Sorry about sort of lying last week XD. I was going to update on like Wednesday and then again on Saturday/Sunday, but I decided to bulk this whole chapter into 1 ;).

Yes people. This is the final chapter. But be aware, I shall release the sequel in the next few weeks! ;) I'm just working the kinks out of it, so be sure to add me to your thingy list XD. There is a possibility of an epilogue on this story. I can't say how high that possibility is, it shall either be the epilogue to this, or most likely the prologue to the sequel ;)

Cool Beans guys! It's been a journey ;)

Peace Out!

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.


Chapter 29


Albus' cousins weren't very impressed with him, even Louis wasn't and he was pretty lenient when it came to Albus' behaviour. However it didn't last very long, it was old news that Albus was not as appreciative of the female populace as he should have been, considering his charm had got him into various situations over the years.

However Molly wasn't as easily forgiving. While what he had said had added fuel to an already burning and painful inferno, it still wasn't right. Molly was aware of her own situation and she was trying to find a way out of it, by either making Lysander fall in love with her, or falling out of love with him.

Molly hoped and prayed that what she had said to Albus would come true. She felt in some minor way that if it did ever happen to him and he was shot with loves curse, then he would at least understand how she felt. She knew if it ever did happen, it would change him for the better. He wouldn't be such a git about everything, because the insults coming out of his mouth would hit him too.

XxX Rose XxX

Rose had gone into her dorm, and got ready for an early night. She could hear the noise downstairs in the Common Room – the giving of presents, general chatter and excitement for the last day of term. She just wanted to sleep.

As she slipped under the covers of her bed, she heard a faint beeping. She blinked and searched for the source. After much investigation, she found buried deeply in a drawer, the beeper that she still had. Written along the little screen was: Need to talk.

That's when she started hyperventilating.

Considering she wasn't usually one to hyperventilate, especially at three simple unassuming words, it made her chest constrict even more.

Once she had calmed down, which took several minutes, she quickly wrote a reply: Can't, Sleeping.

XxX Scorpius XxX

Scorpius sighed as he saw the words on the small screen, leaning into his pillow.

He assumed she was angry. It could have been the only answer, why else would she reply like that?

He tossed the pager back in his trunk, currently not caring about neatness. He stared at his crimson canopy and began mouthing what he would say and how he would say it.

It wasn't long before some of his other roommates started coming in to quickly finish their packing and turn in for the night. He continued what he was doing in his head, trying not to visualise Rose replying with a slap or another punch or kick to the groin. He didn't think he could take that, physically or emotionally.

XxX Rose XxX

Rose breathed steadily, pulling the covers over her head and just hearing herself breathe and the covers move minimally.

She heard the door open and a couple of whispers which she ignored as she turned to the side, her body fully covered with the blue sheets. She inwardly groaned and tried to force herself to fall asleep.

Marianne and Chi who had entered the room, whispered worriedly at Rose's actions, but did not disrupt her from her private thoughts.

The Next Day

"Rose! Get up, get up! Scorpius is outside, Merlin Chi, if you leave your face like that it will stick." Marianne said, jumping onto Rose who wheezed with pain.

"Marianne!" she screamed, hitting her harshly with her pillow.

"He's outside," Marianne said excitedly.

Rose groaned, noting that she was fresh out of bed and in her very ugly Pygmy Puff pyjamas. She managed to pull herself from the mattress, glancing at the clock and noting the time was truly unruly: 7.00.

She dragged herself towards the door and opened it, not exactly looking down at the bottom of the staircase, she saw a blurry outline and wiped at her eyes. "What Scorpius? It's 7 AM, breakfast isn't for another half hour, couldn't you give me a few minutes sleep? Why are you up so early anyway?" she asked.

Scorpius frowned knowing he couldn't go up the steps. He had made the decision to get to her early just before he went to bed. Then he could talk to her privately. Though Rose didn't exactly look amused at him.

"I need to talk to you Rose," he replied, "could you?"

Rose continued to blink back the fog, closing the door behind her as she stood at the top of the staircase, "can I at least get dressed?"

Scorpius thought momentarily before nodding and Rose turned on her heel and back into the room, grabbing her things to take a quick shower and get into her going home clothes.

"What's he doing here so early?" Chi asked, grinning away as she sat next to Marianne on her bed.

"He wants to talk to me," Rose replied groggily, taking out her tights and dress.

"About what?" Marianne screeched, making Carina turn and Zelda growl angrily.

Rose rolled her eyes and considered the two girls still in bed, "I don't know," she whispered, and before they could ask any more she disappeared into the bathroom.

Scorpius took a deep breath at the bottom of the stairs and walked back into the Common Room area. It was empty, the sun had just about risen outside and he took a seat on one of the chaise longues. He unconsciously played with the bronze tassels hanging from its arm. He turned to the right, there was a mirror and he raised his eyebrows at the sight of his hair. It was stuck up in all sorts of directions, and he began to move it in a more presentable way, however it continued to be stubborn.

Then he looked down at the collar of the blue shirt he was wearing, seeing a peculiar green stain on its edge, and knowing full well that it was Albus' concoction of illegal Absinthe he had been brewing under his bed.

He took his wand from his pocket, removing the stain with a spell and he relaxed again, even if the back of his hair was sticking up.

Scorpius looked down at his watch: 7:10, he wrung his hands and started making steady and even breaths. Silently giving himself a pep talk.

"This will be fine," he said to himself, as he smoothed the pant legs of his trousers. "You're Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy. Charming, witty, confident..."

"Self-absorbed?" a voice said from behind him.

He turned quickly, Rose was smiling at him, wearing a knitted purple dress and bright red tights. Her red curls were carelessly pushed back. Her boots were in her hand, as well as her red coat, woolly hat and black scarf.

"I thought, considering you wanted to talk to me this early, I would need my things, luckily my trunk is fully packed," Rose said with a smile, walking closer to him.

Scorpius stood up, still not speaking.

"Interesting jumper," she said, looking at his red jumper that had miniature white reindeers knitted into it.

"Thought I'd get into the festive mood, plus my mother likes me to look neat when I come off the train," he replied with a grin.

"It's nice," she continued to smile and then motioned to the door, "are we going somewhere?" she asked.

"Oh, we could go to breakfast?" he suggested.

Rose nodded and sticking on her boots, moved towards the door. As she opened it she noticed her hand shaking unsteadily, and she tried to hold it still. She began to go down the spiral staircase, Scorpius following closely behind her.

"What did you want to talk to me about?" Rose asked, reaching the Fifth floor and continuing down the hall, "it must be something important considering you woke me up so early."

"Well yesterday, when I said about what Albus was talking about, I didn't mean it like that," he said quickly, his words becoming jumbled.

"I don't understand," she replied, going down another flight of steps.

"I like you Rose," he said

Rose turned with a smile, "I know."

Scorpius chuckled softly, "so you understand when I said Albus exaggerates, that he wasn't exaggerating about this? You heard about what he shouted in the Common Room, right?"

Her mouth opened minutely, before she began to go red and she looked to the ground. "Yes," she replied meekly.

"Well what did you think?" he asked with desperation tainting his voice.

Rose began walking down the corridor of the First Floor, making her way to the Great Hall.

"I don't want to follow something that I heard fourth hand," Rose said quietly, and then stopped outside the doors of the Great Hall.

"Though you're not against it, are you?" he asked, a smile turning up his lips slightly.

She smiled and shook her head, "no," she replied lightly.

Scorpius stepped forward slightly, pushing the loose red curls behind Rose's ear, a smile on his face. He leaned forward, nearing her lips before backing away, "let's go outside."

Rose blinked quickly and then nodded dumbly. She put on her coat, scarf and hat before Scorpius took her hand and dragged her through the entrance hall and to the front of the school. The carriages were already being brought up to the castle, and the elves had begun to load up the trunks.

They sat down on the steps, their hands intertwined.

The ground was covered in a sprinkling of light snow and the sky was white and clear. As they breathed, white clouds emanated from their mouths and noses.

Scorpius took a deep breath as Rose looked out towards the path to Hogsmeade, and watched as trunks continued to appear on the carriages.

"I love you Rose," Scorpius said, the words coming out along with a breath.

Rose turned to him quickly, assessing the truth in his eyes before a smile broke out on her face. "Really?"

"Well I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it," he stated, though there was a croak in his throat. "So?"

She was still grinning, looking down at their hands, his had tightened immensely, and she didn't say anything for a while, just stewing in the thought that Scorpius loved her, actually loved her. She laughed lightly as she thought about it, and Scorpius raised an eyebrow.

"Why are you laughing? Don't tell me that you don't, humour me at least?" his eyes had gone dim and a frown was visible.

Rose laughed some more at his reaction and shook her head, "no it's just I didn't really expect any of this, I mean this has been years of near hatred, to just end like this, with me and you."

Scorpius brightened up at the prospect of them actually being something, "so you actually want to be my girlfriend? No go backs or anything, no changing your mind or asking Albus and making sure Albus is okay with this."

"My, aren't we pushy today, you make it sound like I have to make an oath to the gods, just so I won't break up with you," Rose said with a laugh. Her other hand reached to their connected hands, and she began to outline spirals on Scorpius' hand. She looked up and Scorpius was waiting, "yes, I'd be your girlfriend, on one condition though." She ended, her face serious.

"What?" he asked, taking her other hand.

Rose smiled and her face reddened slightly, "kiss me."

Scorpius smiled and decided to oblige, letting go of her hands and softly resting his hands below her ears and pulled her closer, her hands rested in her lap as they closed in on each others' lips. Once they reached their target, the kiss was soft and sweet. They smiled against each others' lips, Rose's hands reaching up and resting on his shoulders, pulling the collar of his coat as their kiss deepened.

After a few more seconds, Rose pulled away, blushing profusely before looking straight into Scorpius' eyes and tightening her hold on his collar. "I love you too," she said easily.

She was brought back into the kiss by the enthusiastic Scorpius, who now held onto her waist quite tightly. Rose giggled as his fingers pressed into her sides, making her squirm as they kissed.

However, they quickly broke apart at the sound of a throat clearing, to find as they looked up, a bemused looking Headmistress McGonagall was standing at the top of the stairs.

They stood up together, though Scorpius took Rose's hand.

"Good Morning Professor McGonagall," Rose croaked out from behind red lips, "lovely day isn't it?" she added, trying to bring some normality into the older woman's day.

"Hmmm," she said, walking past them both, "if you say so Miss Weasley."

McGonagall continued on her way, inspecting the carriages as Rose and Scorpius still stood there, hand in hand.

They began to go up the steps as the bell chimed half past 7, but could contain themselves no more, and laughter poured forth from their stomachs. Making them both go red with laughter at who they had just been interrupted by.

XxX

The Great Hall had been filling up quickly, the students filling their pockets with food for the long train journey, and filling their stomachs. The area around Albus and his family was practically barren as they dug in, leaving nothing behind.

Everyone who wasn't leaving for Christmas break was wrapped up tightly in their outdoor wear, laughing together about the last 'feast' before the start of the New Year. People were hugging and saying their goodbyes, and wishing good luck for the New Year.

Rose and Scorpius walked in beaming, hand in hand, though were undecided on where to sit.

"Maybe we should sit with Violet and Alastair," Rose suggested with a laugh as they both looked towards the Slytherin table, where Violet and Alastair were in their coats and looking right at them. Both with grins on their faces.

"Ravenclaw?" Scorpius proposed, though as their eyes reached Rose's own table, they could see her roommates looking considerably agitated at the thought of gossip galore.

"I feel like we should have stayed outside," Rose said smiling and looking up at Scorpius who rolled his eyes.

"Considering that your family has pretty much taken all of the food on the Gryffindor table, I say we take some food and run off."

Rose laughed and letting go of his hand, moved over to the Ravenclaw table and slipped into the seat next to Lorcan. He was eating toast and trying to ignore Marianne, who was talking animatedly to him.

"Oh Rose," Lorcan said with a smile, "and Scorpius? What brings you here this fine morning?" he asked, putting down his toast and following the food he had just swallowed with a swig of juice.

"We thought we'd get some breakfast, Albus has eaten everything over there," Scorpius said with a laugh, taking a seat next to Marianne across the table. She had stopped talking and just grinned at the pair.

"So where did you two get to?" Marianne asked, motioning to Scorpius and Rose with the crust of her toast.

Rose had reddened and picked at the food around them, "we just went for a walk."

"Oh, then you missed out on all of the lovely gossip straight from the Gryffindor Common Room, you Gryffindors do get up to a lot of things in that room, and it seems like no one knows how to keep it a secret either." Marianne said with a grin. While she could hold in her laughter, Chi and Carina were unable to do so.

Scorpius was partly covering his mouth and Rose looked from all of them trying to understand. She turned to Lorcan who was not laughing, but seemed in the know. "What happened?"

Lorcan spooned some yoghurt into his mouth, swallowing it before he spoke up, "well, it seems that last night, your family entered into a cursing war against Albus. He also showed his true colours as a woman hater."

Scorpius sighed and shook his head, "he was just exaggerating."

Rose sniggered, "what was the curse? Hopefully something good?"

"It was kind of a strange one," Scorpius said for Lorcan, "Molly pretty much stated that one day Albus would fall in love, and of course that's not something Albus wants to ever happen."

Her eyebrows raised, "and would this be especially painful for him?"

Scorpius tilted his head in thought and then nodded. "His reaction was not exactly appreciative towards Molly, not even to me."

"And how did you make it worse?" Rose asked knowingly.

"I promise I did nothing," Scorpius said defensively, a smile gracing his features.

Rose raised an eyebrow disbelievingly and grabbed at some toast, eating it quickly as she saw people begin to get up, saying their last goodbyes.

"I find that hard to believe," Lorcan said, finishing his breakfast and pulling on his coat.

The girls around them laughed and followed Lorcan's actions, wrapping pasties in tissues and putting them in their pockets.

"That's not fair," Scorpius replied, straightening his coat and taking a quick bite of his toast before standing up.

He looked over to the Gryffindor table to see Albus ushering him over with a hand, a disgruntled look on his face. "See you outside Rose," Scorpius said with a smile, and began walking towards Albus.

Marianne grinned at Rose, "so what did you two get up to outside?"

Rose sighed, though she was smiling and her face had reddened. "Let's go outside and see where the elves have put our trunks," Rose suggested, grabbing onto the crook of Lorcan's arm and pulling him away from the table. The girls rushed after them, Marianne taking Rose's spare arm herself.

"Being secretive is unfair Rosie," Marianne said with a grin.

"Rose," she replied simply, exiting the Great Hall with her head held high.

Marianne pouted and tugged on Rose's arm, "spill, please," she said, elongating her words to annoy Rose further.

Lorcan sighed, "you are very annoying Marianne," he said tiredly.

"That's bold," she replied with a laugh, "I'm not sure whether to be worried or glad that Albus had such an effect on you."

Rose mused momentarily, "well all I shall say is that myself and Scorpius are in a relationship."

Marianne held in a scream, tightening her grip on Rose's arm and turning to Chi and Carina who mirrored her emotion.

Lorcan raised an eyebrow, "oh really? And it was that easy was it?" he asked, stepping carefully down the front steps with Rose and Marianne hanging off him.

"Of course not, it took a lot of toil thank you very much," Rose said, raising her head.

"Hmmm, and how long will it last before you hex all of his hair off?" Lorcan asked.

Marianne hit him in the shoulder, "you pessimist, I see joy in their relationship, right Chi?"

"I agree with Marianne, and I am the seer." She replied from behind.

Lorcan rolled his eyes, "the only reason I'm not denying that claim, is because you told me to carry a chocolate bar, but that's the only reason. Other than that, it is Rose who gave Scorpius that shiner."

They all turned to Rose who only stuck out her tongue in reply and flounced off towards a carriage that had her marked trunk attached.

XxX Scorpius & Albus XxX

"Morning," Scorpius said as he approached Albus who was readily stuffing his pockets with food from the table over.

"I've got myself into a right mess Scorp, I think those girls seriously cursed me last night." He stated worriedly.

Scorpius laughed in his face, "your own fault, anyway, it seriously won't be as bad as you think it is, you are just being over dramatic. You'll forget about all this by New Years," he grinned and Albus began walking beside him moodily.

"I think they are going to rub it in, and falling in love is the last thing I'd ever want to do," Albus replied with a frown.

"You could always become a priest? Move to... Antarctica?" Scorpius suggested as they exited the Great Hall.

Albus huffed and sent Scorpius a glare.

Scorpius chuckled, "you made all those statements of hate about women, when you know you couldn't survive without them, you are a mummy's boy most importantly."

"I'm not a mummy's boy," Albus said with a growl and nudged Scorpius. "While girls are quite nice in certain situations, I don't want to be too attached to one in that way."

Scorpius shrugged and breathed out a sigh, "then you will just have to keep yourself in check won't you, or you'll be the laughing stock of your family when you actually do fall desperately in love with a girl."

"Shut up Scorpius," he replied.

"I'm just saying that considering they've planted this idea in your head, it's only going to be worse when it does happen, if you're not careful of course. It'll be festering, I really would like to see it happen, it could be rather hilarious."

Albus grunted and walked ahead, "you are such a git," he mumbled as he pushed past people out of the Entrance Hall and searched for the carriage with his trunk on it.

Scorpius laughed and followed slowly after him.

2 Hours Later

After everyone had been connected with their trunks, the carriages set off to Hogsmeade Station, carrying the excited students. Once they reached the station, the trunks were loaded onto the train and they all began to take their seats in their choice of compartment.

Rose took a compartment with Marianne and Lorcan, while the rest of her family took the compartments on either side of theirs. They could hear the shouting and loud noises coming from preliminary Exploding Snap rounds before the train had even started to go.

"You aren't going to find Scorpius and sit with him?" Marianne asked with a raise in her eyebrow and a grin playing on her lips.

Rose laughed statically in reply, "aren't you going to find Eoin?"

Marianne rolled her eyes, "just because I went with him to the Ball does not mean that we are an item of some sort," she replied, her eyes wandering out of the window as the train picked up speed. She straightened the bottom of her blue dress and crossed her legs.

"Hmm, really? Your eyes say something different," Rose replied with a smirk.

Lorcan chuckled, "you can't read peoples' eyes Rose, she's just tricking you into changing the conversation Marianne."

"Really now Rose?" Marianne said with a smile, "so you wouldn't mind if Scorpius walked in at this moment?"

"Of course I wouldn't," Rose said with a sigh.

Lorcan rolled his eyes at Marianne, "why would she? They are officially a couple now."

Rose nodded, and Marianne grinned, "okay, just as long as we have confirmed this and that when we get to Kings Cross and your father sees you two together, he doesn't curse anyone, then and only then will I be completely content."

Rose glared at Marianne and she opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by the door opening.

They all looked to see the smiling blonde Eoin, "hey guys, can I take you out for a bit Marianne?" he asked.

Marianne smiled and stood up, "sure, see you later Rose," she said to the annoyed Rose and gave a goodbye smile to Lorcan before she stepped out after Eoin.

"You could always ask Louis or Roxanne to protect you from your dad," Lorcan said just about containing a laugh. "Though I doubt two Seventh Years could defend very well against a fully trained Auror."

Rose stuck her tongue out at him before resting her legs up on the now free seat and leaning her head against the wall by the window, "if my dad tries anything I'll sort him out, don't worry about that."

Lorcan raised an eyebrow and leant forward, "you plan on beating him up or something?"

She closed her eyes and shrugged, "maybe, I can't imagine any other way of getting him to accept myself and Scorpius. Maybe my mum will join in and hold him for me, she likes Scorpius at least."

"You know I doubt that somehow Rose, and you never know, your dad could get angry and claim you abused an Auror and chuck you in Azkaban."

Rose laughed, "I'd like to see that, I don't think he'd stoop that low, plus he has to find out first. Well I mean I have to tell him first."

"You're going to tell him?" Lorcan asked, a grin on his face.

She opened her eyes and looked at him, a grin matching his, "yes, why not? I'm not scared of my dad, and even then, if he decides to get violent it wouldn't be me getting strangled first of all, and second of all he wouldn't try anything in the middle of Platform 9 and ¾ now would he?"

Lorcan thought momentarily, "well, I suppose he wouldn't. Though you are making it sound like you are going to make some sort of spectacle."

Rose just laughed and closed her eyes again.

Lorcan watched her laugh and grew suspicious of what that would mean. He went through his bag and grabbed a chocolate frog and ate it before leaning against the window and sighing.

They both were startled by the door opening again, to see Scorpius smiling away and Albus following him begrudgingly. Scorpius took the empty seat next to Lorcan and Albus pushed Rose's legs to sit down in that space.

Rose sent him a grimace before sitting straight.

"Nice of you to invite yourselves," she said to them both.

Albus frowned, "as a matter of fact, this was not my idea, this was your boyfriend's idea."

She couldn't help laughing at Albus' tone, "why aren't we touchy today Albus. I heard about your little predicament, and I'll be sure to take advantage of it," she winked and Albus glowered.

"You dare and it will be the end of you," he replied.

Rose laughed lightly, "neither of us are 17 yet, so it will just be fist against fist."

Albus shrugged, "fine by me," he said.

"Make sure you schedule your fight for when I'm there, yeah?" Scorpius chimed in smiling and stretching his arms behind his neck.

"We should hit you right now, that jumper is a disgrace," Albus said with a smirk, Rose laughed and nodded.

Scorpius glared at them both, "this is a very nice and expensive jumper thank you very much."

"Let the guy have his own clothes," Lorcan said tiredly, "Albus you know little to nothing about what is the latest Muggle clothing craze, for all you know, it may just be Reindeer jumpers."

"Doubt it," Albus said with a laugh, "do you have any chocolate Rose?"

Rose laughed, "so all those pumpkin pasties in your pockets aren't enough?"

"I want something sweet," he stated as if that were completely normal.

She stood up and stepping onto the seat, went in the overhead for her bag and took out a couple chocolate frogs and threw them down to Albus. "Did you eat my present?"

Albus opened his mouth in shock, "I never do that!" he stated, "your present is in your house."

Rose chuckled, "did you send it ahead to stop yourself from temptation?"

"Who says it's chocolate?" he asked.

She made a sound of surprise before she began to zip up her bag again, "you surprise me Albus," she said with a smile.

Though unluckily for Rose, as she was about to step down, the train slightly jerked and she lost her footing, landing directly on Lorcan and Scorpius who groaned.

"Rose, do you have to fall all of the time?" Scorpius moaned, rubbing his chest after an elbow had just hit him there.

"I concur that thought, at least make your elbows less sharp," Lorcan said.

"Thanks for catching me anyway," she said sarcastically and pulled herself up, "it's not always my fault," she said giggling and sitting in between them both. "Cheer up, it's not every day Rose Weasley falls uninjured," she smiled and put her arm around her best friend and her boyfriend.

Albus was ignoring them as he dug into his chocolate frogs, looking quickly at the cards, he lifted one up to show to the three of them with a grin on his face.

"Look it's your dad," Albus said to Rose who was frozen slightly as she saw the angered look of her father on the card.

Lorcan was laughing, "why are you looking so scared Rose? That's not actually your dad, it's just a picture."

"I know that, but did they have to use such a menacing picture? It looks like he is about to have a duel on a bad day." Rose replied, pushing the card away from her face with the arm that she had removed from around Scorpius' neck.

"This could suggest some level of fear," Lorcan stated plainly.

Rose frowned and removed her arm, "shut it, I'm not scared, I already told you."

"Great," Scorpius said with a smile, taking her hand and giving it a squeeze.

Albus cleared his throat from across from them and Scorpius swiftly let go, "remember," he said simply before finishing the last frog and moving onto the pasties.

Rose had an inquiring look on her face as she sat next to Albus again, "what do you have to remember Scorpius?" she asked.

"Just some rules," he replied with a grin.

She looked at Albus who gave her his own dismissive look, he shrugged, "you've got to set some ground rules. He is my best friend and you are my cousin, I couldn't have it getting out that I just accepted it. I don't want to be on Uncle Ron's hitlist anyway."

Rose elbowed him and he squirmed back at its sharpness.

"Ouch, you didn't need to do that, they aren't exactly that shocking." He said with a groan.

She asked Scorpius with her eyes who nodded in agreement, "just nothing too couple-y in front of Albus here, apparently his virginal eyes can't take kissing."

Albus grimaced at the word 'kissing' before throwing half a pasty at Scorpius, it landed on his jumper and he groaned.

"Thanks Albus, my mum is going to kill me now," he said glumly, trying to wipe off the orange stain.

"Don't take the mick next time," Albus replied smarmily. Lorcan and Rose were too busy laughing hysterically at what Scorpius had said and the tone he had used.

The door was opened and in crashed Roxanne, Hugo, Molly and Lysander. Hugo was carrying a huge pack of Exploding Snap and they all squeezed onto the seats.

"Okay, the annual Exploding Snap tournament begins, who are the takers?" Roxanne started, pulling the portable table from under her arm and unfolding it about 20 times until it became large enough to nearly fill the compartment.

Scorpius was still rubbing at his jumper and Roxanne frowned, she took out her wand and quickly removed the stain on his jumper and as Hugo laid the deck on the table, the cards began self-shuffling.

"So the takers are?" she asked again.

"I'm in" chorused throughout the compartment and the girl smiled.

"Great, the rules are as normal, 20 cards each, pair them up and try not to get burnt guys. Loser stops playing, there are 8 of us so that makes 7 rounds. Winner gets 16 sickles, place your 2 sickles entrance fee in this sack," Roxy held out a scarlet sack and waited as they all placed 2 sickles inside. "Great, as the eldest of you all, I'm going to start," she said with a smile and the cards handed themselves to each of the players.

XxX

The tournament lasted a few hours and the next game on the schedule was Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes Reusable Hangman, which lasted the rest of the journey.

Lysander proved victor of the Exploding Snap tournament and collected his winnings much to Roxanne's reluctance. Rose and Lorcan were victors of the many hangman games they played, and by the final hour of the train journey, it was them both against the other 6.

XxX

Just before the train came into the station, they all scattered to get their trunks and belongings, leaving Lorcan and Rose in the compartment.

"You're all good, right?" Lorcan asked as Rose stretched and started grabbing her stuff from the overhead area, Lorcan following her actions.

Rose smiled, "yeah I'm great. I'd be even better if this trace wasn't on me, so I didn't have to kill myself just to get my trunk down."

Lorcan laughed and helped Rose get it down, before they both got his own down.

"So you're definitely not going crazy about telling your dad?" he asked, as they sat down again, Rose blowing the curls out of her face.

She breathed, "it depends, I know he won't disown me or anything," she said with a laugh, "well at least I think. But it's just I wish that I didn't have to worry, even a little bit, just because my dad has an issue with the Malfoy's. But what can I do? It's not like my feelings are just going to disappear, even though it's highly likely that, that is what my dad is going to try and do."

They both chuckled and Rose began twisting the tips of her hair.

"Maybe this can finally be the end of a 30 year old feud? Even though it's not exactly a feud, and more like my dad just moaning and droning on about how much he dislikes Scorpius' dad. Considering Uncle Harry is completely fine with him now, you'd think my dad would follow lead, but of course I get my stubbornness from him." Rose smiled and rested her hands on her thighs, "and this is where my idea comes into plan, I'll shock my dad into accepting it, and that will be the end of it."

Lorcan crossed his arms, "what would this shock be?"

Rose shook her head, "I can't tell you, you can be as surprised as everyone else will be," she said with a wink. "Though I promise, no one will be harmed."

Lorcan laughed, "if only your dad knew what kind of scheming creature you are Rose Weasley, he would have made you change schools a long time ago."

"Funny Lorcan, but that's the last thing my dad would ever want to do," she replied with a grin.

The door was opened by a smiling Marianne, Eoin just behind her, his trunk with him.

"Hello again," she said to them both.

"You were gone a while Marianne," Lorcan said. Rose was grinning and Marianne went slightly red.

"We were otherwise preoccupied," she replied, motioning to Eoin who had put his trunk down and had entered the compartment with Marianne.

Rose was smirking, "oh really?"

"Yes," Marianne replied sharply, sending Rose a suspicious look before she reached up to grab her trunk and bag. Eoin helped her do so and she made a contended sigh.

"Rosie darling," she started turning to Rose again, who wasn't amused, "it's been a fantastic start of year and you have truly made a reality show out of your life just for me and Carina, therefore I thank you for that. The Ball was amazing, and I know you had a hand in that, and it is pretty clear who is going to be Head Girl next year." She turned to Lorcan with a smile, "I know Lorcan, you don't have to look at me like that, I'm far too much for you, but still, it's been fun, especially getting missy here to talk straight to us. Both of you, don't do anything I wouldn't do," she grinned, "and I'll see you in January."

Marianne went through her pockets and took out two small boxes and handed them both to Lorcan and Rose, "I told you I had a present for you Rose, and Lorcan, don't worry, it's not an eye shadow kit like I said I would get you."

Rose laughed, "really? You've cut it a bit fine this year, haven't you?"

She shrugged and gave Rose a hug, followed by Lorcan who was rolling his eyes.

"Have a good Christmas, Marianne and Eoin," Rose said with a smile.

Lorcan cleared his throat and nodded, "my sentiments exactly, Merry Christmas, and don't do something I wouldn't do."

Marianne practically burst out laughing as she grabbed the handle of her trunk and rolled it out of the compartment. Eoin said goodbye and Merry Christmas to them both before following Marianne out.

Rose turned to Lorcan who was frowning, "why did she laugh like that?" he asked.

"Do you have to ask?" she practically stated, a grin on her face as she put the small present in her coat pocket and put it on.

Lorcan followed suit with a grimace on his face, he spoke up when they were all kitted out and the train had slowed down considerably as the platform came in sight. "I'm deeply insulted by the way, she always makes me out to be such a prude."

"Don't mind Marianne, she likes you anyway, even if she continues to insult you, she did get you a present remember," Rose said with a laugh. She straightened her coat collar and put her scarf around her neck.

"Still," he said with a frown as he grabbed his rucksack and put it on his back, and took the handle of his trunk.

Rose smiled at her sulking best friend as she slid her bag over her shoulder, placing her hat inside it and pulling on her trunk and out of the door.

"You're still coming around mine tomorrow, right?" she asked, as they reached the train doors.

Lorcan laughed to himself, "if you're still alive, sure, should I bring Lysander with me?"

Rose had rolled her eyes, "yes, I'm sure Molly would greatly appreciate that." They stopped at the door and Lorcan went ahead of her, helping her bring down her trunk and then his own. "And before I forget, tell him to bring his guitar, I may just have an interesting proposition for him."

"You're far too kind to my brother, far more lenient to him than even I am," Lorcan replied shaking his head as they rolled their trunks down the platform.

She laughed, "well considering you and I plan on being curse breakers and travelling across the land, he'll be left alone. If all works to plan, he may just be travelling across the land like us. With Dominique."

Lorcan coughed and his eyes widened, he never got to question Rose as she flitted off ahead, stopping next to Scorpius who smiled. Albus had gone ahead, and they could see their parents all smiling and waving up ahead.

"Scorpius, stop for a minute," Rose asked, she could see her dad up ahead, hugging Hugo.

Scorpius slowed down to a stop, "what's wrong? I hope you're not actually scared of your dad," he said with a grin.

Rose rolled her eyes, "no, just listen up. You'll be at Albus' next week, won't you?"

"Yes," he said with a suspicious look, "until Christmas Eve, why?"

She shook her head and asked another question, "you are completely fine with us, and you don't mind if my family know?"

He smiled, "yes Rose, of course I don't," he let go of his trunk and folded his arms, "what's this about?"

"No regrets, right?" she asked with finality, her eyes moved over to her dad who was looking directly at them, quite confused. Her mother was pulling at his arm, but he wasn't paying attention, just looking intently at Rose and Scorpius.

"Well," he started, unfolding his arms and tightening his scarf, "I suppose I regret receiving this black eye that my father won't be pleased with. Luckily I can't currently see him, though I can see yours."

Rose laughed softly and looked at the ground, "yeah I know."

"So come on Rose, stop being all suspenseful, and tell me what you have to say, your dad looks like he is getting antsy. His brain might go in overload if he sees us talking for too long, maybe you should go."

"No," she said quickly and then breathed, "just wait for one second."

Scorpius made a confused look, "I am waiting," he said with a laugh.

Rose nodded and took another breath, "don't hate me," she said quickly, nerves glinted in her eyes which Scorpius just caught.

He was about to ask what was wrong again when he was cut off by Rose. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down to her lips. He was surprised to say the least, especially considering her parents weren't too far away.

They heard intakes of breaths as they kissed, but Rose just smiled against his lips, her fingers curling Scorpius' blonde tresses. Not caring about the people around her, nor her red-faced father who was charging at them both.

Rose pulled back a smile on her face, "I love you," she said, kissing his lips one last time.

Scorpius was baffled but smiled anyway, "I love you too," he replied.

As soon as the words came out of his mouth, Rose let go and with a wave, grabbed her trunk and dragged it behind her, meeting her dad halfway who took her by the upper arm with an angry face and pulled her away. However she continued to smile, even as her father muttered under his breath, trying to suggest a reason why is only daughter would do such a thing as kiss a Malfoy.

Rose only turned and watched as Scorpius' mouth broke into a grin and she knew right then, that she didn't care what her dad thought about them in the slightest. Rose knew that one day her father would understand that and even if it took her thousands of arguments and several hundred rounds of Firewhiskey, it was a means to an end and Rose was completely content with that.

The past few months may have been filled with confusion and indecision, but Rose at that moment was as sure as ever of her feelings, and smiled knowing that the Prefect and the Prankster were no longer at war.


Fin.

You've been a great audience ;)