It was nearly seven in the evening by the time Scorpius was done at the Stadium. Even though he hadn't played, they had had a long session. And he had been expected to watch, diligently. He would after all, be joining them in the next session. The players were hardworking all of them, it was admirable and they were determined. Oliver Wood was a tough and harsh critic when it came to judging his players. But everyone put up a brave front, Scorpius was a little impressed at their neutral reactions. Scorpius also noted and saw clearly the way they played, forward, pushing the other team backward was their main strategy almost like they intimidated competition. They didn't hold back, they were aggressive. If some of the team members were passive, William more than made up for them. He was a one man machine, swinging his bat every 5 seconds. It scared Scorpius and made him thankful to be on William's team. And he felt sorry for their competition this season. It looked like the Falcons were out for blood and were ready to end at the top of the league table this year. He had left his broom and bat back at the locker room, since he wouldn't need it anywhere else. This would allow him to apparate with his little rucksack to his new home.

It sounded strange, living somewhere new for a change. But he forced himself to get used to the idea. His parents had been kind enough to lend him some funds to purchase something adequate to stay in till he could pay them back. And he intended to do so, soon. Scorpius actually liked Falmouth, it was a nice area and he enjoyed the bayside. It reminded him a little of the lake at Hogwarts which had served as a place of great comfort in the past. He had managed to purchase a small little cottage or townhouse if you will, just next to the marina. It wasn't anything flashy but it was good enough for him to start off with. He had some redecorating to do but with some help, he would be able to settle in nicely. Another thing that Scorpius liked about his new home was that it was right in the middle of the magical community in Falmouth. The 3 street perimeter where he lived was populated by magic folk, a small community of daytime fishermen but still, magic folk and just down the road, there was a neat little portkey that led straight to Diagon Alley. A five minute walk away was London's equivalent of the "Leakey Cauldron" and many of his teammates stayed nearby as well. So yes, Scorpius was content with his living situation.

Apparating from the team locker room, after tidying up, Scorpius felt the usual queasy feeling in his stomach as the wind and air whipped past him, the scene blurring. He had to stabilize himself as he landed. He was on the street right in front of his home. Several people turned around in interest to see who had just arrived but quickly went back to their business. Scorpius turned to face the marina and saw little boats bobbing on the water. The sun had just set and it was twilight. The light glow on the water made him smile a little. Sighing with contentment, he turned to face his home. Number 17, this was it. He crossed the street and walked up the cobbled steps. Looking up at the slightly worn structure before him, Scorpius examined it a little more carefully. The paint in some areas was worn and the roof could do with the wash but it didn't look half as bad as he had expected it to be. Rummaging in his rucksack, Scorpius pulled out a tin key. With a feeling of importance swelling within him, he fitted it in the lock and turned the doorknob.

Stepping into his house Scorpius immediately threw his coat off and switched on the lights. He could see the furniture he had sent over about a week ago, hastily left about. The lights were all installed and cleaned so there was a nice warm glow to the house. The wall phones were installed and all ready to go. White sheets covered some of the walls and parts of windows and there was a sterile smell to the place. Placing his things down, Scorpius shut the door and took a look around. The sitting area was relatively large, his two settees were there with the armchairs. The fireplace looked warm and cheery and there were two large windows that would let the light in during the day. Walking back to the front of the house, Scorpius passed the stairs and headed to the kitchen. There was a small dining area and an open area to cook. A stove, oven and microwave (wonderful muggle invention) were all installed and ready for use. The yellow colour scheme wasn't quite to his liking but he would change that. There was a storage area for laundry and cleaning devices and the bathroom was in the back, a sink, bathtub... yes everything was in order.

Heading upstairs, Scorpius counted how many rooms there were. One master bedroom, a guest bedroom and a bathroom. Yes this would do. In the master bedroom, he found the mahogany bed his mother had ordered for him along with his desk which had been moved with his new furniture. Much to his relief, his personal effects had been safely transported. The master bedroom had a window that overlooked the street and the marina. A lovely view. Scorpius passed through another adequate bathroom that connected the two bedrooms together. The spare bedroom had a less grand looking bed but Scorpius did admit that it looked comfortable. His parents had really gone above and beyond... He would have to repay them and very very soon.

Sighing Scorpius collapsed on the guest bed and thought for a moment, what to do. He was exhausted but he couldn't sleep just like this. He had work to do. Resigned, he got up and hurried down the stairs. Removing his wand from his rucksack, Scorpius' mouth twitched. He head first to the sitting area. With a flick, the chairs and furniture arranged themselves the way he wanted them. The coffee table was placed perfectly in the middle and the emerald rug that had been hidden at the side, promptly unrolled itself. He quickly got rid of the white sheets and dusted off the floor and windows. Redecorating was easy when you had magic. There were now pictures on the wall, of the Malfoy family. The floor was now a shiny dark brown and new green curtains hung from the windows. Just for the fun of it, he lit the fireplace. Pointing to his rucksack, Scorpius muttered something and several mantlepiece items flew out and landed promptly above the hearth.

Next he turned his attention to the entrance of his home. He dusted the cobwebs with expert flicks of his wand off the stairs, scrubbing them new. He added another new rug at the entrance and a small umbrella stand. He also moved into place a new shoe cabinet. Next was the kitchen and dining area. He rearrange the dining area, shifting the furniture to fit just below the warm kitchen light. He created a small seating window area just in the front with cushions so one could sit and look out at the marina at breakfast. The colour of the cushions were of course, green. With a swish of his wand, the yellow wallpaper was gone and a more neutral beige replaced it. More pictures were added, this time of the countryside and the bay. Scorpius added a wall clock and several cabinets overhead. He cleaned the dust of the floor and wiped the windows. Satisfied, he continued. The storage area didn't need much work, he simply arranged the brooms, mops and washing machines and dryers to fit the space. He added another wall clock.

On to the bathroom, he gave the tub a blast of cold water to clear it out, washed the sink and scrubbed the floors. Another small picture just to add colour. Grabbing his rucksack and heading up the stairs, Scorpius added a small shelf on the stairway as he went. With a wave some pictures from his rucksack, childhood pictures flew out and took their place. A rug unfurled onto the landing to give more colour. At the top of the stairs, Scorpius head for the guest bedroom. The cupboard was sanitized, hangers were placed inside. The bed was dusted, sheets quickly aired. More pictures. Scorpius liked the colour. A small desk and bedside table with a lamp was moved into place. There was a computer and some notepads with pens. Moving to the next bathroom, Scorpius almost repeated the same thing he had done downstairs. With a flick, his toiletries from his rucksack flew out and onto the shelves above the sink and beside the bathtubs. Scorpius added a small floor towel by the bathtub. He always made a mess, getting out the shower.

Finally he had made his way to the master bedroom. The cupboard was cleaned and he quickly placed his clothes in it. He dusted his bed, aired the sheets, arranged the items on his desk, hung the posters on the wall, added some new curtains and changed the blue wallpaper to green. Finally once everything was finished, he summoned the final items from his bag, an alarm clock and the photograph of Rose and him. Sighing with content, he placed them beside his bed. Exhausted, he collapsed on the bed. His wand was feebly laid beside him. Scorpius felt like he had been drained of magic for a moment. He had never used quite so much in one go. It was exhausting. But what else could he expect really? Looking at the phone on the wall, Scorpius decided a call was in order.

Making his way over to the phone, he dialed a number he would never forget. It rang several times before anyone answered.

"Mum?" Scorpius asked.

"Darling!" Astoria seemed to be smiling through the phone. "How are you?"

"Fine." Scorpius rubbed his temples. "Tired."

"I bet you are. Everything alright?"

"Yea practice was fantastic and I'm really excited."

"That's good dear. When's you're next session?"

"Well tomorrow's the weekend, so I get the next two days off and then I start proper. I'd thought I'd see the town, sight see or something?"

"Yea that's a good idea. How's your new place?"

Scorpius laughed.

"It's fine. I just re decorated the whole place in 3 hours!"

"I told you so!" Scorpius could hear his father's voice in the background.

"So sue me dad!" he laughed.

"Don't stress out about it though..." his mother warned.

Scorpius shrugged.

"I'm not I just wanted to get it done. Now I feel pretty content. All I have to do tomorrow is wash the roof, give the outside some new paint and maybe start some gardening?"

"That's a fine thought." Draco was now on the phone. "You gardening."

Scorpius chuckled, "I'm not so bad at it, Rose taught me."

"Well then, you'll be so darn brilliant at it!" his father joked.

"Do you like it there though dear?" he mother pushed.

"Yea I really like it. It's so calm and peaceful. I think I'll fit in here just fine. Thanks for everything guys I really appreciate it."

Scorpius emphasised his last sentence.

"Don't you worry son. We're here for you. You ever need anything..."

"But dad you've really gone above and beyond, you didn't have to."

"Nonsense!" his mother shouted through the line. Scorpius imagined his father cringing. "We have to spend the money somewhere right?"

He laughed a little.

"Yea but not all on me. Makes me feel guilty. I am gonna pay you guys back. All of it."

"As long as you come back and take care of us when we're old and unwanted, just love us like we've loved you. It's all we ask for. We know you're a good boy, Scorp. Even if we didn't ask you'd pay us back but you understand that the money doesn't matter right?" his father murmured.

Scorpius nodded.

"I understand but still..."

"Yes we know. You still want to pay us as a matter of principle. That's our boy!" his mother cheered.

"I miss you already!" Scorpius called.

"We miss you too dear." Astoria replied.

"You better get some rest Scorpius. You must be beat." his father pointed out.

Astoria seemed to clear her throat.

"Quite right dear, you better rest. Tomorrow's another big day yes?"

"Yes." Scorpius agreed. "I love you."

"We love you too dear." his mother replied. "Goodnight Scorp"

"Goodnight" he sighed and with that he hung up the phone.

As he recalled what had just happened, the conversation he had just had, Scorpius realised something. About his parents. How different his parents were nowadays... So open and loving as compared to when he was younger, they were always so stone cold and harsh. Less open about their feelings. They would have never said "I love you" on the phone in any normal circumstances. Even his father, opening up like that over the phone, being so tender with him. It wasn't heard of at all! Maybe it was because they were feeling his absence or with age came heightened emotions. But no matter what it was that was keeping this behaviour up, Scorpius didn't care. He didn't want it any other way. He liked this new relationship the three of them seemed to have. The maintenance of it was his parents' and his responsibility, a responsibility they had so far up kept but really the credit of helping them get to this point in the first place went to Rose. She had been the one to break through to his parents, had helped them to see their son, truly see him for what he was and she had helped them to understand what he needed. Open affection. Out of all the things Rose had done for him, this was probably the most important. It made him love her all the more because her actions were so selfless. But really he couldn't think or reflect about anything beyond that. He was just so exhausted, mentally. The next thing he knew, his head had hit the pillow and without any magical assistance, he was fast asleep.