Disclaimer: Nothing is mine

WARNING: Language and mentions of abuse in this chapter

…..

Scorpius Malfoy was singing quietly to himself while he tied his bowtie. Albus Potter was marrying his cousin today and he was going to look smashing even if he wasn't a member of the wedding party. Norah's only bridesmaid was Lucy and Albus's only groomsman was James.

Rose had left the mansion earlier, deciding to get ready at James's house so she could be there for Al. Rose probably knew Albus better than anyone else in the world did. Scorpius was glad that she'd been spending time with her family lately. It was good for her. But he also wondered when she would start bringing him around her family more. He still hadn't been to one of those infamous Weasley family dinners.

He was tapping his shining dress shoe in time to the song he was singing when there was a crack behind him and his beautiful wife appeared. Her hair was swept up, dangling earrings framed her face, make-up made her big blue eyes really pop, and that dress…sweet Merlin, he couldn't decide where to look as every inch of her looked ravishing.

"Why didn't you tell me?" her voice was a quiet whisper that pierced his very heart. She was hurt. You could hear it in her voice and now that he looked closely he saw that her limbs were shaking.

"Tell you what?" he asked gently, sweetly, as he reached for her. Rose jerked back away from him.

"Why didn't you tell me that this was all some sick joke to you?" anger. Anger was replacing the pain now. Rose hadn't been able to comprehend what James and Albus were telling her at first. But then it clicked. It all clicked.

She remembered Nathan's words in his cell in Azkaban, 'I wanted to marry you because you're fucking fit, your family is rich….we all wanted you,' she could see it now quite clearly. Scorpius and his Slytherin buddies down in the dungeons making vulgar references about Rose. Each of them talking about her social status, her money, and her body. '…Scorpius was just the lucky bloke who won.'

He had won. It had been a game to all of them. An auction. The worst part however, was that Rose had trusted him. She'd let her walls down. All of her walls. She'd let him in. She'd fallen in love with him. It had taken getting her heart shattered to realize that she loved him. Because she wouldn't hurt so badly if she didn't love him.

"What are you talking about?" he still didn't understand.

"I get it, I really do," she said scathingly, with only the slightest hitch in her voice. "You had to choose somebody right? Why not the fit girl who has a famous family? Why not the girl who would put you in the spotlight? Why not the girl you could manipulate? You make me sick, Malfoy! You and Zabini and Nott and Selwyn and Goyle! Down in those dungeons arguing over who would get to marry me!"

"You know," he said stupidly, unsure of what else to say in that moment.

"Did you think I'd never find out? Were you hoping that I would remain blind and dumb while you reaped all the benefits of our marriage?" He almost wished that she was yelling because he couldn't handle this calm anger. He couldn't handle the disappointment, mistrust, and hate in her soft melodic voice.

"Rose, please, you have to understand, it wasn't like that-"

"Do you know what disgusts me the most? Nathan fucking Zabini was more honest with me than you were! Nathan told me about how all of you Slytherins wanted me for shallow, superficial reasons, which he eagerly listed for me. Were you going to abuse me, too, if I didn't have sex with you whenever you wanted? Because Nathan told me that had been his plan!"

"No! Damn it, Rose, you know I would never do that-"

"How do I know that? How do I believe anything you've said to me at all after such a huge lie?"

"It wasn't a lie, Rose, are you really going to take Nathan's word over mine-"

"Yes, actually, I am, because his version makes a lot more sense after Albus and James told me the truth! That's right, Malfoy, they told me that the purebloods got to request people they wanted to marry and you know what's funny? That fits perfectly with what Zabini was saying about you winning me. You're disgusting! How dare you treat me like an object! Like something you can bid on and win!"

"Rose," he growled, trying his best not to sound angry, but she wasn't listening to him! "That's not how I felt, and that's not how-"

"Answer me this: was I your first choice?"

"Yes," Scorpius answered immediately, hoping that this might calm her down.

Instead, it angered her even more. "See? Do you see now, you bastard? You didn't even know me. Why else would you have put my name down when you could have chosen anyone? Because I have prominent family members in every branch of wizarding society and a body you wouldn't mind shagging."

"Do you really want to know why I put your name down? I'll tell you-"

She held up her hand to silence him and with horror he realized she was barely holding back tears. Scorpius knew that Rose was a strong person in many ways, including emotionally. If he was making her cry, he was in really deep shit. He had really fucked up. She wasn't going to believe a word he said now because he'd already made it obvious that he had been hiding the truth from her from the start. Honestly, he didn't blame her.

"We don't have time for this," she said as she self-consciously wiped at her eye make-up to make sure she didn't show up at the wedding with mascara-stained cheeks. "My best friend is getting married and we need to be there now."

Before he could say another word, she was gone.

….

"Do you think she's going to make it back in time for the wedding?" Albus asked with worry after she had left.

"Of course she will," James was confident in his assessment. "She wouldn't miss your wedding just to kill Malfoy."

"Do you think that's where she went, then?"

"Obviously. Did you see how mad she was? Malfoy is either currently being castrated in the most painful way Rose could devise or he's dead," James didn't sound very concerned about this.

That was when Harry and Ginny entered the room talking to each other. "…I don't know where he could be," Harry was saying, "he told me he would be here."

"Kingsley is the Minister of Magic, dear, I'm sure he has a lot of important things that could be keeping him. You never know, he might still turn up before the ceremony starts. Or maybe he'll just pop in for the reception."

"Yeah, I reckon," Harry was distraught at the idea of one of his best friends not being at the wedding of his son. But that wasn't what was important right now. Right now the most important focuses were Albus and Norah. "You ready?" Harry asked Al.

"Is it time?" he paled considerably and for a moment Harry was worried that his youngest son was about to vomit all over his shoes.

"Yes, it's time for you to go take your place, the wedding will be starting in a few minutes," Ginny bustled around the room, checking that Al had his boutonniere pinned correctly and that James wasn't hiding any dungbombs in his pockets.

Relaxed by the familiar business-like attitude of his mother, Albus nodded firmly and steeled himself. This was it.

…..

Scorpius was seated beside Rose for two reasons. The first was because it would look highly suspicious if the two of them didn't sit together and the press would notice immediately. The second reason was because these were the seats they had been assigned and led to by the ushers.

Rose sat stiffly beside him, as far away from him as possible. He wouldn't have been surprised if she fell off of her chair because she was on the very edge of her seat, itching to run away from him.

He was hopeful, however, that after the wedding once they'd returned home she would be calm enough that they could discuss this rationally. That perhaps she would actually let him explain his side of the story. What could he possibly say to make this better? Even though he hadn't exactly lied, he definitely hadn't been honest with her either.

The music started. Lucy Weasley came up the aisle with James, both of them smiling and looking straight ahead. Albus really did look dashing. His black hair managed to not be quite as messy as normal, although it would never lie flat.

Albus was nervous. He didn't know if he was ready for marriage. He didn't know if he could really make this work. Would Norah be happy with him? Would he be happy with her, forever? They'd only been dating for about two months. Who really knew each other after only two months? This was insane. Part of him wanted to yell, 'forget this!' and run.

But then she appeared. At the end of the aisle, in a beautiful white gown, and Albus had never seen anything more perfect in his entire life. As she walked toward him, he wasn't nervous anymore. He was confident. Eager, even, for this to happen. Out of nowhere, for the first time since the institution of this law, he was looking forward to this event.

They smiled at each other sweetly and the flash from the cameras intensified as the press recognized an intimate moment being shared by the two of them. Nobody was escorting Norah down the aisle. Albus knew that Scorpius had offered but Norah didn't want an escort. Tradition dictated that the male in the family give away the bride, but Norah wanted to do it herself.

His bright green eyes were still locked on her soft brown ones when suddenly the object of his affection was blocked from his view when someone abruptly Apparated in the middle of the aisle, between Albus and Norah. Kingsley Shacklebolt stood confidently before everyone in attendance. "Stop!" he yelled.

Silence reigned. The music stopped and nobody dared even whisper. Why had the Minister of Magic interrupted the wedding? "After many sleepless nights at the Ministry with the Marriage Law Committee, reading the owls of wizards and witches throughout the country, we have reached a decision.

"In order to maintain the peace and solve the problems that the law has caused quickly and efficiently, the marriage law has been abolished," his deep voice resounded through the large tent as people gaped at him in shock. "The Ministry acknowledges that the law, while having good intentions, was not well-received by the public. Any weddings from now on will not be enforced by the Ministry. Any couples who are able to secure a divorce, meaning their bonds are weak, have three days to file for a divorce with the Ministry. Let me repeat, if your marriage was a result of the law and you want out of it, you have three days to file for divorce, after that no more divorces will be allowed except in extreme circumstances. The Ministry office opens tomorrow morning at 7 o'clock for those of you who want to choose this path. Albus, Norah, I speak now directly to the both of you. I came straight here from the Ministry to get here before you made your vows and bonds. You don't have to do this. You are no longer being forced to marry. I'm sorry I can't stay longer, but I have a lot of paper work to finish. Harry," he turned to Harry Potter, shook his hand, and Disapparated.

Stunned silence met Albus's ears. The guests were all in shock. Hell, he was in shock, but when he lifted his eyes and saw the look of utter despair on Norah's face, he remembered why they were here. What was the point of calling off the wedding now? They were in love. They wanted to be together. They'd made all of the plans and all of the guests were assembled.

He knew that Norah assumed the wedding was off. But he didn't want it to be. Before he could say this, however, people began talking amongst themselves, and a few of them stood up. They thought the wedding wasn't going to happen either, apparently.

Panicking, Albus glanced around and saw James studying his face. James, knowing his brother very well, waved his hand and mumbled a quiet, "Sonorous," he had used wandless magic to amplify Albus's voice. Al shot him a grateful smile then yelled, "Oi! You lot! Hold on!"

Relief washed over him as he regained control of the crowd. "Before anyone leaves, there's something I want to say. I was going to marry Norah Zabini today because the Ministry told me I had to. But now that I don't have to, I still want to. I don't know how she feels, but if she's still willing, then Norah, love, will you marry me?"

"Yes," her usually quiet voice was loud and confident now. "I will," a breathtaking smile appeared on her face as the tears that had been about to spill over twinkled in her eyes.

"That's settled then. Sit back down, everyone!" he turned to the band, "Play on!"

….

Scorpius couldn't believe this. Rose had fucking left the reception before it even started! As soon as Albus and Norah had said their 'I do's' Rose hugged them and disappeared.

"Don't you leave, too," Norah whispered as Scorpius subtly attempted to move toward the house where he could use the Floo. Disapparition might cause unwanted attention as it usually made a loud noise.

He sighed and rolled his eyes at his cousin, "Did Al tell you about our fight?"

"Just a little bit," she winced. "Don't worry, you two can talk it out tonight. She's probably busy breaking all of the possessions in your bedroom right now. Let her calm down."

"I suppose," he nervously ran a hand through his hair. "I'll stay for a little bit longer, but then I have to go home. Rose and I need to talk about this."

"Alright. Thanks, Scor, love you," she hugged him and kissed his cheek, leaving just a light red imprint of her lips.

"Scorpius!" After Norah had returned to Albus's side, someone else was calling his name. Scorpius turned and balked as Nathan Zabini strode toward him. "Good to see you, mate," they shook hands, although Scorpius did this somewhat grudgingly.

"Nathan, I thought you weren't being released until your wedding?"

"My wedding was supposed to be tomorrow, but it looks like there won't be one now!" he didn't appear to be at all bothered by this. "The cells in Azkaban are enchanted to drain you of your magical power, which weakens you, and the Ministry didn't want me fainting at the altar, so they let me out today for my sister's wedding. She really looked beautiful."

Scorpius blinked at him and asked, "Who are you and what have you done with Nathan Zabini?"

Nathan actually chuckled, sipped at the glass of champagne in his hand, and replied, "I want to be a better guy, Scorp. I want to learn how to look past the prejudices my family taught me. Look at Norah," he motioned toward her with his glass. "She's genuinely happy. I've never seen her look that happy. Hell, I've never been that happy myself. Maybe I could learn something from her example, you know?"

"I'm happy for you, Nathan. It looks like maybe your time in Azkaban really did some good for you."

He shrugged. "I wanted to change before Azkaban, but…well…anyway, where's your wife? I haven't seen Rose around."

"She, ah, wasn't feeling well and went home. I told her to take a Pepper-Up Potion and I would be there shortly," as he said this he glanced at his pocket watch to check the time.

"Well you'd better go take care of your bird," Nathan playfully punched his shoulder and meandered off to mingle with other people.

Scorpius, for the first time in his life, took Nathan's advice and made his way into the Burrow. Without speaking to anyone else, he went home. To his dismay, Rose wasn't there. She was nowhere in the house. He asked all three house elves to search, performed several Homenum Revelio's but was finally forced to admit that the mansion was empty aside from himself and the three house elves.

….

Rose went to the only place she wanted to be; home. Hermione, Ron, and Hugo were still at the reception and probably would be for a long time, leaving Rose alone with her thoughts. There was so much to think about!

Kingsley's announcement couldn't have come at a better time. Right when she would have given just about anything to be free of Scorpius Malfoy, she'd been offered the chance.

Because she really did have the chance. Some people weren't able to get out of their marriage bonds because when they said them, they meant them. But Rose hadn't. Not really. She knew that the bonds she'd made were weak enough to be broken. Even if Scorpius's were confident and strong, which she now doubted, her weak ones would be enough to allow them a divorce.

When she thought about this course of action, she became more convinced that it was the right one. She would never have to be worried about him lying to her again or keeping secrets from her. She would never to have to worry that he was only with her because she was a trophy wife.

Finally! She could have the one thing she'd wanted for the past few months; to be able to go about this the right way. Meet a bloke, date, fall in love, then get married. Maybe Albus and Norah would let her live with them for a while. Yes, thinking of divorcing Scorpius Malfoy was like taking a breath of fresh air.

Except when she remembered that she loved him. Then the idea made her feel sick.

….

After several hours, Scorpius came to the conclusion that Rose was not going to come home that night. Not knowing what else to do, he began searching for her. Where would she go? Her old flat? Yes, he would check there first.

When he arrived he was filled with momentary success as he noted that the lights were on in the flat and there was definitely someone in the kitchen. But then Norah came around the corner, still in her wedding dress, and Scorpius asked, "Is Rose here?"

"No," Norah frowned as Al appeared behind her with a cup of tea in hand. "Did she storm out on you?"

"She wasn't there! I haven't seen her since the wedding!" he was panicking and he knew it but he didn't care. "Where would she have gone?"

"I don't know," Albus answered truthfully. If he had been in Scorpius's shoes, this was the first place he would have checked as well.

"How can I talk to her if she's not there for me to talk to? How can I explain…"

"Yes, let's talk about that, shall we?" Albus said venomously as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Why the hell did you choose Rose, Malfoy? Don't lie to me, I know she must have been your first choice because Rose was probably a lot of bloke's first choice so the Ministry would have definitely put her with someone who put her as number one."

"It's…complicated. Instead of justifying my actions to you, I need to be explaining them to my wife. Now are you two going to help me find her or not?"

"Not," answered Norah as she began pulling pins from her hair and extracting her veil from the tangled mess of her brown locks. "I think that, knowing Rose, if you try to talk to her, she'll interrupt you, ignore you, and twist what you say right now. She's too mad to listen to you properly."

"Then what the hell am I supposed to do?" Scorpius raged.

"Do what I did when I told Albus. Write her a letter. We might not be able to find her, but your owl will. Explain everything, write it all out, word it as best as you can which I know can be a challenge for you, and then it's up to Rose what she does with the information."

"That's actually a really good idea. That way Rose won't feel pressured to make an immediate decision. She can read what you said, several times if she wants, think about it, then reply," Albus agreed.

"I guess that is my best option at this point, isn't it?" he grumbled. "Alright, I'll give it a shot. Do you have parchment and quills around here somewhere?"

Albus and Norah exchanged an awkward glance before Al said, "Er, Scorpius, this is kind of our wedding night and we planned on spending it alone together in our flat…"

"Oh! Right! Sorry," Scorpius moved to the fireplace and asked, "Where are you two going for your honeymoon anyway?"

"Some tropical island," said Al with a shrug, "Mum won't tell me which one. It's her wedding gift to us. We leave first thing in the morning."

"Well I hope you two have a great time! Wish me luck!"

"Good luck!"

….

My Rose,

There are so many things that I want to say to you but the one I need to say first is that I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I didn't tell you the truth right from the start. I'm sorry that I kept something from you that deem as so important. And I'm sorry that you had to find out from your cousins instead of your husband.

You should also know that I do love you. Never doubt that, Rose. Never doubt that you are the most important person in my life and I care for you more than I ever thought I could care for anyone. Since becoming engaged to you, my life has changed completely and I've never been happier.

You asked me earlier why I chose you but you didn't give me enough time to answer your question properly. You assume that I chose you for selfish reasons but that couldn't be further from the truth.

I spent my years at Hogwarts rooming with five other guys. Nathan, Zach, Rider, Travis, and Liam. Liam was, really, my only friend. It must be obvious to you that I don't really have a lot of friends and I'm not on good terms with Nathan at all. Liam and I were there, in the dorm that night, when the others were discussing their options.

Nathan and Zach both wanted you and put you down as their first choice. Travis and Rider were definitely considering you. Neither Liam nor I said anything on the topic at all. Liam is a half-blood so he couldn't choose who he wanted to be with. My list was still blank; I didn't fancy anyone and I barely knew any half-bloods or muggleborns at all.

Then the conversation got even worse. Nathan talked about what a 'firecracker' he thought you would be in bed. Travis hinted that Nathan would have to force you into sex. I tried not to listen because it was pissing me off to hear them talk about any girl that way, let alone you. I knew you, sort of, from the few Prefects things we've worked on together. I knew that you were a vulnerable and sweet witch. Wizards like Zabini, Goyle, Selwyn, and Nott would have broken you, Rose. It hurt me to think of you with any of them.

I kept picturing your big blue eyes turning dull and your beautiful pale skin spotted with bruises from abuse. I didn't choose you for me, I chose you for you. I did it to keep you safe. I did it so that the bloke you married wouldn't utterly destroy you. However, my motives were not entirely selfless. From what I did know of you at the time, I liked you well enough. I truly thought that we could be happy together if we tried to be.

We were allowed to write down three names; our first, second, and third choices of witches we wanted to marry. I put your name down for all three options. Then, the following morning, after everyone turned in their parchments to McGonagall, I went to her office. We spoke and I told her of my intentions. I implored her to do whatever she could to keep you away from my dorm mates. She was sympathetic, believed my motives were pure, and spoke directly to Kingsley Shacklebolt about it.

I honestly didn't know if we would fall in love or not but I am so glad I did. Even if you decide that you can never love me for what I've done; even if you never would have loved me anyways, know that I don't regret my decision. Know that you are the best thing that has ever happened to me and I will always love you.

Yours,

Scorpius

He watched as his owl flew off with the letter clamped in his beak. Most of his night had been spent composing the letter. It wasn't the most eloquent thing in the world; Scorpius never had been very good with words. But still, it was better than nothing.

The first golden rays of the morning sun were peaking up over the horizon and Scorpius exhaled shakily. It was morning. The night was over. Godric, it was almost seven o'clock in the morning! The Ministry would open soon for people filing for divorce.

Scorpius's long pale fingers clenched his windowsill as he closed his eyes and prayed that his letter reached her before she went to the Ministry. And that, by some miracle, she would come back to him.

…

A/N: I was going to make this chapter longer but changed some things around so one scene that was SUPPOSED to be in this chapter will now be in the next one. I hope you all enjoyed this one!