Chapter Four
The next few weeks are perhaps the most boring of my life. My father bans me from leaving the grounds, on pain of disinheritance. Now this wouldn't usually bother me, but I realise that when I go shopping for my Hogwarts things I want a new broomstick. And there doesn't seem much point annoying him when there's no one I want to go and see. Al's family decide to extend their holiday to last the entire summer and from Rose's letters I've gathered that her father has taken a similar approach to mine.
The whole older generation just needs to chill out.
My father's mood improves, however, following the arrival of my Hogwarts' letter which contains a Head Boy badge. I'm more than a bit surprised at this because while I do well academically, me, Al and the other Gryffindor boys are constantly accused of carrying out some prank or another.
My own mood improves when I get a letter later that day from Rose, telling me that she's the new Head Girl. I choose not to share this piece of information with my father, especially since he's promised to buy me the new Firebolt model.
Exactly a week before the start of the new school year, I head to Diagon Alley to buy my new school things. I'm on my own because my father's at work and my mother's out doing something- she still hasn't forgiven me for the Rose incident. Not that I mind being alone, in fact, I prefer it.
Predictably, Diagon Alley is packed with Hogwarts students all rushing to get their new spell books and equipment. I see a few of my friends, including Mike Shacklebolt in Flourish and Blotts. However, it's not until I'm heading into Quality Quidditch Supplies when I hear a familiar voice shout, 'Oi, Scorpius!'
'Hi, Al,' I grin at my best friend as he rushes up to me.
'What are you doing here? I thought you were in Egypt?'
'We came back yesterday, me and Lily need to get our Hogwarts things.'
His smile, however, is too knowing.
'I'm guessing you've heard what happened with me and Rose?'
He bursts into laughter, 'It's become a family talking point. Ron is furious! It's so funny.'
I glare at him and stomp into the shop, knowing the sight of all the Quidditch things will shut him up. It does for a few moments, as he examines a new set of Quidditch robes, but then, much to my dismay, Lily Potter arrives.
'Oh, there you are, Al. Oh hello, Scorpius,' she smirks slightly.
I glare at her, perhaps unreasonably, 'Why did you and Hugo tell Ron that Rose was out with me?'
'Hey!' she says loudly in an annoyed voice, 'He asked us where she was and we couldn't exactly lie. I'm an awful liar.'
'That's true,' says Al, coming over to join us, 'What do you want Lily?'
'Oh mum was just wondering where you were, I'll go and tell her.'
I watch her skip away, 'My God, I don't like that girl.'
'You do know that's my sister?'
I grimace, 'So, is Rose here today?'
Al shakes his head, 'Nope, she's already got her stuff. Did you know she's the new Head Girl?'
'Yeah, and guess who the new Head Boy is?'
'I bet its Callum Flatly, I've never known such a teacher's pet.'
I clear my throat importantly and watch Al's eyes widen in insulting surprise.
'No way! How the hell were you chosen?'
'Just because you got a couple of trolls in your OWLs doesn't mean I did.'
Al shakes his head laughing, 'Well, you seem happier about it than Rose.'
'What do you mean?'
'Oh, she's been going on about how it's just what everyone will expect of her. I'm not sure why that's a bad thing.'
'Oh, she was telling me about how she wants to get away from being like her parents.'
Al frowns in surprise (he's not big on sharing emotion, in fact he's not big on emotion at all), 'You two spoke about that kind of stuff?'
I nod, suddenly wondering if I've said too much. Evidently I have because Al yells and points his finger at me 'You like Rose!'
'Chill out!' I say, holding my hands up in defence. I cast a glance around the shop, half expecting Ron Weasley to be hiding behind some Quidditch robes ready to attack me.
'Wow! Like Romeo and Juliet.'
'I'm sorry?'
He waves this away, 'Never mind. Hey, if you marry her then we'll be cousins in law.'
'I'm going off her by the minute.'
Exactly one week later and I'm climbing on to the Hogwarts Express, and internally sighing of relief that my last ever summer holiday is over. This time next year I'll have a job and a house of my own. Or a flat. Or most probably a single room. My farewell from my parents was icy to say the least, but I refuse to worry about them now.
I head down the corridor towards the front of the train where the prefects and new heads are meant to be convening. Embarrassingly, I feel my stomach flutter slightly at the thought of seeing Rose again. I wonder how things will be between us this year after the strange meetings over the summer?
I'm almost at the compartment when someone blocks my way and throws her arms around my neck.
Oh God.
'Hi Cassie,' I say with reluctance, trying to detangle her arms from strangling me.
'Hello, Scorpius! How was your holiday?'
'Oh, erm it was alright.'
Cassie is practically a stalker, although she's under the impression that we're dating. We are not! Admittedly she is ridiculously hot, which is why I asked her out last year. Unfortunately I've not been able to shake her off since- Al finds it hilarious.
'Having fun with your girlfriend, Scorpius?'
I glance up and, to my horror, find Rose smirking at the sight of me and Cassie. She heads into the prefects' compartment, laughing to herself.
'She's not my girlfriend!' I shout after her.
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