A/N

I am soooo sorry, for not writing in ages. I've had so many wonderful reviews and you are all magnificent! I've been super busy with exams and finishing school and I've just got back from holiday so have only just had time to write. So this chapter is quite a bit shorter than the last one. But I reckoned a shorter one is better than none. This is probably going to end up being about another two or three chapters. Not much more, cause I'm going to uni soon so won't have much time for writing.

Fair warning. This chap is super sappy. and chliche. But I'm in that sort of place. And if I can't succeed in my on love life. I will do it through this. (sad and alone forever :P). I love all of you who review. even though I haven't been writing much, reading them is so nice and lovely and keeps reminding me to write. 71 REVIEWS?! madness. I'm feeling quite chuffed. Beccab713, autumn faith, DoodleDooo, LillyMay77, LilyLuna257, samzam, HLaw, HH, Belle and SummerO. Thank you so much. Talyag - I agree (about English.) also doing science. But just for you, I have gone through to try and eliminate my they're, their & there issues.

As always, your reviews are appreciated so much. So. Review basically. :)

Much Love xx

Chapter fifteen

Scorpius went home the day after Boxing Day. It's now New Years Eve and I've barely heard from him. Al says I shouldn't panic and that he's probably just catching up with his family. But a bit of me is still a little bit worried. Every time an owl comes through the window, I jump up to see who its from. Its only been Scorp once though, and even then, his letter was short and vague.

Rose & Al,

I got home safe.

Mother is being suitably insufferable.

I should see you on New Years, like we discussed.

Miss you both.

Scorpius.

Not 'love Scopius' or 'from Scorpius' just his name. Also. Why is it addressed to my cousin too? Why? Eugh, sometimes I wonder why I bother with the male side of the species. I mean, we almost said the three little words. (DUN, DUN, DUN.) In my opinion that should come with a cacophony of sound, maybe an orchestra behind it or something equally grand. In all fairness, he thought I was asleep, when he said it, and he definitely was asleep when I said it, but that's just a technicality. Eugh. MEN.

Scorpius

When I got home, my parents converged on me; I hadn't expected them to be back from their 'trip' already. I was planning on getting back before them and telling them I'd spent Christmas alone at the manor. But given I was lugging my trunk up the drive behind me, they knew I hadn't been at home. So they'd spent the last four days checking my mail and following me round like they'd been paid to do so. I could only manage a brief message to Rose and even then I'd had to address it to Al as well so they wouldn't get suspicious.

"Scorpius." My mother says shortly to me with a tone of finality. "You will be at the party tonight no matter what that is the end of it."

I'd been arguing with her for about ten minutes about not going to her ridiculous annual New Years Eve party.

"Mum, I have other plans. I'm going to stay with Al tonight, I'll be back tomorrow morning, you'll barely notice I'm gone." I plead.

"No. You will be there and that is that." She snaps, before shutting the door of my room in my face.

I groan, as I hear her walking down the hall. Throwing myself backwards on my bed. The duvet puffs up around me, the dark green silk soft against my skin. I roll over and shout into the covers, so that the sound is muffled. Rose is going to kill me, if my dear mother's party doesn't do that first.

I stand up and write a note to Rose and Al, explaining the dire situation.

Dear Rosie & Al,

My mother is officially mental. They were home early after their trip so when I came home after Christmas dragging my trunk, they knew I hadn't been spending my holiday alone at the manor. (Wouldn't that have been joyful though! N.B. my extreme sarcasm.)

So as punishment to my 'extreme' rule breaking I am now being forced to attend the annual New Year party my dear mother throws. Which will be monotonous and may just kill me. So if I'm not back at school. You'll know why.

I wish I could come to yours tonight, but I reckon I might be put under lock and key. I'll see what I can do though.

I'm really sorry!

Love Scorpius.

Now I have the issue of trying to get it to them. Mum has taken my owl. (rude) So I can't use that method. The only thing I can think of to do it is to ask one of the house elves. I seal the letter and call;

"Jonas."

Into the air.

A loud crack comes almost immediately. And a small house elf, with exceptionally large ears and a nose somewhat like a parsnip appears in front of me.

"Master Scorpius. What can I do's for you?" Jonas asks. His voice several tones higher than mine.

"I need you to take this to the Potters in Godric's Hollow." I tell him. "And under no circumstances may my mother find out."

"To Master Albus, of which sir speaks so highly of?" Jonas asks.

"Yeah, to Al." I reply.

"Of course sir." And there's a loud crack and the house elf is no longer in my room.

I sighed loudly and flop back onto my bed, the duvet puffing up around me. I can already tell it's going to be a long day.

Half an hour later, another loud crack alerts me to Jonas' return. I sit up abruptly.

"Master Scorpius," he squeaks "Master Albus sends his reply."

I take the proffered piece of parchment, muttering a quick "Thanks." to the house elf, who promptly disappears again. I open the parchment and immediately recognise Rose's handwriting.

Dear Scorp,

That is absurd. It's not like you were consorting with murderers over Christmas or anything! Don't worry about not making it tonight though; sounds like you mum is pretty pissed. If you find a way to get out, you're still welcome here – as always. Al and I miss you lots and we'll come rescue you if you're not at school on Monday!

Love you always

Rosie x

The letter filled me with relief; I hated to let them down, plus I wanted to see Rose, to make sure she was all right. But just the fact they knew what was going on. I don't think I realised quite how much it had been bothering me.

I flopped back down on my bed again shivering slightly, it's always cold in the manor, it's actually quite horrendous. Mother goes on about how the cold keeps everything 'tight'.

"Bums and tums Scorpius." She used to snap at me.

Father used to just roll his eyes and then put a heating charm on my room. For which my seven-year-old self was eternally grateful.

I cannot wait to go back to school now. Although, at school Rose is worse, she retreats into herself more and more. All last term, she just kept getting more distant, I'm not sure if she even realised. By the last few weeks, she was just running on auto. I spoke to Al and Hugo, but neither of them seemed to know what was wrong.

Everyone noticed her vanishing though. And all of a sudden the lack of eating, the getting too skinny, it was almost unnoticeable under all the big sweaters she was wearing (namely mine). Then one day in early December she wore one of her own jumpers again, and it just swamped her when before it had fit perfectly. I hated myself for not noticing. In fact, I think we all did really. But last week, over Christmas, with her family, she sort of became herself again. She smiled properly. She laughed with her eyes.

I missed that. We'd almost forgotten what it looked like.

I have my suspicions that Lily knows something or is in on it too cause, on Boxing Day, they disappeared off together and when they came back, they both looked like they'd been crying. I wish she'd talk to me. Let me know what's bothering her. Al and I decided before I left that, if she gets worse when we get back to school, we'd confront her. For her own good. But I think we both know, if it comes to that. It's not going to go down well.

But that's a risk I'm willing to take. To save the girl I love. Cheesy right?

And there we go. I said it, well, thought it. I never thought that would be me. Loving someone. Even at the beginning of the year, I was still a jumped up little prick to the girls. Merlin. I might lie down for a bit longer.

Rose

"Rose Weasley! Lily Potter! You get your ass' down here right now. Guest's are arriving." Aunt Ginny shouts up the stairs.

"And they heard you using that language mother?" Lily calls back.

I giggle as we hear Ginny sigh.

"Just get down here the pair of you." Ginny shouts.

Lily rolls her eyes, looking so like her mother I grin.

"Come on then." I say. Lily groans.

"I hate these things. They suck. No one lets me drink, and I'm stuck listening to all Grandads friends from the misuse of muggle artifacts office ramble on about plugs and aeroplanes. Or it's some new kid from the auror office ranting on and on about how wondrous dad is." she says disgruntled, as we walk down the stairs.

"I'll slip you a drink Lils." I say laughing at her expression.

"Brilliant. Thanks Rose"

I grin and link my arm with hers as we enter the living room, which has a few early guests loitering around.

"Ah, Lily." An old man in a off grey tweed suit comes hobbling up to my cousin. "Remember I said I'd show you my light bulb collection? Well, I brought it with me…"

Lily gives me a pointed 'I told you so' look as she'd dragged off by the man to view his light bulb collection. Which he eagerly pulls out of a case on the dining room table.

"It's her least favourite event of the year." Ginny says smirking.

"So she's informed me." I say smiling at her misfortune.

"She's just very patient and Dad's friends love telling her about their lives." Ginny says watching Lily pretend to be highly interested in what the man is saying.

"Well, glad I missed out on that one." I say.

"Yes. Well you were normally too busy arguing with Scorpius for them to get hold of you." She eyes me beadily.

"Mmm, yes. Well. That changed a bit." I reply sheepishly.

"You're telling me." Aunt Ginny smirks and winks and I blush what is bound to be a really unattractive red.

"Right, I'm going to grab a drink. I'll see you later Rose."

I give a small wave and go and find Al, who's sitting in the kitchen with James, Dom, Fred, Hugo, Louis and Roxy playing 'never have I ever.'

"On the drink already you lot?" I ask, sitting down next to Dom.

"What do you think makes New Years fun Rosie?" Fred asks.

I laugh and grab a shot glass and pour myself some vodka.

"Rose you can go." Rox says.

"Okay, so, never have I ever… chunned over someone whilst drunk." I grin at Dom, who drinks, and so does a sheepish Hugo. I look at him incredulously.

"Hugo!"

"It was one time." He whines.

I huff and the others all laugh.

"Okay..." Dom grins evilly at me. "Never have I ever… had sexual thoughts about a Malfoy."

"Demon." I roll my eyes at her and drink.

"Returning the favour Rosiepie." She smiles smugly as the alcohol burns the back of my throat.

After a couple of rounds, and several more people joining in our game as they arrive (Including the Scamander's, Creevy's, Ria and Max.) Lily plops down next to me looking ready to kill someone.

"If I hear one more thing about an effing light bulb…" She mutters, grabbing my currently full glass and downing it.

"Having a good evening then sis?" James asks grinning at her.

"Oh you have no idea." She replies.

"Hey Rose," Max hisses in my ear from next to me.

"Yeah?"

"Where's Scorp?"

"Oh his parents made him stay at home for their New Year thing. He's being punished for not staying at the Manor over Christmas." I smile sadly.

"Shame." He replies mock wistfully. "I miss his peroxide locks."

"Not falling for him are you Maxiepoo?" I tease.

"Of course not you muppet. But if he were here I guess you wouldn't be moping quite so much." He smirks.

"Oh shut up." I grin shoving my shoulder into him. "I'm not moping."

"Kidding Rose." He laughs pouring me another shot which I instantly down, to prove him wrong.

"That's my girl." He says laughing and we return to the game.

Scorpius

I think I am going to die. I'm not joking. I am officially aware of what it is like to be bored out of your mind. And I've sat through History of Magic with Professor Binns. If one more person comes over to me and tells me how much I've grown or proffers their Durmstrang bred daughter to me for marriage, I may just lop their heads off. And no I am not exaggerating.

"Alright there Scor?" Dad sidles over to me.

"Yeah, just trying not to off myself." I mutter, looking around to make sure mother isn't in hearing distance.

Dad chuckles appreciatively.

"I know how you feel. Look, if you want to go to the Potter's, I'll cover with your mother. So long as you're back straight after midnight." He says covertly.

I look at him incredulously.

"Seriously?"

"Yes. I love my wife. But even I know how dull these people are." He smirks. "I'm not a completely horrific father."

"I never said you were Dad!" I look mock scandalised "Thank you so much!" I say.

"Not to worry, but be back straight after midnight."

"I will be. I hope it doesn't all get too much for you!"

"I've had years of practice of these things, I'm sure I'll live." He chuckles and ruffles the top of my hair slightly like he used to do when I was a kid. "Now, get out of here."

I don't need telling twice. I hurry down the stairs to the kitchen, out of the back door and towards the gate, as soon as I'm out of the Manor grounds; I focus my thoughts on the Potters house and spin on the spot. The familiar sensation of my lungs being crushed envelops me and when I can finally breathe again, I open my eyes to the warm glow of Al's house, music and laughter coming from the open windows.

I hurry up to the front door and knock.

The door swings open and a somewhat intoxicated George Weasley is standing behind it.

"SCORPIUS." He shouts. "We were told you were imprisoned by your parents."

I laugh, as he throws an arm round my shoulder.

"I escaped. With the help of my father." I tell him.

"Excellent, excellent." George mumbles, clearly not really noticing what I said.

"Scorp." Comes a shout across the room, and next thing I know, a small person with flaming red hair has barrelled into my arms.

"I thought you weren't going to make it?" Rose whispers in my ear.

The smell of her shampoo and perfume invades my senses and I feel like I'm home.

"My dad helped me escape." I tell her.

"Remind me to thank him when I meet him." She says before pulling away and grabbing my hand.

"Come on, we're all outside." She says pulling me too the back door.

"Behave yourselves, you two." George shouts after us, earning a laugh from all the drunken adults in the room.

Rose blushes then opens the door and I follow her round the back of the house to a fire that has all the younger kids around it laughing and passing a couple of bottles.

"SCORPIUS."

"MALFOY."

"SCORP."

Shouts greet me from all sides of the circle.

"Hey guys." I reply, chuckling sitting down on a log next to Rose who has started whispering to Lily about something.

"Malfoy. Glad you could make it." Fred slurs. "How did you manage to escape?"

"My dad is covering for me. It's just mother whose a tyrant at the moment." I tell him. Trying not to laugh as his eyes fail to focus on me.

"Fabulous. Fabulous." He says. Strangely reminiscent of his father.

At that moment Paul Finnigan arrives.

"PAULY."

"FINNIGAN."

"PAUL."

Similar shouts echo towards him as they did me, he laughs and sits down with us.

"Evening all." He says looking round. "What're we drinking then?"

XX

At two minutes to midnight. I pull Rose away from the circle (which has more and more steadily drunk) out to the field a bit away from the house.

"Hey, Scorp." Rose blurts out suddenly leaning her back against my chest and looking up at the sky which is littered with stars.

"I think… I'm in love with you." She says still looking at the sky.

I spin her round so I can look into her eyes. She looks guarded, like she's worried I'm not going to say it back. I smile slightly.

"Well, that's good." I tell her. "Cause I'm pretty sure, I'm in love with you too."

She beams at me.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

I can hear them counting down in the house.

"Ten."

"Nine."

"Eight."

"Aren't you meant to kiss me after proclamations of love?" She asks.

"I'm waiting." I reply.

"For what?"

"Three."

"Two."

"This."

"One."

And then I kiss her, pulling her body into mine, my lips pressing to hers. Placing my hands on her back as she wraps hers round my neck. We kiss as the noises in the house die down.

When she pulls away she smiles up at me and links our hands behind her back.

"Cliché Scorp."

"You love me." I grin down at her.

"It's true."