I Know The End {Fred Weasley, ACT I}

Chapter 30- A Not-So Surprise Party

"Surprise!"

The entirety of Gryffindor house stood before her, crowded in the common room. She recognized some others. There were the Lovegoods, Ares and Luna staring at her with the same dreamy look in their eyes. Surprise left their lips a good second after everyone else had already yelled out to her. Athena on the other hand had barely noticed her enter, she was talking to Lee so intently she missed his attention turn to Eleanor for a second.

Draco was sulking in the corner. She wondered which of her friends invited him. Probably Alicia. She seemed to despise him the least (which was surprising in itself). Draco wasn't alone. He'd brought Theo Nott, who was sneaking glances at Alfie whenever he could manage it.

Isabella and Eden waved at Eleanor lazily before returning to their drinks. Ophelia Vance was off making out with Cormac (ew) and Roman Bones was trying to hit on Katie Bell. Iris had seemingly invited as many people Eleanor was vaguely acquainted with as possible. She was glad to see Montague was not included in that group.

Iris pulled Eleanor into a hug with a squeal. She stood next to Alfie, who patted Eleanor on the back awkwardly, and Alicia who was drowning whatever was in her cup with her head tilted back.

"Were you surprised?" Iris pulled away from Eleanor, holding her at arm's length with a huge smile on her face.

"Speechless," Eleanor responded, returning her smile.

Iris squealed again before pulling Eleanor in once more for a hug. Harry stood behind Iris, drunk off his ass already, leaning against Ron for support. He was mumbling gibberish, his eyes glazed over.

"Harry, are you okay?" Eleanor asked, ripping herself away from Iris.

"He's had a lot to drink," Ron bit his lip, "like a lot. A shit ton. And you know what a light-weight he is."

"I'm s'not a light-weight!" Harry yelled out, still clutching Ron's arm for support.

"Yes you are," Ron argued as he grasped Harry by the shoulders to steady him. "I mean, Merlin, it's only ten and he's bloody wasted already. You know Harry, I wanted to get drunk too and now I'm stuck babysitting your ass."

"I don't need your help," Harry muttered, his head lolloping against Ron's shoulder as he spoke.

"Oh, really?" Ron raised an eyebrow and let go of Harry's side. Harry swayed for a second, before falling on his side. "See mate. Just take the help and stop bitching at me."

"Don't let him drink anymore," Eleanor told Ron.

"S'don't tell me what's to do," Harry slurred, "not my mom."

Eleanor let the sting slide over her. "Just take him upstairs," she instructed Ron, who was looking mortified at Harry's words. He was drunk and sad and didn't mean it, she told herself.

"I think he's drinking to make himself feel better," Iris whispered as she watched Ron pull Harry away. "I mean, with the DA at least some people believe him, but the rest of the world..."

"It's fine," Eleanor said shortly.

"Anyway... happy birthday!" Iris smiled again, broad and wide. "Well, almost happy birthday. Just a few more hours and you'll be eighteen!"

"Yay." Her words lacked enthusiasm.

"Perk up, potter," George appeared out of nowhere, pulling her into a side-hug. "We're all here in your honor."

"I think the majority of people are here in honor of free alcohol," Eleanor commented. Gryffindor didn't charge for alcohol for two reasons.

1.      Gryffindor house contained the greatest percentage of alcoholics in the making. A house that truly appreciated its liquor.