19

Wes

"You're telling me that you met an incredibly hot guy that's totally into you and you didn't think to tell me?" Maggie's stare was like a lion observing it's prey. "I didn't think you could last that long."

"You're kidding right?" I burst out, "It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do!"

"Then why didn't you tell me?" Maggie rolled her eyes, trying not to crack a smile. "I may be asexual but I'm not heartless. Well I mean...anyway, you can talk to me, Wes. You can tell me things."

"I know and I wanted to but, I guess I just wanted to keep it to myself, you know? I was kind of afraid that if I told you it would make it real and that means it'll have to end eventually." I shook my head. "I'm scared of this, Maggie."

"You should be." She shrugged, "Love isn't easy."

"What would you know about love?"

"When you don't have all those feelings crowding your mind, it gives you a lot more room to think about this crap. I think you're all ridiculous."

"Thanks, Maggie."

"Anytime, Wesley."

I held Will's hand as we walked to the Room of Requirement. You couldn't hear a thing from the hallway which was both unsettling and exciting. I had my camera in my other hand, ready to film as soon as walked in. As we turned the corner, we were met with a few people loitering outside with red solo cups in their hands. I glanced at Will who bumped my shoulder and grinned at me.

"Ugh couples." Maggie groaned from behind us. She had never had any interest in going to parties but tonight she was determined to go. I wasn't sure if it was because she was mad at me for not telling her about Will or what but every time she slipped out of my mind she appeared all over again with a sarcastic comment.

Will snorted lightly before leading the way into the Room of Requirement. The first thing we were met with was a short dark hallway. Music echoed faintly through the walls and colorful lights were visible underneath the door at the end of the corridor. It was big enough that both walls were layered with more people with daring clothes and alcohol filled cups. It felt dangerous and amazing all at once.

The walk was short but felt like forever until we finally made it to the door. Will hesitated for only a moment, looking at me excitedly. When the door finally swung open it was like we were stepping into another world.

The room was enormous. I couldn't see the end of it and even if I wanted to, there were way too many people in the way. There were no lights except for the blinking strobe lights that bounced off of walls and people and made it feel like a dream. The music was so loud it felt like the notes were flowing through my veins and it was cliche but the adrenaline in the room was contagious. No matter how much I hated parties, with Will's hand in mine I was sure tonight would be good.

"Did you ever tell the interviewees about each other?" Maggie yelled into my ear suddenly.

"No." I replied with a frown. "Why?"

"Don't be stupid, Wes." It only took a second for me to realize what she was talking about and when I did the feeling of total happiness seemed to fade.

"Shit." I muttered. Everyone in our year was at this party and one of my main rules was that the interviewees weren't supposed to know about each other which I had maintain for the most part. But now we were all in the same room and if they saw me there was no doubt they would say hi and I knew they were smart enough to figure out what was happening.

"Maybe they won't connect the dots." Maggie shrugged. "Do they know you don't have any friends?"

"I am totally screwed."

Evie

The party was a mob scene. It probably would've been worse if I hadn't had Ian beside me. He had flattened his hair, straightened his clothes, and had on his mask again. We both knew it wasn't the real him but we also knew that he needed it so I didn't yell at him for it. I could never yell at Ian.

We made our way through the sea of dancing people, trying to find Ian's friends. I was surprised by the greetings thrown Ian's way and the strange looks thrown in mine. Ian having a date was a monumental thing not to mention that date being me. I thought I even heard someone ask, "Does she even go here?"

I thought I would be relieved when we finally found Ian's friends but I was horribly mistaken. It had somehow slipped my mind that Ian hung out with the dumbest of guys and most desperate of girls. Boy was I in for a good time.

"Hey Ian!" They all exclaimed, slapping him on the back and bumping his fists. It was like a scene out of a movie and it was a movie I didn't really want to be in. I really hadn't thought this through.

"So where's your date?" One of the guys asked, looking around as if some hot girl was going to pop up out of nowhere. His gaze passed right over me, cowering behind Ian's shoulder like a scared puppy.

"She's right here." Ian answered confidently, moving aside so that his grade A friends could bask in the glory that was low quality me. I wrapped my arms around myself instinctively and offered a small smile that didn't even brush the standards of Ian's fake smiles. Maybe I did have something to learn from him.

"My name's Evie." I said in as quiet a voice as I could which wasn't very quiet considering the music was loud enough to burst my eardrums. The whole group stared at me with a mix of unsure emotions on their faces and I suddenly felt like running out altogether.

When Ian asked me it was like being run over by a train. Unexpected and completely painful. And after I had had time to think about it, I was wrong to ever trust the old side of me. That side was naive and stupid and didn't know what it was getting itself into. It didn't expect Ian's ignorant friends and a fake Ian who only showed his true self when it was impossible for anyone else to see him.

There was an uncomfortable silence then one of the girls said something about getting drinks and the entire group broke into chatter. It was like nothing had even happened and it was obvious that Ian was bothered by it. For only a moment he let his face fall, when he thought no one was looking. It made my heart twist.

The ladies of the group sauntered off in search of drinks and I had no choice but to go with them. They all seemed to be tall and blonde which was unsettling and completely obnoxious. Their faces were perfectly made up and closely resembled Barbie dolls and they totally ignored me which I was almost grateful for.

At the edge of the room were countless tables filled with drinks and food. All the options were overwhelming and kind of amazing. Being at Hogwarts for so long made me almost immune to the constant flow of magic but looking at these loaded tables and even gazing around the room with fresh eyes made me appreciate being a witch. The other girls didn't seem to be thinking the same thing though as they cluttered drinks into their arms and made their way back into the crowd. I didn't bother going with them.

I strolled along the edge of the room, past tables and people and closed doors that led to unknown places. Once I figured I was a good distance away I planted myself at a lone table and leaned against the wall. The room was still suffocating but I finally felt like I was alone and could breath. Except of course for Draco Malfoy who was leaning against the table and staring blankly at the crowd before him. He didn't look at me but I knew that he knew I was there.

"I'm supposed to be socializing." He said, his arms crossed over his chest and his eyes steady in front of him.

"Me too." I replied, copying his stance. Something told me that I shouldn't be afraid of Malfoy like I had been for the past seven years. It was obvious that there had been a change in him I just didn't know how or why.

"These people are pretentious." He noted.

"Tell me about it." I answered.

"It's impossible to find anyone worthwhile in this damn school. They don't deserve manners or kindness. They deserve what they give."

"Sometimes they're too ignorant to even realize that they're being ignorant which leaves people like you and I to be the smart ones." I paused. "And sometimes the most worthwhile of people are right in front of you. You just have to give them a chance."

Draco Malfoy finally looked at me then with gray eyes that were piercing but with curiosity not venom.

"You remind me of someone. My friend." He said, studying me like I was a painting on a wall. "Who are you?"

It was an easy question to answer but one I put much consideration into. I could've offered my name or my House or even my favorite color but something told me that someone like Draco Malfoy would prefer a real answer.

"Just somebody's date."