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CHRISTMAS WAS JUST a few days away, and Aubrey would be on a train back to the Malfoy's to report back to her family and The Dark Lord. But not before she attended Slughorn's Christmas party just in the evening.

Aubrey stood with Hermione and Harry in the library, hearing the brightest witch grumble and complain about Ron and Lavender Brown's recent love affair. She found it rather humorous that even though Hermione said she didn't care, she very much cared. Hermione was hopelessly in love with Ron Weasley and everybody knew it.

"He's at perfect liberty to kiss whomever he likes," Hermione profusely lied through her teeth, slamming books onto the shelves. "I really couldn't care less."

"It seems to me you really care, Granger. Frankly, it seems like you're jealous," Aubrey observed, her smile twisting into a sly grin.

Hermione huffed in annoyance, ignoring her comment. Harry couldn't help but agree with the brunette witch.

"Was I under the impression he and I would be attending Slughorn's Christmas party together? Yes. Now, given the circumstances, I had to make other arrangements," Hermione muttered in frustration.

"Have you?" Harry asked.

"Yes, why?"

"Well, I though we should all go together, as friends," Harry awkwardly stated, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

Aubrey couldn't help but smile at Harry's awkwardness.

"Why didn't I think of that?" Hermione hissed to herself.

Aubrey sniggered out loud. "Maybe, because you've been so caught up with Ron's love life you didn't think of the options in front of you."

"She has a point, you know," Harry agreed.

Hermione playfully rolled her eyes at her two friends, earning chuckles from all three of them.

"And good thing that plan isn't going to work out, because I already have a date. If you even wanna call it that," Aubrey sighed, leaning herself against a bookcase.

"Who are you going with?" Harry asked, in a hint of jealously ringing around his voice, which Aubrey took noticed of. Her lips grew into a smirk; knowing her plan was working flawlessly.

"Blaise Zabini. He cornered me in the Slytherin common room and I accepted out of the goodness of my heart," Aubrey mentioned, shrugging carelessly. "Besides, he fancies me anyway. I'll let him have his 'date' with me."

Hermione had faked a gag at the mention of the name, Blaise Zabini. Aubrey playfully shoved the bright witch, as the two girls giggled. Harry on the other hand, his face was twisted with annoyance and resentfulness.

"Now, Hermione," Aubrey started, "Who is the man you're taking?"

Hermione flushed with embarrassment-not the good kind, the humiliating kind. "Um, it's a surprise."

Hermione had started talking to Harry about who he was taking. The witch had pointed out a certain obsessive girl named, Romilda Vane, who was rumored to be sneaking Harry a love potion. Aubrey had sent the cunning witch a sinister glare, that made the girl quickly advert her glances away.

Aubrey had excused herself from the duo, as she had to get back to her common room to get herself ready for the party.

THE SILK, RED dress fitted her body effortlessly. It had a plunging neckline that reached just under her breasts; showing just enough cleavage to make heads turn. Aubrey was all about taking risks, and having talk all about her. She slipped on her bright red pumps, smoothing down her curled hair. Aubrey took once last look in the mirror, before making her way out of the dormitories.

She met with Blaise just outside the common room portal door, smirking at his jaw dropping. Aubrey placed her hand underneath the man's chin, closing his mouth shut. "Close your mouth, Zabini. You'll catch flies," the brunette winked, walking ahead of him.

Aubrey and Blaise entered into the party room, as it was painted with vibrant colors. Lights and streamers hung from the ceilings, students and staff members chatting happily to each other. Servers had trays of food and champagne, offering them to the guests. Aubrey spotted Harry with Luna Lovegood as his guest. She told Blaise she was going to chat with the other students.

"You brought Lovegood?" Aubrey asked in amusement.

Harry shrugged lightly, his eyes racking up and down her body. Aubrey raised one eyebrow in suggestiveness, a teasing smirk cornering her lips. Harry cheeks tinting bright red in embarrassment.

"She's actually pretty cool," Harry stated, referring to Luna.

Aubrey nodded, taking a slip of her champagne. The two took notice of Hermione hiding behind a thing of curtains. They both sent each other questioning glances of curiosity, as they trudged their way over toward the witch.

"Granger, what the hell are you doing?" Aubrey asked, crossing her arms over her chest.

"What happened to you?" Harry had asked, noticing the panic and anxious expression painted on her face.

"I've just escaped-I mean, I left Cormac under the mistletoe," Hermione breathed out.

"Cormac?" Harry questioned in disgust. "That's who you invited?"

Aubrey busted out laughing. "I can't believe you brought Cormac McLaggen as your date," she managed to say out in-between laughs.

Hermione sent her a glare. "Shut it, Aubrey! I thought it would annoy Ron the most," she explained.

Aubrey noticed Blaise waving her over, causing her to roll her eyes. "Meet up with you guys later?" The two nodded their heads, as she went over to the man.

The Thomas witch reluctantly joined Blaise, who was happily chatting with Professor Slughorn. "Ah, here she is," Blaise smiled joyfully, putting an arm around her waist.

Aubrey shifted uncomfortable, yanking his arm away from her. "Good to see you, Professor," she greeted the teacher.

"Miss. Thomas, so happy you joined tonights festivities. Tell me, how are enjoying your term so far?" Slughorn asked, a friendly smile showcasing.

Before Aubrey could get a word in, Flitch, Hogwarts' care taking crashed the party, gripping onto the suit jacket of Draco Malfoy. Aubrey silently cursed out loud at her pathetic excuse of a adoptive brother.

"Get your hands off, you filthy Squibb," Draco sneered.

"Professor Slughorn, sir. I just discovered this boy lurking in an upstairs corridor. He claims to have been invited to your party," Flitch explained.

"Okay, okay. I was gate-crashing. Happy?" Draco scoffed, smoothing down his wrinkled suit.

Professor Snape had walked over to the blond-haired boy, grabbing him by the arm. "I'll escort him out," Snape insisted.

"Certainly, Professor," Draco grimaced.

Snape has escorted Draco out, as Harry and Hermione joined Aubrey who stood angrily. "What was that about?" Harry questioned.

"I'll be right back," Aubrey briefly said. She raced out of the room, following Snape and Draco.

Snape had shoved Draco up against the brick wall, accusing him of hexing Katie Bell.

"Maybe I did hex that Bell girl. Maybe I didn't," Draco sneered.

"The hell, Draco?" Aubrey hissed, walking toward her brother. "Pulling that stunt tonight. Are you trying to get yourself caught?"

"Shut up, Aubrey!" Draco barked.

"I swore to protect you," Snape interrupted. "I made the Unbreakable Vow."

"I don't need protection. I was chosen for this. I don't know what is means, but I won't fail him," Draco spoke in great honor.

Aubrey rolled her eyes, scoffing. "Chosen? Draco, you're a pathetic wimp like your father. He knows you'll fail; that's why he picked you."

Draco's eyes were heavily glaring at her. "I would keep your mouth shut, if I were you."

"Is that a threat, Malfoy?" Aubrey narrowed her eyes at him. "Because he's on my side. I'm his second in-command. What are you? The son of a Death Eater who failed to do the simple task of retrieving the prophecy," the brunette challenged him.

Draco went to attack her, but Snape pushed him back against the wall. "You're afraid Draco. You attempt to consider, but it's obvious, let me assist," Snape said.

"No, I was chosen. This is my moment," Draco spat, before walking away. Snape had flung his black ropes over his one shoulder, leaving the hallway.

Aubrey was left alone to her own thoughts. She could've sworn she saw somebody watching from behind a wall, but she shook the feeling off, walking away.

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