Hi, everyone! I have you a bigger chapter here. Read and don't forget to review.

Thank you, Erie :)

My amiable lady

Monday, November 20th, 2023

Rose Weasley and Scorpius Malfoy have never actually managed to become friends. It is hard, after all, to befriend someone in a month or even a year especially when you have spent the past 6 years hating them and your whole life listening to how bad they are. But finally they were ready to look over their names and that helped them a lot.

Scorpius had been Albus' best friends for years; and in the few friendly encounters he had had with Rose in those 6 years, he had noticed quite a few things about her. But throughout those years none of them had been interested to look through the other's appearances, to understand their actions or thoughts and generally to care. In their seventh year everything was changing and to their surprise it wasn't hard at all. After all, Albus was always telling them: "How can you despise someone you don't know?"

The fact that they were acting nice towards each other made them both feel safe and act like gave them the oportunity to learn more things about each other; to be nice and trust one another.

Spending time with Scorpius made Rose realize how wrong she was, judging him without knowing. He was ironic and cold, even cruel sometimes; not only with others but with himself too. But everyone has their drawbacks and there is more to a person than that; he was funny, smart, talkative, even kind when he wanted to be.

Scorpius, on his behalf, found Rose a nice person to spend time with, to read with and talk about everything and nothing. She may look restrained and frozen but she was just shy and actually funny. He could then understand why he always thought she was arrogant and selfish when those were so far from the truth; because Rose too, like him, had a family name and some expectations to live up to.

As Heads and students they did well. With fewer arguments about minor things; their lessons and grades were improving, making Lavender proud- while showing her their true colors. The Headmistress, on her behalf was fairer with them both; and could, by then, trust them too, as she could see they trusted each other.

By then, November was close to its end. Students and professors were all looking forward to Christmas, because they were all working very hard- especially students in their final years.

But, beyond Christmas every Quidditch fan in the school was looking forward to the match of the season: Gryffindor Vs Slytherin for the first time that year.

For the captains and their players the pressure was even bigger. Scorpius had been preparing his team for this match for months. So had Finnigan. Every other match was nothing. This was it.

However, without anyone else to know, Headmistress had a plan to relax them and give them something else to distract themselves with.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardy, Headmistress' office, 09.23

Headmistress Brown was very busy. Ruling a school is a hard work, especially for someone new at the job. But at that moment, school matters weren't what she was working on.

The door knocked and Professor Longbottom came in.

"Headmistress." he greeted her with a smile.

"Professor." she nodded in return

"The Minister is here." Percy Weasley. No one had a doubt one day he would reach that high. The new Minister was a very ambitious man, but also one who had learnt a lot throughout the war. Lavender may didn't like Percy Weasley as a person; his artificial manners, his fake modesty and his endless speeches were too much for her- but she respected the new minister as a wise man and agreed with his ideas. After all, he was the man who had helped Lavender become a Headmistress, believing that if she got the place, the relationship between Hogwarts and the Ministry could be restored.

"Of course. Tell him to come in. And please stay too; he probably wants us to talk about the Ball." was Lavender's answer.

"Certainly." The Ball, Neville thought. The Minister considers a Masquerade Ball a nice opportunity to show his intentions for Hogwarts. Let's see what he has to say.

After a while Percy Weasley was in the office.

"Headmistress." he said with an agreeable voice. "Always a pleasure."

Lavender smiled in return. "Good morning, Minister. Please sit."

After the due exchange of amities, Percy got to his point; "So, Headmistress, Professor; about the Masquerade Ball. Let's start by recapitulating what we have already settled, shall we?"

"Of course."

"Great. First; the date; is it settled for next Saturday, the 25th of November?"

Lavender and Neville exchanged a look, before her saying; "Yes, that would be nice."

"Fantastic. So that's settled." he said to the woman behind him, an assistant who took down notes. Then he continued; "Let's move to the second point; the organization. You have all the help that you need?"

"I believe we do, minister."

"Very well. If you need anything more, don't hesitate to let us know. You can write to Janice any time." he said pointing his assistant who smiled and nodded to Lavender.

"And now, last but not least, the most important part of this ball; its meaning," he paused there to emphasize.

"This Ball is not only happening for students to have fun. It's a welcoming Ball for you, Headmistress, but not only. It has an ultimate purpose; it's the beginning of a new age. An age of constructive co- operation between Hogwarts and the Ministry, which will help us all improve our areas but most importantly to improve the wizarding world." he finished.

Neville wasn't that sure. I hope he's right, he thought but Lavender smiled. "Definitely, Minister." she said. "That would be great. I'll make sure our students understand this meaning."

"Very well, then. Everything is settled, I think. Janice?" the minister asked, still proud of the effect of his words.

"Yes, it is. Headmistress here's a couple of invitations. For the professors." she added, leaving a pile on the desk.

Percy got up and gave his hand first to Lavender and then to Neville, while saying; "Then, I should leave you to your work. I'm pretty busy and I'm certain you are too."

"Very well, minister. We'll be in touch. Have a nice day."

"Good buy. Headmistress. Professor."

Hogwarts' halls, 11.32

Scorpius was looking at the Ball's invitation. He was glad to leave his patrol, which Rose would do - hehe - lose half his lesson - hehe - and follow the Headmistress. Great, he had thought when she told him about it. We're gonna have some fun.

But then, Brown had started saying something about co- operation and the Ministry and how proud and happy 'we should all be' and she gave him the invitation to read- where the same crap was written- so she destroyed his fun. Or was it more destroyed when she had told him that he had to inform the other students about the meaning of this Masquerade Ball? He wasn't that sure.

Why can't they just make a party? To say; kids; it's for you to have fun. But no. It has to be a Ball. A Masquerade Ball- Merlin's pants!- with professors and the Minister. Wow… How happy we should be!

Now he had to find Rose and tell her about it. Oh, and tell her they would be going together because of protocol and something like that. That thought made him feel so much better about the Ball. He never had the time, in those months, to clear his mind and think about Rose. She was all of a sudden his friend; always there for him whenever he needed her. But he had no idea how he truly felt about her as he did at the beginning of that year and the year before and before that… So many things had happened in 3 months that he had been proven wrong in everything he believed. And what got him the most in all this was that Albus had been proven right; he didn't despise Rose, because he didn't know her. He despised the idea he had for Rose. Damn it!

Hogwarts' gardens, 11.30

Michael Finnigan had just finished transfiguration. He didn't like transfiguration. He actually thought it was a useless lesson. Pointless. Meaningless. Anyway, he simply didn't like transfiguration. He wanted to become a Quidditch player. When exactly would he need transfiguration? Never.

So, he had just finished transfiguration and was going to find his girlfriend, Rose, who had potions the previous hour. He wanted to spend as much time as he could with her, because he didn't feel like they were spending enough time together. He had a feeling that his relationship with Rose was… wrong at some points. It was probably that weird bond she had with Malfoy. How had that happened? Last year they hated each other and now they were besties. Impossible.

But their friendship was not the only thing which annoyed him. He could see Malfoy wasn't just a friend. Malfoy doesn't want friendship. That's a joke. Even first years know that. He likes her, it's obvious. I wonder how she cannot see this. Except if… No. No, that's foolish. If she liked him she wouldn't go out with you would she?

He was crossing the gardens when he saw them. They were down in the grass laughing. Perfect for each other. He snorted. That's ridiculous. Ok, she may like him too. But nothing is ever going to happen. You have the advantage. You should never forget who we are talking about; Scorpius Malfoy. Maybe friendship was ok. But a romance? With Malfoy? Never. Rose is too smart for something like that. She cares about her family's opinion. Although he knew this was true he still had doubts as he was getting- carefully not to be noticed- into the castle. But another thought came to set his mind in rest; Think about it that way; Rose wants a guy to love her. She needs such a guy and she knows it. The perfect boyfriend. How is exactly Malfoy perfect for a boyfriend? Maybe I'll have to reminder her, his name and the reputation which accompanies it.

Hogwarts' gardens, 11.35

Rose Weasley had just finished potions. The lesson was hard and she had no partner because Scorpius- what a surprise- had gone somewhere with the Headmistress, from last break and had still not returned. So, she had to do not only his patrol but also his work at potions and no one seemed to mind.

She was walking through the gardens trying to get used to the light when;

"Boo." someone whispered in her ear.

She turned with an indifferent yet proud expression. "Malfoy. Your notes." She handed him the potions notes and continued walking.

Scorpius smirked and followed her. She sat at one of the benches and crossed her legs. "I'm waiting." she said as he sat next to her.

"You do have such a stuck up nose." he noticed in a playful tone, while playing with her nose, taking a hard slap at his hand in return.

"Ouch." he exclaimed, causing the appearance of a pleased smile in Rose's face.

He smirked again. "Would you feel better if I told you we are going to have a Ball?"

"A Ball?" her expression immediately changed. "When?"

"Next Saturday. A Masquerade Ball. You will work on the organization and I'll have to inform students about its meaning. As you see Brown wants to torture me." He joked as he handed her the invitation.

"That would be nice." she said, handing the invitation back to him after reading it.

"Torturing me?" he asked her, false offended.

"Yeah…" she laughed and he smiled.

"Oh, and something else; we are going together." He said, pretending to be sad about it.

"What? Why?" she asked, quite surprised.

"We have to. Protocol. It's a promenade." he simply told her.

She looked away for a while, being skeptical. And then a playful smiled appeared at her face. "You'll have to ask first." she said in a low voice.

"What?" he asked her.

She turned and looked at him. "You'll have to ask first."

"Fine." he said and got up.

"What…" she tried to protest as he kneeled in front of her.

"My amiable and beautiful lady. It would such a pleasure, a true honour for me, if your grace agreed to come with to this Ball. I would be feeling so happy, so complete with you next to me. You can't imagine what you would do to me if you denied." He said all those in such a tone and with a look of adore which left Rose speechless.

So she hadn't talked for a moment, which seemed hours to Scorpius making him feel very uncomfortable.

He was ready to get up when she laughed and pushed him down at the grass, falling down with him. He laughed too, relieved, and hugged her. Suddenly Rose started with surprise.

"What?" he asked her.

"Where's our beloved headmistress? In such moments she usually appears, with that sour face of hers, and states; 'that's not appropriate behavior for Head Boy and Girl'. 'We should take care,' she says." she said, mocking Lavender's 'teaching' voice.

Scorpius laughed. "You have to admit that she's better lately. Like she likes us more."

"Yeah, we made a bad start, maybe. Anyway, my answer is yes." She smiled.

He smirked and got up, helping her rise. "Like you could deny."

She stopped walking and let his hand. "I'm sorry?"

He turned to her and smiled. "I meant my fabulous proposal."

"Fabulous?"

He laughed and shook his head with disbelief as they were walking to their next class.

Hogwarts' gardens, 11.45

Beatrice Wood watched that scene from one of the castle windows. She didn't mean to. She was just passing and her eyes stopped on them. It was hard to believe that they were two people who hated each other until a month ago. It was hard to believe they were made to be friends. They acted like a couple in their honeymoon. Ok, let's not overdo it; they looked like they were friends for years and they truly liked each other.

In one month Rose and Scorpius had made much more progress than others would have made in years. Watching them on the ground, laughing and acting like children- Scorpius Malfoy and Rose Weasley, Merlin's pants, she couldn't but think where would that lead them. She knew her best- friend well and she could tell Rose had feelings for him, no matter that she would never admit it. Rose Weasley wasn't snogging any guy. From the moment she had told her what had happened between them, Beatrice had a bad feeling about how it would turn out.

It wasn't just about Scorpius' reputation with girls. It wasn't about Rose dating someone else for the wrong reasons (make Scorpius jealous or get over him? she couldn't tell). It was about their characters. Their beliefs. Family was on top for both of them. And they would easily hurt each other. And if they fell in love... she didn't even want to think about what would happen then.

She sighed. What could she do, after all? Rose was too stubborn to take any advice. She would just watch them. Destroy each other? That was most possible.

Don't play with fire. There is always the possibility that you will get burnt.

Saturday, November 25th, 2023

Great Hall, 23.13

The ball was a great success in many ways. Students were having fun, professors escaped from everyday routine and Headmistress with the Minister initiated the new order between Hogwarts and the Ministry.

Everyone looked pleased and Lavender was happy; the first great event in Hogwarts with her as a Headmistress was a success. She was finally proving what she deserved.

Rose and Scorpius spent the beginning of the night socializing, as Head Boy and Girl, with ministry representatives. They made an impression to them with their manners and knowledge, making their Headmistress extremely proud.

Most of those people knew Rose because of her parents but Scorpius was a big surprise for them; they had never imagined that Draco Malfoy's son would be such a charming and gentle young man.

Later they had to look out for other students, in case they did anything 'inappropriate'. But when he finally had the opportunity, Scorpius left to bring something for them to drink. Everyone else was dancing, so Rose sat at a table alone reflecting on the events that had brought her there.

All week, apart from studying hard, they had been helping on the ball's organization, while having to face a couple of very impatient students like her cousin Lily, who, by the way, was dressed like something between a butterfly and a caterpillar, without even wearing a mask. Rose found the whole costume matter ridiculous. She wasn't five anymore. So she chose a red Charleston dress and she wore a mask. Scorpius was dressed as 'phantom of the opera'- he was thinking devil but then he realized he had to wear red and forgot about it.

With all these, Rose didn't have the time to think about Michael's reaction when she told him that she had to go with Scorpius. He didn't look annoyed at all- to Scorpius' disappointment- and told her that he didn't like Balls anyway so she should go and have fun. Either something was wrong, or he truly was the perfect boyfriend. But she didn't want to think about Michael, at that moment- where was Scorpius? His 'proposal' was the something else and she was really touched. Not that she had any intention to ever admit this.

Where is he? She looked around her. A beautiful blues piece was playing then and she was sitting alone at a corner. So much for the perfect proposal He must have found one of those… 'girls'… he hangs out with and he doesn't need me anymore. Great! She was ready to cry when a hand took hers and brought her closer to the dance floor.

"Sorry," Scorpius told her as the danced, "I couldn't bring you your drink. Brown found me and I had to meet a couple of people."

"Really?" she asked playfully, feeling a bit better. "And I thought you forgot about me…"

"Me? Forget you? Never." he said as he pulled her closer to him.

She smiled and hid her face in his chest as they danced. She couldn't help but notice how perfect they were together. She couldn't say she had believed he wasn't flirting with the idea of leaving her alone but she had no intention to spoil the moment. She felt nice in Scorpius' arms. He was warm and she liked the way he held her and the way he smiled to her.

So, Rose made all the little signs girls make when they dance with a guy they like- but don't tell that to her, she would never admit it.

Scorpius, on his behalf, who was looking forward to dancing with her all night, could only notice how nice he felt holding her in his arms.

And then he understood. Every single doubt he had, broke down throughout that dance. When she came closer, when he could feel her whole body against his, when he could smell her dark brown hair and her caramel perfume at her neck, he truly hoped that she couldn't hear how fast his heart was beating. So, I'm really falling in love with her. With Rose Weasley of all people! He wouldn't lie to himself anymore.

But he didn't want this. He always thought falling in love was important. He couldn't bare dating girls and tell them how much he loves them only to break up with them a couple of months later. No, love was something else. You fall in love only once in your life. That's what Scorpius Malfoy believed. That was the reason that he wasn't really dating girls like Rose. He preferred something more like Jessica Goyle who was always available without asking for too much. And now he had fallen for Rose. Sure, she was charming, funny, beautiful. Truly beautiful, he thought as he looked at her, leaned against his chest. But a Weasley. And something completely new and different. He shook his head and impulsively enfolded her into his arms.

"Scorpius?" Rose had raised her face and looked up to him. "Is everything all right?"

He smiled again. As long as you care, everything is fine. Merlin, how pathetic can I become? But he didn't think more about this. He placed his hand on her cheek and looked into her eyes.I should do it now, now that I am quite dazed and crazy enough to do it, or never, he thought as he was moving his face closer to hers.

"Sorry to interrupt," Albus' voice sounded gentle but with hidden irony, "but may I dance with my beautiful cousin?"

Scorpius turned and looked at his best- friend's burning eyes. "Sure. I'll be right there" he agreed with a sigh showing an empty table.

Rose smiled gently to her cousin, although she couldn't but notice his ironic smile. At the moment she completely despised him. Scorpius looked like he was finally about to clear the awkwardness between them, to make it clear they were friends and maybe something more. She shook her head. Like this was ever going to happen. And even if it did, she had to stop it. It wouldn't be the best thing for her family to date a Malfoy. Nor for her. But under the slight candle light, when he held her in his arms before, it didn't seem that bad.

"So, Rose," Albus started, "how is the 'being friends with Scorpius' case going?"

"Very good. We are friends." she said quickly, without looking at him.

"I'm glad you are friends, Rosie," he continued in the same tone he had started with, "Because I don't like my two best- friends to hate each other."

"We don't."

"Yeah, I know. That's very good. He wouldn't hurt his friend." Albus said indifferently.

Rose finally turned to look at him. "What's that supposed to mean?" she asked with anger in her voice.

"You know how Scorp is with girls…"

Rose left her cousin's hands. "You will excuse me, right?" she said angrily and left without waiting for an answer. It wasn't that she didn't know. She did. But she had felt so nice before and wouldn't let anyone, not even Albus, to destroy that feeling.

"Of course…" Albus answered with a pleased expression.

Let's clear things up; Albus Potter didn't like to see his two best- friends fight, indeed. But he adored his cousin and had no intention to see her hurt. And he was sure Scorpius was going to hurt her. Those two had spent too much time hating each other to suddenly forget everything.

Meanwhile Rose had gone to Scorpius. "Hey." he said with a sad smile.

"Hey." She sat next to him. The music had changed to more dance pieces.

"Come on." Scorpius said after a sign. "Let's dance."

She was ready to follow him but then she stopped. "Scorpius, wait." she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Somehow he heard her. Despite all that noise he turned to her. She noticed he looked pretty tired and disappointed. He was simply… different. He was looking at her intensely and opened his mouth to say something but he stopped, smiling sadly again as if he was giving up.

"What are we doing?" she whispered. It was hard to hear her with all the music but somehow he did.

"I don't know." he simply said, losing his smile. "But it can become very harmful and dangerous for both of us."

She nodded with empathy.

"Rose…" he started coming closer to her and placing one hand at her face. She closed her eyes for a while trying to collect and restrain herself. When she didn't have to look into his grey eyes that seemed to look inside her, it was much easier. He just looked at her, expecting her to do whatever she wanted; and knowing that he would obey her decision even if it destroyed him.

But when she opened her eyes she smiled, took his hand from her face, and put it inside hers. "Let's dance."

So, what do you think? Was it too sudden? Or it was just right? I want honesty here.

All critics are wellcomed but press the big button, down here. I'll really apreciate this:)