[fifty three]

Ginny Weasley only had three non-negotiables for her engagement party, all of which Pansy and Celine agreed to.

First, it had to be held under the stars, for the same reason Harry proposed to her under the stars — because of Fred, who should've turned twenty years-old two days ago.

Second, it should be held on the fields of the Burrow, where Ginny knew Harry loved to take walks in after the war. Hermione and Harry probably thought Ginny didn't know about their habit of taking walks, but she did. The war left Ginny with her fair share of nightmares and insomnia, so whenever Hermione would get up in the middle of the night and the floorboards in Ron's room would creak, she knew the two best-friends were off to take a walk again. Ginny knew how important it was to Harry to take walks in open spaces at ungodly hours, for it reminded him of the freedom and peace he finally had. The Burrow wasn't just her home, it was also his. So, it only felt right to celebrate their engagement there.

Lastly, everyone had to help in the party. Ginny requested for all her friends to be there early to put up the decors, and to stay behind to take them down. She didn't want Draco Malfoy spending more than he had to on a party that wasn't even his to begin with. Besides, there was something sentimental about doing the preparations and cleaning up with her friends.

Everything else, all the other details, Pansy and Celine had veto power. Ginny didn't want to do too much for a party she didn't want in the first place. So, she was leaving it up to the people who thought it'd be a good idea. Apart from her three requests, apparently her parents had one more to add.

That, for everyone's safety, there would be dozens of ministry aurors on guard. The last time they held a party at the Burrow, things didn't turn out too well. Her parents didn't want that happening tonight.

Pansy and Celine were happy to oblige to all requests. With their written plans, mood boards and hoards of staff, they were able to turn the fields into a dreamy events place, buzzing with life and music. They opted for a rustic theme, with lanterns floating above-head, giving off a warm yellow tone to the night. The wooden tables were spread over the field evenly, with matching wooden chairs that went so well with the wildflowers spread everywhere—on the tables, the ground and the dance floor.

"You two really did a good job." Hermione beamed at Pansy and Celine as they ate "McGonagall was right to ask you both to plan the ball next month."

"Did Hermione Granger just compliment me?" Pansy gave off an exaggerated gasp

"We have been friends for months, Parkinson, this is getting old." Hermione rolled her eyes, causing the Slytherin girl to laugh.

"Well, I speak for us both when I say thank you." Celine grinned "Honestly, I'm excited for that ball. I have so much plans."

"It still beats me why we're holding a ball during such...dreary times." Theo made a face, but Draco just rolled his eyes.

"That's precisely the point of holding a ball, dumbass. McGonagall wants to keep the spirits up." Draco said

"I'm with Teddy on this on—" Hermione was interrupted by a high-pitched squeal behind her

""

Draco turned around to find little Teddy Lupin reaching his arms up for Draco, with his hair an exact replica of Draco's platinum blond "You have a fan, Malfoy. He's been asking for you." Harry chuckled as he stood behind Teddy, careful to catch the small boy in case he trips over his own feet.

Draco picked Teddy up and grinned at the boy "Nice hair you got there, buddy."

"You!" Teddy burst into a fit of giggles as he pointed at Draco's own hair.

"Oops, , Malfoy. Granger looks like she's about ready to shag you on the spot." Blaise smirked, shooting Hermione a wink "Thinking about popping out little Draco's?"

Hermione didn't have to smack Blaise because Ron did it for her "Shut up." She laughed, her cheeks red as she watched Draco grin at Teddy in his arms.

"You know what will look better with that hair?" Draco asked Teddy Lupin, who only responded with a shake of his head. How a small boy could be so intelligent so as to process his complex question was beyond him.

"A smirk." Draco winked at the boy "Like this." His lips tugged into his signature smirk, his eyes glinting with some sort of amusement as the little boy giggled at him "Your turn."

Draco turned Teddy Lupin around to face their circle of friends just in time for all of them to catch his adorable rendition of Draco's smirk "Uncanny." Pansy laughed "Look at them, they're basically twins."

"Well, they related." Astoria pointed out

"Hermy, that's how your kids would look like." Blaise smirked at her

Draco turned to give Hermione a small smile, his thoughts clear in her head

Hermione met his amused eyes and said "I do, don't I?"

Draco thought over

she blushed, her gaze falling over Teddy, who was still giggling like crazy, this time with blue hair

Draco brought Teddy closer to him and winked at Hermione

"Eye!" Teddy pointed at Draco's eye that had just winked. In an adorable attempt to mimic Draco's actions, Teddy tried his best to wink but ended up closing both his eyes repeatedly. Harry barked a hearty laugh behind Draco "We're going to have to work on that wink, Ted."

"Don't worry, I'll teach you." Draco smirked at Teddy before gently handing him back to Harry, who carefully carried the little boy in his arms "Your godfather can't wink for shit."

Harry whacked Draco at the back of the head "Watch your language, ferret." He glared

"What are you doing here, Potter? Go be a gracious host and talk to your other guests." Pansy frowned

"I came here to ask if it's really necessary for me to say something tonight." Harry rolled his eyes "Can I not? ?"

Celine stifled a giggle at Harry's plea "You have to say something! It's your party." She reasoned "Who do you expect to give a speech? "

"He funded the thing. Might as well." Harry shrugged, giving Draco a pointed look. The blond wizard merely rolled his eyes in exasperation "Get over your awkward arse and go up there. Give a cheesy speech about Weasley or your gratitude or whatever." Draco responded with a scoff "I've paid my dues with the speeches already. The next one I make will be my wedding vows."

"That went from snobbish to cheese real quick." Viktor commented, his eyes amused as he watched Hermione's eyes widened at Draco. First kids, now marriage. Next to him, Theo whispered something in Celine's ear.

"Well, I think you should work on that speech while the rest of us dance, Harry." She grinned, snapping her fingers to charm the music choice into something more appropriate for dancing "If you'll excuse my darling man and I, you'll find us on the dance floor." With a gracious smile, she stood to tug on Theo's hand, leading both of them to the dance floor.

"My cousin's right, Potter." Blaise smirked, helping Pansy out of her seat as he stood to follow Cel and Theo to the dance floor "Write that speech and make sure it's worthy of being heard by Weasley's ears. Otherwise, I'm coming for you."