A/N There you go. Another chapter fresh from the proverbial ovens. There is something I would like to ask all my lovely supporters. Are you finding the story interesting? Do let me know! Because I can't understand, unless you give me feedbacks. Just let me know if you love/ hate it and why. It helps a lot! And it also motivates me to go on.

As always, I should like to thank all those who are following my story. A shoutout to Amerish and Imanawkwardpenguin. Welcome aboard! ;) And to Diana Black 12 – Honey, here's the next chapter, just as you asked (I'm writing as fast as I can).

Enjoy (and don't forget to leave reviews. They do speed up the process ;))

Disclaimer: All original Harry Potter characters are the express property of J. K. Rowling. I only own the story.

P.S. I couldn't help borrowing the title too *sigh*


The Great Hall was filled to brimming. Students occupied one side of the hall while guests occupied the other. The high table had been removed and presently staged a full orchestra who were tuning their various instruments. The low buzzing of incessant chatter filled the air. Girls were heard complimenting each other on their dresses and looks while boys were discussed the approaching Chudley Canons game and wondered what would be on the menu. The honoured guests were yet to arrive.

'Let's get to the front,' suggested Scorpius.

Rose shook her head. 'Not yet. Let the main guests arrive first.'

They waited in the sidelines, Al frequently craning his neck to catch a glimpse of those arriving. He suddenly nudged Scorpius.

'Your parents are here,' he said, jerking his head towards the entrance. Rose scrambled to take a better look as Scorpius stood with his mouth hanging open.

'They never said a word,' he whispered disbelievingly.

'Great! Now you can ask your dad if you can come over during summer break,' said Al, grinning from ear to ear.

'You asked him to come over?' Rose looked at Al with surprise. 'When?'

'Just after breakfast. It wasn't me though. Lil did.'

'Lily?'

'Yeah. You know how much fond she is of Scorp. She asked Dad and he asked him!'

Scorpius laughed. 'She is a sweetheart. No one can resist her charm. I bet she's on her way to being a heartbreaker.'

Al snorted, 'Yeah. You'll know how much of a 'sweetheart' she is once you spend a week with her. Jamie is nothing compared to her.'

'Where is she anyway?' said Scorpius, peering over the people in front. 'I did promise her a dance.'

'Don't worry. She'll find you,' Al turned to the door again. 'And here they are,' he said, as the band struck up a tune to welcome the dignitaries.

Professor McGonagall swept into the room in the arms of Uncle Harry as Aunt Fleur followed with Viktor Krum. The rest of the teachers also followed in pairs.

Rose turned a shade of pink when Krum passed them and sent her a small smile.

'He's so handsome,' she crooned, earning a snort from Al and an irritated 'tsk' from Scorpius. 'He is. Look at the way he holds his head. Regal.'

'Yeah. Must be the stiff collar,' quipped Scorpius sarcastically. Rose frowned at him.

'Are you jealous?'

'Please…he is an old man,' said Scorpius.

'He's not.'

'Is too.'

'Is not.'

'There we go again,' Al rolled his eyes, as Amanda sniggered.

The students started to mingle once the dignitaries were seated at the two separate tables near the podium. The Triwizard Champions sat at a separate table. One chair was left empty, in honor of Cedric Diggory.

Smartly clad waiters wended their way among the crowd, serving drinks (junior students were served Butterbeer). The House tables had been replaced by daintily covered tables and chairs.

Scorpius, Rose, Albus and Amanda grabbed one near the podium and looked around. Others were trying to find seats too. James was seen pulling a chair for his partner, Virginia Walters, who smiled prettily and whispered something into his ear. James looked smitten. Rose smiled and nudged Al, who turned to look at the scene. He groaned.

'See,' said Rose triumphantly, 'I told you he was in love.'

Almost everyone had settled down by now. Those who hadn't were leaning against the wall, a resigned look in their faces.

The Headmistress stood, waving her hands to quieten the music. Everyone fell silent.

'Welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I, on behalf of the staff, would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas. I know you are eager to let your hair down. However, before we start, I would like to request you all to join me in honouring the memory of Cedric Diggory, and all those who lost their lives in the Second Wizarding War, with a moment of silence.'

Uncle Harry stood up from his chair. He was soon followed by Viktor Krum and Aunt Fleur. The hall was soon filled with the sound of scraping of chairs and scuffling of feet as the rest of the school stood up hurriedly.

They bowed their heads and stood silent for a minute, remembering the dead.

Then it was over. The music began playing again. The headmistress waved her wand and all the tables slid to the sides, leaving a vast, polished dance floor.

'When is the ball going to start?' said Scorpius impatiently.

'The dignitaries would dance the opening waltz first,' said Rose, as she watched Uncle Harry lead Aunt Ginny to the floor. Aunt Fleur was joined by Uncle Bill. Professor Longbottom was seen asking McGonagall.

'I wonder who Krum is going to ask,' Rose mused. 'Where is he anyway?'

Krum had seemed to disappear from the table. Scorpius prodded her with his elbow. Rose jerked her head 'What?'

Scorpius tried to tell her something with his eyes.

'What is it?' she asked, growing irritated. 'Just spit it – '

'Vill you do me the honour of dancing this valtz vith me?' someone behind her asked in a heavy accent.

She froze. Could it be? No it couldn't, she chastised herself as she turned.

It was.

Her eyes grew as big as saucers as she took in the sight of a grinning Krum, holding out his hand to her.

'I-I –' she stuttered. 'I would be delighted,' she finally managed to utter.

He kissed her knuckles and led her to the middle of the floor. She could see Al giving her the thumbs up, as Scorpius scowled. She turned her head to watch her mother press her lips into an amused smile. Her heart was galloping at a tremendous rate and she struggled not to stumble. She still found it hard to believe that Viktor Krum had singled her out. Her insides were dancing a tango.

The musicians struck the first chord as all the couples took their positions. Then they began to dance.

Rose found her apprehension slipping as they twirled round the dance floor. Krum was a superb dancer.

'You look like your mother,' he said suddenly. 'I recognized you as soon as I laid my eyes on you.'

Rose could only smile. She didn't know what to say.

'I danced the first dance with her when I came here for the Triwizard tournament.'

Rose smiled again, this time a bit surprised. Mom had never mentioned that!

'She's a brilliant witch.'

'Yes,' agreed Rose.

Krum swept her past Professor McGonagall who was giving Professor Longbottom instructions even in the middle of dancing. She turned and smiled at them.

The dance ended. Krum bowed and led her towards her parents. Her mother smiled as they approached. 'I see you got acquainted with my daughter,' she said.

'Yes, she is as beautiful and graceful as you,' he said, bowing over her hands and clicking his boots together. Rose was surprised to see her mother blush.

'Ah, Krum!' said her father, wending his way through the crowd, holding two champagne glasses. 'There you go, dear,' he handed one to Mom.

'Veasley, nice to see you after so long.'

'Yes. Last we met was on Bill and Fleur's wedding.'

They reminisced about the good ol' days. Rose was getting bored. She craned her neck to catch a glimpse of Scorp and Al. Unable to find them in the dancing crowd, she excused herself and went in search of them.

Al was dancing with Amanda. James waltzed with Virginia. Lily was dancing with a fifth year Hufflepuff she knew in passing. Scorpius was nowhere to be found.

'Hugo,' she called, catching sight of her brother, 'Have you seen Scorp?'

He jerked his head towards a corner before disappearing again.

Rose gave up after a few futile attempts and sat down on a chair, dejected.

ooooo

Scorpius had taken an instant dislike to this Viktor Krum. He couldn't help feeling annoyed when the older man waltzed in and swept her away in his arms. For Merlin's sake, Rose was supposed to be his date. He crossed his arms and scowled at them the whole time they danced. He felt his irritation rise each time Rose smiled at the git. Al was busy talking to Amanda, though he tried to include him in the conversation from time to time. Scorp still felt left out. Then he gave up altogether when he saw Krum leading Rose towards the other side of the floor. He excused himself and went in search of his parents.

He found them dancing in the corner, close to the door.

'You didn't tell me you'll be coming,' he said.

His parents turned at his voice. 'We were sent the invitation only last night,' said his father. His mother smiled and gave him a hug, 'Merry Christmas, darling! We wanted to give you a surprise,' she said.

'I am surprised,' he grinned, as he gazed at them. Father looked slightly wary. Mother looked…tired.

'Are you alright?' he asked.

'Absolutely splendid,' his mother said cheerily.

Scorpius frowned. He didn't believe his mother. She looked almost ill, now that he took a closer look.

'Ok, what are you hiding?'

His parents exchanged cautious glances.

'Err…your mother had caught a slight cold. I asked her not to come, but she insisted,' said his father.

'I didn't want to miss this,' his mother turned in a circle, taking in the general festivity. 'Aren't you glad we came?'

'Of course I am!' protested Scorpius. 'But you shouldn't have come if you didn't feel well.'

'I'm alright, sweetheart. But why are you here? Where are your friends?'

Scorpius ran his fingers through his hair. 'They all got busy, dancing,' he said ruefully.

'How about I dance with you,' his mother winked.

His father started looking around. 'I'll go grab two drinks,' he indicated the waiters hovering at the periphery of the dance floor. He strolled off, taking in the sight and sound of the festivity.

People hardly turned their way, and those who did, didn't bother to talk to them. Scorpius felt himself releasing a pent up breath. He hadn't realised he had been holding it in, waiting for the proverbial bomb to explode. After all it was not unexpected. People still held grudges and hearing insults flung to hurt them had become a habit now.

Today, however, there were no such insults. For a moment he had panicked when his parents had appeared unannounced. But he shouldn't have worried. Professor McGonagall would not allow such lowliness in her castle. He heaved a relieved sigh and took his mother's hand, who smiled at him in happiness and encouragement.

They had danced two dances when she waved him to stop. He came to a stop, concerned at her sudden request.

'You should sit down. Shall I fetch you a chair? Or a glass of champagne?' he said worriedly.

His mother was flushed and slightly out of breath. She pressed a hand to her heart and laughed. 'I must be getting old,' she joked.

'Are you sure you are ok?'

'Don't fuss. You go ahead and find your friends. I'll be alright,' she waved him away despite his many protests. She drew up a chair and sat down, craning to see where his father had disappeared to. Scorpius understood. He had been neatly dismissed.

With nothing else to do, Scorpius roamed the hall cluelessly, hoping to catch a glimpse of Al or Rose.

'Oi Scorp!'

He caught sight of Al waving him over to a corner. He, thankfully was Amanda-less, Scorpius was pleased to note. He had no desire to act as the wobbly third wheel again.

'Noticed something odd?' Al asked as he approached.

'What?'

'Amos Diggory is missing.'

How odd, thought Scorpius. 'You're right,' he said, casting a quick glance at the guests' table. 'Do you think he left after the spat with your father?'

'I don't know,' Al furrowed his brows, puzzling over the scene, 'but I can't work out why she is saying she is a Diggory?'

'What do you mean?' asked Scorpius, surprised.

'Listen,' said Al. 'I know for a fact that Amos Diggory had no brothers. Which means –'

'Delphini is not his niece,' finished Scorpius.

'She is not related to him at all,' said Al. 'Amos's father had no siblings either.'

'You mean there are no other families directly related to the Diggorys?'

'Exactly. And that is what has been bothering me since.'

Scorpius scrunched his brows. 'Have you told your father about this?'

Al shook his head. They kept quiet, each pondering over the rather puzzling situation.

Presently Lily strolled over, looking flushed and cheerful and plopped down between then on a chair.

'Hi Scorp,' she called cheerily.

'Hello, poppet. Having a great time?' he asked. She nodded, her curls bobbing up and down.

'You promised me a dance!'

'Yes, of course,' he smiled. 'Tell you what, why don't we wait this song out and dance to the next?'

'Yess…' she grinned and turned back to watch. The song was slow and the dancers were moving languorously across the floor. Most of the young people have chosen to sit this one out. There was no sign of Rose yet.

The song came to an end. The dancers clapped and left the floor empty.

Scorpius grabbed Lily's hand and tugged. 'Let's go, or all the space will be taken,' making her giggle.

This time the music was a fast one. He danced her across the floor and twirled her, much to her delight, before bowing as the music ended.

Just as he was leading Lily back to the seats, he caught sight of an emerald green gown disappearing behind a few onlookers.

'I think I saw Rose and I had promised her a dance too,' he said. 'Can you find a seat by yourself?'

She nodded and went away as Scorpius made a beeline for the place where Rose had disappeared.

He found her standing behind a couple of seventh years, arms crossed and scowling at their backs.

'Where have you been?' they both asked simultaneously once they laid eyes on each other.

'I think it was pretty much obvious,' said Rose. 'I was dancing with Viktor Krum.'

'All this time?' Scorpius cocked an eyebrow. 'My eyesight must be failing lately. I thought I saw him having a deep discussion with the Headmistress moments ago.'

'Fine. I was looking for you. Where were you?' she had her hands on her hips now.

'Well I was looking for you too, before I decided to go meet my parents.'

'Oh, I thought –' she chewed her lips.

'What?'

'Nothing,' she averted her eyes and changed the topic. 'We are yet to dance.'

'We would have, had the obnoxious stiff collared git not dragged you away,' Scorpius said vehemently.

Rose suddenly broke into peals of laughter.

'What!'

'You look so adorable when you are annoyed,' she said.

'Hmmph.'

'C'mon,' she said, coaxingly, 'Let's dance the next dance.'

'That was long due,' he said as he grabbed her hand.

Scorpius led her to the middle of the floor. It was more crowded as it was the last song for the evening, before the feast. Another band would be playing after dinner. Third year students and below were not allowed to stay in this.

People jostled them from all sides. Scorpius looked down at Rose as she placed her hand upon his. They were standing too close for comfort. He caught a faint whiff of lavender...and something else - cinnamon and the aroma of old books - something that was entirely Rose. He felt the silken slide of her tender skin through layers of clothing as she placed her arm on his shoulder. Her red hair tumbled in merry curls down her front - a cascade of molten copper. Her waist felt tiny in his grasp as he pulled her closer and held her soft, slender fingers in his. She looked radiant as she gazed up at him with those caramel eyes. Eyes so full of trust that he sucked in a sharp breath.

The Great Hall suddenly felt stifling.

The music commenced. Scorpius hardly registered themselves moving across the floor. It was too hard to concentrate on anything else but the girl in his arms. She easily followed where he led, adjusting her steps to match his. Those glorious tresses bobbed to the sway of their bodies, framing her face in tiny, enticing curls. They danced, losing themselves to the music, letting it flow through their nerves and fill their limbs. He executed some sharp turns, whirling her round and round till her head fell back and she laughed. It was a pure sound of joy. And it lodged like a shaft in his heart. The rest of the world fell away. The hall turned into a whorl of colours as his vision focused on her face. She glowed in joy. Her eyes shone like the thousand twinkling stars that graced the black night.

She smiled at him then. And his eyes fixed on her lips. The remnants of the laughter still lingered there. They were plump and red, and curved slightly at the corners. They seemed to draw him towards them like bees to honey.

Scorpius found his head dipping just a little towards her upturned face before he caught himself in time, jerking back and shaking his head to clear it. What the hell is wrong with you, he scolded himself, muttering a string of curses. This is Rose Weasley, your best friend. For Godric's sake, get a grip on yourself before you do something stupid.

'Is something wrong?'

Scorpius gulped, then blinked to clear his muddled brain and looked around. They were in the middle of the floor, surrounded by what looked like the entire school plus guests and Rose was standing before him, blushing and looking puzzled.

'What? No! Why do you ask?'

Rose shrugged. 'The music ended ages ago and you are still holding me.'

He promptly snatched away his hands as if they were scalded.

'Sorry.'

Look what you'd almost done, he told himself. You would have kissed her with the entire hall watching? Shame on you, Malfoy. He could feel the colour rising and flooding his face.

He looked up when Rose tugged at his hands. 'C'mon, everybody is leaving the floor. They need to clear it before the tables – oh no!'

Scorpius sensed her stiffen. Her eyes were fixed just behind his left shoulder and her face was rapidly losing colour.

He turned around. And felt his insides turn to ice.

Ron Weasley was striding towards them, a look of black fury on his face.

ooooo

To be continued…

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