A/N: - dances to 'Don't You Wanna Feel?' by the Rogue Traders – An Aussie band and one I recommend to anyone if you haven't listened to their music. Anyway, thanks for the reviews! And I apologise for taking so long. Work has been hectic, but I may have a new job soon! Wish me luck on that!
DISCLAIMER: I would be rich if I owned anything. I just created the plot for this fan fiction.
Chapter Three: The Fall
Rose gripped onto her brother's hand tightly as the people standing in the black tiled corridor stared at her openly and whispered behind their hands. She had already been in this position before, of being people's staring and gossiping object. Hugo shot different people glares and clenched his free hand into a fist. Some looked away whiles other's turned their staring and whispering onto him.
"There are running late."
Rose looked up and hugged her cousin Albus, "You came."
"Of course I did," said Albus, "Despite everything I couldn't let you go through this alone."
"I did tell you he would meet us here, sis," pointed out Hugo.
Rose managed a small, tense smile, "Hilda and Matilda will make it, won't they?"
"Yeah. They said they wouldn't be long," said Lily, "Do you think it'll work?"
"I don't know. I guess I can only hope it will."
--
Five Months and Three Weeks Ago…
"It's been a week," said Rose angrily as she closed her locker and sat on the bench, "I don't know if Scorpius is alright or what… you won't guess how much his bail is."
"How much?" asked Matilda as she shut her own locker.
"Two hundred thousand galleons. It's only that high because of his families name and because of the criminal history. I don't even have ten thousand galleons in my vault."
"I can help," said Hilda, "I'll see my parents accountant. He's use to my brother and sister asking for outrages sums. He'll figure it's to stop some public scandal coming out."
"Hils, I can't ask you to do something like that."
"You aren't," shrugged Hilda, "I'm offering. Scorpius is practically my best friend and so are you."
Rose stood up and hugged Hilda tightly, "Thankyou so, so much."
"Think nothing of it. I'll go organise it now and see you guys at home, alright?"
Rose nodded and turned to Matilda with a smile as Hilda left.
"That's the first time I have seen you smile since it all started," said Matilda, "Its nice to see you looking so happy again."
"I know… do you think Hilda has found a way for us to get in and get the truth out in the open?"
Matilda shrugged as she pulled her bag over her shoulder. The pair left the locker room in silence, coming to a halt in the corridor. Standing by the nurses station was Hermione. Her eyes were full of relief at seeing her daughter, but the dark circles showed that she had suffered sleepless nights.
"I'll meet you by the exit downstairs," said Matilda before scurrying away.
Rose adjusted her bag strap and fixed her scarf.
"Hello Rose," said Hermione softly, "How are you?"
"Fine," answered Rose curtly, "How is Hugo?"
"Worried about you, like I am. Like your father is."
"He really shows his worry by not being here."
"Rose your father is a proud person," protested Hermione, "How do you think it looks with you dating a Malfoy?"
"What does your school grudge against his father have to do with Scorpius and I? You aren't angry with me being friends with Hilda Flint!"
"It is more then a grudge Rose. Lucius Malfoy did nothing but cause problems for your Uncle Harry."
"And Harry is precisely that- my Uncle!" cried Rose in frustration, "Mum… what happened with all that is in the past. It has nothing to do with me. I love Scorpius with all my heart. I can't change that because you and Dad disapprove. I really thought you of all people, other then Hugo, would understand that."
Hermione gave a sigh and wiped her eyes clean of tears, "Oh Rose I know what it is to love someone you shouldn't. I just don't want you to get hurt, that's all. It's you I am looking out for. Not Scorpius or your father."
Rose remained silent as Hermione stepped forward and looked her daughter in the eyes.
"Do you honestly, without any form of doubt believe he is innocent?"
"I do Mum," said Rose passionately, "I truly do."
Hermione nodded and hugged her daughter tightly, "Alright then. Take care and please don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it."
--
The loud clanking of keys shook Scorpius from a deep slumber. The dull stream of light penetrated through the thick mist as the noise grew louder. Scorpius kept his eyes trained on the iron barred door not daring to believe someone was heading in his direction.
"Geddup!" came a gruff voice before the dark, large figure blocked the light from entering his cell.
Scorpius stood up on weak legs. He'd barely eaten in a week and drank very little. The only thing that kept him sane was the thought of his innocence in the murder claim and the deep, undying love for Rose.
"What's happening?" asked Scorpius in a hoarse voice.
"Your bail has been paid. But I suspect I'll be seeing you in a few months, aye?"
"I didn't do anything wrong."
"That's what they all say. But they come back. Never innocent."
Scorpius said nothing and followed the guard along the cold, stone corridor. Through the iron barred windows Scorpius glimpsed the Dementor's guarding the Prison. He gave a shudder and his memory brought forward the horrifying sight of the dying man, whoever he was. Scorpius still didn't know and he wasn't sure he wanted to. If he were to murder someone, he did consider his father and grandfather. They weren't family to him anymore. How could they be when they shoved the blame onto their only living heir?
The guard pushed open a rough wooden door and lead Scorpius down to a circular room with only a fireplace. Waiting there was another man, well dressed in a black robe set with his hair oily, black hair neatly parted down the middle.
"Your lawyer," said the guard.
"I have a lawyer?" frowned Scorpius.
"Your mother hired me Mr Malfoy," said the lawyer shaking Scorpius' hand, "My name is Reese Sydney."
Scorpius shook his hand, "So can we leave?"
Reese nodded and gestured for Scorpius to use the fireplace first, "Its automatically connected to the Ministry fireplace in the Auror Department."
"Brilliant," muttered Scorpius before throwing a handful of floo powder in and vanishing with a swirl of green flames.
Scorpius gave a cough as he stumbled from the fireplace. Opening his eyes he saw he was in what looked to be an interviewing room, like the one he was in a week ago defending himself. Reese stepped out from the fireplace a moment later, all smiles.
"Right then," he said picking up a bag from beside the table in the centre of the room, "Here are some clothes from your mother. She didn't pay your bail though."
"Who did?"
"A friend of yours. I'll bring her in."
Scorpius felt his breath catch in his throat. Where would Rose get the funds to free him? Reese opened the door and gave a gesture. Stepping back, Scorpius felt his breath exhale in surprise as Hilda walked in.
"Hilda?"
"Hey, Rose was trying to find a way to get the money, trust me. It was all she kept talking about. I offered."
"I'll pay you back."
"No, don't," said Hilda with a smile, "My family have more money then sense. Anyway, look at you! You look a mess!"
"Yeah well. I look better then I feel, trust me… how… how is Rose?"
Hilda gave a sigh, "A mess. She is at war with her father. Currently, Rose is living with Mattie and I."
"Oh," said Scorpius, "I don't want her to, you know, hate her family for any of this."
"Get cleaned up. You can speak to her yourself soon enough."
--
Rose turned the books page lost in the information learning process. She had a few topics to study, as given to her and the other interns from their resident.
"Just me!" cried Hilda as she arrived, "And a visitor."
"Ah-huh," murmured Rose paying no notice.
"Where's Matilda?"
"Dunno."
Hilda smiled at Scorpius as he lowered his bag to the ground quietly.
"So what do you say to pork chops and vegetables for tea?" continued Hilda.
"Sounds good."
"I might make some fresh pumpkin juice as well," added Hilda.
Rose gave an irritable sigh and marked her page before closing it. She looked up at Hilda in annoyance.
"Shall we discuss dessert as well?"
"Well, if you want to."
Rose frowned, "Who is the guest?"
"No one important."
"Hilda."
"Fine, show your self to her."
Scorpius stepped out from behind the wall. Rose jumped up with a scream and ran to Scorpius. She threw her self into his arms, hugging him tightly and sobbing. Scorpius lifted her a little off the ground as he held her as tightly.
A scared Matilda ran into the room, her wand held tightly in her hand. Hilda gave her a laugh as Matilda put her wand away in relief.
"She scared the crap out of me!" cried Matilda.
"I never stopped worrying about you!" sobbed Rose into Scorpius' shirt, "Was it horrible? Did they hurt you?"
"I'm fine," murmured Scorpius, "I kept thinking of you to get me through. You kept me going Rose."
Rose lifted her head and looked at Scorpius, "You look exhausted."
"Trust me. I am fine now."
Rose nodded and kissed him tenderly.
--
"He's asleep," sighed Rose settling her self into her seat.
Hilda and Matilda nodded.
"Thankyou so much, Hilda."
"It was nothing. The accountant asked no questions at all. My sister was there asking for money anyway. She gave me an odd look but said nothing."
"So, have you found a way for us to get in and find out the truth?"
Hilda nodded smiling a little as she sat up straighter, "I have to go to a family benefit thing next week. Now a lot of people in with the Malfoy's will be attending."
"Go on," said Matilda with a frown that matched Rose's.
"Well – Polyjuice Potion."
Rose gave a frown, "Wait… you mean you are going to get hairs from select people and we will use it to disguise ourselves as them to get inside?"
"Well not on the night. We'll have to be really careful and not ask too many questions at once or they'll get suspicious of us. It will take a few months at least and even then we'll need to have actual proof to save Scorpius."
"That's true. How will we get proof?" asked Matilda.
"Tape confessions somehow," shrugged Rose, "We can work that all out. Maybe Scorpius will know some ways for us to use."
"I don't think we should tell him," said Hilda softly.
Rose and Matilda looked at Hilda in silence for a few moments before Rose spoke again.
"Why not?"
"He would only freak out and worry about us doing something so risky, Rose. Its nothing against him… its to protect him and let us do this without him maybe trying to stop it… besides, he wouldn't question you reading his Auror books. You've always read books of his."
Rose nodded in understanding, though she would have preferred to tell her boyfriend about what was happening.
"You don't doubt his innocence, do you?"
"No!" cried Hilda; "If I did I wouldn't have paid his bail now, would I?"
"That's true, Rose," pointed out Matilda.
"So many others will doubt him," sighed Rose miserably, "I even suspect my cousins of doubting him."
"If his last name was something like… Rainbow, people would be signing petitions claiming he was innocent. It would be like saying Harry Potter… murdered… a fairy or something."
Hilda gave a snort of laughter as Rose smiled a little. Matilda moved to Rose's side and took hold of her hand.
"Rosie… you know the next few months are going to be long and hard on a lot of people, mainly Scorpius. His family has thrown him to the wolves for something he didn't do. We will help you prove he is innocent, no matter what."
--
MURDERER RELEASED FROM AZKABAN
Scorpius Malfoy has been released from prison, pending his trail set to take place in five months time.
The Heir to the Malfoy fortune has been accused of murdering Henry Wilson, a father to three young children and happily married to now widowed, Mary Wilson.
It has not been released publicly as to how Mr Malfoy supposedly killed Henry Wilson, though insiders are saying there are people rallying around Mr Malfoy declaring he is indeed innocent and being framed by others. Famous author, Gabriella Coco (author of Mistakenly Blamed) says it would be easy to frame Scorpius Malfoy. "He comes from a family known for the Dark Arts and supporting He-Who-Will-Never-Be-Named."
But Mary Wilson says otherwise, "He is evil! He killed by husband for doing his job!" When asked what job that was, Mary broke down unable to respond. More to come in the following days…
Rose gave a sigh and looked at Scorpius, "Well?"
"At least they didn't paint me to look completely evil," replied Scorpius.
"Not in the article but the heading states their view."
"Oh you read it did you?" asked Matilda entering the kitchen, "Lovely heading, wouldn't you say?"
"Totally."
Scorpius shrugged, "That looks like a wonderful read compared to what people are saying on the Talk Back Wireless Station. One woman, you know, the old school nurse – Madam Poppy or whatever her name was – says I strangled the schools chickens."
"Madam Pomfrey wasn't even the school nurse when we started," said Matilda.
"Yeah, but I'm an open target for being blamed for everything."
Rose hugged Scorpius, with her arms around his waist and her head on his chest. She didn't say anything just needing his contact at that moment. She felt dizzy and somewhat nauseous as well.
"You okay?" asked Matilda noticing her friend's pale appearance.
"Yeah," nodded Rose quietly, "I'm might go get ready for work. Will you be okay here today Scorpius?"
"Don't worry about me. I have my lawyer coming around today."
"Fun," chuckled Matilda.
--
"So have you heard from her at all?"
Hugo shook his head, "No. Mum saw her yesterday though."
"Did she say how she was?"
Hugo nodded and looked up at his three cousins, "She's lost weight apparently. Mum says she is looking stressed to the max."
"Can you blame her?" asked Lily, "Think about it. Her father won't support her in supporting someone she loves. I'd be stressed out as well."
"Okay, honest answers here," said James seriously, "Who here believes Scorpius is innocent?"
"I do," said Lily.
"Same," agreed Hugo, "Al?"
Albus looked up from his wizard chess set slowly, letting out a deep breath.
"Well?" asked Lily, her eyebrows shooting up as her lips pursed together in annoyance at her brother's delay in answering.
"I don't know."
"What do you mean you don't know?" asked James.
"Well what about you?" shot back Albus.
"I believe Rose."
"Do you believe him?"
James gave a sigh, "I don't know."
"So you two are sitting on the fence? Not with our parents or him?" said Hugo.
James and Albus nodded mixed with a shrug.
"Awkward," commented Lily.
"Well no one knows the full story," said Albus, "We only know what Scorpius said and then his father and grandfather's statements."
"But Rose knows Scorpius better then any of us do," pointed out Hugo.
"Yeah and he could probably dance naked in front of her and she still would believe him if he said he was wearing clothes at the time."
"Thanks for the mental picture," shuddered James.
"You think of Scorpius naked?" asked Lily with a disgusted frown.
James threw a cushion at his sister who hit it away with her hand, smirking.
"Each to their own imagination I say," chuckled Hugo.
--
"The contagious period is over Mr McLaggen," said Rose with a smile as she signed the release forms, "You're free to go home now."
"Oh good. I can get back to training my boys up for Quidditch. They're ten you know, start Hogwarts next year."
"Oh twins?"
"No triplets. Cornie, Conrad and Conric. Oh and I have twin girls, Susannah and Samaria."
Rose nodded with a smile before staggering backwards with a wave of dizziness. Her back slammed into the cupboard, as her head went backwards, connecting with the door handle. She slid down to the ground and into the darkness as Cormac called out for help.
--
"Is there a chance I can win?" asked Scorpius looking Reese directly in the eyes.
His lawyer shifted a little and cleared his throat, "If… if some evidence comes to light, to your benefit, we will stand a chance… if not then I must be honest and say that you stand point one percent of a chance winning."
Scorpius gave a groan, "Why don't I just defend myself then?"
"There is time for us to gather information to your defence. Character references from those who know you and believe your innocence. Rose Weasley would be a good one. Her family-"
"Hate me and my blood relations. It will just be her word against the entire Weasley and Potter clan."
Reese gave a sigh and nod, "Yes, that is true."
Scorpius threw his hands up in the air in frustration as the fireplace lit up with a bright green light. Jason Thomas stumbled out startling Scorpius and Reese.
"Jason," said Scorpius in surprise.
"Mate, you have to get to the hospital. It's Rose."
Scorpius jumped up, ignoring Reese's protests until his lawyer grabbed his arm, "Don't even try to stop me!"
Reese let go at the dark look in the young Malfoy's eyes and stepped away. Scorpius threw the floo powder in and was gone in a flash followed by Jason. At the hospital, Jason led Scorpius to Rose's ward where Hilda and Matilda were waiting outside looking worried.
"What happened?" asked Scorpius, his grey eyes full of worry.
"She was checking out a patient and the next thing we hear is the patient calling out for help," started Hilda.
"One of the nurses got there first and found Rose on the ground out cold. She's fainted and hit her head on the door handle to the cupboard," finished Matilda.
"Can I go in?"
"Erm, that wouldn't be wise."
"Why not?"
"Her parents are here with Hugo," explained Jason.
"Rose is my girlfriend!"
"And their daughter and sister," pointed out Matilda, "That out does girlfriend any day. It's hospital policy Scorpius."
Scorpius let out a irritable breath and sat down in the hard plastic chair by the door. Passing Healers, Nurses and patients looked at him in alarm and anger but kept away. The saying 'innocent until proven guilty' applied to the magical world as it did in the muggle world.
--
Hugo looked away from the window to the corridor as Scorpius sat down. He looked down at his pale sister and gave a sigh. Ron looked up at his son from his seat while Hermione held back tears of worry as she stood vigilant at her daughter's side clasping onto her hand ever more tightly.
"We should let him in," said Hugo.
"No," said Ron having also seen Scorpius' arrival.
"He's her boyfriend and has every right to see her."
"Not until proven innocent."
"Dad, this is what caused Rose to leave home!"
"Let him in Ron," said Hermione quietly.
"No."
Hermione whirled around, glaring at her husband in anger, "I said let him in and I mean it! Now, go open that door and tell him he can come see her! Do it!"
Ron jumped up, looking at his wife in surprise, "Fine. Keep your wand away!"
Ron reluctantly opened the door and looked in Scorpius' direction but at the wall behind him, "You can come in."
Scorpius jumped up and weaved around Ron and into the room, "Rose!"
He stood opposite Hermione holding her other hand.
"Do you know if she is okay?" he asked no one in particular.
"They think its stress related. But they're doing blood tests to be sure… in case she's… you know-" muttered Hugo.
"Pregnant," finished Ron irritably.
A/N: So, is Rose pregnant? What is Hermione speaking about when she knows what it is to love someone she shouldn't? Hmmm… those questions – and more to be answered in coming chapters! I will try not to take so long with chapter four… review!
Until next time…
Love yas!
Love Coz!