Eyes stare viciously at me from all around as I near the Slytherin table. Never has a Gryffindor, let alone a daughter of two of the Golden Trio, approached the table before. I scan the table for Scorpius, but I do not see him. I do spot his little sister, Calista, and slide next to her at the table. Tapping her lightly on the shoulder, I ask, "Have you seen Scorpius? I've been looking everywhere for him…" I keep my voice low enough that the other Slytherins can't hear our conversation, although every one of them in my immediate vicinity is clearly eavesdropping.

"Last time I saw him, he was going to the Astronomy Tower, but he hasn't showed up for dinner yet, so he might still be there."

I smile gratefully at her. "Thanks."

"Anytime, Rose."

I take off, feeling the eyes of Slytherins burning into my back as I leave the Great Hall. As I climb the last stair and start down the hallway leading to the Astronomy Tower, I hear snippets of voices and conversations coming from the Tower. I glance nervously behind me. No one. I make my every step quieter, my heel sliding across the mahogany floor like ice.

"—dared to get anywhere near her?" a low, threatening voice growls.

I peek my head into the Tower, and gasp. A familiar dark-haired, blue-eyed boy stands across from Scorpius, holding both of their wands. James points them both at Scorpius, who is unsure of what to do: cower in fear or find a way to escape without getting his head hexed off.

"I'll do whatever I like," Scorpius replies, choosing the defiant route. "You certainly can't stop me."

James laughs. "Do you know who I am, Death Eater spawn?" He steps closer to Scorpius.

Scorpius tilts his chin up. "Yeah. An arrogant, pompous prick."

James slices his wand through the air, sending a stinging hex at him. Scorpius gasps, clutching his face, and reaches for his wand before realizing that it is not there. James smirks and raises his wand, roaring, "Sectum—"

"No!" I cry, throwing myself in front of him.

"—sempra!" The curse hits me hard, and pain slices through me like a knife.

"Rose!" Scorpius cries, running towards me as I fall. He catches me, and my eyes close, the pain too much to bear, the blood dripping on the floor with a sick, rhythmic pattern…

"I'm sorry, Rose," I hear my terrified, guilty cousin say shakily. "I didn't know. I didn't know…"