Longest Chapter I've ever written! Sorry it took sooo long! And I just had my own ball on Saturday, it was awesomely fun, but was lacking the romance equation, which thankfully this is NOT lacking (;

This is part one, haha, yeeap, the ball is that big I had to split it. Hopefully the other half will be up soon!

Thanks for the reviews! And just so you know I'm super angus at Fan-flipping-Fiction! I had to go back and add lines and stuff in all my previous chapters, because it deleted my '*' inbetween POV's. Gah! So once again – sorry for the confusion.

I still hope you like it though . . . X Potty

CatrinaBoFi is the man. And so are these guys: Marciabarcia, Tishica, MaryandMerlin, Chocolatelover68, LittleMissGiggles'94', LadyGaGaFan annnd TCullen96. Xox :)

CHRISTMAS EVE.

Josie - 6:45pm

Everyone looks so good I mean, seriously, amazing. And we're all going to like make our grand entrance – Rose's real cool idea of course, all the girls enter – walk down the grand staircase, and into our dates arms. And if you're dateless, well . . . I guess it's a bit lame.

"Nervous?" Rose asks me, as she attempts to fix the bit of hair that's escaped her up-do. I spent ages trying to tame her hair. I mean not that her curls aren't nice or anything, but I don't think she even bothers with brushing it! So unlike me.

"Nah." I say, grabbing some hairspray to help her. Why would I be nervous? I'm the only one in my friend group who's actually going with someone I like! And am dating! I mean Caitlin and Fred are like cousins, and everyone knows she actually likes Al. I don't see what the big deal is really, I mean its just a sport guys! And then as for Rose, she like, never likes anyone, and is having major wars with Scorpius Malfoy. Personally I wouldn't mind sharing a dormitory with him . . . But I'm a taken girl.

"Are you sure this looks alright?" asks Caitlin, attempting to pull up her bright purple halter dress – with gold detailing. Its floor length, super gorgeous and kind of Grecian goddess styled.

"Yes Caitlin," says Rose, rolling her eyes. Caitlin just isn't used to dressing up – or wearing make-up.

I finish Rose's hair, and she looks at herself in the mirror. She's wearing a strapless Champagne coloured dress that went in at the waist and flowed down to the ground. She smiles.

"Tom will love it." I say reassuringly. Her face looks blank for a second, and she frowns for some reason.

"You know, your date?" I say. Well obviously!

"Oh, right!" she says, as it finally dawns on her. And they say I'm the ditzy one? Seriously people. . .

"That green really suits you Josie." says Caitlin from the door. I make a few last finishing touches to my sideways ponytail.

I'm wearing Emerald green (yeah, Slytherin colours – like I care), and my dress was simple, but elegant- with two thin straps covered in diamantes, and a low back. I love it! And I'm sure Bailey will as well.

"We have to go now guys!" says Mariah, who is in a silvery grey.

We smile at each other before exiting the dormitory. It's gonna be so exciting!

Josh - 7:00pm

I'm just standing here at the bottom of the stairs like all the other guys – waiting for our dates to come down. Except Hugo, who's going by himself – though I'm not sure where he is. Remembering this I send a bit of an evil glare Albus's way, since I know it was his fault. I've kinda grown to being good mates with Hugo through Quidditch, and I know he really likes Alice. And as far as I can tell Albus has no bloody idea.

Seriously, the girls in the Potter/Weasley clan get the brains . . . and the good looks . . . But Albus looks at me confused, and he's talking to the prat Malfoy. Rolling my eyes I go to say something to Bailey, but he nudges me. Some tall bloke is heading towards us.

"Hey, Jake right?" he asks me, smiling an entirely plastic grin. I can just tell that he's a twat.

"Josh." I correct, looking him up and down. Is that too hard a name to remember? Well, I can tell he doesn't have too many brain cells, so I don't blame him. He's what every girl would call good looking – but I can see through it.

"I'm Tom Davies." he says as if he's God or something.

I remember him now. Most popular dickhead in the whole school.

I remain silent and Bailey looks at him like he's a mildly amusing TV show.

"Where are the birds at?" he asks me, waggling his eyebrows.

"They're -"

But I stop myself, because I see them making their way down the staircase.

I hear Davies wolf-whistle – at his date presumably, honestly I pity them. He gains himself a few glares.

I see all the girls make there way down the stairs. And WOW.

I'm just glad I'm going with Mariah as friends – otherwise I'd be seriously nervous, cause she looks . . . wow and I'm not nervous – obviously.

Scorpius 7:00pm

I see Thomas and Davies talking, my two favourite people in the world, NOT. He – Davies, better not try anything with Weasley tonight, otherwise he'll be saying goodbye to his favourite appendage.

I'm just standing at the bottom of the staircase, waiting for Tamlyn, and talking to Al. He's taking Alice Longbottom to the ball, which was a good move I thought – but apparently not according to Caitlin, and now she hates him more, if possible. Seriously he just can't do anything right.

I turn around to check the clock.

It's already seven and I have butterflies.

Maybe I really am turning into a pansy? I turn back to propose my theory to Albus, but he seems preoccupied. His mouth is open, and he's staring up at the stairs. I follow his gaze.

Holy Hell! Rose Weasley, she's, she's . . .

Unbelievably gorgeous.

What's even more unbelievable, is the fact that she looks my way – I'm certain of it. Our eyes meet for a fraction of a second. I feel myself grin at her – God I must look like a prat but she seems to smile back. . . I hear someone wolf whistle, and frown – they beat me to it! I turn to follow the noise and the moment is ruined by Tom bloody Davies. The idiot grabs her around the waist, and pulls her into him – making her squeal.

My hands ball into fists – and Davies' little display gains him a few curious stares. And some angry Weasley/Potters I'm sure.

"What a prick-" I say to Albus, who is currently staring at Caitlin, and not looking like he'll be surfacing anytime soon. Poor guy, it would suck to have your cousin take your dream date to the ball . . .

"Hey," says a very pretty looking Tamlyn from beside me. I'm not quite sure how long she'd been standing there.

She's wearing a short ice-blue dress, unlike Rose who's wearing a long, flowing, beautiful –

"Earth to Scorpius?" she says, waving her hand in front of my face.

"Oh, ehm, you look very pretty." I say. Reaal smooth I know.

She smiles weakly, looking kinda like she doesn't wanna be here. Ah . . . Am I that bad a date?

"Shall we go in then?" she says, gesturing to the Hall.

"Uh, yeah." I say, nodding, and linking her arm.

This is going to be a long night.

Caitlin - 7:15pm

I gasp upon entering the Hall. There are deep red rose's everywhere – literally! Creeping up the walls like ivy. It's dimly lit, so it's kinda, eerily beautiful. We walk in under floating candles that make a giant archway, and head towards the tables. I see very recognizable messy black hair in the distance, and my heart involuntarily skips a beat.

Fred squeezes my hand. Bringing me to my senses slightly

"You look really nice tonight Caitlin," he says, grinning.

"Thanks Freddie, not bad yourself." The goof ball actually cleaned up alright.

He barks a laugh and gestures to a near table. We sit down.

"But I can't help feeling terrible," he interjects suddenly, interrupting my quest to smooth out my dress.

I look up into his brown eyes.

"Why?"

"Because Al loves you."

I open my mouth, but close it, as the rest of our friend group approaches. No, he couldn't possibly. Fred clearly knows nothing about anything! But all thoughts are driven out of my head as Josh and Mariah sit next to Fred, then Josie and Bailey next to me, followed by James and Lisa then finally Rose and Tom – who sat opposite Fred and I.

I saw him position himself extremely close to Rose, and wiggle his eyes at eyebrows at her, her smile faltering only slightly.

I turn to Josie to see if she's noticed, but she's having a moment. Mariah and Josh are laughing at something James has said, and Lisa's hanging onto his every word. No-one else seems to have noticed. . . Am I just imagining this?

Albus - 8:00pm

Caitlin was unrealistically beautiful, and I am, once again, the biggest loser (AN: Haha – like the TV show :) ) But it's okay, because I'm sitting at our table with a very pretty Alice Longbottom on my arm. Yeah, that sounds convincing, right?

We're sitting with Scorp and my fellow Slytherin Dorm mates, Zabini, Goyle and Jackman. Scorp's date seems bored, and of course he's drooling over Rose, though at this moment he looks like a concerned parent – weird I know. And Zabini strikes up an awkward yet friendly conversation with Alice, whilst his date (Liane something or other – she dumped her boyfriend for him. I don't know why . . . ) is glaring at her. Poor Alice.

I honestly just can't wait for this Ball to be over – or at least begin properly. Its eight already, and we haven't bloody eaten. I scratch the back of my head, and glance to the right, I can't help but feel something or someone is looking at me . . . but ignore this fact.

"Attention all students. Dinner will be served – then the dancing will begin. There are menus on your table – tell your plates what you want, and they will arrive. Enjoy!" says Professor McGonagall, sitting down at the Staff table.

I look at Alice.

"This is so exciting!" She says, looking through the menu smiling.

"Yeah!" I say – trying to sound as enthusiastic, and avoid catching Scorp's eye. But he's busy looking elsewhere – at Rose probally. And I can hardly blame him – it's exactly how I feel about Caitlin going with Fred.

Angry, jealous, frustrated, jealous . . . Yup, that's pretty much it.

But why did it have to be my own fault? Gah!

"Eye Fillet." I say to my plate half heartedly – and even Zabini looks at me like he knows something's wrong. I never sound half hearted when it comes to food.

Tom - 8:30pm

Oh my God Rose Weasley is hot. And she obviously fancies the pants off me (well, she asked me to the Ball). I was a bit reluctant at first, due to her slightly irritating personality, but boy am I glad to be here.

And the great thing is this little 'After Ball' celebration is in the Heads' Common Room, and there's only gonna be about ten or so people there, all of Rose's friends, and the pathetic Malfoy who is a so called womaniser. Ha, I know for a fact I am more than adequately experienced when it comes to the opposite gender, and more so than him for sure. And when everyone's gone it'll just be me and Rosie-Posie and then the games can begin. A bit of a midnight rendezvous, if you catch my drift. But there's no reason why I that can't start right now . . . I give Rosie's leg a bit of a squeeze under the table, causing her to squeal slightly – halfway through a conversation with Jared Wood's little sister, I can't remember what her name is – Catrina or something.

I lean in to whisper in her ear.

"Now that dinner's over, why don't we go dance?"

She looks slightly panicked, but I know she was loving every moment of it. Before leaving the table entirely I wink at the hot brunette at our table, who didn't seem too interested in her 'boyfriend'. Who knows, if it doesn't work out with Weasley . . .

James – 9pm

"Hey, Freddie!"

I plonked myself down next to Fred, who is currently alone. Lisa, Mariah and Caitlin are currently dancing, and we are promptly joined by Josh Thomas – a nice bloke who I don't know to well.

"James, Fred," He says nodding at us, and sitting next to Fred.

"Mate." I say with a non-committal jerk of the head, and Fred appeared preoccupied.

"I-think-I-have-feelings-for-Ma-ri-ah!" He says suddenly breaking the silence.

"Well that's great mate, she is your date, right?" Said Fred, encouragingly patting him on the back. "You should go talk to her about it."

"Really?" He asked, downing a butterbeer.

"Yeah, I mean, what's the worst that could happen? Its now or never, the way I see it."

He nodded and stood up abruptly heading for the dancefloor.

"Since when do you give such good relationship advice?" I ask, bewildered.

"Since I became observant, Jamie." He sighed heavily.

"Got a little love problem, have we Fred?"

"It's not me I'm concerned about," He said, slamming down his fist on the table, causing two snogging fourth years near us to frown our way. I mouth an apology and they look at me like I'm Voldemort reincarnated.

"Who are you talking about then?" I ask, bracing myself for a long winded explanation. Freddie was known for his odd moodswings . . .

"Its everyone. I mean, Albus is head over heels for Caitlin, who likes him back – but is angry about the whole Quidditch thing. And Caitlin asked me to the Ball, so Al asked Alice, who happens to be Hugo's lifelong crush." He paused to take a breath.

"How do you know these things?"

"I, unlike you James, actually pay attention." I raised my eyebrows. He should do a column for Witch Weekly. . . 'Ask Fred' . . .

"I swear, your turning into Aunt Hermione. Or Rose even."

"Don't get me started on Rose and Scorp."

"W-wha-att?" I spluttered, spitting out some of my drink, once again gaining some looks from other people.

"They pretend like they 'hate' each other, when really there just scared of admitting defeat, because of their constant competition."

"Why don't you get yourself a talk show? Mate. You never were that great at Quidditch . . ." He attempted to whack my head but I ducked. I grinned at him. "So it looks like the only safe couples are me and Lisa, and Josie and Bailey."

"Ah," he said, shaking his head. "That's where you're wrong. Out of all the couples, I'd say Josie and Bailey are the most likely to fall apart."

"Why would you say that?"

"Just trust me okay, relationships, I'm the man you come to for advice."

"Right . . ." I say, frowning at my favourite cousin. Well, favourite guy cousin at least. . .

Rose - 9:30pm

"You are so beautiful, Rose. I am the luckiest guy here" Said Tom, pulling me close as a slow song began to play. My arms went around his neck, and I somehow felt flustered.

"Thanks." I say smiling at him.

He really did have dazzling eyes. I swear the room was getting hotter and hotter.

"Why don't we go outside?" He asked, gesturing towards the moonlit balcony.

I nodded, purely because of I was over heating. He was very charming, but there was something that wasn't quite right about him . . .

"I'm so glad you asked me to the ball, Rose." He said once we reached the balcony. We went around the corner, hidden by the fairy filled trees from everyone else.

"I secretly had a crush on you last year."

My heart started thudding loudly. He reached out to put his hand on my arm. Something about his presence was . . . I don't know. Enchanting.

"R-really?" I manage to stutter back out.

His eyelashes are really dark. They match his dark hair, hair that isn't blonde.

"Why wouldn't I? You're smart, funny, cute and beautiful . . . and perfect"

We were facing each other now, he rested his hands on my shoulders, and I shivered slightly. I frowned, a feeling of doubt creeping up inside me. I wasn't perfect . . . and there was one person who constantly reminded me of that fact.

"That's not what Malfoy says." I mumbled.

"Hey," he said, lifting up my chin and making me meet his eyes. "Don't listen to him." He moved his hands down to my waist. "Listen to me. You, are perfection."

He leaned even closer to me, pulling his body flush against mine. I jumped in shock at this seemed to spur him on, and he looked at my lips before assaulting them.

Scorpius - 9:20pm

"Are you going to ask me to dance?"

Al nudged me hard in the ribs, causing me to look away from the hideous display of affection on the dancefloor. (between twat and Weasley)

"Er-what, sorry?" I ask nervously, avoiding Tamlyn's eyes. I know it was her who just said something.

"Are you, Scorpius, going to ask me to dance?"

She really didn't look like she was having a good time.

Albus nodded at me. So I cleared my throat.

"Of course, sorry."

I held out my hand, and she took it. Giving me the first genuine smile I'd seen on her face the whole night.

We approach the dancefloor, and I take her in my arms somewhat awkwardly, and I try my best not to look at the twat, and focus more on the amusing sight of Thomas dancing with that Mariah girl. He really is a prat, though not at all on the same scale as Davies.

The song changes to a really slow and romantic one, and my heart sinks as I see Weasley moving even closer to Davies. . .And now he's whispering in her ear! In her bloody ear! My grip tightens on Tamlyn, and her eyes flick up to me worriedly.

"You alright Scorpius?"

I nod my head, not paying much attention to her response.

Davies lets go of Weasley, and I feel at ease for a moment.

But then he hold her hand, and starts to pull her towards the bloody door!

Abruptly I let go of Tamlyn, muttering, "drinks," before following them out the door.

Honestly, I don't know what made me do it. Something to do with the look of hunger in Davies eyes, combined with the fear in Rose's. He was gong to pay. No-one was allowed to treat Rose badly, except me. And of course, I always knew when to stop, when to draw the line. He was going to get it good.

Albus - 9:35pm

Scorpius finally asked Tamlyn to dance, though reluctantly.

Out the corner of my eye I saw Alice staring at the dance floor sadly. Perhaps I should ask her to dance as well?

But I'm a rubbish dancer.

"Albus," Said Alice, sounding slightly concerned and tugging on my sleeve.

Oh boy, here it comes, 'will you dance with me?'. I was ready for the question.

"Yeah?" I say, sighing. Oh, don't I sound enthusiastic. . .

"Scorpius just left Tamlyn alone, and ran after Rose and Tom . . ." She met my eyes and nodded.

"Thanks Alice!" I said, hurriedly, as I jumped to my feet and headed towards the door she was pointing at.

Scorp never leaves a girl hanging.

Rose must be in serious trouble.

I reach the door, and glance around. Thank God I don't have my fathers eyesight, I see a blonde blur, hurry around to the left and follow it, till we round a corner, behind some fairy filled bushes.

My heart stopped.

Davies had Rose pushed up against a wall, in a compromising way.

"T-tom …" Rose said, sounding panicked.

I heard Scorp's knuckles crack, and grabbed the back of his suit jacket.

"S-stop! Stop!"

There was a loud ripping noise as Scorp pulled so hard that I was left holding a piece of black material. And he flung himself at Davies, yanking him off an upset Rose.

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU PLAYING AT DAVIES?" Roared Scor, holding Davies by the scruff of his neck. I timidly approached Rose, who was watching the scene unfold in fright.

"She wanted it," Said Davies, smirking and actually having the bloody cheek to wink at Rose. What the Hell was his problem? I had an urge to punch him, but decided Rose was in more need at this point. And sat next to her, holding her hand, as she smiled weakly.

And then I heard another crack, and saw that Scorp had punched him instead. He stood there above Davies, who was hunched over.

Davies shook his head, recovering surprisingly well. I know Scorp's got a strong right hook.

"I don't know why you like her Malfoy. She's a bloody prude."

"Listen to me Davies! And you listen hard. You stay the hell away from her, or I'll wipe that smile off your pretty little face, you understand?" To say he was intimidating was an understatement.

I felt a rush of pride towards my best friend. Taking on Davies, who surprisingly hadn't retaliated.

Scorp turned away from Davies, and took a step towards Rose and I. She was shivering, and I had my arm around her.

"Did Daddy teach you some Deatheater tricks?" Called Davies from the fairy bush.

I watched Scorpius facial change from concern at Rose, to absolute fury, he turned around to no doubt punch him . . . or even beat him to a pulp this time. But Rose grabbed his hand, and they kind of exchanged this look. I took that as my cue to leave, before Rose realised that she was still mad at me about Quidditch and Hugo, and before Scorpius admitted his undying love for Rose . . . Or something of the sort.

Hugo - 9.40pm

I was the only one left on my table. I know, I look like a right prat.

I scanned the room to find Alice, once again. I'd be doing this every ten minutes or so. Yes, I know that's sad, but what else am I supposed to do? Even Lily and her date (Lysander) finally conceded in leaving me alone, after half an hour of awkward Quidditch talk, that was followed by Lysander's talk about nargles or something.

When my eyes finally locked on Alice, (who was wearing pale pink), I smiled – probally for the first time in the whole evening!

She was alone.

So was I.

Without even realising it, I realised I was a few metres away form her. If she turned to her left, she would be able to see me coming.

I took a deep breath and approached her table. I heard the song changed and nearly burst into laughter. It was one of Lily's favourite songs by that Muggle guy, Justin Barter or something, (AN: Justin Bieber People – sorry couldn't help myself.)

The songs called 'One Less Lonely girl.' How appropriate.

I was standing right beside her and I decided it was time to make my presence known.

"Is anyone sitting here?" I ask, amazed at how confident I sounded.

She shook her head in surprise, as I sat down next to her.

So far so good.

You can do it Hugo, you can do it.

"So," I begin, swallowing before going for it entirely. "Do you like Al?"

"No." She said, her eyes wide, and searching mine.

"Good." I say smiling.

"Good?"

"Yeah. Because then it won't matter when you dance with me." I say, holding out my arm.

Her mouth splits into the most beautiful smile. I swear she was glowing or something.

"That is good then." She says simply, as we get up to dance to the rest of the Justin Barber song.

Did I mention how much I love Justin Burner?

Mariah - 9:45pm

I'm dancing with Josh.

Correction, I'm dancing romantically with Josh.

Weird, right?

Yeah, that's what I thought. But it feels, kinda right I guess.

I have no idea what's going on with everyone. A few minutes ago I saw Rose, Tom, Malfoy and then Al rush out the door.

"Mariah."

"Mmpf?" I reply, meeting Josh's chocolatey brown eyes.

"I-I," He cleared his throat. And looked at me strangely. My heart was thudding loudly in my ears. Everything was in slow motion.

"I, think I might lik-"

I cut him off by pressing my lips to his.

Resulting in . . . a surprisingly awkward kiss.

We both broke away from each other, and burst out laughing.

"That's not how I thought it would be." He said, shrugging.

"Me neither, no fireworks." I say, cracking a smile at the randoms around us who think we are mental.

"Ouch," He said, jokingly grabbing his heart. "Now I think I know how Rose felt."

We began to head off the dancefloor, heading back to our table, were Fred and James were sitting.

"How Rose felt when?"

"When I tried to kiss her." He said shrugging, and nodding at the Weasley/Potter's.

"You mean you've been acting like a twat to her this whole time cuz she only liked you as a friend?" I felt my jaw drop. The Loser!

He nodded.

"You twat!" I said, giving him a few whacks with my clutch bag.

I heard James snort, and raised my eyebrow at him.

"Guess Fred Weasley doesn't know everything about relationships after all." He said, nudging Fred, as the three guys at my table burst into laughter.

Am I the only sane person in this universe?

So that's the first instalment, hope you liked it:) Please review! Xox