Disclaimers: I apologize for not writing this in the first chapter but…I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER OR ANY OTHER CHARACTERS FROM J K ROWLING'S BOOKS. (*CRY CRY* OTHERWISE I'D BE A MILLIONARE TOO…) *AHEM* I own Lapis Lazuli Azure Black, so if anyone wants to use her, please e-mail me first, okies??

Salem's Lot

Chapter 5: Not For Me

Third scene in he second act, and Harry was still sitting in the same spot, immovable, and completely oblivious to the strange faces around him. So what if he'd lost Dudley, whom he was supposed to be "guarding from these displays of erotic art", and Aunt Petunia had put ever so bluntly. Sure, this type of performance wasn't as boring as straight ballet, but somehow it appealed to the viewer's eye in so many more ways than one could explain. The music lifted something in Harry's chest and made him have hope. It was something that he shouldn't have wanted to happen, but did, greatly.

There was of course, her. She was exceptional. Harry couldn't help feeling drawn to that girl from the opening scene. She flaunted herself in a classy, vibrant way that immediately got your attention and shouted life. Even when you could catch the telltale signs of weariness in her fellow performers, there she was, leaping and bounding, grinning and swaying, tapping each one ever so slightly on the shoulder, sending a piece of her energy to them. And Harry had realized this in more than just the figurative way. Somehow, he could…feel the energy transferring from one body to the other on that stage. Her excitability just flowed everywhere, like a strong perfume. It was mystifying.

This had to be the American performer. There wasn't any doubt, and there was no proper English girl Harry could think of to behave in such a…rowdy manner. Although she appeared rough and tumble, it was refreshing in a way, to see someone so fearless, so without a care. He'd read her name in the brochure Dudley had left behind…Lapis Lazuli Azure Black. Pretty long and complicated, but it seemed appropriate. He wondered if she had a nickname to be called by instead? Or friends here? Shaking his head in sudden realization, Harry put down the brochure and watched the finishing act, reminding himself that this was just a performance, she was just a girl…and in a few weeks he would return to Hogwarts, never to see the likes of her again. So what did it matter if he wanted to join the ranks of the audience here and take advantage of the open backstage? What would be the purpose of going back there to see her up close?

The show was over, and Harry found himself shoving his hands back into his pockets, again reminded by the reason he hadn't wanted to come at all, and immediately put back into the mood he'd held previously. Now, sulking, he made his way out of the row of chairs, attempting to scout out his cousin among the large (enormous) amount of people. He was nudged and elbowed in every which way, and he actually glared at a few upstarts who looked round his own age, almost daring them to do it again. However it continued, moving Harry further away from the exit than he wanted to be. After a few moments of feeling like a salmon swimming up-creek, he turned around, deciding there had to be a back way to enter and exit.

He skimmed over a few people, managing to slip through a few large groups. Sometimes being a beanpole was a good thing. There were a lot of doors back here, so Harry moved out of the way to attempt finding an exit. Or at least someone who knew how to get there without being engulfed by a mob.

"Margy! Bring down those tree stands already, girl! I wanna go home!"

Harry stopped short of toppling over a tiny person in front of him. In the last year, he'd grown a few inches, giving him Ron's height, and with his lean, skinny figure he was an accident waiting to happen when it came to moving about tight spaces. The little figure in front of him (well, sort of beneath him, if you considered the fact that its head was beneath his chin) turned sharply, revealing a brightly painted blue, violet and green face, sporting electric blue eyes. Harry's eyebrows shot through his bangs, trying hard not to hold in his surprise. Surely, she'd been taller on stage? Looking at her up close now, she could not be anywhere near his age. Or maybe it was the make-up? Or was he just being judgmental?

"Hello?! Who are you and what are you doing back here?" she was waving her hand in front of his face, sending electric signals across his scar. Wincing, unable to stop his hand from reaching up to touch the offensive mark, he replied to her question, a bit irritated with her.

"Just looking for the exit…"

"Well, you're not too far. Unfortunately, the exit you're gonna have to go through now is locked." She pointed a thumb down the long tunnel like hallway. "Everyone's gone already except us performers. If you wanna go home, I could get 'em to open it for ya."

Harry smiled, relief flooding through him. There would be no hearing the end of this if Aunt Petunia supposed he'' stayed behind for any reason. There didn't really need to be one, she could easily make one up. "Really?"

"Yeah, but you're gonna have to help if you wanna get outta here any quicker than these lazy jokers." She grinned, most likely joking about her comrades. Harry's stomach hit rock bottom again.

"I really have to get home…"

She frowned. "Well, we can't open the gates until everything's back where it belongs. School policy!" she raised one long index finger at him as if scolding a child. This action only seemed to irritate Harry more. Who was she to say where he could and could not go? Why did he have to play a pack mule in order to get someone to open a stupid door?

"Look, I need to get out of here. No offense, I'd really like to help but my aunt-"

"Oh jeez…" she rolled her eyes, possibly fighting an urge to snap at him. Harry at this point, simply didn't care. She was pretty, yes, but her arrogance could've taken a back seat.

"Look, if you aren't going to help me, I'll find another way…" he decided firmly that he would never allow himself to ever become so distracted by a pretty face again. Not only would it cost him whatever freedom he did have in his ridiculous home, but now his scar was truly burning simply at the effort it took him to say no to her. He just barely saw her flinch before he grabbed his arm, leading him down the hall.

"Take over, guys! I'll be back!" Harry allowed himself to be dragged by this tiny thing, still scowling at her back as though it were Malfoy. "Here." He let go, slightly shoving him towards a door near the back of the stage. She rested her hands on her hips, looking him up and down as though she were deciding whether to roast him or boil him.

"Thanks…" he grumbled, no longer feeling as though his head were about to explode. The sting on his forehead had subsided, and he no longer cared whether his decision had pleased her or not. He only knew that his gut told him he wanted to go home.

She shrugged, giving off a cocky disposition that almost stirred Harry's irritation further. He turned to leave, and suddenly felt guilty as he spoke softly.

"Umm…you were very good…I-uh, enjoyed your show." He rubbed the back of his neck, wiping away sweat as he peeked down at her from over his shoulder. She merely stared up at him with those calculating blue eyes that delved into the darkness around her. He registered her nod and a grin before hurriedly pushing himself out he door and onto the cold street.

Harry stared and the door handle for at least two minutes without moving. Then, shoving his hands in his pockets, he made his way around the back of the stage, to the front, where he quickly caught sight of Dudley through the diminishing crowd. It had been an eventful night, and for some reason, things looked a little brighter than they had only a mere five hours ago. A smile found its way onto his lips, and he jogged down towards the curb to wait with his cousin.

Gomen ne…I know I posted two chapter fours…demo the thing wouldn't let me get rid of it. -__-U Oh wells, this is Chapter five and I hope you all still like where this is going….

Lazul's next! Teehee! ^_^ (Now we get to the fun part…. SCHOOL!)