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Hermione and Ginny joined up with Luna, Neville and Draco at the front doors. Draco was in a full green suit with a black polo shirt underneath it, he looked as muggle as Hermione had ever seen him, she had to admit it suited him. Neville had dark wash Jean, a blue and white striped polo shirt and a camel colour blazer. Luna was holding onto his arm and the two looked amazing together this evening. Luna also had a long cloak on so again Hermione couldn't see her outfit but her reddish earrings were in pride of place, her hair was pinned up in an intricate braided updo.
Looking at her friends she realised how much they had all grown up since the war, when she had gone on the run they were all children. Who they were when she had gone on the run was not who they were now. The youngest of the group, Ginny, had come of age only the month before but even she was old beyond her years.
After greeting each other they began the walk through the grounds to the main gate, Hermione realised very quickly that her shoes had a stabilization spell on them as the uneven ground of Hogwarts was not friendly to heel but she still managed it easily. She was also very grateful to Draco who had decided it was his duty to link arms with both her and Ginny as a "Lady cannot walk alone at night" even though there were five of them.
"Oh so guys, just a reminder that if we are going to refer to my girlfriend, that her name is Trixie. I'm sure there are people who would love to find out about my relationship and I really don't want them to. So Trixie…"
"No sweat Granger, believe me I'm perfectly fine not talking about your girlfriend at all." Draco said, giving her arm a gentle squeeze.
"Unfortunately for you Draco, Trixie has left a letter for us all in my handbag… I don't know what it is about but she made me promise to read it as soon as we sat down."
Ginny laughed out loud. "Maybe she's organized you a stripper Mia! You don't think Harry would mind if I started grinding on a sexy stripper in front of him….right?"
"Whilst I can't say what Harry would do, you do realise it would be a female stripper right?" Neville asked.
"I don't care what gender they are… so long as they are hot." Ginny responded with a shrug.
"If it's a female stripper then I think Potter would definitely enjoy you 'grinding on a sexy stripper', I might as well for that matter." Draco said teasingly.
"Why only if it's a girl Malfoy?" Ginny asked, an edge to her voice.
"It's just hot in it, girls grinding on each other. Back me up here Longbottom!"
"I'm not dragging myself into your mess Draco, get yourself out of it." Neville looked back over his shoulder at them.
"Draco… you do realise how misogynistic that is right? That you think it's hot for two girls to grind on each other… but not a man?" Hermione asked, her voice stern but kind.
"Oh Merlin's tits… I didn't even… ye you're right. I… shit sorry Girls, I guess the pureblood maniacs taught me more than just hatred of Muggleborns. I really am sorry."
Ginny bumped him with her hip. "It's fine, blondey, we all knew your dad was a misogynistic bigot. Just remembered it's sexy when I grind on anyone, not just sexy girls."
"I will endeavor to be an equal opportunity letch in future, Miss Weasley." He said bowing slightly.
"I really hope Trixie hasn't got me a stripper… I'd be mortified." Hermione half whispered.
"Don't worry Draco, the Nargles around you are a lot less than they used to be. You're slowly sending them away." Luna said in her usual dream-like delivery.
"Er… Thanks Luna." Draco gave Ginny a 'What the hell does that mean' look and Ginny responded with a look that clearly said 'I don't know either, it's Luna'.
The girl in question began humming a tune as they walked and the others spent the remainder of the walk to The Three Broomsticks just listening to her humming along.
-Hey Bella?
-Yes, my love?
-You haven't ordered me a stripper have you?
-Not a chance in hell! Why… were you hoping I would?
-God no! Just Ginny said it and it got me thinking about how much I really don't want a stripper.
-Good girl.
-I mean... Unless you want to give me a demonstration when I get home. I'm sure I could be persuaded to watch you strip for me.
-Pet, be good!
-But I can just see it now Bells, slowly peeling off your clothes, just slow enough to drive me absolutely mad. You'd have to tie me to my chair though, I believe you're not allowed to touch the strippers. I'd be so wet when you finally touched me, absolutely dripping for you.
-Hermione. Do not make me come down there. If you keep being a brat and saying things like this when I've told you to be good, then I will drag you home by your hair and then not touch you at all.
-Spoil sport.
-Ah yes, I'm the spoil sport for not letting you wind yourself up being a night out with your friends. I'm just trying to help, Little Dove.
-I know, sorry I'm just excited and I needed somewhere for it to escape.
-I know, baby girl. Just be good, for both our sakes.
-Yes, Bells, I'll try. I love you.
-I love you too, enjoy.
When they finally reached the pub, they could hear music playing inside, it wasn't often they were out this late due to their prior curfew; honestly none of them had ever stayed for a full night out at The Three Broomsticks before.
Draco headed in first, holding the door open for them all, they quickly spotted Harry and headed over to the table he had saved in the corner.
The boys politely took the coats and cloaks off the girls, hanging them up for them too. Hermione was a little blown away by how good her friends looked.
Luna was wearing a floaty yellow and pink dress which stopped just above her knees and showed off a lot of cleavage, it was paired with some neon pink shoes and her butterbeer necklace.
Ginny was a real shock, she was wearing a black mesh bodysuit with nothing but her bra beneath it and a pair of leather shorts over the top, it was paired with knee high boots and a necklace in the shape of a sword. It was a big change from the dresses her mum usually dressed her in but she looked much more comfortable in this than she ever did in the dresses.
She realised that Ginny must have also dressed Harry because not only was this outfit like nothing Harry would pick for himself but it also worked beautifully with Ginny's look. He was wearing tight fitting grey check trousers with a black shirt, which was open at the top. He looked much smarter than she had ever seen him, except for at actual formal events.
Madame Rosmerta quickly came to their table. "Happy birthday Golden girl! First drinks, what'll it be? Also I've taken the liberty of setting up a few privacy wards for you, Rita Skeeter could sit at the bar and still not see you were here. I'll be serving you personally this evening and I promise nothing I hear will be leaked to the press, annoying sneaky snakes. I just want you guys to have a good night. Although the fact that you are all old enough to drink now is really making me feel old!"
"Thanks Rosa, I can't believe I'm 19! I don't know about anyone else but I planned on getting royally smashed tonight, I'll start with a shot of Beetle Berry Whiskey please, then a round of butterbeer."
There was confirmation all round and Rosmerta nodded. "I'll bring the bottle, by the time I've poured you all a double it'll be basically gone anyway. First ones on me and Hermione, before you try and argue, it is your birthday and I want to. So no arguments." She made it clear she wouldn't take any debate but she had a big smile on her face.
"Ok, but after this we're buying our booze." She replied with a smile.
"Five teenagers and a birthday girl on a night out? I couldn't afford to give you free booze all night, I'd go bust before the end of the evening." She joked. "I'll just float your bottles over, I'll pop back when I can but if any of you needs anything before then just gimme a nudge with a patronus."
She walked away and Hermione quickly started digging through her purse for the envelopes, she realised that there were a LOT of envelopes in her purse and she was a little worried what 'Trixie' had planned.
"Ok, Harry you're a bit out of the loop but my girlfriend 'Trixie'." She said it in a way that she hopes Harry would clock that for tonight Bella would be known as 'Trixie', but then Harry was so unobservant that she could take out a billboard saying it and he still wouldn't get it. "Has given us a bunch of letters for this evening. I don't know what they say but she made me promise to read the first one as soon as we arrived." Harry nodded and Hermione broke the seal on the envelope notated with a number 1.
Hello fuckers,
Trixie here! Don't worry, I'm not here to hijack your night, hopefully make it better. There is a bag of Galleons in Hermione's bag which should more than cover all your drinks for the night and no, I will not be accepting any money back. This is a thank you to all of you for your part in me getting the life I now have. Yes, I know you're all embarrassed by getting stuff for free because you're 'war heros' but tough tittys because you all know I don't give a shit what you think of me.
There is also a drinking game in Hermione's bag which I hope you will all enjoy, it's a more modern version of a game we used to play when I was your age… which wasn't as long ago as you're all thinking, cheeky buggers.
There are also a series of other envelopes to be opened one at a time, one every hour. Some are for all of you and some are just for Hermione, the ones for Hermione are marked and I hope none of you will try to read over her shoulder.
Overall, I hope you have a great night and that my antics just make the night better.
Enjoy and don't do anything I wouldn't do.
Trixie
There was then an annotation that had clearly been added as a second thought.
Actually maybe don't do that, there's lots I would do that you shouldn't do.
Hermione was a little in shock, not only had Bella funded the evening but had also provided entertainment and spent time creating extra things for her to open throughout the evening.
Draco was the first to speak. "Yes Aunt…. Trixie, she can claim she doesn't like us all she liked but here is proof that she does. I for one plan to get royally wankered on her Galleons."
Hermione winced at the near slip up but honestly with the wards it was probably safe anyway, overall she was just excited for a night with her friends.
"I'm just gonna shoot Trixie a thank you, one second."
- Thank you Bella, you really didn't have to but you did. The time you've spent writing out all these letters, it means more than galleons ever could. I love you. Everyone else says thank you too.
-I love you too Pet, although don't thank me until you've read all the envelopes…
-Why? Are some of them Naughty? Now I'm intrigued. I thought you said not to wind myself up.
-You'll just have to wait and see. Now you've got friends, go talk to them.
-Spoil sport. Talk soon.
By the time she had finished her silent exchange, the bottle had floated over along with a tower of shot glasses. The butterbeer floated behind, one landing in front of each of the friends.
Harry caught the glasses out the aira nd Ginny grabbed the bottle, quickly pouring out the shots. Once everyone had one Harry lifted his glass in the air.
"To the best sister a boy could have, the best friend any of us could ask for and the brain box who got us all through our OWLs. Happy Birthday Hermione!"
Her friends all choruses back "Happy birthday Hermione" and they all necked their shots, resulting in a series of amusing facial expressions. Hermione was secretly glad that Harry hadn't mentioned the war, it was all anyone seemed to say about her and it wasn't the girl she wanted to be, but she assumed out of any of her friends Harry would know that.
"Come on then Mia, break out the drinking game before all this berry stuff is gone."
She pulled the box out of her bag, it was called 'Paranoia' and apparently had multiple parts to it. There was a set of cards and instructions. Hermione read them aloud.
HOW TO PLAY:
Sit in a circle and decide who will whisper first. That person thinks of a random question and asks the person to their right a Who question.
For example:
Who do you think is most likely to have been caught getting busy in Hogwarts library?
or
Who would appear on the front cover of the Daily prophet?
The person being whispered too must answer their question out loud with who they think it is. Don't say the question out loud, just say the answer!
The name of the person who was called has to decide whether or not they want to know the question or not.
If they want to know what the question was, they have to take a shot and succeed in the forfeit card.
They then take their turn by whispering a question into the next person's ear to their right. The rotation goes by the answer to the question, whoever the answer ends up being.
This keeps going until you are too paranoid and can't take it anymore.
Good luck witches and wizards, you'll need it.
"Ok so basically we whisper questions, that person then answers outloud and the person who is named can choose to find out the question or not and then takes their turn. That makes sense I guess. Who wants to go first?" Hermione asked.
"It's your birthday Mia, you go first." The others nodded and Hermione thought for a moment before whispering into Draco's ear.
Draco snorted. "Straight into it I see Granger. That one has to be Potter."
"Well let it be known that I'm not scared of my booze. Gin, pout me a shot, Mia hand me my card!"
The girls did as they were bidden and Harry quickly downed his shot before reading aloud. "Trivia - How do you fight against Devil snare? That one's easy, sunlight and the spell is… ERM… Lumos Solem I think." He flipped the card. "Yes! Right what did you ask?"
Hermione smiled. "I asked who would be most likely to still fancy Rosmerta."
Harry looked between Hermione and Ginny like he was about to get shot, Ginny took pity on him and said. "Hey I still fancy Rosmerta, it's fine, we can simp together." Harry returned her smile before leaning in to whisper in her ear.
"Luna, definitely Luna!"
Neville turned to look at Luna. "Shot?" She shrugged and nodded her head.
"Although the Nargles don't want me to find out, not really. Hermione, will you pass me a card?"
The card was passed over. "Dare- Open the door and howl like a wolf for 30 seconds. Well that's easy, Neville shot?"
Neville dutifully handed over the shot which was taken quickly with a small squeak of disgust. Luna then left their table, walked to the front door of the pub, threw it wide open and then proceeded to do a very convincing impression of a wolf. What was funny was if it had been anyone else they would have got some very strange looks but as it was Luna no one thought anything of her doing something else strange.
When she was finished, she turned on her heels and headed back to the table. "So… what was the question Gin?"
"Who is most likely to join a cult? Draco already joined one so that's him out and out of the rest of us you just seem the type."
Luna beamed at her friend. "I've always wanted to be part of a cult, Dad would be a great cult leader. He's charismatic and dynamic, plus he has hair that just screams cult… don't you think?"
Neville shook his head with a snort. "I love you dear but sometimes you say the funniest things."
Luna turned and gave him a peck on the cheek. "You're sweet." She then whispered into his ear, his face turned beetroot red.
Draco laughed. "Three rounds in and we're already turning dirty… seems fitting."
Neville managed to stammer out. "ERM… Gi…Ginny."
"Oh I need to know this one! Neville booze, Hermione Card!"
Neville slid the bottle over to Ginny who took a swig straight from the bottle before taking the card from Hermione.
"Dare - go into the nearest toilet and shout 'the passage to the ministry is broken'. Oh Merlin's saggy ball sack! Right ok, I'm going."
She then jumped to her feet and stormed off into the bathroom. A few moments later they heard a shout of. "Hey, does anyone know how to make this thing work? I'm trying to get to the ministry but I think it's broken!"
What followed was a series of muffled voices followed and then after a few moments Ginny reappeared from the bathroom with a smug but annoyed look on her face.
She sat down, flicking her hair behind her shoulders. "So?"
"Most likely to get caught having sex in public." Luna said, not a hint of embarrassment on her face. Ginny turned to face Neville looking completely outraged.
"I'll have you know we've never been caught." Then, with a smug grin, watched as her statement sunk in for Neville and he flushed even stronger than before.
They got lost in the game, everyone choosing to take the forfeits to hear the answers. Rosmerta had brought a second bottle over when she noticed the first running out and they were all toeing over the line into tipsy.
-Hi Pet, envelope time.
-Hey Bells, everyone absolutely loves this game. We're already a bottle and half into the shots.
-I'm glad you're enjoying yourselves.
-I'd enjoy yourself more I'd you were with me… or maybe I could just come back to bed now.
-I am rolling my eyes at you. You don't have to read this one out loud. I'll talk to you in another hour. Goodbye Pet.
-Goodbye Bella
She reached into her bag and pulled out the envelope marked as number two.
"Hey Guys, pause a second, it's been an hour. I need to see what this next one is."
"While you read that, I'm gonna shout over Rosmerta. Are you sticking with butterbeer or switching to something stronger Mi?" Harry asked her.
"Grab me a glass of elven wine. Thanks Hazza P." She opened the letter and started to read.
Hey Pet,
Hope you're having fun so far and not causing too much mayhem with that game.
Before you start causing too much trouble for Rosa it's time to change things up. I arranged with our lovely barmaid to stock a special bottle which she should be bringing to you any time soon. Don't worry, Rosie and I go way back, she won't rat on us.
I want you all to drink until you all have a guess what it is, if someone guesses correctly then they get off my next homework assignment. If you win, Pet, then I will grade one additional essay on any topic. I know you've been itching to impress me with extra homework. I also know you're blushing right now.
Anyway Rosie should be over soon. The answer is at the bottom of this letter simply utter 'revelare mysteria tua' to reveal the answer.
Enjoy,
Trixie.
As if on cue Rosmerta arrived with a pitcher of clear liquid, a bottle of elven wine, a bottle of Firewhiskey and a heaping pile of glasses (thank goodness for magic). She placed it all on the table with a smile.
"I have to say when I was asked to sort this by 'Trixie' I was a little surprised, but now I'm just curious. Will you let me hear your guesses before you find out?"
The others looked at Hermione confused. "Of course, I'll give you a wave when everyone has guessed. Ye, sorry guys, the next letter said we've got a mystery drink and we've got to guess what it is. There's a really good prize for the winner but I'll tell you that later."
There was some definite intrigue and Hermione quickly poured them each a measure before handing them out. The group all sniffed and swirled the drink trying to get a hint of what it could be. Finally one by one they started to drink, each completely shocked by the taste but not knowing how the liquid could taste how it did.
"I think I know what it is." Harry said confidently, placing his glass back on the table a little more forcefully than he intended to. There were murmurs of agreement from around the table.
"Shall we all say it at once? See if we all get the same or different. Also means no one can cheat." Draco suggested, narrowing his eyes in mock suspicion.
"You would suggest that we would cheat, Malfoy… Bloody slimeball." Ginny quipped a giant smile on her face.
"Yes, let's do it together. The Nargles would like that." Luna agreed.
Hermione looked round her friends who all looked confident in their answer. "Okay then after three? One, two, three."
A cacophony of noise came from around the table, each answer was unique and not similar flavour profiles at all. Hermione was starting to think there might be something deeper than surface level with this drink.
"Ok, so we clearly don't all think it tastes the same. So one by one. Harry, do you wanna go first? Then we'll move clockwise?" Hermione suggested, interested to hear what her brother would say.
"Well, it… I don't know why they would make it but it tastes like Hagrid's really bad cake, the one he made me for my 11th birthday. So I guess… bad cake, but in a good way?" He answered, the gears in Hermione's head turning.
Ginny went next. "It tastes like mince pies, my mum's mince pies."
"Gurdyroot infusion, and a particularly good one too." Luna's melodic voice chimed.
"I can't believe these are all so different, it tastes like Droobles Best Blowing Gum to me." Neville said when it was his turn.
Draco shrugged. "It tastes like apple, really crisp and fruity, like the best apple you've ever eaten. I think it's probably green apple."
Hermione finished them off. "Sticky toffee pudding and custard. I think I've got it, I know what the drink is."
Harry's brow furrowed. "How can you know that? All our answers were so different. How can bubble gum, apples and bad cake all be the same drink?"
"Anyone else think they've got a guess? Or are your guesses just going to be the flavour you could taste?" Hermione asked her friends with a smile on her face, it was clear that none of them had any inkling about what the drink could be and she was really excited to make Bella mark a really long essay.
There were various shrugs of shoulders and confused faces from her friends, she caught Rosmerta's eye and the landlady came over quickly.
"Do you think you've figured it out then?" She asked.
"Hermione does, we've all just guessed what it tastes like to us." Ginny told the barmaid.
"Out of curiosity what do you taste?" She looked genuinely intrigued.
Everyone repeated their answers and her smile grew at seeing their confusion. Hermione went last of course.
"I taste my dad's sticky toffee pudding and custard but that isn't my answer. My answer is something that replicating the effects of Ambrosia, the food of the gods." Madame Rosmerta smiled broadly at her and she was sure she had got it right. "Revelare Mysteria Tua." She tapped the parchment with her wand and the answer appeared. The word Ambrosia appeared on the paper and Hermione smiled so much her face ached.
"I was right."
"Somehow knew you would get it right, but then Hermione is a name from Greek mythology after all. Thank you for letting me intrude. Shout me if you need anything." And with that the beautiful witch was gone once more.
Ever clueless, Harry began his line of questioning. "Ambrosia… like the custard?"
Hermione rolled her eyes. "No Harry, not the custard. Ambrosia was the food of the Greek gods, it could heal Demi-gods and was believed to taste like your favourite food or something that made you feel safe and loved. So it was logical that when it tasted so different and with flavours that evoked such strong emotions for us all, that it would be Ambrosia. Oh and the prize was a free pass on one piece of homework for Trixie but if I won I got to hand in extra to be marked."
Draco snorted. "You're such a geek!"
Hermione pulled tongues at him and they all settled into their own conversations. It had been really nice to just be together today, no talk of the war and heros, no adoring public and no responsibility. It was one of the first times the group had ever felt like kids, free and without responsibility; it was ironic that it happened once they were all of age.
A while later, after a letter that demanded they all downed the remainder of their drink, the group were getting further and further over the line between tipsy and drunk. They decided to continue with their game of Paranoia and by the time it came for the next letter Hermione was definitely feeling a bit giddy.
-Hello Princess, how are you doing?
-Helllooooo Belly Boo, I'm doing very goodly. How are youuuuu?
-I'm snuggled up in bed, waiting for my baby girl to come home.
-Hmmm snuggled up all alone in that big bed…
-Don't start Pet. I only dropped in to tell you it's time for the next envelope.
-Soooooo, you mean I can't tell you about all the things I'd do to you if I was there and tease you mercilessly?
-Pet, you remember how that ended for you last time you decided to play this game.
-Awwww but I like it when you tease me.
-Later perhaps Pet, you've got friends. Coincidentally did anyone win the prize earlier?
-I did!
-Oh God, I'm gonna have a mammoth essay to grade. It's a good thing I love you. Now, go open your envelopes and enjoy your night.
-Bye bye Bells
"It's envelope time. Trixie just told me it's time." When she searched through the pile for the letter marked as 4 she realised there were actually several letters, one addressed to them all and one each for Hermione and her friends. Hermione opened the 'to all' letter and read it aloud.
Hey (tispy) fuckers,
Me again. This round is a bit different from the previous ones but I hope it will be fun. You each have a letter of your own that only you can read.
The letter will have a challenge or request for you to complete, you cannot tell each other about what your challenge is, it's a secret.
If you complete it you will have one get out of detention free card from me, if I catch you doing something breaking school rules, I will let it slide but only once and only if you do your dare.
Trixie.
She dutifully handed the letters out and everyone opened their challenge.
Hey Pet,
Your challenge is my personal favourite and rather different from your friends. Also, you don't get a get out of detention card, you get to act like a 'brat for one full day and I won't punish you for it' card, not today though, today you have to be a good girl.
Your challenge is to slink away to the toilet, not right now it would be so obvious, at some point during the next hour.
Whilst you're in there, we are going to have a little chat and you, my pretty one, are going to make yourself cum on those pretty little fingers of yours.
Cue blush, you are so predictable it hurts. I bet right now you're trying to convince yourself you're not going to do it because you could get caught and it would be so embarrassing. The other side of you however, the side that only I know, the side of you that is my good little fucktoy is getting wet just thinking about it and that is the side that will win.
Because deep down you know you are my good girl, and good girls do as their Mistress tells them, especially when it is in regards to them being filthy little slut.
So, I will be waiting for you, my love. Try and wait long enough for it to not be suspicious.
Trixie
Hermione knew she was flushing scarlet, but luckily her friends were mostly still engrossed in their letters. Some had expressions of shock, others amusement and Luna looked like she simply didn't care and was just happy to be with her friends.
Finally they all finished reading and mostly fell back to easy conversations, they all knew they weren't allowed to talk about it and of course, the fact that it would be much easier for them all to complete their challenges whilst they were distracted.
After about half an hour of chat, Hermione finally excused herself to go to the toilet, preying that the girls didn't follow her as they usually did. Luckily on this occasion they stayed where they were.
Hermione walked into the bathroom, into the stall and quickly locked the door.
-Hi Bella boo?
-Hi Princess, am I to assume that you've locked yourself up in the ladies?
-Yep.
She popped the P on yep which told Bella just how much she had drunk. .
-What a good obedient slut you are. I want you to close the lid, pull your dress up and sit down.
-Mhhmm
-Words Pet, can't do Legilimency from here.
-I did it.
-Good girl, such a good little needy whore. I want you to pull your panties to the side and you're going to touch yourself and tell me how wet you are.
Hermione complied, she discovered that pushing her underwear to the side instead of removing it made her feel dirty in the best way. She was, of course, absolutely dripping.
-I'm so wet, Bella. So wet.
-How wet? Are your panties soaked, how about your thighs?Are you dripping down your thighs, Pet?
-Yes, I'm drenched. God, Bella please.
-My needy girl, do you want to make yourself cum?
-Yes, Merlin. Bella please.
-As much fun as it would be to make you play with yourself in the bathroom for the next half hour, our time is ticking. So clever girl, fingers on your clit. Let's give you the release you so desire.
-Oh god please.
-I want you to rub your clit, hard and fast. You've got to cum before your friends come looking for you, and you've got to do it silently… or else you'll get caught.
-God Bella, how can you get me this horny, you're not even here.
-Because the whole situation is turning you on. The danger of being caught, how taboo it feels to be touching yourself in the toilets, the fact you have to stay silent and take it like a good little slut, and the alcohol helps too.
-God Bella, please can I cum?
-Cum for me baby girl.
Hermione's thoughts stopped projecting as she desperately tried to cum without making a sound, she mostly managed it but a small whimper still escaped.
She sat breathing heavily for a moment before finally speaking to Bella once more, her voice was shy but full of love.
-Hi.
-Did you cum for me?
-Yes.
-Such a good girl. Did you manage to stay quiet?
-Mostly, I mean I wasn't caught. I will have to go back in soon though, or they'll suspect something.
-Of course my darling. I am so very proud of you. Now be good, the bratting can't start till at least tomorrow.
-I love you Bells. Making no promises on the bratting though, you are a very sexy witch and I'm rather tipsy
-I bet you are. I love you, Pet.
Hermione quickly clean herself up with a quick Scourgify which luckily took care of most of her issues. The only issue she couldn't fix was the flush on her cheeks but she was hopeful everyone would assume it was the alcohol.
Taking a final deep breath and putting a relaxed smile back on her face she returned to her friends. Luckily when she came out Luna was trying to dramatically read everyone's aura and so luckily they were all distracted. She could always trust Luna to do something odd to cause a distraction for her.
She sat herself back at the table and poured herself a glass of Firewhiskey. She looked round at her friends whilst they were distracted and wondered what their challenges were, knowing Bella it could literally be anything (as she had just proven). She settled in and listened to Luna describing everyone's aura and the colours she could see surrounding them. Hermione wondered (and not for the first time) why Luna could see things the rest of them couldn't, she knew now that Luna was definitely interacting with something because she knew things that no one else should know but no one took her seriously enough to do any research into it.
-Letter time my darling.
-Already? How?
-You were rather busy in the toilet for some of the past hour.
-Oh ye… thanks Belly boo
-Hmm We'll have a conversation about this 'Belly boo' when you get home.
-Oh dear, what are you going to do Belly boo? Are you going to spank me for being a naughty girl? Tie me up and have your way with me? Whatever is a girl to do…
-Don't push your luck just because you are drunk, Kitten. I will make you pay for your insolence.
-I'm sure I could negotiate a way to find forgiveness. I could kneel in penance… between your legs. I'm sure I could come up with a pretty good apology. Does getting you to say 'Oh Merlin' count the same as a hail Mary? I'm sure we could work our way through three hail Mary's pretty quickly.
-You're talking a good talk right now Pet, but will you be so forward when you have to meet my eyes later I wonder. Hmmm. Now do as you're told and open your letter. I will see you later Pet.
-By Belly Boo…
-Hmmm
Hermione found the letter labeled as number five and opened it. There was only one word written in it.
Surprise
Hermione's brow furrowed in confusion until the lights in the pub went out and Rosmerta appeared levitating a large cake. All of her friends were singing Happy birthday to her with the biggest smiles and Hermione was truly thankful that they had made it through the war, that she could have her friends together for her birthday this year.
As Rosmerta came closer, Hermione was grateful that the make up spells Bella had cast were waterproof. The cake was a stack of two books with a tiny figure of Matilda sat on top, surrounded by even smaller books. Bella had really taken the Matilda thing and ran with it.
As they finished singing, she made a wish, shielding it even from Bella and then blew out the candles.
Her friends cheered loudly, Ginny slipping her hand up to brush away Hermione's tears.
When they finished the lights weren't turned back on, instead The Three Broomsticks turned into a nightclub. How Hogwarts students weren't aware of it she didn't know but they were given a curfew by the pub after all. The girls squealed and quickly dragged the boys, who grumbled but didn't put up too much of a fight, into the empty space which was clearly intended as a dance floor. The cake was forgotten as they danced.
The six of them danced together, monopolizing the free space and just cuttin loose. Neville and Ginny gave them a repeat performance of their dancing at the Yule Ball, although he didn't stand on her toes this time. Harry and Hermione taught everyone the Macarena after discovering that the jukebox could play any song magic or Muggle.
They were just getting lost in a song by the weird sisters when there was a bell rang throughout the pub and Rosmerta shouted. "Last orders! So come over if you're comin', 15 minutes to get your drinks."
The group staggered back to the table; taking the time to gratefully down their drinks, as they had all worked up quite a sweat.
"I can't believe it's last orders already, we can't have been here that long?" Hermione said breathlessly, she was having a brilliant night and frankly she didn't want it to end yet.
Luna cast a quick Tempus charm. "It is quarter to 11 Hermione."
Ginny looked surprised. "We've been here 5 hours!"
"I'm so hungry. I wish there was a kebab shop around here." Hermione said, everyone except Harry gave her a very confused look. "It's just a thing after a night out in the muggle world and now I can see why, it would be so good right now!"
Draco checked the remaining bottles on the table and finding most of them empty he volunteered to head to the bar to get in a last round, Rosmerta was far too swamped to come to them right now, they all agreed on a final bottle of Firewhiskey. Neville and Harry decided to go with him and Hermione was glad to see that the three had finally got past their differences.
Ginny slipped off her heels and gave her foot a quick rub. "Merlin's saggy ball sack, my feet hurt so bad. How are you still ok Hermione? You're normally the first to complain."
Hermione laughed. "Present from Trixie, cushioned and I can't twist my ankle. I think I could dance for hours."
Luna poured out the remainder of the wine for them and they all gratefully sipped, enjoying just being in the moment for once.
After about ten minutes the boys returned with the bottle and Neville quickly poured them all a healthy measure. They had gone through many bottles but, as there were so many of them, luckily none of them were completely blottoed.
Neville raised his glass, he wasn't usually one for public speaking so this act in itself made Hermione's heart swell. "I just want to say that I am so grateful and happy to have spent today with you all, not just my friends but my family. Not to bring the tone down but there are so many people who should be here celebrating with us tonight. So this one goes to them. To everyone who we lost in the war!"
They all raised their glass and took a drink.
"And finally to Hermione, our Golden girl and the best friend that any of us could have. I am so glad that she has found her soulmate, no one deserves it more. We all love you Hermione, you have championed each and every one of us at some time or another; from helping me find Trevor on the train our very first year, right up to bringing Draco under your wing this year, you have always been our biggest cheerleader and we love you. To Hermione."
Hermione was blushing like crazy and, for about the hundredth time that day, there were tears in her eyes. They rest all chorused back 'to Hermione' and drank deeply.
Another bell signaling the bar was closed and Rosmerta shouted out again. "Right folks you've got half an hour to drink up and get out."
Just as she finished speaking Bella popped back into her head.
-Hey birthday girl.
-Hi Belly Belly!
-Oh god that's even worse than Belly boo. Having a good night?
-Yuhu! The best, not quite perfect because you're not here but it's pretty close.
-Well it's time for another envelope. It's your second to last. You can read this one to everyone. I'm guessing bars just shut?
-Bang on actually Bells.
-Brilliant. I love you, see you soon.
-Not if I see you first.
-I'm rolling my eyes at you Pet.
Hermione pulled out the second to last envelope, number 6, and opened it.
Hello (drunk) fuckers,
I hope you've had a good night, I've arranged for you to stay after kick out so that you can walk home without any drunk fans trying to follow you.
Then, because I am an experienced drunk, I am assuming you are all starving, well lucky for you I had the brains to think ahead.
So you've got an hour before you head back to Hogwarts, food is on its way and make sure to settle the tab with Rosa before you go.
Trixie.
With a pop Winkie appeared next to Hermione, she had a collection of trays floating beside her which she quickly placed on the table. There was cheesy chips, chicken nuggets and to Hermione's intense delight a tray of donner meat and a second tray covered in wraps, naan, pitta bread as well as salad and sauces.
"Winky! I am so hungry I could kiss you right now!" Ginny called out and the elf quickly blushed.
"Winky will go now, Winky just brought food." Then popped out of existence before anyone could say anything else.
"Oops." Ginny said before bursting into giggles.
The group quickly dove into the food, all of them giving an appreciative moan as they took their first bite. If any of them had been sober they would have teased the others about it but alas they were all firmly past the point of being drunk.
It was almost sad in a way that the group of teens were so accustomed to drinking that they weren't slurring their speech or stumbling over their words. It did, however mean they would all remember the whole night and be able to walk home safely. Most of the wizarding world had taken up drinking immediately after the war, either in celebration or as a coping mechanism, actually for a while there was worry of a national shortage.
They were all so hungry that they didn't utter a word whilst they stuffed their faces. There was a funny moment when Draco bravely tried a chicken nugget for the first time; whilst the other house tables often had muggle options for the half-bloods and muggleborns, there was none at the Slytherin table as they were all pureblood. He looked reproachfully at the golden nugget and after watching the others for a moment, he picked up a nuggy with his fingers and bit into it. How face showed shock and then an intense appreciation, it had then become nearly impossible for anyone else to get to the nuggets; Draco becoming Golem if he had been obsessed with nuggets not rings.
They made short work of the food, when they finally all came up for air they realised that, bar a few strangling chips and some salad, they had polished off the lot.
Whilst they were eating their food the bar had completely emptied out, Rosmerta locked the door and headed over to the only remaining patrons.
"Have a good evening? You've certainly gone through enough bottles." She smiled down at them.
"It's been the best birthday ever, honestly. I've been thoroughly spoiled by everyone and tonight has been so much fun. I do need to settle up with you but 'Trixie' is paying so... don't tell me how much we've blown tonight." She pulled the sack of Galleons out of her bag. "Just take however much it is plus 10% and then bring anything left back. I trust you, so don't try and argue about it being unprofessional." Hermione smiled up at the landlord and passed over the bag of money.
"I'm not going to argue with the Golden Girl on her birthday, don't worry about that." She took the bag and headed to the bar.
"I can't believe I'm still hungry, I'm sure I could have eaten all that again." Neville said, Hermione gave him a wide grin.
"No need to be sad, we can all have a very large slice of cake!" The excited faces that smiled back at her were any indication they all approved of the idea.
The cake was a rich chocolate cake with layers of tart raspberry jam and a sweet chocolate mascarpone icing. It was the perfect blend of flavours and as she took her first bite Hermione closed her eyes for a moment to appreciate the ways the different facets of the cake danced across her taste buds.
"This is damn good cake!" Ginny half shouted, Harry shushing her gently.
"She's not wrong though, this is nothing like Hagrid's cake." Harry quipped and those that had tried Hagrid's cooking all burst into hysterics; Draco looked utterly confused but it was a great cake so he wasn't complaining.
They were all tired, full and content and the conversation for the next few minutes was mostly discussing the walk home.
"I really don't fancy the walk back right now, the world is spinning a bit. We should have bought those anti-intoxication potions." Draco complained.
"Do you know how expensive those things are? Just coz they were probably given out like nothing at your house, the rest of us could never afford it. Wish we could though, I hate still feeling drunk when I'm ready for bed, it always makes the nightmares worse." Ginny agreed.
"I don't feel much different but it's probably the radish, it helps stave off inebriation." Luna informed them all.
"You can carry me home then Luna, my feet are absolutely killing me!" Ginny said, Harry pulled her closer to him and whispered into her ear. Ginny flushed, a wicked smile crossed her face and she nodded. "Never mind, no need to carry me. I'm going to stay with Harry and come back to school tomorrow." Both her and Harry looked very happy with the new plan and Harry took her hand in his sweetly.
Rosmerta headed back to them with the money pouch, a cake box and a smaller more study looking box. "Will you want breakfast in the morning then Gin?" She had clearly heard the tail end of their conversation. Ginny nodded, gratefully. "No problem, there was already a second breakfast paid for after all. Anyway the bill is all sorted for you. You're free to go as soon as you open your final letter I believe. This is for you." She indicated the box. "But don't open it until you open the last envelope."
"Wouldn't dream of it. Would you like some cake? It's chocolate and raspberry." Hermione asked, taking the offered items. Rosmerta smiled.
"I would absolutely love that. Chocolate and raspberry is one of my favourite combinations."
Neville quickly sliced her free a decent slice of cake and levitated it over to her sweetly.
"I'm going to go eat this upstairs. I'm not trying to be rude, I just don't like eating in front of others, you understand. I really do hope you've had a good night. The door will automatically lock behind you when you leave so I will leave you to it now, if there's nothing else you need. Goodnight."
They all wished her goodnight and started to package the remaining cake into its box for the journey home. Thank goodness magic existed because there was no way they would be able to walk the 20 minutes back to the castle, drunk, with a cake in hand.
-Hello Darling. Time for your last envelope and then you can start heading home. Read this one out loud.
-Bells, the cake was absolutely amazing, tasted so good. I'll open the letter now.
-Good girl. I'm glad you enjoyed your cake.
-Don't go to sleep on me! I know it's a good 20 minute walk home but I want snuggles.
-I'm sure you want more than snuggled, Pet, but I'm sure I can manage that.
-Best birthday ever. I'll let you know when we start to walk home.
-Good girl. See you soon.
She pulled out the remaining four envelopes, one marked for all of them so she opened that first.
"It's the last envelope, guys."
Hello (very drunk) fuckers,
Hope you've had a good night. Those of you who haven't yet completed your task, now is the time to do so. I also have additional tasks for the girls which are written in the remaining envelopes.
I have taken the liberty of acquiring anti-intoxication potions for you all, should you wish to take them, there is one each in the box which Rosa should have brought you.
I hope you have all had a good night and, everyone bar Hermione, I hope I don't see you again until at least Monday.
Trixie
"That is why she is my favourite!" Draco shouted, quickly opening the box and necking the potion before anyone else had really processed what had happened.
Hermione handed the letters to Ginny and Luna, whilst Draco handed round the potions. Hermione didn't take hers straight away, wanting to read her letter first.
Hey Princess,
So the letters that your friends are currently reading say this. Ginny's letter says that I hope she will stay with Potter (his task was to get the balls to suggest she stay with him tonight) . I thought they deserved the time together and have sorted her absence with Minnie already.
Luna's letter is telling her what your other friends already know, that they will be walking home without you tonight. By now I will already be outside waiting for you, I thought we could walk home together.
Draco and Longbottom already know as their 'task' earlier was that when it came time to come home, that they would go without you. Also Draco has to pop your cake into my room when he gets back.
So little miss, drink your Potion like a good girl and then meet me outside.
Trixie
Hermione smiled, Bella had really gone above and beyond today; allowing Harry and Ginny extra time together, the food and cake, the potions and now coming to escort her home. It really was everything she could have asked for for their first birthday as a couple.
She quickly drained her potion and felt the fuzziness in her head disappear, she was glad because she hadn't really wanted to walk back to Hogwarts with alcohol in her system.
"Time to go?" Neville asked, a twinkle in his eye that made Hermione blush but she wasn't sure why. It was almost as if he knew something she didn't.
"ERM… ye. She's outside." Hermione stammered back.
Harry stood up and grabbed Ginny's coat. "We'll head upstairs then. I probably won't see you before I head back tomorrow so give me a hug."
Hermione stood and accepted the hug from her brother. She was glad that after everything he was still by her side. When she stepped back she spotted Neville helping Luna into her cloak and beside them stood Draco with her coat.
Harry laughed. "Grab your coat you've pulled."
Hermione laughed right back but everyone else looked in various states from confused, to shocked and Draco looked down right terrified.
"I just wanted to be a gentleman, your litrally about to walk home with my aunt… I'm not trying to pull you Granger."
"I know, Draco. It's a muggle saying. I don't think you were actually trying to pull me…not that you would be able to, I'm all about Black if you didn't know." She winked.
Luckily Draco clocked on straight away and slipped back into their banter. "Hey I'm half Black, does that mean you're 'half about me' too?" He wiggles his eyebrows suggestively at her.
Hermione replied, her voice dropping in sarcasm. "Oh yes, that half is nearly overwhelmingly attractive. I don't know how I've managed to resist you for so long."
The pair broke into giggled again as Draco helped her to tug on her coat.
"I just wanna say before we go our separate ways home, thank you for everything you do for me. All of you are so important in my life and I love you all."
Gonna stepped in the hug her. "Don't get all sappy on us now Mia, you've not got the excuse of the booze anymore. Now go on, you've got a sexy old lady waiting to walk you home and you wouldn't want to keep her waiting, you might get in trouble. So go on get." She stepped back and took Harry's hand, she gave Hermione a smirk and a wink before they headed up the guest stars.
The four remaining friends grabbed the remainder of their stuff and headed out the door. As expected Bella was sat on a low wall outside just waiting for them. There was a feral look in her eyes and Hermione knew the twinkle she had seen in Neville's eyes early must have something to do with this… whatever it was.
When she saw then she stood and stalked towards them.
"Hello, fancy seeing you here. I'll escort you all back shall I?"
"Yes, Professor I believe that would be acceptable." Hermione replied.
They walked to the edge of Hogsmead in relative silence, it wasn't worth any of them slipping up where someone could hear them.
When they finally reached the outskirts of the town and we're far enough away to not be caught, Bella pulled Hermione to a stop.
"I've got it from here guys. Longbottom please ensure Miss Lovegood gets to bed safely, I have it on good authority that Flitwick is indisposed this evening so won't be checking the Ravenclaw Dorms and we wouldn't want anything to happen to her between now and her bed after all."
Neville and Luna both grinned widely as they realised that they too would get to spend the night together.
"Oh and Draco, please don't levitates it the cake into a tree, I would very much like to have some when I get home. Now shoo, all of you. Me and Miss Granger have business to attend to before we head bavk to the castle."
The looks her friends gave her before they walked away let Hermione know that whilst she was probably going to enjoy herself she was also royally fucked!