I just want you on my arm, every limb

The White Buffalo

Scorpius walked into the office he shared with Al, and sat down at his desk with a small smile on his face. As he stared at his desk absentmindedly, he started thinking about Rose. Just as he was retracing the line down to the crook of her neck, he heard a loud CLAP. Shaken from his reverie, he looked up to see Albus, standing directly in front of him.

"Did someone slip you something or have you started happy hour without me?"

"Neither, I was thinking about an interesting encounter I had with your cousin."

"Did Fred invent something that should be illegal again? I still maintain that the spontaneously combusting broom was going to get him in front of the Wizengamot, not matter how fun it was. "

"No it wasn't that cousin; it was a much better looking one."

"O so Rose was here today, how long has it been since you've seen her?"

"It must be about five years now, and you've been holding out on me by the way"

"No, there's no way that's correct, surely you've seen here at a party or something? As for that snide remark, I don't notice my cousin like that, OK? And number one: you've always had an open invitation to family events and number two: it isn't like you haven't had your hands full lately. I mean how is it going with Jennifer or Jessica or whatever the hell her name is?"

"O Janice? I haven't seen her for a few weeks; she was starting to get ideas." He waved a hand dismissively, "Rose never seemed to have been at the parties I've gone to. Not even your birthday party"

"Meh, Janice wasn't really that great anyways. Speaking of my cousin and absence at family gatherings, why don't you come to Harry's anniversary party tonight? The twin towers and Paddy will be there."

"Really? Your folks wouldn't mind a last minute guest?"

"Are you kidding? They ask about you every time I see them, they're dying to get you over to the house again. And I wouldn't really consider you a guest."

"Where is it? The summer house or are they back a Grimmauld Place already?"

"Summer house, cocktails start at 5:00"

"I'll be there."

He was a little more excited than he would've liked at the prospect of seeing her again. He couldn't keep her out of his mind all day. When 4:30 rolled around, he flooed back to his house. Plinkin was there waiting for him with a Scotch on the rocks.

"Thank you Plinkin, I hope you haven't gotten dinner started, I have plans tonight."

"Of course, sir, I will not prepare anything."

He went upstairs, loosening his tie with each step. He determined that he did not need a shower and walked over to his closet, kicking off his shoes as he went. He hung up his pants, and tie, and threw his shirt in the hamper. After a few minutes of deliberation he got dressed and made his way back downstairs. Grabbing his Scotch, he apparated over to the Manor to see what his parents were up to.

"O, darling, nice of you to pop in, how was your day?"

"Fine, mother," he said as he kissed her on the cheek, "I just wanted to swing by and say hello before I go over to the Potter's. Apparently it's their 25th anniversary."

"O, well isn't that lovely, Draco! Scorpius is here!" Scorpius heard ice clink in a glass as his father got up to greet him.

"Hello, Son, are you here for dinner?"

"No, I wanted to stop in and say hello before I go over to the Potter's, it's their anniversary."

"Ah, well send them my regards," he walked over the wine rack,"and this, I can't have any son of mine go to a party empty handed." Scorpius took the bottle, he knew his father had a mixed past with the four, to put it lightly; however the war had changed everyone, his father for the better. Draco never forgot how Harry spared his life, during the Battle, and by speaking on his behalf to the Wizengamot. They weren't what you would call friends, but they were decidedly cordial when they ran into each other at galas and society events. The seven years their children were at Hogwarts together had most definitely helped the relationship as well; nothing like hosting your former sworn enemy's children at sleepovers to build bridges.

He stayed with his parents for about 10 minutes, and left them at 5:58, just as they were sitting down to supper. After arriving just outside the house's wards, Scorpius took his time walking down to the familiar home where he spent most of his teenage summers and many a dinner in the last five years. He was a little nervous, what if Rose had brought a date? Surely Ron would be there, would he even have the courage to speak with her outside of a group? He chastised himself for being this way. After all, he had known her for years, and she was only a beautiful woman. Merlin knows he had been with plenty of beautiful women. Yes, there was the Gryffindor in him, he didn't need to impress Rose Weasley, and she would come to him. He would just be himself, probably even ignore her a little. Brilliant!

He walked up to the door and knocked a few times. There was some raucous laughter from the living room; whispering and finally Lily Potter answered the door.

"Scorpius! So glad you could make it, I haven't seen you in at least two months!" There was a ghost of laughter still in her voice, it was suspicious. She stepped forward to give him a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

"Yes Lily, you look beautiful, as always." She blushed at the complement, lovely, just like her mother. He noticed that she looked nice, and very grown up in a green long sleeved dress. She was barefoot though, which combined with her laughter, gave her a youthful exuberance.

"Well come in, the party's going strong! Can I get you a drink?"

"Sure, gin and tonic, if you have it." He followed her through the hall to the living room. Where was Rose? He was relieved when he saw Albus, James and some of their cousins, and even more relieved to see a bottle of Bombay at the bar.

Lily made his drink, garnished it with a lime wedge in true muggle fashion and brought it to him, smiling. He thanked her and excused himself to find the hosts. He heard a gentle chuckle followed by softly spoken words, and to his left stood Ginny and Harry. She had been his schoolboy crush for years, always kind and welcoming. Not wanting to break the spell, he looked to his right and saw Hermione and Ron on the sofa. He couldn't completely ignore his superior when he was standing right by him. He walked over to them and said hello. Hermione was perfectly warm, happy to see him even. Her husband, however, seemed to be entirely suspicious of him. Scorpius quickly noticed that Harry and Ginny had rejoined the party. He excused himself once more and walked over to them. He complimented Ginny on her beauty and congratulated Harry on keeping her around for so long. After wishing them at least 75 more years and giving them the bottle of wine, he went to join Al and the gang. He kissed Victoire on the cheek and shook Teddy, James and Hugo's hands.

"So, have I missed anything?"

"What in the last five years or five minutes? Because either way, yes."

"Thank you for that, Hugo. Where is your sister?"

"I don't know, probably in the kitchen with Gran." Scorpius remembered that from years ago, Rose loved to cook.

"I see. Cecilia, have you two set a date so you can finally get this guy under control?" He nudged Al in the ribs.

"We're thinking sometime in the fall, I love the leaves that time of year." Cecilia's eyes glazed over a little as her mind went over an open field with a dance floor, her in white with Al surrounded by oranges and golds, reds and yellows. "We do however have the date for the engagement party. Its October 15 and you have to be there!"

"I wouldn't miss it for the world, it should be easy to remember. I mean it is a week before my birthday." There was some commotion at the door again, as the Finnegans walked through the door. The volume of the room automatically went up a few decibels as Seamus and Hannah went over to the Potters and Paddy and his wife over to the 'kids'.

"The party has arrived!" Paddy exclaimed as he walked over to his friends. "Do I believe my eyes? Is that Scro Malfoy? Where have you been, mate?"

"I think the question is where have you been?"

"I know, I know but you know how it is you have a baby and everything is downhill from there. This is the first time I've been able to go out in three months!"

"Even longer than that for me." Paddy's wife Mary exclaimed, a look of relief on her face. They had been chatting for not even five minutes when the entire Scamander family showed up. Scorpius was pleased to see the 'twin towers', Lorcan and Lysander. At last, the Corsairs were reunited. This could be dangerous.

The party was rapidly picking up speed and yet Scorpius had not seen Rose. Where was she hiding? He was tempted to go into the kitchen, but didn't want to raise suspicions. As he glanced in that direction, he felt a nudge, the source being Albus. Al gave a knowing look and gestured in the direction of the kitchen with his chin. Scorpius decided to take his chances and went to look for her. As he walked into the kitchen, he saw Molly and Arthur. They straightened a little when they saw him, and smiled slightly, almost nervously. Scorpius was used to it, he knew how much he resembled his father, and grandfather before him.

"Scorpius, dear, how are you?"

"I'm fine Mrs. Weasley, are you enjoying yourself? I hope you aren't working too hard in here"

"O no, my Rosie is practically doing everything for me." She smiled proudly and gestured toward the large, red oven. Scorpius turned in that direction, and there she was.

She was currently standing with a tray of pumpkin and beef pasties in her hand, staring at him slightly. She was breathtaking. Her red hair was pulled up higher than earlier today, and her dress was strapless, and turquoise. This exposed her gorgeous neckline and feminine collarbones. The color was beautiful against her creamy skin. He stood there, staring back with his mouth a little open. Snap out of it!

"Rose, it's great to see you again so soon."

"Funny, I go five years without seeing you and suddenly it's twice in one day." Her face was flat, and her tone dismissive but her eyes suggested she was happy to see him. It made Scorpius's heart beat a little faster.

"Well, now my day is twice as bright, and you look twice as beautiful." He turned on the charm. She blushed, and faltered momentarily in her resolve. How could his father discount Weasley genetics when they gave her that fantastic feature? But then it was gone, her face straightened again, brow smoothed over. She started putting the pasties in a wicker basket, and wrapped them in the tea towel that had been draped over it. He watched helplessly as she walked away to put it on the table in the adjacent dining room. That ass, Merlin's beard! He got a sympathetic look from Molly, smiled feebly and returned to the parlor before he got himself in trouble by dwelling on the view.

Walking over to the bar, he made himself his third gin and tonic. He must have been visibly affected by the exchange, because Al and Lily gave him a look. He rubbed his eyes, shook his head a little and tried to reenter the conversation. It wasn't long until dinner was called. He walked with the group into the huge dining room. He smiled as he noticed the gigantic, magically expanded table. He took his seat between Al and Paddy, noticing Rose had taken a seat across from him. That little veela! The wine was poured, blessing and toasts to the host and hostess said and the meal began, flurry of, "pass the potatoes" and "could I get some of that squash?" Scorpius smiled as it brought back memories of summer and some dinners during Christmas break. What had kept him away all this time? Sure, he joined the Potters for dinner every six weeks or so, but how could he resist these larger gatherings for five years? Why was his absence so noticeable? He thought back to Hugo's jibe earlier. He was sure he had been around for a least a few of these gatherings in the last five years. He never missed Al's birthday. How was it that Rose was never around when he was?

He cut into his pastie. A mouthwatering smell hit his nose, and he couldn't help but dig in. He even moaned a little when it hit his mouth. He looked up at Rose; she was watching him with a little smile on her face. He was still chewing, but he pointed at the pastie with his fork and nodded, she took the compliment. If her looks and brains weren't enough, her cooking could definitely keep him around forever. He chastised himself for that last thought. What happened to cool Scorpius? She hadn't even indicated she saw him that way, except in her eyes. And he could have sworn he saw a certain sway to her hips as she walked away from him.

After dinner, everyone was sitting around rubbing their bellies, stuffed to the gills. Except Fleur and Vicky, of course, they never ate until they were stuffed. Scorpius was easily buzzed and probably high off of Rose's food. He let his guard down an hour ago, openly flirting with her now. Everyone moved back to the parlor to play wizarding chess and other games. The men, and some of the more enthusiastic women, began setting up a table to play pixie poker. He finally got Rose somewhat alone by the fireplace before the game started.

"That meal was amazing Rose, you sure know the way to a guy's heart."

"Scorpius don't be ridiculous, Gran did all the work. And I'm not even sure that heart you're referring to is still in working condition." Where did that come from?

"O Rosie, don't be that way, you sound bitter."

"Me? Bitter? No, I don't think so." She looked almost embarrassed for half a second. He caught it.

"What did I do? Why are you so cold to me, Rosie? Shouldn't you be happy to see me again after all this time? I'm more than happy to see you."

"Don't try to charm me, Malfoy. I caught on to your games twelve years ago."

"Rose, please, I'm begging you, don't be this way. I don't want games. I just don't want to wait another five years to see you again."

"Scorpius, you're going to have to try a lot harder than that." With that, she did something most unexpected, and completely thrilling. She reached up to his face, and sort of grabbed his chin on either side with her thumb and forefinger. He felt his face heat from the contact, and the look in her eye caused heat in other places. But just as suddenly as the gesture began, it ended. Her face was smug, not bitter as she turned and walked away. He was speechless. He gazed after her aghast, catching a lot of attention from other guests at the party who must have been observing the exchange. Cool Scorpius was dead.

A.N. Well here you go, folks. Hopefully that at least cleans up, if not clears, confusion about Scorpius's relationship with the family. I'm thinking about adding links to what I had in mind as far as outfits and Ginny's gift from Harry to my profile, would you like to see them or do you want to use your imagination? Feedback! You are all wonderful for reading, and even better for reviews. Next update, Rose's pov, and maybe a cup of coffee? Who knows?