River's POV
"So how was Slughorn's latest party?" Harry asked me and Hermione in Herbology.
"Yeah, it was actually really fun," Hermione answered.
"Yeah, I liked it,"
"I mean, he drones on about famous ex-pupils a bit, and he absolutely fawns on McLaggen because he's so well-connected, but he gave us some really nice food and he introduced us to Gwenog Jones."
"Gwenog Jones!" Ron gasped,
"The Gwenog Jones? Captain of the Holyhead Harpies?"
"That's right!"
"Personally, I thought she was super full of herself," I said, rolling my eyes.
"Me too," Hermione agreed.
"Quick, hide me!" I yelled, hiding under the table, as Professor Sprout came over.
"Quite enough chat over here!" Sprout yelled. Hermione went a little red as Sprout walked away and I sat back up in my chair.
"What are you doing? You're not supposed to be in this class!" Hermione hissed,
"Well, not really, but I had this period free and thought I'd join," I said.
"Join? You can't just join!" Hermione said,
"Yes, I can, and I just did," I said, glancing at Professor Sprout.
"Should've used Muffliato, Harry." Ron whispered, Hermione turned glaring at him.
"No! We shouldn't!" Hermione yelled, as a plant tried to attack her, Ron swatted it away.
"You know, I don't think I'll be having any of these in my garden when I've got my own place," Ron said.
"Anyway, Slughorn's going to have a Christmas party, Harry, and there's no way you'll be able to wriggle out of this one because he actually asked me to check your free evenings, so he could be sure to have it on a night you can come." Hermione explained,
"And this is another party just for Slughorn's favorites, is it?" Ron asked.
"Just for the slug club, yeah." I said,
"'Slug Club,' It's pathetic. Well, I hope you enjoy your party. Why don't you try hooking up with McLaggen, then Slughorn can make you King and Queen Slug —"
"We're allowed to bring guests," Hermione said, suddenly turning bright red, as she stared at her plant pods.
"and I was going to ask you to come, but if you think it's that stupid then I won't bother!" Hermione yelled,
"You were going to ask me?" Ron said, surprised.
"Yes. But obviously if you'd rather I hooked up with McLaggen." She hissed,
"No, I wouldn't," Ron whispered.
"Quick, hide me!" I yelled again, rushing under the table, as Professor Sprout walked over again.
---
"Well, who are you taking to Slug horns party?" Hermione asked as we walked around the library.
"I might just go alone, our with you," I said, shrugging.
"But you can't!" Hermione whisper-yelled, I looked at her confused as she put another book on the shelf.
"And why not?" I asked,
"Well, I already asked someone, and now you have to bring someone."
"Well, I have no one to bring,"
"There's Seamus," She said, I shook my head, as we sat down at an empty table.
"I don't even know him, and there are other factors to include."
And there's Draco.
"Well, I could help with that, since he's right there." Hermione said as she tilted her head to the left. Confused, I looked over and just like she said, Seamus was there. As we made eye contact, he looked down at his book, his face turning a little red.
"Oh, come on, he's very cute,"
"Well, um I just don't need anything right now."
"It's just one time, and he's super sweet and supports Harry!"
"But-"
"No! You need to move on from Malfoy, and it's the perfect way!" She said. I bit my lip, trying to figure out how to get out of this.
"He's sweet, just try it." She said,
"Well, I-"
"To late I already waved him over," She whispered.
"Hermion-"
"Hi, Seamus! Have you met River?" Hermione asked. He smiled at me.
"Hello, I'm Seamus," He said, sticking out his hand for me to shake.
"I'm River." I smiled, shaking his hand.
"Well, um, River wanted to see if you were free to go to Slughorn's party with her," Hermione said. I glared at her.
"Oh, I would love too! I can meet you there?" Seamus asked me. I nodded.
"Yeah, see you." I smiled as he walked away. I glared at Hermione, who grinned sheepishly.
"Sorry, he's been bothering me for weeks."
"I'm going to kill you for weeks."
---
"Draco," I nervously said, watching him sleeping on the bed. I slipped off my shoes and robe, sitting down on the bed. He hummed a response, not opening his eyes.
"I have to tell you something,"
"What?"
"Don't get mad, promise you won't get mad?" I asked,
"Depends. What is it?"
"Well, just remember I was forced into this, and didn't have a choice." He opened his eyes, making me more nervous as he stared at me, confused.
"What is it?"
"Well, Hermione got me a date."
"What!" He yelled, sitting up and glaring at me.
"I didn't want too! I didn't! She asked him out for me!"
"Why did you agree!" He slammed his fist in the headboard, making me jump.
"I couldn't! He was right there! I have to go to Slughorns party with him!" I whispered,
"No! You can't! Your not going!" He yelled as he pointed at me.
"I have too! I already told him I would!"
"No! No!" He yelled, running his hands through his hair.
"I'm sorry, Hermione forced me!" He glared at me as I bit on my bottom lip nervously. He put his hand on the back of my head, running his hands through my hair.
"It's just one- "He gripped onto my head and brought my lips to his. I widened my eyes, surprised, as he bit my bottom lip, and pushed me down on the bed.
"Draco-"
"Shut up," He hissed, as he started kissing my neck, and ripped the buttons off my blouse.
"I'll mark you so much, you won't be able to cover them," He whispered.
"Draco, you can't-,"
"Yes, I can," He hissed,
---
"Look what you did!" I hissed at Draco, throwing my blanket over his face. He laughed, pulling it off of him.
"It's not a big deal,"
"Easy for you to say. I have marks and bruises all over me."
"That's the point,"
"But- "He ran his hand up my thigh again, making me shudder. He chuckled,
"Finnegan could never have the same impact now, would he?" Draco whispered, starting to kiss my naked shoulder.