That night, most of the Gryffindors in the common room were looking extremely self-conscious in their dress robes, milling around and comparing notes on who was going with who and what their outfits looked like from the back. Rose nervously smoothed her own dress, wondering whether she'd be able to meet James in the corridor and ask his opinion on how she looked, when her cousin, flanked by Tricia Bell, came up behind her.

"Wow!" James enthused in a whisper that only Rose could hear, putting a hand to his heart and pretending to swoon. "Rose, you look dazzlingly magnificent! Scorpius is either going to propose on the spot or-"

"James!" Rose looked quickly around to see if anyone had heard but it seemed no one had. "James," she continued in a violent whisper. "If you yell that again, I will-!"

"No you won't. C'mon Rosie, let's get down to the entrance hall and meet your prince."

Rose slapped him as they made their way out of the common room.

Albus and Scorpius were waiting in the corridor leading to the Great Hall. Polly Chapman, resplendent in robes of pale gold, was standing beside Albus, who grinned as James, Tricia and Rose approached.

"Hey, guys," Al grinned. "Wow, Tricia, you look great. James… not so much."

James mock-glared at his brother. "You should talk, Al. I'm feeling very sorry for Polly right now."

Polly smiled, taking Albus's upper arm. "Nah, I'm okay. I like him anyway."

Albus smiled at her, then turned to Scorpius and raised an eyebrow significantly. Scorpius coughed, his face going slightly pink.

There was a pause.

"Ah- Rose? You- er- you look very- very…. Um, very-"

Albus elbowed him. "What Scorpius is trying to say, I think, is that Rose looks absolutely ravishing and he would like to know if she prefers chocolate or banana wedding cakes, and what the color scheme is going to look like, and whether I can be best man, and whether the engagement ring-"

"That is not what I meant!" Scorpius exploded, finally finding his voice. Everyone burst out laughing, and Albus nudged Scorpius again. "Yeah, it is. Admit it."

"Shut up!" Scorpius shoved him, a rather stupid grin stretching his face. Rose grinned too.

"If that's the case, I'm very glad the dress is working out, and I do not particularly like chocolate or banana, and I would like to know whether we plan to stand here all night and make stupid jokes. C'mon, guys. Let's go dance."