Too Much Relaxation

I'm back with the next chapter, and I should be getting these to ya'll on a fairly regular basis now. Sorry for all the delays, homework was insane these past few weeks.

In light of all the things I'm trying to keep straight in this fic and in my own head about the HP Universe, I've started an LJ account. Go there for more information: www.hpmuse.livejournal.com

I almost forgot to thank TPP staff for catching my commas. Thanks, ya'll!

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. If I did, do you really think Severus would have died?

Chapter 2: Too Much Relaxation

Scorpius turned out to be quite the chatterbox. At first, we talked haltingly, nervous around this other person we should but didn't know. After two days of dancing around each other, though, we grew comfortable enough to exchange academics. We had nothing to truly discuss aside from what few memories we'd obtained since waking up, and those in our mental libraries. He was delighted to discuss every subject we had ever read a book on. Especially, it would seem, Potions.

"Negative charges are generally used in potions with downward qualities, though," Scorpius said as Mrs. Pomfrey brought in our supper. "Why would you put it in an anti-depression potion, I'd like to know?"

"Filtered water is only negative when used in potions that affect the body, not the mind," I retorted. "The base isn't nearly as important as the ingredients for mind-altering potions, Scorpius."

"Yes, but most anti-depression potions address the physical parts of depression," he pointed out, spearing a broccoli floret.

"You two," Mrs. Pomfrey chortled merrily. "I've never seen such adamant debate between people so young. Are you sure you're only thirteen?"

We exchanged glances, both shrugging at the same time. "We don't know." And it was really unnerving, I wanted to add. However, she seemed to understand, because she immediately changed the subject.

"You know," she said, sitting at the very edge of the visitor's chair Molly had vacated earlier that day. "Usually, when people have been Obliviated, they go mad from not knowing themselves."

Scorpius looked alarmed. "Y-You mean..."

"Well, obviously, you're not mad," Mrs. Pomfrey said with a placating smile. "It just makes me wonder. You've made such progress, and you're both so very intelligent."

She climbed to her feet again with a slap on her legs. A sigh escaped her lips. "I wonder if this isn't just some simple Obliviate, to be perfectly honest." She smiled at the two of us, swinging her head from side to side. "Well, dears, it's the end of my shift. If you need anything at all, just tap the wall behind you. The Healer on duty will come."

Mrs. Pomfrey made her way over to the door, and then turned back around. "Don't take my words too much to heart, you two. After all, I've only just finished my Healer training, and..." She allowed her voice to trail off. "Well, good night, dears."

"Good night, Mrs. Pomfrey," we said together.

The following morning, we had our first discussion outside the boundaries of academia. It all began with the now-usual morning visit from Molly with updates on the flat hunt. She handed us each a pamphlet from a complex, neatly depicting a three-bedroom place.

"Found a place in Muggle London, just a short walk from an ASDA and the Leaky Cauldron," she said, brimming with smiles. "Do you remember the Leaky Cauldron?"

"Vaguely," I murmured, perusing the pamphlet. "It's a pub that opens up into um... Diagon Alley, right?"

"That's right," Molly said kindly. "What do you think of the flat?"

"It looks good," I said, setting down the pamphlet at last. I offered a tiny smile to Molly. "I wouldn't have minded having to share a bathroom or anything."

"You won't feel that way in a few years, Hecate, dear," Molly said, with a bit more force behind her voice than necessary. I had the feeling that I wasn't going to be left alone to be bookish, as I seemed to like to be. "I'll go on and close the deal, then. We'll be able to Floo straight there when Healer Pomfrey says you can leave."

Before we could say anything more, an owl flew in through the open door. It landed on Molly's knee, holding a rolled-up newspaper on one claw and a tiny bag on the other.

"Looks like the Prophet followed me here," she said. She shoved a Knut into the bag, and accepted the paper. Without pausing, the owl flew out again. I was about to ask whether we could read it when she was finished, when she spoke again. "Oh, for heaven's sake!"

"What is it?" Scorpius asked.

"I'll... ooh, just you wait!" Molly threw the paper down on her visitor's chair, and stalked out into the corridor beyond our door with a huff.

With minimal movement, I managed to snatch the paper out of the chair. I promptly dropped it. No need to open it to see why Molly was so upset.

"What is it?" Scorpius repeated, this time a little impatiently.

"It's... us." With a shake of my wavy hair, I began to read aloud:

MYSTERY CHILDREN OBLIVIATED

Attributed to Dark wizards or witches unknown, two unknown children were mysteriously found in Knockturn Alley three days ago. Although an adult witch's and wizard's remains were found at the scene, there are no lingering clues as to their identity – not even in their own memories.

Headmaster Dumbledore assured the press that the school will do everything in its power to accept them at their level. "It is, after all, every witch and wizard's right to an education."

I traded a dark look with Scorpius after I finished reading the article. "We... we might not go to school?"

"That Dumbledore man said different," Scorpius said, setting his jaw. Still, I could see his jaw clench, ticking just beneath his ear. "It's our right. And we know our stuff... Mrs. Pomfrey said we're smart."

"Yeah, that's right," I said, taking comfort in that still-small bit of reassurance. It didn't do me much good – nor, I think, did it Scorpius. "Dumbledore sounds reasonable. We could do some studying before he comes."

"Molly would get us the schoolbooks," Scorpius said. He grinned ear-to-ear. "So we'll study. They won't be able to keep us out if we know our stuff."

"That's right," I nodded. There was still a tiny tendril of fear that I couldn't quite shake, but it was enough. I flipped through the rest of the paper idly, but found nothing more of real interest.

Molly returned a few minutes later, looking flustered. "I have to leave again, dears." She gestured to the paper, sitting on the edge of my bed. "I take it you've seen?"

"They can't really keep us out of school?" I asked, an incredulous tone seeping into my voice.

"Of course not, it's a lot of rubbish," Molly retorted. "I'm going to send the Headmaster an owl and see what can be done."

"Molly," I said. "Could we get some books? So we can study... What year do you think we should be?"

She paused to glance at us both. "I'd say third-years," Molly said. "I'll bring you copies of the first- and second-year textbooks when I come back tomorrow morning."

When she was gone, Scorpius sighed, settling back against his pillow. "You don't suppose we're going to be left alone when we get to Hogwarts, do you?"

My lips pressed into a thin, grim line. "Somehow, I doubt it."

He leaned his head back against the wall with a groan. Mrs. Pomfrey bustled in moments later with our breakfast. She had also brought a magazine in from the Visitor's Tearoom upstairs, a really old copy of Potions Today.

"I know it's not much, but I thought you might like something to look at aside from the walls and yourselves," she said with a smile. "It's almost a year old, so I know it won't be missed upstairs."

With nothing else to do, we had little choice. To the people upstairs, this was probably old news. To us, however... it was a brand new day. Scorpius began reading the first article aloud as soon as he had finished eating.

_-~*~-_

As Molly had promised, she returned the next morning with first-year and second-year textbooks. We had only just cracked open our respective texts – him Potions and me History – when Mrs. Pomfrey knocked on our open door.

"Hello, dears," she said. "There are some... people in the lobby wanting to know if they can visit with you for a bit. Do you want to see them?"

"What kind of people?" I asked, noting her hesitation.

"I think they're just well-wishers, but I know my husband isn't too fond of the Blacks," Mrs. Pomfrey said. "It's up to you."

I exchanged a look with Scorpius. "Sure, I guess."

"Sure," Scorpius echoed.

Mrs. Pomfrey scurried out through the door back down the hall.

"What the devil do you think this is all about?" I asked.

"No idea."

My first instinct said to hide away until I knew more about what was going on. My second instinct said to take Scorpius with me. All logic, however, pointed out that I didn't know anything more about the situation than Healer Pomfrey didn't like these people. Therefore, I had nothing really to go on other than that.

Mrs. Pomfrey stuck her head in through the door again. She mouthed, Are you sure? I smiled at her, nodding as I sat up a bit straighter. Might as well look confident in my assurances. The short woman sighed melodramatically as she gestured to someone behind her.

"Only a few minutes, there, boys, I don't want them exhausted, now."

"Yes, madam, we understand."

Two boys around our age ducked under the short witch's arm – no small feat considering they were both taller than she was. The taller of the two had classically handsome features, with long, curly black hair and a broad grin. The shorter of the two might have been related to him somewhere, but it was obvious these boys weren't of the same cut. This one had softer features, a long nose and rounded cheeks. He wore round glasses, and had wildly untamed hair.

"Hey," said the taller one. "My mother said I should come and... well, introduce myself, considering we'll be in the same year at Hogwarts. Name's Sirius Black. This is my best mate, James Potter."

They both looked like they would rather have been anywhere else than in our hospital room. Scorpius studied the two of them in silence for a moment.

"Call me Scorpius," he said. "Tell your mother thanks for thinking of us."

Diplomatic while subtly hinting at distaste. Bravo, little brother.

Sirius winced. "That came out wrong, sorry."

"It's all right," I said. "We understand. Mothers do that."

"No, no, you don't..." James spoke for the first time. "I came along 'cause I wanted to say 'hi', too. I mean, no use in not knowing anyone before you come to school, right?"

I tilted my head to the side, intentionally keeping a steady, piercing gaze on him. He really wasn't trying to hit my nerves. "It still hasn't been decided whether we can go or not."

Here, Sirius laughed, though it sounded rather forced. "Are you kidding? With Dumbledore behind you, I doubt even the Governors could keep you out."

For reasons beyond my comprehension, that made me feel all the better. I gave the nervous boys a genuine smile. "I hope you're right."

James grinned, casually ruffling his hair. "We know we're right. I mean, c'mon, they let our mate Remus in, and he's always... well, he's always sick."

I wanted to point out that losing all of our memories could hardly be called "sick", but Mrs. Pomfrey bustled in before I could open my mouth. "That's enough, now, boys, these two need their rest."

James and Sirius glanced over their shoulders at us. Scorpius and I waved as Mrs. Pomfrey steered them out. I could have sworn I saw James wink. Could've been my imagination, though.

_-~*~-_

Wednesday morning dawned bright, cheerful, and full of Molly's smiles. Senior Healer Pomfrey and his wife came in at seven o'clock on the dot. The curtains hung around Scorpius and I separately as we changed into jeans and t-shirts, courtesy of Molly. The Healer who had been so patient with us over the past days sighed.

"You've taken all legal consideration for them, correct?"

"Yes, they're officially my adopted children as of yesterday," Molly said. "Are they up for a bit of shopping, or should I take them straight home?"

"Please!" Scorpius' voice came out as a wail. "If I have to rest for ten more minutes, I'm going to go 'round the bend!"

I murmured my agreement to this as the Pomfreys laughed. The Madam was the first to find her voice. "Well, I think that answers your question, Ms. Taylor. You'll have your hands full with this lot."

We said good-bye to our favorite pair of Healers, and then made our way down into the lobby for the Floo. Luckily enough, I had read a book on magical travel somewhere along the way, and it was still in my mental library. Scorpius wasn't so lucky.

"We've got to go into the fireplace?" he said, glaring at the emerald flames as the witch in front of us vanished into them.

"It's quite simple, dear, just say 'Constellation Flat' when you step through. Watch your sister. You remember, don't you, Hecate?"

"Yes, I do." Scorpius looked slightly dismayed to hear that I recalled something that he didn't.

I stepped into the fire with my pinch of powder. Clearly, I said, "Constellation Flat."

What happened next was entirely outside of my recollections. Fireplaces whirled past, faster and faster, spinning in a dizzying array of rooms beyond. I tucked my arms in tighter to keep from smacking my elbows. At last, the destination fireplace spat me out.

Molly Taylor was not a woman to be trifled with. In the span of just a few days, she had found a three-bedroom flat, furnished it, and stocked it with food. I wondered just how well off she really was, but didn't think it prudent to ask.

The front room was separated from the kitchen by only a small half-wall, and the dining room was really just a part of the living room. A small pine wood table sat against the deep ochre wall outside of the kitchen. That room was only big enough for two people to be in at once. I knew that if Molly was cooking I'd best steer clear.

Molly must have decided we were at least part Muggle, because a TV set sat against the wall next to a beautiful oak cloak. The sleek black couch and love seat set looked like it had been gently used before winding up in our apartment. But that only seemed to make it that much more comfortable to sit in. The coffee table was the same pine wood color as the kitchen table.

Scorpius came out a few seconds later, looking rather dazed. Molly appeared after a few more minutes. She looked completely unaffected.

"The bedrooms are through there," Molly said. "Go on and take a look. I'll start on some breakfast before we head out."

We made our way through the small hallway. There were four doors down this way – a laundry room, a rather large bathroom with a Roman style tub, and our two bedrooms. Molly's room was on the other side of the house, with her own bathroom inside, I wagered. I caught only a glimpse of Scorpius' black-and-silver room before I made my way into my own.

Above all else, I had requested a large bookcase, and Molly had outdone herself. A solid oak bookshelf, albeit empty, sat along an entire side of my room, my chest of drawers, full-sized bed, and bedside table, complete with a simple white lamp, the only other furnishings, all in the same natural oak color. The bed lay against the opposite wall, with enough space to comfortably walk between it, the closet, and my chest and table. My bed was swathed in deep blues and greens, and my walls were a gentle, soothing pale blue. I smiled to myself.

If nothing else, I was lucky to have Molly.