Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter (I wish I did, though. Life would be a lot more interesting.) All I own is the plot and original characters.

Summary:

The second generation is at Hogwarts. All has been fine for years, but will the houses have to stand together and defend the school as darkness rises once again? Maybe not, if a certain girl, her brother and two cousins have anything to say about it. Can the four teenagers stop evil in it's tracks before it's too late? Or will the wizarding world be doomed forever?


Chapter 1: Just Another School Year

I stared at my trunk, already packed with everything I'd need for this year. Of course, I was looking forward to seeing my friends. And you can't say nothing exciting ever happened at Hogwarts. No one could say that after seeing what happened to Gwen MacMillian last year. Anyway, this would be my last year at Hogwarts.

"Rose, time to go!" My mother shouted up the stairs.

"Coming, Mum!" I yelled back. I pointed my wand at my trunk and levitated it out the doorway in front of me. I made my way down the stairs, through the kitchen, and outside where the car waited. Mum and Dad were already in the front seat, and Hugo was trying to shove his trunk into the car. I walked up to him, set my own down and flicked my wand so his trunk fit perfectly. Then came mine.

Soon we were arriving at King's Cross, saying goodbye to parents, and boarding the train.

I was sitting with Lily, Albus, Hugo and Emma Lovegood (who was definitely out there but nowhere near her parents and brothers). The door slid open and Scorpius Malfoy strutted in. I stopped laughing and folded my arms across my chest. What was he doing here?

"Weasley, let's have a chat in the hall why don't we?" He said it confidently, not a question.

"Scram, Malfoy." Was my genius reply. He didn't move, and I eventually stood. I heaved a sigh, shoving past him and standing in the corridor. He followed, door closing behind him.

"What do you want, Rat?"

He paused. "Rat?" he asked, sounding slightly offended.

"Well, my dad told me your father was a ferret, so it seemed fitting… anyway, why did you interrupt me? I have a feeling it wasn't to question my choice of nicknames."

"It wasn't, but on that note I miss Doggy-Breath."

"First year…but I have to stay fresh."

"Of course you do. I just wanted to warn you. Steer clear of me this year."

I glanced in the general direction of the door and saw Emma's ear pressed to the glass. Had the girl no shame?

I knocked on the pane hard, right over her ear, knowing it would make her jump. She jerked away. Mission accomplished, I turned back to Malfoy.

"And I was off to a great start, too. Guess I shouldn't have sought you out and interrupted you with your friends just to tell you to do something you try your hardest to do all. The. Time."

He flinched away from my heavy sarcasm. Open mouth, close mouth. Walk away. Silent, just how I like him. Actually, I prefer him far away from me, but you know what I mean.

I went back inside and got bombarded with questions. It was an unusual conversation, to say the least. Definitely more civil than most. However, I never got angry enough to send him to the Hospital Wing, so I count it as a plus.


After the feast, I was walking back to Gryfindor Tower when there was suddenly a hand clamped over my mouth, and I was being pulled backward and to the side, through a tapestry and into a secret passageway.

I licked their palm and the hand was instantly withdrawn. I whirled and drew my wand. I found myself face to face with Malfoy.

"You know, for someone who doesn't want me around, you sure seem to want me around." I stated, still not lowering my wand.

"I wanted to ask you something." He replied.

"And this something couldn't have been mentioned on the train because…"

He took a deep breath. "I was going to, but I chickened out."

I took in his tense posture, and uncomfortable grimace. Whatever it was, he wasn't happy, which meant I wasn't in danger. I slowly lowered my wand. I decided to lighten the atmosphere. "Oh dear God, don't tell me you're pregnant."

It worked; he relaxed a little and actually cracked a smile. He took a deep breath.

"No." I said before he could speak.

"What?"

"You've got an "I need your help with something illegal" face on." I said.

He sighed. It looked like I hadn't quite guessed it and he looked amused now. "I do need your help, but it's perfectly legal."

"What is it?" I asked warily. My eyes narrowed

Yet another deep breath. "I need you to tutor me." He looked very ashamed. I couldn't blame him. Asking your mortal enemy for homework help? I wouldn't want to do that. Lucky I was top of my class.

"And because you want me to tutor you, you want me to stay away from you. I get it. Except I don't…" I said, shaking my head.

"Well, I could tell you'd say no right away."

"Which is what I'm saying now. Why would the answer change?"

He looked away, jaw clenched. "I don't know. I was just hoping…"

"No." I turned to leave. I made it a step and a half before I felt a hand on my arm, just below the elbow. I gritted my teeth.

"If you want to keep that arm…I suggest you let go." My voice was inflectionless, and cold. He released me immediately.

"Please." He begged. "I need you."

Ha. A Malfoy reduced to begging. Pleading. Grovelling. This could be interesting. I spun on my heel to find him on his knees, hands pressed together as if in prayer. This was rich. And so was he…possibilities…

I decided I could put with him for a price. "10 galleons an hour…and no lip."

"Done."


AN: So there's the first chapter! Please review, this is my first story and I could use the constructive criticism.

PS: Emma is supposed to be Luna and Ralf's youngest child. She is a few years younger than Rose and is Lily's best friend.