The Future

Chapter 2

Chris was sitting on her bed doing potions. "This is boring. I'm going to go see who is in the common room." She walked down to the common room and only saw one person sitting on the couch doing his homework. It was Derek Malfoy. "Where is everybody?" asked Chris.

"Everyone's outside doing stuff, if you would be quiet then I can soon go outside myself. So please leave me alone Potter and go play with your dolls."

"You should be more nice to people."

"Why? What do I get out of it?"

"More friends."

"I have all the friends I want at the moment and another thing is I'm not going to take advice from you, Potter! Are you going to leave me alone now so I can get this last thing done in Potions so I can be my friends?"

"You really know how to make a person feel low, don't you?"

"You know, I wish you were in Gryffindor so you would stop bothering me! My god, you're worse then me!" Derek slammed his book shut and went to go to the boy's dormitories.

"Well excuse me, Mr. High and Mighty. I can tell you how to do the last problem in Potions."

"I can get it by myself."

"I doubt that."

"Fine, if you're so smart, then how do you do it?"

"Sorry, can't help you. I'm supposed to leave you alone. Besides, you said you knew how. Talk to you later."

"You are really stubborn, you know that, Potter?

"So are you, Malfoy."

"Not as stubborn as you are."

"Just for that remark, I'm not going to help you."

"Fine then."

"Fine." Chris and Derek both went off their separate ways pissed of even more than ever.

***

Ella was sitting in the common room talking to her nest formed Connie Weasley. "I don't know El. We usually have all of our relatives come over for Christmas vacation."

"All of your relatives?"

"Yep, all of them. It's a pain in the ass to find places for all of them to sleep."

"I would say it is. You have so many aunts and uncles, I would be glad to be you around Christmas for one reason and one reason only."

"What would that reason be?" said Connie starting to smile.

"Hmmm, I wonder. Maybe the word presents would have something to do with it."

"Smart ass."

"Thank you. I know I am."

All of a sudden, the common room door opened and in walked Ben and Alex. They were arguing about something. What is was, Ella didn't know. When they walked by her Ella thought she seen Alex look and smile at her. Did he just smile at me? Oh my god, I think he did. Ella just sat there with a huge smile on her face. "El," said a distant voice. "El!" This time it was closer. "Ella! Snap out of it!" Ella all of a sudden realized she was being shaken. "What? What Happened? Will you stop shaking me?"

"Sorry, but you staring off into space with a huge smile on your face drooling all over yourself. Do you have some crush on Alex or something?"

"No, why would I have a crush on Alex?"

"I don't know, maybe drooling all over yourself might be a clear sign. Wouldn't it be?"

"Can we talk about this later, please?"

"Oh, sorry, yeah, we can."

"Thank you."

"No problem."

***

"Ben, I think there is a problem."

"What?"

"I think I like someone."

"Oh, tell me who! Is she cute, funny, smart, nice, tell me!"

"It's not as easy to tell you as you think."

"Why?"

"Well, it's someone that is close to you."

"Who is close to me?"

"Well-"

"Wait a minute. Are you to tell me that it's, it's-"

"Yes, I am."

"Well, I don't really classify her as close to me, but how could you like her? How? I mean yeah she's cool and all, but I would like to go out with her too!"

"Huh?"

"You meant Connie, right?"

"Yeah, I, I did."

"How strong are your feelings for her?"

"Not very. I think I'll get over it within a couple of days."

"Good, because I plan on asking her out soon."

"How soon?"

"Well, I suppose before Christmas vacation."

"Wow, that sure gives me an idea when."

"Sorry, I just don't know exactly when, or how, yet."

"Well, it better be soon."

"Don't worry, it will be."

***

Dear Mum and Dad,

I'm sure Ben and Ella has told you that I am in Slytherin. I don't see why it's such a big deal. It's not like I'm going to become a bad person now just because I am in this house. Don't worry; I haven't made any friends in this house anyways. I don't even like most of these people anyways. I'm sure I'll be in the Gryffindor common room often because of El and Ben.

How is everything at home? I hope you guys aren't making a big fuss about all of this. Anna better be staying out of my room, or else there will be hell to pay! The same with Roy! They will piss me off so much if they have been in my room.

My homework is doing as well as well can. This stuff is too easy for me. It's becoming really boring.

Just to let you know, I will be sending my Christmas list home very soon. I'm not that bad of a person like you all make me out to be. I did already buy gifts for everybody. I will bring them home with me.

I'll tell you if I make any friends. This one kid is really starting to get on my nerves. His name is Derek Malfoy. I hate him so much! Do you by any chance know who he is? Well, maybe you do.

Oh yeah, I don't know if Ella told you, but Ben really embarrassed her on the bus in front of his friend. I don't know what his name was. Ben embarrassed her so much she ran off to go find her friends. I got up and followed her and she was crying. It's just a theory, but I think Ella likes Ben's friend. See Dad, I told you I would be a good spy for you. Well I better go and see if I can go find Ella and see if I can get any information out of her. Oh and don't worry Mum, I don't think Ben like any girls yet. Well, I'm going to go and spy for you guys some more. Talk to you later

Love,

Christina M. Potter

***

"Connie, who is the boy this year? Or, should I say, this month?"

"I'm not sure. I think I am done with guys for a while."

"Why?"

"Because most of them never work out for me. Maybe I just wasn't meant to be with any of these guys. Maybe I was meant to be single the rest of my life."

"Don't say that."

"Why not? You know it's true."

"No it's not!"

"Yeah it is."

"Don't think that way!"

"Why not?"

"Because you shouldn't give up on hope."

"Still don't see why I can't."

"If a guy walked up to you right now, and he was really sweet and really cute, would you go out with him?"

"Hell yeah!"

"OK then. Lets go find that cute stud of yours, OK?"

"Right now?"

"If you want to."

"But I look like a train wreck!"

"No you don't. You look just fine."

"You're just saying that."

"No I'm not."

"Yes you are! I mean you always look great. You're long brown hair always shiny and straight, brilliant green eyes, I'm surprised some guy hasn't come along and snatched you up!"

"Oh stop it! I don't look as good as you think I am."

"Yes you do. Ask any guy."

"Guys lie."

"True, but still."

"Still nothing, lets go. We are trying to find a guy for you, not me, remember? So, don't try and cheer me up when I am suppose to be cheering you up."

"Oh fine."

"Where do you want to start first?"

"Lets go into the Great Hall and see who is in there. Hopefully no girls and all guys."

"I doubt that."

"I do too."

"Can we go now?"

"Yeah, lets go."

***

When Ella and Connie got down to the Great Hall, there was a fair amount of people down there. They look at who was sitting at the Gryffindor table. They saw Ben and sitting next to him was Alex. "You know what El?"

"What?"

"This may sound crazy, but I think your brother is cute."

"My brother?"

"Yeah, your brother."

"Are you serious?"

"Yeah, I am."

"Wow, I didn't know that."

"I know you didn't, because I think he just started looking cute."

"My brother? You are talking about my brother, right?"

"Yes I am talking about your brother."

"You sure you don't want to come over for Christmas vacation?"

"I think I'll consider that option now."

"You fruit!"

"Thank you. I know I am and damn proud of it, too."

"Haha."

***

"Hey Ben, look up at who just walked in."

"Why?"

"Just do it."

"Fine." Ben looked up and as soon as he did he became frantic. "Is my hair OK? DO I look OK? Does my breath smell? DO I have anything stuck in my teeth? DO I sound paranoid? Answer me before they come over here."

"It looks like they are coming over here."

"Really?" Ben looked towards the girls, "No it doesn't."

"No, but they are now. Hey Ella, Connie, over here!"

"You asshole."

"Only for you."

"Better be quiet because here they come. Hey El. Hey Connie."

"Hey! Ben have you gotten anything for Mum and Dad yet for Christmas?"

"No, why?"

"Because I don't know what to get them."

"Well, when we go to Hogsmeade how about we get something for them together. Have you even begun to get anybody anything for Christmas yet? Or do you plan on waiting until the last minute like always?"

"Last minute like always."

"A lot of good that does you." Ben rolled his eyes, "Have you talked to Chris lately?"

"No I haven't. In fact, I haven't even seen her around."

"Strange, neither have I. Alex, have you seen her?"

"No, not that I know of."

"How about you Connie?"

"No, sorry Ben."

"I guess I'll just have to wait until tonight."

"Hey Ben, you wouldn't mind if Connie comes over for Christmas vacation, would you?"

"Why would I El? Any friend of yours is welcome at our house you know that."

"I'm just making sure. I never know what you're thinking. Come on Connie, lets go write letters to our parents. Bye Ben. Bye Alex." Ella waved goodbye and Connie and her turned to walk out the door.

***

Dear Mum and Dad,

It's Ella. Even though you haven't written back yet, I decided to write you another letter. I was just wondering if it was possible for Connie to come over for Christmas vacation. I know it's a while away, but I just wanted to ask ahead of time just to make sure it's OK with you guys. I hope you say yes. I know you're friends with Connie's parents anyways so I am pretty sure you can talk them into it if they say no. I would really like to have her over this year since she wasn't able last year because of certain family business. I hope you will consider this greatly and I love you all. If you are wondering, I am doing fine and so is everyone else. Love you and talk to you later.

Love,

Ella J. Potter

"There, my letter is done. Now you write one to your parents and see what they say."

"OK. Can you hand me some parchment please?"

"Here you go."

"Thank you."

"No problem."

Connie picked up the quill, dipped it into the ink and started to write.

Dear Mum and Dad,

I hope you don't mind me asking again, but I was wondering if I could go over to the Potter house for Christmas vacation. Ella has asked, but hasn't gotten a response quite yet. Even so, at least consider it. I never got to last year because of that little family thing. I think I should be able to go over there this year. If I have to, I will beg. You don't want to see or hear me beg, do you? Didn't think so. Please, please, please consider this. It would mean so much to me if I could. Talk this over with the Potter's if you have to. Do whatever you can to make this work. Thank you so much for taking so much out of your time to arrange this for me. Thank you. Talk to you later.

Love,

Connie L. Weasley

"All done."

"Yay!"

"I can go!"

"You can? How did you know so fast without sending your letter to them yet?"

"Oh, yeah. I forgot about that. It's just that my letter made it sound like I could already go. Maybe I can't go. I don't know; we'll just have to wait for a response."

"Good idea."

"Lets go to the owlery now, OK?"

"OK. I can't wait until I get a letter from Mum and Dad."

"Neither can I."

***

Connie and Ella where in the owlery, but they weren't aware of the person all ready there. Chris was standing out of view trying to listen to their conversation. "You aren't just coming over to be around Ben all the time are you?"

"No, I'm not coming over just to see him. I am also coming to spend time with you, too. Mainly it's Ben, but not all of it."

"You're hopeless, you know that?"

"No, but thanks for bringing it up."

"You are always welcome."

"Come on, supper is going to be starting soon."

"Yeah, you're right, lets go." Ella and Connie turned to leave and walked out of the Owlery. When Chris was sure they were gone, she came out and left the Owlery as well. Connie likes Ben, huh? Well, I'm sure Mum and Dad would love to know about this one. I'll have to tell them in the next letter. Maybe I should tell Ben too and really embarrass Connie. Am I that Evil? Well, kinda. Hmmm, what to do. I'll decide later. Right now, I am hungry. Chris was on her way down to the Great Hall deciding whether or not to tell Ben.

"Chris, there you are! I haven't seen you around in days! Where have you been?" Chris turned around to see who is was. It was Ella.

"Oh, hey El. I have been studying. How have you been?"

"Wait, how come you are being so nice? You've never been nice. What are you up to?"

"Nothing. I just thought that my old attitude didn't do me any good here. All I would do is get myself into trouble. Now what good will that do me? None."

"Well, I guess you have gotten a change in attitude. Tomorrow do you want to have out? We better at least hang out once when we are here."

"OK, fine with me."

"Meet me in front of the Gryffindor common room tomorrow at 9 a.m. OK?"

"OK, I'll be ready by then."

"Talk to you later."

"Yep, bye."

***

"Hey Ben, I have a question for you."

"What?"

"Well, my Dad has an important meeting to go to over seas and my mom is visiting my older sister, so my dad was wondering if I can go to your house for Christmas vacation so I don't have to spend it alone."

"Oh, well, I can ask my parents. I'm sure that you can."

"Thanks."

"No problem. I'm writing a letter to them right now, so I'll also include that."

"OK."

***

"Oh look Harry, we finally got a letter from Chris. There is also one here from Ella."

It had been about two weeks since they had gotten a letter from Ella and Ben. Harry's dreams stopped and knew Hermione wouldn't do that because she wasn't that kind of person.

"Mummy, when is Ellie, Ben, and Chris coming home?"

"Not until Christmas. Sorry Roy."

"How long is that?"

"Not for a few months."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, sorry."

"OK. Mummy, can I write them a letter?"

"Yes, you can."

"Yay!"

"But first I am going to make lunch. How about you go and find your sister and play with her until I am done, OK?"

"OK. ANNA! Where are you?"

"How about you go and find her instead of yelling. That way you can find her faster."

"OK." Roy ran off.

"How about reading those letters now, Hermione?"

"OK. I want to read Chris's first. I want you to start writing a response before they think something is wrong. Later today we need to go see Ron and talk about that house."

"OK, OK, I get the picture already. Give me Ella's letter please."

"Here." Hermione handed Harry Ella's letter to him.

Harry opened up Ella's letter and began to read. Hermione did the same with Chris'. When they were both done they switched letters.

"Would it be OK with you?" said Hermione all of a sudden the sound of her voice made him jump at that moment.

"About what?"

"Have Connie come for Christmas."

"Why wouldn't it be OK?"

"I don't know. I'm just making sure."

"OK. It's fine with me. Is it OK with you?"

"Yes, it is OK with me."

"OK then, I'll tell her that when I write to her."

"You do that then. I better go start making lunch."

"OK, I'm going to start writing back to them both."

"OK."

***

It was nighttime and Harry and Hermione where getting ready for bed.

"Did you send the letter to them?"

"Yes, I did."

"Good."

"Harry, you're OK now, right?"

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?"

"I don't know. I just have a weird feeling about something. I don't know what, but I just do."

"You don't think it would have anything to do with-"

"NO HARRY! Don't even think that. Just go to sleep."

"Are you OK, Hermione?"

"I'll be fine. Good night Harry."

"Night Hermione."