Chapter 1: The Masquerade Ball

Scratch. Scratch. Scratch.

The sound of a quill against parchment. Peri was in her weekly session of therapy since Cedric's death and Voldemort's rebirth. The room was cold and unwelcoming. It was supposed to feel relaxing and welcoming, but it did not give off that vibe.

Peri had her eyes closed replaying in her mind the image of Cedric's death and Voldemort's rebirth.

"Kill the spare."

She snapped her head to see a wand pointing at her, "Harry…" she cried frozen in place. "Tell my family…"

"The boy," the high, cold voice spoke again.

A swishing noise and a second voice spoke, a voice she slightly recognized, screeched into the night: "Avada Kedavra!"

A blast of green light blazed inches past where Peri stood, she sucked in a breath. Closing her eyes as she listened to the fall of Cedric's body hitting the ground, "No…" she shook her head. Reopening her eyes, she turned slightly to see Cedric staring at them with stinging eyes. "Oh, god…oh, god."

She looked back at the figure and then quickly rushed to Cedric's side, "Cedric…Cedric…Harry!" she cried looking at him through the darkness and then down at Cedric's open gray eyes, blank expression etched across his face. His mouth was half-open. "Oh, Cedric. We will get you home," she cried as tears fell onto his hands.

"Ms. King. Ms. King."

The kind and soft voice spoke to her.

Peri opened her dark brown eyes, she examined the ceiling. The white-painted ceiling with its various textures. She took a long deep breath and released it before turning to look toward her therapist.

Her therapist was a young, French witch. She was blonde-haired with a waving hairstyle, she appeared as though she belonged in the 1920s. She also reminded Peri of a younger, French version of Rita Skeeter. She had a quill taking quick notes for her. Her therapist pressed her lips together, "Ms. King."

Peri's eyes narrowed as she spoke with annoyance, "Ms. Allaire."

Ms. Allaire sat up straighter, "You return to London soon. Are you looking forward to that?"

Peri returned to looking at the ceiling, "Ottery St. Catchpole."

"Excuse me?" Ms. Allaire questioned.

"My family has a home in Ottery St. Catchpole not in London. My parents work in London but we do not live in London."

Scratch. Scratch. Scratch.

"Do you look forward to returning to Ottery St. Catchpole then?"

That was a question Peri did not know the answer to.

Was she looking forward to returning?

Here in France, she felt safe. She felt loved. She had her boyfriend and family and friends, things she hadn't had in a while. She felt the happiest she had been in a year, but as soon she returned to England all that would disappear. She would be thrown into a custody battle, the papers were already becoming excited over it. She feared seeing Draco would spark George's jealousy again and question their relationship, she knew he was starting to question it as Draco was to come that weekend for Ida's birthday.

"No. I await a custody trial when I return, causing us to end our trip early."

Scratch. Scratch. Scratch.

"Speaking of custody. Your father, Severus Snape, is your professor at Hogwarts, correct?"

"Yes," Peri answered, not sure where this could be going.

"And how does that make you feel?"

"Fine. He is my professor. He teaches me potions, but when we return to London in two weeks because he is suing my mom and papa for custody of me. Far earlier than was planned to return, but with this trial, we have to return early. How does that make me feel? Not great, because no one has asked me how I feel about this."

"Well, how does it make you feel?"

"Like…no one cares. My dad wants me for reasons I hope aren't true."

Scratch. Scratch. Scratch went the quill again.

"And what reasons are those?"

Peri was quiet for some time, "I do not wish to discuss."

Scratch. Scratch. Scratch.

"Quite alright. Let us discuss a happier topic for you. Your baby brother. You always sound excited about him."

Peri smiled at the thought of her little brother. He was still nowhere ready to be born but it was a happy distraction. This got her excited about his arrival in December.

"I adore him and he isn't even born yet. He's already so loved and spoiled. Mrs. Weasley has already made him so many clothes. Hallie I am surprised has not, but she's been busy responding to owls. This is starting to worry her boyfriend I think though especially when she went away to Paris for a week to take a summer camp class on wizarding fashion."

"Speaking of boyfriends, how is your boyfriend?"

"George?" she smiled even brighter, "Perfect. He adores me and I adore him. We find every spare moment to be with one another since he arrived in France three weeks ago."

"And there are no issues?"

His jealousy of Draco would be a major one and his ability to not trust her when she says she has no feelings for Draco.

"No."

Scratch. Scratch. Scratch.

"When you return to Ottery St. Catchpole will he?"

"He lives just across from us, so I am sure his family will return…it is just his siblings and mom that came with him. His dad had work, but he will be here on Friday for Ida's birthday party on Saturday. Although her birthday isn't until July twenty-fourth, which is Monday."

"Your ex-boyfriend, Draco Malfoy, and his family will be at Lady Cressida's ball right?"

Peri swallowed before responding, "They will. Draco and Ida are cousins, not close but they are cousins," she responded casually despite feeling anxious about seeing him again and how George would respond.

"How do you feel about that?"

She took in a deep cold breath before exhaling, "I don't know honestly. Draco and I separated quite badly, he exiled me from my house at Hogwarts. I am hoping to spend the week he is here to rekindle that friendship we have, not a romantic relationship but a friendship. I enjoyed being his friend and I want it back. The Slytherin house respects him and listens to him. If he says you are exiled you are until he says otherwise. If anyone from the house is seen speaking to me they will be as well."

"Any plan to fix it?"

"Not a plan. Just talk."

The quill scratched again the parchment once more as the timer went off.

Peri jumped off the couch, "See you next week for a final session and then I will be back in England."

"Your parents want you to continue therapy there with the healers at St. Mungos."

Peri laughed grabbing her bag from a chair, "No. No, I am done. I don't need therapy. Cedric died. Lord Voldemort is back and probably out to kill me, but I don't need therapy. I need the ones I love."

With that, she left the office where Richard was sitting in the waiting area for her, "Have a good session?"

"Super," she said sarcastically.

He sighed, "Come on, Peri. Let's go get some treats. We will get some for your mom and sisters."

The two left the office and made their way through the streets of Place Cachée and went to Confiserie Enchantée de K. Rammelle where they got some macaroons. Peri chose some for everyone, "Is this too many?" she asked Richard.

He didn't even look in her direction as he paid, "Never too many. You are allowed fun, and treats are fun."

She smiled accepting the box of macaroons from the clerk. They left and went to the apparition point. They apparated to Château au Bord de la Mer, which was the home of Ida and Remy's grandparents, Lord Jacques and Lady Odette. This house was much larger than any house they would find in London, perhaps in the country but not in the city. The walls throughout the entire house were a pastel shade of blue with marble floors, a large golden chandelier hung in the entry with smaller candle lights placed on the walls, and not a single picture hung. The doors were stained white. The style of housing here was much different than the dark colors of the style in London.

They went outside where the adults were on the patio with house elves fanning the ladies, "Hello sweetheart," Richard approached Cassie kneeling at her side.

She gasped slightly, "Richard, you are back."

The two shared a kiss, "How are you today?" Richard asked brushing her hair back.

Cassie beamed at her husband, "I am perfectly well."

"You are so wonderful with her," Emilie said, "Sirius treats me wonderfully as well."

Jacques eyed Sirius, "He's something."

"Papa," Emilie sighed looking at her father disapprovingly.

"He would have been there for you and your children if he hadn't gotten arrested."

"He was wrongfully accused!" she stood on her feet.

Sirius stood up next to her, "Em, it is fine," he growled putting a hand out in front of her to stop her from moving.

She looked at him, "We are going to London as soon as Ida's birthday is over."

"That is the plan."

Cassie looked over her shoulder to see Peri still standing there, "Oh, darling. I didn't see you there. The others are down at the beach with Winky."

"Alright, mom."

Peri started to head down the stone steps toward the beach, "And I think I am ready to go inside. It is getting awfully hot," Cassie said standing up. Richard helped her up, "Thank you, but I am only four months pregnant. He is about the size of a pear."

"Still I want you both protected."

She reached the beach where umbrellas and canopies were set up to block the sun. Fred, George, and Ron were playing with a beach ball. Hermione and Holly were reading while Remy, Ida, and Ginny all discussed different Quidditch players. Hallie was tanning against the summer sun while Winky fanned her with a palm leaf, "Winky, you shouldn't be doing that. You are a free elf now," Hermione told her.

"Winky loves pleasing Ms. Hallie."

Hallie was wearing a one-piece, white swimsuit that had side cutouts and was low cut in the front showing off some cleavage. She had matching white sunglasses, "And I adore you Winky. I would be lost without you."

Winky did a small happy dance in the spot where she stood, "Would Ms. Hallie prefer another swimsuit? You might burn in places you would not want to be burned on."

Fred tossed the beach ball back toward George before looking at his girlfriend, "I think she looks very sexy."

Winky gasped, "Mr. Weasley!"

He looked at them, "Well it is true," he tossed the ball back toward George before going over to Hallie grabbing her hand and pulling her to stand.

"Fred," she laughed as he kissed her passionately.

Everyone rolled their eyes, "Gross," Ron said as George spotted Peri.

"Peri!" he ran over to her after he tossed the ball at Ron.

"Hey," she said as he picked her up spinning her around. "How was therapy?" he asked settling her on the ground.

She groaned, "Ready for it to be over but I don't want to go back to London. I don't want to be in a divorce trial. I am sixteen, next year I will be legally allowed to do whatever I want by wizarding laws."

"You already do that," Holly said looking down at her feather pendant. She had received it for her birthday from Draco, but never let anyone know it was from him. Peri recognized the wrapping, it was the same wrapping he used for her birthday.

"Well before you become an adult we must have some fun," George smirked picking her up, "Don't you agree, Freddie?"

He laughed as well picking up Hallie, who started playfully screaming. "Frederick Gideon Weasley!"

George grabbed Peri throwing her over his shoulder and the two brothers ran into the water with the girls. The water was cold but felt amazing from the summer heat. Hallie bobbed up from the water gasping for air, "Fred! You could have drowned me!" She splashed water in his direction.

He laughed swimming over to her and kissing her, she was going to fight him but sunk into the kiss. George shook his head, "We are so much better than them."

Peri looked over her shoulder, "Absolutely. Now I should go change, you got me all wet and I am in actual clothes."

George traced a hand up her leg underneath the water, "And I think you look amazing."

She flashed him a wicked smile, "You are terrible."

He pulled her into a kiss as the water splashed around them, "Says the Slytherin."

She rolled her eyes pulling herself away from him, "I'm going to go change."

Peri left the water when a towel was immediately wrapped magically around her by Winky, "Ms. Peri, we must have some modesty. Leave the boys to wonder some."

"Of course Winky."

The following day, the guests for Ida's birthday started to arrive. "Mr. Lucius Malfoy. Mrs. Nacrissa Malfoy. Mr. Draco Malfoy," the butler announced their arrival Friday evening. Everyone was on the patio when they arrived, "Lucius!" Jacques went over to greet him. "Welcome. Welcome. Always a pleasure."

Preri stood nearest to George when he entered, he scanned the room spotting her. Their eyes connected for a brief moment before he quickly withdrew them to shake Jacques's hand, "Draco, you must have met your cousins during school this past year."

He nodded, "Yes, sir. I never interacted with them except when Lady Cressida came to speak with Peri."

"Ah, well you should know them now. Family is important, right Emilie?"

Emilie looked at her father, "Of course, papa."

He gave a nod of approval, "Cressida. Remulus. Come here, please."

Ida sighed looking ahead at Peri, "What does he want now?"

"Probably for you to talk to Draco."

She groaned, "Come with me."

"Me?" Peri became confused looking at George and then at her.

Ida nodded, "Please. I don't want to talk to him alone."

"We ended badly, Ida. Plus I am dating someone his family can't stand."

"Grandfather isn't pleased either."

Peri groaned, "Fine."

Ida dragged her over to the Malfoys and her grandparents, "Yes, grandfather?"

Jacques looked at her grandchildren and Peri, "Periwinkle…this is a family matter you shouldn't concern yourself with it."

"I asked her to come with me, grandfather."

His eyes shifted from Peri to his granddaughter, "Are you sure, Cressida?"

She nodded, "Thank you for coming Draco. It is a pleasure to welcome you to my grandparents' chateau."

Draco's eyes were resting on Peri, "Yes…it is a pleasure to be here, cousin. I thank you for inviting me."

Ida looked between the two, "I am sure Peri is pleased to see you as well."

Peri snapped her head toward Draco as she had not been looking at him, she had been in a sort of daze. "Um…yes. I am pleased, I have been wanting to speak to you before school started."

Draco appeared to feel uneasy as he shuffled his feet, "Me too. I wanted to discuss things before school started again… It is lovely to see you again."

She gave a soft nod, "You look well."

"As do you…excuse me," he stepped around them.

Draco disappeared into the crowd of guests, "He's searching for Holly," Peri whispered.

Ida nodded, "He is, but he will never actually speak to her."

"No, he won't."

Peri left Ida with her brother before returning to George, "What was that about?"

"I think Ida's grandfather wants her with Draco," she shook her head in disgust, "Purebloods are weird, inbreeding with one another to ensure pureblood status."

"They are something."

"Draco wants to talk and I want to talk to him."

George snapped his head toward her as he had been looking at the guests, "What?"

"We want to clear the air."

"Why?"

Peri sighed, "Because that is my house and the house respects him. If he disapproves of me and shows that to the house I am exiled. George, we have been over this. Remember I chose you."

George looked back out at the guests with his eyes narrowing and resting on Draco, "I have reasons not to trust that, Peri."

"Nothing is going to happen with Draco. I love you, George."

He seemed unsure of how he could believe her, he still did not fully trust her despite her choosing him.

"I chose you, George. I don't know what I have to do to prove to you I am fully committed to you and only you."

"I am not arguing this Peri. I love you, but I can't trust you not to go back to him. You chose him after the second task."

She shook her head in disbelief, "I can't believe what I am hearing. I told you Voldemort wanted me and still does, but I rather have you and die having you than have someone I do not love romantically."

"Excuse me," he told her as he put his drink down before disappearing into the crowd.

Peri searched the guests before finding Fred and Hallie. She made her way to him, "Fred!"

He groaned seeing her, "What Peri? What has George done now?"

She rolled her eyes, "Lovely to see you, too. Why do you assume he has done something?"

Fred looked at Hallie then back at her, "Because whenever one of you comes to one of us complaining about the other. One of you has done something. You come to me to complain about my brother. He comes to Hallie to complain about you. Aren't you in therapy? Use her, that is literally what your parents…all three of them at that, are paying her for."

Peri scoffed, "I do not complain about George…often."

Hallie and Fred laughed, "Really? Why did he just leave us complaining about you? Now you are here complaining about him."

She scoffed again, "You two sicken me. Way too lovey-dovey."

"Peri, that comes with loving someone. Richard and Cassie act this way," Hallie spoke looking over at Richard and Cassie dancing together on the dance floor. He spun her around before kissing her softly.

"They love each other."

"And I love Fred."

Fred pulled Hallie closer to him, "And I love you," he magically made a peony appear.

Hallie gasped, "A peony!" she accepted it smiling. "See the little things matter the most. If you two keep arguing over if you still love Draco or not this won't work. Guys flirt with me all the time, but it doesn't make Fred mad at me. Them? Yes, but he knows I am fully committed to him. Angelina flirted with him all last year but he wanted me not her. He is committed to me. You have to trust that your special person loves you and believes they only want you. He does not trust you, which I understand him. You did choose Draco, but he is also not listening to you. Draco is here and you choosing George openly yet he won't believe you. That is a discussion you both need to have."

She searched the crowd for George, "I have been trying."

"Then try another method because this method is not working," she walked off with Fred.

Peri spent the entire evening searching for George but was unable to find him. She told her family and friends goodnight, before going to bed early. On her way to the stairs, she saw the sitting room still lit. She pushed the slightly ajar door open to see Draco standing before a large, white bookcase looking at the pictures. She entered, "Hey..." she spoke softly. He was looking at a picture of Emilie in her debutante dress, it was the same dress Ida was to wear for her birthday party.

He looked up startled by someone entering, "Oh, Peri…Hi…" he looked back at the pictures. "My parents are not pleased by the fact that a woman is to take over the Black family estate and fortune once my cousin Sirius dies."

Peri looked at the pictures of Ida and Remy standing with their mother, "My mom said Sirius did that on purpose to annoy his parents, he has a son but he changed how the line of inheritance would go. He had a daughter first and did not see why his son should outrank his daughter for her simply being born female."

Draco looked at her, "I plan to do the same thing, but I will more than likely have a son first. There has not been a female born into the Malfoys in centuries."

"Are you still planning to marry a pureblood or someone else?"

He was quiet for some time simply staring at the pictures, "Holly…only Holly. That is who I want. She may be a second marriage though, I will have my first with who my parents pick for me. I will have an heir, then my parents will die and I will marry Holly."

"Or just marry Holly and forget your fortune."

He raised a questioning brow, "How would I make money?"

"You are good at charms right?"

He nodded, "Yeah…I love charms, you know that."

"Exactly. You can provide that way."

He gave her a disgusted look, "Just because you want to be the wife of a joker does not mean I want Holly to end up as the wife of a peasant. She deserves the world and everything the world can give her."

Peri shook her head as the click of heels approached the door, Narcissa walked in with her floor-length green dress, "Draco."

"Mum."

Narcissa's gray eyes fell on Peri, "Peri. Lovely to see you two together again."

"We are not together, mother. She is with George Weasley, I told you this."

Narcissa pursed her lips, "Yes. Well, we have the ball tomorrow for your cousin Cressida. We get some rest, come."

Draco nodded, "Goodnight, Peri."
"Goodnight, Draco."

The next evening Peri was wearing a glittery, gray-blue ball gown with a corset tied back. The sleeves were off-the-shoulder and made in matching tulle to the skirt. The bodice had accents. She slipped her mask on, it was golden to match the accents with diamonds placed on the eyebrows of the mask. A simple black string held it to her face, which blended into the darkness of her hair. Hallie had designed all of their dresses. She slipped her feet into the golden shoes before making her way out of her room.

She was greeted by George at the end of the stairs, he offered her his hand, he was wearing a matching golden mask without the diamonds, "You look lovely," he whispered.

"Thank you," she walked past him.

He quickly followed, "Peri, I am sorry. I talked with Fred, we need to learn to trust…"

She turned quickly back to face him, "No. No, George. You need to learn to trust me when I say Draco means nothing to me. I chose you. I didn't before and I have explained that countless times. If you can't believe me then I don't want this. I am done trying to explain this."

He stood there silently, she assumed he was stunned but couldn't see his face from behind the mask. "I'm sorry…believe me I want to believe you."

"Then believe me."

She left him and made her way to Hallie and Holly. Hallie was wearing a lilac tulle skirt with a corset bodice that had peonies designed on the front with a nude lining. Her mask was matching in color to her dress but was on a stick. Holly wore a simple blush pink sheath dress, that had a slight silvery sparkly to it. Her mask was a silver sparkly one that had a silver string attached to it.

"Oh, don't we all look beautiful," Hallie cheered clapping her hands slightly, "Spin, Peri. Let me see my work." Peri reluctantly spun around, and Hallie did a chef's kiss. "I am truly amazing!"

Fred approached them with glasses of punch, "Yes, my love you are amazing," he handed her a glass. "Don't worry I poured yours first then spiked it."

Holly paused with her glass on her lips, "I'm good now." She set her glass down.

Fred laughed as he drank his own, "I am joking Holly."

"Yeah, I rather not risk that."

George joined them shortly, "Peri…can we?"

She looked at him with a small nod as he placed a hand on her back and escorted her out, "I'm sorry, Peri. I do believe you and I will continue to believe that love me. You say He is back…I have to believe you when you say you never loved him."

"I love him. I do, but not romantically. That would be like you saying you love Hermione. You don't love her romantically you love her as a sister or friend. That is how I feel about Draco. I care deeply for him, but I could never love him romantically."

"Right…of course, I am sorry."

The orchestra inside started to play, "Let us go inside. We are here for Ida, it is her birthday and we will show her the respect she deserves. I do accept your apology though."

They reentered the ballroom, "Ladies and Gentleman, Lady Cressida Emilie Noir."

The white-stained doors atop the marble stairs opened revealing Ida she stepped out the clicking of her heels heard against the marble floors. She wore a sky blue off-the-shoulder ballgown that had a diamond-beaded bodice and a sweetheart necklace. The skirt had a simple, silver ivy pattern displayed delicately around it. Her dark black hair was down and curled. She proceeded down the stairs heels clicking with each step. She had a simple silver mask.

"Lady Cressida is the daughter of Lady Emilie Roux and Sirius Black."

She reached the bottom step where Sirius stepped forward offering her his hand, she accepted it beaming behind her mask. He danced with his daughter.

"That was the dress I wore when I met Sirius," Emilie spoke behind them to the adults. "You remember Remus, you were there. You danced with my sister Marie."

"Yes…I remember."

"Uncle Remus likes Aunt Marie," Remy said in a teasing tone.

Remus gave him a look, "He is fourteen. He is fourteen," Remus muttered under his breath.

"And just like his father," Emilie and Cassie said together making them both laugh.

Remy looked up at them, "Is that a bad thing?"

"Yes," all three said together.

The song ended, and Ida bowed to her father as Remus made his way over and offered her another dance while Sirius approached them off to the side. "She is perfect…" he scanned the group of his friends. "Where is Harry?"

"He couldn't make it. The Dursleys wouldn't bring him to the train station."

Sirius shook his head in disbelief, "We were supposed to be the ones to raise him we are his godparents."

Emilie took his hand, "No, you are his godfather. I would have been able to if he had married but you kept getting me pregnant."

"I am sorry then that I love you so much that I wanted to be with you every free chance I could even with fighting a war."

"Ew. Ew. Ew," Remy shook his head, "I don't need to hear that dad."

Sirius ruffled his son's curly black hair with a laugh.

Emile turned into Sirius, "and believe me I begged Dumbledore to give me rights to him. I begged the Ministry, but they refused. We will be married this Christmas and we can have him then."

"We certainly will. We will get Harry…Remy, you want a brother."

"I got a sister, isn't that enough."

They laughed, "I loved my brother, who you are partially named after."

"I do like Harry. Ida doesn't though."

Sirius looked out at Ida and Remus dancing then back at his son, "She doesn't?"

He shook his head, "She thinks you like him more since you chose to go find Harry first instead of us."

This angered Sirius, "I went to find Wormtail! I wanted to save all of you, but Ron had him so I had to go to Hogwarts where Harry was!"

"Shhh…darling," Emilie assured him. "It is alright, you are here for her birthday. We are all going to live together as a family."

"Why don't we all go dance," Richard suggested taking Cassie to the dancefloor.

Fred followed them with Hallie, "Would you like to dance?" George asked Peri.

Peri looked at his hand and accepted it, joining him on the dance floor. He spun her around making her laugh and smile before her eyes landed on Draco standing alone and refusing any young lady who asked him if he would like to dance. She looked at George, "This means nothing. Go Holly to dance and I am going to go ask Draco."

Without a word she stepped away from him and made her way towards Draco who stood with his punch glass in hand, "Draco."

She pulled him from his thoughts again, "Peri? I thought you were dancing with one of the Weasley twins, the quieter one of the two."

"I was, but I think you owe me a dance."

He raised a brow, "I don't understand. You are with him, aren't you obligated only to dance with him."

"No. Not when one of my best friends is standing here alone refusing every beautiful young lady a dance. You do not want to upset Holly, which I understand but you can dance with me."

She looked over her shoulder as George was bringing Holly to the floor, "My boyfriend is dancing with your love. Will dance with me?"

Draco's grey eyes looked back at her, "The pleasure I would have to dance with you."

Peri placed her hand in his as he took her to the dance floor, there were a few gasps and claps as they danced together around the room. "Does this mean I am your friend again? You were rather rude a month ago."

"I'm sorry about that I am. I was upset because it couldn't have Holly I wanted the safety of you. But you are so brave to choose your path despite everything you went through and the Dark Lord returning, I wish I was as brave as you."

"I believe you are, Draco. You just have to find that bravery within you."

He was silent as he had been the many times she had explained this to him, "I am trying."

"I believe you…"

Draco spun her into a dip, and when he pulled her up they paused together. The world around them froze as they looked each other in the eye, "I should let you go back to George."

He released his hand from around her waist, he kissed her hand before returning to the side. George offered her a glass of burgundy liquid, "What's this?" she asked.

"I stole us two glasses of elf wine," he then made a flower appear in his free hand, "A rose for you."

She looked at the flower, "That is a carnation, not a rose."

"Oh…um let me try again. Fred is much better at conjuring up flowers."

Peri placed her hand holding the flower in his hand, "The carnation is lovely."

George stopped trying to create a rose, "Thank god, I suck at this. I can create you a flower that sprays water or ink."

She looked at the carnation, "I'm going to leave this here." She set it on a table nearby.

"Probably best…I just want to show you I love you. Fred gives Hallie things all the time."

"Because she loves things. He would give her everything if he could."

The room suddenly grew quiet when there was the clinking of glass. Ida stood a little up on the stairs, "Thank you everyone for coming. This is truly been an unforgettable birthday. I am surrounded by friends and family who love me. As a special gift my friend, Hallie Porter, has a gift for not just myself but the world. Hallie?"

Hallie stepped up onto the stairs, "What is she doing?" Fred whispered to Peri and Holly.

They both shrugged, "We don't know."

Hallie kissed Ida's cheeks as she walked down the stairs rejoining her parents and brother. "The announcement I have to share is that last year I spent the year writing a book about each of the champions and their experience as champions in the Triwizard tournament. When the tournament ended we lost a dear friend and classmate, Cedric Diggory. I spent the past month rewriting my book and with the assistance of my friend Lady Cressida and Celestina Warbeck, I was able to get my book published with the permission of Cedric's parents."

Winky appeared beside Hallie handing her a book, before disappearing just as quickly.

"Tonight everyone will receive a special copy of the book before it is released to the public Tuesday. I could have lost my sister, Peri and I would have wanted her to have her memory live on forever. Cedric's will and he will be known around the globe for more than his death."

She held the book up, a camera flashed taking her picture. The cover had a picture of Cedric in his Triwizard tournament outfit. "Eighty percent of the proceeds will go to a charity foundation in his honor to fund Quidditch players because that game is not cheap. The other twenty percent will go to Cedric's parents and their adopted daughter Eva Beausman-Crouch."

The room applauded her as she handed the book to Winky, who reappeared again and then disappeared.

"Now what we are all here for is Lady Cressida's birthday and she asked for me to sing her happy birthday."

A four-tiered cake was wheeled out. Hallie began to sing happy birthday to Ida. She then blew out the candles, the room clapped as she blew them out. Cameras flashed as she smiled.

"She is going to get famous simply from that book," Hermione whispered to them.

"That is true," Ginny agreed.

Holly nodded agreeing as Hallie attempted to walk over to them as she spoke to guests about the book, "And I am sure the Diggorys will give her a portion of their twenty percent, they are too kind not to. Sure it won't be a lot, but it is something. She is going rich before she is sixteen."

Fred looked at them then back at Hallie, "I am sure she won't be that rich or famous."

"No, she won't get very rich from the book. Famous? Definitely. This will lead her to design clothes and performances. She already has designed an entire collection of dresses for Celestina Warbeck's next tour. Once we graduate, Celestina also offered her the chance to be one of her opening acts."

Fred appeared uneasy, "But she shouldn't have to provide for herself. I can provide for her…George and I want our joke shop."

Hallie skipped over to them, "Freddie!" she squealed jumping up and down. "I am an author! Can you believe it?"

His expression instantly changed, "I am proud of you."

She smiled brightly spinning around happily, but it caused her to bump into George making him spill his wine onto Peri. Peri gasped, "Hallie!"

Hallie shrieked, "My dress!"

"You alright? I am so sorry, Peri," George grabbed a napkin and began to wipe at the front of her dress.

She laughed, "Yes because that makes everything better you rubbing my breasts."

Ginny laughed covering her mouth.

"Well, I do like them."

"Ew!" The girls said with laughs.

"I'm going to take this one to bed," Fred said with his arms wrapped around Hallie, "Hopefully she will calm down."

George looked over his shoulder, "Or something else will happen."

"We do that every night," Hallie said looking up at Fred.

Fred gasped, "Hallie! Alright, to bed with you. Goodnight everyone," he escorted her away. "What did you drink?" they could hear him asking her.

Peri looked around at their small group, "Do we take bets now or later on how soon they will be expecting?"

"Five galleons on this year," George said.

"I think it would be next year," Ginny said, "So I will bet that."

"I can't believe you two are betting on this?" Holly and Hermione scolded them.

Ida came over, "What are we betting on?"

"When Fred and Hallie will be pregnant. George says this year. Ginny says next and I am going to agree on that," Peri said, "Happy birthday by the way."

"How much?"

"Five galleons."

Ida scoffed, "Oh I bet a hundred galleons and I will say they will get pregnant next school term, so after Fred graduates and they will be born spring or early summer of 1997."

"We are betting on when my sister will be a teen mother?" Holly asked.

Everyone ignored her, "Ooo I love the way you think Noir! So hundred galleons?"

"Sure why not. I strongly believe we are right," Ginny said.

The rest shook their heads, "Alright we are each betting a hundred galleons. Peri and Ginny are both for next year. I bet on it for this year. Ida with her specific bet of pregnant by next summer with a birth the following spring year."

Peri looked down at her dress, "Well we should all get rest as we are leaving tomorrow for London!"

"I cannot wait!" Ida said happily, "My family all together."

Peri nodded, "I am going to change. Goodnight!"

"Night, Peri!" everyone said as she left them.