Chapter 77

"Congratulations to the soon to be Mr & Mrs Potter," Scorpius spoke to the crowd. "I believe Albus wanted to say a few words, right mate?" Albus made his way up to the little makeshift stage to address the crowd. He raised his wand to his throat so everyone could hear him.

"Firstly, a big thank you to Scorp for not only helping me organising tonight, but also for building Alison and I's dream home. We are both eternally grateful," he said turning back slightly towards his mate. "Thank you to Rose and Hugo especially, but also to all of you, our families & friends, who supported us and made this day possible. Without you all, life wouldn't be the same and I know that both Alison and I are so lucky to have you all in our lives," Albus raised his glass of Firewhiskey in toast, before locking his gaze on his fiancé. "Finally, to the most beautiful person I know, Alison. I love you and I can't wait to marry you." Alison blushed but could not hide that fact that she felt the same as it was clearly visible all over her face. "I know it has been a long time coming, but I am not scared of this change because I know we have each other through it all." James, Fred and Hugo all cheered and whistled, why most of the crowd sighed affectionately. "Now, please join us to celebrate our engagement and our new home," he added, leading to another cheer from the crowd. Scorpius and the band started another song and Albus jumped off the little stage, heading straight for Alison. He immediately kissed her and the room erupted in cheers again. Alison couldn't help but laugh through the kiss, when she heard the cheers.

After that Alison and Albus did the rounds, making an effort to see all their friends and family that attended. This left Rose mostly on her own. She spent her time dancing and catching up with her's and Alison's dorm mates who had been invited. It was interesting with Zoe because their relationship had not been as good over the most recent years as Zoe and Louis's relationship was so off and on that Rose didn't know where she stood and was really tired of the drama. It seems that Louis and Zoe were serious about the break up this time. They were both steering clear of each other, throughout the night. No matter how much she tried not to, all she really wanted was to talk to Scorpius. Her eyes kept drifting to him as he played on the small stage. When Scorpius announced that the band would be leaving and the playlist would be on from than on, she had to force herself to relax and stay in the conversation with her friends rather than run to him. As he packed up the equipment and stage, Rose noticed someone approach him. She watched as the beautiful and smart Stacey Freeman, spoke to Scorpius. Stacey was in their year at Hogwarts, but was in Ravenclaw. It was known back in school that she had a large crush on Scorpius, at one point she was pretty sure they went to Hogsmeade together. A flare of jealousy ignited in Rose as she watched them smile and laugh from out the corner of her eye. She knew that Scorpius was with her now, but she couldn't stop herself feeling like she wanted to go over there and stake her claim on the man. Suddenly sad about her silly possessive thoughts, she excused herself to go for a walk. Taking the opportunity to explore the new house.

She was in a hallway on the top floor where most of the bedrooms are when Scorpius found her. "Hey, there you are. I've been looking everywhere for you," he said as he approached her with as smile. "Is everything okay?" He asked when she didn't smile fully and avoided looking him directly.

"Yeah, why wouldn't it be?" She said, looking down at the floor. Scorpius stepped in to her and placed his hands on her hips.

"Hey," he said, lifting her chin lightly with a finger trying to get her to look at him. "What's wrong?" He asked when she finally did.

"Nothing," she said. Scorpius' eyes darted around her face looking for clues as to why she felt upset but wouldn't share. He decided he would try something different then.

"Okay, then come with me. I want to show you something," Scorpius said as he reached for her hand and pulled her towards one of the rooms. They opened the door to the empty room and then continued towards the large window. Scorpius opened it and then climbed out on to the small balcony, helping Rose through on his way.

"What do you think?" He asked as they looked out at the view. You could only really see the lights from the town in the distance and the rest was just dark fields. Rose found there was something nice and peaceful about it though.

"It's peaceful," she said with a sigh, leaning into him as he moved to stand beside her, and wrap an arm around her. "This is nice."

"I'm glad you like it, you were the inspiration," Scorpius admitted.

"What? How?" She said, turning in his arms to look at him.

"Your balcony in your room at your parents place. I have fond memories of being up there with you. Your's is definitely bigger but I always thought it was a cool idea," he explained with a shrug and a smile. A blush rose in her cheeks as a smile pushed its way onto her face. Seeing this Scorpius leaned in and kissed her tenderly in return. Found it was the best way to express what he was feeling in that moment. When it was over, Rose wrapped her arms around his midsection and hugged him, burying her face in his chest. "You cold?"

"No, I'm good here," Rose giggled, and held him tighter. Scorpius chuckled in response, and continued to hold her.

As Albus and Alison continued to greet and thank everyone who was celebrating, Alison couldn't help but wish her father could have been there. She longed to tell him and was already wondering if it would be too late to stop by Mungo's after the party was over. Thinking she would most likely have to wait until the morning to share her news with her dad. As she came to that conclusion, Albus excused them from some of his work mates and pulled her in the direction of the much quieter and less busy kitchen.

"Congratulations Darling," Raymond Spencer said, smiling up proudly at his daughter from his wheelchair.

"Daddy," Alison exclaimed excitedly, as she almost threw herself into his arms.

"There's my girl," her father said as held her tightly.

"Wait, are you okay? What are you doing here?" Alison questioned pulling back to look at him, concerned for his health. He clearly was putting on a brave face, but she could see that he was still weak and pale.

"You think I'd miss this? Nothing could keep me away," he replied, squeezing her hands. Alison hugged him again in response, knowing that she wants him here, but he couldn't stay for long. "You're Mum would've loved to see this too," he said over her shoulder, she could hear the emotion he was trying to hold back in his voice. "She'd be so proud of the woman you have become, Ali."

"Thanks Dad," she sniffed, letting her emotions in as well. "I hope so." He was right her mother would have loved Albus too. She tried to not dwell on this often, on what her mother would think of how her life had turned out. She knew her mother never wanted that. On this kind of day, Alison found keeping those thoughts away a little harder. At that moment, she felt Albus slide his arm around her waist. Again just providing his presence as a reassuring force in her life. Alison leaned into his side comfortably, before smiling up at him. He kissed her lips quickly and then turned to Raymond.

"Mungo's didn't give you too much trouble?" He asked his soon to be father-in-law.

"No, and Lily was lovely, made sure I got here safe. She wanted to make sure you knew that too," Ray replied with a chuckle.

"Sounds like her," Albus rolled his eyes playfully and laughed with him. "Thank you for your blessing and support Ray," he added, sticking out his hand for the older man to shake. "It means a lot to both of us."

"Thank you for caring about each other and making each other happy. Just keep doing it okay."

"So, are you going to tell me what's been bothering you?" Scorpius asked, breaking the comfortable silence the couple were sharing. When Rose didn't immediately say something, he continued as he held her to his chest. "Rose, I care about you and you were happy before. I'm worried, did I do something?"

"No, you didn't do anything. It's rather silly actually," Rose answered, as she enjoyed being close to him and looking out at the view. Now that she was speaking he just waited patiently as she tried to figure out how to tell him. "It was Stacey," Rose finally muttered.

"Stacey?" Scorpius asked, a little surprised. "What did she do?"

"She was talking to you." When Scorpius didn't say anything Rose lifted her head of his chest to see a confused expression on his face. She heaved an embarrassed sigh and then explained herself a little further. "She was known for a having a thing for you back in Hogwarts and there she was giggling and flirting with you." Rose watched as he tried to hold back smirk from his lips. She rolled her eyes and pulled away from him. "Argh, if Stacey potentially liking you is so appealing then-" she didn't get to finish her sentence as Scorpius pulled her back to him and kissed her. The kind of kiss that took Rose's breath away, it was passionate and strong. Despite wanting to be mad at him, Rose kissed him back just as passionately. Eventually, Scorpius slowed the kiss down and released her lips. He kept close to her though, both catching their breath from the snog.

"The happiness and probably arrogance you saw on my face just now, it wasn't because Stacey likes me," Scorpius finally said with a bright smile. "It was because you, Rose, are jealous of even the possibility of her liking me. Because you care about whether I might enjoy her company over yours," he added a scoff at the end, to emphasise how false that suggestion was. "Like that could ever be true, like she could ever compare to you," Scorpius squeezed to her hips, where he held her, and continued to smile at her expressing his feelings as best he could. He hoped she could see it in his eyes. "And despite what you believe, it wasn't true at Hogwarts either," he added. "Even when you hated me, I'd rather annoy you than hang out with anyone else, with the exception of maybe Albus." Rose couldn't hold back the smile that twitched at the corner of her lips as he spoke and eventually found its way into her expression. The blushing and smiling Rose, brought herself on to her toes as she slid her hands up Scorpius' arms, over his shoulders, to find their way into his hair.

"See I told you it was rather silly," she said, drawing a small laugh from the man before their lips met in a kiss.

After sharing a moment to themselves, Rose and Scorpius made their way back down stairs to the party. As they moved through the many people enjoying themselves, Rose noticed Victoire and Teddy looking some what cornered by their Aunts and Uncles who were clearly confused as to why Dom and Jacob as well as Bill and Fleur were not present for the festivities. Rose quickly reached for Scorpius' hand, steering them both towards her cousin. Scorpius followed and they dropped hands as soon as they approached the group.

"-it's just odd is all. Are you sure they are okay?" Audrey asked.

"Yes, I promise you they are. Just-" Vic tried to reassure them.

"There has to be a reason for their absence, I'm sure we will find out eventually," Percy spoke up but it was unclear whether he was trying to assist his niece or issue out a vague threat.

"Hey Vic! Sorry to interrupt everyone," Rose called out to her cousin over the chatter and music. "but Al needs to talk to you & Ted about something. Sounded pretty urgent," she explained with quick discrete wink to Victoire.

"Oh we better go find him, talk later," Vic replied, reaching for Teddy and stepping backward away from their pushy aunts and uncles. She mouthed a quick and silent thank you to Rose before disappearing into the crowd. When Rose looked back, her mother and Aunt Ginny were smiling knowingly at her, she hadn't fooled them at all. She was glad however to see they saw fit to drop the topic for now, changing the topic to asking Scorpius about his music and his parents.

While Scorpius did all the work and happily engaged and distracted to older folk, Rose scanned the room and saw her brother talking to Lily & Max. She was happy to see that he and Lily seemed to communicate better and both looked much happier in each others presence. Curious about the change, Rose excused herself and made her way over to the small group. Just as she was getting there though Lily pulled Max away to dance. She laughed as she realised they were enjoying mucking around and taking turns doing the goofy and classic dance moves. Lily moved to the beat of the music as she did the shopping trolley and Max followed that we a rendition of what looked like starting a muggle mower and then mowing the lawn. They continued and drew a small crowd.

"Wow, they look like they are enjoying themselves," Rose said to Hugo as she came to stand next to him.

"Ha yeah, they are on a mission to prove who's the best bad dancer," Hugo said with a laugh.

"You and Lily look like you are getting along better," she inquired.

"Yeah, we have sorted a few things out and are working on being better friends to each other. It's been good."

"I'm happy for you and proud of you little bro," Rose replied, tousling his hair with sisterly affection.

"Ah, stop that," Hugo said with mirth still in his voice, as he pulled away from her hand and tried to fit his hair. Rose smiled and turned their attention back to her dancing cousin who was now doing the Sprinkler. "So, when are you gonna tell everyone about you and Hanson over there?" Hugo joked, nodding his head towards Scorpius, who was still taking to their parents and their aunts and uncles.

"Oh ha ha, shut it you," Rose clued in and playfully pushed her brother's shoulder. "Not yet, okay."

"Alright, then you gotta wait until I'm back from our tour. I don't wanna miss it."

"You don't really think Dad would react that badly do you?" She asked her brother, showing her insecurity and vulnerability about the situation. "I mean, they have always loved and accepted Scorpius," she added, looking over at her parents still talking to the blond.

"Yeah, but he wasn't your boyfriend then," Hugo teased with a cheeky smile. When his sister didn't say anything else, he moved his gaze to her. She worriedly watched Scorpius and Ron laugh and joke together while Hermione rolled her eyes affectionately. "Hey, I'm sorry. I'm just teasing, I'm sure it will be fine," Hugo said after nudged her with his elbow drawing her attention. He grabbed her hands and spun her away from looking at them, drawing her gaze to him. "They love you and if you're happy they will be so happy for you. Mum probably already knows anyway, you know what she's like, and she's probably slowly been preparing Dad for the announcement for you," he reassured her, squeezing her hand drawing out a small laugh from Rose. "Come on now, don't worry about that and just enjoy being happy," he added, pulling her into a hug. "You are happy, right?" Hugo asked, stepping back slightly to check her face.

"Yes, I really am," she confirmed, with a bright smile. "I know if feels kinda quick and sudden, but I don't think I have ever been happier."

"Good," Hugo said simply, and pulled her back into his arms. Rose had almost forgotten how good her brothers hugs are. Much like her Dad, he is bigger and taller than her and always made her feel safe in their arms.

"Hey Rose," Lily called from the little dance floor they created. The siblings kept one arm around each other as they pulled out of their hug and turned to look at their dancing cousin. She waved at them, as she did the Cabbage Patch move. They both laughed at their cousin. The she was showing off her Running Man, when Max spun her around in a swing dance fashion before he pulled her into his chest. They quickly saw the energy around Lily and Max change as they clung to each other and locked eyes, breathing deeply. Rose giggled as she saw Lily and Max's eye glance down at each others lips.

"Oi, what are you two doing?" James exclaimed, as he made his way to his little sister and Max. Lily quickly came out of her little trance and stepped away from Max. It didn't stop her from snapping back at her older brother for what was clearly going to be another time she experienced his overprotective big brother routine.

"Nothing! But let me remind you again James, that even if we were it would be none of your business brother."

"Yes it is! You're my sister," James yelled back. "Who else is going to protect you?"

"Protect me?" Lily exclaimed loudly, as Rose and Hugo cut their way through the small crowd to get to their angry cousins. "James, I don't need your protection! I can look after myself." She continued as, James glared down at her.

"Hey mate, you don't need to worry about-," Max said as tried to diffuse the situation between the siblings.

"That's enough out of you, mate!" James rounded on Max with a shove to his chest, turning towards him with a glare instead of the face off with his sister. Max stood his ground and held firm under James glare.

"James, stop it!" Lily almost growled at her brother as he quickly shoved Max again. "Don't you touch him!" She said as she pushed herself between Max and James, pushing her brother back at the same time that Hugo held James back.

"Okay, okay, I think that's enough," Rose said firmly, standing with her hands on her hips. "You are causing a scene and this is Albus and Alison's night. Drop it." James continued to glare at Max and Lily for a moment longer before he moved his gaze to Rose and nodded in agreement. Rose nodded to Hugo to let James go, which he did and put an arm around his shoulders and guided him away. "Come on mate, let's go for a little walk," Hugo said as they walked away. Rose noticed Fred kiss the cheek of his date and follow them out of the room.

Rose turned back to look at her other cousin, "Max, would you mind looking after my cousin as she also takes a moment to calm down." Rose shared a stern look with her cousin. Lily dropped her gaze to her feet, nodding as she knew Rose wasn't happy that things had got out of hand so quickly.

"Sure," Max said, as he put an arm around on Lily's waist as he guided her from the room. The room slowly resumed the festivities as Rose took a deep breath. She was startled slightly as she felt a hand on her shoulder. Recognising the touch, she relaxed and turned towards Scorpius.

"You okay?" He leaned in closer to ask. She simply smiled up at him and nodded to let him know she was. He squeezed her shoulder, before sliding his hand down her arm into her hand. She quirked are brow questioningly at him, leading him to just smirk at her and guide her to the middle of the dance floor. He hope being in the middle of all the people afforded them a small amount of privacy. Scorpius pulled her close to him and they enjoyed the moving together to the music. He spun her around and dipped her, making her laugh and her smile grow bright. When he saw her mood improve, he pulled her closer, arm snug around her waist as he whispered into her ear, "I know you don't like to do it, but I gotta say I always find it incredibly sexy when you go into your 'don't mess with me' power stance mode." He squeeze her hips so she knew what he was referring to, and felt her shiver slightly. Rose wasn't sure whether it was his low deep voice or the feel of his breathe on her ear or her neck that cause her body to react so obviously, but there was no hiding how he made her feel.

"Really? That does it for you, hotshot?" Rose flirted back, forgetting everyone around them and sliding her arms up his chest to wrap around his shoulders and neck.

"Mm, always has," he smirked at her seductively. They both knew they were temping fate and had to back this down now, but were struggling to pull away. "Scorpius," Rose breathed out as her fingers slid through and tugged light on the shorter hairs at the back of his neck and head. He pressed his forehead against hers and let out a great sigh that almost could have been a growl. Abruptly, Rose pulled away from him and he released her immediately thinking that was it. However, as she dropped her hands from his neck, she grabbed one of his hands and threaded her fingers through his. Pulling him with her she started to walk away from the dance floor and living room heading straight through the kitchen quickly to towards the side door exit.

Once outside she quickly pushed him up against the side of the house, her hands on his chest. "Rose, wh-" was all that Scorpius could get out before the redhead's lips found his. With a growl, he immediately kissed her back just as passionately. Rose let out a moan as Scorpius flipped their positions by pressing her back against the wall and pressing his hips against hers. She felt completely surrounded and somewhat trapped by him and yet she couldn't get enough, as they both took stock of each other's bodies with their hands. "Scorpius," Rose said breathlessly, as Scorpius released her lips to kiss down her neck. He then shifted and pressed his knee between her legs, drawing another moan from Rose. "Rose," he groaned and he continued to press against her core, feeling her pulse with pleasure at his touch. She then pulled his head up from her cleavage and his lips back to hers as they ground against each other.

Suddenly, the sound of the side door opening and closing cause them to stop and freeze. Scorpius pulled back slightly and looked down at his dishevelled girlfriend, both of them with a little panic in their eyes.

"Woah, how unexpected," they heard from beside them, both eventually turned to look at the smirking man. "Didn't think this is what I'd find when ducking out for a fag," Fred said with a cat that got the cream smile. Scorpius stepped away from Rose, breathing deeply catching his breath and trying calm himself down. Rose rolled her eyes at her cousin, clearly expecting some teasing from him as she then tried to tidy her rumpled dress and appearance. "Rosie Posie, just full of surprises," Fred chuckled slightly, as he reached into to his pocket for his cigarettes. He placed a cigarette in his lips then continued. "Truely, I'm sorry to interrupt such an intense and crucial moment," Fred teased them, clearly not sorry at all. He lit his cigarette with a flick of his wand. As Fred took his time to inhale and stow his wand, Scorpius reached for Rose's hand worried about how she wanted to handle this. They looked at each other and were able to have a silent conversation about how they would handle this situation. "So, how long has this been going on Rosie?"

"Not long, but we are serious," Scorpius confirmed.

"So, we'd appreciate your discretion," Rose quickly added. Fred just nodded and took another drag of his cigarette, as he took sum of them and the situation. "Please Freddie," Rose pleaded.

"Okay," Fred agreed. "But I don't think you need to worry. You look happier lately, so I'm sure we'd all be happy for ya." Fred smile turned earnest.

"Thank you, Freddie," Rose replied. She then let go of Scorpius's hand and almost launched herself at her cousin, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. Scorpius and Fred shared a look of gratitude and respect over Rose shoulder. When Rose pulled back from Fred, she smiled and then took Scorpius's hand again and they went back inside the house.

Okay, so here's another chapter. Not sure, who still reading but thank you if you are :)

Let me know what you think if you have the time. Hope you are all having a good start to 2024.