A/N: Thank you all to who have taken the time to read and review. I know I told a lot of you that this was going to be up on the 10th but I got a bit behind on the release and didn't want to release anything short of perfection (or as close to perfection as I can get). I hope you enjoy, and if it ends up being horrible, I'm sorry… but hey… it's 11 pages long, so at least it's lengthy, right?!

Disc.: I created something, just not this universe.

Choices

Lily slept soundless that night, exhausted. She was too sore from the countless events of vomiting and heaving, a bit grossed out from having such intense stomach pyrotechnics. She was certain she'd never touch fire whiskey again, or at least not in a really long time. The potion Scorpius had given her had kicked in shortly after his confession and Lily was able to retreat to her sleep without responding. She had slipped into unconsciousness and Lily had wondered if that was his intention. A perfectly timed confession that would have her slip away moments before she could conjure a response.

Lily yawned, stretching. She was vaguely aware of a set of eyes on her and she hesitated to meet them. She knew that she'd need to talk with the owner of those eyes eventually, to find out what she needed to do now about the new information. She had no idea what she was going to do. She loved Scorpius, but how many times could he play with her emotions before she'd break?

"You're awake, baby," Hill said kissing her forehead. She had be hyperaware of Scorpius that she didn't even register that more than he was in the room. Lily forced a smile and she looked at her fellow beater apologetically.

"I am so sorry that I threw up on you," Lily said. Her cheeks flushed slightly against her pale face and he laughed.

"It was my own fault," he confessed. "I shouldn't have let you drink so much. I should have known two would be too much for someone your size, and it wasn't like I didn't deserve it. You made your position clear and I still tried to press my luck. I deserved for you to have emptied the contents of your stomach all over me."

"When you put it that way," Lily laughed lightly. "I'm not so sorry."

"Ah, I'm sorry that things ended badly," Hill said grinning at her, sitting on the edge of the bed. He had his back to Scorpius as he brushed the hair from Lily's face.

"Well, we live and we learn," Lily said as she looked into his eyes. "We'll just have to try again, minus the liquor, won't we?"

"Are you asking me on a date, Lily Potter?" Hill teased. Lily laughed.

"I have to make it up to you for puking on our first date," Lily said. Hill nodded and rolled his eyes.

"Well, we'll see," Hill taunted, causing Lily to pout. He swooped down, kissing her forehead lightly again.

"I retract it then," Lily said crossing her arms. Hill laughed.

"Fine, fine. You win," he said. "Another date then. How about the annual Slytherin ball?"

"That sounds perfect," Lily said. Hill looked at his watch.

"Don't hang out in here too long, the train leaves in a few hours. I'll see you after you do your duties," Hill said as he got up off the edge of her bed. He left the hospital and slowly, Lily turned her eyes from the door to Scorpius. He was sitting beside her, his hands on the edge of the bed. He clenched his hand slightly on the sheet before he released it and looked at her.

"So… you're going with Hill," Scorpius said. Lily looked at him and nodded.

"So it would seem," Lily said smiling slightly. Scorpius' eyes finally met hers and she cringed. He looked like he was in pain, struggling to hold on to reality.

"Did you hear me last night?" Scorpius asked quietly. Lily sighed. She had indeed registered everything of what he said.

"You love me, right?" Lily said.

"Yes," Scorpius said. Lily looked at him apologetically.

"I heard you," Lily said.

"And you still choose Hill over me," Scorpius said nodding once. He sighed. "I guess I knew to expect that. I waited too long and I've been too fickle. It wouldn't be fair to expect you to just drop Hill because I finally feel the same way you do."

"No," Lily agreed lightly.

"I want you to promise me something," Scorpius said as he forced a smile.

"Depends," she said suspiciously.

"It's nothing bad, I promise," Scorpius said honestly.

"Let's hear it then, before I agree," Lily told him. He laughed.

"Promise me you'll give me a second chance, even if it's not today," Scorpius said. Lily raised an eyebrow at him.

"I can't guarantee that," Lily said shaking her head. He winced slightly.

"Ok, promise me that you'll go to the Slytherin ball with me," Scorpius practically begged, though his tone never betrayed it.

"I already agreed to go with Hill," Lily protested.

"No, I don't mean this year," Scorpius said shaking his head. "Your seventh year ball marks the 200 year anniversary of the Slytherin Ball. I want you to be my date."

"And if I am dating someone then?" she asked.

"You and I could go as friends," Scorpius said as his fingers touched the back of her hand. He focused on her hand and arm as he lightly ran his fingers up and down the arm.

"Won't you still be traveling around the world?" Lily smirked. His eyes flickered up to hers, holding her gaze.

"Trust me, this would pale all my travels, the honor of escorting you in any fashion to the Christmas Ball, Lily," Scorpius said. He held her gaze a moment longer. "Now that I've confessed it aloud and so certainly, it's not going to change."

"No?" Lily breathed.

"No," Scorpius said as he kissed her lightly on her lips. "I love you. I can wait a life time if I must." He kissed her a little more intensely, stealing Lily's breath. She turned her head as he pulled away.

"Score, that's unkind," Lily breathed again. He smiled.

"Love can be unkind like that," Scorpius chuckled. He groaned slightly as he stretched.

"Did you sleep there all night long?" she asked changing the subject. Scorpius grinned sheepishly.

"I didn't sleep," he said. "I watched you sleep. I could tell when you were dreaming."

"Great," Lily laughed as she pushed the covers back and swung her legs around to the side of the bed. She stood, wavering slightly. Scorpius made a quick grab for her as her legs buckled.

"I should have warned you that your uncle's hangover potion can make you a little weak in the knees at first," Scorpius said as his hands held onto her midsection. She looked up into his eyes, with slight surprise and a hint of mischievousness.

"Sure, that's what got me weak kneed," Lily teased lightly. Scorpius chuckled.

"So, then, it's a yes?" Scorpius asked.

"For the 200th Annual Slytherin Christmas Ball, sure," Lily said rolling her eyes. "By then, you'll probably be married or whatever, but I'll play along."

"You underestimate the amount I love you, Lily Potter," Scorpius whispered in her ear. She shivered slightly as he pulled her closer. He got a bright look on his face. "I'll be there."

"Ooh, make we should make an Unbreakable Vow," Lily teased as heat rose in her cheeks. Scorpius shook his head.

"They've outlawed those on purpose, Lils," Scorpius said darkly.

"I was only joking," Lily promised.

"Sure, sure," Scorpius said as he finally dropped his hands from her body. "You just want to give me some sort of heart attack. I see what you're trying to do. It won't work, Lils. I'm yours for good whether you'll have me or not." Lily sighed.

"Well, Score, I ought to go get dressed," Lily said as she glanced meaningfully at the stack of clothes the house elf had left her. Scorpius nodded and took his cue.

"Remember, Lils, no matter what," Scorpius said. He looked back at her, not finishing his sentence.

"I'll keep it in mind," she promised.

The ride home was unremarkable. Lily had performed her prefect duties and spent time with her friends. She rode home with her brothers and cousins in her Uncle's car, crammed in the back seat with Rose, Albus, and Hugo. All in all, the Christmas Holiday was unremarkable. She looked forward to the Christmas Ball, finally old enough to attend it alone, and it being the first that she had attended in two years.

Harry had taken to spoiling his youngest, to overcompensate for her lack of a mother. He handed Lily his Wizard Card and sent her to the dress shops to buy whatever until her heart was content. She had opted to go alone, turning down Harry's half-hearted offer of accompanying her. Even James and Albus offered, but to lesser degrees. In the end, Lily took Harry's credit card and used the floo network to arrive in Diagon Alley alone.

She brushed her cloak clean as she stepped from the grate at The Leaky Cauldron. Tom, the old barkeep, looked up and dipped his head respectfully. Lily smiled at him as she headed out to alley way. The snow was swept clean from the ground, though it clung to the bushes and awnings. Lily let her eyes trace the street as she tried to contemplate where she'd like to look first when a pair of hands covered her eyes. Lily breathed in the icy air, deeply, and she caught his scent.

"Scorpius, is this a coincidence or are you planning on stalking me until the ball?" Lily teased. She heard him swear playfully.

"How'd you know it was me," Scorpius asked as he removed his hands and she turned to look at him.

"I already told you that once," Lily said. "I'm surprised that it slipped so quickly from your mind."

"It didn't," Scorpius confessed. He grinned. "I just like to hear it."

"You like to hear that the most powerful love potion smells like you for me? Into self torture much?" Lily taunted. He laughed.

"So, are you here shopping for your dress?" Scorpius said changing the subject.

"You know I am," she said crossing her arms over her bulky cloak.

"Well, don't let me keep you," he said grinning. She hesitated a moment, wondering why it was so easy for him to release her attention. She shrugged.

"See you later," she said. He nodded.

"You bet," he said. She started to walk away. "Oh, Lily?"

"Yes?" Lily said turning to him. He jogged back to her side, ignoring the looks of a few curious by-standers.

"You have two things of mine," Scorpius told her, his mouth near her ear as he whispered. "One I want back now, and one I'll hope that you'll hang on to forever."

"And they would be?" Lily asked suspiciously.

"The one I want back is the page from my D.A.D.A. book," Scorpius said smirking as he righted himself. He crossed his arms. "I'll need it for class next term."

"I know for a fact that you won't," Lily said smugly. He smiled and extended his hand. She reached into her bag, pulling out the perfectly folded piece of his text book. She held it in her hand. "How'd you know I had it on me?"

"I knew you wouldn't leave it where anyone else could access it," Scorpius said as he stepped closer. "My page, please?"

"Fine," Lily laughed as she handed him back the page. He quickly unfolded it and read the passage she had written, a smile blossoming on his face.

"Thank you," he breathed. He looked at her again, quickly kissing her cheek and walking away.

"Wait, Scorpius! You said that there were two things," Lily called. Scorpius turned around, continuing to move away from her. He laughed.

"The second thing is my heart, but I don't want it back. I love the fact that you have it," Scorpius called loudly. Lily felt her cheeks turn bright red and more than a few people stared at the two of them.

"You're so corny, Scorpius Malfoy!" Lily called to him. He laughed and apparated out of Diagon Alley.

Lily had arranged for Aiden Hill to swing by to pick her up for the Christmas ball, but still she felt nervous as she woke up Christmas morning. She headed down the stairs, surprised to see Scorpius and Mr. Malfoy sitting at the table with Harry, Lily skidding to a stop halfway through the kitchen. Heat rose into her face, nearly burning her as she looked down at her choice of bed-wear that night. She wore a tee shirt that just barely covered her panties, having decided to forgo a robe since it was just her, her brothers, and her dad.

"Hey, Lily, um, we have guests," Harry said noticing his daughter's discomfort.

"I… see that," Lily squeaked out. "I'll just go, um, yeah."

"Hurry back," Scorpius called, laughing as Lily bolted up the stairs three at a time, which she regretted the minute she hit the first landing. She was sure that the two Malfoys and her father had seen more of her panties than she'd ever want them to. She shook with embarrassment for a moment, her face bright red.

"Did you know Malfoy's downstairs?"James asked, his arms were crossed against his chest as Lily jetted past him. He smirked.

"Thanks for the heads up, big bro," Lily grumbled as she ran into her room. She took a few calming breaths, jumping into the shower for a quick shower and redressed in more appropriate wear. She headed back downstairs, more put together and she glared at Scorpius' grin.

"You return," Scorpius said as Lily pulled out a box of cereal and helped herself to a bowl. She barely glanced into the living room where the presents lay motionless under the tree. Albus' snores could be heard downstairs and James laughed as he pushed a bowl and the box towards Scorpius. It was too cozy between those two.

"So, what brings you by on Christmas Day, Mr. Malfoy?" Lily asked politely. Draco laughed.

"Scorpius insisted," Draco said. Lily's cheeks went a little warm. She could hear James snickering from behind his box of cereal. Scorpius was grinning at her as he shoveled a spoonful of cereal in his mouth.

"Is that so?" Lily challenged. She refused to let him see her discomfort. "Well, I have to say it's a pleasant surprise."

"We came to extend an invitation for you to travel with us to the Christmas Ball," Draco said. Lily grinned.

"No need," Lily said politely. "Thank you, but Aiden Hill turned seventeen at the end of September, and he got his apparation license. He's going to pick me up at seven."

"Well, the offer still stands," Draco said. Scorpius smirked at Lily. "I'm glad this Aiden Hill is so trust worthy, Harry. I don't know how I'd feel about some boy off apparating with my fifteen year old daughter. I guess that's why I was glad Infamy and I only had Scorpius. So much you worry about boys, I imagine it's tenfold with girls."

"Lily, have I met this Aiden character?" Harry asked after digesting the information. Lily glared at Scorpius for a second before smiling at her dad.

"Daddy, you're going to meet him tonight when he picks me up," Lily told her father. She looked at him sweetly.

"Still, I don't know if I want you going to some ball with a boy I don't know," Harry said. Lily rested her chin on her hand, looking at him. "And don't give me that look. I'd feel so guilty if something ever happened to you." Lily sighed. She knew she'd never go against her dad when he was pulling the guilt trip on her.

"Fine," Lily snapped as she walked over to the phone. She picked up the receiver and dialed the number to Aiden Hill's house.

"Hill Manor," a snooty man's voice said.

"This is Lily Potter, is Aiden Hill available?" Lily asked. She waited a few minutes before a breathless Aiden picked up the phone.

"Lily, hey, I was just thinking about you," Aiden said.

"I hope that's not why you're breathless," Lily said smirking as she glanced over at Scorpius.

"No, but I am only wearing a towel, you caught me as I was getting out of the shower," Aiden laughed. Lily giggled.

"Wet and in a towel? My lucky day," Lily teased. Harry cleared his throat behind her. Lily laughed and rolled her eyes. "Look, Aiden, I hate to do this to you but my dad's not going to let you apparate with me to the ball."

"Oh," Hill said.

"Yeah, I'm sorry about that," Lily said.

"Well, that's ok," Hill said brightly. "How are you getting to the ball?"

"The Malfoys," Lily said with a bit of divestment. Hill laughed.

"Ah, our captain, there have been rumors that he liked you," Hill laughed. Lily laughed.

"Is that so?" Lily said.

"Yeah," Hill said. He sighed dramatically. "Figures he'd play dirty."

"Very funny," Lily laughed. "You're still my date, right?"

"Right," Hill promised. "Just because Malfoy's confessed his undying love for you and I was a total git to you doesn't mean you should ditch on our date."

"How'd you know?" Lily asked. Hill was silent for a minute.

"Huh, wow. He did?" Hill questioned.

"Yeah, when I was… uh… ill that one time," Lily said dropping her voice. Hill laughed.

"Your dad's there, isn't he?" Hill asked.

"Yeah, and…"

"He's there?" Hill asked.

"Yeah," Lily admitted. Hill laughed.

"I don't have a chance in hell," Hill laughed almost slightly bitter.

"Don't say that," Lily said. "You never know."

"I know," Hill said. He chuckled. "At least I have tonight. I'll see you there, yeah?"

"Yeah," Lily said.

"You opened my gift yet?" Hill asked suddenly.

"You got me… but why?" Lily hissed into the phone, covering the mouthpiece.

"Duh, because I really like you, Lily," Hill said. She could almost picture him rolling his eyes. Yeah, it was probably that obvious.

"See you tonight," Lily promised. She hung up the phone and retreated to the table to eat her cereal. She hid behind her cereal box as Scorpius and Draco readied to leave.

"See you at seven," Scorpius promised. Lily rolled her eyes at him, sticking her tongue out at him.

Once the Malfoys had departed, James was finally given the go ahead to wake Albus. The four sat around, opening presents. Harry loved the gift that the kids had given him: a new dragon-skin brief case. Lily and her brothers received clothes, books, and games. Lily had just two presents left, one from Aiden and one from Scorpius. Lily would have much preferred to open them up in private, but instead she slipped her finger under the wrapping of Aiden's larger present knowing that with the length that she and he were aware of each other, it couldn't be too embarrassing.

Lily had been right. Hill's gift had been a huge tome of rare magical maladies. It looked very old, very well used. Inside, Hill had written an inscription:

Lily,
Having heard your intentions for a career, I figured it anyone could appreciate this, you could. This is a first handwritten addition of Dirge Hannover's Medical Magical Maladies. The writing and drawings are all original. Happy Christmas, love. You're going to be a great Healer! Love, Aiden Hill (future beater for the Valencia Vogt's, you're the first I'm telling. Once I'm done with this year, I'm off to play professionally. I've been signed a ten year contract. I couldn't be happier, well, I could be… but you and I are still on the young side to be thinking such things. Happy Christmas and I can't wait to see you in your dress.)

"Hill's been signed to the Vogt's!" Lily exclaimed as she ran her fingers across the golden ink he had used to write on the page.

"Wow, that's great," Harry said.

"That's fantastic," James exclaimed. "He's a kick-ass player, even if he is a Slytherin."

"Very funny," Lily laughed as she stuck her tongue out at him. She continued to look at the book, flipping through the pages while ignoring for the moment the rest of the room.

"Merlin, your friend Kate's so nuts," Albus groaned as he pushed the gift Kate had sent him to Lily. She reluctantly closed the book and took the box. She pulled a tee shirt from it. She fought the urge to laugh. Kate had plastered her face on the front and had the words: Albus is the property of Kate Rosier printed on the back. Lily placed it in the box.

"She just feels… strongly… about you," Lily said as she handed him the box. Albus rolled his eyes and stuffed the box under a pile of other clothes he had received. Lily couldn't ignore the gift that Scorpius sent any longer, knowing that whatever it was it would be extravagant and expensive. She carefully pulled the paper away, wondering if he had wrapped it himself. It was too perfectly wrapped for a boy, but she knew that Scorpius tended to be rather meticulous when it came to certain things like presentation, so he very well could have wrapped it himself.

"Wow," Harry murmured as Lily sat there with the box open. Lily's hands shook as she pulled free the small piece of cardstock paper Scorpius had tucked inside.

I know blue and silver are Ravenclaw colors, but since you've decided to stop wearing your locket, I figured it was time for me to give you something else to wear. True, it pales in beauty when compared to you, I had to try. Hopefully it won't clash with your dress tonight.

"Will it?" Harry asked her. Lily looked up at him confused. Realization that he had read the not over her shoulder caused heat to rise in her cheeks. She shook her head.

"No," Lily said as she swallowed. "It'll be perfect."

"Amazing how they match your eyes perfectly," Harry said. Lily looked up at him. Harry's eyes jumped back and forth from Lily's blue eyes and the delicate blue stones surrounded in almost fragile looking silver. Lily was afraid to touch the necklace or earrings, for fear of breaking or bending them.

"They look too expensive," Lily breathed. Harry chuckled.

"That's a Malfoy for you," Harry said grinning at his daughter. "They're always overtly extravagant."

"Yeah," Lily murmured. Harry kissed the top of her head as he stood, gathering the loose wrappings.

Lily again forgot about the Slytherin ball and her dress and the very delicate necklace as she entered Grandmother Weasley's house. She embraced the kids, barely able to kiss James and Albus. She commented on how tall they were both getting. She fussed over Lily.

"Dear, are you still not sleeping well? It's those O.W.L.s, right?" Grandmother Weasley said clucking like a mother hen over her chicks.

"Grandmum," Lily groaned but she smiled as the woman handed her a cookie.

"Lily, honey dear, you're my youngest grandbaby, I have to worry," Grandmother Weasley said.

"What about Chewie?" Albus teased. James smacked Albus on the back of the head.

"Albus, Teddy and Vicky don't want you calling their new son Chewie," Grandmother Weasley said as the door opened and Ron and Hermione entered, followed by Rose and Hugo. Lily had laughed, nearly choking on the cookie. She had nearly forgotten that her cousin had a baby over the summer. As if on cue, Teddy Lupin entered carrying a fat little boy with violently blue hair. Lily and Rose squealed.

"Awe, he's so cute," Lily gushed as Rose held the six month old boy. Rose snuggled the baby.

"Thank you," Victoire said smiling.

"Little Chewie!" Albus and Hugo cheered ruffling the baby's hair. Teddy snorted turning his head, hiding a laugh inside a cough.

"His name is Remy, not Chewie," Victoire said fighting a grin. Lily was eager to hold the baby, taking little Remy in her arms. The child looked at her with his wide, silver eyes and wailed. Lily handed him right back to Rose.

"Proof that I don't need to have any kids!" Lily said as she headed away from the baby. James laughed at her.

"It's ok, Lily," Albus teased. "You can't help being so ugly that you scare the baby."

"Very funny," Lily said sarcastically. "When you and Kate have a load of babies, I'll make sure I come around to scare them."

"Hey, don't play like that," Albus said mussing Lily's hair. She slapped his hands away.

"You're the one who's playing," Lily teased.

"Kate's not talking about kids and stuff, is she?" Albus said suddenly worried. Lily laughed at him and walked away. Albus chased after her. "C'mon, you'd tell me wouldn't you?"

"Worried that some of your offspring might end up in Slytherin?" Lily snickered. James laughed, startling Remy. He quickly handed him back to Rose who eased him quickly.

"See, we should have another one," Ron said pointing at the ease of Rose's comforting.

"Rose is seventeen, Hugo's sixteen," Hermione protested. "I do NOT want to start again. I'm too old!" Hermione said as she walked away shaking her head. "Wait a few years and I'm sure we'll have a grandkid or two."

Lily shot Rose a look, who rolled her eyes and Lily took a seat down in one of the chairs near her. Remy cooed from Rose's arms. Lily peeked at the baby, glad to confirm without a doubt that she wanted nothing to do with kids. Sure, she'd have to see them when she was a healer, but Lily knew she was not mother material.

"Biobío had kittens," Grandfather Weasley said as he caught Lily's internal conflict. He was perceptive and could practically read what was going on in the inner workings of Lily's mind.

"Kittens?" Lily said as she refocused on her grandfather.

"Yes," he said smiling. His voice was quiet so that only she could hear the words. "Asher's a granddad, may he rest in peace."

"May I see?" Lily asked hesitantly. Arthur Weasley nodded at his granddaughter and the two left the warmth of the house and trudged through the snow to the small shed where most of his muggle tinkering happened. Lily was quiet as she crept near the cardboard box by the small heater. One of Asher's daughters, a slip up from two summer prior when Grandmother Weasley was keeping Asher and everyone was using the home as a base camp while Ginny was ailing, was sleeping in the box. She was as white and pure as the driven snow. Inside the box were three little kitten that looked just like their mother, just like Asher. They were all short haired, white furred kittens with tiny mews and were full of adorableness. Lily grinned.

"That is the one though I thought was most curious," Arthur told her as he pointed to a partially hidden kitten. It was different than its three brothers and sister. She had long hair and was as black as midnight, except for all white feet and the tip of her tail. All throughout her black fur were the slightest flecks of white.

"She looks like the midnight sky!" Lily exclaimed. The white flecks looked like stars in the sky. Lily looked at her excitedly.

"Yes, she does," Arthur said. "I want you to have her, if you're ready. I know losing Asher was horrific for you, and if nearly two years is not enough time, I understand."

"Granddad," Lily said hugging him. "I love her."

"She'll be ready a few days before you go back to school," he told her as they walked back into the house. "I'll bring her by the house."

"Thank you," Lily said as she hugged him tightly again. He laughed, hugging her back and the two joined the others to eat their afternoon Christmas feast.

Lily used the floo network home, leaving behind her brothers and fathers who had started marathon games of wizarding chess. Lily showered quickly and dried, styling her hair up. She slipped the hair pins in her hair. She stood in her bedroom, wearing just her slip when the door bell rang.

"COME IN!" Lily shouted from the top of the stairs. The door swung open.

"Lily?" Scorpius called uncertainly.

"I'm upstairs," Lily replied. "Help yourself to anything in the fridge."

"Ok," Draco called. Lily rolled her eyes at her reflection. She had just finished her makeup, which she made sure was light and understated and was slipping into her dress when a knock interrupted her thoughts.

"Yes?" Lily called. Scorpius pushed his way in. The two of them stopped, looking at each other.

"I…" Scorpius trailed off as he tried to form words into coherent sentences.

"I didn't mean, 'Yes, come in', Scorpius. I meant, 'Yes, what do you want?'" Lily replied. Scorpius smiled.

"Well, since I'm already up here. Do you need help?" Scorpius asked. Lily hesitated before she nodded and turned her back to him.

"Zip me up?" she asked as she glanced over at him. Scorpius nodded, his face guarded. He stepped away from her when he finished and she sat down on the edge of bed, pulling on her heels. She didn't want to admit to anyone that she had practiced wearing them so that she could pull off the confidence to wear them. She stood.

"Are you going to wear the gift I gave you?" Scorpius asked quietly. Lily glanced over at him, watching him in the reflection. She smiled, blushing slightly.

"It looks so fragile and delicate," Lily said. "You really shouldn't have spent so much." Scorpius shrugged and crossed to her vanity, picking up the box.

"It only looks fragile, Lils," he promised as he pulled the necklace from the box. He didn't handle it lightly like Lily had when she touched the ornate metalwork. He stepped up behind her, draping it around her neck, his fingers engaging the clasp at the back of her neck. He kissed her neck lightly.

"You know I'm going with Aiden," Lily warned. Scorpius looked at her reflection in the mirror as she put the earring in, their delicate metal and stones cascading from her lobes.

"I know," he said as he pressed his lips to the side of her neck. "This is your fault."

"That you're kissing me?" Lily laughed.

"Yeah," he said grinning. She stepped away.

"Then let me help you break that," Lily said as she grabbed her shawl and draped it over her shoulders. She left him standing alone in her room as she joined Draco Malfoy in the kitchen.

"You look lovely," he said genuinely and Lily blushed.

"Thank you, Mr. Malfoy," Lily said.

"Draco," Draco corrected. Lily laughed.

"Sorry," Lily said. She hesitated then added. "Draco."

"Ready to go?" Draco asked her. Lily grabbed her cloak off the hook and slipped into it carefully as Scorpius rejoined them. Lily nodded and took Draco's arm. They apparated from the kitchen to the gates of some Manor. Lily wasn't familiar with this house and she looked at Draco.

"Who's hosting it?" Lily asked curiously as she released his arm. Draco smiled.

"I'm surprised Aiden didn't tell you," Draco said quietly. "His folks are."

"Oh," Lily said.

Lily handed her cloak off to the man at the door, who also took Draco's and Scorpius' cloaks. Lily grinned as she caught her reflection in the mirrored surfaces. She, while never becoming as endowed as Kate had been, she had grown well into her body. The dress, a close fitting shimmery silver dress with a slightly plunging neckline made her look slightly older than fifteen, which was saying a lot being that she tended to still reflect a younger age. She caught Scorpius staring at her as he stepped up to her.

"It's not fair, you know?" Scorpius said.

"What's not?" Lily asked as she felt his hand rest on the small of her back as they made their way in the large party room.

"You're here, looking like that, smelling like that, and I can't even HAVE you," Scorpius said pouting playfully. He looked up to see Hill heading their way. His pout turning from playful to angry. "Damn, he's never going to let me win. I'm never going to win, am I?"

"Funny," Lily laughed as she distanced herself from Scorpius. "Aiden said the same thing."

"Merlin, Lily, you if looks could kill, you'd have murdered everyone in the room," Hill said as he kissed her cheek.

"I don't think that's exactly how that saying goes," Lily said laughing.

"Did you like the gift?" Hill asked as he continued to look at Lily. He couldn't even pull his eyes away from her. Lily's face lit up.

"Oh, god yes, I love it," Lily said enthusiastically. Scorpius cringed at the excited way she practically breathed those words. It was obscene.

"Shall we?" Hill asked, offering Lily his arm. Lily threw Scorpius an almost apologetic smile as she took Hill's arm and was lead away.

"Seventh year," Scorpius called to her. Lily looked back and grinned.

"You know it," Lily said.

"What was that about?" Hill asked just before they got out of earshot.

"Nothing you need to worry about," Lily teased as she touched his arm. "Show me around this beautiful house."

"My pleasure," Hill said as the disappeared into the crowd. Scorpius grabbed a drink off the roaming tray closest to him, not caring what it was. He downed it in a quick gulp, the sickly sweet syrup taste coating his mouth. He made a face. He hated anise liquor.

"Dude, did I see you come with Lily?" Damon asked excitedly. Scorpius made a face.

"We just brought her here," Scorpius said.

"Shame, because if you don't mind me saying, she's looking great tonight," Damon said as he watched her. Scorpius growled at him, causing Damon to laugh. "You know I don't think of her in those terms, to me she's just a teammate, but dressed up like a girl you really have to appreciate her on a physical level."

"Don't," Scorpius said shaking his head. He looked pathetic. "It's killing me letting her be here with anyone but me."

"Did you tell her that you loved her?" Damon asked. Scorpius shot him a dirty look.

"Yeah, of course I did," he said. Damon shrugged.

"Huh," he said perplexed. Scorpius raked his hand through his hair.

"It's foolish to think she's just going to dump Hill because I finally stepped up," Scorpius said. "She wouldn't be my smart, funny Lily if it wasn't for that."

"Well, technically," Damon said hesitantly. "She's not your Lily at all. Looks to me like she might be Hill's Lily."

"She's no one's Lily," Scorpius corrected as his eyes fell on Lily again. He saw Hill's hand guiding her, his hand touching the small of her back and Scorpius fought the urge to break Aiden Hill's hand right off at the wrist. "I need to get some air."

"A'right man," Damon said waving him off as Scorpius wove in and out of the others and headed out the back door in a hurry. He gulped the icy air, anything to calm the anger and hurt that coursed through his veins.

"Score, are you ok?" her soft voice invaded his mind as she touched his shoulder. He glance over at her, her bare arms exposed.

"Jeeze, Lils," Scorpius said whipping off his dress coat and wrapping it around her. "You'll catch your death out here. For the smartest witch I know, you can be so dumb sometimes."

"Great, I'm dumb now?" Lily laughed. Scorpius hesitated before he wrapped his arms around her.

"You make dumb choices sometimes," Scorpius admitted. "Speaking of, where's Hill?"

"Aiden is off doing something for his dad," Lily said. The two were quiet, the sounds of the party were muffled by the closed doors. There was a quiet whispering of wind as new snow drifted down in downy flakes.

"This feels familiar," Scorpius said. He pressed his face against the back of her neck. "It feels good."

"Yes," Lily breathed as his breath tickled her neck.

"Do you remember our first ball together?" Scorpius asked his lips brushed the back of her neck. Lily couldn't help but grin.

"Yes, of course," Lily breathed excitedly. "Where's a bit of mistletoe when you need it?"

"Lils," Scorpius groaned as he spun her around to face him. He tilted her chin back so that he could look at her. "Merlin, Lily. You never need mistletoe."

And then he kissed her until she was breathless and her toes curled.

"This is not good," Scorpius breathed as he tucked his face against hers. She had her eyes closed, still enclosed in his warm arms.

"Hmm?" She murmured.

"This situation is not good," Scorpius told her.

"Hmm?" She murmured again. He chuckled.

"You really think I'm going to let Hill even remotely think that he's going to lay his hands on you?" Scorpius asked incredulously. "You may not be able to drop him, but I'm certainly not going to hand you over to him. Whether you like it or not, Lily. I love you with all my heart and soul. Malfoys only give their hearts to one person for life. You've ruined me."

"Sure," Lily giggled. "Blame the poor, defensive girl in high heels and a silver dress."

"Oh, yeah, the dress," Scorpius said making a teasingly pained face. "You must have wanted to drive me insane with that. How could you wear something so appealing and then taunt me with it."

"It?" Lily asked raising her eyebrow.

"Surely you know I love you, but I bet you didn't know that I want you, as well," Scorpius dared to whisper. A faint flush of Lily's skin intensified that stirring desire. "I'm not the only one, you know. Not that this helps my cause but you've been turning quite a few heads all night long."

"You tease," Lily said.

"I do, but not about this," Scorpius chuckled.

"Damn, it's a shame," Lily said as she looked down at the ground with mock morose. Not picking up on the playfulness of her mood, Scorpius looked momentarily concerned.

"What is?" Scorpius asked as he ran his fingers against her cheek.

"Nothing, only…" Lily taunted lightly.

"Only what?" Scorpius asked as panic swelled slightly.

"Gee, Score, are you ok?" Lily suddenly asked as she looked up at him. He was deathly pale, which was saying something as he was normally the same alabaster coloring as Lily. His cheeks burned bright red.

"Ok?" he asked suddenly confused.

"We should go find your dad," Lily said alarmed as she touched his face. It felt like molten lava. Scorpius shook his head, trying to clear it.

"What's a shame?" Scorpius weakly demanded as he swayed on the spot. Lily grabbed at him to steady him.

"I should go get your dad. You don't look well," Lily said as the alarm grew into sheer panic.

"Tell me what's a shame," Scorpius begged. Lily touched his face.

"I choose you," Lily said firmly.

"Oh, good," Scorpius said. He forced a smile, kissing her cheek, and then collapsed on the newly fallen snow.