SLAP

James Potter gripped his left cheek, now glowing scarlet, as he stumbled a little to his right.

"How could you do this to me?!" Kat, his now ex-girlfriend, screeched, attracting a small circle of witnesses from neighboring compartments.

"I don't know, baby, I just kind of… did it." James stood up a little straighter, combing his hands through his tousled hair. "I mean, it's been great. You were great. You were bloody fantastic, really. We had a good run, but I don't know how you're not tired of me yet."

Tears streamed down Kat's face, her impeccable make-up ruined. "You don't tire of these things! What kind of person are you?! After seven perfect months, after all we've been through…"

"Like I said, it was fun. There's really no other reason…. I don't know how else to explain it to you. It's just that after this summer apart, I realized I didn't really miss you." Head were now poking out of every compartment in their half of the train car. What better entertainment than a good old fashioned James Potter styled break-up?

"I hate you! I never want to see you EVER again!" Kat screamed.

"Now I don't see how that's possible… it's a small school and I get around a bit."

SLAP

"You sick bastard… after all I've done for you… after all those times I've covered for you…" Kat broke down into another fit of tears.

James awkwardly stretched out his arm to pat her on her shoulder, ignoring the stinging in his cheek. "Now, now… there's someone out there for you. It's not like you dated me for me to start with."

"We were in love. I was in love. Biggest mistake of my life."

"There, there… we all make mistakes." His seemingly reassuring words only drover her to the ground, a sobbing mess.

"What's going on here?" A voice appeared from the crowd that had formed, parting the sea.

James turned to face his brother. "And if it isn't our wonderful prefect."

"What did you do, James?" Albus asked, eyeing the scene in front of him.

"Nothing out of the norm, really. I mean, who honestly didn't see this coming?" James asked, half rhetorically, but in all seriousness. Nobody spoke; seven months was as long as seven years in James Potter times and nobody expected it to go on any longer. .

Kat's friends finally came to the rescue, helping her up and taking her into the closest, secluded compartment. Sighing as he watched their retreating backs, Albus turned to his brother with a frown.

"Do you enjoy doing this?"

"Not quite. Contrary to your beliefs, little brother, I'm not exactly evil. Just honest." James watched the crowd disperse back to their own lives, most likely gossiping and chattering madly about the recent incident—as if there was nothing more important in the world than James Potter's new bachelorhood.

"Just don't do anything to cause me trouble. You're the one who's supposed to be looking after me but it's always me cleaning up your doings."

Strolling down the aisles, James peered into every window for an open compartment with his brother behind him. "I never asked you to come, Al. I never asked for any of this." He flung open the door to the last compartment in the row, occupied by two second years who quickly scurried away upon seeing him. "Where's Lils?"

"With her friends, I'd assume." Al sat down across James who was now sprawled over one side of their compartment, legs propped up on the walls of the train. "Listen, I have to go to my duties but just… keep quiet, okay? Don't stir up any more drama."

"Drama comes to me, my man. It's our fate."

"Only because you let it come to you. Admit it: you live for this. All the rumors, stories, fans, enemies… you wouldn't cause so much trouble if you weren't in love with all the attention."

"Are you just going to analyze my popularity now? Or do you have prefect duties to attend to?"

"Don't worry, I'm leaving." Albus stood up, frowning once more at his brother on his way out. "Just out of curiosity though, what was wrong with Kat?"

James chuckled and folded his arms across his chest. "The same thing that was wrong with the one before her. And the one before that. It's just this inevitable pattern that we've been blessed with. You just don't know because you haven't grown the balls to score that pretty prefect partner of yours."

Al rolled his eyes. "I never should have asked."

"I'm not joking, either. I can forgive you for being a Slytherin, but if you let that girl put you in the friend zone, I will never be able to look at you the same."

"Grow up, James. The world doesn't revolve around-" The door of their private compartment swung open, interrupting Al and making James look up from his blissful solitude.

"I'm Heather. You want me as your girlfriend."

Al put his hands up in mock forfeit and booked it out of the compartment as fast as possible.

James smirked. "Do you want to tell me why, spunk?"

To start with, she was a blonde. James Potter rarely chased blondes. They were often way too catty. But she was magnificent – a James Potter arm candy material type of girl. Beautiful, leggy, magnetic: every girl's dream.

"Word is Kat Grosner is out of the picture?"

"And how does that concern you, sweet?"

"You've had your go with all the eligible girls in your year. Katherine Grosner was the last noteworthy girl in your year and you knew that; that's why you stuck it out with her for so long. As they say, Potter, it's better to fish the big fish in the small pond than to go after a small fish in an ocean." Heather sat down in front of him, crossing her legs, giving him an excruciating glimpse of her legs.

"You've got guts, coming in here to tell me I have to date you, a sixth year I don't even know."

"Since when has that stopped you? Cindy Mills: seventh year airhead. You never dated these girls for their kind hearts and sharp brains. I'm doing you a favor, Potter. You don't have to dig around the rest of the other girls; you can have me." Heather sat up straighter, flashing him an immaculate smile, and switched legs, giving him a further glimpse at her endless legs.

So it had come to a point when James Potter no longer had to chase a girl. They had officially begun chasing him. "You're not very good for my ego."

"Good."

Their eyes met. A stare down – more or less, he was evaluating the ravishing girl in front of him: forward, sexy, confident, willing, but too proud to be desperate. There was no doubt she was molded to be his perfect arm candy. In fact, she was even more glamorous than a few of his previous ex-girlfriends.

"Come here." James beckoned.

Obediently, the girl in front of him stood up, not bothering to pull down her school skirt that had ridden up, and took three steps to stand before him.

James shook his head. "Too easy."

"No," Heather moved forward, stepping in between his legs, "just claiming what is mine."

Chuckling, James reached up to grab her waist in his right hand and brought her down to his level. "You have big shoes of many women to fill."

She adjusted herself on his thighs, wrapping her long legs around his torso and her arms around his neck. "Don't disappoint me."

He fiddled with the hems of her shirt – the air between them became limited, the familiar sensation of arousal intoxicating. "Same goes for you, vixen." Guiding her head down by her slender neck, James brought his lips to her ear. She tensed for the smallest second, then relaxed her smooth shoulders and nestled her head into the crook of his neck. Smirking, James whispered delicately to her ear.

"You're mine now."

OOOOO

Smack

"I've been waiting for you, big boy."

Shocked and violated, Albus whipped around, his hands reflexively going to his previously abused butt.

"That was uncalled for, Parkinson."

"Miss me?" Sasha grinned devilishly, jumping up and wrapping herself around him.

Al stumbled, caught off guard. "Mmf – geroff!" Prying her off, the little vixen began groping his body, circling him.

"You grew taller. And your hair… have you been working out? Where did all this back muscle come from?"

"Arrrgh!" Ripping himself away from her, Al straightened himself out and resumed his trek to the prefect meeting with his (unfortunate) partner tagging behind him, giggling feverishly.

"But indeed, you haven't changed at all. Same old, prickly Albus Potter. How I missed you so this summer."

"I, on the other hand, did not."

"Lies. Always lies."

"It's the truth, Parkinson. Never had so much peace and comfort in my life and I'm a Potter. Hope that says something."

Sasha laughed, "Always the funny one. You're just my type, you know."

"You're not mine."

"Oh please, unless your type is leatherbound and named textbook, you don't have a type. You see, we're perfect for each other."

"You've been saying that since day one last year, and I fail to see how that is true."

"I can feel it. There's just one problem though."

"What, I'm too smart?"

Eventually, Sasha caught up to him and linked her arm through his. "No, you're single."

"And you're loose. More the reason we are not 'perfect for each other.'"

"That hurts, Al. I'm not loose, I just crave attention because my parents abandoned me as a child and I grew up without unconditional love."

"Yes, and you grew up in poverty, raised yourself, and had to learn at a young age to use your body to be fed. And while I'm very sorry for your hardships, you really need to get off!" With that, Albus yanked his arm away, brushing it off as if brushing off dust from a countertop.

"I will make you love me one day like I do."

"You mean, see you as a key to a vast Gringotts vault and a prestigious family name? I, more than anyone, know of your gold digging tendencies."

She laughed, tossing her head back – the one thing he did enjoy about her: how genuinely she laughed. Though he would never tell her that. "I don't deny it. Yet here we are, hand in hand." Sasha Parkinson had managed to slip her hand into his, intertwining their fingers.

Albus sighed and faced the last door in the corridor. "I give up."

"Perseverance, Potter, you taught me that yourself." She swung open the door, dragging him in.

"Right on time, Albus, Sasha. Take a seat."

"Hello, Professor Longbottom." Sasha chirped, seating the pair down in front of his cousin.

Al sat, catching a breath. Rose, smiled at him, but he was unable to return it.

Sasha Parkinson was just exhausting.

OOOOO

"Rose! Hello? Earth to Rose?"

Rose flinched a little and jerked her head to face Lily who was wildly waving her arms in front of her face.

"What?"

"Took you long enough. What were you drowning yourself in?" Lily turned over her shoulder to figure out who the apple of Rose's eye was. It was very simple. "Ahh. Still?"

Rose shook her head. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"You've only been in love with him since walking into your first prefect meeting last year." Lily smirked, glancing once again at Dan Finnigan.

"I admire his abilities, that's all. He's the head boy; we're supposed to look up to him."

"Sure, we do lookup to him. But not from a pedestal like you. I mean, I acknowledge his leadership and charm, but my goodness Rose, he's not a God."

"I don't put him on a pedestal."

"Sure. And Hugo does not eat too much." Lily said, sneering at Hugo who looked up once from his plate to stick his tongue out.

"Look, it's just respect okay? He's a nice, smart, and talented peer."

"And I respect your persistence. But there's no doubt you want him as more than just a peer. Don't deny it – everybody knows."

"What?"

"It takes more than five minutes to get your attention every time he walks into a room. You turn that horrendously adorable pink color every time he talks to you. You would kill someone for him. You're madly, irrevocably in love with him and it's written all over your face riiiiiiiiiight now." Lily remarked, as the headmaster silenced the hall and Dan stood up. Rose immediately flushed.

"Before our head boy and girl lead everyone out, I'd like to introduce the new potions master."

Chatter broke out in the great hall. There had been much speculation all summer over who would take Slughorn's spot after he finally retired after more than twenty years.

"Everyone, please welcome, Ted Tonks."

Applause broke out – cheers in a few particular parts of the great hall.

"Ted?!" Lily gasped, as her cousin's boyfriend strolled to his seat. "Why didn't he tell us all summer?"

Even Hugo had paused his feasting to gape at his new potions master.

Rose chuckled. "Of course… he would keep this a secret to surprise everyone."

"Didn't know he was a good student…" Hugo grumbled.

"He was decent, dad says. And I do remember him saying he was exceptionally talented at potions." Rose added, applauding.

"Well, guess this makes my life easier. I never liked potions much." Lily pumped her fist in the air. "I love having famous parents with the right connections."

"I'm sure he's not going to play favorites. It's his first year… he'll be careful."

"Plus, you've only bothered him. I'm his favorite cousin." Hugo declared, pieces of potato flying out of his mouth.

"Hugo, you're disgusting." Lily said, frowning at her uncle's split replica. "I'm going to go owl dad. See you back in the common room, Rose."

Rose nodded, standing up as well as the feast came to an end. "First years! Follow me!"

"Are you Rose Weasley?" A small first year boy asked, tugging on her school robe.

"Yes I am!" Rose beamed. "Just follow me to the common room if you're a Gryffindor."

"Well, someone outside told me to send for you. He said it was urgent."

Rose frowned, "Did he tell you a reason?"

The boy shrugged. "Name was… Dave? Dan? Dan, that's it. That's all I know; just that it was urgent."

Rose bit her lip, reflexively turning pink. "Colin, can you take over?" Her prefect partner nodded, gathering all the eager first years.

Squeezing through the large crowds, Rose hurried out of the great hall. Dan Finnigan. Dan Finnigan asked for her – urgently. Either he was in trouble or… a rush of nerves washed over her and she ran faster out of the hall, away from the vast chatter and mob herding toward their respective dorms.

Every step thundered under her, her heart beating faster. Dan…

"Looking for someone, love?"

And it stopped. Suddenly.

"Neil."

A figure stepped out from the shadows, smirking. "Missed me?"

"What do you want, Neil."

"My question exactly. Where were you running so hurriedly to?"

Rose took a few steps away, only making him come closer. "Nothing – I… Someone's waiting, love to chat but I really have to…"

"Who… Dan Finnigan?"

"No – no – how…" seeing him smirk, her heart dropped. "It was you."

"Can't deny, I enjoyed watching you hurry here so excited." Neil grabbed her wrist and pinned her to the cold, stone wall. "It was like you were chasing me, for once."

"Neil, don't be ridiculous, let me go."

"I'm tired of waiting, Weasley. I'm just asking for one date."

"Come on, Neil. Let me go."

Neil leaned in closer, the air between them thin. "I've been watching you for two years now. But you only have eyes for my big brother."

Rose twisted her head away, as the space between them tightened. She couldn't breathe. He was everywhere, unavoidable, looming.

"Problem, Finnigan?"

His grip on her loosened slightly, letting her rip her hand away from Neil's grasp.

"Pleasure, Malfoy."

"Bullying a defenseless girl… how pathetic of you." Scorpius appeared out of nowhere, his face dark as usual.

"Lurking in every shadow of the school like usual… not something to be proud of either."

"Can't be proud of being a desperate stalker either, can you?"

Neil stepped away, and Rose escaped from his body blockade, scurrying to Scorpius' side.

Neil sneered, glaring at the intruder. "Go back under your rock, freak. Mind your business."

"Wow, that's terrifying. You really got me now." Rose could feel a small smirk – she often heard her father exclaim drunkenly of the Malfoy smirk – creeping up on Scorpius' eternally unseen face.

"Learn to not meddle in people's affairs, Malfoy."

"How about you learn how to actually woo a girl and do it right instead of harassing one?"

Neil stepped forward, his eyes harsh and rolling his fists.

"I don't recommend that, Finnigan. You do know who you're dealing with."

Rose couldn't tell who moved first but in a blink of an eye, Neil was held in a headlock, splayed against the wall. Everything had happened so fast; she was still trying to recover from her encounter with Neil and now there was Scorpius Malfoy involved and…

"Malfoy, get your hands off my brother."

And now the man of her dreams.

Scorpius released Neil with one last shove, stepping away from the scene.

"Rose, what is going on?" Dan asked, his confused eyes landing on her – on only her.

"I… well, they uh…"

"This has nothing to do with Weasley, Finnigan. Just give me my punishment, take your brother and leave." Scorpius grumbled, dusting off his robes.

"Dan, let's go." Neil confirmed, also brushing off his clothes.

Dan stayed put, surveying the scene. He glanced once again at Rose, then at his brother, back to Malfoy. "Detention, Malfoy. And walk Miss Weasley to her dormitory. Don't let me see you harassing another student again or I will speak with your Head."

Scorpius shrugged.

"I don't know what you were doing here, Rose, but I suggest you go back and complete your prefect duties." Dan said, focusing his intense gaze on her again. She was lucky they were in such a dark corner of the ground, as she could feel her face flushing crimson.

She cleared her throat and mustered, "I will, thanks, Dan."

Nodding, Dan turned to his brother. "Let's go. We're going to have a talk."

Rose watched the two Finnigans leave, still shuddering at Dan's words. How was it she could be so infatuated with one while deathly avoiding the other?

"Anytime now, Weasley."

She snapped out of her thoughts, turning to face her unexpected savior for the night. "You didn't have to take the blame. I could have explained to him…"

"That what, his brother was sexually harassing you and Scorpius Malfoy came to save you from the big bad Neil Finnigan? Of course he'd believe that." Scorpius walked away, toward the Gryffindor common room. Rose was planted on the spot, still deep in thought and so utterly confused. "If you truly feel bad, you shouldn't waste my time like you are now."

"Y-you can leave. You don't have to walk me."

"Forget it. Are you going to move or do I have to carry you now, too?"

Scorpius turned and began taking long strides away, this time with Rose on his trail.

"Thanks."

He didn't answer her. She didn't expect him to. So far tonight, she had heard him speak more words than she had heard him say in the six years she had known him—not known him, per say. She never really knew him. Nobody did.

They walked in silence until she reached her familiar portrait. He leaned against the wall next to the large frame, waiting for her to catch up.

"Why did you help me?"

He stared at her for a second, his shockingly gray eyes piercing her soft brown ones. It felt like eternity he was staring, and for some reason, she could not stop either, as if she was pulled into his gaze like a magnetic force. For a moment, she forgot everything. She was falling into a sea of mercury…

"The world doesn't revolve around you."

He almost whispered it. Then gave her a final nod and strode away.

Rose somehow muttered the password, stumbled in and up into her room. Flinging her robe on her chair, she crept into her bed and sank in, the events of her first night back still reeling in her head. All the encounters, out of everything that had happened, Malfoy's last words rang through her mind.

Reeling, reeling, still reeling, she eventually fell asleep thinking about Dan.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

A/N

Good to be back on fanfiction… it's really been a long hiatus hasn't it.

I can't really describe where I've been and what I'm doing with all my unfinished stories. It's been over a year now, I think, since I last updated and I'm really sorry. I don't really have an excuse except maybe that I started college.

I had this idea after rereading the seventh book yesterday, and I've been working on this all day now to get this to all of you as my new years gift. I've been MIA, no doubt. Hopefully, this can be a start of a new string of works.

To any of my old readers, I'm just truly sorry. I do hope I do get around to finishing my other stories, but I think I've honestly just tired of original Harry Potter shippings, which is why I've started the second generation stories. This is a really refreshing break from trying to dig out some original D/G content.

Hope this works out because I've already fallen in love with some of my new characters… (: Happy new years, everyone and please don't forget to review!

-Yours truly