Author's note: Here it is, the final chapter. This chapter was written back
in December so I have had it ready for like five months. I hope you guys
like. I wrote it before the drama of my life started. The previous three
chapters are not that descriptive because I have not have had a good life.
I hope you guys like it. Please review.
Chapter 10- No Longer the Girl Next Door
It was Monday when the funeral took place. Joan was allowed to stay at the caslte for the the weekend and to come to Ron's funeral, which was held on school grounds. She and Harry stood arm in arm and hand in hand. Harry and Hermione gave wonderful eulogies and Ron's casket was covered with the Gryffiundor banner. Harry felt bad for his two, remaining best friends. He stood in between Joan and Hermione the whole time. Hermione, he knew, cared for Ron deeply but didn't love him as had once thought. He had a feeling though that she was beginning to fall in love with someone else, although he didn't know who. After the ceremony, Paravti approached them.
"Harry?" she asked meekly. Harry felt the anger and pain she had envoked in him, but it went away when he remembered Joan was at his side.
"Yes, Parvati?" he replied, impassively.
"I want to express my condolences to Hermione, and to you. I also want to ask for your forgivness from you. and you, miss" she said, sincerely, nodding to Joan.
"Please, call me Joan. You have done nothing to me, Miss Patail, so I have nothing to forgive" said Joan.
"Yes, you do. Harry cared for you and I dragged him away from you. And Harry, I should not have treated you like I did" she said. Harry remained silent, but Joan spoke up.
"Miss Patail, it's okay. We are just good friends. He was never mine to begin with" she said.
"I still want to apologize. What do you say Harry? Do you forgive me?" asked Parvati, looking at Harry.
"Yeah, I reckon I forgive you" said Harry.
" Thank you. I'll leave you alone now" she said, leaving. Hermione followed her into the castle. Harry and Joan stood there for a while longer and then they went inside.
When they reached the entrance hall, Professor McGongall was waiting for them. "Miss Redwood, please follow me. Professor Dumbledore wishes to speak to you. Mr. Potter, you may return to your Common Room" she said softly. Harry watched as Joan went up stairs with the professor. When Harry lost sight of them, he went back to his Common Room.
An hour later, Joan came into the Common Room. She stood at the portrait hole alone until she saw Harry sitting on a couch by the fire.
" Mind if I sit here?" she asked. Harry looked up bug-eyed.
" How did you get in?" he asked as she sat down next to him.
"Professor Dumbledore brought me here. I am going to stay for the next week" she replied.
" Why are you going to stay here?" asked Harry.
" Because the professor is calling a meeting with my father, the Ambassador to Great Britain, the Prime Minster and the Minster of Magic. I have to wait until they are done" said Joan looking at the fire. They sat there, in silence, on the couch until the whole common room was empty, which was at ten o'clock. Harry finally began to talk to Joan.
"Joan?" he asked.
"What Harry?"
"What did you mean earlier when you said that I was never yours?" asked Harry looking at Joan.
" It means what it means. I liked you, but I was never your girlfriend. So you were not mine to lose" said Joan who continued to look at the fire.
" Oh. So what happened with Ron?" asked Harry, feeling depressed that he was treading on dangerous territory.
" What do you mean?" asked Joan, tears filling her eyes at the memory of her lost boyfriend.
"Did you. love him?" stuttered Harry. Joan didn't move her eyes.
"Yeah, I did. We had a connection. I miss him. We were always to talk. He gave me promise ring. I would have waited for him." said Joan, beginning to cry again. Harry got closer and held her tight.
"Harry, please, don't let go" cried Joan. Harry held her until she quieted down.
When she had calmed down, she spoke up again.
"Harry, I lied to you" she said serenely.
"What do you mean?" asked Harry who was confused.
"When I said that I liked you" Harry's face fell, "I really meant that I loved you" said Joan. Harry sat there silently. After a moment, he spoke up.
"Why didn't you say anything?" he asked.
"Because you seemed like you really loved Parvati. And your letters, they seemed, so distant. I guessed that you were just infatuated with me, if you ever did like me. But I knew my feelings were real. Ron told me that you did care but you never acted on you feelings" said Joan, looking at Harry.
"I'm so sorry. I treated you like you weren't important. When Ron told me that you two were togther, I knew that I did love you. I-I- do love you" said Harry and he kissed Joan gently. Joan pulled back.
"Harry don't" said Joan weakly.
"Why not?" asked Harry.
"Harry, my boyfriend and your best friend just died. Don't you think that I- you- we are a little vulnerable right now" said Joan, a bit forcefully.
"But I know what I feel is real. I have felt for a long time" he said a bit imploringly.
" Harry, my boyfriend was just murdered before my very eyes. Please stop it" she said as tears welled up in her eyes again. Harry continued to look at her.
"Please give me time. I need time to sort out my head. and my heart" said Joan.
"I'll wait" said Harry, steadily
"I need to go to bed" said Joan, hurriedly going up stairs. Harry sat on the couch a little longer, then he went up to bed.
When he got to his room, he was shocked to see Ron's bed with the curtains opened. He was hurt by the loneliness that enswamped him. He got into bed and fell asleep.
Harry awoke the next morning, hoping that everything was a dream, a cruel dream. Unfortunately, when he opened his curtains, he saw Ron's empty bed. He slowly got out of bed, changed, and went down stairs to the Common Room. Ginny was sitting in a corner, looking out the window. No one said anything to her and Harry thought that it was best to leave her alone for the time being. Harry walked out of the portrait hole and went down to the Great Hall. Up and down the Gryffindor table, the Gryffindors wore the same expression of shock and sadness mixed into one. Harry sat queitly and just looked at his empty plate. When he looked up at the professors' table, he was surprised to see to Dumbledore's and McGonagall's chairs empty. The next few days passed by like a dream. He rarely talked to Joan. Then on Thursday morning, there was a tap on his shoulder. He turned around. It was Professor McGonagall.
"Mr. Potter, please follow me" she said softly. Harry stood and followed without a word. She led him to Proffessor Dumbledore's office. When he entered, he saw Joan and a somber-looking man standing next to her. When Proffessor Dumbledore saw Harry, he stood and greeted him warmly.
"Please sit down Harry" said the professor. Harry sat down opposite Dumbledore and next to Joan.
"Harry this is Ambassador Phillip Redwood, Joan's father" said Dumbledore, pointing to the man next to Joan.
"Pleasure to meet you, Harry. I wish that we could have met under different circumstances" said the ambassador. Harry nodded his greetings.
"Very well. Harry, if you please, tell us what happened on Saturday. I know this is hard but please try" said Dumbledore. Harry turned and looked at Joan. She just kept her head down. Harry began his sad tale. All the time, he looked at Joan out of the corner of his eye. She nevered flinched, even at the mention of Ron's name. He ended with,
" I don't know what curse was used because I wasn't there." Harry just put his head down.
"Thank you, Harry. Joan, I am very sorry to do this to you but I have to. Please stand up and turn around" said the professor. Joan complied obediently.
"Don't worry this won't hurt" he said as he pointed his wand to back of her head. "Now I want you to think back to what happened before the Death Eater appeared" said Dumbledore. He murmured a spell and light came out of his wand and light came out of Joan's mouth and eyes making it seem like a movie, an unpleasant movie. Ron and Joan were talking about school when the Death Eater appeared, then he said the deadly words "Avada Kedavra." The Death Eater disappeared and Harry and Hermione ran in with Professor McGonagall.
Professor Dumbledore said the counter-spell and Joan sank into her armchair, crying. Harry sat there, starring at the space where Ron's last moment was played out. He turned at looked at Joan. He saw her father put his arm around her. This seemed strangely familiar to Harry. He turned and looked at Dumbledore. His eyes gave Harry a knowing look and said,
"Harry, please take Joan back to Gryffindor Tower." Harry nodded his head and took Joan back to the tower. He took her up to his room and gave her some water. Joan drank the water and fell asleep on his bed. Harry sat down next to her and smoothed her hair. He studied her face. It had seemed mature and grown up when he had met her , but now it seemed childish and innocent. Then it struck him that was the face in the dream he had had when he had first met her. He understood it now; he was supposed to help her get through this. He looked at her face an saw not just innocence and pain, but also fear. He whispered into her ear, "Don't worry, I will protect you always, with my heart and my head." He kissed her on the forehead and he fell asleep beside her.
When he woke up, he no longer felt Joan next to him. He opened his eyes and began to look for her. He found her sitting on the window ledge, talking to Hedwig. Harry sat up, when he saw her, astonished.
" Er, Joan? Why are you talking to my owl?" he asked skeptically. Joan looked up.
" I sometimes talk to animals because they listen and you know they understand because it is seen in their eyes" she replied sadly as she petted Hedwig.
"Your owl is very sympathetic. I can see it in her eyes" she continued, getting a dreamy look in her eyes.
"She was always helpful. Uhm, are you okay?" he asked softly.
"No but I'll get through" she said and she started humming a song as she looked out the window. Harry sat up and looked at Joan.
"What are you humming?" asked Harry, after a moment.
"A muggle song called, 'Never Had A Dream Come True'" she said.
"Sounds depressing" said Harry. "It's not; it's bittersweet. It really calms me down" rebutted Joan.
"What calms you down? Humming or talking to animals?" asked Harry as he walked over to her. "Just humming or plain old listening to music. I don't usually have the opportunity to talk to animals" she replied as she smiled weakly. "Can you sing me some, please?" asked Harry. "Alright then." She cleared her throught and began.
Somewhere in my memory, I've lost all sense of time. and so my road can never be, cus' yesterday is all that fills my mind. There's no use looking back or wondering. How it could be now or might have been. Oh, this I know but still I can't find ways to let you go.
Joan finished and continued to look out the window. Harry was somewhat amazed. That song felt like it was written using his thoughts, because that is exactly like he felt.
"Is that the whole song?" asked Harry when he recovered his voice.
"No, it's just the second verse" said Joan.
"Maybe you could sing it to me sometime" said Harry.
"Sometime before we leave" said Joan.
"When do you leave?" asked Harry.
"The same day as you."
"Great. We can leave together. We can talk and everything-what's wrong?" asked Harry.
"Harry, I'm not returning to Pivet Drive. I am returning to America. We leave for London tomorrow. We leave for America on Saturday morning" said Joan, saddness creeping into her voice.
"You're not even staying for the End of the Term Feast?" asked Harry, very depressed.
"No. We leave at noon," after a pause "I'm sorry" she said as a tear fell down her cheek. Harry came over and put his arm around her. Joan leaned against him. They didn't move until she spoke up.
"I have to pack" she standing.
"Yeah, I'm going to get food. So you want some?' he asked. "No" she replied as she left the room.
Harry went to the Great Hall and got juice and a biscuit. He finsihed and went oustide to look for Hermione. He found her sitting on the grass.
"Hey" he said.
"Hey back. Are you okay?" she asked as he sat down. "Yep. You know Joan's leaving" he asked starring into the lake. "Yeah she told me this morning. I'm going to miss her. She is really nice. I like her" said Hermione.
"Yeah, I will too" he said. They sat in silence. After a while, Hermione spoke up.
"Do you love her?" she asked. Harry continued to look at the lake.
"Yeah, I do" replied Harry after a pause.
"Does she love you?" she prompted.
"She did. I'm not sure about now" said Harry.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"Well, she-I- I don't know. She hasn't told me anything. And I don't have any guesses" he said.
"She's not ready. She needs time" said a voice behind them. They turned and saw Ginny, standing there. She sat down next to them.
"Hey Gin. What do you mean? She doesn't have time" said Harry.
"She has one night. You'll see" replied Ginny, somewhat surely. She laid down on the grass. Harry turned and looked at her. She looked like she had a plan or a secret and she wouldn't tell.
"Good ol'Gin. Always the optimist" said Harry. "Who says I'm being optimistic?" she rebutted. "Harry, stop pumping her for information" said Hermione and Harry shut up. "Well, I'm going to do some reading. See you both later" said Hermione after a moment. She stood up and walked back to the castle.
"There's something different about her" said Harry, smiling. Ginny roller her eyes. "She is falling in love. Can't you see it? You already went through that" she said. "With whom? Who is she falling in love with?" asked Harry, surprised.
"I don't know. But don't you dare try and find out. She'll kill you. Just be patient and she will tell you, when she is ready" she replied. "Why are you being so damn philosophical?" asked Harry. "Calm down. I'm just being honest" said Ginny indigently. "Whatever. Let's go back upstairs" said Harry, standing up and walking back to the castle. Ginny stood and followed him.
Harry didn't see Joan all night. Ginny sat at the window, talking to Colin. Hermione was shut up in her room. Harry just sat there, on the couch until he was tired and went to sleep. He woke up around midnight and he couldn't fall asleep again. So he just went down stairs and sat on the couch. He was alone, until.
"Harry?" Harry turned around and saw Joan, in her pajamas. "Joan. I didn't hear you. Why are you up?" asked Harry. "Just dreading the dawn" she replied as she sat down next to him.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"I don't want to leave. I feel safe here. But it is foolish to feel safe. There is no safe place, anymore" she said in a soft voice, starring into the empty fireplace. "There is always a safe place, you just haven't found it yet" said Harry. But, even though he had said it, he hadn't believed it.
"Don't lie to me. Everything has a consequence. Nothing is safe. It's stupid, really. We fight for peace. Or we fight to end all fighting. But is it worth it? It peace at the expense of the blood of innocents worth it?" asked Joan.
"You're right. But I think it depends from person to person. I really don't know" said Harry. "You probably think that I'm crazy. But I don't want to leave. I don't want to return to a world on the brink of war. But it kinda is the same here, isn't it? What are we fighting for?" said Joan. "I don't know. I think everybody fights for what they think is right" siad Harry. "Good point. I don't wanna talk about that. It's too depressing. I wanna talk about us" she said.
"What do you mean?" asked Harry, trying to keep his voice in check.
"We will still be friends, right? I can't stand to lose you're friendship" said Joan, reaching for his hand and looking into his eyes. Harry felt his heart sinking.
"Of course"-Joan looked relieved-"but don't you want to be more than friends?" asked Harry. Joan pulled her hands and eyes from Harry.
"Harry, please" she whispered. "No, listen. I love you" he said.
"No!" she pleaded.
"I love you and I know you love me. What's wrong?" asked Harry.
"I'm scared. That's why" said Joan.
"Don't be scared of me. I-"
"It's not you I'm afraid of" she interrupted.
"What are you afraid of?" he asked. "I'm afraid of being hurt again. I did love you and you went and fell for Pavarti. That hurt me. I loved Ron, too. And he hurt me in a way that I never want to be hurt again" cried Joan.
"I won't hurt you, I promise" said Harry. "I want to believe you. My head says no, but my heart says yes. I don't know which to listen to" said Joan tears falling down her face.
"Listen to your heart, Joan. Please give us a chance. Give me another chance" said Harry. "I-I love you. And I will always have a special place for you in my heart. But I know that we can't last. We are of two different worlds" said Joan.
"I don't care. We can make it work" said Harry. Joan put her finger to his lips and said.
"Let's enjoy the what we have now. Let's enjoy the moment." She hugged him tightly and they sat on the couch for a while. After an hour, Joan began to fall asleep.
"I think we should go to bed" she said through a yawn. "Good idea" replied Harry, sleepily. They walked up the staircase to their room and went their separate ways.
Harry had a dream that night. He dreamt that he and Joan were dancing together. She was a beautiful dress of white satin with delicate embroidery on the bodice. They danced they whole night together. When he woke up, he hoped that this dream would come true. He got out of bed, changed and went downstairs. Hermione spent the whole of breakfast in the library. Then she spent the rest of the afternoon in her room with Joan. Professor McGongall had told him that he and Hermione would be able to go to the train station with Joan and her father. He decided to go outside and read. He had just begun to read Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring before Christmas but had not touched it. He sat outside, under a tree and began to read. He was juts about to get to the tenth chapter when Hermione came to him and told him it was time to go. He pocketed his book and went to the Entrance Hall where Joan and Ambassador Redwood were waiting.
"Hello sir. Joan" said Harry and Hermione bowing their heads in greetings. Joan and her father did the same. Dumbledore came and told them that the carriage had arrived. They had a quiet drive to station and they arrived quickly. Ambassador Redwood went inside after saying goodbye to everyone and promising to bring up what had happened to the American Senate and House of Representatives. Joan said goodbye to Hermione and Dumbeldore and they left Joan and Harry alone on the platform.
"Guess this is it, huh?" said Joan.
"Yeah, I guess. Be safe. I love you" said Harry.
"I love you, too. Don't worry about me, I can protect myself. Hold up, I have something for you" she said digging into her bag. She pulled out a rectangular package.
"What is this?" asked Harry.
"A present for you, to remember me by. Don't open it yet. Open it tomorrow on the train" she said, grinning. She kissed him.
" Goodbye. I love you" said Joan.
"I love you, too" said Harry. Joan blew him a kiss and boarded the train. Harry waved goodbye. He turned and went back to the school in the carriage.
That night Harry and Hermione began to pack before the feast. The feast this year was worse than last year for the two friends. This time the tragedy was all too close and too real for them. They both sat together and were quiet the whole time. They ate quietly and left the feast even before the dessert had appeared. They fell asleep quickly and woke up early the next morning. Harry was dressed and all ready to go when everyone else had just begun to wake up. Harry grabbed his things after breakfast and boarded the carriages with Hermione. Nobody really talked to them on the platform or as the boarded the train. Harry and Hermione found an empty compartment and moved in. As the train began to move Hermione fell asleep and Harry began to read.
It was after the food cart had passed when Harry had remembered Joan's package. He pulled it out and opened it. It was a little wooden box that had a thunderbolt with Harry's initals carved into it. He saw a note and he read it.
Hey Harry! Sorry I never sang that song for you but this is better. You can listen to it whenever you want. Use it to remember me by. -With all my love, Joan.
Harry smiled and opened the little box. A small projection of Joan appeared, it smiled and began to sing. He listened intently.
I've never had a dream come true
'Til the day that I found you
Even though I pretend that I've moved on
You'll always be my baby.
I never found the words to say
You're the one I think about each day
And I know no matter where life takes me to
Apart of me will always be.
Apart of me will always be with you.
Harry smiled. He was about to close the box when.
"Hey Harry! When you fall for someone new, you can throw this away" said Joan's projection as it winked and disappeared. Harry smiled and fell asleep.
THE END ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Author's note: Did you like it? I'm sorry if you don't understand some things. For those of you wondering what happened to Pavarti, she will rot in her dismay! Just kidding. To find out what really happens, read the Harry Potter books. Now to my thanks: Thank you to God and everyone involved in my life and to those who inspire me (mainly,J.K. Rowling and J.R.R.Tolkien). I didn't have the whole song because it is hella long. I just put the last chorus. This is my, Joan-Lita Nabberrie's, last story so thank you*bows deeply*. "And so goodnight."
Chapter 10- No Longer the Girl Next Door
It was Monday when the funeral took place. Joan was allowed to stay at the caslte for the the weekend and to come to Ron's funeral, which was held on school grounds. She and Harry stood arm in arm and hand in hand. Harry and Hermione gave wonderful eulogies and Ron's casket was covered with the Gryffiundor banner. Harry felt bad for his two, remaining best friends. He stood in between Joan and Hermione the whole time. Hermione, he knew, cared for Ron deeply but didn't love him as had once thought. He had a feeling though that she was beginning to fall in love with someone else, although he didn't know who. After the ceremony, Paravti approached them.
"Harry?" she asked meekly. Harry felt the anger and pain she had envoked in him, but it went away when he remembered Joan was at his side.
"Yes, Parvati?" he replied, impassively.
"I want to express my condolences to Hermione, and to you. I also want to ask for your forgivness from you. and you, miss" she said, sincerely, nodding to Joan.
"Please, call me Joan. You have done nothing to me, Miss Patail, so I have nothing to forgive" said Joan.
"Yes, you do. Harry cared for you and I dragged him away from you. And Harry, I should not have treated you like I did" she said. Harry remained silent, but Joan spoke up.
"Miss Patail, it's okay. We are just good friends. He was never mine to begin with" she said.
"I still want to apologize. What do you say Harry? Do you forgive me?" asked Parvati, looking at Harry.
"Yeah, I reckon I forgive you" said Harry.
" Thank you. I'll leave you alone now" she said, leaving. Hermione followed her into the castle. Harry and Joan stood there for a while longer and then they went inside.
When they reached the entrance hall, Professor McGongall was waiting for them. "Miss Redwood, please follow me. Professor Dumbledore wishes to speak to you. Mr. Potter, you may return to your Common Room" she said softly. Harry watched as Joan went up stairs with the professor. When Harry lost sight of them, he went back to his Common Room.
An hour later, Joan came into the Common Room. She stood at the portrait hole alone until she saw Harry sitting on a couch by the fire.
" Mind if I sit here?" she asked. Harry looked up bug-eyed.
" How did you get in?" he asked as she sat down next to him.
"Professor Dumbledore brought me here. I am going to stay for the next week" she replied.
" Why are you going to stay here?" asked Harry.
" Because the professor is calling a meeting with my father, the Ambassador to Great Britain, the Prime Minster and the Minster of Magic. I have to wait until they are done" said Joan looking at the fire. They sat there, in silence, on the couch until the whole common room was empty, which was at ten o'clock. Harry finally began to talk to Joan.
"Joan?" he asked.
"What Harry?"
"What did you mean earlier when you said that I was never yours?" asked Harry looking at Joan.
" It means what it means. I liked you, but I was never your girlfriend. So you were not mine to lose" said Joan who continued to look at the fire.
" Oh. So what happened with Ron?" asked Harry, feeling depressed that he was treading on dangerous territory.
" What do you mean?" asked Joan, tears filling her eyes at the memory of her lost boyfriend.
"Did you. love him?" stuttered Harry. Joan didn't move her eyes.
"Yeah, I did. We had a connection. I miss him. We were always to talk. He gave me promise ring. I would have waited for him." said Joan, beginning to cry again. Harry got closer and held her tight.
"Harry, please, don't let go" cried Joan. Harry held her until she quieted down.
When she had calmed down, she spoke up again.
"Harry, I lied to you" she said serenely.
"What do you mean?" asked Harry who was confused.
"When I said that I liked you" Harry's face fell, "I really meant that I loved you" said Joan. Harry sat there silently. After a moment, he spoke up.
"Why didn't you say anything?" he asked.
"Because you seemed like you really loved Parvati. And your letters, they seemed, so distant. I guessed that you were just infatuated with me, if you ever did like me. But I knew my feelings were real. Ron told me that you did care but you never acted on you feelings" said Joan, looking at Harry.
"I'm so sorry. I treated you like you weren't important. When Ron told me that you two were togther, I knew that I did love you. I-I- do love you" said Harry and he kissed Joan gently. Joan pulled back.
"Harry don't" said Joan weakly.
"Why not?" asked Harry.
"Harry, my boyfriend and your best friend just died. Don't you think that I- you- we are a little vulnerable right now" said Joan, a bit forcefully.
"But I know what I feel is real. I have felt for a long time" he said a bit imploringly.
" Harry, my boyfriend was just murdered before my very eyes. Please stop it" she said as tears welled up in her eyes again. Harry continued to look at her.
"Please give me time. I need time to sort out my head. and my heart" said Joan.
"I'll wait" said Harry, steadily
"I need to go to bed" said Joan, hurriedly going up stairs. Harry sat on the couch a little longer, then he went up to bed.
When he got to his room, he was shocked to see Ron's bed with the curtains opened. He was hurt by the loneliness that enswamped him. He got into bed and fell asleep.
Harry awoke the next morning, hoping that everything was a dream, a cruel dream. Unfortunately, when he opened his curtains, he saw Ron's empty bed. He slowly got out of bed, changed, and went down stairs to the Common Room. Ginny was sitting in a corner, looking out the window. No one said anything to her and Harry thought that it was best to leave her alone for the time being. Harry walked out of the portrait hole and went down to the Great Hall. Up and down the Gryffindor table, the Gryffindors wore the same expression of shock and sadness mixed into one. Harry sat queitly and just looked at his empty plate. When he looked up at the professors' table, he was surprised to see to Dumbledore's and McGonagall's chairs empty. The next few days passed by like a dream. He rarely talked to Joan. Then on Thursday morning, there was a tap on his shoulder. He turned around. It was Professor McGonagall.
"Mr. Potter, please follow me" she said softly. Harry stood and followed without a word. She led him to Proffessor Dumbledore's office. When he entered, he saw Joan and a somber-looking man standing next to her. When Proffessor Dumbledore saw Harry, he stood and greeted him warmly.
"Please sit down Harry" said the professor. Harry sat down opposite Dumbledore and next to Joan.
"Harry this is Ambassador Phillip Redwood, Joan's father" said Dumbledore, pointing to the man next to Joan.
"Pleasure to meet you, Harry. I wish that we could have met under different circumstances" said the ambassador. Harry nodded his greetings.
"Very well. Harry, if you please, tell us what happened on Saturday. I know this is hard but please try" said Dumbledore. Harry turned and looked at Joan. She just kept her head down. Harry began his sad tale. All the time, he looked at Joan out of the corner of his eye. She nevered flinched, even at the mention of Ron's name. He ended with,
" I don't know what curse was used because I wasn't there." Harry just put his head down.
"Thank you, Harry. Joan, I am very sorry to do this to you but I have to. Please stand up and turn around" said the professor. Joan complied obediently.
"Don't worry this won't hurt" he said as he pointed his wand to back of her head. "Now I want you to think back to what happened before the Death Eater appeared" said Dumbledore. He murmured a spell and light came out of his wand and light came out of Joan's mouth and eyes making it seem like a movie, an unpleasant movie. Ron and Joan were talking about school when the Death Eater appeared, then he said the deadly words "Avada Kedavra." The Death Eater disappeared and Harry and Hermione ran in with Professor McGonagall.
Professor Dumbledore said the counter-spell and Joan sank into her armchair, crying. Harry sat there, starring at the space where Ron's last moment was played out. He turned at looked at Joan. He saw her father put his arm around her. This seemed strangely familiar to Harry. He turned and looked at Dumbledore. His eyes gave Harry a knowing look and said,
"Harry, please take Joan back to Gryffindor Tower." Harry nodded his head and took Joan back to the tower. He took her up to his room and gave her some water. Joan drank the water and fell asleep on his bed. Harry sat down next to her and smoothed her hair. He studied her face. It had seemed mature and grown up when he had met her , but now it seemed childish and innocent. Then it struck him that was the face in the dream he had had when he had first met her. He understood it now; he was supposed to help her get through this. He looked at her face an saw not just innocence and pain, but also fear. He whispered into her ear, "Don't worry, I will protect you always, with my heart and my head." He kissed her on the forehead and he fell asleep beside her.
When he woke up, he no longer felt Joan next to him. He opened his eyes and began to look for her. He found her sitting on the window ledge, talking to Hedwig. Harry sat up, when he saw her, astonished.
" Er, Joan? Why are you talking to my owl?" he asked skeptically. Joan looked up.
" I sometimes talk to animals because they listen and you know they understand because it is seen in their eyes" she replied sadly as she petted Hedwig.
"Your owl is very sympathetic. I can see it in her eyes" she continued, getting a dreamy look in her eyes.
"She was always helpful. Uhm, are you okay?" he asked softly.
"No but I'll get through" she said and she started humming a song as she looked out the window. Harry sat up and looked at Joan.
"What are you humming?" asked Harry, after a moment.
"A muggle song called, 'Never Had A Dream Come True'" she said.
"Sounds depressing" said Harry. "It's not; it's bittersweet. It really calms me down" rebutted Joan.
"What calms you down? Humming or talking to animals?" asked Harry as he walked over to her. "Just humming or plain old listening to music. I don't usually have the opportunity to talk to animals" she replied as she smiled weakly. "Can you sing me some, please?" asked Harry. "Alright then." She cleared her throught and began.
Somewhere in my memory, I've lost all sense of time. and so my road can never be, cus' yesterday is all that fills my mind. There's no use looking back or wondering. How it could be now or might have been. Oh, this I know but still I can't find ways to let you go.
Joan finished and continued to look out the window. Harry was somewhat amazed. That song felt like it was written using his thoughts, because that is exactly like he felt.
"Is that the whole song?" asked Harry when he recovered his voice.
"No, it's just the second verse" said Joan.
"Maybe you could sing it to me sometime" said Harry.
"Sometime before we leave" said Joan.
"When do you leave?" asked Harry.
"The same day as you."
"Great. We can leave together. We can talk and everything-what's wrong?" asked Harry.
"Harry, I'm not returning to Pivet Drive. I am returning to America. We leave for London tomorrow. We leave for America on Saturday morning" said Joan, saddness creeping into her voice.
"You're not even staying for the End of the Term Feast?" asked Harry, very depressed.
"No. We leave at noon," after a pause "I'm sorry" she said as a tear fell down her cheek. Harry came over and put his arm around her. Joan leaned against him. They didn't move until she spoke up.
"I have to pack" she standing.
"Yeah, I'm going to get food. So you want some?' he asked. "No" she replied as she left the room.
Harry went to the Great Hall and got juice and a biscuit. He finsihed and went oustide to look for Hermione. He found her sitting on the grass.
"Hey" he said.
"Hey back. Are you okay?" she asked as he sat down. "Yep. You know Joan's leaving" he asked starring into the lake. "Yeah she told me this morning. I'm going to miss her. She is really nice. I like her" said Hermione.
"Yeah, I will too" he said. They sat in silence. After a while, Hermione spoke up.
"Do you love her?" she asked. Harry continued to look at the lake.
"Yeah, I do" replied Harry after a pause.
"Does she love you?" she prompted.
"She did. I'm not sure about now" said Harry.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"Well, she-I- I don't know. She hasn't told me anything. And I don't have any guesses" he said.
"She's not ready. She needs time" said a voice behind them. They turned and saw Ginny, standing there. She sat down next to them.
"Hey Gin. What do you mean? She doesn't have time" said Harry.
"She has one night. You'll see" replied Ginny, somewhat surely. She laid down on the grass. Harry turned and looked at her. She looked like she had a plan or a secret and she wouldn't tell.
"Good ol'Gin. Always the optimist" said Harry. "Who says I'm being optimistic?" she rebutted. "Harry, stop pumping her for information" said Hermione and Harry shut up. "Well, I'm going to do some reading. See you both later" said Hermione after a moment. She stood up and walked back to the castle.
"There's something different about her" said Harry, smiling. Ginny roller her eyes. "She is falling in love. Can't you see it? You already went through that" she said. "With whom? Who is she falling in love with?" asked Harry, surprised.
"I don't know. But don't you dare try and find out. She'll kill you. Just be patient and she will tell you, when she is ready" she replied. "Why are you being so damn philosophical?" asked Harry. "Calm down. I'm just being honest" said Ginny indigently. "Whatever. Let's go back upstairs" said Harry, standing up and walking back to the castle. Ginny stood and followed him.
Harry didn't see Joan all night. Ginny sat at the window, talking to Colin. Hermione was shut up in her room. Harry just sat there, on the couch until he was tired and went to sleep. He woke up around midnight and he couldn't fall asleep again. So he just went down stairs and sat on the couch. He was alone, until.
"Harry?" Harry turned around and saw Joan, in her pajamas. "Joan. I didn't hear you. Why are you up?" asked Harry. "Just dreading the dawn" she replied as she sat down next to him.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"I don't want to leave. I feel safe here. But it is foolish to feel safe. There is no safe place, anymore" she said in a soft voice, starring into the empty fireplace. "There is always a safe place, you just haven't found it yet" said Harry. But, even though he had said it, he hadn't believed it.
"Don't lie to me. Everything has a consequence. Nothing is safe. It's stupid, really. We fight for peace. Or we fight to end all fighting. But is it worth it? It peace at the expense of the blood of innocents worth it?" asked Joan.
"You're right. But I think it depends from person to person. I really don't know" said Harry. "You probably think that I'm crazy. But I don't want to leave. I don't want to return to a world on the brink of war. But it kinda is the same here, isn't it? What are we fighting for?" said Joan. "I don't know. I think everybody fights for what they think is right" siad Harry. "Good point. I don't wanna talk about that. It's too depressing. I wanna talk about us" she said.
"What do you mean?" asked Harry, trying to keep his voice in check.
"We will still be friends, right? I can't stand to lose you're friendship" said Joan, reaching for his hand and looking into his eyes. Harry felt his heart sinking.
"Of course"-Joan looked relieved-"but don't you want to be more than friends?" asked Harry. Joan pulled her hands and eyes from Harry.
"Harry, please" she whispered. "No, listen. I love you" he said.
"No!" she pleaded.
"I love you and I know you love me. What's wrong?" asked Harry.
"I'm scared. That's why" said Joan.
"Don't be scared of me. I-"
"It's not you I'm afraid of" she interrupted.
"What are you afraid of?" he asked. "I'm afraid of being hurt again. I did love you and you went and fell for Pavarti. That hurt me. I loved Ron, too. And he hurt me in a way that I never want to be hurt again" cried Joan.
"I won't hurt you, I promise" said Harry. "I want to believe you. My head says no, but my heart says yes. I don't know which to listen to" said Joan tears falling down her face.
"Listen to your heart, Joan. Please give us a chance. Give me another chance" said Harry. "I-I love you. And I will always have a special place for you in my heart. But I know that we can't last. We are of two different worlds" said Joan.
"I don't care. We can make it work" said Harry. Joan put her finger to his lips and said.
"Let's enjoy the what we have now. Let's enjoy the moment." She hugged him tightly and they sat on the couch for a while. After an hour, Joan began to fall asleep.
"I think we should go to bed" she said through a yawn. "Good idea" replied Harry, sleepily. They walked up the staircase to their room and went their separate ways.
Harry had a dream that night. He dreamt that he and Joan were dancing together. She was a beautiful dress of white satin with delicate embroidery on the bodice. They danced they whole night together. When he woke up, he hoped that this dream would come true. He got out of bed, changed and went downstairs. Hermione spent the whole of breakfast in the library. Then she spent the rest of the afternoon in her room with Joan. Professor McGongall had told him that he and Hermione would be able to go to the train station with Joan and her father. He decided to go outside and read. He had just begun to read Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring before Christmas but had not touched it. He sat outside, under a tree and began to read. He was juts about to get to the tenth chapter when Hermione came to him and told him it was time to go. He pocketed his book and went to the Entrance Hall where Joan and Ambassador Redwood were waiting.
"Hello sir. Joan" said Harry and Hermione bowing their heads in greetings. Joan and her father did the same. Dumbledore came and told them that the carriage had arrived. They had a quiet drive to station and they arrived quickly. Ambassador Redwood went inside after saying goodbye to everyone and promising to bring up what had happened to the American Senate and House of Representatives. Joan said goodbye to Hermione and Dumbeldore and they left Joan and Harry alone on the platform.
"Guess this is it, huh?" said Joan.
"Yeah, I guess. Be safe. I love you" said Harry.
"I love you, too. Don't worry about me, I can protect myself. Hold up, I have something for you" she said digging into her bag. She pulled out a rectangular package.
"What is this?" asked Harry.
"A present for you, to remember me by. Don't open it yet. Open it tomorrow on the train" she said, grinning. She kissed him.
" Goodbye. I love you" said Joan.
"I love you, too" said Harry. Joan blew him a kiss and boarded the train. Harry waved goodbye. He turned and went back to the school in the carriage.
That night Harry and Hermione began to pack before the feast. The feast this year was worse than last year for the two friends. This time the tragedy was all too close and too real for them. They both sat together and were quiet the whole time. They ate quietly and left the feast even before the dessert had appeared. They fell asleep quickly and woke up early the next morning. Harry was dressed and all ready to go when everyone else had just begun to wake up. Harry grabbed his things after breakfast and boarded the carriages with Hermione. Nobody really talked to them on the platform or as the boarded the train. Harry and Hermione found an empty compartment and moved in. As the train began to move Hermione fell asleep and Harry began to read.
It was after the food cart had passed when Harry had remembered Joan's package. He pulled it out and opened it. It was a little wooden box that had a thunderbolt with Harry's initals carved into it. He saw a note and he read it.
Hey Harry! Sorry I never sang that song for you but this is better. You can listen to it whenever you want. Use it to remember me by. -With all my love, Joan.
Harry smiled and opened the little box. A small projection of Joan appeared, it smiled and began to sing. He listened intently.
I've never had a dream come true
'Til the day that I found you
Even though I pretend that I've moved on
You'll always be my baby.
I never found the words to say
You're the one I think about each day
And I know no matter where life takes me to
Apart of me will always be.
Apart of me will always be with you.
Harry smiled. He was about to close the box when.
"Hey Harry! When you fall for someone new, you can throw this away" said Joan's projection as it winked and disappeared. Harry smiled and fell asleep.
THE END ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Author's note: Did you like it? I'm sorry if you don't understand some things. For those of you wondering what happened to Pavarti, she will rot in her dismay! Just kidding. To find out what really happens, read the Harry Potter books. Now to my thanks: Thank you to God and everyone involved in my life and to those who inspire me (mainly,J.K. Rowling and J.R.R.Tolkien). I didn't have the whole song because it is hella long. I just put the last chorus. This is my, Joan-Lita Nabberrie's, last story so thank you*bows deeply*. "And so goodnight."