Harry nodded. "Because he knew he might be gone for a long time. He wants to be here, but he can't until he works things out."
Scorpius's eyes filled with tears again. "Mon père!" he wailed.
"I'm sorry, Scorpius. He can't be here... I'm sorry." 
Scorpius flung himself into his pillow. "Papa! Papa! S'il vous plait, monsieur!" 
Harry was crying, too. Damn, the pain broke his heart hearing the small boy in so much distress. He came closer and tried to console him. The child got up and wrapped his arms around his neck. 
"Je veux mon père!" he cried into his chest. 
Harry hugged him tightly. He could guess what Scorpius was asking. "Shh... one day... okay?" I hope was on his lips.
Aunt Andy gave him a few minutes but then asked, "Scorpius, how would you like something to eat? You've been asleep all morning."
Scorpius let go to look at her. "But my Papa said that I can't take food from strangers!" 
Harry nodded. "And your Papa was right, but you are in my care, like your Papa said. And this is your aunt. We might not know each other yet, but we are going to stay here for a while, okay? So, it's okay to eat here." 
Scorpius nodded and Aunt Andy smiled. "Would you like a toastie and some milk, Scorpius?"
His eyes lit up. "Oui, merci, Tante Andy!"
"That sounded like a win," she said. "Harry, I mean Mr. Potter, can show you the house. He doesn't speak French, though, mon enfant."
"House? You have a house?" he exclaimed, and Harry's heart felt that one. 
"Yes, Scorpius. This is going to be your home until your father returns," Aunt Andy said, her eyes wet with tears. "Maybe your Papa will want to stay here as well. Please consider this your home as well."
Scorpius's eyes widened, and he turned to Harry for verification. "My home? I never had a home before," he whispered. "Papa told me stories about his house, where he had his own bed and a bathroom with hot water!" 
Harry was finding it hard to breathe as he heard the wonderment in Scorpius's voice about the simplest of luxuries... hot water... a bathroom... and a bed. He shared a look with Aunt Andy.
Aunt Andy gestured to the guest room. "This room... this is your room and yours alone, young man," she declared, admiring the look of astonishment on Scorpius's face as he looked inside. "I'll go get lunch going."
Scorpius turned to Harry after she went to the kitchen. "Where will Papa sleep?"
"We can find a room for him, okay? Don't worry. You will never be forced to leave, just know that, and neither will your Papa. Come on, I'll show you the bathroom and other rooms."
"There are more rooms!" he exclaimed, taking Harry's hand. 
The next ten minutes were filled with oohs and ahhs as Scorpius took in the wonders of the beds, dressers and bookshelves of the house. Scorpius's eyes went wide when he looked out the front patio. Aunt Andy had a lovely country cottage tucked between two large farms. There were hills, trees and streams. 
"Look at all the green! Just like the park!" Scorp exclaimed, and Harry let him run around the lawn until Aunt Andy brought out a plate and cup for him. She had cut up some fresh veggies for him, too. Teddy had notoriously hated veggies.
"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself, Scorpius, but please come eat," she said, setting it down on the outside table.
"Oui, Tante Andy. Merci!" he said, coming over and frowning. He looked at them, uncertainly.