heavy stones fear no weather

“Well, are you buying or not? I mean, we are here because of you after all.” She teased smiling as if to let him know that she wasn’t really upset. The two of them had always had a close bond between them, it was inevitable considering Thea often followed her older brother like a lost puppy during their childhood. “I hate those parties. I always feel like I need to bathe several times once they’re over.” The admission was filled with embarrassment as the blonde thought of what was happening back at home, including her own behaviour at the parties. Scorpius was right, she had always been better at sweetening up to the guests and showing them what they wanted. They had to uphold the great Malfoy name after all. “Oh, of course, it’s a delight.” She rolled her eyes. “What’s not to like? The house elves continue to impress and serve after all.”

“Only something small... Since you were so eager to get back.” He joked, a smile pulling on the corners of his lips. “What would you like?” He asked, fishing into his pocket for his wallet. He already had his own but letting it cool down was no issue. Scorpius laughed lightly at his sister’s comment -- she had a point. It was the work ones that had always been the most draining. Though, he supposed that soon enough he would have to partake in something similar on his own behalf, rather than his father’s. That thought was scary. “They always go on for too long. I could deal with an hour but three?” And the length really depending on how well it was going in the first place. “It’s the best part of the evening, at least.” 

Startled out of her daydream, Rose glanced up at her best friend with a forced smile. “That’s sweet Scorp but untrue. I’m not half the witch she is.” Just like her Uncle Harry, both of her parents had their own reputation which left the younger witch feeling inadequate and like she’d never live up to them. “Look at everything she’s done and half of that was before she was our age.” Needing the distraction, Rose placed her pen on the table and instead picked up her cup of tea. “Do you ever feel like you’re never going to live up to people’s expectations? Our parent’s expectations?” Her words were barely a whisper as she slowly withdrew into herself. Taking a sip of her drink, only to realise that it was stone causing her nose to scrunch up in distaste.

"I don't think anyone would agree with that." He said. The daughter of Ron and Hermione Weasley was an achievement in itself, but Rose had shown so much of herself over the years they'd known each other, anyone would be stupid to think she wasn't more than capable of anything she set her mind to - and in her own right, too. "Would you like me to divine whether another war is on the horizon so you can put your own skills to the test?" Of course it was a joke, and an exaggerated one to show her how absolutely insane she was being. Most people in their parents generation had done a hell of a lot more than they had. But that wasn't a fair comparison. Her question was something he hadn't thought about for a long time. And, honestly, when he had thought about it, it never amounted to anything good.

"Rose, people's expectations of me -- or my family -- aren't something I've ever wanted to live up to." He couldn't count the times throughout school that he would have to worry about his family history and how much negativity that came with that. He was happy to deal with less of it now, but he knew that on some level there were still doubts. His father had worked hard to move passed it, but no matter how hard he worked, it didn't change the past. "Our parents? Well..." He sighed. Well, that's why he was working where he was, right? With the ministry. So, he supposed he was trying to live up to those. "I don't think it's fair to value yourself based on expectations -- they'll always be one step ahead of you." His tone was gentle, trying to comfort her. Though, this wasn't something he was especially good at. "I thought you liked what you were doing?"

“We promised Mother that we would be supportive, comments like that won’t help. If someone overhears you then they’re going to think that Father is being self serving and only doing this to gain something. You know that they don’t ask much from us.” Of course as soon as Amalthea saw Scorpius leave, she was following in hope that she could persuade him to return before anyone noticed their absence. “Will you please come back to the party with me?” She glanced down at her hands to disguise her frown, it would not do well for the guests to see such behaviour coming from his own children. “It’s not like I want to be there either, I was supposed to be at the Weasley’s.I hear Mrs Weasley will be doing some of her famous cooking.”

Scorpius couldn’t say that he’d expected his sister to follow him, but he definitely should have. She always seemed to know what he was doing -- sometimes before he did. “No one will overhear. And I’m hoping he is up for a promotion.” He offered his sister a reassuring smile. “I’m just taking a breather, Thea. Recharge and head back in there to sweeten everyone up. Though, you’re a lot better at that than I am. So, they’ll be missing you a lot more.” He raised his brows expectantly. “Let’s give it two minutes and we can go back. Deal?” A small smile came to his lips as she mentioned what she’d rather be doing. “Are you saying you’re not a fan of the exquisite spread father has bought in?”