It was late, Sisse knew that as she slipped alone down the halls. She hadn't wanted to spoil anyone's fun at the party, but her guilt had gotten the better of her, so she'd slipped away on her own. Another rule she was breaking. Granted, she was a prefect and went on rounds. But tonight wasn't her night and she certainly didn't want to get in trouble.

She'd had two drinks, reasoning that she was allowed the occasional glass of wine for special occasions. This had been a special occasion and she'd been rather unreasonably (perhaps reasonably, given her own nerves) nervous. Were all parties like that? Or were society parties much different?

Her thoughts were spinning as she rounded the corner and spotted the Fat Lady teasing a student. Sisse squinted and realized it was Lester, head against the wall. She stepped forward quicker, which had her head spinning, but she was determined to help - and not shout down the hallway.

As she neared him, her blue eyes sought his face. She'd seen him at the party but had lost track of him. "What's wrong?" Sisse asked softly, not wanting to risk anyone hearing them.