𝑮𝑹𝑬𝑬𝑲 𝑻𝑹𝑨𝑮𝑬𝑫𝒀 [𝑺𝑰𝑹𝑰𝑼𝑺 𝑩𝑳𝑨𝑪𝑲]

vii.

The Ravenclaws were courteous, as always, and the party after the first Quidditch match of the year celebrated the Gryffindors just as much as the victors. Phaedra couldn't deny that she wished the spectacularly decorated room was in shades of emerald, perhaps with a large banner that said 'Slytherin Wins!' just to really stick it to the Gryffindors.

She had been looking forward to the party almost as much as playing the Gryffindors (she had no illusions they wouldn't win). Ravenclaws threw the best parties - it was a simple fact of Hogwarts. The creative ones made the best decorations, and knew exactly how to set the perfect mood and ambiance. The meticulous ones, who liked to plan, always made sure there were enough drinks, food and trash cans. It wasn't just a small party in the Slytherin Common Room, so Phaedra wore her best dress at Penelope's urging, a mid-length emerald slip dress with a generous slit. For once, she allowed her hair to keep its natural wave, though she brought the hair from her temples into a small bun in the back of her head with her emerald ribbon.

She shouldn't have accepted the shot of Firewhisky before starting her makeup, but it didn't look half-bad, she decided. Or maybe, she was already beginning to feel fuzzy, but she rather enjoyed the way the smudged black eyeliner lined her eyes and her lipstick slightly smudged, making the lines appear softer and less harsh.

She loved the way her heels sounded on the stone floor, and the way Bellatrix's laughter echoed in the Grand Staircase. Everything buzzed around her, in a pleasant way, and Phaedra found that the smile on her face felt far more natural than usual. The Firewhisky loosened her friends, too, and their stiffness towards her slowly faded. Edmond slung his arm around her shoulder, and Narcissa walked close on her other side, occasionally grasping Phaedra's arm for balance. She didn't mind.

Bellatrix led the way, and she glanced back with a crooked grin, eyes slightly glazed over, "I wish they would just leave the door open, but sometimes the riddle is fun."

The others groaned, but Andromeda pushed forward, "Leave it to me." She led them towards the bronze door knocker and knocked thrice. It was shaped like a bronze bird, and it sprung to life with what seemed to be a mischievous grin, "Ah, more partygoers. At this rate, I won't get a full eight hour's rest. Here's your riddle: what is always in front of you but cannot be seen?"

Phaedra blinked slowly. She had always prided herself on her quick mind, but at least when she drank, she couldn't ever process the riddles the door knocker gave. As she tried to think about what he meant by in front of her (because it was just him, and she could definitely see him), Alecto cleared her throat.

"The future," Phaedra had forgotten she was behind them, and the doormaker made a satisfied clicking noise. Andromeda made a small huffing noise, and she glanced over her shoulder. Before the door swung open he said, "You Slytherins are always so clever. Have fun - stay safe!"

They had all barely entered the dimly lit Common Room, with pumping music that Phaedra thought to be of muggle origin, when Cynthia Rowle scurried over to them, bumping into the couch slightly. She cursed under her breath and scowled at the piece of furniture before greeting them, "Phaedra, Edmond, come - we made drinks for the winners. I hope you like Firewhisky!" Phaedra allowed the Ravenclaw to whisk her away, praying that Edmond wouldn't leave her side.

The room was packed, and her senses began to overload. To calm herself, Phaedra allowed herself to sway to the beat, leaning on Edmond slightly when her weight pitched itself. The music was barely audible over the chatter of the crowd - she could hear cheers from a drinking game over in the corner that she didn't recognize. Probably some muggle game; the Ravenclaws had pulled over a table and set up a triangle of disposable cups on each side.

Phaedra rolled her eyes when Cynthia looked back over her shoulder, glancing critically on the stabilizing hand Edmond had on her back, but the other girl said nothing, and a group of Ravenclaws clapped the two Slytherins on their backs.