Chapter Three - Nicola Derosse

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She was odd, but stunningly pretty, even if her hair was olive green. She was as tall as Ron and her eyes were a pale shade of blue. Though she looked like a ruffian, she had a friendly face, a warm smile and her eyes just twinkled with generosity.

"Hey Ronnie, look," she said after giving him a hug, "you press this button and it makes a noise!" she continued to ring the doorbel. She seemed so amused.

Harry and Hermione stifled a laugh. They had a feeling they were in for an interesting summer. Once she was done ringing the doorbell, Ron introduced her to Harry and Hermione.

"Harry, Hermione, this is Nicola Derosse," he beamed.

They weren't expecting a hug from her but they did. Hermione was surprised. She'd never met anyone so friendly. She was reminded instantly of a dog.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you! And Harry Potter! Wow! Ron's told me so much about you," she was grinning from ear to ear.

Harry and Hermione were too stunned to speak. Ron stood there, grinning.

"You're right Ronnie, they're awesome," Nicola turned to him, "but are they always so quiet?"

Harry finally spoke, "Erm sorry."

Hermione was still looking shocked. "Hello."

Nicola gasped. "You didn't tell them about me!"

"I did, just hours ago," Ron replied.

"Ronald!"

"I'm sorry, I was planning on telling them earlier but it slipped my mind. I'm sorry."

"Better be. Oh," she spotted Hermione's parents. She shook their hands, "Hello there. Thank you very much for letting be a guest in your home."

Mr. and Mrs. Granger smiled and nodded. After introductions of everyone, they went back to the kitchen.Just like Ron, she looked thrilled at the sight of pizza.

"Pizzer!"

"No Nic, it's actually called pizza," Ron proudly corrected her.

Harry to had to stifle another laugh. He was surprised he didn't choke from trying to hold his laughter in when Ron warned Nicola of the lemonade. Full and content, Harry and Hermione decided to sit on the porch swing.

"I like her," Hermione looked through the window to see that her parents were teaching Ron and Nicola how to play Scrabble.

"You better not leave me for her," Harry teased.

"Oh you'd like that, wouldn't you?"

Harry hugged her tight. "Of course not."

"I'm glad he found a nice girl, even if she does seem a little... Different."

"She's real nice, isn't she?"

"Mm hmm," Hermione buried her face in Harry's chest as she stifled a yawn.

Harry was just about to close his eyes when Ron and Nicola came out the door yelling and laughing.

"Oh, hello," she said spotting them. I didn't mean to disturb you."

"We were just sitting," Harry replied. "You could join us."

The pair nodded and sat on the steps. Hermione smiled up at Harry.

"I heard your anniversary is coming up," Harry said.

"Yup," Nicola beamed. "Couple more weeks."

"Nic's a great cook!" Ron glowed. "She makes the greatest food!"

At this, Hermione perked up. She had no idea how to cook but now she could ask Nicola. She liked idea. Suddenly realizing that she was tired, Hermione let out a yawn.

"I think I'll go to bed now," she said as she held back another yawn. She kissed Harry on the cheek before heading upstairs.

"Ron, we really need an anniversary gift," Harry said worriedly. "Any ideas?"

Nicola looked at him. "Try some roses," she suggested. "I'm sure she'd like that."

Ron seemed skeptical. "Roses are too old fashioned. Try something different."

"When is your anniversary," Nicola asked.

"Not until August, but I want to be ready."

"Smart kid. Well, once you and Ron find a present, I'll help you out with something," Nicola smiled. "For now, I just want to snooze. Well, good night Ronnie, I'll see you tomorrow. Good night Harry."

"Goodnight."

Nicola was expecting Hermione to be asleep so she was surprised to find the young witch sitting up in bed nervously biting her nails.

"That's a bad habit you know," Nicola smiled. "Thought you'd be sleeping. Something on your mind?"

"Well... Yes... In fact, I kind of wanted to ask you something..."

Nicola smiled, "Something to do with an anniversary?"

"Yes! How... How did you know?"

"It was mentioned. So, what about it?"

Hermione couldn't help but smile. She barely knew Nicola but she felt that she could completely trust her. She had a feeling that she was going to like her more than she already did.

"Well, I haven't got a present for Harry, but I was planning on making him a home cooked meal... But I can't cook," Hermione explained. "I was wondering if you could teach me?"

Nicola beamed. "You bet! We can start tomorrow."

"Thank you so much! I really appreciate it. Well, I guess we'd better sleep. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

Hermione turned off the light and fell asleep with a smile on her face.

Author's Note: Well... there's an update for you! Aha sorry to disappoint you all, but I did mention in the previous chapter that it wasn't a Hogwarts student... Did I like burst your bubble? I'm sorry! But you know, I just wanted to add a different character so... Yeah please don't hate me, or the story! Thanks for reading and don't forget to review!