"POTTER'S NO LONGER!"
In an unexpected occurrence, the Hogwarts' sweethearts have divorced! Files arrived at the Ministry yesterday completed from the parties of Mr. Harry James Potter and recently declared Ms. Ginevra Molly Weasley. Mr. Potter formally declared custody of his children, leading us to believe there was perhaps some infidelity involved on Ms. Weasley's side of the relationship. (continued on page 12).
"I can't believe it," exclaimed Draco Malfoy.
"What is it dad?" asked soon-to-be 11 year old Scorpius.
"See for yourself son," Malfoy senior said as he passed the Prophet over to his heir.
As Scorpius read, his eyebrows rose. Nothing like this had happened when his father and mother had separated. He had heard rumors that he had been the cause of the break-up, which his grandmother Narcissa immediately refuted. She said that it was because his parents had been arranged to be married right after Hogwarts. Father then said that Scorpius would have his own choice on who to marry.
"What bad timing," Draco remarked as Scorpius laid the paper down.
"True story," Scorpius agreed. How could parents do this to their children right before their return to Hogwarts? Rumors were bound to fly, and with it being Lily Potter's first year even!
"We should probably get a move on if you want to get to King's Cross on time mister," Draco joked. "Wouldn't want to have to show up in the middle of dinner like Potter and Weasley did in their second year, now would we?"
Scorpius knew his father was not on good terms with Harry Potter, even though he tried to play it off. They were acquaintances, nothing more, nothing less. Since grandma had saved Harry Potter's life, Mr. Potter had been able to pardon Draco and Narcissa. Lucius was not as lucky, and was convicted as a Death Eater, sentenced for life in Azkaban. They didn't talk about him much anymore.
As Scorpius moved to gather his trunk, he continued to wonder what the year would be like for the Potter's. He was expected to ridicule them, being a guaranted Slytherin and all, but he had been through the same thing at seven years old. His father had not dated since then, and Scorpius knew he was still somewhat sad about losing Astoria. "This is going to be one confusing year," he concluded.
As they waited to board the train, Scorpius was covertly looking for the Potter family. He didn't have to look though, as everyone went silent as they entered. Mr. Potter, always used to awkward social situations, walked with his head held high. His children tried to follow his example, but it was obvious they were uncomfortable. Scorpius saw his father tilt his head slightly in his peripheral vision. His father was impressed with Mr. Potter's dealings! As shocked as Scorpius was, he remained impassive, ever the Malfoy heir. He wasn't prepared for what happened next, though.
Lily Potter made eye contact with him, and nodded. Shocked, he could only return the gesture. He knew right then that there was something different and special about this one, besides being the only one with the trademark Weasley hair. It had to be her personality. He shook himself mentally and restored his Malfoy mask as he turned to bid his father goodbye.
"Scorpius, remember, no matter which house you make it in, I will always love you," Draco stated. "Your mother will be proud as well, wherever she is." Scorpius smiled, and hugged his father before turning towards the train. He took a deep breath, grabbed his trunk, and made his way onto the train. He quickly found an empty compartment and put his trunk up in the carrier, and began to make himself comfortable. The train whistled, and began to pull out of the station, and with a last wave to his father, he was on his own. It was an odd feeling, knowing he would have to discipline himself to do his homework, maintain a decent sleeping schedule, and communicate with his dad. All this thought of school carried on, up until the door to the compartment opened. Who would have walked in besides Lily Potter herself.
She must not have noticed Scorpius, or maybe she didn't care, because she flopped onto one of the seats and blew her hair out of her eyes while mumbling about stupid brothers. Scorpius cleared his throat, making Lily sit straight as a rod.
'Platinum blonde hair, aristocratic face, and smirk to match. He can only be…'
"Scorpius Malfoy?" Lily inquired. Scorpius nodded, keeping his face impassive. Lily tried not to let this intimidate her, and asked the most obvious question.
"Do you mind if I sit here? My brothers are bragging about how I'll complete the Gryffindor Potter set."
Scorpius raised an eyebrow and then nodded. "Why did you need to get away from that? Isn't every Potter a Gryffindor?"
Lily sighed. "One would think that. We're different though. I've known it for a while, and I'm fairly sure dad did too. He gave me the 'no matter what house you're in I'll love you' speal, and then hugged me tighter than usual. Although that could be because I'm his last kid to go to Hogwarts. I don't know, but I'm bracing myself for a surprise at the Sorting anyway."
Scorpius nodded in thought, then proceeded, "Which house do you think you'll be in then, if not Gryffindor, Miss Potter?"
Lily sat and considered for a while, and Scorpius thought she wasn't going to answer. She would open her mouth to start, just to close it again and continue in her thoughts. Finally, she began to speak. "I don't think it will be Gryffindor obviously, or Hufflepuff. I'm not all about that 'love everybody' stuff. It seems to be between Ravenclaw or Slytherin. Ravenclaw would be a fit, seeing as I've always loved learning new things and solving problems but Slytherin could be a good choice as well. I've liked causing the problems as well as mischief, especially pinning my brothers James and Albus against each other. Either way, I'm not entirely sure. I just hope I make some good friends. What house do you think you'll be in Mr. Malfoy?"
"Slytherin. Everyone in my line has been a Slytherin, and my father has always said that I would fit in there extremely well. I personally think that you would make a fine Slytherin as well Lily. You snuck into my compartment without anyone noticing, or they would have come to find you by now. You also are very thorough in your analysis, making you good for planning some good pranks. And if it means anything, I could be your friend. We both have somewhat of the same past what with our parents splitting"
"Stop there Scorpius. I really would rather not think about that right now. If you do indeed want to be my friend, you will respect that for me, okay?"
"Okay Lily, whatever pleases you. But we should probably change into our robes, Hogwarts is only a bit away. I can see the castle outline now."
As they changed, both had the same thought. "How could this have happened?"
Standing outside the Great Hall waiting for the Sorting to begin was the definition of nervous for Lily Potter. Scorpius was cool and collected next to her, while she was fidgeting as if fighting off invisible bugs. Professor McGonagall entered then, and ushered them in. Lily could see James and Albus wave to her, and the rest of the school eying her as well. 'Damn the Daily Prophet,' she thought. Her thoughts were interrupted quite abruptly as McGonagall began to read off the list.
"Abar, Jamison" became the first Hufflepuff.
"Acripar, Dawn" went to Hufflepuff as well.
Lily zoned out soon enough, until Scorpius moved from next to her. Suddenly, at rapt attention, Lily listened to the Sorting Hat. She could hear mumbling, and then Scorpius chuckled. The Hat nodded in agreement and then proclaimed, "SLYTHERIN!" She sighed in relief. He had ended up where he wanted. But where would she end up? At this thought, she was called.
She sat down on the stool and felt the hat slip over her ears. "Another Potter, eh? This is odd. I have never had second thoughts about placing one in Gryffindor. You may be the one to break two generations of Gryffindor! Smart enough for Ravenclaw, social enough for Hufflepuff… Cunning, smart, social, and loyal to your cause, eh? Then it better be… SLYTHERIN!"
Said table rose up in cheers and applause, while the rest of the Great Hall was in shock. A Slytherin Potter? What was one to think? As Lily sat down, she felt all eyes on her. Naively, she placed the blame on the Daily Prophet, as she had all day. Little did she know, everything was about to change, especially when she sat down next to one Scorpius Malfoy.