Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Do you think we’ll see her today?” Ron asks as he walks beside his husband, watching closely as their children run off in front of them.

“Ron-” Harry begins, and looks at Ron with concern. “We talked about this.”

“No, I know. We’ve moved on. But, do you think-?”

Harry suddenly stops walking, and he turns to look at Ron, gently placing a hand on his arm. “Love, I don’t know. But, if we do happen to see her, it’s best that we don’t acknowledge her. She’s made it clear that she doesn’t want to be a part of our lives anymore. As long as she’s happy, then that’s all that matters,” he says. He leans forward and gently kisses Ron’s cheek.

“Ew! Get a room!”

Harry looks over and chuckles when he sees Albus, the youngest, standing by them, making gross kissy faces at them. “Shouldn’t you be with your siblings, you little heathen?”

Albus stands straight, and he nervously looks around. “I don’t know where they are!”

Ron rolls his eyes. “Come on then, they’re probably waiting to get on the train. I’m going to have a strong word with James before you three board,” he says, and he starts leading the way.

Harry chuckles. “Ronald,” he mumbles, before following his husband and youngest child.

Luckily, once they get closer to the train, it doesn’t take long for Harry and Ron to find their two older children. James is the oldest at fourteen, with Lily being a year younger than him.

“James, what did we talk about?” Ron asks as soon as they walk up to James.

“What?” James asks, looking up with nothing but an innocent smile on his face.

“Albus is your responsibility. You can’t just leave him all by himself!” Ron exclaims.

“We didn’t leave him. It’s not my fault he couldn’t keep up with us,” James argues, crossing his arms against his chest. “Besides, why does he have to be my responsibility?”

Ron sighs as he stares at James. “Look James, I know it’s annoying, but you know how nervous Albus is about the sorting ceremony, so I would appreciate it if you tried to make him feel included. You didn’t have to babysit him. I just want to know that he’s being looked after,”

“Dad, I’ll look at him. You don’t have to worry. Besides, Albus is going to be fine. He’s likeable, so I’m sure he’ll end up finding some friends along the way,” James tries to assure him.

“I know that. I have no doubt he’ll make new friends. I just don’t want him to end up with the wrong sort,” Ron says, shaking his head. He happens to glance over towards the crowd, and freezes as soon as he sees the familiar curly brown hair.

Harry instantly notices Ron’s staring, and is quick to find the familiar face as well, and he quickly becomes closer to Ron, gripping onto his arm. They both notice that she’s with a child. “Well, uh-” Harry clears his throat. “Looks like she did end up having her own kid.”

“It just sucks that she never thought to get in contact with us after she left. I mean, we sent her mail every single year,” Ron mumbles. “He doesn’t look anything like her. In fact, he looks more like-” Ron’s eyes widen as soon as Draco Malfoy steps into the crowd. “Oh, bloody hell.”

“Damn,” Harry mumbles.

“Malfoy?” Ron hisses, and looks over at Harry. “She left me for… that ?”

“Her loss,” Harry whispers, squeezing Ron’s arm. “Come on, let’s say goodbye to the kids.”

Ron tries to look away, but he can’t. He hasn’t seen Hermione since the war ended, and she decided that she didn’t want to be a part of their lives anymore. Ron was devastated, especially after just admitting his feelings to her during mid-battle. They had only kissed once. Ron thought they were forever, and then she left and never contacted either of him or Harry again.

But, it’s okay. Ron still turned out okay. He and Harry got together after what they thought was going to be a one night stand, but Harry admitted his feelings to Ron, and Ron returned them, eventually, of course. Harry quickly helped him get over his feelings for Hermione. Eventually, Ron and Harry got married and were able to have their own kids, thanks to Harry being able to have children. Sure, Ron was heartbroken before, but now he couldn’t be happier.

Harry is quick to find Albus, and he hates how nervous the youngest is.

“Dad, what if I am in Slytherin?” Albus asks, looking up at Harry with scared eyes.

Harry takes a deep breath as he stares at Albus. “Albus Severus Potter. You were named after two great wizards,” a smile forms on Harry’s face. “One of them was a Slytherin.”

“But-”

“But nothing. We will still love you even if you are sorted into Slytherin, and if there’s anyone at that school who gives you any crap for being sorted into Slytherin, you tell me immediately, because I know someone who’s really good at hexing,” Harry winks at Albus, before quickly pulling him into a comforting hug. “You’re going to be just fine, sweetheart.” He looks up when the train horn goes off, alerting children of departure.

“Albus! Hurry up!” James shouts from where he’s waiting by the train door.

Harry squeezes Albus one last time, before allowing Ron to give him a hug goodbye.

Harry walks over to Ron as Albus runs over to get on the train with his brother. Harry sighs, and wraps his arm around Ron. “He’ll be alright,”

“Of course he will. He’s got a brother like James to look after him,” Ron says, and then he scowls when he sees the little boy who had been with Hermione running onto the train. Ron looks over at Harry. “I swear to Merlin, if Albus befriends that boy…”

Harry chuckles. “You’ll do nothing. Albus will choose the right ones to make friends with,”

“Hm. If he’s anything like his father, I’m sure he will,” Ron grins, and he looks over to kiss Harry a few times.

“Harry? Ron?”

Ron instantly pulls away, and looks over. He takes a deep breath when he sees Hermione standing right there, just a few feet away from them.

“Wow. I… wasn’t expecting to see you here today,” Hermione says shyly.

“Why wouldn’t we?” Ron asks, and slowly lets go of Harry. “Our children are off to school.”

“Right. I should have realized. You said in your letters…” Hermione stops.

“You read the letters?” Harry asks with raised eyebrows, surprised to hear this. They sent multiple letters after the war, but Hermione never responded to them, so they eventually stopped sending letters, assuming she just no longer wanted to hear from them.

“Of course I read them. I just never knew what to say,” Hermione admits.

“Anything. You could have said anything. But, we get it. We’ve all grown up now, and it’s clear we all went our different paths. We’re not going to hold grudges. Right, Ronald?” Harry looks over at Ron, and raises his eyebrows at him.

Ron clears his throat. “Yeah, uh… right,”

“I know it’s been a long time, but I’ve missed seeing you. Perhaps we can catch up sometime? I’d love to hear all about your wonderful children,” Hermione says.

“Yeah. That would be great,” Harry says, nodding. “We’d really like that, Hermione.”

Hermione smiles, and goes to say something, but stops when she hears the sound of someone clearing their throat. She looks over, and takes a deep breath when she sees Malfoy. “Darling, I’ll be right there,” she looks over at Harry and Ron again. “I’ve got to get going. It was lovely seeing you both again. I mean that. Write to me. I promise I’ll respond this time.” She hurries over to them, pulling them both into a tight hug, before running over to Malfoy.

Ron scowls as he watches Malfoy place his arm around Hermione’s shoulder as they walk away.

“What a git,” Ron grumbles.

Harry lets out a sigh, before nodding. “Yeah. He is a git,” he agrees. He looks over at Ron. “Should we get going? I’m hungry. We need to figure out what we’re having for dinner.”

Ron laughs, and grabs Harry’s hand. “You’ve been spending far too much time with me, love.”

Chapter Text

“You want to do what?”

Albus sighs dramatically as he stands in front of his dad. “Dad, come on-”

“No, no, no. Don’t you come on me. Do you have any idea how crazy that idea is?” Ron asks, crossing his arms against his chest. You want to spend an entire summer with this kid-”

“His name is Scorpius, and I don’t understand what the big deal is! Besides, I’m fifteen now. Scorpius already talked to his mum. She said she’s fine with it,” Albus argues.

“Of course she did,” Ron grumbles to himself. “Your father will never agree to this.”

“What am I not agreeing to?”

Ron looks over as Harry appears in the doorway of their home, and he sighs in relief. “Harry, thank Merlin. Tell your son he’s talking absolute nonsense!”

“Dad!” Albus whines, stomping his feet.

“Okay, what’s going on you two?” Harry asks, making his way into the living room. He’s just gotten home from work, and this certainly isn’t what he was expecting to come home too.

“Your son is asking to spend the entire summer at the Malfoy’s home,” Ron says, and he stands from the couch. “He thinks because he’s fifteen, he’s allowed to do what he wants.”

“I asked nicely,” Albus mumbles, huffing as he crosses his arms childishly.

“Albus,” Harry warns. He looks over at Ron, sighing softly. “I mean, darling, we were bound to expect this. Those two boys have been attached to the hip since their first year.”

“Harry, don’t-”

“Ron,” Harry hisses. “I-” He looks over at Albus. “Albus, can I talk to your father alone, please?”

Albus rolls his eyes with annoyance, before storming up the stairs.

“Sit,” Harry tells Ron, pointing at the couch. He watches as Ron sits down on the couch, and then Harry sits down in front of him. “I know what’s going on.”

“Harry-”

“Ron,” Harry is quick to retort. “You don’t want Albus to go because you don’t want to see Hermione. I thought we were past this. It’s been great seeing her again. I thought-”

“Yes, it has been. It’s just… I don’t know if I’m ready to… she’s married to Malfoy! If we allow Albus to visit Scorpius at their home, then it will make it real,” Ron mumbles.

Harry takes a deep breath, trying not to allow his heart to break. He knows Ron has been in love with Hermione even after the two of them got together, and even got married. He just thought Ron would have gotten over it by now, especially after they became friends with Hermione again. “You’re still in love with her?”

Ron instantly snaps his head up. “Harry, no-” He quickly leans forward and grabs a hold of Harry’s hands. “Baby, please don’t think that. You know you’re the only one I love, and you’re the only one I want to be with. It just… seeing her again brings up a lot of emotions that I wasn’t prepared for, especially since she’s with that bloody git Malfoy.”

Harry chuckles softly, though he can feel the tears in his eyes. He certainly wasn’t expecting to have such an emotional talk with his husband after a long day at work.

“Bloody hell, Harry. You know how much I love you. I wouldn’t have married you if I was still in love with Hermione,” Ron leans forward and kisses him sweetly a few times.

Harry sighs when the kiss ends. “Let’s let Albus spend the summer with Scorpius,”

“Harry-” Ron groans, throwing his head back dramatically.

“Clearly this is important to him otherwise he wouldn’t have asked. Albus does good in school, and he doesn’t ask for much, Ron. If he wants to come home at any point, then we let him,”

Ron stares at Harry for a moment. “You’re sure about this?”

Harry nods slightly. “I trust Albus at this age, and I know you do too. Besides, this is Hermione we’re talking about here. She’s not going to let anything happen to our kid,”

“Fine,” Ron grumbles.

Harry chuckles, and kisses Ron once more. “Alright. I’ll bring the news to Albus, and then we’ll send Hermione a letter,” he says, before standing up. He gently squeezes Ron’s shoulder before heading up the stairs. He makes his way to Albus’ bedroom. Harry hesitates before knocking on the door, and only opens the door when he hears a quiet ‘come in’.

Harry steps into the room, and sighs when he sees Albus laying on his bed, hugging a small teddy bear Harry knows was given to him by Scorpius for his birthday last year.

“Hey,” Harry says, and he walks over to the bed. “I just want you to know that… your dad has agreed to let you spend the summer with Scorpius…”

Albus gasps with excitement, and bolts up in a sitting position. “Really?”

“Yes, but… there’s something important I wanted to talk to you about,” Harry says softly, and sits down on the edge of the bed. “You have to listen when I tell you this.”

“What is it?” Albus asks, crawling over to Harry.

Harry turns to look at Albus. “There’s a reason your father didn’t want you to spend the summer with Scorpius, and it’s not for what you think,”

“I know why, dad. He hates Scorpius because of who his dad is!” Albus exclaims.

“That’s not true at all Albus,” Harry says, shaking his head. “Your father doesn’t hate Scorpius. In fact, I think he secretly likes him, he just doesn’t want to admit it-” He lets out a sigh. “Hermione and Ron used to date each other back when we were in school, and they ended on kind of a bad note. Ron’s heart was broken, and he’s still working through those emotions.”

“Oh,” Albus whispers, and he looks down. “Well, that makes a bit more sense.”

Harry chuckles. “Exactly, so you can understand why your father was a bit hesitant about letting you spend the entire summer with Scorpius. But, that’s no worry now. I’m going to send a letter to the Malfoy’s tonight and let them know the plans. Just… be easy on your father, okay? This is not going to be easy for him,”

“But, why’s he so hung up on Scorpius’ mum if he’s with you?” Albus asks, and he looks up at Harry with curiousity. “Doesn’t that worry you at all?”

Harry shakes his head. “I trust him with my whole heart. Besides, I know he’s not in love with her anymore. Emotions are strange. You’ll learn that when you get a bit older,” he says, and reaches over to gently pat Albus’ leg.

Albus takes a deep breath. “I think I’m already experiencing it now,”

Harry goes to stand, but he immediately stops, and he looks at Albus, eyebrows raised. “Oh. What do you mean, sweetheart?”

“I…” Albus hesitates. “I think I’m in love with Scorpius.”

Harry sits back down on the bed, closer to Albus. “Where is this coming from, Al?”

“I meant what I said,” Albus huffs. “I think I’m in love with him.”

“Al, you’re only fifteen. How could you possibly be in love with someone at such a young age?” Harry asks, and he chuckles.

“I don’t know, dad. It’s just what I’m feeling,” Albus says, and he sighs. “Please don’t change your mind about letting me spend the summer with Scorpius. I swear nothing will happen. Besides, Scorpius is completely oblivious to anything,”

“Oh no, don’t worry, Al. You can still go spend the summer with Scorpius and the Malfoy’s,” Harry says. “Pack your bag, and get some sleep. I’m sure you’ll need it.”

Harry finally stands up, and starts walking to the door.

“Dad!” Albus quickly calls out.

Harry stops at the door, and looks back at Albus. “Yes, Al?”

“Thank you,” Albus breathes out. “For everything. Not just letting me stay at Scorpius’.”

Harry smiles softly at his son. “You’re welcome. Goodnight, Al,” he says, before finally walking out of the bedroom and shutting the door behind him. He takes a deep breath and walks to his and Ron’s bedroom. He’s surprised to see Ron already there, getting ready for bed.

“How’d it go?” Ron asks, not even looking at Harry.

“I’m pretty sure Albus just came out to me,” Harry says, standing in the doorway.

Ron freezes for a moment, and looks over at Harry. “What?” He asks, his voice soft.

Harry nods, and he walks over to Ron. “He told me that he was in love with Scorpius. Of course I asked him how he could even be in love at his young age. Yeah, he was just being honest and telling me how he was feeling,” he says. “You should talk to him about it. He thinks that you hate Scorpius. I told him you didn’t. I didn’t go into much detail, but I told him about you and Hermione having a past together. He seemed understanding after that.”

Ron takes a deep breath, and slowly nods. “I’ll talk to him about it,” he says.

“Good. Get ready for bed, darling. I’ll send a letter to Hermione,” Harry says, and kisses Ron, before heading to his office to write a letter. He smiles when he sees the family Snowy owl already waiting at the window, ready to take flight. “Don’t worry. I’ll have a letter for you.”

It’s just two days later when Albus is packed and ready to spend the summer with Scorpius.

“Do you think this is a good idea?” James asks when he’s standing with Ron in the living room.

“Of course not,” Ron says. “I think it’s a terrible idea, but Harry seems to think it will be good for Albus. Scorpius is Albus’ best friend, whether we like it or not.”

James scoffs. “At least you don’t have to deal with them at school. They’re menaces when they’re together. I feel bad for Scorpius’ parents having to deal with the two of them!”

“Are you sure you have everything you need?” Harry asks, walking to the door with Albus.

“I have everything, dad. I’ve double checked and you’ve double checked,” Albus whines.

“Mind your dad, Albus. You’re leaving for a whole summer after all,” Ron says, walking up to the two, James behind him. Ron raises his eyebrows at Albus.

Albus lets out a sigh. “I know,”

“Before we leave, I want you to remember that Hermione is in charge of you while you’re there, as well as Scorpius’ dad. You will listen to them both and respect them. If we hear that you are being disrespectful in any way, we will come and collect you. Understood?”

“Yes, dad. I understand,” Albus says.

“Good,” Harry says. “Are we ready to head out then?” He looks over at Albus.

Albus grins, and bounces on his feet slightly. “Yes!”

Ron chuckles, and he looks over at James. “Alright then. You’re in charge, James. Don’t let your sister do anything stupid while we’re gone,” he says, walking over to Harry. “We’ll be back.”

Albus looks over at James, and waves to him. “See you at the end of summer!”

“Yeah, see you, twerp,” James says, and takes a step back, and watches as his parents and brother disappear.

Albus is practically bouncing on his feet with excitement as he and his fathers walk up to the front door of the Malfoy Manor. Albus has been here before, spending a night or two with Scorpius. But he’s never spent an entire summer with him, and he’s so excited.

“Al, relax,” Harry chuckles, gently placing a hand on Albus’ back as Ron knocks on the door. “You’re acting like a little schoolgirl.” He grins when Albus glares at him.

“I am not acting like a little schoolgirl!” Albus grumbles.

“You’re right. You’re acting like a little schoolgirl who has a lovesick crush,” Ron adds, and smirks a little as he looks over at Albus.

Albus goes to say something, but he stops when the door finally opens, revealing Scorpius.

“Al!” Scorpius exclaims, and immediately pulls Albus into the house, hugging him.

Albus laughs. “It’s only been a week, Scorp!”

Ron raises his eyebrows, and looks over at Harry, who only shrugs his shoulders.

“Hello boys,”

Ron looks up, and takes a deep breath when he sees Hermione walking up to the entryway. “Hermione,” he says. He looks over, and sees Albus and Scorpius running up the stairs. “Oh, bloody hell. Bye Al!”

Harry shakes his head. “I apologize in advance. Albus can get a bit crazy sometimes,”

“He must take it after you two then,” Hermione says with a smile. “Would you like to come in?”

“Oh, we shouldn’t-” Ron begins to say.

“Maybe for a few minutes?” Harry says, and he gently nudges Ron. He bends down, grabbing Albus’ bags, and walks into the Malfoy Manor. He looks over, seeing Ron walk in.

“Don’t worry. Draco isn’t home,” Hermione says. “He’s at work. He’ll be home soon.”

“Probably best he isn’t home,” Ron mumbles.

“Ronald,” Harry warns, and then he looks over at Hermione. “Beautiful home.”

“It’s a bit strange. I’m certainly not used to living in a place like this,” Hermione chuckles. “Anyways. I was hoping we could make plans to hang out soon. Maybe we could take the boys out to Hogsmeade or something. Have lunch together?”

“I’d have to check my schedule. I’m usually free on the weekends. Ron?” Harry looks at Ron.

“I’m sure I can talk to George about taking a day off,” Ron says.

“Excellent!” Hermione exclaims, clapping her hands together.

Luckily, Harry manages to keep Ron at the Malfoy Manor for about ten more minutes before they decide they should get back home. Lily is still young, and even though Harry and Ron trust James to watch her, neither of them like leaving the two alone.

“It was lovely to see you two again,” Hermione says, after giving them both friendly hugs. She leads the way back over to the front door, opening the door for them. “And, don’t worry about Albus. I’ll make sure he doesn’t get into much trouble, and I promise to write to you immediately if anything happens.”

“We trust you to look after our son,” Harry says, stepping out onto the porch. He turns to look at Hermione. “Thank you for letting him do this. He was so excited.”

“Of course,” Hermione smiles. “Scorpius has been just as excited.”

“We’ll see you soon,” Harry says, and grabs a hold of Ron, disapparating the two of them.

Ron sighs in relief once they’re back at home.

“Oh, relax. It wasn’t that bad,” Harry says, making his way into the kitchen.

“It’s not that it’s bad. It’s just still a little awkward, don’t you think?” Ron asks, following him.

“A little. But, things are still new. I’m sure once we see Hermione a couple more times, then it’s going to be just like it was before. I mean, I’m not exactly thrilled about Malfoy, but it’s not about him. We don’t have to befriend him just because Hermione’s married to him,”

“Thank God,” Ron says, and he leans against the kitchen counter, crossing his arms.

Harry looks over at him. “Thank you for letting Albus do this,” he says.

“I told you I’m trying my best,” Ron says.

“I know, and I appreciate you for it,” Harry says, leaning over and kissing Ron once. “Dinner?”

“Yes, I’m starving!”

Harry rolls his eyes. “You’re always starving, Ronald,”