Family Ties

The Quidditch League Competition
Title: Family Ties
Team: Ballycastle Bats
Position: Chaser Two
Prompt: Write about someone who depends heavily on family and/or friends.
Extra Prompts: (Plot Point) pregnancy; (Object) newspaper; (Word) Unexpected
Word Count: 2,572

"Father, there's…there's something I need to discuss with you."

Draco's eyes left the morning edition of the Prophet he had been perusing as he glanced up at his son. Scorpius was rarely so formal with his words, only calling Draco 'father' when he was upset about or worried over something. And he could tell something was intensely bothering his son: Scorpius' face was pale, yet he seemed to be sweating rather profusely. He also looked as though he hadn't slept in at least a week.

Concern washed over Draco's thoughts and he set the newspaper down, turning his full attention to his son. "Yes, son? What would you like to talk about?" Draco steepled his fingers after gesturing for Scorpius to take the seat across from him. He attempted to put a fatherly smile on his face, but he was definitely concerned as to why his son was sitting in his study just after One in the afternoon on a school day.

But Draco had learned to hide his emotions well after being raised by a man like Lucius Malfoy. It was easier to hide and pretend than tell your own father that you disagreed with many of his beliefs. And because of his upbringing, Draco had vowed to himself to not be like his father had been, and to raise Scorpius firmly yet kindly, and he always made certain that his son knew he could talk to him about literally anything, good or bad, without fear of cruel punishments.

And so far, he had kept that vow. In truth, it had become much more difficult with the passing of Astoria. She had known all the right things to say to the boy, in any situation. And the love that she lavished on both Draco and Scorpius had been immense. But now she was gone, and Draco found that being a single parent was exceedingly difficult.

Astoria's older sister Daphne had been an invaluable help, coming over to lend a hand frequently, whenever Scorpius was home from school. She also seemed to have that knack for understanding just what the boy needed at any given time. Draco reckoned it must run in the family, because his mother-in-law, Lady Mary Greengrass, was exactly the same way. So much so, in fact, that Draco often had to remind himself that the woman was his mother-in-law, not his actual mother.

Daphne was beautiful and kind, just like Astoria had been, and Draco had noticed. Yet there was nothing but friendship between the brother and sister in laws. They'd never discussed it, but Draco knew that both of them were honoring Astoria by keeping things…uncomplicated between them. Not that he harbored even secret feelings for his sister-in-law, and was certain Daphne harbored none for him either.

Reigning in his wandering mind, Draco refocused his attention onto his son, who was fidgeting and staring everywhere except at his father's face. Draco frowned. This was unlike Scorpius. The boy was usually exuberant and full of life, not quiet and subdued. Which meant that whatever was bothering him must be something big.

Scorpius continued to fidgetin his chair, still not making eye contact with his father, and Draco's concern increased. He tried to not frown, but his agitation over what could possibly be bothering his otherwise calm son was getting the better of him. "Just tell me, son, whatever it is."

Finally, with a deep sigh, Scorpius closed his eyes. Another moment or two of silence followed before Scorpius' eyes snapped open. Looking his father in t he eyes at last, he said. "Rose is pregnant."

Scorpius saw several emotions play across his father's face: confusion, disbelief, incredulity, anger, something that almost looked like excitement, and finally resignation. Draco sighed and rubbed his face. "Are you certain?" The question was sudden and sounded rather lame even to Draco's own ears. I sound just like a father. Of course they're certain.

Scorpius rolled his eyes. "Of course we're certain, father. I wouldn't have told you like this if we weren't certain."

Draco sighed again. Anger was warring with reason in his mind, and he knew he had to maintain tight reign over the anger so he didn't drive his son away. "Didn't you think to use a contraception charm?" His voice was stilted, yet he continued to hold off the bulk of his anger.

"Of course we did, father, but…well, things happen." Scorpius once more looked away from his fatter, and Draco noticed how read his son's face had gotten. Realizing that the conversation was probably just as embarrassing for Scorpius as it was becoming for him, he sighed. "Well…this is unexpected."

Scorpius snorted. "That's rather an understatement." His tone was tinged with regret. "I—I—we didn't mean for this to happen, father. I just found out a couple days ago. Rose came into my room bawling. Scared me to death. But she calmed down and told me what was happening." He swallowed hard. "I'm sorry, father. I—I know you weren't overly happy about me and Rose to begin with. But if it makes you feel any better, her parents weren't too happy about us either. Now, I don't know what they'll do. They might try and kill me! Her mum is the Minster for Magic, after all. Wh-what if she has me arrested? I don't want to go to Azkaban! I want to marry Rose!"

Scorpius voice had risen to an almost hysterical level. He had stood and was pacing in circles around Draco's study as he spoke, and he was gripping his hair so hard that his knuckles were turning white.

Draco sighed, allowing the bulk of his anger to seep out of his mind. "Calm down, son. It's-it's not the end of the world. Things like this have been happening ever since the beginning of time. " It nearly made him gag saying that. Of all people, why did this have to happen with his son? And why his son and Rose Granger-Weasley, of all people?

He looked at Scorpius and smiled as best he could. "I am a bit disappointed in you—both of you—about this. But, we'll work through it. You'll see it will end up alright. And you won't be sent to Azkaban."

"Are you sure, father?" Scorpius asked in a small voice.

Draco nodded. "Of course. First of all, you haven't committed a crime. Well, Rose's father might think you have, but that's what fathers are supposed to think. Why don't you and Rose come over for a bit this weekend and we can all discuss what to do."

"Can aunt Daphne be here too? I—I told her first and asked her to bring me here from Hogwarts. She's out in the sitting room waiting to take me back. The Headmistress said it was ok for me to come here, but said I shouldn't be gone too long. But, I had to tell you father. I just had to!"

Draco stood and walked around the desk and put his hands on Scorpius' shoulders. "Of course your aunt can be here. I know how fond you are of her." He then hugged his son, who hugged him back. As the two stepped back, Draco put his hand on his son's shoulder. "And the Headmistress is right. You're almost done with school so you need to focus on your studies. Come on, let's get you back."

The two walked down to the sitting room where, sure enough, Daphne Greengrass sat on a sofa reading a book. Or pretending to, as she was watching the doorway when Draco and Scorpius entered the room. She stood and approached the two. "Everything ok?" She asked, looking between father and son.

Draco and Scorpius exchanged a smile. "Yes. We've got some issues to sort out, but yes, everything is ok. Or it will be." He glanced at his sister-in-law. "Could you pop back over for a moment after you drop Scorpius off?"

"Of course. Come long, kiddo. Let's get you back to school. Draco hugged his son one more time, and as Scorpius and his aunt headed for the floo, Draco called, "Scorpius!"

His son turned. "Yes, father?"

Draco smiled. Thank you for telling me. I'm quite certain that wasn't the easiest thing for you to do."

Scorpius gave a rueful smile. "You have no idea, father." Then he turned and followed his aunt into the floo.

Daphne returned within minutes. "What did you want to discuss, Draco?"

Draco collapsed onto the sofa. "I am a horrible father, Daphne. I was so upset at him over this, and all because of who it was, not even the fact that it happened at all. Am I still so hung up on blood status that that was what I got upset about? What kind of a father am I?" He buried his face in his hands.

With a sigh, Daphne sat down beside him. "Draco, you are a good father. I have watched you change so much over the years. I mean, we grew up together. Admittedly we weren't as close at school as we were when we were younger, and there was quite an extended amount of time where I thought you weren't good enough at all for my baby sister. But I watched as you matured after the war, and interacting with Astoria during your courtship. I saw that you loved her with all your heart."

She paused and looked away, out the window. Draco, knowing that she was trying to collect her thoughts, remained silent. "I loved Astoria with all my heart, too," Daphne said after several moments of silence, and Draco heard the catch in her voice as she spoke. "And when I came to finally realize that you felt that way about her too, I was at peace with the whole relationship between you two."

She looked back at him, and Draco saw the tears gathered in the corner of her eyes. "Just before Astoria di-…just before she passed on, I promised her that I would help look after you and Scorpius. Because in helping the man she loved, and their child, I would be helping my baby sister as well." Tears began streaming down Daphne's face, and her voice broke. She looked away again, trying to regain her composure.

Draco, sensing that she was somewhat embarrassed by this display of emotion, once again remained silent. Many had called Daphne the Slytherin "Ice Queen" during their school years due to her tight control over her emotions. But Draco had seen the softer, emotional side of Daphne Greengrass many times over the years, as she had helped care for her sister in her last weeks of life, how she had stepped up to fill the hole Astoria's death had created in Scorpius' life by always being available to him for talking or advice and spending the bulk of each summer at Malfoy Manor when he was home from Hogwarts, and of course, how very much she had loved Astoria. And Draco felt forever indebted to her for all those reasons.

Finally Daphne looked Draco in the eyes again. He noted that her cheeks were still wet, but the tears had stopped flowing. Taking a deep breath, she continued. "By helping the man that my baby sister loved, and helping her child, I am helping her, and honoring her memory. Both our families are pureblood, part of the 'Sacred 28', so we both know the importance of family and honor. Or we should. And is there anything more important than family, Draco? I can't think of anything that is. So if you like, I will go talk to Granger and Weasley about this situation. They might respond a little better to me than you anyway. Everyone says they've forgiven and moved on since the war, but quite often that is more easily said than put into actual practice."

Now it was Draco's turn to sigh. "No, Daph. I'm his father, it's my job. The worst that could happen would be Granger or Weasley hexing me or something." He tried to say it casually but was only half-way joking. He knew well how those two could be…especially the Weasel. Guess I better stop calling him that, since it seems we will be sharing a grandchild.

Daphne's lips twitched. She was glad he was taking his responsibility as a father serious. She put her hand on his arm and gave a soft smile. "I'll go with you. We'll tell them together."

Draco glanced as her as his eyebrows disappeared into his hairline. "Are you certain that's wise? People might start to wonder if we showed up somewhere…you know, together."

The two had gone to great lengths to not be seen together in public, so as not to get the rumor mills churning. Yet many in the upper circles of Magical society knew that Daphne spent a lot of time at Malfoy Manor. She gave a half shrug. "What of it? You know a lot of them have probably already said as much over the years, yet here we are. Besides, this wouldn't really be in public, and I will go in my role as Scorpius' godmother."

Draco smirked. Daphne had planned it out well. "Alright then. We'll tell them together." He stood and stretched. "And no time like the present. Think I'll go send Granger and the weasel…er, I mean, Granger and Weasley an owl to set up a meeting. I wonder if I should mention anything about why we want to meet with them?"

Daphne laughed and he glanced at her, cocking an eyebrow. She shook her head. "Draco, I am quite certain that Rose has already told her mother. Probably not her father yet, but definitely her mother.

Draco frowned. "How can you be so sure?"

Daphne, still smiling, gave Draco and affectionate eye roll. "It's a girl thing, Draco. A mother-daughter thing. You wouldn't quite understand. With things of this nature, a girl generally prefers to speak with their mother first. Fathers can be so…temperamental." She smirked. "And even Scorpius told me before he told you, so I rest my case."

"Thanks, Daphne," Draco murmured. "I truly don't know how I would have made it all these years since Astoria passed without your help."

Still smiling, Daphne stood and turned to the floo. "It has been my pleasure, Draco." She paused in the doorway and turned to face him again. "Don't worry about the future, Draco. 'Sufficient for the day are the troubles thereof'. Things will work out exactly as they were meant to. Have faith. Let me know what time we're meeting with Rose's family." Then she smiled again. "Actually, I guess we'll all just be one big happy family now." Then she turned, dropped a handful of powder into the fireplace and called out, "Greengrass Manor." The flames swirled up and she disappeared.

Draco walked back to his study, Daphne's words still echoing in his mind. Yes, things would work out, and work out the way they were supposed to. With a sigh, a smile, and a shake of his head, Draco sat down, dipped a quill into the ink, and started a letter he never expected to write. Imagine being related to Granger and Weasley. Perhaps this will seal the breach between us. With his family at his side, Draco knew things would work out indeed.