A/N: I don't know… there seems to be a lot of copying and pasting going on in this chapter… I hope I can make it feel shiny, fresh, and new.

Disc: Just having a little fun.

Used

Already, Flint had pretty much smoked us out on the Quidditch field. Most of us were bleeding or bruised, all of us were sweaty and dirty. We had been practicing for what seemed like hours, though the sun in the sky was contradictory to that fact. I don't know about everyone else, but I was already quite sore and quite tired. A glance at a few other's faces told me that I wasn't the only one.

"Ok, everyone out of the air," Flint bellowed loudly. I landed next to Damon who was laughing about a rather bone-headed drop of the Quaffle. Flint glared at him. "West, there's not any room for errors like that when we're playing Ravenclaw or Gryffindor."

"I know," Damon said quickly stifling his laughter. Flint continued to glare at us, his eyes landing on each one of us. I glanced down the line to see Lily standing there at the end of the line of us, about three or so down from me. She was standing very still, but she seemed exhausted.

"I want to hammer something home to you," Flint said as he took Lily's beater bat from her. I frowned, wondering what he was doing. His own bat was nowhere to be seen. "I want to give you a practical example of why you should avoid the bludgers at all cost, even if our beaters are supposed to be there to protect. You must be vigilant."

He reached into a bucket and pulled out six large muggle softballs, five hovering beside him in midair while he looked at each one of us. Unexpectedly, he knocked them at us, one by one. The ball made a thick thudding sound as it connected with my shoulder, the sting bringing pricks of tears to my eyes. I quickly glanced down the line at Lily, almost in horror as Flint batted the ball at her. I cringed hard, but the sound of ball and body never came. At the last minute, Lily stepped out of the path of the ball.

"That hurt," Damon whispered to me as he rubbed where the ball had connected with his stomach. I was already trying to work the ache out of my shoulder.

"That is a tenth the size of a bludger and much softer," Flint said ignoring the complaints and whiny groans of his teammates. Flint turned to Lily, holding out the bat. She took it, grinning. "Why did you dodge the ball?"

"Because I'm not stupid enough to let you hit me with a ball," Lily said with a laughing tone to her voice.

"Exactly," Flint said assuredly. I was surprised that he was not angry, and instead, he flashed a smile at Lily before looking at the rest of us. He didn't seem as pleased with us as he was with our youngest, smallest teammate. "I would have been more impressed if the five of you had the same sense that our little third year had and stepped out of the path of the ball. The idea isn't to get hit and keep on going, the idea is to not get hit in the first place."

"Now he tells us," I grunted to Damon. Damon snickered, causing Flint glared at us.

"So, hit the showers, enjoy what's left of the Hogsmead trip, and be prepared for our Gryffindor game next week," Flint said dismissing us without much more. "Lily, don't forget to hit the shop for gear."

"Will do, captain," Lily said saluting him with a smile on her face. I was surprised that she was so cheeky with him, and not only that, he wasn't getting pissy with her like he would have if it had been any of us. Flint raised an eyebrow at her and he returned her grin. It was the strangest thing. Shrugging, I headed in for the shower, not as lucky to get a really hot one, but I got clean well enough anyways. I dressed and waited by the lockers for Lily.

I watched as Lily took a seat on the bench, putting her socks and shoes on. She was wearing jeans and a pink shirt. I couldn't remember a recent time where I had seen her wearing muggle clothes. They suited her and I was surprised that she was comfortable in things other than her school robes. It was weird seeing her in that state.

"Almost ready?" I asked her. She looked up at me and smiled for a moment before she turned back to tying her shoes.

"Nearly ready," she said jumping up. "I just want to put my belt on." I watched as she pulled a pink belt out of her locker and began looping it through the loops on her jeans. She pulled her shirt into place and turned to me, slamming her locker door.

"I don't think I've seen you in regular clothes since that year before you started Hogwarts," I told her.

"I normally wear the uniform or my pajamas," Lily said. "It cuts down on laundry to have to do when I go home during Christmas."

"You do your own laundry?" I asked her in surprised. Having never done laundry myself, I couldn't imagine. I held the door open and she led the way out the door.

"Yes," she said. "I have since I was eight. We don't have house elves."

"Wow, really," I murmured.

"Mhmm," Lily replied without another word as the two of us headed towards Hogsmead. We walked in silence and I'd occasionally look at her just to catch her peek up at me. When I caught her, I'd grin and heat would flood her cheeks. It was so sunny and the sun caught the strands of her hair.

Once we were in town, I led her straight to the Quidditch shop. The shop keeper looked up, his frame almost as slight and frail as Lily's. I had seen him plenty of times and he waved us over to the measuring area, his tape measure quivering in midair for Lily to be measured.

"Out of your clothes, Miss Potter," the shop keeper said. I felt the heat in my face rise up as I turned away from her. I heard Lily laugh from behind me.

"I'm wearing basic Quidditch garments," Lily told me as she whipped off her jeans and tee shirt, tossing them unceremoniously into the chair closest to me. I'll admit it, I dared a peek, figure worse to worse, I'd see more of her than I deserved. Sure enough she was wearing the basic top and bottom, snug and form fitting to help from restriction and sweat build up. She had small curves; well small compared to the other girls we went to school with. It wasn't a bad thing, really, I just never thought of her in that way.

"Quality," the shop keep said as the measuring instruments went to work measuring Lily. The shop keeper nodded at the measurement tools. "You're a tiny thing. Beater, I think Flint said. Surprising, but Flint knows his Quidditch, and you do come from strong Quidditch lineage, even if it is Gryffindor."

"Nearly done there?" I snapped at him. I didn't like the way he insinuated that Lily was less of a Slytherin because her family typically hailed from Gryffindor. "Her lineage is nothing to mock. She's a damn good player, old man, and you'd be best to remember that."

"Yes, of course, Mr. Malfoy," the shop keeper said immediately. "My apologies, dear girl. This old man doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut."

"It's ok," Lily said. I watched as the man worked silently pulling boxes and having Lily try the gear on. He kept having to get smaller and smaller equipment, tightening the straps here and there.

"Dear, you are petite," he said in a quiet voice as he struggled to get the straps tight. "I think this is it, though, a wonderful fit. Have you hit puberty yet?"

"Uh," Lily said blushing. My jaw dropped open at the man's boldness and I grabbed the first thing closest to me and pretended to be reading it. Some tube of muscle cream that promised quick healing and no fatigue. Perfect.

"I'd take that as a no, then," he said not even being quiet. "Don't worry. Your frame doesn't look like it'd get that much bigger, even when you hit that special time." I could see the look of horror on Lily's face in the reflection of the mirror.

"I have," Lily hissed at the man, her face on fire. I nearly laughed from my own embarrassment.

"None the less, the Velcro straps will allow for you to adjust up if you need," he said as he piled the purchases in the bag. "Go ahead and get dressed and I'll get this all bagged up and get your broom."

"Mind handing me my jeans?" Lily asked me with a strained voices as she pulled on her tee shirt. I gathered the jeans up off the chair and held them out to her. She didn't quite meet my eyes, her cheeks still bright red.

"Smart of you to remember to wear that," I said with mock dissatisfaction.

"Disappointed much, Score?" Lily teased me and I choked slightly. I could feel my face warming up and I looked away quickly. She laughed as she pushed me slightly with her hand.

"No," I lied as i busied himself with Lily's stuff. I took the broom in my hand, the handle smooth. "I'll carry the broom and you get your bag."

"Good day, Mr. Malfoy, Miss Potter," the shop keeper said ushering us out of his store. I wasn't ready to let her go just yet, and apparently the sentiment was the same.

"How about a drink, my treat for you being so nice to take me to the Quidditch shop and wasting a good bit of the time we have here when you could be off with Darla," Lily offered as we walked along the sidewalk together.

"The Three Broomsticks?" I suggested smiling at her. She grinned and nodded

"Sure," she replied almost breathlessly.

"Lily Potter!" a voice called from behind us, the voice distinctly male and carrying loudly. We both turned slowly, looking behind us to see the source of the shouter. Lily squealed excitedly, bolting down the street quickly, running to him. Running from me. I followed pathetically down the sidewalk after her, though not nearly as excited about it or as quickly as she.

"TARYN!" Lily squealed as she jumped into his arms practically. The guy, Taryn, hugged Lily, spinning her and planting a kiss on her mouth. "What are you doing here?"

"I got your letter," he said. "My cousin apparated us here for the day. You are one heck of a girl to track down."

"I had to do some shopping," Lily said shaking the bag slightly. I felt awkward standing there, obviously ignored by Lily. She was still pressed against him, his arms were still wrapped tightly around her.

"What'd my girl buy?" He asked playfully. Lily held the bag open so he could peek inside. "Quidditch, huh? So it's true then? You're really a beater?"

"Yeah, and she's damn good one, too," I said interjecting myself into their awareness. Lily looked at me and smiled, though it was an almost apologetic smile.

"Taryn, this is my housemate, Scorpius. Scorpius, this is my boyfriend, Taryn," Lily introduced.

"The boy from the picture," I confirmed simply. We shook hands, practically trying to crush the life out of each other's hand, but without even a grimace.

"Taryn, we were just going to the Three Broomsticks for a round of butter beer. You must come. I want to show you off," Lily laughed. He slipped his arm around Lily's waist.

"I can't deny you, can I?" Taryn said. He looked directly at me and smirked, winking. "She is, after all, the best girl a guy could ever hope to get." I felt my fist clench around her broom handle. Lily's eyes remained focused on him, and I felt jealousy burning in my veins.

The three of us sat at a table while they waited for our drinks from Rosemerta. Lily was conveniently oblivious to the death looks and glares that Taryn and I were tossing back and forth at each other. After the drinks arrived, Taryn started talking about his own Quidditch career at Durmstrang, a bloody beater. He bored me to tears and I watched Lily gazing at him from over the rim of my glass.

"I guess when Lily and I are married and have kids, it'd be fair to say that our sons will be beaters, as well," Taryn said casually. I started to choke for a moment on my drink but forced the butter beer down

"You're betrothed?" I coughed out.

"No," Lily replied quickly as she looked at me. Her cheeks were bright red.

"Technically, no," Taryn admitted. "I want to wait until my last year at Durmstrang to ask her father officially, though I do think that I might broach the subject with Mr. Potter this Christmas. I know she's a bit young, but I can't let this one slip through my finger."

"Taryn, please," Lily said blushing as he kissed her neck lightly. I vomited a little in my mouth at the sight. Lily stood, grinning. "I'll be right back, guys."

"Don't take too long," Taryn told her grinning as he watched her walk away. Once Lily was out of ear shot, Taryn looked back at me, his hate filled glare full on me. "So, you're the Scorpius, then?"

"I suppose so," I smirked. For as little as Lily had talked about Taryn to me, apparently she had talked enough about me to have Taryn glaring at me like that.

"You know, you don't have a chance in hell," he threatened as of the bar maids came up. She leaned on the edge of the table with her hands. Her low cut blouse barely contained her overwhelming amount of breast that threatened to spill.

"Is there anything I could get you boys?" she asked. Taryn's eyes stayed firmly planted on her breasts.

"You, me, and a hotel room?" Taryn said laughing as he glanced up at her. She giggled, her breasts dancing in front of his eyes. I turned my head in disgust.

"You're bad," she taunted as she reached into her pocket. She scribbled something down and handed it to Taryn. He took in and tucked it in his pocket.

"I'll definitely give you a call," Taryn said grinning. He slapped the waitress on her rear, causing her to erupt into a fit of giggles as she walked away. He laughed and turned back to his drink.

"What the hell was that?" I asked angrily. "You're supposed to be with Lily."

"I am with Lily," Taryn said shrugging.

"Dude, you can't be with a girl like Lily and slap the rear end of some floozy waitress," I told him angrily. "How could you even accept her telephone number? You can't just sit there and flirt with random women behind Lily's back."

"You'd better mind your business," Taryn threatened. "What Lily doesn't know won't hurt her. Plus it's not like Lily's letting me get far enough quick enough."

"What?" I choked out. Anger had me clenching my fists and it took everything in my power to keep from cocking my fist back and knocking the shit out of the guy in front of me.

"If you're smart, you'll keep your mouth shut," Taryn threatened as Lily headed towards us. She looked at Taryn's face and then mine, worry evident in her eyes.

"Is something wrong?" Lily asked nervously as she sat down next to Taryn. He looked at her with that same sick, sappy, false smile and shook his head.

"No, of course not, sweetie," Taryn said. "Just a little friendly banter between two Quidditch players."

"Oh," Lily said slowly, uncertainly. She looked at me, her eyes questioning and seeking some sort of confirmation that we had been bantering about Quidditch, which we had not been doing. I wasn't about to lie for this bastard and I clenched my jaw almost as tight as my fists were.

"I'm going to find Darla," I said quickly through my clenched teeth, standing.

"Be a sport and take Lily's bags," Taryn said pushing the bags toward me. I looked at him as if I couldn't believe that he was so bold. Had he been any other guy, anyone other than Lily's boyfriend, I would have hexed him into next week.

"Really, you don't need to," Lily protested. She turned to Taryn. "Taryn, he doesn't need to."

"It's ok, Lils," I said quickly as I took her bags. "I'll catch you back at the castle." I bolted out of the Three Broom Sticks as quickly as I could and contemplated finding Darla. Realizing that Darla probably wouldn't be that understanding about my carrying around Lily's shopping, I headed back to the school, towards the Slytherin locker room and to Lily's locker. I tapped the lock with my wand, the metal device springing open. Inside was neat and clean with a change of muggle clothes. The locker emitted the faintest smell of her and it actually caused me physical pain.

I placed the bag on the bench and began pulling the items from the bag. I slipped one of her wrist guards on, unable to Velcro the guards closed. She was just so damn tiny, so frail. It made me angry to think that Taryn was wherever when he didn't deserve her. I mean, yeah, I gathered I had no claim on her, either, but she would have been better off alone than with that guy.

I pushed the thoughts from my mind and finished unloading the bag. I folded her Quidditch robes and put them away as Flint entered the locker room. I glanced up, looking at him over my shoulder. He nodded once and headed into his office, leaving the door open. I closed up Lily's locker and headed towards the exit door, poking my head in the open doorway.

"Hey, Malfoy," Flint said. "Did Lily get everything she needs?"

"Yeah," I said nodding. "I brought it back to the locker room for her since she ran into a friend that she wanted to hang out with."

"Are you off to find Darla?" he asked. I suppressed a grimace and nodded.

"Yeah," I said.

"Good," Flint said laughing. "She was giving me dirty looks in Hogsmead. I guess she was pissed that I sent you to help Lily." I made a face.

"I thought you couldn't do it because you had a captains' meeting with Professor Wood," I said crossing my arms. He nodded.

"Professor Wood realized that it was a Hogsmead weekend and released us before everyone arrived. I figured you'd not mind hanging out with Lily," Flint said coyly as he looked down. "See you on Monday for practice."

"Yeah, ok," I said as I left the locker room. Most people weren't back from Hogsmead yet, so I took my books into the common room and found a place that was out of the way. I did work on a few papers that I had coming up due in a few weeks, as well as some of the reading assignments that I had. I watched as Lily flittered into the room, her face cheery and she had a shirt twisted around her hand. Kate and Shale were with her, laughing. If they hadn't been laughing, I would have been concerned that she was injured, but then I recognized the color of the shirt, Taryn's shirt, and I sat back down.

Frustrated, I slammed my book and tossed them on my bed. I sat for a bit across the common room watching Lily chat with her two friends animatedly. She held the shirt still, in her hand, and I knew she was fawning over that prick of a boyfriend. I saw Darla walk in the common room and I stood immediately. I barely looked away as I took Darla by the hand and led her out of the common room.

"Scorpius, hi," she said surprised as I practically drug her over to the nearest broom closet. I jerked the door open, disappointed to see that it was already occupied. After the third one I found, blissfully occupied, I opted for an empty classroom.

I didn't ask Darla for permission. Instead I gathered her up against me roughly and kissed her. I could feel her fingers tangling in my hair and I kissed her harder, not so much trying to hurt her as I was trying to erase anything else in me that wasn't her. Darla was my present and she was to be my future. It was time for me to grow up and quit lusting over any other silly little girl. I pulled Darla ever closer, not breaking the intensity between us.

Darla struggled against me after a moment, pushing at my shoulders. Reluctantly, I released her and she stumbled back a bit, panting. She looked at me warily, wiping her mouth with her sleeve. I stepped forward, apologetically. Her eyes were hesitant and I cupped her cheek.

"Sorry," I said quietly. "I got a little carried away."

"It's ok," Darla said quietly as she allowed me to wrap my arms around her. "It was just so… unexpected."

"I should have asked you for permission," I said as I kissed her forehead. "I don't know what came over me."

"It's ok. I missed you too," Darla said as she snuggled her face against my shoulder. I nodded wordlessly and felt terribly guilty for using Darla to try and crush the thoughts of another girl from my mind. Especially since it was something that was quite an epic fail for me.