Fandom: Harry Potter
Pairing: Molly "M.J." Weasley II/Lysander Scamander
Warnings: alternate universe; het; pure-blood culture; and pure-blood society
Prompts: (Pairing) Molly II/Lysander; and (Theme) Father/Daughter relationship

Marry me, Juliet, you'll never have to be alone.
I love you, and that's all I really know.
I talked to you dad – go pick out a white dress.
–"Love Story" by Taylor Swift from Fearless

We Found Love

013. Love Story

Lysander Scamander felt like fidgeting in his seat. He sat across from Percy Weasley, as the man considered his request. It was no secret that Percy wanted the best for his daughters, and he didn't consider Lysander to be the best for M.J.

While either of their families adhered to the traditional pure-blood customs and rituals, there were certain traditions that were important to follow – like when proposing to a witch. It was customary and tradition for the wizard to ask the witch's parents for her hand in marriage. The tradition held that with the blessing of the parents, the magic binding their union would be that much stronger.

"Why should I let my daughter marry you?" Percy asked.

Lysander thought for a moment. He had a feeling he knew what the man expected to hear, something sappy along the lines of Lysander making M.J. happy and caring for her. While those things were true, Lysander had a feeling that Percy was looking for something else – maybe deeper and more meaningful.

"With all due respect, sir, M.J. wants to marry me," Lysander replied, "and she'll marry me with or without your blessing. I understand what family means to her and you – and the rest of your extended family – and I know what M.J. would be turning her back on. I don't want to put M.J. in that position. I want her to have everything she needs and most of what she wants."

Lysander paused for a few seconds to breath and think about what he was going to say next. "You know your daughter," he continued, "and you know she doesn't let anything stand in her way. Like back when we were fourteen, and M.J. decided she wanted to date me but I wasn't interested. She agreed to remain friends while manipulating me into dating her but making me think it was my idea."

Percy smiled. That sounded like his strong headed daughter. As quickly as the smile appeared, it vanished.

"M.J. and I have been together for ten years," Lysander carried on saying, "and we're crazy enough to want another hundred years together. I think M.J. knew at fourteen what I just figured out. That we're meant for each other."

"He makes an excellent point, Perce," Audrey Weasley said, appearing over her husband's shoulder. She offered Lysander a smile. "M.J. will do whatever she wants."

Percy remained quiet, staring at the young man who thought he was good enough for his little girl. As far as he was considered, no one would ever be enough for M.J. – or Lucy. But both Audrey and Lysander made excellent points. This was something M.J. wanted, and she would marry Lysander – even if her family wasn't present for the wedding ceremony and she would start a family with him, again, regardless if her family was around or not.

Wanting to teach his children better, Percy installed a strong sense of family into them. He didn't want his daughters to repeat his mistakes – by turning their backs on their family. While Percy returned and he was welcomed back, it did cost him – years of memories with them. And that same day, Fred died, making Percy regret his decisions even more.

"Have you selected the ring?" Percy asked. He wasn't going to say 'Yes, I give you my blessing.' in those words, but he would imply it with different words.

Lysander's face lit up as he withdraw a black velvet box from his pocket. "It was my Grandmama Pandora's," he announced, opening the box.

Percy nodded, feeling overwhelmed by emotions. This boy had really thought the ring through. M.J. was the sentimental type, she would prefer an older family ring to something brand new.

"It's gorgeous," Audrey told him.

Lysander smiled, a goofy expression crossing his face as he stared at the ring.

"How do you plan to propose?" Percy asked.

The goofy expression disappeared, replaced by a thoughtful expression. "I haven't kept decided," he replied, "but I'm thinking I'll attach a note to the collar of a new pet."

Audrey smiled, tears running down her cheeks while Percy grunted. Their daughter had a fondness of pets. Percy was convinced it was one of the reasons she was so interested in Lysander.

This was written in response to the following: (1) 200 Different Pairings Challenge; (2) The FRIENDS Competition: The One With 472 Prompts and (3) Once Upon a Time Character Category from Harry Potter Fanfiction Challenges Forum.
(1) 200 Different Pairings – 053: (Pairing) Molly II/Lysander
(2) The FRIENDS Competition: The One With 472 Prompts – (Season) One TOW The Proposal (Part 1 and 2): Write about a proposal.
(3) Once Upon a Time Character Category – Jefferson/Mad Hatter: Write about a father/daughter relationship.

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