OH, WHAT WILL THE NEW YEAR BRING?-CHAPTER FOURTEEN
"Harry?"
"Huh, what Ron?"
"What are you doing on the twenty second of September?"
"Uhm.... I don't know off hand."
"Well, cancel it, your coming to my match along with Neville and Luna."
"Who's it against?"
"Puddlemore."
"Oliver, then, right?"
"Yeah," Ron mumbled and shrugged.
"Don't like Wood?"
"Not when I'm facing him."
Harry laughed, "Don't be so glum, Ronniekins, should I floo Luna over for you?"
"Would you?"
Harry laughed again, "Why not, not like I have anything better to do, where is she?"
"Quibbler."
Harry grabbed some floo powder and threw it in the flames as he stuck his head in and yelled.
"She'll be over after she gets off work, Ron, see ya later."
"Where are you going, Harry?"
"Library."
"Why?"
"So I can e-mail Hermione and a bunch of my other friends."
"E, mali?"
"Yeah, never mind, later." And Harry left.
At the Kitchen Table, Ron and Luna,
"Love, there's something up with Harry, he is going to the library too much to be humanly possible, no wait, Hermione went that much at Hogwarts.... Oh no! No, he's not turning into her is he?" Ron jumped to conclusions.
"Quit being a senseless git, he just has to go there before the hours are over, it's not like he can e-maol anyone from here, you don't have a computroid." Luna suppressed his fears.
"Yeah, Hermione has one, why doesn't he use hers?" Ron asked.
"I don't know, maybe he hasn't asked." Luna replied.
"He should." Ron added.
"Why don't you ask for him, because he obviously has not thought about it." Luna supplied.
"Yeah, yeah, then I'll actually see him once in awhile." Ron cheered.
"What are you talking about? You see him everyday, he's usually out sleeping on the couch, or somewhere, wasn't he under the kitchen table one night?" Luna asked.
"Yeah... why?" Ron questioned.
"I do not know." Luna replied.
"Hey Nev?" Ron called.
"Yeah Ron?" he asked from the living room, watching one of Harry's videos.
"What's up with Harry?" Ron asked.
"I think he's taken on some classes over his head." Neville supplied.
"Wha... How?" Ron confusedly asked.
"Didn't you know he was taking a few muggle courses at a Muggle school?" Neville inquired.
"No, I didn't, what's he taking?" Ron asked.
"Something called chemistry, which he said is similar to potions, then some sort of literature, or history or something, then something about rocks, and some art class, and something like astronomy or something, then he's taking classes at Diagon as well, he had to buy a caladator, for something." Neville supplied.
"I have no idea." Ron added.
"Neither do I, bet Hermione'd know something." Neville answered.
"Probably." Ron replied.
"At least what the two of you are speaking of." Luna put in.
"Uh huh." Ron grunted.
*Did that make any sense, no I don't think so, was it supposed to? No I don't think so. I really have no idea (*
Harry at the library.
To: Isiah J. Gibson, zeke@miiom.edu
"Hey, how's it going? Okay here, just going insane with my classes, I don't know if some of my choices were good ones. Hope everyones doing great, how are the Tigers doing? Did the Wings or Pistons start yet? My flatmate Neville, got into the Simpsons, he loves it! Hope your families doing well,
your pal, Harry.
~~~~~~
To: Hermione J. Granger, bookwitch@yahoo.uk (Totally made up, I have no idea how it goes for foriegn countries, sorry)
"Hi! I was told I just missed your leaving, I arrived the morning you left, sorry I missed you. The muggle libraries all over the city are dead useful, means I can study and get in touch with my friends. How's China? I think I tore off more then I can chew this term, but it did just start and I've never done much of the muggle stuff passed the basics before. Ron and the cannon's first match is against Puddlemore, he's making Neville and me come along, maybe I'll run into Oliver again, I haven't seen him in years, last I heard he was playing for Puddlemore. So it should be an interesting match, despite it pulling me away from my studies. Yeah did I just type that? Who would have imagined just two years ago, eh? Well I hope your doing well, and good luck.
Love your friend, Harry.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The month of September passed, the Quidditich Season was once again upon them,
Meaning, Ron's Match against Puddlemore and Oliver Wood, the league's Premier Keeper.
Luna, Neville and Harry all attended the match, a United victory of four hundred to one hundred and sixty, yes the Cannons Seeker caught the Snitch, accidentally, it just happening to fly up his sleeve, his first career catch, in.... ten years of Seeking.
After the match, waiting outside the locker rooms, Oliver Wood, came out, happening to see Harry; he came over, "Hello Potter."
"Hey Wood." Shaking his hand.
"How's it been? Long time since Hogwarts, it's been, hasn't it?"
"Sure has, you've done well, Keeper for England and all, eh, eh?"
"For sure," he smiled, "You've defeated He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, and certainly have changed, beard and dread locks?" he asked laughingly.
"Had a great time in the states, where I got the dreads, thought, hey you only live once, why not?"
"Good reasoning, so how long were you there?"
"In the states, just over six months, had a blast, learned about all kinds of Muggle sports."
"Neat! Like what?"
"Hockey, Baseball, Basketball," he named a few, as Oliver looked at him clueless.
Harry just grinned, "So how's it been for you Wood?"
"Oh, wonderful! My daughter, Katherine, she just turned two!"
"You have a daughter!"
"Yeah! Oh, she's such a sweet heart."
"So, are you married?"
"Yes! Emily, she's beautiful," he smiled, "Three blissful years now, are you dating anyone, Harry?"
"What I can't be married?" Harry joked.
"Your married! I would think something like that would be front page news!"
"I wasn't serious, I'm not even dating anyone."
"Oh, and why not?"
"I don't know."
"Haven't found the right girl yet, I get it now, Harry, well I should be off, it's getting late and I've gotta be up early tomorrow with Katie."
"Have a good time then Oliver."
"Oh, I will, love spending time with my baby, see you Harry."
"You too, Oliver, have a nice night."
"Bye Harry," and he apparated away.
"What was that all about, consorting with the enemy now Harry?" Ron rounded on him.
"Ron, he was my Quidditich Captain, and I haven't seen him in years!"
"Still!!!"
"Ron, calm down, Luna, help please."
Neville cut in instead, "How about we all go out for a drink?"
"Fantastic idea, Nev, what do you two think?" Harry asked.
"Sure," Luna, put in, "Come on Ronald, let's go, where to?"
"How about that place around the corner from the flat?"
"Alright, to the alley then?"
"Yeah," and they all apparated away, to the alley near the pub.
They went inside and found a table, a football match was on the telly.
A waitress came up, "What'll you all be having?"
"A Manhatten," Harry spoke up first.
"Rum and Coke," voiced in Neville.
"7up and Vodka," put in Luna.
"And Ron said, "A beer, Guinness."
"That'll be right up."
"Don't skimp on the Cherries," Harry added.
They all looked at him like he was mad, "What? It not a Manhattan with out the cherries."
October passed, with Ron and the Cannons, losing match after match after match, once again a dreadful season, November was just getting halfway through, when Neville asked Harry, what may just be the biggest and worst favor ever.
"Hey, Harry, mate, do me a favor will you?"
"What?"
"Go on a double date with me and Liz, It'll be a huge favor to her sister, which'll help me onto her parents good side."
"Why me?"
"Your my only single mate."
"No I'm not!"
"So what, it'll be fun, you haven't gone on a date in five years, it won't be that bad, dinner and done, you can be gone. PLEASE! I beg you."
"Fine, when is this night of possible torture?"
"Next Thursday and please shave the beard."
"Why?"
"Just do it already!"
"Fine, but it's coming back after the date, and I can't promise I'll shave again till the after the date."
"Whatever you have to do to spite me as long as you go."
"Alright, and anything goes?"
"As long as you don't kill, maim or harm me, got it?"
"Yep."
The week passed, Harry's beard was mostly back, to scorn Neville, "Hey Harry, you ready yet?" Neville asked, as he entered the living room, seeing Harry dressed in a hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.
"Yeah, I'm all set."
"Your kidding, you look like your going to a eight am class, come on be serious, at least put on a sweater and some decent trousers, come on don't look like an idiot!"
"FINE!" and Harry stormed off into his room, and threw on an old gray wool sweater, and a pair of khakis, and came back out, "Is this better?"
"I guess," Neville said exasperated, "Well, let's get going then, don't want to be late for Liz."
"Yeah, Liz, and my doomsday of a blind date."
"Be positive Harry, it shouldn't be that bad!"
"Let's certainly hope not."
And they walked out the door and apparated to the alley by the restaurant.
From that point on Neville had to drag Harry inside, which was not pleasant for either.
They went in told the greeter there parties name, and were led to their tables.
"Hi, I'm Harry," Harry greeted the woman who was his blind date.
"Jean, she smiled, looking at his unkempt appearance with disdain in her green eyes.
"What do you do, Harry?"
"I'm a student."
"What are you studying?"
"Undecided right now, taking a lot of art and literature courses."
"That's nice," masking her disgust of such a seemingly lowlife.
"And what to do you do?" Harry asked pleasantly.
"I'm a cashier."
"Where?"
"At a department store downtown."
"Neat."
The waiter came up, "Would you like to order now?"
"Yes, I'll have the casserole."
"And to drink ma'am?"
"A wine cooler."
"And you sir?"
"The chicken stir fry, and a Manhattan."
"That'll be right up."
"So.... Are you from London?"
"Yes, I've always lived in the city."
"That's nice, I grew up in Surrey."
Silence leaked in.......
The drinks arrived, which Harry slammed down and quickly ordered another; finally thinking of another topic, he attempted a new conversation.
"How long have you been working as a cashier?"
"Five years."
"Is it enjoyable?"
"It's fine," she shot back harshly, which killed the conversation, and led to many drinks ordered by Harry, as she glared at him.
There dinners arrived, Harry ravenously finished his off, just to get out of there as quick as possible, plus he was quite sloshed.
"Well, I had just a smashing evening, good bye Jean." And he proceeded to the servers' station to pay.
"Could I get my bill now, I'd like to leave."
"Which table are you sir?"
He pointed to the table he'd previously occupied, "Sir, your friend Mr. Longbottom took care of your bill, have a pleasant evening," the waiter told him cheerfully.
"Thank you, good bye," and he started walking home, not sober enough to apparate, and to cap off his wonderful evening, it began to pour.
Around an hour later Harry finally made it to there building, and when he reached the door, what else he drops his keys, so has to get even wetter, to find them.
After ten minutes of searching, he found them, right next to his left leg. And proceeds through the dimly lit hallways to the flat, and once more drops his keys at the door!
After another five minutes he finds them and manages to get the door open, after much, "Damn door, come on open, damn it!" Before turning the key, pulling it out and falling flat on his face inside.
Another five minutes of lying there, he finally got up and closed the door, kicked off his shoes, and dropped his coat and keys on top, before tromping off to the loo.
After using the loo, he was ready for sleep, and wandered over to the door to his and Ron's room, which was locked, "Shit!" He looked around declaring, "I don't want to sleep on the couch!" he whined to himself, and looked around, Neville's room, can't sleep there, then the next door over, "Yeah, she's not here, she won't mind if I go in there and crash," he grabbed his blanket from the couch and tromped over to the door to Hermione's room, opening it, closing it throwing off his sweater and trousers, he flopped down, asleep by the time his head hit the pillow. ~~~~~ If your wondering, I know nothing about bars, not frequenting them, since I am only 18, drinking age 21 here, I just used whatever my Dad's mentioned, when he goes out to bars, and what I've seen people I know drink, okay I've had vodka and 7up, and beer before, ok, hey don't kill me now.
If anyone besides Gryffindor620 is actually reading and enjoying this please review, before I just give into letting it die.
Hey I think I finally gave you a good chapter, review please. Thanks to Gryffindor620 for reviewing, oh and the dreadlocks, just for the fun of it, plus it helped with the reaction of his date this chapter eh?
Once again the chapter is un beta read, couldn't get a hold of her, so bear with me, and Kendra if your reading, hope your okay and all, since I haven't talked to you for a while, review everyone please...
Expect the next chapter, most likely by at least next Monday, enjoy!
"Harry?"
"Huh, what Ron?"
"What are you doing on the twenty second of September?"
"Uhm.... I don't know off hand."
"Well, cancel it, your coming to my match along with Neville and Luna."
"Who's it against?"
"Puddlemore."
"Oliver, then, right?"
"Yeah," Ron mumbled and shrugged.
"Don't like Wood?"
"Not when I'm facing him."
Harry laughed, "Don't be so glum, Ronniekins, should I floo Luna over for you?"
"Would you?"
Harry laughed again, "Why not, not like I have anything better to do, where is she?"
"Quibbler."
Harry grabbed some floo powder and threw it in the flames as he stuck his head in and yelled.
"She'll be over after she gets off work, Ron, see ya later."
"Where are you going, Harry?"
"Library."
"Why?"
"So I can e-mail Hermione and a bunch of my other friends."
"E, mali?"
"Yeah, never mind, later." And Harry left.
At the Kitchen Table, Ron and Luna,
"Love, there's something up with Harry, he is going to the library too much to be humanly possible, no wait, Hermione went that much at Hogwarts.... Oh no! No, he's not turning into her is he?" Ron jumped to conclusions.
"Quit being a senseless git, he just has to go there before the hours are over, it's not like he can e-maol anyone from here, you don't have a computroid." Luna suppressed his fears.
"Yeah, Hermione has one, why doesn't he use hers?" Ron asked.
"I don't know, maybe he hasn't asked." Luna replied.
"He should." Ron added.
"Why don't you ask for him, because he obviously has not thought about it." Luna supplied.
"Yeah, yeah, then I'll actually see him once in awhile." Ron cheered.
"What are you talking about? You see him everyday, he's usually out sleeping on the couch, or somewhere, wasn't he under the kitchen table one night?" Luna asked.
"Yeah... why?" Ron questioned.
"I do not know." Luna replied.
"Hey Nev?" Ron called.
"Yeah Ron?" he asked from the living room, watching one of Harry's videos.
"What's up with Harry?" Ron asked.
"I think he's taken on some classes over his head." Neville supplied.
"Wha... How?" Ron confusedly asked.
"Didn't you know he was taking a few muggle courses at a Muggle school?" Neville inquired.
"No, I didn't, what's he taking?" Ron asked.
"Something called chemistry, which he said is similar to potions, then some sort of literature, or history or something, then something about rocks, and some art class, and something like astronomy or something, then he's taking classes at Diagon as well, he had to buy a caladator, for something." Neville supplied.
"I have no idea." Ron added.
"Neither do I, bet Hermione'd know something." Neville answered.
"Probably." Ron replied.
"At least what the two of you are speaking of." Luna put in.
"Uh huh." Ron grunted.
*Did that make any sense, no I don't think so, was it supposed to? No I don't think so. I really have no idea (*
Harry at the library.
To: Isiah J. Gibson, zeke@miiom.edu
"Hey, how's it going? Okay here, just going insane with my classes, I don't know if some of my choices were good ones. Hope everyones doing great, how are the Tigers doing? Did the Wings or Pistons start yet? My flatmate Neville, got into the Simpsons, he loves it! Hope your families doing well,
your pal, Harry.
~~~~~~
To: Hermione J. Granger, bookwitch@yahoo.uk (Totally made up, I have no idea how it goes for foriegn countries, sorry)
"Hi! I was told I just missed your leaving, I arrived the morning you left, sorry I missed you. The muggle libraries all over the city are dead useful, means I can study and get in touch with my friends. How's China? I think I tore off more then I can chew this term, but it did just start and I've never done much of the muggle stuff passed the basics before. Ron and the cannon's first match is against Puddlemore, he's making Neville and me come along, maybe I'll run into Oliver again, I haven't seen him in years, last I heard he was playing for Puddlemore. So it should be an interesting match, despite it pulling me away from my studies. Yeah did I just type that? Who would have imagined just two years ago, eh? Well I hope your doing well, and good luck.
Love your friend, Harry.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The month of September passed, the Quidditich Season was once again upon them,
Meaning, Ron's Match against Puddlemore and Oliver Wood, the league's Premier Keeper.
Luna, Neville and Harry all attended the match, a United victory of four hundred to one hundred and sixty, yes the Cannons Seeker caught the Snitch, accidentally, it just happening to fly up his sleeve, his first career catch, in.... ten years of Seeking.
After the match, waiting outside the locker rooms, Oliver Wood, came out, happening to see Harry; he came over, "Hello Potter."
"Hey Wood." Shaking his hand.
"How's it been? Long time since Hogwarts, it's been, hasn't it?"
"Sure has, you've done well, Keeper for England and all, eh, eh?"
"For sure," he smiled, "You've defeated He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, and certainly have changed, beard and dread locks?" he asked laughingly.
"Had a great time in the states, where I got the dreads, thought, hey you only live once, why not?"
"Good reasoning, so how long were you there?"
"In the states, just over six months, had a blast, learned about all kinds of Muggle sports."
"Neat! Like what?"
"Hockey, Baseball, Basketball," he named a few, as Oliver looked at him clueless.
Harry just grinned, "So how's it been for you Wood?"
"Oh, wonderful! My daughter, Katherine, she just turned two!"
"You have a daughter!"
"Yeah! Oh, she's such a sweet heart."
"So, are you married?"
"Yes! Emily, she's beautiful," he smiled, "Three blissful years now, are you dating anyone, Harry?"
"What I can't be married?" Harry joked.
"Your married! I would think something like that would be front page news!"
"I wasn't serious, I'm not even dating anyone."
"Oh, and why not?"
"I don't know."
"Haven't found the right girl yet, I get it now, Harry, well I should be off, it's getting late and I've gotta be up early tomorrow with Katie."
"Have a good time then Oliver."
"Oh, I will, love spending time with my baby, see you Harry."
"You too, Oliver, have a nice night."
"Bye Harry," and he apparated away.
"What was that all about, consorting with the enemy now Harry?" Ron rounded on him.
"Ron, he was my Quidditich Captain, and I haven't seen him in years!"
"Still!!!"
"Ron, calm down, Luna, help please."
Neville cut in instead, "How about we all go out for a drink?"
"Fantastic idea, Nev, what do you two think?" Harry asked.
"Sure," Luna, put in, "Come on Ronald, let's go, where to?"
"How about that place around the corner from the flat?"
"Alright, to the alley then?"
"Yeah," and they all apparated away, to the alley near the pub.
They went inside and found a table, a football match was on the telly.
A waitress came up, "What'll you all be having?"
"A Manhatten," Harry spoke up first.
"Rum and Coke," voiced in Neville.
"7up and Vodka," put in Luna.
"And Ron said, "A beer, Guinness."
"That'll be right up."
"Don't skimp on the Cherries," Harry added.
They all looked at him like he was mad, "What? It not a Manhattan with out the cherries."
October passed, with Ron and the Cannons, losing match after match after match, once again a dreadful season, November was just getting halfway through, when Neville asked Harry, what may just be the biggest and worst favor ever.
"Hey, Harry, mate, do me a favor will you?"
"What?"
"Go on a double date with me and Liz, It'll be a huge favor to her sister, which'll help me onto her parents good side."
"Why me?"
"Your my only single mate."
"No I'm not!"
"So what, it'll be fun, you haven't gone on a date in five years, it won't be that bad, dinner and done, you can be gone. PLEASE! I beg you."
"Fine, when is this night of possible torture?"
"Next Thursday and please shave the beard."
"Why?"
"Just do it already!"
"Fine, but it's coming back after the date, and I can't promise I'll shave again till the after the date."
"Whatever you have to do to spite me as long as you go."
"Alright, and anything goes?"
"As long as you don't kill, maim or harm me, got it?"
"Yep."
The week passed, Harry's beard was mostly back, to scorn Neville, "Hey Harry, you ready yet?" Neville asked, as he entered the living room, seeing Harry dressed in a hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.
"Yeah, I'm all set."
"Your kidding, you look like your going to a eight am class, come on be serious, at least put on a sweater and some decent trousers, come on don't look like an idiot!"
"FINE!" and Harry stormed off into his room, and threw on an old gray wool sweater, and a pair of khakis, and came back out, "Is this better?"
"I guess," Neville said exasperated, "Well, let's get going then, don't want to be late for Liz."
"Yeah, Liz, and my doomsday of a blind date."
"Be positive Harry, it shouldn't be that bad!"
"Let's certainly hope not."
And they walked out the door and apparated to the alley by the restaurant.
From that point on Neville had to drag Harry inside, which was not pleasant for either.
They went in told the greeter there parties name, and were led to their tables.
"Hi, I'm Harry," Harry greeted the woman who was his blind date.
"Jean, she smiled, looking at his unkempt appearance with disdain in her green eyes.
"What do you do, Harry?"
"I'm a student."
"What are you studying?"
"Undecided right now, taking a lot of art and literature courses."
"That's nice," masking her disgust of such a seemingly lowlife.
"And what to do you do?" Harry asked pleasantly.
"I'm a cashier."
"Where?"
"At a department store downtown."
"Neat."
The waiter came up, "Would you like to order now?"
"Yes, I'll have the casserole."
"And to drink ma'am?"
"A wine cooler."
"And you sir?"
"The chicken stir fry, and a Manhattan."
"That'll be right up."
"So.... Are you from London?"
"Yes, I've always lived in the city."
"That's nice, I grew up in Surrey."
Silence leaked in.......
The drinks arrived, which Harry slammed down and quickly ordered another; finally thinking of another topic, he attempted a new conversation.
"How long have you been working as a cashier?"
"Five years."
"Is it enjoyable?"
"It's fine," she shot back harshly, which killed the conversation, and led to many drinks ordered by Harry, as she glared at him.
There dinners arrived, Harry ravenously finished his off, just to get out of there as quick as possible, plus he was quite sloshed.
"Well, I had just a smashing evening, good bye Jean." And he proceeded to the servers' station to pay.
"Could I get my bill now, I'd like to leave."
"Which table are you sir?"
He pointed to the table he'd previously occupied, "Sir, your friend Mr. Longbottom took care of your bill, have a pleasant evening," the waiter told him cheerfully.
"Thank you, good bye," and he started walking home, not sober enough to apparate, and to cap off his wonderful evening, it began to pour.
Around an hour later Harry finally made it to there building, and when he reached the door, what else he drops his keys, so has to get even wetter, to find them.
After ten minutes of searching, he found them, right next to his left leg. And proceeds through the dimly lit hallways to the flat, and once more drops his keys at the door!
After another five minutes he finds them and manages to get the door open, after much, "Damn door, come on open, damn it!" Before turning the key, pulling it out and falling flat on his face inside.
Another five minutes of lying there, he finally got up and closed the door, kicked off his shoes, and dropped his coat and keys on top, before tromping off to the loo.
After using the loo, he was ready for sleep, and wandered over to the door to his and Ron's room, which was locked, "Shit!" He looked around declaring, "I don't want to sleep on the couch!" he whined to himself, and looked around, Neville's room, can't sleep there, then the next door over, "Yeah, she's not here, she won't mind if I go in there and crash," he grabbed his blanket from the couch and tromped over to the door to Hermione's room, opening it, closing it throwing off his sweater and trousers, he flopped down, asleep by the time his head hit the pillow. ~~~~~ If your wondering, I know nothing about bars, not frequenting them, since I am only 18, drinking age 21 here, I just used whatever my Dad's mentioned, when he goes out to bars, and what I've seen people I know drink, okay I've had vodka and 7up, and beer before, ok, hey don't kill me now.
If anyone besides Gryffindor620 is actually reading and enjoying this please review, before I just give into letting it die.
Hey I think I finally gave you a good chapter, review please. Thanks to Gryffindor620 for reviewing, oh and the dreadlocks, just for the fun of it, plus it helped with the reaction of his date this chapter eh?
Once again the chapter is un beta read, couldn't get a hold of her, so bear with me, and Kendra if your reading, hope your okay and all, since I haven't talked to you for a while, review everyone please...
Expect the next chapter, most likely by at least next Monday, enjoy!