Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. It is the property of JK Rowling.

AN: Two Chapters in as many days! Really its because I'm laid up with a head cold so I can't do much else besides sleep take medicine and waste time on the internet. I hope you enjoy it and review!

Chapter 2

Salem

The trek from Ledger cottage to Bath was surprisingly short, though the brisk November wind didn't help any. Once in town it had taken Scorpius little more than a flash of money and he'd secured a ride to Portland for them all. He almost wanted to scoff at how easy Americans were these days. They were as taciturn as they come but flash a bit of cold hard cash in their direction and suddenly they were eager as ever to help. The ride turned out to be little more than a wooden bench in the bed of a pickup truck but it got them to the train station with little delay.

Some of the burden that had settled on him lessened once he had four Downeaster tickets clutched in his hand. Watching his friends huddle together in fear and anxiety however didn't do his heart any favors either. The train ride to Boston was short enough though the feeling of the city was off as soon as they stepped off the train. The American Wizarding World ignore Europe's wars for the most part but after so much bleed over, so much threat of not allowing them to abstain had lead to a palatable unease, even among Muggle communities. Finding a cab willing to take them all the way to Salem was a bit harder but not completely impossible.

Pulling up in front of the large, imposing house Scorpius felt his palms begin to sweat. Prewitt Hall was a proud looking house with large windows and a steep, slanted roof so common on old houses in this country. Paying the driver and assuring him that yes, the vacant field to the right was where they wanted to be let out Scorpius held his bag tightly as he exited the cab. His hand was halfway to the knocker, the lions head seeming less daunting when it stared blankly at him rather then snarling, he was rather surprised to have the door reached open, the broad smiling face of Matilda Prewitt greeting them. "Come in, come in! We've been expecting you all morning."

The gloom of the day was lessened slightly by the cream color of the entrance hall as they were ushered inside and towards the drawing room. Once seated on the oversized floral printed furniture Scorpius finally found his voice. "How did you know we were coming?"

"Your father." Mrs. Prewitt answered as she poured tea. Handing out the cups she patted Nymph gently on the head before handing her a cookie. "She's gotten so big!" Ignoring her gushing Scorpius set aside his cup without so much as a sip, turning his attention to the older woman. Waving her had dismissively she sunk back into her own chair, her age showing slightly as her face took on a grim note. "Your father sent word to us early this morning. He said that something big was coming and that you would be coming here, since you weren't safe anymore. He didn't say anything else, though that's like him. He's always been so taciturn, but even more so lately, especially since my dear Alicia passed on. Thank the Gods you received your mother's people skills. One Draco Malfoy in the world is more than enough, let alone in the family."

Scorpius knew his grandmother's words were meant to lighten the mood, but the mention of his mother only increased the tug he felt on his heart. They'd all lost someone in the needless conflict and that was probably what made them so close, but none of them ever wished to bring up those that were gone, it just wasn't how they dealt with it. Clearing his throat Scorpius drew their attention back to the topic at hand. "Did he mention where he was or what we're to do now? With Ledger cottage abandoned they'll know to start looking elsewhere soon."

Nodding Mrs. Prewitt pulled a letter from the side table. "He didn't say where he was but I can assume it's somewhere in Europe. He said he's safe for now, and I suppose that's what matters for the time being." Standing she handed the letter over to Scorpius. "As for where you'll be staying, that will be here. We've plenty of room, and no one knows you here so it should be relatively safe, at least till we can figure out what to do next. Come along, I'll show you to your rooms, you must be tired."

Mrs. Prewitt set them up with conjoining rooms, a large common room at the center, perhaps knowing instinctually that they would feel safer nearer to each other. Settling back into the crushed velvet of a large chair Scorpius thanked his grandmother for her hospitality. Giving a nod and a smile she was out the door without a sound. Vic curled up on the sofa sometime later, Nymph resting peacefully in her arms as she rocked the toddler. "I'm going to leave her here."

"What?" Dahlia's exclamation rightly encompassed both her's and Scorpius' shock at the simple statement. Continuing to coo quietly to Nymph she shot them a look bred of battle, and maternal instinct.

"Yes, Dahlia, I am." She said her voice holding a sharp edge even though she spoke quietly. "She deserves a place she can call home. A stable, loving place without worrying, evacuation plans, and making sure to pack her bag every night before she goes to bed, because we never know when we'll have to run. I love my daughter, and because of that I want her to have the best life possible. If that means it's without me for a while, then I'll be the one who has to learn to live with it." Kissing the soft amethyst hair that fell across Nymph's forehead she held the child even closer. "It's my decision, and I've made it. The Prewitt's offered to keep her the last time we were here, but I was still breast feeding and I didn't want to part with her just yet. Now I don't have a choice."

Scorpius nodded his head lethargically. "Very well." Was all he said on the matter, rising from his chair to look into the fire.

"Very well? Very Well?" Dahlia almost screeched as she pivoted to look at him. "How can you say that, Scorpius? She'd giving up her child, her only family. She…" She trailed off a Scorpius laid a gentle hand on her shoulder. "It's not right."

"No it isn't. But it's what has to be done." Still scowling Dahlia nodded slightly before taking off in towards her new room. Sighing Scorpius turned to look at Vic. "She's too young to understand. In time she'll see it was the right decision."

"Personally I think we're all a little too young for this. I'm twenty seven Scorpius. You're no better, twenty one years old with only a few years at Hogwarts and a lot of years fighting under your belt. We may be older then our parents were when they faced Voldemort, but they had their parents, my Grandparents, they had bloody Dumbledore! What have we got? Ourselves? A few scared weaklings who fancied themselves the defenders of Wizarding Britain? Your father, who let's face it Scorpius, has more experience on the other side of the fence. We're running scared, and there is a very real possibility that they will win, that it'll over take the world. What will we do then? What are we going to do?" Large tears welled in her blue eyes before sobs racked her body. Clutching tightly to Nymph she rocked back and forth, sobs racking her body as she tried hard not to make a sound.

Once her crying had subsided Scorpius gently helped her up off of the couch, mindful of her hold on Nymph. With a flick of his wrist the candles in her room came to life, the light dancing off the cream colored fabric that the bed was draped in. His grandmother might have questionable taste in drawing room furniture, but she was always good and making the bedroom comfortable and luxurious. Not even attempting to take Nymph from her arms he carefully helped her lay down, pulling the downy duvet over them. Walking towards the door he flicked his wrist again, sending the room into darkness. Walking out the door he didn't stop in the common room, his feet carrying him forward and out the door. The last thing on his mind was sleep, he couldn't have fallen asleep even if he wanted to, and the quiet hours alone left him too much to time to think. Taking a deep breath he exited the front of Prewitt Hall and headed to down town Salem.

tbc.

Next: The Last Weasley