CHAPTER ELEVEN

The summer vacation period at the Malfoy residence had been marked by a considerable amount of bickering between Scorpius and Nova. Despite her revelation of her intention to transfer schools, her brother's opposition was predictable.

From Nova's perspective, her decision to transfer to Beauxbatons served multiple purposes, one of which was to gain a deeper understanding of herself. However, she was aware that her brother would likely interpret this as escaping.

However, the situation was more intricate than it seemed. For Nova, a sense of growth and transformation required an environment devoid of the pervasive insecurities linked to her identity and status. At Beauxbatons, her lineage wouldn't hold the same significance it did in Hogwarts, forcing her to rely on an identity independent of her family's legacy.

The absence of the Malfoy name's influence at Beauxbatons allowed Nova to envision a new version of herself, free from the shadow of her family's reputation.

In contrast to his sister, Scorpius enjoyed a level of freedom befitting a Malfoy without the weight of extensive expectations. While he had managed to carve out his own identity, he was shielded from the constraints imposed on his sister by others.

Nova's struggles were heightened because she was a Malfoy in Gryffindor, carrying a double burden of expectations and limitations tied to her family name.

Scorpius, on the other hand, had willingly accepted his life's path, forging his own identity without being coerced by external expectations.

The new academic term commenced, and Nova departed via a carriage, while Scorpius departed on the Hogwarts Express. The experience was undoubtedly a challenging one for their father, who had envisioned a unified family, only to witness his two children embarking on separate journeys.

While Draco was aware that separation was inevitable, he hadn't anticipated it occurring at such a young age. Yet, true to his word, he resolved to fulfil the aspirations and dreams of his late wife for their children, vowing to create a world of opportunities for them.

When Draco and Scorpius finally arrived at the train, the departure was imminent, leaving no time for inquiries surrounding the absence of a family member. For Scorpius, it was a matter of no concern; however, for Draco, he faced the task of explaining the situation to the parents present.

Scorpius observed his father being bombarded with questions from the adults present and offered him a sympathetic smile, knowing that in time, he would likely be faced with the same interrogation.

Scorpius struggled with the transition to being separated from his twin, as he had grown accustomed to her constant nagging and her assistance in tying his tie. The absence of her presence left him in a state of disorientation, but he gradually came to understand that this separation was essential to his own growth.

It is true that the twins had become overly reliant on one another, and while the separation was strange and uncomfortable, it was essential for both their growth. Nova's need to develop as an individual extended to Scorpius as well.

Naya greeted Scorpius as he entered the compartment, the sight of his two best friends sitting there already immediately catching his attention. A tight smile graced his face, yet they quickly noticed something was amiss. Sensing his inner turmoil, they held their tongues, refraining from asking directly, knowing he would share when he was ready.

The atmosphere in the compartment was thick with unspoken concerns as Scorpius took his seat, the concern evident on both of his best friends' faces. But they remained composed, restraining themselves from voicing their queries, knowing that he would share when he was ready.

Scorpius fidgeted momentarily, his gaze lingering on the floor before he finally spoke, his words trailing off nervously. "I'm fine," he mumbled.

Albus and Naya exchanged a subtle glance, recognizing that Scorpius was not ready to discuss his current state of mind. They nodded slightly, silently acknowledging his reassurance that he was fine. Slowly, the three Slytherins moved on to the topic of their Summer holidays.

"So, what did you lot do during the summer break?" Naya prompted, attempting to shift the conversation.

Albus grinned, "Oh, you know, the usual summer shenanigans," he replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

"Oh, really?" Naya retorted, playing along with Albus' sarcasm. "What kind of 'shenanigans' are we talking about?"

Albus started recounting his summer escapades to Naya, describing them in great detail. However, Scorpius struggled to comprehend what they were saying, his thoughts consumed by a sense of emptiness and longing for his twin.

The Potter, oblivious to Scorpius's distraction, continued to ramble on, seemingly enjoying the attention. Naya, however, noticed Scorpius's distant expression and shot him a worried glance.

While Albus, utterly focused on his own words, remained completely oblivious to Scorpius's inner turmoil. Naya, aware of the situation, quietly took charge of keeping him engaged, hoping that he wouldn't accidentally point out his friend's distress.