Potters and The Next Generation; Furthermore Book 2

Love Is Annoying

Disclaimer: THIS IS A PIECE OF FAN-FICTION, DERIVED FROM THE ORIGINAL WORKS OF HARRY POTTER SERIES BY J.K. ROWLING.

James

Why was she looking at me like that? Is it to apologize? I don't want it. I don't want her to apologize. Iola was my issue and my mistake. Aria had no business with us, so why should she apologize to me?

"James?" I jumped at Iola's voice. She was wearing a short pink dress with high heels. I was hiding in a corner with a champagne flute, so I wasn't sure if I did a good job.

"Iola." I gulped, "Hello."

"How've you been?"

"Hardworking." I answered with a nod, "How about you?"

"I joined the Daily Prophet as a shadow for now."

"Good for you."

"Yeah. I wanted to work with your Mum but it's hard to get through for now." She bit her lip after a sigh. I'm not recommending her.

"Good luck with that then." I sipped at my drink.

"Do say hello to her for me? Tell her I'm a huge fan."

"I don't like doing that, so I'm sorry." I answered and she frowned.

"James, are you still mad about what happened? I'm telling you, I didn't spread the news!" She hissed.

"I don't care, Iola." I slumped, "I truly don't care anymore."

"Well, you're still sour about it."

"Iola-"

"He said he doesn't care, so he doesn't." Aria's firm voice stopped Iola's further statement, and I watched her come between us, "And it wasn't news, you spread a lie. A rumor. So take the hint Iola before you make things uncomfortable for yourself as well." I fixed my bow as Iola gave a cold grin to Aria and walked away.

"Are you-"

"I'm fine." I answered before Aria could finish, "And you don't have to worry yourself, Ari. Truth whatever it may be, I don't have the stamina to explain myself to people. I'm an open book and always have been. Those who want to read the facts, do, and those who want the meaning behind words that have none, I can't help them. So don't feel upset or bad or even guilty if you do. You're human, after all."

She was quiet, so I finally gained the courage to look from overfixing my clothes, only to find her nodding with tears in her eyes.

"Ari..."

"I just wanted to say I'm sorry for not understanding you." She gulped, "But I... I understand that I was out of line for judging you the way I did."

"Ari... don't."

She nodded and sniffled, instantly fixing to a smile.

"Sorry."

"It's okay." I answered, and she blinked and walked away.

I leaned against the wall, feeling more exhausted than I did before I came here.

"James, honey." I turned to Mum, who came to me after a long while, "What is it?" She caressed my cheek with her knuckles.

"Just a long day at work."

"Oh, sweetheart, do you wanna take an early day off?"

I shook my head. She was silent and a small, almost apologetic smile lingered on her lips.

"Being an adult is more tiring than I thought." I snickered, "It's funny. I wanted to grow up as fast as possible but here I am now. Almost twenty and nothing to show for myself."