Disclaimer - I do not own Harry Potter.

Note - Well here it is. The start of Scorpius's story, Rebel Malfoy. I hope you guys are just as excited to read this as I am to write it. This will obviously start from Scorpius's first year, and as it goes along will be . . . well like a companion to Slytherin's Potter. Anyways, read, enjoy, and let me know what you think.

Rebel Malfoy

Chapter One: What to Expect?

Scorpius gave one last wave to his parents before they were out of sight. Then he stared at the bricks of the tunnel they began to pass through, his mind everywhere at the moment.

"Man, I thought that crap would never end," Mitchell Avery grumbled. Scorpius glanced over at his best friend. His black hair was ridiculously long around face, hiding his dark eyes behind his bangs. He sat with his arms crossed, leaning back against the seat of the compartment.

"You're just angry because Kim got a new owl, and you have to share one with Nate," Lana said with a roll of her eyes. She combed her fingers through her short brown hair, her blue eyes bored.

"Well it's stupid," Mitch mumbled. "Just because it's her testing year. What a load of crap."

"Yeah well I have to share one with my sister," Lars retorted. His hair was dark and cut impeccably short, allowing you to see his water blue eyes. He sat as the tallest of them, although not by much.

"I can't imagine why. It can't be because we're twins," Lana muttered sarcastically.

"Well I hate being twins," Lars argued. "We have to have the same room! The same bathroom, the same kind of sweater! Why must we share everything?"

"Because our mum is insane and Dad doesn't care about what she dresses us in," Lana countered. Scorpius looked away to keep from laughing, because it was true. And it was obvious by how Lars and Lana were both dressed in dark green sweaters, although Lars had attempted to make it look different. He'd stretched out the collar, and rolled the sleeves up. Lana simply hadn't cared too much.

"How did a woman like Mum have children like us?" Lars questioned with a sigh.

"The world works in mysterious ways," Scorpius commented.

"I'm just glad to be out of the house. Finally I won't have to listen to a million different voices," Mitch mentioned. "I mean, I love my siblings, but it gets to be a little much."

"I've been to Quidditch matches that are quieter than your house," Lars joked.

"Maybe I should move in with you, Scor. Your place is quiet," Mitch commented with a chuckle.

Scorpius grinned. "I don't think anyone would notice if you did. The place is big enough."

"No I call moving in with Scor! He's practically my brother anyways!" Lars argued.

"Exactly. You go over there a lot already. So I should be able to be the one to move in," Mitch countered, starting a debate between the two of them.

Lana sighed and looked over at Scorpius. "I hate them both."

Scorpius rubbed at his stomach as he made his way down the train. The trolley had already passed their compartment, but it wasn't until now that he found himself hungry for at least a snack. And with a good amount of money in his pockets, he was ready to get enough to last the trip.

And it was when he was mindlessly counting the coins in his pockets, his fingers running over each of them, that he ran into somebody, knocking them both to the ground.

"Ow," Scorpius muttered softly, rubbing at his side, which had hit the wall. He stood up a bit shakily, and looked to see a girl his height standing as well, dusting off her uniform. Scorpius scowled. Why was she already dressed for school? They still had hours, right?

When the girl finally looked up, looking ready to say something, Scorpius finally got a look at her face. She looked like an average girl to Scorpius. Fair skin, big brown eyes, and long brown hair. But then Scorpius felt queasy at the look in those eyes. Obvious fear. And her mouth was frozen with those words. It was obvious she could tell he was a Malfoy. After all, a lot of people could easily tell. He looked just like his father.

Scorpius felt awkward, and tried to find something to say. Then he noticed an unopened Chocolate Frog on the floor. "Is that-,"

Scorpius never got to finish his words, because the girl took off and ran down the train, leaving Scorpius standing there, pointing at the candy on the floor.

Scorpius didn't know what to call the feelings that were running through him. He picked up the Chocolate Frog and looked at it. An emotion rushed through his stomach, and he was no longer hungry, so he turned and stormed back to his compartment.

Scorpius wasn't stupid. He knew what his father had done in the war. In fact, his father had sat him down long before he'd gotten his letter to Hogwarts, and explained it to him. It was a conversation that he knew he'd always remember.

Flashback

"It's nothing I'm proud of Scorpius," Draco told his seven-year-old son. "And I know you may not understand it, but you deserve to know."

Scorpius stared at the wood of the table in front of him. "So that's why people stare and whisper when we walk by?" he asked.

Draco nodded. "Yes. And you need to know, because when you go to Hogwarts, people might treat you differently because of our family's past."

Scorpius nodded to show he understood, when really part of it confused him. And he was going to figure it out. "But, Dad, . . . if our family changed at the end, and we've done all we can to show that we're different . . . then why do people still hate us?"

Draco sighed as he ran a hand over his son's hair. "Not everyone hates us. Some are just mistrustful. And they have every right to be. Fear is powerful, Scorpius." He leaned back into his chair. "Besides, I knew from the beginning that my attempts to prove I have changed wouldn't satisfy everyone. You can never satisfy everyone. You can only be proud of what you've accomplished. And while I'm not proud of what I did, I'm proud of how I've changed. And I'm proud of my family, and nothing will change that."

Scorpius looked up at his father, and saw the honesty and pride in his eyes. Scorpius smiled. "I'm proud of you too, Dad."

End of Flashback

Scorpius knew what might happen when he went to Hogwarts. Really, his father had warned him that he might be treated this way. But the fact that this girl flatly ran away from him? It just . . . threw something around in Scorpius's stomach.

When Scorpius marched into the compartment, Lars looked confused at the one Chocolate Frog in his hand. "I thought you were going to spend all your money?"

Scorpius ignored him and ripped open the candy. The frog jumped, and Mitch caught him easily. "Dibs?" he asked.

Scorpius didn't answer and didn't care. Especially when he saw the card inside.

Harry Potter

When another sickening rush of that emotion came in a wave over Scorpius, he was finally able to name it. So he went to the window, opened it, and threw the card out as hard as he could.

Anger.

Scorpius was basically silent for the rest of the ride, his mind unable to let go of the incident. He had told the others what had happened, and they'd each had something to say.

"Scorpius, we were all warned about how people might treat us because of our fathers' decisions. You can't let this one get to you, because how are you going to act when more do it?" Lana pointed out.

"Don't worry. Soon, we'll be taught how to hex people that do that to us," Lars told him.

"Screw her," Mitch had said.

But Scorpius couldn't get past it. He didn't even know that girl! And all she knew about him was his last name. Apparently, that was reason enough for her to run away from him. Apparently his personality was unneeded for people to hate him.

When they got off the train together, there was a giant man holding a lantern, yelling toward the students. "Firs' years! Firs' years, this way!" His voice was bellowing, almost making the ground vibrate under their feet.

"Boats?" Mitch muttered as they approached. "We have to ride boats? What if some kids get seasick?"

"Then they puke in the water. Suck it up, Mitchell!" Lana groaned as she walked past him to climb in a boat.

Scorpius clapped Mitch's shoulder as he moved to get into one of the boats. "Let's just get through and hope she doesn't push us overboard."

"Are you over the incident now?" Lana asked.

Scorpius shrugged. "I don't know. It won't leave my head. I just don't get it."

"The beauty of being a kid," Lars replied as he joined them. "We don't have to get it. Just tough it up."

The four of them were silent as they sat on the boat. Once all the other first years loaded onto the boats, they began floating across the water, following the giant man, who was in the boat ahead of them all, the lantern lighting their way.

When Hogwarts came into sight, Scorpius knew what his father meant about it being "a magnificent sight" at first glance. Even in the distance, the way it was lighted gave off a sense of wisdom and life. That was when it hit Scorpius. He was going to spend seven years here. Life really did happen in this castle.

"Woah, dude," he heard Mitch mumble beside him.

"Cool," Lars whispered.

Other whispers and murmurs floated around as the first years took in the sight of Hogwarts. It was really all anyone was talking about. Scorpius was silent as he took it all in. This was Hogwarts, the school that had seen and been through everything.

When the boats docked, the giant man waved his hand for them to follow. "This way, firs' years!"

They all followed him, some still whispering about the castle. Scorpius and his friends stayed silent though. Mainly, because of some of the looks they received from others. Hatred, mistrust, and fear. Scorpius felt slightly guilty. His bet was that none of these kids knew who Mitch, Lana, and Lars were by looks. But they sure knew him, and since they were walking with him . . . they probably already hated his friends too.

When they reached the grand entrance of the castle, the doors were open, showing hints of the marvelous interior. But a man stood at the entrance, obviously waiting for them. He was dressed in smart black robes, his arms crossed. He was thicker in build, although to Scorpius it didn't seem like muscle or fat. Just his natural build. His hair was blonde, and there was a pink color on his cheekbones. And his smile was friendly.

"Here ya are, Professor Longbottom," the giant man said.

This man, Professor Longbottom, gave a nod. "Thank you, Hagrid. Please, first years, follow me."

They all began to follow this new man, while Scorpius glanced back at the giant. Hagrid, that was his name.

Lars elbowed Scorpius lightly. "Hey, wasn't Hagrid the big buffoon my dad told us about in stories when they were kids?"

Lana reached over and pinched her twin. "Shut up! If we act like dad did at our age, we really will be no better."

"I was just asking!" Lars argued quietly. "It's not like I really think he's a buffoon! I don't even know him!"

Scorpius just rolled his eyes, while Mitch blew a bit of hair away from his eyes. "Thank Merlin I don't have a twin."

"I'm with ya," Scorpius said with a sigh.

Professor Longbottom led them through a giant entrance hall. It was huge! Scorpius could hear voices coming from a set of large, ornate, closed doors. It must be the Great Hall his father had told him about. But they didn't go in there. Instead, the professor led them down a hall, and ushered them into a plain room, confusing just about everyone.

But the professor came to stand in front of them all. "Welcome to Hogwarts, kids. My name is Professor Longbottom. I teach Herbology, and am the Deputy Headmaster. Soon, I will take you into the Great Hall. Before taking seats, you will all be Sorted into the House best suited for you. The Houses are Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, and Hufflepuff.

"At Hogwarts, Houses are like your families. You sleep in the same dorms, share a table at meals, and share classes. And together, you will compete against the other Houses for the House Cup. It is based on the amount of House points your House collects. Good deeds win points, trouble loses points." He explained this all to them, and looked around.

"Now," he continued, "I will be back in a moment to take you to the Great Hall. Simply wait here." He moved through the kids, who all quickly tried to move for him. Then with one last look at them, he left them, closing the door.

Tensed conversations quickly sprang up. Scorpius didn't feel like talking, but Mitch soon nudged him. Scorpius looked at him, as did the other two. "What?" he asked.

Mitch motioned ahead of them. "Look who else is coming to Hogwarts this year."

They all looked to where Mitch was looking. It made Scorpius stop for a moment. A short boy was standing with about four other kids, all talking among themselves. He had messy black hair, and green eyes behind a pair of glasses. You didn't have to be a genius to know that this was Harry Potter's son. Scorpius had seen pictures of The Chosen One, in the papers, and this kid looked a lot like him. And even worse, the girl standing next to him . . . it was the same girl that'd ran from him on the train.

"A Potter, huh?" Lars mumbled. He looked at the others. "Well, do we be friendly, or indifferent?"

"I choose indifferent," Lana said. "Why risk looking like a chump or a suck-up just to be friendly?"

"I'm with Lana," Mitch agreed.

Scorpius only nodded, but he found himself looking at the group around the Potter boy. There was the girl from before, and next to her were two other boys. They were obviously twins, with small differences. They were both short and scrawny in build. One had short blond hair, while the other's blonde hair was a bit longer. And on the other side of Potter was another girl, although she didn't seem to be talking to them. She actually seemed pretty angry. Like she was pouting. Scorpius would admit that she was kind of pretty. She had dark red hair that flowed down her back. Her blue eyes were sharp, and showed her anger easily.

Mitch noticed her too. "What's up with the ticked off girl? Think she hates Potter?"

Scorpius just shrugged as he finally looked away. "I dunno."

Mitch chuckled a little. "Looks like a brat," he joked.

The door to the room opened again, and Professor Longbottom smiled at them all. "They're ready for you now," he said. "Follow me."

They followed him all the way back to the Entrance Hall, and this time stopped in front of the big ornate doors that Scorpius had seen earlier. With a simple push, he opened the doors, and then kept walking. The first years followed him slowly, taking in the sights around them. Older students were all murmuring and looking at them. Scorpius shoved his hands into the pockets of his uniform pants, and looked down. Sometimes, mainly now, he wished his hair was as long as Mitch's. Just so people wouldn't see his face, and then they wouldn't look at him anymore than they did anyone else.

Professor Longbottom stopped them from going further. In front of them all was a stool, with a ratty and torn hat sitting on it. A large staff table sat behind it, full but for one seat.

Suddenly, the hat stood up straight, and a slit opened, and it began to sing loudly. The first years all looked alarmed, and Mitch even jumped a little.

"What kind of hat is that?" Mitch mumbled.

When the hat finished its song, all the older students and staff began to applaud, so the first years hesitantly followed example. Then Professor Longbottom spoke to them all again.

"When I call your name, come sit on the stool, and I will place the hat on your head for you to be Sorted," he stated. Then he began. "Ackerly, Robbie"

A tall kid with kind of a stocky build stepped forward. Scorpius was honestly surprised that this kid was only eleven. He looked like he could be twelve, or even thirteen maybe. His hair was a strawberry blonde color, and his expression was one of hesitance as he stepped up to the stool. He sat down, and when the hat was placed on his head, it dropped past his nose it was so big.

There was a moment of silence before the hat shouted. "RAVENCLAW!"

All the tables clapped, but a loud round of cheers and applause came from what must have been Ravenclaw's table. When Professor Longbottom pulled the hat from Robbie Ackerly's head, Ackerly got up, and hurried to join his new House.

"Anderson, Ashley." Professor Longbottom called next.

This girl looked to be eleven, unlike the Ackerly boy. She had wavy blonde hair that fell to her shoulders, and she was pretty short. She sat on the stool, and the hat dropped all the way to her chin when placed on her head.

"GRYFFINDOR!"

The Gryffindor table cheered louder than anyone. Even louder than the Ravenclaws had for their new housemate. Ashley Anderson took off the hat, and calmly made her way to the table, with only a small bit of pink on her cheeks. As the next kid was sorted, Robert Anderson, Scorpius couldn't help but looked over the Gryffindor table. The House his father had hated at his age. Scorpius wasn't sure how he felt about this House yet.

"Avery, Mitchell." Professor Longbottom called.

Scorpius looked back to the Sorting as his best friend sighed heavily, and began to make his way to the front. As Mitch sat on the stool, it was unnoticeable to all but his friends on how nervous he looked. It only showed in his eyes, and the slight frown on his lips. The hat was placed on his head, and then disappeared under the large fabric.

"SLYTHERIN!" the hat yelled.

The Slytherin table cheered loudly from their table, but it was obvious that the other Houses didn't share their enthusiasm. Not even their usual polite enthusiasm. But they still applauded, although not with so much vigor as before.

Mitch just pulled off the hat, and made his way over to the table. Scorpius looked at this table too, and already felt a little relief. He recognized faces at this table. Mitch's older siblings, Lars's and Lana's older brother Aaron, plus many others. Scorpius knew he had to be a Slytherin. It simply looked like home to him, and he was sure it'd feel that way too.

"Bella, Roddy" Longbottom called next.

This routine continued name by name.

"Brackett, Sebastian."

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

"Burke, Miranda."

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

"Caper, Trixie."

"RAVENCLAW!"

Scorpius watched with partial interest. When it came to the G's, Lars and Lana both went to Slytherin. It had made Scorpius grin when he saw their reactions, because it was so expected. Lana had hardly seemed to care, while Lars had looked ready to dance. But after them, there was only one girl before it came to M's.

"Malfoy, Scorpius," Professor Longbottom called.

Whispers and murmurs sounded as soon as his name was said, and Scorpius regretted not being at the front of the first years. Because then he wouldn't have had to walk all the way up and listen to what other kids said.

"A Malfoy?"

"They let people like that in Hogwarts?"

"Just when I thought getting two more Goyles was bad!"

"They accepted him after what his father did to this school?"

Scorpius bit his tongue and walked with his head high. "Walk with purpose and pride!" That was what his grandfather taught him. "You are a Malfoy. Be proud of that, because it makes you better." And Scorpius did believe it. If he could be proud of himself, than he was a better person. You couldn't be good and hate yourself at the same time.

When Scorpius sat on the stool, he looked blankly ahead of him, and let the hat fall over his eyes. It smelled old and dusty, and Scorpius almost kind of wanted to sneeze. But he held it in as he heard the hat mumble in his head.

"Ah. A Malfoy? It's been awhile since I've Sorted a Malfoy. Not since your father, as I'm sure you know." Scorpius tried not to jump at the sound of the voice in his head. He tried to stay calm. "Well, you're different from your father. Just as proud as he was, yes. But you don't seem as sure that you'll be a Slytherin. I sense doubt."

Scorpius was thankful that the hat covered his face, because he didn't want anyone to see the gulp of air he needed, and the fear he felt light touches of.

"A very bright young man. Strong. And noble. I sense loyalty. Almost like a Gryffindor . . . but yet different. You're loyal to those you trust. Your family. And your family truly is . . . SLYTHERIN!" it finally yelled out to the school.

Scorpius felt a small bit of relief run through him as the hat was pulled off of his head. As the Slytherins all cheered, the other three Houses hardly clapped at all for him. But he felt better as he got off the stool. He wouldn't have minded being in another House, but he liked the idea of being in Slytherin, where he knew he would be accepted without a thought.

He hurried to go over and took a seat next to Lana. They all looked a little relieved to be in Slytherin. As other kids were Sorted, Slytherin got two other girls. Nikki Montana, and Tamera Nott, who Scorpius actually new pretty well. Their fathers were pretty good friends, so he saw Tamera often. But finally, another name was called, and it caused just as much attention as Scorpius had. Only it was much more positive.

"Potter, Albus."

Whispers went around the room as the Potter boy walked to the stool. And Scorpius heard some of the older kids in Slytherin talking.

"Great, just what Hogwarts needs. Another Potter."

"I wonder if he's a little jerk too."

"Probably. He's a Potter. Probably just as arrogant."

"He'll probably be a Gryffindor."

"Great."

Scorpius turned to look at this boy. Albus Potter. His eyes kept shooting over to the Gryffindor table, and he kept fidgeting. When he sat on the stool, he looked even shorter, and the hat dropped to his chin.

"GRYFFINDOR!" the hat yelled after a few moments.

Scorpius didn't pay attention as people clapped and cheered. His mind was running around the idea of Potter and Gryffindor. The older kids in his House . . . they sounded as if they hated both ideas. But he'd been told that the feud between Slytherin and Gryffindor had died. And he knew that his father no longer held a hatred for Harry Potter. So . . . why were the Slytherins so mistrustful?

More names kept going. The twin boys he'd seen with Potter, Lorcan and Lysander Scamander, had both been Sorted into Ravenclaw. Scorpius had been surprised. He'd have thought that Potter's friends would be Gryffindors too. Then not too long after, the angry girl that had been standing with them was called.

"Weasley, Dominique," Professor Longbottom called.

Another name Scorpius had heard before. Weasley. Apparently, the Malfoys had hated the Weasleys even longer than they hated Harry Potter. Scorpius's father had never really said too much about them, but he'd heard plenty from his grandfather.

"They're all rude, Scorpius," his grandfather had said. "They do whatever they please. Especially now that they're related to Potter!"

"GRYFFINDOR!" the hat yelled.

Scorpius shook out of his thoughts just in time to see the girl looking even more angrier than she had before. It confused Scorpius. What was she so angry about? Scorpius thought that all Weasleys wanted to be Gryffindors.

"Weasley, Rose."

Scorpius's stomach dropped like a rock. The girl who had ran from him on the train. She was a Weasley. His grandfather had been right. You couldn't trust Weasleys! Scorpius turned back to the Slytherin table and scowled down at the wood of the table. Weasleys really did just hate him for his name! They still held a grudge.

"GRYFFINDOR!"

Scorpius felt more relief at the fact that she wasn't in his House. If possible, he never wanted to deal with her again. He could only do his best to avoid her at all costs. How would she feel, he thought, if someone ran from her based on her name? But . . . who would ever run from a famous Weasley? He shook the thoughts from his head. His father wanted him to be calm. To have pride and keep his dignity. Being petty and angry would go against all of that.

When the feast started after a few short words from their headmaster, Professor Brown, Mitch immediately relaxed into his seat. "This is awesome," he sighed.

"At least we ended up in the same House," Lars mentioned before stuffing his mouth full of potatoes.

"Not that I would have cared, but I'm not surprised we all got put in Slytherin. I mean, was there ever doubt?" Lana pointed out.

"No, Scor's too sly to not be a Slytherin," Mitch laughed.

Scorpius smirked. "Like you're any less cunning?"

"I'm an angel!" Mitch joked with a fake offended look. But he couldn't hold it for long before he began to laugh.

"I don't want to know what's considered a devil if you're an angel," Lana mocked with a smile of her own.

After the feast had ended, and most started to grow a bit tired, Professor Brown spoke again, mainly pointing out rules for the first years, along with a few rule reminders to older students. Then he dismissed them all after instructing the first years to follow their fifth year prefects.

"Slytherin first years, this way!" a tall boy called over. He stood with a girl near the middle of the table, obviously waiting for them. The boy had brown hair with bangs that fell neatly just above his brow. The girl was kind of tall too, and had dark copper colored hair with sharp green eyes. Scorpius didn't personally recognize them, although he did feel as if he'd seen the girl before . . . somewhere. One of his parents' parties maybe?

"Ok," the girl said with a sigh, "we are your fifth year prefects this year. I'm Ginger Pritchard, and this is Tyson Derrick. We'll take you to our common room, and fill you in on a few things one the way."

"First of," Tyson started as they began to walk, "is that we hold a lot of pride in Slytherin House, no matter what anyone says. We're a true family and we stick together. Second, if you have any questions, any of the Slytherin prefects are there for you."

"Also, my older brother is our Head Boy, so if you ever need anything, just look for Martin Pritchard," Ginger stated. "The Head Girl is a Hufflepuff named Victoire Weasley. She's a decent girl, so you can always ask her for help too. But I'd be a bit wary of the rest of her family."

"Also, our caretake, Mr. Goyle, will always have your back, no matter what," Tyson assured. "Actually, don't we have two new Goyles with us? Aaron's little siblings?"

Lars raised his hand a little. "Yeah, right here," he said.

Tyson grinned. "Well hi. You know, your brother's a pretty awesome Quidditch player."

"You know, Tyson," Ginger said in a slightly annoyed tone, "now is not the time for you to suck up, so can you wait before you start?"

Tyson sent an obviously fake smile toward Ginger. "Ging, don't think that I'm afraid of you because your brother is Head Boy."

"Tye, don't think that my brother is the reason you should fear me," Ginger retorted. But then she glanced back at the first years. "Anyways, our Head of House is Professor Slughorn who teaches Potions."

They stopped down in the dungeons, and in front of what looked to be just a stone wall. Tyson placed his hand on the wall. "This is the door to our common room. It'll open with a password, which you are to keep within Slytherin House. If it changes, there will be a notice put up in the common room. For now it's slither."

The stone wall began to slide away, and showed them into another room, which Ginger and Tyson walked into with a casual stride, prompting the first years to hurry after them. The common room for Slytherins looked as Scorpius's father had always said. It was a low underground room that was apparently under the lake. It was lighted by hanging green lamps and the fireplace. There were comfy looking chairs and a couch, and tables and chairs that were obviously for studying.

As the wall behind them slid shut, Tyson turned to look at them all again. "The dormitories are up these stairs. The boys go to the right, and the girls to the left. Your things have already been taken to your rooms."

"Also, boys are not allowed up to the girls' rooms. There are spells that prevent that, although not vice versa. A bit sexist, but live with it," Ginger told them.

"And one last thing," Tyson addressed. "We are Slytherin. Our House has always been full of pride, and we intend to keep it that way. We all do our part to win the House and Quidditch Cups, so you do your part as well. But don't let other Houses get to you. Take pride. Now off to bed."

As others started up toward the dorms, Scorpius and the others all stopped to look at each other. "Well, isn't this something," Mitch said with a sigh.

Lana just shrugged. "We're in it for seven years. So, I'm going to bed. If you'll excuse me." Lana brushed past them and made her way for the stairs.

"Hey, little brother!" Nathaniel Avery came to their circle, placing his arm on Mitch's head like an armrest. "I was wondering when I'd see you!" While Nate and Mitch had the same black hair and other features, the two brothers were very different. Nate kept his hair at a reasonable length, and it swept to the side, letting his blue eyes show. He was much more of the aristocrat that Mr. and Mrs. Avery wished Mitch to be.

Mitch shoved his brother's arm away. "Back off, Nate!" he growled in irritation.

But Nate only laughed. "So angry! Chill out, Mitchell. You'll set a bad example to others."

Mitch rolled his eyes. "I suddenly feel like going to bed too," he mumbled.

Scorpius smirked. "Ok, let's go. Later, Nate."

"Sweet dream, boys," Nate said with a grin as he walked back toward some of his own friends.

Mitch just shook his head as they made their way up the stairs. "He's the most annoying brother. I can handle having to go to school with Brandon or Kim, but Nate? And he's only a fourth year! So that's even more time I have to deal with him!"

"Don't worry. Once he hits next year, he'll be busy with things like O.W.L.s and really tough schoolwork," Lars pointed out. "Plus, he'll probably be too busy to deal with the likes of his little brother."

"I can only hope," Mitch grumbled as they walked into the dorm that said "First Years" on the door. Lars opened the door, and they both walked in to see two other boys already unpacking their things. One of them was thin with black hair, and he seemed to be carefully putting up a few pictures near his chosen bed. The other boy was a bit short with wild blonde hair, and he was just throwing clothes into his own dresser.

At their entrance, the blonde boy looked over and then smiled happily. "Hey! I'm Rex Derrick!" he greeted, obviously happy to be distracted from unpacking.

Scorpius shook his hand. "I'm Scorpius Malfoy."

"I'm Lars."

"Mitch. And Derrick as in Tyson's sibling?" Mitch inquired.

Rex's face soured a little. "Don't hold it against me."

Mitch grinned. "I know the feeling. If you meet my siblings, don't hold it against me."

"Deal," Rex said with a laugh.

Lars looked at the other kid. "What's your name?"

The other boy looked toward their group. He didn't seem shy to Scorpius, but as if he were just naturally quiet. "I'm Justin. Justin Warrington."

"Do you have a brother named Ralph?" Lars asked. Justin nodded. "Oh. My brother hangs out with him. He's been over a few times."

"Well, Scor, looks like you're the only single child in the room," Mitch joked.

"Aren't I lucky," Scorpius laughed as he made his way toward his trunk. He opened it, and started to unpack as well. The others began to do the same, although Rex and Mitch talked more than they unpacked.

When Scorpius laid in bed that night, he found himself thinking about his day. It had been an odd mixture of rejection and acceptance. People hated him, except for the Slytherins, who seemed to have no problem welcoming him into their lives. People hated him by his name. And Slytherins seemed wary of other Houses, while the other Houses themselves seemed a less enthusiastic about Slytherin. Maybe this would all turn out different than even his father had expected.