The lake was beautiful.
Even in the dark of the night, the soft ripples on its surface glimmered. The water was completely opaque, much like ink, but the light of the stars and the moon was reflected and to the first years riding boats to Hogwarts in silent anticipation, it looked like they were floating in space. For a few minutes, they were caught between endless skies and seas, with nothing else to accompany them but the gently blow of the wind.
To Scorpius, it was like time had stopped. It was the perfect moment; there was no work, no obligation, there was nothing to do but wait for the boats to cross the lake. The young Malfoy knew to appreciate a moment of contemplation when one presented itself. It was rare to have the opportunity to admire the world around without restraint.
To think they were so small.
It didn't make much sense to him but Scorpius was aware of the depth under their boat and the depth over their heads. Somehow, he was conscious of the life, the activity under the lake. No - that was too much. He was conscious of the fact that there could be life and activity under the lake. Perhaps it was because it was nighttime, perhaps boats full of first years were just that unimportant in the grand scheme of things, but whatever lived under the surface was passive, content with simply watching them go. But there was something. There were probably lots of somethings. And even though the first year couldn't say for sure, he could imagine countless possibilities that filled the darkness under the lake.
That was the beauty in darkness; it could hide anything. Just because one couldn't see something didn't mean it didn't exist. In fact, Scorpius was a firm believer of the fact that there was always so much more where one didn't look, that there still so much more to discover about the world.
The wind whispered again and Scorpius felt at peace. The wind always felt right for some reason. It was like water: rippling, flowing, constantly moving, adapting itself to its container and shaping it all the same. When wind caressed his skin, Scorpius felt like part of the great big world, connected to everyone else under the same immeasurable forces.
"Keep that up and you'll hurt your neck."
Scorpius looked behind him, realising he had been staring up for the better part of the ride.
"You can't blame me for admiring the scenery like everyone else." He told Ethan, a bit sad at the prospect of breaking the silence. There were occasional murmurs washing over the boats, but overall, the eleven year olds had been oddly respectful of the moment, all mesmerised by it.
"It's not the stars they're admiring - you can see those every night." Ethan replied, nodding towards the front of the boat, "It's that."
Scorpius faced the front once more to see what Ethan was nudging at and his eyes widened.
It was indeed a great sight. In the horizon, in the middle of the pitch black bushes of trees, stood Hogwarts. It rose from the limit of the lake, growing in towers, walls and arches intricately, almost as if it was coiling around itself trying to touch the moon. Hogwarts was a fortress.
The candlelight that escaped from its windows felt warmer, wilder than the lights of the night.
And soon enough, Scorpius forgot all about the wind and waves. His mind was on the organism in front of him. And he made no mistake - the castle was alive. In fact, it was pumping with life, feeding the flames of its candles, moving its limbs, protecting the students, teachers and ghost in its veins.
A new year had begun at Hogwarts.
LINEBREAK
News traveled fast among children with nothing else to do but gossip. Scorpius already had a reputation thanks to his family. Malfoy, mauvaise foi, bad faith. Even their name was ominous without their history. People were either scared of him or disgusted by his family's blatant survival instincts. It wasn't enough that they had committed horrendous crimes during the war - the Malfoys' reputation stemmed from the lies, the bribes and the technicalities they fell back on to escape justice as well.
It was a well-known fact: The Malfoys were always on the winning side and if not, it was because they hadn't had a choice.
These words were always said bitterly.
Of course, burning the shoulder of the son of the saviour of the wizarding world didn't help much. Sure, the wound wasn't actually bad but it was what the gesture represented that mattered. People nowadays were rarely so prejudiced that they would label Scorpius as the Devil's spawn on first sight. They were always wary, sure, perhaps even antagonistic, but few spoke of their assumptions. However, the smallest spark was likely to set off fiendfyre.
And now, as they stood in front of the doors of the Great Hall waiting to be officially matriculated in one of the four houses, Scorpius could feel the glares of his fellow first years. He hadn't even started class and already he had offended ninety percent of the population of Hogwarts.
Ethan did say Scorpius had an inborn talent to rub people the wrong way.
Albus Potter looked like he wanted to talk to him but the boy kept glancing hesitantly at his cousin and sighing in frustration. Rose Weasley looked particularly murderous, standing slightly in front of Albus defensively. She reminded Scorpius of James Potter a bit, only less childish and thus less likely to be caught hiding his corpse.
The young Malfoy was just about to ask Albus what was up with him when a deliberate cough called him to attention.
"Good evening first years." The man said with a smile. He was tall with a friendly face and short brown hair. His belly was sticking out like that of every middle aged man who settled down for a comfortable life. In fact, every inch of the man screamed 'family dad' and yet there was a dangerous fire in his eyes that just couldn't seem to leave.
"I am professor Longbottom," he introduced himself, earning a few gasps from the students who hadn't recognised him already, "I will shortly be leading you into the Great Hall to be sorted. Now don't be nervous - this isn't a test you can fail. For those who haven't grown in magical families, the sorting will divide you in four Houses - Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff - according to your personality and moral values. During your stay Hogwarts, your House will be like your family and you will be representing it in your every actions. As such, bad behaviour will reflect badly on your House and vice versa but please don't be too paranoid about House points and rivalries; Big Brother isn't watching you to make sure you worship your House."
Scorpius snorted at the reference, but he had been the only one to. The other students looked at him weirdly or angrily, depending on whether they were just confused or thought he had disrespected the Neville Longbottom.
Neville Longbottom on the other hand, looked genuinely impressed and startled. Scorpius couldn't blame him - it was pure dumb luck he had referenced the one muggle book he was reading.
"Ahem." The professor caught himself, "Follow me then."
The doors of the Hall opened, revealing a large room neatly crowded with students. As they walked in, following the straight path bordered by the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff tables, Scorpius found himself thinking he had landed in another world - or another time. From the layout of the tables to the banners hanging on the walls, everything in the Great Hall was strongly traditional. It was like walking in a museum or handling an antique; Scorpius was almost afraid of walking to hard on the centuries old stones at his feet.
History had been made again and again within those walls, Scorpius realised. His eye caught onto several scorch marks that were never covered or removed on the wall, as well as graffitis on the benches and on the tables. Everywhere there were traces, souvenirs of all the students, teachers and others who had stepped inside the castle, of all the lives that had made memories in this very Hall.
And then there was the ceiling. It was a very famous ceiling in the wizarding world; the kind of ceiling experts in charms told their apprentices to study in detail and it wasn't hard to see why.
The night sky was the ceiling. No, not exactly. It looked more like the night sky reflected on the Black Lake; it shimmered and moved like water, as if the Black Lake itself had been reversed on the ceiling. It was almost a miracle drops of water weren't threatening the floating candles to -
Scorpius nearly collided into the student in front of him but Ethan was there to catch him by the elbow.
"Look in front, idiot." Ethan hissed.
The first years had finished their little parade and come to a stop at the end of the path. A stool and a hat stood in front of the staff table, in the middle of which Headmistress Minerva McGonagall sat, her back straight and her head high. Her stern gaze fell on the first years, assessing them without malice.
The hat stirred.
"Show me your mind, show me your heart," It sang, its voice raspy yet clear,
Put me on your head, let me show your way,
For the four Founders intended you apart,
in bouts and games but never in disarray
"Your new home may be in Gryffindor,
where legends dwell, heroes and revolutionaries,
where the heart rules and the lions roar,
the tower of the brave and chivalrous, say eulogies.
"Unless you find solace in Ravenclaw,
where inhabit the scholars and the creative both,
where the mind is queen and ideas are law,
Home of innovation and achievement, of the greatest growth
"Or perhaps your place is none other than Hufflepuff,
where reside the knights and the saints, often neglected,
where respect, understanding and kindness are enough,
The most loyal of friends, loved even by the otherwise selected
"And if you happen to find your way in Slytherin,
where future gods and dark lords roam all the same
where ambition, greed and selfishness is not a sin
Then you must know and want, and succeed the game.
"A thousand years I have watched over this hive,
A thousand years I have witnessed rivalry bloom
A thousand years I have seen prejudice strive
Now I know, it is time for change or time for doom.
"It started with four and shall end in one defy,
Worlds are changing and truth with prevail,
The brave will run and the loyal will lie,
The proud will bow and the smart will fail,
"For Salazar said people were not human without will,
Rowena added minds were not human without reason,
Helga thought bodies were not human without warmth,
And Godric declared souls were not human without values."
The Hall remained silent after hat finished its song. The students didn't seem to think much of it, clearly waiting for the sorting to start but Scorpius didn't miss the dark looks the teachers were sending each other.
"The last part didn't even rhyme!" Rose Weasley whispered in frustration.
"Please come forth when your name is called." Professor Longbottom calmly instructed as the Headmistress handed him a list.
"Abacus, Melinda!"
And so started the Sorting Ceremony, punctuated by heavy applause after every decision from the Hat. The first years all looked completely nervous as they stepped up but true to professor Longbottom's words, each House welcomed its new member like family and it wasn't long before new additions relaxed around the older students.
Scorpius didn't pay much attention to the sorting of others. It wasn't so much that he didn't care about anyone else but himself, it was more that listening to names and Houses wasn't all that entertaining. He was much more intrigued by the staff table.
Especially one woman, with elegant dark blond hair and stern black eyes. The woman in question was one Scorpius knew very : Mme. Blishwick. She was beautiful and looked no older than twenty five despite approaching her forties. He hadn't seen her in years, not since the time where his father still talked to him, but he was very well aware of how much she had grown to hate the Malfoys, him included.
It was a morose thought, but among all the hatred he received, Mme. Blishwick's was the only one he respected and considered truly justified and somehow, it had always made him admire the woman. She was strong and just, not unlike Headmistress McGonagall was said to be.
Before their eyes could meet, Scorpius diverted his attention.
In fact, it wasn't until Ethan elbowed him that Scorpius realised he had been staring at the ceiling once more.
"Mackerbrough, Delphine!" Longbottom continued.
A small girl with long black hair and warm brown eyes clumsily walked to the stool, blushing heavily. The hat didn't stay for more than two seconds on her head before declaring her a Hufflepuff.
"Malfoy, Scorpius!"
Ah. Well then.
Ignoring the malicious whispers around, Scorpius walked over to the stool like a salaryman going to work. He had never been the kind of boy to shrink with attention - in fact, he was downright used to people staring and pointing in disgust. He liked to think he had built an immunity to social anxiety. Besides, there was no way in hell he was going to let them affect him.
As he turned around to sit down, Scorpius noticed one pair of eyes looking at him that startled him. Albus Potter was once more staring intensely and the young Malfoy was soon reminded of that question. It was strange how Albus Potter looked like he was anticipating Scorpius's sorting more than the others. The desperation he had seen in the former's eyes on the train was reaching its climax and Scorpius felt like Albus was relying on him for something, even if they didn't know the first thing about each other.
It was flattering to be his only hope, but Scorpius was somewhat afraid to disappoint him. Even without Ethan telling him, he knew very well he had his fair share of flaws and that - more importantly - he was nothing like what people expected him to be. Whatever Albus was asking of him, chances were Scorpius couldn't provide. He couldn't even understand the young Potter for Merlin's sake!
'Interesting boy, isn't he?'
Scorpius nearly jumped when the Hat's voice sounded in his head. He hadn't even realised Longbottom had placed the old piece of cloth on his head.
'I wonder what his Sorting will give,' the Hat mused, 'I apologies for focusing on another Sorting during yours, young Malfoy, but please understand; it takes all the fun away when the student knows where I want to Sort them.'
'I'm dreadfully sorry for ruining your fun.' Scorpius deadpanned.
'I must say though,' the Hat continued, 'Your mind is quite interesting. I have rarely seen someone so… harmonious.'
'Er… Thanks?' Scorpius frowned.
'Oh well, better get on with it.' The Hat sighed before yelling, "Gryffindor!"
Scorpius barely shrugged. There was one golden rule in life he had sworn to follow ever since his pocket money had gone into the negatives when he had been six: Ethan always, always wins his bets.
Unfortunately, that wasn't the case of everyone else. There was a pregnant silence in the Hall for a moment, then hesitant claps that slowly dissolved into a polite applause. A few students looked completely unsure to what had just happened and James Potter, Weasley boy 1 and Rose Weasley didn't even try to hide their anger.
Only Albus - it was always Albus - lit up at the news. His smile had blossomed and his eyes twinkled in joy. If he hadn't known better, Scorpius would have thought he had just given the brand new broom model to the young Potter. But it was Scorpius and his Sorting that had somehow brought on that reaction.
Was that the right answer then?
Unable to get a straight reply, Scorpius made his way to the end of the Gryffindor table after giving Ethan a last glance.
"Michaels, Gabriel!" Longbottom recited.
There were already four first years at the Gryffindor table and thank Merlin for small mercies. Had there not been, Scorpius would have had been forced to sit next to the two Gryffindors he had antagonised on the train. Instead, he sat next to a girl who didn't look like she thought much of him - probably muggleborn who hadn't heard of the Malfoys then - and facing a guy who looked at him like he was a gnome with snot all over his face.
"Gryffindor!"
"Moires, Hayden!"
Gabriel Michaels joined them, clearly avoiding Scorpius. The boy looked like a bludger with curly blond hair, permanently sunburnt pink skin and baby blue eyes. Any expression other than hearty smile looked out of place on his face and hence why his obvious fear of Scorpius rendered everyone uncomfortable.
"Is something wrong?" The girl seating next to Scorpius asked. Her brown hair was extremely short, almost shaved, and she wore rectangular glasses over her amber eyes.
"I'm suffering from unfair discrimination." Scorpius shrugged indifferently.
"Moires, Hayden!"
"Discrimination?" The girl frowned, "But you're like, a white guy."
"Who attacked another student out of revenge for his homicidal family." Huffed the first guy to have been sorted in Griffindor, his brown windswept hair almost covering his stormy grey eyes. "How are your parents not in prison again?"
"Hayden Moires?"
The three new Gryffindors turned to the staff table where professor Longbottom had been repeating the same name. No student stepped up and a wave of confusion washed over the first years. Whispers began spreading until professor Patil spoke up from her end of the staff table.
"Oh! Mr. Moires!" She said, remembering something, "He wasn't feeling too well in the train. I sent him straight to Hannah. Sorry Neville, I had completely forgotten to notify you."
"Oh, not to worry." Professor Longbottom smiled, "Potter, Albus!"
And then the Sorting received Scorpius's undivided attention. Albus walked up to the stool with his fists balled up, as if trying to find enough determination to walk. But Scorpius was relieved to see the conflict that had been so handicapping in Albus's eyes was completely gone, forsaken for a decision Scorpius wasn't aware Albus had to make.
Rose Weasley gave a reassuring thumbs up to her cousin as he sat down and to her surprise, he looked away.
Albus could only look at Scorpius as the Hat spoke to him. At first, the young Malfoy thought he had been looking at his older brother but it soon became apparent that the black haired boy needed courage that only Scorpius could offer.
It was uncanny how many times their eyes met. They weren't having a silent conversation - how could they? They had never spoken before, much less become acquainted enough to read each other so easily. However, Scorpius liked knowing Albus was there. He didn't know why but it was reassuring being around the other boy. It was like he approved of everything Scorpius did and in turn, Scorpius would approve of him. Though approval wasn't the exact word needed - it was something more akin to acknowledgement.
Albus was clearly worried. His face reminded Scorpius of a child who had accidentally unsealed a poltergeist and was completely helpless against it, a child who could only wait for his parents to yell at him and for the poltergeist to throw chaos in every corner of the house. Immediately, it dawned on him. Albus was about to do something stupid. Albus was going to do something stupid because Scorpius had done something equally stupid.
Scorpius grinned. So that had been the question. Albus's eyes widened as he caught the young Malfoy's grin but his surprise quickly melted in soft gratitude.
"Slytherin!" The Hat cried.
Professor Longbottom startled.
"What?" James Potter cried as he abruptly stood up, making his younger brother flinch, "That's not possible! He can't be in Slytherin!"
Rose Weasley looked positively shaken up. She had paled instantly but she wasn't angry like her cousin - she was simply terrified, confused. She hadn't known Albus was going to be Sorted in Slytherin and judging by how they walked close to each other, limbs almost entangled, by how inseparable they had been on the way to Hogwarts, she was probably a bit hurt by it. But when she looked at her cousin, there was no reproach there, only a hoard of questions under which she seemed to suffocate.
Scorpius noticed the sleeves of her robes were curling up. Candles floating over her flickered. Whatever Albus going to Slytherin meant for their relationship, it was doing more than upsetting her.
"Do it again!" James Potter demanded.
"Ja -" Professor Longbottom started before he caught himself, "Mr. Potter, please. It's just a sorting."
"It has to be a mistake!" James argued fiercely, receiving unsure glances from his housemates.
"I - It isn't." Albus stammered angrily, locking eyes with his brother, and adding with more confidence, "I'm in Slytherin."
Albus was borderline crying but the youngest Potter was keeping up his proud front. For a second, the two Potter boys had a staring contest, a battle of the wills.
A roar of applause suddenly erupted from the Slytherin table, every single one of its students standing up and cheering at an overwhelmed Albus. Albus fell off the stool in surprise and an older Slytherin, one with a bright 'P' on his chest, motioned gingerly for him to join them at their table. A gentle push and a smile from the Head of Gryffindor, professor Longbottom, made him relax and he practically ran over to his new House.
Albus Potter was completely engulfed by his new housemates who slapped his back and threw their arms around his shoulder with pride. Scorpius couldn't have been happier.
The young Malfoy let his goofy smile slip when James Potter glared at him. He swore the older boy was muttering insults about how it was his fault his brother had joined the dark side, how he was only smiling because he was tearing a family apart etc… but to be honest, James Potter could have been shooting unforgivable at him and Scorpius's mood still wouldn't have gone down a single notch. It was like the Hat had said - change was coming.
A few names later, Ethan was predictably sorted in Slytherin. Scorpius saw his friend shaking hands with Albus as they introduced each other.
Then came Robin's sorting. Scorpius wasn't sure if he was glad that his first muggleborn friend was sorted in Gryffindor with him or not, especially since the boy just wouldn't make eye contact with him. But Robin was different from James Potter or Joshua Cattermole, the first year Gryffindor who seemed to hate his guts. Robin, like Gabe, was afraid of him and that was just common sense, survival instinct, however you want to call it. It wasn't deliberate.
It wasn't before Rose Weasley's sorting that things became interesting again.
The girl hadn't gotten over her cousin's sorting yet when her name was called, and she was still clearly distraught. Scorpius could only imagine how jumbled her mind was in that state. Even professor Longbottom asked if she was alright or if she wanted to go see Mrs. Longbottom. But the girl bravely decided to go through with her sorting between glances towards Albus.
She sat at the stool and the professor placed the Sorting Hat on her head. And then they waited. And then Rose argued with the Hat.
"Gryff-" The Hat started.
And then Rose argued further with the Hat. And further. And further.
Scorpius was impressed by the range of emotions the girl was going through. She was scared, then angry, then surprised, then accepting, then angry again, then sad, then outraged, then happy, then doubtful - she even laughed once or twice. If anything, Rose Weasley was like a raw storm. She had so much power, so many emotions just whirl-pooling within her that it was only a matter of time before she exploded.
Scorpius wasn't afraid of much, but that girl just wasn't stable.
It wasn't long before murmurs of 'Hatstall' began spreading and when Scorpius checked the time, more than five minutes had passed and Rose was still arguing.
"She's going to go to Slytherin." Scorpius heard Weasley boy 1 say to James bitterly, "Rose and Albus have been stuck together since birth; they're practically twins. She won't abandon him."
"But she's a Gryffindor at heart." James replied, seething, "I don't know what Albus thinks he's doing! Did he even realise what position he's putting Rose in?"
Scorpius caught Rose glancing at him and then at Albus, before resuming her argument with the Hat. The Hall was becoming restless - at this rate, Rose was going to have the longest Sorting in History.
But Rose was making a choice. Like all the Potters, Weasleys and co, Rose Weasley had without a doubt grown up thinking Gryffindor was the best House and Slytherin the worst. Perhaps the teachings hadn't been so direct but with their Gryffindor parents being worshipped by every wizard alive and all the Slytherin Death Eaters being demonised all the same, they had built a stereotypical image of the Houses. This was the mould society accepted and to break from these preconceived ideas at only eleven years old was no small feat.
Frankly speaking, Scorpius had it easy. He had gone the easy way around: from a 'dark' family to a 'light' House. Surely once the hatred died down, others would appreciate his choice. After all, wasn't Sirius Black hailed a hero despite coming from a family ten times worst than the Malfoys?
But what Albus had done took much more courage, ironically enough. In a post-war era like theirs, Albus had taken the cursed wand that had opened the wound. He had taken a path for which he was going to be scorned even by his own family. He had refused the easy way of conformity and chosen to be true to himself instead, admitting his own greed, his own humanity. It was no wonder he had been so conflicted when he had faced the fact that he was everything his family had associated with evil.
For Salazar said people were not human without will, the Hat had sung.
And now it was Rose's time to make the same choice.
While everyone else started complaining at how long the sorting was taking, Scorpius focused on how important it truly was. To many, Houses was just a school thing, just like grades and teachers. They wouldn't matter after seven years. However, in truth, which Houses people chose reflected something much bigger. Some would argue it reflected a person's true self, Scorpius thought it reflected society as a whole.
That Albus and Scorpius were willing to break tradition showed that they had taken the first step towards destroying the black and white divide. They were a Potter and a Malfoy, the two extremes; and they were crossing over a bridge even full-grown wizards pretended not to see.
How far did the prejudice go? Scorpius wondered as he stared at Rose Weasley. On the train, he had felt there was something special about her and Albus clearly had too. And yet she wasn't like them; she was in-between.
She wasn't herself.
Scorpius frowned. How did he come up with those thoughts? They felt right - no, he knew they were right - but he just couldn't see it.
Finally, the hat smirked and Rose tensed.
"Hufflepuff!" The Hat cried and Rose nearly chocked on her own spit.
"Wait - what?" She asked in disbelief, "When was Hufflepuff even on the table?"
"Chop chop!" The Hat urged aloud, "Eight minutes! I believe this is a new record."
Stunned, Rose mechanically made her way to the Hufflepuff table where people were clapping - probably more relieved at the fact that her Sorting was finally over.
"What." Scorpius heard Weasley boy 1 say dryly.
"Did that just happen?" James asked another student Scorpius didn't know.
"I don't know whether to laugh or cry." Another Weasley, Weasley boy 2, stated. He surprisingly had blond hair and the most elegant face Scorpius had ever seen on a man but the freckles on his face and the concern in his voice betrayed his name.
"It's like everything that could go wrong during the Sorting Ceremony this year did." James deplored, sending a glare at his little brother from across the Hall. "We're stuck with their Sorting for seven years."
"Murphy's law." Scorpius shrugged.
"Who's Murphy?" Weasley boy 2 frowned.
"Who asked you?" James growled.
Scorpius rolled his eyes, his gaze still lingering on a very confused Rose Weasley. He hadn't expected Hufflepuff - no one ha - oh wait. Scorpius nearly facepalmed as he watched Albus give a few galleons to Ethan. Of course Ethan had betted on her going in Hufflepuff. Why the Hell not?
"So what was that about discrimination and revenge?" The girl next to him asked as professor Longbottom sorted the last names of the list.
"Do you know anything about the Second Wizarding war?" Scorpius asked her in return.
"Not much; my parents are normal people - I mean, they don't have magic." The girl confessed, "I know it happened recently and that the guy called Albus who just went in Slytherin is the son of some big shot hero from the war but that's it."
"Well basically my family was on the bad side of the war." Scorpius explained, "And since I accidentally hurt Albus's older brother on the train, people think I'm out to murder muggleborns."
"There was nothing accidental about it!" James hissed, pointing his finger accusingly at Scorpius.
"Why muggleborns?" The girl asked, ignoring James. She was very level-headed, Scorpius noticed. The girl was honestly interested in how things worked in the wizard world rather than in the childish feud between James and Scorpius.
"Because the Malfoys - his family - think that true wizards can only descend from other wizards." Joshua Cattermole grimaced, glaring at Scorpius, "Their motto is 'only pure' and they think muggleborns are disgusting abominations. Voldemort tried to have them all killed during the war and the Malfoys helped."
"It's 'toujours pur' - 'always pure' not 'only pure' and that's the Black motto, not the Mafloy's. Ours is 'Purity will always conquer'." Scorpius corrected with an eye roll, "Besides, the war is over and I don't recall doing anything to muggleborns."
Scorpius glanced at Robin who had been staring at him. The dark-skinned boy squeaked and looked away but he didn't deny Scorpius's last statement either. Granted, Robin was probably too shy to deny it anyway but it was something.
"Who cares who's motto it is." Weasley boy 1 frowned, "It's the basic idea behind all blood-purists. And - wait, aren't you technically a Black? I'm pretty sure Teddy mentioned you two being related."
"You do realise that all pureblood families are related, right?" Scorpius asked with a smirk, "We're family too, Weasley." Both James and Weasley boy 1 grimaced in disgust, "And yes - Edward Lupin's grandmother and mine were sisters born under the Black name. Are you going to accuse him of torturing muggleborns in his basement next?"
"He's a half-blood!" Weasley boy a reminded him, "Why would he be against muggleborns?"
"Voldemort was a half-blood, you dimwit." Scorpius deadpanned, "And so is Potter over there - Hell, he's only a quarter muggle. Hence, I ask again: when did I do anything to hurt a muggleborn?"
"Well you clearly have something against the Potters." Joshua sneered, "And if it isn't because of your family pride, I don't know what it is."
"He did say it was an accident." The girl shrugged, "I don't know why you guys make such a big deal out of this."
"Well you know what they say," Scorpius sighed, "Fools don't change their minds."
"That one's on you." The girl chided as James and Weasley boy 1 turned red.
"Attention please!" Headmistress McGonagall called before James and Weasley boy 1 (he really had to start learning their names one day) could strangle him with a well placed hex. She tapped her glass with her fork three times to make sure everyone was listening and cleared her throat. The old witch didn't stand up; old age had long taken her legs from her. However, even small and wrinkly, Minerva McGonagall was obviously not someone to mess with.
"Now that the Sorting is over, I would like to give you all important beginning-of-the-year information. First, I would like you to give a warm welcome to professor Edgar Artemis, your new Transfiguration professor."
A young gangly man with high cheekbones and a dry face stood up curtly, gave a short bow as students clapped, and sat down again.
"As well as professor Hillbill Haye, your new Muggle Studies professor."
A plump man with jet black hair and a broken nose stood up, nodded, and sat down again.
"The same rules as the previous years apply: No lingering in the corridor, no staying out of your common rooms after dinner, no using magic outside of class unless you are in the Practice Room on the Fourth floor and there is a teacher to supervise you, no using unregistered owls to send letters, the Black Lake, the Forbidden Forest and Courtyard are still out of bounds and the Quidditch Pitch is only to be used twice a week by each team, under supervision and for a maximum of two hours at a time. Anyone else who wishes to use the Quidditch Pitch must go through their Head of Houses."
Scorpius frowned. He had never heard that Hogwarts had such strict rules even after the war. From what he gathered, they were never allowed to go outside and they were strongly encouraged to either be in a classroom or in their respective common rooms.
"Do not forget to sign the library cards in your common rooms when you wish to go there. Roll-call will be at 7:30 am and 7:30 pm sharp - anyone unaccounted for will get detention. The Duelling Assembly is already opened for sign-up and the Quidditch trials start next week. Please contact your Head of House for both."
"Finally, this year's Head girl and Head boy are Victoire Weasley and Quentin Haye." A tall Ravenclaw with strawberry blond hair and skin dotted with a massive amount of freckles even by Weasley standards stood up gracefully, accompanied by a dark-skinned Slytherin with long dreadlocks and the bluest of eyes. Both received an explosion of cheers from all four tables which only calmed down when the Headmistress cleared her throat. No one missed her fond smile though.
"Enjoy your meal!" Professor Longbottom concluded for her just as food flourished at the centre of every tables.
"Dad didn't tell me there were so many rules." Joshua Cattermole pouted, ignoring the food.
"Probably because that wasn't the case until three years ago." James Potter told him, "No one knows what happened but the staff became seriously paranoid around that time."
"And the ghosts are all depressed too." Weasley boy 2 added, "They're not even coming to the opening feasts anymore. I still remember them during my first year - they were really friendly and all. Nick would make great jokes to welcome the new students. Now you're lucky if you see one in the corridors. Only Peeves - the poltergeist - hasn't changed and that's probably not a good thing."
"The workload increased as well." Another boy - a Gryffindor prefect judging by the 'P' on his chest, complained, "They're trying to distract us. Seriously, if you ask them any question about it, they'll change the subject or tell you it's none of your business. Even Longbottom clams up!"
"So everyone knows something has been going on for three years and no one's ever figured out anything?" The girl sitting next to Scorpius asked, leaning towards the prefect with curiosity lighting up her eyes.
"Pretty much." The prefect sighed dejectedly, then he added with a bright smile, "By the way, my name's Patrick Gregory, I'm your fifth year prefect. I'll be showing you the common rooms later. Mind running your names by me again?"
"Josh Cattermole."
"Alice Akashi."
"Bridget Flore." The girl next to Scorpius said.
"Sandra Byson."
"Scorpius Malfoy."
"Gabe Michaels."
"R-Robin Thompson."
"Tatiana Shafiq."
"Alright, cool." Patrick grinned, "I strongly recommend trying the roasted chicken with a bit of gravy - it tastes divine. Oh! Hullo professor Longbottom!"
The first years craned their heads to see that their Head of House had indeed left the staff table to see them. He was standing right behind Scorpius, casting a shadow over their table.
"Good to see you back Mr. Gregory." Professor Longbottom smiled, "Unfortunately, I haven't come to chat." His tone turned grave, "Mr. Potter, Mr. Fred Weasley and Mr. Malfoy, the Headmistress would like to see you in her office now."
Out of the corner of his eyes, Scorpius noticed professor Slughorn talking to Patricia over at the Slytherin table. Albus shot him a panicked look.
James and Weasley boy - Fred - James and Fred gulped, paling instantly.
"Is it about what happened in the train?" Tatiana asked.
"I'm afraid it is." Professor Longbottom sighed, "Come on boys, I'll walk you there."
Once they met right outside the Hall, the Head of Gryffindor offered to professor Slughorn to take Patricia there as well, so the older man could enjoy the feast instead. Scorpius didn't miss the glares of pure loathing the second years were sending each other; they obviously had some kind of history. It had surprised him how someone could go as far as pranking a girl bald on the first day of term but considering the tension in the air, Scorpius could see it was just another move in the war between the Gryffindor pranksters and Patricia Selwyn.
Marching to the Headmistress's office was not how Scorpius had thought his first tour of Hogwarts would go, but that didn't mean he missed the opportunity to look around.
It was a curious castle with its moving staircases and grand architecture but it felt rather… restraint. The air was much gloomier than Scorpius had been told. Every child in the magical community of Britain had grown up hearing about the exciting life at Hogwarts and yet so far, Hogwarts hadn't seemed so different from any other boarding schools. There were no ghosts dancing around, no drops of leeway and even the portraits were unnaturally still, like muggle photographs.
Suddenly, Scorpius felt sick. He wasn't dizzy, feverish or nauseous but something under his skin shivered and shrivelled and everything around him just felt wrong. In fact it wasn't him that was sick. If anything, Hogwarts felt corrupted, violated and it frankly disgusted Scorpius. The first year wanted to scream, to ask why the staff wasn't doing anything about whatever it was but he had enough control over himself not to. Besides, the others obviously couldn't feel it. So Scorpius just continued walking, shoving his thoughts aside.
The trip was done in complete silence, much to the discomfort of professor Longbottom. The man was just itching to say something, to start a conversation but clearly, even he knew that would only lead to another duel between Patricia, James and Fred.
At long last, they did make it to Headmistress McGonagall's office, or at least in front of the gargoyle that guarded it.
"legum servi sumus ut liberi esse possimus." The professor recited. We are slaves of the law in order to be free.
Charming, Scorpius thought with a grimace.
But as much as Scorpius thought the password to be ominous, the gargoyle seemed to accept it as it swivelled around, revealing a flight of stairs. James and Fred went up with a sigh, apparently used to visiting the Headmistress's office, and Patricia followed, albeit more wary.
"Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley," The Headmistress greeted sternly as they all filed in her office, "I should have known I'd see you so soon into the year."
"You'd miss us if we didn't intrude in your life regularly." Fred Weasley grinned as he and James plopped down on the two seats in front of the woman's desk. The two boys took the meaning of 'make yourselves at home' extremely literally, despite the common address having not been said. They were obviously at ease with the strict woman and Scorpius had no doubts that, like professor Longbottom, Headmistress McGonagall probably had a tight relation with their parents.
Not that it kept the two boys from fiddling with the hems of their robes nervously.
"Mrs. Selwyn," She continued with a short tilt of the head, ignoring James and Fred, before turning to Scorpius, "And congratulation on your sorting, Mr. Malfoy."
Scorpius answered the small nod with one of his own. He and Patricia were standing between the two chairs and professor Longbottom far behind them, against the door.
"Now the four of you know why you're here." The Headmistress said, her eyes lazily glancing at what looked like a report of the incident by professor Patil, "And I must say, I am heavily disappointed."
"Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley and Mrs. Selwyn, what is the first rule of the Duelling Assembly?"
Well, that explained their high level duelling on the train, Scorpius realised. The three second years looked away, embarrassed. But the Headmistress was ruthless and she maintained her piercing glare on them until Patricia conceded.
"Not to duel outside Assembly hours unless our lives depend on it." She said hastily in a near whisper.
"Correct." The Headmistress nodded, pursing her lips, "The second?"
"Not to duel without supervision and where bystanders can get caught by stray spells."
"I take it you see where I'm going?"
The three second years nodded weakly.
The Headmistress sighed tiredly, leaning back on her chair. When she looked up again, it wasn't with that same look that had students flinch and turn in their homework early. It was a softer one, coated in disappointed but no less fond of the students in front of her.
"Do you know why I have allowed the creation of the Duelling Assembly?" She asked the three.
"To honour Dumbledore's Army?" James Potter ventured, glancing at professor Longbottom.
"To honour Dumbledore's Army's goal, especially during the last year of the war." The Headmistress corrected, looking at all four of them in turns, "To ensure the students of Hogwarts could protect themselves and fight together in times of danger. Dumbledore's Army was created in fear of the upcoming war when Voldemort rose once more; it was created by some of your parents in hopes that their classmates wouldn't be as helpless against Voldemort as others were. It was only a year before that that your father, Mr. Potter, had witnessed the death of the brightest student Hogwarts had to offer at the time, one even the Triwizard cup recognised as worthy."
James's eyes widened slightly before a shock of regret fell on his face. The three second years hung their heads in shame as they understood what she meant.
"In the school year of 1997-1998," The Headmistress continued, "The DA was a safe place for students running away from Death Eaters." Scorpius would have thought she was teaching class was it not for the pride in her voice and the knowing glances she sent professor Longbottom, "It was where students would go to get relief from crucios or if they had nervous breakdowns and needed a friend - It was a community of refugees who were seeking help. And when the DA fought back, it wasn't for power but for the right to live."
She allowed a long pause let the message sink in.
"Your improvised duel has not only broken the rules of the Duelling Assembly," she scolded sternly, "but also stomped all over the very foundations of the DA. Petty House rivalries are no reasons to point your wands at each other. You are lucky the worst injury was a minor burn - someone could have seriously been hurt."
"Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley," She addressed, looking at the two boys suddenly and making them jump in their seats a little, "Your childish vendetta against Mrs. Selwyn and her friends has got to stop. Your little prank went too far and I ask that you apologise in person to young Stephanie Willbee for the distress you caused her. I feel very distraught that students from my own House would behave with so little human decency."
"Yes professor." Fred and James chorused solemnly, biting their lips. The disappointment in the Headmistress's voice hurt them proportionally to how much respect they had for her and despite their carefree attitude in the beginning, Scorpius could see there was nothing two boys wouldn't do for the woman.
"Mrs. Selwyn," She continued, turning to the girl who cringed in anticipation to the coming lecture, "As one of our best students, I expected more of you that to stoop to their level and retaliate. You knew there was at least one professor on board, why didn't you sought them out instead?"
"I-I…" Patricia stammered, unable to meet her eyes, "I wasn't thinking. I apologise."
"Clearly." The Headmistress concluded, one eyebrow rising slightly in disapproval, "From what I understand, professor Patil has already given all of you two weeks of detentions and as such, I will not further revoke your membership to the Dueling Assembly."
The three second years shoulder sagged in relief. Scorpius hadn't even realised they had been holding their breaths the whole time.
"However, your actions were ridiculously short sighted and thus I will have your names disappear from the rankings this terms and reappear at the bottom the next."
"What?" Patricia squeaked, paling instantly.
"You can't-" Fred started before he was interrupted by the Headmistress.
"I can and I will. The three of you may be our most promising duellers but it seems the extra classes mean very little to you if you were willing to jeopardise them for some silly scuffle." She declared, allowing no room for arguments. It was clear the three of them had many objections to their punishments but they all understood there was no changing her mind. "How is your shoulder, Mr. Potter?"
"Patil took care of it m'am." The older Potter boy admitted grumpily.
"Professor Patil." The elder witch corrected, "Well then, the three of you can head back to your dorms, I would like to speak to Mr. Malfoy in private."
"What about dinner?" Fred frowned.
"Dinner is almost over," she answered, "house elves will bring you a sandwich or something. Mrs. Filch and professor Artemis will take you back; they are already waiting outside."
The three second years wasted no time to leave after their curt dismissal. After a bit of shuffling, Scorpius found himself alone in the office with his new Head of House and the Headmistress. Professor Longbottom moved to stand directly behind the older woman.
Headmistress McGonagall gestured to seats in front of her desk.
"Take a seat, Mr. Malfoy."
OMAKE
The two families gathered around the table of the Potters' dining room. Ron Weasley firmly placed the letter at the centre of the table but not before theatrically showing that it was still sealed.
"Place your bets now." He announced.
"Honestly Ronald!" Hermione Weasley huffed, "We're not going to bet on our children!"
"I put my money on Slytherin for Albus and Ravenclaw for Rose." Harry Potter said as he dropped a substantial amount of galleons on the table. The two families were both fairly rich now and when they gambled, they didn't do it for the laughs.
"I bet both will end up in Slytherin." Ginny Potter said as she added to the pile of money. A quick-quotes quill was taking note of the bets. Ron separated the money in two pools; one for Albus and one for Rose.
"Harry! Ginny!" Hermione chided, horrified at their blasé attitude, "They're our kids!"
"I think Albie will be in Ravenclaw because blue suits him!" Lily declared, placing her half-eaten lollipop on the table.
"I bet Rosie will be in Hufflepuff because Hufflepuff!" Hugo followed, almost laughing every time he said the word Hufflepuff. It was a wonder how after having known that word for four years already, the boy still couldn't say it with a straight face.
Oh well, another sticky lollipop was added to the pool.
"Lily, Hugo, honey, you shouldn't gamble." Hermione sighed, "You might not get your lollipops back."
"But Hufflepuff!" Hugo beamed, dissolving into laughter. Lily nodded, as if Hugo had just made a very compelling argument. Apparently lollipops had lost their value between a week before and that day. To be fair, the worth of lollipops fluctuated a lot on the Weasley stock exchange.
"Let them learn the harsh way." Ron shrugged, "I'm putting my money on Gryffindor for both."
"Ron!"
"Come on Hermione, we know you want in." Ginny grinned.
"Gin!"
"You do realise they won't stop pestering you until you bet?" Harry asked her.
Hermione glared at the Boy-Who-Lived and the latter maintained his gaze, not backing down. They stared at each other for a few minutes before Hermione deflated, muttering something along the lines of 'Albus in Gryffindor and Rosie in Ravenclaw' and throwing coins on the table.
Ron grinned.
"Drum rolls!" He called and Hugo and Lily started tapping their fake wands on the table in a messed up rhythm, giggling like mad.
Ron slid the letter towards him and slowly opened it as Lily and Hugo cackled louder.
"Dear mum and dad," Ron started reading, "Blah blah Hogwarts Express blah blah-"
"Don't skip half the letter!" Hermione frowned.
"blah blah," Ron continued, "Ah! Albus is in… Slytherin!"
Harry and Ginny high-fived, taking half of the loot and dividing it between them. They gave Lily her lollipop back, because she was Lily and Lily was their little princess.
"As for Rosie, she's in… In…" Ron frowned, "…Hufflepuff?"
The four adults stared at Hugo who just burst out laughing.
"Hufflepuff! Ha ha ha! HUFFLEPUFF!"