Ice and Emeralds (A Scorbus Story)

- Chapter One -

As Albus Severus Potter looked around, he could tell the school was buzzing with excitement. There seemed to be an air of anticipation that filled the corridors of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. All students in third year and up would be visiting Hogsmeade tomorrow and everywhere Albus went, students were chattering lively about their plans for the day trip to the all-magic village. 

"I'm excited for tomorrow," said Scorpius Malfoy, Albus's best friend, and fellow Slytherin. The pair of them were walking up to the Great Hall for dinner, accompanied by a few of their Slytherin friends. 

"I can't wait to visit Honeydukes again," said Noah Shacklebolt, a fourth year from their house. "I've finished all my Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans from last time. I'll have to buy some more." 

"Noah, you never share your Beans," Keith Zabini groaned. "You even eat the bogey-flavoured ones. Maybe this time, you won't devour all your sweets yourself." 

"If Noah paid for it all, he gets to eat it all," Albus said, laughing. 

The four of them reached the Great Hall, a vast, cavernous room lit by thousands of floating candles suspended above their heads. The enchanted ceiling, which was bewitched to mimic the sky, was midnight blue and twinkled with stars tonight. The boys took their seats at the Slytherin table, joining a few more of their friends. Heiress Jordan and Selel Finnigan, both fifth years, were already seated, anxiously waiting for the Friday feast to begin. 

"Tomorrow, I'm filling my pockets with as many Spell Checking Quills as I can carry," Heiress announced as they sat down. "Mum and Dad sent me a few Galleons yesterday." 

"Really?" Keith snorted. "I'm getting all the Wizochoc I can get." 

It had been over a year since Albus and Scorpius had gone on their adventures with the Time Turner and defeated Delphini, the daughter of Lord Voldemort and Bellatrix Lestrange. Since then, the pair had led reasonably normal lives in Slytherin, making good friends with the other boys and girls in their house and in Gryffindor. The rumours about Scorpius's parentage had disappeared. The truth was now well-known and accepted. Albus and Scorpius were regarded as heroes and made it into many people's good graces. They were now in their fifth year and nearing the end of March. 

"The last time I ate Wizochoc, I made myself sick," Scorpius admitted sheepishly. The group laughed as a soft tinkling came from the far end of the Hall, where stood the long staff table. Professor Minerva McGonagall, headmistress of Hogwarts, rapped her spoon against her goblet and cleared her throat. 

"Your attention, please." She addressed the four tables in a stern voice. "I would like to remind all students attending Hogsmeade tomorrow that they should wake early, finish breakfast, and be waiting in the Entrance Hall by nine o'clock sharp. Any dawdling may result in losing your Hogsmeade privileges. However, until then, tuck in." 

At that moment, the brass platters and goblets along all four tables filled themselves with every kind of food and drink. Albus helped himself to some mashed potatoes and chicken wings. He and his friends chatted merrily about their plans for the upcoming trip and when all the plates were clean, Professor McGonagall dismissed them, and the group headed back to the Slytherin common room. 

"I think tomorrow's going to be great," Scorpius said cheerfully as they wound their way through the crowded corridors and down to the dungeons. "It's been a long time since I've had a nice, warm glass of butterbeer." 

Albus couldn't help but agree. He missed the foamy, butterscotch-flavoured drink as well. "We should go to The Three Broomsticks tomorrow and get some," he suggested. 

Scorpius shrugged. "Yeah, maybe."

Back in the dormitory, Albus and Scorpius changed into their pajamas and attempted to finish their Transfiguration homework. Albus was working on a particularly difficult essay. Scorpius, who had already completed and submitted his essay, was reading the next few chapters in their textbook and trying to get ahead on next week's assignments. 

"You're such a geek, you know that?" Albus snickered as he watched his friend study spells he had never seen before. 

Scorpius blushed. "We have O.W.L.s this year. I want to make sure I'm prepared." Albus rolled his eyes. 

Still, watching Scorpius was more interesting than attempting to explain in two rolls of parchment how to successfully Transfigure a goose into a swan, so he abandoned his essay and grinned as Scorpius transformed his pillow into a large cat and back again. With every swish of his wand, the fat tabby popped in and out of existence. They laughed heartily as the cat grew more and more annoyed with each transformation. As it got late, the other boys told them to shut up and go to sleep. 

Albus turned off his lamp and buried himself beneath his covers. "Goodnight, Scorpius," he murmured sleepily. 

"Goodnight, Albus." 

And with the thought of sipping butterbeers with his best friend the next day, Albus fell into a deep sleep.