You know, I said the plot would thicken but I give up. I'll get to it eventually. Apparently I'm in a very fluffy mood this week.

Also; in response to southeryankee90 and IAMNOTAGIRLBUTASTORMWITHSKIN02 NO! Rix is not short for Bellatrix. Nice try. Bellatrix is in azkaban where she belongs. I didn't rhyme on purpose. NOT my intention to make people think that.

I love how a bunch of you are super suspicious of Rix and some of you love her. Totally my goal (not). She was suppose to just be a character to mess around with, but officially she's an integral part of the plot a few chapters from now. I'm not going to tell you how tho. Keep guessing ;)

CHAPTER SEVEN - BIRTHDAYS AND BOOZE

The week seemed to go by quickly for Draco. Nothing out of the ordinary happened. Granted it was only the beginning of the school year, and no year happened normally. That said, Harry Potter wasn't here anymore to attract craziness. Maybe Draco could make it through the year with no problems. That's all he wanted. An uneventful year, stay low, stay out of trouble. That was the only thing between him and having his magic unlocked once more.

The Ministry let him go with basically just a slap on the wrist, assuming he proved himself by finishing his studies with no trouble. It was becoming harder said than done with a certain Gryffindor taunting him. She'd even made him fetch her books from the library. He hated the library for the sole purpose of the vulture like librarian, Madam Pince. She hated Draco. She had a right to.

Friday was a short day for Draco. After potions, he was lazily lying on his bed, his left sleeve pulled down as he stared at it. Even if the dark lord was gone, he would never be free of his grasp. The mark was still there. Granted, it had faded. The mark was no longer black, nor did it move. He couldn't feel the connection he had to the others anymore. That was a plus. That also meant they couldn't feel him. The Dark Lord, with his specialty in Legilimency had somehow tied them all together. Anyone with the dark mark wasn't hidden from him, nor were their intentions.

Thankfully, Draco also had a knack for Legilimency and in turn Occlumency. He had gotten so good at it that his mother told him that he was easily a master, layering pointless thoughts about for the Dark Lord to feed on, hiding his true thoughts. Even now, his wall never faltered. He still didn't feel safe. Not until this blasted mark was gone.

That said, Draco didn't need Legilimency to read Hermione Granger. She was an open book. He was surprised that Aunt Bella needed to torture information out of her instead of having his mother simply use her legilimens on her. That would have been much more preferable. But his aunt was a sadistic bitch, and probably didn't even care.

Hermione. He didn't miss her flinch away from his arm. The other Slytherins ignored it. Out of sight out of mind. For Hermione, however, it was obvious that out of sight out of mind didn't apply to her. He ripped his sleeve down. He didn't need her to remind him about it, even subconsciously. Maybe he could just blow it off with a well placed curse… but he really didn't feel like blowing his arm off. He'd just have to wait until it completely faded away, if it ever did.

There was a knocking on his door. He didn't say anything. He didn't really want to be bothered.

"Drake, we need to talk." Theo said, letting himself in. Curse the wards. Why didn't they ever work when he needed them to.

"About what."

"Hermione." Draco kept his face stone, but he flinched inside. "Well, and Blaise." That definitely caused an eyebrow to raise from Draco.

"What? I highly doubt Granger would let Blaise do her." He said flatly.

Theo's face went red. "No-not-Damn it Drake! Her birthday is in a couple of days, and Blaise just had his!" He huffed. "I need you to see if your mother will ship you more drinks. Pansy and I want to throw them a surprise birthday party."

Oh. "Yeah, sure." Draco said uninterested and went back to staring at his ceiling.

"What's with you. Normally you would be jumping up and down at any attempt to drink with us. I kinda hoped, well, after the war, I was hoping you would go back to your old self. The narcissistic dick who would still be there to listen over a bottle of firewhiskey. These past few years-well, let's just say I miss my best friend. On top of that we didn't even get our joint birthday party this year." Theo gushed.

Draco's face contorted. "I'll get the booze. Would you stop going soft."

"I'm not soft."

Draco shot a look at Theo, who sighed. "Okay maybe I'm a little soft because I realized I had a sister. A sibling I've always wanted. But I still want my best friend back. You let loose for once the other day. Would you just snap out of it."

Draco did snap. Just not out of it. "You don't know what I went through Theo. I had that… thing living in my guest wing." He growled.

Theo tensed. "I know. Just, let us help. Have fun tonight with us. Don't mope about. You might find it'll help. Or you know, you might get on the good side of a girl besides Pansy for once." He winked.

Draco rolled his eyes. "I'll go flu mother."

Hermione was starving by the time dinner rolled around. For the first time all week she sat at the Gryffindor table, with no Slytherins attached to her much to the Gryffindors' elation. She'd been sorely neglecting her fellow lions.

Dinner was easy. The conversations were about nothing in particular. Hermione even found herself fond of a Quidditch topic; exactly what spells were used on bludgers and the snitch. Was there a spell on the Quaffle to never fall to the ground? No one could ever account for a time that the Quaffle ever hit the ground. It would just reappear in the keeper's grasp after a score was made. She added that to a list of books to check out from the library. Maybe then her and Ginny could have a real conversation that they both enjoyed fully that didn't involve boys.

Speaking of boys, Hermione found her eyes landing on the Slytherin table. Theo looked like he was in a heated discussion with Pansy and Malfoy (who honestly looked like he wasn't at all interested). They were obviously cut off by Zabini showing up to shove himself between Theo and Malfoy. The conversation ceased. Odd.

She caught eyes with Theo. They stared at each other for several seconds before his face lit up and he grinned at her goofingly. She shook her head in disbelief. That odd kid was her younger brother. She'd never get used to that.

Her attention was now brought back to the rest of the great hall, which was now trickling down to just a few prefects left besides the eight years and the head boy and girl. Professor McGonagall cleared her throat, motioning for them to gather.

"As you are aware, inter-house cooperation is a major goal this year." She said calmly as the teens grouped around her. "Therefore, we will be reintroducing the Yule ball." She said flatly. The girls-especially the Patil twins-were extremely ecstatic about the news. "Therefore, I would like the prefects and the eighth year students to lead the ball. The other professors will be designing and hosting, but I would like you all to take the first dance." Most of the boys groaned. Except Neville, he seemed to be in utter joy. "I would also request that you attend with a student from another house other than your own."

That didn't go over well with some.

"That's not fair. What if we want to take someone in our own house." Michael Corner protested. It made sense. His girlfriend was a year below in the same house, which was why he was never found in the eighth year common room.

"You may, Mister Corner. However, I would appreciate if you would consider taking someone outside your own house." She clarified. "Students year four and above are allowed to attend freely. That's all I have to say, now off to bed with you all. Mister Malfoy, I do believe your mother has a flu prepared for a gift." She finished with a pointed, knowing look to the blond whose lips curled up into a smirk.

Hermione didn't stand a chance, Pansy and Tracey quickly grabbed her as soon as she made it past Snape's portrait and dragged her to Pansy's room.

"What's going on?" She cried out as they bustled around the room, not allowing her to leave.

"We're having a party tonight. Now if you don't mind, please change into this." Pansy tossed a dress her way. Tracey was already changing into her own. Hermione gasped and covered her eyes as the other two stripped down in front of her. "What? Are you shy?" Pansy joked.

"I'm… I'm not used to people just changing in front of me." She admitted, her face still buried in her hands.

"Wait, so how did you change in your dorms?" Tracey asked. Hermione peeked between her fingers and immediately covered her eyes again. Tracey and Pansy were now standing in front of her in nothing but their underwear. She had to admit though, she did like Pansy's lacy black ensemble.

"I was always awake before anyone else so I could study in the morning. I would just change in the washroom." She said sheepishly.

The girls laughed and pulled at her arms. Hermione yipped as they began undoing her blouse.

"You're going to have to get used to it." Pansy laughed. "Plus who cares? We're all girls here… oh. Oh that won't work."

Hermione was now standing there with the front of her blouse undone and her skirt pulled down. Pansy pouted. "White cotton skivvies? What the heck. I knew you were innocent but i didn't think you were a prude."

"What's wrong with being comfortable?" Hermione said, insulted. "Plus I never found a need to buy anything more."

"Are you a virgin?"

Tracey's question hit Hermione like a train. "Uh, what? No I'm not!"

"Liar. You are!" Pansy squealed. "Alright, I was saving them for later, but I have some lingerie that you can borrow for tonight. They're brand new." Pansy began digging in her drawers until she pulled out some very sheer lace. At first Hermione couldn't tell what it was, then she realized it was a very revealing bra and g-string. She could feel her face turn bright red. "Come on. Change into these."

"I have no need." She replied flatly.

"Trust me, you'll be more confident." Tracey stated. She herself was wearing red and looked like she had walked out of a victoria secret magazine. They went very well with her tan, flawless skin.

"Just try them on at least." Pansy cooed. Defeated, Hermione took the lace into her hands. They were soft, and didn't seem like they would provide any support, which she must have admitted out loud. "They're super comfortable, and they have a charm to push your boobs up for maximum sex appeal." Pansy said, showing off her own. There were no wires, no pads, but her chest and bum did look amazing.

"Fine." Hermione breathed out. "But you can't watch."

"We can step outside." Tracey offered.

"No! You don't have to do that, just… turn around okay?"

Tracey huffed. "It's not like none of the others in our house hasn't seen us." She spun on her heel and faced a wall, so did Pansy.

Hermione worked quickly, changing into the green lace. At first she couldn't figure out how the top worked, until she realized the bow tied in the front, not the back. She blushed. She was concealed by a cleverly placed spell, but her skin was still exposed through the mesh, and the bra pushed her cleavage up into her face. At least, it felt like that. "Okay. I'm done."

Pansy let out a low whistle. "Who knew you were hiding a figure underneath that oversized uniform. You need to wear tighter clothing."

"I like my uniform the way it is!" Hermione gasped, grabbing the dress quickly and yanking it over her head. She pouted. "I look like I belong in Slytherin."

"That's the point!" Tracey squealed. "I knew you'd look drop dead gorgeous in green."

The dress was a short cocktail dress with a short shirt made of fabric that seemed to flow every time she moved. It had no back and looked strapless from the front aside from lace that snaked around her shoulders and upper arms like snakes. There was barely enough fabric to hide her bra. She had a sneaking suspicion that the bra was made for this dress. The colors even matched to a T. She narrowed her eyes at Pansy, who shrugged it off as she too changed into a cocktail dress. Hers, unsurprisingly was black. Tracey's was -shock- red. Hermione figured the lingerie was matched to the dresses for a reason.

"Now, don't move." Tracey ordered, sitting Hermione into the desk chair. The girls began to do their magic, quite literally. Tracey worked on the hair and makeup, while Pansy began on her toenails. Before long, her hair was knotted on top of her head in another gorgeous updo, her makeup was flawless, and her nails were long and sparkling silver.

"I've been converted into a snake." Hermione said flatly. Pansy however looked defeated about something, but quickly reverted back to her happy go lucky self. They coaxed her into way too tall heels that matched her nails. She couldn't walk in them without the aide of balancing and cushioning charms.

"Ready?" Pansy asked, after their own beauty charms were finished.

"I don't know for what, but sure." Hermione stated.

Draco was perched in a squishy chair in the room of requirement. It had been converted to a low lighted lounge with a small dance floor and a fully stocked bar which Theo had convinced Vipsy to work. The booze was so generously donated by Mrs. Malfoy, who-even to Malfoy's surprise-had given them quite a large variety. Once he had explained it was for Theo and Blaise birthdays, she had given him way too much. Malfoy figured he'd make it up to Theo with the extra booze.

Draco was the only one there at first, but was shortly joined by Neville who brought along Dean and Seamus, who'd only agreed to join since it was for Granger's birthday as well. The Patil twins had refused flat out, as well as Michael and Justin who elected to spend the night with their own girlfriends. Ginny showed up fairly quickly after Neville, even bringing the loon, much to Draco's displeasure, but Ginny shut him down explaining that if it was for Hermione's birthday her friends had every right to be there as were Blaise's friends. He was defeated.

So there he sat, lazily lounged on the chair tucked in the corner as he watched the others converse. He was still waiting on Theo to somehow get Blaise into semi-formal wear and down here and Pansy and Tracey to bring Granger. He didn't feel like associating himself too much with the Gryffindors, however, Neville had other ideas.

"Malfoy."

"Longbottom."

Neville sat himself into the chair next to Draco. They sat in silence for several minutes, refusing to further confirm the other's existence until Neville spoke again. "It's nice that you're doing this for Hermione."

"And Blaise."

"And Blaise." Neville repeated. "Still, it's nice."

"I can be a nice person every once in awhile." Malfoy countered.

Neville snorted, sitting back in his chair. "So, you and Pansy. Did you ever have a thing?"

Draco finally looked at Neville, eyebrow raised. "We faked it, since our mother's were under the impression that an arranged marriage between the two of us would work. However, last year we decided we didn't give a rat's ass about what they thought." Draco admitted. "I never slept with her if that's your actual question."

Neville seemed to relax. "Can't say the same thing about her and Blaise though." Draco said with an evil grin. Neville groaned. Ha.

"What's all this?" Theo had finally gotten there, Blaise in tow, who was in shock at the sight in front of him.

"Happy Birthday jerk!" Draco called from across the room. The others joined in on the birthday wishes.

"Dude, really?" Blaise seemed totally excited.

"You, and Hermione once she gets here." Neville explained.

Realization seemed to cross Blaise's face. "So I'm just an excuse for Drake to throw a party for Hermione." He joked.

Malfoy looked insulted. "It wasn't even my idea, I just supplied the booze."

"So it's an excuse for Theo to get Hermione drunk and in her pants." Blaise continued to joke. Theo's face paled, and seemed to match Neville's.

"I'll promise you, he's not trying to get her." Malfoy said flatly.

Blaise went to argue, but was interrupted by the others yelling Happy Birthday! so loud that it even caused Draco to jump. Then he froze. He wasn't expecting what he saw. Obviously Pansy was to blame, and it caused his breath to hitch. He hadn't had a reaction like that since the Yule ball fourth year.

Granger looked absolutely stunning. She really should have been placed in Slytherin. Green was totally her color.

"Happy Birthday, Hermione." Theo said, giving her a big bear hug. Blaise gave a raised eyebrow look as if to say i told you so to Draco. Draco responded by shaking his head before stepping forward to say his own birthday wishes but she was quickly whisked away by an annoying weasel and loon.

"Let's start this off with a bang!" Seamus declared, and everyone took several steps back away from him. "I meant some champagne." He clarified with a look of resignation. Everyone was much happier with that idea, however, Draco volunteered to pop the cork. No risks of accidental pyrotechnics.

He never got a chance to wish Granger happy birthday personally before the girls scampered off with glasses of fruity drinks towards the dance floor. Draco had triple checked to confirm the Faerie Quila was still tucked away and out of Granger's reach before joining his boys on the dance floor.

Hermione was shocked to say the least. She had completely disregarded her birthday was coming up and was completely caught by surprise. What shocked her even more was Blaise and Theo's ability to dance everyone off the dancefloor. Tracey and Pansy were the only ones who could keep up, until Malfoy joined. There was something more shocking. He and the girls danced, a dance they must've done before because the three of them seemed to know exactly what the others were going to do. Malfoy would alternate between the two of them spinning them about, or breaking out his own moves. Even with the cushioning and balance charms, Hermione knew she couldn't keep up, so she didn't even try. She chose to sit beside Luna instead.

"Would Miss like a drink?" Hermione was startled by the small elf, offering her another fruity drink. She smelled it just to make sure. Though she wasn't sure if she could identify Faerie Quila by it's smell. She trusted Vipsy enough to drink it. She felt bad for not revealing her identity to the house elf, but she wasn't quite ready.

"I think it's time I refill my glass." Luna said knowingly.

"Oh, Vipsy could fill it for you Miss. The young miss mustn't need to stand." Vipsy said enthusiastically.

"No, I really must go do it myself, that way he has time to talk to Hermione. Accompany me? You can pour my drink at least." Luna asked the elf, who looked extremely pleased to be joining Luna.

"Who-" Hermione answered her own question as Theo came as sat down, exhausted next to his sister.

"Happy birthday Hermione."

"Thank you. Really, this is all too much." Hermione half-complained.

"It's okay. We needed an excuse to wind down. But just a heads up, Pansy wants to play another drinking game." Theo warned.

"Of course she does."

"And it looks like she's got the other lions in on it as well."

"Well, looks like we're out numbered." Hermione grumbled.

Theo was about to say something, but was immediately cut off by the music dropping significantly in volume and Pansy shouting for everyone to come sit in the circle of chairs that had just seemingly appeared out of nowhere that surrounded a small table. Slowly, everyone made their way to her. Dean and Seamus were already well on their way to being hammered and Blaise was close behind.

"Since you've now been broken in." Pansy said to Hermione, wiggling her eyebrows. "Now for the real truth or dare. Drink." She passed around glasses, and Hermione knew exactly what she spiked them with.

Veritaserum.

I only stopped this chapter here because it's getting significantly long, it's a good stopping point, and I'm going to need another chapter of this fluff.

Therefore; another chapter today or tomorrow of pure fluff THEN back to the plot. IDK maybe I just go all fluff and try again later. I'm really depressive right now and fluff is making me happy. Happy enough to have a stupid grin on my face as I type, creeping my soon-to-be-ex-husband out.