There were screams and shouts coming from the other parts of the house. They were followed by bangs and sometimes a demented laugh or two. Scorpius was crouched behind a couch in the den, panicking about what to do. As soon as the group had attacked, his father had started fighting and his mother had hurried him away from the scene.

The shocked party guests had either fled or joined in the fight. It was Christmas Eve and Scorpius was pretty sure that many of them would never see Christmas.

The group that had attacked was large and merciless, attacking anyone and everyone. Scorpius had never experienced anything like it; but like every other kid, he had heard the stories of the War. The Death Eaters were still feared even today, and now Scorpius knew why.

In the rush of people heading for an exit, Scorpius had become separated from his Mother. Now here he was, cowering like an idiot while people were dying. Most likely his parents were too.

"Stop it," he said to himself. He needed to get up and help, but he didn't want to get in the way and endanger anyone. His knowledge of defensive spells was weak at best. Defense had never been his best subject.

But how could he just sit here? He needed to get up.

Taking a deep breath, he pushed himself up off the floor and ran into the hall.

BANG!

The battle had spread and was raging right in front of him. People were dueling with hooded figures and avoiding stepping on the bodies that now littered the floor. Whether they were dead or not, Scorpius didn't know.

Scorpius ran from the scene, deftly dodging the spells that flew towards him.

Through a door, over a body, under an arm—he raced as fast as he could, although he was unaware exactly where he was going. He ended up at the kitchen door and he pushed it open just in time to see a flash of green light and his mother fall to the floor.

"NO!"

But the sound didn't come from him; he was too shocked to make any noise. It came from his father, who was now clutching his wife's body. His father turned towards the man.

"I'LL KILL YOU!" he screamed. "I'LL KILL YOU, YOU BASTARD!"

There was another flash of light and Scorpius saw his father on the floor next to his mother. He was breathing very heavily.

In shock, Scorpius turned and saw a man laugh a cruel cold laugh. "Right where you belong, blood-traitor," the man sneered. "But I think that you deserve a little more… pain before we kill you." He smiled evilly.

Scorpius must have made a noise, for the man suddenly looked over at him. The man's smile widened. "Or even better," he said, "you should see someone else suffer first."

His father struggled but couldn't move more than a few inches. The man laughed and pointed his wand at Scorpius.

Scorpius.

Before he could cast the curse, the Aurors arrived and blasted the man off his feet.

"Scorpius."

But it didn't matter. His mother was dead and his father was dying too.

"Scorpius!"

Dead. And it was his fault.

"SCORPIUS!"

"Wha-?"

Scorpius opened his eyes and blinked blearily. He wasn't in the kitchen. He was in his bedroom. It had been a dream.

No, he thought bitterly. Not a dream… a memory.

"Scor?"

He blinked and saw Summer standing above him, looking very concerned. She must have woken him up.

"Was it another nightmare?" she asked quietly.

Scorpius nodded.

"You haven't had one in weeks," she whispered. "What do you think caused it?"

Scorpius didn't answer right away, and he could barely look her in the eye.

With a sigh, he sat up and rubbed his face. "Nothing. I'm fine, Summer. Sorry I woke you up."

The sun was barely coming up over the horizon, but it didn't prevent him from seeing Summer's hurt look.

"You always tell me not to pretend with you," she said quietly, "so don't pretend with me. Tell me what you're thinking."

He felt tears prick at his eyes. He really wasn't being fair with her. She was his best friend after all. "I just can't help thinking that if I had gone out sooner… that she'd still be alive," he choked. "It's my fault she's dead."

"Oh, Scorpius," Summer whispered sadly, "how can you think that? It's not your fault."

She sat down next to him on the bed and put her arm around his shoulders, hugging him close to her. Scorpius closed his eyes, feeling a wave of comfort wash over him.

"If you had gone out sooner," she continued, "you would have died too. You barely knew any defensive spells at all, and certainly none that would have been effective against a Death Eater." She took his hand in her free one. "Your mother would have wanted you to live. She wouldn't have wanted you to spend your whole life feeling guilty. You need to hold on to the good memories you have of her, and not let them be tainted by anything else." Her voice broke at the end and he pulled her into a proper hug, nestling his face in her neck.

It seemed like such a long time ago that they were both laughing and joking at his party, but it was really only last night. He wished they didn't have anything to be sad about. He wished they could be kids again. He wished they could have peace from the nightmares.

"Do you want to sleep here until morning?" he asked.

She shook her head, still hugging him. "No, it's almost dawn. I'll just go for a run."

"Alright," he said softly. "Be careful. I'm not sure I like you going out this early."

She chuckled. "Don't worry about me. I don't need anyone to take care of me. I haven't for a while now."

"That doesn't mean that I can't try," Scorpius said quietly to himself once she had left the room.

It was September 1—Scorpius' birthday and the day they left for Hogwarts. Scorpius didn't go back to sleep after his nightmare. He just lay in bed and thought. He tried to hold on to the good memories that he had of his mother. There were a lot of them, but they all seemed tainted by his nightmare—a reminder of his pain.

The Death Eaters had not all been captured after the Battle of Hogwarts. Many of the cowardly ones fled and hid until the heat died down, allowing the more loyal servants to be locked away. Later they reappeared, avenging their lord in the only way they could: killing. But they were still cowards. None of them dared go after Harry Potter or the other heroes of the War. Instead they went after muggles and muggle borns and those more defenseless.

And they also went after any of their former members that they saw as traitors.

Draco Malfoy was seen as a traitor by both sides, and he made the perfect target for a group of vengeful ex-Death Eaters. Draco had paid the price for what he did as a teenager, but it was not with his own life.

Scorpius loved his father dearly, but it just wasn't the same without his mother around. They both missed her. They both were broken without her.

But Summer was right. He couldn't let himself become consumed by hatred and guilt. He had to move on.

Easier said than done.

Platform nine and three-quarters was only busy during a few days out of the whole year, and September 1 was the busiest day of them all. All the parents wanted to see their children off, especially those going into their first year. Friends were reunited from not seeing each other over summer break, squealing and screaming as children will. Owls, cats, and toads screeched and hissed at all the noise, inadvertently adding to it.

Scorpius and Summer arrived at the station earlier than usual, just so they could avoid all the hullaballoo and get a decent compartment. Draco had to go into work and was unable to see them off. Scorpius was a little disappointed at that, but he knew his father only worked so much in order to provide for his family's future.

"Just think," said Summer as she stepped through the brick wall and joined Scorpius on the hidden platform, "this is our last train ride to Hogwarts. Unless you count Christmas… and Easter..."

Thankfully, the platform was nearly deserted. Scorpius only saw several families so far, and they only seemed to be there because they each had a prefect in them.

They waved as he and Summer passed.

"At least we'll get a good compartment," said Summer brightly. "You want front or back?"

Scorpius considered both options. "Back," he decided. "Less traffic, and we'll be able to go through our rounds after the meeting just by walking back to the compartment."

"Sounds good to me."

They both began pushing their trolleys towards the rear of the train.

Scorpius glanced down at the empty owl cage on top of Summer's trunk. "I suppose you let Eowyn fly to Hogwarts again," he said.

"Of course. You know Eowyn hates cages," said Summer. "They frighten her."

"Then why do you still keep that thing?" he asked.

Summer shrugged. "More to let everyone know that I still own her."

"And not the other way round?" asked Scorpius with a smirk.

Summer smacked him upside the head.

Scorpius' owl Eomer (whom Summer had named) gave her a baleful look.

"What?" she asked defensively. "He deserved it!"

Eomer just hooted and tucked his head back under his wing.

By the time their trunks and cages were safely tucked away in the overhead storage of the very last compartment, the Potters and Weasleys had arrived.

Summer and Scorpius both went back outside to say hello (and goodbye).

Rose seemed to be in a state of near panic. "I told you that we were going to be late!" she frantically told her weary parents.

Ron sighed. "You know we had to drive because Hugo can't appartate yet."

"But you could've let me apparate by myself!"

"But then we wouldn't have been able to spend that time with you," reasoned Hermione.

"But look!" cried a distressed Rose, pointing at Summer. "Summer's here!"

"What?" asked Summer, confused, as all eyes turned towards her. "I'm not late. I'm always early!"

"Exactly!" exclaimed Rose. "You're always early, but if I'm not earlier than you, then that means that I'm late!"

The entire group stared at her like she was insane.

Which, thought Scorpius, apparently she is.

"I'm not sure that's how it works," he said hesitantly.

Rose rounded on him, as if just barely noticing. She gasped and clutched her cheeks. "Oh no! I'm later than the Head Boy as well!"

Scorpius gaped at her and Summer nodded, though she had raised her eyebrows in disbelief. "Well I don't think he'll hold it against you, or anything."

Rose blinked and shook her head. "Right well." She turned to her parents. "Mum, dad, I love you, I will miss you, I will look after Hugo, and I will see you at Christmas." She gave them both a quick hug. "But now I really must go!" With that, she grabbed Scorpius wrist and dragged him towards the front of the train.

He looked back at them as he was tugged along, smiling and waving.

Hugo shook his head. "She's barking mad, that one."

"She's even worse than you," Ron mumbled to his wife. Hermione smacked him on the arm.

"And that's why we never get involved," said Harry. Hermione smacked him as well.

The kids all rolled their eyes and Ginny just laughed.

"Where's James?" asked Summer.

Al scowled. "Still asleep. The train doesn't even leave that early!"

"Now do you understand why I think everyone should get up earlier?" Summer asked.

Al shook his head. "Before ten? Maybe. Before seven? Never."

Summer rolled her eyes.

With many promises to write as often as possible, the Potter and Weasley children boarded the train just before it was time to go.

Summer stared out the window of the compartment. Outside on the platform, families were still exchanging last minute goodbyes and hugs, even until the train began moving. Mothers, fathers, and older siblings—all of them had come to see off the kids that wouldn't be home until Christmas.

Al watched Summer's face, but she didn't betray any feelings. Her face might as well have been made of stone.

"You really miss them, huh?"

She glanced over at him, and then let her gaze wander back over to the window. "Every day," she whispered.

Al couldn't pretend to know what it felt like, that was Scorpius' area. He could only offer support. But even that didn't seem like much.

Summer wasn't one to stay glum for long, though. So very soon she turned away from the window and smiled at him.

"Well, it's our last year. I say we make it a memorable one."

Al grinned. "It's going to be more than memorable," he told her. "It's going to be epic."

Al had thought that the train ride, all alone with Summer for the first time since he had developed his crush, was going to be awkward. But it turned out that his fears were unfounded. It was business as usual in Summer's own personal crazy town. She had brought her very favorite muggle card deck, and they played blackjack and Texas Hold'em until Summer felt she had won enough.

When the food trolley came by, Al and Summer bought enough sweets to start betting in their games.

"You know," said Summer between bites of a pumpkin pasty (that she had just won), "I've been thinking of going on a diet."

Al nearly spat out his cauldron cake (bought not won). "What?" he gasped once he had swallowed. "You're joking, right?"

Summer shrugged. "Not really."

Al gaped at her. "Uh, Summer, not to be rude or anything, but… you couldn't diet to save your life."

Summer swallowed forcefully and fixed him with an irritated look. "What's that supposed to mean?" she demanded.

Al rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, to be honest… you eat more than anybody else I know, and that includes the guys."

Summer stared at him for a minute, and Al was worried that she was going to curse him.

"I'll have you know," she said calmly, "that I can diet and that I will diet…." She glanced down at the pile of sweets. "Just not today," she finished, and snatching up a chocolate frog, violently bit the head off.

Al sighed in relief. "Don't scare me like that," he joked. "The day you go on a diet is the day I know you're dying."

Summer laughed but still put a threatening finger in his face. "You best watch your mouth, boy. I know where you sleep."

Al gulped.

The prefect meeting finally ended, and Rose and Scorpius were able to leave the prefects compartment. Rose followed Scorpius down the aisle, occasionally stopping fights or confiscating illegal items, until they reached the compartment their friends were in.

Scorpius turned to her and raised his eyebrows. "What kind of trouble do you think they've gotten themselves into?" he asked.

Rose tisked. "Knowing them, they've destroyed the entire compartment and eaten their body weight in sweets."

Scorpius laughed. "You mean Summer has eaten both their body weights in sweets."

Rose nodded in agreement. "You're probably right."

They both steeled themselves for what was to come. Scorpius slid the compartment door open and they stepped inside just as there was a small boom! and explosion from one of the benches.

Al and Summer had moved on from muggle card games and started amusing themselves with exploding snap. Al had just gotten a face full of the exploding bit, andSummer was laughing hysterically at his singed hair and powdery face.

Scorpius raised his eyebrows at them. "Looks like we got here just in time."

"Yea-haha," wheezed Summer. "Just in time to see Al get a face full!" She rolled right onto the floor in a fit of laughter.

Al scowled at her. "You wouldn't be laughing if it happened to you."

"That's where you're wrong," said Scorpius, sitting down on the opposite bench. "She'd just find a reason to laugh at you anyway."

Al grumbled but he knew it was true. They all did.

Rose took a seat beside Scorpius and Summer heaved herself back into her seat. She was still grinning.

"So," she asked, "how was your meeting?"

"It went well," replied Rose. "We got the new prefects settled in and we set the patrol schedules. Although," she shot Scorpius an annoyed look, "he didn't help at all with the schedules."

Scorpius balked. "You made them all! What was there for me to do?"

"You could have changed something or fixed something."

"There was nothing to fix!"

"Of course there was! That's why I asked you!"

"You asked me to look at them! And I thought they were brilliant!"

Rose paused mid-comeback. "Really?"

Scorpius rolled his eyes and let out a breath. "Really. I would have said something if I thought they needed fixing. But there was nothing there that I would have changed. You're fantastic at things like that—with all the little details."

"…oh," said Rose, at a sudden loss for words. "That's… that was really sweet."

Both of them stared at each other, unsure what to say.

"Uh… guys." They both jumped and looked at Summer. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," said Rose hurriedly.

"We're great," added Scorpius.

Summer stared at them blankly for a moment. "Okay then," she said with a shrug.

Rose sank back into her corner, feeling like the almost-moment was ruined. She sighed softly. It was hard for her sometimes- trying to act normal and unaffected when every time she saw Scorpius, her heart rate increased and her face wanted to imitate a tomato. They had been friends for so long that she was able to do it, but there were times that she still said something stupid. It had started in their fourth year, when Scorpius had first joined the Quidditch team. With all the physical exercise, he had filled out. But Rose wasn't one of the shallow girls that only cared about looks (although they helped). She had known him since her first day at school. She liked Scorpius because he was smart and funny. He stood up for what he believed in, and he didn't dismiss anyone just because they weren't socially accepted.

And here she was, forced to just sit and talk to him when all she wanted to do was snog him.

Even now she was just staring at him like a stalker, and he didn't even notice. He, Al, and Summer were all laughing and joking together.

Rose just sat quietly in her corner. Sometimes she couldn't help feeling left out. She was the Ravenclaw outsider that hung around the new Golden trio of Gryffindor. They all played Quidditch, and she didn't. They all were incredibly good looking, and while she wasn't bad looking herself, she felt plain next to them. They were the most popular group in Hogwarts, whether they knew it or not; and she was just that slightly awkward Claw who spent half her life in the library.

Because, that was all she had. Her brains. So she put all her time and energy into studying and practicing and learning. But even there, she could never beat Scorpius. No matter how hard she worked, he was still at the same level as she.

Rose glanced out the window. It was still light, so they had a bit more to go before they would reach the castle. And since she was practically invisible at the moment, Rose decided to go find her Ravenclaw friends. Maybe she would actually be included in the conversation then.

She turned to the others, to let them know she was leaving, and was met with the sight of Scorpius Malfoy, grinning at her and holding a chess board.

"Best 2 out of 3?"

She grinned back. Sometimes, he was psychic. Hot and psychic.

The train pulled into Hogsmeade station with a jolt. Rose jumped out of her seat with surprising speed.

"We're here! Come on Scor, we have to help the first years!" She bodily pulled him out of his seat and dragged him out the door. He only had time to cast them one last harried glance before he was gone.

Summer turned to Al. "I guess that leaves us."

They had long ago changed into their robes, so they sat in the compartment until the train and platform had cleared a bit. The mad scramble to get in the first carriage available only caused everything to become bottlenecked and blocked. Many times, a second year or two was trampled. The first years were usually protected by Hagrid and through the diligence of the Head Boy and Girl.

When Al and Summer finally got around to exiting the train, there were only about a dozen students left, including Rose and Scorpius.

The two suddenly appeared next to Al. "Oh good," said Rose. "You're still here."

Scorpius watched a skeletal black thestral pull a carriage up next to them. As if sensing his gaze, the creature turned and looked right at him. Scorpius didn't look away.

Summer came and stood next to him, looking in the same direction. "Is it looking at us?"

Scorpius glanced at her. She was staring at the thestral, looking paler than normal. Scorpius looked back at it. The creature turned away and faced forward once again. "I don't know," he said to Summer.

Al was staring at the spot in front of their carriage with distrust. "I don't like it. How can you trust something that you can't even see?"

"They're not that bad," said Summer. "Theyre just like really thin black horse… dragon… things."

She turned to grin at Al but found him staring at her in shock. She then noticed that Rose was as well.

"What?" she asked looking at them both.

"You can see thestrals?" Rose asked quietly, since Al seemed incapable of words.

"Yes," Summer replied uncertainly.

There was an awkward silence. Sensing that something (or more likely someone) was about to blow, Scorpius hurriedly shepherded them into the carriage. "Come on, we don't want to be late."

It was not a moment too soon, for just as he shut the door and the carriage began moving, Al lost it.

"How could you not tell us that?!" he cried. "We've been friends for seven years and you didn't even think to tell us that?!"

"No!" Summer replied, suddenly angry. "I didn't. Because I've always been able to see them, from the first year that we've used the carriages I've been able to see them. I just thought that everyone could see them as well. It wasn't until Scorpius was finally able to see them that I realized!"

All eyes turned to Scorpius.

"You knew I could see them," he said quickly, putting his hands up defensively.

"Yeah," grumbled Al. "But you could have mentioned that another member of our party could."

"It wasn't my place," said Scorpius simply.

Rose decided to take the more delicate approach. She laid a hand on Summer's arm.

"Was it because of your parents?" she asked.

Summer refused to meet any of their eyes. "I don't know."

"But if it started during our second year-" insisted Rose.

"I don't know."

Rose withdrew her hand quickly, looking hurt.

Summer looked away guiltily and sighed. She leaned back in the seat and closed her eyes. She thought back on that day. She had just come home from the train station after her first year at Hogwarts. She remembered eating dinner and then talking with her parents, and then-nothing. She woke up in the rubble of her home with no recollection of what had happened.

"I wish I knew," she whispered. "You don't know what it's like—not remembering the death of your parents when you must have been right there. They died and I can't even remember what happened. There's just this huge empty place in my head," she dropped her head into her hands. "They die, I'm found in the wreckage of our home, unable to remember a thing, and then suddenly, I can see thestrals!" She lifted her head and laughed. "Why do you think I never told you?"

Al and Rose exchanged a worried glance. They hardly ever saw Summer any other way than happy. The last time Al saw her that way, was the day his dad brought her home. The normally bright, bubbly ball of sunshine was suddenly a crying mess and an orphan with nowhere else to go.

Summer watched them sadly. She had always had the gap in her memories. The entire night of her parent's deaths was just gone. It had nearly driven her mad in the beginning. She had always wanted so desperately to know what had happened, but her wish was never granted. And now…

"Being able to see thestrals means that I've seen death," she said softly. "I know the death I must have seen, but I can't remember. I'm not sure I want to either."

An awkward, somber silence had enveloped the carriage, reminding everyone why they never talked about Summer's past.

Summer sighed. "Look, let's not start off the school year like this," she pleaded. "I'm sorry I never told you guys about the thestrals. I just… I hate to think about it. It makes me sad."

The others let out a breath. "We understand," said Rose kindly.

Al nodded in agreement, though he kept his arms firmly crossed over his chest. "Yeah. Just remember, we're always here for you."

Summer smiled at them, but even as she did, she was locking her heart away. She didn't need anyone. She never had.

The Great Hall looked as magnificent as ever, when the four friends finally made it inside. The enchanted ceiling showed that it had started raining outside, and all of them were glad they had avoided getting soaked. Perhaps with the exception of Summer.

Floating candles gave off a warm, inviting light and successfully blocked out the lightning from the ceiling above. most of the students were already seated.

"See you, then," said Rose. With a wave, she left them and went to sit at the Ravenclaw table.

Sadly, Scorpius watched her go. He got used to hanging out with her a lot over the summer and, for a moment, had forgotten that she wasn't in the same house.

He followed Al and Summer over to the Gryffindor table, and they all sat at the end nearest the doors. Seventh years always took that area so they could make a speedy getaway and avoid the congestion that was sure to happen once the feast was over.

Scorpius spotted Lily and Hugo sitting with the other fifth years, as well as Roxanne (Fred's sister) in the sixth year section. Currently there were only seven immediate Weasleys and Potters in Hogwarts; but if all the family friends were included, then the Wotters still made up a small army.

It wasn't long until the Sorting began. Each house gained a handful of first years, and nothing truly exciting or memorable happened. Scorpius grimly thought back on his own Sorting. Students still occasionally talked about it whenever the gossip well ran dry.

After the hat and stool had been taken away, McGonagall stood up. The whispering died down as the entire student body gave their full attention to the Headmistress.

She gave them all a tight smile. "I trust you all had a productive summer." There were many chuckles from the older students and panicked looks exchanged by the younger.

"Before we begin this excellent feast, I have a few announcements to make. First of all, the Forbidden Forest is in fact forbidden, though many of you wish to believe otherwise." She turned her gaze toward the Gryffindor table. "Though, perhaps we shall have a more peaceful year with a number of our students gone." Every member of the Potter and Weasley families smirked at that. It wasn't a mystery who she was referring to.

McGonagall pursed her lips momentarily. "A list of all banned items can be found in the caretaker's office, though no one has ever consulted it before so I think it is highly unlikely that anyone will do so this year." Many students laughed.

"And finally, I am now officially announcing that this will be my last year as Headmistress of Hogwarts." She had barely gotten the words out when a noisy protest began. All the students (sans first years) were expressing their great disapproval at her statement. McGonagall, despite her stern and strict ways, was an excellent teacher and genuinely cared for all the students.

McGonagall gave everyone a stern look and they quieted down, though they were still glaring and frowning. A few girls had even burst into tears. "I have had a most wonderful experience teaching all of you, and your parents for some of you." Al smirked. "But I feel that it is high time for me to step down. I shall miss you all very much, but I have full confidence that you will continue to learn and grow under the supervision of the new Headmaster… whoever he may be," she added upon seeing the curious faces before her.

"And now, quoting the words of a great man, 'tuck in'."

The feast appeared on the tables before them, and conversation broke out in the Hall concerning McGonagall's revelation.

"Well, it explains why she was joking so much," said Summer as she dished out a hearty portion of chicken. "She's never usually that-"

"Unserious?" piped up Al.

Summer frowned at him. "That's not even a word."

"Actually, it is," said Scorpius, swallowing his mashed potatoes.

Summer glared at him. Brandishing her fork at him, she said, "You need to learn to keep your mouth shut."

"No, you just need to get a dictionary."

The feast continued on. By the time dessert came around, any sadness or disappointment was forgotten, as was usually the case when an excess amount of food was available.

While everyone around them was occupied with laughing and chatting, Scorpius took the opportunity to lean in to Summer and whisper, "Are you alright?"

She looked at him and her smile faltered for a moment. But then it was back, just as bright as before.

"Course," she replied. "Or at least I will be in the morning."

Scorpius just gave her a look. She turned away from him and he sighed. This year was looking like it was going to be hard, and it had barely just begun.

[A/N: The names Eowyn and Eomer both belong to J.R.R. Tolkien. Also, apologies for any typos that I missed. Reviews would be greatly appreciated as they motivate me to write more :)]