A/N Wow, this chapter was difficult to write. Don't know why, it just was. I thought about scrapping it and moving on with what I had planned for Chapter 22. But there was just to much important stuff in this chapter, and I worked so hard on it, I wanted to publish it no matter what. So here is my most difficult chapter to write yet. Enjoy!

Chapter 21: Bachelor Party Meltdown

Dinner Wednesday night, was a daze for Theo. He hadn't really paid much attention to Potter or Weasley. Honestly, he hadn't paid much attention to Ernie. His mind was still on the meeting he had earlier in the day with Lords Malfoy and Greengrass. He really should have been focused on the dinner party and his friend, but all he could think about was Daphne, and the possible reasons Lord Greengrass didn't find him acceptable. Theo couldn't even tell you what he had eaten for dinner. As the group got off the lift to head to their rooms, Theo stared at his key card, thinking about the last hotel he had stayed in with Daphne while they visited Disneyland. He was staring at the key card so intently, he didn't hear Harry speaking to him.

"I saw you opened a case with my department, how is the investigation going?" Harry turned to the right along with Theo, headed to their rooms. Ron, Wayne, and Ernie's rooms were in the other direction.

Theo didn't respond, he was lost in thought.

"Nott?" Harry stopped in front of Theo's room.

Theo looked up, "Sorry. Afraid I was a little distracted, what did you say?"

Harry laughed lightly, "I asked how the investigation was going."

Theo shrugged, "Wouldn't know. Weasley hasn't seen fit to give me any details yet."

"I didn't know Ron was the one assigned to your case. For some reason, I thought I had seen Parker's name on the file." Harry pulled a pad out of his pocket, and started flipping through the pages.

"Weasley is the one who contacted me after I put in the first request in May." Theo opened the door to his room.

Harry scratched his head, "In my notes, I have that you put in the request on June twenty-eighth and it was assigned to Parker."

Theo gritted his teeth, "Fucking Weasley. I put in my first request on May eleventh. The first shipment was stolen on May tenth. Weasley said he was assigned the case, and there was little for him to go on. He basically blew it off. The second shipment was sent by portkey. One I purchased on June seventh. On June twenty-seventh, the shipment left the factories, and disappeared."

Harry had been frantically writing everything down. "Okay, well let's enjoy our evenings. I will talk to Ron in the morning, and see what I can figure out. Perhaps, Parker was suppose to help him or something. I will admit, Mr. Douglas, the head of the Department, has been overrun lately. Between you and me, the man needs to retire."

Theo gave Harry a half-hearted smile, the best he could manage at the moment. "Anything you can find out, would be appreciated."

Harry patted Theo on the shoulder, "Well, good night. See you at brunch."

Theo watched Harry walk to his room and go in. He wanted to like the man. After all, Harry hadn't ever done anything to Theo and he had to admit, Harry was a hell of an Auror. Ron on the other hand, almost seemed to be riding on Harry's coattails, and that would only get him so far. He sighed and went into the suite. After tossing his suitcoat on the chair and kicking off his shoes, Theo sat on the edge of the bed. He pulled his phone out of his pocket, and started to loosen his tie, while calling Daphne. He didn't like her not being with him. Their time was running short, he could feel it. Nothing he did seemed to impress Lord Greengrass, and he wasn't sure what he was suppose to do to change the man's mind. Since the man would give him no reason other than that of his father, it left Theo with nothing to go on. The phone rang but Daphne didn't answer. Theo glanced at his watch, she must still have been at Sally's dinner party, so he just left a message.

"Hey Baby. Dinner went fine. Harry is going to look into the case for me. I am sorry, but I think I messed up with your father. Please, call me. I love you."

Theo tossed the phone on the bed and fell back, letting his arms lie on the bed above his head. He closed his eyes thinking, he really wanted a drink right now. Whiskey sounded so good. But whiskey lead to his father. Still he was alone, in a hotel room. As long as he stayed in the room, what could it hurt? It wasn't like that night in LA, when he was nineteen.

He had taken off after Draco's trial. Draco had ended their friendship during their sixth year at Hogwarts, because Theo was a 'Filthy Blood-Traitor'. Theo had tried to mend their friendship during house arrest at Malfoy Manor, but had not been very successful, so he spent three months in France, trying everything he could to find Lord Greengrass, with no luck. After finally giving up, he went to LA. At first, to go to Disneyland, but it didn't feel right without Daphne. Not wanting to go back to London, and face all the people calling him a Death Eater who had gotten off, he stayed in the US. To 'find himself', at least that was what he told Ernie, when he contacted him to say he was staying.

While there, he drank himself into a stupor everynight. American whiskey was stronger than he thought it would be; stronger than the mead he was used to. Eventually, he hooked up with a woman named Diana. She was forty-one and recently had left her abusive husband. Theo had spent three whirlwind weeks with the older woman, learning things he had only dreamt about. He stayed too drunk to care that it might be wrong, or to think about Daphne. All he allowed himself to think about was whiskey, something called marijuana, and how sex with Diana, was so much better than the two clumsy times with Fay. That was until, Diana's husband found them and wanted his wife back.

The man had walked in on Theo and Diana, and hadn't been happy with what he saw. Her husband had attacked her assuming the young punk she was with wouldn't do anything. Theo had nearly killed the man. If he let himself, he could still remember how each hit he landed on the man felt; he could still smell her husband's blood on his shirt. Diana had been grateful he protected her, but said he scared her as much as her husband did and asked him to leave. So he left. He went to Seattle, and decided he would never get drunk or smoke again. Now, if whiskey was offered to him, he sipped it. Sipped it so slowly, one glass would last all night. Never again, would he let his father take control. Those were memories he didn't share with anyone, not Ernie, not even with Daphne. Perhaps, one day he would share them with Draco, once he was sure their friendship was going to last. As much as he had been missing Daphne while wandering the states, he was also mourning the loss of his best friend. As close as Ernie, and he had become over the years, the Hufflepuff just didn't replace Draco.

Theo sat up and looked at the little fridge in the room. He slowly walked to it and opened the door. Just as he suspected, the little bottles of whiskey were lined up in the door. There were only four of them. Hardly enough to get him drunk, but it might take the edge off. 'Scratch that itch', so to speak. Father would be kept at bay, simply by there not being enough whiskey in the fridge. Theo reached down, letting his fingers trace along the tops of the little bottles. American whiskey, vodka, cognac, and mead all lined up. He figured he would be safest with the mead. But he wanted the whiskey, so he picked it up and closed the fridge door. Theo stood with the bottle in his hand, telling himself not to drink it. Just as he was about to twist the cap, there was a knock at the door.

He walked to the door, and opened it. Theo almost couldn't breathe, when he saw Daphne standing there, a small overnight bag in her hand. "You sounded like you needed me in your message, so I left Sally's dinner as fast as I could."

Theo dropped the little bottle of Tennessee whiskey on the floor, and wrapped his arms around Daphne's waist, picking her up, and buried his face in her hair. As he moved out of the way of the door so it could close, he started crying. He couldn't believe how close he had come to giving in. Giving in to the monster he knew was inside him.

Daphne pulled back a just a little, putting her right hand on his cheek, wiping away his tears. "Theo, what's wrong?"

"I screwed up Baby." Theo pressed his forehead to hers, not wanting to let go.

She smiled up at him. "I am sure it's not that bad. What happened?"

Theo walked backwards to the bed, pulling her along with him. He sat down pulling her close, so she was standing between his knees in front of him. "He said no Daphne. 'A firm NO', is how he put it."

Daphne closed her eyes, and pulled him to her, resting his head on her chest. "Did he say why?"

Theo shook his head back and forth, "No. I told him I understood his position about needing an heir. I told him I am willing to help. He said is was 'because of certain circumstances, which were beyond his control.'"

Daphne bent down, so she could look him in the eyes. "That makes no sense. We will have to find a way to get him to explain himself, and then change his mind."

"You make it sound so easy. Meanwhile, I have no idea what I am suppose to do to change his mind. The reasons he gives me regarding Death Eaters, like you said, make no sense. Everything is slipping through my fingers." Theo pulled his tie off and tossed it on the floor in frustration.

Daphne put her hands on either side of his face and made him look up at her. "What is slipping through your fingers, sweetheart?"

"The factories, you, my friendships. I feel like I am going to lose everything." He took a shaky breath.

"Theo, you are not going to lose everything, least of all me. We will figure this all out. I promise." She kissed his forehead.

Theo ran his hands through his hair. "And if we don't? I'm scared Daphne. I'm scared that if you stay with me against your father's wishes, it will put a terrible strain on your relationship with him," he took a deep breath, "that you will one day, resent me." Theo closed his eyes, and buried his face in her chest again.

"I love you. I could never resent you." Daphne lifted his face up, and kissed him. After a moment, she walked around to the side of the bed and sat down, leaning her back against the headboard. Theo moved up on the bed, and laid his head on her lap, putting his arm around her legs holding her tightly, while she ran her fingers through his hair.

"Did I ever tell you how much I missed this? Lying with you like this?" Theo tried to get the shaking out of his voice while he spoke to her.

Daphne smiled down at him. She always liked how peaceful he looked when she played with his hair, and he would close his eyes. "You told me once, that you missed me playing with your hair."

"I missed this the most." Theo reached up and wiped the last couple of tears off his face. "Sometimes, I would lie on my bed with my head on the pillow you gave me, and pretend you were there. I would pretend you would tell me how everything would be ok, that the Death Eaters didn't want me. In my daydreams, you would tell me that Draco didn't really hate me, and that my father would never get out of Azkaban. I would close my eyes, and image what making love to you would be like." He took a deep breath. "I don't think I could survive losing you again."

Daphne moved, so she was lying down on the bed next to him, looking in his eyes. "You won't lose me Theo." She moved closer and kissed him.

Theo kissed her back passionately, gripping her waist tightly, pulling her as close to him as he could. Daphne moved her kisses to his neck, while she unbuttoned the buttons on his shirt. She pushed it off his shoulders, moving her kisses down his chest. Theo pulled Daphne's peasant styl,e light pink top up over her head and threw in on the floor by his tie.

As Theo went to pull her closer to him, Daphne pushed him down on to the bed. "Oh, not so fast, Lord Nott."

Daphne reached behind herself, and unzipped her black pencil skirt pushing it past her hips and throwing it to the floor. Theo lay on the bed breathing heavily, smiling at her. "I want you Daphne."

As he tried to sit up, Daphne crawled on top of him, pushing him back on the mattress. "You do? Be patient, handsome."

Daphne leaned down, and kissed Theo full on the mouth, pushing her tongue in against his, while she straddled him on the bed. She let her kisses move along his jaw line, then down his neck. Theo slid his hands up her back and tangled them in her hair moaning as she rocked on top of him while kissing her way down his chest. Daphne unbuckled his belt, and unzipped his pants.

Theo went to pull his pants down off his hips, but Daphne grabbed his hands, and put them back over his head. "No you don't. I will do it for you."

Theo chuckled, "Baby, you're driving me mad."

"Good." Daphne smiled and stroked his erection through his pants.

He threw his head back, moaning. She continued kissing his chest as she ran her hands around his waist band, pushing them inside his boxers on either side of his hips, slowly pushing his pants off at the same time. Daphne moved slowly down Theo, pulling his pants down as she went until they were off him, tossing them on the floor. She started kissing his calves, and worked her way up the insides of his thighs, until she got to his erection. Theo looked down at Daphne, while he bit his lip. He took a deep breath as he watch her lick his cock, from the bottom to the head. Slowly, Daphne started sucking on him, making Theo moan loudly, gripping the pillow.

He reached down, grabbing handfuls of her hair, but not pulling hard. He moaned loudly, "I love you, Baby."

Daphne sucked and licked, until his breathing became erratic. "Daph, I am going to cum! Oh god, Baby!"

Theo went limp, breathing heavily. He laid there while Daphne went off to the bathroom for a moment. When she returned she crawled back on top of him, straddling him once again. "Was that good?"

Theo reached up, and rubbed her back. "It was amazing Baby. May I return the favor?"

"You will." Daphne leaned down, and started kissing Theo again.

xXXx

Fredrick MacMillan, met his son and the other four members of the groom's party, the next afternoon on the golf course. Theo had been able to ignore Weasley all through brunch. It was easy, he had fresh memories of Daphne in the shower with him that morning to think about. Now, he stood by the Tee box for the thirteenth hole fidgeting with the shoes he was wearing. Theo always thought dress shoes were uncomfortable, but his leather dress shoes were heaven, compared to the golf shoes he had on his feet this afternoon.

"You look uncomfortable, mate. Everything ok, there?" Ernie clapped Theo on the back, while selecting the driver he wanted to use from his bag of clubs.

Theo grimaced at Ernie. "Yeah. But these shoes are awful, Ernie. How do you do it?"

"You will get used to them, if we ever play again." Ernie smiled, pulling out the club he wanted, then went to tee off.

"I hope so." Theo wiggled his toes and tried walking around a little.

For the first twelve holes Theo had been able to avoid the two Gryffindor's. Well Weasley mostly, but he knew that wouldn't hold out. So far, any interaction between the two of them had been an occasional, overdramatic 'excuse me', or 'I think it's your turn'. Both of them exchanging dirty looks, or sneering at the other with their back turned. Now, Theo was waiting for his turn to tee off, once again fidgeting with his shoes.

"Might be a size too small, Nott." Harry said, as he walked up to the box, waiting for Ernie to be done.

"Daphne made me try on every shoe in the store. I was hoping they would have broken-in by now." Theo gave Harry a small smile. "By the way, did you get a chance to talk to Weasley?"

Harry fished a golf ball out of his bag. "I did. He says, he was originally assigned your case in May. But the investigation lead nowhere. He closed it, with the assumption it was a random act. When you put in your second request in June, Ron asked Mr. Douglas to assign it to someone else. That is why I saw Parker's name on the file."

"I was never made aware the case had been closed in May, or that Weasley passed it on to someone else." Theo shot Ron a nasty look, from across the tee box. "Is Parker a good Auror?"

Harry winced, "He's new and not as good as Ron, honestly. I am not saying that, because of our friendship. Ron is normally very good at the investigative portion of the job, because he is not afraid of failure. Investigation needs that, someone willing to make a speculation, and go with it, even if it turns out to be wrong. I was always better with the confrontation, it is why we team up well."

Theo sat down on a bench, to loosen the laces of his shoe, "Harry, I need the best on this. The second shipment went missing by portkey. That makes someone at the ministry involved."

"Yes Theo, I know that. Which is why after the wedding, I would like for you to come by my office on Monday. I am going to speak with Mr. Douglas, about reassigning the case to me. I am not saying, I am the best, but I am saying I will give it my best." Harry tossed the golf ball up, and caught it then gave Theo a smile.

"What? Let Parker handle the Death Eater's case, Harry. You have more important things to work on." Ron had walked up behind Theo and Harry, and didn't like what he had overheard.

Theo stood up, and spun around on his heels so he was looking at the redhaired man, who intruded on his and Harry's conversation. "Call me that again Weasley, and I won't care if Ernie is one of my best mates, I will kick your ass."

Ron straightened up too, he was nearly as tall as Theo. "I am most certainly not going to call you, Lord Nott."

"Why, don't like being reminded, there are people who are still your betters?" Theo took a step closer.

"You could never be anyone's better, Death Eater." Ron sneered at him.

Theo grabbed Ron by the collar of his polo, "You son of a bitch. I was no Death Eater."

Suddenly Ernie was pushing Theo off Ron, "Hey, mates! What the hell is going on here?"

"You have questionable taste in friends, Ernie." Ron spat, while staring at Theo. "A Slytherin, really?"

"Ron, I have known Theo longer than I have known you. He is a good man. What is your deal?" Ernie positioned himself between Theo and Ron.

"Don't you know the things his father..." Ron began, but Theo cut him off.

"I AM NOT MY FATHER!" Theo walked off toward the golf cart. "Why am I even bothering?" He turned, and looked back at Ron. "People like you, will never give people like me a chance, but we were the prejudice ones, right?"

Theo stormed over to the golf cart, throwing his driver in the direction of his golf clubs. "Stupid game anyway." He muttered to himself as he sat in the cart and hit the steering wheel out of frustration. Why could people not accept that his father and he were different men?

"Some people just aren't ready to accept the new reality, Theodore." Theo looked over to his right at Mr. Macmillan, who had sat down beside him on the cart.

Theo took a deep breath. "Yeah, well some of us are not being given any choice."

Mr. Macmillan nodded, "And, it's not fair, right?"

"No, it's not fair." Theo scoffed, like the man's words were insulting.

"Theodore, do you remember your presentation ball?" Mr. Macmillan asked, while crossing his legs.

Theo gave him a confused look. "Better than I would like."

"Then you remember, even though your father told the most outrageous story about your injuries, people still showed you, not your father, you, respect. Do you know why that was?" Mr. Macmillan looked directly at him, now.

Theo shook his head no, but didn't speak.

"Because, you held your head high. Everyone in that room knew the truth Theodore, we all knew your father was the one, who gave you the black eye. Just too damn scared of him to say anything. But you weren't. You didn't cower behind him and try to hide from everyone, hoping they wouldn't see. You smiled right to everyone's faces, letting everyone in the room know, you didn't need anyone to protect you." Macmillan gave him a sly smile, "You were only thirteen, and already more of a man, than most of the men there."

Theo sat in silence a moment. "That was ten years ago, Sir. Nobody sees a brave man worth respecting now, Mr. Macmillan. All they see is a Death Eater's son."

"That's not what I see. I still see the young man, who chose to be my son's friend, knowing his other friends would not approve. Here you are again, hanging out with people your father would have rather seen dead, then be seen with. Your learning to play a Muggle game, using Muggle equipment to do it." He patted the dash of the golf cart.

Theo took a deep breath. "Ernie and I look out for each other."

"Those are the things that make you a man, Theodore. As much as I respect Ronald, he is still trying to become one. His fear is holding him back." Macmillan patted Theo on the back.

"Fear? What has he got to be afraid of? He is one of the 'hero's' of the war." Theo exhaled sharply.

Mr. Macmillan raised an eyebrow. "He is afraid that if he lets go of the past, then he is saying, what happened is ok. I see it all the time." He shrugged his shoulders. "It's not very easy for some to move on."

"Yeah well, don't give me too much credit, Sir. Many of us are letting go of the past, because we have no other choice. That doesn't make it easy." Theo told him, trying to smile.

"I know, but you're still doing it." He pushed on Theo's right shoulder, "Go on now. It's your turn."

Theo smiled at him, got up, grabbed his driver, and decided he might as well finish the game. Nobody needed to know that he was pretending the little white golf ball, was Weasley's face everytime he hit it.

xXXx

Wayne had planned for the group to go to a nightclub after they were done golfing, one of the few in Wizarding London. After the last two days, Theo decided he wasn't wearing the suit Daphne had packed for tonight. No, he was wearing whatever the hell he wanted! In fact, he wanted to make sure Ron Weasley knew, no matter how things had gone down the last few years, he was proud of his ancestry, or parts of it, at least. So, he quickly apparated back to his manor. Even though he normally didn't wear green or silver, he showed up in the lobby of the hotel, wearing his biker boots, worn black levis, an emerald, green dress shirt with a silver and black tie, and his black leather jacket. As Theo approached the group of men dressed in trousers and sport jackets, he couldn't help feeling on top of the world.

Now, he found himself in a VIP area of the club trying to sip his club soda and enjoy the music. But ever so often, Wayne would buy a round of shots for the group and Theo was running out of ways to not drink them. He had spit the first into an ale bottle, poured the second into his empty soda glass then asked for a new soda. He had 'acidentally' knocked the third over and dumped the fourth straight on the floor. But, now as though everyone had caught on, they all looked at him as he held the shot in his hand looking at it as if it had wronged him somehow.

"Come on Theo, drink, drink, drink!" Ernie started chanting, and it soon caught on with everyone at the table, except Ron.

Ron leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest. "I think the Slytherin is a light weight. I mean, look at him. He looks like he is going to throw up."

Theo shot Ron a dirty look and downed the blue colored liquid in the shot glass. No sooner did it burn his throat, when he wish he hadn't drank it. He had forgotten how intoxicating magical blends could be. The alcohol wasn't really stronger, it was more the spell or charm put on the drink, making it feel that way. Theo closed his eyes, and tried to let himself enjoy the buzzing coursing it's way from his stomach to the rest of his body, slowly stopping in his head. He opened his eyes as the cheering from Ernie, Harry, and Wayne got louder.

"Well, I think that is actually the first shot I have seen you drink, Nott." Ron smirked at him.

Theo gave him a cunning look, "I could drink you under the table, Weasley."

"Really. Let's see." Ron ordered another round.

'Crap'. Theo thought to himself. One drink, he could allow himself. Two maybe, but more than that, and he couldn't trust himself, especially with present company. He needed someone who could help him not kick the shit out of Weasley. As Ron ordered another round for the table, Theo pulled out his phone, and sent a text to the one person he knew understood his choice about drinking, and could possibly come bail him out, Blaise.

His message read, 'At the Flying Witches Hat with groom's party. Help.'

The next shot arrived, as Blaise's response did, 'Sending help. Hold on.'

"Who are you talking to, with that contraption?" Ernie leaned across the table, clearly already wasted.

"No one important, mate. You seem to be feeling pretty good. Want to go out on the dance floor?" Theo was hoping if he could get away from the table, he wouldn't have to drink any more.

Ernie sat back up, "Yes! Right after this drink." Holding the shot up, Ernie yelled, "To my beautiful bride, Thally!"

Harry grabbed Ernie's arm, "Your bride is Sally."

Ernie laughed so hard, he fell over. "Sally! That's right, to Sally!"

The rest of the group laughed along with Ernie. "Good thing the wedding is on Saturday, you will have all day to recover tomorrow." Wayne helped his friend stand back up.

"I don't need to recover, I just need to marry my fascinating Sally!" Ernie was starting to get a little loud, but it only made a group of witches not to far away, giggle and make eyes at the group of wizards doing shots.

"Still don't know how you are marrying one of them." Ron sneered, as he took the next shot from the waitress.

"What the bloody hell does that mean, Weasley?" Theo knocked back the pink shot, and slammed the glass on the table. He knew a few more of these, and Weasley was going to pay for comments like that. He didn't want to ruin Ernie's night, then again, kicking Weasley's ass would feel so good. Thankfully though, Wayne took Ernie off to the dance floor, after he downed the pink shot. But Harry ordered another round, not noticing the two had left the table.

Ron stood, and smiled at Theo, "You know, a Pure-Blood Slytherin snob."

"Better than him ending up with a pompous, Gryffindor, know-it-all." Theo stood up as well, giving Ron an evil smile.

"Ok, ok you two. Let's just drink and dance, all right. No politics." Harry handed Ron another shot, this one green.

Theo downed the shot Harry gave him without looking at it, then turned to leave.

"I will admit Nott, Pansy wasn't fair with her comments about the Greengrass sisters." Ron said, making Theo stop and slightly turn back around. "She seems to have forgotten, she was once a Death Eaters whore herself."

Without thinking of the possible aftermath, Theo turned on his heel and punched Ron square in the jaw, knocking him down, head over heals, taking the chair with him. "Refer to Daphne that way again Weasley, and no healing spell will be able repair the damage I will do to your face!"

Ron got back up as quickly as he could, only to find himself face to face, with not just Theo, but Draco standing beside him, smirking. "Looks like I missed the best part of the party, Theo. Could you hit him again, so I can get the entire show?"

Harry stepped in front of Ron, "Damn it, why can't you two knock it off? This is suppose to be a party for Ernie." Theo and Ron only continued to glare at each other, but the silence was broken by Draco's snicker. Harry gave him a dirty look, "You're not helping Draco."

"Oh do calm down Harry. I came to get Theo. Afraid he is needed back at the Manor. Astoria promises to have him back to you in the morning." Draco brushed invisible dust off his pristine silk suit.

Not taking his eyes off Ron, Theo asked Draco, "Is everything ok?"

"Yes, some sort of dress, or present, or flower issue with Daphne. I honestly wasn't paying that close attention, mate. Only that I needed to get you, and get back quickly. My getting laid tonight, depends on it." Draco raised his eyebrows.

Theo scoffed, with a light-hearted laugh, "Well, then we better get going. I wouldn't want to be the reason you don't get laid." Theo finally broke his glare at Ron, and turned to Harry. "Please, let Ernie know I will be at brunch, and sorry I had to take off."

Harry nodded, "I will, but it would be helpful if the two of you could try to put this conflict aside." He gave Ron a scathing look, then pushed him off toward the men's restroom to repair his lip.

Theo clapped Draco on the back, as they headed to the front of the club. "I take it Blaise couldn't get away?"

Draco smiled at him, "He and Greg got roped into helping the girls with wedding preparations. Since Astoria isn't in the bridal party, I was the only one free." He stopped walking and turned to look at Theo, "You could have just sent me a message, Theo. Once upon a time, I would have been the first one you contacted. I know I screwed things up, but I really would like a chance to make amends."

Theo looked at him for a moment, "I would like very much, for us to get back to where we were."

Draco smacked Theo on the shoulder, "Enough with the emotions, I need to get home. Astoria is waiting, if you know what I mean."

Theo laughed, "Well mate, I am glad you came. I was two seconds from kicking Weasley's ass. Merlin, that guy gets under my skin."

"I know what you mean." Draco agreed, as they exited the club into the crisp night air.

xXXx

The following morning, Ernie was unaware of what had happened at the club. He, Wayne, and Ron were all nursing hangover's, while Theo, and Harry just ate in silence, too embarrassed to talk, not wanting to say the wrong thing. After brunch, the five men all decided to go in different directions, before the Quidditch match that evening. Harry wanted to catch up on some work, while Ron went to the pool. Ernie and Wayne both went to take naps, leaving Theo on his own for the afternoon, which suited him just fine. He spent his afternoon, going to Gringotts Bank. He went through his personal vault and the Nott vault hoping to find the Nott heirloom engagement ring. But after searching for three hours with no luck, he gave up and needed to head back, if he was going to make it to the game on time.

Finally at the game, Theo took the aisle seat with Ernie to his left. Wayne sat beside Ernie, Harry to his left, and Ron at the end. Harry had purposely made sure to keep Ron as far from Theo as possible, for the game.

Thirty minutes in though, Ernie had noticed the tension. He decided to ask Theo about it. "What happened last night, mate? I know you, and Ron must have had words or something."

Theo looked at him a little shocked. "We just had a disagreement about the way he handled my case."

"Didn't he figure anything out?" Ernie sipped his ale slowly, not wanting to get drunk tonight with the wedding the next day.

Theo just shook his head back, and fourth, "Nothing. He closed the case prematurely, then passed it on to a junior Auror, once I had to reopen it."

"That doesn't sound like Ron, he is normally very good." Ernie cheered quickly, as the English scored.

Theo jumped up, also to cheer his home team, then turned back to Ernie. "I can't say I am surprised mate."

Ernie sipped his drink again. "Why is that?'

Theo took a drink of his soda, before he answered. "He said he would give my case all the attention the son of a Death Eater deserves."

"Man, why can't he get over that shit." Ernie chanced a glance in Ron's direction, but the red-head was watching the game, and didn't notice.

"He is not the only one, Ernie. I can't tell you how many times people have gone out of their way to be rude and insinuate I was a Death Eater, since I got back to London." Theo sipped his soda again, trying to watch the game and not let the conversation get to him.

Ernie gave Theo a friendly elbow, "That's because you wouldn't let anyone see the real you back in school. Too busy trying to keep up the Slytherin image."

"What? It's not like non-Slytherins were tearing our house-doors down trying to get to know us better. You were the only one outside my house, I seem to remember, willing to be seen with me." Theo laughed at Ernie's reaction.

Ernie acted offended, but wasn't and started to laugh, "We did go to school during an interesting time, didn't we. I think everyone of us was the product of our parents political views. I remember being one of the first ones jumping, on the 'Potter is the Heir of Slytherin' bandwagon. Hopefully, we can be better in that regard and raise a generation that looks past all that."

"I know I will be trying to." Theo cheered again, as the English scored. "Harry is going to try to get the case transferred to him. I have an appointment with him on Monday."

Ernie sat back down after cheering. "Well, I would go with you, but I doubt Sally would like me popping off during our honeymoon. But when I get back, if there is anything I can do for you, let me know."

"I will. Thank you." Theo smiled again, genuinely and drank the rest of his soda.

xXXx

The morning of the wedding all the men were far too busy to think about anything that occurred the past two and a half days. At some point during the preparations, Theo even found himself giving Ron a half-hearted apology, which Ron reciprocated. They were far from friends, but at least they could get through the day without fighting.

The groomsmen finally in their dress robes with silver ties were lined up and ready to walk down the aisle. Theo was mesmerized the moment Daphne stepped through the door. Sally had done a perfect job combining Slytherin and Hufflepuff. The bridesmaid dresses were a pastel yellow, and each bridesmaid carried a bouquet of soft yellow and green flowers, tied together with a copper colored ribbon. Theo couldn't take his eyes off Daphne, even while he tried to offer his arm to Sarah. To his surprise, Ron insisted the two of them trade places. Ron was sure Ernie wouldn't notice or even care. Theo stood looking at Ron in disbelief, as Ron offered his arm to Sarah, and stepped to the rear of the line.

"Don't look so surprised Nott, I am not that bad of a guy." Ron said, as Daphne laughed and took Theo's arm pulling him toward the door, so they could walk down the aisle.

Theo tried to pay attention to the ceremony, but was too distracted by how beautiful Daphne was standing there smiling at him. He was glad he wasn't the bestman with duties to perform, as he imagined her in a strapless white gown with silver trim, and an emerald necklace shinning near her cleavage. He knew, the next time he would be standing in front of all their family and friends at an alter, it would be for Draco and Astoria, but he couldn't help wishing it would be for him and Daphne.

Once the ceremony was over, and the guests were fed the dancing began. Theo held Daphne tightly on the dance floor kissing, her just a few more times than was really appropriate, but not quite distasteful. He wanted everyone in the room, especially Marcus Flint, who kept giving him dirty looks, to know Daphne was his. Eventually, they left the dance floor to the happy newlyweds, wanting something to drink. No sooner had they ordered, when Sally needed her bridesmaids for something, and summoned them all. Daphne kissed Theo on the cheek, and left him standing by the bar with Greg and Blaise, while she ran off with the other girls.

"So when are you going to pop the question, mate?" Greg asked Theo, while sipping his drink.

Theo shrugged, "I don't know. I can't get Lord Greengrass to talk to me, plus he has already said no. I would be asking without his approval."

Blaise popped a chocolate in his mouth. "You're not going to let that stop you, are you?"

"I don't want to Blaise, but Daphne's family is important to her. Not to mention, I can't find the ring." Theo sipped the glass of wine he had ordered.

"What ring?" Greg knocked back the rest of his whiskey.

"The family ring. You know, the Nott engagement ring. I have looked everywhere, it must have been buried with my mother." Theo turned and leaned back on the bar, looking around the room for Lord Greengrass.

"Oh, that ring. Just have a new one made." Greg ordered a new drink.

"I did." Blaise announced, while looking out at the dance floor watching Tracey and the other girls dancing together. He noticed both Theo and Greg giving him a 'do tell more' look, causing him to laugh. "Well, I wasn't about to put that cursed ring of my mother's on Tracey's hand, now was I."

Theo set his wine down on the bar, "Now wait a minute. Tracey made a bet with you for six months, and after less than three, you're ready to settle down?"

"I can't see it, mate." Greg said, grinning from ear to ear.

Blaise looked as his two friends, then gave them a sly smile. "I think, I always knew Tracey was the one, just didn't want to admit it. You know, afraid I would end up like my mother. I have come to realize, by never staying with one woman for more then a week, I had already become my mother. So I might as well just bite the bullet and marry the one I am in love with. The ring will be ready in a week. I am having dinner with her father, this coming Tuesday."

"Hot damn!" Theo slapped Blaise on the back. "I must admit mate, it is about time. That settles it, I am going to make Lord Greengrass talk to me. Wish me luck." Theo picked his wine up, and finished it. He set the glass down, fixed his tie, and headed in the direction where Lord and Lady Greengrass were talking to an older witch Theo didn't know. While Draco, and Astoria took a break from being shown off to steal a dance on the dance floor. As he approached, Theo noticed Christopher Flint had gotten to them first. He stood behind a clock, back far enough not to be noticed, but close enough to hear when their conversation was over. Flint reminded Greengrass of a deadline which was the following day. Greengrass told him 'not to worry, he was more than aware', agreeing to talk later Flint left the couple, giving Theo the opportunity he had been waiting for.

"Lord Greengrass, I would like to apologize for my behavior the last time we saw each other." Theo offered Lord Greengrass his hand.

Greengrass looked at Theo, rubbed his temple then shook his hand. "Now, is not really the time to debate my answer, Nott."

"I don't intend to, Sir." He turned to Daphne's mother and kissed the back of her hand. "Lady Greengrass, you look stunning."

Veronica Greengrass blushed slightly, "Lord Nott I thought you, and Daphne looked wonderful together at the ceremony."

Greengrass shot his wife a nasty look. "Yes, Daphne looked amazing. Please, excuse us."

Dalton took his wife's hand from Theo, and started to walk away, but Theo stepped slightly in front of them. "Sir, I don't wish to argue your answer, but I was truly hoping you could give me a reason for it." He took a deep breath, when Lord Greengrass didn't respond, Theo continued. "Lord Greengrass, I have tried with no luck to come up with a reason on my own as to why your answer is no. I am wealthy, levelheaded, a good business man, in spite of the thefts. I had the second top grades in my class upon graduation. Although it doesn't matter to me, I do have one of the best Pure-Blood pedigrees. Not to mention, I love Daphne and would stop at nothing to assure her happiness. If you could just give me a reason, something to work on. At this point, I have no idea what I am suppose to fix, or do or...or atone for."

Lord Greengrass let go of his wife's hand, and took off his glasses. Rubbing the bridge of his nose, he sighed heavily. "I really wish I could give you what you are asking for Nott, but I am afraid you are simply going to have to except that I cannot. Good night."

Dalton put his glasses back on, took Veronica's hand, and began leading her away.

Theo felt his chest tighten and spoke quickly before they got too far from him to hear. "You should know Sir, I plan to ask her anyway. Just as soon as I have a ring."

Greengrass turned and gave Theo a stern look. "You would make Daphne choose between you and her family?"

"You have left me no choice." Theo's voice cracked. "I love her. If you were in my shoes, would you just walk away?"

Dalton felt sorry for the young Earl standing in front of him. He wanted more than anything to give Theo his blessing, but without something to use against Flint, he couldn't.

"I believe my daughter won't go against my wishes. I am sorry son." Looking around, he spotted Lucius across the room, and walked off toward Malfoy, pulling his wife with him. Maybe Lucius had heard something from Bill Weasley. The only way to find out, was to ask him.

Theo stood alone, watching Lord Greengrass walk away. He was certain Daphne would choose him, but what would that mean for their future regarding her family? When Daphne walked up to him, taking his hand in hers, he pushed the thoughts away, and hid the pain behind the striking smile he gave her, as she dragged him out to the dance floor.

Dalton Greengrass approached Malfoy, and asked if he knew anything. Malfoy explained that he had not yet heard back from Bill Weasley, but would owl him first thing in the morning. Veronica Greengrass had chosen not to listen to the conversation of the men. Instead, she stood a few feet away, and watched Daphne and Theo dance. After a moment, Dalton joined his wife, and looked out at his daughters enjoying themselves.

Veronica looked up at Dalton. "Can you not see how much Daphne loves him?"

"Veronica please, we have been over this." Dalton sighed. He silently hoped Weasley might have found something he could use.

"Yes, we have. I will continue to disagree with you, my love." Veronica kept her voice soft, and quiet.

Dalton looked down at his wife, "Well, it is a good thing issues like this are not left to the women than." He smirked at his own joke.

Veronica didn't find humor in it, though. She turned to him, "Attitude's like that, is what makes men sleep alone."

"My dear, I was only joking." But Veronica had already walked away, and was hugging Ernie's mother, congratulating her again.

Dalton looked back at the dance floor, and rubbed his temple as he watched Daphne kissing Theo deeply. He stood thinking how this business with Flint was going to be his death. He was brought out of his thoughts, when he heard Astoria's happy laugh on the dance floor as the music changed to something more upbeat, and the young women forced the men to stay and dance with them.

A/N Is it crazy that I actually feel a sense of accomplishment at finishing this chapter? Lol! I see the next chapter being much easier to write, we take another little trip back in time, to Theo's sixth year.