A/N: I own nothing! Thanks for all the reviews!

The Life and Times of Scorpius Malfoy: Chapter Nine

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Why had she kissed him?

She knew why: she wanted to. Godric, who wouldn't want to? But why did she when she knew it was a bad idea. She couldn't have a boyfriend - although she knew Scorpius would never hurt her or her family like Greyson had. But if they broke up, who would her family chose? She or Scorpius? Or could they get along for the sake of the Potter-Weasley-Lupin-Malfoys?

What if they didn't break up? They had been getting along...

"Chief?" Anders broke her out of her thoughts, "Did you hear any of that?"

She coughed, "Uh, sorry, afraid I didn't."

Lightfoot smirked knowingly, "Davenport was hoping to get an interview with Harry Potter and Scorpius Malfoy -"

"Since the Tornadoes are doing so well this season, a real underdog success story. But Harry declined, saying he'd rather Scorpius be interviewed this time round."

"Typical Uncle Harry," Rose muttered.

"And Mr. Malfoy requested you interview him," Lightfoot finished smugly.

"I am dating their star Chaser," Davenport grinned, leaning back in his chair, "it's only fair."

Rose cleared her throat, "Yes, yes, that's fine. For next Sunday's edition?" Davenport nodded. "Brilliant. Next order of business."

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"Ah, I'm here to see Mr. Malfoy?" Rose pulled at her steel grey skirt nervously as she approached the large desk at the front of the Department of International Magical Cooperation.

Suzanne looked up and smiled, "Ah, yes, Ms. Weasley? He is expecting you," she stood, "I'll take your coat and then take you to his office. He has a conference Floo connection with the Minister and some Tibetan representatives, but he should be back soon."

Rose looked around his office, holding her tablet, pen and Muggle tape recorder in one hand as she nervously dusted off her bright purple blouse and grey high-waisted skirt. His office was only slightly larger than hers and his desk was only slightly less cluttered than hers, although he seemed to have just as many memos and folders and papers. And he had pictures placed throughout his office, in front of the various books on his desk. There were pictures of Apollo, of Scorpius and his parents, of Scorpius and Albus, Scorpius and Gemma, of the Tornadoes team and of the entire Potter-Weasley-Lupin-Malfoy "family" from the very first Tornadoes banquet. Rose frowned when she saw that she wasn't in the picture: just something else that she had missed.

"I've been waiting for everyone to be around to take another picture." She jumped at his voice and was surprised to see that he was standing very close to her. "There's a picture of Albus, Gemma and us from that party Harry threw," he smiled, "right over there."

She coughed and stood straighter, "Yes, well," her voice was all business, "should we begin this interview?"

He grinned and gestured to a chair, "Please Ms. Weasley, won't you sit down?" She was wearing purple again.

He tried not to think of what it felt like to have her lips on his. It had been nearly three days since he had walked her home and she had kissed him with such fervor -

"So Davenport was hoping we could get this in the Sunday Edition."

He raised his eyebrows, "That's a fairly high honor."

She smiled and set her recorder on his desk, "Do you mind?"

"How very Muggle of you," he grinned, "please, this is your interview?"

He was modest about his part in the Tutshill Tornadoes' success, admitting only that he was a firm believer of doggedly pursuing and signing these players he knew would come together to make a team. He and Harry had snatched up young players from abroad and those players in England who had been snubbed by other teams. "They love the sport they want to play they aren't doing it for the money or the fame." He smiled, "They are a team."

"And that's something you and Harry and Coach Stevenson reiterate?"

"Everyday, yes."

"And did you sign Ms. Roxanne Weasley? She was being scouted by nearly every team including the Harpies and her brother's team, the Pride of Portree? And they would have undoubtedly paid more handsomely?"

Scorpius admired how objective she was being: she wasn't lobbing him easy questions because she knew him. She was being the type of reporter she always was, the type of reporters she wanted everyone at The Owl to be. "Ms. Weasley wanted to, first of all, be on a Weasley-free team -"

"And Potter free."

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Although neither said anything, they both admired each other throughout the interview. Scorpius was modest and intelligent and Rose was objective, intelligent and professional.

"Well, Scorpius, that was an excellent interview. Very painless, very professional."

He chuckled, "I just feel lucky to have been interviewed." He stood to walk her out, debating whether he should mention the kiss. "Were you, uh," he ran a hand through his hair, "would you like to get dinner tonight? Or go out for a drink?"

She frowned slightly, "My mum's having a birthday dinner for me tonight, just the four of us, but I'm sure Grandmum Weasley will throw something soon," she smiled wryly, "she always hated that my birthday was during school and not near anyone else's."

"Merlin, I nearly forgot it was your birthday," he grinned, "I guess I was waiting for a James and Fred prank."

She laughed, "Godric, I tried to forget about those."

He opened his desk drawer, "I should give this to you now -"

"Scorpius, please -"

He handed her a rather thick flat box wrapped neatly with plain blue paper, "Instead of in front of everyone."

"Scorpius, you didn't have to," she took the box hesitantly.

He chuckled and ran a hand sheepishly through his hair, "No, I didn't have to, I wanted to." He teased, "Don't open it until your actual birthday."

She grinned and nodded, "Thanks -" she gestured towards the door awkwardly, "I should go -"

"I expect a very objective article about me, Weasley," he winked, his confidence returning as he sat, "see you soon."

She retrieved her coat from Suzanne. What was going on?

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Rose's parents took her and Hugo out to one of her favorite childhood restaurants not far from their country home. She hadn't been to the Muggle establishment in years and she was thrilled by the gesture: Ron and Hermione had never taken any other family members there. With such a large, close family, it was nice to have a few things that was only for the four of them.

"When do I get my own feature, Rose," Ron teased her.

"When I get one, Ron," Hermione winked at her daughter.

Hugo talked about his Healing training and Ron and hermione asked Rose about the paper: it was a quiet, enjoyable evening. Wildly different than what she knew Grandmum Weasley's party was going to be like.

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Her present from Scorpius sat untouched on her desk: she still had to wait another day to open it and she could not even begin to think of what it could be. What would Scorpius think to give her when it was clearly unnecessary to get her anything.

"Who's that from?"

"You can't open it until your actual birthday," Anders teased as the three editors piled into her office.

"I wasn't going to," she rolled her eyes, "what are you all doing in here?"

"Come on, birthday drinks!" Lightfoot clapped his hands and Davenport nearly yanked her out of her face, "Good, sign it, Chief."

She pouted and was about to protest again when she felt her hand move to sign the paper, "That's forgery!"

"Come on, come on, princess," Lightfoot winked and thrust her coat in her arms, "to the pub!"

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The next morning she nearly shattered her alarm clock and lamp looking for a few extra minutes of sleep and a Hangover Potion. It wasn't the quantity of alcohol she consumed last night, it was the length of time she drank. Nearly eight hours worth of beer was going to make anyone feel like shite in the morning.

She had enjoyed last night, however: they had gone to an Australian pub, talked of the "old days" and drunkenly led numerous renditions of Australian songs. She remembered one especially rousing version of 'Waltzing Matilda' that had brought Davenport and several other patrons to tears. She could only imagine just how off-key it must have sounded...

But today was actually her birthday: she was 21. If she were still in the states she could have legally drank at Muggle pubs with a legitimate ID. She barely poured herself a cup of tea when several owls tapped at her window and her parents' Flooed.

Later that morning as she was about to open her gift from Scorpius, James and Fred burst into her office, Maureen behind them saying sternly, "I didn't say you could go in!"

Rose smiled at the secretary, "It's all right, they are unfortunately my cousins and they don't heed rules or social norms very well." She bit her lip when the woman 'humphed' and closed the office door with a snap behind her.

"Happy Birthday, Rosie!" James lifted her out of her chair and hugged her tightly as she kept her eyes on her other cousin.

"How does it feel to be so old," Fred grinned, hugging her fiercely when James finally let her go.

"I'm not as old as you two," she reminded them.

"How you wound us!"

"Yes, how inconsiderate! And we were you going to tell you what your present is!"

"But now that you've insulted us -"

She rolled her eyes, "All right, all right, I'm so old, my knees have been aching, that make you feel better?"

"You really should take something for that, love."

"How are your hips? Need them replaced yet?"

She sat back down in her chair, "I assume you're hear to tell me Grandmum's having a dinner tonight?"

Fred tapped his chin, "Yes, that too."

"No, my silly flower!" James batted his eyelashes, "We're taking you out tomorrow night!"

"Just the three of us?" She asked incredulously.

Fred rolled his eyes and sighed dramatically as James feigned shock. "No," Fred sighed again and sat down in a chair, "all of the cousins and significant others. Everyone young, basically."

"Yes, mum. It's your first birthday back and we have the whole night planned -"

"Avery and Dominique and Evangeline all approved it, don't worry."

"I should see that in writing," she mumbled.

"All the girls, apparently," James sniffed, "are going to meet up at Lily and Roxanne's flat to get ready or some nonsense, and then we'll all meet at this lovely Mexican restaurant for appetizers and margaritas."

"I am so excited for margaritas!"

"Then we'll continue to The Leaky Cauldron for a traditional English dinner," James continued.

"But we'll make it quick - Aunt Hannah, bless her heart, is giving us a discount on the food. Just for your birthday."

"And we'll have plenty of good ol' English -"

"And Irish -"

"Beer. Then we'll go to this new Muggle pub for the rest of the night."

"And," Fred grinned wickedly, "we're going to keep track of everyone's drinks all night -"

"Uncle George came up with a brilliant charm -"

"And whoever wins, well, we'll think of a prize, I suppose."

"Bragging rights," Rose shook her head, "this is going to be chaos, you know."

"It's your first birthday back, Rosie, darling! Don't ruin it for us!"

Rose rolled her eyes and couldn't help but laugh, "All right, all right." She grinned, "It sounds like fun. Thanks, you two."

They both looked pleased with themselves, "Brilliant. Now, if you'll excuse us," they stood, "we have many things to attend to."

"But don't forget - The Burrow tonight," James winked as they walked out of her office.

Rose leaned back in her chair and rolled her eyes. They were both bloody ridiculous.

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It wasn't until much later that she was able to open Scorpius' gift: it had been like a circus in her office the entire day. Her fingers trembled slightly as she went to pick up the package and she told herself it was because of the residual alcohol in her system, not nerves. She carefully tore the blue paper off and opened the box slowly to reveal a large plain, black book. Taking it out of the box, she turned it over but there was no title anywhere. Shaking her head she opened the book and her breath hitched.

It was her very first article she had ever had published: a very short article about the trial of an elderly American wizard who Obliviated dozens of Muggles. There it was, neatly cut and bound. She turned the page; there was her second article, slightly longer. She blinked back a tear and let out a laugh as she flipped through the book. Every one of her articles was there up to the very first edition of The Owl: he had even included all of the articles written under her fake names.

There was a note slipped in at the back of the book:

Rose,

I told you I wasn't lying.

Happy Birthday,

Scorpius

She laughed and flipped through the book: every single one of her articles from her time in the states. Ecuador, Tazmania, Siberia, Egypt, Thailand, Tibet, Tonga, Alaska, Finland, Turkey, all of them. He hadn't been lying.

It had to have been the sweetest and most wonderful and thoughtful gift she had ever received. Wiping away a quick tear, she closed the book and placed it back on her desk, grabbing her bag and her coat and hurrying out of her office.

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"You just missed him, Ms. Weasley. He had to leave early today," Suzanne smiled, "did you want to leave him a message?"

She licked her dry lips as the reality of the situation hit her and her adrenaline wore off, "Um, no, no, that's all right, thanks." She ran a hand through her hair and walked out of the office and towards the lifts. Of all the impulsive things she had ever done. Godric, what was she planning on doing if he was there? It was a just a gift...

She bit her lip as she stepped on to the lift, trying to steady her still-rapidly beating heart. So ridiculous, so impulsive.

She needed a drink.

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It had been too much. That gift was stalker-like and he knew it. He had worked hard to break down her initial barriers and now he had frightened her with this gift. He knew he had been walking a thin line between thoughtful and creepy but now he knew it was just creepy. He wish he could take it back. Merlin, what had he been thinking? He would just have to explain at the Burrow, apologize for his stalker gift.

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He grabbed a glass as soon as he walked in to the Burrow and filled it with the bottle of firewhiskey that was always in the kitchen. He had to find her and explain before she told someone about it, before they all worried for his sanity.

He waited what felt like hours while she talked with every bloody member of her family before they locked eyes. He immediately colored slightly and turned away, taking a long sip from his glass.

He was surprised therefore when not two seconds later she was standing beside him, smiling shyly, "Scorpius, that present -"

"Was a bit much, I know I didn't mean for it to be creepy, I'm not stalking you," he ran a hand through his hair and let out a nervous chuckle, "I'm sorry, I -"

Her hand rested lightly on his arm, "Scorpius, I loved it." He looked up to see her smiling widely, "It was the nicest, most thoughtful and fantastic gift I've ever gotten," she laughed lightly, "I came round your office to thank you, but you had already left."

He was baffled, his grey eyes wide, "You - you didn't think it was -"

She laughed again, "I loved it, Scorpius." She went to continue, her face turning slightly serious when Grandpa Weasley interrupted and told them it was time for dinner.

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He barely spoke to her the entire night because it was her birthday and she was obviously the guest of honor. But she had liked the gift, she wasn't put off by it; Merlin, she had gone to his office! He now greatly regretted holding that meeting with his team. What was she going to say when Grandpa Weasley had called them for dinner? Was she finally going to -

He couldn't get his hopes up and he wouldn't push her. At least not on her birthday.

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She nodded absentmindedly at Lily as her eyes gazed across the room: where was he? Had he left already? Without saying goodbye?

She didn't know what she was going to do anyway: was she really ready to - to commit to anyone let alone Scorpius? There was still the possibility they would break up, that things would end badly and if they did who would her family chose? But what if things didn't end? What if -

Marriage was not a word she would allow herself to think; had ever allowed herself to think. It just was never something she worried about. It was too trivial...

But where was he?

"Rose did you hear a word I said?"

Her head whipped around to face Lily, "Oh, um," she frowned, "no, I'm sorry, Lils."

The younger red head rolled her eyes, "I said, you are going to dress up tomorrow. And not in work clothes. In real, young, fashionable Muggle clothes," she grinned wickedly.

Rose pouted, "But it's my birthday and I don't want to!"

"No," LIly said sternly, "it's your birthday and you have to."

There really was no arguing with the youngest Potter; she was too much like her mother.

She was about to retort when she saw, out of the corner of her eye, Scorpius approach them. And then she felt his warm hand on the small of her back and her breathing grew shallow. Well, at least it was obvious what her body wanted...

"I'm afraid I need to go," he smiled at the two girls, "but I'll see you both tomorrow." He winked at Lily and looked purposely at Rose, his hand lingering a bit longer than necessary. But when he left, Rose felt instantly cold.

She was in now. There was no denying her attraction. Purely physical, of course.

Lily quirked an eyebrow at her older cousin, "So, are we going to be looking for potential dates tomorrow night?"

"I don't think so," Rose said quietly before coughing, "I mean, I'm much too busy."

Lily rolled her eyes, "Rosie, love, you are so bloody ridiculous. Godric's sword everyone and their kneazle knows you two are dancing around each other. You two are bloody perfect together and I know you know it. Just get over whatever inhibitions you have. I'm getting tired of it." She grinned wickedly, "I know he's just waiting on your signal." She walked away leaving Rose rooted to the spot, her mouth open in slight shock.

Well that was hardly fair of her, was it? It was her turn to act.

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She looked gorgeous. It was obvious that Rose hadn't let Lily do her make-up: it was fresh and simple unlike the sexy, smoldering make-up that Lily was sporting. And she was wearing jeans and a blue shirt that matched her eyes. But it was her smile that made her look more noticeably beautiful. She looked happy.

James and Fred shouted when the girls finally arrived and immediately and wandlessly muttered a charm: "Now you girls need to catch up!"

"And you won't be able to cheat!"

Avery smirked, "We don't need to cheat, love. We're going to crush you lot."

"Oh, is that a challenge? Girls versus boys?" Hugo was grinning.

"It can be," Roxanne sat down and waved for the waiter, "margaritas, for the girls, please."

Scorpius couldn't help the grin on his face when she sat next to him, ignoring the continuing laughter and argument around them. "Hullo," she greeted, a smile on her own face.

"Happy birthday."

"You've already said that," she nodded a thank you at the waiter and took a long sip of her margarita, "ah, I've missed these." He quirked an eyebrow and she grinned, "Mexico."

"Of course," he laughed, "is there any country you haven't been?"

"Oi! I call a toast! To wittle Wosie," Hugo's booming voice began.

"Our favoritest -"

"Smartest -"

"Oi!" Dominique laughed.

"Most like Uncle Ron -"

"I don't know James, you could give him a run for his -"

"Gingery-est -"

"I'm more ginger!"

"First Ravenclaw -"

"Cousin," Lily finished with a laugh as they all clinked their glasses.

"And who's going to lose spectacularly tonight," Albus smirked.

"Oi, is that a challenge, Potter?" Rose quirked a challenging eyebrow at him.

"I'm pretty good with the drinks, Weasley."

"All right," Davenport stood up, "we all agree to honor the rules and what not, thanks to the Unstoppable Beaters, right? Well, let's make it official, shall we?" Everyone nodded. "Good, I'm just going to say, I already know I'm going to lose to Rose Weasley. But I will still compete."

"Oi, what a twat," Hugo laughed.

"You haven't seen this girl drink, my friend."

"She's a maniac."

"This maniac is right here, you know," Rose smirked and placed her finished margarita on the table and started when a small black tally mark appeared on the inside of her wrist. "Oh, well that is clever. Tell Uncle George well done." She waved for the waiter.

Lightfoot leaned back in his chair and grinned, "Pace yourselves, boys. It's going to be a long night."

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Three margaritas in and she was still coherent, more than could be said about a giggling Lily and Gemma. She sat next to Scorpius the entire time they were at the Mexican restaurant, something that did not go unnoticed by him or anyone else. She leaned over, her clear blue eyes raking over his face slowly, "Scorpius, before we get too drunk, I," she smiled, taking a breath, "do you like Muggle movies?"

He stared at her, his eyes widening, "What sort of Muggle Department employee would I be if I didn't enjoy Muggle films?

She grinned, "Well, I've had some extra down time lately and," she watched his face closely, "would you like to see a film tomorrow night? Maybe get dinner?"

She watched as his face broke into the widest grin she had ever seen and her heart swelled. His hand touched her knee lightly as he turned to face her more properly, "Does this mean?"

She nodded and let out a small laugh. "Are you sure you're not drunk?" He eyed her warily.

She laughed, "Do I look drunk?"

He laughed, "Merlin, no, you don't," he grinned, his beautiful grey eyes staring at her blue ones. "What does -"

"This means I won't be able to publish any more stories about the Tornadoes," she grinned, leaning her face towards his. "Your interview gets published Sunday," she smiled, their faces nearly touching, "so we can't tell anyone -"

He groaned, "I want to kiss you so badly."

She leaned back, "I know, Malfoy," she grinned wickedly, "soon."

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He could not have been happier. Well, if he were snogging her, holding her, felt her body pressed against his, then he would be happier. But that would come soon enough. She had made the last, final move. She had asked him out on a date. And once her interview was published, they could go on dates, kiss in front of their family.

Merlin, he couldn't remember another time he was so bloody happy.

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Everyone was too busy drinking to notice anything going on between Scorpius and Rose.

Rose won, of course: Avery, Davenport. Anders, Hugo and Scorpius put up good fights; James and Fred were giggling and leading loud rounds of "God Save the Queen" (they were at a Muggle pub) and everyone else had stopped long before either giggling or wanting to watch everyone else make utter fools out of them selves. Gemma was holding up a rather sloshed Albus, "Bloody 'ell, Rosie, how did you do it?" He had made it half a drink at the pub before calling it quits (mostly at the insistence of Gemma).

She shrugged and bit back a laugh, "I'm bloody fantastic, what can I say?"

Davenport, the second place finisher, held up her arm, "And we have a winner, ladies and gentlemen!"

Avery grinned and hugged the younger girl, "I'm really impressed," she slurred slightly, "you're not even that drunk!"

Rose smiled lazily, "Not yet."

After what felt like hundreds of sloppy, drunken hugs and kisses goodbye, they were all outside and walking towards their respective flats: no one was in the right state to Apparate.

Scorpius was leaning against the brick side of the building, the collar of his black pea coat pulled up around his neck: he looked every bit the Muggle movie star with his platinum blonde swaying slightly in the wind, the street lamp covering him in a pale light. Smiling lazily, her red hair whipping behind her head, her hands burrowing deeper into the pockets of her dark grey coat, she leaned against the wall next to him.

"Well done," he hiccuped and laughed lazily, "I'm impressed. What's your trick?"

She laughed softly and shook her head, "Can't tell. It's a secret."

"Rose," he whined softly, "come on, tell me, I'm sloshed and you're not."

"All right," she leaned her head against the wall and looked at him, "frequent bathroom trips and eating lots of food." She laughed, "And just being plain awesome."

He smiled lazily back at her and leaned his head closer to hers, still resting it against the wall. "Everyone's gone now," he murmured quietly, "can I kiss you now?"

She bit her lip and leaned her face closer to his, their lips touching briefly before she put her hand on his shoulder, "Come on, drunkie, we need to get you home."

He groaned, "I'm fine right here."

She laughed and took his hand, "Come on, Malfoy, time to go home."

He laughed when he stumbled slightly when she pulled him away from the wall. "Shouldn't I be walking you home, Weasley?" He quirked an eyebrow and she laughed.

"Even drunk you're still typical Malfoy," she laughed, "you're drunk, I'm not, I'm walking you home."

He wrapped an arm around her waist and kissed the top of her head, "Will you laugh at me while I drunkenly make a fool of myself?"

She kissed his cheek, "Of course, Malfoy. I would love to."

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A/N: Don't worry, this isn't the end of the story! :) but hoooooray they're together! I mean, not technically yet because of the article and Rose needs her journalistic integrity (is that a real thing?) Anyway, I wanted to end this chapter here.

Should I go into the first date? Or just leave that to your imagination ;) and go right into the day of the article, or the day after, etc….?

PLEASE REVIEW! And thanks for everyone who has!