heedless by romanshome

party

The ground practically shook as the music raised through the mansion of Lily Parkinson.Athena didn't sleep well at all last night—meaning she had considerably deep bags that sunkunderneath her eyes. Her fingers fiddled as her arms pressed tightl against the light—peach dressshe wore, white designs patterned across the material, as she chewed on her lip—gloss coated lips.

Her heart was thumping in her chest, eyes sweeping across the crowded mansion with uncertainty,because she didn't actually want to be here. She knew exactly where she wanted to be, but shecouldn't afford to get hurt again.She wanted him though. She really wanted him. But she didn't deserve to satiate her cravings forhis affection, because she knew that she was just using him. She saw Scorpius in him—and that'sthe only reason she's even contemplating on sneaking away from this party and scurrying off intothe night. Mr. Malfoy didn't deserve to be used as a vessel for her pleasure. Nit after his wife diedmerely a year ago.

It was obvious he was hurting as well, just as Athena. The difference was that he was much betterat hiding it.Her blood pumped into her veins at an accelerated pace, shifting onto each foot nervously back andforth, twisting her mouth to the side in distaste. She hated parties. She always ended up losing herfriends, just as now, and she had only just arrived. Lily had welcomed her in earlier, but when sheheard that beer pong was about to take action, she slipped into the crowds with a—"Ooh—yes mama! Bring on the pong!"With a sigh, she shook her head, and headed into the kitchen. Squeezing through sweaty, dancingbodies—she managed to push past some before entering the supplied food room. Hastia wasnowhere to be seen, and neither was Albus—which left her alone to indulge in the pooled alcoholthat filled a clear bowl in the center of the wooden—sleek, shiny table in the midst of the room.Eyes trained on the red punch that was spiked with heavy amounts of vodka, she smacked her lipsbefore grabbing a red cup from the pile on the side of the platform.

"Fuck it," she muttered. Guess we're getting drunk tonight.Scooping some of the liquid into the laddle, she poured it into her cup by filling it halfway.Afterwards, she proceeded to lift the cup to her lips before inhaling sharply. She braved herself,shot her head back—and let the vile substance with a fruity tang roll down her throat. Acidic andbitter. Face twisting, she let out a cough, and retracted the brim of the cup from her lips. Wipingher mouth, she already felt the first sip begin to loosen the thoughts that racked her brain.Leaning against the fridge, she tipped her head back to rest onto it. Eyes hooded, she took countlesssips, hips slightly swaying to the music. She wasn't drunk, but she was a bit tipsy. Her limbsbecame to untighten as the stress of the past few days flew off her shoulders. The buzz began toreach her brain as someone stepped in front of her, and as her eyes narrowed, she noticed he lookedfamiliar.

When the spark of realization hit her, her lips stretched into a bright smile. "James?"The youngest Potter sent her a boyish grin, brown hair swooped to the side with gel—thick browsraising at her. A plaid, red flannel stretched across his torso, matched with a pair of jeans, whichmatched his usual persona. Simple and chill. His deep green eyes that he had inherited from hisbrother, same as his brother's, flashed with a glint as he eyed Athena. "I thought I saw you. No onehas as much curls as you, Tee. How ya' been?"

She laughed softly. "I'm good. Shit—you're in year 5 right? How's Professor Ludicrem treatingyou? I remember his tests were absolutely dreadful."He nodded, eyes rolling. "He's the worst. I usually get good marks—but the essay portion is supercomplicated. He corrects every single fucking grammatical error. Bloody physco," he muttered,taking a sip of his own drink. His brows rose. "And you? It's your last year, aye?""It's alright," she shrugged. "Can't wait to graduate.""Yeah," he murmered, clearing his throat. His eyes flickered before his smile slowly faded. Hisbrows furrowed in worry. "By the way—Al told me about what Scorpius did. That motherfucker istelling people that you broke up mutually. But I know he cheated. If you want, I can—"Athena's smile faded. She looked down at her cup. "No no, it's okay. I guess it's less embarrassingthan gettin cheated on, yeah?"