Snippet #2669006

Scorpius listened with half an ear as the headmaster did his best to assuage worry and to mandate the new rules that would hopefully keep them all safe. As a prefect he should’ve been listening, as a student in general and most definitely as someone whose name was on the dreaded list. Yet his thoughts were muddled by the correspondence that had cropped up between him and his parents when this mess began. His mother, though never overtly affectionate, was concerned for her only child. She wanted Draco to bring their son back home until this mess was sorted. In a situation such as this his parents usually agreed. This was not one of those situations. His father was adamant that Scorpius stayed right where he was, do his duty to his school and to remain ever vigilant. There would be no weakness on any front from any of the Malfoys.

With a small sigh he dropped his cutlery onto his plate of half finished food and scrubbed a hand through his pale hair. It was a habit that belied his anxiety to the outside world if they watched closely enough. Glancing around Scorpius was quick to note everyone rapidly splintering into groups. If he didn’t latch onto someone now he’d be left in the great hall. Merlin’s breath, he’d rather not get stuck in another conversation about turn of the century methods of divination involving chicken bones and entrails. Grimacing at the thought Scorpius spared a glance at Professor Trelawney before springing into action.

Rising to his feet, he quickly took note of the group containing the Scamander Twins and Rose, the closest thing he had to friends. Squaring his shoulders Scorpius let his long legs eat up the distance between and the fairly sizeable crowd as they moved away from the great hall. He didn’t want to appear too eager and did his very best to seem at ease, a well practiced grin sliding across his face as he fell into step.

“Ooh, what are we betting on? Are the odds in my favor?” Scorpius asked cheekily, raising his eyebrows in mock shock.