*Thanks for reading! There's like 2-3 chaps left. And I'm pretty sure there will be a sequel, but written in Scorpius' POV (and possibly some Rose). I promise it'll be more refreshing than this one, considered you aren't stuck with Belle 24/7 anymore! More info to follow I guess.

Title comes from 'Young and Beautiful' by Lana Del Rey. If you can't tell, she's one of my favorites!

*Leave a Review!*

I'm absolutely no good after my talk with Jane. I can't focus on anything, and I'm giving myself an absolute headache thinking about it. Simon's not going to be so horrible to me, is he? I mean, why would he have chosen to marry me if he didn't care for me? Those are things I don't want to think about.

I don't even notice when I accidentally step on the front of my robes and stumble forward. Simon catches me by my elbow. "What's wrong with you?" he questions. "Have you forgotten how to walk?"

"No," I shake my head. "I only tripped."

"You've been acting strangely," Simon says to me. "Ever since your talk with Jane. What did she tell you?"

Despite what Simon thinks, I'm not stupid. I'm not going to tell him the truth. "Nothing," I say.

"Don't lie to me," Simon says harshly. "You were gone a while."

"Woman things," I say quickly. "That's all we talked about."

When I say this, Simon shrugs as if he doesn't really care anymore. "So, nothing intelligent," he summarizes.

"That depends on how much you actually value marriage," I say before I can stop myself. I know I'm going against Jane's advice, and I'm not doing it on purpose, but how is someone supposed to be quiet when someone constantly insults them?

Simon's expression turns tight. He turns to look at me. "I'd like a word with you outside."

"You said I could speak to my parents," I remind him.

"You're going to do what I say first," Simon tells me.

I'd like to know who the hell he thinks he is. "No, I'm not. You don't order me to do anything." I see Mum and Dad. They're turned around. Mum is speaking to Aunt Ginny and Dad' speaking with one of his colleagues and Uncle Harry. I want nothing more for one of them to notice me so Simon has no choice but to let me go.

I turn to walk off. Simon catches my arm. "It wasn't a request. It was a demand," he says in a low voice. "I'm not repeating myself."

Simon practically drags me out of the back door of the ballroom. On my way out, I catch Grandmother's eye. She gives me a very dirty look, as if all of this is my fault. I can't help but think that it partially is.

Simon slams the door. He wipes his chin with his free hand. "What the hell has gotten into you?" He demands.

"Nothing. What's gotten into you? You were never like this," I tell Simon. "Is the stress of trying to make me look so perfect finally getting to you?"

Simon seems to consider it, and then he shakes his head. "No. The fact that I've decided to spend the rest of my life with a woman as foul-mouthed as you is finally starting to drive me off the deep end."

"Then why did you marry me?" I ask. "Aside from the amount of money that came with it, of course."

"I didn't marry you for money," Simon says rigidly. "I don't ever want to hear those words out of your mouth again."

"You can't control what comes out of my mouth," I tell Simon angrily. "And if you treat me so horribly, what else am I to believe? You don't act like you love me. You've been looking at other women all night. I'm sure you could have put rings on any of their fingers and been just as happy."

Simon glares at me. "But I didn't. You should be happy I chose you," he says.

"Why should I be happy?" I demand. "All you've done so far is speak down to me and guilt me about something I had no control over. You don't treat me like your wife! You treat me like an animal, and I won't put up with it any longer."

Simon curls his lip at me in annoyance. "You don't exactly have a choice. You're married to me until you die. Unless you want that to be arranged?" he questions.

I give Simon a blank look. "As if you would even attempt such a thing." I scoff.

"You have no idea what I have the power to do," Simon tells me in a low voice. "It would be in your best interest not to tempt me."

"Aren't you handsome? Threatening your wife? I hope that makes you feel very manly and powerful," I say sarcastically.

Simon Grabs my arm tightly. "Shut your mouth," he orders. "Don't ridicule me."

I shake my head slightly. "I'm not. But wasn't it you that spoke badly about how Holden treated me? What's the difference between you and him? That you think your last name is better than his?" I ask.

Simon is seething. He clenches his jaw. "Shut up."

"Why? Because I'm hurting your feelings?"

"I'm not playing with you," Simon says harshly.

I roll my eyes. I don't care if Simon 'isn't playing'. I'm not either. "Honestly, if you're going to try and appear so threatening to me, the least you could do is-"

I don't get another word out. Simon draws his hand back and slaps me hard across the face. I stumble a bit, and then stare at Simon shock and disbelief. My lower lip trembles.

Simon wrings his hand and curses under his breath. He takes off his ring and shoves it in his pocket. "Why the hell would you make me do that?" He complains.

Is he seriously blaming this on me? I don't know what to say. I blink back my tears. I don't know why I'm crying, because I'm pain, upset, or both.

"I… I didn't," I say quietly.

Simon nods slowly with a calm expression on his face. "Yes, you did," he promises me. "You saw me growing angry with you, and you persisted. I hope you won't do something foolish like that again."

I could say the same for Simon.

Simon looks at me matter-of-factly. "You owe me an apology."

I can't say anything. I feel like my throat is closing, and I'm just so lost and confused. How can Simon lose his temper completely in one moment and then behave so normally the next? How can he hit me?

Simon gives me an expectant look. "Isobelle? Don't you have something to say to me?"

"I-I'm… sorry," I stammer.

Simon nods shortly. He places a hand on my cheek where he hit me. I wince. "You're too beautiful to be crying right now," he tells me. I frown. Doesn't Simon understand?

Simon pulls me close to him and gives me a long kiss. His lips find mine over and over again, and each time I pray that they don't. Simon's hands roam all over by body. I make a sound in protest, but he ignores me. I want to pull away, but I know I can't. "I love you, Mrs. Montague," Simon whispers against my lips. "You know that, don't you?"

I nod silently. My hands are trembling. Simon takes a step back from me. He takes his fingers and delicately combs my hair in front of my cheek where I'm sure a red mark is forming. He gives me a small smile. "You're absolute perfection," he tells me quietly. Odd, I don't exactly feel that way.

Simon offers me his arm. "Now that we've gotten that misunderstanding straightened out, I think the rest of tonight should go perfectly. Don't you?"

"Y-yes…"

Simon leads me back into the ballroom. I can barely breathe. I don't even feel like I'm in my own body right now. I feel like I'm witnessing something horrible happening to someone else. I trip again. Simon barely acknowledges me. Then, he finally does something I'm very grateful for. He waves a waiter over and hands me a glass of Firewhiskey.

"You need to calm down," he informs me. I don't need to be told twice. Simon gives me a confused look when I down the glass of Firewhiskey in a couple of seconds. "How old are you, anyway?"

"Twenty-one…" Simon furrows his eyebrows. He seems rather confused. "How old did you believe?" I ask suddenly. My glass of Firewhiskey has certainly loosened me up somewhat, but I'm still trying to be very conscious of what I say.

"Eighteen," Simon says nonchalantly. "You do look rather young."

I'm not sure how to take that. I find it rather unsettling that Simon would find it appropriate to treat an eighteen-year-old girl the way that he does me, especially at the age that he is.

"Oh," I say quietly. I reach for another glass of Firewhiskey. Simon doesn't say anything until I reach for my third.

"You've had quite enough." He points to the near side of the ballroom. "There are your parents," he says. "Do you still want to speak to them?"

"Yes," I say quickly. I don't want to lose my chance.

As soon as I'm within touching distance of Mum, I throw my arms around her in a desperate hug. I've never been so happy to see her in my life, and that speaks volumes. Mum wraps her arms around me too. She inhales and frowns.

"You look so beautiful," she says quietly.

"Doesn't she?" Simon agrees.

Dad smiles at me as well. I know he won't say anything heartfelt and mushy, because that just isn't him. Still, I know that he's happy for me. That almost makes me feel better about things.

Dad gives Simon a serious look. "I expect you to take great care of my daughter," he says sternly.

Simon nods. "I wouldn't so much as think of doing anything otherwise, Mr. Malfoy. She's so wonderful, how could I?" I don't mean to, but I feel myself stiffen. I can't tell whether or not Mum notices. I hope that she doesn't.

Dad smiles at Simon. They shake hands. "Welcome to the family, Simon."

"Thank you."

"Belly!" I can barely turn around before Nina rushes at me, her arms open wide for a hug. I bend down. She runs into me full force, wrapping her arms around my neck. I wince slightly as she runs into my stomach. Simon gives me a look.

Nina speaks to me a mile a minute. "You look so pretty! Why can't I wear my hair like your hair? I like your earrings! The cake is so yummy and me and Hugo danced a lot!" She says quickly, still grinning at me. I don't know what to say. I don't know which statement to respond to first. My brain can only process so much.

"I'm glad," I decide to say. "Where's Hugo?"

"With Lily," Nina answers. "And Rose is with Al and James and Scorpius and Daisy. Her and Daisy are getting on good tonight."

"Good."

Nina purses her lips and gives me a serious look. "When are you going to your new house?" she questions solemnly.

"Couple or hours of so," I assure her. "I mean.. hours or so."

Dad gives me a strange look.

"Good," Nina smiles at me. "But you and Simon have to do more married stuff," Nina tells me.

I frown. "What?"

"Like you have to dance," Nina explains, smiling again. She seems more excited about it than I am. I don't even want to dance with Simon. I don't want him around me. I don't want him touching me.

"Yes," I say absentmindedly.

Nina looks between Simon and I and then gives me a cheeky grin. "You should have a baby now!" she suggests excitedly.

A cold shiver runs down my spine. I don't want to hear about having children for a long time. "Not now," I tell Nina.

She frowns. "Why?" I don't answer. "Why?" Nina asks again. "Belly-"

"I hear you!" I snap.

"You don't have to be so mean, Belly," Nina says, giving me a bewildered look. "I was just saying. Why don't you and Simon have a baby?"

I glare at Nina. "I swear to Merlin if you ask me again-"

"Darling," Simon interrupts tightly, placing his hand on my shoulder. Nina backs away from me and clings to Dad's leg. "It's a fair question."

"I told her already!" I say. "Lots of times!"

Simon helps me to stand. My shoe comes off.

Mum looks me in the eye. "Isobelle, have you been drinking?" She questions.

"A little," I admit. "It's my wedding."

Dad sighs. "We agreed not tonight."

"You told me and I didn't say that. I'd never agree about that," I assure Dad, trying to speak slowly to get all of my words out.

"Is something wrong?" Simon questions, looking between Mum and Dad with concern. I can see a million thoughts happening behind his eyes. Finally he rests his hand on my waist and forces me a smile. I know I'm not going to like this.

"No," I say. "It's fine."

Mum and Dad give me looks, but they don't say anything more. "When it's time for you to leave, I'll call Rose, Scorpius, and Hugo, over," Dad tells me.

"Fine."

Mum gives me a weak smile. "Enjoy the rest of your night."

"Yeah," I say halfheartedly. "You too."

Simon offers me his arm again and we leave my parents. That didn't exactly go as I wanted. "I've figured something out," Simon tells me in a rigid voice.

"Great," I tell him, trying to sound enthusiastic. "What is it?"

"You have a drinking problem," Simon says to me finally. "You drank while you were pregnant."

Even in a completely sober state, I'd be angered at Simon making such an accusation. "I didn't!" I assure him. "I quit when-"

"When we found out," Simon cuts me off. "Meaning, you could have done all the damage necessary the entire month before. It was your fault."

Simon is right. I feel so horrible, and I didn't even think that it could have possibly been a problem. Until now.

I'm sorry…" I say, even though I don't feel this is enough.

Simon nods curtly. "Now that we know what's caused it to happen, you shouldn't have any trouble conceiving again."

I hate to say, but the only good thing that came out of Simon's anger toward me was him not wanting to try for children anymore. Now that he's changed his mind in a matter of hours, I don't know how to feel.

"Wh-when?" I ask hesitantly.

Simon looks at me like I'm stupid. "Tonight."

I frown. "But I've been… I'm…Firewhiskey… I can't," I manage to say, stumbling over my words.

Simon shrugs. "It's not meant to be recreational," he tells me in a passive tone. "Your condition hardly matters to me."

I furrow my eyebrows again, but my tongue feels like lead. "Oh," I say stupidly. "Okay."

Simon gives me an amused smile. "You're being awfully understanding."

"You hit me," I blurt out. As soon as I say this, I try to cover my mouth with my hand. I suppose my nose is close enough.

"Be quiet," Simon says, looking over his shoulder to make sure no one heard him. "You aren't going to make me look bad for something you caused me to do," he says. "Is that understood?"

I nod slowly, even though I barely understand a word Simon's saying. I'm grateful for that.

"Goodbye," I say quietly to Scorpius, smiling and waving at him. He hugs me, but gives me a confused look.

"Mum, I think she's drunk," he whispers hesitantly. She doesn't reply.

I shake my head. "I'm not drunk," I assure him. "I drank… but I'm not-"

"Okay," Scorpius says quickly. "I love you. I'll miss you."

He gives me a slightly disappointed look. I know I haven't exactly been the best older sister to Scorpius, and maybe he's happy I'm leaving. Perhaps he deserves that.

I wave Rose closer to me. "C'mere," I say, giving her a small smile and a hug. She doesn't seem to want to return it.

"Er, have fun being married," she says uncomfortably.

"I'll try," I assure her. "I love you!"

"You too."

I wave my youngest brother forward. "Hugooo!"

"Bye, Belle," he says quickly, tickling my chin with his curly red hair. "Love you."

I nod. "Me too. Well, I mean I love you, not me," I clarify.

"Yeah…"

Dad sighs and rolls his eyes. "Nina, say goodbye to your sister."

Nina shakes her head. "Belly's mad at me," She says, burying her face into Dad's robes.

"I'm not," I assure her. I have no idea what reason I'd have to be angry with Nina. "Say goodbye."

"Bye," Nina says quietly, not bothering to move away from Dad. Fine, she can be that way if she chooses. I hope she remembers this when she decides to complain when I'm gone.

I stand up to tell my parents goodbye. Mum puts her arm out to steady me a bit. "Goodbye, Isobelle," Mum says earnestly, hugging me close to her. "Take care of yourself, please."

I pull back to look at Mum. "Don't cry," I say with a small smile.

She wipes her eyes. "How can I not? You're my daughter," she reminds me. "I just want you to be happy."

I want to be happy too. I hug Mum again. "I know. I love you."

Mum finally lets me go.

Dad frowns slightly as he stares into my face. "What happened to your cheek?" he questions suddenly. Even though I'm not in a completely firm state of mind, I'm not stupid enough to tell the truth.

"Dom," I say. "Getting into my robes. On accident."

Dad gives me a look, and then decides not to question me any further. He hugs me. He doesn't say anything. He just holds me close to him for what feels like hours. It makes me nauseous. Finally, when I groan, he lets me go.

"I love you, Isobelle," he says quietly. "Even though you make it terribly difficult at times." I know how hard this is for Dad. All this started with just me and him. It won't get to end that way. Now he's married, and so am I.

"I love you, Dad."

Dad looks at me seriously again. "I want you to be sober," he tells me. "You don't need to give Simon any more stress. And I don't want you to hurt yourself."

"Okay," I say.

Dad gives me another hug, and I can tell that he's really struggling not to be emotional. I smile at him. For a moment, I feel as if things are all right, and I don't have to leave my family forever. But I do. And according to Simon, this time I really am going to have a family of my own.

"I love you, Isobelle."

*(A/N: Maybe this sounds bad, but I honestly can't decide anymore whether or not Belle deserves to have this happen to her. Thoughts/ opinions? Let me know