Darling, Dearest

Y/n has achieved a lot once she graduated from Hogwarts. She got 6 Outstandings on NEWTs and can work in the Ministry if she wanted. But she didn't. Instead, she opened a tea garden shop for Muggles and the wizarding community.

Scorpius is her school sweetheart. He was helping with the practical things, like lightbulbs or plumbing. Her brother, Albus Potter is his best friend. But he wasn't always her brother. 

5th year is when her father died of Cancer. It was also when her mother went away to Azkaban for trying to use necromancy. She was lost. But Albus, being the savior he was, offered for his father to adopt her into the family.
So now, she is known as Y/n Potter.  She was happy for a long time. Until. It happened

"We need to break up," Scorpius told her. truthfully, she wasn't surprised. He probably fell for someone else. For someone whos extremely loyal to his father, she thought he would at least try to control his feelings. She was wrong.
"Ok."
"Wait- that's it?" He asked. Puzzled.
"It was a long time coming. So who's the girl? Rose Weasley?" 
"I-" 
"You should go for her. She's a nice girl. Get past her family first. Then go for her. You guys are cute together so have fun. Oh yeah, don't forget to close the door when you leave." She said with a straight face. Even if she knew it would happen, it still hurt like hell. But, Life is life. She's already content with what she has. If she had to lose something in her life, then so be it. 
"Are you sure-"
"The shop opens in 5 minutes. Shoo." She pushed him towards the door. He looked... hurt. For some reason. He just sighed and walked out of the shop. 
Y/n couldn't be bothered with her feelings right now, today is rush hour. She needs to focus. She turned and walked into the kitchen.

---

In the middle of the stressful day, the door dinged as someone stepped into the shop. Y/n looked up to spot Mr. Malfoy. Draco Malfoy. She was perplexed, usually, Mr. Malfoy doesn't visit until 6 pm. What is he here for? He walked up to the counter. Y/n was there as a cashier since the other employee had to call in sick.

"Hello, Y/n. I'd like an Oolong tea." He asked politely. He had a slight smile. Which was weird for other people. Mr. Malfoy rarely smiled. Unless it's to the people he loved. She shook her head at that notion, he was just a friend. A family friend. 

"Oh, ok Mr. Malfoy. Is that all?" She asked, typing the order into the computer. He shook his head.
" I also would like to order you the iced garden tea blend." He told her point-blank. Her eyebrows shifted into a confused expression. 
"There's no need-"

"Just to make up for my son's insolence. The worst thing he did for his life was lost you. I'm just here to let you know that we're still friends. And I still care about you. I also would like to take you out to the new bookstore across the road. When do you get off of your shift?" Was he casually asking her out?

"I- uh... I get off at 6 pm." She told him. He nodded. 

"Then I might as well stay here. I do not have to work at this moment and I need a quiet place to review my documents." He told her. She looked around. A quiet place? That's weird since this place is always bustling with customers. She shrugged if he says so.

"Alright, Mr.Malfoy. The cost is 10 dollars and 50 cents. Cash or card?" She asked him. He handed her a black credit card. "Thank you, dear, and call me Draco." She grimaced. This guy was older than her and is her ex's dad. She can't bring it in herself to call him that. 

"I'm more comfortable calling you Mr. Malfoy. Or sir." She told him as she handed him his receipt.
"Such a shame, you're so polite, dear. I'll sit in now." He stalked off. 

Y/n's coworker giggled at the interaction. She shot her a demeaning glare but her coworker only stuck out her tongue in defiance. 
"That guy has a thing for you!" 

"He's my ex's father. No way I'm going to get into it." She sternly said, while steeping the tea in the cup. She carefully brought the tea to Mr. Malfoy. Setting it down with grace.

"Thank you, my dear, don't forget." He took her wrist. "Don't forget to take care of yourself, darling." Y/n only narrowed her eyes and pulled her wrist back. 
"I won't." She then walked away and back into the bar. Mr. Malfoy is getting a little suspicious today. 

---

It was 6 pm and Draco did what he promised. When Y/n walked out of the kitchen with a side bag, he got up and went over to greet her. 
"How was work?" He asked her.

"Work was working. It was busy but I like it that way." She told him. He hummed in agreement. He stuck out his elbow, motioning for her to hook her arm around his. She looked at him strangely, but figured, why not? So she hooked her arm around his and they made their way to the bookstore. 

--

The bookstore was a brick building with an apartment on top of it. The sign said '"Fern's bookstore and supplies." It looked fairly new. Before walking in, Mr.Malfoy opened the door and let Y/n step into the shop first. She looked in wonderment. There was a front desk, and multiple bookstands spanning across a room. In the corner of the room, there were stairs leading up to the second floor. 

"Wow- this is impressive for a new bookstore." She remarked. He smiled. He liked seeing her in awe. He doesn't; understand why Scorpius would want to lose her. She's smart, driven, a fast learner has a business aptitude, and never took anything for granted. Hell if she was his age he'd go for her. Malfoy shook that thought away. This girl is his son's ex. It would be untoward for him to pursue her. But how could he hold himself back?

He followed her to the romance section. She ran her fingers across the spines of the book. Her eyes scanned the spines for something that would catch her eyes. She bit her lower lip, something that she does when trying to make a decision. Her nails were green and her lipstick was a pale rose. Malfoy gulped and looked away, trying to resist the younger girl in front of him. He can't feel these things for her, he's known her since she was ten for Merlin's sake. Now, she's 24 and he's crushing on her like a schoolboy. 

"Hey Sir, is this a good book?" She held up a copy of Lolita." He blushed even more. How is that book in the romance section? It's a story about a pedophile!
"It deals with the heavy subject matter. It's the point of view of a Predator." He told her the general summary. She thought to herself. "Hm, I'll take it. Why not? It probably would help me somewhat in the future. Imagine, being whisked away by someone older. As if that would happen to me." Malfoy cringed at that comment. He's fantasized about taking her on vacations, and trips. He sighed. Y/n picked up on his distress and frowned. 

"Hey, Mr. Malfoy. Are you alright?" He nodded, a bit too enthusiastically. "Yes dear, let's sit down and review the books. I found some for myself."
They seated themselves upstairs in two comfy chairs. She was reading her book while Malfoy ended up staring and pining after her. It's pathetic, but hey, at least he's doing something. 

Y/n tried to distract herself from her growing sadness. It was later in the night and her mask was falling apart. She finally let go and started sobbing. Malfoy shot up and took the book from her. He held her face, wiping her tears away as he tried to console her.

"Oh dear, you're crying. That's not any good." He took out his handkerchief and dabbed at her falling tears. She didn't want him to see her like this. So vulnerable. But she started talking.

"I tried so hard now. I guess people change and I wasn't able to catch up." He frowned at that sentiment. 

"Scorpius is so stupid and pigheaded to ever think that letting you go was the right thing. Hey, hey." He swiped a stray hair from her face.

"You're a good person. A strong person. You'll get through this." But she just cried. Malfoy started panicking. He hated hearing her sob. Ever since she fell and scraped her knee at 10 years old, he can stand hearing her wails. So he did the one thing he tried to avoid.

He kissed her. Not just a peck, just a full-on kiss. Y/n was shocked. One, Malfoy is kissing her. Two, she liked it. And three, she stopped crying. But once she realized how wrong this is, she pushed him away, forcefully. Malfoy hit the floor as Y/n looked at him with wild eyes. She can't deal with this now. First a breakup and then an older guy taking interest in her. That said the older guy who knew her since she was 10. She got up and took her bag.

"I-I got to go. It's late and my curfew is coming up. Thank you for the hang out Mr. Malfoy." She speed-walked, unknowingly leaving her book on the coffee table

---

Draco

What was I thinking?! I picked up the book and walked down to the first floor. I silently paid for the copy and walked off.

I arrived at the manor, stalking over to my room and throwing myself on my bed. Groaning into my pillow. I felt like a buffoon.

Why did I cave? Why did I do that? I was getting desperate, right? I just hated hearing her cry so I did the first thing that popped in my head. She seemed so scared when she pushed me off. But why was she blushing? That isn't right. Was I seeing things wrong?  I sat up and went to change. I changed into a white shirt with basic grey sweatpants. Sighing, I slipped off to bed. Lay under the covers and stare at the ceiling. I felt guilty. Yes for kissing Y/n but also for being secretly happy when Scorpius revealed that he broke up with Y/n. I know it's evil, basically pining over my son's ex but honestly, who wouldn't?

I mean, she's so driven and headstrong. Compassionate but overbearing, sweet, and caring. Who wouldn't want that in their lives? But socially, mentally, and emotionally, it would never pan out. Her dad is my rival. She's 20 years younger than me and the press would eat her alive. My son would definitely resent me for it and Potter will hate me. But... I can't help but wonder.

What if I tried? Seriously, what if I tried? She's 24 and could make her own decisions. I know I can make her happier than my son could, and I know I want to. Would Astoria hate me if she was alive? Yes. Would I get a lot of flack for dating a younger woman? Probably. But would it be worth it?

Absolutely.

---

Y/N 

Thankfully today is a Saturday. Which means I get to spend time with my family. I was teaching Lilly how to sew. 
"So, a running stitch looks like this." I threaded the needle through the cloth, we were sewing a handkerchief. She tried it herself, feeling proud of herself for getting it right.

"So, why were you late yesterday?" My dad asked me. I looked up and told the whole truth. "Mr. Malfoy took me out to the bookstore to personally apologize for his son." My father looked confused.

"Anything weird happens?" HE asked me. I internally panicked. I did not want to spike another feud between Mr. Malfoy and Father. So I lied.
"Nope, unfortunately, I left my book in a hurry." The doorbell rang and I walked off to open the door.

I opened the door and right there on the porch was Mr. Malfoy. 

What. The . Fuck.

"Hey, I just wanted to give this to you." he handed me a copy of Lolita, the one I left in the bookstore. My father came to my side and saw Mr. Malfoy. 
"Draco! It's nice to see you. Come in, let's have brunch together." I cringed. Why does this guy have to come in? I stood to the side as Mr.Malfoy entered the house.

I found myself sitting at the table with my family and Mr.Draco. I looked lost as the family conversed with him. "Really? Scorpius did that?" My brother, Albus was furious. 

"How dare he! I trusted her with my sister and this is the thanks I get!" He seethed as his mother calmed him down. "It's not a big deal to me. It could've gone worse. Don't worry." I told my family.

"Yes, she's strong. But dear." He put his hand on my shoulder. "Don't hide how you're feeling." The family looked at the interaction. Shocked and a little suspicious. Mr. Malfoy only reserves this type of contact when he was with Astoria. Before she died. I shrugged off his rough palm and nodded in agreement. I got up and took my plate to the sink. rinsing it and putting it in the dishwasher.

"I'm going to be in my room. Knock twice before entering." I told them.

---

5 minutes later, Mr. Malfoy entered my room after knocking two times. I sat up. Quirking my head at him. 
"I need to tell you something." He looked serious. He wrung his wrists, something that he does when he needs to tell someone something bad. 

"Hey, Mr. Malfoy. Don't worry about last night. It's fine, you were panicking. It's not like you meant it." I looked into his eyes as his expression morphed into... wait. Desperation?

"What if I meant it." I stilled. Everything seemed like slow motion. I got up and walked a little closer to him. "What?" I asked him. In disbelief. 

"I mean, what if I meant it? What would you do?" He held my shoulders while looking into my eyes. He looked determined. For what? 
"Mr. Malfoy. There's no possible way-"
"I-I fancy you!" I internally cringed and leaned back. Taking two steps back I created distance between me and Malfoy. "What- what- I-."
"I- I fancy you. There. I said it. I have been for a while actually." How long? Since I was a child? You sick and disgusting pervert!
"How long." I tried to keep my composure. Surely he's just lonely. Surely he doesn't mean it.
"Since you were 20." OK, that makes it a little bit easier. But this- this is uncanny. There is no way that this can happen.
"Sir. You're 20 years older than me and you and my dad were rivals. Not to mention that I dated your son." I told him. I laid out everything that could go wrong.
 
But he laid out everything that could go right. 
"I can treat you better than he can. Then my son.  I can help you with your dreams and aspirations. I'll get your father's blessing first. And then I will start formally courting you. If you're with me, you'll be treated like a queen. And if I'm being honest." He took steps over to me and took my slender hands in his bigger, rougher, and dexterous hands. 

"I need you in my life." My eyes widened as a shiver went down my spine. What does he mean by that? Courting? Getting my father's approval. But. What if. That's the big question, right? What if?

"You can court me. But to speed up this process, if you get my father to approve, then I'll be yours. But some ground rules first." I flung my hands from him. He looked disappointed from the loss of contact.

"Don't touch me without my express approval. Don't call me anything but my name or last name. Don't be weird around my family. And refrain from buying me things I don't need." He nodded. I took his hand and I shook it.

"I look forward to getting to know you."