Have you reviewed last chapter already?

Now here you go, Mathilda's party. I posted this one quickly as well in order to be able to quickly move on with the summer holidays. Only a little more to go and then we can go back to Hogwarts! Whooh!

CHAPTER 22

I arrived at a post office with yellow walls and soft green countertops. I could hear (and smell) the owlery in the back. A couple of seconds after I was spewed out the fireplace, a woman with black hair and a mole above her lip came in through a back door, wearing the uniform robes of the National Magical Post Services. 'Hello, how can I help you?' She said in a friendly tone. 'I'm sorry, I was given this address to meet my friend.' I explained. 'Oh.' She replied, a sour look on her face. 'Well, feel free to take a seat.' She said, gesturing to the wooden benches by the wall. I took her suggestion and sat down.

The woman didn't go back to the back but instead said on a high stool behind the counter, giving me suspicious glances as she sifted through letters, sorting them into two piles. I was thankful when Aurora finally showed up.

I hadn't seen Aurora in weeks. She had gone to visit her boyfriend, friendly Robin from Germany, at his house in the Black Forest, down south. She had only just arrived back in Britain. I had received a short note when she came back but we hadn't met yet so I was happy to see my friend again.

'I haven't seen you in a million years!' She shrieked as we grasped at each other, crushing one another in a hug. 'A trillion!' I corrected happily. 'You're so tan!' I added. I suddenly realized how many blonde people I knew. There was Aurora, obviously, my mum and aunt, there was Felix too. I had some sort of blond hair too, albeit a dirty looking ash blonde. But Aurora was a really light blonde. And it looked even lighter now her skin had become so tan.

'Yes, there was a river near Robin's house that we would swim in.' Aurora said as we left the post office. We looked around the street we were in. It seemed to be a tiny muggle village. The end of the street seemed to be the end of the town. There was only one man in the street, a muggle man with a dull face and a hat with a short cap. He didn't seem to see us though so I guessed that there were muggle repellent and disillusionment charms on the magical post office and the front step we were still standing on.

'Which way is Adrian's house?' Aurora wondered out loud. 'I think we need to go left.' I said, sounding more confident than I felt. Still, I had gotten directions from Mathilda in her letter. 'Anyway, I was soaking up the sun pretty much half the time I was there.' Aurora continued her story as we walked down the street, finally catching the eye of the muggle. He looked up, looked back down again but then promptly looked back up, taking in our robes. We quickly kept moving.

'I mean, it rained a couple of days too.' Aurora said, shrugging. 'But nothing that us U.K. girls can't handle, right?' She joked, pricking her elbow in my side.

'How was Robin doing? Did you two have fun?' I asked her and she sighed dreamily. 'It was simply amazing.' She told me. 'He taught me more French as well and since his parents spoke more French than English, I really got to practise as well.' She said and I laughed. 'I don't think I've ever met anyone more suited for Ravenclaw than you.' I quipped with a laugh. 'Visiting your handsome foreign boyfriend and one of the first things you tell me is how you've been improving your language skills.' And at that Aurora also started laughing. 'Maybe you can teach me a bit though. I'd love to learn too.' I admitted and she nodded. 'Let's start once we're back in school. We could make it a weekly thing?' She suggested.

Next she asked me about my internship and I told her about how my job had been since we had started the holidays. The Kent landscape around us was bushy, with trees and little towns in the distance but the golden hay on the fields made the soft hills glow in the hue of summer, even with the darkening skies. 'Are we nearly there?' Aurora asked me and I was about to say "I wish I knew" when I saw what we were looking for.

It was a wooden pole only slightly taller than the two of us, a large bell hanging of the end like it was at the gallows. The wood had copper letters nailed to it, spelling out "Pucey Manor". I wondered if this pole was also charmed not to be noticed by muggles. 'We have to ring it.' I said as I reached my hand up to grab the rope, thrashing it about to make the bell ring an impressive "ding dong". With a cracking sound there was a house elf that apparated next to us.

'Oh hey.' Aurora greeted the small creature as it bowed to the two of us. 'Deeley at your service, miss and miss.' The house elf squeaked at us in a high pitch. 'We're here for Mathilda's birthday.' I said hesitantly but luckily the elf knew what I was talking about. 'Yes miss, Deeley will take you.' Deeley said. It took both our hands and disapparated.

I had never apparated before, side-along or otherwise. It was illegal for under aged wizards and witches to apparate to begin with, let alone without a license and side along apparition was only allowed if there was an emergency because it was so risky. I wondered if house elf apparition was different to wizarding apparition, considering that house elves could in fact legally side along apparate. Whatever the case, it was an uncomfortable experience. It felt like I was suddenly forced through a shoot, the sides pressing into me and for the slightest panicky moment I couldn't breathe. Then we arrived.

The sea was roaring underneath us as we stood atop the White Cliffs of Dover. Faraway, in the curve of the cliffs, I could see a muggle town, lights were glowing in the night. 'Deeley has brought you to the house, miss and miss!' Deeley squealed and we all turned around away from the cliff to see a manor house of a dark brick. It had a distinct 18th century feel to it, spires sticking out by the roof and the walls stone and thick. It was almost dark already (only a small sliver of sun at the horizon was still painting the sky a dark grey) but I think I could spot a greenhouse at the side of the house.

'Adrian's got a nice little place here.' Aurora commented. 'What a view.' I agreed, looking over my shoulder once more to look off the cliff. 'The Master inherited it from his father and he from his father. The family built it in 1748. Young Master Adrian will inherit it in due time too, he will.' The house elf told us.

We got to the front door and Deeley traced its long fingers along the doorpost until we heard a clear "click!" and the door swung open. 'If the two misses would move along to the salon, that'd make Deeley very happy indeed!' Deeley said. We thanked the creature and went in. 'Wow!' Aurora said and I had to agree.

It was a grand hall. Dark brown wood, lush red tapestries, golden chandeliers and cold stone floors covered in rich carpets. We could hear music down the hall and we followed our ears. 'It's just two doors away, ladies.' One of the paintings said and we thanked it and went in the mentioned door. The painting was right, but we were blocked from seeing the salon by Mathilda. She must've been standing right by the door because as soon as we entered she let out a shrill scream and almost tackled us in an embrace.

'I'm so glad you guys are here!' She yelled and when she pulled back I saw that she was wearing an expensive looking pair of golden robes, shimmering in the lantern light of the fancy salon. 'And Aurora!' She called out. 'I haven't seen you in weeks! How was visiting your Beauxbatons beau in Germany?' She asked and Aurora was about to answer when Mathilda interrupted, swinging her arms around our shoulders. 'Come on, we're going to have so much fun tonight.' She said.

The salon was full with people. I vaguely recognized some of them, probably from Hogwarts (although seeing them out of uniform made it slightly more difficult to place them) but others I had never seen before. Some were dancing, some were sitting on the sofas and on tables talking to each other. It looked like a successful house party and I felt ill thinking that I had to spend all night pretending to feel at home. Mathilda pulled us from the quite magnificent salon into a smaller parlour, that was similar to the room we just left but even more crowded.

'Aurora, join me for two seconds alright, I have the book I borrowed from you.' Mathilda said, taking Aurora's hand. 'Don't leave me!' I hissed but Mathilda rolled her eyes, not stopping and Aurora gave me an apologetic look.

I stood in the entrance, frozen, but luckily no one seemed to notice me. Except for one person. 'I didn't think you'd want to come.' A voice said from behind me and I spun around to see Adrian's friend Cassius Warrington stand there with a drink in his hand.

'I'm wondering why I did, right at this moment.' I joked, a sour look on my face. He laughed and went to stand beside me as we surveyed the room. 'Adrian's in a right state. He wants to have everything perfect for his girlfriend.' He said and I smiled. 'Mathilda's a pain sometimes.' I said fondly and Warrington chuckled. 'Adrian can take it.' He just said.

I still felt uncomfortable talking to boys, especially older Slytherin boys, but Warrington had always been nice to me as we were both stuck being the best friends of the weirdly happy couple. 'You have a drink already?' He asked and I held up my empty hands. 'Can I get you something?' He asked. I shrugged. 'Maybe? A butterbeer would be nice.' I said and he gave me a nod. 'I'll be right back.' He said, disappearing into the crowd.

That's when Mathilda and Aurora came back, Aurora carrying a copy of A Halcyon Ailurophile by Tabby Gatto. 'Sorry for leaving.' Aurora said, stuffing the book in the purse she was carrying. 'Don't apologize, Cecilia is a big girl.' Mathilda interjected. 'Come on, let's dance!' She said, pulling at my wrist as well as Aurora's. I peeled her fingers away though. 'You go, I'll be right here.' I said, not at all feeling confident enough to dance. Mathilda gave me a look but then relented and slipped away through the throng of people, together with Aurora.

I almost immediately regretted letting myself be let alone. I was in a room with loads of older people I didn't or barely knew. What was I going to do? Luckily Warrington came back with my butterbeer then. I thanked him before taking a sip. 'Adrian and I and a couple of others were playing a game of Exploding Snap, if you want to join..?' He wondered out loud, already turning away. 'I don't think that, ehm..' I murmured. He turned back to me. 'Lighten up Wiggleswade, you're at a party.' He said. I shrugged. 'I guess I'll come.' I replied.

In the corner of the room a group of about four people were indeed playing a card game around a small salon table. Adrian Pucey was one of them and I recognized Terence Higgs, another Slytherin in their year. The other two I didn't recognize. 'Well, you know Adrian.' Warrington said, introducing me to the group. 'The pretty boy is Terence Higgs, next to him is Noah Blumenthal, he works with Terrence's uncle overseas and that's his cousin Jacob Blumenthal.' He pointed at the two men, both stocky with dark hair and eyes. They greeted me, a distinct American accent lacing their words. I nervously waved back. 'Chaps, this is Cecilia Wiggleswade, she's a friend of the birthday girl.' Warrington told them.

'Is there room for two more players?' Warrington asked, sitting down on a free armchair. 'Yeah, we'll deal again.' Jacob Blumenthal said and all the cards were gathered and passed down to his cousin who first cut the cards and then shuffled them. 'You should get some self-shuffling ones.' Noah Blumenthal complained as he put the cards face down on the table.

Warrington looked up. 'Are you not going to sit? It's very uncomfortable to play while standing up.' He commented drily and I looked around the table. There were no more free chairs. It was silent for a moment as they all looked at me and I flushed, feeling embarrassed. Then Adrian stood up. 'Merlin, take my bloody seat then.' He said and I was about to refuse but he had walked off already to get another chair. I sat down gently.

When Adrian came back, he set the chair in between me and Warrington. 'Move over Cassius.' He grumbled and Warrington made room for Adrian to fit in. 'Thank you.' I whispered at Adrian but he either didn't hear me or he ignored me and I flushed an even deeper shade of red and looked down at the cards that had been dealt for me in the meantime.

'Before we start, anyone wants some drinks?' Asked Terence Higgs and there were murmurs of agreement. He was about to get up but Adrian stopped him. 'I'll get them.' He said and he smacked the table with a flat hand. Deeley the house elf appeared with a cracking sound next to its master. 'Firewhisky all around.' He barked and the house elf bowed, its nose reaching the floor. 'Yes, young master Adrian!' It peeped, disapparating once again. 'Now, let's play.' Adrian continued.

I wasn't good at card games. It required a level of fast thinking and facial composure that I didn't possess. To add that we also played an American version of the game that I didn't know the rules of perfectly well. The two American cousins, apparently from New York, wanted to gamble money on the game but after Adrian and Warrington gave each other a pointed look and glanced at me sideways, they declined the offer. I was thankful that they did.

I also didn't really know what to do with my drink. Deeley had brought me a firewhisky as well even though I was still working on my butterbeer. After I had pushed it around the table for a couple of minutes Terence Higgs had reached in front of me and took my glass of firewhisky and downed it one go.

I found a chance to escape when Mathilda showed up and distracted the whole table by stealing Adrian's playing cards and holding them over her head as he irritably tried to reach them without having to get up from his chair. I quietly slipped out of the room, leaning against the wall as I stood in the corridor. There were only a few candles burning around me so it was a bit dark, but at least I was alone. The music wasn't as loud either and the air felt cooler in my lungs.

'You want to explore the manor?' I heard Aurora's voice ask. I looked around to see Aurora stand by the entrance of the drawing room, light of the room shine from the back of her, illuminating her almost platinum blonde hair. 'You don't always get a chance to see the family manor of such a rich snobby sort from the inside.' She added as I stayed quiet a little longer. I smiled. 'Yeah, alright.' I agreed and together we started down the hallway.

We left rooms alone to which the door was closed, not wishing to intrude, but all else was as imposing and impressive as the location of the house on top of the cliff. We were stoked when we found the library. It was certainly not as big as the Hogwarts library or even the public library in Diagon Alley. It was the size of a good sized bedroom but the ceiling was high, books reaching all the way up. There was a sliding ladder positioned against one of the walls.

'Oh wow!' Aurora exclaimed as we tentatively walked into the room. 'I'd do anything for a private library like this.' I fell in with her. Aurora stepped onto the wooden ladder, holding onto the handles tightly. 'What books do you think they have in here? I bet they have some real rare ones.' Aurora said to me and I shrugged as I walked up to the grand cherry desk at the end of the room, its back to the window. It was pitch black outside the window.

I gasped out loud when I saw what was on the desk. 'Merlin almighty, they have a copy of Roots of Power by Eric Wanbe!' I called out and Aurora laughed in disbelief. 'That's been a Forbidden Book since Grindelwald already!' Aurora said. She looked up the ladder. 'What else do you think they have?' She took a breath. 'The Shrieking Book?' She asked out loud. Nothing happened. 'How about Most Potente Potions? Aaaah!' She shrieked out as the ladder zoomed away along the wall speedily, only to suddenly come to a halt again. 'Hey!' Aurora said happily. 'Rory, are you okay?' I asked her concerned. 'I've found it!' She replied excitedly. She pulled a big, fragile looking book out of the bookcase. 'Phineas Bourne's Most Potente Potions.' She said as she stepped off the ladder and showed me the book. She was right.

I held up Roots of Power. 'That's at least two Forbidden Books in the Pucey private library. 'Maybe it's better we get out of here.' I suggested, opening the book to look at the page of contents. It being Forbidden made it all the more interesting. I couldn't supress a shiver as I read the chapter titles, including "Takers of Power", "The Greater Good", "The Muggle Takeover" and "The Oppression of the Pureblood" among other chapters that glorified pureblood customs and prejudices.

I put the book down on the desk again. 'Yeah, let's leave.' Aurora said as she walked back to the bookcase and slipped Most Potente Potions back in between the other books. I looked at Roots of Power as it lay in the middle of the desk. I realized that it must've been read recently if it was just lying there.

Aurora and I quickly left with one last wistful look at the ceiling high bookcases, and were now exploring the upstairs. We had accidentally walked in on a couple making out on a sofa in one of the upstairs drawing rooms and we were giggling as we zigzagged through the pillars. 'Are you ready to go back to the party now?' Asked Aurora as we stood still by a window, looking over the grounds at the back of the house. We couldn't look far due to nightfall but I could still tell there was a labyrinth at one side of the gardens. The image of a maze on the Hogwarts Quidditch pitch flashed through my mind.

'I don't really feel like it, Rory. But I understand if you want to go back. I know you like parties more than I do.' I told Aurora. I turned around and slipped down the wall, leaning my head against the velvet wallpaper, adorned with a lovely flower pattern. Aurora sat down next to me. 'You're not mad at Mathilda, are you?' She asked me and I shrugged. 'No, it's her birthday. She should have her party.' I replied.

I let out a puff of air, feeling frustrated. 'It's just that Mathilda doesn't really understand how hard it is for me, these kinds of things. I mean she does try.' I said and Aurora put an arm around me. 'Let's stay out here a little longer.' She suggested.

When we finally made an appearance back at the party I found a space by the wall and spent the rest of the night there, looking over the dancing, smoking and drinking crowd. Aurora stayed with me for a bit but then joined Mathilda who was dancing along with the choreography of Blush!, a girl group with upbeat pop songs. Mathilda had shouted at us to join, all the while fumbling through the girl dance steps herself, but I had smiled at her and shook my head. She relented and settled for just having Aurora with her.

Aurora didn't come back to the wall and I didn't blame her. She was more sociable than I was. Mathilda did come to see how I was. Or to tell me how she was really. 'I'm having the best time, Cecil! How do you like my robes by the way? Adrian bought them for me.' She said, her cheeks red from the heat and exercise. I took a look at the glimmering gold robes she wore as she spun a circle for me. 'They're gorgeous, Tilda.' I told her.

'Also, I was talking to Adrian and later, when the party is over, we are going to get some coffee at a pub he knows. Just you and me and Adrian. And maybe Cassius.' She said. 'Not Aurora?' I asked but Mathilda shook her head. 'Aurora has to go home in the morning.' She told me. 'You are planning this for the morning!?' I called out and Mathilda laughed. 'Mathilda, I have my internship in the morning. I have to be there at nine.' I said. I felt a slight panic take over. 'Can't you owl in sick?' Asked Mathilda but I quickly shook my head. 'No, I can't. Don't you have your internship as well?' I asked her and she let out another laugh. I suspected she might've had a drink too many.

'Two producers of the WWN are here right now. They know I'm not coming in tomorrow.' She said with a giggle. 'Well, I'm still going.' I countered. She groaned. 'Whatever, we'll get you breakfast at the pub.' She told me. 'Afterwards we'll personally drop you off at the Ministry.' She added.

Mathilda was right when she thought that the party wouldn't wind down until the morning. It was almost seven in the morning when the last person, one of her colleague interns apparently, left the front entrance. 'I'll see you, Goodfellow!' he called in a drunken slur as he walked towards the edge of the cliff. I held my breath as he stumbled, dangerously close to falling to his death, but then he righted himself again and looked back. 'I'll tell the boss that you feel too good for the job.' He shouted over the roaring of the tides down below. Mathilda held up two fingers to him and he waved before apparating away.

Mathilda turned to me, looking at the grandfather clock over my shoulder. 'It's time for breakfast I reckon, so our pristine Cecilia can get to work prim and proper.' She said, referring to me. I didn't hold it against Mathilda because she was still a bit drunk and she was still with her head up her own birthday party, but it hurt just the teeniest bit to have her be so dismissive about something that I put so much value in.

When Aurora had left she had given me a hug and told me to take care before flooing off but I vowed to owl her later in the day to tell her I appreciated her sticking with me. Normally it was Mathilda who would but Mathilda was in no state for that. I watched as she shrieked loudly, trying to open the drawing room door by pulling rather than pushing.

The breakfast run party consisted of four people; Mathilda, Adrian and Warrington, as well as myself. We flooed to the post office Aurora and I had met at the day before. There was a wizard rather than a witch behind the counter now though. 'Is there an outgoing portkey to Canterbury anytime soon?' Adrian asked him and he nodded. 'At ten past seven there is one going to the Canterbury local post office.' The wizard said. 'Well, we'd like to go with.' Adrian told him, putting a Galleon on the counter. 'Keep the change.' He added.

I looked at our party of four as we sat in the uncomfortable chairs, waiting for our portkey. I had changed in one of the bathroom's at Adrian's house, now wearing a professional pair of blue, pinstriped robes. The rest however was still in their fancy attire. Mathilda had her golden robes on, Adrian was next to her in his purple robes, silver stars stitched onto it, his arm over the back of her chair. Warrington was next to his friend, leaning forward, his elbows on his knees, his teal silk robes unbuttoned to show his woollen grey pants and white shirt underneath. I was on a chair against the opposite wall as there was no room left next to them.

'Your portkey is leaving in ninety seconds.' The postal wizard said to us and we all got up, following him to behind the counter where there was a table with a broken toothbrush on top of it. We all went to stand around it and when it was time I felt the familiar tug behind my navel and we travelled to Canterbury. When we arrived, I crashed into Warrington, who stood on my right, but luckily he was able to catch me by the shoulders before we both keeled over. Mathilda was less lucky and was on her backside when I looked up again.

I flushed red and thanked Warrington who seemed unbothered and helped up Mathilda as Adrian was doing his best not to fall over himself, albeit from laughter rather than the aftereffects of the portkey. I felt a bit nauseous but had felt worse over a portkey so I just took a deep breath, ignoring Mathilda as she punched her boyfriend in the shoulder, although it didn't still his laughter.

The post office we had arrived in was nearly identical to the one we had left behind, yellow walls and green countertops and all. 'Eleven past seven, Canterbury post office.' A voice said from by the wall. A post officer was standing there with a big cardboard box (labelled "used portkeys" on the front with shaky handwriting) in his hands. He quickly ushered us aside, picking the dirty toothbrush up and dropping it in the box. 'Have a good day.' He said moodily, not even looking at us as we wished him a good day in return and left through the front entrance.

The post office turned out to be on a small wizarding street somewhere in the centre of Canterbury. I had never been in Canterbury before but it looked quite stately for as far as I could tell from this small glimpse. Most shops were closed at this early hour but Adrian let us to a dingy pub that was either still or already opened.

Surprisingly enough we weren't the only ones in. Beside the waitress annex barmaid, there was a sleepy man with a pointy hat sitting at a table in the corner and a woman wearing spiffy robes was looking over a big file at the bar. We sat down at a table in the middle of room.

The lady behind the bar took her time to get to us and when she did she didn't say anything but only stood next to our table, raising her eyebrows. 'Four butter beers and some chips, please.' Warrington said to her. 'Three butter beers.' I corrected him. 'And a tea please. And could I have some eggs and beans on toast too?' I asked her. She shrugged and walked off.

'Friends, take a look at what I brought.' Adrian said as he reached deeply into one of his pockets. It occurred to me that there must've been an Undetectable Extension Charm on his pocket as he was down to his elbow already. He pulled out a dusty glass bottle with a yellowed label. 'I figured we could do with some more quality firewhisky.' He explained to us. 'Mate, you must know Legilimency!' Warrington said as he prodded his friend in the side with his elbow.

'I nicked it from father's personal collection.' Adrian boasted, setting down the expensive bottle of firewhisky. 'He's going to disinherit me when he finds out.' He said with a loud laugh. I looked around the small, shabby looking pub. We were by far the most lively guests, the other patrons being of either the crinkly robes and bags under the eyes variety or the strung high and focussed hard sort. At the table in the corner sat a wizard who had three empty coffee cup in front of him but was still looking ready to fall asleep any moment. But to be fair; it was still early in the morning.

The witch at the bar had her back turned to us but I could see her tense up every time one of my tablemates laughed loudly or scraped their chairs back. I felt embarrassed. I hope we didn't disturb her too much.

I looked back to the table. Adrian had opened up the bottle, pouring it into our mugs in generous amounts. Mathilda looked happy at least. She was glowing in the birthday present of her boyfriend. The gold made her skin glow and the shimmering material looked expensive. Everything looked quite expensive actually. Adrian, the rich heir, as was Warrington beside me. It made me feel a bit underdressed. 'Here's your chips, lads.' The waitress said, tossing a basket of chips down the middle of the table. 'And your butter beers.' She added, waving her wand so a tray of butter beers shot its way down from the bar, only to come to a skidding halt in front of us. The golden liquid sloshing over the edge of the glass. She once again left without saying anything.

'Merlin, how do you reckon she is in the sack?' Warrington wondered out loud and Adrian hit the table with his fist, laughing loudly. I could see the witch at the bar once again tense her shoulders. 'I don't suppose you'll ever find out.' Mathilda said drily and Adrian once again hooted. 'Now, I'd much rather discuss how much of a star I am at the WWN.' She went on, leaning both her elbows on the table.

Warrington groaned and Adrian rolled his eyes (although I could see the corners of his mouth tuck up a bit). 'Not again!' Adrian commented. Mathilda ignored him. 'I've been on the wireless a total of four times already.' Mathilda boasted. 'I've only heard you the first.' I told her. 'I didn't even hear you then.' Adrian said. 'As far as I know you've never been on, you've just been telling people.' He said, a cheeky grin on his face but Mathilda barely acknowledged him. 'The producers said that they'd let me read the announcements after lunch tomorrow.' She giddily said.

'I'm glad for you, Tilda.' I told her as my tea and breakfast came levitating our way. The eggs as well as the beans on toast looked and smelled delicious. I had barely eaten anything since dinner last night. 'After lunch tomorrow you say?' Adrian asked her and she nodded. 'You must be joking around with me, love; I'll be on my way to Quidditch camp by then. I'll once again won't hear you.' He said. 'Same for me.' Warrington fell in with his mate.

The three of them bickered back and forth and I listened quietly as I ate my breakfast. I was so tired. My eyes were drooping, my limbs were heavy and my chewing was much slower than it normally was. I couldn't wait till I got to dive into bed after work.

Luckily I zoned out for most of the conversation and I didn't zone back in until it was time to pay and Warrington shoved my shoulder. I blinked a couple of times and looked up at him as he stood next to me, looking back down at me with an amused smirk on his face. 'Time to go, sleepyhead.' He said. 'Don't let Goodfellow know that you weren't paying attention.' He added at a whisper and I blushed. 'I was.' I contradicted him but he merely raised his eyebrows before stepping towards the bar to take care of the bill. I didn't feel great having others pay for me, but it wasn't like I got paid for my internship and I couldn't very well ask my parents for money to finance my unapproved all night binge. And Adrian and Warrington had enough money to spare.

'Let's get you to work.' Mathilda said, walking alongside me as we stumbled out of the pub. She wormed her arm through mine and onto me tightly. She wasn't very sure on her feet, the firewhisky doing its job, and apparently really did need me to lean on.

At the post office we all borrowed some floo powder from Adrian and flooed ourselves to the Ministry. The Atrium was busy. It was a little before nine and people were all on their way to work. 'We should visit your office!' Mathilda cried out enthusiastically and the boys agreed. I felt a panic come up. I didn't want them to see my pathetic desk in the hallway of the broom closet-size Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office.

Luckily the desk clerk refused to let them through. 'Not unless you have an appointment.' He told them and after Mathilda unconvincingly prodded on a little longer, she turned to me. 'I'll see your work place another time then.' She said. She leaned forward and hugged me tightly. She simply reeked of alcohol.

'Thank you for coming Cecilia. I know it's not your thing but it means a lot to me that you made such an effort.' She softly said, so the fellows wouldn't hear. She pulled back and smiled at me. I smiled back. 'It was no effort at all.' I said and she laughed at the obvious lie. 'I can't wait till your birthday rolls around.' She joked and I pushed her, almost making her fall into the desk of the welcome wizard. 'Oops, sorry.' I apologized.

I said goodbye to Warrington and Adrian as well and waved at the three as I looked back, walking towards the lifts. Now I only had to get through the day.

Mr Perkins was a patient man, dealing with the still out of it Mr Weasley as with the exhausted me. At the end of the day we had accomplished nothing and Mr Perkins had seemed done with the day as much as we had. Mum waited for me in the Atrium, for once not being late to pick me up, which I was thankful for. 'By Circe, you look terrible.' She commented, letting out a cackle at my expense. 'At least my mother sees the best in me.' I said tiredly.

'So you had a good time at Aurora's?' Mum asked me sceptically and I nodded. 'Yeah, we went to bed on time and everything.' I said sarcastically, hoping she wouldn't question it. It was a testament to how spent I was that I didn't know better. 'So if I would owl Mr and Mrs Price tonight, they'd tell me that both you and Aurora spent the night at theirs last night?' Mum asked. I was quiet as we stepped out of the floo at the Leaky Cauldron.

'Can I expect an answer?' She asked and I sighed, stopping in my tracks, rubbing my eyes with my palms. I was too tired for this. 'Mum, whatever happened, I was responsible, did nothing bad by any measure and I'm one hundred percent sure that I'll never do it again.' I said to my mother. She guffawed. 'That's all I need to know.' She said and we walked on again. I felt too worn out to feel relieved.

When we got home I barely said hi to dad and just shuffled up the stairs, dropping into a coma as soon as I hit the my bed.

Now, please review this chapter, alright guys?

I'll try to be quick with the next chapter