A Very Un-Merry Un-Birthday to You!
By Kay
I was never one to be fond of birthdays. They reminded me that I am indeed getting older and an old person isn't what I want to be known as. Nevertheless, I celebrate mine in a modest fashion. I know surprising isn't it? Especially since I am so fabulous! I don't have parties and invite people over and I'm known throughout the castle to be the one that never shows up to such parties. But people still invite me. No party celebration has had the honor of having my presence simply because I haven't found one worthy so far.
It was just after my Hogsmeade visit when Hermione approached me. Why was I in Hogsmeade and not home for summer vacation? Good question! I had to stay in Hogwarts because my parents decided they wanted to rekindle their romance by going away. Since they have little trust in me, I was stuck in Hogwarts for the duration of my summer holidays. Where was I? Oh, yes! Hermione approached me just as I entered the Great Hall.
I never understood that girl. She could go on with someone as if there wasn't any bad blood. She was rather chummy. It was disconcerting indeed. She asked me how my day was and even offered to carry my things. I declined naturally but she continued walking on with me. Before I reached Slytherins' table, she handed me an envelope. There was to be a party to celebrate Harry's birthday. I almost gagged in front of her. Was she out of her mind? I'm a Slytherin, we were hardwired to dislike Gryffindors, this one in particular.
I stood there speechless and I was sure my jaws were on the floor. I heard giggling from behind me and sure enough a few first years saw the whole fiasco! I sat down and began digging through the mountain of food I piled on my plate. Depression makes me eat.
Later that night, I sat on my bed staring at the envelope. I tore it open and pulled out a modest card, red and gold in colour. Typical, I thought to myself. It was handwritten and by the neatness of the writing I knew Hermione wrote it. It said, “Dear Kay, you are cordially invited to Harry Potter's Birthday Party! The party will start at 8pm. in the empty classroom on the second floor. Presents are much appreciated!”
Presents eh? Curiosity got the best of me and I decided, finally this was the party worthy of my presence. Well, I wanted to go just to see how the less fabulous people celebrate it. Honest! Nothing else!
Days went by and I found myself counting them down until the day came for the party. I went casual, jeans and my Slytherin jumper. There were already a few people there. Hermione greeted me and I went to meet Harry. I wished him Happy Birthday and gave him his small present. There were food and singing. At the end of it, there was even cake.
I found myself having... fun. That was highly unlikely and not to mention blasphemy! A Slytherin, enjoying the company of Gryffindors? What has the world come to? Least I wasn't the only Slytherin there. That made me felt slightly better in a weird way. If I was to go down in flames for attending this party, at least I'd have the company of my Slytherin brothers and sisters. Not that we will ever admit to attending this party that is. I went back to my dorm that night sated and happy. Birthday parties were fun! Perhaps I should start having one for myself. It is coming very soon anyway.
I slipped into my bed pondering the night that went by. Gryffindors are not that bad but you will never hear those words coming from me; at least not spoken out loud. I will take the truth about that night to my grave. If anyone asked me how was Harry's party, I would say that it was horrible. The music selection was mundane and there was nothing remarkable with the food. It was a very un-merry and it felt more like a wake than a party. Yes, that will be my solemn statement, a very un-merry un-birthday party for Harry Potter!
Pretending I'm Miserable,
Kay