Chapter 6
Party rock is in the house tonight
Everybody just have a good time
And we gonna make you lose your mind
Everybody just have a good time
Party Rock Anthem- LMFAO
"Come on Riley you know you want to come." Morgan whined, clasping her hands together.
I swear she was one step away from getting down on her knees and begging.
I sighed. October 31st also known as Halloween is my least favorite holiday. When I was growing up my Mum always got really into Halloween. Decorating our house, and buying loads of sweets. Sometimes she would sneak candy from the wizarding world into our supply (Nothing too obvious though, just harmless pumpkin pasties). She made my siblings and I the most eccentric costumes, and threw a huge party, adults only mind you. I often went trick or treating as a witch; ironic, seeing as I was a witch myself. As I grew older, the more excited my Mum got, and the less and less I looked forward to it. I honestly don't know why I dislike the holiday so much. It might have been because my Mum would start planning in the middle of September. Or maybe how starting October 1st, she would start blasting Halloween themed music all day. It got a little tiring over time. When I got to Hogwarts my first year, I was overjoyed. I didn't have to hear one song! Nor did I have to know what I wanted my costume to be a month in advance! In fact I didn't even celebrate! And suddenly my Halloween tradition was born. For the past six years I have completely ignored the holiday. Well… I did go the Halloween feast but only because it's amazing, and I'm not going to skip out on dinner. But other than that, I hardly acknowledged it.
Until now.
Morgan had found out there was to be a party in the Room of Requirement, like there was every year, and she wanted to go. This normally wouldn't be a problem, as she would go, and I would get cozy in an armchair by the fire and read a book. But this year, she wanted me to come. Her main argument being that it was our seventh year and I couldn't possibly have gone though all seven years of school without going to one Hogwarts Halloween party.
And that brings us back to the present…
"Morgan, I don't understand why you can't go with your other friends, like you have the past two years," I said as we made our way down the hall.
"Because it's our seventh year, and I won't let you spend it cooped up in the Gryffindor common room like you've done every year."
Morgan said this very matter-of-factly like it was the only answer to the question I asked.
"I'll think about it," I said as I leaned against the wall outside of the Transfiguration classroom.
Morgan scowled at me.
"We both know that you have no intention of thinking about it at all."
I smiled at her, but the warning bell rang before I could respond.
"I'll think about it. I promise. Meet me after," I told her as I pushed off the wall to walk into class.
She gave me thumbs up, and turned to walk down the hall, her long dark hair swishing behind her as she walked.
I turned, and made my way into the classroom.
I plunked myself down in my seat, and began to take my books out.
"Rough day?" Al asked.
I sat up and looked at him. His green eyes looked concerned.
"What makes you think that?" I asked.
"Well you're kind of slamming your stuff down onto the table"
"Oh sorry about that."
I gently set my quill down on the table.
"Better?"
He smiled at me.
"Loads. Now are you going to tell me what's bothering you?"
"Probably not," I said grinning at him.
"Probably not, Oh Great One" Al corrected.
I frowned at him.
"Now I'm definitely not."
"Please! With a cherry on top!" Al begged.
Little did he know he was the second person of the day to beg me for something, however he did make a small smile make an appearance on my face.
"Do you really want to know?" I asked.
"Why wouldn't I?" he questioned.
"Because you're a boy, and I've learned that boys in general don't want to hear about a girl's problems," I answered.
"I've grown up with Lily, so trust me. I've heard it all. Now spill," he said as he angled his body in his chair towards me.
"Well… It's about the Halloween party tonight," I began.
"You don't have a costume?" He guessed.
"Really, Al? You think I'm the type of girl who freaks out when she doesn't have a costume?" I asked somewhat teasing, somewhat serious.
"Not any more I don't," he said, "Now continue."
"First, I take offence to the fact that you thought I was the type of girl who would slam things when they were faced with the fact that they're lacking a costume only a few hours before the party of the term. Second, I'm not even going to the party," I said.
"What? Why aren't you going to the party?" Al sounding genuinely interested.
I suddenly felt a presence hovering next to my desk. I looked over to see who was, a crawling feeling creeping up my back.
"Hey McCarthy, if you're not going to the party tonight, you're always welcome to spend the evening in my bed," MacLean said with a wink and a flash of his smile.
Have I explained how much I detest him before?
"As lovely as that sounds, I already have plans," I told him narrowing my eyes.
"What a shame love. Guess I'll have to take a rain check. If you ever want to take me up on the offer, you know where the Ravenclaw common room is."
With another wink he sauntered back to his seat.
"I really dislike that tosser," I said turning back to Al.
"You and me both. So what are your plans tonight?" he asked.
I took a deep breath before responding.
"Looks like I'm going to that party after all."
Al smiled at me. "Excellent."
"I can't believe it took sleazy MacLean to get you to come out with me tonight!" Morgan called from the seventh year Hufflepuff dorm room bathroom.
"You and me both," I whispered to myself.
"What was that?" Hannah Jeffers, one of Morgan's roommates, asked looking up from the mirror she was using.
"Nothing. Just talking to myself," I said back.
Hannah gave me a weird look and then turned back to doing her makeup.
I have never gotten along well with Morgan's roommates. They were friendly enough, but we just didn't click. Rose felt the same way. It was for this reason that until fifth year we would hang out in our dorm room. When Morgan and Rose stopped being friends, I started spending more time here. Needless to say after two years, their attitudes towards me had yet to improve.
Taking the last curler out of my hair, I looked at my reflection.
For having less than six hours to come up with a costume, I thought I did an okay job. After some thought during Transfiguration, I finally settled on being something I've always wanted to be. A Quidditch player.
After some persuading on my part, I convinced my brother, Patrick, to loan me his old jersey. For some reason he's quite attached to it, even thought it hasn't fit in about a year. It fell to mid thigh; I'm still amazed at how tall he is. I remember the days when I was more than a head taller than him. I paired it with some black leggings and white trainers. My hair was up in a big pony with soft ringlets cascading down my back.
I stared at my reflection and frowned.
Something was missing, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it.
I heard the click of heels behind me.
"What do you think?" Morgan asked me as she walked out of the bathroom.
Her black hair was loosely curled and tied back with a red ribbon. She had on a short yellow skirt and a tight blue shirt with cap sleeves, with a red cape and on her feet were the highest black boots I've ever seen.
"And you're supposed to be?" I asked.
"Snow White. Duh."
Of course she was.
Ever since I can remember Morgan's been a little obsessed with Snow White. Looking back on it she went out dressed as Snow White the first Halloween we spent together.
In fact the costume she was wearing looked remarkably similar to the one she wore a few years ago, except now there was a lot more skin showing.
"And what are you supposed to be?" Morgan asked
"A Quidditch player."
"You're missing something."
I sighed.
"I know. I just can't place my finger on it."
Suddenly, I saw Morgan's brown eyes light up.
She turned and raced back into the bathroom. She came back out carrying the biggest makeup bag I've ever seen.
"Close your eyes," Morgan said as she unzipped the bag.
"What are you going to do?" I asked. I trusted Morgan but I wasn't too sure about this.
"Just do it!" Morgan ordered.
I sighed and closed my eyes.
"If you make me look like a clown, I promise I will kill you."
"Just relax. I give you all my permission to kill me if you don't like it."
I felt something cool being pressed first on one cheek, and then the other.
Her thumbs quickly followed, tracing the same path.
"Open your eyes" she said when she was finished.
She smiled
"Perfect."
I looked at my reflection in the mirror and smiled. Morgan had drawn thick black lines under my eyes on my cheekbones, and then had smudged them. I now looked like I had just finished a match. Somehow it tied my whole costume together.
"You're a genius," I said.
Morgan smiled
"I know. Now let's go celebrate Halloween in style."
The Room of Requirement was packed. The party I had attended a month ago looked like child's play compared to this one. There were people everywhere, and yet everyone fit inside the room quite comfortably. It must be part of the room's magic. In the spirit of Halloween, there were orange and black streamers hanging from the ceiling, Jack-o'-lanterns were floating around as well; their flames casting a flickering glow over the room. I must say the room looked amazing, and I found myself standing right in the middle staring around in frozen awe.
A tug on my shirt brought me back to reality, and I turned to face Morgan.
She smiled as she handed me a shot.
"Cheers to getting your lame arse here tonight!" Morgan said as she tapped her glass against mine.
She then brought her drink to her lips and tossed it back, swallowing it in one go. I did the same.
Judging by the way it burned going down, it was firewhiskey.
I pulled a face and slammed my glass down on the table in front of us.
"I am not lame!" I protested "I just don't care for Halloween very much".
"Just keep telling yourself that," Morgan replied with a grin.
"Bitch!" I yelled.
But Morgan didn't hear me.
One of her dorm mates, Lucy, had come up and started talking to her.
"I'm going to go dance with Lucy and some others. Wanna come?"
I glanced over her shoulder to look at Lucy, who was dressed a bumble bee, which consisted of a short black and yellow stripped dress that dipped dangerously low in the front, some wings, a pair of killer black heals, and to complete her look antenna poked out of her blond hair that was swept into a messy up due.
Lucy smiled at me but it didn't reach her heavily made up brown eyes.
Clearly she didn't want me around, but was too nice to say anything. That's one of the things that irritate me most about the girls in Morgan's dorm. Not that I don't like them and all, but they're all just too nice. They never say when something's bothering them, and just accept everything.
"No. Its ok, go dance with your friends. There will be plenty of time for us to dance later".
Morgan smiled at me
"Love you babe. I'll find you later, I promise."
I smiled back, and then watched her push her way through the crowd to the dance floor.
I sighed to myself.
I didn't want to come to this party to begin with, yet I had been here for less than ten minutes and I was already standing by myself in a corner.
"Riley! You're here!" A voice screamed off to my left.
At least I wasn't by myself for long.
There's nothing worse than being that person standing off by themselves at a party.
A very intoxicated Rose stumbled over to me, Scorpius following behind her.
"Hey Rosie, what are you supposed to be?" I asked.
From the looks of it, she was a much disheveled schoolgirl.
"Well," Rose began "I was Madam Prince, but I lost my glasses and my book a while ago. So I decided to just be me. I don't understand Halloween, why would you want to be someone else? I mean I'm ninety-nine percent sure Madam Prince would never wear something like this. EVER. Even when she was our age. She's too much of a tight arse. It's hot in here. Are you hot or is it just me?"
Oh good, Rose had reached her rambling stage.
Which if allowed to progress, would turn into the screaming incoherently stage, and if still not stopped, will lead to her spending the night on the bathroom floor as close to the toilet as possible.
"Take care of her. Don't let her drink anymore for a while," I said to Scorpius.
"Trust me. She's done for the night. After she accused some poor fourth year of ripping off her costume, I told the bar tenders to cut her off," Scorpius said as he watched Rose as she danced around wildly to the music.
"Good man. How long have the two of you been here?" I asked
"For fucking ever! I need another drink!" Rose yelled answering for Scorpius.
"Oh no, love, you're done for the night," Scorpius said.
Rose stamped her foot, and crossed her arms, her blue eyes flashing.
"Oh fuck you Scorpius Malfoy! Who do you think you are, telling me what I can and cannot do?"
I forgot how touchy Rose gets when she's drunk.
It takes only the slightest thing to bring that Weasley temper out.
Scorpius looked panicked.
Clearly he's never dealt with drunk and angry Rose before now.
I felt a meltdown in the air, when Al suddenly appeared.
"Hey Riley, what's the deal? I could hear Rosie's pissed off shriek from almost across the room."
"Well as you can see we've reached the babbling stage, and are at the borderline incoherent yelling stage. Scorpius, being the lovely person that he is, told Rose that she couldn't have anymore to drink. Being the wonderful person she is, she objected to this in the only way she felt fit, which is screaming her head off," I said sarcastically.
Al just nodded and turned to talk to Scorpius.
I saw Al lean in close and say something that only Scorpius could hear.
Instantly Scorpius's whole body relaxed.
Scorpius gently grabbed Rose by the arm and whispered something in her ear.
Rose looked up at him her blue eyes going wide.
"Shoes! Shoes! Where are my shoes?" Rose started yelling, as she glanced around wildly for her shoes.
"They're on your feet love," Scorpius said, holding back a laugh.
Rose looked down at her feet and smiled
"There you are! See you tossers later," Rose said as she grabbed Scorpius by the hand, and began pulling him though the crowd.
Al and I watched them go in silence. Once they were gone I looked over at him.
"What did you tell him?"
"I told him how much Rose enjoys visiting the kitchens when she's intoxicated."
I smiled.
Rose did enjoy the kitchens. Between the food and the house elves she could be entertained for hours.
Al ran his hand though his hair, drawing my attention to his appearance for the first time since he came over.
His black hair was rumpled even more so then normal, probably because he just raked his hand though it.
He had on an old faded Quidditch jersey with the letters peeling off, with only P, T, E, and R remaining.
He was also wearing a pair of glasses with the lenses popped out, and on his forehead he had drawn a lightning shaped scar.
"Are you really dressed up as your father?" I asked, laughing a little.
Al looked over at me.
"Yes."
I really started laughing now.
"You're so creative Al. I can't believe you came to a Halloween party dressed as your Dad."
He frowned.
"Hey, the real question is, how come other people are able to dress up as him, but when I do it's seen as weird. I can be whoever I want to be for Halloween, and not be judged, damn it!" Al yelled.
"I'm not judging, I'm just making an observation," I said back, still laughing. That shot I had earlier was beginning to kick in.
Al looked over at me his green eyes shining.
"Ok, little miss observant, what are you supposed to be?"
"A Quidditch player. Look, the jersey even has my name on it and everything," I said turning around to show him my back.
"Which sibling did you get that jersey from then?" Al asked.
"That's none of you business."
"Judging by the size, I'm guessing its Patrick's."
I felt, rather than saw, his gaze slowly travel down from my eyes to my legs and back.
"It looks good on you," he said his voice quieter than it had been before.
I felt my face turning red under his intense gaze. His green eyes were darker than I'd ever seen them before.
Before I had a chance to respond (to be honest I didn't even know how to respond), a hand slid around my shoulders, and I was pulled into someone's side.
"Nice jersey Rye bread. Is it Patrick's?"
Thank Merlin for Liam.
I looked up at him, my head tilting back and resting on his shoulder.
"What makes you think it isn't mine?" I asked.
"Well for one thing, I've seen you on a broom, and it's not a pretty sight," He replied, clearly trying to hold back a laugh.
"Screw you, Liam. I may not be a wiz on a broom like you and Al here-"
"Or even your siblings," Al interrupted.
I glared at him "Or even my siblings, but I blame my lack of talent on my Dad. He's so uncoordinated, he's lucky he can walk in a straight line."
"So does this mean if we push you, you'll fall over?" Liam asked, his brown eyes shining with mirth.
"Sometimes, but mostly I'm like a Weeble. I may wobble, but I won't fall down".
Al and Liam both started laughing loudly.
"What's so funny?" A clear voice asked.
Claire had come up and joined the conversation.
"You had to be there love," Al said as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
For the first time I looked at all three of them standing in a line.
Liam had magically changed his dark hair from dark brown to flaming red. Like Al he was wearing a Quidditch jersey and jeans.
Claire had transformed her long straight blond hair into a halo of rich brown curls.
She was wearing a Hogwarts uniform with the skirt way too short for regulation, her blouse was unbuttoned even more than normal, and her tie was askew.
Instead of being blue and bronze, like normal, it was red and gold. Clearly she was in Gryffindor instead of Ravenclaw. Suddenly it dawned on me.
"Good God, are the three of you really the Golden Trio?"
"Indeed we are, Rye bread," Liam said turning around in a circle with his arms out stretched.
I was now able to see that the name on the back of the jersey he was wearing said Weasley.
"Question for Al," I said raising my hand in the air.
"I'll do my best to answer."
"How does it feel to be in a trio with your girlfriend and your best mate, and your best mate is the one who ends up with the girl?"
"Well…" began Claire, before Al could say anything "We did talk about this, and Al thought it would be too weird if I was dressed up as his mother. Besides they didn't get together until later."
"True story," Al said as he nodded his head.
"I'm getting kind of thirsty. Do you guys want anything to drink?" Liam asked.
"Shots all around," Claire said before either Al or I could speak.
Liam nodded his head, and turned to leave, but Al grabbed him by the elbow.
"I'll come with you. It can be a bitch carrying four glasses with only two hands."
The two of them disappeared into the crowd, leaving Claire and I alone.
An awkward silence descended upon us.
I passed the time by observing some of the costumes of those around me. I saw everything from a snitch, to what appeared to be a girl dressed as a baby complete with pacifier.
I really wished I had that drink, just to give me something to do with my hands.
"I'm sorry!" Claire yelled, making herself heard over the music.
I froze, and my gaze slid over to her. Her blue eyes were soft, and looked apologetic.
"I know I've been such a bitch lately, calling you a slag and all. I mean I was the one who dared Liam to do it. You just followed through."
I nodded my head, never taking my eyes off her.
"I know that if I was in your position, I wouldn't believe me, but I really am sorry. I was just really drunk that night, and I saw how Al made time for you, but couldn't make time for me."
"He was just proof reading a paper for me," I said pointedly.
"I know. I don't know why, but I was jealous. God that sounds ridiculous. I was jealous because he read a paper that you wrote for a class that you share. I sound completely mental," Claire said, a small smile tugging on the corners of her mouth.
"You really do," I said smiling back.
Claire smiled a bright smile, and held out her hand to me.
"I don't know why, but for some reason, I'm feeling the urge to say truce even though we're not fighting over anything."
I laughed and I extended my hand to shake hers. Instantly I felt the mood lighten.
"Nice costume by the way. I like the smears of paint under your eyes. It makes them look really blue," Claire said tipping her head towards me in emphasis.
"Why thank you. Your hair looks amazing by the way. It's so weird seeing you with dark curly hair."
"I know right! The first time I saw myself in the mirror, I almost screamed. Thank Merlin it's only temporary. Al loves my blond hair. He told me that once, even though everyone says that Potter boys like red heads. He prefers blonds."
"Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," I said with a smile.
"What?" Claire asked, her forehead crinkling in confusion.
"Nothing, it's just an American Muggle movie made in the 1950's. When I go visit my Mum's family, I always watch it with my Nana."
"Where's your Mum from?"
"She grew up in America. In one of the states along the east coast."
"Your Mum's from the states?" Claire asked "How did she end up here?"
"Well, she went on a study trip abroad in her seventh year of school. She met my dad in a pub in Ireland, and the rest is history," I responded.
"That's cool. My Papa is from France. He met my Mum while she was there on business. Saw her walking down the street and says it was love at first sight."
"Sounds like a Lifetime movie."
"What?" Claire asked again.
Clearly she didn't watch any T.V.
Her parents must not have any close connection with Muggles.
My Mum insisted on us having a television. Said she couldn't live without it.
And now my siblings and I are addicted to it. It's one of the things I miss most when I'm at Hogwarts.
"Never mind," I said shaking my head.
"And we're back!" Liam said as he pushed his way through the crowd, a shot in each hand. Al followed closely behind.
"Thanks," I said, as I took the glass Liam handed to me.
"I think a speech is in order," Liam said raising his glass into the air.
"Go right ahead mate," Al said as he once again placed his arm loosely around Claire's shoulders.
"Here's to the last Halloween we will ever celebrate here at Hogwarts. I-"
But he was cut off, as Morgan came strolling up.
"Hey Liam, I have someone here who wants to meet you."
"Hold on Snow, I've got a speech to finish."
"Since when do you call me Snow?" Morgan asked stepping in front of him, preventing him from continuing his speech.
"Since you came to a party dressed as Snow White?" Liam replied.
"You know who Snow White is?" She asked her brown eyes curious.
Most people in the Wizarding world weren't familiar with Muggle fairy tales.
"My Mum's parents were Muggles who were librarians. Of course I know who Snow White is. She one of the most popular princesses along with Cinderella and Belle."
"I'm impressed. Do you know who Little Red Riding hood is?" Morgan asked.
"Of course I do," Liam responded.
"Good! Emma come here!" Morgan called to someone standing behind Liam.
A tiny girl with large hazel eyes and chin- length brown hair stepped into the circle. She was wearing the coolest red velvet cape I'd ever seen. It had a huge hood and everything. She was also carrying a wicker basket.
"Emma, this is Liam. That boy I've been telling you about," Morgan said turning to face Emma. I noticed that Emma's pale cheeks were tinted pink.
"Hi," Emma said looking up into Liam's dark eyes.
"Hi," Liam said as he raised his right hand to rub the back of his neck.
Clearly he wasn't expecting to talk to Emma tonight.
"Would you care to dance?"
Her whole face lit up.
"I would love that!"
"Wicked. I just have to finish this, and then we can go."
"Alright," Emma said still smiling. She then turned, and took a few small steps away from the circle we had formed.
Liam turned to face Morgan.
"I owe you big time Snow."
"No you don't," Morgan replied, shaking her head back and forth.
"Oh yes I do. I will repay you for this, I promise," Liam said.
"Um, mate don't you have a girl to get to?" Al asked.
"Oh right."
Liam raised his glass up into the air.
"To Halloween! Which is the best fucking holiday ever!"
All four of us tapped our glasses together.
I tossed my drink back, the alcohol burning my throat.
When I opened my eyes, I saw Liam's retreating back pushing his way through the crowd.
"Well I hate to ruin this moment, but Riley promised me a dance, and I intend to make her keep that promise," Morgan said as she reached forward and grabbed my hand.
I tossed a quick goodbye over my shoulder before I was tugged into the crowd, Morgan in the lead.
As the music pulsed around me, I realized maybe Halloween isn't so bad after all.
It's all in how you celebrate.
Hello wonderful readers,
Two updates in one week! I hope that you enjoyed this chapter. I had a lot of fun writing it. Who would have guessed that Claire had a nice side? I love reviews of any kind. Your thoughts help me improve as a writer and I'm always looking to improve. The song at the top is Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO. Its a very fitting party song don't you think?