AN: Oh, this chapter might be a little… inappropriate for younger viewers in the beginning. Readers discretion is advised. Remember to read and review both, since this is a duel chapter release (i.e., both 18 and 19 were released at the same time).

Disc.: Borrow, not own.

Summer

Scorpius was lazily sitting on the bench in the locker room, staring at his open locker. He closed his eyes, a bit tired at the moment and thinking he'd rather take a nap than to play Quidditch at the moment. His house was so far behind in points, there was no chance in hell of them pulling out of third. The idea was to keep from being last, anything to be ahead of Gryffindor. He felt cool hands cover his eyes, and he fought a grin as a mouth pressed against the side of his neck.

"Happy Birthday," she whispered as her tongue flicked over his now burning flesh. He turned to see Lily standing there, wearing just her button up school shirt. Most of the buttons were undone and he knew it would take but a moment to remove the rest.

"Lily?" he said uncertainly as she sat down on the bench next to him. Her hands cradled his face and she kissed him, her mouth encouraging the beast from with to purr with delight. His stomach clenched as she jerked his shirt off over his head. He didn't bother with her buttons, instead he tore her shirt from her. She pressed herself so firmly against him that he knew he'd not stop this, even if he wanted to, he couldn't. They were breathing hard, her fingers tugging at his pants.

"I want you," she breathed. "Now."

"Ok," he replied as she kissed him harder. He couldn't believe it. He was going to do it, he was going to go all the way with her and he couldn't think of a single reason why he shouldn't. He wanted her like no one before her. He couldn't look at her, pull his eyes from her face. She was perfect and lovely. He wanted to mark her as his own and claim her for life.

"Scorpius, I never want to leave you," she said as their flesh burned between them.

"Scorpius?" another voice said. He frowned. Not now, not when things were so good. Why now?

"Go away," he whispered.

"Wake up, Scorpius," Damon said shaking his shoulder. Scorpius reluctantly opened his eyes.

"What now, West?" Scorpius growled.

"Look, you have got to shut the hell up, ok?" Damon whispered. "It's just… indecent, ok?"

"God," Scorpius said forcing himself up into a sitting position. His face was on fire. "I was talking again, wasn't I?"

"Not just talking," Damon muttered. Another fifth year boy snickered.

"Perfect," Scorpius mumbled. "Great."

"Look, man we, you and I, are best friends," Damon said as he retreated to his own bed. "But if you ever have a dream about me that has that kind of response from you, I forbid you to ever tell me about it."

"Shut up," Scorpius said throwing a book at him.

"I think you dropped your book," Damon teased as he threw it back. Scorpius caught it, tossing it on the bed next to him.

"What day is it?" Scorpius asked.

"Very, very, very early morning on Thursday," Damon said.

"Well the dream was right about one thing," Scorpius said as he let his head hit the pillow. "Today is my birthday."

"Well, here's to hoping Lily gives that kind of present for your birthday," Damon yawned. "But I highly doubt it. You've buried her so far into the friends' zone I doubt she'll ever be able to dig her way out."

"Shut up," Scorpius snarled.

"Go to sleep, will you?" one of their dorm mates growled sleepily.

Lily's birthday wishes for him later that morning were nothing like the ones he'd dreamed about, and while incredibly unrealistic given their state of friendship, he still had hoped that she would. He could say he was disappointed by it, though. She greeted him with a giant grin and gave him hug, tucking her head against his chest.

"Happy Birthday, Score," Lily said as she tilted her head back to look at him for a second before pulling away. "How does it feel to be the ripe old age of sixteen?"

"When you say it like that, it makes me feel downright old," Scorpius said sourly as she increased the distance between them.

"Well, at least you get to go home now, huh?" Lily smirked. "Your birthday gift from Hogwarts, the last day of school."

"Yeah, yeah," Scorpius said rolling his eyes.

"Anyways, I wanted to wish you a happy birthday," Lily said. She held out a small package.

"You didn't have to get me anything," Scorpius said hesitantly. Lily smiled.

"It's not like I spent any money on it," Lily said dismissively as he took it. She turned and started to walk away.

"Aren't you going to watch me open it?" Scorpius asked. Lily glanced over her shoulder and smiled.

"You're a big boy," Lily said. "You can manage it. Plus, I don't want to miss out on getting bacon, you know."

"Quidditch season's over with," Scorpius called to her as she disappeared through the portrait hole. He yawned as he took a seat and tore the paper back from the small, flat package. He looked at it, confused.

"What cha got there?" Damon asked as he stumbled from the dormitory.

"My birthday gift from Lily," Scorpius said quietly. Damon looked at it and smiled.

"Well, hell… isn't that cute," Damon teased. "Is that from when you were staying with the Potters over Christmas?"

"Must have been," Scorpius said. "Though I don't recall many pictures being taken."

"Dude, she's totally crazy about you," Damon said as he looked down of the framed picture of Lily and Scorpius. They were sitting near the tree, looking at each other, Lily's hand on his shoulder, her placed behind him so he had to twist slightly to look at her. Scorpius could picture it as if it had just happened. She had whispered to him about her grandmother making the sweaters. She was smiling, and he could see that she liked him. How many times had they kissed that holiday?

He was supposed to be doing his prefect duties, but Scorpius couldn't focus. Lily was monopolizing on his thought. It was only out done by the fact that he turned the corner to find her lounging in a compartment, the door open. She was alone for the moment, her ankles crossed and up on the seat. Asher was walking up and down her body while she slept. Her face was pressed up against the back of the seat and she was asleep.

"Lily?" Scorpius said as he looked at her sleeping, thinking she was absolutely perfect. He felt the train slowing and knew that it was nearly time to start gathering belongings. He dared to touch her face, cupping her cheek, and the dream from the early hours flooded his mind.

"Scorpius?" Lily murmured as she yawned. She swung her legs around, standing as the train lurched on its stop. Scorpius grabbed her to keep her tumbling to the floor. She smiled at him as she looked up at him.

"Careful there," he said laughing. "Can't have you getting hurt just days before our little trip, can we?"

"No, no we can't," Lily said. For a second, they both could tell what they wanted and what the other wanted, just from the looks they were giving each other. Lily broke free and scooped up Asher, putting the reluctant fur ball in his basket.

"So, I guess we'll see each other soon," Scorpius said as she gathered her belongings.

"Soon," Lily replied as she joined the others in queue. "See you then."

Lily looked at her mother, her fingers drumming on the wooden table impatiently. Ginny was going over the last details of Lily's departure with her. Lily sighed and held up the various documents to show Ginny that she had them. Lily was hardly in the mood to show her mother the passport again, but she complied, holding it up before she tucked it back into her purse. Ginny sighed and looked at the two suitcases standing erect at the door.

"Mum, I've been away from home before," Lily said exasperatedly as her mother gave her the once over.

"This is different," Ginny explained. "This isn't you going off to school."

"I'll be with the Malfoys," Lily reassured her. Ginny reflexively made a face.

"Sorry, honey," Ginny apologized when Lily made a face. "I admit I hold prejudice, and I know I shouldn't. A lot has changed in the twenty-some-odd years."

"Mrs. Malfoy is going to be picking me up any minute," Lily said glancing at the clock on the wall. "I'm going to be safe and behave myself."

"Promise me you'll call if you want to come home," Ginny said as the door bell chimed.

"I'll call you," Lily promised.

Narcissa Malfoy looked as if she had just walked out of an elegant magazine. She smiled at Ginny and looked at the two suitcases Lily had packed and her back pack. She sat with Ginny, drinking tea, and assuring Ginny that she was accompanying Draco and Scorpius, as Lily's chaperone, and that she should feel at ease. Narcissa ran over Lily's documents with her quickly before she grabbed one of Lily's suitcases. She looked at Lily, her face kind and barely telling of her true age.

"Ready for an adventure?" Narcissa asked Lily.

"Yes ma'am," Lily said as she hugged and kissed her mother good bye.

Lily was in awe of Narcissa and her driving skills. She owned a sporty silver car that Narcissa had called a little diversion to her Grandmotherly ways. Lily had laughed at that as she sat next to the stylish woman, wondering if she'd ever grow up to be such an elegant and imposing woman. Lily doubted it. The two talked about the book series and about school.

"What do you think you'll be after you graduate from school?" Narcissa asked curiously. Lily hesitated.

"Well, I was thinking I'd like to go to medical school," Lily said quietly.

"Muggle medical school?" Narcissa asked.

"If my parents' will approve, yes, otherwise I'll go to the Wizard Healing Institute," Lily said. She looked at the woman. "I've not told anyone that I want to do that. I like Quidditch, but I don't think I want to go pro, you know?"

"The WHI is a great school," Narcissa said smiling. "A doctor or a healer would be a wonderful job. Very fulfilling."

"What did you want to be," Lily said. Narcissa smiled a sort of wistful, pained smile.

"I never had the luxury of choice," Narcissa said. "My grandfather paired me with Lucius and immediately we were married. Draco came along a few years later."

"But had you been able to choose?" Lily asked. Narcissa thought for a moment.

"I wanted to work in the Department of Mysteries," Narcissa said. "The idea of being around things of a supernatural nature interested me. That dream died when I was accepted at Hogwarts, confirming my marriage to Lucius."

"I'm sorry," Lily said quietly. Narcissa smiled.

"Don't be," Narcissa said. "We all live the lives we are meant to live."

Lily had been to the house on several occasions, yet it never ceased to amaze her. Here, in the early summer, the grass was a deep emerald green, a Slytherin green. She smiled at the fitting color as the car silently pulled up the drive and parked. A few house elves swarmed the car, opening doors and removing the luggage. Narcissa and Lily walked through the door and Lily inhaled, loving the sweet smell of the house. She smiled almost shyly as Draco appeared from the office.

"Are you excited?" Draco asked glancing at the way Lily twisted her fingers.

"Yeah," Lily said blushing and pulling her hands apart.

"And you brought your passport, right?" Draco asked.

"Yes," Lily said nodding.

"Why don't you head up and visit with Scorpius a bit while I have lunch started," Narcissa suggested. Lily nodded. "Your room is right across the hall from his, the door's open and your luggage is already in there."

"Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy," Lily said.

"Please, Lily, call me Gran," Narcissa said. She looked at Draco and cleared her throat delicately.

"What? I like the idea of Potter's kid calling me mister," Draco said. His mother gave him a look and he laughed. "Lily, feel free to call me Draco."

"Yes, sir," Lily said. She hesitated before she started away.

"He did a good job, raising a polite child," Narcissa commented quietly to Draco as she turned and headed towards the kitchens. Lily climbed the stairs silently, tripping on the last one and nearly falling on her face. She blushed, glancing around and relieved that no one had seen her trip going up the stairs. She wasn't surprised to see Scorpius' door open. His room was a complete disaster, his trunk wide open and clothes strewn about. His luggage was open, half full, and Scorpius was on his back, eyes closed.

"Please tell me you aren't asleep again," Lily groaned as she shook his shoulder hard, pulling back before he could grab her.

"Oh, hey," he said sleepily.

"We leave in the morning and you're still not packed," Lily said shaking her head.

"I'll finish in time," Scorpius said. "How was the ride in with Gran?"

"Good," Lily said as she took a seat by the window. He rolled to his stomach to watch her. She crossed her ankles and folded her hands in her lap.

"Are you not wearing the locket?" he asked quietly.

"I am," Lily said as she fished it from under her tee shirt. "I just like to keep it close."

"Cute," Scorpius said. Lily rolled her eyes.

"So, I was thinking that since you and I are friends," Lily murmured. "It'd be ok if I ask you something."

"Sure," Scorpius replied. He sat up on his bed, looking over at her curiously.

"I have that friend, Shale, from school," Lily said.

"I remember him," he confirmed.

"I think I have a problem with him," Lily said. "He's one of my best friends, and I care about him deeply, but he's Kate's ex-boyfriend and I think he's confused."

"Confused?" Scorpius said.

"I think I've blurred the lines between our friendships," Lily said. "I've been thinking about something we talked about back at school. It was a conversation about body parts, and it kind of stuck with me."

"Body parts?"

"You know," Lily said as her face blazed with embarrassment. "Personal body parts. I just don't want to screw things up with him."

"As friends?" Scorpius pressed.

"Yeah," Lily said.

"I think Shale will survive you turning his advances down," Scorpius said. Lily thought on it a bit.

"He did seem ok when I turned him down after he kissed me," Lily said more to herself. She glanced up to see Scorpius climbing off his bed.

"That was that night wasn't it? The night you woke me up and had me haul him down to the hospital wing," Scorpius said smirking as he folded some of the clothes.

"Eh," Lily said as a smile threatened. She looked away quickly.

"Fine, fine, don't tell me," Scorpius said as he loaded the clothes into his suit case. He headed towards her, laughter in his eyes. "I bet it was a spectacular hit."

"It was," Lily laughed.

"That's my girl," Scorpius said as he tousled her hair. Lily rolled her eyes and smoothed her hair down.

"You'd better mean that in the friendliest way as possible," Lily said. "Otherwise I'm not sitting by you on the plane."

"Awe, you're mean," Scorpius smirked as he headed back to his suitcase.

"Kids? Lunch!" Draco called from the bottom of the stairs. Scorpius pulled Lily up by her hand off the seat and led her out of the bedroom.

Lily looked at her reflection in the mirror, thinking that she would have liked to have a little more to fill out her top. She was glad she had chosen white, even though she was pale compared to the natives on the island and half of the tourists, but she didn't care. She still thought she looked pretty cute. She exited the bathroom, wearing the two-piece swimsuit.

"Still think I look too young?" Lily teased cheerily. Scorpius growled and covered his head with the blanket, not looking at her.

"Lily, jet lag," he complained not even looking at her.

"Wimp," Lily laughed as she pulled her shorts and shirt on. "And jet lag only works as an excuse when you go back in the time zones, not forward."

"I don't think so," Scorpius said. Lily jerked back his covers from over his head.

"Get up or I'm leaving you behind," Lily said. "And I'm sure that there are a lot of guys that would love to take me around the island."

"Fine, fine," Scorpius growled.

"I'll be in the other room for ten minutes, and then I'm leaving," Lily threatened lightly as she stepped out of the bedroom that the two of them were sharing, each with their own full sized hotel bed. They were staying in a three bedroom suite, Lily and Scorpius sharing the children's room. The adults had seemed hesitant about letting them share but the kids were acting more and more like siblings than anything else with their playfulness and bickering. In the end, the door was spelled permanently open and there weren't any issues.

"You are so the little sister I never wanted," Scorpius grumbled as he stumbled out into the main room. Lily glanced up at him from her toast, grinning.

"Good to know that," Lily laughed as he stopped to tie his swim trunks. He threw himself into the chair next to her. She had already pour him a cup of coffee and made him a plate.

"Isn't that sweet of Lily?" Narcissa asked as she looked up from her paper.

"What?" Scorpius asked yawning.

"Lily making you a plate, of course," Narcissa said shaking her head. "I swear, Scorpius, you really aren't a morning person."

"Neither is she," Scorpius accused good naturedly as he took a sip of the coffee. "She's just really good at pretending."

"So?" Lily grinned. "Do you really want to spend all of two weeks sleeping? You can sleep the rest of summer. Now's the time for fun."

"This island is so boring!" Scorpius complained. Lily laughed.

"I've already signed us up for activities," Lily told him. Scorpius looked at her warily.

"Activities?" Scorpius asked. "Like swimming and stuff?"

"No, not swimming," Lily said shaking her head. "I can't swim, at least not well enough not to get myself killed. This is more like hiking and stuff."

"Seriously?" Scorpius frowned.

"Would you rather go shopping with me?" Narcissa offered. Scorpius shook his head.

"No, but micromanaging my holiday isn't exactly ideal," Scorpius said.

"I just planned out like one or two activities," Lily told him. She crossed her arms. "You don't have to go with me if you don't want."

"I'll go hiking with you, but then you have to go on the Sea Brooms with me," Scorpius said. Lily looked at him confused.

"Sea brooms?" Lily said.

"I'll show you," he promised.

"Agreed," Lily said.

Hiking was boring. Even Lily could admit it. It wasn't even really a hike, more like a tour on a trolley. Scorpius fell asleep half way through after glaring at Lily for a bit. She had apologized and spent the rest of the time looking at the boring greenery. At the end of the fake-hike, the two walked back to pool.

"How about a swim?" Scorpius teased, his mood lightening slightly.

"Very funny," Lily said. "How about lunch and then you can swim."

"Sure, drown me," Scorpius said with mock hurt. "Eating and swimming."

"You're so melodramatic," Lily laughed as they were guided to Narcissa's table. The woman looked up at the kids.

"How was the hike, kids?" She asked.

"A bust," they both agreed.

"Do you want to go shopping with me on one of the other islands?" Narcissa offered.

"No, Lily promised to go on the sea brooms with me if I went on the hike," Scorpius said grinning at her. Lily shook her head.

"I still don't know what sea brooms are," Lily said. "But I promised, so fine."

Lily stood on a dock alone for a few moments. Sweat beaded up on her forehead and she had stuffed her tee shirt in her bag, looking at her reflection in the rental shop window. She had no idea what Scorpius was doing inside, but he came out looking pretty triumphant. He looked at her and fumbled with the key he had in his hand. Lily frowned and scooped the key off the splintered wood.

"Something wrong?" Lily asked as she looked at herself in the reflection. She thought for what she had to work with, she was doing pretty well and looking good.

"Oh, er, no," Scorpius said blushing. "Let me lock your bag up in the lockers."

"Ok," Lily said as she held it out to him. He headed to the lockers, tossing the bag into the first free one and removing the key. Lily safety pinned it in her shorts pocket and followed him down the dock. He stopped, her knocking into him and falling back on her bottom. He turned and looked at her, offering her his hand.

"Sea brooms," Scorpius said as the two of them stood looking at a small water craft. Lily started laughing.

"A Sea-Do," Lily laughed. "You want me to ride on a jet ski over open water? Have you lost your mind? I can't swim!"

"I thought of that," he said as he gestured to two life jackets. "They're streamline and thin for comfort. Then there's always me. I'm an excellent swimmer and I'd save you."

"Like I need to be in debt to you for saving my life again," Lily said as Scorpius handed her a jacket. He stepped into his leg straps, tightening them and sliding his arms in. He looked at her when he was finished zipping and buckling.

"How in the world do you manage to get dressed in the morning without getting tangled up?" Scorpius teased as he shook his head. He helped her buckle up and the two of them climbed aboard.

It was almost as thrilling as the first time Lily had ridden a broom, the way the wind whipped at her face, but with water in the spray. She clung to him, her arms wrapped tight around him. He stopped and jumped off into the water, removing his jacket first, swimming circles around the craft diving under the water, surfacing after what Lily swore was too long to be under water.

"Show off," Lily smirked. Scorpius rested his chin on his arms, looking up at her.

"Want to come and swim," he asked as he trailed water on her.

"You know I can't swim," she said.

"Trust me," he said. Lily hesitated before she unhooked her buckles.

"I'm going to drown," she said mournfully as she hung her jacket on the handle next to his.

"I'm not going to let you drown," Scorpius promised. Lily looked at him with doubt.

"If you do, I swear I'll haunt you," she threatened with a smile.

"If you drown, I'll drown myself," Scorpius promised. Lily stuck her tongue out at him and gripped the Jet Ski.

"Oh, the water's warm," Lily said as she hung onto tight.

"You really can't swim?" Scorpius asked.

"I can sort of tread water," Lily said. "But that's about it."

"That's all I needed to know," Scorpius said as he pulled her fingers free of the Jet Ski.

"No!" she said in a panic as she tried to grip back onto it.

"It'll be ok," he promised and she shook her head, now gripping onto him. Her arms were around his neck and she refused to let go. She wrapped her legs around him, her one free hand reaching for the water craft. "Easy, Lily you're going to drown me the way you're climbing up me."

"Better you than me," she said half heartedly as her fingers tried to grip any part of it.

"I'm not going to let anything happen to you," Scorpius chuckled. He held onto the Jet Ski, his free arm around her. "You really ought to learn how to swim."

"Yeah, well, I'll keep that in mind," Lily growled slightly as she clung to him. He sighed.

"Go ahead and climb back on, then," he said. Lily looked relieved as he pushed her back on the Jet Ski. He let go of it, continuing to gracefully tread water. She sat on the seat.

"You suck, you know," Lily said as she watched him. "You're too damn perfect."

"Gee, you say that like it's a bad thing," Scorpius said laughing. "Scoot back so I can get on."

"I want to drive it," Lily told him. He climbed on the back, tipping it dangerously to the side. He slid behind her, wrapping his arms around her midsection.

"This is… nice," he said as he pressed his face against her shoulder. She laughed.

"Eager to be the girl then?" she teased.

"No," Scorpius said with his face still pressed to her bare shoulder. "You're just so soft."

"Great," Lily laughed as she wiggled free of him. She handed him his life jacket and worked to get her jacket on as well. "I want to be the soft one. Not great for Quidditch."

"Eh," Scorpius said as he pulled on his jacket. He reached around to the front of her, buckling her jacket carefully. "You're being soft doesn't have anything to do with Quidditch. It's not related."

"You're not making any sense," Lily laughed. She started up the Jet Ski. "Now, I'm in control."

"Sure, whatever you think," Scorpius laughed as the two sped off.

Lily waved Scorpius and Draco off, both of them looking stylish and well dressed in suits. Scorpius was having to spend the day with his father, doing business stuff, and Lily planned to spend the time reading by the pool. She had to admit that he was rather good looking in a suit and she kind of enjoyed watching him sleepily tie his tie.

"I'll see you later, ok?" he promised. "I forgot that I'd have to spend a little time learning this business crap, you know that my dad insists I learn his investments, that will one day become my investments, too."

"Don't worry about it," Lily said as she lounged on her bed, ankle crossed. She had her arms crossed against her stomach.

"You're not mad are you?" Scorpius asked as he crossed to her bed. Lily looked up at him, a smile on her face.

"Nuh-uh," Lily murmured.

"Good," he said as he kissed her forehead. Lily made a face. "What?"

"Kind of pale good bye, huh?" Lily accused with a smirk.

"Well, maybe we can discuss that later," Scorpius said. "Have a good day today. Try not to have too much fun without me."

Scorpius was thankful when he and his father finally returned to the suite. It was nearly dark and they were planning on taking Narcissa and Lily to a nice dinner. Narcissa looked up as the two walked in, a look on her face. She smiled.

"I think going out for dinner tonight is not a good idea," Narcissa said. "I've already called and ordered for us, so it should be here shortly."

"Oh?" Draco said.

"Lily over did it a bit today and is resting," Narcissa said lightly. Draco and Scorpius looked at the bedroom door.

"Is she ok?" Draco asked as Scorpius removed his tie and coat, heading to the room.

"She'll be fine," Narcissa said.

The room was pitch black and Scorpius could see something laying face down on his bed. He tossed his jacket and tie aside, sitting on the bed. He rested his hand on Lily's back, surprised to find it bare and as if it was on fire. She gasped from the pain.

"Are you ok?" Scorpius asked as he pulled his hand back.

"Noooo," Lily breathed.

"What happened?" Scorpius said tensely.

"I fell asleep by the pool," Lily groaned. Scorpius flipped the light on, the contrast between Lily's white two-piece bathing suit and her fire red flesh intense.

"You look like a piece of striped candy," Scorpius said.

"Shut up," Lily growled. Scorpius snickered. "It's not funny."

"Awe, I know, I'm sorry," Scorpius said quietly. He thought a minute or two. "You want me to put some lotion on your back or something?"

"I don't want to be touched," whined Lily.

"I guess I'll sleep in your bed tonight, then," Scorpius said.

"NO, don't leave," Lily begged as he pulled away from her.

"I don't want to accidentally touch you," Scorpius said as Lily rolled onto her back. She exhaled in a low moan.

"I'll be ok," Lily breathed again.

"Can I get you anything?" he asked her.

"Some commonsense?" Lily joked.

"Yeah, I don't think I can help you there," Scorpius said laughing. Lily struggled to sit for a second and gave up. He looked at her concerned. "You sure that there's nothing I can get you?"

"Your Gran already gave me something," Lily said. She rolled to her side, showing him her back.

"It still looks really red," Scorpius said cringing.

"You should have seen it when I drug myself up here an hour ago," Lily said. "I thought your Gran was going to faint."

"Yeah?" Scorpius said.

"She did look a bit burnt," Narcissa said as she held two take-away containers of food. She brought them into the room. She placed the containers on the bed with a few cans of soda. "It looks much better though. A few more hours and it should be better. Remember to wear sunscreen tomorrow."

"Yes, ma'am," Lily said as she finally sat up. Narcissa left the two of them to eat. Scorpius moved to sit next to her on the bed, resting against the head board while they ate dinner. Lily flipped the television on to some random movie.

"Yum," Scorpius said eating. "Gran always chooses the best food for take-away."

"It's very good," Lily agreed as she ate.

"Let me check your back," Scorpius said. Lily turned to show him her back, the color still a shade of red, though much less violent in its intensity. "It looks a lot better."

"Feels better, too," Lily said as she closed the top of her container and stood. "I think I will take a shower and get out of my swimsuit. I feel like I am running around in my underwear."

"Hmm," Scorpius said noncommittally. Lily smiled at him.

"Don't take my seat," Lily said as she gathered a few things. "I'll be back."

Lily bound back into the room, shivering from the shower and the air conditioning. She climbed back into Scorpius' bed. She snuggled up against him without asking, resting her head against his chest. She sighed and fell asleep. Scorpius didn't realize that she was asleep until he went to move his arm. He looked down at her, asleep.

"Lils, wake up," Scorpius said touching her face.

"No," Lily mumbled as she snuggled closer to him.

"You have to go to your own bed," Scorpius said.

"Not tonight," Lily yawned as she turned over.

"You want me to go sleep in your bed?" he asked as he jerked his tee shirt off over his head and threw it to onto the chair.

"No," Lily mumbled as she tucked her face into the pillow.

"It's going to be tough for me to sleep next to you," Scorpius confessed. He was leaning over her, his mouth nearly touching her ear. She stretched her arms a bit and rolled to her back, slightly cringing before her face relaxed.

"Why's that?" she asked sleepily. Her eyes were still closed and he could tell that she was on the very brink of sleep. He waited a moment.

"Because, even though I still think you are too young for me, I think I'm falling for you," Scorpius whispered as he touched her lips with his fingers. He paused, waiting for her response. "Lils? Are you awake?" Scorpius was met with silence.