Staring out at the sea, which suddenly lies still as if a layer of ice has settled over it, Scorpius tries to imagine what Albus would have become in that case. A happy, laughing boy with flashing green eyes, surrounded by a bunch of friends. But he doesn't succeed. He sees the scowling, thin man with the grave face. Remembers the teenager who avoided crowds with a disgusted wrinkle of his nose.