Chapter Eleven

And I can't fight what I know is beyond my control

Surrender is so easy, I love you completely

"Completely", Shane Filan

Rose got halfway down the stairs before stopping. She'd rehearsed her speech five times in her room; both she and Scorpius had planned through letters exactly what they were going to say to each of their parents. It was quite convincing, in her opinion. But as she began making her way down the stairs, an abundance of nerves overcame her.

She was back on good terms with her family. They had forgiven her (for some reason) and she wasn't entirely sure that what she had to say would keep it that way. She wasn't stupid; she knew the details of the war and she didn't blame either of her parents for having a strenuous relationship with the Malfoys.

But Scorpius was different. He wasn't like his parents. He was kinder, more caring...

"You okay there, Rosie?"

Rose jumped. She hadn't seen her dad enter the living area. It had been a long time since she'd seen him dressed in anything other than his work robes, but he'd finally managed to get a day off (or five). Ever since the incident with the Dementors, he'd been granted leave, apparently something about if he was to come into contact with them again, they'd probably finish him off this time.

"Y-yes," she stammered, taking the rest of the stairs and coming to stand in front of him.

Her dad studied her, wearing an amused expression. "Then why do you look so nervous?" he asked.

Rose hesitated.

"Rosie?" Now he looked slightly worried.

"It's… I've been talking to Scorpius, and we've decided…"

"He hasn't broken things off already?" her dad asked, his smile vanishing.

"What? Oh, no. No, he hasn't. No, I've been talking to him about you meeting him and… me meeting his parents." She looked down at her feet.

"Ah." It was obvious her dad wanted to say something about such a matter, but then thought better of it. "Well, I suppose the Malfoys let us into their home not so long ago. And we made it a good twenty something years of them not knowing where we live. A good amount of time, if you ask me."

Rose smiled. "We planned around that, Dad."

"Oh, yes?"

"We're going to have dinner," Rose said. "Together. Our family and Scorpius' family. We'll meet in Diagon Alley, in a public place, and it'll just be dinner." She looked up hopefully at him. It was obvious he hadn't expected that response.

"I know it's going to be uncomfortable, but… we just really want everyone to be okay, and we think it's the best way. No one has to go to anyone's houses, and you're in public. Scorpius is a bit worried about his parents, truthfully, so he suggested the public place. Please, Dad?"

"When is it?" Ron asked, stiffly.

"Tomorrow night."

He gave a short nod. "Well, I'll obviously have to speak to your mother about it, to make sure we are available then, but… I guess that shouldn't be an issue."

"So, you'll come to dinner?" Rose asked, beaming.

"If your mother says it's okay," Ron said, nodding. He didn't look pleased about it, but it seemed that — like Rose — he wasn't willing to put any more strain on their relationship, and if keeping the peace meant going out to dinner with Draco Malfoy and his wife, then so be it.

Rose's smile only grew wider. She threw her arms around his waist and gave him a tight hug. She felt him relax against her.

"Thanks, Dad. You're the best!"

"Hmph. Well, Rosie, you're just lucky you're you," he said, hugging her back. "Because I'm not sure I'd sit through it for anyone else."

"I love you, Dad."

He looked down at her, and she could practically see his chest swell with happiness. It had been a long time since she'd said that and really meant it. He pulled her towards him again, holding her even tighter than before.

"I love you too, Rosie. I love you so much."

...

"Wow, don't you look… amazing." Ron couldn't contain his smile as he saw Hermione all dressed up. It was rare she did it. It was rare for any of them to dress up, due to working so much.

Hermione smiled at him through the mirror. "It's not too fancy, is it? I'm not sure…"

"You look beautiful," Ron assured her, spinning her around to face him. He kissed her, her lips tasting sweet from whatever she had put on them. "And when we get home, I will be more than happy to volunteer to take it off."

Hermione shook her head at him, smiling, but she didn't argue against the offer, which he was satisfied with.

"That is really gross."

"Well, Rosie," Ron said, turning to face his daughter, "not our fault if you choose not to knock when you come into our room." He then noticed that she had dressed up too and grinned. "Wow, I'm surrounded by beautiful, beautiful women." He frowned. "Though, I'll be keeping a very close eye on young Scorpius tonight. Any wandering hands and…" He tapped his pocket where his wand sat.

Rose smiled. "And do I have to keep an eye on you?"

"Ha!" Ron returned her smile. It felt good to be able to laugh and joke with her again, not having to tiptoe around her, or handle her moods. She was happy once more — as it should have been.

"We should get going, I guess," Hermione said. "Or we'll be late."

"I'd hate to be the ones showing up late," Ron said, offering his hand to Hermione. "You know, Harry had a good old laugh when I told him we were having dinner with the Malfoys."

"Dad!" Rose sighed. "You don't have to complain about it."

"Not complaining, Rosie," Ron said quickly, in no mood to upset her in any way. "It's just not something I ever thought I'd be doing. Would love a Time Turner to go back and tell thirteen-year-old me that in the future, we'd be doing this. Actually, come to think of it, I'd love to go back and tell Draco Mal —"

"Dad!"

"Ron!"

"Sorry. It's just going to take some getting used to." Ron stopped out the front of Hugo's room and knocked. "You ready, Hu?"

The door opened, and Rose giggled. Hugo was dressed in a fancy suit that would suit a wedding, not a dinner.

"You look adorably handsome," Rose said.

Hugo frowned at her, and then looked up at his parents pleadingly. "Do I have to go?"

"We were all invited, Hugo," Hermione said.

"But I eat with Rose and Scorpius at school every day. I don't need to —"

Rose gave her little brother a punch in the arm. "Suck it up, Princess."

"Ow!"

"Come on, let's go," Ron said, steering both of his children towards the stairs. "We'll be Apparating, so Rosie with your mum and Hugo with me."

The nearest Apparition point was at the end of the street, a special request Hermione had made when they'd moved into the predominantly Muggle area. It was well sheltered, and even if someone saw them vanish, they would most likely think the thick cover of trees had hidden them.

As all four of them walked down the road, Rose slipped her hand into Ron's and grinned up at him.

A wave of many different emotions swelled in Ron in that moment. A week ago, she wouldn't have done that. She would have told him she was too old for such things, if she had been bothered to speak to him at all. But things were back as they should be. His beautiful, little girl was all smiles again and not afraid to show affection once more.

How close he had come to never seeing her again, and how grateful he was that he had more time with her. A dinner with the Malfoys was a sacrifice he was willing to make to make sure she was happy.

"Can I go with you, please?" she asked.

"Well, that depends on Hugo, because I did say —"

"I'll go with Mum!" Hugo said, a little too quickly for Ron's liking. "I like Apparating with her more."

"That's rude," Ron muttered, but he nodded at Rose. "I guess it's you and me."

They reached the cover between the trees and Ron gripped Rose's hand tightly. He always got slightly nervous, even now, Apparating with his kids. He still remembered his horrible Splinching experience with Harry and Hermione and would hate to be the reason one of his kids experienced it. But, there'd been no issues before.

Hermione disappeared first with Hugo, and a moment later, Ron Disapparated with Rose, ensuring his hold on her didn't waver.

They landed by the Leaky Cauldron, and Rose stumbled slightly.

"I can't wait to learn to do that on my own," she complained, touching her head.

"Doesn't really make it much better," Ron assured her.

They entered the pub, Hermione smiling and waving to Hannah, who was behind the bar.

They passed through the pub, Ron and Hermione urging Rose and Hugo forward, quickly. It still wasn't the most savoury of places, particularly in the evenings.

"Now," Ron said, reaching the brick wall before Diagon Alley. "Do you even know where this place is, Rosie?"

Rose nodded. "Just behind Florean Fortescue's. That's what Scorpius said, anyway."

Hermione opened the entrance to Diagon Alley and they set forward. It wasn't its usual bustling place at six o'clock, but there were still people wandering about.

Rose walked ahead, her excitement evident at getting the chance to see Scorpius again.

Ron frowned, but said nothing. Hermione took his hand and smiled, seeming to know what he was thinking. As Hugo ran ahead to join his sister, she leaned closer to him and said, "Are you really going to be okay?"

"I'm going to be okay with meeting Rose's… boyfriend. I don't think I can ever be okay with having dinner with Draco Malfoy."

Hermione squeezed his hand. "It's a real shame you don't have to work with him every day," she said. "You come to realise he's full of it. Besides, he's not so bad anymore. Not really."

"Hm."

Rose led the way to the ice-cream parlour, ducking down a side street, almost skipping along. Halfway down, she stopped, and then ran forward, flinging herself into a blond boy's arms. The two embraced, and then kissed.

Ron shifted uncomfortably, but Hermione gave his hand another comforting squeeze.

From behind Scorpius, his parents appeared, also dressed up. Draco Malfoy wore a similar expression to Ron; uncomfortable about their situation. He gave a short nod in Ron's direction, to which Ron returned after Hermione elbowed him in the ribs.

It was Scorpius' mother that seemed the least impressed about this arrangement. Her eyes flicked between Rose, to Ron, to Hugo and then to Hermione, before falling on her son. Her lips pursed together in a thin, tight line.

"Charming lady," Ron muttered to Hermione, who once again elbowed him. "Ow!"

"Well, I guess we should go in. They have our table sorted." Draco looked down at his beaming son and gave a small smile.

"Good idea," Hermione said.

Rose and Scorpius led the way, hand-in-hand and looking delighted, and entirely oblivious, to how their parents were feeling.

A waiter in a purple tuxedo led them to a table with seven seats. Ron made a point of dragging Hermione to the opposite side to where the Malfoys sat, and insisting that Hugo sit beside him, and Rose next to her brother.

She shot him a reproachful, warning look, that was so much like her mother he almost looked away.

"So...nice place," he commented. "You chose it… Scorpius?"

"Yeah," Scorpius said. "I come here all the time with Mum and Dad. I thought I'd show Rose it, too. And you, her parents. Nice to meet you, by the way."

"It's nice to meet you, too, Scorpius," Hermione said before Ron could say anything. Not that he was going to. He liked how polite Scorpius had been. So different to his father.

Scorpius turned to his parents. "Dad, you've already met Rose. But Mum, this is her."

"Lovely to meet you, Rose." The comment was so fake that Ron instinctively reached for his wand — he wasn't having dinner with the Malfoys without it. Hermione rested her hand over the hand still on the table.

Draco, who seemed the most uncomfortable out of everyone, picked up the menu that had just appeared in front of them. "Perhaps we should order."

Everyone fell silent for a while, reading over the menus. After the purple-dressed waiter came by to take their order, the silence continued.

Rose and Scorpius were holding hands under the table, which Ron kept a very close eye on, while Malfoy and his wife sat as still as statues, their backs straight. Malfoy's wife — what was her name? — kept looking around as if she was embarrassed to be seen with them.

Ron frowned, opened his mouth to ask her what her problem was, but was interrupted by Malfoy.

"If I may have a word, Weasley?"

"What?"

"A word," Draco said. "In private."

Ron looked around at the others — Rose grinning, Hermione giving him a look that said he better behave. "I… sure."

They both got to their feet.

"Ron," Hermione said. "Give me your wand."

"What? Why?" Ron demanded. He indicated Malfoy. "I'm not —"

"You, too, Draco," Astoria said. Yes, that was her name. Ron remembered Hermione mentioning it.

"You don't seem to trust us having a conversation," Ron scowled, but he obliged to Hermione's wishes and passed her his wand. Might have been for the best.

Draco also reluctantly placed his wand on the table. Not smiling, he indicated that he and Ron go outside in order to have a private conversation about whatever it was he wished to talk about.

"This better be good, Malfoy," Ron hissed as Draco pushed open the door.

"Listen." He turned and looked at Ron. "This is uncomfortable for both of us. Working together is one thing, but having dinner is —"

"Ridiculous," Ron finished.

"And uncomfortable."

"Glad we can agree on something," Ron said.

Draco nodded. "And I hope that we can agree on another thing." When Ron said nothing, he added, "Our kids."

Ron was silent.

"Listen, we have our differences that go far too deep to ever properly resolve. But our kids don't have that, and I wish to keep it that way. I love my son, and I've no doubt you love your daughter. I'm sure you can agree that their happiness is paramount."

"It's why I've been tolerant of this relationship," Ron said. "For some reason unknown to me, she really likes… Scorpius, and I'm not prepared to have her upset at me again."

"Again?"

"Not your business, but my point is, they're happy around one another, and if being friendly with you is what it takes to keep a smile on her face, then it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make. For her."

Draco nodded, agreeing.

"But," Ron continued, "if he lays a finger on her inappropriately, know that —"

"I've no doubt what you'll do." Draco sighed, his eyes meeting Ron's. "I hope that I've raised him to be better than that. He likes her, Weasley. I don't like that he does, but he really likes your daughter, and I'll make sure he…"

Ron nodded. "Good to hear. But, can I ask? What's with your wife? She seems a bit put out by it all."

At that, Draco hesitated. "She'll… come to terms eventually."

"Ha! Not too keen on my Rosie's blood status, is she? Well, same applies to her," Ron warned. "She says anything to —"

"I'll handle it," Draco assured him. To Ron's surprise, he looked mildly guilty about his wife's behaviour. Good.

"Well, this wasn't so bad, was it?" Ron said. "You and I talking. Having dinner together. What has this world come to?"

They returned to the table, Ron grinning at Hermione's bewildered expression as he sat back down. "What?" he asked. "Surprised we didn't get into a punch-up?"

"Mildly," Hermione confessed.

"Yeah, well, we've agreed on a truce. For our kids' sake."

"Well, I'm pleased," Hermione said, still looking surprised, but smiling. "Here's your wand back."

The remainder of dinner was still uncomfortable, but Ron found himself enjoying it more since his talk with Malfoy. He still didn't like the bloke, but appreciated that he was making an effort for their kids.

Looking at Rose, he smiled. She had not let go of Scorpius' hand all night, apart from when he'd needed it to eat. They talked to one another non stop, smiling and laughing, and even including Hugo into their conversation.

Scorpius was a polite young man, and seemed to lack most of the bad traits his father had, which pleased Ron. And, most importantly, he seemed to really care about his Rosie.

By eight-thirty, they were ready to all leave. Together, they walked back out to Diagon Alley, Rose and Scorpius still holding hands. And much to Ron's distaste, turned to face each other and kissed. In front of their parents. It had taken Ron a long time to be game enough to even hold Hermione's hand around his own parents.

"Well… this is awkward," Ron said, turning to look at Hermione. "Is this how we look to her?"

Hermione laughed. "I'm impressed," she said. "You handled it well."

"Yeah… well…" He shrugged. "It's a little easier to handle when she's delighted by it all." He leaned forward to kiss her, but was stopped by a pair of arms wrapping around his waist. He looked down to a beaming Rose.

"Thanks, Dad," she said. "For being okay."

Ron looked around. It was just the four of them. The Malfoys had left. "It's my pleasure, Rosie. Where'd they go?"

"They left," Rose said matter-of-factly. "You were too busy looking at Mum." She grinned.

"Well, that was rude," Ron muttered. "Didn't even say goodbye."

"Are we going now?" Rose asked.

"If you want," Ron said. "Did you get enough time with Scorpius? I mean, you didn't let him go all night, but —"

"I'll see him soon, Dad," Rose said. "We can go."

"Alright."

The four of them began making their way back to the Leaky Cauldron, Ron catching Hermione's hand. She smiled at him.

"You know," he said in the empty alley, "despite everything that has happened, I've never felt happier. I've got quite the perfect family. I'd love to go back and tell eleven year old me that this is how it turns out. Eleven year old Ron Weasley would have so many confidence issues resolved."

"Yes, because that's what an eleven year old boy wants to hear," Hermione said mildly, but amused. "You'd probably be disappointed unless you said you'd become Quidditch Captain, or playing Quidditch for the Chudley Cannons, or something like that."

"Very true," Ron replied thoughtfully. "That would have been nice as well." He threw an arm across Hermione's shoulder, drawing her towards him. "He would be horrified to learn he marries you."

Hermione smiled. "I'm not sure eleven year old Hermione would have been too pleased either."

"Can you stop talking about that, please?" Rose cried, looking exasperated.

"Yeah, it's gross," Hugo added.

"Says you who kept her hand permanently attached to Scorpius Malfoy tonight," Ron said. "And let's not forget the kissing too. Not something I wish to see."

"Well, get used to it," Rose said as they reached the archway that would lead them back to the Leaky Cauldron.

"Yeah, well, get used to it here, too," Ron retorted.

"At least we aren't a hundred," Rose said, opening the door to the pub. "It's worse when you're old."

"Watch it," Ron warned. "And I could tell you some stories about how age simply makes — ouch!" He looked at Hermione, rubbing the spot on his arm where she had whacked him. "I was just going to say how age simply makes me love you more."

Hermione rolled her eyes, apparently knowing full well that was not what he was going to say. "Come on," she said, "Let's go home. We'll Floo home this time." She ushered her children towards the fireplace in the Leaky Cauldron, and she and Ron watched as they disappeared.

"You know, we could just… not come home for a bit," Ron said, grinning. "Have a drink or two. Oh, look, it's Neville!" He waved as Neville emerged from upstairs. "Haven't seen him in so long."

"Come on," Hermione said, smiling and forcing him into the fireplace. "We can arrange something another day."

Once home, Rose waited for Ron at the fireplace. When he stepped out, she hugged him once more, looking up at him and beaming. "Thanks, Dad. I mean it."

"Of course, Rosie."

"And thanks for being my dad. I… what I said before, I never meant it."

"I know." Ron held her tight.

"I'm always glad you're my dad."

"And I've never been prouder to call you my daughter," Ron said. He kissed the top of her head. "You may be growing up, but you're still the same little Rosie I held fifteen years ago. You can just talk back now."

Rose pulled away. "Thanks for a great night. I'm going to bed now." She turned to Hermione, who'd just appeared from the fireplace. She seemed to hesitate for a moment before hugging her too. "Thanks, Mum. I know we don't always get along, but I love you too."

"Night, Rosie," Ron and Hermione said together, and Rose practically skipped up the stairs.

They looked to Hugo.

"Is hugging your dad still acceptable for you?" Ron asked. "I mean, I know when I was your age, I wouldn't have —"

But, apparently thrilled by the invitation, Hugo threw his arms around Ron just as Rose had, and then repeated it with Hermione too. They all smiled.

When he'd vanished as well, Ron turned to Hermione and grinned. "And is it still okay for you to hug your husband?" he teased, but he didn't wait for her to respond before he drew her towards him, hugging her as well. "Four days later and I'm still feeling the effects of those bloody Dementors." He hugged her tighter.

After a moment, Hermione pulled away, smiling up at him. "You seem happier each day, though. And now that you and Rosie are back on speaking terms, that's definitely lifted your mood." She paused, their arms still around one another. "She'll never forget that moment, you know? And I don't mean tonight, but I meant what happened before. It will be something that bonds the two of you forever. More than the bond you already had with her, I mean."

Ron grunted. "Hm, yeah. As long as she has a smile on her face, then that's all that matters. As long as both our kids do. They're well provided for here, which is all I could ask for. They have everything they need."

"And want, when you're concerned," Hermione added, pulling away finally and pulling him towards the stairs.

"When you grew up as I did, you'd understand," Ron said. "And does this mean you're accepting my offer to take off that dress?" he added.

"This means that I'm tired and want to go to bed," Hermione replied, though there was a smile tugging at her lips.

Once they reached the landing, Ron kissed her and said, "I've just got one more thing to do, but please don't be asleep when I come back." He kissed her again, vaguely hearing Hermione's response about not being able to promise anything as he opened Hugo's door. Hugo was in bed, but had his light still on.

"Just saying goodnight again," he said.

"Night, Dad," Hugo said, smiling.

"And tomorrow, we can get some more of that Quidditch practice in. All day, if you'd like."

"Doing that won't make you tired?" Hugo asked.

"Nah, it actually cheers me up. Quidditch and spending time with you. What could make me happier?"

Ron saw the flush of pleasure to grace Hugo's cheeks and was glad. He smiled. "I love you, mate."

Hugo's cheeks became even redder and as Ron closed the door, it was possibly the biggest smile he'd ever seen on his son's face.

He crossed the hall to Rose's room, opening it as he had done Hugo's.

"Night, Rosie."

"Night, Dad," Rose said, looking up from her book. "Love you."

"Love you too, Rosie."

Ron closed her door, smiling. How he was glad things were back to how they used to be. Rosie was talking to him, he'd been four days without Dementors… and there were still two weeks of summer left before the kids went back to school.

"Are you coming to bed, or are you just going to stand there smiling stupidly?" Hermione asked, appearing in their bedroom doorway.

He looked up at her, grinning, and noticing that she hadn't taken her dress off yet. "I'm just happy," he said. "I just feel happy." And he meant it.

Thank you everyone for your kind words throughout this fic. I truly appreciate it! This is the final official chapter for this story, but next week there is the epilogue to come! So one more chapter left! I hope you have enjoyed it like I have writing it!

Also, if you're interested in reading anything else of mine as this comes to an end, please be sure to check out my story When I Have You - a detailed post-war Romione which is essentially slice of life romance. It even has an IG account with extra stuff!

Thank you all, and a final thank you to my wonderful beta for this story.