During the daytime, everyone is eating breakfast at the Great Hall. Matthew takes a sip as he sees Cho from across the table. Cho sits with a fellow Ravenclaw girl, who WHISPERS her ear and GIGGLES. Cho smiles enigmatically and casts a faint glance toward Matthew.

Matthew waves at her. He responds by juice down his chin. As he dabs his mouth dribbling quickly with his his napkin. Giving them a laugh as Matthew wipes his face.

Hermione: I don't believe it! She's done it again.

Hermione shows them the newspaper.

Matthew: You've got to be kidding me.

Hermione: [reading] "Miss Granger, a plain but ambitious girl seems to be developing a taste for famous wizards and the sorcerer."

Matthew: [reading] "Her latest prey, sources report, is none other than Bulgarian bonbon Viktor Frum. No word yet on how Harry Potter or Matthew Stutler is taking this latest emotional blow."

Ron: You and Krum. That's rich.

Ron CHUCKLES. Hermione GLOWERS at him.

Matthew: This is serious, Ron.

Hermione shakes her head in weary puzzlement as a TINY PIRST-YEAR BOY (NIGEL) comes dashing up with BOX.

Nigel: Parcel for you, Mr. Weasley.

Ron: Thank you, Nigel.

As Nigel stumbles off, Harry, Matthew, and Hermione eye. Ron shrugs.

Matthew: What was that about?

Ron: I told him I'd get him your and Harry's autograph.

Harry and the others watch Ron lift a LACE-TRIMMED GOWN from the boх.

Ron: Hey look. Mum's sent me something... Mum's sent me a dress.

Harry: It does match your eyes. Is there a bonnet?

Matthew: Found it.

Matthew pulls it out and places it in front of Ron.

Ron: Nose down, Matt.

Ron walks to his sister.

Ron: Ginny, this is meant for you.

Ginny: I'm not wearing that. It's ghastly.

Matthew and Hermione look at the box and laugh.

Ron: What are you two on about?

Hermione: They're not for Ginny.

Matthew: They're for you.

Pansy: (from the other side of the room) Nice dress robes Weasley!

Ron: Dress robes? For what?

Still in the great hall, the tables are now gone, with McGonagall. The entire rank and file of Godric Gryffindor's current roster are girls on one side and boys on the other.

Professor McGonagall: The yule ball... Has been a tradition of the tri-wizard tournament since its inception. On Christmas Eve night we and our guests gather in the great hall for well-mannered frivolity. As representatives of the host school, I expect each one of you to put your best foot forward, and I mean this literally because the yule ball is first and foremost... a dance.

The girls gasped in surprise while the boys groaned.

Professor McGonagall: Silence.

That made them stop.

Professor McGonagall: The house of Godrick Gryffindor has commanded the respect of the wizard world for nearly ten centuries. I will not have you in the course of a single evening besmirching that name by behaving like a babbling, bumbling band of baboons.

Fred: [whispering to George] Try saying that five times faster.

Professor McGonagall: Now to dance is to let the body breathe, inside every girl a secret swan slumbers longing to burst forth and take flight.

Ron: [whispering to Seamus] Something's about to burst out of Hilary but I don't think it's a swan.

Professor McGonagall: Inside every boy a lordly lion prepared to prance. Mr. Weasley.

Ron: Yes?

Professor McGonagall: Will you join me, please?

Matthew: [snickers at Ron]

Ron gets up as some of the boys laugh.

Professor McGonagall: And Mr. Stutler.

Matthew: Yes, ma'am?

Professor McGonagall: You'll be partnered with Parkinson.

Matthew: Aww, what?

Pansy: Wait, what?!

Students: [ooing]

Professor McGonagall: Now come on, up you two.

Matthew: Can I partner up with Cho instead?

Pansy: Took the words right out of my mouth.

Professor McGonagall: Come along.

Matthew and Pansy sigh as they walk into each other.

Pansy: [mockingly; to Matthew] I'm surprised you know how to dance.

Matthew: [mocking back] Your parents must've paid you a very talented ballet class.

Both of them get in front of each other.

Pansy: You better keep your hands where I can see them.

Matthew: Planning to.

Interlocking his right hand with hers and placing his other hand on her back, he tips her as she places her free hand on the back of his neck. Ron glances about in a panic, then slumps forward like a man heading to the gallows.

Professor McGonagall: Now then, if you will, put your left hand on my waist...

Grudgingly, Ron obeys. As Fred and George WHISTLE, Ron raises his right hand in a rude rejoinder when McGonagall closes her hand over his just in the nick of time.

Professor McGonagall: Mr. Filch, if you please.

He did as told as he started the record player, playing music.

Professor McGonagall: One. Two. Three.

They take each step of a slow twirl.

Harry: [to Fred and George] Oi. Never let me forget this moment.

Fred and George: Never.

Professor McGonagall: Everyone. Come together.

The girls stood up as the boys were still in their seats. Lifting her back up Matthew twirls Pansy, placing his hand on her back again. They laugh. Picking up a bit of courage from Matthew's dancing.

Pansy: Not bad, for an American.

As the song is about to end, he lifts her before catching her, as he dips her he takes a moment to gaze at her stunned face, from every tiny freckle on her rosy cheeks to her brown eyes. Matthew slowly smiles as he brings her back up.

Matthew: How's that?

Pansy: Impressive.

Fred and George: Kiss her, Stutler!

Matthew and Pansy blushed at it, which made the group either laugh. Later, Neville was in his room, dancing alone. Neville looks out as he sighs. Ron and Harry enter and find Neville dancing by himself horribly. Quickly, they step back, close the door, and glance at one another.

The next morning, Harry, Matthew, and Ron move warily down a corridor seemingly inhabited only by GROUPS of GIRLS.

Harry: Why do they always have to travel in packs? How are you supposed to get one alone to ask them?

Harry, Ron, and Matthew stop in front of a group of girls, they smile nervously as the girls stare at them confused. Embarrassed the three speed walk away. The girls then giggle at them.

Matthew: Almost embarrassing.

Ron: Blimey Harry, you battled a dragon. If you can't get a date, who can?

Harry: I think I'd take the dragon right now.

Matthew: I know who I'm going to the Yule Ball with.

Ron: Is it Cho from Ravenclaw?

Matthew: Yes.

Pansy: WHAT?!

The three heard it as they saw her.

Matthew: You Ok, Pansy?

Pansy: It's none of your concern, Stutler.

Pansy walks away with anger and jealousy as her friends follow her.

Harry: What was that about?

At the hill, Harry, Ron, Matthew, and Hermione study. Krum passes. A gaggle of girls pass in pursuit. Hermione rolls her eyes.

At the spiral stairs, Cho stands reading a spellbook. Matthew swallows nervously and starts forward when a classroom DOOR SWINGS ACROSS his face and a group of Ravenclaw girls sweep Cho away.

Graceful as fawns, Fleur and Gabrielle lead a group of Beauxbatons girls, arms swinging in unison, down a walkway, passing the scarf between them. Ron watches in awe.

Later, Hagrid and Madame Maxine are walking together.

Hagrid: I take after my mum. Though I didn't know her very well, she left when I was about three. (Maxine gives him a sad "Oh") No, not the maternal sort her, broke my dad's heart though. You know he was a tiny little fellow, my dad, (Maxine listens intently to his story) I could pick him up with one hand by the age of six and put him up in the dresser. (they laugh together and have a moment) And then he died when I was still in school. So I had to make my own way as it were. But enough of me, what about you!

In the great hall, the students are studying.

Ron: [to Harry] This is mad. At this rate, we'll be the only ones in our year without dates.

Snape sees Ron before roughly turning back around.

Ron: Well, us and Neville.

Harry: But then again he can take himself.

Hermione: It might interest you to know that Neville's already got someone.

Ron gasps, while Matthew stifles a laugh.

Ron: Now I'm really depressed.

Matthew: That's hilarious.

Ron glares at Matthew.

Ron: Not funny, Matthew.

Fred hands Ron a note, it reads "GET A MOVE ON OR ALL THE GOOD ONES WILL HAVE GONE!"

Fred crumping up the piece of paper he took back from Ron, throws it at Angelina Johnson's shoulder.

Fred: [whispering as the annoyed girl turns to him] Oi, Angelina? [pointing at her] Do you... wanna go... [he starts gesturing the dancing position] to the ball... [pointing both his thumbs at himself] with me?

George stifles his laugh.

Angelina: [whispering] To the ball? [smiling] Yeah, all right then.

Fred turns to Ron and winks.

Ron: [whispering to Hermione] Oi, Hermione. You're a girl.

Hermione: Oh well spotted.

Ron: Come with one of us?

Snape hit his book on their heads, forcing them back to their papers.

Matthew: Ow.

Ron: It's one thing for a bloke to show up alone. For a girl, it's just sad.

Matthew: [dumbfounded] [rubbing the bridge between his eyes]

Hermione: I won't be going alone because believe it or not, someone's asked me. And I said yes.

Hermione finished her test, picked up her supplies, and left.

Ron: Bloody Hell.

Matthew: Smooth, Ron.

Ron: She's not wrong though.

Harry: Whatever you say.

Ron: Look. We've just got to grit our teeth and do it. Tonight when we get back to the common room, we'll both have partners. Agreed?

Harry: Agreed.

Matthew: Agreed.

Snape sees this as he puts the book down, pulls down both his sleeves, grabs them from the back of their heads, and forces them back to their papers.

Outside, at the snowy tower that holds the owls. Matthew is walking up the steps to the owlery.

When he reaches the top, he bumps into Cho who has come around the corner.

Matthew: Cho!

Cho: Matthew!

They stand awkwardly for a moment. Cho gestures azmund.

Cho: Watch yourself on the stairs, it's a bit icy on the top.

Matthew: Okay. Thanks. Cho!

Cho smiles and turns to leave.

Matthew: Hey, Cho.

Cho: Yes?

Matthew: I just wondered if, maybe, you...

Cho: "You..." What? I didn't catch that.

Matthew: [collecting himself]
I wondered if you'd like to...to... go to the Ball with me.

Cho: Matthew, as sweet as it is, but, I'm sorry to say this but someone's already asked me. And well, I've said I'll go with him.

Matthew: [bummed out] Oh. Well, good. I mean... Okay. No problem.

Cho: Matthew, I really am sorry.

Matthew was on the couch, holding the egg, looking sad. He turns to see the door open with the girls holding Ron.

Matthew: Ron?

Harry: What happened to you?

Ginny: You were saying? [to Harry] He just asked Fleur Delacour out.

Hermione: [getting up from her seat and grabbing Ron's hand] What?

Harry: What'd she say?

Hermione: No, of course. [Ron shakes his head; in disbelief] She said yes.

Ron: Don't be silly. [re-imagining the event] There she was, walking by. You know I like it when they walk. I couldn't help it. It just sort of slipped out.

Ginny: Actually, he sort of screamed at her, it was a bit frightening.

Harry: And what did you do then?

Ron: What else? I ran for it. I'm not cut out for this, Harry. I don't know what got into me.

The Patil Twins walk past.

Patils: Hi Harry.

Ron: I've always liked looking at them from behind. Oh, she's never gonna forgive me, ever.

Harry turns to see the twins.

Harry: [got an idea] Hey.

He runs after the twins.

Matthew sees him go as he looks at the ground and sighs.

Ron: What's wrong?

Matthew: My heart was shattered into a million pieces. Million bite-sized pieces.

Hermione: Really, what happened?

Matthew: Somebody already asked Cho to the dance.

Hermione: Already?

Ron: That's worse than mine.

Matthew: Yeah. No crap, Sherlock.

Hermione: I'm sorry that it happened to you, Matthew.

Matthew: Whatever.

Ron and Hermione look at each other worried about their friend's current predicament.

Matthew: I don't feel like going to the dance.

Hermione: But you must, surely there will be the one who'll truly join you in the dance.

Matthew: Name one.

Ron: That one girl from Slytherin.

Matthew: Daphne?

Ron: The one you'd practice dance with.

Matthew: [realized] Pansy. I don't...

Hermione: It was clear what was something going on with you two.

Matthew: Hermione, I don't know...

Hermione: Give her a chance, Matthew, surely she won't be as bad as you are with her.

Matthew sighs in defeat.

Matthew: Fine. I'll do it.

They heard the door opening.

Daphne: Is Matthew Stutler here?

Matthew: Daphne. What are you doing here?

Daphne: It's important, best you come, I'll explain on the way.

Matthew: Uh, ok.

Matthew gets up as he leaves with Daphne. The two of them walk through the stairs and the halls. As they walk, Daphne further explains why she came for Matthew.

Matthew: Wait, what?

Daphne: After Malfoy picked someone else for the ball, she was devastated.

Matthew: Jerk.

Daphne: I know.

Matthew: And you want me to talk to her?

Daphne: Pretty much.

Matthew: I'm NOT going to talk to her. She will kill me.

They arrived in the Slytherin common room.

Daphne: She wouldn't even try while being sad.

Matthew: Ok.

Daphne: Listen.

A sound of faint crying and sniffing was heard.

Matthew: Where's the girls' dorm room?

Matthew: Thanks.

Daphne leads Matthew upstairs. They soon arrived at the door, opening it to see one person in bed.

Daphne: Pansy.

Pansy: [sniffs] Go away.

Daphne: Pansy. There's someone who's to see you.

Pansy: Leave me alone.

Matthew: Uh, Pansy it's me, Matthew.

Pansy: [groans] It's you.

Matthew: Look, Pansy, I heard about what happened.

Pansy: So what? You were already with that Ravenclaw girl.

Matthew: Actually, she already got a date for the ball.

Pansy: Wait, really?

Matthew: Yes.

Pansy: Well, [sits back up] sucks for both of us.

Matthew: Yeah.[noticed something] Is that my scarf?

Pansy: Yes, kept it nice and clean.

Matthew sitting down and leaning against the door; as he looks up.

Matthew: You know, I know everything, about how you waited for Draco to ask you the dance, how you waited all day, only to ask Astoria when you left.

Pansy sighs she leans her head against the door while looking down; tearing up.

Pansy: So what, did you just come here to make fun of-.

Matthew: Malfoy? Of course, he's an idiot, Pansy.

Pansy: [giggling] Of course he is.

Matthew: I honestly don't know what you see in him.

Pansy: Well, he's a pureblood, he's rich, he gets straight marks, he's in the Quidditch team for Merlin's sake!

Matthew: Okay, but what do you, see in him? His feelings, his personality? Not just what he is, but who he is as a person.

Pansy: He's Draco, [tearing up] the boy who ignored me in primary school, the boy who didn't want to play with me as kids, the boy who would laugh whenever I'd get hurt.

Matthew goes to her, placing his hand on her shoulder.

Matthew: Is this really the guy you want to go to the ball with?

Pansy slowly looks at Matthew, and slowly moves her hand close to his.

Matthew: You know, you're a good person. I know you're a good person.

Pansy: You think so?

Matthew: I do. Even under that cold center-.

Pansy: Okay.

Matthew: Pug faced-

Pansy: Okay, I get it.

Matthew: Spoiled diva, you're always this sweet girl I know you are.

Pansy: And you're still the same American geek.

Matthew: Exactly.

Pansy: But, you're also the most thoughtful person I have ever known.

Matthew: That as well.

Pansy: And that's why... I like you... a lot.

Matthew: I know.

Both Matthew and Pansy slowly look at each other.

Matthew: Pansy... will you... go to the ball... with me?

Pansy slowly holds his hands tight.

Pansy: More than anything.

Matthew and Pansy smiled at each other.
Suddenly, Matthew kissed her and realized what he was doing.

Matthew: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. I-. Mhmmm!

Pansy shuts him up by pulling him in and kisses him deeply. Matthew accepted it and placed his hands on her waist while Pansy wrapped her arms around his neck.

Both of them get closer as it's almost heated at the moment. They broke off the kiss. Catching a bit of air.

Pansy: [smiling] I'll see you tonight.[pushed him out] Don't be late.[close her door]

Matthew: I won't. [Walks while clicking his heels, happily]

It was the night of the Yule ball. In the great hall now transformed into a dance hall, soft music plays and everyone is well dressed, gathered in the hall.

In his Gryffindor dorm room. Ron is getting dressed in front of a mirror.

He looks panicked and uncomfortable in his ridiculous dress robes.

Ron: Bloody hell... Bloody hell... Bloody hell...

Harry walks in, he's dressed in a more conventional dress robe. That being black robes, with a white shirt under it and a white tie, dress pants, and formal shoes.

Ron: [outraged] What are those? What are those?

Harry: My dress robes.

Ron: Well, they're all right! No lace, no dodgy little collar.

Harry: Well I expect yours to be more traditional.

Ron: Traditional? They're ancient! I look like my great aunt Tessie. [he sniffs at his clothes] I smell like my great aunt Tessie. [looking at the mirror] Murder me, Harry.

Door opens.

Matthew: I don't see that as a problem, Ron, looks great.

Matthew comes into the room, wearing a dress robe.

Ron: Well, yours is.

Matthew: Fascinating.

SNOWFLAKES fall from the ceiling, OVER the smartly dressed students in the Great Hall, To the sweeping staircase, filing into where Harry, Matthew, and Ron descend. Ron scans the crowd.

Ron: Poor kid. Bet she's alone in her room, crying her eyes out.

Matthew: Who?

Ron: Hermione, of course. C'mon, guys, why do you think she wouldn't tell us who she's coming with?

Harry: Because we'd take the mickey out of her?

Ron: No one asked her. Would've taken her myself if she wasn't so bloody proud.

Harry raises an eyebrow appraisingly, when...

Parvati: Hello, boys.

Parvati and Padma, doubly delightful in SHOCKING PINK and BRIGHT TURQUOISE respectively, wait below.

Parvati: Don't you look... dashing.

Parvati's eyes rake over Ron's robes as she takes Harry's arm. Padma stares in open horror. Just then, McGonagall appears, looking a bit flustered.

Professor McGonagall: Oh, there you are, Potter. Are you and Miss Patil ready?

Harry: "Ready", professor?

Matthew: Ready for what?

Professor McGonagall: To dance. It's traditional that three champions, well, in this case, five, are the first to dance. Surely I told you two that.

Harry and Matthew: No.

Professor McGonagall: Oh, well now you two know. Oh, as for you, Mr. Weasley, you may proceed into the Great Hall with Miss Patil.

Ron: We'll see you both inside.

Matthew: Got it.

The two of them proceed to leave, leaving only Matthew and Harry.

Parvati: Matt, where's your date?

Matthew: She'll be here at the moment.

Just then, a GUST OF WIND stirs the air and the Durmstrang and Beauxbaton students file inside. As Fleur Delacour appears, her SILK WRAP flies free, fluttering like a dove into the air, leading Matthew's eyes to. Cho, who arrives hand in hand with Cedric Diggory.

Matthew sees her with him, and he sighs and shakes his head a bit.

Parvati: Omigod. She looks... [in disbelief] beautiful.

Matthew: Yeah, she is.

Harry: Um, Matt. [Taps his shoulder to gesture to him to turn]

Matthew nods glumly, staring at Cho, then realizes Harry and Parvati are looking not at Cho, but at a GIRL in periwinkle robes. Hair twisted in a graceful knot, swan's neck shining, she is nothing short of breathtaking. She is... Hermione.

Matthew: [speechless] Whoa...

Taking Krum's arm, she gives Harry and Matthew a little wave as if it were on a string, Harry's hand rises, and waves back. Then... Footsteps were heard as Matthew looked up and he became red at what he saw.

Matthew: [speechless] Holy...

Pansy was wearing a stunning dark green dress, her arms being sleeveless, the skirt long enough to reach her feet and long heels.

She walks down the stairs as she wraps her arm around Matthew's arm. Daphne and the girls are happy for her.

Pansy: So, how do I look?

Matthew: You look hot.[blushes/realizes] I mean, look uh, I-.

Pansy: [places her finger on his lips] Shhh, I appreciate that "hot" part.

Matthew: Right.

Harry: Ahem.

Matthew: Oh, right, forgot you're still here.

Parvati: Pansy Parkinson is your date?

Pansy: Yes I am.

At the Great Hall, STRINGS RISE in the air, and... PATH OF LIGHT spills from the Entrance Hall, revealing a darkened Hall glimmering with ICICLES and MISTLETOE. The house tables have vanished, replaced by dozens of smaller ones, each glowing with LANTERN LIGHT around a central DANCE FLOOR. Flitwick conducts a STRING QUARTET.

As the Champions enter, APPLAUSE rises. Fleur leads the way, on the arm of a stunned-looking Ravenclaw boy (ROGER DAVIES), while Harry and Parvati enter last, Parvati waving like a beauty queen. Harry scans the room for Ron and finds him, staring open-mouthed at Hermione as she passes with Krum.

Padma: Is that Hermione Granger? With Viktor Krum?

Ron: No. Absolutely not.

As the Champions reach the dance floor, Flitwick's baton freezes in mid-air bringing the Hall to a hush.

Parvati: Harry. Take my waist.

Harry: What?

Parvati: Now!

More out of fear than anything else, Harry takes a step, then another. The MUSIC SWELLS. Fleur sweeps past, rigid as a queen. Next is Cho, dark eyes glimmering as they briefly meet Harry's own. Finally, Hermione was in Krum's strong arms excited grin.

Matthew and Pansy take a step to the dance, holding close with one foot out and back, one foot in and front before a twirl.

Dumbledore leads McGonagall from the Tall Table and, with a short bow, sweeps her onto the floor, where they dance formally, and beautifully. Quickly, the remainder of the staff pair off and join them. Even Madame Maxime yields to Hagrid and his horrible suit, though she casts her eyes askance while in his arms. Only Moody remains on the sidelines, eye whirling madly in time to the waltz.

Balthazar looks at his apprentice, dancing with his date. Reminded him of someone very special to him a long time ago.

Finally, the students converge, led by Neville, who glides like Astaire, much to the astonishment of his date Ginny Weasley. Lost in the crush, Harry feels less self-conscious about his own clumsy feet and manages to smile. The CAMERA RISES... taking it all in... RISING HIGHER AND HIGHER until we... RACK FOCUS... ONTO a trio of GLEAMING ICICLES... DRIPPING now that it's...

A HAND (Fred's) reaches INTO FRAME, snaps off one of the icicles, and a JAGGED RAZOR BURN of GUITARS, courtesy of the WEIRD SISTERS shatters the calm as we SPIRAL DOWN ONTO the DANCE FLOOR cum MOSH PIT now HOPPING with BODIES...

Fred slips the icicle down the back of Tiana's robes_and she SQUEALS, darting after him, leading us to Hermionel and Krum. Hermione YELLS above the DIN.

Harry and Ron sit grimly from the sidelines, while Padma and Parvati sit on opposite sides arms crossed in aggravation. Of them, Ron eyes Krum lethally.

Ron: Ruddy pumpkin-head, isn't he?

Harry: I don't think it was the book that had him going to the library.

A handsome DURMSTRANG BOY approaches Parvati, who looks ready to put a gun to her head.

Boy: May I have your arm?

Parvati: Arm, leg, I'm yours.

As Parvati exits, Hermione drops into her vacant chair, flush from dancing.

Harry: At least Matthew is doing better.

Harry and Ron look at their best friend. Matthew and Pansy look at each other as they dance.

Hermione: Whew! Hot, isn't it? Viktor's gone to get drinks. Care to join us?

Ron: No, we'd not care to join you and Viktor.

Hermione: What's got your wand in a knot?

Ron: He's from Durmstrang! You're fraternizing with the enemy!

Hermione: The enemy? Who was it wanting his autograph? Besides, the whole point of the Tournament is International magical cooperation. To make friends.

Ron: I think he's got a bit more than friendship in his mind.

Hermione: What are you suggesting?

Ron: It's obvious, isn't it? It's Harry he's truly interested in.

Harry: Excuse me?

Ron: [to Hermione] He's using you. To get inside information. Maybe even jinx, Harry.

Hermione, rendered speechless by Ron, exits. Harry merely stares incredulously at him. Padma sulks.

Padma: Are you going to ask me to dance or not?

Ron: No.

Just then, Neville glides by with Ginny and Harry drifts into the courtyard, alone, bedeviled by the DISTANT BLARE of the MUSIC of the Great Hall. Here, another kind of torture greets him as AMOROUS SHADOWS tremble behind the STEAMY WINDOWS of CARRIAGES WHISPERS drip from foreign tongues. A GIRL GIGGLES.

Snape: I told you before, Igor. I see no reason to discuss it. Lumos!

Harry freezes and watches Snape and Karkaroff come into the VIEW. Snape sprays in the backseat of the carriage with WAND LIGHT.

Snape: Ten points from Hufflepuff, Fawcett! And the same for Ravenclaw, Stebbins!

A GIRL and BOY flee. As Snape and Karkaroff walk on. Harry slips behind a STONE GARGOYLE and listens.

Igor: It's a sign, Severus! You can't pretend this isn't happening!

Karkaroff says nothing, staring lethally at Snape, then turns away, heading back toward the lights of the castle.

Harry draws back into the shadows, watching him pass then notices a GLINT of BLUE LIGHT on the far side of the courtyard. Moody, eye shimmering in its socket, has been too. Later at the ball. Matthew and Pansy are having some punch.

Matthew: This dance got me parched.

Pansy: Me too.

Both of them take a sip from their cups.

Matthew: [coughs] Kinda strong.

Pansy: [coughs] Usually doesn't taste like that.

Matthew and Pansy laugh. They finish with a sigh as they smile at each other.

Pansy: Sorry I called you a geek.

Matthew: Sorry I called you a diva. So, how long?

Pansy: Long after the kiss when you and your friends dropped those mud balls, I wouldn't know how I was truly feeling, and when you showed concern for me, it was conflicted how you care for someone like me, and during the Hogsmeade trip, I never know someone like you truly understands a girl like me.

Matthew: Well, my mom taught me how to be thoughtful.

Pansy: Well she seems to be a good one at that.

Matthew: She is. The same goes for my dad.

Pansy: He does. [Gets close to him]

Matthew: You know, you never told me about your parents.

Pansy: Well, let's just say my folks... Aren't the best they would think behind the cover.

Matthew: Like?

Pansy: Behind the innocent-looking smile, there's always a flaw, always the busy hour, perfectionism, forced to friend people I don't even know.

Matthew: Wow. That's lame.

Pansy: Admittedly, yes, it is.

Matthew: Look, Pansy. Despite all this, they still love you.

Pansy: You think so?

Matthew: I do.

Pansy smiles as she holds Matthew's hand.

Pansy: I feel so safe with you.

Matthew: I'm glad that you are.

Pansy brings Matthew close as she kisses him. Matthew noticed Ron and Hermione standing just inside the empty Hall, Faces flushed in anger.

Matthew: I'll be back, Pansy.

Pansy: I'll be waiting for you.

Matthew heads out.

Hermione: That's what you think, is it?

Ron: That's what I think!

Hermione: Well, you know the solution, don't you?

Ron: Go on.

Hermione: Next time there's a ball, pluck up the courage and ask me before somebody else does! And not as the last resort.

Ron: Well, that's... I mean... that's completely off the point... Harry.

Hermione turns to see Harry.

Hermione: Where have you been? Never mind, off to bed, both of you.

Ron: [to Harry] They can be scary when they're upset.

Hermione: Ron, you spoil everything!

Harry and Ron ran upstairs. As the two left, Hermione tearfully sat down, long before Matthew came.

Matthew: Hermione, what's wrong?

Hermione: [sniffs] I'm alright, Matthew.

Matthew sits next to his friend.

Matthew: Hermione, don't listen to what Ron said. He's just jealous.

Hermione: [wipes her tears] Are you sure?

Matthew: Yes.

Hermione: I guess, maybe you're right.

Matthew: Don't worry. He'll come around. If Viktor is not the one, maybe it's Ron. I'll see you later.

Matthew leaves as Hermione smiles, meaning she's feeling better.

Matthew: Ok, Pansy-... whoa.

Pansy was sitting down with two cups in her hands, laughing like a drunk.

Pansy: [drunk] Hello, darling.[hiccups]

Matthew: Geez. How many cups did you drink?

Pansy: [drunk] I don't know.[hiccup] Fifteen?

Matthew: Fifteen cups?

Pansy: [drunk] Yeesths.

Matthew: Ok. I'm taking you back to your room.[lifts her]

Matthew carries Pansy through the Great Stairs, all the way to the Slytherin common room. Finally, they made it to the girls' dorm room.

Matthew: There.[lays her on the bed] OK. I am going back to my room.

Matthew was about to leave when suddenly, Pansy grabbed him by the waist.

Matthew: Uh, Pansy. You can let me go.

Pansy: [drunk] I'm looking for my[hiccup]wand.

Matthew: You left it at the dorm, remember?

Pansy: [drunk] Found it.

Matthew: [feels something] Hey, that's not your wand!

Pansy: [drunk] Yes it is, and it's very long.

Matthew: [removed Pansy's hands off his waist] Pansy, please. You know the rules.

Pansy: [drunk] Rules, schmules, who cares?

Matthew: I do. So goodnight. Whoa!

He tried to leave, but Pansy didn't give up so she brought him to her bed.

Pansy: [kisses his neck] [drunk giggle]

Matthew blushes to feel the kiss on the neck.

Matthew: P- Pansy.

Pansy starts to utter odd words, in which Matthew feels his body acting weird.

Matthew: What did you say?

Pansy: "Stay with me, your master demands it."

Matthew: No way.

Pansy: [drunk] Hehehe. You're cute when you are stubborn. I have something to tell you.

Pansy gives Matthew a hickey on his neck, leans into his ear, and then...

Pansy: [speaking in parseltongue to his ear]

Matthew's eyes rise in shock.

Matthew: Y- You're a Parselmouth?!

Matthew feels his body burning. The hickey on his neck started to glow.

Matthew: W-What did you do?

The hickey changes into a heart-shaped mark.

Matthew: What is this?

Pansy drunkenly giggles as she smashes her lips against his.

Matthew: Mhmm! Pansy, what did you do? And since when you are a Parselmouth?

Pansy: [drunk] A simple love spell, and my great granny was one.

Matthew: What did you say in parseltongue?

Pansy: "Ssstay with me, my sservant, ssstay and do what your massster wissshes."

Pansy kissed his cheek.

Matthew: Look. Pansy, I'm flattered but I can't.[trying to move] Why can't I move my body? I should be moving my body!

Pansy: [drunk] I am your master, and you do what I say.

Matthew: Whatever, I just use my magic to free myself.

Pansy: [drunk] One more thing, before you go~.

Matthew: What?

Pansy gets close to him, giving him the bedroom eyes.

Matthew: Uh...

Pansy brings him close as she kisses Matthew.

Pansy: Mhmm. Mmmwah~.

She lets go, before gently biting his lower lip.

Matthew: [blushes] Uh, can I go, now?

Pansy slowly drags her finger down in his chest.

Pansy: [drunk] Not, yet.

Matthew: Pansy, if you let go, I'll... take you to New York City for our... date.

Pansy hugs Matthew tight.

Pansy: [drunk] Deal.[in parseltongue]

Matthew's started to move.

Matthew: Finally. I'll see you soon.

Pansy: [drunk] Nighty night.

Matthew leaves the Slytherin common room.

Matthew: That was close.

The mark on the right side of his neck glows green. Matthew slowly moves his hand to his neck.

Matthew: Body... feeling... burning...

Matthew stumbles a bit, feeling sweat coming from his forehead. Then...

Pansy: [telepathic] [parseltongue]

Matthew slowly stands up, turns around, and walks back.

Pansy: [telepathic parseltongue]

He opens the door and sees Pansy in bed.

Matthew: Go. To. Bed. And stop messing with my head!

Pansy: [drunk] But it's so fun to mess with [hiccup] you, Matty~.

Matthew: Somnus.

He uses his magic on her, causing Pansy to feel drowsy as she closes her eyes to sleep.

Matthew: Ugh. I can't stand her. But, man, she's beautiful.[leaves]

End of Chapter 34