She knew that she should never have been allowed to touch even a single drop of alcohol but once the golden liquid had been downed and spread throughout her body, she had been unable to help herself from drinking as much as she felt like drinking. Everything had been free after all and as her parents had excused themselves an hour ago and left instructions that Lucretia should summon one of the house elves for an escort home, she had no-one looking over her shoulder or looking out for her. It was safe to say that she had gotten a little carried away and had no idea how to undo the damage she was most likely doing.
     She hadnât yet spilled anything on anyone or bumped into anyone, but she had found a wall to lean against and drink while observing the room and attempting to stand up straight as she did so. She knew that people kept glancing at her and that most of her friends seemed to have vanished, so she was all alone. She wanted Severus there, to curl up to and hide her from the dirty looks she was receiving, or she wanted Narcissa to get back from socialising like the perfect pureblood that she was and help her friend out of the way, so that she was no longer someone to stare at and judge.Â
     She put her hand against a wall and stared at her champagne glass, half full, and knew that she didnât want anymore. She just wanted to leave. Just as she had the thought, an arm wrapped around her and suddenly she felt more steady on her feet and leaned against whoever had come to her rescue. âMacey?â she half stage whispered as she turned to look at the girl who was leading her away from the people to a room that was far more private and a lot quieter. âI raided the Blackâs mini barâ she giggled in the girlâs ear as they entered a better room. Lucretia moved forward slightly and almost fell into the couch rather than sitting on it, but she kept upright.
     âI need something else in me? Like what?â she asked, before frowning, and saying the first things that popped into her head. âEveryone is so judgy, Regulus can walk around in a dress but I canât get plastered on free champagne. No, no, Lucretia Greengrass has to be respectable and well behaved and must never, ever be seen to be enjoying herselfâ she said, leaning back on the sofa and taking in Maceyâs face, sighing softly. She held out her hands as if she wanted Macey to grab them, but she didnât need to be pulled up. âI didnât know you were comingâ.
âYeah, sweet, I can tell.â Macey rolled her eyes as she dragged Lucretia into the next room. She didnât understand why Lucretia had even been drinking. Of the two of them, even as kids, Macey had always been the one to push the boundaries just up until she would get in trouble, and her she was the one taking care of Greengrass. Â
She dropped her into the couch before turning back to grab a cup. She pulled her wand from her knee-high boots, casting a quiet Aguamenti and filling the cup before handing it to the other girl.  âWell, we can start with water and then Iâll go raid the food for anything that will soak up that alcohol. She sat on the couch beside her, a comfortable distance between them as she listened to Lucretia rant on. Â
âIf I remember correctly that is why you and NarSissy became so close, isnât it? She said reputation mattered and I said screw it, and you decided to go along with the status quo, didnât you?â Macey gave her a look somewhere in-between a glare and a smirk before sighing and shaking her head.  âDonât worry weâll sober you up enough to get home without issue and then we can forget this ever happened.â Like the rest of their friendship. She eyed Lucretiaâs hands but didnât take them, instead rising to stand to make her way to the door. Â
âNow why would I miss the opportunity to see Narcissa Black, the worldâs most perfect pureblood hostess, fail at maintaining dignity and order in what promised to be the biggest train-wreck of the year?â Macey smirked, a hand on the door.  âIâll be right back. Donât move, Greengrass.â Â
A few minutes passed and Macey returned, two plates stacked high with all manner of breads, sandwiches, and little snacks. She set them on the coffee table in front of them, sprawling out on the opposite side of the couch.  âEat up. Youâll need it, trust me. Iâm sure Iâve been piss drunk more than you.â Â