Love & Death (The Poisonous Princess Book 4)

Invitation

Winter season came so quickly. When Yule holidays arrived, the castle emptied unexpectedly.
I thought that Draco would stay this time, because of prefect's duties. I imagined that we would enjoy snowy landscapes and the softness of Christmas again.
No, instead all Slytherin left, all of them !
Even the famous trio of Grinffindorks and all the Weasley. So it was totally calm... deadly quiet.

When mails arrived on the 2nd day of break I was already as lonely as when I was an orphan.
The fact that everyone had clear the place was suspicious to me. I even asked to Dumbledore his opinion, to what he answered that it could be due to the unsafe situation...
Since 2 days I already expected a letter from my boyfriend, any explanation.
And that morning it looked to be one, in a black envelope with the recognizable Malfoy wax seal.

I made myself a suspens to read my boyfriend's word, as I expected it to be lovely. I got back to my common-room. By Merlin, how Slytherin's tiles floor could be icy ! The lake surface was frozen again so the atmosphere down there was pretty cold. I rolled myself into a blanket and boosted the chimney's fire before opening my mail.

The document inside the envelope was a thick black paper, ornate of silver arabesques.
Two capital 'M' were entitled on top of the letter.

"Malfoy's Masquerade.

We are please to invite you to the renowned masked ball of the new year's eve.
As the ancient gala we happened to enjoy at the mansion, we are honored to host a new event at our family's domicile.

Your presence is cordially requested on December 31st at dusk.

Join us for a memorable gathering night !"

A flow of images immediately came to my mind, imagining this new facette of Draco's family. Masked ball was a common thing to them ? to him ? I pictured my lover with beautiful outfit and mask, somehow a bit theatrical. I thought about glamorous reception, feather and confetti... Then I remembered the strict face of Lucius and all the ancestors portraits, they were the opposit of party behaviour... What to expect, who would be there ? Do other kids are invited ? I shook my head to stop my uncontrolled fantasy.
It was better to wait and see. Things are never as we imagined, anyway.

A new occasion at Draco's house, this time, I was excited.
I was pretty happy that they invited me... Worried too, because Yule ball was special, but this one would be even more important. Parents and others family members would be there. I had to be ready to meet important and serious people. Specially as Draco's girlfriend.

My outfit was important too, and I had just what it needed. For the Triwizard Tournement, a ceremony was supposed to occur at the final celebration, it was cancelled but I had planned to wear a green dress for that day. It'd be perfect for a meeting with the Sacred 28 who were mostly from Slytherin house.

When someone entered to the common room, my festive mood dropped off. Snape, of corse.
Crap, he won't let me go to that party, how to get permission ?!

"Uncle Snape ?" I greeted with a sudden loveable attitude.

"Don't take the high-pitched voice to me, Isabella." He started. "I know it means that you have request."

My smile faded away.
He was holding something in hand so I waited for him to speak.

"I see that you've got the invitation..."

"You received a card too ?" I understood, with disappointment.

"Indeed. I presumed that you are thrilled to attend another ball with Malfoy..."

I was about to answer with joy but he continued.

"You have to learn to read between lines. It has been years since the Malfoy's didn't organise anything. This is not a party as you dream about, with dances and cupcakes. This will be a reunion. All the pure-blood names and deatheaters members are asked to attend. This was the only tradition among them. Since the night Voldemort created the first circle, which occurred at this same event, each have kept their faces masked to act on the sly. And this niceties were organised every now and then to rebuild the group."