XX

In the morning on New Year's Eve, right after breakfast, Astoria took Scorpius to Diagon Alley, stating that he couldn't visit friends with empty hands. While Scorpius wasn't in the mood for shopping, he eventually agreed to the suggestion.

After visiting several magical shops, they quickly bought suitable gifts. For Lily, they chose a colourful, enchanted scarf with a small embroidered pegasus that moved and nuzzled when worn around the neck. For James, they bought an ornate set of quills, and for Albus, considering the many photographs in his room, a guide to magical photography.

Although Diagon Alley was crowded, they hardly met anyone they knew. For a moment, Scorpius thought he saw Luna Scamander somewhere, but she disappeared quickly into the Magical Menagerie.

Since they finished shopping quickly, they took a moment to stop at the Three Broomsticks and enjoy some butterbeer.

"Is it really a good idea for my father to go with me?" Scorpius asked at one point when his glass was already half empty.

"I've known him long enough to tell that I'm unlikely to persuade him to change his mind," Astoria replied. "Even if I consider it rather reckless."

"So you agree it's a bad idea," Scorpius stated more than asked.

Astoria sighed slightly.

"He's stubborn and has taken it as a matter of honour. He believes it's his duty. I understand that even though I know how difficult it is for him. Overcoming years of ingrained prejudice is no small feat."

Scorpius nodded slightly.

"But no one asked him to do it. In fact, I'd prefer to go there alone. I know it might sound foolish, but I feel that if we show up there together, it'll be even more obvious whose son I am."

It only dawned on him what he had said when he saw his mother's expression darkening. He looked away, irritated at himself for speaking before thinking.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean for it to sound that way," he said.

Astoria shook her head.

"Don't apologise. I've known for a long time how much of a burden your resemblance to Draco is for you. We both do."

Scorpius shrugged.

"I don't have that problem at school anymore. I just stopped thinking about it. But that's probably because I've caused enough trouble over the years for most people to judge me based on my own actions. Although I doubt that it's truly comforting."

His mother was in good spirits again.

"I'd prefer them to judge you based on your remarkable achievements, not just your remarkable pranks."

"Impossible, especially with Potions. But if it comforts you, some people call me 'McGonagall's pupil,' so I guess that counts too."

Astoria laughed openly.

"Did someone really call you that?"

"No one dared openly, except maybe Albus."

His mother looked at him kindly.

"It's good that you found such a friend, even though I can't help but find it a bit surprising. And I don't mean that he's Harry Potter's son, but rather that he seems so different from you in character."

Scorpius shrugged.

"I wonder about it myself sometimes. Theoretically, there's nothing that connects us, and yet we get along well. I usually don't have to explain anything, and he understands what I mean. It's nice, although a bit irritating at times, because I feel almost defenceless when I can't hide behind lies. I'm exposed to him, and sometimes I'm really afraid that he might use all my weaknesses, which he knows so well, against me. I know Albus isn't like that, but if he wanted to, he could be terribly vindictive."

"That's the price of friendship," Astoria said. "It can't exist without trust, and neither I nor Draco have managed to teach you how to trust someone. We were both brought up with the belief that the world is a hostile place where everyone is just waiting for an opportunity to stab you in the back. That's why you had to develop your trust pattern, free from all Slytherin's beliefs. I assume it wasn't easy, and it probably still isn't."

Scorpius pondered his mother's words. There was certainly truth in them. Among Slytherins, it was hard to find openness or genuine sincerity. Even those who called themselves friends still had secrets and mysteries between each other. He knew that well because he did the same. How many times had he withheld the truth, hiding behind sarcasm or spite? It felt safer and easier. Yet, with Potter, things were different. When he talked to him, all of that suddenly seemed entirely unnecessary. He could speak openly about what he thought and felt without fearing it would turn against him. And it worked both ways. Only later did Scorpius realise what he could do with such knowledge. However, he had never considered using Albus's sincerity against him. Maybe that was the secret. Potter wasn't a Slytherin, so it probably never occurred to him either. He didn't want to harm Scorpius, and at the same time, he believed that Scorpius wouldn't harm him. To him, such trust was entirely natural, something he had been taught from childhood – to trust friends.

Scorpius, dressed in a grey shirt and black trousers, stood in the living room with a small bag slung over his shoulder. He had sent a brief message to Albus that morning about his visit, both his and his father's, so their appearance shouldn't surprise anyone.

A moment later, Draco joined him. He was in the standard black suit, wearing a mask of indifference that concealed all his emotions. Previously, Scorpius had considered trying to dissuade his father from that idea, but upon seeing his determination, he immediately dropped the concept. That could only lead to an unnecessary quarrel.

"Ready?" he asked instead.

Draco simply nodded.

Taking a deep breath, Scorpius took a handful of Floo powder and threw it into the fireplace. It lit up with emerald flames. Without dwelling on it for too long, he stepped into the flames and spoke the address of the Potter house.

The world whirled as he went through the Floo Network to his destination. In just a few seconds, he came to an abrupt stop at the Potter's house. Moments later, he felt Draco appear right behind him. It took a while for him to regain his balance, then he straightened his clothes and walked into the familiar, not very spacious living room. Sitting on the centrally placed couch was Albus.

The Gryffindor smiled slightly, stood up, and approached. Despite seemingly carefree demeanour, Scorpius noticed how Albus briefly examined Draco with a probing gaze. They had never met before, but Albus knew enough to have formed an opinion already.

"Good morning," he greeted Draco without hesitation and then added to Scorpius, "It's great that you managed to break free."

He was doing it again. There was no shadow of a doubt that Albus was fully aware of how much effort Scorpius had put into organising that visit. However, he didn't bring up any of the difficulties, knowing that Slytherins preferred to keep such matters to themselves.

"I won't stay long," Draco spoke up. "I just wanted to talk to your father."

Albus nodded.

"Dad is in the office."

"Welcome, Malfoy." They heard another voice, and a moment later, Mr Potter entered the living room. He greeted the guests with a nod and then gestured with his hand, inviting Draco to the office.

"Perhaps you could take Scorpius to the dining room; Mom will be serving dinner shortly," he added to Albus as they departed.

After a while, the men disappeared behind the doors, leaving the boys alone in the living room. In silence, they exchanged knowing glances and unanimously decided that they weren't going anywhere. They sat down on the couch and, for long minutes, stared at the closed door.

"I hope they won't kill each other in there," Scorpius finally remarked.

"I don't think so; after all, they were only supposed to talk," Albus replied.

Scorpius snorted.

"I have some bad experiences when it comes to conversations with my father."

Albus couldn't quite hide a hint of amusement.

"It's kind of funny, isn't it?" he added after a moment. "Do you feel like they treated us like little kids? We're sitting here and waiting for the adults to finish talking."

"I'd rather be here than there. Besides, everyone's been telling me lately that I shouldn't grow up too fast, so maybe it's better that way."

Albus looked at him, a bit surprised.

"Have you ever been a child? You acted like you had all the wisdom in the world from the moment you were born."

Scorpius nudged Albus in the ribs with his elbow, to which the Gryffindor openly laughed.

"You know, spending time with me clearly has a bad effect on you," Scorpius muttered. "Where's that timid Potter who was afraid to speak in my presence?"

"I've tamed my fears."

Scorpius rolled his eyes and was about to say that he didn't want to be tamed by anyone when the office door opened, and Scorpius's father emerged, accompanied by Mr Potter.

The room was modestly but tastefully furnished. Draco didn't suspect Potter of having these design skills, so it was likely the handiwork of his wife. Not that Draco had any inclination to analyse the decor at the moment. That room was probably the last place on Earth he wanted to be, and the man accompanying him was the last person he wanted to talk to. But many times in the past, he had to do the things he didn't want.

"Care for a drink?" Potter asked, approaching a table in the corner and grabbing a bottle of whiskey. "Coffee, tea, or something stronger?"

"Don't bother. I didn't come for friendly chit-chat," Draco replied, trying to keep the bitterness out of his voice. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't fully hide his emotions. So many years had passed, and life had taken such extraordinary turns, yet some things would never change. Draco remembered vividly the humiliation of the trial at the Wizengamot, where it was Potter's testimony that had saved him. It was the second time that the Gryffindor had saved his life. There were moments, more frequent than he would like to admit, when he truly despised his life, that absurd existence that had nothing to do with his heritage. Each time he recalled the power of his family, he saw more clearly how low he had fallen. And that day, when he found himself owing something to Potter for the third time, he felt like he had reached the absolute bottom. Of all people, it was him; he didn't want to owe anything more.

He clenched his teeth, trying to control the wave of frustration.

"So what brings you to me?" Potter asked, setting down the Firewhisky.

It was surprising how little he had changed over all these years. He still looked so ordinary, with messy hair and those distinctive glasses. Yet Draco knew how deceptive his appearance could be. Behind that mask of normalcy hid one of the most powerful wizards of their time, the one who had single-handedly defeated the Dark Lord and then, as an Auror, spent years hunting down his followers. Many of them had been defeated because of their ignorance. Draco had been the same. He had suffered defeat because he had underestimated the enemy. But he wasn't going to make that mistake again.

"You know damn well what brings me," Draco snapped, giving Potter a cold, hard look.

Potter let out a slight sigh and rubbed his temple. He seemed as if that conversation was already exhausting him, even before it had begun.

"I don't expect anything from you, Malfoy. Let's forget the whole thing. Besides, I did it mostly for Albus, who was deeply concerned about the situation."

Yes, Potter's son remained a mystery to Draco. He knew that the beginning of his friendship with Scorpius had been turbulent, to say the least, and yet he seemed like a devoted friend. If he were a Slytherin, one could look for hidden motives, but they dealt with a Gryffindor, and they valued honesty.

Indeed, honesty was something most Slytherins despised and considered a dangerous habit. Taught from a young age to deceive and be cunning, the fear of excessive honesty was deeply rooted in their psyche.

And yet, Draco had just witnessed, not long ago, how his son, who had mastered the art of deceit so well, had been honest with him. Scorpius hadn't hidden behind pretty words or tried to distort reality. Openly, without a hint of falsehood, he had said what he wanted. Could it be that spending time with Potter's son had influenced him so much? Because the change was enormous. It was impossible not to notice how much Scorpius' behaviour had transformed. Even though it probably wasn't easy for him, he had overcome his inherent aversion and chosen honesty. At the moment, Draco should do the same, even if similar words were hard to get out.

"I owe you, Potter. Regardless of your motives, the fact remains that you saved my son from huge trouble. I have no way to repay you, but if the need ever arises, I am at your disposal," Draco stated.

Potter regarded him with an odd expression as if he hadn't expected those words. Then he smiled somewhat bitterly.

"I thought you'd come with grudges about me meddling in your lives again."

"Believe me, my pride wants nothing more, but I understand the reality. I'm well aware of how things could have turned out if not for your intervention. As you probably know, my family isn't very popular in the Ministry."

Potter nodded slightly.

"I know, although I believe Scorpius should never suffer for your mistakes."

"He shouldn't," Draco agreed. "But we both know that not even your Gryffindor-led government can eradicate all prejudices."

Potter nodded again and turned to the window unexpectedly. For a while, the office fell into silence.

"And that is Voldemort's greatest victory," he spoke after a while. "For over two decades, it hasn't been possible to erase the divisions he created. The death of that girl, all that tragedy, it stems from mutual hatred."

"Neither you nor I have ever been free from it either," Draco added.

A strange grimace crossed Potter's face; undoubtedly, Draco had struck a chord. Even Gryffindors, despite their intentions to be noble and righteous, weren't free from similar faults. After all, many of them despised and hated people like the Malfoy family.

"Fortunately, at least our children aren't burdened by that curse," Potter spoke after a moment, and his expression softened slightly. "Beyond the divisions, they managed to find common ground."

Draco nodded. Although he wasn't entirely happy with it, he had to come to terms with the fact. Besides, looking at it from another perspective, having such a friend could only be beneficial for Scorpius. Recent events were the best example of that.

"In our case, it would never have been possible," the Slytherin remarked.

"Not in the world Voldemort lived in," Potter agreed. "But the world is changing, and although there is still much to fix, they now live in an entirely different reality from us."

Draco couldn't disagree with that statement.

"But since we're talking about fixing the world," Gryffindor added unexpectedly, looking at his guest again. "There's one thing you could help me with."

Slytherin raised an eyebrow, looking at him inquiringly.

"Have you heard of the Horntails?"

"As much as the Prophet writes."

"They are a group that has been causing turmoil in the magical community for some time. Their actions are becoming more aggressive every year, and the Ministry can no longer treat them as the childish antics of some teenagers, especially since there are increasingly speculations that their core consists of former Death Eaters."

Draco winced at the mention of that name. For years, it had been associated with the worst period of his life, and the Dark Mark burned into his arm painfully reminded him of all the foolish decisions he had made back then.

"You know that I cut off all contact with anyone who ever served the Dark Lord."

"I know, but if by any chance you hear anything, I'd like you to tell me. Every piece of information can be valuable."

"Alright," Draco didn't hesitate for long. After all, it wasn't a high price to pay for at least partially repaying his debt to Potter. "If I learn something, you'll be the first to hear about it."

Potter nodded.

For a while, there was silence, clearly suggesting that neither of them had anything more to add.

"I'll be going now," Draco finally spoke.

The Gryffindor nodded again and then led him back to the living room, where their sons still sat.

Draco briefly bid farewell to Potter and Albus, threw a fleeting look in Scorpius' direction, and then quickly disappeared into the green flames of the Floo Network.

When he appeared in his living room, he had to remind himself several times that he wasn't running away, that it wasn't a display of disguised cowardice. Yet it was true that, unlike Scorpius, he wouldn't have been able to stay there.

Scorpius watched his father leave, trying not to analyse his expression too much. He knew that Draco's patience was running thin. Therefore, he didn't intend to stop him. He understood that his father didn't feel comfortable there, and he wasn't cruel enough to exploit that vulnerability. Instead, he turned towards Mr Potter, took a deep breath, and approached him.

"I suppose I owe you a thank you," he said, finding the courage to speak. If his father could break through his internal barriers, he could do it too.

Mr Potter gave him a short, measuring look and then smiled gently.

"You have to admit that you've brewed quite a mess for yourself. That's why I'm glad I could help."

"I know," Scorpius muttered, knowing that that description hardly showed the seriousness of the situation. Yet in that house, among these people who were surprisingly kind to him, it was somehow easier to shoulder it all. Then he looked at Albus, who smiled gently, and he, too, smiled faintly. "I'll do everything not to pull off a stunt like that again."

Unexpectedly, Mr Potter laughed openly.

"You don't even know how many times I made similar promises when I was your age."

It wasn't a very optimistic forecast, but Scorpius somehow didn't take it too harshly. Then he remembered the words of Professor McGonagall, and suddenly, it all seemed even more amusing.

"Professor McGonagall once said that you never listened to warnings and did everything your way."

The man rolled his eyes and then walked over to the boys, placing his hands on their shoulders.

"I'll let you in on a secret," he whispered somewhat conspiratorially. "Not many people have received more scoldings from McGonagall than I have."

At that moment, Scorpius imagined young Harry Potter being scolded by the Headmaster, pacing around her office while receiving a lecture on the consequences of irresponsible actions.

"Well, then I might as well compete with you," he added, genuinely amused.

"Maybe it's better not to, or our Headmaster might turn entirely grey," Albus concluded, causing another wave of laughter from Mr Potter.

"What's so funny?" They heard an unexpected question from the hallway, and then Lily entered the room. Her face visibly brightened upon seeing the Slytherin.

"You're here!" she exclaimed, approaching him. She looked as if she wanted to hug him but instead stopped halfway, put her hands on her hips, and looked at him seriously. "You lied to me! And I should be really mad at you because you said you couldn't come, but here you are."

Scorpius rolled his eyes.

"You asked about Christmas, not New Year's," he retorted, smiling mischievously.

"But you're so mean, you know that?"

"Of course I do. But I hope that will cool your anger a bit." He then pulled a soft package wrapped in golden paper with a blue ribbon from his bag.

Lily almost immediately lost her facade of righteous anger and eagerly started unwrapping the gift.

"Oh! How beautiful!" she exclaimed while caressing the embroidered snout of a unicorn that emerged from the wrapping.

Taking advantage of the commotion around the gift, Albus nodded to Scorpius, and together, they went towards his room.

"I have something for you as well," Potter said when he picked up a small package from his desk.

Scorpius gave him a strange look. He had a gift for Gryffindor in his bag, too, but he hadn't expected to receive anything in return.

"I was going to give that to you when we returned to school, but since the opportunity has arisen..." Albus added as he handed over the gift.

Becoming increasingly intrigued, Scorpius looked at the package and opened it without much hesitation. Inside was a small mirror in a simple wooden frame. He glanced questioningly at his companion.

"It's a two-way mirror," Albus explained. "I have the other one. So if you ever need... I don't know… to talk, or if you find yourself in trouble again, you can contact me. Just say..."

"I know how these mirrors work," Scorpius muttered, still examining the gift. He wasn't particularly thrilled that Albus' words seemed to lack any doubt that more trouble was on the horizon. "Your faith in my abilities is, as I can see, enormous," he added.

"It's not like that," Gryffindor retorted. "Though I admit it's hard for me to believe you'll be a model student who always follows the rules throughout school. It's against your nature."

Scorpius should have been offended, but he was fully aware that Albus was right. He could try and make an effort, but problems just seemed to gravitate towards him. It would be naive to assume things would be any different in the future.

"Thanks," he finally replied, putting the gift in his bag. "If not because of trouble, at least I'll be able to wake you up in the middle of the night."

Albus just shook his head and didn't comment in any way. Instead, he sat on the bed and stared intently at Scorpius for a moment.

"Do you remember when you used to come to the greenhouse when I was serving detention?" he asked finally.

"How could I forget? Why do you ask?"

"Back then, you helped me with the Protego spell."

Scorpius already had a hunch about where that conversation was headed. He remembered those short tutoring sessions. At the time, he didn't want anything to do with Gryffindor and considered helping out with detention as a form of self-punishment.

It truly felt like those events had occurred years ago, even though barely a year had passed. So much has changed since then. He had changed, so when Albus approached him with a similar request, Scorpius' attitude was entirely different. Leaving everything else aside, he owed a significant debt of gratitude to Potter. But even if it were not so, he would be unable to refuse.

"Okay."

Albus looked surprised and then smiled slightly.

"Thanks. Lately, I feel like I'm falling behind," he added, then glanced to the side. "Not that I was ever particularly ahead."

"Oh, don't be so dramatic. We'll turn you into a decent wizard."

"I'm not being dramatic! I just seem to lack motivation sometimes. I wonder where you find the energy to spend so much time buried in books."

Scorpius smiled slyly.

"It's simple. I imagine the faces of all those I don't like when they see that I know more than they do."

Albus rolled his eyes.

"I preferred not knowing that."

"As if you didn't know I'm a sneaky git," Scorpius laughed.

Gryffindor glanced at him briefly with a strange expression.

"Sometimes I forget," he said half-jokingly and half-seriously. Then, with a more normal tone, he added, "Let's go eat something."

"Wait, I have something for you, too," Scorpius stopped him, taking out a gift from his bag for Albus.

Potter didn't appear too much surprised, but that changed when he saw the contents of the present.

"Where did you get the idea that I'm into photography?"

"You know, it just occurred to me," Scorpius replied, glancing at the wall where there was a whole collection of various photographs.

As they descended the stairs, Mrs Potter invited them to the table, where the rest of the family was already waiting. The festive New Year's Eve dinner was filled with conversations about holiday attractions and speculations about what the upcoming year had in store for them.

"Something big is definitely in the works," James said mysteriously, catching the attention of the others. "I don't know the details, but Ned McAllen, our prefect, recently let slip that McGonagall called them and presented a project for an event that's supposed to increase integration between the Houses."

Scorpius exchanged glances with Albus. The past few months had shown that inter-house divisions were deeply rooted. It was hard to imagine anything having a positive impact on that. Joint activities and Quidditch matches seemed far too little to bridge the gap.

"A bit of a break from the school routine will do you good," Mrs Potter commented.

"Maybe they'll organise a trip for us or something," Lily mused. "Like to Paris!"

"Yes, because visiting the Eiffel Tower will definitely help resolve those conflicts," James mocked.

"It certainly wouldn't hurt," the little girl retorted.

While Scorpius seriously doubted that that was Professor McGonagall's idea, he had to admit he'd be happy to go on such a trip. He should definitely inquire about it when they have their next joint classes. If he chose his words carefully, perhaps he could get some information on the subject.

After some time, when everyone had finished their meal, Mrs Potter, along with her husband and Lily, began to clear the table. Meanwhile, the boys sat on the sofa, watching the television broadcast from places where the New Year had already begun. James joined them at one point.

"Albus, Dad needs to talk to you," the older brother said, taking a seat in the chair next to them.

"I'll be right there," Albus replied, and after a moment, he disappeared behind the door. Scorpius only briefly considered it might be a coincidence because when he saw James's expression, there was no doubt that he had intentionally gotten rid of Albus.

"Father said they closed your case," Potter spoke as soon as his younger brother was out of sight.

Scorpius eyed him suspiciously. Since James, along with Albus, had saved him from the Curse of Wrath, their relationship had become, if not friendly, at least neutral. Currently, Gryffindor's expression wasn't hostile but more focused. Thus, Scorpius eventually nodded.

"I always thought you were a hothead, but I never expected you to pull something like that," James continued.

"I didn't intend to involve Albus," Scorpius grumbled, sensing where Potter was headed.

"I've noticed that you don't seem to plan most things, but they just seem to happen. Albus isn't any better. You're both only fifteen, and you wandered through half of England by yourselves. It doesn't speak well of either of your judgments. I can understand it a bit more with Albus, as he often acts impulsively, but I thought you had more common sense."

Scorpius didn't expect to hear such words from the elder Potter.

"I'm not his nanny," he argued, although he knew that it was a weak defence. Weak because he knew James was right.

"Your actions have a more significant impact on him than I would like to. I know you don't intend to harm him; I realised that a while ago. But, as they say, the road to hell is paved with good intentions."

Scorpius sighed heavily. He never thought he'd be receiving a lecture from James Potter on that New Year's Eve. He could probably cross off the last person on the list who had a reason to do so.

"What should I tell you? Trouble seems to find me. The best I can do is try to keep Albus away from it."

"And sometimes, you could try thinking not only for yourself but also for him," James advised.

Scorpius looked at James, somewhat amused.

"I can see you have a lot of faith in him."

"I just know what he's like."

As midnight drew near, the entire family gathered in the living room. A moment later, Mr Potter teleported them to a small hill, offering a perfect view of the city. The surroundings were deserted, so when the clock struck twelve, they could peacefully admire the show that Mr and Mrs Potter had arranged for them. Various sparkling, colourful creatures dashed across the sky. Luminous buildings appeared and dissolved while hundreds of beautiful flowers bloomed, both large and small. In the background, they could see the festival of colours from the fireworks set off in London itself. Sipping champagne, they didn't even feel the cold despite the surrounding fields and meadows covered in a thick layer of snow.

Scorpius gazed at all of that, truly hoping that he could close a chapter of his life by the end of that year. Regardless of how he looked at it, it had been an unusual year, and even though not everything in it was bad, Scorpius counted on the next one being somewhat more forgiving.