A/N: Here we are, at the end! :( I can't promise there will be sequels, but there very well could be spin-offs/sequels in this universe in the future, so stay tuned!
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"Don't you have a party at the boss's house to get to?" Walter leaned against Scorpius's cubicle.
"The boss's mother-in-law," Scorpius corrected him slyly before glancing up at his partner. "And I've got to finish this up before I head over," he leaned back in his chair and stretched his arms. "Getting injured really put a damper on my productivity."
"You sure it was only your injury?" Walter asked pointedly.
"Not you too," Scorpius groaned.
Walter smirked, "So it is true."
"I never said -"
"Malfoy's finally got himself a girlfriend," Walter crowed triumphantly. "Or a boy -"
"Shut it," Scorpius stood up and grabbed the cane that leaned against his desk. "Not another bloody word," he rolled his eyes and pushed past his partner. "I don't want to hear from you until I'm back from my holiday -"
"Holiday with your girlfriend?"
"Goodbye, Wally," Scorpius waved behind his head at Walter as he walked away. "Try to have fun with Clan McDonald, will you?"
"I always do," Walter called back with a laugh as Scorpius stepped onto the lift to head towards the Atrium and Floo to the Burrow.
As soon as Scorpius stepped out of the Floo, Lily shoved a tumbler of whisky into his hand with a mischievous grin, Roxanne laughing beside her. "Ebenezer Scrooge is finally here!"
"Oi," Scorpius huffed as he tugged his thick woolen coat off before thwacking Roxanne's legs lightly with his cane. "Just because of this? You know I'm sensitive about the -"
"And your general demeanor, love," Lily winked at him before jumping away from his cane.
"You're late," Roxanne chided him. "You were supposed to be here ages ago -"
"A Malfoy is never late," Scorpius scoffed in a haughty voice; Roxanne rolled her eyes at him and took his coat.
"Come on, drink up, you're behind," Lily coaxed him.
"Yes, thank you," Scorpius chuckled and took a small sip of his whisky to placate her. "I'm sure I'm not the last one here anyway, darling."
"Think again," Lily giggled and guided him further into the house.
"You really went with the cane, eh?" Fred clapped him on the back.
"That's a tough look," Dominique agreed before kissing his cheek. "Happy Christmas, Scrooge."
"Oi, come off it," Albus slung his arm around his best friend.
"Yea, the lad's an Auror," James agreed, his brown eyes dancing with a mischief Scorpius did not like. "I heard you're expected in the kitchen," James said slyly.
Scorpius narrowed his eyes but didn't say anything as James, Lily, Fred, and Dominique all stared at him expectantly. "Oh, did you already spoil it," Roxanne huffed when she joined them again.
"Who told you?" Scorpius sighed, closing his eyes and scratching his beard in irritation.
"Told us what?" James asked innocently.
"Aye, what are ye on about?" Aisling asked, snaking her arm around James's waist.
"Not you too!" Scorpius cried.
"Happy Christmas," Astoria kissed Scorpius on the cheek before she saw the others smiling widely and staring at Scorpius. "Ah, I see your father may have let slip about today's bet."
"Today's?" Lily crowed triumphantly. "There's something else tomorrow? Oh, I can't wait!" She grabbed Roxanne's arm and bounced on the balls of her feet in excitement.
"Bloody 'ell," Scorpius groaned, taking a fortifying sip of his whisky.
"Oops," Astoria shrugged but Scorpius could see right through her faux-apologetic smile.
"What's tomorrow's?" Fred asked gleefully.
"You'll see when you see," Scorpius huffed and shook his head at his mother. "I'm wanted in the kitchen, eh?"
"Best to finish that drink, Scorp," Dominique winked at him.
"You better hurry," James tried to bite back his laugh. "We're a bloody ravenous bunch, you know."
"Absolutely famished," Lily agreed.
Scorpius ignored their continuing taunts and made his way slowly to the kitchen with his cane, saying hullo briefly to various Weasley aunts and uncles as he made his way through the house, his eyes narrowing when he saw his father on the other side of the living room; Draco arched an eyebrow and raised his own tumbler of whisky, but continued to talk to Mr. Weasley, Bill, and Charlie. He tried not to frown as he walked into the kitchen because he hadn't seen Rose since he got to the Burrow.
"Hullo, Mrs. Weasley," Scorpius did his best not to sound too glum as he set his empty glass down on the counter.
"Ah, Scorpius," Molly bustled over to him and pulled him in for a firm hug. "What did I say about -"
"Be gentle with him, grandmum," Rose said from over Molly's shoulder and Scorpius's eyes snapped up to see Rose smiling shyly at him.
"Oh, of course," Molly loosened her grip on Scorpius. "Rose mentioned you're still healing," she frowned down at his cane. "A cane, oh dear," she shook her head. "It's not bad, is it?"
"He'll live," Rose said with a wink to Scorpius as Molly let him go to turn and swat her tea towel lightly at her granddaughter.
"You've been hanging around that lot too much, darling," Molly tried to sound mad but Scorpius could tell she was pleased Rose was around with her cousins so much. "A cane though, that can't be fun. I'm sorry, Scorpius," she turned back to Scorpius. "Can I get you something?"
"I'm fine," Scorpius narrowed his eyes at Rose, trying to understand what she was playing at being in the kitchen; was she trying to ensure he pestered poor, unsuspecting Mrs. Weasley, the matriarch of this entire wild bunch -
"Rosie mentioned you lost a bet, dearie," Molly said from beside the stove. "So if you want to help, best apron up."
Scorpius's mouth fell open and Rose couldn't cover her mouth fast enough, her deep laugh nearly booming around the kitchen as she clutched at her grandmother who was laughing now too. Molly turned to look at Scorpius and she wiped at her eyes. "You were right, Rosie," she managed to get out in between laughs. "It was much more fun to see his reaction this way," she tilted her head as their laughter calmed down. "Come on, put on an apron. We've a lot to do."
Molly turned back to the stove and Scorpius leaned his cane against the far counter, accepting the apron Rose handed him and whispered, "You told her?"
"More fun this way," she shrugged, but Scorpius eyed her, knowing she was lying. "Fine," she sighed quietly. "I didn't love the idea of you suffering on Christmas Eve."
"Due to a bet you created," Scorpius arched an eyebrow pointedly at her. She shrugged nonchalantly. "You like me," Scorpius smirked at her.
"Yes, obviously," she hissed, her dark blue eyes blazing.
"You didn't want me to suffer," Scorpius accused her again, his smirk growing as he stood up straighter. "You wanted to protect me," he leaned his head closer to hers. "You like me, Petal."
"Shut up, you prat," she swatted at his arm but he saw her lips twitch slightly.
Scorpius tugged the apron on, "What should I do first, Grandmum Weasley?"
Rose stuck her tongue out at Scorpius and was about to walk out of the kitchen when Molly called, "Rose, you too, come on. With two of us in the kitchen, you're unlikely to burn anything."
"Oh, grandmum, please," Rose begged, her eyes wide and pleading with Scorpius.
"I think we've got it covered, Grandmum Weasley," Scorpius said gently. "Rose will only slow us down."
"Hmm," Molly glanced at her granddaughter. "You're probably right. Go and tell the others I'm giving the poor boy a terrible time then, hm?"
Rose mouthed 'thank you' to Scorpius and hurried out of the kitchen before Molly could change her mind. Scorpius glanced at Molly's sly grin, "You did that on purpose, didn't you?"
"It's hard to scare that girl," Molly chuckled. "Much like her mother that way, but neither of them know how to cook a lick and nothing I do can change that." Molly handed Scorpius a wooden spoon, "I've got to take advantage of frightening her when I can." She poked his arm, "I expect you to keep that between the two of us?"
"Of course, Grandmum Weasley," he nodded solemnly with a small smile.
"Good," she said firmly. "Now, Scorpius, dear, why is she protecting you from me and why are you protecting her from me?"
Scorpius's mouth fell open, caught off guard again. How many times in such a short amount of time could he be so caught off guard? He was an Auror for Merlin's sake.
"Well, uh, she's my Healer, you know. I owe her," Scorpius managed under the scrutinizing stare of this incredibly formidable witch. "She's healed me you know, loads of times," he saw her eyes widen in shock and he shook his head. "Not loads, I mean, a normal amount for an Auror, I mean," he frowned.
Molly put her hand on his arm, "I know you're a good Auror, dear. I know you're safe, but I still worry about you." She squeezed his arm, "Harry is always telling us how good an Auror you are, you know," she smiled at him. "Expects big things from you."
"Oh, that's," Scorpius started but Molly cut him off.
"And it's painfully obvious you and Rose are involved, dearie. It's best to just to be open with the entire family about it instead of hiding it."
Scorpius's mouth fell open again.
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Mrs. Weasley did a good job of kicking everyone out of the kitchen who came by to give Scorpius a hard time or see how he was faring, and she did a good job of reprimanding him in front of his friends.
"Draco Malfoy," Molly said with a shake of her head as she stood there, hands on her hips, staring fondly at the man. "Even you are here to see your own son suffering in the kitchen with me?"
Draco arched an eyebrow and shrugged, but Scorpius could tell he looked a little frightened of the woman and a little sheepish, "A bet's a bet, Mrs. Weasley."
"What have I told you about calling me Mrs. Weasley," Molly sighed and waved her hand at him. "Bring this plate out there, will you? Tell everyone we'll be done when we're done."
"Yes, ma'am," Draco grabbed the plate and Scorpius tried to hide his grin when he saw how quickly his father left the kitchen.
"He's afraid of you," Scorpius bit his lip to keep from smiling too widely.
"It's a wonderful skill I have, Scorpius, love," Molly flashed him a mischievous smile that Scorpius was certain he'd seen on George and Ginny. "Pays for everyone to be a little frightened of me," she waved her wand over the various pots and pans on the stoves. "I think we're nearly done here," she put her hand on his arm. "Grab some plates, will you?"
Scorpius did as he was told and when he turned back around all of the food they had been preparing was dished and steaming. His lips twitched, "You're really good at this, Grandmum Weasley."
"Decades of practice," Molly smiled, her cheeks pink; she waved her wand again and the plates floated up and out of the kitchen. "Now, come on, let's go enjoy our hard work, shall we?" She pinched his cheek playfully and led him out of the kitchen to the cheers from her adult sons who all crowded around her to kiss her cheeks.
"Ronald," Molly ruffled his hair when he bent down low enough. "George, please," she pushed him away when he planted a very noisy kiss on her cheek. "Charles!," she nearly squealed when he pulled her in for a firm hug. "Oh, Percy," she patted him when he very stiffly kissed her cheek. "Thanks, Bill," she said finally when he hugged her quickly and handed her a glass of sherry. "Come on," she waved at everyone as they looked at her expectantly. "Eat up!"
"Well done, you," Dominique punched Scorpius's arm lightly. "You survived."
"Barely," Scorpius muttered, lying through his teeth.
"Come off it," Dominique whispered with a grin. "I know Rose protected you somehow."
"No, Grandmum Weasley was truly mad," he started but saw the look in his eyes and sighed. "Keep quiet, will you?"
"Godric, everyone's going to know about you two before you know it," she said in a quiet, happy voice. She saw the look of slight panic in his eyes and tilted her head, "Why are you scared, Pius?"
He rolled his eyes at the nickname but swallowed before he said, "I don't want to scare Rose off by telling everyone."
"You're absolutely batty," Dominique scoffed. "Are we talking about the same Rose Granger Weasley?" She saw his eyes widen slightly and she sighed, putting a comforting hand on his arm. "I don't know what happened between the two of you before, Scorpius," Dominique said gently. "But I've known Rose a long time, you know. And she's different with you, now -"
"You've only known a few -"
"Come off it," Dominique's laugh was soft and carefree. "Give me some credit, eh?" She squeezed his arm. "Don't be so scared. You're an Auror, aren't ya?" She winked at him, grabbed a piece of food off the floating plate and called out, "Oi, Vicky! Pour me a drink since you can't have one!" Leaving Scorpius alone with his thoughts.
But not for very long, obviously. The Burrow was filled to the brim with people.
"Need help?" Albus was there, offering to take Scorpius's cane or to lead him to a chair. "I can grab you some food if you need."
"I'm alright," Scorpius smiled at his best friend. "I could probably do without the cane," he frowned at the thing and tapped his shoes with it.
"We've got an idea," Rose was there, George in tow.
"A wicked idea," George agreed and Scorpius eyed them warily.
Later, when Scorpius leaned against the cane that now doubled as a sort of tall stool so he was still the same height as most of the other adults, he saw Grandmum Weasley wink at him from across the room and he felt his cheeks warm up when he turned his attention back to Lily, Roxanne, and Dominique when Rose approached them and handed Scorpius a fresh tumbler of whisky.
"Didn't want to make you get up," she said casually to him, unaware of the smirks her cousins were sporting behind her back.
"Cheers," Scorpius accepted the glass from her.
"How's the cane working out?" Rose asked.
"Brilliant, thanks," his mouth twitched and he desperately wanted to reach out and grab her hand or throw his arm around her shoulders like James and Aisling were doing, but he refrained; he wasn't ready for the questions and the looks from her entire bloody family.
His family too. Hadn't she said that? He wasn't blood related, but he'd been welcomed into this wild brood years ago.
"Scorpius," Hermione was there suddenly, standing beside Rose. "Thank you so much for that book," her smile was wide. "How did you know I've been trying to get my hands on that for years?"
Scorpius felt Rose's eyes boring a hole into the side of his head and he couldn't help his small smirk as he shrugged, "You mentioned it last year, ma'am."
Hermione scoffed, "Scorpius, please. It's Christmas. Call me Hermione."
Rose bit her bottom lip to keep whatever noise was going to escape her body locked inside, but her eyes widened when she tilted her head slightly to stare at Scorpius.
"Scorpius is so perceptive," Hermione said to her daughter and nieces. "His gifts are always so thoughtful," she smiled warmly at him.
"What about my gifts?" Rose asked rather petulantly before she could stop herself.
"Yours are wonderful too, dear," Hermione patted her cheek. "But this book. It's Muggle you know, and it's very rare. I mean," she let out a breath. "A first edition from 1856!"
Rose's mouth fell open and she glared at Scorpius before she huffed, "Bloody 'ell, Malfoy."
Scorpius looked smug for a quick second before he felt the stares from Lily and Roxanne; he felt slightly embarrassed and took a sip of his drink to keep from having to say anything.
"Eh, Minister Granger-Weasley?" Aisling was there, a disgruntled looking James beside her. "I was hoping to thank ye," she glanced around the room. "Actually, I'd like to thank yer husband too," she elbowed James lightly. "And yer da -"
"Aisling," James hissed, his eyes wide.
"I want to thank 'em," Aisling chastised her boyfriend. "Me dad doesn't know about the war, and I won' do it in front of him."
"You don't have to do it at all," James hissed and glared at his sister when she bit back a laugh.
"Ron?" Hermione stood on her toes and waved at her husband, "Grab Harry, won't you?"
Ron tried to bite back his wide grin and Rose coughed to hide her own laughter.
"Do you have to do it in front of everyone?"James pleaded.
"Wicked idea, Potter," Aisling grinned and tapped her wand to her glass to call for everyone's attention.
"You'll embarrass Mr. Malfoy," James tried again desperately.
"Doubt it," Scorpius shrugged and said to Aisling. "He's thanked them loads of times himself."
Aisling winked at Scorpius and said to the entire room, "Hullo, e'ryone. Thank ye, Mrs. Weasley, Mr. Weasley, for havin' me over today. This ha' been absolutely wonderful. Biggest holiday I've e'er had the pleasure of attendin'." She grinned at Molly and Arthur before continuing, "I'm grateful ye invited me for Christmas Eve and me family for Christmas Day. Me ol' man is thrilled. But I also wanted to thank ye all," she felt James bristle beside her and she put a hand on his arm, "for what ye did in the War, before I was but a twinkle in me da's eye." Fred sniggered from somewhere else in the room and Rose had to avert her eyes from her colleague before she smiled too widely. "Withou' e'rythin' ye all did, I wouldn' be here today, datin' this wonderful -"
"Oi," Lily stuck her tongue out and winced when her mother hushed her with a wicked grin.
"And I wouldn't have gone to Hogwarts. I'd be locked away somewhere due to all me accidental magic," she continued, ignoring Lily. "I'm forever grateful for what ye'll did. It sounds like it was lunacy -"
"It was," George sighed dramatically, ducking when Angelina looked ready to swat the back of his head.
"But it was right," Ginny said to her brother and nudged Harry slightly.
"I know ye all had a part to play," Aisling continued. "And I never told Jamesie this -"
"Oi!" Lily and Roxanne said together quietly and stuck their tongues out in disgust.
"But meetin' yer da -"
"Oh, bollocks," James covered his face with his hands, his ears turning beet red.
"And yer aunt and uncle," Aisling continued, but it was getting harder for her to keep a straight face. "It meant so much to me, oh, James," she burst into laughter and pulled at his hands. "I'm kiddin'!"
James peeked through his fingers when Harry, Hermione, and Ron all burst out laughing and Ron slung his long arms around his nephew's shoulders. "She got you good, mate," he howled with laughter.
"You," James's mouth fell open as he saw the rest of his family covering their laughs and cheering for Aisling's little prank.
"That was wicked," Ginny pulled Aisling in for a hug.
"Well worth it," Harry agreed. "James never gets embarrassed -"
"Oi, I'm right here," James huffed and glared at his girlfriend. "You conspired with them?"
"I thanked them ages ago," Aisling shrugged. "Not the rest of yer family though," she looked around. "I really do mean it," she said to everyone and smiled when Mrs. Weasley wiped a stray tear from her eye.
"Thank you, Aisling," Molly wrapped her in a firm hug. "That was a lovely sentiment," she patted her cheek. "And a lovely way to embarrass James."
James hung his head with a sigh as his family continued to rib him and praise his girlfriend until he looked up at Rose and pointed at her, "This is your bloody fault."
Rose grinned wickedly at him and raised her glass towards him before taking a slow sip of her whisky.
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"Okay, okay," Ron, taller than everyone, tapped his glass with his wand. "It's time for bed," he waved his hand when James, Fred, Lily, and Roxanne groaned. "Mum and dad want to go to sleep and Father Christmas will never -"
"Ron," Ginny rolled her eyes and laughed quietly next to Hermione.
"You just want your gifts," Charlie laughed from across the room.
Ron's ears pinked slightly, "You're bloody right I do! Now, come on, come on. Everyone know their sleeping arrangements?"
"Be at ours by 10 sharp," Harry stood up next to Ron. "I can't promise this one won't have eaten everything by then -"
"Oi!" Ron shoved his best friend slightly. Scorpius and Albus both glanced at each other and hid their grins at thinking the same thing: they were just like Fred and James.
"Off with you all," Ginny shooed her nieces and nephews. "Be at ours as soon as you're up," she nodded at Draco and Astoria. "You too. I want matching pajamas this time."
"We wouldn't dream of disappointing you, Potter," Draco drawled and turned to his son. "See you in the morning?"
"I'm coming to yours," Scorpius tilted his head slightly, "aren't I?"
"Thought you'd like to stay here for another drink," Astoria kissed his cheek. "Wake up with your friends."
Draco sighed dramatically, "We've made sure your gifts will be sent over." He put a hand on Scorpius's shoulder and nodded at Albus who was standing next to them.
"Already got a bed made up for you. And I nicked some of your clothes, mate," Albus's green eyes flashed and Scorpius narrowed his eyes, not liking that his best friend and parents were clearly conspiring together.
"Thanks," Scorpius said to Albus hesitantly to his parents. "You're sure?"
"You're an adult, Scorpius," Astoria patted his cheek. "We'll see you in the morning. Happy Christmas, dear."
Scorpius watched his parents walk away before he turned to Albus, "What was -"
"Just trying to give you a nice gift, mate," Albus grinned. "Thought you'd like to spend more of Christmas Eve with -"
"And all your cousins," Scorpius interrupted him, his gaze never leaving Albus. "Knew I'd have to watch out for Dominique, but not you, mate." He sighed, "Thanks."
Albus took a sip of his beer, "You're welcome." When he turned to walk away he licked his teeth, congratulating himself, and lifted his eyes to see Dominique watching him. When he winked at her, she grinned.
"Come on, come on, one last drink before we bunk up," Dominique called out before she hugged and kissed her sister and Teddy. "Have fun at your grandmum's," she said to Teddy. "Sleeping in a nice, big bed," she grinned. "Such a luxury."
"Be nice," Victoire warned her younger sister. "Don't make them uncomfortable."
"Whomst ever do you mean, dear sister?" Dominique put a hand to her chest, fluttering her eyes.
Victoire rolled her eyes and Teddy hugged Dominique, "Happy Christmas, Nicky."
Dominique stuck her tongue out as they walked away to say goodbye to Aisling.
"I'll meet you first thing in the morning," James whispered to Aisling. "Your dad and stepmum are with Apparating?"
"They bloody love it," Aisling assured him. "But I can really bring them over meself -"
"No, I want to come," James's cheeks pinked slightly. "I mean, I reckon I should warn them a bit -"
"I already told them not to accept drinks from yer Uncle George, Potter," Aisling laughed. "Now come on, Happy Christmas, let me get home."
Rose hugged Aisling and assured her that she'd make sure James woke up with plenty of time to open his presents and retrieve her and her parents. Aisling winked at her, "Thanks, doctor."
Once all of the adults had left the Burrow to go sleep in their own beds, Fred pulled out a bottle of Ogden's finest from behind the couch with a wicked grin on his face. "George Weasley sends his regards."
"Not more," Lucy whined and flopped herself on a couch. "I'm bloody exhausted."
Rose wrapped her arm around her younger cousin, "You, my dear, can go to sleep if you'd like."
"Merlin, thank you," she hugged her cousin tightly and waved at everyone before bounding out of the room, excited to sleep and open her presents in the morning.
"One Ravenclaw down," James shook his head with a sigh. "That'll make it tougher for you, Rosie."
"I'm sorry?" Rose arched an eyebrow at her cousin as she stood back up from the couch. "What exactly does me having been a Ravenclaw have anything to do with -"
"Once a Ravenclaw, always a Ravenclaw," James said seriously.
"We're playing House against House, obviously," Fred said as though it was obvious.
"I think you mean Gryffindor versus -" Albus started.
"Snakes, badgers, and birds," Fred agreed with another wicked grin.
"Can't we just have a quiet Christmas drink?" Rose rolled her eyebrows. "Does everything need to be a game?"
"Scared, Weasley?" Lily teased.
"Hardly," Rose huffed and accepted a tumbler of firewhiskey and sat down on the couch, trying not to react when Scorpius sat on the arm of the couch next to her.
"What exactly is this game?" Scorpius asked as he swirled his glass.
"Truth or dare, of course," James grinned and sat on the other couch with the rest of the Gryffindors.
"How is that a team game, exactly?" Rose stared at her cousin.
"If your teammate won't answer the truth or won't complete the dare, the whole team has to drink," Fred said with a flourish.
"How will we know if someone's lying?" Louis asked the group.
"Albus will know," Lily nodded at her brother. "He always does."
"But he's on their team," James glanced at Fred. "Hardly seems fair."
"And Scorpius is a Legilimens," Lily added. "He can -"
"I'm not going through anyone's mind, Lily," Scorpius rolled his eyes and sighed. "I've bloody told you before -"
"But if we all agree -"
"No," Scorpius said firmly.
"He's not working," Rose added lightly. "Give him a break."
Lily eyed Rose carefully for a moment before huffing, "Fine."
"Just, don't lie," Roxanne said. "We'll all know if you are anyway," she pointed out.
"Ok, Team Not-Gryffindor first," James clapped his hands together. "Who's first?"
Molly raised her hand, "As the lone Hufflepuff," she said bravely. "I'll gladly go first."
"Good on ya, Molls," Fred nodded before asking her truth or dare.
She glanced at her teammates and shrugged, "Truth, I reckon."
Fred huddled with his teammates for a long moment in which Rose glanced up at Scorpius and rolled her eyes with a smile. His eyes landed on her bright red lips and he moved his hand to brush some of her box braids off her shoulder, but caught himself before anyone noticed. He just wanted to be alone with her for a bloody minute -
"Have you ever partaken in any Muggle drug whilst living with all those loyal badgers?" Fred smirked at his younger cousin.
Molly visibly swallowed, her cheeks pinking slightly.
"None of what's said here tonight will leave this room," Rose said gently before glaring at the Gryffindors. "Isn't that right?"
"Absolutely," James agreed quickly. "I don't need dad finding out anything -"
"Like he doesn't already know everything," Albus snorted when James paled.
"Um," Molly stalled before closing her eyes tightly. "I, um, oh bloody 'ell," she blew out air, causing her bright red bangs to flutter slightly. "Yes, I have."
Fred and James whooped and stood up to shake her hand vigorously, "Well done, Molls!"
"Absolutely wicked!"
"Don't you have to drink?" Rose asked them pointedly. "Since she answered your truth?"
James and Fred exchanged a look before turning to their teammates, "Take a big gulp, everyone."
The game continued on for more than half the bottle as they all got progressively drunker and less inventive with their truths and dares: Albus was forced to run around the Burrow without shoes or shirt, James was dared to sing Merry Christmas outside his grandparents' room for a full minute (thankfully they had not woken up and scolded him, but the fear on his face throughout was worth the drink the non-Gryffindors had to do), Scorpius was dared to drink a disgusting concoction Lily and Roxanne made out of things from the icebox, Hugo was dared to lift and carry as many cousins as he could (a dare he admittedly loved), and Lily had to (embarrassingly) admit that she had a crush on Scorpius when he visited the Potter's home before her First Year.
"I knew it," James had jumped up and pointed at his sister. "I bloody knew it!"
"Oh shut it," Dominique shoved him back down.
"Did you have a crush on Lily?" James asked Scorpius but he merely raised an eyebrow. "Not my turn, Potter." He felt Rose bristle beside him but couldn't move to assure her without anyone noticing.
"It's Albus's turn again," Fred pointed out but before they could huddle, James asked his brother, "Who did Scorpius have a crush on in school?"
Albus raised an eyebrow at his brother, "I didn't even choose truth. And it's not my place to say -"
"Merlin," Rose huffed at James. "You are ridiculous, James Potter."
"If he had a crush on my sister -" James started.
"You'd what?" Lily shoved her brother. "I was barely 11 when I had my crush, Godric."
"I didn't have a crush on your sister," Scorpius interrupted gently before things got too heated. "I had a crush on Dominique for a minute -"
"Who didn't," Roxanne agreed with a smirk.
"And," Scorpius continued.
"And I think this game is over," Albus stood up. "It's bloody late and we need to sleep. Rose, you got any Sober Up Potion?"
Rose was slightly startled but waved her wand to Accio several vials from her bag and passed them around. She held a vial away from James for a moment, "You need to relax, Jamesie."
"Sorry," he pouted. "I don't know what came over me -"
"Alcohol, I reckon," she rolled her eyes and pressed the vial into his chest. "And it's not me you need to apologize to," she tilted her head to Lily who was leaning back against the couch looking embarrassed.
Rose turned and handed Scorpius a vial, letting her fingers linger in his hand for a long moment, her eyes meeting his before she flashed him a small smile, "Everyone had a crush on Dominique."
"I had another crush too," Scorpius leaned over to whisper but was interrupted when James was standing there in front of them, rubbing his hand on the back of his neck.
"Sorry, mate," he stuck out his hand and Scorpius shook it.
"No hard feelings," Scorpius smiled and then glanced over at Lily. "I think I've got to assure someone else that -"
"Malfoy, I didn't have a crush on you," Roxanne was there, a wide smile on her face. "Your dad on the other hand -"
Scorpius looked horrified and clapped a hand on her shoulder, "Never tell me that again, Weasley." He winked at Rose before he sat down next to Lily, "I know how irresistible I was in Third Year, Potter. It couldn't be helped."
Lily's lips twitched and she punched his arm, "Don't be a prat, Malfoy."
He grinned at her, "As long as you're still not holding a candle for me -"
She pretended to gag, "Don't make me sick," and Scorpius laughed. "It was a very short window, don't worry," she shook her head. "Then I saw the Head Boy that year," she sighed dreamily. "Domnhall O'Reilly," she closed her eyes. "Now that lad I most definitely am still holding a candle for. Think you can find out everything about him since you're an Auror -"
"Happy Christmas, Lily," Scorpius nudged her playfully before standing up and stretching his arms and glancing at Albus. "Where's my bed, mate?" His eyes followed Rose as she directed Hugo to pick up Molly who had fallen asleep on the couch before the last round of truth or dare, but he didn't move to stop her; he'd see her in the morning.
Rose turned and met his eyes briefly and for a short moment she wished he could read her mind because she was desperate to meet him back down here once everyone was settled in their rooms.
They ran into each other outside the bathroom - well, Rose waited outside the bathroom, hiding quietly in the shadows of the stairwell until she saw Scorpius leave the room he was sharing with Albus and walked into the bathroom behind him. He was surprised when he turned to close the door behind him and saw Rose standing there in the doorway, a small smile on her face.
"Happy Christmas, Scorpius," she whispered and leaned against the closed door, pulling him towards her to kiss him soundly.
"Happy Christmas, Petal," he breathed against her cheek minutes later.
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Rose woke up earlier than Dominique, before the sun had barely risen it seemed when she glanced up at the thin curtains covering the window, and not wanting to wake up her cousin, quietly gathered her gifts and treaded quietly downstairs to the kitchen to make herself a cup of tea. The Burrow was silent, and Rose reveled in the peace and quiet as she sat at the kitchen table, clutching her mug, and staring at her gifts, not yet wanting to open them. It was going to be a long, loud day, and as much as she loved her family and loved Christmas, she was beyond grateful for the quiet while she had it.
She slowly opened her gifts after she drank most of her tea: an old book from Hermione about plants Muggle used to heal themselves before hospitals, a brand-new item from WWW from Ron, and a bottle of Scottish whisky and two new tumblers with RGW engraved on them from Hugo, before she opened what must have been her Secret Santa gift, a create-your-own-color lipstick kit from her Aunt Ginny. She was surprised to see another envelope with her name written on the front and as she opened it she couldn't help the disbelieving smile that stretched across her features.
"I know you said no Christmas gifts this year," Scorpius said quietly from the kitchen doorway. "But this is more of a New Year's gift, Petal, I promise."
"Scorpius," she breathed. "The Isle of Skye?" Rose looked up at him and shook her head as he walked towards her.
"You said you missed the water," he said nonchalantly before leaning down and kissing her slowly.
"How did you know if I had vacation days?" Rose asked in between slow kisses.
"I may have asked Aisling what your schedule looked like and if she could ask Healer Dawson to give you an extra day or two," Scorpius said hesitantly.
"I'd like to say that's a bit too sneaky, even for a Slytherin," Rose narrowed her eyes slightly at him before she smiled and kissed him quickly. "But it's also bloody sweet."
"Healer Dawson and Aisling and I all think you deserve a short little vacation after all that fundraising -"
"And all the Healing I've had to do for you?" Rose arched an eyebrow at him and chuckled when he pinched her side and kissed her lips again.
A throat clearing made them jump apart, their cheeks warm, and Rose bit her lip to keep from screaming at James to mind his own bloody business.
"Happy Christmas," his hazel eyes practically glittered with excitement. "How lovely to see -"
"Shut it, Potter," Rose growled out before standing up and thrusting a finger into his chest. "Keep your bloody mouth shut -"
He raised his hands in defense, "Won't tell a single soul," he promised. "Not my business," he smirked down at his cousin. "You two are bloody cute -"
"You're so annoying," Rose groaned before she patted his cheek. "Happy Christmas," she turned back to sit back down at the table, patting Scorpius's arm; the poor boy hadn't moved a muscle since James had interrupted their kiss. "Want a cuppa before you go grab Aisling?"
"Just wanted to snag a bit of toast before I opened my gifts," he shrugged and set about the kitchen, clapping Scorpius on the shoulder. "No cane today eh? Feeling better, Malfoy?"
Scorpius sat down heavily in the chair beside Rose and whispered so James couldn't hear, "He's not going to tell me not to hurt you or something, is he? Is Hugo?"
"Hugo?" Rose nearly spit out her tea. "Merlin, why would Hugo?" She stared at Scorpius, arching an eyebrow, "He's my brother, not my protector."
"I know -"
"And James warned me not to hurt you ages okay," Rose shrugged. "I doubt he'll say the same to you."
Scorpius looked at her in confusion, "What?"
"Seemed to think you fancied me," Rose said slyly before squeezing his hand. "Now, tell me when we're leaving for Skye and for how long exactly."
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"They're going to know if we're on vacation at the same time," Rose had whispered into his ear before they were to leave for Christmas brunch. She was wearing matching blackwatch plaid pants with Hugo and a loose-fitting cream jumper that hung loosely off one shoulder. When Scorpius had mentioned that the jumper was cruel since he wouldn't be able to kiss her bare shoulder all day, she arched an eyebrow at him and told him again she was ready to tell her family.
"It's too soon," Scorpius argued, but Rose could tell he was faltering slightly in his conviction. Her bare shoulder probably helped matters.
"But not too soon for a trip?" She pulled her box braids to cover her other shoulder and glanced up at him. "You sure?"
They were interrupted by thundering footsteps racing down the stairs, "It's nearly time to go!" Lily was squealing as she careened into the kitchen. "Has James already left?"
"Ages ago," Rose grinned at Lily's pajama set that had twinkling Christmas lights all over it. "You like them?"
"You didn't get these in Sweden, did you?" Lily threw herself at Rose to hug her tightly.
"I did," Rose laughed. "But I Charmed them myself."
"Dad's gonna have a field day with those," Fred laughed as he came into the kitchen. "Surprised he hadn't thought of them himself already."
"Needs new blood at the shop," Roxanne agreed. "Dad and Uncle Ron are too old -"
"Don't let them hear you say that," Arthur clapped his hands together. "Now you lot get going before Grandmum comes down and decides to cook for us before we head over."
Rose winked at Scorpius as Lily pulled her towards the Floo, "What other kinds of pajamas do you think we can get Uncle George to make for next Christmas?"
Scorpius nearly fell over himself when he walked into the Potter's living room and saw his mum and dad wearing matching plaid pajamas. "You really did it," he breathed before laughing loudly. "You got him to match?"
"Excuse me," Draco drawled. "I picked these out myself," he glared at his son for a moment before his lips twitched. "Took a bit of convincing for her to wear them today -"
"Oh, Draco," Astoria swatted at his arm. "I just wanted something a bit more," she trailed off.
"Christmas-y?" Scorpius offered with a grin.
"It's green," Draco scoffed. "There's a lot of green at Christmas."
"It's Slytherin green if I've ever seen it, Mr. Malfoy," Rose said from beside Scorpius with a wide smile when she air-kissed Astoria and Draco's cheeks. "But you both look smashing," she continued.
"Happy Christmas," Astoria returned the smile.
"Have you decided what you're going to make Scorpius say during his speech?" Draco asked, a gleam in his silver-grey eyes.
"You'll have to guess what it is," Rose winked at Draco.
"Make sure it's ruthless and embarrassing, Weasley," Draco couldn't help his grin.
"Draco," Astoria shook her head.
"Would make this the best Christmas yet," Draco said to his wife.
"Bloody 'ell," Scorpius paled slightly but Rose merely winked at him again and waved at her Uncle Neville and Aunt Hannah. Scorpius watched them hug her tightly and fawn over her for a long moment before he turned his attention back to his parents who were both watching him intently.
"You get everything you wanted for Christmas this year, darling?" Astoria asked Scorpius.
"Nearly," Scorpius nodded, missing the look his parents shared.
"Da," Aisling said to her father. "This is me colleague, Rose -"
"Aye," Aisling's father, stuck out his hand. "The new doctor," he smiled widely at Rose. "Sorry, what's the proper term again?"
"Healer, da," Aisling chuckled and said to Rose. "This is me dad, Conor Walsh, and this is me stepmum, Natalia Ricci-Walsh."
"Call me Talia, please," she shook Rose's hands. "It's so nice to finally meet you and your family, Rose."
"Rose is the one who introduced me ta James," Aisling said with a wide grin.
"Oh, he's such a lovely lad," Talia grinned.
"He mentioned yer granddad," Conor started and Rose bit back a grin.
"Granddad loves Muggles," Rose explained. "Non-Magical folks, that is. He's going to have a lot of questions for you."
"As long as he'll answer our questions," Talia was beaming. "Aisling can only handle so many of our questions, you see -"
"Aye, thanks, Tal," Aisling sighed heavily and rolled her eyes at Rose before she laughed.
"I reckon you'll have plenty of folks here who will love to answer your questions," Rose laughed. "Actually," she waved someone over. "This is my Uncle Charlie who works with dragons for a living -"
"Bloody 'ell," Conor breathed, his light brown eyes wide. "Dragons?"
"My cousin Teddy works with all sorts of Magical Creatures," Rose continued before introducing Charlie to Aisling's dad and stepmom. "Hurry, tell Conor and Talia here about dragons before granddad gets a hold of them."
Charlie's laugh was nearly as deep as Rose's as he began to talk about dragons and with a wink at her stepmum, Aisling pulled Rose away towards the food that was spread out on several tables. Rose looked around for her Aunt Ginny and Uncle Harry, but they were obviously running around entertaining everyone and trying to keep Grandmum Molly out of the kitchen. "So I hear I have you to thank for helping Malfoy plan a surprise trip for us for New Year's, eh?" Rose asked Aisling quietly.
"Who, me?" Aisling looked surprised before grinning. "I couldn't say no to the lad. Bloody romantic, it was. Quick trip to the Isle of Skye?" Aisling nudged her friend, "Why Skye?"
"Because I mentioned a while back that I missed the water in Stockholm," Rose glanced at Aisling. "It is bloody romantic."
Aisling crossed her arms across her chest, "Am sensin' a but."
"He's scared to tell the family about us," Rose rolled his eyes. "As if I'm not the one getting the speeches about not hurting him," she huffed. "Don't get me wrong, I'm glad James didn't give Scorpius the concerned-older-brother speech -"
"Not yer bruv," Aisling pointed out.
"Bloody acts like it sometimes," Rose huffed. "And dad bloody loves Scorpius," Rose continued.
"Aye, I remember ye thinkin' they'd pick him over ye," Aisling stared at Rose. "Bloody fool, ye were."
"I know," Rose huffed a laugh. "I'm ready to tell them, don't know why he's still scared."
"Have to show him yer not scared, eh?" Aisling said before she saw James walking towards them and reached out to pull him over to them. "Yer grandda ready to meet me da?"
"Course he is," James grinned and winked at Rose before pulling Aisling away. "You'll want to see this, Weasley."
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"So, what's it going to be, Petal?" Scorpius asked Rose quietly when he leaned against the counter next to her as she was pouring herself and Dominique glasses of champagne.
"Champagne, Malfoy. Want some?" She offered him the bottle but he shook his head.
"What are you gonna make me say during the Christmas toast," Scorpius said in a quiet voice and Rose set the bottle down and stared at him.
"Why are you so nervous?" Her voice was soft, and she reached out to touch his face in comfort but his eyes widened in fear and Rose let out a breath. "Godric, Scorpius," she frowned slightly. "You are acting strange. I'm not leaving Britain. Ever again. Except for trips," she tilted her head slightly. "Trips with you, I hope. A trip to Romania to visit Hugo when he's out there," she watched him carefully. "But I'm bloody here for the long haul now."
"I know -"
"And you were right yesterday," she leaned towards him but kept a respectable distance from him. "I do bloody like you. I like you a bloody lot," she closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. "And it scares me how quickly I feel like I'm, well," she opened her eyes and met his gaze.
"Me too," he muttered and swallowed. "I mean, I like you a bloody lot too," he pressed his lips together tightly.
"I was serious that James told me not to hurt you ages ago," Rose couldn't help her small smile. "Before any of this," she gestured between them. "And I reckon he won't be the last one to say anything to me about hurting you."
"I -"
"Rosie, where's my bloody drink," Dominique slung an arm around Scorpius's shoulder. "Hiya, Malfoy," she winked at him. "James let it slip that he caught you two -"
"Yes, thank you, Nicola," Scorpius said tightly.
"Everyone practically knows, darling," Dominique smiled wickedly at him before turning her gaze to Rose. "I mean, even grandmum must know."
Rose arched an eyebrow to Scorpius but he only looked away guiltily.
"Here ya go, Nic," Rose handed her a flute of champagne. "I need to speak to Scorpius for a moment."
"Aye, aye," Dominique grabbed her flute and hurried away, not wanting to get caught in the middle of whatever argument they were possibly going to have.
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Scorpius felt a bead of sweat roll down the back of his neck as he stood there gripping his beer bottle tightly, listening to Harry make a brief toast about Christmas and family. He barely paid any attention, barely listened to a word his boss (and best friend's dad, and girlfriend's uncle) said. He closed his eyes for a brief moment and took a deep breath as he tried to decide what Harry was to him first: his boss? His best friend's dad? His girlfriend's uncle?
Then again, his girlfriend had far too many uncles. And cousins. They wouldn't pummel him for dating Rose, would they? He didn't know why he was suddenly so nervous about her family when he'd known them for decades.
He saw everyone around him raising their glasses and he raised his too with a small fake smile before taking a small sip of his beer bottle.
Now it was his turn.
He swallowed and clinked his wand on his beer bottle to get everyone's attention. "Ah, everyone," he cleared his throat, willing his voice to remain steady, willing his heart to not beat so loudly. "I've been tasked with giving a short toast," his eyes found Rose and she arched an eyebrow at him, daring him to say what she ordered him to. "You see, I lost not one, but two bets over the past few weeks. I've never been as good at fundraising as my wonderful parents, so I'm used to losing the game we play every year of raising the most amount of money at their charity events."
"Stealing money, you mean," George called out with a laugh, causing everyone to laugh, but Scorpius saw Molly swat at his head.
"But this year, we had a new player," Scorpius continued. "I knew she'd be wonderful at it, even though she'd never done it before. Stiff competition."
'Say watching me made you realize I was a better Slytherin than you'd ever be,' Rose told him earlier. 'Say watching how easy it was for me made you wish you'd been Sorted into Ravenclaw.'
"And watching our Healer Rose Weasley raise more money than all of us Malfoys, who have been doing this for many years, well," Scorpius paused for dramatic effect. "It made me realize that perhaps Rose is the most Slytherin of us all."
Draco let out a loud, surprised laugh, Astoria laughing beside him quietly. Scorpius's mouth twitched when he saw James's and Fred's mouths hanging open in shock. Ron's face was turning red.
"It was so easy for Rose," Scorpius continued. "Winning over rich Muggles and the old, rich, narrow-minded Wizards, that, well, it made me wish I'd been Sorted into Ravenclaw."
Lily and Roxanne gasped loudly in horror as Aisling and Dominique began to laugh next to them.
'End it with you seeing how well I did at these events and how bloody gorgeous I was made you finally get up the courage to kiss you,' Rose said with an evil smirk. When Scorpius argued that that wasn't entirely true she arched an eyebrow at him but said nothing.
"And," Scorpius swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. He couldn't say it. They'd all been lies (although Rose truly could have been Sorted into Slytherin), but this was a lie that could get him pummeled, that could get him kicked out of the house and the family. "And, I," he licked his lips.
"And," Rose reached for his hand and squeezed it, pressing her arm against his as she leaned against him. "I finally got my head out of my arse after that." She looked out over her family, her face breaking into a wide smile before she leaned her head against his shoulder, "I promise I won't hurt the lad."
There was a moment of silence before Mrs. Weasley yelped in delight and Draco threw back his head and groaned softly, "Finally!"
"You owe me 2 galleons!" Hugo slung his arm around Ron.
"Betting against me?" Rose was indignant.
"Never against you, dear," Hermione winked at her and nodded to Scorpius. "If she bothers you, Mr. Malfoy, you know where to find me."
"Mum!" Rose let out a shocked laugh.
"About bloody time," Lily and Roxanne kissed their cheeks.
"I was betting for after the New Year," Astoria patted Scorpius's cheek. "I owe you father 100 knuts," she sighed and smiled at Rose. "Lovely of you to give our Scorpius the time of day, dear."
"Mum," Scorpius sighed exasperatedly before he saw Ron and Draco in front of them. He stood up straighter and felt Rose trying not to laugh beside him.
"Godric, we've been bloody waiting for this," Ron let out a breath and patted Scorpius on the shoulder. "All you two could bloody talk about at school was each other."
"Excruciating, really," Draco agreed. "We're most pleased, of course, Healer Weasley. It'll really help us keep Scorpius in line -"
"Dad," Scorpius hissed.
"Rosie," Ron said kindly but his blue eyes were bright with excitement, "be nice to Malfoy, will ya? We like havin' him come round the shop, ya know. He's got great ideas -"
"Oi," Rose huffed. "I just gave you and Uncle George a million galleon idea -"
"And we're so glad," Ron said to placate her. "But we've grown used to the Malfoys, ya see, and," he couldn't continue as he began to laugh and put his hand on Draco's shoulder to keep himself up right. "It's too funny," he wiped at his eye.
"Finally," Draco said again before he began to laugh too.
Rose turned to face Scorpius, a small smile on her face, "Sorry for stealing your thunder, Malfoy." Scorpius squeezed her hand but didn't say anything, choosing to smile at her instead, leaning towards her slightly. "You're sure you're okay to be involved with this insane family?"
"With you by my side?" Scorpius's voice was a whisper as he leaned in to kiss her quickly. "I think it'll be alright."
"Just alright?" Rose arched an eyebrow at him when he pulled away, her dark blue eyes narrowing slightly.
"It's going to be bloody brilliant," Scorpius admitted with a smile on his face that made Rose's heart tighten.
"That smile should be illegal, you know," she whispered and smiled when he laughed.
"Oi, no funny business in front of us," Hugo put his massive hand on Scorpius's shoulder but slunk away when Rose glared at him.
"You're terrifying, you know that?" Scorpius shook his head at her and Rose threw her head back and laughed.
"Here's to you, Minister," Draco tipped his glass to Hermione's before he nodded at Harry and Ron. "And you, Auror Potter, Mr. Weasley."
"You don't need a more official welcome into the family, do you, Malfoy?" Harry asked with a wide smile.
"Don't let mum hear you say that," Ron warned Harry. "She'll be devastated to know Malfoy hasn't felt welcome enough."
"Maybe a signed Chocolate Frog of yours, Potter," Draco drawled. "Could do with one of those."
"Not worth much," Hermione shrugged with a smirk. "One of me, however -"
"Oi," Ron scoffed. "Mine are more rare, you see, Malfoy. That's where the real money is."
"Now, Mr. Malfoy," Rose whispered and tugged on his hand. "Think we can sneak away for a moment -"
"Rose," Scorpius warned her, his eyes darting around at everyone. But she tugged on her jumper slightly to show off more of her shoulder and Scorpius snaked his arm around her waist to whisper in her ear, "Now you've asked for it."
But they couldn't sneak away without someone spotting them, so Scorpius settled to stand around the Potter's house with his arm snaked around Rose's waist or his arm around her to draw small circles on her bare shoulder, or his hand in hers. And despite being desperate to run off with her and snog her senseless, he was happy to be there, around their large, wild family, with her beside him.
He finally felt free of his worries.
He was with Rose. And everyone knew.
"What's that smile for?" Rose tilted her head to stare up at him before kissing his cheek quickly.
"Don't worry, Petal," Scorpius kissed her cheek and pulled her tighter against him. "Just happy to be here with you."
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A/N: Thanks for sticking with me throughout this story, sorry the ending took so long! I hope you all enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it! I hope to one day write more in this little Petal-universe, but who knows! In the meantime, please read my unruly WIP The Triplets of Hogwarts, won't you? Start at like, Chapter 5 if you want to ignore their younger years. I've been writing it since 2016 heh heh heh…
Thanks again, everyone! xoxoxoxo