Chapter dedicated to CocoaCollidoscope for being an awesome reviewer. I never got around to thanking you properly...Anyways, I hope you enjoy the chapter!

Previously:

The Weasley family is preparing for Victoire and Teddy's wedding which is soon. Rose goes to the Tavern in an attempt to find Albus but finds Scorpius instead. Surprisingly, they both have a civil and nice conversation.

Later that night she, Hyacinth, and Lily, get ready for Victoire's bachelorette party but Rose realizes she left her present at the Tavern. Rose goes alone to the Tavern, and a creepy man ends up stealing her wand.

Scorpius punches him before he can do anything else and escorts Rose to the Leaky Cauldron so she can go to the bachelorette party with her present safely...

I didn't know what had changed, but I was very thankful that something had. Otherwise something terrible would have taken place if Scorpius had not come to my rescue.

His gray eyes stared resolutely at me, and I bit my lip. I tried to form words of gratitude but I just...couldn't. I had far too much pride for that.

So I stepped forward and wrapped my hands around his neck, hoping that he would know how grateful I was for what he had done.

He seemed to understand when his own arms wrapped around my waist strongly, and I felt safe in his arms. The same scent that lingered on his jacket surrounded me as I hugged him, and then I stepped away.

I heard him very clearly when he said, "You're welcome."

Rose's POV

"Quit fidgeting Rose, you look fine," Hyacinth, insisted as she pulled viciously at my mess of auburn curls. My hair was being particularly disobedient and it fought hard against my clips, hairspray, and brushes.

I winced as she once again yanked on my hair—my eyes watering. If I started crying from the pain it would certainly ruin my makeup though.

"Dang it, I wish we had some spare Sleakeasy's Hair Potion but we ran out," Hyacinth complained as she pulled and twisted my hair.

"Yeah," I gasped as she clipped parts of my hair up, "That would have saved us a lot of trouble...and hair."

With one final yank Hyacinth pulled away from my hair, "There, I'm done."

I examined myself in the mirror, and gently touched the soft ringlets of hair that framed my hair. I couldn't see much of the back of my head, but I'm pretty sure Hyacinth called it a "chignon". Whatever that was.

However it looked nicer than it sounded, and my hair didn't look like a frizzy mess for once.

"Don't touch it!" Hyacinth shrieked. I immediately obeyed, and got out of my chair—turning to face her.

"You look really nice," Hyacinth complimented with a small smile.

"Thanks, so do you," I replied back. And she did. She ended up buying a light pink dress that made her look delicate and graceful. "Al is going to be in for a surprise."

"Yeah, probably since I normally don't wear anything this girly," Hyacinth replied, she stepped closer to the mirror to touch up her makeup. "Speaking of which, Scorpius is probably going to pee his pants when he sees you like that."

I rolled my eyes at her (not that she could see), "I doubt that will happen."

Hyacinth turned to me with a quirked eyebrow before continuing to powder her face, "What do you mean? The last time I saw you together you were both grinding at Al's party!"

I immediately colored at her blunt words and choked out, "We were not grinding. We were...dancing."

"Dancing very intimately if you ask me. But what happened? You do like him, right?" Hyacinth prodded.

I paused. Did I like him? Ever since I met him, I had hated his guts, but now...I wasn't so sure. What he did for me at the tavern was sweet and chivalrous, but that couldn't mean that I liked him. However no one besides my cousins had ever protected me like that.

If anything it was just infatuation—not a crush—just mild attraction. It was nothing serious of course.

But, then again, we were talking quite civilly last time (well, before that little incident).

"I—I don't know...I mean, I'm attracted to him, sure, but...I don't think I actually like him," I sighed, as I sat on the edge of the bathtub. We were both currently commandeering Aunt Fleur's bathroom as our place to get ready. Other bridesmaids were getting ready in other various rooms of Shell Cottage. In about another hour or so, we would witness Victoire and Teddy's wedding ceremony on the beach just outside.

"Look, Rose, Albus told me what happened at the Tavern when you went back to get Victoire's present."

I huffed; I really couldn't trust any of my cousins to keep a secret.

"That doesn't mean anything."

"Of course it does! Don't tell me that you weren't thankful that he saved you. He punched that guy to bits, Rose! He wouldn't do that for just anyone. You were secretly glad that it was him, weren't you?" Hyacinth declared passionately.

I didn't say anything. I just stared at my painted nails. I still felt the remnants of utter humiliation and embarrassment for getting myself and Scorpius into a situation like that...

I heard Hyacinth sigh, before she came and sat beside me, "Look, I know Scorpius, and I'm pretty sure that he really likes you too."

I ignored her use of the word 'too' and instead, asked, "But how do you know?"

"Just trust me, and stop being so darn stubborn. Give him a chance..." Hyacinth advised.

"And how exactly am I supposed to do that?" I asked softly when I looked up at her.

Hyacinth's warm smiled curled into a smirk, "Well for starters, you could snog him..."

Instead of getting defensive I tried turning the tables on her, "You should not be talking. What about you and Albus, hm? When are you going to snog him?"

Her smile faded before she turned around and said quietly, "I already have..."

"What?"

"It's time to go, Rose!" Hyacinth replied before practically running out of the bathroom.

The next hour was pretty crazy and I honestly don't remember half of it. I was too busy running around, grabbing flower bouquets for the other bridesmaids and greeting other guests who had arrived at Shell Cottage. Time seemed to blur in the midst of chaotic relatives and friends.

Finally, just as the sun was about to disappear into the horizon, the bridesmaids and groomsmen were ushered towards the makeshift sandy alter.
The sky was tinged with a pinkish hue, and there was a distinct salty taste that hung in the air. Overall, it was quite a nice wedding, with the ocean in the background, lapping at the sand.

Aunt Ginny handed me a bouquet of pink flowers to hold and I thought I spotted some tears in her eyes. It was certainly a momentous occasion since Teddy was basically her son. I could see Fleur's family already dabbing at their eyes with embroidered handkerchiefs, as they spoke in rapid French.

Uncle Harry stood with a nervous looking Teddy—one hand clasped on his broad shoulder. Teddy's hair was changing so quickly that he was like a walking rainbow. It would be amusing if he didn't look so nervous.

My eyes scanned the rest of the small crowd that had formed in the white chairs. I spotted James and Fred both looking too mischievous for their own good in matching tuxedos. I also saw Hyacinth fixing Al's bow tie—both of them blushing adorably.

And then I spotted him.

Scorpius and his family were talking to Adromeda, Teddy's grandmother. They were all moving into their seats, and I tried not to stare at him. Hopefully he wouldn't notice me. I don't know why, but I didn't want to see him. Not yet. Luckily I was behind Dominique Weasley, so I was sure that she would be a nice veela distraction.

And finally the wedding ceremony began.

People hurried to their seats, and Uncle Harry left Teddy to join Aunt Ginny and my own parents.

The wedding march soon started (played by a hired pianist) and I could see Victoire making her way down the aisle led by her father, Uncle Bill.

She was stunning as she glided down the aisle—as if walking on air. Her long blond hair cascaded down her back and she looked simply exquisite. Her white strapless dress seemed to make her skin glow, and fit her figure nicely before flowing outwards. Pearls stitched in a flower design ran down her side.

I glanced at Teddy to see his reaction and almost laughed out loud. He looked thoroughly star struck from her beauty, and his hair turned into an alarming shade of red before fading into turquoise.

Finally they both stopped in front of the priest and Teddy. Uncle Bill kissed Victoire gently on her forehead, before moving to sit next to Aunt Fleur. Then Victoire moved to stand in front of Teddy—both of them smiling widely.

The priest began to speak, "Dearly beloved we are gathered here today..."

I started to tune out—my eyes wandering the expanse of the beach. Aunt Fleur and Grandmother Molly really put together an awesome wedding. White tents were set up near Shell Cottage, and bouquets of flowers floated around the perimeter of where the guests sat.

My eyes strayed towards Aunt Fleur and Gabrielle, as well as Aunt Ginny. They were both crying silently and it was a rare moment when I saw them so close to each other. Heck, they were even clutching each other's hands.

Suddenly I caught his intense gray eyes. They traveled down the length of my body and I started to feel self-conscious until I saw an appraising gleam in his eyes. But then his eyebrows rose as if to say, "Why aren't you paying attention to the ceremony?"

I glared back at him defiantly, "Well what about you?"

He had the audacity to smirk at me and before I turned back around, I stuck my tongue at him. Ha. Take that Scorpius Malfoy.

Hyacinth's words echoed in my mind, "Just trust me...Give him a chance..."

The minutes stretched on, and just before my feet were really starting to hurt (curse Hyacinth for giving me these stupid heels), the priest finally said:

"And do you Victoire Weasley take Ted Remus Lupin to be your husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do you part?"

Victoire grinned while nodding slightly, "I do."

"And do you Ted Remus Lupin take Victoire Weasley to be your wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do you part?"

Teddy smiled—his hair changing to an astonishingly bright blue, "I do."

"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

Teddy looked ecstatic, and pulled Victoire towards him by the waist and kissed her sweetly. His hair turned turquoise by the time they let go of each other—both of them wearing the same face-splitting smile.

We were all cheering for them by that time, and Teddy led Victoire towards the tents. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a Weasley Whizard Wheezes firework spiraled into the sky and exploded into a flurry of rainbow sparks. A message saying "Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Lupin!" was written out in the sky before fading into the sky. Underneath all the pandemonium, I spotted both James and Fred grinning conspiratorially.

I followed the other bridesmaids down towards the tents—trying to navigate through my many relatives. I saw James and Fred first—the dynamic duo. Their smirks were prominent as I approached.

"Nice fireworks, boys," I complimented, smiling. They really were something else.

Fred nodded his head towards me, "I'm sure Teddy appreciated the gesture."

"Mum didn't," James continued.

"Yeah, she nearly exploded when she first saw them go up."

"She said something about 'ruining a beautiful moment'."

"But then she saw what it said—"

"—and she started tearing up again."

"She can be so moody..."

I laughed and continued chatting with them as we made our way to the buffet table. There were so much food; plates of fish, chicken, bowls of Yorkshire pudding, dishes of steak and kidney pie, and goblets of butterbeer, pumpkin juice, and firewhiskey.

I fell into line behind James and Fred (who were both eagerly piling up their plates) and took a bit of everything. All three of us made our way to a circular table only occupied by Al and Hyacinth.

"Hi," I greeted as I sat down next to Hyacinth, "we aren't interrupting, are we?"

Hyacinth smiled slyly, "Nope."

For a moment, all five of us ate in silence—just enjoying the warm delicious food.

"So...that was some show you two put out there," Al noted as he wiped his mouth with a napkin. His expression was half amused and half impressed.

"Thanks," they both chorused.

"But it was all a big experiment—"

"—Yeah, we didn't even know if the message would show up or not..."

They talked a bit more about fireworks and Weasley Wizard Wheezes, while I turned to talk to Hyacinth.

"So, Hyacinth, don't think you're off the hook," I whispered, while raising my eyebrows.

She batted her eyelashes innocently, "Who, me? What have I done?"

"You," I began pointedly, "apparently snogged my dear cousin..."

Hyacinth blushed and turned away, "Oh that."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes and persisted, "Yes that. When did it happen? How did it happen? More importantly, where was I?"

Hyacinth snorted, "Well, you were off grinding with Scorpius, while Al and I took a break and sat down. And then...the next thing you know, we're kissing on a couch..."

I caught on to what she was saying, and smirked at her, "Well...are you guys together then?"

Hyacinth bit her smile as if to stop her smile from getting to large and replied, "Yes...yes we are."

Before I could say anything else she interrupted, "So what about you and Scorpius? I saw you two making faces at each other. You two are so cute together."

I nearly choked on the butterbeer I was sipping, "Oh please. That? Psh...that was nothing. Absolutely nothing."

"Whatever you say..." Hyacinth said doubtfully.

Someone tapped me on the shoulder, and I turned around to see my dad staring back at me—my mum behind him talking to Uncle Harry.

"Hey Rosie, I hope you're almost finished, they're going to start dancing soon," my dad said with a wide grin. I smiled in return and took his hand as he led me to the crowd that was forming around Teddy and Victoire. (But not before kicking off my dreadful heels)

No one knew what song they had chosen as their first song, but everyone grinned when Tarantallegra: The Band started playing a slow dance song. I watched them as Teddy held Victoire close to his body. They both looked so content in that second—lost in their own love struck world.

After a few minutes, Uncle Bill cut in and took Victoire into his arms—his smile stretching the faded scars across his cheeks. They danced to a slightly faster song, while Teddy danced with Aunt Fleur.

It was then that my dad led me to the dancefloor. Around me I saw my other uncles dancing with their daughters. I laughed as my dad spun me around—surprised that he was actually quite good.

"Dad, I didn't know you could dance," I teased as he twirled me round and round.

He acted mock offended, "Well how do you think I won over your mum?"

I laughed at his words and continued dancing until the end of the song. We were both red in the face, and Dad started complaining about how he was 'too old for these dances'.

Hugo took my hand as my dad retreated to my mum.

"You better not step on my toes," Hugo warned as another song started up—just as fast. He was just a bit taller than Dad, so I held on to his hand tightly as my eyes strained to meet his.

"I'm not wearing any shoes," I replied giggling as he twirled me around. He was such an angsty little teenager.

"Well still. You're feet are large enough to break my poor toes."

"They are not!" I replied hotly—my eyes narrowing playfully at him. I was old enough to not take too much offense at his words. "You're just too embarrassed to dance with your older sister, huh? It's because of Dominique's veela friends, isn't it?"

I saw Hugo color, and laughed because I knew I had gotten it exactly right.

"Oh shut up Rose..."

Just as he was spinning out I swore I spotted a pair of familiar gray eyes watching me from the corner of my eyes. But when I looked back, they were gone.

I put it out of my mind and continued dancing with Hugo until the end of the song where a person interrupted us.

"Do you mind if I take over?" Scorpius asked just as the song faded. Hugo barely looked at us.

"Please do."

I was about to respond to my brother scathingly until I felt Scorpius' fingers curling around my waist and pulling me close to him. I saw his stormy eyes rake my body up and down and it felt as intimate as if he was dragging his fingertips down my body.

"Wha—? What do you think you're doing? My dad is here," I said warningly as I stepped away from him. His presence was making me nervous and I looked around me as if my dad was about to appear at any given moment and cause a scene. Not to mention that I didn't particularly want to be with Scorpius at the moment. The events from a few nights ago still bothered me.

I had acted so childish, and so stupid. I didn't want to face him (especially after I couldn't properly thank him).

"Yeah, and I'm Teddy's cousin. Rose it's fine—he won't even notice, he's too busy with your mum," Scorpius reassured as he reeled me back in close. "Unless of course you don't want to dance with me."

I could feel his hard chest pressed up against mine, and his hot breath on my neck. We were on the verge of being indecent, but either Scorpius didn't notice or didn't care since he started dancing to the music.

Hyacinth's words played over and over in my head like a broken record—so I tried not to step away either. I would give this a chance—whatever this was.

"No—of-of course not. It's fine. I don't mind dancing with you," I replied, stuttering and tripping over my words. What was I, twelve? I felt my cheeks heat up.

"Great. Because I'm not giving you an option."

I scowled at him, but chose not to say anything. Mostly because I didn't know how to respond...

Scorpius proved to be a good dancer, which wasn't very surprising because he came from a pure-blood family. It was slightly different dancing with him this way. For one, we were not in a hot crowded room pressed together so hard that I could hear both of our heartbeats; but there was still that same testing gleam in his eyes—silently asking me if I would back down.

But I wasn't going to, so I tried to ignore my paranoid mind. My senses were on overdrive, and every moving couple around me seemed like my parents or Scorpius' parents.

Frankly I didn't know which one was worse.

"Rose," Scorpius whispered—breaking my nervous train of thoughts, "quit worrying so much."

"Do you know Legilimens?" I blurted—the hand that was holding his turning slightly sweaty. Gross.

Scorpius chuckled, "No. Why do you ask?"

"Because you read my thoughts..."

He smirked, "I read your face. You look like you've seen a dementor or something."

"Oh."

I didn't know what to say, because I was on edge. But by this time I didn't know who was causing it: Scorpius, or my fear of my parent's wrath. So I tried to relax by resting my head lightly on his chest. I could hear his quick heartbeat, and I felt his arms tighten around me—slowly easing the tension within my body.

He was like a slow working drug that loosened my limbs and injected a peaceful fog into my mind. I knew I shouldn't have been enjoying the sensation so much, but I did.

That is, until, my mum interrupted.

"Rose, sweetie," she nudged, while I jumped back far away from Scorpius, as if I was burned, "You and the other bridesmaids need to come help with the cake. Just go back to the cottage and grab some extra utensils and plates—we seem to be running out..."

"S-sure, " I replied, still tense and ready for some kind of argument to occur. Quickly I scanned the area for my dad and found him in the vicinity of the buffet table. He had a couple of empty wine glasses around him, and was engaged in a conversation with Uncle Bill.

Thank Merlin, at least he was distracted.

My mum left, and I said a quick goodbye to Scorpius before exiting the sandy dance floor. She seemed so frenzied that I don't even think she noticed that I was dancing with a Malfoy.

"Wait," Scorpius called, catching my arm before I moved two steps, "I'll come with you."

I looked back at him surprised before jerking my arm away, "That's not necessary."

What was with this guy? Normally at the Tavern, he was a cold hearted and reserved, and suddenly he's jumping at the chance to be alone with me at Shell Cottage?

Does he not understand that my Dad (who is highly skilled in all sorts of curses) is present? I wasn't taking any chances with him around me.

"Stop being so darn stubborn. Give him a chance..."

Godric, even in my head, Hyacinth was persistent.

Finally I huffed, "Fine, just...try not to be too noticeable."

Scorpius looked vaguely surprised, but followed me anyways. We didn't talk to each other for the whole way, but I could still hear each heavy step he made. I peeked at him from the corner of my eye—just taking a moment to admire his profile.

Gosh what was I doing? I snapped my head back to the front.

I was obviously delusional. The hairspray that Hyacinth put in my hair must have seeped into my brain and obscured my judgment.

Or maybe (and this is what scared me the most) I really was falling for Scorpius...But that still didn't explain why he was acting so weird. Where did his harsh behavior go?

My nerves were shot by the time we reached Shell Cottage, and I tried not to notice the ominous thud of the closed door.

I immediately ransacked the cupboards—searching for utensils and plates. There was one shelf that was particularly hard to reach, and I was standing on the very tips of my toes when I felt a body press against me.

Scorpius' hand reached out to open the cupboard and pull out a container of utensils and stack of plates.

"Here you go," he said politely with a rare smile that rattled me to the bone. I twisted around, and came very very close to his face. I was trapped in between him and the counter.

"Thanks," I whispered, thankful that for once I wasn't stuttering. Suddenly his hand came up, and tugged on a stray curl near my ear. I shivered when his fingertips brushed the shell of my ear.

Before I even thought about what I was saying, I blurted out, "What are you doing?"

"What do you mean?" he asked, with an amused quirk of his eyebrow.

"I mean, who are you and what have you done with Scorpius Malfoy?"

I could feel his laughter vibrating me—we were that close, "I don't think I understand."

I said a bit louder, my eyes narrowing, "Why are you acting differently all of a sudden? You...you were never this...nice, or polite. What's going on?"

His eyebrows narrowed at my words, "I am capable of being nice you know. I thought I proved that when you barged into the Tavern that night."

Ah, there it was. So The Prick hadn't fully disappeared.

I couldn't help but retort, "I did not barge in there. I forgot Victoire's present. What did you want me to do, go without a present?"

"Well if it meant that you were away from the Tavern, then yes!"

"You," I said in a louder voice, "might not have a problem with being a rude guest. But I do! I couldn't just show up at her party without a present!"

"Well you still shouldn't have come to the Tavern! If I wasn't there to save you, who knows what would have happened!"

I crossed my arms—that feeling of shame and embarrassment washing over me, and I felt like eight years old again. "I didn't need you to save me, Malfoy. I would have been fine if you didn't come."

Now he was coming closer—trying to intimidate me. "Liar," he growled, "No one would have heard you scream. No one would have tried to help you. Only I did. You didn't even have the guts to thank me afterwards."

I opened my mouth—wanting to shriek and tell him he was wrong, but nothing came out. He was right. I was a coward. I couldn't even thank him.

"I didn't ask for your help," I finally managed to grind out. My hands were clenched into fists. I was so angry, that my fists were trembling with rage.

Scorpius laughed without amusement, "You don't ask anyone for help. You have too much pride for that."

"What about you? You've always thought that you were better than everyone else! Until you got a job at the Tavern you wouldn't talk to me unless it was an insult! Because I'm a Gryffindor and you're a Slytherin!" I finally yelled. It didn't occur to me until now, that that was the reason why I was so apprehensive about having a relationship with Scorpius. We were just too different.

"I hate you," I finally whispered angrily. I hated him for making me feel weak and childish. I hated knowing that he was right. I hated that I still seemed to come back to him after all this time. He didn't say anything for a minute—just continued to look at me with an indescribable expression on his face.

"Do you ever stop lying?" he finally grumbled coldly, while stepping even closer to me. We were inches away and I could feel heat, sparks—energy—rolling off him in waves. His eyes were darker than usual, and I saw something fighting within him. Like his emotions were wrestling—never settling completely. He was at odds with himself.

I didn't respond, I only watched as he leaned closer to me. I observed him while standing stock-still—almost afraid I would shatter the tense moment.

"Do you ever just...forget?" he breathed, his eyes still portraying his emotional turmoil; it was a storm brewing inside of him threatening to spill out of control.

Suddenly his lips were pressed against mine—hard and unrelenting. I could feel him coaxing me—ever the sly snake. Even when he was kissing me it felt like he was challenging me—taunting me. He nibbled my bottom lip, and I gasped when I felt his tongue trace my lower lip. How far would I let this go? Which one of us would pull away first?

And so I kissed him back just as fiercely, my arms snaking around his neck—quickly tangling into his silky hair. My skin was on fire, and I could feel heat rolling inside me. My heart was pounding, and his tongue slipped in between my lips—barely even asking permission. His lips massaged my own almost fervently, growling when I kissed him back.

He pressed harder against me—my tailbone hitting the edge of the counter. I arched my back trying to feel more of him. Needing to feel him. The arches of my feet were starting to hurt from standing on my tiptoes. But still I kissed him furiously. Like I had some point to prove with him. And maybe I did.

I tried to tug his head down so I could give me feet some rest, but he abruptly pulled away from—his lips dragging downward to the hollow of my neck. An embarrassingly loud moan escaped my lips, and I swore I felt him smirk against my neck.

Then in one swift moment, his arms lifted me up and I experienced a short moment of weightlessness, before he plopped me back down on the counter.

We were at the same height now, and I only had a moment to stare at his dark-lust filled eyes before his bruised lips were back on mine; bordering on possessiveness

All thoughts started to fade away, and I focused on my emotions—drowning myself in the physical moment. He was intoxicating, and the way he was making me feel scared me a bit.

Scorpius stepped in between my legs—the fabric of my dress riding up my thighs—and I wrapped my legs around his waist, pulling him even closer. I could feel his palm sliding underneath the soft material of my dress.

His hand stopped at my mid thigh and squeezed. I think I moaned at the sensation or maybe it was him. At least I knew that I wasn't the only one loosing control. I could feel him shudder and groan against me every time my hands danced across his chest or bit down on his lips.

I could barely think straight. My mind felt thoroughly drunk and hazy, but my skin was sensitive—alive. I devoured each moment he elicited a moan in me, or burned me from the affect of his skin against mine. We were tangled in each other—still tasting and exploring each other. I couldn't get enough of him.

But finally, somehow, I pulled away from him, gasping from the lack of oxygen. We were both panting—our foreheads touching and our breaths mingling with each other. My eyes were closed as if I were afraid at what I would see in his eyes.

Thoughts whizzed through my head—none of them seeming to make sense to me. Had I really just snogged Scorpius Malfoy? Had I really just enjoyed snogging Scorpius? My mind wasn't able to comprehend anything, so I just stayed silent.

Finally Scorpius leaned back, and my gaze sweeped across his red lips and dilated eyes. He watched me carefully (and just a bit warily) as he dragged his hand from under my dress. His fingertips skimmed my searing skin, and I felt my body shiver at his touch. Goosebumps popped up along my legs, and I thought I saw a ghost of a smirk on his face.

I fought hard to keep a tender sigh from slipping my mouth.

Instead, I avoided the elephant in the room, and hopped from the counter.

"They'll be waiting for us," I whispered—turning my body away from him and grabbing the plates and utensils.

"Rose..."

I could feel his intense gaze watching me, and I resisted the urge to meet his stare. I didn't have anything to say to him. Not until I considered my haywire thoughts and came to a logical conclusion.

So I made my way to the door, thinking over our argument and Hyacinth's words. I had given him a chance, and let him snog me. But now what? Where do we go from here?

Did I even want to take this further? We were too different. We would never get along.

Before my thoughts wandered anywhere else, and before I made it out the door Scorpius was in front of me.

I stopped abruptly, and in a fluid motion his lips were close to my ear—sending currents of electricity down my spine, "This isn't over yet."

And with that, he shot me one last triumphant smirk before disappearing out the door. I barely even noticed that he took half the stack of plates with him. I just stared after him wondering how he could manage to take my breath away so quickly, and leave me so unbalanced and shaky.

Damn him.

A/N: NOTE: For Victoire and Teddy's wedding I had a lot of trouble of deciding what to put into the actual ceremony. So please excuse me for sticking a priest in there, and having the ceremony be slightly religious. It's just the way it turned out since I wanted to include the actual ceremony. Just see it as artistic license since I don't know how wizard marriage ceremonies turn out.

ANOTHER NOTE: Do me a favor and quickly scroll up to the top of the page. See the story cover? That lovely work of art was done by Sakura Martinez. All credit goes to her, and I'm extremely thankful for it. Do you guys like it?

Anyways, hi :) It has been quite a while, and I apologize once again. I'm sorry this took so long. But hey, it's summer now which means that this story will soon be completed. I'm thinking one more chapter to go (including a short epilogue). It's all very exciting.

Fun Fact: This was my longest FF chapter, and longest kiss scene. Ever. (How do you guys think I did? :P)

Review Challenge: Have you seen Brave yet? (I intend to go see it this weekend. I'm very excited.) Ohmygod Season Finale Hour Long Legend of Korra Episode tomorrow! Who's watching? Favorite accessory?

Thanks for being such awesome readers! Hope you're well,
Pickles