Written for The Battlefields Wars (Battle #3): Front Line Cadet

Prompt: Rose Weasley and Draco Malfoy
(word) Apart
(quote) "You can't do it unless you imagine it." - George Lucas
(word) Idiot
(dialogue) "I'm thinking of leaving school, growing a beard and joining the circus." - Cassie, Skins
(emotion) Adoration

Word Count: 1,114 (ish)

When the impressive eagle owl tapped on Rose's window she leapt up excitedly, hoping that it had come from Scorpius, and made some attempt to explain the previous night. When she saw the handwriting however, and the name signed at the end, she almost threw it into the flames.

The despicable man didn't think that it was enough to humiliate her in public? No, he had to send her a letter to reinforce his disgusting ideas. He was an idiot, to think that he could control Scorpius and keep them apart and she didn't want to hear anything that he had to say. However, she knew exactly how disappointed Scorpius would be if she didn't read it, so she sat down reluctantly to read through it.

Dear Rose,

I am writing to apologise for my behaviour the other night. I fear that I was altogether too harsh and would just like to add that your dress did not, as I told you, clash horribly with your hair, but rather looked lovely.

I suppose I must attempt to offer some kind of excuse for my sorry behaviour. I am sure that you are aware of the prejudices that your parents and myself were exposed to when we were growing up. The Weasleys and the Malfoys in particular, were brought up to despise each other.

She shrugged slightly as she read the opening. She was fairly smug that the head of the Malfoy family was practically grovelling to her, and she could only imagine the fuss that Scorpius had made in order to drive Mr Malfoy to such measures. What he was saying did ring true though, her own father had kicked up a fuss when he first found out about her relationship with Scorpius; but he hadn't insulted the boy and kicked him out of the house. Rose scowled and continued reading.

So I am sure that you can imagine my shock when Scorpius turned up to our annual ball with you on his arm. The idea, forced upon me with no warning, was deeply shocking, and my old beliefs sadly made an appearance. I am deeply sorry for this, and there are now words that can truly make up for my appalling behaviour. Both Scorpius and my wife made it clear immediately that they would not stand for such behaviour.

A friend once told me that 'You can't do it unless you imagine it'. For a long time, I didn't even allow myself to dream of a world where the old prejudices could be forgiven. Change does not occur unless people can visualise a new society and I am very shortsighted. I grew up afraid to even consider what the world could be like if we allowed equal opportunities to everyone.

Rose smiled at his words - at least Astoria was on her side. Scorpius had been sure that his mother would love the 'star-crossed lovers' aspects of their relationship. As the tone of the letter turned more reflective she heaved a sigh. In her experience, bringing up the war and the trials that people went through was never a good idea, but perhaps it was necessary for old feuds to finally be out in the open.

Scorpius and I have had a long discussion, and he has told me a lot about you. I understand that you are top in the year in most classes, something that does not surprise me as your mother also spent most of Hogwarts at the top of her class. Scorpius also tells me that you are on the Quidditch team, although I'm not sure I can quite bring myself to be happy about that if you are the reason that my son's team keeps losing.

Anyway, I didn't really write this letter to tell you how wonderful you are. I'm sure that my son does that more than enough. And I must confess that neither did I write this letter completely out of compassion and apology (Malfoy's never do, something that you should be used to). No, I'm really writing this letter because after last night, Scorpius told me that he was thinking of leaving school, growing a beard and joining the circusif I didn't accept you. I am sure that if my son eloped with you your parents would inflict all manner of dreadful punishments on me, and would like to avoid that at all costs.

Rose grinned at the reference to her mother. Dad loved to tell stories about how her mother had beaten Scorpius' dad at just about everything, and she knew all too well about the time in third year that she had punched him. She coloured slightly at the idea of Scorpius telling his dad all about her and smiled at the slightly more accepting tone in the next paragraph.

She actually laughed out loud at Scorpius' threat - the boy sure had a flare for the dramatics. She knew that there was no way Scorpius would ever grow a beard, and he couldn't bear to live in a circus. She continued reading, actually starting to enjoy where the letter was going.

Not only am I terrified of your parents' wrath (especially your mother's) but I am scared of losing my son. A man would have to be blind not to notice the adoration which he obviously holds for you, and I can only hope that you return these feelings. Keeping you two apart is clearly a sure route to making him despise me, and I would be an idiot to push him away as my father did to me. Scorpius is the most precious thing in the world, and if he truly loves you then I cannot stand in his way.

For his sake, I will conquer my emotions and prejudices, and on this note I should like to invite you and your parents to dinner. I assure you that you have nothing to fear, and I think Scorpius would very much appreciate it if you came. Please advise me on when would be best, as I am aware that your family is often very busy.

Sincerely,

Draco Malfoy.

Coming to the end of the letter she sat back and considered what she had just read. She actually began to feel sorry for Mr Malfoy, and she knew that she couldn't ever ruin Scorpius' relationship with his father. She would go to dinner, and her parents would hate it and it would be awkward and uncomfortable for everyone, but perhaps one day, eventually, the two families would be somewhat at ease with each other.