Chapter Thirty Five

Lorcan lay on his back, his slender build tucked beneath his dark emerald duvet as his fingers were entwined, his hands resting beneath the back of his head. His wispy pale tumbles crashed about his pallid complexion messily as his silver eyes stared up at the blank ceiling, his eyebrows knitting together as he was deep in thought.

It made him physically sick to see Aiden's smug face around him and his friends, to see Mackenzie's beautiful fair-skinned features twist with fury and hurt. He simply wanted to hold her to his body, to whisper sweet nothings to her, to stroke his hands over her dark chocolate mane, to brush the buds of his fingers over her soft, inviting flesh. He shook the thought from his head yet it continued to creep back, he longed to be with her to confess how he felt for her. But, it was useless, right now anyway. He could not tell her when she was in such a state, for her sake he had to maintain his facade.

He felt his blood curdle as Silas stormed into their dorm earlier on that evening, his gaunt pallid face contorting with anger as he cursed Aiden Cooper, throwing profanities about as Lorcan simply watched him with a look of disinterest. Suddenly, his ears had perked up as Silas mentioned the Yule Ball, expressing an immense desire to confess his feelings to Mackenzie, to invite her to the Yule Ball with him. She has hurt, vulnerable even, he had said, she would love his protective company so why not ask her?

The thought had honestly not crossed Lorcan's mind, he assumed she was off limits for far longer than Christmas Eve and as soon as he heard his comrade's intent to steal his beloved away, his muscles tensed, his hands curling into powerful fists as his eyes involuntarily narrowed into dark slits. Shrouded by the darkness of the common room, Lorcan felt himself bubble over with furious jealousy as Silas had continued to describe Mackenzie and his lustful dreams for her. Eventually, growing sick of his babble, Lorcan threw a well-aimed pillow at him, the cushion thwacking him around the face. Lorcan stated it was time for bed, insisting that he threw the pillow merely to get some peace and quiet, when the truth was he could not bear to think anyone other than himself could be with Mackenzie.

Now he lay awake in the stifled silence of midnight, his heart drumming limply in his chest as he thought of the Yule Ball, imagining Mackenzie in a beautiful gown, all of her striking appearance only for him. His thoughts shifted to Aiden, what would it be like if Mackenzie saw Aiden at the Yule Ball? Would it be a problem? These and various other questions continued to swarm his mind before his handsome face finally pinched together with determination, his decision made.

He was going to invite Mackenzie to the Yule Ball, praying she would say yes.

December 15th

Lorcan stood beside Crispin Chang, glancing at the bubbling cauldron before them as they continued to brew their Potions assignment, the rotund Professor Slughorn hobbling around the room to ensure everyone remained on track. Crispin combed a stray stand of tumbling raven out of his large emerald eyes, his handsome face portraying a clear Chinese heritage as he glanced at Lorcan, raising an eyebrow inquisitively.

"Why so quiet? Trying to decide who of the many beautiful women you will invite to the Yule Ball?" He teased before a smug smile spread across his shapely lips causing Lorcan to roll his ashen eyes in irritation, "I am very excited for the Yule Ball, girls have been literally lining up to invite me. The single life is a wonder, isn't it? With my looks and charm at least."

"I think you need to get over yourself a bit, Crispin." Lorcan retorted with a playful scowl before stirring their brew.

"I don't see why considering all the girls volunteering to get under me-" He began, running a hand through his dark mane.

"Okay, I do not think I need to hear more." Lorcan interrupted before his eyes skated towards the entrance to the Potions room.

Mackenzie's short yet curvaceous figure scurried into the room, her dark mahogany-coloured locks whipping about in the air messily, her Slytherin robes fluttering about her figure as she scrambled towards the professor.

"I am sorry for being late," She panted as the edges of Slughorn's lips tugged into a smile, his shimmering silver moustache brushing about his lips erratically as he blurted out a chuckle.

"Do not worry, my dear, you can pair up with Miss Rue alongside Mister Chang and Mister Scamander." He boomed as Mackenzine nodded in appreciation before sauntering towards her companions. Lorcan knew she would not be in trouble, in fact, he was pretty sure Mackenzie knew it too, as she was definitely a favourite student of Professor Slughorn.

She dropped her books onto the desk, whispering a small apology for being late as Tuesday simply waved her off, giving her the notes she had taken to copy down. Mackenzie smiled in gratitude before scribbling down her own notes in elegant, curved handwriting.

"In fact, that interruption serves my purpose perfectly," Slughorn hollered, clapping his hands together loudly to gain the attention of all the buzzing fifth year Ravenclaws and Slytherins, "There will not be a Slug Club Christmas party due to the Yule Ball, however I will be attending the Yule Ball itself and all members of the Slug Club are invited to attend even those who are underage. Please spread the word and I shall announce it to my other classes as well." With that, he waved the students off to continue with their work, thanking them for their attention.

"Well, ladies," Crispin soothed, a charming smirk pulling at his lips as he leaned towards Lorcan's comrades, "Have you had as many invites for the Yule Ball as I have?"

"I have no interest in attending the bloody Yule Ball." Tuesday snapped in a sour tone, folding her arms over her chest as her eyebrows tugged together, "I honestly do not understand the appeal in the slightest."

"I think it could be a sweet experience," Mackenzie murmured in a low tone, her mocha-coloured eyes darting to Lorcan briefly before moving to Crispin then Tuesday, "But, I guess I will not be attending either. You and I can spend the evening together, Tues, and Lorcan if he wishes."

"That's a shame, I am sure many men would wish to bring you two as dates," Crispin continued as Lorcan rolled his eyes at him, handing him the ladle and instructing him to shut up and stir.

"Well, Lorcan, are you going to join us?" Tuesday enquired whilst adding a few ingredients to her own bubbling brew.

"Well... I was actually considering asking someone..." He whispered in a barely audible tone, his gaze falling to the table top as he could feel both of his female companions stare at him, eyes widened in disbelief.

"Who?" Mackenzie snapped almost defensively.

"I was just considering it. I never actually thought about whom, I just figured it might be a fun, one in a life time, experience." He shrugged attempting to hide his embarrassed expression as he felt Tuesday's gaze linger on his suspiciously, well-aware of whom he was planning on asking.

Silas tapped Mackenzie's shoulder abruptly, his eyes unable to meet her gaze as she glanced over at him. Lorcan felt his heart drop into the pit of his stomach, his nerves twisting over themselves.

"M-M-Mackenzie... I-I-I-I w-w-w-was h-h-hoping," He choked out before sighing in defeat, glancing t his twin sister who simply grinned with amusement, "I... Was hoping you could pass me the water cress."

"Okay..." Mackenzie replied suspiciously before leaving her table to retrieve the ingredient.

"Perhaps I should ask someone to the Yule Ball," Serena piped vainly, her gaunt, skeletal figure leaning over the desk as she attempted to force her voice into an alluring tone, "What about you, Lorcan? I would ask your little Ravenclaw friend, but I would not risk that kind of closeness with a half-blood."

Crispin simply ignored her comment with a vain smirk as Lorcan cleared his throat uncomfortably.

"Sorry, Serena, I don't think so." He rebuffed, "I think that's a dangerous line to cross for friends." He lied through his gritted teeth as he forced a comforting smile.

Serena scowled, leaning back in her seat and pouting in sulking before glaring at the front of the room furiously. Lorcan simply ignored her. As the bell rang, the students poured into the halls, bustling with excited conversations. As Lorcan walked alongside Mackenzie and Tuesday, moving from the room, a figure blocked their path. Albus apologise for the hold up before taking hold of Tuesday's arm and leading her away, his sparkling eyes focused on her confused expression. Lorcan glanced at Mackenzie before following them, listening into the conversation inquisitively.

"Thank you for your help, Tuesday," Albus hummed shaking his jet black tangles out of his bright emerald eyes, the dark tumbles framing his handsome features as he exhaled unsteadily. He took a deep breath once more as if to calm himself down before moving towards her, lowering his tone of voice into a soft murmur, "I was wondering if you would go to the Yule Ball with me..."