This is a long one guys! Thanks to my consistent and fabulous reviewer WhatsTheTimeMrWolf!

Just to clarify, I'm trying to keep this very PG as they are still in first year, but based on my experiences of British school at this age there is dating (non-serious, kissing only) and swearing and general cheekiness. Hope it comes across as realistic! I love the dialogue in this one.

Also, Eleanor (remember her?) will be back at some point, as will Imogen and Taylor-Charity-Macey. Expect some girl-fights in the later years.

It was almost Christmas. Scorpius was still in detention every Friday night.

It had been chaos after he clocked Alex in the face. The prefects in the common room had started shouting and the rest of us were sent upstairs to our respective dormitories. I had looked back over my shoulder to see Scorpius being escorted away by Professor Zabini. He hadn't been at breakfast the next day either.

Nowadays he spent his time in his dorm room avoiding Alex or in the library avoiding the rest of us.

Lucas beckoned me over to our new favourite spot in the library. He'd dragged beanbags over to near the windows the previous week and we could see the lake out of the stained glass. It always soothed me.

"Scorp's over there again."

I nodded in agreement. I'd already spotted him, scratching away at a parchment. His marks had dropped in Muggle Studies without my help and I could see him getting frustrated. Lucas gave me a pointed look.

"It's time this ended. It's so awkward in our dorm. He won't even talk to me, and we've been friends since conception."

I winced, "Thanks for the mental image."

He sighed, "I'm serious. Go talk to Alex or something. This ends now."

I left my bag with him and walked down the corridors towards the secret passage. A few minutes later I stepped into the unused classroom. Noah and Alex spent all their time in there.

As expected, they were whispering at the back of the room. Alex grinned when he saw me.

"What a pleasure. Come to give me a kiss?"

I pulled a face at him and leant against the wall, "I've come to talk to you about Scorp. I miss him."

He shrugged, "So? I'm not stopping you from talking to him. He's being petty and childish."

I couldn't deny that. It was Scorpius who was causing this rift.

"Scor doesn't fit in anyway," Alex continued, "He's not like the rest of us." Noah nodded in agreement.

I glared at Noah, "Don't agree with him. You know Scor fit with us just fine."

He lowered his eyes from my stare.

"It's time you two apologised. You goaded him into hitting you."

"And I served my detention for that."

I exhaled loudly. Sometimes these boys were stubborn to the point of infuriation.

"I'm trying to make this right, Alex. Why can't you give Scorp a chance?"

"I gave him a chance, and he punched me in the face."

I turned and started back up the passage, leaving the two of them alone again. I knew there was no point arguing with Alex, and Noah had become an accessory to him, hanging on to his every word.

I was soon back in the library, and Lucas looked at me expectantly. I shook my head.

"I feel like we're the only sane ones in this group anymore." I said. He nodded.

"It's not really a group anymore." He nodded again.

"Are you staying in Hogwarts over Christmas?" I asked.

"No, Christmas day is my birthday so I always go home."

"Christmas is your birthday?! You never said! Now I have to get another present!"

Lucas laughed, "I like to not mention it and then make people feel guilty for not knowing. Then they buy me better presents the next year." He winked at me.

I laughed with him. "That's cruel."

"Scorp forgot once. I held that over him for months."

"Talking about me, are we?"

I looked up to see Scorpius standing over me. He had dragged another beanbag over and was holding it awkwardly, the orange material making his green eyes even more vibrant.

"May I?"

I nodded silently, and Scorpius dropped onto the floor beside me. I stared at him incredulously.

"Decided to talk to us again?"

He nodded, hanging his head a little. "I realised how much I missed you two when I saw you laughing over here. Couldn't resist."

I smiled and threw my arms around him.

"It's a Christmas miracle!" cheered Lucas, jumping on top. I was squashed between the two boys and suddenly had a flashback to being underneath the trunks back at Platform 9¾. My life had changed so much since then.

That night at dinner we were sitting on the very end of the table, away from the other first year Slytherins. Lucas was stuffing sausages into his mouth and Scorpius was trying to balance his spoon on his nose. I was laughing at both of them when someone sat down next to me.

"Hi everyone." Alex and Noah grabbed plates and started filling them with food immediately. Scorpius' spoon fell off his nose and clattered onto the table loudly.

"Erm, hi." I said. Alex winked at me.

"Did you miss me at all, Clumsy?" I rolled my eyes and then looked at Scorpius. He was staring at Alex.

Lucas swallowed loudly and started piling more sausages onto his plate. "To what do we owe this pleasure?" he said sarcastically.

Alex looked at Noah, who grinned.

"We just wanted to pay a little visit and fix this animosity." He offered his hand to Scorpius, "Truce?"

Scorpius spat on his hand and held it out too. Alex spat and they shook.

I was disgusted, "That's gross."

Alex smiled. "Don't like a little saliva, eh?" He licked his lips and blew a kiss at me. "I'll change your mind about that."

I frowned even more. "Double gross."

Lucas smiled and threw an arm around Scorpius. "The whole gang's back together!"

"And just in time for us all to leave for Christmas." I noted, "Who's going?"

Scorpius sighed, "My mum's making me. She says she misses me too much for me to stay here."

"I'm going back," said Noah, "My cousins are coming over. It's a Reed tradition."

"Same," Alex added.

Lucas looked puzzled. "Why same? You're not in Noah's family."

"I meant my family are coming over too, idiot."

"I'm staying here," I added. I'd only decided this morning. "I'd rather not see my family again. They haven't bothered owling me this whole term."

Lucas stretched his arms out behind him, "I'm looking forward to Birthmas."

"Bloody hell, I still haven't gotten you a birthday present." Scorpius tried to push Lucas off the bench, "I need to brainstorm ideas without you here Lucas, piss off."

I laughed, "Come sit with me at the Gryffindor table. I'll introduce you to my lion friends."

Lucas picked up his plate and the plate of sausages, "Good day gentleman".

They all coiffed their imaginary hats at him as we left. I shook my head, still laughing.

We made our way over to the packed Gryffindor table, squeezing in between a group of Fifth Years and Roxie. I hugged her and introduced Lucas to everyone.

"Lucas, this is Roxie, Rose, Em and-" I paused, "Actually, I've never met you either."

The boy smiled at me.

"Albus Potter. We have six classes together."

"I know- we've just never been introduced."

Lucas elbowed me, "I sit next to Al in Defence Against the Dark Arts. He's got a mean wand arm, I'm warning you."

Albus laughed and high-fived Lucas, "I get it from my Dad."

Rose rolled her eyes at him, "Nice name drop, cousin."

"I think you've met my brother too," Albus said to me, "He mentioned you a few times. Said you 'screeched at him like a wild banshee'."

I smiled sweetly, "Why, me? I couldn't raise my voice above a whisper."

He grinned, "Don't let my brother get to you. He's pissed off so many people with his Scorpius hate-talk that I'm surprised there's not a price on his head."

"Oh yeah?" I replied, "Like whom?"

Roxie answered. "All the girls in his year in Gryffindor. They seem to think Scorpius is 'dreamy'." She rolled her eyes, "It's just the Veela in him."

"Don't let Scorp hear you say that," muttered Lucas.

I thought about it for a moment. Scorpius did have nice eyes, and he was tall.

"I can't see it myself," Em said.

"My dad hates his whole family," said Rose, "I'm not surprised that James is so vocal about it, what with my Dad."

"Uncle Ron hates Scorpius' dad," explained Roxie, "They've never liked each other, not since their first year at Hogwarts. Plus Aunt Hermione was tortured in Malfoy Manor."

"That's not Scorp's fault though," I argued, "He wasn't even born then. None of us were."

Lucas pretended to bow to me, "Oh Muggleborn, how sweet and innocent you are. Family pride is much more prominent in wizard culture. There are students here I'm not allowed to talk to for what their families did to my family centuries ago. Grudges stick for a long time here. We're quite the dramatic bunch."

I sighed. Understatement of the year.

"Are you going home for Christmas, Charley?" Roxie asked, seconds before the main course on the table magically became dessert. Rose enthusiastically started heaping Eton Mess onto her plate.

I shook my head, "No point."

She sighed. "I wish I had the choice. All Weasleys and Potters are forced to go back for 'family time' at The Burrow with our grandparents. It's such a squeeze."

Rose joined in, "And Teddy and Victoire are going to be all over each other. I can't stand her these days. Always talking about fate and how they were born to be together." She rolled her eyes, "It's so obvious Teddy should be with me."

"He's gorgeous, no doubt about that." Roxie agreed.

"He only likes her because she's got Veela blood in her. It's not real love." Rose proclaimed.

"Again with the Veela hate," I said.

"Sorry," said Rose, "I'm just bitter. Why did he have to be 8 years older than me?"

Roxie patted her on the back, "There there."

Albus leaned in and whispered dramatically. "I heard he was proposing to her this Christmas."

Rose groaned and lay her head on the table, "Why me? What did I ever do wrong?"

Albus sniggered over his apple pie as Rose banged her head on the table again.

"Will you come to Hogsmeade Station to see us off? Pretty please?" Em fluttered her eyelashes at me.

"Well, let me check my schedule…" I rifled through my bag, "You know what, its wide open. Course I will."

"What's wide open?" Alex's jokey voice came from just behind me. Lucas laughed and high fived him. Roxie rolled her eyes.

"We're all going down to the lake to ice skate. Want to come?" He offered me his hand and I stood.

"Do you guys want to come too?" Lucas asked the Gryffindors. They all nodded and stood up, Rose readjusting her cloak subtly. We followed Alex out of the Hall to where Scorpius and Noah were waiting. Rose stopped straight away.

"I'll skip this one actually," she said.

Scorpius sighed, "It's because of me, isn't it? Didn't your parents teach you to not judge a book by its cover?"

"Yes," she replied, "But when that cover tortured my mother I tend to make exceptions."

He sighed again. "Want me to leave my wand up here? Would that make you feel better? Although-" he smiled suddenly, "-the worst I could do would be making a piece of your hair float. I haven't exactly mastered any curses yet."

She nodded, and I saw the hint of a smile at his joke.

He offered his wand to her.

"Keep it," she said, linking arms with Roxie and walking out of the large double doors into the Grounds.

I smiled at Scorpius, who pocketed his wand again. Lucas gave him a thumbs up.

We strolled down to the lakeside, where a group of Fourth Years had set up a stall renting out magical ice skates. Scorpius bought me a pair of blue ones.

"You didn't have to do that," I said.

"Consider it your Christmas present, best friend."

We grinned at each other.

"Hurry the fuck up!" shouted Roxie from the middle of the ice.

"No need to swear" I called back, "There are ladies present!"

"Sorry Scorpius!" she retorted. I burst out laughing as we glided over to her.

Rose was skating at the very edge, practising her turns. I watched as Lucas moved over to her and they started skating together. I pulled up next to Roxie and put my head on her shoulder.

"Look at our Rosie improving inter-house relations. She's all grown-up!"

Roxie laughed, "Her birthday is next month."

I groaned. "So many birthdays."

"Tell me about it. How many cousins do I have again?" She shrugged and skated off across the lake.

"Very graceful," Scorpius noted, "Can't wait to see her fly next year. She must have her mother's talent."

"Are you going to try out for the school team then?" I asked. He nodded.

"Two of our Chasers are leaving this year so I reckon I'm in for a good chance."

"I'll be there to support you."

He put his arm around me and smiled, "You'd better be."

Just then. Alex skated up to us. "What are you doing? The objective is to skate around, not to stand in the dead centre of the ice and get in everyone's way."

We set off together and I was glad the skates were enchanted. Even I hadn't managed to fall over yet. Albus joined us, and then Roxie. Alex pointed up ahead to where Rose and Lucas were skating slowly together.

"Fancy showing Lucas up in front of the girl?" he asked Albus.

"Her name's Rose," muttered Roxie under her breath.

"Sure," said Scorpius, and the two of them sped off. Roxie and I exchanged a look, and we started skating quickly after them.

"Rose!" shouted Roxie.

Rose turned just in time to see Albus and Scorpius bearing down on her and Lucas. She screamed, flailed her arms and landed on her bum on the ice.

"Albus!" she shouted.

"Sorry Rosie," he said, helping her up, "We were going for Lucas."

"You alright?" I asked.

She nodded, trying to inspect the back of her cloak for ice.

"I think I'm going to go inside now." Roxie announced.

"I'll come too," said Alex.

They went to take their skates off and Rose followed.

"Want to stay out?" Albus asked the rest of us.

"Reckon I can do a jump?" said Lucas.

"Doubt it." Scorpius rummaged in his robes, "I'll give you this Knut if you can."

He smiled, "Any other bets?"

"A Knut from me too," added Albus. I shook my head. I was very suspicious of the grin Lucas was sporting.

"Two Knuts placed on Lucas," he narrated, "And he lines up for the attempt. The ice ahead is clear. He starts his strides-"

Lucas began skating faster and faster.

"-begins the prep-" He bent his knees slightly and leant forward.

"-and he… nails it!" Lucas threw his body upwards, pirouetting in the air and sticking the landing with apparent ease.

Albus and I cheered as he skated back towards us.

"How…?" stuttered Scorpius. Lucas skated a few laps around him before answering him.

"Elementary, my dear Watson."

"That makes no sense. That's entirely out of context…" Scorpius was still stunned.

"No hard feelings, eh boys? Pay up." Scorpius and Albus handed the money over grudgingly.

"I must admit, I was looking forward to watching you fuck that one up."

Lucas laughed, "No chance Al; I'm the best skater in my family."

The two of them skated off, still chatting. I looked at Scorpius.

"How?" he murmured.

I could still feel the warmth of my friend's hugs as I watched the Hogwarts Express pull away from Hogsmeade Station and chug off down the line. I trudged back up to the carriages and sat inside an empty one, pulling my gloves back on. It had snowed again that night and I could feel the chill in my fingers.

A boy slid with ease onto the seat beside me. I was shocked to see James Potter, wrapped up heavily in his winter cloak.

"Hello Charley."

I turned away from him. Hadn't Roxie said all Potters had to go home? Why was James here?

"Come on Charley, don't be like that."

I crossed my arms and stared resolutely out of the carriage window.

"Please, we haven't spoken in months. Don't you want to know how Holmes is doing?"

I stood up to get out. I'd rather walk back to school than sit with him.

"Alright. You've made your point. Sit back down, please."

He seemed genuine, so I took the seat furthest away from him. The carriage started moving with a jolt and I watched the scenery pass by out of the window.

James began to whistle.

It wasn't even a tune.

There was no beat or pattern.

"Can you stop?!" I blurted suddenly. He grinned at me.

"Made you talk."

I rolled my eyes at him.

"If you don't talk to me I'll start again. There's no law against whistling."

"There should be." I muttered.

He started whistling again.

"Alright! I'll talk."

"Wow; that really does get to you. I didn't expect that to work so well." James' cheeky smile was partially endearing but mostly irritating.

"Shouldn't you be on the train?"

"Snuck off," he replied, "Didn't want to go home this year."

I smirked, "Your parents are going to be so happy about that. I wouldn't be surprised if they show up on the next train to get you."

"They wouldn't do that. You don't know them."

"I've heard all about your family?"

"From Scorpius? He doesn't know anything about us."

"No, actually, from Rose and Roxie and Al. You're right though- Scorpius knows nothing about your family, and you know less about his."

James winced, "Ooh, burn. I wondered when we'd get to this topic. Are you gonna start shouting again?"

I exhaled loudly and indignantly. "You really get on my nerves."

"It's one of my best talents. Everyone says so."

"The girls in your year think Scorpius is hot. Does that make you feel inferior?"

There was silence and I turned to look at him. His face had a strange expression- like the calm before a storm.

"Yes, actually. It does."

I was silent this time.

"Anyway," he said, "Let's agree to disagree on this matter. I'm never going to get along with Malfoy- that's a fact."

I sighed. "You don't have to get along with him. Just tolerate him."

"I can do that."

"Thanks."

Silence fell again.

"So what did Scorpy get you for Christmas?"

"James!"