The Key (A Draco Malfoy Love Story)

Chapter 14: The Christmas Party

Amelia's P.O.V
Ron nor Lavender has figured out that the so called 'electrooms' are fake, made up in my quick thinking mind. Both of them are even hesitant of being near each other! I am good. But so I don't get caught, I'll set Fred and George on him next time. The twins are particularly proud of me for the stunt I pulled on Ron, and they're going to give me a tour of their store at Christmas. Anyway, Slughorn's christmas party is tonight, fun... Note my sarcasm. I'm not going with anyone, I've made a plan wih Hermione, I'm going to save her from her date. Cormac Mclaggen. Why would she go with him anyway? Maybe she was trying to make Ron jealous, nice thinking, but bad choice.

"Hermione?! Hurry up in the bathroom! You can't stay in there forever!" I yelled through the door, banging on it in the process. I heard an irritated sigh from the other side and Hermione unlocked the door, swinging it open. She was wearing a baby pink dress that reached her knees, it had a darker rose pink silk sash around the middle. Her hair was in perfect ringlets that bounced as she walked, she looked really beautiful.

"You look beautiful Hermione." I complimented, but when she saw me a stern look took over her face.

"Thank you, but your not even dressed yet! Go and get dressed." She told me firmly.

"I don't want to!" I whined like a 5 year old child being told they have to go to bed.

"1..." She started and I scoffed.

"You think counting is going to get me to do anything?" I asked, folding my arms over my chest.

"2..." She continued, her eyebrows raised.

"Oh jeez! Ok, ok! I'm going!" I said in defeat, grabbing my dress and shoes from my wardrobe. I rushed into the bathroom and changed into this: [polyvore]

"You ready?" I asked Hermione who nodded in response. We linked arms and strolled down to the common room, trying to to fall over in the heels. Soon the warm environment of the common room came into sight, inside mclaggen was waiting for Hermione, eyeing her up and down. What a pervert. I gave her a cheeky smile and a thumbs up which she glared at me playfully for, I laughed and made my way over to the door where Harry was heading too.

"Hey there, Harry!" I greeted happily, startling him slightly.

"Hi, Amelia. You look brilliant." He told me and I thanked him as we walked down the dark hallways of the school.

"So who are you taking?" I asked curiously, swinging my arms by my side.

"Luna Lovegood, she's a Ravenclaw. What aboout you?" Harry explained and I made an 'o' shape with my mouth.

"I'm not going with anyone, I'm going to save Hermione from Cormac whenever the need strikes me by saying 'Professor Flitwick needs to have a word with Hermione, but he said she might miss the rest of the party.' or something similar." I informed him.

"I was going to invite Draco, but he said he has a task from Dumbledore to do tonight." I shrugged and looked over at Harry.

"Something's not right with him..." He trailed off and I rolled my eyes, he'd been talking about this for ages.

"If he had something to hide wouldn't he tell me? I'm his girlfriend, he would tell me first." I reasured myself as we reached the Ravenclaw common room. Harry bid me goodbye and I carried on down to the venue of Slughorn's party. My heels clicked against the cold concrete, the cold wind whistling past me, making goosebumps appear on my bare arms, I really wish I'd brought a jacket. I reached the large oak doors and pushed them open, letting the warmth inside spread all over me. I was immediately met by Slughorn, who bustled over as soon as he saw me.

"Ah, Amelia. I'm so glad you could come. How are you?" Slughorn asked, shaking my hand.

"I'm very good sir, and yourself?" I replied, a smile plastered to my face.

"I'm well, thank you. Now why not take a picture." He answered, turning me towards a camera facing us. I smiled and the bright white light blinded my eyes. I then saw Hermione trying to get away from Cormac, it'smy turn to go in.

"Um, Hermione? Professor Flitwick wants a word, and he sends his apologies because it may take up the whole party." I swooped in and Hermione shot me a look of gratitude. Cormac left us and I pulled Hermione behind the curtains in the corner of the room so he wouldn't find us. Soon the fabric was pulled back and Harry entered, looking at us strangely.

"Hermione? Amy? What are you doing?" He asked, wondering why we were hidden behind a curtain.

"Amy's just helped me escape from Cormac, oh god here he comes." Hermione dragged me out from behind the curtain only for me to be stopped by Professor Snape.

"Not so fast Miss Potter. Dumbledore has asked me to inform you that he hopes you enjoy your holiday, he's travelling you see." Snape told me.

"Travelling where?" I asked suspiciously and he wouldn't tell me, well thats a lot of help. Moments later the door burst open, and two figures stomped inside, one was being pushed in by the other. These people were Draco and Flich.

"Get your hands off me you filthy squib!" Draco ordered, trying to get free from Flich's death grip.

"I'm sorry to disturb you Professor Slughorn, sir. But I caught this boy lurking in an upstairs corridor. He claims to be invited to your party." Flich explained, still keeping a hold on Draco.

"Alright, alright! I was gate crashing! Happy?" Draco snarled, his glare softening when we locked eyes.

"I'll escort him out." Snape stepped forward and Draco pulled his arm free.

"Certainly, Professor." Snape pushed him from the room and out into the cold dark hallways. Harry and I looked at each other thinking the same thing, to follow them. A part of me believed Harry when he said Draco was hiding something, but another part refused to think he is, so now is the time to find out. We exited the room and I slid my shoes off, so we wouldn't be heard. We poked our heads around the corner and watched the scene in front of us, listening intently. Snape shoved Draco up against a wall and pinned him there.

"Maybe I hexed that Bell girl, maybe I didn't. Why would you care?" He asked harshly, not even trying to get out of the position he's in.

"I swore I would protect you. I made the Unbreakable Vow." Snape hissed through gritted teeth.

"I don't need protection! I was chosen for this. Out of everyone else, me." The boy with the platinum blonde hair fought back.

"How do you think she would react to all this?" Snape asked, the she I knew was referring to me.

"She doesn't need to know. It'll get her into more trouble, and I don't want that." Draco replied and I wanted to know more, if this concerns me, than I should know about it.

"You know the Dark Lord is looking for her! He'll stop at nothing until he finds her! And you are lucky he hasn't found out about you two." Snape exclaimed quietly. (A/N: If that makes any sense at all)

"I'll protect her. He won't find out, I'll make sure of it." Draco's voice faded as he spoke.

"But he has a direct line to your thoughts, if he thinks your hiding something, he'll find out. And how to you suppose you'll protect Amelia and complete the task the Drak Lord has set you?" Now I definately knew it was about me too.

"I don't know! But I won't fail him, or her." Draco struggled for an answer.

"You're scared, Draco. You try to conceal it, but the fact is obvious. Let me help you." Snape pleaded quietening down.

"No! I was chosen, this is my moment!" Draco exclaimed, breaking from Snape's grip. What the hell is going on? I'll have to ask him later.