The Vow Stealer

5

 Ellery and Robbin stared at the invitations in their hands, and then glanced up at each other.

" Uh, Pansy?" Robbin asked, one eyebrow raised in a silent question, " What is this, and why are you so excited about it?" 

" Open it and you'll see!" Pansy squealed, jumping up and down a little on her toes.

Ellery smiled and opened the envelope carefully, sliding the paper inside out. Her colorless eyes scanned the invite, and then she looked up at Pansy, a huge smile on her face.

" You guys do a welcome back party? That's so cool!" 

" I know! This year it's a formal event. Are you going?" she asked, batting her eyelashes. Ellery rolled her eyes.

" I might. I'm kinda just looking to relax on Saturday."  She lowered her eyes and stared absently at her feet. Pansy frowned.

" Oh c'mon! It's your first year. You gotta come, Ellery! It's so much fun!" she pleaded.

" I've got a lot to think about..." Ellery's voice trailed away and Pansy placed her hands on both of her friends shoulders.

" I know. You're stressed out. But this could relieve you of some of that stress. Please Ellery?" 

Ellery paused. She didn't want to go to any party. She had too much to think about, too much planning to do, and she couldn't afford distractions. But... she had been working really hard for the past few days without getting anywhere. What if this was the thing to clear her mind out a bit? A clear mind would be best, so she could make a precise decision. She looked back up at Pansy and nodded.

" Okay. I'll go. Under on condition," she said, holding her hand up, " I get to leave whenever I please." 

Pansy's eyes lit up. " Deal. Whenever you want." Her black curls bobbed enthusiastically with the rest of her head. Ellery laughed and they both turned to Robbin.

" Fine," Robbin sighed, sweeping her vibrant hair over one shoulder. " But I'm not gonna dance or anything stupid like that. I'm bringing a book." 

" As long as you at least come," Pansy shrugged, " I've got to write my mother. Do guys have any way to get dresses for this?" 

Ellery shook her head. " No. I'm not exactly comfortable with asking Draco's mother for things either. Or anyone else's." 

" I'm going to ask her for you anyway. What colors do you like?" 

" All shades of blue," Ellery sighed, " I like gold too." 

"Style preference?" 

Ellery rolled her eyes and laughed. " Well, I don't like big poofy dresses. I like sleeker dresses. Like the kind you see in Greek mythology. Only I prefer actual straps." 

" Got it. Robbin?" Pansy turned her attention and Robbin gave a giant eye roll.

" Short. Black. Preferably strapless." 

" Perfect. I'll write home tonight and they should be here by Saturday." Pansy beamed at them. Ellery smiled back, but it was forced and strained. It was one of the moments where she really didn't feel like smiling. She just wanted to sleep away her troubles.

It had been a couple of days since Draco had confronted her about her plans. He'd read the note she'd slipped into his bag, and they'd discussed it briefly, but things between them were still tense. He still hadn't apologized even though she had, and they still tried to stay out of each other's orbits. The only person who knew of this struggle was Blaise, since he talked to both Ellery and Draco. Both had asked him not to say anything to anyone else. He hadn't.