Troubles and Adventures
The final chapter of the work previously known as "Untitled" and now named "Troubles and Adventures".
Scorpius/Rose; PG-13
Chapter One,Chapter Two, Chapter Three, Chapter Four.
Rose came to with a cough, water pouring out of her mouth. She laid gasping, staring up at the blue sky, her body exhausted and limp. Her mother was cradling her head, whispering soothing words and brushing back her heavy, wet hair. “Scorpius,” Rose gasped, her voice hoarse and raw. “Scorpius,” she managed to whisper again.
“Daddy and Uncle Harry have him, sweetheart,” Hermione said, her eyes filling with tears. Rose let out a strangled cry, struggling to turn her head. “He’s bruised and bloody but he’ll be fine,” her mother added quickly, peppering Rose’s face with kisses. “No need to worry.” Straining her neck, Rose could spot her father and Uncle Harry hovering over Scorpius’ naked body, casting spells and murmuring together. Rose nodded weakly, closing her eyes as fast and hot tears slid down her cheeks.
Hermione summoned Rose’s clothes. “Let’s get you into something warm,” Hermione said, noting the goose bumps appearing on Rose’s body. Before dressing her daughter as she had when she was a baby, she dried Rose’s wet undergarments, then helped her into her jumper and shorts.
“I want to see Scorpius,” Rose said loudly, hugging her arms around her body. She tried to sit up, grateful for the strong arm her father offered her. In the distance, she could see Uncle Harry drying his clothes. Meanwhile, Ron held her close as they approached Scorpius.
He was so pale, Rose thought worriedly. Too pale. “He’s alright? Really?” Rose asked, voice cracking as she searched her father’s face for the truth. “He’ll be fine, Rose,” he replied confidently.
With a sigh, Rose sank to her knees, gingerly touching Scorpius’ face. She watched as the scrapes and bruises on his skin quickly healed, the result of whatever potions and spells her father had given him. “Oh Scorpius,” she whispered, eyes filling with tears. She cradled his head and kissed his lips softly, unaware of the observant eyes of her parents and uncle. She pulled her father’s robes more snuggly around Scorpius, careful not to hurt him with any sudden movements, though he was still asleep.
“Rose,” Harry said softly, crouching down next to her. “I don’t mean to rush you but I have some questions to ask.” Rose nodded, licking her lips. Her eyes flickered up to her parents who were holding hands, hovering behind Harry.
“I’m ready to answer,” she replied. The three adults sat down, seemingly unmindful of the hard ground and dirt. Hermione gave her daughter an encouraging smile and Rose felt momentarily comforted.
Uncle Harry cleared his throat. “What happened here, Rose?” he asked gently. “Who is that man over in the trees?”
She took a deep, shuddering breath. “We met that man at the crup fight last night. Have you heard about it?” Rose answered, avoiding her parents’ gazes, staring instead directly into Uncle Harry’s green eyes. He nodded and she continued speaking. “He tried to attack Mr. Kensington, our campground direction, yeah? Al, Scorpius, and I dueled with him a bit. He knew right away who were were - everyone seems to,” she said with a shaky laugh.
Her hand slipped down to find Scorpius’ limp one, holding on tightly. “Today when Scorpius and I were on a walk, he came after us.” Tears filled Rose’s eyes and she blinked, trying to stay calm. “He said his name’s Dolohov. He tried to kill Mum once and he wanted to kill me.” She turned to her parents, noting the furious look on her father’s face and the protective arm he had circled about Hermione. “Dolohov cast an Unforgivable,” Rose added, softly. “It missed,” she continued quickly, as her parents both roused to anger and fear, reaching out to Rose.
Rose sighed, suddenly feeling exhausted. “Can I lay down?” she asked Uncle Harry, who murmured a quick yes, and helped her get settled on the ground, lumping his jumper behind her head as a makeshift pillow.
“Are we sure Scorpius is ok?” she asked again, turning to look at his face, her lips grazing his cheek. “He’s just asleep, sweetheart,” Hermione replied, running a soothing hand down Rose’s arm.
“What happened after, Rose?” Uncle Harry pressed.
Rose shuddered. “The - ” she began, but Ron interrupted harshly. “Let her rest, Harry. She’s exhausted.”
“No, Dad, I can do it,” Rose murmured, while Harry protested, “You know why we need to hear this, Ron. We’re not heading to the Malfoys’ tent without everything in order.” Quietly Rose told them about the nymphs, their attack on Dolohov, and their kidnapping of Scorpius.
“I was useless,” Rose said tearfully. She closed her eyes and pressed a hand to her head, suddenly feeling ashamed. Her parents and uncle had fought Lord Voldemort but she could not muster enough magically ability to fend off nymphs.
“No, Rosie, you were very brave,” Uncle Harry protested, giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “Not everyone would dive in after a friend.” Since her eyes were closed, she missed the smiles that Harry and her father shared. “You were very brave,” he repeated. “Your hexes were strong and you appeared to be doing everything you could.”
At this, Rose’s eyes flew open. “Were you - were you down there?” she gasped. “How did we get out? How did you-?” Rose stammered, suddenly realizing that she had no idea how she and Scorpius had been rescued. She looked back and forth between her parents and uncle.
Ron shook his head, laughing softly. “We were on our way to meet George for a pint when Harry noticed the red sparks in the air. You or Scorpius must have shot them up, yeah?” he asked. Rose nodded.
“Your father and I decided to tag along,” Hermione continued. “We noticed signs of dueling and came across Dolohov. Then I spotted your clothes by the pond’s edge and heard your cry out, beneath the water.” Hermione bit her lip, glancing up at Ron. “Admittedly, I was a bit useless then. I screamed for your father and Harry, who dove in to get you.”
“We saw you shoot your last hex and sent our own after it,” Harry added, taking up where Hermione let off. “The nymph who had been attacking you had lost interest and had joined her sisters, who were tying Scorpius up in the weeds at the bottom of the pond. I grabbed you and began to swim upwards; your father kept swimming to save Scorpius.”
“Really, Dad?” Rose asked, surprised, a smile spreading across her face. “You went to get-”
“I knew you were safe with Harry,” Ron grumbled, cutting her off. He pouted while Hermione patted his arm lovingly. “The nymphs recognized your father as a handsome wizard and tried to take him too,” Hermione said, smiling, “but he fought them off, cut Scorpius loose, and surfaced to the top.”
Rose smiled and leaned across to hug her father, whispering, “Thanks, Daddy,” before giving Harry a hug as well. “We wouldn’t have made it without you two.” She intertwined her fingers through Scorpius’ again, relieved to feel his hand squeeze back.
“Rose?” he choked hoarsely, his eyes still closed. She shifted and moved closer to him. “I’m here,” she said, squeezing his hand.
Scorpius groaned, trying to turn on his side. Next to Rose, her parents and Uncle Harry stayed silent, watching carefully. “Are you hurt?” Scorpius asked, wincing.
Rose laughed shakily. “No, Scorpius, you’re the one who’s in pain. Stop thinking about me,” she said, scolding, though her voice was light.
Scorpius grinned weakly. “Can’t,” he replied, opening his eyes slowly. Their gazes locked and Rose felt a wave of tenderness for him. “Haven’t been able to since 5th year,” he coughed, making Rose smile shyly. He looked around, taking in the trio of adults behind her.
“Would you like some help sitting up?” Hermione asked, prodding Ron so he moved forward, slipping an arm around Scorpius. With a groan, he was maneuvered into a sitting position. Ron’s Auror robes slid off his shoulders, exposing his bruised chest and scratched skin. Hermione rifled through the small satchel at her side, extracting a small vial. “Drink this, Scorpius,” she instructed, passing him the orange liquid. He took it, wincing once as it oozed down his throat, but Rose could see his scrapes improving within seconds. Carefully, she dragged the robes upwards, covering his skin again.
Ron cleared his throat. “Rose has told us what happened here. I’d like to thank you for helping defend her life,” he said sincerely, his arm still around the boy’s shoulder. He hesitated before adding, “You two probably think I’ve always disapproved of your friendship, but - it’s important to Rose, so it’s important to me.” He looked at Hermione, who nodded, a small smile on her face. “It’s important to us,” she amended, squeezing Scorpius’ shoulder. Rose looked away, tears brimming in her eyes, while Scorpius thanked them hoarsely.
“We’d like to get you back to your tent, Scorpius,” Harry said. “I’ll send an Auror ahead of us to alert your parents to the situation,” he added, casting his Patronus, which cantered off down the path. “You’ll need to rest for a few hours, especially if you want to see the World Cup tonight.”
Scorpius nodded. “There’s no way I’m missing it,” he said firmly.
“Well, if you’re really hurt,” Rose protested, worry evident in her eyes, “you should rest, Scorpius. Forget about the -”
She was cut off by the laughter of the three men. “What?” she cried exasperated. “If he needs to rest, then he needs to rest,” she said, crossing her arms, a slight pout gracing her face.
“Did you decide to rest when you had a raging fever and Mimosa Marsden went to sign books in Hogsmeade?” Scorpius countered. Rose struggled to answer, but he plowed on ahead. “No, you didn’t. We waited for three hours in the thick of winter to get your book signed. You were delirious, Rose,” he pressed, laughing, seemingly feeling better already.
“That’s different,” Rose replied, linking her arm through her mother’s for support. “That was academic,” she argued, making Harry, Ron, and Scorpius roar with laughter again.
“These two will never get it,” Harry said, still chuckling.
Ron shook his head sadly. “It’s my lot in life to be surrounded by women who think Quidditch is ‘just a game’,” he replied, slapping Harry on the shoulder. “You’re a lucky bloke - never forget that.” Harry grinned while Hermione harrumphed unhappily, swatting at Ron. Across their heads, Rose and Scorpius smiled at each other.
Rose stood up, reaching down to help Scorpius. His face contorted with grimaces and he leaned heavily on Rose’s arm. “I don’t want to crush you,” he murmured, as she moved her arm around his waist.
“You won’t,” she said seriously, looking up into his eyes. With her free hand, she pushed back some wayward strands of his hair, then caressed his face softly. Behind them, her parents and Uncle Harry were tidying up the clearing, and taking care of the arrangements for Dolohov’s body. “It’s what I’m here for, Scorpius,” she added, pulling his face down for a quick, loving kiss.
Slowly they began to amble down the path towards the campsites, moving carefully so Scorpius was not jarred about. Her parents and Uncle Harry remained in the clearing while they walked. The forest was silent and still, calming the couple after their harrowing day. Rose was content to bear much of Scorpius’ weight, for it allowed her to press near him. Though he was weakened, she could feel the strength of his body, and the warmth radiating from him.
“So,” Scorpius said, interrupting the happy silence, “your Dad’s fine with our friendship.”
Rose nodded, looking up at Scorpius. “That’s what he said. Mum, too.”
“What about a relationship - a romantic relationship,” Scorpius clarified, his eyes straying from her eyes to her lips. “Because that’s what I want.” Rose blushed prettily.
“I want that too,” she said softly, smiling shyly, “and that’s all that matters.” Scorpius grinned and leaned down to kiss her, stumbling a bit. “Hold on,” he muttered, glancing around, “I can’t do this properly.” He pulled her off the path, propping himself up against a tree, and settled her against his chest. Rose looped her arms around his neck.
“Much better,” he declared, running a bold hand down her back. Rose grinned and playfully grazed her mouth along his. “Much,” she agreed, pressing her lips more fully against his. He kissed her eagerly and she returned his ardor, losing herself in the feeling of his tongue, his hands, and the relief of finally being his.
“Oi, I do not want to see that!” Ron protested, walking up with Hermione and Harry. His face turned beet red as the couple hastily pulled apart. Rose’s hands patted her hair back in place and she wished to Merlin her cheeks would return to their normal color.
“Yes, sir,” Scorpius replied meekly, shooting Rose a clandestine wink, while she avoided everyone’s gaze but his.
“Ron,” Hermione scolded, taking her husband’s hand. Rose and Scorpius came back onto the path, their arms still wrapped around one another. “You’ll just have to get used to it,” she concluded, ending Ron’s sputtering with a warm kiss. “Get used to it,” she repeated firmly.
Rose slept in late the next day, tired from the night’s long festivities. Brazil had won, to the disappointment of many, but being the losers had not stopped anyone from celebrating. Uncle Harry and Aunt Ginny had thrown a large party on their campsite, looking more relieved and happier than Rose had seen them in weeks. It had been a great party, rivaling every common room event she’d ever been to. The family was all together, and many guests from around the wizarding world had stopped by for a glass of Firewhisky. James led everyone in song after song, even sharing a tearful, drunken scene with his mother. The only tense moment had been when the Malfoys stopped by to drop off Scorpius, but even that had gone relatively smoothly.
“Morning,” Rose yawned, snuggling up in the chair by the fire. Her father was quietly drinking a cup of tea and perusing the daily paper, but stopped long enough to smile. Rose craned to see the front cover of the paper, which was covered with a large moving picture of the Brazilian Seeker catching the snitch. “Hi sweetheart,” Hermione said softly, pausing in her knitting to summon an apple tart and a cup of tea from the kitchen. She passed both to Rose, who bit into the tart eagerly.
“Hugo’s still sleeping?” Rose questioned, looking towards his bedroom. She thought she could detect light snoring.
Hermione nodded, taking TheDaily Prophet from Ron. “You lot seemed to have fun last night,” she commented, smiling lightly.
Ron snorted. “Hell, Hermione, everyone did,” he replied. “Harry let the Firewhisky flow freely, that’s for sure,” he added grinning. “Poor Neville hasn’t been that drunk since the end of the War.”
Rose grinned. “I’m so glad Professor Longbottom stopped by,” she said, taking another bite of apple tart. “Although I’m sure he would have enjoyed the night more without Lily’s play-by-play account of the summer holiday,” she added.
“I would have, too,” Ron grumbled. “She almost blew my right ear off with her shrieking,” he added, pointing a finger at Rose. Rose blushed, looking away. Lily had caught Rose and Scorpius snogging in the back room of the Potter tent, which had been embarrassing enough for the couple. Lily, however, could not keep the news to herself and had run out of the tent, screeching her find repeatedly for the whole party to hear. When Rose and Scorpius had exited the tent, it had been to whistles, cat calls, and clapping.
“Not my fault, Dad,” she said lightly, taking a long drink of her tea. At her side, Hermione flipped the paper to the middle section and began to read, suddenly spilling her tea and gasping. “Mum?” Rose questioned, hurrying to grab a napkin, while Ron took the tea from her. “What is it?” Rose asked again, wrenching the paper out of her mother’s fingers.
Her mouth fell wide open as her eyes fell on the corner column. “Rita’s Reliable Scoop,” Rose read aloud, her hands shaking. “Just yesterday, your fabulous reporter ran into one of the Wizarding World’s most interesting daughters. At least, that’s what your humble reporter thought before she actually got a close, in-person look. Miss Rose Weasley is the drab and dull, though largely heralded, daughter of the famed Ron and Hermione Weasley. Like her mother, she seems intent on making as many male conquests as she can. This time she has used her wand, to be sure, to make young Master Scorpius Malfoy her love slave,” she read, voice quivering at the last few words. “After seducing him in a tea mart, she lured him to a deserted pond area, where she had her way with him. This reporter found scraps of his clothing strewn about the place. Reliable sources say the two were charged with lewd conduct and use of illegal sex magic by three Aurors on duty. Indeed, it is rumored that a man spying on the two was knocked unconscious - or worse - by the dangerous magic employed. Did I mention that Master Malfoy is underage?”
There was silence as Rose finished reading the short article. Her hands were shaking and her face radiated red hot heat. “Sweet Merlin,” she moaned, mortified, covering her head with the newspaper; she resisted the urge to burst into tears.
“Blimey,” Hugo yawned, plopping down into the chair next to her, still clad in his bright orange Cannons pajamas. He slid the newspaper off her face, perusing it with a smirk. “Let’s all just keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best,” Hugo intoned, quoting the Cannons’ motto, “because I don’t think Rose can handle any more troubles.”
Her lips were shaking still but Rose managed to smile at the word ‘troubles’. “Adventures,” she corrected, tearing out the offending article. It burned brightly as she added it to the fire, watching with satisfaction as Rita’s words went up in flames. “And I look forward to many more!”