Seventh-Year: The Next Generation

Author's Note:

Big thank yous to "JessicaAmal" and "lasallian" for the reviews. You have no idea how much they're appreciated. Hope everyone enjoys this one, I threw in a bit of action. Both in the violent sense, and in the lip-locking sense. =D

~Thani Mag

Chapter 6: Babcock and Baddock

Albus slapped Scorpius several times in a row. On the third slap, Scorpius's hand shot up so fast that Albus barely saw it, and grabbed his wrist.

Scorpius's eyes flew open, and locked on Albus irritably. "Don't slap me, you git," he said.

"Well, in case you didn't notice, you'd fainted, and I needed to get you conscious again," said Albus with amusement, looking down at Scorpius from half-closed lids.

"I most definitely had not fainted," snapped Scorpius, letting go of Albus's wrist, and sliding into a sitting position.

"Of course not," said Albus sarcastically. "You just decided to take a nap in the middle of all the excitement."

"I was tired, and decided to grab a little shuteye," said Scorpius, looking around. Albus rolled his eyes behind Scorpius's back. "What happened? Where's the Dementor? Or Boggart, whatever you want to call it."

Albus hesitated. Scorpius turned back, and looked at him with inquiring eyes. "Nothing really, the Boggart turned on me, and so I beat it back into the trunk."

"So, the Boggart was a Dementor for you as well?" he asked.

Albus looked away from Scorpius before answering. "Yeah, a Dementor."

"No it wasn't, you filthy liar," said Scorpius. "When will you learn that you can't lie to me?"

"Will you stop doing that?" asked Albus in annoyance. "You know how irritating and disturbing it is, that you can always tell whenever I lie?"

"It's not just you, I'm pretty good at reading anyone. It just so happens that I've spent more time around you than most, and so I know how to read your face well. But anyways, so what did the Boggart turn into?" asked Scorpius, eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"I'm not going to tell you," said Albus, getting to his feet.

Scorpius followed his friend's example. Albus noticed he was quite stable on his feet for someone who had just fainted.

"Oh, come on, Albus. You can't do that," complained Scorpius.

"Watch me," said Albus, starting to shove the trunk that contained the Boggart toward the side of the classroom.

"Hey! Where are you going with that?" demanded Scorpius.

"I'm putting it back where I found it," panted Albus, throwing his weight into the heavy trunk once more.

"I'm not done with it."

"Oh yes you are. At least for now, anyways," said Albus, sliding the trunk up against the wall, between two cabinets.

"Am not," said Scorpius, glaring at Albus. "I'm going to master this thing, and I'm going to do it now."

Albus shook his head. "Maybe later today. You need a break, Scorpius, and you know it. Besides, we need to get down to lunch. Potions is pretty soon."

Scorpius opened his mouth to argue, then closed it again, and followed Albus grudgingly to the door. "Fine," he said. "But later today, I want to take another crack at it."

"That's perfectly okay by me," said Albus with a smile, swinging the door open. He held it wide, as Scorpius stomped through it.

Albus looked back at the classroom, and with a wave of his wand, rearranged all the desks into the placements he had found them in originally. His gaze swept over it one last time, before he swept out of the room after Scorpius.

The door banged shut ominously behind him.

Scorpius was waiting in the corridor for him, watching him with curious eyes.

"Let's go," said Albus, pausing by Scorpius.

"Yes, let's," he replied, turning on his heel and striding quickly down the hall. Albus followed him.

They had almost reached the entrance hall, when they ran into Babcock. As usual, he was flanked by his two followers, Zabini and Bulstrode.

Babcock's physique was much the same as Scorpius and Albus's. He was slightly taller than average, lean, and athletic.

Zabini was very tall, and thin as a rail. Bulstrode, on the other hand, was short and thickset. He was very large, and his beady eyes looked out from a lot of loose-hanging flesh.

Bugger, thought Albus, with feeling.

"Well, looky here. If it isn't Malfoy, the biggest disgrace that ever came from Slytherin roots. And let's not forget his little tag-along dog, Snotty Potty," drawled Babcock, standing with his legs set far apart, his arms crossed, and looking as if he thought the world should bow at this feet.

"If it isn't Bulstrode, and his overgrown flea, Babcock," drawled Scorpius in a similar matter, right back at him.

Babcock flushed angrily. Probably more at Bulstrode being addressed as the leader, and not him, than because he was called a flea, thought Albus. He supposed that that was exactly why Scorpius had said it, because he knew that that in itself would make Babcock angrier than almost anything else he could say.

Bulstrode looked confused, clearly not comprehending why Scorpius was addressing him rather than Babcock, the obvious leader. He has a brain no bigger than a pea, for all that flesh of his, thought Albus in disgust.

"There are rumors, Potty," said Babcock coldly, focusing now on Albus.

"Rumors, Babcock?" asked Albus quietly.

"Yes, rumors. I have heard of how you sneak around the castle, meeting Lestraud in dark corners. Of the forbidden love you share. A Slytherin with a Gryffindor. It's disgusting, disgusting I tell you. I can't believe Lestraud would sink so low." Babcock spat on the floor at Albus's feet.

Albus's eyes went wide with surprise. How did he find out? But that's not important, what matters is that he knows. But boy, is he wrong. How very, very wrong he is.

Albus realized that Scorpius was looking at him. Scorpius's face was well masked, but Albus could see the surprise that was mixed with some amusement behind his eyes.

Albus opened his mouth to reply to Babcock, but Scorpius was faster. "Yeah, it is rather sad that Albus lowered himself to accepting to sleep with a Slytherin, even if she's the best looking out of the lot of you." Albus stared at Scorpius with mixed horror and amazement. "But what's even sadder, is that you're such a lowlife you can't get any piece of slime -that we all love and know as Slytherins- to sleep with you. At least Albus has slept with someone. I admit, I wouldn't have accepted Lestraud if she came begging to me on her knees to have some," sneered Scorpius, the corner of his mouth turning up. "But I guess, Albus is just more akin to pity than I am."

Babcock's brown eyes were smoldering beneath his dirty-blonde locks. He dived forward at Scorpius, but Zabini grabbed him by the upper arms, pulling him back. Babcock fought against his restrainer, but to no avail. Albus himself knew that Zabini had iron strength, even though he didn't look it, being so skinny and all.

"You act so big and bad, don't you, Malfoy?" growled Babcock. "I wouldn't act so hot if I were you."

"But you're not me, are you, Babcock?" asked Scorpius, quirking an eyebrow. "You could never pull off the style that it takes to be me."

"I wouldn't act like I could have any girl in the school, when my very own was getting shagged right behind my back."

Scorpius looked like somebody had just cheap-shot him in the crotch. "What did you say?" he asked quietly.

Babcock laughed. "Don't tell me you're seriously that stupid, Malfoy. You're of Slytherin stock, even if you've sunk to being a disgraceful Gryffindor. Where has your precious Weasley been recently? She ever seem anxious to spend as little time in your company as possible? Do her kisses ever seem not quite as real as they use to?"

Scorpius's face had gone white, his eyes were glittering Sapphires, dangerous and glowing. "You'll pay for that lie, Babcock. I will not have anyone insulting Rose like that."

"Oh? Can you really convince yourself that was a lie, Malfoy?" asked Babcock quietly.

Scorpius moved so fast, that no one had time to react. He shot forward, one fist caught Babcock in the stomach, making him gasp in surprise and pain. The other fist connected with the center of Zabini's face, sending him stumbling back, releasing Babcock.

Scorpius launched himself onto Babcock, taking him to floor.

Bulstrode broke into action, rushing over, he wrapped his gorilla arms around Scorpius's midsection, and started to drag him off his leader.

Albus sighed with resolution, and rushed forward to help Scorpius. But Zabini had recovered himself, and with blood pouring from his nose, hit Albus in the chest. Albus reeled back, recovered his balance, took a step forward, placed one hand on Zabini's shoulder, and socked him hard in the center of his face, just like Scorpius had.

Zabini let out a yell of pain, as the sound of shattering bone filled the corridor. Zabini grabbed his nose, clearly not ready for more at the moment.

Scorpius had somehow managed to knock Bulstrode flat on the floor, and was now sitting astride him, pummeling him into the floor. Babcock was just rising to his feet, and was about to take advantage of Scorpius's distraction.

Albus rushed past Zabini, and flung himself over Scorpius. He crashed into Babcock. The two of them hit the floor, and skidded along it, locked in some sort of wrestling match.

Albus managed to get his feet up, and kicked Babcock in the stomach. Babcock flew off of him and slammed into the corridor wall. Albus got up, and was just about to launch himself onto Babcock, when a very pretty, and unexpected voice interrupted him.

"Now, now, boys," said the voice. "Let's have no more of this."

The boys in question all froze and looked up.

Elsa Baddock was standing with her fists on her hips, her red-gold hair flung over her shoulder, a no-nonsense expression written all over her face.

"Screw off, Baddock," said Bulstrode with vehemence. He had managed to work his way around, so now he was sitting astride Scorpius.

"Oh, but you see, Bulstrode, I can't go letting you mess up Malfoy's pretty face any more than you already have."

"And how are you going to stop me?" asked Bulstrode, punching Scorpius in the face as if to prove a point. Scorpius hissed, and started to struggle beneath him.

Elsa moved faster than Albus had thought she could. Her wand was out in a jiffy, and pointing at Bulstrode. "Hit him again, Bulstrode, and I'll hex you until your ugly hide isn't recognizable even by your dear old mummy."

Bulstrode hissed angrily, and refrained from hitting Scorpius again, but he didn't offer to move.

Zabini moved his cupped hands from around his bloody nose, and went for his wand. Elsa saw his movement, however. "Expelliarmus!" Zabini's wand, which had just started to appear from within his robes, went shooting off down the hall.

Babcock had pulled himself to his feet, and was supporting himself with the wall. His lower lip was starting to swell, and he looked like he would have a nice black-eye by the end of the day. "More Slytherin stock gone sour," he said, shaking his head ruefully. "Really, Baddock, you would look fine in green and silver."

"Thank you for the compliment, Babcock, but I like my blue and bronze. Now get going," said Elsa, gesturing with her wand for the Slytherins to start heading down the corridor.

Zabini went without any argument, sweeping up his wand as he strode off down the hall.

Bulstrode glowered at her from his seat on Scorpius.

"Go!" she commanded. "Or believe me, I'll make good on my threat, Bulstrode."

Eyes bulging in anger, Bulstrode followed Zabini.

Scorpius got slowly to his feet, moping the blood from his face with his robes as he did so.

Babcock wiped blood from his chin with the back of his hand. "It was a pleasure, Malfoy. Potter. I'll be seeing you around, Baddock." He went after his two followers, who were waiting for him down the hall. He left with arrogant slowness.

Elsa put her wand back in her robes. "You okay, Potter?" she demanded, although she had eyes only for Scorpius.

"Yes," said Albus, brushing down his robes. For it was true, Albus was fairly confident he had managed to come out of the fight feeling the best. He would have a few bruises, sure, but that was all. Albus couldn't say the same for Scorpius.

Bulstrode had turned Scorpius's face into a mash-potato salad, with plenty of red sauce on top.

"Malfoy, you're poor face isn't up to it's usual glory today, it would seem," said Elsa, a small smile blooming from her lips.

Scorpius made a grunting noise.

"Let's get you to the Infirmary, Scorpius," said Albus, coming to his friend. He grabbed Scorpius's forearm, and started to drag him along.

"Whoa, wait a second," said Elsa, running to put herself in front of them. She spread out her legs, and threw out her arms to either side.

"Get out of the way," hissed Albus. "Can't you see he needs the Infirmary?"

"Madam Pomfrey will never heal him, you know that. She hates it when people fight; she'll have none of it." Her eyes were fierce.

"All the same, we have to try. There's nothing else to be done about it." Albus stuck his face right up to her hers. They were mere inches from each other. They stared at each other, both determined.

Albus found that he was the first to look away.

"She's right, Albus, Madam Pomfrey will slam the door in our faces as soon as look at us," said Scorpius.

"Well, then what should we do, smart-cakes?" demanded Albus.

"I'll heal him," said Elsa, matter-of-factly.

"You?" Albus quirked an eyebrow.

"Yes, me, you prat. I'm training to be a Mediwizard," snapped Elsa.

"It's your call. Your looks are the ones at stake," said Albus, looking at Scorpius.

Scorpius shrugged. "As long as you're sure you can give me my beautiful face back, as it was," he said to Elsa.

Elsa smiled. "Of course, babe."

Elsa drew her wand again, and stepped closer to Scorpius. Albus quickly let go of his friend's forearm, and got out of the way.

Elsa placed a creamy-white hand on Scorpius's shoulder. In her other hand she had her wand. She ran the tip of it slowly all over Scorpius's face, murmuring spells of healing. Scorpius bent his head to let her reach it easier, but even so, she had to stand on tip-toe.

Albus couldn't help but wonder at Elsa's motives in offering to help Scorpius. Albus thought they were made quite evident by how close she was standing to Scorpius, and by the way she angled her body toward his. It also seemed to him that Madam Pomfrey never took this long to heal up some wounds; he couldn't help but wonder if she was doing it on purpose. Then again, she wasn't Madam Pomfrey, so there could be no telling for sure.

Scorpius took the healing with relatively good grace, for being him, anyways. He stood with his face tilted down toward Elsa. He was motionless, no tenseness in his body, but he hardly looked completely at ease to Albus.

After what seemed like ages, but was probably a couple of minutes, Elsa finally finished. She lowered herself back onto the soles of her feet.

Scorpius's face was whole once more. Traces of dried blood were in his hair, and on his face, but it was still a big improvement from the mash-potato salad.

"Thank you," said Scorpius, gracefully.

"Your welcome," replied Elsa.

Scorpius spun on his foot and started to walk away, Albus following after him.

"Wait a minute, I'm not done with you."

Scorpius turned back around slowly, as if he had been expecting this, but wasn't altogether eager to hear it.

"Yes?"

"I require payment for my help," she said, looking sly.

"I thought as much. Babcock was right, you are of Slytherin roots."

"Oh, yes," said Elsa, and flashed a very mischievous smile, that Albus did not like the look of at all.

"Yes...? What do you want?" asked Scorpius impatiently.

"Kiss me."

"What?" gasped Albus.

"Be quiet, Potter. You can leave if you want to. Actually, I would prefer it."

"Are you crazy? He has a girlfriend." Albus stared at her like she was out of her mind.

"I'm not asking for a declaration of undying love, silly boy. I just want a kiss in an abandoned corridor, that's all. No one need ever know." She said it as if everyone went around kissing random people, in empty halls, all the time.

"Just a kiss? What worl-"

"Don't, Albus," said Scorpius, quietly.

Albus gaped at his friend.

"Like she said, you can leave if you don't want to see this, Albus." Although Scorpius was talking to Albus, his eyes were locked on Elsa's, and hers on his.

Albus started to make a choking noise in his throat, but stifled it immediately.

Albus couldn't really blame Scorpius, what guy wouldn't turn down such an opportunity? A healed up face, and a kiss to boot. And Elsa was beautiful, that was for sure. She had large, doe-eyes, that were a beautiful green color. Not like Albus's blazing emeralds, but their own, softer, light green. Throw in the breathtaking red-gold hair, and you had Elsa. A girl who was pretty much impossible to turn down.

Scorpius put one hand on each of Elsa's shoulders, and drew her to him in a second. The next instant his mouth was on hers.

It wasn't like the kisses that Albus had seen Scorpius and Rose share. Those tended to be soft and gentle. This was anything but gentle. It was furious and fierce, almost as if they were attempting to force the other into submission.

It was over in a moment.

Scorpius was stepping back, pushing Elsa gently away. His eyes were wide in amazement, and what looked like horror to Albus, but he couldn't be sure.

Elsa was smiling widely.

"Satisfied, Baddock?" asked Scorpius softly.

"It was everything I was expecting, and more," she replied.

"Thank you, again, for this," said Scorpius, touching his face lightly with the tips of his fingers.

"And thank you, for this," said Elsa, mimicking Scorpius's gesture, only brushing her lips with the end of her index finger, not her face.

Scorpius turned, and froze in the spot he stood.

"Oh, Merlin, no," he said, his eyes wide.

Albus spun on his foot to see what he was looking at.

Down the corridor, standing at the intersection of said hall with another, was Elizabeth Flint. A Slytherin girl with a particularly pointy chin.

She was grinning like mad.

Author's Note:

What will happen next? The plot begins to move. Don't forget to click that review link, and to type in those few hasty words that would mean so much.