::: A/N: Alright! The Dance! *Evil grin* This is actually my longest
chapter yet. Yay! But it has also been the one I had to revise the most. Of
course I had to make it perfect! Did I mention I'm a perfectionist? :P
By the way, and I should have mentioned this earlier, I have a co-writer. She doesn't feel like she should get much credit, but come on, she gave me a lot of the ideas and helps me revise the chapters. In fact, the reason this chapter took so long was because both of us worked hard on revising it. A round of applause to the mysterious co-worker! *starts clapping loudly* *suddenly realizes she is the only one clapping* *slows claps to an eventual halt* Ahem, moving on . . .
You can skip the answers to reviews if you're bored . . . or is it the other way around? :::
[babybear]: Really? 0.0 Wow, I . . . I really don't know what to say! I know it's wrong to make someone cry and be happy about it, but I can't believe it was that moving! I did try my best . . . I think I was in a depressed mood at the time. So, I see you've joined the "I will kill random- chan if she does not bring Hermione back soon" club. That makes five members so far (counting a few of my friends at school)! ^-^ Staying on topic, she will come back but I still have some plans for her, Harry, Ron, and Aurora! Thanks for your complements and for reviewing, and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
[lady priestess]: You really love that couple, don't you? ^-^ Thanks for reviewing again!
[usha88]: I really have to say I always look forward to your reviews! I can't tell you how happy they make me. It was extremely encouraging to hear that you understood what I was saying. Need proof? Well, to tell the truth, I started jumping up and down and squealing in joy! Then my neighbors who live below actually came up, knocked on the door and asked me to keep it down . . . that was a little embarrassing XP . . . I can't wait to hear what you think of this chapter (and hopefully I'll be able to contain myself next time)!
[I'm A Dreamer]: *blinks* *blinks again* Well, when you said you would give a huge review, I didn't know you would write THAT much! @_@ *sighs* Okay, then . . . It's peculiar that there are grammar errors, I usually revise it twice and then give it to my co-writer to revise! Oh well. Yes, I know they aren't American, but I don't know what British people might say in those situations! Cut me some slack here, dreamer!! I'm glad you could see the improvements I made. I'll try to slow down, though. I see your point on that. And, you know that "Dude, she's hot" thing? Originally, I had put down "Do you know what the AMERICANS would say . . ." but then I realized that was stereotypical so I cut it out and replaced it with "people". You're not gonna tell me about the tear?! .\_/. Grrr! That's blackmail! Fine then. Here's your update, and now I want answers!
P.S. To all of you innocent readers who just happened to read the response above, my apologies for your confusion or curiosity. I'm guilty of hiding inside jokes! Just ignore the last part. *_*
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*(((IMPORTANT))) I've been having some trouble with marking thoughts, so from now on instead of doing the HTML tab things I'm doing * . . . *. I apologize for any confusion! *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Chapter 14: A Cauldron of Dreams and Nightmares
*~ "If I don't need you, then why am I crying on my bed?
"If I don't need you, then why does your name resound in my head?" ~*
- Daniel Bedingfield, "If You're Not The One"***
Harry walked into the Great Hall once again, but this time it was not for a meal, nor for a funeral. This time, it was 8:00 in the evening and everyone was dressed up in his or her best robes. It was the anticipated and exciting dance.
Harry paused for one moment to take in the surroundings. Loud music was blasting from one end of the room where a boy band was banging on their instruments and calling it "music". Harry flinched when the guy on the guitar struck a high note. Cho, who was standing by his side with her left arm locked in with Harry's, raised her free hand to her ear in an attempt to block out the deafening music.
Once Harry gotten used to the intense "music", he began to take in the rest of the room. There was a big dance floor directly in front of the band, followed by an arrangement of round tables. Each was covered by a white tablecloth and was surrounded by eight chairs with a small vase of beautiful flowers in the middle. Eight sets of silverware and plates occupied the perimeter of the tables, along with eight fancy menus. Harry found it slightly strange that there were menus, but he quickly brushed it off. He also noticed a small, bent card hovering above each plate. There seemed to be writing on them. As he squinted, he could read names.
Following the actions of all the other students, Harry and Cho walked toward the tables searching for their names. All the names were those of older students since the dance was not for newer kids. Of course, the cards magically knew who came with whom, so dates were arranged next to each other.
Harry finally found the cards that said Harry Potter and Cho Chang. He walked over with Cho and looked around the table.
Two of the students he did not know. They were seventh-years, which he could tell because of their towering height. However, he did not pay much attention to them, as the girl and boy seemed to be engaged in a deep discussion.
He breathed a small sigh of relief as he saw Ron. He looked very bored as he rested his head on an elbow as his date, Lavender, droned on and on about something he couldn't catch. He couldn't help smiling in amusement. Ron saw him, and smiled. Harry smiled back, and Ron glanced at Lavender and rolled his eyes. Harry nodded in understanding. Then Ron gave him another look that Harry didn't understand. Ron twitched his head toward his right. Harry turned toward where he was gesturing.
* 'Great.'*
Harry quietly scanned Aurora Withertopp, who was sitting next to Ron with her body turned toward her date. She was wearing navy blue robes. She had some makeup on, but her pale skin was still visible. She wore pink lipstick and a hint of light blue eyeshadow. Her hair spilled over her shoulders, which slightly shifted as she nodded to her date with a smile. Harry's eyes moved on to her date.
He froze.
* 'Oh, shit!'*
Her date wore green robes, had light skin and blonde hair that was slicked back.
He was none other than the despicable, sly, deceiving, annoying, dreadful, and arrogant snake by the name of Draco Malfoy.
Malfoy glanced over to where Harry and Cho were standing and stopped talking. With a smile, he turned toward them and looked them over.
"Harry, Cho, how nice it is to see you both!" Harry narrowed his eyes as Malfoy used his first name. His voice was falsely sweet. Obviously trying to impress Aurora.
Harry responded in a low voice that nearly dripped with bitterness, his eyes locked in with Malfoy's.
"I highly doubt it."
He felt pressure on his arm but chose to ignore it.
Malfoy did not lose his smile.
"Come now, Harry, there's no need to be bitter."
Harry glared at him, silently spitting his message out.
Never . . . call . . . me . . . Harry.
He couldn't tell if Malfoy got the message, since his smile did not falter.
"Won't you both sit down and join us?"
Harry answered with a smirk. "Unfortunately it seems we don't have a choice."
This time he got an elbow digging into his ribs. He winced and stared at Cho who was giving him a harsh look. She changed it to a smile as she turned her head toward Malfoy and Aurora.
"He means we'd love to."
She started to sit down in her seat and Harry followed suit, but he never took his eyes off Malfoy. Malfoy turned and continued to talk to Aurora.
"Harry!" The whisper came from Cho. For once, he took his eyes off Malfoy and he turned to face her.
"What do you think you're doing?" She asked with a deep frown.
Harry raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me you believe this bull?"
Her eyebrows furrowed. "Of course I don't, but can't you just be polite?"
"To him?" Harry's eyes shot to where Malfoy had begun entertaining Aurora again.
"Yes, to him!" Cho was really upset.
"Fine, fine!"
Cho relaxed and started to engage in a conversation with Lavender, leaving Ron and Harry to talk. Actually, what they wanted to talk about was not something they wanted to say loudly in front of anywhere else. Instead, just as before, they communicated with their gestures.
Ron glanced toward where Malfoy was and raised both of his eyebrows. Translation: Unbelievable!
Harry furrowed his eyebrows a little. Translation: Could you believe that crap?
Ron shook his head. Then, he shrugged. Translation: Nope. But what can you do?
Harry rolled his eyes. Translation: Guess we've just got to deal.
Ron nodded.
Before their silent conversation could continue, they were interrupted by the music being cut off. The silence was so immense Harry yearned for any noise. Turning their attention toward the stage, the students saw Dumbledore standing in the middle behind the magical microphone. It immediately grew to fit Dumbledore's height perfectly. Whispers arose at the peculiar sight of him.
At last, Dumbledore spoke. "Pardon me for interrupting, but would all Prefects please meet outside the Great Hall for a brief mandatory meeting? Thank you." He stepped back down and some of the students started to get up and leave. The music came back on.
Harry watched as Cho rose to walk away. * 'Of course, I nearly forgot, she's a Prefect.'* She was closely followed by the two seventh years.
Lavender suddenly spoke up as a slow song started. "Hey Ron, come one, let's go dance a little!"
Ron's eyes widened. "I don't think - "
She frowned. "Come on, what are dances for?"
"But I - " Ron protested as Lavender got up, pulled him out of his seat, and dragged him off. Harry watched with some amusement.
Then Malfoy stood up. Meeting Harry's questioning gaze, he smiled.
"Are you surprised, Harry?"
Harry's eyes narrowed sharply.
"You shouldn't be. After all, my father is on the school committee, and all he did was tell his fellow workers about me . . ."
"You mean blackmail," Harry muttered.
Malfoy continued as if he didn't hear anything. " . . . and they unanimously agreed that I would make a good Prefect."
Harry smirked. "Sure, Malfoy."
Ignoring him, Malfoy walked around Aurora, placing one arm around her shoulders as he did so. Aurora didn't seem to react to this very much, but Harry's hands rolled into fists under the table.
* 'That sneaky . . .'*
Bending down to were Aurora's face was, Malfoy whispered into her ear (but loudly enough for Harry to hear), "I'll be right back, baby."
She smiled lightly.
Harry felt sick.
Then, for just a moment, Malfoy took off his mask and glared at Harry across the table. With a frown deeply etched into his face, he sent a clear message.
Hands off.
Harry glared back with the same intensity, sending another clear message.
We'll see.
Malfoy immediately put his sweet mask on again, smiling at Aurora. He let his arm slide across her shoulders as he slowly walked away, leaving Aurora and Harry alone.
Harry kept glaring at Malfoy's back, as if trying to burn a hole through it.
* 'He's acting just like the animal he is. Trying to mark his "territory".'*
"Jerk."
Harry turned to Aurora, stunned by what she said. It seemed she had been wearing a mask the whole time, too, because her face bore a disgusted frown as she, too, stared after him.
"Excuse me?" He asked, blinking.
"He's such a jerk."
He was relieved that she felt the same way. His worries slowly melted away. "You're telling me."
"I mean, he was acting so . . . possessive!" Her shoulders tightened a little.
Harry widened his eyes. "Exactly what I was thinking!"
"Is he really as bad as this?" She looked at him and for the first time Harry relaxed.
"You bet," he told her, "He's always like that. He even calls Muggle-born witches and wizards 'Mudbloods' behind their backs."
It suddenly struck him hard WHOM Malfoy called a Mudblood. Suddenly the conversation seemed completely wrong. Harry didn't feel good at all.
Aurora's eyes narrowed and her lips grew tighter. "Oh, really?"
"Yes," he said.
"Well, now that I know him, I wish I hadn't agreed to be his date in the first place!"
"It's not you're fault. You're new here."
"I guess," she said with a sigh, her head slightly bent.
There was something about her that made Harry feel comfortable. Now, he felt like he could tell her anything, and she wouldn't judge him.
The soft music was playing in the background, soothing the atmosphere.
Then, his thoughts came out of his mouth before he could stop them.
"Would you like to dance?" Suddenly, he bit his lip, scolding himself for saying that out loud. Her head lifted a little.
"I mean, um," he said as he stumbled for words, "If you want to, I mean, you don't have to, of course, I mean, um - "
"I'd love to."
Harry met her gaze, overjoyed and a little shocked. "Really?"
"Yes." She smiled at him, and he immediately saw that this one was different from the ones she had given Malfoy before. This one was real.
He beamed back. "Okay, then . . ."
They both got up at the same time, and walked around the table. Gulping slightly, he took her hand in his own and they went together to the dance floor. This time, neither flinched at the touch.
Finally reaching their destination, they both stopped simultaneously. Turning toward each other, Harry felt a little nervous about dancing. Suddenly it struck him that he didn't know how to dance.
* 'Oh, no, what was I thinking?' *
But Aurora's smile reassured him that it was okay. He smiled back. Hesitantly, he reached for her waist as her arms raised toward him. In what seemed like a VERY long time, her hands were placed between his shoulders and his neck and his hands rested around the curve of her waist. Harry's muscles were a little tense, but relaxed as they begun to sway back and forth to the music of a new song that had just begun.
It felt magical as Harry gazed into the depths of her beautiful eyes. They truly did look like sparkling jewels, and after a while it looked like an emerald green sea, white pools shining on the surface. She was slightly shorter than Harry was, so they kept their heads level as each studied the other's eyes. They were both silent until Aurora spoke.
"So, where do you live?"
"I live in Surrey."
"That's nearby, isn't it?"
"I guess you could say that."
This was proceeded by another pause. Harry took this time to listen to the song they were swaying to. A feminine voice was singing. ((Mariah Carey, "Never Forget You"))
I won't see your smile.
And I won't hear you
Laugh anymore.
Every night
I won't see you
Walk through that door . . .
He was struck by those words.
* 'Hermione . . .' *
Harry's happiness was suddenly shattered into a million pieces.
* 'What the hell am I doing? This is all wrong! I'm forgetting her! She's dead, and here I am dancing with a girl and having fun!' *
"Is there something wrong?"
He was pulled back into reality. Aurora was looking at him, curiosity and concern on her features.
"No," he said, though he could no longer muster a smile. "Why do you ask?"
"You just seem preoccupied, that's all."
"No, I'm fine."
Silence again. Harry wasn't watching Aurora anymore. For some unknown reason he felt as though he had to keep listening to the song.
No, I'll never forget you
I'll never let you out of my heart
You will always be here with me
I'll hold on to the memories baby
* 'But I AM forgetting her . . . no, I can't do that. I have to remember Hermione. She was an incredible friend, and how am I paying her back? By going to a dance and having fun after she's dead?' *
"Are you sure you're okay, Harry?"
"Of course."
They continued to dance, but Harry was listening to the lyrics.
Baby, can you hear me
Wherever you
May be tonight, oh
Are you near me
I need you to be by
My side . . .
No, I'll never forget you
I'll never let you out of my heart
You will always be here with me
I'll hold on to the memories baby
Yeah
Somewhere I know you'll be
With me
Someday in another time
But right now you're gone
You just vanished away
But I'll never leave
You behind . . .
"WHAT THE HELL'S GOING ON HERE?!"
Harry was snapped back into reality as Aurora jumped, startled by the booming voice. Harry spun around, as he himself was startled . . . and guilty.
"Malfoy - "
Draco Malfoy was fuming about four feet away. With fists clenched and eyes wide in fury, he glanced at each one of Harry and Aurora's faces. Harry was in shock, staring at Malfoy and not knowing what to do, say or think. Aurora, however, looked at Malfoy with. . . . Harry couldn't make out what she was thinking.
"Is there a problem, Draco?" She asked. Her voice was steady, but when Harry glanced at her he was shocked at the flame in her eyes.
Malfoy glared back at her with the same fire.
"Yes, there is, unless you think that dancing with someone other than me is acceptable!"
"Just /what/ exactly do you mean by that?" She spat at him. Harry kept looking at the two of them, startled by the intensity of their stares.
"I mean, if you didn't know already, that I am your date and not /him/!" He shot a look at Harry who instinctively glared back.
"So, you don't want me dancing with other guys?" She crossed her arms.
"Obviously!"
"Well, then, here's a little piece of information for you. I can do as I like."
"Excuse me?"
"You heard me."
"I did, but there's no way you just said that," he informed her.
"Then read my lips," she said as she bent forward, "I . . . Am . . . Not . . . Your . . . Property!"
"That means," Aurora continued when Malfoy didn't answer, "that you have no right telling me what I can and can't do like I belong to you. Besides . . ." She said with a pause as she straightened, " . . . you wouldn't like me. Not after I you know that I'm half . . . What do you call them, Draco? Mudblood?"
Draco's eyes drastically widened. He opened his mouth as if trying to talk, but closed it again.
"Well, then, I guess there isn't anything more to say. Good night Draco, Harry."
She walked briskly out of the room, seemingly having no regrets about what she just did.
Harry looked back at Malfoy and took in a silent gasp. If there was a flame in his eyes before, there was an inferno now. His face was completely twisted in rage. Not only had Harry danced with his date, but he told her about the 'Mudblood' thing too.
"Mark . . . my . . . words . . . Potter . . ." he slowly spat out, "You . . . will . . . pay . . . for . . . this!!"
Without another word, he walked past Harry, purposely pushing him aside as he bumped Harry's shoulder. Harry recoiled a little, but quickly straightened out and watched Malfoy exit the Great Hall in the same fashion as Aurora.
It was then that Harry noticed that most of the other students were staring and had been staring for a long time. Harry glanced around and sighed. After all, it wasn't anything new for him.
"Haaarrrryyyyy . . . "
The soft and stern voice made him stiffen in dread. He turned to see Cho, realizing that he had been watching the entire time. With her brows furrowed and her arms folded, she tapped her foot impatiently.
"Um, hi, Cho . . ." That was the only thing he could think of saying.
She tilted her head to the side, irritated. "I'm waiting . . ."
* Oh, boy - * He thought while fumbling in his mind for a reasonable excuse or explanation for what he had done.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
::: ***Don't ask about the David Beddingfield thing. I was just listening to his song and realized that those two lines fit perfectly in Chapter 13. And ONLY those two lines, mind you. So, there you have it. The dance. But, despite what you may think, this story isn't just a soap opera with friendship and betrayal and . . . oops, I forgot to add in the classic betrayed-girl to innocent-guy slap. Oh well.
And here's a little humor for those of you who are bored. Actually, when my friends read this part, most of them raised their eyebrows and said, "Ooookkkaaayyy . . .". Nothing to do with the story, just something I made up.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Harry was struck by those words.
* 'Hermione . . .' *
Harry's happiness was suddenly crushed into a million pieces.
* 'What the hell am I doing? This is all wrong! I'm forgetting her! She's dead, and here I am dancing with a girl and having fun!' *
Harry: *jumps away from Aurora* NO, I CAN'T DO THIS!! I LOVE HERMIONE! Wait a second . . .
Director: CUT! Harry, come on, that's not your line! It's Aurora's line! 'Is there something wrong?' And remember, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD, you're not supposed to declare whether or not you think of Hermione more than a friend! That's for the reader to decide!
Harry: I'm sorry! It's just so hard that way, I have to act neutral all the time.
Director: That's the beauty of this story! Conflicting emotions . . . friendship and betrayal . . . ahh, the troubles never cease!
Harry: Well, if you could just change the script a little so it's decided whether or not I love Hermione . . .
Director: Forget it Harry. ALL RIGHT, TAKE 73!
Aurora: I just can't take this anymore. HE keeps on SCREWING UP and I have to do this seventy-four times because of that?! I can't take this anymore! I'll be in my trailer!
Aurora stomps off, pushing a table on its side and sitting down behind it and out of view.
Ron: She's such an idiot. That isn't a trailer!
Aurora: I can still hear you, you jerk!
Director: All right, settle down. Someone get Aurora out of her . . . "trailer" so we can start from the top!
Lavender: Oooo, we get to do the whole scene again! Yay!
Ron: Get away from me!
Lavender: What the hell's up with you? Are you afraid of cooties?!
Ron: Noooo, if you haven't noticed I'm afraid of YOU!
Lavender: *lifting her nose into the air* You're the only one.
Ron: I doubt it.
Director: *interrupts* Someone go get Draco in here!
No one volunteers so the director gets up and walks off stage.
Harry: He's probably admiring at himself in a mirror.
A few seconds later, being heard from off stage . . .
Director: DRACO, GET IN HERE! WE'LL BUY YOU A PORTABLE MIRROR, JUST GET YOUR BUTT IN HERE NOW!!
Draco: All right, already, don't give yourself a heart attack!
Hermione: *Watching from a seat by the director's chair* This is all so amusing!
Ron: Oh, shut up. You're dead.
Hermione: Brilliant deduction, Ron. Did you come up with that ALL by yourself?
Ron: *mumbling* Thinks she knows every damn thing . . . Miss "I'd die if I got a 99" Smarty Pants . . .
Hermione: You're not very good at mumbling. I can hear you over here.
By the way, and I should have mentioned this earlier, I have a co-writer. She doesn't feel like she should get much credit, but come on, she gave me a lot of the ideas and helps me revise the chapters. In fact, the reason this chapter took so long was because both of us worked hard on revising it. A round of applause to the mysterious co-worker! *starts clapping loudly* *suddenly realizes she is the only one clapping* *slows claps to an eventual halt* Ahem, moving on . . .
You can skip the answers to reviews if you're bored . . . or is it the other way around? :::
[babybear]: Really? 0.0 Wow, I . . . I really don't know what to say! I know it's wrong to make someone cry and be happy about it, but I can't believe it was that moving! I did try my best . . . I think I was in a depressed mood at the time. So, I see you've joined the "I will kill random- chan if she does not bring Hermione back soon" club. That makes five members so far (counting a few of my friends at school)! ^-^ Staying on topic, she will come back but I still have some plans for her, Harry, Ron, and Aurora! Thanks for your complements and for reviewing, and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
[lady priestess]: You really love that couple, don't you? ^-^ Thanks for reviewing again!
[usha88]: I really have to say I always look forward to your reviews! I can't tell you how happy they make me. It was extremely encouraging to hear that you understood what I was saying. Need proof? Well, to tell the truth, I started jumping up and down and squealing in joy! Then my neighbors who live below actually came up, knocked on the door and asked me to keep it down . . . that was a little embarrassing XP . . . I can't wait to hear what you think of this chapter (and hopefully I'll be able to contain myself next time)!
[I'm A Dreamer]: *blinks* *blinks again* Well, when you said you would give a huge review, I didn't know you would write THAT much! @_@ *sighs* Okay, then . . . It's peculiar that there are grammar errors, I usually revise it twice and then give it to my co-writer to revise! Oh well. Yes, I know they aren't American, but I don't know what British people might say in those situations! Cut me some slack here, dreamer!! I'm glad you could see the improvements I made. I'll try to slow down, though. I see your point on that. And, you know that "Dude, she's hot" thing? Originally, I had put down "Do you know what the AMERICANS would say . . ." but then I realized that was stereotypical so I cut it out and replaced it with "people". You're not gonna tell me about the tear?! .\_/. Grrr! That's blackmail! Fine then. Here's your update, and now I want answers!
P.S. To all of you innocent readers who just happened to read the response above, my apologies for your confusion or curiosity. I'm guilty of hiding inside jokes! Just ignore the last part. *_*
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*(((IMPORTANT))) I've been having some trouble with marking thoughts, so from now on instead of doing the HTML tab things I'm doing * . . . *. I apologize for any confusion! *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Chapter 14: A Cauldron of Dreams and Nightmares
*~ "If I don't need you, then why am I crying on my bed?
"If I don't need you, then why does your name resound in my head?" ~*
- Daniel Bedingfield, "If You're Not The One"***
Harry walked into the Great Hall once again, but this time it was not for a meal, nor for a funeral. This time, it was 8:00 in the evening and everyone was dressed up in his or her best robes. It was the anticipated and exciting dance.
Harry paused for one moment to take in the surroundings. Loud music was blasting from one end of the room where a boy band was banging on their instruments and calling it "music". Harry flinched when the guy on the guitar struck a high note. Cho, who was standing by his side with her left arm locked in with Harry's, raised her free hand to her ear in an attempt to block out the deafening music.
Once Harry gotten used to the intense "music", he began to take in the rest of the room. There was a big dance floor directly in front of the band, followed by an arrangement of round tables. Each was covered by a white tablecloth and was surrounded by eight chairs with a small vase of beautiful flowers in the middle. Eight sets of silverware and plates occupied the perimeter of the tables, along with eight fancy menus. Harry found it slightly strange that there were menus, but he quickly brushed it off. He also noticed a small, bent card hovering above each plate. There seemed to be writing on them. As he squinted, he could read names.
Following the actions of all the other students, Harry and Cho walked toward the tables searching for their names. All the names were those of older students since the dance was not for newer kids. Of course, the cards magically knew who came with whom, so dates were arranged next to each other.
Harry finally found the cards that said Harry Potter and Cho Chang. He walked over with Cho and looked around the table.
Two of the students he did not know. They were seventh-years, which he could tell because of their towering height. However, he did not pay much attention to them, as the girl and boy seemed to be engaged in a deep discussion.
He breathed a small sigh of relief as he saw Ron. He looked very bored as he rested his head on an elbow as his date, Lavender, droned on and on about something he couldn't catch. He couldn't help smiling in amusement. Ron saw him, and smiled. Harry smiled back, and Ron glanced at Lavender and rolled his eyes. Harry nodded in understanding. Then Ron gave him another look that Harry didn't understand. Ron twitched his head toward his right. Harry turned toward where he was gesturing.
* 'Great.'*
Harry quietly scanned Aurora Withertopp, who was sitting next to Ron with her body turned toward her date. She was wearing navy blue robes. She had some makeup on, but her pale skin was still visible. She wore pink lipstick and a hint of light blue eyeshadow. Her hair spilled over her shoulders, which slightly shifted as she nodded to her date with a smile. Harry's eyes moved on to her date.
He froze.
* 'Oh, shit!'*
Her date wore green robes, had light skin and blonde hair that was slicked back.
He was none other than the despicable, sly, deceiving, annoying, dreadful, and arrogant snake by the name of Draco Malfoy.
Malfoy glanced over to where Harry and Cho were standing and stopped talking. With a smile, he turned toward them and looked them over.
"Harry, Cho, how nice it is to see you both!" Harry narrowed his eyes as Malfoy used his first name. His voice was falsely sweet. Obviously trying to impress Aurora.
Harry responded in a low voice that nearly dripped with bitterness, his eyes locked in with Malfoy's.
"I highly doubt it."
He felt pressure on his arm but chose to ignore it.
Malfoy did not lose his smile.
"Come now, Harry, there's no need to be bitter."
Harry glared at him, silently spitting his message out.
Never . . . call . . . me . . . Harry.
He couldn't tell if Malfoy got the message, since his smile did not falter.
"Won't you both sit down and join us?"
Harry answered with a smirk. "Unfortunately it seems we don't have a choice."
This time he got an elbow digging into his ribs. He winced and stared at Cho who was giving him a harsh look. She changed it to a smile as she turned her head toward Malfoy and Aurora.
"He means we'd love to."
She started to sit down in her seat and Harry followed suit, but he never took his eyes off Malfoy. Malfoy turned and continued to talk to Aurora.
"Harry!" The whisper came from Cho. For once, he took his eyes off Malfoy and he turned to face her.
"What do you think you're doing?" She asked with a deep frown.
Harry raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me you believe this bull?"
Her eyebrows furrowed. "Of course I don't, but can't you just be polite?"
"To him?" Harry's eyes shot to where Malfoy had begun entertaining Aurora again.
"Yes, to him!" Cho was really upset.
"Fine, fine!"
Cho relaxed and started to engage in a conversation with Lavender, leaving Ron and Harry to talk. Actually, what they wanted to talk about was not something they wanted to say loudly in front of anywhere else. Instead, just as before, they communicated with their gestures.
Ron glanced toward where Malfoy was and raised both of his eyebrows. Translation: Unbelievable!
Harry furrowed his eyebrows a little. Translation: Could you believe that crap?
Ron shook his head. Then, he shrugged. Translation: Nope. But what can you do?
Harry rolled his eyes. Translation: Guess we've just got to deal.
Ron nodded.
Before their silent conversation could continue, they were interrupted by the music being cut off. The silence was so immense Harry yearned for any noise. Turning their attention toward the stage, the students saw Dumbledore standing in the middle behind the magical microphone. It immediately grew to fit Dumbledore's height perfectly. Whispers arose at the peculiar sight of him.
At last, Dumbledore spoke. "Pardon me for interrupting, but would all Prefects please meet outside the Great Hall for a brief mandatory meeting? Thank you." He stepped back down and some of the students started to get up and leave. The music came back on.
Harry watched as Cho rose to walk away. * 'Of course, I nearly forgot, she's a Prefect.'* She was closely followed by the two seventh years.
Lavender suddenly spoke up as a slow song started. "Hey Ron, come one, let's go dance a little!"
Ron's eyes widened. "I don't think - "
She frowned. "Come on, what are dances for?"
"But I - " Ron protested as Lavender got up, pulled him out of his seat, and dragged him off. Harry watched with some amusement.
Then Malfoy stood up. Meeting Harry's questioning gaze, he smiled.
"Are you surprised, Harry?"
Harry's eyes narrowed sharply.
"You shouldn't be. After all, my father is on the school committee, and all he did was tell his fellow workers about me . . ."
"You mean blackmail," Harry muttered.
Malfoy continued as if he didn't hear anything. " . . . and they unanimously agreed that I would make a good Prefect."
Harry smirked. "Sure, Malfoy."
Ignoring him, Malfoy walked around Aurora, placing one arm around her shoulders as he did so. Aurora didn't seem to react to this very much, but Harry's hands rolled into fists under the table.
* 'That sneaky . . .'*
Bending down to were Aurora's face was, Malfoy whispered into her ear (but loudly enough for Harry to hear), "I'll be right back, baby."
She smiled lightly.
Harry felt sick.
Then, for just a moment, Malfoy took off his mask and glared at Harry across the table. With a frown deeply etched into his face, he sent a clear message.
Hands off.
Harry glared back with the same intensity, sending another clear message.
We'll see.
Malfoy immediately put his sweet mask on again, smiling at Aurora. He let his arm slide across her shoulders as he slowly walked away, leaving Aurora and Harry alone.
Harry kept glaring at Malfoy's back, as if trying to burn a hole through it.
* 'He's acting just like the animal he is. Trying to mark his "territory".'*
"Jerk."
Harry turned to Aurora, stunned by what she said. It seemed she had been wearing a mask the whole time, too, because her face bore a disgusted frown as she, too, stared after him.
"Excuse me?" He asked, blinking.
"He's such a jerk."
He was relieved that she felt the same way. His worries slowly melted away. "You're telling me."
"I mean, he was acting so . . . possessive!" Her shoulders tightened a little.
Harry widened his eyes. "Exactly what I was thinking!"
"Is he really as bad as this?" She looked at him and for the first time Harry relaxed.
"You bet," he told her, "He's always like that. He even calls Muggle-born witches and wizards 'Mudbloods' behind their backs."
It suddenly struck him hard WHOM Malfoy called a Mudblood. Suddenly the conversation seemed completely wrong. Harry didn't feel good at all.
Aurora's eyes narrowed and her lips grew tighter. "Oh, really?"
"Yes," he said.
"Well, now that I know him, I wish I hadn't agreed to be his date in the first place!"
"It's not you're fault. You're new here."
"I guess," she said with a sigh, her head slightly bent.
There was something about her that made Harry feel comfortable. Now, he felt like he could tell her anything, and she wouldn't judge him.
The soft music was playing in the background, soothing the atmosphere.
Then, his thoughts came out of his mouth before he could stop them.
"Would you like to dance?" Suddenly, he bit his lip, scolding himself for saying that out loud. Her head lifted a little.
"I mean, um," he said as he stumbled for words, "If you want to, I mean, you don't have to, of course, I mean, um - "
"I'd love to."
Harry met her gaze, overjoyed and a little shocked. "Really?"
"Yes." She smiled at him, and he immediately saw that this one was different from the ones she had given Malfoy before. This one was real.
He beamed back. "Okay, then . . ."
They both got up at the same time, and walked around the table. Gulping slightly, he took her hand in his own and they went together to the dance floor. This time, neither flinched at the touch.
Finally reaching their destination, they both stopped simultaneously. Turning toward each other, Harry felt a little nervous about dancing. Suddenly it struck him that he didn't know how to dance.
* 'Oh, no, what was I thinking?' *
But Aurora's smile reassured him that it was okay. He smiled back. Hesitantly, he reached for her waist as her arms raised toward him. In what seemed like a VERY long time, her hands were placed between his shoulders and his neck and his hands rested around the curve of her waist. Harry's muscles were a little tense, but relaxed as they begun to sway back and forth to the music of a new song that had just begun.
It felt magical as Harry gazed into the depths of her beautiful eyes. They truly did look like sparkling jewels, and after a while it looked like an emerald green sea, white pools shining on the surface. She was slightly shorter than Harry was, so they kept their heads level as each studied the other's eyes. They were both silent until Aurora spoke.
"So, where do you live?"
"I live in Surrey."
"That's nearby, isn't it?"
"I guess you could say that."
This was proceeded by another pause. Harry took this time to listen to the song they were swaying to. A feminine voice was singing. ((Mariah Carey, "Never Forget You"))
I won't see your smile.
And I won't hear you
Laugh anymore.
Every night
I won't see you
Walk through that door . . .
He was struck by those words.
* 'Hermione . . .' *
Harry's happiness was suddenly shattered into a million pieces.
* 'What the hell am I doing? This is all wrong! I'm forgetting her! She's dead, and here I am dancing with a girl and having fun!' *
"Is there something wrong?"
He was pulled back into reality. Aurora was looking at him, curiosity and concern on her features.
"No," he said, though he could no longer muster a smile. "Why do you ask?"
"You just seem preoccupied, that's all."
"No, I'm fine."
Silence again. Harry wasn't watching Aurora anymore. For some unknown reason he felt as though he had to keep listening to the song.
No, I'll never forget you
I'll never let you out of my heart
You will always be here with me
I'll hold on to the memories baby
* 'But I AM forgetting her . . . no, I can't do that. I have to remember Hermione. She was an incredible friend, and how am I paying her back? By going to a dance and having fun after she's dead?' *
"Are you sure you're okay, Harry?"
"Of course."
They continued to dance, but Harry was listening to the lyrics.
Baby, can you hear me
Wherever you
May be tonight, oh
Are you near me
I need you to be by
My side . . .
No, I'll never forget you
I'll never let you out of my heart
You will always be here with me
I'll hold on to the memories baby
Yeah
Somewhere I know you'll be
With me
Someday in another time
But right now you're gone
You just vanished away
But I'll never leave
You behind . . .
"WHAT THE HELL'S GOING ON HERE?!"
Harry was snapped back into reality as Aurora jumped, startled by the booming voice. Harry spun around, as he himself was startled . . . and guilty.
"Malfoy - "
Draco Malfoy was fuming about four feet away. With fists clenched and eyes wide in fury, he glanced at each one of Harry and Aurora's faces. Harry was in shock, staring at Malfoy and not knowing what to do, say or think. Aurora, however, looked at Malfoy with. . . . Harry couldn't make out what she was thinking.
"Is there a problem, Draco?" She asked. Her voice was steady, but when Harry glanced at her he was shocked at the flame in her eyes.
Malfoy glared back at her with the same fire.
"Yes, there is, unless you think that dancing with someone other than me is acceptable!"
"Just /what/ exactly do you mean by that?" She spat at him. Harry kept looking at the two of them, startled by the intensity of their stares.
"I mean, if you didn't know already, that I am your date and not /him/!" He shot a look at Harry who instinctively glared back.
"So, you don't want me dancing with other guys?" She crossed her arms.
"Obviously!"
"Well, then, here's a little piece of information for you. I can do as I like."
"Excuse me?"
"You heard me."
"I did, but there's no way you just said that," he informed her.
"Then read my lips," she said as she bent forward, "I . . . Am . . . Not . . . Your . . . Property!"
"That means," Aurora continued when Malfoy didn't answer, "that you have no right telling me what I can and can't do like I belong to you. Besides . . ." She said with a pause as she straightened, " . . . you wouldn't like me. Not after I you know that I'm half . . . What do you call them, Draco? Mudblood?"
Draco's eyes drastically widened. He opened his mouth as if trying to talk, but closed it again.
"Well, then, I guess there isn't anything more to say. Good night Draco, Harry."
She walked briskly out of the room, seemingly having no regrets about what she just did.
Harry looked back at Malfoy and took in a silent gasp. If there was a flame in his eyes before, there was an inferno now. His face was completely twisted in rage. Not only had Harry danced with his date, but he told her about the 'Mudblood' thing too.
"Mark . . . my . . . words . . . Potter . . ." he slowly spat out, "You . . . will . . . pay . . . for . . . this!!"
Without another word, he walked past Harry, purposely pushing him aside as he bumped Harry's shoulder. Harry recoiled a little, but quickly straightened out and watched Malfoy exit the Great Hall in the same fashion as Aurora.
It was then that Harry noticed that most of the other students were staring and had been staring for a long time. Harry glanced around and sighed. After all, it wasn't anything new for him.
"Haaarrrryyyyy . . . "
The soft and stern voice made him stiffen in dread. He turned to see Cho, realizing that he had been watching the entire time. With her brows furrowed and her arms folded, she tapped her foot impatiently.
"Um, hi, Cho . . ." That was the only thing he could think of saying.
She tilted her head to the side, irritated. "I'm waiting . . ."
* Oh, boy - * He thought while fumbling in his mind for a reasonable excuse or explanation for what he had done.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
::: ***Don't ask about the David Beddingfield thing. I was just listening to his song and realized that those two lines fit perfectly in Chapter 13. And ONLY those two lines, mind you. So, there you have it. The dance. But, despite what you may think, this story isn't just a soap opera with friendship and betrayal and . . . oops, I forgot to add in the classic betrayed-girl to innocent-guy slap. Oh well.
And here's a little humor for those of you who are bored. Actually, when my friends read this part, most of them raised their eyebrows and said, "Ooookkkaaayyy . . .". Nothing to do with the story, just something I made up.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Harry was struck by those words.
* 'Hermione . . .' *
Harry's happiness was suddenly crushed into a million pieces.
* 'What the hell am I doing? This is all wrong! I'm forgetting her! She's dead, and here I am dancing with a girl and having fun!' *
Harry: *jumps away from Aurora* NO, I CAN'T DO THIS!! I LOVE HERMIONE! Wait a second . . .
Director: CUT! Harry, come on, that's not your line! It's Aurora's line! 'Is there something wrong?' And remember, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD, you're not supposed to declare whether or not you think of Hermione more than a friend! That's for the reader to decide!
Harry: I'm sorry! It's just so hard that way, I have to act neutral all the time.
Director: That's the beauty of this story! Conflicting emotions . . . friendship and betrayal . . . ahh, the troubles never cease!
Harry: Well, if you could just change the script a little so it's decided whether or not I love Hermione . . .
Director: Forget it Harry. ALL RIGHT, TAKE 73!
Aurora: I just can't take this anymore. HE keeps on SCREWING UP and I have to do this seventy-four times because of that?! I can't take this anymore! I'll be in my trailer!
Aurora stomps off, pushing a table on its side and sitting down behind it and out of view.
Ron: She's such an idiot. That isn't a trailer!
Aurora: I can still hear you, you jerk!
Director: All right, settle down. Someone get Aurora out of her . . . "trailer" so we can start from the top!
Lavender: Oooo, we get to do the whole scene again! Yay!
Ron: Get away from me!
Lavender: What the hell's up with you? Are you afraid of cooties?!
Ron: Noooo, if you haven't noticed I'm afraid of YOU!
Lavender: *lifting her nose into the air* You're the only one.
Ron: I doubt it.
Director: *interrupts* Someone go get Draco in here!
No one volunteers so the director gets up and walks off stage.
Harry: He's probably admiring at himself in a mirror.
A few seconds later, being heard from off stage . . .
Director: DRACO, GET IN HERE! WE'LL BUY YOU A PORTABLE MIRROR, JUST GET YOUR BUTT IN HERE NOW!!
Draco: All right, already, don't give yourself a heart attack!
Hermione: *Watching from a seat by the director's chair* This is all so amusing!
Ron: Oh, shut up. You're dead.
Hermione: Brilliant deduction, Ron. Did you come up with that ALL by yourself?
Ron: *mumbling* Thinks she knows every damn thing . . . Miss "I'd die if I got a 99" Smarty Pants . . .
Hermione: You're not very good at mumbling. I can hear you over here.