disclaimer: i own nothing.
thanks to all who reviewed!! i cannot express my thanks enough!! you guys make me so happy to know you all actually read it and like it! thanks a million!
chap.twelve reviewers:
bad to da bone: once again, another great review. yes yes, i know, the characters do get aggrivating when they dont see whats in front of their eyes. do you just want to throw something at them? haha, maybe cookies is a good idea..i'll check into that..thanks so much for reviewing! but alas, my problems still havent improved, but they will soon, i hope..but until then keep reviewing and make me happy!! haha, keep up the reviews!!
beautyandbrainz: my huge thanks to you and your friend for providing me with some of the best reviews i have recieved!! grins thanks, nobody has ever wished for my writing abilities before...thanks for an awesome review!!
gurlsboy: well, im glad you like the story. but where did i say i can relate to boyfriends looking at other girls?? im sorry if i offended you, didnt mean to at all...and i know not all boys are the same, dont get me wrong. i love boys, lol, but i dont remember saying anything like that..
rachael: i want them together as much as you do, but i thought i'd make you all sweat it out...hehe..thanks for the review!
artemisgirl: i know, too arogant sometimes..thanks for the review!!
destroyerDRT: thanks, and yes, Ron is thick as ever...poor thing..
jedipirateelfydude: yes, i know. maybe i should give my computer midol or something..lol...anyways, i thought i would switch POV's to let the readers know things they may have missed with the other character. besides its proven useful in the chapters ahead..you'll see...thanks for the review, keep them comming!!
oh, and im glad you liked the joke on ron, i thought it would have been hilarous to witness, but no one else seems to like it..glad you did!!
twinkle25: lol, yeah, alexa is kinda like a younger cho, never thought of it that way, hah, you just inspired me for a new chapter idea...well, glad you liked the story, and for once, someone doesnt want the two to make up soon, everyone else is waiting for the chapter where they make up with each other!
Grace: thanks!
gldnsunsprite21: thanks
kay#4orlandoandhplvr: yes, i do have a crappy computer, at times. Actually, most of the time its really good, but when i try to post my chappies or get on the internet, all these things suddenly happen and some dont relate to AOL. sometimes i just get frustrated with it and want to kick it...but i must remind myself i have a story to write and i cannot sabatosh my computer..
but anyways, thanks for the reviews, and if you hate Alexa now, you'll hate her more than ever later on in the chapters...no more said here..
ghzowy: yes, i know. i like to keep you all thinking bout what's gonna happen next. im evil, i know..im sorry...:(
chapter eleven reviewers that were not acknowledged in last chappie: ((sorry guys, my computer is funny!!))
drazill: thanks
Luna G: thanks so much!! im really glad you like the story! im trying my best to update, but i have tons other things i have to do before i go back to school, and its all starting to catch up on me. and the fact im also trying to think of things to write about in the next chappies....but im sure something will come to mind. i just want this to be a fic everyone likes and reads! which leaves me thinking some of the things i write isnt always good enough..hehe..but anyways, sorry about the errors, sometimes when im writing, i know i should fix tons of things i messed up on, but i really dont feel like going back to correct it. im lazy when it comes to typing..but i too wish JK had someone like Hermione for Harry in the series to date, but she doesnt...but i do entertain myself reading other fics with H/Hr to make that up..Im glad my story is addictive! hopefully others think so too, i really have worked on it. i just hope you all like it! well, enough gabbering, i must go. thanks for the awesome review!!
aja liebe: thanks!!
lil devil: thanks!!
artemis girl: yes i know, dont you just wish he could reject her in front of hermione and then express his un-dying love for her? well, not really, but close enough...lol, thanks for the review!
and now for the next chap...
chapter thirteen.....A close up of Uranus
Harry sank into his usual seat in Potion's class at the back of the room. All week he had been dreading this class, and finally it was upon him. Bending down, he began to get his things out of his bag and set them on the desk. As he did so, Ron began to complain next to him.
"Where the bloody hell did this come from?"he asked, pointing to a hole at the bottom of his cauldron. Harry looked over at it. There was a hole about the size of a galleon, rusted through at the very bottom.
"How am I suppose to work with something like this? My potions will leak right through!" he said, looking at his dishievled cauldron with a helpless look on his face.
"Maybe you should ask Snape to borrow one-"suggested Seamus, from the next table, who had heard Ron complaining and turned to see what the problem was.
Harry snorted. Snape would love to take points from Gryffindor for Ron not being prepared for class.
"Er, maybe he won't notice.."said Ron, who was trying to patch the hole with some spellotape.
"Or you could just-" started Harry but he was interrupted by someone from behind.
"Talking in class, Potter? I won't accept it. Five points from Gryffindor. " he said, going to stand next to Ron. "And bringig damaged supplies to class Weasley? You know they will do you no good. Twenty points from Gryffindor. You will spend this class writing an essay on this potion and what it is used for to be handed in tomorrow. You and Potter should know how things are done in here, after all, you have been here for six years. But Potter has a problem with remembering things now doesnt he? Nothing seems to sink into that thick skull of his,"sneered Snape, looking at Harry with his usual loathing look. Then he turned to Ron. "You are to have a new cauldron by next Wednesday, Weasley. If not, I shall give you detention." He continued to walk to the front of the class.
"Lousy git," muttered Ron.
Harry heaved a sigh. In only one week he had successfully had a girl pratically ask him out, have one of his best friends hate his guts, lost five points for Gryffindor and be succesfully insulted. Well, if I keep on like this, I'll be on a roll, Harry thought bitterly.
He looked over at Hermione who was sitting two desks across from him. Her face was pointing at Snape, taking notes on something he was saying. Harry continued to look at her and noticed the way her hair fell over her shoulder as she wrote and the way she would wrinkle her forehead before writing something down. She was so-
"Potter! Pay attention! I will not have you daydreaming in my class! Another five points!"
Way to go you moron, another five points...he thought.
Snape put the instructions on the board and told them to get to work. They set off at once. Harry avoided looking anywhere else besides his potion and the board, where the instructions were written. He wasn't going to give Snape another reason to take away points from Gryffindor.
"I can't believe them.." said Ron.
Harry paused and looked to where he was looking. Malfoy and his usual gang of Slytherins were across the dungeon, some trying to smother their laughing, others not bothering to. It took Harry a minute to see what was making them laugh. Malfoy was taking turns to look a Crabbe, his head on his hands and eyes out of focus. He would pretend to drool and put a look of adoration on his face, still looking at Crabbe. Crabbe would then batt his eyelashes and pretend to blush and wave his hand at Malfoy.
"Ohh, stop, you're embarrassing me!" Crabbe giggled in a fake and girly voice.
"But I can't stop! You are by far the most beautiful Mudblood I have ever seen! You have the most lovely bushy brown hair that blocks my view and such a temper! You drive me crazy!!! Do marry me!"
Crabbe pretended to faint.
The Slytherins roared with laughter. Snape pretended not to notice, but Harry could have sworn he saw a smile beginning on his face.
Harry was burning with hatred. His hands shook and his knuckles turned white as he sat fumming at the desk. Ron noticed this and tried to stop him.
"Ignore it, mate. He just wants you to get all worked up so Snape can take away more points. Don't fall for it, " said Ron.
Harry listened, but it took most of his will power not to go over and punce Malfoy into the next millineum.
Harry continued to work on his potion while Ron searched his potion's book for a fact to write in his essay.
"I can't believe he is making me do this. I mean, it wasn't like it was my fault, I didn't put the hole there,"said Ron furiously. "Mum was going to buy me a new one in Diagon Alley but she had to get Ginny's books. I thought mine would be okay for a while..."he trailed off and became very red around the ears. Harry also grew silent. He felt bad Ron's family didn't have enough money, it had always made him feel awkard. Not wanting Ron to dwell on the fact his family didn't have much money, Harry changed the subject. He thought around for something to say.
"So, do you still want to go with me tomorrow to the pitch and have a go on the Firebolt?" asked Harry. Quidditch hadn't meant to pop into his mind like that, but whatever kept Ron occupied was fine with him.
Ron grinned. "What, and ruin your date with Alexa?"
"What?" asked Harry, completly lost. Then he remembered. "Oh! yeah, I forgot..."
"Mate, she asked you this morning, how could you forget so fast? I know if a girl like that asked me I wouldnt forget in a hurry..."
"It just slipped my mind...wait, did you call it a 'date'?" asked Harry.
"Yeah, Harry, you got a date. An actual date. Bit surprised are you? Dont worry, I was too," said Ron in mock sarcasm.
"Ron, it is not a date. She asked for a couple tips, thats all. Hardly a date.."
"Do I have to repeat it all again? I thought I made it clear at breakfast, but I suppose not.." said Ron.
"I just don't see how-" Harry began.
Ron threw his hands up in frustration. "For someone who vanquished Voldemort, you sure aren't too bright.."
Harry shook his head and turned back to his cauldron, which was now bubbling over from lack of attention from Harry. Silently cursing himself, Harry set out to correct his mistake.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
After the bell rang, Harry and Ron made their way to their first Astronomy lesson, along with the Hufflepuffs. When they entered the Astronomy tower, Ron looked surprised to see Proffessor Vonnel written in shiny golden letters on a small block of wood sitting on the teacher's desk."I forgot she was teaching..wonder what she's like,"he said.
"Guess we'll find out soon, wont' we?" replied Harry.
Not sure whether this was a teacher they would be getting along with or not, Harry and Ron headed towards the back of the class. Once they had taken their seats, they pulled out their books and charts, ready to begin.
When the bell rang, however, several students looked around for the Proffessor. After looking closely around the tower, Dean spoke up.
"Where is she? She should be here by now, bell's already rang..."
"And thank you Mr. Thomas for pointing that out to me. Sometimes I forget myself and have to recollect. Noting like a cup of tea to make my head come back down to earth!"
She smiled warmly at Dean as she entered the classroom, holding a steaming cup of tea in one hand. She had soft brown hair that was tied into an simple bun at the back of her head and bright green eyes lined with dark eyelashes, which completed her soft features. Her curvy figure fit the robes she wore, and in one hand she carried a satchel. She was quite pretty.
"Good morning class! As you all know Im Proffessor Vonnel, and I will be teaching Astronomy this year." she looked around at the class as she set her mug of tea on the desk and threw her satchel on the floor next to her. Then she walked around to the front of her desk and instead of standing up like other teachers did, she plopped herself down on the top of her desk, smiling at them.
Harry was slightly taken aback. Their last teacher, Proffessor Geott was quite strict and never would have allowed even Proffessor Vonnel to sit on a desk like that. Several students were looking at her with the same expression Harry wore, and others like Ron were starring at her with their mouths hanging open. Lavendar saw this and slapped Ron on the arm, which caused him to break his gaze at Miss. Vonnell. Harry grinned. Apparently Lavendar wasn't ready to take a back seat in Ron's attention status.
"So, instead of setting you all off to work right away and making you all work hard on the first day of school, I decided to let you have a break. For one, I don't believe in homework on the first day. And two, I dont think you like homework on the first day. Am I right?" she asked, looking around. A slight smile crept on her face as she stared around at them. There was no doubt in her mind that they couldnt' agree with her more.
"Ok then, today we will be learning more about the stars. I know you have all been doing this since your first year, but we will just be observing the stars and planets this week. Nothing drastic. So, if you would all be so kind to come over here, I will move these desks out of our way." And with that, Miss. Vonnel took out her wand and swept it around the classroom. All the desks vanished.
"Now, I know usually you sit class and take notes from your teacher or perhaps he reads from a book, but today I thought we would get a close up look of the stars," and with another wave of her wand, the classroom was shot into darkness. Someone screamed, which was followed by a quick "shut up!" and then there was silence.
Then Proffessor Vonnel spoke.
"Now, I would advise you close your eyes.."
"Why would we have to-" asked Ron.
But a moment later it was obvious why Proffessor Vonnel had advised they closed their eyes. There was a blinding light and then total darkness. Harry, who had not bothered to shut his eyes, had to blink away the stars that were forming in front of him. But they wouldn't go away. For a second, Harry thought he was going insane. He looked at Ron to see if he too could see the stars and found Ron standing very close to one, reaching out to touch it. This confirmed Harry's question. He wasnt the only one crazy, Ron was too.
Several "oooh's! and ahhh's!" could be heard around the room as the students opened their eyes. Several, like Ron, tried to touch them. Others just looked amazed.
"Now, as you can see, you are standing in a type of model of the universe,"continued Proffessor Vonnel, as though nothing had changed. "If you'll look over here, you will see Saturn, come closer and I shall point out it's moon's.."
Harry looked around to see Pluto floating near his head. He jumped back and ran into Parvati, who squeled.
"Ouch! Why dont you-" she said furiously, turning around. Then she saw who had run into her. She giggled. "Oh, sorry Harry. I didnt know it was you..." she said, giving him a huge smile before walking away.
"Er.., right, sorry.." Harry muttered. What was up with everyone today? First Alexa and now Parvati...
Shaking his head, he walked over to join the rest of the class who was crowded around Proffessor Vonnel who was now explaining Saturn's moons and their distance from the sun.
After the bell rang and the class was walking out the classroom, Harry and Ron began discussing their new teacher. Or rather, Ron was discussing their new teacher.
"Well, I must admit, I didnt think she would be like that. I mean, she is, well, not bad looking, not in the least, but she's really laid back, like she know's what she's doing...and not to mention, that was a pretty cool lesson. I got to see Mars up close, and thats not the only thing I saw, when Lavendar leaned over to get her bag, I got up close and personal with her Uranus...not that Im complaining.."he added evily.
The two boys laughed as they made their way down the staircases. As they walked down the corridor, Harry heard a very unpleasant and familar voice coming from the hallway, followed closely by several laughs. Harry had a vauge idea of what was going on...
"Five points Potter for starring at something so gruesome such as this filthy mudblood!" said Malfoy, imitating Snape.
Several laughs, all coming from the Slytherins, followed his comment.
Harry bawled his hands into fists. Ron grabbed his shoulder and gave him a look before realising him and walking around the corner. Harry followed him. The laughs stopped at once upon the arrival of Harry and Ron. Instead, they were replaced with evil smirks. Malfoy turned to see what had caused the change in his audience.
"Speak of the Devil!! Look who it is!! Potty and the Weasel have come to join us!! Where's your mudblood, Potter?" he sneered at Harry.
Harry stepped forward only to have Ron grab his shoulder once again.
"Don't do it Harry! It's what he wants! He wants you to lose your badge, dont fall for it!" he muttered, hand still on Harry's shoulder.
"Giving out directions now Weasel? What, are you Potter's secretary now? Maybe now you can afford to buy yourself a new cauldron, god knows your parents can't.." said Malfoy.
Now it was Harry's turn to hold Ron back. Grabbing ahold of the back of Ron's robes, Harry looked at Malfoy with the coldest look he could muster.
"And Im sure you are just wallowing in the gold arent you Malfoy? With your father in jail and your mother headed there, life is just peachy for you isnt it?"
Malfoy glared at him. He didnt give Harry a chance to think before he whipped out his wand and pointed it at him.
"TARRAU-"
"PROTEGO!!" shouted Harry, who had released Ron and threw his hands inside his pockets for his wand.
"Ten points Malfoy for trying to attack the Head Boy and insulting fellow students. Better not happen again," panted Harry. He hadn't thought Malfoy would use his wand, he was only to grateful he was quick enough to react.
Pushing himself off the ground, Malfoy faced Harry and walked up to him so that their faced were inches apart."Think your big dont you Potter? You just wait, I'll get you.." And with that he set off down the hall, Crabbe and Goyle behind him. Slowly, the other Slytherins broke apart, leaving Harry and Ron alone.
Harry bent down to retrieve his fallen books he had thrown aside in his attempt to disarm Malfoy.
"You know he was waiting for a chance to get you mate, ignore it," said Ron, bending down to help Harry.
Harry didnt say anything. He was too busy worrying about what Malfoy had said...Is that what everyone thinks, that I like Hermione? He stood to look at Ron.
"Do you think-" but then Harry stopped. Why would I ask Ron if I liked Hermione? How would he know? What is he suppose to do, open my head and tell me? Besides, I need to work out my feelings before I go ask someone else's outlook on things...
Ron looked at him questionably.
"I..er..nothing. Lets go to lunch," said Harry, gathering his books and setting off down the now deserted hall. Ron shook his head and followed suit.
well, there was a nice long chapter to make up for the short ones lately! hope you enjoyed it, although nothing happend much. dont worry to all my readers who are anxious for harry and hermione to get back together, they will soon. just hang in there! dont forget to review!!
Ashton