The Banquet

Only after the old bat had gone on ahead for a while did Hermione take Allen's offered arm and climb the marble steps. Before long, they had entered Slughorn's office.

Because several Undetectable Extension Charms had been cast on it at short notice, Slughorn's office was now much larger than usual. Emerald, crimson, and gold draperies hung from the ceiling and walls, making it look like a huge tent, but the room still felt crowded and stifling from the sheer number of people, and everything was flushed red by a golden chandelier hanging in the center of the ceiling.

"Those are House-elves inside," Hermione said, looking up at the lamp. Allen followed her gaze and saw elves flickering within it, each one a bright point of light. From a far corner came loud singing that sounded as if it were being accompanied by mandrake bells.

"They probably can only see the guests' legs." Hermione sounded rather indignant. Allen followed her gaze and saw several House-elves weaving through the crowded room, heavy silver trays in their hands hiding their bodies from direct view by the other wizards. They looked like little wandering tables.

Allen comforted her gently, "It will change. At least the House-elves working at Umbrella have already accepted holidays."

Hermione still looked somewhat angry. "But during working hours they ask for overtime to make up the holiday time... and they still refuse to accept wages."

"Hermione, you have to look on the bright side. At least we've begun getting them to accept 996. That's already the blessing you've brought them." After saying that, Allen put an arm around Hermione. "Let's go over first."

Slughorn was wearing a velvet hat with a poppy on it that matched his smoking jacket, and was chatting warmly with Josephine Harris, who wore a