Hours later the party was in full swing. Some people were dancing and singing along with the band that played in the far corner. Others were gathered around small tables as Snobby brought them food. Then there were the people in the middle having a loud conversation with Narcissa.

"Wonderful party Narcissa."

"Yes, isn't it lovely."

"Not as good as that one back in —"

"OW! WHAT THE BLOODY HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU ELF!"

Then there were the people like me who were standing up against the walls pretending we weren't there, and watching everyone else. At the time of the shriek I had been admiring my nails. I didn't even bother to look up. Based on the crash it sounded as though Snobby had dropped a tray of food on one of the ladies feet. Typical Snobby thing to do.

I heard the clink of high heels and looked up to see Narcissa marching towards me with purpose. She met my gaze and I knew she was coming to talk to me. I raced across the room towards the door and squeezed through the crowd in order to get to the door. My path was clear! I raced as fast as I could run to get to the door and was just about to slip out when a rather large lady stepped in my path covering the doorway. Just great.

"Umm excuse me," I tried in barely a whisper. The lady didn't react so I assumed she didn't hear me and tried again. "Excuse me. I need to get through," a little louder that time. Still nothing. "Excuse me please I need to get through." Nothing. "EXCUSE ME PLEASE I NEED TO GET THROUGH!" The second the words were out of my mouth I regretted screaming. Of course when I decide to talk the whole room gets quiet right? So everyone heard. And now, everyone is staring at me. Merry Christmas Hermione Granger. The lady looked down at me slightly frightened and hoped quickly out of my way, letting me pass. "Thank you," I nod and I run as fast as my legs can carry me.

When I see a good place I stop running and rest against the wall. "Hello Hermione." The voice seems to be coming from no where and everywhere as I look around and scream,

"Who is it?" I pull my wand from out of its place in my dress, hold it in front of me and mutter, "lumos."

"It's just me darling. No need to be afraid," oh yeah like that's gonna make me feel any better. Hello? Horror movies? Then she steps into the wand light and I see it's Narcissa Malfoy. I breathe a sigh of relief. Then I realize she's the one I was running from in the first place. "Where are you heading off to Hermione?"

"Uuuuhhhmmmm—," what should I say what should I say what should I say? "— the bathroom." Right. That'll work.

"Darling, the bathroom is the other way you know this," Narcissa said throwing back her head with a laugh. My face fell in horror as I realized my mistake. "I'm just kidding darling you should see the look on your face. The bathrooms are over here." She led me to the bathroom down the hall.

"Thank you Narcissa," I said awkwardly and raced into the bathroom.

"No problem dear, just don't be late to celebrate the countdown to Christmas," she called after me cheerily. Ugh.

****

Many many many many many hours later Narcissa was leading me up to bed. The party was long and I was so tired. Mainly the party had consisted of Malfoy trying to get me drunk with butterbeer, until Narcissa caught him and sent him to bed.

"Are you doing alright dear?" Narcissa asked.

"Fine. Fine." I lied. Really I had a splitting headache and just wanted to sleep.