Chapter 41

Teddy and Victoire's House

Dominique stood by the fireplace, nervously awaiting the arrival of her fiancé. She had spent most of the morning sleeping after her long night chatting with her sister. Now, she was preparing what to say to the unknowing father-to-be. She was glad that they had the house to themselves as she thought this discussion would be a whole lot easier on both of them without the mass that was her family.

With a roar of the fire, she turned around just in time to see Jacob step out of the fire place. He didn't even have time to dust of his clothes before she practically flew into him. Arms locked around his neck, the force nearly knocking them both back into the fireplace, he steadied them before dropping his bag and wrapping his arms around her just as tightly.

"I missed you," Dom whispered into his ear, her voice cracking as she suddenly found herself emotional. "So, so much," she added, squeezing him tighter as a few stray tears broke their banks. Jacob could hear it in her voice and he was immediately worried. She had never really reacted to seeing him this way, no matter how long they were apart and this had only been a couple of weeks. He pulled back, so that he could see her.

"I missed you too," he said as his hand cupped her face while his thumbs wiped away her tears. "But I am here now, so don't cry," he reassured her as he pressed his lips to hers. He smiled as he watched a lazy smile stretch across her face. Wrapping his arms around her again, he pulled her into his chest and held her close. Dom relaxed as she breathed in his musky scent.

"Jacob, I need to tell you something," she mumbled into his chest, before looking back up at him. The worried look returned to his face as she stepped back slightly, as if trying to distance herself from him in preparation for his bad reaction.

"Okay," he said as he allowed her to lead him over to the modern looking couch. They sat down, facing each other with their hands still held snug together; the seriousness of Dom's behaviour was really starting to worry Jacob. "Sweetie, what is it?" Dominique took a deep breathe before speaking.

"I'm pregnant," she said looking down at their joined hands, exhaling. As she directed her gaze back up to her fiancé, she saw him swallow audibly and his face take on an obviously shocked expression, but was happy to still feel the grip of his hand in her own. He just continued to stare at her with his shocked expression never faltering. After a few minutes, Dom chanced speaking.

"Honey?" she spoke in a soft, tender tone. "Are you okay?" Jacob blinked a few times before nodding.

"Yep," he replied in a high, squeaky voice, before clearing his throat and speaking normally as Dom hid her amused smile very well. "Yes, I'm fine. Are you… you know, fine?"

"Yes," she replied now struggling a little bit to hide her amusement.

"Good," he said as he looked out the window and took a deep breath. "You are having a baby?" he said it almost like a statement, but also like he needed clarification.

"No," Dominique replied and was glad to see him look back at her with a little disappointment bedded in his expression. "We are having a baby," she clarified with a smile. Slowly, as the information set in he smiled back.

Nodding slightly he said, "We are having a baby."


After several games of Pinball and Mario Kart, popcorn shooting contests and stories from Max about Scorpius (including one when Scorpius had nearly gotten them married in Egypt that somehow involved a camel and a monkey), John and Lysander left, followed soon after by Albus and Max. Scorpius quickly set about cleaning the mess they had made in the 'Cool Room' as Hugo left for his bedroom. "So, are you gonna come to dinner?" Hugo called from his room.

"I don't know," Scorpius replied, still unsure. "Would I really be welcome? Won't it be an intrusion?"

"Are you kidding?" Hugo scoffed as he re-emerged wearing jeans instead of his shorts from before. "Mum would probably go mental if I didn't bring you."

"Well, I can't let that happen, now can I?" Scorpius said with a smirk.


5:30pm

Rose stepped out of the fireplace into her parent's living room. "Hello, anyone home?" She called out. She groaned as she heard the sound of realigning furniture and hushed whispers, coming from the kitchen. "I'm sorry that I am early and have obviously interrupted what I am sure I don't want to even think about, let alone mention," Rose called as she slowly made her way towards the kitchen. "So, just tell me, is it safe to enter or should I come back in half an hour or so?"

"Half an hour would be good-"

"Ron!"

"What?"

"You can come in, Rose," Hermione called out to her daughter. "I was just starting dinner." Rose walked into the kitchen, just in time to see her father leave through the back door in a huff. Her mother was, as she said, attending to the dinner, cutting up vegetables. However, she tried not to think about how her mother looked thoroughly snogged, with her puffed lips, tangled hair and shambolic blouse. "So, Rosie," Hermione started casually. "How was your day?" Rose just laughed.

"Oh, Mum," she said through her giggles, shaking her head.


5:45pm

Hugo and Scorpius Apparated into the small field beside the house. It brought back memories for Scorpius; it had been a while since he had been there. Unconsciously, he looked up at Rose's balcony. Though at the present it was becoming dark, he remembered a sunny morning and, more importantly, the brilliant view of beautiful girl with fiery red hair. The sound of the same girl's laughter brought him back to the present as they made their way towards the house. Scorpius' gaze found her through the kitchen window. She was chatting animatedly with her mother while they attended to the dinner.

"I haven't seen Rose look that happy and casual after work in a while," Hugo said with a smile as he walked ahead. "It might actually be a chilled dinner tonight." However, Hugo didn't enter the kitchen but continued around the back of the house. Scorpius hesitated but followed Hugo around the back of the house. As he did, he heard the clear and loud cursing of Ronald Weasley.

"Geez, Dad," Hugo said as he diminished flames with his wand that burst out of what looked like a muggle barbeque. "We told you this thing was dangerous."

"Yeah, well it's not supposed to be," Ron commented as Hugo helped him up off the ground. "Thanks," Ron mumbled, clearly a little embarrassed about ducking for cover rather than using his wand.

"I can have a look at it if you want?" Scorpius asked.

"Yeah, that'd be great," Ron replied, thankfully.

"Ok, while you help the impossible, I'm going to go say hello to Mum," Hugo said. "Good luck," he added to Scorpius, giving him a pat on the back before heading back towards the kitchen.

A few minutes later, Scorpius had fixed the barbeque just in time for Hugo to return with a few Butterbeers and Hermione to bring out the meat to be cooked. "Good evening, Mrs Weasley," Scorpius said, greeting her with a peck on the cheek. "I hope you don't mind me being here tonight, I didn't want to intrude but-"

"Oh, nonsense," Hermione cut across him. "You are always welcome here," she finished with a smile.

"Thank you," he mumbled as he returned the smile. Hugo had immediately struck up a conversation with his father pertaining to what they were expecting in the following weeks of training, leaving Scorpius and Hermione in a slightly awkward silence. Scorpius tried a glance over to the back door, in the hope of seeing Rose. This did not go unnoticed.

"She's up in her old room, I suspect. Would you mind letting her know dinner should be ready soon?" Hermione said in an innocent tone, but Scorpius caught her look.

"Sure," he replied with a smirk, as he walked towards the house.


The door to her room was open as he passed the threshold quietly. She was watching the sunset from her balcony, her hair gathered up in the wind as she leaned forward slightly on the railing. He gently knocked on the glass doors that usually separate her room from the outside world. She turned around and smiled shyly.

"Do you mind if I join you?" he asked. She shook her head and he stepped out to join her against the railing. Together they looked out at the setting sun, the colours of pink and orange fading slowly around them.

"I suppose you've seen sunsets from all over the world," Rose broke the silence. "This doesn't quite compare."

"It's the same sun no matter where you are in the world," Scorpius shrugged. "It's the company that changes. And I can assure you…" he said, as he turned to face her, drawing her full attention. "…nobody compares," he concluded with a genuine smile. Rose tried to hide her blush as she broke his gaze, smiling ever so slightly.

"I don't believe you," she mumbled just loud enough for him to hear.

"I'll just have to prove it to you one day," Scorpius replied, looking back out towards the setting sun.

"And how will you do that?" she asked, before lifting her gaze to him once more.

"I have my ways," he replied suggestively, with a mocking smirk plastered across his face. Rose laughed.

"Oh really?" she said through her laughter.

"Hm hmm," Scorpius nodded, holding back chuckles. "Look, I just came up here to let you know that dinner should be ready soon," he added, calming down.

"Thanks," Rose said, directing a grateful smile his way.

"You're welcome," Scorpius replied, as he backed away, stepping back into her room. However, he stopped and turned back to face Rose. "Hey, Rose?"

"Yeah?"

"We are friends, right?"

"I hope so," she answered, with a bright smile.

A lazy smile stretched onto his face as he replied, "Good." And with that he turned and walked out of her room and back downstairs.


Firstly, I am sorry about the wait and about the length of this chapter, but I still hope you enjoy it. I am trying to make chapters longer for you, so stick with me :)

Secondly, I would like to thank my beta, peacock33, who has just given birth to a beautiful baby girl and still continues to help me with my chapters :)

Lastly, please review. I love hearing what you think of each chapter, good or bad it keeps me thinking :)