Rose barely waved her hand to remove the soot from the Floo as she stepped into the Atrium of the Ministry and grinned at the final set-up. Finally, she thought as she glanced around at the tables, the stage, the food, and the bar.
"Rose!" Astoria waved from the bar, holding up a flute of champagne. "You look wonderful," she said in her musical lilt as Rose walked towards her. "That dress is," her lips spread into a wide smile. "Well, it's absolutely marvelous, dear," she handed Rose a flute and they tipped their drinks to each other before taking a small sip.
"Thanks," Rose said rather breathlessly from the praise. "You look," she started, but Draco was suddenly there, his hand low on his wife's back.
"She looks gorgeous, of course," Draco said, dropping a quick kiss to his wife's cheek before turning his grey eyes to Rose. "And you look lovely as well, Healer Weasley. I dare say no one else could pull off these colors," he arched a blonde eyebrow and waved his free hand to someone behind Rose, the signet ring on his finger catching the light of the floating lights and candles above them. "We weren't expecting you here so early," Draco drawled and confused, Rose turned her head slightly to see who he was talking to and her face broke into a wide grin as her dark blue eyes raked over him.
Scorpius, suddenly caught staring at Rose, flashed her a quick smile that made her cheeks warm, before tearing his gaze away from her and to his parents, "I always come early to your events." He stopped briefly next to Rose and leaned towards her to whisper, "Nice dress." Rose tried not to shiver and hid her smile by taking a small sip of her champagne as Scorpius kissed Astoria's cheek, "You look lovely, mother."
"What's the bet this time then, eh?" Draco clapped his hands together. "Better figure it out before everyone starts arriving -"
"That reminds me, Rose darling, your, ahem, surprise guests," Astoria's pale green eyes twinkled with mischief and Scorpius arched an eyebrow at Rose. "They should be arriving soon. Earlier than everyone else."
"Oh," Rose's face lit up. "Wonderful," she grinned, ignoring Scorpius's curious glance. "Thank you so much for -"
"My pleasure, darling," Astoria put a hand on Rose's arm and smiled. "Now, the bet," Astoria laughed at Draco's sour face.
"I'm not losing again," Scorpius grumbled and took two flutes of champagne from the bartender with a soft thanks, handing one to his father. "I already have to say something at the Christmas -"
"It won't be anything bad," Rose laughed.
"No," Draco said haughtily. "Make it absolutely horrid, for our sake," he put a hand to his chest. "We have no fun anymore at our age and -"
"Draco," Astoria admonished with a small laugh, leaning in to him.
"Ah," Rose said with a smirk that made Scorpius nervous. "The loser's got to help Grandma Weasley with cooking Christmas Eve dinner."
"No," Draco paled slightly. "She never lets anyone help -"
"The loser has to insist," Rose's smirk grew.
Scorpius narrowed his eyes at Rose, "And if you lose, Weasley? She's always trying to teach you how to cook, isn't she?"
"I don't lose," Rose arched an eyebrow at Scorpius. "And I don't plan on starting now."
"I don't know, Rose," Draco's lips twitched slightly as he tried to remain looking nonplussed. "You do have a lot of family coming tonight -"
"And they may impede you from fundraising," Astoria agreed; she and Draco exchanged a glance as Rose and Scorpius continued to stare at each other for a long moment. "Ah," Astoria said to the group. "Draco, will you talk to the caterer with me? I just want to make sure everything is in order."
"Lead the way, my dear," Draco nodded at Rose and Scorpius. "See you later. May the best person win."
Scorpius missed the looks his parents were giving them and turned his attention fully to Rose. "How am I supposed to stay away from you all night, Petal?" He leaned in to ask her, "When you bloody look like that."
Rose smiled demurely, "Same to you, Malfoy," her eyes flitted down his very nicely tailored dark grey suit. "That's a very nice -"
His lips were suddenly ghosting over the shell of her ear as he leaned down to whisper, "Can you sneak away for a moment just so I can tell you in private how bloody gorgeous you look in this bloody dress?"
Rose's breath hitched and she shivered slightly under him but she turned slightly to put a hand on his arm, "I can't now." Her voice and her face did little to hide her disappointment, "I've got to see when my guests arrive and hide them," she bit her lip slightly before frowning. "But I'll see you soon -"
"Not soon enough," Scorpius took a small step back from her with a wink and waved at someone who was walking out of the Floo.
Rose turned her head and grinned at Thomasin, "You look lovely, Thomasin -"
"Rose," Thomasin gushed, grabbing her free hand. "This bloody dress, Merlin! What bloody color is this even," she shook her head as she took in Rose's dress. "Bloody hell," she hit Scorpius playfully on the arm, "Have you seen this dress?"
"I have," Scorpius whispered gruffly and Rose flashed him a look but he cleared his throat and turned to Thomasin. "You both look lovely. Carter, does this dress shimmer?"
Thomasin grabbed some of her midnight blue skirt to swish it playfully, "It does," she grinned. "Say, Malfoy, you got anyone in the Auror department you think you could introduce me to -"
"And that's my cue," Rose laughed. "I've got to go wait for someone." She winked at Scorpius before saying to Thomasin, "Have some champagne. The Minister told you not to work, remember?"
"You're right," Thomasin grinned and pulled Scorpius the few steps back to the bar. Scorpius flashed Rose a pleading look but she merely sent him a small wave and headed to the front doors of the Ministry, away from the Floo.
She didn't have to wait long before she was being lifted up off her feet by a very tall and very muscular redhead. Rose let out her deep-throated laugh and before she could tell him to put her down, Charlie laughed, "There's that laugh I've missed so much."
"Put me down, Uncle Charlie," Rose swatted at his shoulders and laughed again when he swung her around playfully before setting her back down on the ground.
"You look beautiful, Rosie," Charlie grinned down at her and put one of his large, freckled hands on her cheek. "I'm so happy to see you. I've missed you so bloody much," he pulled her in for another tight hug, this time her feet stayed firmly on the ground.
"I missed you too, Uncle Charlie," she admitted with a wide smile and hugged him back as tightly as she could, shocked that he was wearing an actual suit.
"Come on, let me see what the place looks like, eh? I want to hear all about your position, the hospital, absolutely everything," he was leaning down to speak to her, his face stretched into a huge smile. "Before your brother and your father and the rest of your uncles -"
"And cousins," Rose laughed again.
"Them too," he continued with a wink. "Before they talk my ear off about one thing or another."
"You love being the favorite," Rose poked him playfully in the chest. "Don't act like you don't."
"And you, my little flower, are my favorite and -"
Rose threw her head back to laugh loudly, "Uncle Charlie, you're an awful liar."
"You're right, you're right," Charlie joined in her laughter. "I haven't got any favorite nieces and nephews."
"Just brothers," Rose winked.
"Now, now, I love all my brothers equally," Charlie raised a hand and stood up straight, his blue eyes crinkling when he tried not to smile. "Come on, tell me about the new gig. But first, am I allowed to get a drink?" He looked over her head, "That bar stocked with enough firewhiskey for all the Weasleys?"
Rose swatted at his arm, "I'll talk to you about the hospital soon, but first, ah," she turned back to the front doors, her face breaking into another wide smile as she waved excitedly. "It's a surprise you're all here, remember? A bit of an early Christmas gift -"
"I know," Charlie squeezed her shoulder briefly before Rose stepped towards the doors again to greet Victoire and Teddy Lupin.
"Vicky," Rose's voice was deep with excitement as she pulled the slightly shorter girl into a firm hug. "I'm so bloody glad you're here."
"Rosie," Victoire cooed into her ear before kissing both of her cheeks quickly. "Ça va? You look magnifique," Victoire held Rose out at arm's length, her pale blond hair bouncing behind her shoulders in loose waves.
"And you're bloody glowing," Rose glanced down at her cousin's stomach for a brief second before her eyes darted over Victoire's shoulder to Teddy. "You cheeky bastards," she laughed and pulled Victoire in for another hug. "You didn't say!"
"And we aren't saying tonight," Victoire said firmly. "Jeanne d'Arc, it's your bloody night, not ours," she groaned. "You're good at glamor charms, oui?"
Rose rolled her eyes, "Say hi to your uncle first, eh? Then I'll bloody glamour you." She let Victoire go and shook her head at Teddy as his hair quickly changed to bubblegum pink for a minute as he blushed slightly under her stare. "Teddy Lupin, you rascal," she stood on her toes to wrap her arms around his shoulders, squeezing him tightly.
"It helped us get away early for the holidays," he said sheepishly, returning the hug with a small laugh.
"Are you going to move back?" Rose looked at him hopefully, her hands on his arms, and laughed loudly when his hair quickly changed back to his normal turquoise. "About bloody time -"
"Says the girl who moved back only months ago," Teddy clucked her under the chin the way Grandpa Weasley always did when they were younger.
"Cheeky," Rose admonished him and pulled him towards Uncle Charlie. "Mum finally convince you to come to the Ministry?"
"Ah, no," Teddy rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Nothing's set in stone yet, ah, but, I've got some interviews. Just seeing if anything sticks."
"Me too," Victoire snaked her arm through Teddy's with a grin. "We wanted to settle down a bit before this pup is born," she put her other hand on her stomach. "Now, can you glamour it? S'il vous plait?"
Rose rolled her eyes playfully before meeting Teddy's gaze and grinning widely, "Course, Vicky."
"What are you going to do about drinks?" Charlie asked as they began to walk towards the bar. "Everyone will notice if you're not drinking."
"Ah," Rose looked around the ballroom and waved at Mrs. Malfoy. "I think I know someone who can help with that."
"Why, is that my favorite cousin Teddy Lupin and his beautiful wife Victoire Weasley-Lupin?" Scorpius walked towards the group and kissed both of Victoire's cheeks before shaking Teddy's hand.
"Second cousin," Victoire corrected him with a wicked grin.
"Why, Scorpius Malfoy, as I live and breathe," Charlie grinned and extended his hand for Scorpius to shake. "Have I told you how pleased I am you never wore your hair like your father did when he was younger?"
"Once or twice," Scorpius laughed, his grey eyes glancing at Rose quickly. "Are these your surprise guests?"
"An early Christmas gift," Rose shrugged, unable to contain her smile. "Ah, Mrs. Malfoy," Rose guided Victoire away from the men and towards Astoria with a quick wink at Teddy.
Scorpius didn't mean to watch them walk away in front of one of her (many) uncles and one of her (many) cousins, but it was hard not to when she was wearing a very unique and beautiful dress and she looked as beautiful as she did tonight (or any time, really, if Scorpius was being honest with himself). Her dress was bronze - or was it copper? Or was it gold? Or was it... - the skirt was pleated in such a way that every time she moved, the floating candles or the twinkling lights or the lights on the walls of the Atrium would hit the pleats in such a way they looked to be a different color. It was mesmerizing in the way it shimmered and changed colors, as mercurial as the girl herself. And it was long and light enough that it seemed to float slightly behind her as she walked; the top part of the sleeveless dress had a high neck and a nearly-completely open back. Draco had been right: very few people could have pulled off this dress, but Rose Weasley did so with aplomb.
When Scorpius realized he'd been watching Rose walk away, he quickly pulled his attention back to Teddy and Charlie with a smile, "Fancy a drink, cousin, before the others start to arrive?"
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Draco and Astoria had been right, of course, and Rose barely had any opportunities to speak to anyone that she wasn't related to by blood or by marriage. She let Grandma Weasley and Aunt Fleur hug her tightly and nearly cry when they saw Victoire, Teddy, and Uncle Charlie were there and Dominique had shoved a 'thank you' drink in her hands and slung her arm around Rose she was so pleased to see her sister and her favorite uncle. Uncle Harry pulled her in for a quick hug out of the view of most of the guests, he was so happy to see his godson before Christmas but didn't want to embarrass her in front of potential donors. Her Uncles George and Bill had spun her around briefly on the dance floor asking her how she managed to get Charlie 'away from his dragons' for so long, unsatisfied with her flimsy answer of, "It's hard to say no to me!"
During one short moment of reprieve, Rose took a quick sip from her Sober Up potion vial as she leaned against the wall next to all of the Ministry Floos, and wondered just how many bloody Weasleys (and Potters and Blacks and Lupins) were here in the Atrium.
"There are certainly a lot of us," a deep voice said from beside Rose and without looking she punched his thick arm.
"A sea of red, innit?" Rose laughed before glancing up at her brother. "Anyone strike your fancy?"
"I'm not here to find someone to settle down with," Hugo ran his hand over his shortly cropped hair with a sheepish look. "Here to support you, aren't I?"
"And have a bit of fun," she nudged him slightly with her hip. She tilted her chin at a very tall man talking with James and Fred. "What about him?"
"Ah," Hugo chuckled into his glass of beer, with a shake of his head. "Has a girlfriend."
Rose clucked her tongue in disappointment, "Bollocks." Her dark blue eyes darted around the Atrium, "What about her?" She nudged him slightly with her elbow and he followed her gaze to a pretty young woman with long, black hair talking to Dominique and Victoire.
"You really know my types, don't you?" Hugo put his hand on Rose's shoulder with a loud laugh. "And what about you, Rosie? You going to have a bit of fun tonight?"
Rose arched an eyebrow at him, "I'm working, baby brother. You ought to try it sometime."
Hugo laughed at the admonishing look she gave him. "Well, better go and work then, eh?"
"I just needed a breather from everyone," Rose huffed. "So bloody many of us."
"As if you didn't know the attention you'd get bringing Teddy, Victoire, and Charlie here," Hugo rolled his eyes with a low chuckle and pointed at her empty glass. "Come on, let's get you another one and you can introduce me to a few people, eh? Keep my options open."
"Don't have too much fun," Rose muttered as she led Hugo to the bar before they were waved over by Uncle Charlie and Teddy to their small group. Rose could tell immediately that the conversation was mainly for Hugo and with a wink from Charlie, she rather thought the handsome man with light brown hair looked fun for Hugo. "Excuse me, gentleman," Rose said quickly after introductions, "but I'm -"
"Very busy and very important," Charlie winked at her as the group laughed and leaned down to whisper in her ear. "Got a good feeling about this, kid." Rose returned the wink and continued to walk to the bar to get herself a glass of sparkling water.
"When's your big speech?" Scorpius was there suddenly, leaning casually against the bar next to her.
"Not a big speech," Rose barely glanced at him out of the corner of her eye as she thanked the bartender for her sparkling water, tapping it twice with her finger so the color changed to resemble champagne. "Just a thank you, quick mention of what we're doing at St. Mungo's," she shrugged and turned to face him finally. "How's your night going?"
"Better now," Scorpius smiled slyly at her before he pushed off the bar so they could walk together. "I actually managed to collect some money," he raised his glass to someone they walked past.
"Bollocks," Rose huffed. "I haven't gotten to talk to anyone I'm not bloody related to," she grimaced and looked around the room, panicking.
"Well then, come on," Scorpius put his hand very close to the small of her back. "Let's introduce you to some old money, shall we?" But before Scorpius could lead her very far, Neville and Hannah found them and began to talk to them both in earnest.
"You know I'll give anything to St. Mungo's, Rosie," Neville was saying and Scorpius watched as Rose put a hand on his before he could reach into his robes and shook her head with a smile.
"Keep that for the next fundraiser, Uncle Neville," Rose grinned up at him and laughed when he pulled her in for a hug.
"Go on, Rosie," Hannah patted her arm. "We'll see you at Christmas."
Rose let Scorpius continue to guide her around the edge of the Atrium until he stopped at a very elegant looking witch and her equally elegant looking husband. "Aunt Daphne, Uncle Theo," Scorpius bowed and Rose tried to keep her shocked face in check at both the realization that he had any extended family and at the fact that he was bowing.
"You scoundrel," the woman Daphne said, putting a hand on Scorpius's cheek as he stood up straight, her pale hazel eyes crinkling in mirth and Rose could see the resemblance to her sister.
"May I introduce the woman of the hour," Scorpius continued in a theatrical voice, "the incredible Healer Rose Weasley. Rose, may I introduce my dearest aunt, Daphne Greengrass-Nott, and my favorite uncle, Theo Nott."
Rose felt her cheeks warm in slight embarrassment as Daphne extended her hand, "It's lovely to finally meet you, Healer Weasley -"
"Oh, it's Rose, please," Rose shook her hand warmly.
"And I'm your only uncle," Theo rolled his eyes at Scorpius before he too extended a hand. "We've heard a lot about you, Rose."
"From what Tori's told us, you're doing great things at St. Mungo's," Daphne's smile was warm.
Rose still felt like she needed to downplay her contributions as she'd only been back in the country for a few months, but Scorpius didn't give her a chance. "She's helped out the department a lot considering she's only been back a few months. Indispensable, really."
"I'm not sure how well that reflects on your department, darling," Daphne said playfully as she patted his cheek again.
"So, this is the famous Rose Weasley you were always competing with at school?" Theo asked, a mischievous glint in his warm, brown eyes.
"Not really a competition," Rose muttered before she could stop herself. "Oh, I only meant we really weren't -"
"Quite right," Scorpius laughed genuinely at how uncomfortable Rose looked.
"Oh, I like you very much," Theo grinned, pointing at Rose. "I'll be sure to let Draco know our contribution tonight is to go in your name, Rose, and not our favorite nephew."
"Uncle Theo," Scorpius cried, put out, but shook his head when Rose opened her mouth to protest. "No, you've won it fair and square," he winked at her. "Think you can introduce Rose to a few more of your acquaintances?"
"They're not mine," Theo grumbled but stood up straighter, running a quick hand through his dark hair. "We moved to the continent for a reason, Scorpius."
"And what's more fun than taking money from a bunch of old, crusty -"
"Thank you, darling," Daphne wrinkled her nose slightly at Scorpius before patting her husband's hand. "You better go alone, dear."
Rose looked questioningly at Scorpius who leaned over to say in a low voice, "These are the types of folks who don't like the Malfoys since father well, you know," he shrugged slightly. "But they would never turn down a high society event."
"They're wildly offended by blonde hair," Daphne agreed, tilting her head slightly at Rose. "And your hair's not red enough to cause any alarm," she nodded at Theo. "Better make it quick before there's any announcements."
Theo nodded at Rose and offered his arm, "Ready, Healer Weasley?" He frowned slightly, "On second thought, let's stick with Healer Rose."
"And don't mention anything Muggle," Scorpius added for good measure.
Rose turned to him with a wink, "I think I can handle it," and let Theo walk her towards a table in a far away corner.
"Oh, I like her," Daphne smiled coyly at Scorpius. "You better not let that one get away."
Scorpius opened his mouth to deny anything was going on, but instead merely rolled his eyes at his aunt and leaned in to whisper, "I don't plan on it."
Talking to the old men with Theo was absolutely excruciating, but Rose managed to secure several hefty sacks of galleons from men she was certain she'd see in St. Mungo's over the next few weeks and months.
"I know wizards live very long lives but," Rose tried not to retch as she and Theo finally (blessedly) walk away. "At what cost."
Theo covered his laughter with a cough and led Rose over to where Draco and Astoria were talking to Headmistress McGonagall and Hermione. "Ah, Miss Weasley," McGonagall said with a small smile. "Welcome back from Sweden."
"Thank you, Minnie," Rose couldn't help her devious smile when McGonagall's lips twitched even as Hermione opened her mouth to admonish her daughter.
"How that nickname has lasted longer than you've all been alive," she sighed, her eyes cast up to the ceiling in defeat before she turned to Theo. "And Mr. Nott, how wonderful to see you."
"Minnie, eh?" Theo's brown eyes twinkled with mischief. "That is fun."
"I was hoping to speak with you, actually, Mr. Nott," McGonagall said before turning to Hermione. "I'll speak with you soon, Minister." She smiled as Astoria and Draco, "This is a wonderful event, of course. I'm already looking forward to the next one." Her eyes landed on Rose, "And Ms. Weasley, I do think I'll be seeing more of you soon."
Before Rose could ask her why, McGonagall and Theo were walking away and Draco pointed at the bags of money in her hands. "Old bints?"
"Draco," Hermione hid her smile behind her hand.
"Old bints," Rose nodded and handed him the bags. "Mr. Nott also said -"
"Yes," Draco's lips twitched. "You've seemed to make up for lost time fairly quickly."
"Do I want to know?" Hermione sighed heavily.
"No," Rose's smile was wide. "Just know that I'm winning."
"Rose, are you ready for your speech in a few minutes?" Astoria asked. "I think we ought to do it soon," she looked around the room. "Before people are too inebriated."
"Oh," Rose was slightly caught off guard and she couldn't help but glance quickly around the room for a particular tall blonde as she smoothed the skirt of her dress slightly. "Sure, yes," she smiled at Astoria. "Whenever you're ready."
Astoria nodded and smiled at Hermione, "Minister?"
"Oh," Hermione jumped slightly. "Yes, give me a minute, just to um," she glanced around the room and Rose pressed her lips together to hide her smile when her mother's gaze landed on the tall, lanky figure of her husband talking animatedly to a group of people that were a good deal shorter than him. "I'll meet you near the stage," Hermione said with a smile and hurried off to Ron.
Astoria smiled kindly at Rose and said, "Sometimes it's easier to give a speech with something in your hand to keep from fidgeting."
"Good idea," Rose agreed and left Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy to walk towards the bar, covertly looking around for Scorpius. Instead, she was stopped by James and Aisling who walked with her to the bar, excited to tell her that Thomasin and Fred were chatting alone together, and Roxanne and Fiona were dancing.
"And you invited Teddy's coworker from Germany?" James asked with a wicked grin. "Did you know he'd get on with Dominique?"
Rose's brows furrowed for a minute, "I didn't -"
"I did," Victoire was there with a wide grin. "You must be Aisling," she stepped towards the girl and pulled her in for a hug. "The girl who has captured our dear cousin's heart," Victoire held her at arm's length. "And this dress, Jeanne d'Arc," Victoire's clear blue eyes darted from James before landing back on Aisling. "Well, you are truly a vision," she finished.
"You invited him?" James's brown eyes widened slightly in disbelief.
"Nothin' about how lovely I look, eh, Potter?" Aisling rolled her hazel eyes at her boyfriend before grinning at Victoire, "Ye look bloody lovely yerself."
Rose laughed at them, "Excuse me, I've got a speech to make. But, well done, Vicky. Stroke of genius." She grinned at Aisling, "And you do look wonderful, Walsh."
"Break a leg, Weasley," Victoire winked at her cousin.
Rose continued her short walk to the bar, wiggling her fingers in a discreet wave at Hugo who was still talking to the handsome man with light brown hair, and winked at him. She tried not to frown when she reached the bar without seeing Scorpius, and ordered another glass of sparkling water, she took a breath after she tapped the glass with her finger twice and pushed off the bar to head towards the stage when she felt a familiar hand hover over her lower back. The heat from his hand near her bare skin was almost too much for Rose to handle and she closed her eyes briefly. "All right, Petal?" His voice was low and near her ear and she couldn't help the small shiver that ran down her spine.
She turned her head slightly to look over at him. "About to give my speech," she trailed off.
"You'll do wonderfully," he smiled kindly at her and she wondered briefly at the sudden calmness she felt now that she had seen him before she was to step on stage.
She smiled up at him as they neared the stage, "See you after?"
"I'll be right here when you're done," he tilted his head towards the stage stairs.
She grabbed his hand quickly and squeezed it, "Thanks." Scorpius squeezed her hand back and he couldn't help the wide smile as his boss, his mother, and the woman he was absolutely smitten with, walked on stage to talk about something they were so passionate about to a room full of hundreds of people. He couldn't have felt any prouder, and he felt lucky to be there for them.
He felt Ron and Draco walk up alongside him as Hermione began to speak about the 'great work' Astoria, Rose, Healer Dawson, and all the Healers, MediWitches, and MediWizards were doing not only at St. Mungo's but for the whole of Wizarding Society. Astoria spoke briefly about the work the funds they raised tonight would go towards and her excitement about working with such a wonderful and dedicated group of people at St. Mungo's before she turned it over to Rose. She didn't even bother to wave her wand or hand for her voice to carry to all the corners of the Atrium, and her hands didn't tremor as she began to speak.
"On behalf of Chief Healer Dawson, I want to echo the sentiments of the Minister of Magic Hermione Granger, and Great Britain's preeminent fundraiser Astoria Malfoy, and thank everyone for coming this evening and helping us raise funds for new programs for children, Muggelborns and their families," Rose's eyes darted to Scorpius for a short moment, a smile playing on her lips as she continued. "Chief Healer Dawson and I know this work will take time, and with the funds we raise tonight and beyond, we know we'll make St. Mungo's the leading Wizarding hospital in Europe. We are excited to take this journey with you all," Rose raised her flute of faux-champagne. "On behalf of everyone at St. Mungo's, thank you to the Ministry for hosting this event, thank you to Mrs. Astoria Malfoy for planning this event, thank you the Ms. Thomasin Carter and her team for working out the details, and thank you to everyone for coming. We look forward to this journey with you all," her dark blue eyes landed on Scorpius as she took a small sip of her drink as applause and a suspiciously loud group of cheers from the back of the room sounded. Her eyes flashed to all of her cousins and friends in the back and she rolled her eyes as she said a quick thank you again and followed Hermione and Astoria off the stage.
Ron hugged her tightly and leaned down to say, "That was wonderful, Rosie, truly," before he pulled Hermione into an equally tight hug, causing Hermione to laugh in surprise. Rose watched them with a smile and a shake of her head before Astoria air kissed her cheeks.
"Well said, m'dear," Draco shook her hand with a wink and the pair of them walked off, leaving Rose and Scorpius there alone.
"Long journey, eh?" Scorpius asked her, his head tilted slightly, his grey eyes slightly guarded.
"I've got a lot of work to do here," Rose's voice was soft as she reached for his hand. "I told you I'm not going anywhere, Malfoy."
Scorpius's eyes narrowed for a quick moment before his face relaxed slightly and flipped over his hand so he could bring her knuckles to his lips. "Fancy a dance, Petal?"
"I'd love one," Rose's smile was wide as she set her flute of champagne on the edge of the stage and let him guide her to the center of the Atrium. She grew nervous as they reached the dancefloor where other couples were slowly moving around and when Scorpius put one hand on her bare lower back, she felt her entire body heat up with his touch. His other hand was still in hers as he lifted it, and she put her free hand on his chest near his shoulder; after she swallowed, she said softly, "I'm not really much of a -"
"I am," Scorpius caught her eye with a small smirk. "Just follow my lead, Petal."
"I'm not sure that's such a great - oh," she couldn't help the rush of air as he turned her quickly around the floor for a moment before falling back into the rhythm of the music.
"You were saying?" He asked with an arch of his eyebrow and Rose bit her lip to keep from laughing as her eyes moved across his face.
"I'm glad your beard's starting to grow back," she mused lightly.
"Me too," he flashed her a winning smile. "Suits me, doesn't it?" Rose shook her head in amusement but didn't reply. "Do you remember the last time I asked you to dance?"
"You never," Rose's brows furrowed for a moment before her eyes widened. "Merlin, the wedding," her face fell slightly. "I didn't even -"
Scorpius pressed his hand against her lower back a little more and Rose was very aware of how close their bodies were now, her temple was nearly resting against the side of his face. "I'm glad you're dancing with me now," Scorpius whispered into her ear and Rose couldn't help her shiver.
"I'm sorry I didn't dance with you then," Rose admitted. "I didn't mean to be cruel, you know."
"You never were," Scorpius chuckled into her ear and Rose let her head rest against his, her hand moving down his chest slightly, feeling his steady heartbeat. "I much prefer a first dance as adults anyway," he whispered into her hair and Rose closed her eyes for a moment, letting Scorpius lead her around the dancefloor, not caring who saw them looking so comfortable with one another.
Eventually Rose noticed the music had changed slightly and she straightened her head slightly so she wasn't leaning against him, and glanced up at his eyes. "I guess we should go and raise some more money," she said rather lamely.
"I suppose so," Scorpius agreed with a sad smile and guided her off the dancefloor, his hand still firm against her lower back. "Let's get another fake drink," he whispered into her ear. "And give me the signal when you're ready to sneak away."
"We can't sneak," Rose bit back a laugh. "I'm very important, you know."
"So I've heard," Scorpius smirked and asked the bartender for two sparkling waters, grinning when Rose tapped both the glasses to change color. He saw Albus and Catriona over her shoulder and leaned his head close to her to whisper, "I think we've been made."
"Who?" Rose frowned and looked up to follow his eyeline to see Albus tilt his head slightly at them, his emerald green eyes watching them closely. "I think he's known," Rose stared at Albus for a long moment before she turned back to Scorpius. "You better go raise some funds, Malfoy, or you're going to lose again," she patted his arm playfully and walked away, leaving him alone at the bar.
"So," Albus was suddenly there, ordering two glasses of wine from the bartender.
"So," Scorpius agreed, leaning against the bar.
Albus glanced at Scorpius, his bright green eyes betraying the happiness that he was obviously trying to hide until Scorpius flashed him a wide smile. "Don't go messing this up, Malfoy."
"Better tell your cousin that, Potter," Scorpius bit back a grin. "You know well enough -"
"I do," Albus laughed and clapped his best friend on the shoulder.
"And keep your bloody trap shut for a little while longer, won't ya?" Scorpius asked as he pushed off the bar.
Albus rolled his eyes, "Then don't be so bloody obvious."
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An hour later, Rose was laughing at something her Aunt Angelina had said when Scorpius was there, his hand on under her elbow. "My apologies," he said to the small group. "But we need Healer Weasley for the final tally."
"I hope you all raised enough," Ginny winked at Rose. "We'd hate to have to attend another lavish party in a few months."
"Yes, I bloody hate getting dressed up in a beautiful gown," Angelina said in a very bored voice.
"Speak for yourself," Hermione muttered into her wine glass, causing Ginny and Angelina to snicker behind their hands as Rose rolled her eyes and followed Scorpius towards the stage.
"Well?" Rose asked Draco and Astoria excitedly and Scorpius snorted.
"You two have created a monster," Scorpius drawled in a perfect imitation of his father. "She's obsessed with betting now -"
"Am not," Rose swatted at Scorpius with narrowed eyes. "I just want to know if last time was a fluke," she put her hands on her hips.
"Last time was definitely not a fluke," Astoria smiled. "Rose raised 500 galleons more than Draco, and Scorpius," Astoria put a hand on his shoulder. "I am terribly sorry, but -"
"I lost," Scorpius let out a very long sigh. "If I don't survive Christmas Eve," he began but couldn't help his grin when Rose swatted at him again.
"I'll make the final announcement," Astoria smiled at them both. "Then I rather think I'll kick everyone out."
"I'm happy to tell my family to leave," Rose's mischievous smile grew but Astoria shook her head.
"Closing the bar will do that well enough," Draco chuckled.
"We'll see you tomorrow for lunch, Scorpius?" Astoria asked him. "Your aunt and uncle are coming."
"Oh, wonderful," Scorpius's smile was genuine. "I was worried they were going back to Italy tonight."
"Go get one more drink before your dreadful friends make you go to a terrible pub or something," Draco said in a bored voice as he fiddled with his signet ring. "We'll see you tomorrow." He turned his grey eyes to Rose, "And we'll see you Christmas Eve, Healer Weasley." He bowed his head slightly, "It's been a pleasure working with you."
"You as well, Mr. Malfoy," Rose smiled and before Draco could protest, she put her hands on his shoulder and air-kissed him on both cheeks before doing the same to Astoria. "You too, Mrs. Malfoy."
"We're delighted to continue to work with you," Astoria said quietly before she waved at them both and ascended the stairs of the stage to announce to the now smaller crowd of people how much money they'd raised for St. Mungo's.
"I don't want to go to a pub with your dreadful friends," Rose whispered to Scorpius as they walked to the bar, not paying attention to what Astoria was saying from the stage. "I want to take you to my flat for a nightcap -"
"Did you even meet the bloke Dominique was with all night?" Scorpius chuckled. "Won't she want you to -"
"Ben?" Rose arched an eyebrow at him. "He was lovely. And Hugo danced with a nice enough lad, Zach, I think his name was?" She was guiding him to the bar to order them whisky. "I'll be sure to get to know them better when the time comes," she continued quietly. "If the time comes. But for now, we'll drink these," she handed him a tumbler. "We'll say our goodbyes," she met his intense gaze. "And you'll meet me by the Floo in 15 minutes."
Scorpius clinked his glass to hers and nodded, "15 minutes."
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Scorpius wasn't sure how he managed to extricate himself from everyone as easily as he did, although he was sure the alcohol, everyone's festive nature, the fact that he'd be seeing them all on Christmas Eve (and some of them even sooner), and the residual excitement that Charlie, Teddy, and Victoire were there, helped.
He met Rose by the Floo exactly 15 minutes later, but felt a pair of eyes on him, and when he turned his head, he saw Victoire staring directly at him, her head tilted slightly, her pale blonde hair tucked behind her ears. "I think," he started to say, but Rose grabbed his hand and pulled him around the corner and into a Floo before he knew what was happening.
He had barely stepped into her flat when Rose had slanted her lips over his in a wild kiss, her arms wrapping around his shoulders, her fingers threading through the hair on the back of his neck. He pressed his body into hers, his hands gripping her waist, his mouth opening slightly in surprise at how quickly she had moved.
He pulled his lips away slightly to kiss the corner of her mouth, "What about that nightcap?" His voice was gruff, his fingers skirting across her bare back.
"Later," she said in a husky voice as she pulled at his hair so he could kiss her properly again.
"Anything you want, Petal," Scorpius agreed with a soft laugh when they eventually pulled apart again and he let her grab his hand and pull him towards her bedroom.
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A/N: :) Sorry for the delay - I wasn't feeling very motivated or creative the past few weeks, but I'm hoping that's over now!
I hope everyone liked this chapter - I could have kept writing little conversations/interactions with everyone, but eventually you'd get bored ;)
Victoire doesn't live in France right now, but in my mind she's been there more recently (maybe even lived there for a short stint) so she's constantly (accidentally) throwing in some French words and I thought Jeanne d'arc was a nice substitute for Merlin and Odin!
We are nearing the end, I think! I love your reviews, so please, review away!
Xx