Meetings

The next day, Albus and Ginny were eating breakfast alone. Harry was at work as he was the acting Minister for Magic while Hermione recovered. James was back at St. Mungo's, after yet another night just staring into nothingness.

"She is with Draco," Ginny said.

"What? Who?" Albus asked distractedly. He was thinking about how he could help get Scorpius out of prison.

"Rose. She is with Draco, at his house. She wanted you to know. Don't tell anyone else."

Albus smiled. "That's great. She will be fine there. Can I go see her?"

"Yes, she wants to see you. But it might be best to wait a few days. And make sure you are not followed."

***

Two days later, Albus showed up at Draco Malfoy's house, Apparating practically on his doorstep. He had tried to make sure he was not followed, but he couldn't be a hundred percent sure if Hermione had ordered him Watched. He half expected her to have him arrested as well, so he had avoided her to prevent more arguments. His mother had reported that she had seen Ministry workers following her, though they had tried to be discreet. He was amazed that Aunt Hermione would actually go that far. He hadn't noticed anyone following him yet though. He hoped he was not just bad at spotting a tail. But, he supposed he could just pretend to visit Draco. No need for anyone to know Rose was here. He had removed his Tracker with help from grandma. He planned on removing Rose's Tracker during this visit, before Hermione remembered those and came searching for her again.

"Hello Mr. Malfoy. Can I come in? Preferably before someone sees."

"Of course. But call me Draco, please. Everyone does. Especially friends of my son. Come on in. Can I get you anything?" Draco asked as Albus walked inside and closed the door.

"Some water would be nice, but mostly I would like to talk to Rose."

"I'll go see if she is awake. She has been sleeping a lot these last few days."

"That is understandable. Thank you for taking her in."

"It has been my pleasure. It has given me a chance to get to know her better. She really is a remarkable young woman, especially considering what she has been through. You have also not returned to Hogwarts, I take it?"

"No. I'm not sure I ever will return. I have changed. And learned and seen so much I wish I hadn't."

"I know what you mean. And if you ever need to talk about that, I am here. It is hard to unsee those kinds of things."

Rose came down the stairs and gave a smile as she saw him. She ran over and gave him a big hug "Albus! You're here!"

"Good to see you too, Rose. And I am glad to see you happy again. But first, have you removed your Tracker?"

"I am happy. But I would be happier if Scorpius were here. And yes, I removed it. I sent it to Aunt Ginny yesterday."

"Good. We all would be happier if Scorpius were here. I have some thoughts about that. But I also have a request for you from Uncle Ron."

"Dad? What does he want?"

"He really wants to meet you. He understands that you don't want him to know where you are, but he could meet you somewhere else. He has been so worried about you. He feels torn between his wife and his daughter. Would you meet him please?"

"That is a good idea. I will admit, I feel bad about having to deceive Dad. But he wouldn't be able to keep it from Mum."

"He agrees. He suggests you meet in Hogsmeade. That way, you don't give away anything about where you are."

"Hogsmeade? That is a good idea! Tell him I can meet him there in two days. But if mum is there, or following him, I will leave again."

"He understands. Oh, and it's my mother who set this up. I would prefer that Aunt Hermione doesn't realise that I know where you are. She is angry enough at me for defending Scorpius. I half thought she would arrest me too, at one point."

"Yeah, we should try not to anger Mum anymore. That is one of the reasons I am staying here, and not home. I am not going to go home until after the trial."

"Yes, about the trial, I have some ideas. But it would require something from you," Albus said.

"What?"

"You would need to testify about what happened to you. Relive it. In front of the whole Wizengamot."

"But how would that help? Reminding Mother of all that would just make her angry again."

"Yes, but your mother is only one of the people there. The trial for something this serious will be in front of the entire Wizengamot. And all the others there are going to have a vote. So, they are the ones we need to convince."

A big smile came onto Rose's face. "You are right! Then there is still hope! Let's get started. We don't know how much time we have to prepare; we need to use every minute of it!" It was as if Rose had been given new hope and energy again. She dragged Albus to the living room, and with Draco they started discussing judicial practices.

***

Two days later, in Hogsmeade, Ron was waiting. He hoped Rose would be here.

"Dad!" he heard someone shout behind him.

"Rose!" Ron and Rose embraced.

"I am so sorry about this," Ron said. "Please know, I am not mad at you. Or Albus. Or Scorpius."

"I know. And I am sorry too. I never meant for you to be stuck in the middle of all this," Rose said, still hugging her father.

"Oh, one thing. I am fairly sure your mother tried to have me followed. Ginny too. That is why she hasn't been to see you, wherever you are staying at the moment. Anyway, I think I lost the guy. And if not, all they get to see is a happy meeting between father and daughter."

"Yes, Aunt Ginny mentioned that in her letter. I am surprised she would actually stoop that low."

"Sadly, I am not. Now, come. Let us talk about other things."