m&mwp.

For the Yearly Events Thread [Character Collection] on the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Forum.


Verity has never seen George look so angry. She takes a step back, her lower back hitting the back of a workbench. Roxanne is clearly the brave one. She takes a moment to readjust her rumpled shirt and takes a determined step towards her father.

"Roxanne, you need to leave," he says, his voice tight. "I'd like to talk to Verity alone."

"But this is about me."

"And I am your father and I am telling you to leave. Now."

"Dad!"

"Roxanne," Verity interrupts. She can feel George's narrowed glare shift to her. "It's fine. Just go."

Still, Verity winces as the door slams shut. But she only has herself to blame. She should've known that messing about at the shop was a bad idea. But George was supposed to be gone for the day, arguing over patents with the Ministry. And Roxanne…well, Roxanne was very persuasive.

"Are you insane? What the fuck were you thinking?" George shouts. His fist is clenched around his wand. "She's my daughter. A child!"

Verity frowns. "I won't deny that there's an age gap—"

"An age gap?! You're old enough to be her mother!"

"—but she's not a child," Verity finishes. Before George has the opportunity to cut in, she quickly continues, "She's an adult. We're both adults. Fully consenting adults."

George's eyes bulge. "She is my daughter."

"And an adult."

"Stop saying that."

"We've been seeing each other for months," Verity blurts. "It's not just—we're not just sleeping with each other. It's serious, George. I care for her, and I think she cares for—"

"She cares for you? She's too young to even know what that means!"

"She's not a child, George!"

"She's my child."

Verity sighs. Really, she couldn't blame him. Hadn't she had the same thought? That she was too old for Roxanne? That Roxanne could do—and should do—better? And although she'd known that they wouldn't be able to hide it forever, being caught fornicating in the workshop is hardly the ideal scenario.

"Fuck." George rubs his face with his hands. "Fuck."

"George, I'm sorry."

"Don't."

"George—"

"Just leave, Verity."