Scorpius blinks into consciousness, and as his vision clears, the room around him slowly comes into view. He's lying on something soft and warm, and as he tilts his head to the side and takes in the familiar surroundings, he realises it must be the couch—because this is the living room.

Everything aches, but even so, he can't help the small contented sigh that escapes him. Ever since he was little, something about his Aunty 'Droma's house had always made him feel safe, and he was beyond relieved to find himself here, and not in St Mungo's.

"Awake, are we?" a familiar voice speaks behind him, and craning his neck, he attempts to sit up so he can see her.

"No, no! Stay where you are," she instructs. "I'm not done with you, yet."

Coming round, she stands beside the couch with her hands on her hips, in that way she has.

"Aunty," he smiles in greeting.

"Scorpius," she says, although she doesn't return the smile.

"I don't suppose you're going to tell me what happened, are you?" she asks, her brows knitting together in a concerned frown. Scorpius hesitates, before shaking his head reluctantly. He would have liked to tell her everything—he usually did—but this was something he could not share with family. If his father found out, he would be furious. Malfoys simply did not get beat up. They did not get bullied.

They were not, ever, victims.

"Okay," is all she says, and he smiles again, grateful for her understanding. There's a long moment of comfortable silence, during which she checks his various wounds, tutting occasionally, but mostly humming in approval. Eventually, he speaks again.

"How did you do it?" he asks, and she looks up, her eyes hard.

"Do what?"

"You know… leave the family… become a Tonks."

"I got married," she says, tersely.

"To a Muggle-born. Please, Aunty, you know what I mean."

Sighing, she sits back, and observes him contemplatively for a moment, before speaking.

"Family is important, Scorpius—never forget that," there's a pause, before she continues.

"...But, equally as important, is your own happiness. You must learn to be yourself, even if that's not what everyone wants. Those who truly love you will learn to accept you as you are."

Something hard twinkled in her eyes as she said it, and Scorpius couldn't help but wonder exactly what did happen, all those years ago… but her words lifted a weight off his shoulders all the same, and feeling lighter than he has in a long time, he smiles up at her once more.

"Thank you, Aunty."

"My pleasure, as always."