Only Ones Who Know

Ron's Birthday Bash

Hermione went down to the prefect common room and greeted Ron who was sitting on the couch with his arms resting on the back of it.

"Happy Birthday, Ron!" Hermione said cheerfully as she took a seat next to him. "Any plans for the day?"

"Take a wild guess." Ron nudged her playfully in the arm. "Ernie is throwing me a party tonight. We're going to sneak some Gryffindors in." Ron started counting his mates on one hand. "Harry, Neville, Dean, Seamus. They're all coming! I assume you are too?"

Hermione forced a smile at Ron. She wasn't really in a party mood. Lately, all she wanted to do was spend some alone time with Draco in his dorm.

"Come on Mione. It's not every day I turn sixteenth." Ron put an arm around Hermione. "It would mean a lot to me if you came."

"Fine, I'll go. But only for a little bit." Hermione crossed her arms. Ron stood up from the couch.

"I'll see you tonight." He said as he turned to leave the room.

Hermione watched him leave. She wished it was only going to be a small get-together but if they were sneaking people in she knew it would be the exact opposite. She told herself she would stay for cake and maybe a drink or two and then leave. She thought about her plan for a few minutes before she felt a presence behind her.

"Party tonight?" Draco whispered in her ear. "I'll see you at mine when it's over."

Hermione looked up at him hovering over her. She smiled as he bent down to kiss her neck. She couldn't help but giggle. He straightened up and gave her a wink before heading out. She wondered if they could just skip the party altogether and have one of their own in his room tonight. However, it was her best friend's birthday and it would be rude to blow him off.

***

After dinner, Hermione went back to her common room. She was amazed by the decorations. She didn't expect to see the room dressed up so extravagantly.

Gryffindor banners were hanging from the walls and ceilings along with a larger birthday banner draped over the doorway that led to the dorms. It read 'Happy 16th Ron!' In bright gold letters. On the refreshment table, there was a variety of different liquors and a two-tier cake with chocolate frosting and sixteen candles on top.

Hermione went to her room to get ready. She threw on a pair of jeans and a maroon sweater. She thought she might as well represent her Gryffindor colors for Ron tonight. On her way out, she noticed that Draco's door was cracked open. She looked down the hall to make sure nobody was watching before she snuck inside.

She pushed the door open and found Draco sitting at his desk with a bottle of what appeared to be Firewhisky. He was holding it by the neck, taking a drink when Hermione shut the door. He jumped in his seat and almost spat out his mouthful.

"Goddamnit, Granger." He said through coughs. "Don't you knock?"

"Sorry! The door was open." Hermione tried to contain her laughter as he wiped the drool off his chin. "What are you doing?"

"Well, I was getting myself ready for this party before you nearly made me choke." Draco offered her the bottle. "Care to join me?"

"I don't know. I wasn't planning on drinking that much tonight."

"Come on," Draco said, waving the bottle in her face. "Don't tell me you're too proud to have a shot with me."

Hermione narrowed her eyes at him and snatched the bottle from his grip. She took three long pulls and cringed as she swallowed the fiery liquid. She wiped her mouth and set the bottle down.