Scorpius and I didn't always go to SCSY on our designated days. In fact we hadn't seen each other for a while and I was beginning to think he didn't want to continue but the more I thought like that, the more I wanted to see him. His letter spoke for itself but I still wanted to talk to him about it. Or maybe I shouldn't, it could make him uncomfortable.

On the other hand, my cousin Victoire suddenly announced to the family that she and her beau of six years, Teddy Lupin, were tying the knot. Victoire was a sweet one and even asked me to be one of her bridesmaids. I was, of course, ecstatic. I'd never been a bridesmaid before. I also spent a lot of time studying for my driver's test. Since seeing Scorpius drive a shiny black car, I decided I wanted to learn how to drive as well.

On Friday night, after some drivers studying and some television watching, I finally grew tired around midnight and got ready for bed. I was just changing into my pyjamas when my cell phone started ringing. My ringtone volume was set on maximum so I dashed to pick up the phone before Mum, Dad or Hugo could wake from the noise.

"Hello?" I said in a hushed tone as I tried to get my pj bottoms on with one hand.

"Miss me, flower?"

Scorpius? At this hour? Since when was he interested in talking to me. I wondered how he got my number anyway.

"How are you, Scorpius?" I casually asked.

"Well enough," He replied. He didn't say anything more and for a second, I wondered if the line dropped. But then I heard his breathing.

"Why did you call?" I asked.

He didn't respond immediately. "I haven't seen you for a while," He finally said.

"Yeah, and I thought you wanted it that way," I reminded him.

"I did..." Scorpius began to say.

"Did? What changed?" I asked curiously.

Scorpius didn't say anything for a moment and I wondered again if the line dropped. But then he spoke, "I want to see you again."

"You do?" I said, surprised. I couldn't help but feel a little excited.

His breathing became heavy. "Very much," he said in husky voice. "You read the letter yet?"

"I did," I said.

"You still angry?" He asked.

"I was never angry." I could hear Scorpius's uneven breathing. What the hell was he doing? "Malfoy?" I said. "Are you still there?"

"Yeah...Yeah I'm here," he said. "What about all the shit I said?"

"How about we agree not to bring that up again? Let's just start over," I suggested.

"Yes, okay," he sighed.

"So how's everything going with you? Anything new?" I asked in my horrible attempt at making conversation.

"Nothing new here," he said. "You?"

"Oh yes! My cousin Victoire's getting married!"

"Sounds exciting..."

"She asked me to be one of her bridesmaid's. Of course I said yes. I'm so excited! I've never really been to a wedding before, except when I was really young but those don't count because I can barely remember them. I'm so excited!"

"Rose, I have to go," Scorpius suddenly said.

"Already," I said, disheartened. Did I bore him with my wedding talks?

"I'll call again," He said.

"Yes, of course, bye," I replied and with that, he hung up.

I wondered why he called. To ask about the letter? To make sure I wasn't angry with him? Maybe he wanted to know what I thought about the letter. I never imagined he'd care.

Over next couple of days, I kept my phone with me wherever I went but Scorpius didn't call again like he had promised. I wasn't sure if I should go to SCSY this weekend again since neither of us had been going for a while and he didn't say if he wanted to me to come. I didn't know whether I should just call him. Since I didn't have much to do this weekend, I invited my friends over. On Friday afternoon, Emma and Sophie arrived but Priya couldn't come since she was still grounded.

"Who sneaks out at night and goes clubbing with 19-year-olds? That's ridiculous!" I said.

"I know. She texted me all day yesterday, she's really miserable 'cause she can't go anywhere, or have any fun for a month," Sophie informed us.

"Let's see if we can video chat with her," I said as I turned on my computer.

"I doubt she'll have her computer, her parent's probably took it away," Emma pointed out.

"Come on, Em, this is Priya, she'll probably sneak this too," Sophie laughed. I signed in on my computer and just as Sophie had predicted, there was Priya, online as always. I sent her a call.

"Hey!" We all said, looking into the camera.

"Merlin's pants! I've been dying to talk to all of you!" Priya exclaimed. "I'm having the worst summer of my life!"

"And it's your own fault," I said.

"I know!" Priya whined. "So what's going on with you guys?"

"Victoire is getting married and I'm going to be a bridesmaid!" I told her excitedly.

"Thanks for sharing for the millionth time, Rose," Sophie said. I rolled my eyes at her.

"Domique's sister?" Priya asked.

"Yeah!"

"Dominique must be pissed. She hates you," Priya laughed.

"I know!" I said happily.

"Priya, are you gonna remain grounded for the carnival in two weeks," Emma asked.

"Carnival? What Carnival?" I said.

"There's a carnival, two weeks from tomorrow, it's in your area, Rose, a bunch of people from Hogwarts are going go," Emma explained.

"I want to go too!" Priya exclaimed excitedly.

"Priya you have to beg your parents, I don't care what you do but you have to come!" Sophie said.

"How did I not know about this?" I muttered to myself..

"I'm surprised too; there are bright flyers all over your neighborhood, Rose," Sophie told me. I did remember seeing a brightly colored flyer on the bulletin board of SCSY, but I never paid much attention to it.

"Merlin! My parents are home! Got to go, bye, love you all!" Priya quickly blew us a kiss and ended the video chat before going offline.

"I hope she can come to the carnival," Emma said. "Are you going to go, Rose?"

"I don't know, I mean what are we going do at a muggle carnival?" I asked, unsure.

"I don't know, mess around, hunt for cute guys, hang out with each other, have fun," Sophie suggested.

"You're going to go guy-hunting? What about Louis?" I asked.

"Ehhh…" I wondered if she was serious about him. Any girl would love to be Louis's girlfriend. A lot of my friends had asked me about him.

"Sophie, how did you ever manage to snag Louis Weasley?" Emma laughed.

"She probably did a strip tease for him," I suggested jokingly. Sophie threws a cushion at me.

"I DID NOT! For your information he finds me to be a very nice girl!" She defended herself.

"Nice girl with nice tits!" Emma laughed.

Sophie flushed a deep shade of crimson. Merlin she didn't even know how special her beauty was. She was absolutely pale with naturally flushed cheeks and full reddish-pink lips. She also had dark, inky brown hair and brilliant jade eyes.

"So, how does he look naked, Soph," Emma teased.

"Smoking!" She laughed. "He's got a firm ass!"

"Ew!" I cringed, "Guys, please, the dude's like my brother!"

"I'm only joking!" She assured me. "So did you manage to say more than two words to Eric yet?"

"I've talked to him before!" I said in my defense.

"If you count choking and stuttering like a broken tape recorder as talking," Sophie snorted.

"Oh come on, I'm not that bad...am I?" I stopped to think.

"She's just joking, love," Emma said. "Personally I like James's other friend, Ben, better. He's a real sweetheart," Emma said. She grabbed a bag of potato chips from the counter and we spent the rest of the afternoon watching movies.

"Well I have to get going," Sophie said at the end of our second movie.

"Already? Why?" I asked.

"I'm meeting up with Louis for dinner at the Leaky Cauldron," she said excitedly.

"I thought Louis is just 'ehhh'?" Emma said.

"Well, he wants to talk," Sophie replied.

"Or shag," Emma sniggered.

"We're not shagging! I haven't even seen him without pants yet! Merlin, Emma!"

"But I'm sure you've dreamed about how big his—" Emma began to say before I cut her off.

"Guys…I really don't need a mental image of my cousin without pants. Please!" I begged as I got some floo powder from the kitchen for Sophie.

"Thanks," Sophie said. "Today was a lot of fun, let's do this again sometime at my place, with Priya too. Bye, babes!" She hugged us good bye and with that she vanished into the green flames.

"I'm bored. I haven't done anything fun this summer, " I complained to Emma. "Want to go to the mall tomorrow?"

"Can't, have a orthodontist appointment tomorrow. Gotta get some more fillings," she said, pointing to her teeth.

"Em, you really need to cut down on the sweets or you'll lose all your teeth by graduation!" I also noticed Emma's weight gain but I decided not to mention it.

"Orthodontist! Not dentist! I'm getting my braces tightened, jeez, let me eat my sweets!"

I rolled my eyes.

Emma's dad came to pick her up not long after and I was left alone to clean up the family room. I was just putting our empty bags of potato chips in the garbage when my phone started ringing.

Albus.

"Hi, Al," I said.

"Hey, can we talk?" He asked.

"Uh, sure," I responded. "I'm by myself right now. Want to come over?"

"No, I'm caught up with something right now. How about tomorrow at Diagon Alley?"

"Sure. See you then."

I got a feeling this could be about Scorpius.

...

I woke up early the next morning for my meeting with Al who'd texted me to meet him at Fiorella Fortescue's Gelato Palace.

"Hey," Hugo said, coming into my room while I tied my hair. "How come you're up so early?" He asked.

"I have to go to Diagon Alley," I said.

"Why?."

"Meeting up with Al."

"Can I come with you, I need to go to Quality Quidditch Supplies," he said.

"Why?" I asked as I got my shoes out.

"I've got to get broomstick handle polish; my wood is getting a little worn out," he said. "Can you look at it for me please, Rose?"

"Where are Mum and Dad?" I asked. It was Saturday and everyone should have been at home but I didn't hear anyone.

"Emergency call at the ministry," Hugo said. "So can you look at it?"

"Yes of course, but go get it quickly because I have to be leaving soon." I didn't really want to bring Hugo along since I didn't want him to find out too much about Scorpius. I knew some of Scorpius's past was unstable and I thought Al might want to talk about that. If Hugo heard about the drugs or even something worse, he'd go straight to my parents who would forbid me from seeing Scorpius. I went downstairs and Hugo was there waiting for me with his broomstick.

"Hmmm," I inspected it. "I think it's mainly dirt that's just deposited on the wood. I don't think you really need to polish it since you still want a little roughness for grip."

"Are you sure?" Hugo asked.

"Yes, you should probably wipe it down," I suggested. Hugo looks skeptical.

I sighed, "Wipe it down and I'll bring you some of the polish."

"Thanks!"

I headed for the fireplace and Hugo bade me goodbye.

"Are you gonna be fine alone? I'm not sure when I'll be back?" I asked.

"Yeah I'll be fine," he assured me.

"Why don't you go to Aunt Ginny's place? You can play quidditch with James and Al," I suggested. "Aunt Ginny can help you with your broomstick too. She knows about that stuff more than Dad."

"What if she doesn't have the polish?"

"That's impossible," I exclaimed. It really was impossible; the whole family was like a little quidditch league.

Thanks to some floo powder, Hugo and I found ourselves on the front porch of the Potter Manor where their transporting fireplace was. I rang the doorbell and to my pleasant surprise, Eric was the one answering it.

"H-hi," I said nervously. He looked as handsome as ever in his sports attire.

"Hey, Rosie!" Eric greeted me with a quick hug. I almost fainted at Eric's touch. He smelled like vanilla and aftershave! "Hi Hugo," He said, ruffling Hugo's hair, making him scowl. Aunt Ginny and Lily came to the door.

"Rose!" Lily squealed as she pounced on me, almost making me lose my balance.

"Hi, Lils!" I hugged her back but I kept my eyes on Eric.

"Come inside," Aunt Ginny said. I step inside with them and headed to the family room to greet everyone. James's buddies were here, for quidditch no doubt. Fred and Louis were lounging on the sofa playing catch with the snitch, with two other boys. One I recognized as Ben Sloper, 7th year Gryffindor. He'd fancied Dominique for 2 years but she never got distracted from Josh McLaggen to notice him. Josh and I had only been together for a week and a half before we had to end it since my dad hated him. Dominique stole him from me only 4 days after our break up. It was her loss though because Josh was never a catch. I would choose Ben over him any day.

The other boy was Donny Thomas, he was a 6th year Gryffindor like Louis and I and best friends with Louis. He was dating a friend of mine, Alayna Jordan, who was also in our year. On another note, I was surprised Louis was here, I would think he'd want to spend Saturday with Sophie.

"Hi guys!" I greeted them.

"Hi," they all muttered lazily.

"Stay for lunch, Rosie?" Uncle Harry asked, coming out of his home office.

"I wish I could but I really have to get going," I said. I wished I could stay and hang out with Eric.

"You're going?" Lily's face fell.

"I'm sorry, I have to run some errands, but I'll stop by in the evening," I promised her. "Isn't Roxie here?"

"She's at her grandmother's," Lily sighed.

"I promise I'll come back," I said. I looked down at my watch. "Well I should get going now."

"Alright, Rose, see you later," Aunt Ginny said as she gave me a hug.

"Of course!"

Aunt Ginny walked me outside where I flooed to the Leaky Cauldron.

"Hi, Tom, Hi Aunt Hannah!" I greeted them when I arrived. They were sitting at one of the tables doing paperwork. "Hope Arielle, Nick and Uncle Neville are all well."

"They are, thank you!" She said. "Are you going to Diagon Alley? I think I saw Albus head there a while ago."

"Yes, I'm meeting him for ice cream," I said.

"Enjoy yourself. And tell your mum I said hello. I've been so busy with the renovations here I've not spoken to her in a while."

"Will do!" I said.

I headed to the back where the entrance to Diagon Alley was. I walked down the beautiful street and watched people around me shop and dine or just fly around on their broomsticks. I finally reached Fiorella's but I didn't see Al there. I went inside to check but he wasn't there either so I patiently waited for a couple of minutes.

"Rose?"

I turned around. "Al, hi," I greeted him.

"Sorry about the wait. I was getting a new owl feed for Hercules," He said, referring to his snowy owl.

"Not a problem," I said.

We ordered two chocolate ice creams and went outside to take a seat on the table with a bright orange and blue umbrella. Al followed me out and took a seat across from me.

"So…" I said.

"I want to talk about Scorpius," Al blurted.

"I figured," I nodded. "He went through a really bad time. Why didn't you tell me about his family or his drug abuse a couple of years ago."

"I thought everyone knew he's not on best terms with his family. He was usually at my place during the Christmas holidays and most of summer. He was off school for a year too. That's why he's in our year." I tried to remember back to those times. I was so absorbed in myself I didn't think I ever thought much of anybody else's problems.

"What happened between him and you and James? Why aren't you two friends with him anymore?" I asked.

"When I found out what Scorpius was doing, I didn't want to associate myself with him anymore. As a thirteen or fourteen-year-old, I thought I was doing the best thing. I was shocked that he began this at fifteen I was afraid because I was still young and didn't want to be involved," Al explained.

"Why didn't you just tell me then. We tell each other everything?" I asked, a little bit hurt.

"Because I was scared. I didn't want to get him in trouble. Plus you were so obsessed with him, you would have wanted to help him and I thought it would be best for you if you didn't get involved either."

"I was not obsessed," I muttered, turning pink. Okay so I might have been. A little. A lot. "You knew Scorpius was at SCSY?"

"I had heard," Al nodded.

"Why didn't you warn me?"

"I'm still ashamed. Back then, abandoning him seemed like the right thing to do. But now I'm ashamed for being the worst kind of friend."

"Don't be too hard on yourself," I touched his arm. "We were just kids then. We didn't know any better."

"I guess. And I was actually looking for Scorpius when I didn't go into the director's office with you at SCSY. I wanted to talk to him, see how he's doing, but I couldn't find him," Al explained.

"He's so alone. I don't want him to be alone anymore," I admitted.

"Yeah," he sighs. "I met his grandfather before. He's a little bitch. Used to be so hard on Scorpius."

"Really?"

"His grandmother's really nice though. She loves him to death," Al said.

"Well, I'm happy he has someone."

"You're hell bent on making him happy, aren't you?" Al smiled.

"Yeah, I guess I am. I don't know why though. Scorpius tries to push me away, but the more he does, the more I want to get closer to him. I want to know more about him."

"Is it possible that you still have feelings for him, Rosie," he teased.

I didn't blush or giggle. "No, I don't. I know that much for sure, but it's just...something about him that makes me want to be around him. He draws me in."

"He does seem to have that affect on people. Draw them in. Especially women."

"don't worry it's not what you're thinking," I chuckled.

"I'd hope so...So I'm kind of seeing Arielle Longbottom," Al said. "I think I really like her."

"I knew it!" I said. "You and Arielle have always had some sort of weird attraction."

"Yeah but I don't know if Uncle Neville and Aunt Hannah will be okay with it since I am a year older," Al said.

"But they love you! They're always telling Nick to be more like you," I laughed.

Al chuckled.

"Well, I know Emma will be upset," I said. I knew she had harboured feelings for Al for some time now.

"She's just not my type," Al shrugged. We finished our ice cream and decided to head home soon after. But first, I needed to go to the Quidditch store and get Hugo the broomstick handle polish.

"I need to get some new gloves too," Al remembered as we entered the shop. I got the polish and Al got some gloves for himself, and some broomstick personalizing stickers for Lily, since she loved that stuff.

"Come over to my place?" Al asked once we were back at the pub.

"Yeah, " I said, secretly hoping Eric was still there.

We flooed to the Potter Manor and Aunt Ginny greeted us at the door.

"Al, Damien, and Mark came by today. They left after I told them you weren't home but they said they'll come later," She said as she put on a kettle of coffee. Damien Zabini and Mark Pucey were Al's Slytherin friends, also in our year. Where Damien was handsome and quiet, Mark was annoying and perverted.

It was around four in the afternoon when the back door burst open and the boys stormed in, yelling at each other. Aunt Ginny informed us they had all been playing Quidditch outside

"You blind, Donny?! How the hell could you not see that?!" I heard.

"Yeah well if you'd stop screaming at everyone, man, we might be able to think," Eric yelled at James.

"Boys!" Uncle Harry tried to cut in.

"Eric, you shouldn't even talk! You ran your mouth like a damn sailor," Louis accused.

"I did not!" Eric defended himself. "I was the only one trying to calm everyone down!"

I heard Fred and Ben snort.

Hugo was the only quiet one. He looked flushed, sweaty and tired and I assumed the boys worked him hard.

"Hugo's the only boy who managed to stay sane on the pitch," Uncle Harry told us as while every one of them fell on the carpet and the chairs from exhaustion.

Aunt Ginny laughed, "Thank god he's like his mother. Do you remember Ron when we used to play quidditch at the Burrow? The game would never conclude because he'd throw a fit so it would just end up in a fight and we'd all storm off inside."

Unfortunately, Dad was still like that.

"Rose!" James said as he came to give me a hug.

"Ew, James, you're all sweaty, get off me!" I squealed.

"I'm sorry but I'm really glad to finally be in the presence of someone who actually knows how to keep the quaffle out of the goal post."

"Whatever, man, you're a douche!" Ben said. I assumed he was keeping in this match.

While the boys argued among themselves, Al's phone started to ring and he left the room to receive it. A moment later he came back and announced that his friends were coming over for the night.

Aunt Ginny also asked Hugo and I to stay well. Hugo had a dentist appointment again while I was more than happy to since Eric was here as well. So Hugo and I flooed back to our house and I told my mum my plans before packing myself an overnight bag.

"Be back early tomorrow, Rose," Mum said. "You have to go to SCSY."

...

That evening, Lily and I were painting our nails in her room when Eric came knocking on the door saying Aunt Ginny was looking for Lily. Once Lily was back, I decided to tell her that I really liked Eric. Lily stared at me with her mouth hanging open.

"Eric! Our Eric?"

I nodded sheepishly and Lily giggled.

"Oh, he's really cute! You'd make such a pretty couple!" She said, dreamily.

"I hope so," I said. "So what's the deal with you and that Ravenclaw McDougal?"

"Rose, I love him so much, I can't get over him," Lily whined.

I rolled my eyes, "Oh come on, Lily, you know you don't love him. You barely know him!" I said.

"I do know him, Rose, and we talk all the time," Lily insisted.

"Yes but that's not love Lily, you're only 14, it takes a lot of experience to know what love is."

"Have you ever been in love?" She asked me.

"No! Love takes a lot of experience. You can't throw that word around so easily."

Lily sighed, "I want to be experienced..."

...

Aunt Ginny called us down soon after and she and Uncle Harry announced that they were going to go to dinner with Uncle Harry's cousin and his wife. Therefore, us kids had the manor to ourselves and we were going to be having a barbecue party of our own on the patio. It was James and Al's friends and us cousins.

Lily and I took all the plates, cutlery, water, drinks, and anything else we could need outside to the large picnic table. It sort of reminded me of the Burrow when the whole family gathered. James was at grill while Al opened boxes of frozen sausages and hamburgers.

Damien and Mark had arrived like Aunt Ginny had said. Damien was searching the cooler for a drink while Fred, Louis, Donny and Al's other friend Lance Vaisey lounged on the garden chairs with their sodas. Lance Vaisey used to be a good friend of Scorpius's, I remembered, but I didn't know the reason behind their fallout.

Ben and Mark were flying around on their broomsticks playing with the snitch while I was looking around for Eric who seemed to be missing from the crowd. I wanted to know where my eye-candy was. Maybe he was using the loo.

Absorbed in my thoughts of Eric, I never noticed Mark speeding towards me. I tried to run move back as fast as I could to avoid a crash. Except I tripped backwards. I screamed and fell into Damien who was walking behind me with a full can of cola in his hand. The cold cola spilled all over my dress and I screamed again while the boys all tried to stifle their laughter.

"Mark, you asshole!" I yelled from the ground, lifting myself to sit.

Al came rushing towards me. "Are you okay?" He asked.

I ignored Al and turned to Mark, "You piece of donkey shit! Wait till I get my hands on you!"

"Oh Merlin, I can't wait!" He said gleefully.

"Rose, you're not hurt are you?" Al asked again.

"I'm fine!" I snapped, "Except I'm covered in cola!"

"Well, you're, um, you're crushing Damien," Al pointed to Damien who was still lying underneath me.

"Oh Merlin!" I jumped up. "Damien, I'm so sorry!"

"Not a problem," He choked out. "I'm okay!" I got up and I helped him up as well.

"Ugh!" I yelled, looking down at my dress. "I'M ALL STICKY NOW AND IT'S YOUR FAULT!" I slapped Mark's arm.

"Ouch!" he yelped.

"I'm sticky too!" Damien said annoyed. "Mark! My shirt is stained!"

"I'm sorry guys, but Rose tempts me!" said the little devil.

"Okay, who invited him?" James said, pointing at Mark with his tongs.

"Rose, come on, you can take a shower in my bathroom and I'll put your clothes in the wash," Lily said. I followed her towards the doors.

"How about me? I've got to change too," Damien said.

"Take one of my shirts," Al suggested.

"I'll take you two to the bathrooms," Lily offered.

"Ooooh! Rose and Damien, off to the showers! Lucky man, lucky man!" Mark sniggered. I turned around to yell at him but I saw Ben throwing the snitch at the back of his head. Mark whimpered in pain, clutching the spot, while the rest of them laughed at his misery.

Damien and I followed Lily upstairs where he went into Al's room and I went into Lily's and gave her my dirty clothes, which she threw in the washing machine.

I took a long, hot shower in Lily's enormous bathroom, wrapped the towel around my chest and headed back into the room. I looked for my clothes which weren't on the bed or in Lily's closet. I peeked out of Lily's bedroom door and called out to her but I got no reply. Why did this house have to be so damn big? I realised she was probably outside. Shit. I prayed that no one was in the house as I tiptoed to the laundry room. I saw my clothes had only now finished washing. I quickly pulled them out and threw them in the dryer before anyone could come looking for me.

Too late.

"Rose?"

I jumped. I turned around to find Eric staring at me while I was in nothing but a towel and wet hair.

"Whoa…" he muttered.

I blushed. He noticed. He blushed too.

Though I was embarrassed, I was secretly happy that he approved. What else did 'Woah' and then blushing mean? He was bound to notice me now. Did this make me vain? When had I become so shameless?

"Oh, Merlin," I headed back towards Lily's bedroom.

"Wait!" Eric said. "How come you're nak—I mean your clothes. Why are you washing them?" He asked. So I told him the entire story but he had a hard time keeping his eyes up.

I was not sure how to feel.

"Mark is a moron. Don't let him get to you," he said.

Just then I heard the back door open and Ben, Al and Mark's booming voices.

"Speak of the devil," I whispered to Eric who leaned a little closer and gave me a small smile.

"They must be in here somewhere…" I heard Al say as they opened and shut kitchen cabinets.

"They aren't here, mate," Mark said. I heard more cabinets open and close.

"What are they looking for?" I asked Eric.

He shrugged, "Beats me."

"Where's Lily? She might know," I heard Ben.

"She's probably upstairs, can you go ask her?" Al replied. I heard Ben's footsteps grow louder so I ran back to Lily's room, closing the door behind me.

"Have you seen, Lily?" I heard Ben ask Eric.

"Yeah, I saw her downstairs," Eric said.

"What are you doing here?" Ben asked.

"Just using the washroom. Someone's using the downstairs one so I came up here to use James's" Eric explained.

"Oh, then it's probably Lily in the downstairs one," Ben said. I heard him head towards the stairs, "Be down soon, once Rose comes back, we're going to eat."

"Okay," Eric said. I waited for a couple minutes until I was sure everyone was gone before I snuck back out to get my clothes. I opened my door to see Eric standing on the other side of it, holding my clothes in his hands, my bra dangling off his arm. I flushed a deep shade of crimson

"I charmed them dry for you," he said as he handed them to me.

"Thanks" I mumbled. I shut the door immediately, got dressed and towel dried my hair. I grabbed my flip flops and opened the bedroom door to go outside. Eric was sitting on the top step of the staircase and immediately looked up when he heard the door open.

"What are you still doing here?" I asked him as I threw my towel in the hamper.

"I was waiting for you," he said. I only smiled at him but on the inside I was jumping for joy. I really had his attention. We made our way down to the back patio but neither of us had much to say to the other.

"Rosie's back," Fred announced upon our arrival into the back garden.

"Had a good shower, Rose? You look quite wet," Mark came up to me. Al, who was standing next to us, choked on his water upon hearing this comment.

"Dude, if you don't shut up, I'm throwing you on the grill?" James said as he took out the last of the hamburgers.

"And I'll stick this branch up your ass and make shish kabob out of you," Ben said, picking up a piece of branch that had fallen off the old oak tree.

Lily did not join us for dinner but rather took her plate to her room where she was on the phone with her friend. The rest of us sat around the enlarged picnic table. I sat next to Al and Louis and Mark immediately took the seat across from me.

"Dammit, Merlin!" I said, getting up.

"Sit down, Rose," He laughed. "All the other seats are taken."

The boys immediately began to stuff their plates and faces with food. Eric was a little bit more mannered and I caught him glancing my way a couple of times so I gave him a small smile.

"Mark!" I suddenly yelled. "Stop touching my leg with your disgusting toes!"

The boys all turned to look at us.

"Pucey, man, why are you such a pig?" Donny asked between chewing his chicken wings.

"He's a boar," Fred said. "They're worse."

I turned my attention back to my food.

"Does Sophie ever talk about me?" Louis suddenly whispered in my ear.

I turned to look at him. "What?" I ask a bit confused.

"Has Sophie said anything about us lately? About me and her? Anything?" He said in a hushed tone.

"Why do you ask?"

"Tell me the truth, Rose, is she still interested in me?" He asked worriedly.

"I have no idea, but I'll try to find out," I promised. Sophie never told me what happened at the Leaky Cauldron so I was still unsure.

"Thanks," He muttered, taking a bite of his potato salad.

"What are you even worried about," I asked.

"I don't think she wants to see me anymore. She keeps cancelling on me. And then when we do see each other, we don't...you know, we just talk…and that's it," I noticed his ears turn pink

"Well she's not about to drop her panties for you whenever you demand so be a gentleman and she'll come to you," I said firmly.

"Do they even make girls like that?" He joked.

I rolled my eyes, "You all are pigs." We both turned to look at Mark who was chewing his hamburger with his mouth open.

"Some more than others," Louis muttered and we shared a chuckle.

"You're one of the better ones," I jokingly assured him. "If Sophie's not into you, she's missing out big time."

Louis flushed. "Merlin, you should have been my sister rather than Dominique."

I gave him a small smile, remembering how much the two hate each other.

I resumed eating and we talked excitedly about our OWL results which should be coming very soon now. "Al, can you pass me a hamburger, please?" I asked.

"Why don't you have a wiener instead, Rose?" Mark said slyly. "They're very tasty, have mine!"

I looked at him disgusted, "You are so damn immature I just lost my appetite!"

"Why do you have to be such a prick, Mark?" Al said angrily. "Leave her alone or go home."

"How am I being a prick, I'm being generous. She should be honored that I'm offering her my wiener," He sniggered, "my food, I mean."

James suddenly stood up and everyone grew silent, "I'm fucking serious Pucey, you say one more thing to my cousin and I'm fucking booting your ass outta here."

Mark mumbled a half-hearted apology and after that, he ceased to pick on me.

After we finish eating, we all helped James and Al clean up. Ben and I were helping James with the dishes and the leftovers while everybody else was cleaning up outside.

"I can't believe this is going to be our last year. I'm really going to miss Hogwarts," James suddenly said.

"I second that," Ben said. "I'm going to miss you next year, Rose, when you're studying for your NEWTs, I'm going to be in the real world, with a job and living the life," Ben teased me.

"I'll miss you all," I sighed.

"When are we getting our letters? I want to know if I'm Headboy..." James said, wondering

"Who in their right mind would make you Headboy?" Ben laughed. "You weren't even prefect!"

"Yes, but it's still possible!" James replied.

"Sure, whatever you say," Ben rolled his eyes. He turned to me. "So did you get your OWLs results back, Rose?"

"No, not yet. I think they come with the annual results," I replied. "But I'm not very anxious, to be honest."

Ben smiled, "Of course you aren't! You're the smartest witch in your year!"

I turned pink, grinning, and he poked his finger in the dimple on my left cheek.

"Ben!" I giggled as I push his hand away from my face.

Ben stopped what he was doing. "I remember my OWLs," he said, looking thoughtful. "I studied my ass off and then in the examination room, I let Dominique cheat off my paper. Biggest regret of my life. Thank God I didn't get caught or I would have been expelled!"

"I can't believe you let pussy cloud your judgement," James shook his head.

Ben sighed, "Worst part is I wasn't even getting any..."

My eyes widened. "Guys! You're not supposed to have these conversations around me..."

Ben ignored me, "I don't even like her anymore. I just thought she was sexy and smart...I mean, she is no doubt. But she's also a selfish bitch. I think I deserve better."

"Aw, Benny," I rubbed his arm. "I'm proud of you for understanding that."

"Thanks, Rose," He gave me a quick hug. I was just about to put the left over potato salad in the refrigerator when I turned around and saw Eric standing there staring at us.

"Hey, man!" Ben said.

"Did you guys put the tables and chairs in the shed?" James asks him.

"Yeah. We did," he said. The back door opened and Fred, Damien, Mark, Lance and Donny bustled in.

"You guys almost done here?" They asked.

"Almost," James replied as he dried the dishes that were washing themselves.

"Well, hurry up; Al and Louis are setting up the movie," Donny said.

"Have any of you seen Lily by the way?" James wondered.

"She's upstairs. Should I go get her?" I said and James nodded.

"I'll come with you", Eric suddenly said.

Odd.

"Uh, sure," I shrugged.

We were both pretty quiet so I tried to make conversation.

"Did you eat well?" I asked. Stupid, I know.

Eric nodded, "You?"

"Yeah."

The rest of the way was awkward silence.

Lovely.

I told Lily, who looked exceptionally giddy, that James was looking for her and she went downstairs to see what he wanted. In the meantime, I stopped to use her washroom and Eric waited for me. Once I was done, we quietly went back downstairs. I had absolutely no idea what his purpose of accompanying me around the house was but I went with it.

Whatever.

"Let's go downstairs," Ben said when Lily hopped back up to her room.

"Maybe I should go and see what she's even doing…" James muttered.

"Leave her alone, and give her some privacy!" I said. I wasn't stupid. I knew she was on the phone with Jacob McDougall. It was written all over her face. I just didn't want her annoying brothers finding out.

"You're right. Whatever," he agreed. "Let me just lock all the doors and check the shed and stuff and we'll go down".

Ben grunted. "You take way too long. I'm going and I'm taking Rose with me," He grabbed my arm. "Come on, babe," I laughed as he dragged me to the basement but I did notice Eric stare at us while he waited for James

"Merlin!" Donny yelled when we arrived.

"Okay start the movie!" Ben called out.

"We can't set up the home theater system!" Al yelled, frustrated.

"If you'd just listened to me!" Damien snarled.

"Whatever! It's not like you know shit!" Al snapped.

"Let, Rose do it," Ben suggested. "I'm sure she's got these muggle things at home."

I took a look at what wires they had connected and where they had connected them. "Everything seems to look good…" I wondered out loud.

"Told you!" Al yelled at Damien.

"Then why isn't it working, Dumbledore?" Damien retorted. Apparently, this Dumbledore dude was a genius.

"Boys!" Mark yelled. "Let Rose think".

"Give me the remote," I said to Damien who handed me a gray remote control.

"OH!" I said when I realized what the problem was. "You've been using the wrong controller! It's the black one, this one is for the TV only! And this one is for the surround sound system. You've got to adjust the settings,", I said, fixing all the settings.

"I love you, Rose!" Louis said, hugging me.

"You're a miracle worker! What would we lousy wizards do without you," Donny laughed.

"Hey, speak for yourself!" said an annoyed Damien.

Al snorted, "Weren't you the one who said the red wire goes in that hole, when I plugged it in perfectly correct in this hole!" Damien's ears turn pink.

"Hey!" Mark called out, looking at all of us with a downright serious face. "There is no such thing as a wrong hole."

"Shut up!" I yelled and someone threw a couch cushion at him.

"What movie do you guys want to watch?" Fred asked, holding up a bunch of DVDs.

"Let's watch a James Bond movie," James, who had come downstairs now with Eric, suggested.

"No let's watch Ocean's 12. We saw the first one so let's watch the second one!" Ben cut in.

"No. I've heard it's not that good," Eric said flatly.

"How about I know what you did last summer?" Damien said, taking the DVD from Fred's hand.

"No horror movies, please," I whined. "I'm going to get nightmares."

"Don't worry I'll chase the monsters away for you, Rose," Ben rolled his eyes, earning him a playful punch on the arm from me.

The majority ended up voting for I know what you did last summer, much to my dismay. I made way to the large three-seater couch and squished myself between James and Ben.

"Why do we have to watch this?" I whined.

"I'll tell you when the scary part comes so you can cover your eyes," James teased. Everybody else lounged around the other couches, the beanie chairs and even the fuzzy carpet. Once everyone was comfortable, Al played the film. Everyone else seemed to enjoy it except me. I kept taking washroom breaks so I wouldn't have to watch the scariest parts. Scary movies always made me nauseas.

"I'm gonna go and hang with Lily while you guys watch," I said. Nobody responded.

I turned on the lights on the main floor since I was scared the Fisherman was going to show up and slay me.

Fortunately for me, Lily was awake and we spent some time in her room painting our nails and experimenting with makeup. I told her about Eric catching me in my towel today and then offering to walk with me up to her room earlier.

"Honestly, he sounds a little awkward," she said while I painted her right hand. "I think he didn't realise you could actually be hot."

"Gee, Lils, thanks," I rolled my eyes.

"He's probably wondering why he never noticed you before," She said.

"'Cause I'm Rose the quidditch-playing tomboy," I snorted.

"Yeah but now you're Rose the sexy quidditch-playing tomboy slash girl hybrid...whatever."

I laughed.

Lily soon began to grow tired and I didn't want to force her awake because I was bored. "I think I'll go downstairs, the movie will probably end soon, anyway", I suggested.

She yawned in response.

We both removed our makeup and changed into our pajamas. I wore my regular little shorts and tank top since it was boiling hot and Lily put on her cute little night gown.

Once I finished done brushing my teeth, I turned off her bedroom light, grabbed my cell phone and quietly crept out of her room and downstairs. I heard the tap running in the kitchen so I went to see who it was. Lance and Damien were getting water.

"Is the movie over?" I asked them

"Yeah it is. You don't have to pretend to go pee anymore," Damien smirked. So they were paying attention.

The three of us headed to the basement after that. I saw James and Eric putting layers of comforters on the floor, while Al, Donny, Mark, and Louis, got pillows for everybody and Fred and Ben got the blankets. I spotted Eric in his cute pajamas. He was wearing black and white bottoms and a grey sleeveless sort of thing. His muscular and toned body just made me want to have my way with him.

"Are you guys sleeping already?" I asked when I finally stopped thinking about Eric. I could see Eric staring at me again. It was not a stare of longing much to my dismay, though. I couldn't really tell what it was.

"No, we're just setting up the beds," Al said. He turned to James, "I think you should push the couch back a little more so two more people can fit." Just like Al had instructed, James, Eric, Lance and Damien pushed the couch back and Mark threw one of the pillows on the couch.

"That's where you'll be sleeping," He said. "But of course, you'll welcome to sleep next to me, if you'd like."

"I'd rather die," I say flatly.

"Here's a blanket for you, my lovely lady," Ben said, putting one of the blankets on the couch.

"Thank you, sir," I replied with a giggle.

The boys finished setting up their bed. They had set out large comforters all across the floor with 11 pillows and eleven blankets in a line accross.

"You know, I think I'll probably just sleep in Lily's room" I said.

"No, stay..." Eric said immediately. A bunch of us turned to look at him but he just shrugged. Though I dis notice his ears turn pink.

"Yeah, plus we're not sleeping just yet so you can chill with us, Rosie," Ben said.

"Why do you call her Rosie? Her name's Rose," said Eric, annoyed.

"I don't know, what do you care?" Ben shrugged.

Eric didn't respond.

"Okay, I'll just sleep on this couch then," I said as I made myself comfortable on my temporary bed for tonight.

"Dibs! I'm sleeping right here," Ben announced, plopping down on the last spot right next to my couch.

"Does it matter? It's just a sleeping spot," Eric snapped.

We ignored him. I turned to Ben, "You know, if I have to get up at night to pee, I'm going to accidently step on you," I said.

"Shit!" Ben laughed.

"I'm so cold," I said as wrapped my blanket around me.

"It's the basement, what do you expect?" Mark pointed out.

"Slytherin dungeons are worse. A fucking nightmare in January," Lance shuddered.

"Yeah but we're used to it now," Al shrugged as everyone else claimed a spot on the gargantuan makeshift bed. Ben was closest to me; next to him were James, then Al, then Damien, Fred, Donny, Louis, Mark, Lance and lastly, Eric.

"If I fall off the couch at night and crush you, you're going to die, I had a lot of food today," I said to Ben.

Ben laughed, "Don't worry, I'll just throw you back up."

We heard Eric grunt from the far, annoyed, "You can't throw a person up! That makes no sense."

I was actually hoping he would be next to me instead of Ben so I could just deliberately fall on top of him or something. I smiled as I got a mental image of me falling on Eric and sleeping on top of him for the entire night. But it would be really awkward in the morning when everybody would wake up.

I sighed to myself and James got up to turn off the light.

"I feel like I'm going to have nightmares about the fisherman tonight," I said.

"You know," Mark began. "Someone could break in through the basement windows and slay you, Rose."

Everyone groaned, annoyed, and several of the guys told him to shut his trap in more explicit terminology.

"You really know how to freak someone out, Pucey," I said.

"Don't worry, you can hold my hand," Ben offered his hand up.

"Thank you Benny!" I said, taking it. His hand was nice and warm and he gave a gentle squeeze, thinking I wouldn't notice, but I did.

We heard Eric again. "You know, if a mass murderer breaks into the house right now and tries to kill Rose, the fact that you're holding her hand won't stop him, Ben," Eric snapped.

What the hell was wrong with him?

Lance was the one who spoke first, "It was a joke, man, chill, it's like you've got a metal rod up your ass."

"Yeah, what's with you today?" Fred asked.

"Nothing! You guys just say the most ridiculous things!" Eric snapped again and everybody went quiet. I was sure Ben was suspecting Eric had a problem with him.

"Al?" I said. "Would you happen to have an extra something I could wear over myself? I'm freezing." I turned to my side and squeezed my hands between my thighs for warmth.

"Were there any extras in the closet, Fred?" Al asked.

"Yeah, I think I saw one or two more," said Fred.

"I'll go—" I saw Eric lift himself up but Ben suddenly interrupted and jumped up.

"I'll get it, I want one for myself too."

Ben comes back a minute later with 3 blankets.

"Brought an extra one, just in case anyone wants it," He said

"Can you put it on me please, my hands are too cold" I asked.

Ben put the blanket on me and relaxed my rigid body. "I'm so nice to you," he laughed. "Would you like a good night kiss too, Rosie?"

I could swear I just heard Eric cough like he had choked on his own saliva.

"That's quite alright but thank you for the offer," I laughed. I could feel my face warm.

"Okay, Benjamin," James said, sternly. "That's enough flirting for one evening. Get back to your bed."

"We're not flirting!" We said at the same time and laughed the awkwardness away.

After much discussion about the latest Chudley Cannon versus Puddlemere United game and the Quidditch draft this fall, the boys finally drifted to sleep around two. I, on the other hand was awake as an owl and I had no idea why. The boys were snoring and I did miss my own bed. So after some tossing and turning, I had to resort to singing myself to sleep. So I started singing softly to myself but apparently not quite softly enough.

"Rose…?" Ben stirred in his sleep. I didn't realize that he might be able to hear me.

"Sshh, it's okay, go back to sleep," I whispered. I laid there till quarter to three thinking about Eric. Was it possible he was attracted to me? He kept staring at me. If he was attracted to me, I was a little disappointed that because he saw me in a towel . Or maybe he liked me from before. Maybe that was why he snapped at Ben. Was it because he thought Ben and I were flirting. We absolutely were not!

Whatever his reason was, it bothered me since Ben was one of my favourite friends. He was sweet and kind and he's even good to look at. I wondered why Dominique never saw this. I thought that out of all the boys here, Eric was the best looking, obviously, and then it would have to be Ben. Actually, Damien and Ben were tied for second place, and then Lance and Donny. Mark was in last place. Actually, was there anything below last place?

As for my cousins, well no one at Hogwarts compared to Dominique and Louis since they were part veela. Louis had shaggy light brown hair while Dominique had a silky platinum blond mane like her mother and her older sister. Both of them had the Delacour hazel eyes. Louis was also the first of the boys to grow facial hair back in fourth year. I could still remember all my friends swooning over him while him and I laughed about it.

The Potter boys on the other hand were as different as the North and South. Al looks exactly like his dad with the jet black hair and green eyes. James on the other hand looked more like us Weasleys, save for the brown hair, with his blue eyes. They say he took after Uncle Bill.

Much like our friend Donny, Fred's mum, Aunt Angelina, was Algerian. So naturally, Fred and Roxanne had thick brown hair, honey-green eyes framed by a mass of lashes, full lips and beautiful caramel skin that was sprinkled with a light dusting of freckles. I'd always envied Roxanne. She was a year younger than me but she'd always been prettier. She and Dominique were the pretty Weasleys while I was just plain old me.

I thought about the carnival in two weeks. I was excited for it and I wondered if Eric was going to go. I hoped he was because I wanted to hang out with him. I also hoped Priya's parents would let her go. I didn't realize when I began to grow tired and drifted off into sleep. My mind and body had no care for the snores anymore and I was just so exhausted. I had a short dream about Eric and Dominique kissing in the Gryffindor common room. It was horrible enough to startle me in my sleep. I heard muffled sounds of music as well. My favorite song in fact. They were kissing to my favourite song?

Suddenly I realised Eric and Dom were not getting it on and nor were they playing music. I rose to consciousness and realized it was my phone. I shot up and took my phone from underneath the pillow. I had forgot to put it on silent but at least the ringer volume was minimal.

"Hello," I said groggily.

"It's me again," said the male voice at the other end.

Scorpius.

"Is everything okay?" I asked as I got up and head towards the staircase so I wouldn't wake anybody.

"Yeah. What are you doing?" he asked.

Huh?

"Sleeping! What else did you think I was doing at 3 am?" I said annoyed.

"Sorry," he said in his low rumble. But he didn't sound sorry.

"Is everything okay?" I yawned and sighed.

"Didn't I just say everything's fine," he grunted.

"Then why did you call?" I snapped.

"I just wanted to...ask you something?"

"Are you asking me or telling me?"

"Telling. Yeah, telling you."

"Well, you could have called tomorrow," I said.

"Fucking fine! Goodbye!" He said angrily.

I sighed, "Wait! Let's just—Let's just talk. Say whatev—."

"I was thinking about you today."

My eyes widened slightly. I was not expecting that.

"What were you thinking about?" I asked, feeling my heartbeat pick up the pace.

"About seeing you again. Do you want to meet today? In the afternoon?" He asked.

I felt like my insides were doing gymnastics.

"Yeah—Yeah, of course," I quickly said before he could change his mind.

"I was thinking we could meet somewhere outside, rather than the centre?"

"Yes, that's fine."

I couldn't believe he actually wanted to see me! Not that I was complaining.

"Yeah, I hate that shithole. Swore to my grandmother I'd go at least three times but I just don't have the time for that. I admit I have a temper but I'm not crazy and I'd prefer to stay away from crazy-house," he said.

I snorted, trying to hold back my laughter but I failed miserably.

"Are you laughing?" He demanded.

"Ye—No! I'm sorry..."

"Why the hell are you sorry?" He asked, bewildered.

"I'm not laughing at you, I promise," I insisted.

"Never thought you were."

"Oh..."

"I like the sound of it," he said.

"What?"

"Your laugh," he said in a low tone.

I could feel my face warm and I was glad he couldn't see me. I never expected him to say that. I never expected anyone to say they like something about me.

"Are you still there?" I heard him

"Y-yeah. I just realised, I have yet to see you laugh...or even smile." It was a legitimate point.

"I'm smiling right now."

"You are?"

"Yeah."

"Why?" I pried.

"Because I just realised you're right. Not a lot can make me laugh," He said darkly.

"I bet I can!"

"Go ahead. Try," He grunted.

"Tomorrow," I promised. "Where do you want to meet?"

"I haven't decided. Let's meet at the shithole and we'll go from there," he suggested.

"Okay," I snorted. "I can't wait!"

"Really?" He asked, surprised.

"Yeah," I said.

"I'm glad."

We were both silent for a moment. I saw a shadow lingering ahead and I looked up to see Damien standing right in front of me.

"Hey, why are you not in bed?" Damien asked in a sleepy voice.

"Hold on," I said Scorpius. I turned to Damien. "What are you doing up?" I asked him.

"I'm a light sleeper," he shrugged. "I thought I heard laughing."

I chuckled, "Sorry for waking you, I'm just talking to a friend. Go back to bed. I'll be off the phone soon."

Damien nodded and headed towards the washroom.

"Was that Zabini?" I heard Scorpius, loud and demanding. "What the fuck are you doing with him at three in the morning?!" Scorpius growled.

"What...?" I said, confused.

"Why is he sleeping at your place?" Scorpius asked through gritted teeth.

"Oh no! I'm at the Potters' and Dam—I mean all of us—are sleeping in the basement, all of Al's and James' friends, my cousins and me," I said.

"Right," he said quietly. "I have to go, bye". Without waiting for me to reply, Scorpius hung up. What the heck just happened, I thought as I stared at the mobile in my hand.

"What's wrong?" Damien asked once he was back from the washroom.

"Nothing. Let's go."

I went back to the couch and Damien went back to his spot on the floor.

I laid there for a while, thinking about Scorpius. We were having such a good moment before Damien had to come and ruin it. He was finally talking to me. I hadn't expected Scorpius to be in a talkative mood and I wondered what he was even doing awake. I also hadn't expected Scorpius to be so honest. He said he was thinking about me today and he likes the way I laugh. Did people even admit things like that anymore? One thing was for sure, Scorpius was not like anyone else I knew.


A/N: Hope you all didn't mind all the re-reading! I'm sorry there isn't a lot of Scorpius in this but next chapter will be wayyy more exciting! Also, I haven't heard from many people so I don't know how most of you are liking the edit. Please let me know your thoughts and suggestions! Madamam loves you! 3