DON'T PRETEND YOU LOVE ME
CHAPTER 28
THE PERFECT MOMENT
"Good evening! Good evening to all of you" greeted the Headmaster from the teacher's table. Welcome to the much anticipated event of the year…the Lunar Ball."
Harry disagrees with this as he think that the most anticipated event of the year was the Quidditch season.
"We celebrate tonight with fun and dance. I thank everyone for coming tonight. The fifth, sixth, and seventh years, the teaching staff, and the Muggle entertainers tonight whose minds will be modified right after. Now… before we begin, I would like to ask the Head boy and Head girl to start us off with the ceremonial dance followed by the top students of each Houses, shall we begin?
At those words, a female Muggle singer came up to the stage and sang a beautiful, slow song.
"I'll see you later, Harry." said Hermione as she left for the dance floor.
I'll be your dream I'll be your wish I'll be your fantasy.
I'll be your hope I'll be your love be everything that you need.
I'll love you more with every breath Truly, madly, deeply do
I will be strong I will be faithful 'cause I'm counting on
A new beginning, A reason for living,
A deeper meaning, yeah.
Anthony and Hermione started dancing in the middle of the hall as everyone watched them with glee. Harry stood on the sidelines still staring at her when an elegant kimono-wearing Padma Patil called form behind
"Nervous about dancing?" she asked him.
"Don't worry. I actually took lesson for this one." he replied.
She giggled.
"Oh right, you and Parvati danced at the Yule Ball." said Padma.
"Nope, she danced… I however was swung around like a monkey on a pole."
"We'll, I'm glad you're having fun."
"I will once I start dancing with Hermione." He said as he looked on at the at the heads on the middle of the dance floor.
I want to stand with you on a mountain.
I want to bath with you in the sea.
I want to lay like this forever.
Until the sky falls down on me.
Harry glanced around and saw Draco holding hands with Luna. Draco saw him staring and flipped him off.
When Harry scowled at him, Draco merely smiled and winked at him. He then saw Parvati trying to wrestle a piece of chicken from his hands. Neville looked focus and seemed to be memorizing dance steps.
And when the stars are shining brightly in the velvet sky
I'll make a wish, send it to heaven then make you want to cry
The tears of joy for all the pleasure in the certainty
That we're surrounded by the comfort and protection of
The highest powers in lonely hours
The tears devour you.
"Now will our other top students in the 7th year join in the dance." announced Dumbledore.
After hearing this, Harry walked in the dance floor, so did Draco and Pansy Parkinson for Slytherin, Ernie Macmillan and Susan Bones for Hufflepuff and Padma for Ravenclaw. Each of them partnered up for each houses.
As Harry reached where Hermione was, something in his mind struck him. He was in the middle of the room and everyone is watching. But he knew that he didn't for one bit for the only important thing is (as he placed his shaking hands on Hermione's waist)… making this moment last.
I want to stand with you on a mountain.
I want to bath with you in the sea.
I want to lay like this forever.
Until the sky falls down on me.
And as Harry gazed at Hermione while they moved through the dance floor, deep inside they knew that everything was in place.
XXX
(Let's just go off course for a while and leave Harry alone for a little bit. I'm sure you guys want to know what will happen to whom. And now people, one of your favorite parts in this story… I know you've been waiting for them. so I bring you Sirius, Lupin and Snape!)
At the Staff's table, Remus Lupin who was wearing a Sherlock Holmes costume was with a conversation with Dumbledore when the annoying voice of his best friend was heard.
"Ah, there you are party animal, you." came Sirius's voice.
"What is it now, Sirius? If you're going to set me up with someone again, I'm telling you now that I've had enough of it." said a jaded Remus.
"Come on now, let's have some fun. Live life a little, you know you want to." said Sirius, placing left arm over at Remus's shoulder and punching the other with his right. "I know going through your mind right now. Your body's saying let's go but your mind is saying no." he added.
"Taking quotes with that American singer Christina Aguilera, I see." said Snape, who was having a drink at a table nearby.
"Yeah, you'd know a lot about of them pop stars wouldn't you M.J." said Sirius "Go on Snape, I just know that you're itching to get on that dance floor and do the moonwalk." he added.
"Yes, and maybe you will be making out with Pastor Smith after." said Snape.
"Headmaster, would you please help me with these two." Remus pleaded to Dumbledore.
Meanwhile, Dumbledore seemed to be fixated at something else than his staff.
"Ah, more guess, I should go greet them." he said as he left the table.
"Wait, Headmaster!" called Remus, but it was no use. It was either that Dumbledore couldn't hear him or the Headmaster was ignoring him.
When Lupin looked at the two, they were standing in front of each other… ready for another round.
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
"You know, I'm getting tired of hearing your insignificant non-sense." said Sirius.
"Oh that's because you tire so easily. A little perhaps would suffice." said Snape.
"Nice comeback. What the hell are you wearing anyway?" he asked.
"We call these clothes, Black. People put them on, you see." said Snape who was wearing a priest's outfit.
"It looks cute. Did you boyfriend pick it up for you?" said Sirius.
"Oh really, and what may I ask is that horrible thing that you're wearing?" Snape asked.
"Well, they told that it was a Cowboy costume." said Sirius.
"Awe, I guess the Ronald McDonald costume is taken already" said Snape.
"The hell are you talking about!" growled Sirius
But their attention was diverted to a passing by Filch who was wearing a Ronald McDonald costume.
"You look as stupid as your costume." said Snape taking a sip of wine.
"Go to Hell!"
"You first."
"I should have known to talk to a Priest. tell me. Snape… how's that celibacy going for you? Not good you say? Stay away from the first year boys then." said Sirius.
"That'd good, Black. You should write a country song." said Snape.
Lupin couldn't take it anymore. He was so sick and tired of the two getting each other's necks every once single time. There was a strange force growing inside. It was overcoming his usual peaceful nature. He quickly stood up and went to the two.
"That's enough! Both of you, sit down!" shouted Lupin.
"Who do you think you are ordering me around? The only person that I take orders from is from the Headmaster's." said Snape.
"Yeah, do you really think I'm going to let you order us to do your every wish?" said Sirius.
"SIT!" growled Lupin.
With that surprising command from a blistering Lupin, Snape and Sirius quickly sat down on the two chairs behind them muttering at Lupin.
"I am sick and tired of you two bickering at each other like you were an old married couple!" said Lupin.
But before he could have even continued, the two had jumped out of their seats.
"I shall not be nagged at like a child, Lupin. That is what I do!" said Snape.
"Don't think that you can order me around!" said Sirius.
But paying no attention to the two, Lupin grabbed one of each man's shoulders and slammed them back to their chairs.
"Shut up! I'm the only one who's talking here!" said Lupin.
"Stupid super human, werewolf-like strength." muttered Sirius.
"Do you got something to say Sirius?" asked Lupin with the mark of death in his eyes.
"Nothing." said snapped Sirius.
"So tell me you two, when do you plan to grow up? Because I'm tired of babysitting both of you. Do you even know how much stress I've had for the past few weeks? Do you even stop by and try to think straight with your brains instead of your egos?" nagged Lupin.
"Why don't you just kill me." muttered Snape.
"May I do the honor?" whispered Sirius.
"Every god given day, the both of you keep fighting like dogs and cats!" said Lupin.
Sirius leaned closer to Lupin and pointed to Snape, "Erm…. Bats."
"Spare me the lecture." said Snape attempting to stand up but he was once again pushed down to his chair by an enraged Lupin.
"I'm so sick and tired! Two words: Get laid! Both of you!" said Lupin.
"I trust that you do not mean that as a homosexual related subject." said Snape raising an eyebrow.
"Speak for yourself, by the way, Snape. Did you see the look on Remus' face when he saw that woman Cassandra's naked body? I was surprised his eyeballs didn't pop out." said Sirius with a malicious grin on his face.
"What! Wha… what, hold on, I don't-I didn't-it was an-" stuttered Lupin, blushing red.
"Yes, my, my Lupin, it seems to me that you haven't been with a woman for a long time." said Snape with a nasty smile with his hands crossed.
"Or maybe never at all." said Sirius.
"Maybe your friend Black here could lend you some Magazines. but a word of caution, it's not meant for the weak hearted." said Snape
"Oh Cassandra! I love you! You have such a nice body, particularly at the chest region." said Sirius, mimicking Lupin's voice… only more pathetic.
"KNOCK IT OFF SIRIUS!" yelled Lupin.
"Calm down, Lupin, don't get excited." said Snape.
"Excited, I'm a little bit revolted if you ask me." said Lupin.
"Oh, Remus. What a man, you're like an animal in bed… a werewolf even." said Sirius now mimicking Cassandra's voice.
Lupin couldn't be anymore red than he was at the moment. He didn't know if he wanted to be furious, embarrassed or kill someone at that moment. He stared at them with his mouth-hung agape but no words came out. He just let out a loud grunt in his frustration so he turned around and left them before he the thought of choking people could enter his mind.
He entered the Hall a couple of minutes later when Lupin felt someone was tap his shoulder. He turned around and saw the almost unrecognizable person he had ever seen.
"Wotcher Remus." she said.
It was a blushing Nymphadora Tonks who she was wearing a sexy magician outfit. Her hair was black underneath a long magician's hat and her curvy legs shown with her fish net stockings.
"Tonks?" said Lupin incredulously.
"Good eye." said Tonks, she grabbed his hand and tried to pull him towards the crowd of dancing couples (Which were now dancing in a sweet tune) "C'mon, Remus…let's dance."
But Remus pulled his hand back.
"Sorry, Tonks… but I don't really feel like dancing." said Lupin.
"Its alright, we could just sit down and talk." said Tonks.
"No, I don't feel doing that as well." said Lupin who was now getting a little bit irritated.
"Ow! Ow! We could go outside and have a walk under the moonlight." said Tonks excitedly.
"No." said Lupin.
"Please! Please! Please! Please! Please!" begged Tonks.
"No, Tonks. Would you please just leave me alone." said Lupin with his temper rising.
"How about if we eat first? You hardly look like you've eaten anything." said Tonks.
"Tonks— "
"Or maybe we could go and make fun of the other people's costumes."
"Tonks— "
"I saw one costume that was so unusual."
"Tonks— "
"I think I saw over-"
"I SAID NO DAMN IT! WOULD YOU PLEASE LEAVE ME ALONE!" Lupin bellowed out of frustration.
It was too late to take back what he said as he saw the hurt on her eyes. He didn't mean to but the amount of frustration was just too much to keep. And now it was a mistake that broke his heart as she stood there in tears.
"You didn't even tell me how I looked." said Tonks through her tears before running away.
"Tonks wait!" Lupin called after her, but she was now too far to hear him. "Why do these things keep happening to me?" he asked himself as he turned around to go back to his chair.
His way was blocked by another person with a costume. He looked up and saw that it was Bill Weasley wearing a Phantom of the Opera costume.
"Bill?"
"You know what, Remus." said Bill glaring at him "I expected a lot better from you." he said to Lupin before walking away.
Lupin was left standing there in misery.
Bill stopped on his feet and turned back to Lupin, "You could have just danced with her for just one bloody time!"
Bill ran out of the Hall in search of Tonks. He wandered off for a while hoping to find her. When he turned left at the corridor, he recognized Tonks with her costume crying at the middle of the school's inner courtyard. Bill took of his mask and slowly walked up to her.
"Tonks?" said Bill delicately.
"Leave me alone, Bill." said a sobbing Tonks.
"I'm not going anywhere." said Bill.
Tonks looked at Bill.
"Listen, just hear me out." said Bill "I'm sorry if Remus hurt your feelings. But I don't think he meant what he said. I think he's got a lot of things on his mind.
"So you're defending him?" said Tonks who poured her anger at Bill "Forget it, Bill. You know what? I don't care anymore, just go and leave me alone!"
"No, I'm not defending him. Come to think of it… I think that he really acted like an ass back there, and you didn't deserve that." said Bill.
"What's the point, he doesn't like me. he thinks I'm ugly." said Tonks.
Bill stared at her for a while and smiled.
"Well I for one think that you look absolutely wonderful tonight" said Bill.
With those words, Tonks stopped crying and looked at Bill. she couldn't believe what he just said.
"Excuse me?" said Tonks "What did you say?"
"I said that you're wonderful tonight." said Bill.
Even if it was dark that night, Bill could see the scarlet face of the person in front of him.
"You know what, no matter how crazy you to get, no matter what they say, and now matter how bizarre for making us call you by your surname… you're very special to me." said Bill.
Tonks now looked like she was on the verge of tears again, which panicked Bill.
"Oh come on, don't cry." said Bill patting her on the shoulder.
"I'm not (Sniff) crying." lied Tonks.
Bill grinned at her. From where they were standing, the music coming from the Great Hall could still be heard, and that gave Bill an idea.
"May I have the honor?" said Bill as he extended his hand to her.
Tonks smiled at him and nodded.
Bill took her hand and they danced in the middle of the inner courtyard.
XXX
Meanwhile, Sirius checked his watch every minute by the Great hall.
"Where is she?" he mumbled.
He now wore a different costume after being chased by Pastor Smith minutes earlier. He deeply enjoyed this Zorro outfit as he whip out his sword and slash the air menacingly every once in a while. Who ever said Fred and George Weasley didn't know how to give a Christmas present?
As he scanned the room once more, he saw Snape sitting by himself at the Teacher's table. There was an overwhelming force that was pushing him towards his direction, Sirius just cant help throwing another insult on Snape's face when he looked so pathetic like that. So naturally, Sirius walked towards Snape with a grin on his face.
"Awe, poor little Snape couldn't get someone to talk to." teased Sirius.
"Well, well, it seems that you've ran out of toilet paper and decided to come back here. And what a surprise… with a new costume. It suits you Black, isn't that a thief's attire? Well it fits on you considering that you are a ruthless criminal yourself." said Snape.
"No, this is Zorro." said Sirius.
"Gesundheit." said Snape
"Shut up you rodent." said Sirius.
"What brings you here anyway, Black? Couldn't you find your friend to annoy." said Snape.
"First of all, it's none of your business. Second, no…have you seen him?" asked Sirius.
"I don't have anytime for your childishness, Black. Now go away, the air in this area is starting to smell." said Snape.
"You never seem to run out of ammo, hah Snape." said Sirius before giving a sigh and throwing his hands up the air "I got to admit it that's what I like about you. Well… setting aside hating you and all of that."
Snape looked at Sirius and raised an eyebrow "If you ask me to dance, help me God because-"
"Cut it moron." said Sirius "I just want to thank you when you saved me last night from being bitten by a werewolf. Even thought Werewolves are your worst fear.." Sirius said bitterly.
But instead of hearing the usual Severus Snape counter attack, Sirius never heard a word from him. Snape just gave him an old fashion brow.
"Anyway…." Sirius sighed heavily, it was obvious in his voice that he was really trying hard to do what was accomplish, "I have a surprise for you." he added.
Snape gave Sirius a suspicious look, but when he saw someone walk inside the Hall, he forgot what were the three important ingredients on making a Comatose potion; in fact, he couldn't quite remember a lot of things at that particular moment.
"Good evening Severus."
"I probably should go." said Sirius leaving the two.
But Snape only answered by waving his hands at him like one does to shoo a fly.
"Saphina…" said Snape trembling a bit "I…I…I thought that you had a convention to go to."
"Oh I did." she replied, "But Sirius sent me a letter to come here. Actually, I'm quite thankful that Sirius Owled me."
Snape glanced at Sirius, he saw him hiding behind pillar and he knew that Sirius was listening to them because the minute that he saw him, he quickly hid.
"I, I don't know what to say." said Snape.
Sinistra examined Snape's outfit. "Why Severus, you look nice in that attire. I for one unfortunately didn't get to shop for a costume myself."
"You don't have to find a dress, you look just extraordinary as you are now." said Snape as he heard a sudden burst of laughs from a pillar close to them.
"Shall we dance?" asked Sinistra.
Snape somehow defied the law of natural order of time and space and smiled at her, but he did the more impossible thing and….
"Um…just a second Sinistra, I just want to talk to someone… I'll be right back." said Snape dashing hastily.
Hurrying over the pillar, Snape stopped and talked to Sirius.
"Well, it seems that you're going to have a lovely night." said Sirius.
"Black." said Snape seriously "I'm going to tell you something that I have never told a living, breathing, talking being before…. thank you."
Sirius who was taking a sip of wine had accidentally sprayed some in surprise.
"Excuse me?" he said suspiciously.
"As a token of my rare appreciation, I too have a surprise for you." said Snape pointing behind Sirius.
When Sirius turned around, his heart stopped at the person right in front of him.
"You!" snarled Sirius.
"What are you doing here?"
"I happen to teach here, what's mental case like you doing here?" said Sirius.
Marian Rosmerta shot Sirius the glares of death. Surprisingly, she looked even scarier than Snape.
(A\N And that was saying a lot. And by the way, in case that you've read pass it at chapter 24 Pop goes the werewolf, this Rosmerta is different from the Rosmerta you knew from POA, she's her niece and an original character of mine)
Sirius suddenly remembered the slimy git behind him.
"Snape!" he turned around and Snape was nowhere to be found.
There was a fleeting moment in his head that he saw Snape laughing at him "I'm going to kill that spineless worm!"
"Wait a minute, you're the man who sent me the invitation weren't you? I should have known that you'd try to get me in bed."
"Excuse me? EXCUSE ME! There is no way that I would ever want to sleep with a nut case like you!" said Sirius.
"I knew it, I just knew it, and here you are telling this cock and bull story. You did this because you knew that you don't stand a chance with me." said Rosmerta.
"WOMAN YOU ARE CRAZY!" said Sirius walking off.
"Oh no, you don't. I'm not going to go until you explain things through! I took a night off from work for this!" she said then following him.
XXX
As the night went by, Lupin found himself alone sitting by a table with misery as company. What was the use of being disciplined when his best friend and his colleague were driving him insane? He didn't mean to hurt Tonks' feeling but he did a couple of minutes ago because he lost his cool and now he felt that everyone was against him? The loneliness was very familiar.
The only thing that he wanted to do was to have a little bit of fun before going off to sleep, but nooooo! THIS had to happen.
"Um… excuse me." came a female voice form behind.
"I hope you don't mind but I would like to be alone for a while." said Lupin without looking at the person.
"Oh, okay, sorry to have bothered you." said the woman.
But Lupin felt guiltier sending her off with even making an excuse. He lifted his head up and turned to the woman.
"Ca-Cassandra!"
It was Cassandra Folks. She was the woman whom they encountered that night when they tried to follow Harry and the others. It was her that he saw that an awkward situation at the forest.
"What brings you here?" asked Lupin standing up.
"Oh, your friend over there sent me an invitation." said Cassandra pointing at Sirius' direction.
Lupin took a look at Sirius too. He was wondering why Marian Rosmerta dressed in a pirate costume was chasing him around.
"Get away from me, you freaking lunatic!" he heard Sirius shout at her.
"Not until I say things I want to say to you. Come back here this instant!" Lupin heard her shout back.
"You have a very unusual friend." said Cassandra.
"I know, sometimes I ask myself what I did to deserve him." said Lupin.
Cassandra giggled.
"Are you going to tell me why you're sitting here by yourself?" asked Cassandra.
"Oh, I'd rather not talk about it. You don't want to hear a boring prick like me tell you my life's story." said Lupin.
"On the contrary, I think you're a very interesting man." said Cassandra.
"Really?" said Lupin "Why?" he added.
Lupin felt the redness of his cheeks as well as the crumbling foundation of his knees. Oh, what was a poor werewolf to do? It seems easier to be teaching students fatal spells and curses rather than having a formal conversation with a woman that he had once saw naked.
"Err…. would you like a seat?" asked Lupin pulling out a chair for her.
It was nerve wracking. She was sitting there right in front of him and was still busy looking for an ice breaker to set things running.
"So how long have you been a Werewolf?" asked Cassandra.
Lupin was surprised that she would have bring up the subject. Now all that goes inside his head was that moment he accidentally saw her in the nude. NUDE! NUDE! NUDE! NUDE! NUDE! NUDE! NUDE! NUDE!
"Um… err…. I was bitten by one ever since before I went to school here. So… that would be… a very long time." said Lupin nervously.
"Oh for bloody sakes, man… Are you a man-wolf or a mouse-wolf?" said Lupin's thoughts.
"You, know… I haven't met anyone before that's a werewolf too." she said.
"Well I've got to meet a few, but none of them were as nice looking as you." said Remus.
It might have been the wine that he had…but Lupin could have sworn that she blushed at what he said.
"So where's your date? Didn't you bring your girlfriend with you?" she asked.
Lupin's face fell down on the table.
"I…. I never had a girlfriend due to my condition." said Lupin in a low voice.
"Oh, I'm really sorry. I just thought that someone like you would have a girlfriend or a fiancé of some sort." said Cassandra in an apologetic tone.
"No, don't apologize. I just don't know why you thought I'm with someone." said Lupin.
"Well it's obviously because of your charming personality. I'm surprised that you don't have a girlfriend." she told him.
"Cha…charming personality?"
"Yes."
Lupin clearly doesn't know how to react. Nobody has ever told him that he has a charming personality… aside from the time that Sirius said it but he was trying to borrow some money at the time.
What can he say? He needed to say something quick. But there was no response from his brain…
"Would you like to dance?" he asked her without further more rational thinking.
"I'd love to." she replied.
Lupin got up from his seat and took her hand before leading her to the dance floor.
"I'm really looking forward to have sexual intercourse with you tonight." said Cassandra as though she was just looking forward for a pleasant day.
"SHIT!" he thought.
XXX
Harry and Hermione had just got back to their table after dancing.
"Okay… dancing, mission accomplished. Now what… oh my god, I don't know what to do next! What the hell am I gonna do? Think Potter! Think! I command you to think! Don't you dare blow this up!" thought Harry.
Hermione was taking a sip of pumpkin juice, Harry had to think fast.
"What was the plan again? Oh yeah, flatter her." thought Harry.
"You really look great." he said.
"Harry, that the seventh time you said that." said Hermione.
"You blew it, Potter! You bloody blew it!" Harry thought.
But what Harry didn't know was Hermione's been arguing with her mind just like he was.
"What's wrong? Why isn't he saying something else? Is there something wrong? Did this dress make me look fat? Does he think I'm ugly and the only reason why he's been telling me that I look good because of an irony thing? Wait a minute Granger… you don't care about those things…do you? I wish something would happen." she thought.
"I wish something would happen." Harry thought.
After that, the two of them sat there with an awkward silence… a long one.
Seconds later, Draco was strolling (Or rather prancing) along pass them holding two glasses of punch. Neither Harry nor Hermione noticed him stop beside them.
"You bunch of virgins." muttered Draco as he went off.
Harry was now desperate. He needs to say something but what?
"You've gotten this far, don't mess it up!" he thought.
"So… read any good books lately?" he asked bluntly.
"You're digging your own grave here! What kind of question is that?" he thought.
"Make an interesting answer! You can do it, Hermione. I know you can." Hermione thought
"Yeah." said Hermione.
"Great going." she thought.
Exactly two minutes of awkward silence had passed between the two at that table when Draco a Luna passed by.
"Alright, you two?" asked Luna.
"Draco!" shouted Harry in surprise.
"Luna!" as well did Hermione.
Harry grabbed Draco and forced him to sit down at their table before he could have even had the chance to think about reacting as Hermione pulled Luna next to her seat at the same time.
"Wha-what's going on?" Draco asked Harry. But Harry gestured not say anything.
"Excuse me, I have to go to the ladies room." said Hermione standing up." Luna, I need your help with something, now!" she added as she grabbed Luna once more by the hand and dragged her out of sight.
"I am going to kill you." said Draco.
"I'm sorry; I just don't know what to do." Harry apologized to him.
"You don't-I don't bloody care if you don't know what to do. You could introduce her to folk dancing for all I care!" Draco ranted.
"I said I'm sorry." said Harry, but Draco just whacked Harry on the back of his head.
Draco was thinking of hitting Harry on the head again when Ron and Neville joined them.
"What are you two doing here?" asked Draco grumpily.
"Hermione and Luna grabbed Parvati and Ginny to the ladies room. Plus, we needed some rest." said Ron.
"What are you so grumpy about, Draco?" asked Neville.
"It's certainly isn't because of something he didn't do." said Draco sarcastically as he elbowed Harry in frustration "We were suppose to go to the balcony…alone." he added as he dished Harry with an elbow once more.
"I wonder what those women are up to?" said Neville.
"I wonder when they're getting out of that bathroom." said Harry.
"Huh?"
"You know, Women… bathroom…" said Harry.
"Oohhhh." said the three finally catching on.
"Good point." said Draco.
"Why do they call it a Bathroom? They don't go there to take a bath." said Ron.
"At least, that's what you know." said Harry.
"You know, I've always wondered why they say bathroom? Why don't they just say that I need to piss." said Draco
Harry, Ron and Neville looked at him in disgust.
"That's disgusting, Malfoy." said Ron.
"Anyway, I've noticed you two being quite for a while. What's the matter, mate? You and Hermione waiting for something?" asked Ron.
Harry shook his head.
"Potter, Potter, Potter, poor naïve little Potter." said Draco patting Harry on the head like he was a little child.
"Get your hand off me, Draco. God knows where that's been the last few minutes." said Harry slapping Draco's hand away.
"Let me get this straight. You pretended to be her boyfriend when her snot nosed uncle arrived, you fell in love with her, you had an argument with her then had a huge fight and everything but then you patched things up—" said Ron.
Harry, Neville and even Draco were now somehow listening to Ron intently.
"—You told her that you loved her and made her miserable, you were the one who stood in front of her uncle's face, you were the one who got the plan how to get her back, you saved her from those retarded morons who had the wrong idea of being more powerful than the stench of their feet, AND YOU CAN'T EVEN HAVE A BLOODY CONVERSATION WITH HER!" yelled Ron.
"Weasley's not wrong there Potter." said Draco taking a sip from Harry's glass.
"Why not just say I'm right, Malfoy." snapped Ron.
Draco snorted at him "Yeah right, and give you the satisfaction. I don't think so." said Draco.
"Umm, if I can say something." said Neville raising his hand "I just want to say that whatever any of us can say to this matter, it's up to you to make the move." said Neville.
"As almost as senseless that sounded, Longbottom's not wrong either ("Git," muttered Ron), times wasting, Potter. Move it or lose it." said Draco.
"You can do this, Harry." said Ron patting him on the back.
"Oh, here they are." said Neville spotting the four women walking towards them.
"Angel!" said Draco hurrying up on his feet to meet with Luna "Shall we go to the balcony now?" he asked.
"No thanks, I'd like to sit down for a while." said Luna.
"Oh." said Draco in a disappointed tone "That's alright my princess, that's very much alright." he added. But the moment Luna was taking a seat, Draco leaned over to Harry and whispered "I'm going to kill you."
"Took you long enough." Ron said to Parvati as she sat down next to him.
"Sorry Honey, I know how you hate waiting." said Parvati cuddling Ron.
"Parv, not here!" said Ron.
Neville was suppose to say something then, when they heard…
"Get away from me you crazy woman!" said Sirius hurrying to get away from her.
"Come here and I'll show you how crazy I am." said Rosmerta raising her fist at him.
"Grr, shut up! I've never had the urge to kill someone like I do now." said Sirius.
"Neville, were you going to say something?" asked Hermione.
"Ah, I forgot." said Neville still looking at Sirius and Rosmerta.
"Err… Hermione, do you want to take a walk with me?" asked Harry feeling like he needs some alone time with her.
"Well that's just stupid, who'd want to—OUCH!" said Draco as Ginny elbowed him.
"Sure, I needed to go to the Staff Table anyway." said Hermione grinning at Harry.
She stood up and took Harry's hand as they walked a couple of steps near the Staff Table (Which is where Anthony Goldstein was now singing a song), Harry noticed the Head boy up stage.
"Is that Anthony Goldstein?" he asked Hermione unsure with himself.
"I don't know what's gotten into him." said Hermione.
But when Anthony was finally finished signing, Dumbledore stood at where the podium was suppose to be and spoke with a magically enhanced voice.
"Yes, yes, thank you Anthony for that drunk rendition of Michelle Brach's song. I have to admit that it did not cross my mind that you have music in you." said Dumbledore beaming at him while a group of drunk Ravenclaws slapped him on the back.
"Thank you, now I'd like to ask for any volunteers to sing us all a song." said Dumbledore.
Immediately, few hands shot through the air. Without thinking, Harry pointed at Hermione, she tried to pull his arm back down but it was too late for her. The next thing she knew was she was being pulled up stage by Dumbledore.
"Is that Hermione going on stage?"
"Fred!" said Ginny.
"Where's George?" asked Ron.
"Where's George? We're not joined by the hip you know." said George from behind Ron.
"Did you bring someone with you?" asked Ginny.
Fred and George cleared their throats before speaking in a sort of high class of manner.
"I… had the pleasure of taking former Gryffindor chaser with me." said Fred.
"Yes, so have I." said George.
"I have brought the elegant looking Angelina Johnson." said Fred, "And when I said good looking I meant only good looking. I'm trying to keep her from the alcoholic beverages that might cause to a sudden injury to anyone near her." he added.
"I took Alicia Spinnet with me. Well…. I was kind of obligated to considering that she's my girlfriend." said George
"Congratulations." said Parvati (A\N Suck up! Suck up! Suck up!)
"How did that happen?" Neville asked.
"It's a funny story involving an unlock bathroom." said George.
"Are you and Angelina a couple too?" asked Ron.
Fred patted Ron's hair "Baby steps little bro, baby steps." said Fred.
"You can do it, Hermione. Show us what you're made of!" shouted someone from the crowd as Hermione stood there nervously.
"Okay, alright." said Hermione, she was growing crimson as she paused for a while and took a breath "This song is for someone I know."
A nagging feeling on Harry's back told him that he should be listen to her every word.
"I just hope he gets the message." said Hermione.
Again, music came from nowhere.
"Every time I think of you
I get shot right through with a bolt of blue
It's no problem of mine but it's a problem I find
Living a life I can't leave behind
There's no sense in telling me
A wisdom of a fool won't set you free
But that's the way that it goes
And it's what nobody knows
While everyday my confusion grows
Every time I see you falling
I… get down on my knees and pray
I'm waiting for that final moment
You'll say the words that I can't say
Listening to her song, it was like Hermione was trying to tell him something. This was so stupid, why couldn't he tell what he wants… what he feels inside?
I feel fine and I feel good
I'm feeling like I never should
Whenever I get this way I just don't know what to say
Why can't we be ourselves like we were yesterday?
I'm not sure what this could mean
I don't think that you're what you seem
I do admit to myself
That if I hurt someone else
Then I'll never see just what we're meant to be
Every time I see you falling
I… get down on my knees and pray
I'm waiting for that final moment
You'll say the words that I can't say
Every time I see you falling
I… get down on my knees and pray
I'm waiting for that final moment
You'll say the words that I can't say,"
Everyone broke into an overwhelming applause after the song ended. Hermione was so red in the face that Harry found it so funny. When she got down, all Harry wanted to do was to wrap his arms around her but he couldn't. He knew that it was not the right moment, but when is that moment going to turn up?
"I knew that you had a great voice, but listening to you with an audience was nicer." said Harry.
"I figured that it's our last year, so I think it wouldn't hurt if I did it." said Hermione.
"Yeah, and seeing that Anthony Goldstein did it as well, I think he was drunk though." said Harry.
Hermione laughed "That must be it. I saw Draco put something in the punch while he was getting Luna some drinks." said Hermione.
"I'll go get us some more drinks then… from another punch bowl of course." said Harry.
"Okay, I'll wait right here." said Hermione.
"Hang on." He said.
Harry just realized that she wore the tiny locket on her neck. It was the one they used to communicate with their minds with…How did he miss that? Curse the perfection on her face!
"I kind of like it." she told him.
Harry beamed at her. He pulled something out of his left pocket and showed Hermione the other locket.
"I always keep mine on my pocket." He told her, earning him a big smile "I'll be back, alright?"
Harry went off but he didn't go to get the drinks. He wanted to do something else. So he went to the bathroom to wash his hands and think about the perfect moment. As he opened the door, he saw two figures that were at a tight embrace. He recognized them instantly as Sirius and Madam Rosmerta. They seemed to be having a great time so Harry left the room as fast as he entered it. But even then his mind was still nagged at him.
He looked around and saw Snape and Sinistra holding hands at the Staff and seemed to be having a funny conversation, Lupin and that woman Cassandra were dancing the night away at the Dance floor, then there was Bill and Tonks dancing outside in the snowing weather. Harry saw that Bill was giving her a kiss and Tonks seemed to be liking it.
A strong feeling of jealousy was now creeping upon him. The Perfect moment…..the perfect timing…..Perfect, just perfect…..
He saw Hermione leaning against a pillar with her ands behind her back, she looked like eager to see him back, she saw him, Hermione walked towards Harry.
"Where's our drinks?" she asked
"Uh… err… they ran out. The House elves are still getting some more." lied Harry.
"Oh." said Hermione.
"Dance with me." he said bluntly.
"What?" said Hermione not expecting this.
"Dance with me until they get the punch ready." said Harry "Plus, this is a good song." he added
He saw a pretty young woman come out to the stage with her guitar. It looks like Taylor Swift has a lot of fans even in the wizarding world as many students met her with glee.
"I really don't know how I got here." said the confused singer.
McGonagall shot a look at Albus.
"Don't worry, Minerva. I was able to convince her that she was dreaming backstage." said the Headmaster.
"And what of her payment?" McGonagall asked.
"I'm taking it out of Sirius and Severus' salary." replied Dumbledore
"But seeing that everyone is having fun…then I guess I should make it worth while. Here is a song for the love struck."
I've never gone with the wind, just let it flow
Let it take me where it wants to go
Till you open the door, there's so much more
I've never seen it before
It was like heaven once more as they danced in the middle of the room. Pieces of bright light began to slowly rain upon them as they moved to the song which echoed through the room. He could feel the lightness of his feet as he felt that he can go on like this forever.
He could basically hear her heart beating with a rhythmic pace as she looked back into his eyes. They seemed to have been engulfed in a world of their own. He didn't know why but it always felt like a kiss of paradise when she was around. He remembered the first time they met on that train to Hogwarts, the time they he and Ron became friends with her after the whole Troll incident, he remembered that she was always on his side when things got rough.
He was never great for any sense of the word, but when she's in the picture, everything's perfect…she's perfect… every moment with her is her is perfect…
"That it!" his mind shouted.
She is his perfect moment.
I was trying to fly but I couldn't find wings
"Hermione, I got something to tell you." said Harry.
"What is it?" she asked.
"I'm sorry that I've been a little off all night. I thought it'll be easier to tell you through the necklace, but I thought I'd tell you myself…I'm trap in this stupidity I call myself and I hope it's not too late." Harry told her.
"For what?" she asked.
"-To tell my best friend that I've fallen in love with her."
"Harry…I"
"Now you don't have to say anything. I just really want you to know. Because my heart can't take another moment without you knowing that all it beats is for you. I can't let another aching second pass knowing that I didn't try. You've changed my life… and I know it's crazy but I feel like I'm still falling into the deep. And I don't mind drowning as long as you're the sea… Here's my heart and it's yours if you want… I love you so much, Hermione." said Harry
After saying those words, he felt a world lighter. What was she going to say? Will she break his heart? And if she does… will hurt as much as he gazed upon her life-saving smile?
Then you came along and you changed everything
Hermione placed her finger on Harry mouth. She fought the tears that wanted to come down her cheeks. She looked up the man she loved and placed a finger on his lips so he couldn't say anything more.
"Took you long enough?" she said.
You lift my feet off the ground, and spin me around
You make me crazier, crazier feels like I'm falling and I
I'm lost in your eyes
You make me crazier, crazier, crazier
Watched from a distance as you, made life your own
Every sky was your own kind of blue
And I wanted to know
How that would feel, and you made it so real
You showed me something that I couldn't see
Opened my eyes and you made me believe
You lift my feet off the ground, and spin me around
You make me crazier, crazier feels like I'm falling and I
I'm lost in your eyes
You make me crazier, crazier, crazier oh
They didn't even seem to notice that they were the only ones who remained dancing. Everyone in the room was now fixated on the two figures gliding upon the dance floor. Even a blind man could see what was really going on. The two were in love and the world didn't matter.
Harry looked at their friends and saw Draco mouthing him something that he didn't quite understand.
"Kiss her! Kiss her!" mouthed Ron.
"Kiss her idiot!" mouthed Draco.
"Come on, just put your bloody lips with hers!" mouthed Sirius, with his hair ruffled and Marian Rosmerta by his side.
"Kiss her!"
"Kiss her!"
"Do it! Come on!"
"Go Harry, you can do it!"
"Maybe he doesn't like kissing girls; maybe he likes kissing boys."
"You'd like that wouldn't you?"
It was just about time when Harry noticed the same thing wherever he turned. Ron was pointing at his lips and then pointed at Hermione. He only got the message when he saw Sirius wrote the words KISS HER in the air.
He forced himself not to laugh.
He was thinking of kissing her anyway. He leaned his lips towards her and their lips met. It looked like they didn't want to stop. The two didn't even realize that a lot of people had their wands out and levitating them up the air
The only thing that mattered was Hermione. The only woman he'll love and the only one he'll ever need. It felt a little breezy that Wednesday night. And Harry knew… that every thing will be just fine…
THE END
XXX
A/N Thank you so much for keeping up with this story. I really appreciate your reviews and I'm glad you enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing it.
The song that I used were TRULY, MADLY DEEPLY the slow version by Cascada, BIZZARE LOVE TRIANGLE by Frente, and CRAZIER by Taylor Swift.
I will be doing a sequel to this story but right now, I'd like you all to read my new fic A STRANGER AND HER SYMPATHY.
It's about a story of a 17 year old Harry Potter living a miserable life when suddenly, two strangers saves his life and tell him he's a wizard. It's a spin from my favorite part of Order of the Phoenix (book). I sure hope you give it a look.
JazzGirl123: The whole parents thing didn't really happen. It was a fake so that Harry could feel better about himself. Thank you for your awesome comments. I sure hope you take a look at A Stranger and her Sympathy….you rock