JK Rowling is the owner of Harry Potter and everything else about him. Lucky her.

Chapter Eighteen

The next few hours could only be described as barely contained chaos. Girls in various stages of readiness dashed this way and that, rushing into a bathroom to check their make up or anxiously trying to remember where they had left some random item. Heather kept mostly to the fourth floor, which was hers alone. For reasons she wasn't entirely able to explain, she hadn't let anyone move into Sirius' old bedroom, which also meant she didn't have to share a bathroom. She took an extra-long shower to make sure she was shaved, then took an equally lengthy amount of time applying lotion to every inch of her skin. More than once she heard Katie or Susan shouting at someone who apparently kept trying to sneak a view of the goings on up here, most likely Seamus.

When the five girls descended the stairs just after nine o'clock, they found Ron, Seamus, Neville, George, Lee, and Dean Thomas in the hall getting ready to leave as well. Ron and George's eyes nearly popped out of their skulls when they saw what Ginny was wearing. Temporarily free from her mother's all-seeing eye, she had chosen a metallic gold halter top that stopped an inch above her navel, a black leather mini skirt, and matching knee-high heeled boots. Dean was also staring fixedly at her, though in a much different way than Ron or George. Ginny just grinned back at her brothers, silently daring them to say anything.

Katie had to have gotten her dress from the same shop Heather had. It was a mirror copy of the tiny black dress that mannequin had been wearing, and Katie wore it perfectly. Luna on the other hand had selected a dress of bright orange that was much more conservatively cut and had also forgone heels. Her new earrings were proudly displayed, clashing quite badly with the rest of her outfit.

Heather rocked back and forth from one foot to the other as various eyes took in her choice of outfit. The girl's had already cackled and squealed in delight on seeing it, and she knew that her cheeks were still red from that. Without any further conversation, both groups moved towards the door.

"Hello, Dean." Heather said pleasantly as they all walked outside, wishing she had Ginny's confidence. She was feeling very exposed, especially considering she was being looked at by boys she had grown up sharing a dormitory with, and more importantly, had seen almost naked many times. Half of her wanted to dash back upstairs and get a jacket or something to cover up. It helped her slightly to see that Seamus only had eyes for Katie, and Ron, George, and Dean were too distracted by Ginny to give a fig about her. She hadn't seen where Lee or Neville's eyes had been. "What brings you over?"

"Gonna take the boys to a pub around the corner. We figured since you lot were heading out into the muggle world; I'd try once again to instruct these gents on the finer points of football." The dubious looks on the boy's faces at this told Heather just how much luck Dean was going to have with that particular endeavor.

"You ladies be careful," Seamus said as they reached the sidewalk. "That is, unless you need some strong and manly escorts to accompany you?" he added hopefully, casually flexing his arms and shoulders.

"Know anyone like that?" Katie asked Ginny in a mock serious tone.

Ginny put on an act of thinking hard, "Nope. None come to mind," she said after a long moment.

The boys turned, their hopes dashed, and started following Dean towards this unknown pub. Seamus steered Ron away, he still looked he wanted to object to what his little sister was wearing.

"You know," Heather said quietly to the group, "it might not be a bad idea to have someone with us who isn't getting pissed." She nodded towards the purses each of them was carrying. Inside were their muggle id's, most of the remaining cash, in Heather's case a second pair of shoes, and tucked, down at the very bottom, their wands and auror badges, just in case.

"She's right." Susan added. "We aren't going to want to have to hold onto these all night, and it wouldn't do for some random muggle to get a peek inside."

"Hmm." Ginny said thoughtfully. She turned on the spot and shouted towards the retreating boys. "Oy, Neville!"

Neville turned and called back, "Yeah?"

"Want to come be our strong, manly escort for the evening?" she called, clearly enjoying using Seamus' phrase.

"All right," said Neville eagerly without hesitation and jogged back towards them. In the distance, they could see that Seamus and Dean were both looking put out. Heather half expected them to ask to come along as well. Katie shut that down. "Don't be jealous, we just don't want to go out with blokes who can't keep their eyeballs in their skulls." There were a few taunts from the retreating boys, and then they were gone.

"Thanks for that. The last thing I need are my brothers seeing what we're getting up to tonight." Ginny said to Katie, shaking her head.

Neville looked pleased to have been invited along. He was wearing a blue button-down shirt that was untucked and a pair of jeans. "Right, so where exactly are we going?" he asked happily.

"Good question," replied Susan. Figuring out where to go had been her job, considering her extensive muggle studies knowledge.

"You mean you didn't find a place?" asked Ginny incredulously.

"I forgot!" Susan replied, throwing her arms out to her sides.

Katie waved down a passing taxi. At the sight of the crowd, it pulled into the first parking space. "Hi," Katie said, leaning down to talk to the driver, a middle-aged man with a well-trimmed mustache and coifed graying hair. "We're from, well not here, and we're looking for a place to have a good time. Got any suggestions?"

The man smiled. "Hop in, ladies. And gent," he added, spying Neville.

Figuring out just how to squeeze five girls and Neville into the cab took some doing. Neville, Ginny, Katie, and Heather all wedged themselves into the backseat while Luna and Susan sat haphazardly across their laps. The cabby was in good humor as he watched, occasionally throwing out suggestions. It was clear he had seen this sort of thing before.

"So where are you taking us?" asked Susan once he pulled back into traffic.

"Well, you've got a few choices. I know most of the hot spots, full of noise and lights like you kids like."

"I like the sound of that," said Ginny.

"Same here!" added Katie.

"Only thing is," interjected the cabby, "Well, I'm going to be blunt with you ladies. I've seen too many girls leave those places messed up. Too many blokes out there who like to spike drinks to get pretty girls to go home with them, or worse." He looked back at them in the rearview mirror when he came to stop at a red light. "I see you brought someone along to keep an eye on you, but I usually recommend skipping those places."

The girls shared a series of looks. "So? Where do you suggest we go then?" Katie asked.

"There's this club called Tribe. It's for people of a, how should I say this, different take on life?"

"What do you mean?" asked Heather.

"Well, it's a very accepting sort of place if you know what I mean," the cabby replied.

"It's a gay club" prompted Luna, earning her surprised looks from the other occupants of the backseat. Just how and why she knew what a gay club was, Heather had no idea and certainly didn't think she wanted to know.

"Yes, it is," the cabby replied. Heather could tell he was relieved that someone had picked up what he was trying to say, but there was something else to his relief too. Had he been worried they would do something to him for recommending such a place?

"Have you been there before?" asked Susan.

"I have, many times." He didn't explain further but Heather thought she understood.

"Are the drinks good?" Ginny asked.

"Can we dance there?" asked Katie at the same time.

"Yes and yes" laughed the cabby. "And it's a good deal safer. I'm told that plenty of girls like you lot are starting to prefer places like that. Less chance of a bloke being too handsy."

"That sound ok with everyone?" Susan asked, with particular emphasis towards Neville.

"Fine with me," he said, shrugging amiably.

"Right you are." The cabby replied happily, making a left turn.

Unlike many of the bars and clubs they passed as their taxi made its way across London, Tribe had no line at the door. In fact, if there hadn't been a large neon sign over the door and the sound of loud music spilling out the door, Heather might have thought the man had played a trick on them. After paying the cabby and having their ids checked by the man at the door, Neville didn't have one but said he wouldn't be drinking anyway, they were allowed inside. The club was divided into two floors. The main floor was taken up by a open area with a stage on one side and a long bar on the other. Up above, ringing the walls, was a balcony that looked down on the dancers, complete with stools and other chairs, accessed by two staircases on either side of the bar.

The noise was overwhelming. Music blared from speakers and lights flashed everywhere. It was impossible for Heather to hear anything her friends were saying unless they shouted it into her ear. Everyone except Neville had been given a neon green wristband at the door which glowed brightly in the black light. Katie was all set to dance, but first it was decided that they all needed a drink. Heather let them order, trusting them to pick out something good. The bartender checked their wrists before laying out five small glasses and picking up a bottle of some clear liquid Heather couldn't read the label of. Then he dashed a small pile of what looked like salt into each girl's hand followed by a slice of lime.

Taking her lead from Katie, Heather licked the salt, downed the shot, and shoved the slice of lime into her mouth. Her throat burned and she almost choked. The bartender made a motion that plainly asked "another?" Ginny and Katie were both nodding vigorously. Heather tried to decline, but the shot was laid on the bar in front of her. By the time it hit her stomach she was feeling very lightheaded. Their thirst seemingly sated for the time being, Katie, Ginny, Susan, all strode forward into the dance floor and did their best to mimic the motions of the already dancing muggles. Luna too dove straight into the throng but proceeded to dance much in the same manner she had during Bill and Fleur's wedding. If anyone thought this was strange, they didn't look it. In fact, a few people stopped to watch and then joined in with her.

Heather hung back at the edge of the crowd with Neville, who had taken up a stool at the bar and was sipping on a water. He had already collected each of their purses, and Heather could see him carefully keeping track of each girl while also watching the two entrances. Whatever those shots had been, they were making her stomach feel very warm. She had no idea what song was playing, but the beat felt good as it thrummed in her chest, making her entire body quaver. A hand tapped her on the shoulder.

A tall boy of maybe twenty was smiling at down her. He had just walked in with a group of friends and was trying to say something over all the noise. Heather tapped her ear and leaned forward.

"I was wondering if you wanted to dance?" he shouted with an Irish burr.

She considered him while she swayed with the music. He was cute, though that might just be the alcohol talking. He reminded her a bit of her ex-boyfriend Justin, but not in a bad way. He had the same wavy brown hair and broad shoulders. She nodded, and he took her by the hand and led her onto the floor.

"I'm Sean" he shouted into her ear.

"Heather!" she yelled back.

That was the limit of their conversation for the time being. Heather had no idea what she was doing, but she did her best. She felt extremely clumsy on the heels, but every time she stumbled Sean would reach out and grab her with a laugh, setting her back on her feet. After a few songs, two of his friends caught their attention, pointing at the upper level. Heather hesitated; unsure how wise it was to wander off with a group of strangers. Thankfully Katie wandered past at that moment and Heather grabbed her. Their first stop was the bar to get fresh drinks. Heather only then realized how thirsty she was. Rather than another shot, the bartender made her something pink that tasted fruity. Katie, who was making eyes at one of Sean's friends, was now more than happy to tag along. After telling Neville where they were going, the girls followed Sean and his friends.

"Your boyfriend?" Sean asked when they reached the stairs. There was a partition between them at the dance floor now, making it just possible to be heard without shouting.

"No, just a friend. He's keeping an eye on all of us." She replied.

"Oh, you're here with a group too?" he asked. They had reached the upper level now. His friends, two guys and a girl, had already claimed a pair of sofas. They waved cheerily towards them. As they walked towards them, Heather pointed out Luna who was spinning in place in the center of the dancefloor, waving away what might be wrackspurts. Sean nodded but didn't say anything.

"Oy, you lot, this is Heather and Katie," he yelled when they reached his friends. "Ladies, these are my mates Patrick and Andrew, and our friend McKenna."

They all exchanged greetings and Heather sat next to Sean.

"So Heather, are you from around here?" asked Patrick. He was a freckled red head, while Thomas and Mckenna were pale brunettes. McKenna's hair was well past her shoulders, with long bangs that concealed some of her face. She was sitting back into the sofa like she was trying not to attract attention.

"No, me and my friends came in from out of town," Heather replied.

"Oh? Where from?" asked Thomas politely.

Heather lied easily. She told them she was from Little Winging, which was true enough. Katie, who had taken a seat next to Thomas and was definitely eyeing him, claimed to be from near York. When their questions continued to a point Heather started feeling uncomfortable, she decided to try and shift the conversation. Sean must have picked up on this, because he began a spirited conversation about football. Heather, who had no interest in that, turned to McKenna, who had so far been quiet, and complimented her dress. It was midnight blue and fit her extremely well. She wasn't sure if McKenna was just shy, but she kept her voice so low it was hard to hear over the music. Out of the corner of her eye, Heather saw the boys shooting both of them nervous glances.

While Sean and Patrick continued talking about football, Katie flirted openly with Thomas, twirling her hair around her fingers. Suddenly, McKenna sat up and stared avidly into Heather's face. There was something in the girl's eye that unnerved Heather, like she was trying to fit some piece into a puzzle. An alarm clanged in Heather's head. Could McKenna somehow be a witch and recognize her?

McKenna leaned forward. "Are you…like me?" she whispered into Heather's ear.

"Like you?" Heather asked, confused. "What do you mean?"

"You know…are you trans?" McKenna whispered even more quietly.

"What's trans?" asked Heather, even more perplexed now.

McKenna leaned back in her seat, looking shaken and lowering her head into her hands. "Never mind," she muttered.

Heather sat there wondering what had just happened.

The change in their friend's demeanor had not gone unnoticed. Sean turned to look at both McKenna and Heather. "Everything ok over here?" he asked, a chill replacing the warmth that had previously been in his voice.

"I…I'm not sure." Heather replied truthfully, looking back and forth between Sean and McKenna.

"'Kenna?" asked Patrick, putting an arm around her shoulder.

"What's trans?" asked Heather aloud. She might have uttered a swear word for the reaction she got. All three boys stared at her, their expressions darkening while Katie looked confused.

"Where did you hear that word?" Patrick asked.

"From her," Heather said, gesturing at McKenna who she could see was shaking now. "But I don't know what that is."

Sean looked at her with an expression she couldn't read. "It's a term for people who weren't born the gender that they really are."

"Like, born a boy but thinking you're a girl?" Heather asked quickly.

"Exactly. Got a problem with that?" Patrick asked, now almost hostile while he held McKenna tightly.

"No!" exclaimed Heather hurriedly. "I mean, I guess that's what I am too…"

McKenna's face shot up from her hands. "You are?" she asked keenly. Heather nodded fervently, watching out of the corner of her eye as the boys visibly relaxed.

"I knew it," exclaimed McKenna. "You look so natural though!"

"Err, well, thanks!" Heather replied, chucking nervously as the tension eased.

"Well, I think we all need a drink after that." Sean said, laughing. He stood and held a hand out to Heather. "After you, ladies."

McKenna became an entirely different person from that moment on. By the time they reached the bar, she was chatting Heather's ear off. When they reached the bar, Katie opted out of another drink and dragged Thomas off to dance. Luna, who was waiting next to Neville, wandered over.

"Hi, Luna!" Heather yelled. "Having a good time?"

"Oh, yes," replied Luna, who was gazing interestedly at McKenna, who had begun to visibly shrink up again.

"Can I tell her?" Heather asked McKenna as quietly as possible over the loud music. "She's one of my best friends and has known about me for years." When McKenna nodded, Heather introduced them. "Luna, this is McKenna. She's err…like me."

"Hello," Luna replied, her face breaking out in a wide smile. "Would you like to dance?" Her drink was done. When McKenna nodded, Luna led her out onto the floor.

"Who's that?" asked Patrick amusedly.

"My friend Luna." Heather then pointed out Susan and Ginny, who were all convulsing wildly on the dance floor. "Any of them single?" Patrick asked, reaching towards the bar and picking up a beer in one hand and a shot in the other.

"All of them as far as I know." Heather answered.

"Right," Patrick said. He downed the shot and began wending his way through the throng until he reached Ginny. Whatever he asked her, she nodded, and they began to dance together.

"You need a drink?" asked Sean. When Heather nodded, the bartender poured her a shot of some pink alcohol. She downed it much more easily than whatever Katie had ordered for her and allowed Sean to lead her towards the dancing throng.

By now her insides were pleasantly warm. She found that dancing had somehow either become easier or she wasn't as concerned about being clumsy anymore. She and Sean alternated between dancing and drinking for the rest of the evening. More than once he held her close during a slow song, sending chills up her spine. More than once she found herself hoping that tonight would go on for a very long time.

Her thoughts became slowly more and more disjointed, and after a while she realized that she was drunk. That didn't really matter to her, though. The only thing she cared about was having a good time. She had vague impressions of Katie snogging Thomas in the middle of the dance floor, Luna and McKenna performing some impromptu duet in the middle of a crowd, and, towards the end of the evening, a pair of strong arms supporting her. She thought they had to be Sean's.

A cup of cold water was pressed into her hands and she felt herself being lifted onto a stool. "Drink this." Neville's voice was saying to her. She tried to focus on him but couldn't get her eyes to obey her will. "I'm going to round everyone up. I think it's time to get out of here." Heather wrapped her lips around the straw and started drinking. She didn't stop until the cup was empty. The water tasted incredible to her dry mouth. Now someone was helping her towards the door. She was vaguely aware of Ginny and Luna nearby, identifiable by the color of their outfits more than anything else, and thought she saw McKenna's brown hair in front of her.

Out on the sidewalk, she was lowered gently to sit on raised section of wall. Someone nearby was calling for a cab.

"I don't suppose I could get your number?" asked Sean from the darkness that was beginning to close around her.
"Number?" Heather asked, feeling the words slur in her mouth. For some reason there were three Sean's standing there in the glow of a streetlamp. That idea made her feel very warm indeed for some reason.

"Mobile number," he laughed. "You're right pissed aren't you."

"Oy!" Heather shouted indignantly, wagging a finger at one of the three Sean's. "That's not a very nice thing to say to a lady," she grumped.

"Would her ladyness kindly zip it," Katie groaned from somewhere close by.

"Oh hush yourself. I am trying to talk to this gansome hentleman." Heather said, matter-of-factly.

"Listen," Sean said, still chuckling. "My cab's here." Heather felt something wet moving across the back of her right hand. "Here's my number. I'd love to hear from you. So would McKenna, I know."

Then he was gone. Heather's eyes felt incredibly heavy. Her head sagged sideways onto Katie's shoulder and before she knew it, she was passed out. She didn't remember the cab ride back to Grimmauld Place or the boys coming outside to help Neville with his many unconscious charges. She wasn't even entirely sure the next morning how she had gotten upstairs and into bed. All she could recall were strong arms and something about a glass of water if she needed it.