One-Shot.

—

The Birthday Party

"I admit, Granger, I think I'm not minding your company as much as I'd thought I would."

"Keep talking like that and I'll understand why a guy like you will be perpetually single not by choice."

We were murmuring with cups held in front of our mouths, covering up our conversation. Of course, I didn't think we'd fooled all the party guests. Ginny in particular looked ready to fling away a right eyebrow from raising it every time she looked my way.

"Speak for your perpetually single self, Granger. I came with a date." He motioned behind him, as if pointing to the rest of the room would alert me as to who his date was.

Teddy's party was held at a fancy restaurant, fancy enough that Teddy himself would not appreciate a swanky place like this until he turned of age. At least the red and yellow streamers made this place more kid-appropriate. Not to mention the repeating tune of "Happy Birthday"with adorable zoo animal noises.

I saw Neville approach from the doorway across the room. I raised my hand to beckon him over, to which Malfoy immediately frowned.

"Longbottom? Really? You're going to invite him over for a conversation?"

He was now halfway across the room.

I spoke through my grin. "He's a nice friend I haven't seen much lately. Plus he gets rid of you."

He grimaced. "We'll see. He may not be afraid of me anymore, but I reckon I can annoy him at the very least."

"Neville!"

"Hermione." He kissed my cheek. To my ear, he quickly whispered, "What 'ya doin' with him?"

I didn't answer but just pulled back, still smiling wide. "Neville, how is Hogwarts?"

Neville gave Malfoy a glance, as if to ascertain that he will just be ignored for now. Then he answered with cordial responses, letting small talk continue for a few minutes.

Then, somewhere in the middle of a pause, Malfoy interjected. "So, Longbottom. Lovegood tells me you're thinking of proposing soon. When's the big day?"

Neville blushed bright red. "Uh. Sh-she knows?" He looked back and forth between Malfoy and me.

"Malfoy!" Then, to Neville, "She only speculates, Neville. You know how she is."

In truth, Luna was 100% sure that Neville was going to propose because she found a velvet box at their apartment ("I think he forgot where he placed them. It contained a note, you see, that said he was supposed to propose last Friday.").

"But. It was supposed to be a surprise." Neville looked ready to cry.

"Yes I'm sure it was," added Malfoy, and I could almost hear him laughing in his head.

Neville looked hopelessly at Luna, who was laughing with former Ravenclaws.

No one said anything for a while. After a few more seconds, Neville left.

"Look what you did," I said.

"Don't blame me. The whole lot of you are awkward."

"Then leave. Shoo."

"Well I certainly won't listen to you."

"Fine."

"Fine by me."

I huffed. There wasn't really anyone else I'd talk to that I hadn't already.

"I think you're irked because you haven't told anyone about that night, even though you're dying to."

"The plan was to not tell!" I said quickly, too surprised that he guessed so correctly (but not in the way he thought).

"I thought it was to not bring the topic up whenever we see each other."

He raised an eyebrow. He had me there. But it couldn't possibly mean he'd gossip about me to his friends, could it?

"So when Zabini winked at me before, he knew about you and me... "

"I know you Gryffindors think you're the bees' knees, but people like Zabini don't greet you like that unless they have something amusing (or disturbing) against you."

His date came through the door just then. She saw Malfoy, gave a little wave, and motioned for Malfoy to come over.

"That's Emily. She works for the Daily Prophet." He raised his glass her way.

"She's calling you over." When he didn't respond to that, I said, "Is she a writer?"

"Does she look like a writer to you?"

"I was being polite."

"Don't be. It really doesn't suit you."

He finished his drink. Looking over at Emily, he once again acknowledged her beckon (now with an added attitude) then turned to me.

"How cute, she's giving you your cue to leave," I remarked, instigating an irritated sneer from him.

Without another word, he walked over to her and they exited the restaurant.

I downed the cup in front of me. It was orange juice. Stupid kids parties.