Monday, December 21st:

Ah, the fated day had arrived.

The anniversary of Ezekial Seramore's death and surprisingly, Artemis had not one nightmare.

Not a single one, which brought up more questions than answers. Regardless of this Daphne burned sage throughout their dormitory, just as a precaution.

Artemis wondered whether her lack of mental torment was due to the fact it had been 7 years since her father's passing, therefore she didn't carry the blame like she did before.

Or maybe it was due to Celeste finding a new partner.

Either way, she couldn't figure it out.

And what scared her the most, if she didn't dream about her father anymore, will she just forget about him? She thought if she didn't see him when she slept would he just be erased from her life?

She wanted to keep his memory alive, even though he was prominent in many lives.

For some odd reason, Artemis had been called into Dumbledore's office.

She loathed the idea of being around the man. Times like these she wished that Snape was her headmaster, but she doubted that would happen anytime soon.

The moment she sat down in the extravagant office, she faced the silver-haired man. His robes... or the attire that he called an outfit, mimicked something from one of Charles Dickens novels.

Artemis struggled not to laugh at him, but she didn't bother to hide her amusement.

"You wanted to see me, professor."

He nodded with a fond smile, "I did, I wanted to check in to see if you were... doing well."

She eyed him sceptically, "I'm fine." she said unconvincingly.

He hummed and offered her a lemon sherbet, she declined quickly, "I heard about the incident in the courtyard."

Her lips parted, and an unamused noise left her mouth, "Where your dear old friend turned my boyfriend into a ferret."

She exhaled slowly, attempting to not let the memories of that day get to her.

Although when they all got back to their common room, she and her group of friends laughed it off, even though the thought of anything bad happening to the people she has love for, fueled the fire that burned deep within.

She has strong feelings for her boyfriend, possibly love, but she couldn't say she loved him...yet.

Dumbledore didn't seem shocked by her proclamation, especially because he frequently saw their interactions, "Mr Malfoy is your boyfriend, a well-suited match I think."

"Was Professor Moody punished in any way?" she asked incredulously, ignoring his obvious attempt to misdirect the conversation.

He shuffled closer and leaned on his wide wooden desk, "You disarming the man was a punishment to his ego Artemis." he chuffed out.

She squinted her eyes, "I don't think a student can punish a professor, don't you think?"

"Yet many have." he countered and she couldn't disagree.

She shrugged, "I suppose, but I'm curious to see if you remember our conversation from last year, about the incidents that happen in the walls of this castle."

She was of course referring to their first proper interaction from third year; when Tracey Davis was expelled from Hogwarts due to some discriminative remarks the witch made towards Artemis.

"I'm aware of many and I've taken our discussion very seriously," he said, taking a serious tone.

"Really?"

"Not too seriously though, or you would be punished frequently."

She laughed dryly, cocking her to the side at his remark,  "as would your precious little chosen one,"

He nodded, "Touché."

"So let me guess, Moody will get off Scot free?" She plastered on a wicked grin, "great." She moved to stand, "best be off professor." she didn't want to waste any more time in his presence, especially because she and Daphne had to have their yule ball dresses fitted.

"Artemis," his voice caused her to halt, "I also know what today means to you."

She swallowed harshly, "okay..."

He motioned her to sit down again and she reluctantly did, "Your father's passing was very tragic." he offered her a friendly smile, but she didn't bother to return it.

"I know."

"I just wanted to remind you that you aren't alone." he spoke softly, "and you never will be."

She heard the sincerity in his voice, but was still apprehensive about trusting it, "thank you." she said stiffly.

"Blessings and losses bring everyone together," he leaned back in his chair, "although today is very odd."

"Why?" she asked, narrowing her eyes at the man, not comprehending what he was hinting at.

"I once knew a boy who celebrated his birthday 10 days before the actual day, isn't that awfully peculiar?"

She suppressed the urge to roll her eyes, "Depends on the boy."

"I guess you're right," he paused, "but he celebrated it today," he added, catching her attention.

Her fingers curled into her hand, "Who was he?"

"Just a boy who went down the wrong path," he spoke as if it were a memory, a memory he only wished he could change.

"Only in your eyes, im guessing." she assumed.

He tensed, and she caught the action, despite him quickly recovering, "He was just a boy I used to know." he said mustering up a smile.

She nodded and excused herself from the room, leaving her to her thoughts about who the boy could've been.

***

Friday, December 25th:

Despite today being the Yule ball, it was still Christmas day.

So in the morning, the pureblood 5 quickly made their way to Mente Striae, hiding from the stressing and faffling that everyone else was doing.

They all exchanged the presents that they had gifted each other. But they all marvelled at the gift that Artemis had bought them.

She had gifted the group silver necklaces, that had the word 'SPECTRES' engraved with emeralds.

They shone brightly whenever they caught the light.

She had chosen the word 'Spectres' because it came from 'Les Spectre' which meant 'the ghosts', something that most people around school referred to them as they often disappeared.

She had also put a charm on the necklaces, which alerted the others whenever they were hurt or injured.

The teens had used Theo's Polaroid camera to capture their morning, putting their favourite picture on the wall of Ghosts before they headed back to their common rooms, ready and excited for the night to come.

***

Artemis and Daphne took 4 hours to get ready. Yes, 4 hours. Perfection isn't instant, even though the boys claimed it was but they chose to ignore them.

The Seramore witch had her hair in knotless braids that flowed down to her behind, she didn't bother choosing a hairstyle, but her best friend had curled her blonde locks and styled it into a half up half down look, allowing a few curls to escape the clip that held it all together.

Their gowns; ones that Klaus had bought them, much to Artemis' dismay, were beautiful.

From Celeste's advice, Klaus had brought Artemis an emerald green floor-length dress, it had a hint of a flower length pattern from the single strap to the slit of the design.

Whereas Daphne's was slightly different. It was black and flowed freely, the material was lighter and she had a single sleeve holding the dress up.

Both gowns complimented their complexions.

The two witches glowed not just under the fluorescent light, but because it was impossible for them to do anything but.

They put on their designer lace gloves, matching necklaces and  3-inch black heels.

Theo had begged Artemis to bring a small bag so he could smuggle in a little flask, so she brought the Chanel clutch that Daphne had bought for her 13th birthday.

"You look amazing." The blonde said as they met in the centre of the room. She tried to not cry or her make-up would get smudge and she would have to spend another hour attending to it.

And they certainly didn't have the time for that.

Artemis smiled warmly, grabbing onto her best friend's hand, "and you look wonderful ."

Daphne blinked back her tears and squeezed her hand,  "Come on the boys are waiting and you don't want them to have a fit."

"come on, you know they already are."

***

The boys stood by the great hall entrance, along with the rest of the many escorts.

Draco, Blaise and Theo were all matching, the all-black 3-piece Armani suits that Elijah Mikaelson had bought and mailed to the school had only managed to make them look more handsome.

Their Spectre chains were peeping out of their shirts.

They received many longing stares, but they didn't take much notice of it.

Draco's hair was free of gel, but it was combed neatly, Blaise had his plaits tied back, so they didn't disrupt his line of vision, whereas Theo's curls were more defined than usual.

The nott wizard grinned when Zacharias came over, "you all look nice," the Jones boy complemented and threw an arm around Theo's neck.

"Thanks, mate," Blaise responded, but Draco sent the boy a fake smile, "you do too."

"The girls need to hurry-" Theo was quickly cut off and turned to look at the top of the grand staircase, silence quickly suffocated the room.

The Slytherin princesses stood at the top, gaining the attention of everyone. Mouths were gaping and eyes shot out of their heads as they slowly descended the stairs.

Their beauty was ethereal and all their peers were enthralled, despite some raging from jealousy and envy.

Artemis and Daphne's hands were linked as their gowns lightly grazed the floor.

Finally getting to the bottom,  Theo, Blaise and Draco stared at them in awe.

Theo had to slap the back of their heads, causing them to pick their jaws up from the bottom of the floor, "You look-" Blaise was lost his words, unable to speak coherently.

"So..." Draco quickly followed, but couldn't take his eyes off his girlfriend.

"You look beautiful," Theo said, shaking his head at the boys, who continued to be tongue-tied.

As were many others who continued to gawk at the two witches.

Harry, Cedric and Viktor couldn't help but ogle, before their dates, nudged them. Fleur didn't care and fawned along with her date Roger Davies.

Harry was with Parvati Patel,  a Gryfinndor witch, and her twin sister the Padma had been accompanied by Ron.

Cedric had chosen to ask Li Mei Zhong, a Ravenclaw witch, who he had a crush on for a while, although he couldn't deny how captivating the two pureblood witches were.

Viktor had asked Hermoine to be his date; she was thrilled, although she continued to stare at a certain Nott wizard, who shot her a smile when she had showed up in a beautiful dress.

"You do," Zacharias added, making the two girls smile.

"As do all of you," Daphne said ecstatically, Blaise was quick to pull her into his hold.

"Can we go in now?" Artemis asked, Draco interlocked their hands and threw his arm over her shoulder, she became flushed as he whispered a few things into her ear.

"Yes, my feet already hurt."

Theo playfully scoffed, "no one told you to wear heels Daph."

"Shut up."

When they entered the hall, they saw how the room was covered with icy decorations, glaciers clung to tables and huge Christmas trees were at the end, by the orchestra, where Professor Flitwick started conducting them as the champions walked in, followed by clapping and cheers.

Everyone stood around the champions as it was tradition for the 3... now 4 to have the first dance.

"Did you bring your clutch?" Theo asked Artemis, in a hushed tone watching as the champions started to dance in unison.

"Yup." she nodded and suppressed a grin when Harry almost stumbled alongside the Patel girl.

Artemis secretly passed it to Theo and he concealed it with his blazer.

"So subtle T,"

"Yeah yeah." he waved her off before turning to Zacharias, "where's your brother?"

"Setting up the band in the back."

"Are you going to sing?"

"nope, I play the drums, as will Alana," he informed him, not taking his eyes off the dancing, "Zay will sing along with a few others."

Theo nodded. he also caught the subtle looks Hermoine was sending him before she sheepishly turned back to look at Viktor.

The dance quickly ended and many started to clap and then join in.

The music flowed melodically, Draco softly pulled his girlfriend onto the dance floor, and Blaise did the same with Daphne.

Leaving Theo to keep speaking with Zacharias.

"Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?" Draco said, staring down at Artemis, their height difference was still prominent despite her wearing heels.

"Nope, you were too busy drooling," she teased and he bashfully smiled.

"Because you look more than beautiful."

"Really?" she asked, her heart thumped against her chest as did his.

"You look like a dream."

His words made her eyes gloss over and rest her head against his chest, "thank you my darling," her voice was slightly muffled by his shirt.

"No need to thank me," his hand teased over her bare back, "I'm only telling the truth."

She stared up at him, with a look he couldn't decipher. He went to ask her something, only to be cut off when she pressed her lips to his.

Their kiss was broken when they heard someone dramatically cough, they turned to meet the culprit.

Snape.

"What have I told you two?" he asked, his hands clasped behind his back and his face remained stoic.

He pulled them off the dance floor, just as soon as the classical music had faded and was soon replaced by the Hufflepuff band; named ' The Delinquants'.

"That we're your favourites," Artemis stated innocently causing Draco to snort.

Snape ignored her, "no PDA, have some decorum," he chastised and then spun on his feet and left, on a mission to reprimand more young teens.

The couple laughed, then turned to each other, Draco pressed a kiss to her forehead, "come on, let's go and find the others."

She nodded then grabbed his hand and pulled him passed the dance floor, and over to where Theo was sitting with Blaise and Daphne, who had just been scolded by Snape as well.

The raven-haired professor didn't miss a beat.

As soon as Artemis and Draco sat down, they heard the end of Daphne and Blaise's conversation.

"I love you," The Zabini wizard pressed a kiss to his girlfriend's cheek.

"I love you too."

The other three stared at them in shock.

"What did you just say?" Theo choked on the fire whiskey that he had put in his flask. Artemis grabbed it from him and took a swing of it, still very surprised at their declaration of love.

Draco's eyes were bulging out of his head.

"Guys we started saying it last year." Blaise rolled his eyes and pulled the blonde onto his lap.

Daphne nodded in agreement, wishing she could've captured their astonished faces, "Yeah get over yourself."

After all, the couple had been together for a while, they were bound to say it at some point, but just rarely said it in public, not purposefully, but they just hadn't realised.

Theo cooed, "Aww, that was so cute I almost threw up."

"Love you too T."

"Come on, get up." Theo gestured for them all to stand up, confusing the group.

"Why?" Artemis groaned, "we just sat down." the others nodded in agreement.

"The band is gonna play something." he gestured to the front of the crowded hall.

The room was suddenly engulfed with the sound of energetic music, causing students to start cheering and jumping on their feet,  Zacharias and Alana played their own sets of drums, Cedric and Iziah each had an electric guitar and a microphone stood in front of them.

"Oh shit," Artemis laughed and stood up, "come on," she pulled up Draco and Theo did the same with the other two.

"Most of freedom and of pleasure,

Nothing ever lasts forever,

Everybody wants to rule the world."

Iziah and Cedric sang, loudly, showcasing their talent. Whilst Alana and Zacharias played their instruments in synchronisation.

"There's a room where the light won't find you,

Holding hands while the walls come tumbling down,

When they do, I'll be right behind you"

The crowd started clapping to the beat, and some started singing along to the popular 80s tune.

"So glad we've almost made it,

So sad they had to fade it,

Everybody wants to rule the world."

Even a few professors joined in, nodding their heads to the beat whilst the music bounced off walls and mountain-high ceilings.

"I can't stand this indecision,

Married with a lack of vision,

Everybody wants to rule the world."

Everyone was singing along, even if it was a popular muggle song, no one cared. It was one of the few chances for them all to come together as a school, especially with the impending competition starting up as soon as the new year started.

"Say that you'll never, never, never, never need it,

One headline, why believe it?

Everybody wants to rule the world."

The band stopped playing their instruments, their voices blended in with the crowds,  with no drums or guitars to interrupt them.

"All for freedom and for pleasure

Nothing ever lasts forever

Everybody wants to rule the world!"

***

The band continued to play popular songs, amidst the joy and laughter, Theo noticed that a certain muggle-born Gryffindor witch had stormed off, crying over things that Ron Weasley had said to her.

So he had followed Hermoine, slowly, hoping that he didn't look like some stalker, or worse...Viktor Krum.

All he had to do was follow the sounds of weeping as he made his way through the chilly hallways, where the snow had drifted in and attached to many pillars as well as the marble floor.

Theo cleared his throat when he confronted her in the secluded space, she shot up off the floor, scared by his presence, believing that she was alone.

He noticed the tears continued to escape her eyes and silently coat her rosy cheeks, he thought she still managed to look beautiful despite her distraught appearance. A few of her curls had fallen out of place, but it didn't matter. He liked the lilac-coloured dress she wore, although he did prefer his best friends.

Hermoine tried to wipe away her tears but they continued to flow, so Theo sighed and held his arms out, she immediately walked over to him and let him hug her.

"What happened?" he asked, knowing that Ron had something to do with it. He already didn't like the Weasley boy, but since he was friends with the twins, so he had to suppress his urges to hex the boy, despite already doing it a month ago.

"Boys are stupid," she mumbled into his chest, causing him to let out a deep chuckle.

"We are."

"I'm sorry," she croaked out and stared up at him, Theo shot her a questioning look as he wiped away her tears before they stained her cheeks.

"For?..." he tailed off, a smile tugged at his lips, knowing exactly why she was sorry.

"Keeping us a secret," she said sadly, regretting her decision, remembering how she used to look forward to seeing him during 3rd year.

She had really messed up.

Perhaps it was because he was a Slytherin or the fact she was just scared.

She would always have feelings for Theo, he was her first kiss and she could never forget that.

"You should be," he joked, "I'm a bloody prize," he said confidently, making her laugh, they both knew he was being serious and she wasn't going to deny a thing.

"You are," she mumbled, she huffed, "I'm a mess."

"You are," he blurted out and she gave him a pointed look, but she also tried holding back her smile, "but you look very pretty," he added, staring directly into her eyes.

"thank you."

"Just make sure your date treats you well," he almost gagged at the thought of Viktor Krum.

Hermoine's eyes widened as she remembered the Bulgarian champion, being in Theo's presence was enough to make her forget anything.

"Thank you, Theo."

He nodded, glad that he had put a smile on her face, "well I need to go before my friends declare I'm missing."

"O-okay," she stammered, already beginning to miss his company, "bye."

"Bye pretty girl." he winked and made his way back to the great hall, leaving her to a chaotic mind.

***

"Where have you been young Theodorus?" Blaise teased after seeing his close friend appear from a random part of the school.

The Slytherin group had been standing against one of the pillars, looking at the snow-covered courtyard.

Despite the freezing weather, their joy and excitement were enough to keep them warm.

Many carriages fulled up the space, the two couples considered getting into one of their own but they knew that Snape was on the prowl with along with Igor.

Theo shrugged with his hands in his trouser pockets, "You know...being a menace."

"The usual?" Artemis questioned with a mischievous glint in her eyes. She was standing with her back to her boyfriend's chest, Daphne did the same with hers.

"Yes, my dear Temi," he nodded when he joined them, "the usual," he said with a grin, Blaise was quick to throw his arm around his neck, bringing him to a nice embrace.

"Tonight has been a success," Draco commented, as they all stared up at the starry sky. He placed his hands on Artemis' waist, making her tense before leaning into his touch.

"You're sounding way too optimistic for my liking D," Daphne said, feigning fright.

"Fine," he huffed, "tonight wasn't as shit as I thought."

"Much better Darling," Artemis shot him a smile, she laughed when he tickled her sides.

"So much better," the other three agreed, making him flip them all off.

"Do you see how Potter kept staring at you, Temi?" Theo brought up, causing Draco to instantly scowl, Daphne and Blaise immediately started laughing at his annoyance.

Artemis pulled her boyfriend's hands around her waist, giving them a reassuring squeeze to calm him, "Yes, I saw and I kept ignoring him."

Draco's heart swelled at her comfort, he couldn't help but fall harder for the Seramore witch. He feared at she wouldn't feel the same. He knew she had issues even saying the three adoring words, so he was worried that if he eventually said them, she wouldn't say them back.

He was brought out of his thoughts when Theo continued teasing him.

"And Krumble," he added, Blaise snorted and the nickname, "even Weaslebee too."

"Alright T," Daphne said through her laughs, noticing how Draco had hid his head in the crook of Artemis' neck, "he's had enough."

"No, he hasn't."

"Yes, he has," Draco and Artemis both responded, the former's voice sounded more muffled than the latter.

"In fact, I need a drink", The Malfoy wizard held his hand out to Theo, who pulled out the Chanel clutch, earning a confused look from the boys, "what the-"

"Don't ask," Artemis waved them all off, then shared an amused look with Daphne.

Draco took the flask out of the clutch, and then took a swig of the dragon whiskey, wincing as it went down his throat.

"Oh damn," Blaise muttered, earning everyone's attention, they then followed his gaze, looking up to the sky, jaws dropping when they saw a shooting star. The star travelled across the atmosphere, leaving a trail of fire in its path.

"It's so pretty." Daphne wished she could pull it from the sky.

And Blaise instantly wished he could gift it to her.

"Make a wish guys," Artemis said as they all shared the flask.

The group quickly closed their eyes and muttered their deepest desire, they opened their eyes they huddled close together, wondering if it would ever come true.

***

a/n:

Li Mei Zhou is the name I changed Cho Chang's name to. Li Mei means 'pretty rose' and Zhou means 'excellent'. I changed the name because we all know that JK put no effort into choosing POC names at all. Cho Chang doesn't make sense and is perhaps the most offensive character name in the HPU. I hope you like the new name.

I had been planning Daphne and Artemis's outfits for a while, hope you guys liked them.

I wanted the group to be named something other than the pureblood 5. And since they are very good at sneaking in and out of places, like ghosts, I chose the name spectre because that's what it means in French. So don't be surprised if I change up their group name sometimes.

Even though Theo doesn't like Hermione, he felt bad and checked on her. Originally I was going to let Artemis do it, but since Theo had a somewhat relationship with Hermione I thought it was better this way.

Did you like the band? Overall did you like the chapter? Because I needed them to have a nice time at school for once.

blaise and daphne saying 'i love you' makes my heart melt omg. and the fact Draco has loved artemis for most of his life, but is falling in love with her is everything.

Who could Dumbledore be referring to? And guess what guys...a flashback chapter is coming up, next...

also any TVDU fans, I have a klaus Mikealson book coming out on Friday.