Bound by secrets

Chapter 6

What do I even say?

"Yeah, I'm fine," I mumbled, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Are you sure? You look like you've been crying," Blaise chimed in, his sharp eyes catching more than I wanted him to.

"No, really, I'm good," I lied, forcing a small smile. "I was just zoning out—made my eyes water." I could feel Draco's gaze burning into me, and when I met his eyes, I knew he didn't buy it. It was like he could see right through the act, like he knew exactly what was going through my head.

Thankfully, no one pushed further. The conversation drifted back to lighter topics—what grades we hoped to get, plans for the holidays, and future breaks. I stayed quiet for the most part. I already knew I wouldn't be joining them for any of it. Dad wouldn't let me. He'd already kept me from going to Theo's last summer, a tradition I'd counted on for years. The only person I saw during the break was Pansy, and only because Percival Parkinson kept an eye on us while my dad worked. It had been suffocating.

"So, are we all going to the party tonight?" Pansy's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. She sounded far too excited for someone planning back-to-back parties.

"Yeah, I'm in," Theo nodded.

"You know I'm always up for a party," Nora chimed in with a grin.

"I'll only go if you give me some of that hangover elixir," Lucas joked, earning a laugh from Blaise.

"Same," Blaise agreed, shaking his head with a smirk.

"I'll hook you boys up," Pansy said with a wink. "What about you, Malfoy? Y/N?"

Draco shot me a knowing smirk before responding. "Yeah, I'm going." Of course he was. Smug git.

"If I have to," I sighed, glancing at Pansy. There was no way I was getting out of this.

Pansy grinned. "Please, Y/N. You're coming whether you like it or not."

"I thought it was weird you even gave me a choice," I chuckled, shaking my head.

Pansy glanced at the time. "Well, it's 5:14. Should we grab dinner around 6 and then head back here to get ready? The party starts at 9, and we girls need time to prepare."

"Can't we just grab food and eat here?" Theo groaned.

"No, because Dumbledore has an important speech at dinner, and *everyone* needs to be there," Pansy said, turning to Theo.

"Oh brilliant, another boring speech," Draco muttered, rolling his eyes dramatically.

"Wait, hold on—you need to get ready right after dinner?" Blaise looked genuinely confused, furrowing his brow.

"Yes, that's what I said," Pansy responded, her tone half-amused at his confusion.

"Bloody hell, that means you need, what—two hours to get ready?" Blaise groaned, clearly dreading the wait.

"Yeah, that's way too long," Lucas added, shaking his head.

"Well, we have to shower, pick an outfit, and then actually get ready," I pointed out, giving both of them an exasperated look.

"I'd hate being a girl," Blaise muttered, crossing his arms.

"Good thing you're not," Nora teased, flashing him a smug smile.

Theo glanced at the boys, grinning. "Looks like we'll have plenty of time to chill while the girls get ready."

"Yeah, and this time we can go get the alcohol—and *not* forget it," Lucas laughed, earning a groan from me.