Strolling through the streets of Hogsmeade, the autumnal leaves crunched underfoot. At my grandson's request, I've added a purple tie to my usual black attire. If there's one thing I dislike, it's when Scorpius calls me boring. He must have picked that up from his father.
So much has happened that I simply cannot hold it against Draco for marrying someone he deeply loved. Although I was against Astoria from the beginning, they certainly have done well raising Scorpius. I just regret that I didn't get to know her more before she passed away - I certainly could have supported my son more.
When Scorpius owled me to ask if I could meet him in Hogsmeade, I jumped at the chance. I didn't visit Draco at school, and I wanted to make up for that. Messing with time is dangerous, but if I could do some things differently, I would. My grandson didn't specify where he wanted to meet me, but how could I refuse such a request?
As I continued to make my way up the street, pumpkin and cranberry leaves lay strewn upon the ground, and the sporadic wind gusts made them dance and twirl. It was mesmerising to see, and I soon found myself simply standing there, enjoying the freedom unchained from certain past experiences.
I could tell immediately that Scorpius was eager to see me. It hasn't been easy on any of us, least of all him. After losing his mother, all the boy needed was stability, and I'm glad I've managed to mend some fences with Draco. It's not perfect, but we're getting there.
Of course, the first shop he dragged me towards was Honeydukes. Since he was a small boy, Scorpius has loved sweets. He struggles with social skills (don't tell him I told you) and finds that offering sweets is a good introduction. It reminds me of Astoria, his mother. She was always fond of sweets as well; that must be where he got it from. I seem to remember that she actually did tell him that sweets would help him make friends.
From there, it was onto the sporting supplies shop. Scorpius told me (in the strictest confidence mind, so don't go repeating it) that he happens to be 'in love' with a girl. Merlin only knows who that could be; it better not be that Weasley-Granger offspring. It was bad enough Draco marrying someone who turned their back on their family's ideals. I will not have my grandson marrying a child of a Muggleborn and a Blood Traitor!
Apparently, this girl is on her House Quidditch team and is also on par with him in Potions. No one should be better than a Malfoy; unfortunately for Draco, that Granger girl had always beaten him. How disappointing. I hope Scorpius understands just how important our family status is and the proper way to behave in school. He should get good grades and end up top of the class. He's smart enough, that's for sure.
We went into the Three Broomsticks for a pleasant catch-up and some refreshing Butterbeers. It felt strange to be back there without the burden of Voldemort or the Death Eaters. There were a few older folk who recognised me, and they seemed angry. But Scorpius didn't care, which made me feel extra special. It was as if their views didn't mean anything to him, and it made me realise how much I had missed when he was a young child, because of my stubborn nature.
If I had to guess, I would say that purple was Scorpius' favourite colour. When we went into the local wizarding clothing shop, he wanted a new outfit. Apparently, there's a school dance coming up. He chose nice deep purple dress robes and persuaded his grandfather to buy them. Not that he needed to persuade me; I was quite happy to buy them for him.
With all that dashing about, I was exhausted. I've always said to Cissa that being a grandparent is a young person's game. Nevertheless, it was lovely to spend some time with Scorpius, and I hope he had a good time too. You'll be happy to learn that I'm going to make more of an effort in future. My family have always meant the world to me, and I need to prove that.
Thanks for reading an old man's ramblings,
Lucius