Chapter 26: Provocative Party 

The next day Lucy was invited shopping with Jessica for a dress to wear at that night's Slug club party. Lucy wasn't over ennamered at the idea at first and even thought she could re-use her Yule ball dress (even though she'd gotten taller since fourth year and the dress no longer reached her feet) but Jessica said otherwise. 

They went shopping down in Hogsmeade as it was the nearest and safest place for them. Jessica walked alongside Lucy excitedly as though she'd just been told that every wish she'd ever had, had been granted. Lucy tried to keep a brave face on, she was only doing this for Jessica. 

"Isn't this exciting?" Jessica beamed at Lucy who'd shoved her hands in her coat pocket, underneath she wore Matt's sweatshirt, she realised nobody would know and it would be easy to take off if she kept trying on dresses. She'd also become sentimentally attached to it, maybe it was because it kept her so warm or it just reminded her too much of Matt. 

"It is, I've never been taken dress shopping before, it feels strange," Lucy admitted, feeling a little excited herself now that she thought through the activity. 

"Every girl has to be taken dress shopping at least once in their lives, even if they don't enjoy it. Back when I was human my parents always used to take me dress shopping. I miss it so much. However it's fantastic that I can actually take someone else dress shopping, even better it's my soon to be step daughter!" Jessica couldn't stop smiling. Lucy looked at her but she didn't seem to notice, the way she could talk so freely about her past made Lucy feel odd. She thought that Jessica would be very enclosed about it. But it didn't matter as Lucy was making her happy. 

"I'm happy for you, in fact I'm happy for both you and dad. It's nice you've found each other."

"I'm happy for you, too!" 

Lucy pulled a face. "Why?" 

"Because of Mr Jarvin! He's so wonderful to you and you both look so perfect together!" 

"Oh!" Lucy gasped. "Thank you." 

"You're welcome," Jessica then leaned in close and spoke in a low voice. "But I know you're really going out." 

Lucy snorted. "Of course we're going out, we love each other." 

"No, I know that you're not just doing it for the cameras." 

"What are you talking about?" 

Jessica shook her head. "I see the way you look at him, there's no way you could fake that kind of love." 

"Darn, I knew that wasn't that good as an actress." 

The two of them laughed as they entered the dress shop. To Jessica it felt like it wasn't long enough but to Lucy it felt like a whole eternity. Jessica picked up a dozen dresses at once and made Lucy try them all on, even if Lucy herself didn't like them. But she knew she was doing this to make Jessica happy as Jessica had done so much for her. 

"No..." Jessica shook her head as she studied the light pink dress Lucy wore. "I like it but I think we could do with something better, you're worth so much more than this." 

"But better dresses — " Lucy began to protest as Jessica shoved her back in the changing room. "Come with bigger labels!" Lucy was honestly fed up. She didn't care what she went to the party in now, she could even go in her get up she wore yesterday complete with Merlin's sword and wouldn't care. 

"I don't mind! You deserve a brilliant dress for a brilliant night!" Jessica called from outside as she began hunting for another dress. 

"But it's only for a night..." Lucy whispered miserably. She wished that Matt would just enter the shop and take her away. Then it would give her an excuse to stop trying on dresses. 

Suddenly a dress was swept over the curtain rail so Lucy could see. "Try this one on!" Jessica called. "I think you'll like it!" 

'You said that about all of the others and my opinion still doesn't matter...'  Lucy thought to herself but took the dress anyway. 

She didn't even bother to notice anything about it except that the colour of the dress was a stunning turquoise. She took the other dress off and replaced it with the new one. When she had got it on she walked out of the changing room and looked up at Jessica. 

Jessica covered her mouth with her hands and tried to contain herself. "It's - It's...perfect!" 

"Fine, I'll go and try another one..." Lucy replied robotically but then she registered what Jessica had said. "Wait, what?" 

"I said, it's perfect! We simply must buy it!" 

Lucy turned and looked in the mirror just outside of the changing room. The dress she wore was turquoise, as she knew, it looked like it was supposed to be full length but it was cut at the knees and at the back it continued the full length pattern. It covered her shoulders but cut off as soon as her shoulders ended. Lucy liked it at first but then she began noticing an uncountable amount of scars running up and down her arms and legs. She could even make out the one on her face quite vividly now even though she hadn't noticed for it a long time. When was the last time she looked in the mirror? 

"I don't like it," Lucy shook her head. Jessica paused in getting her purse out from her bag. "I can't wear this." 

"Why ever not! It's beautiful! You look so wonderful in it! I'm even certain that Matt would love it too," Jessica reassured. 

"I think it's a bit too revealing." 

"What are you talking about? It covers you all up perfectly fine!" Jessica walked over and straightened the sleeve on Lucy's right shoulder. "I can't possibly see what you don't like about it." 

"It's not the dress though, it's me. It's not for me," Lucy glanced down at her legs where the scars seemed to scream at her for attention. "My scars show up too much, I can't wear this." 

"Oh, Lucy..." Jessica stroked her hair. "Nobody will notice those and even if they do they know that you've got them for a good cause because you're a fighter to save us all!" 

Lucy looked down and nodded. She didn't really have anything to say. Of course she wanted to save everybody but the thing was, what she got in return wasn't great. She not only got scars but also sarcastic comments. 

"Now go and get changed, I want to pay for the dress," Jessica waved her purse about and Lucy stepped back into the changing room. She slipped on her clothes before walking out and carrying the dress. Jessica took it from her and paid swiftly. 

They walked out of the dress shop and Jessica turned to Lucy. "Thank you so much for that." 

"I should really be the one thanking you," Lucy admitted. "But you're welcome." 

"I don't think you know how much that means to me, taking a young girl out dress shopping. I can't wait to see you wear the dress tonight. Everyone will love it!" 

"I'm sure they will," Lucy nodded just as she saw Dean, Shona and Matt walking towards her. "Matt's coming, I don't want him to see the dress until tonight. Could you take it up to the castle for me?" 

Jessica took the bag from her. "Of course, you have fun!" 

Jessica waved goodbye and headed up to the castle just as the group approached her. Matt was the first to speak. "Were you dress shopping for tonight?" 

"Not out of choice, Jessica begged me to let her take me dress shopping," Lucy sighed. 

"I wanted to help choose!" Matt laughed as he pulled her coat around her. "Do you want to get a butterbeer? It's the eve of Christmas eve and I thought we could celebrate by spending some time together." 

"Sure, lets go," Lucy took Matt's hand and they headed down to the three broomsticks for a drink. Shona went to order the drinks while Lucy, Matt and Dean took a table. 

"Are you coming to the Christmas party, Dean?" Lucy asked as Dean admired the wooden table. 

"If that's alright with Professor Slughorn I'd be delighted," Dean smiled. "I very much enjoyed the last gathering and it would be a pleasure to come back." 

"It's just a shame that the press has to be there," Lucy groaned as Shona set down all the butterbeers. "How's your mum, Shona? Is she staying at the castle for now?" 

Shona took a gulp of her butterbeer. "Yes, she's staying in one of the guest rooms for now until it's safe for her to go home. To be honest, with Zuc on the loose I don't want her to go home. She could get injured." 

"I just worry about my parents too," Matt admitted. "Zuc might know where they live and come and get them." 

Lucy felt guilt ran through her. "And it would be all my fault..." 

Matt shoved her gently on the shoulder. "Hey, I love being associated with you. You're the best person to be associated with, I take pride in it. Just because Zuc wants to kill everyone it doesn't mean it has to tear us apart." 

"But I'd never stop blaming myself if something happened to your parents." 

"Nothing will happen to my parents, trust me, unlike me they're smart," a smile then appeared on Matt's face. "They can't wait to meet you by the way, they've got a guest room set up for you already." 

"I'm delighted for their hospitality, It's incredibly nice of you to let me stay." 

"Don't mention it, they wouldn't want anyone else to stay at their home — " 

Lucy just about heard Matt's sentence because she was too focused on the door of the three broomsticks. It opened and revealled a tall man with flaming red hair; it was George Weasley. Lucy's eyes widened and she faced the other way. 

"Nobody look at the door, pretend to talk or something," Lucy hissed and turned her hair black. Shona, Dean and Matt obeyed although confused. Lucy gripped the edge of the table and just hoped that George didn't see her. 

" — are there any more spare tables?" Lucy heard George ask. The bartender pointed to an empty table next to the one Lucy and her friends were sitting at. Matt, curoisty getting the better of him, looked up and saw George sit down at the table next to theirs with a mug of butterbeer. He opened up the Daily Prophet and began to read it.

"Hi, Shona," George smiled without looking at the group. "How's it going?" 

"Uh...good!" Shona slowly faced George, itching the back of her head awkwardly. "How's your business going?" 

"Very well, we're looking to buy out Zonko's now. Everyone seems to love our shop so much me and Fred thought we could expand it." George set down his butterbeer and faced the group. "And who are these wonderful people you're sat with?" 

"This is Dean," Shona patted her companion on the head. "That's Matt and that's — " 

"Rosalie," Lucy murmured.

George heard her speak and he frowned. "Are you new? I don't recall you being at Hogwarts when I was there." 

"Yes," Lucy nodded still not looking at George. "And so are Matt and Dean." 

"Nice try, Lucy," George laughed. "I know you too well for you to pull a disguise on me." 

Lucy's hair colour returned to normal and she faced George. "Don't try and hook me up with Fred because I swear — " 

"I'm not here to hook you up with anyone, I made sure Fred didn't come in here on purpose because I saw you through the window and I knew he'd pounce on you immediately." 

"This Fred guy sounds like an idiot," Matt huffed and crossed his arms. 

"What's it got to do with you?" George looked him up and down, evidently jealous of his muscles. 

"Lucy's my girlfriend, it has everything to do with me," Matt retorted, his voice full of venom. "Your brother best stay away from Lucy because otherwise he'll get the sharp end of my tongue!" 

Lucy didn't even bother to tell Matt to calm down. She was in total agreement with his anger as she didn't want Fred anywhere near her anytime soon. She still hadn't forgiven him and what he did in the Ministry was outrageous. 

George ignored Matt. "I'm glad you're here, anyway, because I want to talk to you." 

Lucy pulled a face. "About what?" 

"Fred, he just wants you to forgive him so you can both get on with your lives. He tried to apologise in the Ministry but couldn't. He will never forgive himself for what he did to you — " 

"Then why did he do it?" Matt challenged. 

"Look, you don't understand — " 

"Oh I understand, Fred's just a cheating liar who's desperate to get Lucy back," Matt stood up and took Lucy's hand. "Well it's too late." Lucy followed Matt to the door but just before they left Matt turned around again. "Fred can take his apology and shove it where the sun doesn't shine because Lucy's moved on." 

Shona and Dean shrugged at George before running out of the three broomsticks. Matt strode along outside in the thick snow, almost dragging Lucy away from the place. Lucy hopped through the snow in desperate attempts to keep up. Matt was a hurricane ploughing through the snow with nothing to stop him. 

"Slow down!" Lucy pleaded, almost tripping up. "Matt! Please!" 

"We're getting away from here, now, I'm not having your ex-boyfriend's brother trying to apologise for him. Fred doesn't need to apologise, if he cared about you that much he wouldn't cheat on you!" Matt yelled over the howl of the wind. 

Lucy stopped walking and pulled against Matt's force, he stopped. She glared at him. "Stop it." 

"Stop what?" 

"Stop getting so angry over everything, it's not your problem to worry about," Lucy tried to make her way through the snow but she didn't get past Matt before he grabbed hold of her. 

"It is my problem, I promised I'd protect you and that's what I'm going to do. I'm not having anyone making you upset, you've got enough to worry about without the added pressure of everything else. I obviously can't do much about Zuc but I can do something about everyone here." 

Lucy looked down. "Okay, thank you but please control your temper," she looked up and produced a small smile. 

"Of course, anything that makes you happy," Matt agreed and took her hand. They walked back up to the castle together with Dean and Shona following closely behind. Lucy excused herself to Snape's quarters and as soon as she climbed the millionth stair to his door she almost collapsed in the living room chair she claimed as her own. 

"Tea?" Snape offered as soon as he saw her. 

"Yes please," Lucy just about managed to say through her frozen lips. "Tea would be great." 

Snape almost immediately produced a cup of tea and handed it to her which she gratefully wrapped her hands around. Snape sat in his chair with his own cup of tea and they sat there just like they used to. It almost felt normal. 

"So, how has your day been so far? Did you chop off any knights heads?" Snape asked casually with a hint of a smile. "Or did you find a new outfit?" 

"Well if you count the sparkly dress Jessica got me, yes, I've found a new outfit," Lucy nodded before taking a mouthful of tea, the warmth flowed through her, spreading down her limbs and warming her up. 

"She took you dress shopping did she? How did it go?" 

"She made me try on every dress in the shop until she was satisfied, don't get me wrong it was fun but it did get a little tiring," Lucy nodded to the bag near the kitchen table. "She dropped it off, too, why didn't you look at it?" 

"I didn't want to rummage through your possessions as that would be rude."

Lucy summoned the box over with a charm and opened the bag up and revealed the dress. Snape admired it. 

"It's nice, isn't it?" Snape nodded. 

"I don't like it," Lucy admitted. 

"Why not?" 

"It'll show off my scars." 

"Nobody will notice those scars in a dress like that, besides, I think everyone will be too interested in your story about taking four advanced knights out on your own." 

"Good point." 

"Why don't you go and get ready? The party will be sooner than you know it." 

"It won't take me that long to get ready, I'm not like most girls." 

"Lucy Eileen Snape I refuse to let you go in that assassin getup you wore yesterday," Snape pretended to glare at her. 

Lucy grinned. "Damn." 

*      *      * 

An hour later Lucy found herself sat at her dressing table all ready to go for the party. Her hair was down and fell in waves as she'd had it plaited all day, the little make up she'd forced herself to wear had highlighted her features well and the dress she wore fitted her perfectly. She couldn't wait to make a fool of herself. 

"Lucy, are you done?" Snape called from outside the door. 

"I've been done for more than half an hour, I've just been sitting here in boredom for the remaining time," Lucy called back, Snape opened the door in response. 

"You look great," he admitted. "I'm sure your pretend boyfriend will be here in a minute." 

Lucy got up and walked out of the door. "You make it sound absolutely awful." 

"Well he is, isn't he?" 

"Of couse, dad," Lucy rolled her eyes as she entered the living room where Jessica was sat, she laughed. 

Jessica then stood up and greeted Lucy. "You look absolutely stunning! I told you that you would, didn't I?" 

"I guess I've looked worse," she shrugged as there was a knock at the door. "Lets hope he likes it otherwise it's going to go bad with the press." 

Snape marched towards the front door and opened it to reveal Matt in an absolutely stunning suit. Lucy thought she'd never see him in a suit but she was wrong. Dean stood at his side obviously having a bit of trouble straightening his hair. 

"I didn't realise that Lucy had accepted two boys to go to the party with her," Snape rolled his eyes. 

"I'm her bodyguard!" Dean squeaked defensively but Matt punched him in the arm playfully but it caught Dean by surprise and he almost fell over. 

"Don't sweat it, big guy, everyone knows you're her bodyguard." 

"Can I go now?" Lucy whined as Jessica continued to fuss over her hair. "I think my hair looks fine now and even if it isn't I'm sure it's too stubborn to be sorted out." 

"Well...alright then. You have fun, okay?" Jessica let go of her hair and ushered her out of the door. 

"I will..." Lucy sighed as she closed the door behind her and the three of them began to walk down the stairs. 

"That is one sweet dress you've got there," Matt grinned and put an arm around her. "It looks amazing on you." 

"That's what Jessica said but I don't like my scars showing, wearing this is just a nightmare." 

"Who cares about scars? We're here to party not to care about scars! — Although you do look stunning." 

"You really do!" Dean agreed. 

"Thanks, both of you," Lucy blushed a little. "It's really kind of you to say that." 

"Don't mention it," Matt shrugged. "Where is this party anyway?" 

"Slughorn's office, my dad's old quarters." 

"Well lets get going then," Matt offered his hand. "Shall we young ice queen?" 

They headed down to the dungeons where Slughorn's office was, Dean lead the way proudly as he now knew his way around Hogwarts. Well, he knew the way around after the first couple of days but he wanted to impress Lucy with his knowledge now. 

When they reached the stairs that lead down to the dungeons they could already hear 'The Weird Sisters' playing their music live. They could also hear laughter and loud conversation, evidently the party was in full swing and everyone was awaiting Lucy's arrival.

"I'm not sure if I'm ready for this," Lucy admitted. "I've never been good in social situations and now I'm being thrown into a massive one. Not only that, the Quick Quills are going to be down there and even worse people from the Daily Prophet!" 

"Nothing's going to hurt you with us around," Dean reassured. "Any press that you or I feel are unsuitable will be kicked out immediately, trust me." 

"Why don't you run down there first, Dean? Make sure it's all okay? I mean, the last thing we want is for Lucy to be harmed," Matt suggested wisely. Dean saluted Matt and scampered down the steps. He peered inside Slughorn's party and surveyed the area. Everything seemed to be in order and so he made his way back up the stairs to inform his friends. 

"It looks alright to me," Dean nodded. "Lets go!" The three of them walked down the stairs and entered the life of the party. 

Dean walked in first and then behind him Lucy and Matt followed. Everyone began to cheer when they caught sight of Lucy. Cameras began to flash and a dozen images of Lucy and Matt were taken all at once. They were both blinded by the flashes which created a few blind spots in their eyes momentarily, Lucy was grateful that she didn't bring her glasses so that the flashes would be sharper. They both wore fake smiles they knew would hurt their faces by the end of the evening.

"Lucy! This way!" One of the cameramen called. 

Lucy tried to keep smiling as the cameras continued to flash and she was ordered to face certain people as they wanted a great photograph next to the article they were going to write about her. Lucy had no idea if it would be positive or negative about her and the dress she wore. She just hoped Jessica had picked wisely. 

"You're going out aren't you?" Dean prompted under his breath, Lucy didn't hear this but Matt did. Matt took charge immediately, he looked at Lucy and put an arm around her. He had the widest smile on his face and was controlling the press incredibly well. Lucy was incredibly grateful for him being with her, without him she'd probably be cracking under pressure in front of the press. 

Four advanced knights? No problem. A crowd of greedy press? That Lucy couldn't handle. 

Lucy stood on the tips of her toes and Matt kissed her. There was a series of excited cheers from the press and more cameras (if that was possible) began to flash. Despite Lucy's heels she was still too short to kiss Matt. 

The flashes began to die down and so the two of them followed Dean over to Professor Slughorn who was delighted to see them. Both Lucy and Matt tried to clear the blindness from their eyes and relax the fake smiles they had to put on for the press. 

"Lucy! I'm so glad you could come!" Slughorn beamed. He then faced Matt. "And your date!" 

"Don't forget Dean," Lucy ruffled Dean's hair, that he'd spent a lot of time working on, so he could steal some of the limelight. 

"And Mr Cousins! Oh how wonderful it is to see you all together!" 

"It's great to see you too, sir, I love what you've done with the place," Lucy admired all the decorations. It was true, the place was absolutely stunning. The ceiling and walls had been draped with emerald, crimson and gold hangings and the room was drowned in a stunning red light that really gave the room the party feel. 

"I'm glad you like it," he then lowered his voice. "By the way, I heard you killed a couple of advanced knights, how brave and daring of you. It's nice to finally see you grow into your destiny." 

Lucy smiled. "Thank you." 

"Without further ado, there's some people I'd like to introduce you to. They've heard of your greatness and would be delighted to meet you." 

Slughorn led them over to two people, he explained that the first was an ex-student of his who'd spent a lot of time with vampires and had even written a book about them and the other was in fact, a vampire. 

"Eldred Worple," the first man bowed in front of Lucy. "It is an absolute pleasure to finally meet you, Miss Lucy." 

"It's a pleasure to meet you too," Lucy curtsied. "I've read your book before, it's right here in the school's library and in my dad's bookcase. I thoroughly enjoyed it." 

"I'm glad you did!" Worple bowed again. "I presume you know a thing or two about vampires as well." 

"Considering my soon to be step mum is, I guess I do." 

"Many congratulations to your father — !" 

"Why do you trust Jessica Stone?"

Everyone turned to face the vampire. He looked just like Jessica did with dark shadows under his eyes as well as a pale complexion. "Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Sanguini."

Lucy and Sanguini shook hands. "Why do you ask?" She wondered. 

Because it's odd for humans to trust vampires and vice versa so I want to know why you have such a strong bond with Jessica Stone," Sanguini had lost the bored look he had worn up until now, he was intrigued all of a sudden. 

"She's done an awful lot to help the gifted and left Zuc's side for us because she has faith in us although Zuc took her in when she had no where else to go as a new vampire as she was at the time." 

"Did she work with Kingston and Ryan?" 

"Yes," Lucy nodded. 

"How's Ryan?" 

"Dead." 

"Oh...well I used to know him before he ran off to the apparently 'promising' Medieval Islands with Kingston." 

"I'm sorry." 

"Don't be, he was an idiot." 

Lucy smiled at his comment before realising Matt had disappeared. She waved goodbye to Sanguini who had resumed his bored manner once again. She found Matt just as he was helping himself to the last glass of Firewhisky on a waiters tray. He snatched it just before Cormac McClaggen got there. 

"Hey! Who do you think you are?" McClaggen challenged. "I was going to have that!" 

"Was," Matt smirked as he took a sip of the drink with relish. "In answer to your question I think I'm Matt Jarvin the Slytherin from America, pleased to meet you." 

"You're Lucy's boyfriend? Oh for goodness sake! Did you know she made me a substitute on the Gryffindor Quidditch team?" McClaggen snarled. 

"How generous of her! She's such a giving person, you know. Always off saving the world, it's a wonder how she does it with idiots like you around." 

McClaggen turned red in the face. "HOW DARE YOU — " 

"Shh," Matt held a finger up. "You're lowering the entire party's IQ." With that, Matt walked away. 

"You really do take pride in making others feel weak, don't you?" Lucy asked with sarcasm in her voice and a hint of mischief in her eyes as Matt joined her. 

"Especially McClaggen over there, just because he doesn't have reflexes like mine," Matt swished the last sip of his wine about in the glass. "You want some of this? It's blinding." 

Lucy looked up and spotted Snape walking into the party. She then took the glass from Matt and gulped the contents. "Oh you're right...it's blinding." Lucy pulled a face. 

"I'll go and get some more, you head out onto the dance floor with Dean," Matt waved his hand at her as he went to go and get more wine. Dean was already at Lucy's side just in time for the Weird Sisters next song. 

"But I can't dance!" Lucy called after him. 

"Sure you can! I'll be right over here, okay?" 

Lucy looked at Dean. "Are you good at catching people?" 

"I guess so yes," Dean shrugged. 

"Well get ready to dance with Lucy Snape the girl with two left feet." 

Dean lead Lucy onto the dance floor and the two of them tried to blend in and copy everyone else's dance moves to the Weird Sisters music. They struggled a lot with Lucy barely managing to keep herself upright in her heels, Dean also didn't have any clue what to do and so they both ended up having a great time embarrassing each other. Both laughing when Lucy almost fell over and Dean caught her. 

The next song was soon to start and Ben Truman walked over to the clumsy twosome. "Good evening," Ben bowed in front of them both. "Could I steal Lucy for this song?" 

"Of course!" Dean smiled and happily scampered over to the sidelines, Lucy envied his freedom. 

"You want to dance? With me?" Lucy pointed to herself just in case Ben didn't understand. "I hope you've just seen my dancing, if so you'll know how terrible I am at it." 

"Oh it's fine," Ben shook his head. "I've only come over here to get away from Ellen." 

Lucy's face brightened up. "Why's that?" 

"She's very..." Ben searched for the right word. "Suffocating." 

"I thought you two loved each other?" 

"We did, I thought she was alright before I knew how much she loved her silly newspaper instead of me. All she keeps doing tonight is angling her camera in the right position to get a good photo of you for her next article. I do apologise for this as I've asked her to stop it. She's already got over fifty taken." 

"There's journalism and then there's stalking." 

"I know, it's absolutely ridiculous..." Ben looked over Lucy's shoulder to see if he had escaped Ellen for good. "I think I'm going to break up with her." 

"You are?" 

"Yes, I think I am. It's a shame that it's so close to Christmas but I'll be a lot happier," Ben looked down, feeling a little guilty. "But I know that you could hook me up with someone else if I needed to, right Lucy?" 

Lucy tried to hide her smile. "Oh I think I've got someone I could hook you up with if needed." 

"Great, thank you so much," Ben waved goodbye and walked over to a frustrated Ellen as she tried to get her camera to work. 

Matt walked back over to Lucy, or rather he stumbled a little. Lucy took hold of him and steadied him. "Are you alright there?" 

"I'm fine," Matt waved her comment away, he shook himself mentally feeling a little better. A slow song came on and he focused on just Lucy. "Do you want to dance?" 

"I've danced with two people so far and it hasn't gone very well but I'll make a fool of myself one more time just for you." 

They held onto each other as the music played. Lucy was much better with a calm song that didn't involve moving around too much like an energetic one did. Matt did most of the work while Lucy just leaned into him and simply imagined it was just the two of them dancing together in a vast room. 

There was suddenly a chorus of male laughter which broke both Lucy and Matt's train of thought. Lucy ignored it while Matt looked up to see Draco Malfoy and a few other boys. Matt frowned at them whereas Lucy just sighed and rested her head on Matt's chest and focused on his breathing. 

"Blondie wasn't invited," Matt whispered. 

"He's gate crashing," Lucy whispered back but it was more like a deep fed up sigh. "It's Malfoy after all, what do you expect?" 

Matt paused. "Ferret." 

Lucy giggled, she couldn't help herself. She had told Matt what had happened to Draco in fourth year and it had amused him. She would never regret telling Matt that as he kept making snide comments about it every now and then. 

" — and her that filthy little half breed," Lucy heard Draco say. Matt looked up again. He saw Draco sneering at Lucy but as soon as he saw Matt looking at him he turned away quickly. Lucy felt Matt begin to turn but she quickly held him tight. 

"Matt, don't. He's not worth your time." 

"I don't care. He's talking about you. I'm not having anyone talk about you that way," Matt spoke in a sharp whisper and Lucy hoped that the alcohol wasn't kicking in. 

"She's disgusting! Look at her in that dress thinking she's pretty showing off her ugly scars, clinging needily to her boyfriend." 

This time Matt lost it, he let go of Lucy and walked over to Draco and tapped him on the shoulder. Malfoy spun around in annoyance expecting it to be someone else but his anger faded when he saw Matt. 

Matt glared at him. "Say what." 

"Huh?" 

In the next moment, Draco's feet were dangling in the air where Matt had lifted him up. Everyone in the room was watching including Snape. Matt said the words through gritted teeth. "Say what." 

"I - I — " 

Matt now held him by his tie. "Nobody speaks about my girlfriend that way — YOU FILTHY LITTLE SCUMBAG!" Matt swung his free arm forward and it hit Draco straight in the nose. Draco fell to the ground, blood dripping from his nose. Lucy realised the alcohol was really kicking in and affecting Matt badly. Lucy stepped back as Matt continued to punch Draco. 

Draco screamed for help and the teachers rushed over in attempt to haul Matt off of Draco. They had no luck. Instead Lucy stepped forward, put her arms around Matt's middle and hauled him up with her arm strength. 

"Matt, stop!" Lucy cried. He panted heavily, flailing his arms to try and get back to hitting Draco. "You promised me!" 

Matt stopped flailing all of a sudden and only his harsh breathing could be heard as the whole room had gone silent, including the Weird Sisters. Lucy slowly let go of him in case she needed to grab hold of him again but he was motionless like she'd just shut down a killing machine and he key to stop it was the pureness of her voice. 

Matt faced her. "I'm sorry..." 

"It's okay, lets go," Lucy took his hand and began to lead him out, Matt looked over his shoulder at Draco who stuck his tongue out. Matt growled at him in response and Draco squealed. After that it all went silent.

"I spotted the drunk!" Dean giggled. 

*      *      * 

"Lucy!"  

Lucy turned around at the sound of her name being called and saw her father running towards her. She smiled at the sight of him. "Hi, dad." 

"Are you alright?" 

"I am but Matt's not," Lucy gestured to Matt who was sat against the wall in the corridor groaning. "I guess the alcohol kicked in." 

Snape dismissed this. "Why did he punch Mr Malfoy?" 

"Draco said some mean things about me, Matt heard them and turned Draco into his personal punching bag. I told him not to but he was adamant." 

"I - I was adamant..." Matt's speech was slurred as he stared into the distance. "Whatever that means..." 

"Poor thing," Lucy sighed looking at Matt who began smiling at the ceiling for no apparent reason. 

"Lucy..." Snape said, it didn't get her attention as she looked at Matt. He put a hand on her shoulder. "Lucy." 

"What?" She looked at Snape all of a sudden. 

"Did you carry him out?" 

"Yes, I would have done it for longer but I couldn't carry him for that long." 

Snape nodded, there was an awkward silence between the two before Snape spoke up again. "I must ask...do you love him?" 

"Of course! For the cameras," Lucy smirked. 

"No...do you truthfully love him?" 

Lucy looked down at her feet and mumbled something. 

"Pardon?" Snape asked. 

"Yes..." she turned away from Snape. "I'm sorry..." 

Snape turned her to face him again. "Why apologise?" 

"Because I knew you wouldn't approve, that's why I lied." 

"Well you shouldn't, you should tell me." 

"Alright, I'm sorry." 

"You're forgiven." 

"I love me too," Matt sighed and smiled at the ceiling. 

Both Snape and Lucy laughed. Lucy bent down and helped him up again. "Do you fancy helping me get him to the Slytherin common room?" 

"It's too far, I say you drag him to Filch's broom cupboard and leave him there." 

"Dad!" Lucy frowned. "Last time he was in there, Filch gave him a detention!" 

"All the more reason to put him there." (Lucy frowned). "Well I suppose we're almost at my quarters, we'll leave him on the sofa until morning." 

"Agreed." 

Snape helped Lucy carry Matt and while they were walking Lucy spoke up. "I'm going to Matt's for Christmas tomorrow, is that alright?" 

"I suppose so, as I know you'll be happy there." 

"His parents are desperate to meet me, according to Matt." 

"Well I'm desperate to get this 6 ft 3 teenager off of my back." 

Lucy laughed. "Oh dad, you'll get used to him, he's harmless." 

"Draco Malfoy's harmless..." Matt grinned. 

Lucy and Snape laughed again as they walked down another corridor. Snape realised then that he did have to let Lucy grow up even if it meant her getting a boyfriend at the same time. She couldn't be the ten year old he met in a park six years ago forever. 

But he would love her for as long as he lived. 

And she would never forget everything she owed to her father.