A/N: Hello all, updating again, Yeah! Just wanted to add that I don't own anything in the Potter-verse and I also don't own any of the songs or bands I mention for the party, they all belong to their artists, not me, obviously. I tried to stick with songs that were out at the time. I believe if my calculations are correct that it's supposed to be 1998(?) when they graduate. It's too late and I've been up since 6am, so I really don't feel like referring to the books, that requires moving, lol. I could be a year off, but enjoy the party anyways! I kind of leave it hanging at the end….Sorry, but I'm pausing for now cause it's late and I'd like to get something out sooner. (Took me months for chapter two, but school is just starting so it hasn't gotten too crazy yet, should have time for chapter four very soon)
Chapter 3
The Weasleys and many of the members of the Order joined the trio at Grimmauld Place for a small before-party party. It was mainly so the adults had time to congratulate the graduates before they were sent from the house.
They walked into the house and stopped in their tracks. No one had seen the house since it had been repainted. The large entryway had been painted gold with burgundy accents. The large windows were covered with long burgundy curtains and a large tapestry with the Gryffindor crest decorated the wall, which had once occupied Mrs. Black's portrait. The floors were hardwood.
"Perfect," Remus said amused, gazing around at the tapestry.
"Once a Gryffindor, always a Gryffindor," Fred added.
Harry led them into the large dining room, which would be the main room for the party that night. Dobby had set out a large dinner for everyone. The hardwood floors continued into the dining room, but this room was opposite, with burgundy walls and gold accents.
As they sat around the table, the doorbell rang. Moments later, Dobby ushered in Neville Longbottom and his grandmother. A round of `hellos' went to the new arrivals.
"Ah, Neville, you're here," Kingsley Shacklebolt said as he arose from his seat. He took Neville's hand then addressed everyone, "I have a special announcement to make."
The chatter died away as Neville and his grandmother took two empty chairs.
"Well, we've had a couple job announcements thus far," he continued, smiling at Harry and Hermione who were seated side by side with Ron on the other side of Hermione, "And I'd like to keep up with that. I'd like to extend and invitation to Ron Weasley and Neville Longbottom to join in on Auror training starting next week." He handed each of the two their respective envelopes.
Ron stared down at his name in shock while the table surrounding him burst out with happiness. Neville's grandmother broke down crying that she had never been more proud of her grandson and Mrs. Weasley jumped excitedly to move around the table to get to her son.
"Ron, you did it!" Hermione exclaimed, hugging him tightly.
Ron still hadn't responded and it took Harry, who laid a hand on his shoulder and said "Congratulations Ron, you deserve it," for Ron to finally come to he senses. He smiled broadly before he was whisked away into his mother's arms.
"Neville," Shacklebolt continued when the excitement died down, "I know you are amazing with herbology, so you will be trained on the poison squad led by Tobias Harpe and Ron, you will study under me, the defensive squad. You will both receive the same training until divided up."
Ron shook his hand vehemently, "Thank you so much sir!"
"You've proven yourself Ron, in the battle, you deserve it," Shacklebolt replied.
The rest of dinner Ron spent talking excitedly about all the things he had learned about the Aurors from his father. At six o'clock, the trio ushered everyone out.
Kingsley took Harry aside before he left, "You know Harry, I have two more envelopes with yours and Hermione's name on them."
"Did you tell Hermione?" Harry asked.
"Yes, and she said she's very happy with her appointment already. She declined graciously."
"And I must as well," Harry smiled, "I know it's been a dream of mine to become an Auror, but I have to say, this teaching position exceeds all."
Shacklebolt smiled at him, "I knew you'd say that. That's why I'm offering you to train with the Aurors for the summer before you take up your post at Hogwarts. Hermione has accepted, I hope you will too."
"That would be a wonderful experience," Harry said, shaking the old Auror's hand excitedly.
Once the adults were gone, just the trio and Neville remained.
"Let's get this party started," Ron shouted excitedly.
Hermione grabbed Harry's arm and looked at his watch, she squealed, "Oh no, I'm not ready," and took the stairs two at a time.
The boys watched after her, confused.
"She looked fine to me," Ron said.
"You know girls," Neville reminded him, "They always have to look their best."
The boys went into the dining room. Dobby had already cleared the table and was in the process of magically shrinking it to a buffet table, which he lined against the wall. A gold tablecloth appeared over it as well as many empty bowls and trays.
"It's okay Dobby," Harry called to him, "I can take it from here."
Dobby bowed himself away as Harry charmed the room to a bigger size. It was big already, but probably not enough to accommodate the graduating class of Hogwarts and probably a few extras here and there.
They DJ, who they had hired to play that night, showed up minutes later and started to set up in the back corner. By the time the guests arrived, the music was blaring from the many speakers positioned throughout the room.
"Have you seen Hermione?" Harry asked Ron. There were already about fifty people there and Hermione still hadn't returned.
Ron shook his head, then noticed a beautiful, but perhaps a little strange, blond appear at the doorway. He smiled and turned to get her a drink before approaching.
Harry watched his lovestruck friend amused before he decided to check on Hermione.
"Come in!" she shouted frantically from inside.
Harry walked into a disaster. Hermione's room looked like a tornado struck it, there were clothes everywhere and Hermione was at her closet throwing out even more onto the floor.
"Hermione!" Harry said moving closer and dodging a brown sandal that was sent his way.
Hermione looked at him startled and clutched tighter at the short pink towel she had wrapped around herself.
"Oh, Harry!" Hermione squeaked.
"Umm…Uhh…" Harry tried to remember why he had come it. He stared unblinking at the large amount of skin Hermione revealed.
"Harry, no time to stare!" Hermione cried, "I don't know what to wear!"
Harry shook his head trying to regain some sense. His gaze shifted to her head. At least her hair was done. "Hermione you look great, whatever you wear will be just fine."
Hermione sighed, "Okay, but at least help me decide between the silver and the blue," she resigned, holding up both dresses. The blue was a short cotton sundress with spaghetti straps and the silver was made out of a fine silky material. It was a halter-top, with an open back.
"I like the silver," Harry said, wiggling his eyebrows.
"Harry, you git," Hermione said blushing. She dropped the blue dress on the floor and studied the silver dress, "Thanks Harry, I think you're right."
Harry's mouth dropped open. Never in his life had he seen a dress so sexy, let alone one that was going to be worn by his best friend.
"Are you going to watch Harry?" Hermione asked lightheartedly.
Harry blushed and turned towards the door, "I'll meet you down there."
When Harry reached the bottom of the stairs, he couldn't help wish Hermione would hurry up and get down here so he could see how the dress looked on her.
Dean had just shown up and he carried with him a large box.
"Harry!" Dean shouted over the music.
Harry smiled and approached his fellow Gryffindor, "What's that in the box?"
Dean smiled, "It's a karaoke machine. Got it for Christmas last year. Thought it might be fun to play with for a bit when everyone's good and drunk."
Harry remembered what a karaoke machine was, but his memory involved a tone-deaf fat cousin and a high-pitched, horse-tooth aunt singing a duet in the sitting room. He shook his head to clear the memory from his head, "Sounds like fun."
Dean wasn't paying attention though, his gaze was on the beauty walking down the stairs. Harry noticed he wasn't paying attention and turned to look at what caught his gaze.
Hermione was about halfway down the stairs, taking them gracefully, but slowly because of the heels she had on. As if drawn to her, Harry moved towards the staircase to take her hand when she reached the bottom.
"You look amazing," Harry whispered in her ear.
"Thank you for your help," Hermione smiled, but she was taken from Harry's grasp by a flock of Gryffindor girls, excited to see her.
"Oh Hermione," Parvati gushed, "You look great!"
Harry left before the girls could maul him, but not before catching Hermione's eye one last time.
"Harry, mate!" Ron shouted over the music. Already a large number were dancing. Ron and Luna sat side by side in chairs surrounding the dance floor. Harry strode towards them with a backwards glance at the girls. They were all looking at him. Parvati winked then burst out into giggles. Then they all practically raced for the dance floor.
Harry shook his head, Girls!
"There you are!" Ron said when Harry had reached them. Ron held two pints of mead and handed Harry one, which Harry downed. He had to clear his head. Was he really just thinking about Hermione that way?
"I found her," Harry said, motioning to the group of girls, then turned back to the two of them, "How are you Luna?"
"I'm excellent, thank you for letting me come too, Harry. This is wonderful," Luna said dreamy eyed. She gazed at the disco ball hanging in the centre of the room.
"Want to see me lose a bet?" Ron asked about ten minutes later.
"Uhh…sure?" Harry said, confused.
Ron ignored his confusion and went to the bar. He got a round of shots of Firewhisky and headed towards the group of girls. Everyone, including Hermione took one and they all cheers before downing it simultaneously. Ron grinned at Hermione as she lowered the glass, "You owe me, Ron. I believe I just won a bet. Now fetch me another!"
Ron did as he was told. He brought her another shot and a mixed drink, then came back to Harry and Luna laughing.
"That's one bet I was willing to lose," Ron admitted, then he took a large swig from his mead and pulled Luna up, "Come on girl, let's see those moves."
Luna giggled delightedly and Harry watched in awe as his best mate joined the group on the dance floor.
Harry, being the host of the party, started making rounds, saying hello to everyone and making small chitchat.
"Har-RY!" Hermione squealed, finding him in a conversation with Ernie McMillan, "Sorry Ernie, I have to borrow him for a minute."
"What's up Hermione?" Harry asked.
"Oh Harry, you have to start having fun! Stop being the polite host and get in a right state with me," Hermione slurred, handing him a shot, "To our new place," she said, raising her shot glass.
Harry clicked hers with his and downed the liquid, which burned all the way down his throat and even in his belly. Hermione handed him a cup of mead, which Harry took gratefully.
"There now, come on!" she said, pulling him into the group. He couldn't resist, not with Hermione.
A large circle eventually formed as groups of ones, twos or threes went into the centre to show off. Ron pulled Harry in the middle and started doing the robot. Harry laughed and joined in.
Once the next song was over, a slow song came on. Harry looked towards Hermione, who glanced his way. He was going to go over to her when both Parvati and Padma jumped in his way.
"I got here first!" Parvati exclaimed happily. Padma sulked to the side of the dance floor. Harry was about to say that he needed a break, but he spotted Hermione being swept onto the dance floor by a Ravenclaw. He sighed and took Parvati's hand.
"Not like that Harry, we're not in school," Parvati giggled. She took Harry's hands and placed them at her waist, then wound her own hands around his neck, pulling him close. Harry tried to put a little bit of space between them, but Parvati's grip was tight and relentless, so Harry suffered the whole song with Parvati's head on his shoulder.
After the slow song, the DJ reverted back to fast music, both muggle and wizard bands and Harry headed for the bar. He needed a lot to drink to get through this night. He saw many longing eyes on him and Parvati as they danced and he knew he wouldn't be able to get out of dancing with most of them.
Three Gryffindors, two Ravenclaws and a Hufflepuff later, Dean took over the microphone and said it was karaoke time. Everyone, most of which were drunk by that time, cheered. The DJ had already hooked up the karaoke machine to his equipment.
Dean started everyone off, singing the Backstreet Boys, "I'll Never Break Your Heart". Most were too amused by the singing to dance and just watched. Others grabbed a partner to dance with. Harry tried not to make himself noticeable and just watched. Luna and Ron were still going, having danced every slow song with each other. Hermione spun around slowly in the arms of Seamus. Harry looked on jealously. Hermione's dance card had been filled all night. Harry shook his head, wondering why he felt this way all of the sudden. Hermione was his best friend. Sure, he had harboured feelings for her since first year, but he'd never acted on them. It was too late, they were too far into being friends.
Hermione had watched Harry all night, catching his eye once in awhile, but she could never get him alone to dance with. She smiled up a Seamus then continued to look over his shoulder at Harry. Harry finished off another mead and reached for more. Hermione couldn't help but giggle. She was having so much fun being drunk. Her sense of touch and hearing were heightened, but her motor skills were lessening. She stepped on Seamus' toe and erupted in another fit of giggles, apologizing again.
"S'alright," he smiled drunkenly, pulling her closer. Hermione could feel his body against hers and wished it were Harry. Oh god, Hermione, she thought to herself, Stop thinking like that!
Most took a shot at karaoke. Even Ron and Luna did a duet of `Barbie Girl', which Ron was terrible at since he had never heard the song before. They covered all the popular muggle bands, many of the girls going up in clans and performing the `Spice Girls' and many attempted songs from the popular wizard band, `The Weird Sisters'.
"We have just a few more karaoke songs tonight," the DJ told everyone, "But let's hear it for Hermione Granger, up next."
Harry did a double take at the name. Hermione? His Hermione? Getting up in front of everyone to sing? Harry couldn't recall a single note ever from her voice.
Hermione got up on the little platform and took the microphone off the stand. She stood there calmly, like she had done this a million times.
"I'd like to dedicate this song to a certain special person," Hermione said, looking around, but not finding the person, then whispered softly "You know who you are."
The first few notes started up. It was a sweet, gentle beat. Harry's feet carried him closer to the stage. He wanted to know who had sparked such a song in his beautiful roommate. So I can kick his arse, Harry thought balling his fists briefly.
Hermione started softly, but her voice filled the room,
"I hear the clock, it's 6 A.M.,
I feel so far away from where I've been.
I got my eggs, got my pancakes, too.
Got my maple syrup, ev'rything but you.
I break the yolks and make a smiley face,
I kinda like it in my brand new place.
Wipe the spots above the mirror,
Don't leave the keys in the door.
I never put wet towels on the floor anymore, 'cause
Dreams last so long,
Even after you're gone.
I know, that you love me
And soon you will see
You were meant for me,
And I was meant for you."
Harry couldn't believe how good she was, but he couldn't help but feel defeated. Hermione was singing those sweet words to her lover. Whoever that was.
A/N: By the way, I don't usually work with a beta, so excuse any mistakes and bad grammar (which I know there probably is lots of).
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