Chapter 7: Eleven O'Clock

Rose and Scorpius sat at a small table talking. They were careful not to mention anything too obvious that would reveal their identities. Everyone was very absorbed in their conversations with complete "strangers". Headmistress McGonagall took out her wand placed it against her throat.

"There are about to be ten seconds until eleven o'clock," announced McGonagall. "When the bell sounds, masks will be removed."

Rose stared at Scorpius and smiled. "Ten seconds." They stared at one another as the countdown began.

10…

9…

8…

7…

6…

5…

4…

3…

2…

1…

Everyone started taking off their masks. Rose and Scorpius laughed as they watched everyone else then looked at each other.

Rose sighed. "I guess we should…"

"Yeah." He smirked.

They both slowly took off their masks. When their eyes met, their face expressions changed from anxious to distraught.

"MALFOY!"

"WEASLEY!"

Sanura laughed as she watched them from afar. Everyone looked over at Rose and Scorpius in astonishment. Rose stared up at Scorpius and cleared her throat loudly. He looked around at everyone else. Headmistress McGonagall smiled to herself and pretended that nothing was going on whatsoever.

"One more hour to enjoy the ball everyone," she announced happily and walked off elsewhere. Lily, James, Albus and Hugo walked over by Rose.

"Get away from her you git!" Hugo glared at Scorpius as Rose folded her arms and looked at them with a stern expression.

"Could you all do me one favor?" Rose asked, glaring at them.

"What?" James asked while seething with infuriation. "We're not leaving you alone with him!"

"There are hundreds of other people in here James!"

Lily sighed and looked at Rose. "Rose you know this won't end well if our parents all knew…"

"I don't care! Besides, Scorpius and I can't be together!" Rose shouted averting her glare to Scorpius. "He's made that oh so very clear." Then she stormed out of the Great Hall. James and Hugo exchanged glanced. "Did you reject my sister?" Hugo asked. "We already know you're pathetic but at least treat her with some dignity Malfoy."

"Excuse me," said Scorpius and then he rushed out of the Great Hall. He looked around in every possible corridor and room that Rose could possibly be in. He even stopped by the library but it was closed due to the current social event. He sighed as he stepped outside, looking around. The cold air hit his face quickly as he walked around on the grounds.

"ROSE!" He called out. "ROSE! ANSWER ME!"

He groaned with frustration and found his way to the greenhouses. He opened the door and stepped in quietly. Then he grabbed one of the chairs and sat down. He leaned forward with his face in his hands than ran them through his hair.

"Why did I screw this up?" He asked himself out loud.

"Because you're scared too." A girl said in response with a soft tone.

Scorpius jerked his head up. He looked around and found Rose standing in the corner of the greenhouse, her face wet from tears. She looked at him and started to cry more.

"I know it's difficult, I know the consequences," she started as she looked down at the floor. "But like I said, I know that…"

Scorpius stood up and walked over to her. "Know what?"

"Nothing." Rose continued to cry. Scorpius pulled her close and hugged her close to him. She continued to cry and hid her face on his shoulder.

"You're staining my shirt with your tears," he said teasingly. Rose looked up at him and hit him on the arm playfully.

"Shut up." She said looking at him directly and smiling.

Scorpius smiled back, looking at her. Hey eyes looked at his lips, which were only meters from hers. She looked up into his eyes. Scorpius started leaning in and Rose closed her eyes. The greenhouse door busted open with a strong gust of wind. Rose and Scorpius pulled away quickly and looked at the door. Rose sighed with relief.

"I almost had a heart attack," she laughed with her hand on her chest. She shivered as she started hugging herself. Scorpius took off his robe and put it around her shoulders and arms.

"Let's go," He walked her out of the greenhouse and back to the castle. They walked towards the Heads' commons. When they approached the portrait the drunken man was sprawled on the ground in the picture, unconscious.

"Damn it," he muttered. Rose looked at the portrait.

"Ugh, he's still here," she groaned and shook the frame of the portrait. The man got up, rubbing his eyes and grumbled groggily.

"Please go get Sir Calhoun," Rose requested. The man got up and stumbled away. Rose and Scorpius waited for what seemed like twenty minutes. Sir Calhoun soon returned.

"Oh hello," he said cheerfully. "How was the ball?"

Rose and Scorpius glanced at one another and laughed to themselves.

"I was at a party; sorry about Alfie he's an alcoholic and a lunatic."

"He made me take my clothes off," whispered Scorpius to Sir Calhoun, trying to make sure Rose didn't overhear him. Rose's eyes widened with shock.

"He's a pervert…and gay!" She shouted with disbelief. "Well at least I'm safe."

Scorpius rolled his eyes and looked back at her. Sir Calhoun opened the wall and let them enter the common room. Rose lied down across the sofa and Scorpius took his place in the arm chair.

"Crazy night?" He asked looking over at her. Rose laid there silently, not responding to him.

"Rose?" He asked, going over to her. Her eyes were closed as she had fallen asleep. He sighed and gently picked her up. He carried her to her bedroom and laid her down in her bed. She sighed and opened her eyes.

"Whyareyousoserious?" she murmured in a soft voice.

Scorpius chuckled softly. "Repeat that."

"Why do always look so serious?" She asked opening her eyes as she looked up at him. Scorpius raised an eyebrow slightly.

"I'm not sure." He shrugged and grinned. "What are you doing tomorrow?"

Rose thought to herself. "I'm going to the library and we have to clean the Great Hall."

Scorpius nodded. "Well cancel the library and come to the quiddich game tomorrow."

Rose laughed to herself. "So I can watch you lose?"

"Funny." He laughed sarcastically.

She stared up at him and smiled. "Learn to take a joke."

"I'll try," he said as he started to walk out. "G'night."

"Good night," she said as he walked out and closed the door.

Author's Note: I finally finished typing up this chapter after I literally wrote it down while I was at school. I also made sure when I was writing it that my creative juices were flowing. Any who, I'll get started on Chapter 8 as soon as I can. Thank you for reading and remember, please review. :]