Chapter Twenty One

Rose's POV

There is only one word I need to say right now. Just one word.

'Yes.'

'Really?'

I nod, bursting into a grin, 'Yes, Scorpius Malfoy, I will marry you!'

He jumps up and pulls me into a hug, kissing me.

'I love you so much,' he murmurs.

'Me too, I can't believe it's taken us so long to work it out.'

'Only eleven years.'

I am the happiest person alive.

The following morning I glance down at my ring every five seconds. Wow, it's beautiful, I hate to think of the cost. Ah well, he was awful to me so he deserves it.

'Morning, beautiful,' says Scorpius, coming into the kitchen.

'Hey.'

A bang on the door interrupts us.

'Come in!' I shout.

Rose and Lysander bound in.

'Rose, we came to check if Scorpius had been found!' shouts Roxanne.

'Erm yes, I'm here,' grins Scorpius sheepishly.

'Where the hell were you yesterday?' demands Lysander, 'I almost needed medical assistance after the amount of work I had to do.'

'Well, we've got something to tell you,' I begin, but before I can share the happy news, Al appears.

Since when did I have an open house policy?

'How did it go?' asks Al, winking at Scorpius.

'Hang on, you were in on it?' I say incredulously.

'In on what?' demands Lysander, clearly getting annoyed now.

I waggle my ring at him and Roxanne. Their jaws drop and then Roxanne embraces me in the biggest hug ever.

'How come I wasn't let in on it?' moans Lysander but he gives Scorpius one of those odd man hug things all the same.

'Oh it's so beautiful!' gushes Roxanne as she admires my ring.

'I'm under pressure now,' mutters Lysander in an undertone.

Scorpius' POV

I still can' believe she said yes, it just hasn't sunk in yet that I'm going to marry the amazing, beautiful, clever, funny Rose Weasley.

I'm the luckiest man alive.

Except right now I don't feel so lucky because I'm sitting with Rose in the lounge of the Burrow, opposite her parents. The rest of the family is outside, probably with their ears pressed against the door. I swear her dad chose this venue just to make me feel even more intimidated.

'So, mum, dad,' says Rose, 'Scorpius and I have decided to get married.'

Hermione jumps up immediately and hugs her daughter then, to my surprise me.

'Oh I'm so pleased for you both!'

Ron's mouth is still hanging open.

'What?'

'I'm getting married,' says Rose patiently.

'To him?'

'Yes.'

Ron takes a moment to digest this then also gives his daughter a hug. He does not give me one.

'Well I'm happy for you, Rosie.' He turns to me, 'But just be warned, Scorpius, I have an army of Aurors at my disposal and if you hurt my daughter in any way I will not rest until I've tracked you down and made you pay.'

There's a few moments of very awkward silence before I reassure him that that won't be necessary.

He continues to glare at me but it seems to be a milder version of the glare he gave me when we met outside that restaurant the other day.

I'm making progress.

When it comes to telling my parents I go and see them alone. I don't want to put Rose in that situation but also she is refusing to set foot in the Manor. Not that I blame her one bit.

I go to my parents' house the day after I'd been at the Burrow and despite it being my own family this time I'm expecting a colder reception. I've not been to the Manor since I left Hogwarts. I've seen my parents fleetingly and all these meetings have been uncomfortable and awkward. Still, I feel I should tell them that I'm getting married. Whether or not I invite them to the wedding is another matter.

I'd written saying I was coming, but they look mildly surprised that I've actually turned up. My father looks even older than when I saw him last year, paler, less hair, more lines. My mother has aged better but there's a haughty look about her.

'Scorpius,' says my father formally.

I greet them both and we sit in the drawing room, talking stiltedly about my job.

I decide I'd better bring up the important topic of conversation so I can leave quicker.

'I'm marrying Rose,' I blurt out.

The silence is deafening.

'What did you say?' demands my father.

I'm reminded of Ron Weasley, except the latter is actually a good person who cares about his child.

'We're getting married,' I confirm.

My mother says nothing, as though she can't bring herself to address me.

'I don't agree with this,' says my father stubbornly.

'Well you have no say in the decision,' I say bluntly.

'You're my only son. The Malfoy heir! You have a duty.'

'A duty? What, to marry a pure blood? That's bullshit!'

Why did I come here? I should've let them read the wedding announcement in the Prophet instead.

A set of footsteps appear behind me and a new voice joins the conversation.

'Now, what is this I hear?' asks Lucius Malfoy.

So they're getting married! Well, probably anyway. I know this story is getting stupidly long now but I'm really enjoying writing it, so expect a bit more drama before the actual wedding. Anyway, please keep reviewing :)