It was the September 1st and platform nine and three quarters was filled with parents and children. Everyone was saying goodbye. Most of the children and teens were excited, exchanging smiles with everyone and sprinting towards their friend's direction whenever they caught sight of one. Others were more hesitant, looking around awkwardly, not knowing the people surrounding them. Those were the one's that were usually sticking as close to their parents as possible, until it was finally time to board the train... First years.
Scorpius had already said goodbye to his parents and had listened to their last minute encouraging words. Things like "It doesn't matter what people say." And "Keep your head up high no matter what."
Draco Malfoy had managed to restore his family's reputation and the Malfoys were once again considered members of the high wizarding society. Working hard, he had proved everyone wrong and shut a lot of mouths. However there were still people that would look at him in a degrading manner and the shocked expressions was something that he had gotten used to by now, every time his dark mark was on sight.
Most people have been forgiving, understanding what the situation had been, but it was known to everyone that another two of the Golden Trio's children would be heading to Hogwarts that year and would be in the same grade that Scorpious would be in.
So, Scorpius understood when his father warned him to keep a distance from them if possible, just in case. He had come across weird looks himself throughout his life but he had never faced them without his parents. Scorpius was pretty sure that he would be able to handle whatever it was that would be said about him and was optimistic enough to believe that he wouldn't have to face anything too bad.
The Hogwarts express was now packed with students. The sound of laughing and chattering was everywhere, making the atmosphere pleasant. Scorpius met up with the friends of his that would now also be his classmates. Alice Nott and Marco Zabini wasted no time sitting next to him. The three had known each other ever since they were toddlers. Scorpious was relieved to know that he wouldn't have to go through this alone.
The hours went by quickly. The three children were starving even though they had eaten way more sweets that they would normally be allowed to. Time flew while they were talking, playing games or just gazing outside the window. Before they knew it, Hogwarts was in sight.
"Look!" said Alice, pointing at the window. Her green eyes lightening up. The two boys followed her gaze and couldn't help but admire the castle.
"Wow!" said Scorpius, approaching the window to get a better look. Marco just stood there taking in the sight. Their thoughts were interrupted by Alice's shriek.
"We haven't changed into our robes yet!"
"You do realize that you will be the one that will have to leave and change else where. Right?" asked Marco amused by Alice's upset expression.
"Why would I do that?" she asked, cocking her head to the side.
"Because there are two of us and one of you." Scorpious cheeped in.
Alice groaned. "Fine. I will go, but that is only because I don't have time for this." She stated and left, closing the door behind her.
Once in the school uniforms Scorpius looked down in order to inspect himself and couldn't help but wonder which house crest would be decorating his robes in a few hours. He would probably be a Slytherin. He certainly felt like one. He had always been one to work his way through words in order to get what he wanted. Scorpius was okay with that.
He looked up to meet the sight of Marco ready to go. "I will go see if Alice is still upset." He said.
"Go ahead. I will stay here."
The train had come to a halt and none of Scorpius' friends had returned to the wagon. Thinking that they must have probably made their way outside, Scorpious slid the door open in order to step out himself and eventually get out of the train. He wasn't paying attention though and he bummed into someone.
Stepping back he took the girl standing in front of him in. She had red hair and sparkling blue eyes that were examining him curiously. Her complexion was pale and Scorpious noticed the freckles on her cheeks.
Suddenly, he remembered his manners and focused. "I am sorry, I didn't see you there." The girl just nodded and made to continue her way...
"I am Scorpius by the way." His voice caught up with her. She turned around slowly and looked at him.
"I have been told to stay away from you." She stated dryly and turned back around.
Scorpious was surprised and he couldn't help the frown that made it's way to his face. She had been really hostile and he had done nothing to deserve it. He wondered if other people had told their children to stay away from him as well.
"I don't bite…" he murmured, watching the girl walk away. She must have heard him, because her shoulders stiffened slightly and she quickened her pace. That was all Scorpius needed. Others being afraid of him. He sighed and started looking for Alice and Marco.
The first years were waiting as usual to be sorted into the four houses. Some of them were admiring the enchanted ceiling, while others were chatting nervously trying to guess the house that they would be sorted into. Soon the names began to be called out, and each of the students made their way to the stall where the sorting hat was. The moment Scorpius' name was called he could feel hundreds of eyes trained on him.
"Malfoy Scorpius"
He sat on the stall and felt the sorting hat being placed on his head. He spotted the blue eyes of the girl he had come across on the train focused on him intensely. That is when the sorting hat's voice filled his head.
A Malfoy. You are certainly an interesting one. There are no prejudiced ideas in your mind. You are stubborn and confident. I see intelligence and a desire to prove yourself. I also spot a lack of fear. Where to put you? I think that you would be great in Slytherin.
The last words were said loudly for everyone to hear. Applause came from the table on the far left and Scorpius made his way there, smiling slightly. He could hear words such as "A Malfoy" and "Slytherin of course" on his way. Scorpious noticed that most people were looking at him curiously; some even smiling and he relaxed. He tried to catch sight of the blue eyes again, but the girls head was looking down, her eyes trained on the floor, while he was passing by.
As soon as he sat down he was welcomed by a friendly boy, wearing a prefect budge. Alice was sat next to him shortly, smiling at him and Scorpius left his eyes wonder around the great hall, looking at the student's faces, the staff and the castle walls. His thoughts were interrupted when total silence followed after a particular name was called out.
"Potter Albus"
Scorpius stiffened as his eyes followed everyone else's, soon focusing on the boy that was now sitting on the stall. Scorpious noted that there was not an arrogant expression on his face; on the contrary, it was clear that he was nervous. Maybe his father had been exaggerating about the Potters.
The moment the word "Gryffindor" echoed through the great hall, loud cheers came from the Gryffindor table. Albus made his way over there and sat down, a grin gracing his now relieved face. An older boy patted his back, looking somewhat proud. It must have been his brother.
The woman calling the names smiled slightly before going on.
Scorpius zoned out once again gazing at the enchanted ceiling. He had heard a lot about it and he was blown away by its beauty. Wondering whether it hold the actual constellations, he let his eyes wonder, searching for the one he was named after. He found it situated above the Gryffindor table just as the name "Weasley Rose" was called out.
Scorpius lowered his eyes from the ceiling to see the red haired girl walking towards the sorting hat. Her steps were confident and her expression calm.
A Weasley. That explains it. Thought Scorpius while catching one last glance at those sparkling blue eyes before the length of the hat covered them.
"Gryffindor." The Sorting Hat announced, barely touching the hair on the top of her head.
Scorpius averted his gaze and didn't look her way for the rest of the night.
.