Disclaimer: Harry Potter is from the creative genius that is J.K. Rowling. We are not her. This is merely a fanfiction to tide us over until Book 6 (July 16!!!!!)
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"We need a party!" exclaimed Alaire as she plopped onto the couch spilling books, parchments, and quills as she fell. "That transfiguration test was harder than my driving test and I failed THAT three times!"
"You can say that again!" Seamus agreed as he collapsed beside her. "Change that chair into an owl! Change that owl into a muggle car! No, no, no! Not a Cooper Mini! A Rolls-Royce!"
A moment later, a pale Neville sank down at Alaire's feet with a groan. "That was the worst exam I have ever failed. I didn't just fail. I almost blew up the entire room."
"Neville, honey. It wasn't entirely your fault. Half the class thought she said balloon instead of bloom."
The three began to giggle as they recalled the various sounds made by the popping balloons.
"But-but yours was spectacular, Neville." Dean chimed in as he joined them. "I have never seen a balloon in the shape of a passion flower before."
"Yeah, it was great, Neville," Seamus said with a laugh. "Until . . . until . . ." He began to laugh so hard that he couldn't finish.
"Yeah, yeah. It was great until it blew up so large it wouldn't fit in the room and then exploded in a shower of nectar." Neville groaned again and hid his face against Alaire's legs.
"Well, lets just say that everyone knows how you feel about working with Alaire as a partner!!" Dean fell back into his chair giggling.
"Honey, maybe we shouldn't work together anymore," Alaire said as she kissed the top of Neville's head.
"Neville, that was spectacular!" Hermione shouted as she, Ron, and Harry approached them.
"God, just kill me now."
"Maybe later," Alaire said with a smile. "But now we need a party!! No more tests and my parents don't get here for another week!! What are we waiting for?" Alaire stood up and called out, "Harry! You're the man with the plan! How about going to the kitchen for some food?"
Harry gave her a smile and ran to his dorm for his invisibility cloak.
"Oi! How about me down here wallowing in self-pity?" Neville said as he pulled himself up onto the couch.
"I haven't forgotten about you, dear. My stomach just spoke louder than you did for a moment. We'll get the food and be right back. And then," Alaire whispered something in Neville's ear that made him turn a several shades of red. Then she leaned over and kissed him so passionately that even the first years were making catcalls.
"I'd give anything to have you kiss me like that," Seamus said admiringly.
"The only way I'd kiss you, Seamus, would be if you stood butt-nekkid on a table in the middle of this room and sang the Irish national anthem . . . in Gaelic. Then you have to let the third-years practice make-up on you." She joined in the laughter as she grabbed Harry's arm. "Any requests?"
"Jam tarts!"
"Pumpkin bread!"
"Firewhiskey!"
She walked through the door and Harry quickly covered them in the invisibility cloak.
"You know, Seamus is probably taking off his clothes right now."
Alaire giggled. "Poor guy. He's so obvious. He's all talk and no walk!"
They quieted down as they got closer to the kitchens.
They were walking as closely as possible to fit under the cloak. Alaire knew Harry was uncomfortable with the situation but was past caring. He had been her friend for four months before she started dating Neville. She found it hard to believe that Harry was happy not talking to her.
Harry tickled the pear and they entered the busy kitchens. They weren't the only ones wanting a snack. Mounds of chips, crisps, pretzels, and sweets covered the tables.
"Harry Potter, sir! What an honor! What can Dobby do for you?" Alaire looked down and couldn't help giggling.
Standing before her was a house-elf wearing a tea cozy for a hat, a royal blue toddler's t-shirt proclaiming "My Daddy went to Blackpool and all I got was this T-shirt!", and a pair of unmatched socks. Harry managed to ask without laughing for some treats for the Gryffindor common room. "I'd be happy to help you, Harry Potter. Is this Harry Potter's special friend?"
Harry hesitated but Alaire stepped forward, bent down, and shook Dobby's hand. "Yes, I am. And I believe that you are the very talented elf that made my Halloween costume. I've been wanting to thank you. The jackets were magnificent."
Dobby actually blushed. "I was only too happy to help. If you ever need anything else, Dobby would be happy to help Harry Potter's friend."
"My name is Alaire and thank you." Harry watched in amazement as Dobby apparently forgot that he existed. He didn't know whether to be happy or sad as Dobby trotted away to gather up their food.
"Wow. I think you impressed him."
"There are very few people who can withstand true Southern charm."
Harry looked at her for a moment as if to make a remark then turned away.
"So are you going to be here over the holidays?" Alaire asked.
"Um, only for a few days. I'm spending Christmas with the Weasleys this year."
"But you'll be here long enough to meet my parents, won't you?"
"Yeah. I should be."
Alaire sighed in frustration. Holding a conversation with Harry lately was like pulling alligator teeth. "We're having a Christmas party. I want everyone to come." She paused as she contemplated the back of Harry's head. "EVEN YOU."
"I wouldn't want to get in the way."
"I guess you've forgotten that we are still friends then."
"No, its just that-" "You and Neville haven't had another fight?"
"No, but-"
"Then why not?! Unless you don't want to be my friend or ever talk to me again."
"Stop it!! It's not that easy."
"Yeah, so what! Do something difficult for once and get over it, Harry! I like you and want to be your friend. I think you're worth working for but apparently you don't think the same of me."
"No!! I mean, Yes!! Oh, hell!"
"Is something the matter, Harry Potter?" Dobby's high-pitched voice cut in as he and another house elf came around the corner holding several large bags. "No! No. Nothing is wrong, Dobby. We were just discussing something."
"Oh." Dobby continued to look worried.
"We'll be fine, Dobby," Alaire reassured him as she took several bags from the house elf. Dobby stared at her adoringly, his big eyes getting bigger than Harry thought humanly possible. Dobby didn't even notice that Harry was trying to get his attention ask what the other elf had packed. Harry shot her an angry look as he took two large boxes from another elf.
"Thank you, Dobby." Alaire gave him her most dazzling smile before she and Harry left the kitchens.
"I don't know which is worse," Harry commented as they made their way back to the common room. "Being dumped by you or watching Dobby fall in love with you."
"Well, since I was never officially dating you, Harry, I'd say Dobby wins."
"But –"
"We were close friends, Harry. I'd like to be your friend again if you'd just let me."
Harry was silent.
"I miss talking to you."
Silence.
"I miss our lessons."
More silence.
"Harry, I miss you." Harry stopped so suddenly that Alaire smashed her nose against the back of his head.
"Alaire, I'm sorry. Its just hard to deal with seeing you two all the time."
"What do I have to say to convince you that I never meant to hurt your feelings? That I truly want to be your friend and that I miss you?"
"I-I'm not sure."
"Do you want to stay friends?"
"Yes."
"Then please try to tame this jealousy, Harry. I can only say I'm sorry so many times. I never meant to lead you on. I honestly didn't realize what was going on with me and Neville was so strong. It kinda took me by surprise. But it works with us and I really don't think it would have worked between me and you."
"Well, you're probably right," Harry said with all the pride he could muster. "I mean, I have something to do and I should concentrate on that."
"Yeah, but you don't have to do it alone. Hasn't anyone ever told you that? That you can try to have a normal life in the meantime? That you go out there tonight and dance on top of a few tables?"
"Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow you may die."
"Let's hope not. I want you to meet my parents first."
Harry felt a smile come to his face. "Your dad's not gonna want to grill me about his little girl, is he?"
"Gods, no. He has a new target. Poor Neville."
Harry had to smile at that image. "So," he picked up the boxes of food and turned. "I do believe we have some food to deliver."
"Yeah."
"I wonder if Seamus is naked yet."
Author's Note: To find out what happened after the party, check out "Longbottom Lemons" on medievalwoman account.