Hello!

It's been a while *hides under the blanket*

The writing may be choppy - still getting back to the grind of writing stories.

And this one's a fairly long chapter. So please bear with me.

Warning: Cursing alert!

Disclaimer: Everything recognisable belongs to JK Rowling. No copyright infringement intended.

5. November 2022

"Sorry Professor Jefferson! Got a bit held up!" Scorpius Malfoy blurted as he hurriedly entered the Advanced Potions class, earning a disapproving sigh from their Potions teacher.

"Now that Mr. Malfoy has graced us with his presence-" Scorpius flushed red as moved towards his seat, "-let's get back to step no. 4"

"Where were you?" hissed Albus Potter, as the blonde settled next to him and took out his books.

"Flirting with Erin," said Rose Weasley dispassionately, seated on the other side of Albus, scribbling down notes as Professor Jefferson rambled on about how to make the Wound Cleaning Potion.

Scorpius felt the heat creeping up his face, while Albus let out an "oh"

Before he could ask any follow-up questions, Scorpius hissed, "I'd like to focus on the class, thank you very much"

Rose and Albus snorted as if saying 'Yeah right'

The sixth year at Hogwarts was turning out to be more hectic than he had assumed it would be. A little over two months into the year, and he felt like he was barely catching up with life. The advanced classes were a whole lot tougher, and despite having a lower number of subjects, the days always saw him finishing the assignments during breaks between classes, and sometimes after till late night. The combination of Defence Against The Dark Arts, Charms, Herbology, Potions, and Transfiguration surely had him burning the midnight oil. He knew he had to slog to get the top grades in these classes.

After all, he had to get through to the Auror Academy two years from now.

Amidst all this were Quidditch practice sessions that had become more frequent, as the first match of the season was to take place this weekend. He also spent time on exercises to build his stamina to ensure that there was no chance that he could fail the physical exam for Aurors.

In short, he was screwed this year.

But there were moments of respite and fun; Albus and Rose had the same subjects, with Albus wanting to be an Auror like he did, and Rose pursuing the same classes due to her interest in becoming a Healer. So, they were able to spend ample time together and were able to switch up the fun their own way.

He was glad about the discipline around the study time that always got them together, for their free moments were otherwise mostly spent with their better halves.

Albus had moved on to maintain a fragile on-off relationship with Shirley Walters. While starting off with full-blown passion sometime before Easter earlier this year, Albus slowly found out that maintaining a relationship was a lot of work. They'd even broken up during the summer break, only to get back together when the school started again. Currently, they were back to taking a break, although Scorpius suspected that Albus was still hooking up with her if the late-night returns to the dormitory in a disheveled state were anything to go by.

Rose, on the other hand, was floating a steady ship with Timothy Zabini, much to Scorpius's displeasure. Not that he thought Timothy Zabini was a bad guy; he was probably one of the better ones, and now that he was the Head Boy, Scorpius supposed he was intelligent and talented as well. But he knew Rose could do so much better than him – he just wasn't good enough for her!

The redhead claimed that she was the happiest she'd ever been, thanks to him, but hell, how was she to really realise the happiness she deserves! Scorpius simply avoided talking about Zabini with her, because he knew that it would lead to a full-fledged argument between them.

Scorpius was glad that among all the frustration and bustle, there was a lovely Gryffindor by the name Erin Wellington who haunted his not-so-appropriate dreams. The leggy lady with sleek chestnut hair was officially introduced to him in the library by Rose sometime before Halloween, and he was besotted with her from her first 'hello'.

She was bloody brilliant!

The energy between them had been decided in their first meeting itself, and it torturously continued into the weeks after. Light brushes against his body as she passed him in the hallway, looking straight into his eyes when she licked her lips, deepening of her voice as she whispered in his ear, or the wink she shot his way when she knew he was checking her out.

She was the hottest tease he'd ever met.

And damn, he wanted her so badly!

Despite all the teasing and sexual tension between them, they were yet to act on it. And Scorpius sincerely hoped to change that equation by taking her out on the next Hogsmeade weekend and getting to know her better personally in every way.

He had been late to Professor Jefferson's class because he was trying to find her and ask her out before some other douche does, but alas, she was nowhere to be seen.

"So class, you have little over an hour to brew the perfect version of the Wound Cleaning potion", finished Professor Jefferson, looking at them over his glasses, "As expected, please deposit a sample at the front of the class for further grading"

There was a rustle in the classroom, as students got up from their seats to pick out the remaining ingredients from the Potions cupboard.

Scorpius felt Albus poke him in the back. "So, did you ask her?" he whispered.

"No", said the blonde dejectedly, as they stood in line, "Hopefully, at dinner, I'll find her and -"

"Well, you better hurry" interjected Rose, "I have it on good authority that there are other guys looking to ask her out"

Scorpius clutched his chest dramatically, looking at Rose in mock shock, "Is my dearest Rosie actually helping me land a date?"

She rolled her eyes.

" Firstly, don't call me Rosie. Secondly, I like Erin, and I think she will be good for you"

"Wow! Dating Zabini has certainly softened the critical side of you"

"Oh shut up! You just don't seem to realise-"

"If you guys are done are done discussing your love lives", interrupted Albus, sounding annoyed, "Can we please move ahead and get all the ingredients? Want to exit the potions class on time."

"Just because you have to meet Walters after this-", said Rose, snorted

"Oh, excuse me, that's not the deal-,"

Scorpius had merely turned to look away from the cousins chattering when he heard a loud "watch it!" and the unmistakable sound of vials breaking.

"Mr. Turpin!" came Professor Jefferson's exasperated voice from afar.

Scorpius chuckled; Stephen Turpin, fellow Slytherin, was renowned for his clumsiness. And the trait made Potions a nightmare for him, where he was mostly surrounded by vials and cauldrons of steaming potions. Pity that he harboured dreams of becoming a Potioneer, "what have you broken this time – Students please move away!"

Scorpius didn't think it was that difficult to identify one of the potions spilled all over the floor. There was a sweet, alluring smell in the air, and he supposed it was most likely Amortentia.

He could sense that sweet seductive smell drawing him in, titillating his senses. He closed his eyes as the various smells that attracted him permeated his senses. The smell of the pecan pie his mother made during Christmas, morning grass of the Quidditch pitch, and the mild comforting scent of apples.

Smells like Rose.

Just like that, his senses immediately went into overdrive, entering pure panic mode.

There was NO WAY he could be smelling Rose in Amortentia – made zero fucking sense!

It was Rose, after all.

His best friend.

His crazy awesome best friend who was dating an idiot.

She was almost like a sister.

Well not really.

But still.

He couldn't be smelling her shampoo in Amortentia.

But is she the only one using that shampoo in the whole school?

Scorpius frowned. Now this made more sense. Maybe it was a common smell – he was smelling a common shampoo after all. Maybe Erin used it as well. He can ask Rose about it later.

He turned to look at Albus, a little confused. What surprised him though was the similar look of confusion on Albus' face.

What was happening?

He then looked at Rose, who on the other hand, had turned red, and the moment her eyes met his, she immediately lowered them, flushing further. She walked towards the cupboard to pick up the ingredients for Would Cleaning Potion, silently telling him she didn't wish to discuss with him.

Good. Not like he really wanted to know if she could smell Zabini's cologne or something.

Or maybe she too smelled something funky.

They returned to their stations to brew their potions. Scorpius noticed that Albus looked slightly perturbed while working with his ingredients, intriguing him.

He knew that there was a conversation due later.

The night came and went, and the thought of asking Albus about the Amortentia incident completely slipped his mind. With the Gryffindor-Slytherin match scheduled this weekend, stakes were high, and so was Albus' hyperactivity. He was determined to beat his brother, James Potter, in the latter's final Gryffindor vs Slytherin match.

And thus, he was going completely nuts about practice sessions, sending everyone in the team memos about being at the pitch at eight, else get punished for being late.

Knowing how seriously Albus took the competition with his brother, Scorpius ensured he was at the pitch well in time; Erin could be caught up with later. Soon rest of the team had arrived by 8 and had started stretching and taking laps, but Zabini was nowhere to be seen.

"Zabini is going to get it!" huffed Albus as he looked at his watch and made to mount on his broom, making Scorpius snigger.

The idiot will get it today!

Zabini eventually made it to the pitch ten minutes later. From a distance, Scorpius could tell that he was back from a snog session. He gripped the broom handle tightly, resisting the strong urge to wipe the happy grin off Zabini's face.

Fucking idiot.

He himself started grinning when he saw Albus fly towards his fellow Slytherin, yelling at him for being late, and soon Zabini's grin was replaced by a grimace.

"10 extra rounds of fire drills! Now!" yelled Albus, making Zabini cringe, and Scorpius immensely satisfied.

Git. Serves him right for snogging Rose..and for being late.

"GATHER AROUND!"

The Slytherin Quidditch team halted their play and gathered around their captain, who looked manic. The air was chilly; Scorpius supposed it was already past ten.

"We are in the finest form, Team!" started Albus passionately, his eyes gleaming, "We are practicing hard and we are in our best form, "You know we can destroy Gryffindor on the weekend! Tell me I am right"

"Hell yes!" exclaimed Riviera Zeller, a Fourth-year beater, who then exchanged a high-five with Albus.

"We can't go wrong at all this time! Have to win the game!"

"We will, Al!" said Zabini earnestly, wiping the sweat off his forehead, "We are going to kill it!"

"Yeah, what Zabini said" added Zelda Winters, a fifth-year, smiling at her captain.

"Thank you, Team!" said Albus, sounding pleased, "Now to ensure we don't get compromised, you all hereby banned from indulging in any extra-curricular activities beyond classes, with Gryffindors till the match is over!"

There was an immediate reaction of dissent from the team, and Albus exclaimed, "What? Are you all snogging Gryffindors or something? You can't be fraternizing with the enemies just before the match! Everybody knows that"

Erin's seductive look flashed in front of Scorpius's eyes. There was no way in hell he was not finding her and asking her tonight.

Albus had gone completely barmy!

"Are you serious, Albus?" hissed Scorpius, "This is ridiculous. You know what I have to take care of tonight!"

"Wooooh!," sniggered Michael Accrington, a fellow sixth year, "Who's Malfoy shagging tonight?"

"None of your business, bud"

"I am with Scorpius on this one," said Zabini, looking cross. Running a hand through his hair, he said nervously, "I actually had planned meeting on Rose tonight – that too for a study session!"

The blonde inwardly rolled his eyes. Who was he trying to fool?

Study session, my arse.

Albus sighed, "Guys, I know it may sound like a lot, but I also know James Potter and how he can play dirty if he wants. Not during the game, but he can get really manipulative-"

"Meaning?"

"Would highly recommend abstinence for the week ahead. Gryffindors can be sneaky little shits when it comes to extracting secrets – Scorpius! Easy - let's talk about it after practice."

The blonde huffed. He knew Albus could sometimes get paranoid about Quidditch; ever since becoming the captain last year, he'd been hell-bent on identifying potential sabotage tactics that could ruin his chances of bringing home the Quidditch Cup.

Last year, Ravenclaw won the Quidditch Cup, narrowly beating them by thirty points on the board, courtesy Rose's heart-stopping accident. Albus supposed their win over Ravenclaw in the initial matches could have been by a much larger margin, had Rickard Zeller, Riviera's elder brother and one of their chasers, not been dumped by his Ravenclaw girlfriend the night before the match. He had been a little off during the match, Scorpius admitted, but that in no way implied that the whole break-up could have been orchestrated to throw him off.

As the team packed up for the day, Scorpius waited till the coast was clear in the locker room, and then confronted Albus.

"Dude!" hissed the blonde, as he hung his Quidditch robes inside his locker, "What was that all about?"

"Sooooo..." started Albus cautiously, as he took off his robes, "I was thinking that maybe - just maybe, Erin's affections for you aren't genuine."

Scorpius raised his eyebrows.

"Don't you think the timing is a bit too convenient?" he continued, running a hand through his hair nervously, "I mean, you met her around Halloween, practically two weeks before Gryffindor vs Slytherin. Not that I am undermining your attractiveness, but come on, seems so obvious- When was the last time Rose actually introduced a girl to you? Just seems so clear, in the face-"

"Al!" groaned Scorpius, facepalming hard, "You need to start relaxing about this. Erin and I have literally just started talking. She can't impact my performance. We are not going to do anything stupid before the game. Trust me on this, please. If she rejects, I am still cool-"

"How about you hold out?" interrupted Albus, "Like ask her, but then don't indulge in hanky-panky"

Scorpius snorted.

Hanky-panky?

"Keep her on the tenterhooks. Ask her out but have her wanting more. Don't give in to the pleasures of the flesh. Works?"

Scorpius nodded, bemused beyond control.

Albus had officially lost it.

But anything to give his friend the peace of mind he needed.

Scorpius had stuffed himself silly in the Hogwarts' kitchen and was walking back to the Slytherin dungeons, when he spotted that sleek curtain of chestnut-brown hair he'd been dying to see the entire day, at the end of the corridor.

"Hey Erin!" he called out and hurried towards her. The girl turned to look at him and brightened up.

"Hey Scorpius," she smirked as he stopped a few feet in front of her, "Good practice?"

"Yes?" he started cautiously, Albus' warning face popping in his head, "But I actually wanted to speak to you about something else."

"You really can't stay away from me, can you?" she teased, her pink little tongue darting out to wet her lower lip as she leaned against the wall, taking its support.

Fuck, he wanted to kiss her.

"We both know it ain't a one-way street," he said, coming closer and matching her smirk. He crossed his arms across his chest and flexed subtly. Predictably, her eyes fell on his arms as his dark grey cashmere sweater stretched favourably around his biceps. His smirk grew larger as he saw her eyes turning darker, drinking him in.

He knew she wanted him as well.

He silently thanked Rose for her taste in menswear. This sweater was a ladykiller!

He moved closer to her till he'd placed both his palms against the stone wall, on either side of her face, and there was barely an inch of space between them. He could see the smattering of freckles around her nose, her almond-shaped, deep brown eyes meticulously lined with kohl. He could sense her breathing slowing down, and her eyes growing wider as the distance between them reduced. He simply leaned forward till his mouth was close to her ear.

"You, me, next Hogsmeade weekend, date?" he whispered huskily, and then pulled back, awaiting her response.

"Real cute, Scorpius" she said, throwing back her head as she let out a throaty chuckle, confusing him.

"Why? What's so funny about that?" he asked, nonplussed.

"You want me to go out on a date with you? For real" she said, skepticism coming in her voice, her eyebrows furrowed, "Like you really mean it? No teasing or anything?"

"I'm being serious, Erin", he said sincerely, hoping that she doesn't think this is a part of the tease and banter, "I'd really like to take you out on a date."

Erin cocked her head to the right as she took him in, her smirk shifting into a small smile. Scorpius swore he could hear his heartbeat in his ears as she took her time in responding to him.

Say yes already!

"Alright," she said, her voice suddenly light, "A date it is. Next Hogsmeade weekend, yes?"

His insides were doing the Irish jig. She had said yes!

He hated how sad and sappy he seemed about a date, but the build-up was too much.

"Yes. And we can do whatever you want to do", he said, smiling down at her. He watched as she carefully tucked her behind her ears and looked up at him, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Oh is it now?" she asked, moving closer. There was something truly magnetic about the air because he found himself moving closer to her face.

"Absolutely," he'd barely whispered when her lips collided with his as she pulled him down by grabbing his sweater.

Taking a moment to recover, he slid one arm around her waist and the other one tangled itself in her hair, pulling her closer.

She tasted like rich dark chocolate.

And it was sinfully good.

She moaned against his lips as his hand moved away from the hair to cup her face gently, slanting it to deepen the kiss.

His blood was fizzing, and he could see fireworks bursting behind his eyelids as her tongue teased his lower lip. A jolt of desire coursed through him as she gently massaged his lower lip between her teeth, pressing herself tightly against the length of his body.

He sensed her hands moving down his chest, and the next minute she was touching him intimately over his pants, making him groan harder into her mouth.

Vixen.

His hands slid down to her lower back, gradually moving onto the curve of her arse. She purred appreciatively into his mouth, flicking her tongue against his mouth and tugging at his shirt underneath his sweater while her hips ground into him. He was so hard, and ready, and flushed, and Merlin forbid if she pulled him into a broom closet or a classroom to continue right now, Scorpius knew he would barely be able to hold back from shagging her.

He'd been physically intimate with his previous girlfriends, going as far as being nearly naked with Mariah Sanchez. But he had a very strong feeling that if he and Erin continue the way they were going, it was only a matter of time before kissing her transformed into plunging into her. The chemistry between them was insane – he couldn't think of someone better to sleep with for the first time.

He desperately hoped Albus was wrong about her intentions.

Oh, Albus.

Very, very reluctantly, he pulled back from the kiss, their foreheads still leaning against each other's, breathing tickling their faces.

He'd promised his mate. He can't keep carrying this forward, at least till the match was over.

He opened his eyes. Erin's eyes were twinkling, face and lips flushed red, her perfect hair all mussed up.

"That was -" she breathed, her face breaking into a grin.

"Something for you to think about till our date," he said, pressing a final chaste kiss against her lips.

Her eyes suddenly regained the mischievous glint.

"Hmm - how about we make the wait for the date more interesting", she whispered, leaning into him and pressing small kisses to his jawline.

Scorpius simply grunted softly. This woman was making him mad. He didn't know how long she was planning to torture him.

"If Gryffindor wins the match this weekend, you do whatever I ask you to do when we go to Hogsmeade. And if you win -,"

"Which will happen for sure"

"-I am all yours to be ordered around," she finished, running her fingers just above his waistline. She looked up into his eyes, her eyes holding a promise of a day to never forget.

Scorpius gulped inaudibly.

Her eyes were speaking volumes about how badly she wanted him. If he had his way, they'd come back from the date quickly, and spend the rest of the day in the castle, both of them on his bed, her lustrous hair fanned out on his green pillows, eyes shut, mouth open in ecstasy as he trailed kisses down her –

"Scorpius?"

Scorpius nearly cricked his neck when he turned suddenly at the sound of Rose's voice. He could see Rose taking in their stance and swollen lips, and let out a small 'ah', her expression unreadable.

"Hey Rose! I was just leaving!" said Erin, blushing profusely at the sight of her friend, taking Scorpius by surprise; her confident, teasing seductress persona had disappeared in a snap of a finger.

"I'll catch you later?" Scorpius asked her timidly, to which she simply nodded and left after kissing him on the cheek.

He was suddenly feeling all kinds of nervous and awkward in Rose's presence, especially after her having walked in on him sucking face with one of her friends. It suddenly struck him that he and Rose had barely hung out, just the two of them, ever since the sixth year started. The past few years always saw something or the other bringing them together, library study meets, relaxing by the lake, sneaking into the kitchen, lounging in the Joint Common Room or races on the Quidditch pitch – they always made time for each other.

But this year?

Homework, love life, and Quidditch had completely taken over. They were already into their third month of school, and he couldn't recall a time when it was just the two of them, just him and her; Albus was always a part of the time spent together.

Where had the time gone? Why weren't they spending more time together? Why wasn't she also initiating any time with him?

Why was it suddenly so awkward with her?

Seeing her standing just a few feet away, looking as nervous as he was feeling, suddenly made him realise just how much he missed her.

Rose was the first to break the silence.

"So, are you guys together now?" she asked softly, staring at his feet.

Scorpius blushed. Running his hand through his hair, he said, "Um yeah. We have a date next weekend."

"Alright," she said, nodding, almost sounding mechanical while not making any eye-contact, "You should disappear soon. Tim said that professors might be patrolling tonight, hoping to catch you guys in the act of conducting a prank."

"What?!" yelped Scorpius, taken aback at this information, "But we have been laying absolutely low! Everyone's busy with their practices."

"I know," sighed Rose, "But apparently James had pranked Ryan Smith last week-" causing Scorpius to chuckle. Smith had been stinking of Dungbombs for three days before the smell wore off, "-then Smith was caught with Adrienne Clearwater last night, so Professors are expecting retaliation…"

"Ah. Well the prank will have to wait," said Scorpius, shaking his head, "Smith's not worth risking throwing away our games."

"Yeah. So head straight into your dungeons. Don't stick around. Slytherin can't really afford to risk losing their Seeker just before their biggest match."

Startled, he looked straight at Rose, who was now finally looking straight at him, a genuine teasing smile on her face. Her eyes were silently challenging him to retort. And he gladly welcomed it.

"You know Slytherin will crush Gryffindor, even without a Seeker," he said haughtily, the smirk back on his face.

Rose laughed, "Dream on, Malfoy! We thrashed you guys last time-,"

"That was a fluke!" he exclaimed, the back of his neck turning red, "We are well and ready for you guys this time. And you'll be crying by the end of the match."

"Awww" she cooed, looking highly amused, "This is so cute! Ickle Scorpius trying to trash talk."

Scorpius turned red. He was not cute. "Want to bet on the outcome?" he asked, tilting his head as he moved closer to her.

He hoped their obvious height difference might make him look daunting and imposing.

She merely chuckled.

"Done," she grinned, "What's up for offer?"

"If I win, foot massage with bare hands for me for a week."

Rose's smile slipped immediately, her eyes reflecting disgust as well as fear, and Scorpius cheered internally. He knew she had a pet peeve about touching others' feet with hands.

He could imagine Rose's face while massaging his feet. It was positively howl-worthy!

He swore he'd never been more motivated to win a match against Gryffindor.

Just as he was imagining Rose's disgruntled face while massaging his feet, he saw her eyes suddenly gleaming in triumph. This couldn't mean good news.

"Fine. And if I win, I cut your hair short and you have to wear that look for at least a month."

FUCK NO.

Scorpius choked, dying internally at the idea of his locks being chopped off. He really liked his hair. And he knew that Rose knew how attached he was to his hair.

Oh, she knew how to play dirty.

Witch.

"Deal" he said, gritting his teeth while shaking her hand to seal the contest.

There was no fucking way they could lose the match now. There was too much at stake!

"So Weasley, let me know when you're ready to start on the foot massage?" said a widely grinning Scorpius, offering Rose a butterbeer pint.

She growled at him as she took the bottle from him, making him chuckle.

Slytherin had won the game 230-200 with Scorpius catching the snitch nearly ninety minutes into the game.

Gryffindor's chasers had been ruthless, tearing into Slytherin's defense and scoring goals one after the other. Albus' game plan had initially targeted James, but Gryffindor had switched their game plan the moment they realized what the Slytherin team was onto. Courtsey their practices with Porskoff Ploy tactics, David Watson was immediately able to step in and help James wherever he was ambushed. He had truly stepped up and scored some of the most breathtaking goals seen in the last few years.

The chase for the snitch had been just as exciting, with Scorpius and Rose flying neck-to-neck in the chase, swimming through the crowd, grazing the ground, and tackling through the players. However, a well-aimed bludger from Zabini pushed Rose off the chase for the Snitch at the last moment, prompting Scorpius to leap off his broom and enclose the tiny golden ball in his hands.

Scorpius didn't remember the last time he'd seen Albus so happy. He swore his best friend could have kissed him.

The Slytherin victory party was in full swing in the Slytherin common room at the moment, celebrating one of the more spectacular wins over Gryffindor. People from other houses were also at the party, including the Gryffindor Quidditch team. James Potter and Fred Weasley were already piss drunk, trying to rile Albus up, but the younger Potter couldn't care less. He was happily prancing around, the joy of defeating his brother evident on his face. He was passing around spiked drinks, encouraging everyone to party till they drop dead.

It was like a whole new side to Albus, who generally preferred to stay on the quieter side of things at such gatherings.

"TURN UP THE MUSIC!" Albus roared drunkenly after standing on the coffee table, while the crowd cheered him on. Scorpius could spot an equally tipsy Shirley Walters making puppy eyes at him.

The effect was immediate.

"I am coming, darling!" he slurred, toppling off the table, making Rose and Scorpius laugh.

"Idiot!", chuckled Rose, as they watched Albus engage in a full make-out session with Walters. Scorpius supposed the match win REALLY made him happy – he rarely ever indulged in PDA.

The best friends sipped in silence, watching the festivities get more rambunctious with each passing minute. Scorpius searched the party for Erin and spotted her in a group of people. Their eyes met and Scorpius felt something tighten in his gut as she winked at him.

The next weekend is going to be wild.

Erin had caught hold of him after the match, reminding him that she lost the best and was more than happy to let him lead the way on the date. Some sexual euphemisms about Quidditch and cheerleaders, and they were making out again, this time under the bleachers. Scorpius remembered how incredibly hot it felt to ground into her, her long legs wrapped around his hips as they gasped into each other's open mouths, trying to push each other to the edge.

It took a lot of self-control to stop himself, reminding himself that they had a date to attend to later. They eventually stopped, promising each other that they will wait till their date before acting like extremely horny teenagers again. The promise anguished him and excited him at the same time.

What a sweet, sweet torture it was.

Exhaling loudly, he then turned to look at Rose, who had a distant look on her face, but her eyes seemed to be narrating a different story altogether.

"Aw come on Rosie. Cheer up! It's just a game" he said, nudging her knee with his hand.

"Don't call me that. And I'll keep this attitude in mind when I kick your arse next year, Malfoy" she said, seemingly light-heartedly, but Scorpius knew better. She will do her best to defeat him – she did not take defeats, particularly a Slytherin one, too lightly.

"I'd like to see you try!" he said, making her snort.

"You know I'll kick your skinny arse in the next game."

"My arse is not skinny, but the finest example of human beauty, thank you very much."

Rose promptly giggled, prompting him to exclaim, "Hey! I am damn serious!"

She simply shook her head, smiling, and extended her arm holding the bottle, "To a great match"

"To an awesome one!" grinned Scorpius, clinking his bottle with hers, "To be fair, you guys did your best. And Watson – jeez! A whole new level!"

"He was brilliant, wasn't he?" exclaimed Rose, grinning, finally, "Fourteen goals – brutal really! We'd worked with him on his maneuvers, knowing that Albus will target James."

"Smart move on James' part to let him be the star. Really took us by surprise! That swing off his broom to lock in his goal – that was some pro-level game! Is he planning on a Quidditch career?"

"He'd mentioned trying out – but not sure if he was serious. I mean, last year he was all about becoming a dragon trainer. Anyway, can't wait for the party to wrap up so that I can go and sleep," sighed Rose, sinking back into her chair and closing her eyes.

"Oh, you grandma."

"Proud to be so."

Shaking his head, he too sank back in his chair, to simply soak in the celebrations.

Slytherin parties were easily among the best ones Hogwarts hosted, the liveliness only matched by a Gryffindor one. Other than the ones dancing in the center, he could spot the Scamander twins engaging in a deep discussion with a group of people, not unlike themselves, a Slytherin fourth-year Donald Dubois openly hitting on Lily Potter, who instead looked like she really wasn't sure about how to deal with the attention, and Elora Longbottom laughing next to David Watson, the distance between them being far than appropriate for friends.

"Hey Rose" called Scorpius, curious and bemused about the new development, "Are Elora and David seeing each other?"

Rose blinked at him "Why do you ask?" she asked, raising her eyebrows.

He simply tipped the bottle in their direction, causing her to turn towards them. She let out a giggle at that sight.

"Not yet," she said, grinning, "David is quite taken with her though"

Not yet? What?

"How do you know this?!" yelped Scorpius, "You know things. Spill it, woman!"

"Nope, not saying a word more. Not my secret to tell," she said, with a twinkle in her eye, "Have you seen Timothy by the way?"

"Aww, missing him already? So cuuuuuute. Makes me gag!"

"Easy on the teasing, Scorpius!" said Rose, amused. And then her eyes turned wider as she spotted her boyfriend emerging from the crowd in front of her, "Where were you?" she exclaimed.

"Hey!" appeared Timothy Zabini, smiling, in his freshly showered splendor, "I needed a longer shower today. I told you - lots to scrub out!"

"This long, Zabini?" asked Scorpius, raising his eyebrow. It was quite unusual. They had, after all, left the pitch over two hours ago. Where was Zabini all that time?

"Well, my company kept me busy during the first half of the shower," said Zabini, smirking down at Rose, who immediately turned a wild shade of red. She whacked him on his arm, causing him to chuckle and mouth, what?

Scorpius choked on his drink, struggling to comprehend the implication of that sentence.

Did he mean that they showered together?

Suddenly, there were these images Rose and Zabini that started forming in his head.

Of them snogging, of them intertwined, his hands all over her bloody fantastic body.

He could feel the bile rise to his throat, his stomach suddenly bottoming out as rage slowly consumed him, rising in waves.

He needed to move away from them. ASAP.

He got up, desperately needing some fresh air. He made a beeline for Lily, who looked like she really needed a break from Dubois.

"Mind if I interrupt?" drawled Scorpius smoothly as he appeared by their side.

"Oh no, not at all," replied Lily immediately. Not waiting for Dubois's reply, she tugged at Scorpius's arm, suggesting they move away from here.

They moved a little further away from Dubois, who looked taken aback and watched them leave. And when sure he couldn't really see her, Lily turned towards him, "Thank you," she gushed, "He just wasn't getting the hint!"

"Well, Dubois isn't the sharpest tool here", said Scorpius, grimacing, as the subject in question continued craning his neck, trying to get a glimpse of Lily., "Some take their time to realise, whereas others need to be told in their faces. It's sad really."

"Wow, so knowledgeable all of a sudden, Scorpius?"

"Happens"

"What about you though? Don't you have a date for the party? Where's Rose?"

"Rose is actually over there", he said, nodding at his friend, who was now canoodling in Zabini's arms in the armchair. Both were engaged in a conversation, seemingly light-hearted, for she threw her head back and laughed prettily before she moved back in to kiss him.

Scorpius immediately moved his gaze away, a weird sinking feeling overwhelming him.

He hated to admit it, but Zabini and Rose looked picturesquely happy together. They not only looked good together, but they also made sense together. Brilliant at studies, brilliant at Quidditch, a stickler for most rules – probably just what they needed in their prospective partners as well.

Damn it.

He turned to look at Lily who had fixed him with a calculative look.

"What?" he asked, a little unnerved.

She had merely shaken her head when loud cheers erupted next to him.

"Yeah, Longbottom! Kiss him good!"

"Whooaaa! Go Watson!"

Startled, he turned to look at the source of the commotion. A small crowd had gathered around Elora and Watson. Scorpius was highly amused to see Elora hiding her face in Watson's shoulders as he flipped off the hooting onlookers, inciting chuckles.

Those two had clearly been snogging when they were interrupted by those around them.

"Yay! I'm so happy for Elora!" squealed Lily, beaming widely.

"Yeah?"

"Yes! She's so great! And deserves much better than the idiot that my brother is," she said, shaking her head.

"You knew about that?", he asked, surprised. Wasn't this supposed to be a secret or so?

Lily sighed, "It was obvious. At least all of us in the Potter – Weasley family felt that way. And then we found out about Albus keeping her at bay because he wanted her to be 'ok'. Even though they are back on talking terms, I still find it hard to digest that it was Albus who pulled off a dumbass move such as that. That's why I am glad she's moved on."

Scorpius nodded. He looked at Watson and Elora, who were shyly giggling, faces shining pink, though he supposed it was more due to happiness than embarrassment. He remembered their god-awful fake date of plan poor Elora had helped out with, resulting in her and Albus' fallout.

Lily was right. It was a good thing she moved on. Smiling widely, he turned to look back at his Albus, wondering if he had managed to resurface from his make-out session with Walters so Scorpius could go hang out with him.

Not only had he resurfaced, but he was also staring at Elora and Watson, looking absolutely livid.

This is interesting.

Scorpius watched as Elora nudged Watson, tugging him towards the exit, probably looking for a more secluded spot to continue…their activities. Watson only looked more excited as he held on her hand while she escorted him out of the Slytherin common room.

At that point, Albus detached himself from Walters, having whispered something in her ears, and started following the pair out.

Feeling intrigued, Scorpius excused himself from Lily and followed Albus, trying to be as discreet as possible.

He quietly tiptoed into the corridor outside the Slytherin Common Room, the three people ahead of him, moving into a small alcove nearby to hide. He was close enough to see and hear them as long as they weren't whispering. Just then Albus called out "Hey El!"

Scorpius could see Elora and David stopping on hearing the noise.

"Can I speak to you for a bit?" he heard Albus say, "I won't take too much of her time, Watson."

"She's a free woman, man. Not my call to take," said Watson lightheartedly, raising his arms. He proceeded to whisper something in her ear and kissed her on the cheek. And then he walked ahead.

Elora had turned to look at Albus, face pink, arms crossed, waiting for him to speak, looking like she'd be anywhere else but here.

"So, you're dating him now?"

Scorpius was taken aback at how the statement from Albus sounded more like an accusation.

"Maybe," she had replied, sounding defensive, her cheeks colouring bright pink, "We had been talking for a while though. You know that."

"I know that-" shot back Albus, sounding impatient. Scorpius wondered if he was the only one who didn't know anything about Elora & Watson, "But you never seemed interested in him before this."

"Times change", she had replied, her voice higher, "What's it to you?"

Scorpius observed Albus' stance; he could tell that the raven-haired guy had something on his mind and was struggling to say his thoughts out loud.

"Nothing. I'm happy for you."

It was certainly not nothing and Albus certainly wasn't happy, Scorpius noted, if his clipped tone was anything to go by. He looked again at the pair standing under the torchlight facing each other. He could sense some different sort of a vibe between them, something that wasn't there last year. Scorpius knew that they were talking again, at least during the summer break they were.

Elora was staring at Albus' face as if searching or waiting for something.

"Alright then," she finally said coolly, "Catch you later." She turned around and walked towards a shadow ahead who was presumably Watson.

Scorpius watched as Albus' shoulders slumped. He dove back into the alcove when he saw Albus turn around to head back to the party, not before he saw an expression akin to disappointment.

Seriously, what's going on?

Scorpius decided to hold back and observe Albus over the next few days, instead of bombarding him with questions. Elora just wasn't any random girl; he knew that going in with questions without ample proof would be risking an argument since Albus could get super defensive.

And what he saw made him wonder how long it had been since the way Albus looked at Elora had changed.

There was tenderness in his eyes every time he glanced at her; sometimes a small smile might grace his face when he'd be observing her.

And the way he lit up when she sat next to them, completing their assignments together or having their meals together.

Or the steely look on his face when Rose teased Elora about Watson in front of them.

All the while he was fooling around with Walters.

Two nights before their Hogsmeade visit, Scorpius returned late to his dormitory, unfortunately falling asleep in the library as he was wrapping up his final assignment. Just as he was getting ready for bed, the door to the dormitory creaked and Albus stepped in. He looked disheveled; Scorpius could only guess where he'd been.

The moment Albus saw Scorpius, he froze, looking very much like a deer caught in the headlights.

"Hey!" said Albus, sounding nervous, "How come you're still up?"

Scorpius merely raised his eyebrow and looked up and down at him.

"Oh nothing," said Albus nonchalantly, now walking towards his bed, which was next to Scorpius's, "Was out with Shirley."

Scorpius internally facepalmed. This was getting ridiculous.

"Maaaaaaaate" he drawled, exasperated as Albus sat down on his four-poster bed, facing him.

"Whaaaaaaat?" Albus replied on similar lines and then chuckled, taking off his shoes.

"What's the deal with you and Elora?"

Albus froze again, halfway to pulling the right shoe off his feet.

"What do you mean?" he asked, finally looking at him, his expression unreadable.

"You guys just seem different. I know you both are talking and stuff, and that you both are seeing different people. But the way you look at her-,"

"-is a figment of your imagination", replied Albus, the smile on his face not reaching his eyes, "There's nothing from my end. Nothing from her end, anymore. I'm glad that she's moved on and that we're good friends again. You ought to get some sleep now. It's late."

There was a finality in his tone that made Scorpius realise that he would not want to address this topic again.

As both boys slipped into their beds, he wondered if Albus would ever come clean about what's going on his head. He certainly did not look too happy that she had moved on.

Scorpius also knew he had to speak to somebody at the earliest to know if he was even thinking straight.

There was only one person who could help him out.

"Is it just me or is the cold already coming in hard?"

Scorpius had just turned to look at Rose, who was half-huffing as she sat down next to him on the bench by the Great Lake they had set up in their third year.

Knowing that he had to speak to someone to relay the doubts going on in his mind regarding Albus and Elora, he owled Rose, asking her to meet him at ten in the night at their spot by the lake. The little nook was well-hidden, with just the right amount of moonlight seeping in through the trees for the area to be well-lit.

"Hope you have your sweater, Weasley! Not planning to give you mine," chuckled Scorpius, pulling his cloak tighter around himself.

"Always such a gentleman, Scorpius!" she said, grimacing, casting a warming charm on the both of them, "Now tell me, why are we meeting here in the dead of the night? Nervous about your date with Erin tomorrow?"

"Sure. And James Potter wants to get Ryan Smith's name tattooed across his chest."

"They could be harbouring secret feelings for each other. Who knows?"

Scorpius snorted.

"So here's what I wanted to know - have you noticed something different about Albus these days?"

Rose cocked her head at him, looking at him curiously.

"That he is studying harder than usual? That he's not so much into pranking these days? Not getting as many detentions - "

"And the way he looks at Elora?" he interrupted before Rose spiraled into guessing games.

Her eyes turned round as she let out a soft "oh that"

"You've noticed it as well?" asked Scorpius, comprehension dawning on him.

He knew it! He knew that he wasn't daydreaming as such.

"Well, yeah" she sighed, "I feel it has been that way since the summer"

Summer?

Excuse me.

HOLD ON.

"What the hell?!" he exclaimed indignantly, feeling left out of whatever had happened, "Why don't I have any knowledge about this?"

Rose shook her head, looking uncertain.

"You weren't there during the summer break. And you know Albus isn't the most vocal person about his feelings. Maybe he doesn't even realise his feelings, given how daft that boy can be at times"

"He may be daft most of the time, but I think he's caught on."

Now it was Rose's turn to gape at him indignantly. "What do you know?" she said, her eyes narrowed, "Tell me NOW."

Scorpius laughed.

"I'll show you mine if you show me yours," he said next, winking at her and feeling extremely pleased when Rose blushed.

"You need to spill first, Scorpius!"

"Come on now! You start first since you seem to know more about how it started."

"Fine!" shot Rose. She pulled her legs up onto the large bench and turned to face him, crossing her legs.

"So you know Elora had stayed with us at the Burrow for two weeks during the summer, right?"

"Yeah?"

"And that Al and she had resumed talking before the summer break happened?"

"Yes ma'am"

"So, the first time I noticed anything at all was this one day when we'd all decided to take a swim at the nearby pond; it was a pretty hot day and we all girls were lounging by in bikinis and swimsuits –,"

Scorpius stifled a snort. It would be so typical if Albus noticed or felt attracted to Elora when he saw her for the first time in a swimsuit.

Scorpius always found her to be pretty; with an innocent-looking chubby face and wavy blonde hair framing her face, Elora could have easily been a heartthrob. Just that she chose to keep a low profile, given that her father was the professor of Herbology at Hogwarts, and she attracted enough attention because of her name as it is.

He supposed she would have looked fantastic in a swimsuit. His eyes shifted to the redhead next to him, and he couldn't help himself.

"What were you wearing?"

"And sitting by- what?"

"What were you wearing? T-shirt and shorts? A one-piece?" he smirked, waggling his eyebrows.

Rose looked taken aback.

"How is that important?!"

"Trust me, for me it is" he sniggered. He was curious, that's all. Seriously.

She rolled her eyes.

"It was a dark green bikini. Anyhow -"

Rose had continued to babble, while Scorpius's thought process had come to a screeching halt.

For his mind had been bombarded with painfully delectable images of Rose in a bikini.

Rose, in her all glory, in a dark green bikini.

Those legendary curves, in a dark green bikini.

Those beautiful tresses, sparkling blue eyes, twisted smile, creamy skin being kissed by the sun, while she was wearing a fucking dark green bikini.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

And at that moment, Scorpius absolutely despised himself for turning down the invite to spend a part of the summer at the Burrow, instead choosing to go trekking in the Alps with his parents and the Greengrasses.

He'd missed the glorious sight of Rose in a bikini.

Wait.

Hold on!

Why the fuck was he obsessing over the mere idea of Rose in a bikini when he had a date with a lovely lady tomorrow, the girl he'd been lusting for a while?

Oh no wait, there was an explanation. He'd become a complete, stupid horndog who couldn't stop thinking about sex.

He internally facepalmed himself.

Although, there was nothing wrong with acknowledging the fact that Rose was by far one of the most attractive girls he knew. It was just an observation that she would look fantastic in a bikini. Her physique had definitely become more toned over the summer and her tits were nothing short of spectacular. Scorpius knew that because he had the privilege of seeing Rose without her robes when she was dressed in her casual clothes. He could tell she had the body type that could make a guy weep because of how beautiful it was.

Flushing hot around his collar and trying to push away such unholy thoughts about Rose in skimpy bikinis, he desperately tried to refocus his attention towards what the redhead had been talking about.

"-and we were just having some lemonade by the lake, and out of nowhere, Fred swam up to us and started hitting on Elora!"

"What?!" he exclaimed, completely thrown off by the turn of events.

Fred Weasley?!

"And it wasn't subtle either," chuckled Rose, her eyes containing a distant look, as if reminiscing that day, "Poor Elora was taken aback by the attention – she just didn't know how to respond other than giggle at his words. And then James happened – swimming up to us and yelling out things, blowing the whole thing out of proportion!"

"What did he say?"

"Teasing Fred with the maturity level of an eight-year-old – the whole K-I-S-S-I-N-G song. Fred had like then just ignored him and had pulled both of us into the water. And there was this huge water fight – everyone's splashing around the pond and dunking each other. And then-" she rushed, and then she paused, her eyes narrowing, looking as if trying to recall the exact memory, "Amidst the chaos, I saw Albus and Elora kind of – I don't know – wrestling with each other, trying to submerge the other into the water. It looked innocent initially, but then suddenly I felt like there was sexual tension in the air -the way they looked at each other - the distance between them,"

"What do you mean "flirty" touches? Also, sexual tension just doesn't turn up." asked Scorpius, confused. How could things suddenly change from innocent or platonic to sexual tension? "Don't you already need something to exist between two people-?"

"Oh come on Scorpius!" shot Rose, sounding exasperated, "It's not that difficult-,"

She suddenly moved closer to him, startling him, their thighs touching.

"Wha-"

"Shhhh. Watch this."

She leaned forward such that their chests were almost touching. He felt goosebumps erupt all over his arms as Rose languidly ran her fingers up his left arm, before setting on his forearm.

He flushed hotly as she finally made eye contact, and Scorpius was suddenly aware of the lack of distance between them. The moonlight was falling softly on her face, illuminating it. Their noses were nearly brushing; he could see a smattering of darker freckles across the bridge of her nose and the top of her cheeks. He let out a breath he didn't realise he was holding as he looked deeper into her eyes.

Scorpius swore his heart rate just accelerated when he saw her pupils dilate, her cheeks flushing darker.

Her breathing had slowed down, her chest was heaving and her fingers were still on his forearm, absently tracing patterns. While there were little sparks bursting on his skin where she was touching him, he realized how slowly and deeply he was breathing as well now, his heart rate picking up pace with each brush of her fingertips. He could feel the hair on the back of his neck rise as he sensed a sudden shift in the energy around them.

Scorpius didn't know how or why, but he felt the charge in the air, something between them change as they locked eyes on each other, sensing each other's breath on their faces. A lock of hair had come loose from the braid Rose had and was fluttering gently against her cheek. Scorpius felt his left hand moving of its own accord; tangling the offending curl around his fingers, he slowly lifted the lock and tucked it behind her ear. He felt her breath hitch like that as his hand just about grazed her flaming cheeks, her lips parting open, her eyes wide and shining. His skin tingled with electricity at the body contact, his head feeling lighter with each passing second.

His gaze dropped to her lips as her tongue slowly slipped out to wet her lips, and that, somehow, boosted his heart rate; he could hear the blood pumping in his ears. He lifted his gaze back to her blue eyes, which somehow, looked darker and full of emotions.

It felt like they were the only two people in the world.

And strangely, he was more than ok with this idea.

The energy in the air was addictive, his senses were overwhelmed. The sounds around him had ceased to exist. He could only hear Rose's breathing and his heart beating so goddamn fast and loud that he was surprised that it hadn't broken out of his ribcage yet.

Was it supposed to feel so perfect, so bloody amazing that he didn't wish for it to end?

Just then, the Giant Squid from the black lake decided to make its presence felt, breaking the surface of the quaint lake with a loud noise and going back in just as swiftly.

And then, just like that, whatever weirdly intense moment they were having, was gone.

Rose immediately moved back, blushing bright red.

"Well, that was –," blinked Scorpius, trying to calm his racing heart. His entire body felt like it had been on fire, his fingertips were tingling.

What on earth had just happened?

"Yeah"

"Well-"

"Hmm-"

"So-"

"So, Albus and Elora seemed to have had a moment like that when we were all swimming." blurted Rose, not making eye contact while she gently ran her hand over her hair, "Since then, the next few days, they were pretty much flirting with each other."

Now that distracted Scorpius from the heart palpitations he was having.

"This is news! Albus and Elora!" he exclaimed.

"I know!" replied Rose, finally looking at him, "You should have seen the way they looked at each other. So many glances! Secret smiles! Hanging around each other all the time. I really thought something might be there or happen by the time school started. But when we came back to school, you know happened," she finished, sighing.

Scorpius cringed. One of the biggest gossips to hit the Hogwarts grapevine at the beginning of the year was Albus losing his virginity to Shirley Walters after the "Back-to-school" party that was hosted in Slytherin Common Room. It was all that people could talk about for days.

Albus had been absolutely mortified to realise that the entire school knew about his escapade. James & Fred had cornered him the next day, gifting him the Kamasutra, telling him this book would help spice up his sex life now that 'he too had become a man'. Scorpius remembered howling with laughter on his bed when Albus had revealed the same, causing him to chuck the book at Scorpius's head.

But the joke was on Albus. The book was an enlightening read, the moving pictures even more so. Scorpius was really looking forward to trying out the theories mentioned in the book.

Or maybe Albus had learnt a thing or two from the book as well, seeing how frequently he was out on a late-night stroll.

"How did Elora take all this? Did she speak to you about what happened?"

Rose's lips pressed into a thin line.

"She was eerily ok with Albus getting back together with his Walters. Like the summer never happened - speaking of which, she never talked about what exactly happened between her and Albus during the summer. At The Burrow, she had kept saying, 'if something happens, you'll be the first to know'. I know something had happened between them, Scorpius. She was so happy." ended Rose painfully, clenching Scorpius's heart.

"I don't know what's up with Albus either", he started, running a hand through his hair. He then proceeded to tell Rose about what he'd witnessed on the day of the Quidditch party. Her eyes grew wider as Scorpius went further with his story.

"Idiots!" called out Rose angrily, startling him, "Why can't they just say what's on their mind, get together, and move on?"

"Maybe the time for them to be together hasn't come yet."

"What do you mean?!"

"Both of them have some growing up to do. Clearly, they have some unresolved problems they don't want to talk about. They need to get their act together, and it's okay if it takes time."

Rose stared at him blankly.

"How did you get to be so wise, Malfoy?" she asked, a small smile breaking on her.

"Always the tone of surprise," he replied, left side of his mouth up in a smirk.

Rose giggled.

"They'll find their way back to one another, one day," he said, turning to face the lake. He loved this spot by the lake. A beautiful view of the shimmering surface of the lake, the moonlight casting its silvery light across space, its reflection dancing teasingly on the water surface.

"One day," he heard Rose say next to him. He turned to look at her to find her beaming at him, her face kind and hopeful, for the future of her friends.

She was so goddamn beautiful. It hurt to look at her.

Timothy Zabini was the luckiest bastard on this planet; his girlfriend was the definition of divine.

Merlin, he hated that so much.

"So Rose, since it's been a while," started Scorpius cautiously, "How are things with you and Zabini?"

"It's going well. Thank you for asking," she replied, smiling softly.

And then he decided to ask her the one question that had been at the back of his mind, not sure if he was ready to hear the answer.

"Have you guys done it yet?"

"Scorpius!"

"What? I'm just curious! I too have a big date tomorrow. And tomorrow might just be the first for-,"

Rose's jaw dropped

"Oh, so you haven't-"

"No, I haven't"

"But you might tomorrow-"

"Well, yeah maybe-"

"Wow!"

"I know. Wow!"

"But really? I thought you and Mariah-"

"Uh, no. We did things-"

"Super classy, Malfoy!"

"-but I am more than ready now. And I think Erin feels the same way."

"Good for you. And I haven't." finished Rose, blushing furiously.

This time, Scorpius's jaw dropped.

"But Timothy said you guys showered together and all," he said weakly, his mind reeling at this idea. Had he been with someone as fantastic as Rose, he'd have no idea how to hold himself back from shagging her.

"We went for a swim in the Prefect's bathroom. It was a part of the bet that I lost because you just couldn't help catching the snitch!" said Rose shyly, "That doesn't mean I had sex with him. I'm not there yet."

"And he isn't pressuring you or anything, right?" said Scorpius, his fists unconsciously tightening at the thought of Zabini touching Rose without her consent, "You know you can tell me if he is!"

Rose laughed, "He is very understanding, Scorpius. We are taking our time and he's also on board with this."

"As long as you're happy" he replied, calming down.

"I am"

"Do you love him?"

The question had left his mouth before he'd even realised. He watched Rose's mouth tighten. His heart suddenly started pounding again. Did he really want to hear her say 'yes'? The sudden discomfort in his stomach said otherwise.

"Not yet," she replied, looking away from him and into the distance, "Maybe. One day."

Scorpius didn't know how to react. He was feeling weirdly uncomfortable about this.

"One day," he sighed, following her line of sight and admiring the quaint view ahead of them, "And Rose?"

"Yeah?"

"I know we're both super busy with everything that's going around. But I miss you and these talks of ours. Let's please- please not go so long without having a meet-up here by the lake"

"Yes please!" said Rose, laughing nervously, "I just didn't know how to-,"

"No explanations or negotiations - we're doing this every month! It's done. A done deal. D-O-N-E."

"Deal" she grinned at him, before enveloping him in her arms. Exhaling happily, he wrapped his arms around her tightly, causing her to emit a squeak.

Gosh! He missed her.

The mild apple scent wafted through to his nose, alarming him, and causing him to detangle from her instantly.

"Rose - what shampoo do you use?" he asked, a sense of urgency in his voice as he looked at her, searching her eyes for an answer that'll tell him that he's not attracted to her.

Fuck, he won't be able to handle it – it's so wrong. Rose and him – the idea was ridiculous! Besides she was in a happy relationship with someone else. Any form of infatuation towards her would make zero sense. And Amortentia smells only highlighted what he lusted after, and it was certainly not Rose!

His heart was about to pop out of his mouth, already beating a bruise against his rib cage.

"Sleekeazy's Naturals. Apple & Vanilla" spluttered Rose, "Wha-"

"Does Erin use it as well?"

"We-well yeah. As a matter of fact, she introduced me to-"

Scorpius enveloped Rose again in a hug, relief immediately flooding his body. Calming his senses.

He wasn't attracted to her. Amortentia was just playing with him, it fucked up his mind alright - he'd gone so far as to drooling and being aroused at the idea of Rose in a bikini.

But all was well, nothing to worry.

Really.

"Are you going to explain what's happening?" came Rose's indignant yet muffled voice against his chest.

"Nothing, nothing," replied Scorpius, letting go of her. Man, the panic that had been set out at the idea of being attracted to Rose nearly gave him a heart attack. It was not happening, never happening. Never!

"You are being weird," said Rose, narrowing her eyes at him, "And I need to get going and sleep in. Tomorrow's Hogsmeade." Scorpius nodded.

Both had just gotten up when he remembered, "I am owed a foot massage if I recall correctly. Care to tell me when I should meet you and where?"

Rose predictably tensed for a moment. And then looked at him deviously.

Uh oh.

"Thank you for reminding me about this, Scorpius. I think Portia will be more than happy to help you with a foot massage."

"What?!" yelled Scorpius, taken aback by surprise. What the bleeding fuck was she talking about? "Those were not the terms of our bet!"

"I believe our bet said that you get a foot massage. You failed to mention by whom," she said, her eyes gleaming with triumph. She chuckled on seeing Scorpius's expression.

Scorpius gritted his teeth. This was unbelievable. How could he have missed this?

Damn, this woman was good.

"So, let me know when and where, Scorpius!" called out Rose, as she started walking back to the castle, "Portia will be there!"

"Why don't you jump off the Astronomy tower?" he yelled back, highly irritated that he did not see this coming.

She laughed, the tinkle of her laughter reverberating in the night, "Bon nuit, Malfoy! Have a great date tomorrow!"

Scorpius smiled, despite himself.

Attracted to her or not, he loved this woman. And nothing would ever change that.

Author's Note:

Firstly, I'd like to thank whoever read this chapter, had been reading the previous chapters and the parent story.

Thank you for sticking to it for so long, and even if you're reading the series for the first time - Hello! Welcome!

The reason why I went ahead with writing this before updating Malfoy's Got It Goin' On, was because I was struggling with the flow - getting a major writer's block. So I decided to finish the one-shot to get the creative juices flowing.

Meaning: A new MGIGO chapter is on its way. I don't want to commit on the timeline. Do put the story of update alert, if not done already.

Extremely sorry for those who'd been waiting for it. I cannot express my gratitude for all those people who messaged me, reviewed my stories during this long-ass hiatus.

Be assured. Both these stories will have updates and will be completed. I read so many RW/SM stories and also saw a couple of the writers update after a gap of years. So I thought, why not? Let's give the story the closure it deserves. MGIGO has about 6 chapters remaining. This one-shot series has about 5 of them.

Lastly, don't forget to drop this chapter a review! Would love to know what you guys think. Feel free to DM, would be replying to the more recent ones soon. Naturally, many mentioned elements in this chapter will make a reappearance in the next one, to close the loop of course!

Thank you once again!

Love,

WeasleyKingRocks