AN: Congratulations to Goosey Loosey for correctly guessing who our mysterious Game - Makers are! As promised Goosey Loosey was given a sneak peak into this chapter. Thank you to all those wonderful readers who submitted their guesses! Enjoy the chapter! I can promise a few wonderful surprises!
Something Bold, Something Stupid
Friday Morning – Head Common Room
Dear Mischief Makers,
We hope you have been successful in your Hunt this year. We are most pleased at the turn in which The Hunt has taken!
You have until midnight tomorrow to collect what you can. You have been supplied with an enchanted piece of parchment that will inform you of the location closer to the time.
Remember to keep it safe and DON'T GET CAUGHT! The game is not yet over!
Good luck!
Sincerely,
The Game-Makers
Rose pulled out a separate smaller piece of parchment from the envelope. Sighing, she was surprised to note that she was a little sad the Hunt was coming to an end. Despite all her hesitation, Rose couldn't deny that joining in on the Hunt this year had indeed been fun. Of course, the treasure she had been hunting had a lot to do with that.
Thinking about Scorpius, Rose couldn't believe how much things had changed in such a short space of time. She really would have to thank Lily and Demitri once all the madness had settled.
But first she had to catch Scorpius Malfoy. He was only hers by the rules of the game if he was wearing the silver chain, Stardust, Lily had given her. But she wasn't too worried about that. The events of the previous day had left Rose with little doubts.
Quickly she shoved the letter from the Game-Makers into her pocket along with the blank piece of parchment. If she didn't hurry she was going to miss breakfast! She had sent Scorpius ahead of her so that she could read the letter.
It was easy to note the excitement the minute Rose stepped foot into the Great Hall. There was a scurry of feet as people whispered amongst themselves. No one really seemed to care for House boundaries as they moved freely between the four tables. In fact, there had been a lot of that going around and a fresh bout of "house unity" no doubt thanks to Rose's display at breakfast the previous day.
"What the hell?' she asked herself. She stood at the entrance of the Great Hall watching everything in amusement.
She walked through the Great Hall, careful to avoid all the scurry. She made it all the way to the end of the Slytherin table before even realising she was at the wrong table. Before she could turn to walk away Scorpius had spotted her.
"Come to brave the madness, have you?" he asked laughing.
Rose took the seat beside him. "What the hell is going on?" she asked helping herself to toast.
"Must be something Hunt related," Scorpius said. "Nothing else can be blamed."
Rose laughed. "Yeah, you're not wrong there." She looked across the Great Hall and saw Lily with Dunstan Grey once more.
"How much longer is your brother going to torture himself?" Rose asked motioning over to Demitri who was glaring at Dunstan and Lily across the Hall as he entered the Great Hall.
Scorpius shook his head. "The kid is as stubborn as we Malfoys get."
Albus joined them at the table, he gave a quick glance to Scorpius and then a curious look to Rose.
Scorpius hadn't forgotten that it was his little brother that had put him on the list thus causing all this madness. Time to teach him a little lesson, Scorpius thought. "Want to have some fun?" Scorpius asked leaning towards Albus as he poured a generous amount of coffee into his cup.
Albus shrugged, "What have you got in mind?"
Scorpius nodded to Demitri and then looked across the hall to Lily and Dunstan.
"What the hell is she doing with Grey?" he asked scowling.
"Trying to and succeeding in torturing Demitri," Rose answered taking a bite of her eggs. Albus looked at her confused but she couldn't speak so she waved to Scorpius who dutifully filled Albus in.
"She knows you know about them and is now trying to get Demitri to speak to you about it so it can be official." Scorpius explained.
"Okay," Albus said slowly, "And who's genius idea was this?"
"What makes you think Lily didn't come up with this idea by herself?" Rose asked quickly.
"Lily is a sweet kid. There's no way she could have planned something so…" he trailed off as he searched for the right word.
"Devious?" Scorpius supplied grinning at Rose.
"Exactly!" Albus agreed. Rose snorted knowing full well that it was Lily's deviousness that had gotten her involved in the Hunt this year.
"Well I happen to think it will work." Rose said ignoring Scorpius.
"Perhaps," Scorpius said. "But we can still have fun with this."
Albus looked eager to join but then he caught sight of Louis jumping and waving to get his attention at the entrance of the Great Hall.
"Give him hell from me," Albus said as he stood to leave. "I've… err got some homework to finish."
"The Hunt always did make him a terrible liar," Scorpius said watching his best friend run out the Great Hall.
Demitri joined them as Albus left the Hall, though his attention was solely on Lily.
"Has he seen that?" Demitri asked his brother.
"Has who seen what?" Scorpius asked playing clueless for a moment.
"Albus! Has Albus seen that!" Demitri said pointing to the pair.
"Oh that… I can't be sure." Scorpius said. "He seemed a little preoccupied to be honest."
Demitri didn't look to happy to hear this either. "I'm sure he'll do something about it when he finds out."
"Well he could do nothing when he finds out," Scorpius said casually.
"Why would he do nothing? He's Albus Potter and that," he said looking over to Lily once more, "Is his little sister. He's not going to do nothing."
"That was before Rose had a chat with him." Scorpius said causing Rose to choke ever so slightly on her eggs. Scorpius turned to her and gave her a little wink. She in turn gave him a 'no-don't-drag-me-into-this' glare.
"What?" Demitri asked clearly upset by this. "What did you say?" he asked her.
Thankfully Rose had been busy chewing so she couldn't laugh at the absurdity of it all that she couldn't answer his question.
"Go on Rose," Scorpius pushed. "Tell him what you told Albus."
Rose glared at Scorpius but quickly focused on Demitri once more. "I only said that it was foolish of him to think Lily would go through seven years at Hogwarts without any relationships with boys."
"So, it's a relationship now?" Demitri questioned hotly.
Rose looked a little panicked. "Oh no! I mean I don't know what it is. She didn't tell me." She managed to stop her rant and took a calming breath. "All I told Albus was that he needed to ease up on Lily a little. You know… trust her to make all the right decisions and what not."
"And in what world is Dunstan Grey the right decision for her?" Demitri asked frustrated.
"If you don't like it little brother, then maybe you should do something about it." Scorpius said with a knowing look.
Demitri cast his eyes to his witch once more. It only frustrated him more as he watched her laughing at whatever stupid thing Grey had told her. Lily looked up and briefly meet his eyes before turning back to Grey. She was playing with him, that much he was certain of. Without saying another word Demitri grabbed his bag and walked out of the Great Hall.
"You're terrible!" Rose said whacking Scorpius on the arm as they watched Demitri leave.
"He's taking forever!" Scorpius moaned. "He just needs to get it over with already."
"I agree, but did you have to torture him like that?" Rose asked.
"Admit it, you had fun doing it too," Scorpius said laughing at her guilty look.
"No," Rose mumbled trying to avoid eye contact.
"Liar," Scorpius said still smiling. "Come on Red. Let's give them some time to plan without worrying about us." He said motioning to all the other students.
"How thoughtful of you," she remarked grabbing her bag and joining him.
"Well I'm more than just devilishly handsome you know," he told her smirking.
"Now whoever told you that was a liar!" Rose said laughing as they left the Great Hall blissfully unaware that she was being carefully watched.
}{}{}{}{}{}{
Friday Morning – Hufflepuff Common Room
Lacey Weasley paced the length of the Hufflepuff common room. To and fro she walked in front of the dying embers of the fire. Staring into the ashes of the fireplace, she felt the familiar lick of anger and jealousy as she thought about her. Rose – bloody – Weasley, her darling sweet half-sister.
Grinding her teeth, it was just not fair! Rose wasn't allowed to have everything, not when their father had chosen Lacey over her. If she didn't come out of this Hunt with what she wanted, then she certainly wasn't Lavender Weasley's daughter. Her mother had made it a point to teach her over the years why she was so special. For Ronald Weasley to leave his wife and children for them was no small feat that Lavender had managed. But she had come out victorious and it was important that Lacey did not fail.
She was going to have Scorpius Malfoy or ruin her sister's chance with him. Lacey was gifted in that her mother taught her exactly how to assess a situation and more importantly an enemy. Thus, Lacey knew all the right buttons to push. It was just a matter of time.
Walking out of the common room, she made her way down to the Great Hall, planning her next move. If she was going to dethrone her sister, it was going to have to be something dramatic. She walked into the Great Hall oblivious to all the commotion around her.
"Where the hell have you been?" her best friend asked. Sadie MacMillian was every bit as cunning and vicious as Lacey. They had been best friends the moment Lacey entered Hogwarts. It wasn't difficult to see why they were best friends. In fact the only thing people every questioned was how Lacey managed to rope in sweet Juliette Williams. She was the least like the two girls but somehow, she was always seen with them.
Lacey turned to Sadie MacMillian and scowled. "I had to think! I've seriously underestimated my dear sister," Lacey spat.
"Well you better come up with something fast," Sadie said ignoring her friend's mood. "This came this morning," she said handing her a parchment.
Lacey read the contents, and it only managed to annoy her further. She needed more time! She hadn't expected Rose to put up such a fight and now she was seriously paying for it.
"Dammit!" Lacey cried slamming the offensive parchment down on to the table.
"Everything alright Lacey?" Juliette asked taking a seat opposite the girls.
"No!" Lacey cried. "Everything is going wrong! She can't win! It's not fair!" She moaned scowling as her sister and Scorpius Malfoy joked away a few tables down.
Juliette looked at Lacey with sympathy, "I don't think she intended for things to be like this." She said softly.
"Of course, she did!" Lacey argued. "I don't get it. What the hell does he see in her?"
"Don't worry about that now! What are you going to do?" Sadie asked. "You don't have much time left."
"I know," Lacey sighed. "But by the end of today, there'll be no doubt as to who Scorpius Malfoy belongs with."
Juliette looked worried as Lacey spoke. "Lacey, don't you think that decision should be left to him?"
Lacey looked at her friend in disgust. "No. Clearly he can't make that decision for himself. But don't worry. By the end of today, everything will be as it should."
It was the sheer look on her face that had Juliette worried. Not for Lacey or even Rose, but for Scorpius. She was going to have to do something before Lacey did something terrible… but how? She looked around the Great Hall and it was when she saw the black mop of hair leaving the Great Hall that she knew exactly what she was going to have to do.
}{}{}{}{}{}{
Lily had rushed around the castle in her free period looking for Rose. It was only after running through various corridors and getting stuck twice on the moving staircase that she found Rose, tucked away in a small corner of the library.
"Rose! Bloody hell you're difficult to find." Lily said panting heavily as she flopped down into the chair beside he cousin.
"Ssh!" Rose scolded but giggled all the same at the sight of Lily looking flushed and all over the place.
"Did you just giggle?" Lily asked quirking a brow. "Since when does Rose Weasley giggle?"
Rose mockingly glared at her, "Around the same time Lily Potter decided to play with Demitri Malfoy's heart."
"I'm not playing anything!" Lily defended. "And he can end it anytime he wants. All he has to do is tell Albus." Lily told her in a matter-of-fact manner.
Rose shook her head at her cousin's antics. "So what did you want?"
"What makes you think I want something from you?" Lily questioned looking offended. "Maybe I just wanted to check on you?" Rose gave her a disbelieving look. "What? Can't I show concern for my cousin?"
"Your concern is what got me involved in this year's Hunt! So, no." Rose told her. "Now out with it. What has you so worried?"
"Well you won't believe what I heard in Care of Magical Creatures today!" Lily gushed. "Stupid Rockwood really needs to learn to keep her mouth shut."
"Lily what happened?" Rose asked not really interested in how the Hogwarts grapevine worked.
"Right," Lily said getting serious. "Apparently, our dear cousin has been messing around in the potions classroom… something about brewing a love potion."
"Yeah, Scorpius mentioned something about that," Rose said and then waved it away so Lily could continue.
"Well it seems she was somewhat successful. She managed to brew a potion… but there are doubts on whether it was a love potion or not." Lily told her.
"What?" Rose asked confused. "Either it was or it wasn't."
"That's the thing. When she attempted to give it to Scorpius it backfired… really badly." Lily said looking a little too happy. "When the potion made contact with Scorpius' pumpkin juice it started smoking in his hand and when he threw it to the ground the potion splashed all over her. She ran from the room screaming. "It burns! It burns!"
"Oh Merlin! Is she okay?" Rose asked. Lily looked a little surprise at the concern she was showing. "She might be a vicious harpy but I don't want her to die."
Lily laughed, "Don't worry she didn't die. Apparently evil can't be killed so easily. She's in the hospital wing…"
"There's more," Rose said looking at her gleeful cousin.
"It turned all the hair on her body orange." Lily said grinning. "I don't know how she managed that."
Rose looked at Lily in disbelief. "Orange?"
"Orange," Lily confirmed.
"How long will it stay orange?" Rose asked.
"No idea." Lily shrugged. "But I hope it doesn't wear off any time soon. I want to enjoy this!"
"Lily!" Rose scolded.
"Hey! It's about time somebody put that annoying bint in her place." Lily argued. She gave Rose a very serious look, "Which you did wonderfully yesterday but the Hunt is not over."
"I know," Rose sighed.
"So, claim your treasure already!" Lily urged. "Do something bold and fun… kinda like Lacey."
"You want me to poison Scorpius?" Rose asked looking at Lily uncertainly.
"What? No! I said fun not stupid!" Lily said whacking her cousin's arm. "Okay it doesn't really matter how you do it, just do it quickly!"
A chime rang through the school signalling the end of the period. "All right I have to go! I have a boy to torture!" Lily said throwing a mischievous smile to her cousin.
"I have no doubt you will" Rose called to her cousin as she gathered all her books together.
Maybe Lily was right, Rose thought as she made her way to the next class. If she was going to claim Scorpius Malfoy, why not be bold and fun? The only thing she asked herself now was how?
}{}{}{}{}{}{
Lunch – The Great Hall
Unfortunately for Rose, she didn't get an opportunity to do anything bold or fun. But that was mainly because she was far too busy watching everyone else run around causing mayhem thanks to the Hunt.
She was currently sitting at the Slytherin table eating lunch with Louis, Demitri, Albus and Caius. Rose wasn't entirely sure how she ended up at the Slytherin table again, but looking around it seemed that sitting at House tables was not something anyone bothered with during the time of the Hunt.
She could see what an excellent job Lily was doing of torturing poor Demitri, and she only hoped he planned to stop her soon. She wasn't sure if she could keep up anymore.
Demitri watched in horror as Lily blushed at what Dunstan Grey said. He knew if he didn't do it soon then he would lose her. Watching as Grey chatted his witch up, Demitri finally found the courage to do the only thing he had to.
Demitri turned to Albus with all the seriousness he had, "I like Lily," he said getting his attention almost immediately. But he didn't stop or wait, "I like Lily more than I've liked anyone before." He said. Albus said nothing, his face an emotionless mask. "And… and I promise I won't hurt her."
Albus seemed contemplative for what seemed like eternity, as he looked at Demitri with his protective-big-brother look.
"About bloody time," he said suddenly grinning.
"W-what?" Demitri asked looking confused. Albus couldn't help but laugh at the very confused expression on Demitri's face. "You… you're okay with this?"
"Of course, why wouldn't I be?" Albus asked laughing.
"Because you're her terrifyingly over-protective brother," Demitri said. "You yelled at Wood the other day because you didn't like how he was looking at her."
"It was inappropriate!" Albus quickly objected.
"He wasn't even looking at her!" Rose interjected.
"Whatever, it didn't look right," Albus said quickly.
So, you're okay with this then?" Demitri asked slowly.
"Yes," Albus said firmly.
"Really?" Demitri questioned.
Albus sighed, "Do you want me to be not okay with it?" he asked.
"N-no no! It's just… I was expecting you to be more…" Demitri trailed off.
"Angry?" Albus offered. Demitri nodded. "Yeah well let's just say I had some sense knocked into me recently." Albus said smiling at Rose.
Taking pity on him, Albus put his glass of pumpkin juice down and turned to face Demitri with a very serious look. "Look, I know you and more importantly I trust you with her. And to be honest if anyone is going to be dating my little sister, I'd want it to be you. Your brother was right, you're a good kid and I know you won't hurt her." Albus said.
Demitri breathed a sigh of relief and Albus smiled. "Now what are you going to do about that?" Albus asked motioning to his sister and Dunstan Grey.
"Whatever is it, make sure it's big," Rose pipped in. "That's the whole point of all this." She said gesturing around them. Seeing Demitri's doubt filled face she continued. "She did all of this so you would make it known to the whole school that she's your girl. So, make it known."
"How?" he asked.
"Well knowing Lily, she's going to get angry cause you took forever to tell Albus. So she probably won't believe you on the first go. Use that to your advantage." Rose said.
"That's… not helpful at all Rose," Demitri groaned.
"You're a Malfoy. I'm sure you'll figure it out." Rose laughed.
He looked across the Great Hall and saw Dunstan Grey holding Lily's hand before bringing it to his lips.
"Now would be a perfect time to do something." Rose said as Scorpius took a seat beside her. She quickly filled him in all that he had missed while Demitri figured out his next move.
"Something bold or something stupid?" Demitri turned to ask his brother.
"A little bit of both usually works," Scorpius said smiling.
"Right," he said before quickly getting out of his seat but rather than walking over to Lily he walked straight out of the hall.
Rose noticed Lily watching him leave and tried to offer her a supportive smile but Lily merely rolled her eyes and turned back to Dunstan.
"He is aware that the longer he waits the angrier she gets, right?" Rose asked Scorpius quietly.
"If he doesn't, he's about to." Scorpius said chuckling.
"You Malfoys like playing with fire," Rose commented.
"Just a little," Scorpius admitted.
Rose didn't get a chance to say anything else, because her attention was drawn to her plate, where a cupcake had magically appeared. On top of the beautifully decorated cupcake was a tiny scroll of parchment.
"Secret admirer Red?" Scorpius teased.
"Maybe," she smirked before hastily picking the scroll up. Not daring to read it just yet, she shoved it into her robes.
"Are you going to eat it?" he asked.
"Cupcakes for lunch…" Rose said appearing to contemplate it.
"Why not?" he teased, "You've been somewhat of a rebel all week. Why stop now?"
"Hmm you're right." She said and reached down for the cupcake but stopped short when she saw it was glowing. "It's not supposed to do that, right?" she asked looking at Scorpius sceptically.
The glowing cupcake got the attention of the boys around her.
"Uhm… glowing things never bode well when it comes to magic," Caius told her.
"What do I with it now?" she asked. But before Scorpius could answer it started jumping ever so slightly on her plate. She was vaguely aware that the whispering and scurrying from the other occupants had come to a stop.
"Throw it," he said barely above a whisper.
"What?" she asked looking at him.
"Throw it Rose, now!" he said urgently. He recognised this prank, and knew exactly what was going to happen next. "Now Rose!"
Seeing him looking at the cupcake with apprehension, Rose picked up the cupcake and with her good chaser arm, she threw the cupcake across the room. And just in time too. It had made it halfway through the Great Hall, when it exploded showering some very unfortunate students with frosting and cake.
Rose looked at Scorpius with shock, only to find him battling to contain his laughter. A painful shrieking from across the hall however had everyone's attention almost immediately. Seeing what the commotion was all about, this time Scorpius did little to hold back his laughter.
Scarlett Flint stood in the middle of the Great Hall covered in frosting and cake. It seemed she had gotten the worst of the exploding cupcake. Her friends didn't escape untouched either, though none looked as much of a cupcake princess as Scarlett did. Thanks to Scarlett's banshee screaming they now had the attention of everyone in the Great Hall. Total silence as the frosted drama queen went head to head with the Head Girl.
"Weasley! What the hell?" she cried looking at Rose in full anger.
"I… I didn't know it would that," Rose stuttered out trying to hold back her laughter. It didn't help that Scorpius with sitting beside shaking in amusement.
"Ugh! You did that on purpose!" Scarlett cried he voice carrying across the quiet hall with no trouble at all.
Rose looked at her dressed in frosting. "No I didn't. I really had no idea it would do that!"
"Liar! Why would you throw a cupcake across the room for no reason unless you wanted it to hit me!" Scarlett argued.
"Scarlett if I wanted to hit you with something, trust me it wouldn't be a cupcake." Rose called rolling her eyes. There were snickers amongst the onlookers. Apparently Rose Weasley was done playing the passive girl.
"Then why did you throw it?" Scarlett asked stamping her feet on the floor.
"Because I told her to," Scorpius said speaking up from beside her. All heads in the Great Hall turned to him.
"You told her…?" Scarlett asked looking betrayed.
"Yeah, I saw it was going to explode and I didn't want to be covered in frosting." He told her simply.
Scarlett scowled at Rose before striding out of the Great Hall in anger. The minute her frosted hair left the Great hall, it erupted into giggles and not so hushed comments. No one bothered to hide the fact that they were staring at the Head Girl and Boy as they laughed amongst themselves.
"This is getting ridiculous," Rose said. "How did you know it was going to explode?" she asked Scorpius.
He ran his fingers through his hair, a nervous habit Rose had noted. "Albus and I came up with the idea in our fifth year." He told her and then looked at her curiously a moment later. "The question is who would be sending you an exploding cupcake?"
Rose shrugged, "Maybe one of my dear cousins thought it would be funny if they dressed the Heads in frosting."
"Yes nothing says the last day of the Hunt, like frosting the authority." Scorpius said laughing.
"How do you know it's the last day?" Rose asked becoming very aware of the scroll in her robe.
"Just because we can't take part this year doesn't mean I've forgotten how all this madness works." Scorpius answered.
"Right," Rose said breathing easy before finishing up her lunch.
Scorpius chuckled. "Come on Red, we've got Transfiguration." He said grabbing his bag. Rose nodded and grabbed her bag too and they both walked out of the Great Hall.
}{}{}{}{}{}{
Demitri had a difficult time finding her which annoyed him to no end. How the hell was he supposed to make this right if he couldn't find her? He knew exactly who he had to ask but he hated the fact that it had come to this. Groaning as he walked up to the only people who would know where she is.
"Ladies," He greeted with his most charming smile.
Lucy and Dominique regarded him coolly for a moment before Lucy said, "We're not telling you where she is."
"Why not?" Demitri cried in annoyance and he was only further irritated when they merely shrugged. "She told you not to, didn't she?" he asked.
"Clever boy," Dominque said mockingly.
"How can I do what she wants if I can't find her?" Demitri asked. "Just tell me where she is."
"No," Lucy said stubbornly. "Why don't you go look for her?"
"Have you any idea how big this castle is?" He asked, "McGonagall's been here since before our parents were born and she's still discovering new classrooms!"
The girls giggled, "Maybe she's with Dunstan," Lucy said smirking.
Demitri scowled, "Alright, enough games. Tell me where I can find her."
"Why would we make this easier for you?" Dominique asked.
"Exactly, I quite like the sight of a frazzled Malfoy," Lucy said gleefully.
"Don't you want to see your cousin happy?" he asked.
"Maybe she's happy… with Dunstan," Lucy said.
Demitri growled and then took a calming breath as he ran his fingers through his hair, looking at the girls he was struck with an idea. "Tell me where I can find her and I'll promise an even bigger show than Rose's scene at breakfast yesterday, when I tell Albus."
Lucy scoffed, "That's a given. Lily wouldn't take anything less. We want something else."
"What?" he asked eyeing them suspiciously. His suspicions only grew when both girls turned to each other gave shared a wicked smile.
"The book," they said together.
"What book?" he asked.
"Don't pay dumb Malfoy," Lucy said laughing, "It's not a good look for you. We want Merlin's Book."
"What makes you think I have it?" He asked quickly. "In fact, I'm pretty sure it was Lily who was trying to steal it from McGonagall's office."
"How did you know that's where it was kept?" Lucy asked.
"Where else would you keep Merlin's Book?" he asked as if he were talking to a child.
"Oh I don't know, the Library maybe," Dominique answered. "Come on Malfoy, we know you have the book. Give it to us and in exchange we'll tell you where to find Lily."
Demitri gave a small squeal of objection, "This is extortion!" he cried.
"No not at all. I'd like to think of it as more of a fair trade," Dominque said looking annoyingly victorious.
Demitri huffed and Lucy sighed dramatically. "How badly do you want to know where she is Malfoy?" she asked. "You said it yourself, the castle is huge! Give us the book and we'll tell you exactly where you can find her."
"Fine," he said gritting his teeth, "You can have the bloody book."
"Smart choice," Lucy said.
"Now tell me where she is," he said.
"No the book first!" Dominique demanded.
"Oh no! I went through a lot of trouble to get that book. If I'm going to exchange it, then I have to be sure that I get what I was promised first. So, tell me where she is, and then I'll give you the book." He replied.
The girls looked doubtful, "How can we be sure you'll keep your word?" Lucy asked.
"Weasley, you've known me for a long time. You should know that when I promise something I don't back out." Demitri said looking at her earnestly.
"Yes but this is the Hunt and you should know that everything changes during the Hunt." Lucy pointed out.
"Fair point," he conceded, "If I don't had over the book, then you can…" he trailed off thinking.
"We'll lock you in the broom closet with Faye Rockwood." Lucy said grinning.
Demitri looked aghast. "That's a bit extreme don't you think?"
"No," they answered. "And don't worry I don't think Lily would mind… especially if she found out that you screwed us out of a treasure." Lucy added.
"The only one being screwed over for a treasure here is me," Demitri said.
"So do we have a deal or not?" Dominique asked.
"Dammit! Alright we have a deal. I'll give you the book for Lily's location." Demitri sighed.
"Brilliant!" Lucy cheered as they shook on it. "So do you have the book here?"
"No no, you get the book after I find Lily." Demitri said.
"That's not what we agreed too," Dominique said quickly.
"You promised me her location for the book, but if she's not there then I get screwed over. If I don't give you the book, I'm going to be subjected to torture at the hands of Rockwood, and there is still the fact that I need to tell the entire school about us, so really you two have nothing to worry about cause either way you look at it I'm still royally screwed!" Demitri rushed out. "So you only get the book after I find Lily. It's my only insurance in all this."
"Alright Malfoy, we'll tell you where she is," Lucy said slowly.
"Wonderful," he said sarcastically though he couldn't help but look slightly relieved.
Lucy fought hard to hold back her smile. Bloody hell Malfoy, she thought, Lily's got you wrapped around her little finger and you don't even know it.
}{}{}{}{}{}{
Friday Night – Head Girl's Room
"Rose you still haven't claimed him!" Lily cried pacing before Rose who was laying on the bed.
"I can't! What if he hates me because I did what every other girl in this school did?" Rose said worried.
"You're different," Lily argued. "There is not a bone in that boy's body that is capable of hating you!"
"You don't know that!" Rose said sitting up and holding a pillow close to her. "What if he hates me because he thinks this was just some big game for me?"
"Was it?" Lily asked looking at her cousin.
"No! You know it wasn't." Rose said quickly.
"Then tell him that!" Lily pressed. "Tonight Rose. Look you didn't come all this way to lose him now." Lily came to sit beside her cousin, she sighed deeply and took her hand. "For being such an intelligent witch, I don't understand how you can't see it."
"See what?" rose asked confused.
"Just how bad Scorpius Malfoy has it for you. I swear he'd give Merlin his heart just to have you if he had to!" Lily told her. "And you're the only one who can't see it! Don't worry about him hating you because that's not how this ends!" Lily said laughing a little.
"Sshh!" Rose scolded. "Not so loud Lily!"
Lily sighed, "Well I wouldn't have to scream if you'd just claim him already! Time is running out!" She got up and made her way to the door, "Tonight Rose," she said before walking out.
She stopped short when she saw Scorpius in the hallway, "Hi,' she greeted quickly, "Have you been standing there long?" she asked looking at him with suspicion.
Long enough he thought inwardly smirking, but he wasn't going to tell her that, so he nonchalantly shrugged as he answered her.
"No," he said coolly. "Just came up looking for Rose."
"Why?" Lily asked smiling with a little smugness.
"Rounds," he told her.
"Right," Lily said slowly not believing him. "Well she's in there," she said pointing to the closed door behind her.
Scorpius was saved from replying as Rose's door opened.
"Hey," she greeted casting a curious eye between him and her cousin. "Lily you're still here?"
"Clearly," she said sarcastically. "Why… what are you two up to that you don't want me here?" she asked grinning wildly.
Rose rolled her eyes as Scorpius held back his laughter. "Nothing!" she said. "Go torture Demitri!" Rose said walking out of her room.
Lily scowled and turned to face Scorpius, "Your brother is an idiot," she said seriously.
"An idiot you've been carefully avoiding," Rose noted.
"Dom and Lucy have me covered." Lily said, "But he better get his arse into gear and tell Albus already!" Lily cried as Rose and Scorpius shared a knowing smile.
"Aww not having fun playing with the poor boy's heartstrings Lily?" Rose teased as they walked down the stairs.
"I've just about had it with Grey and his roaming hands!" Lily huffed. "I swear that boy…" she grumbled under her breath as she left the common room.
"Ready to go?" he asked laughing.
"Yeah," Rose replied as they walked out together to start their rounds.
A silence fell over them and Scorpius was left with a little time to think about what he had just overheard. He hadn't meant to eavesdrop but he couldn't help that Lily was practically screaming at Rose. He was sure the merpeople all the way at the bottom of the Black Lake had heard her. He should have walked away but he didn't… he stayed and listened to Lily scold Rose over the fact that she had yet to claim something… him.
Scorpius knew better than to push Rose, but clearly if the next move of the game was to be played, he would have to give her a gentle nudge. He would lose his advantage of knowing he was on the list without her knowing he knew… but it would be worth it.
"Let's hope we have no trouble tonight," Rose said breaking the silence.
"The Hunt is coming to an end. Something is bound to come up." He said laughing.
They walked through the hallways in comfortable silence, ignoring an angry looking Filch as he searched the castle looking for his cat.
"He really should have learnt by now. Mrs. Norris is on the list, there's no way he's getting her back now." Rose said without thinking.
"You know Mrs. Norris is on the list?" Scorpius asked with naughty smile. "So… you've seen the list."
Rose panicked, "No! I haven't! All I meant was that she's been missing all week so she has to be on the list." She said quickly hoping to cover up her mistake. Scorpius however was not going to let her off the hook so easily.
"So you haven't seen the list?" he asked slowly.
"No! How could I?" Rose asked, "The list is only for those taking part in the Hunt and we're not allowed to, remember?"
"Right, of course… except that you are part of the Hunt." Scorpius said grinning down at her. Rose shifted uncomfortably.
"Clearly the madness had gotten to your head!" Rose said. "Besides you know I hate the Hunt, why would I suddenly take part… not to mention I would be breaking some serious rules if I did… which I'm not."
Scorpius chuckled before grabbing her wrist and quickly pushing her up against the wall. His one hand held hers down in place while the other was placed on the other side of her, trapping her between the wall and him.
"See I would believe that but you've been rather devious lately Red," he whispered bringing his lips to ghost over the sweet spot on her neck.
Rose hitched her breath in anticipation, "Yes," she said barely above a whisper, "But I don't think I'm devious enough for the Hunt. I wouldn't make a very good Huntsman." She said biting on her lip to stop herself from smiling.
The sight of her worrying her bottom lip with her teeth was a distraction enough for Scorpius. He moved his hand to her lip and stalled her movements with a gentle rub of his thumb across her lips. Before she could think to respond, he replaced his thumb with his lips.
This was unlike the first kiss they had shared. This was not gentle. He pushed her further into the wall as his lips devoured hers. His hands roamed her body, as she pulled him closer to her by tugging on his hair. He pressed himself to her until there was no space between them and Rose could feel the rough on the wall rubbing hard against her back. Scorpius teased Rose with his tongue and when she pressed herself into him with a moan, all but wrapping a leg around his waist, he couldn't hold back his surprised moan as his hands wandered down to her soft skin that had been exposed from her shirt riding up.
He tore his lips away from hers as they both panted heavily. He bent a little further down and kissed along her neck, finding that sweet spot that had her biting at her lips to keep from moaning again. It was only when she felt him biting at her skin that she realised what it was he was doing. She would have objected, wanted to, but could not when he was causing such wonderful sensations to course through her body.
He pulled his lips away, and pushed her up against the wall once more, as he tucked a red curl behind her ear.
"I think…" he said huskily, "You make a pretty good Huntsman, Red. You don't seem to be doing so badly… especially considering what you're hunting." He said smirking and looking as smug as any Malfoy could look.
Rose's eyes widened in panic at his words but looking up into his silver eyes, she immediately recognised the naughty glint she saw sparkling. He knew, she realised. He knew, somehow, he knew that she was hunting him! As she watched him watching her she realised that not only did he know but moreover he was going to play the game with her now.
He leaned down until his lips hovered over her ear, "I wish you all the luck in trying to claim your treasure Red," he whispered.
She smirked at him before wrapping her arms around his neck, "What makes you think I'll need luck blondie?" she asked pulling him closer. "I've done pretty well so far without much luck."
Scorpius chuckled, "Yes, but I happen to be a little more devious than you."
"Is that so?" she teased.
"Hmm," he said kissing along her neck once more. "I've made my mark on what I want," he said bringing his finger to graze over the mark he had made on her neck, "Have known for some time now, what it is I want. You, Rose Weasley, have yet to claim anything." He told her teasing her with his lips once more before pulling away.
The sudden movement away from her, caused Rose to scowl at him. But he only laughed, "The Hunt is never as easy as you think." He told her. "And as I understand it, you're running out of time."
With great effort Scorpius walked away without looking back. He had effectively placed the Quaffle in Rose's hand. It was her game now, her move and all he had to do was wait.
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Headmistress McGonagall's office – Friday Night
Headmistress McGonagall stood pacing before her desk while the portrait of Albus Dumbledore looked on amused.
"So, it was not your protection charm that caused it?" he asked.
"No! Of course not!" Headmistress McGonagall said vehemently. "It was supposed to protect him not injure another student!"
"From what I hear, Lacey Weasley is perfectly fine… apart from the orange hair that is. Curious side effect," he mumbled to himself.
"It's not a side effect! I didn't do this!" she said a little distressed.
"No, you did not," Dumbledore said laughing at her. Finally he decided he had tormented he enough he said, "This would be the work of Mr. Potter."
"Well that doesn't surprise me," Headmistress McGonagall said rolling her eyes. "He's too much like his brother! And it doesn't help that Scorpius Malfoy is every bit of a troublemaker as he is!"
The fireplace suddenly came alight with green flames and out stepped two dashing men, well-built frames from relentless hours of Quidditch and a set of mischievous grins of their own gracing their handsome features.
Teddy Lupin ran a hand through his brilliant blue hair dusting any soot off while James Potter attempted to brush some off of his robes.
"Professor!" Teddy Lupin greeted excitedly.
"Mr. Lupin," She greeted looking twice at his blue hair, "Mr. Potter," She said looking at the other boy. "Where is Mr. Weasley?" she asked curiously.
"Uncle George is busy with the shop, so he won't be making the visit this year," James said looking around the office.
"Now what's this I hear about Malfoy being a troublemaker?" Teddy asked taking a seat in one of the chairs in front on her desk.
"Are we talking about Scorpius or Demitri?" James asked joining him. "My money is on Scor… though it was Demitri's idea to put him on the list this year…"
"Gentlemen," Headmistress McGonagall said gaining their attention was more. "Your Hunt has caused quite the commotion this year."
"So we've heard," Teddy said grinning.
"Truthfully it's gone better than we could have imagined." James added.
"Better than you could have imagined?" Headmistress McGonagall repeated. "Do you have any idea what sort of pandemonium you've unleashed in the school by putting Scorpius Malfoy on your list?" she asked them.
"We've heard some stories," Teddy said slowly.
"Well Mr. Lupin, you and Mr. Potter have managed to set nearly the entire female population loose on poor Mr. Malfoy! Not to mention Mr. Filch was drugged with some product that I have no doubt came from your Uncle," she said looking at James, "And Lacey Weasley brewed a love potion to try on Scorpius Malfoy only for her hair to be turned orange! And don't even get me started on the situation with the house elves!"
"Bloody hell that's brilliant!" James said roaring with laughter but stopped quickly when Teddy elbowed him in the stomach.
"It's utter chaos!" she cried, but a moment later she regained her composure. "Have a biscuit, boys," she said handing them a plate full of cheerfully decorated biscuits. Teddy and James stared at her then up to the portrait of Albus Dumbledore who winked at them in silent approval.
Despite their best efforts Teddy and James smiled victoriously. "I suppose we should thank you Professor," Teddy said looking at her after taking a bite of the biscuit, "After all none of this would have been possible if had you stopped the Hunt from happening."
"I suppose that is true." She said with resignation. "But it was for the sake of House Unity."
"And from what I saw it's working." Teddy said softly.
"Yes, it truly is. Hogwarts has never seen such House Unity," she said giving the boys a small smile.
"We're just glad we could do our part Professor," James said smiling.
Headmistress McGonagall huffed, "You and your siblings have done more than their fair share for the school I think." James and Teddy grinned proudly at this.
"And where do you plan on unveiling these treasures?" she asked them.
"Well it's a toss-up between freezing the Black Lake or using the Quidditch Pitch," Teddy said casually.
"I'm sorry… what?" she asked confused.
James slapped Teddy upside the head before he set about explaining it. "We haven't decided on a place for the Unveiling yet but we can't have it in the Forbidden Forest because the centaurs have a thing against the Blast-Ended Skrewts – "
"And also because it's Forbidden" Teddy cut in.
"Right, that too. The Quidditch Pitch is easy but Filch is a bit of a problem and we can't have the mermaids and the Giant Squid too far from the Black Lake." James explained.
"But freezing the Lake is more exciting," Teddy insisted. Headmistress McGonagall looked at both boys in bewilderment. They both laughed. "Don't worry Professor we'll leave the castle exactly how we found it!" Teddy promised.
"Theodore Remus Lupin, you have been rearranging this castle from the moment you stepped foot in here!" Headmistress McGonagall exclaimed.
James burst out laughing while Teddy smiled sheepishly. "Good times," Teddy mumbled with nostalgia.
James was still laughing as he got up from his seat, "Come on Teddy, we have an Unveiling to plan!" he said as the boys walked to the fireplace.
Headmistress McGonagall sighed and followed them. "Thank you," she said softly and with great sincerity this time.
"Anytime Professor," Teddy said smiling too, as they grabbed a handful of floo powder. In a flash of green they disappeared and all at once her office was quiet once more.
"I think it's time I retired Albus," she said taking a seat at her desk once more.
He chuckled, "Already?" he asked.
"Three generations of Potter's, Weasley's and Malfoy's! I thought I was done with all this when the Marauders left," she said.
"Oh Minerva you can't leave now," he said softly, "We still have so much to do. And things are just getting good." He encouraged.
"Yes, they are," she admitted. "But I'm warning you Albus, if Rose Weasley and Scorpius Malfoy should ever have children, that will be the day I retire."
Albus Dumbledore could only laugh and silently thank Merlin he would never have to live through that.
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AN: Hello dears!
Not what you expected right? I do hope you've enjoyed this chapter! Thank you to all my wonderful readers who have favourited, followed and reviewed this story! I so greatly appreciate it! And once again well done to Goosey Loosey for correctly guessing! If you think back to chapter 1 - I did mention that the Hunt was something that had started during Teddy Lupin's time at Hogwarts.
So, as our mischief makers have been told The Hunt is now drawing to a close! Yikes! (Don't worry we still have a few more chapters to go!) Do you think you know who is going to win? Remember to win, they will have to collect the most valuable item on the list! I will dedicate the Epilogue to the person who can correctly guess who will win. As always with this story, I can promise that there is more mayhem and mischief to come!
Don't forget to leave me your thoughts on this chapter! I live for your reviews!
Thank you my dear sweet Katy for all the love you've given this story!
xoxo
Immortal Dragon Empress