Chapter 73

After a great relaxing weekend, everyone had to get back to the real world. For Ella that meant getting back to work. She enjoyed the weekend away, despite the whole range of feelings she felt in Hugo's presence, now feeling a little proud that she was actually able to make it through the whole weekend. Ella found herself with a little more time before work on Tuesday morning, so she stopped by her favourite cafe. As she waited for her Hazelnut Latte, her mind was lost running through all the things she needed to do that day. When her name was called, she collected her coffee in a busy daze. So much so that Ella did not realise someone was right behind her. Ella turned and bumped straight into him, spilling her coffee all over his shirt.

"Argh!"

"Oh my gosh! I'm sorry, I didn't-" She stuttered before looking up and meeting his eyes. Once, she saw who it was she froze.

"No, honestly, it was my fault," he said earnestly, lifting his wet shirt off his skin slightly. "I'm sorry, Ella."

Ella swallowed down her nerves and turned her gaze away from Hugo's sheepish expression to get some serviettes from the counter.

"Here," she said as she passed them to the redhead. "It didn't burn you, did it?" She let slip, unable to stop herself showing concern for him.

"A little, but I'm tough," he replied, light heartedly as he patted the serviettes against his wet shirt and his jeans in an attempt to dry them. Ella forced the hint of a small smile off her face, before looking away from his face, trying to keep her emotions in check. She did not like how much he effected her still. "Ella, I really am sorry," he reached out and placed a hand on her arm. Ella almost hated how she still felt comfortable with his touch. "I saw you there and wanted to talk to you. I shouldn't have left the line and stepped up right behind you," Hugo continued. When Ella didn't say anything, he continued, afraid that she'd leave soon. "Can I please get you another coffee? What were you having?" Ella wasn't sure if that was a good idea as she'd have to wait with him a little longer while they waited for her coffee.

"Um…I-"

"Please Ella," Hugo asked, lowering his head a little to catch her gaze. She gave in as she looked into his pleading eyes.

"Hazelnut Latte," she replied.

"Okay, a Hazelnut Latte coming right up. Hold on," Hugo said with a smile, before moving back towards the front counter. Ella could not stop herself from giggling as she watched him, wet clothes and all. He was awkwardly trying to explain to a grumpy old man, who was next in line to give his order, what happened and convince him to let Hugo go in front of him. She couldn't hear much of what he was saying but he did point to her and get the old man to look over at her a couple of times. With what must have been a last ditch effort, as the man looked like he was going to ignore him and order, she heard Hugo say louder, "C'mon Sir, just ask yourself…what would Jesus do?"

Ella saw the old man's grumpy expression twitch with a hint of a smile at that and then he stepped aside for Hugo. The redhead turned to her and dramatically threw his arms up in the air and let out a shout of "Yes." Gaining a murmur of laughter from the other cafe patrons and Ella alike at his goofiness.

Once, he ordered and thanked the old man, he returned to stand in front of her. They fell into a somewhat awkward silence. "So, are on your way to work?" He asked, trying to break the tension.

"Yeah," she replied.

"Do you come here often?"

"Um not as often as I'd like…," she said vaguely. After he didn't respond again she looked up at him and saw defeat and pain in his eyes. Ella could see this was him trying to make things better with her and she was not happy with how she was treating him. She realised the only way they could move forward from this was if she gave in a little more. "This place is actually a favourite of mine, but I don't usually get a chance to enjoy their coffee unless I order it to be delivered during the day. I found myself with a little more time this morning and decided to treat myself at little," she explained to Hugo, happy to see a smile bloom on his face as she opened up a little. "What about you?"

"Ah, occasionally," he replied. "I am on my way to see my mum and she loves the brekky muffins here, so I thought I'd stop in and get one for her," Hugo said, as lifted the small paper bag in his hands to show her.

"She's lucky to have such a thoughtful son like you," Ella commented. "I don't think my brother has ever done anything like that for our mum."

"You say that now, but what you don't know is that I worry her a lot, I do some dum things. So, it's only fair to spoil her every now and then," Hugo explained with a smile.

"You do dum things? No. Really?," Ella teased. They shared a laugh together, it was refreshing for them both. Hugo's name was called and he went up and collected their drinks.

"One Hazelnut Latte, me Lady," Hugo presented Ella her coffee with a flourish and a bow.

"Why thank you, sir," Ella giggled. Hugo smiled at her, but as he straighten up his expression turned anxious.

"Hey, would it be…okay if…what I mean…Ella, could I walk you to work?" He stuttered nervously.

"Um…yes," she replied. "I think I'd like that," she added with surprise, finding that she actually really did like the thought of him walking with her. They chatted casually about trivial things and stayed on safe topic's as they walked. He accompanied her all the way to her office, walking past his mother's without so much of a thought. When they arrived a weight seemed to press down upon both of them in the form of silence. Being back at the same place things had gone so horribly wrong last time, changed the atmosphere immediately.

Hugo felt a determination to not let that happen again, so he spoke up first. "Ella, I am really sorry for what I said last time that I was here." Ella nodded her head but still continued to avoid his gaze. "You have to know, I don't think that at all! I don't know where that came from or why I even said it." Ella still didn't look at him, but felt tears swell in her eyes, because she knew deep down that he was telling the truth and she knew he didn't think of her as a fame seeking, gold digger. However, what she saw that day was bitter and mean part of Hugo. She felt hurt and mostly because it reminded her of how much he had changed from when they were friends. How they could never go back to that now. This event, his reaction to her feelings, would always be a part of their history now.

Hugo sighed as Ella continued to look down at he floor. "I don't want to upset you anymore, but I do want to tell you that…" Hugo paused as he found the right words to say. "That even though I don't remember it, I know that night will always be the best night of my life," he said earnestly. "Because it was with you." He watched as Ella took in a deep breathe and shifted on her feet as though trying very hard to stop herself from looking up at him. "And for that split second before I freaked out, waking up next to you in bed, was a dream come true. If that is all that we share in this life then I will treasure it and be happy because I got that one moment with you." Ella now couldn't stop herself any longer. She looked up into his eyes, seeing his smile shine as she did so. Ella opened her mouth to speak, but closed it again. She wanted and needed time to think about what this could mean for them and she felt that it was entirely unfair to expect her to be able to do that rationally with him looking at her like he was. After realising that she wasn't going to say anything Hugo continued. "Now, I know that I shouldn't do anymore assuming I know what you are thinking or feeling, so I'm just going to go. From the start of next week, I am away for 4 weeks on tour. I hope that we can talk about your thoughts and feelings about what I just said when I get back." Before he could overthink it, Hugo then reached out and took one of her hands in his. He gave it a reassuring squeeze, and quickly leaned in and pressed a sweet kiss to her cheek. Ella felt the blush rise high in her cheeks as he released her hand and smiled at her. "See you later," Hugo said, as he left her office, with Ella standing there in shock and at a complete loss on how to navigate her feelings and thoughts now.

Le Coin Rose

Rose also found herself back at her cafe on Tuesday, unable to stop smiling as she worked through the morning. Overall, it was a successful weekend, Dominique and Jacob had an amazing and enjoyable wedding, but also she and Scorpius had been able to overcome another small hurdle in their relationship and move forward. Rose felt even more content and positive about them as she knew they evolved, progressed and are stronger for it. The day ahead was going to be a tough and long, as she had given Daisy the day off for all her extra work hours while she was away. However, nothing could make her smile fade on this day. Not the grumpy, rude delivery man that dropped off her produce order. Not the surprise health inspector who showed up during the busy noisey brunch crowd intake. Not even the fact that she missed having Daisy being there with her, could damper her spirits.

Throughout the day, Rose often found herself daydreaming about the day before. A day that she and Scorpius, along with Albus and Alison, simply worked together packing up and returning everything from the wedding. Thanks to magic it only took a few of hours to clear everything except the newlyweds accommodation. Not exactly what one would say is the most memorable or even exciting of days, but Rose relished in the small moments she shared with Scorpius that lifted her heart. The glances, the smiles, the touches. They all made her feel alive in such a different way, in a way she never had before. He was simply intoxicating and yet it all felt in a way instinctual, comfortable and intimate. Like they have been sharing these feelings for years when in fact it had been so much less.

Later, they left the newlyweds to enjoy the rest of their short honeymoon and ended up spending the afternoon and night at Hugo's. It was the first time that Rose and Scorpius were able to show more affection and be more of a couple in a public setting as the only people present were friends who knew in some way that they were in fact a couple officially. The scene played out like it was out of some 90's ensemble TV show, they were all gathered around the large kitchen. Hugo sitting on a bar stool across the bench from his sister as she and Alison prepared their meal. Scorpius stood at the end of the island closest to Rose, while Albus lent against the opposite end. All three men nursed a bottle of beer in their hand, while glasses of wine could be seen on the bench and were sipped by the women as they cooked. Stories and laughter shared across the kitchen bench, smiles on all their faces. Rose often blushed as she found Scorpius looking at her, his eyes following her throughout the kitchen as she moved around to use the stove and gather utensils. She will never forget the glowing, happy, affectionate twinkle in his blue eyes as he smiled at her. She'd never forget the warm feeling in her chest as she felt his hand on her hip whenever she paused to take a sip of her wine and moved to lean her body against his. He'd effortlessly reel her in and fit her against his side or press her back against his chest as they continued to converse with their friends.

Throughout the night, they both felt even more comfortable as no one questioned or even battered an eye lid at seeing them be more affectionate towards each other. After eating dinner, they all gathered in the lounge room and Hugo brought out some classic games such as Exploding Snap, Gobstones, Uno and Cluedo. Rose and Scorpius sat on the floor together, Rose between Scorpius' legs, leaning back against his chest. Soon, every so often, Scorpius would boldly press a kiss to her cheek, forehead or her neck as they teamed up to take on the others in the games. After a few more drinks and a few rounds of Uno and Cluedo, Albus and Alison left for their flat. Hugo turned in shortly after, telling them to make sure all the lights were off before going to bed.

Rose had confirmed with Hugo earlier in the day, she was staying like she promised. So, she knew the spare bedroom was made up ready for her. Without even a second thought she took her boyfriend's hand and led him to the spare bedroom. As soon as, they closed the door, Rose reached up and kissed him. It wasn't quite the lustful, explosive, passionate kiss that they shared in earlier in the weekend, but it was still strong and emotive. Rose eventually pulled back slowly from the kiss and she whispered into the space between their lips, "Stay."

And he did. That was how she woke early that morning, content with his arms wrapped around her, both of them still partly in their clothes from the day before.

Following his chat with Ella, Hugo tried to shake his miserable and scared feelings as he hung out with his mates. John, Charlie and Lysander did their best to take his mind off the fact that he could have seriously ruined any hope left of being with Ella. Hugo had played nearly all his cards and had no idea if things were going to work out. What's worst is that he promise himself to give her space, so he had to wait 5 weeks to see if Ella reacts well to what he said. When his front door buzzer for his flat sounded it pulled him from his thoughts. He immediately jumped up from his seat, totally ignoring the video game his was suppose to be playing, feeling thankful for the distraction from his thoughts and insecurities. The boys continued to play the video game as Hugo answered with the intercom. "Hey, who is it?"

"It's Lily." He paused. Part of him wanted to tell her to bugger off, but he let out as sigh as he realised he shouldn't and couldn't do that. Without saying anything more, he pressed the button to allow her entry. It wasn't too long before Lily stood at his front door. "Hey," she said.

"Hi," he replied.

"Can we talk?" She asked, with a distinct lack of her usual confidence. It in a way worried Hugo, like maybe something was wrong or he was about to be given bad news.

"About what?"

Lily let out a sigh, "about… well, about how I haven't been a very good cousin or friend as of late."

Lily and Hugo left his friends at his apartment, with a strong word to lock up when they were done, and made their way towards a local park. They didn't speak on the way, both clearly using their time to organise their thoughts and feelings about how the next conversation was going to happen. Eventually, Lily sat down on an empty park bench and Hugo mirrored her. After another minute of silence between the pair, Lily could be heard sucking a deep breath before she let it all out.

"Look, I have been doing some thinking over the weekend, actually since Ella has returned really," the words rushed out of her mouth rather quickly as they both just stared out in front of them, not looking at each other. "And after receiving another wake up call from Lucy this weekend too, I have come to the conclusion that I have been absolutely horrible to you since you pushed Ella away and I want to talk to you about it all."

"Okay," Hugo replied, still a little shocked and confused that this was actually happening.

"But I also want to make sure we address everything, which means I need to know more things from your perspective as well and I will be asking you some questions. So, for this to work and for us to move forward I really need you to answer them," Lily added, and for the first time since they sat down they actually turned to look at each other.

"Look Lily, maybe this isn't such a good idea," Hugo said with a defeated sigh of his own.

"Yes, it is. We can't…I can't function like this with you anymore," she said her voice wavering with rare emotion.

"Why? The state of our munted relationship has not really bothered you before, why now?"

"It has bothered me!" She declared, tears welling in her eyes. Once she felt them there, she moved her gaze down to her hands as they rested upon her knees, some last ditch effort to not let Hugo see her cry. "Just because I don't show it often, doesn't mean I haven't been upset over how things have turned out." Hugo didn't know what to say as he continued to look at his cousin. Eventually, he slid over to her on the bench and pulled her into his chest with an arm around her shoulders. She went willingly and Hugo then wrapped his other arm around her too, comfortingly rubbing up and down her arm. "Hugo, before Hogwarts, before Ella, before Quidditch, we were best friends," she mumbled into his chest, before pulling back slightly to look back at him. "We were the ultimate duo, completely inseparable. You don't think I haven't kicked myself sideways multiple times over the last few years at how I have let things go down between us?" Hugo leaned back on the bench seat, taking her with him as he keep his arm wrapped around her shoulders.

"To be honest Lil, no I didn't think you cared," he said with a sigh.

"Well, I did," Lily replied immediately. "And I still do," she added, with a playful hit to his chest. She was grateful for getting a small smile out of him for that. "Hugo, I am so sorry." Lily said, lock her gaze onto her cousin's and Hugo could tell that she meant it sincerely. "I'm sorry for not being there for you when you were upset, for not realising that you were upset to begin with, for calling your feelings stupid and then not listening to your side of everything, basically I'm sorry for not being a good friend that you can trust."

"Thanks Lil, that means a lot."

"I know I have a lot to make up for and I want to do that and I want to prove to you that you can trust me again, but I also need to know more of how everything started. I need more context here," Hugo removed his arm and lent forward, rubbing his hands over his face, almost with a growl escaping his lips. "Not because I will tell Ella, or side with her or anything like that, just because if I am going to be there and support you moving forward I need to know more about what you think and feel about everything. Including, even though it will be hard to take, how I made you feel or made things harder." Lily let her request sink in and remain quiet, simply choosing to watch her cousin sort through his thoughts on the matter.

Eventually, Hugo took a deep breath and moved to lean back again the seat as he exhaled. He turned his eyes on her and simply said, "Okay, I'll tell you everything."

After seeing Rose off to work, Scorpius left Hugo's and went to meet Albus at what would soon be his mates new house. They discussed many things about how to officialise Scorpius' possible new business, what would be expected moving forward, plans for this new suburb and briefly about Albus' plans to propose.

"Look mate, I have a plan of somewhat developing, and when I sort it out I'll come to you as I will no doubt need your help to pull it off," was the final word he said on the topic.

After his friend left to return to the Ministry, Scorpius set to work to complete as many of the little final touches as he could to finish the house. Eventually, he grew tired and decided to return to the Manor and to have dinner with his parents. Aparating straight into the his room, Scorpius quickly retired to his ensuite bathroom for a shower before dressing casually in jeans and a t-shirt, assuming his parents will be about to sit down for dinner. As he approached the dinning room, he could hear some muffled noises and what sound like cutlery clanging together. "Hello? Mum? Dad?" He rushed around the corner, fear in his mind. He thought they might be hurt or injured as he burst into the dinning room. As soon as he did, he wish he hadn't. "Oh fucking Merlin! Really? Argh!" He yelled, immediately shutting his eyes and turning around as if what he saw burned him in some way. "Scorpius, we didn't know you were home yet," his mother tried to say calmly, but he could hear the embarrassment in her voice. He could also hear them scramble to right their appearance and the table sitting. Zippers being lifted, plates and cutlery being replaced. "Yep, well…I am…so," he muttered, turning back around towards them, still in the door way with his eyes firmly shut. "Well, it's good to have you back, son," he heard his father say rather awkwardly. "Yes, I see you both missed me," Scorpius quipped in response. His parents, choose to ignore the comment.

Clearing his throat, Draco immediately tried to change the subject, "So how did it all go? Was it a good weekend?"

"Clearly, not as good as yours father," he replied, unable to stop the teasing wise crack from leaving his mouth. He immediately regretted it, it seemed this was his way of dealing with walking in on his parents during certain relations.

"Oh honestly Scorpius, stop being so ridiculous," his mother sighed frustratingly. Meanwhile, Draco couldn't stop the smile that had slipped its way onto his face as he looked at his wife. She was red faced and completely embarrassed, even though she was trying to save face with their son. Catching her eye he simply shrugged as if to say 'he's not wrong'. Astoria just rolled her eyes at her husband, before turning back to her son. "For the love of Merlin Scorpius, you can open your eyes."

"Nope, I'm good. Actually, I think I forgot something so… I'm gonna go anyway… but enjoy your…dinner," without opening his eyes he simply disaparated. By this point Draco was trying really hard to keep his mirth from escaping. He was practically shaking, when his wife dropped into a chair, leant on the table with her elbows and put her face in her hands.

"Well, that was mortifying," she groaned.

When Rose walked up the last few stairs to her flat, she was surprised to see a certain blonde who had been on her mind all day, sitting at her door looking rather uncomfortable and tired.

"Hey," she said warmly, despite being super tired and worn out herself, she was happy to see him. Her happiness only increased as she watched his mood immediately and visibly improve as he caught sight of her.

"Hi," he replied, smiling up at her before getting to his feet. He pulled her close with an hand on her hip, and lifted the other to her cheek. "You're a sight for sore eyes," he said, lightly caressing her cheek with his thumb. He leaned in and pressed his lips to hers, before resting his forehead against her with a delighted sigh.

"What's up with you?" Rose asked, picking up that something was bothering him.

"Nothing, just glad to see you," he replied, as he pulled back a little to look at her. Rose shot him a look as if to say, 'I don't believe you, but okay' before she moved around him towards her door. "So, how was your day?" He asked as she unlocked the door and walked in, Scorpius following close behind.

"Tiresome and long," Rose replied, as she moved towards her bedroom to quickly shed her coat and shoes. "So, I am probably not going to be good company tonight," she added hesitantly as she came back out. He walked towards her, sliding his arm around her waist, pulling her close. She effortlessly and almost naturally, slid her hands up his arms, over his shoulders, to lock behind his neck.

"Well, beggars can't be choosers," Scorpius teased with a smile. Rose playfully gasped and hit him on the back of his head, in response to his mocking. "Did you have any plans for dinner tonight?"

"No, I was actually going to order some Chinese as I don't really have much in the fridge after the weekend," she replied.

"Sounds good to me, do you mind if I join you?" Scorpius asked, now feeling a little self-conscious and worried that he might be overstepping. "I mean, if you'd rather be alone I can go. I just thought-," Rose cut him off by pulling his head down and planting a strong kiss on his lips.

"You're so cute when you get nervous, I don't see you like that often," she teased as she pulled back from him. "Now, make yourself useful and order the food, while I have a shower," she commanded, unwrapping his arms from around her waist and turning back to her bedroom. As he watched her leave with a smile on his face, she called out over her shoulder, "my favourites are circled on the menu that's on the fridge."

"We haven't hung out like this in years," Hugo said as lifted a large slice of pizza to his lips. He sat on the couch with his cousin Lily perched across from him and a large pizza box in between them. "T's winda ice," he added, as he munched on his food.

"Yeah, and maybe this is the reason for that," Lily teased with a disgusted face. "It's times like this I find it so hard to believe that you are the son of Hermione Granger. You'd think she, of all mother's, would have taught her son some better table manners," Lily laughed.

"Ell wer ot at da able," Hugo replied. They laughed and shared a smile before Lily took a bit from her own slice. Hugo swallowed his food and his face turned serious. "Thank you for this," Hugo said. "Today has been good and I know we have a long way to go but it has been a relief to talk to you about this now. I am sorry for not being open to this sooner as well."

Lily swallowed and then replied with a smile, "glad we are both ready now."

"So, we have talked mostly about me," Hugo said. "I feel like I have lots to learn about you and your life too."

"Not really," Lily shrugged. "I'm the same as I have always been."

"What about your music and singing?" Hugo probed. "You where always more passionate about that than anything else. What are you doing about it now?"

"No, that's just a hobby now," Lily said looking down at pizza in front of her, avoiding Hugo's gaze. "I am the Ministry's best paper pusher," she joked.

"Doesn't have to be," Hugo encouraged. "From what I remember you're really good."

"That was a long time ago now," Lily deflected.

"Not really. You should talk to Max, Scorp says he know people in those circles," Hugo added with a smile. He quickly changed the subject not wanting to push her, but leaving the information swirling in her head.

While they waited for the the food to be delivered Rose sat down on the couch and turned on the TV. "So what would you like to watch?" Rose called out as she tucked her fluffy sock covered feet up onto the couch beside her, trying to get comfy.

"I'm good with whatever," Scorpius called out from the kitchen as he poured their wine. He turned and saw her flicking through the Muggle TV channels, as he carried in their wine glasses. "Oh thank you," Rose said when she saw him, reaching for her drink. Scorpius sat down on the end of the couch and placed his own glass on the coffee table in front of them. "Why are you so far away?" Rose asked, as he sat back against the couch. Without waiting for a response from him, she moved closer and casually snuggled up to him with her head on his chest. Scorpius smiled and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

"Is that better?" he added with a chuckled at her cosy behaviour.

"Much," she replied as she settled on something to watch.

"Good. So what are we watching?"

"An old Bake Off episode," Rose replied. "I think Dave and Laura were the best in this season, even though neither end up winning." It hit Scorpius how effortless and natural this felt. Rose and him spending the night together on the couch watching some muggle TV. Both Scorpius and Rose felt a wave of contentment in that moment together. Like this is how it should always be.

"Is Bake Off a favourite of yours?" Scorpius asked after a little while.

"Yeah, it's just easy watching and sometimes it can be rather helpful. Gives me ideas for my cakes." Soon there was a knock at her door and Scorpius quickly pressed a kiss her temple before getting up to get their food.

The Newlyweds returned to their secluded cottage via Aparation. As their feet landed on the grass in their backyard, Jacob pulled Dom close. "Home sweet home," Dominique said, smiling up at her husband. "Only one thing left to do then," Jacob replied. "What's that?" She asked confused at what he was thinking. Instead of answering, Jacob scooped her up bridal style. Dom laughed as he carried her through their back door. "Welcome home my beautiful wife," he said with a smile as they made their way through their little house. Dom leaned in and kissed her husband as they walked passed their small lounge room towards the stairs that lead to the bedroom.

"Your Wife?" A shocked voice stopped them. Dom quickly pulled away from Jacob looked over to their lounge suit to see her Mother and Father, now standing with shocked expressions on their faces.

"Mum? Dad? What are you doing here?" She questioned nervously, although she did notice the wrapped gift on the coffee table.

"We wanted to surprise you, as we weren't allowed to see you for your birthday," Fleur explained, sending a glare towards Jacob. Letting him know that she clearly saw this as his fault for leading Dom astray again. Jacob ignored her and instead focused on trying to support his new wife, placing his hands on her shoulders. Trying to give her strength, show his support and their unity to her doubtful mother.

"But as it turns out the surprise is on us," Bill added, not hiding the sad and disappointed tone in his voice.

"Dad, we…I… I'm…" Dominique stuttered as she tired to look her Father in the eye. He refused to look at her, which cause her to sigh and drop her gazed to the floor. Now, fully understanding why Jacob was hesitant to do this without their families. She could see how hurt they were and how selfish she had been.

"I knew something was going on with you," Fleur continued, clearly choosing to mask her pain in anger instead. "But I never expected you to be so heartless that you'd actually not include us in your engagement and wedding."

"Mr & Mrs Weasley, I'm so sorry you found out this way, but please let us explain," Jacob tried to jump in and steer the conversation in a more positive direction. However, Fleur completely ignored him and continue to speak to Dominique, as she noticed something else about her daughter.

"Dominique Aela Weasley, this is so disappointing. Especially, as it's not only a wedding that you have been hiding as well." This caused Bill to finally look up confused. Fleur then turned to husband, her voice finally letting a little of her true feelings slip in as it broke as she said, "Bill, what did I do deserve this. My own daughter gets married, and is pregnant and doesn't even tell me." Bill took his wife in his embrace and looked straight into his daughters eyes as if he needed her to confirm his wife's suspicions. Dominique was in shock and left the truth there, written all over her face. Dominique watched as her father, who was often the only one in her corner, flush red with anger as he held his teary wife.

"Sir, we-" Jacob tried to address Bill, now stepping in front of Dom.

"Don't you dare!" Bill growled.

"Daddy, I-" Dominique tried as well, moving to stand next to Jacob. Her father cut her off quickly.

"No! You can't explain your way out of this," he raised his voice at her. "There isn't anything you could say right now to make this better, so just don't. You have hurt your mother and I deeply." He then steered his wife towards the fireplace, ready to take her home. He stopped only turn back to his daughter and her new husband. "I hope you had a great weekend and that you are happy. Happy Birthday Bub," Bill said, before using the Floo saying 'Shell Cottage' taking him and his wife home. Dom collapse back into Jacob's arms crying at what she had done as he held her tight.

So that's Chapter 73. I hope you all had a great Christmas and New Years. Thank you to those who left a review for my last time, always interested in which story arcs and characters you are more interested than others. Thank you to the readers that have been following for a while and are patient with me and still interested.