Early in life I had noticed that no event is ever correctly reported in a newspaper – George Orwell

Adulthood was such a tedious process, or at least that's what Scorpius thought, staring into his wardrobe mirror with slight trepidation. His eyebrows creased to form a line above his nose, and he was mortified that his father stared back at him in that mirror, just younger and with less bruising under his eyes. His cheeks reddened slightly, contrasting with the iciness of his eyes. The colour suffused his pale neck, most likely spreading past the collar of his shirt to his chest.

He wore well-fitted robes, black and lying perfectly along his legs and arms. He could move easily without stretching the fabric, and it was a comforting privilege for it seemed none of his clothes fit him lately.

It was the summer before his seventh year – his last year of so-called childhood – before he supposedly entered the world of perfectly formed men without disadvantages. His fingers twitched slightly as he smoothed down the front of his robes and shut his wardrobe, hearing that familiar sound of a bell ringing. His father must've been impatient.

Walking quickly out of his room, he descended the stairs two at a time, stopping on the second floor landing to wave at a house elf, before continuing his way down the stairs. The ringing grew louder, and Scorpius couldn't help but roll his eyes at his father's ridiculousness.

Scorpius found him in front of the fireplace, holding out his pocket watch and tapping his finger along the edge of it impatiently. He gave his father a critical look when the man looked up.

"Don't look at me like that," his father said sourly, raising his watch into the air as if Scorpius needed to see the time. "It's almost 11:50. We are going to be late for the meeting."

"I doubt it's going to take ten minutes to take the lift to his office."

"That's not the point, Scorpius. Tardiness will not be tolerated if you want this internship."

Scorpius looked away and folded his arms. "Well, we should go then. This bickering is wasting time."

His father opened his mouth to retort, but seemed to decide against it. He turned his back and threw a handful of floo-powder into the fireplace, stepping in before saying, "The Daily Prophet!"

Scorpius quickly followed, and soon they were walking steadily through the crowds of people rushing to deliver notes and other things professional journalists needed. The atmosphere gave him a thrill – his thoughts wandered to that familiar fantasy involving Scorpius owning the The Daily Prophet, dictating orders and everyone respecting him for his writing skills and ability to manage such a difficult newspaper.

It seemed the Prophet had always been there for the Malfoy family. Scorpius couldn’t remember a time when the paper had printed anything that wasn’t supportive or congratulatory. He supposed it was all because his father had always been generous in his yearly ‘donations’ to the paper. Unlike Albus, he didn’t see anything wrong with these happenings. What mattered to him were the memories from his childhood, sitting by his father and waiting for him to finish reading the paper every morning. It had always been their time together alone, and secretly Scorpius had been saddened when two papers began showing up with the post.

He barely noticed stepping into the lift, his eyes drawn to the floor and lips parted slightly without saying a word. A man moved in front of him, and Scorpius could smell the odor of morning tea and sweat radiating off the man's robes. He wrinkled his nose and tried to only breathe in through his mouth.

The ride was thankfully short, and Scorpius was treading across the office building before the doors to the lift had closed. His father walked quickly in front of him, but elegantly – the man's robes smooth and perfect, his thumb resting inside his pocket, most likely fingering that golden pocket watch.

As they moved past the different desks, Scorpius noticed how people watched his father, their eyes darting to his left arm as they tried to mask their discomfort. It seemed that his father repelled them – made them sink back into their chairs and try to deflect his attention. It was all very ridiculous, and he wondered if his father noticed it at all.

Though he would never admit it to anyone, even Albus, situations like this made him feel embarrassed. It made him pity his own father, wish that his father didn't have that old sense of dignity. He wanted his father to tell all these bastards to fuck off instead of just ignoring them. Of course, Scorpius should have known that his father's demeanor was the result of years of learning how to ignore their stares, years of suppressing that silent anger within.

At least, that's what Scorpius imagined. His father never told him anything from those years. Scorpius thought the subject taboo – he understood his father felt embarrassed that he had once been a part of those Death Eaters even if he didn't show it.

Arriving at the correct office, a busty secretary with unruly hair told them to wait until the man in charge of internships was ready for them. His name was Portland McDaniel, an Irishman who appeared to be in his late forties with dyed black hair and a bushy beard. Scorpius had seen his photo numerous times in the column section of the newspaper, and he felt that McDaniel was one of the best journalists. It excited him that he was about to meet a highly-ranked professional in the business.

Scorpius took a seat with his father on a black leather sofa next to the door. It gave a quiet sigh as they sat down, wiggling its four legs until it grew accustomed to their weight. His father began to pet the arm on which he rested his elbow, his actions obviously absentminded as he stared down at the tile floor. Scorpius could hear McDaniel's thick voice through the wall. It seemed he was arguing with someone through the floo.

"Let's go over it one more time," his father began quietly, still focused on the ground. "What are you going to say once we are in there?"

Scorpius knew the game he was playing. "Nothing – not until I'm asked a direct question."

His father seemed surprised. "Then when you are asked to respond?"

"I address Mr McDaniel as 'sir'."

"Yes, and what else?"

Sighing, he answered, "Be polite, but get across how much I want the internship. Don't take no for an answer."

"Correct."

They sat in silence for a few minutes until the door opened, and a large man exited, turning his attention to them immediately.

"Mr Malfoy," he said, his accent thick and heavy, "right in here."

Scorpius felt angered that McDaniel only addressed his father. Both men seemed to forget he was even there as they crowded into the small office. Scorpius and his father sat once more as McDaniel offered some tea.

"No, thank you," his father said as he settled himself in a rickety chair, "I hope we are not a bother. I did ask for a time that was convenient for you."

McDaniel waved his hand in the air. "Not a problem. I am always busy – news never stops, you know."

Scorpius felt his throat tighten with admiration. He stared up at the man that he wanted to become – well, the career part anyway. McDaniel could keep his obesity.

"I hope the family is doing well," McDaniel said, taking a sip of his tea. He grimaced and tapped his wand against the cup. Steam appeared as the liquid warmed.

"Quite well. My son is doing very well in school. I imagine he will be named Head Boy soon."

McDaniel finally looked at him. He nodded slowly as his eyes moved over Scorpius' face. "You look quite like your father."

Scorpius felt his cheeks redden, and he bit the inside of his mouth to deter his attention. He hated it when people said he looked like his father. "Thank you, sir."

McDaniel cleared his throat. "So, you want to work here at the Prophet?"

He nodded politely. "Quite, sir. It has been a dream of mine for a long time."

"Really? Surprising ambition for a boy your age." The man's eyes were filled with interest.

"He organized the newspaper at Hogwarts – the Magical Companion during his fifth year," his father added, not masking the pride within his voice.

"Well, that's quite an achievement. Can you tell me a bit about it? I must confess it's been years since I was a student at Hogwarts."

Scorpius nodded vigorously and leaned forward in his chair. "It's half study guide, half news. I know not much excitement happens at school, so I thought by adding useful information for the classes we would get more readers."

"And was it a success?"

"Yes, very much so. Though it took about a year for it catch on. Now we have almost every teacher working with the paper to announce homework assignments and study sessions. Very useful to the students."

"It sounds like it. Though, I must admit that since school is starting up in a few days, we can't take you on now."

"I didn't expect it, sir."

"But you should keep in contact with us during the year. Then once you are done, I will be happy to have you join us."

Scorpius bit the inside of his cheek again as excitement surged within him. He couldn't wait to tell Albus.

"That's wonderful," his father said, standing up to shake McDaniel's hand. "Thank you for giving my son the opportunity. I don't want to take up any more of your time."

"No, thank you. I'm glad we will have such a talented intern with us," said McDaniel as he accepted the hand. Scorpius noticed how his eyes flickered down to his father's left arm.

"Yes, thank you, sir," Scorpius added, stepping forward to shake hands with him. "I very much appreciate it."

McDaniel's eyes also drifted down to Scorpius' left arm as they clasped hands. Deep within him, anger began to boil, but Scorpius pushed the feeling aside, not willing to consider why McDaniel had such an interest in their left arms.

.:.

Later that night Scorpius lay on the floor of his bedroom, his fireplace blazing bright green and yellow flames, the head of his best friend floating within the dramatic colours.

"I don't think Chesterherd will be good as a beater, if you ask me," Albus said, his cheeks flushed from the tingling warmth of the floo.

"I didn't ask you, did I?" Scorpius responded, a slight smile upon his lips.

"Prat. Just because you are Captain doesn't mean only your opinion matters."

"Why not? I was picked Captain for a reason."

Albus rolled his eyes as he tried not to grin. "Don't be so humble, Scorp. Not everyone thinks you're the best thing since Chocolate Frogs."

"What," he responded, faking indignation, "but I am the best thing since Chocolate Frogs and wizardry cards combined."

"Hm, yeah – but whose dad is on a wizardry card? Not yours, I might add."

"Right, and how does this have anything to do with my greatness?"

Albus snorted. "I'll agree that you're the best thing since Chocolate Frogs when you fuck that girl of yours."

"I would like to see you fuck her. She won't even allow me to kiss her properly, moving about all the fucking time. Makes me want to just spellotape her knickers to the chair."

Albus threw his head back and laughed loudly, his eyes twisting closed and his cheeks flushing even more. "Yeah – yeah, I bet she would love that!"

A greedy expression came over Scorpius' face. "I bet she would, the dirty bitch."

"Oh, don't talk like that. I think my sister can hear us," Albus said, wiping away tears from his eyes with a hand that seemed to come out of nowhere. He paused for a moment, then clenched his jaw tightly. "Hold on for a moment. I definitely know she's listening now."

His friend's face disappeared, and Scorpius heard commotion from within the fireplace.

"I was not!" a voiced screamed. Then a girl's head popped into the flames, her red hair contrasting with the fire. "Hi, Scorpius!" she said, her voice high with excitement.

He couldn't hide the amusement within his face. "Hello, Lily. Have a good holiday?"

"Very," she responded quickly. "I just wanted you to know that I was not listening in on your conversation. I was only getting a towel from the cupboard. Don't listen to Albus!"

She was pulled from the flames, and Albus' face reappeared. "Damn prat, get the hell out of my room!" he screamed over his shoulder. "What did she say to you?"

Scorpius shrugged as he snickered from behind his hand. "Nothing in particular, only that you think I'm heavenly dashing."

"Oh, go and suck your mum's saggy tits. You are as bad as she is!"

Scorpius became somber. "I need to tell you something."

"Really?" Albus asked, his voice growing high with interest. "That's great, because I need to tell you something as well."

"Oh, really? Why don't you go first."

Albus shook his head. "No, no – you first."

"Right, well – see – I got the internship at the Prophet!" His voice was filled with excitement.

"That's great, Scorp! Really it is! I always knew that you would get it."

Scorpius grinned at him for a moment. Then he cleared his throat and asked, "So, what about you?"

It seemed as if all confidence washed away from Albus' face. The boy looked down, then said quietly, "You won't like what I have to say, I just know it."

His stomach gave a great lunge at the sound of his friend's voice. "Just tell me."

Sighing softly, Albus said, "I - I received a letter from McGonagall, and well, she said I got Head Boy."

Scorpius' stomach twisted into knots, something like jealousy forming within him. He felt as if he couldn't breathe. "Really?"

Albus nodded somberly. "You know – it's not like I made the choice. And anyway, you are still the captain of the team. Doesn't that count for anything?"

"Yes," he responded, his mind still trying to comprehend what he had just heard, "of course it does. At least a Slytherin got it."

"Right," Albus agreed, then grinned widely, "you had to see James' face when I told him. He had

wanted Head Boy so badly. Of course that Hufflepuff got it instead. Serves him right, I say."

"Yeah, no more Hufflepuff and Gryffindor rule. It's our time now!"

"Yeah! Definitely!" Albus made a face. "But, guess what – I have to organize a ball!"

"What?"

"Yeah! Such shite, right? A winter ball!"

"Wow, that sounds awful."

"Fuck hell, it does."

Scorpius thought for a moment. "I wonder who got Head Girl."

"Probably that chub Hamples in Ravenclaw. That bitch has always been competing with me in Potions. She's almost as fat as your girl, Scorp."

"Just because Cecilia has an arse does not mean she's fat."

Albus laughed. "She's got more than an arse. She's got an enormous arse, with those floppy tits of hers. Her back fat is probably the size of both my fists."

"She does not have back fat!"

"How do you know?"

Scorpius' face had redden to a considerable degree. "Because I have felt her back, Al! She doesn't have a fat back, you fucker!"

Shrugging, Albus said, "Whatever. I rather my ladies not be obese."

"I am about to Apparate right into your bedroom and beat you in the face!"

"Hm, maybe you can use your girl's back fat. I bet you that has a lot of weight to it."

"I swear, Albus!" His voice had grown with anger. "Go fuck yourself, you bastard!"

"Will do! Bye!"

The fire disappeared once Albus was gone, and Scorpius was left feeling quite awake. He lay on the floor for another hour or so, wondering if Cecilia really did have back fat or not. At least he didn't think so, but it could have been just hidden by her clothes. Honestly, he had never felt her back before. Never had the desire to do so. And he wasn't lying when he said Cecilia didn't allow him to kiss her properly. Only once did she allow him to stick his tongue into her mouth, and even then it didn't last that long.

God, he was almost eighteen years old! He had to shag someone before he left school. He couldn't bear the idea of beginning his internship a virgin. Summoning some parchment and a quill, he wrote Cecilia a letter. Once he was done he pushed the parchment away and crawled to the table where his wireless stood. He pet the mechanism into submission and clicked it on, lowering himself back to floor to listen to the nightly news.

"Now, for more on the campaign trail, we turn to Zach Smith. Zach, what do you have for us today?"Time Watch analyst –"

"Well, it’s not shaping up to be a good day for candidate Ophelia Leach. A press release delivered this morning from Haywarth Susan, who is of course a well known witch and troll activist, has confirmed that the two have ended their long term (political) partnership. This hasn’t come as a surprise, especially with the many public disputes Leach and Susan had about troll and Azkaban regulations.

Many say this lost endorsement will hurt Leach, but others think this will finally end the many rumours that have been surrounding the pair. For more on the subject, we turn to

Bored, Scorpius switched off the wireless and waited until he heard it begin to snore. He fell asleep on the floor until two house elves came into his room and helped him into bed.

As he heard the house elves quietly shut the door, he wondered what his father would think about Albus getting Head Boy instead of him.

TBC.