Chapter 22

Tom had even made the group work on Christmas day, which didn't bother Anastasia as she had never been one to celebrate the holidays, but she could tell the other boys were annoyed. Anastasia had been trying to get closer to Mrs Avery, but she had been so busy preparing everything for the holidays it was hard to get her into a proper conversation. As she looked through her clothes deciding what to wear she realised this would be her perfect excuse, as she realised the main reason Mrs Avery gave her any time at all was because she enjoyed having a girl around the house. Anastasia quickly put on the green dress Tom had given her, and ruffled her hair up into a mess. She crept out of her room and walked down the winding corridors to Mrs Avery's room and knocked on the door. As it opened Anastasia was met by Mrs Avery in a floor-length red gown. Her hair was perfectly hairsprayed into an up-do with a neat red bow.

"I'm so sorry to bother you Mrs Avery, but I'm having a terrible hair day and I just-"

"Oh darling! Come in!" Mrs Avery smiled, ushering her into the room. There was a large double bed with a baby pink duvet and floral wall-paper. An entire wall was made of closets that led to a large bathroom. Mrs Avery pulled out the chair infront of her vanity desk and indicated for Anastasia to sit down.

"I'm so sorry I've just never been good at hair." Anastasia smiled sweetly.

"Oh sweetheart don't worry, I've been waiting to get my hands on these locks anyway." Mrs Avery winked as she began brushing. As she was being styled they gossiped and laughed. Mrs Avery started doing Anastasia's make up without asking, loving being able to pass down some female advice.

"Ok so final touch has to be jewellery!" As Mrs Avery went through her collection of earrings, then bracelets, then necklaces. Anastasia managed to ask some important questions such as: "Where do you buy your jewellery from?"

"What kind of jewellery do you like to buy?"

"Do you like antique jewellery?"

"Do you have any antique pieces?"

As the questions dragged on Anastasia began to doubt more and more that Mrs Avery was in possession of the Slytherin locket.

"Why are you so interested in antiques Anastasia? A girl of your age should be wearing new jewellery!" Mrs Avery laughed.

"Oh it's just my dad left me some items I think could be worth something, but they're not really my taste for that exact reason." Anastasia smiled as Mrs Avery placed a delicate gold chain rounder wrist.

"Oh well if you're looking to sell I'd go to Borgin and Burkes dear, or if you wish I can give your information to my friend. She is a collector of antiques and special items, she has quite the collection. I've sold things to her in the past, you know things I didn't really want anymore." Anastasia nodded.

"Oh really? What kind of things did you sell?" Mrs Avery paused for a moment as she went to shut her jewellery box.

"Just things I didn't think I should have... I happened to buy some items without knowing they were heirlooms and... well I didn't think it had any place here." Mrs Avery turned back to her smiling. Anastasia noticed how she had said "it" didn't belong with her, maybe she had sold the locket.

"Well I would love if you could put me in contact with your friend, what's her name?" Anastasia felt herself growing more confident, she was getting quite good at this lying thing.

"Hepzibah Smith." Mrs Avery held Anastasia's hands and walked her to the mirror.

"Look how gorgeous you look darling! Without all that hair falling everywhere you can see your beautiful face. That dress looks absolutely marvellous with your eyes." Anastasia's stared at her self in complete amazement. Mrs Avery had curled her hair so it fell in waves down her back, and she had pinned the sides back delicately so it framed her face. Mrs Avery had put on a pair of small diamond dangly earrings and a thin gold necklace also decorated with tiny diamonds. She looked so glamorous.

"Thank you." Anastasia whispered in bewilderment, unsure of how to feel in all the extravagance.

"You're welcome." Mrs Avery winked. "I always wanted a daughter to dress up." Mrs Avery linked their arms and escorted her out of the room. They walked down the stairs and into the drawing room to find everyone already there. The entire room seemed to go silent as they walked in, and Anastasia clung to Mrs Avery's arm. She looked around to see everyone's eyes on her, but she kept scanning looking for Tom. She saw found his eyes in the corner. He looked in absolute shock. She watched his eyes slowly drop down over her body before returning up to her face. She could have sworn she saw him blush slightly, but suddenly someone interrupted her line of sight. Elius stood in front of them with two glasses of champagne.

"Why thank you Elius, you look more dashing than ever." Elius handed them each a glass, forcing Anastasia to let go of Mrs Avery's arm.

"You look absolutely ravishing Mrs Avery, as do you Miss Delaney." As Anastasia took the glass the skin on their fingers brushed against each other, making her silently gasp.

"Thank you Mr Lestrange." Mrs Avery gave Anastasia a sly smile before leaving her side.

"You could possibly be the most beautiful creature I've ever laid my eyes upon Miss Delaney." Elius whispered with a cheeky grin on his face. Anastasia laughed.

"I'm afraid that is simply the magic of make-up and hairspray Mr Lestrange." Elius laughed but as he was about to say something else the boys came and joined them.

"Anastasia you look... well blimey." Rosier smiled, automatically making Anastasia a little more relaxed.

"I mean my goodness Anastasia, where have you been all my life?" Nott joked, making her bust out laughing. She looked to see Elius shoot her a little wink before turning to walk away.

"You look so... girly." Mulicber exclaimed with a contorted face.

"Well I am a girl believe it or not." Anastasia retorted, making them all giggle. She looked over to see Tom watching her intensely. She wanted to desperately to go over and tell him about the progress she had made with Mrs Avery, but before she had the chance the dinner bell rang.

Mrs Avery had labelled seats for everyone, and Anastasia noticed her watching as Elius and Anastasia realise they had been placed next to each other.

"How lucky am I?" Anastasia laughed as the pair sat down.

"I believe the luck is all mine Miss Delaney. Somehow I seem to have managed the most sought after seat at the table." Elius gave a quick glance down the table towards Tom who was sat next to Mrs Avery, watching Anastasia. Anastasia blushed and looked down at her plate.

"I suppose this means we can continue our tradition of  ignoring all the polite conversation around us." Anastasia smiled.

"Yes, I believe it does." Elius didn't try and hide his gaze towards her lips. 

As the meal began Anastasia felt Elius move slightly closer next to her, and she suddenly felt his hand land gently on the top of her thigh. Anastasia's eyes widened and she released a small gasp, making Elius smile. Tom noticed the change in her posture and snapped his eyes towards her. She looked at him for a moment before returning her gaze to the plate in front of her. Elius slowly squeezed her thigh over the satin dress. Anastasia felt her stomach twist and a her underwear grow warmer. She couldn't bring herself to look up at him, knowing her cheeks were flaring up. This only encouraged Elius more, as he could see the effect he was having on her. Elius kept smiling while slowly rubbing his hand up and down her thigh, at some moments getting closer and closer to her core, throughout the meal. As soon as it was over Anastasia looked up to see Tom get up and leave immediately, his face pale with anger.