Wanting Something More
Chapter Fifteen: Wanting Romance
"So, he's told you nothing has he?" Scarlett questioned as she coaxed the sleeping Brittany from her cocoon.
"Nothing at all. Yesterday he seemed sort of out of place with things. Like he was trying to figure out the world." Brittany grumbled as she shivered due to the natural chill of the private room.
"Perhaps he wants to surprise you with something romantic then?" Serena offered as she readied for their trip to Hogsmeade.
"I don't like surprises. They usually end badly." She griped as she moved to her chest to pick out an outfit.
"Maybe he doesn't have a plan and is just going to make it up as he goes." Scarlett moved Brittany aside as she grabbed a skirt and shirt for her to wear. Plain white shirt with a simple black skirt.
"Not that Scarlett. She needs to stand out." Serena protested. "Make him all hormones and passion."
"On a first date? I'd rather just wear pants you know. He knows I like pants, what's wrong with them?"
"Oh no you don't. Pants won't land you a male. You have to at least show a little leg. Give him a look at what assets you actually have." She shot back with a smirk as she grabbed a pair of flesh colored hose.
"It's bloody cold outside let me wear stocking at least." Brittany grumbled attempting to access her trunk.
"Dobby thinks Miss Brittany should wear Green. It's Mr. Harry Potter's Favorite color." Dobby supplied helpfully as he brought Brittany a cup of Coffee.
"How would you know that Dobby?" Serena asked the house elf curiously.
"Why, because it is the color of his mother's eyes. He never hears much about his mother. He spends a lot of time when he is sad looking at the pictures of his family. Harry Potter told Dobby once when he snuck into the Kitchens that his mother reminded him of peace, and so does the color green. Except when Malfoy wears it of course." Dobby supplied helpfully.
"Dobby would you mind waiting in the side room for a moment while Brittany changes then please. Then you can pop us out of here to the Gryffindor Common Rooms." Scarlett requested.
"Of course Miss Scarlett. Dobby would be pleased to give you privacy while you changed. Just call if you need Dobby."
"Thanks Dobby." Brittany replied as she snatched a green sweater from the pile of clothes and a pair of black stockings. "I'll wear the skirt then. That's all you get."
Serena and Scarlett seeing the look of determination in their friend's eyes, relented. "Fine you win."
"Alright, but only if you forget to bring a scarf so you'll be cold." Serena added.
"Why would I want to be cold. Then I can't pay attention to this date." She huffed as she dressed as quickly as she was able.
"He'll want to keep you warm. He'll lend you his robes or scarf and maybe hold your hand. It's a trick of the trade for dating."
"That's stupid. I don't want to trick him I just want to spend time with him and see if we are actually compatible as more than friends. Tricking him accomplishes nothing." She plopped onto her bed to start tying her shoes.
"Brittany, she means that theses are techniques to try and garner male attention. Specifically a male you want to fall in love with you." Scarlett tried to reason with her.
"I'm not in love with him either though. That's what the date is for isn't it?" Brittany flailed around giving up on her left shoe for the moment.
"No that was him asking you out a month in advance. You were both trying to feel the other out weren't you?" Serena decided to help her obviously nervous friend, tying the shoe quickly.
Brittany sat up immediately. "I thought that was to give us time to be friends. I didn't know I was supposed to have already decided I liked him or not? Why didn't either of you tell me? I can't do this. I've got to call this off. This is too much. I'll just run away and hide from my parents and Malfoy and live as a maid or something."
Scarlett let out a long sigh before she slapped her friend across the cheek. "You need to stop thinking right now. You are going on this date. You are going to feel weird things. You are going to want to run, but you will not. If you and Harry are only meant to be friends then you'll know it. Otherwise you are going to flirt, as atrocious as you are at it. Then you are going to see if he reacts to your flirting. You are not going to over analyze his reactions. Finally you are going to bloody well have a good time going out with a man who is at the very least interested in you."
Brittany held her cheek. It stung enough to snap her out of her hysterics. "I'm sorry. I over reacted."
"You're bloody right you did. Besides, think of it this way. He wouldn't have asked you out if he thought it would be impossible to fall for you right?" Serena added with a softness as she ran a brush through her friends unruly hair.
"Yeah, you're right guys. You're the best." Brittany hugged them both and smiled brightly. "Dobby we're ready to go now."
Dobby popped back to the room and smiled taking a hold of the two girls as Brittany grabbed onto his arm. With a snap they apparated to the Gryffindor Common rooms. "Good luck Miss Brittany." With that he was gone.
"Aren't you nervous mate?" Ron asked while the group of males dressed.
"I'll bet he's perfectly fine Ron. He's the Boy Who Lived. One date with a girl isn't going to get him scared." Seamus added with a pat to Harry's back.
"You should wear some cologne or something. Make yourself smell real nice. Luna loves it." Neville added helpfully.
"No, I'd rather not. I don't want her sniffing me. Besides she might not like the smell." Harry added while adjusting his tie for the third time.
"You know Harry, you should just relax. How bad can it go. Worst comes to worse she finds someone else to fall in love with and you just practice on Malfoy for you know who." Dean joked.
"She'd be a bloody idiot if she didn't want you mate. Don't worry about it. You'll be fine. I'm sure she'll be snogging you by nights end."
"You know, I don't think that is where Harry wants to go. You experienced that with Lavender anyways. If that's happening Harry you should run." Neville replied quickly. "If it makes you feel better,"
"I was not nervous until you all decided to ramble about how important to day was. Asking me if I'm nervous is making me nervous." Harry pulled his tie off completely and sunk into his bed. "Just go on ahead. I'll be down there in a few minutes."
Harry closed his eyes as he heard the footsteps signaling the guys had left the dormitory. He lay in the bed for a few moments to recollect his thoughts. "What do I have to be nervous about? Maybe the fact is that perhaps I really do want this to go well. What have I gotten myself into this time?" Merlin help me if she wears a skirt and no stockings. I may need to ask Hermione and Ginny to warn her against that in the future.
"Um, Harry?" Neville sat on his own bed. "Maybe you should be glad you're nervous. That means you have something to lose."
"Neville I kinda wanted to be alone for a few minutes before going down there." Harry sat up and smiled at his friend all the same.
"I know, but I wanted to make sure you were alright. Having something to lose means you'll want to do your best to succeed. I was a right mess before my first date with Luna you know. I made a whole mess of things. She laughed and had the time of her life while I was fumbling about and messing things up. Maybe that's okay though. I don't think it should be perfect. Love isn't perfect, and neither is life. You should just worry about having a good time, because if you are having a good time, and she's having a good time, then everything is going to be fine."
"You know what Neville, you're the only voice of reason I've had this month. Other than Ginny. I was just too nervous to talk to her about this." Harry replied while standing up.
"Luna wanted me to tell you that while the moonlight is romantic, love is best seen by firelight. Faye creatures are drawn to fire, because fire is passion, it burns, but in small doses can help heal. Not sure what she meant by that, but I think she means good luck." Neville chuckled. "I love her like crazy, Harry. Sometimes it's just a little hard to understand her meaning."
"I know what you mean Neville and thanks again. I'll go downstairs in a few minutes alright." Harry moved to his chest and found the little wrapped package. "Here goes everything."
He placed the package into his robes and nodded to himself one last time before making his way to the door. As he made his way downstairs, he scanned the room of excited third years and above for a familiar face. His face fell a bit as he realized that she was in fact not there at all. Harry slumped his shoulders and looked down at his feet.
Ginny was sitting with Seth, Scarlett and Serena. "He still hasn't noticed her yet." Seth smirked as Harry looked to be pouting.
"Well, she wanted to make an impression. I told her to hide behind the stairs and pop out when he came down."
"That was fiendishly clever Ginny. I'm not sure who's the bad influence on who. I like it though." Heather whispered as she came over to them.
"I just hope everything goes alright." Serena was worried. "She's never been on a date before."
Scarlett waved her hand. "She's going to be fine. She'll be herself and then she'll," They all gave a collective gasp. "Did she just?"
"Oh no, she didn't." Heather groaned.
"I can't believe that happened. It was all going fine." Ginny grumbled to herself.
"I don't know, this might be better you know. She's kind of adorable this way. That's endearing isn't it?" Seth added hopefully.
"Merlin help them." They all begged in unison.
Brittany seemed a little proud when Harry did not find her. He almost seemed disappointed. Brittany moved forward as stealthily as she was able. Just going to give him a tap ad say, 'Morning Harry, nice day to have a date.' Yup that's casual and nice. Just a little more. She was inching ever closer. He smells nice, like fresh soap and parchment. Almost there, this is going to be easier that I-
Brittany's foot managed to get snagged on the edge of the rug. Sadly her focus was pulled from her limited stealth skills to Harry. Thus she began falling, she attempted to wiggle her way back to standing straight and almost had it. That's when Harry turned around.
He instantly smiled at seeing her then frowned as he saw she was off balance. Knowing her track record for falling around him he was on high alert instantly. He moved to help steady her, and Brittany moved to over correct her mistake. At the same time they both bumped heads. With the pain setting her off, she lost her balance completely and fell into a pile of limbs with Harry.
Harry was stunned. Not a good way to start a date. Brittany was sprawled at an odd angle, with his left leg under her and his right free. He pushed himself into a sitting position and was about to apologize when he heard her giggling. Stockings, thank Merlin.
"I guess I'm falling for you already Harry." She snorted in a very unladylike manner. "Looks like you're falling for me too."
Harry paused unsure how this constituted love, then realized, she was being ridiculously corny on purpose. "I don't know, I think you made me fall for you. You really are a klutz early in the mornings."
"It's worse earlier yeah. During the day I can manage. Hopefully the fall woke me up enough to avoid any other accidents." Brittany smiled as she stood up and held out her hand. "Well that's the hope at least."
"Maybe I should hold your hand to keep you from stumbling over a pebble while we traipse around Hogsmeade?" Harry teased as he accepted her assist in getting up.
"I guess. Though that seems dangerously serious. Wouldn't want to give everyone the idea that I'm loose or something." She shot back with ease.
"No of course not. We'll just let everyone know you need someone there to save you from gravity." Harry's eyes lit up at their easy banter.
"Oh alright. But don't get any funny ideas." Brittany's smile brightened by the minute.
"We should probably get a carriage quickly to avoid Malfoy though." Harry advised. "Hence why you once again had to wake up so early."
"You're going to turn me into a morning person aren't you? Oh gods I'll be waking up at all hours before ten even on weekends. The horror." She held her hand to her head in preparation for a mock faint.
"Perhaps. You might even get in more time to study Charms."
"Let's go get that carriage. We can talk about you tutoring me at ungodly hours later." Brittany replied with a frown, her eyes still smiling.
"Pouting wont get you out of everything Brittany." Harry advised as he led her by their still connected hands to the portrait.
"Can't blame a girl for trying."
Harry smiled softly as he watched Brittany's animated talk with Amber and her brother. A pair of Hufflepuff sixth years who had known the Zabini's for years. Apparently they spent most of their time together outside of school. The other Slytherin females went to great lengths to torment the pair. As it would seem Amber was happy to be a friend who lived nearby and not near the limelight that seemed cast on the Zabini's.
"So Derek and I just celebrated our one year anniversary last month. He really went all out." Amber gushed.
"I'm so happy for you guys. You two really make a cute couple. I told you to ask him out fourth year but someone was too scared."
"Yes well, someone had also pushed my darling twin into thinking that Derek was the greatest thing since magic, and every female wanted him." The brother teased. "I had a hard time keeping her anxiety down."
"Oh, Louis, she was just trying to help." His sister attempted to swat at her brother.
"So if the rumors are true you two are on a date?" Louis pressed on.
"That's rather complicated." Brittany started. "We are on a date, but this is more of a, are we compatible date than a, let's go snog in the corner date."
"I am hoping that we are compatible though." Harry added quickly.
"I never would have placed you two together, but oddly enough it actually fits rather well." Amber put a finger on her chin and tapped it. "Which is odd, considering you two never really interacted before."
"Blame Malfoy he's always spoiled everything. If it weren't for him we could actually spend time with Brittany at school." Louis balled his fists. "The things he let those girls do first and second year were atrocious."
"As much as I hate Malfoy, I would appreciate you not bringing him up. I don't want him to sour this date." Brittany gripped her robes a little tighter to herself.
"Sorry," both the twins responded in sync.
"Don't worry about it. I am going to make sure she doesn't think about Malfoy at all." Harry gripped Brittany's twitching hand in his own and gave her a comforting squeeze.
"Thanks Harry. That's really sweet." Brittany blushed a little as she gave him a squeeze back.
"Oh look there it is." Amber coughed as she pointed out to the enclosing Hogsmeade.
As the group exited out of the carriage Harry held his hand out to help Brittany out of their ride. He kept a hold of her hand and waved at the two newest acquaintances he managed to make. Perhaps they would become friends too. Amber and Louis watched as the pair slowly walked through the streets and out of sight.
"Remind me again why I had to sit with you and not with Derek." Amber shot at her younger brother.
"Other than to have my big sister protecting me?" He saw the look of annoyance and quickly added. "I had to be sure myself why Blaise asked for my help getting a good carriage for his sister. Also I thought you two would want to catch up."
"Is that all?" Amber sighed. "And of course you couldn't tell me why. Sometimes I wonder why I hang around you?"
"Because you love me. Also I make sure that Derek can surprise you for a proper celebration of your anniversary." He taunted.
"Yeah, yeah. Wait, what?" She turned quickly to face her brother again from scanning for incoming carriages.
"I said I really hope Brittany's date with Harry goes well. They compliment each other. I've never seen her so happy before." Louis dodged.
"You are infuriating." Amber patted her younger brother on the top of his head and returned to watching the incoming carriages. "I hope their date goes well too."
Harry wandered a while walking with no true destination in mind. He was frantically trying to come up with some sort of idea. I can't just keep walking around like this. At some point Malfoy would see us. Not only that but I could do this at Hogwarts if I wished.
"Oh Harry, look. It's a little trinket and odds and ends shop. Let's go inside and play." Brittany shook his arm a little and turned watery begging eyes onto the male.
"Oh, um, sure. I guess we can look around." Harry seemed off put by her sudden need for shopping.
He walked inside the strange store and was bombarded by wigs, costume jewelry, odds and ends, even a shower curtain. He had no idea what kind of place this was. The old lady behind the counter smiled brightly at the pair and her eyes widened when she realized just who was in her shop.
"Oh hello my dears. Please have a look around, many odd treasures can be found all over the shop." She motioned to the whole store. "It's rare we get youngsters in here at all."
Brittany's eyes had landed on a particularly large florescent purple hat with a large dead bird pinned to it. She grabbed the hat and placed it on her head while moving through isles to crab a gnarled and twisted branch that could have serves as a cane. Then her trip ended with a fur coat four sizes too big. She smirked at Harry showing off her find.
"Look Harry." She giggled as she put the fur coat and hat.
"You look, pretty?" His voice cracked as he tried to understand just what she was doing.
"This might help. Eh hem. 'All students must maintain order. No fun shall be had and any naughty children must be punished.'" Brittany held her head so high the horrendous hat nearly fell off her head and she waved the stick at Harry as if it were a sword. Her tone was a very odd match of Umbridge.
Harry began chortling. "You're Umbridge. So when you said play, you meant see what funny things we could do."
"Of course. This is really fun if you get into it. It's like dress up and impressions all at the same time. With of course, the absolute must have, mockery." Brittany beamed as she twirled and then moved to place things back. "You're turn."
Harry's jaw dropped. "You want me to dress up like Umbridge?"
"Nah, you're a beginner, that one takes an expert." Brittany set her eyes on some very obnoxious looking earrings. "You can do anything or anyone you want. You just have to have fun."
Harry spent a few minutes wandering around the shop and grabbed hit items put them on and tapped Brittany on the shoulder. "You will take me to Lord Moldybutt straight away. I have urgent business with him as expendable death eater number thirteen."
Brittany gasped as she looked at Harry's arm which had a gold snake brooch pinned the most tattered and re-patched cloak she had ever seen. The mask was a gaudy red color fit for a masquerade party. "Right away Mister Thirteen. I shall bring you to his Moldyness post haste." She giggled out, dressed as a little tart.
Brittany smiled and as they finished up in the shop after a good hour of fun she paid five galleons for the hat and thanked the kind old lady who protested at the payment. "We had lots of fun, and your treasures were well worth the price. Thank you."
Brittany left the shop with a smile and the parcel containing her prize. "Why did you buy that hideous hat?"
"To remember the fun we had there. When I am old and senile I'll look at, or be wearing, this hat and remember the start of my first date with Harry Potter. Even if I don't remember who that actually is when I'm that old, or who I am for that matter." Brittany hooked her free arm in his and smiled.
"We just hung out and tried on clothes and made fun of people we don't like." Harry reasoned. "I had a blast, though."
"I want to cherish everything I get to enjoy this year. Besides if all goes well and we end up falling in love you'll never forget our first date either." She nudged him in the side with her arm.
"I doubt I ever will." He nudged her back a little. "I have an idea. You want to see the new shop Fred and George opened?"
Brittany was about to say yes, when she closed her mouth and pushed Harry farther down the path. "I would but unfortunately we are surrounded by other students. Is there anywhere we can go that we wont be seen?" Brittany grumbled.
"Is there somewhere you had in mind?" Harry asked as they moved closer and closer to the Shrieking Shack.
"There's a little shop. It looks relatively new." Harry pointed out, noticing the little hut closer to the Shrieking Shack than any other building.
"Let's go on an adventure then Harry." Brittany held his hand tightly as the pair moved swiftly to the building.
The cheerful little ding, that signaled their entrance alerted the young witch at the counter to a customer. "Welcome to Madam Merolla's Hideaway."
Harry wanted to smirk at the irony of the name. "Nice name. It really fits. How do you get business so close to the Shack?"
"Mainly we get tourists who wish to see the Shack from a safe distance. Or those who wish to eat in peace and not be seen by many of their gossiping peers." She teased.
"Oh Rosalind." A woman came out of the back of the shop and smiled softly at the pair. "I wanted to get out of the city and somewhere with fresh air and openness. So I closed my old restaurant in London and moved here. My youngest Sierra is a first year at Hogwarts. I wanted to be closer to her."
"We are just in a small lull before our lunch rush begins. If you would like we have some nice booths here in the back that offer a certain amount of privacy." Rosalind offered.
Brittany smiled at the woman. "That would be much appreciated thank you so much."
"Of course. I'm sure having Harry Potter eat here will increase tourism to this side of Hogsmeade as well." She spoke as she lead the pair to a small both towards the back of the restaurant.
"Here are our menu's please take your time." She smiled at them both before bouncing off to chat with her mother.
Brittany and Harry ordered their food and sat in the small little niche together. They spoke a great deal of their pasts and what actually made them they way they were. The spoke of hopes and dreams and goals they had in life. Two hours had passed since they had entered the little safe haven.
"So do you really think I could be an Auror even with my lack of talent in Charms?" Brittany asked quite disturbed.
"If my lack of talent at potions is anything to go by then perhaps. You're really improving you know." Harry pressed.
"I think I was right. It is better to be tutored by someone you like. You learn better that way." Brittany stated off handily while peeking around the corner at the bustle of the lunch rush Rosalind was talking about. It was mostly adults and a few third and fourth years near the front too scared to get a closer look at the Shack.
"You like me?" Harry pressed. He was hoping to catch her off guard.
"I, I really think I do. I mean I've never really been in love so I am not sure how deep this goes. I do know that I really like you. It's rare for a guy to be willing to dress up as weird things to make a girl laugh. You make me laugh Harry."
Harry started at the comment, but the soft smile and happiness in her eyes, gave him insight into her meaning. "You often stick your foot into your mouth around me as well. From what I've seen of Ron and Hermione, you might be in love with me and hiding it."
Brittany sputtered at bit of her tea, and was quick to clean it off her face. "I, um, well yeah I like you a lot. I'll admit I could fall for you. Could the same be said for you?" Red faced and embarrassed she was going to turn the tables on him whether he liked it or not.
"Yeah well, I could see myself falling for you. You need me, and I need to be needed. Weird and odd and unexpected as it is, this is turning out to be the best risk I've ever taken." Harry admitted. Also you refuse to leave my mind so there is that.
"We'll see how the rest of this date goes." Brittany smirked. "So Hermione tells me of this magical cloak that lets you get into all sorts of trouble. You still want to see Fred and George?"
"Hermione told you?" Harry whispered as he looked around the room. "I'm surprised she told you."
"I was worried you'd get caught all the times you sneak to my room to grab me for tutoring. She said it was the first time you hadn't used the cloak for mischief." Brittany replied with a smile.
"You were worried about me?" Harry could not get the goofy grin off his face.
"Of course I was worried. I've heard about the fights you've gotten into with Malfoy and his groupies. I didn't want you to get hurt because of me. You're, important, to me." Brittany looked down at her tea cup. The details on the glass were intricate and very much her focus. She was not avoiding looking at him one bit, no sir.
Harry tossed the total of galleons down on the table and waved Rosalind over. "I was wondering if you could help me and my date out one last time?"
"Sure, what do you need friend?" Rosalind asked keeping her voice low.
"I'm going to need to leave through the back. A certain male in both our lives would ruin today if he found out we were here and I was hoping not to cause a scene."
Rosalind smirked. "Make sure you spread the word about our little Hideaway and you have yourself a deal." She held out her hand.
Harry shook it and nodded. "Not a problem. I'll definitely come back with my friends next time we visit. I'll spread the word around Hogwarts as well."
"Right this way Mr Potter." Rosalind whispered as Harry wrapped himself in his invisibility cloak.
Rosalind pretended to be cleaning as Brittany moved to Harry and wrapped an arm around his waist as he did the same for her. The pair followed Rosalind to the back as she carried their dishes to the Kitchen. She winked at her mother and opened the back door.
"Oh mother I can't wait to tell everyone out there we had Harry Potter in our little shop. I'm just so said he sat there eating alone hiding from everyone. I hope he comes back again." She gushed loudly enough so the patrons in the other room could hear. "Good luck on your date you two." She whispered as she closed the door.
Brittany held back a shiver as she clung to Harry. He was so warm and inviting, it was making her heart flutter around her chest like a Snitch. He probably did not even realize just how wonderful she felt taking the slow stroll through the back streets of Hogsmeade with him. All through lunch he had supported her every dream. He was bashful every time he said his own dreams were so much farther from reach.
Harry Potter was humble when he needed to be, and full of pride where it counted. He was her White Knight. She could not keep from touching his hand or brushing his hair out of his eyes, or patting his shoulder, or brushing their knees together. He was filling her mind so much she was unsure if she could ever get him out again.
He never once asked her to be something she was not. He never once asked her to do something she was uncomfortable with, at least not without him there to help her. His arm around her waist was making her heart do acrobatics all over her chest. She felt the heat of their bodies and she could hear his heartbeat, it was not nearly as fast as her own, but it was fairly rapid. She glanced up at him and smiled softly.
Harry kept shifting his eyes down to look at the little thing wrapped in his arms. Even when they were out on just a normal date, she clung to him like she needed him. No Malfoy, no friends pushing their buttons, no schoolwork, nothing but them walking along, all her touches were gentle but firm. Soft but sure, she needed him whether she admitted it to herself or not.
Harry admitted to himself that he needed her as well. She made him feel important to her and less important than the rest of the world placed on him. He wasn't the savior of the world with her. He was her savior. That he really liked about her. She was not some girl trying to win his heart for his fame. She was trying to fall in love with him to love him. Sure she was doing this to avoid Malfoy, but he offered and agreed.
She was beautiful with her hair standing on end from the static, and face buried into the side of his chest. She was more beautiful this way than if she ran around in dresses and skimpy outfits and making eyes at him. She was pure, here next to him. She was pure, and in this moment she was his. His date, his to protect, and his to maybe love. He looked down at her and smiled when she caught him looking at her.
"We're going to hit a tree or a building or something you know." Brittany warned. "Since neither of us can pay attention to where we are going."
"Don't care." Harry whispered as he leaned down and kissed her forehead. "More excuse to return to a nearly empty Hogwarts and return to our game of Wizards Chess. That way we can wander around without the cloak. We never finished you know, and I was winning."
Brittany was nearly speechless. "You kissed me." She whispered, part in awe, part in, happiness, and part in, did that just happen She gripped him tighter and stopped walking.
"I've seen your brother do that to you before. It was not like I kissed you on the lips. You just looked really cute. I just kinda acted on impulse." Harry replied. He was a little surprised at his own forward move with her. Only for a moment he intended to actually kiss her.
Brittany moved so slow it was barely noticeable until her lips bushed his lightly. A soft feather light touch. Her lips were trembling as she made contact, the rest of her body followed suit. Harry reacted almost instantly, his other arm whipping around to pull her closer and cradle her head as his lips met hers just as softly. Her trembling was endearing, and the need to hold her was too much to bear. He held her tightly to let her know she was safe, and his lips pressed lightly as to show he could be gentle with her.
Neither seemed to notice the cloak had slipped from their grasp as Brittany's hand moved to place itself over his heart. The double cough from behind the pair made them jump. "Look here Fred. It seems our little Harry has gone and got himself a girl."
The pair pulled themselves apart and missed the warmth immediately. "Yup, seems that way. You're quite the charmer there Harry. You better get inside unless you want someone to see you though."
"Unlike them, we can keep a secret." George teased. "I'd put that cloak back on as well. We're quite busy."
Harry had a flush across his cheeks. He was torn between anger and embarrassment. "Yeah we're coming."
Brittany was rendered completely silent. She just nodded as she followed Harry inside the new Joke Shop. She made little mumbles of acknowledgment when one of the twins spoke to her. She blatantly ignored their knowing looks. Her hand was held tightly in Harry's grasp and all she could think about was returning for their game of Wizards Chess.
"I think I see her brother in the crowd. I'll have George send him to help you two over to Honeydukes. From there maybe you should get her back into the Castle. From what I hear Malfoy has been sending his cronies looking for her." Fred admitted while staying near the pair in the back of the shop. "She seems a little shell shocked."
Harry nodded. He mouthed to Fred. 'That wasn't a bad thing was it?'
'Nah, not at all. If anything I would say it was a step in the right direction.' Fred answered back.
"Thanks Fred." Harry responded with a smile. "Though next time you should just cough or something. You really ruined the mood."
"Well just be glad you were out back, had you been in the middle of the street everyone would have seen that little scene. The talk of Harry Potter's newest romance would have been all over the school before you even returned." Fred taunted getting Brittany and Harry a bag together of the requested products.
"Thanks Fred. Tell George I said thanks as well." Brittany whispered.
"No problem for our best customers. You are definitely coming to Christmas at the Burrow now. Mother won't rest until she's met you herself." Fred smirked. "Be warned, she'll mother hen you the whole time though so you won't be able to snog our Harry."
"Oh, hah hah." Brittany shot back rather weakly. "I'm feeling a little lightheaded though."
"Are you going to be alright? Should we take a stop by Madam Pomfrey's first?"
"I'll be fine. Thank you for asking though Harry. Today's date has been perfect from start to finish."
"It's not over yet, I have to take you back to Hogwarts before it's over." Harry added, not ready for them to return to spending time with all the others just yet. Getting her alone was hard enough as it was before.
"I would like that." Brittany smiled softly.
Brittany opened the door to her room and smiled as Harry walked inside with her. The roaring fire was a welcome sight indeed. Hogsmeade was always so chilly. Brittany grabbed a couple pillows and set them on the rug near the fire.
"Sorry again for spacing out there. It was just unexpected that's all. It felt like coming home. The kiss did I mean, like I'd been away from somewhere I was loved and safe and I wanted to hold onto that feeling."
"I felt the same way. It was nice." Harry's eloquence with his feelings verbally falling short.
"I understand. So where do you stand in all this?" Brittany giggled as she stoked the fire a little.
Harry spent a few minutes thinking about his feelings. He knew she needed him, and he realized he needed her as well. She was like that breath of fresh air he took when he came out of the black lake fourth year. It burned him inside, yet made him feel safe and happy. He came back that time and kissing her, he felt a burn inside him, and he felt safe and happy. She was right it felt like coming home, returning to the Burrow for holidays. He knew where he stood. He had been there the moment she had agreed to the date.
The fire crackled and popped as the teens thought about what had transpired and what or if there would be a next step. Brittany was ready to admit to herself that she wanted him, no needed this man. He made her feel so loved and safe. He made her feel like she mattered, what she dreamed mattered, what she hoped for mattered. He was going to save her from Malfoy but he was also going to save her from a loveless marriage.
Neither teen answered. When Harry turned to speak, the firelight danced across her face, making her eyes so much more expressive than he have ever seen them. He could see that with more time and more nurturing she would love him. She was a passionate creature that pushed him to his protective limits. She was truly something he needed, and seeing her with the firelight dancing playfully along her skin he knew. She would heal the scars on his heart where his family should have been. He was going to make her his family. She enticed him in a baser way than anyone ever had. That voice that once growled over his jealousy at Dean came back to roar louder than ever.
Malfoy will never have her. She will be mine as I will be hers. I will protect her with me life, and I will love her. He took her hand and stared deep into her eyes. "I'm going to fall fully in love with you. Then I'm going to touch that pendant. Then I'm going to tell your father I'm marrying you. Then I'm going to propose. Then I will kill Lord Moldybutt. Then when I come back I'm going to marry you. Unless I have to hide you away because your father is a stubborn bastard. But either way. I'm going to fall completely and utterly in love with you. That is my stand."
Brittany was taken aback by the fierceness of his conviction. "Why?" She whispered.
"Because you fill something inside of me. You make me feel whole and secure. If you fall in love with me as well, you will be my home, my everything, the one person who completely holds my heart." He pressed as he moved forward.
"I don't think it's going to be hard falling in love with you Harry. It's going to be hard fighting Malfoy his father and my own." She leaned closer as well.
"Let them try and take you from me." He ground out in a husky whisper and sealed the promise with a kiss. The chess set forgotten in the corner of the room.