A/N: Full author's note at the end. I just wanted to say the reason I titled this chapter "Storm" is because it's a storm of different emotions from all of the characters and Scorpius is hit with his own internal storm at the end of the chapter.

WARNING: Sexual content, language, and violence in this chapter

DISCLAIMER: I own nothing.

….

"Damn Albus Potter. Damn my own conscience." Rose was wearing her favorite pair of muggle jeans and a plain red tank top as she paced in front of her fireplace. Because of her own feelings of guilt, she hadn't seen Scorpius at all the day before. He'd owled her, of course, but she gave him the excuse of wedding dress shopping with Leila and the girls.

In reality she just needed time to think and to dig deep down for some of that famed Gryffindor courage. In the end she decided to try acting. She would pretend that she was just an average girl on a date with an average guy.

There was a knock on the door. "YOU GET IT!" Rose shrieked, pointing a dramatic finger at Al who had been watching her pace with great amusement. They both knew who was waiting on the other side.

"Hey, Scorpius," Al said easily as he greeted their visitor.

"Hey, Albus. Is Rose ready?"

"Not really," Al glanced over at his cousin, who was cowering just out of sight of her fiance, behind the door. "But she's as ready as she's going to get. Come on, Rosie, Malfoy's here to take you on your date."

She emerged from around the corner with a small smile. It made her happy to see Scorpius standing there looking so handsome. He didn't have his father's pointed features, but instead inherited his mother's round face and model-like features.

"Where are we going?" he asked her curiously. Because even though he was there to pick her up, she was the one who had planned this date.

"Flourish and Blotts," she told him curtly.

Albus chuckled but was silenced when Rose shot him a dirty glare. Scorpius looked politely bemused. "Just...the bookstore?"

"Flourish and Blotts is not just a bookstore! It's a magical bookstore and I love it and it's wonderful," she argued vehemently.

"Alright, alright, I get it," Scorpius was smirking down at her, "to Flourish and Blotts it is. My lady?" he extended his arm for her to take.

Rose took a deep breath as she prepared herself to treat this like a date. She would act like a proper girlfriend. For all intents and purposes she was much more than just a girlfriend; she was a fiance. A clamy hand tucked itself into the crook of his elbow and they started on their way.

"Would you like me to Apparate us there?" He offered as they reached the street.

"No," Rose's objection had been because she didn't trust him enough to let him Apparate her anywhere. However, she was mentally berating herself. It was a polite offer. "Erm, yes, go ahead, I guess," she corrected herself.

"Alright, hold tight," Scorpius was rewarded with a soft "oh!" of surprise when he wrapped both arms around her, pulling her close, before he spun them around and Apparated them away.

Diagon Alley was one of Rose's most favorite places in the whole world. Normally, she would keep these errant thoughts to herself, but this whole date was about showing Malfoy that she was making an effort. "I love this place. Diagon Alley is one of the most wonderful places I've ever been. It's just so magical."

Scorpius drew his eyebrows together. "Huh, I've always thought so, too," he looked confused for a moment, then added, "I've never told anyone that, though, because I thought it was a bit silly. I mean, of course it's magical, the whole world is full of magic. It's just that muggles-"

"-are always too busy to stop and notice what's actually going on in the world around them?"

"Yeah! And Diagon Alley is...well it's like what all of London would be like if muggles weren't so afraid of magic and if we weren't under the Statute of Secrecy."

"Exactly," Rose was beaming as they walked toward her favourite store. Opening up to Scorpius might take some effort, but she was beginning to think that it might just be worth it.

Her plan for this date had taken a lot of thought and preparation. She wanted to express to Scorpius, and to herself, that she could be selfless. That she wanted this to work as much as he did. Rose Weasley was nothing if not a hard worker, and she would work damn hard to make herself and Scorpius as happy as they could be considering the circumstances.

"Here we are," Scorpius still sounded bemused. He opened the door for her and Rose went in first.

In the center of the bookstore was a desk. Behind the desk sat an older gentleman who was smiling at the large crowd gathered around him. On the desk, propped up, was several books. His name was also on a small plaque on the desk: Samuel Perkins.

Scorpius froze in the doorway. Rose was smiling broadly up at him. Without lingering too much on the thought of what she was about to do, she stretched up to whisper in his ear, "Surprise."

His expression could only be described as bewildered as he glanced down at her smiling face. "You...arranged this? But I thought he didn't do book signings anymore!" Scorpius sounded breathless with excitement.

"You mentioned a few days ago, at your mansion, that he was your favorite author," Rose finally revealed her secret, "I sent him an owl the other night, after you left my flat when we watched that movie. He agreed to do one more signing before continuing to enjoy his retirement."

Scorpius pulled Rose to the side as more people came through the door to meet Samuel Perkins. He'd written several books, most of them historical fiction; love stories of couples in the Second Wizarding War. A few of his works were non-fiction history books, one personal biography, and one book of poetry. He was a very famous author in the wizarding world.

"This is...amazing, Rose. Just amazing." He couldn't find words to express his appreciation. "It means so much to me. I can't believe you would put this much effort into something for me."

She kept on smiling, glad of her decision to put effort into this and making him happy. "Here," she opened her purse and began to extract many hardcover books. "I also had Rin bring me these from your bedroom. Go get them signed!"

Rose and Scorpius got in line. When they finally reached the man, she extended her hand for him to shake, "Rose Weasley, Mr. Perkins," she introduced herself.

"Ah, Miss Rose! I'm so glad to meet you. Your letter really inspired me. I haven't done a book signing in over a decade. This must be the lucky young man who you're marrying? Scorpius Malfoy, I'm Samuel Perkins, but I think you already knew that."

They shook hands briefly, before he signed all of Scorpius's books. "It's an honour to meet you, Sir," said Scorpius as Rose put the books back into her purse, one at a time. Undetectable Extension Charms sure came in handy.

"You as well, Scorpius," Perkins boomed, "you have quite the witch here. Take care of her."

"I will, Sir," Scorpius vowed as he instinctively wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him.

"Have a wonderful day, Mr. Perkins," said Rose sincerely. He waved to them cheerfully as they exited the shop. "So," she couldn't help the smug tone in her voice, "was this the best date ever or was this the best date ever?"

She turned her head to look up at him and was caught entirely off guard when soft lips crashed down onto her own. One moment they'd been walking away from the bookstore, and the next she found herself pinned against a brick wall, just out of sight of the people moving busily through Diagon Alley.

Rose had snogged boys before. But only two. Neither bloke had been a particularly good kisser. The first had been very rough and the second had been very sloppy and wet. Scorpius was something entirely different. His lips were soft, gentle, but also somehow managed to be...hungry. That was the only word she could think to describe it. His lips ate at hers like he had been craving her and now that he had a taste he wasn't going to stop.

She wouldn't mind if he didn't. Somewhere, in the back of her mind, she realized that somehow Scorpius had done it. He had caught her in a moment when her walls were down and pounced. She didn't even have time to turn away or stop him from snogging her; he'd just done it.

Merlin, Circe, and Morgana, he tasted divine. Rose sighed into his mouth and trembled when he groaned in response. His mouth moved with experience against hers, causing her brain to stop thinking all together.

His chest was pressed firmly against hers and she was secretly glad that she hadn't worn anything over the tank top. Hot kisses pressed against her lips a few more times before they trailed across her jaw and up to her ear. With laboured breathing he whispered, "Yes, this has definitely been the best date ever."

Rose snapped her eyes open, finally coming to her senses. She put her hands on his strong shoulders and pushed softly. He obliged, moving away from her. "Scorpius Malfoy, don't you ever snog me without my permission ever again." She said this firmly, with a finger jabbing him in the chest.

Scorpius's smirk was smug as he took in the sight before him. Rose was panting from the effects of his kissing expertise. Her hair, which she had tamed fairly well that morning, was messy now, and her tank top had been pulled down so the tops of her breasts were peaking up out of it. He could see edges of the pink lace of her bra and snapped his eyes back to her face before he could get even more turned on. She was glaring at him and those ocean blue eyes he enjoyed gazing into were dark with a mixture of anger and lust.

"I apologize for snogging you without your permission. But, Merlin, Rose! If I wait until you give me permission we won't snog until we're standing in front of the bloody Ministry Official on our wedding day!"

Rose flushed at his accusing words, "You never know."

Not wanting to ruin their date right after they had such an excellent time at the bookstore, he was quick to say, "I just wanted to express to you how much your surprise meant to me. I'm truly touched at the thought you put into it."

"You're welcome," her words were stiff and for one horrible moment Scorpius thought he might have wrecked everything by kissing her too soon. Had he not been patient enough? But his worries were unwarranted as Rose twined her fingers with his and said, "Let's get some ice cream, yeah? I feel like we both need to cool off now." Somehow, Scorpius knew she wasn't talking about cooling down from the heated argument, but rather, the heated snogging.

...

"No. I'm sorry, but Oliver Simon Gerard Gavin Franklin Potter is out of the question," James said with the utmost of seriousness.

"It's all of my favorite boy names put together!" Leila said as the two sat discussing possible names for their future children. The whole conversation had come about when Lily visited their new home.

She was sure to point out that house had four bedrooms; one for each child if they had three children. Thus the arguments had started. "Exactly. If we name our child all of your favorite names in one, then what will we name the second one?"

"The second one will be a girl," said Leila shortly, "I'm not going to name a girl any of those names."

"What if we have two boys?"

"Then your sperm and I are going to have a very serious chat. Do you hear that?" she tilted her head down to talk to his trousers, "attention, James's Little Swimmers, I'm only having one son, is that clear? The rest of you that impregnate me had better have an X chromosome!"

James wasn't sure whether to laugh or send his wife to St. Mungo's to have her head checked. "I don't think they have a choice in the matter, love. Also, please don't ever talk to my trousers again. They was very disconcerting."

Leila grinned up at him wickedly, "Perhaps you wouldn't mind as much if my mouth was closer," she undid the snap and pulled the zipper down so slowly it was almost torturous. Of course, Leila did this on purpose. The anticipation aroused James so by the time she tugged his trousers down, he was rock hard.

Experimentally, she dipped her tongue out and swirled it around the tip of his waiting cock. He groaned and tangled both of his hands into her blonde hair. It was one of the hottest things he'd ever seen as she moved her mouth lower and lower so he was getting deeper and deeper.

He groaned and let himself relax into the sofa he was sitting on as Leila moved to kneel in front of him on the rug of their sitting room. The room was quickly filled with James's contented sounds as she continued sucking on him. As he got closer and closer to his peak, he started thrusting up, fucking her mouth.

She moaned in pleasure at his actions and his whole body shook as he released himself down her throat. Not a moment too soon, either, because as soon as he was finished, before he was able to form a cohesive sentence, the doorbell rang.

"Fuck," he snarled as his weak muscles moved to pull his trousers up.

Leila giggled, "I'll get it, love," she danced over to the door, knowing that James's eyes were on her swaying hips the whole way. "Hullo, Freddie," she greeted him brightly as he entered the house.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything," he said with a waggle of his eyebrows.

"No," said James as he mused his hair. Fred smirked.

...

The date was over. Rose expected to feel relieved but instead found that she was sad about this. She was really having a good time. After their ice cream, they'd visited a few other shops in Diagon Alley and were on their way to The Leaky Cauldron for a quick drink before he took her home.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" Scorpius's grip on Rose's hand tightened as he heard that voice. "So is this why you never responded to my letter asking who my favorite cousin was marrying?"

Scorpius swore under his breath as he turned their bodies to face Nathan Zabini. "Nathan," Scorpius snarled the name in a clear warning.

"Scorpius," Nathan was smiling in a sinister way that had Rose leaning even more into her fiance. "Rose," her name sounded like velvet poison falling from his lips, "how are you doing, love? Happy with the bloke the Ministry picked for you?"

Scorpius stiffened significantly. He knew what Nathan was doing. Trying to figure out if Rose knew that Scorpius had picked her. Thank Merlin her response didn't really give him an answer, "Yes, I am," Rose didn't know why but she felt vulnerable and in danger in Zabini's presence.

Somewhere, deep in her mind, a voice was telling her to act totally in love with Scorpius. Drive Nathan away. "Are you sure? You wouldn't prefer a wizard who could make you happier than your wildest dreams?"

"Apparently this one time the Ministry knew what it was doing. Scorpius has made me very happy," she batted her eyelashes up at him. His fingers squeezed her hip gently, as if encouraging her.

"You don't find him to be...lacking...in certain areas?" His sexual meaning was obvious.

"Not at all," Rose let some heat creep into her gaze and voice, "I haven't felt this satisfied in ages."

Scorpius bit the inside of his cheeks to supress the noises he wanted to make when he heard her say this. "Now, if you'll excuse us, Nathan," Scorpius moved to turn their bodies away from him, but Nathan stopped him with a firm hand on his shoulder.

"I haven't received an invitation to the wedding yet," his smile didn't reach his eyes.

"I'll let Mum know, she's the one in charge of invitations. As far as I know she hasn't sent them out yet. Darling, do you know if Mum sent out the invitations?"

"No, she hasn't yet. She wanted you to look them over and give them your approval first," Rose was pulling this entirely out of her arse.

"Ah, so that's what she wanted this morning when she came barging into my bedroom. Bit embarrassing the position she caught us in," he commented lightly. Rose couldn't help it; she blushed scarlet. Scorpius laughed lightly, "Not still shy around me, are you? Surely not after all of the things we've done."

"Not in front of your cousin, love," there was a perfect balance of flirtation and reprimand in her words. "I'll make sure to address an invitation to you personally, Nathan, see you later."

"I look forward to your owl," he said as they walked away. As he lost sight of them in the crowds of people in Diagon Alley, Nathan smiled darkly as he rolled the strand of blonde hair between his fingers that he had plucked off of Scorpius's shoulder.

...

"Can I see you tonight?" Scorpius asked hopefully as they stood on the doorstep of Rose's flat. It was only one o'clock in the afternoon after all.

Rose bit her lip in a flirtatious way, pretending to consider, "Yes," she sighed, "I suppose, if you really want to."

"I really want to," Scorpius was smiling at her. Honestly, he'd never had such a wonderful date before. He hadn't been lying when he had said it was the best date ever.

"Another movie? We rented two the other night but only got to watch one..."

"Yes, that would be great. Six o'clock again?"

"Al has a date with Norah at six, so that would be perfect."

"See you then," not daring to kiss her without permission, he gave her a small hug and left.

Rose came into the flat grinning like a fool. "How did it go?" Al's voice was patronizing as it had obviously gone very well.

"I think..." Rose looked confused, "I think he's a good bloke."

Albus snorted. "Just admit that you're starting to fancy him."

"You're a prat."

"A prat who is right."

"A prat who is going to get his arse kicked if he keeps bothering me about this."

He chuckled, "I'll be out of your hair soon. I'm going to James's new house before my date with Norah. He, Fred, and I are going to hang out together while we're all three still bachelors."

"Why am I not invited?"

"Are you a bachelor?"

"Bachelorette..."

"Yeah, doesn't count." Ten minutes later, Albus used the Floo to go to James's house. Rose jumped in the shower. She didn't need to wash, but the hot water always seemed to make her feel better and the steam somehow managed to usually clear her thoughts.

Just as she was stepping out of the shower, someone knocked on the door. "Merlin's...saggy..." she grumbled as she hurriedly pulled a towel around herself and skipped to her bedroom.

She heard the front door creak open. "Rose?" a voice called. It was Scorpius.

"Come on in, Scorp!" she called loudly, wondering what he was doing back so soon. "I just got out of the shower, I'll be in there in a minute! Did you forget something?"

"Yes, I just had something I wanted to ask you," his voice was closer. Was he walking down the hallway? Had she not clearly told him that she would be out in a minute?

Footsteps stopped just outside of her bedroom door. "I'm getting dressed," she said clearly, "I'll be out in a minute."

She tied her hair up in a ponytail and opened her closet with the towel still secured around her body. That was when her bedroom door opened. Rose spun around. "Scorpius!" She yelled angrily, her face turning scarlet.

His eyes roamed hungrily over her body in a way that made Rose uneasy. Her robe was hanging on the back of her chair and she reached for it but he caught her by the arm, stopping her. "Let go," she growled, "this isn't funny."

"I'm not trying to be funny," he snarled. Rose looked up into his eyes and frowned. This didn't seem like the Scorpius she had gotten to know. What was wrong with him?

His grip on her arm tightened and she yelped. He shook her, "I need you to tell me something very important. My cousin, Norah Zabini, where does she live?"

"How should I know?"

"I know that you know. Potter is always going over there!" Fuzzy words came back to Rose's memory. Scorpius told her the just a few days ago, 'I'm actually supposed to go over to Norah's new flat this evening...'

Scorpius knew where Norah lived. He'd been there. Why was he demanding the information from her now? She winced as Scorpius shook her again, harder this time. "Is she in London? Staying with the Potters in Godric's Hollow? Where the fuck is she?"

"I don't know! And even if I did, I wouldn't tell you with the way you're acting! Go to hell, Malfoy!" she spat. Scorpius flung her to the ground hard. She straightened the towel around her body to make sure it stayed in place, covering her nakedness.

"You do know! And you're going to tell me, you little whore!" He kicked her. All of the air in her lungs wooshed out and for one terrifying moment she couldn't breathe. He twisted his fist in her wet hair and dragged her across the bedroom floor.

Her wand was on her bed. If she could just get to it she could curse him into oblivion! Instead of fighting him, she twisted herself toward him and bit his arm with enough force to draw blood. Scorpius swore and released her. "Bitch!"

She lunged for the bed but he caught her around the ankle and yanked her back. He climbed on top of her body, pinning her beneath him with brute strength. His fingers curled around her jaw, forcing her face to look up at his. "Tell me where Norah is."

"Fuck you."

The back of his hand slammed into her face and stars popped up in her line of sight, blocking everything else from her vision. It took a few moments of blinking and panicking before the world stopped spinning and she could see properly again.

"How are you doing this, Zabini?" her words caused him to freeze just as he raised his hand for another blow. "I know this isn't Scorpius. When we were in Diagon Alley, did you get a strand of his hair for Polyjuice Potion or did you put him under the Imperius Curse as we were walking away? Well, which was it?"

"Fuck," he snarled. He slapped her again, though not as hard as before. Then he brought his wand up and gave it a sharp flick. Rose winced, bracing herself for pain, but was surprised to find that he had simply conjured a chain that encompassed her wrist. The other end of the chain was magically attached to the floor.

The chain was such a short length that Rose couldn't stand up or move very far. Scorpius got off of her and walked out of the room. She heard his heavy footfalls wander down the hall. After several moments of listening hard for any sounds that he had left, she felt her heart falter when she heard him walking toward her.

"Found it," he gloated holding up a piece of parchment, "in a letter she wrote to your idiot cousin. 'Dear Albus, I've just moved into my new flat so you can pick me up there tonight at seven o'clock. I live in the little place above Ollivander's wand shop. See you tonight!' With one short laugh, and a loud crack, he was gone.

Injured, weak, and scared shitless, Rose's mind raced. Somehow, Zabini was either controlling or impersonating Scorpius. He was on his way to Norah's flat. He was there right fucking now. Rose yanked at the chain that bound her hand but knew it wouldn't give.

The floor, of course, wouldn't give either. She pounded uselessly on the wooden floorboards hoping that one was loose but her efforts were in vain. That left only one option then, and she was definitely not anxious to try it.

...

Albus Potter was laughing with Fred at James who was obviously wrapped around Leila's finger. He had told the boys that they had to wait until he finished dusting the house before they could go out. Luckily he was using magic so it shouldn't take very long.

A silvery Patronus came soaring into the room and everyone turned to look at it. Once it stood stationary, they could tell it was in the form of a panther. The panther opened it's mouth and spoke in a voice they all recognized immediately. "Norah in danger. Hurry!"

"Bloody hell," was all Albus had time to say before he had Apparated away.

...

Norah twirled in front of her mirror appraising her appearance. Tonight was another date with Albus. She'd seen him everyday so far and liked him more every time. Tonight they were going dancing. Norah loved dancing almost as much as she loved potions.

There was a knock on the door of her flat. For a moment she cursed the Charm she put on the place; nobody could get into the flat without her express permission. Therefore Albus could never let himself in. At least not until they were married. With a glance at the clock she realized he was several hours early. She smiled; he must be just as anxious to see her as she was to see him.

"Who is it?" she called as she ran, barefoot, across the wooden floors to her sitting room from the bedroom.

"Scorpius," his voice called back.

"Scor?" Norah wrenched the door open to see Scorpius frowning down at her. "What's wrong? Weren't you supposed to have a date with Rose? I thought you would be with her all evening. Maybe even all night," she winked at him and motioned for him to come in.

He stepped over the threshold and said with a sigh, "I'm worried that I might have blown it."

"Oh no! Take a seat on the sofa, I'll get us some tea. You know that I have a date with Al, right? He should be here in maybe twenty-five minutes or so," she disappeared into the kitchen as she spoke.

Scorpius didn't sit on the sofa; instead he walked over to the window and glanced down at Diagon Alley. "Thanks," he took the cup of tea she handed him and sipped at it.

"Now tell me what you did to drive her away. I thought things were going really well with you two. Whatever it is, I'm sure we can fix it. Maybe Albus can put in a good word for you-"

"That idiot?" Scorpius scoffed, "he probably can't even tie his own shoelaces."

"Scor," Norah scolded, "don't talk about him like that! You know that I fancy him. Hell, I'm going to be married to him soon enough! I know you're mad about whatever happened with Rose, but that's no reason to be...to be..." she trailed off.

Scorpius's hair was turning brown. His stature gained an inch. His shoulders were broadening. Realizing what was happening, Norah let out a frightened cry and lunged for the door, but Nathan caught her around the middle and yanked her back.

Norah was punching and kicking every inch of him she could reach, screaming at the top of her lungs all the while. Her wand was in her bedroom. Why had she been such an idiot? She didn't even ask Scorpius to prove that he was himself!

She screamed until he jerked her head back with a firm grip on her hair. "You've been a pain in my arse, little sister. Do you have any idea what the fuck you did when you left? Dad's been drunk for days and keeps taking out his anger at Mum and me. Mum's thinking about moving in with Aunt Astoria. I've been told that if I don't find you and bring you back he's going to fucking kill me. Are you proud of this?"

He pushed her to the ground and her head smacked against the coffee table. A cry escaped her lips before he put his foot between her shoulder blades and started to step on her.

"Norah!" The yell came from the other side of the door.

"Albus!" she cried. But before she could say the words that would allow him entrance into her flat, a Silencing Charm hit her and her voice was gone.

She could hear Albus, so close but yet still so far away, repeating spell after spell trying to get into the flat. An iron grip tightened on her upper arms and she was pulled up to her full, but small, height.

Nathan spun, attempting to Apparate, but it was impossible inside the flat. It was protected with strong enchantments preventing Apparition and Disapparition. He would have to get past Potter if he wanted to leave with Norah.

Or...

He glanced at the window seriously considering it as a viable option. Norah hated flying so he knew there wouldn't be a broomstick in this fucking place, but he should be able to Apparate in mid-air. They were only on the second floor. Would he have time to crash through a window, spin, and Disapparate before hitting the ground?

He wasn't willing to risk it. With obvious frustration, he aimed his wand at the door and said in a deep voice, "Reducto!"

The door exploded. Albus, who was standing just on the other side, was blasted back against the wall opposite of the door. Thankfully, he had been somewhat prepared for this and a duel ensued. It was so short, however, that Al didn't even know if it qualified as a proper duel.

One moment his back slammed against the wall and a jet of light shot toward him. The next, he'd blocked the spell, shot one back, and the bloke must have known he was going to lose. Trying to hold onto a struggling witch while dueling a skilled wizard, and attempting to escape made it very difficult indeed.

Nathan made the snap decision that he would simply have to try again another day. He dropped Norah, who was Albus's main concern, and rushed past him. Albus charged over to help the girl who was lying, in obvious pain, on the floor in the hallway.

Albus very gently tucked an arm under her knees and around her back. He lifted her off of the floor. "How did you know?" she asked in a hoarse whisper, Nathan's Silencing Charm had been lifted when he left.

"Rose," said Albus quietly, "she sent me a Patronus."

"How would she know..." Norah frowned.

Albus's eyes widened, "We need to check on her! Are you alright? Should I take you to St. Mungo's first?"

"No," she squirmed out of his arms and stood on her own two feet. "I'm a bit sore but I've definitely suffered worse. We need to check on your cousin." Albus pulled her into his arms and they Apparated directly into his flat.

"Rose!" Al screamed as he ran quickly through the flat, but she wasn't there. The place was empty. Pacing, he rubbed his forehead roughly. "She can't be in any real trouble. If she was able to send a Patronus she obviously has her wand on her."

"But if she was injured then she might have went to the hospital."

Albus was in the fireplace before Norah had even finished her thought. "St. Mungo's!" he said crisply. Norah followed suit. Al was waiting for her when she came spinning out of the green flames into the lobby of the wizard hospital.

"Excuse me, but is Rose Weasley here?" Albus asked the receptionist.

"No," said the witch with a frown.

"She hasn't come in and checked out already? You're sure she hasn't been here at all?" Albus asked as he unconsciously reached to take hold of Norah's hand for comfort and support.

"No," said the witch again, this time with a snap of impatience.

With a grumble, Al turned away from the front desk. Norah said politely, "Thank you for your time," just before Al pulled her back to the fireplace.

...

"Scorpius!" After sending the Patronus to Al, getting dressed, and healing herself, Rose had went straight to Malfoy Manor.

Scorpius came rushing into his bedroom when he heard Rose calling for him. "What's going on?"

"I need your help. I need to find your cousin. AND BLOODY KILL HIM!" she stomped her food hard on the floor.

"What happened?"

"I wasn't sure at first, but now that I know you're here, I'm going to take a wild guess and say that while we were in Diagon Alley, he took a strand of your hair and put it in some Polyjuice Potion. Then he showed up at my flat, hit me around a bit while demanding information, chained me to the damn floor, and then went off after Norah once he discovered the location of her new flat in a letter she wrote to Albus-"

"Nathan's going to Norah's? We need to get over there!"

"I already sent Al, he'll take care of her. What we need to do is get Nathan."

"But you said Albus-"

"Albus is just like Uncle Harry. If it comes down to saving Norah or capturing Nathan, he's going to pick saving Norah. Which is, all things considered, a noble quality. However, under these circumstances, I'd be willing to wager that Nathan will escape."

"Rose...if he did that to you, how are you okay? How did you get yourself unchained?"

Rose fidgeted awkwardly and looked up at the ceiling, "He only had it wrapped around my wrist, so I broke my hand. With a broken hand, I was able to slide it out of the chains and get to my wand. I healed it though," she held up her hand and waved it around.

"You...broke your own hand?"

"Yes," she said this defensively, afraid that Scorpius disapproved of her actions, "and I would do it again!"

That was the moment that Scorpius Malfoy fell in love with Rose Weasley. The silly, fragile, strong-headed witch had seriously maimed her already injured self to save someone else. How many people would have had that kind of nerve? How many people would have been able to snap their own bones?

His imagination took off and he pictured himself scooping her up right there, throwing her onto his bed, and ravishing her body in the way she deserved. He didn't want to just shag her. He wanted to make love to her.

It hadn't been a slow crush with friendship blossoming into something more like Albus and Norah were having; it wasn't a hidden feeling that had been there all along without him noticing like James and Leila had; it was a sudden explosion of raw new emotions that were crashing into him like waves against the shore during a storm.

"Hullo, Scorpius!" she was snapping her fingers in front of his face, "we need to find that git! Where should we start looking?"

"Hold on," his eyebrows pulled together, "you said he used Polyjuice Potion to imitate me, right? Obviously he wanted you to think it was me doing those things to you. How did you know it wasn't?"

She looked directly into his sky blue eyes and said with firm conviction, "I knew it wasn't you because you would never hurt me."

….

A/N: First of all, thanks for all of the reviews with tips about posting links on my bio page and your personal preferences with sex scenes. I appreciated it a lot!

Second of all, I know some of you are probably like, "What the heck happened? How could he possibly love her already? The last chapter he was saying he didn't even really know her…" but I assure you that Scorpius will be asking himself (and possibly others!) this very question in the next chapter!

All of my amazing readers are the ones who keep me updating so quickly; all of the favorites, follows, and reviews! Thanks everyone!

Yours,

MofDA