Gift for blamebrampton
Author: khateh
Recipient: blamebrampton
Title: Choice and Duty
Pairing(s): Albus/Scorpius
Summary: "It's about people trying to take something else from Scorpius. Something they can't have."
Rating: PG
Warning(s): mention of past character death
Word Count: 2.200
Disclaimer: All Harry Potter characters herein are the property of J.K. Rowling and Bloomsbury/Scholastic. No copyright infringement is intended.
Author's Notes:This was meant to be many things, and someday, those things might get written. Until then, I hope you'll enjoy this. Many thanks to my wonderful betas and to bryoneybrynn for putting up with me.
I don’t know when or how I could have done it, but I know I should have stopped him. The knot in my stomach, the one that's been tightening like a ball of Devil's Snare since this morning, tells me that I should have done something to keep Scorpius from getting here.
And telling myself that whatever happens, we'll get through it doesn't make me feel any better. I doubt anything short of the press conference being cancelled and the mass of journalists disappearing could.
Scorpius doesn't seem to have this problem, though. He's smiling widely, nodding at what his assistant is telling him, looking as though he's getting ready to announce his holiday plans to the family. His family, at that.
Then his assistant announces in that squeaky voice of hers that Mr Malfoy is ready to answer questions, and all the journalists rush to the chairs, their quills floating around them, buzzing with spells.
I wonder why they don't mind their own business, and send Scorpius the list of questions they want answered. I wish they would; it would be better for everyone that way.
"Do you think you're too young to be a member of the Wizengamot?" one of them asks, as if it hadn't already been debated everywhere and by everyone.
The youngest member of the Wizengamot, and a Malfoy at that, how is it possible? None of the journalists care that he's bloody good at it, so good that every new law he proposed had been unanimously approved. All they see is his age and his name.
They're just not bold enough to mention the name. Yet.
" - am doing my best to make sure that everyone has a fair chance. I know that some people believe I'm not fit for this position, but I can assure you that -"
There's a snort from one of the reporters - the one from the Daily Prophet, I think - and Scorpius stops, as if he hadn't been expecting this, as if he doesn't know what these people are capable of.
"Are you saying that I'm not?" He raises an eyebrow, but it's not threatening. Just his way of telling them he's not the fool they think he is.
"What would you do if one of your grandfather's associates were put on trial?"
"I would uphold the law, as I've sworn -"
He can't continue, because Dad walks in, smiling awkwardly at the reporters and then standing next to Scorpius. They talk for a bit, too low for me to hear what they're saying from the back of the room, and I take the time to study the man who asked about Scorpius' grandfather.
Not that I would do anything to him myself. Of course I wouldn't, Dad would be forced to take me off active duty and I've waited too long to be able to go in the field to risk it. No, I'd just drop hints to the right people, letting the man's humiliation occur after the fact. No one messes with my Scorpius.
"If you have any -" Dad doesn't get the chance to continue, because the reporters jump at him-almost literally in the case of the ones in the front row. They're all scribbling madly in their notepads, too, though nothing of importance has been said yet. The ones in the back are just leaning forward, trying to catch what's said at the front of the room without giving the impression that their seating is disadvantageous.
I wonder what it's like for Scorpius, looking at thirty or forty faces that are throwing questions at him in a room so small there's barely enough room for everyone, knowing that one wrong word - or one that can be misinterpreted - could lead to a press campaign that would ruin his career. His dream.
"Silence!" Finally Dad's had enough of it.
One of the reporters gets out of his seat and walks so close to me that I can feel the cloak swirling a bit, but luckily for me they're all looking in the opposite direction. Not that they would guess I'm under Dad's Invisibility Cloak.
"I am here to answer any questions you might have about the collaboration between the Wizengamot and the Auror Department."
There is silence for a moment, and I can see Scorpius' shoulders tensing.
"Why? Malfoy is here to justify his position -"
"Mr Malfoy is here to kindly answer your questions."
I can see how hard Dad's fighting with himself. He'd go and throttle that man if he could, but he can't, none of us can really. That’s what the whole Voldemort war was about - freedom - but that the best thing these imbeciles could do with that freedom was harass someone trying to do some good in the world with their insults and jibes, that makes me angry, and my father too, judging from the look on his face. Of course, they would call it freedom of speech. Stupid, infuriating and pointless speech.
"And the reason why I'm here is that he's the one who suggested this collaboration. Therefore, it would make sense for us to talk about it and its benefits."
"Are there any?"
It’s the same man, and I'm very tempted to take out my wand and a cast a small hex. Just make him speechless for an hour or two.
"Of course." Dad's face is coloring, getting closer to his dark red robes each moment. "The length of the trials has been reduced because -"
"So the Aurors have no problems working with Mr Malfoy?"
"They're not working with him directly, it's the entire Wizengamot, and why would they?"
"Well, he is a Malfoy."
Scorpius' eyes widen at that, and I wish he could see me, or at least know that I'm here. I take some comfort from knowing that Dad will take care of him.
"I wasn't aware that was an impediment," Scorpius says softly, biting his lower lip and my heart clenches again. I knew Scorpius believed people had moved past his family, the history. I could have told him differently, hell, I did tell him differently, many times, but he had such faith in people. He was so trusting, so naively optimistic about human nature. He's so nice and he only means well and the worst thing he ever did was glue Lily's hat to her hair in third year. That was it. How could anyone, anyone be mean to Scorpius?
"Is this about my grandfather?" He snorts, and the gesture is so odd for him, that Dad turns to look at him. "You fear that he will somehow cause me to break the law?"
His eyes narrow and I'm so proud of him I'd be ready to go there and congratulate him. But that would make him stop, so I hold back and listen.
"Well, you should know better." He's taking a step closer to the chairs, and he's almost as imposing as my father. "And if you wonder why that is, allow me to remind you that he's dead. Just like my grandmother is dead, just like my mother and father are dead."
He bites his lower lip and turns away from them, and Dad puts a hand on his shoulder, slowly dragging him back. If we were home, he'd hug him.
I walk to the side of the room and approach the podium as much as the clustered photographers allow me to.
"You had a field day with it, don't you remember?" His voice is wavering, and it's painfully obvious this isn't about the Wizengamot or justice. It's about people trying to take something else from Scorpius. Something they can't have.
"I suppose you wouldn't remember, but I do." Dad's grip on his shoulder tightens. "Malfoys finally get what they deserve. They snuck into our house in the middle of the night and murdered them in their beds. You honestly think anyone deserves that?"
His fists are clenched at his sides and I have a feeling he can't even feel Dad holding him.
"Sorry they didn't get me, too?" He shakes his head and takes a deep breath. "If you would continue with the relevant questions, please."
"It is rumored that your decision on a certain controversial case wasn't well regarded."
It's good to know there are people who are willing to leak the results of secret votes to the press. Of course, it could be another wild guess.
"It is his right to vote as he believes to be appropriate," Dad says before Scorpius has the chance to open his mouth. "And as an Auror, I wish to remind you that violating the secrecy of the Wizengamot proceedings is illegal. As is not reporting those who have violated that secrecy."
They don't even blink at that. Of course they don't.
"Is there anything you want to know? I mean something that's not a veiled or not so veiled insult or suggestion that I'm corrupt?"
Dad snorts and Scorpius smiles a little. That's my boy.
"A new law was passed regarding Blood Curses last week."
Scorpius nods at that and begins explaining. And they roll their eyes or look at one another. There are only a couple of reporters who actually pay attention, and I hope Scorpius is focusing on them.
"If there's nothing else," Dad says when Scorpius is finished with his explanation, and the room falls silent.
There's something that they want.
"One more question."
I sigh loud enough for one of the closest men to turn in my direction.
"Yes?"
"It's for our youngest member of the Wizengamot."
I could hex her. No one would know.
"Is it true that you're involved in a relationship with another man?"
The quills are waiting above the parchment, like hexes waiting on the tip of a wand.
"Yes," Scorpius says softly after a moment.
The room erupts again, everyone talking, and Dad takes a step closer to Scorpius. I doubt he can feel it now, either.
"Who is it?" is by far the most frequent question.
"I can't say that. It would mean violating his privacy and I don't want to do that."
Dad seems to appreciate that statement, and judging by the increased level of the whispers, everyone in the room realises it. Though why they found it surprising that Harry Potter appreciates privacy is beyond me.
"I suppose that's it, then." Scorpius walks towards the door, as straight and proud as ever, though I can see the way he keeps his head tilted to the side, which means he's thinking about something, and that something isn't good.
"Would your partner happen to be Albus Potter?"
Dad stops and turns to face the woman who asked the question. He's angry, his eyes narrowed and fists clenched.
"I mean, I…" The woman stammers. "I meant no offence to you, you know how the young are impressionable and -"
"Offence? You think I'm offended because you suggested Scorpius is dating my son?" He's lost some of that anger to surprise.
"I… well." The woman turns to look at Scorpius, who's biting his lip and looking lost. "Is he?"
Scorpius opens his mouth, to deny it, undoubtedly, but he doesn't get the chance to.
"Yes, he is." Dad's voice is loud and clear. And maybe a bit proud. "Albus is dating Scorpius."
Scorpius leaves the room in a flash, and Apparates before the door closes behind him.
"Don't you dare harass them and ask for interviews." Dad storms out of the room, and I have to leave through the backdoor, take the shortcut to the Auror offices. I'm halfway to my desk when Dad walks in and I have to admit he's managed to calm down on the way there. A bit.
"Come into my office," he says in a sharp tone, and I can hear some of the other Aurors snickering. They've been waiting for quite a while to see him scolding me, after all, and I'll let them enjoy this for a bit. Their disappointment will be so much better if they get to spread the word.
"I… I did something," Dad says as soon as I close the door. "You'll probably be upset with me, and I can totally understand, but I couldn't…"
"Couldn't stand seeing them act that way towards Scorpius without doing something?" I smile and watch him try to figure out how I know. "You should be more careful where you leave priceless family heirlooms, Dad."
"The cloak."
"Of course."
He grins widely. "Of course. Why don't you go home now and rest after your little adventure." His grin falters and he shakes his head. "I tried to -"
"Don't worry. I'll take care of Scorpius. And, Dad? Thanks."
Recipient: blamebrampton
Title: Choice and Duty
Pairing(s): Albus/Scorpius
Summary: "It's about people trying to take something else from Scorpius. Something they can't have."
Rating: PG
Warning(s): mention of past character death
Word Count: 2.200
Disclaimer: All Harry Potter characters herein are the property of J.K. Rowling and Bloomsbury/Scholastic. No copyright infringement is intended.
Author's Notes:This was meant to be many things, and someday, those things might get written. Until then, I hope you'll enjoy this. Many thanks to my wonderful betas and to bryoneybrynn for putting up with me.
I don’t know when or how I could have done it, but I know I should have stopped him. The knot in my stomach, the one that's been tightening like a ball of Devil's Snare since this morning, tells me that I should have done something to keep Scorpius from getting here.
And telling myself that whatever happens, we'll get through it doesn't make me feel any better. I doubt anything short of the press conference being cancelled and the mass of journalists disappearing could.
Scorpius doesn't seem to have this problem, though. He's smiling widely, nodding at what his assistant is telling him, looking as though he's getting ready to announce his holiday plans to the family. His family, at that.
Then his assistant announces in that squeaky voice of hers that Mr Malfoy is ready to answer questions, and all the journalists rush to the chairs, their quills floating around them, buzzing with spells.
I wonder why they don't mind their own business, and send Scorpius the list of questions they want answered. I wish they would; it would be better for everyone that way.
"Do you think you're too young to be a member of the Wizengamot?" one of them asks, as if it hadn't already been debated everywhere and by everyone.
The youngest member of the Wizengamot, and a Malfoy at that, how is it possible? None of the journalists care that he's bloody good at it, so good that every new law he proposed had been unanimously approved. All they see is his age and his name.
They're just not bold enough to mention the name. Yet.
" - am doing my best to make sure that everyone has a fair chance. I know that some people believe I'm not fit for this position, but I can assure you that -"
There's a snort from one of the reporters - the one from the Daily Prophet, I think - and Scorpius stops, as if he hadn't been expecting this, as if he doesn't know what these people are capable of.
"Are you saying that I'm not?" He raises an eyebrow, but it's not threatening. Just his way of telling them he's not the fool they think he is.
"What would you do if one of your grandfather's associates were put on trial?"
"I would uphold the law, as I've sworn -"
He can't continue, because Dad walks in, smiling awkwardly at the reporters and then standing next to Scorpius. They talk for a bit, too low for me to hear what they're saying from the back of the room, and I take the time to study the man who asked about Scorpius' grandfather.
Not that I would do anything to him myself. Of course I wouldn't, Dad would be forced to take me off active duty and I've waited too long to be able to go in the field to risk it. No, I'd just drop hints to the right people, letting the man's humiliation occur after the fact. No one messes with my Scorpius.
"If you have any -" Dad doesn't get the chance to continue, because the reporters jump at him-almost literally in the case of the ones in the front row. They're all scribbling madly in their notepads, too, though nothing of importance has been said yet. The ones in the back are just leaning forward, trying to catch what's said at the front of the room without giving the impression that their seating is disadvantageous.
I wonder what it's like for Scorpius, looking at thirty or forty faces that are throwing questions at him in a room so small there's barely enough room for everyone, knowing that one wrong word - or one that can be misinterpreted - could lead to a press campaign that would ruin his career. His dream.
"Silence!" Finally Dad's had enough of it.
One of the reporters gets out of his seat and walks so close to me that I can feel the cloak swirling a bit, but luckily for me they're all looking in the opposite direction. Not that they would guess I'm under Dad's Invisibility Cloak.
"I am here to answer any questions you might have about the collaboration between the Wizengamot and the Auror Department."
There is silence for a moment, and I can see Scorpius' shoulders tensing.
"Why? Malfoy is here to justify his position -"
"Mr Malfoy is here to kindly answer your questions."
I can see how hard Dad's fighting with himself. He'd go and throttle that man if he could, but he can't, none of us can really. That’s what the whole Voldemort war was about - freedom - but that the best thing these imbeciles could do with that freedom was harass someone trying to do some good in the world with their insults and jibes, that makes me angry, and my father too, judging from the look on his face. Of course, they would call it freedom of speech. Stupid, infuriating and pointless speech.
"And the reason why I'm here is that he's the one who suggested this collaboration. Therefore, it would make sense for us to talk about it and its benefits."
"Are there any?"
It’s the same man, and I'm very tempted to take out my wand and a cast a small hex. Just make him speechless for an hour or two.
"Of course." Dad's face is coloring, getting closer to his dark red robes each moment. "The length of the trials has been reduced because -"
"So the Aurors have no problems working with Mr Malfoy?"
"They're not working with him directly, it's the entire Wizengamot, and why would they?"
"Well, he is a Malfoy."
Scorpius' eyes widen at that, and I wish he could see me, or at least know that I'm here. I take some comfort from knowing that Dad will take care of him.
"I wasn't aware that was an impediment," Scorpius says softly, biting his lower lip and my heart clenches again. I knew Scorpius believed people had moved past his family, the history. I could have told him differently, hell, I did tell him differently, many times, but he had such faith in people. He was so trusting, so naively optimistic about human nature. He's so nice and he only means well and the worst thing he ever did was glue Lily's hat to her hair in third year. That was it. How could anyone, anyone be mean to Scorpius?
"Is this about my grandfather?" He snorts, and the gesture is so odd for him, that Dad turns to look at him. "You fear that he will somehow cause me to break the law?"
His eyes narrow and I'm so proud of him I'd be ready to go there and congratulate him. But that would make him stop, so I hold back and listen.
"Well, you should know better." He's taking a step closer to the chairs, and he's almost as imposing as my father. "And if you wonder why that is, allow me to remind you that he's dead. Just like my grandmother is dead, just like my mother and father are dead."
He bites his lower lip and turns away from them, and Dad puts a hand on his shoulder, slowly dragging him back. If we were home, he'd hug him.
I walk to the side of the room and approach the podium as much as the clustered photographers allow me to.
"You had a field day with it, don't you remember?" His voice is wavering, and it's painfully obvious this isn't about the Wizengamot or justice. It's about people trying to take something else from Scorpius. Something they can't have.
"I suppose you wouldn't remember, but I do." Dad's grip on his shoulder tightens. "Malfoys finally get what they deserve. They snuck into our house in the middle of the night and murdered them in their beds. You honestly think anyone deserves that?"
His fists are clenched at his sides and I have a feeling he can't even feel Dad holding him.
"Sorry they didn't get me, too?" He shakes his head and takes a deep breath. "If you would continue with the relevant questions, please."
"It is rumored that your decision on a certain controversial case wasn't well regarded."
It's good to know there are people who are willing to leak the results of secret votes to the press. Of course, it could be another wild guess.
"It is his right to vote as he believes to be appropriate," Dad says before Scorpius has the chance to open his mouth. "And as an Auror, I wish to remind you that violating the secrecy of the Wizengamot proceedings is illegal. As is not reporting those who have violated that secrecy."
They don't even blink at that. Of course they don't.
"Is there anything you want to know? I mean something that's not a veiled or not so veiled insult or suggestion that I'm corrupt?"
Dad snorts and Scorpius smiles a little. That's my boy.
"A new law was passed regarding Blood Curses last week."
Scorpius nods at that and begins explaining. And they roll their eyes or look at one another. There are only a couple of reporters who actually pay attention, and I hope Scorpius is focusing on them.
"If there's nothing else," Dad says when Scorpius is finished with his explanation, and the room falls silent.
There's something that they want.
"One more question."
I sigh loud enough for one of the closest men to turn in my direction.
"Yes?"
"It's for our youngest member of the Wizengamot."
I could hex her. No one would know.
"Is it true that you're involved in a relationship with another man?"
The quills are waiting above the parchment, like hexes waiting on the tip of a wand.
"Yes," Scorpius says softly after a moment.
The room erupts again, everyone talking, and Dad takes a step closer to Scorpius. I doubt he can feel it now, either.
"Who is it?" is by far the most frequent question.
"I can't say that. It would mean violating his privacy and I don't want to do that."
Dad seems to appreciate that statement, and judging by the increased level of the whispers, everyone in the room realises it. Though why they found it surprising that Harry Potter appreciates privacy is beyond me.
"I suppose that's it, then." Scorpius walks towards the door, as straight and proud as ever, though I can see the way he keeps his head tilted to the side, which means he's thinking about something, and that something isn't good.
"Would your partner happen to be Albus Potter?"
Dad stops and turns to face the woman who asked the question. He's angry, his eyes narrowed and fists clenched.
"I mean, I…" The woman stammers. "I meant no offence to you, you know how the young are impressionable and -"
"Offence? You think I'm offended because you suggested Scorpius is dating my son?" He's lost some of that anger to surprise.
"I… well." The woman turns to look at Scorpius, who's biting his lip and looking lost. "Is he?"
Scorpius opens his mouth, to deny it, undoubtedly, but he doesn't get the chance to.
"Yes, he is." Dad's voice is loud and clear. And maybe a bit proud. "Albus is dating Scorpius."
Scorpius leaves the room in a flash, and Apparates before the door closes behind him.
"Don't you dare harass them and ask for interviews." Dad storms out of the room, and I have to leave through the backdoor, take the shortcut to the Auror offices. I'm halfway to my desk when Dad walks in and I have to admit he's managed to calm down on the way there. A bit.
"Come into my office," he says in a sharp tone, and I can hear some of the other Aurors snickering. They've been waiting for quite a while to see him scolding me, after all, and I'll let them enjoy this for a bit. Their disappointment will be so much better if they get to spread the word.
"I… I did something," Dad says as soon as I close the door. "You'll probably be upset with me, and I can totally understand, but I couldn't…"
"Couldn't stand seeing them act that way towards Scorpius without doing something?" I smile and watch him try to figure out how I know. "You should be more careful where you leave priceless family heirlooms, Dad."
"The cloak."
"Of course."
He grins widely. "Of course. Why don't you go home now and rest after your little adventure." His grin falters and he shakes his head. "I tried to -"
"Don't worry. I'll take care of Scorpius. And, Dad? Thanks."