Chapter Three:

The rest of the week passed in a miserable daze. Lily's Mum and Dad still hadn't replied, and Scorpios seemed to either be avoiding her or ignoring her, but they still caught each other sending nervous glances at each other when they thought the other wasn't looking.

"Tomorrow's Hogsmeade," yawned Rosie late Friday night. "I'm going with Andy. Do you mind, Lils?"

Lily frowned, "No. Why?"

"We were going to go together, remember? We planned at least a month ago."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot. Scorpios asked me to go with him."

Rose looked at her, her eyes round. "He asked you to go out with him?"

"Sort of." she shrugged. "He wants to talk about setting a date for the marriage and...well, yeah. I was thinking you and Persephone can be bridesmaids. James is coming back for it and Albus will be in it too."

"You've thought it out?"

"No, all that's kind of obvious."

"Ooh, can I help you pick out your wedding dress?" asked Rose excitedly.

Lily shrugged, clearly unenthusiastic. "I guess."

Andrew rushed down the stairs and ran over to Rose. He said softly, "Rosie, I have something for you."

Rose smiled at him, her eyes full of fondness and care, like the way someone would look at their favorite person in the world. Suddenly, Lily didn't exist. "What is it, Andy?"

"I wanted to make this better for you. I figured...well..." He got down on one knee and opened a black velvet box. Inside was the most beautiful ring Rose had ever seen-a small diamond with smaller diamond crystals surrounding it. It was simply gorgeous. "It was my grandmother's. Rose Weasley, will you marry me?"

Rose blushed, a pretty smile breaking across her face. Tears started to fill her eyes.

Andrew began to look worried. "I'm sorry, Rose, is something wrong?"

Rose threw her arms around him. "You are so amazing!" she sobbed. Andrew blushed and hugged her back. When she released him, she kissed him quickly.

Lily found herself in awe, almost jealous. She found herself wishing for someone who would do that for her, something so sweet and so romantic that it was impossible not to love him. She sighed softly and walked up the stairs, Rose and Andy still gushing over how amazing the other was.

Andrew whispered something, and Rosie giggled.

"I love you, Andy," she whispered, her eyes filling with tears.

He kissed her cheeks and wiped her tears away. "I know, Rosie. I love you too."

Lily found herself envious and angry, and slammed her door furiously, sitting on her bed.

"Lily, Albus wants to talk to you," yawned Rose when she finally came up.

"He does, does he?" Lily walked downstairs reluctantly.

"Lils," Al rushed to her. "Scorp got a reply. His parents are here. They wish to see you. McGonagall wants you in her office now."

Lily looked shocked. "What?"

"Go! The password's starshine."

Lily practically ran the entire way to the Headmistress's office. When she got there, she gasped, "Starshine!"

The statue leapt into place. She stumbled up and straightened. Slowly and deliberately, she knocked.

"Come in!" came McGonagall's voice.

Lily walked in cautiously. Draco and Pansy Malfoy were sitting in comfortable looking chairs. Near them was Scorpios.

"Lily," Scorpios said, sitting up straight.

"Scorpios. Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy," Lily said as politely as she could.

"Miss Potter," greeted Draco Malfoy stiffly. "As you know, you are to marry my son according to the marriage law. I have talked to the Ministry and there is nothing we can do about it, unless you wish life to be made very difficult for you." His lip curled with distaste. "Anyhow, when is your birthday?"

"N-November. Th-the 23rd," she tried to speak steadily, but her voice shook.

"Thank you. Do you wish it to be sooner or later?"

"I...I don't know, sir."

Draco looked at Scorpios.

Scorpios shrugged. "It's gonna happen no matter what, so I'm saying better sooner than later."

"Of course. So, November the 24th? We can have a small ceremony here with less excitement and whatnot, but in the summer, we can have a bigger wedding." Draco and Pansy exchanged glances. "How does that sound?"

"Um...good?"

"I understand that Scorpios and your brother, Albus are good friends," stated Draco. "However, I wish to speak to your father about this marriage. Have you contacted him? I've heard he's been very busy."

"No, I haven't," said Lily.

"Well, I must be going," Draco said. "However, we will meet again for the ceremony. Good day, Miss Potter." He kissed her hand and left.

Pansy gave her a quick hug and followed Draco. "Goodbye, son!"

"Bye, Mother. Father."

"Goodnight, you two," McGonagall said softly.

"Goodnight, professor," said Scorpios.

Lily mumbled her goodnight and followed Scorpios out.

"Would you like me to walk you to your commons?" asked Scorpios politely.

Lily shrugged. "Fine."

They walked silently all the way to the Fat Lady.

"Lily," Scorpios said. "I'm sorry you are so young and that you don't know me. I just want you to know, I will do nothing to hurt you. You can trust me."

It was as if he had read her mind.

She bowed her head and looked away. "Are you sure?"

He set his fingers under her chin and lifted her head up. "I will never do anything to hurt you."

Lily tried to hide her frightened tears, but they came anyway.

Scorpios whispered, "I'm so sorry, Lily. I wish it could be easier for you. I'm sorry."

He seemed so cold, but when he put his arms around her, she felt so warm and alive. He was soft and gentle and warm and comforting. When she finally stopped crying, he kissed her cheek and whispered, "Goodnight."

Lily walked in to the commons, feeling a little better. Her sleep was actually restful that night.

If you want to see Rosie's ring, here's the link: .?sc=1&hdlk=352076&utm_source=Channel+Intelligence&utm_medium=CSE&utm_campaign=NexTag&utm_term=49557&srccode=cii_9324560&cpncode=22-160821400-2