Disclaimer: Harry Potter is from the creative genius that is J.K. Rowling.
We are not her. This is merely a fan fiction to tide us over until Book 6.
====================================
Word spread quickly about the Passion Pill kiss. The two had tried to make it clear to their friends in Gryffindor that nothing had happened but the incident had, in fact, brought them closer together. Alaire was impressed that Harry had not taken advantage of her and the situation; therefore, he had gained her trust. Harry, on the other hand, was happy with the way Alaire's sense of humor had taken over. Part of him also admitted to truly enjoying the kiss, as well. As a result, they were sharing private smiles, sitting with one another during social times, and joking with each other more often. To the Hogwarts crowd, the two seemed to be on the path to coupledom.
No one seemed to notice that they hadn't shared any public displays of affection beyond an occasional pat on the back. Or, that Alaire had been trying to get Neville's attention ever since that fateful day. Everyone simply made assumptions and believed the rumors even though the reality was quite different.
Many a boy had given Harry a pat on the back and muttered, "Way to go!" while Alaire found more than one girl staring daggers at her. Alaire and Harry had to put up with smirks from Seamus and the occasional catcall from Malfoy (which was usually cut short by Ginny) for a week after Hosgmeade. Alaire and Harry simply agreed to put on brave faces and use their sense of humors. Harry's stock response became, "It was either Alaire or Fred Weasley and Alaire had on nicer lipstick." Alaire would simply smile and say, "Kiss Harry Potter? Ugh!It took a Passion Pill to make me do it." No one believed them. And so a difficult week passed by.
The next Saturday was movie night, and the older Gryffindors had gathered in the common room. Everyone was surprised to see one person, in particular, as she grabbed a few snacks.
"I don't believe it," Ron said turning to look at Hermione as she filled a bowl with popcorn. "You're actually watching a movie with us mere mortals?"
"THIS is a good film Ron," Hermione said happily as she maneuvered her way over to the couch to sit by him. "Not like those idiotic ones you normally select. Honestly, if I see one more Mr. Bean episode, I will scream."
Ron started to argue with her, but thought better of it. A devilish smirk crossed his features as he reached a hand up and tugged on Hermione's wrist causing her to land in his lap.
"Ron!"
"Just making a seat available for you 'Mione," he said happily giving her a peck on the lips.
Alaire shook her head at the whole scene. She was sitting on a large denim beanbag chair beside the couch. Next to her, Harry sat at the end of the couch as far away as possible from Hermione and Ron, while Seamus, Dean, and Neville were sitting on the opposite side in large comfy chairs.
Looking over at Neville, Alaire sighed. He had been avoiding her lately. He seemed to rush out every time they were in the same room for too long or might be alone. He had even postponed their tutoring session for Herbology.
Alaire really wanted to catch him alone to ask him what was the matter. She hated the way he felt around her. It was a feeling of dread, aggravation, sadness all tinged with jealousy. She could feel it every time they were in the room together, which wasn't often. She had an idea the Passion Pill kiss had caused his behavior, but she wished it would stop. She really liked Neville and his actions were frustrating. She wanted to set him straight about her and Harry but he would not give her the chance.
"Harry," Alaire whispered leaning toward him. "Have you noticed Neville's been acting odd lately?"
Harry shrugged his shoulders. "He's been a bit preoccupied. Maybe he's got a special project going on."
Alaire just sighed and hoped that Neville would stay after the movie. Maybe then she could talk to him about what was going on. The movie flicked on and soon everyone was enchanted, although a little thrown off by some of the muggle things in it. But some things, however, are universal.
"Ron, you and the rest of the boys in the dormitory don't talk like that about us do you?" Hermione asked slyly. "You know, exaggerating."
"Nah. No. We never sing about what happens between us 'Mione," he replied sarcastically while sneaking a glance at Harry who was snickering quietly. "Come on, it's a movie! Don't get ideas! Do you think guys really act like that?"
"Yes."
"Hermione! What do you think we are? Slobbering idiots who walk around hoping for any glimpse of a girl's . . . well, you know . . ."
"Ron, shut up. You're giving away our secrets!" Harry said with a laugh.
"Girls never have gab sessions about blokes either, do they, Alaire?" Seamus asked with his usual cynicism.
"We only meet to discuss how to do our make-up, the latest fashions, and how to avoid meeting you in a dark hallway."
At this, Harry and Dean lost it. The two enjoyed a good laugh while everyone else shushed them.
"Remind me to stay on your good side," Harry said as he wiped a tear from his eye.
"Some people say you already are," Alaire whispered back with a wink.
"Well, it's a nice place to be," Harry replied with a smile. He let his hand fall down to rest gently on his knee where a few strands of Alaire's hair had landed. He slowly pulled on them until her head was resting against his leg. He sighed in contentment as they turned back to watch the movie.
Everyone began humming as John Travolta began the Grease Lightning scene. Dean Thomas and Colin Creevey began talking about painting flames on their broomhandles. It was a hit with everyone, especially Ron and Harry.
"Wicked! I want a car like that," Ron said.
"Yeah, me too!" Harry exclaimed. "It sure beats that Ford Anglia your father enchanted."
Hermione shook her head. "Ron, I do adore you but I would never get into a car with you behind the wheel especially with your singing."
"I'm an excellent driver," Ron argued. "And when have you heard me sing?"
"This coming from the man that crashed a car into the Whomping Willow second year," said Hermione said scornfully ignoring his question.
"Who cares? Would everyone stop bickering so we can watch the rest of the movie!" snapped Neville as the movie continued.
The crowd quieted down until Alaire could hear Harry breathing quietly behind her. Then she heard a whispered conversation that made her jaw drop.
"So when did you hear me sing?"
"You sing in the shower."
"Yeah, so when did you hear me in the shower?"
"Ummm."
"Hermione?"
"When we were at the Burrow this summer."
Alaire was afraid to steal a glance behind but Harry's hand had suddenly stilled. She knew he was also listening closely.
"Hang on. You spied on me in the shower this summer?"
"No. I didn't spy. I didn't know you were in the shower and I-I accidentally walked in . . ."
Silence fell. Alaire could feel waves of embarrassment wash over her, followed quickly by uncertainty, then a tentative lust.
"Sooooo. Did you look?"
Harry's hand tightened on Alaire's head until it hurt. She knew he was trying not to laugh. She carefully put her hand on his and loosened his grip.
"I'm not answering that Ron Weasley. Watch the movie."
"You did, didn't you?"
Silence.
"Well?"
"Ron, your head is big enough without any extra comment from me."
Alaire risked a glance back and saw Ron's face break out in a huge grin as he arrogantly stretched his arms out with a sigh. "Nuff said, 'Mione. Nuff said."
All was quiet until the dance scenes. Soon everyone was trying to do the hand-jive. Some were failing miserably. The only people who could it properly were Dean, Seamus, and Alaire. Neville didn't even try. He simply watched the movie with a glassy stare.
"The sock hop thingy sounds like a great idea though," Lavender Brown said as the movie ended. "We could do something like that just for the Gryffindor tower. Have everyone dress up like muggles and everything for Halloween."
"It does sound nice," Hermione said as she glared at Ron. "Maybe someone will not wait around to the last minute to ask me to go with them. I haven't even been asked to the Halloween celebration yet."
"What do you mean?" Ron sputtered. "You're going with me."
"I am?" Hermione questioned. "Funny. I don't remember being asked."
"Well, we could go as that couple in the movie. That Sandra Dee person is a bit like you 'Mione," Ron commented as the lights went up.
"I don't know if I should take that as a compliment or an insult."
"I bet you'd look good in that last outfit." Hermione blushed and swatted Ron on the arm.
"You know, I'm wondering about your taste in movies, Alaire. First, its "American Pie" then "Rocky Horror Picture Show" and now, "Grease". I think you Yanks must be obsessed with movies about sex. Not that I mind," Seamus smirked.
"Oh please!" Alaire drawled out. "Things you Europeans watch are 100 times more explicit than what we have. I've seen things on PBS that you could never see on regular TV."
Seamus raised an eyebrow. "For example?"
"Fine," Alaire puffed thinking. Finally a smirk crossed her face. "Take you historical movies for example like "I, Claudius" which has a full-on Roman orgy scene or "Queen Margot" who certainly enjoyed herself!"
As soon as the words 'Orgy' and 'Queen Margot' escaped Alaire's lips, Neville and Hermione both turned red.
"You dog," Seamus said teasingly as he nudged Neville in the shoulder. The other boy just muttered something, shoved his chair back, and excused himself.
Alaire watched as Neville left the room. She waited a few minutes, listening to Ron and Hermione's conversation before she decided that this might be the best time to speak to Neville alone about what was bothering him.
"Roman Orgy? Queen Margot?" Ron asked smirking. "And what exactly is that movie about 'Mione?"
"It's a historical depiction of a holy war that raged across Europe — you know the Catholics versus Protestants— set in Paris. It's educational with subtitles and everything," she said matter-of-factly trying to keep her blush to a minimum.
"Subtitles?" Ron asked.
"It's French with the dialogue in English at the bottom."
"Speaking of bottoms," smirked Dean. "What your bird is neglecting to mention is that Queen Margot also was quite the lady of the night and didn't mind proving it to every bloke that she fancied. The movie shows her . . ."
A glare from Hermione suddenly silenced Dean. Ron about got whiplash turning to look at his girlfriend, as Alaire made her excuses to a bemused Harry leaving him to watch yet another episode of "Muggle-Dumb" starring Ron Weasley.
She was determined to make peace with Neville or die trying. The hallways were dark and it took her a minute but she noticed movement coming from the stairway by the fifth floor. The flickering of the torches lit the Gryffindor crest on the robes, letting Alaire know it was Neville.
She rushed down the stairs to find him, but he disappeared into the shadows before she caught up with him. Cursing under her breath, she walked the floor looking for any sign of Neville.
As she was peering off a balcony that dead-ended a short corridor, she heard a hiss and looked down to see a very shabby, red-eyed Maine Coon cat. As she bent down to look at the cat better, two strong hands grabbed her and hauled her into a room behind her.
The last thing Alaire heard before the door to the room being closed behind her and her assailant was a silencing charm being cast.
====================================
Word spread quickly about the Passion Pill kiss. The two had tried to make it clear to their friends in Gryffindor that nothing had happened but the incident had, in fact, brought them closer together. Alaire was impressed that Harry had not taken advantage of her and the situation; therefore, he had gained her trust. Harry, on the other hand, was happy with the way Alaire's sense of humor had taken over. Part of him also admitted to truly enjoying the kiss, as well. As a result, they were sharing private smiles, sitting with one another during social times, and joking with each other more often. To the Hogwarts crowd, the two seemed to be on the path to coupledom.
No one seemed to notice that they hadn't shared any public displays of affection beyond an occasional pat on the back. Or, that Alaire had been trying to get Neville's attention ever since that fateful day. Everyone simply made assumptions and believed the rumors even though the reality was quite different.
Many a boy had given Harry a pat on the back and muttered, "Way to go!" while Alaire found more than one girl staring daggers at her. Alaire and Harry had to put up with smirks from Seamus and the occasional catcall from Malfoy (which was usually cut short by Ginny) for a week after Hosgmeade. Alaire and Harry simply agreed to put on brave faces and use their sense of humors. Harry's stock response became, "It was either Alaire or Fred Weasley and Alaire had on nicer lipstick." Alaire would simply smile and say, "Kiss Harry Potter? Ugh!It took a Passion Pill to make me do it." No one believed them. And so a difficult week passed by.
The next Saturday was movie night, and the older Gryffindors had gathered in the common room. Everyone was surprised to see one person, in particular, as she grabbed a few snacks.
"I don't believe it," Ron said turning to look at Hermione as she filled a bowl with popcorn. "You're actually watching a movie with us mere mortals?"
"THIS is a good film Ron," Hermione said happily as she maneuvered her way over to the couch to sit by him. "Not like those idiotic ones you normally select. Honestly, if I see one more Mr. Bean episode, I will scream."
Ron started to argue with her, but thought better of it. A devilish smirk crossed his features as he reached a hand up and tugged on Hermione's wrist causing her to land in his lap.
"Ron!"
"Just making a seat available for you 'Mione," he said happily giving her a peck on the lips.
Alaire shook her head at the whole scene. She was sitting on a large denim beanbag chair beside the couch. Next to her, Harry sat at the end of the couch as far away as possible from Hermione and Ron, while Seamus, Dean, and Neville were sitting on the opposite side in large comfy chairs.
Looking over at Neville, Alaire sighed. He had been avoiding her lately. He seemed to rush out every time they were in the same room for too long or might be alone. He had even postponed their tutoring session for Herbology.
Alaire really wanted to catch him alone to ask him what was the matter. She hated the way he felt around her. It was a feeling of dread, aggravation, sadness all tinged with jealousy. She could feel it every time they were in the room together, which wasn't often. She had an idea the Passion Pill kiss had caused his behavior, but she wished it would stop. She really liked Neville and his actions were frustrating. She wanted to set him straight about her and Harry but he would not give her the chance.
"Harry," Alaire whispered leaning toward him. "Have you noticed Neville's been acting odd lately?"
Harry shrugged his shoulders. "He's been a bit preoccupied. Maybe he's got a special project going on."
Alaire just sighed and hoped that Neville would stay after the movie. Maybe then she could talk to him about what was going on. The movie flicked on and soon everyone was enchanted, although a little thrown off by some of the muggle things in it. But some things, however, are universal.
"Ron, you and the rest of the boys in the dormitory don't talk like that about us do you?" Hermione asked slyly. "You know, exaggerating."
"Nah. No. We never sing about what happens between us 'Mione," he replied sarcastically while sneaking a glance at Harry who was snickering quietly. "Come on, it's a movie! Don't get ideas! Do you think guys really act like that?"
"Yes."
"Hermione! What do you think we are? Slobbering idiots who walk around hoping for any glimpse of a girl's . . . well, you know . . ."
"Ron, shut up. You're giving away our secrets!" Harry said with a laugh.
"Girls never have gab sessions about blokes either, do they, Alaire?" Seamus asked with his usual cynicism.
"We only meet to discuss how to do our make-up, the latest fashions, and how to avoid meeting you in a dark hallway."
At this, Harry and Dean lost it. The two enjoyed a good laugh while everyone else shushed them.
"Remind me to stay on your good side," Harry said as he wiped a tear from his eye.
"Some people say you already are," Alaire whispered back with a wink.
"Well, it's a nice place to be," Harry replied with a smile. He let his hand fall down to rest gently on his knee where a few strands of Alaire's hair had landed. He slowly pulled on them until her head was resting against his leg. He sighed in contentment as they turned back to watch the movie.
Everyone began humming as John Travolta began the Grease Lightning scene. Dean Thomas and Colin Creevey began talking about painting flames on their broomhandles. It was a hit with everyone, especially Ron and Harry.
"Wicked! I want a car like that," Ron said.
"Yeah, me too!" Harry exclaimed. "It sure beats that Ford Anglia your father enchanted."
Hermione shook her head. "Ron, I do adore you but I would never get into a car with you behind the wheel especially with your singing."
"I'm an excellent driver," Ron argued. "And when have you heard me sing?"
"This coming from the man that crashed a car into the Whomping Willow second year," said Hermione said scornfully ignoring his question.
"Who cares? Would everyone stop bickering so we can watch the rest of the movie!" snapped Neville as the movie continued.
The crowd quieted down until Alaire could hear Harry breathing quietly behind her. Then she heard a whispered conversation that made her jaw drop.
"So when did you hear me sing?"
"You sing in the shower."
"Yeah, so when did you hear me in the shower?"
"Ummm."
"Hermione?"
"When we were at the Burrow this summer."
Alaire was afraid to steal a glance behind but Harry's hand had suddenly stilled. She knew he was also listening closely.
"Hang on. You spied on me in the shower this summer?"
"No. I didn't spy. I didn't know you were in the shower and I-I accidentally walked in . . ."
Silence fell. Alaire could feel waves of embarrassment wash over her, followed quickly by uncertainty, then a tentative lust.
"Sooooo. Did you look?"
Harry's hand tightened on Alaire's head until it hurt. She knew he was trying not to laugh. She carefully put her hand on his and loosened his grip.
"I'm not answering that Ron Weasley. Watch the movie."
"You did, didn't you?"
Silence.
"Well?"
"Ron, your head is big enough without any extra comment from me."
Alaire risked a glance back and saw Ron's face break out in a huge grin as he arrogantly stretched his arms out with a sigh. "Nuff said, 'Mione. Nuff said."
All was quiet until the dance scenes. Soon everyone was trying to do the hand-jive. Some were failing miserably. The only people who could it properly were Dean, Seamus, and Alaire. Neville didn't even try. He simply watched the movie with a glassy stare.
"The sock hop thingy sounds like a great idea though," Lavender Brown said as the movie ended. "We could do something like that just for the Gryffindor tower. Have everyone dress up like muggles and everything for Halloween."
"It does sound nice," Hermione said as she glared at Ron. "Maybe someone will not wait around to the last minute to ask me to go with them. I haven't even been asked to the Halloween celebration yet."
"What do you mean?" Ron sputtered. "You're going with me."
"I am?" Hermione questioned. "Funny. I don't remember being asked."
"Well, we could go as that couple in the movie. That Sandra Dee person is a bit like you 'Mione," Ron commented as the lights went up.
"I don't know if I should take that as a compliment or an insult."
"I bet you'd look good in that last outfit." Hermione blushed and swatted Ron on the arm.
"You know, I'm wondering about your taste in movies, Alaire. First, its "American Pie" then "Rocky Horror Picture Show" and now, "Grease". I think you Yanks must be obsessed with movies about sex. Not that I mind," Seamus smirked.
"Oh please!" Alaire drawled out. "Things you Europeans watch are 100 times more explicit than what we have. I've seen things on PBS that you could never see on regular TV."
Seamus raised an eyebrow. "For example?"
"Fine," Alaire puffed thinking. Finally a smirk crossed her face. "Take you historical movies for example like "I, Claudius" which has a full-on Roman orgy scene or "Queen Margot" who certainly enjoyed herself!"
As soon as the words 'Orgy' and 'Queen Margot' escaped Alaire's lips, Neville and Hermione both turned red.
"You dog," Seamus said teasingly as he nudged Neville in the shoulder. The other boy just muttered something, shoved his chair back, and excused himself.
Alaire watched as Neville left the room. She waited a few minutes, listening to Ron and Hermione's conversation before she decided that this might be the best time to speak to Neville alone about what was bothering him.
"Roman Orgy? Queen Margot?" Ron asked smirking. "And what exactly is that movie about 'Mione?"
"It's a historical depiction of a holy war that raged across Europe — you know the Catholics versus Protestants— set in Paris. It's educational with subtitles and everything," she said matter-of-factly trying to keep her blush to a minimum.
"Subtitles?" Ron asked.
"It's French with the dialogue in English at the bottom."
"Speaking of bottoms," smirked Dean. "What your bird is neglecting to mention is that Queen Margot also was quite the lady of the night and didn't mind proving it to every bloke that she fancied. The movie shows her . . ."
A glare from Hermione suddenly silenced Dean. Ron about got whiplash turning to look at his girlfriend, as Alaire made her excuses to a bemused Harry leaving him to watch yet another episode of "Muggle-Dumb" starring Ron Weasley.
She was determined to make peace with Neville or die trying. The hallways were dark and it took her a minute but she noticed movement coming from the stairway by the fifth floor. The flickering of the torches lit the Gryffindor crest on the robes, letting Alaire know it was Neville.
She rushed down the stairs to find him, but he disappeared into the shadows before she caught up with him. Cursing under her breath, she walked the floor looking for any sign of Neville.
As she was peering off a balcony that dead-ended a short corridor, she heard a hiss and looked down to see a very shabby, red-eyed Maine Coon cat. As she bent down to look at the cat better, two strong hands grabbed her and hauled her into a room behind her.
The last thing Alaire heard before the door to the room being closed behind her and her assailant was a silencing charm being cast.