Ch. 6- Brown eyes and weak knees
A/N: hey, sorry it's been a while...a BIG thanks to all my reviwers- I'm glad you guys are enjoying my story! disclaimer: c'mn, do you really think I own Harry Potter? Didn't think so...and now, without furhter ado, here is ch. 6! ;)
Sugar, ahh,
Honey, honey.
You are my candy girl,
And you got me wanting you.
Sugar, Sugar- The Archies
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The next month or so went by without too much disruption. We were getting buried under the ungodly amount of homework we were being given. Every night I was up until at least one o'clock in the morning and I was up by six every morning. Thank god for coffee, my savior. I honestly don't know how I made it through January and half of February, but I did. And then the second of half of February things started to pick up a bit.
"Tell me again what the point of this assignment is?" Sirius said, during potions one day.
"It's to broaden our minds and make a little more intelligent!" I said, mocking Professor Slughorn. "And it's another chance for Lily Evans to show off and have Slughorn fawn all over her. It's sickening, really."
"You're telling me. At least you don't have to hear James talk in his sleep about her." Sirius replied, rolling his eyes. The bell rang and we gathered up all of our stuff.
"See you in DADA." He said, as we parted. I had Ancient Runes and he had divination.
"Yeah, later." I called after him.
As I was walking, I was looking over some my notes for Ancient Runes and I wasn't really paying attention to where I was going. Apparently neither was the boy who ran right into me. And I mean ran. He hit me with such a force that I literally flew through the air a few feet before landing in a heap of parchment, quills, and books on the floor about five feet from where I'd originally been.
"Bloody hell, are you alright?" He asked, standing up quickly, and rushing over to me.
"Yeah, I think so." I said, nodding. "What was the bloody rush?"
"Oh, I left my bag in Herbology and I'm going to be late for Ancient Runes." He said. "Here, let me help you." He added. At least he was a gentleman.
"Thanks." I said, as he started to gather my things. I looked at him and recognized him somewhat. He was a Ravenclaw in my Ancient Runes class, but I didn't know who he was. He was, however, very cute. He stood at about five foot eleven, had dark brown curly hair, and deep chocolate brown eyes.
"There you are." He said, handing me my things. "I'm Jon Harper, by the way."
"Joie Emerson." I said, shaking his hand. "And I do believe that we are headed to the same class."
"Yes, I do believe so."
We walked along the corridor in a somewhat awkward silence for a minute. I wasn't sure of what to say next- I'd never been on conversational terms with boys before. It was usually insulting terms and even then, I usually won. The only boys I'd ever held a decent conversation with were the Marauders. Jon didn't seem to know what to say either.
"So, er, lovely weather, isn't it?" He asked, in an awkward tone. I looked at him for a second and then burst out laughing. The sky was gray, it was frigidly cold outside, and the ground outside was covered in patches of muddy snow.
"I'm sorry, but I don't think the weather could be any worse." I said, still laughing. He started laughing as well.
"Yes, well, it was an attempt at small talk, wasn't it?" He said, shooting a sideways glance at me. "My friends say that I'm no good at small talk."
"Oh, I'm sure you're better than me. See, I usually get into insulting matches with boys." I replied.
"Oh, yes, I've heard of you- Miss Joie Emerson, the Lady Marauder!" He said, dramatically.
"You better believe it." I said, indignantly.
"Oh, I have no doubt." He said, laughing. "Although, form what I've heard you're a wicked duelist."
"Well, then I guess you heard right." I replied, cockily, as we walked into Ancient Runes. "How do you think I got my reputation?"
"There's more than one way to get a reputation." He said, matter-of-factly. I stuck my tongue out at him.
Class started and we had to stop talking. Professor Brandt was going on about the Egyptian pyramids and how they were significant to the building of today's society and architecture when a piece of parchment landed on my desk. I frowned for a moment- since when did I get notes? I opened it and saw slanted, smooth writing.
Hey-
Do you want to meet me in the library after dinner to study? If you don't want to that's fine, but I thought it would be cool to get to know each other better.
-Jon
I stared at the note for a minute not believing that this was happening. I mean, no guy had ever given me a note, let alone talk to me. Not counting the Marauders, of course. So, I wrote back:
Yeah, that would be cool. How about seven-ish?
I tossed the note back to him and watched as he opened and read it. He turned to me and nodded, a grin on his face.
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That night I left from dinner to go to the library. I hadn't seen Jon, so I just assumed that he's already left. I was running a couple of minutes late because James and Sirius wanted to discuss a prank they were developing. I didn't want to tell them about Jon because I knew they'd make fun of me and besides, it wasn't like that. I mean, I didn't even know the guy.
"Hey, I almost thought you were going to stand me up." He said, when I sat down next to him.
"Well, I thought about it, but then I thought what the hell." I replied, cheekily. He smirked and shook his head at me.
"So, Joie, tell me about yourself. How many brothers and sisters you have, what your hobbies are, career choices- you know, the like." He said, leaning back and looking at me.
"Well, I'm an only child and I live with my dad in America, but we're not on very good terms right now. I'm an only child, I like Charms, dueling-especially combat-, pulling pranks, and I have a nasty habit of doing things and going places that I'm not supposed to. As far as a career, I want to be an Auror. I can't think of anything else that I'd like to do." I replied.
"Why does your dad live in America?" Jon asked, cocking head and frowning thoughtfully.
"He moved us there over the summer. I guess he just got sick of living here." I replied, with a shrug. I wasn't about to go into my mother with him.
"That must've been hard."
"Eh, it wasn't all that bad once I got used to it." I said, shrugging again. "What about you?"
"I have two younger sisters and an older brother- he's a healer at St. Mungo's. My parents are separated, but not divorced. They want to see how things are going to play themselves out. I like Herbology, I'm a horrible duelist, I've never broken a school rule in my life, and I like you." He replied, smiling at me as he said the last part. I felt my cheeks burn.
"I bet you say that to all the girls." I said, rolling my eyes, mockingly.
"Only the pretty ones."
We spent the rest of the time talking about classes and school and the outside world. Jon wanted to do something with plants, maybe become a teacher. He didn't like the Dark Arts and he loved Italian food. We both liked Ancient Runes-obviously- and reading books. I liked talking to him, he was nice.
"Where have you been?" Sirius asked, as I walked into the common room.
"Library." I said, nonchalantly.
"You were there for a long time." James said, raising an eyebrow at me and smirking.
"Oh, ha ha. I was studying for your information. There's a certain Herbology paper that's due that is driving me nuts." I replied, rolling my eyes. This was partially true- that paper was driving me nuts.
"Okay, whatever you say." Sirius said, mockingly.
"Oh bugger off."
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February turned into March, which melted into April and all of the fifth years were busy getting ready for the OWL's. Jon and I had become good friends and I had to admit that I liked him. But, as I was busy cramming for exams, I had little time to think about it. Besides, I doubted that he saw me as more than a friend.
"What's the bloody counter-curse for an engorgio hex?" Sirius asked no one in particular one night. We'd taken to studying together and asking questions aloud, randomly, if we didn't know.
"Check the back of the book. They always list the counter-curses for everything back there." I replied, not looking up from my transfiguration book. I was trying to transfigure my goblet of water into a cup of tea and I failing miserably.
"Sunshine, it's not that difficult." James said, as the hex I aimed at the cup hit him. "And if you're going to hex things, watch where you hex." He added, irately.
"Sorry." I said, muttering the counter-curse. "I just can't it to work!"
"Look, you're doing the wrong wand movements." He said, impatiently. "You slash then jab, not jab then slash."
"Well, not all of us are transfiguration prodigies, so excuse me if I'm not quite up to your skill level." I said, sourly. He'd been in a bad mood all week and none of us could figure out why.
"Well, maybe if you studied a little more…" He started, but I'd had enough.
"Look who's talking! At least I know the proper use of a book!" I yelled. "And just because you're PMSing doesn't mean you have take it out on me!" I added, and Remus and Sirius laughed.
"Oh, bugger off. You're just angry because you know I'm a better wizard than you'll ever be." He said, narrowing his eyes. I looked at him for a second and then- CRACK! I punched him and broke his nose.
"Joie!" Remus shouted, as Sirius grabbed me and held me back. I was trying to break free so I could teach James a lesson.
"Bloody hell, what's your problem?" He said, holding his nose, which was bleeding heavily.
"You got what you deserved, you cocky little git!" I snarled, still trying to break out of Sirius' grip.
"Look, both of you, settle down." Remus said, firmly. "James, what's bothering you? You've been like this all week."
"That's my business." He said.
"Well, keep it your business then. But don't go off on me just because a certain girl isn't interested." I snapped, putting two and two together.
"Okay, I'm sorry, but I mean, what do I have to do?" He asked, in softer tone.
"I dunno, but you should probably go to Madame Promfrey and get your nose fixed." Sirius said, letting go of me.
I went to the library because I'd needed to get away for a while. I'd been studying for about half an hour when Jon came and sat down next to me.
"I knew I'd find you here." He said, with a small smile.
"Am I that predictable?" I asked, with a laugh.
"Maybe." He paused for a second. "So, I was thinking that maybe you and I could go to Hogsmeade together. I mean, if you want to that is."
"Sure, I'd love to go with you." I said, a grin spreading across my face.
"Really? I mean, like as a date?" He asked, his face lighting up.
"Really." I said, nodding.
So that Saturday I got up earlier than usual and I started going through my closet. I wanted to find the perfect outfit, yet nothing I had seemed good enough. I tried things on and matched things, but nothing worked.
"Hey, do you need some help?" A voice from behind me asked. I turned and saw Lily.
"No-well yes." I said, looking at the floor. "See, I have a date today and I have nothing to wear and I don't what to do with my hair and I'm so frustrated!"
"Well, you could leave your hair like it is because it looks beautiful with all those curls. As for an outfit, I think you should wear these jeans with shirt." She said, pulling out my favorite jeans and a black, form-fitting top that I'd somehow missed. "And finally, if you're going to wear make-up, go modestly with it. You have great features, you don't need much."
"Thank you so much, Lily." I said, sincerely.
"No problem." She said, waving a hand. "May I inquire as to who your date is?"
"Jon Harper, he's in Ravenclaw." I said, and she smiled.
"He's so cute. I heard he was going with someone, but nobody I asked knew who. Well, that's great, I hope it goes well."
"Yeah, me too." I said, smiling.
I walked down to the common room fifteen minutes later, dressed and ready to go. As I walked out of the portrait hole, I heard James and Sirius calling after me.
"Hey, Sunshine, you're pretty dressed up to just be going to Hogsmeade." James said, in a light tone.
"I have a date." I said, trying to sound dignified.
"Oh, a date? Since when? And why haven't we met him?" James asked, elbowing Sirius in the ribs. But Sirius had a look on his face that I couldn't place. He looked almost sad.
"Since Tuesday. And you haven't met him because all you'll do is make fun of me." I replied, matter-of-factly.
"Who is it?" Sirius asked, but his voice wasn't playful like James'.
"Jon Harper, he's a fifth year Ravenclaw." I said, turning to him.
"Yeah, I know him." Sirius said, his eyes clouding over.
"Well, okay then, I'll just see you guys later." I said, spotting Jon and making my way over to him. But Sirius had followed me and James had followed Sirius.
"Hey, you look great." Jon said, smiling at me, then looking uncertainly at Sirius and James. "Hello, Jon Harper-"
"Yeah, I know who you are, so let's just get to the point." Sirius said, coldly. I looked at him in surprise. "If you so much as touch her in the wrong way or hurt her I'll make you wish you were never born." He said, in a dangerous voice. Even James looked at him in disbelief.
"Would you excuse us for just a moment?" I said to Jon, then I turned and dragged Sirius out of earshot. "What the hell was that?"
"Look, I just don't like him. There's something about him." He said, shrugging.
"Yeah, well, I can take of myself, okay." I said, angrily. " Besides, I don't go around threatening or lecturing your girlfriends. Oh, and there's Susan." I said, sourly. Susan and him had started going out in March and I wasn't about to stay around her more than I had to.
"Sorry about that." I said, walking back over to Jon and James. "I'll see you later, James." I added, and with that Jon and I walked out together.
"So, what was with that little speech?" He asked.
"I really have no idea. Usually Sirius doesn't have a problem with people. And I mean, he's the one who told me to go out with somebody." I replied, still wondering myself. "But, let's not talk about him."
I spent a rather enjoyable afternoon with Jon. We stopped at Zonko's and went to Honeydukes. He needed to stop in the supply shop to pick up more parchment and new quills and I got some color changing ink and a black quill. Then we ducked into the Three Broomsticks for some Butterbeer and we talked for a while. I liked the fact that Jon could make me laugh and that I didn't have to be somebody else around him. He was nice, cute, and most of all, he like me!
"So, I was thinking, even though we've only known each other for a couple of months, that maybe we could go out. I mean. Like boyfriend/girlfriend." He said, as we sat in the booth, drinking our Butterbeer.
"Yeah, I'd like that." I said, smiling. "That is, if you're sure you can handle me." I added.
"Oh I think I'll be able to manage." He replied.
When we got back to the castle, Professor McGonagall came up to me. She said that Dumbledore wanted to see me and that the gargoyle in front of his office liked bloodsicles. So, I said goodbye to Jon and made my way to Dumbledore's office, wondering what I'd done this time.
"Ah, Miss Emerson, do come in and sit down." He said, kindly when I opened the door to his study. I'd been in here before for numerous reasons- most of them being because of pranks- and yet I was always amazed at all the things that he had. "I asked to come here because I was wondering about where you were going for the summer holidays. I realize that it is a tad soon to be thinking about such things, but your father would like to know."
"My father's contacted you?" I asked, confused.
"Well, yes. He came here after you ran away, demanding to know where you were. I told him that you were safe, but that he wouldn't be able to take you because you weren't here." Dumbledore said, with a smile. "He said, that I was to send you home the moment you arrived back at school. I told him to think about what he was doing. I said that transferring you to another school wouldn't solve anything and that sooner or later everything would catch up with him. He couldn't run away, it doesn't work like that."
"So, he just forgot about the transferring thing?" I asked, skeptically.
"After about an hour of him yelling at me, yes, I think he began to see that you should probably stay here. I told him that if he wished to contact you he could, but that I wasn't sure of whether or not you would respond. So, he has written to me instead over the past couple of months. And now, he wants to know where you will be staying. He says it's up to you and that he will comply with whatever you decide." Dumbledore explained, calmly. I thought about it for a couple of minutes. Did I really want to spend a whole summer with Dad? He'd changed so much since mom died and I just wanted my old Dad back. But since that had slim to none chance of happening, I opted for my second best choice.
"Tell him that I am going to stay with James Potter for the summer, but I will visit him for the two weeks that they go on vacation." I said, finally. "Tell him that I miss him and I'm sorry, but that's what I want."
"I shall convey the message." He said, with a slight nod. I rose from my seat and walked to the door. "Although, I think you may find that he has changed since your last visit at Christmas- for the better." He added, as I opened the door.
"Thank you, sir."
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OWL's came and with it unwanted stress and much needed relief. I didn't have any problems with Potions, Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, or Ancient Runes, but Transfiguration probably could've been better. Care of Magical Creatures was kind of a joke and Herbology was Herbology. After the last OWL, though, there was a bit of a stir with James and Sirius and Snape. While I agree it was pretty funny to see Snape tortured, I thought it should be for a good reason. I mean, James and Sirius were bored for Merlin's sake! They deserved to be yelled at by Lily.
Other than that the end of the year was like any other. The feast was great-as always-and Dumbledore made a long speech-as always- and everyone was excited for the summer holidays. Jon made me promise to write him over the holidays and he kissed me good bye at Platform 9 3/4, to which James, Sirius, and Remus all teased me about for the rest of the day. Peter had disappeared and we didn't know where to find him. But we assumed that he'd left already by the time we got to the station.
After dropping Remus off at his house, we headed to the Potters'. Sirius and I were both staying there this summer. His parents had "officially" disowned him and he wasn't going to go back anyways.
"Well, what should we do?" James asked, as we walked into his house.
"Unpack first, then eat." Sirius said.
"Is that all you think about? Eating, I mean?" I asked, shaking my head at him.
"And snogging girls." He replied, cheekily.
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okay, you know the drill- PLEASE review! thanks...