𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀, harry potter

one hundred and four

104 || so not a party

Christmas was slowly on its way, and Adelaide had not one thing to look forward to, in fact she was rather hoping she could die again before the event came as she neither wanted to attend Slughorn's Christmas party or Christmas with the Weasley's, which was where Regulus and Sirius were forcing her to go. Adelaide had skipped all of Slughorn's dinners so far, she was always out and about or too busy, she just couldn't be bothered. And as for Christmas, she couldn't come up with an excuse.

"Have you found a date to take yet?" Alex asked as the two ate breakfast alone.

"It feels like the stupid Yule Ball all over again," Adelaide said, "I mean really, why do I need a date? Can't I go solo?"

Alex shrugged, "Expectations. Why don't you go with Blaise?"

"He's going with a mystery girl," She said, "There's no one else."

"Harry."

Adelaide stopped, looked to Harry who was sat with Ron, then turned back around, "No. We're not back in that position yet."

Alex changed the topic, "What are you wearing to the party?"

"My mum got me a dress for Christmas last year, she was supposed to give it to me, but you know," Adelaide went quiet, "Anyway, got Reg to send it over."

"The red one, right? It's nice," Alex said smiling, "A certain someone will love it too. Given its house colours."

"Shove it, Alex."

The day went on for what seemed years, and Adelaide still had no date. She was really considering changing her last name, because what is a Black if not desirable?

"Harry's taking Luna Lovegood," Alex stated, "Though it's all friendly there, I checked."

"When you say checked..."

She rolled her eyes, "I spoke to Luna and asked her if there was anything between her and Harry, she said no. See, I was civil."

Adelaide nodded, "Right. Well, I think I'm going to have to go alone. I have two hours until it starts, and I have no date."

And so, that's what Adelaide did, she got into her dress, or her mums, had Alex put her hair into a slicked back bun and for final touches, added her necklace with the black family crest on it.

"I think I am ready," Adelaide said, checking all her mental boxes, "Wait, bracelet. I have no bracelet."

Alex handed one of hers, "Here, don't break it."

"Thank you," Adelaide smiled, "Okay, now I'm ready."

The girl waved her off, "Bye!"

"Don't drink too much."

"Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

The girl flipped her friend off and left the common room, heading towards Slughorn's office. She trailed the corridors alone, knowing she was getting closer as the sounds of laughter, music and loud conversation grew with every step until finally she arrived.

"Adelaide!" Slughorn cheered, "So happy to see you, and glad you could finally make it."

"Throw more parties Sir, I'm very much inclined to a little fun," Adelaide smiled.

The man laughed, "Ah Adelaide, so much like your father. Now come, come, there's people I want you to meet!" He dragged her to the corner of the room where a woman stood chatting to a large group of guests, "Adelaide Black meet Erika Rath, an old student of mine and beater for the Holyhead Harpies. Erika, Adelaide here is one of the few female Quidditch Captains, she recently led her team to a victory against the defending champions, Gryffindor."