The Time they All Dealt with the Aftermath

Lily and Luna

Lily got home after everyone was in bed, then did something she never did. Called in sick. Mind you, it was only Dario she needed to notify, but even then he had given her a curious glance.

Lily's Aunt Luna was home from her most recent travels and Lily needed the clarity of thought she had always provided for her.

Luna ushered her in for some plimpy tea and listened to the whole story pouring from Lily's mouth.

"My darling girl," said Luna when she had finished, cupping her cheek with her hand, "Ignore the wrackspurts and follow your heart. Not everything can be planned or rationalised, and nor should it be. Love is a gift from the Gods. Take a risk with your heart like you would when you fly your bike or broom. Live for the moment, the thrill of the unknown."

Lily closed her eyes and leaned into Luna's hand. When her eyes opened they were full of the fire of hope and determination she was known for.

"Thank you Auntie Luna. I need to go. Now."

Luna kissed her forehead, "Be swift and true, my lovely. But do mind the roses won't you."

It wasn't until Lily was already flying her bike on the way home that she realised Auntie Luna didn't have any roses in her garden, nor did she in hers.

Scorpius and Lily

Lily paced the house for the rest of the day and drank copious amounts of tea, planning and replanning what she was going to say to Scorpius. By the time 5 o'clock rolled around she was a nervous wreck hovering by the Floo waiting for him to get home.

Finally the fireplace flared green and out he stepped. The minute he saw her his face lit up.

"Lily! I need to tell you-"

"Scorpius! I have to tell you-" they spoke over each other, then stopped, waiting for the other to go.

"I really need to-" they both tried again.

"Argh!" Lily cried, then marched over to him, grabbed his robes in her fists, then yanked him down to her level and kissed him with every bit of frustration and hope she was feeling.

Scorpius dropped everything he was holding, hoisted Lily up around his waist and walked her over to the wall, then pressed her up against it; one hand holding her up and the other sinking into her hair. He poured months of pent up attraction and anticipation into the kiss and Lily felt herself go rather weak with desire and relief.

Every one of her nerves was on fire, and she wrapped her arms around Scorpius' neck and pulled him even closer, tightening her legs around his waist.

He broke the kiss with a sharp gasp and looked at her with such utter wanting she very nearly vanished their clothes right then and there, but settled for pulling him back in for another kiss.

Who knows what might have happened if Albus hadn't decided to walk through the Floo at that very moment.

"Hellooo the house-" he started, then caught sight of them and spluttered, "What the bloody hell?!"

Lily and Scorpius tore themselves away from each other and Lily landed on her feet with a THUMP. They looked at him with wide eyes, chests heaving.

Albus was gaping at them like a fish. "What are you…? I mean are you guys…? What the bloody hell is going on?!"

Scorpius moved closer to Albus, "Mate, it's a bit of a long story, but this has only just happened. Like right now. You prat."

"I like him Al. A lot and I'm hoping we can…try and be something?" she looked hesitantly over at Scorpius.

"Yes!" Scorpius said, moving back to her side and grabbing her hands and twining his fingers through hers, "Yes, I'd like that. A lot. Please"

They both laughed awkwardly, relieved.

Albus cleared his throat. "Well don't let me stop you," he said dryly, "I feel like I should have seen this coming. I expect the full story though, Scor. And there will be ground rules!"

Lily rolled her eyes but offered Al a small smile. He returned it. They were ok.

"Well Al, I think we are going to ah, work this out a bit more just now. By ourselves." said Lily, arching an eyebrow at him.

"Argh, gross, take it to your room or something," Albus said with all the maturity of a 12 year old.

"That, brother dear, was the intention all along,"

Albus put his hands over his ears, "La la la la la!" he said loudly, walking away from them into the kitchen.

They laughed, then smiled at each other shyly.

"Hi," said Lily.

"Hi," replied Scorpius with a warm smile.

"How was your day?"

"Shite. Got bugger all done," he replied with a laugh, "You?"

"Barely slept, so didn't go to work. Went to see Auntie Luna instead."

"You skipped work?!" Scorpius looked down at her in concern, "You never skip work, are you ok?"

Lily laughed, "I'm fine now. If I had known how well this was going to go I'd have stopped worrying and kissed you earlier."

Scorpius smouldered at her and moved closer, "Please know that you now have permission to kiss me anytime you want."

Lily felt a slow smile come over her face, "Anytime, hmm?" she stepped closer and traced her hands up his chest and over his shoulders, noticing his breath hitch satisfyingly.

"Would now be ok?" she bumped her nose against his, then squeaked in surprise and he covered her lips with his again, this time in a deep, slow kiss, moving his hands slowly up and around her back, cradling her against him softly. Lily practically melted as she felt a slow burning desire from her core coupled with a softer, scarier feeling in her heart.

They slowly broke away from the kiss and leant their foreheads against each other trying to slow their breathing.

"Bloody hell, Lil" whispered Scorpius.

"I know," she whispered back, "I think we need to take this slow, it's all been so fast and intense and…I don't want to ruin it by being…me. It's too good. Your too good"

"Whatever you need, I'm there for it, for you. I'm all in, Lil."

"Me too. All in."

They smiled at each other goofily.

"Come on, let's head upstairs. Talk about stuff and figure it out," Scorpius grabbed Lily's hand then hesitated, "Is this ok?"

"It really is," she smiled up at him, "Thank you for asking. I know I'm a bit weird about people in my space."

"It's not weird, you just find humans overwhelming when they're too close."

He led her towards the stairs and they started the climb.

"Yes," Lily was looking at him strangely, "That pretty much exactly it. You stir your tea a certain way. Three stirs counterclockwise with a final clockwise stir to end."

"Err, yeah. It, ah, tastes better that way," he said with a chuckle.

"Yeah…we really know each other, don't we?"

"We really do." They reached the top of the stairs. Scorpius tried and failed to suppress a smirk, "So, your place or mine?"

Lily cackled, "Mine, at least I know it's tidy."

"Whew, your room is way nicer!" He took a couple of steps toward her door then stopped.

"Merlin's Pants!"

"What?" asked Lily in confusion, "What's wrong?"

"This is so bad, I completely forgot, with you and this and-"

"Scorpius," said Lily with forced calmness, "Please tell me now."

"It's my dad, he's…he's dating your Aunt Mione!"

Lily blinked once. Twice. "I'm sorry, did you just say your dad is dating Aunt Mione?"

"I swear on my honour as a Malfoy. How weird is that? You can't tell anyone, though, I don't think she has told Rose or Hugo, Dad said she was telling Ron last night, so who knows how that will go…"

Lily looked a little concerned. "Hades' Hat, that may not go down well. Your dad though, he's happy? And you're ok?"

Scorpius smiled and drew her in for a hug. "I'm really ok. He's so happy Lil, it's been so long since I've seen him like this. I honestly thought he'd just go through the rest of his life alone. Your Aunt Mione, though, wasn't expecting that!"

Lily looked thoughtful. "Now that I know I'm actually not surprised."

"No?"

"No." She leaned back to look up at him. "I'll tell you all about it in my room."

Scorpius let out a low chuckle that sent pleasant shivers up Lily's spine, "That sounds like a plan."

They spent the evening talking and 'getting to know each other' a little better.

Coming out only for dinner and parting ways only to sleep separately in their own rooms. Slow is slow and just because they lived together didn't mean they needed to jump in with both feet.

Rose, Albus, Lily and Scorpius and Lily and Hugo

One week later

The week flew by quickly and before they knew it, it was Sunday again. Lily and Scorpius had spent lunch together each day, dinner each night and their evenings talking and talking. This all consuming rush was so new to Lily. She'd been excited about relationships before, but never had she been vibrating with happiness and content to be in someone's company all the time. The biggest thing for her was how comfortable she was with the physical aspect of their relationship. She had never been a touchy-feely person and generally didn't like hugs or being touched too often, and this had been the cause of issues in her past relationships. But even just holding hands or the slightest peck from Scorpius had set her nerves on fire - in the best way. It was overwhelming but also amazing and liberating in a way. She felt like she could be her whole self with reckless abandon. She felt safe.

Both of them knew they were going to have to slow down, even if just for poor Albus' sanity. Lily thought if he didn't have Alice he would have felt left out, but he'd been very understanding of their need to bask in the newness of their relationship.

All three of them (Alice was called into work) were having a lazy Sunday morning just listening to music and hearing about Albus' latest creature case when there was a crack of apparition and door crashed open. All three of them leapt up and pointed their wands at the intruder.

"Rose?!" said Albus, then rushed to her side, "What is it, what happened?"

Rose's face was a mess of tears and she was sobbing uncontrollably.

"Al, m-my parents! They're n-never getting back together, they're dating other people!"

"Rose, I don't under-"

"Mum's dating Scorp's dad! Dad's with Padma Patil from that shop in Diagon Alley!" She collapsed against Albus, gripping him tightly, Albus held onto her while she sobbed, face a mask of confusion.

"I don't know what to do! My whole life, it's all a mess, I hate it and I don't know what to do!"

Albus looked over at Lily and Scorpius, seeing his own concern and confusion reflected on their faces.

"I'll make tea," Scorpius said and moved toward the kitchen. Albus started helping Rose into the kitchen and got her seated at the table.

Lily stood awkwardly not really knowing what to do, "I'll go and make sure Aunt Mione and Uncle Ron know she's here," she said quietly. Scorpius came straight back out of the kitchen and gave her a quick kiss. She couldn't help the smile that crept across her face.

"I'll see you soon," he said softly, squeezing her hand.

She nodded, still smiling and headed for the Floo. Throwing some powder in, she stepped into the green flames and said, "Posy Place!"

She spun away into sooty oblivion then arrived stumbling onto the dust mat in her Aunt Mione's lounge.

She was immediately surrounded by people and noise and took a step back before putting up her hands for quiet.

Hermione, Ron, Draco and Padma waited anxiously for her to speak.

"Rose is at ours, Albus is taking care of her. She's safe but I don't think she's ok." Before they could all speak, she put up her hand again for quiet, "I don't think you both seeing other people is the main cause, I think it's the straw that broke the camel's back. From what I briefly heard it sounds like she is really unhappy with her life in general."

Hermione's eyes filled with tears and gripped Draco's hand and looked sadly over at Ron, worry for her daughter etched in every line of her face.

"Thank you for letting us know Lily. Can you please tell her that we both, all, love her very much and whenever she needs us we will be there." Lily reached out and grasped her other hand, squeezing it gently and trying to smile reassuringly.

"I will," she paused. "Is Hugo..?"

"He seems fine, Lilybug, but I'm sure he'll appreciate a Floo call or Patronus," said Ron.

Everyone looked at him in surprise, even Padma.

"Come on you lot, I just told Mione the other day, I have more than a teaspoon's emotional range these days!"

With a small cackle Lily turned to go back into the Floo, then turned back, "Oh, congratulations to you all, and," she smirked at Draco, "welcome to the family old man!"

They all let out a surprised laugh, Ron laughing loudest. Happy to have lightened the mood she stepped back into the Floo and was whisked back home.

She stepped out cautiously unsure of what the house would be like.

From the sounds of it they were still in the kitchen and Rose was talking in hiccuped sobs. She went to deliver the message of love and support from her parents and met Scorpius at the kitchen door. Rose's back was towards her, facing the little french door out to the courtyard, and Albus was next to her, talking in hushed tones trying to calm her down.

"Hey," she whispered as Scorpius drew her in for a hug, kissing the top of her head "Is she ok?"

"She's got a lot going on," he whispered back, "Albus is trying to get to the bottom of it now. I dont think it's about her parents, it's more than that."

Lily sighed. "That's the impression I got too. She sounds really unhappy. Her parents asked me to tell her something, do you think now's a good time?"

"As good as any I guess," Scorpius replied, shrugging.

Lily walked round the table so Rose could see her, "Ah Rose, I-"

Rose's head whipped around towards her and there was such a venomous look on her tear streaked face Lily actually took a step back.

"What do you want?!"

"Err, you parents asked me-"

"You told my parents I was here?! You had no right, it's none of your bloody business!"

"I just thought they'd-"

"I couldn't care less what you thought! Once again you are shoving yourself in where it isn't wanted! Just get out of my life-"

"Rose!" shouted Albus and Scorpius at the same time.

"Shut. Up." Lily's face was expressionless and stone cold and the temperature of the room seemed to drop. "I get that you are upset. I understand you are in pain. I am well aware of how much you dislike me, although I do not know why, nor do I care. But you do not have the right to make other people feel like shit just because you do. Grow up, you selfish harpy."

Lily strode to the door of the kitchen then threw back over her shoulder, "Your parents want you to know they love you and are there whenever you need them. So are Draco and Padma."

Lily continued up the stairs, trying very hard not to stomp like a stroppy toddler.

"Why am I such a bitch to everyone?!" she heard Rose wail, sobs starting again. Lily scoffed and rolled her eyes, too mad to care.

Getting to her room she flopped onto her bed face down, letting out a frustrated growl.

"Is that a witch over there or have you turned into a bear?"

Lily muttered something unintelligible into her duvet as Scorpius came over and sat on her bed. He lightly ran a hand through Lily's hair, smiling slightly as she relaxed with a huff, then continued slowly, working his way from the top of her head to her neck, then massaging her shoulders.

Lily hummed contently and stretched out like a cat, finally lifting her head so her eyes met his. Scorpius ducked down to kiss her softly and she rose up to meet him, deepening the kiss. They broke apart breathlessly, filled with pent up tension.

The spell was broken by the sound of Rose's voice floating up the stairs. They both sighed.

"I don't know why she's so harsh to you." Scorpius murmured, "She wasn't like this when we were younger."

"No, she just wasn't as blatant about it at Hogwarts," Lily corrected, "I suppose I pissed her off being sorted into Slytherin. You didn't see most of it, or didn't notice. Too busy being hopelessly in love with her I guess." Lily tried not to sound bitter or petty, but unfortunately failed. "Argh, see this is why I don't talk to people, it's safer not stinging them with my cold dark thoughts."

Scorpius couldn't help but chuckle, but swallowed it when Lily glared at him.

"I'm not laughing at you, I promise." he kissed her quickly, "They aren't cold dark thoughts, Lil, they are reasonable reactions to being treated unfairly for a long time. I'm sorry I never saw it. What you went through. I had no idea Luca gave you a hard time either. I know the Gryffindors weren't kind, although Al tried his best to squash what he could."

Lily shrugged, "It doesn't matter, it was a long time ago and we weren't close. You were only ever kind to me back then, especially that summer holiday I had to tag along to the Manor with Al and Rose."

Scorpius smiled at the memory, "My dad couldn't figure out what to make of you, he couldn't reconcile the fact you were Harry Potter's daughter but also a snarky Slytherin."

Lily laughed softly, "He was very kind though, I do like your dad."

"He is very happy we're dating, you know."

"You told him already?" Lily looked at him in surprise.

"I had too, I was tearing my hair out and going half mad with what to do! I told him the same night he told me about him and Aunt Mione."

Lily smiled, "I love how you call her Aunt Mione sometimes, it's very sweet."

Scorpius groaned, "I've been brainwashed by you Potters."

Lily smirked, "Don't act like you didnt like it."

Scorpius looked down at her, eyes darkening, "Oh I've enjoyed parts of it very much."

Lily was just about to ask which parts when Rose's voice carried up the stairs again. They signed again.

Scorpius frowned, "Her feelings about you being in Slytherin don't really equate with how she treats you now. It's been worse the last year or so."

Lily nodded, "Now I not only travelled when she chose to study, I've also made a major contribution to wizarding society and will very likely have my name on a chocolate frog card sometime soon. I might even get an Order of Merlin. And I am very happy with my life choices, it shows. Rose is miserable. She chose what she thought she should do rather than what she wanted to do and it's wearing her down. She hates what my life makes her think about hers."

Scorpius pondered this. "It makes me sad for her to be honest. And I feel terrible. I didn't notice how bad she was suffering."

"Ah, that's because you were also not happy - with your relationship and your job. Which you still need to change, by the way."

"Always so insightful about others," teased Scopius, "And what about you, Miss Potter? Any changes needed in your life?"

Lily raised an eyebrow, "I feel like the changes in my life this past year or two could last me a while, Mister Malfoy."

Scorpius laughed, and was about to reply when they clearly heard, "Where's Scorpius?"

They both sighed. It was getting to be a habit.

"I'd better go help Albus," he said, dragging himself up off the bed reluctantly.

"Of course," Lily hesitated, "Just…I don't know, argh nothing." she stopped, shaking her head and waving her hand at him.

Scorpius, grabbed the hand and pulled Lily up and flush against him, capturing her lips in a searing kiss that had her gasping.

He touched his forehead to hers, "I'm all in, Lil. There is nothing that anyone, let alone Rose, can do or say that will change how I feel about you."

Pink tinged Lily's cheeks, both from Scorpius' words and from being embarrassed that she was so transparent and insecure.

She let him go with a soft smile, then closed her door to get a moment of peace, taking a breath.

Then she sent her patronus off to Hugo with a message about Rose and if he wanted to catch up for lunch.

His owl patronus swooped in moments later, "That would be great Lil, Floo to mine and we'll go from there."

She changed out of her 'fit only for the house' clothes and pulled on a pair of black jeans, her dragonhide boots, a vintage Weird Sisters t-shirt and her Uncle Fred's dragonhide jacket that Uncle George had gifted to her when she left for Europe. A quick 'Scorgify' sorted her hair and she was ready to head out.

Padding down the stairs, she popped her head into the kitchen and caught Scorpius' eye and motioned towards the Floo, mouthing, "Hugo."

He smiled at her warmly, giving her a little wave.

She smiled back then turned back into the lounge, grabbed some Floo powder, tossed it into the fire and said, "Hugo's place!"

For the third time that day the flames whisked her into the ether and deposited her in another fireplace.

"Hellooo the house!" said Lily, dusting herself off.

"Hey Lil," Hugo was at the small round dining table reading. The fireplace was in the lounge which led on to an open plan dining room, then kitchen at the end.

The inside of Hugo's place always reminded Lily of Aunt Mione's cottage in the Cotswolds. Books were stuffed in every spare spot, with subjects ranging from dense spell theory to muggle books about tai chi and everything in between. The colour scheme was similar to; deep blues and crisp whites with splashes of yellow in the kitchen. It had a comfortable and relaxing, very lived in vibe and Lily always found the blue very calming.

Maybe I'll do blue in my own home one day, she thought absently. Then stopped. That was the first time she had even entertained the idea of not living with Albus. Nope, you can unpack that later, right now, Hugo.

She shook her head and made her way over to the table, Hugo putting down his book and rising to give her a quick hug. She sat down opposite him, catching a glimpse of the cover.

"Meditation and yoga practice in Indian magical traditions?"

Hugo nodded, "I met some very interesting people at the International Mysteries Conference at the start of the year. Apparently the practice of meditation and yoga is even common among muggles over there. And the witches and wizards use it to strengthen and focus their magic. It's part of my new area of study for the DOM. Which is as much as I can tell you," he finished with a slight chuckle.

Lily laughed. "It's almost worth becoming an Unspeakable. I hate not knowing things."

Hugo snorted. "You wouldn't last a day Lil, the rules are too strict and you have authority issues."

"Can't argue there," Lily agreed, "Although maybe Padma could have an opinion that might be helpful?"

"Nice segue. She might actually. Seems nice I suppose. Dad's happy."

"And you?"

"It's not about me, Lil, nor Rose. We're adults and our parents deserve every happiness. They are a much better team apart than they were together. I'm happy they're happy"

Lily nodded. "Surprised?"

"About Dad and Padma? Nope, he's so transparent I think I guessed after they first met. Mum and Draco? I suppose she had to be more careful less the press get wind of anything and blow the whole thing out of the water. But in retrospect I can see it. They've always been…aware of each other I guess."

Lily nodded again. "I thought the same. Although I think Draco was keen on Aunt Mione before she even noticed him."

Hugo snorted again, "Definitely. Although can you blame her? The stories my dad used to tell about him, sounds like he was a right git."

Lily cackled, "He's really embarrassed about it now, actually. I eavesdropped on him apologising to my dad about the whole thing once, that first summer Scor came over for the holidays."

"Such a nosy child," Hugo teased, "Had to know it all, couldn't be left out."

Something flickered in Lily's face and Hugo saw her mask slide over, blanking her expressions. He frowned.

"What did I say?"

"Nothing, it's fine. Are you ready to head out for lunch?"

"No, no, it's not fine, you just did the mask thing. When I said you were nosy."

"It's nothing, Hugo, just drop it," Lily snapped. Hugo frowned and stared at her. Lily could practically see the cogs whirring in his head.

She sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose, "Hugo.."

"It's Rose, she's said something stupid hasn't she?"

Lily's head flicked up in surprise, "Merlin's Balls, are they teaching you Legilimency in the DOM?"

Hugo smirked, "Wouldn't you like to know. Nice attempt at deflection, it won't work."

Lily growled, "Fine. Your bloody sister appeared on our doorstep this morning, she was a right bloody wreck and ripped into me about checking in with your parents, basically saying I'm an interfering twat and can't keep my nose out of other people's business.! 'Scuse me for trying to care." She muttered bitterly.

Hugo reached out and grabbed Lily's hand, "Hey," he said softly, "I'm sorry about her. She's a mess and she took it out on you. She's likely just jealous, although that doesn't excuse her behaviour."

Lily shrugged, "It doesn't matter, it's not like it's anything new. I'm happy with myself and my life, so it doesn't get to me like it used to."

"Ah," Hugo said knowingly, "So no-one can make you feel inferior without your consent, hmm?"

Lily grinned, "Exactly that. And also…" she hesitated.

"Also?" prompted Hugo.

"I'm dating Scorpius," Lily finished, cheeks tinged pink, a smile fighting its way onto her face.

Hugo blinked in surprise. "Well I was not expecting that. Ah, congratulations?"

Lily cackled, "You sound so happy for me, cousin mine."

"I am, I promise, I'm just…wait so that is where you've been all week! You fobbed me off for lunch with bloody Malfoy!"

"I didn't fob you off! I rainchecked!"

"Call it what you like Miss Slytherin, I was fobbed off for the new boyfriend. Wow, I am sooo disappointed in you."

"Sod off Gryffindork, you just wanted free lunch!"

They both laughed at each other.

"I am happy for you Lil, seriously. I mean, I don't get it, it's Malfoy, but I can see you're happy and that's good enough for me."

Lily bestowed him with a glowing smile, "Thank you Hugo. That means a lot to me. Now tell me more about this meditation and yoga, if it works to focus your magic that's a practice I'm interested in exploring."

They spent most of the morning swapping theories and ideas back and forth with the odd conversation about Scoprius, Rose and Hugo's parents. This was how they were, a mix of academic and meaningful conversation that helped each other process the changes in their lives.

Rose, Albus and Scorpius

"Why am I such a bitch to everyone?!" Rose wailed. She felt like her whole life was crumbling around her and everything in it was going wrong. She didn't notice Scorpius following Lily out of the room.

Albus sighed, "Rose, you are not a bitch to everyone," well that made her feel slightly better, "you are usually just a bitch to Lily." And now she was back at rock bottom.

"Argh, it's not like she cares! Noone cares about what I think anyway, it's all Lily this and Lily that and Lily created a Dragonpox cure, blah, blah blah." Rose slumped onto the table feeling awful and petty and 12 years old.

Albus rubbed her back gently and said quietly, "You'd be surprised, Rose. It might not look like it but words do still hurt her like anyone else. As for what she's done, well, everyone is right to be proud, she did an amazing thing and worked hard for it."

"I know! But why haven't I done anything amazing! I'm Hermione Granger's daughter, I was Head Girl, I got a record number of NEWTs. So why am I so useless at life! Why does everything suck, why do I hate my job? It wasn't supposed to be like this!" a fresh set of tears leaked down her face.

"Oh Rose," Albus gave her a big hug, "I'm sorry it's all shit, I had no idea you were so miserable."

"I hate all of it Al, the research, the people I have to defend, the trials, even the stupid Wizengamot - and I know half of them personally!"

Albus nodded encouragingly. So Rose continued, really letting it all out for the first time.

"I hate my stupid lonely flat, the dumb robes I have to wear, the headaches after every day, the deadlines, the workplace competition, the cafeteria food, I hate it all!"

She took in a deep breath and carried on, "I hate that I have barely seen any of the world except Britain, France and Spain - and they were childhood holidays! I know shit all about magic in other countries, what their weather is like, all the ancient places of people long gone, I have no idea cos I haven't bothered to go and look! I'm sitting on a fortune in gold but can't use it because all I do is work! What the hell happened to me, Al? I used to have fun, I don't know when it all went to shit and I don't know how to change it."

Al squeezed her hand encouragingly.

"I need a holiday or a break or something, anything to get me out for a while. I mean I was so desperate to feel something I tried getting back with Scorpius!"

"Yes, that, ah, wasn't your best decision."

"It was mortifying! He was so cold!"

"Mmm hmm,"

"He went off the deep end after bloody Lily shoved her nose in again and I told her to piss off…what is with those two anyway, since when are they friends?"

Albus looked startled, "Ah well actually-"

"Wait," Rose looked around suddenly, "Where's Scorpius?"

"I think he went to see if Lily was ok," Albus said neutrally.

Rose frowned, "So they are actually…friends? Like, they're close?"

Albus nodded, "They've always gotten on well enough and when Scor moved in they kind of naturally got closer. We spend a lot of time together, especially now I'm dating Alice." A wistful smile graced his face.

"Right, yeah, of course. Congrats by the way. She's nice."

"Thanks. Anyway, now they are actually-"

He was interrupted again by Scorpius walking back in and sitting down next to Al, opposite Rose.

"How are you Rose?" he asked, looking at her seriously.

Rose felt self conscious all of a sudden, probably due to her earlier outburst at Lily coupled with the knowledge her hair and face must be an absolute nightmare. She took her curls out of their ponytail and redid it nervously.

"I'm fine, bit better now I've vented to Al," she offered him a small smile. He didn't return it. Albus looked between them anxiously.

"I'm ah, sorry about the other day. I was well out of line and didn't mean everything I said."

Scorpius just nodded.

"It was arrogant of me to assume you'd waited for me, I don't know what I was thinking I just," she sighed, "I'm a bit of a mess if I'm honest."

"It's fine, I was a bit harsh too." His eyes looked past her for a moment then he smiled and waved slightly.

Rose frowned and turned to look through the doorway behind her just as Lily stepped into the Floo.

She turned back to Scorpius, eyes narrowing suspiciously at the look on his face. Before she could say anything, he stood up.

"Where are you going?" she asked, startled. Naively she had assumed he would stay to support her with Al.

"To see my dad, make sure he's alright."

Rose had the grace to look slightly ashamed, "Right, yeah, of course," she nodded, flushing, "Ah, thank you for ah, being here and all that."

"No problem," he gave her a small smile, clapped Albus on the shoulder and headed for the Floo.

Rose watched him go sadly, then turned back to Albus.

He was looking at her knowingly with those big green eyes. She sighed. "I know its over, Al, I fucked it up and that's on me. I wish him all the happiness in the world."

Albus nodded, satisfied. "Good. So, now we need a game plan on how to fix your life."

Rose laughed, albeit a bit wetly, "You sound like mum."

He smiled, "I learned from the best."

They spent the morning making a list of actions for Rose to take to regain control over her life and figure out what she wanted it to look like. It was a small start but it made all the difference.

Rose was incredibly grateful for her cousin and first friend. She made a promise to herself to catch up with him more. He understood her in ways others just didn't because he'd known her all their lives.

She was feeling marginally better by the time she Floo'd home to her own flat and had even said "Maybe" to going out with them all in a few weeks for his and Lily's combined birthdays. Onward and upward. But first she needed to apologise to her parents.