Life outside his common room was not easy for Scorpius, both sides still felt he was the perfect whipping boy. There was no doubt he was brave, using his fists if necessary to defend himself if caught alone. But being alone happened less and less. The older Weasley and Potter students closed ranks. Some well executed spells and a weekend lesson with Freddy and James on using a few WWW products, that Victoire pointed "knew nothing about", helped stop the outright stupidity.
Then he could get down to concentrating on learning to control his magic. Of their group of first year Gryffindors Al was, hands down the strongest magically, doing very well in DADA, Charms and Potions.
Rose was the smartest, at the top of their class in everything except Astronomy. Louis led their year in Astronomy and Transfiguration and was in the front of the pack in the rest of his classes, except Herbology.
Scorpius gave Rose a run for her money, the only class he struggled in was History of Magic, Binns had a tendency to make him fall fast asleep.
His letters home were full of the daily routine of school life, the pranks James and Freddy played and the growing friendship between their little group.
Neville had been grading papers at a quiet table at the Leaky one evening when Draco and Astoria came in for dinner. The animosity that had been evident when the two men had been boys had lessened through the years, but neither really trusted the other yet.
Polite nods were exchanged and the Malfoys were seated. Scorpius first letters had included the extra attention his head of house had been showing him when the bullying was at it's height. Neville had even related what it had been like for him, discreetly leaving out that it was Scorpius' father who had been responsible for his torment.
The longer Draco sat there the more certain he became that now was the time to mend fences, so after an excellent meal he approached Neville's table. "Professor Longbottom, may I have a moment of your time?"
What followed was a time of growth for both men and, when they were joined by Astoria, a long discussion of Scorpius' academic strengths, his social challenges and his budding friendships.
It was apparent to both of his parents of Neville's fondness for their son, and how valuable his friendship with Al, Rose and Louis was. As the conversation wound down and buzz was heard from under a stack of papers on the table.
Neville pulled what looked like a small WCN (Wizard Cabless Network) receiver out of the pile, a beautiful older student's face appeared on the screen, (later Draco would learn she was Victoire Weasley, current head girl at Hogwarts). A quite discussion followed and Neville had to end their conversation, it appeared one of the first year Gryffindors might very well have dragon pox and he was needed back at the school. Before leaving he invited the Malfoys to surprise their son with a visit in November for the Gryffindor/Ravenclaw Quiditch match, with James Potter making the Gryffindor team as the second beater with Freddy Weasley it should make for an interesting match.
Dominique Weasley played on the Ravenclaw team as seeker, and last years match had proven that all these years of playing against and with her cousins had honed both her game and Freddy's.
Halloween came first for our students, Astoria sent, through Neville, enough candied apples for all the Gryffindors to enjoy at their common room after party, she even sent a small package for Scorpius to pass on to his friends in Ravenclaw.
George's wheezes were prevalent, despite being strictly banned at the school. Scorpius and the gang had a hilarious time the weekend before the holiday at Hagrid's hut carving jack-o-lanterns.
Draco and Astoria did attend the November quiditch match, there was a bit of a murmur when Ron extended his hand to Draco and invited them and their son to sit with the Wealseys and Potters that were on the Gryffindor side of the Pitch.
Soon The Christmas holidays were upon them and the children were back home. Draco approached Hermione at her office in the MOM, asking for a short bit of her time.
First he admitted that he understood her memories of Malfoy manor was not good and apologized, sincerely. He then invited her, Ron and Rose over for a party Scorpius wanted to throw. After much consideration they accepted.
They ended up having a pleasant time, Ginny, Harry and Al came along as did Bill, Fleur and Louis.
The children had so much fun that 2 study/play sessions were held at Louis' and Al's before the return to school.
The rest of the school year passed in a blur, with a break at home for Easter and then back for the end of term push.
Soon it was summer and Draco often came home from the office to find one or more Potters or Weasley's at his house. Scorpius spent a great deal of his summer at their houses too and a significant part at WWW headquarters honing his flying skills.
Draco found it a bit easier to put his son on the train this year. As soon as he and Scorpius had passed through the barrier his son had been surrounded by friends, Potter and Weasley had shook his hand in greeting, their wives inquiring on Astoria's health.
It had been a sad month at their house. Astoria had been pregnant again but lost the baby which led to uncontrollable bleeding and necessitated a total hysterectomy. Sadly Scorpius would be an only child, but looking at the friends huddled with their heads against the window waving as the train pulled away he thanked God that his son would never be lonely.