Chapter 71

"You happy?" Jacob whispered into the space between them as they held each other close, posing for the photographer. Dom looked up at her new husband, unable to hide the beaming smile on her face. Seeing her smiling, he had his answer. Jacob just grinned back at her, as he lowered his head kissing his wife, words not necessary.

The click and flash of the camera not disturbing the couple at all, neither the fact that their wedding party were watching on from a little way away. "I don't think I have ever truly seen her this happy," Victoire said slightly tearily, mostly to Rose, but Scorpius heard it too as he stood just behind the red head.

"Yeah," was all Rose could say, loss for words and completely agreeing with her cousin. She was so proud of Dom and Jacob, and she hoped that this day was everything they both wanted.

Teddy and little Sammi joined them after making the walk over, the little blonde clearly wanting her mother. Victoire took her baby into her arms, softly bouncing up and down as she soothed her. "Sorry, she missed her mummy," Teddy announced, as he stood by wrapping a single arm around his wife's waist.

"Oh, I missed you too, baby girl," Victoire replied, kissing her baby on the forehead and continuing to sooth her.

"She did well to make it through the ceremony without even a little grizzle," Rose said, smiling at the happy little family.

"That's cause she is the best little girl around," Teddy said, both parents only had eyes for Sammi.

"Not that you are bias or anything," Vic teased her husband. "Hey, I am allowed to be, it's part of the Dad code," he replied, causing a light laughter to erupted amongst the group. At the sound of happy laughter, Sammi smiled slightly and her eyes twinkled in delight, settled nicely now.

Just then Victoire and Teddy were called over to get a couple photos with the newly married couple. Rose took Sammi into her arms, rather easily Scorpius noted.

"I just can't believe how much she has grown," Scorpius commented, having not seen her since her birth until earlier this week. Rose could feel him almost press up against her back, his hand coming to rest on her hip. She leaned back into him, both taking advantage of the time somewhat on their own. "She looks absolutely gorgeous," Scorpius said as they both looked at the little girl in Rose's arms.

"Lucky girl was always going to be, Victoire and Teddy make a great gene pool," Rose said smiling at the Sammi, as Scorpius reached out and took the little girl's hand. Sammi's finger circled his finger and squeezed. Sammi seemed just as taken with them as they were with her.


Hugo searched each table to find his name card, trying to avoid searching the crowd for Ella. He was afraid of what he would see if he saw her. The guilt was eating him up, he had seriously stuffed up and had hurt her, probably worse than he had ever before. He thanked all the powers of Merlin when he found his name on a table with Albus and Alison instead of with his cousin Lily and her best friend. He sat down immediately and was quickly join by his cousins Roxanne and Lucy.

"Hey Cuz," Roxanne greeted him. "Want something to drink?"

"Yeah, that'd be great," Hugo replied easily. "Thanks Rox." Roxanne turned to Lucy and got a thank you from her too.

"Hu, are you okay?" Lucy turned to him and asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Hugo insisted, trying to put on a happy face. Lucy wasn't really buying it.

"It's okay not to be you know," Lucy replied, putting a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Just means you are human like the rest of us." Hugo just nodded, but avoided looking her in the eye. "Look, I noticed you and Lily ignore each other earlier. Just remember if there is something going on, you are not alone and you have plenty of other cousins and friends you can turn too," She squeezed his shoulder and drew his eyes back to her. "It's one of the plus sides to having a big family like ours, right?" Lucy added with a smile.

"Thank you Lucy," he smiled back at his cousin. She wrapped her arm around his shoulders and pulled him into a side hug.

"Your welcome," she added and pressed a kiss to his forehead. "Now, let's enjoy this weekend, it's going to be fun."


Sammi was soon asked to join the photoshoot and Rose and Scorpius were left by themselves. Carlton could be heard talking on a Muggle Mobile Phone a several metres away and the soft murmur of people talking and music could now be heard from the little reception in the distance. Scorpius still held Rose close, especially as the wind picked up a little, trying to shield her from its harsh bite. "In case I forget to ask later," he whispered to her, both their eyes still on the scene in front of them. "May I have a dance with you tonight?" Rose smirked, as an excited thrill shot through her body.

She turned her head, looking up at him over her shoulder with a teasing smile. "I suppose, I can find some time in my busy dance schedule for you."

"Good," Scorpius smiled down at her, before placing a sweet innocent kiss to the tip of her nose, drawing a giggle out of Rose. They broke apart as they were called over to have a few photos with the whole wedding party.


When Hugo finally looked around and saw Ella she was standing next to her brother Jesse and Molly, clearly enjoying catching up with them. She looked very pretty in her light pink dress and he found himself wishing he could go over there and talk to her. He knew that would be a big mistake though. Everything was still to raw and he didn't want to make a scene at Dom's wedding, also remembering that he still didn't really know what to say to her either. He accepted the fact that he was going to have to keep his distance until he knew what to say and how to handle the situation between them. Lucy, Roxanne, Albus and Alison were great a keeping him company and his mind away from Ella. As long as he stayed focus on them, he felt he could get through this night.

Soon everyone had a cocktail or some sort of drink in hand, and the jolly atmosphere was in full swing. The fairy lights that hung above them lit up the area beautifully, and Dominique look up in awe as she joined the her friends and family beneath them.

There was a small dance floor in the middle, with the head table on one side and the other tables for guests spread out on the other side. While the rest of the wedding party joined the atmosphere, Rose went to work quickly as she double checked the food and the spells she had cast. Guests would be able to sit down with their menu and say the what they wanted and their meal would arrive in front of them, having already prepared by Rose yesterday. The beauty of magic and witchcraft. This allowed her to be apart of the night and cater at the same time. While Rose was doing her checks, Scorpius was tasked with getting her a drink. Once doing so, he made his way to the head table to find their seats. Scorpius quickly found that Rose was sitting on Dom's side next to Vic, while he was on the Jacob's side next to Carlton. He let out a sigh and considered moving the name tags, wanting to sit with Rose.

"You can switch them, I don't mind," Dom said as she approached, smirking at Scorpius and knowing exactly the dilemma he was facing. "But do it quickly before anyone notices." Scorpius smiled and quickly swapped the tags around. Now, Scorpius sat at the end, with Rose beside him. Followed by the beautiful Bride and her Groom, and then the Maid of Honour and her husband, leaving the Best Man at the other end.

Not a moment later, Rose arrived with a delighted smile on her face. "It's all set, food and charms are ready. Oh, is that for me?" she said proudly, reaching for the glass of champagne in his hand, before taking a sip.

Guests were directed to their tables as dinner was starting. Dinner was served swiftly, courteously of Rose's charm and the atmosphere was fantastic, chatter and laughter sounded amongst the crowd. Each table enjoying conversation and their meal.


At Hugo's table the conversation had turned to Quidditch. They all discovered that Steven, a friend of the Groom, was quite excited to sit next to a Professional Quidditch player. "So, do you think you're ready for the first game?" He asked, as if he has been about to burst holding back the question.

"We've had a good pre-season, I think we will do well."

"Must be tough, having to tour that early in the season," Steven shot straight back.

"Actually, I think it's better to get it out of the way early on," Hugo replied, however, something caught his eye on one of the other tables. Ella sat next to someone, he assumed was a friend of either his cousin or her new husband. She seemed to be smiling as she spoke with him, and the man in question was definitely enjoy siting next to her as well.

"Yeah, then you barely travel for the rest of the season, right?" Albus asked, unsure of the draw of the upcoming season that started in the coming weeks.

"Ah, yeah," Hugo said, but his thoughts were clearly elsewhere. Something bitter was building within him, he knew the feeling well. Only this time, it was definitely all his fault. He couldn't place the blame on anyone but himself. Lucy noticed his change in mood, but didn't comment as Hugo excused himself from the table to get a drink. She scanned the other tables to see what might have upset him, when she noticed Ella. Lucy had her suspicions on how her cousin felt for the girl in school and could now confirm them.

"Hey, does anyone know who that guy is next to Max?" She asked her table. "Uh no, must be a mate of Jacob's," Albus replied, looking over toward the table.

"Oh, you mean Jasper?" Steven clarified, after following Albus and Lucy's gaze. "Yeah, Jasper, Jacob and I have been mates since we interned together fresh out of school. Actually, I thought we would be sitting together tonight, but I'm not complaining," he replied, shooting a wink and suggestive smile Roxanne's way. Roxanne startled slightly, looking away from the man, clearly a little creeped out by his suggestive behaviour. Albus and Alison shared an amused look as they tried to not to laugh, Alison eventually turned her head into Albus' shoulder muffling her giggles.


"Do you think everyone is enjoying the food?" Rose whispered to the man beside her, letting some of her insecurity show.

"They'd have a few screws loose if they didn't," he replied, as he put an other piece of his beef into his mouth.

"I'm being serious," she said, a little stiffly, as she turned her attention back to her food. Scorpius turned his head to look at her as he finished chewing. He was a little in awe and a little frustrated that she could ever doubt herself.

"So was I," he said to her, after he swallowed. Scorpius then put down his cutlery. He took the red head's hand in his own, threading their fingers together before swiftly moving their joined hands down below the table and onto his thigh. "Rose, you are an amazing chef and baker. You know this, don't doubt yourself," Scorpius whispered, into the small space between them. Both, couldn't draw their eyes away from each others. "The meal is incredible, you did an amazing job," he added. "And I am proud of you." Rose could feel herself blushing and leaning in even closer to him. So, she took a deep breath, and with a lot more effort than she is willing to admit, Rose turned her attention back to the food in front of her.

"If you keep saying things like that, I won't be responsible for my actions," Rose smiled with a teasing glint in her eye, still keeping her gaze away from him, but giving his hand a little squeeze under the table.


Lucy walked over to where Lily stood talking to one of Dominique's friends from another table. "Could I talk to you for a little bit?"

"Sure," Lily replied. "Sorry, excuse me."

Lucy walked away from the tables and others, expecting her younger cousin to follow.

"Hey, what's up?" Lily asked, when Lucy stopped and turned towards her.

"I am concerned about Hugo and I think you should talk to him," Lucy said calmly. "What?" Lily exclaimed. "That is the last thing, I am going to do." When Lucy just stared back disapprovingly, Lily continued. "Look, I have tried talking to him before and this time he is the only one to blame for his unhappiness or whatever it is he is feeling. I am not going to try make him feel better, when he has been the jerk."

"That seems rather harsh considering he is your family," Lucy commented.

"You don't even know what happened," Lily responded quickly. "You can't judge me for this, Lucy!"

"Well, I am a little bit, because you are doing it again," Lucy replied, with an even and calm tone.

"Doing what?"

"You not looking at things from his point of view and just sticking by your friend." Lily opened her mouth to respond but Lucy jumped in, before she could. "Nah ah, listen to me first," she said, holding up a hand. Lily huffed and Lucy took that as her clue to continue. "I am not saying to stop being friends with Ella or to not be there for her, I am just saying that it shouldn't stop you from also being there for Hugo. Surely, you must see how this has changed him. How it has affected him at school and how it is affecting him now." Lily sighed and looked over at her cousin, she could see him drinking a beer away from the tables and people. "Hugo is usually more fun than this, and he is never one to not want to be around people. Not to mention, I don't think I have seen Hugo ever drink like he has tonight. That is his 4th beer already." Lily looked back at Lucy, both cousins expressions softening, understanding flowing between them. "I don't know everything that has happened, and I don't doubt that he might deserve at least a little bit unhappiness because of it." Lily scoffed, as if saying 'you have no idea'. Lucy grabbed Lily's shoulders and focused her attention back on her. "But, I don't think he or Ella will ever get to a better place if you don't at least try and be there for him too. He needs to know that he's still got you no matter what."

Lily nodded with a sigh, "You're right."

"Plus, if you see what I see then what better way to help them sort out their feelings for each other and actually get them together, then by being a double agent," Lucy added with a smile. Lily giggled at Lucy's calm and casual demeanour as she showed in that moment that she was more the just the loveable Hufflepuff most took her for. With Lucy's cunning on display surprising the youngest Potter immensely, reminding Lily how smart and observant her cousin is.


"What a lovely afternoon," Alison sighed, as she sat cuddled up with Albus. Her head resting on his chest, his arms around her as she looked out over the scene in front of them. "There has not been any big drama's and it just feels like it should, you know, happy."

"Is this similar to how you'd like your wedding to be?" Albus asked, a nervous tremor in his voice. He felt Alison tense slightly, but she did not turn or answer straight away. Alison was surprised to say the least. This is the first time he brought up something even remotely related to wedding's or marriage in a long time. For some reason, she felt pressure on her answer. As if getting it wrong might mean that he wouldn't ever present her with that beautiful ring and ask like is waiting for.

"I don't know," Alison answered without moving from her position try to keep it casual and putting Albus out of his misery of waiting. "I think that I don't want it to be too big, maybe a little bigger than this, but not overwhelmingly so." When she felt her boyfriend's hand gently slide up and down the skin of her arm, it encouraged her to continue. "I'd definitely want my father there. I'm not sure if it is brave or sad that Dom denied her parents the chance to share this with her." "I'd want my family there too," Albus replied, then turned his head to place a tender kiss on her forehead.

"Albus," Alison sighed, lifting her head off him and turning to look him in the eye. "Why can't we just say what we really want to?" Albus stared at her, before taking a deep breath and dropping eye contact, turning his attention to their hands as he took hers in his.

"Probably because we haven't spoken about it for a while," he eventually replied.

Alison was quick to reply, "You're right, and why is that?" Albus looked up into her eyes again as she challenged him. He desperately wanted some kind of small reassurance that she would still say yes when he asked, but he didn't want to give away the surprise or ask her right now either. Alison could see him thinking hard behind his eyes. When he didn't reply straight away, she raised a hand to his cheek in caress. She took stock of his features, lovingly taking in every detail she could see and feel.

"I guess, I am just hoping you still see me at the end of the aisle when you envision your dream wedding." Albus eventually replied, breaking her out of her little trance. Her eyes searched his, almost in disbelief that she had heard him correctly and that he'd ever question that. Alison leaned in closer, pressed herself against him again as she prepared to respond.

"Sweetheart, I love you so much. And I wouldn't still be here if I did not want to spend the rest of my life with you." Her glassy eyes, stared longingly into his as Alison smiled at her lover. After a beat, a content expression fell upon Albus' features. He didn't say anything. He simply smiled and pressed a kiss to her lips as if sealing the deal, letting her know he felt the same.


Scorpius turned the music player off and called for everyone to re-take their seats. Victoire stood up to begin her toast, "Good evening everyone. Thank you for being here today to celebrate with my sister and her husband on this joyous day." Victoire clearly had some note cards to help her with her speech, however, it looked like little Sammi liked them and wanted to play with them.

"Shit," Teddy muttered, as a soft laugh erupted amongst the small crowd as they watched the scene. Teddy had tired to take them off his daughter but they ended up scattered across the table in the food and on the floor. Victoire couldn't help but laugh as well.

"Well, it looks like I am going completely off the cuff tonight," she addressed the crowd again. "I will keep this short, mostly because I am pretty sure there will be a full baby nappy I will need to attend too soon," she joked, before turning her attention towards her sister and brother-in-law. "Dom, I have had the privilege to watch you grow up from an infant to the sensational women you are today. And I can truely say, I am still amazed at how that happened." Victoire had a teasing smile on her face as the crowd chuckled. "I mean, it was definitely touch and go there for a while. It could have gone either way, but you pulled through in the end, Bub." Dominique was shocked at hearing the old nickname from her sister, blush rose in her cheeks immediately. She wasn't sure if she was angry or nostalgically touched. "Some of you will remember that as a child Dom was always called Bub, by our family. Despite the fact that she was definitely not the youngest. I'm not even sure that even she knows how she got that name." Victoire looked at her sister, seeing Dominique shake her head confirming her assumption. "I am sorry sis, I didn't start it, but it was my fault it stuck. When she was a baby, I remember our Dad was talking to our Mum, you know making plans for the day. He said something like 'what are you going to do with bub for the day?', and I just started calling you that all the time. Once, Fred and James got a hold of it, there was no going back."

"So Bub, I just want to say that I am so happy to be here, sharing this special day with you and your husband. Look after each other and support each other, through thick and thin. We have not always seen eye to eye, but I want you to know that I am proud of you and I love you so much. I am so glad that our children will grow up together, Little Sammi loves you both and so will your Bub. To Mr and Mrs Richardson." Everyone raised their glasses in salute to the newly weds.

Dom cringed and gripped Jacob's arm when she saw Carlton stand up next. She had hoped he would not make a speech, not wanting to hear all the rational and heartless things he had to say about their union again.

"It'll be okay," Jacob whispered reassuringly.

"Will it really?" Dom fired back quickly, Jacob just gave her a sheepish look that clearly said, 'I have no idea'.

"Evening, I am Carlton FitzRoy and Jacob's cousin," Carlton started his speech like reading a historical fact sheet. "When Jacob told me he was getting married, I didn't understand why he would put himself in such a compromising position, especially at his age. To be honest, I still don't understand." Slowly, Dominique clenched her husband's arm tighter, demonstrating her clear displeasure as her new cousin-in-law continued. "However, as much as I don't understand it, it is very clear that Jacob is happy." That earned him a small smile from most of the guests. "At least, he is today." That made most of the smiles slip into unsure and nervous expressions. "And he has been mostly happy, since he met Dominique. All I hope for you, Jacob, is that it continues despite the odds being clearly against it." With his arm draped across the back of it, Rose's chair shook slightly as Scorpius struggled to hold back his laughter. The audience reactions to the Best Man's speech was getting to him because he had had more interactions with the man than the audience, Rose to found it quite chucklesome. The many confused and cringing expressions staring up at them made it almost impossible to stop their laughter as he leaned in closer to Rose to muffle his laughter against her neck and she too turned towards him in an attempt to muffle her giggles. "Dominique is quite an interesting person with a large family, which will take some time getting used to," Lucy glared as Carlton's eyes briefly drifted to her after that comment. "But overall, she does seem like she will keep you on your toes and make things somewhat enjoyable for the rest of your days or at least until the marriage ends."

By now Albus and Alison had also caught the giggles and were both in a similar position to their friends, when it came to muffling their laughter. Little giggles could now be heard even now and then amongst the crowd.

"So Dominique, welcome to the family and good luck to the both of you in all your future endeavours," he finished, raising his glass in toast of the couple, before sitting down. Dominique released her husbands arm and leaning on the table put her head in her hands, clearly a little embarrassed but also relieved it was over. Jacob just kept whispering apologises and rubbing her back in comfort.

Rose looked back at Scorpius with a pleading look after seeing Dom's reaction. Without any words, only looks and tilts of the head, the two had a conversation which ended with Scorpius giving in with a sigh, standing and clinking his glass to signal another speech.

"Ah, thank you for your kind words Carlton, I'm sure no one will forget that speech any time soon," Scorpius joked with the crowd. "Sorry, I know it's not the norm to have another speech now, but I just wanted to congratulate my friends Jacob and Dominique and thank them for giving us all the chance to witness and share this beautiful and special day with you." Rose looked up at him proudly as the audience and the newly weds responded kindly. "I don't know Jacob as well as I know Dom, but I see how happy you make her feel, for that I say we are all grateful. After spending more time with you over the last few weeks, I know that she is as important to you as you are to her. So both of you don't ever forget that. Cherish each other, in tough times and in joy." Dom leaned into Jacob's embrace and he affectionately kissed her forehead as Scorpius continued. "Finally, I know that mini Bub in there is one lucky kid to have two parents like you both," he said sincerely, causing a small rumble of awe to be heard amongst the crowd. Many women, including Rose and Dominique, had tears welling in their eyes. "And I think I can speak for everyone here when I say that we can't wait to meet mini Bub and see how you handle it," he finished with a cheeky smile, drawing laughter from everyone. "Cheers," Scorpius added, before resuming his spot next to Rose. She immediately grasped his hand under the table, affectionately interlocking their fingers and resting them in her lap.

"Thank you, mate," Jacob said kindly. Scorpius then caught Dom's eye and mouthed a thank you too. He smiled at both of them and turned back to Rose. She smiled proudly at him too. All he wanted to do was lean in and kiss her, but knew he couldn't. Instead, he leaned in to whisper in her ear, "you owe me one."


As the music started again and everyone resumed their conversation and festivities Ella found that the whole was wearing her down. She was putting on a brave face and was determined not to look at Hugo, but as she found herself losing interest in the conversation with Jasper, her eyes drifted and found Hugo's figure standing from his chair and walking off towards the cliff away from everybody. Ella knew she shouldn't follow him, knew it was most likely going to lead to more pain for either one or both of them, but she was drawn to him for some reason. Bringing her back to herself, Jasper grasped her hand that lay in her lap. "Would you like to dance?"

Ella looked up at him, feeling a bit like a deer in the headlights. He was smiling at her hopefully. "Um, yeah…could you just excuse me for a moment first?"

"Sure," he replied, clearly dejected but still polite and smiling at her.

"Thanks, I'll be right back," she squeezed his hand before standing and walking in the direction she saw Hugo walking.

In her head, Ella was trying to convince herself it was just to check on him for his safety. After all, he was walking off alone in the dark towards a cliff. However, deep down she knew it was more than that, it was always more than that when it came to Hugo. She could see the silhouette of his figure a little distance away, he was in his own little world, enjoying the breeze from the edge and taking small sips of drink from what looked like a beer bottle. To her, he looked so much more like a man, in this moment, rather than to school boy she will always hold a place in her heart for. Ella took a breath to steady her nerves, and so she could find something to say.

"You shouldn't be that close to the edge," she eventually got out, announcing her presence to the young Weasley. Ella watched as Hugo's body stilled and stiffed, but otherwise didn't acknowledge her at all. "It's not safe," she added.

"I didn't think that my safety was very high on your priority list," Hugo replied without even looking at her, his back to her as she stood a little away behind him. She was at a lost of what to say. Ella knew that with the way that Hugo treat her, he's right she probably shouldn't worry about his safety.

"And yet, here I am," she mumbled to herself. If Hugo heard her, he didn't let on that he had. She let out a small frustrated sigh, as she watched him take another sip from his bottle. "I think, you should stop assuming you know what I am thinking or feeling, since that has not worked for you so far." They were quiet and still for a moment before he turned around to look at her. When he did, she was pleased to see the smallest of smiles hiding in the corner of his lips.

"Okay," he said, as he nodded his head and walked past her. His arm softly, and almost intimately brushing hers as he did. Ella let out a breath she didn't even realise she was holding when he was gone. She whipped around to watch his silhouette walk away again, only this time when he got closer to the light. He looked back over his shoulder to her, and she caught a glimpse of a proper smile shinning on his lips before he disappeared into the small crowd of people.


"Can we please clear the dance floor for the Bride and Groom's First Dance," Scorpius announced over the speaker. Teddy took the microphone off Scorpius as he changed the music and dimmed some of the lights, highlighting only the dance floor. Teddy an Victoire stood at the edge of the dance floor, Victoire cradling a sleeping Sammi in her arms as Teddy held the microphone between them. "It is our great honour to introduce, for the first time, Mr & Mrs Richardson," the couple announced in harmony, the crowd giving a round of applause.

As the music started Jacob led Dominique by the hand onto the Dance floor, once in the middle they held each other in a close embrace. The lyrics to 'I Am Yours by Andy Grammer' started and they swayed together slowly, Jacob holding Dominique's hand to his chest and her waist close to his. Dominique had an arm wrapped around his shoulders leaving just enough room so that she could still see his face. It was nothing fancy or choreographed, but you could see the love between the newly wed couple.

Rose stood amongst the small crowd with Scorpius just behind her, his hand held her waist, keeping her close in an almost protective way. She loved the way she could feel the heat radiating off him. They all gave a little cheer when Jacob caught Dom by surprise as he span her out and then back into his chest before, dipping her back. Dom giggled as she was lifted back up. Dom wrapped both her arms around his shoulders and kissed her Husband lovingly, which also got another cheer from everyone. Soon others where joining the couple on the dance floor. Namely Teddy & Victoire, as they passed their sleeping baby off to Hugo. The Weasley Family all had a good laugh at how uncomfortable and scared Hugo looked as he carefully held the sleeping girl. Almost as if even the slightest movement could wake her or break her. Albus and Alison made their way out onto the floor, followed by Lily and Max, and Louis and Lucy.

Taking advantage of the slight darkness and everyone's attention being draw else where, Rose stepped back into his chest and closed the distance between them. Scorpius leaned down and pressed a kiss to her neck, before moving his lips up slightly to whisper into her ear.

"Hey, beautiful."

"Hey," Rose turned her head slightly and whispered in reply.

"May I have this dance?" Scorpius asked, as he moved to stand in front of her and offered his hand. Rose hesitated for a moment, nibbling on her lip a little unsure if it was a good idea, before putting her hand in his and allowing him to lead her onto the dance floor.

"This is new," Louis commented to his cousin as they moved around the floor. He turned Lucy so that she could see their cousin Rose blushing as Scorpius led her onto the dance floor.

"Aww I almost can't believe it," Lucy said excitedly, she saw Rose's happy expression as the red head gazed up at the blond man who held her close. "After all this time, you know. But it was always there."

"Was it? I never noticed," Louis shrugged.

"That's just because you couldn't see anything past Zoe or school work," Lucy replied with a smile. "How are you guys anyway? Off again?"

"Yeah, we are good together, but we are always both so busy," Louis tried to explain, but then let out a sad sigh. "She said that if we were meant to be it shouldn't be this hard, you know."

"I think she may be right," Lucy said cautiously, not wanting to upset him further. "At least, right now at this time in your lives."

"Yeah, she asked for a clean break to try move on properly," Louis said. "I agreed that it was what's best."

"For what it's worth, I'm sorry," Lucy replied.

"Thanks, and thanks for dancing with me too," Louis added, trying to lighten the mood by spinning her around.

"Hey, that's what cousins are for," Lucy said through her laughter.


"You're shivering," Scorpius observed, as he instinctively pulled her tight against his body. "You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm just…" but her response trailed off as she looked down not wanting to meet his eyes. Soon a smirk found its way into the corner of his lips. Scorpius used their joined hands to lift her chin and gaze back to his.

"Am I making you nervous, Weasley?" He asked with a teasing smile.

"Shut Up," Rose replied with a laugh while mockingly smacking him on the back of his head. Scorpius just chuckled before leaning in to whisper in her ear.

"Let's just enjoy this moment. Don't worry about everyone else, it's just you and me. We got this, trust me." Rose leaned her head against his in response. She smiled because she realised that he knew her. Scorpius knew that she was more nervous about the reaction of others around them, then being in this close proximity to him. In fact, she hopes she can stay this close to him for a long time. The more time they spent together, the more this felt so right. She was ready for him and he was ready for her.


Sorry, it's been ages again. I hope you still enjoy this chapter. It has been giving me a bit of trouble, but there it is. I hope you are all looking forward to the next few chapters as much as I am. I am sure things will get interesting having majority of the characters together for the whole weekend. Leave me a review and let me know what you think might happen or what you hope might happens.

Wherever you are in the world, I hope you are all staying well, safe and are looking after your families :)