Chapter 3
With the increasing boredom of not having Scorpius to bother, Albus had managed to catch up on the majority of his school work before the year had started to come to an end. They only had a couple of days left before summer and his work load had decreased by over half.
He had yet to follow his fathers advice on conquering the challenge of apologising to Scorpius. He knew he had to do it, which is why he’d decided on doing it once Scorpius had returned to the dorm that morning before their first lesson. Albus hadn’t gone to breakfast that morning, he’d been avoiding being in the same room as Scorpius the entire week; where he could help it. He had heard his friend leave early, he wasn’t sure if he’d gone to the library after to avoid crossing Albus or not, but either way he waited patiently for him to come back to the dorms.
Neither Mateos or Elias had commented on the lack of interaction between the two and had actually distanced themselves as well- in an attempt not to interfere. Albus thought a little company would’ve been appreciated, but after all he’d brought it upon himself.
He’d not been waiting very long before Scorpius had returned to the dorms to grab his bag and books. Albus hesitantly sat up on his bed gaining the courage to confront Scorpius.
“Scorpius.” The blue eyed boy glanced in his direction. He had bent down beside his bed to grab a book and started to load it into his bag. He didn’t say a word but indicated he had heard.
“I’m so sorry.” Albus had rehearsed so many apologies in his head all week but this was all he could muster in the moment. “I was so stupid for saying all of that because now I realise you were just trying to help.” He took a deep breath and Scorpius stood there, still not responding. Now he was slinging the brown satchel bag over his shoulder and zipping it up.
“I know I didn’t think at all, because really I’m not very good at that. There’s just so many people telling me that it’s going to be okay and that they understand me, when I know they don’t know any extent of it. Then when you said that I reacted how I usually would, not really realising that of course you understand. It was a stupid thing for me to say, of course you’re struggling. You had it way worse and I’m so sorry I did that to you.”
Scorpius seemed to be frozen on the spot.
“I guess what I’m trying to say is that I hate the silence between us and I’m so so sorry.”
“Okay.” Scorpius seemed to be composing himself to continue. “I probably over reacted a bit. It’s just a lot, you know?”
“Yeah. I know.”
“I accept your apology. It was probably a cretinous argument anyway.”
“I’m not going to pretend I know what that means, but yeah okay.”
“Foolish, stupid.” Scorpius smiled in response.
Albus screwed his face up, “hey! That’s a horrible thing to call me.” he retorted sarcastically. Scorpius just laughed knowingly and sat himself onto the bed beside Albus.
“Friends?”
“Always.”
The boys had double Potions first lesson, in which they were both making their way to, accompanied by Mateos and Elias; the boys seemed to be around them a lot more now, Albus still was unsure why. “Merlin, I cannot stand Slughorn! I’m so glad this is our last lesson this year.” Mateos cried, kicking the floor dramatically.
Albus nodded in agreement, “yeah.”
Mateos seemed to dislike his comment, though. “He absolutely loves you, Albus. You have nothing to complain about.”
He likes Albus Potter. Not Albus, he wanted to say. Though that seemed way too self pitiful so he just shrugged slightly. They were now outside Slughorn's classroom, they shared the class with the Gryffindors and Albus spotted Rose leant up against the wall with a group of girls. He realised he hadn’t spoken to his cousin since straight after he’d gotten back…
Scorpius had quite obviously been distancing himself from her; after the little interaction they’d had where she’d yelled at him and called him a “bread head”, much to Albus’ amusement.They'd both thrown glances at each other across classrooms, neither had yet had the courage to say anything though- best leave it for when be braved the rest of the family he thought.
Everyone filed into the classroom just as they’d arrived and seated themselves at their desks. Albus sat down next to Scorpius and pulled out his textbook. Slughorn’s classroom had always been a dingy, dispirited atmosphere. He wondered if his fathers classroom would be that dull, although both men had very little in common.
“Okay, so this is the last lesson of the year as I’m sure you all know.” Slughorn clapped his hands together in delight.
“Counting down the days, Professor.” A Gryffindor named Jackson joked across the classroom.
Slughorn waved him off and continued. “So today I’ve decided to have a little bit of fun and allow you all to pick your own potion to brew.” This obviously caused less commotion than he’d anticipated. “Okay…so obviously I’m going to give you all a list of options because there are some nasty potions that I don’t want you making…but come up to the front to grab a list and get brewing!”
Albus groaned inwardly and didn’t move from his seat. “Yes, I’ll get us a sheet.” Scorpius said, knowing him too well. “Thanks.” Albus grinned.
He could sense somebody now coming up behind him, who he suspected to be Slughorn. “Albus, my boy!” Correct.
“Hi, Professor.” Albus studied his expression. He always seemed overly joyful for a teacher, a smile spreading from one side of his face to the other. Pronouncing a jumble of wrinkles. “I’m hosting another Slug Club party tonight, if you’d be able to attend.”
Great. Albus had previously managed to avoid every one that he’d been invited to. Slughorn had only started inviting him at the beginning of the year, after realising that he wasn’t completely hated by his family and an outcast. “Er- yeah I’ll try and make it” and Albus knew he was unable to avoid this one.
“Great! It starts at seven. Hopefully I’ll have the whole Potter set there.” There it was, Slughorn’s little care for him but his endless care for his surname. “Yeah.” Albus faked a polite smile.
“Good.” Slughorn turned away and made his way over to the congregation of Gryffindors on the other side of the room, obviously aiming to corner Rose and ask the same question. He couldn’t miss the opportunity to have the Prime Minister's daughter at his Slug Club.
Albus spotted Scorpius coming back with the list of potions and as he got closer slid one across the table to him. “What did Slughorn want?”
“Oh, invited me to another one of his Slug club dinners.” He dramatically sighed. Scorpius grimaced, though seemed somewhat relieved he’d not been invited as well. “On the penultimate day? Merlin that man is dedicated and extremely desperate.”
“Right.” Albus laughed. “How do you reckon I can get out of this one?”
“Hmm. Without James harassing you? Without your dad finding out? Not too sure Albus.” Scorpius sarcastically responded, then picked up the list he’d previously gone to get.
“I managed to get out of them the entire year, surely I can dodge this one.” Albus tutted. Scorpius glanced upwards at him with a raised brow. “We were stuck in the past for the majority of that time, I think you’ve forgotten.”
“Nope…definitely not…forgotten.” Albus gulped.
“Sorry. Bad coping skills, need to get that one fixed.” Scorpius quickly added realising he’d been a little too insensitive.
“It’s fine. What potion are we doing?”
Scorpius went back to scanning the list before him. “Polyjuice?” He raised a brow with a slight smirk on his face.
“Merlin, no.” Albus chuckled this time.
Albus had been fretting over Slughorn’s party the majority of the day, and his focus in classes had been even more out of it than usual. He didn’t mind parties too much, not that he’d really been to any other family ones; those he didn’t have to do too much communication. The irony of that though, was that his family was his biggest concern for that night. He’d spoken to James very little since they’d gone into Hogsmeade and Lily he’d barely spoken to at all. They’d shared soft stares across the great hall and in the corridors, which Albus knew were full of concern. His biggest anxiety was Rose. He’d realised he probably had to speak to her at the party, and that he wouldn’t get the luxury of doing it amongst the rest of the family. He also dreaded thinking about what other family members would be there. He didn’t think he could face everyone alone. He needed his mum, just there in case it all got too much. She understood; well enough.
Scorpius had fully convinced him to attend and even went to the effort of navigating through Albus’ trunk to find his unused, screwed up suit.
“Here!” Scorpius held up the grey untouched tuxedo to his face. “Perfect.”
Albus pulled a face of disgust. “That is ghastly. Can’t I just go in a smart pair of jeans, maybe a sweater?” It was Scorpius’ turn to now frown at his friend.
“No, Albus! It’s a smart occasion. Besides, you’d be completely singled out if you didn’t wear it.”
Albus scoffed, looking away from Scorpius’ daunting blue eyes, “wonder what that’s like.”
“Just put it on.”
“Fine.” He grabbed the suit and marched off into the bathroom to change.
He’d only stepped out of the bathroom for a millisecond before a delighted clapping erupted from Scorpius. Albus rolled his eyes, even if the suit didn’t look too bad it was incredibly uncomfortable. “See, it looks great.”
“Yeah, whatever.” Albus tugged away the small smile forming on his lips.
“What time did Slughorn say?” Scorpius inquired, flopping back onto his bed. He’d already changed into his pyjamas and was accompanied by a worn book.
“Er, seven I think?” Albus looked down at his watch, a birthday gift from his gran and grandad last year. “Shit, I’ve got five minutes to get down there. See you?”
Scorpius smiled warmly, diving under his duvet. “Don’t have too much fun.”
“Mmm, I’ll try not to.”
Albus had made it to the dungeons, where the party was located as usual, in around ten minutes. Walking through the ominous corridor he almost bumped into a pair of girls, one who was dragging the other behind her and away from the party. Albus moved out of the way quickly and turned back around, slightly confused as to what had just happened.
As he was walking through the door, he observed it to already be quite busy inside; Slughorn must’ve invited a lot of people for his last one. There were a large number of seventh years there, obviously, and an equal amount of sixths. Albus spotted his brother crowded around a group of girls on the left side of the room. He had a similar suit on to Albus, most likely bought at the same time, and his hair sculpted an unruly mess upon his head. Much like Albus as well.
He was unsure who to go over to. He was definitely not starting his night with the dreaded conversation with Rose and hanging out with his little sister seemed reasonably lame. He’d actually yet to see Lily and suspected she was lurking amongst some second year boys somewhere. He moved forward, not wanting to aimlessly stand in the doorway, and awkwardly made his way over to the drinks table. There was an array of non-alcoholic drinks and he grabbed a plastic cup and filled it up with water, trying to look busy and not exceedingly lonely.
“Albus!”
He turned around, jumping slightly, as a large hand patted him on the shoulder.
“Oh, Mateos.” He smiled, extremely grateful for someone to talk to. “I didn’t realise you were here?”
“Yeah. I’m usually here, they’re a bit dull but free food I guess?” He laughed.
Albus scratched his neck. “Er yeah.”
“How come you’re here? I never see you at these. I mean surely you’ve been invited before.”
“Oh, just been busy…sort of.”
Mateos didn’t question it further and just stared knowingly at him, leaving Albus feeling very uncomfortable. “Want to come and join the rest of us?”
Albus wasn’t sure what that meant but he nodded anyway and followed Mateos over to a group not too far away from them. There weren’t too many people, he wasn’t sure who most of them were and they definitely weren’t fourth years.
“This is Albus.” Mateos grabbed Albus’ arms and pulled him a little closer to the group, trying to showcase him.
“Obviously.” A boy snarled to the right of him. He had mousy brown hair and a vast amount of freckles. He was also a lot taller than Albus, although most people there were.
“Hi.” Albus awkwardly waved, wishing he’d never come to the stupid party in the first place.
Mateos continued with introductions. “Luke Ryder, sixth year.” Mateos gestured at the bitter boy who had just spoken. Albus took note to ask his brother about him when he got the chance. “This is Penelope Johnson, fifth year.” He pointed towards a girl who had dark plaited hair, wearing dainty silver bows at the end of them. She looked a lot cheerier than the others.
“Graham Goyle, fifth year.” This time he pointed at a stern looking boy with a shaved head and a matching nasty look to Luke. He was giving Albus an intense unwelcoming stare. “And lastly, Nadia Turner. Sixth year.” She had platinum blonde hair, much like Scorpius, and a straight cut fringe. She was the only one to respond. “Hi, I’m Nadia.” She smiled and took out her hand for him to shake. This was weird.
“Yeah, Albus.” He shook her hand pathetically.
“How about we go and get drinks?” Luke suggested, running his hand through his hair and adjusting his shirt collar.
“Sure.” Mateos agreed.
“I’m fine, I have one.” Albus input.
“Not alcohol though, right?” Nadia asked, grabbing it from him and taking a large sip. “Nope.” She pulled him after the rest of the group towards the table.
“Here, try this.” She turned on the tap and placed a new cup underneath, before handing it back to Albus. He took a large gulp, not wanting to seem any more pathetic than he’d already come across.
“Good?” She questioned, a cautious large grin forming on her lips.
“No-“ He was stopped mid sentence as a hand grasped his shoulder and pulled him around.
“Al.” His brother was now before him and still holding on tightly to his shoulder.
“James Potter.” This time Nadia spoke.
James still wasn’t letting go of him, “Nadia Turner, what are you doing with my brother?”
Nadia smugly crossed her arms. “We’re friends now.”
Albus looked desperately at his brother who looked back at him with concern. “No we’re not, I met her five minutes ago and she’s actually quite frightening. Can we leave James, please?”
Nadia chuckled and looked behind at Graham who was now coming towards them. “Did it work?” He laughed and looked towards Albus.
James pushed Albus behind him, shielding him. “Did what work?” He interrogated the two. Nadia and Graham continued to laugh and shrugged off James’ question. “Yes, Graham it definitely did.”
“Awesome. Hey Albus.” Graham moved forward to ask him a question. “How was your little trip back in time with Scorpius?”
Albus looked up at Graham who stared intrusively at him, his eyes digging deeply into Albus. “It was-“ A hand clasped over his mouth before he could answer the question and his brother dragged him away from the two older students.
“For fucks sake. Fucking veritaserum.” He sighed as he continued to drag along Albus and released his hand.
“Albus, you need to be careful with who you’re speaking to. Nadia Turner, seriously? I get that you’re a Slytherin, but you need to remember you’re also a Potter and you need to be careful with who you trust, Al.”
“She s-“ James cut him off again. “Just stop talking, okay?” He pulled Albus over to a corner of people, some of whom he recognised.
“Alice.” James went over to a girl he recognised to be Alice Longbottom, his current girlfriend. “Could you help me?”
“Sure, Jamie.” She turned away from their friends and towards where Albus was sitting.
“Sure, Jamie.” Albus repeated, imitating what he’d just heard. “Did you know that James is-.” James slapped a hand over his mouth.
“You, shut up.”
“What do you need help with?” Alice questioned looking apprehensively down at Albus.
“He’s been spiked with veritaserum.” James sighed, shaking his head and taking a seat on the bench he’d just sat Albus at.
“Seriously? By who?” Alice fretted, kneeling down in front of Albus.
“Turner.” James spat.
“Nadia Turner? What was he doing with her?”
“I’m not sure, but it definitely wasn’t out of choice.” He stood up. “Let’s get him out of here. Before he says anything he regrets.”
“Yeah.” Alice agreed and assisted James with pulling Albus up and out of the dungeons.
Albus could sense the effect the potion was having on him, he felt change and a difference in the way he thought. He was almost saying things without realising, he couldn’t think straight. It also prevented him from functioning properly, as his brother lugged him through the deserted corridors. “James.” He mumbled as his brother held him upright.
“Yeah.” He exhaled, exhausted from the weight.
“I want mum, can you get mum? This doesn’t feel right. I need her. James, please, plea-“
James stopped them, resting Albus against the wall. “Albus. It’s fine, you’re okay. You just need to sleep.”
“Can we tell Mcgonagall? Maybe she’ll let you stay with him until it wears off. In your dorm?” Alice intervened.
“It’s fine. We can take him to the Slytherin dorms. Scorpius will be there, we can trust him to take care of Al. It will be okay, the longest one of these potions lasts is six hours and that’s only if it’s done spectacularly. He should be good by tomorrow.”
“Okay, if you’re sure…” Alice seemed uncertain.
James replied a little sternly this time. “I trust Scorpius, okay? He would do anything for Albus, I know that much.”
Luckily the three didn’t have far to go before they’d come across the Slytherin common room. James held up Albus. “We might have to go under the cloak. I doubt we will get through there easily, not without unwanted questioning.”
“Yeah.” Alice assisted James by pulling the cloak from his pocket and throwing it over the three of them. It was a struggle to fit more than two people under it but they managed sufficiently enough. “Albus, can you say the password for the common room?”
“James, are you staying with me? Please, I don’t want to-.”
“Scorpius is up there, you’ll be with him. It’s okay, you won’t be alone. For now can you say the password?”
“Basilisk.”
The door started to slide open and the two sixth years carefully escorted Albus into the common room. They stopped for a minute to take in the cold and tedious room, contrary to the genial and embracing nature of Gryffindor's. There were a lot of people downstairs due to it still being relatively early. They continued to lug Albus up the stairs towards the fourth year dorms. It was easy to find and James pushed open the door lightly, trying not to startle anyone inside.
When the three were inside they looked around, noticing three absent beds. The other was accompanied by Scorpius Malfoy, who was looking up; a little shocked by the door opening on its own. James quickly shut the door behind them and threw off the cloak.
“AHH.” The platinum haired boy yelled, clutching his book to his chest and curling up tightly into a ball.
“Sorry…” James apologised quickly, picking up the cloaked he’d dropped and supporting Albus still with the other hand.
“It’s- it’s okay.” Scorpius put down his book and sat up straighter after noticing Albus struggling to stand upright. “What happened? Is Albus okay?”
“He’s fine. We just need to get him to bed.” James rambled.
“He really does not look fine.” Scorpius was now standing up making his way over to his friend.
“He was spiked with veritaserum. Although I’m pretty sure it was brewed incorrectly, he shouldn’t be reacting like this.” Alice informed Scorpius, after James’ lack of doing so.
“Yeah I agree. How are you feeling, Albus?” Scorpius bent down to look Albus in the eyes, he was staring down at the floor still in a complete daze.
“Not good. Dizzy.” He responded, his mind whirring and little making sense.
“We need to take him to Madame Pomfrey.” Scorpius instantly decided. “He’s not right.”
James pinched the bridge of his nose and rubbed his eyes. “Okay. Fine.”
“Please help me lift him.” Scorpius pleaded as he struggled to lift Albus up.
“We will go back under the cloak with Albus, there’s a lot of people down there. You can lead us out.” James instructed.
“Wait I’m still in pyjam-“ Scorpius stopped himself and grabbed his coat that hung on the wall. “Yeah, let's go, quickly.”
The four students struggled to navigate their way out of the common room, as Albus became more troublesome to carry. James had taken to perching his brother over his shoulder so that he wouldn’t have to walk at all. Alice ensured the cloak kept them covered, until they’d made it out of the common room. Scorpius pushed the door open and held it until he assumed they’d all gotten out.
Once they were safely out and had moved out of sight Alice pulled off the cloak. “Okay let’s go as quickly as we can.”
“Trying.” James mumbled.
Alice glanced over at her boyfriend, “I know, sorry.”
As soon as they neared the corridor of the hospital wing they were met with Madame Pomfrey who looked as if she’d been leaving. She noticed them immediately. “What are you all doing out of bed? Mr Potter, who are you holding?” She inquired, hurrying over.
“Albus. He’s been spiked with a faulty batch of veritaserum.” Scorpius rushed, his voice wavering slightly.
“Okay. Calm down and bring him into the hospital wing.” She turned back and around and unlocked the door with her wand she had just previously closed. “Place him on this bed here. Is he conscious?”
James carried him over and carefully lowered his brother onto the bed. “Yeah, only just.”
“Scorp. Why are we here?” Albus suddenly looked up and around. “It’s fine, promise.”
Madame Pomfrey pulled out her wand and turned it towards Albus. She motioned it back and forth before making a decision. “I reckon a potion to immediately retract the one he has taken will work. He doesn’t seem to have major effects, though it’s best to stop them now.”
“Madame Pomfrey I think yo-“ Albus started to say until James, who had gotten used to slapping his hand over his brother's mouth when needed now, stopped him. He kept it covered until Madame Pomfrey left to grab the potion. He shrugged when Scorpius raised a brow at him. “It could’ve been something bad, never know when it comes to him, best to be safe.”
Madame Pomfrey had returned with a small capsule of liquid in hand. “Okay, take the entire bottle. In one go would be best.” She instructed, handing Albus the bottle.
“That is absolutely horrid!” Albus cavilled.
“Just drink it, Al.” James rubbed his eyes again, getting increasingly frustrated.
Once his brother had finished the entire bottle he looked toward Madame Pomfrey. “How do we know it’s worked?”
“Ask me a question.” Albus had perked up now and nothing felt as distorted anymore. He knew it had worked, Madame Pomfrey obviously did as well.
“Okay, erm. Who is your favourite person?” James smiled.
Albus didn’t hesitate. “James.”
James looked back at Madame Pomfrey. “Yeah, it didn’t work. He’s still telling the truth.” James smirked up at her.
“Okay. I need to go to bed, so all of you out. Now.”
“Thank you.” Scorpius added as he pulled Albus up. He looked at Albus now. “What did I say about having too much fun?”
“Whoops.” Both boys laughed and made their way back to the dorm.