Author's Note: I'm as terrible at keeping promises as Scorpius is. I know this chapter was seriously delayed, but it's pretty lengthy so I hope that makes up for it ;) I won't even try and make promises about when the final chapter will be uploaded, because I think it's been made pretty clear that I'll fail to keep to that. Just be on the look out over this week. I might give you a Christmas present of sorts to make up for it ;)
Chapter 9 – The Promise
The sun shone down over the hotel on the second day of August, like a happy blessing on the couple, as if marking the start of a truly beautiful day. Rose and Scorpius, in separate beds, in separate rooms, in separate corridors, both awoke at almost the exact same time.
It was the chink in the curtains, casting a direct line of sunlight onto Rose's face, that made her awake. She rolled over in the centre of the vast bed, lost in a sea of covers, and ran a weary hand over her half-open eyes. A second passed; her eyes opened fully; Rose shot up into a sitting position with the speed of a bullet, fully awake.
"I'M GETTING MARRIED TODAY!" she shrieked to absolutely no one (though the whole hotel had probably heard her), exhilaration pumping through her body. Rose clambered out of her bed, flinging the covers aside, and scrambled for the door, not even sparing a thought to her mussed-up appearance.
Scorpius too had been awoken by the sunlight, but not a gentle chink like Rose. He was cast into a blinding spotlight as someone threw wide the curtains of his room. Scorpius groaned in protest at the abrupt awakening, squinting through the dizzying light to try and identify the perpetrator.
"Morning, sunshine," James Potter said brightly. "You're getting married today by the way."
"James," Scorpius said with great distaste, rubbing his eyes with one hand. He suddenly clutched the covers to his chest, like a girl protecting her modesty. "How did you get in my room?" he asked shrilly.
James turned away from where he'd been admiring the sunlit view out the window, and looked at Scorpius. "I'm a wizard, idiot. I used a little thing called 'magic.' You ever heard of it?"
The fact that the hotel key cards were basically made redundant in the present company made Scorpius feel suddenly uncomfortable. And stupid for not having realised before…
"You don't sleep naked, do you?" James asked casually, as he approached the bed.
Scorpius regarded him with horror. "No."
"Really?" James asked in surprise. "I do. But anyway, that's good."
"What – why?" Scorpius asked, still in complete horror as James got closer and closer.
"Because I don't want to see ungodly things when I do this," James explained, whipping the entire duvet set off of the bed with a flourish on the last word.
Scorpius might not have been naked, but he was clad only in his boxers, and did not feel particularly comfortable that more than half of his naked body was now exposed to James. After the Ron incident, Scorpius wasn't greatly comfortable with any nudity at his own expense, in front of any member of the Potter-Weasley family who wasn't Rose. He glared at his future cousin-in-law.
"Put some more clothes on before the ceremony," James advised. "Or don't. I mean, it will save you the trouble of getting undressed later." As James winked at Scorpius, the blonde boy wondered if there was ever anything other than sexual intercourse on his mind.
Before Scorpius could respond, there was a diminished sort of shout that seemed to come from the corridor above them. "Did that – was that – was that Rose?" Scorpius asked worriedly. The day had barely begun – what could possibly be going wrong already?
James frowned. "Err… it could be out of excitement?" he suggested.
Upstairs, Rose had made her way into the corridor and was running up and down it, excitedly shrieking, "I'M GETTING MARRIED TODAY! IT'S TODAY, IT'S TODAY – I'M GETTING MARRIED TODAY!"
Janey was the first to burst from her room, Sam emerging behind her in a dressing gown, looking panicked. Rose stopped when she saw the couple, her eyes immediately drawn to the glistening engagement ring.
"What the hell are you doing?" Janey growled. Rose had shared a room with Janey for seven whole years; she really should have known the girl was fiercely adverse to such abrupt awakenings.
"I'm, err… I'm getting married today," Rose said with a weak smile.
"Do you really have to shout about it?"
Other people had started to emerge into the corridor too, rubbing their sleep-strained eyes and glaring at Rose. Ebony was the only one who looked vaguely cheery. Unlike everybody else, she was already up and dressed.
"Get back in your room," she jokingly ordered Rose. "Do you really want to run the risk of Scorpius coming across you before the wedding?"
"No," Rose breathed in a panic. Not that she was superstitious, of course (she was only now more slightly tolerant of Divination for Lily's sake), and didn't strictly believe in the theory that it was bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding, but on that day of all days, she was not taking that risk. "Have you seen him?" she asked Ebony excitedly (and a little nervously).
"No," Ebony said, "but James is with him."
Well, Rose thought, he was still in the hotel – that was a good start.
"Come on," Ebony insisted, gently ushering Rose back into the bridal suite, "let's get this thing started."
Janey was a lot cheerier once she'd had her morning coffee, and the other bridesmaids soon warmed to Rose after her early-morning wakeup-call. It was her big day, after all – they couldn't take that away from her. (And it would all be over soon, thank Merlin). The sun still shining, and exhilaration still pumping through her body as the hours ticked down, Rose was in full-prep mood alongside her four bridesmaids, all of them having set up their prep-station in the bridal suite.
"I look amazing in this dress," Janey said, admiring herself from all angles in the full-length mirror. She did, of course, but Rose didn't want to boost her ego.
"Like a supermodel," Taylor said sarcastically, wrinkling her nose at her own frumpy appearance.
"You all look incredible," Rose insisted kindly. She wasn't wearing her dress yet, but was sat on a chair in the centre of the room, still dressed in her pyjamas, as Gwen tackled her hair from behind. It was times like this when they greatly appreciated their magical ability. Rose had a lot of hair.
"I'm so jealous," Ebony announced sulkily, taking them all by surprise. She was slumped forward in a chair by the window, looking at Rose enviously.
"Do you want me to do your hair too?" Gwen asked in confusion. Ebony's hair already looked perfect.
"No," the Maid of Honour sighed, "I mean – the wedding and everything. I wish I was getting married."
Rose, Gwen, Taylor, and Janey all stopped what they were doing to stare at Ebony in disbelief.
"Eb," Rose said slowly, feeling like she was missing something, "you are married. You know that, right? I mean, are you aware that you've already had a wedding?"
"Oh, I know, but not like this," Ebony explained, gesturing to the grandeur of the scene. "There were three people at my wedding," she said drily. "Me, James, and the priest. Nobody walked me down the aisle, nobody watched me get married – none of my friends or family. I didn't have any bridesmaids. We didn't even have a honeymoon. Heck, we didn't even have an engagement! James never actually proposed to me."
Rose had watched James and Ebony get married – not in real life, but James had allowed her to watch it through the Pensieve four days later. It had been a beautiful and intimate ceremony, deeply romantic.
"Don't get me wrong," Ebony said quickly, "I loved our wedding – I loved everything about it all – I just think it would have been nice to have a big ceremony like this though." She glanced longingly at Rose, who was still in the process of being pampered by Gwen.
"Oh, I don't know," Rose sighed, "the more I think about it, the more I think it might have been better if we'd eloped. I know Scorpius would much prefer it."
"Well, it's too late for that," Taylor snapped.
Rose wondered why Taylor was being so bitter. Was she just jealous of the bride? Rose knew she'd be incredibly jealous if she was acting as a bridesmaid to one of the other Gryffin-Girls – she felt fortunate she'd been the first of them to get married. Or perhaps it was because, now that Janey and Rose had gained the esteemed title of 'fiancée,' she was craving even the simplest form of romance in her life.
Rose thought of Albus and felt uncomfortable.
She was still dying to know what had gone on between them. Had it been because of Rose and Scorpius that Albus and Taylor had fallen into each other's arms? And into each other's beds…
Was it because the foursome had spent so much time together, hanging out at each other's apartments, and due to the nature or Rose and Scorpius' romantic relationship, they'd sort of been… pushed together?
"Yeah," Janey said in a quiet voice, staring forlornly at herself in the mirror, "it's too late for you…" Her hand subconsciously went to touch the engagement ring on her finger. It hadn't even sat there for a whole week yet.
Ebony watched the movement, her expression that of confusion and suspicion. Rose remembered that she didn't know of Janey and Sam's unexpected engagement yet. Partially because she didn't want to put Janey under pressure, and partially because she wanted the attention to be on her wedding for the whole day, Rose said, "Ebony!"
The girl looked at her sharply.
"Could you, err, get my shoes for me, please?"
"You're not even wearing your dress yet," Ebony answered in confusion.
"Yeah, but… I just want to look at them," Rose said, feeling stupid.
"Forget that, I've got something better." Ebony rose from her chair, the midnight blue satin of her bridesmaid dress falling down her body like trickling water. She went over to retrieve something from the dresser, or rather, a collection of things. "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue," she recited with a grin.
"I'd forgotten about that tradition," Rose mumbled in excitement, wondering what Ebony had arranged.
"Something old," Ebony announced, holding up the veil Rose would be wearing later. "The veil your mum wore for her wedding – which I guess, technically, is borrowed too, but it's at least forty years' old so it definitely fits the 'something old.'"
Rose had not wanted to wear Hermione's veil initially, simply because she'd wanted to go through the thrill of buying her own wedding attire. That was, until she had actually seen the veil, and then learned Hermione's mother (Rose's grandmother) had worn it to her wedding too, before passing it down to her daughter.
It was a beautiful veil, long and netted, with scalloped edges and hand-embroidered flower patterns trailing down the edges. The sentimental value of it had made it even more treasured by Rose, and she wanted nothing more than to be able to pass it down to her daughter too.
"Something new," Ebony went on. "Well, the dress, the shoes, the lingerie," she said with a wink.
Rose rolled her eyes.
"Everything, really. And the same for your 'something blue.' Everything's blue – it's your colour scheme, after all – the decorations, the bouquet, the hair piece."
Rose credited Scorpius for that.
"Now, something borrowed," Ebony announced, a smile stretching from ear to ear. She was holding something in her hand, small, ornamental, elasticated, stretching it gently as she approached the bride.
Frilly and lacy, Rose wasn't entirely sure what it was – a hair accessory or a choker of some sort?
Realisation filled her body. A garter.
"You didn't get one for yourself, and you need a garter, Rose," Ebony informed her. "Half the fun's having it removed," she said with another wink.
Rose took the garter a little hesitantly. She had, after all, witnessed her own cousin remove that very accessory from around Ebony's thigh with his teeth, having watched (not that she'd wanted to!) via Pensieve memory. The thought of wearing it, knowing its history, and knowing that Scorpius might very well repeat such an action, made her feel a little uncomfortable.
But she admired the gesture, and was thankful to Ebony for having given it to her.
"Borrowed," Ebony clarified. "I might want it back at some point."
"Even after knowing where it's been?" Rose teased.
"Okay, this talk is getting weird and gross," Taylor interrupted, still looking bitter.
"Right, yeah," Rose mumbled in apology. She turned back to her Maid of Honour with a sincere smile. "Thank you, Ebony."
"Just trying to do everything I can do to make this wedding a success," Ebony said humbly.
Something tightened in Rose's stomach. She could not pretend her list of worst-case-scenarios was not still at the forefront of her mind. It wasn't like the build-up to their wedding had gone particularly smoothly. In fact, so many of the overdramatic scenarios had already played out…
You might get cold feet the night before and leave me stranded at the altar.
"Can someone please go and check on Scorpius?" Rose asked shrilly.
"Why, Rose, is everything alright?" Ebony asked, sharing a nervous look with Gwen.
"I just… I need to know he's –" still here "– alright," Rose said weakly. "That he's, err, got everything he needs."
"Rose, James was with him, and probably the other boys too, and –"
"Please?" Rose interrupted desperately. What would be the point of getting worked up about the rest of the wedding if the groom wasn't even there?
"I – sure, fine," Ebony conceded, defeated.
"I'll go with you," Gwen offered.
As the two departed, the knot in Rose's stomach didn't loosen. If anything, it further tightened.
Jinx and Albireo could argue and cause a scene.
Well, that was almost a given. But there wasn't anything more Rose could really do. She could only hope they'd have the sense and the respect to keep it civil for the day.
Sam and Janey could argue and cause a scene.
Rose glanced to Janey, still admiring herself in the mirror. Her eyes lingered on the glistening engagement ring. Unlikely, Rose thought, still not feeling completely at ease about this huge new revelation.
Someone could announce their divorce.
Rose didn't want to jinx anything, but she was almost certain that that, at least, wouldn't be occurring.
Someone could announce their engagement.
Janey flicked her fringe out of her eyes and made some kind of bizarre kissy face at her reflection. Rose watched as her earrings caught the light in the same way that the ring did.
Someone could announce they're pregnant.
Rose vowed to get some kind of gift for Bobbin and Roberts. What did you buy for expectant parents? Maybe she could ask Teddy and Victoire.
James could get outrageously drunk and cause a scene.
Rose was actually pleasantly surprised that, of all last night's drunken antics, James had not been one of the perpetrators. In fact, she didn't think he'd touched a single drop of alcohol. Strange behaviour indeed, she mused. In fact, it had been her Aunt Ginny who had been the worst…
Janey/Gwen/Taylor could draw a lot of unwanted attention due to their success.
Rose dismissed this worry like she had done the divorce. Yes, Janey, Gwen, and Taylor had managed to make a name for themselves in their respective fields of work, but Rose had quite been forgetting the context of her wedding. Everybody in attendance already knew the trio, often from their school days. No amount of success could really change your outlook on the four girls known as 'the Gryffin-Girls.'
Our dads could argue and protest against the marriage.
Well, Rose had never expected Draco Malfoy to do such a thing, but as for her dad…
No, she thought fiercely. Ron never would have let it get this far if he still held grudges against the Malfoy family. He liked Scorpius, Rose reminded herself. Ron had given Scorpius permission to ask for Rose's hand, had agreed to walk her down the aisle and give her away, and though she'd never dared to ask, she was certain he'd played a part in encouraging Scorpius to re-propose to her after their temporary split.
It could turn out we're related somehow.
Rose had done extensive research into their family trees, and whilst they were distantly related (through the Black family, of course), it wasn't nearly enough to compromise their nuptials.
Someone could announce their secret, undying love for me right before the vows.
Rose once more found her gaze lingering on Janey. She wasn't sure she had ever really believed anybody would do such a thing, but after the complications of her relationship with Scorpius at Hogwarts, it seemed more than likely. Lily, Ebony, Sam – all had played significant roles in compromising the relationship between Rose and Scorpius due to (often unreciprocated) romantic feelings.
With Ebony married, and Lily suitably moved-on in her life, Rose had never feared somebody would try and snatch Scorpius away from her again. Perhaps it was conceited that she therefore thought it would be her who somebody would try and whisk away from Scorpius' clutches. But honestly? Even with the loosest, vaguest logic, she could only think of Sam.
She and Sam had shared a confusing relationship over their Hogwarts' years, with Sam supposedly in love with her, and Rose having confusing mixed emotions in response. But that was long in the past, Rose firmly reminded herself, unable to drag her eyes away from the new addition to Janey's ring finger.
Someone might try and assassinate Evangeline.
Well, Rose thought with a small smile, if they did then it wasn't going to be at Rose and Scorpius' wedding, as the young royal wouldn't be attending. Rose dropped her smile immediately. Someone trying to assassinate one of her closest friends was not something to be smiling about.
It was a shame, she thought, suddenly sad, that Piper and Evangeline couldn't come to the wedding. Rose made a mental note to definitely try and arrange another group visit sometime after the honeymoon.
Your mother might protest the wedding.
The late Astoria Malfoy being the mother in question. Rose glanced around the room just in case Mrs Malfoy's spirit was lurking. The tormented woman had never approved of the relationship between Rose and her son, going to great lengths to keep them apart.
"Stay away from my son" – Astoria's final words, spoken to Rose right before she sacrificed her own life, still haunted the younger woman. There had always been a sense of guilt that hung around Rose when she thought of Scorpius' mother. She had spared barely a second thought to the dying woman's wishes.
Rose's eye flickered towards the pristine white dress that hung on the back of the door to the en suite. In around an hour she'd be making a vow which would ensure she couldn't be closer to Scorpius – legally, physically, soulfully.
"Do you want to put it on now?" Taylor piped up, misunderstanding Rose's longing stare.
"I, umm, no," Rose mumbled, looking away from the wedding dress. "I was just… thinking."
Taylor looked suspicious. "Okay." But she didn't push it further.
Our families, in general, could argue.
Well, without Astoria that seemed highly unlikely. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and in fact all of the Potter-Weasleys had made their peace with Draco Malfoy, and were all completely accepting of Scorpius. The only slight point of tension would have been between Arthur Weasley and Lucius Malfoy, but the latter had made no RSVP.
Rose felt slightly saddened for Scorpius – the only family members of his who were coming to the wedding were his father and his sister. Compared to the multitude of Weasleys that would be in attendance for Rose, it felt a little disparaging. But she couldn't pretend that she wasn't somewhat relieved that there wouldn't be more Malfoys there – Lucius and Narcissa in particular.
Rose hadn't really met Scorpius' grandparents on his father's side, but she knew that, whilst Narcissa was tolerant and perhaps even accepting of the relationship, Lucius was decidedly not. They really didn't need that kind of conflict at the wedding.
Someone unexpected could hook up and cause a huge scandal that upstages us.
This time it was to Taylor that Rose's eyes flickered. She looked away, trying not to think of Albus.
Having Albus and Taylor spend a night together (another night together, apparently!?) would be a blessing when she thought of her final point. In fact, perhaps other than the first one (and Evangeline's assassination), Rose would happily experience every single one of her worst-case-scenarios on what would surely be a disastrous wedding day, if only to ensure the last one never happened. Her body was flushed with an icy coldness. Fate was set in stone.
Somebody could die.
Gwen and Ebony bustled back into the room before Rose could let her anxiety about the impending death of one of her wedding guests build up inside her too much.
"Well?" she demanded, a little too frantically.
"He's fine, Rose," Ebony insisted calmly. "I mean, we thought we'd lost the corsage, and it turns out none of those idiots really know how to properly tie a bowtie, but that's all."
"Was he… nervous?" Rose asked, her mouth feeling unnaturally dry. Did he seem like he was going to make a hasty getaway?
"Not at all," Ebony answered, as calm as before. "He seemed quite excited actually. It was very sweet."
But Rose was not at ease. "Are you sure he's not having second thoughts?" she asked in a panic, as she sat down on the bed, trying to calm her shaking hands.
Gwen came to stand in front of her, adopting a caring, almost motherly tone. "Rose," she said awkwardly, "believe me, Scorpius is more than positive that he wants to go through with this. The only person who seems to be having second thoughts is, well, you."
As Gwen's words lingered, Rose's troubled mind began to play up. Was that really true? Was she doubtful that she wanted to marry Scorpius? Was her heart not one hundred percent in it?
And if so, what kind of basis was that for a marriage? How could she possibly walk down the aisle to him in such a state?
She gulped. "But what about Astoria?"
Janey frowned. "Who?"
"Scorpius' mother," Rose replied weakly.
"Didn't she die, like, ages ago?"
Gwen and Taylor glared at Janey for being so insensitive, almost reminiscent of when they'd all been at Hogwarts together.
"Rose…" Gwen said carefully, turning back to the distressed girl, "what do you mean? What does Astoria have to do with any of this?"
Rose wasn't sure why exactly it had been Astoria's name that had left her lips. She began nervously wringing her hands, absentmindedly lingering on the slight protrusion of the engagement ring. Soon there would be a wedding band on that finger.
"She… she hated me," Rose said weakly. "She told me to stay away from Scorpius and now we're… we're getting married. I couldn't possibly dishonour her more than I'm about to! I could literally set her grave on fire and it would be less disrespectful!"
"Don't be ridiculous, Rose," Janey snapped before the others could offer a more sympathetic assurance. "Astoria Malfoy was a stone cold bitch who tried to kill pretty much all of us."
"It was just Evangeline," Rose mumbled, unsure as to why she was defending such a vicious woman.
"She put all of our lives in danger, Rose," Janey went on unforgivingly. "You have absolutely no reason to respect her dying wishes. You know she only said that before she killed herself to try and manipulate you."
That may very well have been true, but it had worked. Astoria had never tried to earn Rose's respect, and maybe the girl didn't owe her anything, but it still haunted her. That guilt was inescapable.
"Rose," Gwen said in a much kinder, calmer voice than Janey had used, "are you sure this is really to do with Astoria?"
Rose's throat felt even drier. "What do you mean?"
"I mean" – she and Ebony shared an awkward glance – "have you considered the idea that maybe you're trying to, I don't know, sabotage the wedding by using Astoria as a justification, because actually you're getting cold feet yourself?"
Rose felt her lip tremble. She wondered if this was something Gwen and Ebony had discussed, hence the knowing look of silent communication. "I… I…"
"Don't cry!" Janey yelped. "It will take ages to redo your makeup."
"I don't know," Rose trembled, suddenly fearful that there was truth in their words. Had all of it – the list of worst-case-scenarios, the constant worry that Scorpius wasn't ready, the total obsessiveness to try and make it all perfect – just been a way in which to mask the fact that she wasn't ready?
If she hadn't already been sitting, Rose knew her knees would have given way. "I… I don't know," she repeated, barely more than a whisper.
The bridesmaids all looked panicked.
"We don't have time to stop the wedding," Taylor said in alarm to them all. "It's too late!"
"It's never too late," Ebony said firmly. "People would understand –"
"But what about Scorpius?" Janey demanded. "Would he understand?"
Rose clambered to her feet in a fluster. "I'm not calling off the wedding!" she shrieked, consumed with horror by their hasty talk. "I… I couldn't," she said more calmly. She twisted the ring around on her finger. "I want to marry Scorpius. I'm going to marry Scorpius. The wedding – we're so close now – we can get through it."
"It's not just the wedding though," Ebony said seriously. "Rose, it's a marriage too. You're going to be living with Scorpius after the honeymoon. You'll be with him every day. You'll never date again, never have another first kiss, never –"
"I don't want those things," Rose burst out. Nobody noticed how pale Janey had gone, now twisting her engagement ring around her finger. "I'm not interested in first kisses and – and dating other people. I've done all that –" she glared at them all in turn – "with Scorpius. And I wouldn't change a thing."
"But Astoria –"
"Damn Astoria!" Rose growled, viciously cutting across Ebony, not realising how loudly she was yelling. "I am in love with Scorpius Malfoy and nothing is going to change that! I don't want to see other people or experience any of that 'fresh new romance' stuff. I want marriage, and taxes, and breakfast in bed, and dreaded family reunions with in-laws, and children – and all that stupid 'adult' stuff that married people have to deal with! I don't care about the hardships of it all, or what other people might think. I want this for me. For us. I. Want. To. Marry. Scorpius!"
The fours bridesmaids (and probably everybody else in the hotel) were silenced. Rose's screeched words had left a haunting and tense hush hanging in the room. She herself was particularly flustered, the blood having rushed to the surface of her face, her eyes slightly wild and crazed.
Nobody said anything, all pale, all looking mortified.
And then a pleased smirk flickered onto Ebony's face. "Good," she said kindly. "Glad we cleared that up."
Rose floundered, eyes darting back and forth between the gently smiling faces of Ebony and Gwen, and the still slightly startled faces of Taylor and Janey. "What?" she asked breathlessly.
"Rose, you are more than ready to get married," Ebony insisted. "I don't think anybody could deny it after that. Do you believe that now?"
Rose still felt like she was missing something. Gwen was struggling not to laugh. Rose looked at her, dazed and now suspicious. "Did you…?"
"Reverse psychology," Gwen snorted.
Rose wanted to be mad. Oh, how she wanted to be mad at Gwen and Ebony! But she felt a warm rush of relief at her outburst. She did want to marry Scorpius, and for far more of a reason than just the grandeur of the wedding (which, as it was turning out, wasn't working out so spectacularly anyway).
"Taxes and breakfast in bed," Janey said sarcastically. "Wow, Rose, you want it all, don't you?"
Rose closed her eyes, feeling a moment of blissful relief, and actually smiled. When she reopened them, they were all smiling at her. She focused on Ebony. "Is marriage hard?"
"Only if you're married to James," Ebony snorted in response. "I'm kidding," she said quickly when Rose looked briefly concerned. "Marriage is… a challenge," she explained truthfully. "And there will be times you wonder why you ever thought it was a good idea. But then there are beautiful times – wonderful, happy, magical times – and you realise that it doesn't matter. The good times will always outweigh the bad times. And if they ever don't, that's when you need to be concerned. But if not –" Ebony offered a very genuine, very warm smile – "it's the most fulfilling experience in the world. Marrying James was the best decision I ever made. I've never looked back."
Rose was hanging on her every word. As was Janey (though nobody noticed).
"Look at us," Ebony teased. "If James and I can have a successful marriage then you and Scorpius definitely can. You've got a huge history together – a really solid foundation, and a really beautiful commitment. You're ready," she insisted. "Both of you."
Rose felt, for the first time since Scorpius had asked her to marry him (the first time round), that she truly believed that. "Okay," she breathed out, running her now-steady hands through her hair. "Hand me the dress, Ebony. I'm getting married!"
"Damn Astoria!" a muffled, but still piercing voice could be heard from somewhere in the room above. "I am in love with Scorpius Malfoy and nothing is going to change that! I don't want to see other people or experience any of that 'fresh new romance' stuff. I want marriage, and taxes, and breakfast in bed, and dreaded family reunions with in-laws, and children – and all that stupid 'adult' stuff that married people have to deal with! I don't care about the hardships of it all, or what other people might think. I want this for me. For us. I. Want. To. Marry. Scorpius!"
"Well, err, that's reassuring," Scorpius said with an awkward cough. The others in the room – James, Albus, Albireo, Sam, and Mason – looked mildly alarmed. Scorpius wondered whether Rose knew he was in the room directly below her…
"You have to marry that," Sam reminded him, still looking alarmed.
Scorpius was about to make some retort about how being married to Rose surely had to be a dream compared to being married to Janey – a fate Sam was bound to – but remembered that few people knew of Sam and Janey's engagement, and Rose would never forgive him for bringing it up right before their wedding.
"Less than an hour," James taunted. "You can still run," he advised with a wise smirk.
"Oh, why don't you two just go somewhere and make out?" Scorpius sighed, straightening his bowtie in the mirror.
Sam and James looked at each other in disgust, backing away from each other.
"We didn't!" Sam insisted, at the same time as James said, "That's not true, and it's not funny!"
Scorpius smirked himself, as the two boys fell silent. "I guess we'll never know what really happened that night."
"Yeah," Albireo said uncomfortably, "and we'll never know why or how we ended up in that tattoo parlour…"
"It definitely wasn't me who got inked," James said. "I checked everywhere, and believe me when I say everywhere. Ebony helped," he said smugly.
Scorpius rolled his eyes, whilst the other boys insisted they too were free of unexpected tattoos.
"I'm still convinced it's you," Albus said with a nod to Scorpius. "I mean, you do have a history with tats – it seems like drunk you would think it was a good idea."
Scorpius frowned. Albus' logic made sense. Scorpius had gotten two tattoos at just fifteen – the unintentional Dark Mark he'd had removed from his forearm, and the entwined rose and scorpion on his shoulder, still as bright and colourful as they day he'd gotten it. Perhaps drunk him would have thought it fun to get a tattoo on his stag do. But he too had thoroughly checked, and he was certain he wasn't the victim.
"Maybe nobody got a tattoo," Scorpius dismissed. "Maybe we ended up in the parlour by accident. Or maybe we were going to but then thought better of it."
James had lost interest in the tattoo talk, and was instead looking up at the ceiling where Rose's voice had been heard just moments before. "Man, I feel bad for whoever has to sleep in this room tonight."
"Why?" Scorpius asked absentmindedly, still fiddling with his tie.
"Because it's directly beneath the bridal suite, idiot, and who knows what kind of ungodly things one might hear with you and Rose –"
"Okay, okay," Scorpius cut across, rolling his eyes once more. "Nobody's in this room anyway. This was my room, remember?"
"Good call," James said wisely.
There was a sharp knock on the door at that point, drawing the attention of them all. Mason, as he was closest, opened it. Scorpius was surprised, and then fearful, when Ron appeared in the doorway.
"Mr Weasley," he asked uncertainly, "is everything okay?"
"Is Mum sober?" James asked with a wickedly delighted look.
Ron ignored James, looking only at Scorpius, with a noticeably awkward demeanour about him. "Err, yeah," he said with an awkward cough. "I just, can I talk to you for a moment?" He gave a pointed look to the others in the room. "Alone."
"Of course," Scorpius said, trying to fake his casualness in a believable way. His insides had gone into a state of panic, but he refused to let that show to Ron. He glared at James until he got the message and left, the others following behind quickly.
Ron closed the door carefully, looking as though he really didn't want to be doing this, and was trying to delay the inevitable.
Scorpius had to confess, he'd completely forgotten that this would need to happen. He'd been so stressed out trying to juggle everything with the wedding, making sure it went smoothly, and trying to keep Rose calm and happy, that he hadn't realised, an hour until the wedding, he hadn't yet had the inevitably uncomfortable 'father-in-law' talk with Ron.
Oh Merlin, he wished he'd thought to open some more windows. It was hot on that August day.
"Scorpius," Ron announced seriously, turning back to face the man in question. Scorpius towered over Ron, but the elder man was far more intimidating.
Scorpius had had to face Ron on several uncomfortable occasions, but an hour before his wedding, he knew it would set his nerves on edge. "Sir," Scorpius began politely.
Ron looked agitated. "I told you before – don't call me 'Sir.'"
"Can I call you 'Dad'?" Scorpius asked, going for a light-hearted humorous approach to ease the tension of such a serious confrontation.
Ron's expression didn't change. "No."
Not for the first time in his life, Scorpius wondered what the odds were of the floor swallowing him up right there and then.
"Look, Scorpius –"
"Do we really have to have this chat?" Scorpius interrupted, sounding a little whiny.
"Yes," Ron said firmly. "In less than an hour you'll be marrying my daughter, and I'll be your father-in-law and –"
"And that will be one of the greatest honours, Mr Weasley."
"Scorpius, now is not the time to be kissing my arse."
Scorpius fell silent again. It seemed there would be no easy way to get out of it. He slipped his hands into his pockets, perhaps to hide how visibly they were shaking. "Like the time I called you a 'fruity little cocktail'?" he laughed uneasily.
Ron's expression remained stone cold. "Scorpius, I really think it would be best if you didn't say anything else."
Scorpius bit his lip and nodded.
"I like you," Ron said seriously. "Well, I mean, as much as a man can like the boy his daughter is about to marry, and who he once found in his kitchen wearing nothing but underwear…"
Scorpius wanted to die, he wanted to die, he wanted to die.
"I, err, I was having a –"
"A shower, yes, I know." Ron narrowed his eyes at him, and Scorpius couldn't be sure whether it was because he'd spoken up when Ron had asked him not to, or because of his pitiful and unbelievable excuse.
"Mine was broken."
"Indeed," Ron said with pursed lips.
"I, err –"
"Scorpius, I don't care."
"Okay," Scorpius gulped.
"The point is," Ron sighed, "for all intents and purposes, I like you, alright? And I'm not going to be walking Rose down the aisle and giving her away because it's expected of me, or because she wants me to. I'm going to do that because I want to. And I think" – he looked down uncomfortably, unable to look Scorpius in the eye – "it would really make me happy to do so."
Scorpius was so awestruck that he almost spoke up and expressed such sentiments to Ron. But he obediently remained silent.
"And that's another thing I want to say," Ron remembered, looking back at him sharply. "This 'giving away' business. I'm not 'giving' Rose to you, alright? It has become blindingly clear to me that Rose, other than being my daughter, is not mine. She has always been a very strong, very self-assured, independent person, and I am immensely proud of her for that. She never followed the rules I set out for her – especially when it came to you – she always did what she wanted."
Scorpius smiled fondly. Her stubbornness was one of the reasons he so loved Rose.
"So, no, it's not my place to 'give' her to you. And you are not, for one second, to ever think that she is yours in the same way that your cat is, or your outdated broomstick."
"Mr Weasley, I don't have a c–"
"Well, you're about to get one," Ron reminded him impatiently.
Scorpius had to admit, he'd forgotten Rose had a cat. A cat who'd never particularly been fond of him…
"Yeah, I mean, I guess so but –"
"Scorpius, I'm not done."
"Right, okay. Sorry. I just" – Scorpius noticed Ron's penetrating gaze and fell silent.
"How does Rose normally get you to shut up?" Ron snorted.
"Oh, well, she kisses me," Scorpius explained, completely oblivious. "It's quite impressive actually. She can do this thing with her tongue where she –"
"Scorpius…"
"Never mind. I'll, umm, I'll be shutting up again now. Probably forever."
"I would advise you say very little to me during the next hour, especially with regards to my daughter's kissing technique, before I end up marching her straight out of this hotel."
Scorpius, having learnt from his mistakes, held his tongue and tried to look as sincere and respectful as possible.
Ron looked satisfied. "You don't have a cat yet," he said in a calm, wise sort of voice, "but you'll be getting one soon. And you'll also be getting a wife. And trust me, they're a lot more work."
Scorpius very nearly made some witty comment about making sure to feed Rose twice a day, and rubbing her belly to get her to purr.
He decided not to.
"I don't know where I was going with this," Ron said with a frown. "Just – don't take advantage of her, alright? Rose is very strong-willed and I want you to respect that. I want you to see her as an equal to you."
"I do," Scorpius breathed before he could stop himself.
Ron looked agitated at being further interrupted. "Save it for an hour's time," he said sarcastically. "And just listen to me. Really listen to me. We've had our differences in the past, and I've perhaps been harsher to you than maybe I should have been, but that's only because I'm so overprotective of Rose. I'm so proud of her, and I want only the best for her – you understand?"
Scorpius nodded.
"And I wanted you to prove that to me before I could fully accept you. So, no, in 'giving Rose away,' from me to you, it's not like me simply passing over my signed Chudley Cannon's scarf – and believe me, that means a lot to me. Rose is far more valuable anyway, but she's not something to 'give.' Cherish her," he ordered, "more than even your own life. Treat her with the respect she deserves, and never lose sight of what's really important. Because when it comes to marriage, once you're in it, you're in it for good."
Scorpius opened his mouth.
"You are in it for good," Ron growled. "Unless Rose says so. This is not a commitment you are going to make lightly, Scorpius. You were incredibly lucky that you were able to make it up with her so quickly after the incident last week. And I'll admit, part of the reason I sympathised with you and urged you to make amends was because I've spent so much money on this bloody wedding and it was too late to get refunds."
It took Scorpius everything he had not to laugh.
"But it was also because, despite our past differences, I don't think she'll ever find anyone who's as good for her as you are. However, as I said, you were lucky last week. You don't get second chances like that in marriage. Maybe in some, but not to my daughter. You've screwed her over too many times before – once that ring is on your finger, and you've said your vows, that is it. I will not sympathise with you, and I will not be giving you a second chance if anything like that ever happens again. Understand?"
Scorpius nodded, swallowing a lump in his throat. He wished he had something to drink.
"You can talk again," Ron sighed.
"Thank you," Scorpius said. "I, err, I don't mean about the talking again thing – I mean, for everything you just said. The thing is, I don't see Rose as an equal, Mr Weasley –"
Ron raised his eyebrows, taken aback.
"– I see her so much more highly than myself."
"Scorpius, that's really not healthy either," Ron pointed out. "As much as I want you to, her being my daughter and all, you can't just put Rose on a pedestal all the time. You have to understand that's got her flaws too – she's got her own insecurities – and it's not going to help her for you to glorify all that."
"No, I wouldn't," Scorpius said quickly. "I'm saying I love her in spite of her flaws."
"Just as long as she knows that."
"I'd never let her doubt that," he vowed. "Never again."
"I know I've told you to always put Rose first," Ron said a little uncomfortably, "but don't… put yourself down in the process, alright? That's not healthy for you either. Marriage is all about compromise. You can't put yourself above her, but you shouldn't be putting her above yourself either. Equality," he said wisely. "That's the key."
Scorpius hadn't ever really looked at it like that before. He had always put Rose first, or at the very least always strived to put her first. In his eyes he'd never really been worthy of her – never fully deserving. He wasn't sure he knew how to put himself in league with her.
"I want to make Rose proud, Mr Weasley," Scorpius assured him. "I want to make my dad proud, and I want to make you proud."
"Make my daughter happy and you will," was all Ron said.
"Believe me, I intend to."
Ron looked satisfied again. "Good," he said, the smallest of smiles playing on his lips. "That's all I want."
"And thank you," Scorpius said after a slight pause, "for letting me make so many mistakes in order to get to where I am today. I, ah, I'm kind of glad you put me to the test as much as you did. It really opened my eyes to how much Rose means to me – how far I'm willing to go for her."
Ron looked proud of himself. He extended a hand, which Scorpius shook gratefully. "Good luck with the wedding. I hope it goes well."
"Thank you, Mr Weasley, I hope so too."
As Ron made his way to the door, Scorpius emitted a silent sigh of relief. Okay, that hadn't been as bad as he'd thought it might have been. And in some ways it had been oddly enlightening.
Ron lingered in the doorway, looking sheepish. "If, err…"
Scorpius looked at him expectantly.
"If Hermione asks, can you tell her I hugged you?"
There was a knock on the door. Rose, expecting to find her father ready to walk her down the aisle to her intended (even though it was still slightly too early), was deeply surprised to find herself face to face with Mason Hart, her elder cousin's best friend.
"Mason? Is everything alright? Is Scorpius okay?" Rose asked in a panic, immediately fearing the worst. Why else would Mason seek her out, just ten minutes before her wedding?
"Oh, no, he's fine," Mason assured her. "But I… I need to talk to you, Rose. Can I, err, can I come in?"
"Oh, sure, of course." Rose backed into the room of the bridal suite to let Mason enter, more confused than ever. She was alone in the room, her bridesmaids having gone, despite her protests, for a last-minute coffee. Rose had refused to let them anywhere near her virginally white dress with their drinks, even though an impromptu stain could have been cleared up instantly with the use of magic.
As Mason closed the door behind him, he leant back against it, looking breathless, taking in the sight of Rose with what she could only describe as a pained sort of expression.
Rose felt immediately concerned. She and Mason had never been particularly close. He was James' best friend, not even in the same year as Rose at Hogwarts, and although he'd been Gwen's boyfriend for almost the entirety of her fourth year, Rose and Mason had never really gotten to know each other that well.
They ran in the same social circles, and Rose would consider him a friend, but only due to circumstance. She wasn't sure, had it not been for James and Gwen's connections, that she necessarily would have overlapped with him much. They didn't have much in common, after all.
It was true that they'd gotten closer in Rose's past years at Hogwarts, what with them being on the Gryffindor Quidditch team together, and being involved in 'Bobbin's Army.' But that had fizzled out in Rose's final year, after he'd graduated, and she'd barely seen him since leaving Hogwarts herself.
So the fact that he was now pressed against the door of her bridal suite, ten minutes before she was due to say 'I do,' Rose knew something serious must be up.
"You look… so beautiful," he gulped.
Rose felt her heart flutter. She was done up in all her glory – wedding dress on, hair and makeup completed, veil tightly gripped into place, (and Ebony's garter safely secured around her thigh). She was only biding time until Ron arrived and announced they were ready to start. And it was flattering to be complimented in such a way. It made her only that more excited for Scorpius to see her.
"Thank you, Mason," Rose beamed. "You look great too."
He really did. Rose had barely looked twice at Mason during their school years, finding him too similar to James to be interested, and then him being firmly off limits once he and Gwen had begun dating. But she could appreciate that he was very good looking, with soft chocolatey-coloured eyes, and brown hair that was sort of long and rugged, but in a way that wouldn't normally have appealed to her. Dressed in his finery, he did look very handsome. It made her only that more excited to see what Scorpius looked like.
Mason was still leant against the back of the door, almost like he was scared to get any closer to Rose.
"Is everything alright?" she blurted out again, immediately coming down from the high his compliment had given her. "With the wedding? Is – is everybody okay? Is –"
"Everybody is fine, Rose," Mason interrupted calmly. "I didn't come here because of some kind of problem with the wedding. It's, ah, it's a personal matter actually."
Rose didn't think she'd ever seen him look more uncomfortable. "Is it Gwen?" she asked breathlessly, full of sympathy. "Is it uncomfortable for both of you – being here together? Did you get together last night?" she asked, suddenly excited. There was an odd sort of appeal in Gwen and Mason rekindling their romance after so many years apart.
They'd actually ended on very good terms – none of the hostility that Jinx and Albireo were currently experiencing. Mason and Gwen had remained close after their breakup, comfortable in each other's company and still good friends. In fact, Rose wasn't even sure she could remember why they had broken up.
"What? N-no, it's not… Gwen," Mason said, looking appropriately dazed.
Rose supposed it had been a bit of a surprising question, and felt embarrassed. "I'm sorry," she apologised, "I don't know why I thought that. I just… I don't know, I thought it would be quite sweet, you know, at a wedding, if the two of you were –"
"Gwen and I aren't going to get back together," Mason said firmly. He offered an apologetic sort of smile. "I, ah, I think we've moved on too much for that to happen."
Rose, hopeless romantic that she was, felt her heart sink at such a firm dismissal. She supposed it was different for Gwen and Mason, as Rose had only ever been with Scorpius, and obviously loved him deeply. Having reconciled with him after a year and a half split had been wildly romantic, but perhaps time, rather than heightening their longing for each other, had simply fizzled out any tender emotions Mason and Gwen may have once shared. Perhaps theirs really was destined to be only a high school romance.
"Ah," Rose said, still embarrassed for having brought it up. "I'm sorry – I didn't mean to imply anything."
"No, it's fine," Mason said calmly. "But, no" – he gulped – "Gwen isn't for me. Not… not anymore. We're fine though," he assured her. "You don't need to worry about that."
So what did she have to worry about, Rose suddenly remembered. "So this personal problem…?" she prompted.
Mason was blushing ever so slightly, still pushed up against the door, like he couldn't bear to be anywhere near her. "Rose," he said, before exhaling a long and steady breath. "About Scorpius." He looked her in the eye with deep sincerity. "Are you happy with him? Truly?"
Rose was so taken aback by the question, and the way in which Mason had asked it, that she wasn't sure how to respond at first. "I… of course," she said in a daze.
Ten minutes before her wedding, why was she being asked that question? Why was Mason asking her that question? Had he been sent by Ron, perhaps, or James, or maybe even Scorpius himself?
Mason appeared to swallow a lump in his throat. "Good," he said with a nod. "That's… really good."
The pained expression had never left his face, and all of a sudden Rose felt incredibly uncomfortable. She felt like she was missing something. And, for whatever reason, she felt incredibly guilty about it.
"Mason…" she began weakly, unsure where she was going.
He emitted a shaky breath. "I just… I didn't want you to go through with it if you weren't one hundred percent truly happy with him. Because you deserve that, Rose, you really do."
Rose would have expected this, perhaps, but not from Mason of all people. Sure, it was nice of him to look out for her and possibly prevent her from making a mistake, but it wasn't like she and him were close. It wasn't like they'd ever had an emotional heart-to-heart before, or ever really had a deep conversation.
Not even about Gwen, or James, or somebody they both had in common or…
A memory struck Rose so hard that she almost physically took a step back.
The breath had hitched in her throat as she reached forward to gently wind a hand into Mason's hair, soft, reassuring. It was so different to anything she'd ever felt before.
Maybe it was because of the fire and the romantic connotations it offered.
Maybe it was because they'd just exposed themselves in such an emotionally vulnerable way.
Maybe it was because they were both so alone at what should have been a joyful time of year, full of love.
Or maybe it was because he had just called her beautiful, and she had never actually believed anybody who'd said it up until then.
Whatever it was, Rose did not pull her hand away, not even when Mason leaned in ever so slightly, his eyes as brown as melted chocolate, staring into her own. She hadn't been so close to someone, both physically and emotionally, in such a long time.
The fire urged them on, filling their hearts with warmth, replacing what had been taken from them – the warmth and intimacy of being with somebody they loved. Rose couldn't even hear the rain anymore; she couldn't even think about the grey slush it had rendered the snow.
And then they kissed.
It was like a lightbulb had truly lit up in Rose's head. She had, on one forgotten occasion, had a vulnerable heart-to-heart with Mason. And they'd done more than just talk; they had kissed.
The more she thought about it, the more clarity the memory came into. It had been Christmas of Rose's fifth year, and Mason' sixth, and they'd both been stranded in the Gryffindor Common Room, Rose freshly broken up with Scorpius, and Mason separated from Gwen for the holidays.
It had been the only time Rose had kissed Mason. In fact, the only time she'd ever kissed a boy who wasn't Scorpius.
She had not thought of that kiss in years. Even after it had happened, she had barely spared it a second thought. She had been so hopelessly in love with Scorpius, even during their split, and her kiss with the Gryffindor Sixth Year had been so meaningless and unemotional, that she'd quite simply forgotten it had ever happened.
It hadn't changed a single thing in her relationship with Mason – they had both understood it was a heat-of-the-moment sort of whim, no emotional connotations or expectations attached. Granted, they'd never actually talked about it – never fully addressed it – but that was because they hadn't needed to. They had both known it didn't mean anything, and that there was nothing to worry about or ponder on. It had been a silent truce.
At least, it had been for Rose…
She looked at Mason now, dressed in her full wedding attire, really seeing the pain in his eyes, and gulped.
"I love Scorpius," she said breathlessly. "I… of course I do. I always have. I always will."
Why did she sound so apologetic all of a sudden?
"Good," Mason said again, looking like he was trying to reassure her. "I just needed to know. I know he's hurt you really badly in the past, and I just… needed to know that your heart was fully in this. It's never too late, Rose. You shouldn't feel like you have to do this. Like it's expected of you or something."
He was looking at her with such meaning, deep and apologetic, that it actually frightened Rose.
"N-no," she stuttered, horrified by the notion. "No, I do want this," she insisted. "Scorpius means everything to me. I want to marry him. More than anything. I'm…"
Sorry, she almost said, but bit her lip. Why would she be apologising to Mason for marrying Scorpius? Why, all of a sudden, did she feel like she had been oblivious to possibilities that had never crossed her mind before…
Years of complete and total obliviousness. But no, that was impossible. Wasn't it?
She looked at Mason desperately, as though seeking answers. Not that she was sure she really wanted them, now that she suspected a truth that would change everything.
"Scorpius is – I mean, I know he's made mistakes in the past, but he –"
"Rose, it's fine," Mason assured her, alarmed by how shrill and desperate she'd gotten. "Really. I just needed to know for myself," he explained awkwardly. "I can see that you really do love him… That this is really want you want. I, ah, I'm sorry for having come here."
"N-no," Rose stuttered again, still unsure how to process it all. "It's fine."
The truth, whatever it was, wouldn't change anything, Rose realised. Not for her, at least. But it struck her to think she had overlooked such a shocking truth for countless years, none the wiser to any unintentional pain she might have been causing. But she daren't even think of what her paranoia seemed to be implying…
She could not.
Not ten minutes before her wedding.
She took a step towards the frightened man. "Mason, I –"
"I should go, Rose," he cut in, grappling for the door handle. "I'm so sorry. I hope everything goes well. Scorpius is a lucky guy. You… you really do look beautiful."
Someone could announce their secret, undying love for me right before the vows.
Rose nearly screamed at the voice in the back of her mind. Instead she yelled at an unsuspecting Mason as he tried to escape. "Mason, wait!"
He flashed her a wary look. But Rose didn't know what to say. She didn't know what she could say. She was suddenly painfully aware that Mason and Gwen had broken up a week after that kiss.
"Thank you," she said quietly. "For coming to the wedding. For always supporting me and Scorpius. You always… you always looked out for me."
The two held each other's gazes in silence for a while, a thousand unsaid words surfacing in their minds. Words, emotions, thoughts that Rose had never considered until then. Not on her own behalf, but Mason's.
"Can you pass me the bouquet?" she asked quietly.
Mason followed her eye line to wear the bouquet was delicately resting on the dresser, as blue as the rest of the wedding decorations, much darker than Rose's eyes. When he passed it to her politely, a charge of emotional tension passing between them, he lingered. It was the closest the two of them had been, physically, and maybe even emotionally, since that teenage kiss.
The kiss that Rose had dismissed in an instant, and never once pondered on.
She suddenly did not know whether the same applied to Mason.
He offered a weak, forced smile, which didn't extend to his eyes. They were still sad, and full of pain. Rose felt like she should say something more, but the words wouldn't come. Mason offered a polite nod of his head before departing the room, never looking back.
Rose stayed where she was for a while, the bouquet clutched in her hands, deep in thought.
"Malfoy," James barked, entering Scorpius' room once more.
"What?" Scorpius asked in a panic. The wedding was due to start – he had just been about to leave and take his place at the altar.
"We need to talk," James said firmly. He and Scorpius were alone in the room; Ron was long gone.
"I'm a little busy, James," Scorpius said sarcastically. "I was just about to, you know, get married. You can talk to me after."
He made to push his way past James and out of the room, but the elder man flung out an arm to prevent him from leaving. There was a very uncharacteristic coldness in James' demeanour, the likes of which hadn't been aimed at Scorpius since he was fifteen and James had hated him.
"Don't be a smart arse. If you don't let me say what I have to say then there won't be a wedding."
Scorpius didn't know whether to laugh or not. He looked at James with a questioning look, as though he might give some indication. James' hard expression remained deadly serious.
"Are you… what?"
"Rose doesn't have a brother," James began, folding his arms.
"Yes, she does, she –"
"She doesn't have an older brother," James corrected.
When he was so close to Scorpius, the slight difference in height was emphasised. James was impressively tall, making Scorpius feel, even though he wasn't exactly short, impossibly small.
"Do you remember when we were trapped in the basement at Rosewood Manor?" James asked with an emotionless expression.
How could Scorpius forget? In the heat of battle, he had found himself trapped in a room with James, Ron, and Sam – the three people who, at that time, had hated him most. It wasn't exactly up there with Scorpius' fondest memories. But no, he hadn't forgotten.
"Yes, James, I do, but I really need to –"
"Do you remember what I said to you?"
Scorpius and James had said a lot, but he thought he knew which aspect of the conversation James was now referring to.
"Listen here, Malfoy, I am going to say these words only once, and if you dare say anything about it to Rose, I shall deny it ever happened, and denounce you for the terrible liar that you are."
Scorpius held his breath, a little scared of whatever James was going to say.
"You and Rose are goddamned perfect for each other. Now, in the absence of an elder brother figure, I am giving you one chance, and one chance only, to go after her again. Screw it up, then it's over. Done. Finished. For good."
"Yes…" Scorpius said slowly, eyeing James warily.
"Good. So in the absence of an elder brother figure –"
"James," Scorpius cut in, "I respect what you're doing here, I really do, but I don't have time for this now. If I'm not downstairs in less than a minute then it's going to freak Rose out and –"
He was cut short by the ferocity of James narrowing his eyes.
"What if you wrote it down?" Scorpius suggested impatiently. "I'll read your intimidating 'brother-in-law' talk after the wedding, alright?"
"I thought I told you not to be a smart arse."
"James."
"I'm being deadly serious here, Malfoy," James said. Scorpius didn't doubt it – the use of his surname was indication enough. "And if you can't take this seriously then –"
"I do take this seriously, James," Scorpius said in a desperate voice, "but I literally just had the 'don't mess Rose around or you'll have me to answer to' talk from Rose's dad, and no offense, but I'm a lot more scared of him than I am of you."
James' expression only hardened. "Well, you should be scared of me, because if you do mess Rose around then you will have me to answer to. I'm not kidding here – I stand by the things I said to you two years ago. And once you're married to Rose then that warning intensifies by like, ten times."
"Okay. Good. Thanks for the heads-up."
Scorpius tried for the door again, but James stopped him once more. Scorpius sighed and looked at him with an irritated 'what now' sort of look.
"I will beat you up, Malfoy."
Scorpius wanted to laugh again. It had been years since he'd had a threat of force from James Potter. It felt reminiscent and bittersweet. "I've no doubt that you will."
"And it will hurt," James clarified. "A lot."
"I know, James, it wouldn't be the first time you've beaten me up." Scorpius' patience was wearing incredibly thin. It wouldn't be a particularly reassuring start to their life as a married couple if Scorpius was late to the wedding. Especially as Rose was already so paranoid about everything going wrong.
"Yeah, well, you had it coming to you back then," James said, looking uncomfortable.
Scorpius raised his eyebrows. "I'm not sure I really did, but let's just leave that in the past, alright? You have my full permission to punch me as many times, and as hard as you like, if I ever deeply upset Rose, alright? You and her dad can join forces and punch me together if you like – see how many bones in my body you can break."
James looked torn between wanting to laugh and wanting to retain his intimidating persona. He pursed his lips and gave a firm nod of his head. "As long as we're clear on that."
"Crystal," Scorpius confirmed. "But seriously, if you don't let me go, there's not even going to be a chance for me to wreck my marriage."
"That's not funny," James said, now looking uncomfortable again.
"James, please," Scorpius begged. "I love Rose, and I want to give her the happiest marriage she could possibly imagine. But I'm not going to be able to that if I don't even make it to my own wedding!"
James finally seemed to loosen up. "Alright, fine." At last the infamous smirk broke out again. He slapped Scorpius on the shoulder, back to normal. "Go get hitched. Oh, and try not to wear yourself out too much tonight, because you don't want to peak and then perform disappointingly on the honeymoon –"
Scorpius rolled his eyes, drowned James out and headed, finally, for the door.
"Oh, wait!" James yelled.
"James, please, I can understand the intimidating brother/cousin talk, but I really do not need any more bedroom advice from you right now. Or ever, in fact!"
"No, it's not that," he dismissed. "I meant to tell you earlier – your father's parents are here."
Rose took a deep breath in and let it out slowly. The sunlight was still as warm and inviting as it had felt when it awoke her. Part of her longed to be outside, feeling it on her skin, but at that moment in time she wouldn't have dreamed of being anywhere else.
She and her four bridesmaids were waiting for the signal. Any moment now…
The door to the bridal suite opened with a click. Ron and Hermione entered, looking the best dressed Rose had ever seen them. Hermione was already crying as she took in the sight of her daughter, and even Ron looked a little choked up. Unlike his wife, he forced his hard emotionless exterior to remain intact.
The bridesmaids leapt to their feet excitedly.
"Is it time?" Rose whispered, heart beating wildly.
"It's time," Ron confirmed, a small smile breaking out.
Hermione's hand flew to her mouth as she struggled to stifle the tears. Rose was so overwhelmed that she nearly started crying herself. She laughed gently at her mum. Ron too looked at her endearingly.
"I'm sorry," Hermione apologised, waving her hand. "It's just… you're so grown up. And you're so beautiful, and I remember when you were just a little girl and –"
"Hermione, love, why don't you go and take your seat?" Ron urged as gently as he could. "Right, yes, of course," she mumbled, running her hands over her dress and trying to calm herself. When she looked back at Rose, her eyes were sparkling with so much more than tears. There was a deep maternal pride rooted in them. "I know it's been a really stressful time for you, Rose, and maybe I wasn't that much help –"
"Mum," Rose began awkwardly. It wasn't Hermione's fault after all; Rose had been the difficult one.
"– but I'm really proud of you," Hermione went on anyway. "And I know I said that your father and I might not make it to the evening, but we wouldn't miss it for the world and –"
"Mum, it's fine."
"I know Kingsley couldn't make it today, but we're hoping he's got it under control and we won't need to –"
"Mum."
"What?" Hermione asked nervously.
"It's fine," Rose laughed. "Please, just go and sit down so I can get married."
Hermione laughed too. "You're right. I'm sorry, Rose."
Hermione hesitated only slightly, taking in the sight of her daughter, every bit as beautiful as she had been on her own wedding day (not that she'd have been so vain as to think it). She reached out to touch Rose's cheek, that motherly pride coursing through the warmth in her fingertips, and then with one final smile she left.
Rose turned to face her father with a feeling of breathless anticipation.
"You ready?" he asked.
Rose felt too jittery to respond, whether out of nerves or excitement, so she merely nodded. She had been separated from Scorpius for less than twelve hours, and yet she'd never felt such a significant period of separation from him.
There was a sadness in Ron's eyes. Not because of Rose's decision to marry Scorpius Malfoy (as she might once have suspected), but perhaps because, like Hermione, he was overcome by how much his little girl had grown up. He gave her a warm smile. "Let's go get you married then."
The four bridesmaids lined up behind Rose as she took hold of Ron's arm, the bridal bouquet in her other hand.
"Is anybody else going commando?" Rose heard Janey's distinctive voice mumble from the back of the procession, as they made their way down the corridor.
"Nah, I'm wearing a thong," she was sure Ebony said in response.
Rose just shook her head, gently laughing to herself. The walk to the room in which Rose and Scorpius would be getting married seemed the longest walk of Rose's life, and yet, before she even knew it, the door loomed in front of her.
All the breath left her body. She was really doing this. They were really doing this. The story of Rose and Scorpius was starting its next huge chapter.
"Daddy, I'm scared," Rose whispered. The broad oak doors in front of her seemed so condemning.
"Of what?" Ron asked back with gentle concern.
"I… I don't know."
And she didn't. It wasn't any of the things anybody had voiced to her. She wasn't scared of making a commitment she couldn't keep; she wasn't scared she was making a mistake, or that she and Scorpius weren't ready; she wasn't even scared that she would open up that door and find it absent of her intended. All the problems and worst-case-scenarios were as far from her mind as possible.
No, it wasn't any of that.
"Rose." Ron had taken hold of his daughter's hand, and was looking at her seriously. He spoke so only she could hear. "I never thought we'd be here today. Or rather, I never thought I'd be here today."
Rose smiled through her nerves.
"But here we are," Ron went on, "and I've never been more proud of you. Every obstacle that you and Scorpius faced – most of them put in place by myself, I'll admit that – you forced your way through. That is a strong love, Rose," he assured her. "Stronger than most will ever find in their lifetime. You need to know, and I told this same thing to Scorpius too, I have never been more genuinely happy than it's going to make me to see you marry him."
Okay, now Rose was certain she was going to cry. "Daddy," she said in a quiet, awed voice.
"It's okay to be scared, Rose," Ron said. "That's part of the fun of it all."
"Were you scared?"
"Deathly so."
Rose let out another gentle laugh. "Of getting married?"
"Absolutely. Everything about your mother terrifies me," he said with wink, prompting more laughter from Rose. "No, in all seriousness, I was terrified. I always had been – not of her, but the way I felt for her. You and Scorpius did the right thing – you embraced your emotions and accepted them for what they were. Maybe that's part of the reason I could never get on board with you and him. I think there was a part of me that could see that you'd both fallen as hopelessly as I had done by your age, and rather than trying to fight it like I did, you embraced it. You did everything I didn't do; you got everything I couldn't have."
"But you did," Rose said, slightly alarmed. "I mean, didn't you? We're talking about Mum, right? Right?"
"Of course," Ron assured her, grinning again. "I got more than I could ever have wanted, Rose. I got to marry the girl I'd fallen foolishly in love with, and somehow managed to have her fall as foolishly in love with me as well. And I got more than that – I got two beautiful children. One of which I got to watch fall in love all on her own. And now" – he gulped – "I get to watch her marry the love of her life too. There's nothing more rewarding than that. Not for a father. Not for me."
It was only when Janey let out an unsubtle cough that Rose remembered there were four impatient bridesmaids behind her, and a room full of excited wedding guests waiting on her, just on the other side of the door. Scorpius was in there, she thought excitedly.
She had but one question left for her father.
"Is it worth it?"
Ron took barely any time to reply. "Every single second."
And that was all Rose needed. "I'm ready," she assured him, gripping hold of her bouquet tightly.
Ron gave her hand a final squeeze of encouragement before allowing her to slip it back into the crook of his arm. With one final breath, Rose closed her eyes and turned to face forwards. She lifted her head high, extending her neck like an elegant swan. When she opened her eyes, the doors were open.
Ron took the first step, Rose on his arm. As she took her first step into the aisle, the guests that filled the seats surrounding her rose to their feet. It was too much for Rose to take in properly. She looked from side to side with breathless delight, all eyes fixed on her. Familiar faces leapt out from every side – family, friends, old schoolmates, even some of her old professors – each with the same look of pride and warmth that Rose's parents had given her.
Teddy and Victoire gave her subtle thumbs-ups as she passed. Felix was obediently silent. Bobbin and Roberts were just behind them, hands held. Rose couldn't be sure whether they were watching her with pride, or Ebony, who was just behind her, holding Rose's train. Both, probably, Rose decided.
She saw Neville and Luna with their families, and Lily and Serephina looking like excited school children all over again. Even Hugo, who had always been fond of Scorpius, looked emotional as his big sister walked past. Fleur was crying amongst the Potter-Weasleys, as was Molly Weasley, Rose's grandmother. Harry looked as proud as Ron had, by Ginny's side (who was wearing particularly huge sunglasses, Rose noticed in amusement).
Rose was halfway down the aisle now, heart still thumping. She saw Draco Malfoy, his shockingly blond hair too impossible to ignore, the very vision of his son. Rose felt a pang of guilt as her thoughts travelled briefly to Astoria. Would she truly have detested Scorpius' decision to marry Rose? Would her cold heart not have melted at seeing such love her only son felt for the girl?
Rose didn't have too much time to ponder on Mrs Malfoy, because two people whom she had never expected to see had just caught her eye. She couldn't be sure, of course, having never met them, but there could be no denying. Not with that shockingly blond hair, too impossible to ignore…
Rose knew her suspicions were correct when she felt Ron tense, having followed her gaze. But they didn't stop. Father and daughter kept walking arm in arm, deeply shocked, as they passed Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy.
Mr Malfoy's grey eyes rolled over Rose with a certain coldness, his lips tightly pursed.
Rose didn't know what to think. She hadn't expected them to come; they hadn't RSVP'd at all. What possible motivation could Lucius Malfoy have, who despised the Weasley family with every fibre of his being, for wishing to attend his grandson's wedding with a girl he deemed a traitor?
A bad one, Rose thought with alarm. Family arguments, protesting the wedding, interrupting the vows –
Every ounce of fear, worry, and anxiety Rose had ever felt for the wedding, and perhaps her entire life, were instantly gone when she did the thing she realised she hadn't done once since setting foot on the aisle.
She looked at Scorpius.
Rose and Scorpius's first sighting of each other had been across a crowded ballroom when she had been just fourteen years old, and he fifteen. Their eyes, their souls, had seemingly found each other, like magnets drawn to each other, hearts exploding with previously unexplored emotions.
They had learnt, two years later, it had been as a result of love potions and forgetfulness potions, and all number of trickery at play on Lily's behalf. And yet, it had been so real.
It was in that moment, when Rose's eyes finally landed on that of her groom, that she felt that impossibly light feeling with as equal ferocity as the first time, for the first time since that first sighting. Rose knew now that she'd been naïve to believe in such strong 'love at first sight' as her fourteen-year-old self had believed she was experiencing, but she knew then, at the still-young age of twenty, that she would never be more in love with any person, place, thing, or feeling as she was with Scorpius Malfoy.
She perhaps had not loved him back then, but she did now, and no amount of love potions or magical trickery could cause her to fall deeper in love than she already was.
He was beautiful to her, the sunlight gleaming down through the window illuminating him like an angel. Hair never blonder, eyes never greener, skin never softer – every inch of his face glowed at the sight of her. Scorpius Malfoy, as handsome as ever, had a look on his face that suggested he was both the happiest and luckiest man in the world.
And as Rose's heart swelled, she realised she was seeing that look for the fourth time. Three times she had seen the very definition of love defined in a single look – eyes gleaming, breathless smile, un-suppressible dimples. On Teddy Lupin's face, on James Potter's face, and on Cepheus Roberts' face, as she has witnessed each of them watch their bride walk the aisle.
Rose had only dreamed of the look she would see on Scorpius' face as he watched her prepare to say her vows, and she was so overwhelmed by finally seeing it in the flesh that she wanted to cry and laugh at the same time.
That look of uncontainable, unending love and warmth – put in place by nobody other than herself. And she knew that it would be reflected in her own face. She had never been happier, never more in love. Even feet away from each other, the couple had never shared a more private, intimate, and romantic moment.
In fact, Rose temporarily forgot where she was. She forgot the hundreds of eyes trained on her. She saw no one but him. She heard no noise other than the beautiful harmonious music she heard whenever she was with him.
No, Rose realised suddenly, that music was real.
She looked around suddenly, her gaze falling on a grand ivory piano positioned behind the altar, where a pianist was playing the live melody she was hearing. Rose's mouth fell into a silent 'oh' of surprised delight.
It was the most beautiful music Rose had ever heard, as gentle as trickling water, a building crescendo of emotion with the rise and fall of every note, and deeply familiar to Rose. She recognised it immediately as the piece Scorpius had composed and played to her himself, titled Rose.
Meant to capture his feelings for her in music during a time he had felt confused and lost, Rose felt every note, and every emotion Scorpius had poured into the melody, just as she had done upon the first listen.
It made her heart feel light and warm, reliving every beautiful moment of the love they'd shared, every harmony and cadence capturing a different part of their relationship, all the tenderness, passion, and beauty. Every kiss, every embrace, every touch. Every unspoken word.
Rose had never been more pleasantly surprised. She had orchestrated every single aspect of the wedding as much as she could, and yet this had slipped by without notice. And oh, Merlin, she was falling even more in love with him.
The music trickled to a gentle silence as Rose reached the front of the room. Ron kissed Rose on the cheek, offered Scorpius a meaningful, almost proud smile, and took his seat in the front row. Each bridesmaid smiled at her as they too took their seats. Now at the front, Rose could see the people she hadn't before, having been so intent on locking eyes with Scorpius. Hermione was, of course, crying. James gave a gentle nod. Sam, Mason, even Albireo and Jinx (who were politely sat in the same row), each gave her reassuring smiles.
Albus and Ebony were positioned in their respective spaces behind the bride and groom.
Finally Rose looked back to Scorpius, who looked, now that she was close enough to see, so overwhelmed that he might cry too.
Rose held her bouquet in front of her proudly, beaming at the face of the man she loved. No matter how many times she'd dreamed of her wedding, it could never have compared to the beautiful and overwhelming reality.
"You look so beautiful," Scorpius whispered to her, like a secret shared between lovers, actually sounding a little choked up.
"So do you," Rose whispered back, prompting a smile.
There was no more time for hushed conversations. The guests took their seats. The wedding ceremony began.
The ceremony ran so smoothly that Rose wondered why she had ever gotten so worked up about it in the first place. No matter what chaos surrounded them, building up to and perhaps after, the ceremony itself was like a blissful bubble of relief and joy.
Only when those fateful words rang out around the room did Rose's anxiety set in once more. "If anybody knows of any reason why these two should not be wed in holy matrimony, ye art to declare it now, or forever hold your peace."
Rose felt her heart stop. She felt her eyes flicker around the room, landing on specific people. Ron, James, Sam, Mason, and then, further making her heart sink, Lucius Malfoy. When no sounds were made – no angry voices speaking out, no movements made whatsoever, nobody bursting through the doors, no ghostly spectre of the deceased Astoria Malfoy appearing – she looked at Scorpius with thrilled delight, unable to believe it.
Scorpius laughed silently at her reaction, eyes full of love.
By the time it came to the vows, Rose was so overwhelmed by how smoothly the whole event had been, she was worried this would be the part that would fall apart.
"Do you, Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy, take Rose Hermione Weasley, to be your beloved wife, knowing in your heart that you will be a faithful friend, and a loving companion? On this special day, in the presence of family and friends as witnesses, do you give your sacred vow that you will always be with Rose and support her, in times of sickness and in times of health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow? Do you promise to love her completely, to console and comfort her during difficult times, to laugh with her and to grieve with her, to share with her life's simplest but most enduring pleasures, to be truthful and honest with her, and to cherish her, for as long as you both shall live?"
Scorpius spoke with calmness and ease, putting Rose's troubled mind at rest, once and for all. "I do."
Once she too affirmed that she would love and cherish Scorpius for as long as they both shall live, Rose passed her bouquet to Ebony, and Albus handed over the rings.
Rose took a breath, looking straight into Scorpius' glistening green eyes. "Scorpius," she began, trying to ignore the fact that literally hundreds of people were watching her put her love into words, including her parents.
Including Lucius Malfoy.
"Scorpius," she said again. Looking as deeply as she possibly could into his eyes seemed to put her at ease. "I first met you officially when I was fourteen years old. I thought, immediately, that I was in love with you then, which looking back now is a little embarrassing, and rather stupid," she laughed uneasily. "Since that day we have been in all number of incredibly stupid and embarrassing situations, and" – she beamed – "knowing us, we'll probably find ourselves in a whole lot more. When I was fourteen years old, I didn't know you at all – only what I'd heard about you, none of which was particularly favourable –"
Lots of people laughed at that, filling Rose with confidence.
"– but also, I didn't know myself. At fourteen years old I didn't know the first thing about myself. I was stubborn, and overemotional, obsessed with pleasing every and any person I could, desperately trying to be the person I thought I was expected to be, and maybe not the person I wanted to be, or the person I really was.
"But being with you has changed me," she said proudly. "With your hand in mine we took on the world together. And sometimes I think about when we were young – when times were difficult and it was hard to take – the whole world against us. And I think about the first time you kissed me, or the first time you told me you loved me. I think about fighting for you, fighting with you – going to court with you!"
More gentle laughter.
"And through all that, whilst everybody else thought I was losing myself, I really knew that because of you I was finding myself. And maybe I didn't know you or myself when I was fourteen, but now I'd like to think that I do. And maybe I'm still just as stubborn and overemotional, but when I think about who we both were at fourteen, and who we are now, and everything we've been through together, I realise two things." She took a breath. "Firstly, that you made a rebel of a careless man's careful daughter. And secondly, that I love you endlessly for doing that.
"Scorpius Malfoy," Rose said, drawing to a close, staring up at him with long-lashed, adoration-filled eyes, "you are, without a doubt, the best thing I've ever been able to call mine. And I would lose myself a thousand times, make a thousand mistakes, go through a thousand storms, if only to know that you'll go through it with me every step of the way. And I would very much like to do the same for you." She shook her head softly from side to side, making the veil quiver. "I honestly can't imagine a life without you."
Scorpius bit his lip to stop himself from kissing her right there and then. Rose had always had such an eloquent way of expressing herself. Scorpius, on the other hand…
"Rose," he said softly, "I've thought a lot about what I might say to you up here. In fact, over the past few months I've planned out a lot of heartfelt speeches – asking your parents for their permission and their blessing to ask for your hand in marriage, asking you yourself for your hand in marriage –"
Twice, they both thought to themselves with sly smiles.
"– and neither of those went exactly how I'd planned." There were a few gentle laughs from the spectators. "So I've learnt from my mistakes," Scorpius said brightly, "and, kind of like our relationship has been, I'm going to be spontaneous, and perhaps a little bit reckless."
Rose cocked her head. Whether she was impressed or worried, Scorpius didn't know. But he cleared his throat and went on anyway.
"I've made a lot of mistakes in the past. I've not been the person I should have been at times, nor the person I wanted to be, and for whatever reason you didn't hold that against me. Maybe that's your fault," he said wickedly, "or maybe that's just my blessing. But either way, I'm incredibly grateful for it.
"I've also made a lot of promises," he went on cheerily, "which you have only just pointed out to me have been a little on the unachievable side of things. Which therefore means I've broken a lot of promises to you. And once again, either by your failing, or my sheer dumb luck, you've never held that against me either.
"But I am here today to make a promise that it would be impossible for me to break. And I know it will, because even when I was stupid enough to think I could, I've never yet been able to. Rose," he gulped, "I love you. I really do. More than I ever thought was possible. Your love has brought glorious technicolour to my life – it's been there even in the darkest of times. And however our story goes from here, I know, and I promise, I will always, truly, completely, love you."
Rose didn't care that it wasn't the time to do so, nor that literally her entire family was watching; she flung herself into Scorpius' arms so forcefully that he nearly dropped the rings. Heart coursing with love for him, Rose kissed her not-quite-husband, taking him, and everybody in attendance, by great surprise.
There was a chorus of premature cheers and wolf-whistles from her friends in the front row. Rose broke the kiss, laughing, and holding onto the sides of his face.
Scorpius couldn't help but join in with her laughter. "I will always be temporarily obsessed with you," he murmured so only she could hear, an in-joke that nobody but them would understand. "Forever, that is."
Rose only laughed more, dying to kiss him again. But she restrained herself, clearing her throat awkwardly, casting an apologetic look to the spectators, now feeling rather self-conscious, and took her place again.
Both of them elated, the ceremony commenced. Rings were tenderly slid onto fingers, more vows were made, and then, to nobody's greater delight than that of Rose and Scorpius, those life-changing words were spoken.
"Rose and Scorpius, by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Scorpius, you may now kiss the bride."
"Again," James piped up from the front row.
This time Rose let Scorpius take the lead. To thunderous applause, neither of them quite taking in how real it all was, Scorpius took his bride into his arms, tilting her backwards ever so slightly, and kissed her, their first beautiful act as husband and wife.
Author's Note: It wouldn't be a ScoRose fic written by yours truly without a little Taylor Swift thrown in ;) A little bit in the vows was inspired by Taylor Swift's 'Mine' (and there was a teensy homage in the vows to my absolute favourite film 'Love, Rosie')
