Rose tossed the Prophet onto her desk and ran a tired hand over her face, not caring about messing up her lipstick, knowing full well it would stay in place thanks to a charm she and her yearmates learned in fourth year. Her bloody yearmates. Of course, Thomasin wrote an article in today's Prophet about the spy, and Markovic, and bloody Lang. Of course she would soon bloody put two and two together and write about how it was Rose, the Minister's own daughter who was attacked by Markovic.

Attacked and took him down, Rose thought as she grabbed the paper and tossed it into the small bin next to her desk. She let out a breath and squeezed her eyes shut, wondering what the chances were that Thomasin would suddenly decide that the Prophet wasn't good enough for her and leave Wizarding journalism entirely.

"I hear I have you to thank," a soft, deep voice said from the door and Rose opened her eyes and looked up, a smile growing on her face.

"Not just me," Rose said to Healer Dawson. "Everyone wanted you."

Dawson laughed, "That sounds like a bit of an exaggeration, but thank you."

"I'd offer you a congratulatory whisky but we're both still on duty," Rose chuckled. "But maybe after work -"

"I haven't signed anything yet," he winked, leaning against the doorframe. "I'm off to do that now, actually," he smiled.

"They trick someone into doing all the fundraising for you?" Rose teased.

"Thank Merlin, yes," he sighed. "Already met with her and the Minister, actually. She's already got ideas and plans in place." He shook his head, "Remarkable woman, a lot of experience."

Rose smiled, curious as to who the woman was, but knew she'd likely find out soon enough. "Thanks, again, Weasley," Dawson smiled at her and tapped the doorframe. "I'll take you up on that whisky once I sign these papers and we get you some kind of promotion. You're going to be my right-hand Healer."

"I don't need," Rose called out after him but he was gone and she shook her head with a small laugh. "Bloody -"

There was a knock on the door and a MediWitch stood in the doorway, "Healer Weasley, you have a visitor, a Mrs. -"

"Hullo, Healer Weasley," Astoria Malfoy stepped into her office from behind the MediWitch. "Do you have a moment to talk?" Her smile was wide and beautiful and Rose stood, unable to help her own small smile. "If you aren't too busy?"

"Of course, come in," she gestured to the chairs across her desk and nodded at the MediWitch. "Thanks, Susan." The MediWitch nodded and closed the door behind her as she left. "Can I offer you some tea, Mrs. Malfoy?" Rose asked. "I can ask someone to run and get it -"

"I'm fine, thank you," Astoria smiled and sat down. "And please, call me Astoria."

Rose nodded and sat down too, very curious as to why Scorpius's bloody mum was visiting her in her office. Was Scorpius okay? Was -

"I just finished speaking with Healer Dawson, who assured me you are already aware that he will become the new Chief Healer," Astoria began, her voice had a musical lilt to it that Rose had never really noticed before and a sense of calm washed over her.

"I am, yes," Rose nodded, still not entirely sure where this conversation was going.

"Splendid," Astoria smiled and leaned back in her chair. "I've signed on to be the fundraiser for St. Mungo's and I'd love to chat with you about where you think we need to focus our fundraising efforts," Astoria said as she set her bag down on the other chair, opening it to rummage around, clearly looking for something in particular. "Ah," she pulled out a card. "Here is my number, Rose. I'd love to meet with you outside of the hospital, maybe over tea, to discuss what changes you envision for St. Mungo's. It's always easier to ask for large sums of money when you can directly show the donors where the money will be going." She held out the card to Rose whose mouth was parted slightly in shock. "Oh, of course," Astoria laughed softly. "You don't need my Muggle number," she pulled the card back. "You can owl me, anytime, of course." She slipped the card back into her bag and grinned at Rose, "I'm so used to fundraising for Muggles, you understand."

Rose's eyes widened, "Sorry," she shook her head. "I'm," she leaned back in her chair. "You fundraise for Muggles?"

Astoria tucked some of her wavy honey-blonde hair behind her ear, "Ah," she grinned and looked at her Muggle watch. "You wouldn't be interested in going to Diagon for a cup of tea now would you?"

Rose stood up to grab her orange wool coat, "I'd like that very much, Astoria."

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Scorpius hobbled down Diagon Alley, still not used to the boot and hoping desperately that Rose would remove it tomorrow. He really could have done with a cane, but he knew that the stares he would have gotten, the fear in people's eyes when they saw a man with a walking stick and Malfoy-blonde hair, was not worth it. He was meeting his mother for tea and was surprised when she owled him to change it from their usual spot in Muggle London to the Tea Leaf Tea Room in Diagon Alley. They'd been going to Highgate House for years and he had been rather looking forward to their famous scones to celebrate her taking the St. Mungo's fundraising position.

Scorpius knew, as soon as he had mentioned it to Harry and Hermione, that his mother would take the job. She was perfect for the role and it was rather surprising that no one had ever asked her before, especially when they knew Astoria had been fundraising for years.

He opened the door to the Tea Room and smiled, holding it open for two older women who were leaving, before he hobbled in and looked around for his mother, seeing her waving at him from the back corner of the rather small and rather crowded room. He was having difficulty navigating the space and didn't notice that his mother wasn't alone until he was a foot away from the table. "Oh," Rose stood up and offered her hand. "Here, please," she offered her chair quickly. "I should have helped you in," she frowned. "I'm sorry, I didn't," she turned to Astoria. "I should let you two -"

"Please," Scorpius waved her off as he sat down rather heavily. "I'm early and don't mean to intrude, I just," he swung his leg under the table. "Need to sit."

"No, I'll," Rose looked around but didn't see any empty chairs nearby so picked up her tea spoon and quickly Transfigured it into a chair. She sat down with a small glance at Astoria, "You don't mind?"

"Scorpius has sat in on many fundraising meetings in the past," Astoria smiled at her son and patted his hand. "He doesn't bore easily." Scorpius raised an eyebrow at his mother but didn't say anything. Astoria smiled widely at him, "Rose and I have been discussing the needs of St. Mungo's and how we can meet them."

"Ah," Scorpius nodded and waved at the older woman behind the counter, miming a cup of tea. "So you took the job, and started today?"

"Yes." The genuine excitement in Astoria's eyes was evident and it made Scorpius smile broadly at his mum. "Rose was just telling me we need to be using more Muggle techniques."

"Research," Scorpius nodded, turning his attention to Rose. "Some sort of fellowship for Healers to study at Muggle hospitals?"

"And equipment," Rose nodded, her lips twitching slightly. "But I think this will be a tough sell," Rose turned her attention back to Astoria. "A lot of patients don't love the idea of Muggle tests and the like."

"Leave that to me," Astoria's green eyes twinkled. "Draco and I are very gifted at coaxing money from folks," she smiled and took a sip of her tea just as a cup landed in front of Scorpius.

"Loves taking money from folks for a good cause," Scorpius amended, his grey eyes flashing to Rose quickly. "But it may help to have another, more widely amenable cause for people to let go of a lot of money."

Astoria patted his hand, before turning her focus back on Rose, "Full of wonderful ideas, this one."

Rose swallowed a sip of tea, thinking. "I always thought there should be a separate wing for children," she shrugged. "St. Mungo's is a rather terrifying place, especially for young kids or Muggleborns who have only been to the Hospital Wing. And we ought to have liaisons and information for Muggle parents visiting their kids in hospital."

Astoria's smile grew, "This is why the new Healer-in-Charge wanted me to talk to you, Rose." Rose's eyes widened slightly. "He knew you'd be full of wonderful ideas to change St. Mungo's for the better."

Scorpius could tell Rose felt slightly uncomfortable by the praise. "And when are you planning on having your first fundraiser for St. Mungo's, mother?"

"Before Christmas," Astoria raised an eyebrow as her gaze shifted to her son.

"When is your holiday fundraiser for the East London hospital?" Scorpius's brow furrowed, "Are you going to plan two holiday fundraisers?"

Astoria's grin was wide and Scorpius thought rather sneaky, "Rose, do you want to attend a Muggle fundraiser next Saturday night?"

Rose's mouth hung open slightly and Scorpius rolled his eyes at his mother, "You need to give her a bit more context, I think."

"Oh, of course," Astoria set her teacup down with a very discreet wink at her son. "Every year I put together a gala for a hospital in East London that never has enough funding, sometimes around the holidays, sometimes in the summer. It's a lot of very rich Muggles, and the occasional wizard and witch. But there are a lot of doctors from that hospital that come to speak to the rich Muggles to tell them exactly why they need their financial help," Astoria tilted her head slightly. "I think you'd rather like Dr. Morris and Dr. Eze, don't you think, Scorpius?"

"Dr. Eze especially," Scorpius nodded with a slight smirk. "He doesn't hold back when he talks to the donors." Astoria covered her mouth with her hand but Rose could still hear her slight chuckle.

"Oh," Rose said, still slightly overwhelmed and confused, but she shook her head slightly as though to clear it. "Next Saturday night, you said?"

"It's black tie," Astoria added. "I'm happy to help you pick something out, but I'm sure your cousins would jump at the chance."

Rose couldn't help the, "Bloody 'ell," she muttered but Scorpius turned back to his mother to ask her again when she reckoned she'd have the St. Mungo's fundraiser.

"The Minister assured me the Atrium would be available the Saturday before the Christmas holiday," Astoria smiled. "That event will be well attended as well," she continued. "And asking for a children's ward?" She grinned, "Now that is a great way to ask for donations."

Scorpius turned back to Rose, still very obviously thinking things over. "You don't have to come next weekend to the Muggle hospital," he said gently to Rose. "It's a lot of talking to stiff shirted -"

"Scorpius," Astoria smirked into her tea cup.

"No," Rose shook her head and flashed Scorpius a small smile. "I think it's a great idea," she turned to Astoria. "I mean, I'll have to learn how to do this sort of thing, won't I? If Dawson isn't great talking to people and asking for money," she leaned back in her chair. "Won't hurt to see it in action."

"And there's no better teacher than Draco," Astoria grinned. "I'll send you the information when I come by St. Mungo's again, and a picture of my dress," she continued. "It'll be a great way for you to meet some Muggle doctors too," her eyes were shining with excitement.

Rose grinned too, caught up in Astoria's excitement before she saw the time on Astoria's Muggle watch. "Oh, I'm sorry, I've taken up so much of your time together," she flashed Scorpius a smile before she stood up.

"Oh, no, please," Scorpius said but she had already turned her chair back into a teaspoon. He leaned forward in his chair so she could grab her wool coat.

"I'll see you tomorrow," she put her hand on Scorpius's shoulder gently. "And we'll take that boot off, yea?"

Scorpius couldn't help the look of relief as it crossed his face, "I will not miss this bloody boot."

Rose let out her deep throated laugh before turning her attention to Astoria and sticking out her hand, "Thank you, Astoria. I'm really looking forward to working with you."

"Me too, Rose," Astoria smiled and shook Rose's hand. "I'll be by this week to speak with you and Healer Dawson again about the event."

"Thanks," Rose smiled, her eyes landing on Scorpius one final time before she weaved her way through the tea room and back out onto Diagon Alley.

"Well," Astoria said, raising an eyebrow when Scorpius finally turned his head back to his mother.

"Well indeed," Scorpius took a sip of his tea, ignoring his mother's inquisitive glances.

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"How are you, Walsh?" Scorpius leaned on the front desk of St. Mungo's and smiled at Aisling.

"Mr. Malfoy," Aisling grinned and hurried around the front desk. "Just the man I was hoping to run into," she looped her arm through his. "I'll take him down to Healer Weasley, thanks, Susan," she called out to the other woman behind the desk. "I'm fine, I'm fine, thanks for asking."

"Still staying with James?" Scorpius asked slyly.

"Wouldn't ya know I rather like the bloke," she let out a sigh. "Who would have thought it, eh?"

"Rose, I reckon," Scorpius chuckled and Aisling soon joined in.

"Very smart, that one," Aisling agreed. "And how's your leg?" She glanced down at his boot, "That thing coming off today?"

Scorpius returned the smile, "I bloody hope so."

"Did you hear the good news?" Aisling asked as they ambled slowly down the hallway. "Should be in the paper tomorrow, but Healer Dawson is to be our new Healer-in-Chief."

"That's splendid," Scorpius smiled. "You must be pleased."

"Very," Aisling agreed. "He's Rose's mentor, you know, so I expect good things for her. But we all love Healer Dawson. He's a good sort."

Scorpius wondered if he should tell her that his mother was hired to do the fundraising on behalf of the hospital, but let Aisling continue to praise Healer Dawson as they got closer to Rose's office.

"Oh," Aisling said as they turned a corner and nearly ran into Rose and an older man speaking in the hallway. "Healer Weasley, I have your patient here -"

"Hullo, Mr. Malfoy," Rose's smile was wide. "Healer Dawson, this is Auror Malfoy."

"Yes, of course," Dawson held out his hand for Scorpius to shake. "Rose was telling me you didn't put up a fight for any of her Muggle tests," he glanced down at his leg. "Or healing practices."

"She knows best," Scorpius smiled, his eyes darting to Rose quickly. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Healer Dawson, I've heard great things."

"All exaggerations, I'm sure," Dawson smiled before turning back quickly to Rose. "I'll give a statement, but that may not be enough." Rose frowned but didn't move to argue. "I'll speak with you later, Healer Weasley." He turned to Scorpius, "A pleasure to meet you. And actually, MediWitch Walsh, can I steal you for a minute?"

"See ya soon, Scorpius," Aisling winked at him as she followed Healer Dawson back down the hall.

"How's the leg?" Rose asked as she offered Scorpius her arm and he took it gladly.

"Fine," he shrugged. "Just excited to get this bloody thing off."

"If it's healed like I think it has, we should be able to take it off today," she smiled as they continued down the hall. "And your arm?"

"Doesn't hurt," he shrugged.

"A scar?" Rose asked, turning towards him, one eyebrow arched.

"Not as bad as some of my others," he shrugged and saw that Rose had bit her lip to keep from laughing as she guided him into an empty room.

"Have a seat at the end," she gestured to the bed and closed the door. Scorpius could finally see what she was wearing under her open robes, and he did his absolute best not to stare too long at her very dark green dress that seemed to hug her curves perfectly without being incident. She walked towards him and Scorpius pulled his eyes away from her body to her face, her twists pulled into a very high knot on top of her head. "Let's take that boot off," she said and undid the velcro herself before Scorpius could bend down to do it. "And," she tapped her wand at his pant leg so it rolled up over his knee. "Extend it, please."

Scorpius straightened his leg out, unable to hide a slight wince. "Bit stiff," he offered lamely, his eyes glancing up to meet Rose's, but she was already prodding and poking his calf and shin.

"It will be a bit stiff for a few more days," she said absently as she summoned something from the cabinet behind her. "This will help," she slathered something on his leg and he jerked slightly at how cold it was. "It's cold," she glanced up at him with a smirk. "Should have said."

"I noticed," Scorpius mumbled and leaned back on his hands.

"You'll want to put this on when you wake up and before bed for a week," she handed him the small tub. "It'll help with the tension and stiffness," she looked back down at his leg and turned it slightly. Scorpius did his best to ignore the feeling of her hands on his leg. "If it's still stiff next week, let me know. We should have you able to walk and stand and dance without any pain by the time that fundraiser rolls around," Rose winked as she stood up straight.

"About that," Scorpius started and ran a hand through his hair absently. "Don't feel obligated to come -"

"I'm excited," Rose interrupted him with a smile. "I mean, I'm bloody nervous," she amended and crossed her arms in front of her. "To wear a fancy dress and talk to people, but I'm also really excited to talk to local Muggle doctors and see how this fundraising stuff really works."

"It's rarely that exciting," Scorpius chuckled. "But I appreciate your enthusiasm."

"How often do you go to your mum's events?"

Scorpius stared at her for a long moment, surprised that she genuinely wanted to know, that she genuinely wanted to ask him questions about his life. "As often as I can," he admitted. "I always go to the holiday event, whatever it's for."

"And you've never mentioned to anyone that your mum plans fundraisers for Muggles?" Rose tilted her head slightly.

"And Wizarding Britain, but that's always anonymously," Scorpius shrugged. "It never came up, really."

"It's going to be in the papers tomorrow," Rose watched him carefully.

"Reckon that comes with the job," Scorpius smiled slightly. "And no one can get mad when they're invited to the St. Mungo's gala."

"Hmm," Rose frowned and stepped back from the bed. "That means I'll need two dresses, doesn't it?"

"I really doubt your cousins will let you get away with wearing the same dress even if it's just us Malfoys seeing you," Scorpius's smile was wider now.

"Too bloody right," she tilted her head and stared at him. "Let me see that arm, please." She waited while he unbuttoned his sleeve and rolled up the arm. "Is it socially acceptable to drink before dress shopping?"

Scorpius glanced up at her with a chuckle, "And during too. Especially with Roxanne."

"And Lily," Rose muttered. "No stiffness?" She wrapped her hands around his arm to examine the scar, "Still a bit jagged." She frowned, "Really thought that would heal a bit cleaner."

"I don't mind," he shrugged. "Makes me look rather dashing, I think."

Rose rolled her eyes dramatically at him and pushed his shoulder, but Scorpius saw her lips twitch. "Anything else sore or hurt? You're not hiding any new or old injuries from me?"

Scorpius shook his head, "You've tended to them all."

Rose nodded and Scorpius could tell there was something she was itching to say to him but she was holding back as he fixed his shirt sleeve. "Mother's very excited to work with you," he said offhandedly. "It's rare she gets to work with someone in the Wizarding world who's passionate about what they do."

"Oh," Rose was unsure how to react. "I'm interested to learn more about what she does," she admitted. "I am sorry I intruded on your tea time -"

"Please," Scorpius waved a hand. "Better than having to lie about my injuries." Rose frowned but Scorpius added quickly, "Nothing to worry about, part of the job."

"I tried to talk to Fred about Thomasin, I know she'll put two and two together about,"

Rose trailed off and Scorpius hopped delicately off the table, moving his ankle around slightly now that the boot was off.

"Ah yes, he's not seeing here anymore," Scorpius nodded. "And she's too bloody good at her job."

"I just don't want Aisling dragged into it," Rose frowned.

"Ah," Scorpius nodded.

"I always thought she'd do better at the Ministry or somewhere that's not the Prophet," Rose shrugged and turned to lead them out of the exam room. "But she is very good at sleuthing. And writing."

"Indeed," Scorpius agreed as he followed her out of the door. "Thanks for the boot," he said as they walked down the hall and saw Healer Dawson waving at them. "I think you're being beckoned."

He noticed Rose frown slightly as she saw Dawson before she turned back to Scorpius, "Well, I'll see you soon, yea? Before the gala?"

Scorpius felt his heart skip a beat, his face nearly bursting in a crooked smile, "Course, Petal. Real soon."

0808080808080808

"You were right to call," Lily rushed in through the door of Rose's flat.

"You'd be helpless without us," Roxanne agreed right behind her.

"Brought fizz," Aisling said from the kitchen as she hugged Lily and Roxanne. "Hullo, girls," she laughed.

"I need your sane head with this lot," Rose leaned against her counter and took a sip of the champagne Aisling brought.

"How many bottles did you bring?" Dominique asked, dusting soot from the Floo off her shoulders. "More than one, I hope?"

"There's another bottle in the fridge," Rose rolled her eyes. "We can't get pissed before we even leave -"

"They may have champs there anyway," Lily clapped her hands, ignoring Dominique's grimace.

"It's not wedding dress shopping," Aisling frowned. "Don't they reserve the goods for really expensive dresses?"

"I bloody hope so," Dominique's smile was too wide for Rose's liking. "We're planning on Rosie spending a lot of money."

"No," Rose shook her head. "I need two dresses, I'm not -"

"Two?" Lily nearly screeched. "What do you need two fancy bloody dresses for?"

Rose blanched, her eyes darting around at her cousins and friend. "Oh, bollocks," she took another sip of her champagne.

"What are you hiding?" Roxy narrowed her eyes and took a step towards her cousin.

"It's not for me to," she sighed, leaning against the counter and realizing she had no escape. "You'll get invitations soon, and it'll be in the paper," Rose groaned. "There'll be a gala for St. Mungo's the Saturday before Christmas."

Lily squealed and clapped her hands, as Roxanne threw her arms around Rose's neck.

"Absolutely brilliant," Dominique put an arm around Aisling's shoulders. "Dresses for everyone!"

"This is wonderful," Lily threw herself at Rose now too. "Crack open that other bottle, we deserve it!"

Rose groaned but couldn't help her smile as she met Dominique's bright blue eyes as she muttered, "Absolutely insufferable."

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Rose would never admit to anyone that dress shopping with her cousins and Aisling was actually enjoyable. When they weren't forcing her into insanely tight and audacious dresses, they were fun to be around, and it felt nice to try on beautiful dresses that made her feel sexy and beautiful.

But she would never admit that to anyone.

"Now," Dominique gushed when Rose stepped out of the dressing room. "That, Rosie, is a bloody showstopper."

"I don't want to stop any shows," Rose let out an embarrassed whisper.

"You do at the gala at the Ministry," Lily was clasping her hands tightly and trying not to bounce too much on her toes. "It's like your reintroduction to Wizarding Britain!"

"I've been here for -"

"Not the same," Roxanne argued. "Now, we need a show stopping dress for Aisling too. If she's going to be entering society on the arm of one Mr. James Potter -"

"I'll need to look fierce," Aisling grinned as she opened the door to her dressing room. "Is red too much?"

"Never," Lily cooed as she stepped to Aisling. Rose let out a sigh of relief now that attention was blessedly drawn away from her.

"You have to wear red on behalf of us red-headed Weasleys," Dominique agreed. "And Godric, you look incredible, Walsh."

"Absolutely stunning," Roxanne arched an eyebrow. "Are you sure I can't steal you from -"

"I like the bloke too much, sorry," Aisling winked at Roxanne.

"Shame," Roxanne sighed and stepped back into her dressing room. "I think purple is still acceptable for the hols, right?"

"For you babe?" Lily laughed. "Of course."

"Rose," Dominique knocked on the door. "You're keeping that merlot gown, okay?"

"I think it's too much," Rose huffed as she pulled the dress down her legs.

"Hold on to it," Dominique disagreed. "Until you see what else there is, yea?"

"I don't -"

"Rose," Lily's singsong voice made Rose roll her eyes up to the ceiling. "Just trust us, okay?"

"Fine," she nearly grunted and tugged on a black dress she hated before she even zipped it.

"Black one?" Dominique asked.

"Absolute rubbish," Rose answered. "I promise."

"Black is too much anyway," Lily sighed. "Not for the hols. You need a pop of color."

"Love a color on you," Aisling agreed and Rose let a laugh escape her lips. "Need a drink break?"

"Yes," Rose sighed in relief as she tugged on a bronze dress she barely looked at in the mirror before opening the door. "Where is it?" She asked, looking around her cousins for a glass of champagne.

She was met with silence.

"Were you lying about a drink?" Rose glared at Aisling, her hands on her hips.

"You look -"

"Absolutely-"

"Bloody -"

"Smashing," Aisling finished.

"That's the dress," Dominique blinked, her voice soft. "That's the dress."

Rose tilted her head slightly and stared at them all, "Are you alright? Do you need to go to hospital?" She rolled her eyes when they just continued to stare at her and did a double take at Lily whose eyes were tearing up. "Merlin," she huffed at them and turned to look at herself in the mirror. "Oh," she breathed when she finally looked at herself. "Oh."

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"I need a nap," Rose whined as Aisling guided her - forced her, really - along the Muggle streets to a pub. "I don't need another drink."

"Not even for some really class fish and chips?" Aisling laughed. "Come on, it wasn't too bad a day, was it?"

Rose's lips twitched, "You are sworn to bloody secrecy, Walsh. Understood?"

"Aye," Aisling winked and turned her head to call back to the others. "Just here, come on!"

"Here?" Roxanne's nose crinkled slightly when they stopped outside a pub with a sign so faded hanging above them they could barely read it. "Does that say cock?"

"Aye," Aisling opened the door. "Cockfoster's Inn, come on."

"The windows are shuttered," Lily whispered, clearly uneasy, but Rose couldn't help her grin as they stepped inside.

"You made it!" James bounded towards them and pulled Aisling out of Rose's arm to kiss her quickly. "I've been stuck with piss-poor company for hours," he whined to Aisling quietly before winking at Rose. "How many dresses they force you to try on, Rosie?"

"Too many," Rose rolled her eyes and continued into the dimly lit pub. "I'm bloody starved."

"Scorpius!" Dominique bounded past Rose and swatted the man on the shoulder.

He swiveled around on his barstool and grimaced at her as he rubbed his shoulder, his eyes landing on Rose. "Can't you tell her, as my Healer, not to physically abuse me so much?"

Rose arched an eyebrow at him, "Think that'll only make her hit you harder."

"Quite right," he grinned before furrowing his brows at Dominique. "Ow. Not nice."

"You, Mr. Malfoy, have never invited me to a gala in our entire friendship," Dominique glared at him, hands on her hips. "That's not nice."

"Not my galas to invite you to," he shrugged but Rose could tell he was slightly uncomfortable by the comment.

"And they've never hosted a sports one before," Fred said as he returned from the bathroom.

"I like more things than just sports," Dominique huffed at her cousin. "Animals, for one."

"Dragons don't count," Fred laughed heartily, ignoring Dominique when she stuck her tongue out at him.

"Do tell your mum I love an event," Dominique said gently to Scorpius before jumping up and grinning. "Oh, I'll tell her when I see her at the," she trailed off, nervously glancing at Rose. "Oh."

Scorpius met Rose's eyes for a moment before he put a hand on Dominique's shoulder, "Buy you a pint to make up for my transgressions?"

Dominique patted his cheek and nodded. Rose sat down on the stool next to Scorpius and shrugged her coat off with a roll of her eyes.

"Can I get you a pint?" Scorpius leaned over slightly to ask her. "Pretty sure I owe you more than one."

"And a fish and chips if you don't mind," Rose smiled at him.

"Dress shopping a success?" Scorpius asked as he waved down the bartender.

"I've got two approved dresses that I don't despise," Rose shrugged and leaned against the bar.

"And," Scorpius looked back at everyone around them. "No one seems to be injured or maimed."

"So all in all," Rose shrugged, "a rousing success." She sighed, "But I'm bloody starving."

"Extra chips," Scorpius added to the bartender. "And malt vinegar, if you don't mind."

Rose nudged him slightly with her shoulder, "Thanks."

Scorpius passed her a pint of lager, about to say something when James cleared his throat just behind them and asked the bartender for pints for the rest of their group. Rose could feel James's eyes boring a hole into the back of her head as she took a small sip and his words of "don't hurt him" from weeks ago bounced around her mind. "Albus should be here soon, he was meeting Catriona's parents for tea," James said to them and Rose turned around on her stool to lean her back against the bar and face the group, Scorpius following her lead.

"Pretty big deal," Fred whistled.

"Aye, when am I going to meet yer folks?" Aisling elbowed James in the ribs and he winced slightly. James's face paled and he opened his mouth to say something, possibly about Aisling already having met Harry Potter, but Aisling laughed and put a hand on his cheek, "Bloody joking, ye twat."

"You're coming to the big Christmas blow out, aren't you?" Lily pouted and looked at James, "Isn't she?"

"Well," James ran a hand through his hair. "I hadn't mentioned it as such yet," he glared at his sister. "Was going to ease her into that -"

"It's just a lot of Weasleys," Roxanne rolled her eyes.

"And Potters," Lily added with a huff.

"And Malfoys!" Dominique said with a grin.

"It's not a bloody terrifying event," Roxanne continued, her brows furrowed at James. "We're not scary."

"A little scary," Scorpius drawled and put his hand up to stop Dominique from hitting his shoulder again. He had felt Rose's eyes on him when Dominique had mentioned the Malfoys had been included in the Weasley Christmas extravaganza, but when he chanced a glance at her, she was laughing at James and Lily continuing to argue.

"I'd love to come," Aisling finally interrupted their argument. "If I'm invited," she added to James and put a hand on his chest. "I promise I won't be scared. Now, me poor dad will be bloody terrified, but we're a packaged deal."

"Granddad would love your dad," Roxanne grinned. "Can't get enough of Muggles."

"That could be your gift to granddad, Jamie!" Fred clapped him on the back.

"Save me some money." James ran a hand through his hair and leaned down to ask Aisling, "Not moving too fast to ask you to come spend Christmas with us?"

"You can come for Christmas Eve and come back Christmas morning," Lily winked. "You don't have to stay the night. The Malfoys don't."

"But you do have to wear pajamas on Christmas," Fred was grinning. "Extra points if they're matching."

"Points?" Aisling raised an eyebrow.

The bartender returned with the fish and chips and a full bottle of malt vinegar, and Rose tuned out her cousins explaining the very elaborate Weasley Christmas to Aisling, complete with sleeping arrangements, instead pouring copious amounts of malt vinegar on to her chips and diving in. "No greens?" Scorpius leaned over to ask her, stealing a chip.

"Giving myself the day off," she shrugged and bit into another chip.

"Sorry, that um," Scorpius scratched his beard and Rose glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. "Well, that we intrude on your family Christmas."

Rose set her chip down and turned her head to look directly at Scorpius, taking a deep breath. "Don't be," she said evenly and Scorpius's eyes widened. "I know I've been a, well, a git. And I've not been exactly hiding my jealousy at you being close to my cousins and family, but," Rose clasped her hands together to keep them from fidgeting. "I was jealous. Because I wasn't here and I felt replaced," she bit her lip for a long moment, her eyes on her hands before she blew out a breath. "But I'm back, and I've been hanging around this lot again, and I like to think I've grown up a bit. I know you didn't replace me, Scorpius. You were always here for them." Her dark blue eyes glanced up at his face and held his gaze, "I'm sorry for being a git."

"It's -"

"No," Rose let out a soft, dry laugh. "It's not okay. I was jealous and stupid, but," she smiled and tilted her head slightly. "You are part of this family, Scorpius. You and your parents are part of our big, wild, family," she reached for his hand and squeezed it for a second before turning back to her chips. "You always were. I just, well, was a git." She pushed the extra basket of chips towards him as a peace offering.

"Thanks," Scorpius nodded at her and reached for a chip. "You really didn't have to apologize, but," he met her gaze again. "Thanks."

Rose smiled at him and took a sip from her pint when she heard everyone greet Albus as he came into the pub and she let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding as she turned to wave and eat another malty, soggy chip. She felt Albus's bright green eyes flit between her and Scorpius and when she turned to her lager again she felt his gaze bore into the back of her head. She was never very good at keeping secrets from Albus.

Rose wanted to shake Scorpius's hand and tell him they were friends, wanted to grab his head and bloody kiss him, wanted to take his hand and drag him back to her flat. Her stomach and her mind were a jumble of thoughts and feelings she couldn't parse through; she felt like she was drowning in James's words, in Scorpius's company, in the idea of someone she wanted to sleep with being in her family.

How could she date and sleep with someone who was now tied so closely to her entire family without someone, everyone, herself, getting hurt?

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A/N: Hope you liked this chapter, despite the wait! (Got caught up in writing my other story, Triplets of Hogwarts - check it out it's hella long)

Next up, a gala! :) Comments and favorites are much appreciated! xoxo