The Girl Who Lived (Draco Malfoy x OC)

The Party

September 19th 1996

Somehow Lavender had done it. She had convinced Hermione to have a birthday party. Though Harper couldn't help but notice how every time Lavender invited people, she failed to mention it was for Hermione's birthday, so really it was just turning into a party for no reason.

"At least we're having this picnic to celebrate," Harper reasoned to Ginny and Luna who were feeling worried Hermione would feel neglected.

"That's what she wanted, wasn't it?" Luna asked.

"She wouldn't want all the attention at the party anyway," Ginny added, "you know how she gets."

"Especially with the guest list Lav's put together, half of them aren't even her friends." Harper said.

"She doesn't have many friends, does she?" Luna asked in her fantastical way she often did. She swung the picnic basket in her hand with energy, excited for their lunch.

"No, Luna, she doesn't." Ginny answered. "Do you know who's on the list?"

"Well basically all of the sixth year Gryffindor-"

"It's not in your common room, is it? Because then I can't come." Luna interrupted.

"No, she's holding it in Dungeon 8," Harper corrected.

"Dungeon 8!" Ginny exclaimed. "Does she want Slytherin's to gate crash?"

Harper shrugged. "It's the best abandoned section for parties apparently. Snape doesn't care so he turns a blind eye and being in the dungeons, it's kept away from alerting anyone else."

"Except the Slytherins lurking down there," Ginny lamented.

They emerged from Hogwarts castle to the outstretch of grassy plains, further from there was a lovely picnic area Hermione favoured that had a picturesque view of the Black Lake.

"So who do you know is going?" Ginny continued.

"All you want to know is if Dean's going," Harper smirked. "And yes, he is."

The day was illuminated with that cold, pale light only September's sun could give, and the rain from last night made everything glow. Harper enjoyed the small shiver the fresh air sent through her bones. The sun was at its peak, fighting against the cool breeze. The three girls all took in deep breaths of the air as they strolled to their destination. There sat Hermione and Ron, already on a set-up picnic blanket with some utensils around them.

"Happy birthday!" Luna cheered, having not seen the birthday girl yet.

Harper and Ginny grinned as they joined them. Luna presented the picnic basket and with the swish of Hermione's and Harper's wands, the goods unpacked themselves on to several plates. Harper thought their celebration looked like something out of the Wind in the Willows, a spread of scotch eggs with sausage rolls and quiche. Little bowls of everything with too much sugar and fruit. Harper pulled out fresh baked baguettes with brie and cranberry, her mouth salivating.

"Where's Lav?" Ginny asked, organising the little cupcakes Luna baked. Harper thought they resembled a pre-school baking experiment gone horribly wrong, but said nothing.

"Running late," Harper answered. "Party planning."

"What's to plan, it isn't going to be huge is it?" Hermione asked with a small frown.

"She's a perfectionist," Harper smiled, not exactly answering the question.

Truth was, Lavender wanted to plan the biggest gathering they had ever held and she had no idea why. Something had possessed the girl to hold one big blow out. Harper could only put it down to her needing an excuse to get completely witch wasted, which made her grimace. Harper wasn't a big drinker herself, she enjoyed the occasional glass of wine now and then, but she despised the morning after. She could count the times she had been drunk on one hand.