Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
A/N: Hello all! Thank you again to everyone who is following, favoriting or reviewing this story. I really appreciate you all! I hope you like this chapter!
Priya had to admit that Christmas was probably her favorite part of the year at Hogwarts. Hagrid was really very talented when it came to picking out big, full trees and they were decorated splendidly. Priya was in a particularly good mood; her mother had sent the burgundy dress right away with a little winky-face on a note for her, Hermione had gotten her parents permission to come over for New Years Eve, you-know-who smiled at her every time they passed. . . .
Stop that line of thinking right there.
"So Lavender Brown, is it?" Priya asked Harry one morning as they walked to Transfigurations together. It had been purely an act of coincidence, running into each other on the way out of the Great Hall. Hermione had been nowhere in sight and neither had Ron, which was surprising. Ignoring her friends' giggling, she had joined Harry on his walk.
"You haven't heard?" Harry responded, with a sardonic smile. "Happened after the Quidditch game last week. They've been inseparable ever since."
"She's a twit," Priya muttered to which Harry snorted.
"You're telling me."
"I'm assuming that you means you're stuck between a rock and a hard place then. I'm sure Ron and Hermione aren't talking to each other still," she added, when he looked over at her.
"Nope and I refuse to say anything to encourage either of them to continue to be mad at each other."
"How did this all start anyway?"
"Ron found out Hermione most likely kissed Krum a couple years back."
"Good for her," Priya said. She cocked an eyebrow. "You didn't tell him that, did you?"
"No! But I – didn't quite deny it."
Priya shook her head, still smiling. "I've heard you've gotten quite popular yourself. Girls concocting how to slip you love potions."
Harry groaned. "Hermione told you?"
"Obviously. You should tell them to bugger off."
"Hard to when I don't have a date to Slughorn's tonight."
The air around them was suddenly filled with awkwardness. Harry stuffed his free hand into his pocket and Priya wrapped her arms tighter to her chest, clutching her books as if it were a breastplate. "I'm sure you'll find someone today. Any girl would be lucky to go with you," she found herself muttering much to her mortification.
They reached Transfiguration before Harry could respond to that bit of information and Priya rushed inside where her friends were already waiting. While they tried to change the color of their eyebrows (Priya getting hers to turn a brilliant gold), she thought she saw Harry glance over at her more than once, but she ignored it, keeping her gaze on her mirror.
"Stop fidgeting."
"Sorry mum."
Muni shot Priya an unamused glare in their bedroom mirror before returning her focus to Priya's hair. Priya always forgot how talented Muni was with hair; since the other girl always kept her own so short, she didn't have much to do, gelling it all down and brushing little waves into it, making her look like a 1920s model. For Priya, Muni had braided her hair into a crown, leaving little curls out near her ears.
"I honestly don't think this is fair," Guinn mumbled from her bed where she tossed a Quaffle up and down in the air. "If you're going to have a Christmas party, it should be for everyone."
"Would you have gone?" Muni asked.
"Well of course not, but that's not the point."
"It's just a fuddy-duddy party," Priya answered. "I'm sure it'll be stuffy and loads of people we don't know will be there."
Stella snickered. "It just means you'll have to tell us who you meet. You reckon you'll get to meet any more of his famous prior students?"
"Most likely. This party is his way of showing off, isn't it? He'll invite former students to show his current ones his connections."
"I'll take it," Muni muttered, standing up straight, her hands on her hips. "You think he has anyone in the fashion world?"
"We'll find out soon enough." Priya turned her head side to side admiring her friend's handiwork. "We should hurry. The boys will be here any moment."
"Not before I do your makeup, you don't," Muni said, practically shoving Priya back into her chair.
Eloise giggled. "Don't want to leave Oliver out there too long with Blaise?"
"I'm sure he'll just ignore the poor boy, like he does most other people," Priya muttered, closing her eyes for Muni.
Moments later, Priya and Muni were hurrying down the stairs to the common room. Muni looked flawless in a yellow chiffon number that looked great against her dark skin and swept across the floor as she walked, only two inches taller with her heels though she normally preferred taller ("Hogwarts is not made for high heels," Muni had moaned dramatically). Priya's dress was a bit shorter, the tulle skirt stopping at her calves, long lace sleeves hugging her arms. The two of them stopped short as Luna joined them, her sliver dress flouncing as she bounced alongside them.
"Luna, you look very nice," Priya told her. "Are you excited for Slughorn's party?"
Of course, she had heard by word of mouth that Harry had asked Luna to go with him tonight. Priya had smiled, happy with his kindness. Luna was odd but still a really wonderful girl who deserved every bit of kindness. Priya was glad he had asked someone so great. . . .
Even if it wasn't her. . . .
"Yes I am!" Luna responded, eyes bright with excitement. "No one's ever invited me to anything as a friend before! I'm off to meet Harry in the Great Hall. I'll see you two at the party."
With that she hurried off, humming to herself. Muni shook her head. "That girl . . . still," she added, glancing at Priya out the corner of her eye, "that was rather sweet of Potter. Who would've thought he'd be so kind."
"Who'd've thought it," Priya mumbled, still smiling warmly as she pushed open the door.
Blaise and Oliver were already standing there, waiting for them. Oliver looked very uncomfortable and it was no wonder; you would have thought he was invisible with the aura Blaise put off, which was normal. Blaise rarely acknowledge anyone he didn't deem worthy of it, something Priya was working on. He had been doing well at Slughorn's gatherings, even talking with Hermione and Ginny for small doses at a time. It was a start.
He looked dashing as ever tonight in his black suit and matching tie with a burgundy button down. He smirked at her when she exited the door. "What a match we make. Munirah," he said the other girl as she straightened Oliver's yellow bowtie. "You look fetching."
Muni cocked an eyebrow in surprise. "Thank you, Blaise. You clean up nice yourself."
Nodding, Blaise extended an arm to Priya. "Shall we?"
"Go on," Muni told Priya when she looked to her. "Oliver and I – well we'll catch up."
Oliver blushed but he was grinning as Priya and Blaise left. Priya giggled, shaking their head. "They're going to snog themselves silly for a bit."
Blaise snorted. "I figured."
By the time they reached Slughorn's rooms, the party was already in full swing and it looked, surprisingly well decorated. Slughorn had draped emerald, crimson, and gold hangings from the walls and ceilings, giving it an illusion of a giant tent. Real fairies danced around in a gold lamp that hung from the ceiling as house-elves dashed back and forth.
"Miss Tollop! Mr. Zabini!" The two of them turned slightly as Slughorn approached them a grin on his face. "How delightful to see the two of you!"
"Thank you for inviting us, Professor," Blaise responded.
"Not a problem at all! Miss Tollop, just so you know, I am expecting Barnabas Cuffe to arrive at any moment. I would think he would like to meet you, inspiring writer that you are!"
Priya schooled her face to hide her frown. Barnabas Cuffe was the current editor of the Daily Prophet. She had no want to meet him, especially with how the newspaper was being ran at this moment; slanderous lies and propaganda all pushed down from the Ministry of Magic. Blaise gave her arm a light squeeze and Priya allowed Slughorn a slight smile. "That's very generous of you. I'd love to meet him, Professor."
Blaise had been right of course. The networking opportunities Slughorn provided were par to none. Priya would meet Cuffe. She would smile and be charming and she would analyze this man whose job she would take in her five year plan.
"In the meantime, do I have a surprise for you!" Slughorn said with that giant grin on his. Gesturing, he led them forward towards a group that had formed a circle around a certain part of the room. They were laughing, whoever was in the middle of the group clearly a good storyteller.
"And then I told him, if he wanted me to sing at his concert he must allow all those women in need front row seats. I am nothing if not devoted to my fans."
"Oh no," Priya muttered as they got closer.
"Is that who I think it is?" Blaise whispered back.
The crowd parted at Slughorn's request, revealing none other than Celestina Warbeck. She was lounging on a chaise as if it had been specifically made for her so that she could entertain the people around her. She was wearing a lovely turquoise gown, her tight silver curls loose and down to her shoulders, looking to all the world like she was in her forties rather than the 69 year old she actually was.
When she spotted Priya, she stood, opening her arms wide as she moved to embrace her. "Priya, my love. This is my only grandchild," she told her fans. "Please, go and mingle! I'm sure we'll have time to talk later."
"Nana, what brings you here?" Priya asked as the crowd dispersed.
"Well, when I heard about this club you had joined, I just had to find out more about it!" Celestina told her. "I owled Horace here and we've been chatting ever since. Did you know he started teaching here in 1931? I graduated in '36."
Priya looked to Slughorn. "You said you had never met her. She would have been a third year when you started."
Slughorn almost looked flustered. "I am ashamed to admit that it escaped my memory!"
"I was dreadful at potions," Celestina explained which gave Priya a bit more clarity; Slughorn would have completely passed her over, despite her singing talent. "For all Horace knew, I was just a girl with my head in the clouds, which I was. I put more effort into the Frog Choir and Care of Magical Creatures. I told him that I'd forgive not being invited to this wonderful club of his if I could come to the party."
"How could I possibly deny such a simple request!" Slughorn said. "Pardon me, I must continue to play the host! Enjoy, you all."
The Potions Professor toddled away to greet more people.
"You look gorgeous, Priya dear," Celestina told her, making her spin around. Her eyes caught sight of Blaise, who had been watching the entire exchange in silent amusement. "And who is this young man who seems to be attached at your side?"
The charm practically oozed off Blaise as he took Celestina's hand, brushing his lips across her knuckles. "Blaise Zabini, Madam, I'm Priya's date this evening. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. Priya has said nothing but good things. May I tell you that the magazines don't do your beauty any justice?"
"Priya dear, where have you been hiding this one?" Celestina said, giggling like a school girl. "And he's so handsome as well!"
"Right, well, we're going to go get some snacks. Nana," Priya started, warningly.
"I won't cause any trouble!" Celestina responded. "I'm here to mingle, just like everyone else. Though, Slughorn did hint that he may want me to sing. We should sing together, Priya! It's been so long since we've done that."
"I would love to see that," Blaise said, grinning widely.
"Some other time maybe," Priya said, squeezing Blaise's arm tightly.
"Fine, fine! Oh! I've just spotted Myron Wagtail. He's the lead singer of the Weird Sisters, you know," Celestina added to Blaise and Priya. "He's rather fond of me, I'd think. Blaise, please do come over during your holiday. We should chat!"
With that, she flounced off. Priya rolled her eyes, looking to Blaise, who looked overly pleased. "Don't you start."
"She likes me," Blaise said grinning. "She thinks I'm handsome. I think she'd probably love me as a grandson-in-law," he teased, poking Priya in the side.
Priya squirmed away, fighting her own smile. "She's going to be very disappointed when she learns that won't happen."
Something caught Blaise's eye over Priya's shoulder. "Is that Granger – with McLaggen?"
The Ravenclaw spun quickly. Sure enough, close to the wall, Hermione was entangled in Cormac McLaggen's arms, one of his hands in her hair, the other tight around her waist as he snogged the life out of her. "That looks uncomfortable."
"Poor girl probably can't breathe."
An idea struck and Priya grabbed Blaise's hand, pulling her towards the groping couple. When they got closer, Priya turned to Blaise. "Spin me."
Without question, and a great smirk, he gave her a twirl, one that sent her flying right into Cormac and Hermione.
"Oi, watch it!" McLaggen growled.
"I'm so sorry," Priya gasped. "We just got a bit caught up in the music, I'm afraid. Hermione!" Priya cried out, reaching for the other girl. "I've been hoping to run into you. I need your help with something."
Priya wrapped her arm around Hermione's pulling her away. McLaggen took a step towards them. "Hey, we were –"
"We'll be just a moment," Priya told McLaggen. "Blaise'll keep you company, won't you?"
Blaise shot Hermione a wink before he turned to McLaggen. "So, Cormac, tell me what you think about –"
The two girls hurried through the crowded room, ducking past other groups of people. When they made it to the other side, Hermione threw her arms around Priya's neck. "Thank you, thank you, thank you," Hermione whispered.
"You're welcome. But, honestly, Hermione," Priya said when the other girl detached, shaking her head, "you couldn't have chosen anyone else to make Ron jealous."
Hermione blushed looking away. "It was either this or Zacharias Smith!"
"Why don't you just tell Ron you like him?"
The Gryffindor girl met Priya's eyes defiantly. "Why don't you just tell –"
Just then Blaise slid up to them. He seemed to be enjoying all of the drama immensely, a smile on his face. "I lost him. He's looking for you as we speak."
"Bugger!" Hermione muttered and she slipped off into the crowd again.
Chuckling, Blaise turned to Priya, catching sight of her wide eyes. "You alright?"
"I'm fine," Priya told him, shaking her head. "Let's go get some punch."
As the two of them moved through the room, Priya thought about Hermione's words. Just tell who? Who's name was Hermione about to say? Certainly not him, right? Priya couldn't possibly be that obvious could she?
Deciding to ignore it, Priya let herself enjoy the evening. Her grandmother was behaving herself, being charming and modest as she talked to people. Muni and Oliver eventually got to the party, Oliver's outfit looking just slightly askew. At one point, Priya did spot Luna but not – well, someone else. About an hour in, Blaise placed his hand on the small of her back, tilting his head in the direction of Slughorn, who was heading their way, an equally squat man walking next to him. "Time to turn on the charm," Blaise muttered.
"Ms. Tollop! Just like I promised, the man himself," Slughorn crowed, gesturing to the other man.
Letting a soft smile come to her face, Priya tilted her head and put out her hand. "Mr. Barnabas Cuffe, it is a pleasure to meet you."
Harry snuck back into the party, tucking the last bit of his invisibility cloak away, looking around. Snape was chatting with a wizard in the corner, looking to all the world like nothing had happened. But Harry knew what he heard. Draco was up to something and, whatever it was, Snape was helping him with it. He needed to tell someone! He needed to –
Harry froze in his thoughts as his eyes caught on a burgundy dress, the monster in his stomach purring.
Merlin.
Priya was very pretty, there was no lying about that, but standing there now in the twinkling lights, she looked like a vision. He had seen her earlier when he and Luna arrived, standing with Blaise. The two of them made a very handsome couple, very poised and good-looking. . . . But right now she was finally alone, talking to some stout man, or rather, he was talking to her, a charming smile on her face as she listened.
Harry approached her as the man handed her a small card. The man turned away and Priya stuck the business card into the pocket of her dress, smirking as she too turned – and ran straight into Harry. "Oh!"
"Sorry, sorry," Harry breathed out, reaching out to grab her arms to steady her. He let go quickly, stepping back slightly before he smiled at her. "Hi."
Priya smiled back. "Hello. Are you just getting here?"
"I got here a while back. I, er, just snuck out for a bit," he said vaguely, looking towards Snape, who looked more angry than normal. Harry shook his head. "I was – I was hoping I'd run into you."
"You were?"
Harry nodded. He took a breath. "You look beautiful."
The roaring in his ears intensified threefold as Priya looked at him in shock before settling for a warm smile. He was surprised himself; he didn't think he was going to just come right out and say it. "Thank you. You look very nice as well. . . . Question," she said after they had fallen silent for a moment, "how in the world did you let Hermione come to the party with McLaggen, of all people?"
"Let her?" Harry asked incredulously. "I didn't even know about it till I got here!"
"Is she still managing to avoid him?"
"Trying her very best. I've never seen her move so quickly in my life." The two of them laughed at the idea of Hermione slipping in between all of these people, evading McLaggen's groping hands. Harry looked down for a second before he looked back up at Priya. "Did you, er, did you still want to maybe dance?"
"I'd –" Priya started before she was interrupted by microphone feedback.
"Ladies and gentleman!" Slughorn called out over the room, wobbling on the platform he had set for the band. He was grinning much too widely and his cheeks were ruddy. "First of all, I want to thank you all for coming to this little soiree of mine. This party would be nothing without all of the wonderful people in this room. Speaking of wonderful people, I have a delightful surprise for you all. The beautiful Singing Sorceress herself has graciously agreed to gift us with a song tonight! Please, welcome Celestina Warbeck."
The room burst with applause as Celestina glided onto the platform, waving at the crowd as she approached the microphone. "Thank you Horace, for such a lovely introduction. Might I say, on behalf of us all, that this has been one of the best social events of the year."
Another round of applause echoed around the room as Celestina met Priya's eyes. Priya froze, giving her head a slight shake but the older witch just nodded, beaming at her audience. "Some of you may not know, but I have a granddaughter who attends Hogwarts and –"
"You're too young to have a granddaughter," someone shouted from the crowd, eliciting polite laughter.
Celestina chuckled herself, shaking her head. "Believe me, I am as proud of every piece of silver I have on my head as I am of my beautiful granddaughter, beauty I daresay she got from me –" More polite twittering "— and she's single, gentleman, though not for much longer if the debonair Blaise Zabini has anything to say about it. Please, a round of applause for Priya Tollop."
Everyone clapped and turned towards Priya, who looked as if she wanted nothing more than for the ground to open up and swallow her. Harry couldn't blame her; it wasn't every day that someone announced your relationship status to a room full of people.
"What shall I sing, then?" Celestina asked, tapping her chin. "You Charmed the Heart Right out of Me? Do you know it?" she asked the band, who nodded eagerly.
They struck up a ballad, Celestina taking a breath as she crooned into the microphone. Harry snuck a glance over at Priya, who was taking deep measured breaths. He looked around the room and spotted Blaise, who wasn't making any moves to come near them, instead looking like he was having a pleasant conversation with another guest. "Priya, are you –"
"Would you still like to dance?" she said quickly, turning to him.
"Your every wish is my command
My fragile heart is in your hand."
"Oh! If you're sure," Harry answered, fidgeting with his tie. He glanced over at Zabini again, a pain in his stomach. "I don't want to – er, that is – Zabini and you, well –"
"And now, at last, I understand
The magic about you."
"What about me and Blaise?" Priya practically squawked.
"Well, but – your grandmother just said –"
"I'm losing all control.
My chest is one big hole."
Priya placed a hand on her forehead, looking exasperated. "My grandmother was exaggerating things, like she always does. Do you want to dance with me?"
"Yeah, yes," Harry spluttered, his face feeling hot.
"Inside you'll see my soul
Happy as can be,
Cause, babe, you charmed the heart right out of me!"
Priya moved first, placing her hands on Harry's shoulders. Hesitantly, Harry placed his hands on Priya's waist, her dress soft beneath his fingers.
"You charmed the heart right out of me,
To my whole life you hold the key
You cast your spell and suddenly
I cannot forget you."
Celestina continued to warble in the background, Priya and Harry swaying back and forth to the music. It was nice, just holding her there, forgetting that there were some very serious things he needed to consider. It would be nice to stay like this for the rest of the night. . . .
But the song came to in end to raucous applause. Harry pulled himself out of the daze as Priya moved out of his arms. He looked down at her and she smiled up at him. In the background, Slughorn must have struck up the music again. It was faster and around them the younger crowd danced wildly. He should say something, he wanted to say something. . . .
"Priya!" The two of them looked over as Priya's friend, Munirah, approached. The tall girl grinned mischievously as she grabbed Priya and Harry's wrists. "It's time to show these people how we do things at Hogwarts. Come dance with us!"
Over her shoulder, Harry spotted Munirah's date and Luna dancing in the middle of the crowd. Even Zabini stood close, bobbing his head. Priya looked up at Harry again as Munirah tugged on them. "What do you say?"
It didn't seem he had much choice as Priya took his other hand, pulling him towards the others. His face warmed as they jumped about the middle, the girls laughing, Luna twirling about. This was the first time he could recall seeing the smile so bright on her face, see her act as if no one was watching.
All in all, Harry thought this wasn't that bad of a party.
