Until We Meet Again

It was the first time in a while that Harry could remember having a conversation with someone that didn't involve Voldemort or Dumbledore or his upcoming mission. He was surprised to find how quickly he'd opened up and talked about his life with the Dursleys. Even Ron and Hermione hadn't heard some of the stories he'd told Noel.

They walked to the Dursley's in comfortable silence. When they reached the front door, Noel finally spoke.

"Is it me, or are we being followed?"

Harry's heart leaped into his throat and he yanked his wand out of his pocket. Who could be following them? His eyes darted around the Dursley's yard.

"By whom? I don't see anyone."

Harry realized Noel was laughing at him. He shot her a puzzled glance.

"What's so funny?"

"You are!" she giggled. She pointed at his wand, which Harry was holding in a death grip. "I only meant we were being followed by some neighborhood kid, not You-know-who."

She gestured down the street, where Harry noticed the large, lumbering form of Dudley attempting to hide behind a tree, staring at them. Harry couldn't help but laugh at himself as he replaced his wand in his pocket and relaxed.

"Oh, yeah, that's just my cousin. Sorry, I'm a little on edge lately."

"I noticed."

"I'll run up and get Ron and Hermione. Do you need to let Mrs. Figg know you're going with us?"

Noel slapped a hand to her forehead.

"I completely forgot about Aunt Figgy! Yes, let me run across the street really quickly. I'll meet you lot in just a moment."

She jogged across the street. Harry watched her disappear into the little house before going to get his friends. When they got back outside and Harry hesitated in the street, Ron furrowed his brow.

"Are you coming with us, or are you going to linger in traffic all afternoon?"

"I met Noel in the park again and asked her if she'd like to come. She'll be here in a minute."

Right on cue, Mrs. Figg's front door opened, and Noel stepped outside, greeting them all with a friendly smile. She walked over to them.

"Sorry about that. Shall we?"

The four of them walked into town, choosing a fast food restaurant to eat at. Noel was quiet as she listened to Harry, Ron and Hermione's good-natured joking and picking on each other while they waited for their food. Once they sat down to eat, however, the spotlight was directed at Noel.

"Tell us about yourself, Noel," Hermione said. It sounded very much like a command to Harry, but Noel didn't seem to take offense. Harry wished Hermione wouldn't be so blatantly suspicious.

"There's not much to know, really," Noel began as she squirted ketchup over her fries. "I'm sixteen, but I'll be seventeen in two months. I am about to start my seventh year at Beauxbatons. I'm visiting Aunt Figgy for the summer while Mum and Dad are vacationing in Tokyo."

"Why didn't you go with them?" asked Ron, who was virtually inhaling his hamburger.

"I've been before. It was nice, but I wanted to stay closer to home this summer and relax a bit. I also hadn't seen my aunt in ages, so I asked if I could come for a visit. And," she concluded, spreading her arms wide to indicate their surroundings, "here I am."

Taking a sip of her drink, Hermione eyed Noel. Harry had seen that look in her eyes before, knew she was about to pass some sort of judgment. He was surprised to find himself on the edge of his chair waiting for the verdict.

Hermione finally set down her cup and smiled.

"How is Beauxbatons? I've heard your academics are much quicker paced there than at Hogwarts."

Harry sighed with relief and relaxed in his chair. If Hermione was asking about school work, then Noel had certainly passed the test. He popped a fry into his mouth and listened as Noel told them all about attending the French school.

"Are you friends with Fleur Delacour?" Ron asked hopefully through a mouth full of food. Harry hid a grin when he saw Hermione bristle at the question.

"No. We've met, but we were never friends because we run in different circles. And she's just so snooty."

Ron looked crestfallen, but Hermione visibly brightened. Harry suspected Noel had just won some serious extra credit points as far as Hermione was concerned.

They finished up their lunches and walked back to Privet Drive. When Noel asked if they wanted to meet the next day to 'hang out,' Harry agreed before Hermione had a chance to decline for him. After all, half of the reason he was stuck on Privet Drive was that the Order thought he needed a short break. And if he was on break, shouldn't he be free to spend time with whomever he chose instead of locked in the Dursley's studying and preparing for what lay ahead? He told himself this was not a selfish thing to do and said goodbye to Noel, promising to get together the next day.