A Dance Through Thyme (Harry Potter)

Ausnutzung

Chapter 34: Advantage

Yet again, it has been awhile since I updated, but I thought it was more appropriate to give you this chapter now, seeing as it is Christmas in the story, and Christmas in the real world as well.

I hope you all have a lovely holiday season, and I look forward to updating you all again in the New Year.

Stay safe xx

December 1978

"No!" giggled Lily. "I'm not drinking tonight. I'm a pregnant lady and you have to do what I say!"

Sirius finally heeded to Lily's warning, but only after Marlene had laid a gentle hand on his forearm as a gentle reminder that he must behave. He put the bottle of wine on the table, before picking it up once more to top up the other glasses.

Hermione picked her glass up from the table, taking a quick sip. She had hit that sweet spot where she was feeling buzzed, but not yet tipsy. Everything seemed good with the world, even if it probably was not.

"I don't think I could eat another bite!" declared James, putting his napkin on the empty plate in front of him.

Lily giggled from beside him. "I'm afraid that I will have to concede with you on that point, darling husband."

James pretended to look aghast, his mouth opening comically.

"Lils, I think that is the first time you've said that you're full since you became pregnant. I, for one, am quite shocked," he winked at her, but Hermione noticed that he also couldn't help but put his arm around her waist to pull her in towards him.

Hermione felt her heart warm at this, but there was a simultaneous twinge of pain in her chest. James and Lily had each other, Sirius was here with Marlene. Remus was sitting at the head of the table, with Hermione at the other end.

"Hermione!" Sirius declared, obviously already slightly intoxicated despite the food they had just eaten. "Have some more wine."

He proceeded to fill Hermione's glass without waiting for an answer before turning to fill everyone else's glasses, sans Lily.

"Thank you, Sirius," replied Hermione, slightly disgruntled that he had filled her glass again before it was empty. This always made it difficult to count how many drinks she had already drunk.

'Oh well,' she thought. 'One more won't make enough of a difference.'

It was only a couple of hours later that Hermione could no longer realise how wrong her thoughts had been previously.

Her head was buzzing, and her limbs no longer felt like they were hers. She knew that she wasn't thinking straight, but she went with it. Questioning it would only mean that she would have to face the reality of her life.

She was living in hiding, during a time where she didn't really exist. She had her friends, but there were certain things in life that required someone who was more than just a friend.

Hermione jerked her head up.

How on earth did she get into the kitchen? When did that happen?

Shaking her head at her own foolishness, she decided that it would safer out of the kitchen, and away from any sharp objects.

She needed to get back to her friends, and the party. It was Christmas, and she needed to get her hands on what was left of the booze. It seemed like such a good idea.

Her legs felt like jelly as she tried to walk, but she successfully made it as far as the lounge room.

"Remus!" she cried out, plonking herself down next to him. "How are you going? Are you having fun? I am!"