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Are you referring to your love for Scorpius? Because if you love him so much you ought to help him legally change his name.

Charming.

Though given your parentage I suppose one must take comfort in the knowledge you seem to have the capacity to walk upright and speak in complete sentences. With those two qualities you've already surpassed my expectations of you.

So Professor Snape says.

Given my parentage? I am frequently amazed that Scorpius is as clever as he is and lacking deformities from the sheer amount of inbreeding done between "Old Pureblood Families".

Pleasure to meet you, Mister Malfoy, I'm Albus, I'm in your son's House.

You certainly make an impression. Are insults always your opening gambit conversationally?

Fascinating.

I would have called it a backhanded compliment, actually. Not generally, actually, but on occasion. I've found you find how quick on his feet your conversation partner is when you insult him.

Isn't it?

Al, I make it a habit not to disrespect your parents unprovoked. Could you kindly see to it that you show my father the same respect?

Fi-ine. Sorry. Old habits and all of that.

Yes, I'm aware of that, but as you mentioned we are in the same house. If we plan to make the best of being dormmates and possibly teammates on the Quidditch team the least we can do is show respect to the other's family unless provoked.

Ooh. That's rather civil. Shall we seal our true by putting a potion that'll make James hiccup for a month in his pumpkin juice?

Agreed.

Malfoy.

Potter.

Hello Father. How are you and Mum?

Hello my boy. Are you settled yet? I trust you are putting most of your attention to your studies?

Yes, of course. Classes are rather easier than I expected. I suppose some people will struggle with their studies though. Herbology is loads more interesting than I thought it to be. The things some of those plants can do...

Herbology?

I confess it was not one of my better subjects at school. But a good knowledge is very helpful in Potions. You'll find that being able to identify the best ingredients will give you an edge in the Potions classroom.

Yes, but I plan to make all the subjects a priority. I was speaking with Professor Longbottom at length about some of the plants that are most useful in potions. Apparently potions itself wasn't his strong suit, but I would think if one mastered both subjects they could create just about anything they desired. Wouldn't you agree?

Professor. Longbottom....

Of course.

*rubs temples*

Professor Longbottom was the scourge of the potions classroom. I believe if you look closely at the ceiling in dungeon one you'll see scald marks and a dent from the last cauldron Longbottom blew up in potions.

*mutters* Longbottom

I am pleased by your sensible outlook as always.

He confessed that Potions was not his best subject, just as you confessed that Herbology wasn't yours. He really is brilliant when it comes to plants.

I merely want to learn all that I can while I'm here. If I'm stuck with substandard brooms the least they can do is balance it by providing me with an outstanding education.

*smiles pleasantly*

As always I'm happy to make you proud.

...what about it, Draco?

Hello Father. I suppose even after a lifetime as a son and eleven years as a father myself I still find that I have a great deal to learn.

It's a bit of an intricate dance no? How to raise an independent man without alienating him, supporting versus coddling.

*watching him* It was the hardest thing I ever did, and even then I fear I did not do justice to you, or your mother. Putting you in that position, when you were just a child... *smiles, softly* But your mother. She amazes. You took after her, thank Salazar.

You have always been an attentive and caring father. I like to think of myself as representing the best of you both. But then, I have always been considered rather arrogant. *smiles*

I am sure of one thing though, Scorpius will not be forced to make the same sorts of decisions that you and I had to and that is a weight off my mind.

No. He won't be. *only then does he dare reach over and put a hand on his arm* Arrogant and overly-assured. Then again, it's that very trait that makes the men of our family so...popular. You've heard of who Scorpius is speaking with? And causing such a fuss about.

I have just witnessed...

I have no words for what I have just witnessed.

Lily Potter?

For Merlin's sake.

I don't suppose we could hope this is just some childish infatuation that will be easily dismissed? Or better yet, just him acting out?

I believe we have time for Miss Potter to outgrow her infatuation. She is still too young to attend Hogwarts.

And we're certain it's...one sided?