Disclaimer – I do not own Harry Potter.
Note – The chapter you all have been waiting for! I finally found time to finish it up and edit it to the best of my abilities (sorry for anything I missed). So, a lot goes on in this chapter, but I mainly wanted to get to the last few scenes, for obvious reasons. So, read and enjoy.
Rebel Malfoy
Chapter Twenty-Eight: Reality Tastes Like Bubblegum
To say Scorpius wasn't the happiest after returning to Hogwarts would be accurate. There were just a few reason, and both admittedly had to do with Lily. The first one was that, she hadn't complained about Scamander yet. In fact, he swore that he saw them together more now than before break! Second, was that he hardly had time to be around her himself!
There were many reasons for that though, some of which irritated him too. Like getting more homework. He was used to getting swamped with homework after breaks, but the sixth years were just getting pounded by the professors! Another was Apparation lessons that Hogwarts started up for the sixth years. He was excited to learn how to apparate and get his license to do so after his birthday in a few months, but it took place when Lily had free time and was usually in the common room. Although, since Scamander took the lessons too, it did mean that it cut into his time with her too.
So Scorpius increased the amount of practices. It would be good for the team, and it just gave him a little more time with Lily, considering he barely saw her lately. But . . . there was something else that dampened his mood, but it was nothing new.
The Potter boys.
"I just don't get it, Ly, what are you thinking?"
Scorpius and the guys turned from their conversation to see Albus Potter walking in with Rose Weasley and Scamander. Scorpius scowled. He still hung around that prick? Was Scamander an idiot?
Scamander just kept moving to a table in the middle of the Transfiguration classroom. "Al, just drop it," Weasley sighed.
"No! I mean, what do you benefit from dating her," Potter said with disgust.
Scorpius's jaw tensed. They were talking about Lily!
Potter just continued to rant. "I mean, she's selfish, clingy, vindictive, and whiney, the list goes on!"
"Al!" Scamander finally spoke, although it was soft. "Just shut up about it." Then instead of his usual seat, he moved farther away.
Scorpius looked at Scamander, but then smirked. What an idiot! He looked to the boys, who nodded and stood up with him. They sauntered over to Potter's table, where Virgin Weasley was scolding Potter, and Scorpius slammed his hand down on it.
"What was that, Potter?" Scorpius mocked. "I think I heard you saying that you had a death wish?"
"We can grant that, you know," Mitch said as he leaned on the front of the table.
"It would really be no trouble," Justin agreed.
"Boys, just go back to your table," Weasley said, trying to pacify the situation.
But Scorpius shook his head. "No can do. You see, unlike that coward over there, we don't take kindly to someone badmouthing someone we care about."
"In fact, we sometimes throw them into the frozen lake," Mitch added.
"But for you, I think we can change it up," Justin commented.
Potter glared at them. "What are you going to do, snakes? You think you can do something and you won't get your asses kicked for it?"
Scorpius looked at the others with a raised brow. They all looked ready to laugh. So Scorpius easily, and swiftly, reached forward and shoved Potter back. His chair tipped over quickly, and Potter fell to the ground, his head slamming on the floor before rolling over himself, his legs getting tangled with the table leg behind him.
"Malfoy! That's no way for a prefect to act!" Weasley exclaimed as she quickly hurried to Potter's side.
But Scorpius ignored her and looked over at Scamander. "It's how a good friend should act. Some boyfriends should take note," he mocked tersely.
Scorpius tried to keep his breathing normal as he continued on his third set of pushups. It was another exercise he'd learned back in his first year from Trevor March. It hadn't been easy then, but Scorpius found that had gotten much easier to do as years went, so he just increased the amount he did.
Lana sat on his bed, a book in her lap. The two were studying together . . . well, Scorpius had wanted to keep exercising, but Lana had been insistent.
"Which wood used in wands is the most sensitive to nonverbal magic?" Lana asked.
Scorpius thought for a split second, then paused as he pushed himself up. "Pine wood." Then he went back and started counting in his head. 15…16…17…18…
"Which wood refuses to do nonverbal magic?"
"Dogwood."
"What can be a side effect of nonverbal spells over verbal spells?" Lana questioned.
"Um . . ." Scorpius paused. "They aren't as good?"
"I would go with effective, but yes," Lana agreed.
Scorpius gave a nod, then continued. "Can I just finish this set before you continue?"
"How many do you have left?" Lana demanded.
"I'm over halfway done," he promised.
The door opened with a flourish, banging against the wall. Neither of them bothered to look who it was, because they easily knew just by the entrance.
"Scor, important request!" Mitch exclaimed as he walked to where Scorpius was on the floor.
"Just a moment," Scorpius told him. He finished his last few pushups, then stopped and rested on his knees. "Ok, what's up?" he asked as he moved to lay on his back and started with crunches.
"You need to stop having so many Quidditch practices, or shorten them!" Mitch told him with eager eyes.
Scorpius scowled. "What? Why?" He couldn't do that! Their match against Ravenclaw was approaching, and . . . well it was really the only time he interacted with Lily as of late.
"Because if you do, then Lily Lu has agreed to streak her hair with green!" Mitch said eagerly. "So how about it?"
Scorpius stopped mid-crunch and dropped to his back as he thought about that. Well . . . the team was ready and eager for the match, and Scorpius was sure they would win even if they did cut down on practices. And . . . being with Lily while she dyed her hair would give them some time together too…
Scorpius sighed as he continued his workout. "Ok. Fine. I'll lessen the time by thirty minutes each practice, and I'll make it one less practice each week," he told them. "I'll tell the team at our next practice."
"And," Mitch threw in, "once Lana's finished, her and I will slip out and leave you two alone for a moment."
Lana raised a brow. "Not that I'm against that, but how do you plan to make it so that it's just us in there with them at the start?"
That seemed to stop Mitch and make him think. But then he grinned. "Simple. We do it in a secret place. Somewhere not many people can get into."
"The prefect bathroom?" Scorpius suggested, that being the first place that came to mind.
"Brilliant!" Mitch cheered. "This is happening." Then he nudged Scorpius with his heel. "You better make the most of it!"
Scorpius smirked. "I always do."
"I can't believe you agreed to cut down practices," Lily grumbled as she sat with the three of them in the prefect bathroom. Lana was laying out what she needed, and Mitch and Scorpius were just sitting and watching.
Scorpius laughed. "Well, when Mitch told me you would agree to streak your hair, how could I not?" he teased.
She reached over and playfully hit his shoulder. But Lana spoke before she could. "Ok, so are we just streaking it green?"
"That, and I think we should color her bangs," Scorpius told her, looking more at Lily's hair this time around.
"What color?" Lana asked.
"Pink. Adds a bit of difference," Scorpius replied.
Mitch agreed at least. "Let's try it!"
So Lana began her work over Lily's hair. Lily sat still as she worked, but looked to Scorpius. "Your mum is going to kill you," she mocked.
Scorpius dismissed her comment. "I'm sure she'll love it. She likes things like this. Thinks that it's a sign of a person's style. All she'll do is find clothing that matches it better. And if it's necessary, she'll probably just change it back for a short time. She's had to do it before," he replied.
Lily sighed. "Yeah, you're probably right."
Scorpius chuckled as he thought of when his mother saw his hair black. "That's what she thought with my hair."
"It was the rest of your family that hated it," Mitch laughed, thinking of the same incident.
"I wish I could have seen Lucius's face," Lana laughed, showing that Lily was the only one out of the loop, which Scorpius preferred. She didn't need to know about his embarrassing childhood rebellion.
"It was amazing. Maybe I should try dyeing it pitch black," he joked sarcastically, making all three sixth years laugh hard.
Mitch laughed the hardest. "You gotta take us to see Lucius when you do!" Mitch had been the most disappointed to not see the bigot's face when Scorpius had shown them back in second year.
While unknowingly out of the loop, Lily rolled her eyes at their antics. "I think you look good with blonde hair," she complimented. "And the green is a nice touch."
Scorpius smirked. "Well I think you look stunning with red hair, green streaks, and pink bangs," he said, looking at the progress Lana was making with her hair.
"You know, Lu, you should get another piercing," Mitch told her seriously, although still grinning.
Scorpius watched as Lily touched her ear carefully. "I don't think I have any more room on my ear," she laughed.
Mitch laughed too. "Not your ear. Maybe your lip, or . . . you should pierce your bellybutton!" he said with excitement.
Scorpius raised a brow just as Lily did. But Scorpius actually thought about it . . . and then looked away and tried not to blush. "My bellybutton?" Lily questioned.
Mitch nodded. "Yeah! It's awesome, yet if your parents never see it, they'll never freak out. It's like a secret rebellion." Scorpius chuckled at his friend. He just got so excited for such simple things.
But Lily seemed to actually be thinking about it. "Sure. We can have it done over the summer," she agreed.
Scorpius smirked, while Mitch got more excited. "Bitchin'!"
Lana laughed. "Why do you let him talk you into things?" she teased.
Lily laughed too. "I don't know. I just don't fight it anymore."
Lana then moved back and began drying Lily's hair. Once she did, the colors became brighter and more pronounced. It looked good on her. There weren't a lot of green streaks like in his own, but Lana had done a few here and there, keeping it casual and almost like it was natural. The pink stood out against her dark red hair, but it was a nice contrast. Lana should really do this for a living, Scorpius thought to himself.
"That pink does look really good," Mitch mentioned.
Scorpius smirked. "I'm an expert when it comes to princess," he joked.
"Arrogant much?" Lily mocked.
"No more than usual," he quipped with a laugh.
Lana moved stand in front of her again, and set down her wand. "Ok, now I'm going to do something to your hair quick. I promise you'll like it."
Lily didn't look worried, just curious. "What are you doing?"
Land already had a thin comb out of her bag though, and was running it through Lily's hair. "I'm going to part your hair, and then trim your bangs a little. I promise that it will look really good," she assured.
"So, Scor," Mitch whispered, "Lana and I are slipping out once she sends Lily to look at her hair."
Scorpius nodded. "Ok." But Scorpius was personally beginning to feel a bit worried . . . or more like nervous. What if that urge came back? What if came back even stronger?
"What's happening in that head of yours?" Mitch inquired quietly, making sure the girls couldn't hear them.
"What if I do something stupid?" Scorpius replied. "What if I do screw up and kiss her? I mean, convincing her that I'm a better choice is one thing . . . but actually kissing another bloke's girlfriend?"
"It would be an accident if you did," Mitch assured. "Besides, I know you can handle yourself, and control yourself. So relax."
Scorpius sighed. "Do you ever get this nervous around Dominique?"
"No, but that's because if I did, she'd punch me in the stomach and call me a coward," Mitch laughed. "Trust me, it gets easier."
Scorpius shook his head. "How are those two related?"
Mitch grinned. "They're similar in certain ways. They go against the normal, against the expectations placed on them. And they're sarcastic and funny as hell."
"I guess," Scorpius muttered.
"Ok," Lana's voice sounded a bit louder, and Scorpius caught her looking at Mitch for a brief moment, "look in the mirror."
Scorpius stood up and watched as she walked over to one of the large mirrors and looked herself over. Scorpius would admit that she did look even more stunning. The new part in her hair fit her perfectly. The pink in her bangs, which were now swept easily to the right, brought out her eyes.
"You look awesome, Lu!" Mitch exclaimed, looking more excited than she did.
"It's perfect," Lana said with a grin.
"What do you think, Scor?"
Scorpius felt a bit surprised at the question. Why would she think he'd say anything different? But part of him was a bit happy. Was his opinion that important to her?
Scorpius moved closer, and came to stand beside her and lean against the sink. He reached forward to push her bangs from her eyes. She was so . . . beautiful. The color just brought out her eyes, and it was an attractive look on her. It made him scowl a little. How much more attention would he be fighting away from her now?
"It looks really good on you," he told her.
She laughed at him. "You make that sound like a bad thing," she teased.
Scorpius sighed lightly. "In a way, it is. I guess I didn't think this through when I suggested it," he said in a low tone. In the distance, he could hear Mitch and Lana departing from the room, leaving them alone.
"What do you mean?" she asked softly.
Scorpius shifted just a little closer to her. "I guess I didn't think how much attention it would attract. Another reason for idiot boys to stare."
A blush bloomed across her cheeks, but her voice didn't waver. "Scorpius, I'm in dozens of fashion magazines. One in a bathing suit. They've been staring for a while now."
Scorpius didn't like how she was so casual about that. To him, it wasn't a good thing that they were staring. "Exactly. They don't need another excuse," he grumbled.
She laughed. "They would just stare at the pictures if they didn't stare directly at me," she pointed out.
"I'm going to have to start digging through boys' dorm room," he muttered. And he'd start with the sixth years. He knew the guys in his room weren't that stupid.
"You make such a big deal of this," she said lightly. "Why does it matter if they stare? It's not as if they're actually touching me."
"I'd murder them," Scorpius said immediately. The thought of Scamander just holding her hand made him tense. Anyone else doing anything more . . . he wouldn't contain his anger. He placed his hand on the wall beside them, trying to keep his hand from clenching into a fist. He kept his eyes locked on hers.
"That's sweet," she murmured, "but there isn't a need. I can take care of myself."
Scorpius smirked. "Well I don't doubt that one bit. I'd probably be doing it for my own satisfaction," he admitted. "The rush of knowing I'm keeping sick minded boys away from you."
She smiled. "What does that make you?"
"Knight in black armor?" he suggested, using the title she'd given him a few times before.
She gave a nod. "Yeah, I think that fits. Even if it is unnecessary."
Scorpius chuckled a little. "Maybe it would be. But I'd rather someone do it. I know that Scamander won't do it," he replied, a little annoyed at the thought of the kid.
Lily's smile dropped and she looked confused. "What do you mean?"
Scorpius shrugged. "He's a wuss. I'd like to be assured that someone will protect you, even if it's me."
"Lysander sticks up for me," she said in a strangely calm way.
Scorpius felt like rolling his eyes. "He can't even defend you verbally," he argued casually.
"How would you know? He's grown since Halloween last year." While she was defending him, she didn't seem angry or upset with his accusations. She was calm . . . and it made Scorpius think that inside, she wasn't calm at all.
But Scorpius continued. She needed to know. She needed to know that she was dating a coward, and he was much braver than Scamander. "I've seen it in class. Albus badmouths you, and Lysander just ignores him. Maybe moves to sit a few seats farther away from him. It's me and a few Slytherins that are defending you. If he can't say something to Potter, I doubt he can beat someone up."
She didn't say anything to that. Instead, she looked away from him and back to the mirror. But Scorpius could see that small look in her eyes. The hurt, the sadness . . . and while Scorpius hated Scamander, at that moment he hated himself for upsetting her.
He placed a hand on her cheek, and turned her chin to look back at him. That look in her eyes was so strong, and she probably didn't even know it. He brushed his thumb against her chin. "I don't mean to upset you. I just don't want you to get hurt anymore."
"I don't get hurt," she mumbled.
"Don lie, Lily," he said softly. "I know you do. I'm a lot of things, but stupid isn't one of them."
"What do you care," she muttered. She didn't sound angry. To Scorpius horror and heartache, she sounded as if she was going to cry.
"I care about you," he stated with sincerity. "And I hate it whenever hurt sets in your eyes. I hate seeing it."
While she didn't move from his hand, she glanced at the mirror. "I have to go home. There's nothing I can do about that," she whispered, thinking of what her brothers put her through that hurt her.
Scorpius softly stroked her cheek. "I know. So the least I can do is to try and get those idiot Potters to shut their mouths," he replied gently.
"Face it," she said harshly, "they'll never accept me. Nothing anybody does is going to change that."
Scorpius felt his heart squeeze when he saw her eyes start to get watery. He hated when she cried. So he dropped his hand, and instead pulled her into a tight and comforting hug. She let him, and wrapped her arms around him as he stroked her hair. They didn't say a thing, but instead just stayed like that for who knows how long. But he didn't care how long it was. He'd stay there forever, if it only meant that she felt better, and the sadness left her eyes.
"Ok, class, remember to practice your nonverbal magic, and that essay is due next time I see you," Professor Bell reminded as the sixth years packed their books.
"Why did I take Transfiguration, again?" Mitch wondered.
"Because you had nothing else to do, and you decided to not drop out," Lana mocked.
"Oh yeah," Mitch mumbled as he stood up.
Scorpius followed suit, only for his bag to tip, and all of his things to fly out and scatter on the floor. He groaned. "Son of a bitch," he mumbled as he began to pick his things up.
"Smooth, Malfoy," a Ravenclaw jeered.
Scorpius ignored them as he picked everything up, but someone else grabbed one of this things. He glared at the kid, who was a member of the Ravenclaw team, if he wasn't mistaken. "What do we have here?"
Scorpius stood up and snagged it from the kid, while Lars came to his side to defend him. Scorpius looked at what he'd grabbed. It was a magazine, one that had Lily on the cover. It was the one from the tree circle, where she'd worn the white dress. It was one of his personal favorites, and he kept it in his bag.
"Looking at pictures of another guy's girlfriend, Malfoy?" the kid jeered.
"Shut your mouth, Stretton, you have no idea what you're talking about," Lana sneered as she handed Scorpius the rest of his things. Scorpius simply shoved them into his bag, and pushed past Stretton. But he caught Scamander looking at him. Scorpius simply raised his brow, sending him a challenging look, before leaving the classroom.
"He's just sore because we're going to beat his team this weekend," Lars stated.
But Scorpius didn't care why he said it. He didn't care that he said it at all. He was just curious as to what Scamander would do now.
When Slytherin beat Ravenclaw it was no surprise. Lily was way beyond their Seeker, so they never worried they'd lose the Snitch to them. And it was a good game, one that Scorpius celebrated with the team on the pitch. But their celebrations were cut short by a bitter Ravenclaw.
"I swear, I'm going to get you this year, bitch!" Kimball yelled as he stormed toward the Slytherin team. The crowd drowned out his words to the stands, but not to the teams.
"Mark!" Lorcan Scamander scolded immediately.
But the Slytherin team was quick to move in front of Lily. But Scorpius met Kimball halfway, getting in his face. "Take it back, Kimball," he warned.
"We got no problem kicking your ass in front of this crowd," Dante added. Said crowd was slowly realizing what was going on, and was beginning to quiet.
"Fucking make me. The bitch needs to be taught a lesson."
Lorcan stomped toward them. "In the locker room, now, Mark!" he yelled firmly.
Kimball glanced back, but then looked to Scorpius and moved even closer. "And I'll go through you to get to her, Malfoy. I'm not afraid of you."
"Try it and I'll kill you," he snarled.
A whistle sounded suddenly. "Back away from each other!" Hooch screamed.
But Scorpius was not going to back away. He wasn't afraid of Kimball. And he wasn't letting him get away with it. But Lorcan grabbed Kimball by the collar of his uniform, and dragged him away. He could hear Lorcan scolding him all the way back to their locker room.
"Slytherin team, go to your locker room!" Madam Hooch ordered.
Scorpius motioned for the team to do as she said, but once they were in the locker room, he kicked the nearest locker. "That son of a bitch!"
"What a poor loser," Lance muttered as he wiped the blood from his nose, which had taken a hit earlier. It was still bleeding.
Lily didn't say anything about it. She just walked to the girls' showers. Scorpius kicked another locker once she was gone. "I'm talking to Lorcan when I next see him! He needs to keep his players in line!" he growled.
It wasn't easy for Scorpius to calm down. A warm shower helped only a little. But as all the guys finished showering and dressing, they noticed that Lily had yet to emerge. That calmed him down, and he began to worry a little.
"Think, Lil's ok?" Lars wondered.
"Maybe we should stay and wait for her?" Will suggested.
"Not all of us though. Otherwise she'll just think we're worrying too much," Dante relied.
"I'll stay," Scorpius said with a sigh as he sat down.
"So will I," Lance said, his words slurring a little. His nose might have broken in the match.
"Kid, you need to get to the Hospital Wing for that nose," Scorpius retorted.
But Lance shook his head. "I'm fine. I'll make it for a while. I'll fix it when we walk back."
Scorpius smirked. The kid had heart, and he was strong. "Ok, fine. The rest of you go ahead and go. We'll stay until Lily comes out."
It was another couple of minutes until Lily did finally come out of the showers. She didn't look like she was upset . . . more like irritated. "What are you guys still doing here?" she mumbled, trying to hide her irritation as she threw her things into her locker and grabbed her shoes. It shut with a slam.
"Well, we all decided that someone needed to make sure that you were ok, so I said I would do it. And Lance said that he wanted to stay too," Scorpius explained.
"I wanted to make sure you were ok," Lance told her.
With her shoes now on, she walked up to Lance and pulled away the tissue he was pressing to stop the blood flow. "Looks like you should have gone to the Hospital Wing." She opened her bag and handed him a piece of candy. "Here, this should help it."
After Lance took it, the blood did stop. Lance cleaned his face, thanking her, but still coughing. That kid was definitely going to the Hospital Wing and soon.
"Ready to go?" Lily asked them as she picked up her things.
They walked out with her, but Scorpius could see that irritation still in her eyes. "You wanna talk about it, Lily?" Lance asked before Scorpius could.
But Lily shook her head. "No, not really. Thanks for staying though." She gave him a smile that made his face turn red. "I appreciate it."
Lance tried to look casual as he avoided her eye. "It was no problem. Anytime."
Scorpius smirked and leaned toward Lily's ear. "Talk about a real knight in shining armor," he joked.
"You know what we need? A big end of the year party. One to top all parties before it!" Rex said as they rest of them tried to study.
Lars pushed his book away. "That's not a bad idea. It would be a great way to end the year."
"We should have it outside the castle!" Mitch added. "So we can sneak more alcohol in."
"How the hell would we have it outside the castle?" Scorpius pointed out, not looking away from his Defense against the Dark Arts textbook.
"We could have it in that part of the Forbidden Forest," Mitch suggested. "The one that Hagrid showed us in class. He said that it had wards around it to protect it from dangerous creatures, because he uses that area to have lessons about the unicorns."
"I like it! Let's do it!" Rex exclaimed.
Mitch, who sat on Scorpius's bed too, nudge Scorpius's side with his foot. "You should be more excited. Perfect chance to get closer to Lil."
Scorpius sighed. She and Scamander have been fighting more lately, according to Lily herself, or she was just avoiding him. It seemed like a breakup was just on the horizon.
So he nodded. "Ok. I'm in."
"This is not what I signed up for!" Scorpius hissed as he and Lars carried a couch through the tunnel of the Shrieking Shack.
"It's not that bad!" Rex argued.
"Until you're carrying a couch, shut up!" Lars snapped.
"Well excuse me for not being seventeen yet! Once we get it through the tunnel and onto Hogwarts, grounds, we can use magic. But you do it now, and the Trace on me will show that magic is being done, and that I'm not at school," Rex said, for once making sense.
"Not that he usually is, but I hate when he's smart," Lars grumbled.
"You're sure that Hagrid won't be using that part of the forest? It's still a few weeks away before the end of exams for fifth and seventh years," Justin pointed out.
"Yeah, it'll be fine. The next few lessons, he's going over a few easier things to give kids a break. Said he didn't want to cause stress on his students by overloading them like other professors," Rex assured. Then he grinned. "Good man, that one."
Once they'd made it through the tunnel, the Whomping Willow's knot hit to freeze it, they pulled out the furniture, and pulled out their wands, letting the couch and table float gently behind them.
"So, Scor," Justin spoke, "are you finally going to be upfront with Lily? Tell her how you feel?"
Scorpius scowled. "I don't know."
"Well you said it was getting hard to pretend that you two are just friends," Lars pointed out. "And she and Scamander have been fighting every time they're around each other. You saying something could put all three of you out of your misery."
"But for some reason, she's still with him," Scorpius pointed out. "And honestly . . . that worries me. For some reason, despite a lack of attraction and interest and all the fighting, she's hanging on to their relationship. And for whatever the reason is, what if it's enough to keep her from choosing me if I tell her?"
"You've got to take the chance," Rex insisted as they got closer to the perimeter of the Forbidden Forest.
"Well what about you?" Scorpius asked. "Ami Waters has been trying to get into your pants for the last two months! Are you finally going go for it?" Ami Waters was known in Slytherin for being a girl who prefers relations over relationships. Scorpius wasn't sure how many blokes she'd been with, and he didn't want to know.
But, that was just Rex's style. "Well, normally I would. But I don't think I will yet, since we're inviting the fourth years."
"What do you mean?" Lars asked.
"Well, if we invite Lily, we'll most likely invite all the fourth years, which is totally cool, they're awesome," Rex replied. "But, Lola will be there, and I can tell that she's still a bit peeved at me since our breakup. And I don't think being all over another witch will get her to be my friend again."
"Well aren't you just the nicest guy," Lars joked.
"That's a good thing, though," Justin assured. "Some of us are tired of having to sit in-between you two."
"So am I," Rex said with a sigh.
When they arrived at their destination, the other sixth years were there, setting up as well. It was starting to look well put together. There was light, more furniture that they'd nicked from old classrooms.
"What are we doing for drinks?" Mitch asked suddenly from where he was helping Tamara strategically place candles.
"I sent a letter to Aaron, and he's going to bring some to us on the last Hogsmeade trip this weekend," Lars replied as he brought the couch he and Scorpius had hauled through the tunnel, to an empty spot.
"And Dante, Will, and some of the guys are going to get food from the kitchens just before the party," Lana told the rest of them.
"Hi, Scorpius! Need help?" Scorpius almost groaned when Nikki appeared next to him. He faked a smile though.
"Oh, Nikki. No, I've got it, really," he assured as he moved a table over to sit in front of the couch that Lars had just placed.
"So, I was wondering, do you have a date for the party?" Nikki inquired, still too peppy.
Scorpius ran a hand through his hair. "I'm not taking a date, Nikki."
"But why not! It's a party!" Nikki insisted with a pouty look.
"Just because," Scorpius sighed.
"You're really going to chase after a girl with a boyfriend?" she insisted.
Now Scorpius groaned. "Who opened their fat mouth?" he demanded.
"No one needed too. Again, it's obvious," Miley pointed out.
"By the way, Scor," Lana mentioned, almost too casually, "when do you plan on leaving for the party?"
Scorpius scowled as he looked at her with confusion. "Um . . . early enough that I can arrive on time. Why?"
Lana just shrugged. "Just curious is all."
Lies, lies, lies.
"This is stupid," Scorpius mumbled as he laid on his bed. Meanwhile Lana, Tamara, Miley, and Amanda were raiding through his clothes.
"Is she bringing Scamander?" Miley asked as she looked through his shirts.
Scorpius shrugged. "I've no clue. Last I knew, she was going to invite him."
"Sit up," Lana commanded. As soon as he did, she was messing with his hair. "It won't matter if he is there. That relationship is over. Even Lily knows it. She's just too noble to hurt him."
"Ok, I like this," Amanda said as she pulled out one of Scorpius's workout shirts. It was black, and covered his shoulders but had no sleeves. It fit him pretty well, but it wasn't something he ever considered wearing to a party.
"Why that?" Scorpius questioned.
"Hmm? Why should you wear a shirt that shows of how good your body looks to the girl you like? Hmm? I can't imagine," Tamara mocked as she threw it on his bed.
Scorpius rolled his eyes. "Ok, I get it."
"Wear these jeans," Miley said as she threw them on the bed too. "You look really good in dark colors, so we should keep with that theme."
Scorpius didn't move or even talk as Lana continued with his hair, and the girls began shifting through his things, handing him things like the bracelet Lily had gotten him years ago, and his pendant with the Slytherin crest.
Finally Lana pushed him off the bed and onto his feet. "Ok, take a look," she commanded.
Scorpius walked into the bathroom and looked in the mirror. His hair wasn't a mess any more, but a more styled mess. He turned to compliment Lana on her work, but she shoved the clothes into his hands before he could speak. "Change, now. We'll wait out here for you." Then she shut the bathroom door.
Scorpius grumbled about demanding and impatient witches, but did as she said and changed into the outfit they had picked for him. When he'd finished, he looked himself over first. He had to admit that Miley was right. He did look good in dark colors.
Before he could think any more on it, there was a pounding on the door. "Are you done yet?" Tamara demanded.
Scorpius rolled his eyes but left the bathroom. "Happy now?"
The girls looked him over with critical eyes. "I like it," Miley admitted. "The dark colors, the hair, the accessories, it definitely gives that bad boy look."
Scorpius scowled. Was that what they were going for?
"Definitely an attractive look on him," Amanda agreed.
Lana gave him a smile. "That means we've done our job. Now, get the hell out of the castle and too the party. Lily can't see you until she's at the party. Luckily, she and the other fourth year girls are most likely still getting ready in their room. So go!"
When Scorpius was pushed all the way downstairs, he found the other guys waiting, Dominique by Mitch's side. "You look good, Scor," Rex assured.
"Whatever, let's just go," Scorpius muttered, shoving his hands into his pockets. He looked toward Dominique though. "Hey, do you know if Scamander is coming?"
"How should I know?" she quipped in a sarcastic tone.
Scorpius shrugged. "If she were to tell someone, you'd be the person," he replied simply. "Did she say anything?"
Dominique rolled her eyes. "No, she didn't. But I don't think Scamander will show his face. This kind of party doesn't seem like his idea of a fun night. My guess is that you'll have your House Princess all to yourself tonight."
"Which is all we ask for," Mitch said with a nod.
"Take advantage of it!" Rex insisted as they walked through the dungeons.
Scorpius scowled as he thought. "Maybe I'll tell her," he said softly. "Maybe."
When they arrived at the party, Scorpius had to admit that it looked better than when they had started setting it up. It was well hidden, so all the lights wouldn't attract attention.
Dominique whispered something in Mitch's ear, making Mitch grin and clap Scorpius on the shoulder. "I'll see you guys around!" he said before he walked off with Dominique.
"Rex!" The other guys cringed at the sound of Ami Water's voice. But Rex gave her a sly grin as she wrapped her arms around his. "I was waiting for you to get here!"
"I just thought you'd take long to get here like the other girls," he teased as he let her drag him away.
"So, I thought he wasn't going to do that since Lola would be here?" Lars said with a laugh.
"Well, Rex is a sucker for any girl that's really into him," Justin said with a grin. "But, I don't think he'll be obvious about it when Lola gets here."
Scorpius walked around and greeted and talked with others from the House, basically waiting for Lily to show up. When he noticed her finally arrive, he was still with Lars and Justin. Lily stood with her friends, looking around at what had been set up. Others might have chuckled at their obvious amazement, but Scorpius was too taken with how Lily looked. She was incredible. Her hair falling in voluminous curls around her shoulders, which were bare thanks to the form-fitting shirt she wore.
Scorpius nudged Lars's shoulder. "Come on," he said simply, leading them toward the girls. He smoothed his hair down a little as they got closer.
"I don't see Scamander," Lars commented idly.
Scorpius gulped silently. Neither did he. Could this night be any more perfect? He smirked as he came to the girls. "Amazed?" he teased, making the girls jump a little. But his eyes locked on Lily. While she always looked great from afar, she was even more perfect when so close.
"How did you guys do all of this?" Lily asked.
Scorpius almost lost what she said, his eyes too focused on the movement of her lips, which looked lightly glossed. He wondered what flavor it could have been. "Well, some of the older students swiped a few couches and chairs from offices of past professors. I think one of them is Binns's," he explained.
"I'm going to find Hunter," he heard Shannon mention before walking away. He finally pulled his gaze away from Lily to see that one-by-one, the others were all leaving them alone. Lars even nudged his back as he walked away, as if encouraging him.
Scorpius looked back at Lily. Alone. While they stood in a party with many others, they stood alone together. A rush ran over Scorpius at the thought. Alone with Lily. Unlike other times this had happened . . . this moment just felt perfect.
"Where's Scamander?" he asked, his voice almost feeling caught in his throat.
Her voice was soft, but he was close enough to hear it. "He's not coming."
Scorpius caught her gaze. Normally, she looked annoyed or a bit upset whenever she mentioned Scamander skipping out on her. But there was nothing like that this time. She seemed . . . dare he believe happy?
"Does that bug you?" he asked.
"No," Lily admitted. "Actually . . . it's kind of liberating."
Scorpius smirked. Tonight really couldn't be more perfect. "Good. Because tonight is all about fun," he murmured just loud enough for her to hear. He took her hand, and wanted nothing more to keep hold of it. "Come on. We'll get a drink, a bite to eat, and then we'll dance."
While Scorpius wasn't the biggest fan of dancing, dancing with Lily was something he'd always be willing to do. She fit against him so perfectly, and she moved so smoothly. Plus, she was smiling and laughing. She didn't seem to care about her boyfriend not being around. In fact, Scorpius was sure that she was happy to be dancing with him instead. She seemed happy that he was the one she had her back pressed up against as they danced.
"You are quite the dancer," Scorpius whispered in her ear as they moved.
Lily leaned her head back, her lips brushing against his earlobe. "Why thank you. You sound surprised."
Scorpius smirked. "I shouldn't be surprised by anything you do anymore, yet you always amaze me somehow."
She gracefully turned in his arms to face him, her hands coming to his shoulders, and a coy smile on her lips. "Can't say that I'm sorry about that," she said playfully.
Scorpius laughed. "Neither can I," he replied near her ear, feeling her shiver under his fingers.
Her lips brushed his ear again, making him want to shiver. Her breath was hot against his skin. "Wanna go sit down for a bit?" she asked, her tone soft and low.
Surprised, Scorpius coughed as he took in a quick breath. But he pulled away and smirked, trying to seem casual. "Getting tired?" he teased.
But her eyes, they had that intense look again, and she looked directly into his own eyes. "Not in the slightest," she replied. So he hadn't imagined that slightly breathless tone.
Scorpius nodded quickly, not about to let this chance go. "Sure. Come on."
Scorpius held her wrist firmly as he pulled her through the rest of the people dancing. He brought her to one of the couches, and sat down. She followed suit, still looking at him. Scorpius turned a little her way, his knee brushing against hers. The skirt she wore barely reached her knees, and she wore black tights under them. Her hair was still perfect, and her lips still that glossy pink color.
"Enjoying yourself?" she teased.
Scorpius simply raised his eyes to hers again, but smirked. "Just as much as you are," he retorted lightly. He thought she might blush, but she didn't. She just smiled.
Scorpius, feeling his throat getting a bit dry, pulled out his wand, and with a lot of concentration, focused on floating two cups over to them, moving around people. Scorpius found it hard, but was able to make it. He quickly grabbed his cup from the air, and Lily did the same. Scorpius almost let out a sigh of relief. Concentrating that much almost gave one a headache.
"I didn't know you could do nonverbal magic," she mentioned.
Scorpius shrugged as he took a drink. The alcohol mixed in sent a nice burn through his throat and chest. And it was a nice taste. "It's what we learned this year. I'm not very good with hexes and jinxes, but simple things like that are easy enough," he replied as he curled a few strands of her hair around his fingers.
"That's still pretty impressive," she complimented before taking her own drink. Scorpius couldn't help but watch the column of her throat as she swallowed the drink. "Was the rest of your year just as simple?"
"Easier than last year, but that's because there was no fear of O.W.L.s at the end of the year," he answered. While the sixth year exams had been more difficult than previous years, they were nowhere near as stressful as O.W.L. exams had been. "Next year will be a different story. And yours?"
She rolled her eyes. "Teachers never let us forget that O.W.L. year is next year. It's hard to imagine that I'll be a fifth year soon."
Scorpius gave a nod. "Hard to imagine it's my last year next year," he commented. It was weird to think that. To think that he was just a year away from never coming back to Hogwarts. It was so . . . strange.
She rested her head against his arm. "I know. It won't be the same without you around here," she said softly.
Scorpius chuckled. "Only two years without me. And I'll come see ya on your Hogsmeade visits."
She gave his shoulder a playful shove. "You better."
Scorpius caught her wrist gently. "I will," he replied. "So don't be planning any dates," he said before taking another drink and setting down his cup.
She smiled and set her cup down as well. "There's no one I'd rather go with," she murmured, smiling softly.
Scorpius's glanced down to watch her lips moved. That urge . . . it came back strong and fierce. And Scorpius . . . well he just didn't care about anything but this particular moment. So he leaned forward, her breath fanning against his cheeks the closer her got.
His lips just barely brushed hers as he spoke. "Good."
Then ignoring every thought and everybody around them, he pressed his lips against hers fully. Scorpius felt like his heart would break through his chest as it hammered faster than ever. At the same time, his body relaxed as his nerves jumped and sparked. She responded to the kiss immediately, and he felt one hand running through his hair as her other came to his shoulder, fisting his shirt. Scorpius wrapped an arm around her, his other hand resting on her cheek.
Bubblegum. That's what her lip gloss tasted like. Bubblegum. Scorpius brushed his tongue across the seam of her lips, silently begging. She didn't disappoint, her lips parting under his. He could taste the spiked punch she had just drank. He brought her bottom lip between his teeth, nipping gently. She moaned softly, sending a spark to his heart. Scorpius pressed harder into the kiss, but she didn't seem to mind. Scorpius ran his hand up and down her side, a desire to simple touch her running through him.
When the kiss ended, Scorpius refused to look away from her. She seemed just as breathless as he was. Scorpius felt like he was on fire. The intensity, the passion, the heat between them, it was obvious that it wasn't just him that felt it.
Part of him, a very tiny part, wanted to groan. He hadn't wanted to kiss her until she had broken up with Scamander. But he didn't regret it. He couldn't. That kiss . . . it was what they'd been ramping up to all year. This moment, this perfect moment.
"Is it bad that I don't feel sorry for kissing you, even though you have a boyfriend?" he said quietly.
He watched as her tongue darted out to lick her bottom lip, which was a bit red. Scorpius almost licked his own lips. He could still taste bubblegum. "I think," she said softly, "it's worse that I don't feel bad for kissing you even though I have a boyfriend." Then she brought in a breath of air. "And I think it's even worse that I want to do it again."
Scorpius smirked. "I knew you were smart," he said before kissing her again. Scorpius was certain that he would never get tired of kissing Lily, or that he'd want to do anything else. He felt both of her hands in his hair this time. Her nails lightly massaged through his hair, and it felt so good! He held her hips in a gentle but firm hold, and he pressed himself against her as the kiss got more passionate and heated.
Scorpius had dreamed of this moment for almost a year. He had dreamed of kissing her, of holding her. And his dreams didn't compare to his current reality. She was so . . . perfect to him. No kiss he'd ever had before compared to this.
"Plan on breathing anytime soon?"
Scorpius pulled away and almost scowled at Lana and Dante, who stood in front of them, grinning like mad.
Lana looked especially smug. "I can't wait to tell Mitch I won our bet," she laughed.
Scorpius couldn't help but smirk. He was in too good of a mood, his night too perfect, to be irritated. "Tell Mitch to shove it," he retorted, not even caring what the bet was.
Lana threw a wink Lily's way. "Nice choice," she said with a grin.
They all laughed, and Scorpius pulled Lily up from the couch. "Come on. Let's dance, beautiful," he told her, before taking her to the dance floor again.
Scorpius sat on his bed, unable to sleep despite the late hour. His mind was spinning, confused as thought after thought ran through his head. The party tonight had been busted thanks to prissy Head Girl Molly Weasley, but that wasn't what had him awake . . . Ok, well he wasn't really happy about that, but there was something more important.
Lily.
They'd kissed . . . more than once. In fact, over the course of the night, the two had snogged frequently. But, once the party had broken apart . . . he wasn't sure where they stood. Obviously, she was still technically dating Scamander, but Scorpius was confident that would end by lunch if not earlier. But . . . where did that leave them?
"When are you going to sleep?"
Scorpius turned at the sound of Mitch's voice. The room was dark, but he looked toward where he knew Mitch's bed was. "You're awake?"
"I've been waiting for you to go to sleep. You seemed a bit weird since we all came up after being sent to bed by Headmaster," Mitch replied.
"I'm just thinking," Scorpius admitted. "I'm trying to figure out where Lily and I are after tonight. With her . . . I just don't know."
"Look, even if you two don't get together straight away tomorrow, you will get together. That was evident tonight," Mitch assured. "Just give her some time to figure herself out. I mean . . . she did just cheat on her boyfriend, who she doesn't want to hurt, even if she doesn't have feelings for him anymore. Be patient."
"Hey, Lil!" Lana called to Lily, who had just entered the common room with Lola and Jace. Scorpius looked at her, unable to stop himself. He hadn't talked to her all day, but he saw her leave with Scamander this morning. But some sneak had leaked about what happened between them at the party into the gossip column of the school paper. He hoped . . . well he hoped they weren't together anymore!
The three fourth years walked over to join them where they sat. But Lana was hardly discreet. "So, how did Lysander take the article this morning?"
Lily sighed. "Let's just say we've officially broken up," she mumbled as she twirled the end of her ponytail around her finger.
"Really? So now what?" Lana asked with a bit of a grin.
"Now, I just take a break from everything," Lily replied. Scorpius tried to keep from scowling or looking disappointed. "I really need a break. I just want to go home, face whatever punishment my parents want to give me, and go back to working."
Lana looked at Scorpius, and he could see the hidden surprise in her eyes, but Scorpius just smirked at Lily, like he would have done even before they'd kissed. "I'm sure it'll all work out," he assured in a friendly tone.
But . . . the way they looked at each other, Scorpius knew that they weren't just friends anymore . . . and she knew it too.
