Disclaimer- I do not own Harry Potter or its characters.
Draco watched as the train pulled out of the station leaving himself and Astoria alone for the first time in eleven years. He was actually going to miss the boy, he mused idly. Scorpious made him a better man. He was fond of the boy, his son.
"Draco. Come on." He gave a rye smile at Astoria. She was beautiful. But he was a Malfoy and Malfoys could have nothing but the best.
"Coming dear." They apperated to their little cottage. Astoria thought living at a manor was too ostentatious so Draco had given in and purchased the cottage. Astoria said their son would be much happier with the moor to play on and explore. Draco had never frolicked as a boy, he was above it or so his father had always told him.
Draco looked around the house seemed empty without Scorpious running underfoot. He walked into the small room that served as his study and removed his cloak. He sat at his desk and looked over the papers he had left for later.
It was odd not to have Scorpious come running in. He closed his eyes.
"Dad, oye, Dad. What are you doing dad?" Draco would never have barged in on his father in such a manner but Scorpious was not him and all the better for it.
"I am working Scorpious."
"I know that Dad. I mean what are you working on" Scorpious said sardonically. Lucius would never had stood for such impertinents Draco had come to realize he was not his father. Scorpious's actions while aggravating amused Draco.
"I am working on research for the hospital. " Draco had taken advantage of his potions abilities and become an apothecary for Saint Mungos, a job he would never have found himself doing as a young man. But people change and so he had changed.
"That sounds boring."
Draco laughed. "You would be surprised what could be interesting. "
"I'd rather fly. Can we dad. Please dad." At least he had some manners.
"Later perhaps."
"Okay then."
Draco opened his eyes. Astoria was behind him. "It's too quiet dear." She said solemnly. "I suppose your mother must have been rather lonely when you left for school."
His mother, perhaps she was. His father wasn't one to show a display of emotion, if he felt it all. But his mother had in her own way showered her with affection. Sweets and praises of the like. Yes she would have been lonely. His father wasn't much for comforting.
Lucius loved them both, in his own way, Draco supposed. Hs father had been cold and indifferent for most of his childhood. Inflicting his values through scorn and aloofness. Perfection was always is father's goal. His father was a bigot, Draco knew, a death eater and a perfectionist. But in the end his main concern had been for the family.
His father was still aloof and whether he was capable of ever missing his son's presence Draco could never be sure. Of his mother, Narcissa, Astoria was correct about he was sure.
"Yes, it was why I never went to Durmstrang. Mother preferred to have me close by."
"I do not blame her." Astoria kissed his cheek lightly. "I miss him already."
Draco smiled. He had been a aloof and rather cruel child but now he felt a great deal of affection for his wife. He grabbed her hands and pulled them over his shoulders. " Scorpious will owl us as soon as he gets settled."
"I hope he will not find too much trouble." Draco replied remembering his own Hogwarts years. The name Malfoy alone, now symnomanus with death eater, would give his son a cross enough to bare. But Scorpious was a Malfoy in appearance in name only. He was nothing like his grandfather or father. He was a better person for which Draco often found himself grateful.
A better person in fact that had made Draco a better man. Draco remembered Scorpious as a baby. He smiled sadly. It was another step in the right direction Draco had taken with his life.
He paced on the third floor of Saint Mungos. A healer walked in. "Mr. Malfoy?"
He turned around. "Yes be on with it." He really should work on his manners. Draco mused.
"Your wife has given birth to a healthy baby boy." Why add the baby. What could she give birth to a dragon, a gnome perhaps? It was a waist of words. "You may see them now."
Malfoy gave a curt nod and walked off. Astoria was n the bed cuddling a small blue bundle. She looked exhausted, but never more beautiful. To think he had almost married Pansey. He had made a good choice in Astoria. She had a brain and was far more lovely.
"Hello Draco. We have a son." She smiled and nodded for Draco to step forward. He gated over and sat on the edge of the bed. He peered at his son. What was so interesting about a baby anyways?
The baby was tiny. He had grey eyes set into a pale face. Soft wisps of hair almost white sat upon his head. Draco was mesmerized. How could he have had part in something so, so light? Was that the word he was searching for?
"You could hold him if you like Draco." Draco shook his head. He would inevitably hurt the child. Darkness and light mix like oil and water. Astoria laughed. She had read his mind. Gifted Occlumenc as he was Astoria could open him up like a book.
"Fine then." Astoria handed the child over.
"Mind his head dear. There you go." He was so light and tiny. Draco smirked. Perhaps there was something better in him.
"Hello.." what would they name the child. Draco was rather found of the tradition of his mother's family. star constellations made for dignified and rather special names. "Hello Scorpious."
"I do like the sound of that." Astoria remarked. "I like it a lot."
It was getting late. Astoria had long gone to bed. Draco decided to join her. Their room was directly across from Scorpious's. He peeked in, more out of habit then anything else. It was of course empty. Draco sighed. He would miss the boy.
* * * * * *
They were having their Saturday afternoon brunch when there was a tapping at the window. A large tawny owl was there, a letter attached. Astoria went over to the window and took the letter from the owl. She gave it to Draco and went to fetch a treat to give the owl. She always had been found of animals.
Draco looked at the letter, glad to hear word from his son. He had in fact missed him or then he had even thought.
Oye Dad, Mum,
Hogwarts is amazing. We crossed the great lake and I saw the squid, really I did. The great hall had enchanted ceilings just like you said. I saw stars and the moon, inside.
It was kind of scary though. People kept whispering stuff about me, about you and grandfather really. I wasn't very welcome on the train.
Please don't be mad dad but I didn't get into Slytheran. I don't think they wanted me anyways. I know you'll hate to hear it but I am a Gryffindor. Grandfather will not be happy one bit. I am sure I can expect a howler.
Mum the food here is good. But it is not as good as yours. I am trying to not to be confrontational as you asked but it is hard. People say some awfully rude things, the gifts.
Love, Scorpious
Draco took a deep breath. His son was a Gryffindor, a not a Slytheran but Gryffindor of all things. He counted to ten. He sighed. Scorpious was different then him after all and perhaps it was for the better. He did not however look forward to telling his father.