A/N: Forgot to mention earlier but there are some name changes and Bonnie Matthews will now be Sophie Matthews and Amanda Jordan is now Alayna Jordan. I've decided not to be basic anymore haha!
I woke up around noon to the sound of mum excitedly telling me that some guy had come by this morning and he was matched with me and three other people but he immediately chose my name. Mum and I were supposed to go to SCSY this coming Sunday so I could meet him.
I was giddy at the thought of having been chosen and I couldn't deny how excited I was to meet him. I wondered what kind of problems he was going through. Alice asked us to come early so she could tell us a bit about him. Mum was kind of nervous about me meeting this boy because Alice had mentioned he was hotheaded. Mum wanted me to get a temporary license to do underage magic in case he tried to hurt me and I needed to defend myself. I thought she was being ridiculous.
I really didn't think he would hurt me simply because we wouldn't be seeing much of each other. Twice a week made it around eight to ten times over the course of the month. Was that even enough time to get to know someone on a deeper level? I also wondered what would happen if he didn't end up liking me. Would he ask for someone else? I didn't let these apprehensions stop me. In fact, I was so excited that mum and dad were pleasantly surprised by my sudden enthusiasm.
On Sunday morning, I woke up nice and early but I was too nervous to have breakfast. I changed into a short, denim skirt and a white full sleeved tee. I had my hair in loose curls and I put on some light makeup before putting on some flip flops and heading down for a snack.
"Why do you have makeup on? And why do you look like you're going on a date?" Hugo asked.
"It's just mascara and lip gloss!" I yelled.
"Hugo stop bothering your sister. You know she's going through a phase," Mum said in her serious tone as she dried the dishes.
"MUM!" I said. "Stop talking about me like I'm not here!"
Hugo sniggered. "He'll probably forget his problems once he sees you in a skirt."
"HUGO!" I through a spoon at him which he caught.
"Both of you, grow up!" Mum scolded us
"Be careful, Rosie," Hugo said in a serious voice. "This guy's supposed to be mental. If you look too cute, he might get obsessed with you..."
"Mum! Tell him to stop!"
I'd always believed that a person's appearance said a lot about them and I thought my outfit today said that I was a sweet and friendly person. Mum thought I cared too much about how I looked because of 'my age', whatever that meant. But she was old so what did she know.
Mum and I got in the car around quarter to one and left for SCSY. As mum drove, I started feeling the butterflies in my stomach and I was glad to have skipped brunch.
"You'll do great, honey bear," Mum said and I gave her a small smile.
We finally got there and the blond lady motioned for us to go into Alice's office.
"Hello, Rose, Hello Mrs. Weasley, it's great to see you both again!" Alice said. "Take a seat, please. Right now, as we speak, your partner is in a counsellors room talking about you."
"Ms. Tandra, what's his name, how old is he, what's going on with him?" I asked excitedly.
"Well, Rose, we usually have you introduce yourselves to each other but, I will tell you that he's close to your age," she said looking down at a document which was probably his profile. "Actually he's almost 18. I hope that's not an issue," she said kindly.
"Not at all," I said.
"He's not aware of this but his grandmother came by earlier this morning. She...wanted us to know some things about him."
Mum and I looked at each other and then back at Alice. Mum spoke, "Such as?"
"He has a terrible temper," said Alice. "He also had a brief episode with substance abuse in the past. He's clean now but the anger issues may still be there. His grandmother said he had been depressed as a child which led to drug abuse. She did not give me all the details but she asked me to tell you that his temper has gotten out of hand in the past."
I heard Mum inhale sharply. "Will he be a threat to my daughter?"
"I don't believe so. She said he's improved much but she just wanted us to know. Which is why I wanted to offer to you the option of switching partners or switching into the group option with him. If you choose to keep the one-on-one option, I advise that you do not see him outside of SCSY. At least not yet. Here, we have counsellors who can respond immediately in case of an emergency."
"I...I'm not sure what I should do," I said looking at her and then my mum.
"It's your decision, Rose. I don't mean to scare you but I am responsible to disclose everything with you."
My eyes widened but for all the wrong reasons. I didn't know why but I wasn't scared. In fact I was excited. I liked the idea of thrill and challenge. I didn't know what made me say I wanted to go through with it exactly as we had planned.
Alice smiled, "I'm glad to hear it. And in case you're wondering, I've met with him. He's quite the gentleman. He won't try to harm you but again, accidents can happen and we want you to be informed."
Mum cleared her throat, "Rose, don't you wanted to take some time to think this through?"
I noticed she looked hesitant but I reassured her that I was ready for this.
"I'm going to give you a phone number that you can call anytime, and you will always find someone to talk." Alice handed me a card with the number and I quickly added it to my cell phone.
"Now I need you and your Mum, to both sign this paper, it's just a contract that says that we gave you the full details about the risk involved, and you are absolutely aware about everything before you go through with this," Alice handed Mum and me the paper. Mum looked as pale as a ghost. I bet she wished she volunteered me at a summer camp instead. Alice picked up her phone and asked someone to get two cups of tea and a glass of water.
"Mum, I can handle it," I tried to comfort her and rubbed her arm. She took hold of my hand.
"Mrs. Weasley, I know this contract might scare you a little but to be honest, there isn't a lot of risk. This is just a formality, and we haven't had any accident or bad case in the past couple years. We won't do anything that we feel isn't safe for your daughter."
We heard a knock on the door and a really nice looking woman came in.
"I was coming here to get Rose anyway so I decided to bring you the tea myself," the woman said.
"Thank you, Lauren," Alice said. "Rose, this is Lauren, she's your buddy's counsellor, she's going to take you to meet him."
Lauren and I walked down the hall to the room where my buddy was supposed to be waiting. But it was like the hallway was never ending.
"Are you nervous, Rose?" Lauren asked me.
"Well, I guess after the things Alice told us about him, I was kind of nervous, but I'm more excited than nervous to meet him," I said truthfully.
"Don't be too worried about it, Alice has to tell you everything because it's a formality and just in case but he's not that bad. He's definitely clean now from the drugs. He's actually very charming and far more mature than young men his age. Just be confident, and you're not going to be alone, I'm sure Alice told you about the red buttons, don't hesitate to press them if you feel the need," Lauren said kindly.
"Thanks, Lauren."
"No problem, here we are. You can let yourself in, and I'm going to go now."
"You're not going to stay?" I asked, surprised.
"It's better that you introduce yourselves. Don't worry, Rose, you'll be fine."
She left me standing alone at the door and not feeling as confident as I was back at home. I took a deep breath, fixed my skirt and turned the knob of the door ever so slightly; I opened the door so gently that I didn't think he heard it. Quietly, I walked in. I saw the back of a really tall and built, blond boy...man? He was in a dark blue shirt, sleeves rolled up, tucked into what looked to be tailored, beige slacks. He was looking out the window, with his hands in his pockets. I noticed him take one hand out and look at his big silver watch. Was he waiting for me? He looked so collected that I was suddenly feeling childish. I felt like a stupid kid.
I waited for him to turn around but I felt silly for thinking that because he hadn't even realised I'd came in. I was about to clear my throat to inform him when suddenly he spoke, his back still turned to me.
"Why so nervous, flower?"
Huh?
And then he turned around and I almost lost my balance.
"Malfoy?! Scorpius Malfoy?!" I cried out of shock. He sucked in his cheeks, annoyed.
"The one and only," he said through gritted teeth.
"I-I'm sorry but what—I mean why are you—what are you doing here?" I asked.
"I would think one as intelligent as you would know what she's getting herself into," He responded in a curt tone.
"I-I'm sorry, but I'm just didn't expect to see you here," I said.
What was Scorpius Malfoy doing in a muggle help centre? How did his parents and grandparents agree to this? They were supposed to be the perfect, elite, pureblood family. Malfoys were supposed to have everything they could ever want, so why was Scorpius getting treated for depression and anger management?
I collapsed on the sofa and he looked at me with furrowed eyebrows.
"You're quite the dramatic," he snapped.
I flushed from embarrassment and he took a seat in the arm chair across from me.
"I-I'm very sorry," I said ashamed. Even if he did have problems, I probably made him feel even more alienated. But I had so many questions and I didn't even know where to begin.
"I'm glad," he growled and looked away. Neither of us said anything.
Nervous, I got up and stalked towards the window before turning around to look at him again. I noticed he was watching with a calculating gaze, the entire length of me, and suddenly, I felt self conscious. I folded my arms in front of my chest and he looked away immediately.
"Scorpius," I finally broke the silence.
He looked at me again.
"Tell me everything, how long have you been here for? Alice Tandra told me about your past. I can't believe I never noticed it Hogwarts," I said.
"I don't indulge people with my life's stories," he snarled.
I frowned. "How did I miss this? You're like best friends with James and Al!"
"Were," he corrected me. "Not anymore. As observant as you are, flower, I'm surprised you didn't notice," he said.
We were both quiet again and I realised he was right. The Potters and him were barely acquaintances anymore. I remembered Scorpius spent summers at Godric's Hollow back in second and third year. I was more shocked at the fact that Al never talked to me about Scorpius. I took a deep breath and tried to get back to what we were here for.
"Scorpius, I'm going to be your friend. And I'm going to help you with whatever is bothering you", I said confidently.
Malfoy just laughed coldly. "You can't help someone who doesn't want it."
"Yes I can. And that's what I'm going to do," I said, determined. Now that I'd gathered my wits, I couldn't help but notice that he was still as eye-catching as before, if not more. I didn't think I saw much of him for the past couple years, but he had definitely become a handsome young man from the cute boy he was when I used to write his name all over my notebook back in third year.
Scorpius sighed, "Weasley, you're a good girl. But I'm just not interested in continuing with SCSY. I was hoping you would understand. I really don't want your friendship or whatever bullshit this is. I just don't want to see you again. Period." He stood up and walked over towards the door.
I stood there, rooted to my spot, my mouth slightly open and my eyes brimming with tears. I had never been good with rejection but it felt even worse now because I actually looked forward to this.
"Malfoy?" I said in a quiet voice.
He didn't turn around but responded, "Yes, Weasley?"
"Why did you select me to be your partner then? You had three other people who matched."
"I didn't."
Lies.
"They told me you came by and immediately chose my name. If you don't like me then you shouldn't have chosen me".
"Who says I don't like you?" He turned around and looked straight at me.
"Well, you obviously don't, because you don't even want to bother getting to know me, and you don't even want to give this a try. You just said so yourself." I said in a small, shaky voice.
Scorpius glared at me. "Oh no! Don't you start making this about you!"
"I'm sorry," I said quickly.
Scorpius looked up and then back at me. I watched him sigh and advance towards me. "I promise you, it has nothing to do with you. It's all me."
"We all have flaws, Scorpius," I said, gently.
He only nodded. "I have other things on my plate. Personal things, dealing with my family...I just don't need this right now."
How was I supposed to make him understand that I—this—was exactly what he needed right now.
"We're not that different," I said. I took his arm and led us to the sofa. He was looking down at where I was holding him and I immediately let go. "We all deal with personal problems. Trust me, Scorpius, my family is probably just as crazy as yours."
Scorpius froze. He looked at me straight in the eyes with the most scrutinizing gaze. "Who said anything about my family being crazy?" He asked in a frighteningly low tone.
Oh dear.
"N-no one. I'm sorry, I j-just assumed that—" I stuttered.
"You assumed?! This was exactly why I told you to stay the fuck away from me." He stood up and paced rapidly around the room.
"You're a sheltered little daddy's girl, aren't you?!" He yelled, coming closer. "You close-minded little—You've grown up with your blood traitor father, and your mudblood mother, who protected you and spoon-fed you every little obstacle in life! You haven't been out in the real world where no one gives a fuck about you. You're think you know everything, but the truth is, you've been living with your eyes shut! So don't you fucking pretend like you and are alike at all!"
I watched him kick a plastic chair that went flying across the room.
I sat there dumbstruck and offended by what he had said. He called my mother a Mudblood, he called me ignorant and selfish and pathetic. He insulted me! No one had ever talked to me that way. I wanted to run out that door and burst into tears. But I didn't. Instead, I yelled back because that's how my parents had raised me.
"You know what, Malfoy? You're a spoiled, ungrateful brat! I came here to try and help you! We just finished our bloody OWL's and I want to enjoy my summer! But, no! I came here to help you with your stupid life! You're a bloody asshole! You think you've got problems! Be thankful that you're not starving, or have an incurable disease. At least you've got a home, you're healthy and you have your freedom. There are kids out there with bigger problems than yours and I can't believe I tried to waste my time with you! You're a jerk!"
Malfoy looked stunned but I didn't waste my time and examine his stupid face. Instead I stormed out and slammed the door behind me. Thank Merlin this room was at the end of the hallway. I stormed back to Alice's office.
"Mum?" I opened the door. Mum and Alice were still talking. They were laughing now.
"Rose, how did it go?" Mum asked, more relaxed than when I had left her.
"It was fun, Mum, but can we go home now, I'm not feeling well," I lied.
"Oh, of course dear," Mum stood up and grabbed her bag. "It was so nice talking to you, Alice."
"Thanks for coming!" Alice replied.
I hurried out, dragging mum with me.
"Slow down, honey bear! What's the rush?" Mum asked me as we walked towards our car.
"No rush. I'm just feeling a little sick—overwhelmed," I lied again.
There was no way I could tell her what had happened. And there was no way I was going to tell her my partner was Malfoy. She and Dad would blow this through the roof!
"Let's stop at the clinic on the way," Mum suggested as she turned on the ignition.
"Why?" I asked.
"Because you're not feeling well," she said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"Mum, I don't want to see a doctor, can we please just go home?" I said.
Mum eyed me suspiciously.
"Okay, whatever you say," She said. But I could see her trying to read me from the corners of her eyes.
...
"How was the meeting with your buddy today, Rose?" Dad asked at dinner.
"It was okay," I shrugged, picking apart the lasagne on my plate.
Dad and Mum exchanged a glance.
"Did something happen at the centre? You've been awfully quiet since we got back," Mum asked.
"No, I told you I don't feel well. That's all," I insisted.
"Well, its fine if you want to go lie down," Dad said.
"Okay," I got up and I put my plate in the oven, thinking I would eat it later. I went upstairs without another word to anyone. I stopped at the top of the stairs where I heard my family talking.
"Hermione, I think it's something to do with the whole SCSY thing," Dad said in a hushed tone.
"I think so too but all she says she's not feeling well," Mum replied.
"Maybe something happened with her partner," Dad suggested.
"Maybe she scared him away," Hugo said.
Even though I was not tired, I laid down on my bed and thought about Scorpius. I felt sad about what he said to me but I felt sadder about what I said to him. Scorpius had problems. He couldn't control himself. On the other hand, I was perfectly fine. I should have been in control yet I let my emotions get the better of me and yelled at him. I knew this thing was a bad idea. I probably put him in an even worse position then he was before he met me. Scorpius was probably going through so much and I was evil enough to be mean to him. If I was in his position, I wouldn't want anyone meddling in my business either.
...
It had been a few days since our first meeting and I hadn't tried to contact SCSY to inquire about Scorpius. He probably hadn't tried to contact me either. I debated whether to call that number Alice gave me ask for some advice. I was dreading having to see him again on Wednesday. They said we were free to talk on the phone but he never called me and I didn't bother to call him either.
On Tuesday night, I was depressed as ever. The color had drained from my face because I kept thinking that if Scorpius did something irrational, it would be my fault because I was so mean to him. After deciding that no amount of worrying or hair pulling was going to help with my anxiety, I changed into my pajamas and lounged on my favorite sofa to watch some vampire TV show.
This blond vampire girl was trying to help the really depressed werewolf guy prepare for his transformation on a full moon. The werewolf kept asking her why she was helping him and she kept saying it was because she cared about him. But he didn't get it. Sort of reminded me of someone
"Why are you watching this dumb show?" Hugo asked, plopping down on the other sofa.
"What are you talking about, it's incredible," I said unenthusiastically.
Hugo became silent for a moment before saying, "Rose what's wrong? I know it has something to do with SCSY?"
"Nothing's wrong, I've just been feeling a little sick lately," I lied for what felt like the eighty-seventh time.
"Come on, Rose, you honestly expect me to believe that?"
"Did Dad send you down here to interrogate me? I know he did, Hugo!"
"I swear he didn't!" Hugo insisted.
"Hugo, you have to promise not to tell Mum or Dad," I sighed.
"I promise," he said anxiously.
"Okay, my partner is a depressed, angry and very disturbed 17-year-old. Guess who it is?" I asked him.
"I don't know…who is it, Rose?"
"Scorpius Malfoy," I sighed.
"Scorpius Malfoy?!"
"Keep it down, I don't want our crazy parents to hear," I reminded him.
"What's Malfoy doing there? And Al or James never mentioned this?" Hugo asked.
"I don't even know if they know."
"So what happened at the meeting?" He asked.
"Well, he was kind of annoyed but he pretty much told me to stay away from him. He has no intention of continuing with SCSY." I decided it was best to leave the nitty gritty out.
Hugo thought for a moment. "I'm not surprised. If he's been through a lot then he's not going to open up so easily. Maybe that's why he chose you, because you're familiar."
Hugo was absolutely right. I felt like I failed Scorpius. I should have been more patient and understood that he wouldn't want a one month friendship and then be back to where he started.
"Here," I tossed Hugo the TV remote. "Watch whatever you want, I'm going to bed," I said as I got up. Hugo immediately changed the channel to some show about monstrous trucks colliding into each other.
I change into shorts and a tank top and hid myself under the blanket because it was so cold. Stupid Air conditioning. I couldn't help but replay Scorpius's harsh words in my mind. He said in the real world, no one cared about you. Maybe that was exactly what happened to him; maybe he really felt like no one cared about him. Maybe it was even true. I knew he never got on well with his family since he would often stay with the Potters for Christmas, Easter and the summer holidays. I wanted to care about him, but he now he hated me.
...
I woke up Wednesday morning remembering today was my day to meet Scorpius but I just wasn't in the mood. Would it be awkward? What would I say to him? Would he even show up? I didn't want to look like a fool just waiting for someone who would never come. I decided I didn't want to go. I got up from my bed and went downstairs to my dad's office as quietly as I could. His secret drawer was locked, but it was nothing a little 'alohomora' couldn't fix. I opened Dad's drawer where he stashed junk from my Uncle's George's shop. He had it hidden because Mum didn't allow many things from Weasley's Wizard Wheezes in the house, especially Puking Pastilles. I grabbed a piece of the little candy and tiptoed back to my room. There was still a little more than an hour left before Mum and Dad had to wake up, which was perfect time for the candy to start showing its effects. I laid back down in my bed and hid away under my warm blanket, falling back asleep…
"Rose! Rose! Are you okay! Wake up, Rose!" I heard dad. I groaned and clutched my stomach.
"I don't feel so good," I got up and ran to my washroom to hurled in the toilet.
"Hermione! Come quick!" I heard Dad running and yelling all over the house.
"What's wrong! Is everyone okay! Where are Rose and Hugo?" Mum came rushing to my room.
"Rose is hurling all over the place, I think we might need to take her to the hospital!" Dad panicked.
"Rose?" Mum said coming into my washroom.
"Ahhh," I groaned.
"Oh dear," Mum said as she helped me back to my bed. She put a hand to my forehead. "You don't have a fever," she said. "But you do look very pale."
"Does she need medical attention?" Dad asked worried.
"I think we should call the doctor just in case…" Mum said examining me. I tried to block my mind by thinking about how sick I was, in case she was doing her weird occlumency thing.
"No doctor," I said innocently. "Mummy, could you just make me some of your special soup, please?"
"Of course, sweetie. Just lie in your bed, and I'll get you anything you need," Mum said warmly.
"Thank you, Mummy," I said sweetly. Mum planted a kiss on my head and drew my curtains together.
Dad stood there, scratching his head. "So, she's not critically ill? I think I'll just go get dressed for work then," he muttered and the both left my room.
Now that I was 'sick', I was not going to have to see Scorpius even if he did show up at SCSY today. He would probably be relieved to hear that I was not coming. But what was I going to do in bed all day? I didn't even need the rest.
Mum told practically everyone in the family that I was sick so I was supposed to expect some visitors this afternoon.
Weasley family tradition.
Great.
Hugo woke up around noon and when he found out, he was suspicious of my supposed stomach flu the day of my second meeting with Malfoy. So I had to let him in on the secret. Not because he was suspicious, but because the effect of my candy was starting to wear off and I need him to run down to dad's office to get me some more while Mum was making me lunch. He disapproved very much. After lunch, I threw up some more and took a little nap.
To my pleasant surprise, my first visitor was my best friend Emma.
"It sucks that you're sick, especially during the first couple days of summer. I hope you feel better," she said, taking a seat on my chair.
"Close my door," I said to her and smiled sheepishly.
"You're not really sick, are you...you clever little devil!" She punched my arm playfully. I told her about Scorpius. I told her about his depression and his family troubles but I left out the parts about his temper and his drug abuse a couple of years ago.
"Don't be too hard on yourself, Rose," she comforted me. "I know you feel bad for yelling at him, but he was a bit rude too. I'm sure he'll come around."
"I suppose," I sighed.
"If he doesn't contact you by Sunday, you should call SCSY and check up on him. Or call his house," she suggested.
"There is no way I'm calling his house!" I said immediately.
For the rest of her visit, Emma updated me on what our other friends were up to. Our other best friend Sophie Matthews had hooked up with my cousin Louis. Louis was probably the hottest guy in our school. His mother was part veela and his father, part werewolf. So naturally, he was ruggedly sexy. I found out that my other friend Priya Patil was pretty much grounded for life. She went clubbing with her neighbor and his 19-year-old cousin. His parents found out and told her conservative Indian parents. To sum it up, they threatened to deport her back to Mumbai.
My next visitors were Granny, Aunt Ginny, and Lily. Granny brought so much soup I thought we would be eating it till the next year. She and Aunt Ginny didn't stay long but Lily spent some time with me.
"So he told me he really likes me, but what should I do, Rose? Dad said I can't date until I'm in 15, but I really like him and he's really nice," Lily went on about her latest crush.
"First of all, he's a 6th year and you're only 14. You're too young," I said. "And there's no point sneaking the relationship because your brothers will eventually find out, and both of them will tell your parents with an exaggerated story, and you'll get into so much shit. And I'm telling you this from personal experience." I did not bother bringing up Josh. That was a story for another time.
"You're right. So are you saying I should make sure to hide it from my brothers or make them promise not to tell?" she asked. I sighed.
Aunt Audrey and Uncle Percy arrived shortly after Lily left. I closed my bedroom door right away and turned off my lights to pretend to sleep. There was no way I was going to sit and entertain my annoying uncle and his eccentric wife.
...
The next couple days passed by really slowly and all I could do was think about Scorpius. Al never came to see me the day I pretended to be sick, even though James and Louis did as well as Fred and Roxanne who was a year below me. Even Eric came by, with a get-well-soon card, if I might add. I kept the card under my pillow and stared at it like a freak every day.
Mum and Dad kept bringing up my meeting on Sunday with Scorpius but I was not enthusiastic. It was Friday night and I still hadn't heard from Scorpius or SCSY. I supposed I'd have to call the centre tomorrow. Was it over with Malfoy? That made me kind of sad.
I woke up on Saturday morning to the sound of my cell phone ringing. I cursed as I retrieved it and struggled to accept the call with one eye open.
"Hello," I groaned.
"Uh, hello, is this Rose?" The person on the other end said. A female voice that sounded mighty familiar.
"Yeah, who is this?" I said.
"Hello, Rose, It's Lauren, from SCSY. How are you?" She said. I sat up
"I'm okay, thanks," I said.
"Rose, Scorpius told me you and him didn't get off on the right foot?"
"Mhm."
"He didn't tell me what your argument was about but he came by on Wednesday hoping to find you. But you were sick?"
"Yeah, I had a stomach flu," I lied.
"That's okay. He wanted me to make sure you're okay and confirm that you're coming tomorrow. He wants to talk."
"Yes. Yes I'll be there," I said. Scorpius wanted to make sure I was okay? But I thought he couldn't care less about me...
"Thanks, Rose," Lauren said.
"Yeah. Sure," I replied and we both put the phone down.
Scorpius came by on Wednesday looking for me while I was busy hiding in my house pretending to be sick. I had not seen that one coming…I decided that I was going to apologize to him when I see him. I went downstairs to remind my Mum about tomorrow.
"I know, Rose, I haven't forgotten," Mum said, smiling.
I spent my day trying to prepare my apology to him. I didn't want to make it sound too corny. It needed to sound genuine if I wanted him to trust me. I finally decided on, 'I'm sorry for being rude to you Scorpius. It was wrong of me to judge you and your family. I hope we can be friends.'
On Sunday, Mum drove me to SCSY. I was so nervous I was fidgeting with the hem of my pale pink, cotton dress until mum told me to cut it out or I'll pull a thread. Since my hair was in a bun, I was left with nail-biting until mum scolded me again.
"Honestly, Rose, you're developing some terrible habits. I'm not impressed, young lady," She said.
We finally arrived at the centre and I grabbed my grey cardigan, gave my mum a quick kiss and headed inside.
"Hi, Rose!" 'Barbie' said and I signed in with her.
She told me to go to the room I was in last time, the one at the end of the hallway. The walk to that room didn't seem as long as it did last week. I opened the door and Scorpius was sitting there on the couch, looking so put together in an un-tucked, white button-down and dark jeans, playing with his keys. He looked up when I entered.
"Hi, Scorpius," I said softly.
I heard him take a sharp breath.
"Hi," he said in a quiet voice. Both of us just silently stared at each other. I notice his eyes were the most striking shade of grey and at that very moment, they twinkled silver.
"How are you?" I finally asked.
"Not bad. You?"
"I'm alright. I'm sorry for not coming on Wednesday, I had a stomach flu."
Scorpius smirked slightly and rested his arm on the arm rest. His sleeves were rolled up to the elbows and I couldn't help but stare at the protruding veins beneath the light coloured hair of his forearms.
"I waited for an hour," he said, breaking me out of my trance.
I felt the warmth in my cheeks. "Sorry," I mumbled.
He didn't say anything. I didn't know whether I should apologize first or let him start. We were both quietly looking at each other again until I noticed Scorpius's gaze lower and scan the entire length of me before shifting back to my face. I turned pink and I mentally reprimanded myself for it.
I decided to take a seat on the opposite chair. "Listen, Scorpius. I'm really—"
"I've something for you," He said. He pulled out an envelope from his pocket and handed it to me. I took it and tried to open it.
"Don't," he said. "Not here."
"Why? What is it?" I asked.
"That in your hand is a rare apology," he said. "Rare because I'm not one to give out many. Though I do realise I must have frightened you with my yelling."
"You...you wrote me a letter?" I repeated.
Scorpius clicked his tongue, "Was I just speaking Spanish, flower?"
"Sorry—I mean—That's very thoughtful," I said.
Scorpius nodded.
"But I have to apologize too. It wasn't fair for me to judge you. I'm sorry; I hope we can be friends."
"That's fine," he growled as he got up from his chair, looking down at his shiny watch. "If we're done here, I have to go."
"Go? But we just got here. We still have more than an hour left," I said.
"I have some things to take care of," He said just as he was about to head for the door.
"Well, can I come?" I asked. Scorpius froze. For a moment neither of us said anything.
I didn't know what made me say that. I barely knew him. But something about him just made me want to be near him.
"Not this time," he said, studying me. "I can't take you where I'm going."
What did that mean? Clearly he thought I was being clingy. I felt like an idiot. Obviously he wouldn't take me with him. What was I thinking? I sighed and sat back down on the sofa. I felt Scorpius looking at me curiously.
"Aren't you going to leave?" He asked me.
"Well, I didn't know our meeting would be so short and I don't have a ride home for another hour," I didn't know why I lied. I had my cell phone with me and I could call my Mum to pick me up at any time.
Scorpius clicked his tongue, looked around and then back at me. "Screw it, I'll drop you home."
"What?"
"I'll give you a lift."
"It's okay, I'll just wait for my mum to pick me up," I said,
"For an hour? Come on, let me drive you home," He insisted.
"You have things to do, I don't want to take up your time," I knew the SCSY people didn't want me to be alone with Scorpius but this was Scorpius. This was different.
"Weasley! Get up and let's go before I get mad again," He clicked his tongue.
My eyes narrowed and I looked at him with furrowed brows, "Are you threatening me?"
"Yes," He said, holding the door open for me.
I grabbed my sweater and head for the door. "Jeez, Malfoy, you've got to learn to be more polite," I huffed, walking past him.
"How am I not being polite, I'm giving you a lift," Scorpius said flatly. following me out and shutting the door behind him. He didn't bother to walk with me so he got to his car before I did, and waited for a couple of seconds for me to get in.
"Your car is really nice," I tried to make conversation as he pulled out of the parking lot.
"Glad you approve," he muttered. It was a sleek black convertible but the roof was up. He drove really fast, like an expert. I wondered how his family ever agreed to him having a muggle object. I'd heard they were extremists. I was so caught up in my thoughts when I realized I hadn't given Scorpius my home address. Interestingly though, he was going in the right direction.
"You know where I live?" I asked.
"I've been to your house before," He said. I tried to remember when. He had probably come by with James or Al before but that was years ago.
"And you still remember?" I asked.
"Yes."
"How," I asked again.
"Photographic memory," He snorted. I couldn't tell if he was being serious or not so I didn't say anything more. We were both quiet but he kept glancing at the digital clock above the radio and it was starting to make me nervous, so I turned on the radio to my favorite station.
And I know I should have held you closer, and I know I should have treated you better,
In a perfect world, but we're not always, what we promise to be.
You caught my words in mid-air, The silence hung as you caught my eye,
Conversations locked away in my mind.
I sang along softly while I stared out my window. Suddenly the music turned off. I looked towards Scorpius
"Why'd you turn it off," I asked.
"It's giving me a headache," He responded dryly.
I looked at him curiously. "You're kind of boring, you know?" I said as I opened up the glove compartment and rummaged through. He kept glancing at me. "You've not got any CD's...oh is this your mobile?!"
He looked back and forth between me and the road. "What...What are you doing? Stop going through my things," He scolded, reaching over to shut the compartment.
I pressed the singular button of his phone. "Oh! I've always wanted a touch tone phone! My dad says they're too expensive and I'll end up breaking it...I always drop my phones."
Scorpius pursed his lips and nodded, like he was holding back on saying something. I on the other hand tried to figure out his four-number pass code but I used up the maximum number of attempts.
"I hanged your phone for five minutes...sorry," I said, waving it in his face. Suddenly the phone vibrated and the screen showed that he had a message. I looked at the name.
"Someone named Jillian..." I said.
"Give me that!" He yanked it out of my hand.
"Is that your girlfriend?"
He didn't respond. He did shoot me an annoyed look because he couldn't unlock the phone to check the message for another four minutes.
I turned around in my seat to check out the back. "So how do you get into the back seats when there's only two doors in this car?"
Scorpius looked at me bewildered, but didn't respond. He did huff and sigh dramatically. We finally reached my house and he pulled the car into my driveway.
"Thanks for the ride," I said as I got out of the car. I could tell he looked relieved to be rid of me. I wasn't sure how I felt about that. I thought Scorpius would rush away as soon as I got out but he didn't leave until I was safely inside my house.
"Anyone home?" I call out. I got no response so I called my Mum to tell her I was home.
"Already?" She asked.
"Yeah, he had to go somewhere," I said.
"Oh okay, how did you get home?" Mum asked. I bit my lip, she'd kill me if I told her I let the guy give me a lift. Shit! I hadn't thought about this.
"Public transit..." I said even though I had never done that before in my entire life. Mum hadn't heard.
"Oh I have to go, dear, we'll talk later when I get home," Mum said. I heard her talking to Hugo.
"Where are you by the way?" I asked.
"Hugo's dentist", Mum said before putting the phone down. I prayed that she'd forget how I got home by the time she got back. I went to my room and took out the envelope Scorpius gave me from my purse. I tore it open excitedly and pulled out the letter. The first thing I noticed was the beautiful cursive handwriting.
Rose,
I apologize for the things I said to you on Sunday. I was having a bad day and I took it out on you. I never wanted to be part of SCSY. My grandmother begged me to sign up and I eventually promised her I'd do it. I don't intend to continue with this arrangement. It has nothing to do with you and I don't hate you if that's what you initially thought. I'm a very private person and I hope you can respect my wish to keep you out. You're very innocent and I want you to stay that way. Once again I'm really sorry for what happened on Sunday but please don't expect much from me.
Scorpius Malfoy
