Scorpius shook his head in amazement as he saw her before him. It was like Rose had never left him, not really. She had just been missing. Rose gently raised her lips to his cheek and kissed it. She smiled at his reassuringly. The next thing Scorpius knew, they were in a tight hug. The hug slowly loosened until they were just holding each other, standing there. It was so easy to just spend the day like that.

"How long have you been here?" Scorpius asked as the finally broke apart.

Rose shrugged.

"Since 9. I walked around a bit before coming round here."

Scorpius raised his eyebrows.

"Didn't you have things to do back at Chudley, settling in?"

Rose laughed.

"Yea I finished. I told you I only bought an apartment, not a whole house like yours. Weasley's like us can't afford to each buy a house when we move out. I also did a lot of my redecorating before yesterday, my family came over and helped. They were gems really. Now I owe them all a big favour but the point is that, naturally I had less to do..."

Scorpius nodded his head, recalling one of their previous conversations.

"Thanks for the visit though Rose, it was a lovely surprise."

Rose waved it off in her usual cheerful way.

"What are friends for right?" she asked.

Scorpius raised his eyebrow at the term "friends"

Rose noted this and laughed playfully.

Scorpius knew she was just teasing him.

"But I can tell you've been very productive." Rose changed the subject as she nodded in approval looking past him, at the house.

Scorpius turned to face it as well and smiled. He had to admit, his handiwork didn't look too bad. For a guy at least.

"I spent all of last night fixing up the inside and then today I started on the outside. I think I'm about done."

"Good for you!" Rose cheered. "Mind if I come in and take a look then?"

Scorpius nodded quickly.

"Sure of course, this way." he ushered her.

Along the way, he picked up the gardening tools and then opened the door for her. Rose obediently trailed after him. Scorpius paused by the doorway as he waited for her reaction. Rose didn't say a word by simply walked into the sitting room, beginning her assessment. After a pause she moved to the the kitchen and the back. Finally she walked back to the front where Scorpius was still standing, waiting. For a moment she considered going to look upstairs but thinking against it and remembering her manners, Rose then wrapped her arms around his shoulders and chuckled,

"I wouldn't mind living here Scorp."

Scorpius laughed at her reaction for a moment. She looked like a child asking a parent for a stuffed animal. Still shaking his head, he began to move to the back to replace his tools.

"Seriously though" Rose commented as she sat by the window seat, "It's so wonderfully open and bright. So calming."

"Which is why I live here Rosie." Scorpius smiled, returning to the kitchen.

"Lucky you." she murmured, almost a little spitefully. Scorpius decided it was his imagination.

"Enough about me then, how about you?" he asked. He was curious to see how she was getting on.

Rose sighed lying down on the window seat, thinking.

"Fine enough. The first practice session I didn't get to do anything though. Observation time." she explained.

Scorpius shrugged as he sat down on one of the dining chairs opposite her.

"Same here."

"Really?" she asked. "Well I can't say I complained. It was a little scary to watch them. Hogwarts Quidditch was like baby steps when you compare things." she seemed to echo his thoughts.

"They were a little more than scary in my case." Scorpius shivered.

Rose shook her head.

"You should know, you're playing with Horton right?"

Scorpius nodded.

"And you're gonna play with Keitch"

Rose chewed her lip in response. She suddenly seemed to be torn about something, her eyes looked slightly glazed. Scorpius was about to ask her what was wrong but the expression passed and he decided against it. She was probably just trying to phrase her thoughts in her head.

"He's a talented player alright. Very nimble, difficult to catch. He's erm very... friendly, willing to teach me things which is good I suppose. Anyway, I know you're team hates him now." She lightened her tone at her last comment.

Scorpius laughed recalling his little test.

"Hate is an understatement really."

Rose's eyes widened as Scorpius proceeded to relate the events of Friday's team introduction to her. He decided not to tell her about the incident with Aurore though, he figured that might just end in a conflict between them, something he didn't want right now.

"That Horton sounds like one hardcore guy." she murmured. "Be careful."

Scorpius rubbed his forehead. "I will be"

"It'll be fun to play you guys for a change." she added.

Scorpius shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

"Yea Coach Wood mentioned that. I don't know. Do you feel odd playing against me for a change?"

Rose thought about this for a moment.

"Maybe a little." she reflected "But that's our job right?"

"I suppose." he was resigned.

"Hey" she said sitting up, noting the change in his voice, "I won't be out for your blood when we play against each other. It's just something you gotta do you know?"

He pursed his lips but smiled at her.

"I know."

"These cushions are very comfortable by the way." Rose chuckled, lightening the mood.

"Thanks" came his reply.

"But everyone's been great at Chudley." she assured him "The team and my neighbours too, you don't have to worry about me!" she added.

Scorpius thought of Muriel and was glad that Rose was making friends too. Of course Rose had always been able to take care of herself, even in school.

"How are your folks dealing with you leaving?" he asked.

Rose sighed.

"Dad's taking it harder than mum but you know, it'll get better. I miss them so much." She stressed the last sentence as she gazed out of the window. Scorpius nodded. He could certainly understand. Rose came from a big family. Being away from a clan as lively as the Weasleys or the Potters could be challenging.

"By the way," Rose asked flipping the subject again, "I've been meaning to ask you, since Falmouth isn't a completely magical town, how do you apparate in and out within people noticing you?"

Scorpius nodded. "Well there's a shield they set up so muggles can't see what's really going on inside this little area. They think that we're all fishing and stuff but on the other end of the shield, we could be having another wizarding war and they wouldn't know about it!" he chuckled.

Scorpius then went on to explain the system of the newspaper, the port key and how close-knit everyone was. In many ways this place was really growing on Scorpius, even as he explained about it to Rose. It seemed to become more and more attractive and it also seemed to be rubbing off on Rose. Scorpius could clearly tell because he could hear her sigh with, what was that? Longing, as she listened.

"I like it here you know Scorp. Very much" she murmured.

"You should move." he suggested.

She paused, as if she was actually considering what he said but then shook her head.

"I can't. It's hardly practical There aren't any apartments here just cottages so how would I afford it and how would I travel everyday from Falmouth to Chudley? It would be tedious."

"You could stay with me. I have a guest room." he encouraged playfully.

Again that pause. But Rose folded her arms.

"No it wouldn't be appropriate. And for me to impose on you like that, really."

Scorpius shrugged in defeat.

"Well I did try." he smiled at her.

"Thanks anyway." Rose nodded. "But you know it's like that muggle saying, the grass is greener on the other side. You might like it better in Chudley..." The way she said it made it sound like she was reassuring herself not Scorpius. But again, he chose to overlook this.

"Which is why," Scorpius joked, "I am never visiting you!"

"Fine by me." Rose retorted back.

"How about a walk about the town then?" he suggested. "I haven't really seen much of it myself." he added.

Rose nodded, excited. Any negative energy that she might have had a little earlier was gone. "She probably just needs to get out and have a walk" Scorpius reasoned. If there was something remotely serious going on with her, or any issue she needed to deal with, she would have told him about it. But if there wasn't anything behind her occasional bouts of seriousness and he asked her about it, her fiery temper would probably get the better of her. Not a good move as he firmly decided against questioning anything.

"Yes I didn't get that good a look around either. We can be each other's guides."

Resolved, the pair rose from their seats and began to leave. Scorpius remembered to bring his wand, which he slipped into his pocket and locked the door behind him. And with that, they were off.

As they walked down the cobblestone path, Scorpius glanced at the ground and noticed small little shoots already emerging. He smiled to himself. The power of magic. Unfortunately, Rose seemed to notice them too and chuckled,

"I should have known it was too good to be true. Growth enhancement spell?" she asked

Scorpius nodded.

Rose playfully punched his shoulder.

"You cheater!"

The pair linked arms as they strolled down the street. Even though it was around midday, the sun wasn't that hot, there was a light and relaxing breeze and Scorpius could get just the faintest whiff of fish. Seagulls circled overhead and children were running in the street. Rose watched them play and she smiled. She let Scorpius direct her course even though he knew as little about the place as she did. Everyone was smiling her, she thought to herself. Chudley was very much an industrialized area compared to Falmouth. Comparing the two, Chudley was filled with apartments, tall buildings, a lot like Manchester (a pure muggle town). But Rose figured she could get used to a place like this, where people took things easy and the pace was slow. It would be almost criminal to live her, she realised.

Of course her pleasure was somewhat attributed to the fact that she was here, with Scorpius. She missed him when she was in Chudley. A lot. She had expected it to get better with time, especially after school had ended but really, it seemed to just get worse and worse. Rose thought about Scorpius often. His laugh, how he made her laugh. His kind eyes and loving smile. She hoped that Scorpius thought as much about her as she did about him...

Rose was jolted out of her thoughts as Scorpius suddenly swung her left. They had been walking comfortably down his street and they had nearly reached the end. Rose knew if they walked further, they would cross into the muggle side of the town, so she kept her distance. Following Scorpius left, Rose found they were walking further into the little magical community. Signs of magic were a little more obvious here, as compared to Scorpius' street which, being more exposed (facing the marina and all), seemed a little more cautious. Rose didn't blame them. Even if there was a shield to protect the community, one couldn't be too careful. And judging from the residents of the street, they all seemed well into their 50's, hence a heightened sense of passivity. Scorpius was really an oddball there.

As opposed to the residents here, further in, who seemed to be much younger, many of them families with young children. The street was lined with houses. Women were beginning to air laundry but of course the laundry didn't hang on stands, it levitated. A small group of children were learning how to fly on brooms. One of them whizzed right past Rose and she quickly ducked to avoid any possible collision. Scorpius chuckled and they continued on. Some teenagers, obviously home for the weekend, were trading Quidditch World Cup cards. A man sitting on the edge of the road, had a cup in his hand, magically directing the liquid to stir within, using just his finger.

Such an obvious presence of magic reminded Rose of being at the Burrow where almost everything was touched by magic. Her grandparents had always been proud of their "pure magic" environment so objects moving, clothes knitting themselves, dinner being prepared by the pots and pans and flying mops was nothing new to Rose.

"Where are we going?" she asked Scorpius as they began to reach the other end of the street. He was beginning to show some purpose in his walk and seemed to have gotten hold of his bearings.

Scorpius pointed straight ahead to a little corner, swinging them right as they went along. As Rose glanced around, she realised they had wandered into the hub of the magical community in Falmouth. There were about 5 small buildings that faced each other, creating a bit of a village circle. In the middle there stood a small wishing well, with a bucket at it's foot. On close inspection, Rose realised they were stores. The scene was beginning to remind her a bit of Hogsmeade. They were all basic necessity stores, one that was selling magical equipment. From the display signs, Rose could tell it sold brooms, trunks and capes. Another was selling local potions. Right beside it was a fresh produce store that also doubled up as a restaurant. There was a small bar, which Rose remembering what Scorpius had told her, was Falmouth's equivalent of the leaky cauldron and she could see it offered lodging as well. And then much to her surprise, a Gringott's outlet. For a small town, this place had all the basic magical necessities to keep it's occupants happy. She was impressed.

"How convenient!" Rose remarked.

Scorpius nodded in agreement.

"I told you to move."

"What a lovely wishing well." Rose made her way over to it, choosing to ignore his comment. But why is the bucket here?" she reached to pick it up but Scorpius quickly stopped her.

"That's the port-key Rose." he indicated.

Rose blinked down at the bucket and then up at him again.

"Right" she commented after a pause, feeling a little foolish. Of course it had been the port-key!

"So you've been here before then? You seem to know where you were going?" Rose asked, prodding him.

Scorpius smiled. "I came down with my parents just to check out the town centre when we were buying my place. I had a rough idea of where to go, so as soon as we were approaching the corner, I kind of recognised the path and was able to backtrack my steps. I actually thought we were going to get lost but we didn't!"

Rose laughed.

"It's because I'm good luck." she told him seriously.

Scorpius rolled his eyes.

"Come on, a drink." he pulled her hand as they head for the bar.

Scorpius pushed the door of the bar open and they waltzed in. Literally, Scorpius waltzed her through the entrance. Amazingly, Rose suffered no head injuries and managed to catch the name of the bar, "Falmouth's Friend" An appropriate title when people are drunk, Rose agreed. Scorpius spun her around once more before they settled at a cozy booth in the corner. A middle aged and balding man approached them with a pen and pad. He had a small little beard and mustache to match and a large belly.

"Can I take your order folks?" he asked politely.

Rose still gasping from laughing so hard, pointed to Scorpius to order.

Scorpius nodded,

"Ah two butter beers?" he asked.

The man quickly scribbled the order down.

"That's all?" he asked again.

"For now" Scorpius replied.

"Sure" he smiled and moved off.

Rose leaned back in the booth, which was surprisingly comfortable, decorated in a dark leather. On the walls were pictures of famous wizards at the bar and several images of the Falmouth Falcons, along with their crest and motto. It was a lovely atmosphere and Rose could hear soft music playing in the background. A couple of other people were in the bar, probably for a lazy afternoon drink. There was another couple opposite them by the window and two men were chatting comfortably at the the butterbeer tap.

"I still think the motto's creepy" Rose protested, still harping on the Falcons' motto.

Scorpius shrugged.

"You're entitled to you're opinion"

"Seriously? Going down without a fight?" she asked him.

He shook his head.

"I guess. Because even though it's pretty powerful and sounds a heck of a lot like Slytherin, I kind of agree with you..."

Just then the barman returned with their drinks.

"Here you go!" he smiled at them both. "Haven't seen you around here before." he added after a pause.

Scorpius looked up.

"We're new here. Just moved."

"Ah... Well good to meet you folks, I'm Tim." the man wiped his hands on his apron and shook their hands.

"A pleasure, Tim" Rose smiled.

"So are you two starting out here then?" he asked. "Falmouth's a good place for new couples I reckon."

Scorpius' eyes widened.

"Of no! I mean we're dating, we're not married or anything."

Tim quickly covered his mouth with his hands.

"Oops! Sorry about that, that's my main fault that is. I always jump to conclusions."

Rose kindly waved him off, trying to diffuse the tension.

"Don't worry about it Tim."

"So which one of you's the Falmouth resident?" Tim continued

Scorpius raised his hand and Rose chuckled.

"Yea it's him." she replied.

"Well I'm hoping to see you here more often. Come and watch the Falcons matches with us. The place is always packed when they're on. The boys and I are always up for a good butt kicking when it comes to Quidditch. I'm a big fan so I always screen the matches as much as possible. The Falcons are the best aren't they? I got all their league title victories up here on my wall! I bet this year they'll take it again. I trust your a good Quidditch fan? I mean who isn't?" Tim winked at Scorpius.

Scorpius nodded.

"Oh yea definitely. No, I'll be there."

Tim stood up straight again, content with his reply. "Well then. I better get going, leave you two to your drinks." he smiled a last time and walked off.

Once he was out of earshot, Rose burst into a fit of giggles.

Scorpius leaned over the table and smacked her arm.

"Stop it! You're being mean." he whispered.

Rose covered her face, still laughing, arousing a bit of attention from the couple by the window but she ignored them, gasping out,

"Imagine what he'll do if he finds out you play for the Falcons?"