Chapter 9
“I thought I would find you with the thestrals. It looks strange, you know? Just petting empty space.” Draco whispered trying not to scare the Thestral off.
“This one is my favorite, did you know? He’s the friendliest thestral, but he can be a bit nippy.” Harry whispered back. Running his hand along the thestrals head and through its soft mane.
“Mm, Happy birthday by the way. Way to run away from your own party. You have to make an appearance at some point. Actually your father says you have to go in now. Come on, I’ll dance with you?” Draco chuckled teasingly. “It’s your party too.” Harry grumbled.
Harry hated parties, ever since he was a child he hated crowds. Often hiding under his fathers cloak during extravagant balls and dinners. He still does hide under his cloak but now he is expected to actually show his face. It’s incredibly frustrating, nevertheless it can’t be helped. He was unfortunately expected to have a massive party for his eleventh birthday.
The walk with Draco back to the cathedral was pleasant. It was foggy out, the trees swaying swaying in the wind's harsh breeze. Crows cawed and thestrals whinied in the distance. The closer they got to the cathedral the louder it got.
Rich people's parties were never a fun experience. It stank of alcohol and weed. The air was hot and sweaty and the food portions were far too small. All of that was tolerable, but the people. The people were all white lies and fake smiles. All of it was so fake. It was suffocating, but necessary. So Harry would tolerate it. If only for his Daddy.
“HARRISON!! You show your face! Happy birthday boy, Happy birthday! Come on now, dinner is starting soon. Do you think you’ll get your letter? Of course you will! What am I thinking?” Slughorn greeted him, reaching out to take his shoulder and walk him to his spot at the dinner table. Right next to his father, who was sitting at the head of the table. Draco sat beside Harry before anyone else could, thankfully.
His father leaned over “You only have to endure this until the end of dinner and about an hour or two afterwards.” He whispered. He handed Harry his black geometric doberman mask and Dracos white poodle one.
The theme of the ball was “feral but fancy.” Slughorn's choice, Harry had no clue why his father would hire him. Then again if his dad didn’t the purebloods would be offended.
“We only have a bit longer I think now.” Harry whispered as he handed Draco his geometric poodle mask.
CRACK
The table was covered in hundreds of different food items. Far more than was necessary. The food seemed to be slowly rotating like a train on a never ending track. It felt poetic in an ominous way. A perfect representation of how no matter what you do some higher being always has its greedy talons dug into your flesh forcing you to do as they wish endlessly like a horse on a carousel.
Harry shook his head. Now was not the time for a reality crisis. Now was a time to celebrate. This party was technically for him and Draco. Mr. Malfoy and Harry’s dad had agreed that since their birthdays were only two months apart they should throw one massive party on Harry’s birthday to save them from the hassle of two parties. So Harry would celebrate, if only for Draco.
He got himself some of the red wine braised lamb shanks, sweet carrots, and honey glazed potatoes. “Daddy, combien de temps penses-tu que le dîner durera?” Harry whispered as he poured himself some wine in his goblet and lemon and mint water in his cup.
Snape looked at him out of the corner of his eye “about an hour.” He whispered and handed Harry a bread roll. “You need to balance your meal out more Haz.” He drawled and sipped what Harry and Draco knew was blood but everyone else probably thought was wine.
Everyone ate and chatted amongst themselves. A few complimented Harry or wished him and Draco well. Others thanked and praised Severus for the food. Harry and Draco talked excitedly about the new cologne their favorite company made, books they recently read, and just random stuff children normally talk about. Careful not to talk about anything muggle related.
“Young Tristis, I’m lady Zabini, I was wondering if you’ve met my son. This is Blaise.” The pretty woman across from Harry said. She had olive skin and was wearing a red flowy dress with gold accents and jewelry. Her hair was in elegant tight braids with gold charms and rings braided into it. The boy sitting next to her had the same olive skin and beauty. Their eyes were both almond shaped and had a striking red color.
“Oh! No, I'm afraid we have not met before. It is an honor to meet you heir Zabini.” Harry nodded towards Blaise.
“Oh, please, the honor is all mine. You are the direct descendant of Merlin after all. How could it not be?” the boy said to him smoothly. As far as everyone was aware Harry was Severus’ son and they were both pureblood. He looked slightly uncomfortable so Harry just nodded and ended the conversation with him to continue to speak to his mother instead. He visually relaxed.