Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of its inherent information. It belongs to J.K. Rowling.
Normal font is for narration.
Bold font is for Harry's Thoughts.
Italicized font is for flashbacks, letters, and emphasis.
From Chapter 5:
Harry soon felt that his day was a complete success as he accomplished something of everything. Harry using his meditative state in Occlumency quickly drifted to sleep as he certainly needed to be well rested for everything, everything that occurred the next day.
As the sun was just barely peeking through the blinds of Harry's window, the light cast through the window created a perfect implementation of chiaroscuro. The light and shadow seemed to represent the unnatural interplay of contrasting moods that would occur for the day. Harry woke up refreshed from his early bedtime and promptly decided to try to outline his important day. Harry soon wondered if he should try to impress Karen as it might affect the mood of the game. Today was going to be difficult to try and have a game as well as a date between the hours of chores and studying. However, Harry also expected that he could take the punishment as long as he had some fun for today. Quickly Harry went downstairs to eat an early breakfast so that he would have enough time in between the start of the match to allow for digestion. He cooked a light meal so as to prevent himself from retching later on in the day. A sudden thought hit Harry in the head as he totally forgot about replying to Ron's letter. Harry quickly rushed upstairs after finishing and washing his breakfast hoping to catch the anxious Pig before he left. Harry came just in time as Pig flew through the open window with his mouse, showing his midnight snack. Harry sat down to write his letter
Dear Ron,
I've enclosed nothing as you can see and wish you the best of luck to living inside the attic! I know that even not having one meal that's not a feast will basically kill you; therefore, I suggest that you reconcile with Ginny fast. That was a brilliant move you made to make her angry, so you better come up with something just as brilliant like giving her a gift. I'm sorry I'm not much of a help, but I do think that Hermione is good friends with Ginny and she can help you out. Also, do you plan on bickering with Hermione all this year again? I realize that I was very temperamental last year and so I'm sorry for that, but really your fights for over 5 years become boring really fast. Hopefully the next time I see you, you can tell me about that "important" thing and I can tell you about my brilliant summer! Well I have to go prepare for a date, so have fun mate!
Harry
If Ron has something important to tell me and he has to wait until I meet him, then I can let him wonder about what "date" I have. I hope he doesn't think that it's anything like it was with Cho. Karen's a really good friend even if I haven't known her for long. She wasn't too nice to Dudley and that puts anyone in my good graces. Now I have some time left before the game and I guess I can study a few spells, but also what was with Dudley coming after me anyways? I still can't believe that he apologized! Having Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon actually stay out of my way isn't as surprising as I initially thought, but Dudley apologizing to me, whom he has tortured and bullied since I started to live here? Whatever he's trying to do, I won't let him ruin my first ever real summer.
Harry soon pulled out his An Auror's Compendium of Standard Spells so that he could learn the incantation and wand movement for at least one spell before the game. It was a good thing that Harry was learning a spell a day because soon enough he would be able to do magic and could go through more than one spell a day. In a week, Harry could probably perfect all the spells that he had learned so far and by his birthday. Harry ran across the spell to put a person in a bewitched sleep. Thinking back to his fourth year again, Harry found that this could be useful in dealing with captives as it could be time-spelled as well as woken up with a counter curse. The spell read:
The Bewitched Sleep Spell:
Incantation – Sopor Infinite (SoPoor – InFiNeeTay) or (sopor – infinEtA)
Wand Movement – Rotate in a circle counterclockwise as if winding up a certain time and point at desired being. The incantation should be said as you rotate as slow or fast depending on the time of the spell.
Purpose – This spell is used mainly for dealing with posttraumatic victims or bystanders as this will effectively render them unconscious. Thus they will be able to recover physically and mentally from an experience. However, if used randomly, it will successfully work; however, it can be blocked simply due to the length of the spell.
As Harry practiced this spell and added this to his memory, Harry drifted to his thoughts about security for the day. A seemingly random topic became an important one as Harry realized that in his moments of fun, the fact that Harry actually left his wand at home during his football matches and training was stupefying. One of the most important rules of being an Auror of keeping your wand with you at all time was missed by Harry. Extremely irritated with himself, Harry tried to find ways to hide his wand at least nearby. Harry had seen multiple players on the team arrive at the pitch with football bags that held their ball, clothes, and refreshments. Harry wasn't quite used to the breaks as in Quidditch, there was hardly any need for breaks, but Harry adjusted soon enough. However, back to the topic of security, Harry also wondered whether or not he should bring it on the date with Karen. As Harry thought about putting it in his pockets, he accidentally started blushing as he thought of comments that Karen would make. By ultimately "showing" Karen that he was glad to see her, this was embarrassing for Harry as he found himself corrupted by the hormonal brains of his roommates in Gryffindor Tower. Harry was usually spared of any kind of immaturity, but soon realized that if he didn't deal with this now, he would become extremely naïve and embarrassed far more than within the confines of his bedroom. Thus Harry figured that because he was almost about to turn 16; therefore, almost legally an adult, he should at least be as knowledgeable as an adult in these "social" tendencies. Harry soon came up with a brilliant idea of bringing a gift for Karen while having his wand hidden in the bag that he was carrying with him. The problem was however what to get Karen on such a short notice as well as whether it was socially proper as it was their "first" date. Harry wasn't Karen's best friend, but he knew that she liked certain things that he could buy. Thus Harry was sure that he could get some money from his relatives for his chores and would be able to buy some gift in the time between the date and the game. Thus Harry finishing his plans for the day quickly left the house for the game.
Harry was only the second person to arrive at the pitch as Alec usually arrived earlier to survey the weather and other conditions that might affect the game. Alec told Harry that today's conditions were perfect for the game as the sun would not be high enough to have a hot and sweltering game. Also, Alec informed Harry that today's game would be extremely fun as they would be playing their most favorite team of the simple team name of Flash. As more people arrived from the other team as well as Surrey United, it seemed that a lot more people were coming. This seemed to make Harry nervous as he rarely ever played in front of other people as Oliver and Karen usually practiced with them. Also, there were an unusually large amount of girls accompanying the guys on the other team as they were almost even in number. Then it hit Harry that this would be a fun and exciting game because there was a fan base for team Flash and that both girls and boys could possibly be playing. This made Harry wonder at why Karen and Olivia wouldn't play against the last team that Surrey United played. The obvious answer was that the bullies would most likely crush the girls, but Olivia was taller than Harry, but Harry still played, thus Harry drew a blank.
Harry was about to ask Alec for a reason, when he spotted an abnormally tall black boy with a younger brother and sister walking next to him. Amazed at the coincidence, Harry gave Alec an excuse to leave and ran over.
"Hey DEAN!" yelled Harry towards the boy who he caught sight of.
"Hey Harry, HARRY?!" yelled Dean back surprised at seeing Harry as Harry ran toward him. Dean then asked, "What in the blazes are you doing here?"
"I live close to hear and they asked me for a pick-up game of football and now I understand why you like West Ham so much!" replied Harry.
"Cool, Harry cool! Hey meet my younger brother and sister! ALEXIS! DANIEL! Come over here! I want you to meet one of my mates from school!" yelled Dean.
As the younger siblings came over, it seemed as if Harry would be playing Dean's younger brother who was only one year younger than him, while the sister was younger by a larger age gap. Daniel seemed almost as tall as Dean, which was a good height, especially as it would help him with the headers. As Dean started to introduce Harry to his family, it seemed like a crowd was forming, thus eventually the players on both teams started to form around Harry and Dean.
"Hey Harry, who's your friend?" asked Ian and Keith as they were anxious to see how this would play in with today's game.
"Oh, well this is Dean Thomas and he's in my year for school," said Harry.
"OH! So you go to Hawthorne's Children to be Home schooled!" yelled out one of the members of Dean's team.
As the members of Surrey United heard this, they all cast Harry quizzical looks especially Karen, who almost had a frown on her face. This was a thing that was never discussed before and they were wondering what Harry would say.
Luckily Dean and his siblings saved the day as Daniel chimed in, "Yeah, Harry's really famous at Dean's school. He lives in the same dorm with Dean!"
Dean also supplied to the conversation with, "Even though Harry and I aren't especially close, there's only five people in our dorm because the people who can't afford to be home schooled go here. Many two-parent families have to work like ours because we have a lot of kids, so schooling usually is either to a boarding school, which causes less havoc for them or a public school where it costs less."
Alexis also played with the charade as she said, "it gives scholarships as Dean is really good at Art" while she pulled out a picture and showed it to the team.
Thus with a somewhat detailed explanation, the teams were satisfied perhaps with the exception of Karen who gave both Dean and Harry quizzical looks as she finally noticed the picture that Alexis was holding. It was a drawing of a Hungarian Horntail, which looked surprisingly real, but Karen noticed that the detail could not have been drawn unless one had actually seen a dragon. Karen found that no one else had noticed as they most likely took preliminary art classes while she was in advanced art. She didn't say anything however and played along with everyone else's satisfied explanation between Harry and Dean.
"So Harry, it looks like it's going to be you against my little brother, if you're anything like you are on the normal pitch, then hopefully we won't lose too badly. Do you catch my drift?" said Dean to Harry.
Slightly chuckling, Harry replied, "Well this sport's a lot more team effort than a one person wins it all by swallowing the ball and coughing it back up so I hope it'll be a good game. I better head back; tell your brother good luck!"
Harry thus moving away joined his team on the bench to go over some last minute talk about what would occur. No one questioned anything about the friendship between Dean and Harry as Terrence and Ben also knew people from the other team. Olivia and Karen would be starting as Ian and Keith wanted to scope the other team's fans for some cracking girls. They would most likely join in as substitutions or come in to start in the second half. It seemed as if the other team would be playing with the same number of boys and girls, but for some odd reason, Harry felt a tiny bit nervous about playing against girls as well as along with Karen and Olivia. They were excellent players for sure, but Harry was still hung up on the deal with Dean as it took him by surprise, but he realized that it was nothing to be afraid of. Thereafter, Harry had a cheery disposition about him and remembered his goal of trying to impress Karen. With that in mind the team Surrey United took the pitch and the game began.
The game started off at a leisurely pace as both teams were friendly towards each other. The long passes from keeper to keeper kept amusing the players to no end as the ball would go from one end of the pitch to the next as the heads kept rotating from one side to the other. Finally by accident, Terrence scored with his next goalie pass as the goalie on the Flash was trying to accomplish a bicycle kick. Thoroughly embarrassed but also slightly disappointed he shook himself up and the game truly began. It turned out that there was a girl on the Flash that was better than Alec at certain things and was tearing holes through team Surrey's defenses. However, this girl seemed to also be playing extremely rough, although nothing illegal. Thus, Harry figured out the answer to the question of girls playing against their last team. It was just a matter of choice and if Karen and Olivia sat out then they could, but if they wanted to play they could be just as formidable as this girl that Harry was watching. Shaking himself back into action, Harry quickly stole the ball and passed it up to Karen, giving her a wink to hopefully show that he wasn't as shy or quiet as he might seem to be. Karen returned a wide smile as she passed it up to Alec who gave a give and go to Ben. Ben evaded one of the defenders and a second lucky shot hit the upper right corner post and bounced in. It seemed as if team Surrey United was about the same as the Flash except that Alec had pressured the accuracy and quickness of shooting, thus allowing the team to score two quick goals.
As the first half ended, Keith and Ian came back over with a few phone numbers and they smiled winningly towards the whole team. As Karen and Olivia were glaring at their antics, the rest of the boys on the team were asking for an account of what happened as they laughed at their ways of "chatting up" girls. Harry finally decided that with a 2-0 lead he could start trying to show off to Karen. Harry although nervous about this at first, finally grew some confidence towards his ability. Harry usually wouldn't portray himself as an attention seeking boy, in fact, he hated attention, but he knew that certain confidence was helpful. However, his confidence might have helped him in a duel or a Quidditch game, but in a football game, it just was a hopeless failure. Harry tried another one of those wink and pass moves, but ended up missing the ball, thoroughly embarrassing himself as it was stolen by a girl on the other team. Harry tried even harder after that and started to play out of position. By playing out of position, Harry successfully left a hole in the midfield and thus team Flash made good use of the mismatch. The girl who was on Alec's level sped through the defense of team United and with a nice move, she passed the defense and gave it to Daniel to score. Harry was quite beside himself at his failed attempts and walked over to Alec to confess his idiocy. As Harry told Alec about his plan, Karen also came over and overheard what they were saying but they both simply smiled and shrugged it off telling Harry that as long as he tried his hardest it would be alright. After that, the game went on smoothly as Harry calmed himself of his emotions and became an integral part of the game again. Towards the end of the game, the Flash tried their hardest to send the game into overtime or penalty kicks; however, Harry gave a wonderful cross that led to Alec's scoring a third goal to enlarge the lead to two goals. After this display of skill, the Flash still had fun as did team Surrey as they played out the final minutes happily. The game ended with the same score and each person on the team personally congratulated each other. Dean soon walked over to Harry and drew him aside.
"Good match Harry. I told you that your team would win with you on it," said Dean cheerfully.
"Cor, do you really think so? Your brother scored a nice goal. So I guess I should see you at Hogwarts then," said Harry as he whispered the last word.
"Wait, Harry. There's something you need to know about friends who aren't like us. It's plain and good for the summer, but they start to get suspicious after a while. If it wasn't for my siblings acting superbly, I'm sure I wouldn't be here watching and cheering for the Flash. One of the most difficult things that you'll have to tell them is that at your boarding school, it's hard to write. I imagine that you're starting to be really good friends with them as a football team around the same age range creates good friendship. If you find a way that you can communicate with them, then please tell me because it would help a lot. Don't lie to them and that's probably the best advice I can give you. Well enjoy your summer, and see you on the train!" said Dean.
"Thanks for the advice, bye!" replied Harry.
Harry soon said goodbye to his teammates and thought about what Dean had said. It was fine and good that Harry was actually living a normal life with pretty good friends, but it all came back to magic and non-magic. Harry knew that his friends would find it awkward to be visited by owls in the middle of the night or the day just to receive a letter. Harry then thought of Hermione and that she must communicate with her parents or anyone that she knows back at her home. Thus Harry told himself that he should write Hermione tonight after the date to quell any suspicions about writing letters to muggles. Harry truly appreciated the friendship and company that his friends had for him as he often thought of the quote "ignorance is bliss" and it was for him. However, Harry was often torn between being angry at not receiving any of the information from Dumbledore, but he was also glad that he could be protected and could be let to live a life. As Dumbledore backed off since the office tantrum a few weeks ago, Harry used it to his advantage to take every freedom possible. As Harry felt satisfied with what he deemed his life to be content or happy, he arrived at his house in time to do chores and ask about some money to buy a gift for Karen. However, the only person home at the time was Dudley and after the previous night's episode Harry was wary of any interaction with Dudley. However, Harry figured that he could endure anything for Karen, in a sense, as he was in Gryffindor for a reason. Therefore, Harry walked up and knocked on Dudley's door.
"Who is it?" asked Dudley.
"It's me, Harry" as Dudley opened his door to reveal a computer monitor flashing as if in the middle of a game.
Dudley was confused as Harry rarely ever addressed him and thus replied a little coldly "What do you want?"
"I need some normal money, notes and pounds and I'll do anything like organize your room or something to pay for it back," replied Harry a little ticked off from Dudley's arrogant tones, but knew that he should expect this.
"What do you need our normal money for? Don't you have money? I'm not sure you have anything that I would like nor do you have anything to give," said Dudley, amazingly not sounding dumb or angry.
Harry was amazed at the pressure that Dudley was applying making Harry truly work for a deal and realized that Dudley was different in some way. Harry just didn't know in what way.
"Fine, if you wash my car every three days, come and clean my room this week, and let's say bring me to one of those matches that you go to once a week and I will let you have 50 pounds. That is a lot of money, but I don't expect you to realize that." Dudley said to the dumb look on Harry's face. Dudley reached into his desk drawer and retrieved some notes and gave them to Harry. "And if you're wondering, what's on my computer, it's not a game." After that remark, Dudley closed the door leaving Harry with his outstretched hand in shock, holding 50 pounds.
Harry was realizing that he was acting just as dumb as Dudley was in the past with all the stupid looks on his face and vowed never to be surprised again. It certainly was interesting however, at why Dudley would somehow lend Harry this money. 50 pounds was a lot of money and Harry could by various things for this. Not letting this moment pass up, Harry quickly put the money away in the loose floorboard and went to shower. As he finished showering, he picked up the The Journal of the Marauder's Journeys to read while he was making lunch and eating. Harry soon found that this was formed a couple of months into his father's third year as they had been forming a group and pranking the school for two years. The name Marauders came from a teacher giving them detention for maraudering around the school and thus the name stuck. Harry flipped to a random page and began reading, hoping to find some information about his parents.
January 23, 1976
Yes! I am the greatest of them all! I have just become an ANIMAGUS!You twit! You only beat me by three minutes! THREE MINUTES! Besides, I'm the good looking one and dogs are ALWAYS more popular than stags. I for one am just happy that I will have ample company once a month. You guys! What about me! I still haven't changed yet! I know that I'm supposed to be a rat, but it's hard to figure out how to act like one. Well come on Peter, think, you're going to have to be cunning, quick to get away, kind of like a coward. Don't be so mean padfoot! Ever since we've gotten our animals you've been teasing Wormtail like crazy! A rat is not always a bad thing, it just has a bad reputation. James, I never realized you could be so deep. What's wrong with you? I think that Evans has been rubbing off on me. I should go hex some Slytherins. Those gits! I can't believe my brother calls me the traitor; he's the one that's going to end up dead before he's twenty! Prongs, I though that since you liked Lily Evans, you weren't going to piss her off anymore. She doesn't like it when you unjustly hex Slytherins! Moony! You don't understand. It isn't unjust, like for example my journey yesterday to Honeydukes. I was just minding my own business sneaking in and out to get some sweets and some of them were even for you and Lily! All of a sudden I see these that git Snape along with some other Slytherins cornering some muggle-born students coming out of a Muggle Studies class. They were all so helpless! They were all being insulted and just as those pricks were about to cast something, I knew I had to act! Therefore, I just cast a really strong shield charm that my dad taught me and all the spells rebounded. The reason why I was caught was because I forgot to clear my wand and they did prior incantato on my wand and it spread to Lily. If only she would see me as for myself, then I would just go and die happy. sniff I didn't think Prongs was such a softie. What happened to THE James Potter, Captain of Gryffindor Quidditch team, Chaser extraordinaire, and one of the most eligible and arrogant prats of Hogwarts? Lay off Prongs you guys. He has a good heart. Who cares if he's crazy over some girl. It's just some hexes and Slytherins. Peter, Peter, Peter I think it's time for one of those social lessons again! Alright, I think that's it for today's journal. We'll write in it later this week.
MWPP
Harry was surprised at the close friendship between the Marauders as even Wormtail wasn't as bad as he was at that age. Harry began to understand why Sirius would be such good friends with my dad even if he did hex people. Harry began to think that his mum should have found out more, but probably couldn't because of the code of the Marauders. It was one thing to like a girl a lot, but Harry thought that until his dad admitted that he loved Lily Evans, then the Marauders would have to go first. Thus Harry was impressed by the loyalty and bravery of being a Marauder and hoped that he could be one just as good as well.
It was time for Harry to go out and get ready for the date; therefore, Harry put on a nice pair of slacks as well as a designer tee-shirt that was comfortable yet classy. Harry hoped that if he looked nice then it would make up for his earlier failed performance on the football pitch. Harry even attempted to flatten his hair, which was a futile endeavor in itself. Harry soon found himself looking acceptable and took out the 50 pounds to go find a shop. Harry walked around the neighborhood to try and reach business district that was a short walk away from Privet Drive. It was less of a big business district as it was filled with small shops that were good for accessories. Harry who knew nothing about dating as his previous experience was just horrible thought that to use his 50 pounds the best that he might go and buy something expensive. Harry felt that Karen was worth the 50 pounds a million fold and wouldn't blink an eye about wasting that much either. Thus Harry although having a high opinion of Karen almost seemed like he set her up on a pedestal as such a good friend even though he only knew her for a short amount of time. There's no real way to gauge the time to fall in love, but Harry found the idea of "true love" worth it and therefore went into a small jewelry store.
The store was decorated magnificently as the colors of silver, platinum, gold, and white gold lined the room as those were the main choices for most of the material made in there. As the left side was mainly extremely expensive jewelry for engagement or anniversaries and such, Harry stayed to the right side to admire the simple bracelet, necklace, and other accessories. Harry realized that although Karen did play soccer, she was a deeper person and thus felt that buying jewelry was okay. Harry found a charm bracelet that could fit several charms, which Harry felt was a good overall gift as it could suit various different things. There was a whole shelf of charms to choose from as Harry tried to pick out the best ones that would fit her. Harry looked at the price and figured that he could afford four of the charms plus the bracelet. Harry found the obvious charm of a football and then tried to remember all the information that he knew. He knew that Karen wanted to be a pediatrician when she grew up and thus found a nice looking doctor's stethoscope. Harry also remembered that she was interested in the art that Dean drew of a dragon and sure enough, there was a dragon albeit a weird looking one that in no way looked like a real dragon as Harry had first-hand experience. Finding a fourth and final charm was going to be difficult as that was perhaps all that Harry could find that could be represented physically. If this was any indication that Harry was going overboard due to his lack of knowledge he didn't know or see it as he just kept searching for a fourth and final. Harry found that Karen was very outgoing and energetic and thought that the charm that had the sun was a brilliant image of cheerfulness that would radiate from her smile. Thus Harry felt good about himself buying this present. Harry soon found that he had enough time to reach the field. Harry arrived just on time as he saw Karen waiting for him. Harry discreetly moved his wand from his pocket into the bag that held Karen's present. As Karen noticed Harry carrying a bag, she asked if she could hold it or see what was in it. Harry said that she could know what was in it only if they took a walk first. As they approached a corner between the residential area and the central business district they suddenly saw a big explosion and smoke come into the sky.
Karen and Harry rushed towards the scene to find one house destroyed as well as one business destroyed. Harry saw fleeting black robes and heard the spell of "Morsmordre" shoot a skull and snake into the sky. The fire was spreading to other houses and businesses and Harry wondered whether he should try putting out the fire or something else. However, as Harry gripped the bag tightly as if to make a decision, he was suddenly pulled by Karen into a small diner as they sat down watching through the window.
"Harry, can you tell me what's going on?" asked Karen.
"What do you mean? We have to go help out there! Why did you pull me in here?" asked Harry finally as he sped through the words trying to see if there were any survivors.
"I'm all about saving people, but Harry what can you do? I think that there's something we need to talk about on this "date" Harry, and you better be entirely truthful as from what happened this part of town might all just be ruined." Karen said solemnly.
Harry was completely dumbfounded by the serious usually jovial attitude of Karen as she looked into his eyes and pleaded with him to not go out there and try to put out the fire. As Harry noticed that there was no wind and the fire was slowly dying out as there was nowhere to go, he relented in looking back at Karen.
"Harry, I want to tell you right off the bat, that I'm not really attracted to you," said Karen slowly looking Harry in the eyes.
Harry was again astonished as he just kept looking at her then his bag then back at her. Harry wondered why did she ask me on a date and keep smiling at me if she wasn't attracted to me. What did I do wrong again, Harry thought thinking back to his experience with Cho Chang.
"Why do you keep looking at your bag? Can you show me finally what you have in there?" asked Karen.
"Alright, here this was for you, but since you said that you're not attracted to me I might as well leave as this isn't really a date," replied Harry a little coldly and spitefully as he was completely put off by Karen's statement.
"Now see here, Harry, you're a good friend and you shouldn't have bought this for me, but please at least let me explain. It has nothing to do with you per se, but you just need to listen," pleaded Karen as she looked at Harry and he relented as he was attracted to her.
"I need to explain some things and ask a few questions that you need to also explain before I will let you go." Karen stated as she was relieved that Harry stayed.
"I asked you out on this date because you seemed a little bit distant from everyone that I've ever met who came to play football with us. It's not a bad thing that you were different, just that you'd seem so mysterious, yet I really couldn't find fault in your character. I knew that there was something special about you and I needed to find out what, even thought the other people on the rest of the team could hardly care less." Karen said with finality hoping that Harry would understand.
Harry seemed even more put off as he was kind of angry by the fact that he was yet again special in some way and his day was practically ruined. He couldn't help the people in the burning building, while he also couldn't have even a regular date.
"Part of this thing is my fault as I probably gave you signs that encouraged you to the point of thinking that I liked you. I guess you don't know a lot about girls or dating so I'm willing to give you some pointers even after this day. I know that you are sort of attracted to me, as I must say I am very beautiful, but you have to realize that you aren't my type. You're a really decent guy, honest, brave, and sentimental, but I seem to go for even more reclusive guys than you. Can I see what you bought for me?" asked Karen.
Harry handed her the box with the charm bracelet and while Karen opened the box, her eyes widened.
"Harry, Harry, Harry, I guess you really don't know a single thing about going on a date. I know you tried your hardest and like I said earlier, you're very sentimental, but you made several mistakes. First of all, you don't know me very well as I can see based on the charms on the bracelet. The kind of guys I am attracted to are the hidden talent people who are not popular, athletic, or extremely brilliant. I know that there is something special about you that make you seem larger than life, but we can get to that in a second. We need to correct this major dating mistake. You didn't know enough about my dreams, hopes, and my life in general to give me something as personal as a bracelet. A bracelet is something that you can wear and keep close to you, something that people will look at, and although it doesn't matter what people think, it has to matter to the person. I'm not saying it's a bad gift, although it is a bit on the expensive side, but gets to know the person first. I'm also willing to repay this date and your gift by giving you lessons in dating. To me, it seems like you're attracted to a lot of different people and I have a feeling that it runs in your family. Therefore, I will teach you in the ways of women as men are basically completely hopeless to dealing with women. Now onto how you are special: tell me if I'm right, you are special." Karen lectured, keeping Harry awake due to his realization that she was completely correct.
"I am special and now that I think about it, I probably shouldn't have accepted your date anyways," replied Harry somewhat solemnly remembering the finality of what the prophecy said.
"Even if you are fated to die, which I hope is not the case, you can still be allowed to date. I think you're hoping for this perfect girl or woman, in this case similar to your mum as they probably were pictured as the "perfect" couple. The thing is, there's nothing wrong with dating because as you can see we "dated" and we didn't automatically get married. Another thing that kind of didn't attract me was that you were kind of naïve and immature, although I don't mean as in talking about immature things. The attitude such as trying to impress me on the football pitch wasn't too appealing. I didn't hold it against you, but you need to have more confidence in yourself. I know that you are special as you told me, but you have to learn to take things at your own control. To be confident is to be in control of the situation, and if you can have that then you can do anything. I hope that our friendship isn't ruined by this in anyway and I am truly sincere on the fact that you're a really decent guy. I hope you won't be put off by the fact that I can teach all you need to know about women, except that you can't have me," said Karen as she laughed along with Harry's weak chuckle.
Harry smiled weakly and replied, "It's fine with me because I really do need the lessons. My dates haven't been going very well and I do realize now the importance of me trying to focus on whatever I need to accomplish. There's time for fun, games, and girls, but I do have certain things I need to focus on. I must thank you that you snapped me back into reality as I was lulled into summer fun."
Thus the "date" ended and a more fun filled hanging out occurred afterwards. Harry got past his initial awkward crush phase as he was sort of attracted to Karen, but they were strictly friends from this point on and it suited Harry better. To face Voldemort, Harry needed all sorts of help and the more friends the better. Thus Harry's worry filled day became worry free as he didn't have to deal with teenage troubles as soon with Karen's help, he could mature and become a man who could truly deal with Voldemort.
Author's Notes:
I've been having computer problems and on Saturday it froze. Thereafter, the CPU would run as well as the monitor, except that they couldn't read each other. Therefore, I was in a dilemma about writing this chapter and when it could be posted. So, I hope it's not too late for my deadline (which was supposedly updates every Saturday, Monday, and Thursday). Anyways, thanks for reading!
EbonyFirePhoenix: Thanks for reviewing on my last chapter! You'll find out soon what Dudley is up to. I hope I can flesh out a few of the minor characters in time for… well you'll just have to wait and read. )
captuniv: I'm glad you liked this chapter! Ron's letter was actually a spur of the moment thing and I'm glad it turned out well. In this chapter, I hope you found out certain things that were occurring behind Harry's summer fun. Thanks for reviewing again! )
Confusion Queen: Thanks for the reassurance of the description of the football game! I hope that the day was eventful enough although certain things will be lengthened when I get an editor. I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well! )
Hopefully if my computer starts to work again, then expect a chapter up on Monday! Thanks for reading and reviewing. Please Review some more D.