Paired With The Potterhead

Chapter Eight: Rebellion

Done All Wrong - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

Chapter Eight: Rebellion

Nora's mom was more than happy to have me stay a little longer. I even offered to help her with anything she needed done around the house but she shook her head with a smile, saying that being friends with her daughter was everything she could ever ask of me.

So I might've teared up a little at that.

Her husband eventually came home, so I got to meet the man of the house too. Peter, a typical dad name, was tall and solid. His hair had streaks of gray along the temples but his face looked young apart from laughter lines around his eyes. He had an incredible sense of humor and he too loved horror movies like me.

"I tried to get Mary to watch Texas Chainsaw Massacre on our first date. She ditched me right then and there," he said with a laugh. We were sitting around the table (even the little kids. Wow. What a big family) and laughing at old stories from the past. It felt....nice.

"I came back, didn't I? Wasn't going to let you eat all the popcorn," Mary smirked. "Plus we went and slept in the back your truck after we-"

"Nope! Now is not the time for that!" Nora cut her off. I was too busy choking on my cup of cocoa to even notice that Mary and Peter were smooching across the table. "Mom! Dad! Come on, we have a guest! Show some dignity!"

As they pulled apart, the quints all began to babble at the same time. I had to admit, they were cute babies; they all had wisps of the hereditary Norris blonde hair and big blue eyes. Charlie was the only one with brown eyes like their father.

"Do you need a ride home, Laney? I'd be more than happy to drive you home," asked Peter.

"Oh god no. I'm good. But thank you for the offer. And thank you for having me over. I had an awesome time." My bag was at my feet ready to go in case I wanted to make a quick escape. Turns out I didn't.

"Thank you for hanging out with Nora. She never brings anyone home so this is a treat for us," Mary hugged me tight. "Come over anytime. I'm almost always home so the door is open. If I'm not, then just make yourself at home."

I nodded before stepping out in the cool night air. Nora followed behind me, closing the door behind her.

"Thanks for coming over today. I had a lot of fun," she said.

"Yeah me too. Beating Bludgers is a lot more fun than I thought it would be." I scratched my neck and squinted. "Can we do it again sometime?"

Nora's eyes widened. "Y-yes. Sure. Absolutely. I'd love to. Maybe Sam can come over too sometime?"

I seriously doubted Sam would be interested in this but I nodded anyway to make her smile. "Doesn't hurt to ask, right? Well. I should get going before my dad gets home-"

As I made a turn to leave, Nora grabbed my wrist and pulled me back around to face her. We were suddenly face to face, our noses just barely touching and for a moment I thought she was going to kiss me.

And I would've let her do it too.

"Laney. If something bad happens at home or if you don't feel safe, please come get me. Or I'll come to you. Just...don't stick around and wait for the worst to happen. Okay?"

I swallowed past the lump forming in my throat. "Okay. I will."

She then let go of my wrist. Her face looked so sad even in the faint glow of the porch light above our heads. There wasn't anything I could say that would comfort her other than agree to what she said to me. As chatty as she was, she seemed to not be able to find the right words to say either so she waved goodbye as I headed down her driveway and disappeared from view.