Harry's PoV
Stupid, stupid, stupid! I hate this stupid scar! I rubbed it as I lay in my bed. What day was it? Oh, Saturday. Tomorrow was Halloween and then next week there was that ball. Damn, I still have to ask Rhia to the ball. No doubt someone's already asked her though. Damn! Stupid Scar! I felt like ripping it out. It was throbbing so much. Why was it throbbing? I hadn't had a dream or anything last night. I tried to block out the pain and instead there was a feeling of happiness that was developing in me. Voldemort was happy. This wasn't good. Why was he happy? The stupid Occlumency was working. It's times like this where you think maybe it was better if I just let Voldemort into my dreams. At least then we'd know what he was up to. Apparently though, there's already a few spies in his forces. I had a suspicion that one of them was Jenny Lupin but then there was that question...why would Jenny do that?
I reached for my glasses and put them on. The ceiling came into focus and I pushed myself up into a sitting position. I shook my head and rubbed my scar. I hated this scar. Some people may think it's the greatest thing ever but it's a curse. All the burden in the world on my shoulders. Kill or be killed. Urgh! Stupid prophecies, stupid scars stupid dark Lords! How am I supposed to kill Voldemort? He's so much more powerful then me. I took a deep breath to calm myself down. Voldemort, he's taken so much away from me, Remus, April, my freedom. I just thank god every day that he hasn't taken any of my family. I'd hate to feel all the pain that Rhia, Orion and the twins must be going through. I've tried my best to help them but I just don't know what to do.
I slid off my bed and touched the cold stone floor with my feet. Too cold! I got my wand and summoned a pair of thick socks. One was dark green and the other was bright orange...good old Dobby. I smirked at the thought of the little house elf. I walked to the bathroom to get myself washed. A shower...yes, before Dean woke up. Stupid vain prat. Ginny isn't that shallow. He doesn't have to try for her, Merlin knows I never tried and Ginny fancied me for a good four years. But anyway, Dean is as bad as my sister. He spends ages in the bathroom. I switched on the shower and let it run for a while. I locked the door then started stripping. As I turned I caught reflection and stared at it. That stupid scar, it's the cause of so much trouble. But if I didn't have it would I still be in hiding? Would Neville have the scar? I tried not to think about it. Sometimes I feel grateful that the fate of the wizarding world seems to rest on my shoulders instead of Neville's. No offence to Neville but he's not really the kind of person to be a hero. No, I'm not a hero, I'm just a normal boy...with a scar.
After my shower the rest of my dorm was starting to stir. Ron's soft snoring was still going strong but Seamus was falling out of his bed sleepily. I had a towel around my waist and another in my hands drying my messy untamable hair. Why couldn't I get the controllable hair from mum like Emma did? Why the messy hair!
"Hmmo Hrry" He muttered as he slumped towards the shower.
"Good morning to you to." I said. Seamus waved a hand in a dismissive way and disappeared into the bathroom. I shook my head and went to my trunk. I had just pulled out some clean clothes when someone suddenly jumped out of Dean's bed. At first I was confused as to who it was but it was soon clear. Red hair going just below her shoulders. Lilac unbuttoned blouse with those jeans. Yep.
"Ginny?" I asked in surprise.
"Oh shit." Ginny said as she saw me. "I was never here." She said
"What? Did you and Dean-" I pointed to Dean.
"No! no no no!" Ginny said. She looked nervously to Ron's bed. He was still snoring softly. "If Dean says anything when my brother wakes up kill him." Ginny said. She began to tiptoe out of the room.
"What are you-" I asked vaguely confused.
"Shut up Harry." Ginny said as she passed me. She kissed me on the cheek. "Please."
"Um...alright." I said vaguely confused.
"Thanks." Ginny said anxiously. She quickly buttoned up her blouse and snuck out of the room. Me still feeling rather confused. Ginny...in Dean's bed...what was going on? She was brave to spend the night in her brother's dorm room! Ron would just blow his top when...no if he found out. I chuckled. Ginny and Dean were going to spend a hell of a time explaining this to him. I wouldn't tell of course but it was still a funny thought.
"Heya." Hermione said joining me and Ron at breakfast.
"Ready for a day in Hogsmeade?" Ron asked. He turned to me, "You don't mind if we go together do you?" He asked me.
"What? No." I muttered. "I'm going with Rhia anyway." I said.
"Will you two be alright?" Hermione asked.
"Of course we will. We've spent time together before." I said. I knew she was asking about tonight...our first meal with the three families without Remus or April. This wasn't going to be fun. Hermione sighed and looked to Ron.
"Are you ready to go?" She asked with the faintest trace of a smile. I watched Ron as he swallowed the last of his breakfast. He looked slightly nervous. What was there to be nervous about? This was Hermione. Yeah, I had dated her but Hermione was Hermione. She was beautiful in my eyes but we just didn't click. I hoped that Ron wouldn't screw up his chance with Hermione.
"Um, yeah...ok. See ya mate." Ron said getting up. Hermione smiled.
"See you Harry." She said as she followed Ron out of the hall. They seemed a little awkward though
"Is it me or do those two seem a little bit awkward with each other?" Asked Emma as she sat down next to me.
"I was just thinking that." I said. Emma sighed and poked my bacon with a fork.
"Thanks." She said with a smile. I looked at her.
"Oh have it." I said passing her the plate.
"Thank you oh perfect older brother." She said sarcastically.
"What?" I asked her.
"You're the perfect older brother, didn't you know?" She said, "It's like Headline news!" Emma made out a headline with her hands.
"Whatever Emma." I said. "Where's Rhia?" I asked.
"She's tarting herself up." Emma said as she ate my breakfast. "Must look perfect for the perfect person."
"What on earth is wrong with you?" I asked her with a bemused look. Emma scowled at me.
"Nothing." Emma muttered.
"No tell me, what's wrong?" Harry said. "I thought you said I'm the perfect older brother"
"Or so our parents seem to think." Emma said. "Tell them I'm not going to dinner tonight."
"What? You have to Emma." I said, "Why don't you want to go?" Emma looked at me for a moment before she sighed and put her cutlery down.
"I don't want to grace our parent's presence with mine." Emma said. "Because you know only the best will do for them." She sounded very bitter.
"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked her.
"Oh, stop joking around Harry. I know why you've started helping me with my work. I don't want your help." Emma said. "I'll prove I'm not a failure all on my own thank you very much." Emma said. Ooooooooh nooo!
"How...how...how did you, how did you know?" I asked. Ok, not the most subtle of ways to put things I know, but how?
"I heard you and mum talking. Tell mum and dad that I'm not going to dinner! I don't think I can stand another meal talking about the good old days, or how to deal with Voldemort, listening to how perfect you are and how talented Rhia is." Emma said. "I'm going to tell mum later if I can catch her." Emma said. She got up to go. I followed her.
"But, I don't think that!" I said. "You're not...I mean..."
"Oh shut it Harry. Mum and dad obviously don't want me so I'll just shut up sit back and stay at school. Besides, I have homework to do." Emma said. I was about to say something when Emma ran off. Uh oh, this was not good. Mum didn't mean to say any of that. I was just teasing her and Emma took it seriously! How did she even hear us? There was no one around. I started slowly for the common room when I saw Rhia coming down the hall. My breath seemed to catch in my throat. She was more beautiful then usual today...was she wearing make up? I couldn't really tell. She saw me and smiled. Half her hair was brushed back into sort of a half pony thingy and...wow. I really have been blind haven't I? She gave me a smile.
"Hi Harry." She said.
"Uhh..." Was all I could reply.
"Witty." She said.
"Uh yeah sorry. You look beautiful Rhia." I said with a smile. Rhia smiled and tucked some hair behind her ears. I took her hand and led her out of the castle. Filch was at the entrance ticking off names.
"Potter, Black. Alright you can go." He growled.
"Mr. Filch. We probably wont be back until late because our parents are having a meal with us." Rhia said. Filch narrowed his eyes in suspicion.
"Or you two will be off doing stuff that-"
"They're telling the truth Argus." McGonagall said, coming over to see what the hold up was in the queue. "They've been given permission from Dumbledore. You two look after yourselves if you don't return to the castle." She said.
"Yes professor. Come on." I said to Rhia. Rhia followed me into the sudden cold out of the October morning. It was freezing, thank Merlin I had my cloak "You looking forward to next week?" I asked Rhia. She looked at me.
"What's happening?" Rhia asked.
"The Ball. You nervous about performing?" I asked her.
"Oh, that...yeah I suppose." Rhia said. "It's our first performance." She said quietly. I held her hand tightly.
"Don't worry. Your mum would want you to do your best." I said. It was the one thing that had been on anyone's mind. The head auror had been killed. April had been killed. What hope was there for the rest of us? Rhia sighed and shrugged.
"Yeah, I suppose. But I'm still nervous." Rhia said.
"Um, do you have a date to the ball yet?" I asked her nervously. I felt a few butterflies in my stomach. Rhia looked at me and shook her head.
"Loads of people have asked me but I don't even know if I'll be able to actually dance or anything." Rhia said. Oh great. Competition. I licked my lips and bit down my pride. I hated asking girls to balls.
"Will you go out with me?" I asked really really quickly. Rhia frowned slightly and I was scared that either I'd have to repeat the damn question or she was going to reject me. She suddenly smiled.
"Of course." She said. "Can't break our tradition can we?" she said with a faint laugh. I grinned.
"No we can't." I said. We reached Hogsmeade. There was a light sprinkle of rain that was gradually getting heavier.
"Where do you want to go?" I asked Rhia. She shrugged and held a hand over her head, for all the good that did. I pulled her into the entrance of the Three Broomsticks for shelter as the rain got gradually heavier.
"There a café that Emma, Kara and I sometimes go to, across the road from Madam Puddifoots." Rhia said.
"As long as we don't go to Madam Puddifoots" I said. Rhia smiled and we ran back out into the rain and towards a small café with a tinted glass front. On the glass were the words The Hogsmeade. I followed Rhia into the café. It wasn't that bad. There were sofas instead of chairs and very quite. The WWN was playing softly over the quiet hum in the café. There were one or two people in here. I followed Rhia to a sofa by the wall near the window. Rhia pulled off her jacket and sat down. I followed suit and looked out of the window. How had I never seen this café before?
"Rhia, who's this fine young man?" Asked the patron of the café. I turned to look at the woman. Rhia smiled.
"This is Harry. Could we have two butterbeers?" Rhia asked.
"Warm or cold?" She asked.
"Warm please." I said. I saw the woman's eyes going to my forehead. Automatically my hand went to my forehead to flatten my hair over the scar. Rhia took my arm.
"Don't do that Harry." She said. I nodded.
"It's just...people keep staring at it." I said. Rhia shrugged.
"So?" She asked. I shifted awkwardly as the patron came over with our drinks.
"Here, let me take your things and dry them off. It's a bit wet today isn't it?" She asked. She seemed to be watching Rhia uncertainly.
"Yes it is." Rhia said. The patron took our jackets and cloaks. Rhia slipped off her shoes and tucked her legs under herself.
"How are you coping Rhia?" The Patron asked. And the secret is revealed.
"Alright thank you." Rhia said. She blinked a few times and gave a weak smile. The Patron sat down in a chair opposite. Oh for crying out loud.
"I know what it's like to lose a parent. Are you sure you're ok?" She asked.
"She's perfectly fine." I said, putting an arm around Rhia. Rhia glanced at me. The Patron simply nodded.
"Here, you two stay here for a while and I'll make you some lunch. The rain seems to be picking up." She said.
"Thank you." Rhia said.
"It's on the house. Anything you want." The Patron said. "Anything for a Black and a Potter." She said. Oh great! Joy! Not.
"Thank you" I said. The Patron looked like she wanted to say something but decided against it. I grumbled as I looked out of the window again. Why do people always seem to say that to me. 'Anything for a Potter!' Is being a Potter anything special?
"Do you think it'll be very different tonight?" Rhia asked.
"I don't know." I said, "I'm wondering whether your dad will turn up."
"Dad's been sending me some really weird letters" Rhia said. "And he keeps referring to Jaylee and Kessie. It's like he's lost it. Dad never forgets their names." I pulled Rhia closer and pulled her into a kiss that seemed to surprise Rhia for a moment. She began to return the kiss. We broke apart after a while. A smile on Rhia's face. I gave her a smile and glanced outside quickly. A photographer!
"Shit!" I said before slouching even more so that they couldn't see me through the window.
"What?" Rhia asked. She looked out of the window. "Isn't that Rita Skeeter's photographer?" She asked.
"Yes!" I said, "Look who's next to him looking directly this way!" I said.
"Ah." Rhia said. She put her shoes back on. "Do you want to move away?" She asked.
"Yes please." I said. I got up and moved to some sofas further away from the window. Rhia sat down next to me.
"What's Rita Skeeter doing here? I thought she'd given up with you." Rhia said.
"Obviously not." I muttered. Rhia gave me a sympathetic look. "I hate being famous. And she's probably got a photo of you and me." Rhia looked slightly alarmed.
"That means there's going to be something about me doesn't it?" Rhia asked. I nodded. The door opened and a gush of wind came through the café. I turned to the door, Rhia looked as well as Rita Skeeter and her photographer came into the café.
"Oh no." I muttered, picking up my butterbeer and taking a sip. I really hoped that the mug was big enough to hide my face.
"Ah! Harry!" Rita said loudly. I knew I was pushing my luck.
"Go away Rita." Rhia said.
"New girlfriend?" Rita asked me. "She's very pretty. You're Sirius Black's daughter aren't you?" Rita asked. Rhia had enough sense not to reply. Rita got out her quill and some parchment. "So, Miss. Black. What do you feel about the death of your late mother, April Black. You must be traumatised." Rhia clenched her hands. I took her arm.
"Rita, go away. I thought you were on a writing ban?" Harry said.
"I was, the year is up." Rita said smugly. "So Harry, with the Death of April Black, do you think there's any hope for us in the fight against Voldemort?"
"No comment, come on Rhia." I said getting up. Rhia followed me and stayed close by me.
"She's an evil woman. I swear" Rhia said. Rhia didn't know that Rita was an illegal animagus. The only people who knew were me, Ron and Hermione.
"Well she's a reporter, what do you expect?" I called the patron. "Can we have our stuff back please?" I called. She nodded. Rita was talking to her photographer before getting up. I pulled Rhia slightly closer as they passed.
"Thank you for your time you two." She said with a wicked smile. "We'll hopefully bump into each other later today. I'd like to buy you some drinks."
"Maybe another day." I said. Rita grinned.
"I'll remember that promise Harry." She said.
"It's not a promise." Harry said. Rita gave me a sceptical smile and pulled on a hat before leaving the café.
"She's an evil woman!" Rhia snapped. I shook my head and took my stuff back.
"Come on." I said. We went out into the cold rain. I wished we'd stayed in the café now. We ran over to the Three Broomsticks. Rhia and I pushed our way through the crowded Inn. I saw Hermione and Ron talking to each other. They didn't seem much closer then they had been this morning. I made my way over. Rhia followed patiently.
"Harry!" Hermione said in surprise when I sat down opposite them.
"What are you doing here?" Ron said uncertainly.
"Just warning you that Rita Skeeter is on the prowl." I said.
"She just tried to get an interview from us" Rhia said. Hermione gasped.
"You didn't say anything did you?" She asked.
"Um, I said no comment." I said.
"You know she'll somehow be able to twist that." Ron said.
"I know but what was I supposed to do? Let her grill Rhia about-" I looked at Rhia, who was giving me a warning look. "What else was I supposed to say?" I asked.
"I suppose but you have to be careful around her." Hermione said.
"I know." I sighed.
"Um, so what are you two going to do now?" Ron asked anxiously. He glanced at Hermione.
"Oh, we're going to do some shopping." Rhia said. "I need some new clothes." She got to her feet. I frowned, shopping? What shopping?
"Ok, bye." Ron said. Rhia went the long way around the table. I watched her and saw her bumping her waist into Hermione, causing Hermione to lose her balance on the chair and fall into Ron. I gave Rhia a smirk and joined her by the door. Ron was a bright red while Hermione was muttering her apologies.
"Good one." I whispered.
"Thank you." Rhia said. I leant down and gave her a quick kiss. I don't know why but it felt to have someone like Rhia to just kiss whenever I wanted. It was different with Hermione. I didn't...well, I think I was proud to have Rhia with me, well more so then with Hermione. Hermione was great but Rhia was different. Where as Cho...don't get me started on Cho! I pulled away smiling.
"Ready?" I asked.
"Bring on the rain!" Rhia said.
"Harry, we're late!" Rhia said pulling away from me.
"What?" I asked, feeling slightly dazed and confused.
"What time is it?" I asked. Where were we? I could hear the rain. I turned around and noticed that we were in some other small dimly lit café in Hogsmeade. It was totally pitch black outside. "Oh" I muttered. I got off Rhia and she sat up and did her hair again.
"What time is it?" I asked. Rhia looked at the clock.
"Half seven." Rhia said. Oh no!
"Crap, we're half an hour late." I said.
"Yeah, I know." Rhia said. She pulled her hair free and shook it. "No time to do it back up." I stood up and straightened my clothes. Oh, how good of us. Private booth thing. At least no one would have seen us. I was about to open the booth when Rhia called me back.
"What?" I asked. Rhia came up to me and wiped the corner of my lips.
"Lip gloss." She said quietly.
"Oh." I said with a frown. I wiped my mouth. "I don't have any more of your make up on me do I?" I asked.
"No, no more." Rhia said. "Come on." I gave the owner of the café a few galleons and ran out with Rhia. The rain pounded us straight away. We ran through the dark streets of Hogsmeade until we reached a small restaurant in the centre of the village. It was quite a good one, we'd been here before, several times. We burst in through the entrance. I turned to look at Rhia, she was absolutely soaked. I took her jacket and we went into the restaurant. I saw a table, a little way off where our families were sitting. Well, the twins hadn't joined us this year because they weren't allowed in Hogsmeade. Emma sat gloomily next to my mum. Rhia and I went to the table.
"Sorry we're late." Rhia said quietly. She sat down next to Orion. Sirius looked at Rhia suspiciously.
"Where were you?" He asked. I looked at Sirius. He looked a lot rougher then usual. He obviously wasn't coping well with April's death.
"We got a bit distracted." I said quickly. I sat down between Bo and Rhia.
"With each other." Orion snickered.
"Shut up" Rhia hissed at him. I looked at my parents. My dad seemed to have forgotten about our lateness already and got Sirius into some conversation. Mum gave me a careful look before talking to Jenny.
"Hey, Harry." Bo whispered.
"What?" I asked.
"You have something on your shirt." He said. I looked down at my shirt and there was another mark from Rhia's lip gloss. I tucked my collar inwards and turned to Rhia.
"Next time you're not allowed to wear lip gloss." I whispered into her ear. She frowned and gave me a smile.
"Sorry." She said. Orion looked like he was trying not to say something about us. I looked at Emma to see how she was. She just sat looking rather fed up.
"We ordered for you. Hope you don't mind." Emma said.
"Thanks." I said. Emma pointed to her cheek. I wiped my cheek.
"Rhia!" I hissed.
"Sorry." She muttered.
A/N:-Rule one..Do not ask me why i do certain things. I do not fully understand why i write some stuff, only cause it's to move the storyline along a bit. Plus i wanted to make some characters a bit more pissed off. Rule 2..I don't update cause a) I don't feel like it or can't be bothered b) cause i'm busy c) you guys have pissed me off in some way, this week it was a) I couldn't be bothered Ok, I really need suggestions for songs that may be shocking to Rhia for her to sing or something that just isn't her. I was thinking something like Mizzundastood by Pink but i dunno. BAsicaly it's for Chapter 25 where i'm a little bit stuck. Lily's chapter is next. April will come back eventually, she just has a few things to do before then and I'll tell you now that Sirius will be the last to find out. Yes, voldemort finds out before Sirius. Lily was a little harsh for a reason, I think i'll have her explain things to Emma later but I'd rather she didn't cause Emma's just getting interesting. LilyJames coming up, maybe a bit more RhiaHArry in a few chapters time (i can't remember) and those of you who want EmmaBo, well you have a LOOOONG time to wait, hehe. Hands up those who want Remus back -Author puts up hand-
Lizzle: You aint seen my bro, who is supposedely 'Fit'...well thts according to all my frends and i based most of Bo on David (my middle brother, not ickle cause he's now taller then me...the idiot) but the guy from What a girl wants is REALY fit, isn't he :D