Heart of Gold

Slughorn's Party

~Tessa's POV~

I bit my lip as I stood outside the Dungeons. I sighed as I stared at the ground. I had to have a date for Slughorn's Christmas party so I invited Seamus.

I fidgeted with my dress. It was knee length and red. The skirt was a bit poofy while the top was tight around my torso.

I sighed.

"Where is he..." I mumbled.

Then I realized something. I furrowed my brows.

"He stood me up" I said softly, I growled lowly and turned on my heel.

I glared at the ground as I walked

I hugged myself a little.

I sighed as I knocked on Slughorn's door.

"Ah! Miss Potter! Lovely to see you!" Slughorn said cheerfully. I gave him a small smile as he let me in, "I expected you to have someone with you. You're as lovely as your mother"

"I did." I mumbled, walking past him. Slughorn fell silent.

I went to the nearest waiter.

"Neville? What are you doing here?" I asked, taking a drink from his tray.

"Was the only way I could get in" Neville said with a smile, "I thought you were bringing Seamus with you"

"He... He stood me up" I said softly

"Man... I never really liked him anyway. You don't deserve that Tess" he said, patting my shoulder

"Thanks" I said with a smile, sipping from my glass, "I'm going to find Harry. I'll see you Neville"

Neville smiled as I walked off. I looked until finally I found Harry.

"Harry. Where's Luna?" I asked

"Socializing" he said, pointing at Luna who was happily chattering with Slughorn, "Seamus?"

"Stood me up" I said, fidgeting with my skirt.

"What? That's not cool." Harry spat. I shrugged "well you've got me"

I grinned "I always do" I said.

After a little while of us talking, Hermione came over.

"Hello Hermione-"

"Shush Tess I'm hiding from Cormac. Just pretend I'm not here" she said

"You came with McLaggen?" I asked, "isn't he a little... Douchey?"

"Yes. Well I figured he would get on Ron's nerves the most" she said with a nod. I laughed a little

"Alright then" I said

"Oh! Here he comes!" She said, hiding

Cormac walked over. "Potters. Hello" he said.

"Hello Cormac" I said.

"Have you seen Hermione? I lost her in the crowd" he said

"Nope... Haven't seen her" Harry said.

He furrowed his brows and nodded.

"You look nice tonight, Tessa" Cormac said, looking me over with a smirk. I grimaced.

"Aren't you here with Hermione" Harry spat, pulling me back from Cormac.

"Yes. Right." Cormac rolled his eyes then walked away

"Thank you" Hermione said, coming from her hiding place.

"No problem" Harry and I said together before she walked away.

"Hey! Get your filthy hands off of me Squib!" A familiar voice shouted.

I looked over in surprise to see Filch dragging Draco by the arm.

"Found this one wandering the seventh floor, says he was invited" Filch said to Snape and Slughorn

"Fine! I was gate crashing happy?" Draco spat

He struggled more and met my eyes. After looking me over for a moment, his lips twitched for a moment, trying to hide a slight smile. I blushed lightly

"I will take care of him" Snape said, his eyes glaring into Draco's.

"I don't need your help" Draco sneered.

Snape grasped Draco's arm and dragged him out of the room, I saw Harry slink after them

I sighed and shook my head.

I never told him about Draco's affiliation with Voldemort. I knew what he'd do.

I looked at my feet silently.

"Are you still upset about Malfoy? Didn't you two break up last year?" A voice asked. I looked at Neville.

"Heh... It's bit more complicated than that" I said, rubbing my neck.

"Oh okay" he said, handing his tray to another waiter, "care to dance? You should be able to enjoy yourself"

"Thanks Neville" I said taking his hand, "I'm glad you're here for me"

He grinned "what are friends for?" He asked, setting his hands on my hips.

I smiled as we swayed to the music.

"I heard you got a new wand.  How's it working for you?" I asked

"Pretty well. Turns out I'm actually pretty good at magic" he joked

I smiled "I'm glad Neville"

He smiled at me as the song ended. "Well I enjoyed it dance" he said

"I did too... But I'm gonna turn in for the night" I said

"Okay. Good night Tessa" he said cheerfully

"Good night Neville" I said, leaving the party.

As I walked, I past Draco.

He looked at me and opened his mouth, wanting to say something.

I looked at him.

He looked down and sighed.

I sighed too.

"Good night Draco" I said softly before leaving him alone.