The Eyes of the Wolf

'Are you out of your mind?' Scorpius spluttered. 'A Malfoy spending the biggest holiday of the year in enemy territory?'

'That's all codswallop and you know it,' Rose said. 'Uncle Harry always says that's why he fought in the war: to bring down silly barriers that separate people. And if Uncle Harry agrees, then all the others will, too. It might take some time, but they will. And that's why we have to start right away!' Rose stood up and quenched the fire.

'Wait, start what?' Scorpius ran after her, skidding a few feet on the smooth, icy surface of the lake.

'Start moulding my family. I'll send them an owl, telling them I have found a new friend and that I'd like to bring that friend home for Christmas with me. They're bound to say yes.'

'And what are they bound to do when they see me? Embrace me and drown me in wet kisses?'

'No, I'll tell them who you are after they've agreed to have you. If they start eating their words, I'll send an owl to Uncle Harry. I know he can make it happen.'

'Flower...' Scorpius seized Rose's arm. 'Listen, I really appreciate this, but I don't think it's possible. There's just too much baggage, on my side, too. I don't think father would let me spend Christmas at your house even if your folks agreed.'

'We have to throw out that baggage,' Rose said firmly. She had never been so sure about anything in her entire life, and she had never wanted anything so badly. Well, except her own knight in shining armour. 'And besides, how many generations have to pass before people can act rationally around each other?'

'Maybe...' Scorpius was still holding onto Rose's arm, but his grab wasn't painful. Rose could feel the warmth of his hand, sense his tall, lean body very close to her, see his jewel-like eyes boring deep into hers. It was like soft, pleasant torture.

'I wish -' Scorpius's voice was huskier than usual, and the light in his eyes was coming closer...closer...Rose could feel his breath on her nose...

'Look, it's Soppy and Weirdo! They're kissing!'

The yell made Scorpius pull back harshly. Bob Goyle and Dominic Pucey were laughing and pointing at them in the bank of the lake. Everyone within sight turned to look, and to her horror, Rose saw James and Albus marching towards the castle in their Quidditch gear.

'We have a romance, people!' Bob's voice was echoing in the clear winter air. 'Soppy Malfoy and Weirdo Weasley! What a hot couple!'

Scorpius's mouth tightened, and his eyes no longer looked like jewels; the wolf was about to attack.

'Malfoy's tongue-wrestling with Weasley!' Dominic hollered.

'Scorpius, don't,' Rose said, but Scorpius was already on the move.

'Shut up, you idiot!' He bounded onto Goyle, who fell down despite being much bulkier; it was obvious he hadn't expected more than a verbal attack.

'Scorpius, no!' Rose rushed towards the rolling boys. Bob had already managed to get an upper hand, and he was pushing Scorpius's face into the freezing ground. 'Let him go!' Rose cast an Expelliarmus, but it misfired and blew off a piece of nearby bush.

'Beat him, Bob!'

'Fight! Fight!'

People were gathering around the boys, and in between Sibylla McMillan and Fred Jordan, Rose could see James and Albus traipsing closer.

'Stop it!' she cried, but neither boy noticed her, and the people swarming around them made aiming spells difficult. She shot out a couple more Expelliarmuses, but both fizzled into the ground.

'Stop!'

The cry was followed by a loud bang, and Scorpius and Bob flew apart. A long scratch decorated Bob's nose, and blood was trickling from Scorpius's nose.

'Mr Malfoy, Mr Goyle. Would you mind explaining what in heaven's name is going on here?' Professor McGonagall asked. Despite her grey hair and frail form, she had an air of superior authority.

'He was teasing me,' Scorpius breathed, uttermost loathing in his voice. 'He was mocking me.'

'Well, he was kissing Weasley over at the lake,' Bob mumbled. 'I just made a little joke...'

'Your time is much better spent on your studies, Mr Goyle, seeing that you're on the verge of failing Transfiguration. And Mr Malfoy, fits of temper like this are not tolerated here. If someone interrupts your tender moments, a simple "Bugger off" should be enough. Detention, for the both of you. See Mr Filch tonight at seven.'

McGonagall turned on her heels and walked away, shooing the crowd as she went.

People started scattering, but many were still discussing the scene in low tones. Dominic helped Bob on his feet, and they strolled away after shooting Scorpius a couple of nasty looks.

'Scorpius, are you all right?' Rose knelt on the ground. 'You're bleeding, here, let me help you -'

'I don't need your help!' Scorpius hissed.

'What is this?' James was towering over them, Albus behind his shoulder. 'What was Goyle saying?'

'Goyle is an idiot who doesn't know what he's talking about!' Scorpius spat and stood up. Rose felt like he would have just slapped her on the face, but she forced herself to smile.

'Yeah, he was just teasing.'

'Why were you two talking at the lake?' James asked suspiciously.

Rose didn't reply. Scorpius seemed to be in a seething temper, and she wasn't sure he'd appreciate her spilling out the facts of their friendship.

'You know what, Potter?' Scorpius straightened himself. 'I was talking to your cousin, and I think I'll talk to her whenever I want to. I think I don't care what you think about it.'

'I think you will,' James said, rounding on Scorpius. 'She's my cousin, and I'm looking after her.'

'No!' Rose forced herself between the boys. 'Listen, James, I appreciate your fervour, but I can look after myself. Honestly. And do you think I'd really want to be friends with someone who's not nice to me?'

'Rosie, you know I only want what's best for you,' James said, flexing his muscles. 'And trust me, Malfoy isn't that.'

'He's right, you know,' Albus interjected.

'I'm really grateful, James, but please let me decide myself what's best for me. Please. Please?'

James eyed Scorpius sceptically, but moved back a bit.

'I don't understand what you see in him.'

'And I don't understand some of your choices, but so what?'

'Yes, James,' Titania's calm voice sounded behind Scorpius. 'I for one don't understand why you keep chasing me, even though I'm not interested in you. But Rose is interested in Scorpius and he in her, so we should let it be.'

Rose gritted her teeth. Great, now Scorpius would think she had a violent crush on him. Which she didn't. Absolutely not.

'Thanks, Titania,' she said with a strained smile. 'Er, maybe we should all leave now.'

'I agree,' Scorpius said. He swivelled around and walked away, leaving Rose with a miserable and heavy lump in her chest. Titania took Rose's hand and guided her towards the castle, and James and Albus followed them. But suddenly, as they were halfway across the yard, Scorpius turned around and cried very loudly and very clearly,

'Oh, and Rosie. I would love to spend Christmas with you!'