Annabelle

A week has passed, the day of the holiday party that I have been looking forward to has come. The last lessons before the winter holidays were pretty easy. Everyone was already in the pre-holiday mood, many students, like Ora and me, were leaving home for Christmas.

Sitting at a table in the Great Hall, we discussed our upcoming trip.

Aurora agreed to go on holidays with me because, to be honest, I was scared of how my grandmother might meet me. And if I come with a friend, she certainly will not make a scandal in front of a guest. I was hoping for it.

Also, and importantly, we wanted to talk to my father and tell him everything we had learned about Aurora. Especially after what happened last week. After all, there was no one else to tell us: we couldn't talk about it with Ora's uncle, Rodolphus, who would immediately report everything to Bellatrix, and this could already be equated with a conversation with the Dark Lord himself.

But advice, especially from older and more experienced wizards, was necessary for us.

It was time for the mail, and again, as in recent weeks, an owl flew to me with an envelope. I was in anticipation of another romantic message from Cormac, therefore, without a single second thought, I instantly opened the letter and only then noticed that it was sent on behalf of Narcissa. I tensed up reading the first lines:

"You blackguard! How dare you embarrass our family?!

You'll get in trouble with your antics! I warned you, you don't know who you're dealing with!

Don't even dare get in front of Draco! How could you raise your lousy wand?!

Unbearable girl! You must sit still and keep quiet! Don't you dare upset him!"

I was furious after reading these egregious and extremely outrageous lines. I pursed my lips, all flushed with anger, and crumpled the paper, tossing it on the table with all my anger.

"What happened? Who is writing?" Aurora asked worriedly.

It was only then that it dawned on me that this text was not written in the spirit of Narcissa at all. I grabbed the paper again, rolled it out as evenly as I could, and reread it again, then giving it to my friend.

"Enjoy!" I snorted angrily.

"Hmm... But it doesn't look like Narcissa, and it's been almost a month already... Wait a minute," Ora confirmed my assumption and noticed something else, carefully studying the letter, "this is Aunt Bella's handwriting! She lowered her voice to a whisper."

"Sure she is!" burst out from me. "Then it's clear why she's only writing now… But how dare she?!" I was indignant, unable to appease my anger.

All the good mood was taken away. How she pisses me off, that aunt Bella! Builds herself out of who knows who, and also dares to tell me what to do! Disappeared somewhere on the Dark Lord's assignments and only now inquired about what I, the most terrible bride in the world, did to her precious nephew?

What does it mean to stay out of Draco's eyes? What am I, a little dog for him? Sitting quietly and keeping quiet — that's the whole female destiny. Well, not mine!

And in general, I don't need him at all, Draco, unfortunate coward! That evening Cormac is waiting for me, a true example of a real man, not like this one...

I spent the rest of the day pouting, still unable to control my anger and resentment. Even preparing for the party couldn't calm me down properly.

*

"You're getting late, Anna!" Ora teased me jokingly, sitting in her pajamas on her bed in the girls' bedroom.

"The last touches are left..." I drawled, curling my eyelashes with a magic wand. "Are you sure you're not going to the party?"

"Yes. I'm not in the mood to have fun at all," my friend breathed tiredly. "Somehow this is all inappropriate in my current situation..."

I looked up from the mirror and turned to Aurora. I was depressed by her mood every day after that story with ghosts, I wanted to help her somehow, but I did not know how else to cheer her up.

I was in shock when she told me about her kiss with Potter. And even though he irritated me terribly, I still thought that she should go to a party with him and have fun. Just as I was distracted from my problems and fears thanks to Cormac. But she was steadfast.

"Oh, Ora... Maybe I should stay with you?"

"Don't make it up! Look at you how beautiful you are. And do you want all this preparation to sink into oblivion?"

"You're more important to me," I smiled warmly.

"So listen to me and go to the dance with Cormac. You need it! You walk on your own, blacker than clouds," she reminded me of the letter from Aunt Bella, which made me again overwhelmed with irritation and utter indignation. "Come on, hurry up!"

"One minute!" I answered, taking a last look at the huge mirror against the wall.

I miraculously found a scarlet satin dress in my wardrobe, because I do not like this color. Nor should I, a Slytherin, wear colors like that. But I was in such a lousy mood that I decided to wear it out of spite, and for some reason I wanted to please Cormac, whose house color was red.

By the way, I have to admit, this color suits me. It contrasted sharply with my dark hair, which I decided to leave half-loose, curls flowing over my bare shoulders, closing only the front strands at the back of my head with a gold hairpin; and with a slightly olive complexion.

I tucked a loose curl behind my ear and a huge emerald on my ring finger flashed in front of my eyes. Again I felt a surge of anger and I tried to pull the wedding ring off my finger, but it didn't work. I wanted to smash it to hell, but how! The spell didn't allow it.

I took a breath, trying to calm down. Damn, I definitely need a drink!

Saying goodbye to Ora, I went downstairs from the room and proudly walked through the entire common room, trying not to notice the reactions of my classmates.

*

As I approached Slughorn's office, I heard loud music and felt a sort of panic come over me. Cormac stood in front, holding a red rosebud in his hands. When he saw me, he broke into a dazzling smile and walked towards me.

"Let me have your hand, my beautiful rose!" He held out his hand to me and I immediately smiled back.

Cormac presented me with a rose and, without waiting for my reaction, gently tucked the flower behind my ear. Goosebumps ran down my skin from such an act of this guy and I smiled even brighter. Putting my hand in his, I allowed McLaggen to lead me inside.

Slughorn outdid himself by decorating his office like a real party tent. Emerald, scarlet and golden fabrics were stretched around, pleasant music sounded and twilight reigned.

"I was already afraid that you would not come," Cormac chuckled smugly.

"After all your gifts, I couldn't help but come," I smiled. I had to raise my head to look into his eyes. He was so tall that I, with my average height, barely reached his chin.

"Shall we dance?" he was clearly flattered by my words and, being in the center of the hall, without waiting for my answer, he wrapped his arms around my waist. I could only throw my hands on his broad shoulders and spin with him in a dance.

It was so easy and fun with Cormac. I listened with interest as he missed out on the underdog Weasley in the selection for the Quidditch team, who only got there because of his friendship with the "great" Potter. As well as the whole team is formed, thanks to the connections with him. I agreed, not missing an opportunity to tease Potter.

"Oh, Mister McLaggen! What a charming companion you have!" said Slughorn as he passed by, and I beamed again at his compliment. "Miss Black, it's good to see you!"

It seemed that I forgot all the experiences of that day and nothing could darken the evening, when suddenly some noise was heard at the entrance. I almost ran into a passing elf who was carrying drinks and treats, but Cormac held me back and I immediately hid behind his broad back.

The caretaker Filch was dragging a reluctant Draco behind him, pushing him toward the professors in the center.

"Professor Slughorn," said Filch, pleased. "I caught this apprentice scurrying down a corridor on one of the upper floors. He claims to have been invited to your party and was just a little late. Is this true?"

An enraged Malfoy broke free from Filch's grasp.

"Okay, I wasn't invited!" he blurted out angrily. "I'm just... looking for my bride, are you satisfied?"

I wanted to sink into the ground. What is he doing? Why is he following me here? You might think, the hero-lover, jealous, or what?

I covered my face with my hands, realizing that almost half of the guests were looking at me now. Luckily, Cormac didn't move, preventing Draco from seeing me. I've never been so ashamed, and I felt my anger begin to pound me again.

"It's all right, Argus, it's all right," Slughorn said with a wave of his hand. "Ah, this youth and young love... Of course, of course, you can stay, Draco."

"I'd like to talk to you, Draco," Snape said suddenly.

"Well, Severus," Slughorn chided. "It's Christmas, don't be too hard on it..."

"I'm the Head of his house, it's up to me to be strict with him or not," snapped Snape. "Follow me, Draco."

They left the office. I sighed in relief.

"Is everything all right?" asked Cormac heroically, turning to me. "You need a drink."

He waved his hand and a house elf immediately appeared near us. With trembling fingers, I took the glass of mead and drank it in one gulp. Reaching for the next one, I quickly emptied that one as well.

"Hey, take it easy…" McLaggen took the third empty glass from me. "That Malfoy doesn't deserve you."

I stared at him with a surprised look as he suddenly clung to my lips. Surprised, I recoiled slightly. This provoked Cormac and he hugged me tightly, not giving me the opportunity to slip away, falling to my lips again. Without hesitation, I decided to cast aside my doubts and returned the kiss, wrapping my arms around his neck.

Someone from the crowd whistled, clearly paying attention to us. But I didn't care. The alcohol hit my head rather quickly, and I no longer cared about what was happening around me, or public opinion. Only this sweet kiss, here and now. Cormac pulled away from my lips and, opening my eyes, I noticed that everything around me swam a little.

"Let's dance!" I smiled cheerfully and dragged him back to the center of the hall.

On the way, I grabbed another glass of mead from the tray of a passing elf. I was already starting to wobble a bit. But it became incredibly fun and all the stupid and gloomy thoughts disappeared in a moment.

Cormac wrapped his arms around my waist again, but this time he pulled me closer to him. Whether so that I do not fall, or something...

I felt so good in his arms, so warm and comfortable. McLaggen again began to talk about his hunting trips with his uncle, but I didn't listen anymore, as my intoxicated consciousness began to take me to unknown distances. I was almost hanging on this guy, burying my nose in his neck. A pleasant fruity aroma emanated from his skin, which one I wanted to taste, and I suddenly kissed him on the neck. He tensed, fell silent and leaned over my ear:

"Maybe let's get out of here?"

I mumbled something indistinctly approvingly, not fully understanding what I was saying yes to, and Cormak, taking me tightly by the hand, led me out into the corridor. We went around the corner and, making sure that there was no one around, he suddenly pressed me against the wall, persistently kissing my lips. I was provoked by his pressure and I answered this passionate kiss. Some footsteps were heard, Cormac recoiled from me and led me further, stopping now and then to kiss me.

Soon we came across an unlocked door, which easily opened under the pressure of the strong male shoulder and we tumbled inside, trying not to break away from the kisses, slamming the doors behind us. It turned out to be some kind of empty classroom with only one desk and a couple of chairs.

Cormac sat me right on this table and began to take off his mantle, every now and then, covering my face and neck with kisses. I began to unbutton his shirt, but I couldn't do it in a drunken state. I was only able to unbutton the top buttons and bare his shoulder, as I gave up this occupation, clinging to his neck with a hot kiss. He shuddered and, unable to restrain himself any longer, got rid of the shirt himself. His hands slid over my shoulders, pulling down the straps of my dress and completely exposing my cleavage. He gave me a longing look, not wanting to take it any longer, and pulled off his trousers with one tug. Lifting the hem of my dress, he threw me on my back, hovering over me, and we gave ourselves to the sensual impulse in full.

I didn't really understand what I was doing. My head was empty, only the intoxicated consciousness screamed with pleasure. Pleasant sensations crowded out common sense. Cormac was affectionate and passionate at the same time. And if then, for the first time with Draco, I didn't feel anything at all, except pain and disappointment with every moment, now I felt good. Very good.

McLaggen strewed my neck and décolleté with hot kisses, and I, breathing raggedly, fingered his golden curls, gradually lowering my hands to his shoulders and back. His fingers greedily and skillfully explored every curve of my body, forcing me to gasp with pleasure. A hitherto unknown feeling took possession of me, growing more and more with each touch, with each of his voluptuous movements, bringing me closer to the peak.

Cormac ardently dug into my lips with a kiss, and I tightly squeezed my fingers on his muscular back. His body tensed and, immediately relaxing, he collapsed exhaustedly on top of me, holding his weight on his elbows. I was struck by a bright flash of emotion, I squeezed my eyes shut and smiled. McLaggen caught his breath, kissed me again, and got up, dressing. I got up too, adjusting my dress, my cheeks glowing and I, as if still in a fog, looked at him.

"You're good, Slytherin princess. I'm surprised," he said smugly. "It's strange that this Malfoy is running from you. I already thought that you are so-so in bed, even though you are a beauty. But no..."

"What?" I was stunned.

"Well, don't stress your pretty little head, babe," McLaggen grinned and stroked my cheek.

I seemed to sober up in an instant at such a change in his behavior towards me, and dodged his hand.

"What are you allowing yourself to do?" I got angry and jumped up from the table.

"Don't play hard to get, baby. You, in Slytherin, are far from being like that. You're engaged, of course, but we can always do it again," he winked.

"How dare you?!"

"Well, what are you mad about? I've been wooing you for so long, but you did not disappoint, baby. Or…" he laughed nastily and gave me a look as if he saw a stupid child who didn't understand anything in front of him, "did you think that I wanted to walk hand in hand with you?"

"There are only ugly girls in your house, so you decided to play with the others? Damn you, Gryffindor! You still don't know who you're dealing with!" I yelled furiously and stormed out of the classroom.

What they all idiots! How could I get caught in the net of such a freak? No, I didn't have any tears now, only anger and rage. I darted through the room, where the music was still blaring, and ran downstairs to the Slytherin common room, forbidding myself to cry.