Chapter 10: Party Like it's 1997
Truth be told, Ginny didn't often go to parties without her friends. She generally had at least one or two of them with her, whether it was Nat or Vina, or Julie, or Nick or Tanner, or Luna – she would have at least one. Tonight, however, she hadn't been sure who to bring. Luckily, Ginny had heard from Julie who'd heard from Pheli that Loretta Cornhill had been not-so-subtly hinting about being invited to a Halloween party in Hogsmeade, and she'd asked Lottie if she wanted to go together. Which was why she was twiddling her thumbs at the top of the Ravenclaw staircase, waiting for the blonde as the minutes edged well past nine.
Ginny twirled a strand of hair around her finger. She'd contemplated whether or not she should do something to it – maybe some sort of color transmutation, or change of length, or even curling it beyond its natural wave – but she wasn't sure just how much effort to put into this thing. In the end, she'd decided she didn't need all the trimmings. It was a house party, not a ball; no one was going to care all that much.
Finally, after what had felt like forever (though, in reality, had been no more than ten or fifteen minutes), the Ravenclaw sixth year had emerged from the door at the top of the stairs, covered, as Ginny was, with a full-length black cloak that would hide her true intentions from anyone who happened to catch the girls between here and there.
"Sorry about that." The girl sounded anything but, as she flipped her blonde ringlets over her shoulder and began the trek down the seemingly endless tower stairs, without a backward glance to Ginny.
Ginny had never been too fond of Lottie. But the girl was her ally for tonight, so she had to make do.
"So, what's your costume?" Before Ginny could reply, the blonde was already answering her own question, "I'm going as a sweets girl, like the sort you find at the pitch – you have to see my dress, it's absolutely divine-"
Ginny really didn't care. But she listened and nodded intently as the girl babbled on, wondering if she even chose the right sort of attire for tonight.
Zabini was known for throwing amazing parties. Ginny just wasn't sure she belonged at one.
Arriving at the party some ten minutes later (a bit of walking, a bit of flying), Ginny wasn't feeling any more sure of herself. The bash was being held in a two-story dormer house located on the outskirts of Hogsmeade village, just up the hill from the Shrieking Shack. While Ginny could see the lights and people that were inside, it was silent until someone opened the door for them, and the deafening sounds of music and laughter and shouting spilled out into the cool autumn air.
The redhead vaguely recognized the older girl who answered the door, drink in hand, but she couldn't place a name or house. "Come on in!" the girl shouted, beaming, and grabbed Lottie's hand to pull her in, Ginny following behind.
They each shed their cloaks, and Ginny reminded herself she had no need to feel self-conscious. Actually, she was far more covered than many of the girls at the party – and some of the boys. Ginny had dressed as a secretary (about the only fancy dress she could cobble together from her limited wardrobe) in one of Hermione's pencil skirts, a school blouse, and a borrowed pair of reading specs, a quill tucked in her simple bowed Alice band behind her ear.
Next to Lottie's glorified cozzie, Ginny was particularly overdressed and underwhelming.
Luckily, the blonde was out of the way soon enough, already heading to the back patio, where (Ginny assumed) there was some sort of shielded pavilion. Ginny, meanwhile, made her way toward what she hoped was the kitchen.
The party was crowded, and Ginny recognized a few faces here and there, surprised to see some who'd graduated previous years. She had just stepped into the kitchen, when she heard her name called out.
"Ginny!" The girl was all lit up and rosy-cheeked as she pushed through the kitchen to get to the redhead.
"Sabs?" Ginny was surprised to find Sabrina Fawcett grinning at her and pulling her into a tight hug. "I thought you graduated-"
Sabrina tugged a lock of Ginny's ginger hair, "I did, silly, year before last. But when Zabini throws a party, you really don't want to miss it!"
Ginny knew Sabs fairly well, as they'd both grown up near Ottery St. Catchpole, and she'd been friendly enough with her brothers Fred and George, but she hadn't expected such a warm welcome from the girl. As Sabrina narrowly avoided spilling her drink on Ginny, she knew what to attribute the friendliness to. Nonetheless, the familiar face did make her feel a bit more at ease.
"What are we supposed to do here?" The redhead spoke into the brunette's ear, having to shout to be heard over the buzz of the party, unused to such large functions.
Sabrina pushed the cup into Ginny's hands. "Eat, drink, and be merry!"
Well, that couldn't be too much of a challenge, could it?
A/N: Thanks to everyone who's read (over 2,300 views!), reviewed, followed, and favorited! The next few chapters that make up the party are some of my fave scenes - hope to get some feedback from you guys as to what you think! And, as before, continued thanks to Nutmeg44 for being my plot trampoline.