When the Roses Bloom Again by TheBlack'sResurgence

Chapter 103

Stoking Faded Embers

She always came here when she needed to simply escape. Whether it was from life she led as a Quidditch player, the presence of her husband, or as a teen when she needed some time away from her parents, Rosa inevitably found herself visiting her godmother.

Rosalina Nott, the woman she had been named after, had been one of those constants from the moment she had been born, a second mother even, and Rosa had always sought solace with her when it was most needed.

"So, it really is over between you and Julian?"

Rosa nodded as she accepted the offered mug of tea.

Rosalina sighed as she took a seat.

"Dad seems to be happy about it. He never liked Julian."

"I doubt he is happy, Rosa," Rosalina chided lightly. "Your father has only ever wanted you to be happy."

Rosa smiled sadly, feeling guilty for the unwarranted barb.

"I know," she murmured taking a sip of her drink.

"How are you after what happened at the match?"

Rosa shrugged and swallowed deeply.

"I don't know," she answered honestly. "I'd always heard about how formidable Dad is, but I've never seen him like that."

"Hard times create hard men," Rosalina replied. "If it wasn't for your dad…"

"Grindelwald would have won?" Rosa huffed.

"Yes," Rosalina said firmly. "Your father did not fight in that war for glory, or to prove that he was better than Grindelwald. He did it because it was the right thing to do, and he, and maybe Dumbledore were the only two wizards who could beat him."

"It was just strange seeing him like that. He was just, so angry."

"He does have quite the temper on him when provoked," Rosalina agreed, "but he always has the best of intentions. It's understandable with everything he has endured, even as a baby."

"A baby?"

Rosalina looked at her in confusion.

"Do you not know what happened to your grandparents on your father's side?"

Rosa shook her head.

"I remember asking mother about it when I was young, but she wouldn't tell me. I never asked after that."

Rosalina nodded her understanding.

"They were murdered I front of your father when he was a little over a year old," she explained, much to the shock of Rosa. "I think that is one of the reasons why he is the way he is. He does not wish for anyone to have the childhood he had."

"That makes sense," Rosa mused aloud. "What was he like when he came to Hogwarts for his first year?"

Rosalina frowned.