Chapter 13: Unexpected
(Rose's pov)
Imagine my delight when I saw that our potion-making owl was to make an Amortentia potion. Because Scorpius and I had worked so hard on perfecting it, that now it was by far my best potion. I was just glad that Amortentia was chosen instead of something I had previously struggled with. During the test, I mixed together all of my ingredients together perfectly, and the potion looked exactly as it was supposed to. When I took a deep breath however, I was in for a shock.
Just as it had before, my Amortentia smelled like Grandma Molly's cooking and the smell of the air after a spring rain shower, but this time, there was also a scent of something I couldn't identify. Although the scent was unrecognizable, I knew where it came from: Scorpius Malfoy.
I sank down in my chair as I struggled to keep tears from flowing and tried to concentrate on the rest of my test, but it was nearly impossible. How could I be in love with Scorpius? That was impossible. But the Amortentia potion never lies. I had to be honest with myself though, and the truth was, I had begun to realize I was starting to fall for Scorpius, probably around the time of our trip to Hogsmeade, but I just wouldn't admit it. But now, this potion confirmed my worst suspicions. Could anything be worse? As I later found out, the answer was yes.
(line) x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x (line)
One Saturday morning in early June, I woke up early. When I got to the Great Hall, only Scorpius and a few others had already beaten me to breakfast. "You're up early, too?" I asked Scorpius. Ever since our trip to Hogsmeade, Scorpius had been constantly on my mind, and he wouldn't leave. I figured if I tried to act as natural as possible, my feelings for Scorpius would go unnoticed, perhaps even go away. However, it was different to act natural around a boy who I had previously avoided until this year, and suddenly I realized I had fallen in love with him.
"Yeah," Scorpius sighed. "I didn't get much sleep last night."
"Me neither." I replied.
Just then, the morning owls flew in, carrying letters and copies of the Daily Prophet for students. I was surprised to see Pigwidgeon ll, our family owl, fly in and drop a letter in my lap. He then flew over to my younger brother Hugo, who was sitting with his friends at the Hufflepuff table, and dropped a second letter into his lap. Curiously, I opened my letter and was horrified by what I read.
Dear Rosie,
I am very sorry to tell you that Granddad Weasley suffered a stroke yesterday morning. The healers at St. Mungo's think he'll be fine, but they are still not letting visitors in to see him, other than Grandma Weasley. Because of your O.W.L. testing, your father and I have decided that it would be best that you remained at Hogwarts for the rest of the school year, but I promise to keep you updated on everything that goes on back home.
Love,
Mum
Afraid I'd burst in to tears, I clutched Mum's letter to my chest and bolted out of the Great Hall.
(Scorpius's pov)
I had just had another about Rose. They came frequently now, ever since our day at Hogsmeade together. In this dream, Rose was just about to kiss me – like that would ever happen – when she disappeared, and my Grandfather, Lucius, appeared in her place. He screamed at me for falling in love with a "filthy daughter of a mudblood and blood-traitor" and that he should disown me immediately. That was about when I woke up, and knowing I wouldn't be able to fall back to sleep, I went down to the Great Hall for breakfast.
I was soon joined by Rose, who looked as tired as I felt. When she got a letter from her mother, I assumed it was good news. But when her face paled, and she bolted out of the Great Hall, I knew it was the exact opposite. I called her name, but she ignored me and continued to run. After looking around the Great Hall in a panic, I darted after her.
On my way out of the castle, I was stopped by Andrew Smith, the Headboy. "And where do you think you're going?" he asked suspiciously.
"I… I need to talk to… Professor Hagrid." I said breathlessly. I was a fairly good liar when I needed be. And this was definitely an emergency that required lying.
Smith sighed. "Alright. But I'll be watching for you. If you're not back in ten minutes, you'll be in huge trouble."
"Alright, alright." I said quickly, just to get Smith to let me pass. He stepped aside, and I darted outside.
I found Rose sitting under her favorite tree near the Black Lake, her head buried in her arms. Quickly, I knelt down and wrapped my arms around her. "Whenever you want to talk, Rose," I whispered softly. "I'll be ready to listen." Then I just sat there and let her cry.
"My Grandpa just had a stroke." Rose whimpered after a few minutes. "All I want to do is go see him, but St. Mungo's won't let anyone see him. Scorpius… I'm so… so scared."
"It will be alright, Rose." I said soothingly, and without thinking about what I was doing, I leaned forward and kissed her, right on the lips.
Author's note: My greatest apologies for three things:
Firstly, the short chapter. I just thought that would be a good place to end. :)
Secondly, the cliffhanger (well, not really)
Lastly, I know two chapters ago I had asked if wizards could suffer heart attacks and strokes, and based on the feedback I received, I decided that they could. I also know that I said it wasn't for this story, but I only said that because I didn't want to give anything away. I hope you can forgive me for that.
Thank you to everyone who gave me feedback for that question, by the way.