A/N: It is so hard to find time to sit and write these days. But I promise you all I do try my best to find the time. Generally Monday nights are okay for writing. Anyway, here we go!
DISCLAIMER: Only the plot.
Chapter Eleven: Moving Out
"Rose! Are you okay?" cried Hermione hugging her daughter tightly, "Did he hurt you bad?"
"Just another knock to the head Mum," said Rose with a smile, "I'm okay, really."
"I still can't believe it. That is not the person I thought Chase was," said Ron shaking his head before hugging his daughter and patting his son on the back, "I'm glad you found her Hugo."
Hugo nodded, "So am I."
McGonagall walked into her office followed by Chase and his parents Dean and a former Hufflepuff two years younger than Dean, Mary. McGonagall stood behind her desk and gestured for them all to sit on the stiff wooden chairs.
"Well, it is a serious matter which brings us here tonight, unfortunately. Now, I am sure you are all well aware that Rose and Chase were involved for a month or so until it was ended," said McGonagall.
"How was I to know?" snapped Chase, "Rose never said anything. She just avoided me!"
"Like that wasn't a big enough clue," muttered Rose coldly.
"Regardless of how the relationship ended, Chase, what you did to Rose was unacceptable. You physically harmed Rose, leaving her injured. The damage could have been far worse."
"What is my son supposedly meant to have done? I see no damage to Rose," said Mary coolly.
"He slammed Rose against a stone wall, leaving her with a nasty lump to her skull. If you wish for a backup account of this injury I can bring Madam Pomfrey in to confirm the injury."
"Well she hit me with a spell!" yelled Chase.
"In defence!" shot back Rose, "Was I meant to let you use the wall to club me to death with?"
"Please!" shouted McGonagall, "That is quite enough from you both. Now, this sort of behaviour is unacceptable. I can see both sides are responsible for where things headed. But Chase, you took things beyond the boundaries of dealing with student issues. Therefore you are suspended from Hogwarts for one month. When you return you will be under close watch and not allowed near Rose unless, you both are in the same class, during which you are not to sit near her. Rose, as the Head Girl, it is expected of you to be upfront with issues concerning you or any other student. Therefore you will be under one month's probation. The teachers will be keeping a close eye on you and you cannot leave the school grounds for any reason."
"But the dance?"
"As the Head Girl you are expected to attend. You may still go but you cannot leave the Great Hall throughout it for any reasons, unless instructed to by myself or the other Professors."
Rose nodded as McGonagall looked to Chase.
"You will leave tonight Mr Thomas and upon your return, you will come directly to my office. We will post you your school work each night. Rose, you are free to go."
Rose stood and left with her family. They walked through the castle to the front entrance where a carriage was waiting to take Hermione and Ron to Hogsmeade.
"Are you sure you are okay?" asked Hermione, looking at Rose worriedly.
"I'm fine Mum. Hugo is here to keep an eye on me," said Rose.
Hugo nodded, "No guy will ever harm my sister again."
"Speaking of 'guys', how is it with that Malfoy boy?" asked Ron coldly.
"Civil... good I guess. Better then with Chase," replied Rose.
"Just as well. If he ever hurt you... well let's not go there, huh?"
Rose and Hugo smiled at their father before fare-welling both parents with hugs and sayings of seeing them at Christmas.
- - -
By the time Rose returned to her tower she half expected Scorpius to be in bed, considering the late hour. But to her surprise he was awake and waiting for her by the window looking out at the dark, cold school grounds. Rose walked in silently, hoping he wouldn't spot her. Despite knowing he only wanted to hear how things went with the meeting, Rose wanted some time alone to process the whole situation.
"Dammit!" cursed Rose tripping on a book sticking out from under the lounge.
Scorpius turned and looked at Rose with a slight frown, "Sneaking in, are we?"
"Not to be intentionally rude, but yes," admitted Rose with a guilty nod, "I just wanted a moment to process everything."
Scorpius walked towards her with a shrug, "Then all you had to do was say that from the start."
Rose raised an eyebrow, "But you would persist in knowing the outcome."
"That is true," nodded Scorpius, "So… can you tell me?"
"Chase is suspended for a month and then when he returns he's he can't come near me and will be under close scrutiny. My punishment is-"
"You were punished? How is that fair? You didn't do anything wrong!"
"Calm down, would you? I did do something wrong. I didn't deal with the situation upfront… I let it fester until it became too much. As Head Girl it is my duty to be upfront with everything and everyone. Deal with issues in the appropriate manner… so I am on one month's probation. No leaving the school grounds… close watch from teachers."
"The dance?"
"I can go. I just can't leave the Great Hall unless instructed so by the teachers."
Scorpius sighed, "Well… I still don't think it is fair on you. What do we do for dates now?"
"I'm sure Lavender will think of something."
- - -
Lavender looked at the pair curiously. Both were sitting beside one and other stiffly but Rose could tell, Lavender wasn't fooled so she relaxed.
"Okay… so things are good between us," sighed Rose, "The connection is weaker."
"This is good," smiled Lavender, "Just what I wanted all along. So… this means changes. But let's start with Rose's probation. I am aware of the circumstances. McGonagall informed me and then your father did so via a letter late last night. Therefore all the dates will be held within the school grounds. What you can do is extremely limited but the Ministry are working on plans to keep things new and exciting for you both."
Rose and Scorpius nodded and said nothing.
"So… where do things stand between you both exactly?" asked Lavender pulling out her quill to jot notes down.
"Erm," said Scorpius before looking at Rose.
"We… ah… we don't really know," answered Rose calmly.
Lavender just nodded, "Do you hold hands at all?"
"No… not at all."
"Cuddle?"
"No," said Scorpius.
"Okay… flirt?"
"Rarely," sighed Rose.
"Right... kiss?"
"We have a few times," said Scorpius.
"Well… that's interesting then," murmured Lavender before looking at the pair, "Any blind person could see the chemistry between you both. So now I want to set restrictions for you both to work with. For something this fragile and new to work, you need to take a step back."
"What do you mean?" frowned Rose.
"No kissing, until you both feel comfortable to hold hands without forcing it, to give each other the free occasional hug and to flirt more then rarely… flirting doesn't have to be dirty or seductive, just something to make the other feel appreciated and attractive."
"Okay," sighed Rose as Scorpius nodded.
"And I am aware you both are keeping this… new-found progress a secret. For it to last, I do recommend you make it public. People already know of the betrothal, I doubt being public would shock them much."
"Perhaps you would like us to sign another contract then?" said Scorpius a tad bitterly.
Lavender ignored his comment and looked down at the paper before her, "Living arrangements… you both cannot live together any longer… the progress made suggests you both may-"
"Be shagging each other sometime soon?" commented Scorpius.
"Yes. Therefore you both will move back to your house living quarters tomorrow morning before classes commence."
"And we go back to our normal class timetables?" asked Rose.
Lavender nodded, "Everything goes back to normal prior to you both living together, however keep the progress up. I am really proud of you both."
"You know, it was us living together that brought on this progress… don't you fear moving us apart again will ruin that?" asked Scorpius.
"With my experience as a counsellor, once a person gets a taste of what they like… it is hard to turn your back on it."
- - -
"Well this stinks," sighed Scorpius sitting opposite Rose later that day, "Our last night living together."
"Oh well… least I won't have to put up with the smell of your aftershave in the bathroom anymore," teased Rose with a grin.
"Oh come on, you like it."
Rose nodded, "I do."
Scorpius chuckled and then shrugged, "The best thing about sharing with boys is there isn't a vanity just full of makeup."
"I hardly wear makeup! The most I own is some foundation, mascara and lip gloss!"
Scorpius laughed, "Teasing you here… besides, I like a girl with minimal makeup. I find them more beautiful all natural."
Rose felt her cheeks flood with colour making her look away. She only turned back at seeing Scorpius chuckling under his breath. Rose grabbed one of the cushions and threw it at him, hitting him in the face. With an evil glint in his eyes, Scorpius pegged it back at her before diving over the lounge and crouching behind it. Rose remained sitting where she was, legs crossed to hide her feet from view on the floor. She tilted her head to the side to get a good look under Scorpius' lounge and could see his shadow sliding back towards the window. Springing up, Rose pegged the cushion at him and jumped off the lounge running for her bedroom door. As she grabbed the handle she was caught from behind, making her squeal loudly and laugh. Scorpius swung her back over the lounge before mercilessly tickling her stomach and ribs.
"Truce!" cried Rose squirming with laughter, "T-truce!"
"Say I win!"
"You win!"
"Say I'm dead sexy!"
"W-what?" cried Rose still squirming and laughing.
"Oh you heard me!"
"O-okay then! You're dead sexy!"
Scorpius grinned and stopped tickling her. Rose let out a deep breath and looked to Scorpius.
"You are so dead," she taunted before smacking him with another pillow and running for the door to the corridors.
"Oh no! You can't escape me that easily!" yelled Scorpius with laughter in his tone.
Rose ran out the door and along the corridor, ducking around the corner and kneeling behind a statue. Scorpius came around and looked around, not seeing her. Slowly Rose stood and crept up behind him before poking him on either side, making him jump. Whirling around, Scorpius grabbed Rose by the hand and pulled her towards him, wrapping his arms around her.
"A spontaneous hug," he murmured, "Nice."
Rose smiled up at him, her arms around him also, "It is."
"So… does mean we can kiss?"
"We have to go public."
Scorpius looked over his shoulder, "Well I think we've achieved that bit."
Rose peered around Scorpius and saw students milling at the end of the corridor peering at the two as if they were seeing things.
"We are publicly involved just not engaged," said Rose looking back at Scorpius, "Should we top off the show?"
"How so?"
"With a kiss."
Scorpius grinned down at her before leaning in and kissing her tenderly. It was a soft kiss that wanted to rage with an unexplainable passion. It was something about Scorpius that made Rose want to stay in this moment forever, not leave it. It was perfect what they shared, but was it too perfect?
Rose pulled away with a smile, "I think Lavender would be happy with us now, don't you?"
"I believe she would be."
They both turned and headed along the corridor towards the gobsmacked crowd, which included a stunned Paige. Rose shot her a cold smile, slipping her hand into Scorpius', who entwined his fingers with hers.
Though Rose's heart was thumping a mile a minute from nerves and probably adrenalin, she felt comfortable. Scorpius was her... her boyfriend, her fiancee. Ultimately the man she was told to marry. Though that thought still irked her, Rose could imagine how it would be. Would it be perfect? Like things were now between them?
Could she even imagine herself having children with him? At 17 that wasn't a thought she really wanted to think about, but she knew he would want children when she was older, her late twenties at the earliest.
Rose shook her head. Babies weren't something to worry about. At that moment they were a corridor away from the Great Hall where dinner was waiting for them along with her brother and Albus. She knew Lily would be fine with it, she'd told her so the other day. But Rose didn't know what her cousin and brother truly thought of Scorpius.
"You okay?" asked Scorpius, peering down at Rose, who stood level with his shoulder.
"Erm... sort of. I like this, being open about where things are between us. I'm just thinking about Al and Hugo."
Scorpius pulled them to a stop, "It's too late to go back to secrecy. Within an hour the school will be buzzing about us. Besides, your brother and cousin know how much a care for you... remember? The Protect Rose Society we had going on?"
Rose nodded, linking her free hand with Scorpius', "Do you worry that we are moving too fast?"
"Sometimes. But you can control feelings, can you?"
Rose nodded again and managed a smile, "Well, let's go face the music."
Scorpius gave a nod of his own, taking in a deep breath. They continued along, hands still together in a loose, though close grip. Stepping down the entrance hall steps, students heading in or out of the Great Hall paused to look at them before whispering to whomever they were with, or sharing looks with others. Rose greeted people's whose stares she met with a nod and smile. They walked towards the Great Hall doors keeping their heads up. Rose sucked in a deep breath as they emerged through the doorway to the loud chatter. At first no one paid them any attention, silently pleasing Rose. But a ripple of silence spread across the hall, making Rose look directly for where her family and friends usually sat. Lily was smiling pleased at Rose, while Albus was frowning a little, mainly confused. Hugo just stared at Rose, his fork halfway to his mouth with the fried bit of egg about to slide off the end.
"I'll meet you here after dinner?" asked Scorpius turning to Rose.
Rose looked at Scorpius and nodded, "Yeah... after dinner."
Scorpius smiled, pecked her on the cheek and headed to the Slytherin table unaffected by the stares and whispers slowly returning to general chatter. Rose gathered her wits about her and walked to her table, sliding in beside Lily who gave her a one armed hug.
"So," said Albus nodding slowly, "You and ah... Malfoy... giving the romance engagement thing a real shot then?"
"We are," nodded Rose.
"For how long?" asked Hugo coolly.
"Umm... a while now."
"While you were still with Chase?"
"While Chase believed we were still together. I never did anything wrong. I just chose to get to know him."
"You know, Dad will throw a hissy fit over this?"
"I do, but it's my choice. Don't I deserve to be happy, Hugo?" said Rose looking at her brother stubbornly.
Hugo nodded, "You do. And if he's it, then I can only support you."
Rose smiled, "Thanks Hugo."
Hugo shrugged and glanced at Albus who still remained silent and most likely undecided on the manner.
"Al?" said Lily staring at him expectantly, "Don't you have anything to say?"
"Well... I know I am only a guy, but I do think you and Malfoy have taken things along quickly. I mean last year you two couldn't stand the sight of one and other and now... you're holding hands and letting him kiss you?"
"Well... things change."
"Seems to have changed a lot if you ask me."
"Well I'm not asking you, Albus. It's my life and my choice."
"But what about the rest of us?" demanded Albus leaning forward, "If you let your feelings rule you both, we'll all be getting hitched within the next two years against our wishes!"
"They can't make that choice with one experiment," snapped Rose glaring down at her plate with a glance to her ring.
"What if they do? Then what, Rose?"
"Why should I feel guilty over something I can't control, Albus?" retorted Rose standing up, "I want to be happy! I am sick of controlling myself for everyone elses benefit. For once, Rose Weasley is thinking of her self and loving every damn minute of it!"
Rose stepped over her seat and left the Great Hall ignoring Paige's glares. She walked out the Great Hall doors and began pacing back and forth, running her hand through her brown locks. A hand touched her shoulder making her jump as she looked to see Scorpius frowning at her curiously.
"What happened?"
"What are we doing Scorpius? We are condemning everyone!" cried Rose gesturing to the Great Hall.
"Rose, we are just one couple that clicked. It doesn't mean the others will. In time the Ministry will see the mistake they made and find another way to save our race."
"But by then my brother and family will all be in horrible marriages! We... we need to think of something. We need information," said Rose with a firm nod, "I'm going to the library."
"But Rose it's our last night alone together," protested Scorpius, "Can't it wait till tomorrow?"
Rose looked at Scorpius, seeing the silent pleading in his eyes. She let out a sigh and walked over to him, hugging him, "Fine. But only because you're sexy."
Scorpius grinned, "Says the gorgeous brunette in my arms."
- - -
Rose snapped the lid to her trunk shut and looked around the bare room that she had made her own in a matter of weeks. She carried her trunk to the common area where Scorpius already was, perched on the edge of the lounge. He smiled at Rose a little sadly and let out a depressing sigh.
"Back to the crowded common room, no privacy and no chance of alone time," said Scorpius looking around their cosy tower.
"I know. The sacrifices we must make when we get along," replied Rose, "If only you didn't have such addictive kisses."
Scorpius grinned, remembering their moment the night before, "Well, gee, don't stop there Miss Weasley, what more do you find so damn alluring about me?"
Rose rolled her eyes with a smile before glancing at her watch, "We should go. Class starts in a half hour."
Scorpius nodded and stood up. He looked at his trunk and then walked over to Rose leaning down and kissing her. His hands rested on either side of her face while Rose clung to his shirt seeming to savor his kiss and the taste of his lips.
The passion he made burn inside her thrilled her and scared her all at once. She never felt this with Chase – just where did it come from? Was it the betrothal? A trick in the contract that made them feel something that didn't really exist?
Rose broke the intensifying kiss and smiled at Scorpius with a blush, "We... I'll see you in Potions."
Rose grabbed her trunk and hurriedly left before Scorpius said anything. All the questions burning in her mind needed answers. Only one person could possibly give her answers and Rose knew that she could count on her more than others – her mother.
A/N: This was a real enjoyable chapter to write. Twists and turns and the building passion between Rose and Scorpius. Will Rose's questions ruin the 'perfect' relationship? What else is coming up? Hmm, well review and I will let you find out!
Until next time...
Love yas!
Love Coz!