Chapter 28- Bumps in the Road

"But you don't know where you're going? How romantic!" Said Annabel, her quill poised over her Muggle Studies essay.

"I know, it's for Valentine's Day, apparently it's next week."

"It is, honestly Rubes, you're as bad as mom!" Annabel moaned.

"Who's as bad as me?" Asked her mother, walking into the kitchen carrying a bouquet of tulips and reaching into the cupboard to find a vase.

"Ruby, she didn't realise that it was Valentine's Day next week!"

"Neither did I, I wondered why Fred told me to keep Wednesday night free. Is Scorpius taking you somewhere?"

It was Friday afternoon and Ruby was sat on the kitchen with her sister and mother, Immy was upstairs playing with Pox and her father was at work.

"He's taking her away for a dirty weekend."

"Hey! A romantic weekend!" Ruby protested.

"Same difference." Muttered Annabel, returning to her essay.

"Where are you going?"

"No idea, he won't tell me." Her mother smiled and then placed the vase in the centre of the table. "Can we go for a walk?" Ruby asked.

"Sure, we'll take Pox. Annabel we won't be long…" Ruby left her mother warning Annabel to behave and walked upstairs to retrieve the crup.

"Hey, Pox, come!" The crup looked up at Ruby and then ran towards her at such a speed that he sailed right past her and collided with an angry Crumbs.

Ten minutes later, after Crumbs had been pacified with treats and cuddles, Ruby and her mother took Pox out into the blustery lane.

Pox was tethered to a lead but still managed to run ahead and happily chase leaves and only occasionally looked back to check if Ruby was still there.

"Okay Rubes, shoot." Said Eliza as she closed the gate behind her and linked arms with Ruby.

"Nothing really, I just wanted to talk about last night." The topic of dinner with the Malfoy's carried them to the village and her mother laughed when Ruby reminded her of the non-hex on Draco Malfoy. Ruby popped into the shop and bought two chocolate bars for the twins and then they walked back towards the cottage.

"How are you feeling about the project?" Her mother asked.

"Okay I think, I spoke with Aunt Minnie."

"I knew you would." Chuckled her mother.

"She was expecting me apparently. I had a bit of a freak out with Penny on Wednesday, did she tell you?"

"I might have had an owl."

"Do you lot have anything else to talk about apart from your children's social lives?"

"Yes, but you have been particularly interesting lately Ruby. Penny said you were upset."

"Yeah, it should be better next week though, I get to go back to normal cases. It's Scorpius' last day on Wednesday though, it will be strange without him."

"Will you get another intern?"

"Yeah, a different second year each week. Kyle said he hates all the change this time of year, I think he's grown quite fond of Scorpius as well."

"A different student every week, I'd hate that!" Her mother said, pulling a face. Ruby nodded, she wasn't looking forward to it.

"I meant to tell you, Alice was pretty upset the other day. I forgot to warn her and her Dad hadn't told her…"

"Bugger, I'll take her out for lunch next week. I should have thought, I was so worried about telling the twins early…"

"Don't worry, I explained. I think she was more annoyed with her Dad."

"Neville would never tell someone else's story, it was Hannah that told the girls about the war and she doesn't know my story that well. I'll talk to Alice and Neville, straighten things out."

"Another thing, Uncle Ron…"

"I know he's been difficult. I think he had more of a strained relationship with Draco than any of us, he'll get used to the idea. Hermione is working on it."

"Even more strained than Uncle Harry?"

"The Weasley' and the Malfoys' go way back. On our first day at Hogwarts Draco offered Harry the hand of friendship, with a disparaging remark about Ron thrown in, I'm not sure if Ron's ever forgiven him for that. And then when Hermione was tortured at the…" Her mother tailed off, looking pale.

"Mom, can I ask you something?"

"Of course." Said her mother, shaking her head to focus her thoughts.

"Is it difficult for you? Am I making things hard for you by being with Scorpius?" Her mother smiled and pulled Ruby into a hug before holding her at arm's length.

"Ruby Ariana Weasley, I am your mother, that means that when you are happy then I am happy. I've never seen you this happy, especially considering all the stress you've been under. Scorpius is a lovely young man and I know he loves you and will look after you, that's all any mother wants. You bring out the best in each other, that's what my mother told me when I was dead, that me and Fred brought out the best in each other, that's all I want for you." Ruby smiled and kissed her mother on the cheek.

"Thanks, mom, I love you."

They returned to the cottage and Ruby had an enjoyable afternoon with her family. Her father and Teddy arrived at five, Vic five minutes later, and then at six Scorpius knocked on the door and Ruby went to answer it.

Scorpius was wearing a dark grey shirt and black trousers and Ruby kissed him and then led him into the kitchen which her mother had expanded to fit the growing family.

"Right, everyone this is Scorpius, Scorpius this is Annabel, Immy, and Vic." She said, pointing out each member. Annabel looked delighted to see Scorpius and immediately starting asking him the most bizarre questions such as; what was your last dream? If you could be either rich or green what would you be?

"Annabel, I really worry about you sometimes, leave him alone. Sit here Scorpius, Eliza won't pester you with ridiculous questions." Said Ruby's father, pulling out a seat.

"I was just finding out more about him!" Annabel protested, still staring at Scorpius.

"Annabel, pick your pizza and stop staring at him." Said Eliza, passing the menu over to her daughter. Ruby sat down in between Scorpius and Vic, who was laughing at Annabel's questions.

"Rich or green? Teddy, I think you did damage her when you threw her in the pond…" Vic started with a smile.

"I didn't throw her, she wriggled out of my grasp!" Teddy protested.

"When was this?" Asked Scorpius, looking amused.

"Annabel was one and was about to crawl into the pond at the Burrow so I grabbed her but she was a wriggler and she fell in anyway, Uncle Fred said it looked like I threw her."

"It did, it was hilarious!" Her father said, laughing.

"Was she alright?" Scorpius asked.

"I summoned her, she was fine. She fell in about six times, there were charms but Annabel was always getting around them, Merlin-knows-how." Said her mother, reassuring Scorpius.

Ruby lost track of the conversation for a while and was only brought back to the room when all was quiet and everyone was looking at her.

"Sorry, what?" She said, blinking.

"And there is the question of why we won't let Ruby on a broom answered!" Said Teddy.

"What pizza do you want?" Her mother asked, leaning over to swipe Teddy lightly on the arm.

"Oh, ham and pineapple with… chicken and… red onions, please." Everyone looked at her and then laughed. "What?"

"I'll order a big one and you two lovebirds can share." Said her father picking up the menu and walking into the living room to order.

"Scorpius ordered the same, Ruby." Her mother explained. Ruby looked at Scorpius and laughed.

"Really?" She asked, he nodded and squeezed her leg under the table.

"That's so romantic! Scorpius, will you tell me where you're taking Ruby this weekend?" Annabel asked.

"Maybe later, as long as you promise not to tell."

"I promise." Immy snorted.

"Yeah right Bells, tell her when you're about to leave, she can hold onto a secret for about five seconds."

By the time Ruby and Scorpius left the flat Ruby felt like she was glowing with happiness, they walked out of the cottage hand in hand and Ruby turned to him.

"You got your bag?" He asked.

"Yep, shrunk in my pocket."

"Excellent, hold on then." Ruby gripped his arm and with a twist of magic they were gone.


They arrived in a dark lane, Ruby couldn't tell how far they had travelled because the temperature was similar but the landscape was slightly less rugged. There was a log cabin about a hundred metres away from them and Scorpius led Ruby towards it.

"Where are we?" She asked, looking around.

"Does it matter?" Scorpius replied with a grin.

"Not really but I'm intrigued."

"Edge of Sherwood Forest, I saw an advert for the cabin in the Prophet before Christmas. There's a sauna, hot tub and bar, along with twenty-four hour room service."

"It's amazing." Said Ruby as Scorpius opened the cabin door by tapping it with his wand.

The cabin was fairly small but extremely cosy, there was a roaring fire and a large four-poster bed, even bigger than the Hogwarts beds.

"Not too shabby, shall I order some wine?" Scorpius said, enlarging his weekend bag and putting it on the floor, Ruby mimicked him and then pulled off her yellow duffel coat. Ruby nodded to the offer of wine and then sat down in front of the fire and pulled off her boots as Scorpius ordered.

Five minutes later they were enjoying the wine and watching a muggle film, Ruby was stretched out on the sofa with her feet on Scorpius' lap.

It had been such a busy and stressful week that the tiredness combine with wine had her nodding off. The third time this happened Scorpius removed the wine from her hand and put it on the table and switched off the TV.

"Come on, sleeping beauty, bed time." He said, standing up and lifting Ruby off the sofa.

"Not tired." She mumbled, Scorpius laughed and carried her over to the bed.

"That would be more convincing if your eyes were open." Ruby opened her eyes enough to see him smiling at her. The look reminded him of the way that her father looked at her mother and it woke her up instantly.

"Scorpius?" She asked as he placed her down on the ridiculously large bed.

"Ruby?"

"I really love you."

"Excellent, I really love you too. Where are your night clothes?" Ruby sat up in the bed and bit her lip, Scorpius paused in his search of her nightdress and looked up at her.

"I didn't bring any." She said, with a smirk. Scorpius laughed and moved over to her.

"Your lack of memory is, on this occasion, very convenient." He said, running his hand down the seam of her jumper and lifting it over her head.

"Really, what if I get cold?" Ruby asked, working on the buttons of his shirt and then pulling it off him and holding his waist.

"Well, I'll just have to make sure that doesn't happen." Ruby pulled her T-shirt over her head and Scorpius moaned when he saw that she wasn't wearing a bra. She had removed it when Scorpius had been ordering the wine.

Scorpius looked like he had been planning to say something but when Ruby leaned over and undid the top button of his jeans he swore and then pulled Ruby onto of his lap and their movements became frantic and desperate.


Ruby and Scorpius arrived at work on Monday morning to find Lauren Baxter sat at Scorpius' desk painting her fingernails. Ruby threw her boyfriend a scowl and then walked over to her desk and pulled out her mother's project.

"Lauren, can I help you with something?" Scorpius asked calmly.

"Oh Scorpi, there you are. Good weekend?"

"The best." He replied, Ruby could feel a blush creep across her face and she didn't dare look up. "What do you want?"

"Are you free for dinner tonight?"

"No, I've got studying to do."

"That's perfect, I'll come around at six and bring…"

"No, I'm studying with Ruby, my girlfriend." He replied firmly. Ruby knew he was lying but it did make her feel better.

"Oh… but surely it would be better to study with another first year."

"Why? You're failing aren't you?" Ruby asked, her temper finally forcing a retort. Lauren glared at her and stood up.

"Like you've never failed anything!"

"I didn't fail my first year, one thing you'll learn about Healer training Lauren, once you get in, your OWL's and NEWT's mean squat, it's a level playing field."

Lauren's retort was interrupted by the arrival of one of the admin assistants who passed Ruby a letter and then scurried out of the room. The first year gave Ruby a spiteful look and then left. Ruby glanced at Scorpius who had moved to the kettle and then open the letter.

Dear Ruby,

I have arranged an appointment for your mother to see Hl Spanswick at ten o'clock this morning in the outpatients department. I know your father is also coming but I think it would be wise for you to attend as well.

Best wishes,

Poppy Pomfrey

"Morning you two, did you have a nice weekend?" Kyle asked, entering the office just as Ruby put the letter back on the desk. She heard Scorpius reply and then looked up at Kyle.

"Sir, could I have my break at ten, my mother's got an appointment with Hl Spanswick and I'd like to be there."

"Oh dear, is your mother alright?"

"It's an old injury but I know she's quite nervous about it."

"Of course, take as long as you need, bring me a pasty on the way back would you?" Ruby nodded and Kyle walked into his office.

It took a few moments for her to realise that Scorpius was talking to her.

"…be okay."

"What?" She asked, looking up at him.

"I said I'm sure your mom will be okay."

"Oh, yeah I know… She will be." Ruby said, more to assure herself than Scorpius.

An hour later she found herself meeting her parents and Madam Pomfrey outside Spanswick's office, she could tell immediately that her mother was terrified and Ruby shared a worried look with her father before they were called into the room.

"So, Mrs Weasley, what seems to be the problem?" The Hl asked, barely glancing up and then doing a double take at the number of people entering his office. "Oh my, Poppy, how wonderful to see you!" He exclaimed, standing up and moving to give Poppy a brief kiss.

"It's nice to see you too, Colin, I enjoyed your last paper, very forward thinking. Ruby have you read the latest issue of Medical Magic yet?"

"Oh… no I have it delivered to the flat but I was away this weekend." Ruby replied, slightly embarrassed. Madam Pomfrey introduced the family and then they all took a seat.

"So, Mrs Weasley, what seems to be the problem?" Her mother opened her mouth, took a beat and then closed it again, holding her husband's hand tightly.

"Back pain, Hl Spanswick." Said Ruby's father.

"I see." He said, making a small note.

"Eliza broke her back and twisted her spinal column when she was fifteen…"

"Merlin, how on earth…"

"Wand wall in a room the size of a broom cupboard." Her mother blushed at Pomfrey's words but the mediwitch continued. "Anyway it was dealt with, albeit sporadically, at the time. But the latest medical shows significant arthritis and nerve damage, I thought it best to consultant an expert." The flattery caused the old man to smile and sit up slightly straighter. Pomfrey passed him a file and he read it for a few moments, in which Ruby noticed her mother getting steadily paler. It was rare that her mother was the object of attention in a room and Ruby could tell it wasn't sitting well.

"Well, with the extent of damage it's remarkable that you haven't needed surgery before now..."

"She'll definitely need surgery then?" Her father asked.

"Without a doubt, it must be causing considerable pain Mrs Weasley, you really should have come sooner…"

"What kind of surgery?" Ruby asked, noticing that her mother looked on the verge of passing out. Thankfully Spanswick turned his attention to Ruby and starting explaining the operation, it was a major one.

"When could you do it?" Pomfrey asked.

"Well, the soonest could be next month, you'll be out of action for at least 3 months." Her mother glanced at Ruby with a panicked expression and Ruby didn't need the twin bond to know what she was worried about.

"Hang on, mom's in the middle of a project."

"This is more important than…" Her father began but Pomfrey cut across him and addressed the healer.

"Colin, could we step out for a moment, give them chance to discuss things?" The two elders left the room and Eliza turned to Fred.

"You don't under…"

"I do understand Eliza! I know the project is important to you but…"

"Fred please, I need to finish the project, Ruby understands, don't you?" Her parents turned to her and Ruby felt like she was stuck between a rock and a hard place. The rock being her mother's pleading face, the hard place being her father's desperation.

"Mom… I know this projects important, you know I do but… this is serious. We can start the next stage of the project without you, just keep you in the loop. Look mom, your back's not going to get better on its own."

"It's not that bad, just a bit sore…"

"Don't pull that one Eliza, I know when you're in pain, however much you try to hide it and…"

"I can handle pain, Fred, I've had enough practice!" Her mother's hiss was met with silence and Ruby wished she wasn't in the room. Her father's face looked like he was remembering something with great difficulty. Eliza seemed to know she had gone too far.

"Fred?" Ruby's father didn't reply and Ruby stood up and walked over to him.

"Dad?"

"Don't. Don't say things like that Eliza. That's not fair." He said quietly, her mother nodded with a teary face.

"I'm sorry I shouldn't have…"

"No, you shouldn't. Eliza, I don't want you in pain, please, have the operation next month." Eliza looked at Ruby and then back at her husband and then nodded.

The door burst open suddenly and Uncle Harry fell in looking very out of breath and holding a stitch in his side.

"Harry, what are you…?"

"You've… you've got to…. Have the surgery…"

"I am."

"It's stupid to… to wait until the…. project's finished…" Harry grasped onto the back of Ruby's chair and looked like he might pass out.

"I'm not, I'm having it next month."

"No time to… to be a hero, Eliza… I'll tell Minerva, I swear to Merlin I will!"

"She's not waiting, mate." Said Fred, colour back in his face and a smile creeping onto his face.

"Wait, what?"

"I won't wait, I promise."

"But… the bond!" Harry pointed to his own head.

"I think there might be a time delay, did you run the whole way?"

"I was… crap I've got to go, I ran out of a meeting with Kingsley and the other…" Uncle Harry darted out of the room and Madam Pomfrey poked her head in.

"Can we come back in?"

"Yeah, I used my charm to make her see sense."

"Hmm… I knew Minerva was right about you, Weasley." Said Madam Pomfrey lightly, Ruby smiled and relaxed.


A/N So a bit more family time, what did you think?

Next chapter; Ruby demands answers.

xXMizz Alec VolturiXx- Thanks.

Luna- Petunia and Minerva were talking about the impact of Vernon's death on Eliza, I like the idea of those two having 'worry-meetings'! My leg is still broken I had an x-ray on Friday and my surgeon said if it doesn't make significant progress in 6 weeks then they'll have to operate again and put a big nail through my femur, I don't like the sound of it!

Scorubes4life- Thanks, and yes I had a great birthday although I feel old now!