(ok, so i cut it off and this is a continuation of the last chapter. it's still the night of the slug club x-mas party)

Hermione was out of the dorms much earlier than Anna...but she wasn't surprised.

Anna was the worst at getting ready on time. She always found something to be distracted by, she just couldn't help it. Especially since Harry was her date for Slughorn's party, she didn't feel as inclined to impress. The boy had known her for over ten years.

Nonetheless, she still tried her best to seem presentable. She looked at herself in the mirror and smiled just a bit.

She felt decent for once.

So, with one last glance at the mirror, she headed down the stairs where Harry was waiting on the couch, his face lit up by the fireplace.

"Hey Chosen One...you ready?" she asked cooly.

Harry stood up immediately and turned to face her.

"Holy shit," he said, his green eyes wide as could be.

Anna looked stunning, to say the least. She wore a tight black dress that clung to her figure perfectly. It went just past her knees and revealed a sleek pair of heels. Her added height added to her frame even more. The makeup she wore made her face gleam and her cheekbones and eyes become more prominent than before. She had on a diamond-like choker that drew attention to her collarbones which her curled, shiny locks of gold didn't quite cover.

In contrast to the lack of effort Anna usually attempted, this made Harry shellshocked. Anna didn't take his look positively and immediately felt nervous. "Do I look okay? I gained a bit of weight, I was hoping it wasn't too obvious-"

"You're bloody gorgeous," stated Harry, trying his best to not hug her tight and kiss her, feeling her plump pink lips on his and her curvy body pressed against himself.

He wished she were his, but not in a possessive way. He just wished she would look at him with the loving gaze she used to give him but now belonged to that damned American. The one that waltzed in her life oh so easily, the one that never deserved her.

The one that did everything Harry hadn't.

But for tonight they had each other and that was enough for Harry. He was determined to make Anna smile her perfectly lopsided grin and laugh her loud barking laugh. She wasn't perfect to most, but god damn she was perfect to him.

And he was the stupid git who took her for granted.

"Well, Harry, you don't look too bad yourself...such a shame Romilda didn't get this pleasure."

The boy chuckled nervously, remembering the recent confrontation with the young girl. Vane started screaming at him, saying he was a 'good-for-nothing cheating, slimy toerag'. All she received in return was a laugh.

The pair walked to the party together, joking like old times. Anna did most of the talking as Harry felt nerves bubble in his throat. It was as if he was feeling the most nervewracking part of love: crushing.

He fancied her heavily and it killed him inside. It always did when they weren't dating, especially when they were alone. 

They approached the door but hesitated. Anna looked to Harry and gave an unsure smile. "Ready to be in the shadow of our parents' deaths? To be compared to people we never knew? Cause I sure am."

Harry looked at her in the dimly-lit corridor. The light hit the angles of her face and body perfectly. He grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze like old times. He smiled upon seeing a pinkish tint appear in her cheeks. "With you? Always."

And with that, they walked into the party, being hit with warm air and red light. The room had been transformed to look like a tent with the four house colours draped in curtains on every bit of the ceiling and wall. Sky lanterns and fairies twinkled on the ceiling and house elves scurried past the white-donned dining tables with plates. 

"He really outdid himself," said Harry, chuckling upon seeing Anna in awe.

"Harry m'boy! Oh, and Anna, you look stunning!" said Slughorn merrily, running up and engulfing the two in a big warm hug. His smile gleamed in the light. He was truly happy about seeing the two...especially together. "I'm terribly sorry, Anna, that your original date landed a detention. Very unlike him, yes, but you two look ravishing together."

"Thanks, sir," said Harry with a grin. He hoped Anna secretly felt flattered.

But her gaze was fixated on someone else. "Professor, why is Mavis here?"

"Well, dear, she used to be in the Slug Club," explained the merry man. "Hey, Kate!"

The woman turned to face the trio, smiling upon seeing Harry and Anna. 

She looked beautiful as well. She was donned in a tan dress that wrapped around her body perfectly. The slit up her leg seemed a bit promiscuous, but she couldn't seem to care less. Her smile was big and bright. Her face was bright with beauty and her hair was pulled into an intricate braided updo.

She made her way over to the pair, giving a fierce look to the old man. "Hey guys, hope this old coot isn't bothering you too much."

"I was just greeting them, Kate, no need to worry," he said, grin still on his face. "Where's your date?"

"Just getting some drinks, talking to...oh, here he comes."

Through the crowd came the recognizable Remus Lupin. Anna clenched her jaw, hating the fact her godparents seemed to always be with her when she just wanted to be alone.

They would try to talk to her as if they hadn't been absent for years. 

"Hey Anna, Harry, you guys look great," said Remus with a kind smile, yet his eyes lingered with slight disapproval of Anna's tight attire.

"Good to see you sir-I mean Remus."

"Why are you two together?" asked Anna blandly. "And Kate, I thought you were supposed to hold Caspar's detention."

"We're not together," Remus piped up with a nervous chuckle.

Kate's eyes flashed with annoyance at the comment, yet she chose to ignore it. "No, I just locked him in there-"

"You what?!" exclaimed Anna and Remus at the same time. Harry tried to hide his smile. "Kate, that's a student, you can't-"

"He'll be fine," she said nonchalantly waving off Remus. "I left some biscuits, water, and there's a bucket if he needs to piss."

"I can't believe you!" exclaimed Anna angrily. "That's my boyfriend! You can't do that just because you don't like him!"

The woman shrugged. "Never said I didn't like him-"

"Anna Black and Harry Potter! Reunited again?" asked Rita Skeeter, walking over to them. They all gave a groan. "Wow, this will be perfect for my next article! Unrequited Love: The Story of Two Troubled Teens-"

"Back off, Skeeter. You're nothing but an annoying beetle," growled Kate.

The woman turned to face her,  full of disdain. "And an even more interesting story for the...'older generation'. Leah Kendricks' best friend and ex-lover together? Ignoring her memory and going behind her dead back? And  dressing like the slut you are-"

"Nobody would read that nonsense," said Remus. His tone held venom but he kept a calm demeanour as his heart bubbled with anger and grief. "And we're not together, as a matter of fact."

"What a shame...Leah made the Wolfsbane Potion to give you a normal life, yet you live in the shadow of your past...how tragic." She turned to the man behind her. He wore thick glasses and had a bowl cut. "Adrian, snap a picture."

The man brought his camera up quickly, muttering, "She looks just like her mother" upon taking a picture of Anna with Harry. He did the same with Kate and Remus, too quick for them to react.

Kate scowled. "You're a disgusting pervert, I guess all your years of stalking Leah and I paid off, eh? Able to take pictures so quick?"

"I-I never-"

"We're gonna go," said Harry with an awkward chuckle before pulling Anna through the crowd of guests. She felt electrified yet grateful upon feeling his touch and willingly followed him onto the hidden balcony.

They merely looked at each other, leaning on the ledge. No words needed to be said, they felt each other's discomfort of the party.

"So, do you regret taking me yet?" asked Anna with a chuckle, yet her eyes held a bit of embarrassment. 

Harry looked at her carefully. "I would never."

"Y'know, I really thought you would've taken Hermione."

"Erm, why-"

She turned to face him. "I saw you two kiss."

His eyes widened, face growing red. "Did she tell you? How-"

"I was there that night of the party before Ron came in. I'm not mad, just...why didn't you tell me you fancied her?"

"I don't, that's the thing."

"But-"

"In the moment I thought I needed that to move on," he explained softly. "I'll be honest, though, it only made things worse. The whole time I kept wishing it were...well, I wished it were you, Anna."

The blonde pursed her lips to keep them from forming into a smile or frown. "I'm happy with Caspar."

"I'd hope you are," he said kindly. "It's just hard, you know how it is. I just wished I hadn't messed up. Anna, I love-"

The tapestry in front of them whipped open and onto the balcony came Hermione. She was obviously exasperated, which turned to embarrassment upon seeing Harry and Anna so close, their eyes full of...well, something far from platonic.

"I'm happy you two are here, I need to escape...oh, McLaggen, he's dreadful! And idiotic beyond belief!"

Anna laughed. "Y-you took Cormac?! Why?!"

"I knew it'd tick off Ron the most," she sighed. "It's not worth it-"

"Just marry Ron and get it over with. We all know you're gonna end up together," stated Anna.

Hermione looked to her with a twinkle in her eye and a goofy smile on her face. "I...I don't know. I um, thanks though...shoot! Cormac's coming! I'll see you guys later!"

The tall figure opened the curtain and asked, "Hey, have you seen Granger? She better have a good excuse, she's been gone all night."

Harry and Anna looked at each other trying to think. The latter spoke up, "She's gotten her period."

"Her...what?"

Anna facepalmed. "Period? Menstruation? Bleeding? Do you not know what I'm talking about?"

"No, but it sounds mighty gruesome."

She grinned, realizing that she could have fun with this. "Oh yeah, she's bleeding pretty bad, probably is gonna have to go to the hospital wing."

"I hope she's alright so she can come back and keep me company...if you know what I mean," he said with a wink.

The two cringed, watching him eat treats off the plate he was holding. He'd already devoured half of it and Harry got an idea. "Yeah, she was eating those before she got sick, we think it's the cause."

"What are they?"

"Dragon balls."

And with that, McLaggen dropped the platter and started choking. In through the tapestry came Snape, and, as if on cue, the brute puked on the man's shoes and pants.

Harry and Anna snuck out when Snape wasn't looking, crying from silent laughter as they clutched each other.

"Brilliant, that was fucking brilliant! Oh Merlin, do I love you!" Anna choked out, hugging Harry and laughing into his chest.

"I..." he trailed off, unable to contain a grin as he hugged her back. "Thanks."

"Potter, Black," Snape's voice droned from behind them. They turned, still slightly holding each other, not wanting to feel the cold of absence. "I hope you're...enjoying yourselves."

"We are, thank you very much."

"I don't need the cheek, Potter. You'll earn yourself a months' detention as well."

Anna cleared her throat awkwardly. "We, uh, better get back to the party-"

"It's not like you were quite involved in the first place. I'm sure everyone will survive your absence for a few minutes?" he said, annoyed. "I just have a message."

"What is it?"

"Dumbledore wanted you to know that he will be unreachable until term resumes, as he will be travelling."

"Where's he going?" asked Anna.

Snape merely looked at her then turned on his heel and strutted away. She frowned, slightly offended at his rudeness. 

The party went on and Harry and Anna were forced by Slughorn to mingle. They didn't leave each other but stuck decently close to Kate and Remus who, lowkey, were hitting it off quite well. Remus wasn't quite as shy, Kate not as bitter. It almost felt like the old days again.

But the fun was interrupted by the doors bursting open and Filch running in, dragging Draco by the collar. "Sir! I've found Malfoy lurking in a nearby corridor, said he was invited-"

"Okay, fine, I was date-crashing!" exclaimed the boy, breathing heavily, his grey eyes darting to meet everyone's in the room. "Happy?!"

"I'll take it from here," said Snape coldly, leading Draco out of the room. 

Anna turned to Harry but realized he was already heading to follow the two Slytherins.

"Shit," she muttered, realizing he would find out Draco's dark ties. She darted to the door, cursing her loud heels. Changing to her animagus form once out of sight, running was much easier and she was able to catch up quick.

Draco and Snape headed to an empty classroom. There was no way Harry was going to make it, but Anna was able to slip her small fox body through the closing door, undetected.

Snape shoved Draco against the wall, only inches from his face as he growled, "You. Are. A. Fool."

"Don't insult me-"

"Don't insult my intelligence, Malfoy," said the man, letting him go. Anna had to creep up as close as possible to hear their bitter murmurs, crouching her small body under a desk. "I'm here to protect you, to help you, and you keep ignoring me, acting as if-"

"This is my task!" the boy spat, his eyes filling with tears while his mouth filled with angry froth. "He gave it to me! Don't you dare interfere-"

"I wouldn't have to if you didn't make such elementary mistakes, if you weren't so damn arrogant. I promised your mother, even took the unbreakable vow for you-"

"Then break it, you greasy git!" 

A loud smack could be heard, followed by a small whimper from the boy as his face stung from contact of the professor's hand. Snape towered over the boy. "You're weak, don't act as if you're capable when you only survive because of mum and are lost because of your father's absence-"

"Stay out of my business!"

"You're blocking me out...since when have you learned Occlumency?" No answer. "What don't you want the Dark Lord to see?"

Draco scowled. "Don't ask questions you don't want answered."

"You're scared...you don't want to do this?"

"Don't be ridiculous," said the boy, rolling his eyes. "I am perfectly capable-"

"You're pathetic, just like your father. You act as if this is a game, yet you're too scared to play," said Snape. He didn't receive a worded response, just distant footsteps and the door slamming shut.

Anna peeked around the corner and saw Snape put a hand to his face, muttering, "I don't know how I'm going to manage."

She followed him soundlessly out the door and scampered around the corner, trying to find Harry. Her furry figure was scooped up suddenly.

"I couldn't hear a thing...what'd they say?" asked Harry, holding her at eye level.

The fox changed to a human once more, but she fell into Harry slightly, who still had his hands tightly around her waist. She enjoyed the warmth and didn't bother moving. It made her feel safe from what she'd just heard. From the chill of her cousin's betrayal.

"Nothing much," she lied, her voice a whisper. "Snape just made a deal with Narcissa to protect Draco. I'm assuming from Voldemort-"

"I heard the word 'task'-"

"Look...Harry..." Anna took his face in her hands, locking eyes with the curious boy. She looked as pleading as possible. "That's my cousin and...well, I trust him. He's not capable of evil like you think he is. He's just a boy. He's like us, scared but trying to hide it."

"I think he's a Death Eater," stated Harry coldly.

The lies kept coming and Anna felt drowned in guilt. "He's not, nor is his mother. He has a good heart, maybe it'll come out since Lucius is gone."

Harry looked at her and sighed. She seemed honest yet something felt off. "Do you promise to tell me if you find out anything else?"

"I promise...now, let's drop this, it's supposed to be a good night," she said with a smile whilst hugging him.

A camera snapped and they turned to see Rita's photographer, Adrian. His eyes were wide with fear upon the pair's harsh glare. "Heh, um...you two look great. It's odd seeing a Potter and a Black. I remember your parents-"

"Screw off," growled Anna.

"Hey! Anna!" called a voice. Caspar was jogging towards them, his hair and newfound suit dishevelled. "Sorry I look like a mess, I tried to hurry down here, that woman is wretched and completely insane, she locked me in her classroom!...Oh um, you two seem to be having fun.

Caspar's bright blue eyes scanned the pair, landing on Harry's hands low on his girlfriend's waist, their bodies close. Anna quickly stepped away.

"It's not what it looks like-"

"I believe you, don't worry," he said with a forced smile. "You look...well, you're fucking hot, Anna."

"Ha, thanks-"

Adrian cleared his throat awkwardly. "So...erm, are you two together then? I need a picture."

"Yes we are," said Caspar proudly, pulling his girlfriend into him. They forced a smile for the picture despite Anna's seething soul. She knew this was going to look bad side-by-side with the picture of her and Harry. The photographer thanked them before scampering into the party once more. "So, you guys ready to go back?"

"I think I'm going to tuck in for the night," said Harry solemnly.

"You don't have to-"

"It's okay, really. I hope you guys have fun."

Although Anna could see the hurt in his eyes, she knew he meant it...but he also meant the love he had confessed earlier.

Those thoughts couldn't help but linger in her head.

~=~

Thanks for reading! Sorry that I'm a bit inconsitent witht eh updates, I'm just crazy busy always omg.

I hope you guys liked the chapter, even though it may have seemed a bit of a filler? I tried to make cameos of marauder's era stuff and #hanna, but eh.

Question of the chapter...
~What are your usual plans on the weekend?~
(I try to see my friends during the day, then I always work at night)

Pls vote comment and follow!

Love to all,
~Lumos