The Malfoys and Me

12. About the Homework...

"...And finally," says the droning voice of Prof. Binns, the ghost that teaches History of Magic, as you try not to fall asleep. "remember that Veranarula and Viranethalra are two different figures, and should be treated as such." with that, Prof. Binns dismisses the class, and you're about to leave, when you hear, "Malfoy, Bec, see me after class." you freeze in place, and you see Cayla shoot you a sympathetic glance as she leaves.

When everyone has left the classroom, you and Scorpius make your way over to the blackboard, where Prof. Binns is floating.

"Do you know why I called you here, today?" he asks, his voice tired-sounding.

"No, sir," you say, but it's a lie. You know exactly why Prof. Binns held you and Scorpius after class, and you can't bring yourself to look at him; ashamed that you've dragged him into trouble by copying off of him.

"Well," the Prof. says, pulling out a stack of papers and selecting a few from the top, "I noticed while I was reviewing the homework, that your essays and papers are worded nearly identically in some areas. Care to explain why?" You can't speak for a moment—you're honestly quite surprised that Prof. Binns pays attention to the students' essays at all. You open your mouth to say something, but Scorpius beats you to it.

"It's my fault, Prof. Binns," says Scorpius, "I was cheating off of Y/n's papers." you're struck speechless, and your mouth falls open slightly. Prof. Binns sighs a long sigh, making use of his non-existent lungs.

"I never had any trouble with your father, or your grandfather for that matter—" you can see Scorpius wince slightly, "—and I don't really want to dock any points from Slytherin, if I'm being honest. I was in Hufflepuff, myself, but I think Slytherin deserves a shot at the house cup this year. So," Binns concludes, looking at Scorpius, "If you promise me that it won't happen again—"

"It won't happen again, Prof.," says Scorpius hastily, "I swear."

"Good," the ghost says with another useless sigh, "now run along to potions, you two; I don't need to detain you any further." you both nod, and practically jog out of the class. When you're pretty sure you're out of Prof. Binns' earshot, you stop walking, and pull Scorpius aside.

"Why did you say that in there?" you ask, slightly harsher than you mean to. Scorpius doesn't seem surprised, but he doesn't meet your gaze.

In a small voice, he says, "I'm a Malfoy, Y/n; no matter how much some people hate my family, we still have some influence. I took the blame because I knew it would be too much trouble to punish me for something so small, in case I decided to tell my father." You nod, but don't let go of his arm.

"Thank you, Scorpius," you say in earnest; looking him full in the face.

"D-don't mention it," he says, and meets your gaze for a moment. "You know," he says with a small smile, "I could tutor you with your homework. Just as long as you promise you'll help me with my transfiguration!" you laugh, and agree. Not only because you both still desperately need help, but because it'll mean more one-on-one time with your new best friend.

"Hey," you say, as you both begin walking, "why hasn't Prof. Weston called us out on our transfiguration cheating?"

"I think I've managed to make my homework look different enough; I got some questions wrong and stuff like that." you blush slightly as you realise that you didn't even think about doing something like that on your History of Magic papers.

After a quick trip down the stairs to the dungeons, you enter the potions room. As you're walking to your seat, a hand shoots out, and catches your sleeve. Before you can pull away, someone yanks you down and hisses in your ear.

"You didn't lose us any points, did you, Bec?" Hyacinth. You yank out of her grip, and turn to her.

"No," you whisper back, expecting to see a sneer or snarl on her face. Instead you see only relief.

"Good," she breathes, and almost smiles at you. "Let's whip Ravenclaw this year, eh?"

"Y-yea," you say shakily, and sit down next to Scorpius. Okay, that was weird, you think. Hyacinth Parkinson... being a decent person? You shake your head, trying to focus on the lesson. Well, at least she won't kill me in my sleep! You think, and prepare your cauldron for the lesson ahead.