Three weeks later you sat staring into a mirror. Your face delicately covered by an elegant black mask. Your black and white dress fell to the floor. It flowed behind you like it was carried by wind every time you took a step.
                You weren't allowed to wear bright colors. Your father didn't want you to stand out. But he had a hard time masking your natural beauty, no matter how many times he covered your body with scars and bruises.
               Your mother walked in, her emerald green ball gown trailing behind her. She dropped the box she was holding, rushing over to admire you. "Darling, you look beautiful. Stunning. Absolutely stunning." She beamed. She quickly shut your bedroom door and lowered her voice as she moved to pin your (H/C) into a bun. "Cedric will be here soon, my love. I told him to look for the house elf I've positioned outside, which will lead him to the rose garden. The one where you spend all your time. Keep him away from your father. I know you love him, darling, but this was a very risky idea." You sighed, nervously.
               "I know. But I can't survive another ball alone. I can't keep spending my life alone. Especially locked up here. I missed him like crazy. I need to see him. Even if it is a risk. And I don't want to be set up with another arrogant pure-blooded boy, who can't keep his hands to himself. I hate Father's parties. They're of no benefit to me. I just want to enjoy one for once in my life." Your mother nodded solemnly as she pushed the last pin into your hair.
               "Your father will be too immersed in our guests to notice your boyfriend. I hope. But I would advise you not to show any large displays of affection. That will draw attention to you. And right now, that's the last thing we want. I must attend to your brother. Twelve years old and still doesn't know how to properly dress himself, it's ridiculous. Before I go I brought you a gift," she replied gently, handing you a black velvet box.
               You opened the box carefully. Inside was the largest diamond necklace you had ever seen. Your mother smiled at your utter disbelief. You shook your head as she clasped it around your neck. You turned around, enveloping her in a delicate embrace. She chuckled lightly, hugging you back. "Now you truly look like the princess you are! It was the necklace I wore the day of my wedding, but it's yours now. I'm getting to old to wear it." You nodded a thank you as she swept out of your room, probably to find Matt.
               You glanced in the mirror one last time before silently making your way down the stairs. The party was just beginning. You managed to reach the back door, unnoticed. You quickly yanked open the French Doors and slipped into the night air. You could hear the beautiful melodies from the orchestra floating through the air as you made your way towards the rose garden. You turned around the hedges only to find the garden completely empty. You sighed and sat down on a stone bench that over looked a small pond. Your wrapped your arms around yourself. You released a freezing breath, shivering from the night air.
               A rush of warmth coated your body as a cloak was draped over your shoulders. You smiled and turned around. A tall figure with a pearl white mask greeted you. You pulled yourself off the bench and wrapped your arms around his torso. "You look magnificent tonight. I was worried I wouldn't be able to find you. I missed you," he whispered in your ear. You grinned as you grasped his chin in between your fingers, kissing him lightly.
               "I missed you too, Ced. And if I may add, you look quite dashing yourself." He smiled kissing you again. His gloved hand moved itself to your face, cradling your cheek. His thumb traced an invisible pattern into your skin, making you blush madly.
               "How are you, baby? You neglected to write me all Holiday. And then I turn up here. Miles away from my own home to sneak into a private party at your request." You sighed, averting your eyes. He looked at you, concern lacing his features.
               "My mother collected all of your letters. I read them all but I couldn't write back. My father locked me in my room. I couldn't respond. I'm sorry." His soft lips were once again positioned over your own. You sighed, leading him back to the bench.
               "Don't apologize. I'm sorry. I didn't know. Did he hurt you? Are you alright? What happened?" You shook your head, trying to hold the tears in. On instinct he wrapped a protective arm around you. Your buried your face into him, as he rubbed your back.
               "He didn't beat us as much but we were starved a lot. Maybe a meal a day. Some days we'd have no food at all. Although the first week home I glared at him and he set my hair on fire. Then he smacked me. But other than that nothing really." Cedric's eyes burned with fury. You sighed sadly.
               "I'm so sorry, baby. Holiday will be over in a week. Just hang in there for one more week. Then we get to go home. Just think about Quidditch and late nights in the astronomy tower. We'll be okay. Just try and stay strong." You nodded as he nuzzled his face into the crook of your neck. You sighed happily before standing abruptly.
               "We should go in. Before he notices I'm missing. No one ever pays any attention to me so it shouldn't be too hard to stay out of sight." He bit his lip nervously.
               "What if someone notices me? Won't people from school be here? What if they recognize me? They'll know I don't belong." You thought for a moment before pulling out your wand. You sucked in a breath before waving it carefully a few times. A few sparks shot out of the tip and showered down on him. He looked at you suspiciously.
               "It's a charm. You look the same to me and to yourself but when other people see you, you'll look like an entirely different person." His face lit up in delight.
               "Brilliant! Why didn't I think of that? Now, shall we?" He asked offering you his arm. You took it gratefully, glad to have him near you. You led him back towards the manor, pausing fearfully at the door. Was this going to work? He gave you a reassuring smile and placed his lips over your ear. His words tickled your skin as he spoke. "Don't be afraid. I've got you. We're safe. Don't worry too much. Let's enjoy ourselves. Let's crash a masquerade."