Chapter 19: Another Christmas at the Burrow

(Scorpius's pov)

Over the next couple of days, I avoided my father as much as possible. Unfortunately, my mother believed in "family togetherness", which meant always eating dinner as a family. This made dinner time awkward, as my father and I didn't say much to each other and my mother tried hopelessly to get a conversation going. However, avoiding talking to my father couldn't go on forever.

On evening before Christmas Eve, I was sitting on my bed, studying my transfiguration notes for a lack of a better idea of something to do when there was a knock on the door. "Who is it?" I called, hoping that somehow it would be Mum. It wasn't.

"It's Dad." The voice at the door called, and then paused. "May I come in?"

Sighing, I got off my bed and reluctantly unlocked the door to let my father into the room. Not saying anything, my father slowly made his way to my couch and sat down. He appeared to be tired, and seemed as though he didn't want to be in my room as much as I didn't want him there. "Sit down, son." He said softly. "There's something you and I need to discuss."

Reluctantly, I took a seat next to my father and waited for him to speak. Dad took a deep breath and said, "Scorpius, I'm sorry about the way I've been acting the last couple of days. It's just… well, it's been taking some time for me to get used to the fact that you're dating the daughter of blood… of people I don't particularly get along with. Now please listen to me before you say anything because you need to hear me out.

"You see Scorpius, I only want to be a better father to you than my father was to me. All my life, I tried to impress my father, but no matter what I did, I just couldn't seem to succeed. Ever since then, I've wanted you to be happy, but I also want what's best for you. And for the last couple of days, I refused to believe that dating a… a Weasley was really what was best for you. But after your mother talked some sense into me, I realized that the only way to make you happy was to let you choose your own future, even if that did mean dating a Weasley. I truly do want you to be happy, and so my question for you is, do you truly love this Weasley girl? If you do, why?"

I sighed. Where do I begin? "Yes, father, I do love Rose. More than anything else actually. She's stunningly beautiful, with a personality that matches her fiery hair. She's bloody brilliant, and knows how to defend herself, but yet she is kind and compassionate too. She's stubborn, but is not too overly opinionated and is willing to at least listen to others and respects their opinions. I know every guy says this about his girlfriend, but she's perfect. I couldn't ask for anything more from Rosie. I… I don't what I'd do without her."

We sat in silence for a moment before my father spoke again. "I see now that you really do love this girl, and if it makes you happy, you may date her, because, really if I could only give you one thing, it would be your happiness."

"Thanks, Dad." I said, and shocked us both by hugging him.

"Anything for you, Scorpius." Dad whispered and got up to leave. Half way to the door, he turned around and asked, "Does Weasley's parents know about… the two of you."

I hesitated. "No. But Rose will they them. She promised she would, and Rose doesn't break her promises."

Dad smiled. "Then you'd better wish her luck." He said, and left the room, shutting the door softly behind him. Once he had left, I eagerly grabbed a quill and a piece of parchment and began to write my latest letter to Rose.

(Rose's pov)

My Dearest Rosie,

Well I finally did it. I told my parents about my love for you. My mother took it well, but my father was a different story. Luckily, he changed his mind after a few days, saying that more than anything he wanted me to be happy. He also said I was allowed to date you, although to tell you the truth, I would hesitate to continue dating you even if I didn't have permission. That's how much I love you, Rose Nymphadora Weasley, and you better not forget it.

So, how is everything going with your family? I hope everything is well. I miss you, and can't wait to return to Hogwarts so that I can hold you in my arms again. I hope you have a Merry Christmas.

Love always,

Scorpius

I sighed as I set Scorpius's letter down on the table. What was I going to tell him? That I've been too afraid to tell me family about him? That I didn't belong in Gryffindor because of it? Finally, almost reluctantly, I picked up my quill and began to write.

Dear Scorp,

I'm glad your father finally accepted our relationship. I told mine too… and surprisingly, he's fine with it. I mean, he certainly not pleased his little girl is dating a Malfoy, but he didn't explode like I thought he would.

I hope you're having a good Christmas. I'm writing this from the comfort of my bedroom, but soon I will be heading to The Burrow, my grandparents' home, where it is always loud and crazy, but in a good way. I am never lonely when I'm there, with so many cousins to visit with. I wish you were coming with me though. Perhaps in a year or two you will be able to join us for Christmas dinner…. Until then, I'll miss you, but I know that I will see you soon. Have a Merry Christmas.

Love, with all my heart,

Rose

I felt horrible lying to Scorpius. But really, I didn't have a choice. If my dad knew I was dating a Malfoy, he just might go straight to Malfoy Manor and Avada Kedavra Scorpius on the spot. There was no way he'd let Scorpius and I be together, and that was something I didn't want to risk.

"Rosie!" Mum called up the stairs. "It's time to go!"

"Coming!" I replied. Sighing, I sealed my letter in an envelope and went to join my family downstairs. Once there, I asked, "Hey Mum, can I borrow Pig?"

Mum stopped what she was doing and looked at me. "Well, it depends on what you need him for." Pigwidgeon II was our family owl, and therefore, we had to share him. That meant no long-distance flying for Pig.

"I wanted to send a letter to Alana. We, um, had a row before Christmas holidays, and I wanted to apologize." I replied. Another lie. But if Dad couldn't know about Scorpius, neither could Mum.

Mum smiled. "Alright, but hurry. We're leaving in five minutes."

Quickly, I let Pigwidgeon out of his cage and brought him outside. "Take this to Scorpius Malfoy." I whispered.

Pig hooted and flew off, leaving me to go back inside and join my family. As usual, The Burrow was buzzing with activity when we arrived. The women in the family were gathered in the kitchen, helping Grandma Weasley prepare dinner. Teddy Lupin, Victoire's husband, was playing with his and Vic's four-year-old son, Remus, and one-year-old daughter Rachel in the living room, and entertaining everyone. Dominique, who had just turned twenty last week, had brought David, her boyfriend of seven months, and he looked very out of place in a room full of Weasleys. Everyone else, from Granddad Weasley to Lily were simply milling around and socializing. The weather was nice for Christmas Eve, so soon an Everyone-for-his-or-herself snowball fight was organized, which Hugo, Lily, Roxanne, Al, Lucy, James, Fred, Louis, Dominique, and I all joined. It made me wish that my older cousins were still at Hogwarts.

Soon, Grandma Weasley called us in for dinner. She and Granddad Weasley had expanded their dining room even further a few years ago, and it was a good thing too, because the dining room was crowded, and it would only get more crowded, with all the boyfriends, girlfriends, and spouses, and third generation Weasleys that would be coming in the future. And that was the topic that was talked about the most that Christmas.

Each of our "romantic lives" were discussed, much to the dismay of many of us. When asked if I had anyone special, I muttered a quiet "no", which earned me strange looks from my cousins. After dinner, Albus pulled me aside.

"When are you going to tell them?" Albus hissed.

"Tell who what?" I replied, keeping my voice low.

"When are you going to tell your parents about you and Scorpius?"

I hesitated. "I don't know. Why do you care?"

Albus sighed. "You can't hide this forever, Rose. Uncle Ron may not like it, but he'll love you no matter what, you know!"

"I'll tell them soon, okay?" I snapped. "Now get off my back."

"Fine." Albus growled. "But if you haven't told them by the end of sixth year, then I will." With that, he disappeared around the corner to rejoin our family.

I sighed. I would tell my family about Scorpius by the end of sixth year, because I definitely didn't want Al telling them. But now just wasn't the time.

Author's note: Yes, I know a lot of you are going to hate me… no reaction from Ron yet. But this is all part of the master plan. You'll see. Just be patient, and it will come…. Eventually.

Please remember to review. :)

Preview for next chapter: "Okay, this is getting ridiculous." Rose said, clearly frustrated. "We need to get Albus and Alana together."

I pondered that thought for a moment. Suddenly, an idea flew in my ear and landed on my brain. "I've got a plan." I said, smiling deviously. "Want to help me with it?"

Rose smiled back. "Absolutely."