Disclaimer: I still don't own Harry Potter.

A/N: This fic doesn't have a very conclusive ending; if you want one, I suggest checking out "The Talk," in which Ron and Scorpius 'chat' at the Annual Weasley Family Christmas party.

To all of you who have read and reviewed, thanks! I hope that the final chapter doesn't disappoint.

Chapter Three: Consequences

Early that evening, Rose received her reply.

It wasn't a Howler… that was a good sign.

With shaking fingers, she untied the letter from Archimedes' talons, opened it, and read:

Dear Rose,

I have to admit, your letter came as a bit of a surprise. I'm disappointed that you felt you couldn't confide in us earlier, but believe it or not, I do remember what it's like to be a teenager. As you said, you are a responsible young woman; I trust your judgment. Also, I suspected that there was something going on between the two of you this summer, but your father refused to listen to me.

Speaking of your father, Ron actually took the news remarkably well. He went red in the face when I read your letter out loud, but after a few deep breaths he managed to say – rather calmly at that – that he was happy for the two of you. I suspect that the fact that Scorpius is one of the few true Chudley Cannons fans that your father knows didn't hurt his suit. In fact, your father even went so far as to personally extend the annual Christmas party invitation to Scorpius for this year. If you ask me, that's either a sign of his growing maturity or a cause for suspicion.

Congratulations on your relationship, dear, and I'll see you in a few weeks at Kings Cross.

With Love From,

Mum

P.S. Now I know that Scorpius is a nice boy and that you are a responsible young woman, but I expect you both to be careful, do you hear me? Don't do anything you don't feel comfortable with, and remember to use protection. I've included a booklet containing instructions on the most comprehensive and up-to-date contraceptive charms and potions. Read it thoroughly and practise them, please. You need to be able to all but do them in your sleep if you expect them to work when your brain is hazed with lust.

Rose blushed hotly from the roots of her hair to her chest, and promptly hid the booklet and letter in her rucksack.

Still, all things considered, she thought they'd got off pretty lightly.

At dinner that night, Rose tracked Scorpius down and told him about her parents' response. Well, some of it anyway. She had no desire to mention her mum's rather embarrassing postscript.

"How'd your parents take it?" she asked.

"Fairly well," Scorpius said. "Actually, I got the impression that Mum's tickled pink; she's always liked you, you know. Dad didn't sound thrilled, but he wasn't angry either. Frankly, I think he's just relieved that it was you and not Lily."

Rose grinned toothily and bent over her jacket potato.

"Oh, and it's the weirdest thing," Scorpius added after taking a swig of pumpkin juice. "I got my invitation to the annual Weasley Christmas Party early this year."

Rose's eyes widened.

Shite.

"Oh Merlin," she moaned. "My Dad's going to kill you…"

Scorpius frowned. "What d'you mean?" he asked. "I thought you said he took the news OK."

"Mum said he took the news suspiciously well," Rose corrected. "Which is concerning, seeing as he's the one who sent you the early party invitation. Dad never sends out the invitations; he hates paperwork of any sort."

Scorpius paled slightly.

"I'm writing my will before the holiday," he said simply.

"Good thinking," said Rose.