On the day for the return trip to Hogwarts, he received two more gifts. Before his father departed, Christopher gave Taylor a gold-plated pocket watch. Taylor accepted it with a smile and a “Thanks, pop!”, but, after all of the other gifts, this one left little impression on Taylor. Pocket watches were outdated, and time ceased to exist at Hogwarts for all practical purposes. He felt like he had spent a whole lifetime there already, and he was ready to spend a few more.

  After his father was back in the Muggle portion of King’s Cross, Taylor and Louis were headed for the train when a tall, blonde man called out “Weasley. Paxton.” They turned abruptly in the direction of the unfamiliar voice to see Scorpius Malfoy standing with someone who was, undoubtedly, his father. The resemblance was, while not remarkable, certainly there.

  “Hey, guys,” Scorpius nodded, timidly. “This is my dad, Draco.” Scorpius looked uncomfortable.

  Draco, on the other hand, smiled casually, and looked at the boys genially, “I’ve heard a lot about Scorpius’ new friends, but, as of yet, have not had the pleasure to meet them. I’m Draco Malfoy; I’m sure you’ve heard some of the—err—rather distasteful things said about me.”

  Taylor shook his head, while Louis whispered, “A few…”

  Draco just smirked, “I would expect nothing less. I’ve given the Weasley’s no great cause to love me in the past. Still, we get on well enough at the Ministry these days. I work in the same branch as your uncles Harry and Ron, Louis.”

  Louis gaped, shocked, “You’re an Auror?”

  Draco smiled, larger, “Yes, I was surprised that I was allowed on at first, too, but it does seem that people can redeem themselves. All the same, I’m glad Scorpius wasn’t sorted into Slytherin. Ravenclaw is a good house; the only complaint I have is the lack of brotherhood. I’m glad he found solid lads there this term. Louis, aren’t you the first Weasley to be placed somewhere other than under the Gryffindor Lion? Ah, oh well... I just wanted to introduce myself, and to say: if you ever need anything, be not afraid to ask. A Slytherin is many things—many terrible things—but a Slytherin always takes care of those who have done him a courtesy.”

  “It was Scorpius who did us a courtesy,” Taylor replied. “We would have been totally lost without him last term.” Scorpius just smiled, slightly abashed.

  Draco nodded, and glanced over his boy, “All the same… Ah, I nearly forgot. Happy Christmas, boys.” He handed each of the boys a small coin purse no bigger than a closed fist, and winked, “Best not open them here.” Then, Draco stepped backed, embraced his son one final time, pivoted, and vanished.

  It was the first time Taylor had ever seen anyone apparate before. It gave him chills, and made his hands tingle with electricity. There was something about Draco Malfoy that Taylor Paxton found appealing. Louis didn’t look as amused as Taylor felt, and Scorpius just looked embarrassed.

  They waited until the three boys were alone in one of the train compartments of the Hogwarts Express. “Do you know what’s in here?” Taylor asked Scorpius.

  He shook his head, “No idea. I told him not to introduce himself to anybody. He has a hard time listening to people.”

  Louis muttered, “No kidding” under his breath, but Taylor was pretty sure Scorpius didn’t catch it.

  “So…” Taylor posed, “Should we open these now or wait until we’re into the common room?”

  Scorpius shrugged, “I doubt there’s anything that bad in there. I don’t see what difference it makes. I’d open th—”

  He stopped short because what difference it made walked in: Sarah Tinsley.  She was twirling her wand between her fingers, and wearing a smile of the utmost malevolence, “Hello, prats.”

  Scorpius frowned, “Yes, Sarah? Can we help you with something?”

  She sneered, “You help me, Scorpion? Doubtful. Very doubtful. You couldn’t even help yourself get sorted into your father’s house. Guess the apple does fall far from the tree.”

  Scorpius was too level-headed to rise to any bait she gave him, “You’re right. You’re more like him than I am. You’re both in Slytherin, and you both run your mouth off too much for your own good.”

  Her sneer grew, and she held her wand out, as if pondering hexing him, “Hmm… The Scorpion has teeth. Or a sting, I suppose. I bet Lily loves that. That gets her off fast, doesn’t it, you little git?”

   Scorpius’ and Louis’ wands were out before Sarah had finished her insult. “That’s my girlfriend, you’re insulting,” Scorpius growled, wand pointed at Sarah’s chest. “And my cousin!” Louis whined, in protest.

  Taylor just sat there. Lily was his friend, and he should protect her honor, too, but Sarah was his cousin. She was family, even if she was an unbearable sod.

  Rose Weasley and Lily Potter walked into the train compartment, suddenly, showing no sign of surprise at the altercation threatening to break out. Lily batted at Scorpius’ wand hand, “Put it away, Scorpius. She’s not worth the time or energy.”

  Rose just tsked at Sarah, “Not get enough presents over the holidays, Tinsley? Want to start off term with a bang, is that it? You do realize there are five of us in here now, and not a one is on your side?”

  Sarah let out a guttural snarl, “First years count for nothing, and I could take the three of you easily enough.” Louis stiffened at the insult, but Taylor didn’t move a muscle. He just sat still, stiff as a bored, trying his best to look complacent and bored.

  Rose smiled politely at Sarah, while her eyes blazed, “They count enough when they’re more competent than yourself, Tinsley.”

  Sarah scoffed, but about-faced and marched out of the compartment, admitting defeat for the present.

  Lily sighed, “Can’t stand that girl—if you can call her that.”

  Rose Weasley grinned, suddenly, “It’s too bad: if she had it her way, you’d all be family someday. Poor Albus!”

  Everyone laughed—everyone but Taylor Paxton. He was quiet for the rest of the train ride, perturbed about the enmity between his friends and his family.