Chapter 9: Mr. Ollivander and the Wands
When Lara woke up Hermione went to meet her at the table. "I wouldn't talk to Harry about Ron right now," said Hermione.
"Why not?" asked Lara.
"Ron got jealous that Harry turned out to be one of the champions and now they're both not speaking to each other," said Hermione.
"Let's not get caught in the crossfire," suggested Lara. Now, Lara and Hermione had turned out to be best friends and they grinned at each other. Just then Harry walked in.
"Hey where's Ron?" asked the boy.
"He left with Seamus and Dean," replied Hermione.
"Hey Harry," said Lara trying to change the subject, "Why don't you mail Sirius with a letter about the tournament?"
"Why? He's going to hear about it anyway," snapped Harry.
"Don't lose your temper on us Harry," warned Lara, "Now, if you don't tell him I will. Here's Talon now." The falcon swooped down to Lara who gave him a hug. Harry gave Lara a quickly scribbled note. Lara grinned before tying the note to Talon and sending him off. The next day, Harry had hoped everything would calm down but to no avail. During Herbology with the Hufflepuffs, they were giving the cold shoulder only to Harry and Lara but we're fairly nice with the rest because of Angelina.
"I can't believe this," muttered Harry, "The whole school's shunning me."
"Don't let it get to you Harry," muttered Lara, "They're not worth it. Just leave it alone. It'll all sort out in the end." At Care of Magical Creatures, Hagrid had pulled Harry and Lara aside.
"So," began Hagrid, "You two are Hogwarts champions."
"Hagrid, we didn't tell anyone to put our names in the goblet," said Harry. Lara turned away.
"Hagrid, I'm going to take my skrewt to a walk in the edge of the Forbidden Forest," said Lara before walking to the lake.
"Hello there," said the skrewt.
"Hey," greeted Lara.
"I want some blood," said the skrewt.
"I don't have any blood," said Lara. The skrewt repeated it's wishes. Lara rolled her eyes and used her wand to take a fish out of the water. She killed it in one snap and tossed it to the skrewt who drank its blood greedily.
"Thanks," said the skrewt, "Don't worry, I'll repay you someday."
"Just don't suck my blood," said Lara before depositing the skrewt into its box with the rest of the skrewts. It seemed she was the only one who didn't have any burns or bites on her. The next few days moved on and still everyone was shunning her and Lara except for Hermione. Double Potions was one of Lara's most memorable experiences. She and Harry had walked in and a message came to greet the two.
Support the REAL
Hogwarts Champions
"Don't you love it Potter?" sneered Malfoy, "And look what else it does. Just press on the badge and it goes-"
Potter and Stone
are CHEATS
Lara went to her seat quietly putting a restraining hand on Harry.
"What's the matter Stone?" asked Malfoy, "Is all you know to do the Avada Kedavra?" Lara pointed her want at Malfoy calmly. Revaro. Every badge erased all its messages and all it was then was a blank badge.
"You really have to teach me that spell," said Harry.
"One of my favorites," said Lara. Malfoy glared at Lara.
"Densaugeo!" bellowed Malfoy just as Lara calmly raised her wand and muttered Protio Shiala. A shield went up around her, Harry, and Hermione absorbing the spell.
"Don't make me hurt you Malfoy," said Lara calmly, "I know enough curses to give each person in this school suffering from a different jinx each." Just then Snape walked in about to take a few more points from Gryffindor for not sitting down when class started when Dennis Creevey walked in.
"What?" asked Snape annoyed.
"Mr. Bagman wants Harry and Lara to go into Professor McGonagall's room," said Dennis.
"Potter and Stone have two more periods of Potions to finish," said Snape coldly.
"Mr. Bagman needs them now," said Dennis.
"Fine, you two keep your stuff here," said Snape, "I want to test you on your antidotes later."
"Sir, they have to take their things with them," squeaked Colin, "All the champions-"
"Fine then!" snapped Snape, "Take your bags and get out of my sight." Lara and Harry stood up shouldering their bags and leaving with Colin. Colin looked up to Harry with a grin.
"It's great isn't it Harry?" asked Colin with a grin, "I mean you being one of the Champions!"
"What do they want us for Colin?" asked Lara.
"Hey, you're Lara!" exclaimed Colin, "My brother Dennis has been raving about you for awhile now."
"He's a good kid," commented Lara before the two walked into Professor McGonagall.
"There's our fourth pair," said Mr. Bagman when Lara and Harry walked in.
"What's going on?" asked Harry.
"Why we're wand weighing," answered Mr. Bagman, "Just to make sure that your wand are all right. Mr. Ollivander is with Dumbledore right now. Then we're going to have a photo shoot. By the way, this is Rita Skeeter. She's going to be doing an article on the Hexwizard Tournament." Lara and Harry looked at the woman with short curly hair and two-inch crimson nails. She turned to Harry.
"I was wondering if I could have a little word with Harry," said Rita, "You know since he's so famous already."
"Good luck Harry," said Lara before walking over to Eric. They had decided to be friends again.
"Hey," greeted Eric.
"What's going on?" asked Lara, "Are you waiting for Mr. Ollivander too?"
"Yup," said Eric.
"Let me see your wand," said Lara. Eric handed it over.
"It's still the same," commented Lara, "I remember being so jealous that you had a wand and I didn't."
"And then you tried running off with it but you were too slow and I caught you," said Eric with a grin. Lara grew a shade of pink. Just then Dumbledore walked in and pulled Harry out of the broom cupboard after a few quick words with Rita. He stood in front of everyone with Mr. Ollivander, an ancient man who made wands for probably close to all the wizards in Britain.
"May I introduce Mr. Ollivander?" said Dumbledore, "He will be checking your wands to make sure they are in tip top condition before the tournament."
"Mademoiselle Delacour," said Mr. Ollivander, "If you please." Fleur went forward and presented her wand. Mr. Ollivander looked at it carefully. "Hmm," he muttered, "Nine and a half inches, rosewood, and ah-"
"An 'air from ze 'ead of a vela," said Fleur, "From my grandmuzzer."
"Well," said Mr. Ollivander, "This wand looks fine, Eric Merlot?" Eric handed his over. "Hmmm, this is holly, ten inches, heartstring of a dragon, nicely crafted. All right Mr. Merlot, off you go. Miss Tatia next?" Tatia went forward and handed her wand to him.
"Yes, a Gregorovitch creation is that right? Yes good for lightweight use but the trademark is pretty unnecessary," said Mr. Ollivander observing the twist on the wand, "Mr. Krum? Yes another Gregorovitch wand. Slightly on the heavy side but it does add some power. Now, Miss Johnson?" Angelina went up and gave the wand to Mr. Ollivander. "Yes, ten inches, willow, phoenix feather. Very nice. Here you go Miss Johnson. Now Mr. Diggory?" Cedric did the same as Angelina.
"Hmm, twelve and a quarter inches, ash, and a single hair from a unicorn. Do you treat it regularly?"
"Polished it last night," replied Cedric proudly.
"Here you are," said Mr. Ollivander, "Now, Harry Potter." Harry was trying to wipe off some of the dirt on his wand before giving it to Mr. Ollivander. Mr. Ollivander made no comment about Harry's wand observing it much longer than the other champions did before muttering a spell making wine come out of it before giving it back to Harry. Lara didn't need to be told to come forward. She handed her wand to Mr. Ollivander.
"Here you are Mr. Ollivander," said Lara.
"Ah, Miss Stone, you used one of my wands," said Mr. Ollivander, "Yes, I remember this wand very clearly. Quite a masterpiece this wand is. Balances itself on all aspects of magic along with being one of my more powerful wands. Twelve inches, willow, and the phoenix feather of one I know you hold dear in your heart. Yes, your parents asked me to make this wand customized."
"Thank you," said Lara. Afterwards Rita Skeeter asked everyone to come together for pictures specifically putting Harry at the front though the photographer was keener to place Fleur in front of everyone. Lara was placed in between Eric and Krum who was trying to go to the back where no one could see him. Tatia, Cedric, and Angelina were placed on the other side and the heads of schools in the back. At last they were free to go and Lara called Mr. Ollivander when they had gone outside.
"What is it Miss Stone?" asked Mr. Ollivander.
"Mr. Ollivander, is it all right if you can make a wand for me?" asked Lara, "I have my money right here, but please don't tell anyone, this can be our little secret."
"And may I ask whom this wand is for?" asked Mr. Ollivander. Lara grinned.
"Sirius Black," whispered Lara in Mr. Ollivander's ears. The old man smiled.
"Yes, I remember the boy," said Mr. Ollivander, "Very nice child. And I hope you'll know where he is when I send you the wand. I always knew he was innocent. Too good to be made a criminal. Well then, I'll send a wand as similar as I can to his soon Lara." Lara grinned thankfully and handed Mr. Ollivander the money before walking off. Lara met up with Harry at the dinner table.
"We're you asking Mr. Ollivander for a wand for Sirius?" asked Harry when she had sat down. The two were alone since Hermione had gone to the library. He had remembered Lara's letter.
"Yup," said Lara, "He said he would send it as soon as possible." After dinner, she and Harry went to the Common Room where they came across Ron.
"There's a letter for you," said Ron before walking off.
"Are you still not talking to each other?" asked Lara.
"It's not my fault," said Harry before taking the letter from the school owl. Lara sat next to him to read the letter.
Harry,
Can you make sure you'll be alone by the fire in Gryffindor Tower on November 22 at one o'clock in the morning? Tell me before then.
Sirius
Chapter 10: Dragons
The only thing that made Harry feel better the next few weeks was the prospect of seeing Sirius. The article Rita Skeeter had written when she and Harry were in the broom cupboard turned Harry into a laughing stock. People would ask him if he needed a tissue because Rita had said Harry cried at night since the death of his parents. Meanwhile, Viktor Krum had been spending an awful lot of time in the library when Lara and Hermione were in there. So, Lara had made it a habit to spend as little time there as possible. She would check out a few books and then head for the lake, which had come to be her favorite spot to take a break. On the Saturday before the first task, there was a scheduled meeting to Hogsmeade. Eric had cornered Lara at the lake about the Hogsmeade meeting.
"What about it?" asked Lara.
"You want to spend the day with me at Hogsmeade?" asked Eric as he sat down next to Lara. Lara laughed. At least she and Eric were on speaking terms.
"Don't tell me the great Eric Merlot can't even find a date to go to Hogsmeade and has to lower himself down to asking a friend to go with him," teased Lara, "Did Tim and John have dates?" Eric grew red.
"Yeah," said Eric, "But I was going to ask you anyway. Since I've never been to Hogsmeade I thought you could show me around."
"Fine, but I warn you," said Lara, "I've only gone there twice."
"Great," said Eric standing up with a grin, "I'll see you then."
"So you're going to Hogsmeade with Eric?" asked Hermione in bed that night.
"You mean that cute guy from Beauxbatons," asked Parvati who was now up.
"Yeah," said Lara, "He had no one else to go with since Tim and John were busy and he said none of the girls had asked him so he was left with me."
"He probably likes you," said Lavender with a grin, "You know. Since you two were childhood friends."
"No way," said Lara, "We always fight."
"And there's the age difference," added Hermione before sighing, "Guess I'll be with Harry on my own then. He still won't speak to Ron." Soon the Hogsmeade day came and Lara had dressed in a light purple outfit.
"I'll see you guys later," said Lara to Hermione and Harry, who was in his Invisibility Cloak, when they separated.
"Where do you want to go?" asked Eric casually his hands in his pockets.
"I want to buy some sweets from Honeydukes," said Lara.
"All right," said Eric as the two made their way to the Sweets shop. John and Tim had come to Eric and Lara with their dates.
"Have you two gone to Madam Puddifoot's?" asked Tim winking at John.
"Yeah the girls just took us there," said John, "Why don't you two check it out." Lara and Eric shrugged and followed Tim's instructions to the café. Lara's eyes widened when she had seen the many couples there. Eric was cursing at his friends inside. A woman had taken them to a seat and left after Eric had ordered two butterbeers.
"Wonder why your friends took us to a place where couples went," murmured Lara curiously.
"Because they're idiots," muttered Eric to himself.
"Tell me Eric," said Lara with a smile, "Do you still like Quidditch?"
"Who wouldn't?" asked Eric smiling. That one comment broke the ice and the two were talking enthusiastically about the game. After awhile Lara's stomach grumbled.
"I'm getting a little hungry," said Lara, "I'm in the mood for something really sweet."
"You want to share a slice of cake?" asked Eric.
"That sounds great," said Lara enthusiastically. The waitress appeared with a large slice of strawberry cake to Lara's delight.
"Ladies first," said Eric.
"Yum," said Lara when she had taken a bite. Eric also took a bite. Lara gave a laugh.
"What?" asked Eric looking around.
"There's whipped cream on your chin," said Lara before reaching forward and taking it off.
"Thanks," said Eric. Lara grinned.
"You know," began Lara, "This feels just like old times when we always used to play. I really miss back then. Anyway, you just one year left of school right?"
"Yup," said Eric, "I can't wait."
"Have you thought of a career?" asked Lara.
"An Auror," said Eric, "What about you? Your parents were Aurors but you wouldn't do too badly as a Seer or someone who handles animals."
"I've always wanted to be an Auror," said Lara, "But I'm not sure I should be a freelance Auror like my parents so I can travel all over or just work for the Britain Ministry."
"Same here," said Eric, "But, I've still got extra years of training to be an Auror so I don't have to think of it now." The two had talked the day away and it was then time to go.
"See you at the first task," said Lara.
"Don't I get a kiss for paying the bill and taking you out?" asked Eric pretending to be offended.
"Don't get too full of yourself," said Lara with a smile before going upstairs to bed. Hermione, Parvati, and Lavender were awake when Lara had come in.
"How was the date?" asked Hermione nonchalantly.
"It wasn't a date," said Lara, "We just went to a cafe to talk."
"Madam Puddifoot's?" asked Lavender.
"Yeah," answered Lara, "You know the place?"
"I know of the place," said Lavender.
"It's where all the couples go," said Parvati with a grin.
"I'm going to kill Eric's friends for that," muttered Lara to herself. When Parvati and Lavender had fallen asleep, Hermione crept to Lara.
"I just wanted to tell you Harry went to meet Hagrid tonight and that in case you forgot," began Hermione, "You're supposed to be meeting Sirius in a few minutes." Lara's eyes snapped open.
"Thanks Hermione," said Lara before creeping out of the room and sitting on the arm chair waiting for Harry.
"So you remembered," said Harry when he had walked in.
"Where were you?" asked Lara.
"Hagrid wanted to meet me and I just found the first task," said Harry.
"And what is it?" asked Sirius who had just appeared in the fireplace.
"Dragons," said Harry.
"That might be a tough one," commented Sirius.
"I could talk to them," offered Lara, "But it won't be easy. They're pretty stubborn."
When Lara woke up Hermione went to meet her at the table. "I wouldn't talk to Harry about Ron right now," said Hermione.
"Why not?" asked Lara.
"Ron got jealous that Harry turned out to be one of the champions and now they're both not speaking to each other," said Hermione.
"Let's not get caught in the crossfire," suggested Lara. Now, Lara and Hermione had turned out to be best friends and they grinned at each other. Just then Harry walked in.
"Hey where's Ron?" asked the boy.
"He left with Seamus and Dean," replied Hermione.
"Hey Harry," said Lara trying to change the subject, "Why don't you mail Sirius with a letter about the tournament?"
"Why? He's going to hear about it anyway," snapped Harry.
"Don't lose your temper on us Harry," warned Lara, "Now, if you don't tell him I will. Here's Talon now." The falcon swooped down to Lara who gave him a hug. Harry gave Lara a quickly scribbled note. Lara grinned before tying the note to Talon and sending him off. The next day, Harry had hoped everything would calm down but to no avail. During Herbology with the Hufflepuffs, they were giving the cold shoulder only to Harry and Lara but we're fairly nice with the rest because of Angelina.
"I can't believe this," muttered Harry, "The whole school's shunning me."
"Don't let it get to you Harry," muttered Lara, "They're not worth it. Just leave it alone. It'll all sort out in the end." At Care of Magical Creatures, Hagrid had pulled Harry and Lara aside.
"So," began Hagrid, "You two are Hogwarts champions."
"Hagrid, we didn't tell anyone to put our names in the goblet," said Harry. Lara turned away.
"Hagrid, I'm going to take my skrewt to a walk in the edge of the Forbidden Forest," said Lara before walking to the lake.
"Hello there," said the skrewt.
"Hey," greeted Lara.
"I want some blood," said the skrewt.
"I don't have any blood," said Lara. The skrewt repeated it's wishes. Lara rolled her eyes and used her wand to take a fish out of the water. She killed it in one snap and tossed it to the skrewt who drank its blood greedily.
"Thanks," said the skrewt, "Don't worry, I'll repay you someday."
"Just don't suck my blood," said Lara before depositing the skrewt into its box with the rest of the skrewts. It seemed she was the only one who didn't have any burns or bites on her. The next few days moved on and still everyone was shunning her and Lara except for Hermione. Double Potions was one of Lara's most memorable experiences. She and Harry had walked in and a message came to greet the two.
Support the REAL
Hogwarts Champions
"Don't you love it Potter?" sneered Malfoy, "And look what else it does. Just press on the badge and it goes-"
Potter and Stone
are CHEATS
Lara went to her seat quietly putting a restraining hand on Harry.
"What's the matter Stone?" asked Malfoy, "Is all you know to do the Avada Kedavra?" Lara pointed her want at Malfoy calmly. Revaro. Every badge erased all its messages and all it was then was a blank badge.
"You really have to teach me that spell," said Harry.
"One of my favorites," said Lara. Malfoy glared at Lara.
"Densaugeo!" bellowed Malfoy just as Lara calmly raised her wand and muttered Protio Shiala. A shield went up around her, Harry, and Hermione absorbing the spell.
"Don't make me hurt you Malfoy," said Lara calmly, "I know enough curses to give each person in this school suffering from a different jinx each." Just then Snape walked in about to take a few more points from Gryffindor for not sitting down when class started when Dennis Creevey walked in.
"What?" asked Snape annoyed.
"Mr. Bagman wants Harry and Lara to go into Professor McGonagall's room," said Dennis.
"Potter and Stone have two more periods of Potions to finish," said Snape coldly.
"Mr. Bagman needs them now," said Dennis.
"Fine, you two keep your stuff here," said Snape, "I want to test you on your antidotes later."
"Sir, they have to take their things with them," squeaked Colin, "All the champions-"
"Fine then!" snapped Snape, "Take your bags and get out of my sight." Lara and Harry stood up shouldering their bags and leaving with Colin. Colin looked up to Harry with a grin.
"It's great isn't it Harry?" asked Colin with a grin, "I mean you being one of the Champions!"
"What do they want us for Colin?" asked Lara.
"Hey, you're Lara!" exclaimed Colin, "My brother Dennis has been raving about you for awhile now."
"He's a good kid," commented Lara before the two walked into Professor McGonagall.
"There's our fourth pair," said Mr. Bagman when Lara and Harry walked in.
"What's going on?" asked Harry.
"Why we're wand weighing," answered Mr. Bagman, "Just to make sure that your wand are all right. Mr. Ollivander is with Dumbledore right now. Then we're going to have a photo shoot. By the way, this is Rita Skeeter. She's going to be doing an article on the Hexwizard Tournament." Lara and Harry looked at the woman with short curly hair and two-inch crimson nails. She turned to Harry.
"I was wondering if I could have a little word with Harry," said Rita, "You know since he's so famous already."
"Good luck Harry," said Lara before walking over to Eric. They had decided to be friends again.
"Hey," greeted Eric.
"What's going on?" asked Lara, "Are you waiting for Mr. Ollivander too?"
"Yup," said Eric.
"Let me see your wand," said Lara. Eric handed it over.
"It's still the same," commented Lara, "I remember being so jealous that you had a wand and I didn't."
"And then you tried running off with it but you were too slow and I caught you," said Eric with a grin. Lara grew a shade of pink. Just then Dumbledore walked in and pulled Harry out of the broom cupboard after a few quick words with Rita. He stood in front of everyone with Mr. Ollivander, an ancient man who made wands for probably close to all the wizards in Britain.
"May I introduce Mr. Ollivander?" said Dumbledore, "He will be checking your wands to make sure they are in tip top condition before the tournament."
"Mademoiselle Delacour," said Mr. Ollivander, "If you please." Fleur went forward and presented her wand. Mr. Ollivander looked at it carefully. "Hmm," he muttered, "Nine and a half inches, rosewood, and ah-"
"An 'air from ze 'ead of a vela," said Fleur, "From my grandmuzzer."
"Well," said Mr. Ollivander, "This wand looks fine, Eric Merlot?" Eric handed his over. "Hmmm, this is holly, ten inches, heartstring of a dragon, nicely crafted. All right Mr. Merlot, off you go. Miss Tatia next?" Tatia went forward and handed her wand to him.
"Yes, a Gregorovitch creation is that right? Yes good for lightweight use but the trademark is pretty unnecessary," said Mr. Ollivander observing the twist on the wand, "Mr. Krum? Yes another Gregorovitch wand. Slightly on the heavy side but it does add some power. Now, Miss Johnson?" Angelina went up and gave the wand to Mr. Ollivander. "Yes, ten inches, willow, phoenix feather. Very nice. Here you go Miss Johnson. Now Mr. Diggory?" Cedric did the same as Angelina.
"Hmm, twelve and a quarter inches, ash, and a single hair from a unicorn. Do you treat it regularly?"
"Polished it last night," replied Cedric proudly.
"Here you are," said Mr. Ollivander, "Now, Harry Potter." Harry was trying to wipe off some of the dirt on his wand before giving it to Mr. Ollivander. Mr. Ollivander made no comment about Harry's wand observing it much longer than the other champions did before muttering a spell making wine come out of it before giving it back to Harry. Lara didn't need to be told to come forward. She handed her wand to Mr. Ollivander.
"Here you are Mr. Ollivander," said Lara.
"Ah, Miss Stone, you used one of my wands," said Mr. Ollivander, "Yes, I remember this wand very clearly. Quite a masterpiece this wand is. Balances itself on all aspects of magic along with being one of my more powerful wands. Twelve inches, willow, and the phoenix feather of one I know you hold dear in your heart. Yes, your parents asked me to make this wand customized."
"Thank you," said Lara. Afterwards Rita Skeeter asked everyone to come together for pictures specifically putting Harry at the front though the photographer was keener to place Fleur in front of everyone. Lara was placed in between Eric and Krum who was trying to go to the back where no one could see him. Tatia, Cedric, and Angelina were placed on the other side and the heads of schools in the back. At last they were free to go and Lara called Mr. Ollivander when they had gone outside.
"What is it Miss Stone?" asked Mr. Ollivander.
"Mr. Ollivander, is it all right if you can make a wand for me?" asked Lara, "I have my money right here, but please don't tell anyone, this can be our little secret."
"And may I ask whom this wand is for?" asked Mr. Ollivander. Lara grinned.
"Sirius Black," whispered Lara in Mr. Ollivander's ears. The old man smiled.
"Yes, I remember the boy," said Mr. Ollivander, "Very nice child. And I hope you'll know where he is when I send you the wand. I always knew he was innocent. Too good to be made a criminal. Well then, I'll send a wand as similar as I can to his soon Lara." Lara grinned thankfully and handed Mr. Ollivander the money before walking off. Lara met up with Harry at the dinner table.
"We're you asking Mr. Ollivander for a wand for Sirius?" asked Harry when she had sat down. The two were alone since Hermione had gone to the library. He had remembered Lara's letter.
"Yup," said Lara, "He said he would send it as soon as possible." After dinner, she and Harry went to the Common Room where they came across Ron.
"There's a letter for you," said Ron before walking off.
"Are you still not talking to each other?" asked Lara.
"It's not my fault," said Harry before taking the letter from the school owl. Lara sat next to him to read the letter.
Harry,
Can you make sure you'll be alone by the fire in Gryffindor Tower on November 22 at one o'clock in the morning? Tell me before then.
Sirius
Chapter 10: Dragons
The only thing that made Harry feel better the next few weeks was the prospect of seeing Sirius. The article Rita Skeeter had written when she and Harry were in the broom cupboard turned Harry into a laughing stock. People would ask him if he needed a tissue because Rita had said Harry cried at night since the death of his parents. Meanwhile, Viktor Krum had been spending an awful lot of time in the library when Lara and Hermione were in there. So, Lara had made it a habit to spend as little time there as possible. She would check out a few books and then head for the lake, which had come to be her favorite spot to take a break. On the Saturday before the first task, there was a scheduled meeting to Hogsmeade. Eric had cornered Lara at the lake about the Hogsmeade meeting.
"What about it?" asked Lara.
"You want to spend the day with me at Hogsmeade?" asked Eric as he sat down next to Lara. Lara laughed. At least she and Eric were on speaking terms.
"Don't tell me the great Eric Merlot can't even find a date to go to Hogsmeade and has to lower himself down to asking a friend to go with him," teased Lara, "Did Tim and John have dates?" Eric grew red.
"Yeah," said Eric, "But I was going to ask you anyway. Since I've never been to Hogsmeade I thought you could show me around."
"Fine, but I warn you," said Lara, "I've only gone there twice."
"Great," said Eric standing up with a grin, "I'll see you then."
"So you're going to Hogsmeade with Eric?" asked Hermione in bed that night.
"You mean that cute guy from Beauxbatons," asked Parvati who was now up.
"Yeah," said Lara, "He had no one else to go with since Tim and John were busy and he said none of the girls had asked him so he was left with me."
"He probably likes you," said Lavender with a grin, "You know. Since you two were childhood friends."
"No way," said Lara, "We always fight."
"And there's the age difference," added Hermione before sighing, "Guess I'll be with Harry on my own then. He still won't speak to Ron." Soon the Hogsmeade day came and Lara had dressed in a light purple outfit.
"I'll see you guys later," said Lara to Hermione and Harry, who was in his Invisibility Cloak, when they separated.
"Where do you want to go?" asked Eric casually his hands in his pockets.
"I want to buy some sweets from Honeydukes," said Lara.
"All right," said Eric as the two made their way to the Sweets shop. John and Tim had come to Eric and Lara with their dates.
"Have you two gone to Madam Puddifoot's?" asked Tim winking at John.
"Yeah the girls just took us there," said John, "Why don't you two check it out." Lara and Eric shrugged and followed Tim's instructions to the café. Lara's eyes widened when she had seen the many couples there. Eric was cursing at his friends inside. A woman had taken them to a seat and left after Eric had ordered two butterbeers.
"Wonder why your friends took us to a place where couples went," murmured Lara curiously.
"Because they're idiots," muttered Eric to himself.
"Tell me Eric," said Lara with a smile, "Do you still like Quidditch?"
"Who wouldn't?" asked Eric smiling. That one comment broke the ice and the two were talking enthusiastically about the game. After awhile Lara's stomach grumbled.
"I'm getting a little hungry," said Lara, "I'm in the mood for something really sweet."
"You want to share a slice of cake?" asked Eric.
"That sounds great," said Lara enthusiastically. The waitress appeared with a large slice of strawberry cake to Lara's delight.
"Ladies first," said Eric.
"Yum," said Lara when she had taken a bite. Eric also took a bite. Lara gave a laugh.
"What?" asked Eric looking around.
"There's whipped cream on your chin," said Lara before reaching forward and taking it off.
"Thanks," said Eric. Lara grinned.
"You know," began Lara, "This feels just like old times when we always used to play. I really miss back then. Anyway, you just one year left of school right?"
"Yup," said Eric, "I can't wait."
"Have you thought of a career?" asked Lara.
"An Auror," said Eric, "What about you? Your parents were Aurors but you wouldn't do too badly as a Seer or someone who handles animals."
"I've always wanted to be an Auror," said Lara, "But I'm not sure I should be a freelance Auror like my parents so I can travel all over or just work for the Britain Ministry."
"Same here," said Eric, "But, I've still got extra years of training to be an Auror so I don't have to think of it now." The two had talked the day away and it was then time to go.
"See you at the first task," said Lara.
"Don't I get a kiss for paying the bill and taking you out?" asked Eric pretending to be offended.
"Don't get too full of yourself," said Lara with a smile before going upstairs to bed. Hermione, Parvati, and Lavender were awake when Lara had come in.
"How was the date?" asked Hermione nonchalantly.
"It wasn't a date," said Lara, "We just went to a cafe to talk."
"Madam Puddifoot's?" asked Lavender.
"Yeah," answered Lara, "You know the place?"
"I know of the place," said Lavender.
"It's where all the couples go," said Parvati with a grin.
"I'm going to kill Eric's friends for that," muttered Lara to herself. When Parvati and Lavender had fallen asleep, Hermione crept to Lara.
"I just wanted to tell you Harry went to meet Hagrid tonight and that in case you forgot," began Hermione, "You're supposed to be meeting Sirius in a few minutes." Lara's eyes snapped open.
"Thanks Hermione," said Lara before creeping out of the room and sitting on the arm chair waiting for Harry.
"So you remembered," said Harry when he had walked in.
"Where were you?" asked Lara.
"Hagrid wanted to meet me and I just found the first task," said Harry.
"And what is it?" asked Sirius who had just appeared in the fireplace.
"Dragons," said Harry.
"That might be a tough one," commented Sirius.
"I could talk to them," offered Lara, "But it won't be easy. They're pretty stubborn."