Lily looked at her reflection again. Was her costume okay? She straightened out one of her wings before heading down to the common room. A huge variety of costumes were on show. Albus and James were drawing straws. They were going as the two halves of a hippogriff and neither one wanted to be the back. Rose was dressed in a golden puffball dress and wings. She was a golden snitch. Lily felt extremely self conscious as she walked through the room. News that she was going with a Slytherin had spread like wildfire and she could hear the whispers even now. She left the portrait slowly, being careful not to break her wings. He was there. Dressed in red and trying to fix one of his horns was her best friend. She laughed and he whipped around.

"Nice tail."

He blushed.

"You look beautiful."

It was her turn to blush. His eyes lightened and shone in the light glowing from her halo. It levitated above her head at about the same height as Scorpius' devil horns. He held out his arm and she took it. Together they walked towards the great hall. A boy dressed as a snake in what appeared to be a giant hamster ball was attempting to get through the doors and five Harry Potters were standing and laughing. Lily and Scorpius skirted around the ball and stopped at the entrance to have their photograph taken by Professor Flitwick. He told them that the photo would be available by the weekend and they walked through onto the dancefloor. The music was a slow number and they danced in small circles. Scorpius could not remember ever being so happy. He held Lily in his arms and for a moment he felt complete. Her halo bobbed over and hit him on the forehead. She giggled and towed it back above her head.

"Sorry about that."

He smiled down at her. She looked into his eyes and looked as if she was about to speak but decided against it. They danced for a few more minutes as more and more couples left for the buffet table. Eventually they stopped and sat down.

"What are your plans for Christmas then?"

He thought that over for a moment.

"I don't really have any. My father is home over Christmas though which is good. Then again so is Grandpa so I will be getting an earful of rubbish about the pureblood heritage etc. What about you?"

"Me neither. We will all spend it at my house though. My Grandma makes the best turkey ever."

They talked and ate before getting up for another dance. He placed his forehead on hers as they danced. They were so busy trying not to step on each others feet that they didn't notice Steven Rower taking a photograph. They didn't see him leave the hall. All they saw was each other. Before long it was time to go to bed. Scorpius walked her to the common room.

"See you on the train tomorrow."

"Good night."

"Good night."

She walked into the portrait. He was completely alone in the corridor. He whispered it so quietly that he couldn't be sure he had said it aloud.

"I love you."

*~*~*

They collected their photos before getting their luggage and leaving for the train. Scorpius looked at his while Lily fell asleep on the train. The photo-Lily smiled at him from the paper, halo bobbing above her head. The photo- Scorpius was grinning and occasionally looking adoringly at his friend. He would keep it forever he decided. They got off the train and were greeted by their parents who to everyone's surprise were stood by each other and attempting to make conversation. They parted ways and headed for home. Ginny framed Lily's photograph from the ball and Lily put it in her room. Harry couldn't help but notice the way the boy on the paper was looking at his daughter. They recounting the events of the term (including a highly edited version of what happened to Lily and Steven) before heading off to bed.

*~*~*

Harry Potter paid the post owl the next morning. Lily was sat at the table chatting away to Victoire who had dropped by to visit Teddy who had dropped by because he heard that Victoire was going to be there. That was when he saw the headlines. There was a picture of Lily and Scorpius slow dancing under the title.

Publicity stunt?

By Rita Skeeter

I have known Harry Potter since he was a mere boy of twelve. Would he be happy with the new found closeness between his only daughter and the son of his rival ex-death eater Draco Malfoy? I think not. Reports of the two kissing on the Hogwarts express reached my ears a few weeks ago but I thought it to be a rumour until I saw this picture. Sent by an inside source it shows the two 'friends' getting increasingly cosy at the Hogwarts winter ball. The relationship has been considered sinister. Many have said it should not be allowed.......

He was frozen. He had stopped reading but still held the paper up to his face to hide his expression from his daughter. Kissing. Lily looked over at him.

"Oh the paper. Can I have a look dad? Dad?"

He lowered it and lay it on the table. His wife looked over his shoulder as Lily turned the paper and read the article. A single tear dripped onto the ink. This was followed by another and another until they flowed thick and fast onto the paper.

"Not allowed?" she whispered.

Ginny put her arm around her daughters shoulders. Lily stood up shaking it off. She was shouting now.

"WHY CANT THEY LEAVE US ALONE?"

She picked up the paper and tore it the shreds before running out of the room.

*~*~*

Lucius Malfoy was sat in the library of the manor when the house elf delivered the paper. Upon seeing his grandson on the front page he picked it up and read the article.

"SCORPIUS HYPERION MALFOY!"

He walked in .

"Yes grandfather?"

Lucius Malfoy thrust the paper at the child.

"What is this about? I accepted it when you said you were friends boy but this?"

Scorpius read the paper and slowly his usually calm expression went angry.

"Does it say who this inside source is?"

"No. Now are you going to explain yourself? You have disgraced the name Malfoy! Fraternising with a Potter!"Scorpius stood up and glared at his grandfather.

"I what?"

"You heard me. You can no longer be friends with this girl. I forbid you!"

Scorpius was absolutely livid now.

"You FORBID ME? Well I refuse. Lily is my best friend!"

Lucius stood up and pointed his wand threateningly at his grandson.

"If you remain in contact with any of themI will write you out of my will! You will no longer be my grandson as far as I am concerned and you will have nothing!"

Scorpius looked at his grandfather calmly.

"On the contrary grandfather. I will have everything that I could ever desire."

He walked out of the room, past his parents who were stood by the door. They all followed him to the fireplace. He grabbed a handful of powder and stepped into the flames. Lily had said he would always be welcome.

"Potter Cottage."

With that Lucius Malfoy watched his grandson make the bravest decision he had ever made.