Heart of a Lion, Head of a Serpent | Teen Ink

Heart of a Lion, Head of a Serpent

July 28, 2010
By squidzinkpen SILVER, Buffalo, New York
squidzinkpen SILVER, Buffalo, New York
9 articles 0 photos 193 comments

Favorite Quote:
"The Irish gave the Scots the bagpipes as a joke, but the Scots haven't seen the joke yet"- Irish Proverb


The golden, orange, and red leaves on the lonely high limbs of the great oak trees had the appearance of fire, swaying softly with the crisp summer breeze. An icy film of frost topped the fallen browning dead leaves that covered the forest floor. The grounds were quiet, empty as if the world itself had stopped spinning.
As she walked the winding, narrow path back to the massive and almost ominous looking castle on the top of the hill looming over the great Black Lake, Rose Weasley appeared calm and serene, but trouble brewed beneath the surface. With only the sound of the few chirping birds that remained in the trees and the crunch of the gravel beneath her feet to serenade her while she pondered, she pictured the face of her mother when she came home for the Christmas holiday and told her that horrid secret she had pushed to the very back of her mind where she hardly dared to go.

Before she knew it, she was at the castle gates. Hogwarts castle. This is where it all began. This ancient, historic castle that is the setting for almost every tale she was told as a child. The stories of armor that moved, a poltergeist that terrorized first years, the professors for which her cousins were named, the library where her mother studied for hours on end and was petrified in by the basilisk that her uncle had slain and rescued her aunt from, where her parents fell in love. If not for Hogwarts, she would not exist, she would not, and neither would her problem.
She should go inside, she knew she should, it was lunch time, almost time for her next class. They’d be looking for her, she knew they would. If they did not find her in lunch, they would track her down and corner her in the common room. At fifteen, Rose thought she could decide who her friends should be and what she did was her own business, but apparently not. They would find him.

Well so what? There’s nothing to tell. They’ll look like right proper gits they will.

Rose decided that her appetite had dwindled into nothing with just the thought of him, that stupid boy.

“Git,” she muttered, kicking the pebbles by her toes.

“Who’s a git?” someone whispered in her ear.

She whipped around, her heart leaping into her throat and her long red hair swiping whoever was behind her in the face. She turned and stared directly into the very eyes of her quandary. They were a stormy gray-blue, not a cold and hard blue like the ones of the others in their family. There was a smile upon his pointed and pale face. Not a big one, but a small, playful, mischievous one. That smile made her angry. She wanted nothing more to whip out her wand and bat bogey hex him so hard that she’d never have to see that stupid smirk again.


“You, Scorpius,” she growled. “Get away from me before I jinx you!” She shoved him back, but it had no effect.

He had a strong, muscular build. The best Gryffindor beater Hogwarts had seen since Rose’s twin uncles Fred, whom she had never met, and George, who must have had two ears back then. He was clever and bright, if he was not a Malfoy, her mother, Hermione, would have liked him. He was also uncommonly kind; she had never seen him hurt anyone, not if he could help it. Trouble seemed to find him, he could never roam about the castle alone, too many children of his father’s old friends, growing more and more powerful every year.

“Rose, please, don’t,” he pleaded. “Please, just tell me what I’ve done.”

“You won’t leave me alone!” she cried.

Scorpius looked at her with sad, desolate eyes.

“We were so close last year Rose,” he said, softly. “What happened? Please, tell me.”

“It’s nothing you can fix,” she murmured.

“Please Rose, let me try. I deserve a chance, please,” be begged.

He was desperate. He needed a friend. Sure, the other Gryffindors had given him a chance, but if they knew what he wanted, if they knew what was between him and one of their own, they would surely turn on him, so would the his Ravenclaw friends because of Rose’s brother, Hugo. The Slytherins loathed him, as they should, them being Slytherins and him being a Gryffindor, and from a Slytherin family at that! When the now almost ancient Professor McGonogall had called his name to be sorted, he heard whispers buzzing about like demented bees, mocking him and his family. The Great Hall was dead silent with shock while he wore the Sorting Hat, it telling him that he was so different from his family. How it thought he would undoubtedly be a Slytherin, and now it must decide between Ravenclaw, and Slytherin’s arch rival house, Gryffindor. His parents had disowned him after they had seen his Gryffindor robes that summer holiday, sent him away to live in the house of his deceased grandparents, Narcissa and Lucius. Not that it had mattered much, they invested little time in him before and was raised more by the house elves than by his proud parents.
There was little company there in that old place, only the elderly housekeeper, Millicent-a bitter old woman- sent to take care of him. He was miserable, alone, and without affection until he had received his first letter the summer after his second year at Hogwarts. It was an old owl who had delivered it. Pig, was its name, perhaps? There was a letter from Hugo and Rose Weasley, and even James Potter, who had become his friend on the Quidditch team. His friends were from families that his despised. Civil on Platform 9 ¾, but forever loathed one another. The Potters and Weasleys accepted Scorpius after his parents had rejected him. They kept an eye on him the first time he visited (it had been that same summer), but they learned to trust him, that he was different. He had grown closer to Rose toward the end of their Christmas holiday last year their fourth year at school, and now he had lost her and he had to know why!

“There’s nothing Scorpius!” she shouted, tears twinkling in her bright green eyes. “Nothing! Just nothing you can do!”

He didn’t move, his face was stony, his eyes sad. She couldn’t bear to look into those eyes, those eyes that gazed at her so lovingly at one time. Such a wonderful time that was. In the Burrow, that had been expanded upon yet again after her brother was born, with her grandparents and the Potters on Christmas Eve. The whole family had been in the orchard that snowy afternoon playing a friendly game of Quidditch. The losing team had to clean up the plates after dinner, to their dismay, without magic. Rose had been on the loosing team, despite being one of the best chasers, not unlike her Aunt Ginny, on the Gryffindor House team.
She was washing dishes when Scorpius joined her. He brought her a mug of butterbeer and had sprinkled just a bit of cinnamon on top because he knew that was her favorite drink. He had asked her to join him by the window in the lounge across from the cackling fire. They were alone and they were having a splendid time. As the night progressed, Rose had rested her head on Scorpius’s shoulder; he had his arm around her waist. Rose remembered never wanting such a happy feeling to end, but, alas, it did. Hugo had walked into the room and loudly cleared his throat. Rose couldn’t help but think her father was standing in front of them, as he and his son shared appearance and that same disapproving stare. It was hard, angry, and spiteful.

That had been the end to their closeness. They had avoided one another for the rest of the break, and never got a chance to see one another between their classes. They spoke only during meals, and that was limited by the amount of people they were dining with.

Rose hung her head in shame, for she understood, or so she thought, more than Scorpius why Hugo had been so angry that night. She knew what she had to do, and, despite that it was a bitter and cold act, she had done it. She would do it forever if it meant pleasing her family, which was all she wanted to do. She felt a horrible churning in her stomach and felt ill. A tear rolled down her cheek and Scorpius wiped it away with his thumb. He tilted her face upward and her heart began to race.

“You can tell me, Rose,” he assured her.

Little did poor Rose know, Scorpius knew what she was going to say. That very night, Christmas Eve, he began to understand that she would never allow herself to be with him if her family disapproved. He knew her though, he knew Rose better than her family. She would decide for herself, she had to. Scorpius had faith, and he would pursue her until she told him herself that she did not want to be with him.

She opened her mouth to speak, almost afraid that she would vomit instead of talk, but nothing came out. He waited patiently for her, his eyes never leaving her face despite that she wanted nothing more than to run away and never see him again. She opened her mouth, but instead of words, she made some sort of gurgling noise. She clamped her jaw shut tight, took a deep breath, looked at Scorpius with an unyielding glare and began to speak, only to be cut off by the sound of her brother and cousins.

“Where could they be?” Hugo demanded, angrily.

“C’mon Hue, what’s the worst that could happen?” said James.

“He’s a Malfoy! A no good, rotten pureblood, and he’s got my little sister! What couldn’t happen?!” Not only did Hugo look like his father, but he also had his temper.

“He’s our friend,” said Albus.

“He’s a Malfoy!”

His words stung Scorpius, but only for a moment. Hugo was his friend, and he understood his family history did not serve his purpose well. He was a Malfoy, he knew what he was, everyone knew what he was, but they did not know what it was like to live in the home of Draco Malfoy and his wife. They could not possibly imagine.
Rose looked at him, terrified, and pulled away from him. “I have to go, they can’t find us! Not like this!” she hissed, and began to turn toward the castle.

“Rose, wait!” Scorpius called after her. She faced him again, more tears in her eyes. “I know my family and yours are enemies, but I haven’t seen my father or mother in over two years. I’m different, I am! You know it! They know it! Please, give me a chance. I deserve a chance, don’t I?” He held out his hand, inviting her to come with him. “Please, Rose, trust me.”

Rose glanced back at the castle, the footsteps of her brother and cousin coming closer and closer, her heart pounding against her chest so hard she thought it would burst out. The words her father had said right before she boarded the Hogwarts Express five years ago ringing in her ears;* “Don’t get too friendly with him, though, Rosie. Granddad Weasley would never forgive you if you married a pureblood.”. Her eyes darted back and forth between the castle and Scorpius’s pleading face. With a final look, she made her decision and took Scorpius’s hand. Together, they ran toward the Black Lake.

TO BE CONTINUED…



*Direct quote from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows



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This article has 186 comments.


on Aug. 19 2010 at 8:22 pm
squidzinkpen SILVER, Buffalo, New York
9 articles 0 photos 193 comments

Favorite Quote:
"The Irish gave the Scots the bagpipes as a joke, but the Scots haven't seen the joke yet"- Irish Proverb

Anger can be released and forgotten. It isn't a scar, or a permanent (spelling?) state.Football can help release stress, which can cause anger, but I dunno about the other one...Anger returns unless it's dealt with.

on Aug. 19 2010 at 8:15 pm
squidzinkpen SILVER, Buffalo, New York
9 articles 0 photos 193 comments

Favorite Quote:
"The Irish gave the Scots the bagpipes as a joke, but the Scots haven't seen the joke yet"- Irish Proverb

Last time I checked, sex and football don't do much with anger. Football maybe, but sex...Anger can be dealt with and forgotten. It is not a scar, a mark, or a an irreversible state.

on Aug. 19 2010 at 8:11 pm
lmao yeah really! and no, I don't believe anger can be cured but only channeled. Or maybe football and fornication relieves my hormones and not anger--who knows?

on Aug. 19 2010 at 8:08 pm
squidzinkpen SILVER, Buffalo, New York
9 articles 0 photos 193 comments

Favorite Quote:
"The Irish gave the Scots the bagpipes as a joke, but the Scots haven't seen the joke yet"- Irish Proverb

Oh how sweet of you to say! I don't think anyone's ever described me as a becon of hope before! I'm glad I don't give you an extra chip, and chips can be repaired, just saying. Smart and logical, huh? I do like the sound of that! I agree, there should be more of me in the world...

on Aug. 19 2010 at 7:13 pm

yeah it's so ridiculous that there's a lot people are on my side than yours. Even squid seems cool with me and she's thankful for my advice. So what's your beef with me?You're humiliating yourself because you called me stupid and made an imposter out of me while all I'm trying to do is help people? Oh yeah and now you're mad at me for making yourself look bad... look I'm sorry you're angry but you're not really helping your case here. My friends on the J7X team are complete strangers and they have my back, you and your little band of haters all know each other so of course you have each others' back.

So if you want to do your friend squid a favor, either stfu or continue this argument on my work so that my stories get viewed for the wrong reasons instead of hers. You have no idea how upset she is that people are coming here to continue this ridiculous fight that you're letting go on. If you're the bigger man, why do you let it continue here of all places?

Either way, I win. Because You're just humiliating yourself more than you already have. Just keep digging in that hole, brother. You'll find rock bottom eventually.


on Aug. 19 2010 at 6:45 pm
ManBehindTheMask, Buffalo, New York
0 articles 0 photos 3 comments
So Jason, you want me to comment on your own work? Why should I even bother with it, I was merely defending a friend who doesn't deserve the harshness of your comments. If you're done having your pitty party, just be mature and actually be constructive about your criticism. There's no need to be so blunt that it actually sounds as if you had malicious intent. With that being said, the rest of the team can back off as well. This is ridiculous.

on Aug. 19 2010 at 4:22 pm
kate-the-shrew BRONZE, McCall, Idaho
3 articles 0 photos 18 comments

Favorite Quote:
Everything is funny as long as it is happening to somebody else.----Will Rogers

Wow. That's all I can say. Wow. I hope you keep writing, because this is really, really great! I love how Rose and Scorpius are sort of falling for each other even though Rose's family doesn't approve! Great stuff!

on Aug. 18 2010 at 10:37 pm
kill6them6all6, Buffalo, New York
0 articles 0 photos 14 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Sometimes, its the chase that keeps us going." Donnie Darko

no,sometimes, but they dont have a group to do it. and they also spread "happiness" in their advice.

on Aug. 18 2010 at 9:35 pm
the rest of the website is giving out simon cowell feedback? really?

on Aug. 18 2010 at 9:21 pm
kill6them6all6, Buffalo, New York
0 articles 0 photos 14 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Sometimes, its the chase that keeps us going." Donnie Darko

I wasn't saying that it was wrong to start a group. It just makes no sense to me why you would have to in the first place. Your "group" is doing the same thing that the entire website is doing, so I find it pointless.

on Aug. 18 2010 at 8:28 pm
Irene_Adler BRONZE, Holland, Michigan
4 articles 0 photos 13 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Jules, you know honey... this isn't real. You know what this is? It's St. Elmo's fire."

Wow, I loved it! I love Harry Potter, and this was totally what could happen! I can definitely see Rose and Scorpiu. For sure. Loved it!

buddy576 said...
on Aug. 18 2010 at 8:17 pm
this workk was amazingg. i think that iff you ever stopped writing i would have to killl myselff :) love you babii<3

on Aug. 18 2010 at 8:13 pm
Why not form a group? Are you trying to tell a bunch of friends that they can't start something just for fun and with good intentions of making friends and reaching out to people? We're not trying to fight people--we're just having fun

on Aug. 18 2010 at 8:07 pm
kill6them6all6, Buffalo, New York
0 articles 0 photos 14 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Sometimes, its the chase that keeps us going." Donnie Darko

Hey well, he was just kidding. Learn how to take a joke maturely and not flip out and recruit people to gang up on one harmless person. Its honestly no big deal. And why do you even need a group? What even is the point of that? Obviously if were all on this website, we want to share and critique other peoples' work. So why form a group to do it? We all do the same thing.

on Aug. 18 2010 at 7:42 pm

Um haha I don't care if it's supposed to be a "joke to lighten up my mood" because actually it lightened up my mood tenfold--I have nothing personal against the imposter either, even though I don't believe that it was a joke because he called me stupid. I have tons of friends joining the J7X team because of the joke. Your friend jason is being humiliated for challenging me--and now for challenging us. 

And yes I know Avenged Jasonfold comes from Avenged Sevenfold/A7X because that's my favorite band and I love them to death so it's also a tribute to them and the Rev (RIP).


on Aug. 18 2010 at 7:25 pm
no no you really don't give me any extra chip because you're like a becon of hope to me--you're smart and your logic of using me makes sense and you're not afraid to admit your true feelings--politely at that!! See if most of the world was made up of ppl like you I'd feel more obligated to be a positive and happy human being.

on Aug. 17 2010 at 11:54 pm
kill6them6all6, Buffalo, New York
0 articles 0 photos 14 comments

Favorite Quote:
"Sometimes, its the chase that keeps us going." Donnie Darko

Um haha, I know the person who was the "faker", as you so maturely put it. He was trying to get a little laugh out of you, not start an all out war. He by no means has anything against you, or your work. He just thought that if he got you to lighten up a bit, you would be a little less buisness and try to critique squids work more kindly. His name is Jason too, so technically, it wasn't stealing or faking. Your name wasn't original either, Avenged Sevenfold.:)

on Aug. 17 2010 at 11:07 pm
squidzinkpen SILVER, Buffalo, New York
9 articles 0 photos 193 comments

Favorite Quote:
"The Irish gave the Scots the bagpipes as a joke, but the Scots haven't seen the joke yet"- Irish Proverb

Hahaha I deal with arrogant people all the time, and, I'm able to choose my words carefully while I type. I've got that really annoying habit of saying whatever pops into my head. I don't really think you're the right person to have on my bad side, I need your critiques because you give more than "wow, this was great!". As much as that does for my ego, it does nothing for my writing. I don't want to give you any extra chip on your shoulder.

on Aug. 17 2010 at 10:34 pm

haha yeah critique the way you want i never said nice criticism is bad I'm just saying mean criticism isn't bad either as long as it's funny and contstructive like mine is supposed to be lol.

I am ambitious too--but my ambition is fueled by a chip on my shoulder which probably has a lot to do with my arrogance lol in person I'm a lot more humble but here, I'm like bahhh strangers don't care about em lol

and I must say I admire your ability to remain respectful with an arrogant MF like me... I have a lot of respect for you.


on Aug. 17 2010 at 10:27 pm
:))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))