busy halls{Scorpius

[JAMIE MADDOX]

Jay had been in the corridors wandering about in his animagus form. but once he noticed the crowd get bigger, he sped into the muggle studies classroom to change back to his normal form. Soon he wandered back into the crowd with his bag on his shoulder. He didn't realize, nor care that his tail was still there. He was used to wandering with a tail, both fake and real. this time it was his real tail. He was trying to get to the last class he had that day, although he had a half hour more to go... but he liked to get there fast.

He squeezed through the crowd, fully realizing that it would have been better to have stuck in his form, but oh well. Jay made his way through the crowd to the wall. Perhaps it was easier to get by through that way... He just had to check didn't he?

[SCORPIUS HYPERION JOHNSON]

Scorpius was wandering up to divination, taking his sweet old time, not really feeling up to rushing. He still had about thirty or so minutes before he had to be up there, and so he wasn’t feeling too pressured. That day, things were sort-of calm, something he was surprised at. He sank seamlessly into the routine of just another student, going to classes and chatting with those whom he sort-of called ‘friends’. He acted as if nothing made him special, out of the whole crowd of people who probably hadn’t been disowned or weren’t guilty of almost murdering their cousin and a father-to-be. It seemed so hard to fit in, but apparently, it wasn’t as bad or as hard as he had thought it would be.

He had tons of make-up work, but he was sure that he’d be able to have it done soon. He was spending more and more time away from Hogwarts nowadays, but he had been there for the week for classes, and then going home on the weekends to the Johnson Estate to see Kara. He owled her often, making sure that everything was okay with her, as she had taken the rest of the year away from school and would be repeating the year after she had the babies. She had worked the whole thing out with the Headmistress, and even though Scorpius would never say it out loud, he was glad that he didn’t have to go a full year without having his wife at Hogwarts. It seemed weird, for her to not be hanging off his arm as she usually did, the two of them looking, and acting, the part of the golden couple of the school. Now? They were anything far from golden.

Scorpius, all of a sudden, though, was shaken out of his thoughts quite literally. He banged into someone in the crowds, someone that was standing still by a wall. He had no idea who the person was until he had looked up, about to apologize profusely, until he saw that it was Jamie Maddox. He had a few connections to Jamie; one being that he was Kara’s younger sister’s fiancée, and the other was that he was very good friends with Cass, his cousin, and had tried to feed her an anti-poison. Despite knowing him through these certain connections, he didn’t know much about the Gryffindor. Close to nothing. “I’m sorry, Jamie. I didn’t see you.” Scorpius said, resisting the urge to shrug. He looked down and saw the oddest thing. Did Maddox have a tail? Scorpius blinked. Nope, it was still there. “You know you have a tail…right?”

[JAMIE MADDOX]

Jay had been relaxing against the wall now, to wait until the crowds thinned out a bit.But soon he felt himself getting knocked into. He was quite calm about it, because it was quite hard to get by in the place with the halls being as crowded as they were. He couldn't wait for winter break... to get away from the massively crowded halls of scholarly learning. His thoughts were utterly distracted, not by the crashing into him, but by Scorpius's voice. It seemed a while since they had spoken, even then they don't speak much.

"ah Scorpius... It's alright. I rather it be you bumping into me than some of the other people around here" His tone was indifferent about it, but he shuddered as a joke. Then came the comment about his tail. 'oh so i do have my tail sticking out...' he thought before saying, "yeah i know... I was spending my free period wandering in my animagus form... but sometimes when i change back, i keep the tail on."He shrugged lightly.

He then made a joke about it, "the tail comes in handy... Helps me keep my balance in the crowd. and if i wanted to, i could play tricks on people with it." He had seen one of his friends walk by and he poked them with the tail before paying attention to Scorpius again."but now that we got that bit of information out of the way... how have you been?"

[SCORPIUS HYPERION JOHNSON]

Scorpius raised an eyebrow. He and Jamie had never been friends. Yeah, they were connected, of course. He was sort-of family, by some sort-of law. He was married to Kara, and Jamie was Selena, Kara’s little sister’s, fiancée. Therefore, he and Jamie would end up being in-in-laws of sorts. He didn’t even want to think of they would twistedly be family. It didn’t even matter. He guessed that it was better running into him than someone else, though. Then there would be a rumor that he was…into drugs, and they were making him lose his focus, or something. They would be ridiculous, and then that rumor would transform, and it would be a big, stupid thing to deal with, that basically started with him knocking into someone because he was too caught up into his own thoughts to focus and look at where he was going. It amused him to a degree how stupid people could be.

“Yeah, I guess so.” Scorp said. He listened to the explanation of the tail, and nodded slightly, showing that he understood. He had never known that Jamie Maddox was an animagus. Scorpius doubted that it was legal, but didn’t question it. That would’ve made the whole thing more awkward than it already slightly was. He wasn’t going to go and challenge the boy’s knowledge of the laws, either, because that Malfoy training was still ingrained in him, straight to the bone, and it wasn’t something that could be helped. Scorpius smiled slightly at the joke, and almost rolled his eyes. Leave it to Jamie to make a joke in the middle of an already-weird conversation. Scorpius didn’t say anything about that either, though.

How had he been? Immediately, he went on the verge of lying. It was an automatic thing to say ‘I’m fine.’ so that people didn’t inquire about what was wrong. His old family dynamic’s base was lies and secrecy, so it was only natural for him to be ready to give out some complete lie at less than a moment’s notice. It flowed out of his lips. “I’ve been fine. You?” He cursed himself after, because he was sure that Jamie knew most of the details, if not all, of his situation, because he had a feeling that Selena knew; probably because of Kara. He wasn’t one hundred percent certain, but he wouldn’t say anything or ask what Jamie knew, because that would just make him feel worse about inquiring about his own former-family’s state. Scorpius waited for an answer from Jamie as the crowd continued to mill around them, people still pointing and whispering, their incessant soft voices growing into one that was louder now because he was talking with a Gryffindor. Great, Scorpius said to himself. Like I need more attention.

[JAMIE MADDOX]

Jay shrugged before saying stuff that wasn't particularly needed to be said, or was it. "yeah... McGonagall taught me how to do it, because i was always intrigued with that sort of magic ability.but only if i registered. so i would suppose i am more legally allowed to do it, than some people i know" Jay was particularly proud of being able to do it. And he went a route that not many who learn do, he actually registered.

Jay gave Scorpius a look that showed that he didn't believe that he was fine. But if he wanted to fool himself and others, then he could go right ahead. Who was Jay to judge. He had been known to say the same lie to people at times. "eh... i have been better. Been worried about alot of things recently that some were telling me that i will have permanent worry lines on my forehead. Just one of those days that i wish things were back to normal."

Back to normal... or at least more normal than now is how he wanted things to be. Back to a time when he didn't have to worry about Benji being stuck in Azkaban. Back to a time where he could play his music for fun without people crowding him. He sighed gently. "Have you ever felt like that? like you wanted things to go back to what they once were?"he had asked curiously to Scorpius

[SCORPIUS HYPERION JOHNSON]

So he had registered. Scorpius was slightly awed that McGonagall would give up some of her own time to train an animagus, but he kept silent. Maybe that was just how she was with her students. He really didn’t know how Gryffindor house worked. Slytherin house was as dysfunctional as it got with that many people, because their head of house didn’t seem to care about them much, and as long as they didn’t get into too much trouble, break a law, or kill each other, he didn’t get involved. In actuality, Scorpius preferred it this way. Why? Because his Head of House was his ex-father, Draco Malfoy. His father had tried to talk to him, to get him to ‘understand’ that he had done nothing wrong, but all Scorpius did was look at him incredulously and laugh. His father had done nothing wrong? That was rich.

“Yeah. If students train and become animagus’, they normally just keep it a secret.” He said with no real purpose. He looked at the dubious look that Jamie had shot him, and knew that the older boy didn’t believe him. Scorpius didn’t take it to heart, though. He thought that the whole thing was ridiculous, that he had to share his thoughts with someone that was in the opposite house as him. He shook his head slightly, surprised at that thought. When had he ever taken house rivalry seriously? In the public eye, yeah, he had, but that was it. Where had that come from? He looked back at Jamie, though, as he had glanced down at the floor for a second. “Yes…about Benji, am I right? Kara had told me she went to visit him the other day.” He said. He felt awful about Cass’ love being in Azkaban, but it wasn’t like he could do anything about it. Kara could, probably, but him? He was struck useless.

Did he ever feel like he wanted things to go back to normal? He almost answered straight away with an affirmative, but then again, things had been awful when they had been normal. He had been trapped in the destructive Malfoy circle, and it had been an awful way to live. He had been trapped in façade after façade, charades made to kept his parents happy, when truly, all they cared about was their name and the publicity he brought them. Still, everything had been certain then. He knew he had hated his parents, he knew he had been friends with the Johnsons and Lily, he knew that he hated Gryffindors, and he knew that his name and money would take him far in life. Everything had been set up. But now? He didn’t know who to depend on outside of the few Gryffindors the Johnsons had been associated with, Cass, and his wife and her siblings. Other than that, he was at a dead end, and at the moment, that dead end looked like it was coming closer and closer, with his ex-father, ex-mother, and ex-grandfather getting involved in the picture. “…Yeah…I guess I do feel like that sometimes.” Scorpius said, and he felt a deep guilt for saying that, but he couldn’t deny that it was true. Sometimes…sometimes he wished he was back in that old position, if only to have some semblance of that old control again.

[JAMIE MADDOX]

Jay knew that Scorpius had a point. He probably should keep it a secret. but then again, people would figure it out anyways. It's not like his animagus was the most normal around here. He couldn't help it because apparently the animal was chosen based on his personality. He was still trying to sort out why that particular species. So if anyone sees him in his form, they had to assume one of two things. Either it was an animagus... or he some how broke out of the nearest zoo.

"oh i know that. but let's both agree that i am not like most. " He said with an eye roll."I mean hell it is just something i am proud of. but seriously, if anyone sees me in the form, they would be confused as to why an animal that is from South America wandering far from the rainforests. so i just rather people know the truth than to think i am a zoo escapee." He had a smirk on his face. It was his own style of logic. if anyone doesn't understand that, that was their problem.

Jay nodded. "yeah i have been worried about Benji. but i have been worried more about everyone else's reactions to him being in there. It is quite sad. i mean it is like everyone in the know, can see supposedly, that Benji was only trying to protect the ones he loves. but people outside the circle of friends and family may just see him as a killer." He gave a half smile and said, "yeah, so i have heard. I have visited him the day or two after and he told me. "

Jay heard him answer his question. He wasn't going to pry. but his own sense of normalcy was changing. and perhaps it was a good thing in its own way, but things would never be normal without all the guys back and free. It wouldn't be normal until they were all sitting around laughing and playing music and entertaining their friends. That what he called normal. Or at least that is where he feels more at home.

[SCORPIUS HYPERION JOHNSON]

Scorpius laughed softly. Jamie sure wasn’t like most. None of the people he hung out really were. They were all quite unique, in their own, weird ways. Scorpius had never bothered to try to figure him and Benji out, he had just gotten along with them because he knew he would be around them for a lot longer, and really didn’t feel like fighting with the few people that had tried to be civilized with him, instead of acting like children and being like everyone else, because of house rivalry or otherwise. “It is something to be proud of. Most people couldn’t become animagus’, and you becoming one when you aren’t even out of school yet? It’s an impressive feat.” Scorp said with a slight shrug.

“Of course.” Scorpius nodded. Only the people that were close to him or really knew him would care why he had done what he had done, and wouldn’t judge or make any assumptions. Everyone else was just having a total field day at the fact that one of the people in their school had murdered a fellow classmate and was now in jail. He didn’t know how Benji would deal with all the scrutiny that he would get when he returned to Hogwarts, but he knew that he was definitely empathic towards him and his situation, because even if his own situation wasn’t as serious as the other boy’s, he still understood that the reaction would be quite the same.

Scorpius was glad that Jamie didn’t pry. He really wasn’t up to explaining what was going on in his head. He wasn’t even sure that he could, even if he tried. It was hard for him to order his thoughts so that they would make sense to anyone but him, and at times, he himself didn’t understand what he was thinking. He held in a sight, and waited for a response for Jamie, who was the real one who was keeping the conversation going.

[JAMIE MADDOX]

Jay grinned when Scorpius had agreed that it was something to be proud of. Some how, it made him a heck alot more happier to hear him say that. It was special to get anyone outside his circle of friends, to even say that. Sure he and Scorpius were civil, but not friends.But somewhat friendlier to each other than most slytherins and gryffindors would be to the opposite house. He really didn't have a problem with slytherins... usually. It is more that most slytherins wouldn't bother talking to him in other ways than sneering and such.

"it was probably one of my greater accomplishments." He said musingly. He quite wondered if there were many great accomplishments still left in him or was he going to use them all up before he got out and have nothing to strive for when he got older. That actually scared him. He really didn't want to peak in his school years. because things would just go down hill from there. He sighed gently.

"yeah... can you imagine the chaos that would happen if Benji manages to escape. Which in my mind, i have no doubt that he will. It is more of a how and if he is going to have help or do it alone. I mean sure there are many plans from many people on him getting out. I mean sure, I would love to see him being free.... but... i would rather that he be let out by the guards than have him escape and be pulled back into the place." said Jay in a quiet tone.

Jay wanted Benji out. That was true enough. But would it be best for him to escape? probably not. was it best for him to stay in the place and wait for his death to come by the dementor's kiss... also a resounding hell no. So Jay was conflicted on what to do about him. He tried to change the subject on his mind, so he just randomly said, "it's quite odd... that normally i wouldn't be comfortable just chatting it up with Slytherins... but there is something about you and Kara, that makes me comfortable in a way to talk to you guys. " He shrugged lightly.

[SCORPIUS HYPERION JOHNSON]

Scorpius knew that there would be chaos if Benji tried to escape. Escaping Azkaban wasn’t exactly the easiest thing in the world to accomplish. It could be considered one of the hardest things in the world to accomplish. “Of course. Then he’d be on the run, and he could end right back up in that hellhole.” He said. It was a little bit blunt, but it was the truth. He raised an eyebrow a second later, though, surprised. He didn’t think he was the kind of person that anyone would be comfortable around, as in, to talk. He was a listener, true, but he had never been that sort-of presence. “Really? I’ve never heard that from anyone before. I guess…that’s a good thing?”

[JAMIE MADDOX]

Jay chuckled and said, "oh yes... him being on the run would put a damper on things. mind you, he being in there also puts a damper on things" He shrugged. "yeah and none of his friends would want to see him have to go back. It's not the same without him" He frowned because he missed being able to start random nerf fights in the common room with Benji. He remembered last time, a few of the darts got stuck in Benji's fro. it was hilarious. He sighed gently as he pulled out of that reverie just in time to hear what Scorpius said."i am surprised. but yeah i guess you can say it is a good thing. and it proves my theory. that there is some good and some bad people in each house." he shrugged gently.

[SCORPIUS HYPERION JOHNSON]

Scorpius didn’t personally know Benji, so he sort-of just went along with the flow of the conversation. Scorpius knew that Jamie and Benji were really close, being band-mates and best friends and all, but all he had really seen of Benji was the day that Cass had di…had been taken to the hospital. He hadn’t seen anything of him since then, though he had heard Cass talk about him, with a lot of love in her voice. He didn’t have anything against the Gryffindor, and so he really did wish that he was out of Azkaban. Plus, on top of that, Cass must’ve been worried sick, and that wasn’t a good thing for her newly-recovered state-of-health.

“Good and bad in each house?” Scorpius echoed. He had never really thought about it. He had always thought of Gryffindors as the good house, Slytherin as the bad house, and Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws the people that were easily used, and just sort-of sat in the middle. That had been something that had been ingrained into his brain, and even though he didn’t totally believe that anymore, it still lingered in the back of his mind. “Umm, yeah, I guess there are good and bad in each house.” He said with a slight shrug.