After successfully making his way to McGonagalls office, James put one ear to the door. As he had expected, some charm had been put on the room, so that no one outside could hear what's going on. Suddenly the door opened, and as Madame Pomfrey walked out, James slid in. He nearly gasped at the sight in front of him.

There was Neville Longbottom, in Hogwarts!

"So, now we have heard about Franks illness, what else did you want to talk about, Mr. Longbottom? Now that Madame Pomfrey has returned to her bedroom,'' Professor McGonagall asked quite an attentive Neville Longbottom.

'' Professor, I heard you were looking for a new Herbology teacher, now that Professor Sprout has left, and as I have quite an interest in this subject, I wanted to ask if I could possibly fill her place?'' Neville Longbottom had changed quite a bit since leaving Hogwarts. He had studied Herbology and now wanted to teach. And what better place to teach than Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry?

'' I am sure I can organise some sort of lesson so that we can asses you, Neville, but I am sure the pupils, and fellow teachers, will be delighted to welcome you back to Hogwarts. I know of your capabilities and interests in Herbology and I trust you with the students when you teach the subject.'' McGonagall smiled the widest James had ever seen her smile, Neville also seeing this, smiled just as widely back.

''Thank you for your time, Professor!'' Neville was standing up to leave and James made his way to the door as well, hoping to exit with him.

'' Thank you for yours, Neville, I am sure I can find you some accommodation for you over night, please follow me,'' McGonagall looked over by the door, where James stood. Her smile disappeared. She walked over to the door, beckoned Neville out, but before shutting and locking the door behind her, she held it open for what looked like a second too long, as if letting someone out. James left with McGonagall and Neville, but separated as he made his way back to the common room and then his Dormitary, whilst the two professors went in the other direction.

Albus woke early the next morning to find Scamender dressed and waiting at the end of his bed. No one else seemed to be awake, so Albus quietly went down to breakfast with Lysander and met up with some of his year. Scamender seemed to know most the Gryffindors already and introduced Albus to them.

'' This is Lucy Weasley, that's Sean Dorac and over in that very corner, is the last person in our dormitary, Geffard Longbottom. If you didn't notice last night that one person was missing, there was. Apparently most of his family went down with SnoutPox or something of the sort.'' Scamender pointed at a long faced boy who had managed to drop most his belongings on the floor on his way up to their dormitory. A ginger Weasley had come to his rescue and together they made their way towards the stairs.

Before Albus could offer to help, he had been dragged down to the Great Hall, where he was sat down at the Gryffindor table and offered toast and bacon. He graciously took and ate his breakfast, and stopped only to move up for Hugo, who had finally emerged from his bed.

''Bacon! I knew Rose wasn't lying.'' He grunted whilst helping himself to a healthy portion of bacon.

''Rose is your sister, isn't she?'' Lysander asked whilst pouring himself more pumpkin juice. Hugo merely nodded towards the girl who sat next to, to Albus' surprise, James, who looked as if he had had a disturbed night. Rose as expected, was the female version of Hugo; freckles, ginger, bushy hair and the look of great importance as she reached over for another piece of toast.

As the others chatted about lessons, Albus made his way towards his brother.

'' Mornin' James!'' Albus had decided to ask why he looked so tired, but new his brother better than to cut to the chase.

''Hi, what do you want?'' James asked, clearly quite embarrassed by his brothers appearance.

''Just came to ask you about some of the teachers, as I don't know who any of them are, and I thought I ought to be warned after some of the stories you told to us last year.''

Albus actually wanted a pre warning about some of the teachers, so wasn't exactly wasting his time. Rose had turned her attention to Albus, and many of the others followed suit as they joined in on the conversation.

A tall ginger boy spoke first, '' Well, not all the teachers are quite what they look or sound like. As we learnt the hard way last year'' he winked at James, who grinned back, '' some teachers, especially the head of houses, can be a bit biased'' he nodded towards the teachers table and specifically pointed out the heads of houses. '' of course McGonagall is head of Gryffindor, Flitwicks head of Ravenclaw, '' he pointed out a small wizard talking quietly to McGonagall, ''we are yet to find out who is head of dear Slytherin, as we..'' He paused,'' disposed of the last one, who was completely out of his mind, so we are looking forward to meeting a new head. Hufflepuff head was Professor Sprout, but again, as you might of heard, she,'' The ginger paused again,'' left.''

Albus had heard the story of how James and his mates had got annoyed when their Slytherin teacher had taken 50 points away from Gryffindor because of a Slytherins doing. So, the Gyrffindors had taken action. As their professor demonstrated how to make that lessons potion, Fred had produced a spell to make a hole in his cauldron. Every time the professor had mended it, the hole just kept reappearing, bigger each time. Unfortunately, the potion they had been making was shrinking potion, and as the Professor had been stirring in the juiced Shrivelfigs, he managed to get quite a large amount of of it on his hands and, as it dripped down, on his legs and robes as well. The professor had been taken to St Mungo's hospital and would not be returning back to Hogwarts in the foreseeable future.

Just as Fred was re-telling the story to anyone who would listen, Albus spotted Hugo get up to leave, and raced after him.

Their first lesson of their first year was defence against the dark arts, which was taught by a scarred young witch. Professor Price had taught at Hogwarts for just over three years now, and recognised Albus at once. Knowing how well James had done when he had been in her class, Price made a mental note to keep an eye on her new pupil.

As it seemed, Defence against the dark arts ran in the family, and Albus enjoyed every second of their first lesson. It had been specifically active, to keep the first years on their toes, and, of course, to see each child's ability's. The Gryffindors and Slytherins came face to face with garden gnomes and Doxies and had been given homework to research about these creatures.

Just as Albus was leaving the classroom, he spotted James, and ran up to him.

'' Oh. Hi Albus.'' James was still moody from lack of sleep.

'' Hello, just had Defence against the dark arts, just came to say hi. You ok? You look really tired.'' Albus tried to speak as casually as he could, but the words just came spilling out and he couldn't stop them. James looked away,'' I'm fine, got to go though, Professor McGonagall will be really upset if I'm late.'' James rushed off down the corridor, leaving Albus wondering why he was going to McGonagall during class time, and even more worrying, why he cared if he was late. Normally he wouldn't care about being late, and didn't even mind when he got several detentions for it.

James rushed off. He didn't know exactly where he was going, and he didn't know it was THAT obvious that he had been up late last night. He strolled into the boys bathroom and stared at himself in the mirror.

The dark circles that sagged beneath his glasses were clearly visible. His mouth drooped and his face was pale. He didn't normally look so bad after midnight adventures, so why did he look so ill now? He washed his face, as if hoping he could wash the tiredness out of his body, as a blonde haired boy came striding in. Pinched faced and sleep deprived, Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy looked twice as bad as James did.

'' What you doing in here? Been following me? Potter. '' He spat the last word, as if he had a bad taste in his mouth. James walked out to leave, when he realised that Malfoy had his wand pointing at him. James put his hands up, as if in a surrender position, and smiled. He really was not in the mood for this.

''What do you want, Scorpius? '' he looked Malfoy in the eye, resisting the strong urge to just pull out his wand and jinx him.

The door opened, and, to James surprise, in walked Albus, who caught sight of Malfoy hastily putting his wand away. His eyes widened and a disgusted expression rested on his face.

''Well, well, well. Look who's joined the party.'' Malfoy pulled out his wand again and pointed first at Albus, then at James. James new that his brother couldn't do anything. He was only a first year and had only had one lesson yet. Again, much to James surprise, the door opened and in walked non other than Neville Longbottom, who gaped at the sight in front of him.

Malfoy, seemingly not knowing that Longbottom was now a Professor at Hogwarts, lowered his wand slowly and walked out of the bathroom with a smirk plastered on his sallow face.

''What was all of that about?'' Albus spoke first, accusingly at James,'' I thought you were going to McGonagall!'' Albus had believed that, at first, until he had noticed that James wasn't going in the right direction, and instead, Albus had followed him into the bathroom, delayed only because he had deliberated in actually going in.

''What are YOUR doing here?'' James didn't particularly want to tell Albus about what he had done last night, and decided to throw the blame on him.

'' I realised that you weren't going to McGonagalls office and followed you in here, where I found Malfoy with his wand pointed at you. '' Albus answered honestly, and now waited for James to reveal what he had been doing. Neville coughed loudly in the corner, drawing the boys attention back to him.

''I think I will be going...'' Longbottom walked awkwardly out of the bathroom, leaving as the brothers stared at each other.

James told Albus about Neville being a new Professor and how he had sneaked out last night, but purposefully excluded out the Marauders map. As he had hoped, Albus wasn't completely shocked and actually laughed about it with him after. The only question still on James' mind was why 'Professor' Longbottom had been in the boys bathroom, when there was a teachers one down the hall.

After their first encounter in the bathroom, Malfoy didn't see either of the Potters for the rest of the week, except from lessons. He had had a rough time over the holidays. After his grandfather had been made free from Azkaban, as one of the few death eaters to survive, Draco Malfoy had taken his only son to finally meet him, and Scorpius new he would never forget what had happened. He had had nightmares about him.

His dark, waxen face, colourless and emotionless. He hardly spoke, and when he did, it had been only a mere whisper. The dark mark, or what was left of it, was all he had. He had stared at Scorpius, with his grey, dull eyes. He had not changed out of his prisoner clothes, and stank of neglect. Scorpius' father had made a big deal out of their first encounter, and made sure Scorpius would remember it.

He spent many nights tossing and turning; Scorpius hadn't slept for weeks after meeting his Grandfather, Grandmother and Great Uncle Rodolphus. His father had made such a big deal out of it, as if it was an honour for them to be meeting, and Scorpius didn't know why. He had never seen his father so happy.

It was true. Draco had never been so happy in his life. After marrying and having a child, Draco had turned against his own family. He hated his mother, for being such a coward, and most if all his father, who would give up his own son for power and respect. But, after meeting them for the first time since Scorpius, Draco had decided that it was not his family being the cowards, and in fact it must of been some other persons influence that had turned them into such, or someone else making them look like cowards. This explanation had lightened his mood and, consequently his family's, so he had tried to make the family gathering as formal and big as possible.

Of course, he didn't tell Scorpius that though, and instead told Scorpius many stories about how Lucius Malfoy had helped the Dark Lord, and that he should be honoured to meet them, just as he was.

''Good morning Gryffindors and Slytherins, and welcome to your first flying lesson. As first years, you have been supplied with school broomsticks,'' Madame Hooch pointed towards twenty or so ordinary looking broomsticks lying on the grass. '' During these lessons you will be taught how to control and fly safely on a broomstick. Flying is a dangerous sport and therefor I am very strict when it comes to safety, so please do not mess about,'' she scanned her pupils for the source of the whispering, and her gazed stopped at a large Slytherin boy, whispering obliviously to a giggling girl next to him.

''Selewn, would you kindly see me at the end of the lesson.'' She snapped loudly as the boy stopped whispering and turned his attention back to class. ''Thank you. Now please may everyone stand beside a broom.'' Attentively, everyone made there way to a broomstick and waited for more instructions.

''Now, copy me. I am about to look at my broom sternly and say 'UP'. '' Hooch did exactly that, and the broomstick flew into her hand obediently. The Gryffindors and Slytherins had copied, but the Broomsticks didn't quite act in the same way. In fact, only one Slytherin had managed to lift the Broomstick off the grass. Hugo's had twitched nervously, Geffards had wiggled, causing much laughter, and Albus' hadn't moved and inch. He was getting rather impatient when it finally lifted off the ground.

'' UP!'' Albus had been repeatedly saying the word to the point that it sounded silly.

'' ALBUS! Look at yours!'' Lucy Weasley pointed dramatically at Albus' broomstick which was now floating mid air and steadily making its way towards his hand.

'' UP!'' Albus shouted extra loudly so that whatever happened this broomstick would hear his call and make its way into his grip, and it did.

''Finally!'' Albus grinned.

The lesson had gone on, and nearly everyone had successfully got on their broomstick, hovered, and then gotten off again; Albus being one of the many that had.

Frank Longbottom had finally come back to school again, free of green pimples. Although, he still had to be checked by Madame Pomfrey every so often.

James was thoroughly enjoying having his best mate back. He had missed spending time with him and could not wait to show him what he had found on his fathers desk over the summer.

''Psst...Frank!'' James hissed through a closed mouth and summoned Frank over to his bed.

''What?'' Frank asked, recognising his friends smile as the one he saved for mischief. James was holding a particularly old piece of parchment as if it was worth millions of Galleons.

'' I solemnly swear I'm up to no good!'' The map revealed itself and Frank gasped out loud as James pointed at themselves in their dormitory.

''Every Witch, Wizard or Ghost is on this map. You can see exactly where they are! Look... There's Malfoy! What's he doing outside our common room?'' He smirked at Frank.

'' I think this means for a little bit of.. Investigating!" Frank got up and grinned as he and James made there way under the invisibility cloak towards the Fat lady's portrait. They waited for someone to come in, and sneaked out just as McGonagall met Malfoy.

'' Scorpius Malfoy. What possibly could you be doing out here? Surely you should be in the dungeons?'' Minerva McGonagall never liked the Malfoys. They always caused unnecessary trouble, and seemed to be the ones who tormented the first years.

''Sorry Professor...I will just be on my way then...'' Malfoy tried to walk off innocently but McGonagall new better.

'' Malfoy, I don't want to see you dawdling here again for no apparent reason. Otherwise you might find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Now please leave'' McGonagall raised her eyebrows and watched as Malfoy dawdled off towards the dungeons.

The Professor was about to walk off when she looked at the space where Frank and James stood under the cloak, she coughed in their direction, but walked off.

''What was that all about?'' Frank and James had reached the safety of their dormitory and we're now discussing what little they had seen.

''I mean, why would Malfoy be outside our common room, he might know it's the common room, but who was he waiting for? What was he waiting to do?'' Frank was desperate to know what Malfoy was doing.

''If he wanted to get inside, he could have slipped in easily with the other Gryffindors! So he was probably waiting for someone. But who could he be waiting for? I have never seen him with another Gryffindor, unless he is attacking them,'' James winked at Frank, who had heard all about their encounter in the bathroom,'' and he clearly wasn't waiting for McGonagall.'' James thought hard. What possibly could Malfoy have been doing, waiting there?

''I think we should keep an eye on him, I mean, that's the only way we could see who he is talking to.'' James nodded in agreement to Franks suggestion, and the pair of them made their way down to dinner.

Albus made his way to the Hospital Wing with Hugo and Lucy. They seemed to be firm friends since their first flying lesson, and occasionally Lysander and Geffard would join them.

They had been lounging by lake when he had noticed one of the Slytherins in there flying class being pushed in. Apparently, Fergus Lament had been talking about the Malfoys, and unfortunately, it seemed as if Scorpius Malfoy, a third year, had heard and consequently pushed him in.

No one else seemed to have noticed, so Hugo, Albus and Lucy had gone to fish him out, whilst Lysander and Geffard had gone to get Professor McGonagall and some towels.

''Lucky we saw him being pushed in, I'm sure I saw the giant squid about to grab him,'' Hugo said as they entered and found the Slytherin lying in a bed, covered in blue/black ink.

''No visitors for Lament at the moment please.'' Madame Pomfrey shooed the Gryffindors out, and they hurriedly made their way to Herbology, hoping not to be too late.

''The Puffapod is a magical plant that produces large pink seedpods full of shining beans, which instantly flowers when they come into contact with any solid object...''

Albus, Hugo, Lucy, Lysander and Geffard had entered Greenhouse 2 with a message from Professor McGonagall about why they were late. They handed this over and joined the rest of the first years crowding round a table that was covered with pink pods.

'' As I was explaining, these are Puffapods and there seeds.'' Professor Longbottom pointed at first a large green bush in one corner, that seemed to be producing pink eggs, and then at the pink pods on the table.

''Today we will be working on picking these pods, then opening them carefully for you to examine what is inside.''

Neville Longbottom had finally got his job as a Herbology Professor, and was enjoying it immensely. He was allowed to teach his youngest son, Geffard Longbottom, but was told that any favouritism complaints would lead to strict consequences. Neville, who hadn't planned on having favourites, had nodded in agreement to this statement. He taught fairly and had always answered all of the frequently asked questions about Dumbledores Army and the Coin in which they had used to communicate.

'' Please partner up. You have till the end of the lesson''

Lessons went on and Albus enjoyed every minute of it- especially flying lessons. It was announced in mid- December that the new head of Slytherin was indeed the new potions teacher- Professor Baddock.

''We would like to now announce the Slytherin head of house. Please my we congratulate Professor Baddock!'' A tall, skinny wizard stood up as the Slytherin table erupted into cheers and clapping.

'' And.'' McGonagall waited for silence,'' the new head of Hufflepuff is Professor Merrydream!'' Cheering and clapping exploded from the Hufflepuff table as a short, plump Witch stood up. Albus recognised her as their Astronomy teacher.

'' Before we eat, I would like to remind you all that the Christmas holidays are approaching this coming week, and anyone who wishes to stay at Hogwarts is welcome, but please remember to sign and hand in the letters on your house notice boards before the end of the term so that we know you are staying. Thank you and enjoy the feast.'' McGonagall sat down and conversations broke out as food appeared in platters before them.

'' ..said I could come home with Rose, and then hopefully we can meet up?'' Albus only heard the last part of this sentence as he had been daydreaming about Christmas.

''Er..yeah I'm sure I can send an owl to my mother to make arrangements.'' Albus replied, after a spoonful of cottage pie.

''Mothers taking Locan and I to the Far East to explore the Forests and research Demiguise. Then, once mother has got sufficient research we are going to Scotland for Hebridean Black which are...'' But Albus never knew what they are, because he had got up and left to go to the owlery to find a school owl to send to his mother with a letter.

Dear Mum and dad,

I have had such a great term! I love defence against the dark arts, flying and potions to be most specific. I have learnt to fly and I am going to put a broomstick on my Christmas list so that I can practise over the holiday, I really want to be on the quiditch team next year and had better start practising if I want to be any good at it. Over Christmas, please may we meet up with Hugo and some other first years? Oh and NEVILLE LONGBOTTOM is now the professor of Herbology! He teaches me and James. Can't wait to see you and tell you properly everything that has been going on,

Albus Serverus Potter

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

James, Frank and now Louis worked hard for the rest of the term to find out anything they could about Scorpius Malfoy. It had been hard, of course, as they were not in Slytherin and couldn't get into the common rooms or stand outside, as it would look just as bad as it had done when Malfoy had earlier in the term.

Instead, they stayed behind in class to listen to his conversations with teachers.

As it turns out, Scorpius Malfoy has not been doing too well in class recently and it had come to the attention to some of the teachers.

'' Malfoy, I am worried about your charms essays.'' Flitwick squeaked. He had called Malfoy back after handing back their Softening spell essays and Frank and James had pretended to mop up some spilt ink.

'' Your marks are dropping, and I would like you to redo this essay, please. I have written a list of books that will be useful. If you have any questions please come see me, but otherwise I would like this back next lesson,'' Malfoy sulked out of the classroom.

''Boys, please turn the lights of behind you.'' Flitwick walked out of the classroom, leaving the two boys alone.

''Well, at least we know where Malfoy will be during his spare time,'' Frank picked up his bag and walked out with James, heading towards the library.

Another essay. Another one. His father had told him, many, many times, that he was a smart boy, that he was clever and would do well in school, and that he didn't want to be let down. But Scorpius couldn't. He wasn't. Ever since he had started this year, his fathers words had echoed in his head.

''Scorpius is much like myself. He's smart, he will be top of the class, father, I know he will. You won't let me down, will you, son? You are much like myself, and I know you will excel, just don't let me down.'' Lucius Malfoy was about to leave, leave for 'fresh air', but Draco had to tell him how clever Scorpius was, they HAD to talk about school, school was what his family continued to talk about. He had got top grades last year, down to sheer luck, Scorpius thought. Since the results had arrived, his father had been going on and on and on about how wonderful his son was.

Draco had asked about his friends results, which were similar.

''And potter? What did Potter get?'' The dreaded question had finally come.

'' I don't know, father, but I don't think he is very clever,'' Scorpius had replied. Draco smirked, ''Like father, like son,''

Scorpius hated it. He was always being compared to Potter. He couldn't help but hate his father for it, despise his father for it, all that mattered was that he had done better than Potter. Potter Potter Potter.

He had to agree, though, with his father on the basis that they both hated the Potters, even if it was for different reasons. Scorpius thought he would have been good friends with Potter, if in the same house. But being compared to him over and over again made Scorpius hate him. He was so hard to beat, and no matter how hard Scorpius tried to get ahead, so he could show his father he was clever, Potter always was better than him.

Not only that, but because of his father, James Potter had become quite popular, unlike Malfoy. But Scorpius new something Potter didn't. Although it was his secret, his father seemed to be in the middle of it. Only the selected few wizards knew what was being planned. There had nearly been 20 years of peace, but that was all about to change, and Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy either wanted to be the one to lead it, or to stop it.

Finally, he would have his shining moment.

Authors note-

Welcome back wonderful readers! Here is chapter 2! Please leave reviews and rate! Guess what Malfoys secret it...

love Aspiringcat xx