Chapter 5

~don't stop the dance.~

Mama says love is all that matters

Beauty should be deeper than your skin

Living for the moment, lips and lashes

Will I ever find my way again?

[Don't stop the dance, Lyrics: Bryan Ferry.]

"Hugo, Rose and Scorpius, you are here to witness the union between your parents: Hermione Jean Granger and Draco Malfoy!" The Wizard turned to face Hugo first, as they rehearsed the day before. "Please repeat after me: I Hugo Weasley accept this union."

Hugo smiled a sincere smile, his eyes lit up repeating the wizard of the Wizengamot. Looking up to the couple next to him, his hands on theirs. Nudging Draco's shoulder as he stepped back to offer his place to Rose.

Rose watched her brother bless the union, she would also bless it, she couldnt or wouldn't want it different, Hermione was so happy with Draco, not to mention the two children she was currently carrying in her belly. She also looked at her former lover: Scorpius, trying not to put emotion into it, keeping it as casual as she could, but it proved to be more difficult than she imagined, said former lover did not look her way, his eyes fixed on his fathers happiness.

"Rose?" The wizard called her name, pulling her into the 'here and now'. She took a deep breath and stepped in front of the couple, placing her hand on theirs repeating the words:"I Rose, Nymphadora Weasley accept this union!" Shooting an almost evil glare towards her younger sibling, who almost erupted as the Wizard stated her second name. She smiled to her her mother and Draco, pressing a kiss on her fingers touching Hermione's whale like stomach. (Her own words!)

"I Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy accept this union!" He pressed as small kiss on Hermione's blushing cheek standing next to Rose to witness the union, brushing her hip with his. Accidentally, he wriggled for space. He didn't notice Rose sighing, or did he. He beamed at the loving couple, he was happy for them, Hermione was the best thing that had happened to Draco in a long time and he would be a father again, Scorpius genuinely rejoiced their fortune, he wouldn't dwell on his happiness today, mayBe some other day.

The wizard resumed his place in front of the happy couple. Hermione beamed at the Grand Wizard as Draco smirked, looking sideways at his more than blushing bride, his lovely lady carrying his twins, his boy witnessing it all, he was the luckiest bastard in the universe, as of now. He heard him saying yes as an affirmative to the question if he wanted to wed the auburn haired brilliant witch next to him, he needed to get this thing moving, Hermione showed discomfort, she stood to long on her feet as it was. Why had he agreed to this date, surely they could've wed after the children were born and Hermione felt better. But no this is where she came into the equation, she wanted their union to take place before the twins set foot on earth and their children should be present and Rose birthday had to be over and done with. Yup Hermione al right, one thing though she didn't bring into that same equation; her own massiveness. Stubborn woman, but he liked that about her.

"Hermione Jean Granger will you accept Draco Malfoy as your husband?" The Grand Wizard asked.

Hermione's eyes were locked with Draco's, his stormy greys holding her hazel ones captive, promising her he wasn't done with her, this exact expression, making her blush, tingle and very hot and bothered. The one thing Ron had never made her feel, sexy as hell. She was bursting at the seams for crying out loud, how could it be that this gorgeous bloke looked like he'd ravish her right here right now! She knew the answer; because he loved her beyond love. Had done so since she punched him in the nose, he let no opportunity pass by in reassuring her that was what he loved about her, her feistiness.

"Yes I do!" She answered more with her eyes than by vocal chords, her emotions high up in her chest causing lumps in her throat. Finally she'd done it:marrying Draco Malfoy, the love of her life. Back in the day she'd laughed at anyone suggesting he was the one who loved her more than anything. Mudblood, insufferable know it al what had he not called her. He reassured her he called her names to attract her attention, trying too separate himself from her at the same time, no one was too know he crushed on her, he liked them smart he once said.

Cheers erupted from the crowd gathered around them. She so wanted a small ceremony, but as far as Draco concerned things were never small.

Rose had trouble fighting her tears as she watched Hermione and Draco declare their love for each other, something died inside of her, now Scorpius would be beyond her grasp, they could never ever be, it wouldn't be right.

Rose felt Scorpius stand close to her, way too close, his hip tingled against her hip, electricity flowing between them. She noticed it did a couple of years ago, she discarded it successfully, blaming it on their fiery feud, when in reality they had chemistry a certain je ne sais quoi.

Look at him: she tried not to listen to her inner voice, blond almost white, hair, big sly grin plastered on his face, revealing his more than naughty thoughts, reserved for her. Sculpted body, his clothes like they were painted on him rather than wearing them, the glint in his eyes, he had sincere fun, only when his gaze was averted to her did she catch his pain, switching back to fun as he hugged his father and tried to hug Hermione, her pregnant belly preventing him from doing so, making him smile even more.

Rose felt the tears streaming down her cheeks, conjuring a handkerchief from her purse, carefully catching the tears . She sniffled a few times as her nose turned into a runny mess, for fucks sake Rose she scolded herself, keep a lid on it. She turned around blowing her nose. Uttering a "faciem purgatio" cleansing her face, she didn't want to appear with blacks streaks on her face.

Hermione, Draco and their children were ushered towards the sunny gardens, the photographer waited for them to have their moving pictures taken. Happy smiles, kisses and holding hands would definitely be the main theme. Draco and Hermione had one taken with just the two of them, Draco stood behind her, his hands on her belly, pressing a kiss on her cheek as Hermione had her arm behind his head, stroking his silvery locks. They were so much in love it hurt Scorpius, how could he fault them, betraying them with his love for Rose?

Hugo and Rose walked towards a waiter, Rose took two champagne flutes, handing one to Hugo. "Go on take it!" She said, even by Wizarding standings sixteen wasn't an age when one could drink, legally that was. Hugo heartily accepted he took every chance when liquor was thrown his way. Brother and sister stood next to each other, watching festivities commence.

"Are you okay?" Hugo asked his older sibling.

"Oh, are you talking about my tears, those were happy tears!" Rose tried to explain light heartedly.

"Don't play stupid with me Rose, because I'm not!" Hugo answered as they faced the crowd, congratulating their mother and Draco.

"Don't know what you're talking about, little brother!" Rose sneered.

"Yeah you do!" Hugo replied cooly, he turned to face her. "I'm not oblivious Rose! He Leaned closer to her ear, "I know for a fact you're shagging Malfoy junior!" He divulged.

Rose started to cough, champagne bubbles making their way through her nose, clearing her sinuses. "You what!" She spat at her younger brother.

"Yeah try to hide something as major as that and you're setting yourself up for failure, I inherited our mother's genes as much as you did, but flaunting it is not my style! That's where dads kick in!" He relayed. "Oh and keep the champagne coming, sister dear!"

Rose grabbed Hugo's elbow, pushing him behind the ever blooming white camellias, waving her wand uttering a silencing ward. "What the fuck Hugo!" Rose said as she poked her finger in his chest.

"Yeah, well shag a bloke after a match and you're little brother forgetting his favourite gloves will do that for ya!" He smirked, taking a sip from his flute. "Now, answer me, how-are-you-doing, because your face tells tales!" His voice sounded concerned.

"Uh, oh, I_" Rose sighed, her voice didn't comply. "I'm not fine Hugo, really not... But forget about that it will take time.." Her voice trailed of.

"So you love him then?" Hugo asked.

"Yeah I guess I do! But he's off to auror training, I'm in hot pursuit of a medical degree and well our mother is pregnant with our mutual half siblings, so where do I start explaining this?" She looked at him with hurt in her eyes.

Hugo hugged his older sibling, knowing he wouldn't pursue his line of questioning. He didn't know what real love was but he witnessed it twice today, both his mother and sister were deeply in love with the Malfoy men, only one of them acting upon it even when she did after all those years, he felt bad for his father, the bloke never stood a chance in hell. Rose handed him another flute, he'd make sure he got thoroughly plastered alongside Scorpius, one good thing would come of this he had a wicked older brother now.

Scorpius turned to Albus and James, he took his flask from his pocket, he had it charmed, it would keep on flowing until the wedding was over. Scorpius needed to dull his pain, he watched Rose move towards her younger cousin Lily, admiring her very short dress. Yeah that red head was really pretty even when she couldn't hold a candle to Rose's, maybe he could dance with her later on, he after all should head out there again, taking a large gulp of fire whiskey.

Albus got a sniff of fire whiskey as Scorpius came closer to him and James, "Hey, mate what are you hiding in your breast pocket, hand it over or I'll tell!" He shook hands with Scorpius congratulating him with his father nuptials.

Scorpius rolled his eyes and handed it over to his friend, Albus turned around, facing the bush behind him and took a rather big swig before handing it over to James.

Scorpius was glad he charmed the damn flask, it kept on refilling.

"So, you were checking out Lily?" James scooted closer, almost touching Scorpius chest with his. He acted like that bird of paradise, inflating his chest, Scorpius observed. Well he couldn't blame him, he looked out for his sister. She was very pretty after all. "Yes, like I need permission to ask her to dance!" Scorpius retorted the older boy.

"Yeah well watch it or you won't live to see Auror training, mate let alone survive the hazing I have planned when you do!" James snickered. James was part of the training crew at the Auror training facility, he was hand picked by his uncle Ron, it raised a few eyebrows here and there, but he was good at what he did, no one could deny that he was, so voices were muffled quickly.

Scorpius almost chocked on his fire whisky, Merlin yes, he forgot about that, James was his Senior at Auror training grounds, Rose mentioned it to him. The older boy looked like he had grown into his muscles the past year, even when they were on opposing teams the past years he always had the eldest Potter sibling in high regards, he thought he'd surely end up being a professional Quidditch player, when he started Auror training it surprised Scorpius. "Yeah, well forgot about that!" He smiled faintly. He kept on staring in Lily's direction, because the latter was still talking to Rose.

Scorpius felt the green eyed monster bubble up inside as a brown haired male made his way over to the duo; Ciaran Cullen. What in fucks name did he want now? Scorpius wanted to walk over and punch the slimy git in the nose, the way the man looked at Rose made him more than uncomfortable. He strutted over like he owned the place, taking Rose hand in his, kissing her again, like he'd done two weeks ago on her birthday. Rose blushed and giggled, which infuriated Scorpius even more. Rose excused herself and walked away with Ciaran towards the dance floor, he held her hand as he lead the way. Her Summer (strapless) dress, the small train flowing behind her, her high heels ticking on the floor as she let him lead her.

"Okay, I'm going to ask Lily for a dance!" Scorpius informed her two brothers, before he made his way over.

James and Albus watched him stomp of, something got his knickers in a twist they reckoned, best not anger him by forbidding him to dance with their younger sister, who was very capable of holding her own ground. Telling him not to mess with her was a joke, if anything she inherited her mothers mean streak, her bat bogey hexes were feared by many. James and Albus toasted their flutes, wishing the young platinum all best with taking Lily to the dance floor. She had a habit of stepping on toes and bumping into other couples, she wouldn't take a lead even when it killed her. This would be a very interesting thing to watch, both boys wanted front row seats.

Rose swayed inside Ciaran's arms, he asked her to dance and she thought he was so charming as he again kissed her knuckles. He was tall, almost like Scorpius, he moved gracefully, manly, he held her hand on his chest his other hand lightly on the small of her back, his fingers spread on her right buttock, she could feel them burn through her thin fabric. His eyes gazed into hers, dark brown, his chest firm but not as muscular as Scorpius. Rose felt confused, Ciaran was a charmer, but she kept on reminiscing about a certain blond, who tried to dance with her cousin. Rose smiled , Lily was a hoot, she almost wrestled Scorpius to take the lead. That petite girl who could outfly anyone, held her liquor like a sailor, immaculately dressed, hair neatly in a bun, was in a league of her own.

"Why are you smiling?" Ciaran cocked an eyebrow, his voice a deep baritone. He sounded almost put off with her.

"Oh, it's my cousin! She is hilarious, she's dancing with Draco Malfoy's son, Scorpius. He's having trouble leading her!" Rose chuckled, as soon as the name left her mouth, she felt her fingers gripped more tightly, Ciaran squeezed her fingers, his lips thinned. "Erm, you're hurting me Ciaran!" She didn't wanted to sound all girlie and week, but the words sounded feeble, coming from her mouth.

"Oh, I'm sorry baby!" Ciaran, cooed as he brought her fingers to his mouth, lightly kissing them to make her feel better. His fingers dug possessively into her arse. "It looks like you're watching the bloke too much!" His voice growled.

"Why would I Ciaran, he's my stepbrother!" Rose felt caught, because she was watching Scorpius, Ciaran, was right, she needed to be more careful if he caught on to it so might others.

"Do, you know what baby, let me take you out for a picnic on Sunday, I would really like to get to know you!" He let go of her hand, tucking a stray curl behind her ear, caressing her cheek with his thumb.

Rose looked up to Ciaran, he was good looking and knew how to woo a girl, she might give it a try, acting like a girl, it would be nice, a fresh start, she was to tomboyish anyway. "I'd love too Ciaran!" She smiled a genuine smile

"Ouch, Scorpius, you're stepping on my toes!" Lily almost cried, she was wearing strappy high sandals, she followed Scorpius gaze he didn't react to her outcry. Rose, he was watching Rose. Lily understood why, Rose seemed quite intimate with Ciaran. "Let her go Scorpius." She whispered to the handsome blonde.

"Uhm, what!" Scorpius snapped out of his daze.

"You heard me, let her go..." Scorpius stopped dancing altogether. "I know about you two, Hugo and I are really not that dumb you know! How no one noticed is beyond me!" Lily continued.

"You're babbling wrench!" Scorpius scoffed.

"As if Scorpius!" Lily had her hands on her sides. "You don't fool me you know! I read people, that's how I catch the snitch, I react when others see it." There she gave away her tactics. It didn't matter because she wouldn't play against Scorpius. "Now, give me some of your fire whisky." She added sweetly.

"How?! Oh yeah you read people..." Scorpius walked away from the canopied dance floor, he needed a stiff drink.

Lily followed Scorpius, the bloke obviously needed a drink and she was in hot pursuit, this was getting to sweet anyway, she kicked her shoes, damn things.

Rose wrapped her arms around Ciaran's neck, he pulled her closer, staring into her eyes. Hook line and sinker. He watched her during the ceremony, she looked so much like Hermione, desperately trying to shake her tomboyish nature, she had a slender delicate frame, but moved like she was a boy, her curls feminine as was her posture, he'd treat her like she was a Lady, she liked that, he could tell, maybe and that was a big if, she'd forget that Malfoy wanker, Ciaran mused. He pressed a delicate kiss on her forehead.

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