Rose and Scorpius emerge from the pond, sopping wet.
"Wish I knew a spell to dry this," Scopius mutter grumpily, as they pull their clothes back on, which stick tight to their wet skin.
"It's okay, we'll be back in no time. Let's just head back to the dorms." Rose suggests, and they slip through the balcony once more.
People are still dancing, sitting at tables, talking.
"Hey James," Rose calls, passing him. "Have you seen Lily?"
"Haven't seen her in a while, she's probably with Daniels," he calls back, and makes his way to where Rose and Scorpius are standing.
"I'll come back with you, I'm tired out."
"Where's Grace?" Rose asks.
"Went back to the dorm about twenty minutes ago. Easy tired, that girl is."
"Just back to the dorms, then. Want to hang out for a bit?" Rose offers both of them.
"Of course," both reply, as Rose opens the door to their dorm. Unsurprisingly, it's dark.
"Guess Lily's with Daniel's, then," Rose says, letting both of them in. Orbs of light fly towards the lights once the door opens, and the room floods with light.
Suddenly, a shadow emerges in the corner, and Rose steps back, to Scorpius's side, her heart pounding. All three draw their wands, pointing at the shadow. The shadow is small, hunched over.
"Wait," the shadow whispers, so softly it's almost impossible to hear the sound.
"Lily?" Rose gasps. And the shadow steps into the light.
Her hair is matted, falling out of its bun, leaves entangled in the intricate weave. Her dress is ripped, her skin soiled.
None of them speak, none of them move at all.
But even before Lily speaks, Rose knows. They all know.
"He…he..." Lily shudders, her wide, green eyes innocently filling with tears.
And as all three start towards her, Lily collapses to her knees – and all hell breaks loose.