Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, it is the property of JKR and who ever she has sold the rights to. Ie. not me because than it wouldn't be fanfiction.

AN: Yea! My computer's fixed and even though my muse hasn't spoken to me in days I have finally finished this chapter! It's a bit of filler, but don't worry, the next chapter will have actual plot, unless my muse is being a fangirl again. I hope you all enjoy and please review and tell everyone about my story! I'm really begging now.

Chapter 21

Sophia

No matter the impressions from the hill over looking the city, the streets of Sophia where crowded and dirty like every other city he had ever been to. Pushing past locals and tourists alike Scorpius had yet to so much as glance the wizarding section of the city. The signs shifted into English before his eyes, making it some what easier to navigate the crowded streets.

It was late morning by the time he spotted the telltale signs of the wizarding world. Pulling Al into the dimly lite restaurant he made his way towards the bar. "Um, excuse me?" The burly wizard behind the worn counter top looked him up and down before nodding. "Do you have access to an alley?" Hoping the lay out of the city was similar to London he was relieved when he nodded and pointed to a back door. Getting Al's attention they headed out into the cramped back area, the smell of mildew and dust almost overwhelming. Pulling out his wand he tapped the wall once, testing to see if he was right. He let out a breath he hadn't known he was holding when the wall shimmered. Walking forward he held his breath as he passed through the wall, a habit he had since his first trip through to Platform 9 3/4.

The view that greeted him was far different from Diagon Alley. Crowded and suite covered, the wizarding populous moved about in dimly colored robes of wool. Walking off to the side he pulled out Rose's worn spell book. Leafing through the pages he came across the spell she'd used months ago. " Des dieux des vents je demande votre aide, me montre la manière à la sûreté, Victorie." He stumbled over the unfamiliar words but managed to pronounce them correctly. The light didn't appear as readily as it had for Rose but it flicked into life gradually, dangling before him before it started to moved forward.

It was difficult keeping up with the fey light through the crowds, especially when it chose the fastest, not the easiest, path to their destination.They finally came to a stop outside an imposing home of grey stone, it's rod iron gate looming imposingly over them. Swallowing hard Scorpius made his way up the river stone walkway to the foreboding red door. The gargoyle head knocker seemed to glare at him as he raised him hand to knock.

Of all the people he had expected to see when the door glided open it was not the person who stood on the other side. The girl, no more than fifteen, stood staring at him, her raven locks falling gently against her shoulders, her eyes wide and cinnamon looking at him expectantly. "Um, hello?" When she continued to simply look at him he looked at Al before taking a step forward. "I'm looking for my friend Victorie Weasely. She-." He didn't have a chance to say another word as she turned in a flurry of burgundy robes, leaving the door open behind her. Glancing at Al once they followed her inside, the door closing behind them.

They followed her to a setting room of sorts, filled with furs and rich textiles. Motioning for them to set she stood by the door. "My father will be with you soon." She spoke in a heavily accented, but pretty voice. Nodding to them, she ducked out of the room, closing the door with a resounding click.

Their wait was short one, for a few minutes later the door slide open to reveal and imposing, dark figure. Scorpius stared at him for a minute longer than was polite, the feeling that he should know this man settling into his stomach. "My Petia tells me you are here looking for Victorie Weasely." He looked down on them with calculating dark eyes, something Scorpius was beginning to believe all Bulgarians had. "Now I have only to ask, why?"

Scorpius sat up straight, trying not to feel intimidated by this man. "She is Al's cousin, we were staying with her before we had to leave London. We were lead here, and hoped that we would be able to find her again, along with my cousin, Teddy Lupin." The man looked at him for a long moment, almost glowering at the mention of Teddy's name. It was the first tell Scorpius had seem from him. It was clear that he somehow knew Teddy, all he had to do was figure out how.

He seemed to have read his mind for his gaze intensified as he stared down his nose at him. "You will not find Teddy Lupin in this house." His words left no room for question or contradiction. Nodding Scorpius bowed his head in resignation to the fact. He could worry about finding him later, as long as they could see Vic the trip will have been worth all it's cost. "I know who you are, and for that I will extend my hospitality to you. You will find what you need upstairs. Petia will show you. Petia." The girl from early entered the room once more, Scorpius making a mental connection to her name, Petia.

Nodding to them she beckoned them to follow her. Stopping half way out the door Scorpius turned to look at the man who remained in the room, his glowering presence seeming to take up every last speck of air. "Excuse me sir, but you never told us your name."

A small smirk seemed to up turn his lips as he turned towards him. "Viktor Krum." Scorpius' eyes widened marginally barely noticing himself nodding in acknowledgment, wonder over taking him at the Quidditch champions name. Nodding one last time, mostly for his own sake, he exited the room, following Petia and Al as they made their way up the darkened, aged stair way.

The hall way was dimly lit, though Scorpius could still make out the ornate wood workings, and lavish wall paper. While the home was smaller than the one he had grown up in, it in many ways reminded him of his father's 'cottage'. The portraits, a staple in any home of a wizarding family of old blood, watched them as they walked along, some with friendlier expressions than others. Portraits had always unsettled him, but whether it was because of the painting itself, or the reminder of his own grandfather's portrait he was not sure.

Stopping outside a broad well varnished door Petia knocked lightly, a gentle call answering from within. Pushing the door open gently, Scorpius found himself blinking at the sudden rush of light. The room was much airier and spacious than the hall had been, large bay windows allowing the midday sun to illuminate everything in a slightly garish tone. Following the younger girl into the room he noticed for the first time the large bed that took up a good portion of the far right wall.

"Al! Scorpius!" The joyful cry finally made his gaze fall on the figure perched atop the bed. A bit weary, and haggard looking but still smiling Victorie Weasely laughed whole heartily as she hugged her cousin. Pulling back for Al Scorpius was surprised as she turned to him, arms open in warm welcome. Accepting the hug with a bit of awkwardness he gave her a slightly tight smile. "Where's Rose?" A knot Scorpius knew very well returned to his stomach at the mention of her name. Taking a few gasping breaths Scorpius looked towards Al for support. He may not like him right now, but he was still his best friend, and one of Rose's as well.

"Vic," Al began as he gently took her hand. "Rose has gone home. My dad and Uncle Ron intercepted us in Romania. She's back in England." Vic's breath caught but she quickly covered it by placing her hand over her mouth, her eyes losing some of their earlier shine. Her blue eyes darted frantically to Scorpius but he kept his face neutral, afraid that if he let it go now he'd never stop.

A soft stirring came from beside her bed followed by a soft cry. Pulling away from Al Vic rose with a little effort, brushing away Al's concerned hand as she got to her feet. Walking over to an ornate bassinet neither of them had noticed before she pulled a small bundle of blankets, cooing softly while bouncing it lightly. As the cries lessened and finally stopped Vic turned her face towards them, a tired smile pulling at her lips. "Al, Scorpius, I'd like you to meet my daughter."

"How...?" Al only half asked as he took a step closer, before stopping short, almost as though he was afraid.

Vic laughed lightly, shaking her head. "If I need to explain that to you, Albus, than you are more dense than any man your age could ever hope to be." Plucking up his own courage Scorpius side stepped Al and made his way to the mother and child. Holding out his arms in silent questioning he held his breath in awe as Vic slide the bundle into his arms. "Gently, watch her head." Heeding Vic's soft instructions he looked down at her tiny face, amethyst eyes staring up at him in curiosity.

"What's her name?" The question was softly spoken, the very real fear of upsetting the small baby settling into his chest. He'd never held one before, being the only child of equally sibling less parents. The baby, for her credit, seemed less concerned with him than he was with her, enjoying sucking on her fist while she stared up at him nonchalantly.

"Nymphadora Cosette Lupin. My little nymph." Scorpius shared in the smile as he turned his gaze from the baby to her mother.

"You named her after her grandmother." Scorpius had never had the honor of meeting the baby's name sake, having been born years after the woman's death. His mother, however, had once told him that his father thought very highly of his long gone cousin, even if he would never admit it to anyone save her. Scorpius found it hard to believe that his father could ever think highly of anyone, but supposed is was possible he was fond of her in his own way, what ever that would be.

"Yes, she will have big shoes to fill with such a name, but I don't think she'll disappoint anyone." Looking down Scorpius noticed that Nymphadora, who he quickly found himself referring to as simply Nymph in his head, had fallen into a peaceful sleep. Passing the sleeping baby back to her mother, Vic lay her back in the bassinet before turning towards them.

Gesturing to them she moved towards the small setting area in the corner of the room, far enough away as to not wake the baby with talking but close enough to keep a watchful eye on her.

Laying a comforting hand on Scorpius' arm as he made to take a seat she gave him a comforting smile. He wasn't entirely sure but he thought it was meant to tell him that she knew what he was going through very well. Sliding into a well stuffed chair he almost wanted to sigh as his aching muscles began to relax. The long days of walking had taken more of a toll than he had realized, the first grips of fatigue starting to settle in. Pulling himself back from his minds wanderings he noticed tea had appeared on the table, Vic smiling as she handed him a cup made perfectly. "So, what's new?"

Scorpius rolled his eyes at Al's question but sipped at his tea without comment. Vic for her part giggled lightly between sips of her own tea. Shacking her head she set aside her teacup as she turned her attention fully towards them. "So much has happened, I don't know where to begin!"

"The beginning is always a good start." Sending a smile in Scorpius' direction she took a deep breath and did precisely that.

Next: Of time lost: the Falcons reemerge as new allies and new enimies make their planes known.

AN: Thanks for reading and please review!