Interview - Draco
“Hogwarts was a mess after the war, that’s no secret.” Draco began while leaning back in his armchair with the dignity of a king, his wine glass perched in his hand delicately, the contents swirling.
“It took a lot to get repairs sorted,” He continued, “Then of course we didn’t just want to rebuild the school, we wanted to improve it.”
“The dress code was reformed and the infrastructure around the school was upgraded to support students who’d rather commute instead of living on campus.”
He sipped his wine lightly, “That’s when some muggle born proposed the PTA… It’s a hellscape.”
“...But regardless, the PTA is an organization that would certainly fall apart if I wasn’t present.” Draco spoke with his lips twitching in a slight smirk, “I pity my successor.”
***
- Carnival Chaos
This month's Hogwarts PTA meeting was no different from any of the others that Draco has attended.
The great hall – usually filled with students – now housed the parents of all of Hogwarts biggest overachievers.
The staff table now was home to headmistress McGonagall who was joined by the PTA board of directors. Amongst them sat one blonde taking precise notes and leading discussions – Draco Potter.
“I personally believe the School Carnival should be a dignified event,” spoke a shrill feminine voice, “If we expect donations we need to keep things classy.”
Miranda. Miranda Westbrook.
Her son – Brenton – played seeker for the Ravenclaw Quidditch team and made decent marks in class, she seemed to believe that this along with being from an old pureblood family made her the natural leader for the PTA.
Draco despised her.
Her voice made his ears ring and everytime he was on the receiving end of one of her phony smiles his stomach turned.
“It’s supposed to be a carnival Miranda,” Draco said flatly, “not a banquet.”
Some chatter was heard amongst the other parents – Draco couldn’t help but notice most of them agreeing with him, which made him smile faintly.
“Well Draco-” Miranda began, but was interrupted by the doors to the great hall opening.
In walked Harry Potter, 40 minutes late, shirt untucked, hair an absolute nightmare – but his appearance still made Draco smile.
Harry wasn’t on the PTA board, in fact he was barely a member, but he attempted to attend the odd meeting or two.
Harry – despite his position in the PTA – pulled up a chair next to Draco at the board’s table.
“Harry, I said 11.” Draco said, not even looking up at Harry who simply leaned in and kissed Draco on the cheek.
“I know, babe, I’m sorry. You know how things get with my reports.” Harry spoke softly and settled into his chair.
Harry leaned in and whispered in Draco’s ear. “Uh ..what’s this meeting about.”
“The School Carnival.” Draco answered, also whispering.
Miranda cleared her throat loudly, the awful noise echoing off the walls of the great hall.
“Draco, Mr. Potter. If you’re done with the PDA, I’m sure we’d all like to get back to the PTA.” Miranda said before turning to some of the other parents with a smile like she had said something ridiculously clever.
“Yes, the carnival!” Harry said, commanding the room with a smile as though he had been present for the entire meeting.
Miranda smiled at Harry, but her eyes looked empty, “Well, Mr. Potter, as I was saying, the first Hogwarts school carnival will set a precedent for all the years to come, so I propose we rent out a banquet hall and invite only the noblest of families.”
Draco rolled his eyes and prepared to argue with Miranda when Harry laughed and said, “Have you ever been to a carnival?”
Miranda’s face went a little red at being laughed at – especially by Harry Potter.
“Well, I’ll admit it’s been awhile but-”
“Carnivals are for the kids Miranda,” Draco said, “Not their rich parents.”
The father of a Hufflepuff student agreed, “Yeah, we should have a bouncy castle!”
“Brilliant.” Harry said, looking at Draco with a smile.
“A bouncy castle?!” Miranda shrieked like a banshee, “How undignified!”
“It’s not supposed to be dignified Miranda, it’s supposed to be fun.” Draco says before looking down at his notes and mumbling, “Not that you know the meaning of the word.”
Suddenly parents all over the room were shouting out ideas.
“We should have a ring toss.”
“And a photo booth.”
“Pony rides!!!”
“Well how do you suppose we’ll afford any of this? How grand do you think the carnival budget is?” Miranda shrieked.
“The Potter family would be more than happy to put some money towards the first Hogwarts carnival.” Harry said, looking directly at headmistress McGonagall.
This is where Harry shined in the PTA. He wasn’t particularly organized or involved in volunteer work at the school, but he always carried his checkbook.
McGonagall simply smiled, “That would be wonderful Harry.”
The room erupted into joyous chatter amongst the parents – brainstorming games and discussing who they would invite.
Miranda crossed her arms and pouted in a manner that she herself would call “undignified.”
After Harry’s generous offer, Miranda’s idea for the carnival was effectively shot down, and everyone began filing out, some of the more involved members of the PTA crowded around Draco to exchange their notes and ideas.
Harry was off doing who knows what.
Miranda approached Draco while he was in the midst of a discussion with the mother of a muggle born student.
“Draco!” Miranda called – sickeningly sweet.
Draco turned to her, “Miranda.” He said.
“I just came over to let you know that I’d like to volunteer to run concessions for the carnival. I mean I am the most experienced, I do run the concession stand at nearly every Quidditch game.” She was all teeth while when she spoke, her gummy smile giving Draco a creeping sense of discomfort.
Draco immediately wrote down the information – because despite his hatred for Miranda, they did need someone to run concessions. “Well that settles that.” He mumbled.
Miranda continued, “Oh and may I just say it’s absolutely wonderful that Mr. Potter has decided to put forth so much money for the carnival.”
“We.” Draco corrected, “That money’s not from Harry, it's from the Potter family.”
“Oh Draco, no, don’t be embarrassed.” She put a hand on Draco’s arm in mock comfort. “My husband is the breadwinner in our family as well, there’s nothing wrong with it.”
Now Draco looked up from his notes staring into Miranda’s eyes, looking for a sign that she was joking.
“Miranda, are you implying something?” Draco cocked an eyebrow with ease.
“Oh no Draco dear I just mean there’s no shame in being a bit of a ‘trophy husband’” She spoke using air quotes, “Spending Mr. Potter’s hard earned auror money is a job of us who are more in charge of the household.”
“Alright Miranda,” Draco began, “Not that it’s any of your business. But I work full time as a healer at St. Mungos and I still have time to basically run the PTA and get dinner on the table for my boys.”
He paused his eyes sharp as glass, “So, if you’re going to call me a trophy I hope it’s at least gold.”
“Anyways, I’ll be in touch once we decide on a specific foods for the concessions, so don’t ignore your OWL post.” Draco finished before walking off.
***
The very first Hogwarts school carnival was shaping up to be ridiculously successful.
Students invited their families and local vendors from Hogsmeade came to run booths.
There was a bouncy castle full of children screaming in joy, teenagers running around like joyful toddlers, and the occasional staff members surveying the event.
The Potter’s were – of course – in attendance. Though Harry and Draco spent most of their time watching their two younger sons – Albus and Scorpius – playing all different games. Jamie was somewhere, having run off with his Quidditch friends the moment they entered the event.
Harry had taken on his alternate persona of “walking wallet.” Handing money to the boys every time they asked and joining in for the occasional game of Ring Toss.
“Papa, can we get cotton candy?” Albus asked Harry sweetly, Scorpius right beside him nodding.
Draco jumped in, “Cotton candy? You’ve already had soda and chocolate frogs?”
“Eh, lighten up, Dray, it's a carnival.” Harry said, bumping shoulders with Draco while reaching for his wallet. “You can have whatever you want sweetheart, find Jamie and see if he wants anything.”
Scorpius waved Jamie over from where he and his friends were lingering near a pumpkin juice stand.
Albus and Scorpius led the way to the concession stand nearby, Jamie following with Harry and Draco in tow.
Interview - Draco
“It’s not a surprise, we all know who was running the concession stand.” Draco said plainly.
***
“Oh if it isn’t the Potter’s!” Miranda sang, her voice rising an octave.
“Hello Mrs. Westbrook.” Scorpius greeted, ever the polite.
“Miranda.” Draco said, feigning a greeting.
Harry opened his wallet and handed over a few Knuts, “The boys all want cotton candy.” He said with a smile.
Miranda began busying herself with fixing cotton candy for all three boys. Her son Brenton could be seen sitting in a fold out chair beside Miranda looking particularly bored.
“Hey buddy!” Harry said, smiling at Brenton. “You helping mom out with concessions?”
Brenton opened his mouth to speak, but Miranda answered first. “Oh, he’s a wonderful helper Mr. Potter.” She spoke looking up from the cotton candy machine, “We’re working on getting his volunteer hours up.”
Brenton sighed.
Harry gave Draco a knowing look.
Miranda handed two perfectly spun cotton candy cones to both Albus and Scorpius and began working on one for Jamie.
“I know you’re gonna give your parents trouble after this.” She said with a fake laugh to Jamie who looked confused. She turned to look at Harry and Draco, “He’s already so hyper.”
Miranda smiled insincerely, “We offer several sugar free options, I understand Jamie already has some behavior problems.” She spoke as though Jamie wasn’t fifteen years old and standing right in front of her
“Actually Jamie’s delightful.” Draco bit back.
Harry chuckled and reached out to ruffle Jamie’s already tousled hair.
“Thanks for the concern.” Jamie said with a smirk resembling Harry’s, “I’ll try my best not to set anything on fire today.”
Miranda’s expression fell for a moment before going back to spinning Jamie’s cotton candy.
“See? Perfectly well-behaved.” Harry announced while reaching out and pitching Jamie’s cheek.
Miranda handed over Jamie’s cotton candy and received a polite “thank you” from all the boys.
Before they left Harry stopped and turned to Brenton once more.
“Hey Brenton, I know you’re volunteering, but, if you’re ready for a break we’re headed to the ferris wheel.” He told the young Ravenclaw, “You’re more than welcome to join.”
Brenton lit up at the invitation.
“Oh, that’s very nice of you Mr. Potter but I think Brenton’s-”
“I’d love to come.” Brenton said, jumping from his fold out chair and joining the Potter’s on their way to the ferris wheel.
“Don’t worry Miranda, we’ll keep an eye on him!” Harry yelled with a smile while wrapping his arm around Draco, who looked ridiculously smug.
Brenton walked alongside Jamie and the two laughed over their teams differing practice styles.
“That was nice of you.” Draco remarked, leaning further into Harry.
“I do love a rescue mission.” Harry joked.
Draco rolled his eyes with a sly grin, “Believe me, I know.”
- The Dress Code Debacle
In the years since the second wizarding war ended and Hogwarts was completely revamped, for one the dress code was extended to include different variations of the school uniforms.
There was the classic of course, but more casual options became available as well. Students could earn a letterman matching their house for their achievements and purchase t-shirts and hoodies that proudly displayed their house, and under McGonagall’s new dress code these clothing pieces were completely acceptable in the classroom.
Of course most students opted for the more “laid back” uniform options, in fact it was becoming rare to see students ever wearing a tie and dress shoes in the halls.
Draco had no problem with this, he wasn’t fond of waking every morning to wear several layers of formal clothing as a teen and didn’t mind his sons having a more lenient dress code.
Jamie practically lived in his Gryffindor letterman jacket, and Albus had been working towards his through dueling club since his second year.
None of the parents had an issue with the new dress code to be honest. Most of them couldn’t care less what their kids were wearing as long as they were in class, which is why it was surprising when at their latest PTA meeting – which was a formality really as there were no upcoming events – proposed parents and staff reconsider this less structured dress code.
“Headmistress McGonagall, when was the last time you walked the halls of Hogwarts?” Miranda began.
“This morning.” McGonagall answered plainly.
Miranda nodded like this information was heavy hitting, “And have you noticed the lack of students wearing ties?” She asked, “Most of them attend class in those obscene t-shirts and hoodies.”
“I’m aware Mrs. Westbrook.”
“Well I say it’s simply undignified.” Miranda said, finally earning Draco’s attention.
“You think everything is undignified.” Draco muttered to himself with a chuckle.
Miranda shot him a glare, but returned to her point, “The moment my boy – Brenton – asked for one of those letterman jackets I shot him down immediately.” She said, “I mean I understand it’s a new generation but we must instill some dignity in our children.” She looked around the room at the other parents, who were mostly silent, looking for someone to validate her.
“I appreciate your concern Mrs. Westbrook but I see nothing wrong with being less firm about the school dress code.” McGoanagall said, “Now it there’s nothing else-”
Miranda interrupted, “But headmistress even you must admit some students certainly take advantage of the new dress code.”
McGonagall folded her hands neatly on the table in front of her and raised an eyebrow.
“Take Jamie and Albus Potter for example-”
This had Drcao sitting up in his seat immediately, staring at MIranda like she was a roach who crawled out of his shower drain.
“Those boys walkabouts with their hair a mess, I mean that Albus looks like he’s just rolled out of bed half the time.” Miranda says, speaking of Draco’s sons as though their father wasn’t right there. “And Jamie – don’t even get me started – he dresses like an American and tracks mud all through the school. It's disgusting.”
Draco feels every person in the room look at him, but he doesn’t care, he’s too busy staring at Miranda.
McGonagall breathes deeply, letting out a long sigh.
“Mrs. Westbrook we won’t change the dress code because of two students-”
“They set an example though headmistress, the Potter boys are visible, what does it say about Hogwarts when they’re allowed to slush about.”
Draco snaps.
“Excuse me Miranda, but I’d really appreciate it if you stopped discussing my sons like I’m not here.” Draco said, voice sharp, “Really if you have concerns you can come to me – actually don’t come to me, I don’t value your opinion of my children at all.”
The room fell dead silent, every parent forgot how badly they themselves wanted to leave and looked back and forth between Draco and Miranda.
“Well Draco,” Miranda said, her cheeks red from embarrassment but her mouth not knowing when to quit, “Perhaps you could at least buy your boys a comb.”
Draco saw red.
How dare this woman accuse him of neglecting his children, of not providing for them properly. He was their father – he knew what they needed.
Draco stood from his chair fuming.
“Oh shut up Miranda!” He said – admittedly not his most witty retort, but he was just so damn mad, “Have you seen their father!” Draco screamed, throwing his hands in the air.
“I’ve been trying to comb all of their hair for the better part of fifteen years! It doesn’t work, so I just leave it alone! So shut up and stop trying to bully my sons for something no one can control!”
Draco continued to glare at MIranda in the silent room of onlookers, daring her to continue her tirade.
McGonagall broke the silence, “Well that settles it, the dress code will remain unchanged. Meeting adjourned.”
Miranda was quick to grab her oversized purse and scramble out among the crowd of other parents shooting her looks.
- The Parent-Student Luncheon
Okay so this wasn’t really technically a PTA meeting, but Miranda wasn’t any less annoying outside of the PTA.
Hogwarts hosted what they called a “Parent-Student Luncheon” ; it was basically just an excuse for staff to have unprompted parent-teacher conferences.
But of course Harry and Draco were present, and Teddy had even opted to tag along, bringing a bag full of chocolate frogs that Draco made him promise not to hand out till after lunch.
Hogwarts was decked to the nines, the usual long tables of the great hall were covered in white linens and the front of the school had picnic tables littered all around.
When the three of them arrived at the school Albus greeted them like they were returning from war.
Harry as usual reciprocated Albus’ clinginess, picking him up when the boy went in for a hug.
Scorpius and Jamie followed their younger brother to also greet the family.
“Teds I didn’t know you were coming?” Jamie said while giving the older boy a hug.
Teddy hugged Jamie back while ruffling his messy hair, “Yeah man, I heard there was free food.”
“Did you really just come here to eat?” Scorpius asks with a cocked eyebrow in an expression not unsimilar to Draco’s.
Teddy laughed at the blonde, “Oh Scorp, I only ever go anywhere for food.”
Albus looked at Teddy, then turned to Harry with a concerned look.
“He came because he missed you.” Harry whispered into Albus’ ear.
“Can we eat outside?” Jamie asked, looking up at Draco with a wide grin, making him look much younger than fifteen.
Draco smiled back and attempted to smooth down the hair Teddy just finished ruffling, “Of course darling.”
The family found a picnic table under a large tree and promptly settled around it.
Draco, Scorpius, and Jamie sat on one end with Teddy, Harry, and Albus on the other.
The moment they sat down the enchanted picnic table magically spawned a spread containing roasted beef, mashed potatoes, and biscuits, to name a few. The magical table also made a plate and cutlery appear in front of each member of the family.
Teddy was the first person to begin serving himself, stating once again that he “only came for the food.”
Scorpius began to speak about a book he borrowed from the school library while Harry began fixing Albus’ plate.
Jamie and Teddy discussed the upcoming Quidditch game against Hufflepuff and Albus leaned into Harry’s side.
Draco interrupted Scorpius – who was still explaining the plot of his book, “Scorpius, darling, eat your lunch.”
Scorpius blushed a little, having not realized he was rambling, “Sorry daddy.” He said while biting into a biscuit.
Draco rubbed a comforting hand up and down Scorpius’ back.
Everyone continued to eat in peace. Jamie and Teddy continued to talk about Quidditch and Albus proudly told the table that professor Slughorn gave him extra time on his potions exam and he almost got a perfect score.
“That’s wonderful sweetheart!” Draco smiled at Albus who was shoveling mashed potatoes in his mouth.
“Hi Jamie!” Called a voice off in the distance.
It was Brenton Westbrook. Smiling and waving while running up to the Potter’s his mother Miranda Westbrook walking like a supermodel – or rather a woman who thought she was a supermodel – her powder blue pantsuit and white oversized sunglasses contrasted vividly with her dark brown bob that swayed side to side as she walked.
Brenton reached the table first, his perfectly styled hair now tousled and his cheeks flushed.
“Hi Brenton. Is Ravenclaw still crying after they got their asses handed to them.” Jamie teased, Draco smacked him in the arm lightly with a smirk.
Brenton laughed, and Miranda, who joined the group, wrinkled her nose in disgust.
“Yeah, there’s lots of kids in blue who want your head on stake.” Brenton continued to joke, much to his mothers distaste, “But I heard the Hufflepuff team’s been training extra hard, you better watch your back.”
Jamie threw his head back in laughter, “Right, let those lousy badgers take their best shot.”
“I for one can’t wait to see how Gryffindor dares against Hufflepuff this week.” Miranda says, finally speaking.
Harry actually smiled – genuinely smiled.
“Yeah, I think it’s gonna be an interesting game.” Harry said, still smiling.
“Jamie’s been bragging about how hard he’s been practicing,” Draco adds, “We can’t wait to cheer him on.”
“So will the whole family be in attendance?” MIranda asks, “Even Teddy?”
Teddy perks up at being mentioned, “Yeah, I missed these little idiots,” Teddy says while kicking Jamie under the table. “You better not lose.”
Harry laughs and flicks Teddy in the back of the head.
Albus leans a bit further into Harry’s side while laughing.
So far so good, in fact, probably the most pleasant interaction the Potters have ever had with Miranda Westbrook.
Then she went for the kill.
She knelt down slightly to look at Albus, still cuddled up into Harry's side.
“Aww Albus darling you’re so sweet,” She said then turning to Draco and Harry she continued, “Most boys at thirteen wouldn’t be caught dead clinging to their father like that.”
Albus’ eyes went wide and he suddenly sat up very straight and scooted away from Harry slightly.
Jamie and Teddy shot Miranda matching glares.
“Pardon me Miranda,” Draco said with an obviously fake smile, “Would you care to say that again.”
Miranda tutted, “Draco don’t be like that you know I don’t mean anything by it.”
“I think we both know how you meant it.” Draco responded.
Harry reached out and pulled Albus back into a side hug, which he immediately melted into, hiding his face in his father’s chest.
“If you don’t mind Miranda, we’re having a meal as a family.” Harry said, his voice laced with venom subtly telling Miranda to get lost.
Miranda now looked a bit awkward and out of place.
Miranda took a deep breath before saying, “Well several parents are going to The Three Broomsticks after lunch, you’re both welcome to join.”
“We appreciate the invite Miranda, but we’ll both be returning to work after lunch…not everyone’s a stay at home mom.” Draco spoke while having a bite of roast beef.
Miranda looked flushed and her eyes seemed distant, “Well then – I suppose I’ll see you at the next PTA meeting Draco,” she turned to walk away from the table, “come along Brenton.”
As they both walked away Jamie whistled in Brenton's direction making him turn around, he then tossed the other boy a chocolate frog he swiped from Teddy’s bag.
Brenton caught the chocolate frog and waved goodbye while walking away.
- The Career Day Catastrophe
Despite being a stay at home mom, Miranda seemed dead set on attending Hogwarts career day.
It was a strange affair with very few parents volunteering to give speeches, because of this lack of speakers, Miranda Westbrook insisted on giving a speech on “running a household.”
The herbology classroom – for some reason – was the designated spot for parents to give speeches in front of their children’s classes.
Professor Longbottom – for the most part – wore a polite smile throughout all the speeches, but it was clear he’d much rather be teaching an actual lesson.
Miranda stood at the makeshift podium in front of a class of bored fifth years, discussing the importance of meal planning.
Draco looked over at Jamie to see him sitting next to Brenton Westbrook with his head in his hands, looking two seconds away from passing out.
Brenton looked pale and squeamish at all his classmates shooting him dirty looks everytime Miranda would say something along the lines of “it’s all worth it for my dear Brenton.”
Draco couldn’t help but feel bad for the boy.
One mother who was bouncing her baby while waiting for her turn to speak looked to Draco and whispered, “I thought Miranda had a live-in nanny?”
“Oh she does.” Draco remarked.
Draco himself hadn’t volunteered to speak so much as had been demanded by headmistress McGonagall to discuss being a healer – but because of Miranda going over the allotted time, it would be a miracle if anyone else had time to give a speech.
“I of course I couldn’t speak of being a mother – or should I say household manager – without talking about the importance of a schedule,” Mirando continued, Draco swore he could hear a girl snoring in the back of the room, “color coding is a game changer!”
Then the door swung open – enter Harry Potter, hair disheveled, late – as always –, the cuff of his jacket singed, and a speck of blood on his neck.
Every head in the room turned to him immediately.
“Sorry …got in a heated duel on my way out – you know how it is.” Harry said casually while heading to the side of the room to slip next to Draco.
But before Harry could sneak into the shadows of the room, the crowd erupted into excited chaos.
“Did you win?”
“Was there a dark wizard?”
“Is that your blood?”
Harry looked at Draco a little confused before addressing the questions, “Uh …yes I did win – I suppose –, yes it was a dark wizard, and no it’s not my blood.”
“Do you fight dark wizards everyday?” One eager Slytherin shouts.
“Well yeah.” Harry says while rubbing at the back of his neck.
Draco comes up beside Harry and walks him over to the podium that Miranda has – unwillingly – stepped away from.
Jamie’s wide awake now, telling everyone, “Yeah, my papa fights people all the time – you know he’s killed a guy once.” – Harry grimaces knowing it’s happened more than once.
“Did you defeat the dark wizard all on your own?” One Hufflepuff asks.
“Of course he did! He’s Harry Potter!” Jamie shouts, eating up all the attention.
Harry rolls his eyes at his son's antics, “When the duel started I was alone, but some coworkers joined in towards the end.”
“Is it true you can talk to snakes?”
“Not as well as I used to.”
“Do you have an actual scar from Voldemort?”
Harry doesn’t answer this one, he just pushes his hair back so all the students can see his scar.
“What’s the worst you’ve ever been injured?”
Jamie lit up, “One time we had to go to the hospital cause papa had a huge gash on the side of his face!”
Harry laughed again and ran his fingers through his hair, “Yeah that did happen, but my worst injury was honestly when I got punched so hard I broke my jaw.”
This had everyone screaming once more.
“Did it hurt?”
“Were you in trouble?”
“Did you win the fight?”
“Yes it hurt a lot – yes I was in trouble – and no I definitely did not win that fight.” Harry answered.
Miranda, who had been completely ignored chimed in, “Mr. Potter, are you sure this is appropriate for the students?” She spoke in a sickeningly sweet voice.
“Lighten up Miranda.” Draco said while rolling his eyes – for the millionth time that day.
Before Miranda could retaliate – which she was clearly about to do – Harry spoke.
“It’s fine babe, I should give someone else a chance to speak.” Harry said, earning a disappointed “aww” from the class.
Before Harry walked away he dug in his pocket for a moment and held out a fat stack of ‘Jr Auror’ stickers.
“I’m sure you lot are a bit old for this but my boss gave me lots of these stickers if anyone wants one before I go.” Harry said quickly, already beginning to step away from the podium.
The room – once again erupted – before Harry could get two steps from the podium he was swarmed by teenagers begging for stickers.
“Me first!”
“I want one for my little brother!”
“Screw your little brother, I want one for me!”
- Masquerade Mishaps
This month's PTA meeting was joined by the student leadership committee – consisting of prefects along with the head boy and girl.
Many parents had declared that the school was lacking a “mid year” celebration.
And so a school dance was proposed by one muggle born father.
Draco decided that he hated that man for starting this mess.
Miranda shrieked in joy at the proposition, “We could do a masquerade!” She hollered, “How timeless! How refined! How elegant!”
Draco didn’t even try to hide his groan of distaste.
Harry was nodding along happily like a bobble head beside him.
Immediately parents were raising hands volunteering to chaperone, decorate, arrange catering, and clean up.
Draco kept his own hand firmly planted at his side, after all he basically threw the school carnival together by himself, sitting out the masquerade dance preparations couldn’t hurt.
Then Harry had to open his stupid mouth.
“I’d be happy to write a check to cover the catering.” Miranda was smiling instantly.
“Oh Mr. Potter!” She cheered, “How generous, how wonderful!”
Draco glared at him, Harry just continued to smile at the excited parents.
“Well then Draco will you be assisting in the preparations?” Miranda asked, cocking her head to the side, “I mean we all remember the success of the carnival.”
Harry turned to Draco – still smiling stupidly like he hadn’t just ruined his life.
Many other parents in the room also turned to Draco expectantly.
Draco grimaced, “Oh – uhm – I’m not so sure Miranda. Things have been so busy at work lately.” He lied.
He expected the parents to be disappointed, but understanding.
He needed to lower his expectations.
“Oh come on Draco!” One Hufflepuff’s mother shouted.
“Well,” Miranda started, “We all know the event would be lacking without your touch, but once again thank you Mr. Potter for your generous donation.”
Despite his excuse – which he swears he’s heard from multiple parents before – eyes are still staring at him with bitter judgement.
Whispers of “He really can’t make the time for his kids?” is heard from the crowd.
See Draco has made an awful mistake when it comes to the Hogwarts PTA – he’s participated, and now it’s expected of him.
Draco sighed, “I suppose I could carve some time to help.” He announced.
***
Of course Draco hadn’t “helped” with the masquerade, he practically did all the behind the scenes work – such as: finding the orchestra Miranda insisted on, preparing the menu, and finalizing an appropriate dress code.
The only thing he wouldn’t have minded helping with was decorating for the masquerade, but no, Miranda insisted that she’d “help out with the decorations.”
Regardless, the great hall was decorated – not particularly well, but at least it was done.
The night of the masquerade came sooner than expected. The great hall was lit with sparkling floating candles, the usual house tables were swapped out for a few circular – notably smaller – tables, and students and chaperones alike were filtering in dressed formally with their faces concealed.
Jamie had proposed the week prior that he and his brothers buy plain masks and customize them. Draco was against this but Harry just smirked and told them to make one for him as well.
The Potter family entered the great hall – powerful as ever – all eyes turned to them, they were each wearing similar black dress robes – not planned. Draco’s mask was black to match his robes, Jamie and Harry both wore masks sporting sparkling Gryffindor colors, while Albus and Scorpius each wore deep green masks with specks of black.
Upon their arrival Draco reaffirmed that he – in fact – did not want to be there.
The moment the clock struck 8 Miranda stood up with her wand charmed to magnify her voice.
“Hello students and parents.” She began attracting the eyes of the entire room, “I’d like to thank you all for attending Hogwarts first masquerade ball.”
A light applause came from the crowd – who was full of students waiting for Miranda to shut up.
“I’d also like to thank Draco,” Miranda continued while pointing towards Draco, “honestly I never could’ve done this without his help.”
Draco wasn’t surprised at all. Of course Miranda would take credit for the entire event, that’s just who she was.
Harry leaned close and whispered in his ear, “That might be the nicest thing she’s ever said to you.”
“Shut up.” Draco mumbled while Harry laughed.
Harry leaned in and kissed Draco’s cheek, “Don’t listen to her, you know this thing would’ve been a mess without you.”
Before Draco could respond the orchestra began playing a waltz – seemingly way too formal for a crowd as young as was present.
Jamie was particularly annoyed with the music choices.
“Why the hell would they hire an orchestra for a school dance?” Jamie asked Albus and Scorpius, who were both standing awkwardly.
“I heard Mrs. Westbrook insisted.” Albus answered.
“Of course she did.” Scorpius rolled his eyes.
Jamie spotted Brenton from across the great hall, quickly waving him over.
Brenton – eager to please – ran to join his friends.
“Jamie!” Brenton said upon his arrival – he donned a navy blue set of dressing robes with a shiny mask to match –, “I’m so happy you’re here, I finally have someone to hang out with.”
Jamie smiled.
“Did your mom really plan this whole thing?” Albus asked.
“Depends, do you like it?”
“Not really.” Scorpius said before Albus smacked him in the arm.
Brenton laughed at the violent display, “It’s fine, no one likes it.” He said, “I’ve heard a bunch of seventh years are drinking in the forbidden forest.”
“Should we join them?” Jamie asked, wiggling his eyebrows, making his mask move up and down as well.
“No.” Scorpius said.
“You’re no fun.” Jamie retorted.
“Papa and Daddy would get mad.” Albus chimed in.
Jamie glanced around the makeshift ballroom. Most of the attendees were hovering around the dancefloor in small groups conversing – no one was really dancing, except for Miranda and her husband who were waltzing elegantly.
A mischievous glimmer filled his eyes.
“Perhaps we should …liven things up.” He whispered in Brenton’s ear.
Brenton couldn’t help but smile back at Jamie.
The two older boys sneaked off leaving Scorpius and Albus on their own.
“They’re gonna do something stupid.” Scorius remarked, not even sparing a second glance at the pair.
The first enchanted paper airplane was unnoticed. It flitted through the air calmly and seemed to blend in with the already floating candles.
But Jamie had always been a bit of a visionary when it came to chaos.
Pretty soon there were paper airplanes leaving trails of different colored glitter and confetti or popping at random moments like firecrackers.
People were getting hit in the back of the head, the sparking punch was full of soggy folded paper, and several students had joined in enchanting their own paper airplanes to fly throughout the great hall.
“My mom’s gonna kill us.” Brenton muttered while folding a new paper airplane out of a napkin.
“It’ll be fine.” Jamie said back, spelling an airplane to circle around Scorpius’ head.
Miranda was running abouts the great hall shouting over the orchestra , “What are these bloody things! Where do they keep coming from!”
The orchestra began playing ‘Flight of the Bumblebee’ – which Jamie only knew because Brenton pointed it out – watching Miranda run and jump while the violins played her on felt like watching a ridiculous black and white film.
Some paper airplanes had begun to collide and explode with loud “pops” littering the dance floor – and the guests – in all colors of glitter and confetti.
Jamie could see his parents across the great hall. Draco was leaning against the wall sipping from a flask – which Jamie was unaware he’d brought – Harry though, Harry was looking directly at him trying – and failing – to hide a smile.
Suddenly a particularly strong paper airplane smacked into the back of a violinist's head, causing an awful “screech” to sound from his instrument. After this sharp cry from the violin, more crying could be heard from the instruments as other musicians' bows slid while they were pummeled by paper airplanes.
Jamie could see a nearby group of fourth year Slytherin’s cackling and pointing at them.
The room fell into silence when Miranda let out a loud scream in agitation.
She was standing in the center of the room now with everyone staring.
“Who! Who is responsible for this!” She yelled, looking close to tears, while waving a paper airplane over her head.
Jamie figured he couldn’t get in trouble for something that everyone participated in.
He realized he was wrong when all eyes in the great hall turned to look at him.
“Jamie Potter!” Miranda shrieked, hiking up her long robes to stomp over to him, “I should’ve known!”
She then spotted Brenton next to him – holding an airplane with a flushed face.
Miranda gasped in a shrill voice, “Brenton!” She turned back to Jamie, “How dare you Jamie Potter! Dragging my poor boy into this.”
“What do you have to say for yourself boy?” Miranda asked him.
It was hard to take her seriously when there were still a bunch of paper airplanes zipping behind her.
Before Jamie could say anything though his father was beside him putting a heavy hand on his shoulder.
Harry smiled at Miranda, ever charming, “Oh Miranda, don’t scold them too hard they were just trying to have a bit of fun.”
Miranda turned bright red, not in embarrassment, but in pure – unfiltered – rage.
“Fun!” She shouted, gesturing to the swarm of paper airplanes surrounding them, “You call this fun Mr. Potter.”
“They’re just being boys Miranda.” Harry rationed, ruffling Jamie’s hair with a smile, “They won’t do it again. Right Jamie?”
Jamie looked up at his father with a smile, “Alright papa.” He said.
Harry reached into his robe and waved it once, making all the paper airplanes fall to the ground – a few hitting people on their descent.
Miranda’s rage had not dissipated.
“This.” Miranda said, “This is the opposite of class.”
Harry just wrapped an arm around Jamie’s shoulders while letting out a laugh.
“I’ll agree with you on that one.” Harry said, then addressing the crowd, “Everyone go on back to your night!”
The orchestra began playing again – though a bit more upbeat – and students laughed and danced.
Harry – arm still firmly planted around Jamie – led the boy away to where Draco was standing.
“You’re lucky papa got you out of that mess.” Draco said, taking another swig from his flask. “Miranda looked murderous.”
Jamie laughed and Harry ruffled his hair again.
“Alright troublemaker,” Harry said, “don’t make me bail you out again tonight.”
Jamie rolled his eyes, “No promises.”