DON'T PRETEND YOU LOVE ME
CHAPTER 27
THE LUNAR BALL
The eight of them flew into the night. They let wind blow through their face as they zoomed the air on their way to their destination (Hermione was exceptionally quite and held onto Harry like she held onto her copy of Midsummer night's dream after unwrapping it at her sixth birthday.)
It was probably about half an hour when they arrived at the boundaries of Hogwarts. A little bit tired of their short journey, Harry and the others landed nearby the gates of the school (Hermione leaped off of Harry's Firebolt before they even landed. She probably thought that Harry might get the idea of doing crazy exhibitions while she was still on.)
"I… I think I'll walk on from here. I need the exercise." she told Harry as her knees shook in post-fear.
Harry smiled at her.
"I'll walk with you, then." He said.
"Idiots." Draco called as he dismounted from his own broom.
"Draco." said Luna, elbowing him the blonde Slytherin on the rib.
"Yes my love! Sorry." Draco quickly apologized to her.
"We'll all walk." said Ginny.
"But I'm tired." Ron whined.
"Oohh, my poor baby." said Parvati came to Ron's patheticness.
Harry saw Draco's eyes roll as he heard Hermione giggle beside him.
"Oh for God's sake." Said Ginny.
"Will you stop impeding my happiness?" Ron called.
"Will you stop being an idiot?" she replied.
"Just think about all this as a very romantic walk under the moonlight." said Neville.
"Longbottom, if I wanted crap, I'd wait for Weasley to open his mouth." said Draco.
"Get bent!" Ron snarled at Draco only to be laughed at by the young Malfoy.
As they walked towards the castle, Harry can't help but think about what tonight felt.
Aside from the whole kidnapping thing with Dolohov and the Slytherin, this felt like one of the most perfect nights in his life. His friends are alright, his best friend is in love, his old rival is now an ally, and most importantly… the girl of his dreams right beside him.
Moments later, they finally arrived at the Gryffindor tower. There, the girls bid Harry and the other goodnight. They all slept like logs right after. Harry closed his eyes that night only to find Hermione in the darkness of his dreams.
XXX
He woke up that morning with a huge smile on his face. Why wouldn't he? The girl he loves finally knows how he feels and doesn't seem to think that it's such a bad idea. Rubbing the unconsciousness out of his eyes, Harry saw the sparkling sigh hovering overhead that said Draco and Luna 4ever. Something told him that Draco had something to do with this idiocy.
Harry shook his head in pity as he stretched out his arms.
"You complete me, my love."
It looks like Draco is still having fun in La la land. Harry couldn't blame him though. He knows that he's as happy as he is right now.
BLAG!
"Ouch!" he cried.
When he tried to walk across the room, he suddenly realized that something was missing. His eyes were not as clear as they were supposed to be. That's when he suddenly tripped on something lying on the floor. It just hit him that he forgot to wear his glasses.
"I got to do something about this someday." He muttered.
He somehow felt his way to his desk and grabbed his glasses. It was only then when he noticed that Ron is sprawled all over the carpet. (He was actually drooling)
"Hello world and all those who inhabit it!" greeted Harry at the mirror when he entered the bathroom.
There he gazed at his reflection that's as radiant as the morning sky.
"Hello Harry, my, we're looking dashing aren't we? Not just like any other day, but you look so darn amazing. Look at those muscles!" his reflection then found its self flexing with much gusto.
"They're big, aren't they? And they're real too." said Harry.
His world of illusion suddenly came to a stop when he realized that he was being an idiot…. A familiar idiot.
"Oh my God! I'm starting to sound like Draco."
And as if the moment wasn't as humiliating enough, he turned around and saw a lazy-eyed Draco leaning on the bathroom wall…smiling at him.
"Don't stop on my account, Potter." He said with a wink as he walked towards him to take his place on the bathroom sink.
"Is that your toothbrush?" Harry asked Draco when the young Slytherin carelessly take a toothbrush from the cabinet.
"Sure it is." said Draco dismissively as Harry saw the R.W. initials on the toothbrush handle.
Knowing realizing that he didn't want to get in to this battle, he let it slip by.
Instead, Harry just took his toothbrush and brushed his teeth. He wondered what she might be doing right now. If it were Parvati, he knows that she's probably up by now doing some pre-preparations for the Lunar Ball that will start at eight o clock that evening.
"Women." muttered Harry through a mouth full of bubbles.
But Hermione wouldn't be as vain as Parvati and the other women here at school… at least that's what he thinks. But there were some strong evidences that Hermione knows how to fix herself. Look at the Yule Ball, she looked amazingly beautiful. Whoever thought that she can look that gorgeous, then again there's Parvati and Lavender. If Harry knew better, those two would be pestering Hermione to look her best for tonight.
"Neville! How many times do we have to tell you to stop drooling on your pillow!" Harry heard Dean shout from outside the bathroom.
"For heaven's sake man, what will Ginny say!" came Seamus' voice.
"It's not me! I swear it's not me!" came Neville's voice.
Then the bathroom door opened once more. Harry looked again to see who it was, and it was Draco with a satisfied look on his face.
"Hey Potter, guess what I did to Longbottom's pillow." said Draco grabbing a toothbrush himself.
"I don't want to know, you evil heartless beast." said Harry lazily through a mouth full of bubbles.
"Draco don't you dare use that toothbrush!" came Ron's voice, Harry was too lazy to look at him so he just concentrated on his own teeth.
"Yeah, yeah." said Draco picking up another toothbrush with the name Seamus on it.
"Did someone see my boxers?" came Neville's voice again "It's blue and it has gold stripes on the sides."
Harry couldn't help noticing Draco's boxer shorts. It matched Neville's description, he even saw Neville's name at the bottom.
"It has my name on the bottom." came Neville's voice again.
Harry glared at Draco, but Draco only gave him a wink.
XXX
After all of them had taken a bath, Harry and the others went back to the Great Hall to have some breakfast. But when they arrived, they were surprised to see that there was absolutely no women present (except for the 1st to 3rd years).
"This is weird." said Neville taking a seat.
"Where are all the bloody women?" asked Ron.
"They're all in their dormitories, I think they're having breakfast there." came Sirius's voice.
When Harry saw Sirius he was with Lupin. Their tattered and torn robes were replaced by their neat and normal ones.
"What? What are they eating there for?" asked Ron.
"Because, Ron…" said Sirius ruffling Ron's hair as though he were a child. "They-are-women,"
"I think they would probably take an hour or so just to decide what to wear." said Ron.
"Yeah right." said Neville "Did you see the size of their shopping bags Ron? For all I know they might have put the store where they bought those out of business."
"Yep, I can see it now." Draco stood up and did a false imitation of Luna "Hermione, could you pass me my brush?"
"Ginny, could you help me out with my hair?" said Neville imitating Ginny.
"I absolutely have no idea what to wear." Harry joined in as he mimicked Hermione's voice.
Ron stood up as well and did an impersonation of Parvati "I just did my nails, will any of you help me out of my shirt?"
All of them looked at Ron with disgusted looks.
"You never heard me say that." said Ron turning red, "Let's get back on the girls, okay? Mind you, it wouldn't kill them to lose a couple of minutes doing their hair. They're so vain sometimes."
"Of course, because they-are-women." again said Sirius.
"Even the women from the other Houses are gone, I'm starting to think that they planned ahead of time." said Harry suspiciously.
"Because, they-are-women," said Sirius
"Sirius, please stop saying that." said Lupin.
"Speaking of women, I never knew what happened to Cassandra." said Sirius teasingly elbowing Remus with a nasty grin.
Remus quickly turned red and as he perspired like a pig on a Hawaiian feast. His body had suddenly become stiff at the name.
"Oh…err, you mean Cassandra, Cassandra Folks." said Lupin.
"Who's that." asked Neville.
"Nobody uninteresting!" said Sirius without looking at Neville "So Remus, what's her story? Did you happen to swap Owl addresses? C'mon, tell your friend Padfoot, will you." said Sirius jumping up and down like a nine year old at Christmas morning.
"What are you talking about?" asked Lupin.
"C'mon, you know what I mean, you animal, you." said Sirius with a meaningful look.
"I, I don't know what you're talking about." said Lupin.
"Remus old pal, don't you think I would have known you by now? I'm your best friend aren't I?" said Sirius giving Lupin a headlock.
"Hmm, this usual display of behavior is embarrassing you, Black." said Snape who had just passed them by.
"Shut up! You night rodent!" said Sirius "So pal, tell me… c'mon, are you going to get some? Hah? Hah? Do you have the hots for her? Hah? Hah?"
"You're a teacher, what are you doing?" said Lupin.
"Do you loooooooooove her?" asked Sirius.
"I, I, I think she's a very beautiful woman." said Lupin.
"Whom you happen to hope to have sex with someday." said Sirius.
It was like Lupin had been in underwater for quite a while, and that he just got out on the surface to get air, because Lupin gave the mother of all gasps.
"Sirius!" gasped Lupin in an old teacher kind of manner; he stared at him and left for the staff table in a hurry.
"He's so gullible, that man. Can't he take a joke every once in a while." said Sirius.
Harry didn't have a clue on who Sirius was talking about. To tell you the truth, he didn't care, there is only one woman floating inside his mind right now and she's not as crazy as Sirius…... normally.
"Ahh, beauty at its work, what a goddess, what perfection."
"Harry! Are you okay? You look like you're going to have a seizure or something." said Sirius.
"I'm okay, I'm more than okay." Harry smiled as he snap back into reality.
"That's my Godson!" said Sirius.
"Hey Sirius, what are you going to wear later at the Ball?" asked Ron.
"Me? I don't know, I guess I'll just wing it." said Sirius.
"Hey, does anybody else smell that familiar weird perfume?" asked Neville.
"Oh crap! I think I'll be having breakfast at the Owlery." said Sirius, turning in to a dog and running off out of sight. A few moments later, Professor Smith entered the Great Hall looking like a human clown; his face was powdered so much, it reminded Harry of that Movie he saw once entitled 'POWDER'.
"Too much err… white Pastor." said Professor Flitwick.
"Why thank you Professor." he replied.
"So Lavender owled me earlier, she said that the four of you should wait for them at the Ball. I don't know about that but it sounds to me like they want to make an entrance." said Dean.
"I'm good with that, how about you, Ron?" asked Harry.
"Why do they do these kinds of things?" asked Ron.
"Like that idiot Transfiguration Professor said 'Because-they-are-women.'" said Draco.
"Hey Harry, looks like you've got mail." said Dean.
"I love that movie." muttered Seamus.
Harry looked up and saw his own owl Hedwig flying towards him with a letter. Hedwig landed softly on the table in front of Harry and held its leg up so he could untie the mail. After doing so, Hedwig nibbled on Harry's hands as affectionate as always before leaving back to the Owlery.
"Well don't just gawk at it Potter, read it." said Draco
Harry opened his letter and read…
Harry,
I wonder if you'd like to come to go at Remus's office later, we just want to give you something that we think is very special. I want you to go alone and make sure nobody follows you.
Sirius
P.S.
If you see Professor Smith along the away, tell him I drowned myself or something.
Harry folded the letter and looked at the staff table to see Lupin. When Remus saw him, he raised his glass and smiled at Harry.
"So who's it from?" asked Ron.
"Oh, nobody." said Harry "Just another Quidditch team begging me to sign me up after graduating." Harry lied as he saw Ron's eyebrow raise.
"Not another bloody one! There's two sacks of them on your closet already! They just can't accept that you want to go to Auror Academy, don't they?" said Ron.
"Ron, are you eating your mashed potatoes?" asked Neville who was eyeing Ron's with interest
"Back off, it's mine." said Ron.
XXX
That afternoon, Harry left Ron at the common room and headed to Lupin's office. Along the corridor near the Defense Against the Dark Arts room, Harry saw the greasy haired teacher that everybody hates through the depth of their core…. and who also go by the name of Snape heading towards him.
"And what are you doing here, Potter?" asked Snape "Off to break another school rule, perhaps." he added.
"No sir, I'm just heading off to Professor Lupin's office." Harry replied.
"Of course, you are off to break another school rule there. Am I correct?" said Snape.
"As correct as Hippogriffs swim sir." said Harry sarcastically.
"Why you little pest, shouldn't you be in a class somewhere?" said Snape.
"There's no class today sir." said Harry.
"Hmm, well there should be. A school ball? Please…. Why not let children have fun while they're at it?" said the Potions Professor bitterly.
"That's very nice, Professor." said Harry who seems to have been used to this particular routine everyday.
"If you are not going to do something life changing, I suggest that you should go back to your House common room." said Snape.
"I'm going to meet Professor Lupin and Professor Black, sir." said Harry.
"Really?" said Snape "And I guess it would concern something about the Ball. I suppose you would gossip. Do each other's hair, pick up a dress that doesn't make you look fat and all that gimmick." he added.
"Is it me? Or does he know a little too much about these things?" Harry thought.
"Hey, what seems to be the problem here?" to Harry's relief, Sirius's voice came.
"Oh it's you, again. Shouldn't you be fixing yourself to look nice for a certain Muggle Studies Professor?" said Snape.
"Yeah right, what's the matter, don't have a date yet?" said Sirius "What were you doing to my Godson anyway?"
"Wouldn't you like to know." said Snape.
"Well whatever it is, back off!" said Sirius, "Come on, Harry. Remus is waiting for us at his office."
Sirius beckoned Harry to follow him and leave Snape
The two arrived at Lupin's office a few moments later. When Harry opened the door, he saw Lupin with his back turned against them, he looked like he was busy and doing something important.
"REMUS!"
Lupin jumped in surprised, he turned around and glared at Sirius who was smirking at him.
"What do you think you're doing?" snapped Lupin.
"Doing one of my favorite hobbies." Sirius simply replied.
"Err… so why am I here again?" asked Harry.
"Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Come over here, Harry." said Lupin showing Harry a chair to sit down on.
Harry walked across the room wondering what the two were planning. Snape went through his mind for a fleeting moment. What ever it is, Harry hoped they wouldn't start to talk about girls, do each others hair and pick what they were going to wear at the Ball. Once Harry sat down, Sirius and Lupin stood in front of him.
"Harry, we just want you to have the most special day of your life." said Lupin.
"And, we have a way to make it unforgettable." said Sirius.
"Think of it as…."
"The best gift ever." said Sirius who couldn't help but smile.
"The best gift ever? Hmm, I wonder what it is. Could it be my own personalized Snitch? A broomstick speed enhancer? (Gasp) maybe it's that new Firebolt Booster Pack that I've always been dreaming of! But wait, I have my doubts about this. If I know Sirius, and I do know him, there would probably be a stripper waiting inside that closet to sing Happy Birthday to me. It's not my Birthday. Oh men, I tackled my very first Boggart in that closet. But wait, maybe Lupin bought it, maybe it's a book of cool Defense Against the Dark Arts spells, or maybe a book of proper magic reversals." thought Harry.
"C'mon Harry, say it." said Sirius.
"Say what?" asked Harry.
"You know what I mean." said Sirius.
Harry gave out a heavy sigh "You're the best Godfather in the entire world… ever." said Harry lazily.
"And you're the best Godson a man could have." said Sirius messing up Harry's hair.
"Sirius, what the hell was that?" asked Lupin.
"Oh nothing, it's just a Godfather- Godson routine that Harry and me love doing" said Sirius.
"No I don't" said Harry.
"Well What ever it is, stop it." said Lupin.
"Well then, let's get down to business." said Sirius clapping his hands "Remus and I would like to give you, Harry… THIS!" said Sirius.
Sirius showed Harry a small silver Orb. It was no bigger than a Quaffle and it had a skull that seemed to be a very small head of a person.
"That's not the Firebolt Booster Pack!" said Harry in dismay.
"What?" said Lupin and Sirius in unison.
"Oh… err… what's that?" said Harry.
"It's a Spirit Gate Orb, Harry. But actually, the gift is what we're going to use it for." said Sirius.
"You see, Harry. This Orb enables you to talk to People that have passed on." said Lupin.
"It's a very Valuable item, Harry. Ancient Witchcraft, very, very rare, and very, very expensive." said Sirius.
Harry couldn't believe what he was hearing. An object that can let him speak to the dead. This was impossible, but he was in a world where everything was possible. The first thing that entered Harry's head was his parents, he had never really actually spoken to them.
"Well Harry, I think I know who you want to talk to." said Lupin.
"But we do need your words, now c'mon, who do you want to talk to?" asked Sirius smiling at Harry.
"My, my parents." said Harry weakly.
Sirius and Lupin exchanged looks then turned back to Harry.
"Harry, before we do this, I have to tell you something." said Lupin.
"What's there to talk about." said Harry, excitement pouring in his insides.
"You have to wait, Harry. Once you see them, you must remember that they can no longer be here, alright? You must remember that they are not here anymore." said Lupin.
Harry was barely listening to what Lupin was saying. He couldn't wait to see his parents.
"I'd like to tell you that you can talk to them as long as you want, Harry. But I can't the Orb can be only used for about ten or fifteen minutes or so." said Sirius.
"What? Only ten minutes? But… there's a thousand questions I want to ask them." said Harry.
"I know, Harry. Even I think it's not enough for you." said Lupin.
"Remus, if there's anytime to do it, it has to be now. The Orb doesn't come with a refund you know." said Sirius.
"Fine." said Lupin, he walked across the room and positioned the Orb at the middle of the room. A moment later, the Orb light radiated from its core, "Are you ready, Harry?" asked Lupin.
"I think so, yeah." said Harry who didn't sound so sure.
"Now once the light comes out of the Orb, you have to say the name of the person who you want to talk to, only one Harry." said Lupin.
"Yes." said Harry.
This was it; the first time Harry will see his parents since they came out of Voldemort's wand.
"Here it goes." said Lupin, he pointed his wand at the Orb. All of the sudden, a powerful blinding light came out of the sphere, "Now Harry!"
Without thinking twice, Harry immediately said the name of the person whom he wants to talk to.
"James Potter!" bellowed Harry.
Suddenly, a figure of a man was now materializing from the now mild light of the sphere. Then, before he knew about it, Harry was surprised to see the transparent form of his Father smiling back at him.
"Dad?" said Harry cautiously.
"Hello Harry." said James.
"James." said Sirius.
"Hey there, Padfoot. You too Moony, it sure took you guys long enough to come up with this." said James.
"We're pretty sorry, you try finding a Fulcrum Orb. It took the both of us quite some time, plus do you know how much it's worth? I'd probably go poor." said Lupin.
Sirius smiled at his best friend, but he turned around and appeared to have sobbed.
"Don't go on crying at me now, it's not like I'm dead or something." said James.
The three stared at him.
"Oh sorry, I forgot… I am dead!" sniggered James.
"You still haven't changed have you." said Lupin.
"I'm dead, it doesn't mean I have to change my personality." said James.
"We don't have enough time, I think you better talk to Harry." said Lupin nodding at Harry.
The transparent form of James turned to his son.
"So son, what do you want to know?" asked James.
"I, I don't know where to begin, I, I really don't." said Harry.
"Look Harry, I just want you to know that I'm really proud of you. Me and you're mother are so proud of you. All the things that you've accomplished, and how surprisingly as handsome as me you've become." said James.
Lupin and Sirius sniggered.
"Oh shut the bloody hell up or I'll haunt your dreams." James threatened the two.
"Sorry." said Lupin.
"So tell me, what's happening to you?" James asked Harry.
"Umm, don't you know from up there what I do?" said Harry.
"Just humor me." said James.
"Err… well I won the Quidditch Cup." said Harry.
"Yeah, and nice catch by the way. I almost think I can't do that one… almost that is." said James
"I'm also seeing someone." said Harry.
"She's Head Girl." said Sirius.
"That's my boy!" said James with pride.
"Are you guys alright up there?" asked Harry.
"Of course, me and your mom are perfectly fine. Is there anything else?" asked James.
"Like I said, Dad. I don't know what to ask. I really didn't expect this to happen. There's a million questions that I want to ask you but I can't…"
"Harry listen, you don't have to feel bad every time you miss us. Don't feel lonely because we're always by your side. I know it is hard, Harry but look at what you've accomplished. You've done things above my wildest dreams. I just… I just want to say I'm sorry for not being there all of those years where you needed me the most. I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to be a father to you, I love you son, and I just want to tell you that you make me so proud." said James.
Harry wanted to cry, all those times when he wanted his parents to be there. How he beat himself up when he misses them, and now he is face to face with his Dad. One of the people he looked up to the most.
"I don't want to go yet, Harry but your Mom wants to talk to you while there is still time." said James.
"My, mom?" said Harry.
"Yes, if you want to talk to her just say her name." said James.
"Lily Potter." said Harry.
The transparent figure of James was now fading away; it was replaced by the transparent form of Harry's mother.
"Mum?" said Harry.
"Oh Harry, you're so big now, and so much like you father. There's so much I want to tell you but there too little time, so I have to tell you what's most important." said Lily.
Harry walked closer to her and cleared his ears for what his mother was about to say.
"I really think you should do something about your glasses." said Lily.
"What?" said the three.
"Well I love you and everything, Harry but you see, you have to do something about it. That is if you want to make a nice impression on your friend, Hermione. You do want to impress her right?" said Lily.
"Err… Lily are you alright?' asked Lupin.
"Yeah, maybe all that heavenly toxins is doing something to your brain." said Sirius.
"Of course I'm alright, by the way, you did bought a camera didn't you?" she asked.
"Lil, I don't think that—ouch!" Sirius was suddenly elbowed by Lupin "Of course I did." said Sirius.
"I know that you're not expecting this dear but we have to tackle the important things first, and I think that fixing your eyes for even just one night, and a very important night, Harry." said Lily.
"Err… Mum, are you alright?" asked Harry.
"If you do what I say then yes I will be dear." said Lily.
"Umm… okay, sure." said Harry.
"You wouldn't mind helping him out wouldn't you Remus?" asked Lily.
"Of course, I'd love to." said Lupin.
"That's about it, I love you, Harry… me and your Dad will always be looking out for you." said Lily, and at that moment, the light illuminating from the Orb was now slowly fading away leaving Harry motionless.
"Harry…" said Lupin.
"You guys are right, it is the greatest gift I ever had." said Harry.
Lupin gave a smile of relief, "So, are we really going to do something about your eyes?" asked Lupin.
"Yeah, but it's only for tonight." said Harry.
"You should go ahead, I'll meet you later to fix them." said Lupin.
"Remus, could you be more of a girl than you are right now?" said Sirius.
"Shut up won't you." said Lupin.
"Fine." said Sirius.
Harry walked outside the room thinking of what had just happened. He just talked with his parents. He had just talked with his dead parents. Somehow the experience wasn't that catastrophic. He thought that he would have kneeled down and cried his heart out over them but surprisingly, he didn't. He now walks with something he hadn't had before….a peace of mind.
Back at the room that Harry left. Sirius and Lupin were talking.
"I still don't think we should have done that to Harry." said Lupin.
"C'mon Remus, do you really want that thing hanging over Harry's head forever. All I care about is making Harry happy. Whenever I look at him I always see the look on him like he has that big hole inside. He doesn't have to know, all we want is for him think that he talked to his parents." said Sirius.
Lupin heaved a sigh. He looked at Sirius and finally gave him a sign of approval.
XXX
Time flew by like an instant. After Harry had his eyes fixed by Lupin, he headed back to the common room with his glasses still on. Apparently he wanted to surprise everyone with his new look. He always wanted to make an entrance.
When he arrived, he found Ron had already taken a bath and was now examining his reflection on the mirror from head to toe.
"Oh, hello, Harry. It's almost time. Draco and Neville already took off to the Great Hall. I was just about to get ready myself, where did you went off to by the way?" said Ron.
"Nothing, just went somewhere and fixed something. Where's your costume?" Harry asked.
"It's upstairs, but you can't see it yet, mate. Remember our agreement at The Leaky Cauldron?" said Ron.
"Of course, I just thought I'd ask." said Harry.
"Wait till you see it, Harry. I've never worn anything like it." said Ron.
"Please tell it isn't a stripper costume." Said Harry.
"What?" said Ron.
"Nothing, I'll just go wait in the common room bathroom until your ready. Call me when you're done, alright?" said Harry.
"Sure mate." said Ron running up to the boys dorm.
Moments later, Harry heard Ron's voice calling him from the common room.
"Harry! I'm all done. Don't come out yet because I'm already dressed up. You should probably go too." called Ron.
After that, the sound of the Portrait Hole opening and closing confirmed that Ron left to go down the Great Hall to join the Ball. It was his turn now to get his costume from their dorm room and meet Ron and the others.
XXX
He was now walking at the corridor towards the Great Hall. freshly bathed, Harry walked with his uniform on. He was wearing a formal Royal British Military dress uniform of red and gold colors with matching insignias on his shoulders. He had a couple real looking medals on his chest. His pants are black as unruffled as the white gloves on his hands. He also left his old glasses back at the dorm. Lupin told him that his eyes would go back as they were in twenty four hours. He wondered how a man like Lupin could give him advice on make-up… good thing he left the room before he could even start asking.
He was almost at the entrance Hall as he saw the decorations on the castle. They were fantastic; everywhere he looked there were tiny little sparkling lights that hovered in front of him. Even the Knight statues looked shiny. He saw couple of people who were dressed up in Muggle costumes, a number of girls looked paralyzed as they saw him walking towards them. There was music already playing inside when Harry arrived.
What day is it? And in what month?
This never seemed so alive
I can't keep up and I can't back down
Iv'e been losing so much time
He walked inside the almost unrecognizable Great Hall. The usual four House tables were once again had vanished and was now replaced by dozens and dozens of small circled tables with matching chairs. The magical roof was now like a clear night's sky with thousands of stars can be seen. The staff table was the only thing that looked like it was not changed, although it was only the table's new sheets that matched the walls was the thing that made it elegant confetti's of petals of red roses were mildly falling down from nowhere.
Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do
Nothing to lose
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why…
Harry walked over to the table where a number of Gryffindors were already huddled up.
"Hey guys." said Harry.
I can't keep my eyes off of you
"Wow Harry, is that really you?" asked Dean who was wearing a Postman's uniform.
"Oh thanks, Dean. I like your costume too." said Harry.
"Yeah, I would have worn my favorite soccer team's uniform, but then my date threatened to throw me off the balcony if I show up wearing it." said Dean "I didn't think that it was you if it wasn't for the scar."
"Well… err."
"Harry! You look so handsome." said Lavender Brown, Seamus cleared his throat, "Oh, next to you of course honey." she added quickly.
"Well Harry, looking good. Wonder why." said Seamus sarcastically.
"I'll go and look for the others, okay?" said Harry.
Harry left Seamus and Dean with their dates in search for Ron and the others in the crowd. He watched as the other students danced with their partners as the song went on.
All of the things that I want to say just aren't coming out right
I'm tripping on words
You've got my head spinning
I don't know where to go from here
And then at last, Harry finally saw Ron talking to Neville who was in an old, white Sailor's suit from the 70's flims.
"Ron!" Harry called up.
Ron turned around and saw him, "There you are, I was wondering when you'll finally show up." he said.
"You know, I almost didn't recognize you from the back if it wasn't for your hair." said Harry.
"That's the same thing I told him when I saw him." said Neville.
"By the way, they told me that this was called a Nerd uniform, what do you think Harry?" asked Ron meekly.
Harry thought that it was a nice costume. Ron was ironically wearing a big, thick, black-rimmed glasses. It was with a white, baggy shirt with a stale necktie.
"I say you look ridiculous. Well… everything that you wear Weasley makes you ridiculous. Maybe because you are." came a very familiar voice behind them.
"Shut up, Malfoy!" snapped Ron "I don't suppose you can tell us the number of cows you slaughtered to make that outfit." he added.
"Hey, I think I've seen that thing before. Wasn't it the one from Diagon Alley?" said Neville as he eyes Draco's attire suspiciously.
"Yeah, didn't we see a guy wearing the exact same thing?" said Ron.
Draco wore a bad ass looking biker suit. He had a black, leather jacket on which was a trademark of awesomeness.
"By the way, Draco. John Travolta called, he said he wants his costume back for their taping on Grease: the Final Cut." said Harry.
Draco, Ron and Neville just stood there and looked at Harry with puzzled faces.
"Never mind, it's a Muggle thing." said Harry, "So, have you guys seen Hermione?" asked Harry hopefully.
Ron saw the anxiousness on his best friend's face that made him smile.
"Nope…sorry, we still haven't seen any of them." said Ron.
Draco slapped Harry on the back
"Settle down, Potter. No need to get so pumped up-"
The pause Draco's insult talking took Harry by surprise. The Slytherin's mouth hung agape as his eyes looked like they were about to pop out of their socket. Harry looked around and finally understood why Draco's world came to a screeching halt. Luna Lovegood walked towards them with a rare kind of smile on her face.
She wore a Goth girl costume with altered catholic schoolgirl and the heavy mascara around her eyes. She wore her hair in two side to side pigtails. Her black lipstick made her skin look paler which served her well.
Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do
Nothing to lose
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why… I can't keep my eyes off of you
"Harry, you look so handsome." said Luna as she reached them.
Harry immediately saw Draco glare at him from the side of his eye…. Jealous much?
"You look fantastic yourself." said Harry.
"Where are the others?" asked Ron.
"Oh, Ginny and Parvati are already here. We decided to split up to find you guys." said Luna
Ron and Neville looked around to see if they can spot Parvati and Ginny.
"I hope we're not late." Luna added
"You picked the perfect time to come into my life." said Draco.
Harry must have been hungry. For a split second, he actually thought that that was a sweet thing to say… romantic even.
"We're actually early. The crowd was getting bored so they decided to play the music." said Neville.
"By the way, my love. When you said that that Potter's handsome, did you—"
"—I think you look great." Luna interjected. A wide smile broke on Draco's face after hearing those words.
"Suck on that little piece of information, Potter!" said Draco smugly at Harry.
"I think your outfits match." said Harry ignoring Draco as he always has.
"Take a good, hard look, Weasley. This is happiness, I'm glad you were able to see what it's like before you die." Draco told Ron.
"Oh please." Ron whispered to Neville from a distance.
"By the way, Ron. Aren't you and Neville going to look for your dates? They're here somewhere looking for you, you know." said Luna.
"It wouldn't hurt to wait for a couple of minutes, mind you. We might pass by each other if we go off and look for them." said Ron.
"Okay, I'm going to get some drinks." Luna told Draco but he immediately stopped her.
"Allow me to fetch your beverages my love. Just like all the things that will make you happy." said Draco.
"No, no, I can get it by myself. You boys wait for me here okay?" said Luna.
"Yes my bliss." said Draco mesmerized.
As Luna left them, Harry heard another song begin to play from the guest performers.
"We are Boyce Avenue and this is our take on Teenage Dream."
The music of the guitar started playing as a number of couples filled the dance floor to dance with the song.
I think you're pretty without any make up on
I think you're funny when I tell a punch line wrong
I know you got me so you let my walls come down, down
Harry stood there still searching for Hermione but she was nowhere to be seen.
"Maybe she changed her mind and decided not to go, but Luna said she was coming. Damn, I got to stop thinking like this." thought Harry.
Before you met me, I was a wreck
But things were kinda heavy, you brought me to life
Now every February you'll be my valentine, valentine
"Harry look!" said Ron.
Harry looked over to see what Ron was pointing at. Hermione was wearing Romanov princess style dress of navy blue along with it was a pair of long white gloves. Her hair was up like it was from the Yule Ball.
Harry couldn't remember when's the last time he'd seen such beauty. As a matter of fact, he couldn't remember anything at that moment. The only thing he knows is he was staring at something that's taking his breath away.
Let's just talk all through the night
There's no need to rush
We can dance, until we die
You and I, will be young forever
You make me feel
Like I'm livin' a teenage dream
The way you turn me on
I can't sleep
Let's run away and
Don't ever look back, don't ever look back
My heart stops, when you look at me
Just one touch, now baby I believe
This is real, so take a chance
Don't ever look back, don't ever look back
It was almost like the dancing crowd was parting just to let her walk across the Great Hall.
When you're around me, life's like a movie scene
I wasn't happy, until you became my queen
I finally found you, my missing puzzle piece
I'm complete
Harry looked into her eyes. They were brighter than any star that was up the magical ceiling. A number of men were staring at Hermione as she passes by the dance floor. She was looking directly right at him like he gazed directly at her. Harry's heart was now going a mile a second… but it felt so good.
Let's just talk all through the night
There's no need to rush
We can dance, until we die
You and I, will be young forever
You make me feel
Like I'm livin' a teenage dream
The way you turn me on
I can't sleep
Let's run away and
Don't ever look back, don't ever look back
My heart stops, when you look at me
Just one touch, now baby I believe
This is real, so take a chance
Don't ever look back, don't ever look back
"Harry." said Hermione beaming at the immobile boy as she reached him.
"Hermione." said Harry, as he also smiled at her.
"I almost didn't recognize you if it wasn't for your scar. You look so handsome." she said.
"Thanks, and umm… who might you be?" he asked her.
"Oh, this costume. I'm supposed to be Anastasia." said Hermione.
"Well you could certainly give her a run for her money." said Harry.
Hermione laughed at him but went pink at the same time.
"Good one, Harry. Good one, note to self; remember to flatter her." Harry thought.
When the music stopped, the old but familiar voice of Dumbledore took every one's attention. Instead of his usual robes, he was wearing a Chef's outfit. When all the focus was on him, he cleared his throat and spoke…
A\N Thank you for your comments, they're really awesome. Only one more chapter to go. Please keep on reading and reviewing.
The songs that I used are You and me by Lifehouse and Boyce Avenue's cover of Teenage dream (I personally think that it's more romantic.
JazzGirl123: thanks, I'm actually planning to bring them in the sequel. The gayness will still be there lol.
Saki-Hime: Thanks, I just can't write a scene where those don't snipe at each other.
LauRawrCait: I sure will
Cherrymu: thank you but I'm a dude.
Proudtobeatheaterkid: I know, I sadistic, I hope I answered you question in your Private messanger here on
Oh, and by the way….HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE.