On the Edge of Great (Fanfic)

Chapter 5

Y/N rubbed her head slightly, gripping tightly onto a mug of hot water that Scorpius had prepared for her, careful not to spill.

"Thank you for this-- and do you think you'll be able to stay awake tomorrow?  It's so late."

"It's alright, there's always a potion that I can cook up-- or a spell that I can conjure. If I really am feeling up to it, I could pretend to be sick.  So, religious-- If you don't mind, I'm so curious. Is that why you dress that way?"

"So, the religious group that my family is a part of is super conservative--- turning the progress clock backward type of conservative-- I used to be part of another group, but the change in denominations only saw a slight change in rules; the doctrine is basically the same.  So, yes.  That's why I wear the clothes that I do.  That's why my hair is so long-- we are to have it 'uncut'" Y/N stated, creating air quotations as she uttered the last word.

"Do-Do you believe that way?"

"Um-- My family does--"

"No-- I mean, do you personally set your own moral compass with that belief system?"

"If I had to be completely honest--- Actually-- no--- That is my honest answer: 'no'.  Not one bit.  It is that religion that has restricted so much of my life.  It is that belief system that created people like my parents-- like my mother: an individual whose love is conditional; an individual who is manipulative.  With that, I underwent religious deconstruction.  I just don't identify with that religion anymore.  I -- I don't identify with any religion right now.  Actually-- I-- I'm an atheist", Y/N took in a breath that was long overdue.  Her lip trembled slightly as she remembered what it was like living with her mother.  The love that was given and so easily taken away.  The uncertain affection.  

"Scorpius, when I lived with my mother, I felt trapped.  Reading was my only escape from my home life.  I was gaslighted-- made to look like a hysterical fool when, in reality, my mother was in the wrong.  All the religious threats she spewed out meant nothing-- but it was the feeling behind those words that hurt"

Scorpius took in every word, processing the language, the syntax, the rhetoric.  He loved hearing her speak, and these hours that the two had spent talking really triggered something in him. He realized then that he deeply cared for Y/N, and he hoped he could support her in any way possible-- so much potential that had been obstructed due to her oppressive upbringing.

"Hey, is there anything I can do to help?"

"I couldn't ask you to do anything, especially since you barely know me.  Besides, I'm out of it now, I don't ever have to return there-- and I'm certain that my life will be better-- because-- I'm free"

Y/N placed the hot mug of water onto a coffee table and stood up, wincing in pain as she made the venture up. 

"Is there a bathroom anywhere, I'll clean this mess-- I just gotta clean myself up since it's only a couple of hours until ---"

"Over there" noted Scorpius, pointing in the direction of the dormitories.

About ten minutes passed and Y/N was dressed in Slytherin sweats for pajamas and she was clean from having showered.  Her immensely long hair was soaked.  

"Do you have a pair of shears?" she asked, nonchalantly.

"I have scissors-- not exactly the best for--You're cutting your hair!"

"What's happening?" asked Albus groggily, rubbing his eyes.

He saw the ordeal in front of him.  After a quick update, he offered to help.

"So, what style do you have in mind?  Bangs?"

"Nothing fancy. Just.. shoulder-length"

"That shouldn't be too hard", responded Scorpius.

Albus braided her still wet hair, dividing it into sections.  

"I still hate the idea of you cutting your hair with the wrong tool", noted Scorpius.

Albus, with a stroke of inspiration, ran to a small trapdoor under a rug and disappeared for about 10 minutes.  Scorpius and Y/N were just too stunned to ask anything.  When he returned, he carried a bag.  In it lay a wide variety of shears, among other hair products.

"This is one of Rose's extra bags--- I don't think she'll mind, she already has so many"

"I feel bad about this, especially after what went down earlier"

"She deserved it and, we'll clean it and everything.  I mean, if you still feel bad I guess we could just replace it."

"Yeah, that sounds great-- I just-- ahh-- that was so morally conflicting--- oh my gosh"Y/N giggled nervously.

"Understandable, now, on with the hair transformation". 

A few quick snips and snaps saw Y/N's hair fall to her shoulders.

Only a couple of hours remained before sunrise, hence, breakfast. Before heading off to sleep, the trio decided to take a photo together, just as a memory. After a copy had been made for each, the trio cleaned up, preparing for bed.  They dismissed one another and headed off to their dormitories, Albus and Scorpius side-by-side, conversing in whispers, and Y/N, alone, but with heightened spirits.