The Year of Great Change

Chapter Two

A Girl of Interest

Scorpius took his seat next to this Emily and she smiled politely at him. Scorpius looked her up and down sizing her up again since she was now a prefect as well and he would no doubt at one point have to pair up with her for patrols. She had strawberry blonde hair and vivid green eyes that had gold rings around her pupils. She was full figured. He could tell even with her sitting down. She was slim with round breast that looked to weigh heavy on her smaller frame. Scorpius couldn't tell her exact height with her seated and he smelled a strong sent of pine and a floral scent that seemed to be cross between vanilla and roses. A scent he had never smelled before, but quiet pleasant. He wondered about her perfume, but then tried to turn his attention away from her strange look she began to give him. Her scent was very alluring so he shook his head and looked around the compartment to see who else had become a prefect this year. He saw Albus Potter and Rose Weasley whispering to each other. He looked and saw Leon Lovegood. He was the illegitimate child that Luna Lovegood had given birth to before she married Scamander. The story was that she had left the country on one of her trips and returned with a child. Within a year she married Scamander and they adopted Emily. It was no secret. She didn't seem bothered by this either. She seemed just as pure as the other children that came from Luna Lovegood. She had two little brothers, Lorcan and Lysander Scamander.

Scorpius looked at the boy Leon and his tall form and blonde hair. He had blue eyes and was calm in his Ravenclaw robes. He looked to confident and comfortable leaned against the window of the train. Scorpius noticed his head boy badge and thought that was strange. Then again it wasn't that strange considering he was a qudditch player, seeker position, and from what he had heard was very academic. So it did make since at the same time. Scorpius was silent as others filled into the cramped compartment. It became very crowded and people stood out in the hall waiting for the head boy and girl to start. Leon leaned down and whispered something to the head girl. Finally one of them spoke. It was head girl, her name was Stacey Linski.

"Alright everyone...We are going to try and do this as quickly as possible. Please separate into years in compartments so we can go over the details to each year. This one will be fifth years and so on. One of us will come to each compartment. After we have spoken to your group you may stay or go sit with your family or friends," she said with authority and pride. She was covered with freckles and her brown hair was thick and pulled back into a conservative ponytail. Everyone began to move around and murmuring broke up the silence. Scorpius luckily didn't have to move. He was undeniably enjoying the scent of Emily Lovegood Scamander. It was soothing and exciting at the same time. Once everyone had separated there was only Leon that was not a fifth year remaining in the compartment. There was a Ravenclaw and Slytherin standing by the entry way of the door. There weren't quite enough seats for them but they didn't seem to want to sit anyway. Leon waited a moment for everyone to settle down. Then he took one lasting look before he began. Everyone watched him intently for instruction for their new responsibilities that came with the badge.

"Alright, first I want to say congratulations. This isn't something that is easily achieved. So that for that congrats. There are perks to being a prefect as there are faults to it. For example, a benefit is that you can use the prefect bathrooms. A fault would be that you have to set a prime example for other students. Another benefit would be that you can now go into the restricted section. You may have limited access, but access is access. A fault would be that if you get into trouble, say with a professor, you will get punished harsher because of your status. Your badge doesn't give you a free pass." He paused allowing them to all take in the information.

"A fault and plus of the job comes down to patrols. You get to punish kids who are caught out after hours, but you yourself will miss out on sleep or study time because of these patrols. It is a hardship, but it can be worth it to some and not others. It merely depends on your few of things. Please try to remember you are an example so try not to let your grades slip to far down. I will now pass out your Prefect Guide book so you will know the rules and can act on them accordingly." He said pulling out a large bundle from his robe pocket that didn't match the flat look it had. Scorpius could only assume it was an expanding charm. He handed out the leather bond books and paused when he came to Scorpius looking him in the eyes. There was strange moment as they both looked into each other's blue eyes as if there was a question on the edge of Leon's lips, but he hesitated. Finally Leon looked away with a resigned look and sighed before he passed out the last of the books.

"I expect you all to know the rules by the end of the week. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me or Miss Linski for more information." He said and took one last look around at the young faces of his fellow rule enforcers before leaving. Scorpius thought Leon was a bit strange with that long look, but shrugged it off and took another subtle long intake of the pleasant smell that Emily was emitting next to him. It was a moment of this guilty pleasure before he realized that Emily was looking at him. Scorpius looked away feeling guilty and creepy for his smelling of her. She looked patiently, waiting for him to look her in her eyes. It took him a moment, but he finally forced the shame down to face the consequences. Her small smile seemed to make it less uncomfortable. He could feel the eyes of the others still in the compartment looking at them. He could even hear a few whispers, although he wasn't sure what they were saying. She smiled politely and gestured for him to follow her as she suddenly stood. He did so feeling guilt wash over him.

Scorpius felt as if he were going to suffer a fury once she had him alone. He wasn't sure exactly what to think as she walked for a while passing many compartments. She found a compartment, but there was a couple making out. They were a year younger. She smiled politely at them before she looked to Scorpius and raised her eyebrows eagerly.

"Excuse me, but me and my fellow prefect need to discuss very important Hogwarts business. I need to speak to him privately. Please vacate." She said and looked at them with purpose. Scorpius wasn't sure if this was an abuse of power. The couple looked at her for a moment unmoving and looked confused. Emily sighed and threw her arm up gesturing to the door. "Move! " She snapped. The couple quickly got up and left the compartment. She walked further in and sat down looking out the window briefly before looking back to him. She look patient again as she watched him enter wearily. Scorpius wasn't sure if he should be scared or not. He was a little startled at her already using her new found power to have privacy.

"Please sit down Scorpius." She said and patted the seat next to her. He walked in and instead sat across from her so he could avoid inadvertently smelling her again. Her aroma still seemed strong to him and alluring. It was calling to him and stirring excitement within he hadn't ever really felt before. There was a long silence as she looked at him. He tried not to breathe too deeply. After what seemed like a long time she looked frustrated, but smiled at the same time.

"Oh, for God's sake Scorpius! You smelled me. I think the least you can do is tell me why?", she said exasperated and annoyed. Scorpius looked at her and she didn't really seem upset she was still smiling. She was just annoyed it seemed by the long silence that he was supposed to be filling. Scorpius didn't know how to respond... He took a deep breath and decided to just go for it.

"I don't know. You just smell really good. I couldn't help it," he said sort of spilling it out and not sure. He told the truth not sure of anything else he could really say.

"Oh..." she paused and smiled again. "Okay just wanted to make sure I didn't smell bad or something." She said and stood up. Her true height looked to be about five feet, five inches; her height put her breast were directly at eye level for him and he quickly averted his eyes. He tried to avoid further humiliation. He jumped up feeling quiet nervous and stumbled over himself and then onto her. They fell to the floor and he landed on top of her. It was quiet for moment before he realized his face had landed on something abnormally soft, like a pillow. He was frozen sold when he realized her scent was over powering and his face was directly in between her breasts. He had made another infraction against this poor girl. He tried to get up, but found himself to petrified to move. She seemed too startled to move herself. It was a long moment before either one moved. Finally Scorpius found the strength to pull himself away from the scent and the position he found himself. He staggered back and she lay there still her eyes wild with confusion. Her face was all red from what he assumed was embarrassment.

"I am so, so, so very sorry," he said staggering and his voice trembling each word. He quivered afraid of what he would do or say next. He decided to simply flee. He didn't give her chance to respond and he quickly stepped over her leaving her alone in the compartment. He quickly walked, almost running from the compartment he left her in. He knew not what to say or do and knew he would have to face her again, but not for the rest of the night. She was a Hufflepuff and so that gave him a little time. He wouldn't have to face her again till their first class with the Hufflepuffs... Finally he made his way to a quiet compartment where a solitary seventh year sat reading. He sat down quickly and put his face in his hands. He felt so ashamed for mere accidents. Why was this happening. He thought he should make a point to avoid her to avoid further embarrassment on both of their parts. He sat there contemplating ways to avoid Emily for the rest of the train ride with little luck.

Finally the train arrived and Scorpius took his time before leaving the train wishing to avoid further encounters. He waited until the train appeared to be empty. Fortunately the plan seemed to have worked and only one carriage remained in sight. He saw people board it quickly and began to walk quickly to catch up to it. Before he arrived the carriage began to move. Apparently it was full and Scorpius sighed realizing that he would have to walk. He began to walk slowly and on the dark down the path and just decided to enjoy the pleasant night air. He began to walk and felt a stirring in the air. He smelled a sweet fragrance; which, he instantly knew and he heard the rustling of someone walking behind him. Luckily the smell of her wasn't as potent to him in the open space of the wooded path. He glanced back and saw her looking a little disheveled and she was straightening herself out. She seemed to be pulling her hair back and she rubbed her robes out her. It looked as though she fell asleep. Scorpius quickly looked back trying to not draw attention the fact that he had noticed her. They walked in silence until she seemed to pick up pace. Scorpius tried to pretend he hadn't noticed but then she spoke distracting him from her scent of roses and vanilla.

"So... Why aren't you on a carriage?" Emily asked looking at Scorpius. Her eyes intent and focused, but calm and there seemed to be a smile at the edge of her lips.

"I walked slowly and they just happened to filled up by the time I got there. Why aren't you on a carriage?" Scorpius asked and she pushed her hair back again seemingly instinctively this time as she answered.

"I fell asleep on the train and awoke and everyone was gone... I have been very tired as of late." She said with a faint smile. Scorpius felt a smile spread across his face. There was something peaceful about her nature. It was soothing and upbeat. He couldn't help, but smile back. They walked for another moment in silence. It was peaceful now compared to their previous encounters. Their nature it wasn't awkward she didn't seemed bothered by it. The silence didn't seem to have the need to be filled with conversation. Scorpius looked up once they got to the point they could see the school. It was all aglow in the night and the stairs shined brightly in the sky. Once they reached the turn for the gate Emily stopped. She looked at Scorpius and then looked to the sky.

"Something is wrong I can feel it in the air," she said looking around at the trees and then back to the sky. "I can feel it here I just can't seem to place it," she paused and looked to Scorpius. "Scorpius are you feeling alright... I sense there is something about you just now," she said and Scorpius looked to her confused. Suddenly there was a flash of light that was blinding. Scorpius couldn't see anything and he suddenly felt himself go limp. He felt a pain that started in his back. His shoulder blade on his right side suddenly felt as though it cracked and he crippled down to the ground in a lump. The pain spread feeling like knifes slicing through his skin down his back and penetrating his spine. It felt as though his bones snapped and he could almost swear he heard them crack too. The pain was far too intense for him to be sure.

The pain worked its way down suddenly throughout his entire body like a wave of electricity burning as it went. Everything become black and he saw, heard and felt nothing-- nothing but pain. After what seemed like an eternity the pain suddenly seemed fade and he was vaguely aware of someone touching his arm. The touch became more prominent as the pain faded and the hand began to shake. His senses returned, but with a sudden soreness and exhaustion. He peeked his eyes through the darkness trying to peer into the night at the person who was touching him. Her blurry image appeared before him. He could see Emily shaking and her eyes rolled in the back of his head. He body began to glow and she let out a scream and he saw her body fall to the ground her hand tightening around his arm. He tried to lift his head, but the darkness began to return and the exhaustion overtook him bringing him back to nothing. He seemed to lay in the nothingness and felt nothing, but soreness. It seemed only to remind him of the pain that he had felt. He felt only a little light touch his face. He could feel it had been there for a while and could feel he lay upon something soft like a bed. He could smell the familiar potions of the infirmary brewing and knew where he was. He could hear the familiar voices of his father, Draco, and his siblings. They were whispering cautiously.

"What happened?" He could hear Orion say in his voice; which, squeaked with the change of puberty. Scorpius would have winced if he felt he could move, but his senses had not fully returned to him yet. He was glad his own squeak had left him now and his voice was deepened to a proper amount. He could hear a shuffle of a chair and clothes as someone sat down. He could feel the cool touch of long fingers and knew the large thin fingers to be his father's.

"I don't know what happened... yet. We will have to wait until Scorpius tells us, himself." Draco said his voice calm, but there was strain to his tone. Scorpius recognized the stress within it from when he was trying to remain calm, but was having a difficult time. Scorpius heard an impatient sigh and knew it to be, Arithina.

"Well, does it look like he was attacked or what? If so I will take the pleasure of vengeance for our brother for the harm that they have caused him." She added with pure malice and contempt. Scorpius could feel the urge to roll his eyes at her anger that always seemed to be on the edge of everything she did. Arithina was the most impatient of them and the most angered by their mother's death. She always seemed to have something to prove.

"Well, if he was attacked why? By whom? And why would that girl also be attacked with him?" Gemini asked her curiosity and concern apparent in her whimsical tone. Scorpius could feel the warm light touching his skin of his eyelids more so now and could feel the pressure lighten on him that had been keeping him in the dark. Scorpius felt himself ease back into the rest of his senses and could feel the soreness grow and it felt painful to lay on his back. He had the sudden urge to pull himself up off the soft bed. The pain radiated down his spine and he shifted and this move made their whispering stop. It was silent now except for him moving to sit up and the sharp intake of his breath as he made the painful moves. He kept his eyes closed until he was all the way up and the pain settled once the pressure was alleviated. He opened his eyes slowly and saw his family staring at him with concerned eyes and shock on their faces. Each seemed to be burning with questions.

"Before you ask, I wasn't attacked by anyone. It was just something weird. I fell or something." Scorpius lied feeling the need to not tell them everything right now. He didn't want to worry them about the pain that had come with no real reason. "We both did." He said and gestured to Emily, not sure if that was what she would have wanted, but felt it was best at the time. He would ask why she had screamed as if in pain as well; later, once they were alone. Draco looked at his children and then to Scorpius. A hint of suspicion spread across his face that he quickly hid and smirked to his children.

"Well, you heard him. Scorpius is fine," Draco said and they all seemed to look at Draco then to Scorpius. Gemini and Orion shrugged with their causal personalities and Arithina looked at them both with tense eyes. She apparently wasn't about to let this go at that, but wasn't going to press it for now. They all followed the waves of their father's motions to steer them out of the infirmary. They left with little fuss. Scorpius turned onto his stomach and laid there his head tilted to the other side of the infirmary. Behind the curtain he could smell her scent of pine and vanilla and roses. Draco stood up and looked up and over to the direction that had Scorpius's attention.

"Her siblings were in here earlier. She is fine, Scorpius. I wish I knew what had happened, but by all I can tell medically is that you are both fine." Draco said and Scorpius looked to him moving only his eyes and looked back in her direction. Draco looked at him one last time. He looked as though he wanted to say something, but he turned away and waved his wand and the light went out.

"You will stay until morning," he said and walked into the office and closed the door. Only a small light from under the door could be seen and it took a moment for Scorpius's eyes to adjust. Once he did he could hear a moving behind the curtain and knew it to be Emily. He could hear her sigh. It was feminine and Scorpius felt his breath hitch in the darkness. She was all the way over there. How could she affect him so much she was over there and he could even see her. He steadied himself and focused as he heard he move. He could hear her feet touch the floor. She stepped quickly around the corner and came over peering around the corner. She looked and moved closer to him. She was dressed in a long white night gown. It was flowing white and didn't have sleeves. It was v cut and had small pink roses barely visible on it. The V neck of the night gown gave way to her breast and Scorpius tried to steady his eyes on her face as she came closer to him.

"What happened to you?" She whispered with concern as she went to her knees. Scorpius had begun to move to sit up, but she gently put her hand on him almost as if to push him down. He didn't fight her. She sat on her legs by the bed looking at him waiting for his answer.

"I don't really know..." Scorpius said truly unsure of the pain that had come so suddenly out of nowhere and struck his back and crippled him so. "What happened to you?" Scorpius asked in return. She hesitated then looked to Scorpius for a moment deliberating in the silence and looking in his eyes. Scorpius summarized she was trying to judge whether she could trust him or not. She gave a small smile and Scorpius looked into her green eyes that looked into his.

"I took your pain. Or I tried to at least. I have never tried to take on that much pain before. I didn't realize you where in that much. I can take away the pain of paper cuts and things of that nature. I have never..." She paused looking at him intently before continuing. "I have never tried to take away that much pain from someone before. I felt it was the thing to do at the time; however--now I am not so sure it was the right thing to do... I didn't mean to cause trouble or bring on whatever it was within you to me. I simply was trying to help you. I fear now it is to late." She said although she didn't sound at all afraid and she looked even less.

"What do you mean you can take people's pain? And what do you mean whatever was within me. What do you mean by that?" Scorpius wondered and looked at her and her full lips and the curve of her top lip and how it was slightly fuller on the left side.

"Well, there is something within that has triggered by what, I don't know? What it is exactly I don't know that either that is for you to figure out. And as for me... It is just something I can do. I could sense when I touched you ,power of some kind, not like anything I have felt before from anyone. I just have the ability. Like some people can sing and other people can't. It is just one of those things," she said and took a deep breath. Scorpius tried very hard to look naturally at her face. He itched to move forward or at least stare at her chest moving up and down.

"But what do you mean by that?" Scorpius began again, but she put her finger to his lips and she closed her eyes.

"I don't know everything. In fact, I know very little. I have said all I know concerning you at least. And well. I don't think you need to know anymore about me...for now at least. Would you like me to see if I can remove your pain now that it isn't as intense so you may sleep?" she asked and looked to his face opening her eyes again and glanced to his back that was bare and her hand hovered over it. He could swear he could already feel the warmth from her skin.

"I guess," Scorpius said and she closed her eyes and lowered her hand gently to touch his skin. Her hand felt surprisingly cool and soothing. She took a long deep breath and Scorpius let his eyes wonder as her hand soothingly caressed his bare skin and moved up and down his spine. The pain and soreness dissipated slowly and finally it was gone. The only thing that remained on his back was her hand the touch that was stirring something within him. She still moved her hand up and down his back and Scorpius looked back to her eyes. They were wild as her breath seemed to stagger a little. Their eyes met and Scorpius felt himself lean forward. She seemed to lean also with the same intense desire. Their breath seemed to pick up pace and Scorpius felt his body react to her breath and smell. He was mildly thankful he was laying facing down. Their eyes didn't part as they looked at each other and their lips were only inches apart now.

"That should take the pain away at least until morning," she whispered barely audible even to him inches from her. Her lip quivered and he could almost feel her lips and she bit her lip suddenly and pulled away. "I think I should go back to bed," she whispered this time more loudly. She quickly got to her feet and tiptoed back around the curtain and jumped in the bed. Scorpius let out a long breath and tried to steady himself. His mind was whirling trying to figure what had just happened or almost happened. What was with this girl? What was so alluring about her and her undeniable good figure? There was something that was--irresistible about her. She was something that he could not help but follow like a beacon. He was feeling much like a fly drawn to the light that electrocuted it once it made contact. Scorpius felt strange in the dark and felt he out of control of everything now.