Rose POV

Monday night went about the same way as Saturday. We had several more secret meetings over the next few weeks. We had homework and friends, and we couldn't be too suspicious, so our meetings were limited, but whenever we could get together we… made the most of it.

Christmas break was approaching, and I had yet to tell Scorpius of the plan Paula had come up with the first night we got together. It was a cold and rainy day and almost everyone was inside, but Scorpius and I were sitting outside under the tree by the lake, with a warming charm around us and a shield for the rain. I was very peaceful.

"Hey Scorpius?"

"Hmm?"

"So, winter break is coming up soon, and I was wondering if, maybe, you wanted to come to the Burrow for dinner sometime?" I asked nervously.

He jumped a little and looked at me. I could understand why, I mean we've been secret for weeks and now I suddenly want to take him home to my family.

"I was talking to Paula. We have to eventually tell my family we're dating, I mean if we don't and they find out some other way they'll be so much worse. And she said, it would be better to tell them in person rather than through an owl, or worse an owl from one of my obnoxious cousins. I thought so too, and I thought that it would be best if we both were there when we told them. But only if you want to, I mean I'm sure my dad's going to blow a fuse and I don't want you to get hurt."

He cut me off. "Of course I'll be there. I don't want you to have to face them alone, and even if I do end up with a broken nose I'd rather have them know. I know they'll eventually warm up to me, I mean come on, I'm awesome." I smacked his arm. "But seriously, I want them to know about us."

"Yeah, me too. I guess I'll owl my parents and ask if I can have my boyfriend over for Christmas dinner."

"Sounds good. It's getting late, I guess we should go inside."

"Aww, do we have to? It's so peaceful out here."

"I don't want to go either, but it's almost sunset. And we shouldn't be out here after dark. Plus, it's getting colder."

"Okay, I guess." We stood up and he took my hand. We walked towards the castle in silence. I wished we could be like this on a nice day. Maybe after break we could. I just wanted to tell my family first, so that they didn't hear about it any other way. Rumors spread insanely fast at Hogwarts, and I had so many cousins that I never knew who had heard what. But if one cousin knew something, the rest of us would, too and Lily or Hugo would have to owl the parents, especially if the gossip involved one of us. We couldn't risk it.

When we reached the doors to the castle, I hugged Scorpius tightly and placed a light kiss on his lips, before hurrying inside. I started making my way up to the owlry. The walk was long and exhausting, but I eventually arrived. I pulled out a piece of black parchment and a quill, and began writing.

Dear Mum,

School has been great so far. I'm so glad to be back! The work is much more challenging this term, but I'm surviving. I can't wait for break, though!

(Mum, it might be wise if you sent Dad away while you read the next part. I don't want him to have a seizure.)

I'm sure you've heard from Lily or Hugo that I dated Ernie McLaggen for a couple weeks. He was nice enough, but he was so clingy! He wouldn't let me do anything for myself. It reminded me of how Aunt Ginny described what it was like when she dated Mina's dad. It got so bad I had no choice but to break up with him. I never really liked him much anyway, so don't worry about that.

I'm sure you knew all of that though. What you probably don't know is, I have another boyfriend now. I really like him, and I was wondering if he could possibly come over to dinner over break? Just promise me one thing, though. I you do let him come, don't leave him and dad in the same room together without strict supervision from a responsible adult. I don't want dad to hurt him.

(Okay, now Dad can read the rest.)

So anyway, I miss you guys and Paula wants to come over for Christmas dinner again. I know you said she never even has to ask, and she is pretty much part of the family anyway, but I just want to make sure.

Love you!

-Rose

Satisfied with my letter, I sealed the letter in an envelope addressed to my mum, and tied it to one of the school owls. After telling him where to go, I quickly left the owlry.

In a few days, a reply cam in the morning post. I grabbed it and went out into the Entrance Hall, so that none of my nosy cousins could see the letter.

Dear Rose,

Thank you for writing us. I always love to hear from you. I'm glad you're enjoying being back at Hogwarts. I do hope you're doing well.

Of course Paula can come to dinner! She's always welcome.

Now about the other matter. I did as you requested and didn't show your father, but he will have to know at some point that your boyfriend is coming to dinner. I did hear about the McLaggen boy. I don't know if I ever told you, but I went out with his father once. It was horrible. Not that he wasn't nice, but I just didn't like him. I'm glad you found someone you're happy with, and I can't wait to meet him. You didn't give me a name. You know I'm smart enough to know that means you don't want us to know who he is until we meet him, and that's fine. As long as you're happy, I'm happy for you. Considering the things you said about your father's possible reactions, I have a hunch who it is. Would you be mad if I told you I expected it? You used to talk about him so much, it was bound to happen. Don't worry, I won't tell your father, and I'm not mad at you. I'm sure he's a very nice boy. Draco Malfoy changed after the war.

Love you!

Mum

I couldn't believe it. She knew! Actually yes, I could believe it. My mum was the smartest witch of her age, after all. I caught sight of Scorpius as he exited the hall and I walked past him, catching his eye deliberately. He nodded slightly, and soon he was following me. When we got into a suitable place, I turned to face him.

"So, I heard back from my mum. She says you're welcome to come, and she can't wait to meet you. Also, she figured out who you are."

"What? How? My father told me she was smart, but we barely gave her anything to work with!"

"Well, she said she expected it because I talked about you. Actually, I was always complaining about how much of an arse you were, but I don't know. She can read into anything, and she's always right."

"Are you serious? How do you know she knows?" I handed him the letter.

"Read the last paragraph." I pointed it out. He read, and his eyes seemed to get bigger with every word. When he got the the last sentence, I swear they nearly popped out of his head.

"Whoa. She really figured it out. I'm glad she didn't tell your dad, though. That would have been bad."

I nodded. "Yeah, it wuld have been. But she knows that, and that's why she didn't tell him. She said she needs to tell him something, though. Just to give him a bit or warning. He doesn't have to know it's you though."

"Okay, that seems fair. I wouldn't want my daughter to have her boyfriend over without telling me, either."

"Alright, I'll owl her back today. We should probably get to class,"

"Yeah."

We walked out together, and made our way to potions. I made sure to walk on the other side of the hallway, so that it looked like we didn't know we were walking together.

That evening, I went up to the owlry to compose a quick reply to my mum's letter.

Dear Mum,

Thank you for replying so quickly. Paula is really glad she can come. You guessed right, but please don't tell dad. I agree that you should tell him I'm having my boyfriend over, but that's it. Thank you for understanding.

Love you!

-Rose

It was short, but it got my point across and that was all I really needed to say. I made my way back to Gryffindor tower and got ready for bed. It wasn't late, but I was tired and I knew I needed to get as much rest as I could before break. We were going home next week and it was going to be one of the most drama-filled vacations I've ever had.

I was happy and content because my mother knew, understood and wasn't mad at me, so it was easy to drift off into a peaceful sleep.

AN: I know, nothing much happened. I just had to set up for the next big thing. They've finally decided to tell Rose's family! Review please! They make me happy and keep me writing.

Next chapter: Christmas! (and all the drama that comes with it )