Archive of Our Own

September 2023 | First week of class at Hogwarts | Breakfast at The Great Hall 

Pyxis was reading Advanced Charm Casting while eating toast with raspberry jam and butter, careful not to spill anything when Lily Luna Potter sat down next to him, her long strawberry-blonde hair was in a messy bun held together by a quill. 

She sighed heavily, “I always miss the exciting stuff.” 

“Phoenix turning into his namesake was hardly anything to be excited about, Lil.” 

Pyxis continued to read about Lumos Solem and ignored Lily’s flare for dramatics. 

“No, I meant Phoenix’s hair turning blonde. I bet he looked cute.” 

Lily smiled cheekily at Pyxis while the latter chose to tune out Lily’s rambling. 

“You need more female friends. I am hardly the right candidate to join you in giggling about my brother’s ‘cuteness.’” 

Pyxis realized he'd been reading the same line over and over again, so he slammed the book close and focused on finishing his breakfast instead. 

“You know all the girls hate me, Pyx. Being the sister of James and Albus, and friends with you Malfoy boys doesn’t exactly put me in the running for Miss Congeniality.” 

“What about your cousins? Lyra…?” 

Lily rolled her eyes. 

“Rose and Roxanne are like two peas in a pod. It’s not enough that they’re blood-related, they have to be the best of friends, too.” Lily sounded disgruntled by that. 

The mention of Rose made his cheeks burn slightly as he remembered their conversation at the library a week ago before they were rudely interrupted by Scorpius – granted, it was a family emergency. Rose asked him if he could help her with their Astronomy class this year. The fool that he is, sputtered at saying a simple ‘yes,’ or a nod would have sufficed, but his brain became addled when it came to Rose Weasley. 

“Don’t even get me started on Lyra. She scares me, period.” Lily shivered, feeling goosebumps on her skin. 

“Lil, you told her she was going to fail Potions sometime this year, of course, she set your hair on fire.” 

Lily unconsciously patted her hair and pouted, “You know my visions aren’t exactly straight and narrow. Besides, if I tell them about it, then they can at least try to change the outcome, right?”  

Pyxis shook his head. There’s no reasoning with this girl. 

“Can I grab a bite of that? Thanks.” Lily pulled his hand holding half of his toast closer to her and took a bite without waiting for his answer. 

Pyxis gave up on scolding Lily about this bad habit a long time ago because she chose to ignore it every single time. He was the one who had to learn how to share his food where she was concerned.

Pyxis just stared at how Lily was happily chewing on his toast when they noticed everyone's attention turned to the doors of the Great Hall. All the murmurs and loud whispers didn’t matter because Lily jumped off of her seat and squealed in delight as she saw Phoenix - the current star of The Daily Prophet - and her cousin, Sven. Lily hugged Phoenix, which annoyed Pyxis, then Sven, and started talking animatedly with her hands all over the place. After catching up with them in the middle of the hall, she came back to her seat next to him as if everyone wasn’t staring at her with Phoenix and Sven the whole time.

“You never cease to amaze me, Lil.”

First-Years and Seventh-Years’ First Period: Charms & Herbology Class with Professor Flitwick & Professor Greengrass at one of the greenhouses

“Good morning, class. Please put on your sunglasses.” Professor Flitwick instructed in his squeaky voice while standing on a stack of books per usual next to Professor [Daphne] Greengrass who will be handling the Devil’s Snare.

Pyxis found himself standing by Lily, Rose, Roxanne, and Scorpius. Pyxis felt overly conscious since he was standing so close to Rose.

“Today, we are going to learn how to do the Lumos Solem spell. Can anyone tell me who created this spell and when?“

Pyxis was reading about the spell just this morning, so, of course, he was the first to raise a hand.

“Mr. Malfoy.”

“It was created by Levina Monkstanley in 1772.”

“Brilliant. 5 points to Ravenclaw. Now, the Lumos Solem spell can be used to defend yourself against the Devil’s Snare. For the 7th-Years, you may have discussed this briefly in one of your Herbology classes, but this will be the first for our 1st-Years. Professor Greengrass and I will do a demonstration.”

Professor Flitwick warned the class before he darkened the greenhouse. When it did, Pyxis felt Rose move closer to him.

“Are you alright?” Pyxis whispered and he saw movement from Rose that indicated a nod.

Professor Flitwick instructed everyone to give them some space, so the class stepped back. Professor Greengrass set the Devil’s Snare free from the protective glass and engorgio’d it to its original size. The deadly plant climbed onto Professor Greengrass until it wrapped around her, making her look like a human sausage roll.

Its black limbs were getting longer and longer until it got close to Lily without her knowing as everyone was preoccupied with watching Professor Greengrass. It grabbed her by the ankles, pulled her to the ground, and dragged her to the gravelly floor.

Everything happened so rapidly. Lily screamed at the top of her lungs, Scorpius was quick on his feet, powered by fear for his friend and adrenaline, and yelled, “Lumos Solem!” with his wand pointed at the branch that held on to Lily while Professor Flitwick set Professor Greengrass free with the same spell.

Everyone gasped at the blinding flash of sunlight coming from the tip of their wands.

The Devil’s Snare immediately retreated and in swift flicks of the wrist, Professor Greengrass enclosed the magical plant in protective glass, at the same time Professor Flitwick made the greenhouse transparent again.

Professor Flitwick awarded 50 points to Gryffindor for Scorpius’ quick wit and bravery while Pyxis ran to Lily who was still lying on the ground. She was covered with scrapes and bruises. Professor Greengrass came over as well and healed her visible injuries.

“Mr. Malfoy, please see to it that Ms. Potter is taken care of by Madame Pomfrey. It looks like she needs a Calming Draught.”

Pyxis could only nod. His hands were still clammy and cold from what happened. Pyxis feather-light charmed Lily and carried her to the hospital wing.

“I can walk, you know,” Lily was shaking while she murmured.

Pyxis remained silent all the way to Madame Pomfrey. The healer gave Lily the calming draught and told her to rest. He stayed by Lily’s side as she slept even when Scorpius told him they could take turns watching over Lily and Madame Pomfrey had to reassure him many times that Lily will be fine just so he could attend his other classes.

Afterschool Gryffindor Tryouts at the Quidditch Training Pitch

Pyxis and Phoenix were on their way to the pitch to watch how tryouts were going for the Gryffindors. Pyxis needed a visual to know what he was getting himself into. Out of his siblings, he inherited his mum’s disinterest in quidditch - not because he hated flying on a broom, but because he’d rather read a good book for hours than be on a broom for hours.

On the way there, they saw Rose and Scorpius just outside of the stadium. Phoenix was about to greet them when Rose gave Scorpius a quick kiss on the lips. Never mind that Scorpius seemed taken aback, but still, Pyxis’ heart dropped to his stomach, and felt a slight pang in his chest - might be from the feeling of betrayal or the fact that Rose preferred his twin over him.

Either Phoenix or Pyxis made a sound because Rose and Scorpius turned to where they were. Rose turned bright red while Scorpius’s eyes went wide with horror at seeing his brothers, especially Pyxis.

Pyxis immediately occluded as soon as he felt the anger boiling inside him, the humiliation that burned throughout his body, and worst of all, the heartache of being second-best. He wasn’t as good as his father in occlumency, but he practiced it to satisfy his thirst for knowledge. He was thankful his curiosity got the best of him as it helped him now. Pyxis turned around and ignored his brother’s calls. Pyxis heard Phoenix stop Scorpius from coming after him and told him to give his twin some space. There was split-second indecision on Scorpius’ face but decided he’ll talk to Pyxis another day. He had tryouts to lead and the situation was too hot for it to not blow over.

***

The next day | Afterschool Ravenclaw Tryouts at the Quidditch Training Pitch

Pyxis’ mum told him not to do anything half-assed, so he played quidditch with his father or the Weasleys during the summer and asked his godmother, Ginny Weasley, if she and her previous team could help him pass tryouts. The Holyhead Harpies teased him relentlessly but were helpful when it came to giving him tips and techniques. He trained with them at least twice as he didn’t want to impose. Pyxis grew muscles in 2 months. They told him he had a knack for being a beater, so Pyxis decided he’d try out for that position when the time came.

It was that time. Pyxis donned his quidditch kit with wrath and determination. This wasn’t just about his deal with his mum. This was about proving his brother won't get the best of him. He would pass tryouts and beat the crap out of his brother at quidditch.

Lily and Phoenix watched Pyxis with concern as he flew onto the pitch. He was moodier than usual which was understandable since he just got his heart broken. He didn’t talk to anyone, except maybe Lily who was constantly badgering him, but aside from that, he kept mostly to himself.

Tryouts went on for an hour or two and Pyxis was a beast on the pitch! All the training that he did during the summer definitely paid off. Everyone was surprised that the bookish Pyxis Alonso Malfoy had it in him to play quidditch. He’s got a knack for it, that’s for sure. He got the position of beater that he wanted.

Lily squealed with excitement and hugged Pyxis even though he was all sweaty.

“You did it! Your mum's going to buy you the complete set! I’m so excited for you!”

“Thanks, Lil. You can let go now.” Pyxis blushed slightly at the crowd that was gathering around him.

“Just a few more seconds… Okay. I’m done,” Lily beamed at him after she let go. A calm, fuzzy feeling settled in his chest. Before Pyxis could dwell on it, Phoenix slapped him on the back.

“Well done, brother!”

“Thanks.”

“Too bad you’re not accepting the position, eh?”

Pyxis raised an eyebrow and said, “I’ve decided to play.”

Phoenix’s jaw dropped.

“Really, Pyxis? That’s great!” Lily clapped while jumping giddily.

“But… But I thought you were busy with being Head Boy and stuff?” Phoenix said in a confused tone.

“I’ll see how it goes. I actually enjoyed it.” Which wasn’t far from the truth, Phoenix thought. He did enjoy playing quidditch and he was very competitive in everything that he did.

Other people were coming up to him and congratulating him. Little did Pyxis know, Scorpius watched him from afar.

***

November 2023 | First Quidditch Match - Gryffindor vs. Ravenclaw

“Hello! Welcome to Hogwarts’ first Quidditch game of the season. Today’s game: Gryffindor vs. Ravenclaw!” Mason Jordan, son of Lee Jordan, Gryffindor, and Quidditch commentator, had the same enthusiastic tone as his father had when introducing the teams for the first match.

The players from each team flew around the quidditch pitch and waved to all the guests who were cheering for both teams. Some parents came to watch the game, even Hermione and Draco. To remain impartial, they sat in the Hufflepuff section with Phoenix and Lyra, who chose to sit with her family instead of with her Slytherin housemates.

Both teams were in a circle above Madame Hooch as she set the bludgers free followed by the golden snitch. As soon as the quaffle was released, the game began.

The quaffle was caught by Roxanne Weasley, the Gryffindor daughter of Angelina Johnson and George Weasley. She zoomed past all the other players and within minutes of the game, she scored 10 points for Gryffindor.

“Roxanne Weasley scores 10 points for Gryffindor! But wait - it looks like the House Rivalry is even stronger with twin brothers, Scorpius and Pyxis Malfoy, thrown into the mix!”

Everyone “ooohed” at Mason’s commentary. A bludger zoomed past Scorpius while he was clapping for Roxanne. He looked to his right and saw that it came from Pyxis. Scorpius narrowed his eyes when Pyxis gave him a vicious smile. Scorpius ignored his brother and remained focused on finding the snitch, but every time he was about to, Pyxis was beating bludgers his way.

“Ravenclaw takes possession of the quaffle. Bradley passes it to Captain Davies! He tosses! But no! Great defense from McLaggen! It’s still 20 to none with Gryffindor leading the game.”

Pyxis was growing impatient that his teammates weren’t getting a chance to score. He told himself he was doing this for his house, but really, all Pyxis wanted was vengeance. Every time he thought about Rose and Scorpius kissing, he just saw red. Pyxis saw an opportunity and beat a bludger straight to Scorpius’ chest making him freefall from his broom. The moment Scorpius got hit, Pyxis immediately regretted it. Before he could save his brother, Scorpius was levitated slowly to the ground by one of the standby mediwitches. Pyxis flew down to check on Scorpius and was about to apologize when Scorpius swung at Pyxis hitting him square in the jaw. It didn’t matter that his lip was bleeding or Scorpius’ chest was starting to bruise, Pyxis started throwing punches at Scorpius too until it was a full-on brawl and the quidditch game had to be canceled. Most of the people were now in the field, watching the Minister for Magic discipline her sons.

Both boys were separated a hundred feet from each other by Hermione with a flick of her wand, but you could still see the rage in their eyes and their stances remained offensive.

Phoenix held Scorpius back, while Lyra gripped Pyxis’ arm.

“Enough!” Hermione was seething with anger as she reached her sons. She glared at both boys and hissed, “follow me.”

Hermione led the way to Neville’s office with Draco and Neville flanking her and her children following behind. Her security team and the other professors held back the crowd that wanted the scoop into The Granger-Malfoys’ family affairs. 

Headmaster’s Office

Hermione was calm and collected when she ran a diagnostic spell on both boys. Scorpius’ sported two broken ribs from the bludger that Pyxis sent his way, but nothing a brackium emendo couldn’t fix. Meanwhile, Pyxus had a broken nose and a split lip that Hermione mended with an episkey.

“Pyxis Alonso and Scorpius Alexander, I am disappointed in you both. We disagree with our words, not our fists.” Hermione had her hands on her waist, glaring at the twins.

“He deserved it!” They both said in unison.

“By tomorrow, there will be an absurd article of your brawl on the front page of The Daily Prophet.” Hermione sighed in frustration.

“But I thought you didn’t care about what the paper says about our family, mum?” Scorpius said cheekily before looking away from his father’s stern look.

“Don’t be cheeky with me! I want to understand how it’s gotten to this. I’ve never seen both of you like this before.”

Scorpius and Pyxis remained quiet with their heads down and arms behind their backs.

“Right. Well, your mother and I have spoken to Headmaster Longbottom. Pyxis will be stripped of his Head Boy status and Scorpius will be off of the quidditch team entirely. That is infinitesimally better than being expelled on your last year at Hogwarts.”

The twins wanted to protest but the stern look in their father’s silver eyes made them stop.

“I hope you will both learn from this. Though we’ve always told you that other people’s opinions about us don’t matter, your mother is still Minister for Magic. She represents the British Wizarding community. You should know better than to put our family in criticism’s way,” Draco scolded. “You’re dismissed.”

When they heard the door close, Hermione gave Draco a tired look.

“Let’s hope Lyra stays out of trouble this year. I’ve had enough of Longbottom’s boring office and the decor is nothing to be desired.”

“That’s quite offensive, Mr. Malfoy,” Dumbledore commented haughtily from his portrait.

“You’re nothing to be desired, either, boy. I’ve always wondered how you got Miss Granger to marry you,” Snape sniffed in disgust.

Hermione giggled as she said, “it’s Granger-Malfoy now, Professor Snape, and hello, Professor Dumbledore. Don’t mind Draco. You both look dashing in your portraits.” She smiled affectionately at the older wizard.

Draco looked offended at Snape’s reply, and couldn’t just leave without saying, “Obviously, there is something to be desired when she married me and still chooses to be married to me... AND! I got the girl, you didn’t.” Draco smirked at Severus’ snarl.

“Draco!” Hermione smacked Draco lightly in the stomach and smiled at the portraits “Well, we best be going now. It was nice seeing you both again.”

Somewhere at Hogwarts

Pyxis sat on the stairs with his hands on his face trying not to cry about losing the Head Boy position to Luca Zabini from Slytherin. He was so angry at his brother for kissing Rose, his parents, and Headmaster Longbottom for punishing him, but mostly at himself for losing it. He wanted to hit something, anything. He might have gotten his mum’s brilliance, but he also got his father’s temper.

He got up from where he sat and punched the cemented wall out of frustration. He heard a bone-crunching sound and felt an electrifying pain climb up his arm. The adrenaline softened the blow, but as he calmed down, that’s when he really felt the throbbing ache on his hand. He cradled it as he sat. He didn’t want to take care of it yet. He deserved it.

How could he have been so stupid? Scorpius was almost seriously injured today because of him. He got into a fight with his twin brother in front of all those people, some of whom are just waiting to criticize their family for anything and everything. He disappointed his parents and teammates today.

He heard someone standing behind him.

“Go away, Lil.”

Wherever he hid, she always seemed to find him - even when they were little.

“I saw you get hurt.” Lily sat beside him and took his injured hand.

“Everybody saw me get hurt.”

“No. Before I came here, I saw you in my head.”

Pyxis stayed quiet. He never dismissed Lily’s ‘visions,’ because as much of a realist he is - he believed in his best friend. 

Lily fixed his broken and bleeding hand. He couldn’t tell if the sparks he felt were from Lily’s magic or from them sitting so close together.

“There. That’s fixed.” Though Lily was done, she still held his hand. That’s what friends were for, right?

“I want to be alone right now, Lil.” Pyxis sighed.

“I know you like Rose.”

Pyxis turned to her in surprise.

“Everyone knows you like Rose, even Scorpius. He’s your twin brother. He would never betray you like that.”

Pyxis took his hand away from her, annoyed that she brought up Scorpius.

“Why are you even here if you’re going to take his side?” He snapped at her.

“I’m on your side. Always. That’s why I’m telling you it’s not Scorpius’ fault if Rose likes him. You need to make amends with your brother.”

Pyxis stood up in outrage, “Of course, it’s his fault! He’s always flirting with her when I’m around.”

Lily gave him a look that said, “are you being serious right now?”

“Scorpius does that to get a rise out of you.” Lily stood next to him and hugged him by the waist. Was she always so little next to him?

“Besides, Rose doesn’t deserve you. If she can’t see how great of a guy you are, then to heck with her.” She smiled at him. Did she always look this beautiful?

Pyxis could feel his face flush, so he tried to hide it by giving Lily a quick hug, but that only made his face feel hotter even with the cool November air.

“Thanks, Lil.”

***

Two weeks before the Seventh Year’s Christmas Ball | The Great Hall

Pyxis and Scorpius still haven’t talked to each other since the first quidditch match. They’ve been avoiding each other like the plague. Pyxis’ anger boiled down to annoyance, more at himself, for believing that his brother would betray him. He’s always felt below par compared to his brother. Yes, he surpassed Scorpius in grades, but his twin brother never cared for his studies. He was always invested in quidditch, but he was also a natural leader. People listened to him - they followed him and were loyal to him. A lot of people admired him and were envious of him. Pyxis was ashamedly one of the latter.

When Scorpius walked into a room - it doesn’t matter that he was the son of Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy, he had a naturally commanding presence about him. Pyxis was always an after-thought. He didn’t have many friends because of his swotty attitude and cold appearance. Growing up, kids their age tolerated him because he was Scorpius’ twin brother. Now, he was going to be all alone at the Christmas Ball because he knows Rose would never say yes to him. Maybe Lily will go with him, or he might as well just go home early to The Orchard Cottage.

“Hey, Lil.” Pyxis sat next to Lily for lunch at The Great Hall.

“Hey.” Lily didn’t look up from the Witch Weekly magazine that she was breezing through.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m looking for a dress inspiration for the ball.”

“Oh. You’re going? With whom?”

“Scorpius.”

Pyxis blanched

“Scorpius? He asked you out?”

Lily glared at him.

“What is that supposed to mean Pyxis Alonso Malfoy?”

“Nothing. I just… Nothing.” There was a sinking feeling in the pit of Pyxis’ stomach that he could not understand. Lily was going with his twin brother. They’re just going as friends, he reminded himself.

“I didn’t hear you asking me out, Pyxis, so I thought I’d go with someone who actually did.” Lily harrumphed as she left him at the table with her Witch Weekly magazine tucked under her armpit.

Pyxis was at a loss. Did Lily want him to ask her to the ball? Why didn’t she just say so?

Phoenix heard their conversation as he was on his way to the Hufflepuff table, so he sat down next to Pyxis.

“You’re one of the smartest people in school, yet you’re also one of the most clueless.” Phoenix shook his head at Pyxis.

“What did I do?” Pyxis asked Phoenix.

“Lily likes you.”

Pyxis’ jaw dropped.

“She does not,” he said as he got over the shock of Phoenix’s confession.

Phoenix looked at him like he was stupid. “She does, and everyone knows it but you.”

“We’re best friends. We’ve been best friends since we were little. You were there! You’re my brother,” Pyxis said defensively.

“Exactly! Dad, who’s the most oblivious when it comes to relationships, probably noticed, too.”

“But Lily likes you better than me most of the time,” Pyxis huffed.

Phoenix looked at him exasperatedly. “Lily treats me like a cute little brother and you know it.”

Pyxis’ rubbed a hand over his face. The moment Lily told him she was going with Scorpius, it was like someone gutted him and pulled out all his organs. Scorpius’ kiss with Rose paled in comparison to the thought of Lily dancing with his twin. He wanted to either throw up or throw punches. The latter sounded better.

Then when Phoenix told him that Lily liked him, his heart stopped. He couldn’t imagine his eccentric, carefree, and sometimes annoying Lily… His Lily? When did he start thinking of her as his? It was just a month ago that he picked up a fight with his brother for a girl. Was it really about Rose or something to do with his inferiority complex when it comes to his older twin? Pyxis shook his head at all the dizzying thoughts that came to him.

“Hello? Earth to Pyxis?” Phoenix waved a hand over his face.

“Sorry. I got distracted.” Pyxis mumbled.

“I said, do you like Lily? As more than your best friend?”

“I honestly don’t know, Phoenix. I feel like I need some time to sort things out.”

“Maybe you should ask our parents for advice.” Phoenix patted him in the back like he was the younger brother.

“Mum and dad can’t solve everything for us, you know.” Pyxis sighed.

“Of course, they can. Mum and dad can solve anything. They were the top 2 students in their year at Hogwarts,” Phoenix said pointedly.

“Your faith in mum and dad is admirable, brother.”

“I’m just saying, mum and dad were our age once. Anyway, I have to go and meet Ivy.”

“Ivy Longbottom?” Pyxis quirked an eyebrow.

“Yeah, is there a problem?” Phoenix challenged Pyxis.

“Nope. Just asking.” Pyxis shrugged, pretending nonchalance.

Phoenix walked away from the Ravenclaw table, and sure enough, he sat down next to Ivy Longbottom - daughter of Pansy (née Parkinson) and Neville Longbottom - at the Slytherin table. Her black sleek bob just might be sharper than her mum’s.

It really is Phoenix’s year. He got the Black family's magical skill, and he got the girl. And what did Pyxis get? His Head Boy status and beater position are stripped away from him, and he’s alone for the ball. All he has now are his NEWTs - more time to study, he guessed. He laid his head on the table - he was tempted to bang on it a couple of times when he felt someone sit next to him. He looked up and was surprised to see Rose Weasley.

He just stared at her, thinking why he liked her in the first place. Maybe because she was nice to him while everyone tolerated him?

“Hi, Pyxis.” Rose looked down at her wringing hands, away from Pyxis’ stare.

“Hi.” He said, still in disbelief that Rose was the one who sought him out.

“I- I- I just wanted to say, I’m sorry,” she said shakily.

“Hey.” Pyxis lifted her chin with his hand. “If anyone should be sorry, it’s me.”

Rose moved her face away from Pyxis' hand as she looked up to the ceiling, trying to hold back her tears. “I didn’t mean to lead you on like that. I just wanted to be friends, to get close, so I could- I could get closer to your brother. I’m sorry, so sorry.”

Pyxis was quiet for a moment. He realized that what Rose said didn’t hurt as much as he thought it would. It’s not that he didn’t feel anything about her confession. Of course, he was offended and it annoyed him that he was blind to her motives. But, he was a sucker for girls in tears, so he decided to forgive her.

He handed her a serviette and rubbed her back in comfort.

“It’s alright, Rose. It was just an infatuation. Let’s stay friends, though, okay? My mum would kill me if she finds out I made her goddaughter cry.”

Rose laughed through her tears. “Thank, Pyxis. I wish it was you.”

Pyxis gave her a sad smile. “We both know we can’t choose who we fall in love with.”

Rose nodded and blew her nose into the serviette.

“Do you already have a date for the ball?” Pyxis asked.

Rose shook her head in response.

“Then, do you want to go to the ball with me? As friends?”

“I don’t think…”

Pyxis cut her off, “Honestly, it’s just as friends. I think… I think I’m in love with someone else.”

Rose’s eyes widened.

“Yeah…” Pyxis chuckled nervously.

“It’s Lily, isn’t it?” Rose said in a conspiratorial whisper.

Pyxis looked at her in shock.

“I won’t tell.” Rose made a motion of a zipper over her mouth and smiled widely.

Before she completely walked away, she winked as she said, “I’m wearing cherry red for the ball.”

Pyxis nodded and gave her a small smile.

***

The Seventh Year’s Christmas Ball | The Great Hall

The perks of having Draco Malfoy as one’s father is the accessible amount of galleons from the Malfoy vault and  the recognition for great but expensive quality materials. Pyxis’ dress robes were made of black velvet, and his cherry red bow-tie - to match Rose - was of mulberry silk. His hair was slicked to the side and he had his dragonhide boots on.

As he looked at himself in the mirror, he realized he was quite excited about the ball. It’s ironic how he wanted Rose to be his date more than anything in the past, but now that she is, he wished he realized his feelings for Lily sooner. Maybe he’d still be Head Boy, his twin would still be Gryffindor’s quidditch captain, and they wouldn’t have embarrassed themselves in front of the British Wizarding World. As their mum expected, their fight was featured in The Daily Prophet and their mum was criticized for "not being there enough for her children." It seemed that nothing was going well for Pyxis.

Pyxis was patiently waiting in the halls when he saw Lily walking down the stairs in a light blue floral glitter ballgown. Aside from featuring spaghetti straps, a v-neckline, a corset-boned illusion bodice, floral embroidered appliques over glitter tulle, and a fabulous lower back, the gown was perfect for Lily. Pyxis’ gaze followed her, but he felt his heart drop when her hand slipped through Scorpius’ offered arm. Why did he feel like crying? He didn’t even cry when he saw Scorpius and Rose kiss.

He turned away from them, only to find Rose walking toward him. She wore a jewel-embroidered cherry-red off-shoulder, asymmetrical dress. He offered his arm to Rose and told her she looked pretty.

Rose blushed when she slipped her hand through his arm, and said, “you don’t look too bad yourself.”

They both entered the hall and his eyes immediately found Lily dancing with Scorpius on the dancefloor. His chest tightened and was finding it hard to breathe, so he looked away and pretended everything was fine. He would be a bad date if he was pining after someone else.

Pyxis cleared his throat and turned his attention to Rose who had her sights on Scorpius. She looked like she was about to cry as well - what a sad pair they were.

“Do you want a drink?” Pyxis asked.

“I think we both need one tonight if we’re going to survive this ball,” Rose joked.

Pyxis chuckled as he said, “I’m sure McLaggen or one of the Slytherins spiked the punch.”

He left Rose at a table while he got them both a drink. He was grabbing goblets for them when Scorpius walked up next to him.

Pyxis pretended not to have noticed him and kept doing what he was doing before his twin brother got there.

“Still not talking to me, brother?” Pyxis could hear the teasing tone in Scorpius’ voice.

Pyxis turned to him and raised an eyebrow.

“Look, this…” Scorpius gestured back-and-forth between himself and Pyxis “...has been going on long enough. We should just kiss and make up.”

Scorpius smirked. He looked a lot like their dad then.

“Is this your idea of an apology?” Pyxis schooled his features to look bored.

“I don’t have anything to apologize for. You’re the one who attacked me with a bludger.” Scorpius stated in a manner-of-fact way.

Pyxis sighed in defeat.

“I’m sorry.”

Scorpius stepped back in surprise. Pyxis never apologized unless their parents threatened him. This was definitely a first.

“If you must know, I have always been jealous of you. You don’t need to try so hard. You’re just good at everything that you do…”

“I’m not good at studying.” Scorpius cut him off.

“Yes, but you’re still smart - street-smart, and I would think that matters more when we get out of here at Hogwarts. Mum always said that studying isn’t everything.”

“Yes, well, it’s hard to live up to a legacy where our mother is the heroine of the wizarding world and our father is an ex-Death Eater redeemed by the love of that said heroine.” Scorpius shrugged.

“Anyway, I realized I was just infatuated by Rose and I was angry that I was bested by you - again. I always felt that I was second to you. This was never about Rose. This was about me and my bloody inferiority complex.” Pyxis glared at him.

“And I will kill you if you mention this in our future arguments.”

Scorpius raised his hands in surrender.

“Since, we’ve established that it’s your fault and you no longer like Rose. Is it alright if we switch dates? Lily’s been dying to dance with you.” Scorpius winked at him.

Pyxis didn’t have time to react to his brother, because Scorpius was already bringing the goblet that Pyxis filled back to Rose.

He saw Rose’s eyes widen in surprise and a blush crept up to her neck as Scorpius held out his hand to her. She looked back to where Pyxis was standing and he gave her a small smile of approval. Once she made sure Pyxis was alright, she grabbed Scorpius’ hand and led him to the dancefloor.

Good for you, Rose,  Pyxis thought.

Pyxis looked around the hall and didn’t find Lily anywhere. Then he remembered the place where Lily found him at his lowest.

He didn’t know there was a knot in his chest until he spotted her standing under the moonlight with her back to him.

She was playing with the sparkled butterflies that were surrounding her. Her laugh was music to his ears. She looked beautiful - ethereal even. She could have been a Veela - if not for her strawberry-colored hair.

When did Pyxis Alonso Malfoy become such a poet? 

He was afraid that if he moved a step closer, the picturesque moment before him would be ruined. He wished he had a wizarding camera to capture the beauty that was Lily Luna Potter. When had she become more than his best friend? Was it when her life flashed before his eyes as she was dragged by the Devil’s Snare in Charms and Herbology class? Was it when he noticed her hugs started to make him blush? Was it when he didn’t mind her sharing his plate? Or was it when she healed his hand and saw him at his most miserable state when no one else did?

Lily noticed Pyxis standing behind her with an odd look on his face.

“Are you alright, Pyxis?” She smiled at him.

And that, too, took his breath away. Now that he acknowledged his feelings for Lily, would it always punch him in the gut to look at her? It felt surreal to find himself in awe of her.

“I’m glad you found me.” She held her hand out to him, and he found himself mindlessly reaching out to her.

When their hands intertwined, his heart warmed and it felt just right. Lily had always felt right to him. When everything in his life was in shambles, she was the only one that made sense to him.

Pyxis pulled Lily in his embrace and laid his chin on top of her head. He was a foot taller than her, even when she had heels on. She fit his body like they were made for each other. The music could be heard from where they were, so he started to sway with the music. He wrapped his arms around her waist, as she slid her arms around his neck. They stayed like that for a while until the music changed to something else.

Lily looked into his gray eyes - cold to some, but the warmest color in her opinion.

Her best friend, her first love, the person who always believed in her when no one else did - sometimes even more than her own family. They didn’t understand Lily’s magic.

Though Pyxis prided himself in being logical and realistic, he believed in Lily - the contradiction to his core beliefs. If that’s not love, then what is?

She waited for him long enough, she couldn’t wait any longer. She pulled him closer and gave him a long-awaited kiss. His lips were soft, almost silken, against her own. He could feel the tickle of her breath beneath his nose, fingers carding through her hair as they breathed each other in.

“Did you finally figure it out, Pyxis Alonso Malfoy?” She whispered breathily against his lips.

He nodded and continued kissing her under the moonlight.

Pyxis Alonso Malfoy got the girl after all.