Cortney was in the library, talking about Slughorn's Christmas Party. 

" He can go and kiss whoever he likes, I really could care less," Hermione ranted. " Was I under the impression that he and I would be attending Slughorn's Christmas Party together ? Yes. Now given that circumstance I've had to make other arrangements".

" Have you? " Harry asked.

" Yes, why? " Hermione questioned.

" Well," Harry began awkwardly. " We could go together, as friends," he added.

" Why didn't I think of that? " Hermione groaned.

" Who're you going with? " Harry asked.

" Surprise, it's you, we've got to worry about," Hermione stated.

" See that girl over there," Cortney gestured to a girl sitting at a table all alone. She had tan skin, dark wavy hair, and dark brown eyes. " That's Romilda Vain. People say she's been trying to smuggle a love potion".

" Really? " Harry asked sounding surprised.

" Only because she thinks your The Chosen One," Hermione stated.

" I am the Chosen One," Harry said cockily. Hermoine whacked Harry in the head with the Daily Prophet.

" Okay, sorry, um, kidding. Uh, I'll ask someone cool," Harry said.

*************

Cortney was going to the party with Draco, but he bailed on her at the last minute so she went alone. She ended mingling with other people. Harry came with Luna while Hermione came with Cormac. Hermione was hiding from her date while Harry spoke with Snape. Neville came over to Cortney.

" Who did you bring? " Neville asked, he was supposed to hand out drinks.

" I was going to bring Draco, but he bailed on me at the last minute," Cortney sighed. 

" Do you know why he bailed? " Neville asked.

" He said had to take care of somethings, he'll try popping in," Cortney replied.

" Why didn't you ask Seamus? " Neville insisted.

" I wanted to spend time with my cousin," Cortney answered. " He hasn't been himself lately".

" You could have asked Theodore, I'm sure he wouldn't mind catching up," Neville. Cortney froze at that treacherous name. Her mouth drew dry and her eyes watery. Thankfully their conversation was interrupted by Filch dragging Draco by the collar of his black suit.

" Get off me you filthy squid! " Draco snapped as Filch dragged him to the center of attention.

" Professor Slughorn sir, I just caught this boy lurking in the upstairs corridor," Filch said. The entire room drew quiet and turned their attention to the two. " He claims to have been invited to your party".

" Okay okay, I was gate crashing! Plus my cousin invited me! " Draco snapped. " Harry? "

" I'll escort him out," Snape said walking up to his godson.

" Certainly, Professor," Draco growled with a strange look. They both left the room, with Harry following shortly after.

********

Cortney was going to spend Christmas with her family, she was in a compartment with Seamus and Neville. Ron and Harry were in another compartment talking about the unbreakable vow, and how Ron is getting old of Lavender. 

" First Christmas with your mom, " Neville began. " How do you feel? "

" Weird, but excited," Cortney answered smiling. They looked out the compartment clear door. Theodore Nott passed, he stooped. He looked at Cortney and smiled devilishly. Cortney tensed up and scooted closer to the window. He then walked away smirking.

" I hate him," Cortney stated.

" You need to be less tense when he's around," Seamus began. " You two broke up two years ago".

" Has it really been two years? " Cortney asked in shock. 

" Someone's not keeping track of time," Neville laughed. The other two began laughing.

********

Christmas was good like every year, just not as cheerful, everyone seemed tense. Harry was in a room with Lupin, Tonks, and Mr. Weasley. Trying to convince them that Draco is a Death Eater.

" Voldemort has chosen Draco Malfoy for a mission? " Remus questioned.

" I know it sounds mad," Harry breathed.

" Has it occurred to you that Snape was simply pretending to offer Draco help so he could figure what he was up to ? " Remus questioned.

" That's not what it sounded like," Harry insisted.

" Perhaps Harry's right Remus. I mean to make Unbreakable Vow-" Tonks trailed.

" It's come down to whether or not you trust Dumbledore's judgment. Dumbledore trusts Snape therefore I do," Remus reasoned.

" Dumbledore can make mistakes-" Harry started.

" You're blinded by hatred! " Remus accused. 

" I'm not," Harry said calmly. 

" Yes, you are! " Remus argued. " People are disappearing Harry, daily. We can only place out trust in a handful of people. If we start fighting among ourselves, we're doomed". Just as Remus finished Ginny came into the room with desserts. The three adults got up and left. Ron interrupted their moment. It was getting late and light flashed past the window. Everyone ran downstairs as a ring of fire started to circle the house. Harry saw something and took off, shortly followed by Ginny.

" Harry no ! " Mr. Weasley and Remus shouted following after the children. They came back in once piece and watched the house burn. They all wore sad faces.

**************

Over with Cortney, she sat on her bed hugging her knees. 

" Cortney," her mum said walking into the room.

" Hey mum," Cortney said looking up her smiling.

" You alright, you've seemed off the entire you've been home for Christmas break. Her mum said climbing on the bed, wrapping her arms around her daughter. 

" Do I have to go back to Hogwarts? " Cortney asked.

"Are there people giving you a hard time ? " her mum asked.

" Ya, but not a lot of people. I can handle most of it, but one person takes a bit too far. And-" Cortney trailed.

" Cort, you are a strong individual person," her mum cut her off. " Don't forget who's daughter you are? Who's your mum? "

" You," Cortney answered looking at her.

" And how would people describe her ? " her mum questioned standing up.

" The most loyal follower of the Dark Lord and a powerful witch that is not to be messed with," Cortney describe. Throwing a sassy shoulder in there.

" That's right ! Now if this particular fellow continues to give you a hard time. Remember who you are, and whip that wand out," her mum advised kissing her daughter's head.