Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, it is the property of JKR, and I make no money from the writing of this story.

AN: I'm posting this fast while I still have a bit of a charge on my battery. I don't know when I'll be posting again, but it will be soon. Sorry for the rush, and hope you enjoy the chaper. Please review!

Chapter 20

Of choices made

Scorpius was physically unable to move as he tried to process what he had just been told. Shaking his head he couldn't bring himself to look at anyone. "Please... please excuse me. I need.. I need... I really can't breath right now." Not waiting for any of them to so much as utter a word he was up from his seat and heading towards the cool darkness of the woods.

The rough bark of the tree cut into his forehead as he leaned against it but he didn't care. In a matter of less than five minutes his world had been torn up and spat right back in his face. The girl, Darina, while beautiful, was not his Red, his beautiful, vibrant, brilliant English Rose. The very girl he was very actively trying to find a way back to right that minute. Shaking his head he resigned himself to tell her just that. He wanted Rose, not some girl thrust upon him because of the nattering of some half senile old crone from France.

Standing there for a minute his mind drifted back to their last real conversation at the camp before it had all went to pot. She had asked him what was wrong, and even though at the time he hadn't told her he had wanted to more than anything. He'd wanted to tell her that even at seventeen he was fairly sure that he was in love with her, that when the whole mess was done, and if she would have him, he would love her forever. Most of all, he'd wanted to tell her that no matter what gift some prophecy gave him, he'd always choose her. That she was his reward no matter what any one else had to say about it.

Straightening himself he set that fact in his mind, that Rose was who he loved, and who he would be with no matter what. Turning back towards the camp he took one last deep breath before making his way back. His steps seemed to be shorter and more slow than they had been when he was retreating but he finally made it back to the camp.

All eyes turned towards him, boring into the very fibers of his being. Taking long strides towards them he stopped just short his eyes traveling over Darina before settling on her grandmother. "I'm in love with someone else." The words had slipped from his lips before he could even think of their implications. Petronilla looked him up and down in a calculating gaze, almost as though the slightest twinge would give him away.

Meeting his eyes she stared at him a moment longer before turning her gaze to Darina. She took a tentative step towards him, as though she were afraid that any misstep would be met with reprimand. Reaching out a gentle hand she allowed her fingertips to brush against the amulet he wore around his neck. "Her's." It wasn't a question but she looked up at him through long lashes for conformation.

He nodded, cupping the locket in his palm. "Her's. My Rose's." Darina smiled a bit sadly but nodded along. Scorpius ran an awkward hand through his hair as he looked down at her, unsure of what to do next. "I'm sorry, but I loved her first."

Darina laughed softly, backing away from him. "Lucky." Scorpius joined her in her quiet laughter, an ease falling over them that hadn't existed before. Glancing down at her hand Darina pulled an ornate band from her thumb, sliding it into his palm. "For good luck."

Nodding Scorpius slipped it onto his index finger for safe keeping. "Thank you." Bowing just slightly Darina returned to her grandmother's side, demure as before. Petronilla took a slow but powerful step towards him, her eyes boring into him.

"I was not wrong." He was slightly startled by her words, but tried hard not to let it seep into his face. "You, son of mal fey, shall marry a daughter of Ramiana." She took one more step towards him, staring closely at the locket that now hung in plain view. "Soon, as the darkening of the storm descends, you will be called home but do not expect it to be as you left it. Two years of trial lay ahead, before maiden of lore you shall see again. Heed my words, and listen well, make friends not enemies in the battle frail." Taking a step back he held out her hand. "While not in blood our bonding be, let my tribe for ever more be an ally to thee." Taking her hand Scorpius gave it a firm shake. Petronilla gave a bark of laughter as she pulled him into a hug before giving a cry of celebration.

The celebrations lasted well into the night, Scorpius and Al finding their beds with no little fete. Rising early the next morning to empty his stomach, Scorpius set about packing up their things. Kicking Al lightly in the leg he tried to arose him only to get a grunt in reply. Snorting slightly Scorpius shook his head at his friends behavior. "A heavy sleeper, no?" Turning Scorpius was met by the warm smile of Petronilla.

"Yes. I am sorry to leave so early but we'll never make it to Sophia at the rate where going." She waved a hand in dismissal, her smile never wavering. Gesturing towards the path she cocked her head in question. Nodding Scorpius fell into step beside her.

"You have many trials ahead of thee, star. I would like very much, as your friend, to make some less difficult." Reaching into her robes she pulled out a bit of decorative stone. "This shall take you to Sophia this day, and this," she pulled a mid sized sword out with her other hand. "Shall keep you safe from those things you do not expect." Nodding his gratitude he thanked her ardently before slipping both into his bag. He opened his mouth to say more but was shushed by a single gesture. "No more words shall be said, than safe journey, my friend, till be meet again."

Bowing slightly he smiled as she turned back towards her cart and disappeared. Walking back to a sleeping Al he kicked him once more, only this time much harder. Al bolted up from his slumber, cursing under his breath as he went. "Wah?" Not even dignifying his half asked question with an answer Scorpius threw his bag at him, his message clear.

Once they were both ready they headed out of the camp, and back down the road. About a kilometer from the camp Scorpius stopped and pulled the rock out of his bag. "She said it would take us to Sophia this day, so lets see." Holding the stone up to catch the first rays of light he felt a familiar tugging at his waist. He barely had time to grab Al's arm before the world around him blurred.

Hitting the ground hard, he was more than happy to feel grass beneath him instead of dirt. Glancing up he gave a cry of triumph at the sight that created him. The windows and roofs gleamed in the early morning sun, casting a gleam about the city that took his breath away. They had made it to Sophia.

tbc

Next: Sophia: Scorpius and Al finaly arrive in Sophia to some shocking discoveries.

AN: Thanks for reading, and as always, please review!