I got this idea right after reading and watching The Deathly Hallows. This is partially for you, Hayley (fortheloveoffinnick).

I own nothing.

I smile to myself as the train pulls out of King's Cross. Most people would be embarrassed by the way my parents are behaving, but not me. I know that they love me, which is more than I can say for some people. I am lucky, and I know it. I turn to face James and Albus.

This will be both mine and Albus's first year, and we are obviously handling it differently. Mum and Dad have told me all about it, so I am more excited than anything. Albus, on the other hand, has to deal with his brother's persistent antagonizing, so he is worried.

I pat his shoulder, reassuringly. "Don't worry, Albus. I'm sure we'll be fine."

He lends me a wan smile. "What house do you think you'll be in?"

I scrunch up my face in mock concentration. "Hmm. Let me think. Gryffindor, obviously!"

I look over at James, who is deep in conversation with one if his friends, whom I don't remember ever entering the compartment. "What about Ravenclaw? You are smart enough."

I smile at him. "I am flattered, Al, but you seem to forget that my Mum Is brilliant, and she was in Gryffindor. I wish to follow in her footsteps."

James chooses that moment to turn and face us. "Well, good old Alby, here, is going to be in Slytherin. He fits all the requirements, after all."

I gape at him. "James, that is a truly horrid thing to say about your brother"

Albus just shrugs. "That's okay. I'll just be the best wizard Slytherin has ever seen. Though, I do wish to be in Gryffindor."

James shoots a scathing look at Albus for not getting upset at his comment, and turns to face his friend. I'm about to say something else to my dear cousin, when a handsome blonde pauses in front of our compartment, luggage in hand.

"Pardon me, but would you mind if it sat here? It seems there are no open compartments." He looks vaguely familiar, but I can't put my finger on where I know him from.

I nod and wave my hand towards an empty seat. He seems nice. My mind swims with possibilities for a friendship.

I smile at him. "So, are you excited?"

He nods enthusiastically. "Oh, yes. I'm thrilled to expand my magic. It's a pity first years can't play quidditch, though. I'm quite good, if I do say so myself."

"Really? My cousin is going to try out for the team. Aren't you, James?" I nudge his side with my elbow. He simply sends a look dripping with hate towards my new friend, before walking out the door to who-knows-where. I rush to apologize. "I'm sorry about that. He is… well, he's not always that way."

He gives a sad smile. "That's alright. Some people don't like me for my family, particularly my father."

I feel so bad for him. No one should have to suffer for the choices their family makes. "Who's your father?"

He sighs. "I'll tell you, but you have to promise not to get upset."

"Okay." I can't understand who his father could be that would cause me to get upset.

He gives me look. "You have to promise."

I purse my lips. "Fine. I promise not to get upset with you."

He takes a deep breath. "My name is Scorpius Malfoy. Draco Malfoy is my father."

I should have recognized him from when my father pointed him out in the station, but I wasn't really paying attention. A cold shiver runs through my spine, but I shake it off. He is not to blame for his father's choices, no matter how terrible they were. I decide to give him a chance. "Okay. Well, it's only fair that you know my name. I'm Rose Weasley."

He gasps. "The mudblood's daughter?"

A fire burns through my blood. I can't believe he just insulted my mother. And, here, I thought we could become mates. "Get out."

A remorseful look fills his face. "Oh, god. I'm so sorry. It just slipped out."

I level my gaze with his. "Get out," I repeat.

He stays put but grips his trunk. "Rose, I didn't mean it, I swear."

"I do not wish to repeat myself."

"Just give me another chance. I'm nothing like the boy my father used to be, the boy your parents know." It looks as if it will kill him to leave, and I want to do just what he said. But, anyone who insults my family is no friend of mine.

Albus stands up. I forgot he was there. "Are you deaf, Scorpius?" He speaks his name as if it is the worst insult he can think of. "I believe my dear cousin told you to leave."

Scorpius looks at me with pleading in his eyes. "I will only go at her word."

All anger fades away. It pains me to see someone like this, all because of me. If I were compulsive, I would grip his hand and tell him to stay, but I am known for the good head on my shoulders.

Albus turns to me, as well. "Well, Rose?"

I press my lips together and look down at my hands, which are clasped in my lap. My mind knows I should give the rat the boot. But my heart screams for him to stay, yearns for his company. After what seems like ages, I nod. My head has never failed me before, so why start now?

The look on his face stabs my heart, but it's what I have to do. He grabs his luggage and walks out the door. I can't help but feel a part of my heart has left with him. It seems silly, considering we've only known each other for a few minutes, but it feels so right. I can't explain it.

My dear cousin looks triumphant as he sits back down. "I'm glad our compartment is now scum-free."

He shakes his head. "I can't believe he insulted your mum. I actually thought he seemed nice."

I stare longingly at the door, knowing I must seem stupid to him, but not really caring. "Yeah."

Don't hate me just for this chapter. The next one will be better, I swear. review!