Through blurred eyes I saw my spell do it's magic. A great mass of angry bees erupted from my wand and went straight for the prince. Screaming, he ran out of the room and down the corridor.

Apparently he headed straight for McGonagall's office to beg for an early return home. But unfortunately for him, Scorpius found him first.

CHAPTER 34: PUNISHMENT

"I heard he bashed his head into a wall!"

"I heard he used all sorts of forbidden curses on him!"

"Millie Finnigan told me he burned him using only his eyes!"

The rumors flew through the castle and although none of them held the exact truth, they all had the main idea correct. Scorpius physically abused Prince Alexander so badly that he was sent to St. Mungo's that same day to be treated. Later I heard the Healers informed him that he was allergic to bee stings.

I found Scorpius in the Great Hall. As soon as I saw him, I started screaming. I just couldn't help it. All of my pent up anger and frustration just poured out of me. "Do you have any idea what you've done? You could be expelled for what you did! Do you honestly think McGonagall will just look the other way? If so I'll tell you right now you'd better think again!"

Scor's face filled with anger. "Not only did he use and betray my sister, he used and betrayed the only person I've ever- you!" He said, exasperated. "He deserved a hell of a lot more than what I gave him!"

Taken aback by what I thought he was about to say, I just stood there trying to find something to say.

Scorpius looked at me, fire in his eyes. "Look, I did it for you, Rose. Well you appreciate it or not is your call."

He began to walk away but I was right beside him. "Of course I appreciate it, Scor! I wanted to do worse things to him myself but this isn't about that! What if you get expelled? Your whole life will be ruined!"

Scorpius rolled his eyes. "Spare me the lecture, Rose. Do you honestly think I care if I get expelled?" His lips pulled back, revealing his teeth but it wasn't as much a smile as it was a grimace. "Nobody else cares what happens to me so why should I?"

I stopped and just stared at him, hurt. "I care about you."

He looked at me for a moment, sadness in his eyes and then continued on his way.

"You should be expelled, Mr. Malfoy."

My heart dropped at McGonagall's words. Using a piece of flesh-colored string Uncle George had given me, I listened as Scor was about to receive his punishment. I could picture him; eyes staring straight ahead, fists clenched, heart beating wildly. He might say he didn't care but he did. Oh, I hoped he did…

"What you did was absolutely wrong. I considered calling the Ministry in to deal with you. Instead, I've decided that you're to be-"

"Excuse me, my dear professor, may I interrupt?" I didn't recognize the voice but after a moment of thought realized it must've been one of the portraits of the old headmasters and headmistresses of Hogwarts.

Professor McGonagall sounded as surprised as I felt. "Of- of course, Albus."

"Mr. Malfoy, would I be wrong to say that you were in fact defending the honor of another by attacking the young prince?"

"He used my best friend and my sister, sir." There was nothing but pure hatred in his voice. "I had to protect them."

"You see, Professor McGonagall, although I agree that Mr. Malfoy's actions were indeed wrong, I think his intentions must be taken into account. This was not just some random act of bullying or violence but it was a poorly thought out and rash attempt at defending those he loves.

"Therefore, I suggest a heavy punishment but not the ultimate one."

Please, please listen to him, professor! I thought. Oh please, please, please!

There was silence for a few moments and I could almost hear Scor's heart beating.

Finally, McGonagall spoke.

"You will serve an at-home suspension for one month, beginning tomorrow morning and I'll send a Howler to your parents tonight. Report to my office at 7 a.m. sharp tomorrow morning.

"Should this ever happen again, Mr. Malfoy, you will be expelled immediately. DO I make myself clear?" A pause, and then, "Very well. You may go."

There was a scraping of chair against floor and then footsteps. Running as fast as was humanly possible I raced down the spiral staircase that led to the headmistress's office. Although I was only a few feet away when the door opened, I was out of view of Professor McGonagall. When I heard the door close I stopped and waited for Scorpius.

"You lucky, lucky boy!" I whispered in his ear as I hugged him as tight as I could. To my delight, he hugged me back, twice as tight. Pulling away, I said, still holding onto his shoulder's, "Don't you ever do anything like that again!"

Scor just smiled and picked me up. Spinning me in a circle, he laughed. Taking my face in his hands he said, "I love you, Rose!"

My heart beat wildly as once again he pulled me close. Smiling wider than I ever had in my life I whispered, "I love you, too."