Rose heard the click of the door and rushed to clear the tears from her face.
"Rose, its okay" She heard Draco coo as he kneel besides her.
"No, it isn't." She muttered dully. It felt like her heart had been ripped out and he was claiming a plaster would fix it.
"You're right, it isn't okay. It's unfair of me to lie to you" The tears started to stream down her face once more. "But, your mother is doing her best in the situation, and she wants to keep you and Hugo safe. It is okay for you to feel upset" He pulled her into a hug as he spoke. She leaned against him, feeling comforted by his presence.
"Are they…. Are they… getting divorced" She managed to mumble through his clothes. Her voice quieting with each syllable.
"I don't know" Draco answered, gently moving her away from him. "Right now I need you to focus, can you do that?" Rose nodded, she still felt numb. "Have you got everything ready? I need you to take your brother to the mansion. Can you do that?" She nodded again. It was not the first time she had used the floo network to get to his house. "Good girl" He smiled at her and she hugged him again before standing up. She tossed a few more books into her luggage, making sure to grab the diary as she did. Her brother was waiting outside her door, clinging onto too heavy luggage that threatened to topple and crush him.
"Are you ready for a sleepover Hugo?" She smiled at him, hiding her emotions. He nodded, not finding the words.
"I shall take some of the luggage through myself, as will your mother" Draco confirmed, exiting the room behind her. Rose nodded and started heading down the stairs. The conversation of the shouting had changed and she could hear the ratting of the kitchen door. Had her mother locked them inside?
"You are not taking my children away" her father yelled angrily. Rose gulped directing her brother past and into the living room and towards the fireplace. Her pace had sped up.
"Hugo, you remember how this works?" She knelt down to stare him in the eyes and he nodded. She grabbed a handful of the dust, pulling her brother close and closing her eyes. "Malfoy Manor" Rose hated using the floo network, the dust got into her skin and felt uncomfortable and the sensation of moving was unpleasant in itself. Thankfully it was quick and within moments she was able to open her eyes into the Malfoy Manor reception. Scorpius rushed towards her upon her arrival, immediately dragging some of the luggage away from her grasp and hugging her. An older, stern looking woman was standing nearby. Rose did not recognise her. Her hair was grey but styled with a streak of black running down the middle. She wore red lipstick and other makeup and smiled warmly. Rose was reminded of Scorpius while looking at her, was she a family member?
"Greetings, Rose, Hugo." The woman looked, her voice carried wealth in every way.
"Grandma, can I take Rose and Hugo to get some cookies" Scorpius asked politely, still clinging onto Rose slightly. The woman frowned for a moment, looking stern.
"Don't eat too many, your father will tell me off for spoiling you, again" She smiled, some of the sternness seemed to disappear into mischief.
"Thank you, Grandma" Scorpius began dragging the two into the kitchen. It was some distance from the reception and Rose paused to look out the large front windows of the mansion. The gardens that stretched in front were impeccably kept, with a few large birds grooming themselves near a small pond. "Rose? Are you coming?"
"I wish to look out the window a bit, will join you later, okay?" She settled herself into one of the window alcove. The windowsills were large and cushioned, designed for someone to sit and watch the garden. Scorpius frowned before nodding, dragging Hugo onwards. As Rose sat she started to hear Hugo's voice babbling as they moved. She was thankful he had found his voice once more. Her fingers found the diary, the increasingly desperate distraction proving a relief from the torrent of emotions that warped around her.
-x-
I did not write yesterday, Severus cancelled on me because he wished to spend some time with Lily. He was very apologetic for it, and I do not feel resentful about it. I thought I would, but I am simply happy he was able to spend time with his crush. It is very strange.
We rearranged for earlier today, it is nearly afternoon lunch when I am writing this. We met during a shared free period. We both happened to be in the common room so we took the opportunity to find an alcove and work.
Severus was in a good mood, he started talking about some spell he was attempting to learn. It sounded horrible when he described it, but it was nice seeing him being passionate about something other than Lily. The topic dropped onto his fight with James. He seemed to be a bit more reluctant to discuss James, but eventually did. He told me that James often seeks fights with him, antagonising him at every opportunity. Most of James' friends try to stay out of it as much as possible, so the fights are mostly skirmishes between the two of them. The more I hear of James the more I dislike him. What else is to be expected of Gryffindor's though?
I still have not questioned him about Lucius, I somehow seem to get distracted and forget. It is vaguely frustrating, although I am enjoying interacting with him. Severus is lovely. It is a shame more people do not get to see this side of him.
-x-
Rose looked up from the book and stretched. Her neck had started to crick slightly and she felt more at peace. She glanced out the window, some of the birds had started to move across the lawn leisurely. They looked at peace with the world and she envied them. Eventually she started to shift from her spot, grasping the book to her chest as she wandered towards the kitchen. She could hear voices and she hesitated outside the door, attempting to count them. She identified Scorpius and Hugo playing some game together. Draco was also speaking. Had her mother not yet returned? With a gulp she pushed the door open. Everyone twisted to look at her, and sat in one of the fireside chairs was her mother.
"Mom" She said, unable to hide the startle from her voice. Her mother smiled as Rose ran up to hug her and fight back the tears which threatened to spill from her eyes. Her mother wrapped her arms around Rose, hugging her tightly for a moment, before shuffling her onto her lap. The armchair was large and easily fit both of them beside the crackling fire.