for my darling Ashleigh
word count: 1005
Rose sits, bouncing in her seat as the train leads them along through the countryside. Ron tries not to laugh. He remembers being in her exact position so long ago, so nervous, unable to stand the anticipation. It's a big step, but he knows she's going to be okay.
It's funny, really. He still remembers when he'd hated Scorpius, when he'd allowed himself to be blinded by the past and old grudges. What might have happened if he hadn't realized how much that boy meant to his daughter? More likely than not, Rose would still be getting married today, but Ron wouldn't be part of it.
"I'm not here to debate with you," Ginny says, folding her arms over her chest. "You're a bloody idiot."
"Excuse me?"
His little sister rolls her eyes and steps forward, prodding her finger against his chest. "You heard me. You're an idiot. Have you actually seen how happy Scorpius makes Rose?"
Ron sighs. Hermione must have decided Ginny is the only one who can get through to him. He isn't actually sure how he feels about that, really. "He's a Malfoy," Ron argues, like that's enough reason to hate the boy on principle.
Has she forgotten how miserable Draco Malfoy made their lives? Maybe the bloke has changed, but Ron will never forget, nor will he forgive. Malfoys have never been good people, and he doesn't see how one lone change of heart could just fix all the wrongs in the family's history.
"Have you actually spoken to him?" Ginny demands. "He's a good kid. Even Harry likes him."
"I think I'm going to be sick," Rose says, leaning against the window. "Maybe I ate something bad last night. My stomach is all... Yucky."
Ron chuckles. "That's normal," he assures her, staring out at the snow-covered fields. "You're just nervous."
"I don't want to be nervous. Why am I even nervous?" Rose demands. "Dad, I love him. I have nothing to worry about."
He leans back in his seat, studying her for a moment with a grin. He knew he loved Hermione too. Nothing in the world could change that. Still, he was just as anxious, just as overwhelmed as she is now. Ron bites back a laugh; the last thing he needs is for Rose to think he's having a go at her.
"Sometimes love and excitement does that to you," he answers, shrugging. "You'll blink, and suddenly you're married."
And then she won't be his little girl anymore. That's the worst part, if he's honest. Ron will never admit it aloud because he knows how selfish it sounds, but there's a part of him that wants to keep Rose with him forever. What father wants to know his daughter has grown up and doesn't need him?
"Could this day get any more perfect?" Rose sighs, staring at the ring on her finger. "Isn't it romantic, Dad? He proposed on Valentine's Day!"
Ron has a lot of words to describe it, and he thinks romantic might be at the bottom of the list. Of course, he doesn't say that. He looks at Rose, and she is so excited, and he will not ruin her moment.
Ginny, Hermione, and literally everyone else had been right. Scorpius is a good bloke, and he makes Rose so happy. That's all Ron wants, really. When he sees his daughter smile, he knows the world is a beautiful place, and everything is going to be okay.
"We're doing it this year. December."
He bites the inside of his cheek. This is a happy occasion, and he doesn't need to ruin it for her. Swallowing down every concern and protest he has, he kisses her forehead. "Whatever makes you happy, Rosie."
She looks up at him, brown eyes glistening with happy tears. "You mean it?" she asks. "Do you really mean it, Dad?"
"Of course. If you're happy, I'm happy. But if he breaks your heart, I'll break both of his arms."
The mountains appear in the distance, dark grey against the backdrop of white. They are one step closer, and soon Rose will be walking down the aisle, and she will be married. Ron tries to ignore stabbing in his chest. This is a happy day. Maybe it's bittersweet for him, but he focuses more on the sweetness.
"Do you think I'm making the right choice?" she asks.
His brows raise, taken aback by the question. Once, he might have tried to dissuade her. Once, he would have been thrilled to hear even the faintest hint of doubt. Now, though, it melts his heart.
"I think he makes you happy, and you are so sickeningly in love that it makes me want to vomit," he answers, and she giggles. "It isn't easy for me. I want you to still be my little star forever, but… You're grown now. You're grown, and you have someone who loves you so much, and I can see it every time I look at Scorpius."
It's time to let go. She is an adult, and this is her life. Ron has done everything he can. It's not like he won't be her dad after the wedding. This is just a new chapter in Rose's story. As much as it hurts to let go and let her live her life, Ron knows it's time.
Rose smiles at that and nods, as though all she needed was her dad's reassurance. "Right," she agrees, and she relaxes ever so slightly. "I'm getting married."
Ron laughs. "Yes. Yes, you are."
"I promise I'll always be your little star," she tells him.
He smiles at that. It's a big day, and so much is changing, but at least he knows some things will always stay the same.
As the train comes to a stop at the station and the mountains are so close that Ron can almost touch them, Ron climbs to his feet and offers Rose his hand. She accepts, squeezing his hand.
"Love you, Dad."
"I promise I love you more."