Chapter 64
Malfoy Manor
Draco found her half an hour later in the library. She was sitting in an elegant arm chair with her feet tucked up beside her, staring down at her own fingers as they fiddled with her wedding rings. She looked up at him when he cleared his throat. Astoria hadn't expected him to come to her so soon, he was usually really good, almost to good, at giving people space. However, there he was. Standing before her, looking nervous but with a sort of determined glisten in his eyes, more like the man she taught to play music then the man she was living with over a month ago.
"You are right, we didn't keep our promise," he stated, not raising his voice as such but speaking much to loud for a library. "We lost our way, and when I say 'we' I mean 'me'," he continued. As Astoria looked up at him gesturing like a mad man as he bounced lightly on his heels, she saw him open up. She could see the walls tumbling away in the desperation and love in his eyes. For the the first time in a while, she felt hope that they could fix this, that everything would be okay. "I've stuffed up so many times, but I want to try again." Astoria looked like she was going to say something when Draco moved to kneel in front of her. He reached out and placed a hand over hers, resting in her lap. "I know nothing can make up for how I have treated you and Scorpius since…mother… I'm not trying to do that," he explained, repositioning his clutch on her hand in her lap, entwining their fingers, his eyes never leaving hers as he gazed up at her. "I just want the chance to be us again, to get it right." Tears broke their banks, leaving clear tracks down her cheeks. Draco raised a hand her cheek, using his thumb he tired wipe them away. She felt herself close her eyes and lean into his warm touch. Slowly, he pulled her down slightly until she felt his forehead resting against her own and could smell the subtle whiff of his distinct cologne.
The husband and wife stayed close and quiet, not wanting to move or speak in the fear of losing the feeling of being this close. After a minute or so, Draco finally broke the silence. However, he spoke so quietly Astoria doubted if she would've heard him if he hadn't been a breath away. "You are still my Tori, I just want to be your Drake again," he whispered before tilting his lips up slightly and placing the lightest of kisses against her lips.
Albus and Alison's Place
Alison walked through the door, after visiting her father, ready for a cosy night in. Mostly, without Albus because she knew he had a late meeting for work. After ordering Chinese take out for dinner, she set about tidying up the flat and folding some washing. As she sat down on the lounge, she felt that odd draft that seemed to flow through their old flat. This lead Alison to the high selves in the wardrobe where Albus kept his old jumpers. However, when she brought one down something else came down too. It was a small velvet box, exactly like a box one would find a ring in. She took a quick breath as she picked it up with a shaky hand. After debating on whether she should open it, Alison came to the conclusion that she had to confirm that it was in fact what she hope it was. Slowly she opened it. A gasp passed her lips when she saw the beautiful ring inside.
Dragon's Den
Hugo headed straight for the bar, squeezing in between two people to give his order to the frazzled young bartender. As he casually rested an elbow upon the bar, he said, "A shot of Fire-whiskey and a Stella, please." He had to raise his voice a little so she could hear him over the music and chatter. She nodded and busied herself with getting his drinks, while Hugo turned his attention to scanning the rest of the club for Lily and Ella. It didn't take long to spot her. Almost as if his eyes were made to find her. Ella stood with a pretty large group up the back that had seemed to have taken over the whole corner. Even in the dim lighting he could tell she looked absolutely stunning in her red dress, as she laughed along with the others. He then recognised them as some old school mates and people from their year at Hogwarts. He saw Lily there amongst them too, just like always she seemed to be keeping the group laughing and entertained.
His secret admiration was interrupted by the bartender. "That'll be Two Gallons," she said as he turned to see her take the bottle top off his Stella. "You're Hugo Weasley, right?" She asked, as he reached into his pocket for the two gold coins.
"The one and only," he confirmed, shooting her a charming smile and handing her the money.
"I've seen you in here a few times, always wanted to say hello, just was never lucky enough until now," she told him, tucking a lose strand of her blonde hair being her ear, blush rising in her cheeks. For the first time he actually looked at her properly. He could see that she was actually quite pretty or rather would be more so if she wasn't in her working attire. He could also tell that she was older then him, not greatly but she definitely was closer it his cousin James age then his. Not that he minded, she looked like she would be rather sweet and fun.
"Well, hello, it's very nice to meet you, ah?"
"Amanda," she said with a bright smile.
"Now, I'm that lucky one tonight as a pretty women with a beautiful smile said hello to me," he complemented, send her a wink and causing her to let a giggle escape.
Scorpius followed Rose through the crowd, as her hips immediately started moving with the beat of the music, drawing his gaze down to her butt. When she caught a glimpse of his slack jawed hungry look, she couldn't help but smirk, a sudden feeling of accomplishment rushed through her. She definitely liked knowing that he wanted her. Rose turned around suddenly, causing Scorpius to almost run into her, instead they found themselves very close. "Enjoying the view?" She teased, clearly enjoying the torture she was inflicting upon him.
"You are so cruel," he playfully glared. She childishly poked her tongue out at him in response, causing them both to laugh.
"Do you see them?" She said, turning back around to scan the crowds. Both quickly saw Lily and Ella up the back, but no Hugo. "Where's Hugo?" She voicing what they had both been wondering.
"There, at the bar," Scorpius said and indicated to the the handsome redhead leaning in and chatting with the bartender, oozing charm. "Hmm"
"Uh oh!"
"He's flirting with her," Scorpius stated.
"Yes, I can see that captain obvious, but why? I thought he liked Ella."
"I don't know, but he's doing a good job of it."
"How would you know?" She teased, turning to look back up at him.
He looked back down at her, a hungry smirk at his lips.
"I happen to have it on good authority that I am quite skilled in all matters of flirting and seduction," he replied.
"I wouldn't be so sure of that, mister hot shot," she chuckled, directing her eyes back to her brother.
"We could always test the theory," he added.
"Sounds like fun, but maybe later," Rose replied, slightly defusing to situation. "We do have a job to do." She turned back to him, leaned in close so close his could feel her hot breath and whispered into his ear, "you get Hugo and the drinks, I'll be back with the girls." Then before he knew it she was sending him a saucy look over her shoulder and he was watching her disappear into the crowd.
Hugo was enjoying his conversation with Amanda, but still found his gaze been drawn in the direction he knew Ella was, hoping to catch a glimpse of the beauty. Like the sun peaking through the brunches on a sunny day, he saw her through the crowd. He had no control of the bittersweet smile that stole his lips for a moment.
"She's a lucky girl," he half heard Amanda say, gaining his attention again.
"I'm sorry, what did you say?" He replied, leaning forward on the bar again.
"She's a lucky girl to hold your heart," Amanda replied with a small smile.
"She doesn't," he said much to quickly.
"Even if she does not know that she holds it and you are not willing to admit it yet, doesn't mean it's not true," the bar tender explained with a knowing look in her eyes. "Why don't you go ask her to dance or something?"
"What if I'd rather stay here with you?" Hugo tried, turning on the fake charming smile again.
"Then I'd say you'd be lying," she replied with a laugh. Hugo dropped his head with a large exhale which turned into chuckle. "Look, I appreciate the effort, truly, but I'd rather not be second choice," she added seriously. "Just go to her."
It was then that he felt a hand clap him on the back. "Hey mate, lost you there for a bit," Scorpius said. "So, are you going to introduce me?"
"Scorp, this is Amanda. Amanda, this is my mate Scorp," Hugo said rather dishearteningly.
"Actually, there's no need. We have already met," Amanda replied with an expression somewhere between amusement and boredom. "Isn't that right, Scorpius?"
"You two know each other?" Hugo asked after seeing the slight terrified but completely confused look on his friends face, seeming to somehow find the situation rather funny.
"Ahh… sure," Scorpius replied, somewhat trying to hide the fact clearly he had no recollection of who the woman was.
"Anyway, what do you want to drink Mr Malfoy?" Amanda asked after a small giggle at the confused man in front of her.
Meanwhile, Rose found Lily amongst the crowd of guys at the back. "Rose, what are you doing here?" Lily asked, happy but surprised to see her cousin.
"Thought I deserved a night out," Rose replied. "Hugo and Malfoy are right behind me, they went to get the drinks,"she added.
"Oh fantastic, everyone is here," Lily exclaimed, swaying to the music with a brightly colouring drink in her hand. "This is going to be a top night."
Next Morning
Hugo's Apartment
Hugo woke up with a throbbing headache and a dead arm. The source of the headache was the easiest to figure out as he recalled most of the night before which involved an incredible amount of alcohol. The dead arm was a little harder to solve. However, after opening his eyes and adjusting to the morning light, it became clear that the lack of feeling in his arm was due to the person laying on top of it. His heart reached a new high gear almost automatically, as he stare down at peaceful, naked blonde woman beside him.
I'm so sorry for this taking so long. You would not believe the year that I've had. It has been crazy. Still no excuse though. I'm going to try and be better at finding the time to write as I miss it so much. Please let me know what you think :)
