Chapter Fourteen: A meeting with McGonagall

"Malfoy! And what is your business being late once again?" Professor Magamus barked towards the back of the room, where Scorpius was quietly sneaking into his seat. His glare softened as he spotted Albus, who followed closely behind his friend.

"Sorry Professor, " Scorpius mumbled.

"I should say so! Three times in seven classes! One more and we'll have to figure something out in detention!" Scorpius lowered his head.

Albus noticed Travis and Ryan from Gryffindor looking smugly at Scorpius as he tried to pull a few specks of green goop from his hair. Albus bristled and spoke up to Professor Magamus. "Sorry as well Professor, but you see, Scorpius and I were just in the bathroom removing slugs from a hex Callum Vance performed. If you don't believe us, these two can also give their accounts. I think Bronsin found it particularly entertaining." He gestured towards the two Gryffindors, who looked stunned, their mouths drooping slightly. Professor Magamus turned the boys to face him with a flick of his wand.

"Is this true?" Magamus eyed his House, though less severely than Scorpius. The boys' dumbfounded faces confirmed Albus' story. "Well then, ten points each from Gryffindor, and fifteen more once I talk to Mr. Vance."

Travis glowered at the pair but said no more. Scorpius sighed in relief and pulled a sticky strand of slug juice from under his chin, "Thanks mate." he whispered to Albus, "honestly I don't know a braver boy in Gryffindor."

Albus winced. The past month had been rough for him, as everyone scrambled to figure out how a son of Harry Potter had ended up in the Slytherin lot. And his own cohort wasn't always much kinder about it than the ones in the other houses. Still, he was well aware Scorpius had it quite a bit worse.

Rosie glanced back at her cousin and smiled, though when Scorpius noticed, she turned her attention back to the front of the class. The blonde boy blushed, undaunted, and Albus stifled a chuckle. Rose hadn't completely let her guard down about Scorpius' inadvertent mishaps about muggles and muggleborns, although since the start of school, Scorpius had sincerely grown to admire her intelligence in class, which had softened her judgment a little bit. But just yesterday, the two had clashed once again when Scorpius had complemented Jeya on her flying prowness, adding that being a muggleborn made it even more impressive.

"Why would it Malfoy?" Rose had snapped. Jeya for her part seemed unfazed by the comment.

"Rose, really it's fine." The girl had started.

"No Jeya it's not. You're a witch just like me. Our parents are different but we are the same and Malfoy here needs to stop defining any of your successes or failures with your blood status." She settled a stern glare at Scorpius.

"I...I really didn't mean it bad at all. I... it's just she's never seen her parents fly or anything so its quite unnatural, I mean for her natural but...I... I mean there's some difference, " Scorpius' forehead became paler and his cheeks redder, "I mean no there's no difference, I'm sorry Jeya."

"It's fine mate, " Jeya stated simply. Rose had calmed down a little. "I know you don't mean it Scorpius but some of your House, they're absolutely revolting. Do you remember the last time you said something like that you her? Gregor heard and he's not stopped bothering her since!"

Gregor Rosier was easily Albus' least favorite person he'd ever met in his life. He intimidated friends and foes alike, leading around a rather large gang of Slytherin students significantly more cowardly than himself, though who enjoyed the occasional malicious prank. He could conjure a fairly powerful hex as well, which Albus, Rose, and Jeya had all already been on the receiving end of. Though he wasn't fond of Scorpius, he did treat him with a little more respect due to their grandfather's friendship. If anything, this made Scorpius feel even worse, though Albus figured he had enough to deal with concerning the other students.

Gregor was particularly harsh towards Jeya, probably due to her friendship with Albus and Scorpius, who, though disgraced, were of pureblood lineage. Rose had come to her defense more than once, and the two girls had formed a tight friendship, though this meant that Scorpius and Rose were often together as well. Albus was truly fond of both his cousin and friend, but he felt he liked each better when the other wasn't around. Rosie could be supportive and incredibly interesting, talking excitedly about spells and charms (which were her favorite). But with Scorpius around, she became defensive and bordered on boastful, and Albus found himself wanting to charm his ears deaf. Scorpius on the other hand was actually rather funny on his own and incredibly curious, but he was also exceedingly timid and any attack made him curl into an insecure, mumbling mess that Albus sometimes tired of coaxing him out of.

Travis tossed two objects onto Albus' desk, over Scorpius' outstretched hand. He picked up the spoons, one was neat and wooden and the other was an ornate copper design, tarnished green. Scorpius snatched the fancy one, smiling.

Professor Magamus tapped his wand to silence the class. "Now then, today we practice our theory. I warned you on the first day and I'll repeat it again- transfiguration is a tricky subject and not forgiving to error. There will be no unnecessary flourishing, no extra incantations- if you are unsure about the pronunciation, ask. And most importantly, if I see any one of you pointing your wands at anything other than the objects in front of you, you will cease to learn in this class- if it's at another student, you will cease to learn at this school." He eyed the Slytherins in the class in particular. Vannessa and Jade returned equally unfriendly faces. "Now, there are small utensils on in front of each of you. We've reviewed basic animal transformations and I would like you to practice at least three by the end of class. Nothing larger than a bird please!"

Scorpius pulled out his textbook and thumbed through the bookmarked pages of the first chapter excitedly. "What should we do Al?"

Albus looked on to Scorpius' pages, "That one maybe? I'm not good at controlling my swishes yet, but this one just needs three turns and a flick."

"Sounds good, together?"

The two brought their wands forward to rest on their spoons lightly.

"Alright, so one full turn clockwise..." Albus made a neat circle with the tip of his wand.

"Three quarters turn counter-direction" Scorpius concentrated to control the turn precisely.

"One half clockwise...and flick! Papillionfors!" Both boys tapped their objects once more.

A small, electric blue current shot through Albus' spoon, and large wings stretched from the handle. The head of the utensil curled and two buckyball eyes popped out from the tunnel created.

"Oh wow, that one sure is impressive! I've never seen a butterfly that big!" Scorpius complemented Albus' creation.

Professor Magamus approached their desk, "That's because it's not quite transformed, see." He gestured for Albus to touch the wings. He discovered that, though, fluorescent, they were heavy and still very wooden. "Close though, it's still rather mobile. A few more tries and you should complete it." He turned to Scorpius, "And you Mr. Malfoy."

Scorpius reddened and pointed to the ceiling, "There, a brilliant green butterfly fluttered along the lights swooping energetically. Coming to close to the electricity, a small cascade of fine metal fell from the collision. The butterfly fluttered haphazardly, sinking steadily. It settled on Rose's hand, glimmering.

"Yes, well, well done both of you, " Albus cocked an eyebrow at his professor's reluctant praise. Scorpius had clearly conjured the best spell. It wasn't just Magamus either, Divination and Charms had also been biased against his friend's quite advanced skills. Scorpius, for his part, didn't register the comment for he was currently trying to coax his butterfly from Rose's desk, blushing fiercely. Albus snickered.

"You my friend are a hopeless romantic."

The rest of the class continued smoothly. Albus mastered the butterfly spell and, after a struggle, managed to transfigure a passable cricket, though the sound was off. He finished with a walking stick.

"I suppose it's not that much of a stretch, " Scorpius commented, letting his own creation, a small snail, lurch across his palm. Rosie and Jade had both managed to make a sparrow.

As Professor Magamus collected the untransfigured utensils, Scorpius raised his hand, "Yes Mr. Malfoy?"

" Professor Magamus, how are these spells made? I noticed most end with -fors or -mus, but what's the difference? And how do you know which latin root to use? " Scorpius asked earnestly.

Professor Magamus had heavily hooded eyes brushed under thick blonde brows, but as he regarded Scorpius, his pupils were fully visible and bulged from his stretched face. "There's...there's no reason for you to know! What would the difference make? Have I not told you that this magic does not leave this room!?" Albus had never seen an adult in such a manic state.

Scorpio looked as though he would have willingly swallowed his question even if it was boiling water. "Professor I'm sorry, I didn't mean..."

"Experimentation on what? On who?" Professor Magamus was half muttering to himself, "No! This won't do- this won't be tolerated. The headmistress must hear about this immediately!" And he began furiously scribbling on a piece of parchment, "Class dismissed." when no one moved he shouted, "Get out!"

The students filed out in a rush, Scorpius trying to leave the quickest. He stumbled on Anya Gupta's robes and the two went tumbling into the hallway, tripping Ida Turner as well.

"I'm so sorry," Scorpius picked up Ida's glasses and handed them to her. The Gryffindor girls regarded him timidly and Ida quickly snatched her glasses away. Jade had followed behind the commotion and scoffed audibly, "I thought you guys were lions! You act like a bunch of chickens bawk! bawk!" she mocked the two girls, who turned defensibly, "Scram four-eyes" Jade jumped towards the two, completing their scramble away from the class.

Albus brushed off the dust from Scorpius' robes and Rose handed him his books, but Jade swiped them away, "You too Weasley, don't you need some time to get that bush in order?" Vanessa pointed at Rose's mess of hair. Jade snickered, "I do see why you got into Gryffindor, what with that mane!"

"A literal mascot!" cackled Vanessa, scrunching up her already upturned nose.

"Shut it would you?" Rose grabbed the books back and shoved them roughly into Scorpius' chest. "Have fun with your friends Malfoy... and McGonagall for that matter." She nodded behind the students before storming off.

Albus looked behind him. Sure enough, the Headmistress had appeared in the hallway and was looking gravely in the direction of the Slytherin group. A small piece of parchment was folded in her hands, "Mr. Malfoy, if we could have a word."

"Yeah, yeah that's fine," Scorpius shoved his hands into his pockets and hurriedly followed McGonagall.

"My office perhaps? If it's not too out of the way."

"Yeah it's fine, Herbology is just below."

"Oh well Professor Longbottom will be more than understanding. But come now, let's go right away."

Vanessa snorted when the two were out of earshot, "My mother had her as a professor and she was absolutely unbearable then! What a daft choice of headmistress, it no wonder the purebloods are doing so poorly!"

Jade looked taken aback, "Do you really think she'll punish him?"

"Most likely, with his name and all. My mother went to school with his father and she gave them so many detentions- why she probably misses yelling our names."

"McGonagall is fair." said Albus, though he was surprised as well that the Headmistress had taken Professor Magamus' letter so seriously.

Vanessa looked at Albus with distain, "You would say that of course, what with your parents parroting her praises. Family friend right? Just like Weasley."

"Hey now, they're cousins," Jade stepped in glancing at Al sympathetically, "Family's tough. At least she stands up for herself, can't say the same about the rest."

Vanessa glowered and stalked off. Her mother was Pansy Parkinson, who married Gregory Goyle not long after the Battle of Hogwarts. The Goyle family was a long-standing proponent of blood purity and Goyle senior had perished in the War, so Gregory took up the task of maintaining the family legacy. Hiding Death Eaters fleeing prosecution and even setting fire to Eliza Burbage's home, killing five house elves who worked inside. Unfortunately, Gregory was neither as sly nor supported as his father and his actions were discovered a year after Vanessa's birth. He was one of last wizards given a maximum sentence to Azkaban. Pansy changed her daughters name to throw off the stigma, though her bitterness only fueled her hatred of the new movement taking over Hogwarts and the Ministry.

Jade tapped Al on the shoulder, "You heading to Herbology?"

"I... no ..." Albus looked toward a spindling tower overlooking the north side of the school, "I'm going to find McGonagall."

"I was surprised you didn't go after her right away." Jade smirked, "See ya later then Peculiar Potter."

Albus took the tower steps two by two, arriving at the entrance of the Headmistress' office out of breath. He eyed the two gargoyles who were resting calmly on either side of an archway, filled with an impressive golden phoenix. As he stepped inside the entryway, a gargoyle turned menacingly and pointed a stone spear in his direction. Albus thought quickly to the last time Minerva had visited the Potters and Weasleys. What had she said to Aunt Hermione?

"Feel free to visit anytime dear, you can reach my office from the northwest entrance. The password is..."

"Weasleys Wizard Whizzes" stated Albus, chuckling.

The Phoenix wings swung into the entrance and for a moment, Albus thought he had recalled wrong. But soon the steps began swirling from the base, ascending Albus into the heights of the tower.

The actual door to Minerva's office was slightly ajar. Albus froze, wondering if he had been heard. He crept toward the door to hear the conversation floating through.

"Tea dear? Or a chocolate drink?"

"Erm yeah... oh the chocolate... thanks." Scorpius sounded only slightly shaky.

"Now lets see, ah! Here, you can borrow this if you'd like. Careful with the pages, they are already quite fragile. Basically there's a balance between the specificity of an object and the name you use to guide it into your target. For animals, specie names are usually too specific and only work if the initial object already had certain similarities. Genus names generally allow for a broader range of objects, albeit the transfiguration will be widely varied again depending on the object properties- such as your spoons- is that what you used today?"

"Yeah."

"As for the endings, its more of a matter of history than function. Emeric Switch, the author of your textbook, used -fors and for more advanced spells -gonis as the command. But he was preceded by another witch, Dezmelda Nott, who was fond of the -mus and -eris endings, common in the Olde Welsh magick commands. "

"Is one better? I mean, just for theory... I...nevermind." Albus could imagine Scorpio drooping in his seat.

"Nonsense Mr. Malfoy!" McGonagall continued on, " In fact your inquiry was quite right! Switch's commands tend to be far less temperamental, though it seems some of Nott's spells cannot be properly replaced, especially as you delve into Transubstantial Transfiguration, which I certainly hope you do."

"You mean I'm not expelled from the class?" Albus peered into the crack and saw Scorpius' profile straighten.

"Oh heavens no! Please dear, this..." McGonagall gestured across the table between them, filled with sweets, "This is an apology! Professor Magamus is highly skilled in transfiguration- it's so hard to find competent replacements- but his sentiments about you are wrong. Do you understand Mr. Malfoy? Wrong."

"But if I return.."

" I will inform Chester of my conversation with you- completely driven by innocent inquisitiveness- which should be encouraged in students instead of punished. If he bothers you again, please inform me immediately. And if you would rather ask a different expert, by all means visit! I do miss the intellectual conversations with students." Minerva rested her hand tenderly on Scorpius' shoulder.

Scorpius smiled, but dropped his eyes again. "Could I ask one more question?"

"Oh by all means dear! Though I will hurry you to class soon." McGonagall rose and collected the teapot and plates from the table.

"It's not about transfiguration. " Scorpius started slowly, "You taught my father right?"

Minerva paused facing the direction of the entrance. Albus could see her face twist into a melancholy expression.

"What was he like?"

Scorpius watched the Headmistress' figure with apprehension. After a few seconds of silence he mustered, "I suppose I really should go..."

"Draco Malfoy was a respectable student who had the capabilities of discovering the nuances of magic much like you Scorpius."

Scorpius seemed to grasp every word of his father's description like a jewel. He waited expectantly for Minerva to continue.

"What Draco unfortunately had to deal with, and which briefly defeated him, was a terrible kind of abuse. One that leaves no physical marks, but puts the victim through the agony of merging reality with the worldview he has been told is right. Its a hard thing to overcome; changing means to discard most your relationships that you hold dear and enter alone into a society that isn't expected to pity you or even offer you forgiveness. The strength to do that comes entirely from within oneself."

Albus focused on Minerva's trembling hand, which increased its frequency. The Headmistress finally turned to meet a baffled Scorpius. "As a peer, your father was a bit of a bully until his sixth year, where it became obvious to me that he was bearing the weight of his family's honor to dangerous people that he feared very much. Then his actions reflected a new level of darkness that, and I'll be completely honest with you, made me lose all faith in him. But I know your grandfather as well- and I know that Draco was largely a reflection of him. And therefore, I know that whatever he has become will be largely reflected in you. And I must admit that I believe I was too hasty in losing hope."

Scorpius blinked a little, comprehending Minerva's words. He smiled shyly and brought his cup to the table where she stood.

"Now off to class with you- just tell Professor Longbottom that I'll send him a message later. And please inform Mr. Potter of the nature of your visits so he doesn't come rushing up here to defend you every time." McGonagall swished her wand to widen the door slightly, revealing a shocked Albus.

The boys clamored down the steps and exited the tower, scurrying towards the greenhouses just across a small courtyard. Albus looked back at the spires and spotted Minerva watching them from a large window. The Headmistress smiled soberly when she noticed Albus and turned away, leaving the boy with the distinct feeling that her comments about Draco Malfoy were meant for him to hear as much as his son.