Harry wasn't ready on time – although, this wasn't really a change for him. It never ceased to amaze Hermione that although she had to do her makeup, hair, and get everything else organized; Harry was always ready after her. It was the kind of thing she had learnt to put up with.
'Let's go Harry!' Hermione hissed 'You know how Ronald gets, we can't be late!'
Yes, Harry did know how Ronald gets. And it wasn't pretty. Anything could set him off these days. Yelling, tears – and it was worse when he was drunk. And he'd be drunk.
Harry watched Hermione walk out the door. In that dress, he suddenly found it hard to think about the party, and easier to think about what he was doing afterwards. He hoped that dress wasn't too expensive…
….
When the couple arrived at their old friend's house, they were only 20 minutes late. They had made pretty good time. Ginny answered the door.
'Heya Harry, Hermione! Come in,' she smiled, gesturing toward the bustling lounge room.
'Hi, Ginny,' Hermione said, hugging her. Harry did the same. Upon entering the house, they were swarmed with witches and wizards, all wanting to know the latest news. Hrry lost Hermione somewhere between the door and the bar, where he found Ron.
'Hey, mate,' He called, over the music.
'Evverning maaan' Ron slurred, obviously not sober. 'I got me-self a date I did!'
Harry looked at the frightened young witch that the drunken man was gripping, and frowned. It certainly didn't look as if this poor girl wanted to be where she was. He sighed, and leaned over to the girl.
'What's your name, sweetheart?' He whispered.
'G-Grace'
'Well, Grace, is Ron here your date?'
Tears welled in her eyes 'I-I don't even know him sir!'
He pulled her away from Ron, and he didn't notice – too busy organizing a drinking game of some kind. Harry reminded himself not to drink tonight, for his own safety.
'Don't call me sir, and let's get you home' He said, and led her to the fireplace. 'Ever used the floo network?'
'Y-yes…' She stuttered, and took a handful of powder. 'Thank you so much!'
He turned away as she disappeared from sight. He wondered where this girl had come from, and how Ron had acquired her. He shrugged. There was no point in asking, his friend wouldn't have a clue.
…..
The night progressed, and Harry noticed people were leaving. Sadly, it was only about 10:30. He sighed, and went to find Ron. Instead, he found I very hysterical Hermione.
She ran towards him. 'It's Ron! He's Collapsed!'
….
Alcohol poisoning, that's what the doctors said.
But Harry knew better than that. In all his years of knowing Ronald Weasley, he had never had alcohol poisoning. Not even that time he was dared to skull 4 pints of firewhisky. Granted, he had a hangover for 3 days – but other than that, he was fine. It just wasn't sitting right with Harry.