Time Spent In Eternal Endings

Dizzying Conversations and Blurred Lines

They apparated to a pub that was owned by Theo's father. His father had a rum company, but after he died in the war the company was handed over to Theo. Which meant-

"Free drinks everyone!" Theo yelled as they walked into the place.

The place had a few other people occupying it, but it was nothing crazy. Hermione could use a few drinks to help her relax.

They went to a table with barstools. Probably not the best idea seeing as though they were all about to be drunk off their arses.

Hermione was actually kind of excited to drink tonight. It had been so long since she felt the tingly floating feeling that alcohol gave her.

Pansy sat next to Blaise who sat next to Theo. Luna had left to go home early, which left two seats. One was across from Theo while the other was right next to it. She took the empty seat across from Theo which left Malfoy with the seat between her and Theo. Malfoy was up getting drinks. When he returned he paused before sitting. Probably questioned if he could make someone switch seats. The tray of drinks floated onto the table. Hermione and Blaise got a butterbeer while the rest of them got rum. Besides Pansy, she got vodka and club soda.

"Do you ever drink anything besides butterbeer Granger?" Malfoy asked in a condescending tone.

"Hey, watch your tone mate. I quite enjoy my butterbeer." Blaise was offended.

"Is your name Granger?"

"No." Blaise pouted.

"I don't know. Just never been one to try new things" she shrugged.

Malfoy just laughed under his breath as he took a sip of his rum. Not a response whatsoever.

"Here Hermione, try some of mine. You might not like it, but who knows maybe you will." Theo held his glass to her.

Malfoy's ring sounded from his glass beside her. He was tapping it against the crystal. Almost fidgeting if she had to label it.

She grabbed the glass from Theo and everyone turned towards her to watch the moment of truth. All but Malfoy who had been staring at her from the moment they sat down.

She took a sip and it tasted so sweet but bitter at the same time and Merlin it burned like hell. Definitely didn't go down easy.

"Why the hell do you drink this?" Her features were scrunched up with disgust as she washed it down with butterbeer.

They all laughed.

"It was worth a shot," said Pansy.

They all continued to talk about professional quidditch and the return to school. Hermione was on her fourth butterbeer. She had a higher tolerance than she remembered, but her head felt light and airy though. She was definitely more giggly than normal. She had to go to the bathroom though before she laughed too hard. She went to lean to one side of the stool to get off but it tilted too much and lifted off of the floor.

She gasped thinking she was about to hit the floor, but Malfoy grabbed the seat and pushed it back down before it fell.

"Thanks." She laughed then hiccuped.

Malfoy just looked at her with eyes that said he was worried she had one too many.

"You guys I'm fine—really, but I won't be if I don't get to the bathroom."

"I'll take her," Pansy said.

"No, you will certainly not. You are no better than her." Theo sat Pansy back down.

"Get your drunk arse up." Draco lifted her off the stool and she clung to his arm for stability. His ring was cold on her heated skin from where he held her up.