Chapter 10! Already! YAY! And it's long! Beware! This chapter is pretty dramatic! Hopefully you like it!

I never thought I would stoop to this level. But here I was sitting on the bed, my hands resting patiently in my lap as I awaited the much-needed advice from the guru. "Wait," my roommate paused, "can you go through it one more time?"

It was hard enough dragging myself out of bed this morning with my pounding headache and desire to cling to my soft blankets but the hardest part was willing myself to go to Erin. She may have been my roommate but we lack similar interests. I enjoy books, food, and a stimulating game of Quidditch, whereas Erin likes ribbons, discussing boys, and Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop. The only reason I had sought her out today was to analyze what had occurred while I was heavily intoxicated.

Taking a deep breath, I massaged my temples and spoke. "We don't like each other. I'm just making that absolutely clear before another person even considers that to be an option. It's just that once we had both downed a few drinks we got friendlier. And I touched his arm and held his hand as he broke down a wall by telling me an extremely personal story. Is that…weird or… abnormal? You don't think he thinks that I actually like him. Do you?" I asked with an edge of panic in my voice.

"Well," Erin smiled sweetly with a flip of her glossy chocolate colored hair, "given the fact that the pair of you were a tad buzzed I would say that the situation wasn't too out of sorts." I sighed, relieved by the news. "But," I groaned inwardly as Erin continued, "I must say his story was quite touching. Though, don't you think he was holding back?"

"No," I replied, shaking my head, "he looked quite depressed. Like the more he revealed the harder it was for him to continue."

My girly roommate rolled her eyes. She sat beside me on her bed and adjusted her shortened skirt as she crossed her legs. "But why you?"

"What do you mean?" I asked creasing my eyebrows.

"It wouldn't surprise anyone to say that you and Scorpius aren't exactly on the best of terms." I nodded. "So I guess what I'm asking is why did he yell at Warrington, his friend, to protect you?"

And I froze. I had expected Erin to give me her input as she giggled like a school girl. But I hadn't expected her to be intelligent. Since when was the girl who received a Troll in Charms able to psychoanalyze Malfoy and I. Behind all the hairspray and glitter was a girl who knew her stuff. She definitely had a point. Sure, what Malfoy did on the pitch was remarkable for anyone and for him it was miraculous. Still, why protect me and my reputation when all he had done these past years is try to tear it down with insults and bitter lies.

"I have no clue."

"You might want to figure that out," she suggested, a grin tugging on her glossy lips.

"You're right," I nodded before standing up. "I'll be back… later. There's something I need to do."

She shrugged, "Go ahead. My work is done here."

Without hesitation my feet set in motion and carried me out of the sixth year dormitory. I whipped past a crowd of third and fourth year boys on their way to breakfast to scuffle out of the portrait hole in order to make it towards those bloody ever-changing stairs. Not bothering to wait for them to shift I hopped on and flew down the steps. Flight after flight I rushed seeking the bottom. Reaching the dungeons I raced through the labyrinth of hallways and secret nooks until I was sure I had reached the darkest, coldest corner.

A few Slytherin's had just stumbled out of the entrance. "Thanks," I called out as I leaped inside with the moody students giving me disgusted looks. It wasn't every day that a Gryffindor raided their palace. Further inside more and more Slytherins lounging on loveseats, catching up on assignments, and leaving their dorms were awestruck because of my presence. Finally I came face to face with the destination I was searching for. I twisted the knob and flung the door open. Stepping through the doorway and into the emerald and silver covered room I came in contact with a few scantily clad males.

Zabini's eyes grew in size. "What the hell!" he yelled, raising his sheets to cover him and his boxers.

Xander Pucey sauntered over towards me and crossed his arms. "What the bloody hell do you want, Weasley?"

I brushed my hair back behind my ear and stood up straighter. "I'm here to see Malfoy."

"Uh, mate!" Xander called into the bathroom. "You might want to come out and see this!"

"What do you want? I was just in the middle of—" Scorpius paused. He draped the towel that had just been drying his head over his shoulder. His toned chest was bare, only decorated with a few droplets of water. A pair of slacks covered his lower half, thankfully. It was already awkward enough to see him shirtless. Had he been wearing even less I'm not sure how confident I would appear staring at his torso. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to say thank you."

"For what?"

I eyed Pucey. I didn't want to be the one to mention his confession. Even if we weren't friends I could at least respect that. "I think you know."

Scorpius rubbed his hands over his face in frustration. "Guys, would you mind giving us a minute?" The boys did as told, only after Zephyr collected his clothes.

"Scorp—"

"You can't just walk in here!"

"I know."

Malfoy scowled, "No! You clearly don't know! What the bloody hell were you thinking? Do you want people to start talking?"

I put my hands up in defense. "I didn't come here to start any trouble. The only reason I'm here is because I realized I never said thanks for what you did with Warrington."

"It couldn't have waited until later, when we had potions or something?"

"I didn't exactly think it through but—"

"No! You didn't!"

I closed my eyes and sighed, "Scorpius, I'm sorry."

He shook his head and wandered towards the bathroom. Pausing before the doorway, Malfoy turned his head and gave me one last fleeting look. "Just go, Rose."

I waited until his figure had disappeared before I left. Yanking on the door knob, I hurried down the boy's stairs.

"Rose?"

My feet came to a halt. In front of me stood Lorcan Scamander. "Hi."

Lorcan stepped up beside me and gave me one of his usual bewildered expressions. "You're in the Slytherin common room?"

"Yeah," I laughed weakly, "I'm here!"

"Scorpius?" he asked gesturing towards his dormitory. "What. Did he put flobberworms in your hair again?"

"No. I was actually here to thank him. It just did not go the way I had planned."

"You'll have to excuse Scorpius. He's not exactly a fan of surprises. Especially in his dorm room."

"I'll have to remember that," I smiled. "But I've got to go. I have some last minute Potions work to do."

Lorcan opened his mouth to speak. "Rose, you know I'm not mad at you."

"Thanks," I replied honestly. "It is nice to know that I've got the Slytherins and my roommates on my side."

"Don't forget Louis."

"Right. Louis too. Anyway," I took a step towards the exit, "I have really got to get going. I'll see you later in History of Magic. We'll pass notes."

Rose,

Your father and I send our apologies for not writing to you earlier. I hope you are keeping up with your studies. Make sure to pay extra attention in Potions class. We both know how difficult it was for you to make it to the NEWT level and I don't want you dropping out because you can not keep up with the course load.

You should also remember to take care of your brother. Professor McGonagall has already sent us home three letters based on his attitude and actions inside the classroom. I must say his cousin James has been rubbing off on him. Next thing you know he will be visiting the headmistress daily. I am counting on you to be a good influence.

Speaking of which, your father wishes for me to address this. According to your cousins you have teamed up with another team instead of Gryffindor for this tournament. First I must say that I am very proud of you for striving for inter-house unity. Working with Ravenclaw and Slytherin must be a new step for you. This will definitely benefit you once you become a healer. But I also have to say your actions were quite startling. As your parent it was very concerning to hear that you turned your back on your family to earn a Quidditch contract. From what Hugo tells me James is very broken up about your decision to abandon the team and Roxanne hasn't been acting the same since. This just seems extremely unlike you. I am very worried and I hope you can find a way to set everything straight.

Love Always,

Mum

P.S. Your father asked me to add that he wants you to remember what he said and to stay away from Malfoy.

I crumpled up the letter and chucked it across the room and into the burning fireplace. In frustration I raked my nails through my bright mane and groaned. Yes, I had expected to receive a note from my parents at some point but to finally get it was just bloody awful. My own father hadn't even written a word. He had just used my mother as an owl to deliver me his words. And my mum. Sure, she had been kind about the whole ordeal but behind those polite phrases were feelings of disappointment. Worst of all she had brought up my future as a healer. Sixteen years and she still has yet to figure out that what she wants for me is not what I want for myself.

I sat in my favorite armchair, the one I have not been able to occupy since the "incident," thinking about what my mother had wrote. My legs were tucked up behind me and I cradled my head in my palm. Thankfully it was late enough so everyone was upstairs sleeping, allowing me the opportunity to have the entire common room to myself. The fire crackled around the logs and my eyes started to droop as the warmth lulled me to sleep. With my eyes half closed I caught sight of a figure walking along side the sofa.

"Hugo?" I asked in a weary voice. "Is—is that you?"

My brother ignored me and continued to walk forward.

"Hugo, where are you going?"

Still no response as he woke the Fat Lady by stepping into the corridor. Slowly I got onto my feet and shuffled over in the direction of my twit of a brother.

The hallway was much colder with the absence of the fireplace. Squinting into the darkness, I spotted Hugo. I rushed forward and made sure to stay as silent as possible so I was sure not to stir Mrs. Norris. "Hugo Ignatius Weasley!" I whisper yelled. "Stop!"

Of course. Ever since he was old enough to toddle Hugo has had a habit of sleepwalking. It was only natural that he would do it here at Hogwarts. Stupid little brat had to make this more difficult for me. "Screw it," I huffed before yanking my wand out of my knee high sock. "Stupefy!" My brother flew forward, crashing onto his freckled face. "Shit!" I exclaimed before hurrying towards him. "Ennervate!"

"Ugh," he moaned. "What the f—"

"Hugo!" I knelt to the ground. "Are you okay?"

"Damn it! Rose, what the bloody hell happened?"

"Well, you were sleepwalking and I couldn't get your attention so I stupified you."

"Godric, Rose!" Hugo scrambled onto his feet and sneered at me, "Was that really the best choice? Merlin!"

"Where are you going?" I questioned as he turned to stroll further into the castle.

He whipped around to face me. "To the kitchens!"

"I got a letter from mum and dad," I blurted. "Well, mainly mum. She's worried about you. Why are you getting into trouble? You have never been like this!"

"Yeah? Since when did you care?"

"I've always cared. Just because I quit the team does not mean I don't care!"

Hugo fought to suppress a laugh. "Really? What'd mum have to say about that?"

"She's upset," I admitted. "Worried that I am not behaving like myself."

"They kick you out of the family?"

"Why would they do that?"

"Why not?" Hugo shrugged. "The rest of us already have."

I felt my stomach drop and my heart seemed to skip a beat. My legs were locked into place and my chest felt like someone had hit it with a stinging hex. The world was spinning. If it was possible for one's heart to break this must have been what it felt like.

It was already five minutes past midnight and I knew he would be waiting. That meant I would have hell to pay for keeping him waiting.

"You're late." He frowned at the sight of me as came around the corner. "Is this going to be a regular occurrence or is this just a special occasion?" he mocked.

"Ha. Ha," I said with a roll of my eyes. "Should we start out rounds?"

Malfoy gave a single nod. "Let's start on the main three floors together and after that we'll split up. I will head to the dungeons and you can manage the top floors."

"Great. I get to disturb the couples in the Astronomy Tower."

"Yes but I have got the scary dungeons. Hate to break it to you, Red, but only a real man can handle what lurks in those shadows."

I smirked and gestured over my shoulder, "Should I go get one then? We seem to be lacking in the real man department."

Scorpius narrowed his eyes at me and shook his head. "I should have prepared myself for that."

"Yeah," I nodded. "Well, let's get going. I think I saw a pair of fifth years heading towards the Transfiguration classroom on my way down here."

"Lovely. I get to spend my night cock-blocking randy underclassmen."

"I am sure you can handle one night away from your philandering ways. Your… friends will survive."

Malfoy dug his fisted hands into his pockets and looked down at me disapprovingly. His strong jaw was clenched as if trying to prevent himself from spewing angry words. Based on his posture I took the cue that it was time to be quiet and focus on our prefect duties.

The castle was so silent even the faint sounds of purring could be heard echoing off the stone walls. The moon glowed through the window and spotlighted the tiny specks of dust as they danced in the chilly air. It was only the end of October, the night before Halloween to be exact, but I could already see a faint cloud with each of my breaths. It was times like these where I wish I had opted to bring a jumper. Goosebumps seemed to have infiltrated my body because as I looked down to examine my bare arm every hair was standing on end. As we came upon the hallway, only a few meters away from our destination, I could no longer stand the silence. "So why did you stop him? It's not like we're exactly friends."

Malfoy huffed, "I thought we decided to let this go. I don't want to discuss this."

My fingers reached out and grabbed his forearm. We twisted towards each other and I offered a pleading look. "Please."

Scorpius stepped back so he was out of my reach. "Not now, Rose."

"Well, then when?" I asked, frustrated with the boy in front of me. "I'm sick of waiting when all I want is a simple answer!"

His eyes flashed with worry. "Keep your voice down or we'll alert the couple." I just wasn't sure if he was worried about them or that I was seeking answers.

"Fine," I grumbled before striding towards him and yanking him into the nearby broom cupboard. "Talk."

"Lumos." He held his wand close to our faces. The bright light made his hair shine and it illuminated his livid face. "You are insufferable!"

"I am not letting you out until you start explaining," I said crossing my arms and staring him down with eyes that could challenge a basilisk.

"Could you just drop it?"

"No, I can't! I'm sorry but it matters to—"

"You are making me go mad!"

"Excuse me!" I snapped. My heart was pounding in my chest as the fury raged inside of me. All Scorpius could do was stare as my Weasley temper got the best of me. "But could you let me finish before you go off on a tangent! I know you think this is stupid. I got that after my visit to your dorm the other day. But I waited too long and I am frustrated that it took me this long to even tell you how thankful I am," I paused to catch my breath. "And I guess now I am just trying to understand why you would stand up for me. When have I ever done anything for you to earn that kind of respect? Since when does a pureblood stand up for a mudblood?"

"Don't use that word."

"Why?" I challenged. "Does it bother you?"

"Yes."

"Than fucking tell me!"

Malfoy reached out and took hold of my shoulders. "Rose, calm down. It's late and we don't want Filch to murder us for disturbing the castle."

"I am not afraid of Filch," I bit as I peeled my shoulders out of his grip.

"Do you really want to know? Fine, I'll tell you," Malfoy surrendered.

He placed his lit wand on the shelf behind us and started, "Once I was old enough to understand, my father told me the story of the war. It isn't exactly the one told in History of Magic but my father made sure to tell me the truth even if it wasn't what I wanted to hear. Yes, he may have been a Death Eater and he may have made some bad decisions but he did it to save his family. All he wanted for me was to have a better life. And the second I opened my mouth and said that filthy word I thought I had ruined it. I learned better than some of my housemates. They still fling around that word and their blood prejudices like it means nothing. All I'm trying to do is erase the past as best I can and not walk down the street and be labeled a Death Eater. The others aren't exactly helping the cause with their ignorance."

"I don't think of you as a Death Eater."

"Great," Scorpius smiled. "Now try convincing the rest of the world."

An insane thought flitted through my mind as I stood in that cramped broom closet with my chest almost touching Malfoy's. I realized that had I been here with another boy he would be snogging me right now. Instinctively I let my tongue moisten my lips and I timidly glanced up at him with my dark blue eyes.

Before I knew it a giggle sanded outside and the door was ripped open. Standing in the moonlit corridor was Lia and her freshly manicured hand was intertwined with my cousin's. My cousin James's. Her baby blue eyes were wide in confusion as she glanced back and forth between me and Scorpius. "What?" she mouthed, unable to form words.

"Rose!" James unlinked his hand from my roommate's and pointed his finger at me. "What are you doing with him?"

"We were patrolling," Scorpius spoke.

"I didn't ask you, Malfoy!"

"James," I started timidly, "it isn't at all what it looks like. We were just—"

"Just what? Tell me, Rose. Are you shagging this wanker?"

"Potter, you don't need to blow this out of proportion."

"Shut your trap Malfoy before I repeat what happened in fourth year!"

I ignored my hot-headed cousin and looked pleadingly at the girl by his side. "Please, Lia. Could you reason with him?"

Amelia shook her head slowly and choked back the lump in her throat that seemed to be preventing her from speaking. "I don't think I can."

"Why not?" I cocked my head to the side.

"I don't believe you."

"Why not?" I repeated, stepping past my cousin and towards her. "What isn't there to understand?"

"Rose, look at the situation! Here you are in the middle of the night with Malfoy in a broom closet! This doesn't look right!"

My flaming hair flew wildly around me as I shook my head. "Scorpius and I were only talking. We were arguing so I dragged him into the—"

"How do you expect us to believe that? And since when has he ever been Scorpius to you? The Rose I know hates Malfoy and you can bloody well believe that she would never snog him! You said there was nothing going on between you two! How could you lie to me? I was your best friend!"

I chocked back tears and cried out, "I didn't lie to you! And you are my best friend!"

"I don't think I can trust you anymore," Lia stood there stunned. Her eyes bore into mine as if she were staring at a stranger, someone she could never believe in.

With a mixture of anger, confusion, and sorrow I did the thing I would regret most. I turned on my best friend. "So you want to talk about lying? Let's talk about you! Since when have you bothered to tell me that you fancy my cousin? How long has this been going on?"

"Since the beginning of the year," she whispered.

"And you haven't bothered to tell me? I have been complaining about him and this bloody tournament since we've got here! You had plenty of opportunities to tell me!"

"I thought you'd be mad considering you two haven't spoken more than five words to each other!"

"Rose," Scorpius warned.

"Just go!" I shouted. "This is between the two of us!"

James came in next to Amelia to come to her defense. "Rose."

"Leave!"

"GO!" Lia snapped.

Both James and Scorpius gave one last glance at us. The innocent little girls they once knew were replaced with women screaming at the top of their lungs like they had lost their minds. Without question the boys left us behind to return to safety before we unleashed our pent up rage on them.

"Whose side are you on, Amelia?"

"I never took your side!" She fought. Her eyes looked down her nose at me and her mouth was curled up in disgust. "You were never right, Rose! You didn't owe Lily anything! If anything you owed James! He was the one that always looked after you! He protected you from scum like Malfoy!"

"You don't even know him!"

"Do you? He's a Slytherin! The son of a Death Eater! He's the reason your life was miserable your first four years! How are you on speaking terms with that prick?"

I balled my hands into fists. My knuckles turned white and my nails were sharp as they attempted to cut into my palms. "Don't talk about him like that! Don't you dare! He's better than that! Better than you!"

"Really?" Lia raised her eyebrow. "Was he the one that comforted you after he hexed you in front of the entire Great Hall? Was he the one that stayed up with you after Andrews dumped you for Alice Longbottom?"

"At least he's not shagging my cousin behind my back!"

"The same cousin you ditched! He was relying on you to win that contract! You know Quidditch means the world to him!"

"It matters to me too! And where is this coming from? How come you never told me how you felt before?"

Lia shrugged, "I guess I was trying to be a good friend. You were upset and you need support."

"I didn't need lies!" I argued. "If you had just spoken up I wouldn't be in the mess!"

"No! If you hadn't been selfish you wouldn't be in this mess! Ever since Mr. Bilderfudd came you have only been thinking about one person! Yourself! It isn't always about you!"

"When you have such a big family you get sick of always being overlooked! I'm sorry I was trying to think of myself for once!"

Lia scoffed, "For once? When have you ever bothered to ask about me? Don't I matter?"

"You get all the attention you want! Look at you! You're beautiful! People wouldn't dare overlook you!"

"I don't care about the attention boys give me! They're boys! All I care about is what my best friend thinks! And you don't even bother to acknowledge me when you've got a problem!"

"I'm done with you," I hissed with venom.

"Same here, Weasley."

"Oh, and Amelia," I smirked menacingly, catching her attention as she turned to leave.

"What?" she growled.

"20 points from Gryffindor."

So? Is it getting dramatic enough? What did you think?
And what do you think happened to Scorpius in fourth year? Tell me what you think!

Next chapter- Halloween feast, wise words, and a kiss.