The Time Teddy and Victoire got Married

The lead up to Teddy and Victoire's wedding was…uncomfortable for Lily. It was no secret to the family and close friends that Lily and Victoire had never seen eye to eye on practically anything. Lily was initially so shocked at being asked to be a bridesmaid it took a moment to find her voice and Victoire was two seconds off walking away in a huff. Victoire made it abundantly clear that the only reason was asking was because if she hadn't then Teddy would have asked her to be a groomsman with her brothers instead.

Unfortunately, this meant seeing more of Victoire in six months than she had in 15 years. There were dress fittings, planning meetings, things to be picked up and music to be chosen. Lily was determined to get through the ordeal peacefully out of respect for Teddy, even though Scorpius thought she should say something to him about how Victoire was treating her.

On this particular day, about three weeks out from the wedding, she almost ended up biting through her own tongue in an effort not to snap at trying on yet another dress in yet another colour as, apparently, they all clashed with her hair.

Alas, the effort was in vain.

"On the subject of your hair, Lily, I need you to grow it out in time for the wedding or charm it long."

Lily stopped, took a breath and turned back around to face a smirking Victoire.

"And why would you need me to do that? Vicky."

Victoire's eyes flashed angrily at the nickname she hated but her smirk remained.

"Well, you are my bridesmaid and I need you to match the others. I can't have Dom, Yolanda and Annaliese with elegant chignons and you with," she waved a hand at Lily's angle bob which was styled choppy and mussed that day, "that. You already look out of place just wearing a dress. I need you to at least match."

Lily felt herself heat up with indignation and was annoyed at herself when she realised her feelings were hurt, which in turn made her angry.

Willing herself to remain cold and calm, she made a show of putting her finger to her chin and looking up in mock thought before replying, "No."

"No?" oddly, Victoire looked positively gleeful, which was more than a bit suspicious.

"No. You asked me to be a bridesmaid knowing what my hair looks like and at no point was changing it mentioned at the time I accepted your offer. I am happy to style it in whatever way you see fit but I will not be growing it."

"Well babygirl, I suppose if that's how you feel about it you feel about it then it would be best if you weren't a bridesmaid."

"Oh, Vicky, if only that were the case. Have you mentioned this to Teddy at all?"

Victoire's face twitched.

"Ah. I thought not. No matter, I'd be happy to explain it to him, I'm sure he wouldn't mind fitting me in as a groomsman-"

"No!"

"Very well then, it seems we are at an impasse."

"Indeed."

Silence ensued while they eyed each other coldly. Victoire broke it first.

"This is my wedding. I don't want you to be a part of it. Why you want to be part of it I don't understand, there is clearly no love lost between us."

"It is also Teddy's wedding. I want to be part of it because he wants me to be and I will do what he wants me to because he is one of my most dearest people. What I don't understand is why you would rather me in the bridal party than in the grooms."

"Because it is just not done, you daft bint! Think about how it would look if Teddy had a woman as a groomsman. Think about what people would say!"

Lily was pissed. "Do you honestly think that anyone attending your wedding would think that Teddy looks at me as anything other than a little sister? I actually think he helped change my bloody nappies! Get your head out of your arse Victoire, if you have insecurities then talk to Teddy about them, don't make it everyone else's problem."

Victoire laughed humorlessly, "You are such a naive little girl, Lily. Grow up and learn about the real world, things aren't that simple."

"Maybe you should grow up and learn how to communicate with the love of your life, you raging banshee," Lily went from pissed to furious. "Your relationship is literally about the two of you. It actually is that simple. If you can't talk to each other about the deepest darkest shit in your hearts, it's not going to work. So put your big girl panties on and have a big girl conversation with your fiancé and decide what you actually want. Teddy loves you. Fucked if I know why, but he does. And he trusts you. How dare you suggest that anyone else's opinion on his relationships with his friends and family matter."

They were now nose to nose, gripping their sparking wands and staring at each other furiously. The shop assistants had wisely made themselves scarce.

"You know nothing about our relationship, why the hell would I ever listen to you!"

"Maybe because I'm the only one who sees you for what you are! A silly, scared little girl who doesn't feel safe talking to the person that loves her most!"

Victoire felt tears prick her eyes and she pulled away from Lily and whirled around before she started crying in front of her.

Lily sighed and took a few deep breaths. Merlin's Balls, why am I such a bitch? she thought angrily at herself. She had a flashback to Rose wailing the same thing and cringed, suddenly feeling a bit more forgiving towards her.

After a moment of silence she said, "Victoire, I didn't mean to upset you, that wasn't my intention."

Victoire didn't turn or say anything.

"It's your wedding. I'll tell Teddy I'm not comfortable being part of it, he'll understand. He knows we…don't get on. You still have three other bridesmaids and they will look amazing. Maybe Roxy can stand in instead if you need four."

More silence.

"I'll leave you to it. Dom should be arriving this afternoon, I'll make sure she goes straight to yours."

Lily turned to leave and had just reached the door of the shop when Victoire said, "Wait."

Lily stopped.

"Just, come back will you."

Lily turned around and slowly approached Victoire. She had also turned and was staring at Lily with a fragile look she'd never seen.

"Look, I'm only going to say this once. You're not wrong, ok. I don't like how close you and Teddy are, it does make me insecure and I've never told him because I worry he'll think I'm silly or stupid. I hate the idea of people focusing on anyone other than us at our wedding and I worry people will talk if they see you on his side, especially since you're not seeing anyone."

Lily's eyes widened, "Ah, actually Vic-"

"No, let me get this out. I'm going to talk to him. About a few things. I've been keeping things back from him out of fear and it's making things, I don't know, irritable when we're already stressed enough as it is. So I'm going to talk to him. Today."

"That's really good. I'm glad, but Vic-"

"So I suppose you were right in a way. Nobody other than you has seen the scared little girl inside, or if they didn't they haven't said anything. But because you're such a cold hard bitch you're the only one that tells me the truth of it."

"Well, it's a hard job but someone has to do it. Look Victoire, about me seeing someone-"

"Don't worry Lily, I'm sure you'll find someone someday who will put up with you," Vicroire had dried her eyes and was back to smirking.

"If you'd stopped talking for two seconds you'd know that I already have!"

"What?"

"I'm dating Scorpius Malfoy."

"Shut up! Since when?"

"About four months ago. I'm surprised you haven't heard."

"Well, well, well, the Ice Queen has a heart! I'm actually happy for you, Lily."

"Yeah, it really sounds like it. Look, I'm going to to find Teddy and tell him about the changes, I'll-"

"What changes?"

Lily looked at Victoire like she had two heads, "My not being a bridesmaid," she said slowly.

"I never said you weren't a bridesmaid anymore. In fact, I've decided which dress you are all wearing."

"Oh you have? Just now?"

"Yes! Keep up." Victore pulled out a deep blue satin dress. It had spaghetti straps, a cowl neckline and no back at all. It fell to midcalf and looked gorgeous.

"You looked great in this and so do the others. With silver heels it will be perfect, even with your hair." Victoire sighed and raised her eyes to the ceiling, "Which you can keep short. But it must be in loose curls and pinned back with a silver clip."

Lily felt a half smile coming on at Victoire meeting her half way, "It will be done. Thank you."

"Thank you," said Victoire, looking her straight in the eyes for once, "For your honesty, as brutal as it was."

"You're welcome, happy to provide it at any time."

"Yes, I'm well aware. You can go now, I'll see you next week for the rehearsal."

Lily nodded and headed for the door again. She stopped and turned back before she left.

"It's going to be fine, you know."

Victoire's smile was a bit watery, "I hope so."

"Trust me."

"Oddly enough, I do. Argh, that's too weird."

Lily cackled evilly as she left the store, feeling lighter than she had since wedding preparations had started.

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The wedding was set for early December and the day dawned bright, cold and clear. Lily had stayed the night, with the other bridesmaids, at Victoire and Teddy place so they were all set to spend the day preparing for the main event at sunset. Teddy had stayed with Harry and Ginny along with his groomsmen (James and Albus, his Auror partner Niall and best friend from school, Sebastian).

Lily spent an uncomfortable day being poked, prodded, photographed and made up to be presentable. It was made bearable only by having the opportunity to catch up with her cousin Dominique. They hadn't had a lot to do with each other growing up as Dom was a bit older, but they each found the other's job fascinating and found they had rather a lot more in common as adults. It was nice to reconnect and Lily decided to make an effort to keep in touch from now on.

Finally it was time to head to the wedding and Lily had the chance to look at herself properly in the mirror. She stopped dead and couldn't help but stare. The creature in front of her was almost unrecognisable. Hazel eyes glowed in a face with milky clear skin as her freckles had been banished by makeup and magic. Auburn curls fell in glossy waves about her head, pulled elegantly back but a gleaming silver clip and pearls dangled in her ears. The slinky blue dress clung and draped in all the right places and her legs looked long and elegant in strappy silver heels. It was a strange feeling to see an ethereal creature in your own reflection instead of oneself.

Victoire noticed and made the time to come over.

"Lily," she said softly. Lily looked up into her cousin's achingly beautiful face. Victoire was a vision in a flowing gown of lace and silk and a goblin made tiara. Lily thought, in a moment of whimsy, that she rather looked like an angel.

"You look beautiful. I know it isn't you and you're not comfortable, but trust me when I say that you are beautiful. Thank you for doing this."

Lily reached out and squeezed her hand. Since their blow up at each other a few weeks earlier they had reached something of a truce, although Lily thought things would always be brutally and scathingly honest between them. Maybe they both needed that.

Victoire leaned closer, then whispered, "Scorpius won't be able to keep his eyes off you, let alone his hands," then winked.

Lily flushed a deep red that couldn't be hidden by makeup and Victoire laughed.

"Alright ladies, let's go! My husband awaits me."

They all piled into the carriage that was being flown by flying horses on loan from Beaubaton's and were whisked away to the home of Andromeda Tonks, who had tearfully accepted their request to host the event.

The sun was an hour or so from making its descent as they climbed out of the carriage, and a beautiful golden light lit up the garden, illuminating the happiness of the beautiful bride. The whole crowd, seated on two sides to make an aisle in the middle, turned to see them and Lily saw Teddy's awestruck face as his eyes landed on Victoire, his hair flickering pink through the navy it was supposed to be.

Music filled the air and Dom made her way down the aisle first as Maid of Honour, followed by Yolanda, then Annaleise. Lily made her way down the aisle last, clutching her bouquet like a lifeline, and spotted her parents already looking teary. Her dad managed to give her a little wave. She finally found Scorpius' face in the crowd. His expression was much the same as Teddy's was and it hitched her breath and filled her with a fluttery feeling she'd never felt before but didn't have the time to dwell on at that minute. She reached the top of the aisle without incident and smiled at Albus as he grinned back at her. James nodded to her uncomfortably. Poor Teddy was too awestruck and anxious to pay anyone else much mind. Everyone held their breath as Victoire slowly walked down the aisle with Bill and Fleur, one on each arm.

Reaching Teddy they each gave Victoire a tearful kiss on the cheek then placed her hands in his with watery smiles.

Lily's mind wandered a bit as they went through the vows as she dissected and analysed her reaction to Scorpius' look. Do I…is this what love feels like? she asked herself incredulously.

Luckily she tuned back into the ceremony as they were putting on rings and kissing the bride, so she was able to cheer like with the rest and was genuinely happy at the absolute bliss and love that was radiating from the couple. It was time to walk back down the aisle, so she accepted the arm of Sebastian, Teddy's oldest friend, and they made their way back behind the others to the end of the garden for photos.

Witch fire danced in jars around the tree tops and a clever use of a weather charm kept the temperature comfortable.

Lily found a quiet moment to give Teddy a hug and congratulate him.

"I don't think I have seen you this happy, Ted." Lily said with a smile.

"All the happier now you and Vic seem to have worked a few things out," he replied with a grin.

Lily rolled her eyes and snorted. "Apparently we just needed to tear each other down to our insecurities in order to establish a rapport."

"Well, whatever happened, it worked and we are better for it. Thanks little sis." he said with a smile.

"Anytime big bro," she replied, smiling as well.

"LILY!" Victoire yelled, "Bridesmaids photos, hurry up!"

"Charming as ever," Lily said drily and went to head over.

"Oh and Lil," said Teddy before she was out of airshot, "Caught a glimpse of Scorpius' face when you walked down the aisle. Think you're in for a good night if you know what I mean." He winked.

"Sod off Ted!" Lily's face went red again and he cackled in response.

Photos seemed to take forever, then there was a sit down dinner. It was delicious but Lily was so anxious about seeing Scorpius she struggled to enjoy it. Finally the food was cleared and everything cleared away for dancing as night fell properly.

The energy was high as the band took the stage and Lily made her way through the crowd trying to find Scorpius. She stopped and talked to many people along the way, her parents and various cousins, aunties and uncles. She finally spotted Scorpius standing with Al and scanning the crowd. Making a beeline for him she was brought up short by someone standing in front of her.

"Oh, excuse me please, I'm just-James?" It was none-other than her big brother, whom she hadn't spoken to in many years.

"Ah Lily. Hello," he rubbed the back of his neck self-consciously, "You look…nice."

"Thank you. You look…nice too." An awkward silence fell between them. "I'm just heading over to Scorpius and Al. Might see you later."

"Right, yeah, of course. Bye Lily."

"Bye." she nodded then moved past him, head reeling in confusion from the encounter.

However, all thoughts were blown from her mind when she saw Scorpius coming towards her with a determined look on his face. Her own broke into a smile and she opened her mouth to say hello but didn't get the chance. He swept her up into him, hands on her bare back and in her hair and planted a hot, desperate kiss on her lips. Her arms automatically wound themselves round his neck and she kissed him back with all the frustration and feeling she had built up inside her from the course of the day and their separation during the ceremony. She forgot where they were and one leg came up around his waist and one of his hands released her to grab it. They came up for air with a start when Victiore smacked her over the head with her bouquet.

"Bloody hell Lily, keep it PG!"

"Sorry Vic, so sorry!" Lily gasped, breathless from kissing, face now tomato red.

"My fault, I'm sorry!" Scorpius was just as red.

Victoire laughed, "You have melted the Ice Queen, Scorpius, don't apologise! Now you kids have fun, but for Merlin's sake, remember where you are!"

She walked away with Teddy, who shot Lily a wink, making her clap her hand over her face in embarrassment.

"Were we ever that bad?" they heard her ask him.

"Oh darling, we were worse! Remember that balcony in Paris…"

Lily and Scorpius looked at each other, unable to stop smiling goofily. "Hi," they said at the same time and laughed.

"You look absolutely beautiful tonight, Lil," Scopius said earnestly, "I love this dress, you can keep it, yeah?"

Lily laughed, "Yes I can, I'll bring it out for…special occasions," she said with a sly smile.

"I would enjoy that very, very much," Scorpius said with a grin.

"Should we dance?"

"I would love to. Will try my hardest to keep it PG, but I know where the apparation point is just in case." He flicked his fringe out of his eyes and winked.

Lily felt her insides go to jelly. They had been trying their best to take it slow and hadn't yet consummated their relationship, although they had come very close on many occasions. Lily was officially now past the point of waiting but owed it to Victoire and Teddy to stay for at least a bit longer.

They danced and chatted with friends and family. It was wonderful to catch up with people and she was really glad she got to meet Dom's partner Céleste. Lily's French was rusty and had never been as good as her Italian, but they managed well enough. Dario and Hugo had come together and made a striking couple in their finest dress robes and radiant smiles. Alice and Albus twirled around the dance floor with more enthusiasm than finesse and she'd seen Rose deep in conversation with Louis. They had been very close as kids but had drifted a bit when Louis left for France. They bumped into Aunt Hermione and Draco, who looked so absolutely sappy in love Lily immediately worried if that was how she looked at Scorpius.

All in all it was a fantastic night, even if she felt like her nerves were on tender hooks. Lily caught herself ogling how well Scorpius filled out his robes when he wasn't looking, then catching his heated gaze as he brushed a hand over her back or arm or held her hand. By the time 11pm rolled around Lily was about to go mad with desire.

They were on the dance floor and had just finished dancing to a song by Louis' band when it suddenly changed to a slow one. Couples flocked to the dance floor and Scorpius drew her in close, her arms around his neck and his around her back. She lay her head on his chest and sighed in contentment as they swayed, trying to remember if she had ever felt this relaxed and happy. Scoprius rested his head on hers and stroked her back slowly in time with the music, sending pleasant chills up her spine. Her fingers played with the hair at the nape of his neck and he hummed appreciatively.

Lily looked up at him smiling and whispered, "Kiss me, Scorpius."

"As you wish, my love," he said with a soft smile, lowering his lips to hers and kissing her slowly and deeply, as if it was them alone and they had all the time in the world. Lily felt the kiss from her lips to the tips of her toes, tightening her arms and pulling herself in closer to Scorpius. One hand flowed up her back and over her shoulders, cradling her face while the other held her close. They came apart with wild eyes and desperate breaths.

"Apparation point." Lily gasped, "Now."

Scorpius grabbed her hand and led her off the dance floor, both completely missing the knowing looks of the majority of the guests. Getting to the apparition point Scopius gathered Lily to him and kissed her fiercely before apparating with a CRACK.

They landed on their doorstep and wasted no time getting through the door. The moment it was closed Scorpius lifted Lily up, pressed her against the door and proceeded to snog her senseless in a battle of wills as the both tried to touch as much of the other as they could.

They eventually managed to get to Lily's room having divulged most of their clothing on the way.

Lily flicked her wand and performed the contraception charm, then grabbed Scorpius' hand to pull him to bed, when he whispered, "Wait."

She stopped, panic suddenly filling her that he didn't want this as much as she did.

He raised his wand, "May I?"

"Why?"

"I just," he shrugged shyly, "I miss your freckles, I thought Finite Incantatum would remove most of the beauty charms, if thats ok?"

Lily's heart melted and she just nodded, her eyes never leaving his as he waved his wand, feeling the magic flowing over her.

His eyes darkened as they flicked over her body, taking in the freckles that had reappeared and all the perfections and imperfections that made Lily, Lily.

He slowly made his way to her, wrapped her up in his arms and lowered her to the bed with reverence. They drank each other in and proceeded to spend the rest of the night showing the other just how much they loved them, body and soul.

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They woke up late the next morning wrapped up together with a feeling of contentment and sense that they were exactly where they were supposed to be.

"Scor?"

"Yes, love?"

"What are your thoughts on blue in houses?"

"Like the living areas or bedrooms?"

"Both, I suppose."

He shrugged. "I like blue. It's relaxing isn't it?"

Lily's heart did a small flip and she smiled, snuggling closer to him. "Yeah, I think so too."