Merry Christmas you guys. And if I don't see you again in the next week, HAPPY NEW YEARS!

MASSIVE Thank You to SunriseImagination for Betaing this story for me. She makes my story better for you guys. Definitely, go check out her and her story.

And thank you to all of you that have taken the time to Favourite/Follow and review this story. You guys are so amazing and I love you all. Thank you! xoxo

Now on to the chapter!

Chapter 21

The Ball Part 2

December 20th Friday

~oOo~

Scorpius led Rose into the Ball moving with the crowd through the double doors, the Great Hall slowly coming into view. The hall was transformed into an ice castle. Lights illuminated the place in shades of blue and white, ice sculptures adorned every table, the magical snow from the Entrance Hall extended into the space, and everything within sight was adorned with frost. There were even crystals hanging from the ceiling, catching the light and causing things to shimmer.

"Oh, it's so pretty," Rose said, "they did a really good job this year."

Scorpius had to agree, this theme was much better than last years which had been very red and over-the-top.

He looked over at her with a smile, "and you match perfectly."

She smiled back at him and they continued to walk into the space. Students were filing into the Hall, all laughing and talking. Some were starting for the dance floor, others for the buffet tables along one wall, others to the round tables in the back with the fancy ice sculptures.

In the front of the hall was a raised platform with a band Scorpius didn't recognize. It must be a popular band from the squeals and "oh my gods!" and "Merlin's!" he could hear from some of the girls. The music was lively and perfect for dancing.

As they moved through the crowds, they decided to head for the tables in the back where they found Mary and her date sitting at a table she had claimed for her friends.

"Do you want something to drink?" Scorpius asked before Rose could sit down.

"Yeah actually, that would be great."

He smiled and untwined his arm from hers and moved off through the students toward the food tables. When he came back carrying their drinks, more people had joined the table. Grace was there with her date and James was sitting talking to Rose.

Scorpius looked James over, noticeing that although he was smiling it looked a little too sad for a party like this.

"Hey James," Scorpius said standing behind Rose and handing her a glass, "how have you been? I feel like I haven't seen you in a while."

James grinned a little, trying and failing to look at ease, "Yeah it's been a little hectic, what with NEWTs coming up in the new year. Been studying a lot."

Scorpius nodded, remembering the nightmare that had been OWLs and feeling sympathy for him.

"Oh! Hey, is everything still on for tonight? You got the package right?"

A genuine smile graced James's face and he nodded, a little bit of his normal spark returning to his eyes. "Yeah, everything's good. Thanks for your work on it. Eva and Augustine are in charge of making sure it goes off without a hitch."

Rose who had been sipping at her pumpkin juice narrowed her eyes at the boys, "what's going off without a hitch?"

James suddenly looked sheepish and rubbed at the back of his neck, "Nothing for you to worry that pretty little head about cuz." He leaned forward and pressed a kiss to the side of her head, "you'll see soon anyway."

But as he was leaning back, his gaze flickered to something over Scorpius's shoulder and his eyes flashed with pain. Scorpius frowned and looked as well, but the only thing he saw was that Katy, Annabell, and Will had entered the Great Hall, all dressed in their finest.

He looked back at James and saw his gaze dart away.

"Anyway," James said clearing his throat, his strained smile returning, "you guys have fun. I'm going to go mingle."

And with that he left the table and moved off into the crowd, heading in the opposite direction from the three Gremlins that had entered.

"That was a little odd," Rose said causing Scorpius to turn his eyes from the spot where James had disappeared into the mass of students.

"Yeah it was." He said slowly, his mind whirring.

Just then a new song came on and Scorpius saw Rose smile. He felt her emotions spike and he smiled as he realized that she liked this song.

"But this night is not about worrying about everyone else," he smirked at her and offered his hand, "May I have this dance?"

Rose laughed and put her drink down on the table before turning and taking his hand with a smirk, "you may."

With that Scorpius led her out onto the dance floor.

~oOo~

The thing Rose loved most about the Ball was not the fancy decorations, the music or dressing up and looking pretty. It wasn't even getting to have a date. What she loved most about it was the dancing. Especially when it was with her friends.

They had found Albus and Ashley right away when they had stepped onto the dance floor and made a circle of friends that gradually grew bigger as more people joined the dance floor. Scorpius and Albus decided to have a contest of who could come up with the silliest dance move. Rose was practically in tears from laughing when Scorpius pulled a move that caused him to trip and fall. He lied there on his back for a solid minute laughing before proceeding to pretend like that had been his plan all along and started dancing rather impressively on the floor.

At one point the girls pulled her into a circle and all the girls danced to a number.

Song after song played. Friends came and went off the dance floor. Still, Rose was out there spinning and laughing in time to the music.

A loud song came to an end. Rose stood catching her breath from all the dancing, smiling and laughing. She made a joke about how she needed to get in more shape for all this dancing, but then Mary pointed out the student over from them that was flushed red and panting.

Suddenly the band announced a slow song. Some of the students groaned and left the dance floor. Rose shivered slightly as a person came up behind her and turning found Scorpius there with his hand extended to her. She blushed as she placed her hand in his. Smiling, he put a hand gently on her waist pulling her closer to him.

Rose tried to breathe normally as his silver eyes looked down at her. He looked so good tonight, dressed in a blue tux. When she had walked down the stairs in Gryffindor tower and saw him standing there, hair perfect and smile wide, looking like something out of those Muggle spy movies, Rose had felt her heart skip a beat.

"I don't think I've told you yet, but you look really good tonight," Rose said, feeling bold.

The smile on Scorpius's face quickly turned into a smirk and Rose sighed inwardly that she had said anything. His ego did not need stroking.

"Why thank you for noticing. I do look rather dashing, don't I?" It was not a question, but rather a teasing statement, one to which Rose rolled her eyes.

"I shouldn't have said anything."

The smirk only grew, "But you did. You think I'm good looking, don't you?"

Though it was meant to sound teasing, Rose couldn't help but hear the edge of unease in it. While he was just teasing her, there was also a part of him that wanted to know.

Rose moved a little closer, "Yes I do." She smiled as his eyes widened slightly at her answer.

"Really?"

Rose laughed at the amount of surprise in his voice, "Scorpius, you know as well as I do that you're handsome. Don't act so surprised that my eyes work, pretty boy."

His smile was back, and he wasn't holding back the glimmer of happiness in his eyes. "Well, you are much prettier than me."

Rose rolled her eyes but she was blushing, "thank you."

They were quiet for a little while after that, both of them just swaying back and forth as the first song ended and a second slow song followed it. They seemed to move closer in that time, until Rose had her head resting on Scorpius's shoulder and his head was bent and pressed against the side of hers. Rose closed her eyes and her arms wrapped around his waist.

This was the closest they had been since the time they had first bonded and spent those first days sharing a bed in the hospital wing.

Rose found it beyond comforting. It felt so right, standing there with his arms around her. She knew this wasn't how friends danced, she knew they were getting some looks from their friends and other students, but she couldn't find it in herself to care.

Because he was warm and strong, and she didn't ever want to leave. She had been a little worried about tonight, how they would act and how they would be, but now standing here she thought that she had nothing to worry about.

Things with Scorpius had turned so easy over the past few weeks. He was easy to talk to and be around. He was easy to like.

And while the soft song was playing, Rose thought that maybe he was a little too easy to like. Maybe it was so easy that she had done it without noticing. Like one day she had found herself smiling without a reason and realized she was thinking about him.

He was something worth smiling for.

"May I cut in?"

Rose raised her head to find Albus standing beside them, having snuck up on them while they were both not paying attention.

"Umm, yeah. Go ahead." Scorpius looked at Rose, "I'm going to get something to eat."

"Okay," Rose said softly feeling a little flustered at the thoughts she had been thinking.

"You two looked cosy," Albus commented lightly as they started to dance.

Rose glared slightly, "don't start Albus."

Al shook his head, "I wasn't going to. I-I think it's good. You seem happy."

Rose shook her head at him, "we're not together Albus. We're just friends."

Albus's look told her that he believed that as much as Hugo liked dancing.

"All I'm saying is that it would be okay," he took a breath, looking a little pained as he spoke, "if you two did start dating, it would be alright."

Rose tilted her head at him, "what's with the full 180? A few days ago, you were yelling at him for even looking like we were a couple. What changed your mind?"

Albus looked a little sad as he looked down at her. His gaze shifted to the side for a moment before they returned to hers. "I've just realized that life isn't as perfect or simple as we would all wish. That we need to find happiness wherever we can get it and hold onto it. I can see that he makes you happy. Don't let that go."

Rose frowned, "Albus…?"

He smiled, but even the smile was sad. "I'm fine Rose. Just… I'm sorry I've been avoiding you guys. It wasn't right."

Rose raised a hand to his cheek for a moment before dropping it, still frowning. "You don't need to be sorry Al. I should be, I was asking questions I didn't need to be asking."

He shook his head, "no it was just that I didn't have an answer. That was what freaked me out."

Rose thought back to what Scorpius had noticed this afternoon. Maybe Albus would admit his secret to her if she just asked. "Something's still wrong isn't it? It's not Abby this time. What's happened?"

Al gave a dry chuckle, "This Rosie is not the time or place. I first need to figure it out myself before I go telling anyone. And even then, it's not my secret to tell."

"But it's troubling you. You look stressed."

"I'll be fine once we're home."

Rose wanted to protest but the song had come to an end and Albus was pulling away. He bent and pressed a kiss to Rose's hand before leading her off the dance floor.

"Oh, by the way, Ashley is dancing with Kile. It's what I came over to tell you."

"What?!" Rose said as a louder faster-paced song came on and students started filling the dance floor again with cheers. "Why would you let him anywhere near her?"

Albus chuckled again, "because the guy was all but drooling over her and she said she could handle him."

"But why would you let her?!" Rose turned over her shoulder scanning the heads of dancing students trying to find her friend.

"Rose," she stopped and looked over at him, "she can handle herself. She said she had a few things she wanted to say to him and I'm not her keeper. If she wants to talk to him she can."

Rose blinked at him a few times, not believing what she was hearing. Where was the guy that had hexed Kile into the hospital wing for days because of what he had done? The guy who had threatened him that if he ever went near her again that he was dead meat? The Albus Rose knew would never let Ashley near Kile again.

"But he cheated on her!" Rose hissed, wondering if Albus had forgotten, "For weeks!"

"I know," Albus said raising his hands, "and I'm not saying they should or are getting back together. She's just talking to him. It's the first time she's spoken to him since they broke up. She had some things to get off her chest."

Rose slumped, sighing as she stared off into the crowd, "well I suppose if there is any time for them to be talking it's when she is wearing that dress and looking that good."

Albus laughed, "you should have seen him. Never seen a jaw hit the ground so fast." He shook his head, "Come on, I'll help you find Scor."

They both wandered over to the table Mary had reserved at the beginning of the night. Scorpius was there with a plate of food ready for Rose.

"Where's my food?" Al asked Scorpius indignantly.

"Get your own plate." Scorpius replied around a mouth full of sandwich.

Albus rolled his eyes and strolled off to the buffet table.

A few minutes later Ashley turned up at the table with a glass of pumpkin juice, her cheeks lightly flushed, "I think someone spiked this stuff."

"Let me try," Scorpius held his hand up for the glass. Ashley shrugged before handing it over and he sniffed it before taking a small sip. "Yeah it's spiked alright. Can't tell if it's a potion or alcohol." He handed the glass back to her, "I wouldn't drink it if I were you."

"Thanks," Ashley muttered before setting the glass carefully down, eyeing it as she sat.

Rose leaned into Ashley and whispered, "so how did it go with Kile?"

Ashley sighed, "he begged me to take him back. I told him I deserved better than him and I left him out on the dance floor alone."

Rose was surprised, "that's it?"

"All I'm going to tell you anyway," Ashley cheekily replied.

Rose huffed and opened her mouth to demand something more than that when Grace came up to the pair of them, "I need to go to the bathroom. Come with me."

There was a snort behind them and the girls turned to see Albus arrive at the table with his plate of food, "why is it that women always go to the bathroom in groups?"

"Hey," Rose indignantly replied, "my mom almost died when she went to the bathroom by herself."

Grace smiled, "Moaning Myrtle actually died."

The girls all laughed as they stood and walked arm in arm around the tables.

"Girls," Albus muttered as he sat.

Scorpius turned from watching the girls leave to face Albus, wanting to roll his eyes at their antics and get a laugh out of the raven-haired boy when he noticed Albus was suddenly angry again. Who was he looking at? Scorpius turned slightly and followed his gaze and saw James and Fred approaching the table.

"Are you done Scorp?" Albus asked quickly.

"Sure, but are you? You have a full plate."

Albus hopped up from the table, "Not hungry. Let's get back on the dance floor. I learned another silly dance move from one of the muggleborn students who claimed it's really popular with muggles right now."

Scorpius frowned but stood, following along behind Albus as the boy walked rather quickly away, looking back over his shoulders to shrug at the confused two behind him. As they moved through the crowd they ended up finding Hugo and Eva dancing together. They were leaning against each other, smiling and laughing.

It wasn't long before Rose and Grace found them.

Grace had to yell for the group to hear her, "you are never going to believe what we saw on our way to the bathroom."

"A troll?" Scorpius asked with a smirk.

"No, you idiot!" Grace replied with a shake of her head, "Mary was being told off by some teacher for snogging in the hallway!"

Albus rolled his eyes. "That's so not like her," he said sarcastically before grabbing Grace by the hands and spinning her about and preceding to dance like a maniac around her causing the girl to laugh.

They all danced together like they did in the beginning, as one big group and breaking up into couples when the slow songs were played. The ball was everything that Rose had hoped for, a fun magical night with all her friends.

All too soon, the second to last song was announced. To Rose's surprise, Scorpius took her hand and pulled her off the dance floor as the opening notes were played.

"What are you doing? It's almost the last song."

His smirk was wide, "remember at the beginning when we were talking to James?" When Rose nodded Scorpius smiled wider, "well it's going to start after the last song, so we need to get going."

"But what's happening?" Rose asked as she was pulled along behind Scorpius as they moved out of the Great Hall.

The cold air of the hall hit her exposed skin and she cursed herself for not bringing a jacket or a wrap.

"Here," Scorpius said pulling out his wand and moving it in a slow circular motion. In the next moment, a bubble of warm air appeared around them. "Better?"

Rose smiled over at him. "Much. Thanks."

They moved quickly up the stairs and through the halls. Rose had to walk fast to keep up with Scorpius's long strides.

When they finally came to a stop, it was on the fifth floor in a quiet corridor with large windows that looked out over the front grounds.

"Why are we here?" Rose asked, eyes looking past the glass and out into the cold night.

Scorpius was looking down at his watch, smiling. "Give it a minute… Annnnnd, now! Look!"

Rose, who had been looking over at Scorpius while he spoke, turned her gaze toward the window as an odd hissing sound was heard. She let out a gasp and her eyes widened as she spotted a bright red streak fly through the air, going higher and higher until right at the top it burst.

She laughed as the firework exploded and a massive lion formed from the sparks. It ran about for a moment in the sky, looking regal and proud, before fading and a bright yellow firework burst in the sky that turned into a badger. Then a blue raven was flying about, doing a show of flipping and diving before being replaced by an emerald green snake.

"They're so pretty." Rose murmured as a dragon lit up the sky, normal fireworks exploding around him.

"Yeah. Your uncle gave us some tips on how to make them last longer and glow brighter."

"You did this?"

His smile was amused, "it was the Gremlins. We've been planning this for months, wanted to end the year out with a bang."

"What do you mean my uncle gave you tips? You didn't just buy these from him?"

Scorpius laughed, "that would have been easier, but the group wanted to try their hand at fireworks and plus it means more if you make it yourself. You feel prouder. See that?" Scorpius pointed out the window as a large Scorpion graced the sky in sparks, "I made that one myself."

"Very original," Rose said sarcastically.

Scorpius grinned, "I take inspiration from things around me."

As Rose watched the sky she frowned when one of the smaller fireworks went off, the red sparks turning into a rose midair before disappearing.

"Why was there a rose?" She looked away from the sky and over to Scorpius only to find that he was already looking at her.

"That one was for you," he said softly.

Rose's frown deepened, "did you…"

Scorpius shrugged. "Albus helped," was all he said, his gaze moving suddenly back to the window.

Rose continued to frown. She didn't know if she was reading into things, but it seemed like Scorpius had made a firework for her. Suddenly, Rose wanted very much to know what he was thinking about. Another part of her didn't want to though, it seemed like those thoughts were likely to be more private than the ones earlier.

They were quiet for a little while, both watching the fireworks. Down below, Rose could see the light of the open front doors casting its beams across the snow as students came outside to see what was happening.

As Rose watched a horse prance across the sky, she admired the Gremlins' work. She was happy that instead of causing trouble that they had decided to do something pretty that everyone could enjoy.

Rose found herself leaning back against Scorpius, missing his warmth even with the bubble around them. His arm wound around her waist and held her gently. Rose sighed. This was perfect. The fireworks in front of them, the warmth of being next to him, the quiet when there was a break between the fireworks.

Rose closed her eyes for the briefest of seconds and she felt it, feelings of nervous anticipation coming from Scorpius.

She felt it build like a tidal wave heading for shore, growing larger and more coming quickly. Rose took a breath as it seemed like it was about to crash. She felt him calm himself a little, his breathing evening out and his heart rate slowing just a little. He was preparing himself to talk, to say what he wanted to say.

Rose turned to face him. His beautiful eyes gazed down at her, shining in the light of the moon. The fireworks outside kept exploding, lighting up his face in multiple colours each time. Rose stayed still as Scorpius raised a hand to her cheek, his smile soft and warm, his eyes wandering all over her face before focusing on her eyes. Even then they darted back and forth, looking like they were trying to taking in every inch of her at once.

"Rose, I need to admit something to you. Something that I need to tell you before we are surrounded by our families." His voice was soft and deep. They were standing so close Rose could feel it rumble through his chest. "Rose, I've known you for a long time now. You are a beautiful, brilliant, and passionate person. You're unbelievably suborn but also caring beyond words for those around you."

His hand moved down to clasp hers in his, holding it gently as he spoke, "my life changed forever when I met you. From the moment I laid eyes on you at the station, you've been in my head. You are unlike any person I have ever met and no matter how much you disliked me, to begin with, I couldn't help but want to be around you."

He gave her a soft smile, "And then we were bonded together, and I really got to know you. Deeply and intimately. I got to see your thoughts, your feelings, your likes and dislikes. We became friends. And every time you smiled at me it was like I was coming up for air after having been drowning all this time. I didn't know how much I needed your laugh and your smile, your words and thoughts until I had them."

"And when you were in the coma I felt like I was drowning all over again. I couldn't function without you there by my side. It killed me that you might not wake up. And in that time, sitting by your side I realized that I never wanted to feel like that again. Alone and like a piece of me was gone. Because with you here I don't feel so alone. You changed my life without even trying, and I don't think I could ever tell you how much you mean to me. I can't imagine what things would be like if I hadn't met you."

Rose gave him a look of worry, "Scorpius I…" But her words were cut off by Scorpius raising his hands and cupping her face gently, a smile still lingering on his lips as he looked at her.

"I just need to say one more thing. One thing that I have been keeping from you for far too long." Rose stood rooted to the spot, eyes wide as she looked up at the boy in front of her, saying things that made her heart melt and her knees want to give out. Then he spoke and Rose closed her eyes against the words.

"I love you."

Rose took a breath and attempted to pull away, but Scorpius only followed, "I know you said we are just friends, but that is how I feel. And it's so exhausting holding this secret away from you. I can't hide it, everyone is starting to notice, and I know when we go home my parents are going to notice too. I wanted you to be the first person I told. You deserve to know."

When Rose didn't say anything right away Scorpius let out a small breath and took a step back, closing his eyes and running a hand down his face. The hall was deafeningly quiet, the fireworks had ended there was no noise other than their breathing and the soft noises that were made by the old castle. Rose put her head in her hands for a moment, trying to breathe.

Lifting her head a little, but still looking at the ground she softly whispered, "you know I can't give you the answer you want right?"

"I don't care about that," he replied, "I am perfectly happy being your friend. There was a time I thought I wouldn't even have that."

Rose looked up at him, seeing that his eyes were already on her. She searched his feelings trying to determine if he really meant what he said. Could he really be content with just a friendship? But as she entered his mind she took a breath at the new emotion swirling around. Rose felt her eyes tear up a little at the overwhelming feeling of love she felt from him. His eyes were set and unabashed as he felt her in his mind and felt her shake at just how true his words had been.

Rose didn't know how he had managed to keep his feelings from her. Sure, she had suspected that maybe he had feelings for her, but the amount of love he had for her was beyond anything Rose had thought anyone could feel.

"I need some time to think about this," Rose said softly and she moved forward and reached for his hand, "is that ok?"

Scorpius softly smiled at her, "Take all the time you need. There is no need to rush."

Not knowing what quite to do next but knowing that she had to do something, Rose did the first thing that came to mind. Moving forward she leaned up and pressed a kiss to his cheek, letting it linger for a moment, trying to tell him with only that how much she appreciated everything he had done for her.

His arms wrapped around her waist and Rose sighed as she hugged him back. Both knowing words could not say enough at that moment, they stayed like that for a long while, just holding each other, neither knowing that the other was smiling.