Allure- Theodore Nott

6. Cannonberry

I walk out with my silver dress.
"How's this?" I ask mostly to Pansy.
"I like that." She says. I nod. "Though there's a lot showing, just so you know."
"Well aware." I smirk.

"I can't believe you're actually going." Matteo says.
"It's actually distasteful." Draco says.
"Relax. It's just a party." I say.
"Don't get too drunk." Enzo says.
"I think that might be the only way to enjoy it." Theo mutters.
"No, I want her to be able to remember and tell us all about it." Enzo says.
"Don't worry, I'll remember." I say turning to him.

They all eye me carefully as I take the vile and take a drop.

"Just sucks that you denied the offer, Pans." I say.
"I'd much rather puke then go to a gryffindor party." She says. I smile softly.
"Well, I'm going to go now. If you change your mind you know the password. See you later." I say walking out of the room.

Once I make it through the common room and out into the corridors, I start making my way to the gryffindor common room.

I get to the painting of the fat lady and say the password Mason told me. "Cannonberry." She let's me in.

The second the painting moves I can see people dancing and partying on top of tables and couches. Instead of the usual dim green lighting, it's red.

I step inside feeling nervous to be in here. I look around for a familiar face.

"Emilia?" I hear someone ask. I turn and see Ginny Weasley.
"Hey, Ginny." I say. We've always stayed friendly.
"Who invited you?" She asks.
"Mason."
"Oh. He's a little odd, but good for you." She says making me laugh.

"Gotta ask though, do your friends know you're here?"
"Yeah, they're a little suspicious and against it, but it's alright."
"That's good. I would've expected them to come running in armed with pitchforks and everything."
"Dont jinx it. Matteo is definitely thinking about it." I laugh.
"What about your brother?"
"Do you tell your brothers when you're invited to parties?" I ask.
"Fair point."

"Oh, there you are." Mason says walking over to me.
"Hi." I say.
"You have any trouble getting here?" He asks. I shake my head.
"Not my first time coming here, I'm afraid." I say.
"That so?"
"Yeah. I've had a couple gryffindor friends."
"Who?"
"My secret." I say. He laughs.

"Want something to drink?"
"Of course."

We walk to the drinks. I get my own and we begin to dance.

"Shot control!" Someone yells. I look at Mason confused.
"It's what we call it. Come on."

He takes me to where kids are standing on stools and trying to to take more shots than the other.

"Emilia?" Mason asks.
"Only if you wanna lose." I say. He smirks as he climbs onto his stool. I do the same. We both get handed a cup as we go up on my leg.

I down the cup and hand it to the guy. Mason does as well. Then the second, and the third. While taking my fourth drink, Mason shakes and steps down, making me the winner.

After a bit more dancing, I need a drink so walk off to find one.

I hear laughing loudly and turn to see a guy on the stool. He turns a bit and I can see his face. It's Matteo.

I run over to him and pull him off.
"What the hell? I was about to win." He says.
"What the hell are you doing here?" I ask.
"Wanted to party."
"Who else is here?"
"Theo, Blaise, and Colbi."
"Fucking hell."

"Where are they?" I ask.
"I don't know." He says.
"Fuck." I mutter. "Don't do anything stupid."
"Okay."

I walk off searching for the two guys.

I catch a whiff of smoke. I turn towards its direction and sure enough Theo is standing looking out towards the window.

I walk over to him and turn him towards me.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" I ask.
"What? You're the only one that can go to a gryffindor party?"
"No, but I was the one invited."
"Yet, you extended your invitation to Pansy?"
"He said I could bring one of my friends."
"Perfect, you brought me." Theo says blowing out his smoke. I turn away from it.
"You are not my friend." I say.
"I can be. Just for tonight." He says getting close to me.

"You're drunk." I say smelling the alcohol on him.
"Barely. It's too boring to be drunk." He says.
"Why are you guys here?"
"The idea of you being alone in a gryffindor party is weird."

"So just you four decided to come? How'd you even get in?" I ask.
"Enzo said it was an invasion of your privacy. Pansy and Draco refused, but she did give us the password."

"Theo, please. Can you guys go?" I ask looking up at him carefully.
"Now, why would I do that?" He asks.
"Because I can't have you four running around and acting like you own the place." I say. Theo's about to speak when Matteo and Colbi run over. They're being followed by Mason.

"I'm sorry-." I start.
"No, it's okay." Mason says.
"You know, Theo, he's great. He's like a big 'ol puppy." Matteo says.
"Yeah?" Theo asks eyeing me. 
"I think it's rude you didn't invite me." Colbi says.
"Why would I invite you?" I ask.
"Because I'm you're older brother."
"That's exactly why I wouldn't invite you. Where's Blaise?" I ask.
"Went back to the dorm. He said he was confused."
"Good. You two should do the same." I say.

"Mason?" Theo asks him. Mason turns to Theo while I glare at him. "You don't mind if Matteo and I stay and accompany our dearest friend, right?" Theo asks putting a hand on my shoulder.

"Umm, no. If anyone asks, I invited you." Mason says.
"Perfect. See, he's wonderful." Matteo says. Mason laughs awkwardly.

"Well, uh we should get back." Mason says.
"Yes! I'm sure you know all the good chicks, mind taking me?" Colbi asks throwing his arm over Masons shoulder.
"Yeah." Mason says and I give him an apologetic smile.
"Perfect!" Matteo laughs.