CHAPTER 15

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. I would love, however, to own Scorpius Malfoy, if anyone would like to sell him.

I'm quite freaking out, you see. Writing this story is making me terribly depressed, especially this chapter. However, it will get better for poor Rose. That I can promise. Unfortunately, it's not getting better anytime soon. Maybe next chapter? I think so. Next chapter, or the chapter after that, may in fact be the last chapter of Too Different. Then I'm planning on beginning a story entirely of notes passed between Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Anyway, please review!

Rose sat in the tub, staring blankly at her hands, trying not to think about Brent, Lily, or Scorpius. She let her thoughts fly out fast, pondering first why hands were necessary, then why they became wrinkly in water. Then she spent a full five minutes trying to see if she could bend only her pinky, without the ring finger bending as well. After a long time spent wondering why she couldn't see anymore, she looked around as if coming out of a trance and realized the whole Prefect's bathroom had filled completely with fog.

Rose pulled herself slowly out of the tub, dressed, and trudged up to the Ravenclaw tower. Only a few people remained in the common room, poring over homework or playing a game of wizard's chess. Silently, Rose slipped into her bed and quickly fell into a long, dreamless sleep.

The next morning, a buzz of chatter followed Rose wherever she went. In the Great Hall she had been asked time and time again whether it was true if she and Scorpius were a couple. Rose had merely shrugged, not entirely knowing the answer herself.

Classes were torture. Lily had completely ignored her, holding herself in a strange way. She seemed to be fighting the urge to look at Rose, but never did. Scorpius had sent sweet smiles at Rose that just made her feel worse. Brent hadn't shown up for classes at all. Gossip had spread through the school, and there was a rumor that Brent had tried to drown himself in the lake. Rose found herself wishing everything could just go back to normal.

During lunch hour, Scorpius sat down next to Rose and gave her a small kiss on the cheek. "Rose," he said, smiling. "For once, I'm really happy to see you."

Rose rolled her eyes. "I guess I'm happy to see you too..."

"I'm hurt," Scorpius pouted dramatically. "My own girlfriend doesn't love me?"

Girlfriend. For some reason the word felt alien, so strange coming from this boy she'd hated forever. And had he said love? "Ummm... what?"

"Don't you love me?" Scorpius had a light, teasing tone, but the deeper note in his voice said he was dead serious.

Rose considered the question. Certainly, she liked Scorpius. But love, that was too much. They'd shared one kiss yesterday, and now they were talking about love?

Scorpius still had his gaze fixed on Rose. He was obviously waiting for an answer.

Rose settled on the truth. "No, Scorpius. I don't love you."

Scorpius blinked.

"Don't get me wrong, I like you a lot. But we've... I don't... I don't know you, Scorpius."

"Yes, you do, Rose."

Rose shook her head. "No. I don't. I don't want to rush into anything, Scorpius. I don't want to ruin anything we might have by saying things too fast."

"We won't ruin anything," Scorpius said, sounding a little far away. "I promise."

"How many other girls have you made promises to?" Rose's voice jumped an octave. "I know you cheated on Lily."

Scorpius looked directly at Rose, his eyes pleading. "I did. I admit it. But I didn't like her, not the way I like you. You're special, Rose. It's one of the things I like most about you. You're original, different from the rest."

Rose felt like she should have melted at his words, jumped into his arms. It was the perfect speech, the perfect moment. She completely believed him. "But you know what, Scorpius? I'm too different. Too different from you. We could never be together."

"We're perfect for each other. How can you not see that?"

"You know what I do, Scorpius? I hurt people. They get close to me. I destroy them, tear them apart. Look at Lily, look at Brent! I can't let you get close. I can't let that happen to you."

"Rose!" Scorpius growled. The sound was clear and terrifying. "I won't let you throw me away because you're scared, dammit!"

"I can't hurt you that way, Scorpius! I can't have a relationship with you that I know isn't going to work! I said it before, we're too different!"

Scorpius looked defeated. "That's all, then? You're breaking up with me." His voice lacked any emotion. "It's only been a day, Rose. You're doing this all too fast."

"It's the only way you won't get hurt."

The boy sighed. "You're stubborn. You need to learn to trust people."

"Scorpius..." Rose looked straight at him. "Please do this for me. Just leave me alone."

Scorpius slammed his hand down on the table. "Maybe we are too different, Rose. Maybe you're right. But at least I'm willing to take a chance. At least I'm not afraid." He stalked off, turning away before Rose could see the single tear that slid rapidly down his face.