A/N- First ever Ro/Sco fanfic. It's been fun to write...this will be a three part short. Fluff and, as always, plenty of fireworks. Let me know what you think!
Chapter One: A Favor
Arrogant prat.
No two words could more perfectly describe the most irritating boy that had ever graced the halls of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizadry. In fact, in the six years that Rose Weasley had attended Hogwarts, she had quickly learned that her father's advice regarding the boy in question had been well warranted.
Scorpius Malfoy was an arrogant prat.
It wasn't just his self-importance that aided in this perspective- it was his complete inability to act like a human being. Malfoy seemed to have some silly vendetta against her and Rose surmised that his tormenting was an attempt to live up to his father's legacy. Indeed, whenever he outmatched her at Quidditch or beat her at Potions, he would gleefully gloat about it for weeks on end. And then there were the snide comments about her hair and general appearance. Rose had never thought herself particularly ugly, and none of the other boys had ever complained, so when Malfoy began to make fun of her third year, she'd been taken aback. Consequently, that was also the year he began his relentless quest to turn her into Hogwarts' living spinster. She had actually managed to get her first boyfriend then and, after constant jibes from a certain Slytherin, she had managed to lose him too. Of course, Malfoy had thought it funny as hell.
But all of this was nothing compared to his most recent venture.
Rose fumed as she stormed down to the dungeons, hell bent on only one destination: the Slytherin dorms. When her cousin, Lily, approached her with news of Malfoy's latest charade, she'd mentally prepared for his latest assault. But, when the full breadth of his prank had been revealed, Rose had finally snapped. It was one thing to make her life hell but to involve her brother Hugo was going one step too far.
Whipping around a corner, Rose seethed as she descended a flight of stairs. She couldn't believe Malfoy's cheek- how could he honestly expect to get away with this? Dealing with the irritating blond had made for a long six years but she had never lost it like this before. As it was, she found it difficult to contain her anger as she flew down that last winding corridor and spied the portrait hanging next to the hidden door to the Slytherin common room.
"Is Scorpius Malfoy in there?" Rose growled as she came to a halt in front of the painting- a disgusting serpent coiled around a skull.
"Who'ssss assssking?" the serpent replied.
"Never mind who! Just tell him to get his arrogant arse out here…right NOW!" she barked.
The serpent narrowed its hooded eyes. "I do not take kindly to orderssss," it hissed.
Rose quickly removed her wand from the waistband of her school skirt. "Perhaps you'll take kindly to a quick Diffindo, unless of course you value that canvas you're painted on," she drawled, a sly smile dancing on her lips.
"Fine," the serpent hissed and slithered out of the portrait.
Seconds later, the door to the Slytherin common room slid open. Scorpius Malfoy leaned against the frame looking devilishly handsome, as per usual. His blond hair hung in his brilliant gray eyes and he donned a fitted cashmere jumper that emphasized his ideal definition. He stood in his typically proud posture but tonight he seemed unusually satisfied with himself- the smuggest grin Rose had ever seen spread smoothly over his face. She fumed as his eyes raked her over from head to toe- he seemed completely at ease- which made her even more angry. Stupid git…
"Well, well, well…if it isn't Rose Weasley," he drawled smoothly. "And to what do I owe the immense pleasure?"
Rose clenched her fists. "You know damn well why I'm here, Malfoy! Did you honestly think that you'd get away with this?" she groused.
His smirk deepened. "I really have no idea what you mean, Weasley."
"Gobshite!" she spat, ire growing with each passing second. Malfoy seemed fascinated with her response and he looked on in amusement as she steadily built to inevitable eruption. She felt her heart rate pick up as she fought her instinct to hex him blind. "You know, Malfoy…I've been gracious enough to deal with your crap for the past six years. I didn't retaliate when you purposefully blew up my potion in second year, I ignored it when you lost me my boyfriend in third, I let it slide when you charmed my skirt to keep getting shorter in fourth." At this, his cunning smile turned blissful. "And last year, when you hit Anthony Finnegan with the Jelly Legs jinx while we were dancing at the Winter Ball, I looked the other way…but this is the last straw. When you involve my little brother in your schemes, you're playing with fire."
Malfoy looked completely unruffled by her anger. He crossed his arms lazily over his chest. "Really? And just what do you plan to do about it?"
Rose took a deep breath and stepped forward. "If you don't call off this nonsense, I'll make sure you wish you had never crossed a Weasley," she growled.
Something flashed in his eyes and he straightened his posture, moving that much closer to the irate Gryffindor. "Will you now?" he rejoined softly.
Rose felt her cheeks flush as his gaze traveled the length of her body. She was certain he did it to spite her but the heat in his gaze made her uncomfortable and she shifted awkwardly under his stare. "I mean it, Malfoy!" she sputtered. "Leave my brother alone!"
He gripped his chin with his fingers and feigned deliberation. "Hmm…" he murmured. "Nope, no can do. The little shite stuck his foot in his mouth and now he's going to reap the consequences."
Rose stamped her foot on the ground. "Dammit, Malfoy, he's just a third year! You know he's no match for your skill!"
"Then maybe he shouldn't have bragged that he could match me in a duel," he shot back glibly.
Rose rolled her eyes. "You''re kidding me, right? Do you know how many times I've heard you brag about your skills over the years?" she replied, dumbfounded. "He's a silly kid, for Merlin's sake!"
A few Slytherin boys were now loitering behind Malfoy, knowing expressions playing on their faces. Rose narrowed her eyes as each shot her a saucy grin. Irreverent little tossers!
"Tell you what, Weasley," Malfoy said, examining his nails. "I'll make you a deal. If you do me a little favor, I'll leave your brother alone."
She frowned, a little suspicious of what this 'favor' might be. "What kind of favor?" she asked, her tone clearly hesitant.
He gave her a crafty smile and took another step forward. Rose moved back instinctively as his large frame loomed closer. She hated when he did this, which was quite often. No matter where they were, the boy would always linger just a little too close for her liking, effectively flustering her in the process. She was certain he was aware of his affect on her and tried to take advantage of it whenever possible.
He leaned down, his face hovering a few inches above hers. "You, me, Hogsmeade, tomorrow," he whispered, a silky quality to his tone.
Her eyes widened. "What? Y- you want me to go to Hogsmeade with you?" she replied, completely nonplussed.
Malfoy straightened and looked down at her shrewdly. "That's right, Weasley," he said. "Thought I'd throw you a bone since you can't seem to get anyone to take you."
Rose flushed. "No thanks to you!" she spat. "Every time I get a date, you always manage to screw it up!"
Malfoy smiled. "Weasley, I merely remind the tossers who take pity on you of their debatable decisions, I don't force them to break up with you. I'm petty sure they come to terms with their idiocy all on their own."
Rose's mouth fell open and she stared at him as if he had grown another head. "What the hell, Malfoy?!" she cried. "I've never done a thing to you yet your always trying to make my life miserable! What is your bloody problem?"
"Weasley," he replied, completely ignoring her outburst, "you haven't given me an answer."
"Aren't you going to embarrassed, what with escorting the likes of me around Hogsmeade?" she rejoined furiously.
"Actually, I'm trying to make a certain Ravenclaw jealous," he drawled. "Even if it is you, it should still work to my advantage."
Rose spluttered incoherently and Malfoy bit his lip, trying not to laugh. "Scorpius Malfoy, you are by far the most infuriating git I have ever met!" she shouted. She turned on her heel and marched down the hall.
"Alright then, tell your brother tomorrow at noon behind the Groundskeeper hut," he called after her and she slowed.
Shite! That jerk off has me in the palm of his hand! Pulling a one eighty, Rose faced the Slytherin with a perfected scowl. "Ten o'clock in front of the one eyed witch, you great prat," she gritted out and then turned back around.
"Be sure to wear something hot, Weasley," he shouted over the laughter of his friends. "I refuse to be seen with you in one of those unflattering jumpers you like to wear."
****
The following day, Rose loped down to the third floor corridor, steeling herself for the day that would inevitably follow. She had tossed and turned all night long unable to shake the horrible images her subconscious had conjured. She was afraid that Malfoy had a lot more in mind than just making a Ravenclaw jealous- she was quite certain he had something prepared and the onslaught of nightmares had kept her up half the night. Evil git will probably hex me and leave me paralyzed in some highly conspicuous place… Rose was not looking forward to her day with the Slytherin and the closer she got to their meeting place, the more she fretted. She paused just before turning the corner that would bring her to the tiny alcove that held the one eyed witch. Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm her nerves and gave herself a quick pep talk. It's just Malfoy, you've known him for years…what more can he do to you that he hasn't already done? Just keep your chin up- you're not only a Weasley, you're also a Granger- so pluck up some of that hard nosed courage! She straightened her posture and tossed her long, auburn curls over her shoulders. Pulling a breath, she made the turn and approached the waiting Slytherin.
At first, she was surprised. Malfoy looked decidedly nervous, which amazed her. She thought he'd be lounging quietly against the wall- the same infuriating smirk on his face. Instead, he was pacing and seemed to be muttering to himself. He looked very handsome, as he always did, in loose jeans and woolen coat over a fitted tee. However, his put together appearance did nothing to detract from his obvious unease. Rose raised her brows- this was the first time she had ever seen him even slightly rattled. He looked up as she neared and his anxiety segued to surprise. His eyes widened and he looked momentarily stunned as he took her in. His gaze eventually settled on what she was wearing and he frowned.
Confused, Rose looked down at her striped Henley and low slung jeans. "Is there a problem with what I'm wearing, Malfoy?" she asked. "I know you wanted me to wear something 'hot' but this is as hot as I get."
He swallowed thickly. "No, it's fine, Weasley," he replied, seemingly unable to tear his eyes from her fitted shirt.
She quirked a brow in irritation. "Right…so, are we going or are you just going to stand there and stare all day?" she groused.
He finally seemed to snap out of his stupor and straightened. His customary smirk took up residence on his face and he snapped his fingers. "I've been ready, Weasley- you're the one who's late. I realize it takes a great deal of time to whip that mess into shape," he said, gesturing at her entire person, "but I've got a schedule to keep."
Rose scowled. "Well pardon me for breathing, Malfoy. I'm surprised you'd even want to be seen with this 'mess', as you so eloquently put it."
He chuckled darkly. "Like I said, I'm throwing you a bone. Now, let's get going, I want to catch up with Amelia Boot before she slinks off with that nitwit, Bradley."
Rose looked at him with an amused expression. "Amelia Boot?" she asked, biting back a laugh. "She's been dating Corin Bradley for over a year, Malfoy."
"So?"
"So, she's clearly taken…unless, of course, you know something I don't."
He stopped and looked at her pointedly. "If you must know, Weasley, I've been after the girl for the past six years and I'm finally ready to take what's mine. I don't give a niffler's nut who she's dating- I will get her. It's only a matter of time."
Rose bit her lip as they made their way down the stairs. She wished she could be this forthright with boys. She realized that her track record wasn't quite stellar but a lot of that had to do with the prat currently tugging her along behind him. She frowned as she trudged through the Entrance Hall and out the front doors, remembering what Malfoy had said.
"Weasley, I merely remind the tossers who take pity on you of their debatable decisions, I don't force them to break up with you. I'm petty sure they come to terms with their idiocy all on their own."
He had admitted to messing her about but, the more she thought about it, the more she realized it went far beyond that. Scorpius Malfoy had gone out of his way to botch each and every relationship she'd had since third year, and it wasn't just heckling and jibing that had done it. He'd resulted to hexes, rumors, and a number of other dastardly tactics to ensure that she remained single. She wondered why he would go to so much trouble just to make her unhappy- it seemed a bit unlikely that it was all some ploy to live up to his father's endowment.
"Ah, here we are." Malfoy's smooth voice broke Rose from her thoughts and she looked up quickly. He had managed to snag them a carriage. "Well, get in, we don't have all day," he pressed.
Rose wrinkled her nose but got into the cab, nonetheless. She settled onto the comfortable bench and nearly gasped when Malfoy sat down beside her. There's an entire bench across from me…what gives?
She fidgeted as he shut the door and then looked down at her. "There a problem, Weasley?" he drawled, his tone slick with calculation.
"No…well, erm…why can't you sit over there?" She pointed at the seat opposite them.
Malfoy threw an arm around her shoulder and she stiffened. "That wouldn't look very believable, now would it?"
Rose felt her heart rate double as his hot breath played against her ear. She refrained from any response, sure that her voice would betray her apprehension. She wasn't quite sure why her palms were suddenly sweating and her stomach had tied itself in knots- it was all a little confusing and she fought to control the emotional deluge that abruptly swelled over her. She stared out the window, unwilling to meet his eyes, which she knew were still glued to her blushing face.
"Would you like me to open a window, Weasley?" he asked and she flinched.
"What?" She turned towards him with a questioning look.
He was smirking. "You seem a bit flustered and I wondered if you needed some air," he replied.
She narrowed her eyes. "I am not flustered."
"No? Hmm…I'm not so sure about that, Rose."
Her head snapped sideways and she wrinkled her brow. "You never call me Rose," she hissed. "What are you playing at?"
He raised his brows. "Why, whatever do you mean?" he rejoined, feigning innocence.
Rose pulled out of his grasp and pointed a finger at him. "See here Malfoy," she said angrily, "I'm not some tart you can just hang all over. You asked me to do you this favor and here I am, making good on my promise. But I refuse to take part in your little mind games so cut the crap!"
He gave her a winning smile. "Honestly, Rose, there's no need for such talk," he shot back. "I'm only trying to make this date look as believable as possible. Do you honestly think that Amelia will believe a girl I'm dating isn't willing to snuggle up nice and close?"
Rose growled inwardly. He honestly expected her to allow this! She looked at him for a moment, deliberating over whether she had made the right decision to help her little brother. Hugo had never done anything remotely self-sacrificing and she was seriously considering a duel with the little git when this was said and done.
"Alright Malfoy," she said hesitantly. "But I refuse to be seen in Pudifoots, is that understood?"
Malfoy snorted. "A woman after my own heart," he replied, his face flushing as the implication of his words dawned on him.
Rose pursed her lips. "Now who's flustered?"
Malfoy narrowed his eyes "Come on, Weasley," he said as the carriage came to a halt. "We've got a Ravenclaw to find."
He pulled her out of the cab and placed her on the ground, wrapping an arm around her waist. She blushed as the hard planes of his torso melded against her soft camber and his body heat warmed her to the core. It was a chilly day and she begrudgingly admitted that having him hold her so close kept her quite warm. They strolled down the main thoroughfare, almost as if on display, and Rose became acutely aware of the knowing looks being shot their way. She was befuddled by all the attention but even more so by the lack of surprise. Why doesn't anyone seem stunned? She looked up at Malfoy and frowned. He was staring straight ahead, an elated grin on his face as he swaggered down the roadway.
"Let's go in here," he said softly. "I think I saw Amelia through the window."
Rose rolled her eyes but looked at where he was pointing. A surge of ecstasy shot through her- it was Flourish & Blotts' sister store, a brand new addition to Hogsmeade. She smiled and surged forward, oblivious to Malfoy's chuckle as she pulled him towards the shop by the arm.
"Guess I don't have to twist your arm," he muttered as they swept inside. "Though you clearly had no problem twisting mine." He rubbed his bicep and smirked at her. "Such a bookworm, Weasley."
Rose shot him a sly look. "I'm not the only one, Malfoy," she countered. "From what I hear, you're on a first name basis with Madame Pince."
He crossed his arms over his chest. "I am not on a first name basis-"
"Oh Irma," Rose mocked, "I can't seem to find Where There's a Wand, There's a Way, can you please help me?"
"Whatever Weasley, I know for a fact that you and Irma are bridge partners, what's worse?"
Rose flushed. How the hell does he know that?
Malfoy smirked at her and she gritted her teeth. "We are not bridge partners," she argued. "She asked me about it once and, seeing that my mom is Muggleborn, I offered to show her how to play."
"Right, Weasley," he replied, clearly not believing her.
"Malfoy, if I hear one word about me being some spinster and playing bridge with Madame Pince, I will kick your arse!"
He chuckled. "Your secret's safe with me."
Rose scoffed. "Yeah, until you need another favor."
Malfoy chortled again and then stared at her for a moment. He wore an odd expression and shifted awkwardly on his feet. "You know, you're really some-"
"Amelia Boot, twelve o'clock!" she whispered, pointing at a petite brunette browsing a few meters away.
Malfoy looked momentarily irritated but the sentiment quickly dissolved, replaced by a wolfish grin. "Well then, let's go do some damage," he said, pulling her forward unexpectedly.
Rose squeaked as he handled her towards the back, where Amelia Boot had disappeared behind the last stack. He paused before they came to the opening and looked down at Rose in hesitation. She met his gaze with expectation, wondering what his next move would be. Surprisingly, he seemed completely frozen.
Bemused, Rose decided to take the lead. "Scorpius!" she cried, giggling softly. "You know we shouldn't do that in here!"
Malfoy stared at her, his mouth falling open in shock.
Rose nodded at him, hoping he'd catch on. "You know what they would do if they caught us, don't you?"
The git was still totally immobile.
Rose heard Amelia moving towards them and she decided to bite the bullet. Pulling Malfoy towards her, she wrapped her arms around his neck and began whispering in his ear. "Malfoy, you are blowing it!" she hissed.
Just as Amelia rounded the corner, Rose nuzzled her face into his neck, trying to make things look as convincing as possible. At that moment, something inside Malfoy seemed to snap. His hands came up on her lower back and he pushed her towards the last stack abutting the wall. Amelia had to dodge the couple as they moved past her and Rose shrieked as her back met the shelves. Her cries were muffled when Malfoy's mouth sealed itself against her own. His tongue swept over her lips, a hand twisted in her curls, and the other held onto her bum firmly. He seemed almost oblivious of Amelia's presence, kissing Rose with a passion she had never experienced in all the years of her short life.
In light of that, Rose was mentally speechless. Not a single, coherent thought managed to surface in her murky mind. She was only aware of Malfoy's tongue, which was currently working her own with such frenzied fervor that she could barely register anything else. The feeling was pure bliss and she fisted his woolen coat in her hands and moaned into his mouth. This only seemed to spur him on and he pressed his whole body against her, which sent a shot of adrenaline through her immensely warm body.
Unexpectedly, Malfoy broke their kiss but, instead of stepping back like she thought he would, he began nibbling on her neck. She pressed closer to him in response to his nuzzling kisses and he groaned. "Rose…" he breathed and she felt her entire body set ablaze. She gasped as he bit down on her neck and she felt him smirk against her skin. Head falling back against the shelves, she opened her bleary eyes and they swept the slight corridor in front of her. They were now completely alone. Amelia Boot was nowhere to be seen yet she and Malfoy were still snogging like crazy. This tiny detail began to sink in and she realized that they may have acted a little rash. This thought started to dim as Malfoy squeezed her bum. Mmm, that feels so good... Wait! Rose...you are snogging Malfoy!! Snapping back to the present she tried to get the busy boy's attention.
"Malfoy, she's gone," she whispered, sucking in a breath as he laved her collarbone with his tongue.
Obviously, he didn't hear her.
"Malfoy…" she breathed, trying to ignore his persistent grinding.
Again, he seemed completely oblivious to her protest. His hands slipped up under the hem of her shirt and she immediately went rigid.
"Scorpius!"
Finally, his head snapped up and he looked at her questioningly.
Rose blushed. "She's gone…" she said with a gulp.
"Who?" he asked, furrowing his brows.
"Who do you think?" she replied, tone muddled with sarcasm. "Boot."
Recognition seemed to settle in and he nodded. "Oh," he muttered and stepped back. He ran a hand through his tousled, platinum locks, staring at her intently.
Rose was completely confused. Scorpius Malfoy, bane of her existence, had just snogged the hell out of her and she had enjoyed every bloody minute of it. In her mind, this was not a positive development.
"So, um…where to next?" she proffered, hoping he would stop looking at her that way.
He shrugged. "Broomsticks, maybe?"
Rose nodded and walked towards the shop entrance, thoughts swirling through her head. What the hell have I gotten myself into?