There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness. -Friedrich Nietzsche

Later that night, Jayfeather, Keira, and I sat in an empty classroom on the sixth floor and discussed what we had come up with regarding Jayfeather's situation.

'The only thing I came up with was to ask dad for help, or maybe Professor McGonagall, but obviously we can't do that.' I admitted. 'And, what more could they do?'

'I think we should travel to each of the forests in England and see if we can find Jayfeather's friends.' Keira suggested. 'And it will only take a few hours.'

'How is that going to take so little time?' Jayfeather asked incredulously. 'That could take several sunrises, perhaps moons!'

'Oh contraire, my little friend,' Keira said, smiling. 'I just passed my apparition test, meaning we can travel from place to place almost instantly.' I nodded thoughtfully.

'What will we do when we find it though?' I asked. 'It's not like we can magically make all their problems go away.'

'What if we asked your plant teacher if he could help us clean things up?' Jayfeather asked suddenly. Both Keira and I stared at him, surprised.

'That's a brilliant idea!' I exclaimed. 'How did you come up with it?'

'I'm not completely oblivious.' He muttered.

'Well, it's settled then.' Keira concluded, standing. 'Over the holidays, we can "go out to the mall," and we'll start our search. Then, if we find what we're looking for, we can ask Neville for advice.'

'Brilliant,' Jayfeather said. 'Now we're getting somewhere.'

Pure white snow blanketed the ground. The lake was calm and the air was still. Inside the castle, however, there was a commotion, and it all started with an announcement made by the headmistress.

'Attention students,' Professor McGonagall said one December evening before dinner. 'This New Year's Eve, we will be having a special event.' The hall went silent in anticipation. 'In celebration of the new year, we will be having a ball.' The hall filled with the excited voices of the students. 'The ball will be for all students and is strictly formal.' I heard Keira groan under her breath. She was obviously disappointed in the 'formal' part. However, I was very excited about the ball; I had never been to a ball before.

'Man, this sucks,' I heard Keira say. 'I gotta wear a dress!'

'You'll look lovely in a dress,' James told her. 'You'd look lovely in anything'

'Aren't you a bit biased?' she muttered.

'Oh!' Rose gasped. 'I haven't got anything to wear!' I nodded in agreement.

'Oh, fantastic,' Keira said. 'Now we get to go shopping.' I chuckled to myself. She'll get over it, I thought.

When we finished eating, I found myself in the library with an unfinished Charms essay. The room was eerily silent this Friday night; even Madam Pince was quiet. Luckily, the silence was broken by the entrance of Scorpius. He waved and sat down across from me.

'Hey,' I greeted quietly. Wow, he looks great, I thought. He did look great. He was still wearing his Hogwarts uniform, but his tie hung around his neck, his shirt wasn't tucked in, his collar was open, and his hair was messed up. He was hot, and to top it all off, he had a look in his silver eyes that made me want squeal like a little girl. No more denial, I told myself firmly. I fancy Scorpius Malfoy.

'What are you up to, Lils?' It took me a while to respond; I tried to get my voice to stop shaking.

'Just…. Charms essay.'

'Sounds like fun,' he replied, chuckling. 'Mind if I join you?'

'Be my guest.'

'Brilliant.' He opened his Transfiguration book and started reading. There was a silence again; not an eerie silence, but a quiet silence, if you get my drift. I tried to concentrate on my essay, but it was nearly impossible. I kept steeling glances at his beautiful face whenever I thought it was safe. Unfortunately, he caught me. Sighing, he closed his book and pushed it away. I looked up.

'Listen, Lily,' he started. There was a long pause as he took a deep breath. I held mine. 'Willyougototheballwithme?'

'Pardon?' I knew what he said, but I couldn't believe it. He took another deep breath.

'I was wondering,' he said slowly, 'if you would go to the ball with me.' I stared at him, trying not to shout. Is this really happening? I wondered. Scorpius Malfoy asking me to the ball? Lily Potter? I noticed he was waiting for a reply.

'Um, sure,' I said finally, smiling. 'Sounds like fun.'

'Great!' He was beaming. 'I'll see you later, then!' He picked up his book and left the library, a bounce in his step. I sat there staring at his vacant seat for who knows how long, until Jayfeather hopped into the chair.

'Hello!' He said, but quietly so Madam Pince didn't hear. I didn't respond, just looked at him. 'Hello? Earth to Lily?' I shook my head.

'Sorry Jayfeather. You wouldn't believe what just happened!' I couldn't wait to tell someone. 'Scorpius just asked me if I would go to the ball with him!' He cocked his head.

'That's great!' he replied. 'But what about Ria?'

Bloody hell.