Soft

Party Crashers and Disappointment

After Slughorn walks away from Harry, I walk back over to him. "Slughorn really does like you..."

"Yeah, I guess..."

"Drink", I hear someone ask from beside us, making me look over. Oh, it's Neville!

"Neville", I smile.

"I didn't get into the Slug Club", Neville admits, as I take a drink from him. "It's okay, though. He's got Belby handing out towels in the loo", Neville adds, making me chuckle.

"Oh, well, I'm fine, mate. Thanks", Harry smiles.

"Okay. By the way, you look absolutely stunning, Belle", Neville smiles.

"Aww, thank you, Neville", I smile, before he walks off.

"I feel bad he couldn't get into the party, without having to work", I admit.

"Yeah, so did I..." Harry glances around, when he notices something, making me look in the same direction as him.

"Is that... Hermione?" We both walk over to where we saw her go, and we exit the tent.

"Hermione. What are you doing? And what happened to you", Harry asks.

"I've just escaped. I mean, left Cormax under the mistletoe", Hermione answers.

"Cormac? That's who you invited", Harry questions, confused.

"You even said he was vile", I point out.

"I thought it would annoy Ron the most", Hermione admits. "He's got more tentacles than a Snarfalump plant", Hermione adds.

"Dragon tartare", I hear someone ask from behind us.

"No, I'm fine. Thank you", Hermione replies. I shake my head, as well.

"Just as well. They give you one horribly bad breath", He admits.

"On second thought..." She takes the plate from him, making him walk off. "Might keep Cormac at bay..." She starts to eat them, making me shake my head. "Oh, god. Here he comes", Hermione says, handing Harry the plate, before sinking down and sneaking back into the party.

Cormac leaves the tent and looks at us.

"I think she just went to powder her nose", Harry says, and I nod.

"Slippery little minx, your friend", Cormac admits. "Likes to work her mouth too, doesn't she?" Both Harry and I roll our eyes, as he eats one of the dragon tartare's from the plate, making me smirk. "What is this I'm eating, by the way?"

"Dragon balls", I lie, making his eyes widen. Snape opens the tent, looking at us. He glances at us, when Cormac leans over and pukes on Snape's shoes. I hold in my laughter, as I avoid eye contact. He slowly stands up straight, looking at the person he puked to to see that it's Snape. His eyes widen again, making Snape speak.

"You've just bought yourself a month's detention, McLaggen", Snape says, as Harry tries to sneak back in. "Not so quick, Potter." I also slip back into the tent, as Snape walks over to Harry.

"Sir, I really think I should rejoin the party. My date...", Harry starts.

"Can surely survive your absence for a minute or two. Besides, I only wish to convey a message", Snape says.

"A message?"

"From Professor Dumbledore. He asked me to give you his best, and he hopes you enjoy your holiday. You see... he's traveling, and he won't return until term resumes", Snape explains.

"Traveling where?" Snape pauses for a couple seconds, before walking off.

"Okay... That was weird..."

I hear the door open suddenly, making me look over. My eyes widen, when I see Filch dragging Draco inside.

Oh no.... What has he done now? I slowly walk forwards, staying completely silent.

"Take your hands off me, you filthy Squib", Draco hisses.

"Professor Slughorn, sir. I just discovered this boy lurking in an upstairs corridor", Filch starts, as Draco glances around. His eyes land on me, but I just shake my head at him, rolling my eyes. I cross my arms over my chest, as I look away from him. "He claims to have been invited to your party", Filch says.

"Okay, okay. I was gatecrashing. Happy", Draco hisses. Snape steps forwards, before speaking.

"I'll escort him out..." Draco pulls out of Filch's grip, before speaking.

"Certainely... professor..." Draco glances at me one more time, before leaving.

"I'm sorry, Harry, but I have to go", I sigh, before quickly leaving the party.