Harry Potter and the Story Without Delphi

Chapter 19: Scorpius the Halloween Stalker

With Scorpius back to his usual self, life for the trio began to fall back in its usual pattern. Albus knew they were still unpopular, outcasted, and widely disliked, but at least he had a few friends that were by his side.

Scorpius, recovered and more energetic than ever, was completely overtaken by a new goal.

"Say Albus," he said casually, one chilly October afternoon, "What is Rose's view on Halloween?"

Albus gave him a look.

"I don't think she has very many. You know, like a normal person?"

Scorpius looked at Albus intensely.

"Help me out here ok? It's been two weeks, three days, and 5 hours since she talked to me last so I need to make more of a statement."

Nova, who had been sitting by quietly, looked at Scorpius with mild disgust.

"What type of creepy stalker are you?"

"I'm not a stalker!"

"Said every stalker ever."

Albus rolled his eyes.

"What does Halloween have to do with it anyway? What's your plan, filling her dorm room with sweets?"

"Do you think that would work?"

Nova slapped Scorpius on the neck.

"Ow, what was that for?"

"Being creepy."

"What's so creepy about sweets, huh?"

It was Nova's turn to roll her eyes.

"Ok, Scorpius fine. Drown her in sweets, then pop the question and ride into the sunset happily ever after, ok?"

She got up with a huff and stomped towards the castle, with both boys staring at her as she left.

"What's up with her?"

Albus got up and sighed.

"I think I'm going to have to go and find out."

Leaving Scorpius looking bewildered, he jogged towards the castle. He figured she would head for the common room, so kept walking until he caught up with her in a nearby hallway.

"Nova, what was that?"

Nova stopped and turned, a little flustered.

"Sorry, I kinda overreacted."

Albus, trying to put the pieces together, risked life and limb and asked:

"You don't like Scorpius do yo-"

Nova blushed crimson.

"No! Jeez, nothing like that. He's crazy for Rose anyways."

Albus looked at her expectantly.

"It's not exactly a fun story."

"I wasn't really expecting one."

Nova sighed and stared and the floor.

"A lot of things happened this summer with my brother."

"Such as?"

"Well, I kind of saw my parents again after a really long time. Just my dad actually, my mom doesn't really...anyway, it's kinda just weighing on me."

Nova's face had an expression Albus had never seen before, a mixture of barely contained sadness and pain. He was surprised to feel a twinge in his own heart when he saw her expression.

"Are you ok to talk about it," Albus said, softening his voice.

Nova looked at him deadpanned.

"Suddenly I have a choice?"

The twinge went away.

"Well, I'm obviously not going to force you but..."

"Scorpius must be wondering where we are," Nova said, cutting in, "We have to stop him before he drowns Rose in sweets and ruins any chance her might have with her!"

Albus searched Nova's face, but there was no trace of that painful expression anymore.

"Yeah true, I forgot to tell him she's not that keen on sweets anyway."

Nova looked at him in horror.

"This is bad! Let's go!"

Together they ran back to outside, and while Nova didn't mention her summer again, Albus never forgot the look on her face. He swore she would never make it again.