Authors' Note: Hola mi amigos? Como estas? And that's all I know in Spanish. Hope everyone's summer has been going great so far. Ours has except for the fact that we totally got ripped off by the organizers of our trip. So don't use S-Trip! (I know not supposed to do that but they deserve it). Anyway we're so sorry that it took us so long to post the nest chapter. Well actually I (Marie) did all the work because Catherine went away to some camp and left me all alone. So I didn't really have her to proofread my stuff before I posted it so I'm sorry if there are mistakes. To make up for the time it took to post I made this chapter the longest one yet. I put a lot of details in but I think its ok. If not just tell me in your REVIEW. Any way here's the next chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter

Chapter 10

The Man in the Mask

"There is no way in hell I'm coming out." I yelled through the door.

"If you don't hurry up we'll be late." Blaise said equally as loud from the other side of the door. He had been trying to convince me to step out of the girl's bathroom for a few minutes now. Right now I didn't really care about being late. I was planning, planning on ways to kill Blaise… very painfully and very slowly.

It's Halloween. The feast was delicious and the secret Slytherin after party I hoped would be fun. Fun until Blaise had ruined it. Blaise last weekend had bought our costumes on his trip to Hogsmeade… what ever that is. He never gave any hint of what I was going to be. He handed me what looked like a huge black bag. I looked at him confused but he gave me a sly smile and slipped into the other bathroom. I followed suit. I still had no idea how this bag could be a costume. I pulled it over my head, the material hit the floor. It had two arm holes and a hole for my head. I was about to show Blaise how ridiculous it looked posing as the oversized black bag princess. I had my hand on the door when I noticed my hand, no my arm was now painted in intricate designs in gold henna. I stepped away from the door to look at myself in the mirror.

For some reason I keep forgetting about magic. The black bag had magically shaped itself perfectly to my body, molding it into the most beautiful costume I had ever seen. I looked like and Arabian princess. The material felt like silk on my skin and its white colour seemed to shimmer in the light magically grasping a hint of the rainbow in its draping. Golden henna was painted on every inch of skin and only really showed in the light. Most of the beading was gold; along with some black, they two also managed to capture more than one colour. I adored its beautiful details. There was only one major problem; even Blaise couldn't hide this from me, I didn't miss the fact that it was rather skimpy and even a little bit on the sheer side.

The skirt was really only half of one, the back was full and had a nice train, but the front had two very open, very revealing slits going all the way up. The slits showed the entirety of my legs and I had no options to hide them. I was relived to find that I had at least something under the skirt so I wouldn't be totally exposing everything tonight because then Blaise would never be able to get me out of this bathroom. All of these beautiful pieces were held up by a beaded belt; much to my demise, hung very low on my hips. The loops of beads that hung down did nothing except for decoration.

Worst of all was the top, if you can even call it that; was no more than a strapless bra. It of course had amazing details: strings of beads hung down over my stomach and made quiet music every time they chimed against each other, the embroidery and beading must have cost a fortune because the stitches were so small. The sleeves were made out of beads; well they weren't really sleeves only loops of beads that hung loosely off my shoulders.

My hair had also been magically done; in order to match the theme of the costume. It now hung low in waves with beads braided in. To top it all off was a crown of jeweled beads that hung on my forehead. Truth be told, I really did look like a princess.

There was a pounding on the door.

"If you don't come out in one minute I'm coming in!" Well if he wanted me to come out faster then he shouldn't have bought me such a petite costume that only covered the essentials. He continued banging on the door impatiently. I knew I had go to this party because that further me being an outcast; and I did somewhat want to belong. But I wasn't going without a fight.

I knew Blaise wouldn't dare come into the girls' bathroom; he had his fake reputation to worry about, so reluctantly I stepped out into the hallway. Blaise stood dumbfounded, mouth wide open and for once unable to speak. I'm not sure if I preferred him like this or actually saying something not just staring like all the other brainless people that is a part of the male population in this school.

He was wearing a costume that somewhat matched mine. Except his covered a lot more than mine did. He was dressed in the same white material as I, only his was for an Arabian sultan. He didn't wear a shirt and the costume contrasted his skin very nicely. His tunic (which looked actually like a vest because it had no front or sleeves) showed off his muscles nicely. I envied his pants. They were baggy and looked so comfy that I even considered ripping them off him and hiding inside them. It's so unfair that I had to wear next to nothing while he looked almost casual, minus the turban and all the costume's black and gold detailing. (A/N: I did draw a picture of what it looks like and I'll give you the link)

"See that's not so bad." Blaise said casually, once he regained his voice. Turns out I was wrong, I preferred him being silent. I placed my hands on my hips and started tapping my foot, making the hallway echo with the noise. Yes, we girls do do this sometimes. I put a menacing look on my face, even though I was more annoyed than anything. He really needed to explain himself.

"You have three chances to explain this." I motioned up and down at my costume.

"It was the only one left?" He answered as a question so I knew he was lying. I was going to get the truth and he was having a hard time with excuses today. That or he'll have to owe me. I gave him another look of disbelief, changed legs I was standing on and restarted the tapping with my other foot to offset him even further.

"I liked my costume and that happened to be the one that matched?" I held up three fingers and then put two down.

"Strike two."

"Fine," he gave up "I thought you'd look hot and people; mainly a specific person, wouldn't be able to take their eyes off you."

"Ding, ding, ding we have a winner!" I smiled. I liked having the power, knowing that he isn't able to lie to me. This might come in handy one day. My thoughts began swarming before I realized what was happening. I was getting closer and closer to the Slytherin common room. He had grabbed me with one arm around my waist and the other held my arm so he had complete control over me. Try as I may but there was no way I was not going to the party. Blaise unfortunately for me, was much stronger and he was easily pushing me forwards. I wouldn't go without a fight because he would win in every way. He basically already did but we don't need to tell him.

"What I don't get," I said with a bit of difficulty because I was attempting to get free, "is why you get to wear pants?" He smiled at me coyly as if he were planning something. That look terrifies me, because I would be doing the exact same thing in his position. I don't like that look at all.

I finally gave up fighting him once we arrived at the secret entrance to the Slytherin common room. Blaise wanted to make it a big entrance so that's why we changed in the bathrooms. I was all in until I found out what I was wearing.

"That's better." Blaise noted once I stopped my struggles to escape the inevitable. "Now how about a little smile for me princess" I raised an eyebrow at him. He really is unbelievable at times. Sometimes I just want to push him off the astronomy tower, but then again best friends are the ones who know what buttons not to press but they wield them to their command. I gave him a forced smile, which ended up being a real one from the laughing that followed. Blaise held his arm like a gentleman, I grabbed it and we walked arm in arm through the secret entrance.

As we walked in, it seemed for a moment that everyone was holding their breath. All eyes were on us as we strolled in. I'm going to have to kill Blaise after tonight, that or get revenge. Again the whole male population forgot that I was somewhat of an outcast and; no doubt, were undressing me in there minds. Thanks to my so called friend there was little for the imagination to take off. Boys really need something better to do with their minds. (A/N: if you are a boy and are reading this and believe what I'm saying isn't true or you don't have these qualities than I am sorry for stereotyping and this is not directed at you)

The entire common room had been transformed. It no longer felt dead as it use to, even the walls seemed to come to life in the festive atmosphere. Slytherins may be pompous, rich, and shallow but they do know how to throw parties. It wasn't like the ones back at home where you had to sneak out your window so that your mom doesn't find out. No, it had class. Kind of the ones back a couple decades where everyone knew how to ballroom dance and no one would be mocked by it. The music that filled the room was just that. Couples were moving, all synchronized, to the beat. There was Halloween decorations everywhere. A table at one end held a wide selection of beautifully placed dishes filled with food and looked as if they too were decorations.

Blaise led me to one of the couches near the fire that now flamed in different colours; even though they were all full we had no troubles getting a spot. They saw us heading and cleared out quickly. Being with the most popular guy; so he says, does have its advantages. Maybe it's a good thing to have Blaise… never mind. I sighed. I looked over at Blaise and already he was flirting with all the girls that started circling. Their dates, now free from their chains, of course found me sitting quietly and being ignored by my own escort. Even though Blaise had an arm around my shoulders it didn't mean anything with his back turned, so I was now a free target. Curse you Blaise; you really need to do some kissing up if you ever want to be forgiven.

They sat around me. Some of the younger boys gave up quickly because they knew they wouldn't have a chance competing with the sixth and seventh years. They all started talking. It was like a game to them. They wanted to see who would be able to hold my attention the longest, if I looked interested then they would win. The most dangerous part about Halloween is not being able to recognize any of them. Most of them wore masks while the rest had magically transformed into their character. They could get away with almost anything and no one would be the wiser.

All the costumes were spectacular, even the girls'. I suspect that magic was involved. To my surprise some even had muggle characters and I bet that they didn't even realize it. They probably just bought the best and prettiest money could buy.

There were some overused costumes like: pirate, vampire, animals. Some costumes like: ghost were truly amazing only if you had access to magic. Some of the girls of course dressed purposely in slutty costumes to catch the other gender's eye. Most guys I find aren't really attracted to that unless they are creeps. Each had their matching pair. There was a prince and princess, red riding hood and the wolf, and so on. There even was a guy dressed like Westley from the princess bride, but I didn't see his Buttercup anywhere.

A guy dressed as (and looked due to magic) a skeleton had seated himself right next to me. Uncomfortably close actually. He was saying something, probably trying to seduce me into sleeping with him. What did I tell you? Anonymity can get very dangerous, especially in this world. He sounded more confidant than the others. My guess is that he was either a seventh year or has succeeded before; worse he could be both. He put his hand on my leg, a little too high for my liking. I wanted to scream out 'STOP' but I knew that would only make things worse. Then something strange happened, it was as if me yelling stop in my head carried into his brain. I quickly got up before he realized that he lost his catch and made an excuse that I needed some punch.

I walked around the dance floor to the food table. 'That was really weird.' I thought to myself, not really sure of what had just happened. I didn't have the answers to what just happened so I stopped the questions that started to form. I forced myself to change topics. For the moment I was free. That seemed like a good way to start. Finally free to breath in my own air instead of the carbon dioxide from the hormonal teenaged boys that had bombarded me. Not really hungry because of that night's feast, I went straight to the punch bowl. I was just about to pour myself a glass when something stopped me or should I say a voice did.

"I wouldn't drink that if I were you." He sounded exactly like Cary Elwes from The Princess Bride. I turned around and saw a guy dressed as Westley in the black clothes including the mask. Even his bright blue eyes looked better than they had in the movie. Magic continues to astound me. "It was spiked not too long ago." He handed me his own glass. I raised an eyebrow at him as if asking if his was also.

"It's safe. I promise." I sipped it daintily. The man in the mask watched me. It wasn't like he was being creepy about it, but rather trying to solve an impossible puzzle.

"There is a price." He said once I was on the last I only just managed not to choke on the punch, which would look very unladylike especially if I was posing as a princess.

"There's always a catch." I said quietly, now knowing that I would have to submit to his price. He must have heard it because he just smiled. I put the cup down and waited to hear my punishment.

"Dance with me?" he asked, his eyes sparkling. At that very moment his voice was almost recognizable. It was as if I had heard the voice say those words before, maybe a dream? Maybe it was the look in his eyes as if they showed their true colours for that instant. But the moment passed just as it came and he became the man in black once more. I placed my hand on his arm as he showed me to the dance floor.

The music was old school. That's all I can say to describe it. It transported the dancers back into another century. I wonder if mom knew that I would need to know how to ballroom dance. I am a dancer but there is a huge difference between expressing yourself and following the lead of someone else and let them control your movements. I knew the steps at least due to years of having my feet stepped on. But I don't think I'm that good because my last partner Ralph, always ended up making us laugh a few minutes after our lesson started not to mention he had two left feet. My mom would of course say something under her breath about traditions, and a story of her growing up .She would then leave the room shaking her head after finally giving up on us.

He led me to the middle of the floor. I thanked Blaise for at least not making me wear heels. He took my hand and it was like a perfect fit. I placed my other hand lightly on his shoulder as he put his gently on the small of my back. I didn't really know what type of dance this was but I knew the beat and the steps were pretty simple. He was an excellent partner and it seemed he had years of experience, well probably, but he led me into the steps perfectly. Our bodies felt like they moved in harmony. I felt so perfect, so connected that I don't want to wake up from this dream. But dreams could never be this real. It was as if we were the only ones in the room because nothing could ruin this moment. Except that I still have no idea who my Westley is.

I hadn't even realized that the music had stopped until we stopped moving. I also didn't notice that we had gradually moved closer together. I wonder if my power of persuasion works the same as it used to.

"Do I get to see the face of my rescuer?" I asked him hopefully, still in his arms. My hopes fell when he shook his head. It was as if he had to look away from me to deny me because he had to break my gaze in order to say no. I decided to at least make the most of what time I had left before the clock in my fairytale could strike twelve.

"Can I have another dance at least?"

"As you wish" He replied. That did it. Those words would make the rest of my day perfect and not to mention my dreams for the next few. As the music begun, so did we. We danced on the music and it seemed to push us together even closer. Of course I didn't know what kind of dance it was but from its fast pace it felt like a tango. I think I should be wearing a Latina dress instead because I fear that this costume won't be able to holds its contents. I hope it is good quality.

Each move became more intricate, more complex, and more intimate. It couldn't have been choreographed better. I don't even remember learning all of these moves and it seems as if my feet just knew what to do. Every turn, every touch was laced with fire as we lighted up the dance floor. We ended in an amazing pose that required flexibility from me and his strength because he held me up with one arm as I was dipped backwards. One of my legs was wrapped around his waist and he held it tight almost piercing me with his fingernails.

We slowly came up from our pose. Our faces were both flushed from the dance and from embarrassment when we realized what pose we were in. We held each other in our arms. A huge round of applause erupted and broke us apart. I looked around and it seemed that we had cleared the dance floor, leaving us to be the center of attention. Everyone just stood around cheering. They swarmed in some to appreciate some just coming back to dance. But they were drowning me and I lost the hand I was holding onto. I felt lips press softly on my hand. I looked and my Westley had vanished like he was made out of mist.

The rest of the night was a blur. If it wasn't what I was looking for it didn't register in my brain. I didn't see him for the rest of the night. If I won the costume contest I don't remember and Blaise would've had to carry me up on the stage to collect our prize. Faces seemed transparent. I could see right through them and even see their real faces so they were real. All except the one I could no longer see. My eyes never stopped searching.

I concluded that I have the worst luck.

The next few weeks passed by so quickly. I tried to find any kind of hint to find my masked… well; I don't even know what to call him. This is so frustrating. I wished he hadn't worn a costume with a mask, made more realistic with magic. Why can't I have a happily ever after like in the fairytales. Instead I get stuck in a teenage drama were someone else for all I know could be deciding my fate. I should have a talk with the master of the universe and ask him what he was thinking when he was planning my life because it really seems unfair.

Draco; as usual, never looks at me. If he needs to look in my direction his eyes just pass over me. He just looks right through me as if an invisibility spell had been cast on me. Ugh! I hate him so much right now. He really is the biggest prick of them all, and I should have listened to Ron back when we first met so I wouldn't be disappointed. Blaise knows that Draco is being an ass and that he's wrong. It's even worse for him because he had to choose sides. I knew it pained him to choose my side because it was the right choice, but it must have been hard for him to leave his best friend for someone he barely even knew.

I now had figured out a few things about Hogwarts. Most importantly I knew which day the post came so I knew when to sleep in. Nowadays I rarely got lost, except when I found a new hallway and decide to explore it. Scratch that I still get lost, but I keep adding to my map. Getting lost always gave me time to think, always a dangerous thing of course. But I think I'm started to get the hang of it here, maybe even starting to get attached to the place. All I really need now is to find a hidden swimming pool and I think life would be perfect. Who am I kidding, life is never perfect and with my luck it may never be.

I've gotten the hang of my studies for the time being. I found a system that works and I have been able to advance rather quickly. I also managed to get through a huge amount of the pile of work but no where near to seeing the top of the mountain. I'm still waiting for Dumbledore to tell me when I'll be getting my tutor because that would really help. Let's hope its not some dweeby nerd.

I had a lot to think about today. I had taken a detour around the Great Hall and because I was putting off breakfast for as long as I could. I forgot that today was post day and so I had time to spare before I could go in safely. I didn't want to face the nightmare that was soaring around the ceiling. Thinking that the coast might be clear, I slowly headed back so I could at least get some food before I had to face the day. I peeked through the archway just incase. I slipped in quietly trying to avoid questioning eyes. I sat down beside Blaise. He handed me a letter, smiling. He found my phobia to owls hilarious. I glared at him and ripped the letter out of his hands. Yep, still have to kill him. But that would have to wait for a better time, when it would be of most profit to me. I still will need a partner in crime and since I can't use Blaise I'll have to start looking for a new one.

Tatiana Nadira,

I have found you your tutor. I have asked Hermione Granger, one of our brightest students in the school and she has agreed to help you further your studies. She will accommodate you as best as she can because of her own workload.

I am aware of the tension between the Houses and I believe that time is still needed to fix this problem. Since I do not think it would be wise for you to spend your time openly with a Gryffindor, and your safety also needs to be noted, I have pulled a few strings. I Albus Dumbledore give you sole permission to have access into the Gryffindor common room. You are neither allowed to tell anyone else except for the Gryffindors who will be informed on the matter) of your special access nor are you allowed to share the location or password of either Slytherin or Gryffindor.

I entrust to you this responsibility. Confer with Miss Granger for your schedule times.

Study well,

Albus Dumbledore

Even in his writing it seems as if he's putting a plan in motion or he can just see the future. Will he share this information with me? No, I'll be stuck in the dark. I can just see his eyes sparkling over his half-moon spectacles.

But who cares, I get to study with Hermione. I thought I'd be stuck with some nerd with nothing but knowledge and no common sense. I had even gone as far as thinking that my tutor would be a complete dork unable to communicate with girls. I looked over at the Gryffindor table. I managed to catch Hermione's eye and she smiled. Maybe she would be interested in being my new partner in crime, that or just become a friend.

Authors' Note: I want to know how you liked this chapter. Please review and that will make me post faster. If you don't like anything or think that I missed something just tell me and I will see if I can change it. I'm trying to incorporate the timeline of the 6th book. I haven't read it but I am going to so I get some facts right. Until next time… REVIEW =)

Love, C&M