A/N: Thank you for the Reviews! Please enjoy!

Chapter 6

The following night,

"Ok, the glamour will work for 24 hours" Katie said as she used her wand to cast a glamour over Alicia's back and neck.

"Thank you for helping me. I really appreciate it" Alicia said as she felt the warmth of the glamour falling over her back and the back of her neck concealing her scars. She smoothed her hands over her dress for the tenth time since getting into it.

"Please I can't wait to see Warrington and his reaction when he sees you." Katie said as she handed Alicia a small clutch purse to match her dress.

"We'll see" Alicia said, she and Katie had spent a good portion of the morning 'altering' one of Mr Vozzo's dresses. It wasn't that the original dress wasn't perfection but that Alicia wanted to pretend she had some choice in her wardrobe without Warrington's imput. Katie had been happy to magic the original article into oblivion to help Alicia 'surprise' Warrington.

"Ok, hair, makeup, perfume, dress, shoes and cloak check anything we missed?" Katie asked.

"I don't think so" Alicia said as a knock sounded.

"I'll get that!" Katie said running to get the door. Alicia stepped into her beige pumps as she heard Warrington's voice carry from the hallway into her room. He was engaging Katie in small talk about what where he and Alicia were going tonight.

She picked her white cloak off the bed and her clutch and walked out stepped out into the main living area. She pulled out a vial of McCallums and downed the potion quickly to avoid tasting it. She didn't want any nasty surprise seizures tonight. It hadn't been a very good morning and she hadn't been able to stop by Master Shikai's for a treatment either thanks to work. She hoped double dosing would tide her over. It was only a 4 hour event if that.

"There she is" Katie said Alicia looked over to Warrington who had stopped in his tracks. She closed the empty vial and placed it into her purse.

Warrington was wearing black dress robes, his hair neatly quaffed as always he looked immaculate and handsome. His eyes lit up when he looked at her and darkened for a moment she thought he disapproved of her appearance as he hadn't made any lewd comments or taken his eyes off her.

"You disapprove?" Alicia asked, feeling herself blush slightly under his perusal.

"No, you look stunning" He said still staring at her. 'Stunning' didn't even begin to describe when he thought of her dress but his mind was too occupied with her accentuated beauty. She wore a soft beige strapless ball gown which featured a gathered chiffon bodice and soft ruffled tulle skirt. A satin waistband accentuated her slim waist. Her hair was in a loose chignon and her makeup was natural like always with a little more eyeliner to accentuate her dark brown eyes and bronzer that made her olive skin glow even more than usual.

He had known whatever she decided to wear she would look beautiful as always but a part of him had expected her to flaunt that beauty and taunt the fact she was a Gryffindor by wearing something red or gold. Not this dress, it gave her an understated elegance and enhanced her natural beauty.

"Thank you. You don't look so bad yourself" Alicia teased with a mischievous smile.

"I try. Here I brought you a small token of my affection" he said as he pulled a small velvet box from his pocket handing it to her.

"You didn't have to" Alicia said as she opened it she made a small gasp as she looked at the contents. In the velvet box was a pair of diamond drop earrings. "They are beautiful" she murmured.

"Each earring is made of two pear shaped diamonds in platinum settings, 60.1 carats of flawless diamonds. Beautiful yes but they pale in comparison to you" Warrington said.

"Smooth Warrington" Alicia said rolling her eyes at him but smiling nonetheless.

"Worth a try, now if you don't hurry and put them on we will be late" Warrington told her, he pulled the cloak and clutch from her. Alicia nodded as she took out the small stud earrings she had been wearing exchange them for the earrings Warrington gave her.

"Thank you" Alicia said smiling as made sure the earrings were securely in, it made his heart skip a beat as he looked at her faint blush. The women he had known in his time were vain superficial creatures who enjoyed his money and the luxuries of his status.

Alicia was different she never asked anything of him just merely enjoyed his company. He was the one who went out of his to actually spend money on her. It was amusing to say the least as he was blackmailing her yet it didn't feel that way.

"You're welcome, Shall we?" He asked as he held out her cloak for her.

"Of course" Alicia said as she let him to lower it onto her shoulders she looked over at Katie who was watching them with a knowing look of amusement on her face.

Alicia held Warrington's arm as they walked into the main foyer of the Malfoy Manor. Their cloaks were taken away by an elf before they were directed to the ballroom. Alicia swallowed her discomfort at being back in the Manor. It had changed from when she had last 'visited', it had been filled dimly lit hallways with dark draperies and stone floors with sumptuous carpeting at least the parts she had seen besides the drawing room and dungeons.

The tone in the manor had changed as the house was more warmly lit with clean white and ivory drapery it contrasted with the rich mahogany furniture and dark green and silver carpentry over what looked like new marble floors. It was far more inviting even with the snake paraphernalia in the trimmings of the house.

They made their way down a long hallway which opened up into a large ballroom, it was a large room with marble floors, high ceilings and large windows that looked to be gilded with silver. Multiple crystal chandeliers suspended from the ceiling that was bewitched like the ceiling Hogwarts dining hall. It displayed a peaceful night sky with many stars twinkling there was not a cloud in the sky.

Chairs were set up on both sides of the room while the Orchestra was situated on a raised platform at the wall opposite them leaving space for dancing. Many people were milling around the room talking amongst themselves while consuming beverages. Alicia noted a good mix of witches and wizards from both sides of the war. At least she wasn't going to spending the night completely surrounded by Slytherins.

Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy was the first to greet them as they came over smiling politely. She noted how they were both dressed in dark green evening wear with snake themed jewellery. Alicia squared her shoulders and returned the same amount of feigned interest and superiority that Narcissa was showing her. She could be just as entitled and snooty as the rest of them.

"Cassius what a pleasure to see you" Lucius said warmly as he offered his hand.

"You too, thank you for the invitation" Warrington said shook it and then kissed Narcissa on both cheeks. Warrington stepped back and placed a hand on Alicia's waist. "Allow me to introduce Miss Alicia Spinnet. Darling, I'd like to introduce you to Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy" Warrington said making introductions.

"Pleasure" Narcissa said.

"Indeed, it is a pleasure we are sure to repeat." Lucius said looking Alicia over with a critical eye.

"I'm sure" Alicia said moving closer to Warrington there was something about the way Lucuis looked at her that made her feel uncomfortable.

"Now the Orchestra will begin in the next ten minutes, Cassius I was wondering if I could have a private word" Lucius said to Warrington.

"I believe this is the part where I entertain Miss Spinnet in your absence" Montague said as he joined them. Alicia took in how much Montague had changed since the last time she saw him. He had lost his bulky frame from quidditch and was now much leaner. His dirty blonde hair was medium length and messy like he hadn't bothered with a comb that morning or a razor as he had a five o'clock shadow. It contradicted his well tailored and immaculate muggle tuxedo and shiny black shoes. His brown eyes twinkled mischievously as he smiled like a man who knew just how good looking he was and enjoyed the benefits of it.

"Alicia you remember Graham Montague from school" Warrington said.

"Of course" Alicia said giving Montague a closed smile.

"I shall leave you two to become reacquainted and talk about old times while I talk shop" Warrington said Montague smiled at Alicia holding out his arm to her.

"Shall we go investigate the bar?" he asked Alicia looked to Warrington one more time before looking to Montague.

"Lead the way" Alicia said taking his arm and allowing Montague to pull her away from Warrington.

"Thank you" Alicia said as Montague handed her a flute of champagne. They looked out to the room where people were still talking amongst themselves waiting for the bell to ring to inform them to take their seats for the recital.

"You're welcome." Montague said.

"Oh wow" Alicia said after she took a sip of the champagne. It was the most delicious champagne she had ever tasted.

"Don't drink Champagne often?" Montague asked.

"Only on special occasions, but I have to say this is by far the best I've ever tasted" Alicia moaned in pleasure as she took another long sip of the delicious drink. Montague smirked as he could see why Warrington had been spending so much time with Alicia. She had grown into quite a beautiful woman since Hogwarts.

" Only the best for the Malfoys and their guests" He said as they clinked their champagne flutes.

"I don't mind as long as my glass is never empty" Alicia quipped with a smile of enjoyment.

"My kind of girl" Montague mused his eyes swept over her body much like Lucius's had.

"You Slytherin have a bad habit of looking at what isn't yours" Alicia commented not appreciating the eyes that had settled on her in a less than appropriate fashion. At least she knew many of the women were wondering who she was, how she got Warrington and envious in some fashion. The men were either disinterested or very interested and she could not understand as she was not showing any cleavage, or scandalous amount of skin unlike Pansy Parkinson. Her black dress left little to the imagination.

"Well just because the item is off the market doesn't mean we can't admire the view" Montague said before chuckling as he noted the attention that was focused on her.

"I'm not a piece of property and I am not above slapping you for such a comment" Alicia said.

"Yet you refrain" Montague cooed.

"That's because I know you'd enjoy it" Alicia told Montague in a smart-alecky tone. Montague smiled as he clutched his chest.

"Oh how you know me. So what have you been up to since the end of the war?" He asked her, he soon replaced her glass with a fresh one.

"Actually I'd prefer to know what you have been up to than talk about myself" Alicia said not so subtly changing the direction of the conversation back at Montague.

"I'm a Concierge Healer" Montague informed her.

"Really?" Alicia said surprised.

"Yes and I'm shocked how unconvinced you are"

"Well I figured you'd be a man of luxury"

"Indeed it was an option but I decided to rebel against my father's wishes. So I not only piss off my sire which is in itself amusing but I also make quite a lucrative salary pandering to the medical needs of upper tier of society."

"I'm amazed anyone would let you treat them when you look like a ruffian" Alicia mused not that she could talk she looked like death warmed over most of the time but then hers wasn't a choice.

"A ruffian! Let me inform you this" he gestured to his face "is my playboy appeal and all the ladies love it." Montague told her. Alicia chuckled at his vanity.

"I'm sure it appeals to many women I am just not among them" Alicia told him so he wouldn't get any ideas. She still couldn't help but chuckle again.

"Yes I know exactly what appeals to you" Montague said with an amused smile as he followed her eye line to see she was looking at Warrington who was talking to Lucius at the side of the room.

"Come on let's go mingle" Montague said pushing off the bar he had been leaning on.

Warrington couldn't keep his eyes of Alicia as she stood in a group comprising of Draco Malfoy, Astoria Greengrass , Harry Potter and some redhead who he had no doubt was a Weasley. He watched as Alicia laugh along with the others as something Montague said.

He had only been half listening to Lucius who was trying to convince him into buying stock in some new company. He really didn't understand why Lucius felt the need to talk about work at a charity event when it could wait until the next business day.

"Perhaps we should speak another time" Lucius said.

"Hmm?" Warrington said bringing his attention back to Lucius. The older man smiled knowingly at him.

"I shall contact you about my investment idea. I can see you mind is elsewhere" Lucius said looking over to where Alicia was standing. "She would fit the role of Lady Warrington well" Lucius commented.

"You think so?" Warrington asked coolly.

"Indeed, she has presence, grace and poise. It is rarely seen these days and a truly beautiful thing to observe. It is also not something that can be easily learned either one only have to look at Miss Parkinson or Miss Weasley to see that" Lucius commented dryly. Warrington tried not to smile at Lucius's obvious disgust of Pansy and the Weasley girl. He could understand the low opinion of Pansy as the woman was dressed entirely inappropriate for the evening and was trying to catch the eye of every man in the room.

Miss Weasley though was dressed in a deep red gown with gold embroidery it was tasteful and the style of the dress suited her even though the colouring did nothing for her. But it was true the Weasley girl could learn something about how to hold herself in public her body language smacked of a headstrong and overly confidence. While he was sure it held appeal to certain men Lucius wasn't one of them.

"Alicia is one of a kind" Warrington said.

Warrington stayed by Alicia's side for all of the evening with his hand possessively on her waist letting it known she was his. She played her part of being enamoured of him so convincingly he was having a hard time believing it was an act. The way she looked up at him and smiled, when she touched him in innocent gestures they felt so genuine and tender. She even teased him with longing looks and biting her bottom lip.

He couldn't get out of his mind how beautiful and maddening she was as she gently nipped his earlobe after making a light inane comment about something in the room or how she held his hand as they sat and listened to the first half of the recital. He managed to get his own back at her by returning some of the gestures. He enjoyed how she blushed at his compliments and playfully punched him in the arm telling him she did not want to become vain. He even took the opportunity to kiss the side of her neck as they watched the first half of the recital. He indulged as they were seated at the back as Alicia preferred to be more reserved and private than flaunt their relationship like Potter and the Weasley girl.

They took their seats for the second time after an intermission where more alcohol and food were ingested with polite conversation. Alicia smiled and rested back in her chair opening the program. He leaned his head towards hers and kissed her just below the jaw near the ear.

"Enjoying yourself?" he asked as her breath hitched deliciously as he nipped her ear.

"Of course, though it's quite hot in this room" She commented in a low voice she fanned herself with the program. He noted she was looking a little flushed but thought it was due to their affectionate displays.

The Orchestra started to play and Warrington turned his attention to the front to soak up the music. He ran a hand down Alicia's arm before taking her hand in his. Their fingers intertwined and he smiled enjoying how perfect the moment felt.

The music progressed and Warrington frowned as he noticed Alicia's hand was clammy and hot in his. He looked over and saw she grown pale and twitched slightly as she shifted in her seat. She looked at him and their eyes locked for a moment before she leaned in close to his ear.

"I need to get some air" She whispered in his ear, she knew it was rude to get up while the musicians were playing but she needed to leave the room.

"Do you wish for company?" he asked, she could see the concern written on his face. She shook her head and gave him a weak smile.

"Thank you but I'll be fine. I'll be back in a few moments" Alicia told him, she was grateful they had taken seats at the back of the room and at the edge. She wasn't in good shape but she had hoped to make it out of the ballroom without making a scene but when made her move to stand but her legs gave out slightly Warrington held her elbow stopping her from collapsing completely. She looked around and only noted Montague and few others noted her and Warrington standing up. She needed to get out of the room as she felt her muscles tense she couldn't understand why she was so ill. She had only imbibed two and half glasses of champagne and McCallums. She had never had an adverse reaction to mixing alcohol and potions before why it was happening now. She felt like she was going either going to vomit, pass out or both she really hoped none of the above.

Her body shake under his touch as Warrington held Alicia around the waist. He could see the sweat collecting at the back of her neck. The Ballroom was charmed to the perfect temperature thus you could wear a snow suit and still not break a sweat the perks of magic. He looked over his shoulder at Montague who was watching he raised an eyebrow as if silently questioning Warrington if he should follow. Warrington nodded before turning his attention to Alicia who was struggling to stand. They made it to the curtain that hung over the entrance to the main hallway they came through earlier.

He pulled it open wide enough for them to slip through Alicia slumped forward in his arm. He quickly turned her to face him. Her face was covered in a light sheen of sweat as she looked at him sluggishly.

"Sorry" Alicia breathed she dropped her head on his chest and gripped his jacket he could feel the tremors run through her body. He looked around and remembered a small parlour room was close by. He picked her up bridal style and moved toward the parlour room.

Alicia opened her eyes as Warrington laid her gently down on a day bed. He looked so worried about her it made her feel worse. They were supposed to spend a beautiful night impressing society and here they were in some room in the Malfoy Manor with her on the brink of having a seizure. Hot tears stung her eyes. Her body started convulsing she lied on her side and pulled her knees up.

"I'm so sorry" She said as the tears streaked down her face as she looked up at him.

"Think nothing of it. I'm not particularly fond of Strauss" Warrington said as he brushed away the tears.

"No?" She asked in mock surprise he couldn't help but chuckle as here she was poking fun at him while in obvious pain as she convulsed. He stroked the side of face and watched her close her eyes and bite her bottom lip as her body began to convulse more violently. He noticed they came in waves.

"Tell me what I can do" he said to her the convulsions became more violent, he quickly moved his hands to hold her in place so she didn't accidently fall off the couch. He looked up as the door opened Warrington sighed in relief as it was Montague.

"Here you are" Montague said he quickly closed the door behind him and came over to the day bed and looked down at Alicia. She had stopped convulsing but had passed out.

"She's not looking too hot" Montague commented.

"No? is that your professional opinion Healer?" Warrington asked sarcastically as he moved to the side so Montague could have better access.

"Someone's in love" Montague cooed Warrington as he knelt down in front of Alicia. He checked her pupils and then checked her temperature before he pulled out his wand. "Do you know when she took her last potion?" he asked.

"Before we left" Warrington answered.

"She shouldn't be like this" Montague said as he pulled out his wand he started mumbling incantations, white wisps of smoke wisped around Alicia body slowly. Warrington pulled his hands away so as not to interfere. Montague frowned and with a flick of his wand the smoke disappeared.

"What is it?" Warrington asked.

"I'm not sure" Montague said he knelt back onto his feet and looked at Alicia.

"Montague" Warrington prompted.

"Not here, we should get her back to your place" Montague said getting to his feet. He straightened his tux. "I'll let Malfoy know you have left and I'll meet up with you at home. Ennervate" Montague said he waved his wand over Alicia who stirred.

"Welcome back from the dead Spinnet" Montague said casually as Warrington helped her sit up, she was twitching slightly and looking very drowsy.

"Bite me Montague" Alicia said in a sour tone, her head was spinning and she felt wretched she didn't even want to know what Warrington or Montague were thinking.

"An invitation I may take up later" Montague said Warrington shot him a dark look as Montague wore an amused smile.

"Can we go home?" Alicia asked Warrington.

"Definitely, Montague is saying our farewell. Sadly we have to make the walk outside as Malfoy had his floo networks closed for the evening spouting 'security concerns'. I think we should fix your coiffure" Warrington commented as he pulled out his wand.

"You know beauty spells?" Alicia asked cracking a weak smile.

"Well most women around me lose their coiffure from more amorous activities but I am quite adept" Warrington told her, Alicia rolled her eyes and waved at him to get to work. He performed a quick fix for her hair and glamour for her face so she didn't look so pale.

"I think you'll have to help me" Alicia said wincing as she hated asking for help but her body felt so heavy it was just a struggle sitting upright. Warrington nodded and wrapped an around her waist helping her up to her feet. He could feel how weak she was as she leaned heavily on him with her arms wrapped around him for support.

She didn't speak as they moved slowly to the main foyer to retrieve their jackets. She didn't have the energy and she also didn't know what to say. Her body was cramping painfully and she knew it wouldn't be long before she would be having another seizure. She bit her bottom lip trying to ignore the pain they were close to the main foyer she just had to last until they were outside.

"Cassius" Alicia breathed. Warrington looked down at Alicia his heart was twisting at the sight of her looking so frail and in pain. He couldn't understand how she had deteriorated so quickly when she had been the near picture of health for over a week.

"We've only a few more steps" He told her as if he could feel her muscles tense and in knots under his hands and the heat radiating off her body in waves.