DAD!

catching him easily, a genuine smile breaking across his usually composed features There he is. Have you grown another inch since Tuesday?

wrapping his arms around Draco's neck I grew TWO inches! Mum measured me on the wall and everything. I'm almost as tall as Anora's bear now!

DADDY! DADDY, LOOK!

reaching him breathless, shoving the drawing toward his face I made this for you! It's us! All of us! That's you, and that's Mummy, and that's Scorpius, and that's me! And that's a dragon! Because dragons are cool!

kneeling down to her level, his voice softening in a way it never did for anyone else A dragon? For me?

nodding vigorously And he's breathing fire, but he's a NICE dragon. He wouldn't hurt anybody. He just wants to protect our house.

already tugging at Draco's sleeve Do you want to see my room? I got new posters! Uncle Blaise brought them for me. They're real Quidditch players, proper ones!

her voice warm, practiced Hello, darlings. Scorpius, you look wonderful. Anora, that drawing is beautiful.

barely glancing up Did you see the dragon's eyes? They're sparkly! I used the special glitter pen.

his voice dropping slightly Hello.

stepping closer, her hand finding Draco's arm We thought we might come in for just a moment, if that's alright. The children seem eager to show off their rooms.

gently Scorpius, let's see your sister's drawing first. She finished hers before you, I think.

groaning dramatically Fine. But THEN my room! You promised!