Chapter 3: Scorpius' Perspective

Scorpius sighed as he woke up the next morning. It would be his first day of classes. This would assumedly not be very enjoyable, seeing as he was a traitor to the Slytherins and an enemy to the Gryffindors. In truth, he probably could've had some friends if he were a little nicer. He glanced at the Potter boy sleeping in the bed next to his. Perhaps they could be friends...except insulting his cousin probably did nothing to start the foundation of a healthy friendship. He actually had no idea why he was being so insulting...back in the boat; she had tried to start a conversation.

"So, your name is Scorpius, right? Scorpius Malfoy?" Rose Weasley asked.

"Yup." Scorpius replied quietly. He was really in no mood for a conversation. A compartment of Slytherins and soon-to-be Slytherins had invited him, and seeing nowhere else to sit, he had taken up the offer. They had spent the entire ride to Hogwarts insulting the Potter-Weasley family and talking about pranks to play on the Gryffindors when they arrived. They also mentioned that anyone in Gryffindor would be "dead to them" as they put it.

"What house do you think you'll be sorted into?" Rose asked in another attempt to end the awkward silence.

"Hopefully not one where students have filthy mudblood mothers!" Scorpius snapped. He was just thinking about what would happen if he wasn't sorted in Slytherin. He worried that people would look at him cruelly, and he got enough of that already, being a Malfoy. He didn't even know why he said it, and immediately regretted it after looking at Rose's expression.

"Well hopefully I won't be sorted in a house with arrogant, pure-blood maniacs who are rude to everyone they meet!" She retorted angrily.

Scorpius tried to form words to apologize, but he didn't see how he could explain why he said that without sounding stupid. Instead, he just turned away to immerse himself in his thoughts.

Apparently, this was the wrong thing to do, as Rose just blew up at him. Clearly she had taken his turning away to mean he disagreed with what she said, and meant what he told her earlier.

When they reached the Great Hall, she commented on the magnificent ceiling. He took this opportunity to vent his frustration with the Slytherins and his annoyance at her refusal to forgive him. Then again, it's not like he actually apologized, so he could see where she was coming from.

And his sorting...his sorting was extremely odd. Gryffindor, of all houses? The Sorting Hat seemed a bit confusing to him; talking a lot about how he had to find his 'inner self'. What was that supposed to mean? Scorpius was still sure the wrong decision had been reached. The hat seemed a bit reluctant, but somehow managed to tell Scorpius "it was sure he was going to make the right decision in the end; when the time came". He hated that the Sorting Hat knew everything about you, but that captured his attention, since he did not want to live up to his family's Death Eater reputation, but rather his own. He also noticed the Weasley girl scowling at him when he headed over to the Gryffindor table.

Back in the present, Scorpius sighed again, regretting his words. Of course, he hadn't meant it when he said she was ugly. She was actually very pretty, the way her deep red curls framed her heart-shaped face...how her skin was that perfect complexion...Scorpius mentally slapped himself. There was no way the two of them would ever get together. No way. Besides, they were only 11.

Trying to forget everything that happened, Scorpius pulled out some parchment and began to write.

Dear Mother and Father,

I have not been placed in Slytherin like expected. Nor am I in Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw. Yes, that's right, I'm in Gryffindor. I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can do about it. I argued with the hat for about ten minutes, but it refused to put me elsewhere. I hope I have not disappointed you.

On other news, I had met some Slytherins on the Hogwarts Express. I highly doubt they will speak to me now, so it looks like I'll have to make some friends here in Gryffindor. Just to inform you.

Your son,

Scorpius Malfoy

Scorpius checked his clock. It was only 6:30. He had time to take his letter down to the Owlery, and come back to pack his things for classes. He exited through the portrait of the Fat Lady, and headed to the seventh floor to the Owlery. As he was making the final round on the seventh floor staircase, he heard a rustling behind him. Scorpius froze, certain that someone was following him. Silence.

"Impedimenta!" A second year Slytherin shouted.

Scorpius dodged, and pulled out his wand, although he knew that it wasn't much use since he didn't know any magic. However, his father had taught him one spell...

"Expelliarmus!" yelled Scorpius, boldly.

The second year, caught off guard by the fact that he knew a spell, was thrown across the hallway while Scorpius caught his wand. He threw it down the stairs, then rushed to the Owlery and sent his letter before anyone else could attack him. Thankfully, he didn't meet anyone else on the way to the Owlery, or in the Owlery for that matter. He simply sent his letter with his owl, Orion, and quickly regathered his thoughts and wielded his wand in case of another attack. If he was attacked already, no doubt he could expect a lot worse later on. He was simply going to have to fend for himself; just like he had been his entire life. The name "Malfoy" attracted and sent many glares and harsh words his way, and he ignored them, which is what made him strong. Scorpius didn't need anyone's help. Or luck. He was alright by himself.

With one eye over his shoulder, he made his way back to the dorms and sighed. Packing his bag with the books he would need for the day, he put on new clothes and headed down to the Great Hall for breakfast. His suspicions were just confirmed. At least the Gryffindors hadn't done anything to him. Yet.