Chapter 70

Dinner went so well, they laughed, talked and reminisced in their shared history. They both managed to keep the other happy and not thinking about the sad times. Both indulging themselves ordering extra wine with dinner and then again afterwards with dessert. It was going so well, that when they arrived back at the Manor and Draco led Astoria back to her room, she pulled him into a heated kiss. He was a little surprised at first but quickly got caught up in the feeling of her pressed against him again. He took her face in his hands and pushed her up against the wall, kissing her like a staved man, pressing his knee between her legs. Astoria responded in kind she couldn't get enough of him, moaning in pleasure as her hands yanked his shirt out of his pants so that she could start unbuttoning his shirt. He moved to her neck, knowing just where to kiss her to make her toes curl. Suddenly, he stopped kissing her and moved to lean his forehead against hers. "Astoria, will you move back into our room?" He asked, through his deep breaths.

"What?" She said, not yet able to function well enough to hear him properly.

"Move back into our room with me," he basically pleaded her, before going back to kissing her neck, unable to hold himself back anymore.

"Wait," Astoria said, pushing him away slightly. He stopped again and lifted his head up to look her in the eyes. "Is that what tonight was all about for you?"

"Well…yeah," Draco replied, confused about why her expression had changed and she said it like it was a bad thing. "What's wrong with that?"

"Nothing," Astoria replied, sadly. She pushed him back further and stood up straighter, fidgeting and fixing her appearance some what. "I'm actually feeling quite tired, I think I'm just going to go to bed."

"Astoria?" Draco said, Astoria could hear the desperate plea in his voice.

"Thank you, tonight was lovely," she quickly added before he could say anything more, moving out from between him and the wall towards her door.

"Wait Tori! What did I do?" He moved fast to cut her off before she could get through the door. He held the door closed with one hand as he stood to face her.

"Nothing Draco, now get out of my way!"

"Why don't you want to move back in properly? Is there someone else?"

"What? No! How can you even think that?" She said, completely appalled at him.

"Then what is it?" He asked, now raising his voice in frustration.

"Why do you want me to?" Astoria shot back at him, her voice raised now too, meeting him toe to toe. "Is it because you actually want me there? Or is it because you just want things to go back to how they were?"

"It's because I need you!" Draco shouted. "I need you beside me. I don't see anything wrong with wanting to go to sleep next to my wife every night and wake up next to her every day!" He was puffing when he finished. Astoria still didn't say anything, so he continued. "Yes, tonight I did plan on discussing this with you. If that is something that upsets you then I am sorry, but I am so over co-existing in this massive house and not being able to touch you or feel you next to me. And I know you may see that as selfish given how much I have put you through but that is the only way I can see this getting better."

"Draco, I…" Astoria stuttered, feeling unsure whether this was right. She didn't want to rush. She liked tonight, it was like they were just starting out again. It was exciting, and she didn't know if she wanted to give that up yet. Fearing it might be too soon. "I just, I just need some more time." She looked back up into his eyes, seeing him staring back at her now completely disheartened. It almost broke her and she wanted to take the words back straight away. "Drake, wait!" Grabbing his arm as she tried to stop him as he moved to walk away. Draco just pulled his arm out of her grasp and all Astoria could do is watch as her husband walked away from her.

In the morning, Astoria woke up feeling sick as her husband's defeated expression swum through her mind. She wished she could take it back, now more than ever worried that she had ruined everything. Surprisingly, her attention was drawn to the blue glowing light that was floating into the room from under the door. She got over her shock and realised it was a Patronus. Her husband's ghostly Python slithered in and spoke to her in Draco's voice. "Sorry, if I woke you but could you come to the music room?"

Astoria immediately got out of bed, wrapped her silk dressing gown around her night dress and made her way to the music room. When she approached, she could see that the door had been left ajar. Astoria took a deep breath and then pushed through the door, to see her husband. Draco sat at the grand piano, stilling wearing his pants and shirt from last night, looking tired like he had been up all night.

"Draco, I'm-" Astoria started but Draco held up a hand to stop her. He then turned to her, slid along the seat a little and patted the spot next to him, inviting her to join him. She hesitated, fearing the worst but eventually moved and sat down next to him. He turned to the piano and began to play.

"You'll have to forgive me, I may be a bit rusty," he said as he sent the slightest of smiles her way. Astoria immediately recognised the tune and her eyes began to tear, she smiled nostalgically nonetheless.

"No one ever saw me like you do. All the things that I could add up too," Draco sang as his fingers slowly danced over the keys, like he did all those years ago when he proposed. "I never knew just what a smile was worth, but your eyes say everything without a single word. Cause there's something in the way you look at me."

A tear ran down her cheek as he locked eyes with her briefly. In that one look, her husband told her everything she needed to know. No grand words necessary.

"It's as if my heart knows you're the missing piece. You made me believe that there's nothing in this world I can't be. I never know what you see, but there's something in the way you look at me."

She could now see what she saw all those years ago. A man looking for meaning, belonging and to be important to someone. His voice was a little deeper and rougher since the last time he had sung this song to her, but Astoria discovered that she loved it all the same.

"If I could freeze some moment in my mind, be the second that you touch your lips to mine. I'd like to stop the clock, make time stand still. Cause, baby, this is just the way I always want to feel."

As he sang the chorus again, Astoria couldn't believe how she could have ever refused this man. He has his issues, but so does she. And he wants her flaws and all. How could she ever forget that she wants him just as he is too. All of him, just like this now. 'No, disagreement could ever be worth giving up the time they have together, however long that may be,' Astoria tells herself. Draco continues to sing, saying everything he could ever need to, to show her how much she means to him. He smiled brightly at her after he sang the big note in the song. She giggled, knowing that he must have been worried about whether he could still hit it.

"The way you look at me," he finishes the last line softly, looking his teary wife straight in the eye. They continue sit there, staring into each others eyes as the last notes on the piano ring out.

As soon as they do, Astoria says, "I love you and I'm so sorry." Then practically launches herself at Draco, kissing him fiercely.

Hill Cottage

Somehow, through all the madness of serval women trying to get ready for a wedding and a young baby suffering from colic, Rose and Dom managed to find a peaceful moment.

"How is it that you are getting married today and are the most calm woman in the house?" The redhead cousin asked, finding Dom in her studio, enjoying a cup of tea.

"Because I'm getting married to the love of my life and father of my child," Dom said smiling blissfully back at Rose. "I just can't wait to see him," she admitted, with a chuckle. "How mushy is that, right?"

"I think it's sweet, Dom," Rose replied, leaning up against the wall just inside of the door way. "I'm really happy for you."

"Thank you," Dom replied, but then couldn't resist having a little fun. "And I'm really happy for you too." Rose looked up at her confused, not following her cousin at that moment. "You and Scorpius look good together. It's about time I say."

"What?…I…we-" Rose stuttered, not knowing what to say and wanting to try to play it down.

"I'm glad you both got your fingers out of your arses and got on with it. It was getting really frustrating to watch you two be so stupid," Dom continued, with a cheeky smile on her lips.

"Oh my Merlin, Dom!"

"What? It was," the blonde cousin laughed. Rose couldn't stop herself as she followed suit and laughed along with her cousin.

"Look, we aren't really telling anyone yet," Rose replied, completely giving in and not fighting the fact. "Could you keep it between us for a while?"

"I mean I can, but why?"

"It's just, we want to enjoy each other first before everyone sticks their noses in."

"Believe me, I totally understand that," Dom replied, smiling at her cousin. Rose knew that she did, being a Weasley is tough sometimes.

Grassy Cliff Top Somewhere in Iceland

The place was a buzz with activity. All the cousins and friends were arriving and settling into their tents that sat a little way away from where the ceremony would take place near the cliff edge. Surprising the weather was on their side, it wasn't that windy and there was a beautiful glow to the day as the sun shone down on them. Scorpius was just finishing hanging the fairy lights above the tables that they would eat at later when she found him.

"Hey," she said softly. He could picture her giddy smile on her face without seeing her, but it didn't stop him from turning his head to see for himself.

"Hey," he said, unable to resist leaning down and giving her a kiss on the cheek. They didn't think anyone would notice in the busyness around them.

"Everything looks perfect. Thank you, you did a good job," Rose complement him.

"You mean, we did," Scorpius chuckled modestly.

"Yeah, I guess we did," Rose smiled up at him. "We make a good team."

"That we do. How's Dom?" He changed the subject, to stop himself kissing her right then.

"Great actually," Rose replied. "She's just excited."

"Good," he replied, as he walked towards his truck. "She's doing better then, Jacob."

"What do you mean by that?" She asked following him, a little panicked.

"Relax," he said calmly trying to reassure her. "Just that he is a little nervous. Mostly cause he is worried that she won't come or she'll change her mind." Scorpius added, as he closed the tray of his truck. "I think he will be fine as soon as he sees her." Scorpius smiled at Rose, before doing a scan to see if there was anything else to do or that he forgot.

"Everything is done, you deserve a break," Rose announced, drawing his attention back to her. "Do you want to sneak off and have an early lunch with me, away from this lot?" whispered Rose, with a presumptuous smile.

"How could I refuse a Bridesmaid at a wedding?" Scorpius replied, stepping closer to her. She smirked and quickly grasped his hand. They ran off together towards the apparition point.

Rose apparated them to Camden Town and then practically dragged him to the famous markets. Scorpius held her close while they walked, talked and ate their way through the markets. He sweetly listened as she rambled on about food and recipes combinations she'd like to try. Occasionally, laughing and telling her they would be gross before making his own suggestions that made Rose laugh because they made her stomach churn. He allowed her to be silly, trying on wacky, bright clothes and never complained when she made him do it too. When they stumbled upon a circus and misfits shop, she laughed as he tried to impress her with his juggling skills. Rose was having so much fun that she lost track of time. Suddenly, Scorpius pulled her against him and backed up to a pillar, where they slightly secluded from the other shoppers. She smiled up at him and he tucked her hair behind her ear before leaning down to meet her lips. They kissed for a while, slow and sweet, enjoying this perfect moment and each other. Eventually, Scorpius pulled back.

"We had better get back," he said, not very convincingly as he still held her close and didn't look like he was ready yet to move.

"I suppose we had," Rose sighed before she stole one more kiss. "Come on, hot shot," she smiled back at him, grasping his hand again and pulling him off the pole, before leading him to a place they could disapparate.

"I don't understand why we have to share tent?" James complained, referring to his own cousin Fred. "I shared a dormitory with him for 7 year years, I am just asking for some space."

"Then why are you two roommates now?" Max asked.

"Because he's my best mate, obviously," James replied.

"I'm confused, why is this a problem again?" Max replied.

"Because he's hoping one of Dom's friends would share with him," Scorpius butted in as he entered the small tent he sharing with Max and Hugo, shooting a smirk over at the older man.

"No…" James tried to lie but one look across both their chuckling faces, told him that it was pointless. "Okay fine, yes, but that's what you do at Weddings. And I'm mean what else will there be to do tonight?" Scorpius just rolled his eyes, while Max laughed at him. James got annoyed and left in a huff.

"Where did you get off too? I haven't seen you for a while," Max asked, as Scorpius got out his suit from his bag.

"Just had to duck out to get something for Dom," Scorpius replied, running his wand over his suit and shirt removing the creases.

"Sure you did," Max said sarcastically, chuckling at his friend, while finishing tying his tie. Scorpius just ignored him, so Max just walked out of the tent to let Scorpius finish getting ready, still enjoying teasing his mate.

Albus was so thankful that he had borrowed a Magical Tent off a work mate so that he and Alison didn't have to share with anyone else. He had set it up easily with a wave of his wand, leaving him to just get dressed. Alison was meeting him later, as she was roped in last night to help the other girls get ready. As he was getting ready he took the time to really think about how he wanted to propose to Alison. He wanted to do it at the house, 'maybe surprise her with the house and ring after a fancy dinner,' he thought.

"Hey, there you are," Scorpius said, as he entered through the tent flap, fully dressed in his navy suit, just his sky blue tie hanging loose around his neck. "Can you believe another cousin of yours is getting married? I guess you'll be next," Scorpius added with a chuckle and a pat to the back.

"Yeah, if I ever get the nerve to ask," Albus mumbled, but Scorpius heard him.

"Come on Al, you got this," Scorpius replied supportively. "Do you know when you want to do it?"

"No, I haven't really got anything planned yet," Albus responded with a sigh. "But I think I want to do it at the new house, make it special you know."

"Sounds good to me," Scorpius agreed. "Anyway, for right now, just enjoy today cause it will be fun. You don't need to be stressed or worried about anything."

"Your right," Albus smiled back at this mate, as they moved towards flap together.

"Of course I am," Scorpius joked as they exited to tent.

When they got outside they could see that the women had arrived, at least the ones not in the wedding party, all dressed and looking beautiful in their summer dresses. For Albus, it was like everyone faded away, all except one other person. He spotted Alison amongst the small crowd gathering around the seats with aisle between. She was distracted in conversation with his sister, which allowed him to admire her without her knowing. His heart raced in his chest and he couldn't stop the euphoric smile that spread across his face. All his nervousness about how to propose drifted away in that moment, cause he knew that without a doubt he loved her and would for the rest of his life. Nothing else really mattered, cause they'd get through what ever life threw at them together.

At some point, he vaguely remembered Scorpius excusing himself to join Jacob. Nevertheless, Albus made his way over to his girlfriend, never letting his eyes drift from her. She looked stunning in soft pink, floral summer dress with an elegant plunge in the neck line. The dress hugged her waist before flowing down the rest of her body. Her hair was set in a half up, half down style. A loose, braid around the top fed back into a messy bun at the back with the rest of her brunette hair flowing down beautifully like waves. When he approached he slipped an arm around her waist, pulling her slightly into his side.

"Hey," Alison smiled up at him.

"You look beautiful," Albus said, before placing a lingering kiss on her cheek.

"Thank you," she replied, a slight blush in her cheeks. Then they both turned back to Lily and continued to join in on the conversations around them, content to be by each others side.

Scorpius made his way to the tent he knew Jacob was in. Walking inside to see the groom pacing the room nervously and the Best Man Carlton sitting reading a book leisurely. Scorpius had only met Carlton once and it was clear that he was as stiff as a post. He was definitely intelligent, but also blunt and emotionless. Scorpius found the humour in this as others reactions were quite enjoyable as they didn't know how to react to him. The first time Rose and Scorpius met Carlton, they had met to discuss his Best Man Duties on the wedding day. He made some comment about how marriage was only successful if it was for financial security and if there were motives outside of affection. He couldn't see what sense was in this union and why his cousin would enter into it. Rose's face was priceless as he continued to stare blankly at her in all seriousness, Scorpius couldn't stop the laugh that escaped. He had eventually change the subject slightly to allow Rose to gather her wits.

"You ready?" Scorpius asked Jacob. He stopped pacing and nodded in answer, not looking at the blond. "Great, cause it's almost time."

"Is she here?" Jacob asked, as he nervously played with his tie.

"Yeah, everyone is here now. I think the ladies are just adding the final touches." He replied, not really sure how to make Jacob feel better.

"Right," Jacob muttered in a somewhat daze, clearly still tense.

"Jacob?" Scorpius tried getting the groom's attention. "Listen, mate." Scorpius added, finally getting Jacob's gaze to lift up from the floor. "You are going to walk out this tent, stand at the end of the aisle, and watch the love of your life, the mother of your child walk towards you. You will get married, you know, say I do and then we will all party the night away. Think you can manage that?" Scorpius clapped Jacob on the back casually. The groom swallowed audibly and then nodded.

Soon it was time and the officiator asked the crowd to take their seats. Jacob and his Groomsman took their positions up the front of the aisle, with a stunning backdrop of sky and sea meeting in the horizon. Music started to play, a small Celtic folk band stationed a wee way from the ceremony, played a song as the guests took their seats. Fiddles and Guitar in a soft & sweet harmony in the back ground. Mere minutes pasted before they stopped for a moment. When the band started again, there was no mistake the well known tune. The bridal march began.

Scorpius, and most of the guests turned to try catch a glimpse of the bride and her bridesmaids. Jacob stayed facing the officiator and the horizon, taking deep breaths. There was no mistaking that beautiful red hair as Rose could be seen first, walking towards them. She clutched a small bouquet of white and soft pink flowers looking effortlessly beautiful in her sky blue bridesmaid dress. It was an A-line, tea length, lace dress with spaghetti straps, that hugged her waist and flowed out slightly, reaching just below he knees. Her hair was styled in a loose waterfall braid with flowers matching the bouquet, the rest of her wavy red hair flowing down just passed her shoulders. It was the epitome of sophistication, elegance and yet felt completely laid back and relaxed, just like the wedding that they were about to witness.

Scorpius felt as if his heart jumped into his throat, preventing him from uttering sounds, forget words, as he watched her walk down the aisle. Her eyes found his and she stuck out her tongue at him teasingly almost as if to defuse the tension. They shared a quiet laugh and a bright smile as Rose neared the front. Blush rose in her cheeks as she realise Scorpius' eyes followed her all the way even as she turned at the end to the opposite side that he stood on. A loud wolf whistle alerted Scorpius to the fact that there where other people present. Everyone laughed as he tore his gaze away from Rose to see her cousin, the maid of honour, Victoire who also was making her way down the aisle a few feet behind. Her dress was the same as Rose and her blond hair was style very similarly as well. Victoire blushed and sent a scolding look to her husband, who could be seen lowering his hand and chuckling as held their daughter where he sat near the front of the small crowd. There was soon a hush that came across everyone as they caught the first glimpse of the Bride.

Dominique could be seen a little further in the distance as she approached the aisle. Scorpius saw Carlton lean over and whisper something in Jacob's ear. He wasn't sure what he said, but Jacob took a final deep breath and turned around to see his bride. Upon seeing her walking slowly towards him, Jacob's whole demeanour changed. It was like he lit up, a bright smile took over his features and a large weight was lifted off his shoulders as he stood prouder before her. Dominique look elegant and relaxed. Her long blonde hair was styled with matching white and soft pink flowers, a loose braid like a halo around her head, leading into a beautiful messy bun. Tendrils of hair casually escaping it and framing her face. Dom simply glowed as she locked eyes with her man waiting for her at the other end of the aisle. Her dress had a bateau neck line and reached the floor, flowing out behind her a little. With an outer layer of lace, it had a lovely texture to it and looked beautifully light. Her sleeves of only lace, reacher her just past her elbow and reminded Jacob of the first light snow in winter. Dominique clutched a slightly bigger bouquet over her baby bump, but it was still visible in her dress. Although, it wasn't tight enough to accentuate it. Comfort and beauty, taken into account.

Dominique continue to take in Jacob, the Groomsman and the scene that was in front of her. Everything look exactly how she had hoped, Rose and Scorpius had done a good job. The men all looked dashing in their matching navy blue suits, sky blue ties and matching white and soft pink boutonnière. Her cousin and sister look happy for her and beautiful in her custom designed dresses. Jacob continued to smile brightly and happily at her, filling her with all the courage and confidence to take on what their future will bring.

Once she reached him, he offered her his arm which she gladly accepted. "You are so beautiful," Jacob whispered, as they took the next few steps to the officiator and Dominique handed her bouquet to Victoire.

"I know," she whispered in return, adding a quick cheeky wink back at him when they turned to face each other. Jacob let out a little chuckle, as he took both of her hands in his.

Scorpius and Rose kept trading heated and happy glances throughout the ceremony. Both thinking about how the night might turn out, about how much they were looking forward to having a good reason to be close to each other when they dance later. A beautiful sunset was upon they as Dom and Jacob moved on to their vows.

"Dominique, today we begin our lives undeniably together." Jacob smiled as he started his first, showing how his nerves were gone and speaking earnestly to his bride. "I promise before our family and our friends to be your faithful husband. I choose to live with you, as your lover, companion and friend. Loving you when life is peaceful, and when it is painful," he added with a dramatic frustrated sigh, earning a little laugh from Dom and the crowd. "During our successes, and during our failures. I will honour your goals and dreams, trying always, to encourage your fulfilment. I will strive to be honest, and open with you, sharing my thoughts, and my life with you. I promise to love and cherish you from this day forward and for every day of my life," he finished, letting a little more emotion seep in as his eyes became glassy, and happy to see his vows had the same effect on his blushing bride.

"Jacob, I love you," Dominique began, trying to hold back her happy tears. "You have brought such joy to my life," She smiled brightly as Jacob gently squeeze her hands in the hopes of comforting her. "Thank you for loving me as I am, and taking me into your heart. I promise to walk by your side forever, and to love, help, and encourage you in all that you do. I will take the time to talk to you, to listen to you, and to care for you. Through all the changes in our lives," she said glancing down at her swelling baby bump. Jacob laughed quietly, nodded back and smiled even wider. "I will be there for you always, as strength in need, a comfort in sorrow, a counsellor in difficulty, and a companion in joy. Everything I am and everything I have is yours, now and forevermore. This is my promise to you." There was collective aww that spread amongst their audience as they could clearly see the love these to people shared on display before them.

"The rings," the officiator prompted, to the best man. Carlton stepped forward and presented the rings.

"Dominique Weasley, I give you this ring," Jacob said as he held the ring in front of Dom's finger. "Wear it with love and joy. As this ring has no end, neither shall my love for you." He slowly slide the ring on her finger as he continued, "I choose you to be my wife, on this day and forevermore."

"Jacob Richardson, I give you this ring," Dominique said as she held the ring in front of his finger. "Wear it with love and joy. As this ring has no end, neither shall my love for you." She slowly slide the ring on his finger as she continued, "I choose you to be my husband, on this day and forevermore."

The officiator waved his wand, a golden energy spilled out and over the bride and groom. "With the power vested in me, I know pronounce you husband and wife and bonded for life. You may now kiss the bride."

Jacob wasted no time in reaching out for his new wife and kissing her lovingly on her lips. Dominique raised her arms to wrap around her new husband neck pulling herself as close as she can to the man she loved. The small crowd around them, stood, cheered and clapped in celebration. As they pulled away from each other, the band started playing a more upbeat happy tune. Jacob took Dominique's hand, tucking it into the crook of his arm, as she was passed back the bouquet. They looked back at each other and shared a smile before making the way back down the aisle with the wedding party pairing up and following behind them, as the guest used their wands to drop flower petals on them. Once they reached the end, Jacob pulled out his muggle phone and asked everyone to squeeze in together behind the wedding party for a selfie style picture. After that the wedding party walked to another spot further along the cliffside to have some more professional photos taken by a photographer and friend of Jacob's from work. Lily stood up and asked the other guests to make their way to the tables that have been set up for dinner.

So that was wedding ceremony! I hope you enjoyed it. Let me know what you think in a review, I love your feedback :)

Next, will be the reception and the rest of there long weekend together. Tell who you want to see more of and who's story you are most interested in :)

Also please stay safe from to Corona Virius!