Little White Lies | Book 4

Chapter 14: Christmas Celebrations

I managed to find Draco in a corridor with Crabbe and Goyle. When he noticed me, he gave a slight nod, and sent the two boys off to do something for him. Once they were gone, he approached me. "I thought you were in Hogsmeade today. Everything alright?" I shook my head, and sighed. "Katie Bell got cursed. She found some necklace, and she started flying around, and-" My voice was laced with panic, making him cup my face in his hands. "Shh, it's alright, my love. I'm sure she'll be fine once she sees Madame Pomfrey. Just relax," He soothed.

I inhaled deeply, as my heartbeat went back to normal. Draco embraced me tightly, allowing me to rest my head against him. After a moment, he pulled away. "Where's Potter?" I shrugged. "Probably talking to Dumbledore, why?" A worried expression spread across his face. "No reason, just asking. Look, I'd love to stay here with you, but I've got something I need to take care of. I'll see you soon, alright?" I frowned, as he turned to leave. "Draco, where are you-?" But, it was too late. He was already gone.

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"Have you heard about Slughorn's Christmas party?" Hermione asked me, as we studied outside. "No, actually. When is it?" I replied, looking up from my book. "The night before we leave for break. It's formal, and we have to bring a date." I groaned, shutting my book. "Too much work!" She laughed. "What are you talking about? It's a well known fact that you're going with Harry. I mean, he is your boyfriend after all."

"It's not that, I mean it's too much work to get all dressed up. I think I learned that from the Yule Ball. Anyway, do you have a date yet?" She hesitated for a moment. "Do you think it would make Ronald mad if I said yes to Cormac?" Wow, I don't think I've ever seen the savage side of Hermione Granger. "Hermione, he'd be livid! I don't care how much he snogs Lavender, he's only doing it because he enjoys the attention. He truly loves you, and seeing you with someone he hates will send him over the edge. But, why?" She smirked mischievously, making me do the same. "He asked me earlier, and I said I'd think about it. Now that I've made up my mind, I should let him know. See you around, Riley."

I laughed, as she collected her things, and headed off to find her soon-to-be date for the Christmas party. After a moment, I got bored, and headed off to find Harry.

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It was finally the night of the party. I just wanted to get this over with. Sure, it'd be fun to go with Harry and all, but I really wasn't looking forward to seeing Slughorn, and have him asking me about my family. Plus, the dress I borrowed from Hermione was really uncomfortable. Padma said it showed off my 'womanly curves' but I simply thought I looked like an idiot.

Apparently, Harry thought different.

He waited for me in the common room, with his nice robes on, and his hair slicked back. The look on his face when he saw me made me want to run back and change. Let's just say, his jaw dropped, and his eyes roamed a bit...

"Hi, Harry." I said nervously, after Hermione nudged me. "Riley, y-you look beautiful. I-I don't even-" He stuttered. I rolled my eyes, and kissed him. "Then don't. Now, handsome, are we going or not?" He grinned, and linked his arm with mine. "We're going, beautiful." It still blew my mind that I still got all embarrassed when Harry or Draco complimented me. After three years of it, I thought I'd be used to it by now, but apparently not.

As we made our way to where the party was being held, I noticed a few heads turn in my direction, making me blush a crimson red. Harry noticed this, and pulled me protectively into his side. "Do you know who Hermione invited as her date?" He asked, glaring at a Hufflepuff boy. "I'd tell you, but I don't know if she'd want me to or not. Why?" He shrugged. "Just curious. Did I tell you how beautiful you look?" I laughed, as my cheeks grew hotter. "At least a hundred times already. So, do you not think I'm beautiful in my regular clothes? You never compliment me this much." That made him panic a bit. "No, no, love, I didn't mean that! I always think you look beautiful, it's just-your dress-and it's just so pretty-and-" I cut him off by kissing his lips. "Kidding, Harry, I was just kidding. It's alright,"

Finally, we arrived at the Christmas party. Of course, Professor Slughorn bustled up to us, and talked his head off. I smiled politely, and listened, while Harry laughed, and seemed to enjoy the conversation. After what seemed like forever, he finally hurried off to greet Blaise Zabini, who had just entered with his date. I decided to look around at my surroundings.

The first thing I saw were Mistletoes. They were strung up all over the place, and a few couples appeared to be snogging under them. A few tables were set up around the room, and were piled with food and drinks. A few boys in all white walked around, carrying trays of glasses, which appeared to be filled with Butterbeer.

"You know, I thought this party would be insanely boring, but it doesn't look that bad." I muttered to Harry. He nodded in agreement and kissed my temple. "You know I love you, right?" I smiled, and turned my head to kiss him back. "I think I should wear this dress more often." Just as he leaned in to kiss me, Hermione rushed past us, and slipped behind a curtain.

Frowning, we followed her. "Hermione, what are you doing?" I whispered, once I was standing beside her. "I just escaped. Er, I just left Cormac under the Mistletoe." She replied, nervously. "Cormac?! That's who you invited?!" Harry hissed. "I thought it would annoy Ronald the most!" I smirked, and shook my head at her. "It seems to be bothering you more than it is him."

That was when a seventh year peeked through the curtains. He held out a tray. "Dragon Tart?" He offered. We all shook our heads, as he nodded in agreement. "Might as well, they make one's breath smell horrible." Then, Hermione snatched the entire tray from him, and began shoving the tarts in her mouth like an animal.

Harry and I watched, both of us slightly grinning. But, it didn't take long for Cormac to find us. Luckily, Hermione and I managed to escape. Harry wasn't so lucky...

"He's disgusting, Riley! What should I do?" Hermione hissed, as we ducked under a table. "Go back to the common room. I'll tell him you ate too much, and aren't expecting to come back." I told her, snickering. She smacked my arm, and huffed angrily. "At least come up with a good excuse!" I thought for a moment. "You were tired?" She shrugged. "Good enough. I'll see you later, Riley."

Just as we stood up, and Hermione turned to leave, Filch came in, dragging Draco along by the neck of his robes. "I found this boy lurking in an upstairs corridor. He claims to have been invited to your party." He growled at Slughorn. "Alright, alright, I was gate crashing! Happy?" Draco sneered. Then, Professor Snape-who appeared to have been talking to Harry-approached them. "I'll escort him out." He said in a low, somewhat aggravated tone. "Certainly, Professor."

With that, the two of them were gone. Hermione managed to slip out as well, leaving me to search for Harry. But, he was nowhere to be found.