Scorpius loved going to Hogsmeade. It was the first year he had been allowed, and these little trips were well deserved breaks from everyday school life. He felt a slight pang at the thought that Lily couldn't be here, but as he glanced at Blain and Albus, he couldn't help but enjoy himself.

These last few weeks, he had felt like a different person. He had been a happy child, but he had never felt comfortable showing those feelings to others. He had been taught that emotions and feeling could be used against you, so you could be happy, but you didn't have to show the world.

With his Slytherin friends, he knew they would use emotion against him. They were clever, and they knew that something you loved or something you feared could be used against you. If there was something to gain, use what you had to your advantage. Because of this, most Slytherins did not openly admit these feelings. Their laughter and enjoyment was usually at the expense of others so that no one really knew what made you happy or scared.

With the Potters and their friends, he felt like he could show those emotions, and he found he liked that freedom. Just because he smiled and laughed didn't mean they were going to tease him about it. Besides, he could still cover his emotions better than anyone else when needed. It was a useful skill, and he intended to continue to hone it.

They spent the morning wandering from shop to shop. At Honeydukes, Scorpius stocked up on various candies. He also knew that Lily had a sweet tooth, so he grabbed a few extra treats. He had promised a little gift for her after all.

They wandered into Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. The joke shop was hugely popular and it was always packed with adults and students alike. They seemed to have something for everyone. They had quills, fake wands, candies and a thousand other things.

Growing up, he was allowed to pick up a few things, but his father always seemed eager to get out of the shop. If anyone with red hair was around, they left the shop with barely a backward glance. Being there without his dad, Scorpius again felt a sense of freedom. He could browse as long as he waned without worrying that he was taking too much time.

He tried out new tricks and jokes with Blain and Albus. He even found a little something for Lily. Christmas was coming after all. They even spotted James a Fred a few aisles over. The two boys waved, but Fred quickly looked past them and smiled. "Oy Dad! Didn't know you were workin' this shop today. I thought you were in Diagon Alley."

Fred trotted past the three younger students and hugged a red haired man that had been standing behind the trio. Albus turned and he and James said as one, "Uncle George!"

Soon the red haired man was being hugged on all sides. He laughed and hugged back. Scorpius looked closely at the man. Definitely had the Weasley hair and his eyes had a mischievous twinkle. There were laugh lines on his face and his smile looked like it could split his face in two. Even his voice sounded like he was ready to laugh at any moment.

"You honestly thought I would miss a Hogsmeade trip? Best days for business. Besides, I told the family I would keep you from causin too much trouble at the school." He lowered his voice a touch, "but you are my best testers, so I kept my fingers crossed." He winked and the small group smiled.

It was then that the laughing eyes focused on Scorpius Malfoy. "So it is true. Never thought I would see the day a Potter was standin' with a Malfoy." Scorpius wasn't sure if it was an insult or a compliment. The man smiled and stuck out his hand, "Well if life has taught me anything, it's that miracles to happen. Nice to meet you. Names George Weasley."

Scorpius shook his hand and soon George was showing the group all the latest testing supplies. They all left with bags full and brains spinning. Each was trying to come up with the first plan. Scorpius could see this was going to be a really long two weeks for the teachers.

They decided to meet up at the Three Broomsticks for lunch. Scorpius wanted to wander by the shrieking shack first. It was turning out to be a perfect day. He and Blain split from the larger group and they headed off. As they stared at the old decrepit shack, Scorpius looked at Blain.

"So I need an idea for Lily for Christmas." Blain laughed at him.

"After that little nickname, you're gonna need a pretty good gift."

Scorpius laughed at him, "I know, but it was worth it. Did you see her face when she figured out what it meant? It was priceless!"

The two shared a quiet laugh before heading back to the Three Broomsticks. On their way, Scorpius saw something in the window. Perfect!

After lunch, he ran to the Hogs Head where he met up with the Slyterins. He had planned it so they would not see him out with Albus. They were understanding about Blain, but Scor was not sure how to tell them he had befriended the the family that he had done nothing but complain about for years.

He joined them at a table after grabbing a butterbeer. It was nice and warm, especially because the day had not warmed up much since the morning. The five friends smirked at those that came and went from the bar. They told stories about their week and in general they relaxed.

Everything seemed to be going really well. Grayson had just finished a story about his little brother, a second year, blowing up his potion just last week. Scorpius laughed, not loudly, but it still caused everyone to stop and stare.

Scorpius looked at them and placed an annoyed scowl on his face, "What?"

The other four exchanged looks and it seemed that Oz was elected to speak. "Well, umm, we were wondering if you, well, if you felt alright?"

"Course I feel alright. What this about?"

"I don't know. It's just, these last few weeks, you've changed. I mean we've all noticed it. You disappear in the mornings, and when we see you in class, you're smiling." The four nodded and shot concerned looks at Scorpius.

"I'm fine. Just feeling good I guess."

Bernadette spoke. "Yeah, but you never smile and laugh like you have been. You scowl, you frown, you smirk, you even look amused, but you never outright smile. What's going on?"

Scorpius scowled, "Nothing. I think you're making a mountain out of a molehill." He thought fast, "Did it ever occur to you that I was happy to have a decent sleep for the first time in months? Ask Grayson, Patricia worked us to the bone. For the first time in months, I finally feel rested. I have a right to be happy."

Grayson looked unconvinced, "Well, you do have a point."

Scorpius rolled his eyes at his friends, "Honestly, what else could it be."

The four looked at each other. They shrugged. "Alright, but cut it out. You're starting to freak us out."

The rest of the trip passed with no more interrogations, but now Scorpius was grumpy. It had been going so well. He had the best of both worlds, but his damn friends were observant. Now he was going to have to watch himself.

XXXXXX

Back at the castle, Lily had him cornered in the library. She was calm and collected, and that worried Scorpius. He was going to have to take this easy. She smiled, and he took a step back.

"Glad to see you made it back. I've been waiting for you."

"Now, Lily, it was just a joke."

"Glad to see you finally dropped the nickname. Smart of you. Now where should I start? I do have a wonderful new hex to try out. It's supposed to turn your insides out, but I've never tried it. Care to be my test subject?" She advanced slowly with her wand out.

"You know, it's almost Christmas. Kill me now, and you won't get the gifts I bought for you. Besides I have candy too."

She lowered her wand. "Depends on the candy." The twinkle was back in her eyes and she smiled in relief. He pulled out a bag. Inside were chocolate frogs, fizzing whizbees, sugar quills, and some pepper imps.

She took the bag, smiling. "Thanks. I'll spare your life, assuming you drop the nickname."

"Aww, you liked the nickname though."

"Don't push your luck."

"Personally, I think you just like to see me squirm. You would never do anything to my dashing good looks."

"Try me. Besides, making you squirm is just a bonus." The two friends laughed quietly. After a quick hug, they were off to bed. Neither noticed Oz, sitting in the shadows.

XXXXXXX

The next few weeks went fairly smoothly. The new merchandise from George was used a bit, but most wanted to wait until after break for the real testing to begin. It seemed that the two weeks were over before they began. Right now, they were sitting on the train waiting to pull into the station to go home for the holidays.

The Slytherins were out playing tricks, so Scorpius had snuck out to spend a little time with the Potters and Blain. Just before the train hit the station, Scorpius pulled out a few packages. He handed them each a package and told them they were not to open them until Christmas.

The others exchanged looks and smiled. From their bags, they each pulled out a gift and handed them to Scorpius with the same line of, 'Don't open them until Christmas." They passed the rest of the ride in peace, talking about quidditch and school, and nothing at all.

When the train pulled up, Scorpius glanced out. He didn't see his father, and his other friends were already off the train and lost in the crowd. Scorpius jumped off with Lily and slung an arm around her shoulders.

"My Dad's always a little late." She smiled at him before waving to her family. They were hard to miss. James, Albus, Rose, and Hugo were already over with Lily's dad. Harry hugged Lily and gave a pat on the back to Scorpius. Lily jumped up and hugged 'Uncle Ron' another red head. Must be Rosie's dad.

"Where's Mum?" Lily asked her dad.

"Just Uncle Ron and me today. Your mum and Aunt Hermione are finishing Christmas shopping." Albus and Rose and Hugo came to stand next to Lily and Scorpius. Ron started at them.

"Merlin's beard, that's damn scary Harry!"

"What is it Ron?"

"Well, look at them. The spittin' image of you, me and Herminone standin' there with a little Draco. A bit creepy really."

Harry just laughed at Ron's stunned look. "Scorpius, this is Ron Weasley."

Ron gave Scorpius a wary look, but he extended his hand. "You're treating Lily OK?"

Lily rolled her eyes, "He's been a great friend Uncle Ron. Relax."

"That's OK Lils. I just wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas before I went to find Dad. I better go. It was nice to meet you."

Before he could turn around however, he heard a low, cold voice behind him. "Scorpius, would you mind explaining what is going on?"

Scorpius turned, wide eyed, to face his father.