The Call of the Siren

Chapter 5

Harry

The month of September gave way to the cool, crispness of October. The leaves were drying out and turning autumn colors, decorating the ground in a rainbow of shades and hues. Everyone was gearing up for the approaching colder weather, replacing their summer clothing for that of warmer, appropriate attire. There was talk amongst the students about warming charms for their cloaks, and many girls were researching charms to help combat the effects of wind blown hair. Harry, however, ignored all of that for the most part, concentrating on his classes, Quidditch, and thinking about Carrie.

If anything, his attraction for her had grown stronger over the last month. She was on his mind constantly and at all hours of the day and night. Her face loomed before him before he drifted off to sleep at night, and she was the first thing he thought of as he awoke in the mornings. He found himself wanting to be with her and would make excuses just to talk to her. The sound of Carrie's sweet voice rang inside his head; he had memorized the sound and timbre of it so clearly that sometimes he felt as if he was actually listening to her when he conjured her voice inside his mind.

And then, there was her singing! She had willingly sung in the Gryffindor common room on numerous occasions at the request of her fellow housemates. Each time, Harry had sat listening in rapt silence as her beautiful, rich voice filled the common room and cascaded down upon him like a gentle waterfall. He could never get enough of listening to Carrie sing; each time, he never wanted her to stop.

Harry was falling for Carrie; he knew that without a doubt. It left him feeling giddy and happy but a bit scared and apprehensive, too. He remembered having a crush on Cho Chang during his fourth and fifth years at Hogwarts, but their relationship never worked out. During Harry's fourth year, Cho was seeing Cedric Diggory; Harry had been envious and resented Cedric for it. After Cedric's death, Harry felt such guilt about not being a better friend to him, but his crush on Cho never faltered. During his fifth year, Harry had asked her to accompany him to Hogsmeade, but they'd gotten into a row at a little tea shop. After that, nothing ever came of a permanent relationship between them; she was still mourning the loss of Cedric.

With Carrie, things were different. Harry noticed that she did turn the heads of the other boys, but she seemed oblivious to it. From what he could observe, there was nobody that Carrie was seeing, which he found himself to be very happy about. She was always friendly and cheerful when they talked; Harry found her to be so easy to talk to and a wonderful listener. Every time he saw her or when she smiled at him, he felt his heart beat faster and his insides grow warm. There was definitely some chemistry there.

During the first week of October, Dumbledore had announced that instead of the typical Halloween party, there would be a Halloween Ball replacing it. It would be a formal affair and would take place on Halloween night. The Headmaster had explained that Hogwarts used to have a ball in previous years, but that tradition had died, leaving just a regular party in its place. Dumbledore also announced that there would now be four balls a year—a Halloween Ball, a Yule Ball, a Valentine's Ball, and a Spring Bal in April. These occasions would be attended only by staff and students from fourth year on up.

By the end of that week, Harry was in a state of dread and misery. He'd wanted to ask Carrie to the ball, but his jumbled up nerves got in the way. He knew he'd want to crawl into a hole and die if she said no, and it would be so much worse if she laughed at him.

"For heaven's sake, Harry. Just ask her," Hermione said one day as she saw Harry brooding, a dark look crossing his face. "You'd better do it before someone else does."

"What if she laughs at me, Hermione?" Harry asked, his voice rising slightly.

"Bloody hell, I get laughed at all the time," Ron quipped.

"Thanks a lot, Ron," Harry muttered.

"You won't know until you ask her," Hermione advised, a hint of exasperation creeping into her voice. "I heard about a seventh year Ravenclaw boy wanting to ask her. You'd better get up the courage to ask her before she accepts someone else's offer."

Harry nodded reluctantly; he didn't want to repeat the same mistake he'd made with Cho a couple years before. He'd waited too long, and she'd agreed to be Cedric's date. "I suppose you're right, Hermione. It just makes me nervous."

"Don't worry," Hermione said, trying to reassure him. "Carrie's not the type of person to laugh in your face. You should know by now how nice she really is. She's about as sweet as they come." Hermione and Carrie had become quite good friends as the weeks at Hogwarts rolled along. Hermione knew there were things about Carrie that she didn't know; there were things that Carrie avoided talking about, things she skirted around, when Hermione or others asked about them. Hermione noticed that Carrie was always very guarded and chose her words very carefully when talking about her singing talents and how she learned she was musically gifted. Carrie also didn't talk about her past very much; in fact, she avoided the subject at all costs.

"I know. You're right, as always, Hermione." Harry's voice broke into Hermione's reverie, and she focused her attention on the situation at hand once again.

"What about you, Ron? Do you have a date?" asked Hermione.

"I—uh—no, not yet," Ron stammered as his cheeks and ears colored bright red.

"How about you, Hermione. Any handsome fellow sweep you off your feet yet?" Harry teased lightly.

Hermione glowered and shook her head. "I guess not many boys like a bookworm," she said quietly.

Ron gulped and blushed even darker, if that was even possible. "Uh, Hermione?" Ron began softly, feeling as if he wanted to crawl into a corner. "I was wondering if you—um—that is—I thought you and I could—er—go together. I mean, if you want to, that is."

Harry covered his mouth and coughed, attempting to suppress a grin as well as a burble of laughter. So, Ron was finally taking the bull by the horns and asking Hermione out, was he?

Unusual to Hermione's personality, she was momentarily stunned speechless. Her eyes grew round in shock and surprise. Then, she recovered herself and gave him a small, mysterious smile. "Alright, then. I'll go to the ball with you, Ron."

Ron grinned delightedly and heaved a sigh of relief. "Brilliant!"

"Now it's your turn, Harry. Get hold of yourself and ask Carrie to the ball. You'll be miserable until you do," said Hermione, a small smile playing about her lips.

"Speak of the devil," grinned Ron as he looked up to see the very subject of their conversation entering the common room.

Harry looked in Carrie's direction and took in her appearance, noticing how lovely she looked. She was wearing teal robes (upper classmen could choose their own colors to wear instead of the usual black that was required of underclassmen), a perfect color for autumn. In her hair, Carrie was wearing pretty little combs that held the sides of her long hair back; they matched the color of her robes perfectly. As she walked, her robes billowed and swished about her small frame, causing Harry's heart to speed up and his mouth to go dry. Carrie looked truly stunning!

"Now's your chance, Harry. Go ask her," hissed Hermione in his ear.

"Right." Harry got up from his chair, blushing scarlet. Approaching her, he tapped her on the shoulder. She whirled around and smiled when she realized who had touched her. "Uh, Carrie? Can we talk outside…in the corridor for a moment? I want to ask you something."

She looked a bit surprised at this. Usually Harry said what he needed to say right there in the common room. Perhaps she'd done something wrong at Quidditch practice and he didn't want to bawl her out in front of the others. "Well, OK. Did I do something wrong?" she asked, worry sounding in her voice.

"No, it's nothing like that," Harry was quick to assure her. "I just want to ask you something in private."

She nodded and followed him through the portrait hole. As the door closed behind them, Harry led her down the corridor a little. His stomach was tied in knots, and the butterflies were doing a great job of fluttering in there. For a moment, he didn't speak; Carrie waited patiently for him to begin.

"Carrie," Harry began hesitantly. "I was wondering if, maybe, you wanted to go to the ball with me. That is, if you don't already have a date. I'd be very honored if you accepted my offer." Harry felt perspiration wetting his palms, causing them to feel clammy. He discreetly wiped them on his robes, hoping Carrie hadn't noticed. Why did he always have to act like a total idiot in front of her?

"That would be lovely, Harry," she smiled up at him. "I'd love to go with you."

Harry couldn't suppress the grin that formed on his lips. It broadened into a genuine smile that reached his green eyes and caused them to sparkle. "Good. I mean, that's great. I'm glad." Potter, you've graduated from idiot to jackass!

"I was hoping you'd ask me," said Carrie softly. "I didn't want to go with anyone else."

"Really? You really wanted to go with me all along?" Harry was flattered.

"Uh huh," she nodded. "I like you, Harry, a lot." It was Carrie's turn to blush, and she ducked her head to try to hide it.

"Carrie," Harry whispered gently as he smiled down at her. Softly, he cupped her chin with his palm and lifted her face up so his eyes could meet hers. With his other hand, he touched her cheek, feeling the baby soft texture of her skin under his fingers. He stroked her cheek and gazed tenderly into her eyes as he took his other hand from her chin and wrapped his arm around her waist. Ever so slowly, he lowered his head and gently kissed Carrie's lips, feeling himself go weak in the knees. He ended the kiss after a moment and looked questioningly down at her. "Did you mind?" he asked.

Instantly, she shook her head. "No," she whispered.

Again, Harry lowered his head and kissed her, holding her closer to him this time. Carrie reached up and tenderly touched his hair, running her fingers lightly through it as she returned his kiss. Sensing her willingness, Harry deepened the kiss, and Carrie followed suit, her lips parting to accommodate him. As he kissed and held her, electric shocks zoomed down his spine. When the kiss ended, he wrapped his arms about her more tightly and just enjoyed the feel of her slight frame in his arms. He lowered his head to rest his cheek on top of her head, breathing in her scent; she smelled of exotic flowers. It was a beautiful smell that seemed to go well with her. He wondered what kind of perfume she wore.

Harry stroked Carrie's hair as she rested her head against his chest, feeling his steady heartbeat under her cheek. Her arms were wrapped tightly around him, and she closed her eyes as she sighed in pleasure.

They stayed like that for a timeless period, each one enjoying this new sensation. Harry's hands continued to stroke her hair, letting the silken softness of the strands gently glide through his fingers. He felt Carrie totally relaxing against him as he held her. He had never dreamed it could be like this. He wanted to just hold her, to just be with her, forever.

With great reluctance, Harry let her go, but he had one more thing to ask her. Now that things had surprisingly escalated between them a bit, he decided to voice his question, hoping and saying a silent prayer that it wouldn't scare her off. "Carrie, would you be my girlfriend—officially?"

Carrie's smile was unmistakable. The light in her eyes was shining just for Harry as she breathed, "Oh yes, Harry. I will be your girlfriend."

At those words, he kissed her again, and she melted into his arms. He wanted nothing more at this moment than to feel her next to him, to kiss her, to hold her tight.

Abruptly, the moment ended when Hermione's voice rang throughout the corridor. "Harry, is everyth--?" Her mouth dropped open in astonishment as she saw Harry and Carrie in each other's arms. "Uh, sorry Harry."

Carrie and Harry broke apart, both of them bowing their heads, a bit embarrassed. "What's up, Hermione?" Harry asked, trying to compose himself.

"Ron and I were just wondering how you made out." At these words, all three of them cracked up. The words were quite fitting for the situation Hermione found the two of them in.

"If you're talking about the ball, Carrie has graciously agreed to go with me," said Harry.

The next weekend was a Hogsmeade trip, which the students were looking forward to. With the ball coming up, most everyone needed to do some shopping, especially the girls. Harry had already asked Carrie to accompany him to Hogsmeade, which she readily agreed to.

Carrie and Harry held hands as everyone walked down to the little village. He knew Carrie was excited about going; she'd told him that the only thing she saw of Hogsmeade was the train station when she'd arrived there with her parents. Carrie looked especially lovely that Saturday morning. She was wearing flowing deep blue robes that swished as she walked. Her hair hung in flowing curls down to her waist, and her face was flushed from anticipation and excitement. Harry glanced down at her from time to time, noticing how her hair shimmered in the sunlight. She had the prettiest, softest hair he had ever seen.

Once they arrived at Hogsmeade, Carrie and Hermione left Harry and Ron and meandered down to shop for ball gowns at The Well Dressed Witch; the boys decided to pay a visit to Honeydukes.

The foursome met at The Three Broomsticks for lunch and butterbeers; everyone was laden with packages as they blew through the door. It was getting colder outside, and the friends decided to try to find a table next to the warm fireplace.

"I can't believe how much stuff I bought," grinned Carrie. "Hermione, next time I go dress shopping, remind me to bring a wheelbarrow."

Everyone laughed as they looked down at the mountain of packages Carrie had brought in with her. "Looks like you just about bought out the entire store," Harry said, chuckling softly.

"I hit the jackpot, that's for sure," Carrie replied a bit sheepishly. "Mom always said I'm a dangerous woman when I'm shopping."

"I'll have to agree with you there, Carrie," laughed Hermione. "You really know how to shop, and you're excellent at sniffing out a great bargain."

Carrie grinned and took a sip of her butterbeer. "Hey, did I tell you that Professor Croft asked me to sing at the ball?" Carrie asked, changing the subject.

"Brilliant!" Harry smiled proudly. "I can't wait to hear you."

"I thought you might be a little upset that I won't be with you the whole night," said Carrie. "It'll just be for a while. After all, the Wyrd Sisters are playing most of the music."

"It's alright," said Harry. "I don't mind, really. It will be just as enjoyable for me to hear you sing."

"Thanks, Harry," she said, smiling appreciatively.

Looking around, Harry noticed that The Three Broomsticks was becoming quite crowded with patrons and was glad that he and his friends had gotten there early. They listened to the lively chatter as they ate their lunch and shared laughter as they heard snatches of conversation.

"I tell you," they heard one man at a nearby table talking to his two male companions. "when I came 'ome the other night blind drunk, the ole lady hexed me—made me puke up slugs and me drinks, she did. What a waste o' perfectly good firewhiskey."

"I hope ye told 'er what she could do wi' 'er damn wand," fired back one of his friends.

"Yep, told 'er she could stick i' up 'er—"But the man didn't finish due to the raucous laughter of his friends.

Carrie and Hermione giggled uncontrollably while Harry and Ron guffawed outright. Carrie began to laugh even harder as she watched Harry and Ron double over, clutching their sides. As she laughed harder, she snorted, which was something she did when she cracked up completely; this sent Harry and Ron into a barrage of howls. Ron slapped the table as his laughter overcame him while Harry was nearly on the floor. Both Carrie and Hermione had tears of mirth pouring down their cheeks as they clutched their stomachs and tried to stay in their chairs. They were all laughing like loons!

Just as it started to let up a little, Rosemerta came over to their table and asked if everything was alright. The four Gryffindors looked at each other and then burst into helpless gales of laughing once again. Rosemerta just shook her head and clicked her tongue as if to say, 'Teenagers."

Finally able to get themselves under control for good this time, they began talking about nothing in particular. Harry was thinking to himself what a great day they were having and how much fun this Hogsmeade trip had been. He was there with his best friends and his girlfriend, who he was falling for more and more as each day passed. As he was lost in his reverie, he didn't' notice the door to The Three Broomsticks open and admit a man.

It wasn't until he heard a blood curdling scream from Carrie that he looked up. Harry noticed that Carrie had dropped her butterbeer and was white as the driven snow. She was sitting in her chair, trembling and staring, a look of absolute horror on her face.

The man who had entered the pub was none other than Remus Lupin.