Rose noticed Scorpius staring at the ceiling of the Great Hall at breakfast on Friday. "What's up, Scorpius? You look awfully nervous."

"Oh, nothing. Just waiting for my parents to write."

At that moment, the owls came in. Scorpius noticed that Kurt was among them and he immediately swooped down and dropped two letters off on his lap.

"Thanks mate."

"Is that your owl? He's so handsome."

"Yeah. Dad got him for me as a birthday gift."

"Wish my dad would give me my own owl, but noooo. I have to share Cletus with James." Albus remarked over a bowl of cereal.

"What kind of a name is Cletus?"

"James got it from a Muggle TV show he watched when we went to visit our Uncle D. He thought it sounded funny."

By now Scorpius had looked at the two letters, one from each of his parents. He also noticed that his dad had written on his letter "Read This In Private," and he guessed that Dad had put a Secret Ink Charm on it before sending it away. So he decided to open his Mum's letter first.

"Hi Sweetie!

Good to hear you are settling in and having fun. You must let us know how things are going.

I noticed you left your favourite shirt at home. Do you want me to send it with Kurt or one of the house owls?

Don't be too upset with anything your dad or grandad say about you being in Gryffindor. I am proud of you for being able to make your own decisions. My grandfather was a Gryffindor and he was one of the best men I ever knew.

Love,

Mum."

Scorpius hadn't expected much else from his mum, but he had an idea as to what his dad might have to say.

"Um, guys…my dad says he wants me to read his letter in private." As soon as the words came out of his mouth, his first reaction was Fuck! Why'd I say that?

"Sure. We'll see you in Charms."

"Wait. Can I borrow the map?"

"Sure. Here you go." Scorpius took the old piece of parchment from Albus' hands and set off towards Gryffindor Tower.

On his way up the stairs, however, he missed one of the many trick steps and sunk into the bottom.

"Shit." Not much else to say at the time…

"Need some help, Malfoy?" Scorpius looked up. It was Mr…no, Professor Nott.

"Um, yes…sir."

Nott stuck out his hand. "Grab it, and be quick. I would like to talk to you."

"Uh, sir…I have Charms in half an hour…"

"I will speak to Professor Flitwick. Come on."

Scorpius was not keen on speaking with Nott, but his legs were beginning to hurt. He grabbed Nott's hand and the lanky Potions master pulled him up.

"Come on," ordered Nott curtly. Scorpius followed the man to an empty classroom. Nott waved his wand and made two chairs come to the front of the class.

"Sit." Not knowing what else to do, Scorpius sat.

"So. How's school been?" His tone had changed, Scorpius noticed – it was no longer curt, but almost friendly.

"Oh…um, alright, I guess, yeah. Lot of work though."

"Yes, I would hope so. What's that you have there?"

"Um…letter from Dad."

"Really?" Nott's expression then changed to one of surprise. "Well then…have there been any problems in Gryffindor?"

"None yet, sir." Scorpius didn't even consider telling Nott about James.

"I am friendly with Professor Longbottom, you know. I can inform him if there is anything…"

"There's nothing wrong, sir. Gryffindor's great." Scorpius blurted out hurriedly. He was worried that Nott might get angry, but his expression hardly changed.

"I see, I see. I notice that you are friendly with young Albus Potter and Rose Weasley. But then there is James Potter…quite a troublemaker, that one. And a bully as well. Are you sure he hasn't troubled you?"

"No sir."

Nott sighed. "Very well, Mr Malfoy. You may go. I see that you have already missed the start of Charms, so I will tell Professor Flitwick that I had you running an errand. Go and read your father's letter, and be sure to consider it carefully."

Scorpius was only too happy to leave. He pushed the chair in, exited the classroom and then ran to his dorm room to open his father's letter.

"Dear Scorpius,

I must admit, I was not particularly surprised that you did not get into Slytherin. Ever since you were a small child, I have noticed how you took much more after your mother than you did after me. So do not worry. I am not sad or disappointed that you did not become a Slytherin. You are my son and a Malfoy, and I am proud of you and love you either way. Your grandfather is quite disappointed, but he will come around eventually. Grandma sends her love as well and says that as long as you are happy, that is what matters.

I am, however, worried about you being in Gryffindor, although I will not claim I did not see it coming for a number of reasons.

I speak to Professor Nott frequently. When you got into Gryffindor, I received an owl from him the next day with the news before your owl arrived. I believe that you are in the same house as both Harry Potter's sons and Ron Weasley's daughter, who I believe is also in your year with the younger Potter son.

This is not the time or place to discuss my history or relationship with Harry Potter. When you come home for Christmas, we will talk then.

In the meantime, I want you to be careful. I do not want you to believe that either of the Potter boys or the Weasley girl are bad, but I don't know what they are capable of or what they know. Keep a low profile, no foolish Metamorphosing, no silly behaviour. Stay out of trouble. Professor Nott reported that you were late for class – do not make this a habit.

Also, I want you to keep a distance from the Potters and Miss Weasley. As I said earlier, I do not know what they might do to you, but James Potter is a third year student and a particularly bright one according to what I've heard. As intelligent as you are, your magical skill will not be up to his and as your father, I don't want you to get hurt or get in trouble.

When I was your age, I desired trouble and danger. I wanted action. But that led me to make the worst decision of my life and one that your mother, grandparents and I are still paying for today. I don't want you to ever be in such a situation.

Take care and owl back soon.

Love,

Dad."

Scorpius read the letter a second time. "Wonder what Dad's gonna say when he finds out that Albus is my only mate here." He laughed silently at the irony.

"Guess I better get to History of Magic. Why couldn't Nott have pulled me out of there?" He grabbed his bag. At least this time he wasn't going to be late.