That Which is Taught Chapter 8: From Falling, a harry potter fanfic

Disclaimer: I do not own any recognisable characters in this Fan Fiction and the song featured which is owned by Paramore

Chapter 7: From Falling

Ron,

Hermione keeps asking about you. Why is that? She says you've been working late recently. Don't overwork yourself. I was pretty puzzled that she mentioned it because you left at the same as me the nights she mentioned; maybe I just got them confused.

How are your lot? We haven't seen each other in a while. I know you're not looking forward to the Ball at Christmas, but look on the bright side, a good portion of the family will be there. Plus, Hermione seems to be anticipating it, and she's been saying that she's been a little stressed at the Ministry recently, so try to enjoy it for her sake.

Malfoy has changed you know. He taught his son well, Ron, the same kind of lessons we taught our kids. If you didn't believe it before you have to believe it now, after that Quidditch match; I never thought I'd see the day a Malfoy saved a Weasley.

See you soon mate, and don't put yourself under so much stress!

Harry

Hermione,

I feel like shit. Wait scrap that. I feel like a shitting arsehole. Still an understatement. Are you getting the drift Granger?

I can't tell you why, I feel like I should tell you at the Ball but Hermione, you have to believe me when I say I would tell you in this letter but it somehow feels like something that you should hear in person. Plus I've been told if I tell you I'd have no tongue and for extra measure my lips will be stuck together permanently. So writing it down wouldn't be the brightest idea. All I can say is don't take things as they seem, Maya. Some things are not quite what we believe them to be and sometimes the only way to find out is through a broken heart.

I'm now absolutely dreading the 16th December, although I'm hoping you'll make me feel a little better. I can only imagine how stunning you'll be. I'll never forget when you came down those steps for the Yule Ball!

Dray

Draco,

Please don't feel so bad. I know it sounds unbelievable right now but whatever it is can't be that bad. I agree that whatever it is you can't tell me shouldn't go on parchment with that kind of threat looming over your head.

Ever the drama queen, Draco! Honestly, I know what a broken heart is like, trust me, and it's always because you've read too much into something!

Don't be so negative Dray, I'm so looking forward to coming to the gathering and you putting a damper like that on the whole night is making me regret the acceptance. Seeing you will be an honour and you can imagine all you want, Malfoy, but I've had two children since fourth year so don't expect anything quite as impressive.

With my positive wishes,

Maya

Rosie!

Here is the mask you requested for the ball. Oh, darling, I just know you'll be absolutely stunning! After all you do have your Auntie Ginny's genes in you! Although I would like to take some credit for something beautiful about you, your curls perhaps?

Enjoy yourself this evening; I know my first ball was the best thing that happened to me. Minus the minor disagreement I had with your father. Remember that fourth year was the year of change for us all!

You are beautiful, my darling girl. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise, you understand? Anyone who contradicts that statement is either jealous of your beauty or disappointed that they don't have the honour of taking you themselves.

I want a picture of you from the night, I won't put it on display; I know how you hate that.

All my love, luck and kisses,

Mum

A buzz came from her hoody pocket. Rose got up from her comfortable place on her bed and took her mobile out. She had bought it during the summer for her to stay in contact with her muggle friends.

RO! A DNCE U SAY? ND Y AM I NOT INVITED? ANY FITTYS? GD TO HEAR UVE STEERED CLEAR OF THAT SO-CO SINCE... WELL U NO. BEN WAS ASKING AFTER U. WHAT DO I SAY 2 HIM? IT WAS GD TO HEAR FROM U RO! DNT DO ANYTHING I WUDNT DO! LUV U BBS. C U SN YH? XMAS IS GUNNA B GR8! LUV JAZZ XXX

She chuckled. Jazz always had a way with words. She texted her back and smiled in contentment. She belonged with them and she liked that.

Scorpius,

I am writing just to wish you luck with the Halloween Ball that's coming up. I have sent you a mask I thought may be suitable for you.

There isn't a lot to say otherwise. I've been working hard and your mother has been busy.

Enjoy yourself. Don't do anything I wouldn't do! Remember this is the year for change.

Your Loving Father

Dear Mr. S. Malfoy,

We understand that you are a very talented drummer. Here at Hogwarts, we strive to make sure that our students get the recognition that they deserve, whether on academic, vocational or otherwise abilities.

With this in mind, we are asking you to partake in the entertainment for the upcoming Ball. We have sought out the best musical talents in the school to use their ability in a school 'band'. This is an optional proposition. However, we believe that there would be some benefit on your part if you were to join in with this cause.

If you wish to involve yourself in this then RSVP to this letter as soon as possible so that we know if your position is filled. The music for the piece we wish you to play is attached to this letter and we hope that you will be taking this as seriously as any other dedication to the school.

Yours sincerely

Professor Flitwick

Head of Charms and Hogwarts Musical Departments

Dear Miss. R. Weasley,

We understand that you are a very talented singer and guitarist. Here at Hogwarts, we strive to make sure that our students get the recognition that they deserve, whether on academic, vocational or otherwise abilities.

Yours sincerely

Professor Flitwick

Head of Charms and Hogwarts Musical Departments

Dear Mr L Zabini,

We understand that you are a very talented bassist. Here at Hogwarts, we strive to make sure that our students get the recognition that they deserve, whether on academic, vocational or otherwise abilities.

Yours sincerely

Professor Flitwick

Head of Charms and Hogwarts Musical Departments

Dear Mr L. Scamander,

We understand that you are a very talented guitarist. Here at Hogwarts, we strive to make sure that our students get the recognition that they deserve, whether on academic, vocational or otherwise abilities.

Yours sincerely

Professor Flitwick

Head of Charms and Hogwarts Musical Departments

It was the day that was most anticipated by every girl in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in fourth year and above. Every girl but one red haired, hazel eyed, freckle faced Gryffindor; who was lying in bed with her covers pulled over her head willing the sunlight to go away. Saturdays were always the worst for Rose Weasley. It was the only day she could dwell on her life. The life she hated with a passion.

She heard the sound of running feet getting closer to her bed and inwardly groaned. Her bed moved as Roxanne jumped on her bed which made Rose groan at a more audible volume. Roxanne jumped on the bed for good measure and hopped off before pulling the quilt right back to reveal a curled up Rose shielding her face from the light.

"We have exactly... 13 hours, 43 minutes and 16 seconds, and counting, until you make the best entrance in the history of Hogwarts! Get up!" Roxy said shaking her cousin. Rose reluctantly sat up to face her.

"I'm up," she said before flopping back onto her pillow.

"Come on Rosie! We need every millisecond to make you look fabulous."

"Thanks, I'm that beyond help am I?"

"Oh you know what I mean! First you have to get to the Prefect bathroom and put these in the water," she said handing Rose some small bottles, "don't worry about not being a prefect, I have that covered. What ever you do, don't wash your hair! I'll be seeing to that personally. After at least an hour, come back up here. I'll be doing your hair, although the styling won't be done until later. Then I should think it will be time for lunch. One thing Rose, don't listen to what people say, eat a good proper lunch! It would be embarrassing if you turned up looking absolutely stunning and your tummy was constantly talking! Then we'll be doing facials, waxing of legs, eyebrows and bikini lines. Don't look at me like that, I don't want to think about my baby cousin having sex at all but when you go to these things you always have to dress like you're going to be undressed. Then we'll do your hair style, I've got a few ideas in mind but you have to tell me whether they're right or wrong. Then it'll be manicure and pedicure followed by make up and eventually the dress. Any questions?"

"Can I go back to sleep now?" Rose said wearily. She had a hint of lazy annoyance in her voice that her cousin had taken to organising her day for her.

"No," Roxy said bluntly, "anything else?"

"When are you going to do all this stuff for you?"

"Same time as you, although I'm stunning anyway, so it doesn't really matter."

"Right then. I suppose I should get going then?"

"Atta girl!"

A lazy smile crept over Scorpius' lips as he woke up that Saturday morning. He had a good feeling about tonight. The mystery of the 'school band' had been nagging at him for days now and he wandered who would be joining him on the stage. None of them had practiced with each other at all in the previous week and it seemed that that was the way it was intended. He had done just as the letter had said and put as much effort into learning the music as revising for his up-coming block tests. He was also positive that something else good would happen to him but he wasn't sure what.

"Ready to have the time of your life, mate?" Austin had just come into the fourth year dormitory,

"As I'll ever be," Scorpius answered honestly.

"Well, I'll tell you now that it'll be a mad house. The girls seem to take all day to get ready so they'll be running around like headless chickens. The boys in 6th and 7th years will be pretty manic too, they tend to be under the impression that this event ends with them having more than one girl in their bed." Scorpius shivered at this notion. Girls were still a fairly alien concept to him and the idea of two just seemed totally incomprehensible.

"Are you looking forward to your date?" Scorpius said eventually,

"Dead nervous actually. I don't know whether I'll be coming up here with her or a black eye or something in between." Scorpius chuckled.

"OK, I'm getting a shower. See you later,"

"OK, mate. Oh by the way, my sister said that she wants you to walk in with her, she's a little insecure about the whole thing for some reason. I would say she wants to make that Thomas guy jealous but I don't think that her coming in on her cousin's arm would do the trick."

The bubbles were swilling around her creamy, lightly freckled skin and she felt like she was on another planet. She was so glad she had not totally dismissed Roxy's suggestion of taking a bath in the Prefects bathrooms because she was truly relaxed. The oils she was given contained lavender oil, a relaxing agent, and almond oil, to moisturise her skin. She also added a little rose oil for the fragrance and to cleanse her skin.

The jet bubbles were gently massaging her tense back and her shoulders suddenly felt considerably lighter. She was grateful of that because she didn't know how she was going to cope with the fact that she was going to have to sing in front of the whole of the senior school later on tonight. She had discussed it with Professor Flitwick earlier in the week to ask if she could tell anyone or weather she'd ever be able to practice with the other band members. It turned out it was to be a total secret from all the students. She had still told Roxy though; she knew that, despite her being a hopeless gossip, she could hold secrets under lock and key for years.

She started to scrub her skin with the sea mineral exfoliator she was given, taking her own sweet time to rub her skin in large slow circles; she wanted to enjoy every minute of this bath. She could feel her skin slowly freeing itself of the unwanted dry and dead patches and felt like she was regenerating. Once she had covered herself with the balm completely she dipped herself back into the water to wash the suds off her skin.

Since she was instructed not to wash her hair she had tied it back for good measure. She immersed herself in the warm water up to her shoulders, rubbed the stubborn bits of foam off and drew herself back to the edge of the bath, relaxing on the seat that ran all the way around the edge.

This was the life.

After a quick shower he threw some clothes on and made his way down to the library. He wanted to get his extra credit essay out of the way before tonight as he didn't know whether he'd find the time to do it otherwise. Tonight was going to be hectic with the Ball and the after parties in the Slytherin common room were notorious for giving people hangovers that lasted a week. When he was satisfied with his essay Scorpius placed the extra reference books on the shelves where they belonged and continued down to the Great Hall for lunch.

When he entered he sat down next to his cousins and Justin Goyle.

"Well, well, if it isn't Scorpius Malfoy," a drawl came from down the table, "still associating with that half-blood Weasley are you?"

"Sod off Zabini and get a life," Austin said.

"I was only stating, I can't believe you are still friends with him Nott, I thought you were better than that, clearly I was wrong."

"That's my cousin you're talking about, Zabini," Nott said bitterly.

"I suppose," Zabini said "it doesn't mean you have to approve of the blood traitor."

"Well if I'm totally honest Louis I think the real 'blood traitor' is you, what kind of honourable person persecutes someone for something that is beyond their control," Scorpius said. Zabini seemed to be at a sudden loss for words

"Well, see you at the Ball, enjoy your lunch," he eventually said falsely. Just as he walked away, Weasley and her cousin entered the hall. She looked slightly more relaxed and was genuinely laughing. She appeared to be positively glowing. Scorpius was amazed at the change that seemed to have happened overnight.

When he had left her the night before she was complaining about the fact that the Ball was a waste of time, too uptight for her usual idea of a party. He was surprised at her. He thought that she would have spent the whole day brooding and dreading what was coming tonight.

He suddenly realised he was staring at her but as he went to look away she met his eyes. The look she gave him told him not to worry; she was being looked after just fine. He was so relieved he let out a sigh. Austin gave him a sideways glance and noticed where Scorpius was looking. He raised a quizzical eyebrow to his cousin.

"If I didn't know better, I'd think you like her," Nott said.

"Just as well you know better then isn't it?"

"Whatever mate."

After lunch the small group made their way back to the common room and sat infront of the fire.

"Nervous?" Austin asked Scorpiud after a while,

"No, why, should I be?" Scorpius asked worried

"Not particularly I suppose. Just thought you might be because of the whole Weasley situation, I saw the way you looked at her, hell I've been seeing it for weeks now Scorp,"

"I still don't think I understand, Aus, what does the way I look at her have anything to do with being nervous?"

"Oh come on! You like her, a lot, and she's probably going to turn up to the Ball on the arm of some hot-shot, Gryffindor, heart-throb; you missed out there,"

"Why would it affect my nerves who she chooses to spend the night with?" Scorpius asked irately.

"OK, OK, you don't like her! Don't rip my head off!"

"Sorry."

"Rose, trust me with this," Roxy said as she began cutting chunks of Rose's hair off, "stop fidgeting! I'm not going to do anything bad!"

"Why are you cutting it if I'm going to have it up anyway?" Rose said with her eyes closed. She couldn't bear to see how much hair was surrounding her chair.

"Because, dear cousin, by cutting it like this it won't be as frizzy when you wash your hair out in the morning, so stop worrying!"

"Fine, whatever you want Roxy," Rose said, "by the way, why aren't you doing the same thing to your hair? Why aren't you having your hair chopped off?"

"Because, unlike you, I take pride in my appearance."

"I would take offense but you're probably right."

"When it comes to these things, I'm always right! I leave the book-smart stuff to you."

"Thanks," Rose said sarcastically.

"Done and if I don't say so myself, you look amazing Rosie!" Rose opened her eyes to see her reflection staring back at her. She had to admit, she looked alright. Not much of the length was actually lost, but her hair was now layered. This made the frizz she had previously turn to glossy curls. The layers were still long enough for her to put back in her usual French plait for school which comforted her somewhat. Her auburn curls were now streaked with golden and chocolate tones making the red seem more subtle. The blond also helped to bring out the slight green shade in her hazel eyes and the chocolate gave it a natural darkness.

"Wow, Roxy, you should make this a profession of yours!"

"Still not finished Rosie! Got to style it yet."

"We should probably be getting back to dorm to get changed. I still need to do a few things to my dress robes," Austin said after an hour.

"Mmm, I'll catch you up yeah?" Scorpius said.

"OK, but don't leave it too long."

"I won't." After his cousin left Scorpius went over what he had said about the Weasley girl. Did he like her? He was certainly protective of her but she was vulnerable, it was instinct, wasn't it? After an extra five minutes he pulled himself out of the chair reluctantly.

All of a sudden the realisation hit him and nerves took over. In two hours his whole world could be turned upside-down. This was what his Dad kept going on about. That fourth year was the year of change. In two hours he would change, he would be someone else. He would transform into someone no one would really recognise. Maybe that was what was happening with the Weasley girl, but instead of someone no one recognised, she was turning into something everyone bar him recognised. 'I guess that's what you get when you're the only one who knows the real her,' he thought bitterly.

He entered went to his dorm room with a slight scowl on his face. 'Why does she change for them?' he thought angrily, 'why can't they see what's in front of their eyes?' Then he remembered her at lunch, she did look truly happy, the kind of happy that he only seemed to reveal in her. Was that why he was so bitter? Was he jealous that her cousins and other friends could make her smile? 'Yes,' he concluded, because that was what their friendship was based on, his ability to make her feel better.

"Why bother with this? You can't see it under my mask,"

"So? You can't see your knickers but you still put clean ones on in the morning, scruffy old ones on during your period and sexy ones on for a date. Well I do, don't know about you," Roxy answered.

"Fine. I suppose that is true," Rose said, giving up, "so, how do I look?"

"Like a work of art."

"As long as it's not Picasso I'm fine with that!"

"Right, now, all you need to do is put on your dress!"

"Finally!" Rose said dejectedly.

Scorpius looked in the mirror. He scrubbed up good! His dress robes were plain black with emerald and silver detailing. He couldn't help but feel it was a little twee, with it being in house colours but they were the colours that best suited him. The cut was fitted to his broad shoulders and toned waist. The cummerbund was emerald green and the bow tie was the same colour with silver designs on it.

He had slicked his hair back, much like his father's had been during his first few years at Hogwarts. He thought it looked god-awful but Austin had told him it gave the outfit some much needed class. It also inadvertently helped to accentuate his high cheekbones. The blond of his hair had a gentle sheen with the gel. He looked satisfactorily in the mirror before placing his half-mask over his eyes and tying it.

The mask too was black and had the same emerald green trimming as his robe. There were small silver snakes charmed to slither in intricate patterns across the mask. The colours made the blue flecks of his eyes stand out and his pale skin appear to have a slight peach tone.

With one last glance in the mirror he straightened out the non-existent creases in the black material and stepped out of the room and knocked on the door of the girl he would be escorting.

"Are you ready?" came Roxy's voice from behind the door. She had gone back to her own dorm to get changed and put the finishing touches on her own outfit. When she had left the room Rose gathered the strength to look in the full length mirror for the first time since she woke up. 'Well, I look different,' she had thought to herself.

Her skin looked flawless with a light liquid foundation. Powder was applied sparingly to take away any shine. Her cheekbones were highlighted subtly with a creamy product and she had a natural blush through the foundation that gave her face a natural glow. Her eyes looked greener than usual due to the midnight blue smoky shades on her lids, finished with a thin line of liquid eyeliner. Her long, spider leg lashes framed her eyes with a black mascara that thickened her lashes. Her lips were stained a discreet shade of pink and enhanced by a clear shine. Her newly highlighted hair was twisted back using her three French plaits and were pinned into intricate patterns with random spirals of hair framing her face.

Her dress was made of midnight blue silk that flowed like liquid. It was knee length, modestly showing off her toned legs. It had a deep halter-neck line showing off her cleavage elegantly. Its empire line exaggerated her small waist and kicked out toward the bottom, swilling graciously as she walked. On its waist line it had gold beaded embroidery to draw attention to her ample bosom and delicate waist. The cut made her look taller than her 5'2" frame. Her shoes were 3 inches high in the same blue as the dress and with gold heels and platform. The satin material shimmered in the light beautifully. She smiled absentmindedly.

"Come on, Rosie! We're going to be late!"

"You go ahead without me," Rose said whilst looking for her mask. Almost as soon as she heard her cousin leave she found her mask. It was cream with gold trimmings and blue swirls adorning it. It was only a half mask but still covered her cheeks considerably.

She took one last look in the mirror and stepped outside her dorm. She descended the stairs to the common room to see her Cousin Lily sitting on the settee.

"Wow, is that Rose under all that?"

"Oh shut up Lils."

"I want to go," Lily pouted.

"Another two years and you can," Rose said before exiting via the portrait hole.

He entered the Great Hall with his cousin clasping uncomfortably to his arm. As soon as he entered through the great oak doors he was in awe. The ceiling had pumpkin lanterns hanging from it instead of the usual candles. At the top of the hall, where the teacher's table usually was, was the stage that he would be performing on later that evening. The drum kit in the centre back with the Hogwarts emblem on it. There were small, circular tables scattered around the edge of the hall with black table cloths thrown over them.

Once he had gotten over the spectacular sight in front of him he immediately started to look for Weasley. Austin had already met her cousin and he could see both of the Potter boys and the Weasley boy scattered around the hall. They were all being their social selves, striking up conversations with every person they encountered. He spotted Zabini brooding in the far corner of the hall; his dark curly hair pulled back much like Scorpius's. He saw Austin and the Weasley girl already on the dance floor, making utter fools of themselves. He also saw Professor McGonagall looking overly impressed with herself and Professor Longbottom looking slightly nervous, but, for the life of him, Scorpius could not find Rose. He started to get increasingly worried and then everyone looked toward the oak doors. 'My god, she looks amazing.'

Nervously she stepped through the great oak doors, thankful for the mask and make up she was wearing were hiding her blush. She didn't like everyone looking at her. Why was everyone staring? Did she have something on her dress? Oh god, she hated this. Why had she agreed to it again? Whispers started up as she walked through the crowds and everyone was eyeing her suspiciously. She made a beeline for Roxy, who was now standing next to the punch bowl not-so-surreptitiously pouring a flagon of vodka into the non-alcoholic beverage.

"Roxy, shoot me now."

"And ruin a perfectly nice dress?" Roxanne said before turning round, she took one look at Rose and her mouth dropped open, "Rosie! You look absolutely fucking fantastic, although I may say so myself. Seriously, you have boobs; I never thought I'd see the day!"

"Shut up, Roxy, I look nowhere near as good as you," Roxy was wearing a fairly modest dress by her standards. It was pale green satin. It had wide shoulder straps that were gathered at the front forming a skew square neckline. It had a fitted bodice until the hips where it kicked out into a 1950s style full skirt that just grazed above her knees. She wore a cream and green mask with feathers protruding elegantly from the top.

"No you look better, damn I'm good!" Suddenly a tinkling sound came from the stage area and both girls looked round.

"If I could have your attention please?" McGonagall called, "thank you. Well you all look truly splendid tonight and I hope you are all enjoying yourselves. I would like to ask the students who received that all important owl message in the post to please take their places on the stage, we would like to hear the treat you have in store for us tonight. As for the rest of you, enjoy the entertainment!"

"Good luck, you'll be fine," Roxy whispered into Rose's ear as she made her way toward the stage and took her position in front of the microphone and picked up her guitar. She nervously waited for the rest of the band to take their positions before wrapping both her hands around the mike and clearing her throat.

"Hi everyone. Erm, well, I was asked by Professor Flitwick what song I'd like to do and this one seemed appropriate. So I hope you enjoy it, 'k, here goes." She started the song hesitantly, looking anxiously out into the audience to see their reaction.

"Maybe, if my heart stops beating
It won't hurt this much.
And never will I have to
Answer again to anyone.

"Please don't get me wrong

As she started the chorus her confidence started to build when she saw the reaction of the students below her.

"Because, I'll never let this go!
But I can't find the words to tell you
I don't wanna be alone!
But now I feel like I don't know you.
Woah.

"One day, you'll get sick of saying
Everything's alright.
And by then I'm sure I'll be pretending
Just like I am tonight

"Please don't get me wrong

"Because, I'll never let this go!
But I can't find the words to tell you
I don't wanna be alone!
But now I feel like I don't know you.
Woah.

"Let this go

"I'll never let this go.
But I can't find the words to tell you
I don't wanna be alone
But now I feel like I don't know you.

"And I'll never let this go
But I can't find the words to tell you,
That now I feel like I don't know you."

Her dry voice reverberated around the hall and she still couldn't deal with the constant attention and staring, even as the song ended. Everyone in the hall cheered and called for an encore but she made her way off the stage as quickly as she could. She had been numb up there, the numbness that she was trying so hard not to embrace had returned to her. She hated it, she had to leave. Before she got to the bottom of the flight of steps leading away from the platform a strong hand grabbed her wrist. She looked up to see cold brown eyes glaring down at her through a black mask, curly hair slicked back. 'Oh, no, please, not tonight,' she thought as she looked up at him in fright.

"Quite the elegant whore, aren't you?" Zabini said with pure venom dripping from his words.

She had captivated him as she sang. Had he not been drumming he was sure that he would have stood stock still in front of the stage and just looked at her. She was totally captivating. He never thought he would ever see her look that stunning and that self-confident all at once. To him she was the girl who covered herself with layers of baggy clothes. The girl who only spoke when spoken to; only answered what was asked. She was a shell; at least that was what he had thought. Now he wasn't so sure. He needed to tell her just how beautiful she looked tonight, just how fantastic what she had just done on stage really was. He saw her retreat quickly down the steps as soon as the song finished. He did a few quick charms to make sure the drum kit could be stored away efficiently and followed the way she had gone. He searched for her frantically but couldn't find her then he heard an all too familiar drawl from behind him.

"Quite the elegant whore, aren't you?" Zabini said. Scorpius's head whipped round to see the tall dark boy backing her into the wall slowly.

"I don't know what you mean, Zabini," she said with a slight shake in her voice. She looked terrified and Scorpius started to swell with rage.

"Well, you come in here dressed like that and then get up on stage. You were just asking for trouble," her back was now pressed against the wall the look on her face, even behind the mask, was the picture of terror.

"I still don't know what you're saying," she said steadily. Then, out of nowhere, Zabini started to grope her. She squealed with fright but that only encouraged him.

"No! Get off me!" she said knocking his hands away from her and pushing against him to get free. He was not discouraged and continued what he had started. Scorpius saw red and stormed over to the scene. Rose was wriggling and struggling to be free of Zabini's grasp whilst he continued to touch and grope her violently.

"She said no, Zabini!" Scorpius said just as he reached them. Zabini looked him in the eye and said

"I'm busy right now Malfoy, I'm using the slut for the only thing she's good for," before turning back to the stiff girl.

"She's no slut, Zabini and that sure as hell isn't 'the only thing she's good for' so get off her or I'll hex you so quick you won't know where you left your testicles!" This had no effect so Scorpius grabbed the boy's collar and dragged him off the girl. He then stood firmly between them with his wand pointed at Zabini. He could feel Rose shaking behind him and wanted more than anything just to tell her that it would all be alright, and he would, after he blasted the sorry excuse for a wizard cowering on the floor at his feet into smithereens. Zabini got to his feet and scampered away. Only then did Scorpius notice that the whole of the hall seemed to be watching them. She must have realised just at the same time because she suddenly ran out of the Great Hall without looking back.

'Oh god. Oh shit.' Rose couldn't calm down. The tears she'd held back were flowing freely down her face now and she thought about how Roxanne was sure to be disappointed in her for making her mascara run. She was grateful she was ruining her image though; she couldn't get the words Zabini had said out of her head "Quite the elegant whore. Dressed like that you're just asking for trouble."

'Is that really how people see me? As some high class slag? Do I really look like that tonight? I thought I looked quite fitting for the event. I suppose that was what he meant by 'elegant whore' rather than just plain 'whore'.' She conjured a cloak and instantly wrapped it around her chest so that it couldn't be seen. She hugged the cloak closer to her to comfort her, shield her from the sudden emptiness she was feeling. She heard quick foot fall behind her, getting closer, like someone was running after her but she didn't look back. She couldn't look back. No one could see her like that.

"Rose, wait!" just the boy she had hoped it wouldn't be. She was thankful for his impeccable timing when he jumped in but she didn't want Malfoy to see her like this. She wasn't entirely sure why but knew that she didn't want him thinking of her as weak and defenceless. He caught up with her, panting. "Rose, are you – stupid question. Rose, please, stop?" She did what he asked and turned to look at him. She wanted to glare at him but she was too tearful. 'Oh god, he's seen me.'

"Please, I just want to be alone, Scorpius. I'm going back to Gryffindor Tower, you go enjoy yourself."

"No, you don't. You hate questions and if you go back to your dorms then they'll ask you what's wrong. Just sit with me a minute."

"Fine."

"I was looking for you earlier."

"Really? Why?"

"Yeah. Firstly because I was worried that something had happened to you because all your cousins were there but you weren't and then to tell you how amazing you look tonight."

"No need to lie, Malfoy, I know I don't look 'amazing'. I look easy."

"You don't look easy. The moment you came through those doors you seemed to light up the room. You were absolutely fantastic up on that stage too!"

"I look revolting. I'm filthy."

"No! Hell, I'm going to kill that boy. Rose you look absolutely stunning. Zabini is the filthy one around here, not you. He had no right to say those things to you. He had no right to do those things to you." He pulled her into an embrace and looked at her straight in the eye. She could get lost in his eyes. They were shining bright blue with passion swirling in them. She suddenly felt less empty the longer he held her, the longer he looked at her like that. He lowered his face to hers, keeping eye contact. Her eyes flitted across his face, taking in his beautiful moonlit face. He finally closed the gap pressing his lips to hers gently. She responded immediately and melted into his body. The kiss was full of emotion; passion, caring, love, lust. This time the kiss was real. There were no drugs to blame. This was just them, the two people, and their pure emotion. This was the kind of kiss Tom Wood should have given her. Her eyes fluttered closed and she deepened the kiss.

AN: I know it's impossibly long but I really enjoyed writing it.

Thank you so much for all your comments and constructive criticisms. Keep them coming, I still love it!