The Dance Part I. ;)

"And it is such a shame my boy! Such a shame. Why, only the other day I was conversing with Oliver Wood- you know of Oliver don't you? Captain of Puddlemore United? Well, I was sharing your predicament with him and he is very empathetic with your plight. He even went so far as to say- if you can believe it- that McGonagall has never given enough prominence and credence to Quidditch. He seemed to imply that she was placing too much emphasis on things like safety and education- preposterous, but it does bear consideration-"

I took another deep gulp of my drink. It was cruel and unusual torture talking to Slughorn about my dismal Quidditch prospects. Honestly I wasn't even sure why he was bothering. I had always just assumed I was only ever invited to or favoured in the Slug Club because of Quidditch. I wasn't particularly talented at anything else. But up until a few weeks ago; it had pretty much been a sure thing that I would make a name for myself in Quidditch.

Gwen's lips curved upwards slightly in the minimalist of smirks as she caught my gaze. I guess my disinterest must have showed more than I thought. Grinning back quickly; we both communicated wordlessly that we wanted out of this conversation and would take the first cue possible to leave. Her eyes widened dramatically as they passed just beyond my shoulder; gazing in earnest at the door across the room.

Her surprise was a little too practised to be natural. I thanked Merlin silently that I had taken James's advice and invited her. So far she'd been nothing but good company; dutifully answering all of Slughorn's painful inquiries and saving me the bother of having to really pay attention. She also was pretty solid about keeping my drink topped up and stopping all the servers so I could happily munch my boredom away.

"Oh my. Doesn't she look beautiful?" Gwen's voice adopted a dreamy, girlie quality that I had never once heard her use; slightly too sweet to be sincere. Dubious as to the motives of her interest, I shot a quick glance over my shoulder, mid mouthful of a particularly tasty sausage roll.

Slughorn paused mid rant; with his glass halfway to his lips as he turned sluggishly to the door. His face lit up in a comic replicate of Gwen's. Only where her excitement was false and exaggerated; he looked like a child whose Christmases had come all at once. Which could only really mean one thing.

"Victoire! Beautiful as ever! And where is Mr Zabini? Why have you not got a drink? Here; Hornaby- fetch two glasses of punch will you?"

Gwen grinned up at me. "Time to escape?"

I opened my mouth to object; trying to think of some reason that would justify us staying here just long enough that I could find a way to tell Vic how amazing she looked. And she did. She truly did. I had sort of expected that she would look much the same as usual; but obviously in a dress and not in green for a change. Not in a bad way; just that she always looked so groomed and polished that I didn't really see how she could up her game. But since she'd been mysteriously absent for the entire day and much of yesterday; locked away in her dorm with Lys and Nessa (intel supplied directly from Messrs Moony, Padfoot and Prongs- cheers lads!) I should have suspected something was up.

The result was outstanding. Her hair, normally so poker straight and sleek; was curled into gentle ringlets that framed her face, loose braids worked through the curls and pinned them back; giving her a much softer, delicate appearance. She seemed years younger absent her trademark long smooth locks and smirk. Her lips were pulled back in what was a rare genuine smile as her eyes met mine; actual excitement sparkling in their blue depths. Normal Victoire would scoff at getting excited over a silly school dance; but I just knew she loved them. She was far too vain and materialistic not to love getting all dressed up and parading around. What's more, behind all the cynicism and snide comments she was the world's biggest sap; a romantic to the core. I knew all the fairy lights and pretty dresses and soft music would melt her. She was glowing again; something I noticed she only did when she was really and truly genuinely content or particularly exhilarated. Hers was the kind of exuberance that was infectious; already garnering stares of envy from nearby girls and another kind of stare entirely from the- what the fuck did Hornaby think he was looking at? He had better close his mouth in the next-

"Earth to Teddy? If we don't make a dash now then we'll be trapped again." Gwen's amusement at my dopiness quickly turned to chagrin as Slughorn wheeled back around; herding an awkward looking Vic over to us; with a tipsy Alyssa and sheepish looking Nott in toe. I nodded in welcome to each of them; giving Vic a small smile. Her lips twitched in amusement.

"Lupin. And I don't believe we've been introduced." Her attention switched to Gwen, eyes subtly scanning her length, almost as if she couldn't help herself. Her manner was polite; if not overly friendly.

Nott chirped up helpfully. Well, chirped probably isn't the best word. It was more of a… non-hostile grunt.

"Reed. She's his Seeker."

Vic nodded, recognition flooding her face. "I see. Gwen, right? I'm Victoire."

Gwen smiled coolly. "I know who you are."

A full smile broke across Vic's face; her eyes lifting to mine with poorly concealed mirth.

"Why do people always say it like that?" She inquired innocently as I laughed openly; ignoring Gwen's curious gaze. How was she to get the reference? It's not like I could clue her in.

"Where's your date?" I looked around the room; searching for her matching platinum partner in crime whose distinguishable mane was noticeably absent. She sighed.

"Wardrobe malfunction. He'll be here soon." She checked her nails indifferently as Slughorn finally got rid of an overly eager Hornaby and turned his attention back to us.

"Yes, yes, where is Zabini? He's missed quite a few gatherings you know. I'm beginning to become quite offended!" He wagged a reproachful finger at Vic, grinning at his own wit. Awkward eyes drifted towards Vic as she stared at him in uncertain silence. Eventually Lys nudged her and she sprung to life.

"Cassius and I didn't come together Sir."

He took a sip of his drink; blissfully oblivious to the tension he was creating. "Oh? Trouble in paradise?"

Victoire looked mortified; sharing a quick look of bewilderment with Lys before stammering on. "Well. We broke up Sir. About… a month ago."

Slughorn blinked in surprise, before shrugging happily; his jowls jostling with the movement. "Ah you needn't fret Ms Weasley. Young love is a tricky, tricky enterprise. Why, I remember- Ah Mr Malfoy. You've decided to come after all! We were beginning to worry! And where is your date? I would like to be introduced!"

As Slughorn beamed affectionately at Malfoy who slithered up to the group from some dark corner, looking as oiled and greasy as ever. The slick git shot a confused glance at Victoire before stepping up beside her and wrapping an arm around her waist.

"I believe you've met her Sir." He smirked up at Slughorn and Vic smiled sheepishly.

God he really was nauseating. How does this berk have any friends at all? I took another sip; probably clutching my drink a little tighter than necessary. Gwen glanced up at me briefly; her gaze curious, but apparently watching the ascension of Lord and Lady Slytherin was more entertaining as our shocked Potions Professor quickly recaptured her attention.

Slughorn froze; seemingly unable to comprehend that a union this majestically perfect could actually occur in his lifetime. He blinked rapidly; staring at them as though he was certain one of them would grow a head any second. And then slowly, very slowly, his lips tugged upwards in what has to have been the most disturbing smile I have ever witnessed on a person. His little round eyes bugged out of his head as he clapped his hands together with glee.

"I see. I see! Well, I can't say that I'm surprised. I always had a sneaky-"

"Sir, we're… just friends." Vic mumbled; her face flushed beetroot.

"Just yet." Malfoy added. Vic's eyes shot to his in shock but her reaction went unnoticed by Malfoy. As I chocked and spluttered on my drink; that fucking weasel's eyes never left mine; their cool grey calculating and oddly… smug. Like he knew a secret I didn't. As I glared back at him; he smirked knowingly and it clicked.

He knows.

He knows and he's trying to get a rise.

Vic had the good sense to keep composure and here I was coughing and grunting like a pig in labour. Vic's eyes flashed in warning at me; her smile slightly too forced. She gave a twinkling laugh and all direction diverted to her; my spell of TB momentarily forgotten. She smacked Malfoy's shoulder affectionately, a thin bracelet slipping down her slim wrist with the motion.

"Scorpius! What are you even saying?" Her giggles were met with another smirk as he tightened his grip on her waist, whispering something in her ear. Her eyes widened minimally but she gave another laugh and no one suspected that he had said anything other than some flirtatious remark.

As he pulled away slightly; his gaze drifted to Aelius who approached our group with a wide grin.

"Greenwood! Hello my boy! And you've brought Ms Weasley, charming!" Slughorn's bellows were thoroughly ignored by Aelius who directed the focus of his charming grin at Alyssa.

"Good Evening Alyssa. You look beautiful."

Lys rolled her eyes; smiling despite herself. "Shut up Greenwood."

"Would you like to dance?"

"No."

Undaunted, he persevered. In fact; he almost looked smug at her refusal. He was truly so odd. I needed to put some serious research into finding new friends.

"Oh dear. That's a pity. You and Victoire have put such good work into Potions this year."

She stared at him, openly baffled. "What? Go back to your dorm, Greenwood. You're drunk."

"On love maybe. But I am not intoxicated in the alcoholic sense. I was merely referring to the fact that Professor Slughorn here has promised me he will fail both you and Victoire next week if you don't dance with me."

Shocked silence met this statement; Slughorn himself looking most surprised. He hiccoughed slightly.

"I did?" He shot dazed eyes in Aelius's direction and was met with a most assured nod, his dark face solemn apart from the amusement in his eyes.

"You did Sir. You said love was the most complicated potion to brew; but like all potions, all it needs are time and attention and a loving hand."

Slughorn hiccoughed again. "I did? I did."

Aelius grinned; proffering his hand to Lys; who grudgingly smiled and accepted; shaking her hand in disbelief and muttering as he led her to the dance floor; a definite swagger in his steps.

Rose sidled up to me as they disappeared into the crowd; not seemingly particularly bothered that her date had just disappeared with another girl. Especially when you considered how hard she had pushed to get him to go with her. You would think that abandoning her at the dance would warrant a big argument. But lately Rose was the most erratic and emotional and hormonal person in the world. She would bawl about impractical things like losing her favourite hair clip and not blink at Lily receiving another two detentions; something that usually had her screaming for hours.

When I thought of the ear scalding she had given me this morning just because I asked her what she thought of me with platinum hair. It was a particularly sensitive question for me too, for obvious reasons. I just wanted to see what it would look like if Vic and I matched. Clearly she wasn't to know that. I was very careful to pose it as an innocent fashion question. I didn't want another telling off from Victoire about being the most oblivious, unsubtle cretin ever created. But for all my carefulness she completely flew off the handle; ranting on about the self-entitled supremacy of the Aryan race and how she thought that kind of attitude was left in 20th century Europe.

She was clearly having a rough time recently; Lord knows why. I shot her a cautious glance; her dark eyes staring across at Vic and Scorpius with some indescribable emotion. Probably seething about their blondeness. In fact; it explained why she liked Aelius so much recently.

He had very dark hair.

Obviously that was what Rose looked for in a boy.

I nudged her; smiling down at her. "Having a good time Rosie?"

She glanced up at me. "I'm ecstatic. Can't you tell?"

I frowned. "No. Would it cheer you up if we had a little dance? We could request some Celestina Warbeck; dedicate it to Grandma Weasley."

She laughed as I waggled my brows. "No thanks. Besides I don't think Gwen would be too happy with me."

At the mention of Gwen, Vic's head shot up; not even listening to whatever Scorpius was whispering in her ear. Rose's lips tightened.

"Oh yeah. Where is she actually? I haven't seen her in a while. She's not mad at me is she?"

Rose laughed; shaking her head. "Merlin Teddy. You are so oblivious. She couldn't be mad at you even if she wanted. I think I saw her chatting to James by the door."

I nodded; happy that Gwen was having fun and amusing herself. "Good. Probably discussing Seeker strategies."

She rolled her eyes. "It's like you actively try to be obtuse. They probably aren't discussing Seeker stuff at all. They're quite good mates."

I quirked a brow; not really sure what she meant by that obtuse comment. She didn't know how obsessed both of them were. I would bet any money that that is exactly what they were talking about.

"I knew that. James is actually the person who told me to ask her." I defended myself; nodding for emphasis.

"Oh. That was good of him." She commented absently; still following Vic and Scorpius's movements; the two of them looking pained as Slughorn enthralled them with tales of days gone by. The price of being the Golden Couple of Slytherin.

I shrugged. "Not really. I mean he only mentioned it in passing. And I'd already been thinking of asking her anyways. I just wasn't sure if she'd want to go as mates?"

She looked up at me sceptically, a sad smile on her face. "You poor boy. You are so very tragically dim. Of course Gwen didn't want to come with you as mates. She spent hours getting ready for tonight and tried all night to be a good date and a potential girlfriend. She fancies you. Almost as much as James fancies her."

I blinked, my heart sinking as an uneasy feeling nestled in my gut. "What?"

She shook her red curls; rueful and slightly amused. "Don't fret Teddy. Brighten up your hair, it's depressing me. As soon as she started to look bored pandering to your oblivious ass; James whisked her away and they've had a great night. When I say they weren't talking about Quidditch; I meant they weren't talking."

The first impulse I registered was irrational irritation.

James had pulled my date; without even mentioning it to me? That was not the way to do things. It simply wasn't how mates did things; and especially not family. But then I remembered that I didn't really care. And then I became amused.

"Merlin; he is one sly wanker isn't he? He didn't even mention that to me. He was giving all this chat about how he was going to take her spot next year… I had no idea."

Rose smiled up at me affectionately. "I know you didn't. You were otherwise occupied."

I blinked again. "What?"

Her smile grew. "I know that there's a girl Teddy. I even think I know who it is. You could tell me you know? I think you'd be surprised how understanding I can be."

My heart rate increased; my hands suddenly clammy. I ran a nervous hand through my hair. "There's no girl. Well, not one." I managed a clumsily laugh.

Rose gave me an unconvinced look. "There is. And I know why you're denying it. I get it. Believe me. It's hard to come clean about something you know is going to make people around you disappointed or angry. But I'm starting to think keeping it a secret is even harder. All the games and the lying. It's exhausting."

Unsure if she was still talking about me; my worst fears were confirmed when her eyes slid almost accusingly again to were Vic and Scorpius were dancing, finally free of Slughorn. Catching our interest; Scorpius smirked again, pulling Vic a little closer and running a hand down her back.

Rose flinched as I clenched my teeth together to keep from shouting. So she knew. She knew and I knew beyond a doubt now that so did Scorpius. That smug prick was deliberately making eye contact; almost daring me to make a scene. If I didn't know better; I'd say he was looking for a fight. How on earth those two had worked it out was beyond me. It had to be the worst luck in the history of time that they both just figured it out at the same time. Vic was going to flip when I told her. If Scorpius ever took his grubby hands off her, that was.

Rose sighed; suddenly looking sad. My eyes widened in alarm as I tried to think of something comforting. I slung an arm over her shoulder, pulling her into me.

"Don't be upset Rosie. Is this… is this about Aelius? Whatever he did; he's an asshole."

I suddenly remembered laughing earlier as he whisked Lys onto the dancefloor. I felt like a prize dick. Rose was my cousin of sorts and he was supposed to be her date. She liked him and he'd embarrassed her and I'd done nothing but chuckle at his antics. Guilt coiled within me as I peered anxiously down at her.

"No. Well, sort of. Teddy… If I tell you something, promise me you'll tell no-one. I think you might understand best; but even if I'm wrong; even if you're disgusted with me- you'll tell no-one?"

Her wide worried eyes convinced me she was being serious; otherwise I would have laughed at her dramatics. More than a little concerned myself, I led her to a quiet table; deserted by it's occupants who were dancing merrily on the floor.

"I promise Rose. You can trust me. I doubt anything you say will disgust me. Let's not forget who was the orchestrator of the Merriborn twins fiasco, yeah?"

She laughed softly despite herself; melting into one of the white, linen covered seats gratefully. As I lowered myself onto a seat beside her; she angled to face me, nibbling on her lip and swallowing heavily. Reluctantly, she raised solemn eyes to meet my wary gaze.

"Teddy… I've been seeing someone."

I froze; not expecting that. Although it made sense. I probably should have been expecting that. But like she said; I was tragically dim.

"Okay. And… you're worried James and clan will freak out?"

She sighed; fiddling with her hemline before continuing on.

"I know they will. But not because I'm seeing someone. Because I'm seeing… someone in particular."

Her words were mumbled and I had to concentrate to understand her. Her face had burned up to a bright crimson glow. Nodding to myself I tried to think how best to proceed.

Be tactful, Teddy.

Don't embarrass her. Don't be too blunt.

Don't force her into admitting anything. Don't be judgemental.

You are a patient, impartial and attentive listener. Say something that shows her you understand and are on her side.

"Someone in particular… Hmmn… It's… It's not a- a teacher is it? Oh Merlin. It is isn't it?"

WHY DO YOU EVEN OPEN YOUR MOUTH?

Rose laughed; the faint shaky sound like music to my ears. Relief flowed through me as I realised she hadn't taken my worry seriously. Excellent; now play it off like you were joking.

"No. No it's not. It's… well, I'm sure you can guess. The way I've been acting around him." She shrugged embarrassed.

I rolled my eyes. "Rose, let's not forget who you're talking to. I most definitely can't guess."

She laughed again, this time the sound was much sadder. "It doesn't matter now. I've totally fucked it up."

I placed a soothing hand on her shoulder. "You couldn't possibly. Rose, you are clever and kind and pretty awesome looking too. No matter who this boy is; he won't deserve you. Even if you had personally slaughtered every house elf in the castle; I'd be willing to bet this boy will still take you back. He'd be nuts not to."

She offered a watery smile; tears threatening to overspill. "I just… I panicked. I don't know why I did it Teddy. I've never been so stupid in my life. He makes me so stupid."

I patted her shoulder in the way my Gran used to pat my back when I was sick. I had found it very soothing as a child and could only hope Rose would too.

"What did you do? I bet you I've done miles worse and I haven't been burned at the stake just yet."

She sniffed loudly. "I kissed Aelius."

I blinked. I had been under the impression the boy in question was Aelius.

"Ahhhh." I commented intelligently. "A pickle."

She sniffed again, dabbing impatiently at her eyes. "I know. I don't even like Aelius but now he thinks we're playing some kind of game and he's playing back and every time I see them together I want to hurl something at her."

I struggled to keep pace. "Well… weren't you playing a game? Trying to make him jealous?"

She sighed impatiently. "No! Well… yes, but I just wanted him to know how it feels! It's always me that's insecure or inadequate and he just looks at me like I'm crazy and you should see the girl he's brought to this stupid dance Teddy. She's… She's… practically perfect! No one in their right mind would choose me over her!

"That's not true. I would." I stated loyally; giving her a goofy grin.

She smiled sadly. "You say that. But I haven't even told you who she is."

Something about her tone had me pausing. I narrowed my eyes a little.

"Who is she?"