Authors Note: So sorry it took me forever to update. I was in the hospital for awhile and I've been kind of out of it. I am continuing on with the story though, and I do appreciate everyone who reads.

I looked over my schedule as I walked quickly to my next class. As I walked I felt as though there was a presence behind me. I glanced quickly over my shoulder to find Malfoy walking in the same direction.

"May I ask, why you are following me," I said turning around abruptly.

He looked at me completely brassed off replying, "Trust me I have better things to do with my time Red, but seeing as it is clear you have forgotten, we are going to the same destination."

He pushed past me and I felt bloody awful. I completely forgot we had double Arithmancy together. I sighed heavily; this was going to be a long four hours.

The classroom was all the way in the back end of the school in one of the very last classrooms. I stepped in the room and Malfoy was already seated, though I didn't see a teacher anywhere. The walls were all chalkboard and filled with mathematical equations. Looking at them made me nauseas because while I was brilliant with wand work, anything outside of that I was absolutely dreadful at. I looked at my watch; we had five minutes before class started.

I sat down at the desk next to Malfoy and I began unpacking my things.

"Sorry about that, I'm not used to being around you this much I suppose," I said trying to absolve my guilt from my previous rudeness.

He gave me his trademark smirk replying, "Don't worry Potter. I'm not so easily putt off."

"Well I guess that's good then, seeing as we will be spending a lot of time together."

"You sound almost pleased about that Potter, wouldn't want to make Longbottom jealous now," He said smugly.

"Ha! You wish Malfoy. I'm merely stating a fact, and Frank is none of your concern," I said sticking my tongue out at him.

He laughed lightly, "Very mature Potter."

I blushed at my own antics and continued setting out my pencils and notebook.

At 2:00pm on the dot a short round man came bustling into the classroom.

"Hello! I am so excited to have two new students. My name is Professor McCants," he wrote his name on the chalkboard and underlined it.

"In this classroom I will be teaching you about the mysteries of arithmancy. Now, can either one of you tell me what arithmancy is?" He looked at us curiously.

"Arithmancy is an ancient system of fortune-telling based on numbers. For over 2000 years, people have used arithmancy to analyze their strengths and weaknesses, overcome obstacles, and predict the future," Malfoy replied somewhat quietly.

"Yes! Very good Mr.…."

"Malfoy. Scorpius Malfoy."

McCants smiled softly, "Ah yes, very good . Arithmancy is a very precise, measurable and almost scientific method of predicting the future, a way to apply book studying to divination, not normally something that can be learned out of books. Arithmancy was first used by the ancient Greeks. They assigned values to the letters in the names of combatants to foretell the outcome of battles. Later, in the ninth century BC, the Chaldeans in Arabia (where our modern number system also comes from) practiced a form of arithmancy that divided their alphabet into three parts, each part composed of seven letters which they attributed to the then known seven planets. Wizards still use a similar system today, all these thousands of years later."

"Now as this is your first class with me I am merely going to let you know what you will be learning this year, assign your homework, and then you may leave early," he winked at us but continued on.

"So first let me tell you what you are not going to learn in this class, I am not teaching you how to determine or change the future. Arithmancy, an ancient and respected way of analyzing numerical characters, is not a way to change the future, and numbers don't possess a power to make things happen one way or the other. Rather, they provide an insightful idea of what the future can hold for an individual in terms of relationships, career, and other life endeavors.

A reading does not paint a broad stroke. You won't get a cookie-cutter list of personality traits that you supposedly share with everyone else with the same number. It's much deeper and detailed than that. An arithmancy reading helps you understand who you are, why this is the person you are today, and explores the unlimited potential of the person you can become.

Arithmancy is not a quick fix. Keep in mind that beneficial change and meaningful awareness of self is a journey, not a destination. It takes times and commitment to understand and embrace how your numbers play a significant role in your life— your past, present and future."

As he continued to drone on, I thought it sounded like a more detailed version of astrology. I didn't feel the least bit excited by this class. I'm not really a numbers kind of girl. I glanced over at Malfoy who was listening with rapt attention and I felt annoyed; he seemed so studious. He always seemed to know the answer to everything, and always looked like he was intrigued to be learning something new... Suck up.

As McCants went on for another hour or so I began writing my letters home.

Dear James,

I miss you and Al terribly. I've only been gone a day, but it seems like so much longer. For the most part everyone here has been really friendly. The food is okay although it's mostly Bulgarian. I'm going to be learning wandless magic this year as well; I hope you are very jealous . I hope you guys don't hate me forever. I love you so so much, and nothing makes me more down than to think you won't be somewhere rooting for me.

All my Love,

Lily

As I finished my letter to my brother a tear escaped my eye. I didn't realize how much I would miss them or even how much I desperately wanted their support. I quickly wiped it away and continued onto my next letter.

Dear Hugo,

I miss you! How is Hogwarts? I hope you are doing alright in charms without me. Durmstrang is…interesting to say the least. The other champions aren't too bad, except I think one of them has it out for me. I've spent a disgusting amount of time with Malfoy, although I have to admit, he's not so bad. I wish you were here with me though. I've been so consumed I hardly ever think about the actual tournament itself, but when I do I start to feel faint. I'm so afraid. I don't know how I will ever do this on my own. Write back A.S.A.P.

Your favorite cousin,

Lily

It was strange going through all of this without Hugo. He was like my backbone; he made me feel brave when I was afraid and strong when I felt weak. The idea of going through this experience without him was almost painful. As I went to write my next letter a ruler slammed against my desk and I was looking up into the annoyed expression of McCants.

"Ms. Potter, I would appreciate it if you would save your personal projects for another time. Class is dismissed, and I suggest you get the homework from as I won't be repeating it again."

I blushed crimson and nodded my head quickly, gathering my things. Malfoy had already left the room so I rushed to catch up to him.

"Malfoy wait!" I screeched running up to him.

He turned around slowly in his smooth way, "Did you need something?"

I slowed down, panting softly, "Yes, I need to copy down the assignment for next week."

He looked at me as though he was thinking it over, "I suppose you can copy it down while I write out some of my letters. Come on."

He walked briskly to his room as I followed behind. I stood in the doorway, as he sat at his desk, unsure of what to do.

"You can come in you know," He said chuckling.

I nodded my head and walked in, shutting the door behind me. His room was identical to mine except it smelled of his normal scent of fresh soap and light cologne. On his nightstand sat a picture of his family. I didn't take him to be the sentimental type, apparently I was wrong.

"Here," he said handing me his notebook. He continued his writing paying me no mind.

I took off my heels and sat crossed legged on his bed. It creaked lightly and he looked at me in surprise. I could see a light blush cross his pale cheeks and I wondered what had caused it. He turned back to his writing, shifting uncomfortably in his seat.

As I copied down the assignment for next week I realized I had no clue what any of it meant. I was definitely going to have to ask Malfoy for help before our next class. I was lucky, I suppose, we only had it once a week. I glanced out of the window as the sun set; it really was beautiful out here. As I watched the sky light up in pinks and oranges I couldn't help but wish my family were here to see it too. I turned feeling as though I was being watched and Malfoy was staring at me with a strange expression.

"What are you staring at?" I asked indignantly.

"I'm sorry. You just looked so calm; beautiful really." He said softly.

I dipped my head trying to hide my deep blush, "Thanks I guess."

He shrugged as if to say it was no big deal and began packing his stuff up. "Come on, let's go drop off these letters and then head to dinner. I'm starved."

We sent off our letters and headed to dinner sitting in the same spot as we did at lunch. Malfoy pulled out my chair and I smiled gratefully at him. I could get used to being around a gentleman.

"So what should we have for dinner Malfoy? There is mostly just Bulgarian food." I said scanning the menu.

"I have an idea," he said with an unfamiliar spark in his eyes, "This is a new experience for us. We are in a new place. We should try new things. I propose that for dinner every night we try something new, together."

I laughed lightly, "Strangely enough I think that sounds like a lot of fun. Let's try the drob sarma. It says here it is a main course offering made with chopped lamb or calf's liver and rice, topped with an egg custard known as kalifka."

He grimaced jokingly, "You really know how to pick 'em red."

We ate our food, which was surprisingly good, and made small talk. When we finished we got up from our table and began walking back to our rooms.

"So, how did your family feel about you being a champion?" I asked Malfoy curiously.

He shrugged lightly, "They were worried, but also really proud. Rammy was really worried at first, but he calmed down eventually once I assured him I wouldn't die."

I laughed lightly, "He's a sweet boy."

He nodded, "Yeah I would do anything in the world for him, and my mother of course."

"Not your father?" I asked.

"Him too, he's a man though. He can take care of himself. Besides, he's got my mother to take care of him."

"Well who is taking care of you," I asked without thinking.

He turned to look at me with that strange look on his face again, "I don't know. I suppose I never really thought about it."

I nodded my head feeling awkward as though my question was inappropriate.

I reached my door and as I turned to say goodnight Malfoy grabbed my hand and kissed it lightly.

"Goodnight Potter," he said looking at me with those beautiful grey eyes.

"Goodnight Malfoy," I said softly.

I showered and changed into my night gown preparing for sleep. Day 1 survived; 364 more to go.