The start of the new term brought on more stress than I even thought possible. Homework just kept piling on in preparation for our O.W.L. examinations at the end of the year.

With all our homework, we hardly had any time for ourselves, let alone time to try and help find a solution to Scorpius's issue. Albus was no help whatsoever, seeing as his only idea was to adopt Scorpius as his brother. Astoria Malfoy had visited Scorpius while he was still staying at the Potter's house, trying to convince him to come home. He told her he would consider, but he was hesitant to go back. I could hardly blame him for not wanting to. I definitely would not want to live with the likes of Draco Malfoy.

I felt bad for Scorpius, though, because he doesn't deserve to have a father like that.

OoOoOoO

The weekend before Valentine's I sat in the library alone. My friends were long gone, having already finished with their work for the week, leaving me to finish mine. I didn't mind, really, as it was less distracting without having to listen to their joking and goofing off.

I was just finishing up my essay on Goblin Rebellions when someone sat down across from me. Half expecting it to be Albus or Scorpius, I was surprised to see a short boy with long, dark hair and bright eyes smiling at me.

"Hello, Lysander," I said, nodding at him politely.

"Hello, Rose," He greeted. "I haven't seen you in a while."

"Yes, well, I've been pretty busy with school and all." I said, putting my books in my bag. As he hadn't said anything after I stuffed the last book in my bag I glanced up at him. He stood nervously in front of me. I waited a few minutes more but he still said nothing, so I made my way towards the door.

"Wait!" He called. "I was wondering if maybe we could hang out, just the two of us?" He said it all in a rush that I had quite a hard time deciphering his words.

"Er… Alright, I guess?" I replied, slightly confused at his sudden interest in my friendship.

"Perfect! How does next Hogsmeade weekend sound? I know its Valentine's and all, but it seems like a good opportunity." He didn't wait for my response, however, which would have been to tell him I had plans with my friends next weekend. Instead, he turned on his heel and practically ran out of the library.

I guess he didn't want to stick around long enough for me to change my mind.

I sighed and heaved my bag onto my shoulder, heading for the Common Room. I didn't know how I was going to tell my friends that I had to cancel our plans next weekend.

OoOoOoO

"You did what?" Albus exclaimed.

"I'm going to Hogsmeade with Lysander. He wants to hang out." I said for the third time.

"But you already made plans with us!" said Dominique sadly.

"I tried to tell him that, but he left before I could say anything. I suppose I could back out, but that sounds mean."

"What a prick," muttered Albus.

"He is not. He was just nervous, I think."

"Ooh, is it because it's a date?" asked Dominique.

"Yeah, people say he fancies you." Albus chimed in.

"Don't listen to those stupid rumors, Albus. Half of them aren't even close to being true." I said.

Tired from the long day, I said goodnight and made my way to my dormitory. I flopped down on my bed and let sleep overcome me.

OoOoO

The next morning I saw Scorpius at breakfast and told him as well. His reaction was much the same. A bit upset, but he wasn't as obvious about it as my cousins were.

After discussing Lysander so much that I was getting tired of his name, I piled my plate with eggs, toast and bacon and began munching on my breakfast.

"Are you excited for Defense Against the Dark Arts this morning?" Albus asked us. Defense Against the Dark Arts was Albus's favorite subject. He was a born natural. It didn't surprise me, though, knowing who his parents are.

He then began going into extreme detail about the possible things we could be learning today and how he had prepared for every possibility. I was glad when I was finished with my food and didn't have to listen to Albus droning. It was very nearly putting everyone to sleep.

As I walked into the classroom I notice that all the desks have been pushed against the wall and the floor is lined with fluffy cushions. When the room was full Professor Darin spoke.

"Today we are going to be practicing dueling. You will be graded on this among many thins at the end of the year. I will pull your names out of a hat to pair you up." He said.

As dueling partners were called, they walked to a spot in the room and faced each other.

Albus was paired with Sarah Andres, a timid Hufflepuff girl. Dominique was paired with a girl I did not recognize who had small, dark eyes and long greasy hair.

Professor Darin pulled my name, soon followed by Scorpius's name. We grinned at each other and took our places at the back of the room. I was very confident I would be able to beat Scorpius, as he was never very good at wand work.

As Professor Darin announced the start of the duel, spells were everywhere. I myself was just about to send a stunning spell towards Scorpius when I froze and suddenly all was black.

OoOoOoO

"Rose," someone called distantly. I opened my eyes and the whole class surrounded me. Surely I hadn't passed out? Scorpius stood nearby, looking slightly worried.

"Rose, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to do that." He said.

"Nonsense," Said Darin. "That was excellent, Mr. Malfoy. Not many people can beat Miss Weasley, here." Scorpius blushed and shuffled his feet, muttering something incomprehensible.

I stood up, brushing the dust off my robes and picking up my wand from the ground.

By the end of the class, Scorpius and I had gone back and forth, beating each other. It surprised me how well he had gotten at dueling. He must have practiced over the break.

OoOoOoO

The rest of the day passed rather quickly, leaving me with another giant stack of homework. By the time I was finished, I was exhausted and barely managed to stumble into my dormitory and onto my bed before falling asleep.

A/N: Oh my gosh. I finally updated this story. I'm so sorry for the wait. Things have been a bit crazy around here for me and I've also been having issues with the direction the plot is going to take. Still not entirely sure, but I have a better idea. I hope you all enjoy the new chapter. I'd love to hear your feedback, so leave a review. Reviews make me update faster than this time. :P