Rose and Scorpius quickly shower and get dressed. Rose had packed muggle clothing to meet Draco in — a white blouse, a brown checkered skirt and brown brogues. She was now wishing that she had at least brought a wizard's cloak. She feels on edge, anxiety creeping over every inch of her skin. Scorpius notices.
"I thought you said that you were ok about meeting my dad?" Scorpius asks. He puts his hands around her hips reassuringly and places a kiss on her forehead.
"I am," Rose replies. "I just didn't expect to meet him after him finding out about our… private business."
"He won't mention it, I promise," Scorpius says. "Just try and relax, if you can. Just treat it like another day at the Wizengamot with criminals. I saw you when I came to watch that day. You were confident. Fierce. If you can handle Azkaban convicts, you can handle my father knowing that we're two consenting adults in a relationship."
Rose stares at him for a few seconds, biting her lip. Finally, she shakes her head and straightens up. "You're right, thank you," She says. "I'm Rose Granger-Weasley and I'm in a consenting relationship with my boyfriend. I've done nothing wrong. No reason to be embarrassed."
Scorpius grins at her and takes her hand. "Good, now lets go and properly introduce you to dad."
Draco is waiting for them in the dining room when they arrive. They walk side-by-side, firmly holding each others hands. Draco looks up at them — Scorpius first, then at Rose. She smiles and steps forward as Draco rises.
"Mr Malfoy. I'm Rose Granger-Weasley, it's a pleasure to meet you. My parents are — "
"Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. I know," His voice is cold. Rose doesn't react, refusing to move her eyes away from his. Draco turns to Scorpius. "How long has this been going on for?"
Scorpius steps forward and puts his arm around Rose's waist. "Rose and I started dating in May, Dad," Scorpius replies. "We're very happy together and planned to tell you tonight at dinner."
"And how did this happen?"
"Dad, you know that I've liked Rose for a long time now. She asked me —"
"No, Scorpius. I mean how are you… seeing… her after she was so cold to you for several years?"
Rose suddenly understands Draco's coldness. She hadn't expected him to have any fundamental objections to their relationship — while her parents were still not the best of friends with Draco, old feuds had been firmly buried during the events of her fourth year. But this… she understood it now. Scorpius had told her about Draco as a father — loving, overly-protective. Scorpius was Draco's only family and, of course, he would hold a grudge against anyone who had done wrong to his son. Scorpius had once remarked that he still literally seethed at any mention of Delphi, his face visibly reddening.
Rose steps forward, breaking away from Scorpius's touch. "I have a name, Mr Malfoy," She says. Draco's face hardens. "And I have a name that, perhaps, made me feel inclined and invincible enough to not treat your son fairly. That was wrong. And I'm glad that Scorpius doesn't hold grudges — because if he didn't, I wouldn't have the privilege to be seeing your son."
Draco gaze flickers to Scorpius as his face lights up, melting slightly at Rose's words. Scorpius had confided his school-boy crush to Astoria while she was still living; Draco had over-heard it one day and, far from being moved, decisively disliked Rose as a result. He blamed her father for her awful attitude and behaviour.
"But, Mr Malfoy," Rose continues, "I know that you also did some… regrettable things towards my family. And that we have moved on and forgiven you… even if my dad doesn't always show it. I hope that you can do the same with me, for Scorpius's sake. I love him, truly, and only want his complete happiness."
Rose and Scorpius hadn't told each other that before. Rose moves her head back and looks at Scorpius, smiling softly. He's overcome by emotion which bursts through his expression. Draco notices it.
"And I love her too, Dad," Scorpius says. He steps forward and takes her hand in his.
Draco continues to stare at them. There's a hesitation in his gaze, a coldness when he looks at Rose. But it slowly thaws — the desire to protect his son meeting with the desire for his son to be happy.
Finally, he speaks. "Then I can ask for no more."
Scorpius breaks out into a large grin and pulls his father into a hug. Draco shuts his eyes, gently patting his back. They pull away from each other and smile.
Lunch goes smoothly — the polite conversation ranging from Rose's new career to how her parents are doing. Draco notices the way that Scorpius stares at Rose whenever she speaks, his face simultaneously brightening and softening at her every word. It is one that is familiar to him.
When lunch finishes, Rose and Scorpius excuse themselves so that they can walk around the grounds of the Manor. Draco catches a glimpse of them outside from one of the large windows in the drawing room; Rose is laughing happily at an animated Scorpius before he throws his arms around her from behind. Draco smiles and, for the first time, he feels that he can relax over his son.
