Chapter Twenty-Six

-1995-

Scarlett

December 22nd 1995

Raven,

Thank you. I do not think you know just what your friendship means to me, but I am forever grateful for it. I will most likely take you up on your offer to write more over the break.

So far, my father has been away, but that changes Yule eve. I am unsure where he is, mother simply said business, but I dread what such business is.

I have begun reading the first book in the lioness series and I hope you are reading swiftly, because I am over half-way through and eager to finish it. It has surprised me how gripping this Muggle written literature is.

My mock OWL's went exceptionally well; all Outstandings! My mother is impressed, although it was a little embarrassing when she told every single person we met in public today on one of her outings. Now I must ensure I can achieve the same results in the real exams.

Speaking of which, Happy Yule, I do hope you like your gift. I picked it myself. If it's horrible, don't tell me, my senses will be heart-broken, ha ha! I hope you are enjoying your break and going on plenty rides. I flew yesterday about the back fields of the manor, the weather is a little warmer home than at school, so it was quite pleasant. It is snowing now, however.

How did your last game go? Was it the cup? Please tell me you won it!

If he is raised 'old fashioned' as you say, I think he will likely ask to spend time with you during the break. It is the way things are done. I am trying to figure out how to ask that witch the very same thing, but I know my parents will not approve of her. Perhaps I will meet her in secret. I do not think I can stand being distanced from her for weeks on end during this break! The past couple days since school finished has been hard enough.

I did not think I could miss her like this, but I do. I keep wondering what she is doing, if she is thinking of me. We will both be attending the same social event with our parents in two eves time, I will at least see her then, I will just need to be careful regarding my parents.

I have decided on the perfect gift for her. Something personal but not too extravagant. I think she will like it and it was something I could gift without rousing the suspicions of my mother. Mother did admittedly raise a brow at my choice of gift to you, but she knows we have been writing to each other since third year, and an obscene amount of chocolate frogs is hardly befitting as a gift to you now.

Christmas sounds terrifying if a strange Muggle breaks into peoples' houses! Why does he do that? Where is the celebration in such an intrusion? Muggles surely are strange. Thank you for explaining. Perhaps I will search for this Bible book in the school library. I highly doubt it will be in my family's library, no matter how extensive.

Italy, yes! I am thrilled you have agreed. What shall we do when we go to Italy? I would like to fly along the Amalfi coast and of course see the colosseum. Did you know some of the greatest renaissance wizarding duels were staged at the colosseum?

Thorn xx

Smiling, I eyed the small silver and blue wrapped box on my desk. I wanted to open my gift from Thorn so badly, but it was only Yule eve, so I held off, folding the letter and putting it away, just as there was a knock at my main door.

"Come in." Dad entered, dressed in a new set of grey dress robes, his dark blonde hair neatly combed back where it fell to touch his collar. "Looking good, Dad." I grinned, and he rolled his eyes.

"You, on the other hand, look very lovely." I beamed, walking to the wall mirror to smooth down the white and cream dress I wore, checking the white ribbon at the back was central and secured. I'd found it in Madam Malkin's only the day before, after remembering Draco had suggested wearing white. It was a beautiful dress, the full skirts sheer, light and cream, hemmed with thick, white ribbon, creating a petal like contrast to each layer. The bodice was quite simple, with two thin ribbon straps and a straight neckline. Madame Malkin had added a warming charm to the material, and I found a set of outer winter dress robes in a soft rose and ivory which matched the dress nicely. I already had the perfect set of low heels, so my outfit for the eve was complete.

Downstairs, the main hall clock chimed the hour. "We better get going, kiddo." Dad said, gesturing to the door. Have you got everything, the necklace?"

"Yes, wearing it." I gestured to the diamond flower pendant on a fine, rose gold chain about by neck.

"Good. Remember, if anything goes wrong-"

"I know, I know; go straight home."

"Good girl." I checked my hair one last time in the mirror, before following my over protective dad out of my quarters and down the stairs to the main fireplace to leave.

I did understand his caution regarding the ball. Barely a week ago, Arthur Weasley had been viciously attacked whilst on duty in the Ministry. Somehow, Harry had dreamt of the attack and awoken to warn Dumbledore. Arthur had been found and rushed to Saint Mungo's, and Ron, the twins and Ginny had all left Hogwarts early, along with Harry. It had left Hermione both alone and distraught with worry, and so I had stuck by her until school had finished.

Hermione and I had both theorized just how Harry had seen the event in his dreams and had come up with one conclusion; it was a link to Voldemort. The main thing was, Dumbledore knew about it and hopefully it could be fixed.

I stepped out of the green flames and into the British Ministry of Magic, looking around in awe. This was the first time I had set foot in the building and in the quiet of evening, it was architecturally beautiful. Stepping away from the wall of floo hearths and into the atrium, I paused at the center of the hall, where the famous Fountain of Magical Brethren rose in all its splendor.

"A masterpiece." Dad commented, and I nodded, taking in the perfectly depicted magical creatures surrounding a proud Wizard pointing his wand to the high ceiling above. "This way." He gestured along the hall and I followed at his side, hearing voices behind us as others arrived for the ball.

We entered a lift and proceeded to drop further down in the already underground building. As the door opened, we were greeted by a portly looking wizard, dressed in tidy dark green robes.

"Welcome to the Ministry Ball, may I please have your invitations." Deftly, dad handed over the two silver embossed cards and the wizard inspected them before nodding enthusiastically. "A pleasure to have you here, Sir, Miss." He inclined his head respectively, almost gushing and I held back a frown. "No disrespect, but it is policy I inspect your wands before entry."

"Scarlett." Dad prompted, and I pulled my wand from the holder sewn into the skirt of my dress at my hip, and handed it over. The wizard passed his own wand over mine and then nodded, handing it back. Dad handed his over and within moments we were directed to two closed, heavy doors where two identically dressed wizards stood. With polite nods, the doors swung open and we entered an extravagantly but beautifully decorated hall, where many finely dressed wizards and witches mingled, wine glasses in hand.

"Mr. Ashwood, a photo of you and your lovely daughter?" I turned, confused by the incorrect way my dad had been addressed, only to have a flash go off in my face.

"Follow me." Dad muttered lowly, taking my arm and striding away from the photographers lurking at the entrance and a short, pointy faced witch dressed in green and furs.

"What was that about?" I asked.

"Nothing, don't give any interviews. If anyone asks why we are here in England, you wished to school where your mother did. Anything you cannot answer safely, don't."

"Uh… okay…" I had no idea why dad's mood had suddenly changed. He was warier of this event than I had first realised. Something was up, but before I could question what, I caught sight of Draco across the hall.

Even from the distance, I could see how well he was dressed; black robes an admittedly striking contrast to his pale complexion and hair. He spoke easily with what I recognized as the Hollyhead Harpies Seeker, Sabine Silvaer. The nineteen-year-old blonde haired Quidditch champion was stunning, dressed in a pale golden dress which tied back at her neck. Even in her high heels, however, Draco was much taller than her. In fact, now he was surrounded by adults, it fully occurred to me he really was tall, especially for his age. Sabine took a sip from the flute glass she held and Draco turned slightly, his gaze sweeping the hall as if he were looking for someone. I hoped he would see me, but a tap on my shoulder caused me to turn to face none other than Umbridge and a familiar looking wizard dressed in blue robes.

"And here is the young witch who will be performing alongside Master Malfoy this evening." Umbridge gushed to none other than Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic.

"Ah, Miss Ashwood, a pleasure." The Minister spoke cordially, extending his hand. I shook it, again confused by the mistake in name but thought it would be rude to correct him.

"It is lovely to meet you, Minister Fudge." I inclined my head politely and he beamed.

"How are you finding your return to England?" He asked.

"A little cold, truthfully." I answered, and he chuckled.

"And your father?" I could feel Umbridge's eyes on me, cold and eager.

"Agrees with his daughter." Dad came to stand beside me, offering me a flute glass.

"Thanks, I quickly took it, taking a sip of the liquid, finding it to be a sweet but nonalcoholic wine.

"Ah, here is the wizard himself." Cornelius Fudge addressed my dad with a raised brow. I was surprised to hear you had returned to England and not put in your application to join our Aurors here at the Ministry. Are you working elsewhere?" I didn't miss the accusation in the Minister's voice.

"Where else could he work in England, Cornelius?" Umbridge trilled. It is against the law to work as an Auror outside the Ministry in this country."

"Indeed, it is." Dad replied smoothly. "Scarlett wished to school at Hogwarts as her mother did. I have been overseeing maintenance of our own home, given it has been left empty for the past eight years, and attending to my other estates." Other estates? What other estates? Had Dad been back in Australia? Yes, that was surely what he meant.

"Ah yes, how goes the castle? I hear Muggles have taken over care of it."

"They have, and they are doing a wonderful job of its up keep, inside and out. If you will excuse us, I wish to introduce Scarlett to Kingsley Shacklebolt." Without a further word, dad steered me towards a tall wizard with dark skin, adorning orange robes.

"What castle?" I tried asking but dad shook his head.

"Later." Hiding my annoyance, I smiled as he introduced the enigmatic looking wizard before me.

"Ah, young Scarlett, I hear you blitzed your practice OWL's." He grinned, and I decided I liked this wizard.

"Yes, I admittedly surprised myself."

"Seems she's also inherited Rose's brains." Kingsley chuckled, and dad nodded, a wistful smile gracing his lips.

"That she has."

Draco

She was a vision, and she had worn white, just as I had asked. I stood, taking in her appearance as she spoke animatedly with Kingsley Shacklebolt, feeling oddly tight and warm behind my ribs. Now that I could see her, I realised all the more how much I had missed her these past few days.

Her dress was a layered mixture of chiffon and silk in white, ivory and cream, falling softly to her rose gold heels.

"I see I am not holding your attention very well." Sabine giggled from beside me and quickly I snapped out of the trance I'd found myself in.

"That is the witch I will be performing alongside soon." I smoothly replied, flashing the Harpies Seeker a charming smirk. I was admittedly beyond staggered the Quidditch player of my dreams had decided I was of interest to her, and was thoroughly enjoying her attention.

"Oh, is she your girlfriend?"

"No." I quickly replied, aware my mother was within earshot.

"Good, or I'd be jealous, she's very pretty."

Beautiful. I silently corrected her as I shrugged indifferently. Wait, jealous? Was Sabine Silvaer suggesting…? I held back a triumphant smirk, ego thoroughly stoked. I really could get any witch I wanted. It just so happened I wanted the one across the hall. Tonight. Tonight, I would ensure that happened.

I checked the large clock at the hall entrance, above the doors, noting it was time to head to the back of the stage area where a quartet currently played, and prepare for our performance. I looked back to where Scarlett had been to find her heading towards the stage.

"Time to make my debut." I said to Sabine who smiled up at me.

"Good luck, I'll clap for you." She suddenly reached up and kissed my cheek with a pronounced, mwah.

Feeling quite important, I strode purposefully towards the raised stage area. "Sabine Silvaer." Theo stated quietly, falling into step by my side. "Now, isn't she a bit too old?"

"Shouldn't the question be, am I not too young for her eye to have landed upon me?" I replied, and Theo let out a barely audible snort of amusement.

"Clearly the salary of a champion Seeker still pales in comparison to the net worth of the Malfoy heir."

"Perhaps she wants a good lay?" I quipped right back, although I knew Theo spoke the truth. Wealth had a way of magnetism, one which had its fair share of uses, but was also a hindrance.

"Perhaps." He mused. "Good luck, mate." Theo disappeared back into the party goers as I reached the entrance door which would lead me back stage. I was gladdened for Theo's appearance, it had marginally calmed my nerves. Father still had not arrived. I hoped he wouldn't, yet I wanted to hear him unknowingly congratulate me publicly on performing a Muggle song. It was the entire reason I'd decided to do it. Revenge.

However, all thought of revenge and my father once again flew from my mind as I sighted her. She sat gracefully at a black, grand piano facing mostly away from me, twisting her fingers together anxiously. I stood there, as if struck to the spot, unable to tear my eyes from her, unable to make a sound, scared that if I should make my presence known, everything I currently wished for would turn to dust.

She broke the spell, standing, turning and then freezing too, seeing me. "You wore white." I murmured. Yes Draco, state the obvious you idiot!

"Um, yeah." She glanced down at the dress she wore so breathtakingly. "It's okay?" Her uncertainty was endearing.

"Yes, its fine. I mean its more than fine." I quickly added, wishing there was more air in this room. What was wrong with me? How could she render me so inept? I forced myself further into the room, towards her.

"I like your robes." She spoke quietly. "They suit you." I nodded, surprised. She had never willingly complemented me. It pulled a smirk from my lips and calmed my nervous mind enough to structure a coherent sentence.

"What's underneath is better." She shook her head, rolling her eyes but I could tell I'd amused her. I felt better for it, in control of myself once more, comfortable in our usual banter.

"I thought I could charm this piano white, leave yours black." She raised a questioning brow.

"Yes, do that." I took a seat at the other piano, running my fingers across the ivory keys, creating a tune which suited my mood just fine. When I finished, I found Scarlett watching me, her piano now a classic pearl white.

"Is that your rich boy, Pureblood theme song?" She quipped with a grin and I smirked.

"Something like that. Did it work?"

"Maybe on Sabine Silvaer." My smirk faltered, and I let out a derisive snort, covering my uncertainty at her light jab.

"On the contrary, Sabine thinks you are very pretty." I threw casually back.

"Sabine was talking about me?" Scarlett whispered, eyes widening.

"My, my. Aren't you suddenly all, gushy." I smirked.

"Yeah well, she's kind of a big deal. I've seen her play a couple times in the past three years. Did you know she uses the same Australian broomstick brand that mine is?"

"I did not. Yours is well suited to Seeking." I pointed out and she nodded.

"Yeah, it's the 93 model. Sabine uses the latest, but the upgrades are quite low key. There isn't much difference, from what I read in last month's Snitch magazine."

"I remember that article now, I didn't realize it was the broom you used.

"Its not quite as quick as the Firebolt you have, but it aces everything currently on the market for movability."

"Why don't you Seek? From what I saw, you are good. Although I believe I'm better." I grinned as her eyes narrowed. I'd never really talked Quidditch with her. I'd never really talked Quidditch with any witch, well with the earlier exception of Sabine Silvaer, and one of the Harpies' Chasers at an entirely different function a year earlier.

"I prefer Chasing, Seeking gets boring." She replied and then smirked. "Besides, its too easy."

"Is that so?" She nodded, smirk still in place. "We should match off some time, prove you wrong on all accounts." I murmured, imagining just how fun such a game could be.

"We should." She agreed, right before the door opened and one of the ball organizers hurried in, looking flustered, followed by a wizard who looked to be just out of school.

"Ah, excellent you are both here. Have you warmed up?" Scarlett nodded as did I. "Excellent, excellent!" She exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "You will be called out in five minutes, William here, will set both pianos on stage. Good luck!" The witch hurried out once more, leaving this William with us, who was staring at Scarlett in a way which made my blood rage.

"We'll require both pianos to face one another. Opposites if you will, but so we can see one another." I ordered loudly, gaining his attention.

"Oh, uh yeah of course." Quickly he shrank each piano to palm size, and placing them and their stools carefully in a box, carried them towards the stage entrance.

"Glad that oaf isn't manhandling my actual piano." I muttered in derision, straightening my robes and Scarlett laughed quietly. "What?"

"You." She shook her head. "Such a prat."

"That's hardly nice." I protested but suddenly she was before me.

"Here, your tie is crooked." She brought her hands to my neck, carefully straightening it out, gently retying it, ensuring it would not move again. It felt almost intimate. "Better." She stepped back, turning away and I grasped her by the shoulder, causing her to freeze.

"While it looks quite lovely how it is, those waves are completely wasted." I grinned to myself, deftly reaching up and plucking the lower pins from her hair, letting dark, glossy tresses fall down and over her right shoulder.

"Now, that is better." I declared, and she turned to face me. I expected, well, I don't know what, but I didn't expect the way she looked at me. My breath momentarily caught as I gazed back down at her.

By Salazar, she was perfect, and I decided then and there, I absolutely needed to kiss her, lest I went mad. I reached up, touching her cheek, noting her hand rested on my arm. The door clicked open and simultaneously we stepped away from one another, spell broken.

"It is time." The witch from earlier announced, pointing at a clock on the wall I had not noticed until now. Once again, she vanished, leaving the door open for us and I noticed the lights dimmed on the other side, where the stage was.

"Well, that went quickly." Scarlett breathed out, now looking nervous. I too felt nervous, but together, I knew we could do this. Had our OWL results not proven that?

"It did." I agreed and then smirked. "Now, let's go out there and knock them dead." I held my arm out chivalrously and to my delight, she rested hers on it. "And I mean before we even begin playing." I winked, and she rolled her eyes, making me grin.

The entire hall fell into silence as we stepped out onto the stage, lights now on the pair of us. I could just make out the table my parents had been allocated. Father had arrived, seated at mother's side. I deftly swept the tables, passing Theo, beside a vacant chair between himself and his mother which was undoubtedly mine. Across the hall I glimpsed Scarlett's own father. I imagined he could be formidable. I also imagined he would not approve of the son of a Deatheater.

"We are privileged tonight to be entertained during our entre course by Hogwarts two top fifth year students, who I am glad to announce have excelled in the new, Ministry approved curriculum." Scarlett's hand tightened slightly upon my arm at Umbridge's ridiculous announcement. Reaching our piano's, we parted. "Please welcome Mister Draco Malfoy and Miss Scarlett Ashwood." As I took my seat, I glanced up at Scarlett in confusion. Amidst the polite applause, she imperceptivity shrugged, mouthing; no idea.

As the clapping subsided and we readied ourselves, I caught pieces of broken murmured conversation, among those words; heiress and, returned, thought the line had died out. Forcefully clearing my mind, for I could ponder such things later, I looked across my piano to her. With a small smile she nodded, and we began.

Never had our practices been this good. It was as if something had clicked between us and perhaps it had. Light and dark melding together. The applause once our first piece ended was heartening, and with a quick flash of a smile to the witch at the other piano, eager for the uplifting tempo of the second piece, the Muggle song.

I glanced in the direction of my parents, holding in a smug grin as my father applauded alongside my mother, a contrite smile upon his lips. My revenge was complete, and he would never know he had enjoyed something created by a Muggle. It was all too funny. Looking away and back to Scarlett, she sent me a knowing smirk and I felt excited to have her in on my scheme to successfully thwart my father. I had never exactly told her, but she had figured it out.

"Ready?" I mouthed to her and with a smile which set my heart pounding, she nodded, those green eyes sparkling.

Our final song thrummed through my blood, akin to the lyrics, lighting up my very soul, my heart. Scarlett sung the lyrics near silently and I found myself doing the same, our eyes meeting more often I think than they focused on the instruments before us, our magic aflame, moving to each note, swirling, ebbing and rising, twisting around each other in a cascade of gentle golden and silver sparks.

The applause was near deafening as we each stood and came to stand side by side before our pianos, facing our audience. I bowed neatly as Scarlett curtsied perfectly and I remembered to offer her my arm as we turned to leave the now dimming stage.

"I think they liked us." Scarlett chuckled as we halted in the backstage area.

"Of course, they did!" I boasted happily. "That was our best yet." She nodded in enthusiastic agreement. Merlin, she was grinning from ear to ear and I realised I was too.

"I've never been able to have my magic convey they music so strongly before." She gushed out and this time I agreed, neither had I and I was sure it was because of her.

…

I had hoped to steal moments alone with Scarlett once we had finished our performance, but her father appeared, near scaring me out of my skin, the way he eyed me with distrust. Before she could say a word, he had whisked her away from me, out into the festivities.

Remembering once again we were on opposite sides and her father, being an Auror and an Order member, likely saw me as the enemy my father was, my heart sank. What I wanted seemed more impossible than ever.

I returned to the ball, taking my dutiful seat beside my mother as entrées appeared upon the long-rowed tables.

"A captivating performance, Draco dear." Mother complimented with clear pride and I nodded politely.

"Thank you, mother."

"Yes, it was entertaining." Father concurred, briefly meeting my eyes before turning back to continue his deep conversation with Theo's father.

"So, that was Clarice's granddaughter, your niece." I heard Della Nott, Theo's mother comment to Zephrine Greengrass.

"Certainly not by blood." Zephrine scoffed indignantly and I caught the way Alaric Greengrass stiffened at his wife's tone. They were speaking of Scarlett.

"She has some of the Greengrass' physical attributes." My own mother commented in a nonchalant manner and Zephrine eyed her in annoyance.

"Nothing compared to my two beautiful daughters." Zephrine boasted, although there was a poison to her words.

"Considering her upbringing, the young miss Ashwood does conduct herself as any high-class society pureblood would." Della Nott murmured before adding with a sly look to Zephrine. "Certainly, the best I have seen in any young pureblood of her age." I watched as Zephrine bristled but any retort she was forming was cut off as left-over entrees vanished, replaced by main courses.

Remaining silent, I picked up my next knife and fork and begun to slice into the glazed duck breast, hoping the conversation regarding Scarlett would re-commence so I could learn just why everyone referred to her as Ashwood.

An hour later, after desert and a droning speech by the Minister of Magic, I finally escaped the confines of the table. Discussion regarding Scarlett had not been broached again. From what I had learned and noted, it was Zephrine who had a bigger issue with her niece than Alaric Greengrass. I had noticed on several occasions during dinner, his gaze would flicker considering to Scarlett. I wondered if she reminded him of his dead sister.

Now, I could not find her. Tactfully dodging people, I did not wish to speak to, and avoiding witches standing under any floating mistletoe, I searched for her, hoping she had not left. I still needed to give my Yule gift to her.

She was not in the hall, and so I slipped outside, to the garden. I took a moment to simply gaze at the plants and small trees, amazed they flourished beneath the ground, for the Ministry was many meters below Muggle London.

Movement caught my eye and I turned towards the sound of a bubbling fountain. There she was, dappled in the moonlight from the charmed sky above.

"Hi." She murmured. "I kind of hoped you'd eventually come out here." There was an uncertainty to her, I noticed it as I moved towards her.

"Not enjoying the celebrations?" I asked, elated to have finally found her alone, and nerves beginning to grow because, we were now alone and quite secluded from the doors to the large hall.

"I am, I just needed some air." She replied, worrying at her bottom lip, looking away to consider the charmed night sky.

"Well, I am glad I found you."

"You are?" Her eyes met mine and swallowing, I nodded, remembering now where I had heard the name Ashwood. It was her home. It was the home she had said I was welcome to visit if I needed to.

"Yeah." I stepped closer to her, so only a foot separated us. Light caught my attention and my gaze dropped to the pendant at her neck; a perfect diamond nestled within overlapping, silver petals. It was a rose, I realised, and certainly an old piece of jewelry for its craftsmanship.

"A family heirloom?" I asked, gently piking up the delicate pendant to closer inspect it, using it as an excuse to get closer to her.

"Yeah." She answered her voice sounding light, was it breathy? I nodded, turning the pendant between my fingers. I wondered if heirlooms also decorated most of her family home-

Suddenly I was sent lurching forward and Scarlett cried out in alarm, grabbing my hand which held the pendant as everything blurred and vanished.

Reviews welcome

I hope everyone had a great Yule/Chrissy break!

blueness28 - Hi and thank you! The fleshing out of the cultures is half research and half guesswork, but I am thoroughly enjoying it. Draco sure got his revenge on his father in this chapter re beliefs!

wayaway91 - Hey, haha thanks! So jealous your in NZ! Will hopefully get over there sooner rather than later for an adventure!

Belovedfinch11 - Yeah it makes sense. i think he would have if she hadn't suddenly put him emotionally on the spot with her offer of sanctuary from Lucius's wrath.

Pottermouth17 - Thanks, was a nice chap to write. this one was too, especially Draco's side. Ha ha, that would be so awkward! Alas, I have another interesting twist regarding what Draco gifts Raven. What he gifts Scarlett will give you the feels!

loveshit - Hopefully you enjoyed this chapter, more moments, actually heaps of moments in the next chap! like basically the entire chapter!

Hi and thanks to all new followers too. there is now over 100 of you guys which is pretty cool i think for a HP story with an OC as one of the main protagonists! i must be doing something right! :D

A xx