The Challenge

Chapter 47

“How was your date with James?” Rose questions. Right when James and I got back, Rose, Rox, Lily, Albus, Andrew and Val bombards me with questions.
“It was nice,” I reply.
“Just nice?” Val questions.
I nod, “yeah.”
“Are you guys boyfriend and girlfriend yet?” Albus asks loudly.
I roll my eyes, “no. I told him I can’t handle dating someone right now because of the twins and that I just need him to be a friend.”
Albus groans, “Sapphire!! You’re supposed to tell him you’re in love with him.”
I give him a weird look, “why?”
“Because you are.” Andrew points out.
I roll my eyes, “am not.”
“Well you fancy him.” Lily says.
“Maybe a little.” Everyone is about to explode but I quickly add, “I have too much in my hands right now though. I told him he can help me and support me.”
“You know.” Andrew starts, “Sapphire has a point.” Thank you! “She wants to focus on raising two kids and doesn’t want any distractions.”
I groan in a sort of relief way. “Thank you.”
“But,” Andrew adds. “It would be easier to have James help. We all know he would do anything for you.”
I roll my eyes, “I just told you guys that James agreed on just helping me and not have a romantic relationship.”
Rox groans, “just get married already.”
I give her a look. “Can we please change the subject?”
“Okay,” Rose says. “What happened to Scorpius? He was really moody earlier.”
I frowned, “we got into a argument. I have to find him and fix it.”
“What did you guys argue about?” Albus questions.
I shake my head, “it’s kinda personal. I really don’t want to talk about it, it might make things worst.”

The next two days Scorpius has been avoiding me. I feel horrible for what I said to him. I try to talk to him but whenever he sees me he walks away not giving me a chance to say anything. I need to make things right with him. I can't stand having him mad at me.
I look around the castle for Scorpius but can't find him. He isn't in the common room or his dorm. I decide to look for Albus or Rose, maybe they know where he is. Instead, I find James. Close enough right? I sneak up behind him and jump onto his back. "Bloody hell." James stumbles. I let go of him and sit on the floor. He looks at me and gives me a weird look. "Two questions. Why did you do that? Why are you sitting on the ground?"
I shrug, "because why not?"
James shakes his head and sighs. "What are you up to?"
"I'm trying to find Scorpius. But I have no idea where he is." I explain. "Do you know?"
"No, sorry." James gives me a sympathetic look. "Haven't worked everything out with him yet?" James sits down in front of me.
I shake my head. "No. I try but he just avoids me. I don't blame him. I'd avoid me too."
"Don't be so hard on yourself, Saph." James says.
I look at him. He looks at me in a caring way. His emerald eyes twinkles and his smile. His smile makes me want to smile too. I push my thoughts away. "You don't understand. I messed up big time." I run my hand through my hair. "I said things. Things I shouldn't have. I wish I could just start this whole year over."
James studies my face and says, "I don't. Well, sometimes I do. But if it did, have continued to play you, Fred and Val might not have gotten together, I might not have fallen for you, we might not become friends....."
I look at him and give him a teasing smirk. "You're such a love sick puppy."
James rolls his eyes. "I'm just saying! Things happen for a reason. You can always try to fix it if you really wanted to."
"I will fix things with Scorpius." I say. "I have to. He's my brother. My only family."
“Well, then use the map to find him.” James says. He reaches into his back pocket and pulls out the map. “I hate seeing you beat yourself up like this.” He hands me the map.
I smile, “thanks James.” I kiss his cheek and stand up. I pull my wand out, “I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.” The map reveals itself and I scan the map for Scorpius’ name. I find his name in the second floor corridor. “I’ll see you later, James.” I hurry off and head to the second floor. I see Scorpius talking to a 3rd year. “Scorp.” He looks at me then walks away. “Scorpius!” I call out and go after him. Scorpius picks up his pace as he goes down the stairs. “Scorpius, I need to talk to you!”
“I don’t want to hear it.” Scorpius growls.
I follow him through the corridors on the first floor. I’m already losing my breath from walking so fast. “Scorpius, please.” I struggle to catch up to him. I start panting heavily but I ignore it. “Scorpius, slow down.” I say.
“Leave me alone.” Scorpius exclaims.
I place my hand on my stomach and stop. I take deep breaths, trying to catch my breath. I lean against the wall. “Scorpius!” I scream, “I said I need to talk to you, damn it!” Me screaming caught the attention of people who were walking by.
Scorpius stops walking and turns around. He looks at me, “what? Do you need my help like always?” You can almost feel the hatred and hurt in his voice.
“I’m sorry!” I cry out. I feel hot tears roll down my cheeks. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” I repeat, each time my voice gets softer and softer.
“Just because you’re crying won’t make me forgive you.” Scorpius hisses. “I’m sorry but I’m tired of all of this. Just stay away from me okay?” He turns and walks away.
I slide down the wall and bring my knees up. I hug my legs and rest my head on my knees. I messed everything up. I always mess things up. Why can’t I do something right for once? For once I want things to turn out the way I want it to. But unfortunately, the world isn’t a wish granting factory. It’s full of disappointments and we have to live with it. I wish I could just disappear. Right here. Right now. I just lost my only real family I had left. Everyone in my family hates me. I don’t know what to do. I feel more alone than ever.
“Well, well, well. Look at what we have here.” I hear a voice.
I look up to see Sam, Tom’s best friend, he is towering over me. Why is it whenever I’m most vulnerable, someone is there to torment me? “I’m really not in the mood right now.” I stand up and try to walk away.
Sam grabs my arm and grips it tightly. “Don’t walk away from me. I heard you and your little brother arguing. Looks like your whole family hates you now.” He laughs darkly.
I try to yank my arm back. “Let go of me.” I hiss.
Sam smirks, “I don’t blame them. Who would want to have a slut in their family? I don’t know why Tom stayed with you so long. I’d probably kill myself if I had to be with you.”
I stomped on his foot with the heel of my foot as hard as I could. He yelps in pain and lets go of my arm. “Don’t call me a slut.” I knee him in the private part, “stay the hell away from me. I’m done with you and Tom’s shit.” I storm away and go to Hagrid’s hut. Maybe being around someone unfairly kind and gentle will make me feel better.