Chapter 12: The Christmas Party
The month of December had arrived as snow was falling and the Christmas holidays were coming up. Right now the day of Slughorn's Christmas party had arrived, as everybody that was invited was attending it. Naruto wore a white dress shirt with rolled up sleeves, a navy blue suit vest, an orange tie, black slacks, and some black leather shoes. The blond Uzumaki was waiting for his date to the party, and speaking of date here she is right now. "Hey Naruto, what do you think of my dress?" Hermione asked. The brunette wore a pink dress, as she had fixed her hair and applied lipstick. "You look beautiful as always," Naruto said. The brunette blushes, "T-Thank you and you look handsome as always," she said. "Well come on, we have a Christmas party to attend to," Naruto said, as Hermione nodded. As the two were heading to the party, Draco was in one of the rooms doing who knows what.
Right now, Draco Malfoy was in the seventh floor corridor, as he had arrived at the room he was looking for. It was the Room of Requirements and the reason as to why Malfoy was there is because he had a purpose there. Inside the room, many things were stored there, but inside a special cabinet was there. Draco was there to test something out and for his test subject, he used an apple. He places the apple inside the cabinet, closes it and whispers an incantation. He reaches out and opens it. The apple is gone, as he closes the cabinet again. He waits longer this time. He finally opens it and removes the apple, as he rotates it. It seemed that someone had taken a bite of the apple.
At the Party
Harry and Slughorn were posing for a photo as the camera went off. The ceiling and walls are draped with hangings of emerald, crimson and gold, so the room feels like a tent...or the inside of a gift box. It is loud and packed with people. Slughorn thanks the photographer, as he whispers to Harry about something. When that was all done, Slughorn went to talk with one of his previous students. "Drink?" a voice called to Harry. Harry turns, finds Neville standing with a tray. "Neville�" Harry asked, surprised to see that Neville wasn't celebrating at the party. "I didn't make the cut for the Slug Club. It's okay. He's got Belby handing out towels in the loo," Neville explained. Harry nodded, as Neville left to tend to the other guests. "Harry," someone called out to him, as Harry turned to see who it was and smiled. It was Naruto and Hermione, as they came to greet him.
"Hey guys, how are you enjoying the party so far?" Harry asked, as he and Naruto did their custom handshake. "Eh it's fine really, though it does seem a little boring, ya know?" Naruto stated. Harry nodded, "Well then, you two enjoy your time together." Harry leaves, as Naruto and Hermione decide to go get some drinks. As they were drinking, the two were outside on the balcony looking over the sky. It was night time as snow was falling, with the full moon looking bright. "So Hermione, I was wondering if you have any plans over the winter break?" Naruto asked. She shook her head, "Not that I know of, why?"
"Well I was thinking, if you wanted to spend the Christmas holidays at my place again, just like last year?" the blond said, as he fondly remembered that night he had with Hermione during Christmas eve. "Oh that night, I mean sure that would seem lovely," she said, as she enjoyed staying at her boyfriend's place. The two went back inside to talk with their other friends, along with some of the other guests. While Naruto and Hermione were talking to each other about something regarding school, Naruto noticed that Cormac McLaggen was glaring at the two, as he sported a black eye. "Say, why does Cormac have a black eye and is looking angry at us?" Naruto asked, as the two glanced at Cormac. "Well let's just say that a few days ago, he kept pestering me to go on a date with him, when I kept telling him I'm dating you. It got to the point where I realized words weren't enough. As for the black eye, that's the reason why I realized words weren't enough, as earlier today I had it with him and his lewd gestures towards me so I decided to smack him in the eye clean and told him off using some rather colorful language," she said. "Atta girl," Naruto said, finding what she did to be pretty justifiable as it seemed pretty funny to him.
Just then Filch arrived, with Malfoy with him, as the blond ferret looked pretty pissed. "Take your hands off me, you filthy squib!" Malfoy shouted, sounding pretty undignified, considering he was causing a scene. Everybody was watching what was going on, as Slughorn came in frowning. "Professor Slughorn, sir! I've just discovered this boy lurking in an upstairs corridor. He claims to have been invited to your party," Filch stated. "Okay, okay, I was gate-crashing. Happy?" Draco stated, singing like a canary. Snape decides to step in for Draco, "I'll escort him out." Draco's eyes shift, regarding Snape. He shrugs free of Filch. "Certainly... Professor," Draco said with contempt. The two stepped out of the party, as the party continued. However Harry decided to follow the two.
With Harry
Harry was tailing both Malfoy and Snape, eavesdropping on their conversation. From how the conversation was going, an argument ensued between student and teacher. Malfoy was sounding pissed and full of contempt, whereas Snape was rather calm about this. "Maybe I did hex that Bell girl. Maybe I didn't. What's it to you?" Malfoy stated with indignity. Of course Snape pushed the foolish boy to the wall, as Malfoy recoiled in shock. "I swore to protect you. I made the Unbreakable Vow-"
"I don't need protection. I was chosen for this! Out of all others. Me! And I won't fail him," Malfoy spat. Snape doubted that, "You're afraid, Draco. You attempt to conceal it, but it's obvious. Let me assist you -"
"No! I was chosen. This is my moment!" Malfoy stated angrily, before walking away. "Take heed Draco, there are people far worse than the Dark Lord if you fail," Snape stated, before exiting. As Harry eavesdropped at the scene, this confirms his theory that Draco was a Death Eater. But this also raised a question as to why Snape was involved in this and what does the Unbreakable Vow have to do with the whole situation. Harry shook those thoughts off and decided to think about it for another day, as he decided to return to the party.
Note: Hey guys I just wanted to answer a question from one of your comments. Firstly regarding the appearance of Killer Bee and the Eight Tails, he will make an appearance when Naruto finally finds a place and a way he could learn to control the Nine Tails. Anyways hope you like this chapter and feel free to review/comment
