"Ah, Scorpius! So good to see you again," came her mum's bright greeting as they came into view.

"Hello Mrs. Weasley-Granger. Good to see you as well," was the polite response.

"Are you looking forward to sixth year? I hope Rose hasn't gotten too much in the way of your studying?"

Rose gaped at her mum, offended that she would assume Rose would keep anyone from studying.

Scorpius glanced over and laughed in response to what he must have seen on her face, "No, ma'am, she and I have been studying together the past couple days and I think we'll be properly sorted to start classes for the year."

Hermoine smiled, "That is good to hear. How are your parents enjoying their vacation? I know Draco was so looking forward to it."

"The last letter I received had some pictures and it looked like they are taking full advantage of the time off if the silly poses were any indication." he offered with a smile before he shot Hermoine a solemn look, "I do hope you're not concerned that they're not present while Rose is here. I assure you Skilt has updated them on her being a guest for the next week or so."

Rose shot a narrow look at the fireplace, noting the amused glance her mum sent her way.

"I am not concerned, Scorpius, but thank you for the thought. Once I read Rose's letter explaining where she was, I knew she was in good hands."

Scorpius inclined his head, "Thank you, ma'am."

There was a moment of quiet before Hermoine looked pointedly over to Rose, "Dear, would you mind giving me a moment alone to speak with Scorpius?"

"What?" No. "Why?"

If Scorpius's startled expression was anything to go by, he was wondering the same thing.

"Rose."

Well. There it was. The tone. Rose hesitated, looking over at Scorpius with open panic and wondering why he seemed so calm about this development. She didn't want to let her mum talk to Scorpius without her there. What was she going to say that Rose couldn't hear? Was it a chance to explain how terrible Rose was for abandoning the family? Or conspire to get her back home even though her mum had expressed her understanding of why Rose was here?

"Honey, it's going to be fine," Hermoine's voice broke through the static and Rose blinked at her mother's face, "It won't take long."

Rose nodded slowly before turning toward the door to the hallway. Scorpius offered a small smile as she passed and she did her best to return it. Then she was out of the room, away from the warmth that was both the fireplace and her mum. She felt a bit lost. Where was she supposed to…

"Now, Scorpius…"

She froze in place just beyond the doorway. An impulsive idea crept around her thoughts and she quickly ducked out of the visual range of the den and tucked herself against the wall. There was a thrill of guilt as she tried to breathe calmly and quietly, listening in on the conversation.

"I wanted to apologize."

"...ma'am?"

"Rose perhaps hasn't explained the details of the situation, but assume you know the broad strokes?"

"Yes. I'm sorry to hear about Mr. Weasley's disappearance. Is there…?"

Her mother sighed tiredly, "No news. We're doing our best to explore all avenues right now, but this leads me to what I wish to discuss with you."

There was a long pause and Rose felt her stomach twist in response to the drawn out silence.

"My daughter is...my daughter. As much as it dismays me as a mother sometimes, she has very similar tendencies when it comes to matters such as this. She may be recovering her sense of balance right now, but once she gets there I fear there won't be much any of us can do to stop her from doing her own digging if Arthur isn't found soon."

Rose leaned her head back against the stone wall behind her and closed her eyes.

"I can't guarantee when she will make the decision to start exploring her options, but…" a pause, "Forgive me for what might seem an unrelated topic, but...I know you're well aware that some people have more trouble with granting second chances. You know your father's transgressions from his youth and the part he played. My daughter, while clever in her choice of places to gain solitude, neglected to think of the responsibility she's placed on your shoulders by seeking sanctuary with you."

Rose slid down the wall to a sitting position, disbelief and mortification as her mother's words started sinking in.

"She has assured me that you've been an ideal host, and I don't doubt it. I know your parents raised you well and I also know the lengths you go to to help redeem the Malfoy name. So, I regret to charge you with my daughter's safekeeping."

No, no, no. She hadn't meant for this.

"You have the choice to not accept that responsibility beyond the walls of the manor, but if you do take that on after the school year begins, trust me when I say that if my daughter finds any harm due to her gallivanting off to try and rescue her grandfather, you will be held within the accountable party."

She was so selfish. She hadn't meant for this.

"I lay this on you with respect to your good nature, strength of character, and will, Scorpius. I would not charge a lesser person with the task."

Silence descended after her mother's speech. Rose could faintly hear the crackling of the fireplace over her own uneven breathing.

Then, "Thank you for explaining, ma'am."

"I'm sorry, Scorpius."

"May I be excused?"

"Of course. Please take care of yourself."

Rose froze as a new panic overtook her, but she needn't have worried. Scorpius swept past her at a brisk walk and, without looking back, made a line for the front door and was gone into the dark night a breath later. The door latched behind him and Skilt apparated into the foyer. He sighed quietly before glancing to Rose, "Skilt feels there's a storm coming in."

"Rose?"

She started at her mum's voice.

"I know you're there. Please come say goodbye?"

Rose felt like her heart was tearing somehow. She covered her face and curled up tighter as she tried to rein herself in. There was a soft touch on her shoulder and she looked up to see Skilt offering her a soft smile, "The young miss should head back in. Skilt will watch for the young master until the miss is free."

She stared at him for a moment before nodding and awkwardly rising to her feet. With one last glance to the door and Skilt, she turned and made her way back inside the room.

When her mum saw her, Hermoine gave a sad smile, "Hey, honey."

Rose made for her chair and sank down, staring at the floor as she continued to try and process everything.

"I'm sorry."

She looked at her mum then, "Don't be." With a frown, she rubbed a hand across her eyes, "You knew I was listening."

"Like I said, you're my daughter."

Rose nodded and attempted a smile at her mother. It didn't hold up long. "I didn't...think when I came here, did I?"

Hermoine's face pinched slightly, "You did...just not about everything."

She felt tears starting to sting her eyes again. A watery laugh escaped her, "Gryffindors, huh?" Merlin, she was tired of crying. Wiping them away again, she shook her head, "I'm not going to do anything stupid, Mum."

At that, there was a soft laugh, "We all think that until we're in the thick of the stupidity, dear. Just...please be careful and responsible with your digging. If you find leads, at least consider letting us know." Hermoine took a deep breath, "I can't bear the thought of something happening to you, honey. Worrying about it is a bit treacherous for me, as it is. It's why I had to speak with Scorpius about those things. As much as I hate to put one more responsibility on his shoulders, I'll do what I need to in order to try and keep you safe."

Rose nodded, wrapping her arms around herself, "I'll keep you updated if anything comes up."

"That's all I ask." There was a pause, then, "Oh, I almost forgot. I had taken a few things from your trunk last week to get them cleaned before the school year started - send Smit back and I'll get those to you so you have everything before you get to the station."

"Oh, right…" School. Her brain switched tracks sluggishly, joining her mum's train of thought, "Thanks. I'll probably head into town with the car."

The conversation fell into the casual mundanity of coordinating travel, pick-ups of the vehicle, and other odds and ends. Rose found herself settling from the upheaval and again a wave of gratitude for her mother swept through her.

She cleared her throat, "Mum?"

Hermoine smiled, "What is it, dear?"

"I miss you."

A soft expression came across her mum's face, "I miss you, too." They exchanged quiet smiles for a few breaths. Then, Hermoine glanced off to the side, "I think I should be going, honey, but it has been so good to check in."

"Same, Mum."

"Please...look after Scorpius?"

Rose looked over to the doorway where she could see Skilt pacing occasionally in front of the arch at the end of the hall, "I will."

"I love you, Rose. Be safe."

"Love you, too, Mum."

There was one last smile and then the fire dimmed from the defined features of her mother's face into the warm embers of any other. Rose took a deep breath and held it for a moment as she collected herself. Then, she breathed out slow, stood, and made her way toward the foyer.

AN:

As I've mentioned before, there are a lot of scenes that have been revised and this one always bothered me in the first version and I'm so happy with how this entire interaction came out this time around.

Next chapter we get to see how Scorpius is handling all these new things that he has to think over. I think you'll like it. :)

See you in two weeks!