A/N: Here is the latest chapter of my little story. You all know the drill :) read/review! I have chapter 8 written up already but I'll upload it when I have the next chapters outlined and when I receive some more reviews, so call it a bribe haha. I have a birthday weekend coming up and I intend to enjoy my weekend thoroughly! No worries, I should have at least 2 more chapters up and I can safely say things are more or less progressing for my beloved Lily and Scorpius. I am basing Lily from the personalities of my two best friends who are true friends, and as for Scorpius, I have no idea. Lol. I hope you are liking how my story is progressing. I'm kind of obsessed with the band Interpol right now so I will be writing their music into my story because I am a nutter :p Thanks for the favorite alerts and reviews!

Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER AND NEVER WILL!

The Muggle Way of Life and Other Things

Draco was outside in the garden helping his wife weed their garden. They had a house elf to do most of the chores but today Astoria insisted on doing the garden herself. She loved planting and taking care of her flower beds. Draco on the other hand was slightly put out on having to help with the garden in the Muggle fashion; he'd rather have gone to his business and oversee the apothecary on his day off. Had he known his wife would have him do the hard stuff without magic, he would have escaped.

Sensing his frustration, Astoria had kept him around much longer than she normally would have. She amused herself on her husband's conceited ways of certain housework and this one tickled her. He hated outdoor chores and she loved how it annoyed him yet he was still there despite his aggravation. Just as she was about to set him free, she noticed a familiar owl flying from the horizon.

"Darling, that's the Potter's owl. Please read the letter and let me know what it says. I have so much dirt on my hands and I left the wands in the bedroom." Draco raised his eyebrows at his wife; sensing what was coming, Astoria added,

"Leave me be, Malfoy. I happen to like gardening the Muggle way. Now shush and read the letter." She sniffed haughtily while Draco began to chuckle. He took the parchment from the owl and found a treat nearby to give Samwise, one of the Potters owls. The creature hooted contently and flew off. He began to read the letter, his brow furrowing until a look of confusion graced his pale face.

Astoria, who had been busy with the flowers, finally realized that her husband was silent for awhile and looked up,

"Honey, what's wrong? If Ginny is asking for permission for Al to visit she should know by now it isn't necessary." Draco shook his head and looked at her.

"It isn't about Albus. It's about Lily. She wants to know if Lily can come by this week for an afternoon while the rest of them visit some relatives." The request left Draco a bit confused; he knew all the Weasley/Potters were close with one another and lived nearby. He began to wonder on how many more Weasleys were scattered about England, and the world, when Astoria looked just as confused and asked,

"Lily? Which afternoon Ginny referred to, dear?"

"This Thursday, it seems." Astoria raised her eyebrows in surprise.

"That's odd. I know they were all supposed to visit Harry's Muggle relations in Surrey this Thursday…" Astoria mused, wondering what might have occurred to have Ginny ask her for Lily to stay behind. Draco was astonished, on the other hand.

"Harry still keeps in contact with the Muggles that raised him? I was under the impression he hated them. From what I remember in school, he rarely spoke of them and it was common fact he hated going back there every summer holiday." Astoria looked grim as she recalled conversations she and Ginny had about those particular relatives of Harry.

"Well, they aren't the most exciting of people. I do know that Harry and his cousin do maintain communication over post and remain on good terms. It was his aunt and uncle that despised anything connected to magic. In fact, his aunt was his mother's sister, whom she disowned when she left for Hogwarts. Apparently the aunt had been jealous that she wasn't a witch herself."

Astoria suddenly remembered what had been tugging at her subconscious and turned to Draco.

"Lily doesn't want to go; am I right?" Draco sagely nodded.

"Yes. Ginny asks if Lily can come by for the day because she doesn't like her aunt much and was distraught on having to see her again. I was confused which aunt it could be since they all seem to be close, especially for a huge family." Astoria chuckled softly and sighed.

"Yes, Ginny told me of that long ago, when Al and Scor first began Hogwarts. Apparently, Lily resembles her namesake, who was Harry's mother, apart from the eyes. From what Ginny told me, the resemblance is so startling that Harry's aunt, Petunia Dursley, treats Lily in a way that has the poor girl in fear of the woman." Astoria sighed sadly; her heart ached for the girl. She's grown to see her almost as a daughter and she knew Draco had a soft spot for Lily as well, especially now since she was a popular Slytherin.

"Well, she is more than welcome to come for the day. I know Mother would love her company, as well as you, Miss 'I miss female company'." Astoria threw a stray weed at her husband who began to laugh. He offered his hand to lift her up and proceeded to lift her up in one fluid motion.

Astoria began to giggle as he twirled her about, just as he did when he proposed to her years ago. She felt like a teenager as he spun her around, while laughing giddily. After she stopped feeling dizzy, she noticed Draco looking at her adoringly. She began to blush and he kissed her lovingly. She returned the kisses just as enthusiastically, which was the moment their son proceeded to join them outside.

He had seen Samwise while reading from his bedroom window upstairs and had gone downstairs to the kitchen, waiting for the letter he had assumed was for him. When time had passed long enough he had gone outside in search of his parents and the letter when he came upon them in a shared moment between them. He paled in horror,

"OY!" He was mortified on seeing his parents sharing a tender moment as if they were teenagers, even though deep down it always made him happy on how devoted his parents were to each other.

He had seen several pureblood marriages, his own aunt included, brought upon by desire to marry up or settle down, neither requiring love at all. His aunt Daphne had done the former; although her and his Uncle Theodore were happy now, he knew it wasn't always the case for them. They had mutual respect for one another through years of marriage and twin daughters but they didn't exude the love of being bonded with one another like his parents, or even Albus' and Rose's parents.

He wasn't sure that Paulina or Penelope knew the difference nor did he wish for them to figure it out just yet. He hoped that they didn't expect the same for themselves; they all deserved happiness.

Scorpius' attention was reverted back to the present when he realized his father was softly shaking him, with the Malfoy smirk gracing his face. He also realized he had inadvertently closed his eyes at seeing his parents kiss. He saw his mother was still blushing and he cleared his throat, trying to push the image from his head.

"I thought I saw Samwise; was it a letter from Al?" Astoria shook her head while Draco informed him,

"No it was permission for Lily to spend the day here at Malfoy Manor while they visit their Muggle relatives." Scorpius gaped in shock; Astoria raised an eyebrow at her son then began to wonder of his feelings towards the budding teenage girl. Draco seemed a bit surprised at Scorpius' shock;

"Why so shocked, Scorp?" Draco asked.

"Well its just I know which Muggle relatives the Potters have and wondered how Al got stuck with it while Lils gets to come here. I thought they hated those relations. How did Lily get out of it?" He asked shrewdly; he was suspicious of his little scarlet Lily for she has always managed to get away with anything.

Astoria grinned at her son; she couldn't help but like the irony of how a Malfoy was suspicious and prejudiced of a Slytherin. Draco seemed a bit amused himself and gave Astoria a roll of his eyes, causing her to laugh.

"Am I to understand, Scorpius, that you are basing this on Lily being a Slytherin?" Draco drawled in a manner that had Scorpius snort in laughter.

"This isn't because Lily is a Slytherin! This is because this is what Lily always does! She's always been this way, getting out of one thing or another. All she has to do is pout, tear up a little, and softly say Daddy to the great Harry Potter! He always falls for it! He was strong to defeat Tom Riddle but can't say no to his own little girl!" He shook his head in admiration.

Draco began to snicker in agreement while Astoria laughed softly,

"That's a result of Lily not only being the youngest, but being the only girl. She will always be innocent no matter what and I know for a fact you, Al, and James are just as easy to fall for her act than Harry Potter." Draco guffawed while Scorpius shrugged.

"I know her pretty well, Mother. She's practically my best friend, too." Astoria kept chuckling while proclaiming it was time they head inside for something cool to drink.

The three Malfoys left the garden and entered to kitchen for refreshments. Their house elf, Tibby, had already placed a pitcher of cold pumpkin juice and three glasses. She began to pour them their juice while Astoria washed her hands at the sink.

"So am I correct to assume that you don't mind if Lily comes over then?" Draco asked, knowing the answer already. Scorpius smiled and nodded.

"Not at all! Maybe I can teach her a few scales with the piano; she loves the Muggle composer I told her of. But how did she get out of the visit with the Muggle relatives?" Scorpius looked confusedly at his parents. Astoria looked at Draco, who shrugged. Astoria looked at her son,

"I think you should ask her that. It'd be better if she told you her reasons." Scorpius looked a bit disconcerted with the cryptic way his mother put Lily's visit. He began to wonder if there was a deeper reason Albus and Lily didn't like their Muggle relatives.

He knew that they had Muggle-born friends at school so it wasn't a prejudice of theirs like it had been with his father and his aunt, as well as others he had come to meet over the years. He remembered vaguely that Albus didn't like an aunt of his father's while the others were pretty amiable. He wondered if the dislike of this Muggle aunt was shared amongst the siblings.

He excused himself so he can write a letter to Albus as well as one to Lily. He stopped midway and looked towards his parents,

"Will Paulina and Penelope be coming over too? Or will it just be Lily?" Astoria shook her head.

"Remember, dear, that they were going to Wales for the week." Nodding, he excused himself again while going upstairs to write his letters. He passed his grandmother and proceeded to kiss her cheek as he made his way up the staircase. She ruffled his hair slightly while continuing her way towards the kitchen.

Tibby had already prepared some refreshments for Mrs. Narcissa while Astoria and Draco discussed the plans for Thursday; Narcissa overheard a few bits and asked,

"What is on Thursday? I didn't know there were plans that day." Draco made to assist his mother in getting her tea and biscuits, but she waved him away, proclaiming she wasn't old just yet. Chuckling, he pulled out her chair for her instead and she smiled grandly at him,

"I am so proud that you never lost your gentlemanly manners, despite being the spoiled son I and Lucius raised you to be." Draco winked at Astoria, who raised an eyebrow.

"Apparently not all of his conceits have vanished away; he was practically whining about helping me with the garden in the Muggle fashion." Draco smirked while Narcissa laughed softly. Astoria huffed slightly at her husband and focused her attention on her mother in law.

"Lily Potter will be coming over on Thursday while her family visit some distant relatives of theirs. She has no desire on joining them and asked to be elsewhere. I gladly said she could come here; I hope it won't be a bother to you, Mother."

"Of course not! It would be wonderful to have another girl here! I recall her saying she wants to learn how to play the piano; I would be more than happy to teach her." Narcissa seemed pleased with the idea while Draco shook his head.

"I'm sorry, Mother. But Scorpius may fight you over that particular activity. He is keen on teaching Lily himself."

"Oh dear, is that even wise? He is a decent piano player for sure but what can he possibly teach a girl?" Astoria laughed while Draco gave a bemused expression at his mother, who seemed a bit put out.

"Mother, she is a child of twelve years. She is most likely not a prodigy that needs the skill of an accomplished pianist as yourself." Narcissa was pacified a bit while Draco smiled at his mother, and the irony of the situation which he was sure would have had his father rolling in his grave. Here was his mother, anxious to spend time with the daughter of a Halfblood and a blood traitor.

He looked over at Astoria who winked at him appreciatively; she seemed to have known his train of thought and thought it also funny. Yes, Draco thought to himself. Times have changed and for the better.

While his small family were conversing in the kitchen, Scorpius was writing to both the Potter siblings. In his letter to Albus, he sent his regrets, wished him a good day with the Muggles, and invited himself over for the weekend, knowing it would be welcomed by both sets of parents; meanwhile he was currently stuck with the letter to Lily.

He was confused on her upcoming visit; he didn't know why but he was. This would be the first time the each of them would be alone without Albus, the twins, and the others. For some reason he was nervous; how on earth was he supposed to keep her entertained?

He knew how not be bored with Albus; they were best of friends and they knew each other better than most others. It has been three years since they boarded the train to Hogwarts together and their friendship has become more of a brotherly kinship. They each preferred the others company rather than Nigel or even Frank, who had grown up with Albus, and everyone knew this and accepted it.

But being with Lily on his own was making Scorpius nervous; he had promised her piano lessons but will that be enough to keep her happy? He didn't want to bore her or anything. It was helpful that they each had similar interests: Quidditch, Potions, music…

Scorpius had a brilliant idea; he knew Lily loved all kinds of music, whether it was from the wizarding world or Muggles. He would ask his father for permission to visit Muggle London; his mother always loved going as well as his grandmother. Ever since he can remember his grandmother, who was of a Pureblood background, found herself intrigued by the world of the Muggles. She delighted in their museums and music, something he knew Lily would enjoy.

He ran downstairs where his family had moved to the parlor room, where his grandmother was playing the piano while Astoria was perusing a book on antiques Scorpius had given her for Christmas. His father was reading the Daily Prophet and he looked up at as Scorpius bounded in with a hurried manner about him.

"Scorp, what is it? What has you all frantic?" Draco raised an eyebrow at his son who seemed a bit flustered with excitement. Narcissa stopped playing while Astoria looked up curiously at her son.

"Instead of staying here at the Manor all day, maybe we can all go to Muggle London on Thursday? There are some shops that sell Muggle music that I think Lily would like. I remember telling her that Al and I liked Muggle London a lot. She might like it if we all go…I don't think she's gone before." Narcissa beamed,

"I think it's a marvellous idea! I've wanted to go back and see the Globe theatre where that Muggle Bill Shakespeare wrote his plays. I liked that one book you read, Astoria." Astoria smiled.

"His name was Will Shakespeare. And I think it's a splendid idea, isn't it, Draco?" Draco nodded.

"I have to go to the Apothecary for a few hours. I can meet you all after you're done sightseeing? I can ask Harry or Hermione about a restaurant we can all go to in London." Astoria looked impressed that her husband mentioned Hermione at all; Narcissa took it in stride and kept her smile for her grandson, who looked enthusiastic at the prospect of a day in Muggle London.

"Do you think Lily and I are old enough to go venture about to a few shops alone? Just a few. Meanwhile, Mother, you and Grandmother can go to that shop that holds those pretty dresses you liked by that Muggle fashion designer, Vivenne Westwood?" Astoria beamed and turned to her mother in law.

"Oh yes, Mother! We can go there for awhile; I'm sure Scorpius and Lily would be fine on their own. And remember how we liked that one dress?" Narcissa was nodding with approval.

"I agree. That sounds like a pleasant idea, Scorpius. But I was under the impression you wanted to teach Lily the piano." Scorpius shrugged.

"We can do that after we come back. I know the Potters will be gone for awhile; I just don't want Lily cooped up here all day. Especially not knowing what she's heard about Malfoy Manor." Scorpius lowered his eyes while his grandmother paled at his words. Draco made a motion to go to his son, but Astoria was quicker.

Draco had a feeling his wife had known this was bound to come up; it was the same thing that he had done when Albus first came to the Manor. It wasn't until after a few visits that Albus told Scorpius that he didn't care about the history of the Manor. He only cared of the present, yet he did ask Draco for permission to hear his side, which made both father and son awkward at the time. It had only solidified the friendship between the boys and now each were integrated to the others family. He heard his wife's soothing voice,

"Oh Scor, darling, there is nothing to be ashamed about. I doubt Lily feels anything negative about the Manor. Otherwise she wouldn't have been happy to come here when she had plenty of other places she could have gone. Trust me, it'll be the same as it was with Al. You're underestimating little Lily. She's a Slytherin, remember?" Scorpius grinned at this mother's cheek while Draco seemingly took offense.

"Stori, this is how inter-house rivalries begin! You're promoting my former House in a very negative manner. I can safely speak for myself as well as for Lily and my mother, we are offended!" Narcissa laughed while Draco dramatically swept up his robes and left the room in a bat-like manner very similar to his former Potions and D.A.D.A teacher Severus Snape, which had Astoria trying hard not to laugh at the imitation, out of respect for the dead. Scorpius was confused while Narcissa began to busy herself with contemplating the things to do in Muggle London with her family and Lily Potter.