Gossip spreads ungodly fast at Hogwarts, just like it would at any other school in the world. That is why I was currently being glared at by about 20 people wherever I went. People knew that Scorpius and I were dating before we even had arrived back in the castle.
As soon as Sarah had spotted Dom and Nicola enter the common room after our trip, she had waved them over frantically.
"Tell them Rose before they hear from someone else!"
I sighed. "Scorpius and I are sort of dating now..."
Nicola shrieked with delight while Dom said, "Well I figured since I saw you guys holding hands around town, but congratulations Rose! Finally after all this time!"
Throughout the rest of Saturday and the following day, my family came up to me with various reactions to me dating Scorpius.
Hugo had been the first, approaching me in the common room saying, "Rose, why didn't you tell me you guys were dating!"
"Because it happened about an hour ago, Hu and I haven't seen you!"
Lily was next, skipping over to me. "Rosie! I just heard from Albus that you are dating Scorpius finally! You guys are such a cute couple."
The following Sunday night was (unfortunately) family dinner, so I was bombarded by the rest of the family.
"Rose what did we say about dating the enemy!" James had shouted before I had even sat down.
"Yeah Rose," chimed in Fred, "I believe we specifically told you not to."
"Oh, give it a rest boys," said Roxy coming to my rescue, "I think you guys are good together."
James huffed. "Fine. But don't think you are completely off the hook. You either Sarah!"
...
It was surprising how easy it was with Scorpius. Everything was mostly the same; there was still arguing over who was the best alchemist in wizardry, and teasing each other. Of course now we were both more affectionate. Stealing kisses in the library, holding on to each other when walking, actual compliments.
Soon I decided it was time to write to my parents about my new boyfriend. I never felt more nervous when I sent out one of the school's owls with my letter tied around it's leg. I had rewritten it a half a dozen times before it finally sounded alright.
Dear Mum and Dad,
A lot has happened over the last few weeks, and I wish I could see you in person and tell you all about it. I figured I should be the first to tell you, and not one of the aunts or uncles. I've started dating someone, Scorpius Malfoy actually. I know that I always complained to you guys about how much I didn't like him, and how he got on my nerves, but over the last year I've looked past that. I found out that he is a decent human being. He is funny and charming and extremely intelligent. I hope you are ok with this, but honestly I like this guy so much it won't matter if you don't.
In other news, Hugo is finally pulling up his grade in History of Magic! I've been working with him as much as I can, and his progress is obvious. I know he is getting a little stressed (just wait till he gets to his fifth year), but I'm sure he'll make it through. He does have Lily after all to guide him.
I hope you are doing well! We just missed you at Hogsmeade, Dad, maybe next time we'll catch you.
All My Love,
Rose
Waiting for a reply was painful. Every day I scanned the ceiling for the owl I sent, hoping a letter would come. I wasn't sure if my parents would approve or not, but not knowing was killing me.
Scorpius's parents had apparently quickly replied to his letter.
He had casually mentioned at breakfast one morning that his mum was thrilled he finally had a serious girlfriend.
I dropped my fork. "You told them! What did your dad say?"
"He said 'Of course you picked a Weasley, but I suppose it was bound to happen since that family infested the school'."
Of course that made me crack a smile, but it still didn't ease my discomfort. I needed to know what my mom and dad were going to think of my new boyfriend. I needed to know if I was able to take him to dinner at my house without incident.
...
I received three letters within the next couple days from my family. The first was from my mum.
Rose-
Scorpius seems like a lovely young man. You will have to invite him and his family formally to Christmas this year so we can get to know him better.
You're father of course does not agree with you dating him, but I wouldn't put much thought into it. I've reminded him that the Potters love Scorpius, and your Uncle Harry is going to have word with him tonight. I am positive that his anger has everything to do with the fact that he Draco's son, but don't worry soon he will realize how childish he is being.
I'm glad you are taking care of your brother and keeping up your grades. Tell the family I said hello, and thank Uncle Neville for the lovely flowers.
Love,
Mum
I was bummed by this answer. I was secretly hoping my mother would say "Congratulations! What a wonderful boy you chose! Your father is so excited." I knew the likely of that happening was slim, but it was still a disappointment when it didn't go how I hoped.
The second letter was from Victoire. I knew this was coming sooner or later, because Vic loves to be a part of other people's love lives.
Dear Rosie,
I heard you finally and Scorpius are finally together! I knew you two would be cute from the first time you got detention together second year. I hope you are remembering the advice I gave you. Don't let him walk all over you. Make him treat you like a princess. Don't get overly jealous, it doesn't look good. And be yourself!
If you need fashion advice for your next date, or you get in a spat (I'm sure that's probably already happened knowing you two) then just send me a quick letter! I'm never far away :).
Teddy says hello and gives his love. He also made a comment about he feels as if his cousin is dating his cousin, but we both know that's not even by blood.
Love you!
Victoire
The last letter I received I was not expecting. It came while I was a breakfast, the day after Victiore's letter, which had honestly not made me feel any better. But when I looked at my Aunt Ginny's scrawled handwriting, suddenly my heart lifted the tiniest bit.
Dear Rose,
Having a big family is great at times. It's nice to have plentiful of people who love and care about you. But having such a big family also means word travels fast, and that each person will have an opinion on your situation and will think that it's their duty to give you it.
Don't listen to them.
I had six older brothers growing up who all thought that they had a choice in who I dated. THey did not realize that I was my own person who took their opinion with a grain of salt. You are a completely independent young woman, and shouldn't listen to anyone when it comes to relationships unless you want to.
Your parents were not big fans of Scorpius's father in school and neither was I. But that shouldn't effect what they or you think of Scorpius. Draco has done a fine job at raising a wonderful young man. If he is who you want to be with, then I support you 100%, and so does your Uncle Harry.
Make sure James isn't being awful to Roxy, what with the big Quidditch match coming up. Also if you could help Albus with his Herbology homework that would be lovely. I know he is struggling, Neville told me as much, but he won't admit it. And tell Jack that he needs to write his mother back, Katherine is getting worried, she hasn't got a letter in a couple of weeks.
We love you very much Rosie, and we'll see you at Christmas.
All my love,
Aunt Ginny
Aunt Ginny always seemed to know just what to say to make me feel better.
I folded up the letter, and put it with my things under my bed. I had a lot to do, like lecturing Jack and keeping James in check. I needed to also confront Albus about his Herbology grade before meeting my boyfriend in the library. The first Quidditch game was coming up after all, and Albus's head was probably elsewhere.
I apologize that it is a shorter chapter than usual, but I felt like this needed to be said before I start the next chapter which is the first Quidditch game! I'll try to get it out as soon as possible. Love you all xxx -Macey
