The Hollow Beneath Hogwarts

89. Two Become One

Here's an expanded version of that section for Chapter 89, keeping the humour and character interactions while adding more detail and reactions:

The reception carried on long into the early hours of the morning.

At some point the carefully planned wedding reception had dissolved into what could only be described as organised chaos.

The elegant table had been pushed back against one wall to make room for dancing. The enchanted candles still floated overhead, though several were now bobbing lazily in time with the music as if even they had joined the celebration. Empty dessert plates sat abandoned on side tables, ties had been loosened, shoes had been kicked off, and absolutely nobody seemed interested in going to bed.

For one night they were determined to enjoy themselves.

Unfortunately, around midnight, Theo and Blaise discovered a hidden bottle of Firewhiskey.

That was where things became significantly more complicated.

"Oh no," Sloane sighed as she watched Theo pull the bottle triumphantly from somewhere beneath one of the cabinets.

"OH YES!" Theo cheered.

Blaise looked like he'd just discovered buried treasure. "My people," he whispered reverently. "I've found my people."

"You found a bottle."

"A beautiful bottle."

Luna appeared beside Sloane. "We should probably keep an eye on them."

"Definitely."

"And Ron."

Sloane followed Luna's gaze.

Ron was currently sitting happily with a glass of the special elf wine Draco had smuggled in. The same elf wine that looked like wine. Smelled like wine. Tasted like wine.

But had absolutely no alcoholic properties whatsoever.

So far Ron hadn't noticed.

Sloane was praying he never did. Because after everything he'd been through the last thing he needed was Firewhiskey.

Especially tonight.

Unfortunately Ron eventually noticed Theo and Blaise passing around the bottle. His eyes narrowed.

Then he pointed. "I'll have one."

Sloane froze.

Luna froze.

Draco froze.

Even Harry looked nervous.

"No you won't," Sloane thought. "Sure!" she said cheerfully.

Ron blinked. "Really?"

"Absolutely."

Before anyone could question her, she snatched the bottle from Theo's hands. "I'll get it."

Theo frowned. "Why?"

"Because you're drunk."

"I am not."

"You just tried to toast a lampshade."

"The lampshade was supporting the marriage."

Sloane ignored him. She hurried into her room. A few moments later she emerged carrying a glass that looked exactly like Firewhiskey.

The reality was slightly different.

The only potion she had available happened to be one Tina had left for her after she'd arrived at Hogwarts.