Happy Birthday Cass
Dorcas’ POV
Today is my birthday. I usually don’t think much of it, it’s just another day. A day that comes with cake and gifts, but just another day nonetheless.
This year would be different though. This year, I’m dating the one and only, Marlene McKinnon. And the whole school knows that her and her little Grinffindor friends can never celebrate a birthday without making it big.
Wether it’s, enchanting the whole castle so that whenever someone saw Mary they would sing happy birthday. Placing a different cake at the end of every flying candle in the Great Hall because Sirius couldn’t decide which flavor was his favorite. Changing every ties, of every house with a rainbow one with written on it ; ‘Happy Birthday Peter the Best’. Once you were part of their silly friend group, you can’t escape it.
I wouldn’t say I’m part of they’re group, but Marlene apparently came as a package. A very large, annoyingly friendly package.
I stupidly thought it would be helpful to communicate my fears to my silly friend group. But Barty and Evan took it rather personally that I was scared of the Grinffindors, and not of them. Stating they would prove the whole castle that the Slytherins knew how to celebrate, and were way more fun than the Griffindors.
So yes, I was worried about my 18th birthday. And rightfully so.
When I woke up, I was relieved to see that only Marlene was waiting outside my room. She had brought a cake that we shared for breakfast. Unfortunately, the peaceful gestures didn’t last long.
In DADA class, Marlene and James fought in a fake tournament while Remus distracted Professor MacWilliam. My girlfriend won (obviously) and threw ‘happy birthday’ confetti all across the room. I had to give her a congratulatory kiss for this victory.
At lunch, I sat next to Regulus who whispered that I was going to regret coming as a warning. In fact a howler arrived and started singing happy birthday, while Barty jumped on the table to sing along. Or scream along. Even when the letter was long gone, Barty was still going, massacring the song and everyone’s ears.
I was never more glad to not be in the same year as my friends than today. At least they couldn’t do anything in class. Or so I thought.
I had potion in the afternoon with Marlene. After lunch’s disaster, I made her promise she wouldn’t pull anything anymore. As we followed Professor Slughorn’s instructions, our cauldron, ladle and our knife turned in Pandora, Barty and Evan, all singing happy birthday.
Thankfully, Slughorn gave them detention before the end of the song, dragging an hysterically singing Barty out, with a proud Evan, and a giggling covered in potion Pandora following behind. Marlene couldn’t stop laughing for hours, stating how those idiots were geniuses.
That’s how I found myself looking for Regulus. He’s the only one I know that just, disappears. And that is exactly what I need right now. In addition, he’s a safe bet on a ‘not making me the center of the whole castle’s attention by being ridiculous’.
“There you are” I say, pulling Regulus aside as he goes towards the Great Hall. “Don’t make me eat with them, I can’t deal with they’re stupid plans anymore.”
“I see their little transfiguration prank worked quite well.” He quietly laughs, walking away from dinner.
“You knew about it ?! And you didn’t warn me ?! You traitor !”
“You have no idea how many horrible pranks I talked Barty out of.”
“Even Pandora participated in that one…”
“Well I don’t want to snitch, but she’s actually the one who came up with the plan….”
“You’re kidding ! Sweet Dora !”
“I guess saying ; don’t judge a book by it’s cover is adequate”
“I can’t believe it… They didn’t even try to think about what I would like for my birthday.”
“It’s on you for challenging them.”
“Yeah… But it’s MY birthday…”
“Come on, I got us some food outside so we can still eat something for dinner.”
“Your my savior Reg. And also my favorite from now on.”
“I’ll tell them that.”
“You better.”
Regulus leads us to a quite spot near the black lake, under a tree. He had put some fruits and muffins on a blanket for an ‘improvised’ picnic.
“Who did you plan to come here with ?” I joked, putting a strawberry in my mouth.
“You” Regulus answered, cutting himself a small piece of an apple pie. “I figured you would want to avoid people after having so much attention brought on you.”
“You really know me well huh”
“To be honest, I hoped you would.” Regulus trails of, avoiding eye contact.
“What do you mean Reg ?” I quickly look around me suddenly hyper aware of every sound. He wouldn’t have brought me here to suffer another stupid birthday song, would he ?
“We prepared you one last surprise…”
“We ?”
And suddenly I hear a loud sound from above, bright colors illuminating the sky. Fireworks. The shitheads send fireworks in the night sky for my birthday.
I turn back to Regulus, himself offering me a soft smile.
“Happy birthday Cass.”
I sight and look back at the sky, shining with dozens of bright colors. To be honest, it is very beautiful. And thoughtful. I always adored this muggle invention. It’s so pretty.
In the distance, a large group of people are running towards us.
“How many people were involved exactly?” I ask, trying to count the laughing shapes.
“Only Barty, Evan, Pandora and I. But we thought we could invite your Grinffindor friends for a little outdoor party.” Regulus replied, looking a little unsure wether he should be proud, or run for his life.
“Are we allowed to have a party here ?”
“James pulled some strings. Apparently being head boy gives you all rights.”
“Happy birthday Caaaaass !” Screamed Evan, he trips and almost falls, but Barty next to him catches him before he hits the ground.
Marlene arrives and jumps on me, hugging me tight.
“Happy birthday my love !” She whispered. “Hope you don’t mind the little intrusion.”
“From you, never.” I replied smiling.
Sirius sprints and joins the hug, letting everybody crash in a group hug. I wouldn’t say I loved this invasion of my personal space, but the fireworks above made it a bit better.
“You guys are so annoying.” I mutter, escaping from everyone’s embrace.
“Tell me the fireworks aren’t genius!” Says proudly Barty. “It was Evan’s idea, but Pandora and I are the ones that pulled it together.”
“Hey we still contributed” claims James. “Without us, this party would be illegal.”
“Yeah, not our main concern here Potter.” Replied Barty.
“I have to admit, I really appreciate the fireworks.” I cut in. “Far better than any other dump ideas you all pulled today.”
“Oy ! The fake tournament was awesome, you loved it !” Pouts Marlene. “You gave me a kiss to prove it. I didn’t see you kiss anyone for the fireworks.”
“Stop whining like a baby McKinnon.” Interrupts Evan. “We just celebrate birthdays better than you, that’s it.”
“Well I don’t see anyone celebrating here” interjects Peter.
And soon everyone was dancing and laughing. I guess this birthday wasn’t so bad after all. The most memorable one, that’s for sure.