* * * Harry had a funny knack for knowing when somebody was up to something. And now, as he flopped down on an overstuffed chair in the commons room on Friday, he knew that somebody was up to something. And that somebody was Lavender Brown.

Propping his feet up onto an empty side table, he took off his glasses and put them into his lap, then ran his fingers through his dark black hair. He couldn't believe that in only a week of school Gryffindor had already lost twenty points because of someone doing something wrong in Snape's class. And the homework.was unbearable.

Sighing and putting on his glasses again, he concerned himself by thinking of Lavender Brown and just what she was up to. In the past several days she had always sidled up to Harry, talking about Hermione's outfit today, or her hair or something of the sort. Harry was getting the feeling that.Lavender wanted him to tell her something. He placed a frown on his face, wishing for just once that guys could read body language better than girls.

With comic timing, the picture flame blew open with incredible force, and in swarmed other 5th years. He could see Ron with a face as red as a tomato near Lavender's side, and Parvati on the other side of Lavender. Hermione was struggling with a large stack of books, trying to keep her balance.

The picture frame shut, and everyone settled around the common room amongst some other Gryffindor's that were already in there. Lavender, Parvati and Ron all settled around Harry and Hermione went off into the corner obviously to study after waving briefly and flashing a smile to Harry that made him melt.

"So, Harry," Lavender said as she plopped down onto a couch with Ron and Parvati, "You given any thought to who you'll invite to the Halloween dance?"

Harry blinked. "Uh, Lavender.It's the first week of school you know. Halloween isn't until the end of October."

Lavender giggled, "Oh, I know that. But Ron's already asked me to the dance, I figured you might want to ask someone yourself. You know, so we can pair up or something there."

Harry looked at Ron and raised an eyebrow. Ron just grinned happily, his hands in his lap, staring at Lavender. Harry sighed and shrugged. "No, not really."

Lavender smiled, and leaned in closer to Harry. "Why not Hermione?"

Harry tried to look shocked, "Hermione? Uh.why Hermione?"

Lavender smirked and punched him playfully in the shoulder, "Why not Hermione? She's your friend, and a girl after all.you know, her hair just might be doing something for her. She is attractive, you know."

Harry was about to stammer out an answer when the picture frame flew open once again. Neville ran in, his cheeks flushed and his eyes wild. He ran over to the small group of people Harry was in and collapsed in a chair next to Harry.

"She's after me!" his small voice squeaked.

Harry looked at him, thanking all his lucky stars for Neville. It kept him from an awkward moment. Lavender was fuming.

"Who's after you, Neville?" Harry asked him.

With a deep breath and a nervous look around, he gulped out, "Pansy Parkinson."

Ron let out a snarl, "Pansy.Malfoy's little playmate of the year. I'll bet he has her in there-" "No!" Neville shrieked, "She's just been following me around in the hallways.passing me little notes and." he looked terrified as he gulped out, "Trashing Malfoy."

The rest of the party looked stunned. No, stunned isn't the word. More like looked like they were about to get hit by a speeding trolley. They looked at Neville to continue.

"It was today after Defense Against the Dark Arts.with Slytherin, you know. And just as Pansy was trying to catch up with me.Malfoy caught up to me. He was mad because I .I.you remember, Harry. I spilled my inkpot and it got on the bottom of his robes. Well he came up and grabbed me by my robes and Pansy.Pansy just." he cringed, "She attacked him. Gave him a bloody nose and everything."

Harry blinked his eyes in awe. "Um.but why didn't we," he gestured to the rest of them, "See this?"

Neville sighed. "You guys were too far ahead of me. But look at Malfoy at breakfast tomorrow. He's a sight to be seen."

Harry nodded, then stood and took Neville's arm. "Come on, Neville. I'll help you up to bed. I'll think about it." Neville swallowed and let Harry help him up. Harry waved to everyone, and not being able to get Hermione's attention just led Neville up the stairs. As he leaned got into bed, he whispered to Neville in the dark.

"Thanks Neville. You helped me out more than you could ever imagine."

Neville was already asleep.



Thanks so much to all my faithful reviewers! Please check out this site if you like this story.it should be posted there soon. www.homestead.com/pansyparkinson/index.html