I said you got me where you want me again
And I can't turn away
I'm hangin' by a thread and I'm feelin' like a fool
I'm stuck here in between
The shadows of my yesterday
I want to get away
I need to get away

Now you know
Yeah you got my back against the wall
Oh god
I ain't got no other place to hide
Chained down
Like a sitting duck just waiting for the fall
You know
Yeah you got my back against the wall

-Cage The Elephant

The banners lay ripped and torn on the floor; broken flower vases and glass littered the once shiny dance floor; red rose petals were scattered across the hall; the giant picture of Melissa and Rick had ripped in half and fallen to the floor; and the once neatly hung balloons had popped, leaving the elaborate designs looking dismal. The beautifully decorated reception hall was destroyed, looking as if some sort of battle had taken place there.

Skylar sat alone in the middle of the room, a glass of champagne in her hand, watching as a cleaning lady began grabbing the dirty dishes with an irritated look on her face. Across the room, the large double doors swung open, and an older man with sandy brown hair and light green eyes came striding forward. He pulled up a chair beside Skylar and sighed. "I can't leave you alone for five minutes, can I?"

Skylar sniffled, wiping away the tears gathering in her eyes. "Hi, Daddy," she squeaked.

He reached over, wrapping his arm around her; and she rested her head against his shoulder like she used to do when she was younger.

"So," he said after a while, "do you want to tell me what happened?"

Skylar sniffed. "I reckon it all started yesterday right after class had ended..."

The Day Before...

Professor Flitwick was at the front of the class, standing on a tall pile of books, lecturing the class about the latest charm they had learned. Overhead, the bell rang, and the fifth years jumped out of their seats, eager for the weekend to begin.

"Alright, we'll continue this next week," Professor Flitwick called after his distracted students. "Oh, and happy Halloween everybody!"

Skylar threw her books in her backpack carelessly and scurried out of class.

"So, what time are you leaving?" Victoire asked her as Grace marched passed them, determinedly avoiding eye contact with Victoire.

Skylar shrugged. "I need to finish packing, but then I'm leaving right after that."

"So, you won't even be here for the feast tonight?"

"No, I'm having dinner with Mel and her fiance tonight."

"Sounds fun."

"Not if you've met Rick."

Victoire looked at her. "He can't be that bad."

"He is," Teddy said, joining them. "Hey," he said, greeting Skylar and giving her a quick peck on the cheek. "Anyway," he added to Victoire, "Rick seems like an alright guy. You know the type: really smart, really ambitious, really successful..."

"So, he's a jerk?"

Skylar shook her head. "Not even! He's always been really polite to me and my dad, and he's never done anything rude or wrong..."

"Then what's wrong with him?"

Skylar and Teddy exchanged looks. "I don't know," they said at the same time.

"I just have a bad feeling about him..." Skylar sighed.

Teddy nodded in agreement. "There's just something off about him..."

"Have you talked to Melissa about it?" Victoire asked.

Skylar shook her head. "No. It wouldn't matter either way. She loves him."

The three of them reached the Fat Lady's portrait. She looked bored, absentmindedly running her hands through her hair. "Password?" she asked with a yawn.

"Oddsbodikins," Teddy told her.

"Correct," she said, swinging open.

Teddy motioned for the girls to climb through first. Skylar thanked Teddy and followed after Victoire.

"So," she asked innocently, "what do you two plan on doing while I'm away? Got any big plans...together?"

Victoire shook her head. "Nah." She glanced at Teddy. "But I'll see you at the feast tonight?"

"Will you be with Luke?" he asked.

"Probably."

"Then you probably won't see me."

Victoire rolled her eyes. "I'll see you two later. And tell Mel congratulations for me, okay?"

Skylar nodded. "Will do."

Victoire bade them goodbye one more time before wandering off to join Luke and another bloke with dark hair in a game of Exploding Snap.

Once she was gone, Skylar turned to Teddy. "So, what else are you planning this weekend?" she asked.

He shrugged. "I reckon I'm just hanging out with Finn and Sienna. Well, at least until they end up fighting or snogging in a broom closet somewhere. It can go either way with them."

Skylar nodded. "Okay, well, I should probably start packing. Melissa wants me to get there as early as possible."

"Does this mean we're saying goodbye now?"

Skylar smiled, giving him a quick kiss. "Just until Sunday."

Teddy grinned, resting his hands on her waist. "Are you sure you don't want me to come and keep you company? I'm sure Melissa will already be in bridezilla mode."

Skylar hesitated. "No," she finally said. "I need some sister time with Mel before she gets married." She gave him a long kiss. "But thank you for offering."

After a few more minutes of kissing, Skylar finally pulled away from him and said her goodbyes. Grace was already waiting for her upstairs, a checklist made. After Grace forced her to change out several articles of clothing and made her promise to wear the boring black dress Melissa had bought her, the two girls finally began making their way toward Flitwick's office.

Professor Flitwick helped Skylar drag her trunk across his office toward the fireplace. "Are you ready?" he asked her in his squeaky little voice.

Skylar nodded. "I think so." She glanced at Grace. "Please be nice to Vic while I'm away."

Grace rolled her eyes. "I can be nice for two days."

"I doubt that," Skylar muttered as she made her way into the fireplace. Grace shot her a dirty look before handing her her trunk.

"Okay, Ms. Grey," Flitwick said, holding out a jar of floo powder, "have a safe trip! And happy Halloween!" he added as Skylar took a handful of the powder.

"Thanks, Professor," Skylar said quickly. "523 Clover Street!" Skylar shouted before the blue flames swallowed her and she disappeared.

One moment she was staring at Grace and Professor Flitwick and then the next moment she was staring at her living room. When the flames died down, she carefully stepped out. Melissa was waiting for her, an excited grin on her face.

"Skye!" she squealed, rushing forward and giving her a hug.

Skylar smiled. "Hey, Mel."

Melissa took her trunk. "Go take a shower and get ready. Dad's taking us all out to dinner. I'll put your stuff away for you."

Skylar nodded, knowing it was best not to argue with Melissa. "Okay."

"And wear something nice!" Melissa shouted after her.

An hour later, Skylar found herself wearing a very Melissa-ish dress. It was dark blue and came down below her knees. She stood in front of the mirror, wondering why Melissa was making her dress like an old lady.

"Oh, you look lovely," Melissa gushed, poking her head into Skylar's room.

Skylar made a face. "Mel, I look like you."

"And what's wrong with that?"

"Nothing...if I were eighty," Skylar muttered.

Melissa perched on Skylar's bed and took a deep breath. "Skye, can I talk to you for a minute?"

Skylar paused, turning to look at Melissa. "Yeah, of course."

"I would love it if you would agree to be my maid of honor."

Skylar gasped. "Me? Really?"

"Yes, of course, you! You're my sister, aren't you?"

Skylar laughed, throwing her arms around her sister. "Of course, Melissa! I'd love to be your maid of honor!"

Melissa beamed, hugging her sister tightly. "Thank Godric!" She pulled back, smoothing out Skylar's hair. "Now, let's talk about your make up..."

Skylar groaned. "I'm not taking it off!"

"It's jut a bit much..."

"At least I don't look like an eighty year old woman!"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Skylar blinked. "I thought my point was obvious: you dress like an old lady."

"Skylar!"

Thirty minutes later, Skylar found herself trapped between her dad and Rick. Melissa and Rick's mum droned on about wedding plans. Skylar and Melissa's dad and Rick's dad were having a polite conversation about the ministry. So, Skylar was left to stare at her glass of water, twirling her straw absentmindedly.

"Bored?" Rick asked her, smiling.

Skylar plastered a cheerful smile on her face. "No, no, not at all." She gulped down the last bit of remaining water in her glass. "Excuse me," she told her dinner companions. "I've got to use the toilet."

Skylar dashed across the restaurant. "Just a few more hours," she muttered to herself, splashing cold water on her face a minute later. She watched her reflection in the mirror miserably.

"Are you okay?" Skylar saw the reflection of a girl about her age appear behind her in the mirror.

"Nope," she replied, turning around to face the girl. "My sister's fiance...never mind..."

"You don't like him?" The girl guessed.

"There's something not right about him."

The girl handed her a flask. "I reckon you need a drink. And not the shit they give us here. I'm talking the good stuff."

Skylar gulped down the remaining contents in the flask, not even bothered by the fact that this stranger could just as easily given her poison. It'd been ages since she'd had a drink.

"Wow," the girl said after Skylar handed her back her flask. "You just took alcohol from a complete stranger. This guy must be really bad."

"You don't even know," Skylar told her. "Anyway, I should probably get back out there. Thanks for the drink."

The girl nodded, giving her a sympathetic smile. "Good luck."

"Thanks." As she walked through the door, Skylar felt herself run into someone.

"Oops," she said until realizing who it was. "Rick. What are you doing here?"

"Looking for you," he replied. "Your dad was concerned. You'd been gone a while."

Skylar stepped back, uncomfortable by how close Rick had gotten to her. "Well, I'm fine. I'm on my way back right now."

She attempted to turn around, but he grabbed her arm. "You've been drinking," he noted, gripping her arm tightly.

"No, I haven't," Skylar lied. "You've been with me all night. I've been drinking water."

Rick glanced back at the bathroom. "I can smell it on you," he told her, pulling her into a corner.

Skylar cursed herself. "Are you going to tell?" she asked.

"Not at all," he mumbled, pushing her against the wall.

"What are you doing?" Skylar demanded as he placed his big, clammy hands on her waist.

Rick smiled. "Shhh," he mumbled before smashing his lips against hers.

"What are you doing?" Skylar cried, attempting push him off, but Rick's grip on her was too firm. "Get off of me!"

"Come on, Skye," Rick said in a low voice. "Melissa's told me about you. Don't pretend to suddenly be modest." He pressed his lips to hers, slithering his tongue into her mouth. Skylar struggled against him, until all of the sudden, Rick pulled away.

"I think she told you to get off." The girl from the bathroom was standing between Skylar and Rick, holding him back.

Skylar backed away from him, feeling sick and nauseated. "What the hell is the matter with you? I'm telling Melissa everything!" she shouted.

Rick laughed. "And you think she'll believe you?"

"I'm her sister!"

"And do you really want to know what your beloved sister thinks of you?" Rick snarled. "She told me you were nothing but a stupid, useless slut getting by solely on your looks."

"Melissa would never say that."

"She'll never believe you over me," he sneered.

"Yes, she will," bathroom girl said defiantly, going over to stand beside Skylar. "I'll tell her everything I saw."

Rick leaned back against the wall, laughing. "And do you really think she'll believe two drunk teenage girls over her loving fiance?"

"I'm not drunk!" Skylar said hotly.

"Please, Skylar. I can smell the alcohol on you from a mile away." He straightened up. "Anyway, I'll see you back at the table."

"I'm telling her," she threatened as he walked by.

"And ruin your sister's engagement?" he challenged. "Like I said: she'll never believe you."

Skylar watched him walk away confidently. "I think I'm going to be sick," she said before charging toward the bathroom. She sprinted toward the first stall and leaned over the toilet, puking. Bathroom girl followed her inside, holding her hair back until she was finished retching.

Skylar flushed the toilet and sat down, resting her back against the stall wall. "What am I going to do?" she asked.

"You need to tell your sister," Bathroom Girl told her, handing her toilet paper.

Skylar wiped her mouth. "There's no way she'd believe me. Melissa thinks Rick is an angel."

Bathroom Girl raised her eyebrows. "So, you're going to let your sister marry some sleazy prick who hit on you?"

"She did call me a useless slut."

"So, he says. And as we've already seen, your future brother-in-law isn't exactly the most honest bloke in the world."

Skylar gave her a small smile. "Thank you for helping me. I didn't even catch your name."

The girl held out her hand. "Elisabeth."

Skylar shook it. "I'm Skylar."

"Well, Skylar, I reckon you should probably go back to your family right now. Before things get worse."

"I think you're right," Skylar said, standing up. "Thank you."

Elisabeth gave her a small wave. "No problem."

Taking a deep breath, Skylar held her head high and made her way back to the table. When she got there, everybody was standing, putting their coats back on. Melissa grabbed her arm, pulling her aside. "You were in the bathroom for a long time," Melissa hissed. "Did something happen?"

Skylar looked at her. "Melissa, I need to tell you something. It's important. Can we talk in private?"

Melissa narrowed her eyes. "Skylar, you stink of alcohol." She stepped closer, sniffing her. "And did you throw up? Merlin, is that why you were in the bathroom so long? I swear to Godric, Skylar! I thought we were done with this. And Rick's parent's are here! What were you thinking?"

"Melissa!" Skylar said sharply. "I need to talk to you."

"What are we talking about, ladies," Rick said smoothly, stepping behind Melissa. He wrapped his arm around her waist.

"My sister was just about to tell me why she's wasted and puking in the ladies' room the night before my engagement party during dinner with my fiance's parents!" Melissa glared at her, waiting for an explanation.

Skylar, however, was staring at Rick, suddenly lost for words. "I-I-"

"Melissa, Skylar," their father said, "is everything okay?"

Rick glanced at him. "Skylar was just feeling ill. Maybe you should take her home."

Skylar glared at him. "I feel fine."

"You're drunk off your ass," Melissa snarled. "Go home with Dad right now before Rick's parents notice."

"But Melissa, I really need to tell you something-" Skylar protested as her Dad dragged her away.

"You were drinking?" he asked sternly, shaking his head.

"Dad, listen, Rick...he's not who you think he is. When I was in the bathroom-"

"Skylar, I do not want to hear any more complaints about Rick. You've made your feelings for him clear. However, I can not believe you were drinking tonight. How many times have I told you-"

"Dad! The reason I was drinking is because-"

"Skylar!" he shouted furiously. "Do not interrupt me. Now, when that valet brings our car around, I want you to get inside and not say a word. I can't even speak to you right now."

"But Dad-"

"Skylar!"

She shut up instantly, ignoring the stinging in her eyes. "Fine."

Skylar woke up the next morning with a killer head ache that made her wonder what on earth could have possibly been in Elisabeth's flask.

There was a knock on her door and Skylar stood up begrudgingly. She was expecting to find Melissa or her dad outside the door, waiting to give her a lecture on the dangers of drinking. Instead, standing on the other side of the door when she opened it was Rick.

"Good morning, Skylar."

She attempted to slam the door in his face, but he held it open. "Get away from me!" she snarled.

Rick looked at her calmly. "Relax. I just wanted to apologize for last night and assure you it'll never happen again."

Skylar stopped. "What?"

"I had a little too much wine last night...it made me stupid..."

"That's no excuse."

Rick looked at her apologetically. "Listen, I love Melissa. I can't lose her. Not over some stupid mistake. I was drunk and I said and did some horrible things. Please, Skylar, is there any way you can forgive me? We're going to be a family soon."

"You're not my family."

"Look, Melissa wouldn't believe you either way and she's still furious with you. I can calm her down and explain that it was all just a misunderstanding, but you have to promise me you'll forget about last night."

Skylar stepped away from him. "I don't want you ever coming near me again."

He nodded. "Understandable."

"And if you ever screw up again, I'm telling her. She deserves a lot better than you."

Rick nodded. "Thank you, Skylar. I promise, I'll make Melissa the happiest woman on this planet!"

"Doubtful," Skylar muttered as he walked away with a new spring in his step.

"Are you insane?" Elisabeth asked an hour later.

Skylar looked around. "How did you even find where I live?" The two of them were sitting on Skylar's porch steps, watching the pink skies slowly turn dark blue.

Elisabeth waved her off. "Doesn't matter. I came to make sure you were okay and that you had told your sister."

"I tried but when she noticed how drunk I was, she started yelling at me and I never got the chance."

"What about now?" Elisabeth demanded. "Why don't you tell her now?"

"Because she'd never believe me anyway. It'll just ruin our relationship."

"So, instead you're going to let her marry that creep?"

Skylar shrugged. "Melissa's smart. She'll figure out what a prat he is before the wedding."

Elisabeth gave her a meaningful look. "So, that's it? You're just going to let him win?"

"There's nothing I can do. He's right. Melissa would never believe me."

Elisabeth grabbed her car keys. "I have to go," she said, stepping off the porch. "But remember last night? He forced himself onto you. You need to tell your sister. Don't let him have this power over you." With one last meaningful look at Skylar, Elisabeth hopped into her little sports car, driving away.

Skylar sighed, still wondering how Elisabeth managed to find where she lived. It really should have concerned her more that she had a potential stalker, but Skylar had bigger problems on her mind.

"Skylar," Melissa called, stepping onto the porch. "What are you doing? The party starts in less than an hour and you haven't even showered yet!"

"I'm going," she mumbled, standing up.

"Well, hurry! And wear that black dress I picked out. It'll look lovely on you."

"I will."

"And Skylar, no drinking tonight, okay?"

"Okay."

When Skylar and her dad arrived, the party was in full swing. The music was blaring, people were dancing, the 'happy' couple was laughing and smiling. Upon seeing her family, Melissa excused herself and strode forward, grinning broadly.

"Mel, this place looks amazing!" Skylar told her, looking around at the decorations in wonder.

Melissa beamed. "I know!" Her smile suddenly vanished and her face turned serious. "Listen, Skye, I need to ask you a favor."

"Okay," Skylar replied uncertainly.

"Dad's family just arrived. Don't use any magic. They don't know Rick's a wizard too. Plus, magic always makes them uncomfortable. Can you just keep the whole witch thing on the down low tonight?"

"Mel, I'm fifteen. I'm underage. I can't use magic anyway."

"Hasn't stopped you before."

Skylar grinned. "True."

"Melissa! Come here!" Rick called from somewhere.

Melissa glanced back. "I have to go, but you two have fun!" She gave her dad a quick peck on the cheek before scurrying away.

Skylar glanced at her dad. "Shall we eat?" he asked, offering her his arm. They made their way toward the table reserved for family.

When she arrived at the table, Skylar was shocked to find Elisabeth sitting in the seat beside her name. "How do you keep appearing out of nowhere?" Skylar demanded.

Elisabeth grinned. "You didn't think you were the only witch around here, did you?"

"You're a witch...who can drive?" she questioned.

"My mum's a muggle."

"And you're related to Rick somehow?"

She shook her head. "My older brother is dating Rick's cousin."

"I've never seen you at Hogwarts."

"I don't go to Hogwarts."

Skylar raised her eyebrows. "Homeschooled?"

"Beauxbaton. My dad's French."

"Ah."

"How come Rick didn't recognize you at the restaurant?"

"I've never met him before. Like I said, my brother's dating his cousin. I only came along because my brother offered a free trip to Britain. Truthfully, I was hoping to run into an old friend of mine. I reckon that was stupid. I didn't even realize she'd be in school."

Skylar frowned. "Small world, then."

Elisabeth crossed her arms. "So, I take it you still haven't told your sister?"

Skylar's dad, who had previously been distracted by a conversation he was having with one of their uncles, looked at her. "Who's your friend Skylar?"

"Dad, this is Elisabeth. Her brother is dating Rick's cousin."

"Nice to meet you," Elisabeth said.

"You too." Skylar's dad looked back at his daughter. "I'm going to use the restroom. Are you okay by yourself?"

"Yes, dad. I think I can survive without you for five minutes."

He chuckled, ruffling her hair on his way out.

Elisabeth smiled. "Your dad's nice."

"Yeah, he is."

"Where's your mum?"

Skylar blinked. "She died years ago."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize."

"It's fine. It was a long time ago."

Elisabeth glanced at the dance floor, where Rick was twirling Melissa. "You're right. He seems like the perfect bloke."

Skylar nodded. "Now you see why nobody would believe me?"

"That's not a good enough reason to let him win." She leaned closer to Skylar. "He's got you right where he wants you. He's controlling you like a little puppet! Unless you tell the truth, he's got your back against the wall. There's no other way out of this."

Skylar frowned at her. "Wait a minute. If you're not Rick's family, then this can't possibly be the right table for you."

"I changed the names on the sign," Elisabeth replied, discreetly showing Skylar her wand. "And don't think I didn't notice you change the subject."

Skylar sighed, standing up. "I'm going to get some food."

As she started for the buffet table, she noticed Melissa marching toward her, looking furious.

"Woah, Mel, what happened?" she asked.

Melissa grabbed her arm. "What the hell's the matter with you?" she snarled.

"What are you talking-"

"You kissed my fiance?" she hissed, attempting to keep her voice low.

"What? No!" Skylar struggled under Melissa's tight grip.

"How could you? You're my sister!"

Skylar shook her off. "Melissa, I didn't touch Rick. He hit on me! Okay, I don't know what he told you-"

"He told me you got drunk last night and tried to kiss him," Melissa snarled.

"And you believed him?" Skylar cried, outraged.

Melissa backed away. "Skye, I've taken care of you since you were nine years old. I have always been there for you. How could you do this to me?"

"I didn't do anything! He kissed me!"

"Stop saying that!" Melissa shrieked. "Just tell me the truth!"

"I am! I didn't do anything wrong."

Melissa scoffed. "You really think I'm going to believe that?"

"Why wouldn't you? Rick's not the little angel you think he is."

"And neither are you!" Melissa cried. "Face it, Skylar. You're a good-for-nothing little whore. Honestly, I have tried so hard to teach you some class, but it's just useless. Well, I know you can fool any bloke by flipping your hair and wearing short skirts, but enough is enough!"

Skylar stepped back, frowning. "Rick was telling the truth. You really do think that little of me."

Melissa rolled her eyes. "And can you blame me? I was right, wasn't I? You ended up becoming the selfish whore I always knew you would. And you know what's worse? Mum always thought you would amount to so much more. It's a good thing she's not alive to see what a disappointment you've become."

With all the strength she could muster, Skylar whipped her hand across Melissa's cheek. "At least I'm not a pathetic, desperate slag who's ready to marry the first git who gives me any attention."

Melissa screamed, lunging forward. Next thing Skylar knew, she had crashed to the floor, rolling around on the ground with Melissa. She scratched and clawed Melissa, shrieking for her to get off. Melissa finally managed to pin her down.

"Melissa, get off!" she cried, wriggling under Melissa's harsh grip.

"Admit you kissed him!" Melissa ordered.

"No! That would make me a liar!"

Furiously, Melissa drew her first and began punching her. Skylar reached up, grabbing Melissa's hair and yanking it down as hard as she could. Melissa howled in pain. They were immune to everybody gathered around them, shouting for them to stop. They completely forgot that their grandmother was among the crowd, looking horrified and shocked. They didn't realize that their uncles kept trying to come forward, attempting to break them apart.

Finally, their dad and Rick managed to make it through the crowd and pulled the girls apart. Melissa still tried to lunge toward Skylar, but her dad was holding her tightly, yelling for her to stop. Skylar realized Rick had his arms gripped tightly around her waist, telling her to calm down.

"Get off me!" she screeched, struggling against him.

"I had to tell her," he whispered in her ear. "I knew you would eventually. Melissa couldn't find out the truth."

Elisabeth finally came forward and pulled Skylar away from him. Skylar, despite only knowing this mysterious French Bathroom girl for twenty-four hours, fell into her arms. "You're okay," Elisabeth whispered.

"GET OUT!" Melissa screamed to Skylar. "GET OUT OF HERE!"

"Come on," Elisabeth murmured, leading Skylar away. "You'll be fine."

Skylar dabbed at her face gently with a wet towel, listening as Elisabeth argued in rapid French with her brother outside the bathroom.

"Élisabeth, allons!" her brother exclaimed, exasperated.

Elisabeth replied in quick French that sounded like honest gibberish to Skylar. She suddenly wished Hogwarts offered language courses.

A moment later, the bathroom door opened and Elisabeth strode inside. "Sorry about that."

"Do you have to go?" Skylar asked, checking out her fat lip.

"No, I told my brother and his girlfriend I'd meet them back at the hotel." She came forward, her heels making clacking noises as she walked. "Do you need help?"

"No, I'm okay." Skylar threw away the bloody towel. "So, how did your English get so good? My friend's mum is French and she's lived here nearly twenty years, but I can still hear an accent sometimes."

"My dad is French, but my mum's British. She always speaks to us in English. It's a fairly important language to know. Plus, do you remember that friend I was hoping to see here? Well, I got loads of practice with her."

Skylar looked in the mirror and winced. "I can't go back to Hogwarts looking like this!"

Elisabeth lifted herself up onto the counter. She leaned against the mirror and crossed her legs. "You need another drink?" she offered, reaching into her coat and pulling out a flask.

Skylar shook her head. "Nah, that stuff's way too strong. I think I'm still hungover from last night and I only had a little bit."

Elisabeth shrugged. "Have it your way," she said before gulping down whatever was in that flask. "Hey," she said suddenly, "you said you go to Hogwarts, right?"

"Yeah, that's right."

"Do you happen to know a Victoire Weasley?"

Skylar looked away from the mirror. "You know Vic?"

"Vic?" Elisabeth frowned. "Is that what you call her?"

"Yeah, it's her nickname," Skylar replied. "Wait, is Victoire the one you were hoping to run into here?"

"Erm...yeah...Gabrielle told me where they lived, but she's at school so that's pretty useless."

Skylar felt a lump in her throat. "Were you two clsoe?" she asked softly.

"Best friends." Elisabeth looked at her. "Hold on...Skylar Grey...I knew that name sounded familiar. Victoire told me about you."

"Really?" Skylar said in disbelief.

"Why do you look so shocked?"

"Considering she left overnight without telling any of us and then refused to respond to any of our letters," Skylar said, shrugging. "Just didn't really seem like she cared."

Elisabeth sighed. "Well, she talked about you guys all the time. She never told me what happened, though. Whatever made her leave...she never said..." She looked at Skylar. "She did tell me all about you, though. And another girl...Grace?"

Skylar smiled. "What was she like...at Beauxbaton, I mean? Was she happy?"

Elisabeth's smile faded slightly. "She pretended to be. But I could tell she wasn't. She would just never tell me why." Elisabeth glanced at her watch. "Listen, I have to go. Are you going to be okay by yourself?"

"Yeah, I'll be fine. The worst is over, right?"

She nodded. "I reckon so, yeah." She hesitated. "When you go back to Hogwarts, can you tell Victoire to write to me? We miss her back home."

Skylar smiled. "Yeah, of course. And thank you for all your help."

"No problem," she said softly, hopping off the counter. "It was nice meeting you, Skylar."

"You too." Skylar watched Elisabeth stride outside. When the door closed behind Elisabeth, Skylar looked back in the mirror and sighed. Her lip was a cut and her eye was slightly purple, but there was nothing she could do about that in a hotel bathroom. So, she grabbed her purse and went looking for her father. The ballroom was empty, the banners had fallen down, and there was shattered glass everywhere. Skylar wondered if she and Melissa were the ones that had made such a huge mess. She was so focused on Melissa, she hadn't even realized the destruction they were causing.

Sighing, she went to the bar and poured herself some champagne. The bartender was gone and the cleaning people hadn't come in yet. So, she took her glass of champagne and took a seat in the middle of the room, waiting for somebody to come and find her.

"...and then you came in," Skylar finished, wiping the tears trickling down her cheek.

Her dad stared at her. "He kissed you," he said quietly. "Rick kissed you?"

She nodded fervently, the tears now streaming down her face. "I tried to stop him, Daddy. I did."

He reached over, engulfing her in his arms. "Shh, I know, baby. I know."

"You can't let Melissa marry him."

He looked at her darkly. "I won't."