Authors' note: We don't know if you guys are aware of this, but we usually write every single day for quite a few hours to bring this story to you each week. We know that since Book Seven, a lot of the interest in the HP fandom has waned, but there are still those of us out there who still like writing and reading fanfiction. All of the authors on this site work hard and free of charge and all they ask is for a review to let them know what you the readers think. That's all any of us ask and we don't think that's too much for you guys to do. We also don't ask for a particular number of reviews, and we will never NOT post a chapter if we don't hit a certain amount of reviews. But we are wondering if it is time that we start winding this story down, much as we don't feel like it could end yet. So, please, after reading, just leave us a few lines to let us know what you think.
"I don't know why I'm bothering with this rubbish," Brittany moaned. "It's not like it's going to do me any good once we're out of here. Who cares what this potion does in comparison to that?"
She, Ashley and Zander were studying before leaving for Hogsmeade. It was their final Hogsmeade weekend but exams started on Monday and they wanted to spend as much time as possible preparing. Well, Zander and Ashley did. Brittany had complained almost the entire time.
Zander shrugged. "Dunno...perhaps Snape? I'm sure he cares and you will care if you fail your final."
"What's he going to do to me?" Brittany asked. "If he tries to give me detention I just won't go."
Ashley sighed. "Brit, come on. We only have two weeks left. You just have to get through finals..."
Brittany sighed. "When I'm a model, I won't need to know any of this." she said, flipping open her book.
Ashley looked at her friend. The pressure of preparing for the N.E.W.T.s was getting to all of the seventh years. "Well, you're still going to use magic and you've worked hard for seven years to graduate, Brit. You don't want to stop now when the end is in sight."
"I guess you're right," Brittany grumbled. "I hate when you're right about things like this."
Ashley nudged her. "I'm always right, remember?"
"Except when you're talking about Snape," Zander said. "He's such a greasy git. I don't understand how you can like him."
"Because she's a MALFOY," Brittany said rolling her eyes.
"He loves Katie much more than he likes me," Ashley replied.
"Kind of like your grandfather," Brittany commented. "I know that you said you didn't care, but she's getting an inheritance and you...you're just getting art. Seems unfair if you ask me."
Ashley shrugged. "I don't want his money."
"You're handling that a lot better than I would," Brittany said. "I mean, imagine if our
grandfather left all of his money to Zander and didn't leave me anything."
"I just wouldn't tell you," Zander said. "I'd spend it before you knew what happened."
Brittany crumpled up a piece of parchment and threw it at him. "I would know you half-wit."
Zander batted his eyes. "Oh Merlin," he said in a high pitched voice. "My cousin took all my inheritance. I can't buy any new make up!"
Ashley tried to stifle her laughter.
"Oh you're so funny," Brittany rolled her eyes.
Ashley noticed that some students were making their way of the library. "Looks like it might be time to head to the carriages. Come on, Brit. Hogsmeade awaits."
"Finally," Brittany shoved her book away.
Ashley and Zander were going to carry their books in the carriage to study. Brittany rolled her eyes and promised to catch up to them when they were in Hogsmeade. She hurried to catch up with Corinne, leaving Ashley and Zander alone.
"She doesn't take anything seriously," Zander said. "I like to joke around, but our whole future rides on these exams."
Ashley nodded in agreement. "She's just feeling a little burned out is all."
"I know how that is," Zander said. "I haven't been able to concentrate on anything new lately."
They found a carriage and Zander held the door for her. Ashley smiled at him as she stepped inside. "I know what you mean. I really want to do well."
"You'll do fine," Zander told her, jumping inside after her. "You've always been near top of the class."
Ashley grinned. "Well, look at you. Prefect."
"You would have been Head Girl," Zander pointed out. "But you turned it down."
Ashley looked thoughtfully at him. "Well, I just wanted to concentrate on my art. That's the most important thing to me."
"I understand," Zander reassured her. "Probably more than anyone. I just couldn't resist the fame and glory being a Prefect gives me."
Ashley giggled. "Girls dig all that power."
"Oh yeah?" Zander asked, sending her a grin. "Does it impress you, Malfoy?"
"It does," Ashley said dramatically.
"Ooooh," Zander said flirtatiously. "I always knew being good looking with power would get me in with the ladies."
Ashley made a move to shove him playfully but the carriage hit a bump in the road.
She fell on top of him and they both tumbled to the floor of the carriage.
Zander laughed. "Falling for me, eh?"
"You goof," she said softly.
Zander brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. His gaze lingered on her face.
"I um... sorry..." Ashley pushed herself up. "I'm so clumsy sometimes."
Zander sat back down and dusted himself off. "You're the least clumsy person I know, Ash."
"We all have our moments," Ashley covered. "You should see me with Kevin... I fall all the time."
"I guess I don't know you as well as I thought," Zander commented.
"Why would you say that?" Ashley asked. "You know me better than anyone."
"Well, I didn't know my best friend was a closet klutz, now did I?" Zander joked.
Ashley swatted at him. "You're such a clown."
Zander laughed and Ashley was relieved that whatever had just happened had passed.
She had not told anyone how often she had thought about Zander these last few days. She did not understand these feelings and how they had suddenly re-emerged.
It was probably something fleeting just brought on by the time they'd spent together while she was sick. Likely once she saw Kevin, these feelings would go away.
She looked over at him. "Why didn't you ride along with Debra?"
"We're meeting up there," Zander replied. "Hopefully she won't want to go to Puddifoots. I bloody hate that place."
"That's her favourite place," Ashley said. "You poor thing..."
"The things we do for the girls," Zander shook his head but grinned at her.
Ashley pulled out her textbook and Zander did the same. They both read the rest of the way to Hogsmeade. Well, Ashley tried to concentrate, but she could not resist looking covertly up from her book and sneaking peeks at Zander.
When they arrived he jumped out first and offered her his hand.
Ashley blushed. "Thanks."
"Is Kevin meeting you here?" he asked.
Ashley nodded. "Yes. We're meeting at noon at The Three Broomsticks."
Zander smiled. "I see Debra. Have fun and I'll see you back at the castle."
Ashley nodded and watched him leave.
It wasn't long before noon so she decided to head over and wait for her boyfriend at the pub.
She found a table by the window and ordered a butterbeer.
Ashley was looking forward to seeing Kevin. They hadn't seen each other since a quick visit at Easter when she and Katie had gone home.
Seeing him would be just what she needed to get over whatever this was with Zander.
She wondered if her sister had come to Hogsmeade. It was pretty likely- Katie never missed a chance to see what was going on and be seen.
Ashley had her answer when she heard her sister's familiar laughter. Katie had linked her arm with Kevin's and she smiled happily at her sister. "Look, who I ran into!" she exclaimed.
Ashley grinned. "Hey, Kev."
"There's my girl," Kevin said grinning back at her.
Katie reluctantly let go of Kevin's arm. "I'm glad to have run into you," she said, touching his shoulder.
"Good to see you, kid," Kevin said to her.
Katie's face fell a bit but she kept her smile pasted on. "Behave, you two." she sent her sister a look before sauntering off.
Kevin sat down beside Ashley. "Do I get a proper welcome then?"
"Of course you do," Ashley leaned in and kissed him. "I missed you."
"I missed you," Kevin said putting his arm around her. "I was worried when I heard you were sick."
"It wasn't fun," Ashley said. "But I'm fine now."
"I wanted to come and see you," Kevin said.
"Madam Pomfrey wouldn't have let you in the door," Ashley rolled her eyes. "She wouldn't let anyone in."
"All alone," Kevin teased, giving her hand a squeeze. "Bet you were bored out of your mind."
"For the most part," Ashley nodded. "Zander sneaked in a few times and kept me entertained."
"Oh?" Kevin asked.
Ashley nodded. "And I got all your letters when I got back."
Kevin grinned. "Not as good as being here with you, Ashley."
Ashley smiled back. "Definitely not as good," she said, leaning close to him. She really had missed him.
He told her some stories about his band and how they were busy getting ready for the upcoming tour.
"How big of a tour?" she asked.
"Fifty cities in three months," Kevin replied. "It's going to be murder, but I'm excited."
"Wow..." Ashley tried to be excited, but she wondered when they would get to spend any time together.
"I know," Kevin said. "Listen, I'm going to get a drink and then we can talk some more. You want anything to eat?"
"A scone, perhaps." Ashley said. "Thanks."
Kevin kissed her cheek before he departed for the bar.
Ashley watched him go, feeling pensive. She was due to start La Sorbonne, but had been thinking about putting it off a year to go travel and study art.
She had talked it over with her mother and her parents seemed to think it was a great idea.
She would be leaving in the autumn and that was why she'd hoped she and Kevin would at least have the summer together.
It did not seem like he would have much free time.
"A butterbeer for me and a scone for you," he said sliding back into their booth.
"Perfect," Ashley said softly. "Thanks."
"You all right?" he asked.
Ashley nodded. "I just have a lot on my mind with preparing for the N.E.W.T.s."
"Makes me glad I worked my way out of all that," he said with an easy grin.
Ashley laughed. "Katie keeps wanting to ask how you managed to do that, Kev."
"What?" he asked.
"Not have to take the exams?"
Ashley nodded. "And get out of the whole school experience."
"Cut a hit single?" Kevin said, laughing. "Can she sing?"
Ashley laughed, too. "No. She and I didn't inherit that gift from our dad. We're both tone deaf."
"You have a gorgeous voice," he said, nuzzling her ear. "I've missed it."
Ashley smiled. "Flatterer."
"I can't lie to you," he said, leaning in.
"Ashley!" Brittany screamed, startling not only Ashley and Kevin but the other pub patrons.
"What's wrong?" Ashley gasped. "Brit are you all right?"
"I'm perfect!" Brittany exclaimed, her cheeks red with excitement. "You'll never guess what happened to me. Not in a million years! Oh, hi, Kevin."
"Hi," Kevin said, amused.
Brittany smiled. "Okay, I was minding my own business with Corinne in the Weasley joke shop and we were just looking at these things that were on sale when this bloke came up and asked if he could take my photograph."
"Really?" Ashley asked as Brittany sat down. "Who was he?"
"Courtland Halifax," Brittany replied. "He's a modeling agent. He's had models in Witch Weekly and some models in Muggle fashion magazines. He said that I have great bone structure and that my hair is the best he's seen in ages."
"Wow..." Ashley said. "That's great, Brit."
"I have a meeting with him in two weeks to take photographs and put together a portfolio,"
Brittany said pulling the card he'd given her from her pocket. She handed it to Ashley.
Ashley looked at it for a moment and showed it to her boyfriend. "Have you worked with this bloke or heard of him?"
Kevin shook his head. "No."
"I just have to come up with a few hundred quid," Brittany said, taking the card back.
"What for?" Ashley asked.
"To pay him," Brittany said. "For building my portfolio."
Ashley raised an eyebrow. "Brit, you shouldn't have to pay him..."
Kevin nodded in agreement. "They don't get paid until you do."
Brittany ignored them. "I have to get my hair done. I'm thinking I'll wear it down for most of the photographs..."
"Brit," Ashley interrupted her. "This doesn't sound right."
Brittany frowned. "Why?"
"Because of what Kevin just said," Ashley pointed out. "He shouldn't get paid until you do. If he wants you to model for him, he should take those pictures and he would get a
percentage of your pay from a job."
Brittany shook her head. "That's not how it works, Ash. I mean with all due respect you're not a model. You're an artist. I've wanted to do this for ages."
"I know you have," Ashley said. "And I want it to work out for you. I don't want you to be scammed."
"I'm not being scammed!" Brittany argued.
"I know how this stuff works," Kevin tried to explain. "Ash is right."
Brittany let out a hollow laugh. "I can't believe this."
"We just don't want you taken advantage of," Ashley said.
"Why can't you be happy for me?" Brittany asked angrily. "You know, I've always supported you. Always."
"I am happy for you," Ashley told her. "And I do support you. But this just sounds fishy."
Kevin put his arm around Ashley. "I agree with Ash, Brit."
"Of course you do," Brittany stood up.
"Brit," Ashley started to say.
Brittany glared at her before stalking out of the pub.
"Well, that went well," Kevin said dryly.
"I'm worried about her," Ashley said. "She doesn't have money to waste on something like this."
"You have two weeks to try and talk her out of it," Kevin said thoughtfully.
"I'll do my best," Ashley said. "I'll talk to Zander and Corinne too."
Kevin nodded. "She'll thank you."
"Eventually..." Ashley replied.
Kevin leaned in for a kiss. "Where were we?"
Ashley closed her eyes but her mind wandered back to her best friend.
Brittany had always said that her biggest dream would be to model or be an actress someday. At one point, she had said she would do anything to make it happen.
"Hey," Kevin said. "I know you're worried about her... but there isn't anything you can do right now."
Ashley knew he was right, but she did not like how he seemed to just want to brush this off.
"Kevin..."
"I'm sorry," he apologized. "I know you're worried. And I'm being a bit selfish, but I haven't seen you since April."
"I know," Ashley said softly.
"Come on," he said as he finished his butterbeer. "Let's go for a walk and if you see Zander..."
Ashley smiled. "Thanks, Kevin."
He put his arms around her as they left the pub. "You look great. You don't look like you were sick at all."
Ashley smiled. "Thanks. It's a good thing you didn't see me then. I looked terrible."
"You've never looked terrible to me," he replied.
Ashley leaned against him. "So, tell me more about your tour. Where will you be going?"
"All over the place," he said as they meandered around the little village.
"The States?" Ashley asked.
"New York," he said. "LA... um... Chicago, Las Vegas..."
Ashley laughed. "Isn't Las Vegas called 'Sin City'?"
He grinned. "I think so. We've never been there."
"My Dad has," Ashley said. "He said it's pretty wild."
"I can't wait," Kevin said. "Maybe you can join me there."
"Maybe," Ashley said.
"It doesn't have to be Vegas," Kevin replied "It can be anywhere."
"Some place warm," Ashley said thoughtfully.
"I'll owl you the full list and you pick," Kevin put his arms around her again. "I always play better when you're around."
"You always play great, Kevin," Ashley said smiling up at him.
"You inspire me though," Kevin pulled her close. "Always have."
"Whatever did you do before you met me?" Ashley asked with a grin.
He laughed. "I wrote crap."
Ashley nudged him. "Not true."
"I wrote a few good things," he said. "But nothing like I have since getting together with you."
Ashley gave him a kiss.
He pulled her into a small alley and deepened their kiss.
"Kevin," Ashley whispered.
"Yeah?" he asked, his forehead touching hers.
"I missed you," Ashley said.
He brushed her hair back. "I missed you too. I can't wait to spend all sorts of time with you when you're done here."
Ashley knew she should tell him about her plans to take a year off to travel, but she just could not find the words.
"Things are only going to get better," he said.
They heard voices and Ashley giggled until she saw Zander and Debra. The two of them did not look at all happy.
"You act as if you were in hell, Zander. Madam Puddifoots is a nice place and I like going there. I followed you into that Quidditch shop, didn't I?" Debra asked him.
"Yeah but we weren't there for two hours," Zander replied.
"Unbelievable," Debra said angrily. "Unbelievable."
"It would have been fine if she hadn't spilled scalding tea on my lap," Zander said.
"It was an accident!" Debra replied. "And she gave us free biscuits to make up for it!"
"She did it last time too," Zander pointed out.
Debra rolled her eyes. "She's out to get you."
"Maybe she just doesn't want me there," Zander grumbled.
"I can't see why," Debra said sarcastically. "Since you always seem so THRILLED to be
there. Whatever, Zander. I'm going to catch up with my friends. I'll see you at the castle..."
"Whatever, Deb." Zander said.
Debra stalked off.
Zander shook his head and he turned to double back to Honeydukes.
Ashley looked at Kevin. "Um, would you mind if I just checked on him?"
He squeezed her hand. "Come on."
"Thanks," Ashley said.
The couple hurried after Zander. They caught up to him just outside the sweets shoppe.
"Zander!" Ashley called out.
He turned around. "Hey Ash." he nodded to Kevin. "What's up, mate?"
Kevin shook Zander's hand and Ashley felt a bit awkward. She did not want to tell him that she had overheard his argument with Debra. "Have you seen Brit?" she asked him instead.
"Not since we were in the library," Zander said. "Why?"
Ashley told him everything that had happened with the modeling "agent".
"That's a scam," Zander said. "Obviously."
"That's what we tried to tell her," Kevin said. "But she didn't want to listen."
"Hmm..." Zander said. "Maybe we'll corner her tonight and talk to her."
Ashley nodded in agreement.
"If anyone can convince her it's you two," Kevin said.
"My aunt and uncle would never let her do this," Zander said.
"She's 18 now," Ashley said. "Technically they can't stop her."
Zander shook his head. "We'll talk her out of it, Ash."
"I hope so," Ashley said worriedly.
Kevin squeezed Ashley's hand. "Don't worry about it. You'll talk her out of it and everything will be fine."
"It'll help if we get Corinne on our side," Ashley said.
Zander and Ashley started discussing ways to approach Brittany and Kevin just stood back, not really sure of what to say.
He cleared his throat. "Do you think we should talk about this inside?" he asked. It wasn't that he disliked Zander, but he wanted to spend as much time with Ashley as he could before he had to leave.
Zander seemed to catch on quickly. "I'll see you later, Ash. I'm going to see if I can find Evan."
"Good idea," Ashley smiled at him. "Thanks Zander."
Zander nodded. "Take care, Kevin."
"See you around," Kevin replied.
Ashley watched him go and she hoped that together they would be able to talk some sense into Brittany.
"Hey," Kevin turned her back around. "You lot will work it out."
"You think so?" Ashley asked.
"You're her best friends," he said.
That was true, but Ashley had seen how excited Brittany had been in the pub. There were stars in her eyes.
"I only have a few more hours," Kevin said. "Let's try and have a little fun?"
"Absolutely," Ashley agreed. "Fun."
He kissed her again. "I'll keep you occupied."
Ashley smiled. "Oh yeah?"
"You know I can," he said huskily.
Ashley put her arms around him. "Maybe I should take you to Madam Puddifoots."
"That's the frilly place over there?" Kevin asked. "No thanks. I don't fancy tea in my lap."
Ashley giggled. "Okay...well, how about the book shoppe?"
"Sure," he agreed. "Can we snog in the aisle?"
"If you play your cards right," Ashley flirted.
"Ooooh," he slid his arms around her from behind. "I'll do whatever you want."
While Ashley enjoyed her time with Kevin, Zander had found his cousin with Corinne.
Brittany grinned when she saw him and he held up his hand to stop her from telling him
about her news. "I already know. I ran into Ashley."
"Oh," Brittany rolled her eyes.
"You have got to see that this is a scam," Zander told her. "Come on, Brit. You're not
stupid."
"I'm going to do everything I can to be a model," Brittany tossed her head. "You can't stop me, Zander."
"Two hundred quid," Zander told her. "Where are you going to get that?"
Brittany glared at him. "Don't you worry about it."
"I could tell your mum," Zander threatened.
"I am 18," Brittany said.
"An eighteen year old that's going to be out two-hundred quid," Zander retorted.
"Hey," Corinne put a hand on Brittany's arm. "Come on, Brit. Just hear him out. He has a point."
"You heard Mr. Halifax, Cori," Brittany said. "He told me I was beautiful and that I had a chance to be big."
"Well yes but--" Corinne began.
"But nothing," Brittany said angrily. "This is my big break. I would think that my friends would be happy for me, but you all are so determined to bring me down."
"We want you to be happy and succeed," Zander said. "But this isn't right."
"Just leave me alone," Brittany said.
"No," Zander replied.
"Why can't you lot be happy for me?" Brittany asked, tears shining in her eyes.
"It's not that we aren't," Corinne tried again. "But we don't want you to get scammed."
"Cori's right," Zander said.
Brittany shoved her chair back. "I hate all of you."
"Brit, come on," Zander tried.
"Just leave me alone," Brittany hurried away.
Zander sighed and looked at Corinne.
"I feel bad," Corinne confessed.
Zander shook his head. "Not your fault, Corinne."
"He really was pretty slick," Corinne told him. "He really laid on the compliments. Brit's gorgeous, but he made it seem like there was no other girl in the world."
"Which is all he needed to do with my cousin," Zander commented.
"What are we going to do?" she asked.
"I don't know," Zander replied. "But, we'll think of something."
"It's too bad she won't talk to Evan," Corinne said. "If anyone could convince her it's him."
A slow smile broke over Zander's face. "Great idea, Cori."
"But she won't talk to him," Corinne repeated.
Zander patted her on the arm. "I'll take care of that."
Corinne smiled. "I'll try and talk to her again too."
Zander said a quick goodbye. They were all going to have to work together to make Brittany see the light.