Thanks again for all the kind reviews. :D I'm taking all of your suggestions and incorporating them into the story as best I can :) This is kind of a filler chapter, but I think it gives you some valuable information on how both Rose and Scorpius feel about the situation and it introduces Albus better :)
Scorpius and I were having a 'secret meeting' in the library. Only it wasn't so secret, just secluded. It was 9:00pm, and not many people graced the library at that time of the evening, they were too busy hanging out in their common rooms or snogging their significant others in abandoned classrooms. It was only one week until Christmas break and we were both nervous wrecks. All I wanted to do was crawl under the table we were sitting at and never come out. My morning sickness had subsided considerably thanks to Alice's anti-nausea potions but Scorpius was still surprisingly protective over me, following me to class, opening doors for me, making sure I was eating and sleeping enough. Suzie and him were still on the outs ... something I was secretly happy about. I really did not want the Father of my unborn child shagging some twat like her and if I was being honest, I really didn't want him laying his hands on anyone else except for me. Our relationship at the moment was delicate, we were tied by my pregnancy, but there was more than just that and I don't think either Scorpius nor I were willing to take the risk of messing everything up between us. I'd always loved Scorpius in a borderline creepy way. It was literally love at first sight, for me at least. I first laid eyes on Scorp on my first day of Hogwarts at Platform 9 and 3/4. My Father had pointed Scorpius out immediately, and told me I had to beat him at every subject. I remember clearly how our eyes caught and he smirked at me. I remember how I blushed, and turned away, but how I really just wanted to keep staring. It was a wonder my Dad didn't notice my immediate infatuation. It was a childhood crush that had blossomed into something bigger as the years passed. I never thought that Scorpius felt anything for me, he could quite literally have anyone and that one night he chose me, and I let him. Slipped right into his arms, just as easily as all the other girls before me.
"Erm, earth to Rose" Scorpius said rather loudly in my ear causing me to startle out of my troubled thoughts.
"Sorry, I'm just a bit distracted." I explained, trying to refocus on the matter at hand: How we were going to break the news to our families.
"I still think we should tell them together, you know, it might make it easier on you." He suggested trying to persuade me for the millionth time this evening.
I shook my head stubbornly, "No. Trust me, you don't want to be anywhere near any member of my family when they find out about this." I gestured wildly towards my stomach. I tended to avoid using the word pregnancy or any word directly related to it, ie, baby, pregnant, etc.,. "Besides, we're not even dating or anything, it would be weird for you to just show up at my house randomly and it would probably only make things worse for the both of us." As much as I wanted Scorpius' support when I told my family my news, I knew it would probably just make my folks angrier and more upset.
"I am friends with Albus, you know. And my family may or may not have recieved an invitation to Christmas dinner at the Potters." He wiggled his eyebrows threateningly. However much I may have liked Scorpius, he could be a real snake sometimes.
I glared at Scorpius challenging his ridiculous claim, "No. Way." I said through gritted teeth. I knew that Uncle Harry and Aunt Ginny were on speaking terms with the Malfoys, But I didn't think that they were that civil with eachother. Most of their limited interaction was probably due to the friendship between Albus and Scorpius. But then again, I had overheard my Dad ranting about how Aunt Ginny got together with Astoria Malfoy occassionally for coffee. My Dad was not quite as accepting of the Malfoys, he was one for grudges, not forgiveness.
"I'm not kidding, Rose, and for your information my family has accepted the invitation and I do intend on letting the cat out of the bag."
I bristled at his words. There were a lot of things I could tolerate from Scorpius, but withholding valuable information just wasn't one of them.
"And when exactly were you planning on letting me in on this little secret?!" I shrieked, forgetting momentarily that we were in the library. I heard a snicker from behind us and turned to see my cousin Albus with his hands in his pockets, laughing at my outburst. Albus was the spitting image of Uncle Harry. Green eyes, messy black hair and not a Weasley freckle or red hair in sight. He was definitely a heartthrob and the fact that he was just as talented a quidditch player as his Father made him even more irresistable to the female population of Hogwarts. Surprisingly though, he was usually quite sweet and had missed out on the douchebag gene his brother James had inherited.
"Since when do you two have secret meet ups in the library?" he asked looking genuinely confused. I realised then that Scorpius and I were sitting a little too close for being 'just friends'. I scooted my armchair over a bit awkwardly.
"I found Rose in here catching up on some work and decided to fill her in on the plans for Christmas." He lied smoothly. I on the other hand was blushing as red as my namesake.
"So you knew about these 'plans' too, Albus Severus Potter?" I said, turning on him and giving him the best 'Hermione' eyes I could muster.
"Whoa, Rose, settle down. It's not a big deal, I suggested it to Mum and she agreed, I didn't realise you needed to know too. It's just a kind peace offering" He exclaimed defending himself. I guess he was right, under normal circumstances it wouldn't be as big of a deal as it was now that Scorpius was practically planning to start a riot during christmas dinner.
"You do realise that my parents are still on the 'I hate all things Malfoy' bandwagon?" I hissed at him, ignoring the barely disguised hurt in Scorpius' grey eyes.
"Rose, chill out." Albus said slowly, "What has been getting into you lately? you've been acting even more crazy than usual." I scowled at him, attempting to calm myself down. He was right, heck, he was always right. I needed to get a handle on my rollercoaster of emotions before I got so unbearable that no one wanted to so much as talk to me.
"I'd better go now" Scorp announced suddenly, springing out of his seat, "If I get caught out of bed one more time this semester, I may just get suspended." He joked halfheartedly before exiting the area, leaving Albus and I alone.
When we were younger I spent most of my time with Albus. We were the same age and our families were together more often than not. His sister and my other cousin, Lily was 2 years younger than me, and although we always got on OK, Albus and I got on better. Well, at least until a few years ago when our interests started shifting towards getting boyfriends, or girlfriends in Albus' case instead of focusing on our friendship.
"So, Rose." Albus said playfully, drawing out my name "What's the deal with you and Scorp?"
"There is no deal, Albus." I replied, drawing out his name as well. I was lying as best I could ... which wasn't really all that well at all.
"You may be able to fool everyone else, but I know Scorpius, and I know you, and I know that something is going on." He retorted acting offended at my blatant lying.
"I assure you we are just friends." I stated firmly, "Besides, Scorpius doesn't really have girlfriends, he just has 'things'"
"You'd be surprised Rose. Don't tell him I said this, but Scorp has always had a softspot for you. He doesn't usually treat anyone - especially not girls, as nicely as he treats you." Albus gave me a knowing look before continuing, "Not that I condone my best friend and my cousin getting together, I'm just saying, you can talk to me about it if it does, we're best cousin friends." He patted my shoulder and gave me one of his signature lopsided grins.
I smiled guiltily back at him, pulling on one of my curls, it was a nervous habit. I felt bad about not telling Al about what had happened between Scorpius and I. But if I told him now, Al might tell his Dad. They were incredibly close and I just couldn't risk letting the truth get out to anyone in the family just yet. I needed peace right now more than anything, and telling your family about your unplanned pregnancy was definitely not the way to go about getting it.
"Thanks Al." I murmured, giving him a hug before excusing myself from the soon-to-be awkward situation.
Next chapter will probably cover the beginning of Christmas vacation, a lot of characters will be formally introduced into the plot (Rose's parents, Dracos parents, Rose's cousins) :) Let me know what you'd like to see in upcoming chapters, how you want the families to react, and if you'd like different POVs. I'll try to update on Tuesday but it depends on how much time I get to write :)