Scorpius Malfoy sat stiffly in his seat, watching and waiting anxiously as his fellow First Years were sorted into their Houses. He knew it would be his turn soon, and he was starting to think that he'd rather be swallowed whole by the Giant Squid.

Scorpius felt completely conflicted about his pending sorting. Even though his parents had told him that they'd love him no matter what House he was sorted into, they made no secret of the fact that they expected him to be in Slytherin. After all, the whole Malfoy family had been in that House for generations. But the thing was…Scorpius wasn't sure that he wanted to be in Slytherin.

Once esteemed, the Malfoy family was now despised by the entire wizarding world. Anyone with the Malfoy name was automatically subjected to glares and derision, regardless of what they had actually done…or, rather, what they hadn't done.

These reflections awoke the memory of an incident that had occurred when Scorpius was five. Two older boys, upon finding out his identity, had thrown him into a pond. He would've drowned had a passerby not intervened. Even now, Scorpius could still hear the stinging words of murderer and Death Eater echoing in his ears.

No, Scorpius did not want to be in Slytherin. He was tired of being judged by what his family had done, tired of the gossiping whispers and accusing looks. Being in Slytherin would only confirm the public's view of him.

But if he didn't make Slytherin, what would his parents say? Would they treat him like a disgrace? Disown him?

All the worst-case scenarios were running rampant in Scorpius's mind when they were suddenly cut short by, "Malfoy, Scorpius!" ringing out across the Great Hall.

Here it comes.

Bracing himself against the stares and whispers of his classmates, Scorpius stood up and began the seemingly eternal walk up to the platform. All the while, he kept his eyes firmly ahead and his face devoid of emotion, as he had long trained himself to do. It was the only way to survive in the dog-eat-dog world that he lived in.

Don't let them see how scared you are.

At last Scorpius reached the stool and sat down upon it. Professor McGonagall dropped the hat onto his head, and Scorpius was grateful when it slipped over his eyes, shielding him from view.

"Well, what do we have here? Another Malfoy?" inquired a sly voice in Scorpius's ear.

Scorpius grimaced slightly.

"And what's this? An overwhelming thirst to prove yourself...just like The Boy Who Lived. You're not like the rest of your family. I see bravery, diligence, and above all, a strong sense of justice. You're not above being condescending and arrogant at times, but you believe that everyone should be given a chance, regardless of reputation. And you try your hardest never to do to others what you despise being done to you. You're also loyal, I see. You'll stand by your friends and family no matter what."

Hearing all this, Scorpius started to feel at ease for the first time since the Sorting began.

Finally, the hat said, "I see a bit of a Slytherin and a Gryffindor in you, but I think you'll do perfectly in...

Scorpius held his breath and braced himself.

"HUFFLEPUFF!"