Dumbledore's Army

t was misty and dim at the station, which rather fit Draco’s mood. It was too bad for Scorpius, though; for his sake Draco would have wished for bright, cheery sunshine. He reminded himself to smile for Scorpius’ sake, or at least to act normal. He couldn’t quite manage many genuine smiles on the day that he had to say goodbye to his son, the most difficult thing Draco could remember doing in a long, long time. “It’s here!” Scorpius said. “I didn’t know it would already be here! Are we late?” “No of course not, Scorpius. Settle yourself. We’re perfectly on time.” “Can I go on right now, Father?” Scorpius said eagerly, and Draco’s heart gave a painful thud. “Wait. Calm down. You’ll be getting on soon enough.” “But I want to go now!” Scorpius said belligerently. Draco pulled Scorpius closer and spoke into his ear. “Show some consideration for your mother’s feelings, please,” he said sternly, and Scorpius looked abashed. “It’s all right, dear,” said Astoria with a gentle

1 smile. “You’re excited. That’s perfectly natural.” come into their lives. The small hand that shook “It’s Hogwarts, Mother!” said Scorpius, and Draco’s in goodbye was clammy with nerves, but Draco could remember his own excitement at the his smile was so bright that Draco longed to pull prospect so many years ago as if it was yesterday. Scorpius into his arms and never let him go. The world had seemed limitless back then. His But he wouldn’t embarrass his son with a dis- friends near him, a golden future before him… play like that. Their private farewells had been What did Scorpius see in his own future? said at the Manor, and this was a time for them The fog parted slightly, revealing a gaggle of all to acknowledge that Scorpius was growing Potters and Weasleys, and Draco stepped back to let into a young man. them pass. Despite the inclusion of some non-red- The train pulled out and Draco watched Potter heads in the crowd, they all still seemed depress- waving to his two boys, and had a rare moment ingly similar: loud and boisterous, with no decorum of complete sympathy. There was almost an air of at all. One of them had to be Potter’s younger son, bereavement on Potter’s face under its cheerful front. who was supposed to be in Scorpius’ year. Astoria slipped her hand into the crook of His son and Harry Potter’s, starting school Draco’s arm, and he held her close. It was just together. Who knew what relationships would be the two of them again. They stayed together for started, or made impossible forever, during this trip. a moment, then Astoria stepped back. “Oh, I just Weasley was talking to his daughter Rose, spotted Queenie,” she said. “Is it still all right also in Scorpius’ year and already in her robes, for her to come to our house for dinner?” Draco strongly reminiscent of her mother in her eager- nodded. “I’ll go talk to her, then. Go on ahead to ness to get to her academic future. Draco nodded our brooms; I’ll catch up.” stiffly to Potter and Weasley as they noticed him. Draco gave her a kiss and turned to leave the sta- Twenty years after they’d gone to school together, tion, passing by the Potter and Weasley herd, now he still had little use for either of them. missing a few of the older children but augmented It seemed like too short a time till Scorpius’ by some smaller ones that must have emerged from trunk and owl cage were on the train, and Scor- the mists like loud ginger wraiths. He nodded as he pius was about to leave. Starting his own future, walked past Potter and Weasley again. away from his parents, taking a part of them with “Draco?” said a voice behind him. “Can I talk to you?” him and leaving them emptier than before he’d He turned, and smiled warmly at the woman walk-

2 3 ing up to him. “Hello, Hermione,” he said. “Of course.” nie, her scrub brush paused, scorn evident in her voice. “Girlfriend of the Boy Who Saved Us All Again.” She paused. “Think I prefer The Head Girl August 27, 2017: Dear Tiggy who Gives Head to Our Saviour. And for Head Boy, would you believe they asked Neville Longbottom?” Millie’s eyes widened and she sat back on her heels. “He couldn’t, he’s eighth-year.” “Apparently that’s what he said, too.” “Who is it, then?” Dear Tiggy: “Mauricius Fiddlethwaite.” I know Scorpius gave you instructions regarding what Millie blinked. “Who the hell is that?” he did and didn’t want you to pack for him for Hogwarts. “Exactly,” said Queenie, and gave a disdainful sniff. “But completely unobjectionable in every way.” I’m putting this in writing so that you can show it to him Draco gave his own cauldron a swipe. “Isn’t he if he gets angry and accuses you of disobeying orders. the one who carried on the DA after Weasley and Please make sure Scorpius has his Mr. Lovegood and Longbottom were gone?” Gummidge when he goes to bed the first night Queenie nodded. “Sort of. Except Longbottom he’s at school. I know he said he’s too old for it, but wasn’t really gone, he was just hiding. Fiddlethwaite trust me, he’s going to want it his first night so far was more like his spokesman than a real leader.” away from home and I have no desire for a “That’s hardly fair, you know,” said Millie. “They repetition of the nightmare incident with the talk forgiveness and working together, but then sleepover at the Davises. stack everything with people from Potter’s side. Why couldn’t they put someone at least slightly Please Apparate directly to whichever House he’s sympathetic to us in there?” Sorted to. I’ve knitted four scarves for Mr. Gummidge; “There’s building bridges and then there’s being pleaseAugust put 27, the 1998: appropriate Girlfriend one on of him. the Boy Who Lived an idiot,” said Queenie. “Who should’ve been Head “WhoThanks, are the Head Boy and Girl?” asked Millie, her Boy? A Slytherin? Get a dose of reality, please.” voiceMistress low, as she scrubbed the second-last cauldron. She looked at the row of cauldrons. “D’you reckon “Ginny Weasley, that’s a cinch,” whispered Quee- that’s clean enough?”

4 5 “The Hufflepuffs can finish them,” said Millie preliminary enthusiasm for this project so far from Hogwarts. Our carelessly. “It’s more their kind of thing.” hope is to put together a museum exhibit, and possibly a book, “And don’t be a twat,” said Queenie, her voice describing the first school year post-Voldemort at Hogwarts and suddenly harsh. “We were assigned this room to its legacy within the wizarding world. clean. We will do it well, magic or no. That last We will be holding an information session for you and your cauldron of yours needs another wipe.” housemates on December 1. We eagerly anticipate your reply to this “And remember, they’re not Hufflepuffs any more,” said Draco, and bent over his own caul- request for your participation. If you have any questions, please dron one last time. do not hesitate to contact us, by owl or Floo, as the Department of British Wizarding Archives does not condone text messaging. Sincerely, Gerald Sutcliffe, August 29, 2017: You Are Cordially Invited Assistant Archivist, Ministry of Magic Dear Mr. Malfoy: It has been nineteen years since the defeat of Voldemort, formerly known as You-Know-Who, and the Ministry of Magic’s August 29, 1998: She turned it down Department of British Wizarding Archives has been busy “She t u r ned it do w n,” s a id Q uee n ie a s t he S ly t he r i n s preparing various projects to mark the twentieth anniversary. As tried to look like they weren’t huddled together next a member of the group of students who helped to make to the fireplace in their small common room. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry ready for the new “Who? What?” asked Millie. post-Voldemort world, and helped us to usher in a new era of “Ginny Weasley. The Head Girl position. She’s peace and reconciliation in the wizarding world, you and your not going to do it.” classmates are invited to participate in one such project, under “Why not?” asked Draco. “After last year?” Neville Longbottom shook his the direction of noted Master Archivist Maximus Lore. Your head, leaning forward to poke at the fire, then sat involvement would consist mostly of interviews conducted by the down next to Queenie. “And with everything that research team, but we would also be grateful for any mementos happened to her family?” you may have of the post-war period, such as letters, newspaper Draco and Millie looked at each other, and he articles, and other personal items. There has been significant could tell she was struggling with the impulse to tell

6 7 him to shove off and go talk to somebody who actu- “Harry convinced her, actually,” said Granger. ally wanted him to be part of their conversation, but… “Really?” Queenie blinked, then gave Longbottom an insin- “Shortly after they got engaged,” said Granger, cere smile. “Poor thing. I suppose it would be difficult, and the girls in the group gasped. Longbottom wouldn’t it? She’s brave to come back to school at all.” had a small smile on his face. “She didn’t want to do that either,” said Longbottom. “So it’s true!” said Lavender Brown. “I wasn’t “Didn’t she?” said Dean Thomas, joining them as well. sure. I heard she proposed.” “No,” said Granger, taking a seat next to him, “Weren’t they broken up last year?” asked Par- and now they were an even split of Slytherin and vati Patil. Gryffindor. And, ugh, the rest of them — minus “So what happened?” asked Thomas, and Draco Hannah Abbott and Anthony Goldstein, who vaguely remembered he had dated the Weasley were snogging heatedly in a corner — were all girl too… hadn’t he? gathering on the floor and on low chairs next to “She asked him, yes,” said Granger. “And he got the fire, and now the Slytherins were outnum- rather miffed because he’d already made reserva- bered. “Said she never wanted to see this place tions at a restaurant to ask her. Had the ring and again. Can’t say I blame her.” everything.” It was odd, thought Draco, to know exactly how The others laughed. “So did she give him a any Weasley felt. ring?” asked Patil. “So how did she end up coming back? Can’t “I don’t think so,” said Granger. “Look at her finger imagine her parents forcing her,” said Thomas. next time you see her, though. Hers is gorgeous.” “Or her giving in.” Probably worth more than her entire family Draco glanced at Millie, reading in her blunt owns, Draco thought, and had to content himself features the same impatience he felt at all these with just looking at Queenie. She hid a smirk and bloody outsiders barging into their conversation. nodded avidly. “So who is Head Girl, then?” Queenie, on the other hand, looked curious. “No clue,” said Granger. Getting to know the new power structure. How “They didn’t ask you?” self-serving, and disgusting. Granger gave Queenie a level stare. “The Head And politically astute. Draco schooled his own Girl is supposed to be a seventh-year student,” she features into polite interest. said firmly, and apparently that was that, as far

8 9 as she was concerned. come next, just letting idle thoughts flicker from his brain to the parchment.

August 30, 2017: All of you Missing in September of 7th year: 12 Astoria huffed out her breath with impatience. — 9 Mudbggle-borns (Roper, Thomas, Finch- “Well, I’m going. You don’t have to,” she said, and Fletchley, Matthews, Boot, Entwhistle, Granger, Draco rolled his eyes because Merlin, she knew Moon, Turpin) that got to him. “You’ll be glaringly evident in — Potter & Weasley your absence though.” “Why? How many are supposedly attending?” — Li (always claimed to be half-blood; “Thirteen, says Hermione. Plus spouses.” either lied, or wasn’ t sure enough of it to “All of them?” Draco asked, surprised. face Umbridge’s investigators) “All of you,” Astoria retorted. This was only meant for himself, but it could conceivably fall into other hands. He murmured a simple spell to make Muggle-born look as though August 30, 1998: By the numbers it hadn’t been half-scratched out. There were forty-one of us when we were Pulled out by parents: 6 Sorted eight years ago. Ten Slytherin, ten — Rivers, both Patils, Abbott, Brocklehurst, Gryff indor, ten Ravenclaw, and eleven Davis Huff lepuff. Twenty-two boys, nineteen girls. — all families left England when school Draco wrote the words carefully, paying proper became compulsory. attention to the shape of each letter. No need to Hiding in the Room of Requirement by the hurry on this; he wasn’t writing an essay or a letter to his parents. He wasn’t needed anywhere, end of the year: 6 nobody was demanding his leadership, nobody — Longbottom, Finnigan, Brown, Goldstein, wanted to scare him, nobody even wanted to talk Corner, Macmillan to him. He was just writing to pass the time. = 24 who didn’t complete 7th year, 17 who did He continued, not really knowing what would

10 11 He paused and glanced around the empty dorm — 1 finished at Beauxbatons room. It didn’t look half-bad, for a room that had been a rather large pile of crumbled stone not so = two (Patil, Parvati, and Abbott) in 8th. long ago. He debated changing Abbott from the Of the 6 in hiding: “pulled out” to the “missing” column, as she was a — Corner did an equivalency test Muggle-born who would’ve been missing anyway, = 5 (Finnigan, Longbottom, Macmillan, Gold- but… she’d already left school the year before. When her mother was killed. He left her where she was. stein, Brown) in 8th year “Malfoy?” Draco sighed and looked around at the dormi- He turned, surprised to see Longbottom at the tory, then worked on a kink in his neck. He sighed door. “Yes?” and wished for the umpteenth time that he didn’t “We’re going down to the Great Hall,” Longbot- have to be here. tom said. “Are you coming?” Of the 17 who were still attending classes “No,” said Draco. “Thank you,” he added hastily, in May, some left the country, knowing that and Longbottom’s eyebrows went up slightly. “I’m not hungry.” many people would see f inishing Hogwarts “Right.” Longbottom turned and left. that year as a mark of shame rather than Of the 12 ‘Missing’ distinction. Everyone knew what was being — 2 remain missing (Matthews, Li) taught. Two of us went to prison because of it. — 2 died (Roper, found by Catchers & died Some said it was unfair to blame the students in Azkaban; Finch-Fletchley in the Battle of for having followed course curriculum, but Hogwarts) enough witnesses told how Goyle and Cornfoot — 5 left wizarding world or decided not to enjoyed the whole Cruciatus thing that public return to school opinion went against them. = 3 (Thomas, Granger and Turpin) in 8th year. One died in the battle. And four of us came back for eighth year. Of the 6 pulled out by parents For Bones it was about “getting a proper — 3 never came back

12 13 education”. For Bulstrode and Greengrass it They were supposed to be getting to know each other, getting to work as a House. It was a bad was less about actually getting a proper idea to not be there while the initial jockeying for education than being seen to be getting a position was going on. It was allowing the Dig- proper education. For me it was a condition gory House boys to become a unit, except for him. of my probation. He was the add-on. He put his journal away and reluctantly got Draco looked around again. The dormitory had ready to go downstairs. He was part of this House been hastily put together, and showed it. The walls now, sod it all, and he had to be part of it. Besides, were a bland light grey; no decorations, no House Queenie and Millie might be feeling a little insignia. They’d been a little busy helping to uncomfortable about being the only Slytherins. rebuild the castle, mostly without the aid of magic He made his way downstairs and looked over for safety reasons, to worry about interior dcor. Diggory House’s table. Damn. The only room left So here we are, all fourteen eighth-years. was next to Lisa Turpin, who seemed to be being Six Gryff indors, three Huff lepuffs, two getting the cold shoulder, intentionally or not. Not Ravenclaws, three Slytherins. They didn’t surprising; she wasn’t one of the ten members of know where to put us, so MM said they Dumbledore’s Army in their House. They’d even wanted to be called Dumbledore House. It had should make a new House. I’m now sharing a been Granger, oddly, who had objected, saying dorm room with Finnigan, Thomas, Longbottom, that they were supposed to be a House together, Macmillan, and Goldstein. Five members of and not excluding those who hadn’t been part of Dumbledore’s Army, f ive blokes who went into Dumbledore’s Army. hiding in the Room of Requirement or were on He sat down, forcing himself to not squirm as the others ignored him. He glanced over the the run all year… and me. empty Great Hall, bracing himself for the moment It’s grand. Really. I’’m ever so happy. when the rest of the school showed up. He needed Draco put the book away into his trunk. He to be part of his House before then. stood up and started to get ready for bed, reflect- Somehow he didn’t think that was going to ing that he probably should go downstairs instead. happen any time soon.

14 15 you go see Quidditch games.” Draco chuckled. “Come now, you and I won’t be September 1, 2017: Can I talk to you? able to cheer for our Quidditch team… ever, really.” “How is Scorpius?” Hermione asked. Hermione smiled back. They glanced around at “Excited. And Rose? Is she looking forward to the people getting ready to go, the smaller chil- getting there?” dren with their parents, Hugo Weasley and Pot- Hermione smiled. “Yes. She has been, forever.” ter’s daughter playing some imaginary game and Draco could imagine that. “Like mother, like telling each other stories of what they’d do when daughter.” they finally got to take the train… Hermione nodded, then smiled sadly. “It’s diffi- “Speaking of our team, are you coming to the cult, though, isn’t it? Seeing them go.” reunion?” asked Hermione. Astoria approached, wiping a tear away, and Draco stiffened slightly. Draco put a hand on her shoulder, pulling her close. Hermione sighed. “Come on, Draco. It’s your “Hello, Hermione,” she said. “Queenie’ll be a little late,” reunion too.” she told Draco. “What a shock. So,” she turned back “Keep telling him that,” Astoria said. “I do.” to Hermione. “I couldn’t help overhearing… is Rose Draco looked away. “I wasn’t really… you know actually afraid of not getting into Gryffindor?” how people felt about me at the time. They still do.” Hermione shook her head. “Not really. She knows “Not everyone, you know that,” said Hermione. Ron’s just joking. I hope.” Draco didn’t let himself “And even if some do — ” react. “I wouldn’t mind Ravenclaw, to be honest,” she “I’m not terribly interested.” continued. “And Scorpius? Where is he hoping to go?” “But… Draco, it’s your history too.” “Very much hoping he doesn’t go into our House, He looked away. to be honest,” said Draco. “Astoria, you’ll work on him?” said Hermione. “Really?” “Absolutely,” chuckled Astoria. She took Dra- Draco rolled his eyes. “Hermione, please. Don’t pre- co’s arm and they walked off, heading towards tend to be thick. It’s not attractive in a woman your age.” a home that was going to be much quieter and “Maybe he’ll be a Ravenclaw too,” said Astoria. neater and much emptier from now on. “You never know,” Hermione said. “It might be nice to be able to cheer for your own team when

16 17 September 1, 1998: Those cunning folks mates a stern look. Her tablemates welcomed him Draco glanced over the Slytherin table, noting half-heartedly. its sadly subdued air. There were hardly any sev- Draco’s eyebrows went up. That one would bear enth-years. Last year their table had had the fewest watching, his mind said automatically. empty seats, since Muggle-borns never went into No, she wouldn’t. He wasn’t part of that House Slytherin, but this year… Draco counted. There any more. He wasn’t part of power plays any should be roughly sixty. There were fewer than forty. more. He wasn’t a political entity any more. The How many pureblood families had gone over- Malfoys had fallen too far by any stretch of the seas? How many were hesitant to send their imagination to do anything any more but keep children to a school where they would likely be their heads down and try not to offend. Father shunned by the rest of the students? How many was in prison, Mother’s social position was pre- didn’t want to send them to a school that had wit- carious at best, people from all sides hated them, nessed the ugly final death of pureblooded ideals and what he’d learned most last year was that he in wizarding Britain? didn’t care what happened around him, as long How many didn’t want their children to go to as he could stay safe. a school that only last year had taught them how He turned back to his meal. to Crucio one another? He glanced up as one of the new children was Sorted into Slytherin. The boy gulped audibly, then September 1, 2017: A ready mind reluctantly made his way to the Slytherin table. The Draco sat back, pleased, but a bit sorry, too. others at the table were clapping unenthusiastically, “Oh that’s wonderful,” said Astoria, pleased, and only Professor Slughorn was jovially cheering. reading Scorpius’ text message. “You’ll be sure to Draco’s eye was caught by a girl with long tell him so.” brown hair sitting proudly, her back straight, her “I’ll tell him I’m very proud of him, and that I chin up, among the seventh-years. Astoria Green- know he will continue to make us proud.” grass, Queenie’s younger sister. Quiet little thing, “And you’ll mean it, too,” said Astoria, touching intelligent eyes. Mostly apolitical, like her sister. his shoulder. “And he’ll know it.” Astoria half-stood, holding out her hand to Draco smiled. It helped to hear that. Helped the new boy, smiling at him, and gave her table- allay the sorrow he felt at the tentative tone of his

18 19 son’s message. students.” She looked them over grimly. “But. We “He knew you’d be proud of him whatever hap- are here. We are ready to begin again, and do our pened. He knew it. You’re not your father.” Asto- best despite the wounds that have yet to heal. ria regarded him seriously. “But he also knew no “We begin the new year in a school that is choice the Hat made would make you perfectly only half-rebuilt. You will need to be careful not happy. And he knew that wasn’t his fault.” to wander into dangerous areas in the building, Draco gently tugged his wife’s hand to bring careful not to do more damage through your own her closer, and gave her a kiss. carelessness. You will need to be no less careful when dealing with people. The summer has not been long enough for any of us to recover from September 1, 1998: Welcome to grimness our wounds, as serious as the wounds inflicted “I would like to welcome you all to Hogwarts on the building itself. There will be friends, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry,” said Head- classmates and housemates who have lost family mistress McGonagall, then paused and looked at members. There will be many who were badly the students assembled in the Great Hall for so hurt here last year, and many who spent time in long that Draco wondered if perhaps she was just hiding, or in Azkaban. You may be one of them, going to skip the welcoming speech. He wondered or you may be one of the lucky ones who escaped if he was the only one remembering that Snape relatively undamaged. Regardless, it will not be had barely said anything the day he began as an easy year. But you are young, you are resilient, Headmaster beyond welcoming them, introducing and you are our hope. their new professors, and advising them to always “No other group of children in Hogwarts’ history be on their best behaviour and do credit to their has been put through so much, or has been asked to school “or face consequences.” Even the change in do so much, or has accomplished so much, as those the curriculum from “Defence Against the Dark who have been in this school in the last seven years. Arts” to “Dark Arts” hadn’t merited a mention. I do not want any of you to forget that the reason we “As many of you are aware, it was hardly a are here is due in large part to students from this given that the school would open at all this year. school who had not a single NEWT among the three Much of the school was rubble. And, more impor- of them when they helped to defeat a wizard who tantly, we lost many good friends, professors and held the wizarding world in fear for decades. And

20 21 they were helped by students in this school, many forbidding magic in the corridors and entry into of whom are still with us. If they could accomplish the Forbidden Forest, no divisive language will be such great deeds, so can you. permitted.” She paused and looked up. “Normally “This will be a difficult academic year for many we leave this to your discretion. This year, we will of you. Some of you lost an entire year of educa- not. The words Mudblood, Blood Traitor, Junior tion, none of you completed a standard curric- Death Eater, Death Eater Spawn, and all others of ulum, and you will need to work hard in order that kind, are all prohibited. Use of any of these to complete last year’s work as well as this one’s. words will earn the speaker an immediate deten- Doing so in addition to dealing with the damage tion. There will also be no anti-House language done by the war will not be easy, but you will do it. permitted. Any negative epithet containing a “In acknowledgement that this year will be filled House name will result in a detention. We may not with challenges and will require innovation, some be able or willing to control your thoughts, but we changes hav e been made to the school. One new will control what comes out of your mouths. addition to this school is a new House. The Sort- “We must live together this year, and you must ing Hat will not place anybody into it; it is for the further your education. There are appropriate students who have chosen to return to the school areas in which to seek justice for what happened for an eighth year, or who were unable to come in the past. Hogwarts is not one of them. There to their seventh year, and wish to do it now. They will be no exceptions. Anybody attempting to have been here for the last three weeks, helping to take revenge for last year’s violence on school reconstruct Hogwarts. They will be here for their grounds will be expelled and given the oppor- own education, but also to help rebuild the school. tunity to complete his or her schooling at home. You are encouraged to seek them out. They were “Nobody is asking that you love each other and from different Houses, but they are becoming one. become the best of friends, or even forgive one Becoming united again is what we hope for this another. We are merely asking that you put aside school this year, and these are the student leaders your conflicts with one another and concentrate who will help to make that happen. on your academic future. She took out a long scroll. “There are also “In this, the members of Diggory House are to certain new rules.” Her voice became hard and be your role models.” uncompromising. “Along with the regular rules Draco felt his spine crawl with discomfort. Not

22 23 a single one of the members of his table turned Astoria smiled. “Aunt Andromeda says he spent to look at him, all keeping their eyes fixed on about half his childhood with it pitch black. For McGonagall. his godfather.” Queenie shuddered.

September 1, 2017: Your nephew “Your nephew, the werewolf’s son,” said Quee- September 1, 1998: The Head Girl nie, over supper, “is apparently dating Victoire McGonagall continued. “Other students who Weasley. Who is, I am told, the new Head Girl.” are here to help you in this year are your Pre- “Really?” fects, each of whom can be identified by his or her “Really. My daughter pointed them out to me at Prefect Badge. You may turn to any of them for the station today. Snogging, right there in the open.” help, particularly those of your House. They are “Yes, Draco’s aunt said something about him also responsible for helping professors to enforce being rather smitten this year. I didn’t know it school rules, and occasionally acting as go-be- was with the Weasley girl.” tweens between faculty and students.” She nodded “It is. Pretty enough, but rather common for all and the various Prefects stood up, some proudly, she’s got Veela blood in her.” Queenie gave a small some warily, some indifferently. The last year had sniff. “Girlfriends aside, that boy certainly has been a trying one for Prefects, Draco knew. Night- come a long way, considering his background.” mares and magic in the corridors were the least of She nodded in approval. “Head Boy last year and the problems they’d had to deal with. accepted into the Unspeakable Apprenticeship “We also have a Head Boy and Head Girl,” program this year. Shows what I’ve always said: said McGonagall. “You may turn to them for you cannot take for granted how somebody will advice and guidance.” She nodded towards the do, no matter where they came from.” Ravenclaw table. “The Head Boy this year is Mau- Astoria’s blue eyes met Draco’s, and he had to ricius Fiddlethwaite, from Ravenclaw House.” Fid- stifle a smirk. dlethwaite stood up and the students clapped for “I only wish somebody would tell him to leave him, a hesitant sound to match the hesitant look his hair one simple, human colour. Today it was on the Fiddlethwaite’s face. McGonagall’s speech purple. The last time I saw it, it was blue.” was not exactly the most inspiring thing Draco

24 25 had ever heard, as far as encouraging anybody, do something about that?” let alone schoolchildren… “Yes, Master!” Tiggy hiccupped, and disap- As Fiddlethwaite sat down, McGonagall cleared peared with a crack. her throat and spoke again. “And the Head Girl is “Draco. She misses Scorpius too, you know,” said Astoria Greengrass, from Slytherin House.” Astoria reprovingly, wiping her eyes. There was a shocked silence. Then Granger “How hard is it to set two places instead of started clapping, and the others in Diggory House three?” said Draco. “And she should know better joined in, and then nervous clapping began at the than to break into wails over a simple — ” Slytherin table and spread fitfully to the rest of “Obviously, she should know better,” Astoria the Great Hall. Queenie sat open-mouthed as Asto- broke in. “But we took her in because she’s been ria stood up, her face carefully blank, and nodded given clothes at three different places and she politely to the Hall in general. The applause died needed a family to serve.” away quickly, and Astoria sat back down. “We’d be better off serving ourselves,” muttered Draco. “Don’t be surly, Draco. She’s upset.” September 3, 2017: Tiggy “She’s more trouble than she’s worth.” “Tiggy, it’s all right,” said Astoria, her voice an “Missing somebody you care about is hard on odd mixture of sorrowful, soothing, and a little everyone,” said Astoria. “Tiggy deals with it by impatient. “It was a mistake, that’s all.” crying. I deal with it by working harder. You deal “Tiggy is not supposed to make Mistress sad!” with it by getting belligerent.” sobbed the little elf. “Tiggy made Mistress cry!” Draco glared at her. Astoria had a bad habit of Draco’s impatience grew. How could a simple being right a great deal of the time. dinner at home with his wife turn into this? He blew out his breath. “And now Master is unhappy!” Tiggy wailed, September 3, 1998: Three and Draco rolled his eyes. It sometimes felt like student life was some- “Master is not unhappy, Tiggy,” said Draco, his thing Draco had left behind years ago, even patient tone hiding an itch to smack the ugly though the last school year had ended abruptly little thing. “Master is hungry. Can Tiggy please only four months ago. He had thought that he

26 27 would be used to it again after living in the castle scornful of McGonagall’s having placed them in for the last few weeks, but three days into classes that position in the first place. Besides, he didn’t he was still gripped with a feeling of unreal- have the time or desire to help anyone, or to role ity, like he was trying to fit into clothing he’d model anything. Not that anyone had asked him. discarded before puberty. Possibly because he He was startled to hear his thoughts echoed didn’t have his friends with him, or because he by another voice in the room, and put down his was taking courses he’d never thought he’d take, textbook and looked towards the fireplace seats, or because he wasn’t living in the dungeon any where Susan Bones was speaking vehemently to a more. He didn’t know; all he knew was that it all group of former DA members. still felt off, and wrong. “I mean, seriously, what does she want from us? The members of Diggory House were back in We’re supposed to be leaders here? Haven’t we the common room after dinner, and Draco had done enough? Why is it our year that has to do taken his accustomed place in the corner far from this?” She tossed her hair back impatiently. “Her- the fireplace. He took out his books and prepared mione, Ron and Harry killed V-Voldemort. Ten of to study, reflecting that part of the problem was us were in Dumbledore’s Army. Five of us ended that, academically, there was really little point to up in the Room of Requirement, hiding.” She him being here. He had learned a fair bit last year. shivered. “And the ones who didn’t… listening to And as for socially… that was a laugh. He wasn’t little kids crying from Cruciatus, listening to the ever going to be accepted as a member of this new rubbish those Muggle Studies people taught, it House, no matter what he did. He’d never been was… and for God’s sake, two of our year died — ” close to Queenie and Millie and certainly wouldn’t “Three,” said Draco. become so now that all three of them were trying There was a sudden silence. to avoid being thought of as Slytherins. “What?” And as for being a role model for the other chil- “Three,” he repeated evenly. “Not two.” dren, as Diggory House members were supposed He didn’t need to look around to know that to be… that was an even bigger laugh. Other than some people were gaping, some glaring at him. the obvious heroes like Granger and Longbottom, “If you think that Crabbe — ” there was no reason for the younger students to “I’m not saying he was killed by anything but his look up to anybody in this House. He was frankly own stupidity,” said Draco hollowly. “And I’ve never

28 29 said his name deserved to be on that monument think of positive things, keeping the ache in his along with Finch-Fletchley and Weasley’s brother throat from turning into pointless blubbering. and Professor Lupin. And I’m not going to debate Repeating comforting words to himself. A list of that he was a victim instead of just another Death foods he liked. A list of Weird Sisters songs he Eater. But he was in our year, and he did die.” enjoyed. A list of Charms against insects. “After what he did — ” began Anthony Goldstein. There was a soft step outside his curtains. “I know what he did,” Draco said harshly. “To “Malfoy?” said Longbottom quietly. you, and to other students. If he hadn’t died he “What?” would’ve ended up filling a cell in Azkaban right There was a short silence. “Can you open the next to Goyle. And my father. I won’t even say he curtains?” wouldn’t have deserved it. But he doesn’t deserve Draco opened them. “What do you want?” to be completely forgotten.” Draco stood up, his Longbottom sighed and sat down on Draco’s voice steady though his legs were shaking. bed uninvited. “I’m sorry. About Crabbe.” “Hate him all you want; it doesn’t change Draco gave him a sceptical look. the fact that he was in our year just like Justin “All right, I’m not really. I’m sorry, though, that Finch-Fletchley and Sarah Roper. He may not you… miss him.” He paused. “Do you?” have been a ‘hero’ like Finch-Fletchley or a “He was my friend,” Draco said. victim like Roper, but he’s just as dead as both of “Didn’t seem to be. Seemed to be more like your them.” There were tears on his cheeks, he realized servant.” distantly. “And he was only seventeen when he Draco shrugged. died, just like them. Try to remember that.” Draco “Hermione said that he disobeyed you,” Neville picked up his work and headed for the dormitory, said. “That day.” drawing his curtains closed as soon as he could. Draco shrugged again. “He wasn’t my servant.” It hurt, sometimes, so much. It hurt when he “But she said you still asked about him. After let himself think about it. Crabbe, burning up in he’d nearly killed you and Goyle too.” that hellish room that still appeared in Draco’s “He was my friend,” Draco repeated dully. nightmares. There hadn’t been a body to recover; “Was he?” Longbottom hesitated. “Did you like him?” Fiendfyre destroyed all it touched. “What kind of question is that? And why does He lay still, breathing quietly and trying to it matter?”

30 31 “Fine. Sorry.” Longbottom stood up. “I won’t and wounded, the Ministry, Kingsley Shacklebolt, bother you. I just wanted to say sorry.” Muggle-borns freed from Azkaban, families reunited, Draco nodded, and Longbottom headed for the door. Minerva McGonagall “He liked Transfiguration,” Draco said, surpris- Part IV, Healing Hogwarts (8 pages): Rebuilding ing himself. Longbottom turned around. “He was the building, magic, volunteers, organizations, Min- pants at it, but he liked it. And he liked eating. A istry aid, international aid lot. Was scared of Muggles. Hated to wear a skirt.” Part V, A Fifth House is Proposed (6 pages): The “A what?” proposal, pros and cons of a Fifth House, purpose of Draco shook his head, the lump in his throat the House, prospective members of the Fifth House eased somewhat. “Long story.” He lay back and Part VI, The Fifth House Begins (4 pages): A name is picked up a textbook. chosen, members are decided upon, students move in, Longbottom gave him a smile, and left. students are assigned areas to work on in the school Part V, The New School Year Begins (7 pages): The school fills, the Fifth House begins its duties October 4, 2017: A modest proposal Part VI, The House Expands (12 pages): Diggory The Fifth House: House in the first year Diggory House at Hogwarts School of Witch- Part VII, The House Survives (12 pages): Includes craft and Wizardry controversies surrounding Diggory House Introduction (2 pages): What is the Fifth House? Part VIII, Diggory House Today (8 pages): Influ- Who was Cedric Diggory? ence of Diggory House at Hogwarts and in wizarding Part I, The War (10 pages): Voldemort’s First society, biographies of past members Rising, The Order of the Phoenix, Voldemort’s Second Conclusion (2 pages): Lessons from Diggory House Rising, Dumbledore’s Army, Dark Days At Hogwarts. Draco shook his head in wonder as he read the (Includes brief insert biographies of Tom Riddle, proposal. It all sounded so organized. So clean Albus Dumbledore, Severus Snape, and Harry Potter) and neat and planned. It hadn’t been. Part II, Victory (6 pages): Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Dumbledore’s Army at Hogwarts, The Order of the Phoenix, the Battle of Hogwarts October 4, 1998: Astoria speaks Part III, After Victory (4 pages): The dead Draco plodded down the corridor to the Great

32 33 Hall, musing about Tesser numerals. Four weeks other seemingly innocent mishaps. in, he’d finally become used to the routine of The castle wasn’t safe for people like him. He school again, and actually become fairly inter- didn’t let himself dwell on the fact that he’d felt ested in Arithmancy. Today’s entire lesson on even less safe last year. Tessers had been frustratingly vague though, and He entered and glanced over at the Slytherin had left him completely lost. It didn’t help that table, with its subdued children, its silence, its air the class was now taught by Professor Scalari, of defeat. Some of them were looking a little less what with Professor Vector having been injured downtrodden than in the first week or so of class last year. Damned if he was going to ask for help — it didn’t hurt to have the Head Girl be one of from a Muggle-born. your own — but it was a sad, sad contrast to last He noted with approval that even in his year’s air of fierce pride and smug invincibility. thoughts he didn’t call the man a Mudblood. It He found himself a seat at the Diggory table — would never do to have anything like that slip not too close to Hannah Abbott and Dean Thomas, out in an awkward moment. who were being nauseatingly demonstrative “Out of the way, you,” said a sixth-year Huf- again — and took out his books, briefly consid- flepuff girl, shoving past him, and he stepped ering looking over his Astronomy, then decided aside without a word, only a narrowing of his to work on his Muggle Studies essay on Muggle eyes betraying his feelings. It hadn’t taken too communication devices. What the hell, it was many punishments handed out to those who mandatory for everyone for the next two years; he said the Forbidden Words to convince students to might as well show that he was taking it seriously, stop using them. It didn’t do a damn thing about never mind that he didn’t believe three quarters their attitudes, though. “You” could hold as much of what he read, or half of what he wrote. or more venom than “Death Eater Spawn” ever He was halfway through a paragraph on the could. The one gave him an identity of sorts. The differences between telephones, fax machines other labeled him unworthy of even that. and internets when a throat cleared and a mag- And words and attitude weren’t the only dan- ically enhanced voice said, “Could I please have gers for people like him. Despite all the efforts of your attention?” the teachers, every day there were incidents of Astoria Greengrass was standing at her table, children getting hurt by “accidental” spells and apparently about to make an announcement.

34 35 She had done a few in the last few weeks — the of intimidating and hurting an eleven-year-old Forbidden Forest really was Forbidden, students boy. Ask yourself if that’s a particularly brave, must use caution when practicing hexes for courageous thing to do. Defence Against the Dark Arts (with emphasis on “If you are a Ravenclaw, consider the wisdom Defence), that kind of thing. Somehow she was in taking out your frustrations on a boy who is looking more nervous about this one. small now, but may someday grow to be a power- She waited until the Great Hall was focused on ful wizard who hates you and yours because you her. “It has come to my attention that certain per- targeted him unfairly. sons are not taking seriously our Headmistress’ “If you are a Hufflepuff, ask yourself whether request that we treat each other with courtesy Helga Hufflepuff would have thought it fair to and respect. Several students have spoken to me blame one child for the mistakes of his parents about being targeted because of their families’ — or to discriminate against anybody for any political backgrounds or their House, and being reason whatsoever. victimized repeatedly and sometimes seriously. “You all know that I have disciplined students Regardless of your attitude or how you may feel from my own House who have broken the rules. I towards one quarter of this school, hexing stu- will do no less to students from other Houses. Pre- dents for the crime of being in Slytherin, or of fects, you have been entrusted to help other students having unpopular social connections, or even of follow the rules. If you see students under your pro- having the wrong political beliefs, is not accept- tection behaving badly towards one another, it is able. I sympathize, but this has to stop.” your responsibility to help them stop this behaviour. She looked around the room, her nervousness I expect your cooperation. That is all.” apparently gone. “To whoever sent a little boy to She sat down, and a murmur broke out around the Hospital wing this morning with severe vom- the Hall. She looked supremely unconcerned, and iting and no sense of hearing: the little boy in met Draco’s eyes briefly. question was too afraid to give me names. You are He looked down to his notes, then back at her, safe; I do not know who you are. But I would like and only then noticing her hand trembling as it you to think about a few things. brought a goblet to her lips. “If you are a Gryffindor, I would like you to ask yourself whether your founder would’ve approved

36 37 October 16, 2017: The Daily Prophet, Sports and Entertainment Section October 16, 1998: Astoria visits Hogwarts Head Boy Steps Down “Does anybody mind if my sister comes in?” asked Queenie, popping her head into the Diggory ogwarts announced Head Boy is hard. You have Htoday that its Head Boy, to give it your all. There’s common room. There was a small rustle of sur- Larry Zhou of Hufflepuff meeting with students, work- prise from the occupants. Although they had been House, will be stepping down ing with the Prefects, helping told that the Diggory dorm was special in that it barely four weeks into his the Hospital when students was not off-limits to members of other Houses, out tenure. The reason is under- are badly injured, working standable, and has students with the professors when stu- of habit so far none of them had brought in any and sports fans around the dents are in trouble, dealing outsiders. They all tended to go into their own world cheering: Zhou has with parents sometimes — it’s former Houses if they wanted to socialize. been tapped to join the Irish all day long, every day. And “No, of course, she’s welcome to come in,” said Long- Quodpot team when the new I care too much about the season begins in February, and school to only do the Head bottom, who had become their leader by some quirk of will need to spend many hours Boy position halfway. Besides, a universe that obviously had a sense of humour. practicing if he wants to help it would be very unfair to “She asked, you see,” said Queenie. “She’s been awfully his team pull out of the dol- Victoire (Weasley, Head Girl) busy being Head Girl and hasn’t had a chance to talk to drums where it has been ever to have to do extra work if I since East Wing John Lockey wasn’t doing my part. This us yet, but she’d like to see what we’re all about.” retired three years ago. way I can do me practicing, Patil and Brown exchanged a look. “Oh is the Zhou says the decision was study for NEWTs, and not Head Girl your sister, Queenie? I didn’t know,” said a tough one. “I care about the leave anybody in the lurch.” Patil sweetly, and Queenie flushed and popped school, obviously, and I had Why Quodpot? “I’ve been great plans as Head Boy. Not to playing Quodpot since I out again, presumably letting her sister know it mention me parents were dead was six,” says Zhou. “Played was all right to come in. pleased. But this is my career, with me dad. It may not be Granger gave them a quelling look. “Please, and I had to make a choice.” as popular as Quidditch yet, come in,” she said as Astoria came into the room. Asked if he thought of but it’s gaining. Watch out, simply doing his best to Quidditch!” “Welcome to Diggory House.” fulfill both duties: “Not Terence Thomas, from “Thank you,” said Astoria, and looked around, doing them both well, no,” Slytherin House, will be step- her eyebrows drawing together slightly. “This is says Zhou frankly. “Being ping into Zhou’s spot. your common room, then? Bit… bare, isn’t it?”

38 39 Draco glanced around. It was. “Call me Astoria, please,” said Astoria, and leaned “Why are you here?” asked Patil, polite but not forward in her chair, looking interested. Genuinely exactly friendly. interested in Granger, or at least making a damn “I’m the Head Girl,” Astoria replied. “I’m sup- fine semblance of it. He supposed it was what all of posed to visit all the Houses.” them should do, Slytherins especially; Mudblood “You haven’t been here before.” though she was, Granger was a power to be reck- “You’re not exactly under my jurisdiction.” oned with now. No self-respecting Slytherin with- “We’re not,” said Patil. “We’re all of age. We out a permanently tainted reputation towards don’t really need a Head Girl.” Muggle-borns would do any differently. “Not that you’re not welcome to come visit,” said Granger, her voice edged as she glared at Patil. Astoria met Draco’s eyes, and he was surprised November 2, 2017: It’s a reunion to see determination and intelligence and grit “Draco, you’re being an arse. It’s a reunion. It’ll there. How odd; he’d been with her for six years be a chance to see your housemates again. Some in Slytherin, and never noticed her at all. of whom you haven’t seen in years.” “Please, have a seat,” said Susan Bones, gently “If I don’t see them any more, maybe it’s because nudging Hannah Abbott and Seamus Finnigan I don’t want to see them.” to move farther down the ugly beige couch and “It would be nice to see Hermione.” make room for her, leaving her chair to Astoria. “Weasley will be there.” Predictably, Hannah chose that as an excuse to “This is true. But so will Neville.” She was using move onto Finnigan’s lap and they started snog- her patient voice, the one she used with Scorpius ging, oblivious to the other occupants of the room. when he was being childish, and Draco didn’t “What did you want to know about us?” asked Patil. much appreciate it. “Besides, it’ll be a chance to “General getting-to-know-you things. How hear what the others think about the project.” you’re doing, what you’re all about, how you’re “I’m not going to be involved in the project,” he finding eighth-year. Whether there’s anything pointed out. you need from me.” “You’re impossible,” said Astoria. “Thank you for thinking of us, Greengrass,” said “I. Am. Not. Going,” Draco repeated. “If you’re so Granger. “Actually, I have a lot of questions for you too.” bloody interested, why don’t you go?”

40 41 “I am, Draco. I can go as your wife and as Quee- dreary tan and beige of the room. “And I’m sup- nie’s sister. And I will be involved in the project. posed to be helping. I know I’m supposed to help Which, by the way, is not the main point of the everybody, but the other three Houses have sup- get-together.” She stepped back and glared at him. port from inside and outside the school. Nobody “You are fucking impossible,” she said. “And much cares what’s happening to the Slytherin kids. And as I love you, on days like today you make me they’re leaving. In droves.” wonder what the fuck I was thinking when I got “You really do care about them,” Granger said slowly. together with you.” With a crack, she was gone. Astoria rolled her eyes impatiently. “No, Her- mione, I only fake it to get pity. Of course I care. I have to; nobody else does.” November 2, 1998: What can we do? “How can we help?” asked Granger. “Seven Slytherin students have withdrawn Astoria blinked. “Who?” since Halloween,” Astoria said quietly, and the “Me. Neville. Malf — Draco. All of us in Diggory Diggory common room stilled. House. How can we help?” Granger gave her a sympathetic look. “That’s Astoria tilted her head to the side and gave not your fault, Astoria,” she said gently. Granger a long look, and Draco could see the “Isn’t it? Halloween was a disaster. People wheels turning in her head, could see her getting taking all sorts of opportunities to play ‘harmless’ over her initial surprise that anybody would offer tricks, chaos all over the place — ” to help, and working on how to use that offer. “It’s not just inter-House problems,” said Long- bottom. “There’ve been withdrawals from the other Houses — ” November 20, 2017: Dumbledore’s Army “Yes. One Ravenclaw, two Gryffindors, two Dear Mrs. Malfoy: Hufflepuffs.” Enclosed is the blurb you were interested in looking over, Granger and Longbottom blinked. from Part || of The Fifth House: Dumbledore’s Army “Head Girl,” Astoria said grimly. “I know these Dumbledore’s Army, the group of students most things.” She rested her head against the back of closely connected to the struggle against Voldemort, a new sofa that had appeared a few days ago, a was initially simply a school club, organized by stu- spot of oddly attractive violet in the otherwise dents to gain skills and experience in Defence Against

42 43 the Dark Arts. Founded by Harry Potter, Ronald Wea- George Weasley of Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes; Seamus sley and Hermione Granger, the group had sixteen Finnigan of Explosions For All Occasions Inc; Michael members when it first began, and at its largest num- Corner, leading architect of the newest wizarding bered some thirty students, more or less. It was active neighbourhood in Edinburgh; Danielle Erebus, noted during 1995-96, disbanded during 1996-97, and active director of the Wizarding Orchestra of Cardiff; Hester again in the year that Severus Snape was Headmaster Darnley, author of Your Baby’s First Magical Year; of Hogwarts, under the leadership of Ginevra Potter Hannah Abbott-Longbottom, proprietress of The (neé Weasley), Luna Lovegood-Scamander, and Nev- Leaky Cauldron; Angelina Weasley (neé Johnson) of ille Longbottom. By the end of the year leadership the Wimbourne Wasps; and Lucas Diggle, youngest had been passed on to Mauricius Fiddlethwaite, as member of the Wizangemot. the other three had been forced to go into hiding. The Membership in the DA, as it was called, was not club was continued during the 1998-1999 school year, without peril. In total twenty-two of its members but was disbanded that November, as it was decided fought at the Battle of Hogwarts, and four (Fred that the need for it had ended. Weasley, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Colin Creevey, and Membership of Dumbledore’s Army reads like a Erica Barnhauser) died there. And the damage didn’t Who’s Who of the wizarding world. Its most famous stop there: in the next few years, various members, member was of course Harry Potter, the Boy Who wounded by their experiences or losses during the Lived, who eventually defeated Voldemort and today war, became alcoholics, attempted suicide, used heads the Auror Department. Ronald Weasley would illegal potions, suffered emotional breakdowns, or go on to rise high in the Auror Department as well. engaged in other risky behaviour. They sacrificed a Hermione Granger would eventually become the great deal, this teenager’s club. founder of the Magical Creatures Defence League. Ten of the founding members of Diggory House Ginny Potter had a celebrated career as Chaser for were in Dumbledore’s Army. the Holyhead Harpies, Luna Lovegood-Scaman- der became owner and Senior Editor of The Quib- bler, and Neville Longbottom became Professor of November 20, 1998: Nothing to fight against Herbology at Hogwarts and a noted contributor to Draco’s eyebrows went up as he entered the “Magical Manure Magazine”. Other former mem- Diggory common room and spotted Astoria sit- bers include Wizard Wireless personality Lee Jordan; ting in a group with Granger, Longbottom, Love-

44 45 good, and Ginny Weasley, all of them looking let anyone in, thank you very much. Why should the dreadfully serious. students doing it be forced to spend time with people “It’s getting out of hand,” she was saying. they hate? What’s the harm in keeping it unofficial?” “You can’t blame the firsties,” said Weasley. “You’re not in it any more. You don’t see what “Most of them are just glad to be part of any they’re doing. There’s nothing to fight against, group. And many of the others just don’t want to now, so they’re turning on other students.” forget what they learned there last year.” “Nothing to fight against?” said Weasley softly. “They’re not really learning anything new, though,” “That’s what we were told before.” said Astoria. “It’s more of a social thing now.” Astoria regarded her seriously. “Do you think “It was always a social thing,” said Longbottom. there’s still something to fight against?” “For me and Luna, anyway.” Weasley hesitated, then shook her head. “No. But “Then why aren’t you in it this year?” asked Astoria. I won’t force anybody else to believe what I believe.” “I have friends now,” said Lovegood quietly. Astoria clasped her hands together. “I’m asking “Look, it’s just a social club,” repeated Weasley. for your help here. It’s not just for those who were “Perhaps it should be turned into an official in it last year; they’re also letting in their friends. thing,” said Granger. “An extra-curricular club to But the Slytherin students — and the others who teach self-defence and to build bridges.” were on the wrong side — aren’t being allowed in. Astoria blew out her breath. “I’m hearing the And it is turning into an organization of bullies.” same thing everywhere: it’s just a social thing, Weasley pressed her lips together. it’s not meant to be anything special. And when “What you did in forming that group was I ask why not make it an official school club I’m important,” said Astoria. “Do you want what you told it was never official, and it shouldn’t be. They built to become a training ground for thugs? Do don’t want it to be.” you think Dumbledore would’ve wanted that?” “Well… I suppose it would lose some of its fun “Don’t you tell us what Dumbledore would’ve if it was something you could sign up for — ” wanted,” said Weasley dangerously. Granger began. Astoria bit her lip. “Right. I’m sorry. Please “I think the problem is that if you make it offi- think about what I’ve said, though. I don’t want to cial, then you have to let anyone in,” said Astoria. even bring up the idea of considering banning it. Weasley narrowed her eyes. “I wouldn’t want to That will do no good whatsoever and will create

46 47 more trouble than anything. But if you four get you had Queenie to tell you the latest gossip.” involved… maybe go to some of the meetings, “It’s not the same.” maybe help it disband peacefully… do you think?” “I doubt anybody is looking for my opinion on this.” Longbottom looked doubtful, Weasley completely Astoria frowned. “So all those letters from the head shut against it, and Lovegood was in her own dream of the project, they’re… for shits and giggles, then?” world, but Granger looked thoughtful and Draco Draco blew out his breath. “I don’t see why couldn’t quite believe it, but she was going to agree. anybody cares, anyway.” “Because it’s important. You helped to build something important.” November 22, 2017: With or without you “It was a piddly little House in a piddly little “You know it would mean the world to your school. It didn’t matter.” mother,” said Astoria. “It mattered,” Astoria snapped. Draco put down his fork and sat back, glaring “Nobody wants to hear that I was part of it at her. There wasn’t any point in arguing with anyway. Other than you, Hermione, and the head Astoria when she got like this. She was the epit- of the project.” ome of Slytherin, and would do whatever it took “And that’s precisely why they should hear it.” to get his cooperation. He might as well face it. “For what? For the greater glory of the Malfoys? He was going to give in eventually, just to get her Bit of a change for you, isn’t it? We had a few con- and Hermione off his back once and for all. versations about this, as I recall.” That didn’t mean he had to like it, though. Or “Merlin, Draco, that was years ago. I changed my make it easy for her. mind. Some years after I changed my name, and “Why is this so bloody important to you?” he became a pariah to a lot of the wizarding world.” asked, exasperated. “Or to Granger, for that “Look, I did what needed to be done. The school got matter? What does it matter whether I cooper- better. Slytherin House is no longer quite as feared. ate and contribute my ‘oral history’ to this bloody Diggory House hasn’t disappeared. Isn’t that enough?” project? You can tell it as well as I can.” “Not any more. It’s important that people know “I wasn’t there, Draco. I didn’t live there. I didn’t you were part of the story. I’m not asking you to run see what was going on behind the door.” for Minister For Magic, Draco. I’m not telling you to “Rubbish. You spent half the year in there. And jump into the spotlight. I am asking you to come out

48 49 of the shadowy corner though. Not just for you, but ance for clothes and jewelry and that was that.” for me. And your mother. And Scorpius.” Draco gaped at her. “That’s… inspiring family Draco set his jaw stubbornly. loyalty,” he finally said. “At least come to the information meeting,” “I love her and I’m loyal to her. I’m also realistic Astoria said. “You don’t have to commit to doing about her.” Astoria tilted her head to the side. “So anything else.” why did you come back? You could’ve chosen a “Could you possibly drop this?” Draco asked. different way to spend your probation.” “Listen, I will rebuild the Malfoy family with or “It’s what my mother wanted.” without you,” she said grimly. “It’ll just be easier Astoria looked at him askance. “She wanted if you go along.” you back here?” She glanced around the ugly common room. “In a school that was the home of Death Eaters, and where the majority of the November 22, 1998: It’s not easy, is it? school body remembers you were the beginning “It’s not easy, is it?” said Astoria one day, and of that, and hates you for it?” Draco raised his head to look at her. “Coming “Thank you,” said Draco sarcastically. “I try to back here. Would you have come if you hadn’t forget it, but thank you for pointing it out.” been forced to?” “Why would she want you back here?” Astoria “Probably not,” he said curtly. asked, ignoring his tone. “Don’t think Queenie would have either.” “First step in rehabilitating our family.” “She didn’t have to.” Astoria snorted. “Oh please. Your mother always “Oh, she had to,” said Astoria. “You don’t know seemed fairly bright, beneath the spoiled society our parents. They’re very eager to be part of this witch veneer. She must know that’s a hopeless cause.” brave new wizarding world.” Draco scowled. “Obviously, she disagrees.” “She’s of age,” pointed out Draco. “What do you think?” “Queenie? Please. I know my sister. She’s spoiled Draco said nothing, knowing of no answer and silly and selfish and has no backbone at all. that would be politically astute and realistic and Queenie is the perfect name for her. She doesn’t honest, and for some reason unwilling to play care enough to stand up for herself. Our parents the regular Slytherin games with this girl. This said she had to come or they would cut her allow- girl who’d always seemed quiet and reserved

50 51 and utterly uninteresting, but who had somehow “But you can help,” she insisted. become a power to be reckoned with. “Why should I?” “If she wants to rehabilitate anything,” said “So that this year won’t be a complete waste of Astoria, “I would strongly advise moving to the your time and energy and talents. Wouldn’t you continent. Or perhaps Asia. There must be some like to know that you did some good in the world? wizards and witches who haven’t heard of the Built something lasting, and beneficial?” Malfoys over there.” “Please. I’m not a Hufflepuff.” Draco sat back. “Are you going somewhere “No, and you’re also too old to be falling back with this?” on House cliches. Slytherins can work for good. “Pardon?” Look at Snape.” “Why are you telling me this?” “That was Snape. This is me,” said Draco bitterly. She pursed her lips thoughtfully. “I don’t know. “And I can’t do a damn thing. I can’t lead, I can’t Maybe because you look like you’re twiddling ‘make connections’ like my mother said, I can’t your thumbs and waiting for this year to be over. rebuild the Malfoy name — ” And I remember what you were like before. When “Just because you can’t do those three things, you you led Slytherin House.” feel you can’t do anything? That’s pathetic.” She He looked away from her intent gaze. leaned forward. “You want to rebuild something. “And I need your help.” I’m telling you the Malfoy family is something He looked back at her, startled. “My help? To that can’t be rebuilt.” She put a hand on his arm. do what?” “But what if there’s something else you can build?” “Help the Slytherins.” “Like what?” Draco said, baffled, somewhat dis- “I’m not a Slytherin any more.” tracted by her hand on his arm, and annoyed at “Once a Slytherin, always a Slytherin,” she said. the distraction. “Most of them want to disassociate themselves “This House. In this school. You can be part from me anyway,” he pointed out evenly. of something. And just because it won’t do the “Can you blame them?” Malfoy family any good doesn’t mean you “I suppose not, but it does make it somewhat shouldn’t do it.” unlikely that I’d be able to lead them to do any- “I’m not interested.” thing, doesn’t it?” “Then you’re going to just continue to twiddle

52 53 your thumbs and waste your life? What will you do once you’re out of here? Sit at home and con- Scorpius: tinue the twiddling? That’s really pathetic.” It deserves more than a slap on the wrist Draco glared at her. “All right, let’s say I did because what you did could have seriously agree to help. What could I possibly do?” She gave him a brilliant smile, and he was hurt somebody. I will not send you a Howler, inexplicably struck with the thought that she but I am very disappointed in you. It does really was a rather pretty girl. No icy beauty like not matter that Weasley made a spelling Fleur Delacour or fiery head-turner like Ginny error; you know better than to rely on some- Weasley, but pretty in an understated, serious body else’s assignment when it comes to using way. A bit like Granger, ever since she’d got her teeth shrunken and her bushy hair under control. spells on other students. Oh God, he’d just put the words “Granger” and And don’t point f ingers at anybody else’s “pretty” into the same thought. He firmly brought spelling. You misspelled egregious. his attention back to Astoria. On a happier note, your success in getting into the Quodpot team has made your mother

November 25, 2017: Egregous very happy. Perhaps next year you can join Quidditch. Dear Father, Mother sends her love. Please write more I really don’t see why this deserves more often, Scorpius; your mother and grandmother than a slap on the wrist, and besides, it’s not my fault that Weasley can’t spell. She was miss you, and are very happy whenever they the one who wrote the incantation wrong and receive your owls. And please do remember so I said it wrong and nobody was hurt not to text message Grandmother. It isn’t good anyway. Hers was an egregous mistake and for her nerves. I am being unfairly penalized for it. — Father - Scorpius

54 55 November 25, 1998: Augustine bloody humourous when you don’t have the antidote.” “I don’t know what to do. That’s three more little “Can you really blame them?” asked Patil. ones who want to leave now.” Astoria took a deep “For an eleven-year-old boy who’s done noth- breath. “This is supposed to be their year of wonder. ing wrong but have the wrong name, and admit Even if you’ve grown up in a wizarding household, he still writes to his brother?” said Astoria, her this is supposed to be the year you’re finally doing voice steely. “Yes, as a matter of fact, I can.” Patil it, learning magic, with your own wand, your own opened her mouth, then seemed to think better friends… and it’s a nightmare for them.” of it and made a slight nod of apology. “Madame “It’s normal to get homesick in first year,” said Pomfrey contacted George Weasley and got the Granger. “And it was bound to be a little harder antidotes — in fact, Weasley’s older brother sent for everyone this year.” along a lot of antidotes; seems to have some sym- “It wouldn’t be so difficult if that was all it was,” pathy for people being targeted and made fun of said Astoria. “But one little boy, a Ravenclaw, for some reason. But it’s still not enough. Augus- Augustine Cornfoot, is — ” tine’s scared that they’ll just keep getting more “Cornfoot?” Granger blinked. “Any relation to violent and I can’t say I blame him.” Stephen?” “You know, he could stay here,” said Granger. “Younger brother.” “Where?” said Draco. Draco winced. Stephen Cornfoot, Ravenclaw “Here, in Diggory House. We have a study room, from their year, sentenced to two years for crimes but nobody’s using it.” committed during his last year at Hogwarts. He’d “What? Where? He doesn’t belong here!” said been a star pupil in Dark Arts, and relished Dark several voices at once. Spells, the darker the better. “He’s a child,” said Granger. “And he’s afraid. Is “He’s having a terrible time.” he in Ravenclaw right now?” “Why, what’s he doing?” asked Patil. “Spouting Astoria shook her head. “No, Madam Pomfrey’s off pureblood propaganda?” got him in the Hospital wing, but that’s no place “Nobody wants to room with him,” Astoria said, to live. He needs someplace safe.” She stared at politely ignoring Patil. “He’s had a bloody nose three Granger musingly. “You know… that’s actually times. The other kids say it’s just spells gone wrong, not that bad an idea,” she said slowly. but really it’s Nosebleed Nougats, which aren’t so Draco was suddenly certain enough to bet his

56 57 last Knut that Astoria had been thinking of doing Hermione. “Also, the six of you — what we histori- just that before she’d ever spoken to Granger. She ans have started to call The Sextet — ” was good, though; he didn’t think any of the “The what?” asked Hermione. others would’ve guessed any such thing. “You, Mr. Potter, and Mr. Weasley, who first “But… but he can’t!” said Brown. headed the DA, and then Professor Longbottom, “This is supposed to be a House for adults,” said Mrs. Potter and Mrs. Lovegood-Scamander, who Lisa Turpin. She glanced over at the new plaid took over when you were gone. The six of you couch, where Hannah Abbott and plump, pomp- helped to make Diggory House into — ” ous Ernie Macmillan were so closely entwined “But Harry and Ron were busy with Auror Draco couldn’t even tell whose hands were whose. training,” Hermione said, shaking her head. “Besides, we’re busy,” said Millie. “We can’t be “They didn’t have anything to do with Diggory babysitting every ickle firstie who’s feeling hard House. Neither did Ginny and Luna.” done by.” “Still, you were dating Mr. Weasley at the time — ” “I’m in,” said Goldstein. “But he didn’t have anything to do with the Draco blinked. school any more,” said Neville. “He’s one of my House, right?” said Goldstein curtly. “If you’re going to focus on the larger group of “I’ll take responsibility for him, if nobody else will.” people who were behind all of this,” said Hermione, “which you should, in my opinion, then of course the other members of the DA were relevant. A lot December 1, 2017: We built it together of people were.” She glanced over at Draco and “Now, I would very much like to focus on Dumb- Astoria. “Astoria Greengrass’s help was invaluable. ledore’s Army, and how you came together to build But if you are going to focus only on a few people, Diggory House,” said Master Archivist Maximus then focus on those who were actually part of it.” Lore to the gathered group of people. “The ten of Lore made an impatient gesture. “But in the you former members were instrumental not only interests of appealing to a wider audience — ” in starting the House, but in expanding its purpose. “If you’re writing a historical book, write a histori- You carried much of the inter-House cooperation cal book,” said Neville forcefully. “And if you’re writ- that had been evident in Dumbledore’s Army into ing to appeal to a wider audience, do that. But don’t Diggory House,” he said. He focused on Neville and try to make it sound like it’s accurate history and

58 59 then stretch the truth to sell it to a ‘wider audience.’” around the room, now equipped with plenty of “But — ” nice couches and two small new yellow tables. “We built Diggory House,” said Hermione, indicat- “It’s small enough already.” ing the entire group. “We built it together. Don’t den- “There are two other rooms right on the other igrate that by spinning things for popular appeal.” side of this wall.” Dean Thomas spoke up. “Personally I think you Bones leaned forward. “D’you mean the rooms should talk about people outside the House who next to the Charms classroom?” contributed. But not just the famous ones, or the “Isn’t one of those used for the Charms club and DA members. Everyone. That was supposed to be the choir?” asked Patil. the whole point of Diggory House.” “That’s only two days a week,” Draco pointed “It’s still supposed to be the point of Diggory out. “Surely they could find somewhere else to go. House,” said Anthony. That space goes empty the rest of the time. And Draco glanced at Astoria, who looked amused. the one next door is mostly used for storage.” “But… what are you proposing, just blasting a hole in the wall?” asked Patil. December 1, 1998: A safe place “Not blasting. That’s what magic’s for,” he said “I can’t keep them safe. Nobody can,” said Astoria impatiently. worriedly. “We’ve already got Augustine here, but “Why couldn’t we use an enlarging spell, then?” he’s too scared to go back to his House, and he won’t asked Brown. give up the guest room. I don’t know what to do.” “Interferes too much with other magic,” said “They can come here,” said Granger. “This could Granger. “Draco’s right, though, we could use be a safe place for more than just Augustine.” magic to bring down these walls, and then we’d “We can’t put everyone in here, Hermione,” said have access to…” she trailed off, staring at the Goldstein, looking up from his Transfiguration wall as if imagining holes in it. essay. “We don’t have the room.” “The other room, that’s used for storage of some “We could make extra room,” said Draco. Potions ingredients,” said Patil. The others turned to look at him, surprised to “Yeah, we’d have to go through and neutralize hear him speak. “Where?” said Goldstein. “The everything,” said Goldstein musingly. washroom? The common room?” He gestured “I take it we’re saying, yes, then?” said Finnigan.

60 61 There was a small silence. Granger. “Because personally I’m not keen on having “And forget House distinctions,” said Draco. a horde of little kids running around here. Our Astoria was looking at him with approval, and common room isn’t big enough, for one thing.” it made Draco feel oddly warm to see admiration Thomas snorted. “Come on, Seamus. Our com- for him in her eyes. “Right. Let’s go take a look at fort, for their education. You were a lot more the rooms, then,” she said. Draco stood up. crowded in the Room of Requirement last year, “Erm… Gra — Hermione, do you want to come and I lived a lot rougher than having a slightly too?” he asked, and Hermione smiled at him. crowded common area.” Finnigan nodded, conceding the point. “It would be a logistical headache,” said Ernie December 1, 2017: At the Leaky Macmillan. “And it’s inappropriate, to boot.” The Leaky Cauldron, Under New Management, “Beats living in the hospital ward,” said Draco. said the sign, and Draco opened the door. The “They need Houses,” said Granger at the same time. place was a bit dark, but he soon spotted the “They’ve got Houses,” said Macmillan. group from the information session, in a corner “Houses that don’t want them,” Draco shot back. of the room that shimmered a bit with magic. A “And how long would they be here?” asked Patil. privacy screen, he realized; probably spelled to “I don’t know,” said Astoria. “Until they feel they make the group difficult to see by anyone who can go back?” didn’t belong to it. “Just how many children are you having trou- “Draco! You made it!” said Neville, genuinely ble with?” asked Granger. pleased. Draco was slightly taken aback, but “About a dozen or so. More girls than boys.” returned his smile. “We can split the classrooms into a few sepa- “I told you he would,” said Hermione, smiling widely. rate dorms, can’t we?” “I didn’t think he would,” said Weasley, and “Each classroom is large enough for two, maybe now Draco’s smile was forced. “Thought he just three dorms,” said Draco. “Make them three kids came to the information part of it.” to a room. We could get up to three for the girls Hannah came bustling towards the table, slim, in the larger room…” wiry, and energetic as always. She’d been plump, “And two for the boys in the other one,” said shy, round-faced and sweet-looking when they

62 63 were kids, Draco vaguely remembered, and the Neville gave him a two-fingered salute and kissed war had taken that away from her. It had given Hannah again. “Sod off,” he said good naturedly. her cynicism and energy and an almost hostile “During the school year and in front of the custom- extroversion along with a gorgeous body, but ers we’re decorous. We’re among our own House somehow Draco wished the sweet little Hannah now, and you can bloody well deal with it. We’re had been able to grow naturally into what he saw still on our honeymoon as far as I’m concerned.” today, instead of being wrenched there violently. Anthony laughed, and nodded, and Draco She hadn’t done badly for herself, though. She’d glanced around the group. gained people skills and confidence, just as Nev- Patil and Lavender Brown weren’t particularly ille had gained courage and authority. He used thrilled to see him. Who cared. Neither was Mil- his to teach about plants, and she used hers to licent, and Thomas had never lost his reserve sling ales, which seemed rather a waste of talent. with Draco, and probably never would. He still Still, it seemed to work for them. felt welcome here, though. How odd. “Here you go,” she said, plopping down drinks “So what did you think about Lore?” said Hermione. for eight different people at the table, magic help- “I think he’s going about it wrong,” said Neville ing her prevent any spillage. “Draco, can I get right away. “I think if it’s too focused on just us, you anything? No? Are you sure? Here, come on, it’ll be inaccurate and uninteresting.” make room for him,” she said to Patil and her “What we did was important,” said Brown. “What’s wife, who moved aside without a comment or wrong with wanting a little glory? If he’s going to even a roll of their eyes. Hannah sat down next write about a dozen other people it’ll all get lost.” to Neville, drawing her chair close to his and “Actually I think it’ll make it more important,” laying her head on his shoulder. said Hannah. “I’m so glad you came,” she said, smiling at “I think he’s talking about what’ll be in the Draco. Neville smiled down at her and kissed the museum display. It wouldn’t surprise me if the book top of her head. has more room to explore other people outside of us.” “All right, newlywed sweethearts,” said Anthony. “Is it really going to be a museum display?” said “Let’s not have any unseemly displays of public affec- Finnigan. tion here. It’s been, what, six months since you tied “That’s what they’re planning,” said Hermione. the knot? Plenty of time to get it out of your systems.” “Damn. We’re going to be part of a bloody museum.”

64 65 “It’s exciting, isn’t it?” said Brown. lay on the bed, very obviously spent and sated, “It’s bloody depressing, is what it is,” said Fin- watching the proceedings with a lazy smile. And he nigan. “Museums are for old things! I’m not old really didn’t need the almost visceral jolt of arousal enough to be in a museum!” at the sight, despite the identity of the — “Oh bollocks. I hadn’t thought of it that way,” “What is it?” Granger said behind him, and said Hannah. Draco jumped and turned around. “That is rather depressing,” said Thomas. “Hannah, “Erm.” Draco was caught completely at a loss. I’ve changed my mind — can I have some more ale? He’d come here for a reason… hadn’t he? Or possibly Firewhisky.” “Are you all right?” Granger asked. “Get it yourself,” said Hannah. “I’m afraid I’ll “Yes, fine,” said Draco curtly. “Why? What do break a hip on the way to getting it.” you want?” “You know, I was dead happy about being in a “I want to go into my dormitory,” Granger said book,” said Millicent. “Now I’m feeling like I’m coolly, and started to reach for the handle. ready for retirement.” “Don’t!” Draco blurted “You’ve depressed my wife,” said Neville to Fin- Granger’s eyebrows leapt up. “Why not?” nigan. “Some friend you turned out to be.” “It’s, erm, being occupied.” “Not only that, he’s reminded you that your “For heaven’s sake, I’ve got to — ” she stopped. “Ah.” brand-new wife is old,” groaned Hannah. She turned rather bright red, and Draco realized his “I don’t mind,” said Neville softly. “I’ll still be face was probably every bit as rosy as her own. happy with you, no matter how old you get.” “Right. I’ll, erm, I can get my things later.” “Keep it private, you two!” groaned Anthony. They stood in awkward silence for a beat. “Were you… did you come here looking for someone?” asked Granger, and Draco blinked. December 1, 1998: Hannah “Yes.” Who… oh right! “You, actually.” He cleared “Oh fuck — sorry!” Draco blurted, and backed out his throat and forced the distracting image still hastily, slamming the door. He really hadn’t needed seared onto his mind’s eye to go away. “It, erm, to see the Muggle-born’s naked tits bouncing, her occurred to me that if we have students who back arched, as she rode some sixth-year Ravenclaw aren’t of age staying here, McGonagall will prob- boy in the Diggory girls’ dorm while another boy ably want us to put in the spells that prevent boys

66 67 from going into the girls’ dormitories, like they dorm to finish up. have in the other Houses. I was wondering if you Bloody hell, at this rate, Draco was not only would have any idea of how to cast those.” going to be the only Diggory House bloke other Granger was immediately interested. “The chap- than Neville who’d never bedded Hannah Abbott; erone spells? No, I don’t, but I would love to learn he would be possibly the only one over the age of them. Hogwarts: A History mentions them — ” sixteen who hadn’t had the dubious pleasure. “But it doesn’t give details as to how they’re Not so dubious. Those two boys certainly cast,” said Draco. looked like she was making them fairly happy. Granger’s mouth dropped open slightly. “You’ve So had Goldstein and Thomas and Finnigan and actually read it?” she asked. even stolid little Macmillan. And it suddenly “Of course,” Draco gave her a puzzled look. “So occurred to him that it weren’t for the blood you don’t know them either?” status and over-friendliness of the girl, he cer- “No, but I’m sure the library would have details… tainly wouldn’t mind losing his virginity at some possibly in the Restricted Section so students don’t try point in the foreseeable future. to undo them…” she trailed off, then looked at her “Erm… does this happen a lot?” Draco asked, watch. “Unfortunately it’s close to closing time. Damn.” the intense discomfort of talking to one Mug- “Surely we can get permission to stay past clos- gle-born about another losing to his desire to not ing, if it’s for the good of the school.” just stand here stupidly saying nothing. “All the plans for expanding the House don’t have Granger looked embarrassed. “Some,” she said. to be finalized today,” Granger pointed out. “We “She’s. She’s acting out.” only just started talking about it this afternoon.” “Acting out what?” “I’d like to have as much ready as possible when “She’s trying to deal with what she went we talk to McGonagall tomorrow.” through last year.” “Well the library opens tomorrow at eight. I’ll “How? By bedding half the castle?” be happy to do research then.” “Do you know what happened to Hannah last “Good. Thanks.” year?” Granger said, her voice hard. They stood for a moment, only then remem- “Was it any worse than what happened to you?” bering the awkwardness of their situation as he asked. Granger frowned, but reluctantly shook they waited for Hannah and the two boys in the her head. “Why aren’t you out sleeping with

68 69 everyone in sight, then?” “My parents are both still alive,” Granger said. “And safe. Hannah lost her mother. And her father December 10, 2017: Dear Mother didn’t want her to ever come back here. Don’t you Dear Mother: dare judge her.” “I lost my father too,” Draco snapped. “He’s not Please come to the station to pick me up. dead, but he might as well be. He’ll never get out — ” I’m sorry I said I wanted to get home “It isn’t the same. Her father won’t talk to her by myself. Patsy’s parents are coming to any more. She’s got nobody, really. If this is how get her and she says they’re a bit nervous she chooses to deal with that, I won’t judge her.” about being in a wizarding place so I told “Her father really didn’t want her to come back?” her you and Father could help them find Draco blinked. It had honestly never occurred to their way so they won’t be too lost. She said him that Muggles wouldn’t jump at the chance to when they dropped her off in September they be part of the wizarding world, even vicariously though their children. weren’t sure the wizarding world was a safe “The wizarding world wasn’t terribly safe for people place, but I said if they meet people who’ve like us,” Granger said evenly. “Would you want your always lived in the wizarding world they’ll children involved in a world this dangerous?” see it’s not so scary. Could you also get He had no idea. “Why did your parents not Tiggy to come? Patsy wants her parents to take you away too, then?” meet a house elf. “I didn’t give them the choice,” said Granger. “I -Scorpius sent them away and gave them new memories to keep them safe, but I stayed because I had to.” Draco blinked. Somehow it had also never occurred to him that Granger must have had parents too, and that they might have had an opinion on their daughter’s life. “Don’t presume to judge any of us, Draco,” Granger Dear Scorpius: said coldly, then turned on her heel and left. Your father and I will be glad to see you and meet your friend Patsy’s parents. And Tiggy will be delighted. She’s a little dotty right now, but the elf Healers said she should be all right by Christmas, as long as we don’t 70 wear anything green too close to her. Please tell your 71 friend to pass along the warning to her parents. She needed here.” “Astoria,” snapped Queenie. “Look, with all due respect to your lofty and terribly important Head Girliness? You’re not that indispensable. Do us all a favour and get over yourself, please.” She stood won’t do anything scary if they forget, but she will sing, up and stalked back to her dormitory. andDecember I don’t think 10, 1998: that Get would over make yourself for a very good impression“There’s of a the lot wizarding of students world. not going home for Christmas-Mother this year,” said Astoria. December 25, 2017: Dear Draco “How many?” asked Draco. Dear Draco: “A lot of them. Some of them are very young, but Please let Astoria know that her Christmas Eve they no longer have families to go home to. Or… well, in the case of a few of the Slytherins, they dinner was lovely. The meal was excellent and the no longer have families they want to go home to.” refreshments tastefully presented. Your house elf, “Why?” however, coul d use some firm, kind discipline. I “Two of them are still spouting the same rub- will be happy to help if Astoria is unsure of how bish their parents spouted, but their parents have changed their tune — at least in public — so thats to proceed in that area. As well, the decorations were bound to make for a Happy Christmas for all charming, but missed some of the elegance that your concerned. Two others have taken up friendships home deserves. If Astoria is unwilling to learn how with Muggle-borns. It hasn’t gone over well.” to improve in that area, I woul d be happy to do it for “They can come here,” Draco said. He looked her next year. around the common room. “Any objections?” A chorus of No’s answered him, and Astoria Scorpius is turning into a fine young man. You gave him a grateful smile. must be proud. “Are you going home?” he asked. I neglected to let you know last night: I received “No,” she said, and Queenie frowned. an owl from your father, who reports that he is “Mum’s going to go mental,” she said. “I really don’t care, Queenie,” said Astoria. “I’m well, though still a bit under the weather from the

72 73 Pogrebin Flu a few weeks ago. His release plan He looked around the room approvingly. The manor was slowly being rebuilt. The atrium was is proceeding well, and he will hopefully be able to a mess and the entire east wing was off-limits — celebrate Christmas with us next year. Mother said it was due to dangerous magic residue Do give my regards to your lovely wife, and from the Dark Lord’s stay here, but Draco suspected thank her for a charming dinner despite its minor it had more to do with horrible memories and sig- shortcomings. nificantly depleted funds with which to repair the place. Which probably also contributed to why they Love, weren’t being seen in society much these days. — Mother “Is there anybody special in your life, Draco?” asked Mother out of the blue. Draco blinked, startled. “As in…” December 25, 1998: Home alone “Is there any girl you are particularly friendly Draco took an appreciative sip of his cognac. with these days?” It wasn’t that bad, Christmas alone with just the Draco was literally left speechless. His mother’s two of them. Mother had been sent a few invi- tone was calm, as if this were a perfectly normal tations to social functions, and had graciously question, and not the first time she’d ever asked declined, sending flowers and expressing deep anything of the kind of him. regret at being unable to attend and inviting the “Oh. Erm. No, not really.” families in question to the manor after Christ- “That’s too bad.” mas. She hadn’t said, but Draco suspected that Silence descended again. Good. She’d only she had not been at all sure that she could pull brought it up to make conversation, then. Draco off being a single woman at a society function at searched his mind for something to say, wonder- a time like this, and that she didn’t feel like put- ing if perhaps she felt the stilted nature of their ting herself out there to be mocked or ostracized, relationship as keenly as he did. Funny how nei- but that she might be willing to be social again ther had ever realized just how completely Father next year, assuming she was invited anywhere. dominated their lives until he was gone. So they had eaten Christmas dinner alone, and “I heard Astoria Greengrass is doing well as then retired to the fireplace in the parlour. Head Girl this year,” said Mother.

74 75 Draco nodded, his face flushing slightly. an item,” she said, and Draco swallowed hard, “What about her?” utterly mortified. “She may not have been what we “What about her… what?” he asked. wanted for you as far as looks and personality, but “She’s a pretty girl, I’ve heard.” she was from a good family. The Parkinsons are Draco closed his eyes, mortified. “Mother…” very good friends of ours, and it was good that — ” “Have you thought about her in that way?” “Mother, please.” “I — no, I, it’s been a busy year.” “You’re a young man, you need to find a nice “Do you find her attractive?” young woman to settle down with — ” “Mother!” His cheeks heated up and he stared into “Merlin, Mother!” snapped Draco. “I’m not the fire, determinedly avoiding his mother’s gaze. interested in settling down!” “You could do worse than her, you know.” “You have to think of your future. Even if it “I don’t — this is ridiculous,” he said, putting didn’t end up lasting, it could be very advanta- down his cognac. geous for you to be seen with — ” “Ridiculous? In what way?” “I am not going to talk about this any more,” “I am not going to ask out a girl just because Draco said firmly, stood up, and left the parlour. you tell me to!” Enough was enough. “Why not? If it makes sense, and the girl is Mother didn’t understand. She didn’t under- attractive enough, and — ” stand that what had been exciting and easy with “Mother! I am old enough to figure out who I Pansy was impossible with Astoria. The family want to date!” background was only part of it. He didn’t have “Well you aren’t finding anyone on your own, the confidence any more, and Astoria did. She are you?” was almost untainted by the war, or was at least “But — ” able to act like it. He? Was soaked in it. “You’re a handsome young man, you’re intelligent and well-brought up, you — ” she cut herself off and Draco could hear the hastily abandoned January 9, 2018: Let’s do lunch ‘You come from one of the finest wizarding fam- “I miss her so much,” said Hermione. “It’s only ilies’. “Your father and I were quite pleased when been a week, but the house feels even emptier it appeared that you and Pansy Parkinson were than when she left in September. She’s so far

76 77 away.” She picked up her wine glass and gazed something that you should talk about.” into it thoughtfully. Draco stiffened and drew back. “I don’t much “She’s doing well, according to Scorpius,” said Draco. want to, Granger.” Hermione gave him a small smile. “I keep “Don’t be angry.” thinking next year Hugo will be gone too and “I’m not angry.” I don’t know what I’ll do. The house will be so “You fall back to last names when you’re angry,” empty… it’s funny but when they were small she said patiently. sometimes I wished I could have back the quiet, “Do I?” tidy house we had before they came along.” She Hermione chuckled. “Yes. Astoria and I noticed took a sip of her wine. “And now I feel as though a that a long time ago.” home with no children isn’t really a home at all.” “You know, I really don’t need my wife and you Draco dropped his eyes and moved his pasta conspiring against me.” around on his plate aimlessly for a moment. “Then do as we say. We usually have your best Hermione made a sudden soft sound of distress. interests at heart.” “Oh, God I’m sorry.” She covered her eyes with her “What do you mean?” hand. “I… God, I’m so sorry. I forgot. I didn’t mean…” “At that i n for mat ion meet i ng, d’you remember how Draco shrugged. “It’s all right. Our home is Lore sounded? He’s still going in the same direction. feeling a bit empty at the moment, but I’m sure The book, the museum exhibit, it’s all going to be we’ll adapt quickly enough.” about the DA, and the other famous people — includ- “Don’t you miss him?” ing the ones who weren’t even bloody well there — “Yes,” Draco said shortly, and took a bite of and nothing about the ones who did just as much or his pasta. Every day. He missed his son, hear- more. Like you, and Astoria.” ing his voice, listening to his odd little conver- “That’s what the public wants.” sations, playing chess with him. Who on earth “Draco, you worked hard to create what we had decided that it was a good idea to break up made. And you’ve worked hard ever since. People wizarding families for the last seven years of a deserve to know that. Your family deserves for child’s childhood? It was insane. “Yes, a bit. We’re you to tell the world.” She paused. “And Scorpius keeping busy, though.” deserves it most of all.” “Yes, I heard.” She paused. “You know, that’s

78 79 like what it was, an excuse. He’d planned to use if she’d said no, as a face-saving out, but the way January 9, 1999: Sugar Quills she’d just blurted the question made his own “Astoria, do you want to go to Hogsmeade?” asked planned gesture sound blurted as well. Draco casually in the corridor, and wondered if an And yet Astoria hadn’t said no, he realized. outsider — namely, Astoria — would be able to hear “So are you going?” he asked, and this time he how little of his nonchalance was genuine. did sound nonchalant. Astoria blinked and looked up at him, her mouth “Oh. Yes. Yes, I am.” slightly open. “Are you asking me out on a date?” They started to head down towards Hogsmeade, Draco’s eyebrows shot up. What? and Draco paused. “Oh — we should wait for Quee- What kind of girl asked such a thing? This wasn’t nie,” he said, knowing Queenie was probably at the how it was supposed to be played. A girl was sup- village already, but wanting to make it clear that he posed to try to divine the intentions of the boy who had not really intended this to be a romantic outing. asked her, try to figure out what the boy wanted, Astoria gave him a strange look. “She’s down what she wanted, how to encourage him if they there already.” both wanted the same thing and discourage him if “Oh is she?” he said. “That’s too bad. We can they didn’t — who did Astoria think she was, Loony catch up with her when we get there, if you’d like.” Lovegood? Just blindly blundering through a deli- “No, that’s all right. I see enough of her,” said Astoria. cate social interaction with all the grace of a troll? “What did you think of your exams?” Draco He really would’ve expected better from her. asked after a few moments as they made their “I am asking if you’re going to Hogsmeade,” he way through the snow. said stiffly. “A few of the other Diggory House “They were all right,” said Astoria indifferently. people are going, and I have to go to Honeydukes. “I haven’t really had a chance to do much study- My mother likes Sugar Quills. I was going to go ing this year.” with Millicent, she knows which ones my mother “You don’t want to leave them to the last minute,” likes, but she’s still at her parents’ until Monday.” said Draco. Astoria looked unsure, and Draco felt a surge “How were yours last year?” she asked pointedly. of annoyance. He wasn’t really up to his usual Draco stiffened slightly. “Touché. I don’t think social standards here; his excuse sounded just there were many of us who were doing well, though.”

80 81 “Less competition, though, from the brains who where Thomas and Susan Bones were holding were missing or in prison,” said Astoria, and it hands and gazing deeply into each other’s eyes, was very difficult to figure out what she meant and she said nothing further until their order of from her bland tone. Butterbeer arrived. “I suppose so.” “You have been acting differently towards me They got to Honeydukes, and he found it was since you came back,” she said. rather pleasant, spending time with her in a set- “Different how?” ting outside of the school. Interesting, too, to be in “Different, as in, talking to me a great deal Hogsmeade on what was not really a Hogsmeade more. Seeking me out.” weekend. There was almost nobody there except “I had a rather dull holiday,” said Draco. “Ten for Diggory House students and some professors. It days cooped up in the Manor with my mother was fairly enjoyable, picking out sweets, chatting wasn’t exactly thrilling. It’s nice to talk about about their Christmas holidays — not that either something other than what the roses will look had much to say, as she had spent it at the school like on the south lawn this year.” and Draco had spent almost all of it alone with “Did you and your mother talk about anything his mother — and it all felt almost relaxing and else, then?” said Astoria. natural until they were headed out to The Three Draco dropped his eyes. Bugger it all, why Broomsticks and she turned and faced him again. did he feel he couldn’t lie to her? Where was his “Draco, why did you ask me here?” suave smoothness, his casual air of indifference, Draco frowned. “I told you, I was coming to which had always worked so well on Pansy and Hogsmeade and — ” the other Slytherin girls? “I don’t think so. You’ve been somewhat more Granted, Pansy was thicker than a concussed attentive towards me ever since you came back troll, and Astoria was definitely not. Still. from Christmas hols.” “All right,” said Draco, and went for a casual tone “Have I?” said Draco. once more. “My mother did mention that she wanted Astoria gave him a level look, then pushed to see me take more of an interest in social life.” open the door to the Broomsticks and went in. “Was I mentioned specifically?” They moved to one of the many empty tables, “Why would you think so?” politely averting their gaze from the corner “Because I’m here with you, Draco. You don’t

82 83 appear to have asked Neville or Dean or even Quee- gone through a great deal, all right? I wanted to nie to help you pick out Sugar Quills for your mother.” be able to tell her honestly that I had tried.” “How do you know that I didn’t, and got turned down?” Astoria nodded, and brought her mug to her “Woman’s intuition. Did your mother ask you to lips. She sipped delicately, then put down the find some nice pureblooded girl to be seen with? mug. “Can I ask you something?” she said softly. Help rehabilitate the Malfoy name once more?” “Yes?” “What if she did?” asked Draco. “There’s noth- “Was this… did you only ask me because of your ing wrong with the idea.” mother?” she asked, fiddling with the ribbon on “Unless she asked you make sure I’m the nice her box of Honeydukes chocolates. pureblooded girl.” “What do you mean?” Draco sat back, stung. “Why would that be out “I mean, if your mother hadn’t pushed you… of the question?” would you be interested? In me?” “It’s not that you’re not attractive, Draco,” said Draco sat speechless for a moment. Astoria’s Astoria, and Draco felt himself blushing. “And if it face was bright red and she looked like she was weren’t for your family, I might even be in favour already deeply regretting having asked the ques- of seeing whether we were compatible as a couple.” tion, and Draco couldn’t quite believe she had Draco blinked, not sure he’d ever heard either. It was the most completely un-Slytherin romance described in a more practical, crush- he’d seen her do so far. ingly cynical way. Even by his mother. He took a deep breath. Well, if they were going “But given that I’m also from a family that is to be un-Slytherin… desperately trying to move forward and step out “I would. I… I am,” he said, his voice low. “Only… of its own mess, it’s not terribly likely that my I thought it wouldn’t be practical, what with your parents would approve, is it?” family and all.” Draco dropped his gaze. Astoria nodded quickly. “I — I’m sorry, it was “And you must have known that,” said Astoria. none of my business, only… sorry.” She took “I did,” Draco admitted. another sip of her Butterbeer. “Then why go ahead with this?” She indicated Draco gazed into the bubbles floating in his the two of them. own mug. “Can I ask… if it weren’t for your family, Draco raised his head again. “My mother has would you… would you be interested back?”

84 85 Astoria hunched her shoulders slightly, obv iously declined to return to the school when it first reopened, incredibly uncomfortable. “It doesn’t matter, does came back after all. Two sixth-year Slytherin students it? I won’t go against them. I can’t.” She glanced up who had spent a great deal of the previous year in Dig- at him quickly. “And that’s not a fair answer. I.” She gory House petitioned to be allowed to do their entire cleared her throat. “Yes, I would.” She shrugged. “It seventh year in Diggory, and were permitted to do so. doesn’t make any difference, though.” And two of the founding members returned for “No,” said Draco, then found himself smiling another year. Anthony Goldstein had decided to unexpectedly. “But it is nice to know.” study at Hogwarts for another year, using the library to conduct very advanced studies into Gem Transfig- urations, going far beyond what is usually expected January 11, 2018: The House Survives of students at NEWT level. Neville Longbottom also Dear Mr. Malfoy: returned, taking part in a sort of apprenticeship with Enclosed is the section you asked to read, from Part V|| Herbology Professor Pomona Sprout, to prepare him of The Fifth House: The House Survives to take over her duties when she retired. By the end of the first year, Diggory House had The year after that, Diggory House was once again grown far beyond its initial size. In addition to the occupied. Two of the previous year’s members hadn’t original fourteen members, twelve others finished passed most of their NEWTs on the first try, and had the year living in dormitories the Diggory House been permitted another year to try to finish them out members created for them, with many others having of consideration for disabilities incurred during the spent days or weeks or months within their safe walls war. Four more students stayed on for additional before venturing back into the traditional Houses. education, as Anthony Goldstein had done. Three The following school year saw a new crop of stu- students were transferred from Slytherin to Diggory. dents move into Diggory House. What had been envi- A year later, a married couple who had attended sioned as a one-year arrangement to help students Beauxbatons asked to come and spend a year studying make up classes they’d missed and use their help in Professor Dumbledore’s extensive work in Transfigu- rebuilding the school was extended. Three of the new rations, some of which had never been published, in group were Muggle-borns who had missed their sixth an effort to bring more of his groundbreaking research year and had been unable to catch up, and were thus to the wider public. They stayed in Diggory House for still a year behind. Two of the class of 1998, who had convenience, rather than rent a house in Hogsmeade

86 87 as foreign researchers at Hogwarts had always done. troversy. Perhaps the most difficult was the decision Their work, published in various publications such as to whether or not to allow persons who had been as “Transfiguration Today”, “Tricky Transfigurations”, convicted of crimes against other students to move in and “Transfigurations Theory and Practice”, and later to Diggory once their sentences were served. As well, published in its entirety in Albus Dumbledore and the the decision to allow younger students — especially Transfigured Treasures, brought major developments Slytherin students — to move in to the House perma- to the field and is still regarded as a definitive work on nently met with much debate. the subject of Useful Tool-to-Animal transfigurations. [Note: this part of the chapter is not yet finished. The foreign scholars were joined in Diggory House We have had trouble deciding what to include and that year by three of the permanently transferred exclude from this section. Our archivists have set Slytherins, two sets of twins who had been Sorted themselves a deadline of February 12th, at which into separate Houses, and three post-NEWT students. point they will either throw a sheaf of parchments The school decided that year to make the post-NEWT containing the different proposed subsections into positions a permanent fixture in the school, and the air and publish whichever one lands closest to established eighth-year positions for post-NEWT our statue of Bathilda Bagshott, or scrap the subsec- studies in Potions, Herbology, Astronomy, and Runes. tion altogether.] The next year, Arithmancy and Muggle Studies were added to the list. Today Diggory House contains up to nine post- January 11, 1999: Gregory Goyle NEWT students, assorted transferees from other “Greg Goyle’s been released from prison,” said Draco. Hogwarts Houses — though transferring is still dis- Ernie Macmillan’s quill froze in mid-letter. couraged — and an ever-shifting collection of schol- “And?” asked Patil. ars from around the British Isles and the larger “He wants to come to school. His trial said he could.” wizarding world who come to Hogwarts to study. “He’s on probation,” she said. There are generally ten to twenty students in resi- “So was Draco,” Astoria reminded Patil. “Until a dence. As of 2013 the House even has its own Quod- month ago.” pot team, though putting together a seven-player “Are you asking if he can bunk here with us?” Quidditch team may not ever be feasible. asked Thomas. The road to this current state was not without con- “Not a chance,” said Neville immediately, and

88 89 Finnigan and Goldstein concurred. “There are other students staying here who Thomas’s brow furrowed. “Why not? Granted, hurt people,” said Draco. “You couldn’t really suc- he wasn’t the most friendly bloke, but — ” ceed in some classes without doing it.” “But you weren’t here last year,” said Finnigan, “I can’t. All right?” Macmillan looked up and his normally good-natured face set and bitter. there were tears in his eyes. “I can’t. I’m sorry, but “You didn’t see what he did.” I’m not going to sleep in the same room as the Macmillan swallowed hard and put down boy who — who — ” his quill with a shaking hand. Hannah Abbott “He had to,” said Draco, completely off-balance. moved closer to him, taking his hand in hers and He didn’t know what he’d expected, but it wasn’t Draco’s eyebrows went up as Macmillan turned this. After how calmly his House had accepted to her and hugged her close, shivering. He’d letting in some other students, even those who have sworn those two hadn’t been together since were still spouting unpopular opinions, he’d before Christmas, but she was stroking his hair assumed it would be a given that soon he wouldn’t and he was visibly calming down at her touch. be the only Slytherin in the boys’ dorm, the only “He wouldn’t have to go in a dormitory,” said non-member of the DA. “It was for class.” Astoria. “He could go in the guest room. It’s empty “Don’t give me that rubbish!” Neville snapped, right now — ” and Draco gaped at him. “He enjoyed it, you know “No,” said Hannah forcefully. “Not a chance. We he did!” he said, and Draco hadn’t seen him this won’t have him here. It’s supposed to be a safe place.” angry since he’d sliced off that horrible snake’s Draco suddenly realized he hadn’t heard her say head. “And he didn’t even do me so bad, but I still more than a few words all year. Moans didn’t count. hear Tim Ogilvie screaming — bloody hell, Draco, “He’s not even a student, anyway,” said Finnigan. he was thirteen years old!” “Neither am I,” said Neville. “I’m mostly here to Astoria nodded. “I’m sorry. You’re right. I’m… help Professor Sprout; I already had most of my we shouldn’t even have asked.” Draco blinked and NEWTs anyway. And Susan mostly helps in the opened his mouth to protest but she shook her library and the owlery, so she’s not really a stu- head at him quickly. “I honestly didn’t mean to dent either. That’s not the point.” bring back painful memories for any of you.” She Astoria sat back. “What is the point?” she asked softly. swallowed hard. “Ernie, I’m so sorry.” “He hurt too many of us.” Macmillan pressed his lips together and

90 91 nodded shakily. common room as quickly as possible. “Yes. I need Astoria nodded. “Right. I’ll let McGonagall know. Is to… pick up a book.” it… we may not have a choice about this, as it’s partly “Good, we can talk on the way,” said Astoria, the Wizengamot’s decision to make, but what should and they left the House. I say about whether or not he can attend classes?” Draco stopped outside the Diggory door. “What Neville glanced around the gathered students, about the chaperone spells?” he said brusquely. then hesitated. “I think… I can’t speak for everyone. Astoria blinked. “What?” But if he’s only attending a few classes… I think we’d “You needed to talk to me about it?” be all right with that.” He hesitated. “Would we?” “No, you dolt, that was just an excuse.” Macmillan nodded. “You may want to ask some Draco frowned. “Why did you follow me, then?” of the others, though.” “I… I wanted to say I was sorry about Goyle — ” “The others who came up at his trial?” said Astoria. Draco narrowed his eyes, anger flashing “Yeah. I’ll give you a list — no, that would be through him. “Are you? Really? You certainly inappropriate. I’ll… I’ll talk to them.” didn’t seem so in there.” “Thank you,” said Astoria, and Draco felt a “They felt pretty strongly about — ” shiver go down his spine as he realized Macmil- “How could you? You just cut him loose! You lan was referring to the eleven other students didn’t do that for anybody else we let in — why Goyle had been convicted of torturing far past was Goyle any different?” the limits of what had been required for class. “Are you serious? Did you see how they felt That didn’t bear thinking about. He stood up, in there? Do you honestly think we had a hope his thoughts whirling, and noted distantly that in hell of convincing them?” Astoria shook her Astoria was hastily standing as well. head. “I am not going to go out on a limb for a “Thank you, Ernie. I’m truly sorry about this,” she cause I cannot possibly win. We need to be logical was saying quickly but earnestly as she followed and practical, Draco. Some battles are not worth Draco. “Draco, hold on, please, I forgot I needed to fighting. We would lose, and gain nothing but talk to you about the chaperone spells — ” she hur- bitterness and hostility from the rest of them.” ried up to him. “Are you going to the library?” “So Goyle is just a battle to be thrown, is he?” Draco blinked, having had no goal in mind “Frankly? Yes,” she said, and turned on her heel when he’d stood up other than leaving the and stalked away, leaving Draco gaping after her.

92 93 to have a single thing to say when they did meet. The man was bombastic and pompous and Draco January 15, 2018: Dear Mr. Lore got the distinct feeling that he was utterly uninter- Dear Mr. Lore: ested in truth or accuracy or anything but making himself famous. Like Rita Skeeter, only boring. In reply to your letter of January 10, 2018, regarding a time to discuss matters pertaining to Diggory House, I would be amenable to January 15, 1999: With our approval meeting on the 20th for a few hours. Draco stood at the window and watched Goyle make his way down the hill to his small flat in Hogsmeade, Respectfully, ducking his head against the cold, snowy wind. Draco Malfoy “This is wrong,” Draco said bitterly. “He shouldn’t have to go down there.” Dear Mr. Malfoy: “Are you serious?” said Astoria. “You still think I am delighted that you are considering they should’ve allowed him into the dorm?” taking part in this project. I have felt for a long “Yes. Don’t you?” time that the story is not complete without “Have you ever heard of post-traumatic stress telling the S lytherin side of the tale. I feel that disorder?” she asked, and rolled her eyes. “No, of course not, it’s a Muggle idea. Still, what do you it will be a splendid addition to the history of think it’d do to your housemates to see the boy the revolutionary House that you all created who tortured them in their home space?” together. Indeed, I was speaking to Ms. Granger “I don’t know, but — ” the other day and… “I do know. I deal with that kind of thing every day.” Draco groaned quietly as he skimmed over the “Still. Aren’t we supposed to be forgiving and rest of the letter. He’d known all along that this moving forward and all that rot? Bloody hypocrites.” would come about eventually. Astoria and Her- “I don’t blame them for Goyle,” said Astoria quietly. mione did usually have his best interests at heart. “It’s not just him,” Draco jerked his chin at But as he put the long parchment away without the snow-covered hill and Goyle’s form grow- finishing reading it, he reflected that he’d be lucky ing smaller and smaller. “It’s… they’re… they’re

94 95 bloody insufferable. They expect us all to just Galleons and paid it, and put on probation for bow down to their greater righteousness, say five years. Despite the fact that heT Prophet was we’re sorry a million times, even if they won’t flooded with owls from readers saying he’d had forgive us or forget what we did — as if any of every right to use both.” them wouldn’t have done the same things.” “That was a publicity stunt and you know it,” Draco “Such as?” sneered. “He has scads of money anyway, what did “Come on, you know they would’ve done any- the fine mean to him? It only made him look like thing, if they’d been in power.” a hero yet again, ‘facing his past sins with integ- “They were in power, Draco,” said Astoria mildly. rity and courage’ and all the other rot the papers “For quite a few years. And there were remark- said about him. And he was still allowed into the ably few instances of Crucio being taught in the Auror program.” Draco blew out his breath angrily. school while they were.” “It comes down to this: we tried to do things dif- “That we know of.” ferently from them; it didn’t work, and now we’re “Precious few reports of Crucio being used now doing things their way, but they won’t let us put the either,” she said. past behind us because they still resent us for not “They’re still hypocrites. Last year, everybody believing the same things they did — ” cast those curses. I did, you did, most of the stu- “Draco,” Astoria interrupted. “They’re not just dents spitting at Slytherins this year did — ” upset at us because of our beliefs. You cannot “Ginny Weasley didn’t. Nor did Neville, or Luna, call sending children to Azkaban a difference in or any of Dumbledore’s Army except for Zacha - beliefs. You cannot call having people Demen- rias Smith and Amy Compton.” tor-kissed because they didn’t have magical par- Draco’s eyes widened. He’d had no idea. He ents a mere difference in political philosophy.” searched his mind for a comeback. “Well what “We believed they were criminals, stealing — ” about their own precious hero, Potter? He used Sec- “We believed no such thing!” Astoria snapped. tumsempra, which, all right, he didn’t know, but he “You know as well as I do that the theory of magi- also used Crucio and Imperio, and nobody cares, but cal theft was a load of bosh, designed to stigmatize suddenly when it comes to forgiving Goyle — ” people on the basis of racism, pure and simple.” “Potter admitted to using them, and had a trial,” “But if it kept them out of our gene pool, and prevented Astoria said evenly. “He was fined a thousand them from corrupting our ideals and traditions — ”

96 97 “You honestly believe that?” it. And all right, maybe your family didn’t catch “That our traditions and bloodlines are worth on to just how insane he was as quickly as they protecting? Yes, I do. Don’t you?” should have, but bloody hell, Draco. He practically “Not that way, no.” castrated your father. He had that horrid snake of Draco blinked. “Look… I know things got out his terrifying your ridiculous peacocks — ” of hand. But the people who made things get out “What does that — ” of hand are all dead or in Azkaban now anyway. “And yet we still followed him. Maybe near the Why keep punishing the rest of us? Even those end we did it out of fear. But at the beginning it who did nothing wrong?” was out of lust for power and sadism and bigotry “Nothing but go along with racism and oppres- and hatred, and anybody who denies that is lying sion and murder?” to themselves. And frankly, the reason I want to “All’s fair in love and war, Astoria.” He glared at her. distance myself from all of that isn’t all political. “Look, I know you’re playing devil’s advocate here, but — ” It’s because it makes me ill to even think about “As a matter of fact, I’m not.” what went on with our approval!” Draco blinked. “What?” “Draco,” said Astoria with some impatience, “has it ever occurred to you that we should be January 20, 2018: Of whom you speak, with saying we were wrong because we were?” whom you speak “What?” Dear Mother: “It’s not just empty words. I’m not just mouth- Rose is beating me in Muggle Studies, ing what others want to hear, like your father Potions, and Charms, and she’s insufferable did in the years between one bout of pureblood batshittery and another. I mean it. My family about it. I’m beating her in Defence Against were bloody idiots. I could see, being all of thir- the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, Herbology, teen, that the Dark Lord had more than a few legs and History of Magic. She says that her missing from his cauldron. It was as plain as the dad told her to beat me but that’s not why slitty little excuse for a nose on his face. He was she’s doing it, she says it’s just that she wants terrifying, and I didn’t believe a word that came to be top of her class like her mum was. Her out of his mouth, even though I went along with mum is rather nice. Why would Rose’s dad

98 99 want her to beat me in particular? - Scorpius

would be proud of you for apologizing. That’s a very good poem, by the way; I may make a copy of it and put it next to my desk in the study. Dear Scorpius: JanuaryScorpius 20,thinks 1999: very Firewhisky highly of youand too. Boggarts I’m very glad Don’t let it bother you. Your dad and Rose’s were nasty you’veDraco become stopped friends. short at the doorway of the boys’ littleDear boys Mrs. in Malfoy:school. They’re grown-ups now, and should dorm.— Mrs.His dorm-mates Malfoy were all sitting in a circle tryScorpius to act like told it. me what he wrote to you. My mum says Dad on the floor, Exploding Snap cards sitting in shouldGrandmother get over it, but sends I’m hernot surelove. what that means. I’m sorry smoking heaps around them, a half-empty bottle Scorpius- Mother told you, because I didn’t want him to. Mum also of Firewhisky steaming in their midst. says I should be more careful with what I say to people. She “Draco,” Neville called out, a mite unsteadily, sent me a poem written by a Muggle a really long time ago, “come in.” He waved a hand vaguely at the floor that I thought was very wise: next to them. If wisdom’s ways you wisely seek, “What is this?” asked Draco cautiously. Five things observe with care: “Firewhisky,” said Finnigan. With whom you speak, “I gathered that. Here?” Of whom you speak, “Why not here? We’re all of age, aren’t we?” said And how, and when, and where. Macmillan, and downed the contents of his goblet Scorpius is a very nice boy. You must be very proud of him. in one gulp, coughing mightily afterwards. “’Snot against any rules,” he wheezed out between spasms. - Rose Weasley “Why are you all getting drunk?” asked Draco. “None of your — ” Thomas began, but Neville cut him off. “My parents,” said Neville. “They both caught the Floo Flu this year, and my gran doesn’t think Dear Rose: Thank you for your letter. Your mother would be proud of you for writing it, I think. It’s difficult to realize you’ve 100 said something you shouldn’t, but I think your mother 101 they’ll be around much longer.” the label from a bottle of Firewhisky, believe it or Draco swallowed. “Ah. I’m… I’m sorry.” He not. No idea how she got her hands on it.” backed up. “I’ll leave you to it, then,” he began, They played silently for a few hands, and Draco and Neville shook his head. was starting to feel the warmth of the Firewhisky “No, come on, join us.” working itself through him, insidiously making “Him?” said Goldstein. him let down his guard, feel like relaxing, feel “Why not? He’s part of the dorm, isn’t he?” Neville like he was safe. Like he was almost having fun, scowled at Goldstein. “Come on, Seamus, deal him in.” despite a dismal hand containing nothing of Finnigan glanced at the other boys, then value but the Sorceress of Horntails. A bit like that shrugged and dealt out a Dragon Deck of cards. day with Astoria at Hogsmeade, but less tense. Draco sat down cautiously among them, feeling “Have they ever been… all right?” asked Gold- rather surreal. It wasn’t that he was deliberately stein, breaking the companionable silence and ostracized in this room, but the other five boys discarding a Three of Horntails. did have a lot more in common with each other Neville shook his head. “I don’t remember them than with him. While Neville was fairly friendly, ever being. They went mad when I was hardy the other four hadn’t exactly made any efforts to more than a year old.” include him in their social group, and he hadn’t Draco swallowed hard. tried to get close to any of them either. “I used to have nightmares about what hap- “What are we playing?” asked Draco. pened to them,” Neville said slowly. “I used to “Whatever Neville wants, right?” said Thomas, wonder what it would be like to be hurt like that, his voice edged. “Here.” He plonked a goblet in front to hurt for so long that eventually you went mad. of Draco. “Say when.” He started to pour the whisky Used to wonder, if I was ever in a situation like and Draco winced as it hissed into the glass. that, what would I do. Would I break, and betray “Did you see them a lot?” asked Macmillan qui- my friends, or would I just take it, like they did.” etly after the cards were dealt. He gulped down some Firewhisky. “Not much,” said Neville. “I go at Christmastime. “Guess you know now, then,” said Draco quietly. My mum always gives me something — used to be Neville met his eyes, startled. wrappers from sweets, but I suppose she noticed “I still have nightmares, though,” he said after I was growing up, because this year she gave me a moment.

102 103 “We all have nightmares, Longbottom,” said “Running,” said Thomas. He took a swallow of Draco dryly. He’d lost track of the times one of Firewhisky, then looked at Draco. “Being in your them had woken up the dorm with one of those. bloody dungeon.” “Yeah,” said Thomas. He paused, then looked at There was a silence. Draco. “What are your nightmares about?” “Having you in my bloody dungeon,” Draco shot Draco picked up an Apprentice of Ridgebacks. back. Thomas sat back, nodding thoughtfully. “Death Eaters in our home,” he said, his voice “Screaming,” said Finnigan. “Bloody screaming.” low, and then wanted to bite his tongue because “Colin Creevey,” said Neville. Merlin that was such a predictable thing for “Fred Weasley,” said Thomas with a shudder. somebody to say if he was trying to suck up to “Justin,” said Macmillan. the side of the blessed Light. “Fenrir Greyback,” said Finnigan. “Yeah?” Neville’s face was neutral, but none of “Flames,” said Draco. the others had scoffed at Draco yet and Neville’s “Green light,” said Thomas. quiet voice seemed to invite confidences; seemed “The scars on Corner’s back,” said Goldstein. There to stay the others’ desire to mock Draco, too. was another silence, and Thomas dropped a War- When had Neville Longbottom turned into a leader? lock of Ridgebacks. Probably around the time he pulled a sword “Can you imagine what a Boggart would do in this from a burning hat and sliced off a snake’s head room?” said Finnigan musingly, and they had all drunk and helped to finish off a madman. far too much Firewhisky, because all of a sudden it was “What else?” asked Neville, discarding a Ten of hilarious, and they all started to laugh uproariously, Ridgebacks. Draco joining in as helplessly as the others. Draco studied his cards for a moment, moving “Merlin, I just want to forget,” said Neville softly, around the Ridgebacks. “Torturing people. Having to after they’d all calmed down somewhat. watch people be tortured.” He took a deep breath. “Not “Why don’t you…” Finnigan cleared his throat killing Dumbledore. Charity Burbage. Yours?” and looked oddly hesitant. “I didn’t want to “Burning,” said Neville softly. “Being Cruciated.” remember a lot of stuff about last year. Hannah… “Goyle,” said Macmillan, staring at his cards. she helped, you know?” “Watching giant spiders come into the Great Thomas nodded. “It was hard, being on the Hall,” said Goldstein, shuddering. run. Hannah really… you just forget everything

104 105 when you’re with her.” just… not with her, you know?” “I don’t want to use her,” said Neville. Draco nodded. Finnigan looked away. “I didn’t use her. We “I s’pose you think you’re too good for her,” said both wanted — what’s so wrong about doing Macmillan, and it took Draco a moment to realize something with a friend, who you like? It’s not as he was being spoken to. The tone wasn’t really though I treated her like a slut afterwards.” hostile, though. “Besides, she wants to,” Macmillan said softly. “Me? No,” said Draco before he’d really thought “Wouldn’t do it if she didn’t.” about it. “She wouldn’t want me, for one thing.” Neville shrugged uncomfortably. “It’s not that “Have you ever?” I don’t want to,” he said. “Especially after… you “Ever what?” know that night she stayed over with you?” he “Fucked anyone,” said Finnigan. said to Finnigan, and Draco had a vivid, most “No,” said Draco before he could think that one probably Firewhisky-enhanced memory of waking over either. up to see Hannah, her shirt half-off and her “So it’s just you and me as the virgins in this skirts still in disarray, dragging herself out of room, is it?” said Neville, and the others chuckled. Finnigan’s bed, pulling her skirt right, glancing “I suppose so,” said Draco, and smiled as Neville over and seeing Draco staring at her, and rais- knocked their goblets together in what he sup- ing her chin defiantly before walking out of their posed was a silent toast to virginity. room as if she’d had every right to be there. “I hadn’t either, before Hannah,” said Finnigan. Finnigan blushed and nodded. “I wanted to,” “Thought I’d muck it up, to be honest.” said Neville. “Fuck, I wanted to.” Draco choked “Did you?” said Thomas, laughing. on his Firewhisky a bit, not sure he’d ever heard “Don’t think so. She didn’t seem to care, if I did.” Neville Longbottom swear before. He sighed. “Still think of her a lot.” “You… you were so bloody tense, before,” said “Yeah, I hadn’t either,” said Thomas. “Didn’t Neville. “And then you spent some time with her, know what I was missing. Fuck, she was hot.” and every time I looked over, you were all tan- “She’s a cherry-collector, is what she is,” said gled up with her, and you weren’t so scared of Goldstein in mock dismay. “Got mine too, the tart.” things any more, and it’s not that I don’t want to. Macmillan was laughing too now, though also She’s… she’s beautiful. But I can’t. I don’t want to blushing darkly. “Mine too.”

106 107 “Yeah? Where’d she do you first?” asked Goldstein. “Fuck me!” Goldstein said, spluttering out a “In the Potions storage room, with Slughorn right mouthful of Firewhisky. “You’re joking,” he said, outside,” said Macmillan, and the others guffawed. wiping his mouth. “Swear to Merlin, she shoved me up against the “No, mate, I’m serious, if he hadn’t been dead shrivelfigs and had my — you know, my trousers already he’d have died. You know he refuses to go down, and her knickers out of the way, and all I into anybody else’s portrait, but I swear, I thought could think was, I don’t know if eighth-years can his canvas was going to light on fire.” get demerit points for doing this — ” and then they They all broke down again and Draco was gasp- were all laughing too hard for him to finish. ing with laughter, imagining Snape’s sallow face “She sucked my cock right next to the Trans- going greenish with dismay. Finnigan smirked figurations classroom once,” said Goldstein. “The but brought his knees up and clasped his arms school was still empty, but — ” around them, and Draco could well imagine that “Oh God!” said Neville. “Can you imagine despite the Firewhisky, he was also feeling the McGonagall coming across you like that?” effects of their conversation. He tried to ignore “I’d never get it up again, sorry,” sniggered Thomas. the effects on himself. Damn it. “Oh yeah, you would, mate,” said Goldstein . “If “Did he say anything?” asked Draco, more to she was doing that thing with her tongue, where distract himself than anything else, because she — you know, her, erm — ” if talking about Snape couldn’t get rid of an “Oh you mean where she — fuck, yeah, I would, unwanted stiffie, what could? then,” said Thomas. “You’d have to be dead not Finnigan grinned. “Not much, no. He cleared to get it up for that. Just about wanked myself his throat a bunch of times and shouted some- raw so fucking many times just to the memory thing like ‘Cease this immediately!’ but we didn’t of that…” he shook his head, smiling faintly, then pay any attention to him. Next time I was able looked down in dismay and put the heel of his to, you know, look around, he had his head stuck hand on his groin, pressing down. “Right. Still so far down a cauldron all you could see was gets to me, I guess,” he said sheepishly. “Don’t tell his skinny arse sticking out. And he was sort of… Susan. Outside of McGonagall’s office, though?” humming, I guess, because you know how Han- “We did it next to Snape’s portrait once,” said nah’s kind of loud when she’s, you know…” Finnigan. “Damn. I’m not feeling nearly so noble now,”

108 109 said Neville. “If only to make Snape’s portrait go going to be an arse, do it somewhere else.” into a tizzy, I should’ve maybe said yes to her…” Thomas sat back. “Sorry, Malfoy.” “You said no to her?” asked Thomas, his eyes “That’s all right,” said Draco automatically, feel- wide. “To Hannah?” ing hollow. Neville blinked. “I. Erm. Yeah.” Him and Neville Longbottom, the only two “Why?” virgins in the room. But in Neville’s case, he’d Neville looked away. declined the opportunity to lose his virgin- “Why, Neville?” asked Draco, realizing that he ity because he was in love with the girl who’d really did want to know. propositioned him. In Draco’s case, she’d not only Neville shrugged his shoulders, looking for a never asked; she never would. The yearning he moment as nervous and tongue-tied as he ever felt, the need to be close to another human being, had when they were kids. He discarded a Five of to touch Astoria’s hand and kiss her lips and feel Shortsnouts. “Dunno. I… I want her for real, I guess. the breasts concealed under her school robes, the I don’t just want to have her. I know she probably ache to find the kind of release that Goldstein can’t feel like that about anybody, but I don’t care.” and Finnigan and Thomas and Macmillan and Draco nodded slowly. bloody well everyone but Neville and himself had “Probably how you feel about Astoria, yeah?” found this year, would go unrelieved. asked Goldstein quietly, and Draco felt the words Draco put down his winning hand of Ridgebacks like a splash of cold water. and took a large gulp of Firewhisky, feeling it sear “Pardon me?” he said icily, but Goldstein didn’t him all the way down, and relished the burn. turn away, and the rest of them were watching him with knowing eyes. “You’ve got a thing for our Head Girl,” said Thomas. February 1, 2018: Parole “But she won’t give you the time of day, will she?” “May I come in and see him?” Draco asked Offi- “Dean!” snapped Neville. cer Cruppkey patiently. “What?” said Thomas, startled. “That would be inadvisable.” “This is a pity party for me, right? The bloke whose What a surprise. Draco went through this with parents are gonna die after having been completely the Azkaban authorities every February, and only insane for the whole time I’ve known them? If you’re four times in the last nineteen years had he been

110 111 allowed to see Father at all. “Is there a way?” “My mother would very much like to see him.” “Well, yes, of course,” the Healer began. “But it’s “That would also be inadvisable.” The officer hardly ever — that is to say, I have never done it hesitated. “He’s… not well.” myself because of the understandable objections of — ” “Physically or mentally?” “He will never use magic again, am I correct?” “Mr. Malfoy, your father was not a well man Draco asked, and the two other men blinked. “He when he came here,” said the prison’s Healer. “I’m cannot use it while in Azkaban, and you are basi- sure he was not well before, which in my opinion cally saying that he will have to remain in Azka- explains many of his crimes…” ban for the rest of his life — or at least as long as he Father was perfectly well and sane, he just liked to still has magic powers. Is that essentially correct?” torture people, thought Draco impatiently. He didn’t “Well. Yes,” said Cruppkey. say that out loud, though. “It would mean a great “But, Mr. Malfoy,” said the Healer, “if we remove his deal to my mother to know when he will be coming magic for good… he would essentially be crippled.” home. I know the general plan has been that it would “I understand that.” happen sometime in the next two years, but — ” “And you would agree to that?” “Mr. Malfoy,” Cruppkey broke in reluctantly. “I… “Yes.” I’m afraid… I’m afraid there has been a change of “He might not, though. And if he did, what plans in that department. We’ve decided that we would he do once he got home? How would he probably cannot let him out. He is physically strong care for himself?” enough to do any number of nefarious things, and “We have a house elf who could care for him,” if his mental status doesn’t improve… I’m afraid the said Draco. only way we can let him out is if he has no magic. I “But… a house elf…” Cruppkey trailed off uneasily. realize that this will be a disappointment to — ” “They do have certain rights, Mr. Malfoy,” said “Do it.” the Healer. The Healer blinked in confusion. “Do what?” “Yes, they do. And I wouldn’t ask her to do this against “If there’s a way to remove his magic, and he her wishes, which I’m sure will not be a problem.” agrees to it, do it. Please.” “Your father is still fairly strong-willed, though,” said The Healer and Officer Cruppkey gaped at him the Healer, “and considering his mental instability — ” in shock. “We would arrange things so that one of the

112 113 elf’s orders would be to not allow him to take “Officer Cruppkey,” said Draco, toning down his advantage of her, and to report to us any suspi- impatience. “Believe me, I don’t. But he will be cious activity on his part,” said Draco. “Besides, living with me, without the ability to do magic, she’s insane enough herself that she and my and with an elf he has no power over watching father might get along quite well.” his every move. My wife and I have worked too The two men glanced at each other, obviously not hard to mend the damage he did to allow him to sure if Draco was speaking seriously or making a joke. do any more harm. I swear to you — and I will take “Erm. Quite.” Cruppkey cleared his throat. an Unbreakable Vow if you would like — that I will “However, there is also the question of your father take the threat he poses very seriously, and that if I getting in touch with persons who may wish to suspect in any way that he is trying to stir up any re-start all of the ugliness of — ” trouble at all, I will personally turn him in.” “You’ve got to be joking,” said Draco. Cruppkey stared at him. The officer bristled. “You do remember what “I love my father, sir,” Draco said simply. “And I happened when Stephen Cornfoot was released want him home, for his sake and for my mother’s. from prison? He and his colleagues caused quite But my own wife and son are more important to me. enough damage before — ” I will not let my father do anything to harm them.” “That was seventeen years ago,” Draco pointed out. The two men exchanged a glance, then nodded slowly. “My father has been in prison for almost twenty years. He doesn’t have it in him to do anything.” “He could still — ” February 1, 1999: Bring back the Dementors “My father can’t do a bloody thing without a Draco suppressed a sigh of boredom and gazed wand,” said Draco. “He would feel it humiliating blankly over his notes. Runes, not his favourite to face other wizards wandless. He wouldn’t have subject, but it gave him something to do, anyway. the guts to try to organize anything with people And it beat Muggle Studies. who might possibly pity him for being crippled.” Goyle sat next to him, the slow scratch of his “You may be right.” Cruppkey regarded him for quill getting on Draco’s nerves. Goyle had come a long time. “Sir, I can see that you’ve thought back from Azkaban slower, somehow, than before, about this a fair bit. But I don’t want you to take which Draco would have previously sworn was the threat of your father’s influence lightly.” impossible. Thinner, too, and looking tired all the

114 115 time. Somehow Draco had forgotten how com- Fuck. pletely uninteresting and dull Goyle could be. Not Who would write that? And why right here? So that he wasn’t glad Goyle was out of Azkaban, but that anybody could read it, including small children, as far as intellectual companionship, Goyle left a who, even if they agreed with their parents politi- great deal to be desired. cally, were too young to form their own opinions? Goyle hadn’t said anything about Azkaban. It Draco stared down at his parchment, the words wasn’t really something they could talk about, swimming in his brain. Hope your parents die what with Draco’s dad — and Goyle’s — being set slowly and painfully. Father was in Azkaban, and to stay there for the next thirty years. all right, maybe he deserved to not be free any He still couldn’t really reconcile himself to the more, but still the idea of Father alone and cold fact that his housemates had refused to let Goyle join and miserable, Mother alone for the rest of her them at Diggory. Goyle, who was so stupid he still life, Father dying, in pain… and the amount of had difficulty tying his own shoes, was no threat to hatred that had been behind the scrawled words, them now that he had nobody around to tell him to and knowing it had been aimed at him, and hurt others. And they all knew that, though Draco people like him, knowing too what it was to feel supposed that this week they’d had more reason to that much hatred because he’d been there before, congratulate themselves for their decision. had felt that hatred, for people like Hermione and He couldn’t shake the image of Ernie Macmil- Hannah and Dean Thomas and Lisa Turpin, and lan’s tear-filled eyes, though, and the way he’d he’d said things that were hateful before, but this shivered in Hannah’s arms. was also aimed at innocents — not that Hermione He glanced at the wall beside him and noticed and Hannah and Thomas weren’t innocent, but — a group of scrawled designs. He narrowed his “Mr. Malfoy!” eyes — was that Danish Futhark Runic, or… no, it Draco started and looked to the front of the class- was English, just badly written… room. Professor Eddic was frowning at him expectantly. Death Eater spawn die, miserable fuckers said “Would you care to translate this for us, Mr. one messy scrawl. Hope your parents die slowly and Malfoy?” she said, sounding as though she’d said painfully said a neater piece near that. Bring back the the same thing a few times. Dementors and Daddy’s never coming home again, Draco stared at the board behind her. The you stupid bigoted fucks said the last two. squiggles meant nothing to him. He made him-

116 117 self focus… still nothing. The letters made sense, And it hadn’t helped that Anne Carstairs was no and one of the words was “forever” and another innocent flower, unfairly attacked just for being was “milk” but other than that… a Slytherin: she had been spouting so much anti- “Mr. Malfoy! Can you please translate this?” Muggle-born hatred that her own housemates the Professor repeated. had no longer wanted anything to do with her “No, Professor,” Draco said. and asked Diggory House to take her in. A perfect “It’s simple. Follow me through again. This,” she case of ‘maybe we were wrong’. Plus she’d been pointed to the first word, “Sets up the tense, which is suspected in the ‘accidental’ hexings of many future imperfectable. Can you decode the next symbol?” younger students, particularly from Gryffindor “No, Professor,” said Draco, his jaw set as a titter House, and you couldn’t blame people for being broke out in the room. angry about that, but still, targeting this at every- “Let me guide you through, then. It refers to one body — even those that deserved it — and showing of the elements, can you figure it out from there?” so much hate and implacable anger and — “No, Professor.” Goyle’s sharp elbow to the ribs startled him. “It’s fairly simple, Mr. Malfoy. Let me — ” “Mr. Malfoy!” Professor Eddic’s voice rang out again. “It’s ether, Professor,” said Anthony Goldstein, and “Yes?” Draco shot him a grateful glance. “The rune is a “This rune, Mr. Malfoy,” said the Professor. Possible Prophesy, referring to future uses for ether.” “Can you do this one for us, at least?” Eddic blinked, then gave Draco a level stare Draco looked at the scribbles on the board. “No, and returned to the board. Professor.” Draco blew out his breath. The words on the “I’m so sorry for disturbing your sleep, Mr. Malfoy, wall had been written recently, it seemed on but let’s get some classwork done, shall we?” closer inspection. And by three different people, “I’m sorry, Professor,” said Draco tightly, ignor- to judge from the forms of the letters. It was ing the sniggers from the other students. probably because of the recent expulsion of Anne “Come now, I will lead you through it once more. Carstairs, a sixth-year Slytherin, and Sally Jones, What does this mean?” she pointed at the board. a seventh-year Ravenclaw, who had ended up Draco crossed his arms. “I don’t know, Professor.” hexing one another in the Great Hall under the “I’m sorry, are we being too mundane for you, Mr. very nose of the entire faculty and student body. Malfoy? Not intellectually stimulating enough?”

118 119 “Sorry, Professor, I wasn’t paying attention.” What did you think of the other choices for “And why is that?” names considered at the time? “Because somebody wrote ‘Death Eater spawn die, Were you close to any of the other members of miserable fuckers’ on the wall and I’m trying to figure the Fifth House before you became housemates? out how to get rid of it,” he said, and the room froze. What was the atmosphere like in the “I… beg your pardon?” Fifth House when the year began? Were you He took out his wand and aimed it at the wall, accepted by your peers? and muttered “Reducto Hostili.” He put his wand down. “I think they made their point, got a Junior What did you think of sharing a dormitory Death Eater bothered, let’s move on,” he said tightly. with five boys who had been in Dumbledore’s There was a moment’s awkward silence. “Erm. Very Army? well, then,” said the professor, and shakily continued. Was there more tension with some than others? Did it bother you to be in school or in a February 5, 2018: Interview Questions House with people who had been victimized Dear Mr. Malfoy: by your family during the war? As per your request, here is a sample of the kinds of Did it bother you to be in a House with questions that may be asked during our interview: Muggle-borns? Why did you decide to come back to How did you get along with Dean Thomas? Hogwarts for eighth year? Would you have done so if it had not been a condition of your parole? Did you feel the House was integrating well What did you do? You already had seven as the year went on? NEWTs. What did you think of allowing younger What did you think of being forced to take students to come into the House? Muggle Studies? What did you think of your peers’ rejection What did you think of the choice of name of Gregory Goyle? for the Fifth House? Did you know Cedric Dig- What did you think of Anne and David gory personally? Carstairs’ eventual expulsion from the school?

120 121 What did you think of the continuation of be attacked there. the Fifth House past your year? It wasn’t that simple, though. Two of the new Did being in the House change your attitudes girls were from families pure as the driven snow, towards wizarding society? If so, in what way? friends with Theresa Nott, cousin of Theo Nott. What do you think of the current status of When Theresa had been attacked and decided to Diggory House? move into Diggory House, her friends had asked if they could move with her. And it was possible What was the impact of Diggory House on that they would be joined in the next month by your life? two members of eighth year who had decided to What contribution do you think you made come back and do their NEWTs after all. to Diggory House? It was interesting. They’d all had to make adjustments. They now even had a second floor. One of the February 5, 1999: Adjustments rooms they’d appropriated on the other side of the common room wall had eventually become part of The place was growing. Little Augustine Cornfoot had dropped out of Hogwarts over the Christmas the common room itself, once they’d taken over a sel- hols, but the extra dormitories had three first-year dom-used classroom directly above them and filled girls in one room and four first-year boys in another, it with girls’ dormitories and an extra washroom, as well as ten boys and eleven girls from other years with a rotating staircase to take the younger girls up, who were staying at Diggory mostly permanently. and a pole they could use to slide back down. Some were younger family members of people who Diggory House had even ended up getting Pre- had become infamous during the war. Some, mostly fects after all — Neville and Hannah — mostly Slytherins, had been guilty of crimes during the to make sure no funny business was going on war. Some had merely been guilty of talking at the among the boys and girls of dating age. The irony wrong time and expressing the wrong sentiments. of Hannah Abbott acting as chaperone protecting The residents of Diggory House had gone from a any other girl’s virtue was rather hilarious, con- preponderance of anti-Dark Lord types to a distinct sidering her complete disregard for her own. majority of Slytherins and other like-minded stu- Draco wasn’t about to judge her, though. He dents. And many Slytherins were using the Diggory made his way past a group of kids playing Explod- common room to study in, knowing they wouldn’t ing Snap next to the fireplace and a girl sorting

122 123 new additions to their common room bookshelf, as familiar to me as the wizarding ones.” and found a comfortable — though, unfortunately, The boy nodded. frill-covered — seat to read his Muggle Studies, “They’re also not as pretty, some of them,” said plowing through steadily and determined to get a little girl, popping her head over Draco’s shoul- to through both his readings and his six-inch der. “Like ballpoint pens. If you want nice Muggle assignment so he could look at Astronomy. things, you should try something like this,” she Ten minutes into the writing, he put down his said, and took out a blue pen. parchment with a sigh. He was never going to “What is that?” asked Draco. get the hang of this ballpoint pen thing. It didn’t “Muggle fountain pen,” she said proudly. “It’s have the same beauty and elegance as a quill, not ink, just like a quill, but it holds the ink inside.” to mention it was ugly as sin. But he was sup- “Like a self-inking quill?” posed to write the assignment using it, so… “Sort of. Here, try it,” she said. “Why are you using that?” asked one of the Draco found himself holding the little thing, then younger boys, maybe thirteen years old. bemusedly using it. His eyebrows went up. “That’s “I beg your pardon?” not bad,” he said, surprised. “It’s fairly smooth.” “I don’t like Muggle pens,” said the boy, wrin- “I know. My mum gave it to me.” She hesitated, then kling his nose. “Why are you using one?” lifted her chin slightly. “She’s Muggle-born, you see. “I have to write this paper using one,” said Draco. She has lots of brilliant Muggle things at home.” “Muggle Studies?” Draco nodded. “Yes.” “You can use it to write your paper, if you want,” “Brilliant, isn’t it?” said the boy, revealing a gap- the little girl said. toothed grin. “I didn’t know much about Muggles, but Draco hesitated, then shrugged. “All right. Thanks.” their internet is brilliant. Wish we could see it here.” “Give it back when you’re done, though. It was “Electricity is too weak to function around magic,” from my mum.” said Draco. “I will.” “I know, I know, I just wish it wasn’t. Don’t you?” Draco debated the merits of lying versus telling the truth to a very young boy. “Not really,” he February 14, 2018: Financial Statement for said finally. “The Muggle things I’ve seen aren’t Malfoy Investments

124 125 Dear Mr. Malfoy: Asset Dec. 2017 Earnings Losses/ Jan. 2018 Enclosed please find Malfoy Investments’ financial statement summary for Value Expenditures Net Change February 2018. Transformations 9700 330 0 330 Unlimited Asset Dec. 2017 Earnings Losses/ Jan. 2018 Shares Value Expenditures Net Change Totals 40990 2083 165 1923 Anderson’s 1000 80 0 80 Garden Services Jan. 2018, Expense Type Expenditures Shares DAGM Marketing and Research Bones Telecom- Business Expense 500 8500 520 (20) 500 Salaries and Wages munications Shares Diggory House Advertising Charity 20 Borgin and 820 25 0 25 Diggory House Maintenance Charity 25 Burkes Shares Diggory House Scholarship Charity 30 Creevey Photog- 900 95 (20) 75 raphy Shares Hogsmeade Student Services Charity 25 Ellemere Robes 350 50 (55) (5) Flint Fuels Loan 120 for All Occasions Shares Habitats Unlimited Charity 30 Gladrags Shares 230 43 0 43 Hogsmeade Student Services Loan 20 Macmillan Magi- 700 125 (5) 120 Hogwarts Finch-Fletchley Charity 30 cal Matchmakers Scholarship Shares St. Mungo’s Permanent Resi- Charity 35 Mortiana 8900 330 (80) 250 dent Fund Potions Ltd Trust fund, Scorpius Malfoy Shares Personal 50 Widows and Orphans Association Muggle Fashions 5300 320 0 320 Charity 50 Ltd Shares Total: 935 Nott Notions 710 15 (5) 10 Ltd Shares Ogden’s Whis- 12900 750 0 750 kies Share February 14, 1999: Slytherin Head Girl The Leaky Caul- 2200 120 (20) 100 dron Shares The Valentine’s dance was going fairly well, to Draco’s surprise. He had ended up asking Millie

126 127 to dance, and then forcing himself to get past She looked gorgeous. Objectively he knew she his instinctive revulsion and ask Hermione, and wasn’t more than just passably pretty, but in the it hadn’t gone too badly. And then, to his shock, cream-coloured dress she was wearing, which Hannah Abbott had come up behind him and somehow brought out the highlights in her unre- asked him to dance. He’d been almost frozen with markable brown hair, the skirt flaring a bit and terror, wondering if she was going to try anything the waist cinched in showing off her shape far funny with him and wondering if he would be more than the severe school uniform did, she able to stomach not just touching a Muggle-born, looked like everything Draco had ever wanted… but having to deal with her sexually in any way, He shook himself. What ridiculous and senti- shape, or form, and it crossed his mind that if she mental drivel. did try anything and he turned her down, the Draco approached her, stopping a few feet away other boys in his dorm would quite likely kill him. from her as he took in the tense set of her shoulders, It hadn’t helped at all that at that precise moment the tired air about her. “Are you all right?” Astoria he’d looked up and spotted Finnigan, Thomas, looked at him, startled. “Why are you here?” and Macmillan all standing at the edge of the “Because I’m the Head Girl.” dance floor with arms crossed and set expressions “Why aren’t you down there dancing?” on their faces, staring at him as if daring him “Because I’m the Head Girl,” she repeated impatiently. to make even the slightest misstep with Hannah, Draco blinked. “What does that have to do with it?” and give them a reason to hex him on the spot. “There are two couples who’ve asked me to act It had been with extreme relief that he’d thanked as go-between tonight,” she said. “Hannah Abbott Hannah for the dance once it had ended with no is going to get drunk and make a fool of herself untoward advances or hexes thrown in his direc- if I’m not there to stop her. Two third-year girls tion. She’d smiled at him quite prettily before skip- just broke up with their boyfriends and they need ping off to dance with a seventh-year, and Draco me to soothe away their heartbreak. And I need to had left the dance floor almost giddy with relief. make sure Scott Jones and David Carstairs don’t And that was probably enough stress on his murder each other.” nerves for one night. He made his way up the stairs, “Why is all of that your problem?” asked Draco. stopping as he spotted Astoria standing by herself “Because I’m Head Girl.” on the landing, gazing down at the couples below. “That doesn’t mean you have to take on the

128 129 problems of the entire school.” job than most, and you’ve done it very well. I’m “I took on this responsibility and I’m going to just saying maybe the reason Slytherins aren’t be the best Head Girl Hogwarts has ever had,” she appointed is that they’re not looking to be. It said grimly. “And to do that, I have to be perfect. doesn’t have to be prejudice.” All the time.” “I didn’t want this position, you know,” said “Who told you that?” Astoria abruptly. Astoria ignored his question. “Do you know how Draco blinked at the non sequitur. “What?” many Slytherin students have been Head Girl?” “I didn’t want the position. I was sick of every- Draco blinked. “I don’t know. About as many as thing that happened in the school last year, and have been Headmaster or Headmistress?” I wanted to just sail through this year without Astoria smiled, unexpectedly. “Ah, not quite. worrying about anything other than my grades There’s only been two Slytherin Headmasters.” and my friends.” “And a lot of people say Snape shouldn’t count,” Draco was baffled. “Why on earth did you said Draco. “So there have been more than two become Head Girl, then?” Slytherin Head Girls?” “McGonagall asked me to.” “In a thousand years, you’d think, what with “Why didn’t you tell her to sod off?” being so bloody ambitious, more than a fourth of “She told me I had to help build bridges. She the Head Girls would be Slytherins, right?” said she thought I could do it, and Snape thought “And were they?” highly of me…” “No. Try eighteen percent.” Draco tried to remember anything about Asto- Draco shrugged. “Close enough.” ria Greengrass before this year and came up “We’re ambitious, Draco.” completely blank. Snape thought highly of what? “Well maybe most of them felt there were other Being a non-entity? things to be ambitious about, and by the time “I was good at Transfigurations, and Potions,” they got to seventh year they were off doing those Astoria was saying. “And I kept my head down things, not holding little children’s hands.” and didn’t get involved in any of the political Astoria glared at him. stuff going on in Slytherin.” “Not that that’s all you’ve done this year,” he Sounded about right. Though why Snape and said, backtracking hastily. “You’ve had a harder McGonagall had thought this was a good thing

130 131 was rather beyond Draco. my NEWTs, all of them. Even Transfigurations and “So McGonagall told me she needed me, and Potions. And…” she looked over the dancing stu- the Slytherins needed me. Told me Ginny Weasley dents. “And I’m here, while I want to be there,” she had done her bit, and I hadn’t.” said, her voice dropping to an anguished whisper. Draco’s eyebrows went up. Draco was stunned. “Slughorn didn’t think much of me when I was his “I don’t want to be the responsible Head Girl any student, though I was good enough at Potions. He’s more. I want to have fun, gossip with my friends… been a lot friendlier this year, surprise, surprise.” but I don’t have any, not any more,” she said, her Draco nodded cautiously. Astoria’s thought pro- words tumbling out faster and faster. “I feel like cesses were leaving him feeling off-balance and I’ve lost the last chance I had to be a child. And… it befuddled, but for some reason he was unwilling wasn’t worth it!” to just leave her and go spend time with… well, “Astoria…” Draco felt helpless. Bugger, whenever maybe that was why he didn’t want to leave her. Pansy got upset, he could joke around and make her He had nowhere better to be. feel better, or snog her, or make an excuse to get away “I felt like I had to do it. And then there were from her. With Astoria… he didn’t know what to do. my parents, telling me I had to… and I wanted to He didn’t know this lonely girl. He’d only seen do something good.” what she wanted him to see of her. He’d seen the “You have,” said Draco. calm, controlled, focused, ruthless politician. He’d “Have I?” never guessed that behind that was a young girl Draco scowled. “Don’t give me that. You know who had grown up too fast, just as he had, and you have. Don’t you?” now regretted it. “I’ve helped some kids stay in school. I’ve helped He hung motionless for a long moment, as Asto- the school carry on, I’ve mended some fences. I’ve ria looked out at the crowd bleakly, and there was helped Diggory House, and I’ve been a spokesper- nothing he could do to help. If she hadn’t rejected son for the Slytherins.” him so logically and thoroughly he might have “That’s not enough for you?” reached out for her, pulled her close, not because “Eighteen kids have left anyway,” she said he wanted to feel her warm body against his, but bleakly. “Despite everything I’ve done. Goyle because he wanted to make her feel better. But didn’t even last a month. And I’m going to fail after what she’d just said, all she’d sacrificed, he

132 133 could hardly put her family’s good name in more really didn’t want to do.” trouble by taking her into his arms and risking “You agreed to be involved,” said Astoria. “And anybody seeing them together. you should be setting a good example for him.” He bit his lip and stayed next to her. She set the brush down and murmured a spell to “Is there anything I can do?” he finally asked keep her hair out of her face while still allowing hesitantly. it to flow down loosely in a smooth chestnut mass. She glanced at him. “No, you’ve been very “Well he’s not here now, is he?” asked Draco, helpful this year,” she said, and her voice, though admiring the effect. a bit shaky, was closer to her usual calm control. Astoria turned. “You will behave when we get Draco shook his head. “That’s not… I mean there, won’t you?” right now. Is there anything I can do right now?” Draco rolled his eyes. “Yes. Of course.” He fin- Astoria turned to him, an eyebrow raised, and ished straightening his tie, drew his cloak around studied him thoughtfully. “No. But thank you.” himself, and took Astoria’s arm. “For what?” They Apparated outside the gates of Hogwarts “For asking,” she said, and put a hand on his and were soon ushered into a Great Hall bustling arm briefly. “Excuse me, I have to go see Professor with people of all ages. Draco glanced around Slughorn. I promised him a dance.” curiously, pleased that the Hall didn’t look crowded despite having all four tables filled, the teacher’s table, and the Diggory table expanded to March 1, 2018: This is my mum and dad fit almost seventy people, including the current “Look, they may not even be there,” said Asto- group of Diggorys. ria, brushing her hair at the mirror. “The Potters Somehow, even after all this time, it never certainly won’t; they had nothing to do with Dig- seemed quite right to use Diggory’s name the way gory House. And who knows, Ron may be busy as one used Slytherin’s, Gryffindor’s, Ravenclaw’s and well.” She tsk’d at him as she met his eyes in the Hufflepuff’s. Salazar, Godric, Rowena and Helga mirror. “I swear, Scorpius wasn’t this recalcitrant had been dead over a thousand years; Cedric less when he was a toddler.” than thirty. Draco could still remember the boy, “He was,” said Draco, doing up his cufflinks. “If still picture him smiling and serious and confi- you wanted to get him to do something he really, dent and scared and triumphant and dead. When

134 135 he’d been in eighth year, he and his housemates “Good to see you,” he said, and somehow man- had been called the “members of Diggory House.” aged to direct his words at Astoria only. Not “Diggorys”, as if they were clones of Cedric. “Likewise,” she said. “Have you gone to see The people holding the name now had never the kids yet?” She looked in the direction of the had a chance to know him at all. There were Ravenclaw table, but it was impossible to see any- twelve of them this year, and the only one who body through the crowd. had even been alive before Cedric Diggory died “No, we just got here,” said Hermione. “I’d like to had come from New Zealand. see Rose before the speeches start, though. I must Draco and Astoria approached the Diggory admit I probably wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for table, and Astoria smiled warmly at Hermione as the opportunity to see her.” She smiled at Draco she spotted her. and Astoria. “Shall we go, then?” “Hermione! I’m so glad to see you here!” she Draco found himself exchanging a mildly said, and they hugged. annoyed look with Weasley, because yes, of course “It’s exciting, isn’t it?” said Hermione. “Hello, he wanted to visit with his son. And he had no Draco,” she said happily, and gave Draco a peck objection to meeting Scorpius’ little friend Rose. on the cheek. “It’s so wonderful that you’re here. I But having Rose’s father right there… did tell you we’d win in the end, didn’t I?” He was struck by the thought that Weasley was Draco rolled his eyes, but couldn’t help smiling probably thinking the exact same thing. back at her. “Yes, you did. You were right.” They made their way through the crowd milling Hermione’s eyebrows went up. “I’m… not sure about the Diggory table, and Draco quickly spot- I heard you right,” she said. “Sorry, could you say ted his son’s white-blond hair, right next to a fiery that a little louder?” bushy head that could only belong to Rose Weasley. “You were right,” he repeated patiently. Both were beaming at their parents, hardly able to “I’m going to have to write that in my calendar,” sit still, and Draco felt his own face break into a grin she said to Astoria, who laughed. “Oh, Ron,” she that only his son’s bright smile could provoke. said, and stepped aside. “See, I told you Draco and As they passed the Gryffindor table and Draco Astoria would come.” suddenly recognized Albus Potter, Harry and Gin- Weasley gave Astoria a polite smile, and Draco ny’s son, talking animatedly with some other boys a forced one. and moving his hands around — most probably

136 137 recounting some mad Quidditch move. He really “Father! This is Rose!” interrupted Scorpius, was a younger version of his father, thought Draco. obviously not interested. “And this is Patsy! And He hadn’t really noticed it at King’s Cross last Sep- this is Wendy! And this is Philip! This is my mum tember, but the resemblance was uncanny. Much and dad!” like the resemblance between himself and Scor- “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy,” came a chorus of pius. And thank God Scorpius had no use whatso- children’s voices, and Draco smiled at their open, ever for Albus Potter. Not only was he a Gryffindor friendly faces. and “therefore probably too thick to do up his own “But you already know Patsy from Christmas,” shirt buttons” according to Scorpius, but he was said Scorpius. “Did Tiggy come tonight?” obsessed with Potions and Quidditch and had no “No, she couldn’t,” said Draco. “She’s not feel- use for anything Scorpius was interested in. ing well right now. She did ask us to bring you His son and Potter’s, who could have carried on this, though.” He pulled out a box of home-made the childhood rivalry between the two of them Honey Ducks, their quiet quacking hardly notice- into the next generation if they had chosen to, able in the din of the huge, crowded room. not only had no hatred for each other; they didn’t “Brilliant!” Scorpius said, and turned to his even register one another’s presence. friends. “I’ll share them when we get back to the “Rose!” cried out Hermione, and hugged her dorm, yeah?” daughter close for a moment before Weasley picked “Ladies and gentlemen,” the Headmaster’s voice them both up, sweeping them around in a circle amplified floated over the large room, “if you can and making them both laugh and Hermione pro- all take your seats, we shall begin our dinner.” test, “Ron! Put me down! For heaven’s sake!” “We’ll see you after dinner, Scorpius,” said Asto- Draco shook Scorpius’ hand warmly, and both ria, and the four of them headed back to their table. of them ignored Astoria’s discreet wiping of her eyes. Scorpius was jiggling with excitement and despite the lack of decorum Draco couldn’t help March 1, 1999: Which brother is that, Draco? grinning at his enthusiasm. Draco wrinkled his nose in distaste. Grang — “Did you see the Diggory table?” said Scorpius. Hermione was glowing and he was, he supposed, “It’s huge! I didn’t know there were so many of you!” glad for her sake that Weasley had come to visit “Well it does also include spouses — ” Draco began. her on his birthday, but he couldn’t help feel-

138 139 ing impatient and eager for the visit to end. He “Yes,” Draco had said. glanced at his watch and sighed. Supposedly Wea- “D’you like it?” sley and Hermione would be going to Hogsmeade “It’s all right,” Draco had said. for a birthday date after dinner, but dinner time Weasley was older now, Draco realized. Not was far, far away and until then Weasley looked that all of them weren’t, but Weasley was out good to stay put, his arse firmly planted on the there doing things, getting on with grown-up maroon loveseat that had been Diggory House’s life, for all that he was studying too. And he was latest acquisition, with an uncharacteristically serious, now. A lot more serious than he had been giggling Hermione on his lap. Around them, in school. Draco watched the faces of the people the other former Gryffindor boys were sitting around them, comparing what he remembered to and reminiscing about old times, asking Wea- what he saw now. sley about Auror training, some of the younger They’d all aged. Sometime during the year that students were staring at Weasley in fascination, Thomas was on the run, then imprisoned, then and Draco wanted nothing more than to escape hiding with the Order, he’d grown up. Neville, to the library. Except that Astoria was here, and Goldstein, Finnigan, Ernie — they’d all endured he hadn’t seen her much lately. And she didn’t torture and risked their lives and fought and come look like she was going to clear off any time soon out men, not boys. Hermione too, was no longer a either as she listened in what looked like rapt schoolgirl. She might be a student, but she was a attention to Weasley’s story about the centaur and woman who had endured and accomplished the the banshee that the Auror Trainees had been almost impossible, and when he saw her and Wea- sent to practice with — and who had apparently sley together, so happy to be together and acting accidentally damaged Potter. Which was proba- silly, it made him wonder when he had lost his bly the first time Draco had felt anything like own childhood and if the change had been as vis- sympathy towards either species. ible on him as it was on the Gryffindors. Draco didn’t mind not really being part of the He turned to his Muggle Studies homework, group. He’d only exchanged a handful of words plunging into the nigh-incomprehensible morass with Weasley when Weasley had arrived and said of Muggle politics. He had learned that the Mug- “So, you’re staying here too, then?” with awkward gle’s equivalent of Minister For Magic was called politeness. a Prime Minister, the current one was named

140 141 Tony Blair, the only female one had been Mar- not nearly as Draco was himself. He paused for gery Thatcher, and the Muggle Wizengamot con- a moment, watching the others get ready to go, sisted of parties, which were a bit like Houses, but then made himself approach Weasley and speak for adults. And they Sorted themselves, appar- to him as the others bustled about. ently. And although he’d read up on all of them, “Weasley,” he said, his voice low, “I… I never told and memorized the most popular ones, and had you, by the way.” Draco took a deep breath. “I’m decided Labour was the closest to Hufflepuff he sorry about your brother.” could see, for the life of him he could not figure Weasley’s eyes widened slightly, then narrowed out which of the Conservative and Liberal Dem- and his lips pressed together. “Really?” he said, ocrats was Gryffindor and which was Ravenclaw. and his voice was loud enough that the others Or why on earth any self-respecting wizard looked towards them. “Which brother is that, would need to know any of this. Draco? The one in the ground? Or the one whose He was musing on a few unfortunate simi- face looks like mincemeat?” Draco blinked, star- larities between the British National Party and tled, and Hermione’s mouth fell into an O and she Slytherin House when a general rustle of move- covered it with one hand. “Or is it the one who ment broke his concentration. spent Christmas on the suicide ward, and then “All right, then, let’s go,” Weasley was saying, got to read all about it in the papers when he and the other older students stood up too. came out?” Draco stepped back, not sure whether “Draco, are you coming to the Great Hall?” said Weasley was about to punch him or not, but Wea- Hermione. sley was strangely calm. “Oh, sorry, that’s old “What?” Weasley turned to her, baffled. “Why news. You must have read the new stories from would you ask Malf — ” your friend Skeeter — d’you mean the one who “The invitation was for all of Diggory House, Ron, feels so guilty about leaving the family that he’s remember?” Hermione said through a slightly stra- developed a bit of an alcohol problem, and can’t ined smile. “Draco is part of that.” get a job to save his life? Or the one who’s too “No, that’s all right,” said Draco hastily. “I have… scared to go near a dragon now and is working at I have a paper to write for Mug — I mean, for Gringott’s and living at home again?” Arithmancy.” “Those stories were true?” Draco asked stupidly, Weasley looked relieved, though probably and Weasley sneered at him.

142 143 “Bloody hell, Weasley,” said Astoria. “I hadn’t even captain who went to work with dragons. It’s not that heard about the drinking thing.” Weasley looked at hard to believe. He really can’t do that any more?” her, startled. Her face reflected pity, and profound Weasley shook his head. “He could, but… he distaste. “Skeeter was all over that one, was she?” was hit with a fire hex during the battle. Not “Yeah. Surprised you didn’t read it.” Fiendfyre, but close. And he saw two Death Eaters Astoria’s lip curled. “After reading the tripe get incinerated in front of him. He’s afraid of fire, she wrote about Dumbledore? Not that I was the now. Plus he’d be away from the family, and…” he man’s biggest fan, sorry to say, but that rubbish closed his mouth. “And it’s private,” he said, his was only good for — ” eyes narrowing in suspicion. “You didn’t like Dumbledore?” “Right. Yeah. Sorry,” said Astoria quickly. “I Astoria looked uncomfortable. “I… sorry. Don’t didn’t mean to… right, I’ll shut up now.” She mean to speak ill of the dead.” cleared her throat awkwardly. “I just… I only Weasley gazed at her thoughtfully. “No, I don’t sup- wanted to say I’m sorry.” pose Slytherins would be that appreciative of him.” She turned and left, leaving Weasley staring “It wasn’t really a Slytherin thing… not really.” after her. She cleared her throat. “He was very powerful, though. And he meant to do good. I think it’s… overly high expectations. And it’s easy to feel March 1, 2018: Grit and determination resentment towards him. Forget it.” The speeches were over, the visits were done, Weasley nodded slowly. and the children had gone to bed still buzzing “And your brother Charlie, he can’t work with with excitement. It had been wonderful meeting dragons any more?” Scorpius’ friends and seeing that although he “No,” said Weasley. wasn’t hugely popular (a little too jittery, appar- “God, that’s terrible. He was amazing.” ently) he had found at least some other children “How do you know what Charlie was like?” who seemed to understand and appreciate him. “Our cousin Elenora… had a sort of a crush on Less wonderful had been spotting the signs your brother,” she said, embarrassed. of subtle disapproval that Scorpius didn’t notice. “A crush on a Gryffindor?” Some of the older students at the Ravenclaw table, “Are you joking? Charlie Weasley, the Quidditch who nudged and whispered to each other when

144 145 they saw Draco and Astoria. Some of the other families had espoused some objectionable beliefs, former members of Diggory House, who had also that some people still resented them for that, and come in order to visit with their children, who’d that that resentment was not Scorpius’ fault. nodded coolly at Draco, then looked with dis- And then they’d sent him here. trust at Scorpius and whispered to their children Draco sat alone at the Ravenclaw table, nursing things Draco didn’t want to imagine. a Butterbeer, and gazed out over the Great Hall, Raising a child in the wizarding world was where small knots of people here and there were such a tricky thing. Until age eleven, most were getting ready to go. Not all the members of his year home schooled and never exposed to anybody at Diggory had shown up; only himself, Hermione, their parents found objectionable in any way… Neville of course (sitting at the Diggory table and and then they were suddenly thrown into a for- not the teachers’ table, to his students’ amusement), eign environment and expected to sink or swim Hannah, Millicent, and Ernie. The rest were from among people their parents had never even met. other years. There were so many of them… He and Astoria had raised Scorpius to be happy And so many of them still didn’t trust him. His and secure and free of prejudice. They had care- own housemates. There was still that slight chill fully kept him away from anybody who might in the air when they spoke to him. have taught him the bigotry that both of their “Glad we came?” asked Astoria, breaking into families had espoused for generations. Draco still his reverie and sitting down near him. had to suppress the instinctive revulsion against “It was nice to see Scorpius,” said Draco. Muggles and Muggle-borns that he’d been raised “It was nice,” said Hermione, sitting down as well. with, no matter how much he respected, admired, “And I’m sure there’ll be some good press for Diggory and even cared about various Muggle-borns and, House. Did you notice the Prophet photographer?” by extension, their families. He had vowed that “It was just a small dinner celebration,” said Scorpius would be exposed to none of that. He Draco. “Besides, the larger story has already been had even refused to allow Narcissa to be around over-hyped.” him when he had overheard her making dispar- Weasley snorted, joining them and putting an aging remarks about Muggle-borns near Scor- arm around Hermione, who leaned back against pius, until she had promised to never do so again. him. “Couldn’t not be over-hyped,” he said. “A And they had explained to him that both of their former Slytherin made Minister For Magic?

146 147 That’s the first time in… well, since before That’s what mattered. That we went forward, Voldemort, that’s certain.” instead of back. Why can’t you value that?” “Since 1956,” Draco informed him. “Slytherins “It’s just a House,” said Draco. prefer to be the power behind the throne. Besides, “The Fifth House, Draco. Do you know how you’ll notice she chose to do her inaugural dinner many important wizards and witches now are here, and like this,” he waved a hand at the Great former members of your House?” Hall. “Nicely done. Homey, familiar, and sur- “Well obviously the new Minister For Magic,” rounded by children. And no doubt hoping to said Draco. “And the Headmaster, which is why make people identify her more with Diggory he let this happen here.” House than Slytherin.” “And that’s an accomplishment to be proud of,” “Whyever she did it, it’s good press for Diggory,” said Hermione earnestly. “Because all the holding said Hermione. “People are already very excited hands in the world would not have mattered a about the museum exhibit. And the book.” damn if you hadn’t been there too. If the old money “As excited as anyone can be over a museum,” had just sat and sulked, or fled to wherever and said Draco. started their pureblooded shit somewhere else.” “Didn’t you see the advert in The Prophet? It’s “Some did,” Draco pointed out. being hailed as a tribute to ‘how the wizarding “A lot didn’t,” said Weasley. “Because of you.” world not only healed its wounds, but came Draco blinked. together to build a shining future, united in peace.’” “Because you helped them see they could still “Ugh,” Draco grimaced. “A Hufflepuff came up be part of a school, or a House, or society in gen- with that slogan.” eral,” said Hermione. “And you should be proud “That doesn’t make it less true,” said Astoria. of what you’ve done.” She paused. “Speaking of “And it’s due in part to you,” said Hermione. which, have you done your interview yet?” Draco rolled his eyes. “No. Doing it in a few weeks.” “It is.” Astoria shook her head. “We helped build “I’m so glad. It wouldn’t be the full story without you.” this. What we did mattered. We didn’t build it through political intrigue and power games. We did it on grit and determination and accepting March 1, 1999: You can’t always be perfect that we were wrong. Apologizing and atoning. Astoria walked out of the common room, and

148 149 hurried down the corridor. Draco went after her. “People are looking at me, Draco! They watch “Astoria! Wait!” me for every misstep — ” “What?” she said, turning around. “Get over yourself! People don’t care that much!” “Are you all right?” “Oh really? I should take my cue from you, then? The She scowled at him. “I just told Ron Weasley, one school pariah whose own House doesn’t want him?” of the heroes of the war, that Saint Dumbledore Draco stepped back, literally speechless for a was an idiot. Do you think I’m all right? Why the moment. fuck did I do that?” Astoria covered her mouth with her hand in horror. “Because he was?” “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I… I didn’t mean that.” Astoria gave him an impatient look. “I know “Yes, you did,” he said. better than that!” she raged at herself. “What is “I didn’t — that was true before, but not now, the matter with me?” you know you have friends in your House — ” she “You’re tired of saying everything they believe reached out for him and he stepped back. is right.” “Get away from me,” he said coldly. He turned “But I believe it — ” on his heel and started to leave. No idea where he “Not all of it. Dumbledore may have been a was going, really, only that he wanted it to be far great wizard but he was also barmy as a bat and away from her. you shouldn’t be scared to say so.” “I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” she said, and there were sobs “Oh, grow up and live in the real world, Draco!” between her words. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t… I’m sorry.” Astoria shouted at him. “People like us cannot Draco stopped and turned around. Tears were afford that type of attitude!” streaming down her face, and she was staring “I thought you were being pretty diplomatic, to at the ground. “You’re… you’re the only person I be honest,” he said. don’t have to watch myself around,” she said. “I’m “I wasn’t,” she snapped. “I let down my guard, sorry. I didn’t mean to…” and I shouldn’t have.” He hesitated, then slowly made his way back to “You don’t have to keep your guard up all the her, and glanced down the corridor. Nobody there. time!” he shot back. “You can’t always be perfect!” He reached out to her and she came into his arms, “I have to be! I told you that!” and tried to stifle her sobs. He patted her back “And that’s rubbish!” awkwardly, and wondered how he could help at

150 151 all. She’d been holding in so much all year, and it Eddings, and Patsy Nicholson. No, we don’t was starting to show. She’d driven herself harder than anybody should, and… know why he mostly has friends among the girls. He held her, not knowing whether what he was He has reported two incidents of unpleasantness doing was any help at all. due to his family name, but seems to be Finally she sniffled, getting control of herself genuinely enjoying his year so far, and is once more. “I’m sorry,” she repeated quietly. mostly unconcerned with the two incidents. “It’s all right,” he said. And didn’t know what Mother has been in poor health this year else to say. but it has mostly consisted of minor illnesses, She looked up at him, and then as if it was the most natural thing in the world, he wiped nothing alarming. She is quite pleased to think away her tears. And she smiled hesitantly, then that you will be home by next year. Thank you, glanced down at his lips. again, for agreeing to the procedure suggested The atmosphere suddenly felt very, very different. by the Healer. And then, without a warning, she kissed him. Astoria and I are keeping busy. The family investments take up a great deal of my time,

April 3, 2018: Dear Father and Astoria continues to do work with various charities. We do not have a terribly full social Dear Father: life, but are content with our hobbies. Astoria Thank you for your letter of last week. It’s has taken up Charmed Needlework, and I have always good to hear from you. been redesigning the hedges with the help We’re doing fairly well so far this year. of Anderson’s Garden Services. You recall I Scorpius is doing relatively well at school. invested in them when Anderson left Hogwarts In answer to your question, yes, in addition a few years ago and began his business. He to getting good marks he has also made many has now grown quite prof itable, was featured in good friends in Ravenclaw, among them Wendy Beautiful Home W itchcraft Magazine last month, Nott, Filomena Carewe, Rose Weasley, Jonathan and wished to thank me for my help by doing

152 153 all of our gardens for free. Pierce, was an alarming thought. He absently We look forward to your next letter, and to stepped aside for one of the more belligerent fourth-year Hufflepuffs, Bruce Hexley, who’d having you home next year. grown gangly and awkward and righteously Yours, violent since the war, and had already sent five Draco students — all Slytherins — to the Hospital with serious “accidental” injuries. Draco had no desire to become yet another victim. The boy looked up April 3, 1999: Enough is enough at him and sneered as he passed, spotted Astoria “All I know is if Hannah doesn’t take care, she’s behind him, and gave them both a look of suspi- going to get hurt,” Astoria was saying in the cor- cion and undisguised malice. ridor one day as she and Draco headed for the Merlin, it was always a bit of a kick in the bol- Great Hall. “Devlin Pierce is dangerous, Draco. locks when he saw that kind of thing and real- You know how he ranted about Muggle-borns last ized just how wise it was for Astoria to insist on year. And now he’s sniffing her out like a dog in discretion in their relationship. She got enough heat. It’s frightening.” hatred just for hanging about him as a friend; “He could’ve changed his mind,” said Draco what would people like Hexley do if she were without much confidence. openly dating him? Astoria shook her head. “He hasn’t. He’s sick, He brought his attention back to Astoria and Devlin Draco. The only reason he didn’t end up in Azk- Pierce. “Have you thought of talking to Hannah?” aban too was that he was only fifteen. But he’s “I don’t know how. She… she’s almost compul- sixteen now, he’s angry and he’s bitter and he’s sive about this. I think part of her almost wants heard that Hannah’ll give it up for anything with one of these boys to hurt her. I’d be afraid of a prick and he’s… he’s almost stalking her. And encouraging her.” he’s got nothing at all to lose. His family’s all “Maybe I can talk to the other boys in my dorm,” already in Azkaban, both parents and his older he said, musing aloud. “I think they’d all be will- sister, he’s failing all of his courses…” ing to try to keep an eye on her, make sure she’s Draco shuddered. Pretty, trusting, reckless, slutty always safe — ” and he broke off as he was shoved little Hannah Abbott, in the hands of Devlin from behind and stumbled a few paces, whipping

154 155 around with his wand in his hand. some of the kids in Slytherin one of these days. “Who the fuck do you think you are?” Bruce They’ve suffered too. Hell, look at Longbottom one Hexley, the belligerent Hufflepuff, was yelling at of these days, or Finnigan, or Hannah!” a scared little Slytherin girl, waving his wand “People react in different ways to trauma — ” an wildly. The little girl ducked her head, bringing older girl began. her arms over her head and cringing, and sud- “And Hexley’s way of reacting is traumatizing denly Draco had had enough. more people. We shouldn’t just leave him to it. If “What the fuck is the matter with you?” he he were attacking anybody but Slytherins he’d snapped, grabbed Hexley’s wand out of his hand, have had his wand snapped in half months ago!” and snapped it in half. “You bastard,” Hexley said weakly, still gaping A horrified silence fell upon the crowd. Everyone at his wand pieces, lying on the floor. was gaping at him, and he couldn’t quite believe “Hexley, if the Headmistress says you should what he’d done, but his heart was still beating tri- have your wand back, I will personally pay for ple-time and fury was coursing through him. it. In fact, I will personally give you the money “What the hell?” said one of Hexley’s friends. right now — ” he paused, and figured it out, “Ten “How could you — ” began another. Galleons, it’ll buy you the finest wand anyone can “Because he’s a bloody menace!” Draco said have, but it’s not going to do you a damn bit of angrily. “He’s been in and out of the Headmis- good because you can’t handle it!” tress’s office all bloody year — ” “It’s not about money!” said Hexley. “It’s accidental, it’s just magic discontrol — ” said “You’re bloody well right it’s not about money,” another little snot-faced Hufflepuff. said Astoria heatedly. “It’s about safety and not “No it’s not! He’s a manipulative, lying little shit, continuing the hell that went on here last year!” and he doesn’t deserve to be here.” “You’re defending him?” “Takes one to know one, Malfoy!” sneered a “Absolutely,” she said, and drew close to Draco, fifth-year boy. “You don’t know a bloody thing taking his hand in hers. about what the rest of us went through during There was a collective gasp. the war, you’ve no right to judge — ” “Right. We have to go to the Headmistress with “Yeah, maybe, but you don’t see me hexing any- this, don’t we?” she said crisply. “Who can be body, do you? Hexley’s suffered, has he? Look at neutral here?”

156 157 “What?” said one of the Slytherin girl’s friends. And what do you think of the House system? “We need to go to the Headmistress,” said Asto- Do you think Diggory House strengthened or ria, her hand still clutching Draco’s, so tightly weakened it? it was starting to cut off circulation. “We’ll need What do you mean? witnesses to what happened, and I need somebody There are those who say that it’s outmoded and who cannot be considered to be biased to gather divisive; others say it’s one of our traditions and them, as I am, naturally, considering that the should therefore be maintained, regardless of whether ‘victim’ here was about to traumatize a Slytherin it is beneficial or not. and the ‘attacker’ was another former Slytherin. I think there’s merit to both points of view. And I’m too close to him. Who can take over here?” Your own son went into Hogwarts this year, didn’t Hannah Abbott stepped up. “I will,” she said. he? Which House was he Sorted into? “All right, who saw what happened?” Erm, I would rather not have anything about A gaggle of little kids started jumping up and my son in the interview. It wasn’t among the down and chaos reigned, until Hannah finally got questions you sent. enough witnesses from both sides and marched Oh. Erm… I’ve already asked a number of ques- them all down to the Headmistress’s office. tions that weren’t on the interview sheet. What was Astoria’s parents were going to be furious, sent to you was only an idea of what we were likely Draco thought as they headed off. to discuss, to get you familiar with the general thrust But god, what a feeling, when Astoria took his of our interviews — hand in hers and threw away a year of appearing Yes, I understand that. I just don’t want my son neutral and keeping her family name snow-white. anywhere in there. He’s a little young to be in print. It didn’t occur to him until later to wonder why Oh. Well, we won’t include that question, then. he hadn’t spared a thought as to what his own Which also means… well, that’s page five of my ques- parents would say. tions scuppered right there. No matter; there’s still plenty of other things to talk about. Why were they included? June 19, 2018: We’d like to know a little bit Archivist Lore wanted to explore whether Diggory about you for our files House has influenced the thinking of parents who’ve (Transcript of Draco Malfoy Interview, Part III) had children since then. But we got quite a bit on that

158 159 from some of the other parents. it had much more to do with building things, work- That’s good. ing with people. But there wasn’t much I could look So, moving on… when did you decide to start sup- forward to in that direction either; it wasn’t likely porting Diggory House financially? that I’d find another group of people who would During my NEWTs, actually. As I was writing want to be associated with me outside of school. the one for Muggle Studies. No, I suppose not. You got E on that one, didn’t you? Then I thought of how I’d done fairly well at Yes, I did. It was one of the only courses I took Arithmancy. And we had all of this money lying that year that was completely new and unfamil- around. It seemed to make sense to try to use it iar to me. I studied like mad. for something useful. Why make a decision during a school test? And you began donating to the upkeep of Diggory I remember thinking that although I knew the House then? Muggle Studies material quite well, I was unlikely to I did. There were still things that were needed ever need it for my future. Then I thought aboutNEWT s — the place had been rather bare. And some of the level Astronomy and couldn’t see a use for that either. students who were going to be in it the next year I wasn’t likely to get a job using either one; and in fact didn’t have parents who could easily afford to I wasn’t likely to get any job at all, considering my send them. There were a lot of places and people family background. that were in need of a bit of help, financially. Were you worried about that? And when did you start investing in Diggory House Not financially, no. My family’s funds were far lower alumni? than before the war, obviously, but still strong enough The year after that. that I didn’t need to work to make a living. But it didn’t Why was that? seem a satisfactory way to spend my life, merely living Susan Bones had some interesting ideas about off the proceeds of my family’s wealth. I didn’t particu- communication development, but couldn’t get any larly want to pursue a career in what my wife referred loans or funds for her research. And I found out to as “thumb twiddling.” that Anthony Goldstein was hoping to start a gem- And then? ology company. And Charlie Weasley had some I thought about what I actually had learned that ideas about dragon habitat preservation — forests year. And it didn’t have much to do with academics; were being severely depleted in Bulgaria, and

160 161 dragons were getting ill and vicious. More vicious, And when did you decide to get more involved? that is. He wasn’t part of Diggory House, but Her- Because you don’t just invest money; you also do mione Granger introduced us at her wedding, got advertising, market research, help them make con- us talking about how to deal with the situation. nections… when did that start? But those were people you knew. Why decide to It started with Anthony’s project. He had some continue helping, people you never met? Just because brilliant ideas, but simply didn’t know how to they’d been part of Diggory House? turn them into anything workable, and I realized Almost by definition, people who ended up in that all the money in the world wasn’t going to Diggory were unusual and able to think outside the change that. So I asked if I could get involved as box. More likely to be able to use the help I gave to a silent partner, doing all of the business things actually achieve things. that he didn’t know how to do. And after I’d done There must have been some who entered because it once, it was easy to continue from there. they were lazy. Taking an eighth year to avoid going Why a silent partner, though? Not just for him, but to work. for all the companies and individuals you’ve helped Yes, that’s true, but they were the distinct minority. since then? Why didn’t you tell anybody about your For most of those who entered Diggory — then and now investments? After the first few years, when you worked — there had to be something driving them to be there. with alumni that you knew personally, all the rest has They were passionate about furthering their studies in been done through a company called DAGM Research one area, or they were willing to travel large distances and Marketing. Your name is nowhere in there. and live in a foreign country, or they had something That was deliberate. I didn’t think having my name they very much wanted to do, that couldn’t be done by included would help the people I was trying to help. merely following a path already laid down for them. I The point of getting involved was not to make myself thought that was worth encouraging. I thought those famous or fabulously wealthy — people would bring value to the wizarding world. Though most of your investments have paid off. Ironically, though, by making Diggory House an Oh, absolutely — and very well, too. It’s never been established part of the school, it is the path already a charitable exercise. But the point was to help people trod by others. who might bring improvements to the lives of ordinary Well, yes. There’s not much to be done about that. wizards and witches. Susan Bones created we-mail It’ll still never be the way of the majority, I don’t think. and text message parchments, so that we can com-

162 163 municate instantly like Muggles do, but in our own Severus Snape isn’t the only example of a Slytherin way, using magic. Claire Tachus has done work with who was able to do good in the world. Look at Professor gem preservation and pulverization that has revolu- Horace Slughorn, head of Slytherin House after Snape. tionized Potion-making. Charlie Weasley’s work with He was working behind the scenes to move along dragon habitats has helped protect magical forests. wizarding society till the day he died, spotting people Would their ideas have been as well-received, would who he thought might do great things, getting them in they have worked at all, if they’d been closely tied to touch with each other, encouraging them — the Malfoy name? I don’t think so. Harold Slughorn? I haven’t heard of him. Why are you going public now? Exactly. And it’s Horace. Slytherin as they come, but Because you’re doing this project, showing people not particularly interested in fame for himself. what Diggory House contributed to in the wizarding I’ll have to read up on him. world, and this is part of that story. And because I He’s mentioned in the museum exhibit that think by this point people may be ready to see that was opened for the twentieth anniversary of the the Malfoy family isn’t the point here. We’re no longer end of the war. about pureblood prejudice. We have not brought up Did you go? our son to believe any of that, and we have been sup- Yes. We went to the memorial service at Hogwarts in porting good wizards and witches regardless of blood the morning, then took our son out of school to see the status, regardless of family background. Museum in the afternoon. Those don’t seem like terribly Slytherin ideals, there. Well. Do you want to take a break before going on They’re Diggory ideals. to the last set of questions? Touché. Yes, I’d love to. Would you like another tea? And maybe I’d also like to show that Slytherin ideals Oh, yes, thank you. aren’t necessary the opposite of Diggory ideals either. Tig — on second thought, wait here, I’ll go get it. We Slytherins are ambitious, but ambition doesn’t nec- You don’t have a house elf? I thought all pure- essarily have to be selfish or harmful. My wife and I bloods still had them. were ambitious about doing something good for the We do. She’s… not in best spirits right now. wizarding world, whether or not it knew we were Oh dear. What’s wrong with her? doing it. And we were both Sorted into Slytherin. What isn’t wrong with her. Somebody used cinna- I guess there is something to be said about that. mon near her last week; she’s been burning everything

164 165 she touches for days. Unless you’d like tea that smells his shoulder, then made a soft noise in her throat. like a camp fire, I’ll be getting it for you. “D’you know something,” she said, and moved Ah. her face to nuzzle his neck. Back in a minute. “Yes?” he asked, squirming a bit as her breath tickled him. “The thing is,” said Astoria, nibbling his neck June 19, 1999: Childhood’s end and distracting him, “there’s hardly anybody at “Sorry to go?” asked Astoria. the Slytherin dorm.” “A bit,” said Draco. He glanced around the dormi- “I suppose not.” tory, now almost bare again. It had taken on life, “So there’s hardly anybody who would notice if sometime during the year, and he didn’t know when I never made it back there.” its depressing bare walls and utilitarian furniture Draco pulled back and looked down at her. had turned into mismatched homeyness, but he “What do you say we christen this place, then?” was already missing Finnigan’s plaid window seat, Astoria said. Anthony’s photograph of the Bulgarian Quidditch Draco blinked. “As in… ” team’s Veela mascots, and knew he would miss Nev- “How many people can say they’ve had sex in ille’s weird little singing bonsai trees when they the brand new Hogwarts House?” She paused for both left tomorrow, for all that he’d hated their off- a moment, then gave a most unladylike snort. tune wake-up warbles during the year. “Ah. Let’s not go there, considering Hannah. Still. Astoria pulled him close. “So it’s just you and How many have had sex in this very bed?” Neville staying here tonight, then?” Draco swallowed, his mouth dry. “Nobody.” “Just us. And Hannah and Hermione and Millie “Have you ever?” in the girls’ dorm.” Draco shook his head. “Have you?” “If only the bloody pipes hadn’t gone down,” she “No.” She paused. “D’you want to?” mused. “I’d still have the Head Girl’s place for one Draco cleared his throat and looked down last night.” sheepishly. “Erm.” “Where will you sleep instead?” Astoria giggled and moved against him, send- “Probably Slytherin. It’s almost empty anyway.” ing a shiver through Draco and making him Draco nodded, and Astoria laid her head on even harder. Did he want to. What kind of ques-

166 167 tion was that? him feel like he hadn’t fallen so far down in the Yes. Yes, more than he’d ever wanted anything. estimation of his world that there wasn’t any “You’re leaving tomorrow, and so am I,” he said point in hoping for anything any better. quietly. “You’re going back home. And your parents…” But how long would this last, with her? She Astoria’s lips pressed together briefly. “They was leaving. still don’t approve of you. I don’t care.” She touched his cheek gently, turning his gaze “You will, once you’re with them.” back towards her. “I’m going to my parents’ house “I don’t care. They are my parents, but I’m of tomorrow. And then after that I will go to Sala- age. I’m going to go to the Salamanca Potions manca, and spend fourteen months there. I can’t Institute in Spain, and they have to pay for that, pay for that on my own, so if my parents tell me I but I will not let them tell me what to do.” can’t be in contact with you, I will not be. No Floo Draco shook his head. “That’s what you say calls, no owls, no nothing.” She took a deep breath. now, but — ” “And the day I get my certificate, I will call you and “Listen,” Astoria told him, and took his hand, we’ll see if you still want me. I know I’ll want you.” gazing into his eyes intently. “You were there “You can’t make a promise like that,” said Draco. for me when nobody else wanted to do any- She nodded. “Well, if I change my mind during thing other than take from me, or help me with my studies, I will give you a call.” The corner of her school-related things. You were the only one who mouth twitched slightly. “I’ll tell my parents I’m doing cared how I felt outside of the whole Head Girl, it, too, so they’ll be proud of me. But if you don’t hear what’s-best-for-the-school thing. I’m not going to from me, please assume that I still want you.” forget that, believe me.” “And what happens after the Institute?” he asked. Draco looked out the window, where the “I’ll be with you,” she said simply. “And if my Quidditch pitch sat empty, no banners, no life. parents disown me, I will work and repay them She was the only person who he’d been him- all they spent on my education, plus interest.” She self with this year. Who knew how he still felt paused. “After that, why don’t we get married?” about Muggle-borns — how he’d probably always Draco laughed. “Just like that?” feel about Muggle-borns — and still accepted “Why not?” him. Who thought that he was worthy of the new Draco shook his head. “Weird. Harry Potter and wizarding world that was being built. Who made me, both getting proposals from our girlfriends.”

168 169 Astoria chuckled. “Or we can get married right He’d imagined this a dozen times at least. But here, right now.” every time he’d imagined it, it was something “What?” beyond their control, something unexpected. Her “How quickly you forget History of Magic.” She self-control swept away by desire, or by their shook her head in mock dismay. “Ancient wiz- mutual need, or by an unexpected opportunity to ards sometimes lived very far away from every- be perfectly alone. body else. And often they didn’t have any clergy Although as far as ‘unexpected’ went… he cer- of their own, or any kind of civil government, tainly hadn’t expected this. And although they so there was nobody to officiate weddings. So in weren’t alone, since Neville and the Diggory House order to get married, a couple just had to share a girls could come in at any time, once Astoria drew bed, a meal, and a spell. Let’s do that.” the drapes around his bed and they cast spells on “Right now?” them to make them soundproof, it felt as though “Right now. I would say lunch in the Great Hall they were in an entire world of their own. They counts as a meal, so that’s step one. Yes?” were lying down and kissing more passionately Draco nodded slowly, and took the hand she than they ever had before, and she was undo- held out to him. She drew him to his bed, and ing his shirt buttons, and the only slight down- pulled him down on it, and their mouths met side to their current situation was that Draco was and it was a little surreal, that after all the times becoming increasingly certain that he was going they’d snogged in the corridors and in her Head to embarrass himself before it was over. Because if Girl’s room, always with the door partly ajar to he was this hard, and this close to coming, at this remind themselves to keep things from going relatively early stage of the game… too far… they were actually going to go too far. He started to unbutton Astoria’s shirt, his heart Deliberately, knowing what they were doing, not skipping a beat as she shifted to help him. This carried away by their hormones into doing some- was as far as he’d ever gone with Pansy. From thing both would regret as soon as it was over. here on, it was unexplored territory. He drew He’d kissed her before, but never like this. He’d Astoria’s shirt off her shoulders, and cupped her been hard for her before, wanting to go farther, small breasts, marveling at their softness, at the frustrated and impatient, but never let himself fact that he could do this at all, after wanting to, want so damn much. so much, for so long.

170 171 She drew him close and their mouths came was resting against her, feeling the warmth of together again, and he sighed as she fit her body her through her knickers, and he couldn’t help against his, her hair falling back in a curtain thrusting instinctively. He was so close, only a few onto the bed. He moved over her, exploring her layers of cloth between them. tongue with his, caressing her, relishing the soft She reached down, awkwardly undoing his moans coming from her throat almost as if she trousers, and he tried to calm himself, resting his couldn’t stop them. forehead against hers and closing his eyes as she There was so much to do, so much to touch, so reached into his trousers. much to gaze upon. He’d felt her up a few times “Merlin stop I’m going to — oh, stop,” he moaned, when they were snogging in her room, but with and she held still. He breathed slowly, trying desper- the door ajar there was no way they would’ve gone ately to bring himself back from the edge. So close, as far as undoing any clothing. Now her breasts so very very close… he needed to thrust against her, lay bare before him, and feeling them over her but he didn’t want this to be over too quickly and it school robes was no substitute for feeling their would be, wouldn’t it, if he didn’t stop it right now… warmth and weight in his hand, the silky feel Astoria whimpered softly and he opened his of them, the nipples hard little points, the small eyes, finding her gazing up at him, her pupils cries falling from her lips as he touched them. wide, her features flushed and her lips parted. He brought his mouth down to her nipple He brought his lips down to hers and kissed her tentatively and she cried out, jerking up slightly, deeply, forcing himself to concentrate on her, startling him into backing up and he narrowly on her movements, her small cries, the way she missed hitting his head on her chin. They were as pressed herself against him, held him close… clumsy as kittens, not really knowing what went He broke off their kiss, and with trembling hands where and how, but it didn’t matter. She squirmed undid the buttons of her skirt, pulling it away. She under him, and then pulled him on top of her fully took his hand and brought it to her knickers and so that his length was pressed against her hip. he slipped his hand inside, and she gasped, warm There was a moment of confusion when the feel and wet and grinding herself against him. of her against him was electrifying but unsatis- He caressed her, trying to be gentle and find- factory, awkward somehow — and then she moved ing that she really didn’t want that as she pressed and suddenly her thighs parted and somehow he herself up, took his hand and pushed it against

172 173 her, showing him how to stroke her, firmly, up against him several times, then shivered and making her writhe. sighed in what he could only assume was plea- “I…” Merlin, how to tell her how much he sure. He panted for breath, still nestled inside her, needed to… he pushed his trousers and pants his mind perfectly at peace. off, helping her with her own skirt and knick- She gazed at him, her eyes glistening, then ers, and suddenly they were naked, together, and pulled him close and kissed him, and it felt more he wanted to fill his eyes with the sight of her real than anything ever had in his life. Like somebody, her chest rising and falling quickly, but thing that had been hurt and alone inside him for there was no time, the need to do more than look a long, long time, was finally well and whole again. was too urgently overpowering. She kissed him again and he closed his eyes, losing himself in her, making himself think of her instead of what Opening Day he so wanted and needed to do… Draco, Astoria, and Scorpius made their way into She broke off their kiss and shifted again, and the newly expanded hall of the British Wizarding suddenly he was at her entrance. History Museum, walking through the galler- “Oh — wait, wait,” he said quickly, his senses ies with the alarming newspaper headlines from almost on overload and the words he needed Voldemort’s first rising, andThe Prophet’s headline hiding out of sight. “You — I don’t, we have to be from October 31, 1981 ( Harry Potter, the Boy Who safe, I don’t want — ” Lived, Defeats You-Know-Who). They went past “I’ve been taking a potion for a while,” she whis- the displays for Albus Dumbledore, Severus Snape, pered, “just in case.” She moved — and suddenly and Potter, Snape’s expression still forbidding and he was inside her. And he didn’t know what he’d gloomy despite the glowing words of praise sur- ever expected but it wasn’t this, the incredible rounding him. They passed a portrait of Dumb- pressure and heat and Astoria’s small cry of pain. ledore’s Army, all of them so young, so very very “Did — did I — ” young, and a diorama of the Room of Requirement, “It’s all right,” she said, gasping. “Please — ” where the DA had come together to practice as a And he came on the first thrust, going quickly phoenix song played in the background. from shivering delight and relief to mortifica- Another gallery, put together to look like the tion to relief again as Astoria cried out, thrusting Great Hall the day of the final battle, far too life-

174 175 like and far too reminiscent of what Draco still photograph apparently taken by his father, as he saw in his nightmares, twenty years later. Care- mouthed the words “Come on up, Dad!” fully drawn maps of who was where, which tun- Draco gazed at Cedric’s smooth features and nels the Death Eaters had tried to enter, where thanked God for his and Astoria’s laugh lines, for they’d been beaten back, where they’d blasted the streaks of silver through her dark hair, for his their way in, where Voldemort had come in from own slowly receding hairline, badges of middle age the Shrieking Shack. It looked so well-planned they were lucky to bear. Cedric Diggory never got a and neatly organized. Nothing like the chaos it chance to have any of that. Or to get married, or have had really been, despite the simulated ruin and children, or do any of the hundreds of other things stone dust hanging in the air of the gallery. the members of the House named in his honour did. Another gallery, this one of the Hogwarts dead. They gave the security wizard their names, Remus Lupin. Nymphadora Tonks. Fred Weasley. and were allowed into the exhibit room proper. Colin Creevey. Justin Finch-Fletchley. He nodded a greeting to Susan, who was gazing Vincent Crabbe. at a picture of Cedric Diggory from The Prophet Scorpius slowed them down in the next section, — his name misspelled, because Harry Potter had and they stopped to watch the Beauxbatons flying also been picked as Hogwarts Champion and that horses bringing in school supplies from France to was all the news people wanted to hear about. Hogwarts. Photographs of people rebuilding the Queenie was showing her daughters a “Potter castle. A display of Muggle tools that had been used, Stinks” badge, still blinking “Support Cedric Dig- because the castle had held so much ancient magic gory, The Real Hogwarts Champion”. that it was deemed too dangerous to do too much by Hermione gave Draco and Astoria hugs and magic alone. He spotted a picture of Dean Thomas, shook Scorpius’ hand, then returned to Weasley, using a power tool to drill into stone, and then a who was showing Rose and Hugo two articles tell- picture of himself, listening sullenly as Hermione ing of Cedric’s death. The first had been written showed him and Millicent how to use a hoover to at the time, declaring it to be accidental; the other remove dust from one of the rebuilt rooms. was from The Quibbler, in Harry Potter’s words. And here it was, the newest part of the exhibit. More newspaper clippings, this time from Cedric Diggory’s handsome young face grinned after the war, proposing a Fifth House. Anthony, down at them from the branches of a tree — a rather stout now, was showing his wife some of

176 177 the drastically summarized transcripts of the Headmistress McGonagall’s speech, incompre- debate that had broken out in the Wizengamot, hensibly described as ‘inspiring’ by the museum discussing the pros and cons of the idea until staff. Gah. Draco remembered it as one of the only Kingsley Shacklebolt had bluntly told them they things that had made him actively miss weird old didn’t have time to fart around interfering in Dumbledore and his “tweak, oddment and flibber- the school, and should bloody well let Hogwarts git” or whatever bizarre thing he’d said at the time. run itself and get back to the business of rebuild- Ernie Macmillan was showing his daughter ing their shattered society. The summary of his the only group picture ever taken of all fourteen speech was far kinder and more diplomatic than of them, taken during the speech. And there was Shacklebolt himself had been at the time. Draco, looking so damnably young, and so nervous, Lavender Brown gave him a small smile as she at the edge of the Diggory table. He wanted so much gently ran her fingers over the names on a copy of the to reach out to the boy he had been, tell him life got plaque that still hung on a wall of Diggory House: better eventually, he found love, he grew up… Abbott, Hannah Letters from parents to their children in Dig- Bones, Susan gory House. Brown, Lavender A letter from Millicent to a friend overseas. Bulstrode, Millicent One of Finnigan’s weird exploding shamrocks. Finnigan, Seamus A brittle old journal, open to a page that started Goldstein, Anthony with the neatly formed words There were forty-one Granger, Hermione of us when we were Sorted eight years ago. Greengrass, Daphne A teddy bear labeled as Parvati Patil’s. Longbottom, Neville One of Neville’s horrible little singing bonsai, Macmillan, Ernest or possibly one of their descendants. Malfoy, Draco Pictures. So many pictures. Including one of Patil, Parvati Draco and Hannah Abbott, dancing together at Thomas, Dean the Valentine’s Day dance, smiling at each other. Turpin, Lisa And his was a genuine smile, for all that he’d still felt uneasy around her, still felt instinctively deep Lisa Turpin was listening to a recording of down that she didn’t belong in his world. Some-

178 179 how she’d wormed herself onto his good side. The Goldstein’s Gemologists logo, a copy of the Pictures of some of the kids who’d taken refuge first we-mail, a wedding announcement from a in Diggory during the year. Little Augustine Corn- couple brought together by Macmillan Magical foot, whose bio claimed had moved to South Africa Matchmakers. A photograph of Draco and Charlie and become a Herbology practitioner, and never Weasley, watching a dragon’s cage being opened, returned to England. and the dragon flying out with a burst of flame, Brief “where are they now” bios of the other kids, and disappearing into the sky. most of whom had gone back to their real Houses even- “Dad! Is that really you?” asked Scorpius, but tually, some of whom had left and never finished their Draco could tell it didn’t really interest him that education. One committed suicide, two others died of much, what with the four miniature players of bad recreational potion reactions. Two had ended up in the 2016 Diggory Quodpot Team shooting around Azkaban. They hadn’t saved everyone. the exhibit, tossing their Quodpot Cup back and The seven new Diggory House members from forth. A twelve-year-old boy had better things to the following year. think about than investments. The names of every member of Diggory House, “Yes, that’s really me.” Astoria squeezed his hand. though after the second year not all had pictures He looked around the exhibit. “It’s really us.” or bios attached, just general descriptions. A picture of Herman Blackstone, the first Hog- Schoolbooks. warts Headmaster from Diggory House — also the Valentines. second youngest person ever to be made Headmaster. Uniforms. A picture of Philippa Cassidy, the first Minister Dean Thomas’ sketches of West Ham football players. For Magic from Diggory House. The gold and purple insignia of Diggory House, And the woman herself, coming into the when somebody finally got around to designing exhibit and clearing her throat, standing next to it, six years later. Archivist Maximus Lore, who beamed at them all. He and Astoria stopped, stunned, before a large “My friends, welcome to the opening of the Dig- display case for DAGM and Malfoy Investments, a gory House Wing of the British Wizarding History long list of former Diggory House members who Museum,” said the Minister For Magic. “If you got their start because of him acting as centrepiece. would all follow me to the lobby, we will be holding Heartfelt letters of thanks from many of them. the official opening ceremony there, after which

180 181 time the general public will be permitted to enter this wing.” She turned to Archivist Lore. “Shall we?” she asked, and he took her arm and led her out. Draco smiled at Astoria, and together they each took one of their son’s hands and followed the Minister, and their friends, out of the exhibit and to the lobby.

182 183 Author’s Notes

he poem quoted by Rose Weasley (Five Things Observe With Care) was either writ- Tten by W.E. Norris, of whom I know nothing, or Laura Ingalls’ mother Caroline, from Little House On the Prairie. I’ve always envisioned Hermione passing on her love of obscure books to her daughter ;) Future imperfectable is not a real verb tense. Unless you speak a language used by people who can do Divination. Margery Thatcher never ruled over any country, let alone Britain. That would be Margaret Thatcher. Hey, if they can get eckeltricity and fellytones wrong, even the Iron Lady herself might find herself mislabeled by wizards, right?

184 185 Colophon

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