Title: Who Cares?
Rating: T
Pairing(s)/Character(s): Harry/Nicole (OFC)
Warnings: EWE
Disclaimer: Don't own 'em - not making any money off 'em. Dern it.
Word Count: 1,181
Summary: Harry meets a girl after the war, and the fact that she has something in common with Remus is what brings them together.

Notes: Some of you might remember Nicole from my previous story, "Just Look Up." She's essentially the same character, including the fact that she's a werewolf. The only difference is instead of being around Remus's age (like it's hinted at in "Just Look Up") she's around Harry's age in this story.

Romance Survival Challenge: Pairing Used – Harry/OC

She isn't the first werewolf he has had to deal with. Of course, there was Remus, someone Harry still thinks about when he's allowed to be alone with his thoughts. His and his wife's deaths have left a permanent scar on Harry's psyche, and he doesn't know if he'll ever get rid of it.

Remus taught him that not all werewolves are beasts like Fenrir Greyback. That's why when he sees a girl who looks to be his age turned away at the bookstore because of her affliction, Harry defends her.

"I don't know what kind of business you like to do, but turning away customers is not a good way to go about it," he defends, shielding the girl from the owner's hateful glare the best he can.

"Don't you know what it is?" The owner hisses.

Out of the corner of his eye, Harry sees the girl's flinch and the rage boils deep within him. If this is what Remus had to deal with for so long, no wonder he was always withdrawn. "She's not an 'it.' She's a person and a human being."

"Barely," the owner mutters, but Harry hears it.

"Quiet! She turns into a wolf only during the full moon. The rest of the time, she's a normal girl. Are you aware of Remus Lupin? He was a hero during the war and someone very special to me. So special that he named me godfather of his son."

"Mr. H-Harry Potter, I-I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize to me. You owe this nice girl an apology and you will sell her what she wants –at a discount – since you are so very sorry. Understand?"

The owner wants to argue, but he doesn't after looking into Harry's hardened eyes. "Fine." Harry steps away from the girl, and the owner rolls his eyes. "I'm sorry. What can I help you with?"

Nicole quickly hands her book to the owner and pays for it, with it being at a discount of 25% off, making Harry smile.

They walk out of the store together. Harry no longer wants to buy anything from there, and he knows he'll probably never return to the store again.

"Thank you," she murmurs quietly.

"It's no problem. I really hate discrimination, especially against werewolves."

"Because of Remus Lupin, right?"

Harry nods. "He was the closest thing I had to a father. And even after I found out about what he was, I was never scared of him. He was one of the kindest and most gentle men that I knew."

"When I read about Remus, he became my hero, someone I want to emulate, and not only because we'll both werewolves. Could you maybe tell me more about him?"

"I could, if you tell me your name."

"Nicole Richardson."

"I'm Harry Potter."

"I know, but it's nice to meet you."

Nicole has somewhere she needs to be, but they decide to meet up the next day at a nearby Muggle park, knowing Nicole won't have to deal with hateful looks there.

Harry has a spring in his step that he can't explain to Ron when he's questioned. He can barely stand to wait for the next day to arrive.

Harry finds Nicole sitting on a bench. She's watching a child with his mother. Harry sits next to her, keeping a little space in between them so she's not crowded. "Do you want to be a mum one day?"

Nicole nods. "Of course. It's just hard finding a guy to look beyond the werewolf thing."

"Remus found someone."

She smiles. "I know, and that's what gives me hope. Do you see your godson a lot?"

Harry looks at his lap. "Not as much as I should. His grandmother has custody. She lost her husband and daughter within a very small timeframe, so she needs Teddy. Right now, he's the only thing giving Andromeda any purpose."

"Why haven't you visited them?" Nicole tilts her head, gazing at him curiously.

"It's hard. I wasn't that close to Teddy's mum, didn't know Tonks for that long. But, when I see Teddy, I think of Remus, and I still miss him so much."

"I understand, but by not visiting him, you're punishing Teddy."

"I know. I just need to get my courage up to go see him. Especially because I know that was what Remus expected of me when he named me godfather."

She takes his hand. "If you want someone there for moral support, I'll go with you."

Harry gazes into her hazel eyes, a small smile playing on her lips. "Thanks, I might take you up on that."

"Just let me know."

With Nicole's encouragement, Harry does visit Teddy and Andromeda. The first time, he's alone. He feels like there should be nothing distracting him from Teddy, not even Nicole and her sweet smelling hair and flowery perfume.

After a fun filled afternoon, he goes home and Floos Nicole, telling her all about his day. She's happy that he's finally broken the barrier, and even happier when he tells her that Andromeda invited him for dinner Friday night.

"I hope it becomes a weekly event," Harry confides.

"I'm sure it will. Andromeda might be able to tell Teddy about his mum, but who's better to tell Teddy about his dad then you. And she knows it. I doubt she has any plans to cut you out of his life."

Harry knows Nicole's right, but since he doesn't have custody, part of him was still a bit worried about it. He's pretty much at ease now that Andromeda didn't show any aggression towards him.

Nicole is a regular visitor to Harry's flat, and she even comes with him when he visits Teddy sometimes. Andromeda welcomes Nicole warmly, even after being told about her shared trait with Remus. It seems she has gotten over whatever problems she had with her daughter's chosen husband.

When Nicole doesn't come with him, and when Teddy's playing by himself or napping, Andromeda teases Harry about his obvious crush.

"Just ask her out," Andromeda says. When Harry's about to list all of the reasons why he shouldn't do that, Andromeda continues, "It's obvious she likes you. She's just too shy to make the first move."

Harry's mouth snaps shut. Does she really like me? Harry's thoughts whirl around in his head like angry pixies, and he hopes Andromeda's women's intuition is right.

When Harry finally asks Nicole out, it's very anticlimactic. "Will you go out on a date with me?"

She shrugs. There's a blush on her cheeks and a smile on her lips. "Next Saturday good for you?"

Harry dumbly nods, unable to believe it's that easy.

"Pick me up," she orders.

Harry again nods silently, and they go back to playing chess, as if nothing significant has come to pass. Thank you, Andromeda, Harry thinks, knowing he might never have asked Nicole out if it wasn't for Andromeda's relentless encouragement.

He can't wait for their date, but he can't think about it right then. He's too busy trying to figure out how to checkmate Nicole.