Broken Down (Desert Rose Sequel)

Broken Down Chapter 7

“Self-realization sounds good. But what if only an enraged dwarf emerges?” -Mason Cooley

They continued to snog until they needed to catch their breath.

“We should go upstairs now. I imagine Ivan thinks I gave you the chewing out of a lifetime.” Rose said with a small smile. “One day, you're going to have to tell me why you came back.”

Scorpius chuckled, “One day...that's not today. I'll just act all ashamed. I'm good at acting.”

“I know.” Rose said softly, “Remember?”

Scorpius inwardly groaned again. He was being completely pigheaded lately.

He followed Rose back upstairs. They found Ivan and Emilie sitting on opposite sides of the living room, each with peeved expressions on their faces.

“What happened?” Rose asked.

“This boyfriend of yours is just a snob. Thinks he's better than everyone else.” Emilie complained. “Kiss my arse, Zabini.”

“That's hardly how a 'proper woman' should talk.” Ivan scoffed, “I should be going.” He got up and kissed Rose full on the lips. “I'll see you for lunch tomorrow.”

It was never an invitation with Ivan. Simply a demand that needed to be followed.

“Yes.” Rose said before he left. A little ashamed, she started to wonder if Ivan was really seeing Hope on the side.

~Evening

“How could you tell Rose that we are having an affair?! You're just lucky she thought you were drunk.” Ivan growled as he paced his bedroom. Hope sat quietly on his bed with her head down.

“I'm sorry, but she was just sitting there. And why do you like her?” Hope asked. It seemed every guy she fancied had SOMETHING to do with Rose Weasley.

“I don't know. She's broken and I feel like I need to help her.” Ivan replied.

“Then there are no feelings involved and you shouldn't be with her!” Hope argued.

“Maybe...but I can't leave her right now.” Ivan said slowly. He wanted to get rid of Scorpius first.

“What aren't you telling me?” Hope asked as she stood. She walked around the bed and wrapped her arms around his waist.

“Scorpius is in town. I don't know what bloody reason he has to be here, but I will get him out.” Ivan said.

Scorpius felt perverted as he followed Ivan. The cheap wig he was wearing itched but it hid his recognizable hair. He stopped as Ivan entered a building that Scorpius assumed was his house. He crept up to the window and listened quietly as Ivan and Hope spoke. So he had been right. Ivan was a jerk trying to hurt Rose. And he was trying to get rid of him.

With his blood pumping, Scorpius ran back to Rose's loft.

“Emilie!” Scorpius hissed as he threw a rock at the window.

Emilie stuck her head out the window and threw down the rope of blankets he had made earlier. “Hurry! Rose will be back any minute.”

Scorpius quickly scrambled up the building and through the window.

“Ivan...H-He's cheating on Rose with Hope Parkinson.” Scorpius said quickly. “What should I do?”

“Calm down first.” Emilie instructed, “She wouldn't believe you.”

“Rose.” Ivan said softly as he knocked on her door.

“Ivan. Its...late. What's wrong?” Rose asked, rubbing her eyes. Emilie was in the guest bedroom while Scorpius slept on the couch.

“Nothing. I just wanted to see you.” Ivan said with a smile. He had left Hope sleeping and had gotten bored not being able to fall asleep. “Can I come in?”

“Yeah. We can talk in my room. Scorpius and Emilie are sleeping.” Rose said, shutting the door behind him. They walked, one after the other, into her room and sat on her bed.

“Sorry to wake you up.” Ivan whispered softly as he held her in his arms. He played with her hair. “I love your hair.”

“Its okay...I wasn't getting much sleep anyway.” Rose said softly. She wasn't getting much sleep because she had been thinking about Scorpius and how she liked his kisses.

“I love you Rose.” Ivan stated, catching her off guard.

“I-I love you too, Ivan.” Rose stuttered. She was beginning to doubt those feelings since she saw Scorpius in the Leaky Cauldron.

Scorpius stood quietly at Rose's door as she and Ivan spoke. His hatred for Ivan deepened. Ivan was just playing Rose because he wanted to. Scorpius crossed his arms, continuing to listen.

“Great.” Ivan said with a small smile. He was well aware of Scorpius on the other side of the door. He tenderly kissed Rose's neck and lips.

“What's with the sudden affection?” Rose asked with a laugh.

“Rose, would you marry me?”