Seventh-Year: The Next Generation

Chapter 4: The Three-stemmed Pricker

Scorpius sucked on the end of his quill thoughtfully, doing his best to remember all that he could about the effects of Three-stemmed Prickers on the environment.

"Dratted Herbology essay," he muttered to himself under his breath.

Scorpius was a bright student, and didn't usually have any trouble with school assignments. However, having thoughts of Rose and Albus bouncing around his head did not help his ability to concentrate.

At the moment, Scorpius was sprawled in a corner of the common room. A relatively blank piece of parchment, and a couple of textbooks lay on the floor in front of him. Picking up one of the books that was entitled Uncanny Plants and Where to Find Them, Scorpius flipped through to a promising looking passage. After a couple moments of quick reading, he found what he was looking for.

Three-stemmed Prickers are native to the rainforests of South America. These tropical plants cause it to rain in a large radius around them, when they are stroked just-so under the third stem. Because of this, they are desperately sought after, by those who enjoy gardening or farming. In 1763, Matilda Puckeridge brought one all the way from Brazil to her home in Nottingham. However, the plant was not happy with being forcefully taken from its home, and drew a large thunder storm over her house. A bolt of lightening struck Matilda's mansion, and burned it down with her husband still inside.

There was a cry of alarm, causing Scorpius to quickly look up. A group of third-years, who had been playing a game of Exploding Snap, had somehow managed to set one of the large scarlet couches on fire. Colin Creevey was bouncing around on the balls of his feet, waving his arms about hysterically.

"What an idiot," said Scorpius, watching as the seventh-year prefect, Emily Thomas, put out the fire. He quickly went back to his reading.

When the first stem is stroked, the Three-stemmed Pricker will release an intoxicating scent that draws all creatures to its vicinity. This fragrance is so powerful, it is said to mesmerize all who smell it except the stroker himself.

The plant can be identified by the bright blue markings near the end of the second stem.

Scorpius drew his parchment toward him, and was just about to start writing when the portrait hole swung open.

Albus clambered into the common room.

Scorpius knew immediately that Albus had been flying. His dark hair was wind blown, and even more askew than normal. His eyes had that shining clarity they possessed after Albus's partaking in his favorite hobby. Flying had always been Albus's way of clearing his head.

Albus looked around, and his gaze came to rest on Scorpius, sitting in the corner with his work.

Scorpius didn't turn away. He just sat, watched, and waited for Albus to make a move.

Albus shook his head, as if to try and make sense of something, then came and threw himself down next to Scorpius.

"What are you doing?" Albus asked, peering at Scorpius's essay.

"Herbology essay," said Scorpius succinctly.

"Bollocks," said Albus glumly, "I forgot all about it."

"Did you know this plant apparently mesmerizes all creatures that smell it?"

"Wait, really?" asked Albus, responding instantly and with more enthusiasm than Scorpius had been looking for.

"Er, yeah...why? I mean it's kind of interesting, but nothing that exciting," said Scorpius, looking curiously at his friend.

"Oh, nothing. I just thought that was pretty...cool," Albus finished lamely.

"Albus?" asked Scorpius, watching his friends suspiciously. "What's going on?"

"Is that burn marks on the couch?" Albus abruptly tried to switch topics.

"Yes, but that's not important."

"Who did it?" asked Albus with faked interest, trying to get Scorpius's attention away.

"That Creevey kid," said Scorpius.

"He seems to have a knack for trouble."

"Yes, but that's not the point-"

"Where's Rose?" asked Albus desperately. This, unlike his other attempts, managed to get Scorpius distracted briefly.

"In the stupid library, still," said Scorpius with annoyance.

"What?" asked Albus in surprise. "You mean that besides that brief period of time this morning, she's been in there all day?"

"Yes, I told you she was acting strange."

"That is a bit bizarre..." said Albus, trailing off in thought.

"Are you going to tell me what is going on with you?"

"No," said Albus stubbornly.

Scorpius sighed with exasperation. "Albus, don't make me rip it from your throat."

"Just leave it, won't you?" demanded Albus.

"Don't make me slip some Veritaserum into your pumpkin juice," hissed Scorpius.

"Where did you get your hands on Veritaserum?" asked Albus in disbelief.

"I stole it from the Potion's supplies, where else?"

"Your bluffing," Albus declared bravely, but he didn't seem too sure.

"You really willing to risk your deepest secrets to me, Albus?" asked Scorpius, a glint of humor in his eye. "I know how you secretly have a thing for Professor Sinistra."

"She's six times my age!" declared Albus in horror.

"Yes, your tastes are quite appalling, Albus. I'm disappointed in you."

"I never-" started Albus.

"Oh shuttup, will you, Albus? This is not the point. Just spill the beans, or I'll rip them right out of your hands," said Scorpius angrily.

"I'm being blackmailed," Albus said it so fast and so quietly it took Scorpius completely by surprise.

"You're...what?" asked Scorpius, blinking at Albus in surprise and confusion.

"I do hope you know what blackmailing is," said Albus wearily, looking at his hands that were laying in his lap.

"Who is stupid enough to blackmail you of all people?"

"Stupid is one thing this person is not," said Albus, looking up with blazing eyes.

"Well, then who is he?"

"It's a she."

"A she?" asked Scorpius, staring at Albus in stupid disbelief.

"Yes, you know, those members of our species who are of the opposite gender? Those ones who fascinate Hugo's every waking moment? One of those things who is your girlfriend?"

"I now what a she is, you prat. Anyways, who is this particular she?"

"Aubrielle Lestraud."

Scorpius couldn't help his jaw falling in surprise. "You mean the gorgeous Slytherin seventh-year?"

"Believe me, the fact that's she's gorgeous does not help anything out."

"The little vixen...I never would have thought of her as one to blackmail someone," said Scorpius.

"She is a Slytherin," pointed out Albus.

"Too true. What does she want from you?"

"Her mum is in Azkaban," Albus said dully, staring across the room at the fire that was roaring in the grate.

"What's that have to do with you? Why would she come to you with this?" demanded Scorpius, his mind whirling.

"I guess it's because it's me she has the dirty information on. Besides, no adult would give into her, and I'm the only student who can perform the Patronus."

"Well, why would you give into her then? What's she holding over your head?" asked Scorpius, watching Albus closely.

Albus flinched visibly. His green eyes were very dark, almost black. "Something bad enough that I can't refuse her."

"I don't believe it," said Scorpius flatly. "Don't worry, Albus, whatever it is, I'm not going to think worse of you for it."

"You don't understand. I don't even really have a choice in the matter. It's too close to me, too personal," Albus spoke bleakly, avoiding eye contact with Scorpius.

Scorpius stared intently at Albus for a moment in silence, then decided against pressing the matter.

"I got your back, Albus. We'll work this out," said Scorpius at last.

Albus looked at him gratefully.

"So, when does Aubrielle want her darling mum broken out?"

"Two weeks from today there's a Ministry Official's meeting. All the Aurors have to go to this one -but you already know that. She wants me to take advantage of the Aurors being so unprepared."

Scorpius was sucking on his quill thoughtfully again.

Albus watched him with a sense of relief. He already felt better knowing that Scorpius was here to back him up. With his friend by his side, he felt confidant they could come up with an answer to the situation. As long as he didn't have to let Scorpius know what information he was being blackmailed with, it would all be okay.

"She wants me to break all the prisoners out."

Scorpius was snapped out of his reverie. "What? That's impossible, how does she expect for you to be able to break all of them out?"

Albus shrugged. "I don't think she cares how I go about it, as long as it gets done."

"I'm guessing she wants you to let them all out, so that when the Aurors hunt them all down again, her mum has a better chance of getting away, right?" asked Scorpius.

"I guess so. I don't know, she didn't give me specifics."

"But how are we supposed to keep off that many Dementors?" Scorpius asked softly, looking around for inspiration.

"We?"

Scorpius looked at Albus in surprise. "Of course, you didn't expect me to let you go in there alone, did you?"

"But I'll most likely end up in Azkaban myself, after this," said Albus with wide eyes.

"We'll figure out a way, Albus, trust me. And if it does go wrong, well, then we can keep each other company," said Scorpius, flashing a grin.

Albus blinked at Scorpius.

"I don't suppose we can go straight to the Headmistress with this?"

Albus shook his head. "We'd have no proof, and besides, Aubrielle would let the skeleton out of the closet."

Scorpius looked at Albus curiously again, wondering what it was Albus was so solid on keeping hidden.

"Well, then if you're determined to go through with this..."

"I am," said Albus abruptly.

Scorpius nodded. "Just making sure. We need some way to get through all the Dementors. You'll need to teach me the Patronus, that's for sure. I don' think that'll be enough by itself, though."

Albus looked thoughtfully down at Scorpius's nearly-blank parchment. "What was that plant you mentioned before?"

***

"The Three-stemmed Pricker," said Neville Longbottom with satisfaction, plopping a large pot down on the worktable.

All the students pressed forward, eager to get a close look at this exceptional specimen.

Scorpius and Albus had made sure they were at the front of the crowd for once. It was the first time in all his years at Hogwarts that Scorpius could remember wanting to get as much information on a topic as possible.

"Professor," piped up Emily, "the textbook said that the Three-stemmed Pricker is only indigenous to South America. The story about Matilda clearly shows us that it doesn't belong in England, so how is it safe to have one here?"

"Good question, Miss Thomas," said Neville, the Herbology professor and head of Gryffindor house.

It was very humid and hot in the greenhouse, despite that it was in fact quite cool outside.

"See, Mrs. Puckeridge was unfortunately ignorant of how you need to deal with the Prickers. As long as you keep their environment as close as you can to their native habitats, you can keep them fooled into thinking they're still home."

Scorpius pulled at his robes in irritation. His sticky and sweaty skin was making him quite uncomfortable.

"Thus, the necessary heat and humidity," said Neville with a smile. There were many groans of discomfort from the students.

"Sir, why did we have to write an essay on the Prickers before we'd even taken a single class on them?" asked Ed Peele, wiping sweat from his brow.

"Because, Mister Peele, I wanted you to do some research. Your professors won't always be around to give you all the information you need."

Scorpius studied the plant on the table in front of him, closely. The Pricker really wasn't that radical looking -for all it's abnormal magical abilities. Three "stems," that really looked more like over-large leaves, stuck out at opposite angles from the dirt where it was planted. One of the stems was bright blue at the tip.

"How many of these does Hogwarts have, professor?" asked Scorpius, thinking that it would go easier for him and Albus if they had multiple. But that would only be helpful if it turned out the plants actually did affect Dementors.

"Only the one, Master Malfoy," said Neville proudly, patting the plant with paternal fondness.

"Makes it all the more difficult for us," muttered Albus to Scorpius under his breath.

"Might we see how it creates rain, professor?" asked a small voice.

Scorpius looked down the table in surprise. Rose was standing at the far end, watching the plant with her usual curiosity. He hadn't seen her since their walk yesterday around the lake -she had been bottled up in the library until late last night, and had gone there early in the morning as well.

When Scorpius hadn't seen her on the walk down to the greenhouses, he'd been worried, but clearly she had managed to slip in late, undetected.

"Of course, Miss Weasley, I was just getting there," said Neville, smiling back at one of his very favorite students.

"Now, you need to stroke it just right," said Neville, running his fingers along the bottom-side of one of the stems.

The students stood in hesitant silence, waiting for something to happen.

Only a few moments later there was the sound of a light rain pattering on the roof of the greenhouse. There was a brief murmuring of awe from the students.

Neville stroked the stem more vibrantly. In response, the rain pounded down even harder. A couple minutes passed, and Neville brushed his fingers along the stem even more fervently. The sound of thunder could be heard almost instantly.

Then, after a brief bit of stroking in the opposite direction, the rain came to a complete stop. There was an outbreak of applause from the students. Neville beamed in response.

"What about it's power of scent?" asked Albus, hesitantly.

"Ah, yes, Mr. Potter. The Three-stemmed Pricker's most formidable attribute." Neville moved his hand over to the other stem that was not marked with blue.

Almost instantly,the sweetest fragrance Scorpius had ever smelt filled the room. It captured his whole being, consumed him, controlled him. He stretched forwards eagerly, attempting to catch more of the aroma. It smelt like a spring morning, like fresh berries, like birds singing in the trees. He was so captivated that he was oblivious to everything else in the room.

Suddenly the scent was gone. It left Scorpius feeling disappointed and wishing for more. By looking at the faces of his fellow students, Scorpius could tell that they were feeling the same.

Neville smiled softly at them. "The Three-stemmed Pricker's power of aroma is not something to be used lightly."

"Professor, the text said that the Pricker affects all creatures, is that true?" asked Albus softly, still staring at the plant.

"As far as we know, yes it does. However, it has not been tested on everything, and what you consider a "creature" also needs to be taken into consideration," said Neville lightly.

Albus looked up hastily in surprise, and a moment of flitting fear. Did Neville know what he was up to? But no, the professor had already gone on to explain how one could tell which stem was which.

When the class ended, Scorpius hurried over to talk to Rose, but he was too late. She had already disappeared back up the slope to the castle.

Scorpius started up the path as well, following the other students and staring in puzzlement at the entrance to the castle.

The heavy crunch of boots on gravel announced Albus catching up to him from behind. "Well, we just better hope that the Pricker doesn't realize it's not home until we get back out of Azkaban."

"Yeah, hope so," said Scorpius glumly.

"What's the matter?" asked Albus with concern.

"Rose," sighed Scorpius.

"Oh."

"I haven't even talked to her since our walk yesterday, and now look. She gets to class late, and leaves early. I didn't even get the slightest word from her."

"Well, you know she has Advanced Divination next. She was probably in a hurry to be on time," said Albus, but only in an attempt to comfort Scorpius. Even Albus was convinced Rose was acting weird now.

Scorpius grunted, and Albus knew he wasn't convinced in the slightest.

"Well, we have some free time now. You want to try your hand at Patronus?" said Albus, trying to get Scorpius's mind off of Rose.

"Sure, why not."

***

Lily twirled her wand absentmindedly in her long, red hair. She was lost in daydreams of being caught up in the adventure of a lifetime. One that involved her saving Scorpius, Albus, and Rose from a threatening situation where they were all going to die if she didn't intervene. But, of course, she would. She would be the hero, and they would all be grateful and glad. They would never treat her like a child again, they would never exclude her. She would be the center of their smiles and adoration, she was sure of it.

Thwack!

Lily shook her head, as she was awakened from her imaginative reverie. A small, balled up piece of paper lay in her lap, where it had fallen after hitting her in the head.

"Whoops, sorry about that Lily. Monique doesn't have the best of aim," said Hugo, fishing the parchment from her lap.

Hugo unfurled the paper, read it with a small grin, and hastily scribbled a response before crumpling it up again, and chucking it back across the room.

"Love notes?" asked Lily dully.

"Oh yes," said Hugo with a smile as he watched Monique read his latest proclamations of love. She giggled before writing something, and throwing it back. This time it was relatively accurate, and Hugo was able to catch it.

"Just don't let Professor Boot catch you," said Lily with disinterest, not really caring if Hugo got caught. Personally she thought it might be good for him.

It was her one class with Hugo -Transfiguration. The subject had never particularly interested her, hence the daydreaming.

"Mr. Weasley! What's going on there?" Terry Boot was glaring at Hugo from beneath his considerable eyebrows.

"Scratch parchment, Professor?" said Hugo innocently, holding up the note which Monique had just lobbed back at him once more.

Lily smiled. Sure enough, Hugo had managed to get caught.

Boot came stomping down the aisle between the desks. He held out his hand for the bit of parchment.

Students all twisted in their seats, hoping for some entertainment.

Hugo, not looking apprehensive in the slightest, handed the love note over to the professor.

"Oh Hugo darling," Boot started to read off, "I can't wait until tonight, I can already feel your lips on mine." Boot broke off and raised his eyebrows at Hugo. Lily could see Monique blushing furiously across the classroom. "You make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Your tousled hair makes me want to squeal. Oh dear, this letter seems quite inappropriate class material. My bad," said Boot without any guilt.

"What can I say? My tousled look is quite impossible to resist," said Hugo with a grin up at the teacher. Boot merely looked back down at him disgust.

Most of the class was roaring with laughter, Hugo along with them, not ashamed in the slightest. Only Lily and Monique weren't laughing. Poor Monique had her face hidden in her hands. Lily just watched her sympathetically. Yet another girl to feel the pain of being with Hugo.

The bell rang, signaling the end of class. Students got up and began to leave the class in twos and threes, talking about Hugo's latest scene with laughter. Professor Boot turned back to erase his blackboard.

Hugo got up and walked over to where Monique was sobbing uncontrollably. He reached out his hand, and lightly put it on her shoulder.

Monique shot to her feet like she had been electrocuted. She brought her hand crashing across Hugo's face with a resounding Smack!

They stared at each other for a moment. Hugo in astonishment. Monique with red and bleary eyes.

Turning on her foot, Monique rushed out of the room.

Hugo looked over at Lily, and shrugged.

Lily shook her head in disapproval, and rushed after Monique.

Author's Note:

Hope you enjoyed the latest installment. Don't forget to leave a review, and please tell friends, family, and anybody who you think will enjoy this fanfiction about it. I would be most grateful to anybody who spreads this story around!