Chapter 38:

Larry Christopher's Not So Secret, Secret

2nd of May, 2011. Monday. (the same day that assignment one was announced. e.g. chapter 27)

"Screw you!" Parkinson yelled and slammed the door in his face.

The dark eyed 17 year old groaned and rubbed his face in frustration. "Parkinson, don't do this now! We need to get to-"

"That's your problem."

Larry Christopher sighed mutely. It was 7.30 in the morning; he had only about half an hour before classes started again. He needed to wash his face and brush his teeth and this morning he had Potions first- he did not fancy getting on Professor Break's bad side. And so then, what did he do to agitate Pansy Parkinson? She asked how she looked and he told her she'd look more beautiful if she didn't have a cake on her. Bloody hell, he thought. Does she even look in the mirror? A man a kilometre away could tell she wasn't wearing cake. She didn't put cake on. Did she have to get so defensive?

Neither of them forgot about the kiss, even though it was roughly about a week ago. Neither of them was going to bring it up, both for very different reasons. Larry had decided to move on with his life- there was other more horrible issues or situations in the world. Besides, he knew sooner or later one of them would have to talk about it. Normally, he wouldn't mind it, but now that he just wanted a break from relationship and those touchy-feely situations; he was dreading it.

"This is going to be bad on you," Larry repeated, not having much more faith in getting Parkinson out of the bedroom. "What are you going to be doing in there? Waiting for me?"

There was no answer on the other side of the door and for a moment Larry wandered if it was possible that she could've gotten away. How?

He turned the knob. He laughed out loud with wryness when the door opened and Parkinson wasn't behind it. He exhaled with the humour still in his voice; he walked into the bedroom, and started.

"What are you laughing at?" Parkinson's criticising voice exclaimed from the bathroom.

After he calmed down, he almost slouched his shoulders in dismay when he realised that Parkinson was indeed, still in the Dorm.

Soon enough, together the pair walked to the Great Hall not speaking. They entered and walked to their different areas. Larry's eyes didn't fall on his friends that morning like they normally do. It bypassed Harry Potter. They met a few times two years ago; however they didn't quite know each other. It was just polite greetings, mostly. What Parkinson didn't know was that Larry Christopher didn't stay in one house in Hogwarts. In fact, he's been in three- Slytherin, Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. He didn't regret any of it- if he ever really thought about it. It was ironic as all the houses are very different.

Harry Potter was with Ginny Weasley and the Golden Trio at the Gryffindor Table. Larry noticed all their expressions- happy. It seemed like they- in fact, everyone- seemed to be acting happier and excited than normal just to piss him off. Expect... Ginny Weasley- it looked like something could be bothering her, but Larry didn't know her well enough; she could just be tired, for all he knew.

In the beginning it had been very complicated; sitting with friends. He had those friends that he kept since First Year and then it continued out side and inside of classes. He had friends from the different houses. Majority of his friends were in Slytherin or Gryffindor, from classes or dorms. He preferred to hang out with the Gryffindors currently, because he's changed personally since being in Slytherin. They accepted it, and besides, they have their own groups. He only hung out with Ravenclaws sometimes; he's made some tight bonds in there.

Sitting down at the Gryffindor table his friends greeted him and continued to eat breakfast.

It seemed like such a quick pace until suddenly breakfast was over, announced by Headmistress McGonagall personally. She called to all the years associated with the Marriage Law, to stay behind and all the other years to leave.

It was obvious that either the six and seven grades were in deep trouble or it was concerning the Marriage Law. Everyone without a second thought assumed it was the latter. The Marriage Law was not a secret, and McGonagall didn't intend it that way. Everyone was muttering when walking out of the Hall but Larry could still hear the laughter. He almost groaned. One of his friends besides him saw his expression and laughed. Larry glared.

He watched as one by one the students left. He gazed around the room. He saw Parkinson in the Slytherin table, next to Blaise Zabini. Draco Malfoy was sitting in front of both of them, looking content as he continued to pick at his food. The Golden Trio, sitting at the other end of the now relatively emptied table, was sitting moderately quiet with half-hearted smiles on their faces- who liked assemblies, anyway?

Neville Longbottom moved from the Gryffindor Table, next to Harry Potter. He whispered something in the boy's ear who's expression softened. Longbottom then walked to the other side and kissed Luna Lovegood on the forehead. Luna Lovegood, smiled... before it faltered.

Larry's eyebrows furrowed; is it just me or is there something abnormally weird or not normal about that group, now?

It took a moment, but then startled that Lovegood was in Gryffindor, he looked at the Ravenclaw table where he was sure he thought Lovegood had been placed. Sure enough, Luna Lovegood indeed had been placed into Gryffindor. Shaking his head at the confusion, he calmed down again. He saw that some of the lower years, that weren't involved in the Marriage Law stayed behind as best as they could. They were talking to their friends with cheeky smiles. Larry had heard that some year fives had been accepted into the Marriage Law because whoever their partner was had connected with them. This was only evidence. Not long after, McGonagall was able to get everyone else out of the Great Hall before she could start her speech.

Headmistress walked up to the stage, and then gave a soft smile. "I am quite pleased that everyone has seemed to get along fine with the Marriage Law," she said. "I am sorry about the mistake in the beginning but I'm glad that we have fixed it and everyone seems to be happy with their match."

"You have had a long time to gather your thoughts and so on and so forth. You have also been given one week to get to know your partner or solve any problems you could've possibly had. Now, starting from this week, you will have assignments or… tasks, if you must… to complete. Some tasks will need to be completed in around 3 weeks, sometimes more," She paused.

"Shut up!" One of my friends in Gryffindor hissed to someone. The male next to him rolled his eyes and crossed his arms on the table.

"As you have expected, the rules since the first time the Marriage Law had been announced, has been changed. Remember, the first time it was introduced was centuries ago." Professor McGonagall took in a deep breath. "I hope you've all realised that one of the rules that the ministry had created this time is that you are not allowed to ask out, kiss, date or do anything purposely romantic with a person who is not your partners."

A few students rolled their eyes. Larry sighed and started flitting with his fingers. It amazed him how naive he was before he came to Hogwarts. Anyone could tell so many things in a person's life if they just paid attention. Why did McGonagall have to bring that up? Maybe, Larry thought, that it was appropriate to say it. But it only reminded him of Parkinson's quick and soft kiss. He had to admit, she was a pretty good kisser. But that didn't change anything because he didn't like her. Why should I worry? Larry pondered, looking back up to see McGonagall. She told me she didn't like me. It seemed easy and quicker to just accept that thought. However somewhere in Larry's logical subconscious he doubted it.

Headmistress McGonagall exhaled and moved around the stage. She didn't keep her contact with the students for longer than a second. "I am terribly sorry for not giving you the set of rules earlier. I have been busy with the ministry and checking the rules several of times. I had to create the assessments and tasks with the ministry for the Marriage Law procedure. I had to create the assessments and tasks with the ministry for the Marriage Law procedure."

There wasn't much of a pause until Draco Malfoy suddenly called out, "Can… Can you tell us what the first assessment is?"

Professor McGonagall looked over at the Slytherin Table, looking disapproving for a second before replying, "It's not exactly a test and you won't be doing so much writing. Mr. Malfoy, to answer your question, you are going to do a play."

As whispers erupted the Great Hall, Larry hid the sudden excitement in him. Not many people knew, but Larry loved plays. Something about the peaceful literature, the powerful scenes, acting as someone else… Sometimes, Larry really just wanted to escape his own world. Books didn't help much, movies weren't great. He hardly ever did plays, but they were always fun when he had participated in them.

"You will find the set of rules for the Marriage Law stapled on your fridge in your Dorms. For the rest of the year it will stay there- you will not be able to take it off."

Headmistress McGonagall continued on to talk about how the assignments will be made to help know your partner, to share a bond, to gain trust. There was no doubt the tasks would be hard. She explained that all our results and actions would be recorded but we wouldn't know it until we complete all the work. Larry was disgruntled that he didn't even know how many assignments there would be. He was dreading it and he was mad that he wouldn't know his results. How is that even rational?

The door slammed.

It was quiet for just a moment.

Larry finally growled out loud. He hated showing certain emotions when he was still so frustrated and confused. To him, it was a weakness. He hated that. He felt like everyone else had it easy, expect maybe Santa Claus.

"Hey! Fuck you!" He eventually yelled.

Pansy Parkinson turned around. "What?"

"God!" Larry rubbed his face with both hands. "What the fuck is wrong with you?"

"Me? Do you even hear yourself-"

"Shut up! Shut up!" Larry exclaimed. Parkinson went quiet and he did as well.

The assembly was over and as the black hair female and the dark eyed male walked towards their dorm, Larry was feeling more and more uncomfortable. It was to the point that when they finally got through the door and closed it, he felt like he was going to explode. He's had enough of drama. He wanted to live! It was like he was trapped in some invisible ball that wouldn't move or pop and he could see freedom out of it. He just didn't know how to get out of the freaking ball!

Larry exhaled and inhaled, feeling very lightheaded. "Okay, alright," He eventually muttered. He looked up at Parkinson, "Parkinson… I- Sorry, just… Okay, come over here, alright?"

Parkinson rolled her eyes but wordlessly she walked into the kitchen with her Boyfriend-By-Law. Larry Christopher sat down on one of the chairs and put his head in his hands. He hated feeling so confused and vulnerable; he can't afford to be broken yet again. Too many times…

Larry lifted his head and saw that Parkinson sat in front of him. He put to duck his head again. Why does she need to look so damn innocent now? Like she has a conscience?

"Parkinson…" He trailed off. Suddenly, he didn't even want to be there anymore. He just wanted to go. He doubted Parkinson would understand. Why did I have to say anything in the first place? See! That's why I should always control myself… stupid… Larry swore at himself. He regretted saying anything now. Why did I have to get so mad? I don't know what's happened to Parkinson. What happened to trying to be friends?

"Look, I'm sorry," Larry finally said. "I truly mean it… I shouldn't have sworn at you… I just…" He cleared his throat. "Just don't worry about it, okay?"

Parkinson barely nodded before Larry gave her a one arm hug and walked swiftly out of the dorm.

"Shit!" He swore a few steps away from the dorm. He threw his arms up, his ears going red.

He continuing walking, making sure to think about his feet and thinking away from whatever negative thoughts was clouding his mind. He wasn't normally like this. He wasn't normally so complicated, confused, angry… He wasn't such as quiet, he was loud. He was mean't to live on. Why did Parkinson's fucking kiss have to bring all those memories and hurt back…?

'Hey! Fuck you!' kept repeating in Larry's head. He was never good with his guilty conscience. He always had a very weak one. So what if he looked tough? He didn't mean to. He's only human. That was his weakness, maybe. He had a few. Didn't everyone?

With every step that Larry took, the yelling, the confusion, seemed more like a dream. Or a nightmare. He didn't even feel angry. The confusion was numb in him. What was new?

Hey, Larry told himself, calm down… just go with the flow…

When Larry finally calm down he was in front of the library. Why he ended up there, he didn't know. But all of the students related to the Marriage Law had the first period of that day off. McGonagall didn't even need to say why; it was quite obvious; as the assembly took time and to get everyone in the Marriage Law to spend more time with their partner.

Larry has nothing against Parkinson. Besides his frustration with his past and his… emotions, he was a little worried about Parkinson. He's known her since First Year. Everyone in Hogwarts somehow knows everyone around. He knew Parkinson still had issues- he still remembered their conversation from what felt like 5 years ago. He wanted to help. He wanted to know her. He wanted to be friends. But then again, the way she acts is like she is a bitch. Like it doesn't matter- like she's only trying to follow those problems to make her seem more… important. However, Larry could see right through it and he knew she was a good person.

He inhaled and exhaled, hoping to find someone to talk to in the library, or a good book that wasn't anything to do with mysteries or romance. Action, Larry decided. Normally Larry doesn't prefer books, but what could he really do? Although he wanted to be friends with Parkinson, he was in no mood to socialise with anyone. He'd probably snap again.

Period Two: Potions. It was strange that the only class that Parkinson and I have together, she hasn't realised it yet. Alright, so it's true that this year already there have been around 6 lessons, and I have been away from 3 of those, but still. Larry Christopher has been away from those 3 lessons for 3 different reasons. The first time was because Headmistress McGonagall wanted to talk to him. She seemed to worry that he would follow in Draco Malfoy's old footsteps. Larry wasn't even aware that Malfoy had changed, so the conversation seemed slightly awkward for him.

The second time was because one of his close friends was having a mental breakdown and only trusted Larry. The third time? His friend decided to go to the counsellor and since he was too anxious to go in alone, he dragged Larry along. Of course he permission all 3 times and the teacher; Professor Break was aware of it.

Out of the three lessons that Christopher had been present in class so far that first semester, one lesson could be accepted to Parkinson not realising. That was because they had a practical lesson and Parkinson had ended up going unconscious for a short while due to an abrupt situation with Amortentia.

The dark brown eyed male left the library ten minutes before the first period of the day for Marriage Law Students, would start. He quickly headed into the Dorm, greeting Parkinson. The atmosphere was still a little tense. Larry tried to talk with her as if to make up for what happened earlier but it was like Parkinson had gotten the life sucked out of her. She seemed so drained and she was pale. Larry mentioned this and offered to tell Break that she wasn't feeling well.

"Shut up, I'm okay," Parkinson said. "I'm just tired. I haven't…"

Larry nodded and Parkinson trailed off. "I'm gonna go. Bye, Parkinson."

Larry was one of the first people into Potions. He sat with one of his friends and other male he vaguely knew. Parkinson was one of the last ones to come in. The lesson went on. Larry was warming up to Break, just because although he seemed strict, he knew what he was doing and seemed charismatic; like you could trust him. It was just a bit after the middle of the lesson, when Larry was writing down an important note Break made, when Parkinson gasped. It wasn't loud, but it was heard in the sudden silence the class momentarily shared.

Larry looked up and saw her, staring at him with her eyebrows furrowed and her eyes wide.

7th of May, 2011. Saturday, 8;30am.

It was a long day. It was a tiring day.

Daphne Greenhouse and Ronald Weasley were getting along but Daphne was worried about Ron. She was beginning to fall for him but she could tell Ron didn't like her like that, despite his best efforts... and hers.

The girl who was in fifth year, entangled into the Marriage Law with a seventh year, got into a big fight. She was being teased in 6th period about having a boyfriend by law. The teacher only just managed to cast a 'protego' before the fight got anymore physical. However, the 15 year old came back to her Dorm at 5 hiding tears. Only minutes later had her boyfriend came into the Dorm, finding her eating the last ice cream.

"Hey!" He said, looking disappointed. "I thought we agreed that'd be mine."

The 15-year-old shrugged. "Sorry, sweet, there's still some left…"

The boy rolled his eyes, "Whatever."

Crystal chucked the spoon in the bowl, "hey!" she called as the male walked into the living to dump his work. "Don't make me feel so bad. I'm sorry!"

"That doesn't matter," Mark said. "I don't care."

"Obviously you do."

Mark turned around, "Look, I wanted the ice cream, but it's not like I'm gonna cry over- Shit!" The boy walked back into the open kitchen. He looked astonished. "What the fu- hell happened to you?"

There was a pause as Crystal looked down at the half eaten caramel ice cream. She looked up, hesitated and then asked, "What?"

"You… You're crying."

"Oh," Crystal replied numbly. "I…" She picked up the spoon and took another spoon of the ice cream. Once she had swallowed it, Mark was already around the island bench and hugging her. She sniffed and put her head on his shoulder. She loved his hugs. Unknowingly she was falling in love with Mark.

"Why were you crying, babe?"

Crystal got out of the hug, "don't- don't worry, I'm just being…" There was a pause and then Crystal told him, "I just… Hey, don't worry about it. I'm fine and I'm with you."

Mark hesitated and then nodded. He kissed her on the temple when she hissed. She pushed Mark harshly. "What was that?" He asked, almost angrily.

"I don't- I don't know!"

"Tell me what happened. Did I hurt you? H-How?" Mark said, walking closer to her.

"Go. Away!" She snapped and out of desperation she chucked the spoon at him.

"Crystal!" Mark exclaimed, and bent down to pick up the spoon. "Calm down, why did you throw that at-"

"You don't understand," Crystal start firmly. She stood her ground though she could feel her throat getting tight with the coming tears again. "I'm going into the shower," she said as she began to walk past Mark.

He grabbed her by the elbow and stopped her. "What is wrong with you lately? You're acting insane. Do you need to go to the therapist?"

Crystal gasped, offended. "Excuse me?"

Mark pulled her elbow softly so that they were face to face. He was worried about her; he didn't mean to sound mean or rude, but if she didn't trust him with her problems how could he help? "I'm just trying to help-"

"Well, don't," Crystal said, a warm tear flowing down her cheek quickly.

"You're crying, again!" Mark said in shock. He let go of her arm. "Crystal, please, you're scaring me…"

"Fuck off!" Crystal snapped.

Mark stood in the kitchen with his jaw open. Crystal turned around just as the tears flew down both her eyes and she went into the shower.

Her boyfriend sighed eventually and walked into the living room to start his homework. Only 25 minutes later did he hear the water stop. He got up and started to make the noodle soup for both of them. 10 minutes later. Crystal came into the kitchen. Instead of wearing her pyjamas she was wearing tracksuit. And she was crying.

"Crystal?" Mark exclaimed.

"M-Mark… I'm going to the infirmary."

Mark stared at Crystal. "Wha…" He put down the bowl and walked towards her. Then, as he got closer, he saw it; a bit around her right eye and a bit above it, near her eyebrow, looked pinkish. It looked like was getting swollen. "Holy… Crystal, what happened? Are you okay?"

She nodded shortly, "it… hurts. A lot. I… Pomfrey can fix it. This would be like me teaching you Potions." Crystal was amazing at Potions.

Mark nodded, "I… yeah, yeah, of course. I'll come with you."

Crystal looked up at Mark, "Don't. I'll be fine-"

"Crystal, I love you. You know that!"

Eventually, Crystal nodded. Even smiled. It wasn't that she didn't like Mark, she was beginning to love him. So it wasn't that she didn't want to worry Mark. She was slightly ashamed and she didn't know what reaction Mark would have about what happened. She was just tired.

Together, as they walked to the infirmary, she reached to hold Mark's hand. He grabbed her first.

She knew it wouldn't ruin what they have. The forming black eye will go away. The problem was she didn't know how she'd cope with the… bullying. She's never been bullied before. And where did all her friends go all of a sudden?

Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom have been paired by the Marriage Law. It was all going well until Neville tried to tell Luna he was beginning to really like her. They were heading to period 3 that day; Care of Magical Creatures. Luna suddenly turned all serious and cut him off before he could say anything.

"So," She said, in an abrupt desperation. "I… I wander what we had in common to that test. To make us come together like this."

The statement only made Neville's stomach dropped. He knew it meant that she just wanted to stay friends, that she didn't like him. That it was pointless. That she could be scared of a committed relationship. Not only did the rejection hurt, but he knew he liked her seriously for years. Sometimes, she seemed to agree completely with liking him back... and sometimes, she seemed grossed out by him liking her.

Hermione Granger avoided Draco Malfoy all day. All she could. She stayed with Harry Potter, who also has complications in his relationship and wanted a distraction.

I, Draco Malfoy, had kept to myself. I felt cold, weak again. I felt like I was off the planet and I couldn't handle it. That I might explode. I was quieter than normal. It wasn't just Hermione on my mind, or my annoying cast locked securely on my wrist; it was my father. His last letter caught me off guard, made me run fearfully through the hallways on that night. That night seemed like years ago. But it's not in the past. He's getting restless, I know, and I haven't even replied back to his letter yet.

He's coming to Hogwarts in 2weeks, to talk to Headmistress McGonagall.

And I've done nothing.

A/N: I'd also like to mention that every now and again when I need to make an important note, I write them at the bottom of my profile. I think a while ago, or not too long ago, I wrote a note saying that I had deleted one of my fanfiction and I also mentioned that my FreshStarts isn't abandoned. Hopefully it won't happen again, but I'm not one to predict the future, but if I don't update my stories for a while, majority of the time it's because I don't have time, and so I'd just make a note that the story is not abandoned.