104. Slughorn's Party and Dragon Tartares
**Hermione's POV**
"I've talked to Luna... She's still a mess. She says he's at perfect liberty to kiss whomever he likes. She couldn't care less. Was I under the impression he and I would be attending Slughorn's Christmas party?" I asked Harry. "Yes. Now, given the circumstances, I've had to make other arrangements. I've chosen not to go with him since he has been a git to Luna."
"Have you?" Harry asked.
"Yes, why?"
"I just thought, seeing as neither of us can go who we'd really like to, we should go together, as friends" Harry suggested.
"Why didn't I think of that?" I asked in shock.
"Who are you going with?" Harry asked.
"Um- it's a surprise" I said. "Anyways, it's you we've got to worry about. You can't just take anyone. See that girl over there?"
Harry looked over to the right and saw Romilda Vane.
"That's Romilda Vane. Apparently, she's trying to smuggle you a love potion. I'm guessing she got them from the joke shop" I explained.
"Really?" Harry asked with a smile.
"Hey!" I snapped my fingers in his face. "She's only interested in you because she thinks you're the Chosen One."
"But I am the Chosen One" Harry smirked and I whacked him in the head. "Okay, sorry. Um, kidding. I'll ask someone I like. Someone cool."
**Harry's POV**
"Are you ready, Luna?" I asked her.
"Very" She smiled and we walked across the corridor.
"I've never been to this part of the castle. At least not while awake. I sleepwalk, you see. That is why I wear shoes to bed" Luna said after a while and we arrived.
"Harry, my boy! Come here!" Slughorn said to me and I walked over there. "Smile, Harry."
The man took our picture and Slughorn walked away.
"Drink?" Neville asked from behind.
"Neville" I smiled.
"I didn't get into the Slug Club," He said as I touched his uniform button with a smile. "It's okay, though. He's got Belby handing out towels in the loo."
"Oh, well, I'm fine, mate. Thanks" I said to him.
"Okay. See ya, Harry" Neville said and walked away passing out more drinks.
I looked around and saw Hermione hiding behind some curtains.
I followed her and asked her "Hermione? What are you doing? And what happened to you?"
"I've just escaped. I mean, left Cormac under the mistletoe" Hermione responded hesitating.
"Cormac? McLaggen? That's who you've invited? Fred will freak if he finds out. Especially since you two were under a mistletoe" I said with a smile.
"I thought I could annoy Ron for Luna. He's got more tentacles than a Snarfalump plant" Hermione added.
"Dragon tartare?" A waiter asked us to pop his head from the curtains.
"No, I'm fine. Thank you" Hermione said.
"Just as well. They give one horribly bad breath" He said making me smile.
"On second thought," Hermione said, taking the plate and the waiter left. "Might make Cormac at bay. Oh, Merlin here he comes."
Hermione fled as she handed the plate to me.
McLaggen came and I said to him "I think she just went to powder her nose."
Haha... This is fun...
"Slippery little minx, your friend. Likes to work her mouth too, doesn't she?" McLaggen asked, taking a Dragon tartare.
She does on Fred... and gross... Okay, I love stalling for Hermione!
"Um- what is it I'm eating, by the way?" McLaggen asked.
"Dragon balls" I answered.
I wish Hermione could see this!
Professor Snape walked in and found us.
I looked to the wall and McLaggen threw up... Probably on Snape's shoes...
This is the BEST job EVER!
I looked at McLaggen as he stood straight and I smirked.
"You've just earned yourself a month's detention, McLaggen," Snape said as I went through the curtains. "Not so quick, Potter."
Damn it! I was at least so halfway…
"Sir, I really think I should rejoin the party. My date" I said trying to find Luna but Snape cut me off.
"Can surely survive your absence for another minute or two. Besides, I only wish to convey a message" Snape explained in his cold voice.
"A message?" I asked looking at him.
"From Professor Dumbledore. He asked me to give you his best, and he hopes you enjoy his holiday. You see, he's traveling, and he won't return until term resumes."
"Traveling where?" I asked quickly, but I didn't get a response and Snape walked away..
