Hello lovely readers! Thank you for all the love on last chapter, glad my Dominique and Anton lovers were pleased and there was more love for Astoria. So I am thinking we are five chapters away from the official end, but don't hold me on it just in case I go over like a chapter or two. In this chapter we will see a small time jump and in the next we'll have another one that will lead to that drama many of you are sticking around for. Love the music you guys suggested btw, thanks! As for any discontent on the fact that I write about other characters, I always say that if you do not like what you're reading then write your own story. Happy reading!
Lily tried to stop herself from searching out Sophia in the Great Hall with Albus sitting next to her, talking on and on about how he was going to beat Ravenclaw in just minutes. How he could so easily set aside the wrongs he had done was impossible for her to understand. He was going to be a father for crying out loud! Something as innocent as a baby's life was at stake and he cared more about a bloody quidditch game.
"You alright?" he asks at seeing her scowl.
"Peachy."
"Woah! What's with the attitude?"
She exhaled deeply, taking a drink from her tea and half debating whether to throw it at him with the cup included.
"Lils?"
"I'm fine."
"You sure? Lately I've been getting this feeling that you're mad at me…"
"Why would I be mad at you?" she turned to him. "Have you done something that would merit my displeasure?"
He seemed to shrink under her gaze, but held it as he did his lie. "No. Not a thing."
"Okay."
"Okay."
"What's with the stare down?" Hugo glanced between them, setting down his issue of Witch Weekly.
Lily turned away from Albus to Hugo. "Why are you reading Witch Weekly?"
"I always read Witch Weekly. A bloke has to know all the secrets you ladies are hiding, especially with Sweetheart's Day around the corner. Reading this is quite enlightening! Apparently I need a person that will treasure me and my soulmate needs to have been born between March and June, August is a definite no for me."
"You do realize that most of what is written in Witch Weekly is false don't you?" she asked amused.
"These life and style quizzes are brilliant Lily! Thanks to Witch Weekly I realized I've been using the wrong conditioner for years."
"Good to know you're in tune with your feminine side mate," Albus quips.
Hugo flipped through the magazine, not at all offended by the comment. "You should try it sometime. Who knows you might learn a thing or two."
"I think I know everything I need to about women."
Lily gave a snort. "I highly doubt that."
"Is there something bothering you Lily?" Albus frowned.
"Not at all. I just don't think that you know everything there is to know about women."
"If you want to say something to me then say it."
"I shouldn't have to say anything. Good luck at today's game," she stands up, straightening her coat and walking out of the Great Hall only to bump into someone she hadn't talked to since they'd gotten off the train in London.
"Hi Lily," Aedan offers her a small nod in greeting, his appearance still in the same terrifying state as it had been at the beginning of break.
"Aedan…how are you?"
"I still have horns so I've definitely seen better days. What about you? I read about the attack."
"I'm okay, trying to get through O.W.L's."
He wrinkled his nose. "I remember those days. Whatever you do, don't buy anything from the black market when it's exam time."
"Believe me, I won't be going down that path again."
"Wise choice," he chuckled before rubbing at the back of his neck almost self-consciously. "I…I wanted to apologize to you Lily for what I said to you during the train ride home."
She arched her brow, not at all having expected someone like Aedan McLaggen to even know what an apology was. It was funny how he of all people was feeling remorse when her brother apparently couldn't.
"It was out of line. You not wanting to be with me wasn't something I was used to."
"Are you just apologizing because you think I was the one that cursed you?"
"I thought that at first; that you were the one that did this to me, but you're not the type of person. What happened to me was well deserved and it's made me reflect on a lot of things as of late – one of them being my attitude."
Lily thought about pinching herself, because there was no way in hell that the person in front of her was the same arrogant boy she had seen strutting the corridors. Perhaps what Scorpius had done to him had really been for good and Aedan was on the way to being a decent bloke. Well, if he was then she was willing to give him another chance.
"You're forgiven," she says.
"Really?"
"Yeah. Life is too short to hold resentments."
He smiles and it's surprisingly quite genuine. "Maybe we can be friends?"
"I'd like that."
"Thank you Lily. Well, I'll see you at the game."
Lily nods, watching him walk off. She would have to ask Scorpius about freeing Aedan from whatever curse he'd placed him under. Hopefully having his looks back wouldn't turn him into the brute he once was…
A touch at her shoulder draws Lily away from Aedan, Sophia having bumped into her as she rushed into Moaning Myrtle's bathroom, a hand over her mouth.
Making sure Albus wasn't anywhere near she followed after the Ravenclaw. This would be her chance to talk to her and at least let her know that one Potter was willing to accept this baby into their lives. She knew Scorpius wanted her to stay away from the situation, but Lily would only find her peace if she could just speak once to Sophia.
The sound of vomiting is the first thing Lily hears at entering the bathroom. Moaning Myrtle was for once not haunting her usual abode, giving her the privacy she needed to have with Sophia. A bathroom wasn't exactly Lily's first choice to speak with the older girl, but it would do.
After a few minutes one of the stalls finally opens, Sophia stepping out with her eyes bloodshot and face deathly pale. Lily could tell the poor girl hadn't been able to sleep or rest at all by just the deep circles under her eyes.
"Lily," she says in shock.
"Are you alright?"
It was a silly question, but Lily doubted anyone had cared enough to ask Sophia that.
Sophia walks over to the sinks lining the wall, rinsing out her mouth. "I'm alright. Breakfast just didn't sit well with me."
"You don't have to lie to me, I know that you're pregnant and that Albus is the father."
"He told you?" she whispers.
"I heard you speaking with him on the train back to Hogwarts."
"What did you hear?"
"I heard everything."
Sophia glanced to the floor, her body visibly shaking. "Are you going to tell me that I should get rid of it too?"
"No."
"Then what do you want? I've had enough on my plate with Albus pretending that I don't exist and snogging whatever girl comes his way in front of me. If you're not going to throw more money at me then what can you possibly want? Do you want me to pretend that it's not his? To leave Hogwarts? What do you want?" she cries.
Lily went to her, carefully placing her hand on Sophia's arm in comfort. "I'm not going to say any of that. To be honest I don't really know what to say? I just know that I want to be there for you. Albus…Albus is a coward and you deserve better than him. Any girl deserves better than this."
Tears streamed down Sophia's face as she looked to Lily. It was such a heartbreaking sight, and once more Lily didn't understand how heartless a person had to be to witness such pain in someone whose only mistake had been to fall in love with the wrong person.
"I was so stupid," Sophia sniffled. "So, so stupid. I'd seen him play with other girls, but he made me feel like I was different. I thought I was different. He just used me to pass his exams and now…"
"You fell in love –"
"With someone that's absolutely worthless, sorry I know he's your brother but it's true."
"Don't apologize. I know now the type of person Albus is and I can't change what he's done or said to you."
"I love him. I love him still after everything. Why?"
Lily bites at her lip. She didn't have the answer for a question like that, nor did she think anyone would. People fell in and out of love so differently that there was no right or wrong answer.
"Does anyone besides me know about the baby?"
Sophia shook her head. "You're the first to know. I found out a few days before we went on break and only told Albus about it, but I'm sure you can guess how that went."
"What about your parents?"
"It's only me and my mum, never had a father figure."
"He passed away?"
Sophia snorted, wiping at her eyes. "Might as well have. He's never been a part of my life and I doubt he'd care to be. My mum was on scholarship attending a private school where she met my father who aided her in becoming pregnant with me at only sixteen, so you could say I'm following in her footsteps."
Her story made Lily feel worse than she already did.
"I can't let her down. She's done so much for me, trying to pay for my books on a measly salary and whatever else I needed…She'll be angry. I'm angry at myself!"
"You're human. You made a mistake –"
"Because I couldn't keep my legs closed!"
"Because you fell in love."
"I wish I could wish away these feelings."
Lily rubbed at her shoulder, smiling sadly. "No one can control who they fall in love with Sophia. How far along are you?"
"Two months or so."
"You haven't gone to Madam Pomfrey or a healer?"
"No. I didn't want anyone to know."
"It isn't good for the baby. You need all the right care…" Lily stops talking at Sophia's expression. She realizes then that Scorpius might have been right and keeping the baby alive wasn't anyone's plan but hers. "Have you purchased the potion?"
Sophia nods.
"So you plan on going through with what Albus wants?"
"I don't know. I've had the potion for days now and I can't bring myself to taking it. It's my child, our child."
"I can't tell you what to do, but I can say that whatever you choose to do I'll be there for you."
"Why are you being so kind to me? We've never ever talked before today."
"I don't want you to think that everyone in my family is like him. His actions as inexcusable as they are don't define me or my parents."
"Will you tell them?"
Lily didn't need to ask to who she was referring to. Scorpius had told her it might be easier to tell her parents and let them deal with the mess Albus had made, but she still didn't know if her tattling would be for the best. Sophia was the one that needed to make these choices because at the end of the day she was the one expecting a child, and Albus needed to man up for once.
"Do you want me to tell them? Are you even planning on keeping the baby?"
Sophia placed a hand on her stomach. "I want to keep the baby, yes. I don't know how, but I'll handle this with or without Albus. I would just like some time to figure everything out."
"Hate to say that time isn't exactly on your side. You're going to start showing eventually and it won't be easy to hide anything."
"That I know," she laughs softly, glancing down to her hand. "The baby is hungry at all hours of the day. I'm not asking for much time, only a little. Will you not say anything for me, please?"
"You have my word only if you promise to take better care of yourself. Both you and the baby need to be well nourished and I haven't seen you eating much…"
"It's a promise. Thank you for caring Lily, it means a lot knowing that I have someone there for me and my little one."
"I am the little one's auntie. Whatever you or the baby need just ask."
Sophia smiles, looking more relaxed than she'd been in days.
"Are you going to the game?" Lily asks.
"I rather not for obvious reasons. Some rest will do me and the baby better than being out in the cold anyway."
"Then I'll let you go, but please let me know whatever it is you decide to do."
"I will. Have fun at the game."
Lily waits a minute after Sophia is gone to walk out of the bathroom herself, trying to avoid any stragglers from seeing them together. The last thing Sophia needed in her state was for Albus to grow angrier with her for something Lily had done.
"I see you didn't need me to be your lookout in the end."
"Merlin!" she startles, turning around to face an amused Scorpius. "Why did you sneak up on me like that you dolt?"
"You would've seen me standing there had you not been lost in your own world. By how long the two of you were in there I'm guessing you spoke."
"Sophia doesn't want to get rid of the baby."
"She said that?"
"Yes. She's afraid which is normal, but she has no plans of taking the potion."
"What is she planning?"
"For now she wants a bit of time to think everything through. Her mum more or less went through the same thing, it's not something Sophia wanted to repeat. I offered her my help and she didn't say no."
Scorpius touched a strand of her hair thoughtfully.
"I know you don't want me to interfere –"
"I don't want you to get hurt. Right now Sophia might say one thing and tomorrow…"
Lily took his hand in hers. "She's a good person and that baby is our nephew or niece."
"Our?" he said the word as if though it were foreign.
"If you want to marry me one day, then whatever children my brothers have will also be your family as Cassiopeia's will be mine."
"Bloody hell."
She giggled, lacing her arms around his neck. "Does that bother you?"
"No, I just remembered that Albus is going to be uncle to our own," he shudders for show.
"The thought scares you," she teased.
"As much as him calling me brother."
"The consequences of being in love with me. Would you change it all if you could?"
His lips brushed against hers. "Never."
Lily lifts herself onto her toes, pressing their lips together in a long, passionate kiss. The touch they share makes the world around them disappear. There isn't anything else in the world except the burning flame of their love.
"How desperate are you to see the game?" he asks.
"Not particularly."
"Do you want to go sit out by the lake?"
"Out in the open?" she arched her brow.
"Everyone is at the game, doubt they'll see us."
"Then lead the way."
Hand in hand they walk down to the lake, a light sheet of snow covering the grass still. From here they could hear the game being played and the sound of roaring cheers.
"What's wrong?" she asks once he sets his coat down for her to sit, joining her after casting Aer Calidus to keep them warm.
"Nothing."
She looks at him with doubt. "What did we promise each other about being honest?"
"It's nothing…"
"Scorpius I'm not blind to how you've acted this past week. Your attention is elsewhere or in one of those old texts from the restricted section – don't pretend not to have stolen a few. I've seen you when you think I'm asleep, reading them as if your life depended on it."
He dragged a hand down the side of his face.
"Is it about your hand?"
"My mother, she did something."
"Tell me."
"I don't even know how to explain," he looked out to the lake, exhaling deeply. "She placed a curse on herself to save me and Cassiopeia."
"What?"
"That night I did cut myself, it wasn't a figment of my imagination or because I was tired, it happened. After we talked on Monday I went back to my dormitory and ran a shaving blade over my hand –"
"Are you mad?" her eyes widening.
"I thought I was, but the cut healed. Corrina says that in her cards she saw someone having obstructed my future, making sure that I was given a second chance at life should the need for it arise. A few nights before the end of break my mother gave me a tea and…and I don't remember much except for a few words."
"What were they?"
"The fruit of my blood shall be given life through me once more."
Lily silently repeats the words, trying to remember all of the lessons Professor Flitwick had given. "They don't sound familiar."
"That's because they come from dark magic and aren't part of the curriculum at Hogwarts."
"Do you know how the spell works?"
His expression grows solemn. "It's meant to bind someone's life to another, keeping them from dying."
"Rebirth."
"Exactly. She bound me to her, so if someone tries to kill me she'll be the one to die. I suppose she did the same to Cassiopeia."
"What if she's the one…"
He shakes his head. "The spell only works one way. Every scrape or hit I get will only hurt her, but if she's hurt I'll feel nothing."
"Have you tried speaking with her?"
A humorless laugh is his reply. "I tried contacting her through the floo, but she's too busy. I wrote to her a day ago and do you know what her reply was?"
Lily shook her head, lips pressed together.
"She sent me a care package! To her I'm a stupid child that can't even protect myself. Does she understand what she did? She had no right! No right to…to…"
"She loves you," Lily touched his cheek gently. "A mother is willing to do what she has to for her children Scorpius."
"I won't allow her to die for me."
"It's her choice –"
"And what of mine?"
"You're being ungrateful."
He jerked away from her touch. "Do you not understand what she did?"
"I do and it takes someone very brave to do what she has. You're pouting because she didn't allow you to have a say –"
"It's my life."
"She gave it to you."
"Whose side are you on?"
"It's not about picking a side Scorpius. What I'm trying to say is that you have to understand her worry for you and your sister, a parent is willing to do so much. Would you not do the same for any child of ours? I don't personally approve of dark magic, but this makes her have some peace of mind."
"I can't live without her."
"And you think she can live without you?"
He blinked away what surprisingly appeared to be tears. Never had Lily seen him shed a single tear, his emotions always so controlled. She'd seen him worried, yes, but this sign of emotion wasn't one common to him.
"It'll be my fault."
Lily wraps her arms around him, holding him as if he were a small boy. "Everything is going to be okay. I know you're frightened, but your mother is a wise and strong woman. Respect what she did for you no matter how against it you are."
"They all think she's so cold…she's not. I know her, I know how deep her love runs for us. I don't want anything to happen to her because of me Lily."
"And nothing will. You'll be careful and this danger will pass. It's as you said, evil won't and has never prevailed."
He looked up from her shoulder. "How do you do it?"
"Do what?"
"Get me to listen."
She laughed quietly. "I've learned to master you."
"That you have," he kissed the space between her neck and shoulder. "I still need to speak with her. I know that she loves me – I've never been unsure of that – but she can't do this. I'm an adult, and should be treated as one."
"We outgrow our parents' laps, but never their hearts. You and Cassiopeia will always be her children and therefore more important to her than her own life. We'll feel the same way with our own."
The ends of Scorpius' lips curved into a small smile. "We will; I don't doubt it. I…I just feel so helpless. Afraid for her, my family, you. I can't stop what's happening outside in the world."
"You can't control everything. And we can't allow them to think they've won by letting fear control us," she placed a hand behind his neck, touching the ends of his hair. "Talk to her, but listen to her reasons instead of attacking them."
He lifted her onto his lap, his face pressing into her hair. "I can't imagine my world without the people I love."
"You won't have to. We'll get through this somehow, together."
She felt him nodding against her, their hands intertwining in front of her as they stared out towards the snowy hilltops.
"What were you doing talking with McLaggen?" he asks after a moment of tranquil silence.
"You saw that?"
"Mhmm."
"He was apologizing to me."
"Apologizing?"
"Believe it or not. Seems that his predicament has made him reflect on his attitude."
"So is he planning on apologizing to all of womankind? Might take him a while with all the people his charming presence has offended."
Lily leaned back against him, head resting on his shoulder. "I think it's time you removed the curse…"
"Me? Why would you think I had anything to do with it?"
She rolled her eyes, knowing exactly he had been the one to do that to Aedan. While they hadn't really had a chance to talk about that day on the train, she was certain it had been him, especially with how callous he'd spoken to the Gryffindor.
"You need to stop being so kind to everyone," his tone filled with distaste.
"We already have so many problems Scorpius, let's not add him to our list. I shouldn't have allowed Aedan's words to offend me – it was silly of me – I see that now. A long time ago you told me that a dog will bark if it doesn't know the person, and you were right. He's learned his lesson."
"Personally I think the bloke looks quite handsome with his little makeover."
"Scorpius."
"I'll think about it."
"Do it for me," she tilted her lips up, kissing his jaw.
"I said I'll think about it."
She doesn't ask again.
"Corrina knows about us."
"I had completely forgotten about her! What did she say?"
"Apparently she knew I loved you before I knew it myself. Those cards of hers gave us away long ago."
"And she didn't try to stop you?"
"She wanted me to be happy – for us to be happy."
Lily lets out a laugh, so gentle it floats away with the wind. "Remind me to thank her. She and Hugo made all of this possible for us."
He lays her down on his coat again, eyes on her. "I wish we had gotten together sooner. You deserve dates in Hogsmeade, kisses after classes, holding hands in the halls…"
"I didn't need any of that; I still don't. The reasons I have for loving you are beyond such girlish desires. If I could have anyone in the world, it would always be you."
His eyes soften at her words. "I will spend an eternity loving you, caring for you, respecting you, showing you every day that I hold you as high as the stars."
"You better or I'll tell my father," she jokes.
Scorpius chuckled before kissing her, his body nestling between her thighs, one of his hands next to her head while the other moved under her skirt.
Lily pulled away from his lips. "We're outside Scorpius."
"You don't miss much," he continued running his lips over her neck.
"What happened to not wanting to be expelled for indecent exposure?"
"Everyone's busy at the game."
She sighed as his hand caressed between her legs, her panties pushed to the side.
"You can always say no…"
Never. Lily would never have the will to deny him her body; her body that only he would ever know, that he knew better than she ever had.
Her lips search for his, hands urgently pulling at his belt. She didn't know how much time they had, so sweet and romantic wasn't on the plate for right now. As amusing as it would sound to be caught in the throes of passion, her parents might just die of mortification.
They moan together as he slips inside of her, the feeling of their shared intimacy never ceasing to amaze. Immediately he starts to move, his strokes long and hard – unerring. His hands curl around her wrists, pinning them next to her head. His zealous desire is driving him on and Lily revels in him getting lost in her. He angles his hips, impatient to feel the length of her. They lock their gazes, twin expressions of reverential love and wonder on display for one another.
In moments like these their connection is so strong, so deep she realizes why she sometimes thinks it must be fantasy. Even here, right now it's hard to believe that love can burn so bright, so hot but Lily chooses to trust her senses, showing her this beautiful man, unravelling in the pleasure of being with her.
"So beautiful," he slams into her, the force of it arching her back.
Her lids fall heavy over her eyes, a sheen of perspiration slicks her skin as she yields to him. Soft moans tumbling one after the other past her lips.
"Oh Scorpius, I love you."
His head drops to her shoulder, groaning as if the words were too much for him to bear. But she'd never stop saying them. Lily would make sure that he knew how much she loved him for the rest of their lives.
Her nails dig into her palms at his sharp thrusts, the sensation so intense that for a minute she thinks about pushing him away. Scorpius finally let go of her hands only to pull her up on his lap, his thrusts growing more and more frantic if possible.
Lily cries out, grinding down on him, and his breath hisses through his teeth. His arm snakes around her to her neck, tilting her head to one side so he can kiss her throat. His other hand grips her hip as they move in union.
"You're so tight," he pants.
Her left hand drops to the grass, tearing it away from the ground; her right hand braced on his shoulder. His teeth graze her earlobe and he tugs—it's almost painful. He bucks again and again into her. Lily rises and falls, and this rhythm is everything, he moves his hand around beneath her skirt to the apex of her thighs, and his fingers gently tease her clitoris through the sheer finery of her panties.
"Ah!"
"Come for me," he breathes into her ear through gritted teeth, his hand still curled around her neck.
Lily feels the familiar build of pleasure, her legs tensing around him. She moans again, and she's all sensation, her eyes tightly closed. His voice at her ear, his breath on her neck, pleasure radiating out from where his fingers tease her body and where he slams deep inside her, and she's lost.
"Oh, Lily," he murmurs in wonder, and he wraps his arms around her, thrusting into her one last time and stilling as he climaxes deep inside.
He runs his nose along her jaw and softly kisses her throat, her cheek, her temple as she fell against him, her head lolling against his neck. Somewhere away from them a silence joins their heavy breathing before Hugo's voice breaks through.
"AND RAVENCLAW WILL FACE SLYTHERIN IN THE FINAL GAME!"
Sweetheart's Day lightens the mood immensely at Hogwarts. While many Gryffindors were still discontent over the loss to Ravenclaw only a couple weeks past, other students were enjoying the day to the max. Rose had made sure to have the entire castle decorated with flowers and hearts while cherubs delivered personalized gifts.
Hugo had made a show of the day, dressing himself in scarlet suit and presenting more than a few girls with heart-shaped cards. The Slytherins on the other hand were a bit disgusted by such display of tackiness, but there were some that exchanged gifts and allowed for their usual elegant façade to break just this once.
One of those Slytherins currently naked in bed with his love, laughing as they ate the chocolates he'd given her and enjoying the day just like the next person…
"Your turn. Who was your first kiss?" Scorpius asked her.
Lily licked the chocolate off her finger, humming thoughtfully as she lay on her stomach. "My first kiss was with Declan Greer –"
"Were we always fascinated by older men?"
"He's only a year older than me."
"Daddy issues," he said in a sing-song tone, earning a pillow to the head.
"Do you want to know or not?"
"Go on."
"We'd gone on a couple of dates, though they weren't very memorable or anything…Um, he kissed me in Madam Puddifoots on the third or fourth date."
"Madam Puddifoots, adorable. How was it?"
"Wet and garlicy."
He throws his head back in laughter.
"I honestly didn't know what I was doing – my thoughts were only on where I should put my hands or how I was supposed to move. When I was back in my dormitory I may or may not have brushed my teeth for about thirty minutes."
"Who did you kiss after?"
"No, no. It's one question per round and you asked about my first kiss."
"Tell me."
She rolls her eyes, biting into a cherry-filled truffle. "It happened under the stars in the Astronomy Tower at the beginning of term…"
"Really? You've only kissed two men?"
"I wouldn't necessarily call Declan a man when he was a fourth year."
"You're so innocent."
"I think I made up for my inexperience with you."
His hand runs up and down the length of her naked back, bending down to kiss her shoulder blade. "I believe you most certainly have if your little show minutes ago is anything to go by."
Lily giggles, biting her lip as she recalled the taste of him. There was nothing more fascinating to her than watching Scorpius come undone under her touch, and Merlin if it hadn't made her want him that much more.
"You look mighty proud," he chuckled.
"Maybe…Okay, my turn!"
"Ask away."
"How was your first time?"
Scorpius arched an eyebrow in question. "You really want to hear something like that?"
"Well, not in full detail."
He leaned back against the headboard, looking up at the enchanted ceiling. "It was after winning the quidditch cup against Gryffindor; I was fifteen. After we took the celebration to the dungeons I had more than a few drinks before going to my dorm. Violet came in shortly after wearing only a robe…One thing led to another and then I woke up with a massive headache and Flint thinking that I had all but proposed marriage."
"Was it good?"
His hand reached for hers, his thumb running over one of the charms on her bracelet. "Nothing near extraordinary, believe me. It was quick and I lasted all but ten minutes."
She smiles around another chocolate, loving the fact that Violet Flint didn't get such a memorable night as she had her first time with Scorpius. Childish as it was Lily still felt slightly jealous at the attention other girls gave her wizard, especially those that could say they knew of his talents.
"Do you find my story amusing?"
"A bit. What happened to your stamina?"
"I was a little tired after having knocked both your brothers on their arses."
"Touché. Your turn, though I don't think you can ask me the same question. Something tells me you might know exactly how my first time went."
"I think I remember a bit, yes."
They share a kiss, tasting chocolate on one another's lips.
"What should I ask you?" he murmurs, dragging his warm lips down to her jawline.
"Your choice."
She sees a teasing glint in his eyes; whatever he was about to ask would surely be appalling.
"Have you ever touched yourself while thinking of me?"
Her breathing halts, and she can feel her face turning bright red at the question. Of all the things he could have possibly asked her, Merlin and Morgana! Did he want her to die of mortification?
"Have you?" he pressed.
She shakes her head repeatedly, trying not to burst into flames. "No…"
"You're lying."
"No, I'm not."
Scorpius sat up, eyes searching hers. "Then why so nervous?"
"I'm not."
"Yes, yes you are. There's nothing wrong with you telling me the truth, my love."
"It's embarrassing," she rolled onto her back, throwing an arm over her eyes.
He pulls her arm away, his face hovering over hers. "So you have thought of me?"
A pitiful groan is his reply back. When she'd started the game Lily hadn't thought Scorpius was planning on asking those types of questions.
"There's nothing to be embarrassed about Lily."
"There is when I did that before we were together…"
Now it was his turn to look shocked. She would have thought his slack jaw and widened eyes amusing had it not been for the fact that her confession had caused such a reaction.
"Come again?"
Lily smoothed down her curled hair, avoiding his gaze. "Alice slipped in a bottle of pixie wine into the dorm when I turned fifteen…we had a little too much and talked about…you know."
"I don't know."
She sighed. "We were curious to know what it felt like…sex. Alice fell asleep after another drink, so I read the book she'd given me – something not child friendly."
"Did we get hot and bothered?"
Ignoring his question Lily continued shyly. "The day before Penelope Dawson had been bragging to her friends that she'd slept with you, and I wondered what it'd be like if it had been me with you…"
Her entire body flushed as she recalled touching herself in the dead of night, exploring her body behind the closed curtains of her large canopy bed.
"Did you come?" he nipped at her ear.
"I was too scared."
Scorpius took her hand under his, sliding it down her body and under the sheet that was covering her waist.
"What are you doing?" she tries pulling back her hand.
"I want you to touch yourself."
She blinks, swallowing. "What?"
"You shouldn't feel embarrassed or afraid about exploring your body, my love. Do you know how many blokes want you? How many would kill to be the one's here with you, like this?"
Lily shakes her head, trembling a bit at his tone and darkened gaze.
"I could make you a list of all those foolish children."
"I don't want anyone but you."
He makes a soft sound of agreement against her breast. "I want you to love your body just like I do. You're so beautiful, so perfect. I'm a very, very lucky man."
Closing her eyes, Lily moves her hand an inch and Scorpius takes that as her consent, her right hand skimming over her sex, and under his own rubbing in a slow circle, her mouth an O as she pants.
"Uhh…"
She repeats the move and tips her head back, gasping. The feeling of her under his as she pleasured herself so erotic. It makes her…powerful. Maybe Witch Weekly was right and all a witch needed was to know her own body; give it some love herself.
Another gasp – this one louder tumbles past her lips, and she hears Scorpius inhaling sharply. He runs his nose then his tongue back and forth at her breasts, taking a nipple between his teeth.
"Ah!" Lily whimpered at the new feeling on her skin.
He moves her hand lower and this time she doesn't scurry, her finger sliding into her sex. It's obviously different than when he does this – his fingers longer and more practiced, but it still feels good.
Each stroke builds her orgasm until her body tightens, pleading for the bliss of release. Her fingers move faster, her face pressing into his chiseled chest as her cries only grow louder until she reaches that beautiful, toe-curling peak.
Scorpius brushed the hair from her face and she smiles tiredly up at him, his hand now gently caressing her. "How was that?" he asks.
"Hmm."
"Good?"
"Hmm."
He laughs. "Did we render you speechless?"
Lily cuddled against him, kissing his collarbone. "Is it like this for everyone?"
"Sex?"
She nods.
"Well, I can't speak for everyone, but it's quite special with you my love."
"Do you think we'll be this happy when we're old and grey?"
"I definitely will be when I trade you in for a newer model."
"You're lucky I'm too tired to hit you over the head for that comment."
Scorpius kissed the top of her head. "No, Lily. I don't think we'll be this happy when we're old and grey. I know we will be."
Lily smiled, her eyes closing as she succumbed to sleep.
Diagon Alley was as busy as ever with September 1st only a few weeks away. Children and parents filled every shop, making it almost impossible to walk through without bumping into someone. Though many hated such crowds Lily loved every second of it as memories of her own Hogwarts' days came to mind, but this time it was even more special.
In front of her Altair was all smiles and chatter as he excitedly hurried towards Ollivanders, Leo next to him while next to her was Scorpius and in his arms Orion, their youngest. This would be their first outing to Diagon Alley in preparation for one of many start of terms at Hogwarts.
The door swings open at Altair's not so gentle push; it's bell practically torn off from where it hung above the sill. His haste made both Lily and Scorpius share a laugh – their eldest while stubborn and hot-tempered had outgrown running into shops with the promise of new things. He was so different than Lily was at eleven, but she'd say that his self-control was all due to his aristocratic linage. Astoria had mentioned more than once on Scorpius having been exactly the same, though Leo was much more like his Draco and Lucius. Their Orion however was apparently taking after Astoria herself at four years of age, plotting and immensely intelligent.
"I was beginning to wonder when I'd see you here," they hear a warm voice call from somewhere above them.
Amidst the multitude of wands on the second floor of the shop they spot Crawford Ollivander, great nephew to the once Garrick Ollivander. They were much alike in appearance and intellect – same pale silvery eyes and curiosity that only led to enthusiasm. Seeing him continue the family business and being inside the shop took Lily the day where she too purchased her wand.
"Let me look at you," Crawford apparates quickly downstairs, standing in front of Altair. "Son to a Malfoy and Potter, descendent of Greengrass and Black blood. You'll need a wand to go with such heritage."
Altair grinned, green eyes shining with thrill.
"Mr. Malfoy; Mrs. Malfoy, I hope your wands have been to par."
Lily and Scorpius affirm in union, offering a smile to the elderly wizard.
"Well then let us find this young wizard the most important piece in what he's purchased today!" Crawford clapped his hands, leading Altair to one of the many shelves lining the walls. A tape measure suddenly in front of him, taking up all the needed measurements while Crawford flitted around the shelves, taking down box after box.
Lily bites her lip to keep from laughing at the look on Altair's face as he's pulled this way and that by the measuring tape, although Leo and Orion seem to be enjoying their brother's obvious annoyance.
"That will do," Crawford said, and the tape measure crumpled into a heap on the floor. "Right then, Mr. Malfoy. Try this one. Holly and dragon heartstring. Nine inches. Nice and flexible. Just take it and give it a wave."
Doing as he was instructed Altair waved the wand and a small ripple of magic escaped it narrowly giving Leo a new haircut.
"Watch it!" Leo huffed, Orion laughing from his father's arms.
Crawford snatched the wand away and replaced it with another just as fine. "Maple and phoenix feather. Seven inches. Quite whippy. Try –"
Altair tried – but he had hardly raised the wand when it, too, was snatched back.
"No, no – here, ebony and unicorn hair, eight and a half inches, springy. Go on, go on, try it out."
Altair tried. And tried. The pile of tried wands was mounting higher and higher on the spindly chair, but the more wands Crawford pulled from the shelves, the happier he seemed to become.
"It's for today," Leo drawled, earning a look from Scorpius who was soothing a sleepy Orion.
Lily stepped closer to Altair, dropping to his height and kissing temple at seeing his disappointment. "It's alright, sweetheart. I didn't get my wand on the first try – you just need to be patient. Remember what I told you?"
Altair nodded, sighing. "The wand chooses you, not the other way around."
She taps his nose with her pointer finger. "There's a wand in here that's just for you. Keep trying and mind your brother."
"Tricky customer, eh? He's just like his Grandfather Harry from what my Uncle told me. Not to worry, we'll find the perfect match here somewhere – I wonder now – yes, why not – try this– black walnut and unicorn hair, eleven inches, nice and supple. Making this wand almost got me gored by the unicorn I took the hair from; beautiful creature it was."
Lily nudged Altair forward, standing back up as her child took the wand.
From the smile Altair gave she knew he'd felt the same warmth every child felt at their hand when they'd been chosen by a wand. He raised the wand above his head, brought it swishing down through the dusty air and a stream of red and gold stars shot from the end like a fireworks, throwing dancing spots of light on to the walls.
Behind her she heard Orion appreciating the beautiful show, now fully awake while Leo threw his hands in the air with an exclaimed "finally". Scorpius' hand was at her waist seconds after and when she looked up at him he too was just as proud of their boy. When you get your own wand you think that there's nothing better than that moment, but there is and it was standing right in front of her.
"Oh, bravo! Yes, indeed, oh, very good, very good. Well, well, well…such a special wand for an equally special wizard."
Altair beamed up at them all, his hand wrapped tightly around his new wand.
"He's growing up," Scorpius murmured in her ear.
"When did that happen?" she leaned against him, smiling as Orion kisses her cheek.
"Two more to go and then we ditch them and retire to our own private island."
She giggled, watching Crawford put Altair's wand back into its box and wrapping it in brown paper.
"I want a wand," Leo pouts, wiping dust off of a chair and looking at it in disgust. "I bet I won't take as long as Altair."
Crawford lets out a laugh. "You'll get your wand in due time. The younger sibling is always slightly jealous when the eldest goes to school, but time will fly by and I'll be finding you a wand next!"
"I still have five years to go."
Lily ran her hand through Leo's white hair, looking down at him dotingly.
"And your younger brother, doesn't he have more years to go?"
Leo glanced at Orion. "True…Altair won't even be in school when it's his turn."
"Then consider yourself lucky that you won't have to wait as long as him, but in the meantime have a treat," Crawford offered a sugar crystal candy in the shape of a wand.
"Thank you Mr. Ollivander," Scorpius says once the wand was paid for and handed to Altair.
"Enjoy the rest of your outing, and I'll see you back here in a few more years."
Hand in hand Lily and Scorpius walk after their children towards the apparition point. Altair and Leo holding each of Orion's pudgy hands, guarding the youngest member of their family as he hopped over the cracks of the cobblestoned path.
They were so different, her boys. She wondered what it would be like to see them fully matured into men. Would they be just as close as they were now? Lily could only hope they were. One thing was for sure, they would always be the most precious gifts Scorpius had given her of all.
"Lily, my love. We have to go," she hears Scorpius' voice cutting through her dreams.
She blinked slowly, Ollivanders fading into the walls of the Room of Requirement.
"We need to get to ready for the feast," he says, hand stroking her arm.
"Do we have to go?" she sits up, leaning forward to rest her head against his now clothed body.
"We'll be pushing our luck if we don't. We've already been absent for most of the day…"
Lily nuzzled his neck, closing her eyes. All she wanted was to go back to those precious moments where their love shined through their children. She could care less about the feast Rose had spent weeks preparing.
"Next year we can spend the entire day together, I promise."
She smiled at the promise. Yes, next year everything would be easier. They would no longer have to spend hours hidden away or pretend they didn't know each other. All she needed was to be patient, but it seemed neither she nor Scorpius would be the one to announce to the world of their relationship.
Once Lily was dressed they carefully stepped out of their safe haven, the corridor empty – no doubt everyone getting ready for the night.
"I love you," she tells him after a kiss. "Thank you for today."
"You have nothing to thank me for. This is one of many holiday's will spend together, my sweet witch."
After one last kiss they move apart – one walking to Gryffindor Tower and the other to the dungeons, neither aware of the eyes that follow them. A smile filled with malice on the onlooker's face…
Anton stared up at the dark exterior of the building, in his hand the same note that had been delivered weeks past to Dominique alongside the roses. It hadn't been difficult to find out where Maroney lived – a smile and one giggly receptionist was all it took.
He supposed he was being a bit theatrical with what he had planned for today, but he did love a good show. And Stefan Maroney was about to have a Sweetheart's Day he would never be forget.
The doorman greeted him with a friendly smile, not all impeding his access inside. Just one look at his expensive suit and his overall way of carrying himself made Anton blend in easily with the atmosphere. To anyone he belonged inside such posh surroundings, although it was a little too gaudy for his taste.
Stepping into the lift he whistled his way to the top floor, thinking about how beautiful Dominique had looked today. Don't get him wrong she was always beautiful, but she was exceptionally so in that red laced dress of hers, especially when around her neck was the locket he'd presented to her. It was a family heirloom, nestled deep in his vault and worthy to be worn by his witch. He'd finally have some use for all those shiny stones and jewels – DING!
Fixing his cuffs Anton walked down the corridor with measured steps, giving away nothing at all if anyone were to see him. The beauty of being a Greengrass was how well they fit in anywhere – so natural and innocent.
"Apartment 20F," he read off the number on the door, knocking once.
The sound of footsteps neared before the door was unlocked and he was face to face with the man of the hour, Stefan. Without waiting for an invitation Anton walked right inside, looking around the apartment.
"Excuse me, you can't just walk into somebody's home! Do I even know you?"
"Anton Greengrass. We went to school together," he replies, studying the table set for two – candles and roses adding a romantic touch. "I was voted most handsome, most likely to succeed, most delightful to be around; the list goes on."
"You were in Slytherin," Stefan says. "Yes, I remember. I saw you at the Ministry Gala in December…what are you doing here?"
Anton didn't respond right away, studying the triptych adorning the wall. "Apelles, 350 B.C."
"It's one of a kind, quite expensive."
"Oh, I know. My family has the original, although this one is an excellent forgery."
"It isn't –"
"I'm not here to talk art with you," Anton took a glass of champagne from the table, drinking from it.
"By all means please tell me why you just barged into my apartment."
"You and I have someone in common…"
Stefan looked to Anton in question, obviously lost until realization seemed to dawn on him. "Get out. I don't know what that bitch said to you, but like I told her brother I'm not someone anyone wants to mess with."
Anton set the glass down calmly. "I'm going to pretend you didn't just call her that. Truthfully, I wouldn't waste my time with a worthless piece of shite like you, but unfortunately you decided to taunt someone very precious to me by sending her roses and this note."
He held up the white card for Stefan to see, touching the fireplace and silently placing a hex on it to keep everyone where they should be.
"It was a joke," Stefan explained.
"I didn't find it funny."
"Stupefy –"
"Expelliarmus."
Anton easily caught Stefan's wand, placing it inside his blazer.
"Give me back my wand."
"I will, but first things first…" Anton waved his own wand in a downward motion, forcing Stefan to his knees – his body completely immobile. "As a child I was taught quite a number of things; one of them being to respect women. Now you obviously seemed to have missed that lesson as a child yourself, but don't worry I'm willing to help those in need."
Stefan screamed out for help, fear radiating off of him.
"No one is going to hear you; I made sure to put a silencing charm in place. Wanted to keep things nice and romantic for us mate."
"Let me go! You'll pay for this!"
"I sincerely doubt that."
"Look, if you let me go I'll leave her alone and I won't press charges against you."
"I think it's a little too late for apologies. And unlike you I actually have status in this world, so Azkaban isn't in the cards for me if you want to go down that route…"
Anton's tone was chillingly sweet, and it only seemed to make Stefan's fear grow that much more.
"Before we get started, everything that I'm going to do is your fault. You made me do this, understand? I'm not usually so violent, but you brought out the worst in me."
Stefan's eyes flash to him in hatred only to flinch within seconds, letting out an earth shattering scream as Anton pointed his wand and simply murmured "Castro".
Without a single blink of his eyes, Anton twisted his wand until blood covered the front of Stefan's pants. It was a gruesome scene – Stefan motionless as he was castrated, tears streaming down his face.
"She was a child, an innocent little girl. You made her believe she was worthless, but the only one worthless was you. Dominique is haunted by what you did to her and now you will be too."
Anton moved his wand again, his wrist slowly turning. He didn't react to the screams coming from Stefan, his face void of emotion.
"Forcing yourself on her didn't make you a man it made you a coward. A real man never hurts a woman. How can you look at your mother when you raped an innocent girl and tore her world apart?"
His wand continued twisting.
"I'm going to make sure you never hurt anyone ever again. I can't give you over to system for you to lie your way out of Azkaban, no, this is what you deserve."
His wand finally twists violently and Stefan falls onto the marbled floor, gasping.
"I want to start a future with Dominique and your memory is a problem for me; knowing that you are enjoying your life while she suffers with the scars. You'll leave England and never step foot anywhere near her again…" Anton kneeled next to Stefan. "Don't worry, you won't die from this. I want you to live so you can suffer just as she has.
Stefan choked on his sobs, glancing up at him through his left eye.
"If you tell anyone what happened I'll cut out your tongue next. Would you like me to do that?"
"Ple…ase…"
"Don't beg. You didn't care when she did and I don't care to hear it from you. Now I need to hear from you that I won't have to make another trip down here because it's a little out of my way. Go on, say the words."
Stefan closed his eyes, hands gripping between his legs. "I…promise…"
"You promise me what?"
"That you'll never see me again."
"That I won't ever see your worthless face again," Anton corrected.
"That you won't ever see my worthless face again."
Anton stood back up. "I want you gone by the end of this week. I give you a week because you'll need a few days to heal, but I'll be watching. If you go to Dominique or to the Aurors it'll be the last thing you do."
"Leave!"
"No need to be rude, I'm going."
He made show of checking his appearance in the mirror, and even went as far as to take a bite from the salmon as well as another sip of champagne.
"Salmon is a bit dry and the champagne could be better, but overall how romantic. Enjoy your night."
"My wand," Stefan calls out.
"Ah, yes. Thank you for reminding me," he says, taking out the wand and throwing it towards the balcony doors. "Fetch."
Stefan cursed after Anton as he walked out of the apartment, closing the door behind him silently. Just as before he entered the lift calmly, whistling as if he hadn't just emasculated another man. Man, he scoffed to himself. What he had done was entirely for the good of everyone.
Scum like him deserved what had happened.
The door to the life slides open and on his way out, he sees a pretty witch asking for Maroney's apartment, poor girl.
"Have a good night," the doorman smiles.
"You as well. Happy Sweetheart's Day."
It was raining when he apparated outside of Greengrass Manor, the smell soothing him and erasing the stench of blood. He doesn't hurry inside; instead letting the downpour drench his clothes and him. It takes Anton by surprise at seeing Bastian doing the same – his brother sitting on one of stone benches and looking into the newly restored gardens.
"Bastian?"
He doesn't appear to hear him, too lost in whatever was going through his own head most likely.
"Brother?" Anton called out again, placing a hand on his shoulder.
He finally looks up and Anton isn't sure if through the rain he's seeing clearly, but thinks that maybe Bastian is crying.
"What's wrong Bas?"
"I know everything…I know about the babies, my children."
Anton's expression saddens. "Bastian –"
"Am I really such an awful human being that I never noticed she was pregnant?"
"Of course not –"
"I must be. She's my witch! She's my witch and I wasn't there for her, no one was. I was always so caught up trying to please our family and lamenting myself when she needed me!"
Anton watched in silence as Bastian cried out everything he felt – anger, sadness; everything. He wished he could say something to fix all this pain, but it would all be useless. Iryna and Bastian needed to heal together just like Dominique needed someone to be there for her, to guide her.
"Bastian I could tell you how sorry I am, but it won't change what happened. What I can say is that you being out here while she's inside won't fix anything. Mourn together, be there for her."
"She's pregnant again…"
"With better reason you need to be with her right now."
Bastian dropped his head to his hands, elbows on his knees as he ran his fingers through his wet hair.
"Iryna is afraid to lose this child and you need to be her strength – she can't do this on her own.''
"What kind of father could I be? I told her I wanted children, but now…how can I help her if she loses another one? I'm useless! She deserved better than me."
"Maybe that's true, but she chose you. She loves you. Iryna loved you from that moment her mother slapped her in front of everyone for not being able to dance and you lifted her onto your toes, teaching her how. From that day she saw you as the only man she would ever love. It nearly killed her when mother announced your betrothal to Diantha."
"I never felt anything for Diantha."
"Don't tell me, tell her! Let her know that you will always choose her. That you will choose this baby no matter what happens."
"I've made a mess of my life."
Anton wrapped his arm around Bastian's shoulders. "We both have. But sometimes falling apart lets us realize that there is a lot worth fighting for. Do you think you have something worth fighting for?"
Bastian glanced back at the manor. "I'm a bloody idiot."
"Glad you finally agree – hey, wait up!"
His shout is ignored as Bastian ran inside, looking nothing like his usual stoic self. Fuck, this had been the longest day in Anton's life – celebrating the holiday with Dominique, castrating a man, and saving his brother's marriage. And people say you can't do everything in one single day.
Iryna is at the top of the staircase when Anton steps into the foyer, Bastian staring up at her like some gaping fish. It would have been a cute scene had his brother not smelled like a wet dog or looked like one – the moron ruining a priceless rug with his muddy shoes.
"I'm sorry for running out on you," Bastian says, climbing the steps less quickly than the dash he had made inside.
"I understand –"
"Please let me finish," he takes her hands in his. "I know I've been an awful husband to you. The day we married I swore to care for you and make you happy, but I haven't done any of that. Of all the people in my life you are the one person that has never let me down –"
"Excuse me –"
"Shut up Anton!" both Iryna and Bastian shout out.
"Well, fuck you two then."
They throw him a glare before turning back to one another.
"Where was I?" Bastian asks.
"I've never let you down."
"Ah, right. Of all the people in my life you are the one person that has never let me down. You have loved me unconditionally to the point where I know if I asked you to die for me you would without hesitating. You are the only woman I have and will ever love Iryna. I…I'm not good with this kind of stuff…" he rubbed at the back of his neck.
"You're doing great," she laughs.
"This is worse than watching a baby deer being murdered," Anton muttered to himself.
"What I'm trying to say is that things will change between us. I won't neglect my duties to you anymore, nor will I ever give you reason to doubt my love for you. This child is a blessing, but Iryna all I need is you. I don't care if we can't have children and I will never cast you aside because of that. Never."
Iryna wipes at her eyes. "I'm sorry. You know I'm not a dramatic woman –"
"It's alright. You can cry or be angry; you can hit me if you want – I'd more than deserve it. You can feel whatever you want, sweetheart. This isn't Faye Manor, this is your home."
"For being an arse you're quite good at making a girl swoon," she jokes, smiling through her tears. "You even got yourself all wet out in the rain as if we were in some melodrama."
"You're the only witch I'd ever do this for."
"I think my eyes are bleeding…" Anton gags.
Iryna throws her arms around Bastian, kissing him passionately and not caring at all that her dress was now wet. He kisses her back with equal fervor, one hand in her brown hair and the other on her waist, holding her tightly to him.
"Bastian? Why on earth are you doing?" Vera's voice cuts through the moment.
"Hello Mummy," Anton grins up at her.
"I see my youngest is alive, good. Bastian?"
Bastian pulled away from Iryna, but his arms remained around her. "I was out in the rain…"
"Obviously," Ander drawls, joining them. "The question is why you decided to ruin a three century old rug?"
"And giving quite a show snogging his wife as if they weren't taught better than that," Vera folds her arms across her body, frowning at the lack of propriety being shown by her eldest and daughter-in-law.
"I completely agree Mummy," Anton says, leaning against the staircase's railing. "Bastian do keep your needs under control, quite rude to act like that outside of the bedroom."
"Anton go to your room," Ander orders. "Do you remember where it's at? You haven't stepped foot inside the manor in days."
"That's not true; I stopped by for clothes."
"Anton," Vera sighs tiredly.
"Fine, fine. Don't want to stick around anyway. I had a rough day," he climbs up the steps, kissing his mother's cheek on the way. "I castrated an animal."
"You what?" Ander asks, his tone conveying disgust while the others look at Anton in shock.
"Castrated an animal. It decided to get in my way and I had to deal with it."
"And you chose to cut off its balls?" Bastian arched a dark brow.
"Yup. Night, family."
"Anton," Vera took hold of his elbow, stopping him from leaving. "When you say 'animal' you are referring to an actual animal right?"
"Sure," he nods, resuming his whistling as he walks off.
His bedroom is a welcoming sight, though it was definitely missing a certain strawberry blonde to make it even more so. He threw his blazer onto a nearby chair, undoing his cuffs as he thought of Maroney and his lack of…well, you know.
It wasn't that he found pleasure in hurting anyone, but his methods had been necessary with this type of situation. As a child his family had taught him that when a person attacked you or someone close to you then the punishment had to be severe. This wouldn't erase Dominique's trauma, but it served as poetic justice for her and any other innocent girl that passed through Maroney's hands.
"You get what you give indeed," he murmurs, taking a rose from the bouquet on the accent table – surely placed there yet again by Thistle.
Perhaps he'd have to get used to the room being slightly more feminine…Dominique's own bedroom was airy and decorated in lighter tones. He smiles, recalling these past nights spent beside her in bed. The first night – the one after she'd received Maroney's warning – Anton had made it clear that he would be fine sleeping on the couch or even on the floor, but surprisingly enough Dominique had been comfortable enough to offer the other side of her bed.
They'd stared at one another, her eyes timid until she fell asleep. It was the first time in his life that he'd slept with someone next to him without having sex beforehand. They hadn't needed to because at that moment they had shared an intimacy much stronger than sex. Her trust in him to allow him so close went beyond any touch or words passed between them.
He didn't require any more time with her to know that she was the one person he needed in his life. Anton wanted his days to begin and end with her, he wanted to travel with her and see Dominique smile at something new; he wanted a life at her side. Merlin, he even thought about how happy he'd be to see children ruining his best suits with their sticky fingers.
He wanted a life with Dominique.
A knock drew him away from such sweet thoughts – the door opening to allow his mother entry into the room.
"Did you put Bastian in the naughty corner?" he chuckles.
"Funny," she rolls her eyes, standing in front of the vast collage on one of the walls. "You put the photographs back up."
"Yeah, I thought they looked better there than in the drawer they were in."
"You were always so good at photography…"
Anton stood next to her, touching an image of a smiling child he'd met in Thailand. He wondered if Dominique had ever been there. Where would she like to go? She found beauty in so many things that he knew she'd love exploring small towns and meeting the locals, learning new customs.
"So, are you going to tell me where you've been? Or should I ask with whom?"
"I've…" he glanced to her, deciding to be honest. "I've been with Dominique Weasley – we're in a relationship."
Vera pressed her lips together, looking back to the collage. "Always knew you were my rebel. I thought you were joking when you introduced her. Can't wait to see the reaction you're going to get from everyone."
"Are you angry?"
"That you found someone that brought you back to life? No, I'm not angry. For the last six years you've been so distant, broken, and I've felt helpless. This girl has obviously changed all of that and I can't thank her enough. You don't know how difficult it was to see you and Bastian fight, and now everything feels normal again. I have my son back."
Anton's eyes soften. Of all the people that had suffered his aloof attitude, his mother was the last person he meant to hurt with it. She had gone through her own pain and suffering with the loss of her parents and Emilian; she didn't deserve to shed another tear.
"I haven't been the best mother –"
"Mum –"
"If I had I would've known how to help you as she's done in a matter of weeks," she says over his objection. "I cannot and will not oppose someone that has made you smile again. That has mended what for years was broken."
"None of what happened to me was your fault mum. I…I made a mistake. I put my faith in someone that didn't care enough for me and I see that now. Never will I blame you for my own stupidity."
"You loved that person, the one that hurt you?"
"I thought I did, but now I see I was more in love with going against what I was taught."
Her delicate brows pull together. "Against what you were taught? She was –"
"Completely unsuitable in every sense of the word. Dominique is nothing like her and I plan on one day making her my wife, should she agree of course."
"It's that serious?"
He ran his finger over an image of tumbling hair – her strawberry blonde locks. "Yes, I've never been more serious about anything or anyone in my entire life. I would like all of you to accept her, but know that I won't allow her to be looked down on."
She took his hands in hers. "Dominique will be welcomed into this family, I'll see to it."
"Thank you."
"I won't lose you again Anton."
"Your hands are shaking…"
"One of the many effects of not taking my usual potions."
His lips curve into a smile. "You've stopped?"
"If my son can come back to me when I thought him lost, then I can do this for him and his brother. I'm done drugging myself and missing the moments in my children's lives. When Emilian died, I felt so alone and when Bastian was born, I should've never allowed for Cressida to be the one in charge of his upbringing or yours. Those potions won't heal the pain of losing the people I loved – it will only make me lose more."
Anton wrapped his arms around her, kissing her blonde hair. "I love you mum."
"Oh, my darling rebel, I love you a thousand times more. You and Bastian are my entire world."
He closed his eye, breathing in the smell of vanilla that clung to her. Somewhere he thinks Emilian is smiling down on him and their family. Perhaps this was all his doing.
Perhaps Emilian had sent Dominique into his life to open his eyes.
Their world was currently up in flames, but their family was standing together when not long ago they had been so broken. Slowly the haunting silence of Greengrass Manor began to fade until one day nothing but laughter resonated off every wall.
"You can't catch me!"
"Elayna!" a seven year old boy with dark hair and bright blue eyes chased after his younger cousin.
From behind them Bastian and Anton laughed as their children played in the gardens just as they once had.
One day.