Week 1 Trope: Muggle AU
Rating: G
Word Count: 350
Warnings: N/A
Result: 3rd Place
The HOA
The Homeowners' Association assembled in a circle because, in their community: Everyone Has a Voice.
Except for Harry, who ran the damn meetings and couldn't sneak a word in edgewise.
"I propose a one-unit limit on holiday inflatables," Hermione said over the group's mutterings. "While these decorations are entertaining, we need to consider the drawbacks."
"Like what?" drawled Draco. "Increasing the Grinch's heart size without proper permitting?"
Harry leaned against his lectern, head in hand. Not again.
"They're a resource drain. Keeping them illuminated and inflated all night utilizes energy from unrenewable sources—"
"Except that I've been on solar since spring," Draco said.
"They're bright," Hermione continued, "and can disturb children's sleep cycles. Studies have shown—"
"Don't Rose and Hugo's rooms overlook your backyard?"
Harry looked up from his useless agenda. How did Draco know Hermione's floor plan?
"And they're tacky." This final offense silenced the room. Poor taste was the highest crime of which a Godric's Hollow resident could be accused.
Draco stood, brushing invisible lint from his khakis.
"My dragon inflatable is not tacky," he said.
"The one with the witch stirring her cauldron is."
"Why? Too much of a resemblance?"
"That's enough," Harry said, trying to sound authoritative. "Remember rule one."
"Civilians keep it civil," the HOA intoned.
"Let's vote on it," Draco suggested. "Those in favor?"
Hermione's hand shot up. A scorching look around the room earned a few more, but it wasn't a majority.
"Sorry, Hermione," Harry said.
She took her seat, silent until Draco approached after the meeting. Harry hung back in case they needed an intervention. Or the police.
"You're mad at me," he said.
"If you don't want to take this further, fine," Hermione hissed, "but tell me directly instead of shacking up with some blonde."
"That's Astoria's sister. She was visiting Scorpius last week. You thought I would… After we…" Draco frowned. "Bring the kids over for dinner tonight," he said. "Let me explain."
Hermione relented with a huff. "Fine."
"Agreed," Harry agreed, fighting a grin and drawing their aghast eyes. "Just let me know which of you will be selling."