A Chaser or a Keeper

by Pluto24

When Rose Ward (O/C) starts her first year at Hogwarts, she instantly attracts the attention of school heartthrob Edward Oliver. Join Rose over her school years at Hogwarts packed with adventure, friendships, romance, drama and heartache. A book merging characters and situations from Harry Potter and Twilight.

18. New Years

This chapter has been sitting, waiting patiently to be written for quite some time. I hope you guys aren't disappointed! Thanks for all the lovely private messages too, the support is fab X

New Years.

Her heart unashamedly beating heavily in her chest, Rose couldn't help keep the fixated grin on her face as she kept staring back to Edward, his adoring eyes meeting hers every time. The fog had now lifted, with the birds morning song loudly heard in the calm breeze. Their embraced hands swinging as they walked, they both knew it was mere minutes until they were inevitably going to be with company.

As they slowly approached the oak front doors Edward paused, rubbing Rose's thumb with his own as a way of reassuring her.

"You ready?" He asked huskily with a sly grin.

Releasing her hand from his, she slowly dragged her hand from his face, down his neck to his chest, with one last slow kiss, she replied seductively.

"How hard can it be? I've had to be without you for three days. I can cope for a couple of hours."

"Maybe I can't?" Edward warned, though his smile betrayed his words.

"Then you loose the bet." Rose laughed.

He elegantly opened the door, offering with his hand for her to go first. The Entrance Hall was empty but the distinct sound of cutlery and conversations could clearly be heard from doors further down.

"I should go and get ready." Rose whispered, looking down at her pajamas.

"Maybe." Edward replied with an amused smile. "Everyone seems to be in Hall, we can go back together."

His hand slide back into hers effortlessly as they climbed the stairs, his confidence that they would go undiscovered comforting. The common room was indeed empty, the room peaceful.

"I'll meet you downstairs." Edward smiled. "I'll unpack and observe from my dormitory."

"You don't have hide up there." Rose chuckled.

"No." Edward admitted. "But its probably best, just in case."

Giving her a small peck on the check, he gently stroked the necklace fondly, his smile returning.

"I will be as quick as I can." Rose replied.

"Good." Edward admitted. "Remember a minute to a Vampire is eternity."

Giving his hand a quick squeeze, Rose departed to her empty dormitory. Rushing in the shower, she quickly changing into dungarees and a white t shirt, the fabric subtly hiding the necklace beneath. Tying her hair up into a ponytail she exhaled a gasp. There on her neck was love bite, but what shocked her most was that her body hadn't healed it.

"What does that mean?" She muttered to herself.

Lowering her hair to fall on that side, her long blonde locks fell gracefully to hide the bruise.

Tapping her leg to gain Smutz's attention, they made their way downstairs, Rose's mind now preoccupied on composing her surprise at Edward's early arrival.

Entering the Great hall nearly fifteen minutes after leaving Edward's side, she walked effortlessly to the Gryffindor table, her eyes clocking Ron instinctively. She knew she didn't have long until Edward would arrive, his impatience as bad as hers, but Rose knew that if she didn't already know that Angelina was down here, that she would have searched for her - the inevitable apology needed.

Angelina was making no attempt to ignore her anger towards Rose, her eyes showing her resentment loud and clear.

Walking towards her confidently, Rose sat down opposite her at the table.

"Can we talk?" Rose asked gently.

"About?" Angelina snapped.

"Last night." Rose replied. "I feel like I owe you an apology."

"Oh." Angelina breathed, her surprise clear. "Why?"

"Because." Rose breathed deeply. "I didn't answer your question and I feel that it is important that we leave no hesitation to how we both feel."

"Okay." Angelina replied, adjusting herself to listen.

"I love Edward-Oliver." Rose admitted in a whisper. "And yes, I will pursue him."

Angelina looked at Rose her eyes calculating.

"Why are you telling me this?" She asked curiously.

"Because from what I understand, you gave up your dream for mine." Rose admitted.

"How did you kn-? OLIVER?" Angelina acknowledged in alarm, her eyes now unfocused on Rose.

The whole table turned to look in the direction that Angelina was looking, Rose slowly turning to follow their gaze.

Edward had entered the room, his hands slotted a little too casually into his jeans pockets. He had also got changed into a tight white t shirt, his outfit too close to Rose's own choice.

Though still surprised, Angelina turned her focus back on Rose, her eyebrow raised questioningly. Rose subtly nodded - she didn't want Angelina to be part of the game.

"Thank you." Angelina confirmed. "You're a better friend then me."

"I'm just pleased there is no bad blood between us." Rose acknowledged, standing as she spoke. "I'll speak to you later."

"Angelina, hi." Edward said smoothly. "Did you have a good Christmas?"

Now directly behind her, with nowhere to escape to, Rose was well aware of her spine tingling at his mere presence.

"It was okay." Angelina admitted. "And its a nice surprise to see you back so soon."

Carefully looking at Rose, she returned a full attention back to Edward.

"It was through absence that I realised that I needed to be here." Edward replied smoothly. "Especially when I think of all the fun I have missed."

Angelina looked at him again with a slight blush, her own paranoia about the previous evening evident.

"We would like to keep our relationship discrete for now." Edward answered Angelina's unannounced question. "With a lot of eyes already on the pair of us, it would be nice to have some privacy."

As if realising he was standing too close, Edward moved to Rose's side, his eyes meeting hers briefly, as his hand subtly gripped her bottom.

"If you'll excuse me both." Rose smiled warmly to Angelina before locking her eyes on Edward. "Everyone is staring at us." She muttered under her breath, the words too quiet for Angelina to hear.

"Your Grandmother isn't - Oh no, now she is." Edward whispered back.

"Great." Rose sighed, her nose slightly wrinkled.

Approaching Harry and Ron, Rose slid down elegantly between the two of them, though they stayed silent they both had visible grins on their faces. Helping herself to a mug of coffee and a couple of croissants, it was only as she took her first sip that the silence was broken.

Now sitting directly opposite them, Fred and George had caught Edward and forced him to sit down, Lee unenthusiastically on his other side. Chuckling at their thoughts, Edward casually helped himself to a drink, trying to act as normal as he could.

Growing impatient, Fred turned his attention to Rose, his eagerness clear.

"Show us your neck?" He asked suspiciously.

"Excuse me?" Rose replied aghast, worried her bruise had become visible.

"Show us your neck." George repeated.

"Why?" Rose asked suspiciously.

"Because Edward is looking too smug for his own good." Lee answered dryly.

"And Rose showing her neck will prove what exactly?" Ron gulped nervously.

Quickly understanding Ron's panic, Rose placed her hand on his leg knowingly.

"I've told you I don't want that life." She whispered calmly.

Looking apologetically at Edward briefly, his eyes showing no dismay, she continued;

"They are asking because they know you have been to America?" Rose asked knowingly.

"Yes." Lee and Edward replied together.

Nodding, Rose looked carefully around. Content that it was just the six boys watching her, she retrieved the necklace from underneath her t shirt, the gasp escaping Ron's lips audiable.

"Woah." He gasped in amazement.

"Would you like to meet my girlfriend?" Edward chuckled with pride. "I think you will all approve."

Quickly returning the necklace to under her t shirt, Rose looked around a blush quickly forming.

"You sly old dog." Fred muttered with a grin. "What on earth on you going to do for future Christmas presents now? That gift is unbeatable."

"It was more the meaning behind the present." Edward smoothy answered. "Besides I really don't need any encouragement to spoil Rose rotten now do I?"

"No. You don't." Lee replied unimpressed.

Rose subtly frowned, making eye contact with Fred as she looked for some understanding.

"Don't worry about it." He mouthed.

Unperturbed by their interaction, Lee continued;

"And its nice to see your fan club is on form as usual Oliver."

Ron, Harry and Rose turned in their seats to see what he was talking about, their eyes widening at the scene before them. Surrounding the Gryffindor table was a line of girls who had clearly rushed back to their common rooms eager to be the first to offer Edward their Christmas gifts.

"Good grief." Harry sighed in amazement. "It seems like every girl is lined up."

"That would be every girl outside of Gryffindor." Lee answered bitterly. "The girls from our own house bribe us to leave them on Oliver's bed for him."

"Normally the benefits are quite rewarding." George nodded approvingly.

"And normally this line up happens on New Years Day when everyone has returned." Fred grinned. "And therefore much longer."

"A lot of people posted them by owl this year." Edward muttered unenthusiastically. "Alice just opened and kept the ones she wanted for herself."

"Anything good this year?" Fred asked curiously.

"Nothing worth mentioning." Edward answered with a smirk, his eyes drifting to Rose momentarily.

"So are you going to greet your adorning fans?" Rose asked seriously. "They are waiting patiently."

"No." Edward replied smoothly.

Rose raised her eyebrows, her look curious.

"Your Grandmother is making her way over." He answered smugly.

"Move out the way girls." McGonagall could be heard barking in the distance. "I have no idea why you are all lining up. Its hardly appropriate behaviour."

Tutting as she dispersed the crowd, she rolled her eyes as she made eye contact with their group.

"Back so soon Mr Wood?" The Professor inquired curiously.

"Yes Professor." Edward smiled.

"Very well." She nodded, her eyes quickly darting to Rose. "May I see you and Miss Ward in my office at some point this week?"

Rose shrunk a little, glancing from Edward to her Grandmother.

"I can appreciate it is still the Christmas holidays." She continued.

"Not at all." Edward replied knowingly. "If it okay with yourself, we can go now?"

Turning to look at the crowd of girls reforming, she smirked openly.

"Follow me." She agreed curtly.

Rose gulped as she slowly stood, turning to glance back at her family. They were waving as if she was off to be executed, only Lee looked physically smug.

They walked in silence as they followed McGonagall out the Hall and in the direction of her office. A couple of times Rose would glance up nervously at Edward, her heart twinging every time at his calm demeanor.

As they approached McGonagall's classroom, she turned to address them both.

"Please wait here for a couple of minutes." She ordered, before entering the room promptly.

"What is she doing in there?" Rose muttered.

"That would be telling." Edward grinned.

Rose scowled playfully, before her dread quickly returned.

"How much does my Grandma know about you?" She asked curiously.

"She knows as much as she needs to know as do all the teachers." Edward replied diplomatically. "She knows that I am vegetarian Vampire who is tame around humans. She doesn't however know that I can read her mind."

"She's known all this time." Rose said in disbelief.

"She is the Deputy Head teacher." Edward smiled. "And my Head of house, of course she knows. Don't you remember Fitches reaction to me?"

Before Rose could answer or ask her next urgent question the door opened, her Grandmother indicating for them to go up the spiral staircase to her own personal space. Nodding in understanding they both silently climbed the metal stairs, McGonagall shortly behind them. At the top of the stairs was a large open space, with two firm leather arm chairs next to the crackling fire.

"Sit." McGonagall indicated as made her way over to the one remaining chair. "Tea anybody?"

"Please." Rose nodded as she sat, her throat all of a sudden dry.

"I've had an elegant sufficiency of liquids this morning, thank you." Edward grinned.

Accepting the teacup and saucer from her Grandmother, Rose quickly drank from the cup, now point blank refusing to look at Edward.

"You're probably wondering why I have invited you here at such short notice, especially when what I have to say is brief." She paused looking at them both.

"Are we in trouble?" Rose asked confused, paranoid that someone had caught them this morning.

"On the contrary." McGonagall smiled. "I am here to give you my blessing on becoming Vice Quidditch Captain."

"Excuse me?" Rose interrupted, her eyes now looking questioningly at Edward.

"Yes." McGonagall pondered thoughtfully. "I think the two of you will make a good couple."

"Angelina handed in her notice just before the last dance competition." Edward explained carefully. "I didn't want to.. distract you.. so I came straight to the Professor here to see what she thought on the matter. It was Angelina's idea to have you as the Vice Captain, she is under the impression you are the only once able to get under my skin."

"Well is she?" McGonagall asked curiously.

"Rose can be...very persuasive." Edward answered diplomatically.

"I see." McGonagall nodded, though there was a clear smirk present. "So, would you like to accept the challenge Rose?"

Rose grinned, her own amusement clear now she had relaxed a little.

"Yes." She admitted. "Do I get to have the badge to display with pride too?"

"You do." Her Grandmother agreed, reaching onto the table adjacent to her. "Would you like it now?"

Nodding, Rose got up, accepting the silver badge from her Grandmothers hand. McGonagall breathed heavily, clutching Rose's hand momentarily before speaking carefully;

"There are many viscous people in this world that won't always understand people who are different. We have seen this in the way your own parents have been treated and at times your own gift. Look after one another, and lean on both your strengths." Her Grandmother whispered.

"Grandma?" Rose gulped, the colour draining slightly from her face.

Edward rose from his chair nodding his thanks, clearly touched by her words. He was first to leave the room, giving the polite impression of some privacy between the two women.

"He is a good boy that Edward-Oliver." She continued. "Just be careful to not fall too quickly."

"I-" Rose stuttered.

"I've been watching you both for quite a while, everyday a chapter in your own personal story." McGonagall explained. "And with any romantic novel it has its ups and downs."

Looking at her knowingly from behind her glasses she nodded warmly.

"Thank you." Rose whispered gratefully, embracing her Grandmother's hands in hers.

"Your welcome." She murmured affectionately.

Leaving her office shortly after, Rose playfully smacked Edwards arm as she approached him in the corridor - he had afterall lead her to believe her Grandmother was there to scold them on their relationship.

Chuckling in amusement, he turned to kiss her slowly, his amusement still clear.

"I'm sorry." He cooed affectionately

"You will be." Rose agreed sternly.

"Its a good job your Grandmother approves then." Edward grinned wider.

"You should at least try to not eavesdrop." Rose tutted.

"Mmm Maybe." Edward grinned, linking her arm as she walked down the corridor. "But whilst we broach that subject, can you tell me why you were surprised earlier?"

"When?" Rose replied honestly, "I've been surprised an awful lot today already."

"Good Point." Edward admitted. "In this particular instance I'm talking about when you were getting changed earlier. I heard you whisper 'what does that mean?' and I've been dying to ask you ever since."

"Oh that," Rose blushed. "Well, its probably easier if I show you."

Retrieving her hair with her spare hand, she revealed the love bite for Edward to see.

"Oh." He replied, his own surprise clear.

"I know." Rose agreed. "Its hardly subtle either."

"Well." Edward replied, his crooked smile present. "Maybe it hasn't disappeared or healed because it was created out of enjoyment?"

"I don't think that's how it works." Rose chuckled.

"Well your gift can be triggered by powerful emotion right?" Edward pressed.

"In rare cases yes." Rose agreed. "But few cases have been documented."

"Exactly." Edward smiled. "We were both emitting pretty powerful emotions earlier, hence the recorded memory."

"Well. Lets be a little more careful in future." Rose chuckled. "I can't really explain it away when its shaped like your mouth."

"I rather like it." Edward purred.

Rose giggled, the entertaining laugh short lived. Waiting outside the portrait hole for them were the twins and Lee, determination etched on all their faces.

Loosening her grip on Edward, Rose quickly covered her neck just in time to come face to face with them all.

"How did it go?" George said eagerly. "You don't look too traumatised."

"This is true." Rose agreed. "She simply wanted to give me this in the end."

"Angelina's Vice Captain badge?" Fred acknowledged quickly. "But that would mean.."

"She could boss us about with a valid reason." George gulped.

"Its more so that Rose can do it to me." Edward replied reassuringly.

"Its also a convenient excuse for you two to be around each other even more." Lee added dryly.

"Why I hadn't thought of that Lee." Edward smirked. "But thank you for the idea."

Lee scowled bitterly, before jerking his head towards the portrait hole.

"Aren't their thoughts annoying you?" He muttered.

"Not as much as other peoples." Edward snapped back.

"Lee does have a point." George grinned sympathetically. "And we are desperate for the edible delights they have on offering for you."

"I have already shotgunned the Bertie Botts collection." Fred added.

"Well in that case, after you." Edward sighed unenthusiastically.

The boys crammed into the open portrait hole eager to get their hands on the presents awaiting Edward. Edward didn't move from beside Rose, his unease clear.

"Harry and Ron are in their dormitory." Edward sighed.

Rose leant closer to him, her lips tickling his bottom lip flirtatiously. The reaction was instant, his lips automatically opening in yearning, but Rose refused to give into temptation, she was determined to win.

"Have fun." She whispered, her lips playfully nibbling on his.

"That's not fair." Edward pleaded as she walked into the common room.

"I told you, I'm in it to win it." Rose whispered discreetly so only Edward could hear.

Walking past the crowd of scowling girls, Rose nodded to Angelina who was sitting in the window seat. Holding up the badge for her to see, there was an exchange of smiles, before Rose slipped behind the boys dormitory door.

Now in the safe confines of Harry and Ron's room, she could explain what had happened from her early morning walk to her meeting with her Grandmother, but her adventure wasn't the only one that had taken place. Harry too had ventured out of hours to the restricted section of the library, but his adventure hadn't ended there. Harry had come across a booby-trapped book quite quickly and had therefore had to leave the library in a hurry. With Snape, Filtch and Mrs Norris hot on his cloak, Harry managed to find an open door to safety, the location now being referred to as the mirror room.

Once safely inside, Harry had removed his cloak to get a better look at his face in the mirror, but it wasn't just his face he could see. Standing beside him, clear as day was every member of his family, their features too close to his own.

"That's amazing." Rose whispered in amazement "But how is that even possible?"

"I don't know." Harry paused. "But I'm going back tonight, I really need to see them again."

"Maybe its a Christmas wish?" Rose smiled thoughtfully.

"It was certainly special seeing them in those circumstances." Harry sighed.

Patting his arm sympathetically, Rose addressed just Harry.

"Just be careful. You have already nearly been caught by Snape and Filtch."

"That's why I'm going with him tonight." Ron eagerly added. "And I want to meet his parents."

"Not that your not invited Rose, I'm sure there is plenty of room under the cloak." Harry quickly added.

"Thanks." Rose grinned. "But maybe its best to just take Ron out for now, on a practice run."

"I suppose you will be a bit distracted for a while." Ron grinned. "If you can ever fight your way through Oliver's fans that is."

"I wonder how he is getting along?" Rose grinned. "Lee was a bit too enthusiastic for him to get on with it earlier."

"Really? I've found Lee really quiet." Harry thought aloud. "He seemed a little off last night too, after the truth and dare incident."

"I think he has had a little crush on you." Ron sighed.

Rose cringed, the awkwardness visible.

"You knew?" Ron asked curiously.

"I had my suspicions" Rose admitted. "There have been a couple of glances that have left me questioning the intention."

"Poor Lee." Harry chuckled. "And Poor Oliver, he can read his thoughts."

"Indeed." Rose agreed. "But they are big boys and will sort this out amicably I'm sure."

"Shall we go rescue him regardless?" Ron chuckled.

"If that's okay?" Rose grinned.

Reappearing in the common room, Rose was surprised to see Fred and George on one table but no Lee and Edward.

"They needed to chat." Fred explained diplomatically.

"Did he open all his gifts?" Rose asked curiously.

"Not quite." George grinned. Indicating with his head, Rose looked in the corner of the room, the mountain of presents left untouched.

"Oh my." Rose exclaimed.

"That isn't just the Gryffindor lot if that makes you feel any better. The Owls delivered most of them from outside the castle walls." Fred explained.

"As in, some of them were still going to his home address?" Ron asked surprised.

"It happens every year." Fred grinned. "I guess they automatically came here when Edward arrived."

"Shall we go down to lunch?" Rose smiled bitterly, pulling her eyes away from the gifts."They can find us when they are ready."

Sitting down at the table, the five of them waited patiently for Lee and Edward's arrival, though they didn't need to wait long. The pair walked cooly into the room, their postures showing no hostility towards the other.

With Ron and Harry either side of her, Rose raised a subtle brow when it was in fact Lee who sat opposite her. With a subtle glance at Edward who was purposefully looking in the opposite direction, Rose realised quickly that he was intentionally ignoring her. Looking knowingly away, she nearly dropped the knife she was holding as her leg spasmed from an electric touch. Her eyes narrowed slightly as her leg, yet again felt the soft stroke of a foot.- When had he had time to subtly take his shoe off?

"Have you thought anymore the contest Rose?" Lee asked politely.

"The - Contest?" Rose replied, Edward's foot slowly stroking her inner thigh.

"Yeah, I mean you have two songs to do this time round. Have you thought about it at all?"

"I've chosen the songs." Rose smiled, her eyes quickly darting to Edward in warning. "But that's as far as I have got."

"Do you need any help?" Lee asked patiently.

Edward yawned unconvincingly, stretching his hands dramatically in the air. The notion gave him the advantage of stretching his legs out further, his foot yet again feeling her up seductively.

Rose slowly put her cutlery down, Edward's touch far too exciting to resist.

"I do." Rose smiled, her hands slipping under the table to grip Edward's foot affectionately. "I know your lighting skills are unbeatable but I was wanting to ask Flitwick whether having a saxophone player on stage counts as not being a solo act.

"I play the sax!" Lee eagerly answered.

"I know." Rose grinned. "And 'The edge of glory' would be the perfect dance to do as a solo, but I need conformation first before I start to think of the choreography to go along.

"When are you going to ask?"

"Anytime from tomorrow, I just didn't want to bother him over Christmas."

Massaging Edward's foot subtly between her hands, she enjoyed seeing his crooked smile vanish as she slowly stroked the sole of his foot. Edward was now sending his own warning glance, his look mistakenly picked up by Lee.

"That is if its okay with Oliver?" Lee quickly expressed.

"I don't own her Lee." Edward scolded. "Trust me when I say that look wasn't directed at you."

Rose openly grinned, her fingers playing with his toes fondly. With another playful scowl, he subtly retrieved his leg.

"Cheat." He mouthed.

Later on that evening in the common room, the discussions of games began to circulate again. Though 'Truth or Dare' wasn't mentioned because of the night before, Edward's presence made 'spin the bottle' the most popular suggestion. Unperturbed by their obvious hints, Edward sat close enough to Rose, so that he was present, but far enough away to not cause suspicion. With Edward showing no intention on playing any games, by nine thirty most had headed off to bed.

"Do you mind if we take Smutz tonight?" Ron asked eagerly.

"In case you get caught?" Rose asked knowingly.

"Precisely." Ron grinned.

"Sure." Rose agreed.

"Just avoid the restricted section this time okay?" Edward smirked knowingly, heading over to sit beside Rose.

"Because Nicolas Flamel isn't in there?" Rose asked innocently.

"Because I agree with Hagrid." Edward replied calmly. "And I'm trying to keep you all safe."

"Apart from some small rule breaking we have hardly done anything unsafe Oliver." Ron whispered defensively.

"No?" Edward replied. "I think you have forgotten that I know too well of the three headed dog and troll you have all encountered."

Rose gulped nervously. She hadn't considered that Edward would know of the first instance.

"We only tackled the troll to save Hermione." Harry argued. "And that dog was a pure accident."

"I know." Edward agreed calmly. "But these incidences are all connected, and I need to know that you are all safe - that Rose is safe." He shifted slightly so that he subtly took her hand. Squeezing it affectionately he released he hold before looking at the three of them. "Look I'm not doing this to be mean. There are many teachers here who have practiced occlumency, a skill that makes it harder for me to read their thoughts at the best of times. I can't answer most of your questions even if I wanted to."

"Is Snape one of the teachers?" Rose whispered excitedly.

"Yes." Edward admitted. "And no, I don't know whose footprints are outside." Looking at Ron as he said so. "Whoever they belong to, they have only being doing this for a short period of time and Hagrid's scent overpowers anything else by the time I can get close. I'm informing Dumbledore of everything I think is important."

"Do you think it is a teacher?"

Rose studied Edward, her eyes burrowing as he refused to answer.

"I'm not going to help you." Edward grinned. "I've just told you that everythings connected and its not safe."

"You are also well aware at how stubborn I am." Rose replied. "Its not my fault if danger follows us."

"That is part of the problem." Edward agreed with a sigh.

"I get to ask another question then?" Rose smirked.

"One." Edward agreed, his crooked grin present.

"Who is Nicolas Flemal?" She asked eagerly.

"Rose." He sighed, looking at her in desperation. His serious face didn't last long, a small smile curling in the corner of his mouth.

Rose looked at him encouragingly, her face screaming at him to continue.

"Ironically Hermione has the book with the answer. She got it out a few weeks ago and has forgotten all about it."

"You've known we have been that close all along?" Rose sighed in frustration.

"Your not any closer to finding anything out." Edward replied with a smirk. "You forget how many books Hermione gets out for light reading."

"I'm grateful regardless." Ron sighed in gratitude. "It saves us having to venture into the library for the rest of the holiday."

Harry and Ron rose nervously from the other couch, the cloak subtly under Harry's arm.

"Just be careful." Edward warned them. " Especially now when taking Smutz outside at night."

"Why specifically at night?" Harry asked, his tone worried.

"Because yes, I do think it is a teacher." Edward muttered.

They waved the two of them off, Rose's face showing lines of concern.

"I'll keep an ear out." Edward whispered comfortingly. "There is only Hagrid currently outside."

"I guess I just never thought that there were other ways to block you out." Rose sighed. "Its almost as if this person is aware of your talents."

"I know."Edward replied. "Shall we continue this upstairs?"

He looked longingly at her, Rose all too aware that they still weren't alone - but they could be in her empty dormitory.

"Give me a couple of human minutes?" Rose grinned.

"You get two." Edward agreed. "They are still contemplating spin the bottle."

Rushing through her goodnights as quickly as she could, Rose made it to the bathroom at a sprint, brushing her teeth in record time. Tying her hair in a high pony tail, she was relieved to see that the bruise had heeled.

Now back in the bedroom, she pulled her clothes off, putting a fresh set of silk pajamas on just as the window behind her softly closed. Before Rose could even acknowledge the noise, she felt his warm arms hugging her waist from behind, soft kisses touching her neck delicately. Rose sighed, her body leaning into his touch.

"Those pajamas are more revealing then I envisioned." Edward gulped. "Especially the shorts, they don't leave anything to my imagination."

"In my defense." Rose whispered. "You gave me two minutes and these were the first ones I grabbed. Besides now that you have seen me in my underwear, there really isn't much else to admire."

Looking down at her own clothes for the first time, Rose watched Edward stroke the lace v shape top with his fingers, the necklace now on full display.

Edward grinned, kissing her passionately.

"And I've been grateful ever since to have perfect picture memory." He whispered, tracing his finger down, he paused when he got to her midriff. "But I would argue that there is penty more to admire."

Rose chuckled, placing her arms around his neck. Scooping her up in one hand, Edward elegantly moved them over to Rose's bed, lying down next to her, his eyes looking at her with absolute devotion.

"Can I stay here all night?" He asked, his voice steady but his eyes pleading.

"You want to watch me sleep?" Rose asked, her voice surprised.

"Only if your okay with it?" Edward nodded nervously. "Its very...soothing."

Rose laced her fingers through his, rubbing soothing circles into the back of his hand.

"I don't mind." Rose nodded, planting a kiss on his hand. "But I might not be able to sleep from sheer excitement."

"You'll cope." Edward chuckled, his head subtly turning towards the window. "Ron and Harry have just come back inside."

"Good." Rose sighed, a yawn escaping her as she did so.

Edward stroked her face with his spare hand, the repetitive calming notion soon making Rose's eyes flutter shut.

"Time to sleep Ray." Edward purred.

The next morning, Rose awoke from the most content sleep she had had in a very long time. Slowly opening her eyes, she was already aware of the buzzing sensation in her fingertips. She must have kept hold of Edward's hand all night.

"Morning." She finally expressed out loud. "How bored have you been?"

"Quite the opposite." Edward murmured. "You have no idea how lucky I have been."

"I find that hard to believe." Rose chuckled, snuggling into his chest. "But my god my duvet is going to smell extraordinary tonight because of you."

"Does that mean I am not welcome to return?" Edward chuckled, clearly amused.

"If you want too?" Rose replied. "I just struggle to believe you would want to be alone with me in silence for so long."

"Its bliss." Edward sighed. "You become the one sole focus, noone elses thoughts or dreams distracting my head. I like guessing at what your dreaming about, the facial expressions you pull and your body language. I need to get my fix whilst we still have the dormitory to ourselves."

"That is an advantage we currently have." Rose grinned. "How early do you think I could go to bed this evening without causing suspicion."

"How about straight after dinner?" Edward chuckled. "You could fake illness."

"Good idea." Rose laughed. "Shall I just stay in bed all day? You have nowhere to be right?"

"Nothing if it doesn't include you." Edward agreed. "Though we still have our game to play."

"Ah yes." Rose agreed. "Who is winning so far?"

"You." Edward answered quickly. "You manipulate my intentions."

"I look forward to todays round then." Rose grinned, kissing him softly on the lips.

Edward quickly rolled on top of her, revealing from beneath the covers his perfect pecks and torso.

"When did you take your t shirt off?" Rose gushed, unable to not admire him.

"I got pretty hot last night." Edward grinned. "It was either my top or my trousers.

Rose blushed at the thought of lying there unaware of Edward trouserless. Amused by her staring eyes, Edward tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear, his crooked smile making her melt internally.

"I thought Vampires were meant to be cool in nature." Rose muttered, making his grin spread futher.

"We are." Edward admitted. "And yet, last night I felt like I was breaking out into a sweat."

"Hmmm."Rose answered thoughtfully, admiring his toned upper arms.

"Would you like me to put my t shirt back on?" He whispered confidently, leaning in to slowly kiss her.

"Not really." Rose grumbled. "As I think you already knew."

Chuckling deeper, Edward kissed her again, his tongue going deep and controlled.

"So can we just stay here today?" He whispered his earlier question in her ear.

"No." Rose giggled. "You still have a mountain of presents to open."

Edward shot her a look, half way between menace and amusement.

"Some of those presents I have no interest in sieving through." Edward answered with a nose wrinkle.

"Alice warned you about something in particular?" Rose asked curiously.

"A few." Edward agreed. "But most of them are edible - if you like the taste of confectionary."

"I've got the feeling your hiding something inbetween your wording." Rose replied, her curiosity heightened.

"You'll find out soon enough I think." Edward grinned, his hand cupping her face. "I need to find the 'gift' first."

"Fine." Rose agreed. "But if you find chocolates that are safe to consume, can I please at least have one box?"

"Of course." Edward chuckled. "I could feed them to you."

Rose shot him a warning look, before giggling loudly, the mental image too amusing.

"Time to get up." Rose smirked, ducking underneath his arm and elegantly jumping from the bed.

"I might just stay here whilst you shower if that's okay?" Edward asked carefully. "Afterall, it smells like heaven in here and my alternative is a room that smells most defiantly like boy."

"Sure." Rose agreed. "I shouldn't be too long."

Slowly shutting the bathroom door on herself, Rose pushed her hair back with her hand, her heart still beating heavily. She had spent a whole night in Edward's company and had even seen him half naked, her mind spiralling in dizzy ecstasy. Turning the shower quickly on, she jumped in before it had time to fully heat up, desperate to get the task finished as quickly as possible. Wrapping a thin silk robe around herself she made her way back to her bed, relieved to see Edward, still topless in the middle of the four poster bed.

"That was fast." Edward grinned.

"Good." Rose smiled, kneeling beside him. "But you do know that I'm going to have to get dressed at some point?"

"Mmmm" Edward frowned, his eyes focusing on the very thin material. "Do you?"

"Yes." Rose laughed. "So close your eyes."

She watched him do as he was told, surprised that he did it so easily. Removing the robe, the fabric softly hitting the floor, Rose rummaged around in her dresser draw, relieved to find quite quickly a bra and pants matching set.

"That colour suits you." Edward murmured innocently.

"Who said you could look already?" Rose tutted, her head turning to scowl.

"I could hear you putting the lingerie on." Edward grinned. "As the hook an eye was fastening, I knew it was only going to be moments until you were safe to see."

"Is that so." Rose smirked. "Or are you coming up with a convenient excuse because I just called you out on being a peeping Tom?"

Edward was beside her quicker then she could have anticipated, his head bowed against hers.

"I'm sorry." He whispered.

"Its not the first time you've seen me in underwear." Rose replied, her hand tracing his muscled chest.

"I know." Edward sighed. "But I should have had more control. I really have started to become that typical teenage boy."

"I like the fact that you admire my body." Rose blushed, gently grabbing his hands and placing them on her waist. "Besides.." She whispered, kissing him passionately. "This is all your getting all day."

"I better make it count then." Edward growled, pulling her closer to him.

There was a knock on the dormitory door making Rose jump and Edward groan.

"Angelina." Edward answered knowingly.

"What does she want?" Rose whispered.

"She wants to mend bridges." Edward replied.

The knock on the door was heavier and more deliberate this time, as if Angelina was getting impatient.

"One moment." Rose shouted.

"I'll go and get dressed." Edward sighed, giving her peck on the cheek.

Waiting until he was safely out the window, Rose hurried to open the door for Angelina.

"Angelina.. hi!"

"Rose! Gosh, I'm sorry, your not even dressed yet.. my God is that a necklace?"

"Right." Rose blushed, forgetting the lack of clothing. "Come in, I'll only be two ticks."

Quickly turning to hide the necklace, she paced quickly back to her bedside.

"Gosh it smells lovely in here." Angelina exclaimed. "How have you managed to make it smell so much like Oliver?"

Pulling a turtleneck on, Rose was glad she wasn't looking at Angelina.

"I errr have his t shirt." Rose improvised, grabbing the top off her bed. "I guess you can smell it from that."

"You have some of his clothes?"

"With his permission." Rose gulped, a deep blush forming. "Please don't tell anyone."

"I'm just amazed." Angelina replied, clearly impressed. "Did he just hand it to you off his body or..." She drifted off.

"He took it off as he got too hot." Rose admitted.

"So you've seen his..."

"Torso?"

"Yes." Angelina sighed.

"Briefly." Rose replied honestly.

"And?" Angelina begged.

"It was amazing." Rose admitted. "He is perfectly toned of course, but the snail trail leading down to his jeans made my knees wobble."

"Holy guacamole." Angelina sighed.

"Yeah." Rose agreed, tucking the turtleneck top into her chord skirt. "Anyway enough of my blabbering, is everything okay?"

"Oh yeah." Angelina grinned, clearly also distracted. "I just wanted to speak to you privately before breakfast."

"Okay." Rose nodded, tapping her bed for Angelina to sit, she herself perched at the edge. "What's up?"

"Well, every year on New Years Eve, there is a themed party in the Great Hall." Angelina explained. "Its always good fun as everyone has returned from the holidays and they always get a guest singer to preform."

"It sounds wonderful."

"It usually is." Angelina agreed. "And though noone is obliged to go, most do."

"What's the theme this year?" Rose asked.

"The posters were put up this morning." Angelina smiled. "Its a masquerade ball."

Angelina fidgeted with her hands, clearly anxious.

"What's up Angelina?" Rose whispered.

"They haven't got a guest singer this year." Angelina explained. "And Lee has offered to DJ, which is great but...live music can't be beaten, if it is done well."

"I agree." Rose smiled. "But I'm still not following."

"To give Lee a break, it has been decided that there will be a window of opportunity for people to sing if they so wish, and I was wondering if you would like to join, me Alicia and Katie?"

"Like our own girl band?" Rose grinned.

"More like your backing singers if that's okay?"

"Doesn't one of you want to be in the limelight?" Rose replied sincerely. "I mean, I'm already in the singing competition remember."

"No." Angelina said adamantly and very quickly. "I will be fine as long as I'm singing alongside others but I don't want to be at the front."

"Oh." Rose nodded. "Well, what song were you thinking of?"

"As in you'll do it?" Angelina grinned.

"Of course I will." Rose smiled.

"Wonderful! We haven't thought of a song yet, but we want to harmonise."

"Do you guys understands chords?" Rose asked.

"No." Angelina admitted.

"Okay." Rose replied. "Why don't you fetch the others and we can discuss it over lunch?"

Following Angelina from the dormitory, Rose was relieved to see Edward waiting for her in the common room beside Harry and Ron. From their lack of questioning it was clear that they had already been filled in on Angelina and Rose's conversation, or at least hopefully only the second half of it.

"Have you seen the poster?" Ron whispered as they walked down the corridor towards the Entrance Hall. "Its asking for white tie, that's only one step away from being dressrobes."

"I saw." Rose agreed. "I was worrying about the same thing."

"You have dresses though?" Ron frowned.

"Not ball gowns." Rose muttered.

"I have a couple of spare suits that would fit you and Harry?" Edward suggested.

"Really?" Ron asked gratefully. "That would be fantastic, thank you. I might have trousers that fit properly for once."

"No problem." Edward chuckled.

Alicia, Katie and Angelina were already eagerly awaiting Rose as she came into the Great Hall, a lunch plate already dished up for her.

"Angelina has filled us in." Alicia grinned. "I'm so excited."

"And we thought of 'Alicia Keys' song No One.' That song isn't played enough."

"I love that song." Rose agreed. "Its so powerful."

"And the chorus is screaming to be harmonised."

"How do you feel about singing it live and not miming?" Rose asked.

"Fine." They all agreed.

"Good." Rose smiled. "So chords...So to harmonise we all need to sing the song in a certain pitch, which then produces a chord when we all sing together. This song is in the chord of C, which means we need to sing C, E and G together. With me so far?"

"I don't know what those different keys sound like." Katie admitted.

Rose smiled, demonstrating each key for them to understand. After a bit of practice, Rose realised that Katie sounded best if she followed Rose's lead, whilst Alicia and Angelina worked in either key.

"Okay." Rose smiled. "I think with a bit of practice this will sound beautiful. Angelina are you okay singing in key C with Katie?"

"Yes" Angelina sighed with relief. "That would be ideal. And Alicia if you take the G? That way if I need to tweak I can change key."

"Its a good job you know what you are talking about." Katie laughed.

"Its my first collaboration." Rose grinned. "It might not work at all."

"Shall we quickly try?" Alicia whispered. "Noone will hear us over the top of all this talking."

They sang the first two lines of the chorus, the harmony strong. Their voices sounded good together, but Rose was conscious of singing quieter then usual, she didn't want to drown them all out. Relieved that the girls were grinning as much as she was, she agreed to wearing her mask from the 'born this way' dance on the night, so that they all matched once more.

The next couple of days went in a blink of an eye, with Rose growing too accustomed to Edward being there when she awoke every morning. Only their radio show broke up their routine, with the five of them seriously having to be as diplomatic as possible with the feedback from Marrietta's love letter- it seemed that the whole of Hogwarts had realised who it was and their feedback was crystal clear.

By the morning of New Years Eve, Rose refused to leave her bed knowing it was the last time she and Edward would have this kind of privacy for some time.

"Tomorrow is just another day." Edward smiled bitterly. "We will work something out."

"Maybe we should just become public." Rose sighed into his shoulder. "At least that way we wouldn't have to control our movements around each so much."

"I thought we both agreed that privacy was best for now?" Edward asked, his tone worried.

"I do." Rose admitted. "I like not having everyone stare at me in hatred and I love winding you up." She grinned.

"You have been driving me mad." Edward whispered into her hair."

"And you haven't been doing the same to me?" Rose chuckled. "But seriously, what are we to do? Its not fair for you to sneak in here with the other girls around."

"Not without their consent no." Edward sighed. "And I doubt you want to come into my dormitory either.

"No." Rose agreed.

"We will think of something." Edward repeated, rubbing her shoulders. "Lets get through tonight first."

"Yes tonight." Rose sighed. "I need to make a dress."

"Can't you wear the white one you wore from your Bob Dylan evening?" Edward asked curiously. "I rather liked that one."

"But you've already seen me in it." Rose frowned.

"So?" Edward asked his face amused. "You know its you I'm going to be admiring regardless. Have you got a back up dress in mind?"

"Good question." Rose sighed, moving over to her wardrobe. "It really sounds like the dress needs to be long if its a ball."

"It does look like most girls are going for long dresses." Edward admitted. "Though some have completely missed that brief entirely."

"Too short?" Rose grinned.

"Far too short."

Rose pulled out a black low v necked dress, with a side split. The back just as low as the front. Figure hugging, it left nothing to the imagination, the material like a second skin once on.

"That's nice." Edward replied enthusiastically, "and its floor length."

"It would certainly allow the necklace to take centre stage." Rose smiled.

"I think most boys will be staring at other things." Edward muttered knowingly. "But you don't seem happy?"

"Its just plain." Rose sighed.

Turning her back on the mirror, she turned to Edward, her face looking at him adoringly.

"You need to hunt." She murmured. "You haven't been all week and I'm draining you."

"I can put it off until tonight." Edward sighed. "After the ball ends and I have to leave you, I haven't got much to do."

"Maybe I will start the year doing an all nighter?" Rose grinned.

"Lets see how long you last." Edward grinned. "But I know your right, your friends will be arriving soon and will need to unpack."

"And get ready." Rose sighed.

"Indeed." Edward agreed. "So, shall I meet you on the dancefloor later?"

"Sure." Rose grinned. "I'll be the one dressed in black."

"You will look lovely whatever you choose to wear." Edward smiled, kissing her softly.

Rose watched him leave through her window, her heart yearning sightly once he was out of sight. Smutz lifted his head off the bed, noticing that they were suddenly alone.

With Harry and Ron helping Hagrid with tonights decorations, Rose still had a little time alone until Hermione and the others returned.

Placing the black dress on the bed next to her black mask, Rose crouched beside the bed, looking for a set of heels that would best suit the dress. Tucked into the corner were a brand new pair of cherry red stilettos, each shoe adorned with satton ribbon to wrap around each leg in an elegant bow. Knowing that these would be visible with the thigh spilt in the dress, Rose was pleased that her improvised outfit was at least coming together better then she thought.

As she pulled the shoes out from under her bed, a silver sequin from another pair of shoes came loose. Rose held it in her hand, contemplating how simple the bead was and yet how easily it caught the light, even with the lack of light currently present in the room. The object was simply beautiful, yet what would happen if there were more of the tiny circles of light?

Rose placed the single sequin on her black dress, trying to imagine if this would look ridiculous. She would need thousands, if not millions of sequins to cover the surface area of her dress and little time to achieve her goal.

"Sod it." She muttered, after all she still had the white dress as a back up.

Frantically searching for the spell she needed, she finally found it in the 'Standard book of spells volume seven'.

"Geminio" Rose whispered as she shut her eyes nervously, praying that the entire room wouldn't soon be covered in tiny sequins.

As she opened her eyes, she was relieved to see them all laid out on the front half of her dress, the black fabric completely hidden.

"Reparo?" Rose asked curiously, hoping that as the spell fixed things, it would technically fix themselves to the fabric.

Nothing seemed to have changed, the dress innocently shimmering in the cande light. Rose leant over to pick up a bead, a gasp escaping her as she felt the fabric tug beneath her fingers. She stroked the surface, feeling the sequins move underneath her fingertips like fishscales. It didn't matter the direction she stroked, all you could see were sequins.

Rose had just finished the back when the dormitory door burst open with Lavender and Parvati storming into the room first, shortly followed by Hermione.

"Rose!" They all said together.

"Hi everyone." Rose grinned. "Looking forward to tonight?"

"We cannot wait." Lavender and Parvati explained. "But Hermione isn't going."

"Oh?" Rose exclaimed, looking at Hermione for conformation.

"I'm just wanting to read my books." Hermione smiled. "You can fill me in tomorrow."

Rose nodded her understanding. She was glad that she had wrote to Hermione and she therefore already knew about Edward and herself. She could wait to have her catch up when Hermione was less exhausted.

"Is there anything I can get you?" Rose asked softly.

"No." Hermione smiled gratefully. "But you can show me what your wearing tonight."

Rose had just finished explaining to Hermione what spells she had used for her makeshift outfit, when Lavender bounded over, the excitement clear in her voice.

"It smells of boy in here." She stated boldly. "I've been breathing in deeply for over ten minutes and that heavenly scent isn't disappearing."

"What on earth are you accusing me off?" Rose blushed, her ears going warm.

"Especially as boys can't enter the girls dormitories." Hermione tutted, but she was clearly smirking.

"It smells of boy." Lavender repeated adamantly.

"And more specifically, Edward-Oliver." Parvati chipped in.

"Well." Rose replied thoughtfully. "I have been hanging around with mostly boys the past week due to my girlfriends being away."

"How close have you been to Oliver Wood to get this whole room to smell like this?" Parvati laughed.

"You tell me." Rose muttered.

"Well." Lavender sighed. "If the scent lingers, I'm certainly not going to complain. Do you think our clothes will start to smell of it?"

Parvati smelt Rose's top, frowning as she did so.

"Yes and no." She replied bitterly. "I can smell Rose's perfume over the top of his aftershave."

"I'm not wearing perfume." Rose replied smugly. "That's just how I smell."

"Bitch." Parvati joked. "You smell amazing."

"So I've been told." Rose chuckled, but wanting to change the subject very quickly she continued. "Anyway before we all get ready, Parvati would you be okay doing my costumes for the competition again?"

"You trust me after last time?" Parvati joked.

"Something tells me, it wasn't your ideas that got created." Rose shuddered from the memory.

"No." Parvati agreed. "What are you thinking?"

"I want two outfits that are complete contrasts." Rose replied thoughtfully. "Not just the colours but the styles too."

"What are your Lady Gaga choices this time?"

"Alejandro and Edge of Glory."

"Okay." Parvati nodded as she made notes. "And how many costumes?"

"Just me." Rose replied. "Edge of glory is my solo act. I've been speaking to Lee about sets and he has been building things from old Qudditch equipment Edward had kept. And with Alejandro I have a plan forming in my head. I just need a dance partner who owns a suit."

"And the set design for that?"

"I think we can cope without it." Rose replied thoughtfully." You have the entire budget, if you have any left over we can worry about it then."

"I'm so excited." Parvati grinned. "Leave it with me, I think I have the perfect ideas."

The next hour was spent in complete silence, as the three girls got ready, with Hermione quietly reading. It was unusual for Rose to have such a long time to get ready, and she was excited to be able to take her time and create flawless eyes makeup - after all, her eyes needed to stand out from behind the mask.

She chose a rich bronze eyeshadow, as she knew this shade would make her ocean eyes as bright as they could be. She then blended a light blue to the corner of her eyes, the extra pop making her eyes the main focus.

She blinked as she applied her mascara, her thick lashes elongating every time she applied it. Double checking she was happy with the results so far, she applied her signature cherry red lipstick, noting how her lips now matched her shoes perfectly. With a quick application of blusher, Rose was more then pleased with her appearance. Now she just had to tackle her hair.

She concentrated on her hair having tight waves, her hair instantly commanding to her thoughts as it rose up her back to bellow her shoulders.

"I hate that you can just do that." Lavender groaned. "When we only have potion products to help taime our hair."

"I'm sorry." Rose chuckled. "Would you prefer if I looked like this?"

For just a second Rose had extremely short hair, the results making Lavender's eyes bulge.

"How did you do that?!" She whispered.

"A natural talent." Rose winked.

Though Lavender and Parvati had grown witness to Rose being able to change her hair, they didn't know how and Rose didn't particularly want to share the reason behind it.

With a side glance at Hermione, Rose sat back down, rummaging around her jewellery bag for some clips for her hair. Pulling out a crystal oval clip from her bag, she pushed it through the left side of her hair away from her face. Retrieving another from her bag, she repeated on the other side, relieved that the old fashioned clips worked.

Drawing her bed curtains, Rose slipped into the diamond dress, grinning to herself at how every surface now had glimmering light refracted off it due to the sequins. Slipping the tall stilettos on, she carefully wrapped each ribbon around each ankle, tying the red ribbons in two tight neat bows at the back. Rose stood, aware that she was currently very tall, she reached for her wand, confidently muttering the spell that made her maintain her usual height but made the shoes remain looking like heels. Brushing her dress nervously, Rose retrieved the mask off the bed, and slowly opened the curtains back.

"Wow." Hermione answered immediately. "Rose, you look absolutely flawless."

"You're too kind Hermione." Rose blushed. "Do you think the dress looks homemade?"

"No." Hermione replied quickly. "Its perfect."

"It really is." Parvati agreed, walking over in a violet and gold saree. "I can't take my eyes off you. I was admiring those gorgeous shoes, but I've just noticed your necklace, its exquisite."

"It was a gift." Rose smiled bashfully.

"Its incredible." Parvati replied. "Have you had it long?"

"A little while." Rose muttered carefully. "I have started to wear it most days, though kept it hidden."

"I don't blame you." Hermione smiled. "After all it suits you."

Rose walked over to the bathroom mirror, looking carefully at her whole outfit in the mirror. The dress tightly clung to her body, showing off her curves. The necklace lay perfectly against her skin, the pendant landing just above her cleavage. The mask still in her hands, Rose placed the black mask over her face, tying it neatly at the back of her head.

"Are you both ready?" Lavender asked, the eagerness clear. "It starts in five minutes."

Looking at the time, Rose was surprised to see that it was indeed nearly eight.

"Will you be okay with Smutz?" Rose asked guiltily.

"My perfect night in." Hermione smiled.

Following the other two from the room, Rose was glad to see Harry and Ron waiting on the sofa, though Rose was surprised to see them in such casual dress. Waving goodbye to Lavender and Parvati, Rose made her way over to the boys.

"Rose!" Harry announced, giving Ron a nudge. "Wow!"

"Thank you." Rose grinned. "Have you guys just made it back upstairs?"

"Unfortunately." Ron agreed. "My back is killing me."

"Oh no." Rose sighed. "Are you not coming to the ball then?"

"I can't imagine staying up much longer." Ron winced.

"We're both pretty tired." Harry agreed guiltily. "Hagrid has had us putting fairy light all over the place outside for tonight."

"Is anyone going to go outside?" Rose replied surprised. "It was freezing when I took Smutz out earlier."

"They have put a warming charm on all the doors." Ron grinned bitterly. "It's currently like the tropics out there."

"Well." Rose sighed. "I guess I will head down alone then, Hermione didn't want to go either."

"I'm sorry." Ron gulped guiltily.

"Don't be." Rose smiled.

"Shall I take you downstairs?"

Rose turned to see Percy, his chest puffed out proudly displaying his prefect badge.

"Thank you Percy." Rose grinned. "That would be lovely."

"See you next year." Ron yawned at they left though the portrait hole.

They walked in silence, their arms linked in a loose embrace. Percy seemed content in his own thoughts, as he muttered things quietly under his breath. Rose knew better then to interrupt him, but she couldn't help but pause just before the decent to the marble staircase, the hum of the crowd below clear.

"Perc?" Rose spoke aloud.

"Hmm?" He replied mid thought.

"Your mask?" Rose replied gently. "Your not wearing one."

"Oh right." He nodded, loosing his arm momentarily to retrieve it from his pocket. "Would you mind?"

"Not at all." Rose grinned.

Moving to behind him, Rose tied the marron satin bow.

"There, is that too tight?" Rose asked soothingly.

"Perfect." Percy grinned nervously.

Hooking his arm back in hers, they glided down the staircase, the crowd growing quieter the more visible they became. Rose looked around the crowd, aware of the looks she was recieving, these were the looks that were usually reserved for Edward.

"They are all looking at you." Percy whispered under his breath.

"Just keep walking." Rose murmured, though she couldn't help an amused smile.

Walking smoothly through the thick crowd, Percy clung to her arm tighter, unsure of the new found attention. Luckily people just moved out of their way, the way to the Great Hall now easily in sight. As they entered the Hall alone Rose's breath caught as she took in the beauty of the room. All the Christmas trees, chairs and house tables had been removed, the place now pitch black with twinkling stars scattered over the walls making them blend effortlessly into the ceiling. Lee was positioned where the teachers table normally stood, the radio equipment set up on a stage for him to use to DJ for the evening. Hung from the tall ceiling, twelve retro disco balls twirled slowly around, their lights bouncing off Rose's dress creating more stars across the floor and walls. The house flags and house point hourglasses had temporarily been removed, revealing four open balcony doorways that lead onto the terrace beyond. Even from a distance you could see how much hard work Harry and Ron had put in, the warm amber glow inviting and complete contrast to the dark disco. To the right were the drinks and food tables, where Fred and George were currently stood. Though the room was still unusually quiet, Rose could quickly tell that Edward was nowhere to be seen.

"Are you okay if I leave your side now?" Percy whispered awkwardly. "I'm not used to that much attention and duties call."

"Of course." Rose chuckled. "And thank you."

Nodding guiltily, Percy quickly walked into the dark corner of the room eager to go unnoticed. Glad that the twins beckoned her eagerly over, Rose quickly waved hello to Lee as she walked over to them.

"Don't you two scrub up well." Rose stated proudly.

"Thank you." George grinned. "We managed to borrow the suits Harry and Ron were going to use."

"How did you know they weren't coming?" Rose asked curiously.

"Alice" Fred grinned knowingly.

"I seriously cannot wait to me her." Rose sighed. "Have you ever...?"

"Only briefly." Fred smiled sadly. "She sounds like a wonderful person, but Oliver has always been cautious of mixing his two worlds."

"Though Oliver has said that she is very keen to meet you too apparently." George grinned. "All his family are."

"Hopefully they wont be disappointed." Rose joked.

'Donna Summer's Last Dance' started to play, the tune making them all pause to listen.

"No one is dancing to this?" Rose sighed sadly.

"They all look too nervous." Fred grinned.

"Well, will one of you dance with me? Hopefully we could get this party started." Rose asked them both.

"I'll go." Fred chuckled.

"I'll go grab Angelina." George winked. "She will like the attention she'll get if its just us four dancing."

Accepting Fred's outstretched hand, Fred confidently led Rose onto the dancefloor, leading her into an American smooth.

"Hopefully if he is watching, Oliver will enjoy the view and choice of dance." Fred ginned.

"I was expecting him to be here by now." Rose frowned. "It doesn't normally take him this long."

"It must be urgent." Fred soothed. "Trust me when I say this, the way you look tonight, he won't be wanting to miss this."

Rose smiled at him, her grin spreading to match his. As they continued to dance, the dancefloor become more populated, Fred having to manoeuvre his way through dancing couples. The song finished but Fred didn't release his hold, changing the routine to a quick step as 'Putting it on the Ritz' began to play. Clearly Lee was encouraged by the dance moves.

Fred sped through the crowd, making Rose roar with laughter at his enthusiasm, his skill as a ballroom dancer not going unadmired. The dancefloor quickly became too busy to continue the quickstep, so they slowed the pace, Rose still giggling alongside Fred. The song ended and Fred released his tight grip on Rose.

"I need a drink." He chuckled.

"That's okay Weasley, I'll take it from here."

Fred turned in the direction of the voice, his hand tightening around Rose at the realisation that it wasn't Edward.

"Diggory." He hissed.

"I thought we were meant to be conspicuous in masks?" Cedric chuckled.

Fred rolled his eyes looking at Rose for confirmation of what to do. It was a difficult one, after all dancing alone was innocent.

"I'll be fine Fred." Rose smiled reassuringly. "Just one FRIENDLY dance." She insinuated.

"Perfect." Cedric beamed.

Nodding to Fred to not worry. Rose accepted Cedric's warm hand as he pulled her closely to him.

"Friendly dance remember." Rose tutted, pulling away from him slightly.

Unfortunately Lee's next music choice was badly timed. 'The temptations My Girl' started to play, the dancefloor halting into a congregated slow dance. Rose could feel Fred's eyes burning a hole into Cedric, and Rose could only prey that Edward wasn't watching as Fred had stated earlier. The song continued to go by slowly in comparison to her time with Fred and Rose could only be grateful that as her dance partner was less confident in his moves, he was quiet with concentration.

As the song came to a close, Rose released her hold a bit too quickly. Feeling guilty at her sudden reaction, Rose was relieved to see that Cedric hadn't seemed to notice. He was beaming, clearly pleased with how the dance had gone.

"I'm going to go get a drink." Rose explained, quickly retracting away from Cedric towards the drinks table.

"Have I done something to upset you?" Cedric asked as he easily caught up with her.

"No." Rose answered honestly. "But we didn't leave for the holidays on the best of terms either."

"Because I was admiring you?" Cedric frowned.

Rose helped herself to a butter beer, taking a long drawn swig from the bottle.

"It was the way you were admiring me." Rose answered cooly. "It made me uncomfortable."

"And would you be saying that if it was Oliver?" Cedric asked harshly.

"Edward- Oliver has never stared directly at my breasts." Rose hissed a blush forming. *At least not in public* She thought.

"But he has stared at you." Cedric admitted. "I don't like it, he looks at you like you are something to eat."

"That in itself is a ridiculous statement, I seem to recall it was Flint that looked at me with such admiration." Rose smirked, taking another swig from the bottle. "And how Edward decides to stare at me is really none of your business."

Cedric chewed his lips thoughtfully, his eyes drawn to her necklace questioningly.

"I would never have put you down as a beer drinker." Cedric muttered, his eyes unmoved. "Especially one to swig from the bottle."

Rose knew he was trying to apologise, looking down at her bottle in her hand, she smiled as she replied;

"And how else should one drink butter beer? There aren't any glasses and it's perfectly convenient to drink straight from the source."

"You could have used a punch glass I suppose." Cedric replied eagerly.

"A punch glass?" Rose snorted.

"I don't know." Cedric chuckled. "All I'm saying is that your standing here radiant as ever and the beer drinking knocks back your perfect image slightly."

"Oh well." Rose sighed dramatically. "Being perfect is overrated."

Cedric laughed, leaning past Rose and helping himself to a beer. The close interaction felt odd and her instincts screamed at her to move to the side. Cedric didn't seem to notice her awkwardness, happily clicking his bottle with hers.

"Cheers."

Gesturing with his hand so that they would move more into the room, he continued;

"I wanted to ask you something, if it is okay with you?"

"That depends what you are asking me to do." Rose replied carefully.

"Well you still owe me a dance and song."

"I owe you a song. You've just chipped in your dance token."

"Seriously?"

"Seriously." Rose replied adamantly. "Have you thought of a song yet?"

"I have." Cedric agreed.

"Well?" Rose asked with raised eyebrows.

"I'm not saying." Cedric grinned. "I've got us booked in for when the competition is out the way."

"Okay." Rose chuckled nervously."

"I think you will approve of the song choice." Cedric nodded. "But I wondered if I could upgrade?"

"Upgrade?" Rose replied confused.

"Yes." Cedric admitted curiously. "Today marks an end to another year and at midnight I want to spend it with you."

Rose sighed her spine tingling as she exhaled, she was suddenly aware of someone else's close presence.

"I'm spending my midnight with Edward." Rose replied carefully.

"Oh." Cedric smiled bitterly. "I guess I did leave it a little late."

"Maybe." Rose politely agreed.

"But you have only agreed to be with him at mid-?"

"Sorry I'm late, I got delayed outside." A smooth voice announced from the side of them.

Edward was standing tall, his black suit making his bronze hair stand out more clearly. Though his shirt was unbuttoned, the look seemed to only make him look more suave. A black and gold mask covered his golden eyes - eyes that clearly showed pride and adoration. He was looking straight at Rose, as if Cedric was merely a statue.

Cedric turned to face Edward, his face revealing his disappointment.

"I guess I would be pushing my luck to ask for another dance?"

Rose couldn't help but notice that his question was directed to Edward and not herself.

"I try to not speak on Rose's behalf." Edward replied, his voice a little clipped.

Rose suppressed her smile, all too eager to spend her time just with Edward. It had been hours and she was desperate to be back in his company.

"Well?" Cedric asked eagerly.

"Another time." Rose replied apologetically. "I have agreed to be Edward's date for this evening."

"Then will you excuse us?" Edward smiled, his face a little too smug.

Taking her hand, he confidently led her away, leaving Cedric to ponder by himself.

"You shouldn't have promised him." Edward mused as they walked. "He now thinks he has a song and another dance with you again."

"Eughhh." Rose sighed, relieved to hear Edward chuckle.

"I'm so sorry for being late." Edward cooed. "I've been able to see how beautiful you are through other peoples thoughts, but I was desperate to see you for myself. You look even more gorgeous in person and that dress." He gulped. "That dress is most defiantly eyecatching."

"Thank you." Rose blushed, gripping his hand a little tighter. "I had some spare time whilst you hunted."

"It looks incredible." Edward beamed. "But it wasn't just sustenance for the reason for my delay. I overheard Snape and Quirrell outside. Both of their minds were blocking me, but I didn't need to read their minds to hear them. Snape was threatening Quirrell."

"What?" Rose replied, her eyebrows raised.

"I thought that would peak your interest." Edward admitted. "Snape said 'I'll be watching you.'"

"That sounds normal." Rose laughed lightly. "But have you told Dumbledore?"

"I've just returned from his office."

"Hence the lack of bow tie?" Rose chuckled.

Edward sighed;

"I knew I forgot something." He muttered. "You really are making me too human."

"Sorry." Rose chuckled. "Have you got it with you?"

"I do." Edward admitted retrieving it from his pocket.

Rose took the tie, receiving a curious stare from Edward. Slowly lifting his collar up, she draped the tie around his neck, tying the bow tie into a perfect bow.

"You can do bow ties too?" Edward asked seductively. "Is there anything you can't do?"

"Many things." Rose grinned. "But this is a skill I picked up from my Dad."

She slowly did his shirt buttons up, fully aware of his tense amber eyes on her.

"There" she huskily whispered.

"Everyone's watching." He whispered silkily.

"I don't care." Rose replied, tapping his chest once before letting go.

She slowly looked around the room, not surprised that Edward was right, people had even stopped dancing to stare intrigued by their interactions.

'Eta James' song At Last' started to play, with Edward sighing contently beside her.

"Lee knows this is one of my favourites." He admitted.

Leading Rose onto the dancefloor, Edward slowly waltzed her around the room, their bodies buzzing from the close hold. Edward's eyes stayed focused on purely Rose, only looking up once to nod his thanks to Lee. The dance floor was completely empty, everyone too in ore of Edward and to some degree Rose, their bodies flowing round the room in elegant strides. As the violins finished the end of the song, the next started with 'Frank Sinatra's Moon River' beginning.

"What are you thinking?" Edward whispered, his lips barely moving.

"How much I'm enjoying this." Rose grinned. "Dancing here with you... in public."

"There are a lot of envious people." Edward chuckled.

"I'm not surprised." Rose sighed. "My own heart would be bitter if I saw you dancing like this with someone else."

"I might have waltzed before, but I have never danced this close with anybody before." Edward whispered. "I'm surprised noone is questioning our closeness."

"You don't date remember?" Rose prompted.

"I didn't before you." Edward grinned. "You however have always been far too tempting." Edward purred. "You and your fantastic breasts."

"I knew you would pick that up." Rose grumbled.

"I nearly snorted in Dumbledore's face." Edward admitted. "I managed to hide my amusement carefully."

"I've been so distracted having you back that I forgot to ask what Dumbledore said?" Rose replied guilty.

"Verbally he said nothing really worth mentioning." Edward mused. "And his mind is completely off limits. Not that I would try to break down his barriers, even if I could."

"What is the point in dating a mind reader if I can't use your skills on nearly everyone we need to." Rose joked.

"Really?" Edward whispered seductively "You can't think of other reasons why you would want to date me? Snail trails come to mind."

Rose giggled, her blush subtly visible. As if knowing something she didn't, Edward changed their course of direction, a couple of girls swooning at they passed them.

"Have you thought anymore of how you are going to dance to Alejandro?" Edward asked, twizzling Rose.

"I haven't thought of it at all." Rose replied honestly. "Why?"

"Because you're not the only one enjoying the dancing this evening." He grinned. "And I want to show my support for you in the competition in more ways then one."

"I thought you weren't interested in doing performances in front of large crowds?" Rose asked curiously.

"I can see why I would have given you that impression." Edward replied, slowing down and holding her gently by the waist. "But I have never offered to preform next to you, not because I haven't wanted to, but because you are the one person in the entire world that I can watch on stage and get hypnotised by your performance. It's a real treat for me being able to hear your music without hearing your thoughts ruin the moment."

"I guess I've never really thought about that." Rose agreed sadly. "Does this mean you won't enjoy me singing later on, because of the others singing alongside me?"

"With you centre stage in that dress, I can easily get preoccupied." He chuckled. "I am desperate to kiss you right now."

"Maybe we could sneak off in a little bit?" Rose giggled.

"I do like the fact there are no teachers here tonight." Edward grinned. "That would make the sneaking a little easier."

"I didn't even notice." Rose laughed.

"That just means your having fun." Edward beamed. "Now lets try something new?"

Lifting her hands so that she was positioned with one hand above his elbow and the other in his hand, he extended their spare arms before slowly leading them both into a Viennese Waltz around them room.

"You know I've been testing you ballroom all evening and you haven't disappointed." Edward purred. "I was taught these dances as a way of enticing girls and you're flawlessly doing these old fashioned dances."

"Like you needed any encouragement to entice girls." Rose mused. "But I think you already know we all got taught by dear Grandmama. Fred and Percy are especially good."

"I noticed earlier." Edward laughed. "So this spinning isn't making you dizzy?"

"I guess it would do eventually." Rose admitted. "But I'm in good hands, why?"

"Well." Edward paused. "I can't help but notice that your not out of breath, and that you haven't been in any of your other performances on stage either. Everyone else is clearly panting after they have danced and sung, whereas your deep breathing but not panting."

"I guess I have never thought about it." Rose admitted. "Maybe its the dog walking or tough regime you give us in Quidditch but the dancing just seems like a warm up to me."

Edward chuckled again, finding her comments amusing.

"I think I have a plan for your next dance." Edward replied carefully. "If you're okay hearing me out?"

"Of course I am." Rose grinned. "I love the fact you're showing an interest."

"Well I was thinking." Edward replied eagerly. "We clearly have an advantage over Marietta and Flint already with you being able to actually sing but what happens if we took further advantage with the fact that your extremely fit and I'm dead? We could push our performances to a higher limit than the others."

"I wouldn't technically call you dead." Rose tutted. "I'm hardly dating a zombie."

"Okay fine." Edward grinned. "But what do you think?"

"I'm excited." Rose beamed. "This is the first time I can properly freestyle something and I have your help, what can I complain about?"

"And not once have you asked me to spy on the other competitors." Edward chuckled.

Rose shuddered jokingly.

"I'm not that mean." Rose laughed. "And we don't need to cheat, we have been pretty successful so far."

"You have been amazing so far." Edward beamed, stroking her hair. "I am so ridiculously proud of you. I just wish you could preform in your underwear again."

Rose playfully slapped his arm.

"Just don't." She shuddered, clearly mortified. "Did you see the costume they had in mind for me?"

"I did." He grinned cheekily. "I quite liked the heels especially."

Rose looked at him harshly.

"I bet you did."

"Though the heels you're currently wearing are even better." Edward chuckled. "Sadly I had no time to maintain my laugh at your hooker comment, I got a few stares as we were halfway through dinner when you said it."

"I would apologise, but you were yet again eavesdropping." Rose said tutted playfully.

The slow song they were easily dancing to changed to a faster tempo, and the dancefloor quickly became full of more students once more. Leading Rose away from the dancefloor, Edward subtly maintained contact with Rose at all times.

"Maybe we should sneak off now." Edward half joked, as he quickly looked around the room.

"I wouldn't complain." Rose grinned. "I have a little while until I'm on to sing."

"Your singing buddies are some of the girls I'm trying to avoid." Edward muttered. "Normally at these events people want to ask to dance with me, but somehow can never bring up the courage to do it. - I think they deep down feel the predator in me, but can't understand why."

"I've never felt that feeling." Rose mused.

"Your aren't normal." Edward joked with his crocked smile. "But now I have been seen dancing with someone for the first time. Everyone wants to have a go."

"Well how many girls are we talking?" Rose grinned.

Edward didn't answer, his shudder gave away his answer.

"That many." Rose chuckled.

"It's not like you haven't got a long line of admirers." Edward grumbled. "And their attached thoughts.''

"Well its a good thing I'm dressed up just for you then." Rose smirked. "Even if you weren't my boyfriend this would be for you."

"You miss my point." Edward chuckled.

"How so?" Rose asked

"I'll quote Ron shall I?" Edward replied. "You could wear a bin bag and still look fabulous."

Lacing his fingers through hers, Edward weaved through the crowd of students. They made it past a small crowd of giggling girls when the twins grabbed them, moving them both to one side.

"You know half the Quidditch team are looking for you?" George grinned manically at Edward.

"I was aware." Edward sighed. "And now you've cornered us there is nowhere to hide."

"At least you know them." Fred smirked. "There have been a couple of girls that have already ran off to the toilets to cry."

Rose frowned, looking to Edward for confirmation.

"I wasn't going to mention that." Edward scowled.

"Oh come on Oliver." George whined. "Its hilarious."

Edward groaned, his eyes looking pleadingly at Rose.

"Come and save me in a couple of songs?" He sighed.

"Sure." Rose managed to reply just before she was interrupted by Katie Bell.

"Oliver come on, you can't dance with one of the Qudditch girls and not the others." She grinned.

Grabbing his arm before he could reply, Edward politely followed.

"Shall we dance?" George asked Rose with amusement.

"That would be lovely." Rose agreed. "But what about you Fred?"

"I'll come too." Fred mused, his eyes lingering on the entrance to the room. "Marietta has just arrived and she doesn't look happy."

Rose subtly leaned around Fred to see Marietta for herself. Rose couldn't help but wince when she found her, Marrietta did indeed look angry. Her feathered red mask only vertically hid half her face, allowing one side of her face to be seen perfectly. Her flaming red dress clung to her body showing her scrawny body, her pantyline visible from all angles. Her makeup had been heavily applied with her eyeshadow caked onto her eyelids up to her eyebrows in light blue cream. Her lipstick a similar shade to Rose's had been poorly applied like she had been in a rush when she attempted to apply it.

"She looks scary." George whispered.

"She is scary." Rose agreed. "I don't understand why her friend has brought her downstairs looking like that?"

Rose caught site of Edward, his eyes not leaving her side, he had purposefully slowed his dance with Katie down, so he could concentrate on Marrietta at all times.

"People are starting to laugh at her." George groaned. "She is going to lash out."

"Her eyes are currently on Katie." Fred sighed. "She is afterall the one dancing with 'her Darling'. Rose is safe for now."

"That's hardly comforting." Rose grumbled. "We are one of the few people who aren't mocking her and sometimes that adds fuel to the fire."

The minutes ticked away slowly with the twins dancing closely beside Rose, one of them always watching Marietta at all times. On a few occasions she drove her gaze away from Edward to stare with distain at Rose, but she thankfully didn't move from the entrance to room, as if waiting for a more grand entrance. Edward didn't miss a beat, dropping his hold of Angelina as soon as the third song finished. Guiding the three girls back to Fred, George and Rose, he stood extremely close to Rose, his hands subtly holding her hips.

"Do you want to go?" He whispered softly in her ear.

"I'm fine." Rose replied with a small smile. "I just presumed she wasn't coming."

"As did I." Edward sighed. "She caught wind of my late presence and rushed down."

"Not that you can tell." Angelina cackled sarcastically. "She looks like a clown."

"Shhh." Rose scolded. "She might be able to hear you."

"What's she going to do?" Angelina replied boisterously. "She's rake thin."

Rose didn't reply, her thoughts preoccupied with the bludger and bat images that flittered into her brain. Edward didn't need to read her mind to know what she was thinking, his hand grabbing hers in comfort.

Marrietta edged closer to their group as if she was spellbound by Edward's presence. The closer she got the more on edge Edward became, standing directly behind Rose now as if he were her personal body guard.

"You have your wand on you right?" He asked seriously.

"Yes." Rose frowned in confusion.

"Where?" Fred recalled astounded, looking her up and down.

"That's a need to know basis." Rose smirked.

"Why do you ask?" Alicia asked Edward curiously.

"Because Marietta is making me nervous." Edward replied carefully. "And since there are no teachers present, I want Rose to jinx her if it is needed."

"Is it needed?" Rose gulped nervously.

"Not currently." Edward said gently. "And we will make sure she is watched whilst you are on stage, I just like to cover all bases."

"Is one of those bases whether Rose currently has her wand in her underwear?" Fred smirked.

The three girls giggled, their eyes looking from Rose to Edward for confirmation.

"No." Edward grumbled his eyes narrowed.

"Only joshing Oliver." Fred joked.

"I don't know why." Rose tutted. "I would have thought it was quite clear that I'm not wearing any in this dress."

With a clear smirk at their reactions, Rose walked confidently away towards the drinks table. It was nearly time to preform and she needed to clear her throat.

"God I love it when you make them speechless." Edward chuckled, easily keeping pace beside her. "But you know I'm not letting you out of arms reach until you reach that stage."

"Good." Rose agreed, her smirk still present. "Would you like a drink?"

"I'll grab a butter beer" Edward nodded. "Would you like one or are you going to try the punch since its more "ladylike"."

"Its a strange colour." Rose grimaced. "Its fluorescent pink."

"Its been very popular." Edward grinned.

"Well, maybe I should pour a little bit in first?" Rose suggested.

"Live a little Ray." Edward chuckled.

Edward reached to the back for a glass whilst Rose ladled the mixture in, the pink liquid turning blue as it touched the glass.

"More appetising?" Edward joked.

"Hardly." Rose gulped, smelling the glass suspiciously. "It smells really sweet."

"Well." Edward murmured. "To us."

"To us." Rose grinned, gently clinking her glass against his.

Rose drank the whole cup of punch quickly, the drink tingling her tongue. As she swallowed the sweet liquid her whole body warmed, her legs quickly going to jelly. Her head began to spin and she desperately shut her eyes to stop the room from moving. She swayed into Edward's chest, his arm supporting her instantly.

"Ray?" Edward grinned. "Is it that bad?"

"Yep." Rose gulped. "My legs have gone."

Her speech was slurred, each word hard to communicate.

"Rose?" Edward's voice was serious. "Rose, look at me?"

Rose raised her head, her eyes struggling to focus on Edward. He quickly poured a bit more punch into her cup, sipping the contents.

"Shit." Edward sighed looking quickly around the room. "I should have picked this up from some of their thoughts... but clearly noone has drank as much as you have. The punch has been spiked Ray."

"Eh oh." Rose replied seriously.

"You are seriously too damn cute." Edward grinned. "But we need to try and sober you up."

Holding her against his side, Edward moved her to the food table, handing her anything he could easily reach. Seeing what he was doing from across the room Angelina quickly marched over.

"Oliver what are you doing?" Angelina hissed. "We are going on stage soon."

"I know that Ange." Edward retaliated. "But Rose is going to be no good to you unless I sober her up.. fast."

"The punch - is - spiked." Rose giggled.

"Shit." Angelina sighed.

"Eat." Edward said firmly, he arm tightly around her waist.

"I might go and sample the punch." Angelina explained. "For Dutch courage and all that."

"Only a small sample please." Edward warned. "I don't think I can carry you both over."

"Sure you can." Rose exclaimed loudly.

"Eat." Edward whispered sternly but he was clearly amused.

"Wow. That is strong." Angelina shuddered. "And Lee is beckoning us.. great."

Edward handed Rose his butterbeer to quickly drink, his eyes focused only on her.

"If I hold you, can you walk?" Edward whispered.

"I'll- try." Rose replied slowly.

"Right." Edward nodded. "Ange, go ahead and prewarn the others."

Angelina nodded, making pace quickly across the room. Edward readjusted his hold on Rose, holding her closely to his side as he walked her smoothly across the dancefloor.

"What am I going to do with you?" He purred.

"Anything you like." Rose replied honestly.

"You shouldn't say things like that." Edward grinned. "A Vampire never forgets remember."

They were now at the bottom of the stage, only six steps away from the central stage microphone that was currently being placed into a stand so that Rose had something to hold onto.

"This is my fault." Edward sighed. "You only wanted to sample the drink, not get intoxicated off it."

Rose touched his face, praying it was the gentle touch she wanted it to be.

"I'll - be - fine." She replied confidently. "I just need - to get up the stairs."

"Here." Lee grinned, holding his hand out for her, "I've just been informed."

"I'll be here." Edward smiled encouragingly.

Guiding her over to Lee, Rose noticed how weak she felt as soon as Edward's grip wasn't on her. She held Lee's hand tightly as he guided her up the stairs and over to the microphone. Rose slowly turned to see Alicia, Katie and Angelina to her right, already in position. They looked nervous though it was unclear whether this was because of Rose or their own performance.

"We are ready when you are." Lee whispered encouragingly. "Give me a subtle sign and the music will beguin."

"Okay." Rose whispered back, the word coming out a little easier then before.

Looking up at one of the disco balls, Rose put all her effort into staring at the object, conscious of swaying to obviously. Slowly she let one of her hand off the stand signalling to Lee with an okay sign.

The song started with the drum and piano filling the room instantly with sound. Shifting her gaze from the disco ball to Edward bellow, Rose opened her mouth, not thinking about anything but the words and chords she needed to remember. her voice as strong as it always was, Edward's grin soon appeared as he listened to her striking performance. The girls harmonies came together and soon they all realised that they might just pull the song off without any mistakes. As the song concluded with the piano, guitar and drum being the only sound left in the room, Rose sighed carefully away from the microphone, relieved.

There were cheers and wolf whistles from across the room as the three girls came to stand next to Rose, exiting the stage in single file, Rose to the rear.

Edward was already at the bottom of the stage steps, eagerly embracing her into a hug.

"Well done." He grinned.

He carefully hugged the others, before subtly supporting Rose yet again.

"How are you feeling?" He whispered.

"A little better." Rose smiled weakly. "I think your butter beer helped."

"Lets get you another one then." He chuckled. "It is nearly midnight afterall and traditional to have a drink."

"Sure." Rose agreed "Does anyone else want one?"

"We will get our own Rose." Alicia grinned with a wink. "Don't worry about us."

Both grinning sheepishly, Rose allowed Edward to guide her towards the drinks table. Accepting the butterbeer from him, Rose jumped in surprise as Edward lunged his arm to Rose's side, moving her swiftly to his otherside whilst catching a punch glass in his other hand. Ajusting from her shock Rose quickly realised that if Edward hadn't moved her, she would now be covered in the fluorescent pink liquid currently safe in his spare hand. Her eyes still showing her surprise, she turned her head slightly meeting Marietta squarely in the face. Rose gulped.

"What a stroke of luck." Edward hissed. "Thank goodness I caught it in time."

"Yes I suppose it was." Marietta replied sweetly. "It was an accident, I assure you."

"Oh I wouldn't dream of accusing you of such as thing." Edward murmured sarcastically. "After all a sticky liquid such as that would have ruined Rose's dress and we all know you wouldn't have wanted that."

"Indeed." Marietta nodded stiffly. "The dress is lovely."

Rose turned to look at Edward, her eyes pleading for them to go. Marietta was standing so close to her that the proximately was similar to the space between Edward and herself, the action making her extremely uncomfortable. As if knowing the later, Marietta took another step forward, thriving on not only getting Edward's attention but by actually speaking with him. Now inches away from Rose, Edward acted defensively, her face quickly frowning as he held Rose closely against his body.

"So you've made your decision." Marietta hissed bitterly.

"Decision?" Edward asked harshly.

"You chose her, over me." She gulped, her tone clearly upset.

"This isn't a game Marietta." Edward snapped. "There has only ever and will only ever be one girl for me and it most definitely is not you."

"What are you saying?" Marietta uttered.

"That I am in love with Rose and that will never change." Edward replied clearly. "Stay away from both of us."

Rose leant closer into Edward's side, her heart pounding as Marietta stared at her, her face full of loathing and hurt. Gently pulling Rose so that she was now behind him, Edward continued.

"Good bye Marietta."

Walking cautiously beside Rose, Edward sighed deeply in frustration. She didn't need to ask why, whatever Marietta was thinking she was now saying verbally to their backs.

"I would like my Christmas present back."

"So that was your present?" Edward asked angrily. "If that's what you want to call it. I handed that into Professor McGonagall as I had no idea who had given it to me and I certainly didn't want it. I suggest you ask her for it if you want it back." Edward added coldly.

Holding Rose's hand tightly he led them both out of the doors and into the warm glistening garden. They were alone outside, the night still and peaceful. The twinkling lights gave off enough light to make their surroundings look snug and cosy, the warmth of the charm a welcome thought with the snow still thickly laid on the floor. The beautiful empty surroundings they were now stood in was a clear opposite to the hostile environment they had just escaped from. Turning her head, Rose was relived to see the mortified Marietta moving further inside away from them.

Carefully moving to beside Edward, Rose admired his perfect pose. He was deep in thought, leaning against the balcony railings whilst looking out further afield at the grounds, no doubt seeing it all picture perfect. Knowing he probably wanted to be with his own thoughts for a moment, she stayed quiet, leaning her head on his shoulder in silent comfort. He instantly relaxed leaning his head on hers, wrapping his arm around her and offering her, her forgotten butter beer.

"Sorry for back there." He whispered. "I should have just walked away after saving the drink from spilling."

"Don't apologise." Rose murmured. "You are allowed to be human, and you were just protecting me."

He sighed, kissing the top of her head gently.

"I do have some questions myself though." Rose continued.

"I thought you might" Edward grinned. "But you know if you ask questions I get to ask some myself."

"Those rules still apply?" Rose laughed lightly. "Fine, I'm too intrigued and apparently too drunk to argue."

"Fire away." Edward smirked.

"Okay." Rose pondered. "Why did you tell Marietta about us?"

"I suppose for the same reason you told Angelina." Edward replied honestly. "Though I guess you could say that your actions were for Angelina's protection and mine were arguably for humiliation."

"You weren't cruel Edward." Rose whispered. "There were no witnesses or shame blaming. You just made your feeling clear and precise."

She took a swig from the bottle, noting that Edward hadn't poured it into a glass either.

"And your other question?" Edward asked wearing his crooked smile. "Or can I guess that it is about the mysterious Christmas present.

"It was" Rose laughed. "Sorry for being nosey, and of course you don't have to tell me."

"Well." Edward coughed back a laugh. "I didn't actually get to open the present as luckily I had pre-warning not to do so."

"Was this the present that Alice warned you about?"

"It was." Edward agreed. "There wasn't a tag and she was worried I might think it was from you, so she told me who it was from and to burn it, contents and all."

"Oh." Rose responded a little surprised. "So you don't actually know what it was?"

"Oh I know." Edward smirked. "Alice told me in person, as she wanted to see my face. Marietta had placed a pair of used knickers in the box."

Rose had unfortunately decided to take another swig at that precise moment, spraying butterbeer over the balcony in surprise. The notion making Edward roar with laughter.

"I'm sorry, did you say unwashed knickers." Rose stuttered.

"Indeed." Edward replied with a wicked grin.

"Wow." Rose replied, "No wonder she looked worried when you mentioned McGonagall."

"I thought it would help discourage the behaviour." Edward explained.

"I feel really bad now." Rose chuckled. "Here I was giving you cruddy drawings and other girls give you lingerie."

Edward looked briefly over his shoulder to make sure there were no witnesses to his next move. Far too smoothly for human hands, he traced the arch of her back, his fingertips hovering over her coccyx.

"Do you want to give me your knickers?" Edward purred in her ear, her spine now going haywire.

Rose started to blush slightly, as he intensely looked at her, his amber eyes staring at her playfully.

"That's not what I was implying Edward." She lightly scolded him.

"I was entitled to ask you a question, I think you will find." He grinned cheekily.

"I thought Vampires were meant to have perfect memory?" Rose smirked. "Or have you forgot? I'm not wearing underwear."

Edward gulped deliberately, his hands cupping Rose's derriere firmly. After a few moments Rose chuckled;

"Maybe next Christmas." Rose muttered, her tone half joking.

"Next Christmas?" Edward mused.

"I might give you some of my knickers, but I think it really should be your job to supply the lingerie."

She looked carefully at Edward, smirking slightly as his shock drained to daydreaming.

"That can be arranged." He grinned.

He pulled her close to him, giving her a deep long kiss.

"I like it out here." He whispered to her. "Its nice to know there are no watching eyes on us."

"You would have thought that people would want to be out here, its so beautiful. Poor Ron and Harry, they worked so hard."

"Lets go for a walk." Edward replied, giving her his crooked smile. "It might help with your drunkenness."

"I'm sorry." Rose apologised."Has is spoilt your evening?"

"Absolutely not." Edward quickly explained. "Its just simply meant I've managed to hold your more conveniently in public with an excellent excuse."

They walked around the side of the building, away from the open doors, their actions now completely private. Rose paused, looking at Edward, she couldn't help but smile as she took all of him in.

"Yes?" He grinned.

"Nothing." She sighed, leaning forward to kiss him slowly, her arms pulling him closer to her.

It had felt like days since she had kissed him, her body yearning for him to hold everywhere and anywhere at once. Edward obliged as much as he could, his one hand holding the back of her head passionately as the other held her back close to his. A small groan left his lips as he mumbled softly;

"This doesn't seem like nothing."

They could hear people counting down in the distance, but the sound was quiet, muffled like it was further away then it truly was. Rose looked at Edward with pure devotion, his hand cupping her face as he bottom lip stroked her top lip softly.

"Happy New Year." He whispered, kissing her neck slowly before moving to her jawline.

He paused momentarily before kissing her open mouth, his tongue slowly colliding with hers.

"HAPPY NEW oh sorry!"

Edward growled threateningly as he reluctantly pulled himself away from Rose. Turning their attention to the speaker, neither were surprised to see Fred leaning against the wall, George to his side.

"Don't mind us." George beamed.

"George, I think they are having a 'private moment'" Fred uttered in a staged whisper.

"We were, until you two spoilt the magic in the air." Edward replied with a heavy hint.

"Oh! Do you want us to go back in there?" Fred suggested, indicating with his finger back towards the disco.

"If -you -would- be- so- kind." Edward replied through gritted teeth.

"Not a problem sweetheart." George grinned. "You know where we will be if you want us."

Rose giggled, turning her attention back to Edward.

"Now where were we?" Edward purred.

"I think you were about to kiss me and sweep me off my feet?" Rose grinned.

"In that order?" Edward asked, his own crooked smile present.

"In what ever order you like." Rose giggled.

"Well in that case." Edward grinned, effortlessly swooping Rose up in his arms, he proceeded in kissing her as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "I do have one more burning question of my own?" He whispered curiously.

"Just the one?" Rose asked seductively.

"Where are you keeping you wand?" He asked carefully.

Rose grinned, a slight giggle escaping her lips. Slowly she unhooked an arm from around his neck, his eyes following her every move, they widened in intrigue as he watched her pull her dress down slightly, revealing the wand tucked in her low cleavage.

"Oh." He replied, a little surprised. "What what Cedric have to say about that I wonder?"