Hi! So, how are you all doing today? My lovely potatoes? I'm in a good mood, so, I think it's about time I wrote a light hearted chapter. All the others have been pretty sad. Although that is what you sign up for when reading anything I've written. Teddy is a Demiboy (he/him and they/them) in my personal opinion, change my mind. Enjoy!

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Scorpius pulled his baggy blue hoodie over his head and quickly searched for his shoes. Once he got them on he checked himself in the mirror to make sure he didn't look absolutely ridiculous. He wore mid-tone blue jeans, black converse sneakers and his blue hoodie was big enough on him to hang below his hips and fit his whole hand inside with no struggle. On the front of his blue hoodie it had a picture of a crescent moon, with clouds and stars. It had been a hand-me-down from Teddy, but it had always been very big on Scorpius, seeing as Teddy had been much taller at fifteen.

Scorpius had many fond memories of Teddy. Teddy had always been more like an older brother to him rather than a cousin, particularly with how many baby stories they seemed to have. In fact, he could remember being eight when Teddy asked him to pick a colour. Scorpius' favourite colour had always been pale blue, so he said that and Teddy wore their hair like that for most of the year, occasionally switching to sandy blonde like Remus' had been. Eventually Teddy veered towards a turquoise, but Scorpius was still amazed that Teddy had really worn their hair pale blue for an entire year just for him.

Whenever he asked why Teddy had chosen to go with turquoise they'd always said it was a blend of colours people they had loved. Their only family had been all Slytherin really, and they'd mixed in the blue because they'd always seen Scorpius as more of a little brother. The turquoise was a symbol of their family and where they came from, but they'd still often switch to blonde for their biological parents. It was really something that no one thought much of but meant so much to Teddy. And Scorpius knew very well that he was one of the few people to know that. He didn't think even the Potter's were aware of the story.

Scorpius turned and saw Finn reading on his bed. Finn was a rather skinny boy of medium height with curly black hair, brown skin and brown eyes. Finn would rarely be seen without a book of sorts in his hands. Atlas had even snuck a few muggle books for him to read on occasion when there was nothing else of interest. Finn had never seemed to mind though. 

Finn and Zeus were both prejudice but they could appreciate the work of muggles. They'd managed to figure out things that wizards were still confused about after all, so they were probably smart to some degree. Or that was the excuse they gave for justifying it. Neither of them had ever sought out to mock muggle-borns, although they did strongly believe that they would be the downfall of the wizarding society. Which Scorpius supposed was understandable to a degree. After everything that happened with Nora Nott's parents, he was almost surprised a war between muggles and wizards hadn't already started.

He pushed the thought aside. Finn hadn't seemed to notice Scorpius was even there so the blonde left without a word. On his way down the stairs he bumped into Albus.

Albus raised an eyebrow, "Where are you going?"

"Hogsmeade," Scorpius replied, "Phoenix and I are going out for lunch."

Albus gasped in a joking manner, "Scorpius Malfoy you dog!" Albus shook his head. "I didn't think you were the type to juggle two woman at the same time."

Scorpius rolled his eyes, "It doesn't mean anything. Both Lilith and Phoenix are just friends."

"Every Miraculous Ladybug fan knows what that phrase means," Albus shook his head.

Scorpius raised an eyebrow, "Fans of what?"

Albus sighed, "Uncultured," he held the bridge of his nose. "I am introducing you to so many good movies and shows over the holidays. Mainly Disney though."

Scorpius chuckled, before noticing a letter in Albus' hands. The same one he'd been holding the day before.

"What's that?" He asked.

Albus groaned, "Letter from Daddy dearest," Albus said in a fake girly voice. "Says he's got another escapade to go on and so my birthday gift might be early or late. Mum's also included her gift with it."

Scorpius was even more confused by that, "And that's got you in a mood because...?"

"Because they've never celebrated my birthday on my actual birthday!" Albus crossed his arms and turned away. "Doubt they remember when it actually is."

Scorpius sighed. He supposed that was true. Albus was born on the second of October, and while Scorpius had always been around, forcing Albus to have fun, Albus had always received anything from his parents either early or late. Perhaps they could remember that he was a libra, but Scorpius couldn't tell if they'd remembered when in that time frame their son was actually born. It had actually caused Albus a great deal of distress to never have had his family celebrate his birthday on the actual day. 

Scorpius could remember when it was the other Potter's birthdays things arrived for them on time. Lily's had always shown up on the day and for the rest of the day almost everyone in her year would shower her with gifts. James' birthday was usually during the Christmas holidays, but from the times he'd been at Hogwarts, Scorpius could gather that he always got his gifts on the correct day as well. 

Albus however seemed to be moved to the back burner. Even before Hogwarts, Albus had said that Ginny was either off at quidditch games getting notes for the Daily Prophet, or that Harry had an important job to do. Sometimes it had been both at the same time and Albus would spend his birthday doing nothing. It was only ever once they got home that it was celebrated. And even then, sometimes the other parent would have to leave before they arrived and he'd end up celebrating it in January, one year not at all even.

So, with all the evidence stacked against the Potter's, he doubted they actually knew what the date of Albus' birth was. It saddened him to think about how many of his birthday's Albus had probably spent, locked away in his bedroom singing happy birthday to himself. 

"Right, well," Scorpius bit the inside of his cheek. He didn't want to leave Albus, but he'd promised Phoenix he'd go to lunch with her. "Um..."

Albus smiled, seeming to notice Scorpius' problem, "Go and have lunch. I'm sure you and Phoenix will have a lovely time."

"Are you sure?" Scorpius looked down slightly. "If you're feeling upset —"

"I'll be fine," Albus reassured. "I can hang out with Finn or Jiz."

"Giuseppe hates being called that," Scorpius folded his arms.

"That, my friend, is exactly why the rest of the house does it," Albus seemed to be in a better mood, but Scorpius wasn't certain.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Scorpius asked.

"How many times are you gonna ask me that?" Albus chuckled. "Until I say no?"

Scorpius rolled his eyes. He supposed he was asking a lot. But you could never be too sure with Albus. He lifted his arms slightly, feeling more than a little awkward about hugging Albus. They'd hugged maybe three times, and neither of them were particularly used to it.

Scorpius wrapped his arms around Albus' middle and Albus patted him on the back of his shoulder.

"We'll never get used to this will we?" Albus asked.

"Don't think so," Scorpius chuckled.

"Did you shrink?" Albus joked, earning himself a slap on the arm.

"It's not my fault you're a fricking tree!" Scorpius exclaimed.

"Are we sure I'm a tree?" Albus joked in question. "Or are you just a teeny tiny adorable little gremlin like Gizmo?"

"You need to stop with the muggle references," Scorpius shook his head.

"Another movie we'll have to watch," Albus smiled. "And it's a Christmas movie. How perfect for the holidays?"

"Right, I'm leaving!" Scorpius started to walk away.

"Okay!" Albus called out. "But if Phoenix comes back without that ribbon in her hair I will have some serious questions for you!"

"I'm gone!" Scorpius yelled in reply.

-~- (If you don't understand the movie reference to Gremlins, you should watch it, it is amazing. If you want to know what they look like just search up 'Gremlins Gizmo'. Don't just look up Gremlins, most of the pictures you'll see will be the ugly evil ones.)

Scorpius walked through the streets of Hogsmeade with Phoenix beside him. The wind was wild and the sky was grey, just about ready to pour down and soak everyone. Phoenix quickly brought Scorpius to The Three Broomsticks and the went inside, just managing to escape the drizzle starting to fall to the ground. The inside wasn't particularly populated, but it was quite loud, drunk adults swaying around and singing songs.

They sat down at a table towards the far end of the building. On the table next to them was a group of drunk old men, jeering on about how great it was to be a single man or something. Scorpius saw Phoenix roll her eyes at their remarks. Scorpius sat down next to her, waiting to see if she would try to talk over the drunk people stumbling around the pub. And she did.

"So, the sandwiches here are nice!" She yelled over the drunk men. "Would you like to try one of them!? Of course, you don't have to!"

Scorpius smiled, "What do you recommend!?" Scorpius replied. "But it can't have fish! I think I might be allergic or something!"

Phoenix perked up, "The club sandwich doesn't have any fish!"

"What's in it!?" Scorpius asked.

"You know," Phoenix shrugged, "tomato, steak, lettuce, avocado, mayonnaise!"

"Avocado and mayonnaise!?" Scorpius raised an eyebrow. "Is that an okay combination!?"

"It's better than it sounds!" Phoenix quickly moved out of the way as a man splashed some alcoholic beverage on the ground beside her. She glared.

"If you want you can take my seat!" Scorpius stood up. "I'll go order for us!"

Phoenix shook her head, "I'm the one that invited you!" She called out. "I'm supposed to pay!"

"Well, you'll either have to give me the money or we'll have to do this again sometime!?" Scorpius answered.

Phoenix chuckled, "I invited you!" She took out some money. "But I'm sure this would be more fun if there weren't so many drunks!"

Scorpius chuckled, taking the money from her.

"Beef and cheese sandwich for me!" Phoenix moved to where Scorpius had been sitting.

Scorpius nodded and went to line up so that he could order. The pub was quite full compared to what Scorpius had been used to. He'd only been inside a few times but it wasn't usually filled to the brim with both students and drunken adults. Scorpius glanced over to see Phoenix was still sitting at their table, glaring daggers at the drunk people next to her. Anyone that knew Phoenix knew that face meant she was close to losing her temper. She'd probably insult the adults, using larger words so that they'd get annoyed at not understanding her and leave.

Scorpius turned back to the line and moved forward a bit, feeling his smart phone buzz in his pocket. He pulled it out and saw a message from Albus: 'Hey Scorp, I was just talking to Tethysa and turns out the Slug Clubs throwing a Halloween Party. Thought you'd like to know, that way you have enough time to pick between your two girlfriends.' Scorpius rolled his eyes. He put the smart phone back into his pocket and waited for the line to move again. He could sort out the party when he wasn't surrounded by drunks.

He felt someone lean against his shoulder and turned to see a boy he was unfamiliar with. Probably one of the older years based on his stature. Scorpius was going to say something, but the boy beat him to it.

"I didn't realise girls were cutting their hair short?" The boy said in a questioning tone. "It's cute though," they winked.

"Pardon me?" Scorpius was taken aback. He wore a baggy hoodie so that he wouldn't face this problem. He'd been misgendered in public a few times, but in all of those instances the clothes he'd been wearing clung to his figure, making it look entirely possible that he was just a late bloomer in the eyes of anyone that didn't know him. But he'd never been called a girl when wearing something that hid his features.

Scorpius looked down at himself to see if maybe the hoodie wasn't concealing it as well as he'd thought it would, but he was concealed. He couldn't for the life of him figure out how this boy thought he was a girl. Unless he was told by someone. Scorpius glanced around and caught sight of a table. Three familiar faces sat there watching with amused expressions. Connor, Jason and Coltan. 

Scorpius should've known they'd pull a stunt soon. They hadn't done anything in a few days, and while Scorpius had assumed they'd grown bored they were actually recruiting other people. He felt like such an idiot! How could he not anticipate something like this!? 

He looked at the boy beside him. They had wavy blonde hair and hazel eyes, reminding him a little bit of Vega. Although Scorpius didn't know nearly enough about Vega to know if she was somehow related to this guy.

"So cutie, how about you and I hang out sometime?" They asked, leaning in to whisper in his ear. "I've got someone I want you to meet."

Scorpius felt himself beginning to tremble. He didn't know this guy. This guy thought he was a girl. And he was saying some strange things as though it was supposed to be seductive? Scorpius wasn't having any of it. He was tired of letting these people treat him like some toy. And whoever this was had a smirk playing on their lips as though they'd somehow turned Scorpius on. But Scorpius was in no way interested in this guy.

"For your information, I am not a girl," Scorpius smiled as the other boy pulled an expression of surprise and backed away slightly. "Now, I do not have time or energy to waste on perverse pricks such as yourself, so if you wouldn't mind leaving me alone —"

"Are you sure darling?" They looked Scorpius up and down. "Or are you just trying to put me off?"

Scorpius rolled his eyes, "So not only are you pompous prat, your also an obstinate asshole? Right, well, this chat has been fun, but unfortunately I'm holding the line up. Have a nice day."

Scorpius stepped up to the counter and ordered the sandwiches and two butter beers. He turned to leave and stepped towards the boy that had been flirting with him.

"By the way," he crossed his arms, "you can call me Malfoy. Not darling."

Scorpius didn't need to look to know whoever it had been was disgusted. One; they made an audible sound, and two; the entire school had no interest in dating 'Death-Eater-Spawn' like Scorpius and many of the other Slytherins. Aster Zabini and Cosmo Finch-Fletchley were probably the most likely to date anyone outside of Slytherin. But that was mainly due to them not being in Slytherin.

Scorpius sat down beside Phoenix and she visibly relaxed. Her hands were still balled into fists like she was ready to attack at any moment, but the knuckles regained their colour and she sunk into her seat slightly. Scorpius supposed the drunken adults were being loud, irritating and making crude remarks. He was honestly surprised she'd managed to restrain herself for as long as she did.

"They'll be arriving soon," Scorpius said, no longer needing to shout now that the pub had settled. 

Phoenix nodded, "So, what were you and the other guy talking about?" She asked.

Scorpius felt his face heat up, "Um, he thought I was a girl..." Scorpius trailed off, biting the inside of his cheek.

"Really?" Phoenix raised an eyebrow. "I'm sorry. I don't know him personally, although Nebula and him used to date. He's apparently dating Hilliard at the moment."

Scorpius nodded. He had heard that Nebula broke up with her boyfriend the year prior because he'd been cheating on her with some girl — although the word she used was slut — in Ravenclaw. Scorpius couldn't remember their name though. Troy? Talon? 

"Well she ought to end it with him if he's trying to pick up girls in pubs," Scorpius replied, shaking his head. "What kind of a person cheats on their partner?"

"Ravenclaws aren't known for their loyalty," Phoenix replied. "That's the Hufflepuffs. Besides, I think it runs in the family. Creevey's been in just about everyone's bedroom at some point."

"So they are related?" Scorpius wasn't surprised.

"Oh yeah," Phoenix nodded, "pretty sure she's how he finds out about all these girls."

Scorpius shook his head, "Whatever. I've got bigger fish to fry then that jerk."

Phoenix raised an eyebrow, "Like what?"

"Slug Club is still going on despite Slughorn leaving," Scorpius explained. "Babinoch is throwing a Halloween party and I have to find a plus one."

"Oh," Phoenix nodded looking down, "so you haven't got anyone to go with?"

Scorpius shrugged, "Albus is teasing me about it," Scorpius smiled. "Says I should just ask you or the girl I'm tutoring, but I don't really know either of you all too personally."

Phoenix blushed slightly but snorted, "You and me?" She shook her head and chuckled. "Sorry, but I uh, think I'd prefer doing something like that with someone I um, knew a little better." She bit her lip. "But if you still don't have anyone by Halloween, I'd be okay with going."

Scorpius was taken aback by Phoenix's sudden change in demeanour. Perhaps she found it a little strange that Albus would joke about her going to a party as his plus one. They really didn't know each other all too well after all. Sure, they'd talked a few times and they were on a first name basis, but they didn't know each other personally. It was more that they were friendly with each other rather than actual friends.

Madam Rosmerta came over and gave them their food and drinks. They talked a little, getting to know each other a little better. Phoenix had apparently wanted to open her own restaurant as a kid, but gave up on the dream after her parents drilled into her that lady's were supposed to stay home and care for the children. Scorpius couldn't say he was surprised by her parents reaction. He knew Lucius and Narcissa had worked that way and that they'd tried to force Draco to take the Ministry pathway.

He was surprised that Pureblood society was just as old fashioned as it had always been though. He'd thought maybe they'd see a few errors in their ways. For example, the whole Victorian era tradition of coming out to society was still going on. He thought debutant balls had disappeared, mainly because he'd never had to go to one, but also because of how ridiculous they seemed to be. Girls in feathers dancing around and flirting with older men to see which ones would court them. It seemed very inhuman.

Scorpius could remember the mistake his Dad had made at these parties. Apparently girls were quite interested in him and boys were quite interested in Pansy. To make everyone leave them alone they had danced with each other at all of them, but their parents thought they had been courting. Of course, they weren't and actually had a falling out after the wizarding war. Draco's views had changed but hers hadn't. Although, Scorpius knew they had recently gotten back in touch. Pansy ended up marrying Justine Finch-Fletchley and their daughter Cosmo was two years below Scorpius and in Hufflepuff. 

He'd met Pansy for the first time the year prior. It was sort of a tradition started by Astoria that they and some of their school friends would get together on Christmas Eve and have a dinner together. They'd of course bring their children along. It had been Cassandra Nott's turn to organise and she had invited the Finch-Fletchley's. Of course, the usual families such as the Davis', the Goyle's and the Malfoy's were there as well. In total there were around five children there. Although, Scorpius guessed that when the Finch-Fletchley's would host it, they'd also invite Pansy's brother and his family.

Scorpius was pulled from his thoughts and he and Phoenix finished their meal. He actually had a nice time, she wasn't nearly as bad as everyone thought she was. Sure, she used words like mudblood and squib as insults, but aside from that she was a decent person. Similarly to Finn and Zeus, she just seemed to be more worried about what would happen if the muggles found out about them.

They got up and left the pub, stepping out into the muddy streets. The rain had cleared for the most part, but there were still puddles all around the streets. He could smell the rain and it reminded him of his Mum. The days they'd spent in the rainy muggle streets of Britain. It made him smile and he splashed into a large puddle on the ground.

"Scorpius, you're gonna get your shoes dirty!" Phoenix laughed.

"Trust me!" Scorpius replied. "They've been through worse!"

Phoenix giggled and jumped into the water, splashing both herself and Scorpius. They splashed around in any large puddles they passed on their way back to Hogwarts, laughing and smiling the whole way. When they arrived back at Hogwarts the base of their shoes had dried and they had bits of grass clinging to the sides. They didn't track any mud inside luckily though.

They arrived back at the dungeons and just as Scorpius was about to say the password Phoenix stopped him.

"Before we go our separate ways I have a confession to make before I back out," Phoenix started fidgeting and seemed surprised that she said that. Quite the contrast to what she was usually like.

"Okay?" Scorpius asked. "Go ahead."

"Well I um," Phoenix stammered, "I-I-I...," she sighed, "actions speak louder than words."

She glanced at Scorpius with a pink face and quickly kissed him on the cheek. Scorpius felt his face go bright red and stumbled backwards.

"I um," now he was stammering and fidgety, "what was th-that for?"

"Uh," Phoenix chuckled slightly out of nervousness, face redder than Scorpius'. "Today was um, more than just lunch with a friend for me. I've had a um, crush on you since third year...," she trailed off.

"You!?" Scorpius was more than shocked. He was flabbergasted. "You, had a crush, on me? No. No, that's not — No one likes me. That's my whole thing. The cheerful Death-Eater-Spawn kid that's gonna die alone."

Phoenix fiddled with her sleeves, "Look I um, know it's weird," she was looking just about everywhere except Scorpius. "You were just such a sweet guy. I'd heard the story of your parents uh, love and I just sort of wished for the same thing. You know, some guy to sweep me off my feet and help me leave my parents behind. I um, only got the courage to ask you after we were in that store room and I completely understand if you don't feel the same way."

Scorpius' expression turned from flattered shock to empathetic sorrow. He didn't want to turn this girl down and hurt her feelings, but he just wasn't interested. He didn't want to lead her on, and she deserved so much better than to be given false hope because Scorpius didn't want to hurt her. But he couldn't do it. He couldn't say he had no interest. She'd be distraught and probably hate him forever. 

Scorpius was stuck. No matter what he did he'd be hurting her in some way, shape or form. He tried to think of something that wouldn't hurt her feelings. He couldn't reject her, he didn't think he had the heart to do that. He couldn't lead her on, at some point it would have to end and a break up would be more crushing than a rejection. Unless it wasn't to her. He didn't know her well enough to know what would cause the least amount of pain.

His head was a mess of scenarios and instances that would never work in the long run. This was too much for him. He'd never thought anyone would have feelings for him throughout his whole life, much less someone whose parents would most certainly disapprove. He figured he was more likely to end up with thirty cats. But here he was, faced with a girl he would have to turn away. Not exactly a situation he'd planned for.

He didn't know what he was supposed to do. He didn't know how this had even happened. This was by far the strangest year of his life. Including the year before when he and Albus stole a time turner. At least then he wasn't faced with extremely unlikely situations! At least then he had been able to figure out a plan! But this, this was something entirely new and almost impossible.

"Scorpius?" Phoenix said in a questioning tone, seeming to notice his distress. She sighed. "This is why I like you. Can't seem to hurt even the cruelest of people or most useless of creatures. It's clear you don't feel the same way, and while yes I'll probably cry for a while when no ones looking, I saw this coming. I'll get over it and move on."

Scorpius pouted, "I'm sorry...," he looked down. "Maybe —"

"No," Phoenix shook her head. "I know you're sorry, but be honest. We'd never work out the way I'd like us to."

Scorpius bit the inside of cheek. He felt awful for this. She was so sweet, and deserved the world, but Scorpius just couldn't do that for her. And she didn't know him as well as she thought she did. She'd find out what a monster he was eventually and be heartbroken upon realising he was worse than anyone she knew. It was better this way, but he couldn't stop himself from feeling like an awful person for turning her down.

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So yeah... Who saw that coming!? Pretty sure most of you knew Phoenix had a crush on Scorpius after meeting her. You don't need to worry, in the end she does end up with a lovely guy. And if any of you say Rose I hate to burst your bubble, but Phoenix is straight. She's a good one though. Not one of those insecure, transphobic "super straights". Honestly I think those guys are just afraid their girlfriend will have a bigger dick than them in the case that they haven't had bottom surgery. Please, suggest, vote and comment. Thank you!

      - Turtlefreakakw2 <3