Disclaimer: yep, nothing. You know the drill.

Three days after Lucius met Scorpius, the Malfoy patriarch couldn't stand waiting any longer. He had hoped that his son's wife would be able to convince Draco to speak with him, but so far, nothing.

Well, what did he have to lose? He tied a short missive to his eagle owl's leg, and sent it off.

This is what arrived in the middle of breakfast at the younger Malfoy's home:

Draco:

I would hope that your wife has informed you of my meeting your son recently. I would like to discuss several matters of importance with you. Your presence is requested at the Manor this Saturday at 2:00.

I Remain,

Lucius Malfoy

Hermione noticed that Draco looked like he'd bitten into something rotten, and she held her hand out for the offending document. Her husband passed it to her without comment.

If he wouldn't respond, she would. She quickly took a piece of parchment and wrote back:

Lucius:

I did, indeed, tell Draco about your recent play date in great detail. His reaction was roughly what I expected. He cursed your name a bit, but listened to me in the end. At the moment, he is engaged in a debate with Scorpius about the merits of waffles vs. French toast, and he requests that you state your business regarding the topics in question. Further, he avers that the Manor will not be acceptable; Neutral ground will be required.

Sincerely,

Hermione Granger-Malfoy

P.S. - my husband maintains that you have not actually met Scorpius yet, as you were in another form.

The eagle owl arrived back at Malfoy Manor promptly, and Lucius eagerly removed Hermione's note.

"Why, that cheeky little chit! Cissa, look at this. What do you think of it?"

" I think you should try again, but with a more conciliatory tone. Honestly, Lucius. Think this through - if you fail to communicate with our son via letter, what makes you think he'll be willing to discuss anything in person?"

Lucius grumbled, but privately conceded the point. Right then. Round II:

Dear Draco:

Meeting your son, my grandson, recently has caused me to rethink past actions. I find that some of my decisions may have been a bit hasty, and I would like to explore the possibility of rectifying my mistakes. I would also like to discuss your reinstatement into the House of Malfoy, your rejoining Malfoy Industries, and the official acceptance of Scorpius as your heir.

There is no hidden subtext in my request. Your mother and I wish to build a relationship with you, your wife, and Scorpius.

Yours,

Lucius Malfoy

A frightening calm descended upon Draco when he read his father's second attempt. Hermione went to take the letter to answer it, and he quietly told her he would handle this himself:

Dear Lucius:

A bit hasty? It's been eight years since you disowned me. You stated that I was an embarrassment to the House of Malfoy, and had never been anything but a failure. I seem to recall something in there about not even managing to marry properly. More importantly, six years ago you ignored my son's birth. Now you wish to know him. Forgive me if I lack enthusiasm. Incidentally, my wife has a name: Hermione. I strongly suggest if you wish to make any kind of progress, you learn to address her properly. Amazingly, she is willing to consider forgiving your bad behavior. Can you tell me your views have changed enough to allow you to be respectful to Muggleborns? I guarantee you, neither Hermione nor I would accept anything less.

The gardens behind the Ministry of Magic, or the Leaky Cauldron would be acceptable. Your choice.

Draco

Lucius sat at his desk, and concentrated. If he only had one chance to convince his son to work with him on fixing the family, what would he say?

Once he got past the lump in his throat (there was nothing harder to swallow than pride), the words flowed onto the parchment:

Son:

Malfoys are brought up believing they are never supposed to apologize. I am certain you remember that. This means I am new to the practice, and therefore may not do the finest job at first.

I am truly sorry that I called you a failure. When you were unwilling/unable to kill Dumbledore, I wish that I had had the strength of character to be proud of you. Please understand that I honestly believed tying our fates to Voldemort was the best way to keep our family safe. If it is any consolation, your mother reminds me of the fallacy in my logic on a daily basis. Several times a day, truth be told. Sometimes with particularly malicious glee. There is nothing a woman loves more than being able to say "I told you so."

I no longer believe that you married poorly. I will not lie and tell you that I have the sudden urge to befriend muggles and hug muggleborns everywhere. However, there is an exception to every rule, and I suspect you married it. Please tell Hermione that I will work on my acceptance of her kind. I may be stubborn, but I am not a fool. It is impossible not to acknowledge her intelligence, her bravery, and her kindness. She is exceptionally good with a wand, and I suspect she has a hidden wicked streak. Coupled with her mind, she could be truly dangerous. You know how I like that in a person. I bet she keeps you on your toes. She certainly kept me on mine the other day.

Many times over the years I've wondered if perhaps I did the wrong thing by abjuring you. When I stepped into Honeydukes three days ago, it was like seeing you all over again, and I had my answer.

The Ministry of Magic's garden will suffice. I look forward to seeing you at 2:00.

Your Father

P.S. - French Toast, unless the waffles have strawberries.