Disclaimer - I don't own Harry Potter.

Dear Rose,

I hope this letter finds you well and not too swamped with your Ministry work. I imagine you're already halfway through sorting someone else's mess at this point (probably muttering something snarky under your breath—don't deny it).

Anyway, I thought I'd write and give you the lowdown on my latest adventure (if you can call it that) in the forest with Albus, Xander, and Andrew. First off, let me just say—if I never see another spider in my life, it'll be too soon. But I'll get to that in a second.

The forest was, as expected, wild and unforgiving. Albus insisted we'd be fine, of course, claiming that "there's nothing in this forest we can't handle." Xander and Andrew, being the supportive fools they are, nodded in agreement, while I—being the only one with a working brain—suggested maybe we don't tempt fate by wandering into the deepest part of the woods. Guess who they ignored? Yep. Me.

We ventured in, and the first couple of hours were peaceful enough. We even found a few creatures that would've made Twiggy jealous. Xander nearly lost it when a bowtruckle tried to steal his wand. You'd think after all this time, he'd know not to mess with them. But, of course, Xander being Xander, didn't listen. Albus found it hilarious. I'm still not convinced they aren't in some secret competition to see who can make the dumbest decision in the wild.

And then… came the spiders.

Let's just say, what I thought was a perfectly normal fallen tree turned out to be some giant spider's home. And by giant, I mean Aragog's distant cousin, twice removed kind of giant. Albus's face went pale when we saw it. I swear, the bravest thing he did in that moment was not faint. I handled it, obviously. I'd tell you how, but then it would ruin my dramatic retelling for when we meet next (I can already picture your skeptical face). Just know that your favorite Slytherin saved the day. Again.

Despite the near-death experience, it wasn't all bad. There was this peaceful moment when the sun was setting, and we just sat around the fire, talking about all the crazy things we've been through over the years. It was one of those rare moments where everything feels right, you know? Almost made getting chased by a spider worthwhile.

Almost.

But I digress. Albus sends his regards, by the way. He says he'll "send you an owl soon" but we both know that probably means he'll forget and show up at your place unannounced one day. Classic Al.

I'm counting the days until we meet again, Rose. And maybe, just maybe, I'll bring you back something from the forest—something that isn't a spider.

Take care of yourself.

Yours,

Scorpius

Scorpius King,

First of all, a round of applause for Hermes actually finding you. I think your owl deserves an award for braving who-knows-what to get that letter into your hands. He's obviously got more sense of direction than Albus.

Now, onto your little adventure in the forest. I couldn't help but laugh—hard—at your heroic tale. So let me get this straight: Albus almost fainted, Xander once again proved he's got the survival instincts of a damp sponge, and you saved the day from a spider the size of a house? Sounds like a typical Malfoy bravado moment. I'm sure you were incredibly brave, Malfoy. Truly. Did you need a moment to gather your composure afterward? Maybe a cup of tea to calm those nerves?

That being said, the image of you fighting off a giant spider is strangely endearing. But please, next time, avoid dying in the process. I don't fancy coming to your rescue from across the country, and we both know Al would be useless in that situation. You'll have to regale me with the full details when you get back. I'll reserve my sarcasm until then. Maybe.

It sounds like you lot actually managed a half-decent time once the spider drama was over, though. That sunset by the fire—yeah, I get what you mean. There's something about those rare, quiet moments with friends, when everything feels just right. We could do with more of those.

And yes, I fully expect Albus to show up at my place with zero warning, like the chaos he is. But I'll be sure to act surprised, for his sake.

Scorp, I miss you loads. Reading your letter reminded me how much, and now I can't wait for you to get back. (Wipe that smile from you face, Malfoy)

Next time we have a near-death experience, let's make sure I'm there to roll my eyes at you in person.

Stay safe and try not to make the forest hate you more than it already does. Looking forward to seeing you—soon, I hope.

Yours (and don't you forget it),

Rose

Scorpius,

Alright, so it's been days, and I'm starting to wonder if you've either been eaten by another oversized spider or if Hermes is on strike. Did I say something in my last letter that made you go into hiding? I promise, the sarcasm was all in good fun (mostly).

In all seriousness, I'm starting to worry a bit. It's not like you to stay quiet this long—at least, not without some dramatic story to follow up with about how you narrowly escaped death or something equally absurd. So, what's the deal? Are you off befriending dragons now? (Actually, knowing you, that's not even a joke.)

The Ministry's been its usual chaotic self, but I can't seem to focus on anything for too long without wondering how you're doing. I miss you—more than I'd like to admit, really. It's weird not hearing from you, and I'm starting to think I might've gotten too used to your daily dose of wit and sarcasm.

Anyway, I really hope you're alright, and that this is just you being caught up in some ridiculous adventure you'll laugh about later. Please tell Hermes to get it together and send me a sign that you're still out there, even if it's just a "hello, Rose, I'm not dead."

Take care of yourself, and send me something soon, yeah? Preferably before I go crazy wondering where you are.

Yours,

Rose

Scorpius,

Alright, now I'm officially annoyed (and a little worried, but I won't admit that out loud). It's been too long without hearing from you. Hermes hasn't shown up, and neither have any cryptic, sarcastic letters from you. What's going on, Malfoy?

I know you're probably off doing something reckless—again—but could you at least send a quick note to let me know you're alive and haven't been eaten by a dragon? Or worse—Albus's cooking.

I miss you. A lot more than I want to admit. So, write back. Soon.

Yours (impatiently),

Rose

Dear Al,

I don't know what's going on, but it's been weeks since I've heard anything from Scorpius. I sent him several owls, and he's ignored every single one. At first, I thought he was busy, but this has gone on long enough. You're all supposed to be back by now, right? Has something happened?

I'm worried—To be honest, a bit furious. He can't just vanish like this without a word. You know how much I hate being left in the dark.

Please tell me what's going on. Are you four okay? When are you coming back?

Write back soon, Al. I need answers.

Rose

Rose,

Scorpius has been upset lately. His pet Twiggy died in the forest—An occamy had captured him. Scorpius's been really shaken up and still can't stop worrying about it.

We'll be back soon. I'll catch up with you when we're back.

Albus

Weeks had passed since Rose had last heard from Scorpius, and she could sense Albus's presence nearby without actually being able to talk to him. He had returned home but consistently avoided her, leaving her feeling isolated and more than a little irritated. Scorpius had become a ghost in her life, his absence growing heavier with each ignored owl.

One afternoon, as she approached the Ministry, she spotted a familiar figure standing off to the side. Scorpius was there, his usual teasing glint in his grey eyes replaced by a heavy, tired look.

"Scorpius, I was w—"

"Need to talk to you," he interrupted, his voice flat. "Personally."

A knot formed in her stomach as she nodded, following him away from the crowd. They walked in silence for a moment, and Rose could feel the tension thickening the air between them.

"What's wrong?" she finally asked, trying to keep her voice steady. "Why have you been avoiding me? I've suffered these days without you."

He stopped, running a hand through his blond hair, which looked more disheveled than usual. "Twiggy passed away," he said shortly, his tone barely masking the hurt behind it. "It was an occamy. It catured him and... I was the one who took him there. The whole trip thing was wrong."

Rose felt a pang of sympathy. "I'm so sorry, Scorpius," she said softly, squeezing his hand in a gesture of comfort. "It's not your fault." She watched as his gaze dropped, avoiding her eyes.

"There's more," he continued, his voice strained. "I met Thalia Burke. She helped me a lot… helped me sort through everything."

Rose's throat tightened, a fire igniting in her chest. "And?" she pressed, unable to suppress the rising anger.

"And," he said, his voice barely above a whisper, "Thalia and I… We talked a lot. She is different now. Into good actually." He paused. "And then we're thinking about us. Like me and Thalia."

Her heart sank. "What do you mean 'me and Thalia'?" she asked, trying to keep her voice calm. "You can't be serious."

Scorpius took a deep breath. "Rose, Thalia is a good match for me. Our blood status, our families—everything makes sense. When I met her this time, I felt that I must stop there. With her. I thought you'd understand."

"You thought I'd understand?" Rose felt her temper flare. "You're just going to throw away everything we had for some… some family connection? Besides our parents were okay with us. Don't make excuses with that point. You are just trying to justify your desicion with reasoning." Rose breathed. "In this issue, you didn't give me a chance to help. At least you didn't write to me tellimg what happened. How can I help you without no clue what happened? This is not fair Scorpius."

"It's not like that!" he insisted, his frustration rising. "You don't understand what I've been through. Thalia makes it easier to cope."

"Easier?" she echoed, her voice rising. "You think it's easy for me to hear this? I can't believe you'd choose her over me!"

"I didn't choose her!" he shouted back, startling her. "I'm just… trying to move on. I thought you'd be happy for me."

"Happy?" she laughed bitterly, tears prickling at her eyes. "How can I be happy knowing you're with someone else? How can you even suggest that? After everything you said to me? I trusted you."

He opened his mouth to reply, but no words came. Instead, he simply looked away, lost in thought.

Rose couldn't bear to look at him anymore. The weight of his betrayal crushed her, and before she could stop herself, she turned and ran. She didn't know where she was going, just that she had to get away.

Once home, her mother was waiting for her, sensing the turmoil in her daughter. "Rose, what happened?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

Rose collapsed onto the couch, her breath coming in shaky gasps. "He's with Thalia," she managed to say, her voice breaking. "He's moving on… without me."

Hermione knelt beside her, wrapping her arms around Rose. "I'm so sorry. It's going to be okay. Let it out."

"Well, Albus warned about this just after their vacation." Ron, who was standing next to them said. "Sorry, honey. You have family to anything. Always"

As Rose cried, the reality of her heartbreak settled in, each tear a reminder of what she had lost and what might never be again.

A/N: Thanks for reading. Please review.