A/N: Hello everyone. I'm very sorry that it's taken me longer than usual to get this chapter out. As I've told some of you, my parent's home suffered from an underfloor flood, so I was roped in to help out. I hope you forgive me for the delay... and thank you for all your lovely reviews :)
Anyway, I'm back now with a chapter of the long-awaited ball yay! I hope you enjoy it...I wonder how the evening will end?? On with the story!
Disclaimer: Every time I do this, it reminds me that I'm not J K :(
----
----
----
Late on Friday evening, when the rest of his dormitory were long since asleep, one Slytherin was deep in thought. This was evident, because unlike the steady respiration emanating from the other boys, his breathing was sporadic and bothered.
The green velvet drapes which hung from his four-poster, were drawn shut against both the October chill and the possibility of prying eyes. And as he lay hidden from sight, the covers pulled up to his chin and wrapped tightly around, the boy thought about how quickly everything had changed.
Perhaps he had never meant to go this far, but now that he had reached a decision, he realised that perhaps it was just something he was destined to do.
You see Sebastian Flint had decided to make a difference.
Even though he had given the general situation plenty of thought in previous years, as he had just confirmed, he never even considered taking things this far. But maybe it was needed? Maybe it was the only way to change things? They certainly seemed to think so...
His anxiety seemed to overcome him, causing his stomach to twist around itself and a shiver to tremble his body, which had nothing to do with the low temperature.
He understood that it wasn't his choice to join them, which he was questioning, but the task he had been given. It was part of his initiation they had said...and they were confident that nothing would go wrong. He wasn't so convinced; as he saw it, there was plenty room for error.
Curling up his legs in an unconscious effort to feel more secure, Sebastian considered that there was less than 24 hours until he had to play his part. As he wasn't yet a fully fledged member, they had withheld certain information from him. As he had been told, he knew only what he had to at this stage.
He was aware of their aims, and he knew vaguely what he was supposed to be looking for...something referring to a prophecy.
Though, as he squinted into the surrounding blackness of his four poster, Sebastian wondered why they thought McGonagall would have any information about that.
He assumed that he would find out in due course. As the letter had said, that wasn't his concern. Neither was the distraction that Alexander was planning; all he should focus on was the opportunity to get to the office.
Of course it wasn't so simple...
Despite the fact that Sebastian was quick to jump at the chance, once it was given, he had kept guarded an inner turmoil which was continuing to grow. You see the methods the whole operation used were somewhat...questionable.
Was he really up to that? Was the anger causing him to inwardly squirm, seethe and burn enough to mask the fear he felt building up?
Yet he was in denial, and had managed to convince himself that this was the best way; their single opportunity. Nothing else had been proposed, and what were the chances that a more pacifist approach would be taken seriously?
Under the bed covers, he clenched his fists as a hot wave of fury submerged him. He felt as if it were almost drowning him in its desperation and hunger. It wasn't right and it wasn't fair! His father hadn't even been a Death Eater!
But they were pure-blood Slytherins weren't they. They were bound to have done something wrong, to be evil.
Sebastian would be the first to admit that where mudbloods were concerned, his ancestors hadn't been the most understanding of people. That of course was an enormous understatement. Nevertheless, old beliefs die hard, and the Flints hadn't been the only ones.
They hadn't participated in the war against Voldemort. They merely sat on the fence, kept silent and supported the winners. Sebastian didn't consider this to be very admirable, but did they deserve to be punished for it? For being from ancient wizarding stock?
The blood travelling through his veins seemed to boil and seethe with rage. It was appalling, despicable and fucking DISGUSTING! That they should be considered second to an army of blood traitors, half-breeds and muggleborns!
And they weren't just treated as second rate, no, they had become the bottom of the barrel, something to be despised and trodden down. They were the lowest of the low; untrustable, unfeeling, unliked and beyond all that, they were immoral.
His father hadn't been the only one of his kind to be refused employment. Well who would want a Voldemort sympathiser working for them? Neither was Marcus Flint alone in being spat at in the streets, or having rumours published about him, or having his property searched time and time again.
No, the Flints weren't the only family whose fortune had dwindled and whose good name had been tarnished. But to Sebastian, this was personal.
Of course the ministry may have had its reasons for behaving so harshly, they were after all being driven by the press, whose wild accusations were striking fear into those who had suffered during the last war. Naturally the Wizarding Government wanted to prevent any similar atrocities from occurring once more, it was only expected, that they should want to eradicate all threat.
Yes there were people like the Malfoys, who were perhaps more tolerated than the others, because of their 'Deflection'. But even they had trouble; if you were a pure-blood Slytherin, then you stood no chance in the present day.
It was true to say that those supposed to be re-building their world, had been over-zealous in their 'Witch-Hunt'.
The Ministry claimed that they had just been acting as directed by the public, and the public had turned blind in their terror.
The prejudiced were now finding themselves discriminated against, and of course this was no way to reconcile the two groups which had been drifting further and further apart.
However, perhaps they didn't want reconciliation. Sebastian, for one, didn't want any thing of the kind. It was far too late for that! He had a new goal now, and one he was keen to achieve, no matter the means.
So when Alexander had asked him, he didn't have to think twice. He convinced himself that he was ready!
----
----
----
October 31st that year, was a chilly and overcast day. The howling wind tore at peoples cloaks with its many icy fingers, and the last fiery leaves of autumn could be seen dancing through the air, landing in piles along the winding road to Hogsmeade.
As groups of students made their way excitedly towards the bustling village, the mounds of russet and gold foliage, crackled under foot. Rose, who had never been to the wizard dwelling at Halloween, stared in wonder at the decorations which formed a magical grotto. Swarms of live bats flew over head, turning the sky black. Gigantic cobwebs were strung up between the shops in an odd contrast to muggle party streamers. Tall wooden torches lined the path, their flames burning brightly orange. On the corners were skeletons, their white bones gleaming, and Rose suppressed a shiver as she noted that they seemed to be grinning toothily at the passers-by.
As they walked down the crowded main street of Hogsmeade, the red-head felt the familiar rush of excitement that always followed her on this day as a child. There was just something so wonderful about being a witch on this holiday.
The gold jangling merrily in her pocket redirected her attention, and eyes scanning the various stores in case she saw anything useful, she turned to Lily and Emmeline who were keeping pace beside her.
"I still have no idea what to go as..."
Al, who was a few steps behind with Frankie, gave a nod. "I know...I'm completely stumped! Mickey Thomas is dressing as a pirate, Ryan Braedon is going as a werewolf, and I haven't got a clue."
Frankie gave him a nudge, the corners of his lips twitching. "Well don't worry, I've just thought of a costume for you."
His friend twisted to face him, his green eyes shining with excitement. "Yeah? What is it?"
The round faced Gryffindor placed a finger on his chin, and pretended to think for a moment. "Well, you could paint a scar on your forehead and go as Harry Potter!"
A scowl formed on Al's face, and he playfully shoved the boy to his right. "Yeah right, like I need any more attention because of who my dad is..."
Rose laughed cheerfully at her two best friends. "You know Frankie, that isn't such a bad idea...if Al doesn't find anything else that could be a pretty good costume."
Her cousin's frown deepened and he sent a mock glare their way. Though Al wasn't being entirely serious, and was almost always good-natured, he had for most of his time at Hogwarts, nursed a niggling doubt about himself which was prone to surface at times like this.
It was something to be the look alike son of the famous Harry Potter, and (though somewhat less intimidating) the younger brother of the great Gryffindor quidditch player. Al felt as though he had alot to live up to, and occasionally would worry about his own shortcomings. What if people expected him to be great and brave like his father? What if they thought he would be as reckless and as exciting as both James Potters had been? His friends and family had assured him that none of it mattered, and that he was his own person, and mostly Al believed them. But still the self-doubt would never entirely melt away.
Realising this, and the fact that her cousin was likely taking the joke more seriously than he was showing, Rose reached over and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Sorry Al...I guess it wasn't too funny..."
He nodded and met her gaze with a slight smile.
"But seriously, you have to cheer up...unless you want Lils and me slipping you some puking pastilles when you're not looking !"
Frankie suddenly paled, and turned a horrified expression on the girls. "Y-y-you said after last time that you didn't have any more of those!"
Rose grinned wickedly and winked at Lily, remembering the first and only time that Frankie had received their full wrath.
"Well you did deserve it; what did you expect spying on us like that? Trying to find out what we were planning for James? "
Lily's hazel eyes twinkled mischievously. "We couldn't have you blabbing could we?"
It was now his turn to crease his brow, and glower darkly. "Whatever...let's just get to glad-rags."
Al chuckled good-humouredly and a few minutes later, the five of them traipsed out of the cold and into the clothes shop, which was sporting a large number of floating pumpkins and a display of costumes in honour of the occasion.
The shop steward; Madame Andemus, looked up from a copy of the Daily Prophet which featured a large black and white, moving picture of a bridge that had been destroyed in London. Rose's insides seemed to freeze as she recalled reading the article that morning. It had been a horrific accident, in which 12 muggles and 1 wizard were killed...except the Prophet and the ministry weren't too sure that it had been an accident...
Blocking out this dark thought, the Gryffindor nodded at the plump looking assistant, who was folding up her paper. "Seventh lota 'Ogwarts students I've 'ad in 'ere today, I suppose you're lookin' for the ball?"
Emmeline grinned enthusiastically. "That's us! Do you have many costumes or pieces of fabric in?"
The witch behind the counter waved her hand "It's all there on the left...le' me know if you need any 'elp."
Rose trailed her fingers over a row of rich cloths, and screwed up her brow, whishing for some inspiration. She turned her dark gaze on the younger girl, who was searching through a rack of robes opposite her.
"What are you thinking of going as Lils?"
Her cousin smiled prettily as she caressed a gold piece of material. "Well I was thinking of going as an Egyptian queen...I'll have to temporarily colour my hair black but I think it could turn out quite nicely."
Part of Rose wished that she had thought of such a great idea, but she knew that it would really suit Lily, and she beamed at the girl. "You'll look amazing! Have you got a date? If so he won't be able to keep his eyes off you!"
The smile dropped and she lowered her voice. "Um well no actually...I...well the-the person I want to go with has-well-he has a date already so..."
Rose didn't really know what to say, although part of her was wondering who this guy was, she knew it would be tactless to ask so she nodded sympathetically. "I'm sorry Lils...but I bet he'll wish the he was with you when he sees you."
Lily shrugged and the corners of her lips curved weakly. "I hope so, but I doubt it..."
She was suddenly shaken out of her stupor by Emmeline, who bounded over with a costume in her grasp. "Which one do you think? Maid Marion or the Greek Goddess over there?"
Smiling at both of the girls, Rose excused herself and made her way to a rack of different fabrics.
As she took in the damask, silk and lace, she thought about the fact that she had no date either. She hadn't even really thought about it until today, when the girls in her dorm had started gibbering excitedly about going in matching costumes, and whether or not they'd be getting a rose (black or white of course in tribute to the date) baskets of which were being sold by hopeful amateur traders.
Rolling her eyes towards Heather Boot, who was at this point swooning rather loudly about her date, Rose had left the giggling gaggle to their own devices and hurried down the stairs and into the common room.
Rose supposed that she just didn't have the patience for that kind of thing. Of course she'd had a boyfriend before, but looking back on it, she was dubious that a month with Alwyn Corner in fourth year really counted.
Her mind drifted to Scorpius and the dance he had promised her. At least she wasn't going to be a complete wallflower...
With a sudden and unexplainable lurch of her stomach, she wondered whether he would have a date either. She consoled herself with the thought that it was highly unlikely, he would have said something wouldn't he? Unless he was trying to play her...
Oh she was being ridiculous!
Anyway, the pair of them would have to spend the majority of the dance together, to make sure that the Doxies were okay, and that everything was running smoothly. There wouldn't be enough time to lavish on a date.
As Rose felt her nerves calm, she shook her head, causing her auburn hair to cascade in waves over one shoulder. What did she care anyway about Scorpius Malfoy's Halloween habits? She did not, that was the answer. She just didn't want some poor girl to read anything more into the dance they would share, than there actually was. Plus she needed him alert to help with their duty.
It was just as she came to this conclusion, that Rose suddenly came across a rich and lovely looking silver silk, which for some reason seamed perfection to her. Her eyes drank in the iron grey swirls of a delicate pattern, and the light and watery feel of the fabric in her hands, and as she did this, Rose finally got her inspiration.
----
----
Scorpius leant back against the cushioned bench of the corner booth, and lazily sipped at his Butter Beer. Next to him sat Lee, and opposite were their fellow sixth year Slytherins, Robin Pucey and Ewan Davis. The latter appeared far from relaxed.
"I'm telling you, there's something up. I overheard him the other day with that lot. Something about tonight..."
Pucey shrugged nonchalantly and took a swig of his drink. "Stop getting your knickers in such a twist Davis, they were probably discussing costumes or dates or something..."
Scorpius, who was for the time being outside of the fray, watched with interest as Ewan sported a look of pure outrage, and Lee shifted his eyes as if to say that he highly doubted Alexander Nott would spend his time deliberating over costumes.
Not deterred, Robin Pucey pushed his light brown tresses out of his eyes, and ignored the stares he was receiving from the other two boys. Instead he did exactly as Scorpius had feared and turned to him.
"So Scorp speaking of dates, who are you going with? Got your eye on someone?"
Thankfully he wasn't asked for his opinion on Flint's erratic behaviour. Unfortunately the question had been one that, to the blonde Slytherin, was equally as dreaded. He decided to play it cool, and without even the bat of an eyelid, shook his head and replied calmly.
"No. Rose Weasley and I have to stick together because of the music arrangements. I didn't think it would be...fair on a girl to be deserting her every five minutes."
Lee smirked behind his hand as if he knew there was more to it than that, and Pucey cocked an eyebrow.
"Scorpius Malfoy, who could get any girl in Slytherin, is going stag because he thinks it would be unfair on them?"
Scorpius nodded casually "Yeah, that's right."
"Now why do I have difficulty believing that?" The brunette narrowed his deep blue eyes. "If I didn't know better, I'd say that you've fallen for the Weaslette."
Scorpius prayed that his colour wasn't rising, because in all honesty he was starting to think the Gryffindor was quite attractive. He consoled himself by saying it didn't go any deeper than that, but he knew that he was in denial. So when Pucey threw his pointed statement at the blonde, it was with difficulty that the said victim kept his composure.
"Actually we've decided to be friends, you know we're forced to spend so much time together we might as well. There's nothing more to it, obviously."
The brunette still appeared dubious, but next to him Ewan Davis furrowed his brow, and as Scorpius had hoped, moved the conversation away from dangerous territory.
"So why are you guys put together so often?"
At this the blonde Slytherin shrugged. He knew the official reason, but he was starting to think that it went further than originally met the eye.
"Well, apparently we need to learn from each other..."
Pucey let out a snort "But learn about what?"
Scorpius seemed oblivious to the boy's laughter and instead, with a frown, he mumbled to himself just one word. "Exactly."
----
----
----
It was 6:30 and Rose was due to meet both Scorpius and the Doxies in about five minutes, in the smallish chamber off of the Great Hall. The feast would start in half an hour, and so both she and the blonde needed to check everything was fine with the band, before their entrance at 8:00.
Unfortunately, as they were the highlight of the evening, and a big surprise, Meni, Zaire and Christoph wouldn't be joining the banquet. Instead Professor McGonagall was laying on a spread for them in their waiting room, a door from which would lead onto the stage already set up in the Great Hall.
Or at least Rose presumed it was already set up, as the Great Hall had been sealed off, so that only those helping with the decorating were allowed in. This in fact was very irritating for the Gryffindor, not because she wanted a sneak peak, but because it led her to find a rather cumbersome route to the chamber. For the second time after taking a wrong turning, Rose let out a sigh and wished furiously that she had asked Al to borrow the Marauder's Map, which he had inherited from James when the latter left Hogwarts.
She picked up the voluminous skirts of her costume and hurried along the deserted corridor, hoping that she wasn't going to ruin it by getting it dusty.
After returning from Hogsmeade, Rose had spent an hour or so with her friends in the common room, learning from a red faced Frankie that he was taking Lyra Finch-Fletchly to the ball, before excusing herself and commencing work on her costume.
Because she had just bought different materials, she still had to make the actual outfit. Of course that wouldn't take too long, as she could use her magic, but she wanted the end result to be perfect, and therefore she had decided to take her time.
After seeing the fabric, Rose had a clear idea what she would be, and after researching in the library, she was certain. The thought made her bubble with excitement.
She was going as a medieval ghost, and had fashioned the fabric into a gown modelled on the Tudor period. She had to admit that the end result was beautiful, and she could not help gazing lovingly at how the dress clung to the right places, and then flowed out in a rippling, shimmering train.
With help from Lily, who was wearing a lovely white and gold Egyptian shift, straight ebony hair, elongated eyeliner, and a dainty golden circlet, she had performed a charm causing the robes to glow and shine eerily.
Her red locks were pushed back under a silver and pearl encrusted headdress, from which hung a delicate veil which covered the rest of her curls. As she rushed down the hallway, tall arched windows bathing her pale skin with the milky moonlight, Rose allowed a small, throaty giggle to escape. She wouldn't be surprised if any lurking students actually took her for a forlorn and determined spirit.
She rounded the corner and realising that the chamber wasn't much farther, slowed down to a brisk walk.
Rose suddenly felt nervous, and her heart, already pounding furiously, skipped a beat. In a moment she would walk through that door and come face to face with Scorpius Malfoy. What would he think of the way she was dressed? What if he thought she looked horrendous and said so, it would hardly be out of character for him to voice his opinions. And what if he did have a date?
Why did she even care? That was the most important question.
Swallowing down her anxiety, and shaking her head to clear her thoughts, Rose mustered her strength as she approached the oaken door. Reaching out a balled fist, she rapped the wood and called out "Its me."
She heard someone mutter 'Alohamora' and the lock clicked.
----
----
She quickly stepped back, narrowly missing the door swinging open and Christoph's head poking out. His dark eyes were shining and he was wearing a big grin.
"Oh it is you, Meni said we had make sure...wow you look amazing Rose!" He dodged out of the way to let her pass, and Rose stepped into the wood panelled room, which was lit by many floating candles. The great mullioned window on the opposite wall, twinkled in their light, and offered a view of the star spangled, velvety sky. In the grate of a carved fireplace, orange flames flickered cheerfully, and Rose felt herself relax in the comfortable, warm space.
Her eyes drinking in the scene, fell firstly on Zaire was perched on the edge of a large mahogany desk, on which was piled an array of rich food and drink. He appeared to be in deep conversation with Meni, gesticulating enthusiastically at the guitarist who reclined in a hard-backed chair. Both looked up as she entered, sending appreciative smiles her way. The latter raised his golden goblet, and beamed in her direction.
"You know, for once Chris isn't exaggerating. That costume is wonderful, and you look stunning!" Christoph scowled at his band mate's back, and picked up his half-eaten pumpkin pasty. Rose meanwhile was blushing prettily, and Scorpius who had been watching the red-head intently since her appearance, felt his mouth go dry.
As she lifted her gaze, their eyes locked and the Slytherin was startled by what felt like his stomach plummeting. His lips curved weakly, and he was delighted when she reciprocated.
"I-er-was just making sure that these guys have everything they need." The blonde was thankful that he was able to keep his emotions in check, and that his voice remained deep and articulate. He tried to suppress the slight light-headedness that had overcome him. They were right, she was beautiful. Then again that didn't really come as a surprise to him.
Scorpius wondered how she thought he looked, and whether she felt any attraction for him. He wasn't arrogant, but he, like all the Malfoys, never showed any self-doubt. He knew that he was desirable to many girls, and he exuded a confidence and sureness about himself that just increased this.
He was aware that in his costume of a rich white shirt, slashed and ripped artistically, which clung to his slim and somewhat muscular torso, his black dress trousers and matching velvet cloak with its deep red lining, he looked good. His pale blonde hair was slicked back skilfully, and this emphasised the point of his chin. His silvery orbs shone from behind a black eye-mask, causing them to stand out even more than usual. The small smile he had sent her way, revealed a flash of his white straight teeth, complete with fangs which he had temporarily transfigured, just quarter of an hour ago.
Yes he looked good. Though he didn't know that the sight of him had caused Rose to catch her breath, and even though he had no idea that she was contemplating his attractiveness, he was confident.
However Scorpius also knew that with Rose there was more to it than that. And furthermore, he found that he didn't want her to just think he was desirable, though obviously there would be no complaints about that, but for it to go deeper. This in itself was strange for the Slytherin.
Then there was another thing. With her, he knew he would have to work, and for someone who enjoyed being idle, to accept this and in addition to be excited about it, was a new experience. However he found that he wanted to make the effort, and that the idea thrilled him.
Meni, to their great relief and oddly their disappointment, interrupted their silent consideration of each other, and sliced through the tension. His eyes were twinkling in a way that suggested he knew something they didn't.
"I was just saying to Scorp, that we've got everything we need..."
Christoph nodded, and interrupted his friend, his voice thick with a mouthful of pumpkin pasty. "Efoosgrebyerway"
Zaire's brow furrowed in one part humour, three quarters disgust, and he chucked a grape at the saxophonist "Urgh do you have to speak like that and spray us all with half-chewed pasty?"
Christoph grinned sheepishly and shrugged his shoulders. "Sorry, I can't help it..." The drummer rolled his eyes expressively. "I said, the food's great by the way."
Rose let out a small chuckle. "Great, well if you have got everything do you think you can be ready by 8 o'clock...I hope you won't be too bored..." She swept the room quickly with her dark gaze. Meni shook his head.
"We'll be fine, Professor McGonagall's put on a good spread for us, and there's a silencing charm on the room so that we can practice a few of our songs...and if worst comes to worst I can play Chris at chess, that's always worth a few laughs!" Once again the saxophonist scowled, before reaching for a chicken leg.
Scorpius nodded. "Cool, so as everything is sorted here, we better get on" He turned to the red head across the room. "It's ten to seven."
"Already? Okay, well thank you so much for doing this guys, it's going to be amazing."
Zaire waved his hand nonchalantly. "Hey, its fine, you're doing us the favour, we've never played to so many people before."
Rose smiled. "Well, you'll be great."
To his friend's revulsion, Christoph once again sprayed the back of his neck with food. "Fanks!"
Scorpius made his way to the door, fingers gripping the handle. "We'll see you later then?"
Meni nodded. "Till then."
----
----
With smiles and a 'good luck' The blonde wrenched open the heavy oaken door, and stepped back to allow Rose past, before shutting it and locking it once more.
Turning to face his unearthly companion, he held out his arm. "Need an escort my dear deceased?"
She giggled dryly, but linked her arm gingerly through his anyway, as they set off along the corridor. "Very smooth"
The Slytherin frowned indignantly. "Hey, at least I try! Anyway, I just want to say that you do look very...nice."
The girl tilted her head teasingly. "Oh, why thank you! You don't too shabby either. What are you supposed to be, a vampire?"
"Evidently, though not just any vampire; I'm Dracula."
Rose shook her head, laughingly. "You always have to be the most prominent, don't you?"
He cocked his eyebrow. "Do you even need to ask?"
----
----
Taking a turning, they emerged into what was formerly entrance hall, but what now seemed to be a chamber entirely tented by silvery cobwebs, and thronging with crowds of waiting people. It was hard to recognise them as Hogwart's staff and students; there were mummies, hags, werewolves, pirates...you name it and there was bound to be one person in that costume.
In the centre of the room, a temporary fountain had been erected, from which were gushing streams of different colour punches; pink, green, blue...in the bowl at the bottom, all these flavours had mixed into a purple liquid which was emitting rainbow coloured sparks.
Pushing through the clumps of waiting people, the pair reached this spectacle, and Scorpius grabbed two golden goblets from around the edge. He dipped them carefully into the bowl, and filled them with the violet liquid, passing one to Rose, who gratefully accepted.
"Mmm...tastes like...well actually I'm not too sure to be honest."
----
----
Feeling a tap on her shoulder, the red-head spun round and came face to face with her cousin, in full Egyptian dress.
"Lilly! You look gorgeous!"
The girl smiled embarrassedly, her cheeks pinking slightly. At her side stood Emmeline, who had evidently settled on the Maid Marion costume. "Thanks, but I have to say that your outfit is amazing Rosie!"
The older girl flicked her hand, as if she didn't think it was that good. Remembering that Scorpius was behind her, Rose shifted a little.
Oh, er Scorpius you know my cousin Lily don't you? And this is her friend Emmeline"
The Slytherin nodded and curved his lips. "Of course. Are you Cleopatra by any chance?"
Lily seemed to have overcome her temporary embarrassment, and grinned back. "Nefertiti actually, but close enough. I've been hearing a lot about you..."
The Slytherin's customary smirk played about his face, and he raised an eyebrow. It was Rose's turn to blush.
"I'm not too sure that's always a good thing, but I suppose I can live with it..." He chuckled humorously, stopping only when Rose dug her elbow into his ribs.
"I wouldn't get too comfortable!" He cocked his head and regarded her cheekily, but before he could respond, the Gryffindor rounded on the two girls in front of her. "I suppose you need to get back to your friends..."
Clearly enjoying this Lily shook her head, causing her newly ebony hair to swing. "Not at all, anyway you are one of my best friends Rosie-"
The red-head was clearly a bit exasperated by now. "B-but what a-about Al or Hugo or-or Frankie?"
The younger girl wrinkled her nose "Well I suppose I could be with Al and Hugo, but not Frankie!"
Rose was about to ask why, but Emmeline quickly answered this for her. "You should see him, simpering all over Lyra Finch-Fletchly."
Scorpius shifted his eyes and let out a low whistle. "Sounds lovely."
Lily grimaced. "It's disgusting..."
"Oh...well it can't be that bad Lils...I mean isn't it good that he's...I mean if they like each other then..." But Rose was interrupted by the creaking of the huge doors which guarded Great Hall, and the emergence of Professor McGonagall.
"Welcome, everyone, to the renewed Hogwarts Halloween Ball." Behind her, Rose heard some mutterings of 'It's about time!' "I trust that everyone is ready to enjoy this evening's festivities, so if I could ask that you enter in an orderly fashion, and seat yourselves at tables of eight. I now declare this dance open!"
----
----
The doors were now entirely pulled back, and a flood of students entered the hall. As Rose herself crossed the threshold, she let out a gasp of surprise. The Great Hall had been entirely transformed.
Instead of the four house tables, smaller booths had been set up against the walls, each one made private with open drapes of tented cobwebs, seemingly hanging in thin sheaths from the enchanted ceiling, before opening up and encompassing the rounded tables. In the middle of the room was a large open space which she assumed was for the dancing.
Numerous old, gnarled oak trees seemed to have sprouted from the floor, shading all with their fiery leaves. What was more surprising, was that hanging from their twisted branches, were plump pumpkins. Each one was hollowed out, and inside them, shining colourful light through their carved features, were real fairies.
Instead of the usual wooden flooring, it appeared that they were standing on grass. A large stage was mounted at one end of the room. The whole affect made it feel as though they were outside, and this was only increased by the swarms of bats that were circling over head.
Rose thought it was enchanting.
----
----
Once inside, Emmeline disappeared to meet with her date; a gangly boy from Hufflepuff by the name of Douglas Carling, but they met up with Al and Mickey Thomas. Frankie it seemed, had gone to sit at the same Hufflepuff table as Emmeline, with Lyra, whilst Hugo joined a group of Gryffindor fourth years.
Rose was temporarily taken a back, in learning that Al had a partner, something he had neglected to tell her earlier, but discovered that it was actually a friend of their's from Ravenclaw; Raelynn Chambers.
Raelynn was a pretty sixth year with light blue eyes, long raven hair and excellent quidditch skills. She was keeper for the Ravenclaw team.
Their table was completed when Lee Zabini dressed as knight in full armour, appeared with Ewan Davis.
Once everyone in the hall was seated, Professor McGonagall clapped her hands and an array of food appeared on the table before them; Roast Duck, Pumpkin curry, baked potatoes, corn on the cob, Flagons of spiced, warm cider. The list could have gone on. For the second time this evening, it seemed that Christoph was right.
Looking round the table, Rose had to admit that theirs was a strange mix of people, but they actually got on quite well. Scorpius, Al, Raelynne and she got into a heated debate about quidditch, Ravenclaw had drawn their match last week against Hufflepuff and that put Slytherin in the lead for cup.
Lee and Lilly seemed to be on moderately friendly terms, and were deep in conversation for most of the meal, whilst Mickey and Ewan Davis...well she didn't know exactly what was going on there, but they weren't killing each other, which was a good sign.
Once everyone had eaten their fill, and the plates and leftover food had disappeared, Professor McGonagall stood again from the round table near the stage where the teachers had congregated.
"Now for the long awaited highlight; the music. But before we all take to the dance floor, I have an announcement to make about the costume awards." She flicked her wand and a wooden box and a pile of parchment appeared on the table before her. "Every person may fill out a parchment form. For their vote to be considered, they must write down their own year, and then select who they think is the best dressed girl and boy from their own year. Before the first and second years retire, we will declare the winners."
There was a murmur of interest before she continued. "Now please put your hands together for 'Duelling with the Doxies'!"
The door to the adjoining chamber opened, and the trio trooped out onto the stage where their instruments had appeared. A loud cheer and had sprung up, with a few girls cat-calling, but this died down as soon as Meni reached the microphone.
"Hi Hogwarts, we're The Doxies, and we hope you enjoy the evening!"
----
----
The music, just like Thursday evening, was lively and upbeat. Flocks of students took to the dance floor, and even Hagrid was spotted 'bopping' with Professor Sinistra.
Rose danced along with her friends, and Scorpius could hardly take his eyes off her. He would have to ask her soon. The next slow one...
She had already been asked by three or four guys, and had gladly accepted Mickey Thomas and a seventh year prefect by the name of Ryan Carmichael. Scorpius at first had felt intensely jealous at this, but he managed to keep this in check and reminded himself that she didn't actually have feelings for either of these two. At least, he didn't think that she did, and he didn't want to embarrass himself like the other evening, so he pushed these thoughts aside and enjoyed the ball.
Finally it was announced that this was to be the last dance, before the awards were given out, and the first two years were sent to bed.
A slow and heartfelt song was struck up, and mustering his courage, though he was certain she would say yes, the Slytherin approached Rose and held out his hand.
"Ready for me to sweep you off of your feet again?"
She laughed happily and her gaze met his. "I'm not so sure you did the first time, but I have time to spare."
She lay her hand in his outstretched palm, and felt tingles journey up her arm. He pulled her closer, gripping her waist lightly, whilst she felt the firmness of his shoulder through the thin shirt he was wearing.
They seemed to fit together as the moved gracefully around the dance floor.
This time their gaze held, and chills prickled their way up Rose's back as she felt how intimate this actually was. She felt herself lost, and not wanting to be found.
Her eyes travelled to his parted lips, and she felt his do the same to hers, as he twirled her away from him and then brought her back.
She was so close to him. She looked like she wanted to. Why couldn't he just lower his head? He should just do it...if he tilted forward just a little more...
His breath was already tickling her skin, and she felt herself close her eyes.
"Rose I..."
----
----
Suddenly a loud cry was heard, and the doors to the Great Hall banged open.
Rose jumped and Scorpius steadied her, the moment had passed.
The figure of Avatus Boarg, School Caretaker, in a tuxedo that looked as though it had seen better days, rushed into the room. His face was pale and his eyes looked as though they were popping out of their sockets. He slammed the doors closed behind him, back to them.
"Pro-pro-professor Mcgonagall!"
The Headteacher stood from her seat, her forehead furrowed. "What is it Boarg?" Scorpius' grip on Rose tightened.
"It-it-it's in the castle...a-a-a Graphorn!"
----
----
A/N: Phew another long one and a lot happening. So Flint is getting roped into something unpleasant....how will this affect the other characters? Scorpius is awakening to his feelings, but what can he do about them? Lily has a crush...Rose is a ghost....
What did you think of the Halloween decorations and costumes? Spectacular enough, just right or too much? I hope you like the Scorpius/Rose/Lilly moment; that was fun to right. As was the scene with the band aaaand Scorpius and Rose getting closer. Which brings us to the most important part, they were interrupted because of a Graphorn. If you don't know what one of those is, you can look it up or wait for the description next chapter...but they're in trouble! The question is, why is it there?
Thanks you for all the wonderful reviews, and adds to favourites and alerts. I know that I always say this, but it really does make my day too hear from you guys, so go on you know you want to :)
So a cliiffhanger!! Slightly evil, but I promise to update within 7 days, is that okay?
Much love to all my readers
Fiona xx