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Chapter 34 : Blur
|Rating: Mature
|Chapter Reviews: 60
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The effect doesnt exactly carry out as intended if, thirty minutes later, the two of you are crammed tightly together inside the backseat of a car roughly the size of a shopping cart.
For two whole hours.
Pressed against Potters left side, my knee grazing white-hot against his, I tried to keep myself from screaming bloody murder. Lord knows it wouldnt exactly be beneficial to my public imagewhich, I have learned, tends to suffer a bit when you incite a high speed Death Eater chase through a half-destroyed governmental building. While barefoot. And wielding a sword.
Yeah. In Hr. Malfoys words, Id been declared slightly unhinged, with a self-destructive attitude and a warped sense of priorities. Which, in fancy psychoanalyst language, basically means I had turned into one of those girls who hurls herself off cliffs and into oceans just so she can see what its like to feel again.
Which, in Bad Teen Romance Novel language, means Im off my rocker.
Aidan evidently seemed to agree with Hr. Malfoy's assessment. He was currently sitting on my other side, his shoulders and neck hunched under the low roof of the car, and he kept on shooting me these shifty glances. Like he was afraid that at any moment I might dive out of the sunroof and dance naked into oncoming traffic for funsies, or something.
I saved his life. The areshole.
Then again, those shifty glances might not be due to my self-destructive attitude (because lets face it, the blokes known me for fifteen years. Surely hes caught on to the fact that his sisters a nutter by now). But rather, my close proximity to Potter, which according to the Universal Laws of Overprotective Brotherhood, is a Cause for Suspicion.
When we were clambering into the car, I swear Id seen a strange flicker in Aidans eyes as I slid into the backseat next to Potter. Hed looked almost hostile, and for a second I thought he was going to try and lunge over me so he could sit in between us. But then the moment was gone and I knew, in his teenage boy mind, that turning into a virtual human barrier to protect his sister didnt quite outrank the loss of dignity that would come from sitting bitch.
You know what Hr. Malfoy says, Aggy, Mr. Potter was instructing from the front. It was so weird to watch him, The Chosen One, do something as menial as driving. His hands were relaxed on the steering wheel. La dee da. Death Eaters, wandfire, destruction, explosions. Just another day in the life of Harry Potter. Make sure you stay hydrated. You exerted yourself a lot tonight. You need rest. I can speak to your mother and stepfather over the phone and let them know what happened. You just focus on recovering.
I was amazed that Mr. Potter could be acting so kind and reassuring right now. His remarkably calm attitude almost made it feel like everything was completely normal, like we were all on some jolly road trip to the beach or something.
But no. Instead, we were driving home. Away from the half-destroyed Ministry. Away from the Death Eaters who had, amidst all the confusion and chaos, narrowly escaped the Aurors and disappeared into the darkness. Away form that whole awful, blasted nightmare of a Ball.
Diving home.
And Potter was pressed fully, unavoidably, into my side. I could tell he was trying to put as much space in between us as possible. He had practically glued himself to the side of the car door, and his jaw was clenched into a pained grimace. He obviously would rather be anywhere but here, sitting next to me.
The thought made my chest throb.
A hot shower sounded nice right about now. And a warm, cozy bed with squishy pillows. Yes. I knew exactly what I was going to do. The minute the car pulled into the Potters driveway, I was going to make a beeline to the bathroom, then to bed, then to blissful, beautiful sleep...
But this lovely idea turned out to be nothing more than a far-fetched pipe dream. Because when the car finally pulled into the driveway, and Mr. Potter cut the rumbling engine, and Aidan, Potter and I shook ourselves awake... We got out of the car
...And walked right into an epileptics worst nightmare.
I whirled backwards, slamming into the side of the car as my vision was overtaken by a sudden burst of bright, blinding light. Then I turned and realized that it wasnt the hard surface of the Pottermobile I had stumbled into, but rather James Potters torso.
I looked dizzily into his scowling face and, eyes widening, tripped backwards again this time actually hitting the car.
Miss Bennett! Flash.
Over here! Flash. Flash.
Agatha Bennettwhat are your opinions on the low quality of security at the Ministry? Flash.
Aggy! Any idea who the perpetrators were? Flash. Flash. Flash.
What were you thinking when you took that sword?
In the wintry night air, I looked around me and saw an overwhelming mass of people crowded around the Potter mansion. They all held camerasthat was what was making the flashes, and together they formed a sea made up of icy, sparkling blossoms of light.
It almost would have been pretty, if it werent for the dread welling up inside me.
Paparazzi, Potter growled, and I could see, for once, the surprise playing on his features. Surprise and anger. It was obvious he wasn't a big fan of reporters probably from having had to deal with them his whole life.
I watched as his shoulders tensed and, for a moment, his arm reached out instinctively. Towards me.
As if he wanted to grab me by the elbow and... help me, or something. Guide me through the crowd. Make sure I was okay.
Ever the Gryffindor Potter and his stupid, noble reflexes.
But not this time, not for me. We weren't speaking anymore. I felt my chest clench as Potter lowered his arm firmly to the side and turned away.
Self-restraint, thy name is Potter.
Trying to ignore the emotions churning inside me, I looked back towards the sea of lights that was surging forward... It stood between us and the front door of the houseand more importantlyme and my bed.
Somehow, in the course of two hours... I had turned famous.
Oh, hell no, Aidan whispered from where he was standing next to me.
Couldnt have said it better myself, brother.
Mr. Potter quickly got out of the car and went to help Ginny, but not before surveying our surroundings in dismay and growling a string of profanities. Oh no, Agatha, were so sorry about this
Its fine really, not your fault! I tried to yell across, but was promptly drowned out by the clamoring hoard of people screaming my name.
Oh, fuck. The only other time Id been shouted at this loudly was when I accidentally walked in front of the telly while Potter, Aidan and Fred were watching the last few seconds of the Quidditch Cup last summer.
Aidan and Potter went back around the car to help Mr. Potter with his wife, leaving me standing like a Petrificusd chipmunk, staring into the crowd.
I am so not cut out for this.
Its The Girl Who Saved the Sword!
Aggy, blow us a kiss!
Agatha: Butterbeer or Firewhiskey?
Zonkos or Wizards Wheezes? Chudley Canons or Puddlemere?
The last question almost had me.
My mouth dropped open as I readied myself to say that the Canons were the only obvious contenders for this year's World Cup, and anyone who said otherwise should be made to repeat kindergarten, when a reemerging Mr. Potter grabbed me by the arm.
Agatha! Are you ready?
I turned blankly to him. What?
Mr. Potters lips quirked into a bitter, almost apologetic smile. I felt a twinge of guilt, remembering that I was the reason for all of this. He smiled that bracing smile of his, and said matter-of-factly, To run the gauntlet, of course.
And then, his hand gripping my elbow, we dived into the crowd.
But as it turns out, when faced with a fervent group of reporters, using Harry Potterr - the most famous man in the wizardring world - as a human shield isnt the best tactic.
Mr. Potter! Mr. Potter! Did you get the toenail clippings I sent you? One reporter (who, now that I think about it, probably fell more under the crazed stalker' category) lunged at Mr. Potter, wrenching his grip from my arm. My cry of surprise was muffled by the ensuing clump of people swarming towards The Boy Who Lived.
It was like being in a mosh pit. On steroids.
Arghh - no, not the hair! - AGATHA, SAVE YOURSELF, Mr. Potter managed before he was dragged away into the mass.
I gaped after his disappearing form and then whipped around, trying to stifle the panic inside me. Where was Aidan? WHERE WAS AIDAN?
Shit. SHIT. CALM DOWN. Oh god, my claustrophobia was really kicking in! This was the end, wasn't it? - This, right here, was how I was supposed to go.
How does one even explain death by claustrophobia? Was I really going to be known forever as that girl who survived the Death Eater attack but then later died because she was, what, around too many people?!
If Dom were here, shed tell me to get a hold of myself and calm my tits. But shes not. Shes not here and Im PANICKING AND OH GOD WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY TITS WHY WONT THEY JUST CALM. THE FUCK. DOWN.
Miss Bennett?
I turned around to see a blonde reporter who was practically foaming at the mouth. Her crimson nails shone in the moonlight. It was obvious she wasnt here for just another Go Team Ministry! article. No, she wanted the juicy gossip. She wanted a story.
First of all, I would like to say its very remarkable that you managed to put you and all your friends in such jeopardy and still emerge alive. Very good luck indeed. Her smile was wide, but her tone vicious. Her statement was both a compliment and an insult. Aggy confused.
Er, thanks? I began, but she was already continuing, voice smooth and alluring.
However, Agatha, I would like to ask for comment on a circulating rumor. You see, its beenahsuggested that youre associating yourself with the Potter family as a way to put yourself in the public limelight. And this, wellstunt, well call itat the Ministry tonight was just another desperate plea for attention. Now, Witch Weekly wants to knowis this true? After all, we all know how needy teenaged girls can be.
What? Shame flushed through me, hot and furious. Erm - I - well, I stuttered helplessly. My insides twisted with hysteria. Did people actually think this?
Oh god, what if Mr. and Mrs. Potter, who had been so kind to me, heard this lie and believed it? My face exploded into red. I felt close to crying.
Well? The reporter demanded cruelly. Why was she being so horrible? What had I ever done to her? Quite frankly, appearances would have to agree. You look the type. Plain, boring, cast aside..." She paused, simpering, before going in for the kill. "Im sure that, when you found the sword, you saw within it a chance to escape your doomed fate of mediocrity. Let me guessyouve always been hiding behind the shadows of some older, better, brighter sister... Am I right?
Actually, began a voice that I recognized instantly, and Potter stepped forward from the crowd. I took in his raised eyebrows, the wry twist of his mouth, hardly believing it all. He was saving me, pulling me out of this mess. You have it wrong.
But... his voice wasnt right. It was laughing. Mocking. Cruel and cold and strangely alluring; white starlight. The sound slammed into my chest like lead. No sister. She hides behind her brother instead. Though I wouldnt be surprised if the other stuff were true; she is a Slytherin, after all.
It was like a slap to the face. The reporter cackled in delight, scribbling this lovely new information down. My mouth dropped open as the betrayal welled inside me. THE ARSE. How could he?
Potters expression was bitingly unapologetic as he folded his arms over his chest; there was a slight, smug lilt to the corner of his mouth, a challenge sparking in his gaze.
I wanted to punch himI was going to punch himbut then I remembered. We were in front of a bunch of camera-happy reporters. And, more importantly, his parents. Right.
Looking into Potters stupid, smirking face, I stated louder than necessary: I would never take advantage of the generosity that Mr. and Mrs. Potter have showed me. I wanted to add some snarky remark about Potter, a jab I could throw in to give me the last laugh, but I stopped myself. Its what hed expect you to do, my brain scolded. Be the bigger person, Aggy.
So instead, I lowered my voice and looked him in the eye, for once not bothering to cover up my emotions, for once letting the hurt bleed into my voice. I cant believe youd think that.
Potter was no longer smirking. His face betrayed no emotionjust the slightest darkening of his eyesas he spun around, broad shoulders pushing through the crowd.
I fought back the urge to holler something nasty at his retreating frame. It was funny. Being the bigger person and being the loser felt oddly similar.
I turned back to the Nasty Blonde Reporter. She was watching me with sharp, beady eyes.
What do you want? I snapped. Havent you had your fill?
Judging by the ghastly smile on her face, she hadnt. Not yet. Oh, Agatha Bennett, Im going to have fun with you.
And then she snapped her notepad into a crocodile case, gave a simpering smirk, and stalked off.
A long while later, when I finally made it inside the Potter mansion, my elbows were sore from pushing through so many people, Id obtained some serious sex hair without going through the actual process of serious sex, and my vision had mysteriously disappeared and been replaced with one of those grainy, white noise TV channels.
So. Many. Fucking. Flashbulbs.
I gingerly stumbled through the front door, directing what seemed like all the strength in my body into not acquiring a minor head concussion. The heavy front door swung shut behind me, and at last there was silence.
Ah, peace.
I automatically flinched as Harry Potters voice bellowed through the hallway, coming from somewhere in the vicinity of the kitchen.
I had to go find mum, came Potters calm, unflappable reply. I could just imagine him sitting there, leaning back in his chair with lazy arrogance, not a concern in the world. I had to admire him for keeping his cool. Under such fatherly disapproval, I would have caved long ago.
Then again, Im a scaredy, brown-noser Slytherin who constantly craves outside validation from adults. One of my top goals in life is to find a boyfriend that my parents like. Yeah, thats right. Like.
And I consider The Wiggles to be legitimate authority figures. They actually inspire fear in me. If one of them told me they didnt approve of my outfit, I would probably break down and cry.
Come on. Snap out of it, Agatha. Shaking myself into reality, I crept towards the kitchen doorway to listen.
Agatha is our guest, James. Mr. Potters voice was straining with obvious anger. And we dont just leave guests to drown in swarms of paparazzi! Thats not a very hospitable thing to do.
Potter snorted. Please. She was fine. She was talking up all the reporters, probably having the time of her life. The utter contempt in his voice stung, and my mouth dropped open in outrage.
Oh yeah, getting battered with lies and insults by some woman in a bad perm was exactly what I considered a fun Friday night. In fact, it goes right under the Hobbies section on my Wizbook page.
Still, its your responsibility to look after her
She is not my responsibility. For once, Potters voice held a spark of angerhis voice had almost bordered a shout. It was completely opposite his usual bored, apathetic drawl. My heart skipped a beat at the intensity.
There was a pause. Than Mr. Potter said, significantly, Thats not what you seemed to think at the Ministry. When you carried her outside.
A scoffing laugh. Just drop it, okay? Stop pretending like you actually know whats goin
You care about this girl, James, I know you do. I can see it
Drop it.
So whyd you leave her outside?
I told you, I had to take care of Mum! Someone has to, at least.
The accusation hidden in Potters voice was painfully obvious. For a moment, the conversation seemed to jerk to a halt. I could hear my heartbeat pounding in my own ears as I held my breath, waiting for the next word.
When Mr. Potter spoke again, his voice was frosty cold.
This isnt how I raised you, James.
You? Raise me? Lets not delude ourselves, Dad.
There was a tense pause.
Finally, Mr. Potter let out a long-winded sigh. It seemed as though he had no response, and was now just giving in.
I hadnt known surrendering was The Chosen Ones style. Then again, it turns out theres been a lot of things I hadnt known about the fabled Potter family.
Im going to find Agatha, Mr. Potter said civilly. I trust Aidan and your mother made it into the house fine?
There was a hitch of silence. For a second, I thought Potter was going to ignore his dad completely. But then he said, just as restrained and polite as his father, Yeah. They did.
Okay. Thank you. Mr. Potters voice seemed to carry some guilt. I could tell that he hated that it wasnt him, but his son who had to be the responsible for Ginny. My heart ached for the poor guy. Check up on Lil, will you? I think your mother already did but... Just in case.
Words are a funny thing. You know when you read a page out of, say, a History of Magic textbook and you get to the bottom after five minutesonly to realize that you hadnt absorbed a single sentence of what you just read?
Yeah. That was kind of like what happened to me in that moment. Except, you know, with listening.
I mean, I heard what was coming out of Mr. Potters mouth as I stood, hidden, by the doorway. I nodded alongeardrums perfectly intact, understanding of the English language as clear as everbut I didnt actually hear what he was saying. I was just kind of like Oh, sweet, hes gonna check up on me? What a nice guy, that Mr. Potter! Hed make a great father-in-law. Too bad his sons a douche. Oh well, theres always Albus.
But then, things started to click together.
Mr. Potter was going to look for me. Lil' old me who was, currently, standing right outside in the hallway, eavesdropping on his conversation. Lil' old me who was about to be discovered by the participants of said conversation. Lil' old me who had a long-standing, rocky re-hate-tionship with one of said participants of said conversation.
Lil' old me.
My brain kicked in at the last minute. Retreat, retreat! It was screaming, but it was already to late. Just as I started to back away further into the darkness of the hallway, there was the sound of two chairs scraping back and ominous footsteps.
Mr. Potter rounded the corner and almost right into me. He startled, stopping in his tracks. Oops. Potter, who was standing behind him, stopped too, raising his eyebrows and leaning against the kitchen table in a manner that said, This ought to be good.
Hi, Mr. Potter blurted out, obviously rattled at my genie-like appearance into his doorway.
I took in a deep breath, trying to appear as ignorant and blithe as possible, as if Id just had the most amazing time chatting up reporters and signing book deals and agreeing to doing Coca-Cola commercials, and hadnt just heard every word of the almost blowout fight he and his son had been having.
At ease. I was one-hundred-percent at ease.
Hello! I practically sang. Okay. Maybe I should turn down the cheery manic-ness just a teensy bit. I sounded like a possessed Care Bear.
Agatha! Mr. Potter cleared his throat and adjusted his already saggy tie, hastily putting on a rather unconvincing smile. Good to see you. We are so sorry for the paparazzi problem
Why? I cocked my head in sincere confusion as I breezed past him, through the doorway and into the brightly lit kitchen. I needed some water, stat. My throat was getting dry with nerves, plus I needed something to occupy my mouth before I started rambling (and no, Potters lips was not a valid suggestion). I mean, it was totally my fault.
You can say that again, Potter drawled out just low enough for me to hear as I passed him. My hip rammed into the table he was leaning against as I flinched.
Apparently though, Potter hadnt been quiet enough, because his dad whipped around and shot him a glare that, had it been in my direction, would have scared the pants off of me.
No, seriously. Potter was unfazed, his voice icy. Id like her to literally say it again. Just let me get my tape recorder first. He rocked forward onto his feet in a smooth, effortless motion, stepping away from the table and closer to me. His face was filled with mock surprise, voice low and derisive. This might be the first time in history that shes ever admitted to something actually being her fault.
That is enough, Mr. Potter slashed through, sending me an apologetic look. Agatha, Im so sorry
No, um, its okay. It is totally my fault. I nodded, tucking the hair behind my ear. I tried to muster up a reassuring smile, but it probably just came across as a pained grimace...or like the face Dom makes when shes trying to floss (its not pretty).
I grabbed a glass off the smooth marble counter and filled it with water from the Potters state-of-the-art sink, (which, incidentally, had about as many different settings as a Jacuzzi).
I was determined not to say anything snarky. I gulped the water down ferociously to prevent myself from opening my mouth and spitting out a nasty reply.
Mr. Potter shook his head, obviously sensing the tension between us. Well, if you and your brother are safe inside the house, thats all that matters. Im going to check on Lily. Will one of you turn out the lights when you come upstairs?
Neither of us said anything. Potter continued to look at me with that annoying, scrutinizing stare. I finished off the last of the water and poured in some more.
After his dad finally left, there was pounding silence. I glanced out the window as I sipped, determined not to talk or even acknowledge Potter. And dont even get me started on leaving. Just because Potter was here didnt mean I couldnt be as well. This was my kitchen too. Or, at least, for the next five days.
In fact, the two of us seemed to both be thinking the same thing. This was another challenge. A turf war, if you will. Neither of us wanted to back down, to retreat into some other corner of the house. It was me against him, like always. And this time, the stakes were pride... and fridge access.
You dont mess with the fridge access.
I swallowed hard, still watching the sky. It was lateor rather, early. In about five hours, the sun would rise and kids all over the UK would be getting up and running downstairs to unwrap their Christmas presents.
But it didnt feel like Christmas. Not when I had to spend it with someone who seemed to carry a reservoir of hatred and snarky comments, dedicated specifically to me. Honestly, if there was one Christmas present Id want, itd be him gone. But I doubt Santa ever did kidnapping requests, so...
I turned around, away from the sink, to see Potter. He was sitting on the table now, looking completely unbothered, as if my presence wasnt distracting... or, really, even existent. He was staring at the window, too, at the darkened sky. The moonlight made his features more dazzling than usualthe sculpted planes of his face, the tilt of his lips, the simmering gold in his eyes. It was so unfair.
Pretty boys. Theyll be your death, let me tell you.
Its Christmas tomorrow, I blurted out ridiculously, randomly. As if he didnt know. As if he werent capable of reading a calendar. I clutched the glass in my hand, half-wary and half-curious to see what hed say. Actually, its Christmas right now.
Potter swiveled his gaze to me, coolly cocking an eyebrow. I shrunk back, berating myself for speaking to him. I could tell by the spark in his eye that Id awoken the dragon, and now I would have to deal with the burn.
With an agile thud, he jumped down to the ground and ambled a few steps forward, head cocked at me. Very good, Bennett, He said the way a kindergarten teacher might speak to a particularly slow student. Now tell me, what number comes after four?
Gee, I dont know. How bout you count it out on my fist as it flies towards your face? I wanted to spit back. Or, even better, physically demonstrate.
Instead, I just smiled politely, feeling my insides crackle with frustration as I turned around and rinsed my glass in the sink. Just trying to make conversation, I said softly.
Conversation? Potter laughed darkly. I watched as the water from the tap overflowed into my glass, trying not to flinch. Since when do we have conversations?
He had a point.
I snapped off the tap and slammed the glass forcefully onto the counter, feeling the anger pulse erratically inside my chest. I turned around to see Potters eyebrows raised innocently, his hands in his pockets. He was watching me patiently, knowing I was this close to blowing up.
You know what, Potter?
What, Bennett? He replied calmly as he stepped forward. He was egging me on, wrapping me up in my own hysteria and sitting back to watch as I unraveled in front of him and I knew it.
I took a breath.
His eyes, crackling with amber electricity, met mine. We were only a feet apart.
He was waiting.
Nothing, I muttered, looking down as the heat pooled into my cheeks. Does anyone have some salt? Sugar? Water? Something to make this pride go down a little easier as I swallow it? Nothing. Im just... Im just gonna go to bed. Goodnight.
I stepped forward, but he sidestepped right, effectively blocking my path. Argh.
Now we both know thats not it, Bennett, There was a tempting glint in his eyes, his voice dark and alluring. It was almost as if he wanted me to blow up at him.
No, I mumbled, unable to look at him. The anger inside me had dimmed, and now all that was left was a pulsing emptiness. That's very it. Now can I please get past?
I could feel his gaze roaming my face, scrutinizing me for any sign of weakness. I held my breath, not daring to make a sound. The dark kitchen was quiet for a moment as Potter stared and stared and stared.
Then, he shook his head and stepped aside. Fine, he said with that same stinging brand of skepticism he had always reserved just for me.
I brushed past him, determined not to show how hard I was shaking. Anger was thrashing in my chest, but there was also something else - a hollow pit in my stomach that throbbed and ached. Goodnight. My whisper was barely audible. Potter didnt respond, crossing his arms, strange gaze never leaving me.
I ran out of the room like my life depended on it.
Its not that bad.
Not that bad? Freddy, thats like saying Voldemort is just a nice guy 'once you get to know him! This is a disaster! I look like a naked mole rat!
Freddy Weasley squinted his light blue eyes at the newspaper in his hand, face looking like he was trying to suppress a particularly powerful sneeze. No, really. You dont look like a naked mole rat at all. You look completely human.
I knew better, though. That was the face Freddy always made when he tried to lie.
And you, my friend, look completely constipated. Snatching the newspaper away and ignoring the ensuing offended gasp, I stood up and stalked over to the sink, breathing rather harsh.
Doms chair, which had been leaning precariously backwards, slammed forward onto its two front legs. No, seriously Aggy! My best friend protested, tendrils of curly hair trembling as she shook her head. Freddys right! You look totally human! She paused. Well. More or less. Maybe with a hint of goblin thrown in there...
I gave an aggravated scream, chucking the newspaper so hard into the rubbish bin that I wouldnt be surprised if the earth had just shifted on its axis a teensy-weensy bit.
This. Was. So. Unfair.
The three of us were in the Potters kitchen, whichnow that it was morning and everything was filled with warm sunlight and the smell of cinnamon rollsseemed completely different from the shadowy lair where Potter and I had held our little Fridge Access Showdown last night. Fred and Dom had come over for Christmas, bringing with them a mountain of presents and some bad news for me. And when I say news, I mean that in the most literal sense.
Because The Daily Prophet had just printed a cover story. About me. The headline?
Honestly, I hadnt even bothered to read it. Id been a little too busy staring at the absolutely horrendous picture of me they'd planted right in the middle of the page.
It was obviously taken from last night, when wed been ambushed by the paparazzi.
Not only was the photo in black and white (never flattering), but in it, my face was completely pale cause of the flash. Draco Malfoy pale, in fact. My eyes were closed, my mouth gaping open in a flattering, Oh hey, check out a view of my tonsils! kind of way, and my hair was pulled back so that, because of the trick of light, I looked bald.
At this rate, no guy who sees this is going to want to come near me.
I wonder where the nearest pet store is. I should probably start stocking up on cat food for my inevitable future as a lonely spinster cat lady.
Hey, cheer up, Aggs. Honest to Merlin, you look fine. That picture is, er, refreshing! Its a good change from all those air-brushed, perfect supermodels you see these days, Freddy soothed, ever the chipper one.
I whipped around, face scathing. Oh, yes, thank you for that, Freddy. Because my top concern was that Id look too much like a supermodel. Isnt that what every girl worries about these days?
Im serious. You look good! Fred just didnt know when to stop. I narrowed my eyes at him, and his face quickly fell.
I mean, n-no! You dont! He hastily amended. You look horrible! Hideous even! Only thing worse-looking than that photo is the masticated breakfast that I barf up after seeing it!
Now it was Doms turn to give him the stink-eye. Freddy looked between the two of us, obviously panicked. Have either of you lost weight, by any chance?
Just stop. Please. Its for your own good, Freddy. Dom rolled her eyes from where she was kicking back in one of the wooden chairs, decked out in a sloppy bun and one of Potters Quidditch hoodies.
...Not that I, you know, kept track of his hoodies or anything. I just saw the name on the back. That was all. And under no circumstances did my heart skip a beat when I saw those letter printed in bold red.
Nope. And I definitely did not envision the owner of that name, shirtless on a broomstick and dripping in Nutella. Not at all. Because that would be weird! Anyway.
Where are Potter and Aidan?
Sleeping, I responded automatically, checking my watch. It was quarter to two. Teenaged boys and their REM cycles. They never ceased to amaze me.
How are you guys? Freddy murmured. His voice was light and easy, but I couldnt resist the scowl crawling onto my face nevertheless.
Who? Me and Potter? Never better, I said casually, though as much as I tried to seem nonchalant, I was, in fact, very chalant. Very chalant indeed. I told him off at his birthday party, so yesterday it was his turn to yell at me. Now were even.
Really? Are you serious? Freddy moaned, looking up from the table to exchange a pained glance with Dom.
What? I demanded. Dom looked like shed been brutally stabbed in the spleen, while Fred looked like hed just been witness to said brutal stabbing.
Dom sighed, lips pursed. Nothing. It's just... Why cant you two get along?
I shrugged casually, pouring myself a cup of tea from the kettle. Oh, I dont know... Something about the universe being centered on me, and how I always have to be the one to save the day. His words, not mine.
Do you know how awkward it is for us to watch you guys fight? Freddy whined, puppy dog eyes big and pleading.
I took an unfazed sip of tea. Well. Take it up with Potter. Hes the one saying hes done with me.
Dom rolled her eyes. He doesnt mean that, Aggy. Dude, you should have seen him at the Ministry. You scared the bacheesus out of him. He sprinted to get to you, after you were almost hit with...you know, the curse. He carried you all the way outside, wouldnt let anyone touch you until he found a Healer. Then he almost beat the shit out of Draco Malfoy for saying youd have to wait to be treated like everyone else. Grabbed him by the shirt and everything.
Fred snorted, mumbling something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like Lousy albino ferret.
Nodding sagely, Dom continued on, Malfoy took one look at Jamess face and quickly changed his mind. The kids quite the intimidating one when he wants to be.
I scowled. Look, that doesnt change the fact that after I woke up from all of this, he proceeded to play wrecking ball with my self-esteem. The things he said were... totally uncalled for.
Dom and Fred exchanged another one of their Cousin Telepathy Looks that I adored oh-so-much.
Aggy, Dom began hesitantly. Youre my best friend. Of course Im on your side. But just keep in mind that youre not completely faultless either.
She paused, as if waiting for me to interrupt and batter her with protests. And, you know what? Maybe a week ago I would have. But now, it was different. I was different. Any other time, I might have ignored the sinking feeling in my chest that told me Dom was right. But now, I simply accepted it. I had punched the kid in the face, after all. That didnt exactly warrant me a Miss Congeniality sash.
Could this be what...What maturity feels like?
I know, alright? I finally responded. I know I havent been on the best behavior. But I do find it a little suspicious that the only time Potters doing nice things for me is when Im conveniently unconscious... And oh will you two just stop with the looks already?
Freddy and Dom turned towards me with identical grins that could only have been made creepier with some clown face paint and matching machetes. I stared blankly.
What? I asked, annoyed.
Fred just slowly shook his head, wiping an invisible tear from his eye and clasping his hands over his heart with standing-ovation-worthy melodrama. Oh ma lawd, Mama, would you just take a looskie at that? He cried in an (extremely poor) imitation of an American southern belle.
Our little Aggy has done and gone all grown up! Heavens me! This was accompanied by some fake swooning and fainting that I did not appreciate.
My oh my!
Golly gee!
Har har. Very funny. Just so you know, Freddy, Im now imagining you in a ball gown and matching parasol.
Well butter me on both sides and call me a biscuit!
I do declare!
Its pink. The parasol is pink.
Im so proud of our little lass!
Such a wee one, she was!
Okay, now youre just phasing into Scottish accents. At least get your stereotypes right! Honestly. What next?
Crikey mate, its a good arvo in the outback today! And on cue, in bursts my brother The Crocodile Hunter, completely disheveled and still wearing his pajamaswhich included pants printed with a charming pattern of a cartoon troll picking bogeys out its nose. And then eating then.
...And this would be the moment where I would interject in typical Aggy-fashion something along the lines of, I need new friends, or Im surrounded by loonies.
But not today. Nope. Because I am mature.
Besides, friends you can try and avoid, but you cant really change family. That shit stays in your gene pool. Forever.
Aidan snatched the tea mug out of my hands and collapsed onto a nearby chair, draining it empty with horrifying glugging noises. We all watched him finish it in silent approval (Freddy) and disgust (Dom and I).
So, Aidan said when he was finished, wiping his mouth as he slammed the mug on the table. Whatcha guys talking about?
Er... For a moment, I panicked. I doubted Aidan would be thrilled to hear that the most pressing topic of conversation involving me right now also involved a certain black-haired Gryffindor.
The Potters! When lying, its best not to go that far from the truth. In my case, it was from singular to plural. Which isnt that bad, not really. Im sure theres some leeway in that Thou shalt not lie thing.
Really? Aidans eyebrows shot up. He dumped his feet on the table and leaned back, frowning.
Yeah! Dom said with chipperness deserving of a Cover Girl commercial. Fred coughed, looking again like he was sneeze-constipated. Sneezetipated. We were just talking about how amazing Mr. Potter was at the Ministry last night.
Aidan nodded, softening. He really was. Thank Merlin he came in when he did. I dont even want to think about what wouldve happened if he hadnt.
Seriously, Fred agreed. What is it with you Bennetts and your near-death experiences? Is it some kind of family tradition?
I shrugged. I knew that, after last night, I should be having all sorts of enlightening epiphanies and re-evaluations. If my life were a romantic comedy, right now would be the time where Id quit my deadbeat accounting job and confess love to my dream-guy in a rainy street or crowded airport terminal (though not before punching out the my childhood bully in an epic bar-fight scene). Right now would be where the whole movie turns around.
But in reality... I didnt feel much different. Sure, I was suddenly a lot more appreciative of a working heartbeat, but that whole night had felt so surreal that I hadnt really thought about it. I was just glad to be alive.
Mr. Potter is the bomb, Dom agreed fondly.
I looked up, curiosity perked. This is a random question, but does he get along with Albus? I just wanted to know. After all, I knew how Potter felt about his dad, but for some reason, the subject of his little brother had never been brought up.
Mr. Potter? Fred stared at me momentarily, and then shrugged. Well, he tries to. I mean, its hard, you know, since hes a little busy. People to see, worlds to save and all that.
I nodded, feeling a little disillusioned. Whats Albus like? Ive never really talked to the kid.
Hes cool. Good at Quidditch. Of course Freddy uses sports-playing as a persons main identifier. He could be describing Albus Dumbledore and, out of all the things to choose, simply say, Oh you know. Hes a pretty good Keeper. A little clumsy with a Beaters Bat, though.
Yeah, Dom affirmed affectionately. After James graduates, hes probably going to become Quidditch Captain.
As long as he doesnt do anything stupid like, I dont know, assign a girl the Seekers spot and then fall madly in love with her, Freddy threw in.
Dom snorted. But that would just be unfeasible.
On that note, the kitchen door swung open and in waltzed Potter, wearing a faded T-shirt that made him look unfairly good (there should be a rule about the thinness of a boys shirt in correlation to the drool-worthiness of his back muscles. Seriously) and his hair a tousled mess.
For a moment, there was a jerking silence as Potter and I locked eyes. My stomach plummeted to my feet, and then served as a cushy landing pad for my heart, which quickly followed suit on its suicide dive.
Potters eyes were bright gold, his face strangely serious. We stood, unmoving for a second, completely held in place by the searing gaze between us.
And thenand then Potters lips lifted up in a tiny, devastating smirk, and he walked right past me, like I didnt exist, like that moment between us hadnt even happened.
Wotcher, he tossed over his shoulder to Dom and Fred as he casually made his way to the fridge, grabbing the milk carton and taking a swig.
Oh my god, his voice was all thick with sleep and... and... sexy.
I cleared my throat. Was it getting hot in here?
I should probably go, I began slowly. Potter turned to look at me, eyebrows quirked, and my face flushed instantly.
Oh, of course. You probably have a press conference to go to and some newborn babies to kiss. Good luck, Potter drawled casually, sticking the milk back into the fridge. There was no outright nastiness in his voiceto Aidan and the others, it probably sounded like just another one of the jabs we constantly lobbed at each other.
But to me, there was a whole different meaning.
Damn it all.
On second thought, maybe Ill just stay, I smiled sweetly, before stalking over and plopping down on a chair next to a confused Dom. Slamming my feet on the table, I wiggled into my seat, getting comfortable.
Potters mouth quirked downwards irritably.
Sooooo, Fred drew out slowly, looking between me and Potter with wariness. There was a thumping silence in the air. Id say you could cut through the tension with a knife, but I actually think a chainsaw was more in order. What now?
Dom suddenly clapped her hands. Presents! She exclaimed brightly, almost demonically. Lets do presents!
Aw, Dom... Really? Do we have to do this?
Yes really, its Christmas! Christmas equals presents!
Right. Its so great youre not letting that whole 'Jesus dying for our sins' thing stand in the way of the true meaning of Christmas.
Ugh, no, please...
Its too early for this!
Fred lazy. No move.
Fine, fine, Ill go in a secOw! Ow! Okay, Im going right now! MERLIN.
Then there was a great kafuffle as everyone tried to find their presents and avoid getting mauled by Dom and her rabid Christmas spirit extremism. When we were all finally situated at the table again, Fred had a bleeding lip, there was a mini Mt. Everest of presents on the table, and Potter was sitting directly across from mehair ruffled, looking distinctly bored, and staring anywhere but at me.
Overall, everyone had a pretty decent haul. As was tradition, Dom squealed every time someone opened a gift, and Freddy insisted on wearing all the unwrapped ribbons and bows on his head. No one except Dom really actually cared that muchafter five years of returns, re-gifts, and wrong sizes, wed all pretty much accepted the fact that we were crap present-givers (one year, Freddy gave me a cotton swab. Itd already been used).
Mostly, the present process went along like this: we would all chat amongst ourselves, not really paying attention to the presents, until Dom would bark at one of us to go open something. The person would comply, unwrap, and then pretend to like whatever they got while secretly stashing the gift receipt away so it could be later used for an exchange/store credit. Gotta love that store credit.
This year, though, was actually better than most. Some of the highlights: Freddy received a matching sweater-set for him and Rufus the Gerbil. Aidan got a college-style shirt that said Ball So Hard University on the front (from yours truly), as well as a purple, glitter spray painted Quidditch helmet from all of us (the helmet was because he needed extra protection against beater bat-wielding psychopaths such as COoper, and the purple glitter spray paint was because...well, know one really knew, but Dom had insisted).
Dom gave me a Witch Weeklys hairstyling kit, Aidan got me a necklace with a dainty, golden quill charm, and Freddy gave me a giftcard from Wizards Wheezes that, in all reality, would probably end up either dusty and unused or sitting inside Aidan's wallet.
Though Freddy's real Christmas present to me was when he asked if it would be a good idea to give Evelyn a snuggie for Christmas, and I had the indescribable pleasure of telling him that yes, getting your two-month old, high maintenance, Slytherin girlfriend a snuggie for your first Christmas together was, indeed, a beautiful idea.
Dom, it turned out, also had a few surprises: the first was that tomorrow, she would be going on a surprise ski trip with Bridezilla (Victoire) and the rest of her fam in "the mothafucking Alps or Alaska or some other Yeti habitat shit" (her words, not mine), which meant I was pretty much left all by myself with the guys. Fun.
The second was five golden disks, each about the size of my palm, that basically looked like bloated coins. On one side were shiny mirrors. Apparently, Dom had gotten the idea from her Aunt Hermione, an old DA veteran.
Basically, all you had to do was look into the mirror and say the name of anyone in the group, and voila, instant access to that person's face.
And this, ladies and gentleman, is why magic is simply awesome.
"So, yeah," Dom rambled sheepishly, pretty face turning red. "I know it's a little corny, but this way we can talk to each other at all times. Just carry 'em around in your pocket and you're all set."
With that, she set the coins on the table.
"You charmed these yourselves?" Aidan squinted wondrously, his inner prankster obviously impressed.
Dom blushed flaming tomato red. "I mean, yeah, it's no big deal though, it was just a simple spell"
"No," I said with utmost seriousness, my Supportive Best Friend duties kicking in. "Dude, this is brilliant. It takes some really complex magic."
I reached across to grab one, but unfortunately, Potter apparently had the same idea. In one of those horribly cliché, PG-13 movie moments, our fingers brushed across each other, and the ensuing jolt up my arm was enough to power the city of Singapore.
I looked up, too surprised to mask my face, and met Potter's eyes. They seemed to sear right through me. There was a flash of deeper emotionwhether it was anger or desire or something else, I couldn't tell. Everything around us just seemed to stop.
Luckily, no one noticed our weird Press Pause moment. Neither did they notice the blatant lack of cheery gift giving between me and Potter.
Granted, all our other presents from past years had been cheap, last minute giftsItd almost been like a contest to see who could put in the least effort. One year, Potter gave me scissors. Another year, I gave Potter a rock. But this was the first year where there was absolutely nothing between us. It was weird.
I took a deep, shuddering breath, only to look up and see that Potter was still staring at me. Unabashedly. Almost like he was trying to figure me out.
I didn't like it.
"Don't you agree, Aggy? Aggy?" Dom's voice pulled me from my thoughts, and I startled.
"Huh?" I croaked attractively. Dom exchanged a pointed look with Fred, who she'd been chatting with, and sighed.
"Don't you agree that it's so great James is taking Aidan and Fred to the concert?"
Oh yeah. For Christmas, Potter had given Aidan and Fred tickets to some New Years concert they'd all been wanting to go to. I wasn't sure what band it was, or even what genre. It was probably just an excuse to get White Girl Wasted and party.
Not that I cared, or anything. Nope. I wasn't going to try and control what any of them did. Especially not Aidan.
Because I was mature.
I looked at Potter. The side to his mouth was quirked knowingly upwards, like he was almost expecting me to say something snarky and mum-ish. The smugness dancing in his gaze was too much for me to tolerate.
I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction.
"Yeah," I mumbled at Dom's general direction, all the while staring at the table. "Sounds like you guys'll have fun."
There was a subdued silence from the boys. I don't know what they'd been expecting, but it obviously wasn't that. Dom babbled on.
"Totally. I'm so jealous, I wish I could go tooand oh no, Agatha!"
My head shot up, my neck cricking painfully. "What?"
"I just realizedI'm going to be in the Alps and the boys are going to be at the concert and, oh, you're going to be alone for New Years!"
I blinked. "Oh," I said, monotone.
Aidan's brow was creased, and Fred was looking faintly guilty as well. "Well... Potter only has three tickets," Fred began, but was hastily elbowed in the ribs by Dom. "OW! I mean, uh, we don't have to go if you don't want us to. We could stay. We'd resent you because of it for the rest of eternity, but still. Whatevs."
Aidan was more serious. "Aggy," he said slowly, "I can stay here with you, and Freddy and Jimmy can go to the concert. Seriously. It's no big deal."
I stared at my brother's concerned face. He was being so sweet. And then I swiveled my gaze towards Potterhe was smirking, almost like he knew I was about to accept Aidan's proposal.
That smirk was a challenge. Prove me right, it said.
I refused.
"No," I said quietly, shaking my head furiously. "It's fine. Go to the concert. I'll just camp out here at the house. I've never liked New Years anyways."
A tiny crease seemed to dig itself between Potter's eyebrowsthe slightest frownbut he looked away and it was gone before I even truly noticed it.
"Are you sure? No one should spend New Years alone." The pitying note in Dom's voice was the worst. I gritted my teeth and tried not to grimace.
"Really guys, I don't mind. Honest."
The self-assured smirk was back on Potter's face, all traces of uncertainty gone so fast I thought Id maybe imagined it. His chin was cocked arrogantly, his voice thick and mocking like molasses. "Of course. She probably has better things to do than hang out with us lowlifes. The concert's not really her style, anyway. It's not Italian Opera or MozartI don't think she'd be able to handle it. "
Aidan shot him a warning look, but I could see the amusement on his face.
My teeth were grinding so hard together, it would make any dentist cringe. I was irritated by the way he was speaking about me, as if I wasn't even in the room. "For your information, I happen to enjoy rock concerts."
Potter snorted. "Disney Princesses On Ice doesn't count as a rock concert, Bennett."
At this, Freddy laughed. Full-on laughed. I looked at Dom for some back-up, but she just shrugged sympathetically.
High road, Aggy, take the high road. "Well, I'm sure you guys will have fun," I smiled, pained.
"Oh, we will. Without you." That stupid Cheshire smirk on Potter's face wouldn't budge. He just loved to watch me lose.
Before anyone could respond, a sharp shrill of a ring pierced the air. Immediately, all five of us pulled out our equally battered, equally out-dated flip phones to check.
The call was for Freddy.
"Wotcher. Oh hey, mum! Yes, I'm at Jimmy's... Leave? Now? Aw, but it's cold as tits outside...." Grimacing, Freddy jerked the phone farther away from his ear as the voice on the other end suddenly grew louder and angrier. "Okay, okay, I'm going. See you in a few. And hey, did you get the note I left?... Yeah, I just wanted you to go to the store and pick up my night lightI MEAN NIFFLER. NIFFLER. PICK UP MY NIFFLER. THAT'S WHAT I MEANT. YUP. NIFFLERS ARE PRETTY DOPE. I MISS MY NIFFLER. ANYWAY. I'M GONNA GO NOW OKAYTHANKSBYEMUM."
Freddy snapped the phone shut, glaring darkly as the rest of us collapsed into hysterical laughter.
"You," he shot at Dom, who was currently collapsed, tears streaming down her eyes, over the shaking shoulders of a laughing Potter. "Are coming with me, Missy. And stop laughing! I could name plenty of embarrassing things about you!"
"Oh y-yeah! L-like w-what?" Dom got out in between hiccups.
"What about the chicken nugget incident?"
Dom's laughter immediately died, her eyes growing panicked and serious. She stood up quickly, her chair screeching back, and grabbed her coat off the counter. "Yeah, let's go."
And then she forcibly dragged Fred through the door and out the house without another word.
Aidan looked between me and Potter, confused. "Chicken nugget incident?"
I shrugged. Potter shook his head solemnly, smirk gone. "Trust me, mate, you don't want to know."
Christmas break passed by in a blur of heated tension between me and Potter, and awkward exchanges with everyone else. After a couple nights rest, Mrs. Potter was up on her feet and being her usual boss self again. Lily, who had taken the news of what happened at the Ministry (plus the fact that there was a new celebrity in the house) with just a single, calm raise of a penciled eyebrow, managed to keep an attitude of blasé nonchalance that only a teenaged girl could feign. Of course, I didnt really see Mr. Potter that much after from his special cameo at the Ministryhe was now busy trying to catch the guys whod attempted to kill me, natch.
In a way, things were back to normal... Except for the fact that I was now on the cover of every newspaper in wizardring Britain, of course.
One very strange thing that Id noticed, however, was that Aidan and Is relationship seemed to have taken some weird, Freaky Friday turna role reversal. He was now the fierce protector, the fretful comforter. It was my turn to go to him... On nights when Id wake up from nightmares of hysterical screams and green flashes, I would stumble to his room, unable to take being alone in the dark anymore.
Id shake Aidan awake, hed croak something cranky and then grudgingly budge over, and I would slide under the covers next to him. After some whispered bickering over pillow space and who was being the blanket hog, wed finally fall asleep again.
Those were the only nights when I actually woke up feeling somewhat refreshed. If Potter knew about my nighttime mattress-hopping habits, he didnt say anything.
...Though I couldnt see how he didnt. Know, I mean. I wasnt exactly a stealth expert during these expeditionsPotters house was foreign territory to me, especially in the pitch-black midnight. On more than one occasion, when groping through the hallways, I would trip over something and let out a word that wasnt exactly SAT vocabulary. Usually four-letters and yelped at high volume.
Potter, whos room was right next to mine, could be a deep sleeper, but the walls were thin and I know hes noticed at least once.
How did I know, you might ask? Well, let me just say that, when disoriented and on a nightmare adrenaline-buzz, sometimes the different doors of the Potter household can look similar... And its easy to get mixed up on which rooms which. Especially in the dark, when you look inside and all that you can really see is a lump in a bed. And by the time youre crawling into that bed and you realize that this lump has tousled black hair, not toffee brownwell by then its too late and already the two of you are screaming bloody murder and flying out the bed at inhuman speeds (WHAT THE FUCK BENNETT? OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GOD! WHAT ARE YOU DOING? IM SORRY YOUR HOUSE IS LIKE FUCKING PANS LABYRINTH JESUS!)
And so on and so forth.
Yeah. That was one awkward morning.
Anyways, besides that mishap, life seemed to be heading back towards the direction of normal. Or as normal as possible, at least, when your last names Bennett. Reporters still hounded the doors whenever one of us left the house, but their numbers were decreasing. Always a good sign.
I knew Aidan and Mrs. Potter were hiding all the newspapers and magazines that came to the housefor my benefit, so I wouldnt have to read the articles slandering me and my virtue, or whatever (all written by a Mrs. Skeeter, no doubt)but I tried not to let that bother me.
As long as I was inside the Potter mansion, the outside world didnt exist.
Mrs. Potter was very nice about the whole thing, offering me words of comfort and advice. I would help her every night with dinner, and it almost became a routine: the two of us talking as we loaded plates with food and set the table.
Dont worry about them, Aggy. Those low-life paparazzi, theyre just losers. All the men still live with their mothers, and all the women date the men who still live with their mothers. You really have no one to be scared of.
I know. It just bugs me that others are reading these things about me. My relatives. My friends. I grimaced. My teachers.
Ginny sighed, tweaking a fork so it rested perfectly straight on the table. She was still frail-looking from the Ministry, but the color was back in her cheeks and she was as vibrant as ever. If it helps, I've read all of them and none are really that bad. A lot of newspapers are too busy revering you as a hero to bother with stupid gossip. Its only Witch Weekly thats out for you, really. And theyre just stupid, catty bitches who are bothered by the fact that youre more famous than any of them, and also younger. Thats the worst sin, in their minds. That youre bursting with youth and fertility, or whatever, while theyre all wrinkly and saggy-boobed.
Ginny Potter is, to put it succinctly, the most awesome woman Ive ever met.
Ginny smiled, not meeting my eyes and instead gazing out the kitchen window. The very same one Potter had looked out of, his face intent and focused and unfairly attractive in the gilded moonlight, that night we got home from the Ministry. It was always weird to watch him interact with his family - the way he bickered good-naturedly with Lily and Ginny, the way he never let them do any work or chores if he could help it, always swooping in last minute to take the dirty plates or trash bags off their hands...
He treated them the opposite he treated me - all the wit without the scathing, all the chivalry without the reluctance.
It kind of hurt to watch.
There was a bout of comfortable silence. And then: Agatha?
Have you been sleeping well?
I froze at the question. Potter and Is little midnight...mistaken identity crisis, we shall call it, had been only a couple days ago. Not that I thought Ginny would get angry if she heard about the incident (in fact, Im pretty sure shed find it hilariously funny), but still. A little awkward. Yes, of course. Why?
Well, its just that Lily... Shes on your guys floors and shes mentioned that you tend to, er, talk in your sleep.
There was a pause. I was both relieved and horrified at the same time.
On one hand, at least Ginny didnt know I had tried to sleep with her son (er, bad word choice). On the other... the word talk was probably being kind. Scream, kick, howl... That was more like it, judging by how graphic my dreams have been getting. There was no doubt about it. Id been making noises in my sleep from my nightmares, and the rest of the house was starting to notice.
I stood in silence, my cheeks burning, humiliated, as I absentmindedly ladled a bowl full with soup. I wondered if Ginny knew the full extent of everything that went on between closed doors in this house.
Almost as if she was reading my mind, Ginny spoke, quietly. It bothers James, too.
What? Hes heard me? I blurted, mortified.
No, no, Ginny said hastily, understanding my embarrassment. But Lily mentioned it a while ago in front of him, and I could tell he was upset by the thought of it.
My heart was beating fast. Well, er, he hasnt been upset enough to mention anything to me.
Ginny nodded. Understood, she said neutrally, and that was that.
Not everyone was as nice about the situation, however. While Lilys staring and sad looks didnt bother me, it was Potter (who else?) that really got under my nerves. Everyday, it seemed like our relationship, for lack of better word, was getting worse. He didnt make sense anymore.
Not that he ever did in the first place, but still. He made less sense. He was unflappable, impossible to shake. Distant. Besides for the sarcastic little comments he was perpetually throwing at meas well as the occasional passing shoulder-shove in the hallwayit was like I didnt exist to him, like that night at the Ministry had been nothing to him.
The only thing that bothered himreally bothered him, for some reasonwas when I stared at him. He would catch my eyes, and it always made that smirk twist into a scowl, his eyes darken dangerously.
Thered been one extremely... tense situation involving me, him, and a shower towel. Id been walking into the bathroom while hed been walking out, and somehow wed managed to get stuckfor a split secondinside the doorway. While this wasnt unusualawkward situations like these were my forte... It was the fact that Potter wasnt wearing any clothes.
I mean, okay, there was that bath towel wrapped around his waist, but still. Potter had just come out of the shower, and his hair was dripping with water and his body all... defined, plus there was steam everywhere and it was getting very, very hot. I gaped, panicked, pressed between Potters abdominal muscles and the doorway.. What was that saying, about a rock and a hard place?
He was smirking, sensing my obvious discomfort. A single water droplet fell from his hair and plinked onto my foot. Just a water droplet. But to me, it felt like a bowling ball.
Oh I'm sorry, did me walking get in the way of you trying to plow through the doorway? his voice was low and rough and lilting with sarcasm, and I was suddenly very conscious of the fact that the only thing separating me between a naked Potter was a bath towel. A bath towel. Oh Jesus.
Sorry, I didn't mean to, I breathed, obviously flustered. Dont look at his shoulder muscles, dont look at the water droplets curving down his very defined abs, dont look at his tanned and toned arms... Stupid unfair, year-round Quidditch.
"Of course not. Sorry, I forgot you're always the victim. His eyes were luminous, flashing with a hint of anger.
Frustration surged through me, and I gritted my teeth. Look, if youre using the bathroom than I can just wet hereI mean wait here, wait here. The air was so hot between us. I wondered if, situations were reversed, and I was the one standing in the towel, if Potter would react like this.
Of course not. He probably wouldnt even notice.
Oh hed noticed, a voice in my head was saying, just like youre noticing him right now.
Shut up, voice.
Sorry? His eyebrows lifted. A droplet trickled from a lick of hair, down his temple, the sculpted cheekbones, hanging off the edge of his strong jaw before plinking onto his chest.
What? I gaped. Shit. Did I say that out loud?
Did you say something?
No, of course not. Yeah, I definitely said that out loud.
You sure?
I pressed my lips together nervously. Yupsolutely.
Potter obviously thought I was a crazy person. Well then, if you dont mind, could you?
Yeah, yeah, sorry about that.
After a great deal of shuffling and one scary moment when I had to press against Potters chest for leverage, we both popped out of the doorway on our respective sides. Without another look back, Potter was swaggering down the hallway and I was staring at him. His back, his shoulders... Unf.
The ensuing shower I took, no need to say, was at an arctic temperature.
So I edited this chapter because I was a little unhappy with how long it was, though I'm not sure how much good I did. Oh well! Oh, and yes, I just wanted to add that the Albus Seeker reference was a nod to Welcome By the Chase by Dream_BIG. Go check it out now! Thanks for reading guys. I'd really like to hear your thoughts on this chapter, because I'm not sure how I feel about it. It's very filler-y. Anyways, that said, a lot of things had to be wrapped up so...Yeah. Just let me know whatcha think.


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Unsure what to do during your Alta vacation? Our Alta resort suggests trying some of these brilliant hiking trails!
Summer is sadly ending, but the upcoming fall season is a beautiful time to experience Alta's amazing outdoors and explore some of the wonderful hiking trails in the area. There are dozens to choose from for a variety of skill levels and many are only a few minutes from our Alta resort. While taking a hike, you may also spot some of our local wildlife including moose, coyotes, deer, fox, eagles, and more.

subset: commoncrawl


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Gwyneth Paltrow will be reprising her supstitute teacher role of Holly Holliday on Fox's musical theater comedy "Glee," but this time she will be dating Matthew Morrison's character, Will Schuester, reports Entertainment Weekly.
"Gwyneth is coming back for two episodes. She's coming back specifically to date Will [Matthew Morrison], "Glee" co-creator Ryan Murphy told Entertainment Weekly. "Those two have become really good friends in real life and had really good chemistry. She's coming back as a sex education teacher. Gwyneth and I are emailing, talking every week: What are we gonna sing? We're trying to do something fantastic. So she'll be [in episodes] 15 and 16. She comes back [to film] in January and she's with us for three and a half weeks I think."
The popular TV show also has clearance to use Lady Gaga's new single, "Born This Way," which will be used in a March or April episode centered around the school's closeted gay bully Dave Karofsky (Max Adler) who kissed Chris Colfer's character, Kurt Hummel last season.
"I love that that song is anthem," Murphy continued. "This show is by nature optimistic and I think a character like Karofsky could turn to booze or pills or alcohol and kill themselves or do something dark. But I also love Max and I love that character and I sorta want that character to have a happy ending. So I don't really know what that's going to be, but I do know we're going to do a whole episode that's about that song."
During the second half of season two, Kristin Chenoweth will also be returning to reprise her role as former Glee star April Rhodes. The singer talked to OnTheRedCarpet.com about what she might have up her sleeve for her episodes.
"I think it might be interesting if April had a little opera in her, who knows, they haven't done that on 'Glee' yet," Chenoweth said. "We'll see what happens, she might want to do it if she's had one too many martinis or Franzia, the wine out of a box she likes."
"Glee" will return for a special installment following the Super Bowl XLV on Sunday, February 6 at approximately 10:30-11:30 p.m. ET.


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Author discusses 'Examined Life' during reading
James Miller, award-winning author and professor of politics at the New School for Social Research, visited Linfield to give a lecture on his book, "Examined Lives: From Socrates to Nietzsche," on Sept. 25 in Nicholson Library.
The lecture was the second event sponsored by "The Frederick Douglass Forum on Law, Rights and Justice," a new initiative at Linfield.
"I'm really excited to have this as our second event," said Nick Buccola, assistant professor of political science. "It captures the essence of what we hope to do; to bring scholars to campus to debate urgent political questions and also to bring wisdom of the past to life.
"There are few people better able to do that, I think, than Jim Miller," Buccola said.
To begin the lecture, Miller addressed the famous Socrates declaration, "The unexamined life is not worth living," questioning the famous assertion and its validity and thus raising the focal question of the lecture: "Is the Examined Life worth living?"
"I certainly grew up believing it was true," Miller said. "My interest in the proposition was a key motive behind the writing of my book."
His book, "Examined Lives: From Socrates to Nietzsche," is comprised of 12 biographical short essays, each giving detailed accounts of the lives and principles of great philosophers, including Aristotle, Augustine, Descartes and Emerson.
"Miller, a historian, does an admirable job of piecing together coherent and sometimes fascinating narratives," Michael Shaub, book reviewer for NPR, said.
Miller questioned the feasibility of self-scrutiny, and evaluated the philosophers' answers to such questions in order to address an open discussion about, "the potential fruits of examination."
After the lecture, Miller opened up dialogue with the audience.
Miller has published five other award-winning books: "Flowers in the Dustbin: the Rise of Rock & Roll, 1947-1977," "The Passion of Michel Foucault," "Democracy in the Streets: From Port Huron to the Siege of Chicago," "Rousseau: Dreamer of Democracy" and "History and Human Existence: From Marx to Merleau-Ponty."
Since the '60s, Miller has written and critiqued music. He worked as the editor of "The Rolling Stone Illustrated History of Rock and Roll" in 1976.
Miller has also contributed to a number of reference works, as well as publishing in peer-reviewed academic journals.
For 20 years, Miller worked as the Chair of Liberal Studies at the New School for Social Research. The Chicago native was educated at Pomona College of California.
In 1976, he received his doctorate in the History of Ideas at Brandeis University in Waltham, Mass.
For the full lecture video, as well as more information regarding the mission of "The Fredrick Douglass Forum on Law, Rights and Justice," visit: http://www.linfield.edu/frederick-douglass-forum.html.
Chrissy Shane
Feature editor


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Go Ask Gab: Black Friday Tips
November 22, 2011 at 10:42 am , by Gabrielle Porcaro
Who's braving the stores on Friday? Need some advice? Here are some tips from me, someone who's been shopping on Black Friday for as long as I can remember (it's a tradition with the ladies in my family) and a real "expert" Michele Rothstein, Senior VP of Marketing for Premium Outlets / Simon Property Group, and the ones who pioneered the "midnight openings' over a decade ago.
Don't go on an empty stomach. After an incident a few years ago, my mother refuses to go shopping with me until I have had my morning coffee (I mean no one should do anything with me without coffee). Eat a good breakfast, break for lunch or bring snacks. Don't let low blood sugar slow you down.
Timing is everything. Rothstein points out that many stores offer extra savings as an incentive for early shoppers. If you aren't an early bird, shop later in the day to avoid some of the larger crowds. Also find out which store open before midnight and extend throughout the weekend.
Choose your shopping partners wisely. Black Friday shopping isn't for the weak. As Rothstein states: "It is power shopping at its best. You should shop with people who also love to shop and enjoy the thrill of the hunt."
Dress appropriately. Wear comfortable shoes and non-fussy clothes. Also carry the right purse. Cross-bodies will keep your hands free for bags.
Don't hesitate. Another tip of Rothstein's: If you see it and love it, buy it because it will be gone soon. Merchandise sells fast and the item may never be sold again, especially during the After-Thanksgiving Weekend Sale when the deals are unbeatable.
Stick to a budget and bring a list. When shopping for yourself, only buy what you truly need. Have a list of all the gifts you need and what you'd like to spend on each one.
Categories: Fashion | Tags: Black Friday, go ask gab | 2 Comments
2 Responses to "Go Ask Gab: Black Friday Tips"
Written on December 25, 2011 at 11:22 pm, by 酒店經紀
Getting ready for my Jersey holiday weekend.
Written on January 1, 2012 at 9:26 pm, by 高雄酒店經紀
What a year it's been! It's ended on quite a beautiful note. Happy New Year, Beauties!


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My colleague Jack Weber recently reminded us in a GS&P Dialogue post that, for most things design-related, "there's an app for that." In the healthcare arena, this statement is also becoming more of a reality every day as our healthcare clients grow increasingly interested in emerging technology trends. So what does this mean for us as architects and designers?
The integration of widespread technology – namely mobile technology – in healthcare design is a relatively new issue, but we've seen it in smaller degrees for many years. In the past, technology in hospitals was largely related to medication management. A good example is the Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) system, an electronic entry system for medical practitioners' instructions for patient treatment. It's used in many medical facilities throughout the country, and in combination with clinical-decision support systems, has been credited with substantially decreasing the frequency of serious medication errors.
But how are the healthcare technologies popping up today different from CPOEs and similar technologies we were introduced to a decade ago? According to Medical Construction & Design magazine's July 2011 issue, new technologies in healthcare are coming to pass not necessarily as a response to patient-safety and medication issues as they had in the past, but are actually a reaction to something we're all familiar with: the rise in popularity and use of mobile devices (read: smartphones) and associated mobile platforms ("apps"). The need for physicians and clinicians to access patient information and clinical tools – from anywhere at any time – is greater than ever before, and it's becoming clear that smartphones and apps provide the opportunity for doctors to perform their jobs better – faster, smarter, more accurate, more advanced – across the board. In fact, a May 2011 survey by Manhattan Research showed that 81% of two-thousand polled physicians use smartphones as part of their day-to-day routines. So what kind of apps are they using?
Obstetricians use apps that allow them to keep track, in real-time, of fetal heart tracings and maternal contraction patterns. Cardiologists use apps that improve communication between EMS, emergency room and other cardiology teams during a patient's life-threating cardiac event. Dermatologists use a Skin Scan app that allow patients to scan and send photos of moles on their bodies and determine if treatment is necessary. There's also apps that simply serve to streamline workflow and improve efficiency and productivity within hospitals and doctors' offices.
It's important, though, for both healthcare clients and healthcare architects to keep a focus on patient privacy and patient-safety issues as these healthcare apps continue to evolve. And it's even more important for our clients to recognize the need for a long-term strategic plan for implementation of mobile technologies in their facilities. A piecemeal approach – a doctor downloads an app here, a nurse downloads an app there – doesn't make the impact that a well-developed vision can. Debbie Gregory, Senior Clinical Consultant for Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) and president of The Nursing Institute for Healthcare Design, recommends the creation of a facility-led technology steering committee to ensure that, "prudent technology decisions are in place to maximize patient safety, patient-care delivery and an optimal healthcare environment."
That's where our guidance as designers comes in: we create the facilities that will allow these tremendous new technologies to work in concert, improving every aspect of the patient experience. Through HCA's strategic collaboration with AirStrip Technologies, a leading healthcare software developer, we're already seeing the benefits of implementing a system-wide, patient-monitoring mobile software initiative.
"There's an app for that" is a line that provides levity to a much more serious dialogue, taking place in hospitals throughout the nation, amongst healthcare leaders, practitioners, design professionals, builders and researchers. By understanding the benefits that can be provided with the strategic implementation of a facility-wide mobile technology plan, healthcare designers have a tremendous opportunity to take our role as consultants to the next level. Let's continue to expand our knowledge of mobile technology trends and provide invaluable guidance to our clients as we steer them, one app at time, into the future of healthcare.
What mobile technology trends are you seeing emerge in the healthcare field? How are you implementing them?
DISCLAIMER: We encourage comments and welcome your thoughts; however, GS&P reserves the right to edit or remove any comments which are off-topic, blatant spam, abusive or slanderous, or violate copyright. Comments posted are not necessarily the viewpoints of GS&P. As each project is unique, the information contained in this article only represents general design related concepts and issues based on the author's knowledge and experience, not specific design guidance or legal advice.
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Come Tandem Hang Gliding with Chris Boyce from 'Bald Hill', Stanwell Park.
The Sydney Hang Gliding Centre was established in 1982 and is Sydney's first and only full-time hang gliding centre. More people have chosen to fly with them for several reasons. They have a perfect safety record, specialise in Hang Gliding and are available to take you flying every day, weather permitting.
They are one hour south of the city by car and train and they can collect you from the Stanwell Park railway station. Check the timetable for your most suitable train City Rail South Coast timetables.
They look forward to sharing this exhilarating experience.
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Stacey is due to hear the decision on her appeal. Kat is delighted when Stacey is released, returning home to the Slaters'.
Stacey is due to hear the decision on her appeal. Kat is delighted when Stacey is released, returning home to the Slaters'.
Lola thinks her life is on the up after paying Dean a visit at Blades, when he agrees to permanently hire her.
Cindy returns to Albert Square and heads to the Beales', only to be told by a stressed Ian that he doesn't want her there.
Ian and Peter's hopes are crushed after being called in by the police, when they are told that the police haven't find the person they think killed Lucy.
Mick asks Lee, Whitney and Johnny to miss out on the Notting Hill Carnival to bring some carnival spirit to the pub, as he wants to cheer up a miserable Linda.
Yvonne tells Charlie they need to flee to Ireland to get away from Nick. Charlie tries to calm her down, suggesting his car may have been vandalised by Max, as a warning not to report Emma.
Emma is determined to arrest Charlie for impersonating a police officer. She's thrown when he insists he's undercover, then threatening to report her affair with Max unless she stops seeing him.
Max visits Dot to apologise for his bad attitude, but he makes a swift exit when he realises Charlie is there. When Charlie later hears Max talking to Emma, he's intrigued.
Ian worries when Denise reveals that Patrick is recovering well. Left alone with Patrick after accompanying Denise to the hospital, Ian begs him not to tell Denise about Rainie.
Abi gets her exam results, telling Jay that she's got into the University of Liverpool. Hiding his unease, Jay arranges a gathering at Abi's house to celebrate.
Ian confesses to Phil that he was with Rainie on the night that Lucy died.
The day of the press conference, Ian begs Mick to keep Linda quiet. As Ian and Peter go into the conference, Sharon, Phil, Denise and Lola have to wait in a separate room.
Concerned that Kat is taking on too much, Alfie visits Stacey to ask her to appeal. Thinking this is Jean's doing, Stacey accuses Jean of using Alfie to manipulate her.
Kat realises the babies are really on their way, as Stacey is led away by prison officers. Full of excitement and nerves, Alfie and Mo bring Tommy and Lily to the hospital.
*Hour-long episode*
Kat and Alfie are suspicious of Jean's sudden visit to Walford, concerned when she claims she's left Ollie. Heading to prison to visit Stacey, Jean reveals why she's really back.
Kat suddenly gets pains and tells Alfie the babies might be on their way. Ever the opportunist, Alfie takes her into a children's shop, hoping that if her waters break they'll get some freebies!
*EastEnders is on BBC2 tonight due to the Commonwealth Games*
*EastEnders is on BBC2 tonight, and at a slightly later time, due to the Commonwealth Games*


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Popular Diet Reviews (Page 1)
When looking to lose weight, it can be tough to tell which products are the real winners. Some, like Healthy Trim, seem to have spent a fortune on marketing and infomercials. Sensa is an incredibly popular, heavily promoted food additive in sprinkle form, that claims to help dieters feel fullf aster. Sweet To Svelte is another fat burner available exclusively online and not found in stores. Lipozene is another diet supplement that claims to be all-natural. Almased is a soy-based nutritional supplement that makes some claims offering weight loss as well as general health. The supplement CTS-360 seems to be more for the fitness and bodybuilding crowd, although it does also list weight loss as a possible result. The Food Lovers Diet instructs those looking to lose weight to eat foods they like, but in smaller portions more frequently than the traditional three larger meals that most people are used to. Right Size Smoothies are yet another meal replacement option that come in drink form and that are intended to cut calorie intake. Ideal Protein is a household name when it comes to dieting, and they offer a catalog of protein supplements to help with health and fitness. Healthe Trim is one of the newest fat burning supplements on the market, but can it compete? Phenocal is another supplement that's taken off through online marketing and promotion, as is Biphedadrene. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell diet pills apart, as is the case with the fairly generic seeming Apidexin. Other weight loss methods are more original, like the Bouari Clinic which will supervise your weight loss—many people find it easier to lose weight with a partner or team. Ditto for Complete Nutrition, where the company posts motivational success stories on the brand's official website. Slimgenics is yet another regional weight loss center, but clinics are only open in a few states currently. Also have a look at this website to find out more about Adderall and where to buy Adderall online Adderall online. Isagenix is another system that combines internal cleansing with weight loss. It's also built a successful MLM business around the brand. Nodiet.com, meanwhile, is a subscription diet website that recommends meal plans to lose weight. C9-T11 is a new bodybuilding supplement that makes outrageous claims on how fast you can bulk up. Triadalean claims to accelerate metabolism to speed up weight loss. Meanwhile, Liposlim is a fairly generic looking "fat burner" type supplement. The Omnitrition is a whole line of health supplements aimed at weight loss. Meanwhile, Go Cleanse offers dieters a way to cleanse their digestive tract, and Charger Pack is another bodybuilding supplement to enhance workouts.


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SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Gap Inc. reported a 61 percent increase in fourth-quarter profits on Thursday, capping a strong year that saw the company's turnaround take hold.
MENLO PARK (AP) - Facebook is buying a set of online advertising tools called Atlas from Microsoft in its latest attempt to build a more effective marketing system around its social network.
NEW YORK (AP) - The Dow came within 60 points of its all-time high Wednesday, rising sharply for a second straight day.
NEW YORK (AP) - Target is setting its bullseye on Canada in 2013.
NEW YORK (AP) - Boy, it just wasn't J.C. Penney's year.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Jacob Lew to be Treasury secretary, affirming President Barack Obama's choice of a budget expert at a time when Congress and the White House are at odds over sharp government spending cuts.
CUPERTINO (AP) - Apple CEO Tim Cook sought to reassure shareholders worried about the company's sagging stock price that the iPhone and iPad maker is on the verge of inventing more breakthrough products that will prove it hasn't lost its creative edge.
WASHINGTON (AP) - With big, automatic budget cuts about to kick in, House Republicans are turning to mapping strategy for the next showdown just a month away, when a government shutdown instead of just a slowdown will be at stake.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Internet users who illegally share music, movies or TV shows online may soon get warning notices from their service providers that they are violating copyright law. Ignore the notices, and violators could face an Internet slow-down for 48 hours. Those who claim they're innocent can protest - for a fee.
NEW YORK (AP) - Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter creator Jack Dorsey are among the tech luminaries appearing in a new video promoting the teaching and learning of computer coding in schools.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Beer lovers across the U.S. have accused Anheuser-Busch of watering down its Budweiser, Michelob and other brands, in class-action suits seeking millions in damages.
SAN JOSE (AP) - Apple has agreed to give more than $100 million in iTunes store credits to settle a lawsuit alleging that the iPhone and iPad maker improperly charged kids for playing games on their mobile devices.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Profits at U.S. banks jumped almost 37 percent for the October-December period, reaching the highest level for a fourth quarter in six years as banks continued to step up lending.
SANTA CLARA (AP) - Hewlett-Packard is selling its webOS software to South Korean electronics company LG Electronics, securing a new home for a technological orphan.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Some 1 billion people are now using Android devices, Google said as the company kicked off its two-day developer conference Wednesday in San Francisco.
NEW YORK (AP) - The U.S. stock market inched modestly higher Wednesday, recovering more than half of what it lost the day before, as investors were able to set aside two disappointing economic reports.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that a startup Internet company has to pay broadcasters when it takes television programs from the airwaves and allows subscribers to watch them on smartphones and other portable devices.
SACRAMENTO (AP) - California's credit rating is rebounding, reflecting the relative stability of its state budget.
WASHINGTON (AP) - When the government updates its estimate Wednesday of how the U.S. economy fared last quarter, the number is pretty sure to be ugly. Horrible even.
NEW YORK (AP) - The stock market had its biggest decline in two weeks Tuesday, led by a sell-off in blue-chip bank and energy stocks. Homebuilders rose after the government reported sales of new homes rose in May to the highest level in six years.
LONDON (AP) - Law enforcement agencies across the globe are taking a page out of the hacker's handbook, using targets' own phones and computers to spy on them with methods traditionally associated with cybercriminals, two computer security groups said Tuesday.
NEW YORK (AP) - AT&T's CEO told Congress Tuesday that his company's purchase of DirecTV will help slow increases in programming prices, but won't lead to a decrease in prices.
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama said Monday that the United States should join the rest of the industrialized world and offer paid leave for mothers of newborns.
NEW YORK (AP) - Stocks fell for the first time in seven days, ending a run that had pushed the indexes to all-time highs, as investors assessed corporate news.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Supreme Court on Monday made it tougher for investors to join together to sue corporations for securities fraud, a decision that could curb the number of multimillion-dollar legal settlements companies pay out each year.
DETROIT (AP) - Faulty air bags - which have already led to the recall of millions of cars worldwide - are being blamed for a new round of recalls in the U.S.


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1-1 of 1 one bedroom flats for sale found
£160,000 Guide Price
Guide Price £160,000
1 bedroom apartment for sale Longford
BUY-TO-LET INVESTMENT: Conveniently situated in an enviable village location ideal for Terminal 5 and the Bath Road this property features a 16ft lounge, double bedroom, fitted shower-room and a fitted kitchen with some appliances. Other benefits include long lease, gas central heating, residents... More details ›
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Your information has been sent to 0 out of 1 agents who have property to sell in the area you specified.


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1968 Dodge Dart1968 Dodge Dart Hemi Clone model in mint conditionGlacier-Green Metallic exterior plus a Black Vinyl interiorSuper nice vehicle with a 528 Hemi... More
Very low millage & Exceptionally well documented The Dodge Viper is one of those cars that combines raw power with menacing styling to create... More
1-Owner ultra-low mileage 2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10. 3,800 MILES FROM NEW, Viper Blue Metallic / Black, 600hp/560lb-ft 8.4L V10, 6-speed manual, leather sport seats,... More
Without a doubt the Dodge Viper is one of the greatest American sports cars of all time and it has been included in the... More
This 1965 Dodge Coronet AFX Hemi 2dr 1965 Dodge Coronet AFX Hemi Coupe features a 572 HEMI WEDGE 8cyl Gasoline engine. It is equipped... More
A real head turner! Less than 5100 miles and has never been in the rain, INCREDIBLE MACHINE WE FINANCE/DELIVER AND SHIP WORLDWIDE... More
2013 Dodge Viper GTS w/ Laguna Package, The Viper is here and is ready to strike! This GTS packs all the thrills of the... More
1967 Dodge Hemi Coronet Performance Modified Show/Street Machine! My wife and I have decided to put our car up for sale. This is a once... More
2006 Dodge Viper Twin Turbo FOR SALE!!! Finished in Lamborghini orange pearl Tri-Coat (Arancio) exterior over a custom black leather interior, trimmed with orange stitching. This... More
2013 SRT Viper GTS Coupe FOR SALE!!! This Viper comes in Viper GTS Blue with Bright White Stripes over Black Leather Interior accented with White... More
1972 Dodge Challenger FOR SALE!!! This stunning show car comes complete and in perfect condition!!! Parts used to complete this project include: Complete custom interior and dash Leather power... More
1970 Dodge Challanger T A , 340 six pack, automatic, correct front and rear tires, matching numbers, first place winner in the 1999 Mopar... More
1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger Convertible History The Dodge Challenger is the name of three different generations of automobiles marketed by the... More
Restomods are something everyone can appreciate. It doesn't matter if you're a fan of authentic factory-correct builds or wild pro streets cars like this... More
2005 Dodge Ram SRT-10 Hennessey Venom 1000 twin turbo quad cab truck (VIN: 3D3HA18HX5G740276), This SRT-10 Ram truck is finished in a beautiful Ruby... More


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February 19, 2008
Albany - Nine more Albany eyesores are soon to be a part of Albany history. City Commissioners approved funding Tuesday for the demolition of the dilapidated houses, like this one 407 South Davis and another at 1202 Edgerly Avenue.
It will cost roughly $60,000 to tear them all down. Commissioners added another $90,000 in funding for emergencies or additional demolitions.
One major eyesore that's still a sore subject for commissioners is the old Heritage House Hotel on East Oglethorpe. "I get a lot of calls about the blight on Oglethorpe Boulevard and that's wheat they're talking about. For years, it was that and the Pet Dairy. The owner of the Pet Dairy took care of that. I wish the owner of this will do the same thing," said Commissioner Morris Gurr.
Owner Marvin Baptiste is currently under a mandate by the Environmental Protection Division to clean up asbestos found in the hotel. The city can't take any action against Baptiste until that matter is settled.
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