Author's Notes: Ever hear the saying that Art imitates Life? Well, this chapter, or at least portions of it, ended up resembling very closely how one of my relationships started, and it wasn't very easy to write. I will say that Heather's will go better than mine did, which is the best part of fiction, being able to do for your characters better than you could for yourself, so I hope you enjoy.
Harry Potter does not belong to me, I'm just messing it up for JK Rowling in the best way I know how.
Chapter Ten
Katie Bell was removed to St. Mungo's the next morning. Most of the school seemed unaware of what had happened, with the except of those who had been present. "Oh, and Malfoy" Heather added, when Hermione and Ron were discussing it. Both of them changed the subject instantly. This was their current strategy anytime that Heather brought up her 'Malfoy is a Death Eater' theory. The three of them had taken a table in the common room after breakfast and were considering how best to spend their day.
When Lavender joined them and almost assaulted Ron in her attempt to kiss him, Hermione excused herself, with Heather following shortly afterwards. Moving all the way across the common room, they discussed Heather's date again, wondering when the next one would be. Heather didn't have long to wait. As she exited the portrait hole for dinner with Hermione, they found Justin on the fifth-floor, waiting for Heather.
Blushing furiously, Heather followed him along to an empty classroom. After ensuring it was empty and closing the door, she threw herself at the tall Hufflepuff, kissing him before being even aware that's what she was doing. As they had yesterday, his arms encircled her and pulled her close. His kiss was much more ardent today, and she gave as good as he did.
Gasping slightly, they finally broke apart and Justin grinned at her. "So, I'm going to guess that if I were to ask you out for, say, Tuesday night, you wouldn't object?"
Heather put on a face of mock concentration, "Hmm, I'm a bit busy that night but I think I can squeeze you in."
"I'm so very relieved." He said.
"So, where are you taking me?" Heather asked.
"Well, actually I wanted to talk to you about that." He let her go and pulled back slightly, looking sheepish. "I mean, if we eat together in the Great Hall, someone's going to notice."
"Definitely. Plus, that's not very private."
"Not at all. I take that to mean that you'd rather no one really know about us?" He asked.
"Other than our close friends, not really. If that's ok with you" she added quickly.
"I feel the same. Of course Ernie knows already-"
"So do my friends" Heather said, cutting across him.
"Ahh, well good. But that still leaves figuring out where I can take you."
Heather considered this, she supposed they could each go to the hall and grab whatever food they wanted before meeting somewhere, but that felt almost as obvious as just eating together. At some point someone would see it and put the pieces together. At the same time, keeping a secret at Hogwarts was near impossible, so eventually this would leak out. Assuming, that was, this lasted for very long.
"If only there were another way to get food than from the Great Hall" she mused aloud, before loudly snapping her fingers. Unsure if it would work with a house elf she didn't own, she tentatively called out "Dobby?"
With a loud crack the tiny elf appeared, arrayed in a large assortment of sweaters, socks, and hats. "You called, Harry Potter sir?" he squeaked, bowing low. Justin's eyes went wide, it was probably the first time he'd ever seen a house elf.
"Shh, Dobby. It's good to see you." Heather said quietly, wondering if the elf had been overheard by anyone outside.
"Does you need something, Harry Potter?" Dobby asked quietly.
"Is there anywhere that Justin," at this he pointed at Justin, to whom Dobby bowed again, "and I can meet privately for dinner without the whole school knowing?" she asked.
Dobby seemed to consider this for a moment. "Well, sirs, you could use the Room of Requirement?"
"I haven't always been able to get in this year." Heather said.
"Then, the only other place Dobby can think of is the kitchens, Harry Potter."
That idea hadn't occurred to Heather. She had spent a lot of time down there during fourth year. It hadn't been a happy time and she had been keen on avoiding everyone. Shuddering slightly at the memory, she looked back at Dobby. "That's a good idea. Is there a way we can get some privacy down there, Dobby?"
"Oh yes, sirs. Dobby can sets you and your boyfriend up quite nice, sirs."
At the elf's words, Heather's face went bright red and her eyelids flew up. Justin let out a cough and Dobby could tell he had said something wrong. With a lurch he ran for the wall, intent on bashing his head into it. Neatly grabbing him by the neck, Heather lifted the little elf up off the floor until he hung limp. It took several minutes for Heather to reassure the elf enough that she felt comfortable releasing him. With the promise that he would set up a place for them, he disappeared with another crack.
"What was that?" asked Justin.
"Dobby is a house elf and an old friend of mine." Heather said, not making eye contact with him. Her face still burned in the cheeks and she was sure it was plainly visible.
"So…. about what he said… " Justin trailed off.
"It's not important." Heather said quickly.
Justin opened his mouth as if to say more, then covered it up with a small nervous chuckle. Finally, he moved close to her again. "So, Tuesday night in the kitchens?"
"It's a date." Said Heather and let him pull her in for one more kiss.
The following evening was her second lesson with Dumbledore. He hadn't been seen around the castle much for the past few weeks, his seat at the table being empty more often than it was full during meals. Once more he led them into the pensive, listening to Mr. Borgin tell how Merope Gaunt had sold him Slytherin's locket for pittance, heavily pregnant and desperate for any money at all. Next, she and Dumbledore traveled to London of more than fifty years ago, to visit a young Tom Riddle. At the sight of the small child sitting on his uncomfortable bed, Heather almost pitied him. As Riddle's interview with the younger Dumbledore went on however, Heather could see the seeds of what would become Lord Voldemort in the back of his eyes. Already several of the traits he would become known for were present. They may not have become the red slits that she had stared into several months ago yet but hidden deep in their depths was a cold that chilled her bones.
When this memory was over and they returned to the headmaster's office darkness had completely engulfed the grounds outside the window. Dumbledore brought her attention to several things they had witnessed about Voldemort, ensuring her that all of these details would be important, before excusing her. Once again, he had not asked about Heather, but she got the sinking suspicion that he would ask before much longer.
Getting back to the common room just before curfew, she found Ginny sitting in an armchair waiting for her. "Hermione tells me you have another date tomorrow."
"Yeah" grinned Heather, a giddy giggle escaping her lips.
Ginny stood a walked over to her, then socked her in the arm. "Well why didn't you tell me?" she cried.
"Bloody hell, what gives?" asked Heather, rubbing the sore place above her elbow.
"I haven't even heard about the first date and you've already got another! I want details, little lady." Ginny whispered, seeing several people look over at Heather's yelp of pain. Heather pointed with her head at the portrait hole, and under the invisibility cloak they set off for the Room of Requirement.
Feeling once more like a doll being dressed up, Ginny set to work finding what she should wear while she described everything about her date. As she talked Ginny flung garments at her to try on, rejecting most of them. When Heather sheepishly admitted to the kiss, Ginny dropped the pair of pants she was holding.
"What's wrong?" asked Heather
"Wha-nothing. I'm just so excited for you!" Ginny said, quickly retrieving the pants.
Late that evening they both snuck back into Gryffindor tower, Heather's bag once again loaded down with some clothes they had made slightly less girly. Since it was only dinner, Heather opted for another jumper and jeans combination, albeit with much tighter jeans. When she objected to them Ginny said, "You can always wear your invisibility cloak back to wherever you change so no one sees you."
The following evening, she returned from lessons to her dormitory to grab her back, then made her way down to Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. On her entry, the ghost, who was in a towering bad mood, swooped down on her. When she saw it was Heather, her tears vanished. Myrtle had always had a crush on her ever since second-year, and on finding out that Heather liked to be a girl, had become even more taken with her. Feeling slightly more self-conscious than she would have had it been Hermione or Ginny waiting outside to view her, Heather changed into her date clothes.
Turning in front of the mirror out in the bathroom, once more she had to admit that Ginny had good taste. She wasn't sure if her potions were having much effect yet, she had taken three doses so far, but her body did look more natural in girl's clothes than they had before. Her eyes traced the curve of her bum, both relishing how good it looked and also wondering if it were too much for Justin. Checking her watch and seeing she only had twenty minutes before she would be late, she finished up by applying her make up and pulled on her invisibility cloak.
The three flights of stairs between her and the kitchens were mercifully empty, so she didn't have to worry about making too much noise. When she arrived in front of the painting of a bowl of fruit that hid the entrance to the kitchens, she slipped off the cloak and wondered what to do with it. Too many people in her opinion already knew about its existence, and as much as she liked Justin, she wasn't sure she wanted to add another to that list. Thankfully there was a convenient vase nearby, and Heather stuffed it inside, charming it so that no one could take it before she retrieved it.
The sound of creaking wood reached her ears, followed by hurried footsteps. In her excitement she had forgotten that this corridor was also used by Hufflepuffs to get to their common room. Inwardly kicking herself for already hiding her cloak, she was considering diving for it when Justin came around the turn in the passage. In his hands he carried a small bundle of flowers, tied with a piece of green fabric.
"I thought it would match your eyes." He said simply, handing them to her.
"They're beautiful!" she gushed. Turning, she tickled the pear in the painting, and turned the handle that appeared. The room beyond was one of the largest in the castle, with five tables laid out exactly as they were in the Great Hall above. They were loaded with dessert currently, ready to go up at the proper time. At the sight of them, Dobby came hurrying over.
"Follow me, sirs" he squeaked, bowing.
He led them over to a nook in the wall near the fire where a small table had been set. Justin pulled out one of the chairs, gesturing for her to sit, and helped her slide it in. Once he too was seated, Dobby approached again bearing a tray with several pieces of chicken along with several sides. Both of them helped themselves, and Dobby retreated. All of the house elves it seemed were giving them covert looks as they sat there, but none of them approached.
"You think they'll keep quiet about this?" asked Justin a little nervously.
"I do. I trust Dobby completely." Heather said, cutting off a piece of chicken leg and eating it. As they ate, they talked. Heather asked what classes he was taking other than the ones they shared. Apparently, he wasn't taking many, Muggle Studies and Arithmancy rounding out his schedule. His career goals were working for the Ministry in muggle relations.
"I figure that what out world needs more than anything is a bridge between our world and the muggles. I know that we can never come completely back out into the open, but if more wizards and witches were able to relate to muggles, maybe we wouldn't have to be quite as hidden as we are now."
Thinking ruefully of her aunt and uncle's opinion of magic and anyone who practiced it, Heather thought his ideas were coming from the right place, but perhaps somewhat idealistic. She let him talk, telling her more about his life growing up in a rather prominent muggle family, he had been destined for Eton when his Hogwarts letter arrived. She in turn described her upbringing with the Dursley's leaving out most of the nasty details. He didn't seem able to hide the pity in his eyes when she told him about her first bedroom, for lack of a better word. Coughing slightly when she stopped talking, he changed the subject to her career goals.
After they had finished their dinner, Dobby again made his way over with a tray of desserts he had saved for them. Heather helped herself to her favorite treacle tart. It was clear when they were finished eating that Justin wasn't sure what do to next. It wasn't as though they could go for a walk around the castle after all.
"Well, I wish it weren't, but I think it's time to say goodnight." Said Heather, reaching out to take his hand across the table.
"D-did you have a good time?" he asked, looking almost as if she had slapped him.
"Of course I did!"
"Then…will you be my boyfriend?" he blurted out.
Heather's heart skipped a beat and her hand clenched on his. "Justin, are you sure?"
"Absolutely. I haven't felt like this about anyone before, not that I've ever let myself feel like this about another boy before, but still. I don't want to let this slip away from me."
Heather bit her lip, remembering again the conversation she had had with Hannah. She had told her that Justin wasn't comfortable dating a boy for several reasons, including his parents' feelings on the matter. Now he wanted to dive right into a full-blown relationship. Her heart was raging for a very enthusiastic yes, while her brain was needing room to think all of this through. Her heart won out.
"Yes, I'll be your…boyfriend." There was only the slightest pause before she said the last word but caught it.
"It's ok, you don't have to say yes." He said looking slightly dejected.
"No, it's not that. I just never thought I'd be able to say that." Heather lied, hating herself for it.
Justin's face lit up again and he led her over to the door. He pulled her tight, kissing her furiously. Heather let her body take over, quieting her mind for the moment to simply enjoy. Justin's hands held her by the small of her back, insistently keeping her close to him. When they broke apart, she giggled like she had after the last time he had kissed her. He stuck his head through the door first to make sure the coast was clear before holding it open for her. As she walked in front of him Heather was almost sure she caught his eyes checking out her bottom. Back where someone could easily see them, Justin held out his hand to Heather, and she shook it grinning at his obvious nervousness.
"See you in potions tomorrow" he said before moving off quickly.
Heather retrieved her cloak and with flowers in hand, returned to Moaning Myrtle's bathroom to change. Her mind wouldn't stop racing with what had just happened. She, Heather Potter, had a boyfriend. A real, living boyfriend. Whatever will Sirius think? She said, then stopped with a pang to remember she'd never be able to tell him. Wishing desperately for a pensive of her own to help sort through all of the thoughts running round and around in her head, she opted not to return to the common room yet and headed for her haven. Unsure what she would do if the door did not appear for her, she paced back and forth in front of the wall, hoping.
The door materialized after her third pass, and she yanked it open. Throwing herself into an armchair, she was back on her feet moments later, pacing to and fro, thoughts still racing. As if the room knew what she needed in this moment, a desk complete with parchment and quill appeared against one wall, along with what looked like a very comfortable chair. Heater sat and began to write.
Tuesday, October 18, 1996
Dear Diary,
So, I have a boyfriend now. On our second date Justin asked me to date him and be his boyfriend. And now I can't stop freaking out. On the one hand I'm so giddy that the boy I like wants to officially be mine, but at the same time he thinks I'm still a boy. What do I do? Tell him the truth about Heather? I wasn't planning on telling anyone this year about her because I don't need that drama in my life. Then again, I wasn't exactly 'planning' on dating anyone, just hoping. I really did not think this through.
But here I am, and what do I do? If I tell him about Heather, he might dump me and tell the entire school. He might be ok with it and be supportive, after all most everyone I've told has been. Not even three hours into our relationship and I've already lied to him. I got caught up on saying the word boyfriend, because that's not what I want to be to him. On our two dates I've worn outfits that are hardly very masculine, and I'm sure he's noticed. Despite this, and according to Hannah his only liking boys, he still wants to date me, so maybe that means he would be ok with me as his girlfriend. I guess I need to talk to Hermione and see what I need to do. As much as I like Justin, I might have to take back what I said, in order to protect him.