Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy were enjoying a late breakfast when Narcissa noticed an envelope on the table. She opened it and read the short letter then hastily tried to hide it. Lucius looked up from his Daily Prophet.
–What’s that?†he asked, casually.
–Just a note from Draco,†replied Narcissa carefully. Her face was even paler than usual.
Lucius smiled. –He wrote to tell us about Scorpius being the next great Slytherin?â€
–Not exactly.â€
Blissfully unaware of the fact that his grandfather was furiously blasting several Malfoy and Black family heirlooms, Scorpius was enjoying breakfast in the Great Hall with Albus and Rosie. Rosie’s roommate, Shannon Finnigan, had just joined them as Merlin arrived with a letter for Scorpius.
Dear Scorpius,
I can’t begin to tell you how pleased I am that you’re happy and of course I’m proud of having a son in Gryffindor. I’ll always be proud to have you for a son. Gryffindor wasn’t exactly what we were all expecting, but I know that Gryffindor has gained an excellent student. Perhaps it’s time for the Malfoy family to branch out into new areas. I’ll cancel your application to Durmstrang first thing in the morning. Try to stay out of detention, but have fun.
Love,
Dad
Scorpius couldn’t help but grin in relief; nevertheless, he folded up the letter before anyone saw what his dad had written.
–Isn’t Professor Longbottom amazing?†sighed Shannon as she gazed at the Head Table.
–Sorry?†asked Albus, clearly not seeing what was particularly amazing about his Uncle Neville, who was currently brushing toast crumbs off his front.
Shannon blushed. –I just mean, it’s so cool to be taught by one of the heroes of the war.â€
Albus and Rosie looked at each other rather awkwardly. Shannon blushed even more. –Well, I mean… obviously you two are used to it… I mean, your parents are…†She looked around rather nervously and finally asked Scorpius, –Pass the orange juice, please?â€
Wishing to avoid a discussion on parentage, Scorpius passed the juice and added, –I think Professor Longbottom’s pretty cool. What did he do in the war though?â€
Suddenly Scorpius had the impression that everyone at the Gryffindor table was staring at him as though he’d just asked what self-stirring cauldrons did. Fortunately, Rosie quickly filled him in. –Professor Longbottom led the resistance against Death Eaters from within Hogwarts while he was still a student. He united three of the four houses and helped keep the students hidden, and then he helped lead them into battle when Voldemort attacked the school. He also beheaded Voldemort’s pet snake, with the sword of Gryffindor, when Voldemort tried to kill him.â€
Scorpius was suitably impressed; he decided not to ask which of the four houses hadn’t united with the others to save Hogwarts. Instead he inquired, –So, why isn’t he teaching us Defence Against the Dark Arts?â€
Albus shrugged. –Dad said he always liked plants.â€
–So what’s your dad like?†Shannon asked Albus eagerly.
–Umm… he likes Quidditch,†he replied awkwardly.
–Can he really talk to snakes?†called out Mike Creevey.
–Not anymore.â€
–But he used to be able to, right?†continued Mike eagerly.
–I guess.†Albus was looking rather uncomfortable with the attention.
–And both your parents helped Harry Potter beat Voldemort, didn’t they?†Adam asked Rosie.
–Erm, yes. A lot of people helped,†she replied, beginning to go a bit red. –I think we ought to go to Charms soon, don’t you think?â€
Scorpius cottoned on quickly. –Good idea; we don’t know the castle too well yet.â€
On their way to Charms class, Scorpius asked in a low voice, –Do people do that to you all the time?â€
Rosie made a face. –Well, not too often. I mean, our cousins are so used to our parents that it doesn’t mean much to them anymore. But Mum and Dad still get stopped at the Three Broomsticks and other places sometimes.â€
–Yeah, Dad gets stopped in the streets a lot,†added Albus, just as they reached the Charms classroom.
–Yeah, it’s not all that great having famous parents,†muttered Rosie.
–You think you have problems,†replied Scorpius in a mock tone.
Rosie couldn’t help but giggle at that.
Lucius’s angry voice filled the room. –How dare you? You are a disgrace to the name Malfoy and to this family! I ought to disown you! Did I fail to teach you anything about the importance of the purity of blood?â€
Draco listened to his father’s rantings echo throughout his study. He sighed and rubbed his temples while watching his cup of coffee shake.
–…obviously haven’t instilled any of the proper values in Scorpius. Your mother and I have never been so ashamed…â€
At these words, Draco tried to start some paperwork. He knew from experience that his father could go on like this for a while. After nearly a half hour, the Howler finally came to an end. By this point Draco wasn’t in the best of moods and quickly scribbled a reply.
Father,
You’re the one who raised me, so this is probably your fault and quite frankly, I’m too old to be cowed by a Howler. Disown me if you want; I’m already wealthier than you. I also suspect that I have a much more accurate idea of ‘the importance of the purity of blood’ than you ever will.
Regards,
Draco
p.s. If you so much as hint to my son that you are disappointed in him, I will make certain that you regret it.
After sending off his missive, Draco was still rather out of sorts. He picked up Scorpius’s letter of the night before and re-read it. Now that the initial shock of the Gryffindor placement had begun to wear off, Draco noticed several other points in his son’s letter. It seemed that the world had been turned upside down; not only had his son been put in Gryffindor, he wanted to be friends with a Potter and a Weasley and, most disturbing, Neville Longbottom had somehow managed to become cool.
Draco shook his head in disbelief and returned to his paperwork. At the rate things were going, he was almost expecting Goyle to be declared a genius. He was still fairly confident that the world of basic maths had been left unchanged and decided that accounting would be a safe task for the remainder of the afternoon.
–How’d you do that?†Albus whispered to Scorpius, in awe.
–I have no idea,†Scorpius whispered back.
After nearly an hour, the majority of the class had seen no change in their matches. Scorpius had just succeeded in making his explode, which he would have considered a greater accomplishment, if he hadn’t been trying to Transfigure it into a needle.
–Umm, Scorpius? Your eyebrow’s a bit singed.â€
–Great.†Scorpius noticed Professor Horton heading towards them and was hoping he wouldn’t take points for blowing up the match. Fortunately, the class bell rang and they were excused.
–Aren’t you coming to the Great Hall?†Rosie asked.
–I’ll be there in a bit. I’d like to see what’s left of my eyebrow first,†Scorpius answered. He waved goodbye to Albus and Rosie and began a search for the nearest boys’ bathroom.
Scorpius was relieved to see that his right eyebrow was mostly still there, although it didn’t look quite as blond anymore. Suddenly he stiffened; the reflection in the bathroom mirror showed Bernard and Adam heading towards him. Scorpius turned around and realized that the two other boys were between him and the door.
–You may have the Weasley and Potter kids fooled, but we know what sort of scum you and your family really are,†growled Bernard.
–What did I ever do to you?†demanded Scorpius.
–Well for starters, your father sat and watched while my aunt was tortured and murdered,†spat Bernard.
–I have no idea what you’re talking about,†argued Scorpius.
Rather than reply, Bernard punched him in the stomach. Scorpius gasped as the air was knocked out of him. Before he was able to stand up straight, Adam had grabbed his arms from behind.
Ten minutes later, Scorpius was once again alone in the bathroom. He’d been punched several times in the stomach and was sopping wet from the bogwashing. Fighting back tears, he hid in a stall in the bathroom for the rest of lunch.
Once he heard the bell for the next class, Scorpius waited a while before venturing out. He was still wet and his stomach felt bruised. He decided to try to find his way back to Gryffindor Tower. Before he managed to find the portrait of the Fat Lady, Scorpius was discovered by one of the last people he wanted to see: Professor Macmillan.
–Why aren’t you in class, Mr Malfoy?â€
–I… I have a stomach ache.†Scorpius felt this was reasonably close to the truth.
–And you thought you’d swim it off in the lake?†asked Professor Macmillan, who had obviously noticed that Scorpius was still dripping.
–Er, no. I tried splashing some water on my face to help…†Scorpius knew it to be a stupid lie, but couldn’t think of anything better at the time.
Professor Macmillan’s eyebrows raised. Scorpius added hurriedly, –I… I can’t find the hospital wing, could you show me the way, Sir?â€
Professor Macmillan explained that he was rather busy but gave Scorpius directions. Just as Scorpius turned to go, Professor Macmillan added, –I will check with Madam Pomfrey to see that you arrive, if not, I will be taking thirty points.â€
Scorpius gulped. Losing thirty points wouldn’t help his problems in Gryffindor. He followed the Potions Master’s instructions and found himself at the hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey didn’t seem the least bit fooled by Scorpius’s story, but she made him some hot chocolate and prescribed bed rest anyway. She even wrote a note for him to give Professor Binns, although she told him that Professor Binns wouldn’t likely require it.
Scorpius ate his dinner in the hospital wing. He still didn’t much feel like facing anyone. Madam Pomfrey told him if he was feeling better, he could go back to his dormitory for the night.
On his way out the door she added, –And if you want to tell me what really happened, I’ll be here.â€
Scorpius didn’t dare say a word. No matter how nice Madam Pomfrey had been, he didn’t want to tell anyone how he’d been humiliated. Upon climbing through the portrait hole, he heard a squeal.
–Scorpius! Where have you been? You never came back from lunch and then you missed History of Magic and dinner too. We’ve been looking for you everywhere!†Rosie ran up to him with Albus right behind her.
Looking beyond his friends, Scorpius noticed Bernard and Adam sitting in chairs by the fire. –I wasn’t feeling well, so I went to the hospital wing.â€
He hated lying to Rosie and Albus but he couldn’t bring himself to admit what had happened, especially in front of Adam and Bernard.
–Are you feeling better now?†asked Rosie, concern evident in her wide blue eyes.
–Yeah, but I think I’ll go to bed early anyway,†he answered, heading towards the boys’ dormitories.
–Professor Binns is pretty boring; you didn’t miss much. We can lend you our notes if you like,†added Albus.
Scorpius turned and smiled in gratitude. –Thanks; that would be good.†As he left, he noticed Adam and Bernard whispering with Josh Thomas. Scorpius hoped he hadn’t made yet another enemy.
Scorpius tried to stay close to Albus the next day. He was fairly certain that neither Bernard nor Adam would bother him as long as one of his friends was nearby. Still, he felt ashamed to have to hide behind them.
Rosie still seemed worried about him. –Are you sure you’re feeling better? You’ve hardly touched your food.â€
–I’m fine,†he lied. In truth, he was becoming increasingly nervous about the fact that he couldn’t stay in Albus’s shadow forever. He was also quite certain that Adam and Bernard didn’t consider whatever debt his family owed them to be fully paid.
–At least we have Defence this afternoon. That ought to be interesting,†added Albus.
This thought did cheer Scorpius somewhat; perhaps he’d learn how to defend himself from those bullies.
–Today we’ll be practicing a very basic defensive spell,†announced Professor Proudfoot. –Do not be fooled by the fact that it is simple; simple spells can be excellent defensive maneuvers. This spell, which can be mastered by a first year, became the signature move of Harry Potter.â€
At this, most of the class stared at Albus, who squirmed in his seat uncomfortably. Undaunted, Professor Proudfoot continued, –Not only did Harry Potter use this spell to escape from Lord Voldemort at the age of fourteen, it is also the spell he used to ultimately defeat him. Now, who can tell me what it is?â€
Bernard raised his hand. –A Stunning Spell, Sir?â€
–No. Anyone else?â€
Scorpius had no idea what the correct answer was, but was delighted that Bernard had gotten it wrong.
Mike Creevey guessed, –The Patronus Charm?â€
–No, that’s actually fairly advanced magic, which we won’t cover until NEWTs.â€
–The Body Bind?†asked Cassandra Tulley.
–A reasonable guess, but no.â€
Albus raised his hand. –Expelliarmus.â€
–Yes, excellent! The Disarming Spell. Five points to Gryffindor.†Scorpius grinned at his friend to congratulate him, but Albus looked rather red in the face.
Professor Proudfoot continued, –The Disarming Spell is one of the basic spells that everyone ought to know. May I have a volunteer?â€
Several students squirmed in their seats. It was apparent that no one particularly wanted to volunteer. Deciding that things could hardly get worse, Scorpius raised his hand.
–Thank you Mr Malfoy. Please come to the front of the class, and bring your wand.â€
Scorpius found it slightly disconcerting that Professor Proudfoot hadn�t needed to check the seating chart but obediently walked to the front of the class, wand clutched firmly in his hand.
Professor Proudfoot continued, –I just need you to stand about there. Face me holding your wand tightly, and on the count of three, I’ll Disarm you.â€
Scorpius hoped it wouldn’t hurt, but tried not to let is show that he was worried.
–One...â€
Scorpius gripped his wand tightly.
–Two…â€
He set his teeth.
–Three. Expelliarmus!â€
The hawthorn wand flew from his grasp, landing uncomfortably close to Bernard.
–Well done, five points to Gryffindor! You can retrieve your wand, Mr Malfoy. Meanwhile, everyone pair up. I want you to practice on each other. Even if you know other spells, don’t practice them on your ‘attacker’ simply try to hold on to your wand, and let your opponent know if you feel a pull.â€
There was a scraping of chairs as everyone began to assemble into pairs. Scorpius grabbed his wand and turned to see that Rosie was already partners with Shannon.
–Want to be partners?†asked Albus.
–Sure!â€
Neither of the boys noticed the bemused expression on their teacher’s face.
Albus’s eyes met Scorpius’s gray ones. –Does it hurt?â€
–No,†Scorpius answered. –It’s just a tug on the wrist.â€
After practicing the spell on each other a few times, Scorpius finally felt a gentle pulling. A few tries later, Albus reported the same. It seemed no one in the class had really mastered the Disarming Spell yet.
Meanwhile, Proudfoot was prowling about the room, commenting on their attempts. –Careful with your pronunciation, Creevey. Tulley, you need to flick your wrist more. Remember class, you have to say the incantation like you mean it!â€
After a half hour, Scorpius finally managed to cause Albus’s wand to fly out of his hand. Professor Proudfoot had apparently been watching. –Well done, Malfoy! Keep up the good work!â€
By the end of class, a few other students had managed the spell. Professor Proudfoot had assigned mastery of it for homework. –Next class, you’ll each have to Disarm me. Don’t forget to leave your essays on my desk on your way out.â€
–I never want to hear Expelliarmus again,†grumbled Scorpius on their way to the Great Hall.
–Me either,†agreed Albus.
–Well, too bad, because I still can’t do it quite right,†added Rosie, with a sigh of frustration.
–I thought I saw Shannon’s wand fly out of her hand,†said Scorpius.
–No, she just got tired and wasn’t holding on tight enough,†Rosie explained.
–Well, since you’re lending me your History of Magic notes, we can practice before Astronomy, if you want,†Scorpius offered.
–Thanks. I really don’t want to be the only one in the class who can’t do it right.â€
–Don’t worry, you probably only need a little bit of practice,†Scorpius assured her.
Scorpius had been happy for the excuse to practice with Rosie. The common room was a very safe place for him, especially with James, Fred, Gideon, and Arthur popping in and out. Scorpius didn’t know Gideon or Arthur very well but knew they were brothers, sons of Rosie’s uncle, Percy. Gideon was in third year and could often be found with Fred and James. Arthur was a fifth year and didn’t spend much time with his younger cousins. At that precise moment, Arthur was discussing strategies for Quidditch with his fellow Chaser, Yusef.
Albus had agreed to go exploring with Nigel, Josh, Mike, and Adam. Much to Scorpius’s discomfort, Bernard stayed in the common room, within earshot of him and Rosie all evening. Bernard had even offered to help Rosie practice the spell just as Scorpius was returning from putting his books away in the dormitory. Scorpius couldn’t help but feel a bit smug that Rosie had declined, explaining that her friend had already offered to help her.
It was nearly time to go to Astronomy class when Rosie had finally gotten the Disarming Spell to work properly. By this point, Scorpius had become quite good at it. James and Fred had joined their practice after Gideon had left to do homework. It had been a fun evening, even with Bernard skulking nearby.
When Albus and the others returned, Scorpius waited to go get his telescope with Albus. Once they were alone in the dormitory, Scorpius asked, –Albus? Today in class you knew the answer to Professor Proudfoot’s question all along, didn’t you?â€
–Mhmm,†mumbled Albus.
–So, why didn’t you answer right away?â€
Albus reddened slightly. –You know how everyone expects you to be a horrible person because of something your father did? Well, it’s not exactly easy when everyone expects you to do something brilliant because your father saved the world when he was seventeen. I don’t like the way they stare at me any more than you like how they stare at you.â€
Grimacing, Scorpius explained, –You know, my dad really isn’t a horrible person, like everyone says. He’s really nice. You’d like him.â€
Albus grinned in reply. –Can you keep a secret?â€
Upon seeing his friend nod, he continued, –Mum’s always saying she can’t understand how anyone who managed to defeat Voldemort can’t remember a grocery list. Dad’s pretty normal; you’d like him too.â€