dursley [h. g.]

••dursley•• || slughorn's party

Somehow, it was nearly Christmas break. And somehow, Kendra had found herself with an invitation to Slughorn's "slug club" Christmas party from Harry though he has subtly- or at least as subtly as Harry could- mentioned that Hermione would be going as well, and Harry really wouldn't be offended if Kendra completely ditched him for her. 

And so, the last night before almost all of the students in school would get on a train and return home, with friends, to their parents- wherever it might be, Kendra and Hermione very much enjoyed the very awkward party. 

"Ahh, Harry, my boy!" Slughorn called, spotting Harry, who was standing next to Hermione and Kendra, all of them talking to Neville, who had been made a waiter to the party. "And Miss Granger, of course. And who might you be?"

Kendra resisted the urge to roll her eyes- she was in the same potions class as Harry and Hermione, and Slughorn still didn't know her name. "Kendra Dursley, sir. I'm Harry's cousin."

Suddenly, Slughorn's eyes lit up with this news. "Well, Miss Dursley, I do hope you enjoy yourself. Harry- might I have a word?" he asked. Harry gave a sideways glance at Kendra and Hermione that was clearly a subtle cry for help. By the time he had turned away, he was beaming at Slughorn.

"Of course, sir," Harry said cheerfully, letting himself be led away from Hermione and Kendra. 

"He's trying to get something from Slughorn for Dumbledore," Hermione said under her breath. 

"I assumed," Kendra said conversationally. "He doesn't usually stick his head that far up a professor's arse."

Hermione giggled and smiled at Kendra, her eyes saying everything Kendra wanted them to say. An echo of Hermione's smile spread across Kendra's face. Hermione sighed. "I've missed you."

It was Kendra's turn to giggle under her breath. "You saw me yesterday, love," Kendra murmured, not meaning to use the term of endearment but not regretting it. 

"I know that," Hermione said, her smile growing. "But yesterday seems like too long ago sometimes. I've spent enough time apart from you for a lifetime."

Kendra smiled and subtly took Hermione's hand in her own, rubbing the top of Hermione's hand with her thumb. "You're still coming to the Burrow, right?"

Hermione nodded. "After Christmas day, I'm going to spend that with my parents first. Then I'll come see you." Kendra smiled, wanting to kiss Hermione. She somehow resisted the urge. 

"Hello, Granger." A Gryffindor boy that Kendra had only heard about from Lisa in the most distasteful manner she thought was possible had approached the pair with a sly smirk. "Who's your friend?"

Hermione opened her mouth, ready to rip into McLaggen. Kendra stopped her with a glance and a gentle squeeze of her hand. "Kendra Dursley," she said sweetly. "Pleasure."

McLaggen grinned. "Do you mind if I steal Granger away from you?"

"Actually, I do," Kendra said, faking pity. "You see, I don't think she's interested."

McLaggen raised an eyebrow, his grin dropping. "And how do you know that?"

"Oh trust me," Kendra said, turning to gaze at Hermione, not having to fake the affection in her eyes. Kendra moved to brush a piece of Hermione's hair from her face, Silently, they had a conversation and perhaps it was just out of spite, or for the sake of theatrics, but in moments, their next actions were already in motion. Kendra leaned in and delicately pressed a kiss against Hermione's soft, full lips. Today, they tasted like peppermint and Kendra wondered whether or not Hermione had started using a new lipbalm or if she just had a bit of toothpaste left on her lips from brushing her teeth. Kendra turned back to McLaggen, smiling proudly. "I know. See you around, McLagger, or whatever your name is."