Sixteen Candles, Chapter Twenty
Well, ok, it's official - Carson Daly sucks. He has a top ten countdown on my radio station at 11... and it's just wrong. He likes J. Lo. as well. She's a good singer and actress, yes, but have you HEARD of some of the things in her contract?! "Room must always be sprayed with (insert perfume's name here), Wallpaper must be (insert certain color)", etc etc etc. It's insane! Sorry this chapter took so long - I was sorta busy with my stories under LanaMariah. :o) Thanks!
Aimée
-----
There's a saying I'm sure you've heard: "Home is where the heart is". Until I stepped foot in Hogwarts that night, I always believed I never had a home. Even the home I now shared with my parents wasn't within the comfort zone I had always expected a home to feel like. I was treated as if I would break at any given moment, and quit frankly, I was tired of it.
Even if I hadn't realized it before, I realized it now; Hogwarts was my home. It was the one place I felt as if I belonged; the Dursleys had made sure I didn't feel at home with them, nor had any of the schools I had gone to accepted me with open arms. I was a dirty, strange little boy with no parents whose kind, generous Aunt and Uncle had taken him in.
Yeah, and the Pope's Jewish.
Despite my animosity towards those who had raised me – at least in the memories I possessed – I was absolutely ecstatic as Draco, a prefect that year, led the way to the Gryffindor dorms. It was extremely strange to see Draco walking around in this part of the castle, even more so to see him in the Gryffindor Common Room instructing First Years – but when we reached the Sixth Year Boys dorms, I almost lost it completely.
Draco had plopped down on a bed off to the left of the room while directing me to the bed between his and Ron's, ours being the two middle ones in a group of six. The room had been rearranged in a way to accommodate six occupants instead of the five I was used to. Seamus, Neville, and Dean joined us in due time, and once they were all gathered Draco explained the situation.
"Seamus," he started, eyeing the blonde, "Dean, Neville. I don't know if anyone's told you this yet, but I believe you need to be told; Harry lost his memory over the summer and hasn't gotten it back yet. Harry," he asked, turning towards me, "You DO know who these people are, right?"
I rolled my eyes, "Seamus Finnigan, who has a Ph.D. in flirting. Dean Thomas, soccer fan extraordinaire. Neville Longbottom, owner of Trevor the Toad. Of course I do, Draco."
Neville grinned, "That's the only thing you know me by?"
I shrugged, "I've known you for five years now, I could probably tell what color underwear you're wearing. Green, because it's your Gran's favorite color."
Neville eyed me curiously, "Why would I care about Gran's favorite color? I only see her for the holidays."
"But…" I raised an eyebrow, suddenly extremely curious as to where this was going, "Who do you live with then?"
Neville grinned, "Who do you think, Harry? My Mum and Pop, of course!"
At this point, I didn't know what to make of the whole situation. I was extremely happy Neville wasn't an almost-orphan in this world – it seemed to give the both of us parents. I was also about to burst from surprise, hearing what I had just heard and knowing that in my memories, Neville's parents were in the mental ward of St. Mungo's.
"R-really?" I managed to choke out, giving Neville a grin, "That's terrific, Neville."
Seamus raised an eyebrow my way, "I'm a flirt?"
I shrugged, "Apparently, why?"
He eyed me for a moment, his blue eyes glaring at me, "News to me."
There was a sudden tension in the room as everyone fell silent. I shifted around on my bed uncomfortably for a moment, trying not to meet Seamus' gaze, when I suddenly heard him chuckling. Looking up, I saw the broad, toothy grin on his face I was so used to seeing.
"Good to see you're still as gullible as ever, mate," Seamus grinned, high-fiving Dean and turning back to his trunk to unpack his clothing.
"You mean…?" I asked silently, starting up at Draco with a confused look in my eyes, "What?"
He grinned, "Seamus is not only a flirt, but the best prankster since your father and Sirius Black, Harry. I would have thought that wouldn't have changed."
I sighed, falling back onto my bed and laughing, "I take it I'm going to be the butts of many jokes for a while, yes?"
Draco nodded, "Of course, Harry."
I stayed silent for a moment, listening to everyone unpack as I took in the reality of the situation. Draco Malfoy was in the bed next to me – a bed we had actually… done something in. I shuddered at the thought, recalling the one memory I had of this world before my sixteenth birthday. A thought suddenly occurred to me as I thought about Hogwarts a bit more, realizing something I had heard earlier.
"Draco," I asked, not knowing why I was asking Draco and not Ron, "Didn't someone say Professor Lupin wasn't a teacher? And Professor Snape, for that matter – yet they were both at the High Table tonight. What's up with that?"
He shrugged, "They've always been teachers, Harry, I really don't know what you're talking about. Someone may have fed you bad information or something, I really couldn't say."
I sighed, getting up and changing clothes with record speed, "I could have sworn Remus said… And I thought Mum or Dad said something about Snape working for the Ministry."
"You must have dreamt it," Draco insisted, crawling into his own bed, "Snape and Lupin have been teachers here ever since God knows when – since your Mum's days, I'd expect."
I sighed, closing my eyes as Seamus and Neville, who were nearest the candles, blew them out, "Goodnight, everyone."
I got four mumbled replies and a snore as a reply – the snore being from Ron, who had already fallen asleep.
"Home," I whispered softly to myself, "Thank you God, home."
AllAboutMe: I'm going, I'm going. Hope you liked the chapter!
Anakah: ...does your screen name mean the Egyptian symbol of life? Hmm, just curious. Thank you!
Anie: Thank you! :o) I'm glad you liked it.
Artemis-chan: Harry definitely wasn't feel secure with his family. Hogwarts, to him, is where he's most comfortable - therefore, in this story, he considers it his home. He IS starting to believe his past was just a vision - and it'll stay that way for quite a while, actually. He'll just pass everything he did off as a dream. Yeah... I try to get certain scenes to strive for, but for this one it's the end. *sigh* :o) Hope your story goes well! Heh, tell your sister I said hi - it's always nice to know people are being updated :o)
Arwen Undomiel: How's this for an update? I'm sorry it's so short, I'll try to make it longer next time, ok? :o)
Ashley: There'll be more Harry and Draco - but it won't last. Sorry :o) A few more scenes, then it'll be over.
Bill Weasley: I'm glad you liked it! Thanks :o)
Christy Corr: It'll all be over soon, I promise. Harry and Draco may have one or two more encounters, just for the sake of shock, but it'll be over... I like this world too :o)
Deely Bopper the Queen of all potatoes. my followers of Idaho, land of the holy spud where they shall be cut and sliced into delicious 'Wise' potatoe chips. Dim-Luup Sum has given me the power of Rabid Crayons I am Omnipotent: Well, you DEFINITELY win for longer screen name! Nah, Mister Bears don't suck - quite the opposite, really, but thanks for the support, I really appreciate it. :o) I'm glad you like this story! Thanks again.
Denise: Thank you! Yeah, some things are wrong on purpose, many things aren't explained on purpose - you'll find out why in the end of the story. I'm sure some people have an idea already, but... This story won't be moved any time soon, I already lost 340 reviews for it, I'm not about to lose 120. Thanks again!
eiknlng: Hey you, I've been wondering where you've been. Thanks! :o)
Erin Bennett: Thank you - and yes, that's just one of those things that will be explained at the end of the story. Thanks again!
Evil Green Jello: Heh, thanks! I'm glad you liked it.
IncubusSuccubus: I'm sorry, I know this one's short as well - I'll try to make the next chapter longer. They're all at least a page, I promise you that.
Jayde: I like your new story - the one you posted just a few days ago? It's good. I don't like Americanized Potter fic either, to be honest. Yeah, you're right - Potter's British and it really should stay that way. It seems wrong any other way. :o) Thank you as well!
Jimi: Yep, one more encounter - two, max - is all I'm asking for. I've got something planned that, in the ship sense, may just make you very happy. And you're welcome :o)
JLBgirl: Thanks, I'm glad you liked it! :o)
Kaylin: I am, I am! Thank you :o)
Klee: It's ok, what if I said there's gonna be a little H/D in Save Yourself? Would you go over then? :o)
Lady Leah: I'm glad you joined :o) Eh, I got accused of plagiarism - it's over though. I didn't want to jeopardize my other major stories, on LanaMariah - Least Likely of All, mainly - so I switched Sixteen Candles to this SN. Add these reviews to about 340 and you'll have the amount. Thanks.
lily: They'll get together a few more times, don't worry. It will end though - and for a reason. I won't say anymore though :o)
Liz Skywalker: Hey you, I've got a bone to pick. Update A Darker Destiny, it's a great story. Yeah, Dumbledore's related - somehow. :o) I don't really even know yet, to be honest. I can't decide. *shrug* Thanks again!
Maab: Thank you, I'm glad you like it.
Mare: I'm terribly glad you found it again, you have no idea :o) You did VERY well, thank you! Barbie is definitely a slut - is Kelly her daughter or her little sister? I never did get that right. Heh, hope you didn't hit the tree too hard :o)
Nagini: Heh, thank you!! :o)
pawn of fate: Thank you, I really like your stories as well - when are you gonna finish that... one... story? God, lemme look it up. Invisible? It's a good one.
Polyre: Yeah, I know you rock in Religion. You ARE the first reviewer - great job! LOL. Elizabeth and Goyle, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G... Would you prefer a three way with Crabbe and Goyle or Goyle and Megan? I'll let you decide. Future plot device, you see. *G*
Quack Quack 88: Hey you! How you been? Harry/Ginny is possibly THE most annoying ship out there. Nah, if everyone hates you for voicing your opinion, they're not worth your time. Gawd, I know - I'm surprised I haven't gotten people requesting Harry/Ginny yet. I *HATE* them with a passion. I'm not a big Ginny fan in the least. Harry's gonna be one of those people who just stays single - unless it's with Draco, of course, but I doubt J.K. Rowling would do that . Ya never know though :o)
Silverfox: Yeah, things ARE a bit too perfect - wonder why? Remus is off somewhere, no one knows. :o) Thanks!
The Silver Star: Thank you! I'm glad you like it. Heh, yeah, thinking about sexy!Draco when you've got a boyfriend is NOT a good idea :o)
Tiger Lily: Peter's a Death Eater - the DADA teacher is Remus, even though he's not supposed to be one ... it'll all get explained eventually, I promise. I think I may have read your fic, but I'll check and reread it if I haven't. I'm glad you like this story, thank you! Hope the men in the white coats weren't too harsh - I paid them to be nice.
Tidmag is studying please remain quiet shhhhhhhhh: Gambit... interesting. Awesome. :o) I honestly wouldn't normally think anyone stole anything, but she lied about reading my story - that bothered me. She's extremely egotistical as well, and that REALLY bothers me. He's not going to regret his wish - quite the opposite, really. I can honestly, 100% say this story isn't a dream. Thanks again!
Well, ok, it's official - Carson Daly sucks. He has a top ten countdown on my radio station at 11... and it's just wrong. He likes J. Lo. as well. She's a good singer and actress, yes, but have you HEARD of some of the things in her contract?! "Room must always be sprayed with (insert perfume's name here), Wallpaper must be (insert certain color)", etc etc etc. It's insane! Sorry this chapter took so long - I was sorta busy with my stories under LanaMariah. :o) Thanks!
Aimée
-----
There's a saying I'm sure you've heard: "Home is where the heart is". Until I stepped foot in Hogwarts that night, I always believed I never had a home. Even the home I now shared with my parents wasn't within the comfort zone I had always expected a home to feel like. I was treated as if I would break at any given moment, and quit frankly, I was tired of it.
Even if I hadn't realized it before, I realized it now; Hogwarts was my home. It was the one place I felt as if I belonged; the Dursleys had made sure I didn't feel at home with them, nor had any of the schools I had gone to accepted me with open arms. I was a dirty, strange little boy with no parents whose kind, generous Aunt and Uncle had taken him in.
Yeah, and the Pope's Jewish.
Despite my animosity towards those who had raised me – at least in the memories I possessed – I was absolutely ecstatic as Draco, a prefect that year, led the way to the Gryffindor dorms. It was extremely strange to see Draco walking around in this part of the castle, even more so to see him in the Gryffindor Common Room instructing First Years – but when we reached the Sixth Year Boys dorms, I almost lost it completely.
Draco had plopped down on a bed off to the left of the room while directing me to the bed between his and Ron's, ours being the two middle ones in a group of six. The room had been rearranged in a way to accommodate six occupants instead of the five I was used to. Seamus, Neville, and Dean joined us in due time, and once they were all gathered Draco explained the situation.
"Seamus," he started, eyeing the blonde, "Dean, Neville. I don't know if anyone's told you this yet, but I believe you need to be told; Harry lost his memory over the summer and hasn't gotten it back yet. Harry," he asked, turning towards me, "You DO know who these people are, right?"
I rolled my eyes, "Seamus Finnigan, who has a Ph.D. in flirting. Dean Thomas, soccer fan extraordinaire. Neville Longbottom, owner of Trevor the Toad. Of course I do, Draco."
Neville grinned, "That's the only thing you know me by?"
I shrugged, "I've known you for five years now, I could probably tell what color underwear you're wearing. Green, because it's your Gran's favorite color."
Neville eyed me curiously, "Why would I care about Gran's favorite color? I only see her for the holidays."
"But…" I raised an eyebrow, suddenly extremely curious as to where this was going, "Who do you live with then?"
Neville grinned, "Who do you think, Harry? My Mum and Pop, of course!"
At this point, I didn't know what to make of the whole situation. I was extremely happy Neville wasn't an almost-orphan in this world – it seemed to give the both of us parents. I was also about to burst from surprise, hearing what I had just heard and knowing that in my memories, Neville's parents were in the mental ward of St. Mungo's.
"R-really?" I managed to choke out, giving Neville a grin, "That's terrific, Neville."
Seamus raised an eyebrow my way, "I'm a flirt?"
I shrugged, "Apparently, why?"
He eyed me for a moment, his blue eyes glaring at me, "News to me."
There was a sudden tension in the room as everyone fell silent. I shifted around on my bed uncomfortably for a moment, trying not to meet Seamus' gaze, when I suddenly heard him chuckling. Looking up, I saw the broad, toothy grin on his face I was so used to seeing.
"Good to see you're still as gullible as ever, mate," Seamus grinned, high-fiving Dean and turning back to his trunk to unpack his clothing.
"You mean…?" I asked silently, starting up at Draco with a confused look in my eyes, "What?"
He grinned, "Seamus is not only a flirt, but the best prankster since your father and Sirius Black, Harry. I would have thought that wouldn't have changed."
I sighed, falling back onto my bed and laughing, "I take it I'm going to be the butts of many jokes for a while, yes?"
Draco nodded, "Of course, Harry."
I stayed silent for a moment, listening to everyone unpack as I took in the reality of the situation. Draco Malfoy was in the bed next to me – a bed we had actually… done something in. I shuddered at the thought, recalling the one memory I had of this world before my sixteenth birthday. A thought suddenly occurred to me as I thought about Hogwarts a bit more, realizing something I had heard earlier.
"Draco," I asked, not knowing why I was asking Draco and not Ron, "Didn't someone say Professor Lupin wasn't a teacher? And Professor Snape, for that matter – yet they were both at the High Table tonight. What's up with that?"
He shrugged, "They've always been teachers, Harry, I really don't know what you're talking about. Someone may have fed you bad information or something, I really couldn't say."
I sighed, getting up and changing clothes with record speed, "I could have sworn Remus said… And I thought Mum or Dad said something about Snape working for the Ministry."
"You must have dreamt it," Draco insisted, crawling into his own bed, "Snape and Lupin have been teachers here ever since God knows when – since your Mum's days, I'd expect."
I sighed, closing my eyes as Seamus and Neville, who were nearest the candles, blew them out, "Goodnight, everyone."
I got four mumbled replies and a snore as a reply – the snore being from Ron, who had already fallen asleep.
"Home," I whispered softly to myself, "Thank you God, home."
AllAboutMe: I'm going, I'm going. Hope you liked the chapter!
Anakah: ...does your screen name mean the Egyptian symbol of life? Hmm, just curious. Thank you!
Anie: Thank you! :o) I'm glad you liked it.
Artemis-chan: Harry definitely wasn't feel secure with his family. Hogwarts, to him, is where he's most comfortable - therefore, in this story, he considers it his home. He IS starting to believe his past was just a vision - and it'll stay that way for quite a while, actually. He'll just pass everything he did off as a dream. Yeah... I try to get certain scenes to strive for, but for this one it's the end. *sigh* :o) Hope your story goes well! Heh, tell your sister I said hi - it's always nice to know people are being updated :o)
Arwen Undomiel: How's this for an update? I'm sorry it's so short, I'll try to make it longer next time, ok? :o)
Ashley: There'll be more Harry and Draco - but it won't last. Sorry :o) A few more scenes, then it'll be over.
Bill Weasley: I'm glad you liked it! Thanks :o)
Christy Corr: It'll all be over soon, I promise. Harry and Draco may have one or two more encounters, just for the sake of shock, but it'll be over... I like this world too :o)
Deely Bopper the Queen of all potatoes. my followers of Idaho, land of the holy spud where they shall be cut and sliced into delicious 'Wise' potatoe chips. Dim-Luup Sum has given me the power of Rabid Crayons I am Omnipotent: Well, you DEFINITELY win for longer screen name! Nah, Mister Bears don't suck - quite the opposite, really, but thanks for the support, I really appreciate it. :o) I'm glad you like this story! Thanks again.
Denise: Thank you! Yeah, some things are wrong on purpose, many things aren't explained on purpose - you'll find out why in the end of the story. I'm sure some people have an idea already, but... This story won't be moved any time soon, I already lost 340 reviews for it, I'm not about to lose 120. Thanks again!
eiknlng: Hey you, I've been wondering where you've been. Thanks! :o)
Erin Bennett: Thank you - and yes, that's just one of those things that will be explained at the end of the story. Thanks again!
Evil Green Jello: Heh, thanks! I'm glad you liked it.
IncubusSuccubus: I'm sorry, I know this one's short as well - I'll try to make the next chapter longer. They're all at least a page, I promise you that.
Jayde: I like your new story - the one you posted just a few days ago? It's good. I don't like Americanized Potter fic either, to be honest. Yeah, you're right - Potter's British and it really should stay that way. It seems wrong any other way. :o) Thank you as well!
Jimi: Yep, one more encounter - two, max - is all I'm asking for. I've got something planned that, in the ship sense, may just make you very happy. And you're welcome :o)
JLBgirl: Thanks, I'm glad you liked it! :o)
Kaylin: I am, I am! Thank you :o)
Klee: It's ok, what if I said there's gonna be a little H/D in Save Yourself? Would you go over then? :o)
Lady Leah: I'm glad you joined :o) Eh, I got accused of plagiarism - it's over though. I didn't want to jeopardize my other major stories, on LanaMariah - Least Likely of All, mainly - so I switched Sixteen Candles to this SN. Add these reviews to about 340 and you'll have the amount. Thanks.
lily: They'll get together a few more times, don't worry. It will end though - and for a reason. I won't say anymore though :o)
Liz Skywalker: Hey you, I've got a bone to pick. Update A Darker Destiny, it's a great story. Yeah, Dumbledore's related - somehow. :o) I don't really even know yet, to be honest. I can't decide. *shrug* Thanks again!
Maab: Thank you, I'm glad you like it.
Mare: I'm terribly glad you found it again, you have no idea :o) You did VERY well, thank you! Barbie is definitely a slut - is Kelly her daughter or her little sister? I never did get that right. Heh, hope you didn't hit the tree too hard :o)
Nagini: Heh, thank you!! :o)
pawn of fate: Thank you, I really like your stories as well - when are you gonna finish that... one... story? God, lemme look it up. Invisible? It's a good one.
Polyre: Yeah, I know you rock in Religion. You ARE the first reviewer - great job! LOL. Elizabeth and Goyle, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G... Would you prefer a three way with Crabbe and Goyle or Goyle and Megan? I'll let you decide. Future plot device, you see. *G*
Quack Quack 88: Hey you! How you been? Harry/Ginny is possibly THE most annoying ship out there. Nah, if everyone hates you for voicing your opinion, they're not worth your time. Gawd, I know - I'm surprised I haven't gotten people requesting Harry/Ginny yet. I *HATE* them with a passion. I'm not a big Ginny fan in the least. Harry's gonna be one of those people who just stays single - unless it's with Draco, of course, but I doubt J.K. Rowling would do that . Ya never know though :o)
Silverfox: Yeah, things ARE a bit too perfect - wonder why? Remus is off somewhere, no one knows. :o) Thanks!
The Silver Star: Thank you! I'm glad you like it. Heh, yeah, thinking about sexy!Draco when you've got a boyfriend is NOT a good idea :o)
Tiger Lily: Peter's a Death Eater - the DADA teacher is Remus, even though he's not supposed to be one ... it'll all get explained eventually, I promise. I think I may have read your fic, but I'll check and reread it if I haven't. I'm glad you like this story, thank you! Hope the men in the white coats weren't too harsh - I paid them to be nice.
Tidmag is studying please remain quiet shhhhhhhhh: Gambit... interesting. Awesome. :o) I honestly wouldn't normally think anyone stole anything, but she lied about reading my story - that bothered me. She's extremely egotistical as well, and that REALLY bothers me. He's not going to regret his wish - quite the opposite, really. I can honestly, 100% say this story isn't a dream. Thanks again!