On the hesitancy of the Healer, I noticed that Dad's expression began to falter from the laughter it had been showing a few moments previously. The young Rose expressed her curiosity by leaning forward and waiting expectantly for the Healer's answer. It was only little Hugo who remained oblivious to the tension in the room.

I was impressed. “Pretty impressive, ey?” smirked Scorpius, leaning over to me when Professor Limpet went to get some more asphodel. I stuck my nose up- partially in disapproval and partially because of the smell of his cologne. I was no longer impressed.

I was still for a moment as the effects of the potion flooded through me, but then I felt the darkness clear and my anxiety fade. I was back. I made a mental note to notify Professor Limpet that the potion was successful and an improvement on its predecessor. I turned to return the vial to my bag, when I spotted Scorpius. He was staring at me, his expression showing a mixture of concern, fear and confusion. Shit.

“They’re not gonna bite,” he chuckled and I scowled.

“That Venomous Tentacula could literally kill you,” I deadpanned.

“Nah, it wouldn’t hurt me, would you Tenty?” he cooed, stroking the plants leaves. I snorted when the plant snapped at him, making him jump.

 “Why are you here then, why do you care?”

 
“Brew with me?” he requested, to which my eyebrows raised. He had asked me like he was asking for my hand at a dance.

 “Someone’s been hit!” shrieked a girl and McGonagall immediately transfigured a cushion for the figure to land on.

“Hold the game,” declared McGonagall and the players flocked towards the cushion where the injured person had landed. She was in blue and a gap in the crowd allowed me to see who it was.

I felt my breath hitch when I spotted Scorpius beside me. He caught my eye and sent a smile so warm it made me melt a little inside.

“Morning, sunshine,” he chuckled and I blushed profusely. Sonali noticed and sent me an inquisitive glare as if to say ‘What the fuck is going on between you and him?’ I avoided eye contact with her and with Scorpius, which meant my sight landed on Albus.

Soon enough we were apparating to a park near the Prophet offices. Scorpius and Albus were already waiting there when we arrived. Usually, Sonali would have shot Albus a glare at this point but both of them were too occupied analysing me and Scorpius. Scorpius was looking straight at me, his eyesight unwavering and expression indecipherable. I felt myself cower under the heat of his stare, so firmly looked at the ground, taking an interest in a nearby ant-hill. 

 “Woah, Rosie? Rosie, what the hell,” said Hugo, sitting down next to me. “Why are you crying?” he asked, wrapping an arm around me. I nestled my head into his shoulder, not replying. “Shh, it’s okay, whatever it is, it’ll be okay.” His words were comforting but at the same time, I knew in my head everything was not going to be okay. When you let the man you love walk away- no matter the reason- it shatters your heart into a million pieces and the only person who could pick them up just left you for good.