Hey guys! So FanFiction is being a pain and won't let me submit this chapter altogether (to be fair, it is bloody long!) so I've split it to a spot that seemed best, making this chapter fairly short and the next one longer. I'll upload the next chapter in the morning to give you guys time to read this one (it's 3am here in Australia, so let me get a few hours sleep and we'll be all good!). Sorry to have to cut this chapter short, but enjoy!
THE WEDDING DAY
ROSE'S POV
"Wake up Rosie!"
"Ugh," I moaned as I came out of my sleep.
"Come on Rose, it's the big day."
I shot up. Looking around the room I was faced with 8 excited women; Dominique, mum, Astoria, Taylah, Ashley, Lily, Ginny and Roxanne. The crowd would have been overwhelming if I wasn't used to a large family and no privacy. The realisation that it was my wedding day hit me, my heart fluttering with nerves and excitement.
"It's my wedding day," I said aloud with a stunned expression.
"Good observation Rosie," Ashley giggled.
Feeling a pull in my stomach, I knew I had to get to the bathroom immediately. Excusing myself and pushing through the group of women near my bed, I threw myself into the bathroom where I emptied my stomach. Morning sickness was not my friend, and was certainly not going to make hiding it easy.
"Woah someone's nervous," Roxanne called from outside the door, "Not getting cold feet are we?"
"No!" I defended quickly. After giving my mouth a rinse out and stepping back into the room, I gave a lame explanation, "I don't know what that was."
Astoria helped save the questions, "I did the exact same thing on my wedding day Rose, don't worry, you're probably just overwhelmed."
No one else in the room seemed to argue with her suggestion. No one knew Astoria was pregnant on her wedding day either, a lack of knowledge which probably helped more than her words did. I pulled myself together by agreeing, "Yeah, I-I just can't believe I'm getting married today."
"It will be amazing," Lily smiled, "The wedding of the century!"
I groaned, "Yeah because that's not daunting at all."
"Look, Hermione, Astoria and I are looking after the kiddies," Ginny motioned to Alex who was asleep in her arms and then to Tares who was still sleeping in his cot, "So you just relax and get ready. We'll see you before the ceremony."
"I'll bring some breakfast up for you soon," Lily offered.
Roxanne also added, "And the hair stylist will be here at ten, so you've got an hour or so."
"Okay," I yawned and stretched my arms above my head, "Thank you everyone, you're all so lovely. This wedding wouldn't be happening without all of you."
"Well it's not every day your daughter get's married, Rosie," mum smiled proudly, "This is your day, we want it to be perfect."
"Yep, this is the one day where Taylah and I are willing to be your slaves," Dom laughed and Taylah nodded.
"That's what bridesmaids are for," I smirked.
After the other ladies had left the room, Taylah and Dom made me go have a shower while they set up the 'production table' where we'd be having our hair and makeup done. I enjoyed having a moment alone to clear my head and calm myself down. The water helped me relax - it almost caused me to fall asleep at one point - and I knew I had definitely taken too long when Dom banged on the door and reminded me 'you do need to get married at some point today Rose, hurry up'.
When I had finally emerged from the bathroom the hairdressers were there, already tending to Taylah and Dom's hair. I apologised and quickly joined them on the stools in front of a row of mirrors and tables. It wasn't long before I decided to strike up a conversation, particularly one regarding Dom's location the night before.
"Where were you running off to last night?" I said casually, examining her expression in the mirror like a hawk.
Being a master at keeping her cool, she simply said, "Hmm?"
"I saw you sneaking into Brian's room."
I watched in the mirror as Taylah's eyes widened and she stared with intrigue at the witch beside her. Dom herself shrugged casually, "So?"
"So," I said slowly, "What happened?"
"Not what you're thinking that's for sure," she chuckled as the hairdresser put a de-frizzing spell on her hair. I was rather relieved to be talking about something other than the wedding or my own life for once, so I continued pushing.
"Sex?"
"Nope."
"Other… things?" Taylah joined the conversation carefully.
"No."
"No?" Taylah and I said simultaneously in shock. I turned to face her, much to the displeasure of my hair stylist, whose unimpressed glance I caught in the mirror.
"Surprising isn't it? We just talked, a lot."
I narrowed my eyes, still not sure if she was being honest, "You just talked? Without ripping each other's heads off like you nearly did all day yesterday?"
"I'm surprised myself."
Dom had always been a stubborn lady. For her to be so furious with someone in one moment, to simply talking to them in the next was unheard of. If Dom hated someone, she hated them, and that was final. Especially men. If she was mad at a guy, she was mad at them for life, so I couldn't understand how Brian could be different to her fundamental rule.
"So, you talked and then what?" Taylah asked softly.
"And then we decided that we're gonna be a couple again."
"What?" I all but screamed.
Dom shrugged as though it were the most uncomplicated scenario in the world, "Well it started off with both of us agreeing we didn't want things to be awkward between us and risk ruining your wedding. I apologised for hexing his hair off and he apologised for being a jerk. Next we were talking about how much we missed each other and how foolish he was to break it off. Then out of nowhere he asked if we could try again. So we're going to take it slow, see how we can fit together again… as a couple."
My head spun as I took in her details, "Damn. Yesterday you were ready to avada each other and now you're a couple again? You're sure it's a good decision? You weren't drunk or high last night were you?"
"No, I wasn't high, or drunk. It sort of just happened, and it feels right." She took in my disbelieving stare before adding quietly, "You know I really like him Rose, it's different with him."
And then I understood it. With all the other men, Dom had control of the situation. She had decided she was angry at them, she had been the one to send them packing and turn them away when they begged for another chance. With Brian though, he had initiated the break up. This was a completely different game.
"What was the real reason you two broke up?" I tried to ask casually.
"I-I don't want to tell you."
"Dom," I said cautiously.
"I, uh, I scared him."
"You what?"
"I scared him off… sexually…" she said slowly, a pink tinge appearing on her cheeks. When neither Taylah nor I responded, she continued, "I wanted to do some pretty kinky stuff and it kind of freaked him out. He didn't expect it, and Merlin he really didn't like it."
"Merlin Dom," Taylah frowned.
"It's never happened before, okay? All the men I've been with are up for some adventure! But I was good for months Rose, I stuck to his plain, vanilla sex. I mean, I put up with the missionary for Merlin's sake! You think he could spice it up just a little right? So after all those months I just had to get him to try new things and… and…"
"You know what? I really don't want to know what it was," I cringed and Taylah hummed in agreement. I swear I even heard the hairdressers agree with us, who I'd forgotten were having to endure this conversation as well. "What made him want back in again?"
"He told me he'd never been with a woman who took control like I did. Said he didn't know how to feel about it, but that when we were apart he realised how much he missed me. He said he needed me to boss him around, and he even said he'd let me spice things up a bit - not as extreme as I went originally, but still, spicier than… than…"
"Than vanilla?"
"Yeah. So, after all of that, we're together again."
Taylah sighed, taking all this painfully honest information in. As she turned to face Dom again, I caught a glimpse of her smile in the mirror, "Well I'm happy for you Dom. It doesn't matter how windy the road is if it feels like it's taking you to the right destination."
"Taylah's right. And I'm happy for you too," I confirmed, pushing past all the horror of the topic and reaching out to give her arm a comforting squeeze, "So long as he treats you like a queen, we won't have a problem."
"Rose," Dom started seriously, a powerful smirk creeping onto her mouth, "You think I'd accept anything less from him?"
"That's my girl."
After our hair stylists left, the three of us all took a quick break. I was reading the paper, which unfortunately was 70% about my wedding, with all different speculations and opinions. Dom was charming her toenails different colours, noticeably not happy with the shades, and Taylah was humming along to the radio while she read a book.
Breaking the silence, Dom asked, "The makeup artist will be here in 20 minutes. Do you want a coffee or something?"
"Yeah sounds good."
"Yes please," I nodded, however before Dom could even leave the room I felt my stomach churning and I knew what was to come. I tried to hide it, but I began heaving loudly, another vomit on it's way. Fleeing from my seat, I jumped across the bed and into the bathroom. Dom followed me in and I began vomiting into the toilet violently.
Without speaking, Dom accioed my toothbrush from my toiletries bag and filled up a cup of water and handed them both out for me to grab. I quickly examined my hair in the mirror, afraid I may have bumped it out of place during my hurling, but thankfully it was still intact. I flushed the loo and sat the lid down, taking a seat and making a start on cleaning my mouth.
Letting out a soft chuckle she breathed, "Merlin Rose you've vomited twice this morning now. Quit being so nervous! Anyone would think you were pregnant."
As her last sentence left her mouth, I looked up at her with wide, guilty eyes, unable to mask my emotions. Upon taking in my expression, her eyes widened too with realisation, her eyebrows shot up into her hairline. I tried to think of an excuse but nothing was coming into my head quick enough, other than terrifying images of me vomiting in my wedding dress while walking down the aisle, an image that could prove to be reality.
Dom gasped, "Wha- you are?!"
"I-I'm…" I trailed off with no excuse, admitting defeat with a simple shrug.
"Merlin's balls you are! You're pregnant again!" Dom screeched loudly.
"You're what?" Taylah stared at me from the doorway with wide eyes.
I couldn't even hold down my groan. I was busted. "Dom!"
It seemed that my secret was being discovered more and more each second, and knowing the power of Dom's voice, I picked up my wand and casted a silencing charm around my room. If the news was out, it was going to stay in that room and that room only.
Dom raised her hands up defensively, "Sorry!"
Taylah came closer and took ahold of my hands, a faint smile creeping onto her face when she asked, "You're pregnant?"
Just hearing yet another person say my secret aloud made it more daunting. I couldn't escape the fact that people were finding out. Sure three people may not be a great deal, especially considering they were three of my closest companions, but the fact that anyone besides Scorpius and I knew at all was enough to make me uneasy.
"Shhhhh! No one knows yet!"
Taylah frowned, "Wait, does Scorp know?"
I nodded quickly, "Yes of course, and his mother, but no one else. We're not meant to be telling anyone yet!"
"Oh holy Merlin, you're really having another baby!" Taylah gushed excitedly.
"Bloody hell," Dom groaned, "You're gonna get all puffy and hormonal again."
"Not the nicest thing to say to a bride on her wedding day Dom," I warned her.
She cringed at herself, "Sorry, it's just, Merlin…"
"Don't you say a word to anyone missy," I said sternly, "I want to get through this wedding without any pregnancy-related chaos. Merlin knows we've got enough that could go wrong."
Taylah smirked and said pointedly, "Not now that Dom's back with Brian."
Dom rolled her eyes as if the accusation was extreme, but we all knew the biggest concern of the day was whether or not the pair would maim each other at the alter. "Don't worry babe, we'll stay quiet."
Taylah nodded but squealed excitedly soon after, "I'm so happy for you!"
"Thank you," I shared a brief moment of excitement with her, however I quickly moved on from that particular topic, "Now, I've had only a few hours sleep, I've chucked up twice this morning and all I want to do today is eat chocolate and nap. If we want this wedding to go ahead, we'd better get to work."
It didn't feel real.
It didn't hit me until I was standing in my dress, with my pink and cream flower arrangement in my hands, in front of the mirror. Staring at myself with my hair twisted into a delicate bun of curls, loose curls framing my face and makeup that had transformed my tired 'mum' face into one of youth and beauty, I truly realised the significance of the day, more than I had ever.
"I'm getting married," I said breathlessly, still staring at the details of my attire in the mirror.
The dress was luminous in the window light, the jewels sparkling blindingly, the dress itself fit perfectly. Looking at myself fully, I could feel the butterflies soaring through my stomach. I felt beautiful, more than I ever had in my life. Swaying slightly in the mirror, I found my focus getting lost in the dress as it danced along with me, as it would when Scorpius and I first danced together as husband and wife.
Husband and wife. Just the thought of that title had my head spinning again.
"You're getting married," I heard my father's voice reiterate. Catching his eyes in the mirror I smiled at his stunned expression before I turned around to face him, unable to move the smile from my face.
"Hey dad."
Instead of talking, Ron took a moment to stare at me in what I assumed was awe - it was a bit hard to tell, I'd never seen that look on his face before. He himself was dressed extremely well in smart black dress robes, and a pink tie the exact same shade as my bridesmaids dresses and overall theme.
Stepping towards him, I helped straighten his tie, commenting quickly, "This wasn't planned at all, was it?"
Not even biting on my sarcasm, dad continued staring at me with the same stunned look. I raised my eyebrows at him, starting to doubt what his expression really meant. Waving my hand in front of him didn't even break his trance. I considered getting my wand and stunning him gently, but I decided against hexing my father on my wedding day, opting to wait it out.
"You could say something you know, I like talkative Ron. Merlin I even like argumentative Ron more than mute Ron," I chuckled.
Taking in a deep breath and somewhat coming back to life, dad shook his head and tried forming words again. "I'm sorry I- it's just… I mean wow, look at you Rosie, you're gorgeous."
I couldn't help but blush at his compliment. "Thanks dad."
Suddenly the words rained out of him like a monsoon, "You always have been, of course but- just, well- holy Merlin I've never seen a more beautiful person in the whole world. Beautiful, just absolutely beautiful!"
"You don't have to overcompensate for your silence before you know," I grinned.
With pink cheeks he defended himself, "I'm not. I bloody mean it, you are the most stunning bride on this planet. I thought your mother would remain unbeaten in bridal beauty but you, oh Rosie, you're amazing."
"I'm going to tell her that."
"I don't care. Hell, I'm 100 percent sure she'd agree with me."
"Thank you dad. I love you."
"I love you too Rosie. I can't believe I'm giving you away today," I saw tears glistening in his eyes as though all his emotions had collided at once and he didn't know what else to do but cry it out.
Pulling him into an embrace I held back my own tears, which I blamed solely on my increased hormones. After a moment we pulled apart and I smiled softly at him, noting, "I wouldn't call it giving me away dad, you're just letting me get married to a Malfoy."
Dad let out a huge groan before he wiped his tears away, "Don't remind me."
"Oh come on, could be worse right?"
Sincerely, dad shook his head and said, "Actually, with Scorpius, I don't think it could be better."
"Rosie oh my goodness look at you!" I heard mum's voice at the door. Mum came running over to me, taking hold of my hands and standing out at arms length to examine me up and down. "I've never seen a more beautiful bride Rose, my little girl, you're magnificent!"
"Thanks mum," I pulled her into a hug, though she refused to touch my dress so we did more of an air hug instead. "Is everyone out there?"
"Yes, they're all lingering around for another half hour until they're asked to sit."
I took in a deep breath and let the nerves wash over me. "Merlin it's really happening."
"It's going to be great honey. Dom and Taylah shouldn't be too long now, they're helping dress Tares."
"Good luck to them," I laughed, "He's a menace to dress!"
Not long afterwards, Dom emerged, followed quickly by Taylah who was carrying Tares on her hip. Both my bridesmaids were looking absolutely radiant in their deep rose coloured dresses. But little Antares, now he stole the show. His little dress robes were a dark grey colour and he also fashioned a pink bow tie like my father. They were the smallest robes I had ever seen. When Taylah placed him on the ground he ran towards me eagerly. I bent down carefully - still terrified I'd tear my dress - and scooped him into my arms.
"Mummy!" he squealed excitedly.
"Hey little man, look at you!" I showered him in kisses. "Ready to go for a big walk?"
"We'll make sure he's ready," Taylah smiled. "God you look beautiful."
"You've already seen me!" I chuckled as I put Tares back on the ground, he was quickly teetering off to hold dad's leg.
She shrugged, "Doesn't make my statement less true."
"Okay girls, the photographers are ready for you - oh, Rose," Astoria entered the room and lost her words as she took in my attire.
"Pretty stunning isn't she?" dad beamed proudly.
"Devine," she breathed, still examining me. Just Astoria's look said so much to me, like all she wanted to say was said in that one appreciative look. I nodded in understanding to her and proceeded to move along to the photographer with my lovely bridal party, ready for the last moments of unwedded life.
"Are you nervous?" dad said next to me.
"Now I am," I laughed softly. Truthfully, I had been nervous all day. It meant so much to me, I couldn't be calm about it. Plus, there were so many bloody people there that I could potentially embarrass myself in front of if I wasn't careful, so that didn't help.
We were standing in a tent near the aisle so Scorpius couldn't see me before I made my walk - another idea of Astoria's - with Dom Taylah Albus and Antares. All the guests had taken their seats and I could hear Padma welcoming them all to the ceremony. My stomach was jolting to the point where I feared I was going to vomit again, though this time purely from the nerves.
I heard the music play; a slow piece titled 'Make Believe' by a muggle band. It had come on on the radio once while Scorpius and I were cooking together, and soon we had found ourselves slow dancing in the kitchen until the song ended. We had known since then we would use it, and hearing it dance across the crowd sent sunlight radiating through me.
"Love you Rosie," Taylah gave me one last kiss before she stepped out to the walkway with a beaming smile on her face.
Next, Dom squeezed my hand and stepped out herself. As she left, Albus placed the ring pillow carefully in Antares' hands. Crouching down to speak to Tares, Al spoke softly, "Now remember little man, don't drop that okay? Let's do this."
Albus stepped out to the aisle with Tares by his side. I was nearly in tears just seeing my son walk down the aisle with his cousin, a proud look plastered on his little face. After a few steps they were out of our sight, though I quickly heard a roar of laughter from the crowd.
"Oh god, I wonder what he did?" dad chuckled.
The guests' laughter suddenly turned into a simultaneous sound of 'aw' and I huffed, dripping with anticipation, "I want to see what's going on!"
"My guess is that your son is capturing the hearts of every person in every row."
"Wouldn't be the first time he's stolen hearts," I smiled proudly although I could not see my son's antics. In was seemed like milliseconds, we got the signal from our usher that it was time to move. I could barely keep my thoughts together, relying on dad to direct my movements.
"You ready to become Mrs Malfoy, honey?" he asked with a small smile, holding my arm tightly against his own.
Guiding me from the tent, we took a few agonising steps towards the start of the walkway. Stepping up into the aisle with dad, I was finally able to see the guests, and the luscious garden scenery, and most importantly (and thankfully) a gorgeous blond at the end of the road.
I grinned, all the nerves washing away the second I saw his handsome face smiling down at me.
"I'm ready. I'm definitely ready."
Please review! The ceremony/reception is just hours away from being uploaded! Love Alicia xx