"Should I wear the ruby earrings... Or the black pearls?" Jillian twirled her spaghetti on her fork, daydreaming about the upcoming dance, that was to be held that Friday night. "I mean, the red ones would match, but the black ones would make it look fiery. You know?" She took a bite of spaghetti, not realizing she smeared tomato sauce on her chin, she gazed off to the side.

I laughed, spinning my own fork around a helping of spaghetti. "I think you should wear the black ones, it would complement your hair, I think... I'm not good at this!"

Jillian smiled. "That's okay, I think I'll wear the black ones, I am the she-devil after all!"

I smiled with her. Jillian was going as a legit she-devil, with horns, a glittering red dress with a plunging neck line, red pumps and her hair will be done in a fancy up do. Jillian also ordered a magical devils tail that swishes and flicks around like an actual tail. Spencer is her date, he is going to wear a simple black tux, with a crimson red dress shirt. Also, as a joke he is wearing chains around his wrists, Jillian's own little slave as she prances around in her tight clothes.

"What's Scorpius planning?" Jillian asked. Ever since we officially 'got together', Jill keeps asking about us and what we do alone. Nothing is the answer I always give her. Also the true answer.

"I don't know." I said. "Ever since I told him he could pick the costumes, he's been really secretive, I'm almost scared to see what our costumes will be like."

"That's how it will be I guess." Jillian says. "You know," Jillian leaned over, like she was about to tell a secret. "I think Spencer's been dropping hints about going together, as more than friends."

I choked on some garlic bread, spitting the remains back on the plate. I covered it with a napkin before anyone could see. "Are you serious? Do you like him?"

Jillian shrugged and leaned back, smiling now. "I think I do."

I squealed. "You don't know how great this is!"

Jillian smiled. "Was I this annoying when I found out about you and Scorpius?"

I nodded we all looked up to see the Great Hall being filled with the screeching and hooting of owls. A particularly large black owl, swooped past Ravenclaw table, dropping a yellow envelope swiftly onto my lap. I picked it up, and teared the seal.

...

All through Transfiguration, Potions and Herbology, all I could think about was the dance this Friday night, among other things. Rather than giggle and gossip about it with the other girls in Ravenclaw, I stared into space, wallowing in self-pity and regret. Do I seriously have to go to an actual dance? I was always that one girl who ended up crying in the corner or spent the whole time reading off to the side. Believe me, I was happy for Jillian and Spencer, and excited to spend time with Scorpius. But, I was not a masquerade/gala kind of person. After dinner that night I walked down to the quidditch pitch, ready to watch another Ravenclaw/Slytherin practice. I sat in the top row, and watched as Scorpius, Stewart and their teammates whizzed around the pitch. I had a feeling that Slytherin and Gryffindor were going to have a tough season, trying to beat Ravenclaw. I mean, the Slytherins had a great team. Scorpius was the captain and a beater, along with Albus. David Tennings, Julie Bretwitt and Marco Shneid are the chasers. Axel Green is the Slytherin's seeker, and Harriet Witherspoon is the keeper. A pretty well thought team with some very talented players, Scorpius told me all about them.

Although, the Ravenclaw team is very talented as well. Stewart is the captain and a chaser, along with Rebecca Winkel and Owen Ainsley, a Scottish seventh year who transferred from Beauxbatons. Mandy Harwell is the keeper, and Jillian is the seeker. The beaters are a pair of sporty female twins, thirds years, Sarah and Bridget Gosling.

I don't know much about the Gryffindor team, but James is the captain and they are always a good team to root for. Everyone was in their practice uniforms, looking official and mature.

"Hey Rose!" Stewart yelled from the quidditch pitch floor. Both teams were gathered around the centre.

"What?" I yelled, my voice had become hoarse and croaky due to the lack of use all day. I coughed, cleared my throat and repeated myself.

Instead of answering, Scorpius hopped on his broom and flew up rather fast to where I sat, he stepped onto the bleachers.

"Were going to have a scrimmage, and we want you to come down and ref for us."

"Sure." I said immediately. I didn't know all of the fouls in quidditch, and I didn't like to be in charge of many things. But I was known as someone who would do nearly anything for a friend, and I don't back away from challenges. Scorpius climbed on his broom and waited for me to get on as well. Rolling my eyes I climbed on behind him, I held onto his torso tightly as to not fall off. Though I've never refereed a quidditch game before, this should be interesting.

The wind whipped my hair around as we flew back down to the ground. The teams smiled at me as I got off his broom. The trunk of quidditch equipment sat between them, I opened it and took out the quaffle.

"Okay, captains." I said, looking around at the eager quidditch players. "Shake hands." At my command Scorpius and Stewart shook hands. They eyed each other as they let go, I feared that this would turn into more of a rivalry or a fight. But they both turned away and their teams took to the air. As they dispersed I heard Axel Green make a comment to Scorpius.

"This isn't fair, she's from Ravenclaw! She'll just go in favour of them."

Apparently the Ravenclaw team heard also, they laughed and Jillian piped up. "Yes, but her boyfriend is on Slytherin!" Both teams chuckled at that, I ignored the truthful comments and raced across the pitch, the quaffle under my arm and the snitch in my pocket. I was headed for the commentators tower. I couldn't yell loud enough at them, and I definitely was not flying with them, so I was going to call fouls through the mic. I got to the top and turned on the microphones.

"Alright." I announced. "I want a nice clean game, from all of you." I eyed Jillian and Scorpius particularly, I have noticed both of them have a tendency to cheat. I released the snitch from my pocket and hurled the quaffle to the centre of the pitch. The players immediately swarmed the ball, I took out my wand and released an opening charm at the trunk on the field, which held the bludgers. They shot into the air, the beaters swarmed the black balls like starving bees. The chasers dropped and caught the quaffle so much, it went back across the pitch as often as tennis balls do in tennis.

I was watching the chasers bump into each other, Jillian made to shoot at the tallest Slytherin hoop, but Axel Green hovered right in front of her, Jillian had time to stop her throw but she didn't and threw it anyways, Axel was hit in the nuts. I laughed into the mic and said teasingly.

"Watch it Jill..." Jillian smiled and shrugged as she flew by.

I began to commentate as the game went on. "Shneid passes to Bretwitt, Bretwitt passes to Tennings, they make the shot but Harwell makes the save. Langley picks it up and tosses to Ainsley, Ainsley and Winkel go down the pitch, they dodge the Slytherin chasers, Witherspoon tries to stop them! They shoot, and they score!" I screamed excitedly into the mic and happily marked down ten points to Ravenclaw.

The game started up again. Both teams made some excellent scores. Around ten minutes later, a few spectators had shown up to watch, and the score was 20-30. Ravenclaw in the lead.

I began to commentate again, but instead of commentating the game, I started to narrate what else was happening. I started to test their focus. "They really need to cut the field's grass! Maybe we could petition for a new paint job on the bleachers. Seems like Jillian and Axel still haven't found the snitch, they are circling the pitch like vultures." Just to prove my point, Axel honked like a bird, causing Witherspoon to miss a save and Stewart narrowly missed getting hit by a bludger, sent by Albus. "Also a few spectators have come to watch, I think their judging you guys. Who do you guys think will win?" It was true, a few curious onlookers had joined the empty stands and started watching the game.

Immediately a chorus of "Ravenclaw!" Came from the small crowd. I laughed, knowing they were right. Some players hovered where they stopped to watch the interrogations. "Well, not a lot of faith for the Slytherins." I spotted Scorpius flying my way, probably to get me in trouble, I smiled. "What do you think Scorpius? Any comments from the Slytherin team?"

Scorpius jumped into the stands with me, instead of answering into the mic I held out for him, he leaned down and kissed me on the lips, holding me there. He crouched to rest on his haunches, level with me and hugged me round the waist. Stunned and a little embarrassed I wrapped my arms around his neck. He parted my lips with his tongue, and allowed it in. I could hear 'awwww's and 'ewww's coming from the crowd as well as the players. Finally he broke apart, got on his broom and jumped off the tower.

"Well, was that from the whole of Slytherin team or just you, Scorp?" I said, my voice expressed surprise and guiltiness. "Sorry to distract you guys, but while you were watching that, Slytherins scored twice. Well played Scorpius, well played." I gave him the stink eye, he laughed and winked back. "Ravenclaw's are back on track with the quaffle, bringing it down the pitch, they dodge the chasers, make a shot, scored again! The points stand all tied up at 40-40. Come on Jillian! Let's get that snitch! Or Axel, you know, whoever finds it first..."

Suddenly I noticed a glint off a tower, I heard a faint buzzing. And I caught a glimpse of the snitch whizzing past the Slytherin chasers. "There it is Jillian!" I shouted into the mic, likely startling many of the few onlookers and players. "Under the Slytherins feet! Right there!" Immediately Jillian and Axel dove for the not-there-snitch-anymore, they both came out of the dive, empty handed, desperately looking around for the snitch. I started laughing and they both scowled at me.

"Sike!" I yelled. I started laughing as I watched as Axel and Jillian's excited and eager faces turned to disappointment and anger. "You should see your faces..." I last whispered, gasping for breath as I collapsed behind the tower's railing, giggling hysterically. I heard two pairs of feet plunk into the tower and I looked up to see Scorpius and Stewart glaring (trying not to smile) down at me.

"You are a horrible ref, you know that right?" Stewart inquired.

"A cute one," Scorpius pointed out. "But a terrible ref. you are hereby disbanded."

I stopped laughing, mock seriousness overtook my tone. "What? But I've been dreaming of this moment my entire life!" I said sarcastically, the boys rolled their eyes. "I mean, I was so prepared, and fair and honest and-" I was interrupted by Scorp and Stew's laughter. They chuckled and reached down to help me up. I grabbed their forearms and they hauled me to my feet. "By the way," I said. "You," I pointed to Scorpius, "need to work on your barrel turn, and don't lean forward so much or your gonna tip that way and fall."

Scorpius laughed, "okay, okay, you just leave the flying to me." I took his broom and I mounted it, Scorp got on behind me. We jumped off the tower and dove to the ground, I was so scared as the wind whipped my hair back, but I held in the scream climbing up my throat. Scorpius pulled out of the dive and soared to the small crowd of students in the Hufflepuff bleachers. I swung my leg over his broom and jumped off.

Scorpius rolled his eyes when he saw me stumble on my own feet. "I swear, someone got you high before You came here."

I laughed and waved him off as I sat down beside an awed Eleanor Troup, Scorpius jumped back into the game. "I can't believe you seriously commentated a quidditch game and got kicked out!"

I smiled, and glanced down at my feet. "Yeah, I can't believe it either!"

Eleanor smiled and swished her blue scarf's end over her opposite shoulder. "How much have you done of the Transfiguration project?"

I gasped. When in hell were we assigned a Transfiguration project? And why haven't I finished it yet? "Wha-what Transfiguration project?" I asked, praying to god we didn't really have one, and hoping Eleanor was having some kind of long term memory loss situation.

Eleanor's smile drooped, "you know, the essay and physical presentation? She assigned it today..."

"Oh," I said. Thank goodness! I remember now. "When's it due?"

Eleanor's smile came back as she revisited her strong suit, knowledge. "Friday. We have to write an essay on the properties of a proper transformation, something medium sized, and we have to demonstrate it for her."

"That shouldn't be too hard." I said.

"No." Eleanor agreed. "But it is worth two marks of our final grade."

Suddenly a huge cheer came from the spectators, as they all gallantly rose to their feet, screaming and shouting. "Raven-claw! Raven-claw!" I stood up with everyone else and grinned as the Ravenclaw team swooped around the pitch, Jillian in the lead, holding the snitch high in the air. The Slytherins waited for them on the ground. Scorpius and Albus bearing smiles, but I could tell they were disappointed. I ran down the bleachers, Eleanor on my tail as we dived through the crowd. We ran down the stairs and across the pitch, to where the Slytherins gathered. Scorpius was facing the opposite direction, I tapped his shoulder and he turned around.

"Couldn't handle our team, huh?" I said, knowing it might make him mad, I said it anyways.

His smile tightened. "Nope. You guys are too good for us." Sarcasm drenched his words. "Hey, I had an idea. We should have a party! Ravenclaws are invited, as well as the peanut gallery. Axel's bringing some fire whiskey, we can have it in the room of requirement. What'd ya think?"

I paused, the Ravenclaw team landed beside us, their cheeks flushed red with pride in their faces. "I don't know." I said. "What d'you guys think?"

Stewart heaved his breaths. "About what?" Scorpius explained the idea to the Ravenclaws.

Nearly all of them laughed and shook their heads. Only Stewart agreed and jogged off to change. Eleanor and I walked to the school together while the teams changed and showered. Scorpius blew me a kiss as we left, I caught it and pressed it to my lips. To express I got the concept.

"Hey Eleanor?" I asked her.

Eleanor blinked in the sunlight and put her hand up to block the light. "Yes, Rose?"

"Do you worry about disappointing your parents? At all?" I asked. "I mean, do they pressure you about grades and such?"

Eleanor's facial expression didn't change. "No." She said. "My parents know I try my best. And, I think they really get the pressure that's on me, from being in Ravenclaw. They understand."

I nodded and looked down. Why do I always have to bring up the most awkward conversations?

"Whats bugging you Rose?"

"Nothing." Rose said immediately. "Maybe I'll tell you later."

Eleanor nodded and did not press the matter. We walked silently back to the castle. Not till we arrived in Ravenclaw girl's dormitory did I fling myself on the bed, and reveal what I've been holding in since the beginning of my year. Eleanor sat on the edge of my bed.

"Tell me your problems." She said. I took a breath, and laid down on the length of the bed. So I could look up the roof of my canopy.

"Okay. Here's the deal." I said. Might as well lay out all my cards before Christmas, because that's whats really going to complicate things. "My family has been family friends with Scorpius Malfoy since our first year at Hogwarts. They respected him, but there was always a fine line between Albus playing with him, and me playing with them. I was never allowed to hang with Al and Scorpius for this exact reason! They like Scorpius, but my parents knew what could happen, and always kept me and him apart. Scorpius' father, Draco Malfoy, I think, doesn't like the Potters, or the Weasley's. He cares for his son but isn't concerned with his social status. Anyways, this is going to kill my family, when I tell them Scorpius and I are dating! Also, I don't know how there going to react when they find out Albus is gay! What the HELL are they going to think about us, after this!"

Eleanor looked around confused. "Wait, Albus Potter is gay?"

I turned my head and looked at her, I sat up. "Sorry! I forgot you didn't know! Don't tell anyone, okay? Not until he comes put on his own. He won't forgive me!"

Eleanor smiled and nodded approvingly, "don't worry. Your secret's safe with me. Go on."

I smiled and laid back down. "Okay. So, my parents expect a lot. And more so in academics! I swear, I'm not going to be able to concentrate on anything this year. They're already playing the guilt card."

"How so?"

"Well, I received a letter this morning, I didn't show anyone, but they suggested I stay at Hogwarts during Christmas break to study for our OWLs. They offered to buy me an actual Barn Owl as an early birthday gift!"

"When's your birthday?"

"Not until June!" I yelled. "And! On top of everything else! Hugo hasn't been talking to me! James has been unusually quiet! Lily hates me for some ungodly reason, and, my youngest cousin, Roxanne! She was just diagnosed with Dragon Pox!" I clasped my hands over my eyes. Remembering the sorrowful letter I got that morning. Full of disappointment and bad news. The four year old will be spending Christmas in St. Mungos. George and Angelina will spend the holiday with her, and Roxanne's twin, Fred, will stay with Gran and Grandpa Weasley. The whole family is devastated but remain optimistic and hopeful she can pull through. Another piece of information, my parents wrote about was Grandpa's discovery of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. They said he was utterly fascinated with the technology and can't wait for James, Albus, Hugo and I to tell him all about this latest inquiry. God, what a great holiday I'm going to have! Eleanor tucked her arm over me carefully, like I was a bomb.

"Rose, I had no idea!" She cooed.

"I haven't even told Jillian. She's supposed to be coming for Christmas as well. So what do I do?" I asked. "Go and be shunned, or stay and be lonely?"

Eleanor's eyes grazed over the dormitory. "I think you should talk to Scorpius. He'll know what to do. But..." She leaned in and cupped her hands over her mouth, like she was about to tell me the most interesting thing in the world. "I would really surprise your family with all this news!"

"I don't want to give them a heart attack, what with Roxanne and all."

"Yes, yes." She said. "But, what if, after all the christmas hullabaloo, all the kids could get together and just spill the beans!"

"Like an intervention?" I asked. "Only were actually opening up?"

"Yes!" Eleanor squealed. "Give everyone a shake."

I thought about it and nodded. "You know your really smart Eleanor?"

Eleanor laughed, a girly, bubbly laugh that made me smile. "Thats why I'm in Ravenclaw."