Building Relationships ((Lori))

[Scott Ryder G7]

Scott loved weekends. It meant time to finish what homework needed done, and also a lot of free time where he could tinker with his laptop. He loved his laptop even more than he loved weekends. His parents were wary of him taking it to Hogwarts, and he wasn't quite sure how his magical friends and roommates would accept his highly technological muggle device. Though, many of the people who had seen his laptop and were not aware of such muggle things found it quite interesting. He was even tempted to as Professor Hardy if she might be willing to do a lesson on computers for Muggle Studies. Scott would have been in his element if they did a study on the muggle technology in a computer. He loved programming and graphic design, which was why he could spend hours at a time in his room with nothing more than his laptop and a hot beverage.

Today though, Scott wouldn't be curled up with his laptop in his room. Theo had asked him to meet in the student lounge, and hadn't quite given a reason. Scott had quickly agreed though as they were passing in the hall, and he had been curious the rest of the afternoon as to what Theo could possibly need to meet him for. He had his homework done for the following week though, so he didn't mind taking a random trip to the student lounge. He wasn't sure if he was supposed to bring anything though, but in the end he simply decided to go empty handed. If Theo had needed Scott to bring something, he surely would have told him. His hands in the pockets of his jeans, Scott slowly made his way to the student lounge. He thought he heard Flick's voice coming from around the corner, but when he turned it, he found that it was a group of girls, none of which were flick. They whispered something to each other and then started to giggle as they walked past Scott in the opposite direction. He gave an embarrassed sort of smile and tried to avoid eye contact. It seemed that ever since the match against Hufflepuff and then the Winter Ball, he was getting more attention from groups of girls. Scott didn't really mind, but he wasn't sure what to think of it. He knew it was only because of his catching the Snitch and then dancing with Lori, one of the most popular girls in his year. Still, he was a bit surprised that those two things seemed to cause so much attention to come to him.

Thinking about Lori, Scott wondered what she had thought after the night that Theo forced them to dance together. Scott had always thought Lori was a very attractive girl, and he knew that he probably came off as quite the fool when he finally had the chance to meet her in person. It came as no surprise though that she was a nice as he had thought she might be. From seeing her around, Scott had always noticed that she didn't seem to let her popularity get to her. Theo was the same way. They were both genuinely kind, and that was likely why they were so popular in the first place. Finally, Scott arrived in the student lounge, but there was no Theo to be found. He entered the room and found a seat alone in the corner, out of the way of the other few people who were quietly conversing or doing homework. Bored as he waited for a few minutes, Scott pulled out his wand and messed around with a small quill he found laying on the window sill. As he levitated the quill, his eye caught the familiar blonde hair of Lori, and Scott was quite surprised to see her without Theo. "Oh, hey," he said as he sat up and let the levitating quill fall to the ground. "Theo on his way?" He quickly wondered if Lori was thinking about their last meeting together and the dancing. Scott had been thinking about it often, but he'd never want her to know that. At least not until he figured out what she had thought of their first time together.

[Lori Leigh R6]

“What color?” Lori asked as she eyed a bottle of finger-nail polish as she lifted it up. “Purple.” Florence said pointing to the shiny shade of lavender. Lori nodded and reached for the bottle. It was a rare day when Lori had time to spend with Florence. She loved her little sister, but they were both in the midst of a busy year. Lori was busy preparing for her OWL exams and Florence was just trying to get her way through her first year at Hogwarts. Lori missed spending time with her little sister, but at least they had these days. It hard to see Florence even on weekends, but Lori made a point to find time to spend with her. It was weird that she had to almost schedule time for her sister, but that was what had to be done. Lori smiled and opened up the bottle as the nail-polish smell filled the room. Lori started to apply the polish to Florence’s little finger-nails. She smiled. Yes, Lori and Florence looked alike, but they were also different. Lori was more girly than her sister, but Florence could be girly herself. Lori was the one who loved pink and Theo and could talk to anyone. Florence was the purple and blue queen who had a bunch of closed friends and wasn’t as open as Lori was. It wasn’t that Florence wasn’t an open person, but it was hard to trump Lori in that category. Lori wanted to get to know different people no matter what. She wanted to understand and like them no matter what. Not everyone in the world was like this, but that just pushed Lori do be more like that.

“Perfect.” Florence beamed as she smiled at her now dried nails. “Good.” Lori smiled at her newly pink ones. She then eyed the pink watch on her wrist. “Oh fritter.” She bounced up laughing at the little praise that barely meant anything. “Meeting Theo?” Florence said already knowing the answer. Lori nodded as she picked up her purse. “In the Student Lounge. Wanna come?” She asked. Theo always liked it when Lori brought Florence along, he quite liked the girl as Lori liked Theo’s brother and sister. Florence shook her head. “Can’t. I’m meeting Chloe in the library. Tell him I said hi.” She said bouncing out of Lori’s dorm. “Okay!” Lori called but Florence was long gone. Lori shook her head as she headed out of her dorm. Her time with Florence just flew by. Oh well. Maybe things would get easier once the year was over with. This year so far had a lot of ups and downs for Lori. But things were getting better, sort of. At least she was thinking about her love for Theo less and less. It wasn’t going away. Oh now, but it was getting easier to deal with. The only thing that Lori had been struggling with lately was Scott, but he wasn’t that bad. Lori wished that she hated the guy, but she couldn’t. He was sweet and kind and different. He was different from most guys in the school and Lori liked that. Still, she was getting used to him. After all, he was Theo’s friend now and that jealousy monster came out when Lori saw Scott and Theo together. She just wanted her best-friend to herself. But, she couldn’t say that Scott wasn’t a nice person. That would be a lie.

Lori eyed her watch. Still no Theo. She had only been in the student lounge for ten minutes and Theo wasn’t really late, but she still wondered where he was. She lazily tapped her fingers against the chair. She had actually made a game of tapping out different rhythms quietly. He would come eventually. Theo wouldn’t leave her on her own once he promised to be somewhere. Lori was about to give up her little game and get her new book out before she heard a voice. Lori looked up and gave a little smile to Scott. She hadn’t seen him in the dance, well maybe in a class or two, but she hadn’t had time to speak to him. Lori suppressed a blush as she looked at him. She couldn’t help think of dancing with him at the ball. Yes, it had been awkward and she hated seeing many eyes on her and Scott, but in a way, it wasn’t so bad. She actually had fun even with all eyes on her and Scott. “Hey.” Lori said coyly. She eyed the door watching in case Theo was to make an appearance, but he wasn’t there. Lori sighed. Oh well. “Yea, he should be here shortly. I dunno where he is.” She said glancing at her watch and then shrugging. “He’s probably keeping the peace in the halls.” She smiled. Theo was a darn good prefect, Lori knew it. So, maybe he was quite as open-minded as Lori was. But, he was still really good at handling situations. Lori remembered the countless times Theo defended her honor. He was good a smoothing things over which was good because Lori was terrible at it. Lori smiled. “He’s good that way.” She eyed Scott. “So, how have you been lately?” Lori asked casually. She didn’t want to pry, but she actually wanted to know.

[Scott Ryder G7]

"That's Theo for ya," Scott said with a nod of agreement whenever Lori mentioned that he was probably keeping peace in the halls or doing some other prefect duty. Then, she asked how Scott had been lately, and he could tell that it was a genuine sort of question, not simply one of polite formalities. The fact that Lori seemed to be able to generate a conversation with him which wasn't awkward or forced made Scott feel a bit more comfortable with her. He hoped that she felt just as comfortable with him. "I've been... busy," he concluded with a slight chuckle. It was that time of year where things started to come at you all at once. Spring was just around the corner, and Scott knew that the end of the school year would be upon them before they even realized it. Oddly enough, it felt as though they had just come back from winter holiday, and now the end of the year was already a topic of discussion and on everyone's mind. It was weird how some months could drag on forever and then others would fly by faster than one might wish for.

"What about you?" he asked, equally interested to find what Lori had been keeping herself occupied with lately. "Feels like it's been forever since we last talked at the Winter Ball. Yet, at the same time, it almost seems like it was just yesterday." Scott felt his face warm up a bit, likely the result of him blushing at the thought of dancing with Lori. In his years at Hogwarts, he'd had a few crushes, and something about the way he felt around Lori made him wonder if this was another crush. He couldn't help but realize that he enjoyed spending time with her, despite their awkward first interaction. Something about Lori and Theo seemed to bring a new meaning to his life, and Scott wasn't quite sure where to pinpoint his newfound happiness.

"I had a really good time that night," he said, almost without even thinking about the words that escaped his lips. Along with the enjoyment he found in spending time with Lori and Theo, Scott found himself being a bit more forward than normal. Likely, since Lori and Theo were both extroverts, their traits were rubbing off a bit on Scott. "I mean, I'm sure I already said it, but I just wanted to let you know that I was glad Theo introduces us. I just hope you don't think I am trying to interfere with your friendship with Theo. I know you guys are right close with each other. I don't intend to take from your relationship with him. You guys make a good couple. Not like a couple couple, but... good friends." Scott realized he was rambling and he hoped that Lori might understand what he meant. His face was redder now than before, and he figured he should stop talking before it got him into trouble. "Anyways, I guess I am just thankful that you and Theo are open to letting people like me into your group of friends." Scott couldn't help but accept the fact that he was nowhere close to being as socially accepted as Lori and Theo were. He was grateful though that they were such kind friends. They truly had been able to make him feel like he was more than just another face in the crowd.

"I've never had a best friend," he blurted almost instinctively. His mind had been beating him to the chase when it came to trying to filter what he was saying. It seemed that the words came out before he even had a chance to think about them. "Aside from Flick, my sister," he explained. "You and Theo are lucky to have each other to depend on." He gave a soft smile, letting his mind continue, but now able to be quiet for a bit. Once he got some of his thoughts out in the open, it was a lot easier to retreat to his usual state of quietness.

((So sorry that it took me ages to get to this. ))

[Lori Leigh R6]

Lori smiled. Yep, that Theo Darke was a good boy. Oh great. She was doing it again. That thing Lori did. She had to stop thinking of Theo like that. Yes, she loved him, but she was trying not too. Lori just hoped and prayed that it would go away. Life would be much easier that way for everyone. Lori nodded when Scott said that he had been busy. “Yea I know what that feels like.” She smiled slightly. She did have a lot of work to get to in the next few weeks, but Lori always managed to keep it together. She was somewhat organized when it came to school work, but Theo was always there to remind and encourage her. He was good that way. Theo was a big help to Lori with classes even though Lori was smart. She knew that without Theo’s help in Transfigurations, there was no way that Lori would even be doing okay in the course. But, she was managing decently. Lori sighed. “Still I’m trying to decide if I’m happy that the year is nearly over or if I’m glad.” This was true. The year had been a hard one, but not overly bad. On one hand, a part of Lori wanted to stay in the present, stay young forever. On the other hand, one of the hardest years of her life was nearly over. Maybe this was a good thing.

Lori smiled. “Me? Mmm..” She looked to the firelight as she tried to gather her thoughts. “Schoolwork and I’ve been practicing my violin a bit.” Actually, she had been practicing a lot. Since Theo was busy with his prefect duties and such, Lori found more time on her hands. Yes, she could have used that time to prance around with a group of girls and gossip, but Lori would rather be with Theo any day. Lori loved to chat with people and hang out with friends, but over the past year, Lori really liked some alone time every now and then even if she missed Theo. “So, not much really.” She nodded lightly. Lori smiled when Scott mentioned the ball. Good thing she wasn’t blushing. She felt as though she might. That night had been fun and a bit confusing for Lori. On one hand, she wanted Theo to herself. Two best friends just Lori and Theo. On the other hand, Scott was nice and totally different from other Hogwarts guys. Lori could relate to him and she liked being around him. And this scared Lori.

Lori felt liked giggling uncontrollably when Scott continued to talk about that night. She just wanted to blush and run and talk about him to a group of girls. Wait. Lori didn’t like Scott. She couldn’t. She barely knew him! These thoughts raced around Lori’s head and she couldn’t stop them. Great. Now she had to guys to worry about. “Me too.” She wanted to say more, but she bit her tongue. She didn’t want to say something that she would regret. Lori watched Scott’s eyes as he spoke and she couldn’t help but keep that sweet smile plastered on her face. Well, that was until Scott said something that made Lori really want to grin. He didn’t want to interfere! He said it. He did. And Lori believed him. Maybe she was gullible or maybe he was really telling the truth. Lori really wanted to trust Scott and she was pretty certain that she could. Then, she really blushed when he said that they made a good couple. For a second there she thought that he was catching on to her secret so she flinched, but she relaxed when he clarified.

Lori frowned at the next thing he said. “People like you?” She asked looking down and then to Scott. “You’re a great guy.” So, maybe that was a little too fast, but she was being honest. “Why wouldn’t we let you in.” She paused. Now, she was beginning to see something she didn’t want to before. “You’re a good friend to Theo and nice to me. A girl can’t ask for much more.” She smiled. She didn’t mean to give him so much praise, but she couldn’t help it. She pretty much believed her words. She trusted Scott. But still, there was that little voice in the back of her head telling her to watch out. Couldn’t it just go away? She decided not to say anything about the “good couple” comment. She couldn’t give anything away. Lori nodded as she looked back to Scott when he said that he had never had a best friend. “Some of my favorite people don’t.” True, but then again Lori had a lot of favorite people. Yes, her statement was a but ditzy, but Lori was at times. “I was just kind of born with one. Luck of the draw I guess. But Theo’s the best. I couldn’t ask for anyone better.” She grinned. “Well, my sister Florence comes in as a good second.” She smiled. “Flick?” She asked. “Do I know her?” She asked herself more than him out loud. Lori’s eyes flickered back to Scott after eyeing the fire one again.

[Scott Ryder G7]

"You play the violin?" Scott commented when Lori had mentioned spending her time practising. It piqued his interest a bit, as Scott didn't know many people who played musical instruments. He wasn't particularly fond of the idea of practising himself, but he thought it was neat that Lori was a violinist. "That's neat," he replied simply. "I don't have any interesting talents like that," Scott added with a laugh.

As Scott continued his rambling, he couldn't help but notice that some of Lori's answers were a bit short. He sensed though that she wasn't being cold, but instead that she was perhaps just a bit shy around him. He found it odd though, considering that Lori wasn't normally a shy person. He flashed a quick smile when she mentioned enjoying their time at the ball together.

It was after that when Lori did start to talk more, and Scott found himself being complimented quite kindly by her words. Again, this caused him to blush, but he offered a smile of thanks to Lori as she explained that she found him to be a great guy. More and more, Scott was feeling that maybe he truly had found a place to belong. Part of him was still wary though to accept the fact that a duo of friends could that easily be changed into a trio. Things were never that easy. Surely Scott was assuming things that he shouldn't assume, but it still didn't do enough to take away the feeling of belonging that he was feeling with both Theo and now Lori.

"That's very kind of you," he replied, and then he let the rest of his thoughts drift off into the air as he stopped his sentence there. He wasn't sure what else to say at that point.

The conversation moved to Flick at that point, and Scott was glad to keep it moving without feeling that slight sense of unease when he wasn't sure what to say. Lori seemed to make it easy for him to talk though, which was another new experience for Scott. Naturally, he avoided conversations like these, as they never ended well. "Flick's a lot more known than me," he said with a laugh. "I'm sure if you saw her you would recognize her. Always with a large group of friends." Scott glanced at his watch and realized that they had been talking for a good fifteen minutes or so.

As the conversation went on, Scott found himself more and more comfortable with Lori, even to the point where he stopped thinking about how nervous he was to be alone with her. It was all new for Scott, but it just seemed to be happening so naturally. Lori truly was a great person. "It's getting quite late," he said finally, part of him wanting to stay, but the other part of him realizing that he should be going soon. "I've had a lot of fun though. We should do this more often." Did he really just say that? Scott never initiated such things. Still, he had a feeling Lori would agree to his offer. "There is a Hogsmeade trip coming up. I'm sure that Theo'd love to have the three of us spend the day together." Scott made sure to include Theo in his suggested plans. He was still trying to figure out this new idea of friendship, and he didn't want to exclude anybody or make anyone feel uncomfortable. "See you then?" he asked.

Once Lori agreed, Scott gave another smile before packing his things and then waving a goodbye. "It's been a good night. Tell Theo I said hello." With that, Scott was out into the hall and on his way to the Gryffindor tower. Once again, he found himself walking away from a new experience and wondering what he was getting himself into. So far it all seemed fine though, and he was happier than ever. Scott was turning into a new person, a young man, and with every bit of confusion he seemed to be finding bits of joy as he opened up to the world around him.

((Sorry again for the delayed reply. Also, I hope you don't mind me wrapping it up. I figured I should do so since we are already starting the next thread! You can still reply if you want or just leave it at this. ))