Armilla

Chapter 43

I woke really early the next morning to the sound on soft tapping on the window. Groaning, I rubbed my eyes and peered blearily at the clock. Six o'clock. Sighing, I sat up in bed, now massaging my temples instead. I had a terrible headache and the last thing I felt like was grooming myself for the dinner party that would take place that evening.

I stumbled out of bed and pulled the curtains back to discover the source of the tapping noise. It turned out to be an owl, perched on the outer sill, with an envelope tied to his leg. He hooted loudly at me and tapped on the window again, clearly impatient and annoyed that he had been kept waiting.

Opening the narrow window, I allowed him to soar into the room. Morag hooted softly, watching the owl with great interest. The owl remained close by, even after I had taken the letter from his foot.

I had no doubt that the letter was from Snape. I had told my friends not to write at all while I was staying with my father. I didn't want Father finding out any information about them or their families. Both were from respectable families, but I didn't want my father, the Death Eater, knowing anything about them through me.

I didn't expect that this letter would be the cause of much interest, and I was right.

Dear Armilla,

I hope you are well. I would be better spirits there were fewer Gryffindors about.

I trust that you are spending your time wisely there and are refraining from procrastinating in regards to your studies.

I have returned to Hogwarts and am exceedingly busy at the moment. A few more Hogwarts students have returned from their holidays and the school is getting noisier with each day's new arrivals.

I will come and collect you after breakfast on New Year's Day. Make sure you are ready to go.

Severus

I was sure that he had thrown that Gryffindor bit in for my amusement. I knew that he would mention my studies. We had agreed that I would bring some of my books with me, even though I had finished my holiday homework. That way, if I needed to, I could pretend to be immersed in my studies.

I could see light at the end of the tunnel now. New Year's Day was only three sleeps away. My biggest hurdle would be getting through the dinner party and surviving the company of Death Eaters. I felt sick at the thought of the evil people. It bothered me more that Snape had once been one of them. Well, these people still thought that he was one of them. I pushed away my curiosity about Snape's younger days. I doubted that Snape and I would ever be close enough for him to divulge such information about himself. He never mentioned Death Eater activity in my presence and never went into details about his role for the Order.

I got up to collect some parchment, a quill and a bottle of ink. The owl swooped over to Morag's side. Morag was still in her snowy white form, and was significantly smaller than her visitor. The larger owl hooted indignantly at her and I supposed this was because Morag blocked his way to the water tray. Morag hopped aside graciously and as the larger owl hopped past, he purposely brushed against her to show his annoyance. I was going to scold the owl, but Morag decided to retaliate by her own means. She flapped her wings and grew full size, turning a charcoal colour. Her claws became longer and her gaze more menacing as she hooted back at the owl. The owl paused in the middle of a drink and didn't blink once as he gazed at Morag. When Morag continued to hoot and flap her wings, the owl tumbled back into the water tray, creating a mess as water went flying. He then soared around the room in fright, and water from the wet wings sprayed the room. Morag, satisfied with her comeback, resumed her usual form and went to nibble at her food. The other owl didn't stay any longer. It flew out the window at high speed and it wasn't long before it was only a speck in the distance.

"Well done, dearest," I said, laughing at Morag as she hopped about in triumph. I refilled her water tray and mopped up any water I could find around the room. Rougier would have had a fit if she had witnessed such an event. But Morag would have known better than to change form in front of a stranger.

I sat down again and wrote a trivial letter back to Snape.

Dear Severus,

I am well and I promise that I am not procrastinating study at all. I have been reading many books here and have learnt more than I ever expected to about the pureblood wizarding world.

Father has employed a French governess, Madam Rougier, and I spend nearly every moment of the day in her company. We have spent the last two days preparing for the dinner party tomorrow night.

I will be ready for you early on New Year's Day.

Armilla

"Come here, Morag," I said, sealing the envelope. "You've got your first delivery to make."

Morag hooted and soared over to me. She hopped about happily while I tied the letter to her leg.

"Stop hopping about," I muttered. "It's not that exciting...well I suppose it is really, you're going back to Hogwarts."

I carried her over to the window and then watched her fly out of sight, envying her. I wished I could have just flown out the window and back to Hogwarts.

By the time I had showered and spent a decent amount of time on the ridiculous 'beauty regime', it was after seven o'clock. Madam Rougier came bustling in at a quarter past, ranting at me to get out of bed. It took quite a few embarrassing seconds on her part to realise that I was not in bed, and the bed was in fact, already made.

I was tempted to say something biting about her eyesight. It was a remarkable example of self-restraint that I didn't.

After a moment's agitation, she became her reserved self once more.

"Why are you already up?" she demanded, as if I had committed a terrible offence.

"It would seem that I awoke," I replied, in an ever-so-polite-voice so she couldn't accuse me of being rude.

Rougier narrowed her eyes at me anyway. "It is not beneficial for young ladies to be waking too early in the day. By the time evening comes they are too exhausted and look too lethargic to be amiable company."

"But I have no natural beauty anyway," I said sweetly. "So it seems a thoroughly hopeless business, does it not?"

Rougier glared at me. "Well, we are to spend the day trying to remedy that, no matter how hopeless it appears. I have your father's orders to have you looking beautiful this evening...perhaps it is a good thing that you rose early...we have a lot of work to do if we are to achieve that."

I pretended to look offended. "Well, that's not very nice," I said. "That's quite insulting really. If I am unable to focus on being a proper lady this evening I'm sure it will be due to lack of self esteem."

"If you're not a proper lady this evening your father will have your head," Rougier growled.

"Well before he takes my head, I will have to inform him that I only stuffed up because the governess told me that I wasn't beautiful."

Rougier's eyes flashed. "You little..." She checked herself, and then straightened her robes with the utmost dignity.

"I do hope you weren't going to swear at me," I said, pretending to look affronted.

She pursed her lips. "You had better behave yourself, young lady. I am in no mood to deal with your attitude. I flatter myself that the unbecoming, sarcastic side of your character has not come about as a result of my instruction. It is unfortunate that your disposition is not at all a favourable one, but I have done my best to improve it."

"And I do thank you for that, Madam," I said graciously. See? I could be thoroughly lovely and sweet when I wanted to be.

Madam Rougier narrowed her eyes again. It seemed that she couldn't work out whether I was really thanking her or mocking her.

"We are wasting time," she said. "You are expected down in the breakfast room shortly. Your Father wishes to have a private breakfast with you."

Oh joy. Guess there was no point in suggesting that I RSVP back saying that it was unfortunate that I couldn't attend because I had to rid my owl's cage of dung. No...better not. I didn't think my father even knew that I kept my owl in my bedroom.

o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

Fifteen minutes later I was welcomed into the breakfast room by my father. He seemed in high spirits and I supposed this was due to the prospect of having so many eligible pureblood wizards in his home that evening.

"You do look well this morning, my dear," he said, as we sat down at the table. "I suppose that is due to the excellent care and attention you have been receiving from your affable governess."

"I think so, Father," I said quietly, pouring myself tea.

"Madam Rougier already prides herself in your improvement," Father went on, sprinkling sugar on his porridge. "We'll give her all the lavish thanks she expects, but between you and me, I believe only a small amount of improvement needed to be made."

I looked inquisitively at Father. The man was a riddle. Why had he hired a governess if I had only needed a tiny amount of improvement? Why had I spent two ridiculous days practising walking and sitting and eating?

"You look surprised, my dear," said Father. "I do hope you give yourself more credit than that. You are a Snape. You are my beautiful daughter who possesses natural grace that could not be taught. It reflects well on me that I hired a governess to provide insight into the witch's mind and provide female company in a house that is otherwise only occupied by a wizard and his house elf."

Oh, how simply endearing! What a charming man! Really, I took a lot of pride in the inspiration that was my father.

"I understand that witches take hours to get ready for dinner parties and balls," said Father, looking at me fondly. "I remember your mother used to take at least an hour to prepare herself for such events...but she was always beautiful to start with." He stopped short, looking pensive. I knew he was thinking about my mother. I wondered if he had ever loved her at any point.

Father shook himself out of his reverie. "Alas, my thoughts are running away with me. What I meant to say it that you may have the afternoon to prepare yourself for this evening, but you must be down in the entrance hall at seven o'clock sharp to receive guests with me."

"Yes, Father. I'll be ready."

"Excellent. Now, I believe you know what is expected of you this evening. I daresay your reading and advice from your governess have you very well prepared?"

"Yes, Father."

"Excellent. I do hope I will not be disappointed then. This is a very important evening for both of us, Armilla, and nothing will ruin it. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Father," I said, nodding.

Father nodded, looking satisfied. We ate in silence for a few minutes.

There was a knock on the door.

"Come in, come in," said Father, looking up from the newspaper that rested on the table next to him.

Jiffy bowed himself into the room.

"Good morning, Master. Good morning Miss Armilla," he said as he approached the table. He stopped when he reached Father and bowed again, holding out an envelope.

"An owl just delivered this, sir," the elf said, gazing at Father with the utmost respect. What I fancied right now was performing a Bat-Bogey hex on the stupid creature.

Father took the letter without thanks and Jiffy, apparently used to this treatment, bowed himself out of the room, his look of respect never wavering.

I continued eating as Father read his letter.

"Well, well," he said finally, folding the letter up again. "How delightful. You will be interested to know, Armilla, that Madam Rougier's friend, Mary Donahey, has written to me offering her services to you this afternoon. She said she would be glad to assist your governess in helping you get ready, as well as fit in an extra dance practice. I must say, that is kind of her."

"That is kind of her," I said sincerely. "Will you allow it Father? I know I would really benefit from the extra practice."

"I will allow it," he answered, smiling at the letter. "I was very impressed with Mary, I must say. And an extra dance practice would indeed be advantageous."

"Thankyou Father," I said, trying not to sound too excited. I didn't want to arouse my father's suspicion about a witch I had supposedly only met the day before.

"Yes, yes, as long as you show her your appreciation and be very attentive to her."

"I will," I said. I felt so happy at the thought of seeing Tonks. I would have bet anything that Snape was having a personal struggle as to whether or not he should have allowed Tonks to come. He thought Tonks was rather clumsy and not as subtle as an auror could be, but then, Tonks' presence also provided me with much needed company and extra information for my brother.

After breakfast I returned to my bedroom where I spent the rest of the morning in the tedious company of Rougier, practising the subtle science and exact art of being a prestigious pureblood witch. My governess remained in a snappy mood, and I kept my wit to myself - a great personal feat.

Tonks arrived at three o'clock (completely disguised as Mary Donahey of course) and I kept my composure upon greeting her, as Rougier was standing behind me. Tonks and I headed straight to the ballroom and Rougier excused herself to go and prepare for the dinner because the rest of the afternoon apparently would be spent preparing me.

"That woman talks about preparing you as if you were a cake that needed to be decorated," said Tonks, wrinkling her nose. She had just warded the room again like she had done the day before.

"I know, if I had a more dramatic disposition I would consider developing a complex about it," I replied, grinning.

Tonks shook her head. "There would be no point developing a complex even if you were dramatic," she said, her eyes twinkling. "Severus would knock it out of you before you had the chance to perform just one spectacular tantrum."

"Good point," I said laughing. "I don't think he'd react well to a tantrum."

"Definitely not," Tonks agreed. "Not even from you."

"So how come you're here early?" I asked, sitting down on a chair against the wall.

"I thought you might like the company," she replied airily as she sat down next to me.

I narrowed my eyes slightly. "Just you?'

Tonks rolled her eyes. "You're just like your brother, Armilla. You immediately think there are ulterior motives."

"Are there?"

She sighed. "Well, yes. Albus and Severus both suggested that I come early to give you some company. It wasn't just my idea."

I smiled. "I'm really glad you came, Tonks," I said, seriously. "I know this dinner tonight is going to be really boring for you, but you've got no idea how grateful I am that you're going to be there."

Tonks gave a small smile. "Ah well, you don't need to thank me, Armilla. No one would want to be in your place right now, putting up with all this rubbish while your brother is forced to remain on the sidelines and bear it. The least I can do is offer my company."

"Well, thanks anyway," I said. "I'm only getting through each day by focusing on the day I leave."

Tonks nodded, smiling sadly. "That's what Albus has been saying to Severus."

My chest tightened at these words. I didn't like worrying Snape. I had probably made him even more worried because I had been upset the night before. It certainly would be no party to stand on the sidelines, completely helpless about the situation.

Tonks suddenly grinned and her expression became mischievous. "I'm under strict instructions," she said, "to make sure hormonal young men don't get to spend too much time conversing with you."

I raised an eyebrow. "Instructions from my brother?"

Tonks nodded. "Certainly. Though he doesn't say as much, Armilla, he is aware that a significant potion of the male student population at Hogwarts finds you attractive." She smirked. "But one threatening look from your brother would make them divert their eyes I suppose."

I smiled. "He's already told me that I can't date. He made a good point though...Father would hunt down any boy I dated without his permission."

"Yeah, I think he would," Tonks agreed. "Not to mention that any boy you dated would be watched like a hawk by your brother."

"Mm, you know, it's probably best that I leave all that stuff until after Hogwarts anyway...so how are you supposed to limit the amount of time boys spend talking to me?"

Tonks beamed. "I take over the situation with my unbelievable charm and wit."

I laughed. "No, really?"

Tonks pretended to look offended. "Do you know Severus said the exact same thing to me when I told him that? Only he looked annoyed instead of amused."

"Oh, so charm and wit are really going to be your weapons then?"

Tonks held her head up high. "Of course," she said. "I will join in conversations at every available opportunity and attempt to divert each boy's attention with some fascinating anecdote." She smirked. "I am an excellent conversationalist."

"Well...good luck with that."

o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

"Wow," Tonks breathed as I came out of the bathroom that evening. Rougier and Tonks had stayed in the bedroom while I had changed. I was wearing the berry coloured dress robes that I had gotten a few weeks back. Rougier had already arranged my hair into an elegant knot at the nape of my neck. I didn't dress up like this too often and I found myself feeling very self-conscious just coming out of the bathroom.

"You look so beautiful, Armilla," Tonks said softly, standing up and coming over for a closer look.

Rougier came over as well and walked around me, her sharp eyes taking in my entire form. I was waiting for some type of criticism.

"Not bad," she said a moment later, taking a step back and nodding curtly. "As long as you remember everything I've taught you, you shouldn't embarrass yourself."

"Oh, I think she'll be fine, Zita," said Tonks. "If she's been under your influence for the past few days then I have no doubt that Armilla will be nothing but refined and elegant."

Rougier smiled at Tonks. "You flatter me, Mary."

Tonks shook her head. "Never. I rarely give compliments, Zita."

Rougier looked very pleased. "Well, in that case, thankyou very much indeed!"

"I have to go," I said, after glancing at the clock on the wall. "I have to greet guests with Father."

"Off you go then, quickly! Quickly!" Rougier waved at me to leave. "Get along with you then."

I looked back at Tonks in the doorway. "Thanks again for the extra lesson, Miss Donahey," I said.

Tonks gave a prim smile. "Not at all," she replied.

I left the room and made my way downstairs to the entrance hall where my father was waiting. He was wearing black and silver dress robes of a very heavy, but rich material. Upon hearing my entrance into the hall, he turned and watched me descend the stairs.

"Ah," he said as I moved to stand next to him. "You look fine this evening. I certainly approve of your choice of dress robes. Did Severus help you pick them out?"

"Yes, Father," I answered.

"That was good of him," Father muttered, scowling slightly.

"The guests are arriving, sir," said a low voice.

I turned to see Jiffy sauntering into the hall.

"Very good, Jiffy," said Father, bouncing on his heels. "Let them in."

Jiffy moved forward to open the front door. I saw many witches and wizards making their way through the front garden.

"They're quite prompt," I remarked.

"My friends know I favour punctuality at all times," Father said, his eyes flitting over all the people making their way to the door.

A tall, thin wizard with greying hair and an upturned nose entered first. He was followed by his wife, a stout little witch with pursed lips. I identified the two after seeing the wizard who directly followed them. Marcus Flint. Formerly one of the most disgusting members of Slytherin.

"Ah, Dalias, Eloise!" Father said, shaking Mr. Flint's hand and kissing the hand of Mrs. Flint. "Excellent to see you! And young Marcus too, delighted to have you here young man." Father shook Marcus' hand enthusiastically. He then turned to me. "Mr. and Mrs. Flint, may I present my daughter, Armilla?"

Mr. and Mrs. Flint both shook my hand and Mr. Flint went as far to kiss it too. I would have to remember to take a long shower later.

"And I believe you may remember my daughter from your time at Hogwarts, Marcus?" Father asked.

"Yes, sir," answered Flint, moving forward to shake my hand. He didn't really seem too happy about being here at all. Personally, I didn't blame him.

The Flints were ushered off in the direction of the ballroom and main parlour by Jiffy for pre-dinner drinks.

"Aurelius!" exclaimed a happy, but somehow chilling voice. I turned back to see a tall wizard with long hair that was almost white. He had a sneering face and his blonde wife (who had come in behind him) had a pinched, snooty face. I didn't have to wait for their child to come in to identify them. You could always spot a Malfoy.

"Lucius and Narcissa!" said Father, smiling. "I'm so delighted to see you both! Draco, how are you?"

"Very well, sir," Malfoy replied politely, shaking Father's hand.

"We wouldn't have missed this for the world, Aurelius," said Lucius. "Narcissa and I both agreed that we wanted to acquaint ourselves with your daughter."

"And you certainly shall," Father replied, smiling. "This is my daughter Armilla. Armilla, this is Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, old friends of mine and very dear ones too."

Lucius Malfoy kissed my hand. "Welcome into our midst, Armilla," he said. "We are delighted to have you."

I did very well not to cringe at the evil man's touch. "Thankyou, sir," I said, occluding harder than ever.

"I have heard a lot about you from Draco," said Mrs. Malfoy as she shook my hand. "You're a Ravenclaw I believe?"

"Yes, Ma'am," I answered.

"Well, I suppose that is the next best house after Slytherin, Aurelius," she said, addressing herself to my father.

Father gave a dry laugh. "Yes, we must all be thankful that her alternative upbringing didn't land her in Hufflepuff."

All three of the Malfoys laughed. The idiots. I didn't care if my brother was a Slytherin, I would have chosen to belong to Hufflepuff over Slytherin any day.

"Hello, Armilla," said Draco, grinning as he shook my hand. He was wearing dark green robes with embroidered silver cuffs.

"Hello, Draco," I said civilly.

"I do hope you will dance with me later this evening," he said.

What? Well, if I had to. I wondered if I had any heavy-duty soap in my bathroom. My gut feeling was that I was going to need a serious shower after the guests went home.

"Of course, Draco," I answered in what I hoped was a gracious voice.

"Getting in early, Draco?" my Father said, winking at Lucius.

Lucius gave a thin self-satisfied smile. "Well, Aurelius," he said smugly, "I was the first to ask Narcissa to dance when old Mr. Black held a party all those years ago."

Father inclined his head. "So you were."

The Malfoys were ushered off the other rooms at that point by Jiffy and Father and I received the Bulstrodes. Mr. and Mrs. Bulstrode were of the same build and nearly the same appearance as their daughter, Millicent, except that Mr. Bulstrode had a long dark brown beard. Like Marcus Flint, Millicent also looked as if she didn't want to be there. She didn't smile as she shook my hand (or rather, squeezed my hand to the point I thought she was trying to break it).

After the Bulstrodes, we received the Notts, the Baddocks, the Pritchards, the Dolohovs, the Puceys, the Bletchleys, the Montagues, the Warringtons and a few other childless couples who I suspected were just Death Eater friends. Lovely people. What an incredible turnout. I was so fortunate. I would have to remember to thank my lucky stars.

We all gathered in the parlour, which had doors opened off into the ballroom. One of the things I hated most in life was brainless chitchat. I hated having to make small talk with other people. Call me anti-social, but I was generally picky about who I talked to, and even pickier about the people I became friends with. Now I was in a room with a bunch of Slytherins, many of whom were Death Eaters...in short, people I had little in common with. But then, my brother was a Slytherin, he was playing the role of Death Eater and I had little in common with him too...but that didn't mean I didn't want to talk to him... that was different...

I spotted Tonks (hem hem, Mary Donahey) entering the room with Rougier, both dressed in their finest robes. I decided to cross the room to talk to Tonks first. Father was busy chatting to Dolohov, and the Slytherin kids were hanging about in small groups, chatting to each other. Every now and then, a couple of them would look in my direction. They didn't give me nasty looks, merely curious ones.

As I was crossing the room, I was intercepted by Draco Malfoy.

"Have a nice Christmas?" he asked.

"Pretty good," I answered. "You?"

He shrugged. "Not bad. I got a stack of presents, but I didn't get everything I wanted."

Spoilt brat. "What did you want that you didn't get?" I asked, making conversation just for the sake of it. I needed to pass time after all. It was better to do it this way than have my father accuse me of being anti-social after everyone went home.

"Oh, I wanted a couple of things from Borgin and Burkes," he answered, "but Mother thought I was too young to have them." He rolled his eyes. "As if."

I shrugged. "Maybe next year then."

Malfoy shrugged too. "Maybe. It's a bit of a problem being an only child. It can get a bit of an inconvenience having your mother's attention all the time when you're at home."

"I wouldn't know," I said dryly.

Malfoy blinked. "Oh, sorry," he said briskly. "I forgot....Well, I suppose Professor Snape would give you a lot of attention. I mean, he's really attentive to all the Slytherins, so he must be even more attentive to you."

"I suppose," I said. I started racking my brain for another subject to discuss. I didn't fancy getting in the particulars with Malfoy of exactly how much attention I received from my brother. I was saved from having to make more conversation however, for at that moment diner was announced.

Malfoy held out his arm. "May I escort you into the dining room?"

I blinked. Escort me? Well if I had to. May as well oblige the little toerag and give myself credit points for good behaviour.

"You may," I said, taking his arm. I wondered briefly what Pansy's face would have looked like if she had seen us. Fortunately, the Parkinsons hadn't been on the guest list.

Luckily I didn't have to listen to Malfoy all through dinner. My father was seated at the head of the table and I sat on the side to his right. Mr. Flint was on my other side and I didn't think his conversation would be much better. Poor Tonks was stuck and the other end of the table, so far away that I would have to keep reminding myself that she was even there.

Before dinner was served, my father stood up to make the toast.

"This evening, I officially welcome my daughter, Armilla, to her true home," he began, smiling at the many people gathered in the room. "It is very sad that I have not had her in my home sooner, but I mean to make up for all the years of her childhood that I have missed."

I wanted to sink through the floor. All eyes in the room were flitting between me and my father, and many were smiling at my father's supposedly sentimental words.

"I have invited you all here tonight, dear friends, to help me celebrate Armilla's place in my family and make her feel welcome. I am sure that Armilla possesses many of the qualities that we prize amongst our kind."

Excuse me? Our kind? What kind was that exactly? And what qualities exactly?

Wizards and witches around the room were nodding in agreement. Apparently they also thought I fit some kind of mould. At least they knew what Father was talking about.

Father turned to face me. "I welcome you to the family Armilla. I hope you do me proud and I sincerely hope you will also strive to make the pureblood wizarding well proud too."

Yeah, sure. Whatever. Slimy toad. Can I go home now you twisted git?

Father picked up his goblet of wine and turned back to his guests. "And so I ask you to raise your goblets and join me in toasting my daughter, Armilla."

Everyone picked up their goblets and said "Armilla" in unison, most of them smiling at me. I wanted to run from the room so badly. I couldn't stand being under the gaze of all those people. I supposed I was biased even though I didn't know them well. But then, with a large number of them being Death Eaters, I thought I had a pretty accurate idea of their characters.

Dinner was a thoroughly boring business. It was one of those ostentatious affairs where guests amused themselves with idle chitchat while they dined on small portions of pretentious food. Father ignored me for the majority of the meal, choosing to talk to Narcissa Malfoy instead, who was sitting directly across from me. Instead, I regularly became stuck talking to Mr. Flint, who was without a doubt one of the dullest men I had ever met. Two minutes into a conversation on exactly how taxing to the body walking up and down stairs was, I concluded the wizard led a useless and humdrum life. I was going to suggest that he try Apparating more often, but that would have sounded as if I was pointing out the obvious. Besides, my father was in hearing distance, and the books I had been reading had dictated that it was not my place to make men feel stupid. I would have to content myself with abusing dim-witted people in my head.

The most trying time came after dinner, when everyone gathered in the ballroom. It seemed that many parents were eager to have their sons dance with me all of a sudden and Father was surrounded by the lot of them, each wishing to have his permission to have their sons dance with his daughter. Hello? Was I invisible? Did my dancing limbs not belong to me? Did I have a sign around my neck saying 'Rent this space?' What was wrong with all these people? Can I go home now? You people are boring me senseless.

Not long after the music had started, Draco Malfoy strutted over and offered me his arm without a word. I wanted to punch the smug look right off his nasty face. Occluding hard, I took his arm and let him lead me onto the dance floor. I caught Tonks' eye and she cast me a small smile. My spirits went up a little.

"Many wizards are envying me this first dance you know," Malfoy simpered as we began to dance. Many others around us began to dance as well. "But I told them all that I was a priority."

"Why did you tell them that?" I asked, keeping my voice even.

Malfoy raised an eyebrow. "Why? Because it's the truth, Armilla. I'm the most eligible young wizard here tonight and all the other families know it. They want their sons approved by your father ahead of me." He laughed derisively. "But our fathers have been friends for years. I'm many steps aheads of the rest."

I stared at him. "What do you mean many steps ahead?"

Malfoy sneered. "Come on Mill, I can call you that, can't I?"

"No," I said shortly. "My name is Armilla."

A flash of annoyance swept of Malfoy's face. "I've heard your friends call you Mill, but never mind, Armilla it is then."

"Thankyou." Where did he get off, assuming we were good friends who used nicknames? Even Snape had never called me Mill. I nearly laughed out loud at the thought of calling him Sev.

"Come on," Malfoy repeated. "Do you even know how much you're worth Armilla?"

"A considerable amount," I said lightly.

He laughed heartily. "A considerable amount? To put it lightly."

"Why do you care?" I asked, feeling annoyed.

Malfoy pulled me slightly closer so I could practically feel his breath in my face. "The point I'm trying to make is that many families here are no where near as wealthy as you and I. They have enough money to live comfortably, sure, but nothing compared to us. They want you to marry their sons so they can secure a higher level of wealth and respectability in their families. After all, you won't be a Snape forever."

I wanted to argue that I might not ever get married, especially if I didn't wish to, but I didn't want it getting back to my father. So Malfoy thought he was going to be my number one? Obnoxious twit.

"If you have plenty of money, Draco, why are you so interested in mine?"

He rolled his eyes. "Keeping money in respectable pureblood families, Armilla. Could you even begin to imagine what we would be worth combined?"

"I have never thought about it," I answered dryly. "I do hope Pansy knows you're making moves behind her back."

Malfoy snorted. "Pansy's an empty vase. She's respectable and everything and it can be convenient to have her around, but in the long run she would drive me crazy. Besides, I do believe it's my money she's after anyway. Her family's wealth has been on the decline for a few generations now."

"How unfortunate," I muttered. "So you seem to have your mind made up that I won't drive you crazy in the long run."

"Of course you wouldn't," he replied. "I may not know you that well, and the fact that you're a Ravenclaw is against you. But you're Professor Snape's sister. Anyone related to him couldn't be ditzy on principle. You're smart, perhaps smarter than that mudblood Granger. And you're pretty. We would certainly have nice looking children."

Now I wanted to throw up. I would go into hiding in a convent before I carried Malfoy's children. And I had a lot more respect for Hermione Granger than I did for Malfoy. Calling someone a mudblood was a disgusting thing. I wished that I could tell Malfoy that I thought Harry Potter was better looking than he was. That would have wiped the smile of the arrogant face. But then, I wouldn't have had time to appreciate it - Snape would have killed me for saying something nice about his most hated student.

"You've certainly got this all planned out," I said, occluding hard so my anger wouldn't rise.

He smiled. "Not really. Just a few thoughts."

The song ended at that point and Malfoy kissed my hand. A shower was certainly in order. The idiot thought we were practically engaged.

Before I had the chance to leave the dance floor, Theodore Nott strode forward and pompously requested that I dance the next with him. I accepted graciously and we danced for a minute and a half before he bothered to speak to me.

"So...you're Snape's sister."

My, my. Better watch this one. He was one bright chappie.

"So it would seem," I said. "I am also Aurelius Snape's daughter. Small world, isn't it?"

Nott let out a small laugh. "Well, I suppose that was a poor attempt at making conversation with you."

"Certainly," I agreed. "Very low points on the conversation-making scale."

Nott snickered. "Fine then. Your turn."

"Alright," I said. "Do all you Slytherins hold parties like this all the time?"

"Well, I tend to go to one or two per year. One of the pureblood families will hold a formal gathering every now and then. Your father hasn't held one this large in a long time. People have come because they are interested in you."

"Perhaps the interest will die off after tonight."

Nott scoffed. "I doubt that. You're worth too much to all these people."

"You know, I don't mean to be judgemental, but I get the feeling that wealth drives many of the people here."

Nott nodded, looking thoughtful. "You would be right. The majority of the people here have two goals when it comes to matchmaking - pureblood and wealth...in that order."

"And you?"

"I don't know. I'm only just sixteen. My parents have been obsessing about my marital status for as long as I can remember. They do enough thinking about it for the three of us."

I laughed. Nott seemed a bit more normal than Malfoy. But I wasn't going to make up my mind yet. I would admit to having the same infectious 'judging Slytherins' disease that plagued the other three Houses at Hogwarts. All first year Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Gryffindor students catch it some time in the first few weeks of first year.

After Nott, I danced with Marcus Flint. Or tried to. The boy may have cheated at Quidditch but he certainly could not apply his wily strategies on the dance floor. He stood on my feet more often than the floor and he squeezed my waist too securely for my liking. His conversation wasn't much better.

"You're looking pretty good tonight, Armilla," he drawled. Had the boy been drinking? I didn't bother answering.

"Perhaps we can sneak off later and dance out in the garden by ourselves or something. Ow!"

"Sorry," I said lightly. It was amazing how well I accidentally stomped on his foot.

By the time I managed to leave the dance floor, I had danced with twelve wizards, including Lucius Malfoy, Mr. Flint and my father. Father congratulated me on impressing all of his guests and warned me not to make any mistakes. Lovely man. It had been disgusting enough dancing with Lucius Malfoy. He had pointedly asked me how I was getting along with my brother. I had answered that everything was fine, occluding the whole time.

I spotted Tonks as I made my way back into the parlour. Avoiding the eye of everyone else, I made a beeline for her.

"That was some lovely dancing, Armilla," she said politely, once I had joined her.

"Thanks. I learned from the best, Miss Donahey."

Tonks let out a low laugh. "Well, you were certainly the most popular choice of dance partner tonight. You will have to tell your brother about all the wizards you danced with."

I smiled at her. "I'm sure he'll be delighted."

"Who will be delighted?" Draco Malfoy had just appeared out of no where. I wished I could make him vanish.

"Never you mind," I said airily. I had to change the subject quickly before Malfoy pressed me. "Draco, this is Mary Donahey, a friend of my governess. Miss Donahey, this is Draco Malfoy. We are in the same year at school."

Tonks and Draco shook hands. It was quite weird that Malfoy had no idea that he was really shaking hands with his cousin.

"How do you do, Draco?" said Tonks. "Tell me, what House are you in at Hogwarts?"

"Slytherin," he answered proudly. "The only House to be in."

"Is that so?" Tonks looked at me. "Is Ravenclaw an unfortunate house to be in then?"

"Not at all. I like Ravenclaw House very much."

"Well, it's Gryffindor and Hufflepuff that you don't want to be in," Malfoy went on. "You've heard of Harry Potter haven't you?" He sneered when Tonks nodded. "I suppose everyone has. Well he's in Gryffindor and he hangs around with a bunch of mudbloods and muggle lovers."

"I see," said Tonks, looking most interested. Personally, I thought she was doing a great job in her role. I knew Tonks well enough to know that she must have been dying to hex Malfoy for what he was saying. But she had certainly gotten Malfoy onto a trivial subject and the conversation ended up lasting for some time. Tonks just continued to look interested and Malfoy just kept talking. In the end, he was called away by Narcissa, who told him that Dolohov was asking to speak with him.

"What a nice boy," said Tonks, her face most sincere. "Now that is a young man any girl's father...or brother...would love have their dear one bring home."

I didn't answer. If I had opened my mouth I probably would have laughed.

We looked around the room for a few moments, each of us lost in thought.

"Dear me, it's already eleven-thirty," said Tonks, looking at her watch. "How time flies when one is having fun."

"Mm," I said. The night was nearly over. I had made it. Now I could just relax and count down to going home! "Well, I'm going to the bathroom, Miss Donahey," I said a moment later. "Do you need to visit the powder room?" I knew Tonks had instructions not to let me wander deserted corridors in other parts of the house by myself while there were still guests in the house.

"I do actually," she replied. "Let us go then."

We crossed the room and walked down the empty hallway to the bathroom. Tonks waited outside the door while I was in the bathroom. I heard someone else come along and Tonks told whoever it was that she was waiting to use the bathroom too. No one else was there when I came out, but I knew then that Tonks would have to use the bathroom now in case the person was nearby. It would have looked fishy if she was just hanging around the bathroom for the sake of it.

I waited near the door, hoping Tonks wouldn't take too long. I heard footsteps and a moment later the eldest Bletchley boy, Arian, came around the corner. Arian was a tall, handsome boy of nineteen. Upon being introduced to him earlier in the evening, I had had a vague vision of him when he had attended Hogwarts. Like the rest of his family, he had been in Slytherin House.

"Hello Armilla," he said. "Are you waiting to use to bathroom too?"

"No," I said. "I'm just waiting for a friend."

"Oh."

We were silent for a moment. More footsteps came down the corridor. It sounded as if the person was having trouble walking. A second later, I smelled liquor and the drunken form of Marcus Flint stumbled around the corner.

"Ohhh," he moaned. "Is there a queue for the bathroom? Bloody shocking that is."

I looked away. Arian also pretended that he had not heard.

"Oh, is that you there, Armilla? I didn't see you at first. You're looking pretty good tonight." He hiccoughed.

We continued to ignore him.

"Oh come on, Milla, don't be a snob." Flint stumbled over towards me. "How about another dance, right here?"

"No, I think I have danced enough for tonight, thanks," I said evenly.

He hiccoughed again. "Just one more? No? How about a kiss then?"

"Be careful, Flint," said Arian quietly. "You've had too much to drink."

"Shut up, Bletchley! I didn't ask you." Flint reached out to push Arian away, but in his drunken state he didn't realise that Arian wasn't in reaching distance. He staggered and knocked into me instead. I quickly moved out of his way.

"Why so hasty to move? Give us a kiss then." I made to move further away, but Flint caught my arm and yanked me back towards him. "I said, give us a kiss." He pushed me into the wall and I could feel his breath on my face. Before I could push him away, he was pulled off me by Arian.

"Get off her, Flint. You're lucky her father wasn't here to see that."

Flint shook himself out of Arian's grasp. "Get your hands off me, Bletchley. Who asked you?" He lunged at me and grabbed my arm. Again, Arian pulled him off. Flint cursed as he tried to free himself from Arian's grasp.

"I think you should get your parents to take you home Flint," said Arian, finally letting go.

"I don't bloody care what you think, Bletchley," Flint yelled, pulling out his wand. Arian also whipped out his own wand, his eyes flitting between Flint and the wand in his hand.

"Tarantallegra!" Flint yelled waving his wand. It was fortunate that in his drunken state, his aim was terrible. Instead sparks flew at nothing in particular as he shook his wand about, clearly at a loss as to why his wand didn't appear to be working.

"Expelliarmus!" shouted Arian, and Flint's wand flew to his hand. Flint stumbled and fell on the floor.

I heard footsteps on either side of me. Tonks had come running out of the bathroom in one direction and I saw my father and Lucius Malfoy approaching us from the other direction.

"What's going on here?" Father demanded angrily. His dark eyes swept over us, taking in the scene before him. "Marcus, why are you on the floor?"

Flint didn't appear to have heard Father. Instead his bloodshot eyes gazed at the wall in front of him.

"He is inebriated, sir," said Arian quietly, addressing himself to Father.

Father looked at Arian, his brow furrowed. "And is that Marcus' wand you've got there Arian?"

"It is, sir. I disarmed him."

"Why did you disarm him?"

"His behaviour to Armilla was not acceptable, sir."

"Not acceptable to you, Arian?"

"Not acceptable for proper conduct in general, sir. He kept grabbing your daughter."

Father looked at me. "Is this true, Armilla?"

I nodded. "Yes, sir."

"And what were you doing to make Marcus here lunge for you?"

"Nothing, sir. He came down the corridor and came at me."

"I was here the whole time, sir," Arian put in. "Armilla did nothing to provoke him."

"Mm," said Father, looking down at Marcus on the floor. He turned to Lucius, who was standing to his right. "Lucius, would you kindly go and inform Dalias that his son needs to be taken home?"

"Certainly," said Lucius, sneering down at Flint. He shook his head. "Shocking." He disappeared down the hallway.

Father turned back to me. "Armilla, I hope you thanked Arian here for being of assistance to you."

I looked at Arian. "Thankyou very much," I said. "It was a good thing that you were here." Personally, I knew I could have hexed Flint myself, but I knew the consequences would have been very different if Father had caught me hexing a guest, drunk or not.

"No problem," said Arian simply. "Excuse me." He went further down the hall and disappeared into the bathroom.

"I'm sorry you had to witness that, Mary," said Father, looking at Tonks.

"Yes, well, I'm afraid this young boy needs to control his drinking, doesn't he?"

"It would seem so," Father replied, sneering down his hooked nose at Flint. "Do excuse us, Mary. Our guests are starting to leave and Armilla needs to say goodbye to them."

Tonks didn't dare do anything but nod as I went off with Father, leaving her in the corridor with Flint.

Father didn't say anything as we walked to the entrance hall. It had been made very clear to him that I wasn't at fault. I hadn't caused Flint to behave the way he did. I was glad that Arian had actually spoken up and defended me. He could have kept to himself.

We spent another half hour saying goodbye to guests. The Malfoys were amongst the last to leave and they didn't go until Narcissa how told me again how pretty I looked and Lucius and Draco had kissed my hand.

The Flints were the last to leave. Mrs. Flint looked thoroughly embarrassed and kept shooting me nasty looks as if the whole thing was my fault. Mr. Flint kept apologising to my Father for his son's behaviour and Marcus himself looked completely dazed as he wandered out the door.

Father was very reserved as he accepted Mr. Flint's apologies and said his goodbyes. I was polite as well, though I was quite disgusted that Mr. Flint's apologies weren't directed to me. I was the one who had been slighted, though I supposed Father felt offended too.

After the door had closed, only Father and I remained in the hall. Rougier, Mary and Jiffy were in the parlour, using magic to clean up.

"Well I suppose the night went off quite well for the most part," said Father, looking down at me.

"I am sorry about what Marcus did, Father."

"What were you doing in the corridor anyway?"

"I had accompanied Miss Donahey to the bathroom. I was waiting for her."

Father gave a slight nod. "I see. It is lucky for you that Arian was there. It would have been worse for you if you had drawn your wand. People would have talked if you had been caught hexing the boy."

Now I was curious. "If Arian hadn't been there, Father, what would you have recommended to do?"

Father looked thoughtful. "Well, if the situation had become serious, then I would have allowed you to draw your wand just to disarm or immobilise him."

I nodded. So the man had an inkling of sense after all.

"I'm glad it didn't get to that point though," Father went on, his expression becoming hard. "This is already going to become the gossip for the next week."

"But it will reflect badly on the Flints, not us," I pointed out.

"Even so, child," said Father shaking his head. "It does not do well to get caught up in these affairs."

I said nothing.

"Well, I'm off to bed. I suggest you do the same. Goodnight." He kissed me on the cheek and went upstairs. I couldn't believe my luck. I had been so worried that Father would turn the whole thing around somehow and blame me and hex me. I must have gotten good reports from the other families - enough to put him off hexing me anyway.

I was suddenly hit with tiredness as I dragged my feet up the stairs. I felt like tumbling into bed fully dressed as I entered my bedroom. I had been in the room for two minutes when Tonks when she came in. She closed the door and cast a few charms again.

"Rougier has gone to bed," she said. "I told her I would show myself out after saying goodnight to you." She paused, biting her lip. She moved forward and sat down on my bed. "Armilla, I'm so sorry about what happened."

"What do you mean?" I asked, moving to sit on the bed next to her. "It wasn't your fault."

"I shouldn't have gone to the bathroom."

"Yes, you should have. You said yourself that you had to go because you told that wizard that was why you were there."

Tonks shook her head. "I'm so glad that Bletchley boy had been there. It could have been so much worse for you."

"But it wasn't," I said. "Forget about it. It's all over and there's no reason to dwell on it."

Tonks looked at me, her face flushed. "Are you sure that you're alright?"

"I'm fine," I said. "I just need to take a long shower."

Tonks laughed as she stood up. "I don't blame you...all those disgusting wizards kissing you..."

She held out her arms and pulled me into a hug.

"Thanks for everything," I said.

"Don't thank me. I've got to go now. Make sure you contact Severus before going to bed."

"I will."

"I will see you later then," she said as she moved towards the door.

"Bye," I said, feeling sad that I wouldn't see her back again the following day.

I turned and headed for the bathroom to take off my make up and take a shower.

Forty minutes later, after a very long shower, I was ready for bed. I distinguished all the lights except for one candle, and pulled out the chocolate frog card. It was well and truly after midnight, but Snape would have been waiting up for both Tonks and I. Considering that Tonks would have apparated outside the Hogwarts grounds and walked up to the school, I guessed that Snape would have already gotten Tonks' report.

Have you seen Tonks yet?

She just left. Quite an interesting report I must say. She didn't mention whether or not Father ended up blaming you.

He didn't. I was lucky.

Apparently his spirits were high because everyone was so impressed with you. I won't ask if you had an enjoyable night as it clearly didn't end well. I am not at all impressed with what happened.

He was angry then. I had thought he would be.

Did Tonks tell you that it wasn't my fault?

Yes. I know it wasn't your fault. I have added Flint to my hit list though. Are you alright?

I'm fine.

It is fortunate that Flint has left Hogwarts. I would have given him detention for the rest of the year...at the very least.

It was lucky that Arian Bletchley was there. It would have been worse if I had used magic.

Indeed. Bletchley wasn't a bad student. Slytherins are not all tarred with the one brush, Armilla.

I never said they were. Though, Draco Malfoy is certainly one of a kind.

How so?

He has already planned our marriage and children.

What an extraordinary imagination he has. He must truly live in a world of his own. I can guarantee that you will NOT marry Draco Malfoy, no matter how pure his blood is or how much money he has.

I have no intentions of it. Many of the parents there tonight did have intentions of me marrying their sons.

Yes, Tonks mentioned as much. Apparently you had to dance with the lot of them.

I did. Father was watching. Tonks was good though. She kept talking to people to stop them coming to talk to me.

I suppose she did a creditable job then. Did you get into a situation where you had to concentrate hard on occluding?

I occluded the whole night. But Lucius Malfoy did ask about how we were getting along. He seemed pretty interested.

He would be. What did you say?

I said everything was fine. I kept occluding in case he wanted more information.

Good. You have done well tonight, Armilla.

I'm glad it's over.

So am I. Is that ridiculous governess staying on for the next couple of days?

I don't know...but I get the feeling that I'm going to spend the rest of my time here memorising books again.

Certainly not time well spent in my opinion. The sooner you come back to Hogwarts the better.

I wish I could leave now. But I have books to memorise.

Go to bed then so you will not be too tired to remember senseless facts.

Tomorrow is shaping up to be a very depressing day.

For every book you have to memorise, I will buy you a book that you actually want to read. Does that put the situation in a better light?

Wow. That was nice of him.

It does...promise?

Of course I promise. I never go back on my word.