Harry shoveled in another mouthful of scrambled eggs and bit into his toast almost at the same time. His friend Ron was literally fighting him for food of his own. The pair, completely forgetting there was an almost endless supply of food, were clashing forks and dancing around the plates in an attempt to grab the last sausage. The other students, used to this, went about their daily business. Dean was reading his Hogwarts newspaper while drinking coffee. Seamus was working on his homework due first period and randomly taking a bite of toast. Ginny was chatting with her girlfriends and Neville was simply eating and talking with a few friends.
"Hey, Tiger." A husky voice whispered into Harry's ear, making him almost choke on his cappuccino that he got Dobby to start making for him in the mornings. After the initial shock of things, Harry turned to view who had just graced his morning so lovingly by making him spill his drink on himself. What he saw definitely made it his worth while.
StraightHair!Hermione
"You look nice this morning." He mused, looking her over. "How long did that take you?"
"A while." She admitted, sitting next to him and nicking a piece of toast. Ron, seeing the distraction, shot his fork out to grab some more French toast, but found another fork in his way, snagging the last of it.
'Damn you, Harry…' Ron though, grabbing some more when it re-appeared. 'One of these days, I'm gonna… Ooh! Biscuits! 'His mind turned to the new hot food and he preoccupied himself with them instead of his best friend.
"Hey Harry!" A new voice broke out, making the three best friends turn. Two Ravenclaws approached them, one male and one female.
"Um, hey." Harry greeted the girl that called to him. He desperately searched his mind for her name, but couldn't find it. He only recognized her face from one of his classes; Divination, and Harry was famous in that class for the amount of attention he spent in there.
"Um, I was wondering, if you was free, would you like to go out next Saturday?"
Harry's eyes went wide at this. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he heard the guy ask Hermione the same thing. "Umm," He began, looking to Ron for help. He was in a stage of shock as well. Seeing no help there, he turned to Hermione, who was facing him with a pleading look. "Er, sorry…" Harry began before realizing he didn't know her name. Quickly covering, he added: "Me and Hermione are going out next Hogsmeade trip, so we can't." Hermione looked like she could kiss him.
"How about this week then?" The male asked, not giving up. Hermione's eyes widened again.
"Er, I… well…" Seeing no help anywhere, she gave in to her own good nature. "Sure."
"Alright!" The male grinned.
"Harry?"
Knowing that he would look bad for turning her down after lying to her face, he nodded slowly. "Sure… I'm free…"
The girl smiled. "See you then." And with that, they both walked away back to their table.
"What was that about?" Ron asked the pair, shaking his head. Just then he noticed Hermione. "Whoa, Herms! You're a girl again!"
Hermione ignored this and turned to Harry. "Harry…"
He shrugged. "One date, I guess. Can't be that bad can it? We'll just take them to the same place, see each other, and being friends, want to double date. They did ask us at the same time, you know."
Hermione smiled at him. "You're such a bad influence on me. But oh well, where should we meet?"
"Um, I dunno. How about that nice place at the edge of town? I've always wanted to go there."
"Pour Duex?"
"Yeah, that place."
"That place is expensive." Ron commented, looking at the pair. "Always wanted to eat there once, but couldn't afford it."
Harry slowly smiled. "Guess a triple date is out of the question then…"
"Unless I take my sister who had a job over the summer and make her pay, yeah."
Hermione looked over at Harry. "Oh well…"
~**~
"Oh bugger!" Ron cursed as they walked to Care of Magical Creatures. "I've forgotten my Book!"
"You should pay more attention, Ron." Hermione joked, laughing. She was walking between the boys, an arm through theirs. Harry was carrying her books while Ron was carrying her second bag full of parchment and inks.
"Um, actually, Hermione…" He began slowly. "That book kind of had your homework in it."
'Uh oh' Harry thought.
"What!?" Hermione stopped walking, which in turn forced both boys to stop as well. "Ronald Weasley!"
Uh oh' Ron thought.
"Do you mean to tell me that you still have that because you were copying it rather than just looking it over, like you told me you was!?"
Ran flushed. "Um… yeah?"
She growled at him and took her arm from Harry's and grabbed Ron's one arm with both of hers. "You march right back to the common room and- no, wait, I'll go with you so you can't copy it as you walk." She turned to Harry. "Go on ahead and tell Hagrid we'll be a little late?"
"I'll just go with you," Harry started, seeing Ron's pleading face. "Class won't start for anotherrrrrr…." He looked at Hermione. She had the ' you better do what I say, Mister Man!' look again. "Like I was saying," He picked up again smoothly. "I'll just tell ol' Hagrid you two will be a little late."
When Hermione turned to Ron, he apologized by giving him a sympathetic look. "Okay, Ron," Hermione started, dragging him back the way they had just come. "Let's go."
~**~
Wednesday was one of Harry's favourite days of the week. Classes started an hour later than usual, and he had a rather nice schedule. Care of Magical Creatures at a very reasonable time of nine, followed by Herbology at eleven. He topped off his day with a Divination at two. All in all, he thought his Wednesday schedule was quite slack indeed. The only downfall was double potions on Friday.
Seeing Hagrid's hut, he walked briskly up to it and knocked. Hermione was right. It was rather cold out today. In fact, the leaves were already mostly fallen. 'Where did the time go?' Harry asked himself awkwardly. 'Already November? I mean, come on!'
Hagrid opened the door and beamed down at Harry. "'Allo there 'Arry!" He greeted warmly. "Come 'n, come 'n." He motioned for him to enter with a large sweep of his hand. "A bit early, you are."
"Yeah," Harry agreed, walking over to the fire. "Slack day, you know. Sorry I haven't came by much lately. I don't know where the time goes. I feel like I just got here."
"It's be 'cause it be yer last year, Harry." Hagrid told him with a softness in his voice. "Gosh, I'll miss ye when yer gone! An Ron and little 'Ermione too!" He looked like he was about to tear up at any moment.
"Hey, hey," Harry thought fast, not wanting to see his friend get all emotional on him. "We'll be around. I was thinking of taking over Defense class, or maybe the dueling club! And, and, Hermione is great at charms! Maybe she'll want a teacher's job as well!" This seemed to cheer up the giant somewhat. "Tell me about the new animals you mentioned in class last time?"
That did the trick. "Yes, yes, Harry you'll love these things!" Instantly he was a happy man again, once more regaining the twinkle in his eye. "Scale Shredders they are!"
"Scale Shredders…" For some reason Harry didn't like the sound of that. Something deep inside of him told him not to mess with them. Suppressing the thought, he spoke. "Hermione and Ron might be a little late today; they had to run back to the common room for something."
"Jus' as well." Hagrid spoke, walking over to the door. "We have time, would ye be wantin' ta see the little things 'fore class, Harry?"
He swallowed a lump in his throat. "Are they dangerous?"
"To dragons, yes." He nodded, clapping him on the back and ushering him out the door. "But to human folk like us, they are great pets!"
He shuddered. He knew all too well what 'great pets' to Hagrid meant. Usually it meant lots of burns, cuts, and bone mending for the rest of the class. Not being one to break his friend's heart by voicing his thoughts, he walked by the half-giant to the fenced off area. He hesitated only for a second when Hagrid opened the gate to the pen, and followed him carefully.
"There they be." Hagrid pointed at two things a few yards off. They looked like a cross between a worm and a scorpion. It had a weird looking neck and lots of teeth. Long teeth. Sharp teeth. "Oh, they look dangerous." Hagrid went on when Harry stopped cold in his tracks after seeing them. "But they would never attack a 'uman." Harry took a step back when one eyed him. Hagrid went on, not seeing this. "They're used ta skin dragons after they done passed." He explained. "So thar scales 'cn be used to make things."
Harry took another step back, suddenly scared for a reason he couldn't quite explain. Hagrid still continued to explain how a group of seven could take out a fully-grown and powerful dragon in a matter of minuets. They were used to keep dragons in check if they got a little too rowdy. The Scale Shredder started moving toward them, using their pointed legs and making small holes in the ground as he did so. Harry's mind kept repeating that they didn't hurt humans, but the look in the small eyes of the beast told him otherwise.
"Run!"
Harry jumped to the side as the Shredder leapt at him. He rolled three times before regaining his footing. Then, before he could react, the second Scale Shredder lunged at him and toppled him right back over. "Hagrid!" Harry shouted, trying to keep the gnashing teeth from biting off his head. "HAGRID!"
But Hagrid was too busy wrestling the first Shredder to help him. Harry heard the giant trying to calm down the animal, but to no avail. The Shredder on top of Harry was now using its feet to stab Harry. Although not deep, it still hurt like the dickens. Finally, after being hit just under his arm, Harry's hand slipped and the teeth made a mad chomp to devour its prey.
That's when Harry screamed.
The blast shook the ground under him. All he knew was he had to survive. Some deep instinct had told him what to do. He remembered learning how to do it somewhere, but he didn't know at the current moment. The Scale Shredder Hagrid was working with scampered off to the far end of the pen and the one that was on top of Harry was no where to be seen. There was a long trench in front of him that he didn't recall seeing a while ago. It went about ten yards in front of him and must have been at least a foot deep. Also he was very well aware of a horrid taste in his mouth that made him want to throw up.
A pair of large strong hands helped him to his feet. He could hear Hagrid ask if he was okay and what had happened, but when Harry tried to reply, he coughed violently and saw black smoke come from his lungs. After controlling his coughing fit, he steadily breathed out black smoke for almost twenty seconds. Also the increasingly bad taste in his mouth continued to make him want to hurl. "Bes' be getting' you to tha Hospital Wing." Hagrid spoke, helping him walk. Harry kept his eyes on the ground and his arms wrapped around where he had been punctured. His blood was such a dark red it almost looked black, and he could feel each individual part of his body that was hurt. Also he knew that he would be okay, that such wounds wouldn't pose a threat to him in anyway. But still, the taste in his mouth…
"Neville, would ye tell tha class, that I be late?" Hagrid asked the boy as they passed, almost up to the castle. Harry heard him reply in a positive way and told Harry that he would go check up on him after class.
~**~
"Harry?" Ginny asked, amazed. "Are you okay?" She took him from the big man and looked up at him inquisitively. "Hagrid, what happened?" She supported him by putting an arm over his waist and helping him into a bed, quickly magicking off his shirt. "And what is that smell?"
Hagrid was looking really guilty. "A Scale Shredder got a'hold of 'im." He told her with worry. "Will he be 'lright?"
Ginny looked over him. "He'll be fine, it seems." She said, sighing and placing a hand on her hip. "Honestly Harry, you're just a magnet for trouble aren't you?" Harry grinned at her dumbly, still in some state of shock. "Hagrid, I'll take care of him now. Don't you have a class to teach?"
"Er, yeah, 'reckon I do. Be seein' you Harry. I'll visit after classes!"
"Yeah, yeah." Ginny started pushing him out the door, which was a rather humourous sight to behold. "He'll be fine, don't worry." When the door was closed, Ginny turned back to Harry and started putting a few potions next to the bed. "Hagrid and his crazy pets, huh Harry?" She asked with a smile, cleaning his wounds and watching him wince. "Oh don't be such a baby. You're just in shock; these will heal in a few seconds after I'm done. Why don't you tell me what happened?"
Harry opened his mouth to speak, but couched again. He grimaced tightly and looked rather sick. "You okay?" She asked him, sniffing. "What is that smell?" She sniffed a few more times and then looked at Harry. "Harry, exhale for me, please." He looked like he didn't want to, but gave up when he saw her eyes. Madam Pomfrey was teaching her well it seemed. When he exhaled, Ginny shot back and coughed. "That smells like sulfur, Harry!" she scolded him. "What on earth did you do to get sulfur in your mouth!?"
He gave a lame smile that looked more like an ironic smirk. Ginny sighed. "Anyway," She told him. "Stay there, I'm going to get the healing spells out so I can fix you up." She patted his head twice and left him after pulling the curtains closed around him for privacy.
"You okay?"
'I'm fine, but what happened?'
"Remember in your book? Dragon Breath?"
'Yeah?'
"Congratulations." She seemed quite proud. "You did it."
'Ugh, I'm gonna throw up.'
"No you're not, now hush. Honestly, You-" She stopped talking when he gulped hard. "You really are gonna throw up aren't you?"
~**~
Hagrid was treated to a surprise when he got back to where his class was being held. There seemed to be a large group of people all standing in one spot. That could only mean trouble. Usually the Slytherns and Gryffindors stayed in a more or less group of their own. They only bunched up when there was either a fight, or someone hurt. Usually it was a combination of the two.
Running up to the group, he made his way rather easily to the center. Neville was on the ground, as was Goyle. Malfoy stood a few paces away with his wand out. Hermione was helping Neville to his feet. Taking it in, he observed the people. Goyle had a hex on him that was slowly but surely making him get hairier by the moment. Neville seemed to be okay, and Malfoy was looking a little queasy.
"Malfoy! Goyle! What did you two do?" He demanded, taking in his teaching role.
"Neville attacked me!" Goyle shouted, pointing. Malfoy just shrugged and pocketed his wand.
"Malfoy, did you curse Neville?"
"No."
"Then why is Hermione helping him up with you having your wand out?"
"Actually…" Neville said, drawing attention. "Malfoy hexed Goyle."
Hagrid looked utterly perplexed. He gave Hermione a look as if to ask for confirmation. When she nodded, he shook his head slowly. "Okay then. Explain." He said after a while. Neville told him he had told everyone that Hagrid was going to be a little late. When Goyle tried to climb the fence to get into the pen with the animal (Hagrid quickly told him it was a Scale Shredder), Neville pulled him back. Goyle took out his wand and shot something. Malfoy pushed him down and batted the curse and sent one back at him.
"Well ain't this sumthin'." Hagrid mused. "Goyle, go to the Hospital wing and get the hex lifted. You okay Neville?" When he nodded, he looked at Malfoy. He knew that his best friends hated the boy, but he still did something honourable. "And you?" Malfoy nodded, but started to look a little hot. He was starting to sweat lightly. "Good." Hagrid nodded and clapped his hands. "Today, we'll be looking at Scale Shredders! I had two, but one… well, let's just say there's only one now."
The class all gave questioning looks to each other and worried glances at the trench that still radiated magical power.
~**~
Ginny hummed to herself as she went to check up on Harry. It had been only a few minutes since she had treated him, but since there was nobody else in the Wing at the current moment, and Madam Pomfrey was away, she had time to kill. Reaching his bed, she reached to the curtains to pull them back when she heard Harry's voice.
"Cecilia," Harry said in a whisper. "Can't you get this taste from my mouth?" There was a pause. When Ginny was sure she had imagined it, Harry spoke again. "It's not funny, it taste horrid." Ginny peaked her head in through the curtains. Harry was talking to the necklace she had given him. "But still, it's… Ginny?" He looked at her. "Well, I'll be, you are watching me."
Ginny blushed a little from being caught. "Sorry, I just came to check on you. All healed?" Harry nodded, tapping his chest to prove it. "Good. Well, I think you've had enough fun with Hagrid today. I'll let you stay here until next period, but then you'll have to go."
"What about you?" Harry asked, blinking. "What do you mean 'let me go'?"
Ginny beamed with pride. "I'm 'working' here now."
"Eh?"
Ginny smiled at her confused friend. "I talked professor Dumbledore into letting work under Madam Pomfrey for school credit. Not only am I learning about this, but I'm also considered 'honourary staff'! Isn't that the neatest?"
Harry shook his head. "Only you would turn out liking something like this…"
She humphed at him and crossed her arms. "And what does that supposed to mean?"
He smirked. "Nothing, nothing… Anyway…"
"Anyway…" Suddenly they realized they didn't really have much to talk about. They were saved from their awkward silence later by Goyle, who burst in through the door. "I guess I better help him…" Ginny sighed and got up from the stool she had just sat on by his bed. "Bye."
"Yeah, bye."
~**~
Malfoy took a small step back to catch his balance. His breath was harsh and rigid, making it hard to breath. His skin burned like fire and his vision was getting blurry. Hagrid's voice seemed to fade out as black dots flashed across his vision. Suddenly it felt as if sand was running all over his body, making him feel light headed. Somewhere in his mind, he was aware of a voice telling him his blood was moving erratically. He was informed of what spell was on him, what it did, and that he would be in serious trouble if he didn't get it lifted. And soon.
Hermione looked over at Malfoy and had to bite back a gasp. He had pulled up his hood on his robe, covering his face and only leaving a little visible. He was incredibly red and his skin was flaming in rash. Letting her good nature overrule the fact that Malfoy was an enemy to her, she walked over to him and asked the question that had been bugging her for a little while. "Hey, you okay?" She asked it softly, so nobody could over hear her.
Malfoy didn't answer. He simply stood, shoulders heaving and breathing so hard she thought he might keel over at any given moment. "Malfoy?" She tried again, putting a hand on his shoulder to get his attention. When she connected, he took a sharp intake of air through his nose and fell to the side. Acting quickly, she grabbed him to keep the boy from falling on top of her and taking her down with him. She found her arm over his shoulders and his around her waist. It was slightly uncomfortable, so she asked him again. "What's wrong?"
"C-can't b-breath…" He rasped out, hood falling back to reveal him completely covered in a deathly looking rash.
Hermione didn't like the Slythern, but he had saved Neville for some reason, and he was on her dueling team. Deciding she owed him one for at least helping her friend, she raised her hand. "Hagrid?"
Hagrid paused his talking to look over at her. "A question, 'Ermione?"
"Um, I'm not feeling well," She said timidly. "Might I go to the Hospital wing?"
Hagrid looked at her oddly, but caught the hint. She never skipped class, so she must have a good reason. Deciding to let her go and ask for an explanation later, he nodded. "Be sure to get the notes you missed."
"Of course." She said as if it was the most commonly known knowledge on the planet. "Malfoy, aren't you going to check on your friend?" She didn't let him answer, and helped him away while trying to make it look like she wasn't.
~**~
"What's the deal?" She asked him while almost dragging him with her to the hospital wing.
Malfoy looked up at her, but she suddenly found herself looking into the clearest crystal blue eyes she had ever seen before. On top of that, they almost looked like they were glowing. "Thank you." He said in a haunting tone. His voice was almost… feminine. "Thanks for taking care of him. He's sorry, but won't admit it. He also says 'thanks'."
'Wait a minute, ´ Hermione thought, looking at him, but found his head sagging again and facing the ground. 'Is Malfoy referring to himself in the second person? This idiot is more trouble than what it's worth.'
~**~
Ginny sighed in frustration when she saw Malfoy come into the Wing. "Geeze," She put her hands on her hips. "It's not even noon yet, what are you guys doing in that class?" Despite her outburst, she still walked over to them and helped Malfoy onto a bed. Hermione instantly walked over to Harry and slipped into the closed curtains around him. Ginny was about to protest, but sighed and shook her head. Turning her attention to the boy in front of her, she pondered his predicament. "You look pretty bad." She told his dazed state. "Stay here, I'll be right back." She grinned as she left; knowing it probably irked him for her to tell him to stay put when he had to be helped in there to begin with.
She returned a few moments later with a needle and a few things next to it on a tray. She sat the supplies down next to him. "I have to put this directly into your blood so it'll stop that rash from spreading." She explained while sucking up some thick looking potion with the syringe. After looking into his scared eyes, she softened. "I won't lie to you, this will hurt really bad… you want to take something that will numb your arm?" Malfoy tried to keep some of his dignity, but found that he couldn't quite speak. "It's okay." Ginny said soothingly, picking up something else and making him drink it.
Satisfied that he kept it all down; she ran a heavily saturated cloth on his arm. He instantly found it to be numb. Ginny smiled happily to herself and picked up the needle. "Just a little prick and a little sting." She said, grinning. She eased it into his arm and watched him grit his teeth. A full seven seconds later she took it out and put a bandage onto his arm. "That wasn't so bad was it?"
Malfoy shook his head no, but was obviously in a great amount of pain. Ginny put the supplies up and seeing that Harry and Hermione were happily in conversation, she walked back over to Malfoy with nothing better to do. "It works fast, doesn't it?"
"Yeah." He agreed, nodding. "Didn't think he had it in him to do a curse like that."
"It's not that bad, but you, like the proud idiot you are, didn't seek aid after words." He opened his mouth to speak, but Ginny shushed him by putting a finger on his lips. "Malfoy, sometimes in life you have to let your pride go and do what's right." She took her finger back and smiled at him.
Malfoy sighed and lay back fully on his pillow. 'This is so weird.' He thought to himself while half heartedly listening to Ginny ramble. 'Christina, why is she helping me?'
"It could be because she doesn't like seeing other people hurt." A voice whispered into his mind. "Unlike the people you are so familiar with, there are, in fact, people out there who like to help others with nothing being given in return."
"Hmmmmmm……."
"Huh?"
Malfoy opened his eyes. "I was thinking."
"About?" She cocked her head to the side curiously.
"Things."
"That doesn't tell me much."
"I'm terribly sorry."
She scrunched up her eyebrows. "You don't have to be mean to me, I don't judge you, remember?"
He sighed. "But you give me one hell of a headache."
"Thank you."
"You take pride in arousing my emotions don't you?" He spoke aloud, as if just realizing it.
"You always act so cold and mean." She replied, picking up his hand and checking his pulse with her watch. "It's nice to see you open up."
"Tell me," He judged his words. "Why? I've been no less than cruel to both you and your friends. Why should you give a damn about me?"
Ginny swatted his hand. "Don't use that language with me." He actually looked shocked and obviously made a mental note not to curse in front of her. "As for your answer, you talk in your sleep."
"Wha-?" He simply looked amazed. "I do not!"
"Yes you do." She bit back a laugh
"No I-" He stopped and shook his head. "What does that have to do with this?"
Suddenly Ginny softened and looked down. "You were crying…" She said after a while. "You called for help…" Slowly she looked up and into his shocked and humiliated face. "Draco, anyone who can dream like that needs someone to look after them." He was about to protest, but she cut him off, realizing it was becoming a habit. "You push people away. Just once, maybe you should let someone in?" And with that, she stood and walked away.
Malfoy stared after her for the longest while. Finally, he brought a hand to his head and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "I hate her. She gives me such a headache."
"There, there, dear."
~**~
"Ah, Harry, may I talk to you?" Lupin grabbed Harry's shoulder as he passed by in the hallway later that day.
"Um, sure professor." He agreed, looking worried. "Um, what did I do?"
This caused him to laugh. "Nothing, nothing, are you free now?"
"If you write me a slip so I can miss Divination?" He tried hopefully.
"Get to class and report to my office after words." He grinned. "And could you bring the book of thoughts?"
"Er, sure."
~**~
"I bet you're wondering why I asked for the book, huh Harry?" Professor Lupin asked, holding it up and moving it slightly. When he received a nod, he went on. "You see, Sirius and me would like a way to talk to each other in real time without the need of a fireplace." He sat down casually on his desk. "Would you terribly mind me borrowing this for a while until we can copy it magically? I would be a great help."
"Yeah, sure." Harry nodded. "By the way…"
"Sirius is fine, Harry." He shook his head amusingly. "You two think so much alike it's scary sometimes." Lupin opened the book to the second page and smirked. "Haven't used it much have you?" He read the two sentences just as Harry realized that the words didn't erase. "Oh, my, my."
"It's not what you think!" Harry stood and held out his hands. "Listen to me! It's, well, you see…" Suddenly it dawned on him that he couldn't quite explain the situation without making Hermione look bad.
"You're seventeen, Harry." The old Marauder said, waving it off. "What you do is none of my business… although Sirius would sure like to hear about it…"
"Oh sweet Merlin…"
~**~
Professor Lupin looked at the six groups in front of him with a steady expression on his face. Slowly he walked in front of them. "Class," He began as he walked. "I am pleased to announce that a decision has been made between the school board and myself." A few murmurings came up at this, but Lupin kept going. "We are to hold a tournament here at Hogwarts." The room fell silent. "What kind, you ask?" He grinned. "A Sorcerer's Circle championship." The class erupted into questions, but Lupin raised his hand. "Now, now, let me finish before you ask."
"You see, class, there will be eleven rounds. Double elimination. You will fight other teams. Some rounds will be one on one, others may be team matches. It will start January. Now, specific questions, please?" Several people raised their hands, but he picked out Hermione. "Yes, Ms. Granger?"
She beamed at being first at being called. "Professor, what is the reason of this tournament?"
"A very good question." He agreed. "The winners of this tournament will undoubtly be the best and most dangerous wizards in the school of Hogwarts. To the winners and runners up, jobs as aurours. Well paid jobs." This seemed to satisfy her so he turned to another student. "Yes?"
"Privet or public?"
"Ah, yes," Lupin nodded. "You will be fighting on the quidditch pitch. No, quidditch will not be cancelled." This pleased most people. "But, the stage will be most different. You will fight on an enchanted stage. This stage will change shape to a different terrain for each match. You will not always fight an enemy on straight flat ground in the real world."
"An example please?" Harry asked.
"Raise your hand before asking a question." Lupin scolded in a firm yet understanding voice. Harry nodded, a little embarrassed but otherwise unhurt. "Let's say, for example of course, you were to stand on the stage for your match. At first it will look like a large circular stone slab, but it will change five seconds before you start. It could be anything. From a forest, to a gauntlet, to fighting on clouds hovering several yards above the ground. You never know."
Ron raised his hand and was called on. "How big is this stage anyway?"
"Big enough to not worry about being disqualified by being thrown off." He confirmed. "Any other questions?"
"Yes, professor." A female voice rang up. It was Cho Chang. "How do you win?"
"With the exception of being thrown off the ring, there are a few ways. Your opponent can become unable to continue, or be grounded for ten seconds. In the event that you fight off the ground, the first to touch the floor looses. Don't worry; each match will state the rules."
The students looked at each other, still a little unsure. "Fighting in a tournament in front of the entire school?" Harry whispered to Ron, who looked a little nervous himself. "I dunno, mate."
"You'll be fine." Ron whispered back. "But I don't know enough spells to cover myself. What if I get a stage I can't deal with?"
"Please." Harry grinned. "You and me never lose! We'll work hard together and win this thing!"
Ron grinned and was about to respond when Hermione elbowed Harry and gave a quiet 'shush'.
"There will be a Christmas ball to celebrate the start of the tournament. It will be held December twenty-fifth. Christmas night. The team captains will introduce themselves to the school and start the ball with a dance with the boy/girl he/she wishes."
Harry groaned. 'I hate dances.' He thought to himself miserably. 'I can't even slow dance. I just barely got by with the single dance I had all those years back…' Harry knew that his slow dancing skills needed work, but at least he had perfected the fast dance moves Ron had showed him over the summers. At least the twins were good for something. Partying all the time at clubs sure turned out to be good news for Ron and Harry; as they were taught the proper way to 'pick up chicks' by dancing cool.
The boy-who-lived turned to Ron, but found his friend in a daze, no doubt running over his L33T dancing Skillz in his head.
"Now!" Lupin snagged Harry's attention. "That is almost a month and a half away, so let's begin class with some new spells! Divide up now!"
The Marauders walked over to their training section. A blue haze went around them, blocking off a round 20 yards around them. "So what's up first?" Ron asked, drawing his wand and stepping up to the white mark on the ground.
"Says here, the illusion curse." Hermione said, reading from the Sorcerer's handbook that Lupin issued out. "You know it?"
"I do." Harry nodded, stepping up to the other mark.
"I don't." Ron sighed and walked over to Hermione to share the book.
"I do." Ginny stepped up to replace Ron.
"I do as well." Malfoy agreed, leaning against the wall with one knee bent and foot flat on the wall.
Seeing that Ron was looking depressed, Hermione smiled sheepishly. "I don't know it." She admitted, smiling lightly at Ron. "Ron, wanna study it with me while they practice?"
Seeing that his best female friend didn't know it either, Ron smiled triumphantly. "Sure, Herms."
Harry grinned at Ginny and bowed. Ginny bowed back with a smile. Since this wasn't an offensive spell, Malfoy stepped up to a third white marking on the ground and took his bow as well. There was a pentagram drawn on the floor in red and each point held a mark. The three were standing in an almost triangle formation.
"Me first." Ginny said with a happy voice. Gracefully she took her wand from her robe and held it in the air. "Triplues exceedious" A flash temporarily blinded the boys and when they could see again, there were three Ginnys before them. "Well?" All three chorused at the same time. "What do you think?"
"As if one wasn't bad enough." Malfoy smirked. Although sounding mean, Ginny knew that it was his own special way of saying he was impressed.
Harry, on the other hand, had no shame in clapping softly in congratulation. "Very nice, Gin. Flawless even."
Malfoy held up his wand. "My turn," He stated. A flash erupted and when it cleared, Ginny's clones were gone and there were two more Malfoys standing next to him.
"As if one wasn't bad enough." Ginny said with a sickenly cute smile. Harry erupted into laughter while Malfoy looked quite amused at her.
"Dear Sweet Merlin, being around me is starting to rub off." He said with a small lopsided smirk. "God help us all."
Ginny beamed at him. "Did you just make a joke, Draco!?"
Harry looked amazed while Ron was considering beating him up for talking to his sister. Hermione was still reading, completely and blissfully missing the exchange. Malfoy was getting a little uneasy at the looks. "What?" He asked, looking back and forth at the people in front of him. His clones popped out of existence just as he crossed his arms. "I can't make a joke that doesn't involve Potter as the butt of it?"
Harry shook his head and, to his amazement, let out a small chuckle. "My turn." He closed his eyes and crossed his arms at the wrist in front of him. There was a bright flash, followed by a yelp of pain. When he opened his eyes again, he saw the worried faces of his three best friends and a smug looking Malfoy.
"Well, well, mess up did we?" The Slythern asked, arching an eyebrow.
"You okay, Harry?" Hermione asked voice a little shaky.
"He's fine." Ron stated, helping him up. "Takes more than that to get Harry here down. Isn't that right, mate?"
"Yeah," He agreed, stammering over to sit down a moment. "Lost my concentration, that's all it is." He leaned forward and rested his head in his hands. "You guys go ahead, I'm gonna take a moment to gather my thoughts."
"Sure thing." Ron stepped up to the pentagram and held up his wand.
Harry closed his eyes and took in a steadying breath. 'What did I do wrong?' He asked his inner self.
"You tried to copy something of strict magical power." His dragon friend answered him with amusement.
'But… Malfoy's ring…'
"If you would pay more attention, dear, you would have noticed he didn't dupe his ring."
'Learn something new every day.'
"Yes, you do. At least you should. That last potions grade was embarrassing, Harry. I want you to study before you go to sleep tonight."
'Awwww'
"Don't you 'awww' me, Mister Man. I refuse to do your work for you. I'll teach you all the dragon magic you want but I will not let you cheat in your classes."
"You okay, Harry?" Hermione asked, kneeling down before him.
Harry looked up. "Huh? Yeah, why?"
"You've been thinking for almost seven minutes now. We decided to just move on to the next spell for today. You up to it?"
"Yeah."
~**~
Harry almost chocked on his cappuccino when he was reading the Daily Prophet newspaper on Friday morning. Groaning, he let his head fall and rest on the table in front of him, barley missing a plate full of eggs. Ron, seeing his friend down, did the first thing that came to his mind.
He snagged all the food he could get.
"What's wrong Harry?" Hermione asked, looking over at him as she ate a bite of her toast. Instead of replying, Harry lifted up the newspaper. Hermione brushed off the crumbs from her hands on a napkin before taking it and looking at the front page.
Harry Potter goes on date!
It was confirmed yesterday that the famous Harry Potter has asked out a girl besides Hermione Granger. Sources say that Hermione, the unofficial girlfriendfriend of Harry Potter, is going out with a lad named Van. Apparently, Harry and Hitomi are going to be dining at Puer Duex, a fancy French restaurant on the outskirts of Hogsmeade. Upon hearing this, the manager Akito reserved the best booth in the restaurant for-
Hermione sighed. "Can't they even let you date without having Newspapers all over you?" Harry only groaned in response, not lifting his head.
"It's okay, mate." Ron said after swallowing his food. "At least you won't have to wait in that long line of people waiting to get in. In fact, I hear there is a month waiting time for a reservation!"
Harry looked up at his friend with a dumb smile on his face. "Thanks, I feel so much better now."
He nodded, glad he could 'help' him. "Anytime, mate. But before that, we got double potions today to get through. Hey! Maybe if Snape kills you, you won't have to go on your date!"
The three best friends all turned to the Ravenclaw table, where there was an uprising of cheers and hoots. "Actually," Harry said, seeing Hitomi and Van at the center of attention. "I have a feeling not even Voldemort could stop this date from happening…"
Ron, finally used to the name being said after six years, nodded. "Yeah. Sides, I don't think You-Know-Who likes French cuisine."
This earned him grins from all those around him.
~**~
As Harry had learned, when you don't want time to speed up, it always does. Learning from experience, Harry went out of his way to make his day seem longer to him. This, of course, only proved to speed it up for him. At one time he was actually shocked when the bell rang to end his double potions block. Seeing as time was against him, Harry tried other manners to help him. Instead of participating in the pranks on first years, Harry went to the library with Hermione to try and get some studying done.
This backfired when Harry fell asleep and woke up almost two full hours later. Hermione apologized, as she was too busy reading her book to notice that he was asleep and not "Studying intently" as she had thought he was.
Yeah, like he would do that.
All in all, Harry soon found himself sitting on his bed with his knees bouncing in his nervousness. 'This is getting absurd!' A voice chided him. 'Harry, dear, it's a date for crying out loud. You've taken Hermione out several times!'
"That's different." He sighed, falling back on his bed and sprawling out. Hermione wouldn't be back for another twenty to thirty minutes, so he was alone for a bit. "You know," Harry said aloud to try and ease his nervousness by getting rid of the silence. "I don't think I want to do this."
Celestial un-mounted her dagger perch and stood on his chest. "You have to do it, you promised."
Harry, intrigued at the moving figure in front of him, changed the subject. "Hey, how come you don't move around like that more often?"
"Because it takes a lot of magical power to do this, and if I did it every day, you would-Harry! We're not discussing me; we're talking about your date!"
"I can't even speak French!" Harry suddenly realized. "What if the menus-"
"I'll take care of you." Celestial promised him, spreading her wings and taking to the air, loving the feeling of the wind. "I can speak almost every known language."
"Really?" He asked, sitting up and watching his friend fly around in a small lazy circle.
Celestial gave him an odd look. "Harry, dear, did you not find it odd for a dragon to speak to you in English in the first place?"
Harry gave her his lopsided grin. "Er, no?"
She sighed. "Honestly…"
~**~
"So… Potter is making an appearance out in the public is he?" The person mused as he sat in a large chair. "Such symbolism is not needed right now. Maybe I should turn this into my favour? Yes, yes that is what I shall do. Be ready, Potter, you fun ends tomorrow."
~**~
Harry tucked in the silk button up shirt into his jeans as he watched himself in the mirror. "This is it." He told his reflection in the full length looking glass in front of him. "No turning back now. How do I look?"
"Like a Muggle." The mirror replied.
Harry paused. He didn't realize that his 'fancy dressing' didn't meet the terms of the wizarding definition. Hermione, being raised by muggle parents, never told him otherwise; as she dressed in pretty dresses and high heels. Certainly, dress robes were a school thing in their minds.
"Oh well." Harry told the mirror. "If she doesn't like it, there's nothing I can do." He slid his hands through his hair to try and style it more. The spikes clumped together and drooped a little. "I need a trim." He mused. "It's getting too thick."
"You used to use your hair to hide your scar." Ron told him, watching his friend get ready. "Now you display it for the world. That's a little risky isn't it?"
Harry smiled without humour. "I felt like a change." He said, turning to let Ron look him over. "I didn't think about going into public like that at the time. How do I look?"
"Like your about to date Hermione." Ron told him without pause. "You really going through with this?"
"Have to." Harry said, fingering his necklace.
"Harry, mate, you look good, but the necklace…. It clashes with the look. It's too 'gosh' for the style you're trying to pull."
"That's 'Goth', Ron, and I'm not taking it off." Harry put on his black shoes and tied them tight. He didn't like them too much, but his normal sneakers or timberlands clashed with the 'civilized' look he had going for him that night. "I guess I'm ready."
"Harry, where are you going to put your pouch?"
Harry reached into his front pocket and pulled out a few golden galleons. "My pockets will be full, but it's better than having it hang at my waist."
Ron sighed. "That's why you need your robe."
"I never wear robes on dates!" the idea seemed to make him slightly offended. "You know that."
"Harry the amazing muggle raised wizard who fights You-Know-Who as a past time! See him in action now at your local Puer Duex!" Dean, Seamus, and Neville all applauded Ron's declaration as Harry walked out of the room.
~**~
"You look nice." Hermione commented as Harry walked down the stairs and into the common room.
"This is a first." Harry said with a teasing smile. "Hermione actually beat me in getting ready!"
Hermione gave him a knowing, yet teasing smile. "Well, I do tend to take more time getting ready when it's someone I like going out with."
Harry considered this. Her hair was bushy, and she was wearing a nice sweater and jeans like he was. Also there were no traces of makeup or any other charms to enhance beauty. On a closer note, Harry noticed she wasn't even wearing her earrings that she always did when going out with him. "Hmmmm" Harry hummed, looking her over. "I would say that you look very lovely, but then again, you look just like you do every day." He grinned. "So should I bother stating the obvious on how you always look nice?"
Hermione blushed. "Cool it, Romeo." Hermione grinned while grabbing his hand and leading him to the portrait hole. "You're dating someone else tonight, might want to save your corny one liners for later."
"Right you are, Milady."
~**~
Hitomi stopped leaning against the wall when she saw Harry approach her. "Hiya." She called when he was within hearing distance. "Right on time."
"It's rude to keep a girl waiting, it is." He replied with a casual shrug. "Ready to go?"
"I am." She looped her arm through Harry's completely missing the look on his face that told her he was a little uncomfortable with it. Also on the way out, she waved to several people.
~**~
"Welcome to Puer Duex." A person in a wizarding equivalent of a tuxedo welcomed them when they entered the restaurant. He gave the pair a look over. The lady was wearing very nice dress robes while the male was more or less like a muggle. He was about to comment on the strict dress code of the place, but stopped when he saw the scar on Harry's head. "Mr. Potter and Ms. Lang, I presume?"
"That's us." Hitomi proudly stated, a little louder than necessary. Many people looked up at this and a few whipped out cameras and took pictures. Harry, used to this, pulled his usual move of shielding his face and keeping his eyes closed. If there weren't and good pictures of him, the newspapers wouldn't put in the picture.
"Right this way." The waiter said, motioning, but a voice made him pause.
"Harry!"
Harry turned to see Hermione, grinning like an idiot. Seems she was able to convince her date to take her here after all. "Hermione!" Harry returned her smile before looking back at the waiter. "Could we let our friends come in too?"
The waiter, already happy to be able to seat Harry potter, didn't think twice before answering. "Why, sure." He confirmed. "I'm sure nobody would mind if Harry Potter took a table?"
Several no's answered him, showing that it was quite alright.
~**~
"Here you are, sirs." The waiter said, putting menus down in front of them at a circular table for four. "My name is Vash and I'll be your waiter tonight." He was rather tall with flawless blonde hair. "May I get your drink orders?"
Harry pulled out the chair for Hitomi, and frowned a bit when Van simply sat down in his own. Hermione gave Harry a look that stated that she was clearly unimpressed with her date, but seated herself to save face for Van anyway. "Sweet tea." Hermione said when she was seated.
"Yeah, I guess butterbeer is outta the question here." Harry said, getting a small laugh from his group. "Same here."
"Un-sweat tea." Van said with a smirk. "With lemon."
"I'll have water." Hitomi added at the end.
"Very well, be right back." Vash said with a slight bow. He retreated, leaving the four alone. Across from Harry was Van and to his right was Hitomi and to his left sat Hermione.
"Nice guy." Hermione mused, picking up her menu.
"Very." Harry agreed, looking at his own.
"French." Van stated simply, arching an eyebrow.
"It is." Hitomi looked over at Harry. "Can you read it?" She asked a little worried.
"Kind of" Harry said. It wasn't quite a lie. A part of him could read it. His dragon part to be more exact. Harry looked at the menu and blinked. When his eyelids were open again, he now had blue dragon eyes. "Ah, that's better." He stated under his breath. Thoughts quickly flashed through his head. "I think I'll have the gâteaux de crabe."
"Nice taste, Harry." Hermione grinned. "I think I'll have the same." She arched an eyebrow at him and gave a look that said 'we'll talk about your language skills later, Harry.'
Harry gulped. He forgot about Hermione picking up on the fact that he would, in fact, never learn a different language on his own for no reason. His attention was quickly shifted to his date when she spoke to him. "Harry, what would you suggest…? I can't read French?"
"Try the Gaine." He said after a moment. "It's spaghetti."
"Ooh, sounds nice." She beamed at him.
"I think I'll go with the Lasagne." Van said, placing down his menu and sliding his wand back into his robes. Harry gawked at him. He of all people should have thought of a quick translating spell. Sparing a glance over at Hermione, he saw he face that clearly informed him that she did the same when Harry had stated his order.
'Geeze, I'm a dip.'
The waiter returned soon after words and took their orders. Harry ordered for both him and Hitomi and Van, seeing this, Ordered for Hermione as well. This got him back into good graces with his date and the pair soon started talking about random things.
Harry listened to his date half heartedly. He quickly found out that she was extremely self absorbed and rarely talked about anything other than herself. He wondered briefly why he even was there. She obviously didn't want to know anything about him, probably thinking she knew everything from text books on him.
Finally, after several minutes of nothing about herself, she asked the first question to Harry. "So, it must be great to be you, huh? All the attention and fame."
Hermione stopped in mid sentence when she heard this. She turned to Harry to see a shocked look on his face. Anyone who was anyone knew of the horrible nightmares Harry had, especially Gryffindors, who sometimes were woken by his screams. His pain was legendary, and even Dumbledore had toasted Harry on his bravery at bearing the weight that was thrust upon his shoulders in his sixth year.
Hitomi, completely not thinking about Harry's feelings, asked another question. "I mean, battling You-Know-Who and being a hero. It must be great, huh?"
Harry stood abruptly, getting the attention of almost everyone around him. "Excuse me." He said softly. "I'll be right back." And with that, he walked away to the restrooms.
Hermione looked down, knowing what must be going through his mind right now. Knowing Harry, he would do one of two things. A.) scream very loudly to help vent the anger and frustration that came with being the boy who lived, or b.) Sulk quietly for a moment or two convincing himself that she didn't mean to upset him.
She was hoping for A, but knew that he would no doubtly go for the latter.
A loud scream came from the direction Harry went and Hermione's eyes went wide. She instantly thought that Harry might have indeed vented his anger instead of brooding, but several more terrified screams followed the first. Van looked over at Hitomi, who returned his look.
"I-i-i-it's him!" a voice cried in fear.
"Now, now, no need to get up." A new voice came into hearing. It was dark. Evil. "Stay seated, please." It was sarcastic and full of power and self awareness. It was cocky and dripped with venom.
It was Voldemort.
~**~
Harry looked up from the sink where he was washing his face and took in a sharp breath of air when his scar suddenly burned with fire. "He's here." He stated, standing to his full height. "Voldemort…."
Quickly he ran from the loo and back to his table. There he saw him. He was standing only a few feet away from his friends. The people around him were terrified to say the least. Each one seemed to want to run away as fast as they could, but for some reason did not leave their seats.
"It's a spell." Celestial whispered to him. "He's paralyzed their waist down."
Voldemort sat at a booth and crossed his legs smoothly, like he was some sort of ruler taking a throne. He showed complete confidence. Seeing Harry, he opened his mouth and spoke directly to him over the fretful weeping of the frozen people around him. "No need to be scared, Potter." He said, motioning him over to the seat across from him in the booth. "I have no intention of killing you right now."
"It's a mind game." Harry was coached. "Don't let him psych you out. He's doing this for public terror. Sometimes it's worth than actual rampage. Do not let him psych you out!"
"Ah." Harry said, walking past his friends. "I hear they have great hot tea." And he sat across from him. He was aware of everyone looking at them, but paid no attention. "Tell me, Tom, what brings you here?"
Voldemort's red eyes flashed in anger at the name, but he quickly suppressed it. "Well, Potter," He said smoothly. "I think you would be better off in my services, after some thinking." With this said, he looked over at a waitress who was forced to stand frozen in the same spot while all this took place right in front of her. "Some tea, if you will." He waved his wand lazily and the waitress found that she suddenly had the urge to make some for him. She left as soon as her legs were able to move again.
"Me?" Harry asked, amazed. "Join you?" Suddenly he set his jaw. "Keep dreaming, Tom." If Voldemort was upset at being called his real name this time, he did not show it. 'Cecilia…' Harry begged. 'I'm worried… He could hurt anyone here… my friends are a target!'
"Let me take over"
'What?'
"I wish to talk to him." She explained, and Harry suddenly found himself taking the back burner of his mind. Although grateful for the opportunity to gather his thoughts, he gave Cecilia strict limits on what she could do.
"Why ever not?" Voldemort asked nonchalantly. The waitress sat their tea in front of them and suddenly found herself free of the control. Screaming in terror, she tried to escape, but found her self once again frozen in place. "You will make a fine death eater."
Harry, under the encouragement of Cecilia, leaned forward and picked up the cup of tea and sipped it once before casually leaning back and resting his arms out across the top of the seat and crossing his legs. "Give up, Tom." Harry waved the motion off with his free hand. "Why would I join someone weaker than myself? I mean, hell, you already failed to kill me six bloody times." His dragon eyes narrowed confidently. "Shouldn't you of learned who is superior by now?"
To say that Voldemort was angry would be an understatement. Infuriated would be closer to the target, but homicidal would be the best term. Black and red lightning snapped around him, making the tablecloth singe and his tea cup shatter.
"You spilt your tea." Harry pointed out, motioning with his cup calmly and sipping it
"Tell me, Potter," Voldemort grimaced. "Have you ever danced with the devil?"
Harry watched him over the rim on his cup, his blue dragon eyes blazing. "I haven't."
Voldemort stood, obvious that his plan of terrorism did not go the way it had planned. "I'll let you live, as promised. But next time, I'll finish what I started in the graveyard all those years back." He turned and started to walk out, but Harry stood as well.
"Tell me, Tom," Harry held out his hand, gathering energy into it. "What does it feel like to dance with the devil?" He thrust out his hand toward Voldemort's back. "This is for the villagers you killed in front of me! Angel's breath that I shatter!"
The spell shot through its intended target, as he had apparated away before it hit. Harry stood, panting. The spell had not only drained him, but all the magical energy that he had been storing for a while. Slowly, he sank to his knees and his eyes once again turned emerald green. 'A little extreme.' He thought to himself. 'But I guess you've been waiting for that for years, huh Cecilia? Next time… just let me know that you're going to convince me to fire a spell in a crowded restaurant before hand so I can stop you, okay? '
"Harry Potter scared off You-Know-Who!" One guy suddenly cheered as he was able to move again.
Harry groaned as screams of triumph began. Hermione was now hugging him tightly and scolding him for being so reckless, while others were trying to lift them on their shoulders. He never liked being famous for something he didn't have any control over, but once again he found himself in that situation.
Only he didn't dare tell anyone his dragon friend was the one to do it.
"Three cheers for Harry Potter!" A voice rang when Harry was pulled from Hermione's grasp and was now crowd surfing.
"Hip hip Hooray! Hip hip Hooray! Hip hip Hooray!" The crowd didn't stop at three, however, and continued on with praise until they were all hoarse.
"I just want to go home…" Harry said under his breath, closing his eyes and trying to will away the people around him.
Hermione came to his rescue a moment later and somehow managed to get him down from the crowd's hands. Giving him one last hug and scolding, she took his hand and pried him through the crowd of grasping hands and shouting people. When she reached the end of the group (which was now spilling into the streets), Hermione held up her hands and got silence soon after a random guy yelled for a speech.
"Harry's a little tired now." Hermione covered for him. He had his arm around her and was leaning more than he should be on her smaller figure. "The spell he cast took up some of his energy, and after studying all day at Hogwarts, he just need some sleep." The crowd seemed to oppose this and shouts of a party were made.
"That's enough!" A new man's voice rang out. The crowd instantly fell silent again, now with several more people starting to circle around the restaurant to see what was going on. "Leave Harry Potter alone." The voice said. Soon a male emerged from the crowd. He was wearing dark blue regal robes and had an air of importance around him. "I am Akito, the owner of Puer Duex."
Akito walked over to Harry and clasped a hand on his shoulder. "Good work, Harry." He congratulated. "I know you don't want all these people to bother you, so I'll hold them off. You get back to that school of yours okay?"
'Finally,' Harry thought, lifting up his head to smile at the man. 'Someone who respects my wishes.' He nodded before speaking. "Thanks. I owe you one."
He smirked. "Just come back sometime, okay? I'll always have a table open for you, not because that you're Harry Potter, but because of you facing You-Know-Who and scaring him off. My daughter was in there tonight, Harry, and if something happened to her…"
"Thanks." Harry nodded with a smirk. "That's means a lot to me too."
"Come on, Hare-bear." Hermione encouraged. "Let's get you back home, shall we?"
"Un."
~~**~~
A/N: Ahhhhhhhhhh, feels good to have that chapter done. Truth be told, I didn't think that I would get it done before Monday. 10,000 words sure is a lot. I hope that I can continue to keep it up now that College is gotten into full swing. I go from 8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M on Mondays and 8 till noon on Wednesday and Thursday. Doesn't sound like much, does it? Well, College is a lot harder than I thought it would be and it kicks my butt. Also I work a little on Tuesday and Thursday. Add that in with my Anime business (Now named T.M. Revolution Anime), and papers for class, My Japanese lessons, Algebra, U.S. History, Government, and people coming over to my apartment all the time, I don't have much free time really. Also, I just bought Dead or Alive Extreme Volleyball. I'm guilty of playing it every chance I get. At least I get a good break. I feel refreshed after goofing off for a bit. Oh, I only play it for the volleyball. The half nekkid girls in bathing suits have nothing to do with it. Honestly…..really….ahhh…..Kasumi…
Next part should be posted on Monday afternoon, as usual.
~**~
Interesting things:
~This story was originally only going to be 5 parts, but now looks to be more around 7-10
~Chapter names:
Daybreak
Sunrise
Noon
Twilight
Nightfall
Moonrise
Midnight
Dawn
~This 'fic was originally going to be written for NAPPA, because he requested one. About 4 pages into it, I realized that it wasn't leading to what he wanted but I liked what I was typing so I kept on. This 'fic is actually a fluke. ^.^
~Anime sources : This 'chapter is jammed pact of them. I even have some people who are holding a contest to se who can point out the most! I'd like to give a shout out to them: This chapter is dedicated to you guys! Trigun, Nadesico, Orphen, Ranma ½, Escaflowne, Naruto, and a small Marmalade Boy rip was in this chapter. Brownie points if you can get them all!