A/N: As a friendly reminder, I do not own HP. I will not make any galleons, sickles or knuts from this piece. I also do not own Don Henley's 'Lilah'.
Harry, Lilah, and Hermione all made their way to the Great Hall for dinner. They all sat at the Gryffindor table, and several students' jaws dropped at the stunning sight of Lilah in her little lavender number and perfectly-braided hair.
"Oh Merlin!" Ron exclaimed. "You look amazing tonight, Lilah." He gently grabbed her by the and and kissed her wrist.
Lilah blushed. "Thank you, Ronald." She gave him a little peck on the forehead. Ron's face soon matched his hair.
Neville had a grin on his face that he just couldn't wipe away. "Lilah, you're absolutely stunning," he said rather nervously. "I'm rather jealous of Harry." He gave Lilah a gentle hug. "I know you two will have a fantastic time at the Three Broomsticks. I can't wait to go, myself."
Lilah beamed at Neville. "You're too sweet, Neville. Your turn will come, I promise." She also gave him a peck on the forehead. Like Ron, Neville's face turned beet-red.
"Whoa," Neville said softly.
"Harry," Hermione said gently. "Would it be okay if you stayed here with the guys, and I enjoy just a bit of girl-talk with Lilah and her Hufflepuff friends? You can meet us over there in say, twenty minutes."
Harry smiled at Hermione. "That's fine," he replied. He gave both Lilah and Hermione gentle hugs, and the girls both gave Harry quick pecks on each of his cheeks. Harry smiled at them as they made their way to the Hufflepuff table, and Harry turned back to enjoy dinner with his Gryffindor housemates.
At the Hufflepuff table, Lilah was the envy of her housemates. Susan, Hannah, and Megan couldn't stop gushing about how beautiful she looked.
"That's a very flattering little party dress you have," Susan said. "I wish I had something like that in my wardrobe."
"That's a lovely shade of purple," added Megan. "I know plum is your color, but you look divine in lavender."
"And I love your ballet flats," sighed Hermione. "I wish I had a pair like yours."
"Thank you," replied Lilah. She then giggled softly. "And Hermione, you still looked exceptionally beautiful last Friday, even with clunky dress shoes."
Hermione giggled as well. "Well thank you, Lilah. Maybe one day I'll be able to have a night out and not look like a prudish bookworm."
"You're so much more than a bookworm, you truly a beautiful girl," Hannah chimed in. "For instance, I remember you spent well over an hour doing your hair last weekend… I promise your efforts didn't go unnoticed."
"You're every bit as pretty as Lilah," Susan added. "I think an occasional makeover, courtesy of your Hufflepuff friends might get you to change your mind about how you view yourself." Lilah, Megan, and Hannah all nodded in agreement.
Hermione giggled. "Using charms, or Muggle means?"
"Whatever you want," Lilah replied. "I'm not a hairdresser, nor am I particularly proficient with beautification charms yet, but I promise you'll look terrific."
"That does sound rather lovely," Hermione said. "Maybe if things work out during the holiday break, and our families can meet up, perhaps you and I and our mums can go get pedicures together?"
Lilah blushed. "Erm, I've never gotten a pedicure before… are they nice?"
Hermione giggled. "I got my very first one for my eleventh birthday with my mum. And they are terrific. I promise your feet will feel a thousand percent better when they're finished."
Susan grinned. "It's cute listening to you two talk… it sounds like there are a few perks to being a Muggle-born witch."
"I think so too," replied Hermione. "I'm not sure what the wizarding world equivalent of a pedicure is, but I'm sure it can't top the experience you'd get if you go to a Muggle-spa."
At that moment, Harry arrived at the Hufflepuff table.
"Hiya," Harry greeted the girls. "I guess it's been about twenty minutes. I hope I wasn't interrupting anything too important."
"You're fine, Harry," Lilah said. "I'm ready whenever you are. You do have the map and our permission notes to go, right?"
Harry grinned from ear-to-ear. "I have them right here," he answered with confidence.
Lilah hugged Hermione, and then her Hufflepuff friends. "I'll be back in a couple of hours. I'll try not to have too much fun this evening," she giggled.
Hermione gave Harry a gentle hug. "Please take care of Lilah," she whispered. "It's her turn to be your princess tonight. I hope you two have a wonderful time."
"Thanks, Hermione," Harry replied softly. "You're an amazing friend and I'm glad you care about her exactly the same way you care about me." He gave her a gentle peck on the forehead. "I'll see you in a bit."
Harry and Lilah left the Great Hall and just as Harry unfolded the directions to get back to Hogsmeade Village, they saw Professor McGonagall, who was taken aback at just how lovely Lilah looked.
"Merlin's beard, you look exceptionally beautiful tonight, Miss Darling," Professor McGonagall gasped, clutching her chest. "You went beyond what Miss Granger did last week, and she looked divine."
Lilah giggled. "Thank you, Professor," she replied. "Doesn't Harry look dashing in his outfit?"
"Mister Potter does look rather handsome, doesn't he?" chuckled the professor. "Two soirees in two consecutive weeks. At this rate, you'll have taken all the first-year girls out for butterbeers by the end of term!"
"As long as you know they're soirees and not dates," Harry replied. "Lilah and Hermione are my best friends, and they just happen to be girls."
"Understood, young Potter," Professor McGonagall chuckled. "And just a friendly reminder to mind your manners at Hogsmeade Village, and to be mindful of the time. Just like last time, curfew still applies. And Miss Darling, if time permits, you may accompany Mister Potter to the Gryffindor common room after you return to Hogwarts." She then paused for a moment.
"It might be a wee bit nippy out there, so please, take these light coats, just to be safe." She waved her wand, and conjured a couple of simple black zip-up jackets for Harry and Lilah.
"Thank you, Professor McGonagall," Harry said appreciatively.
"Thank you, Professor," replied Lilah. "I know we'll have a terrific time this evening."
Professor McGonagall smiled. "I know you will. I don't want to keep you further, so off you go. Have a lovely time, you two."
"Thank you, Professor," said Harry and Lilah.
The two friends followed the directions to get to Hogsmeade Village – it was a fairly quick path, just like before. They ended up on the outskirts of the village, and Harry saw the familiar triple smokestack of the Three Broomsticks. He took Lilah by the hand and led her to the pub.
The same ginger hostess as last time greeted Harry and Lilah. "Hello, lovelies," she cooed. "I just want to make sure that you're allowed to be here tonight, so if you have them, I'd like to see your permission slips, please."
Harry and Lilah gave the hostess their permission slips. She again waved her wand to make sure the notes were legitimate, and returned them to Harry and Lilah. "Perfect, young friends! Everything checks out. Professor McGonagall must really think highly of you to allow you come back for the second time in as many weeks," she winked at Harry. "She won't just let any student come here for a butterbeer – those are rare treats for firsties, indeed!"
"They were delicious," replied Harry. "I'm very grateful she let me take my other friend this time, she's in for a real treat."
"She truly is," agreed the hostess. "Follow me please to your table. A server will be with you momentarily!"
She led them to a small round table, not far from the one that Harry and Hermione sat last time.
A couple of minutes later, a South Asian server with a long black ponytail arrived to take Harry and Lilah's orders.
"Hello there," she greeted the pair warmly. "Would you like to start off with a couple of butterbeers?"
"That's what we're here for," replied Harry.
The server smiled. "I'll be right back then." She returned two or three minutes later with a couple of butterbeers. "Enjoy your butterbeers, dearies."
Lilah took a delicate sip of her butterbeer. "This is brilliant," she remarked. "I've never had anything quite like this before."
"They're amazing, aren't they?" agreed Harry. "They are a bit on the sweet side, so I think just a couple would be enough."
"They are rather sweet," replied Lilah. "I don't have a huge sweet tooth, but it is quite a treat. And I think you're right, just a couple should do it for me. How did Hermione like them, by the way?"
"She liked them a lot," said Harry. "She doesn't have a huge sweet tooth either, but then again, she's the daughter of dentists so that explains why she didn't go nuts."
"I totally get it," giggled Lilah. "Being the daughter of a social worker isn't that much different than being the daughter of a dentist – my mum made sure I didn't have too many sweets."
"I didn't have sweets at all," sighed Harry. "I didn't really get much of anything until I came to Hogwarts."
"And my heart breaks for you, Harry," Lilah said. "I wish you grew up knowing what it's like to be loved." She took Harry's hand and squeezed it softly. "If it means anything, I love you, Harry. Hermione loves you as well. I know we can't replace your parents, but having two friends that love you unconditionally has to count for something."
"And I love the two of you," Harry responded. "I love you because you are my family now." He looked down on the floor. "I know being my friend isn't always easy, but I just wanted to say thank you… you noticed something about me when we met on the train. I didn't tell you much then, and I know I haven't told you everything that happened at the Dursleys yet, but you have shown that you truly care. You really wanted to help me."
Lilah squeezed Harry's hand again. "Harry, you're a terrific boy, and I've grown incredibly fond of you over the past month and a half. I just want you to be happy… you deserve a happy life."
Harry smiled at Lilah. "I'm very happy right now, Lilah. You and Hermione make me happy, without fail. I know that you both think highly of me, but you still tell me that I'm smart, or I'm kind, or that I'm important to you anyway. And when the two of us just sat under the tree and held hands the other day – that was the happiest of happy places. I never wanted it to end."
"I didn't want it to end either, Harry," Lilah replied. She smiled radiantly at Harry. "Thank you for inviting me to the Three Broomsticks. It's nice to get out of the castle for a little bit."
Harry chuckled. "Out of curiosity, what were you talking about before I joined you at the Hufflepuff table? It looked like you girls were lost in conversation."
Lilah giggled. "Nothing much, really. Hermione and I were talking about what we might do when our families get together for Christmas… she suggested that the two of us get some pedicures together. I've never gotten one before, but she says that I'd be in for a real treat. She said that she got one for her birthday last year."
"That's nice," replied Harry. "I'm sure you two could use a little girl-time. I'm a little surprised because I would have figured that between the two of you, you'd be the one telling Hermione about pedicures, not the other way around."
Lilah shrugged. "She's a bookworm, Harry. That doesn't mean that she can't pamper herself every now and then."
"I suppose you're right," chuckled Harry. "She's a very cute girl, we all saw how she looked last Friday."
"She's super cute," agreed Lilah. "And I think she knows she's attractive, but sometimes she just needs a gentle reminder."
"I think all girls do, from time to time," replied Harry. "I've never seen you in Muggle clothes… you've dropped your witch's broom and grew an angel's wings tonight."
"Oh, Harry," Lilah sighed. She leaned over and gave him a bit old smooch on the forehead. "You're too sweet tonight."
At that point, the server came back. "Hello again, you two. Would you like to be topped off?"
"Yes, please," replied Harry. The server took their mugs to have them refilled, and returned a minute or so later. "Here you go, loves."
"Thank you," Lilah and Harry said in unison.
It didn't take long for Harry and Lilah to drain their butterbeers.
"These are really, really good, Harry," Lilah said with a silly grin. "Maybe just one more and we'll call it good?"
"Sounds good to me, Lilah," replied Harry.
A few minutes later, the server returned to check on Harry and Lilah. "My, you two have downed your butterbeers quickly! Shall I top you off one more time?" she asked.
"Yes, please. Just once more each," replied Lilah.
The server took their mugs, went to the bar to refill them, and returned to the table just a minute or so later. "Here you are, loves. Is there anything else I can help you with this evening?"
"Just the check please," Harry answered.
The server giggled. "I'll be right back in just a couple. Thanks for your patronage!" She went back towards the bar, and to make her other rounds.
"Need to use the loo, Lilah? I'll watch your seat," Harry asked.
"If you don't mind, Harry," answered Lilah sweetly. "I'll be back before you can say wingardium leviosa!"
She returned just a couple of minutes later. "Your turn, Harry. Do you have a galleon or two in case she comes back before you return?"
"Yeah, just a sec," Harry replied. He dug into his pocket and produced a galleon. "That'll cover it and then some. She can keep the change."
"Perfect," replied Lilah. "See you in a couple then."
Harry returned to his seat a minute or two later, and just a few seconds after he got back to his chair, the sever returned with the check.
"Here you go, loves," she said cheerily.
Lilah gave the server the galleon Harry gave her. "Don't worry about the change," she told the server.
"Thank you, dear," the server replied. "You both have a terrific evening!"
Harry and Lilah made their way back to Hogwarts by following the directions that Professor McGonagall provided.
About halfway to the castle, Harry stopped. He made certain that they were alone, before he asked Lilah a question.
"Remember when you told me that song your father used to sing to you? The one with your name in it?"
"I do, Harry," replied Lilah sweetly.
Harry's cheeks turned a deep pink. "I, well, uh, learned the song for you. I'd like to sing it to you."
Lilah smiled at Harry. "All right, Harry. Show me what you've learned."
Harry beamed at Lilah, and started singing in a brilliant tenor:
"Like every young man, I had some things that I
Wanted to say
Ere I could begin, you know the world got
In my way
Oh Lilah, to sleep like a baby
To open the window and feel the fair wind
Oh Lilah, to sleep like a baby again
We spend so much time weeping and wailing and
Shaking our fists
Creating enemies that really don't exist
Oh Lilah, to sleep like a baby-
To open the window and feel the fair wind
Oh Lilah, to sleep like a baby again
All these comings and goings that cut like a knife
These small, simple pleasures that make up a life
A man needs a home, and a child, and a wife
To always be there-always
After I'm gone, there are some things that I know
I will miss
The taste of your mouth; the smell of the perfume
On your wrist
Oh, Lilah, the fields lie fallow
Whate'r ye sow, so shall ye reap
The river's still shallow
But the river's bed is dark and deep
Oh Lilah, the fields lie fallow
Whate'r ye sow, so shall ye reap
Oh Lilah, this ground we hallow
Is ours to tend, but not to keep
Too-rah loo-rah loo-rah Lilah
Too-rah loo-rah loo-rah lay
Now, while all the streets are silent
Take my hand and come away
Too-rah loo-rah loo-rah Lilah
Too-rah loo-rah loo-rah lay"
Lilah choked up a bit. "Oh, Harry… I don't know what to say…" A tear rolled down her cheek. "That was beautiful." She grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and planted a gentle smooch on his lips.
Whoa, Harry thought to himself. He was in utter disbelief as to what happened, it seemed so surreal. When he came to, he merely asked, "What just happened?"
Lilah giggled. "I don't know what came over me, Harry. Forgive me."
Harry also started chuckling. "It's okay, Lilah. I'm glad you liked the song."
Lilah blushed. "I loved it, Harry. Thank you." She took his hand. "Are you ready to go back to the castle?"
Harry nodded. "I'm ready, Lilah."