The Weasleys woke up the next morning with a different atmosphere around the flat. Ron's awkwardness around Scorpius was tangible. They barely exchanged words last night with Hermione mostly leading the conversation at the table to learn more about the boy who lived with them.
"Do you have any favorite classes, Scorpius?" she asked.
"Potions," said Scorpius. "I found it quite enjoyable when I get something right."
"I'm sure you do," mumbled Ron.
"That's wonderful, dear," said Hermione, staring at Ron. "I'm sure whoever has you for a partner is very lucky indeed. "
Hugo snorted. Rose stared at him.
"What?" asked Ron and Hermione at the same time.
"Rosie's his partner," said Hugo cheekily.
Ron lost color in his face.
"There's an unequal number of Slytherins and Gryffindors in our Potions class. Professor Craven assigned Scorpius and I together," said Rose.
Ron groaned.
The usual rush was happening around the table that morning. Hermione rushing to get Hattie to nursery school for her last day. Afterwards Rose and Hugo would switch off having her during the break. Ron had his usual cuppa before rushing off with Hermione and Hattie, although this morning he seemed anxious to leave before having to make contact with Scorpius. Once the three left, it was just Rose at the table drinking tea and starting her latest novel, Canterbury Tales.
"Good morning, Rose."
Rose looked up and saw Scorpius entered wearing a dressing gown and satin slippers. She nearly spat out her tea at the sight of him.
"What?" he frowned.
"You look like a dandy," she giggled.
"A what?"
"A dandy. Like Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice."
"Who?"
"Jane Austen. She's a Muggle writer from the Regency. My mum got me a box set over the holidays two Christmases ago and l read all of them last summer."
"What are you reading now?"
"Canterbury Tales."
"Muggle?"
"Yea – Geoffrey Chaucer."
"Light read?"
"Slightly more complex. I bought the old English version during one of the Hogsmeade trips. It was lucky I found it. I figured it would be a good challenge for the summer." Scorpius nodded and sat down at the table. Rose couldn't help but notice he seemed slightly uncomfortable.
"Scorpius?"
"Mhm?"
"What's wrong?"
"I'm hungry."
"Okay…"
Scorpius turned visibly red. "Rose, I don't know how to cook."
"Not even toast?" she asked incredulously.
"I was never allowed in the kitchens at the Manor."
"Oh," said Rose, slightly amused that that was the problem. "I'll show you how to make toast."
"And tea?"
"I guess how to boil the water also."
"And eggs?"
"Goodness! I'll go ahead and make a proper breakfast for you and you watch and learn."
"Okay," said Scorpius.
As Rose reached for the various necessities for breakfast, she heard Scorpius playing with the various buttons on the microwave.
"What are you doing?" she asked.
"What is this?" he asked.
"A microwave."
"What does it do?"
"Heats things up."
Scorpius looked confused and unsure about Rose's answer.
"Trust me, I've used this since I was eleven years old."
It was going to be a long lesson in all things Muggle for Scorpius Malfoy. It was clear that he didn't pay any attention in Muggle Studies, but to not know a microwave? Or how to boil a cup of tea? What was he going to do if he had no wand, no servants, just himself and a few appliances?
At the same time, Rose felt a bit guilty. It's not his fault that at young age his parents enforced strict rules on his behavior and manners around the manor. It wasn't his fault that it never occurred to him to make his own meal or toast his own bread because he had elves to do it, and at Hogwarts food always appears on the tables. Rose was determine to teach him, because maybe he would be incline to listen to her at least.
"Scorpius," she said. "I suggest you change your clothes, because you're able to get a bit messy this morning."
