Author's note: OK I'll get this out the way first. All characters belong to Cassandra Clare and the Shadowhunters tv show respectively I own nothing. There are some lines of dialogue from episode 12 and some plotlines from the books but the rest is my own original work. This chapter is told from two POV's Alec's and Hodge's both storylines happen simultaneously but in different places in the Institute. Hope you enjoy it and let me know what you think.
Chapter 3: The Butterfly Waltz
Alec's POV
Now that the ceremony was over Alec felt calmer. It helped seeing the pride and happiness on his parent's faces. His mother was particularly cheerful. In fact they both looked like a large weight had been lifted from their shoulders. And yeah ok that weight was now on his shoulders but he took some relief in the fact that he was making his parents happy. It was also comforting to know that he would have Lydia to help share the burden with him. He also knew that Jace and Izzy would be there to support him. He had some regrets about Magnus but his family was everything to him and seeing how carefree they were now lightened his heart somewhat. As he looked to Lydia standing at his side he smiled a little at how happy she also looked. He'd never seen her smile so brightly and there was a warm light in her eyes that Alec had never seen before. So what if he might of missed out on something with Magnus? Alec was never entirely sure of what his feelings were towards the warlock anyway and now he had the chance of helping Lydia get some of her dreams back. She deserved that. It was like he said when he proposed; he might not be able to bring John back but he could help her achieve her dream of running an institute again and that made him feel lighter still. Besides if Magnus really had been that interested in him then he would of come to the wedding, he wouldn't have stopped fighting for Alec. So really Magnus' absence had spoken volumes.
Some of the guests began to filter out of the chapel and towards the greenhouse where the reception was being held. However some members of the Clave came up to congratulate Lydia and Alec. Many were rattling on about how they felt Lydia and Alec would do a wonderful job of running the Institute together and what a great team they thought the pair made. As Lydia was the current head now that they were married it was Alec's right as her husband to co-head the Institute with her. He would be lying if he said he wasn't nervous about it. It was a demanding job but he reminded himself that he did a perfectly good job of running the institute while his parents were away on trips to Idris. Yeah they might have been only gone a few weeks at a time and as Co-Head he would be responsible for the Institute 24/7 but this time he had Lydia to help. It was at that moment that Alec decided to let go of any regrets and let himself be happy. He had made the right decision for everyone involved.
Hodge's POV
This was the perfect opportunity; while everyone was congratulating the bride and groom and enjoying themselves at the reception he could complete his task. All he needed to do was get Lydia's stele. He looked over to where Lydia and Alec stood surrounded by wedding guests who were shaking their hands and commenting on how beautiful the ceremony was. Lydia had placed her stele in a pale gold bag that was attached to her wrist by a slender strap. How on earth was he going to be able to get it without her noticing? He began to formulate a plan in his mind. He could do this; get the stele, get the cup, give it to Valentine and then he would be free. He looked back over at Alec as he led his new wife out off the chapel and felt a pang of guilt. He cared about these people, Alec, Izzy and Jace. He had even come to care for Clary. But he couldn't take it any more. Spending everyday in the same four walls was making the enormous Institute seem more like a small cage. He had to get out, even if that meant getting into bed with Lucifer himself. As the last of the guests left the chapel he raced to his room. If he was quick he could get what he needed and get back before anyone noticed he was missing. Rummaging through his bedside locker he found the small pocket knife that he owned. As he stowed it in his pocket he marvelled at how heavy it seemed to feel all of a sudden. He quickly made his way through the echoing halls and entered the greenhouse. The greenhouse had always been a very beautiful and peaceful place but at this moment it was positively magical. A tent had been set up and had cobalt blue drapes with gold tie backs and trimmings. Inside the tent a glass dance floor had been placed in front of a small stage from which live music was being played. The glass encased golden leaves and flowers which glittered invitingly as the guests danced around in graceful patterns. Tables adorned with cobalt and gold table cloths were scattered around the edge of the dance floor with the long head table at the back in the centre of them all. Small bouquets of white flowers were at the centre of each table and the table cloths were scattered with golden fairy dust. The air was fragrant with the scents of the surrounding flowers and plants and the trickling of water could be heard from the rock pool nearby. There was the buzz of conversation all around and the sound of laughter as the guests mingled and danced together. The entire scene was just like a picture from a fairytale book. In the centre of it all was the glowing bride. She had a beaming smile on her face and was surrounded by adoring guests who were no doubt gushing over her dress and hair and make up. This was a problem for him however he needed to get that bag with out anyone seeing but Lydia was constantly surrounded by people. Hodge was getting more and more frustrated by the moment. If he didn't get the cup then Valentine wouldn't break his punishment rune and he'd continue to live out his miserable existence stuck behind the Institute doors. Then he realised he could make this work for him. As Lydia was surrounded by so many people they would be less likely to notice the small knife in his hand. He pushed away another pang of guilt as he strode across the room towards Lydia. She smiled at him as he reached her side.
"Hodge thank you so much for attending the wedding today. I know how much it meant to Alec having you there and to me as well." It struck Hodge at that moment that despite coming across a bit abrasive at first Lydia really did have a heart of gold. She clearly cared a great deal about Alec. But Hodge couldn't let that influence him. He had been locked up in this place far too long now.
"It was my pleasure to be there. I've watched Alec grow so much throughout the years and it was an honour to witness his wedding day. I just wanted to come over and congratulate you. It truly was a beautiful ceremony and you make the most exquisite bride." As he was talking he shifted with subtlety so that the hand holding the bag was blocked from view. He sliced the bottom of the strap and it fell from her wrist with a thud. He quickly and sneakily slipped the knife back into his pocket as Lydia cursed and bent down to pick up the bag. "Oh dear looks like the stitching came undone on the strap. You want to put that somewhere safe before you misplace it during the festivities."
Lydia sighed as she examined the bag " It's such a shame it was a pretty little bag. Maybe I could stitch it back together?" She looked back up at her guests and smiled apologetically "Please do excuse me. Hodge is right, I had better go put this back in my room before I lose it." Hodge placed a hand out to stop her as she went to move away.
" Well if you like I can take it to your office for you. I was going to go and check in on Jocelyn and Luke anyway." He smiled as he spoke trying to sound as sincere as possible. "Besides it's your wedding day, you should stay and enjoy yourself." He prayed she wouldn't see through him. He knew she was an intelligent woman but he was hoping that she was too high on the euphoria from the wedding to notice how he was manipulating her. He needed to get the cup today. Tomorrow Lydia and Alec would be taking the cup back to Idris where they will be staying for a few days as a kind of honeymoon. Tonight was his last chance at freedom. He began to worry that the desperation might of filtered into his voice but then Lydia gave him a beaming smile.
" Ok if you're sure."She conceded, "See if you can get Luke to take a break and come up for a drink. He's been so vigilant in watching over Jocelyn he deserves it. You'll come back too right?"
" Of course I'll do my best to convince him and don't worry I'll be back before you know it."
"Thank you so much Hodge, you're a good friend." She handed over the bag to him.
"It's not a problem after all today is your day. You're suppose to have everyone waiting on your hand and foot" he jested in a light-hearted tone as she beamed at him. He smiled back then made his way casually towards the door.
After reaching the office he quickly shut the door then cast the rune to open the hidden compartment in the wall. The cup glinted mockingly at him. It felt warm to the touch as he picked it up. He used Lydia's stele to seal the compartment shut again before returning it to the bag which he placed on the desk. He put the cup into the bag he had glamoured invisible then left the room. He briskly made his way to the infirmary. Luke was sitting beside Jocelyn when Hodge entered and as he looked up Hodge could see just how worried and tired Luke was. He had watched Luke love Jocelyn from afar over the years. His feelings for Jocelyn was one of things everyone knew about but nobody brought up or talked about. After all Jocelyn belonged to Valentine at the time and it didn't matter if everyone knew that Luke was a better match for her. He knew the same thing was true of Lydia and Alec. Everyone knew that Alec would be much happier with the warlock Magnus Bane, a blind man could see the attraction between them. But now Alec belonged to Lydia and so that too would be whispered about behind closed doors and in dark corners but never brought up in the light of day or public conversation.
Luke smiled at Hodge and said "I heard the wedding was a wonderful success and the reception is equally magical. How come you're not up there enjoying the festivities?"
" Oh you know me I never was one for large crowds and parties. I came to see how Jocelyn was doing?"
"She's the same. Still asleep but at least we've got her back and she's safe from Valentine. I just want her to wake up you know?. It's been hard without her."
"I understand and we will find a way to wake her. Ragnor Fell may be dead but at least we now know that he used the Book of the White to enchant her to sleep. That's more than we knew a few days a go and once we get the book Magnus can wake her up. But until then you are not doing yourself much good sitting here day and night. Go up to the reception, get a drink and have a dance with Clary. Relax a bit and I'll watch over Jocelyn until you get back. I'm not taking no for an answer." Luke hesitated for a moment before finally conceding but promising he would be back soon. He paused at the door and to say " Thank you my friend" before leaving the infirmary. After checking that Luke had definitely left he took a ring out of his pocket and placed it on his finger. He paused for a moment then twisted it and before him appeared Valentine.
"You have the cup?" he asked. Hodge pulled the cup from his bag and replied. "Help me break my punishment rune and I'll bring it to you."
" A deal is a deal."
Alec's POV
Alec was enjoying himself as he sat at the head table beside Lydia. Everyone was in high spirits drinking and dancing and laughing. His parents suddenly appeared on stage and his father tapped on the microphone.
"Hey there can we have everyone's attention please." His voice echoed out over the babble of noise coming from the guests. The noise died down and everyone turned their attention on the stage. "We would like to make a toast to our son Alec and his lovely bride Lydia." He smiled at over at them both before continuing. "Although we may have had our differences in opinion there is no denying what an intelligent and strong woman Lydia is. She is a fearless shadowhunter, a born leader and an inspiration to us all not mention a truly magnificently beautiful bride." Murmurs of agreement rippled across the room bringing a smile to Lydia's lips and a slight blush to her cheeks. "Another thing that is undeniable is what a good match you are for our son. You both share the same values and beliefs and both understand the importance of conforming to the traditions of the Shadowhunter society. You will both be such wonderful leaders of this Institute and we could not have chosen a better wife for our boy. Lydia it is an absolute honour to call you our daughter in law, welcome to the Lightwood family." There was loud applause as Robert moved aside and Maryse stepped up to the microphone. The applause faded away as his Mother began to speak.
"Alec, you're our first born son and we know that over the years you have carried many of this family's burdens but you have done so with such strength and grace and no words could describe the gratitude and pride that we feel. You have been an exceptional son and an outstanding brother. You have been diligent in your training and have grown into an exceptional Shadowhunter and you have shown unwavering love and loyalty to this family. We have watched you grow over the years and you have brought us such pride on so many occasions." His mother had to pause for a moment as tears came to her eyes. Taking a deep breath she continued. "But we have never been more proud of our baby boy than when he was standing at that altar as a man about to start the next chapter of his life with such a beautiful wife at his side. I know that I have not been the most affectionate of Mothers over the years but know that mine and your Father's love for you and your siblings is unconditional and fills our hearts to the brim. We are so very proud of you and we wish you and Lydia a happy and long marriage filled with all you could possibly dream of." There was thunderous applause at the end of her speech and many of the guests were dabbing tears from their eyes with napkins as Lydia and Alec smiled at them but Alec could not help but wonder if they would have been so proud of him if he had acted on his feelings for Magnus. Would their love be quite so unconditional then? His fathers voice broke him from his thoughts as he said "It is time for the Bride and Groom's first dance. Ladies and Gentlemen please join me in inviting Mr Alec Lightwood to lead his wife Mrs Lydia Lightwood in their first dance together." As those gathered clapped Alec took hold of Lydia's hand and helped her rise from the table. They walked onto the dance floor and Alec placed his other hand on her waist. The band began to play Brian Crain's Butterfly Waltz as they moved together around the floor in graceful circles. After watching them for some time other dancers joined them on the floor. Jace was dancing with Izzy spinning her in circles as they talked quietly together and Alec saw Clary and Luke dancing together out the corner of his eye. He was glad to see that Luke had taken a break and got out of the infirmary, the guy definitely needed it. Clary was beside herself with laughter as Luke lead her around the floor in a comically exaggerated waltz; spinning her too often and too quickly before swooping her down into a dip. The scene brought smiles to the surrounding dancers' faces.
Alec looked down at Lydia's smiling face and was overcome with a wave of gratitude. She had been the only one to trust in his decisions completely; the only one to understand why he needed to do this for his family. She had been prepared to marry him to help save the Lightwood name. She had not personally condemned his parents for their involvement in the Circle. She even defended them to Alec when he was most angry with them. Reminded him that people make mistakes. She had faced hostility from everyone at the Institute from the moment she arrived and yet she still cared about everyone here. Even though Jace had been the most hostile towards her of everyone she still tried to dissuade Alec from using their Parabatai bond to track Jace. She had stood up to the Inquisitor for Izzy at her trial even though she knew it could have a negative effect on her career. She had married him and he somehow knew that if he had decided to call off the wedding she would not have condemned him for it. He had chosen a good and kind hearted woman to spend the rest of his life with. "Lydia, thank you" he whispered into her ear as he laid his cheek on the top of her head.
"For what?" she whispered back as they continued to move around the floor, slower now.
"Everything. For standing by me, for helping Izzy. For helping me save my family's name. For actually marrying me today." he finished jokingly. She laughed lightly then looked up into his eyes. "Well I should be thanking you too. You've stood by me as well. Even when I was making difficult decisions you had my back. We make good partners." She gave him a playful wink and he laughed before resting his cheek back on her head. For the moment he was content.
Hodge's POV
Hodge re-entered the greenhouse after Luke returned to Jocelyn and looked around at the people gathered. Alec was dancing with Izzy who laughed as he spun her around. Alec seemed alot more relaxed and happier. He was smiling and joking around with his sister. Clary was sitting at a table with Simon and they too were laughing together. There were many familiar faces around. A lot of them he had called friends. Some of them he had even come to consider like family. He cared deeply for them all and for a moment he began to doubt his actions. Then he heard a laugh coming across the room and saw Maryse and Robert Lightwood with some members of the Clave. They were chuckling and talking and sipping on their champagne in golden flutes. With a flash of anger he remembered what had drove him to side with Valentine. As much as he cared for these people he also resented them; at times even hated them for their freedom. They could walk out of the doors when ever they wanted. They could go home to Idris whenever they wanted and travel to other institutes. Yet despite the fact that he had committed no worse crime than the Lightwoods he was the one that was damned to this place for the rest of his pitiful life. He was the one who could not speak of the past without a rune burning his neck and causing excruciating pain. And all because he did not have a name like Lightwood. They claimed the honour wasn't in the name but in the deed. But there was power in a name and in having the right allies. One day there would be power tied to the Starkweather name even if he needed to make an ally of Valentine to achieve it. He looked round the room one last time taking a moment to take it all in. For by tomorrow he would be leaving this place and these people behind forever.
Author's note: Oh Alec, he really is trying hard to convince himself he's doing the right thing isn't he and Hodge is just as bad. Ok so next chapter the drama is really gonna kick off. How long before they realise that the cup is gone and how will everyone deal with Hodge's betrayal? Also how awkward is it gonna be when they have to ask Magnus for help? I'll try and upload the next chapter as soon as possible but you know I kinda need to write it first lol. So watch this space.