Scorpius enters Umbridge’s office, pensive but alert, dressed in darker robes. Umbridge initially praises Scorpius, acknowledging his Pureblood (entirely magical) lineage, leadership skills, and athleticism, of which the latter leaves Scorpius surprised. Umbridge has even praised him and his work in "flushing out the more dilettante students” (179) to the Augurey. However, she is now concerned by the strange behavior Scorpius has exhibited since emerging from the lake three days past—he has been obsessively asking questions about Harry Potter and Cedric Diggory. Scorpius reassures Umbridge that this behavior has been a “temporary aberration;” convinced, Umbridge dismisses him with a salute and a slogan—“For Voldemort and Valour” (180)—which Scorpius tries to imitate.

Scorpius is greeted enthusiastically by fellow students on the school grounds, who address him as the “Scorpion King.” Polly Chapman, a pretty and popular girl, asks Scorpius out to the “Blood Ball,” asserting that she is “making a future” with Scorpius “like the Augurey insists” (182). There is screaming in the background; on questioning it, Scorpius discovers that “Mudbloods” (wizards and witches born to non-magical parents) are being tortured in the school dungeons, on his apparent suggestion. Before leaving, Polly repeats the slogan “For Voldemort and Valour” (182).