December 18th, 1995

Charlie stood next to his brother in the Entrance Hall, waiting as the other witches and wizards from the Order and the Ministry filed into the queue, waiting for instructions as to where they'd be stationed for the Yule Ball.

Professor Flitwick walked across the floor, pointing at each of them and telling them where they were needed. Charlie crossed his fingers behind his back, hoping that he'd be guarding the doors or helping with security in the courtyard.

Professor Flitwick looked from the scroll to Bill, "Weasley, William. You'll be assisting the entertainment. Weasley, Charles. You will be assisting the entertainment as well."

Charlie withheld a sigh. He would have preferred to be far away from the crowd. He was much more the type to be out in the open air, making sure the students didn't get into mischief. He didn't want to be stuck in the castle with a bunch of harebrained teenagers.

"Whom are we catering to?" Bill asked, leaning toward Professor Flitwick.

Flitwick grinned. "You'll know when they arrive at the main gate in ten minutes. Do keep it a surprise."

They walked towards the doors, waiting until they were out of earshot of any passerby, before Bill turned to him. "Who do you think it is?"

Charlie exchanged a look with his brother. "If it's Celestina Warbeck, Mum's going to kill us both."

"Oh come on, Charlie," Bill said, letting out a laugh. "Nothing like a cauldron full of hot, strong love to cure whatever ails you."

Charlie punched Bill in the arm and shook his head. "You would know."

Bill smirked. "I really do."

"So in two hours you're going to be a married man," Charlie said, lighting a cigarette as soon as they exited the main door. "What's that like?"

"I feel like it couldn't happen sooner," Bill said, smiling as he lit a smoke of his own. "She's my everything. With tension being high with Mum and Dad, Fleur was adamant that she didn't want a big wedding. I think I'm more nervous about the wedding than being a father."

Charlie couldn't say he knew what Bill was going through. He had his dragons. That was it. That's all he'd ever have. He had his family, of course, but they didn't share his passion for creatures. They didn't understand how demanding his job was or what it could cost him if he made one wrong move. He didn't have or want the lifestyle that accompanied a relationship or family of his own. He was perfectly content being a bachelor.

They finally made it to the main gates and Charlie put out his cigarette, vanishing the butt with a flick of his wand. "Are they portkeying in?"

The words barely left his lips before he saw Thestral led carriages approaching in the sky.

"Well, it's not Celestina," Bill said with a laugh, walking toward the first carriage.

The carriage door opened and a familiar figure stumbled out. "Weasleys!"

"What's with the hair?" Charlie asked, seeing that Myron and the rest of the band all shared the same shocking white hair.

"It's fashion, mate," Myron wagged his dark eyebrows.

"Myron," Bill said, laughing as he patted the man on the back. "You haven't owled. You haven't Flooed. I'm beginning to think you don't love me anymore."

"I'm a busy man, Bill," Myron said, clapping him on the back. "Very busy. But never too busy for our love."

Charlie chuckled at the two of them and shook his head. "What am I, chopped liver?"

Myron shrugged his shoulders. "Chopped liver's amazing, ol' boy. Just like you."

"We expected Celestina and got you," Charlie said with a sigh. "So disappointed."

"I'm not," Myron smirked, looking Charlie up and down. "There just might be four weddings today."

Charlie rolled his eyes. "Save it for your fans, Waggy."

Myron slapped his shoulder. "Seriously though, I'm honoured to play for the upcoming nuptials. You two got me through my toughest years here at Hogwarts. Don't know where I'd be without ya."

"Stealing my notes doesn't count as help," Bill said, a grin on his face.

"I was under the cosh, my love," Myron waved his hand in dismissal. "Bill, let's get you ready for this wedding."

"How'd you know?" Charlie asked, grabbing some gear from the gear from the carriage and lugging it over his shoulder. "We didn't even know you'd be here."

"Little Miss owled me," Myron said, slinging his guitar case onto his arm. "Girl's like whiskey and fire, she is. Knows her onions and doesn't faff about with her lyrics"

"MJ?" Bill asked, stopping in his tracks. "She did this?"

"Is that a problem?" Myron raised an arm in indignation. "Would you rather have Celestina?"

"Hell no!" Bill exclaimed, taking a step back. "You're not going to object at my wedding, are you?"

Myron let out a laugh. "I just might."

Bill groaned, grabbing an instrument case from the carriage. "This is supposed to be a happy day."

Mary stood at the door to the Great Hall, feeling wholly uncomfortable. Her head ached and she knew she was far from overdue taking her potions.

A hand slapped her wrist and Mary looked up to glare at Anita. "The lace itches."

"It's one night," Anita said, adjusting her own dress. "Fuck knows I wouldn't be caught dead in this on any other day."

"But you both look so Bee-you-tee-full!" Fleur cried, sobbing into her handkerchief.

Mary looked at Tonks with wide eyes. "Is she okay?"

"Hormones," Tonks said, grimacing as she helped Fleur clean up.

Mary was spared by the raven patronus that landed on her shoulder. "It's time."

"They're not going to the gallows," Anita laughed, moving behind her as the doors magically opened.

Mary walked in at a sedate pace that was measured by one of her songs being played by the Weird Sisters. She cut her eyes to the band and smiled, glad that they'd come through for her, but then she frowned, spotting their "fashion statement". Ami stood at the front and centre, with Sirius on her right on the lower step. Remus and Bill stood at his side, ready for their fiances.

At the start of the row was Charlie, watching as she walked toward him. Mary held her breath as he linked his arm through hers and together they walked down the aisle until they reached the steps. Her heart hammered against her ribs, betraying her attempt to drown out her feelings, so she delved deeper into the fire in her mind. Mary went to the right to stand between Sirius and Remus while Charlie stood next to her between Remus and Bill.

Myron signalled for the band and the Wedding March echoed through the hall. Mac walked in first, walking down the aisle in a beautiful dress. Her arm was linked through her son's and together they met Sirius at the front, Finn going to his mother's side. Colin waved at Mary and she grinned, knowing she'd made the right choice in asking him to take pictures.

Next was Fleur and Tonks, walking together and holding hands, in their gorgeous dresses.

"We're gathered here today to celebrate the union of three couples," Ami started.

Mary tried to pay attention, but all she could feel was a sense of dread that drowned out everything else. She buried that in Occlumency, but it didn't help.

Charlie gently elbowed her. "You okay, MJ?"

She didn't realise it was over until it was over. Blinking, she nodded, smiling and clapping on cue as the three couples walked out of the Great Hall arm in arm. "I'm fine."

Her stomach rolled and she darted into the side door, getting sick in a potted plant. She sat there for a bit, trying to regain her composure.

The past few weeks were rough on her. Her sleeping potions no longer worked as they once had. No matter how hungry she felt, food wouldn't stay down. Aunt Andy and Snape were looking for the cause, but they had yet to figure it out.

No one else knew. That's the way it had to be. Mary wouldn't risk Sirius telling Mac or Remus telling Tonks. She was constantly watched and worried over.

The door opened and Charlie walked in, stopping when he spotted her on the floor. "You're not fine."

"I forgot to take my potions," Mary said weakly, standing on shaky legs and letting Charlie steady her. "I'll be fine."

Anita and Finn walked in next, both of them staring at her with wide eyes.

"Mary missed her potions," Charlie said, not letting go of her arm. "Finn, can you let Myron know that I'll be there as soon as I can?"

"I'll go with Mary," Anita said, moving to her side and grinning at Charlie. "Myron needs you more."

Charlie frowned, but released her arm. "I'll see you all in a bit."

"Myron Wagtail," Finn breathed, staring at Charlie. "How'd you get him to play for Mom's wedding? Can I meet him? I'm a huge fan!"

"Sure, kid," Charlie said as he walked out.

"Thanks," Mary said, waving her hand over her mouth and casting a freshening spell. "The Weasleys like to hover."

"Especially that one," Anita said, nudging Mary carefully. "You feel up to walking or shall I carry you?"

Mary let out a small laugh, trying not to irritate her headache. "I'll walk."

In a fit of guilt, Mary decided to clean up her mess and waved her hand at the potted plant. It disappeared. So did the ornate portrait behind it.

"We'll walk fast!" Mary grimaced, tugging a laughing Anita out of the room.

By the time they reached the staff quarters Mary's legs felt like jelly. Anita held tight to her arm, helping her stay upright as she dug through her personal potions cabinet in her room for the right stuff to kick her arse into gear.

"Here we go," Mary said, pulling four vials from the cabinet and downing all of them.

"Invigoration draught and Wide-eye." Anita blinked. "That's like cocaine."

Mary shrugged. "It gets the job done."

"Are you sure you don't want a lie-down instead?" Anita asked, crossing her arms. "It's fine to be fashionably late."

"I'll be fine," Mary said, casting a wandless tempus spell. "I have to meet my friends soon."

"Look at me," Anita said, gently touching Mary's cheeks. "I know that look, MJ. I see it every day. You're exhausted."

"You don't know what you're talking about," Mary said, pulling free. "I have to go."

Mary ushered Anita out of Remus' quarters, ignoring Anita's sympathetic apologies. Her potions would only last six hours and she wasn't going to waste them going on about things she couldn't change. In fact, she had another plan in mind entirely. Denial was the way to go. She was going to have fun with her friends and dance the night away. With that thought in mind, she went back to the potions cabinet and grabbed two more potions, tucking them into her bra.

"There you are, Potter," Aunt Minnie said, opening the door to her office. "How are you feeling?"

"Fine," Mary said, smoothing down her dress just as the Floo flashed green.

"Mary!" Viktor shouted, letting go of Elena's hand as he enveloped her in a hug.

"I'm so glad you're here!" Mary hugged him back, then stepped away to hug Elena. "You look amazing!"

"One of mama's newest creations," Elena said, holding Mary's hand as she spun around. " Though I believe your dress is her finest work to date."

"It's perfect," Mary replied, unwilling to admit how uncomfortable the dress was, because she knew Kate had spent the better part of a month designing the skimpy silver death trap.

"I'll escort you three to the Great Hall," Aunt Minnie said, smiling at them. "I'm sure the elves will be serving dinner shortly."

"I have missed the food," Viktor said, earning a playful smack from Elena. "Your food is good too!"

Mary looked to the left and saw Kenneth and Alicia leading the Gryffindors out of the tower with two Aurors taking up the front and rear of the group. Aunt Minnie stopped, waiting for them to pass before she moved to follow.

"Is it really safe to let the students out of their houses?" Mary asked, looking to the Entrance Hall where the Hufflepuffs were being led by Cedric.

"Is that the boy that attacked you last year?" Elena asked in a whisper, pointing to Cedric.

"He was under the Imperius curse," Mary whispered back, smiling and waving at Cedric. "It wasn't his fault."

It didn't stop Viktor from glaring at him like the episode in Hogsmeade was Cedric's fault. Matters weren't helped by Cedric smiling and looking away, then turning to look straight back at her with wide eyes.

Elena nudged her with her elbow, a smirk on her face at his reaction.

Yeah, the dress was definitely far too flashy for her liking. It was the exact opposite of what she needed at the moment. It was preferable that the students of Hogwarts forgot her existence entirely. A sense of potion derived giddiness overcame her and she resisted the urge to laugh at the absurdity of it all. After years trying to be a normal kid, she was still not normal and no longer a kid. She was an old woman trapped in the polyjuice covered version of her former self.

They walked into the Great Hall and Mary spotted her friends almost instantly. They were at a round table near the front and there was already a commotion surrounding them. With a grin plastered on her face, she linked one arm through Viktor's and the other through Elena's, nearly dragging them to the table. The decorations sparkled, soft jazz music filled the air, and everyone was dressed in their finest attire.

"Mary!" Hermione shot up, a stern look on her face that dropped. "Viktor! Elena!"

Mary let out a breath, knowing that their presence was sparing her from a lecture of epic proportions. All of her friends fell into easy conversation, with Lavender and Parvati being the loudest of the bunch, talking animatedly about everyone's dresses.

With a subtle wave of his wand, the music softened, and all eyes turned to the headmaster. Dumbledore walked to the centre of the platform, his presence commanding attention.

"My dear students," Dumbledore's voice echoed through the hall, reaching every corner, "as the Yule Ball approaches and we prepare to partake in the joys of the holiday season, I implore you to remember the importance of family and friendship in these troubled times."

His words were imbued with a gentle yet resolute tone, captivating those who listened.

"At times, the world may seem cold, dark, and unforgiving," Dumbledore continued, his gaze sweeping across the room and landing on Mary, "but it is during these moments we must hold onto the love that surrounds us, for it is our greatest weapon against the encroaching darkness."

A soft murmur of agreement rippled through the hall, as if the very air itself acknowledged that, yes, darkness was encroaching.

"Each one of you possesses the power to make a difference," Dumbledore's voice filled with determination, "to spread love and kindness wherever you go. As you journey home for the Christmas holiday, cherish your families, embrace your friends, and remember the power of unity. For it is in these moments that the light of hope shines brightest."

With a smile, Dumbledore concluded his speech. "Now, my dear students, go forth and enjoy this enchanting night. Eat, dance, laugh, and create beautiful memories."

As Dumbledore stepped down from the stage, a chorus of applause erupted throughout the Great Hall. Mary kept her eyes on the headmaster, watching as he went to his seat at the head table and ordered his meal. Something was off, but she couldn't put her finger on exactly what that was.

"That was certainly inspiring," Hermione said, frowning as she looked at her menu. "There's so many options. I do help the elves won't spend the whole night tidying up."

"I'm getting one of everything," Ron said, earning a glare from Hermione.

"Steak, rare please," Mary said to the silver plate, grinning as it appeared before her with a steaming baked potato smothered in cheese and bacon.

While everyone else was busy ordering their meals, Mary picked at her meal, her mind spinning circles around Dumbledore's words, but she couldn't find any flaws with his speech. There was a flash of red in her peripheral vision and Mary turned - heart pounding - in time to see the silver curtain flutter, but not who walked through it.

"I love your hair, Mary," Sophie Roper said as she walked by.

"Thanks, it was a potions accident," Mary replied with a grin.

"You'd never know it," Fay added, putting a hand to her chest.

"Most accidents never do," Mary said sweetly.

Ron let out a chortle and Fay's face turned an awful shade of fuchsia as Sophie pulled her away, mumbling about what a bitch Mary was. Mary chuckled, taking a drink of her coke as she watched the two girls try and fail to get a reaction out of Blaise Zabini with their gaudy dresses.

"They're horrible!" Lavender hissed, stabbing her turkey leg.

"Don't let them put you off your food, Mary," Hermione said, looking at the mess she'd made of her plate.

"You gonna finish that?" Ron asked, staring at the same plate in longing.

Mary pushed it toward him without hesitation, unable to take another bite. "I had a big lunch."

Hermione's lips pursed in agitation, but Mary paid her no mind. It was the first time that she'd been in the Great Hall for two weeks and the noise alone was about to drive her mad.

Remus passed by her table and Mary stood quickly, nearly tripping on the train of her dress. "Remus, I need to speak to you for a moment."

"Of course," he said, guiding her to a corner that was mostly out of sight. "Are you well?"

"Yes," Mary said, waving her wand over herself and letting out a breath. "Oh, that's much better."

Remus grinned. "I'm surprised you waited this long."

Mary waved her hands and rolled her eyes. "It wasn't a big deal until Ron set in on the pasties."

"Food noises can be difficult," Remus said, eyes still scanning the room. "If that's all I have to get back to my rounds before the festivities really begin."

Mary nodded, going back to the table just as everyone was finishing up.

Professor Flitwick moved to the centre of the platform. "Everyone gathered in the centre of the room!"

Just as the students stood and shuffled over, the tables and chairs floated backwards, leaving the front of the Great Hall empty.

Professor Flitwick grinned. "Without further ado, for the second year running, Hogwarts alumni, The Weird Sisters!"

The curtain opened and the students went wild, rushing toward the stage.

Myron shuffled forward, holding the microphone stand like it was his lover. "Who's here ready to dance?"

Screams filled the air and Mary winced, moving toward the wall, away from the pushing and shoving. Reaching into her bra, she pulled out the other two potions and drank them as fast as she could, vanishing the empty vials with a wave of her hand. The headache that thrummed behind her eyes faded almost instantly and a sense of euphoria took over.

She tried her best to focus on her friends, twirling and laughing on the dance floor, but the potion had other ideas and Mary tried to bury them under the wall of fire. It took all of Mary's strength to resist the temptation and focus on enjoying the night. She danced and laughed with her friends, pushing the ache in her heart aside. But deep down, she knew she still had no hope.

She glanced around at the beautifully decorated room, the way the strobe lights glittered off the blue strobe light, and yet Mary felt a heavy weight on her heart. Anita and Charlie were dancing, Hermione laid her head on Ron's shoulder. She was dancing with Cedric and Cho when the worst thing happened. The beat slowed until it sounded like a heartbeat crashing against the stone walls. She knew the song all too well and it hurt to hear it even though Myron and the band did a beautiful job playing it.

Myron stepped off the stage, holding a hand to his heart as he sang and searched the crowd.

"You're an apparition that's just an apparition away.

A ghostly love that haunts me,

And you'll always leave 'cause I can't beg you to stay."

Mary stopped dancing, her heart pounding in her chest, as Myron walked toward her his hand outstretched. Mary grinned - rolling her eyes - as she took his hand. The beat picked up and she danced with Myron, letting herself get lost in the music. He crooned out the words she wrote the year before, a gleam of amusement in his eyes as he twirled her around and she spun back until her back was pressed to his chest.

"But your my Draught of Peace,

We're gettin' closer, one spell away,

Lose yourself, my favourite mistake"

Myron spun her out one more time, a feigned pout on his lips as he let go of her hand and jumped back onto the stage, singing the rest of the song to the enraptured students. Mary shuffled backwards, edging out of the crowd until she was free.

"May I have this dance?" he asked softly, his voice barely audible over the music.

Mary closed her eyes, turning to Charlie. She hesitated for a moment, her mind filled with doubts and fears. She knew she needed to stay away - to protect her heart - but in that moment she was too far gone in the depths of the Euphoria Elixir to stop herself.

"You set me on fire, and just walked away,

So I can't feel anything else but this weight."

With a nod, she took his outstretched hand, and they danced. They danced until Charlie stepped on her toes for the umpteenth time and Mary put her hands on his chest to stop him, her face inches from his.

"You're standing on my dress," Mary breathed, looking into his eyes.

Charlie gently released her, taking a step back. "Sorry, MJ."

"I'm parched," she said, laughing as she kept hold of his hand. "Punch?"

"I should get back to patrolling," Charlie said, letting go of her.

Mary turned to look at the students that were still slow dancing as Myron sang another song. "You should. It's a wild crowd."

Charlie looked at his shoes before turning and walking to the stage. Mary let out a breath, walking over to the punch table and grabbing a drink. Two sips in and her stomach rolled, sending her running to where Bill was guarding the doors.

Bill held up a hand to stop her. "MJ, are you-"

Mary shoved past him, waving her hand to open the door. She barely made it out of the Great Hall before she tripped over her dress - careening down the grand staircase - skinning her hands and knees as she skidded to a halt in the middle of the Entrance Hall. She got to her feet and stumbled, holding onto anything she could find until she made it into the loo. That's where she stayed until there was nothing left in her stomach to lose.

When she could function well enough to speak she called for Annie, letting the sweet little elf pop her straight to the one place she felt most comfortable.

"Blood and scraps of your dress litter the Entrance hall. Everyone's looking for you and you're hiding here." Snape walked in, stopping at the sight of her. "Potter, are you well?"

"No," she said, looking up from her spot on the couch. "I lost my shoe."