October 31, 2026

Why the hell did he ever wonder where Rose's fight went? For whatever reason – she was arguing full force over where she would sleep at his flat. Of all the things!

"No, I'm serious. I'm fine here!" she said, sitting on the ruddy couch and not getting off. Her eyes were ringed black with exhaustion and she was almost shaking. "I don't want to be more of a burden to you both. I'm fine with sleeping here or on the floor. Put me in the bloody closet for all I care – but I won't take your bed."

Scorpius clenched his fists numerous times and tried to relay what he wanted to say in a logical manner. "Rose. You're not a burden. And you need a good bed – not this ridiculous, cheap couch."

She lifted her legs up and laid down on the couch, her feet resting on the arm rest because of the couch's shortness. Her hair was pulled out of its elastic to spring up around her face and she poofed up the pillow behind her. "I'm going to have a nap – so if you'll excuse me." Then she turned her back to him and curled up with her arms cradled on her chest. Her shoulders blades jutted out of her back like they were wings trying to unfurl.

Her breathing slowed right down and she seemed to be instantly asleep. But she really, desperately needed it right now. She also really needed another healing, but sleep seemed equally as important at this point and he didn't want to disturb her. All those bruises . . . he shuddered. And her legs were annoyingly sticking off the end of the couch still.

"This isn't over," Scorpius growled under his breath. It really wasn't. If, the slightest possibility, their flat was breached Rose would be the first line of defense at this position – or the first victim. Now that much more was at stake, it was a risk he wasn't willing to take. But for now, he would concede and let her nap on the couch. He went to the closet and pulled out a quilt that he then draped over her, being careful to cover her shoulders and get her feet. She didn't stir at all and she probably wasn't going to wake up for some time yet.

Might as well go to her place and ward it, he thought. And grab a few of her things for when she wakes up. It took about twenty minutes of leaving and returning to the house before he was satisfied and trusting of the wards he put up around her. She should be good. It took another ten minutes to apparate and leave the vicinity of his own flat. He really didn't like leaving her alone.

The nice thing about the Weasley flat was the convenience of a non-warded area. They could all apparate in and out with ease, and family could visit whenever. Walking around the women's flat while casting his spells, Scorpius felt something indescribable as he made the flat impenetrable. Like a loss of innocence. Before, he would stop by anytime and someone was usually home who would give him baking or chat with him about his day. It was light and care-free. Now, the flat felt neglected, empty, and dark. Nobody had been in it recently. He'd have to give the unlocking spells to the twins and Dom so they could get back in, if they even cared to return. He found the drug stash Rose had in her room when he went in to pack a rucksack with some of her things. It was large. There was more there than he expected and he whistled in awe at this evidence.

The bottles of potion were various colours of light blue, white, and translucent. Most likely different stages of brewing. But he didn't really understand it all. All this craziness over some potions? How was it so highly addictive and why would someone ever think it was a good idea to sell?

Those were questions he could not answer. Dom's room, as he passed by, was trashed. There was an oily smell where he was standing in the entrance way and glass on the floor still. Blankets, clothes, ripped pages of books were all tossed and thrown about with no thought. Drawers were open and looked riffled through.

He double checked his wards before finally leaving the forsaken flat to head to the ministry. He needed to have a meeting with Duncan.

Scorpius was denied.

"No," Duncan was saying. "We have no additional resources to spend on Snakebitten. They aren't a threat to national security, or to London. Not yet anyway – they're not very widespread and certainly a second or third priority due to some of the activity in the North we're facing. We need more concrete information – the potions are probably the best evidence you could have procured right now. But we need more. Any financial records or member lists. More maps? We still need more information before we can do anything about this."

Scorpius' rage was growing. He could feel a vein throbbing in his head and he tried to keep his voice calm. "It's affecting innocent people. It's going international right now. We have the ability to stop it now before this threat gets larger."

Duncan shrugged. "Not when there are larger threats. I appreciate everything you've done so far Scorpius. It's just – we don't have the money or people to send anyone your way now. Best thing you can do is keep collecting info so when we do get in there we won't be blind and can clean up quickly."

"I don't think you understand – this drug is destroying lives right now. Muggle and wizard. We have a high profile case on our hands right now with Dominique Weasley in St. Mungo's. As soon as the press gets a hold of that they're going to roast us alive."

Duncan, usually a very easy going man and a good boss even on his worst days, was slowly getting redder. He didn't realise Scorpius was edging on desperation-anger. There was so much at stake that Duncan didn't realise. And Rose. She couldn't just stop for lack of money or resources. She couldn't.

"They have no reason to roast us for what is out of our control." He wasn't the most practical man. The media would hook onto anything. "Not our fault she took street drugs. It'll have to wait for a bit longer."

Scorpius' eyes bulged. "The drug is so addicting that she, an experienced and highly educated potioneer, succumbed to the effects while trying to discover exactly what we are in our department are trying to do. She made it farther than us! We need people to question her, question the research. Find the middlemen of the gang. They're taking over streets and local businesses and extorting money. There's still a missing potioneer from Poland for crying out loud!"

Duncan took a deep breath. "Alright. I understand what you're saying Scorpius. However, what you don't realise is that my hands are tied right now. I have nothing. We're already way over our budget, my supervisor is telling me to cut back." Scorpius was about to interject again when Duncan raised a hand. "However, give me a week. I'll see what I can wrangle up."

Scorpius swallowed an angry frustration, bile burning his throat. When time was ticking, a week was way too long. There could be casualties in that time. So much could happen in a day, in an instant. And Rose's life was hanging by a frayed thread.

Maybe it was just up to the two of them then. Duncan had already decided the conversation was over. He was turned back to an open file and was writing with his albatross quill, the light feathers drifting upwards with his aggressive strokes.

There was no more for Scorpius here. He regretted wasting his time. He left the office feeling heavier than when he entered. What was the point of being an Auror if not to help people when they needed it most? What was he even doing right now still working for the Ministry in this shitty position when he hated it? He exited the building into the late afternoon. The day was overcast, the sun peeking thorugh the swiftly moving clouds.

He tripped over miniscule things on the ground because he was dragging his feet. How did Rose last this long? A few minor setbacks and he was feeling it. All the hopelessness just tearing him apart. He wandered haphazardly down the streets until the sun started setting.

By the time he decided to head back to the apartment his mood hadn't really improved. He set about unlocking the wards so he could get back into the flat. Rose was still passed out across the couch. He reset the blanket on her from where it shifted off and pushed a strand of hair off her face. The flat was dark with the blinds pulled down over the window. He lit a lamp in the corner of the room next to his chair.

Her breathing was rather shallow for being in a deep sleep. He cursed when he remembered that he needed to finish up her healing. Bruises, ribs and all that. As soon as she woke he would be on that.

It was late before Albus came home smelling like basil and cinnamon to Rose still sleeping and him sitting on a chair reading.

"Hey mate. . . What's happening?" He looked curiously at Rose.

Scorpius indicated for him to follow and went to the lit kitchen.

"Her flat is compromised. She'll be staying here for now."

"She'll stay here. . . on the couch? She could have my bed if she wants."

"You know her, she's stubborn. I tried giving her my room and she wouldn't accept it."

Al nodded. "Is everything okay? What do you mean when you say the flat is compromised?"

And then they were in territory that he didn't know how to navigate. He didn't know what she would want him to say. "Not compromised exactly. But she's there by herself – so this'll just be easier."

It didn't escape Al that a question was ignored. His eyes narrowed for a moment before he inhaled loudly and looked away. "I'm not going to ask again because I'd prefer to not know than be lied to. I just hope everything is alright. I'm headed to bed. If you two need anything at all, just let me know." He gave Scorpius a meaningful look that really made him feel guilty before he left.

Scorpius didn't know what to do about his own sleeping arrangements. He was very uncomfortable with the idea of Rose sleeping alone on the floor down here. His wards were strong, but they were not infallible. And with the amount of drugs not returned back to the gang within the deadline … he was sure they would be ruthless. So, he pulled out some blankets and pillows from the closet and made a bed beside the couch.

Then he got up and double checked the wards. He didn't know how he was going to sleep.

Something heavy stepped on his stomach. He promptly bolted upright, completely winded, and knocked over – Rose, he realised instantly – to which he half caught her on his head before falling under her weight.

She gave a small cry of pain and rolled off of him so she was wedged between the couch and him, her shoulder on his because of the impossibly narrow space. "Fucckk," she said. It was dark still in the room. "What are you doing?"

She wasn't moving from her spot and Scorpius was still trying to wake up. "Shit. Sorry." He rubbed his eyes and lit his wand. She blinked at the brightness and turned her face towards the couch. Her arms were tight around her ribs. "I was farther away earlier on in the night. Guess I just gravitated over."

She frowned, eyes squinted over. "Why aren't you in your bed?"

"Ah. Didn't seem fair to have you on the couch. And there's too many access points down here."

". . . the fuck Scorpius? Go sleep in your bed. I'm fine."

"I wouldn't be able to sleep," he said. But it seemed she wasn't quite listening anymore. She pulled at his blankets and was already back dreaming.

"How are you comfortable?" he murmured and put his head back down on his pillow and nox'd his wand. He had no problem falling back asleep with her warm body next to him.

It felt like the next day, when in fact it was only a few hours later that Rose moved from beside him and clambered over him. "Forgot to go to the loo when I got up initially. Sorry."

Light was filtering in through the blinds and he figured it was time to finally get up. He didn't have to get out from under the blankets considering Rose had pulled most of them over to her in the night – blanket hog.

He wandered into the kitchen to see a note on the table in Al's handwriting and looked in surprise at the clock. It was half nine already. Scorpius picked up the note and read it with annoyance.

You two are so weird. I mean there is a bed upstairs. NOT that I'm saying to both use it. But you know. Might be comfier than the floor? There's loads of food in the fridge, make sure Rose eats. She doesn't look that great.

I'll see you later.

Al

Rose entered the kitchen quietly and stood in the doorway. She bit her lip and shuffled her feet together. "Hey. . . I hate to ask this of you, but do you have any bruise balm anywhere. I'm still a bit sore from yesterday."

Scorpius jumped up. "Yes! Of course! It's up in my room. I'll get it out." He shook his head at his slowness. Rose trailed him up the stairs and sat down on the bed, sinking into it slightly when he pulled the first aid kit out.

It was perhaps larger than most other household kits, but it had come in handy too many times to count. Her eyebrows were furrowed at all the potions and bandages. Everything was labelled, but still could be confusing for someone who had never used it before. "Err, do you want help," he asked her gently. He thought she was going to say a firm no and kick him from his room and do it herself.

She nodded though and he almost pinched himself in surprise.

"Don't freak out though," she said and pulled her hair all to one side. One of her arms went into her shirt sleeve. Scorpius watched her struggle to lift the shirt over her head and pull her arms in. He wanted to butt in and help, but she didn't indicate that help would be appreciated. She didn't meet his eyes as soon as her shirt was off and Scorpius could understand why. He was wide-eyed and open mouthed staring at her, unable to help himself by what he saw.

There was vicious bruising on the left side of her body along with some broken skin, dark purple bruising around her shoulder, and down her arm. The top right of her back had a brand that was swollen, red, and puffy with the brand itself of a snake with its fang open. He recognized it as the gang symbol for Snakebitten. Her skin was pale, and looked paler next to the fanatical colours that graced it. Her brilliant hair only adding to the contrast.

He worked methodically, trying not to think too much about it. He used his more concentrated potions, being very careful where he rubbed it into her side. She was shaking again – whether from his touch, the pain, or his cool room he couldn't tell. Rose's face was blank as she covered her arm with the balm.

The hardest part was touching her back where she was branded, where her skin had been carved. Scorpius had never felt worse about anything in his life. And it all happened under his watch. He should have been paying more attention. Should have kept Rose beside him all night, disguise or not. He felt dirty, and unworthy. He didn't know how she could stand to look at him. "I'm sorry Rose," he said after it was done. "It's all my fault. I'm sorry." His fingers so lightly traced the snake before he added the potion to take away the swelling. It would forever be a scar on her.

Her head turned and her piercing eyes looked at him, emotion finally coming to her face. "What are you talking about? Of course it's not your fault. I was the idiot here."

She wasn't. He gave her some of the clothes he had brought back from her flat so she could change and told her there was food in the kitchen.

She ate a hearty meal and then said she was going to have a nap again.

"Rose, go sleep in my bed!" Scorpius said. "Just go. I'll stay down here!" He needed her to be comfortable. He needed to do one small thing for her – though it was worthless in comparison. He tried hard to keep the pleading out of his voice to no avail, but Rose missed it anyway. Her eyes were already half-lidded in slumber now that her healing was done and belly was full.

"No. You keep your bed. I'm fine." She pulled the blankets over her as she stretched back on the couch again and closed her eyes. "Wake me up in three hours. . . need to get things down. But just need a. . . nap for now. . . " And then she was asleep again.

He stood helpless before her prone form. She didn't understand why he needed her to sleep in an actual room with a real bed. He didn't really understand it himself, but it was tearing his insides apart and burning him up. He pulled his hair in frustration. Feeling it stretch his skin. Merlin, he was disgraceful.

There was nothing he could do when she was passed out. He showered, found some suitable clothes, and spent a few hours in the kitchen in self-loathing before finally shaking her awake in the early afternoon.

"Rose Daphne," was the first thing she said. "That's where we should go next. Into her flat. She keeps popping up, she's super weird, and somehow I think she's involved in this one way or another."

"Break into her flat?"

"Yes. I mean, it's probably frowned upon for you. But I have the invisibility cloak. We've got spells. I've unlocked her door with alohomora before when she was locked out."

Scorpius nodded. "No, I think you're right. She did seem to have a relation with Matild – which doesn't bode well for anything. Shall we leave when we're finished eating?"

"What? No scouting out the place for a week. No watching her schedule and trying to break in when she's not there?" Rose had a bit of a teasing lilt in her voice.

He rolled his eyes. "We're not just going to break in. We'll see if she's there or not and try to plan accordingly. However, the time for watching and waiting is long past. We need answers and action now."

She was frowning and looked a little uncomfortable but still said, "Cheers to that."

And he didn't know how she did it. How she was still able to put a smile on her face. It was a small smile, barely there, but still a smile.

And he still hated himself.

A/N: Yaaasss, this story is not forgotten/abandoned. Sorry updates are not very regular and I'm pretty MIA right now. Can't make any promises, but I have planned out the ending and there is approximately 9-10 chapters left at this point. Hopefully I can churn out some chapters this summer and perhaps finish! But we'll see! Cheers all - thanks for the never-ending support. You all rock my socks off :)