The Marriage Decree

Chapter 110: It's Happened Before!

In Scorpius' nursery, Draco stands in front of the window, his son frustratedly whining in his arms as he rocks back and forth, massaging his back in an attempt to wind Scorpius. Staring out across the green of the Estate, Draco watches in an exhausted and mesmerised state as a figure pushes their baby in a red and gold carriage up the short path leading from the gate to the block of shops in the centre of the green, and then back again. As dawn breaks, the sky lightens revealing a beautiful pink hue along with the dark grey clouds moving slowly overhead.

"Looks like the Daily Prophet got something right, it's going to rain," he mutters.

Scorpius burps, releasing the trapped wind, along with some milk, that Draco whips with the cloth that was over his shoulder for this purpose.

"Good boy," he says automatically. "Are you ready to lie down now?" He asks, turning away from the window and the other person dealing with their child, to place his son down in the crib. However, as soon as Draco moves away, Scorpius'little face screws up as he waves his arms, wanting comfort.

Draco picks him back up, sitting down in the grey armchair beside the crib.

"That's okay," Draco soothes his son. "We can have a cuddle." He adds, accioing the blanket from atop Scorpius' chest of drawers, and covering them both in the fabric. "We need to get some rest, son. We've got a big day ahead of us." He mentions, stifling a yawn.

Scorpius' tiny hand grips onto his sleep shirt as he settles against his chest.

"I've got you, Scorpius," he leans back, resting his head on the back of the armchair. "You're going to meet most of the Weasley's today. That can be a stressful day for anyone. There's many of them. I don't actually know how many." He admits. "Molly and Arthur have already decided they're going to be your grandparents. They're good people to know. They're one of the few people I would trust with you. I suppose if they're your grandparents, you're going to have a lot of uncles, aunts and cousins. That's nice for you since your Dad doesn't have any siblings, and your Mummy's new siblings are very young. Most of the Weasley's have their own children now too, so you'll be growing up with lots of friends, not like your Dad or Mummy. I'm going to make sure you have a much better childhood than we ever had." He mutters to Scorpius, before noticing his week-old son has fallen asleep.

Draco stands, softly replacing Scorpius in his crib, covering him with a knitted blanket Grandma Emily had sent to Chris for them. He returns to his own bed, and as soon as his head hits his pillow, he's asleep.

Not for long, though, as two hours later, Hermione's alarm sounds at eight o'clock.

"Good morning," she leans across to kiss him.

Draco smiles before yawning.

"Draco!" She sighs, "I told you to wake me next time. When did Scorpius last wake?" She asks.

"About quarter past five," he answers, climbing out of bed.

"And when did he go back down?" She questions, standing up and helping Draco to make their bed.

"About six o'clock," he admits. "It's fine, you need to rest. It's only been a week since he was born." He tells her, throwing on his dressing gown.

"All I do is rest," She reminds him, following her husband downstairs after a quick peek in at Scorpius, who's still fast asleep. "You won't even let me make my own cup of tea." She adds after she picks the kettle up to refill, but Draco takes it from her.

"Sorry," He hands it back. "I don't want you exerting yourself." He selects two cups.

"Exerting myself," Hermione scoffs. "I spend most of my day sitting at the couch, or in Scorpius' nursery, or outside, or in the bath, or in bed. I've left the house once, yesterday for the check-up with Heath." She complains.