Another Hogwarts Mystery

Chapter 11 - Slughorn's Party

The following weeks were like walking through a battlefield. Every eye was fixed on Casandra and their talking could be heard anywhere: in the library, during meals, in class, and even in the Ravenclaw common room. Her friends tried their best to support Casandra, but they couldn't make the mocking and bullying stop, either. The only time Casandra could forget about the world and its horrible inhabitants were when she was with Snape. He supported her even more, especially during class, but it was the most wonderful feeling when he just read to her or talked to her about everybody and his dog. Somehow, Casandra had the feeling that he knew exactly how it felt to be pointed at. Probably this was the reason as to why he could comprehend her so well.

As December approached, Casandra knew that two events were coming up, which she detested even more with all this gossip going on. Some rumours were actually so silly that Casandra could do nothing but laugh. Graham and Summersby told everyone that Casandra would meet her parents on a regular basis in the Forbidden Forrest. When Casandra heard about it, she burst out laughing, crying tears of laughter.

On a cold and snowy morning, during the first week of December, Casandra received an owl. She knew what is was about and she hated the thought of its content. "Open it!" cried Beverly. "Ugh, Bev. I know who sent it and I know what it's about" sighed Casandra and thereby opened the letter. It was sealed with a blood-red steal stamp, depicting a test tube and a cauldron. "Dear Miss Clark, as every year, I am more than happy to invite you to this year's Christmas Party of the Slugclub. The party takes place this Saturday at 8 p.m. at my office. I am utterly looking forward to seeing you there. All the best, Horace Slughorn." read Casandra. "I guess, Nick must have gotten one, too" she added. She waved over to Nick with the letter in her hand. Her mouth formed the word party, whilst the index finger of her other hand pointed at the letter and then at Nick. He stood up and made his way over to the Ravenclaw table. "What is it?" he asked. "Did you get one, too? You must have." asked Casandra nervously. "Yeah, I got one, too. As always." moaned Nick. "You're going, aren't you?" "Of course, Cassy. Don't worry, you won't be alone" reassured Nick. "Lovely! Shall we meet in the Entrance Hall at five to eight on Saturday?" Nick nodded and smiled. "Don't worry about it. We'll make it. Keep in mind it's the Slugclub and most of the other teachers will be there, too. No one will dare to make a rude comment, dear."

On Saturday afternoon, Casandra went to the bathroom. She took a shower and put some make up on. She was not really in the mood for a party. She had rather spent her evening with a book, some wine, and Snape. Yet, there's no going back. She accepted the invitation and promised Nick that she'd accompany him. Moreover, Casandra had decided that she would no longer let the others get her down. Back in the dormitory, Casandra went to her wardrobe and pulled out a long golden dress. As she had put it on, Beverly let out a loud WOW. "Look at you, gorgeous! You look absolutely stunning!" she cried. "Cheers, Bev. At least, I can get drunk and see S –" Casandra had almost said Severus. She could stop herself in the nick of time. "-some of my fellow students whilst Nick is with me" she corrected herself. Beverly and Sabrina looked puzzled. Yet, they didn't ask further questions. Casandra thought that they were happy, when there was finally a day – after the incident in Wizarding Literature –where Casandra was not complaining about seeing her fellow students.

At ten to eight, Casandra made her way to the Entrance Hall. As she came down the stairs, she saw Nick standing in the middle of the hall. He had obviously tried to get his hair straight— without success. It even looked more exploded than before, Casandra thought to herself and had to bite back a smile. Nick wore a salamander-green suit with a mustard-yellow cloak. When he saw Casandra, his mouth fell open and his eyes swelled to the size of tennis balls. "Merlin's beard, Casandra! You look...fabulous!" he stammered. "Thanks, you ... erm ... too!" "Nah, c'mon. Don't lie to me. I know I look rubbish. Noah tried to straighten my hair. Well, I guess straight doesn't suit me." he laughed. "Aww Nick, you're perfect just the way you are" she hugged him.