♟Promotions and Sacrifices [Scorose]♟

Chapter 25

♝Scorpius Malfoy♝

A small boy, just about the age of seven, sat in the very top floor of the Malfoy Manor, reading as the washed out sunlight glimmered down into his room. That was all he ever did, really. Books were his getaway. A way to shield himself from the cold words the world threw at him- at his family.

It didn't bother him at this point. He was used to their actions. What did bother him was the look in his mothers eyes when he had to explain why he came home with muddy clothes and a bruised face. He had to explain why those kids pushed him down. Why they called him the spawn of Voldemort.

Her glassy blue eyes shone down on him with tears threatening to spill out. But she couldn't let them. She had to teach her son to stand up for himself- to create a thick barrier in which only those he truly loved could get through.

"It's a dark, cruel world we live in. And it's no place for a soft heart, Scorpius."

She smiled down at him, holding his face up. "Don't let them break it."

...

"Where's father?"

"He's got some work to finish."

The small boy and his mother walked down the empty alley, hand in hand. He always loved going on walks. They were refreshing. The fresh, dewy air and glistening sunlight was a comfort zone for him. Especially by his mothers side. He felt safe.

They walked in silence but her sudden stop jerked him back, as his fingers were still latched onto her hand.

She let out a small, painful gasp and closed her eyes.

"Mother? What's wrong?" His grip around her hand tightened and simultaneously, the sharp feeling thrashing through her heart intensified. Her eyes widened agony and she shook off his hand, backing away from her son.

The pain dulled down and within minutes of silence, she finally let out a breath of relief. "Come, Scorpius. Best we get back before the sun sets." She smiled, grabbing a hold of his tiny hand and pulling him along as if nothing even happened.

"I'm sorry." His small voice trembled as he didn't dare to look into his mothers eyes. This wasn't the first time something like this has happened. His parents often shook it off but he knew deep down something was causing them pain. A brief but excruciating burning feeling that stung their hearts. But only when he was there.

"It's not your fault. Now come."

...

"We can't just ignore this, Draco! He's our son."

"Astoria, enough. I work in the industry and I know what they'll do to him if they find out. It's not safe."

"Not safe? Not safe? Dammit, Draco, why can't you see what's unfolding in front of our eyes! His magic is out of control. He's a threat to his own safety!" Astoria slammed her hands down onto the countertop.

Scorpius stood from behind the walls, his head peeking out ever so slightly to see what the commotion was all about. He listened as his parents argued.

His father sighed, rubbing his head in distress. "What do you want to do with the boy, huh? Send him away, lock him up? He's just a child."

"He's dangerous, Draco. We have to help him. There must be someone who can help him."

Draco pressed his lips in a thin line, deeply thinking. "There is someone we can trust."

The rest of their conversation was inaudible as it sounded nothing more than muffled television to him. Scorpius zoned their voices out as he took in what he just heard.