Sorry about the lack of updates. And I know this is short. I deleted the longer original by accident, and I had to get something up.

Scorpius had never been more ashamed in his life. He wasn't sure if he could do this. As soon as they had walked into his compartment, he had realised just how much he needed them. He didn't talk to Vincent the rest of the way to Hogwarts. He sat by himself at the feast, and he felt horrible. He kept seeing how Rose looked when he'd asked her to go away. He saw her disappointed face and it killed him. Oh, it was so unfair. He had been so sure everything would be alright, he had never expected his father to do this again. Last year had seemed such a breakthrough.

Maybe it wasn't worth not talking to his friends. He figured Draco would always find something to hold against him, until he was just like the Slytherins. Scorpius did not want that to happen.

Maybe he really should talk to them. Would they even want to talk? He had been so rude. He'd have to apologize. Maybe they could help him. He seriously didn't think he could handle losing his family, but was it worth it to change himself?

Scorpius sat on the edge of his bed. Rose and Albus were on the bed next to his, talking distractedly, stealing quick glances at him when they thought he wasn't looking.

He took a deep breath.

"Al? Rose?" he said quietly.

"What do you want?" Albus asked.

"I'm so sorry."

Rose looked upset.

"Why did you… How could you say those things?"

"I… I thought I had to, my father said…" Scorpius faltered.

"And you never returned a single letter!" Rose scolded.

"I know," Scorpius said, "I couldn't."

"What do you mean you couldn't?"

"I wasn't allowed, and I didn't talk to you because I'm not allowed!" Scorpius exclaimed.

"But…" Al faltered, "I thought that you and your family were ok?"

"My Father said I could be a Gryffindor if I wasn't friends with you." Scorpius said, "And I don't know what to do."

"He… I'm sorry Scorp." Al said.

"I'm sorry, guys. Really, I shouldn't have been so awful." Scorpius said.

"It's fine. You want your family, it's understandable." Rose said.

"What do I do now though?"

As he asked it, a letter flew through the open window.

Scorpius,

I noticed how upset you were, and I don't want you to be alone all year. I know as well as you do that Father wont be happy until you're the most Slytherin-like Gryffindor there is. Maybe talking to your friends is best. If you do decide to do so, I'll be here if you need to talk. Write me a letter. I mean, I have to uphold an image, and I'll act like I agree with Father, but I'll try to make him see what he's doing, and I'll be here for you. I'll try, at least.

Vincent.

The letter made Scorpius make his decision. He wasn't going to give up his friends. Father would have to get used to it. Scorpius sighed. He really didn't want another year like last year. But, he supposed it might work out like it did last year. He sure hoped so.

Reviews are appreciated of course!