Disclaimer - JKR owns all.


The rest of the week seemed to drag painfully on. Although Rose tried to keep herself busy with Head Duties, four-foot essays and extra credit reading, it was proving exceptionally difficult not to be distracted by the fallout of all the changes happening around her.

Each time Rose entered a classroom, Jasmine would purposefully turn away or sit her satchel on the chair beside her. While Shannon had insisted she had spoken to her and attempted to console her, it appeared the other girl was still stung (and rightfully so) at Rose's cruel outburst. Friday evening was the first opportunity Rose had to slide onto the bench opposite Jasmine at dinner time and she did so with uttermost apprehension.

"Hey."

Jasmine continued reading her copy of the Evening Prophet as if no one had addressed her. Rose pulled a plate of sausages towards her by force of habit before realising she barely had an appetite.

"Look, I think Shannon spoke to you, but I want to say it myself that I'm really sorry about what I said-,"

"I know. Indeed, Shannon must have told me half a dozen times by now," said Jasmine in a bored voice.

"Okay," said Rose, tentatively biting her lip not wanting to say the wrong thing and cause a scene.

"If you're trying to make amends and get rid of whatever guilt you're feeling – which according to Shannon is a 'shit-load' - there is no need. It's not up to me what you do, I was only trying to show you what's best. Sorry - what I thought was best." Jasmine said, her head bent towards the paper, avoiding Rose's gaze.

Anyone else might have considered this insult to injury, but Rose knew this was likely the best she would get from Jasmine.

"I'm still sorry. I wanted you to hear it from me. Before –,"

"Before you go on your date?" Jasmine interrupted, "Yes, I can understand that." Rose bit down on her tongue. A statement of such superiority right now didn't seem necessary, but perhaps she deserved that. Rose swallowed when Jasmine finally looked up. Her eyes were unusually soft and red.

"I asked Finnegan if he wanted to go to Hogsmede with me this afternoon. He politely declined stating he was already going with Elizabeth Thomas," Jasmine paused, blinking across at her friend and Rose felt a lump form in her throat. "Wasn't that who Malfoy was seeing?"

"Yeah. It was." Rose breathed out, feeling her own eyes prick with tears. "I'm so sorry, Jaz."

Rose couldn't quite believe how the chips had fallen; how horribly cruel the universe could be.

"Please don't be. There is no need for condolences or anything. I just wasn't quick enough I guess. Anyway, I think Malfoy wants a word with you." Jasmine nodded over Rose's shoulder, and she turned to see the blond scratching the back of his head gazing in her direction. Scorpius cocked his head in the direction of the hall entrance before swiftly leaving the table.

While Rose had fortunately never suffered from such heartache, she understood why her friend was being so dismissive. She couldn't blame her. When she glanced back, Jasmine was packing way her things. "Have a nice weekend, Rose."

The other girl looked like she had no fight left in her, and no energy for much else.

Rose eyed the empty plate in front of her. Her stomach rumbled, yet she felt no desire to eat. She left the table, following Scorpius up the main staircase behind a tapestry.

As she pulled it aside she encountered Scorpius rather close to the entrance, having stepped purposefully behind the tapestry, she now found herself almost nose to nose with him.

"Hi," she said, a little breathless at their closeness.

"Hey," he replied, a small smile teasing at his lips. "I just wanted to check we're still on for tomorrow."

She thought of Jasmine and then of Albus. Both of whom she felt like she was cheating if she still went ahead with this. Scorpius' smile faltered at her silence and she found herself saying "of course" almost instinctively.

While the unfortunate circumstance Jasmine found herself in was realistically, completely out of Rose's control, Albus was another matter entirely. It wasn't her place to say anything; she would just have to speak with Albus and urge him to tell Scorpius the truth himself when she next had the opportunity. Although, Rose could attest she wasn't looking forward to having that conversation with her cousin.

"I was going to suggest I meet you outside the Head's dormitories tomorrow morning," Scorpius studied her face before adding, "err…are you alright?"

Rose took half a step back, making a little more distance between them. The air behind the tapestry was already heavy, and under Scorpius' focussed gaze it seemed twice as so. Rose nodded.

"I'm fine. Just a little tired." She folded her arms across her chest, "should we say 9:45?"

Scorpius raised an eyebrow, apparently unconvinced, "sure thing. If you're having second thoughts, Red, I'd rather you tell me know now."

Rose fought not to look putout, forcing her features to weave together to form a half-smile, "Honestly Scorpius, it's fine. I've got to head to the library and return something," she hoisted her bag higher on her shoulder, "but, I'm looking forward to it. I'll see you tomorrow."

She attempted to flash him a fully formed, reassuring smile before ducking out from behind the hanging carpet. She was halfway up the third-floor staircase before she realised with discomfort she was on the wrong side of the castle to reach the library.


The following morning, Rose hadn't felt like breakfast either. The burden and weight of guilt almost satiating or more likely, dispelling any hunger she should likely be feeling. She spent much longer in the bathroom than necessary. Rather than scrutinising her appearance this time, she attempted to will her reflection to have the sense to make up its mind.

But, what was the right thing? There were too many variables. Too many issues unresolved. Too many people upset already. Yet, wasn't the whole idea she was supposed to be having more fun? Wasn't she supposed to be letting loose and enjoying spending some time with the wayward blond. Actually, try and get to know him as someone other than Albus' best friend or the summer holiday cake-baking enthusiast? Could everything else just take a backseat for one sodding day?

Rose's reflection frowned at her.

"Maybe just see how it goes?" she shrugged at her reflection. It did the same.

She applied some light make-up hastily before checking her watch and cast herself one last reproachful look before heading out of the dormitory.

For all the logic in the world, Rose could not quite fathom how seeing someone she used to find irritating and obnoxious, could have transformed so rapidly into one of intrigue and attraction. One that apparently on this bright Saturday morning was able to outweigh all the negative thoughts combined. His outfit didn't really help.

Scorpius was leant against the opposite corridor wall, examining his nails, wearing a sapphire Weasley knit, muggle jeans and boots, with his robes thrown over his arm. She was reminded unexpectedly of how he already fit with her family. How Albus had already brought him into the fold. A wave of contented heat surged through her, settling in her stomach.

Scorpius peeked over the top of his glasses, "well it is my lucky day. There was a part of me that was thinking you'd dismissed the idea completely."

Rose coughed, attempting to find her voice, "no." She coughed again trying to clear her throat. "Shall we?"

They fell into step together, Scorpius nudging her gently in the ribs. Where as once she might have bitten his head off for such a childish action, she turned to him kindly and smiled. "What?" she asked.

"You seem happier than yesterday."

She bit her lip. Try to enjoy yourself, Weasley.

"I'm trying to forget about everything else. You know, all the drama of the last few weeks. Just try to enjoy today for what it is," she answered honestly, looking ahead. The fact that it was the complete truth settled her previously racing mind a little.

"Enjoy the experience?" Scorpius suggested. She could sense his grin beside her.

"Something like that."

"I have to admit… whoever thought the great Rose Weasley could be distracted by my visage to warrant such behaviour as to head in the opposite direction of the library?"

Rose shot him a wry look before she could stop herself.

"Clearly you had a lot on your mind," Scorpius corrected, lifting his mused hair out of his eyes. "I noticed you weren't talking to your mate this week. Cattermole?"

Rose felt some of the heat in her belly dissipate. Unable to admit their argument had largely been about Scorpius, not wanting to ruin their date in the first five minutes replied, "yeah. We had a row." Rose weighed her options and wondered if Scorpius knew anything about Simon Finnegan.

"It's my fault really. I said something I didn't mean," said Rose.

"I don't believe you'd upset her on purpose."

Rose scoffed lightly, "Please. You know how I've treated you in the past, more often than not unjustly. This was an unjustified remark I said without even thinking."

Scorpius drew his mouth to one side. "Ok maybe, but you guys are alright now?"

"She's speaking to me now, if that counts for anything?" said Rose, resignedly.

"That's something! Now, I sense this topic is not filled with thrills so I'm going to veer us in the direction of where you'd like to go once we hit Hogsmeade."

Grateful of the change of subject, Rose considered him under a sideways glance, finding him already patiently observing her. Averting her gaze, slightly awkward she replied, "I'm not really fussed, a day out of the castle feels like a welcome freedom at this point."

Scorpius unexpectedly clapped his hands together, "I love a bit of improvisation." Rose found Scorpius' good mood almost enthralling, emboldened by his enthusiastic grin she found herself wondering whether he'd make a move on her or not as the day played out.

Unfortunately, fate appeared to have it in for her. Or at least that's what she was starting to believe.

As they rounded the corner on the second floor, taking an unspoken beeline towards the secret passage to the entrance hall, they both stopped at the sound of arguing. Rose felt a jolt as she recognised them. The harsher voice she recognised instantly, belonged to her cousin, and the softer more hurt sounding one belonged to Lorcan Scamander.

Rose looked at Scorpius in warning but he was no longer looking at her and was already rounding the corner.

"Is everything alright?" he asked nonchalantly, having clearly not taken in the seriousness of the scene.

Both Albus and Lorcan turned. Albus, Rose noticed remained flushed with anger, while Lorcan looked in shock at having been interrupted.

Lorcan's bottom lip trembled as he took in Scorpius, and Rose had to fight every urge not to turn back round and let this situation play out. Maybe the truth might actually rear its ugly head.

"Of course, it would be you," Lorcan half laughed.

Rose eyes found Albus' and his frown only deepened.

Albus continued to watch Rose, "just leave it Lorcan. Let's take this elsewhere."

Lorcan threw his hands up in the air, taking a step towards Albus who stood his ground resolute and furious.

"No Al, let's hash this out right here. Now he's-,"

"I said let's go, Lorcan," muttered Albus, through gritted teeth.

"First you're embarrassed of me, then you just can't get -,"

"I SAID SHUT UP!" roared Albus, now visibly shaking with rage.

Rose stood stock still, wishing they'd took the regular staircase. Now regretting not dragging Scorpius away immediately, insisting it sounded private, even intimate and that they should just leave them to it.

Lorcan's eyes were brimming with tears.

"Look mate," Scorpius started, edging towards Albus.

"Just leave it Scorp," said Albus, his voice icy.

Lorcan sniffed, wiping at his eyes with his sleeve, "it's over Al. I can't deal with this bullshit. I don't deserve to be treated like this."

"Let's just go somewhere else. Can we just fucking discuss this, alright?" Albus said, while Rose assumed it was designed to sound pleading, it instead sounded just as cold as when he'd dismissed Scorpius.

Lorcan took a step towards Albus again. Scorpius followed suit a look of uttermost concern etched on his face. Rose instinctively reached out for his wrist, tugging him back to her. He looked around at her confused, unable to understand what he had supposedly done wrong.

"It's done. We're over." Lorcan then turned on his heel and near enough tore down the nearest staircase and out of sight.

It wasn't until he was out of sight that Rose could see Albus' chest heaving. His breath harsh and shallow. His eyes too appeared to be glassy, his cheek draw in, likely bitten harshly to stop him lashing out.

Scorpius pulled his sleeve free from Rose's grasp, tentatively approaching his friend. "Al, I'm so sorry mate." He tried to reach out for Albus shoulder but he'd already stumbled backwards as if scorched by the idea of his touch.

"Not now alright, Scorp."

"We're here for you mate."

"I don't bloody well need either of you!" yelled Albus, his hands forming into fists.

Scorpius, apparently not getting the message, encroached towards Albus again, trying once again to comfort his friend. This time Albus flew at him, Scorpius glasses coming askew from the bridge of his nose as he stumbled back in shock. Albus braced his hands of Scorpius chest and pushed him backwards with all his strength. Scorpius falling back steadying himself against the wall, looked stunned at the physicality with which Albus was using to put distance between them.

"Just fucking LEAVE IT, SCORP!" Albus bellowed, surging past Rose who had enough sense still about her to get out of his way.

Both Rose and Scorpius turned to look at the spot Albus had disappeared.

"What on earth…" Scorpius murmured, seemingly trying to collect himself. His head moved from side to side, his expression perplexed as he looked up to find Rose watching him. "Erm," he shook his head, pushing his glasses up his nose, "what just happened?"

Rose's mind was in overdrive. How on earth was she supposed to answer that?

Lorcan Scamander had clearly been made aware of Albus' previous, or even current feelings towards Scorpius. Just how the boy had looked at Scorpius was enough to tell Rose that. Scorpius being non-the-wiser entirely may not have caught on to that. Still, Rose couldn't quite believe she was being put in this position once again. Holding a truth that wasn't hers to tell, and the one it was about, inadvertently closer to the truth.

"I think he was just upset," Rose said, her voice sounding hollow and distant as Scorpius continued to look at her for some sort of explanation. "Whatever just transpired, I don't think Albus would have wanted us to see that." Rose cringed inwardly at how easily she came up with it, even though there was certainly some truth in it. She was reminded horribly of her illusion of McGonagall's questions during their meeting. When had she become someone who could deceive people in such a way? Had she thrown away every shred of integrity she had left? Rose felt like she didn't deserve her Head's badge at all anymore.

"I was only trying to comfort him," urged Scorpius.

Rose cupped a hand around each elbow, "would you want your friends to see that?"

"I guess not."

"Knowing Al, I imagine he's probably mortified," Rose stated, trying to justify to herself any reason so she could continue with this date.

Scorpius frowned, "yeah." He glanced at his watch, the sounds of students congregating on the floors below swelled. "We should go if we don't want to be late." He beckoned her as he set off down the corridor.

Rose took a moment, closing her eyes and taking a breath. Sods fucking law. Any feeling of trepidation she'd muffled was back in full force.

Scorpius' face morphed, resolute over his shoulder as he looked back. "Come on, Red."

Rose followed blindly, guided by the sound of Scorpius' steps more than anything as the crowds milling around in the entrance hall enveloped them.


Any apprehension Rose had previously held about spending time with Scorpius felt completely dulled after the mornings dramatics. As they had approached the carriages, it hadn't helped that students were turning their heads in their direction, whispering behind their hands about why Rose Weasley and Scorpius Malfoy were going to Hogsmeade together. They of course, were unaware of Albus' tirade and the fall out it would cause both seventh years in the long run.

Forever leaving the idle gossip to Shannon, Rose felt relieved as they settled into a carriage, muffling the not so subtle chatter that had built down around them down the castle path.

The guilt was back, settling like a lead balloon, weighing down all those light feelings Scorpius managed to evoke so effortlessly within her. He too seemed relatively subdued after Albus' outburst. She sat across from Scorpius in the carriage, gazing out of the window trying desperately to think of something to say. Anything to fill the quiet and distract her from the spirally thoughts about disregarding her cousin and neglecting her friend.

Each time she thought of something, she stopped herself, certain she could ask something more interesting and less obvious she was just filling the silence. She was even starting to worry that Scorpius would raise an eyebrow in silent judgement and she would be left to swallow her own tongue. The longer the silence lapsed, the more unsure of herself she felt.

With nothing to distract her, all thoughts of Albus and Jasmine swirled murkily together. The harboured soft spot she shared with her cousin for Scorpius evidently not forgotten. Something that would inevitably have to be addressed again. That sort of secret could not stay buried when sharing such close quarters.

Her anxiety only mounted the longer the carriage rocked a metronome towards its destination and no words were uttered between them.

"Have you ever swum in the lake?" Scorpius asked suddenly, following her gaze as the lake shrunk as they travelled down the path. It cut through her reverie and she glanced at him questioningly.

"No," she said. "Have you?" Although, she already assumed she knew the answer.

Scorpius stuck out his bottom lip nodding, his eyes fixed on the distant black water with interest. "Once."

Rose found herself imagining a younger Scorpius diving into the lake in his school trousers to retrieve a possession one of the Slytherin boys had thrown in there as a joke.

"It was really cold," he said. Rose considered this clarification unnecessary, but was thankful for the breach in the silence. It was well known the lake boasted freezing temperatures most of the year, except the glorious week following exams when it became an oasis to cool off from the hot sun.

He turned to her, the concerned look he wore through his glasses making her fidget.

"You're worried about Albus?" he asked.

"Aren't you?" she countered.

Scorpius' face took on a pained expression, "of course. It's completely unlike him to lash out violently like that. He's normally the more reserved one of the two of us."

"If you want to go back-," Rose began but Scorpius shook his head.

"Two things, Red." He held up two fingers.

"One. Albus is a big boy and he'll need a while to calm himself down. Whatever happened there, it looked like it was an emotional blow." Scorpius took his glasses off, rubbing them clean on his blue sweater. Rose watched the movement, incapable of tearing her eyes away. The motion of his long pale fingers diverting her attention.

He paused, placing his glasses back on his nose. "I'll head straight up and see him when we get back."

He paused again, searching her face with the unabashed furtiveness she was starting to yearn for rather than shy away from.

"And two?" she asked, hesitantly.

He held up two fingers in front if her face, "two. I've waited a fair while for this. On a real-life date with Rose Weasley, sharp as a whip and stunning to boot. My fifteen-year-old self would never forgive me if I didn't fight for this a little. And Albus, well, he'll come around to the idea eventually."

Rose felt her throat constrict as her cheeks blazed red and she fort against the urge to stay quiet.

"Scorpius, what you're saying is flattering, truly." He raised an amused eyebrow as she shuffled in her seat. Considering the right words. "You don't have to say things like that," she swallowed, his eyes mesmerising her so much it loosened her tongue, "the way you look at me kind of says all that sort of thing."

Scorpius cheeks flooded with colour, dropping his gaze, he gave a forced cough.

"Damn, was I being that obvious?"

Rose smirked a little, she felt contented at having caught him out, "it took me a while to … translate."

She leant back in her seat, suddenly seeking a more comfortable position than poker straight, "besides, I'm not the kind of girl who needs such flattering words all the time. You hear it constantly in music and films; between other people," she faltered, thinking for a moment of Elliot and his constant fawning, wondering whether to continue her elucidation intended to reduce those comments that she was still too modest to accept. Scorpius looked over his glasses at her, expectantly. She wished she hadn't looked him in the eye, her upper hand slipping, the truths tumbling out uncontrollably. While this time she felt different, more confident and less confined with her own thoughts; the feeling of embarrassment in sharing them still coated her words.

Try the honest approach?

Rose bit her lip. They were meant to be on a date. They'd known each other since their first day at Hogwarts. If she couldn't speak her mind now about herself, when could she?

"I used to obsess over words and spells. I know this could be different to that. It already feels different to that." She blinked, fluttering her eyelashes for a moment.

Scorpius smiled, "of course you'd have to make my job thrice as hard, Weasley. Now I've got to impress upon you, how I feel about you without the use of compliments?" His good-natured response instilled her with confidence to respond with some nerve.

"Where is life without a challenge?" she asked, as they pulled into Hogsmeade, her chest refilled with that familiar warmth.

As the carriage swayed before it's standstill, Scorpius moved across rapidly to sit beside her, leaning in to place a quick kiss on her cheek. The swift and self-assured movement catching her off guard.

"You make a fair and valid point." He gave her a dazzling smile, unhooking the carriage door and pushing it open. "Shall we?"

Rose rolled her eyes, struggling to keep her smile contained. Her cheek burning where his lips had been. Chaste and teasing, she tried not to lift her hand to the spot his lips had touched, afraid it might sear her fingertips. All those problematic thoughts shrinking into the deep recesses of her mind, as they set off into the warm spring sunlight.

Xxx

Zonko's – easily the most habituated shop on Hogsmede visits – was filled to the rafters with their Easter stock. With little deliberation, Scorpius insisted he needed to satiate his sweet tooth. Happy to oblige, Rose had followed him into the saccharine smelling shop reminded of their cake baking the previous summer. Recalling the image of Scorpius, his hair coated in fine white icing sugar, his vacant look of surprise she now remembered fondly.

They wove in and out of the shelves, Rose spotted a young set of twins – one sporting a Gryffindor scarf, the other a Hufflepuff beanie hat – arguing over the last assorted box of hard boiled beetle eyes. A thought occurred to her, a memory she couldn't help but finally voice. Now at ease, the conversation was flowing much more smoothly.

It was something that had garnered genuine curiosity from her in the interim of seeing Scorpius in the summer to seeing him at the beginning of seventh year. Once upon a time she might have avoided it.

"Albus said you read Hogwarts a History: Revised," he looked at her abruptly as she said this.

"Yes..." he answered, Scorpius faced away from her scratching the back of his head, "did Albus-,"

"Tell me you stole my copy to read?" He didn't turn, "He might have done." He remained stood resolutely with his back to her, bending down to examine the contents of a barrel of blackberry-flavoured fizzing whizbees. She picked up a brown paper bag beside the wooden vessel and handed it to him, tilting her head trying to catch his eye.

He took the bag with a thanks, "I did find the caricatures doodled in the margins." She said sternly. Scorpius stilled, a metal scoop full of humming sweets hovering over the mouth of the bag, "I didn't re-read it till much later than they were composed of course." Scorpius merely nodded. It would seem that being caught out as not just a thief but a vandal as well was enough to stop his usual casual retort. Rose felt amused by his suddenly defensive efforts.

"I actually thoroughly enjoyed them," she said as airily as she could, moving behind a stand of hanging candied vines in a variety of colours. It shielded her face for barely a moment before he followed her.

Pushing his glasses up his nose with his free hand (the bag in his other buzzing gently) he approached her with a serious expression.

"You weren't mad?"

"No," she said shaking her head.

His frown deepened, "I graffitied your favourite factual book with a picture of our fathers, wearing only pants, on broomsticks, fighting in muggle boxing gloves and you aren't mad?" Scorpius asked, seeking verification that he was certainly off the hook.

Rose took a moment to withhold her reply, examining the sweetie vines with interest, trying not to laugh.

"Red?"

She tugged her mouth to one side, biting her tongue inside her mouth from stopping a giggle bubbling out. She raised her eyes to the ceiling averting her gaze.

"They were amusing," she confessed, "plus, I discovered not only a vandalised book but that you have a hidden talent."

A blond eyebrow rose, "huh?"

She fixed him with her best "off-duty" Head Girl look, which sure enough only seemed to coax back his confidence, "you're a great artiste. I'd say they'd employ you for the politics column in the Prophet with that level of skill."

"You're pulling my leg, right?" Asked Scorpius still looking slightly disbelieving as they approached the counter.

"Not at all."

His eyes narrowed as he accepted his change from the clerk and held open the door with his foot.

As they set back foot outside, Rose shielded her eyes from the glare.

"I thought you would be much angrier than that," Scorpius confessed, offering her a whizbee from the vibrating bag.

Rose took one, offering a thanks before setting off towards the book shop. She chanced a glance over her shoulder, "maybe you should buy me a fresh copy?"

Scorpius caught up in a few strides, looking completely bemused, "You did just imply you liked my drawings." He pointed out.

"I said I found them amusing, actually."

"I'm pretty sure amusement is a positive attribute."

"Of a person perhaps, but a drawing? That's subjective," said Rose, pausing to take another sweet he'd offered.

Scorpius narrowed his eyes, "I guess I'll just have to do better next time."

Rose let out a laugh, "what do you mean next time?"

"Oh…," Scorpius' eyes flew heavenward contemplatively, "I'm sure there is some ample good margin space in your Advanced Arithmancy textbook."

"You wouldn't," said Rose, affronted by the mild threat, yet unable to keep the mirth from her eyes.

Scorpius leaned towards her, both coming to a standstill outside the bookshop front. His face was mere inches from hers as he lifted his spectacles to the top of his head as if to get a better look at her. "I wouldn't test me, Red. You might live to regret it." His voice came out raspy and low, allowing a shiver to coax across the small of her back. His eyes flickered, as they'd done many times before down to her parted lips, his mouth quirking to one side.

Rose took a sharp breath, unaware she had been holding it. "How could I persuade you not to?"

She could see the darker shade of his eyelashes, and the dark rings around his iris'. She blinked. He grinned, leaning in another inch, "I'm sure we can come to an agreeme-."

The bell tinkled above the shop door indicating the vacation of a customer.

Rose turned, and instinctively upon what she saw took a step back, away from Scorpius.

Simon Finnegan stood staring straight at her, his arm woven around the shoulders of Elizabeth Thomas, who was glancing between her and Scorpius curiously, a bag full of books under her arm. Rose felt her heart begin jittering anxiously. She'd all but forgotten about the world outside of her and Scorpius for a moment.

Elizabeth gave Simon a long sideways glance, before addressing Scorpius politely, "hi Scorp. How are you doing?"

Scorpius, appearing to be caught off guard, having not anticipated such an interruption, removed his spectacles entirely. "Not too bad, Liz. You?"

She gave Simon another look, "yeah, not too bad."

An awkward silence shrouded them. Simon, appeared to feel the most uncomfortable out of all of them, letting his arm drop from Liz's shoulders to hang gawkily by his side. Non-dissimilar to her previous run-in with Elizabeth Thomas, Rose felt only disappointment upon seeing the two together, on behalf of her friend, who was likely hauled up in Ravenclaw tower. Although Rose found herself wilting somewhat under Elizabeth's knowing gaze.

"Well we better get going eh, Rose?" said Scorpius from beside her, he nudged her in the side.

Elizabeth surveyed him with interest, "now I understand why you were in such a hurry to break things off." At this Simon's eyes widened and he took to staring at the floor in front of him. Scorpius turned faintly pink, his mouth twitching. She looked again to Rose, a sad smile pulling at her lips, "I couldn't compete with that."

Rose swallowed, feeling an unfathomable urge to bolt away from another unpleasant encounter.

"Come on Simon, let's go get a drink." Elizabeth left, pulling a not-too-pleased Simon Finnegan in her wake.

Rose heard Scorpius sigh, deflated.

"We're not having much luck today, are we?" Scorpius cleared his throat.

Rose pondered this for a moment. Realistically, that chance meeting had passed near painlessly. And in truth, she was more concerned about her friend than she was about the fact Scorpius used to date Elizabeth Thomas. It appeared Scorpius had indeed broken things off with her, perhaps without explicitly telling her why, and such a shock could have been blown much more out of proportion than it just had. By comparison it appeared to have been swept under the rug.

"I don't know. It could have gone a lot worse," Scorpius turned to look at her, his gaze full of concern. "That's probably the most luck we'll have today," Rose let out a breath, that may as well have been a laugh.

"Everyone has exes," Rose shrugged, impressing even herself at how calm she felt about the whole thing. Either Scorpius was doing her some good, or she had lost the will to care about such things.

Scorpius it appeared, was searching her face for some slight that could indicate she was in fact furious about the whole thing. The fact he actually cared so much, only imparted in Rose the feeling she made a good decision giving him a chance.

"Come on! Let's not dwell on it." Scorpius looked surprised, but followed her without hesitation into the shop.

They browsed the shelves in contemplative silence for a few minutes. Rose eventually picked up a small leather-bound book in the Dark Arts section entitled; "The Old Families - An Heir for the Purest Lineage". She flicked through it, having little trouble locating Scorpius' surname.

"Is it too contemptuous of me to ask what it's like being a Malfoy?" Rose asked cautiously, gauging Scorpius' reaction.

He looked up, his eyes focussing on the title of the text, his face impassive. "No. It's just rather ambiguous. Why do you ask?"

Rose drew in her bottom lip, "we already know a lot of superficial things about each other," she shrugged, "more through situation. I was just curious is all."

Scorpius took the book from her outstretched hand, lifting onto his tiptoes and placing it out of sight in the small gap between the top of the bookshelf and the ceiling.

"Ask me all the questions you like, Red. Just don't read that drivel and believe any of it."

"I wasn't, I just-,"

"I know." He turned to her. "Gratefully, or regrettably depending on who you are, as the black sheep in over six generations I probably couldn't answer the questions as accurately as you might like."

Rose held his gaze, steadfast. "I meant more what's your home life really like? You don't have to answer." Rose held up her hand, regretting having asked, "Forget I asked." She finished lamely, moving away from the section and into a more brightly lit area containing a myriad of books on magical sports.

"I'm just thankful I made friends with Albus," Scorpius stated, inspecting the spines on the shelf closest. "I'm also glad my father didn't have much to say about it when I went home for Christmas in first year. I was dreading it," he confessed.

Rose nodded thoughtfully, considering all those times she felt Albus and Scorpius were conspiring against her, when really their friendship was a ticket for Scorpius out of the life his father had been forced into.

In an attempt to lighten the mood, she handed him a picture book she'd spotted on Quidditch players hairstyles of the ages: Quidditch, Quiffs and Quaffs. He snorted, his glasses sliding down his nose slightly.

Scorpius sat down in a small armchair, beside a standing lamp and Rose perched on the chairs arm. Scorpius stared at her for a long moment before beginning to flick chronologically through the book.

Scorpius stopped on a full page spread of 18th century Quidditch players, all sporting outrageously long, curly wigs. Some almost long enough to sit on.

"What on earth?" exclaimed Scorpius, scrunching up his face in disgust.

Rose grinned, "that was the style back then. We inherited it from the muggle monarchs in this case."

"It's hideous. Not to mention impractical," said Scorpius, twisting the book around to view the image from a different angle.

"I can't imagine the beaters had an easy time, wearing such an atrocity," affirmed Rose, amused by Scorpius' outrage.

"I doubt any of them did!"

Rose pulled her wand from up her sleeve, feeling bold. "I could give you such a do, so you can test it out if you like? For scientific purposes."

Scorpius leapt out of the chair, tossing the book onto it, putting some distance between them. He ran a hand through his scruffy, short hair. "Absolutely not, Weasley. I believe some things are best left to the history books, eh?" Scorpius looked more alarmed as she advanced on him between the shelves.

She gave a playful laugh, "you would look ridiculous!" Rose gave her wand a dramatic flourish. Scorpius retreated further away, holding his hands up in mock defence. Rose gave another laugh as she stowed her wand back up her sleeve.

"That's an intimidating sight you know?" said Scorpius, "you pointing your wand like that." He nodded warily at her, though his mouth quirked up in evident amusement.

"Best not get on my bad side then, had you?" Rose said, waggling a suggestive eyebrow, unsure how Scorpius managed to coax her into such flirtatious territory. Something that up till now, had been mostly one sided. She remained unsure how Scorpius managed to make her feel so at ease and light hearted that she could genuinely joke around with him. Rose was finally beginning to accept that Scorpius was exceptionally pleasurable company, and his somewhat blithe attitude was becoming more and more endearing.

She caught Scorpius' gaze darkened, he took a step backwards, smirking. "If we weren't in a public book shop, I'd make you pay for that comment."

Rose tried in vain to hide the smile on her face as she followed Scorpius into the stationary section. She wavered a moment in front of a deep red quill with a brass nib attachment. The quill was displayed on a velvet stand appearing to emit its own dull glow. She gingerly checked the price tag, dropping it immediately and moving across to the parchment. She sensed Scorpius no longer moving alongside her and glanced over her shoulder. He too was eying the price tag with interest.

"Don't even think about it!" she said, putting her hand on her hip, offering him a challenging expression.

"Oh, don't get your hopes up, Weasley," Scorpius said matter-of-factly, "although I'm very aware this it's your favourite colour," her gut twisted, "and I indeed just considered buying it for you as an alternative to a generous compliment. However, on second thoughts, I think it might look much better in our office. What do you think?" He chortled picking up the quill gently and examining it closely over his spectacles.

She moved back to his side, looking enviously at the sleek strands of the feather itself, on closer inspection it shimmered with a purple hue.

"How did you know red was my favourite colour?" she asked quietly, beginning to scrutinise the brass nib as Scorpius held it out to her.

"Everyone knows you don't actually wear red because it clashes with your hair. Even though you love it," said Scorpius absently.

"Is it why you call me, Red?"

"There are many shades," he muttered, holding the quill up to the light.

She paused, "Everyone else just assumes it to be blue because I'm in Ravenclaw."

Much to her displeasure Scorpius sat down the quill on its stand and turned towards her, his head tilted to one side. A curious expression on his face.

"Jewellery."

"Erm…what about it?" Rose asked, subconsciously lifting her hand to the red and silver stud in her ear.

He blinked, "you often wear red jewellery. Independent of what colour you're wearing otherwise."

Rose's stomach did a low-key somersault at that last comment. Such observations were near unheard of within her family, what with so many cousins to keep track of, those sorts of details often fell by the wayside. And yet here was Scorpius Malfoy. Observing and acknowledging things about her, that most people she knew better, weren't privy to. All without even having to ask. It was like he could see right through her, possessing a genuine interest in the things she liked and who she was. While she too felt an overwhelming urge to find out those details about Scorpius, it was this comment, this insignificant attention to detail he applied to her that made her do what she did then.

The warmth was back again. She took a measured look over her shoulder to check for any other patrons, decisively moving before she could change her mind. She took Scorpius' hand urgently, dragging him deeper into the shop, where it was less well lit.

Amidst Scorpius' questioning, he jostled between the piles of books stacking on the floor, attempting to not trip over them.

Scorpius caught up, putting up very little resistance, chuckling as he drew close to her. She felt his thumb caress the back of her hand gently.

"Red, why're we in the Spanish literature sec-" she spun round and cut him off. Lifting herself onto the balls of her feet, giving herself leverage to bring her face to his. She grasped the soft fabric of his jumper, impatiently.

His reaction was instant and he caught up with great enthusiasm. A hand found her hair and another the side of her face, his thumb fitting perfectly into the dimple on her cheek. His lips moved so confidently against hers, applying the firmest of pressures. His hands moved down her sides, tugging their bodies flush together. The frame of his glasses pressing into the side of her nose, only made her grip him tighter to her.

"Rose-," she heard her name low and breathy between the kisses he began placing along her jawline. She felt dizzy and hot. She pulled his mouth back to hers, hungrily, pressing into him against the bookshelf.

She had never felt such a heat pool in her core. Not once with Elliot.

With great proficiency, Scorpius leaned into her, dipping her backwards slightly, while holding her firmly to him.

Having registered he'd addressed her, Rose broke away, "what is it?" she asked eagerly, catching his eye, his glasses slightly foggy.

"Where did that come from?" Scorpius smirked, stealing a chaste kiss from her swollen lips, seeming incapable of unwrapping his arms from around her waist.

She looked up at him, feeling his heart racing where their chests were melded together, "I just felt like it."

Scorpius smile was arresting. "Circe sake, Red. We've gone from nought to a thousand in about a week."

"I wouldn't say a thousand…" said Rose cheekily. His immediacy doing as it always did, loosening her tongue, softening her thoughts.

"Oh, is that right," he smirked. She bit her lip grinning, feeling her pelvis clench, she shuddered involuntarily. Though she could recall what someone might regard as good times with Elliot, her body had never reacted in such a way to him. There was no denying a physical attraction towards Scorpius now, and Rose found herself wishing she hadn't started something she couldn't finish in a public bookshop.

The logical part of Rose's brain that was still conscious, noted a shuffling behind the shelves running parallel with theirs.

Scorpius moaned, burying his head in the crook of her neck. "Not fair." He said, his voice muffled by Rose's jumper.

She found herself giggling into his hair, a foreign concoction of confidence and allure binding her to the spot they shared. The dazed feeling prevailing, she kept a firm grip on Scorpius' forearms as he looked up at her with an upturned mouth, his glasses crooked. "It's not like it's be the only time," she whispered.

Scorpius' eyes darkened, "I'll hold you to that."

They crept out from the bookshelves, the weight of Scorpius' hand in hers a welcome touch. Scorpius' cheeks were noticeably rosy as they stepped back out into the daylight. He adjusted his collar, allowing the air to circulate beneath his sweater and shirt. He cast her a sideways glance.

"Your hair looks crazy, Red."

She moved her hands up, narrowing her eyes, "that's your fault!" She felt curls stood up at odd angles as she attempted to smooth it into a ponytail.

"You fancy a drink before we head back?" Scorpius asked, walking a foot closer to her than he had been doing before, as they walked back up the high street. Rose resisted the urge to grab his hand, not wanting to give those who loved to gossip anymore ammunition.

She gave him a sideways glance, "I don't see why not. Let's maybe not sit beside Liz and Finnegan though, alright?"

Scorpius looked a little put out, "I wouldn't put us through that again, I can assure you."

As they approached the pub, the door was unexpectedly thrown open and Lysander Scamander flew out into the street, followed closely by Shannon who was pulling on her robes, hurriedly.

"Scamander, I told you – he didn't have anything to do with it!"

"I'll be the judge of that." Lysander spat. Shannon recoiled, catching site of Rose and Scorpius over Lysander's shoulder. Her eyes grew wide in warning.

Scorpius looked at Rose, uneasy as Lysander turned to follow Shannon's cautionary gaze. As if fate was more twisted than Rose could have ever believed, what happened next assured her she had underestimated it entirely.

"You!" Lysander yelled, advancing towards them, "why're you fucking around my brother, Malfoy?"

Shannon followed closely, throwing Rose a probing look as she took in her lightly dishevelled appearance.

"What are you talking about, Scamander? I've got nothing to do with whatever happened this morning."

Lysander laughed derisively, his face contorted.

Shannon ran to catch up, "I told you he didn't do anything." Scorpius, completely bewildered let out a laugh.

"What am I supposed to have done?" Scorpius asked, with an air of condescension, oblivious that what had transpired earlier was largely, in part, due to himself. Indirectly or not, Lysander appeared not to care.

The Scamander twin drew level with Scorpius, drawing himself up to full height. "You know what you've done. Don't play dumb."

"He really doesn't," said Rose, finally finding her voice.

Shannon shot her a questioning look.

"Stay out of this, Weasley."

Rose wracked her brain for any way that this scenario could pan out, without Lysander telling Scorpius Albus' secret. Unless she was about to stun the Scamander twin into silence, she came up empty. She felt dizzy again, her heart racing at an alarming rate as panic set in.

"Whatever your brother has said, it's not the full story," she tried, Lysander ignored her.

"All this time, my brother's been seeing Potter, and he's been cheating on him with you!"

"That's utter bullshit!" Shannon cut in, beginning to roll her eyes, before catching Rose's pained expression and her face fell.

Scorpius seemingly more confused, appeared to be losing his previously decent temperament. "I'm sorry, mate. You've got it wrong. I'm not into guys. I've no idea what kind of shit Lorcan's saying now him and Al have broken up-,"

Lysander drew his wand, pointing it at Scorpius' neck. "You think you can just wade into other people's relationships?" he asked, his voice dangerously low.

"Lysander, you've got it all wrong-,"

"Did you know about this, Weasley?"

"What?" Rose stilled, Lysander's question like a knife to the gut.

Scorpius' arm twitched towards his wand and instinctively Rose took a step between the two boys. Both looked taken-aback as Shannon put a weary hand to her forehead.

Lysander recovered quickly, "did you know Potter was in love with him?" he nodded brusquely towards Scorpius, his eyes blazing.

"I-," Rose began. Her head starting to spin.

Shannon and Scorpius cast her enquiring glances in various degrees of severity. Both appearing to register the guilt clearly displayed on her face. She was unable to hide it any longer. Too tired to hold it back.

The crease in Scorpius' forehead deepened, "what's going on, Red?"

Rose tried to catch her breath, as it became shallower, her lungs felt like they were shrinking to half their normal size. "It wasn't my secret to tell."

It all happened very suddenly after that. All three of them advanced closer to her, asking questions she couldn't hear over the blood rushing in her ears. Spots began popping bright white in her vision, as she couldn't catch her breath. With all her focus on trying to fill her lungs, her legs gave way beneath her; like holding herself up became an after-thought.

And then everything went black.


Author's note -

Firstly, my apologies for any and all mistakes. I finally got some inspiration/enthusiasm to write and this is the final product. However, because it took me so long to put it together, I've uploaded it impatiently. Secondly, thank you to anyone who is still reading this. Unfortunately my personal life has been off the freaking chain busy and this story, while it started off with all the good intentions, I fear has lapsed into something pretty mediocre. So if you're still hear reading, I salute you. Regrettably, how my brain often works, I've also started honing in to the next "big idea" of a story and can't seem to let that one go. As this is the penultimate chapter is shouldn't be too long for me to get the final part of this story complete. And finally, thank you to everyone who takes the time to review. It's an absolute pleasure to know people are following this story, giving their time and energy to provide feedback.

*~*Mischief managed*~*