Excuse my longer than usual absence, but this chapter took a lot of re-writing, a lot of thinking, and a lot of self-contemplation before I thought it was remotely ready to be posted. And even then, I feel the end of the chapter is awkward, but aren't most situations are to some degree?

Thank you everyone for waiting patiently, and for reading my two other stories as well. I have now fully outlined the one-shot I am also working on and hope to finish it before the end of summer (i.e. September). It will be a Rose/Scorpius one-shot and will be rated M. As for this story, I have decided that this story will continue with a T rating, since I feel that is appropriate for the characters I have created in this particular story.

Also, as a forewarning, some of you may have been around last summer when I went on vacation at the end of July. I am continuing that tradition this summer and will be out and about the last few days of July and early August. But I have several very long plane rides and plan on bringing my laptop along with me. Please expect my next update after August 5th. Until then, thank you all SO MUCH for the reviews and adding me to your various lists. It means the world to me to see alerts popping up in my email. I love you all.

Disclaimer: I own nothing, but the plot and a few snarky remarks.

Sunlight softly seeped in through the sheer curtains pulled over her windows as Rose turned over in her sleep, pulling the pillow underneath her head closer to her, effectively burying her face into the crook of her elbow. A long, slow, deep breath escaped her as a soft smile spread across her face. It had been an unreasonably good week.

Classes had been going well, she received perfect marks on several of her essays and exams that week, and patrols had been quieter than the last, especially for the week leading up to Halloween. But, truthfully, there was more to her unreasonably good week than perfect marks and quiet patrols and the main source of that delightfully good week was just down the hall.

It had now been a week since Rose and Scorpius had first kissed and she quickly found that every kiss with him shared the same shivers and butterflies that accompanied their first kiss—the same wonder, excitement, and curiosity, the same drive to better discover and know the owner of the lips that were caressing her own. All of which, was made doubly better knowing Scorpius felt the same way, feelings and observations he had admitted to her the night before as he kissed her goodnight outside of her bedroom door after he had returned from an extremely late Quidditch practice.

"No matter how many times I kiss you," he had whispered only hours before, "each time feels like the first. I'll never tire of it as sentimental as that sounds."

However, much to the amazement—and slight disbelief and inability to understand on the behalf of her best friends—Scorpius and Rose had decided to not yet make their growing relationship known. Both knew that their general friendship was already slightly strained by their respective fathers, although Draco Malfoy had always been a bit more accepting of their friendship than Ronald Weasley had. But there was more to it than that. Rose and Scorpius wanted their parents to know about their decision to become more serious with each other before the whole of the school, and subsequently the majority of the wizarding world.

Finally opening her eyes, Rose took in the warm sunlight which was now cascading over her, warming the room around her even though she knew outside that window was a frosty, late October chill despite the abundant sunshine. It was Saturday again, Halloween weekend, and even more than that, it was the first Gryffindor vs. Slytherin Quidditch match of the year and Rose's entire family was attending to cheer on her younger brother and multitude of cousins on the house team.

Somewhat reluctantly, Rose sat up, letting her body adjust to her new position. It was a quarter past nine and the match started at noon. If it had been any other match other than Gryffindor vs. Slytherin, she would have been excited to get out of bed, but having to choose between the boy down the hall and her family was enough cause to have her contemplate hiding away in her room.

Her mother had always been accepting of her sitting with her housemates and cheering on her own team during Ravenclaw and Gryffindor matches, but if she dared cheer for anyone other than Gryffindor at another match, her father made sure she knew where her allegiance should lie. She couldn't wait to see how he reacted today, what new ways he would find to embarrass her. The thought itself was horrid, but it had peaked her interest in her current mission to make a name for herself.

But there was a first time for everything.

It wasn't even until she was halfway down the hallway that Rose realized he was staring at her, waiting for her at his bedroom door.

"Good morning."

Scorpius wrapped his arm around her waist, leaning over to kiss her temple. "I think you should be saying 'kick my family's arse today.' It would be much more appropriate."

Rose laughed, exasperation evident. "You wish. I think I am going to wear neutral colors. No maroon, no yellows, reds. No visible greens."

"No visible?" He kissed her neck, whispering in her ear, "I like the sound of that."

"I thought you would. Thus why I told you."

"Now that's not the Rose I met a few years go. I like this one much more."

Rose smiled, shaking her head as she sat on the couch.

"So you're not upset that I can't cheer you on today? I really would normally, in between at least cheering for Hugo and Albus. But, I would really like to be able to tell my parents about you before I cheer. You've seen how my dad can react."

"I know. I understand." Scorpius laced his fingers with her. "So…I've mentioned to my parents that I have someone I want them to meet. I hope that's ok with you."

Rose leaned her head on his shoulder. "I thought that was our original plan that we worked on last night. How did you talk to your parents about it?"

A light shade of pink spread itself over the arch of Scorpius' nose. "I may have mentioned having someone for them to meet in a letter I wrote to them on Wednesday."

Rose bit her lip, trying her best to not let the smile that was tugging at her lips spread across her face. "I suppose that's acceptable."

A pair of fingers lifted Rose's chin, her lips finding Scorpius' more than eager to kiss her. "I'm glad you agree with me." His lips brushed against hers as he spoke, kissing her again. "But, unfortunately, I have to get to early breakfast and then quick warm-up before the game. I'll come find you."

"Good luck. It's not every day that I root for a Slytherin. You had better not let me down."

Even before she reached the bottom of the stairs leading towards the Great Hall, Rose could hear the ever-increasing drone of voices, first a faint whisper as she took the first steps down the staircase, then to a constant buzz, and finally now as she rounded the corner the voices were almost unimaginable. It was as if everyone in the entire castle, and then a few others, were all eating breakfast at that exact moment, she being the only one missing.

Readjusting her coat over her arm, Rose stopped dead in her tracks as she heard perhaps on of the few voices she recognized by ear.

"Please be civil today, I don't want you making a scene in front of the entire school. Remember, she is Head Girl; she needs to be taken seriously."

It was the constant reminding with a hint of compassion that Rose recognized. The fact that she knew her mother's voice by heart was beside the point.

"When have I ever been out of line Hermione?" There was silence. "At a school event." More silence. "I'll behave."

Rose didn't need to look to know the dejected look her father was now sporting. But she could only avoid her parents for so long, after all she was a Weasley and they were bound to come looking for her.

"Rosie! Shouldn't you be in your uniform? Where's your robe?"

She smiled, shaking her head. Her mother would always be the perfect student.

"It's Saturday Mum. I don't have to wear my uniform and my coat is much warmer for later. I mean, you have been out of Hogwarts for a long time."

"We're not ancient. Not yet," interjected her father.

Silence—Rose couldn't help but fidget under the awkwardness.

"So…what are you two doing here so early? The game isn't for another hour and a half."

"Your father insisted on getting here early, to get prime seats at the game." Ronald Weasley slid his hand around his wife's. "I personally think it is because he wanted to eat an unlimited breakfast. We were going to sit down ten minutes ago, but he noticed you weren't at the table."

"I always come down a bit late for breakfast dad. I may be a Weasley, but I don't need to be the first one at the Ravenclaw table. It's too quiet on your own."

It was unquestionable; Ron Weasley slightly cringed at the mention of "Ravenclaw."

"See there sweetheart, nothing to worry about."

Rose quickly spoke again to avoid another lull in their conversation. Normally she had no qualms about speaking with her parents, especially her mother; but today awkward moments seemed to be prevailing.

"So are Uncle Harry and Aunt Ginny here today too? I mean, this is Albus' last year on the team since we graduate in a few months."

Ron smiled. "Yes. They're just inside, eating…something I plan on doing a lot. Come eat with us Rose. There is always enough room for you at the Gryffindor table."

Rose looked back and forth between her mother and father, unsure of how to respond. Much to the surprise of her family and the majority of the school, she had not once sat at the Gryffindor table; Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff, yes, but not at the house table of her family.

"Umm…I don't know," Rose bit her lip under her father's imploring eye. "I thought I was going to…"

"There you are Rose. Merlin, I thought you would never come down."

A sigh of relief escaped her as Sapphire pushed her way through the Great Hall doors, linking her own arm with Rose's.

"Annalisa is going absolutely bonkers about…" she paused…"about her yellow dress. She says it doesn't look right now." Turning slightly she smiled, "hello Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. How have you been?"

"We've been well Sapphire. Thank you for asking." Hermione smiled kindly at the muggle-born who in many ways reminded her of herself. She was not a stranger to the ploy playing out in front of her. Sapphire came to Rose's rescue in the nick of time, just as she had for her husband and Harry numerous times over the year.

"I should probably go," Rose made sure to speak slowly, hesitantly, all while holding her father's gaze. Genuine belief that someone needed help was a service her father would never hold her from.

Ronald Weasley nodded. "Tell Annalisa we wish her the best with her dress. I hope it comes out to everyone's liking."

Both girls nodded, walking through the Great Hall doors hand in hand as Mr. Weasley held them open.

"Thanks," whispered Rose.

"No problem. Everyone needs to be rescued once in a while. Let's just hope they don't ask 'Lisa about her yellow dress."

"Mum, Aunt Ginny wait up."

Rose called to her mother and aunt as she ran after them, the three of them making their way towards the Quidditch field, the other members of the Weasley family either in the locker room or already warming their seats in the stadium. The two women made space for her between them.

"Sorry I bailed out of breakfast. I just—"

Ginny Potter laced her fingers with her nieces. "We understand dear. You're father…he just wants you to know you belong. Even if he doesn't show it in the best of ways."

"What Gin means dear, is your father didn't mean anything by it, by saying there was room for you at the Gryffindor table. What he meant to say was that you never have to feel uncomfortable. You're welcome to sit wherever you want."

"I know." Rose took a deep breath. "I guess I know that I belong even if I don't sit at the table and even if I am slightly different from everyone else in the family. Both of you have always told me to accept who I am, that I will grow into it one day."

Hermione and Ginny shared a glance. "That is very grown up of you Rosie. Why the sudden change of thought?"

She smiled, she couldn't help but smile. "I guess I have had some good council this year. And it's my final year, I am supposed to grow up a lot right?"

"Absolutely right dear. Your final year is a period of immense growth and as a Head Girl myself, I can assure you, you will grow even more than you thought possible. You have a great deal of responsibility. Everything you do this year will impact the rest of your life. What, with your N.E.W.T.S.—"

"you cannot waste a moment with frivolous thinking. This year can determine the rest of your life," repeated Rose and Ginny together laughingly.

"Oh 'Mione, don't scowl. Everyone knows your speech by now." Ginny struggled to not laugh even more than she already was, but even Hermione found herself laughing.

"I'm sure you will do and grow wonderfully this year Rose. After all, you take after me; you just have to grow into yourself."

"Good afternoon ladies, Rose."

Rose sucked her breath as Scorpius Malfoy caught their attention as he leaned nonchalantly against a tree just outside the changing rooms. He was in full Quidditch uniform.

"Hello Scorpius. You know my mother, my Aunt Ginny."

He nodded. "Good morning Mrs. Weasley, Mrs. Potter." Scorpius pushed himself off from against the tree, walking towards them. "Come to enjoy the match?"

"Wouldn't miss it," grinned Ginny.

"Spare a cheer for me Rose?" Both women turned their eye to the girl between them. "We are dorm mates after all. I'll be listening for you."

Rose's eyes followed Scorpius as he walked in front of them, holding her eye. Vainly she tried to keep the flush on her skin under control.

"I think I can spare on cheer. Better earn it. Good luck Scorpius."

The three women waited in silence as Scorpius made his way back into the Slytherin changing rooms, passing one more quick glance at Rose before walking through the doors.

"Merlin. If he isn't the spitting image of his father. You are one lucky girl Rose."

Rose immediately began walking forward, leaving her mother stunned and her aunt smiling knowingly. "I have no idea what you mean." She couldn't help but smile.

Rose collapsed in-between her two best friends, sighing loudly, her head falling backwards and her hands ruffling into her hair.

"Well that looked fun."

"Annalisa, as if you would have remained calm." Sapphire kindly rubbed Rose's back. "We saw the whole thing. You handled it very well."

Annalisa groaned as Rose slumped over onto her shoulder. "You weigh a ton."

"Uncle Harry ask you if your yellow dress is fixed yet Annalisa?"

Sapphire jumped up and wrapped her arms around the pair of them before Sapphire could respond. "O.k. we're even now. Right?"

All three of them laughed.

"We're even," Rose smiled, Annalisa echoing the same words after her.

"But I swear to you two this, my Aunt Ginny knows about me and Scorpius. Between the way he looked at me and our banter, she totally knows. And I am not sure if this is worse, but she thinks it's hot. I know my Aunt Ginny well enough to know what she thinks is hot or not."

"And let me guess," interjected Annalisa, "your mom just stood there wide eyed."

"Pretty much. I think she figures something is up, I mean come on she is Hermione Granger, but she wants me to bring up the subject first."

The three stopped as cheering erupted throughout the stadium, directing their attention to the professors box where Ron and Hermione Weasley and Harry and Ginny Potter were now taking their seats among the professors the students knew well.

Sapphire looked around. "I thought Scorpius' parents were coming as well."

Annalisa peered forward, looking around as well. "They're over there. In the other box, my dad's with them."

Rose directed her attention following Annalisa's finger to find Draco Malfoy and his wife Astoria taking their seats next to Blaise Zabini. While firmly acquainted with the head of the Zabini household, this was one of the few times she was able to see Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy together outside of the Platform at Kings Cross.

"Don't worry Rose. They'll like you. I mean, my Mum and Dad love you and Scorp's parents are their best friends. It's only rational that they will adore you too."

"I thought you would be more concerned with that your father would think," mused Sapphire. "I mean, if the Malfoy's don't like you then he has a reason to be upset, but if they do, then he has nothing to be mad about…AND they will love you, like 'Lisa said."

Rose nervously cracked her knuckles, ignoring in her head her mother's voice nagging her about how it will give her arthritis someday.

"Maybe the real question should be why do I care what anyone thinks. I'm the one," her eyes darted around her to see if anyone was really listening to them, "I'm the one dating him."

Both girls watched Rose speak in wonder. They had never heard her stick up for herself in quite that manner before. Yes, they had seen Rose change in recent months, they had noted said changes and talked amongst themselves about them, but never before had they seen Rose even begin to assume that no one should care whom she was seen with. Fitting in, finding a place among her family had always been one of her primary goals.

"Our little Rosie, she's growing up," sniffled Sapphire.

"Oh shut up."

Annalisa turned Rose to face her, her head shaking.

"No Rose. She's right. It's about time you stand up for yourself. You have always been too worried about what other's think, about fitting in, almost to the point where you let yourself fall into being a Ravenclaw because it meant you would be accepted somewhere. I will admit, I thought it strange when you started hanging out with Scorpius, sometimes even more than you hung out with us. But if I have noticed anything, you two being together has helped you grow so much. You're finally growing into yourself and ENJOYING yourself for crying out loud. It's about time."

Rose watched on as Annalisa smiled and laughed.

"And it is about time you gave your family a run for their money. They challenged all sorts of customs, beliefs, and societal standards."

A smile crept up on Rose's face as she turned her attention to the pitch, the Gryffindor and Slytherin teams coming together, preparing to fly out before the start of the game.

As was expected, the majority of the Gryffindor house team consisted of her family: her younger brother Hugo, the Potter siblings Albus and Lily, Roxanne, and a few honorary Potter-Weasley family members including the Scarmander twins.

Under the green and silver awning, she immediately sought out Scorpius, his silvery-blonde hair moving in the wind, just barely noticeable. He too was looking at her, watching her as her friends made themselves more comfortable around her, the cheering beginning to grow as the game was about to start. His lips slightly curved into a smile as he nodded before quickly glancing over at her parents, then his.

"I'll win this one for you. For us and your mission," he mouthed.

She was surprised she could make out what he was saying, all the way on the other side of the pitch. And yet, it made perfect sense. Sometimes the most impossible turn of events, the most improbable occasions and words were the ones that needed to happen, that needed to be heard. This was her impossible turn of events, and as she wrapped her coat more tightly around her, she knew in her heart, no matter what happened that day, she was doing this for herself and no one else.

And Merlin, doing something for herself was refreshing.

Everyone was very suddenly jumping out of their seats, the roar of the crowd almost drowning out the voice of the announcer, Julie Allen, a fifth year Hufflepuff. Both teams were tied, 50-50, and currently Scorpius Malfoy and Albus Potter were winding in and out of each other's paths, agilely leaning onto their brooms, eyes focused on the tiny, shiny, and insanely fast moving snitch before them.

Both boys were neck and neck, glancing back and forth at each other as they did their best to outsmart the other, move faster than the other, and most importantly of all, get to the snitch before the other.

On one side of her Rose could hear Annalisa diligently cheering for Albus as he daringly reached out for the snitch before it glided out from between his fingers. Around her she heard Sapphire going back and forth, cheering both boys on. She could hear her father screaming for a Gryffindor win, her aunt yelling out fouls on the other side of the pitch, not worrying about her son and the race for the snitch. Her mother, loyal to her house, was cheering for her son who was keeper.

Rose herself held her breath, cheering for her favorite cousin, yet hoping earnestly for Scorpius to catch the snitch; all of her opinions kept to herself.

Pressing her weight into the railing before her, Rose leaned over the side, her eyes racing as she attempted to follow the movement of the two boys she held most dearly to her heart. She could barely keep up as they once again both came impossibly close to reaching the snitch. But before Albus Potter could react, Scorpius dove below the snitch, coming up beneath it and grasping the lightening quick ball in his agile fingers.

The cheers from the Slytherin stands were deafening, accompanying cheers echoing from other houses as prejudices between houses had begun to diminish over the past years. Rose's eyes widened as she did her best to withhold a smile from her countenance, her heart racing almost as much as it had when she and Scorpius had first kissed the week before.

Sapphire grabbed her hand, racing with her down the winding staircase of the stand, weaving them in and out of the crowing crowd with Annalisa chasing after them, pleading for them to wait for her as well. As the three girls made their way out onto the pitch, Rose glanced over to see her own family making their way down, her mother comforting her father with their house's loss.

Rose knew from the moment Scorpius spotted her—running across the pitch with her hair blowing about her face, curls intertwined around each other, her skin flushed from the wind, the tail ends of her coat pillowing out were the last few buttons were undone—that everything was about to change. That everyone was about to find out what she had diligently worked to keep a secret, not only for the past week, but with everything that had been developing over the past months, even years.

She did nothing to stop him as Scorpius left his friends, congratulating him on the win; she did nothing to stop him as he only waved at his father's best friend, Mr. Zabini, as he ran by him; and, she did nothing to stop herself as she ran out to meet him, throwing her arms around his neck as he secured his arms around her waist and lifting her up, twirling her around as everyone watched on.

"I won that one for you."

His voice was labored, his breathing still advanced after the close game. Rose shivered as his lips just ghosted over the skin of her ear, his breath warm against her skin. She cared not that his skin was damp, his hair slightly wet as it rubbed against her face. Her only care in the world was that finally, she had been able to show him an inkling of affection in public.

If only they had been allowed to savor the moment.

Scarcely a moment had passed after Scorpius gently let her down, his arms still wrapped around her, that the voices of the crowd came back to her, her father's the loudest of them all.

"Get your bloody hands off my daughter."

Scorpius felt Rose take in a staggered deep breath as she whipped around to face her father, her eyes wide with both surprise and anger, hurt and a touch of expectancy.

"What on earth are you doing Rose?" Ronald Weasley was suddenly in front of her, not caring that people were staring.

"I'm congratulating Scorpius if you couldn't tell."

"You know that is not what I am talking about."

Rose's eyes narrowed. "Then entertain me with your thoughts. Like Mum, divination wasn't my strongest subject."

From behind her, Rose could hear Scorpius whisper, "maybe now isn't the best time to have this conversation," but she brushed him away with a wave of her hand.

"Ronald, what's going on?" Rose turned her attention to her mother, who now stood beside her father, her hand tenderly resting on his forearm, a move Rose had seen countless time. Hermione was holding him back, hoping for the best and preparing for the worst.

"Your daughter was letting that boy touch her."

Hermione looked between her daughter and the Malfoy heir, a look of sudden recognition in her eyes.

"Ron, maybe we should move this conversation to a more private location. You're beginning to make a scene."

"No, I think this is a perfect place to have this conversation. If Dad has a question about Scorpius and I, he should ask us."

The simple use of the classification of "us" turned Ron Weasley an incredibly unattractive shade of puce.

"Rose Auden Weasley."

Each syllable of her name was clearly punctuated, as if her father was trying to restrain himself. Rose stared back in silence.

"What in Merlin's mind made you think this would be acceptable?"

Scorpius quickly captured Rose's hand in his as she attempted to take several steps forward, her eyes seething in anger at the understood implications of her father's words.

"I thought I told you already, get your bloody hands off of my daughter."

"He can put his hands wherever he pleases and don't you dare talk to him that way."

All around them, Rose knew her classmates were watching, the noise of the crowd now a slight murmur as everyone watched on, unable to look away. Her Uncle Harry and Aunt Ginny were now next to her mother and father.

"So this is what you wanted to talk to your Mum and I about. About your…your friendship with Draco Malfoy's son."

In the distance, Scorpius noticed McGonagall rushing towards them.

"My friendship with Scorpius started years ago Dad. You however have never been open to it. However, now you don't have a choice. Scorpius and I are dating."

Rose's cousins exchanged glances, Annalisa and Sapphire held their breath in preparation of the storm they knew was to follow.

"Rose Weasley. Get over here now and we will discuss this later. Say goodbye."

"I will not." From the very tone of her voice, those watching knew Rose's words were a concrete statement, a permanent one.

"You are a Weasley and you had better start acting like one. How dare you disgrace your family and our house like this? You're mother and I fought to protect Gryffindor and the world from Slytherin scum like him. It is about time you start acting like a Gryffindor."

A general gasp went up among the crowd. Hermione's eyes were wide with disbelief, Harry's face stone-like as Ginny glared at her bother murderously. Annalisa exchanged a look with Albus who was now standing at her side, his hand around hers as Sapphire grasped her arm in alarm. Everyone seemed to be reacting in disbelief, anger; everyone except Rose.

Scorpius watched as Rose's shoulders slumped ever so slightly, her breath coming in short gasps as her eyes betrayed every emotion she was trying so hard to keep inside. Her lip quivered every so slightly, unnoticeable in the clarity of her voice.

"It's hard to act like a Gryffindor if I never was one."

Father and daughter watched each other in silence. Rose clearly defeated on the subject of the matter and Ronald oblivious to what had just happened.

"There is nothing to see here," interrupted the Headmistress. "I want the house teams to go get showered, everyone else I want to go back to their dorms before dinner. Ms. Zabini, Ms. Cooper, can you see Ms. Weasley to her common room, then both report back to your own dormitories. I will see the rest of you," she eyed the foursome to her right, "in my office. I would like to have a word about your behavior Mr. Weasley."

Rose watched in silence as her mother stormed away from her father, following Professor McGonagall who was making her way towards the castle. Her Aunt Ginny was currently pushing her father away, shoving his back as her Uncle Harry looked at her with sadness, love, trying to comfort her without words as he had since she was a child.

She was barely aware as Scorpius slide his hand down her arm, squeezing her hand and placing a kiss to her temple, whispering that he would find her the moment he was showered, leading her a few steps into the welcoming arms of her two best friends. Annalisa wrapping her arm around her waist, Sapphire placing her own over Rose's shoulder.

All the while, Rose said nothing. Letting her eyes betray her every thought, word, and feeling.

The pathetic fallacy of the weather could not be ignored as Rose Weasley watched the rain pour, cascading down the window. A single tear trickled down her cheek her as thousands of others threatened to escape as she attempted to hide from what seemed like the entire world.

After she had allowed to her friends to believe she retreated to the safe haven of the Head's dormitory, she quietly made her way to the familiarity of the library, seeking shelter within the aisles of books and dust that had accumulated over the hundreds of years Hogwarts had been opened.

A sudden sob escaped and she hated herself for it. She and her father had, had plenty of rows in the past. But this one was clearly different. A line had been crossed that had never been crossed before and she actually felt alienated from the man who had raised her with nothing, but well intentions.

Closing her eyes, Rose allowed herself to be absorbed by the stilling silence of the library intermixed with the rhythmic falling of the rain against the window, the occasional gust of wind rustling the trees. It was as if the weather felt it too; if, in the past weeks, she had been trying to discover herself, not care about what others thought and she had just took a giant step backwards.

And the worst part was, she couldn't help but wonder if her father was right: if she wouldn't be better off if she was just like the rest of her family—loyal, brave, Gryffindor. In truth, she was loyal and often brave, but she was also upstanding, a brilliant student, wise beyond her years and clever. Merlin, at times in recent past, she was more of a Slytherin than a Ravenclaw. At least she acknowledged was that now she was lacking self-confidence.

Reflected in the window, Rose saw a reflection of deep red hair and a scattering of freckles.

"Am I really that much of a disappointment?"

Ginny Potter scooted her niece over, slipping in next to her on the couch, pulling her into her side, stroking her hair as she did so, her fingers running over the soft brown curls.

"You're not a disappointment dear. And I am not trying to excuse his actions, but you're from a different generation than your father and I, your mother and Harry. Some things will take us longer to understand."

"I want nothing more than to be his Rosie again. But ever since I started here he's been angry with me."

Ginny took a deep breath, taking a moment to respond.

"Growing up, your father and I, your uncles wanted nothing more than to be accepted to Hogwarts and be sorted into Gryffindor. We may not have been the wealthiest family around, but we were happy, content. Your father always had his troubles, and like you, he often struggled in confidence. I think that's why he was so attracted to Harry and your mother. They balanced him out and made him stronger."

Rose sniffled.

"But the war changed us all. It made us doubt ourselves at the worst times and your parents saw things you or I could never imagine. And losing Fred hurt your father in ways different than it hurt myself or anyone else. It further imbedded in him hatred for a house, stereotypes of that house, rather than judging people on who they really are."

"But Luna was a Ravenclaw and he likes her. I cannot help but feel he can't stand part of me."

Ginny softly pushed Rose up, turning her so they looked at each other eye to eye.

"I am not trying to justifying anything my git brother says or does. But if I know one thing it's this: he loves you to the grave Rose. I saw the protectiveness in his eye when you were with Scorpius Malfoy. I see how proud he is when your marks are sent home, how he gloated that you were made Head Girl around the office. He is immensely proud of you. But your father has always had an awkwardness around him. Ravenclaw is a world he has never known, and will never fully understand."

"I just want him to accept me for who I am Aunt Ginny. Is that too much for me to ask?"

Ginny ran a hand over Rose's cheek, wiping away a few stray tears.

"Not at all dearest. He just doesn't accept change well. And he's stubborn, like you. He wants things his own way and before you object you are the same way, you just display it differently; otherwise, why would you be obsessed with people accepting you if you weren't so stubborn that you didn't want to see that maybe they do, but that they don't show it in the best of ways.

"Your mother and I, as well as Harry have talked to him. Told him to wake up and see that you are still his daughter, still a Weasley, but that in time, everyone does change. And as for you and Scorpius, it took Ron almost four years to fully accept your uncle and I, and he and Harry are best friends. That's just his possessiveness speaking. Just take things slowly. It will all work out in the end."

Rose took in a deep breath, holding it for a moment before slowly letting it out.

"You sound just like Scorpius, saying that I have to accept who I am before people accept me. He reminds me a lot of you sometimes."

Ginny smiled, rustling Rose's hair. "I knew I liked that kid for more than his good looks. And between you and me, your mother likes him too. She's always been the more accepting of the four of us. Give your father time and he will accept the two of you."

The pair of redheads looked up as they heard the library floor creak behind them, a tall, lean body resting against the end of a bookshelf.

"Standing like that, you look just like your father, except with softer features. You must have inherited that from your mother; she always was a pretty girl."

Scorpius Malfoy smiled. "I think I will take that as a compliment Mrs. Potter, although I still can't tell if you compared me to my mother as a girl or not."

"Ahhh yes. You're a Malfoy for sure. But if my Rosie has taken the time to get to know you, then congratulations. She doesn't get close to just anyone, ask the majority of her cousins."