A/N: Hey everyone! Thanks for sticking with me! I'm so sorry about the delay on the 2 previous chapters. I had them typed up for like 3 weeks before I actually managed a way to add them. This is going to be a long chapter. I wanna get school started for them soon, so this will be the longest chapter by far.
I am glad to say that now I have a great Beta reader! So now this story will make more sense, and everything! So thanks Jenalla! She has some interesting stories of her own in the works, one "Consequences of Being Wrong", and under another name, "Burning Roses." They're good stories!
I know these last chapters are kind of boring, they are more like fuller chapters, but I hope that by the end of February they'll be at Hogwarts and there'll be more of a plot going on! But on with the chapter!
And I know that Laurali seems as a "Mary Sue" type of character, but I hope that in the near future she won't be one any longer and become her own character! Now own with the story! And don't forget to review!
*~~~Chapter 12: Room 3 and Laur's Kind Words of Wisdom~~~*
Laurali walked with Harry upstairs to her room. Harry wandered over to the soft sofa near the fireplace and put his feet up lazily.
"I never realized that was there," Laur thought while sitting on the floor near him. "Harry, I am so sorry..."
"Don't be," he responded. "It's just that I found out all of this information only a week ago, and with last June, I've just been kind of… out of it."
"It's completely understandable. I know that I can't relate to you problems exactly, well, in fact, my biggest worries for awhile has only been school, but I do know this: the more you let Voldemort bother you, the less happy you will be. Don't let it become your life."
"But that's just it!" Harry yelled, stamping his feet firmly on the ground. "It is my life! This is my destiny! To either kill Voldemort, or be killed by him! He's always been there, and he always will be! He killed my parents; took away my normalcy and childhood in the blink of an eye! And you know what? I'm beginning to think that I'm not going to win this, and that I'm going to let the entire world down. This is...it's just too much responsibility for me! Sometimes, I wish that I had never come to Hogwarts, never found out that I was a wizard, that I could go back to my other life; before when I was just Harry Potter, that scary kid in the neighborhood everyone either stayed away from or picked on."
"Harry. I understand that he's always been a problem, and perhaps always will be. But you can't let him get to you like this. Right now, you're letting him get the best of you, and for that, he may as well have won. By being all stressed and pissed off, and even regretting everything that you have ever done- that's letting him win." As she was talking, she moved her position and ended up sitting on the couch next to Harry.
"Don't let him win. Don't let him kill your friends. Don't let him kill you. Right now, worry about you. Don't worry about the entire world, when I bet that at least half of it doesn't even know about Voldemort. I didn't until today. Worry about the people you know, Harry. Worry about the people you care about.
"And when that final battle comes, play as dirty as you have to, because in the end, you can always take a shower." She said all of her little speech very seriously until the end, when she had a confused but playful look on her face.
"Hmm... 'play as dirty as you have to, because in the end, you can always take a shower'? What is that all about?" Harry said with a small smile.
"I don't know. It sort of just came out. Do you like it?" Laurali asked with a grin.
"Well it made me smile, didn't it?" he said.
"Yeah, I guess it did."
"Thanks Laur."
"Any time. I just love giving crazy advice to people that I just met. It's no biggie." *another grin* "But seriously, don't let him win. Don't let him live your life. Live life the way you want to, not the way he wants you to."
"You're a great friend Laur. And you know what would make you an even better friend?"
"What's that?"
"Some chocolate."
Laurali laughed and remarked, "I live off chocolate. 'Course I got some." standing, she walked over to her backpack and pulled out a huge bag filled with various wrapped sweets.
"Now what would you like? I've got Snickers, Nut Rageous, milk chocolate, Cookies n' Cream, Hershey kisses, and just in case I didn't want chocolate, some Starbursts and Shock Tarts."
"I've never tried half of those sweets!" Harry said excitedly, "but I've got to try some of those Shock Tarts. Dumbledore mentioned them to me."
"Bien sûr, monsieur," She said, tossing him a package
.
"These are great!" he exclaimed after trying one. Laurali just laughed and grabbed a Snickers.
Meanwhile…
"So, now 'bout them Cannons?" Ron asked Hermione in an attempt to start a conversation.
"Hmmm…" Hermione said, not to eager to start a conversation about something she has minimal interest in. "What do you think of Laurali?"
"Well I guess she's alright. She doesn't like Quidditch though, but then again, neither do you, and I still love you all the same." He paused, and then said, "but it's weird how she didn't know about You-know-who and had never heard of Harry. What have they have been teaching at the school of hers?
And what's with Harry? He usually tells us everything! Suddenly, he can't tell his best friends anything but has no problem sharing secrets with a complete stranger?! He's just met her and I bet he's telling her all of his secrets right now! Secrets that we don't even know!" he finished angrily, ears red with fury.
"Ron, I know its odd and everything, but you need to calm down. Maybe he wanted to tell us but couldn't find the right time, until she asked," Hermione paused and although Ron's ears were still red, he had started to calm down. "At least we know everything now. There shouldn't be any more secrets about him that we don't know."
"Well at least about him and You-know-who," Ron said. "Merlin knows what other kinds of things he doesn't see fit to tell us..."
"I just hope that he defeats V-Voldemort, and not the other way around," Hermione said sadly, a shudder passing through her body at the thought of Harry dying.
"You said His name!" Ron said, surprised.
"I know. But Dumbledore's right. By avoiding saying his name is just showing him how much fear he's instilled in our lives."
"Well I guess you're right. But I wouldn't count on me saying it anytime soon."
"Take your time. So, I've been wondering...who's going to be the new prefects from Gryffindor? And what about the new Defense professor?" Hermione asked, changing the subject.
"Well we all know that you'll be a prefect," Ron said, and Hermione blushed, but Ron ignored it and continued. "And I hope we have a good Defense professor this year. We need one more now than ever before, with...You-know-who on the rise. Let's just hope it's not someone like Lockhart. What a useless teacher he was."
"Ron, I don't think that's fair."
"Face it. Lockhart, besides being a complete git, could only talk about his books and his 'accomplishments'," Ron said, using his fingers to emphasize "accomplishments".
"I think that a professor like Remus wouldn't be unbearable," Hermione said.
"I second that. Speaking of Remus, have you heard from him or Snuffles recently?"
"No, I haven't. I bet they're really busy doing stuff for Dumbledore and...the Order." She whispered the last part while looking around to make sure no one was listening.
"Yeah, probably. Hey! What time is it? My mom wanted us back by 7 for dinner," Ron said, looking around for a clock.
"It's about 6," Hermione said, glancing at her watch.
"Okay. How much longer do you think Harry and Laurali are going to be? You don't think they're doing anything, do you?" Ron asked, raising his red eyebrows up and down while saying "anything."
"Ron! Harry isn't like that! But we should leave soon. Go ask Tom for Laurali's room number and we can go upstairs and get them," Hermione said.
"Okay, back in a second," Ron said, heading over to the front desk. "She has
room 3."
"Okay, let's go."
"You know Harry, I never did ask you. How old are you? I mean, I know you're a 5th year, but I don't actually know how old you are," Laurali said while reaching for her glass of water.
"I am officially 15 years and 1 day old," Harry said with a smirk.
"Hmm, 15 years and 1 day?" Laurali asked, putting emphasis on the end of her question.
"Yep."
"You do know you sound like a child when you say it like that, right?"
"Yeah, but I don't care."
"Right." Laur laughed lightly, and then added, "I'm 15 too, but I don't feel like figuring out how many days."
"When's your birthday?"
"July 14. Same as Bastille Day." Harry had a confused look so she added, "The French's Independence Day."
"Oh, okay. Well happy belated birthday."
"Thanks, and you too! Why don't we get out of here and go celebrate or something? I'm bored."
"So I'm boring?"
"Do you want me to answer that?" Laur asked with a laugh, but catching his glare, she added, "Nah, you're not boring. This place is boring. Let's go get Hermione and Ron and go do something fun!"
"Alright," he said with a shrug, turning for the door. Laur got up after him and grabbed her purse.
"Hey Laur?" Harry asked quietly, several feet in front of the door.
"Uh huh?" she said.
"Thanks. For everything." Then, surprising them both, he wrapped her in a quick hug. Laureli, overcoming the shock, returned the hug and before pulling away completely, she kissed him lightly on the cheek. Not exactly something you do with people you've just met, but it seemed appropriate for the time.
"Anytime Harry," Laur said, blushing, and Harry smiled before opening the door. Standing before them were Ron and Hermione, Ron's fist about three inches from Harry's nose.
"Oh, hey guys. We were just about to come downstairs," Laur said from behind Harry.
"Hi," Ron said quickly, before turning to Harry. "Harry, would you mind if we talked downstairs for a second?"
"Well, what about the girls?" Harry asked.
"Oh, they'll be fine, won't you?" Ron asked, continuing on before they actually had a chance to speak. "See? Everything's fine. Now come on." He grabbed Harry and practically dragged him down the stairs, had it not been for Harry's quick feet.
"We'll be back shortly. You girls have fun," Ron said to the girls over his shoulder before turning the corner. Laurali watched Harry be dragged off, and just before he too rounded the corner, he shot her an apologetic look. She smiled at him and waved slightly, before turning to Hermione and saying,
"So..."
"So Harry, what happened upstairs? You seem so…cheery," Ron asked Harry once they were away from the stairs.
"Nothing Ron. We talked, ate some muggle sweets, I gave her a hug and she kissed me-"
"Man Harry, sounds like you were busy," Ron said with a smirk.
"Naw, it's not like that. I hugged her because of everything she'd said to me, and she just kissed me on the cheek."
"Aww, how sweet," Ron replied, his voice sounding more like Hermione's than his own.
"Yeah, whatever. I don't know mate. She's different than the other girls we know," Harry said somewhat dreamily. "I mean, she's intelligent, for one thing. Hermione's smart too and all, but Laur, she knows all about life. And she's pretty, and funny, and sweet, and nice, and did I mention that she was pretty?"
"Yeah, you did mate. And it sounds like you've got a…crush (currush)," Ron said with a sly grin.
"Ron…" Harry started, but was cut off by Ron who was singing:
Laurali and Harry,
Sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G.
First, comes love…
Ron never got to finish his "song" because Harry started to chase Ron, shouting: "Ron you little…"
Meanwhile…
"So… how 'bout them Yankees?" Laur asked Hermione in an attempt to start a conversation. To
her surprise, Hermione giggled. Laur raised a questioning eyebrow.
"What?" She asked.
"Oh, its nothing really. Well, actually, *giggle* Ron said something just like that earlier."
"Oh," Laur said slowly, then laughed and said, "but I'm sure it was about his favorite Quidditch team or something like that."
"Actually it was. It was about 'them cannons'." Both girls laughed appreciatively. "I went over his house last summer, and you wouldn't believe his bedroom!" Hermione said laughing. " It was completely orange, with posters of the Chudley Cannons."
Laur just chuckled. "My brother's room is the same way. Him and his snowboarding," she said while shaking her head.
"I guess boys will be boys," Hermione said.
"Yeah, that's true. No matter where you, who you're with."
"Right you are." She girls shared another laugh, and then laughter died down to silence, where neither one knew what to say. Laur decided to break the silence.
"Hermione, may I ask you a question?" she asked somewhat timidly.
"Of course."
"Have you ever thought of Ron or Harry as your boyfriend?" she asked, her cheeks tinged pink with embarassment.
"No…well yes actually," Hermione admitted. " But I realized that we were better off as friends. It would be awful if our friendship was ruined because of a bad relationship."
"Yeah, I agree. But I must admit, I'm happy you don't like like either of them."
"And why is that? Does someone have a crush? (currush)," Hermione asked jokingly. Laurali just blushed even more and nodded her up and down.
"Really!" Hermione squealed. " Lemme guess! Harry."
"Bien sûr, mademoiselle. Je ne connais pas Ron, mais je connais Harry. Je l'aime!"
"Oh that's so cute!" Hermione exclaimed.
"You understood what I said? Even though I said it in French?" Laurali asked disbelievingly.
"Yeah, I did. I speak French as well. You said, *clears throat* 'of course miss. I don't know Ron, but I know Harry. I like him.' So you do?"
"Yep," Laur said honestly. "Why? Am I not supposed to?" she asked, and then quickly said, "Zut alors! I'm so stupid! I didn't even stop to think that he could have a girlfriend!"
"Laurali! Harry is single, well at least as far as I know. It's all right for you to like him," Hermione said, hoping to calm the crazed girl.
"Phew," Laur sighed, pretending to wipe sweat off of her forehead. " So does he like anyone?"
"I know that he did like this girl Cho for awhile, but with everything that happened last year, I don't know anymore," Hermione, and Laureli detected a sorrow note in her tone.
"What happened last year?"
"Well it's a long story, and I don't know all of the details. I think that Harry and Dumbledore are the only ones that really do."
"Oh, okay," Laureli said, recognizing that Hermione really didn't want to talk about it. Looking at her watch, she realized they were late for their meeting up with the boys.
"This is fun and all Hermione, but I'm sure Ron is finished talking to Harry about whatever it was that was so terrbily urgent."
"Alright then, I'll walk downstairs with you."
They walked down the stairs together, and when they reached the bottom, they stopped and stared at the scene in front of them. Harry and Ron were running around like children, Harry screaming something to Ron and Ron was appearantly…singing. Laurali and Hermione just stood there on the steps just watching in amusement. It was a moment later when Ron looked up and stopped running immediately. Harry, not noticing ran right into Ron and started to give him a noogie. Ron just swatted Harry's hand away from his head and pointed to the girls.
"Err, hi," Harry said with as much pride as he could muster, which wasn't much at the moment.
"Now, can little Harry and Ron not behave while the big girls are away?" Laurali teased, speaking as though she were talking to some misbehaving two year olds.
Hermione just laughed and in between giggles said, "Ron, I think that we should get back to the Burrow, its already 10 after 7."
"Shit! Were late!" Ron swore after glancing at the grandfather clock in the room. "Ahh, well."
"Err right." Harry said sadly. "It was nice meeting you Laurali Richardson," he said while extending his hand to Laurali. Taking the offered hand, she said, "And you Harry James Potter."
Before she could react, Harry pulled her in for another hug. He could see Hermione smile behind him, and Laur could see Ron smirk. Stepping away from the embrace, she turned to Ron, and said, "Good to meet ya Ron." She gave him her hand, and he did the same.
Turning to Hermione, she said, "I know we'll get along. I had fun." She gave Hermione a hug and whispered. "And we know that we won't be going after the same guys." Stepping away from each other, Hermione said, "That's for sure." And both girls laughed.
"Bye Laur," Ron said, as he started to lead the group to the fireplace. He stepped into the fireplace and shouted, "The burrow!" while throwing the powder in.
Hermione left in the same manner as Ron, but gave a wave and both brunettes laughed. Now it was only Harry and Laurali left. While turning to the fireplace, he said, "Send me an owl if you come to London before September 1st. Perhaps we could hang out."
"Definitely. Bye Harry," Laurali said while nodding her head.
"Bye," he said and soon vanished.
Now, alone again, Laurali ordered a hot chocolate from Tom. Even though it was the middle of summer and extremely hot out, she still wanted one. They always made her feel better. So she took her hot chocolate and went to her room to read more of Ella Enchanted.
Laurali was leaving the next day at noon, so she had to finish all of her shopping early the next morning. She had to get a few new books and some new robes. The rest of the stuff she could purchase back in the states.
"Ronald Jonathon Weasley! What have you been doing? You were supposed to be back at 7 pm! Or have you forgotten that we have a celebration planned!" Mrs. Weasley said, rather loudly, to a red faced Ron.
"Celebration?" Ron thought aloud.
"Yes! Harry's birthday?" Mrs. Weasley said, annoyed that her son was so forgetful.
"Oh, Mrs. Weasley, really, it's okay. You don't need to do anything for me," Harry said.
"Harry, shhh, it's okay. I, we, want to do this. You're as important to me and Arthur as any of our own children," Mrs. Weasley said, her voice taking on a motherly tone. At this comment, Harry blushed. So he was like a son to the Weasley's; it was like he belonged there. Harry didn't know what to think of all of this.
Mrs. Weasley saw Harry's face and smiled. Making Ron, Harry and Hermione jump, she said, "Well, what do you think you're doing? Go wash your hands upstairs and come back downstairs for a celebration!"
Excitedly, all three teens raced upstairs to the bathroom. Mrs. Weasley just shook her head and mumbled, "kids these days" and went into her living room to make sure everything was ready.
A few minutes later…
Harry, Hermione and Ron entered the living room for the "celebration". Hermione gasped in surprise. What they saw was the entire Weasley family, lots of decorations, many bearing the words "Happy Birthday!" written all over them, and a nice, big, 4 layer cake on the center of the living room table.
Noticing the new arrivals, Fred elbowed George in the ribs, and pointed to the trio and immediately said "Happy Birthday Harry!" Sparks came from their wands, and someone lit a firework.
Bill, Charlie, Percy, Arthur, Molly, and Ginny all then said "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
Jumping off from the stairs, Harry rushed forward to give them all a hug and handshake. Then he went to his cake. His very own cake, the first one he'd ever had to celebrate with other people. As if on cue, the candles on the cake lit up, and some one started to sing.
"Happy Birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday dear Harry,
Happy birthday to you!"
Harry happily blew out the candles, but they lit up again. With a frown, he blew them out again, but once again, they lit up.
Laughing, Fred and George stepped forward and said, "Sorry Harry, couldn't resist mate."
Joining their laughter, Harry chuckled as well and blew them out again, just to see them light up again. Mrs. Weasley stepped forward, swished her wand around the cake, and said, "Try it again Harry. Be sure to make a wish!"
Smiling, Harry did just as he told. The candles finally blew out, and everyone clapped. Not to his surprise, Ron shouted "Now let's eat!"
"Here Harry dear, since it's your birthday, you get the honors," Mrs. Weasley said, handing him a knife.
"You mean, cut the cake?" Harry asked, not quite sure what she meant by 'honors'.
"Of course! It's tradition!" Arthur said, stepping forward.
"Alright then," Harry said, and then he cut the cake.
That night, everyone ate plenty of cake, talked, laughed, and even danced to the twins' radio.
AN: I know! It's long! I'm hoping for the next chapter to be up by the end of the weekend. But you'll have to wait and see. NOW REVIEW!
