219I owe all of you a larger apology than I could ever manage. I have had to rehabilitate myself and assess my life more properly. I am now 18, (I was 14 when I met all of you!), and so I have been able to make the necessary changes in my life. I have not abandoned you in spirit, but I would understand if you have left me. I think about these characters and have thought about my readers daily. You were always in my hearts, and I hope I was able to occupy a small space in yours. These stories really did make me happy, and after 18 long months, I am in the spot to continue. Bless all of you who stayed with me, who joined along the way, and are joining now. Together, we made something great.
ROSE
I don't understand what I've done. I had sex with Scorpius. Why? I don't love him. But he understands me. And I know he will be the only one of our family who is there for me. My parents are disgusted with the both of us, Hugo will be mad that I'm getting along with Scorpius. Nina is too young, and Isobelle was never to be counted on in the first place.
Scorpius looks down on me and places a kiss on my forehead. The look in his eyes is distant and far away. I know he's thinking about Daisy, and how he will never have a future with anyone but her. He's been claimed in front of the entire wizarding world. Although other women may want him, they won't risk the scandal of breaking up his marriage. I hate Dad even more for doing this to Scorpius. It's turned him so bitter, and understandably so.
Scorpius clears his throat. He hands me my jumper, taking care to unfurl it from its crumpled heap on the ground.
"Thanks," I mutter. Scorpius says nothing back. He grunts in return and gets up to dress himself, and then casts a forlorn glance at the clock above the fireplace.
"Dinner is in fifteen minutes. You should wash up," he says blankly.
I scramble to get my trousers back on, and my eyes follow him across the room.
"So should you," I say dumbly. "What's wrong?"
Scorpius shrugs. "Speaking about it helps nothing." He presses his lips into a firm line and runs his fingers through his sweaty hair. His muscular arms flex.
"Speak to me," I implore. I don't want him to be so distant. If I go down, we should go down together.
"This can't happen again," Scorpius mutters, fastening his belt. "I'm to be married Easter weekend."
"But you don't want to be."
Scorpius' chin drops to his chest. Immediately, he straightens out his posture. "I know what I have to do. It's my responsibility. I'm going to play the part. This family doesn't need any more drama than we already have."
I can't believe his words. Scorpius hates Daisy immensely. He's been arguing with Dad to escape this marriage for months. Now he wants to give up?
"What are you talking about? You can't just do what he wants you to do. You have a say in the matter," I remind him.
Scorpius looks at me deeply. His eyes are burn ash. "I don't," he says resolutely. "I can't sleep with you again. It makes me feel as if there's hope that I can make an opportunity for my own happiness. I can't do that. My marriage to Daisy has been decided for years. My father and Blaise have Vowed on it. I need a respectable career and reputation. I need my inheritance. I can't do much on my own without money. I'm going to marry Daisy. Thank you, though, for helping me to decide. I hope you find the love you truly deserve." Scorpius stalks out of the library. I notice his shoulders are more slumped than usual.
SCORPIUS
I have come to the conclusion that my life is outside of my hands. As depressed as that makes me feel, I realize my life could be far messier. I could be living Isobelle's life. She seems on the brink of insanity. Just this morning, Teddy proposed they split for a short while. Isobelle hasn't been out of her room since.
I knock on her door. I can't trust myself to go to dinner. I doubt Rose will go either.
One of Isobelle's house-elves opens her door. I don't see her at first, but then I notice she's leaning over the balcony, looking out blankly. She wipes a few tears from her eyes. I cross the room until I'm standing beside her.
"Should I have your dinner brought to you?" I ask her.
Isobelle purses her lips and shakes her head. Her long hair shakes smoothly behind her. Tears continue to fall down her pale cheeks.
"What have we done?" Isobelle asks quietly, her voice broken .
"What do you mean?"
Isobelle shakes her head again. "I'm going to be a ridicule at his funeral. Everything is going to his son. In my thinking, I've realized Delphine and I will be without a home." Isobelle speaks calmly and bitterly. I'd almost forgotten Simon had another child. It pains me to realize Isobelle endured years of Simon's abuse and will have nothing to show for it.
"He isn't hurting you anymore," I say helpfully.
Isobelle turns to look at me. Her large eyes turn downward, always making her seem so sad and pensive. "Dad isn't going to let Delphine and I stay forever, especially knowing what he knows about Teddy. I should find a place of my own for us all to live together."
"What sort of place?"
"A manor," Isobelle says simply. I don't understand her. She doesn't need to purchase a home so large for five people. We've inherited our home, and so has Simon's family.
"You don't need a house so large."
Isobelle nods vehemently. "I'm a Malfoy," she reminds me. "Only the best. "
"I suppose." We stand in another bout of silence.
Isobelle rests her hand lightly over her slightly swelled stomach. "Are you in love with Rose?" she asks me.
I'm taken aback. Isobelle holds her chin high in the air. I know there's insufferable tension between Isobelle and Rose. "I've never said-"
"I know you love her. It's not some silly infatuation. No matter how hard you don't want to, you see a future with her. But you won't get it," she says plainly. I don't know what she's playing at.
"I'm well aware," I assure her. "I've decided to appease Dad and marry Daisy."
Isobelle frowns. "I know you don't want to."
"What other choice is there?"
I suppress a smile to myself. I could always murder Daisy in cold blood and then run off with a lover. After all, it's working so splendidly for Isobelle.
"I don't know," Isobelle admits. She bites her lip. "When do you think Teddy will return to me?"
I don't know how to answer her. But I don't think it will be soon. "I'm not certain."
"Soon, hopefully," Isobelle says with optimism. "I'd love to look for the manor with him, and purchase cribs for our girls, and decorate their nurseries."
"That would be wonderful," I agree, just to put a smile on my sister's face. I've noticed a difference between her and I, one that becomes more and more evident the older we both get. I prefer to hold onto reality, while she lives in her daydreams.
ISOBELLE
My mind has been so out of sorts. I've been focusing on getting on after Simon's departure, when I should be focusing on my reunion with Teddy. I was simply acting irrationally this morning. Of course, my Teddy is returning to me. We love each other and can't bear to be apart forever. I know Scorpius is deeply optimistic for me as well. He has seen how much Teddy and I love one another. I hope he doesn't get any ideas, because our love is very unique. He can't expect the same out of Rose, who cares only for herself.
Nina brings Delphine into my room, holding her by the hand. I open my arms wide for her.
"Come here, my beautiful daughter." Delphine hops into my arms with excitement. She's the second love in my life, just behind Teddy.
"Mummy," Delphine grins. "Nina and me painted pictures!"
"I'm sure they're so lovely."
Delphine nods excitedly. "I want to hang it up at home! When are we going home?"
I know I can't explain to her that we no longer have a home. It's a matter of time before Simon's family strips it away from Delphine and I. I refuse to worry. We'll make a better home with Teddy.
"We're going to spend a while here, to visit Grandmother and Grandfather. They'll be lonely as Nina and the others go back to school," I remind her.
Delphine seems to understand, but then looks worried. "But Daddy will be lonely at home," she reminds me.
Nina shuffles her feet uncomfortably. Delphine doesn't know the truth. I don't think I will ever tell her. Perhaps when she's older, and sees Teddy as her father. Then it won't matter so much.
"Daddy's going to be away on business," I tell Delphine. "His job is very important, and they want his help very far away."
"When will he come home?" Delphine asks.
I shake my head despondently. "I'm not certain. He doesn't know yet either. But as soon as he tells me, I'll tell you. I promise."
"Okay," Delphine concedes. She rests her head on my chest, trying to get closer to me. My stomach is beginning to make it a bit more difficult for her to fit in my lap.
Nina takes the moment of silence to make eye contact with me. She doesn't understand why Delphine can't know the truth. It would break her and confuse her. "Yes?" I ask, as she looks like she wants to say something.
Nina stares at me, unblinkingly. Her blue eyes are just like mine, except in color. She prefers to wear her hair in a ponytail at all times. Pity, because she does have such pretty curly hair.
"Dad said he wants you in the dining room," Nina says hesitantly. She looks uncomfortable.
"I've eaten."
"I know. But it was only me, Delphine, and Hugo with him and Mum. He wants to ask why."
I don't understand. I frown at my youngest sister. "I haven't had too much of an appetite. I'm under some stress."
Nina's nostrils flair. "Well, you can tell him yourself. He wants you in the dining room, and he says you have to be there," Nina says sharply. "And Mum wants Delphine with her."
I knew it was coming. Dad is going to punish me for beginning a family with Teddy. I know delaying it will make things worse.
"Delphine," I whisper gently. She's started to doze off. "Grandmother wants you to keep her company. Nina will take you." I give her a kiss on the cheek goodnight; sure this conversation will be long.
ROSE
Scorpius and I sit beside each other in the dining room. Dad sits before us, giving us both sharp glares. He says nothing. I was called here out of library, supposedly because I didn't come to dinner. Scorpius and Dad were already here, and I knew immediately it wasn't meant to be anything good.
The dining room door opens. Isobelle enters. Wonderful. She looks confused when she isn't alone.
"Have a seat next to your brother," Dad says gruffly.
Isobelle silently complies, sitting gingerly like a fearful child. What more can she be afraid of? Dad knows all of her dirt. Scorpius and Isobelle share a look of worry.
Dad clears his throat. He's looked so old lately. When I first met him, he was youthful and handsome. Now, he's very austere and worn-looking.
"One thing I refuse to tolerate any longer in this family is secrets," he says forcefully. "Secrets destroy a family more than anything."
"You've kept quite a few," Scorpius points out. Isobelle cringes.
Dad ignores Scorpius. Instead, he pulls a large vial out of his pocket. I know what it is. Veritaserum. "We're no longer keeping any secrets. Now, I'm going to treat you all like the adults I so stupidly believed you were, and I'm going to ask you. Should I doubt your answer, we'll try it again with a bit of encouragement." Dad sets the vial on the table with force. His jaw is clenched hard.
"I'm pregnant," Isobelle protests.
Dad shrugs. "Veritaserum is perfectly safe for expecting mothers," he says nonchalantly. He turns to Scorpius and I. "I want the truth. From the beginning. I don't care who speaks. I want an answer now!"
Isobelle flinches again.
"It was my fault," Scorpius says quickly. "I didn't want to marry Daisy. I wanted a way out. I took my desperations out on Rose. She was confused, and inexperienced, and naïve, and I took advantage of it. It went too far." He speaks quickly. I know he's trying to convince himself he has no feelings for me. I know it's not true.
"How far?" Dad questions, looking at me. He knows full well Isobelle's already answered his question. Well, that was as far as it went up until today.
"We've kissed," I say truthfully. "And touched each other, and Scorpius has confessed feelings to me. He's not happy with marrying Daisy."
"But I'll do it," Scorpius says dutifully. Isobelle gives him a grateful look. "I'll marry her."
Dad gives Scorpius a look of confusion. "I see you've changed your mind since yesterday. Why?" He questions.
"I know this is the future that was meant for me," Scorpius answers. This isn't a lie, but it's not the complete truth.
"And you, Rose, why take part in this? Knowing Scorpius is engaged? You're brazenness could have ruined his marriage! Your mother and I have always spoken to you about- "
"It's my marriage. It was my responsibility to take precaution, not hers," Scorpius says defensively. I didn't expect him to say anything to help me. "We answered you. She isn't my blood sister. What we did may not have been acceptable to you and Mum, but it wasn't wrong. But I promise we'll put an end to it and leave it in the past. "
I can tell Dad doesn't know what to say. How can he punish us for what's happened? He can't make a point of it without Hugo and Nina finding out. I suppose he'll have to take our word for it.
"I'll see to it that you do. You aren't to be near each other for the rest of Holiday. And you most certainly aren't to be alone without your mother or I in the room. Is that understood?"
Scorpius and I nod.
Dad then trains his eyes on Isobelle. She's been quiet the entire time, not really paying attention. "What I'm most curious about is your marriage," Dad says in an accusatory tone.
Isobelle sits rod straight. "What about it?" she questions. She and Scorpius both go tense. Scorpius then stretches and cracks his knuckles in an attempt to appear too relaxed.
"I want to know everything behind the façade," Dad says coolly. "Since there apparently was so much. And I want to know why Scorpius has such a renewed interest in you. "
Scorpius clears his throat. "You always sent me over to visit her to punish me, or to fetch her for dinner. So I was the only one to see how unhappy she was in her marriage. She's my sister, I do care. I cared that Simon was unfaithful to her, and hit her, and forced so much pressure on her to have a son. We all know it's torn her up more than anything ever has. Teddy's made her happy. And he's been there for her," Scorpius says truthfully.
I can tell he isn't lying. For a second, I feel bad for doubting Simon abused Isobelle. It disgusts me she doesn't respect herself to do all she can to get out of a marriage like that. After all this time, I've realized Isobelle can't function without turmoil.
Isobelle takes Scorpius' hand and gives him an earnest look. Their relationship confuses me. I've noticed how much closer they've seemed, and Scorpius still refuses to tell me why. I wonder what secret they're hiding.
"You can speak for yourself," Dad says pointedly to Isobelle. His black robes make him look sallow in the orange candlelight.
"Teddy has been there for me since I met him," Isobelle agrees, her voice full with emotion. "We'd always been close. And we've grown to love each other so deeply. He allowed me to come to him when Simon was cruel to me. Teddy was my outlet, and he saved me as much as he could. He was a momentary escape from a life that scared me and that I hated," she admits wistfully.
Dad looks as if he'd congratulate Isobelle on her love if the circumstances were different. If they hadn't been the result of an incestuous affair.
"And your indiscretion caused your pregnancy?" He asks, narrowing his eyes.
"Yes," Isobelle says. "And I'm still very sorry-"
"And you knew from the very beginning the children weren't Simon's," Dad says.
"Yes, I did know."
"And he abused you and wouldn't let you out of the marriage," Dad adds. I know where he's going. Scorpius does too. His fingernails grip the armrests of the chair.
Isobelle nods vehemently, her eyes going wide. She pulls her robes close to herself as if she's cold.
Dad's eyes flicker back and forth between Isobelle and Scorpius. "And you loved another man. You didn't want to be with Simon. Scorpius knew about the affair and your pregnancy, and was the only other person in attendance on the night of Simon's death. All of it seems too fitting."
"Don't do this to her!" Scorpius demands. "Do you honestly think Isobelle could orchestrate a murder? Would it be worth it if it all went wrong? She would risk losing Delphine forever!" Although he has a point, the rewards of the situation by far outweigh the risks. I've also never bought into Isobelle's act of innocence. She's used to getting what she wants, and I think she'll die that way.
"I'm not positive what I think. I'm asking you," Dad says rudely. "You have to realize how awful this would look on the both of you in trial. As soon as they find about Teddy, Isobelle, your story unravels itself.
"I didn't kill him!" Isobelle cries. She puts her head in her hands.
"Leave her alone!" Scorpius shouts, standing up. He and Dad stare hatefully at the other from opposite sides of the table. I'm frozen, watching. I won't believe it if any of this is true. Of course, I had my thoughts, but this would be completely different. I'd hate both my siblings, especially Scorpius.
"I haven't finished," Dad continues. A grin plays at his lips. I know he wants to break them. He wants the truth, and he doesn't care how he has to get it. He's sick.
"Isobelle, it's simple. You would stand to gain everything from his death. And Scorpius, I'm sure you believed this chaos would distract from your own marriage. And when it didn't, you decided marrying Daisy would be a diversion to stray away from it all."
"…No," Scorpius says unconvincingly. Dad figured him out way quicker than I did. "You're wrong."
Dad raises his eyebrows. He waves his hand over the table. Two champagne glasses appear. Isobelle cries. She wretches , and it's quite clear she's going to be sick. A house-elf brings her a rubbish bin just in time for her to vomit. She rinses her mouth with a glass of water.
"You don't need to worry," Scorpius says calmly. "Please, don't worry. It will be all right. Please, Isobelle." He sounds worried himself. I don't understand how Dad can watch this. It's sadistic. I can barely stand to watch. Scorpius and Isobelle both look like two young animals on their way to slaughter.
I sit and watch the two of them fall apart as Dad pours two glasses of Veritaserum. He places one in front of Isobelle, and the other is for Scorpius.
"I won't drink it," Isobelle says firmly, shaking her head.
Dad looks prepared for this. He procures two keys out of his pocket. Gringott's vault keys. "Then I should remove your inheritances as you've not fulfilled my obligations as a parent of yours."
Both Isobelle and Scorpius are crippled by money. They can't live without it.
"No," Scorpius says.
"And I could very easily submit a request to have the crime scene reexamined. Should we perform another search for evidence?" Dad questions coldly.
Scorpius gives Isobelle an apologetic look and grips the stem of his glass. Isobelle does the same. They both consume the glowing green liquid to Dad's pleasure. Isobelle is drowning in her tears. I wish I didn't have to watch this. It's uncomfortable, and my heart pounds. Scorpius takes Isobelle's hand again.
Dad sets the both of them with a hard glare. "Are the two of you fully aware of the details of Simon's death?" He asks slowly and carefully.
We wait in silence. Scorpius gags. Isobelle cries harder. She chokes on her tears.
"Yes," they blurt out in unison. My blood runs cold. Isobelle shakes her head violently, and it turns into vicious nods. Scorpius' face turns white.
"Did you poison him?"
Isobelle tries to hold her mouth shut. It's useless. "I did," she admits. Her hands clasp to her mouth in horror. Her hands then move. She's powerless, forced to admit everything she knows. Her voice comes out clear and direct, despite her sobs."I've wanted to kill Simon for years…. I told Teddy to help me…. I told Scorpius too…. Teddy found the poison for me…. Scorpius purchased in in Knockturn Alley…. He taught me the charm to put it in his wine. We poisoned him at dinner…. When he died, we Flooed the Aurors .… It was all staged." Isobelle's sentences fall out one after the other.
I hate them both. No matter how awful Simon was, how could they kill him? And only for Isobelle's gain? She killed him to be with Teddy. She killed someone. My eyes well up with tears of anger. How could Scorpius pretend to be so tender and caring to me, knowing he was harboring such a dark secret? The whole time, he was hiding this?
Dad's grip loosens on the vial of Veritaserum. He wasn't prepared for the answer. The vial shatters to the ground. He stares at Isobelle blankly. His eyes are vacant, realizing what he's done.
"You… the two of you…" he stammers.
"It had to be done," Scorpius says forcefully. "Those girls are going to resemble Teddy. If we hadn't done it, Simon would have surely killed her."
Dad knows this is true. He knows the scandal Isobelle would have caused, and he would have been powerless to do anything about it.
"You took someone's life!" he shouts. "It's unforgiveable, no matter the reason!"
Isobelle cowers in her chair, utterly horrified with herself for what I'm sure is the first time. "You can't tell!" she begs. "You have to protect me and my family! I can't go to Azkaban, what will happen to Delphine? To my other children?"
Dad remains silent for a while. I know he's decided to keep it secret. Although he won't say it aloud, Isobelle is his prized child. The one he sees completely differently than the world does. She's been with him the longest. She's the most delicate and frowned upon, and his creature to care for. No matter how he behaves, I know he secretly will never put an end to the way he treats her. His bond to her is indescribable.
"We'll take this to our grave," Dad says finally. "No one is to know, not even your mother. Isobelle, I truly hope you understand what you've done."
"I-I do…" Isobelle says meekly. She wiped her nose on her robes as if she's Delphine's age. "I'm not sorry he's dead. I can start the life I want."
Dad doesn't respond. He turns to Scorpius. "Thank you for taking care of your sister," he says curtly. What?
Scorpius looks dumbfounded, and then returns a silent nod. Lastly, Dad turns to me.
"Stand," he commands. Slowly, I stand, and then I realize how wobbly and uncomfortable my legs feel. I'm almost dizzy from the news. He extends his right arm to me. I immediately know what he's doing. He wants me to make the Unbreakable Vow. If I breathe a word to anyone, I'll die.
"I can't…" I mutter. I don't plan to tell, but what If I do? What if I slip to Mum? I can't risk my life for the selfish actions of anyone else, and definitely not Isobelle.
"Do it! Isobelle screams shrilly, a wild glare in her eyes. Scorpius seems ready to shout at me too. Dad gives me an expectant look and stretches his arm even further.
I think about what not taking the Vow will mean. My family will go up in flames if this were to get out. Scorpius, Teddy, and Isobelle will spend their lives in jail. Dad will be arrested for not saying anything. Meaning we'll lose contact with Delphine and Isobelle's other children. They certainly won't be allowed back with any of us. The scandal would ruin any possible career of being a Mediwitch for me. The news would follow me everywhere, just like so many things about my family. Hugo and Nina will hate me for not telling. It could break up Mum and Dad's marriage. Although I don't approve anymore, I know Mum doesn't want a split family again.
"Rose," Dad prompts.
I take a deep breath, feeling tears well up in my eyes as well. What haven't I given for this family? My love life, my happiness, my sense of belonging, and peace of mind have all wasted away at the hands of the Malfoy family.
I fight back bitter tears and extend my hand forward to clasp with Dad's. Scorpius holds Isobelle in his arms as Dad mutters and incantation, and a glowing red twine captures both our wrists.
"I, Rose Hermione Weasley, vow never to reveal the truth of the death of Simon Montague".
I hope I came back strong enough! It's 3:30 AM, but writing this made me so happy!
PLEASE, LEAVE A REVIEW! J