Are you sure you don’t want anything else? Your step-sisters have asked for a new dressing gown and a fresh pallet of makeup.” Scorpius privately thought they didn’t need any more makeup as they already caked their faces with quite enough of it, enough he could barely see which part of their face was illusion and which was genetics.

“I’m sure, all I really want is for you to come home…” he paused, his smile fading slightly, “you don’t usually go this far out and-“

“Don’t you worry Scorpius.” His father set his hands on his shoulders, “I’ll be back soon with the most beautiful rose my eyes can see. Meanwhile you’ll have your step-sisters to give you lots of amusement. It’s better than a couple of mice, now isn’t it?” His smile turned into a smirk, and Scorpius’s cheeks burned slightly.

“They’re actually quite socially inclined,” he corrected, making his father chuckle.

The hours went by both much too slow and way too quickly for Scorpius’s mind to wrap around his father’s departure so early into this new change in their household. Though he held his head up high and smiled through it, telling himself that everything will be alright when everyone’s settled in, and he may eventually deserve the favour and consideration of his two step-sisters. For now, he listened to small, hairy feet pounce around his room with a smile, listening to soft squeaks as Teddy, Alice, and Chip prepared themselves for bedtime as well.

He’d never been so strangely tearful during one of his father’s departures. He’d hold the freshest, most vibrant flower in his hand as he watched his father load a trunk of supplies onto the back of Mr. Zabini’s carriage, listening to Cassiopeia and Violetta’s demands with a helpless smile. “Make sure the gown’s not too airy but enough so that it’s not suffocating,” Cassiopeia stated.

“And don’t get any flashy colours for the pallet, get something plentiful and sparkly- do not get those cheap ones either! Get those designer pallets that have the smoother material!” Violetta explained. Scorpius watched Pansy fan her face with a lime green fan indifferent to the scene before her, watching aimlessly as Mr. Zabini and Mr. Crabbe assist his father with his luggage.

It seemed much too soon that his father was atop the carriage and between his two close friends ready to depart, looking down at Scorpius as he glanced at the horses. “I’ll see you in two weeks, alright?” He smiled down at him, making Scorpius smile as well, twisting the stem of the rose in his pale hands, unbothered by the pricking he’d suffered from the thorns. Before he could say any more, the horses began to trot down the gravel path and Scorpius kept up with the carriage.

“Be safe, I love you!” Scorpius announced as the carriage picked up speed, causing him to stop at the entrance gate, his father looking back.

“I love you too! Look after your step-mother and siblings!” He announced, and Scorpius became strangely teary eyed as he watched his carriage descend down the road, off into a distant forest Scorpius sadly couldn’t follow him. He paused, standing there for as long as his heart desired, twisting that white rose between his fingers as he heard his step-siblings go into the house, bickering between each other in their screeching loud voices. His step-mother eyed him in an odd way before turning in as well, her large sun hat staying on even inside the house.

He felt the air in his lungs slowly disappear, leaving him a hollow being, watching the way the sun rose over the top of the tree line, exposing the shadows of the leaves and the flapping feathers of owls flying home for the day. He turned on his heel and tried to resist the urge to look back at the road his father disappeared on, feeling a pit in his stomach, like he was more alone in his home than when he didn’t have his step-siblings. Speaking of his step-relatives, his step-mother stood in the doorway, meeting his eyes with another one of her sympathetic, wicked smiles.

“There, there.” She reached her arms out and pulled him into a tight embrace. This hug didn’t feel like one of a mother’s, nothing like Astoria’s touch, but it felt gripping nonetheless. When she released him, she gazed at his teary eyes with something hidden in her own. “I know saying farewell to somebody you care for dearly can be just torturous… I’ve found a way to keep all our minds off of the departure.” She smiled down at him, and he attempted a smile of his own. “I’ve scheduled to remodel the house as it stands, credit to your father truly, but this is all just so… old fashioned. It could use a trusting feminine touch.” She gestured to the walls and high ceiling, making Scorpius tilt his head.

“Remodel..? I-… I’m not so sure…” he looked at the family tree’s many branches, eyes landing on Astoria’s portrait, “it’s really the closest thing I have to my relatives-“

“Oh but it brings about bad emotions doesn’t it?” She insisted, turning his attention back to her sharp face and her persuasive eyes. “Change is necessary in every life now isn’t it? It’s good to forget the old,” she said with a hint of bitterness in her voice. Scorpius gave her a weak smile.

“I suppose you’re right, step-mother.”

“Oh please, no need to call me that.” She waved her hand at him, making his smile softer. “Madam will do,” she suggested, confusing him slightly. Why such a formal title?

“Alright-… madam…” he smiled, if it made her comfortable to be referred to in such a way, who’s Scorpius to not provide his own step-mother with something so simple?

“Spectacular.” Her face screwed up into a smile, “I’ll be remodelling all the bedrooms so for now would you be a lamb and find another room to stay? The one you’re currently in is scheduled for change unfortunately,” she explained with a coy smile, making him nod.

“Yes, we have extra spare-“

“The attic?” She tilted her head, making Scorpius pause.

“The attic?”

“Only temporarily of course, dear!” She laughed, “Besides , it’s quite a way away from our bother, you’ll find it quiet and very private I’m sure!” She insisted, and Scorpius paused before smiling.

“If it’s temporary, I’d be glad to arrange myself somewhere else for you.” This made madam smile larger, her voice coming out more squeaky.

“Splendid! Why don’t you begin moving up there now before it becomes a chore?” She suggested, making Scorpius nod his head. He turned away from her and trailed the stairs, hearing the distant squealing of his step-sisters as he twirled the rose stem in his hands.

“Will you get away from my stuff-!”

“Our stuff you mean!? These are my stockings-!”

“You’re such a stinky hog! No wonder the mice went to you! Take a bath!”

Scorpius couldn’t help but pity his step-sister’s the slightest bit, how could two people feel so much hatred for each other throughout the day? Ignoring their squabbling, he closed his bedroom door and went straight to the drawers, startled at the three mice. “So sorry to disturb your meal, we’re moving again today, if madam finds you three you won’t just be tossed out!” He smiled, watching them as they quickly stuffed their faces before clambering out of the drawer, watching him as he folded all his clothes and stacked his possessions into a neat, holdable pile to carry up to the attic. He didn’t have many possessions, and most of the nice things were taken by his step-sister’s anyway to lift the load off of him, so he could easily move if they needed him to.

The mice scampered through his legs as he walked, pushing open a creaky door, he looked up towards the spiralling staircase that led to his new bedroom. He sighed, allowing the mice to cling onto his sock-covered feet as he trekked the landslide of stairs, finally reaching the top where he nudged the handle with his hip, nearly toppling into the dusty attic as he stepped in. It certainly wasn’t a suite, but it was manageable he supposed. Cobwebs thick enough to be string along the window panes, dust layering every surface, rotten wood holding up the untrustworthy ceiling, and forgotten fabrics and furniture spread along the floor, possibly an old storing room his parents used.

He set his things down on a cushioned chair, looking around the bland, triangular shaped ceiling, until he found the large window allowing the only source of light into the room. He allowed the three mice to scuttle around as he pushed open the window, allowing the summer heat to flood into the attic, a warm breeze brushing through his white hair as he gazed along the landscape of undisturbed trees. He knew on the other side of the house he’d see the kingdom a short distance away, and the great palace, a place even his parents weren’t allowed to go into, a place nobody was allowed to go into it seemed.

He decided quickly he’d make the best out of this dusty attic, and made numerous journeys up and down the endless stairs, carrying stacks of books, bookcases, paints from his mother’s study, blanks papers, candles, and cleaning supplies all the way up with him. He worked the rest of that day to clean out the old filth and fill the empty room with a little more life. Setting two blankets and a couple pillows onto a sofa he now called his bed, he noticed his tiny roommates making a home in a slot under a crooked wooden plank, leaving them to get settled. While he was setting some candles by the window, he heard a yell from the very bottom of the house by his step-mother, calling for him down.

“Coming, madam!” He shouted down as he abandoned what he was doing, carefully scuttling down the stairs all the way into the spotless kitchen where his step-mother stood, an expecting look on her face. She raised an eyebrow.

“Where is dinner?” She asked, making Scorpius pause.

“Pardon?” He asked, genuinely perplexed, though it looked as if he were telling an annoying joke by the sneer on his step-mother’s face.

“It’s nearly nightfall, pet, where’s dinner? Did your parents not teach you to cook?” She asked, her hands on her hips. Desperate to not allow her to stay in her irritated state, Scorpius answered quickly.

“Well, yes-“

“Then get dinner ready for my daughters and I already! We’re your guests are we not?” She demanded, and Scorpius looked aside.

“I’m sorry, I’ll start dinner right away.” He turned to the fridge and began picking out ingredients, his step-mother huffing before sauntering out the room. He swiftly got dinner ready, ensuring everything was nicely cooked through and seasoned before setting up the plates at the dinner table. By then his step-sisters and step-mother came down to the dining room from the smell of food. His step-sisters, as usual, were in a small argument over their lost hairbrush, insisting the other had it last as Scorpius set the plates down onto the table.

“Whose is this?” Madam gestured towards the plate he set down in front of himself, Cassiopeia and Violetta looking at him, irritated.

“My plate, I’m sorry, would you like me to switch seats-“

“Well I couldn’t possibly expect you to want to eat with us after you’ve already made our meals,” madam insisted, a hand on her chest, “wouldn’t you rather eat up in your room or outside?” Violetta smirked.

“Like a dog?” She folded her arms, looking at him smugly.

“Yeah, we wouldn’t want you to eat with us, look at you!” Cassiopeia shrieked, “You’re all dirty and covered in dust! Like a filthy mutt!” Scorpius looked down at his clothes.

“Oh that’s just from the attics-“

“I assure you, you don’t want to eat with us after all the work you’ve been doing.” Madam gave him a tight smile, “isn’t that right Scorpius? Or should I say mutt?” Her smile disappeared and her expression remained sour. Scorpius stared at her, half hoping she was joking, but nothing in her mascara covered glare made him feel any doubt in her words. He lifted his plate.

“I’m sorry… I’ll… I’ll eat upstairs…” he turned away, hearing Violetta’s barking laughter and Cassiopeia’s giggles as he exited the dining room, only getting a glance at madam’s smug look before turning up to the stairs. He carried his food up the spiral staircase, his mind completely blank, unable to comprehend what had just been said to him as he pushed open the attic door, listening to it creak behind him. His mood was lifted slightly as he met eyes with three small beings, each looking up with admiration at his plate, sniffing the air. “I suppose we’ll be dining together tonight.” He knelt down to the ground where they stood, setting his plate down and folding up the cotton napkin underneath it into a cushion like square, setting it in front of the mice, “Your table,” he stated, as he plucked small steamed vegetables and tore off bread and pork for their cotton tabletop.

He watched them eat happily, managing to swallow down a few bites himself, but unable to enjoy his meal with the bad taste in his mouth that lingered since madam and his step-sisters demanded him to eat elsewhere, and called him a mutt. Surely things were just tense since father left and they’re still adjusting to the house, surely in time they’ll warm up to him, perhaps they were just more anti-social people than he was used to? They did lose their father and widowed husband more recently than he’d lost his mother, perhaps the wounds were still fresh and they were simply taking out their bottled up anger? In that case, Scorpius convinced himself to think himself grateful to be with them now, to take care of them while they healed from grieving wounds, that’s what his mother would’ve wanted. He was to be kind, and love, despite the challenges ahead.

He decided early after that day that he himself could gift his father something from his return as he so graciously did every single time for Scorpius. He leaned an empty canvas from his mother’s study up against old wooden beams in the attic and began preparing the paintbrushes and available colours he had, eyes dancing over the canvas as he sketched down a conceivable concept with charcoal, using his faint outline to begin a lengthy process with dull and vibrant colours. He worked until late morning on the canvas, dripping paint onto his forearms and lap as he worked, but flinched at the sudden whistling from downstairs. He set down his paints and rushed to the door, looking down the spiral staircase to see his step-sister, Cassiopeia, whistling.

“C’mon mutt! Breakfast is late!” She demanded as she stomped off, making him raise an eyebrow, he was to make breakfast too? Well, it was the least he could do, they were grieving after all.

He abandoned his project and shuffled down the stairs, avoiding his step-mother’s glances as he detoured to the backyard, filled with luscious flowers and bushes, fountains and trees, and at the very back, a small chicken coop his mother used to tend to every day, now left in his capable hands. He retrieved a dozen eggs, thanking the content chickens as he tossed in some of their pellets into their home before returning inside to start breakfast. He made sure to do it swiftly so as to not waste time, serving their food and making a mental note to scurry his plate up to his room instead of placing it down on the green tablecloth lining the table.

While on his venture to the attic once more, he bumped straight into his step-mother, who looked down at him as if he were less considerable than a random cat on the street. “Madam, I’m so sorry, breakfast is-“

“Yes, I see.” She took the plate from his hands, not bothering to give him any sort of appreciation before confidently striding down the staircase, making her way to the dining room, leaving Scorpius silent. Perhaps she woke up in a bad mood? Either way, he knew better than to go down and get a plate of his own, instead making his way up to the attic, he could eat during lunch, no problem at all.

He had his canvas to distract him from hunger anyway, and three lovely roommates who couldn’t be happier and more well fed with the scraps he managed to get them. He finished the rough outline of his painting, three bright, happy faces stared back at him, surrounded by roses left to be white in the final result. He needn’t rush, he had plenty of time before his father came home. He could do his step-family a favour or two, it was really the least he could do, right? He could make their meals. He could do their laundry. He could sweep their floors. He could organise their things. He could clean their shoes. He could pick up after them. He could wipe down their furniture. He could do anything they needed him to do, honestly, it was the right thing to do for a grieving family.

He found time for himself in between helping his step-family. He’d turn to his painting, keep the mice’s rations full, clean and decorate the attic, and still have time to sit down and flip through his books. He truly didn’t mind helping his step-mother with the chores, he knew it was only temporary until his father came home and everyone’s settled into the house. He could do this easily.

One day, he sat in front of his canvas, adding some extra colour and shading to the outlines of his colourful figures when he heard a yell from downstairs for his assistance. He set down his paints, ensured he didn’t step on the roughhousing mice, and quickly sprinting down the stairs, not wanting to keep his step-mother waiting. He approached her with a smile, seeing her flipping through a newspaper on the couch, Violetta and Cassiopeia sitting by the unlit fireplace, slapping each other's hands in a game of cards.

“Answer the door, will you, pet?” His step-mother flipped a thin newspaper page. Scorpius privately wondered why she couldn’t since the door wasn’t even two metres away, but went to open it nonetheless.

Stood in front of him was Mr. Zabini, a distraught look on his face, his hands held behind his back as he and Scorpius met eyes. Excitement overshadowed Scorpius’s confusion, realising his dad must’ve been back. He peered over Mr. Zabini’s shoulder, looking around anxiously. “Scorpius…” the weary old man croaked out, making his attention turn back to him, realising how dishevelled he really looked.

“Are you alright Mr. Zabini? Would you like to come inside?” He asked, unsure of how to approach the shaggy clothed man. The taller sighed deeply, pulling his hands out from behind his back, showing Scorpius a beautiful, vibrant white rose the colour of cream.

“Draco, he-… he left this with me… he told me to get it to you no matter the cost…” his voice was sad and quiet, making Scorpius completely blank, his mind pausing as his body went on auto pilot. What was this queasy feeling in his stomach? “Robbers- dozens of them… they swarmed us during the night… few of us escaped with our lives… Scorpius…” the man closed his eyes, “your father has passed on… he was killed in battle…” Everything felt slow for a second, Scorpius’s face stuck in its blank slate, disbelief settling in as he shook his head.

“Pardon?” He asked, his mind fuzzy, unsure if the ringing in his ears prevented him from hearing him correctly.

“Your father…” Scorpius was suddenly aware of the three figures behind him, “he’s passed on… I’m so sorry for your loss…” Scorpius heard two gasps behind him as he reached out for the white rose in the man’s brown hands.

“But my gown…”

“Who will get my makeup now…”

“None of that matters!” Scorpius turned around, tears forming in his eyes, searching his step-mother’s face for a similar sign of grief. “How will we ever live without income! How will we survive on our own!” Madam turned on her high heels, a hesitant expression setting in. Scorpius turned back to Mr. Zabini, the queasy feeling in his stomach not leaving.

“…thank you… that must’ve been very difficult for you-…” he choked on a sob, stopping himself from speaking any more as Mr. Zabini’s eyes softened.

“It’s quite alright… we were close and… I didn’t want you to hear it from anyone else’s mouth.” The man tried for a smile, but it ended up as a tight grimace. Scorpius nodded, eyes now downcast at the man’s buttons, his mind still trying to comprehend anything it’d consumed in the last few seconds. “If any of you need anything there are people in town willing to-“

“Thank you, it’s quite alright Mr…” Scorpius paused, for he felt he'd forgotten this poor man’s name. He felt he’d forgotten his own name for a second, the only one ringing in his mind belonging to a man long departed from this world.

“Well… Au revoir.” He gave Scorpius a respectable bow, “Bonne soirée à toi.” With one final glance, Mr. Zabini retreated to his horse, leaving Scorpius speechless as he closed the giant door, staring down at the handle as his hand gripped the stem of the rose, blood running down his finger to his palm as his tender skin ripped from the pressure of the thorns. He felt quite hollow, though he wasn’t sure if something hollow was supposed to feel this much despair. He nearly fell over his own feet, leaning against the door for some support as his mind ran around and winded him.

Warm blood dried on his skin from the thorns, staining the lush green into an ugly brown. He felt, for the first time in his life, truly alone. He felt his toes go numb, then his feet, to his knees, and it couldn’t rise any higher than his neck, for the hot tears that ran down his cheeks kept him alive, unable to find the strength to wipe them away. Everyone else was so far ahead of him all the time. He wanted to see mum too, oh why couldn’t they have gone together to see her? Why now does he stand here, looking forward to how long it will be until he next gets to see either of them. He could only close his eyes, squeeze the last living thing that reminded him of his father. “We were supposed to see her together…”

There was no funeral, there was no recognition, no grief outside the walls of his childhood. Unretrievable and unforgettable, Scorpius watched as his step-mother’s colours faded to an inky black. He scolded himself for not recognising how much more impactful this must be on madam, having lost both the men she found to love in so short of time, not even a second with him and he was already gone. He wanted to comfort her, find some way to share his grief and make her feel less alone, but he knew by her sneers and glares that she did not wish for his company.

She wore grief well, as if it were a veil or a crown, something that made Scorpius so miserable and her so strangely superior.

Scorpius found himself in a more complicated relationship with his step-family than he thought. They treated him more so a servant than anything, leaving all the house chores to his capable hands. Scorpius didn’t mind the extra work, for it distracted him from his grief. At least, that’s what his step-mother insisted.

They made sure to supply Scorpius with a lot of distraction from then on, and he found himself working every hour of the day to appeal to them. He didn’t mind at all, it was the least he could do after they just lost their second chance at a father and husband.

No matter how much distraction his step-sisters generously gave him, he always found himself staring at his painting with too much longing to conceal. He felt envy towards the boy in the painting, so happy and innocent, not yet ripped away from the two people most important in his life.

He’d graze his fingertips on the dried paint, tracing the line of his mother’s jaw, his father’s shoulder, and his own eyes, staring into them with teary ones. Once he couldn’t bear the sight, he looked at the illustrated roses surrounding them. Eternally beautiful, forever in the state of spring, forever flourished and healthy, unlike the pile of rotten roses near his window sill, the freshest ones he could find sat at the very top. He’d curl up at night and hug himself, feeling lonely in a house alive with residents. He’d look up into the stars and speak to them, wishing they’d respond. He’d ask the rose petals what he could’ve done, wishing he’d get an answer. He’d look longingly in the direction of the cemetery just outside the kingdom, telling himself his mother wouldn’t want him to feel this disparity.

So he swept the floors. He washed and folded the laundry. He wiped down the counters. He dusted the tabletops. He watered the plants. He trimmed the leaves. He cleaned up the chicken coop. He wiped off the soot from the furnace. He restocked the pantry. He picked up after his step-sisters. He cooked the meals. He cut his own hair. He retrieved water from the well. He fed the mice. He lit and blew out the candles. He mopped the stairs. He went into town for errands. He washed the dishes. He held his temper. He remained polite and kind. He kept himself small and in the background. He was good to his step-sisters and step-mother, they were grieving too, and he must care for those in grieving, he must be kind, and love, no matter what.

That is, until summer finally began to recede into fall, and the attic became a place too cold to stay the night, no matter how many layers of clothing or fabric he could find. He retreated to the lit furnace instead, curling up next to it for warmth, hoping his tiny roommates could keep each other warm throughout the night. He’d regretfully overslept that day, and he woke up to a shoe poking his side, making him open his eyes slowly.

“Wake up mutt, breakfast was supposed to be ready ages ago!” Cassiopeia commanded as she stomped off, making Scorpius spring up in shock, goodness was it nearly noon already?

He quickly began scampering around the kitchen, balancing his pans of eggs, bacon, toast, porridge, and setting up plates with biscuits. Balancing the plates on his hands and arms, he came into the dining room, setting the plates down in front of his disgruntled step-mother and irritated looking step-sisters.

“So sorry for sleeping in late, I was-“

“What’s that on your face?” Violetta pointed at him, making him lean back. He reached a hand up and wiped something off his cheek, grey dust remaining on his fingertips.

“It’s ash from the furnace!” Cassiopeia said in delight, giggling to herself, “You surprisingly look cleaner than you do on a daily with that soot on you!” She shrieked as her sister barked in laughter.

“Do go and wash yourself up, mutt. I’ll be sure to check thoroughly if you’ve left any of your dirt in our food.” His step-mother commanded as she began to eat, leaving Scorpius to pause.

“Could I not eat first-“

“No! Dogs don’t eat at the table!” Violetta screeched. Scorpius stepped back, he supposed they had a point, he mustn’t eat while covered in ash and coal. Though by the time he was downstairs after cleaning himself up, breakfast was nearly entirely gone, and he was left with the scraps from the table.

He couldn’t lose his temper over such a small misfortunate start to the day, so he smiled nonetheless and gathered up any scraps he could have before dumping the rest and beginning to wash the plates and utensils. He didn’t even say a word as Violetta and Cassiopeia dumped a bunch of dirty dishes into the sink as he was finishing up, it was his own fault for not going in their room daily to bring out their dirty dishes. He remained polite as his step-mother handed him a paper with a list of things on it, standing in the sitting room with her hands on her hips, sporting her usual black dress.

“You must go into town and get these things for the house. Violetta’s been pestering me about the lack of pastries in the house and Cassiopeia won’t shut up about this fake flower display she’d seen in a window display.” She shrugged, looking down at Scorpius with a puffed out chest and a sneer of superiority.”I expect you back in time to prepare us dinner, understood, pet?” Scorpius looked up from the demanding list written in loopy, slanted ink.

“But I could always make Violetta pastries here, I’m quite good at baking. And I could find real flowers for Cassiopeia-“

“Are you giving me back talk, mutt?” She knitted her brows, her eyes becoming fierce, “Are you really that lazy you won’t take one trip into town for us? How disappointing.” Scorpius’s eyes widened.

“No! No I will, but I was just suggesting considerable alternatives instead of travelling into town and spending your money-“

“I don’t want to hear it! You’re to be back here before dinner time and that is final!” She announced, and that was the end of that.

Scorpius, while a little disappointed because he was planning on spending today at home, set out down the gravel path with a list in hand and a bag slung over his shoulder. They didn’t have a horse so he mentally prepared himself for a twenty minute nature walk there and back, which really wasn’t a bother. Sure his day hadn’t started out well, but he’d make the most out of it with the lively presence of the kingdom and the environment of the trees. He liked his time alone, especially when he was forced to go into town for his step-mother’s errands, he got to weave through people and pet horses walking past, some leading large carriages.

Checking off every point on the list with a shard of charcoal, his bag became heavier and heavier as he filled it with the necessities, making his rounds around the kingdom, nearly getting lost a few times. With some spare change, he bought a small wheel of cheese as a gift to Teddy, Alice, and Chip, a present of gratitude for staying with him and bringing him company through his rougher days up in the attic. Preparing himself for the trip back uphill towards the house, his heavy bag slightly weighed him down as he ventured through the dirt path once more, relieved when it cut into gravel upon entering the front yard of his family’s old home.

It was much earlier in the day than dinner, which he imagined his step-mother would be pleased about to see him home safely. Entering the large house, he set his bag down onto the first lushious couch chair he could find, and looked over to see his step-mother in the same place she had been in when he’d left, reading the newspaper as she usually did. He hesitated for a second, realising she hadn’t even noticed him come in.

“I’m home,” he announced with a smile, seeing her catty eyes look up at him before darting down to the newspaper again, indifferent.

“I know,” She stated sternly, making Scorpius look aside, perhaps she had a bad day? She seemed to have always had a bad day at the times he approached her. He took out the small wheel of cheese and left her list and bag of items with her in the sitting room, climbing the stairs of the house, hearing his step-sisters screeching at each other about something in their locked, messy room.

He excitedly bounced up the many stairs up to the attic, hand hovering over the railing as he thrust open the door, startling the three mice who stood next to his canvas, one’s feet covered in red paint. “I’m home, I brought you three a gift!” He hopped over to them and crouched down, holding out the block of cheese. He watched them scamper over each other with beady, bright eyes at the sight, rubbing against his hands before using all three of their strength to lift the cheese and stumble it over to their hiding home. He stood, and noticed an empty space near his window sill that caught his eye.

His rotten and fresh white roses that littered that area were gone, and he spun around, perhaps he moved them and forgot? Looking into every empty corner and drawer, he hummed to himself, perhaps his step-mother had an idea of where they went. He tiptoed down the staircase, reminding himself to take off his shoes next time he went up to the attic as he descended the whole house down into the sitting room, where his step-mother sat.

“Madam?” He asked, the word still sounding so strange on his tongue despite having called her it since he’d first met her months ago.

“What is it?” She flipped through the newspaper, appearing bored of the greyscale words. Scorpius fidgeted with his fingers, eyes trailing over his step-mother’s flamboyant outfit and short black hair.

“I was wondering if you’d seen my roses? I seemed to have misplaced them or something along those lines…” he mumbled the last part, seeing her eyes move to the newspaper again, looking more stern.

“I tossed that pile of trash out, it was ruining the feel of the house,” She grumbled. Scorpius felt his mind go blank.

“Pardon?”

“I tossed it out!” She said more impatiently, looking at him with irritated eyes, “Those rotting foliage were all dead and dried out, bunch of filth it was. I’ve ordered some fresh red roses to arrive soon, they’re much more delicate and sophisticated than those eyesores.” She closed her eyes, an expression of disgust on her makeup layered face. Scorpius was frozen for a second, for the first time in his life, he felt irresistible anger and betrayal seeping into him at the sight of his step-mother.

“Excuse me-…” he turned on his heel and sprinted out the front door, only once it’d slammed behind him did he allow himself to fall into a heap of tears, sobbing loudly as he quickly ushered himself away from the house, away from the front yard, running as fast as his feet could take him, hoping he wouldn’t alert any of them of his tears.

How could she? His last remaining remnants of his father’s presence in the house, gone forever. Scorpius felt his chest heave as he sobbed and ran, he needed to get away, he couldn’t breathe in that house right now without fearing he may begin screaming at his step-mother for her incompetence. He must remain kind, he must remain polite, he couldn’t do that to a grieving woman! He just couldn’t! So he ran.

He ran until the tears stopped flowing, slowed down as he felt the initial disparity ceasing. Then, surprise settled in as he realised that his subconscious didn’t lead him to the kingdom, it’d led him into the surrounding forest, as if the very presence of nature lured him in more than the knowledge of other people in town.

He folded his arms, bringing himself some security and comfort as he realised he’d need to return home to begin making dinner soon, but he couldn’t return as he was! He didn’t want to make his step-mother feel guilty. She must’ve not known how important those flowers were to him, it was the only explanation, there’s no possible way somebody could be so cruel as to rip away the last thing on earth that connected them to their parents. Right?

The sound of a horn startled him sober from his thoughts. He brought his hands to his ears, feeling the ground vibrate as the horn slowly quieted itself. When he’d opened his eyes again, a large figure was barreling towards him, causing him to fall back on instinct, noticing the way the figure pranced to the side to avoid him. He covered his head with his arm, only once he could hear something other than his heart beating did he look up, and was met with the dark eyes of a golden brown stag, standing proud and tall, looming over him, looking at him as if asking if he was alright.

He pulled himself to his feet, hearing the distant sound of horse’s hooves thundering on the ground. He met the animal’s eyes, and realised quickly. “Go! Run! They’ll catch you! Go!” He whisper yelled, and the stag seemed to understand as it twitched its head and ran around him, sprinting off into the distance, it’s large horns descending the trees. Not even a second after it’s disappearance, the thundering hooves of the horses came barreling closer, and at least eight people atop muscled horses came running out from the bushes.

Scorpius stepped back and tumbled backwards, the horses running past him or leaping over him as they did. “Are you alright!?” A frantic voice asked from above the dust and sound of strong legs. When the horses had passed, Scorpius looked up, and realised one remained, trotting towards him. Sitting on top of the horse was a boy his age. He looked nothing like the other men chasing the stag, he was much younger and leaner, dressed in nicer looking clothes and riding a nicer groomed horse.

“Yes but you’ve nearly startled the stars out of him.” Scorpius noticed him holding out his gloved hand, the shorter taking it to pull himself up into a standing position beside his horse.

“Who?” The other asked, making Scorpius furrow his eyebrows.

“The stag,” he explained, making the boy on the horse give him an odd expression as he slipped off his saddle to even their height a little more.

“You’re acquainted?” He asked with an amused smile, making Scorpius smile as well, all feelings of sadness and shock from before slowly fading away.

“We met just now. Why should you chase him around? What’s he ever done to you?” He watched the other’s expression turn perplexed, before switching into something else he couldn’t quite place.

“What do they call you?” He asked, gazing into his silver eyes with a look softer than any look his step-family could give him. Immediately names such as ‘mutt’ and ‘pet’ came to his mind.

“Never mind what they call me…” he looked aside, chewing his bottom lip hesitantly before looking back at the boy, who’s hand was on his horse’s side. His eyes were a dark green with hints of brown in the inner circle, his skin smooth and evenly tanned, just light enough for Scorpius to see freckles along his cheeks and nose from his distance. “What do they call you?” He began fidgeting with his fingers, suddenly aware of his messy, white hair in great contrast to this boy’s thoroughly brushed, black hair.

“You don’t know my name?” The other laughed, causing Scorpius to give him a confused glance. Noticing his confusion, the other boy straightened up and responded, “Al- or at least my parents do.” He shrugged, “When they’re in a good mood that is.” Scorpius laughed at this, it felt good to smile genuinely after so many forced ones.

“And… where do you live, Mr. Al?” He tilted his head, noticing the way Al’s smile became a little wider and his eyes brighter at his movement.

“At the palace-“ he looked hesitant for a second, “-my father’s teaching me his trade.”

“You’re an apprentice?” Scorpius asked, intrigued by this stranger’s recognition of his mere existence.

“Of a sort, I suppose.” Al nodded, Scorpius feeling nervous by the way his green eyes would connect with his silver ones. His step-sisters and step-mother would never usually look him in the eye this long.

“Do they treat you well at the palace?” Scorpius glanced at his brown coated horse, admiring the way the sun made its coat shine.

“Very well, yes, better than I deserve.” Al kept his eyes on Scorpius, who dared to think that his gaze had a hint of admiration in it, though he was sure he was imagining things. “Do they treat you well?” Scorpius’s smile faltered slightly, if only ‘they’ could be someone who painted or brought him roses after a long trip away.

“They treat me as nice as they could…” he kept his smile up, hoping not to worry the other, who still furrowed his eyebrows.

“I’m sorry to hear that…” Al looked between his soft eyes, Scorpius only able to shake his head, glancing aside.

“It’s not your fault. They’re just… complicated people,” He insisted, more so to himself than Al. “Others have it worse. You must simply be kind, and love, no matter what.” He met his eyes again, liking the way Al’s smile slowly returned, gazing into his eyes.

“Yes… I suppose you’re right…” he said with something hidden in his voice, making Scorpius look to the ground, trying to hide the way his smile brightened. He felt like the most important person in the world under this boy’s gaze, surely it was because he’d been cooped up in that house with his step-family for far too long, right?

A horn sounded from afar, startling Scorpius to look back to where the horses and the stag had disappeared. He looked back at Al, who was already looking at him, “Please don’t let them catch him.” Al looked conflicted.

“Well… it’s what’s done…” Scorpius shook his head.

“Just because it’s what’s done doesn’t mean it’s what should be done,” he insisted, reminding himself of that beautiful stag’s powerful gaze. Al stared at him silently at this, as if he were figuring something out by the look on Scorpius’s face.

“You’re quite interesting, you are…” he said almost breathlessly, making Scorpius pause, feeling something tight in his throat and burning on his cheeks.

“You… won’t let them hurt him, will you?” He asked, feeling both dangerously exposed and comfortably warm under Al’s gaze.

“I won’t, you have my word.” Al nodded, making relief flood into Scorpius’s chest, giving him his smile back. He heard the thundering hooves of a horse approaching behind him.

“There you are, your highn-“

“Al! It’s Al! My name’s Al!” The one with black hair shouted out to someone behind Scorpius, causing him to look back. He saw a woman with short, curly black hair in a bun and smooth black skin, a perplexed look in her blue eyes before she met the gaze of Scorpius. Something like realisation washed over her features as she instead smirked at Al.

“Well we better get going-“ she dipped her head slightly, “Al,” she acclaimed as she directed her brown horse back towards the direction of the stag, still looking back at the two of them. Scorpius turned back to Al, seeing something like longing in his eyes.

“Yeah! I’m going!” He announced, as he stepped backwards towards his horse and reclaimed his seat on its saddle, eyes going back to Scorpius’s. “I hope to see you again.” he nodded before signalling his horse to begin moving, Scorpius watching him leave his side and instead approach the girl farther away, looking back at Scorpius with a smile. It was only until Scorpius couldn’t see them anymore that he released a breath, wondering privately why his stomach was in such a twist and why his cheeks wouldn’t stop bloody burning.

*****

Fall turned to winter, and Scorpius’s train of thought was foggy for a couple days. He’d stumble over his feet and drop hampers of laundry or bump into walls and furniture from his strange daydreams.

Madam insisted his head wasn’t screwed on right, and his step-sisters couldn’t help but point and laugh as he spilled soapy water onto himself from washing dishes or slipped down stone steps in the garden. He truly didn’t know why he was so hazardous now, but one thought always seemed to be the last thing he could remember before tripping over his own feet.

Al, the apprentice he’d met in the forest, sat atop his dark maned horse and gave him that look with admiring green eyes. He knew he shouldn’t be allowing himself to become so distracted by one interaction, but it clouded his mind as he painted the canvas he began so long ago it seemed.

He much preferred his mind filled with positive feelings instead of constant dread from his parents disappearance. He’d be ashamed to admit he looks at Cassiopeia and Violetta with envy as they cackle with their mother at the dinner table while he mops the hallway's spotless floor.

He so wished his mother would sit at the end of his bed and listen to him go on about this wonderful experience that keeps on replaying in his mind, meeting Al, the apprentice. Why was he so lost in this one interaction? It must be because he’d only spoken to madam and his step-sisters for so long with nobody else, right? He couldn’t actually be swooning over Al, the apprentice, right? Well why not?

He could puff out his chest and say he was finding himself fancying a boy, right? He felt he deserved the chance to feel such wonderful emotions while still struggling through the battle of losing his parents, which he thought he’d be over by now, since it happened so long ago.

Maybe he should be thankful to madam, if she never tossed out the last remnant he had of his father, he’d never have met Al. Though he still felt so sick every time he glanced at those fake red roses littered around the house. He knew his step-mother didn’t mean to torture him with the sight of a plant, but with their presence in every room, you’d think she did.

He wondered privately if he would ever see Al again. He lives at the palace, so certainly not likely, Scorpius had never even seen the palace up close. He wondered if Al thought of him sometimes too, though reminded himself he was a random, hidden away country boy who Al certainly met many of, why would somebody waste their time reminiscing on a memory of him? Though, he could humour himself in telling Teddy, Alice, and Chip all about Al, about the things he didn’t notice at first until he looked back in his memory and voiced out loud. Like how Al’s smile was more turned into a smirk at some comments, and how his eyes lit up when Scorpius had asked him something, it drove away all feelings of sadness and grief. For that, Scorpius hoped he could thank him personally one day.

His step-mother sent him out one early morning after breakfast to pick up pastries from the bakery for after dinner, and so with a skip in his step, he’d happily bid his step-mother goodbye and set out to collect her desired items. Though, entering the kingdom, he couldn’t help but notice a large group of commoners standing around the central circle, each with interested, hopeful faces as a man with a fat, leather hat with a pompous brown feather poking out the end read from a scroll his shorter, stockier companion held for him in strain. He neared the crowd, whispering apologies to women and men alike as he finally could hear the voice over anxious whispers.

“In light of these events, here is to be held a winter’s ball at the palace before New Years.” The square-faced man cleared his throat as his leather hat flopped a little, “By order of the king, every resident of the kingdom is to attend, not just the wealthy. It is on this night that the king’s second prince, Albus Potter, will choose a maiden of the land to be his wife.” Numerous women around Scorpius squealed in delight, turning to one another, nearly dropping their baskets or newly purchased stockings. His joy was overflowing at the news he could hardly contain his shaking hands.

A night at the palace, a chance to have another interaction with Al, the apprentice.

Flushed with excitement, he failed to retrieve the pastries he’d originally set out to attain and instead raced home with a bright smile on his face, eagerly awaiting a celebration with his step-sisters as he has the honour to share this wonderful news with them.

Thrusting open the door, he kicked gravel behind him at the sight of his step-mother in the sitting room, possibly previously settling a dispute between his red faced step-sisters. He couldn’t stop his mouth before any pleasantries were uttered.

“There’s going to be a winter’s ball at the palace! Everyone in the kingdom is invited- the prince is to choose a maiden as his bride-!”

“What!?”

“He lies!” Cassiopeia and Violetta both scream in delight, madam nearly frozen in her place.

“I heard just now! Before New Years!”

“Did you hear that mum!” Violetta turned to Madam, “Me! A princess!”

“Or me!” Cassiopeia fanned her face as the two girls began to squeal and shake in each other’s arms. Madam turned to her two girls with barely contained excitement and determination in her catty eyes. She grabbed their shoulders, her knuckles shaking as she shushed them.

“Calm yourselves…” She breathed deeply with her two daughters before speaking sternly, a wide grin stretched across her haughty face, “You’re to court the prince- either one of you… if you win his heart…” Cassiopeia shook violently with an unsettling smile.

“A princess… Princess Cassiopeia…” She whispered, as if the words were her destiny.

“We need dresses!” Violetta squealed, “Something that’ll catch his eye-!”

“Yes!” Madam turned to the smiling Scorpius, snatching her bag from a pristine side table and rummaging through it before shoving a parcel of coins towards him. “Go now! To the tailor before she’s drowning in work! Order three dresses-”

“Mine with some good figure!” Violetta cut in, “Something shapeable-!”

“Yes, yes! And mine with many layers- bright colours!” Cassiopeia demanded.

“That’s enough for three, tell her we need something eye-catching!” Madam demanded, and Scorpius paused.

“Enough for three? What about my clothes?” He asked, and all three of the black haired women looked at him quizzingly. Cassiopeia leaned over to Violetta and whispered something with a judging look. Madam cackled out a laugh.

“You!? Go to the ball!? Oh we’d do his majesty a favour to rid his eyes of such a disgrace!” She howled in laughter, “Were you hoping to court the prince yourself!?” She set her hand on her chest in amusement, Violetta cutting in.

“Pathetic!” She squealed as Cassiopeia giggled. Scorpius’s mind went blank for a second, looking between their faces, he couldn’t care less about the prince.

“No, not at all. I wouldn’t want to be a disturbance. I’d only want to see my friend, he’s an apprentice living at the palace.” He’d hoped this explanation would change his step-mother’s mind. Her smile, while staying the same, seemed less amused and more threatening.

“Let me make this… very clear…” She stepped forward. “One dress for Violetta.” Violetta straightened up in superiority. “One dress for Cassiopeia. And one for me.” Her eyes were challenging, and Scorpius felt every ounce of happiness he’d felt from earlier drain out of him as if scared of the towering figure before him. Silenced by his own disbelief, he nodded his head in understanding and turned back to the door, hearing his step-sisters chattering excitedly behind him.

He hurried to the tailor without a thought in his mind. He strangely couldn’t feel disappointed at all, he felt normal, as if some part of him expected this to happen. Slowly accepting that his dream to see All won't happen, he hopped in line behind all the other awaiting maidens and men anxiously wanting to put in an order to look their best in the winter’s ball. He stood silently, clutching his pouch of money as his mind sombred, trying to remember the memory of Al’s face as it only got blurrier and blurrier as time went on.

“No need to look so excited,” A chuckling voice said from behind him. He whirled around, struck out of his thoughts by a tall, lean man with a bright smile and twinkling blue eyes. His bright cyan blue hair caught Scorpius’s attention, though he wasn’t about to judge another’s odd hair colour while looking the way he did.

“Oh- sorry…” He looked aside, hearing the taller laugh, gesturing to his face.

“I didn’t say anything that warranted an apology.” He reached his hand out, Scorpius taking it politely, “I’m Teddy. Not excited to go to the palace? It’s quite an opportunity to court the prince of all people.” He wiggled his eyebrows, making Scorpius chuckle.

“Yeah right, I’m no maiden,” He stated factually as he stepped forward again in line as someone left the tailor’s shop. Teddy shrugged.

“Never thought that’d be an obstacle.” Scorpius looked up at the pointed face, peculiar. “Not going?” Teddy guessed, making Scorpius look to the ground.

“I wouldn’t have anything to wear…” He mumbled. Teddy’s face brightened at the words as the line moved once more. He began rummaging through his pockets, Scorpius watching as a clump of cheese, a ball of lint, thorns, and what looked like brown bristles fell out of the man’s pocket. He pulled out a couple golden coins and held them out to the shorter.

“Here’s some extra money to get yourself something nice for the ball,” he offered. Scorpius stepped back, appalled by such a gracious gift, the kind he hadn’t received in so long.

“I couldn’t possibly take this-!”

“Oh it’s pocket change.” He waved him off with a smirk, slipping the coins into his pouch. “Everyone deserves a night of happiness, even-... let's say, someone who socialises with the less loquacious beings.” Teddy stepped out of line, Scorpius looking up startled.

“Wait! Weren’t you to purchase something?”

“Oh no worries! My day’s quite complete! Little one to look after as well!” He waved at Scorpius as he left out of sight of the busy kingdom’s streets. The bell to the tailor’s door opening caught Scorpius’s attention again as he saw the desk empty of anyone. Without hesitation, he stepped forward and dumped his lot of coins onto the bubbly looking tailor’s desk, seeing her sort through the coins.

“Three dresses please. One slim adult, one yellow shaping, and one layered green,” He recited, watching her smile grow as she counted extra coins.

“And?” She inquired, making Scorpius smile more.

“A male’s formal attire. Surprise me.” He nodded, seeing her raise an eyebrow.

“Hmmm…” She eyed him, “Black with some eye-catching silver? Or perhaps something more celestial…”

“Something more modest will do just fine,” he insisted, seeing her shrug.

“I’ll see what I can do.” She gathered up his money and he turned on his heel, giving her a smile.

“Thank you!” He announced, striding out the tailor with a new enthusiasm under his step. He hoped to encounter Teddy once again in the future and thank him for his generosity. Thoroughly reminded to be kind, and love, no matter what, for kindness will always be returned.

As the naked trees became piled with ice and the clear paths became blanketed with snow, Scorpius was finding his daily tasks and ability to stay up in the attic quite difficult. He’d begun shovelling snow off the gardens and front entrance, trekking through dangerous, slippy terrain down to the kingdom for extra firewood, and caring for his tiny roommates as they began hoarding for the winter, quite late in his opinion.

Cassiopeia and Violetta’s dresses had been picked up by Scorpius first, Cassiopeia’s a light yellow with a curvy figure and flexible material that spun beautifully as she twirled it. Violetta’s was an eye-catching emerald green that had many layers of fabric around the end that flopped as she moved.

Scorpius felt a shred of joy watching them admire their dresses, glad he could make them happy in the slightest ways. He didn’t want to say they ruined them by adding their own touches of obnoxious glitter and feathers all over them, but they certainly didn’t improve them.

Despite his reluctance, he assisted his step-sisters in ruining their beautiful dresses. By their watchful order, he sat on his knees, knitting a red flower to Cassiopeia’s dress as she waltzed around her and her sister’s bedroom as if dancing with an invisible man. She stumbled and stepped over their floor, which was covered in loose fabrics and small boxes, though she appeared pleased nonetheless.

“He’d ask for my hand.” She held out her hand to an invisible invitation, waiting as if watching a man kiss it, “Then we’d succumb to the rhythm of dance and he’ll fall in love with my soul through our movements-”

“Yes, yes. Though he’d turn to me and bow-!” Violetta stood on her bed, Scorpius holding onto the yellow dress defensively as she stepped around, doing a curtsy with her thin gown. “He’ll set his own crown upon my head and name me his wife on the spot!” She squealed, hopping down.

“May I have this dance, madam?” Cassiopeia bowed to her sister, who gasped and set her hand in hers. They waltzed uncoordinated around the room, tripping and stumbling in their dance.

“We must compete for the prince’s love!” Violetta spun, her sister’s wicked smile widening.

“Yes! But that shouldn’t mean we conceal dark curses upon each other! We’re sisters after all!” She did another curtsy as they began separately dancing around the room, ignoring Scorpius as he knitted another hideous feather onto his step-sister’s gown.

“Yes of course! I would never dream of pushing you into a frozen lake we pass in the carriage!” Violetta’s arms were held at her side as if she were a queen greeting her knights.

“Or tripping you down the marble staircase in the palace!” Cassiopeia twirled her black hair in a mirror, her sister giggling.

“Or cracking your sweet skull on the pavement! Friendly competition of course!” Violetta took her sister’s hand once again, twirling her and giving her a bow.

“Don’t you wonder what he’ll be like?” Scorpius suggested, watching their waltz.

“Who cares what he’s like! He’s a prince!” Violetta squealed in delight.

“But wouldn’t you want to spend some time with him?” He asked, “Get to know him?”

“Certainly not, what if I change my mind?” Cassiopeia sniggered. She narrowed her eyes with a coy smile at Scorpius, “Surely you’ve never spent any time with a man above the title of peasant!” This remark urged a barking laugh out of her sister.

“I have, he’s an apprentice-”

“Ugh, we’ve heard all about your imaginary apprentice!” Violetta groaned as she set a silver tiara on her head, admiring how she looked. “Leave us, you’ve done enough. Start making dinner soon, I’m starving,” she demanded. Scorpius abandoned the two dresses sat on the bed, feeling slightly irked at the pompous glittery one and the one stitched with vibrant, unmatching feathers.

He left their messy room as they cackled to each other, cheered by the reminder of his own attire for the ball. He couldn’t wait to see Al, the apprentice, and have a most memorable night at the winter’s ball. Climbing the torturous staircase up to the attic, he met the beady eyes of Teddy, Alice, and Chip, silently resigned he couldn’t bring them to experience the night with him as they’d been with him through every other beautiful and terrible endeavour in his life.

He humoured himself with the thought of smuggling them into the palace in his boots.

He still hadn’t asked Madam if he could go with them, surely she’d allow him to go if he’d gotten his own clothing and stayed out of sight? Yes, Scorpius for once in his life felt that after all he's done for Madam he deserved a night for himself. Just one when he’d dedicated every other one to his step-mother.

Then, that day came. Right after dinner, his step-sisters squealed downstairs as they readied themselves, Madam waiting patiently by the door as he stood in front of himself in the cracked mirror in the attic, far from believing the reflection was reality. Alice and Chip on his right shoulder and Teddy on his left as he gazed at himself.

Hair perfectly poked and prodded at, clothes perfectly shaped and made to his exact fit. She’d gone with a black outside fabric hiding a celestial, royal blue inside. White, misty cuffs, soft black trousers, and patterns of stars along the blue colouring. A little more beautiful than he’d deserved, as he’d imagined a plain black jacket instead, but he could work with it.

Hearing his step-mother’s call, he allowed the three giddy mice to slide down his arm and onto a table. “I’ll be back before morning, wish me luck.” He smiled down at the mice as they squealed and tumbled over each other to sniff at him. He shuffled down the stairs and caught up to the sight of his step-sisters and step-mother all dressed in their pompous gowns, looking up at him in shock at his clean, formal wear in contrast to his peasant clothes. Madam looked red in the face at first, so he spoke before she could.

“It cost you nothing, it was a gift,” he explained, descending the stairs and meeting his step-mother’s furious gaze. “I don’t want to disturb your nights either- I wouldn’t want to distract the prince from you-”

“And you won’t,” Madam said sternly, stepping forward in her crow-like dress that fit around her waist and slimmed her legs, unlike her daughter’s dresses. “You’re not going.” Scorpius leaned back, prepared for this exact answer.

“Everyone in the kingdom is invited by order of the king-”

“We couldn’t enter the ball with some worthless mutt!” Violetta squealed in distress.

“A nobody servant would ruin our whole image!” Cassiopeia screamed, pointing at Scorpius with hatred in her eyes. Madam held a black gloved hand to silence her daughters.

“Go back to your room, mutt-”

“But I won’t be a bother- I just want to see my friend.”

“Go back upstairs now! I say you won’t go to the ball and that is final!” Madam stepped forward more, her voice cracking as she yelled. Cassiopeia and Violetta looked wholly amused at the sight of their mother’s rage.

“I promise you won’t even see me there! I won’t do anything- I won’t even think your names-”

“Upstairs now! That’s an order from your mother!” Madam screamed, and Scorpius stepped back. His mind blanked at the infuriated woman, something in his chest twisting and squeezing at her words. Seeing his frozen state, Madam grabbed a lock of his hair and dragged him aggressively upstairs as his step-sister’s laughed maniacally. He begged his step-mother to stop pulling him as she led him up the stairs to the attic and bust open the door, not caring for him as she threw him down to the floor, landing on his side and looking up in shock as his step-mother towered over him. “Know your place, pet! When this door closes it will not open again! For even thinking you’d ever be allowed to leave this house and expose us for housing a mutt you should be ashamed of yourself!” she screamed as she stepped back and slammed the attic door closed, leaving Scorpius sitting in the quiet space in shock.

He slowly rose from his position, shuffling over to the attic’s window to see his step-sister’s climbing into a lit carriage, bright smiles on their faces as they fit their pompous dresses into the slim doorway. He watched his step-mother glare in his direction before following her daughters. Only once the door shut and the horses began trotting away did Scorpius feel tears brimming in his eyes, it was really over. He’d never get to see the palace walls.

He’d never get to enjoy a night outside of a dusty attic. He’d never share the grace of meeting Al, the apprentice, ever again. He sunk down below the window sill, trying desperately to stop the tears from flowing down his cheeks. He felt stupid to ever believe he could find family in Pansy, Cassiopeia, or Violetta. He’d been so blind to the excuses he kept making for them every time they tormented him. He felt as if the veil separating him from his ignorance had been lifted as he could finally see the abuse he’d been suffering for so long, and he was entirely to blame.

“She’s quite dramatic.” Shocked at the squeaky voice, Scorpius spun around from his sitting position to meet the beady eyes of a mouse on a drawer next to his makeshift bed.

“What? With that- When this door closes it will not open again- crap?” Alice’s even squeakier voice commented as she scuttled over the fabric of Scorpius’s bed, leaping onto the floor. “Completely mental that one, I could tell from the moment her and her gremlin daughters entered this house,” She said pridefully. Chip, the smallest, squeezed out of the loose floorboard they’d called home.

“Is the mean old bat gone now?” He asked with uncertainty, Scorpius’s eyes wide at the three mice as Teddy, the largest, hopped down from the drawer and scrambled over to Alice.

“Yes, and we have some introductions in order.” Teddy gestured to Scorpius, turning Alice and Chip’s gazes to the shocked blond. Before Scorpius’s very own eyes, the biggest of the three mice began to disfigure and change colour, blowing up and morphing into the shape of a human being. His fur fading into an obnoxious cyan, his paws stretching out into a meaty palm with five, long fingers, and his clawed feet strapping covered in leather and morphing into brown, scratched boots as before Scorpius stood a tall, smiling man, holding out his hand to the blond. “I believe we’ve met before?” Scorpius took his soft hand, pulling up into a standing position, his mouth agape.

“Teddy- from the tailor’s shop!” His eyes flooded with realisation as Alice and Chip climbed up Teddy’s boots, legs, and up to his shoulders. Alice sat back onto her hind feet.

“Nevermind that dear, you’ve got a winter’s ball to attend.” She nodded, and Scorpius wiped his cheeks of the previous tears, too overcome with shock to feel any past disparity.

“But Madam locked the door…” He mumbled, and Teddy glanced over to the door with a shrug.

“Not something a little magic couldn’t fix!” He said cheerfully as he reached into his pocket and strutted over to the door, Scorpius watching curiously as he pointed a thick brown twig to the door. He mumbled something and the door swung open with a creak, “Now! We best be off if we want to make it on time!” Teddy suggested as he took Scorpius’s hand and pulled him down the wooden staircase, Alice and Chip holding onto the taller man as he sprinted. They reached the door, Teddy pushing it open as Alice and Chip jumped down to the snow covered path, looks of excitement on their triangular faces. “We’ve waited so long for this moment, let's not mess it up now!” Teddy cheered as he waved what Scorpius could only describe as a wand at the two grey mice. He covered his mouth as he watched white mist protrude out Teddy’s wand and engulf Alice and Chip.

Their legs and torsos expanded greatly as their snouts morphed thicker and wider, their eyes expanding darker, and their tails puffing out mane’s of white and grey as their feet hardened into hooves. The mist covered their backs as saddles were formed onto their backs, reins in their mouths as they looked back at Scorpius and a gleeful Teddy. Their ears were still massively mouse-like, round and flapping like elephants, but convincingly horse enough. “You really are magic…” He said breathlessly as turned to him.

“Your fairy godfather would be the correct term.” He took Scorpius’s hand and led him to an enlarged, horse Chip. “Your steed,” he stated as Scorpius’s smile widened, stepping up onto the brown saddle atop Chip’s back.

“How polite, we’re losing daylight here!” Alice announced sharply as Teddy waved his wand at his own clothes, morphing them into more formal attire.

“Yes, yes I know! All comfortable son? Ready to attend a winter’s ball?” Teddy asked as he too stepped up to sit atop the saddle on Alice’s back.

Scorpius could only laugh with a beaming smile. Alice and Chip took Teddy’s queue of sound to begin a fast pace down the gravel path of the front entrance of the house to the path leading all the way down to the kingdom. Scorpius gripped Chip’s reins and squeezed his sides with his legs in slight fear of falling off as he watched the land covered in snow and ice speed by.

“To Al, the apprentice!” Teddy announced cheerfully, making Scorpius smile with burning cheeks at the cyan haired companion. His dream no longer seemed so impossible, for the world had turned upside down. Scorpius glanced at the beautiful sky above as joy set in at the horse below him guiding his way to the palace and Teddy cheering in pride. He’d found himself believing five impossible things under his breath.

One, Stags can live through kindness. Through even the most dire situations in which he’s chased by a threat like oppression under his own home’s roof, kindness could spare even a weakling’s life.

Two, mice can talk. Through years of companionship and awaiting that final moment of when he’d truly need assistance he’d see three tiny roommates sharing a dinner table with him to escorting him to the rest of his life.

Three, he could step foot in a palace. Such an unforeseeable scenario to even get close to such a monumental and respected building like a palace full of royal blood. A country, servant boy like himself could never dream of such an honour.

Four, he’d spend a night outside a dusty attic. So many nights staring up at the ceiling wishing to see the eyes of his loving parents again as he curls up in freezing winter nights and resorting to the ash of the fire, he’d never see a day where he didn’t sleep under the layers of forgotten dust.

And five, he’ll meet the eyes of Al, the apprentice, once again. The mere imagine of the boy was enough to know he’d never be in reach, Scorpius was smart enough to know that, but the thought that he could see him again, someone who made him genuinely feel like someone worthy of the space he took up, he felt like a fever dream in only his memory. And now he was racing towards him, distance only becoming smaller between them beside his joyous fairy godfather.

Everything that had manifested in his mind and became reimagined in his nightmares were eradicated from his mind, allowing himself to swallow in what he, a worthless servant, was blessed by a miracle to do. He was going to the palace, he was going to meet Al again, and he was going to have a night, even if it’s just one, a night of happiness.

Cold yet warmed by adrenaline, he felt his breath catch as Chip slowed and Teddy looked back at him, hooves stomping on gravel slowing as Scorpius was breathlessly gazing up at the outline of the great palace he’d only ever seen upon a dream. Loud and alive with visitors of the kingdom and far from it, horses perched waiting outside attached to glamorous carriages, and a frosted garden surrounding the entrance that Scorpius was in envy of. Teddy slipped down from his own saddle and held his hand out to assist Scorpius down, who still couldn’t take his eyes off the large, almost celestial building before his eyes. He’d only ever seen something so beautiful in the patterns of stars.

“Oh Teddy, how could I ever thank you…” Breathless and almost tearful, Teddy couldn’t help but smile, two dimples appearing on his beaming features.

“I’ve awaited a day like this since our first greeting, dearest. Your happiness is reward enough for me,” he insisted, and Scorpius looked back at him, now concerned.

“But Teddy, my step-mother- my step-sisters! They’ll all notice me… I’d never forgive myself for ruining their night-“

“Of course!” Teddy stumbled around with his pockets for a minute before taking out his wand again, pointing it towards his face. For a second, he’d thought he’d be turned into a mouse, but a flick of the stick and a mist covered Scorpius’s face before disappearing into the cold, winter air. Something heavy fell onto his chest. “You’ll be no more than a trick of the light to them. No go, find Al.” He nodded, hiding his wand away once again. Scorpius looked back to the palace, fear managing to seep in through his excitement. “You’re troubled…” Teddy observed.

“Well what do I wish to say to him, Teddy?” He asked, fidgeting with his fingers, “I never imagined beyond seeing him again- what if he finds me a handful? What if he has forgotten me already?” Teddy’s eyes were conflicted, though he was smiling before Scorpius could let his doubts haunt him any longer.

“A man doesn’t see beauty and simply forget its name, dearest. Have you forgotten his?” Scorpius shook his head. “If he’s forgotten, you tell him straight.” Scorpius looked back to the palace, feeling his small, weak heart bursting through his chest, it felt so wrong to disobey the rules. Regardless of how much half of him wanted to turn around and go home, he stepped forward, catching one foot in front of the other, every breath visible in the cold atmosphere. Gravel turned to snow, and the crunching under his shoes was paused as he reached out to touch the railings of the grand staircase up to the palace, alone out in the entrance. He looked back, comforted by Teddy’s gaze.

“Couldn’t you come with me?” He asked, desperate for companionship in this unfamiliar space.

“Oh no,” Teddy insisted with a shake of his head, “I could never interrupt your first night leading your own life. Do with it what you please.” He smiled, and Scorpius continued his ascent up the stairs, careful with his steps, reminding himself with every slight inch closer to the top that he wasn’t climbing towards a dusty attic. His vision blurred slightly as he slipped through the grand doors at the top, distant music playing with the loud chatter and laughter of people. He fixed his hair, wishing to look the least bit presentable to royalty itself, though he wondered where an apprentice would be hiding in this maze of rooms.

He approached a singular door, hearing the noise become more elevated as he approached. Twisting the knob and stepping inside, he was immediately overwhelmed with the shiny golden hues blinding him through reflections of crystal statues, chandeliers, and glasses. Once his eyes had adjusted to the unfamiliar shine, he was left speechless seeing the flowing fabrics of dresses and glowing atmosphere of groomed and pampered people surrounding him. In the middle of the room, right below the grandest chandelier he’d ever seen, were men leading beautiful women in a formal waltz to the rhythm of classical instruments. Scorpius saw a beauty like a flower bed among these people.

While he wanted to take in the beautiful display around him, he had more important matters of locating an apprentice amongst this mist, and his eyes began to search the room. He feared the face in his mind was beginning to blur, surely he’d attend the winters ball, right? He lived at the palace, did he not? Scorpius wasn’t anymore sure if his memory of a charming, sweet boy who looked at him like he was a diamond was a figment of his own loneliness, though it wouldn’t surprise him.

Then his worries were silenced by seeing someone all the way across the room, such a familiar face Scorpius couldn’t forget it. While it didn’t wear a beaming smile, he felt he didn’t mind seeing a glare on Al, the apprentice, either. Especially since it wasn’t directed at him, instead, it was towards a dark skinned girl in a plain red and white dress, a smug look on her face as her eyes darted to Scorpius and back to Al. He was about to question the look when he noticed who Al was standing next to, the king and queen themselves. Then everything seemed to slot together in Scorpius’s mind, like the final piece of an aggravating puzzle finally finding its place. How could he have been so ignorant to it all! Cooped up in that house for so long, how could he have forgotten the prince’s name!

Though he felt he forgot his own one when Al had met his eyes, and it seemed they both wore an identical face of shock. He knew this was a mistake, he knew he should have turned back the second he had doubts! He was so naive! To think a prince would remember his name, his one interaction, him at all! A worthless mutt living as a servant, goodness he was ambitious.

A bump into his side caused him to nearly lose his balance. Side-stepping out of the way, he tuned back in to hear a familiar screeching that his instincts lit aflame in response to. “Get out of my way!” Spun around was Violeta, glaring right into his face, and fear overwhelmed him, he was caught. “The nerve of some people!” She complained as she turned her nose up to him and went back to her sister’s side, ignoring his presence entirely. He was frozen. He was really free.

“You’re a prince…” turning his attention to a breathless voice, he again met green eyes, much closer than before. He almost collapsed from that look of suffering only something like love could bring to someone’s eyes. Scorpius forgot he was even supposed to answer, and composed himself immediately. He needed to do this right, for Teddy, this is what his efforts were for.

“Pardon..?” Was all he could think of, but he felt his mind go blank again as Al reached out and pulled something off his chest, causing both their eyes to look down at a chain around his neck.

“This gemstone, I’ve only ever seen jewellery this expensive on royalty.” Scorpius gazed down into a sapphire unlike anything he’d seen. Goodness Teddy, what were you thinking?

“Oh… and…” he paused, looking up into Al’s eyes again with hopefully well hidden panic, “And I thought I was being discreet…” he tried for a smile, and found Al’s silent gaze into his eyes as a sign to speak again. “You’re the prince…” he attempted, hoping it’d get that gaze off of him. It only made Al smile.

“Yes… I thought if you knew… you’d treat me differently, though I see now that was useless…” Al paused, looking around briefly before releasing the gemstone around Scorpius’s neck. “Would you like to go somewhere quieter?” He suggested, and Scorpius felt like he could breathe again.

“Yes please…” he smiled breathlessly, “completely not my environment.” Al took the queue to take his hand and turn him around towards the door he’d come in through, making something in his stomach begin to shake as the door closed behind him, muffling the sounds of distant voices and charming music. “Won’t they miss you?” He asked hesitantly, watching Al’s smile only grow.

“My cousin insisted… she’ll take care of my absence.” He led Scorpius far away from any prying eyes.

A small part inside of him screamed that he was disobeying orders, the part that called itself ‘Mutt’. It made him hesitate slightly as he glanced at his hand in Al’s. He told madam he wouldn’t be a disturbance, that he didn’t care for the prince.

Was this technically still disobeying her orders since he came here with the intention of seeing an apprentice? Goodness, he didn’t even realise he’d lied to Al claiming he was a prince! He should’ve corrected him immediately! Though, it’s hard to say if Al would still be leading him away from the king and queen if he knew he was just a worthless servant living in an attic.

As Al’s hand rested on a doorknob, he turned back to Scorpius with curiosity. “May I know your name now?” He asked with slight amusement, but it only made Scorpius panic as the door in front of them opened and Al pulled him inside.

“Why are you so obsessed with knowing my name?” He smiled, his back to Al as he entered the dark room. He was glad to know he was safe from madam or his step-sisters with Al, even if they couldn’t recognise him.

The door shut behind him, “Well you know my name, it’s only fair.” Al folded his arms, earning Scorpius’s attention. He found it difficult to see Al’s admiring smile in the dark.

“You told me what your parents call you, Al.” He raised his eyebrow, making Al roll his eyes.

“Fine then, what do your parents call you?” Something was caught in Scorpius’s throat for a second and he coughed, averting his eyes to the pitch blackness as hollowness creeped into his stomach. He searched his mind for any name other than ‘pet’.

“Draco.” He cleared his throat. “My parents call me Draco, when they’re happy, that is.” He forced a laugh, and noticed Al’s perplexed look.

“Draco?” He scanned Scorpius’s face, a hesitant smile on his face. “That name doesn’t fit at all,” he laughed out, making Scorpius raise an eyebrow.

“What do you mean?” He asked, glad the subject had semi shifted away from his identity.

From what he could see, Al approached him slowly as he spoke. “It just wouldn’t be my first guess when looking at you. Draco reminds me of, like, fierce, violent dragons or something.” He shrugged. Scorpius smiled, amused.

“I don’t give you fierce, violent vibes?” He put his hands on his hips, curious. “What vibes do I give off then?” He asked, watching Al think as he looked between his silver eyes. He felt impatient with the way Al smiled.

“You give me the same violent vibes as a pastry to be honest, because you’re sweet.” Scorpius stifled a laugh at the look in Al’s eyes that he didn’t recognise.

“Is that a joke? Are you making jokes now?” He laughed, the unfamiliar feeling of such a smile on his face making his cheeks burn.

“Maybe. You just give me so much material.” Al insisted, leaning towards Scorpius, who actually gave the effort to turn and look around, finally wondering where exactly Al had taken him.

“Before you get around to making me the victim of your ‘material’ any longer, where have you dragged me off to?” He asked, stepping away from Al, noticing how he leaned towards him more as Scorpius tried to see through the shadow casted room.

“Possibly the only room in the palace with some privacy,” Al answered, making Scorpius raise an eyebrow.

“And that is?” He watched how Al broke their eye contact, his cheeks burning up from what Scorpius could see.

“My room,” he mumbled with adorable embarrassment, making Scorpius giggle as he began to walk through the shadows, searching the room with his feet.

“Bringing a random stranger into your private room in the palace with no witnesses would not be favourable to the prince’s security, would it?” He guessed, hearing Al follow him.

“But you’re not a random stranger,” he insisted, taking Scorpius’s arm to get the blond to finally meet his eyes again. “You’re a prince.” Scorpius held his breath. He could tell Al his name, or he could enjoy a fantasy a little longer.

“Exactly, I’m a random prince.” His foot hit a bedpost, and he allowed his body to fall back to sit on the edge of a cushiony surface, finally able to see a little as the moon rose from the horizon. “Still a stranger to you.”

Al looked down at him with another unfamiliar look, and took his place beside Scorpius, his hand placed behind the blond. “Yeah, Draco’s not going to work. Is there anything else I can call you?” Scorpius felt strange being the subject to the pleading look of a prince, it felt unnatural.

“Call me whatever you like, I don’t mind.” He looked away. Was it normal for them to be so close? Was he breaking a rule allowing the prince to lean into his side? Was he at fault for liking being under his gaze?

Al thought for a moment. “What about darling?” Scorpius laughed, meeting his eyes again.

“What am I? Your husband? No.” He shook his head, making Al mimic his laugh.

“Fine, sweetheart?” Scorpius gave him a look. “Cutie?”

“Gross.” Scorpius smiled, feeling his face grow warmer in contrast to the cold drafting in from outside’s snow filled air.

“How ‘bout my love?” Al leaned closer, making Scorpius unable to hide his smile. As amused as he felt by the Prince, he’d never been addressed in such intimate titles. He wasn’t sure if he was breaking a rule.

“If that is what you choose.” Scorpius reasoned as he mirrored Al’s movements and leaned towards him. “You can only call me that when you’re indescribably… exceptionally happy.” The warmth of Al’s hand on his cheek made him feel weak, allowing himself to quiet his mind and just admire Al’s eyes.

“Can I kiss you, my love?” If he hadn’t noticed how much Al was holding himself back before, he definitely did now. The second he nodded his head, he was suffocated in Al’s touch and melted from a kiss he’d only ever fantasised about before. But he never imagined it from a prince.

He couldn’t allow himself a moment of happiness as Al’s hand traced his side. He was doing exactly what he was told not to do. Why did breaking rules feel so good? Why couldn’t he just listen to what he was told. Maybe if he never came, he wouldn’t’ve put the prince in this position. He felt ashamed. Ashamed he’d allowed himself to disobey madam, even more ashamed that he was kissing the prince.

He leaned back, pulling away from Al with a push on his chest, unable to meet his eyes. Al’s voice silenced the lecturing voice in Scorpius’s head. “Love, are you-?”

“I’m so sorry…” He leaned away a little more, temptation driving him closer but fear forcing him away. To think a prince would remember him, would think about him like Scorpius did. He was a disgrace to his promise for madam, to always do as she says. He couldn’t have just stayed in that attic.

Still, he allowed Al’s hands to rest around his waist, unable to push him away any more. “Love, why are you-“

“I’m not supposed to…” he met green eyes again, expecting to see something other than that same damn look he couldn’t recognise! It wasn’t anger, or disappointment, or anything he was so used to. Why couldn’t the prince be like everyone else? Why couldn’t Scorpius put aside his own feelings and listen to madam?

“This isn’t what they want for you, is it?” Al asked with a knowing smile. Scorpius was sure he meant his parents, but the thought of what madam would say if she knew.

Scorpius placed his hands on Al’s face and pulled him into another kiss. He’d never been held like this, looked at with such love, kissed like he was the only thing that mattered. Maybe if he enjoyed even a second of happiness, it was worth the punishment.

He allowed himself to enjoy something. He allowed himself to enjoy kissing Al, the feeling of his arms around him, especially neat black hair in his hand. He’d never felt so loved before, so comfortable being vulnerable. He liked the way Al made him feel, how he lingered in his thoughts and made his mind go blank with the way he kissed him.

Creaking of the door and the voice of a woman sent chills through Scorpius, petrifying fear like no other. Madam was here. “Al are you- oh pardon me!” He only caught the tailend of a red and white dress as the door swiftly shut.

Despite his fears, he was brought back from a racing mind to the prince’s hurried words, looking at Scorpius with reassurance. Whatever Al was saying in the moment was drowned out by Scorpius’s fear as he felt Al’s contact leave him and then leave the room, racing after someone while yelling ‘Rose!’.

Scorpius was silent, his mind a blank slate watching fear and shame paint streaks of regret. What had he done? He’d lied and selfishly manipulated everyone around him for a moment of happiness he didn’t deserve. He was too ambitious, too in his daydreams to think about what he’d just done. He’d kissed a prince, a worthless, orphan servant kissed the prince. He felt as much guilt as he did excitement, and shortly, every happy sensation was eradicated by shame and regret by a single question. What would Madam say if she knew?

Scorpius stood, he needed to leave. He didn’t deserve these wonderful clothes, or undivided attention by the blindsighted prince who he’d shamelessly deceived. His heart pounded in his chest as he sprinted to the door, he couldn’t look Al in the eyes, to think he even deserved to address him in such an intimate way? Al, no, to a worthless servant he was a prince deserving of so much more than him.

Scorpius ran through the corridor, weaving through lingering commoners dressed like the royalty of the night as he navigated his way to the exit. Along the way, his eyes regretfully caught the same green ones he couldn’t stop thinking about for weeks. He turned away, quickly his eyes searched for the door until he felt frosty air hitting his face.

He rushed down the steps, his breath visible through the air as he spotted two fit horses and a man with cyan hair, muttering to the animals with a smile. “Teddy!” The man startled at his voice, surprise on his face as he approached.

“Dearest, what are you doing back so early-?”

“We must leave, now.” Scorpius pleaded as he halted to a stop in front of him, Teddy’s reluctance showing as his eyes darted between the icy palace and the distressed Scorpius.

“Are you sure? Didn’t you want to spend a little more time with Al?” He paused, mind unable to think of any more selfish desires through shame.

“I’m sure.” By Teddy’s hand, he mounted Chip’s saddle and watched as Teddy did the same, leading him on top of Alice as they rode away from the palace. Scorpius didn’t look back. His fear was strong but his shame was stronger.

His parents would’ve been so disappointed in him. He tried so dearly to be kind, and love, but no matter what he did, he found himself misguided and undeserving of royalties in all contexts. Mostly the prince, who met him not as who he was, but who he wished to be.

*****

He’d only had the time to stare at his painting of a loving family now only a memory, thinking over his life, wondering what he’d done to become this way. Everything was okay when it was familiar, now he’d stepped out of line, off the beaten track, and he’d ruined everything because of it.

Madam and his step-sister’s chirping was audible from beyond the path. He changed out of the fine clothing, pulling the necklace off his chest and staring down at it while listening to the squeaking of three little friends dining late under the bed. The beautiful sapphire with a pristine, untouched silver chain. He hid the necklace and fine clothing, stuffing it lazily into a wardrobe slightly ajar, hoping he could hide away his shame forever.

He met his eyes in his reflection from the icy window, looking over his work clothes. Work clothes and home clothes were the same, and it showed with how much the peasant fabric fit on him unlike the handmade, carefully stitched coat and boots. His life was Madam’s to decide, and he needed to learn that quicker if he wanted to feel any love at all.

A slam of the front door downstairs. Love. What an odd thought that popped into his head.

“Mutt! Tea!” Violetta shrieked from downstairs.

Rushing to trek the attic’s endless steps, his mind sorted itself out. Love, like the type of look a prince would give a worthless servant under a veil of deceit in the moonlight? Or the type of look Madam burns into him as he hastily turns the kettle on and begins rushing to get three mugs. The girls took their seats at the table.

“You should have seen him mum! He was dashing!” Cassiopeia slurred, making Scorpius swallow hard. He needed to get his mind off himself. He was selfish.

“You had fun?” He wondered, looking back at them, straining a smile as Cassiopeia hautilly laughed.

“Oh yes! I met this stunning guy, a banquet server, he was charming!”

“But not the prince.” Madam snarled at Cassiopeia, who glared back.

“It’s not like I didn’t try that first. He ran off with some rando prince.” Scorpius felt his stomach twist. Violetta gasped.

“I didn’t know it was a prince! Thank lord it was, imagine if he’d snuck off with some peasant boy, that would be embarrassing.” Oh to fall to the floor and hide in his own self pity. “Perhaps they’re penpals.” He served their tea.

“Even so, wouldn’t that be hilarious! Imagine it!” Cassiopeia spread her hands with a mad gaze, “The spare prince, a frivolous scandal with a peasant boy! It would be quite the story!” Violetta shrieked.

“Though, do you really think the king would allow the prince to marry a simple, say, baker girl?” She guessed, making Cassiopeia roll her eyes.

“Well, the king’s got Prince James, Prince Albus, and Princess Lily, I’d be shocked if he wouldn’t allow at least one of them to not marry for advantage.” Scorpius couldn’t help but turn away and smile at the ground. Prince Albus, his full name.

“Hilarious, girls,” Madam chuckled, “marriage is all about advantage.” Scorpius bit his cheek, beginning to wash the counter.

“Some people marry for love.” He could feel Madam’s snare burn into his back.

“Love is a joke. It’s a distraction from what people actually want. Nobody is engaged because they think they’re in love. The sooner you girls learn that the sooner you’ll set aside worthless feelings and learn the true values of life.” She was now glaring at Cassiopeia, who looked down at the table with disdain.

Scorpius stopped, watching Cassiopeia think. Curious, was she… perhaps, in love? Love, what a strange thing to think about. It was something Scorpius knows he must’ve been able to grasp at some point. He’d known what love meant, he knew he must’ve! When? And why did he stop knowing what it meant?

“I need you to go into town first thing tomorrow morning, pet.” Madam thrust a list into his hands. “A few minor errands, I expect you back in time to make lunch.” His response was menial and automatic, his mind miles away from where he stood.

Love was when someone couldn’t take their eyes off of you. Scorpius shuffled out of the room, gripping the list. Was love when someone can’t hold back from kissing you? Was love when someone understands what you’re thinking? Did Scorpius know that kind of love? The kind that makes you want to escape a large crowded room just to be with Al? A chill went down his spine, what they had wasn’t love, it was a ridiculous fantasy of his and he needed to snap out of it.

He needed to stick to what was familiar. Remember, be kind, and love, no matter what. No matter if he had feelings for a monarch. No matter if he wanted to run away and experience love he never knew he could have. Madam needed him, his step-sisters needed him. The prince probably didn’t even remember him.

Usually, nights would keep him up thinking about what he’s lost, and wishing for better days. Tonight, he lay awake thinking over memories of the day that made him wince and weep, hiding his face in shame. He was such an idiot, and he forgot all the promises he’d made in selfish desire. He hoped he could put all experiences with the prince behind him and go back to what was familiar, the love he shared with his step-mother and step-siblings was all he deserved.

He’d kept his head clear that morning, grateful Cassiopeia and Violetta provided him with the distractions of preparing their breakfast and tidying their rooms before setting out to complete Madam’s list.

Life would return to normal and he’d have no more aching thoughts of love or monarchs. He’d simply watch other regular commoners prance about, women going on about their wonderful experiences at the winter’s ball as men ached to listen to their constant chirping. At least everyone else in the world seemed to be having an undisturbed life without lingering thoughts of love.

Though, one thing he found strange while waiting in line at a butcher, was the copious amounts of royal officers venturing around to each house, not missing a single doorstep. Perplexed, he watched and listened to the whispers around him, still unable to pick up anything from the noise.

“They’re talking about you, you know.” Startled, Scorpius jumped as he turned to see Teddy’s confident look.

“Teddy! How did you get here? You were at the house-“

“I don’t understand why you’re running away.” Teddy shook his head, leaning towards him in a whisper. “You know, you’ll never get a better life if you hide away from the unfamiliar.” Scorpius leaned away, turning his gaze from the officers.

“I don’t need a better life, I have everything I could ask for. That’s not what I’m looking for anyway.” Teddy gave him a puzzled look, raising an eyebrow.

“Love isn’t what you’re looking for?” Scorpius kept his gaze forward, his breathing slowed.

“Love doesn’t exist for people like me.”

Teddy stepped back, “We’ll see.” Scorpius looked back, seeing Teddy’s gaze up at the cloudy sky. “The officers are asking around for the whereabouts of a male around the age of nineteen with white hair. Tell me, dearest.” His gaze shifted back to Scorpius knowingly, “How many people your age in this small kingdom could you confidently say has white hair.” Once the hints were all put together, Scorpius’s eyes widened.

He stepped out of the line, shuffling his way through the crowds of the town as Teddy followed, watching amused. “Just leave me alone, there’s nothing I want from the prince,” he insisted, Teddy’s grin plastered on strong.

“Even if you don’t want to be found, he seems quite determined to speak to you again. They’re saying the white haired prince is a friend of his, and that he wants to speak to him. Trust me dearest, you can’t run away from a person who controls the kingdom you hide in.”

“Watch me,” Scorpius mumbled, hiding his face from people in fear he’d be recognised. He couldn’t just not go outside, some of his chores for Madam are to be done in town. He just wished he’d never left the attic and made such a stir in the kingdom over a massive lie.

Through the icy paths and snow falling sky, he’d made it home before anyone could recognise him. Left without anything to do, he wondered to himself when the consequences of his actions would come back and damage what he’d spent so long building. He was met by the woman of consequences the second he entered the house again.

“Are you brave enough to enter my house empty handed after I send you out with a list of things to get?” Lifting his gaze to madam, her snarl looked confident and regal, like she was a queen looking down on him from her throne.

“Oh, no, not at all Madam I just ran into some… complications…” he attempted, seeing her sneer grow. “It’s winter season and many people were lined up at the butcher’s, I assumed tomorrow it may be a little more clear…” he looked down at the floor, unable to muster up the energy to come up with a better excuse. Madam groaned and reached up, Scorpius wincing as she grabbed his hair and dragged him up the stairs. His step-sisters watched from their room as Madam pulled him back towards the attic, dropping him at the foot of the stairs.

“You think you can demand things of me!?” She asked in disgust, causing him to shake his head desperately.

“No! Not at all! I wouldn’t-…” he paused, looking into her hate filled eyes. A vision he hadn’t intended on seeing again managed to make its way back in his sight. Green eyes filled with, now he could understand, love. Delicate and tender, speaking as if he wasn’t worthy of a servant boy. “Why are you so cruel?” He asked, ignoring the throbbing pain on his head from the pulling on his hair. Madam stepped back.

“Wherever you’ve picked up this mouthing you better drop it and remind yourself of who you are, you mutt-“

“Why do you treat me so poorly? All I’ve ever done for you is be kind, I’ve been nothing but nice to you!”

“Younice to me? You’re delusional, you don’t deserve my kindness-“

“I’m not sure I’d ever deserve it! I don’t know if you even can be kind! To anyone!” Scorpius felt tears begin to form in his eyes. “I know I don’t deserve a lot of things but the one thing I know I deserve is to be treated better than an inconvenience in your life!”

“You dare raise your voice at me! This is my house, I give you shelter, safety, and a family! Without me you’d be nothing!” Madam lowered her head, her gaunt face turning threatening.

“Without you I think I’d be dead, and that still would’ve been better than what you put me through day and night! I’m sorry if I can’t do one simple task for you out of the millions of things you demand I do daily!”

“Attic! Now, mutt! Or I’ll drag you there myself!” Scorpius turned on his heel and began to climb the stairs, hearing Madam stomp off and the whispers of his step-sister’s echoing through the tower. He slammed his door, unable to feel anger as tears began to trail down his cheeks and fall to the floor.

His legs collapsed underneath himself, why couldn’t he keep one promise? Why couldn’t he stay to what was so familiar and do as he was told? Would life be better if he stayed up in this cold attic and starved before he even considered trying his chances with the prince? Had he been living a lie? Making endless excuses for three brats that use him, that don’t even consider him family?

He had no choice. Why couldn’t guilt let him free? Why did his shame creep up on him like a faded glass eye stalking him, sending shivers down his spine? Why did the beating of the old man’s heart still go on through the floorboards and never stop? Why couldn’t his master deceit work to its end? Was he to live forever hearing the heartbeat like a ticking watch? Or would his guilt finally come and set him free of his nightmare?

He couldn’t hear anything anymore, no beating of a heart, ticking of a watch, or warm tears splattering on the floorboards. Everything was silent, except the creaking of the door floors below, and the sound of voices only getting louder and louder. He didn’t care who was here, they wouldn’t care for him.

So he stood from the floor and swayed around his room before sitting on the window ledge, watching Alice, Teddy, and Chip scuttle across the floor. He ignored them, he’d had enough of their efforts of giving him happiness he didn’t deserve. He listened to their squeaking as they shuffled around his wardrobe and dragged fabrics out, crawling below clothes and chirping.

Eventually, curiosity got the better of him and he looked over, watching the three of them strain to drag a silver necklace along the floor. “What are you three doing?” He inquired from the windowsill, appalled to see them ignore him as they continued to struggle and drag. He looked back out the window.

He remembered blue skies, endless trips away from home, comfortable life with two loving parents. He wanted so dearly to be kind, and love, no matter what, but he struggled so much when the people he was meant to love proved by day that he meant nothing to them.

The scuttling and squeaking stopped. They must’ve left. His parents left, reunited in the afterlife awaiting him as well. Maybe one day they could be a complete family again. Oh what happened to that wonderful family? That loved each other so much that even disparity couldn’t tear them apart? That even loss of loved ones couldn’t make them turn so sad they contemplate if life would be better when they’re reunited after this life.

Footsteps started up the stairs. Possibly Madam to exchange more words of her love. Scorpius had learned to stick to familiarity, and he promised as he watched the door creak open, that he’d never step out of line in fantasy again.

He wasn’t met with a sneering step-mother or even two demanding step-sisters. He was met by a girl with dark skin and curious brown eyes meeting silver, curly black hair wearing a royal officer’s uniform. Scorpius’s stomach turned, even worse than a spiteful step-mother.

“I insist he’s not what you’re looking for!” Madam burst through past the girl, separating Scorpius and the girl’s gazes. “This is my son, he hadn’t even attended your winter’s ball-“

“Your son?” Scorpius asked, standing from the window sill in shock. The two met eyes, Scorpius utterly appalled. “Me? The son you only address as mutt?” Scorpius could only smile, “you’re delusional.” He shook his head. Madam tilted hers.

“You see, he’s a worthless nobody, I wish you good luck in your search-“

“Excuse me, Miss, but if you don’t mind-“ the dark skinned girl reached into her pocket and pulled out a silver chain necklace with a dark, beautiful sapphire at the end. “Please tell me exactly how this ended up at the bottom of your attic staircase?” She asked suspiciously, Madam looked speechless at the gem. “This is an extremely expensive sapphire that only the nobility ever possess, either you’d like to admit to thievery or tell me this boy is the mystery prince we’re looking for, I’d be happy to wait for a choice.”

Madam looked at Scorpius, and he stared right back. In truth, both of them didn’t want him to be anywhere near the prince right now. Though, Scorpius bit his lip and listened to Teddy’s words play in his mind, “You know, you’ll never get a better life if you hide away from the unfamiliar.”

He swallowed. “It’s mine…” he whispered. Madam didn’t break their stare.

“Well, the prince would like to speak with you, your highness,” the girl said with a smile in her voice. Scorpius nearly shivered at the noble title. He didn’t want Madam to be sent to prison for him, and if that meant facing the prince as a worthless mutt, so be it.

He walked past Madam, never leaving her eyes, watching them turn from warning to anger as he got further away from her. She must’ve assumed he felt some satisfaction in leaving her gaze, but he only felt fear at the consequences of selfish happiness. The girl led him down the stairs, glancing at his hesitant look.

“There’s no need to look so nervous,” she assured him, her voice low, he met her eyes. “You’re all he ever talks about, royalty or not, it won’t change how he feels about you.” He wondered if she could read minds. Once they reached the bottom of the stairs, she handed him a sapphire at the end of a silver necklace, watching him with a gleam in her eyes. “He was pretty miserable before a ‘stunning boy’ appeared in the forest, he became so much more… Albus-y, then I’d ever seen him. Sure he may be a prince, but he certainly doesn’t act like it.” She laughed, leading him through the hallway confidently.

He was silent, gripping a silver necklace in his hand, wondering if he was deserving enough of a prince’s efforts to search beyond his own kingdom to find him. He pulled on his sleeves, did he deserve any more than what he had? Was one glance enough to understand who he was and decide he’s nothing but a worthless servant who lived a lie for a night of happiness? The green eyes that met him weren’t angry, or disgusted, or even shocked. They were full of adoration. For what? A mutt?

His mind hadn’t even comprehended arms being wrapped around him, warming him from the cold nerves, opening his eyes again to the room, the room empty of everyone but a servant, a prince, and his loyal guard. He’d never been held in such a way, tight enough to never be ripped apart but gentle enough to send warmth to his cheeks and remind himself it was only common courtesy to return the contact.

“Why did you leave?” A muffled voice asked desperately, tightening its hold as Scorpius’s mind tried to form the truth, the words that wouldn’t leave his mouth in fear. He shut his eyes.

“Because it wasn’t right to let you believe in a lie…” he admitted, feeling Al, or Albus, lean away. Instead of leaving his contact, he placed his hand on Scorpius’s face and admired his eyes, like he was something a prince didn’t deserve.

“You’re not a prince.” More of a statement than a question. Scorpius nodded, surprised at how Albus’s smile only grew. “What’s your name?” He asked, watching him carefully, Scorpius uncomfortable with the unfamiliarity of being under so much attention.

“Scorpius…” he averted his eyes, guilt rising up inside him, wondering at what point would the prince remove his touch and leave him forever, satisfied with the truth.

Albus moved his hands down to take Scorpius’s, his confusion great as the prince went lower and lower until he was on one knee, almost bowing to him. His mind raced to make sense of it all, he must be breaking some rule holding his hands, allowing him to bow to him like he was royalty.

“Scorpius, from the moment I saw you I couldn’t get you off my mind. I didn’t- and still don’t know anything about you, but I want to,” he insisted, leaning towards him with promise in his eyes. Scorpius, still hesitant, couldn’t bring himself to speak as a prince tried to find the right words. “I want you to stay with me, royalty or not, because there’s so much to you I don’t understand and want to know. Scorpius,” He breathed in deeply, making a smile form on the blond’s face, “I want you to stay with me, only if you want to.”

Fear and regret faded into silent shock and happiness, frozen with confusion at the notion of Albus feeling exactly as he did. He wanted him to leave with him, to stay with him regardless of if he was a prince or not.

Hearing a squeak in the distance, Scorpius’s smile grew a little wider as he nodded, “On one condition.”

“Anything.”

Scorpius looked to the right, spotting three little mice hidden under a drawer, peering their fluffy faces out from the darkness and looking between the servant and the prince. “They come with me.” Albus glanced over and noticed the three mice, beginning to burst out into laughter. Scorpius, confused, raised an eyebrow, “What’s so amusing?”

Albus stood again, not releasing Scorpius’s hands, his gaze admiring, “You couldn’t’ve just said yes, could you?” He asked, shaking his head. It made Scorpius laugh himself, feeling it was the first time he’d done that in ages.

“They’re my family, I had to make sure they were included,” he insisted, feeling a strange sensation in his stomach from the way Albus gazed at him. It was always the same dreamy gaze, like there were constellations in his silver eyes.

A sound came behind him, and Scorpius turned to look at his step-sister, Cassiopeia standing in a doorway, being given a daring look by Albus’s guard as she shuffled in, looking at Scorpius hesitantly. “Hey…” she said awkwardly, making Scorpius step slightly away from Albus, watching Cassiopeia shift her weight between her feet as she watched the grooves in the floorboards. “I don’t expect you to forgive me or anything but… I heard what mum was going on about and… I don’t think you deserve to be treated like that either.” She met his eyes again, and Scorpius couldn’t help but smile.

“It’s okay-“

“It’s not.” Cassiopeia shook her head, “I used you, and I don’t deserve your forgiveness.” Scorpius’s mind went blank, she didn’t deserve his forgiveness? “I just came to say sorry and I hope you have a much better life with him than you did with us… thank you.” Her pained smile returned as she breathed in deeply and turned on her heel, appearing as if she were pain in her face.

Scorpius felt a sadness stir inside him as he watched her disappear behind a doorway, knowing she deserved his forgiveness and more for her efforts. Albus took his hand, a curious look on his face.

“Are you okay?” He asked, observing his face, Scorpius nodded, unable to form any words. “What does she mean by ‘used’ you?” He raised an eyebrow, making Scorpius pause, forcing a smile.

“No matter, it’s forgiven.”