Back to Birthdays
Chapter 3
June 5, 1992
Severus woke Draco up that morning, letting his godson sleep in a little later than usual because it was his birthday, and gave Dobby more time to finish the special breakfast he made.
“Draco, it’s time to get up. It’s nine in the morning and breakfast is ready,” Severus said, shaking Draco’s shoulder. Draco woke up groggy that morning. He hadn’t gone to bed till late last night because he was excited for his party today.
He slowly made his way down the stairs behind his godfather and took a seat at their dining table. Part of the food that had been prepared was already set out. There were strawberries, sausages, and even a pitcher of pumpkin juice was laid out. Severus was about to take a seat when Dobby called for his help.
“Mr. Snape, would you be willing to help Dobby with the pancakes?” Severus obliged and left Draco by himself. He took that time to fill up his plate with strawberries and sausages, and when he finished pouring himself a glass of pumpkin juice, an out of pitch song caught his attention.
Draco looked up and instantly broke out into a grin. Dobby was holding a short stack of pancakes that had two candles stuck into them, burning. Severus was right behind the house elf as they made their way over to the table, singing Happy Birthday.
“Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Draco, Happy Birthday to you!” Dobby had led the song, but Severus still mumbled the words loud enough for Draco to hear.
Dobby set the plate of pancakes in front of Draco and said, “Make a wish, Master Draco.”
Draco thought for a moment to figure out what to wish for. This is the happiest he has been in a long time, and it was all thanks to the two in front of him. He never wanted that feeling to end. I wish that I am as happy as I am now always,Draco thought inwardly and blew out the candles.
“Thank you, for all of this. You guys really didn’t have to, with the party happening later today,” Draco said as Severus and Dobby took a seat at the table and they all began to eat.
“We wanted to, Master Draco. Mr. Snape even looked for half an hour for birthday candles until he was able to find some in something called a junk drawer,” Dobby said happily, and Draco turned to his godfather with a soft smile.
Severus was shooting glares at the house elf for saying that about him, but Draco couldn’t have been more grateful that he did. There were very few people who would go out of their way just to make his day a little bit specialer, and Severus was definitely one of them.
“Thank you, Sev. I appreciate all the trouble you went through to put this together. It means a lot to me, truly,” Draco said, hoping his genuine gratitude was felt by both of them. They finished up breakfast talking about the party that was later in the day, and when they were fully finished, Severus left the table and returned with three packages to give to Draco.
Severus handed the first one to Draco and said, “This is from me. It’s the first part of your gift. You’ll get the rest of it at your party.” Then he handed the other two packages to him, saying, “These are from Mr. Weasley and Miss. Granger.”
“Thank you,” Draco said sheepishly. He thanked Merlin that his friends sent their gifts to Severus’s house and not the Manor. He couldn’t even imagine the look on his father's face if a package from a Weasley showed up at his house.
He opened the gift from his godfather first, obviously already knowing it was art supplies. Inside was a new set of paintbrushes that went with the watercolor paints Severus had gotten him for Christmas. There was a wide variety of sizes that he could use to add different textures and details to his paintings.
“Thanks, Sev,” Draco said with a smile and then continued, “I’m going to go put these with all my other art items in my room.”
Severus nodded and helped Dobby clean up the mess in the kitchen that was left after breakfast, and Draco went upstairs to his room, taking all his gifts with him. He laid everything out on his desk and drew the curtains to let the sunlight in.
He set Severus’s and Hermione’s gift to the side for the moment and opened up Ron’s. There was a box of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavored Beans with a letter attached to it. Draco grabbed the letter which read:
Happy Birthday Draco,
I can’t believe you didn’t tell us your birthday was so close on the train ride home. I had to find out from my father, and he only knew because there was talk about a party at work. Sorry the gift isn’t very good. I had to take it from my personal stash since it was so last minute which you should be very thankful for. I don’t share my sweets with others often. Please right back so I know that Errol didn’t get lost on the way back.
Your mate, Ron
Draco chuckled at the letter. He hated to admit it, but he had missed Ron’s witty comments and unique sense of humor. He was grateful for the gift, and was even more so when he learned he had given it to Draco when it was already his own. He recognized that Ron didn’t have much to give, and gave up what was probably part of the few things he got to himself in order to make Draco happy.
Draco sat the letter back down on his desk and opened Hermione’s gift. It was similar to Ron’s with a letter and a couple of pieces of candy he hadn’t recognized. He grabbed her letter first and read it.
Happy Birthday Draco,
You didn’t think I would forget your birthday, did you? I hope you like the sweets I picked out for you. They’re muggle but some are similar to wizard candy, so I thought you might want to try them. If you do, let me know and all send you some more throughout the summer. Also have you started this summer’s coursework yet? I was wondering what your thoughts were on the charms work? Hope to hear from you soon!
Your friend, Hermione
Draco put down her letter and turned his attention to the sweets he was sent. There were two different kinds. One was in a black wrapper and had red lettering that said ‘Mars.’ The other was in red packaging and was labeled, “Maltesers.’ He set them beside the box of candy Ron had sent. He would eat them later, but now he was still full from breakfast.
He decided to reply to both of them now while he had the time, and grabbed out his stationary supplies. He wrote to Ron first and then Hermione.
Hello Ron,
Thank you for the box of candy. You really didn’t have to get me anything. Though, I am personally honored to receive something from your precious stash. I’m sure Errol got here completely fine. Severus was the one who gave me your package, so I didn’t see him. How has it been since you’ve been back home? I’m enjoying my time with Severus but am still working to make this place feel like home. I’m sure I will soon. Make sure to keep in touch.
Your friend, Draco
Hello Hermione,
I’ll have to write to you at a different time to let you know if the muggle candy you sent is good, but I’m sure I will love them. My sweet tooth is about as big as Ron’s. I haven’t started on the charms work yet, but I will make sure to do so soon. Are there any specific questions you have on it? Let me know if you do.
Your friend, Draco
Draco sealed both letters into envelopes, and was about to give them to Nyx when he realized he should be writing another one. Harry hadn’t sent him a letter, but Draco couldn’t fault him for that. He probably didn’t know it was Draco’s birthday, so why would he send one. He grabbed out another sheet of paper and dipped his quill in his ink once more.
Hello Harry,
I know it’s only been a couple of weeks since school has let out for the summer, but I thought I would reach out anyways. How is it being back with the Dursleys? I know you have said before that they haven’t treated you very well, but is it any different now that you are a wizard? For your sake I hope it is. I drew you a little sun at the bottom. Maybe it will brighten your day if things are going well. Write back soon.
Your friend, Draco
Satisfied with what he wrote, he sealed the letter and handed all three over to Nyx. He instructed the owl where to take each one, and let him out the window when he was finished. Once Nyx was gone, he put away his stationary supplies, organized the candy on his desk, and grabbed out his sketchbook and watercolor paints.
He had a few more hours until he needed to get ready for the party because it was at three in the afternoon, so he decided to test out the new brushes Severus had gifted him. He flipped open his sketchbook to a random page that had a garden scene that he had already drawn, and dipped a brush into the paint. For the rest of his free time he painted and really enjoyed his new brushes.
When the time reached half past one, he cleaned up his desk and began to get ready for the party. He put on his usual attire and slicked back his hair after brushing his teeth. Once he was satisfied with the way he looked, he left his room and went downstairs.
Severus was already sitting in his chair in the study, waiting for Draco to meet him there. He picked his head up from the book he was reading when he heard Draco enter the room and asked, “Are you ready to leave?”
Draco nodded and grabbed a handful of floo powder before stepping into the fireplace. He threw the powder down as he shouted, “Malfoy Manor!”
He was let out in the fireplace near the entrance of the house, and Severus came through right behind him. A house elf was quick to join them and led them to the backyard where the party was being held.
Draco looked around at the scene in front of him. House elves were finishing with the decorations. His mother was giving orders about where to set the cake. There was no theme to his party; it was always that way. The color scheme was always green and silver to match the Malfoy emblem.
His mother had noticed they had arrived by then and greeted them. “Oh Draco, you came just in time. The guests should be arriving any minute now.”
“Hello mother, is everything going smoothly here?” Draco replied.
“Yes, everything is going very well. I think the house elves have finished the final touches. A bit later than I would’ve liked but better than never I suppose,” Narcissa said, glancing around the backyard to make sure everything was up to her standard.
“Everything looks great, mother. I’m sure everyone will love it,” Draco reassured.
“I hope so,” Narcissa said and then focused her gaze on something behind her son. “It looks like our first guests have arrived. Come along Draco. We need to greet them properly.”
Draco sighed, not wanting to interact with people triple his age, but when he saw who it was, his attitude changed. Neville and an older lady, who Draco assumed was his grandmother, were standing near the back door of the Manor as a house elf guided them outside. As soon as he caught Nevilles eye, a grin broke out on both their faces.
Draco ran over to where they were standing and said, “Neville, I’ve missed you so much. We have loads to catch up on.” He then turned to the witch beside his friend and held out his hand for her to shake. “Miss. Longbottom, I am so glad you could make it. I’m Draco Malfoy, Neville’s friend from Hogwarts.”
Augusta smiled at the boy as she shook his hand. “I don’t think I had much choice. When we got the invitation, Neville begged me for hours straight until I agreed to go. Thank you for inviting us. In every letter Neville sent home while at Hogwarts he always talked about what you and him were up to at the time.”
Narcissa had finally made her way over to the group and greeted Augusta with a hug. “We are happy to have you. Why don’t I show you around and let the boys catch up?” she asked and led her over to the garden area.
“Happy Birthday Draco! Where is everyone else at? It is almost three,” Neville asked as he noticed they were the first to arrive.
“They’ll be here soon. The guest list was mostly composed of Purebloods, and some of them like to be fashionably late and make an entrance. Though, I don’t know how much of an entrance it really is if they are all fashionably late at the same time,” Draco informed and brought Neville to sit at one of the tables that had been set up.
Draco sat as well, and they talked about what they had done since school had let out. Draco told Neville about moving in with Severus and how it was going even better than he had hoped. Neville talked about helping his gran around the house and visiting other family in the area.
While they were still sitting, Draco felt a pair of arms wrap around him from the back. “Hello Pansy, glad you could make it,” he said without having to turn around to see who it was.
“How’d you know it was me?” Pansy asked as she took a seat. Blaise and Theo had arrived at the same time as her, but stayed standing.
“Pansy, you’re the only one here who would dare to provoke me without my knowledge first, and your perfume always gives you away,” Draco informed her.
Pansy rolled her eyes. “That’s only because it smells devine. I had to beg my mother to get it for me when we visited France last summer.”
“I can’t argue with that,” Draco said, then spoke to all his friends. “You guys didn’t just come here to sit around the whole time, did you?”
“Merlin no!” Theo exclaimed.
“Of course not Draco. Mother and I went shopping for a new swimsuit as soon as your invitation came in,” Pansy said happily.
Neville looked over at Draco confused and asked, “Swimsuits?”
“Yeah, Draco’s parents always have the pool set up for his party. We’re the only ones who really use it though,” Blaise explained.
“Oh, I didn’t know about that. I didn’t bring anything to change into,” Neville admitted.
Draco saw the worry on his face and quickly reassured him. “You can borrow a pair of my swim trunks. I have plenty to share and didn’t bring any with me to Sev’s because he doesn’t have a pool.”
Neville nodded, thankful for the offer, and Draco brought them all into the house to change. He gave Neville a pair of blue swim trunks and picked himself out a green pair. When they were all done, Draco led them back outside and said, “Last one in is a rotten billywig.” He then ran towards the pool and jumped in without stopping.
His friends followed, and they all had fun splashing around and taking turns on the slide. When they had all settled down, they got together in a group while in the pool and Draco said, “Look, Mrs. Bulstrode is talking to Mr. Greengrass. How long do you think before Mrs. Greengrass goes over to say something?”
“With Mrs. Bulstrode’s hand on his shoulder and the glare Mrs. Greengrass is giving them from the punch table, I’d give it less than a minute,” Blaise said, and as if on cue, Mrs. Greengrass set her drink down and made a beeline to where her husband was standing.
“Do you ever think she is going to get the hint and stay away from him?” Pansy asked, talking about Mrs. Bulstrode.
“No way. She’s either too oblivious to notice the looks she gets, or too full of herself so she thinks they’re glares of jealousy. I’m going with the latter,” Theo said.
Neville looked confused once again. “What are you guys talking about?”
“Mrs. Greengrass and Mrs. Bulstrode despise each other. Didn’t you know?” Blaise asked.
Neville shook his head and they all gave him shocked looks. “Do you know about any of the drama between this group?” Pansy asked first, and when Neville shook his head again, her face lit up at the fact they had someone new to share their gossip with.
“Well Mrs. Bulstrode was almost the one who was supposed to marry Mr. Greengrass, but after her father made a bad financial decision, the Greengrass family backed out and moved on to who is know Mrs. Greengrass. My mother said Mrs. Bulstrode was devastated , so now she takes every opportunity to talk to him. It’s pathetic really,” Blaise explained.
Theo then turned Nevilles attention to the gardens. “You see that man talking to Severus right now? Thats Mr. Rowle, his family is known for supplying potions ingredients to big companies, even St. Mungos on occasion. And if you look over there, thats Mr. Travers. His mother died in St. Mungos due to faulty potion. His father blamed it irrationally on the Rowle family. He lashed out and landed himself time in Azkaban. The two families have been rocky ever since.”
“If you want to talk about real family rivalries though, you should look at the Selwyn and Fawley families. They’ve had a distaste for each other for generations,” Draco started. “Apparently, a Selwyn and a Fawley were Auror partners back in the early 1800s. While on a mission, something went wrong and Selwyn ended up blind and Fawley had lost a leg. Both had lost their job and dignity, and each blamed each other for the mishap. Even took it to court, but on the day before the ruling, which was favored to the Fawleys, the head witch of the Fawley family had gone missing. Days later her body was found, abandoned in an alley. The Fawleys had instantly accused the Selwyns for her death, and even when all evidence pointed to a random Halfblood committed the crime, they never let it go. To this day, no one between the two families can have a civil conversation.”
Pansy then stood in front of Neville and said, “But nothing is worse than Mrs. Burke and Mrs. Flint. They were both sorted into Slytherin my father’s second year at Hogwarts. Best of friends from the start. That is until late in their fifth year. Mrs. Burke’s father had invested money with Mrs. Flint's fathers. Turned out to be a bad investment and the Burkes lost an eighth of their fortune while the Flints somehow didn’t even lose a sickle. Supposedly the Flints got a tip about the investment probably becoming lousy and backed out last minute without informing the Burkes. The loss hurt the Burkes so bad they had to cancel their trips to Mexico in the summer for three years. Mrs. Burke must have snapped when she found out, and confronted Mrs. Flint in the Great Hall. Some nasty words were said and wands were drawn. In the end, Mrs. Burke got expelled and had to transfer to Beauxbatons.”
Neville looked at them all astonished. “And that's not even all of it?” he asked.
“Salzar no. Those are only some of the main ones. There are tons of little feuds. Take Draco’s mother and mine for example. They’re always fighting on who gets to host the Christmas Ball every year, trying to find ways to show that they are the ones who should. Still, they would each consider the other as one of their closest friends,” Pansy explained.
“But if these people don’t like each other then why do they put themselves in situations where they have to be around each other?” Neville asked, trying to get a full grasp of what they were saying.
Theo sighed. “Because if you skip one of these parties, then you are basically admitting that the other person wins. If a Pureblood misses a social event over drama, they risk their reputation and the chance to be invited to more events in the future. Let’s say that Mrs. Greengrass didn’t show up to this party. It makes it seem that she despises Mrs. Bulstrode more than she values her relationship with the Malfoys, and that is not the impression you want to give off.”
Neville nodded, finally having an understanding of what they meant.
Pansy sighed as she looked down at her hands. “My fingers have started to prune. Let’s get out of here and find something to eat.” They all got out of the pool and went back inside to change. Draco even called a house elf to perform a drying spell on each of them, so they were more presentable.
Draco led them to where the house elves had set up all the food. There were trays of rotisserie chicken sandwiches, bowls of fresh fruit and tossed salads, and platters of pastries all available for the guests to eat as they pleased. They all filled their plates with food to fill the appetite they had worked up in the pool and found a table for them all to sit at. Their conversation topic had changed though, due to them being closer to prying ears. Instead they started to guess who was wearing the most expensive outfit because some went full out to show off their wealth.
When they had finished their meal, Narcissa had stood in the middle of the area and gained everyone’s attention. She informed everyone that they would be cutting cake soon and everyone gathered around. The cake was four tiers with alternating flavors of vanilla and lemon. The icing was green, and on top was written Happy Birthday Draco in silver icing and the Malfoy emblem under it.
They didn’t sing Happy Birthday, but everyone made sure to tell Draco that as they got their slice of cake. Once they were done with that they had moved onto gifts.
Pansy had gotten him a new pair of Quidditch gloves. Blaise, a new set of his favorite shampoo and conditioner that smelled of Granny Smith Apples. Neville, a herbology book he had been wanting to read. Theo, a new set of quills. The gifts from others were composed of different school or Quidditch supplies. One person even gifted him a new pair of cufflinks.
Severus’s and his parents' gifts were the only ones left. Draco decided to open his godfather’s first. He unwrapped the gift and saw that it was a potions book, but he hadn’t recognized it.
“Where did you get this from?” Draco asked as he inspected the book.
“One of my apothecary friends had given it to me, but I thought that you would enjoy it more. It should help you with your studies this upcoming school year,” Severus explained.
Draco knew that he meant his independent studies because the topics in the book were way above a second year level. He placed the book with the rest of his presents, and opened his parents gift. He was surprised that there was only one this year. His parents usually jumped at the opportunity to spoil him. They didn’t even lessen their amount this past Christmas.
When he opened the gift though, he understood why. His eyes grew wide and he turned to his parents in shock. “Are these real?” he asked in disbelief.
“Of course they’re real, Draco,” his father said with a smile. They had gotten him season tickets to The Montrose Magpies games, box seats.
“These must have cost a fortune,” Draco expressed and looked at both his parents, “Thank you!” It was the best gift he could’ve asked for.
“It’s nothing that we can’t afford. I thought it would be a good reward for earning the top of your class this year along with making the Quidditch team, the youngest in a century.”
Draco knew what his father was doing. Flaunting his money and his son’s accomplishments, that none of the other parent’s children had earned, to everyone, but he didn’t care. He was going to see the Magpies play at every game. At that moment, Draco would’ve let his father do whatever he wanted.
When he was finished opening all the gifts, the house elves came to put them inside. The sun was about to set and the party was almost over.
Draco got up with the rest of his friends and they all headed to the grass field that had been set up for people to sit on the ground.
“Come on guys! Let's go up front so we get the best view of the fireworks,” Theo said.
“Fireworks?” Neville asked with a peculiar look.
“Yeah, Draco’s parties always end with fireworks. Even that one year it had rained. His father had put a spell over the area to keep the water from ruining them,” Blaise explained as they had found the perfect spot to sit and watch.
No one said anything as the fireworks went off. All mesmerized by the bright colors and different patterns. Soon the last one went off with a message saying Happy Twelfth Birthday Draco!
All Draco could think was, This really is the best birthday ever.