It seemed every single second year had put the potions assignment off until the last moment; therefore, every single desk had someone in it. Scorpius couldn't remember the last time he shared a studying table; it fact, he wasn't sure he ever had.

He looked around for someone he didn't hate, and the only person he could find was Rose. And even though he should hate her, he didn't. Maybe he should just find someone else. But everyone else he saw he nearly shuddered at the thought of being within 3 feet of.

So it was that he ended up with a Potions book and paper sitting across from Rose Weasley.

After a while, Rose blew air out of her lips and threw her head back in frustration.

"I hate potions. I'm absolute rubbish at it.

"I swear here and now, with you as my witness, I will never use potions in my professional or personal life."

"Here, if you feel the need to sign something, use the back of my essay, it's not like it's good for anything else."

"I just hate, hate potions beyond all rhyme or reason."

"My dad is great at potions."

"I'll pay him to do mine. I don't have any money, but I can make potholders."

Scorpius snorted. "You think my dad actually cooks?"

"Does your Mom do all the cooking?"

"No...we have a house elf for that."

"Oh. What do your parents do all day?"

"Go on vacations. They like to travel and be far away. They read in their room sometimes too."

"They must miss you a lot with so little to keep them busy."

"They're not really like that. They're really strong."

"Not having feelings doesn't make you strong."

"I, I know that...I just meant, we're not that close...and they're pretty reserved."

"Well...that doesn't mean they don't miss you. I'm sure they do a lot."

"They're good people. Good parents. We love each other and all."

Rose smiled at him. "Every family is different, because love looks different to everyone."

"Who said that?"

"Me. Just now. I'm a human, just like Gandhi. I have every right to say profound things if I want. Nobody has to agree, just like nobody has to agree with Gandhi."

"The only difference between those who quote and those who are quoted is the bravery to believe in your own wisdom. Scorpius Malfoy."

"That's beautiful."

"Thanks, I just combed it." Scorpius flipped the little hair on his head. Rose had trouble controlling her laughter. Her blue eyes got big and she had to cover her mouth with her hands but it didn't stop annoying Bethany Dryes from turning around in saying in that nasally voice of hers that she was glad Rose was enjoying herself, but some people were trying to study, so maybe they could take this someplace else?

"No problem, Bethany," Rose said without so much as a glare at her, Rose had tears in her eyes from laughing too hard that made her eyes bluer than normal. "We were just about to head out anyway. Sorry for disturbing you." Bethany said all was forgiven in a most gracious tone and turned back to her book.

Scorpius gathered his things and started walking towards the doors. Rose scurried up to him.

"Hey, aren't you gonna walk me home?"

"You mean to the Hufflepuff dorms?"

"Well if you can sneak out and find your way to my house I'd like to see that but for now I suppose the dorms will do."

"Would you actually have to sneak out?"

"Unless a guardian came to pick you up."

"That's weird to think about. I can't imagine sneaking out of Hogwarts. Who'd want to leave Hogwarts?"

"I don't know. I guess I wouldn't mind going back more often to see my parents but I love it here."

"Of course you do, you get to gaze at my beautiful hair here." Scorpius flipped his hair overdramatically.

"Oh yes, I needed to see your hair every day, so I begged and begged my parents to let me attend Hogwarts and they almost didn't let me—but in the end they figured I may accidentally pick up an education, you know, between all the hair gazing."

"And have you picked up any education?"

"Well I've learned a lot about your hair."

Now Scorpius had to try to contain his laugh. Until he reached the common room.

"Woah." Scorpius stood in almost marvel of the simplest room in the building. Sunlight streamed in and made the whole patchwork, garden room look sacred. It was literally impossible not to feel at home.

Rose's smile widened. "Don't you love it?"

"It's the exact opposite of the Slytherin common room."

"But you love it."

"It's nice."

"Thank you. I agree."

"You didn't decorate it."

"No, but I like to think my ambiance contributes."

Scorpius snorted. "Okay, well I gotta get back to Gloomsville. See you around."

Rose turned and looked him dead in the eye with a knowing smirk. "See you around, Scorpius."

Scorpius walked away as fast as he could, suddenly very uncomfortable in the light. Why did he always let his guard down with her? He had practically just been flirting with her! Like a common Gryffindor, just here for a good time! Oh, if his dad could see him now...