A/N: Short one - but hope you like it.

Chapter Nine

Scorpius had always thought Rich was a prat. After the fight, he could have tried to worm his way back into Rose's life. Instead the fool started spreading rumours about her, and that only confirmed to her, that she had made the right decision in dumping him.

He told their classmates that he had slept with her and that she was easy and a shit shag. Scorpius thought that was a sure way to tell if someone was bitter – they told anyone who would listen that their ex was a shit shag. Not like he'd know, what with never having sex.

Rose was furious and declared to the shared common room, "Oi listen up you gullible twats! I did not sleep with Rich Nott. I had a lucky escape and I am glad I didn't sleep with him. If I hear anyone saying I did sleep with him, I will hex or jinx you – you have been warned!" most people knew not to push Rose, she knew some pretty good hexes.

She sat back down and continued with her homework, she acted as if the rumours didn't bother her – but Scorpius knew different. He leaned in closely and lowered his voice, so no one else heard.

"No one will believe a wanker like him, over you Rose. Cheer up!" he nudged her with his shoulder.

She sighed heavily, "Yeah I know. But even if people don't believe it – I might get a reputation. It sucks." She crossed out a word on her essay, rather too harshly and it made a hole in the parchment.

"Also if the rumours somehow get back to dad, he will go off his rocker. I think I would move in with you or something, run away, if he found out." Scorpius removed her quill from her hand, before she could so some real damage.

"You're welcome to come live with us – but you'll have to put up with Al! Think I'd rather take an angry Ron, over an annoying Al" he joked.

She sniggered, "Yeah I swear he does things on purpose. Like when you guys stayed over for that month, blimey he tried my last nerve. I think he does it for fun. Like if I was following him down the stairs, he would go at a snail's pace and block the stairs, so I was stuck waiting and walking slowly behind him. Pissed me right off" she ranted.

Scorpius smiled, familiar with the annoying wind up technique that Al used. "Yep, does that to me too. It gets on your nerves, when dad asked me why I was so touchy, and I said Al was walking too slow down the stairs, I was the one who got scolded for being silly"

Scorpius didn't really mind, he was just as bad at winding Al up. "Al tried to do it to James once and James shoved him down the stairs – broke his finger! Think he'd learn from that" laughing at the memory.

"And he knew I ate a certain cereal, and he would eat the last of it, and smirk as he ate it in front of me!" she seemed on a roll, declaring all the frustrating things Al did.

Scorpius chuckled, that one was his trick, and he used to do that to Al all the time. "Trust me Rose, I have lived with the fucker for ten years and he does a lot more shit to me. But I do it right back – it's funny really."

"I used to wait until Al had turned away, and I would put salt in his water. So at the dinner table when he sipped his drink, he would spit it out everywhere. He couldn't prove it was me! James got the blame for a lot of things" grinning at the good times the three boys had growing up.

Rose laughed, "Boys. Hugo isn't like that, but I guess he only has me – so he wouldn't dare try anything."

Scorpius frowned slightly, "Actually I think we get a lot of it from our dads and your family. Ron is always accepting stupid bets and dares from George and Dad, playing pranks and being silly. I guess it just rubbed off on us. I'd say that you and your mum are the odd ones out." Finishing his own homework, with no holes.

He held it up smugly, "Look no holes, I think you need to do yours again" she soured, but then had an evil glint in her eye. She snatched his quill and jabbed it through his homework, causing a huge hole to appear.

"Oh sorry, my hand slipped – I think you need to do yours again." She echoed his words.

He calmly put his homework on the desk, turned to face her fully, "You had to go there didn't you. You're in for it now Weasel" and he lunged for her, tickling her.

"Stop it! Stop it! No it tickles, Stop Malfoy!" she was breathless and gasping.

Scorpius carried on, "No I won't, not until you apologise and admit my hair is better than yours, oh and that I am smarter than you!" he joked as he continued to tickle her.

People in the shared common room, were looking at the pair. Some were laughing, some were shaking their heads – wondering when those two would get it on, and Kelly was fuming. She had told all her friends that Scorpius was interested in her. He had been flirting with her, charming her and sending her longing looks and seductive smiles. He had led her on –or maybe he was only messing with Rose, she was like a sister to him. She calmed down, she decided that was it. Rose and Scorpius were like brother and sister.

In between cries and laughs, Rose rasped out. "Never. I won't apologise, your hair is not better than mine and you are not smarter than me. You're so stupid, you stared at a carton of orange juice, because it said concentrate" she squealed as he dug his fingers in harder.

He barked out a laugh at that one, he must admit, Rose always found new and funny ways of calling people stupid. He stopped tickling her and retorted, "You're so stupid you studied for a blood test" Rose blinked a few times and then started laughing so hard, she had to grab her sides.

Al walked in and sat opposite them, "What's with Rose, she's crying with laughter" he asked Scorpius, who looked the picture of calm indifference.

He leaned back against the sofa, "She is just laughing at my outstanding wit and humour" he told Al.

Al snorted, "You always had a problem with being modest, Pillock!"

He only smiled more at that, "I just told her a 'you're so stupid…' joke" he admitted, not so smugly.

Al held up his head, chin raised, "I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with you, as I will not take advantage of the handicapped" he deadpanned. But he started laughing when Rose started choking and Scorpius mouth hung open like a fish.

All three laughed, it felt good to be joking with each other again. No one arguing or snapping at one another.

Scorpius pulled his ruined homework towards him and set about writing it out again, huffing and moaning as he did so.

"Oh I forgot to say. I got a letter from James, he's pissed off we had the map taken away, and that he now has to do his own laundry. He said he doesn't mind though as he just walks around his flat naked" Al told them.

Scorpius laughed and Rose scrunched up her nose, "Ew Al, I do not want the image of butt naked James in my head" she shook her head, as if trying to dislodge it.

Scorpius' life would definitely be so boring if Harry, James and Al hadn't moved in. "What if someone floo's him or knocks on his door?" he genuinely was intrigued.

Al laughed, "He said he answered the door naked and he gave the new neighbour a shock. But it turned out alright in the end, as she's now dating him. Guess she couldn't resist the old Potter charm and sexy body, that we are all fortunate to have" he cockily said.

Scorpius snorted, "Potter charm my ass! You Potters have stumbled through life, and just happen to land on your feet. Whereas we Malfoys are born with charm, good looks and brains" he drawled in a bored voice, inspecting his nails.

Al screwed up a spare piece of parchment and threw it at him, "Malfoys are born with a stick up their butts and have ideas above their station" he replied.

Anyone who didn't know the two boys, would think they were arguing and that they disliked each other. However it was a stand by routine for them, insult each other's families or names.

"It's not the Malfoys fault that some people are meant to serve and the Potters are the prefect candidates" Al laughed.

"Okay, truce – this could go on all night. Anyway, technically our family are Potter-Malfoys or Malfoy-Potters, not too sure, I should ask dad really."

Scorpius always thought the best decision his dad ever made, was marrying Harry Potter. He would never admit that to Al.

"Do you think James will have a Christmas party and we can sneak in? I bet his house parties are epic!" Al sounded as if he was daydreaming about all the parties James would be having.

Scorpius looked to Rose, "I bet we could. James wouldn't care, just need to get around the 'rents" Rose smiled encouragingly.

"Oh that would be so cool, James would probably let us drink and do whatever we wanted. You and Al must think of a plan, you two are the best at being sneaky. I will write to James, asking if he's having a Christmas party" she looked like she had just been given the top grade in her exam – excited and smiling away.

Scorpius brows furrowed, "Okay, but only if you don't get stupidly drunk again. I can't be dealing with that – no way" his voice firm.

"Deal – oh we can organise a Christmas party of our own here. We can have it in the shared common room, so all house can attend. It can be for third years and up, only teenagers. We can decorate it and have secret Santa" she was speaking really fast now and her voice got more incoherent as she got more excited.

She jumped up, "I'm going to tell Natalie my great idea, bye losers" and she left.

Scorpius groaned, "Merlin, there will be no stopping her now. At least we might get a cool Hogwarts party before we go home. If we do secret Santa, for everyone in our year, then who knows what name you might draw out?" Scorpius pondering all the possibilities.

"Can you imagine picking Rich? But I guess as its secret Santa he wouldn't know who it was from – it could be so much fun. I'd probably get him, 101 sexual positions for gays or something" Al frowned. "Oh that's what he said I was reading the other day"

"Oh, bet he thought he was being so clever – dickhead" Al hated the guy even more now, as he was spreading rumours about Rose.

Al eyed his best mate, wondering if he should ask the question he wanted to ask. Scorpius caught him staring, "What Al?"

"I was thinking…"

Scorpius grinned, cutting Al off, "So, a thought crossed your mind? Must have been a long and lonely journey" laughing at Al. He looked torn between being proud of Scorpius for the insult and well insulted.

"You twat" kicking him lightly in the leg, "I was going to say, now that Rose is single, are you going to make a move?" he delighted in watching the usually calm and composed Scorpius Malfoy, flush and fidget slightly.

He frowned, "I don't know Al, I really don't. I have the world's biggest crush on her, but what if she rejects my offer, or we date and it goes all wrong and then it would be really awkward and ruin our friendship" he sat in thought for some time, "Maybe, I will have a serious think about it."

Al didn't push it, he hoped they would just be drawn together and nature would take its course.

(Time skip)

James was sat lounging in his last pair of boxers and a t-shirt he had turned inside out. He has just received an interesting letter from dear old cousin Rosie.

She had asked with as much subtlety as a hippogriff in a tutu, dancing on his coffee table, if he was having a Christmas party, the first since moving out and hinted about them coming. She had promised they would behave and get their dads permission.

James was no fool, yes their dads might let them come over for an hour or so – but he knew those three would want to get into as much trouble as they could in that hour. He didn't mind he knew what it was like – he would agree, but do what he always did. Pretend that he didn't care and act like he was up for anything, but keep a strict eye on them.

He put away the letter and went to make breakfast. Frowning he had no bowls left, so he grabbed a small saucepan and ate his cereal out of that. Half way through his breakfast there was a knock at the door.

He took his saucepan of ceral with him, still clad in his last pair of boxers and an inside-out t-shirt – he opened the door. His dads were stood on the doorstep, smiling and then frowning at him.

He invited them in "James, are you eating out of a saucepan?" His dad asked, he sounded dumbfounded.

They took a seat on the sofa, "Yeah I am. I haven't washed up yet and I ran out of bowls – I'm hungry so I improvised" he explained in a 'so and' why, challenging his dad to pick fault with it.

Draco arched an eyebrow, "You forgot we were coming didn't you? I mean not even you James, would greet guests in manky boxers and a t-shirt – which is inside out" voice laced with disgust, probably because of James' attire.

James laughed, "I forgot yeah. I'll go get dress in a bit, can't do anything about my boxers though, my last pair. Oh actually I'll go commando!" he snickered as Draco's mouth turned down, he always found Draco's snobbiness to be funny.

Harry rolled his eyes, "James, you don't have to live in a pig sty and dress like a homeless person. Just do you laundry and cleaning. It isn't too much to ask – we raised you better, you're living like a pig" he rebuked.

Just to annoy his dads, he drank the milk left in the bottom – slurping it on purpose. "James I suggest you stop trying my patience, unless you don't want your allowance" Draco snapped.

James immediately stopped, that was serious – he wasn't going to keep pushing, not after a threat like that. He turned scandalised to Draco, "What? But you and dad promised, if I got a job and paid my own way, you would give me an allowance to help me out!" he exclaimed.

Draco smirked, "Don't worry you're getting your allowance, I just wanted you to stop pushing your luck. Your father and me, are actually very proud of you. You have moved out, got a job, you pay your bill and you are somewhat being independent" he gave James a smile.

James had always liked Draco, even back when they first met him and he was eight – he could see the good in him. He would always like Draco for one reason – he made his dad love again, made him truly happy.

"Well thank you Draco – I also have a proposition for the both of you." He sounded smug.

Harry didn't like the tone in his son's voice, "What James? Out with it!"

James glanced between his dads, "Well if you two help me clean this place up, laundry included. I will take dumb and dumber off your hands for a few days in the Christmas holidays. They can stay here and we can have some brother bonding time. I know you might get fed up with them hanging around doing nothing, getting in the way of your 'alone' time" he wiggled his eyebrows at that.

Draco laughed, James had a point. He wasn't stupid, he was sure that James would most likely be having some sort of party, when they were over. And it wouldn't surprise him if Rose convinced Ron and Hermione to be allowed to stay over. But he was young once, and he wouldn't deny them the opportunity to party, and to think they got one over on the oldies. Not to mention, the bonus of alone time with Harry.

He looked over at James, "If we help you clean, you will keep on top of it and not let it get this bad again?" Draco asked voice stern.

"Yes Draco – Merlin, anyone would think you have OCD or something. Actually it's not nice having northing to wear. I will keep this place so clean you could eat your dinner off it." He smiled a cheeky grin, which always made Draco soften up a little bit.

Harry stood, "Right if we're going to do this, we better start now, this place is a pit. Oh and no way am I doing the bathroom!" with that he pointed his wand at James saucepan cereal bowl and levitated it to the kitchen sink.

Draco huffed, "Oi Potter – no way am I doing the bathroom either" he looked at James, "Youngest does the bathroom – bad luck. I'm going to sort your clothes and laundry" scrunching his nose up at the thought of James' smelly socks.

Draco didn't know why he put himself through this – well yes he did. He loved all three boys, James and his untidiness included.

It took some time, but eventually James' flat was looking perfect, dishes washed, clothes washed and put away and everything else cleaned. "Ah that's better" James sighed, breathing in the fresh air.

Harry chuckled, "I know, its amazing James. There are these things called windows, you open them and fresh air comes in and smells go out – astonishing really!" he jested with his son.

"Really, well paint me purple and call me Barney – who knew." He deadpanned.

His dads laughed, "Where did your boys get their sense of humour from, it wasn't you?" Draco said turning to Harry.

Harry ignored the insult, "Well since we have been here all day, we might as well treat you to dinner." With that they all ate a nice family dinner.

Once James returned he sent a letter to Rose, confirming that dumb and dumber had permission from their dads to come stay with him for a few days, and he suggested she ask he parents for the same. He also confirmed he would indeed host a party, but they were to be on their best behaviour.