What if Sirius Black didn't die?

Chapter 24: A Very Sluggy Christmas Party

CHRISTMAS AT HOGWARTS- John Williams

HARRY POV:

"I've never been to this part of the castle. At least not while awake. I sleepwalk, you see. It's why I wear shoes to bed." Luna said dreamily, admiring the hallways.

Oh, Merlin, this was going to be a long night.

Hermione refused to tell me who she was taking as her date to the party, and Ron refused to tell me what the bloody hell was going on between them, claiming that he didn't do anything, which I didn't know if I should believe. I asked Luna plainly for the fun of it. We went as friends, but I couldn't help to want to see Sirius and everyone else again. I also had to attend this party because I needed to get close with Slughorn, per Dumbledore's orders.

I couldn't get out of this one. Just like Hermione said. I kept planning Quidditch practices, study sessions, and more to get out of the Slug Club meetings, but Professor Slughorn had asked Hermione when I was free so that he could plan the party then, which was absurd. Honestly, it's like this man had an obsession with me. We walked the rest of the way in pretty much silence until we reached Slughorn's office where the party was taking place.

There were garlands of holly and tinsel twisted around the banisters of the stairs and candles that glowed from inside the helmets of suits of armor. There were also great bunches of mistletoe that had been hung at intervals along the corridors, which I hoped desperately I wouldn't get stuck under with anyone. As soon as we entered his office, the bright lights almost blinded us. The ceiling and walls of his office were draped with emerald, crimson, and gold hangings so that it looked as though they were all inside a vast tent. The office itself was much larger than normal and filled with people.

"Harry my boy!" Slughorn started.

"So glad you could make it!" He exclaimed.

"I hope you enjoy mingling!" He exclaimed as he took me towards the crowds.

He introduced me to multiple people who were either friends, famous people, or students of his that had graduated. There were all pretty frightening and weird. One wanted to write a book about me- what was his name- Elrad? Warple? Worple? Who knows? I also met a short stubby vampire which was pretty weird. I somehow managed to pull out as soon as the author started talking to me about a biography. My head was swarming with thoughts, especially since I stayed up nearly all night to finish that essay for McGonagall, only to have to practice changing the colors of my eyebrows this morning in Transfiguration. I looked around for a familiar face and saw Hermione in a corner hiding for some reason.

"Harry! There you are, thank goodness!" Hermione exclaimed, pulling me behind a hanging curtain of some sort.

"What's happened to you?" I asked, bewildered at her state.

"Oh, I've just escaped — I mean, I've just left Cormac. Under the mistletoe," She started.

"Cormac?!" I exclaimed.

"That's who you invited?!" I continued.

"I thought it would annoy Ron the most," Hermione whined.

Suddenly, a waiter slipped in offering us a tray of little balls.

"Dragon balls?" He asked.

"No thank you," Hermione groaned.

"Just as well. They give one horribly bad breath." The waiter said.

"On second thought," Hermione started, pulling the tray towards her as the waiter left.

"Might keep Cormac at bay." She said as she stuffed her mouth with the weirdly shaped food.

"So, why annoy Ron in the first place?!" I exclaimed, wanting to know more.

"Never mind that- Oh no- he's coming!" Hermione exclaimed and ran off as she thrust the tray into my hands.

Suddenly, Cormac burst through the curtains and looked around curiously.

"I think she just went to powder her nose," I started.

Cormac glared at me and then started talking.

"Slippery little minx, your friend. Likes to work her mouth too, doesn't she? Yak yak yak." He blabbed as he took one of the dragon blobs and stuffed it in his mouth.

"What is this I'm eating, by the way?" He asked me.

I gulped down my laughter and forced myself to tell him.

"Dragon balls," I stated just as the curtains flew open and Snape walked in.

"What's going on back here?" Snape exclaimed.

Cormac froze and thrust his head downwards, vomiting in front of Snape. I slowly slipped away and tried not to be seen. I saw Snape look downwards and slowly lift his head darkly.

"You've just bought yourself a month's worth of detention, McLaggen," Snape scowled.

I mentally cheered until I heard my name.

"NOT so quick, Mr. Potter," Snape said without turning around.

I sighed and turned to face him.

"Sir, I really should be getting back to the party. My date-" I started, looking around for Luna, but Snape interrupted me.

"Can surely wait another minute or two. Besides," He glared at me.

"I only wish to convey a message," He continued.

"A message?" I asked, my interest sparking for the first time to hear what Snape had to say.

"From Professor Dumbledore." He started.

"He asked that I give you his best and that he hopes you enjoy your holiday. You see, he's-" Snape stopped for a moment before he continued.

"-traveling and won't return until term resumes." He finished.

"Traveling?" I thought out loud.

"Traveling where?" I wondered out loud.

Snape gave me a cold glare for a few seconds before he swiftly turned around and started to walk away.

"Professor Slughorn, sir! I've just discovered this boy lurking in an upstairs corridor. He claims to have been invited to your party." I heard Filch yell as Snape stopped in his tracks and took my gaze with his to Filch holding up an annoyed Draco Malfoy.

"Okay, okay, I was gate-crashing. Happy?" Malfoy spat.

"I'll escort him out," Snape said lowly.

"Certainly, Professor." Malfoy scowled as he shrugged off Filch.

They both walked off and I immediately felt for my invisibility cloak to follow them. I couldn't miss this opportunity. I slowly slipped off and ran off to find them.

"Maybe I did hex that Bell girl. Maybe I didn't. What's it to you?" Malfoy spat from somewhere around the corner.

I heard footsteps and soon they both came into view.

"Listen to me," Snape said sternly as he walked up harshly towards Malfoy who was slumped up against the wall.

"I am trying to help you. I swore to your mother I would protect you. I made the Unbreakable Vow, Draco-" Snape said.

"Looks like you'll have to break it, then, because I don't need your protection! It's my job, he gave it to me and I'm doing it, I've got a plan and it's going to work, it's just taking a bit longer than I thought it would!" Malfoy yelled.

"You're afraid, Draco. You attempt to conceal it, but it's obvious. Let me assist you-" Snape started, but was interrupted.

"No! I was chosen. This is my moment!" Malfoy yelled like the selfish git he was.
He stormed off in the other direction and Snape waited a moment before he followed.

Well, this was something I would stay up and think about.