A/N: Contrary to popular belief, this story hasn't been abandoned. Though I can understand why people assumed it had been. Anyway, I have a small warning to give you about this long overdue chapter. It contains adult themes and situations. It's nothing too bad but I figured I should warn you now.

Chapter 6

"They got my damn name wrong!"

"Don't swear."

"Mum, they got my name wrong!"

Alicia jumped up from the table with the Daily Prophet clutched tightly in her hand. Her mother and her sisters watched her stomp around the kitchen. "Let me see it," Catherine said calmly.

Alicia wordlessly handed the newspaper to her older sister. Inwardly she seethed. Catherine was always calm. According to her husband she hadn't even broken a sweat during childbirth.

"An interesting twist," Catherine read, "to add to this weekend's Quidditch Final is that the woman who coaches the Holyhead Chasers was once a protégé of Oliver Wood's. Elisa Spurnet played on Wood's Gryffindor team at Hogwarts."

"Elisa Spurnet!" Alicia shouted. "Elisa Spurnet!"

Alicia's younger sister giggled but her mother frowned sympathetically. "It's disappointing but I think you're over reacting a little, dear."

Catherine raised her eyebrows and asked, "Have you read the rest of this?"

"No. I only got that far. Why? What else do they say about me?" Alicia demanded.

"Sources close to Wood and Spurnet confirm that the pair dated at Hogwarts. We are still trying to discover if the romance was ever rekindled but it will definitely make for an interesting game. It certainly gives new meaning to the old saying Sleeping with the Enemy."

Alicia shrieked in outrage. Her younger sister, now openly hysterical, grabbed the newspaper and began to tear out the article. "I'm going to take this home and stick it on the refrigerator. I'm sure dad would love to read it."

"Don't you dare, Mackenzie! You know how he gets about my boyfriends. Besides, Oliver and I have only ever been friends."

"You've never shagged him?" Mackenzie asked dubiously.

"Never."

"Well, what the hell's wrong with you? You've known him for years!"

Alicia angrily snatched the newspaper from her sister. "You see, unlike other people I won't name, I don't jump every bloke I meet."

Mackenzie glared back. She was very good at glaring. "Are you referring to me? I hope you aren't because I'll-"

"That's enough, girls," their mother interrupted calmly. "Listen, we're going to have a nice family dinner tonight to celebrate the final."

"Oh, I can't make it tonight," Alicia said, suddenly blushing and dropping her gaze. She prayed that no one noticed but Catherine swooped.

"And why not? What's so important that you can't spend time with your own family?"

Alicia began to gaze out the window in apparent fascination. "I'm washing my hair tonight."

"All night?" Mackenzie asked sceptically.

"Of course not. I also have to wash the cat."

"Alicia," her mother said patiently, "the cat washes himself. Who are you dating?"

"Dating?" Mackenzie exclaimed. "Since when does Alicia date?"

"I date all the time! I'm a date-aholic!" Alicia insisted vehemently.

"All right, when was your last proper date?"

"Oh. Well, it was…hang on, I'm trying to count! Don't bloody rush me!"

Mackenzie just grinned smugly. "Told you so. I bet you're going to sit at home, eat ice cream and watch a boring movie."

Alicia's face turned an alarming shade of red and she turned to her mother. "Mum, make her stop!"

"Both of you stop it, you're grown women." Mrs Spinnet stood up and straightened her cream blouse. For a woman in her fifties she was still pretty and had maintained a calm elegance that Alicia always envied. "Come on, girls, let's leave your sister to get ready for her date."

Mackenzie sniggered under her breath. Alicia made a grab for her but she Disapparated. Catherine shook her head disdainfully and also Disapparated.

Alicia sighed. "Why couldn't I have been an only child?"

"Cheer up, darling, you don't want to depress your mystery date."

"Mum!"

"Goodbye, sweetheart." Her mother kissed her on the cheek then Disapparated.

Alicia couldn't help but smile. Trust her mother to realise she was going on a date. Too bad she couldn't wipe that smug smile off Mackenzie's face. She knew Harry didn't want to make their relationship public yet and Mackenzie was hopeless at keeping secrets.

Alicia made herself a calming cup of tea and settled in front of the television. Even hours before the date she was nervous. What the hell was she supposed to say to Ron and Hermione? She barely knew them. Small talk would only get her so far.

Two hours and three cups of tea later, Alicia decided to make herself a sandwich. She didn't want to eat too much. She had no idea what Harry was making for dinner but she still wanted to make sure she had an appetite.

There was a loud knock at the door before she got to take a bite. Swearing copiously she ran to the door and threw it open. Fred, George and Lee greeted her with wide smiles.

"Hi, we're here to see Elisa Spurnet," Lee said, still smiling widely.

"Go to hell." Alicia tried to slam the door but Fred put his foot in the way. She scowled at them then turned and stomped away.

They laughed and followed her. "How come you never told us you dated Oliver?" George asked.

"Because I never did date him!"

"All right, no need to get stroppy, Leesh."

Alicia made a rude hand gesture, which Fred returned. The three of them sat down and George began to eat Alicia's sandwich. She sat down in the middle of the floor and watched them glumly. "May I ask why you're invading my personal space?"

"Relax," Lee said, "we just came to watch some television."

"I hope you realise all the adult channels have been blocked," Alicia replied calmly.

"You have such a smutty mind," Fred accused. "What makes you think we came to watch that sort of thing?"

"Because you're sick and depraved individuals."

"I resent that," George said through a mouthful of peanut butter sandwich.

Lee came and sat beside her. He put his arm around her shoulders. "You look a little ill. What's wrong, sugar?"

"The big date is tonight," Fred answered for her.

"Oh, that's right. But you can't be nervous about it," Lee said. "I've seen you with Harry and you're perfect together."

"Like strawberries and cream!" George interjected.

"Or French knickers and chocolate sauce."

Alicia looked up at Fred. "What?"

"Nothing."

Alicia sighed. "Look, I can't help being nervous. It took me an hour to decide what I was going to wear and I'm still not really sure!"

"And what are you going to wear?" Lee asked.

"I was going to wait till Crystal got home so she could help me," Alicia said.

"Well, we're here now. We'll help!" George said brightly.

"No way."

"Come on, we know what blokes like," Fred insisted.

Lee stood up and pulled Alicia to her feet reluctantly. "Go and put on what you're wearing tonight. I promise we'll be nice."

Alicia shook her head. "No. Don't you two have a business to run?" she said to Fred and George.

"Minimum wage workers," Fred answered with a devilish grin.

"What about Angelina and Katie?" Alicia asked desperately.

"Katie has a check up."

Alicia gasped. "You should be with her!"

"Katie said I wasn't allowed to go because I giggle every time the doctor discusses her anatomy."

Alicia rolled her eyes. "And where's Angelina?"

"She's taken Jordy to see her parents. And before you ask, I'm not with her because her parents hate me."

"Oh, they do not! You're just paranoid."

"Bollocks," Fred dismissed. "They still refer to me as 'that Weasley fellow'."

There was no point asking Lee where his girlfriend was because Alicia knew she was at a special lunch being held for the final teams. It appeared she was stuck with the three of them. "Fine. I'll go and change."

"Good girl." Lee gave her a shove in the right direction.

She stumbled into her room and quickly pulled on the clothes she had spread out on her bed. She pulled her hair into a ponytail. After much deliberation she had decided to wear a long denim skirt that reached her ankles and a long sleeved black shirt. She pulled on some low-heeled shoes and walked back out the boys.

Alicia stood in front of them and they just stared. "Well?"

"Honestly?" Lee asked hesitantly.

"Of course," Alicia said. She was beginning to get that bad feeling in the pit of her stomach.

"Well, you look like a librarian."

"No, I don't!" Alicia said defensively. "I look sensible."

"Sensible is just another word for boring," Lee informed her gently. Or as gently as he could.

"Hey, George, if you tilt your head to the left and squint, she looks like grandma!"

George squinted and tilted his head. "Wow! You do look like our grandmother! Go on, call me a no good delinquent."

Alicia turned bright red and shrieked. "I don't look like your grandmother! She's short and fat and has blue hair!"

"Not her, the other one."

"I don't look…" Alicia looked down at herself and grimaced. "But…oh, God dammit!"

"Don't worry," Lee said, jumping up to reassure her. "We'll help you."

Alicia stomped her foot angrily. "I don't need your help! I'm not going!" She ran away before any of them could stop her.

"Now look what you did!" Fred punched Lee in the arm.

Lee punched him back. "You're the one who told her she looked like your grandmother!"

"I bet she's crying," George said.

Fred nodded and lowered his voice. "I don't like it when she cries."

"Neither do I. Let's go fix it."

Lee marched off with the other two trailing behind. Alicia was curled up in a ball on her bed. George sat beside her and Lee and Fred began to rummage through her wardrobe. They didn't have much to work with.

"Hey, where's that cute little black skirt you had last time I was here?" Lee asked.

Alicia sat up quickly, almost head-butting George in the process. All her tears were forgotten immediately. "I couldn't possibly wear that, it's much too short."

"Not necessarily. Where is it?"

"At the back somewhere. B–but I can't wear it, when I sit down you can see my knickers!"

"You say that like it's a bad thing," George said softly.

Alicia elbowed him in the ribs. Lee found the skirt and threw it to her. "Go put it on while we find a shirt or something."

"I think I'd rather look like a grandma," Alicia said, holding up the short skirt.

"Harry won't be able to keep his eyes off you in that skirt," Fred assured her.

"Not to mention his hands," Lee added.

"His hands?" Alicia repeated slowly. She quite liked the sound of that. "All right, I'll put it on. None of you had better make any stupid comments."

"As if we'd do such a thing."

Alicia chose to ignore that comment. She went out into the hall and closed the door. She changed skirts then slowly opened her bedroom door. "I don't like this idea anymore. I'll wear jeans. Guys?"

They continued to stare. Lee was first to recover; he cleared his throat and said, "Right. You're wearing that. No arguments."

"But-"

"Wear it," Fred said firmly.

George ran a hand through his hair and let out a loud breath. "Blimey, if I weren't so devoted to…er…"

"Katie?"

"Yeah. Katie."

Alicia blushed and tugged at the skirt. "You guys are sweet but I look like I belong on a street corner."

Lee shook his head and put his hands on her shoulders. "You look great. Keep that shirt on and put on some heels. Simple."

"What knickers are you wearing?" Fred asked suddenly.

"Excuse me!?"

"Oh, that's really important," George said fervently.

"I always liked that black lace pair," Lee added thoughtfully. "Harry would like those."

"Harry won't be seeing my knickers!"

Fred raised his eyebrows in question. "Are you positive?"

Alicia had to stop and think for moment. "Well, maybe it…Wait – No! I don't do that sort of thing!"

"I seem to remember being in the country for only two hours before you jumped me," Lee pointed out.

"That was different. Harry won't be seeing my knickers." No sooner were the words out of her mouth than she was having second thoughts. It was that scene in Bridget Jones's Diary. "All right. I'll put on the black lace."

"Actually, wear the pink ones," George advised. "They're more feminine."

Lee shook his head and said, "No need. I hardly think Harry is going to need reminding she's a woman if she's standing there in her knickers."

Alicia put her hands over her eyes. "Oh, God."

"What about white?" Fred suggested. "That's nice and virginal."

Lee opened his mouth, no doubt to point out Alicia's lack virginity. She cut him off abruptly. "Stop talking about my underwear! I'll decide all by myself."

"My personal favourite is red," George said casually.

Lee nodded and nudged Alicia. "Yeah, you have that lovely red pair of knickers. Harry's a true Gryffindor, I'm sure he'd love them."

"Did you not hear a word I just said?" she demanded.

Fred made a thoughtful little noise. "I quite like it when Angelina wears no knickers at all."

That was about all Alicia could stand. She put her hands over her ears and shook her head violently. "Too much information!"

Lee feigned a concerned look. "Something bothering you, love?"

"I hope you three realise you're going to pay for all the therapy I'm going to need."

"The shepherd's pie is burnt. I told you to watch it, Ron!"

"What are you talking about? It's not burnt."

"It is burnt! There on the edge of the crust."

"I still can't see it!"

"Oh, the whole thing is ruined!"

Hermione Granger put down her book and sighed. There was one quick way to end this argument. She joined Ron and Harry in the kitchen. They were both staring intently at the shepherd's pie. Hermione peered over Ron's shoulder. "Where is it burnt?"

Harry pointed to a small black speck on the crust. "Right there!"

Hermione nodded solemnly. "I see it." She reached out and calmly snapped the offending chunk of crust off.

Harry gasped in outrage. "You broke my pie!"

"It's fine. Alicia won't even notice."

"I'll notice it and I'll be paranoid all night!" Harry glared at his best friends.

"We can just magic up another pie in a couple of minutes," Ron said.

Harry looked horrified at the suggestion. "Alicia likes Muggle stuff so the pie had to be made from scratch, without magic! Oh, do you think it's too late to call this off?"

"She's supposed to arrive in ten minutes," Hermione pointed out. "Maybe you should consider putting some trousers on before she gets here?"

"What?"

"Harry, you've only got a shirt and boxer shorts on."

Harry looked down to find that Hermione was correct. His face grew hot with embarrassment. "I knew that. I was just about to put my trousers on."

As soon as Harry had run from the room, Ron nudged Hermione. "You shouldn't have reminded him. The look on Alicia's face would have been classic!"

"And Harry would have had a nervous breakdown." Hermione dumped some plates into Ron's arms and grabbed a handful of knives and forks.

"You're using the good china?" Ron asked.

"Harry insisted," Hermione said as she led him through to the dining room.

Ron began to set out the plates and said, "He's going to an awful lot of trouble."

"And that's why you aren't going to mess it up."

"Me? You're the one who's going to interrogate her."

"I do not interrogate people," Hermione said firmly. "I merely ask questions to protect Harry."

"Maybe you should go easy on Alicia. At least we know she isn't a nutter like Danni."

"Do we really know that for sure?"

"Come on, she's been best friends with Fred and George ever since their first year at Hogwarts," Ron said.

Hermione raised her eyebrows dubiously. "Somehow that doesn't reassure me."

"I think she'll be good for Harry."

Hermione finished laying out the cutlery and turned to her boyfriend. "I seem to remember you saying that about Danni as well."

"Well this time I'm sure." Ron gave her a reassuring kiss on the cheek. "We better get the food out before Harry has a panic attack."

Unfortunately, Harry had reached that point about five minutes ago. He was having second thoughts about what he was wearing. Not to mention the food. Actually, he was having second thoughts about the whole thing. Perhaps it was too soon after Danni.

Harry was trying to get his hair to behave when the doorbell rang. He froze. Ron slapped him on the shoulder as he hurried past. "Showtime, mate."

Harry took a deep breath and went to answer the door. On his way past the living room he spotted Ron and Hermione peering out the front window. He stopped and watched them curiously.

"Blimey, look at her legs," Ron said breathlessly.

"What about her legs, Ronald?" Hermione asked icily.

"Er…there's two of them?" he stammered.

Harry shook his head and laughed. "Nice try, Ron. Let me take a look."

"Harry!" Hermione shrieked in horror. "You can't leave her standing out there while we all stare through the window!"

"Right. I guess not."

Harry straightened his shirt and went to open the door. He immediately knew what Ron had been talking about. Alicia was wearing the shortest skirt he had ever seen.

"Hi," Alicia said awkwardly.

Harry managed to tear his eyes away from her legs. "Hi. Come in."

"Thanks." She smiled nervously and brushed past him.

Harry caught the subtle scent of sweet perfume. Short skirt and perfume. Suddenly having Ron and Hermione hanging around didn't seem like such a super idea.

Ron and Hermione emerged from the living room. Ron was smiling but Hermione looked reserved. "Hi," Ron said cheerfully.

"Hello," Hermione said guardedly.

Alicia looked nervously from Harry to the conflicted couple. She cleared her throat haphazardly. "Uh, hi."

"You look really nice," Harry said dutifully, but sincerely.

Alicia appeared to relax slightly at the compliment. "Thank you. I brought a bottle of wine."

"Thanks, but you didn't have to," Harry said, accepting the bottle.

Alicia shrugged away the comment. "It's no problem, really. It was just lying around the house anyway." Her expression became clouded and she turned quickly to Hermione. "Not that I have a lot of wine lying around my house. I'm not an alcoholic or anything…I mean, I have the odd glass of wine with dinner. I read somewhere that it was good for you. Not that I believe everything I read, of course."

Harry, Ron and Hermione all stared at her.

xxxxx

Alicia was rambling. To make matters worse, she knew she was rambling. The more she thought about not rambling, the more she rambled. The last time she'd been so nervous was at her job interview for the Harpies. Somehow she ended up telling her boss how she preferred to sleep on the left side of her bed. To this day she still had no idea how she went from talking about her work goals to her sleeping arrangements.

Hermione was the first to break the agonising silence. She gave Alicia an unreadable glance and grabbed Ron's arm. "You two go through to the dining room. Ron and I will bring the food in."

Alicia felt Harry's hand brush against hers and she grasped it like a lifeline. As soon as Hermione and Ron left, she slapped her hands over her eyes. "That was awful."

Harry squeezed her hand. "There's no need to be nervous."

"Are you kidding? This is the closest I'm ever going to get to meeting your parents."

Harry tilted his head thoughtfully. "I guess so. I never thought about it that way. Anyway, there's nothing to be worried about. Just be yourself."

"I am being myself," Alicia informed him dejectedly. "Hence the problem."

Harry smiled reassuringly at her. "I promise you'll be fine. Come on."

Alicia followed Harry through the house. Her eyes were darting back and forth, trying to take in everything at once. She hadn't expected Harry to live in a mansion, but she also hadn't expected his house to be so…ordinary. The interior was certainly beautiful, though. Alicia recalled hearing that a famous interior designer had been commissioned to undertake the job a few years ago.

"Chloe Cummings did a great job with the place," Alicia commented as they entered the dining room.

"I should hope so. It cost a damn fortune."

Alicia spotted a row of photographs on the mantle and went to have a closer look. There was one of Harry's parents, one of him with Ron and Hermione, another of the Weasley family and one of the Gryffindor Quidditch team after they won the Quidditch Cup in Oliver's last year. Alicia smiled at the memory as Harry came up beside her.

"I've had that picture there ever since I got the house. I look at a photo of you everyday and now you're here. It's kinda odd if you think about."

"Actually, it's not that odd," Alicia said. "I look at a picture of you every night before I go to sleep."

"You have a Quidditch photo by your bed?" Harry guessed.

"Not exactly. It's from that time the Daily Prophet caught you sunbaking in the nude. It's on my ceiling."

Harry turned red. "You saw that picture?"

"Honey, every witch in the country saw that picture."

"It was all Danni's idea," he said defensively. "I don't normally do stuff like that."

Alicia took a seat at the long table and ran her finger across the finely embroidered tablecloth. "That's a pity. I can't even begin to tell you how many of the Harpies' girls have that picture inside their locker doors."

"You're enjoying this," Harry stated.

Alicia shrugged. "Of course I am. You're cute when you get all uncomfortable."

Harry sat down beside her, still looking rather hot and bothered. "One naked picture in the Prophet and no one ever lets you forget it."

"Oh, it wasn't that bad. You couldn't see anything incriminating. Believe me, I looked."

Harry scowled at her with mock anger. "You wanna play dirty? How come I didn't know you dated Oliver at school, Elisa?"

"Oh, that's low, Potter. I wasn't going to mention your chicken legs, but you've forced my hand."

"I don't have chicken legs!"

Alicia leant towards him till the tip of her nose was touching his. "You do so," she said softly.

Harry didn't appear to hear what she said. He pressed his lips to hers. Unfortunately, it was all of three seconds before Hermione and Ron entered. Hermione cleared her throat loudly and the pair jumped apart.

"Not at the table, children," Ron reproached them jokingly.

Alicia blushed like a scolded child. Hermione gave her an appraising look as she placed the food in the middle of the table. Alicia avoided her gaze by surveying the array of food.

"Wow. This looks great. You've made all of my favourite foods. How did you know?"

"I went to see Fred and George," Harry admitted.

"They actually helped you?" Alicia asked, not bothering to hide her surprise as she helped herself to some pie and salad.

"Not quite. Fred told me you were a lactose intolerant vegetarian." Harry shook his head and poured her some wine. "Then George added that you only ate red food. We'd be having apples for dinner if Katie hadn't set me straight."

"I'm sorry about them. They're just testing you out. They've been really protective lately."

"Don't worry. I can handle it," Harry assured her with a confident grin. "I just don't understand why they're bothering. They set us up in the first place."

"Never try to predict Fred and George's logic," Ron advised his friend. "Trust me, it only leads to trouble."

The group lapsed into silence as they ate. The food was great. Alicia could tell that it had been made without magic. She appreciated the effort. Growing up eating food that wasn't made with magic meant she could actually tell the difference. It didn't necessarily taste better, just different.

"You confident about the grand final, Alicia?"

Alicia looked up at Ron. "Definitely. Oliver won't see it coming."

"The Harpies haven't made the final in almost twenty years. Alicia joined them and the very next year they're in the grand final. It's not a coincidence."

Alicia smiled at Harry. He actually sounded proud of her. She was quite positive she was glowing at this point.

"Didn't you work for the Appleby Arrows?" Ron asked through a mouthful of lettuce.

"Yes."

"Were you there when Kieran Kingly was there?"

Alicia nodded and poured herself another glass of wine. She had a feeling she was going to need it.

"He's a great player, isn't he?" Ron continued. "I've met him a couple of times. Nice bloke. The Canons were lucky to get him for such a great price. Do you think he has a chance of being back-up Seeker to Harry at the World Cup?"

Alicia shrugged and shifted the rest of her food around on her plate. Harry put a comforting hand on her bare knee beneath the table. "Ron, there's only a bit of the pie left over. Eat it."

Ron waved him away. "In a minute, mate. Did you know that women he was dating? You know the one who caught him with the coach's wife? I bet she was ugly."

Alicia didn't look up from her plate. She felt Harry tense beside her and shift slightly in his seat. "Ow!" Hermione yelped suddenly. "Did you just kick me, Harry?"

Ron continued, oblivious to the glare he was getting from across the table. "She obviously wasn't giving Kieran what he wanted. I don't blame him for looking elsewhere. Was she a bit on the fat side?"

"Ron!"

"What? It was an innocent question. That scandal almost ruined his career. I'd just like to know why she had to tell the papers that she found him in his bed with the coach's wife."

Alicia finally looked up. "It wasn't his bed. It was mine."

Harry sighed and put his hand over his eyes. "Nice one, Ron."

"It was you?" Ron exclaimed. "I swear I didn't know. I heard all this bad stuff about her so I assumed…well, you know."

"Oh, Ron," Hermione said wearily.

"I didn't know!"

"It's fine."

Ron still looked horribly guilty. "The next time I see Kieran I won't be nice to him," he vowed.

"You don't have to do that," Alicia said with a strained smile. "You're allowed to like him, Ron."

"Well…only if you're sure," he said looking rather relieved.

"I'm sorry about that," Harry added, shooting his friend an unimpressed sort of look. "I was going to tell Hermione and Ron about what happened but I decided it was none of our business anyway. I do wish Ron would learn to take a hint, though."

"Sorry," Ron mumbled, looking down at his hands.

Alicia sighed and clearly said, "Boys, read my lips. It's all right. No harm done. Understand?"

"Yes, but-"

"Listen," Alicia interrupted Harry, "I'll tell you a story about Ron if it'll even things out."

Hermione, who had been staring curiously at Alicia, finally spoke up. "What kind of story?"

"An embarrassing one. It's about the first time I met him."

Ron frowned, deep in thought. "I don't remember that," he concluded.

Alicia gave a saucy smile that made Ron uneasy. "I've never forgotten it. I was eleven and you were about nine. It was my first year at Hogwarts and I had made friends with Fred and George so they invited me over to the Burrow during the Christmas break. The whole time I was over you were being particularly antisocial and refused to come out of your room.

"I spent the day playing in the garden playing with your brothers and Ginny. In the afternoon I went into the kitchen to get a drink from your mother. Not realising I was in there, you came running in."

"Oh no," Ron groaned. His face began to turn red as he suddenly remembered.

Alicia grinned and continued. "Ron was absolutely frantic. He also happened to be completely naked. Apparently he couldn't find his Martin Miggs undies."

Ron hid his face in his hands as his best friend and girlfriend laughed at his expense. "What did he do when he saw you?" Harry asked.

"He grabbed one of his mother's pink aprons to cover himself. Then he accused me of taking his undies."

"Of course I'd forgotten that incident. I'd obviously suppressed such a horrible memory," Ron mumbled into his hands.

Alicia smiled sympathetically. "I'm sorry I brought it back to the surface, but we're even now."

Hermione gave Alicia an approving little nod then put her arm around Ron. "Come on, sweetheart, let's clean up so Harry and Alicia can talk. You can tell me how many other women have accidentally seen you naked."

"None!" Ron said vehemently as he dropped his hands and turned to his girlfriend. Harry cleared his throat pointedly and Rom glared at him. "Well, there was that time."

"And what time was that?" Hermione asked as she stood up and began to collect the plates.

"It was really nothing. It happened while I was staying with Dean and Seamus the summer after we left school. Lavender Brown walked in on me just as I'd stepped out of the shower. I'm positive that the boys put her up to it."

Hermione nodded thoughtfully. "The summer after graduation? Wasn't that just before she suddenly left the country?"

Ron's eyes widened as he picked up the last of the dirty dishes. "Yeah. Do you think my nakedness traumatised her so much that she had to flee the country?"

"Yes," Harry answered immediately.

"Oh, don't listen to him, Ron. I'm sure she left because she couldn't bear to be around you and keep her hands to herself."

"Right. That makes more sense," Ron said as he followed Hermione out of the dining room.

Alicia watched them leave then let out an amazed breath. "I don't believe I've ever been involved in such interesting dinner conversation."

"I suppose nudity isn't a normal topic of dinner conversation. Then again, we aren't exactly normal people." Harry stood up and offered his hand to her. "Let's go into the living room."

Alicia placed her hand in his and allowed him to lead her from the dining room. As they were going by the kitchen they heard Hermione and Ron talking.

Amongst the clatter of plates and cutlery, Ron said, "You're the only woman I've seen naked. Oh. There was the time that the tie on Parvati's halter top snapped. I swear I looked for two seconds…possibly five. Ok, it was definitely less than ten seconds."

"That's a great comfort, Ron."

Alicia giggled as their voices faded away. "They seem like a wonderful couple."

"They are. If I ever have a relationship half as good as theirs I'll be happy."

"Half as good? Why not go for the whole thing?"

"Well, chances like that don't come along very often," he replied sagely.

"I guess not."

The living room was as beautiful as the rest of the house. It was lit by candles and in the soft glow it looked like something out of a dream. Or a house magazine. Harry took her to a white, comfy looking sofa and sat down. Alicia sat down, trying to casually pull her skirt lower. It wasn't terribly effective.

"I like your skirt," Harry said with a smirk.

"Well, you can thank the twins and Lee for it," she huffed. "That's the last time I listen to them."

Harry leant towards and her brushed her hair away from her face. His lips brushed against her ear as he whispered, "I'm glad you listened to them. You look really pretty."

Alicia could feel all of her sanity seeping away. She was suddenly thankful that she'd taken Lee's advice and worn her flashy red knickers. Not bothering to consider the consequences, she turned her head to catch his lips with her own. He groaned in satisfaction and kissed her back.

Alicia saw stars as Harry's kiss forced her to lie back on the sofa. He leant over her, kissing and biting at her lower lip till she turned her head. Undeterred he moved his attention to her neck.

"Ron and Hermione could walk in," she said shakily.

Harry made an agreeing sort of noise and waved his hand in the direction of the door. Alicia jumped as it slammed shut. "You can do wandless magic," she said breathlessly. "Not many people can do that."

"Does it really matter at the moment?" Harry asked.

"No," Alicia said, pulling him down on top of her.

Nothing mattered except Harry and his lips and hands. It certainly didn't matter that she had promised herself that she wasn't going to jump into another physical relationship. She was making out with The Boy Who Lived! As if her dignity mattered…

Alicia suddenly panicked at the thought of her dignity. There were some things she wouldn't do, even for Harry Potter. She struggled beneath him and managed to say, "Get off me!"

Just as Alicia pushed him away, Harry decided to roll off her. He rolled off her and right off the sofa as well. Alicia winced as the back of his head hit the hardwood floor. She sat up and slapped her hands over her mouth. Harry swore and struggled to sit up.

"Oh God. Are you all right?" Alicia asked anxiously.

Harry rubbed the back of his head and grimaced. "Why the hell did you do that?"

"I'm not easy, you know!"

"I never said you were!"

"You think I am! You think you can do what you like because you're Harry Potter!" Alicia said, frantically pulling at her stupid skirt. It was all the skirt's fault.

Harry gave her a confused look and slowly got to his feet. He looked a little shaky so he sat down on the coffee table across from her. "I've never thought that in my entire life! Nor have I ever thought you were easy."

Alicia twisted her hands in her lap and looked at a spot above Harry's head. "After what happened with Lee, I promised myself I wouldn't jump into anything again."

"Look, I don't know what you thought was going to happen. I was just kissing you. I don't want anything from you that you aren't ready to give." Harry closed his eyes and rubbed the back of his head again.

"I think I deserve more credit than what you're giving me right now."

They lapsed into silence. Alicia knew he was right. He did deserve to be treated better. She finally got the courage to look at him and found that he was staring at her. Alicia self-consciously crossed her legs, which made her skirt creep up. She uncrossed her legs quickly and blushed as Harry stared even more. Feeling stupid, she crossed her legs the other way.

For no apparent reason, Harry burst into hysterical laughter. "You're Sharon Stone."

Alicia frowned hesitantly. "No I'm not. How hard did you hit your head?"

"Remember how she uncrossed her legs in that movie?"

"Yes."

"I like that movie."

Alicia got up and stood in between his knees. She put her hands on his head and rubbed the small bump she could already feel. "I'm really sorry, Harry. I know you aren't that sort of guy. I was more worried that I would do something stupid."

Harry wrapped his arms around her legs and pulled her close. Alicia sighed and hugged his head to her middle. "I'm going to be at the Quidditch Final," Harry said, not releasing his grip on her.

"The pre-match lunch?"

"Yeah. You'll be there then?"

"I have to be there. Do you want to go together?"

Harry hesitated. "Better not. A lot of press will be attending."

"Ashamed of me?" Alicia asked jokingly.

"You know the answer to that," Harry replied. He finally let her go and stood up.

Alicia fiddled with her hair. "I should get home. I have a full day of training tomorrow."

Harry nodded. "Thanks for coming. It must have been a pretty hectic week."

"It has been. I was glad to get away from Quidditch for a few hours. Next time you're going to have to come to my place." Alicia looked up at him hopefully, wondering if there would be a next time after she'd insulted him.

Harry smiled at her. "Your place sounds like a great idea."

Feeling immensely relieved, Alicia slipped her hand into his. "I better go say good bye to Ron and Hermione."

They went back out to the kitchen. A torrent of laughter and squealing greeted them. When they peered inside the kitchen they found Ron and Hermione throwing soapsuds at each other. Both were covered in bubbles, as was the rest of the kitchen.

Hermione wiped some suds from her face, oblivious to the onlookers. "I'll get you back for that, Weasley."

Alicia stifled her giggles as Hermione threw a handful of suds at her boyfriend. Suddenly Hermione didn't seem so intimidating. It probably had something to do with the bubbles on her head.

"I'm living with five year olds," Harry said loudly.

Ron paused mid-throw and grinned at Alicia and Harry. "Hey, mate! Come to join in?"

"Er, no thanks. Alicia has to leave and she wanted to say good bye."

"Bye!" Ron said cheerfully.

Hermione looked a little sheepish at being caught out. She looked down at her damp, dishevelled clothes and shrugged. "Even I have to have fun sometimes. I'm sure we'll see you again, Alicia. Probably at the Quidditch game."

"I'll keep an eye out for you. Bye."

They both waved at her then went back to pelting each other with bubbles. Alicia followed Harry to the front door. Outside it had grown cold and Alicia shivered slightly.

"If I kiss you good bye will you crack my head against the front door?" Harry asked, putting his hands on her hips and pulling her close.

"That depends how good the kiss is."

He kissed her softly and slowly. When he pulled away Alicia was all but swooning. "How was that?" he asked.

"You're very good at that," she said coyly.

"Hopefully I'll get a chance to perfect my technique when I see you in a few days."

"I can hardly wait."

"Goodbye, Alicia."

Alicia blew him a kiss then Disapparated. She was already looking forward to their next meeting.

A/N: I really am sorry that it took so long. Unfortunately, this will be the last chapter for the year. I'm putting this story on hiatus until I've finished Old Faces, New Tricks. I really want to get that done and I don't want to be distracted. I will definitely return to this story because I have some exciting storylines in mind. Please review and assure me that people are still reading!