The next evening, Harry and I attended Slughorn's Christmas party. I had to borrow another one of Hermione's dresses, which she was completely fine with, but said that we'd have to go shopping for formal wear for me soon.
The dress I'm wearing is a deep maroon red with silk fabric and an open back, then a bow in the back to close it. It's very pretty. And it matches Harry's maroon button up under his black suit jacket. We definitely looked like the couple we are.
I shuffled on my feet nervously and Harry could tell I was feeling a bit uncomfortable.
"I know this isn't your element, but we don't have to be here the whole time. Just long enough to make an appearance and say a few words to Slughorn."
I only nodded quietly and forced myself to take a deep breath.
"Drink?" I heard a familiar voice, then smiled when I saw my brother, Neville, dressed in very formal white attire. He held a tray of drinks.
"Neville!" Harry smiled as well. "Wasn't expecting to see you here. You look good, mate."
"Thanks," Neville lightly chuckled. I fixed his tie for him. "I'm not in Slughorn's club but I'm able to attend as the help."
"Formal looks good on you, Nev," I told him. "Isn't it funny how you're not too far away when I feel anxious?"
He shrugged. "Guess it's just a sixth sense I've got."
Neville left to go see if anyone else wanted a drink. I ended up turning down his offer. I don't think I'll be indulging in any alcohol for a while. Even with Harry with me.
"Harry! Nice to see you! Here, shall we get a photo for my shelf?"
"Oh, uh, yeah, sure!" Harry laughed and stood with Harry for a picture. I stood out of frame. Awkwardly. Once they had taken the picture, Slughorn wanted to show Harry something in his office.
He gave me a very sorry look before following Slughorn into his office. I began fidgeting with my fingers nervously, but sighed softly and told myself that I'm okay. I don't need Harry to feel confident.
When did I become so nervous all of the sudden? I know last year I was a lot bolder and braver.
A hand pressed against my back gently and I jumped a bit. Turning to see who had touched me, I was greeted with dark skin and piercing brown eyes. Blaise Zabini?
"Um... hey," I swallowed hard. "Zabini, right?"
"Yeah," He laughed a little. "Was just wondering who you came with. You're alone."
"Oh, Harry," I motioned towards Slughorn's office. "He's just been... swept away again."
"Seems like Harry's picked favorites."
"No," I waved him off. "It's not like that. Apparently he's supposed to get to know Slughorn for some reason. He said it's important but he won't tell me why."
"Oh, Potter's keeping secrets from his own girlfriend now?"
I then realized just how secretive and distant Harry really is.
"I don't think it's... that bad," I bit my lip. "He wouldn't keep anything serious away from me."
"Since when did Potter want to get to know teachers?" Blaise said, then shrugged. "I'm just saying. It's out of character. Didn't you two just get over a massive fight by the way?"
"Yes. Merlin, the whole school knows now, I bet," I rubbed my forehead frustratedly.
"Yeah, I'm sure it does. I know firsthand, Draco told me all about it. Wouldn't shut up about you really," Blaise sighed. "Anyway, I'm going out to the balcony to watch the snow. Care to join me? Only while Potter's busy doing... whatever he's doing."
YOU ARE READING
tainted transparency || a harry potter story
Fanfiction** this is a sequel! ** as the year that seemed to not have an end, finally ended, everyone seemed to have rather boring breaks between school years at Hogwarts. but all of the danger that happened last year couldn't have prepared either of them fo...
