It was one thing to ask for help, and quite another to elaborate on exactly what kind of help he and Rose needed. Although Scorpius intended to use Legilimency here and there to gauge whether younger Slytherins really followed old ways, he didn't want an Auror trainee profiling his former classmates. He took the parchment from Rose, unfolded it, and gave it back to Harry. "We asked for this list because someone with a Ministry badge bribed a tailor to sew a micro Trackingbrall into my robes. Can you identify who would have had access?"

Harry scanned the list. "Any of them, potentially. Human Resources consults my department to ensure applicants who associate with certain groups are hired for low security positions, but they aren't put under surveillance. What's the tailor's name?"

Scorpius shook his head. "He wasn't the Master Tailor, only an associate."

Albus asked, "Why would anyone go out of his way to track you? He could do that by reading the papers."

"Trackingbralls now have Recordbrall capability," Scorpius said. "They can record voices—and transmit them, I presume." Sneakoscopes could be paired to make one a silent alarm that set off the other, remote device. Why not Recordbralls or the hybrid Trackingbralls?

"The micro Trackingbralls don't have listening device capability," Harry said. "George is still working on that."

"How did you learn about the new Trackingbralls?" Ginny asked. Her tone was friendly and casual.

"Harry and Teddy," Scorpius said before it occurred to him that if she didn't know, he probably shouldn't have told her. "You would have made a good Auror," he said. "Did they try to recruit you?"

Ginny replied, "I said one Auror in the family was enough."

Merry gasped.

"Yes, I'm well aware that both my husband and son are Aurors," Ginny said dryly.

"I didn't mean that," Merry said. "I just thought of something." Her eyes were bright with excitement. "What if the person who wants to track Scorpius doesn't work for the Ministry? What if he's got a stalker?"

Albus said, "You've got to stop reading witch in danger novels. Who would stalk him?"

"Orna Bletchley, his psycho ex-girlfriend."

"She wasn't his girlfriend."

"That's why she's psycho," Merry snapped. "It's all in her mind."

Scorpius thought Orna seemed happy enough with Guy Willoughby. He looked at Rose.

She said, "We can't rule her out."

Harry asked, "So what's the plan?"

Scorpius experienced an unsettling sense of déjà vu and then realised that he had been in this situation before. At the Burrow, it had been Hermione saying they'd follow his lead. Why did Gryffindors always expect instant plans? He said, "Rose and I were going to use Legilimency on guests with connections to the Knights of Walpurgis."

Harry said. "I'll help any way I can. If someone is stealing Trackingbralls from the Ministry, I want to find them."

"No other agenda?" Scorpius asked.

"You have my word."

Rose said, "I'll get the list."

Scorpius stood. He didn't pull back Rose's chair. She preferred to do that herself. Standing was a habit ingrained in him by his grandparents. A gentleman honoured a lady by standing when she left the table—unless she was ill or drinking heavily and rising every time she dashed to the loo called attention to her indisposition. He continued standing because he enjoyed the view of Rose walking toward their bedroom.

A scrape of metal drew his attention to Albus, who stood and said, "Good idea. There's better light inside."

Scorpius picked up his and Rose's ice cream bowls. In the kitchen, he put them in the sink. "Thanks," he said to Albus, who had carried in the rest of the dishes. "I appreciated the timely distraction out there."

"Glad to help." Albus chuckled. "You reminded me of James when he first told me about his date with that model." He feigned a dazed expression. "She was . . . she was . . . amazing."

"Not to me," Scorpius said. "I met Karlie a year ago, and all she talked about was her famous friends. Rose is the one who's amazing."

"Seriously?"

Scorpius knew what Albus meant, had he really met Karlie, but he couldn't resist saying, "You should know. You're her best mate."

Albus smiled wryly. "Am I?"

"Rose thinks so."

"Does she? Lily always swore that she and Hugo were best mates forever, but the older she gets, the more she acts like she wants to swap him for Rose, and sometimes I wonder if Rosie feels closer to Lily." He glanced toward the doorway and asked in a hushed tone, "Will there be a photographer at the party?"

"I hired Crispin Pry."

"Could he take a picture of the four of us?"

To send to Lily? "If you're willing to risk a Howler filled with itching powder."

Albus grimaced, but said, "Yeah."

"Consider it done."

.

They regrouped in the dining room. Scorpius adjusted the spells on the enchanted candles and illumination orbs to provide bright, non-romantic lighting. While Rose used a spell to make copies of the lists, he passed out quills. Once everyone had a quill and a copy of each list, he focused on trying to find connections between Slytherin classmates and Ministry employees. The air seemed to crackle with intensity. He asked Harry, "Is this how Aurors work on cases?"

"Sometimes. I can arrange a visit if you'd like to see for yourself."

"See what you might get to do after slogging through four years of training," Albus said. "Teddy mostly interviews nutters."

"Investigating citizen complaints helps junior Aurors hone their skills," Harry replied, although his eyes twinkled.

Scorpius circled a name on the list. "Aaron Rosier is the only one with an obvious motive. He's a second cousin in line to run Rosier Industries since Evan and Priscilla Rosier don't have children."

"A friend of yours?" Harry asked.

"He might say so." Once they were both Sorted into Slytherin House, Aaron had informed Scorpius that they should be mates because they were both heirs to noble families with profitable corporations. Scorpius had avoided him as much as possible, but had never been impolite.

"Definitely stalker material," Merry said. "I don't know a lot of Slytherins by name, but I know Aaron Rosier. Even after I started going with Al, he kept asking me to meet him behind the Shrieking Shack on Hogsmeade weekends."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Albus asked. "I would've put a stop to it."

"No, you would've made him angry, and he would've tried even harder to get me to cheat on you. Slytherins have loads of pride. Isn't that right, Scorpius?"

"Yes." All those wizard tales of Slytherin greatness, he supposed.

Merry pointed to another name on the list. "Julian Pritchard asked me to meet him in an unused classroom on the first floor once. I think he and Aaron had a competition going."

Rose asked, "Is related to your grandfather's solicitor?"

"His son." Graham Pritchard had taught Julian to be deferential to anyone named Malfoy. Scorpius had avoided him as much as Aaron. "He's training with his father, not the Ministry."

"So it's back to Aaron Rosier," Albus said.

Rose asked, "Is he an executive like you?"

"Management trainee."

"So he could be trying to prove his worth with corporate espionage," she said.

Merry giggled. "Or he has a thing for blondes."

"No more wine for her," Scorpius said absently, as he tried to understand Aaron's motivation for bribing someone at the Ministry to steal a Trackingbrall that didn't work as a listening device. If he'd found a wizard able to fix the glitches, what had he hoped to hear? "I wore the robes to the Walpurgis Club," Scorpius said. "I wasn't informed of Rosier Industries' offer to sell Iron Mountain Storage until after lunch."

"But no one knew that you weren't going to wear robes to the office like everyone else," Rose replied. "If Lucius had given them to you beforehand, Aaron could have listened to your meetings and your conversations with your father and grandfather."

His conversations. Scorpius's stomach twisted. The Knights of Walpurgis, despite their claims that all pure-bloods were superior, were feudal in hierarchy. Those at the top lorded over the rest of the vassals who were expected to serve. Leaders constantly vied with each other to gain the most alliances, wealth, and power, using any means to gain their ends.

"Here." Ginny conjured a goblet and stretched her arm across the table to hand it to him. "Sipping water helps balance emotions and supports mental clarity. Hermione told me that, and she's usually right."

"Thank you."

"The Intruder paid a Chaser on the reserve team to plant a Recordbrall in the Harpies' changing room once," she said. "I was lucky that she felt guilty and confessed before Harpies Say Harry Is Hot became a gossip column headline." She smiled sympathetically. "It's unsettling, the lengths some people will go to overhear your conversations, whether they're following you 'round a shop with Extendable Ears or using more sophisticated listening devices."

Harry said, "I can recommend counter-surveillance equipment."

Scorpius would see to it that Malfoy Enterprises invested in the technology. He asked, "May Rose and I speak with you in private?"

Albus said, "If it concerns the Auror department, I think I'm entitled to hear it."

Ginny stood. "Merry, why don't you and I go out to the terrace for a few minutes?"

The two women left the dining room.

Scorpius said, "There's another reason why someone would want to overhear my conversations." It seemed like a betrayal of a family secret, but they had to know. "My grandfather portrays himself as the undisputed head of Malfoy House, which strengthens his position in the Knights of Walpurgis. A recording of a family argument, proof that he isn't in complete control, would undermine his leadership." He looked at Harry. "If no one in the Auror Office cares about that, they should. My grandfather can be reasoned with. He remembers how it felt to be powerless in his own home, stripped of his wand. Self-preservation comes before any pure-blood agenda."

"I'll keep that in mind," Harry said.

"Can you tell me if anyone on the list is directly related to a member of the Knights' inner circle?"

Harry scanned the list again. "None that I'm aware of. Bletchley and Willoughby have too many business interests in common with Lucius to act against him, and Evan Rosier donates to the Knights' causes, but he's never been more than a sympathiser. He puts the welfare of his corporation above personal ideology and would require his heir to do the same." He stood. "I'm sorry I couldn't be more helpful. Good luck tomorrow night." He shook Scorpius's hand and told Albus. "No offense, son, but I'd limit Merry's contribution to distracting targets. You've just started teaching her Legilimency, and I'm afraid it shows."

When his dad left the room, Albus asked, "Is she really that bad?"

"Of course not," Rose said. "But we could tell that she was using Legilimency, and at the party that might cause problems."

Like a wizard duel on the dance floor. Scorpius told Albus, "She can distract Aaron while you search his memories."

Albus nodded. "I'll tell her you're distracting Orna for Rose."

.

The next day at the tailor's, Scorpius tried on his tuxedo and dress robes and smiled at the thought of distracting Rose with his appearance. He strolled out of the changing area concealed by the medieval mural panel in the reception room.

In a blur of motion, Sartorius rose from lounging in a chair to standing in front of his client. He said, "Tell me what you're thinking at this moment."

Scorpius replied, "The bloke who said 'manners maketh man' never wore clothing made by Sartorius."

The tailor beamed. "William of Wykeham said that. He was a Muggle with no sense of style." Sartorius gave Scorpius an approving once over. "I prefer clients who are both mannerly and stylish."

"And pure-blooded."

"Is that a comment or a question?"

"Both." Vampires lived through so much history. Did they really believe pure-bloods were superior to everyone else?

Sartorius held out his hand. "A wizard's handshake that you will never repeat what I tell you."

Scorpius shook his hand, gritting his teeth against the stinging sensation.

"You've done this before." Sartorius smiled. "To answer your question, I must ask one of my own. What kind of Firewhisky does a man drink when he is young and poor?"

"Anything he can afford."

Sartorius inclined his head. "I am wealthy, old, and unimpressed by the lineage of bottles. I value the complexity and depth of what's inside. The distinct taste and smoothness from . . . recipes . . . that remain unchanged from yesteryear."

Pure-bloods weren't superior; vampires considered their blood superior tasting. Scorpius laughed.

.

His good mood continued as he and Rose approached the Sleazy Kneazle later that evening. His "bat robes" as Rose called them, flared when he walked, making him feel like Severus Snape swooping through the corridors of Hogwarts. He curled his lip at Rose to make her giggle. She looked lovely in semi-sheer black dress robes that hinted at the dress beneath.

Sendak and the security troll allowing patrons to enter the Sleazy Kneazle stood talking in low rumbles in front of the entrance. Sendak wore his work robes. Somehow, he looked bigger and tougher than the security troll who showed off his bulky muscles in a leather vest.

"Everything secure?" Scorpius asked.

The pub troll lifted his hand to reveal the Probity Probe clutched in his meaty hand.

"Is now," Sendak said.

Scorpius and Rose entered the pub with Sendak. Zod met them at the ornate silver carved doors to the Slytherin Room that, when not in use, regained the appearance of a battered stretch of wall. He wore a long green Cossack-style tunic robes with a silver fox fur hat. "Impressive," Scorpius said. "Is there a matching portrait inside?"

Zod puffed out his chest. "Warlock Zod has talented fans."

"Zitomir! Bring them in!"

"My wife, the soul of patience," Zod murmured. He opened the doors.

The Slytherin Room was larger than the Gryffindor Room: a proper ballroom originally put to improper use. Slytherins had thrown more extravagant parties, and paid to have the biggest and finest accommodations. Instead of heavy velvet, the fabric draping from a centre point above the massive chandelier to hang down the walls were alternating panels of green and silver silk. Groupings of modern white tables and chairs and intimate seating areas lined the two side walls. In the middle of the dance floor stood Annis, who wore a feminine version of Zod's outfit in black dragon hide. A green top hat perched on top of her wild mane of frizzy dark hair. She threw out her arms and cried in her deep voice, "Welcome to Cirque du Slytherin!"

Scorpius said, "You've outdone yourself."

Annis inclined her head and then swept off her top hat and bowed. "Bit different from the relaxed and casual atmosphere of the tavern, isn't it?" She grinned at her snickering husband and then turned her gaze to Rose. "Surprised, Miss Weasley?"

Rose said, "I did expect a Slytherin bordello room." She glanced around. "This is lovely."

"Ta, thanks. Have some food. Merlin knows when you'll have a change to eat. Hosts are always busy." Annis put her top hat back on and gestured to the long L-shaped bars facing each other from opposite walls to the left and right of the entrance. "Sushi or tapas. Which do you fancy?"

"I couldn't eat anything right now," Rose said. The Japanese sushi chefs seemed disappointed, while the hags behind the tapas bar shrugged.

"Then have a glass of champagne," Annis said. "The bar behind the DJ stage is from the bordello period. Hasn't had a refit since 1892. You'll love the etched mirrors." Annis pointed out the barmen manning the white portable bars she'd stationed near the tables. "Can't have guests queueing up for a drink."

"Scorpius!" Crispin Pry, presentable in a navy suit, strode into the ballroom.

"Go on, have a chat about photography," Annis said. "I'll explain the Slytherin circus fetish to Rose while Zod opens the champagne."

It wasn't a fetish. "Most of us have a circus performer somewhere in our family tree," Scorpius said, "whether we acknowledge them or not."

"Snake charmers, illusionists . . . ." Annis linked her arm with Rose's arm and led her away.

"Don't forget the bearded ladies," Zod said as he trailed in their wake.

Scorpius joined Crispin, who stood at the Tapas bar eating a roasted fig with goat cheese.

Crispin said, "I tried Chef Itoh's squid sushi earlier when Annis and I were discussing lighting, so I promised the ladies that I'd be back to try their tapas." He smiled when the youngest-looking hag placed a dish of spiced almonds and a plate with a wedge of plum wrapped in Serrano ham in front of him. "I'll definitely mention the amazing food in my article."

"Excellent. Would you take a photograph of the four of us at the bar?"

"I'm here to work," Crispin said. He popped a few almonds into his mouth and adjusted his camera strap.

Albus and Merry arrived while Crispin was taking pictures with an off camera flash. Albus wore a classic black tuxedo and Merry flaunted her love of Hufflepuff in a bright yellow evening gown. Since neither wore dress robes, Scorpius and Rose took theirs off before posing with the couple. After that, Crispin put up the flash and widened the aperture in his lens to take some candid shots, like Scorpius, Rose, and Albus jokingly touching glasses in a toast "to a successful evening." They meant successful Legilimency, which made it funnier when Annis and Zod said they'd drink to that.

"Don't worry. No photographs will end up in the Daily Prophet without your permission," Crispin said, grinning as he headed back to the tapas bar.

The DJ arranging Orpheus Orbs called out, "There's a troll in doorway looking for somebody."

"Thanks." Scorpius handed Rose her dress robes. "Time to greet our guests."

"We'll stay here and finish our drinks," Albus said.

Merry giggled. "Have fun!"

.

Surprisingly, Scorpius did enjoy shaking hands and greeting guests as they entered the ballroom. Orna and Guy were the first in line. They wore conservative black dress robes, but Scorpius looked into Guy's eyes and saw him modeling a lime green tuxedo for his girlfriend. He blinked.

"I know. You're used to me being a trendsetter," Guy said. He was obviously hoping to impress everyone when he took off his robes to dance. Scorpius made a mental note to congratulate him on his daring fashion sense later.

Nathaniel and his date were next. "Scorpius, you know Charlotte Byrne. She works for the club now in Accounting."

The brown haired girl said, "Nat, I'm sure he doesn't. I wasn't very memorable."

"On the contrary," Scorpius said. "You cast a Stunner on Bradley Urquahat at the last House party and left him on the floor like he'd passed out drunk. I was impressed."

Charlotte seemed flattered that he remembered, and Nathaniel looked at her like wonderingly. Scorpius hoped that meant his friend was over Magaera Vane.

Whenever he could, Scorpius used Legilimency to snatch glimpses of thoughts. Most guests were genuinely excited to be there and curious about Rose, but didn't feel any ill will toward her. The exception was Kyle Pucey, a Slytherin Chaser and Knight of Walpurgis. After he introduced his date, Imogen, Kyle's eyes flickered between his hosts. Scorpius saw a fleeting image: Rose covered in flecks of mud. He glanced at Rose. Had she seen Kyle's thought about her, that she was filth because she had a Muggle-born mother? She slanted a not now look his way and smiled at the next couple. Harrison and Lauren Harper were newlyweds like Edgar and Marianne, but projected happy images about each other, and Lauren's rounded stomach showed why they'd wed the week after leaving school. Scorpius and Rose congratulated them.

Once the last guests made their way into the ballroom, Scorpius asked Rose, "What's wrong?" She'd kept a smile on her face, but from time to time, when she'd glanced his way, her smile had faltered. "Is it Kyle's thoughts, or because Aaron isn't here?"

She shook her head and asked, "When did Orna Bletchley see you naked?"

.

.

Yay for being able to post on Friday! It's Friday afternoon, but still. I'm happy. Thanks to Bourbon and chocolate for her inspiring review. Rose knows how and why Scorpius said, "Rose is better" to Teddy at Creevey Comic Con. It's only fair that the story of her being a Peeping Rose comes out, although how that happens won't be revealed until next chapter. ;)

Thanks to everyone who read and reviewed my new story The Walpurgis School for Superior Children. It'll have mostly Little Draco povs with some Lucius and Narcissa ones as well. I'm going to try and post those chapters on Mondays.

As always, special thanks to the readers who reviewed last chapter: alix33, Bourbon and chocolate, ctc, HopeWithinDarkness, Needle In A Haystack, nobodysperfect2133, rosesnlilies, Stromsten, The Chirpy Bitch, and VandyFNP.