It was stuffy, it was hot, and his robes were ichy. Around him swirled the cream of wizarding society, chatting, dancing, brown-nosing. He wished he were anywhere else. If tonight weren't so special he would be somewhere else.

Finally, the music faded away and a drum roll started as the Minister of Magic took the stage.

"Tonight, as part of our annual celebration we wish to honor those who in the last year have shown great worth, talent, and achievement for wizardkind. First Miss Alicia Flitterwick, if you would come up here, dear. Has..." Harry Potter tuned him out and shifted from foot to foot. He felt a hand brush his casually, and glanced over. Scorpius smiled, and suddenly the room didn't feel so uncomfortable, and he smiled warmly back.

"...and finally I'd like Mr. Harry Potter and Mr. Scorpius Malfoy to join me. Ladies and gentlemen what these two have done for our society is miraculous. Using the potions knowledge and notes inherited from the late Severus Snape, and the personal diaries of the late Remus Lupin, these two have rid us of the curse of Lycanthropy! For this we the ministry are awarding them Order of Merlins, First class!" By this time we had made onto the stage and were standing next to the minister as the witches and wizards around us clapped. Two beautiful witches came and draped a ribbon around each of our necks, and kissed our cheeks. I turned to the minister again.

"Do you mind if I say a few words, Minister?" Harry asked politely, and the minister waved his assent. "Thank you. The support for this unusual alliance and ambitious endeavor has been great. I would like to call on it again." I tuned to face Scorpious next to me, and he beamed brightly, knowing what was coming.

"Scorpius Draconis Malfoy, will you bond with me?"

"I will, Harry."

It was the Weasley twins, always appreciative of a good prank, who wolf whistled and cheered, but they started the polite applause. Very polite. Draco Malfoy looked struck dumb though and was certainly not clapping. The minister fumbled a bit. No one had known that they had anything but a business partnership, and if this had come out normally, would have been shouted down. As it was, they would be the Perfect Happy Couple on the front page tomorrow. As Harry stepped off stage with his arm around his Scorpius, he couldn't help but say to him, "I'm glad you were Slytherin." Scorpius smirked.