For some reason I had a dream that I got a bad review on this chapter. The review was something like 'this was unnecessary and boring.' I hadn't even finished the chapter when I got that dream, so it was really odd. Anyways, sooth the doubt that has been planted in my mind by leaving a review if you liked it. Leave a review if you didn't like it too. - Alex

Rose was cleared to go home sometime around eight o'clock that evening. It took some convincing, but Mr. Malfoy eventually agreed that there was nothing more that could be done for Rose at St. Mungo's. He had given her strict instruction not to do any strenuous tasks and to eat light foods.

Christmas effectively cancelled, but all the family was still fathered at the Burrow. The Potter's were staying there for an undetermined amount of time, probably until the kids went back to school so that Harry and Ginny could clear out Atria's room and put her things in storage.

Hermione thought it would be best if their family stayed at the Burrow as well. Grandma Weasley was heating up some of the soup that they were supposed to have eaten for dinner. Rose mostly ate broth and drank orange juice. Almost everyone else was having some type of alcohol.

She wanted to say something to Albus, but he was acting distant. It didn't take her long to figure out that a part of him blames her for Atria's death, even if that part wasn't conscious. Rose knew he was happy to have her home, but there was a reminder at the sight of her that his love was gone.

This continued to the next day. Rose had had a difficult time falling asleep and when she woke up she was sore and hungry. She hadn't eaten a proper meal in over two days and her stomach was started to cramp.

When she went down to the kitchen she found her mum. No one else seemed to be awake and she imagined that they were all catching up on the sleep they had missed. She knew they all had trouble falling asleep last night, but once asleep they were out for good.

Her mother perked up when she saw Rose. "How are you feeling?" She asked softly and pulled a chair back at the table. Rose sat down carefully next to her mom, paying special attention not to make any jerky movements.

"I'm a little sore, but mostly I'm hungry."

Hermione brushed some hair off Rose's shoulder. "How about I make you some toast and hot chocolate?" She stood up as Rose made a sound of agreement. She hoped no one heard them and woke up.

As Rose was thinking, she realized how much she was dreading dealing with the family. Before she had left the hospital there had been all kinds of questions and Rose knew there were more coming.

"Mum," Rose said slowly.

"Yes, love?"

"Do you think I could go to Malfoy Manor?"

Her mum looked over her shoulder in surprise and stopped fiddling with the bread. "Today?" Rose nodded mutely. "Why?"

Her blushed. "I just don't feel like dealing with the family." Hermione frowned. "I just mean that I need some alone time."

"You're going to visit with Scorpius for alone time?" Her mum raised her eyebrows and Rose tried to think of the best way the explain it. Scorpius was her rock. He was the thing that kept her centered and standing and she especially needed him today.

"I just… he…" she struggled to find the words. "Even if we just sit in silence I know he understands what I need. Today I need someone who understands me." She bit her lip. "And technically I'm seventeen so you can't stop me." She added and Hermione gave a short laugh.

"Everyone will wonder why you've left."

"Tell them I needed a break."

"You haven't even been here a day."

"Will you let me?" Rose pressed. Hermione placed her hands on her hips.

She sighed, "You just want to go for today?"

Rose cringed, "Well, I was hoping you might let me spend a few days there."

Hermione made an indignant noise of protest. Rose continued before her mum could say anything, "Please, and Mr. Malfoy will be there in case I feel ill or something. I just need a few days to decompress." She said quickly.

"Are you sure that's all?"

Rose paused, "Albus doesn't want to see me." The words slipped from her mouth.

Her mom came over to her. "Oh Rose, that's not true-"

"Yes, it is. I'm a reminder and I think he needs a few days too and I don't feel like having that on my back right now." Her throat got tight and she hadn't even realized she was becoming emotional.

Her father walked in just as Hermione looked like she was about to cave. Rose's shoulders drooped. "Let's ask your dad," Her mum suggested.

Her dad came over and kissed her on the forehead. "Ask me what?"

"Rose wants to spend a few days at Scorpius's house."

Rose blinked innocently at her father and bit her lip. "I just want to get away."

Her dad didn't say anything for a few moments. He looked at her thoughtfully and Rose gave him a doe-eyed look. "That might be a good idea." Ron said slowly and Rose let out a surprised noise. She carefully hugged him.

"Thank you, daddy!"

He laughed. "If it will make you this happy… but you need to write to the Malfoys and ask. We can hardly just send you over unannounced." Rose jumped up, not bothered by the aching in her legs.

"I'll write immediately. When can I go?"

"As soon as we have a response." Hermione said. Rose nodded and her head throbbed slightly, but she quickly walked out of the kitchen and back to her room. She usually had to share with Lily, but this time she had been given her own room.

She wrote a quick letter to Scorpius, hoping he would respond quickly.

Dear Scorpius,

Can I come stay at yours for a few days? I know this is random but I need to get away.

Love, Rose

She sent it off within five minutes and then glanced at the clock. It wasn't even seven thirty yet. She hadn't realized it was quite so early and she hoped she wasn't waking Scorpius up, but knowing him she probably was. His house wasn't that far away, but it seemed like it would be forever until he replied.

Rose was hoping to be gone before anyone else got up. She packed a bag, operating under the assumption that Scorpius and his parents would say that she could come over. She kept it simple: toothbrush, pajamas, one change of cloths, and several undergarments. Packing was a methodical task and for some reason it made her feel better.

It was just a normal day and she was packing an overnight bag. At least she could pretend that was true for a little while. An hour later Rose glanced at the clock and she knew if was irrational to expect a response to quick. Her owl probably hadn't even arrived at his house yet. She sat on her bed and waiting.

She lasted all of ten minutes. Rose bit her lip and then took a piece of paper from her school bag, Scorpius's notes which she had borrowed to compare. She went downstairs to her parents. They were speaking softly in the kitchen and stopped as soon as they heard her footsteps. Rose noticed Charlie in the living room but snuck past him.

"He already replied?" Her father's eyebrows shot up. Rose gave him a casual look, something she had learned from Atria. Whenever you're lying look nonchalant and open.

Rose held up a page of the notes so they could see it wasn't her parchment. She had folded it to look like an opened letter and her parents seemed fooled. "I'm all ready to go. I'll floo directly to their house and owl you when I'm there." She said with confidence. Something else Attie taught her: lie with confidence. Suddenly everything Atria had ever said and done made sense.

Rose remember a particular time when Atria had said, "Just imagine that I'm telling you a giant lie. I would start by saying something outrageous like… I come from a long line of killers and murders, and you would laugh and brush it off. But it's actually true. You would never suspect it because I told it to your face and said it like a joke." Rose had laughed at the time, thinking how random and hilarious that was. Like, where did she come up with this stuff.

She had been explaining how to lie by telling the truth and in that joke she actually had been telling the truth.

This made Rose's brain hurt even more.

"Will you be alright? I'll walk you to the fireplace-"

"Mum, the fireplace is in the next room, I hardly need an escort." Rose scoffed.

Ron jumped up suddenly, "We never gave you your Christmas present!"

"It's alright. We'll have a big family celebration when I get back." Rose said quickly, simply to appease them. She thought about the present she had packed for Scorpius. She desperately hoped he liked it.

Her parents hugged her gingerly and Rose gripped the straps of her backpack as she went into the dining room. She took a handful of the green powder and stepped into the fireplace.

"Scorpius Malfoy's room!"

She always closed her eyes when she flooed. When she opened them she had materialized in Scorpius's bedroom. She was still amazed that he had a fireplace in his bedroom, right in front of the sitting room.

Rose stepped out of the fireplace and looked up just in time to see Scorpius roll over on his king sized bed. The grey canopy obstructed her view slightly, the thin translucent material making it difficult to see him in detail. She stepped quietly through the sitting room and climbed the stairs that led to the platform his bed rested on.

The canopy was pinned back on the left side of the bed. That was probably the side he got in and out of, she thought. Rose blushed slightly at the sight of his sprawled out on his stomach. The duvet was pulled halfway up his bare back, showing off his muscled shoulders.

Quidditch workouts had certainly been kind to him.

Realized she was standing there ogling him, she whispered, "Scorpius." He didn't move.

"Scorpius," Rose whispered urgently, pushing down on the edge of the bed. He made a light mewing sound, but didn't move.

Growing impatient, Rose slapped his shoulder. "Scorpius!" He jerked up, his arms pushed the upper half of his body of the bed. He blinked several times and looked around with sleepy eyes.

"Rose?" His said with a yawn.

She tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. "Hey."

He looked around once more. "What… what are you going here?"

She played with the strap of her backpack. "I was wondering if I could stay here for a few days." She said quietly, her lower lips trembling. She wasn't sure when the emotions started to bubble up, but they were reaching the surface now.

He rolled over and sat up, swiping a hand down his face. She looked at the front of his body and admired his abs. For a moment, he took her mind off of her feelings.

"Are you okay?" He demanded.

She nodded, but a knot lodged in her throat. "I just had to get away. I knew everyone was going to be crazy today and I had to get away before it started." She said quietly, her voice dangerously close to breaking.

He gave her a soft look. "I'm glad you came here. What time is it?"

"Around eight thirty I think. Sorry I came so early, but I wanted to leave before everyone woke up."

"No one knows you're here?" Scorpius sounded alarmed.

"My parents know. I owled you, by the way. But I couldn't wait for your response. If my parents ask, your parents said it was totally alright if I spent a few days here."

His eyes widened, "A few days?"

Rose flushed, "If that's alright with you. And your parents."

"It's completely fine, I just thought you might want to spend some time with your family." He looked sideways at her and she sighed.

"Albus is being distant. Everyone is so depressed about Atria, even though no one talks about it. It's like an invisible shadow over the house. Last night was… difficult. I need to be happy for a little while."

Scorpius smiled, "I would do anything to make you happy."

Rose's vision blurred and she blinked rapidly, but despite the tears threatening to fall, she was very happy in that moment. She yawned widely and Scorpius chuckled.

"Do you want to go back to sleep? I couldn't fall asleep until early this morning." Scorpius laid back down and looked at Rose expectantly. Did he want her to get in bed with him? Rose wasn't going to ask questions because she really needed to be close to him.

She dropped her backpack and kicked off her slippers. She hadn't bothered to change out of her pajamas, so she was wearing a comfortable t-shirt and boxer shorts. Silently, she slipped between the bed sheets.

Rose glanced over at Scorpius who was watching her with a tried, but steady gaze. She pulled the covers up to her shin and snuggled in.

"You look tired." Scorpius said quietly. She looked sideways at him.

"I am." She admitted. "I slept for so long yesterday, I feel like I shouldn't be tired."

Scorpius rolled on his side and propped his head up on his hand. "You were unconscious, not asleep. After everything you went through, it's perfectly reasonable to be tired."

Rose laughed dryly. "I was gone for less than twelve hours. It seems silly that everyone is fussing over me."

Scorpius frowned, "You shouldn't make light of it."

She smiled and her breath left her in a choked gasp. "I don't know what else to do." Tears clogged her throat and Scorpius reached out to her and pulled her against him. He held her in his arms and cradled her against his chest. He muttered calming words and ran a soothing hand up and down her back.

Rose nestled into him, pressing her face against his skin and smushing her arms between them. She wasn't really crying, more like hyperventilating and releasing steam. She hiccupped on a breath.

Scorpius rested his chin on her head. "Are you comparing yourself to Atria?" He asked after a moment. Rose paused. She hadn't thought about it that way, but now that she did, it seemed silly that after everything Atria had been through, she was the one receiving all the pity.

"Atria should be here. Everyone should be fawning over her and asking if she's alright. And she would say that she's fine, but secretly we all know that she's hurting. She would put on a brave face and crack jokes with Uncle George and… and…" By this time, Rose had worked herself into a full sob fest. She spoke through her ragged breathing, "Albus would make sure that she's alright and everything would go back to normal. Atria would talk about everything I went through. She would feel guilty, but I would tell her… I would tell her that it's not her fault." She squeezed her eyes together as tears poured out.

Scorpius held her tightly. "She loved you. She wanted me to tell you that." Rose sobbed harder.

"And who's going to take care of her bloody cat? None of us are good with animals!" She cried hysterically. Was this the most important thing that moment? No, but for some reason it seemed pressing. Scorpius chuckled.

"I'm sure we can figure it out. Or give it to Hagrid."

Rose laughed through her tears and she clutched Scorpius harder. "I need you." She whispered. "It seems silly to be dependent on another person, but you keep me strong." Scorpius cleared his throat and didn't say anything for several moments. She waited for his response unsure of what she wanted him to say.

Finally he said in a voice thick with emotion, "I want to be there for you. No matter what, I want to be the person you go to when your sad. I want to be the first person you tell exciting news to." Rose wanted to tilt her head back to look at him, but his chin was resting on her head and he held her so tightly that she couldn't move.

And she absolutely loved it. Eventually, her heart beat slowed down and her breathing evened. She wanted to stay awake, but her eyes started drooping.

"Go to sleep, Rose." Scorpius whispered as if he knew what she was thinking.

The last thing she felt before fading into sleep was his hand trailing up and down her back and something, his lips, brush across her forehead.

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Scorpius blinked several times and went to roll over, but something, or someone, was tangled around him. It took a moment for everything that had happened earlier that morning to come back. He smiled when he looked down at Rose.

He was lying on his back and she was curled into his side, her head resting on his chest. He had an arm around her, she had one arm lying across his chest, and she had a leg hook in between his legs. Scorpius let his head fall back into the pill, careful not to disturb Rose, and grinned contently. He could wake up like this for the rest of his life.

He looked at the decorative clock hanging on the wall. It was nearly noon, but he didn't want to get up. Scorpius never wanted to leave Rose's arms.

He lay there for a few minutes, running his finger over her hand, brushing pieces of her hair… basically touching any part of her he could reach. The soft smile stayed on his face and widened when he thought about Rose had said last night. She needed him. He was the person she came to when she needed to be safe.

When everyone else was too much, Scorpius was the one person she could stand.

When her head started to turn, Scorpius stopped caressing her. She arched her back, like she was trying to stretch, but all it did was press her breasts against his side. And that brought him to his next train of thought.

Scorpius was lying in bed with the woman he loved. They were curled up together, Scorpius without a shirt and Rose in cute little pajamas. He hadn't realized immediately, but now all he could focus on was his erection. He had a deep need to kiss her and love her.

And she was waking up.

"Scorpius?" She said sleepily, tilting her head back to look at him.

"Yea," He replied softly, angling his body so that she couldn't feel what was happening at his hips. He thought she would wake up and pull away, but she just snuggled tighter at the sound of his voice.

"What time is it?"

"Almost noon."

Rose's eyes widened. "I have to owl my parents. And shower." Thank you Merlin for that image. Now he really needed to keep her away from his hips, because there was no missing how turned on he was at the moment.

"Uh… sure. Whatever you need." He said quickly, coughing a bit. His throat was tight and for once, it wasn't from sadness of tears.

"I didn't shower yesterday. When I got home I was too tired and I would have needed help, but everyone was so busy…"

Scorpius swallowed. "Do you still need help?"

"No, I'm feeling a lot better now that I've had a good sleep."

"Good, I'm glad you're feeling better." But sad that she didn't need help with the shower.

"Sorry, I'm probably getting you and your wonderful sheets all dirty."

He laughed, "Don't worry. There are more important things that clean sheets." That sounded dirtier than he meant, but luckily she didn't seem to notice.

Neither of them made a move to get up. They stayed wrapped in each other's arms for a few more minutes, which was completely fine with Scorpius. When Rose started to pull back he let her go, but it physically hurt him to let go of her. It literally made his chest ache. As she tried to tame her wild hair, he watched with an amused smile on his face. He folded his arms behind his head and watched as she rolled out of bed.

He had never seen her hair so free and sexy. The 'I just got out of bed' look definitely worked for her. She stretched her arms above her head slowly, as if she was testing how much movement her sore body could handle.

"Is that the bathroom?" Rose pointed to the door next of the sitting room. Scorpius shook his head.

"No, that's my closet."

Rose stared at him for a moment and looked at his dresser which lined one wall. "You have enough clothes to fill that big dresser and a closet?" Scorpius nodded, slightly embarrassed. And she would discovered that his bathroom counter was covered with hair products and other unmanly things.

"Well, the dresser is casual clothes and the closet is formal clothes. I can't exactly fold a suit, can I?"

Rose laughed, "I suppose not."

"That's the bathroom." He point to a door opposite the one to enter his room.

"Thanks. I'm going to shower."

Scorpius swallowed thickly. "Yeah, you should find everything you need in there. The house elves always stock the closet with plenty of towels."

"Your bathroom has a closet too?" Rose raised her eyebrows.

"Well… it's like a supply closet. There some first aid stuff in there, some potions for stomach aches…"

"Hair products…" Rose sang teasingly.

Scorpius smiled. "Just a few. Then there's towels and extra sheets."

Rose laughed and shook her head. "Amazing." She started walking towards the bathroom and then paused. "Do you think this is what it was like for Attie? I mean, I didn't actually see the rest of her house, but if it was anything like the dungeon…"

"Her house was actually bigger than mine. She described it like an evil Hogwarts. Lots of secrets and a bit confusing. But it was nice, or it used to be before it was abandoned."

"I can imagine." Rose nodded and then went into the bathroom.

Scorpius remembered his conversation with Atria. He wanted to tell Rose that he loved her, but it never seemed like a good time. He thought about what Albus was going through, having missed the opportunity and living with the regret. Scorpius didn't want that.

There might never be a good time, but the wrong time was better than no time. And after their conversation this morning, Scorpius was starting the think that maybe Rose loved him too. Of course, she hadn't seemed at all flushed or embarrassed by the fact they had slept together, so maybe the thought had never crossed her mind. Maybe she only saw him as a friend and a more serious relationship hadn't ever crossed her mind.

Scorpius let out a frustrated sigh. He knew it was a bad idea to overthink it. If he started to think too much he would talk himself out of telling her. It was a risk.

But it was a risk he was willing to take if there was even the slightest chance they might be together. He wasn't going to lose her because he hadn't even tried. Scorpius would regret not trying more than he would regret not succeeding. But how was he going to go about it…

Scorpius was pulled out of his thoughts by the bathroom door opening. Was Rose already finished showering. Her head poked out, her wet hair piled on top of her head.

"Hey could you hand me my bag?" She asked and Scorpius got up.

He grabbed her backpack and walked it over to her. She stuck her hand out of the crack and he could see the towel wrapped around her body and he bare collarbone.

"Here you go. Are you finished already?"

Rose nodded. "I've been in here for fifteen minutes." She said it like that was long time, but Scorpius took more than twice that time to shower. She disappeared into the bathroom and Scorpius went back to sit on the bed.

His heart was pounding in his chest. When he heard the door open again, he took a deep breath. She was wearing a simple red long sleeve shirt and jeans. Not by any means, spectacular, but it made Scorpius's breath catch all the same.

He stood up and went to meet her halfway.

"I need to owl my parents. And you should probably tell your parents that I'm here. I feel bad about just coming over. This morning I was kind of in panic mode, but looking back I probably should have waited…" She bit her lip.

"It'll be fine." He said quickly.

"I know, but it's a bit rude to just invite myself over."

Scorpius shook his head. "It's really alright. I'm glad you came."

"Me too."

There was a pregnant pause. Scorpius wasn't sure if Rose noticed how awkward it was, but the silence thundered in his ears.

"Rose, there's something I have to tell you." He took a step closer and now they were only standing a foot apart. Rose looked expectantly and questioningly at him. "Yesterday was really difficult… and well, if something had happened to you I would have lost my mind. I can't imagine how Albus is feeling and I don't want to. I know there are things he wishes he had said. I don't want that to happen."

Rose frowned. "I don't understand."

Scorpius's cheeks were on fire and his pulse was pounding in his ears.

"I'm trying to say that I love you and I should say it to you every day."

Rose blinked. "I love you too." She said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. Scorpius coughed, knowing she didn't understand what he was trying to say.

"Rose, when I say love… I mean… I'm not talking about," He winced, thinking this is going all wrong.

"I love you too."

"Yes, but what I'm trying to say is that-"

Suddenly her lips pressed against his and Scorpius's eyes widened and his jaw dropped. She kissed him fiercely and for a moment he was stunned into a stupor. And then he threw his arms around her waist and dragged her as close as he could. She wrapped her arms around his neck.

He cupped the back of her neck, refusing to let her break the kiss. His tongue swept out and licked her bottom lip and she sighed contently. She pulled back a fraction of an inch and whispered, "Scorpius." He kept kissing her through her words. "Scor," kiss, "we should," kiss, "wait a second." His lips brushed hers one last time before he pulled away.

"I love you so much," He said and leaned in for one more kiss. Merlin, how had he survived to this point without her lips on his?

She smiled up at him, "Me too." She let out a bubbly giggle. "You looked so nervous."

"You knew what I was going to say?"

Rose barked out a short laugh, "No! You took me completely by surprise, but I… I wanted it to be true. After everything you said this morning, I was hoping you felt the same way. Merlin, up until this morning I wasn't even sure how I felt."

Scorpius touched a piece of her hair. "I realized I loved you in Spain, at the wedding."

Her eyes widened. "But… that was months ago! Why didn't you say something?"

Scorpius looked down, "The thought just popped into my head and well, I convinced myself that I was just overtaken by emotions. You looked so beautiful and… I guess I was overtaken by emotions, but later I realized that it wasn't a passing fancy. I really like you."

"We've digressed from love to like?" Rose teased.

Scorpius rolled his eyes. "I like and love you, especially right now. Sometimes I don't like you, but I will always love you." Rose's mouth opened.

"When don't you like me?"

"When you nag me about leaving stuff in our common room or about doing my homework…"

"Well, I just think you shouldn't leave all your Quidditch thingys everywhere! And homework is important!"

Scorpius captured Rose's face in his hand and pressed a soft kiss to her mouth. "Rose, if it means having you in my life I will put up with your nagging forever." Rose flushed and tried to conceal a grin. "I love you more than I dislike your nagging."

Rose chuckled. "Mmm, I love you more than your ridiculous habits." She nose brushed his.

"What habits?" He whispered.

"Your morning routine. You realize I take ten minutes in the bathroom while you take almost an hour."

Scorpius snorted, "Well, personal grooming is important."

"Not that important." Rose replied and Scorpius kissed her again. "Is it wrong to be happy right now?" Rose asked quietly. Scorpius pulled back.

"Why would it be wrong?"

Rose sighed, "I just feel like it's wrong for us to be happy when Albus is hurting."

"It's not your fault," Scorpius started.

"I know! But it's just… Atria put her life on the line to save me. I'm standing here because she isn't."

"You deserve to be happy. Give Albus some time, it's only been a day. Hell, we all need time. Just because you and I are momentarily distracted, doesn't mean that we aren't hurting too."

Rose didn't say anything for a moment, but when she did, she figured it was time for a subject change. "I really have to owl my parents and you have to speak with yours about me staying here."

Scorpius groaned, "Do I have to tell my parents you're here? They'll just make you stay in a guest room."

"Scorpius, I can't just stay in here." Rose paused. "And um, I'm not ready for… that."

"I'm not suggesting 'that'," Scorpius teased, "I only meant that I had the best sleep I've ever had and I loved waking up in your arms. Even if we don't make love, I still enjoyed holding you."

Rose melted and it took all of her strength to say, "It wouldn't be respectful to your parents. I already invited myself over, I can't just hide in your room. Despite the fact I said I needed a break, I don't think I could stay holed up in one room for several days."

Scorpius pulled her close, "I'm sure we could find ways to keep ourselves entertained," He whispered and gave her a long, slow kiss. His lips moved skillfully across hers and his tongue knew the precise movements that made her crazy.

She pulled back, "Scorpius." She chided, "you can't keep kissing me to distract me."

"I'm allowed to kiss my girlfriend."

"Is that what I am?"

Scorpius caressed her cheek. "Well, I actually think girlfriend is a bit… childish and an understatement. I prefer… the love of my life, the person who keeps me from losing my mind, my rock, my soul…"

Rose laughed, "Alright I get it. You know, you still haven't asked me on a date."

Scorpius froze and Rose looked at him. Suddenly, he dropped down to one knee.

"Oh dear Merlin," Rose burst out laughing and shook her head. Scorpius took both of her hands in his and brought them to his lips.

"Rose Nymphadora Weasley, will you put up with all my bad habits and be my girlfriend?"

Rose smiled down at him and grinned. "Yes, of course."

Scorpius released a breath and wiped nonexistent sweat off his forehead. "You had me worried for a second." She smacked his shoulder playfully and he stood up. "Well, go write your letter and I'll go tell my parents." He said dryly.

Rose stood on her toes and kissed his cheek. "Thank you! Can I borrow some parchment and your owl?"

Scorpius set her up at a small oak desk in the corner of his bedroom. His owl waited to dutifully by the window and he left her writing. Scorpius wandered down to the first floor, guessing that his mother was having lunch at the moment, or a very late brunch. His father hadn't come home with them last night, which was a good thing for him.

It was more likely that his mum would be sympathetic to Rose. He could guilt her into letting Rose stay, but his father was not so easily manipulated.

Like Scorpius predicted, his mum was in the small dining room, having a tea and pastry. She smiled softly upon his arrival and motioned for him to sit down. "You're finally awake. I was about to send Tawny up to make sure you were still alive."

Scorpius grinned at his mum and sat down unceremoniously.

"Do you want something to eat?" She took a sip from her tea cup.

He shook his head, "Not now." Scorpius cleared his throat. "I actually have a favor to ask." His mum raised her eyebrow and looked at him suspiciously over the edge of her cup.

"I'm almost afraid to ask."

He laughed, "It's nothing bad… it's just, well, Rose arrived this morning and was wondering if she could spend a few days here." He made sure to widen his eyes innocently and hit his mum with a lovable grin.

"She's here now?"

"Yes, she's actually in my room writing to her parents, saying that she got here alright."

"Do they know she's here?"

Scorpius nodded quickly, "Yes."

"But… why is she here?"

He sighed, laying it on thick, "She didn't want to deal with her family. To be honest, it's really difficult at her house right now and Albus is… not making things easier. She just wanted a few days to recuperate without having to worry about anything and I told her that you would probably let her stay here. She says that she feels very safe here." It was shameful really, but Scorpius didn't have any regrets.

His mum bit her lip. "Well, I suppose if her parents say it's alright… we can set up a guest room." Scorpius hid his disappointment well, smiling and kissing his mum's cheek. "I'll speak to your father when he gets home. I'm sure he'll be happy to be able to check on her, I know he was worried about sending her home last night. There was nothing more to be done, but I think he wanted to monitor her more."

"He can monitor her here." Scorpius jumped up and headed for the door. "We'll be down in a little while for lunch. I'm not sure how much Rose has eaten, but she didn't sleep much last night."

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Later that night, Astoria waited in the dining room for Draco to arrive home. She nibbled at some chocolate cake and thought about the day. It may have been the first time she had actually spend a long amount of time with Rose Weasley.

They came down for lunch and the young girl was very gracious about letting her stay at the house. Astoria had assured her it was no problem, but still Rose explained that she sent a letter, but eventually got impatient waiting for a response.

Astoria liked Rose, but what she really loved is how Scorpius acted around her. Yesterday, her son had gone to bed without a word, looking pale and half-dead. This afternoon when he came down to see her, she was shocked at how alive he looked. As soon as Scorpius had explained that Rose was here, needing a place to escape, everything made sense.

Scorpius was happy to have a purpose, especially if that purpose was to take care of Rose. Astoria was sure that Scorpius didn't see it and neither did Rose, but while he was taking care of Rose, he was also taking care of himself. Astoria was pleased to have Rose here, if nothing else it seemed to brighten her son's disposition.

A few minutes later Draco walked into the dining room and bent over to place a kiss on his wife's lips.

"How was the hospital?" Astoria asked as Draco collapsed into a chair.

"Still in disarray. It's better, but there were many injuries and many people wandering around looking for friends and family. We were able to stabilized almost all of the victims of the explosion with only a few casualties." Draco told her as she handed him her fork. He dug into the chocolate cake and Astoria got up to heat up some of the leftover chicken.

"That's good." She waved her wand at the chicken that was sitting on the food table. Normally a house elf would serve them, but Astoria had sent them all to bed.

"How is Scorpius?" Draco looked up with a worried expression and watched his wife bring over the plate of chicken.

"Well, that's what I wanted to speak with you about." She said as she levitated the plate onto the table. Draco frowned.

"Is everything alright?"

"Yes, actually he's feeling much better."

Draco raised an eyebrow. "Really."

"Yes, but… well, it's because Rose is here."

"Rose Weasley?" Draco said around a large amount of cake.

Astoria nodded slowly, "Yes, he asked if she could stay here for a few days. I guess she was feeling rather suffocated at home and wanted to escape. I wasn't sure what to say and perhaps I should have waited for you… but Draco, you should have seen his face. He looked so happy to have her here. He was thrilled when I said it was alright and I think it's nice that he has friends who depend on him."

"Astoria-"

"Admittedly, after those first few years at Hogwarts… I wasn't sure he would ever fit in, there's just so much history. And now he has wonderful friends who love and accept him, and more than that, they're Weasley's and Potter's! You know, it just makes me so happy that his friends love him even though his last name is Malfoy and I think he could really use some support right now. Of course, he doesn't see it that way, he thinks he's helping her… oh, but isn't it so lovely that they're helping each other?" Astoria finally took a breath and looked at her husband.

Draco waited for a moment, as if to make sure that she was finished.

"Astoria, it's perfectly alright that he has friends over. And Rose just went through a traumatic experience, if what she needs is to be here, as her healer I can hardly say no." Draco set his fork down.

"Oh, excellent." Astoria sighed contently.

Draco took her hands and looked her in the eyes. "But listen to the words you're saying. It is wonderful that he has friends he can rely on and who love him for himself, but this also makes me realize how much we owe Atria because she is in part responsible for that." Astoria bit her lip and looked down.

"You're right… oh, it's just awful, I can hardly bare it. No wonder these children need each other. You should tell Scorpius that it's alright if he wants to invite Amanda Smith over. She's all alone at home dealing with the loss of a dear friend," Astoria sniffed and Draco put a finger under her chin and tilted her head up.

"Astoria, that's a nice idea, but I don't think Scorpius is looking for a friend to lean on, nor do I think Ms. Weasley is looking for a shoulder to cry on."

She frowned. "What do you mean?"

Draco's lips tilted upward. "Astoria I want you to prepare yourself for the realization that in five years we will probably be witnessing Rose and Scorpius's wedding."

Astoria gasped and jerked her head back. "You mean…."

"They are completely in love with each other. Rose isn't here because she needs a friend to lean on, she's here because she need Scorpius." Draco said with an amused smile. "Because she loves him. And the reason taking care of her makes him happy is because he is in love with her."

Astoria's mouth form an 'O'. "Are you sure?"

"One hundred percent. The look on his face when he speaks about Rose Weasley is the same one I see when I look in the mirror." He cupped her cheek. "The look of a man in love."