It Wasn't Planned
Chapter Seven:
The Halloween Feast and the Quidditch Match of Doom
The weeks leading up to the Halloween feast was rather calm, even with Umbridge and her crazy schemes to take over the school. Currently, Quidditch was the only thing keeping Fred and George sane. Nikki ended up missing the tryouts for the Ravenclaw team after being struck down by the flu and staying in the hospital wing, which she caught from Fred and George (she believes Fred purposely infected her, so she couldn't try out. He doesn't deny her allegations). While Fred was at practice, she would either watch and do her homework or do her homework in the library. She always ended up watching, instead of doing her homework, which made Fred happy, since she would have to do it with him later in his common room. Since that night after detention, Nikki had slept in Fred's dorm nearly every night. His trunk had half of her things in it. If any of the teachers, sans Umbridge, noticed, they never said a word.
Abbey Chase, Nikki's best friend, decided to have a pleasant chat with her best friend after Defense one day. "Nikki, where have you been? No one's seen you in our commons in months!" Abbey said, looking worried.
"I've been in the Gryffindor commons, Abbey. With all these thunder storms, Lauren has been terrified to sleep, so I've been staying with her." Nikki lied flawlessly.
Abbey nodded. It was common knowledge Lauren Scotts was terrified of thunder. "Can you please stay in our dorm tonight? I really miss you." Abbey asked, as the two walked towards the library.
"Sure, Abbey. I just have to let Lauren and Ron know." Nikki replied, entering the library.
As soon as the two girls sat down, Roger Davies appeared. "So, Nikki, how is the Gryffindor Quidditch team shaping up? With Wood gone, it should be an easy victory for us next month." Roger said, smirking.
"I wouldn't know, Davies. Most of the time I'm out there, I'm working on an essay for class." Nikki replied.
Roger narrowed his eyes at her. "Nikki, we all know you watch those Gryffindors play. Now, tell me what they're working on." Roger demanded, as two hands grabbed his robes and dragged him away from the girls.
"She's telling the truth, Davies. She doesn't pay attention to our practices." Fred said, glaring dangerously at the Ravenclaw Quidditch Captain.
"Except for when she's too busy drooling over Fred." George added, also glaring at the poor Ravenclaw.
Roger smirked at the twins, then turned to Nikki, leaning close to her, moving a lock of hair out of her face, and said "Nikki, love, I really do miss seeing you in our commons."
With a wide lecherous grin at her, he quickly left the library, fearing the wrath of Nichole Scotts and the Weasley twins. Fred sent a hex at his retreating back, but missed by an inch. "Nikki, has he been bothering you?" He demanded, his grip tightening on his wand.
"This is the first he's said anything all year. I thought he was over it." She replied, looking disgusted.
"Bloody cowardly wanker. I can't wait till we play them in Quidditch." George said, grinning wickedly.
Fred plopped down in the chair beside Nikki and grinned at her. "Ravenclaws are all the same. Cowardly wankers and bloody weaklings." Fred said, shooting a glare at the place Roger had been standing.
Nikki huffed and said "You're definitely not getting any now, Fredrick, even if you meant to protect me from that pervert."
Abbey giggled, watching the two interact. George snickered at his twin's blunder. "Come on, Abbey. Let's go back to the commons. We'll have a girl's night in the dorm." Nikki said, throwing Fred a dark look and hugging George.
Fred quickly followed her, trying to change her mind. "I didn't mean you, Nikki! You know that!" He said, grabbing her arm.
Nikki turned and said "Fredrick Gideon Weasley, let go of me right this second."
He stared at her, wondering what she was going to do to him. She pulled her wand on him and pointed it at his crotch. He quickly released her arm and said "I'm sorry, Nikki, love."
She rolled her eyes and kissed him on the cheek. "I'll see you tomorrow." She said, as she followed Abbey to their commons.
"But! What about my good night kiss and our homework?" He called, staring at her retreating back in surprise.
"Better yet, what about Davies? He lives in that commons too, Fred." George pointed out to his twin.
Fred's eyes widened and he quickly darted off after Nikki and Abbey. Nikki paused long enough to see what he wanted, but brushed off his worries about the Quidditch captain. "Fred, boys can't get into the girls' dorms without the staircase falling in on them. It's the same in our commons as it is in yours. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine." She said, smiling brightly up at him.
"If you're sure you'll be fine, Nikki. Just send an owl if he bothers you tonight." Fred said, sighing.
He knew his twin was going to tease him about being whipped, but he could always tease him about being wrapped around a certain fifth year's finger. Nikki nodded and continued her trip to her commons. That night, she, Abbey, Lynn, Kayla, and Jackie proceeded to do facials, paint their toes, and talk boys, while drinking fire whiskey (who ever said Ravenclaws were straight laced was clearly wrong). Once the girls reached the topic of boys, everyone jumped on Nikki about Fred.
"Nikki, is he a good shag?" Lynn asked, grinning.
Normally, Lynn was a quiet, prudish girl who never talked like that, but once drunk, she could make a sailor blush. "We haven't gone that far yet." Nikki replied, blushing.
"That's not what I've heard. Are they into the twin thing? I've heard that those two were caught doing some things in their dorm with Lee Jordan." Jackie asked, leering at her friend, who turned even redder at her words.
"As far as I know, Fred and George aren't into the twin thing. That thing with Lee was my doing. I gave them a candy I made that makes you confused. I influenced their decision to grind on Lee. Scared the poor boy, but it was worth it." Nikki replied, smirking at her genius plan.
The girls applauded her and they continued their interrogation of their dorm mate. Later on, Abbey asked Nikki about her parents. "Oh, Mum and Frank are fine. Haven't heard from them since Ren and I went to the Weasley's for holiday." She answered.
"Why do you call your dad Frank?" Kayla asked, curiously.
"He's not my real dad. He married my mum when I was about two and a half, I think. I don't really know when they got together 'cause I was living with the Weasley's during that time." She replied, not exactly thinking.
"Why were you living with the Weasley's? Where was your mum?" Lynn asked. No one had heard this story yet. Only Fred and the other Weasley's knew about her real father.
"My real dad was killed by Death Eaters when I was two. Mum went a little crazy. Said she couldn't stand the sight of me 'cause I look just like him. Mr. Weasley and Uncle James took me to the Burrow and I stayed there till she came to get me. She was pregnant with Lauren at that point. Ron Weasley was just months old. Aunt Lily was about to have Harry." She said, taking a sip of her drink.
"Lily and James Potter? You knew them?" Abbey asked, the surprise etched onto her face.
Nikki nodded. "Uncle James, Uncle Remus, and Uncle Sirius were best friends with my dad before they were thrown into the first war. Dad was a Ravenclaw like me and mum was in Gryffindor." She replied, shrugging.
"Awww, that's cute. You and Fred are repeating that." Jackie said, giggling.
Nikki nodded and said "I love him."
The girls fell silent, as they took in their friend's words. "Are you sure, Nikki? He doesn't seem like the one girl kind of guy." Kayla asked, looking worried.
"He loves me, Kayla. He said it first." Nikki replied, sighing happily.
"Nikki, what was your dad's name?" Abbey asked suddenly.
"William O'Conner. Why?" Nikki answered, wondering why her friend was so interested in her parents.
"No reason. You and Weasley have been getting pretty chummy lately. I did tell you on the train you were in love with him. But did you listen? No. You just brushed me off like I was crazy." Abbey said, slightly miffed.
Nikki sighed and crawled under her blankets. "Bed time for the lightweight." Jackie cackled, grinning happily.
"If you guys do anything to me, I will get you back painfully." Nikki slurred, as she quickly fell asleep.
The next morning brought the seventh year Ravenclaw girls massive headaches and regrets. Sure, it had been a while since they had gotten together and partied like that, but it was worth the pain they felt whenever a bright light was in their eyes or when the fumes of the potions dungeon got to them. Fred, of course was concerned about Nikki's sudden sickness, but she stared him down and said "Fredrick Weasley, if you try to drag me to the hospital wing one more time, you'll be loosing something valuable."
He had gulped and said "Yes, dear."
All the while, George and Lee were laughing at him, though Nikki quelled their laughter with one dark look. Fred gloated for the rest of the day. The Halloween feast was that night and Nikki was looking forward to it. Halloween was her favorite holiday. She grinned as she thought of the sweets, tricks, and frightening things that was to come. She could sense Fred, George, Lee and Lauren were up to something. She was slightly disappointed that they refused to let her in on it, but decided to enjoy whatever they had up their sleeves.
As she entered the Great Hall, she was surprised to find Lee, George, and Lauren sitting side by side. She eyed them suspiciously and took her seat beside Fred. He had insisted she sit with them, even with Umbridge glaring at them and the threat of detention looming over their heads. "What are you three up to?" She asked, eagerly awaiting the appearance of the sweets and toys.
"You'll see, Nikki. I think you'll like this prank." Fred replied, exchanging looks with his three conspirators.
Nikki simply grinned and said "If I get covered in goop or my hair changes colors, I will hex you with that Bat Boogey Hex Ginny taught me."
The twins and Lee blanched, having been on the receiving end of Ginny's Bat Boogey Hex before. Lauren shook her head and said "Don't worry, favorite big sister. Nothing will happen to you."
"Lauren, I'm your only big sister, so I have to be your favorite." Nikki said, rolling her eyes.
Dumbledore chose that moment to stand up and give his speech. "Welcome to the Halloween feast. For some of you, it is your last Halloween here at Hogwarts. For some, it is your first. You seventh years, enjoy yourselves fully, but keep in mind, the rules should be followed." He said, eyeing the Weasley twins and Harry Potter.
The three boys grinned wickedly, knowing what sort of trouble they had gotten themselves into on past Halloweens. "Well, I shouldn't keep any of you waiting any longer for the sweets, but if you should find any Lemon Drops, please send them my way. Tuck in." Dumbledore said, smiling and returning to his seat.
The table was suddenly filled with sweets, real food, wizard's crackers, and toys. Nikki happily attacked a pile of Chocolate Frogs, while the twins got a hold of a few crackers. The Hall was filled with loud laughter and excited talking. The seventh years were having a huge party in the Room of Requirement after the feast, so the seventh years were the loudest out of all the years in the Hall. Suddenly, there was a loud shriek and the entire Hall froze, slipping into dead silence. "I hope no one let in another troll." Harry muttered, causing the surrounding Gryffindors to snicker.
"Look at Umbridge." A first year Gryffindor said, pointing towards the Head table. Everyone turned and stared at the Head table, where Umbridge was currently green and warty. A Hufflepuff started laughing and soon the entire Hall was filled with laughter. Umbridge turned red and quickly left the Hall. Fred, George, Lee, and Lauren exchanged knowing looks. "She's going to find a way to pin it on you or Harry, you know that right?" Nikki said, smiling at them.
Fred and George shrugged. "She can't expel us just yet. We haven't crossed the lineā¦" Fred said.
"Yet." George finished, grinning wickedly.
Lauren nodded in agreement. "She doesn't have any proof. We made sure of it." She said, smirking.
"Lauren, please don't get yourself into trouble. Mum and Frank won't like it very much." Nikki said, eyeing her sister carefully.
"I won't, Nikki. I promise." Lauren said, smiling up at her older sister.
Nikki rolled her eyes and dived back into the Chocolate Frogs. "Nikki, save some for the rest of us." George said, snatching a couple frogs from her.
"George, those were mine." She whined, trying to take them back.
Fred handed her his share and she smiled brightly at him. "This is why I love you, Freddie." She said, brightly, as she attacked the poor defenseless frogs.
Fred stuck his tongue out at her and said "Thanks, love."
Nikki snickered and kissed his cheek. "I really do love you, sweetie." She said, hugging his side.
He wrapped his arm around her shoulder, pulling her close to him. "I know you do, Nikki. Shall we head for the common room for some alone time?" He asked, playing with her hair.
"Sure, just let me torture your twin some more." She replied, stealing a few more Chocolate Frogs from George when he wasn't looking.
Many of the seventh years had already left the Great Hall and were stealthy making their way to the hidden room near the painting of the dancing trolls. Fred took Nikki's hand and led her from the hall. She pouted, wishing she had grabbed more frogs. George and Lee followed behind the couple, planning their next prank. "Mr. Weasleys, Mr. Jordan, Ms. Scotts, I know you four were behind that mess at the feast. You shall have detention with me for a week." Umbridge said, glaring down at the four seventh years.
"We have no idea what you're talking about, professor." Nikki said, smiling sweetly.
"Oh, but you do. You will be in my office tomorrow after classes for your detention." Umbridge said, as Dumbledore appeared behind them.
"Now, Delores, they've already told you they had nothing to do with it. Leave them be. There's no proof they were the ones who tricked you. Besides, what's a Halloween feast without a few tricks?" Dumbledore asked, smiling.
Umbridge pursed her lips and said "I suppose you're right, Albus. I'll let them off just this once."
The four exchanged looks. They were certain she would be watching them closely from now on. "On you go, you four. Enjoy the party." Dumbledore said, beaming at them.
Umbridge practically stopped breathing at the headmaster's words. "P-party? What party?" She demanded, her eyes frantically darting between the five standing before her.
"Delores, surely you remember the seventh years' Halloween party? There's been one every year since I was in school here. Probably before my school days, even. Run along you four. Have fun." Dumbledore said, shooing the four seventh years away.
Fred and Nikki quickly ran off, hoping to escape Umbridge's sight. They didn't want her to see where they were actually going, though it was common knowledge. George and Lee were right behind them, hurrying along the corridors. When they arrived, the party was in full swing. Someone had enchanted the room to play the Weird Sisters at top volume. Nikki grinned and dragged Fred onto the dance floor. "I love this song!" She exclaimed, pulling him close.
He grinned back, wrapping his arms around her waist, pressing her against his body and running his hands along her spine. She smirked and pressed herself closer, wrapping her arms around his neck. She kissed his cheek and placed feathery kisses along his jaw line. Fred let out a low groan when she bit the sensitive spot just below his left ear. Nikki smirked, knowing she had him right where she wanted him. Fred gently nibbled on her ear, causing her to moan with pleasure. "Maybe we should go somewhere more private." He whispered in her ear.
She nodded and he led her off the dance floor. The Room of Requirement was a truly remarkable room. Whatever the occupants wanted, the room would provide. Someone, whoever was hosting the party Fred assumed, had created a group of alcoves for the couples attending (A/N: Like in the movie Just My Luck, where there were little bed things blocked from the public with curtains at the party where the main chick loses her luck to Chris Pine's character). A thin curtain blocked each space from unwanted eyes. Fred pulled Nikki into one and flicked his wand at the curtain. The loud music and noise from the party vanished, leaving the space quiet. "What if someone walks in on us?" Nikki asked, frowning slightly.
"Don't worry, Nikki. I put our wards up. No one can get in here." Fred replied, sitting on the bed, pulling her onto his lap.
She smirked and said "It would be funny if your twin managed to get past our wards."
Fred frowned, as he added extra wards to the ones he already had in place. "He shouldn't be able to get in now." He said, with an air of arrogance.
Nikki arched an eyebrow at him. "Don't do that. It makes you look like a red haired Malfoy." She said, snickering.
He glared at her, flipping her on her back. Leaning over her, he smirked and said "Don't you dare compare me to those prats."
She rolled her eyes, running her hands up his arms as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Freddie, aren't you forgetting what we came in here for?" She asked, smiling.
He grinned, shivering at her touch. He kissed the sensitive spot on her neck and said "'Course not, love."
She sighed, as he kissed her cheek. Then she crashed her lips against his, wanting to feel his lips on hers. Nikki managed to flip him on his back and straddled his waist. With her fingers in his hair, she sucked the spot under his ear, enjoying the sounds he made. "Nikki." He moaned, pulling her tight against his chest.
She could feel his erection pressing against her stomach. She shifted slightly, noticing how he tensed whenever she moved. "Nikki, love, this isn't fair." He moaned again, as she pulled off his shirt.
"Yes, it is. You're always jumping me, so it's my turn to jump you." She said, tracing his abs with her index finger.
He growled, flipping her on her back and fiddling her with her button down shirt. She giggled when she realized he was having trouble getting it off. That's what he said She thought, grinning at the silent joke she made. Fred finally managed to get her shirt off, after much swearing and Nikki laughing at him. "What's wrong, Freddie? You normally get my shirt off super fast." She said, grinning up at him.
"Nothing, love." He replied, lust burning in his eyes.
She bit her bottom lip, wondering what he was going to do to her. He crashed his lips against hers, as one hand tangled itself in her long hair and the other made its way down to her breasts. She moaned, scratching his shoulders, as she pressed herself against his chest.
"Nikki, Fred, where are you?" Sang George, as he searched for his twin and said twin's girlfriend.
He had searched nearly every nook and cranny the Room of Requirement had provided for the party, which was nearly over. He paused his search near the second set of alcoves, wondering if he should even dare to look in the small spaces. He spied Katie coming in his direction and quickly darted into an empty alcove, hoping she hadn't seen where he had run off to. He really didn't want to deal with a drunken Katie Bell right now. He just wanted to find his twin and said twin's girlfriend and go back to the safety of their dorm.
Fred smirked down at his girlfriend, who was currently arching her back, letting her nipples graze against his bare chest. He kissed her neck, biting and sucking on the spot she was most sensitive at. She moaned loudly, digging her fingernails into his arms. He winced slightly, but went on with his ministrations anyway. Nikki was currently lost in her own little world, as she felt her stomach tighten. She knew what was coming, but didn't know how Fred would take it. Would he think she was easy or had a lot of experience since she came easily or would he think he was the most awesome guy ever? She smiled, knowing that was exactly what he would think.
George stuck his head out of the tiny space he had hidden in. He sighed, seeing Katie was no where to be found. He then continued his search, carefully entering the alcoves, hoping he wouldn't see anything he didn't want to see. He heard loud moans coming from behind the last curtain. He cautiously stuck his head through the curtain and found his twin and said twin's girlfriend shagging. Or so he thought.
"Fred!" She shrieked, as she rode her orgasm out.
Fred looked up at her in surprise. She had never yelled his name before. He wondered if he had done something wrong, when she suddenly fell back, panting. George frowned, wondering if he should interrupt them. He really didn't want to die just yet, though, so he retreated, intending to guard the door from any unwanted guests.
"Nikki, are you okay? Did I hurt you?" Fred asked, frantically.
"No, Fred. I'm fine." She replied, smiling up at him.
"Are you sure?" He asked, looking worried.
"OI! Lovebirds, party's over. Take it back to our dorm, if you must continue." Lee Jordan yelled, entering the alcove.
George sighed heavily, wondering just how Lee had gotten passed him. Then he braced himself for the argument that was about to take place. "We're coming, Lee. We'll meet you back in the common room in a few minutes." George heard his twin say.
George shook his head and headed off towards the common room, not really wanting to see his twin all lovey dovey with Nikki. When he returned to the common room, he found another party in full swing. "OI, who started this?" He asked, grinning.
Harry and Ron raised their hands. "Brilliant job, you two." George said, clapping the two on the back.
Lauren danced over to him and said "Hey, Georgie. You know you're my favorite Weasley, right?"
George eyed her warily. He noticed she had a glass of Fire Whiskey in her hand. "Lauren, I think its time for you to go to bed. If Nikki comes in here and finds you like this, she'll murder me." George said, grabbing her around her waist and hoisting her over his shoulder.
"Whee! This is fun!" Lauren said, giggling, as George made his way up the stairs to the girls' dorms.
George plopped her down on her bed. He started to leave, but she called him back. "Georgie, stay with me. Please?" She asked, pouting up at him.
He sighed and nodded. Lauren made room for him on her bed and cuddled up beside him. "Lauren, aren't you sleepy?" He asked, feeling slightly uncomfortable sitting next to her.
"Nope." She replied, grinning brightly.
"Georgie, you know I love you, right? Not in the you're my best friend way, but in the same way Nikki loves Freddie." Lauren said , turning to face him.
George stared down at her in shock. "Lauren, you can't love me. I'm too old for you. Besides, you love Harry." He said, softly.
She shook her head, tears forming in her big green eyes. "I really do love you, Georgie." She whispered, as she finally passed out.
"I love you too, Lauren, but we can't be together." George said, then he realized she was asleep.
He cursed his luck and quickly fled to the safety of his dorm room. "I love you, Georgie, not Harry. Ginny claimed Harry ages ago." Lauren muttered, rolling over in her sleep.
Nikki and Fred were slowly making their way up the dorm stairs when George flew by them. They both stared at his retreating form, wondering what he had do this time. "He's probably hiding from Katie." Fred said, though he had a feeling it was actually Lauren who had made him run.
The two collapsed on Fred's bed and promptly fell asleep. George hoped his twin wouldn't bother him tonight. He just wanted to be left alone to wallow in his self pity. He cursed himself for turning her down and saying they couldn't be together. He stared up at his bed hangings, wondering if Lauren would even remember telling him how she felt and how he turned her down. Then he wondered what would happen if Nikki found out he was harboring an intense crush on her younger sister. He shuddered, knowing she would try to kill him. Hell, she might even kill Fred for not telling her. He thought back to all the times he and Lauren hung out when Harry and Ron were fighting last year. She stuck with him, while his twin tormented (or flirted with, depending on who you asked) Nikki. He then thought of the time he had given her some fire whiskey. He chuckled, remembering how crazy she had acted. That was the first time he realized he loved her. He had always thought she was pretty. How could anyone not think that? With her long blonde hair and big green eyes, her beautiful smile, the way her eyes lit up with excitement every time they played a prank. He knew he was smitten and quite possibly in love with her, even though he was with Katie, but he knew he couldn't have her. It was obvious that she loved Harry, not him.
He rolled over and tried to get to sleep, dreading the dreams he knew he was going to have. He dreamed of her every night, even though he told Fred he was dreaming about Katie. Once, for a laugh, he told his twin he was dreaming about Nikki. Fred had socked him in the jaw and refused to talk to him for an hour. That was right around the Yule Ball, too. George sighed, realizing the clues had been before him all last term, if he had only paid attention. He finally fell asleep thinking about Lauren and the time they spent together over the summer.
November brought the cold and the rain. The new month also brought every witch and wizard's favorite sport: Quidditch. For Nikki, November meant less time than ever with Fred. She was sort of glad for the time apart, hoping this would allow them to calm their hormones down some. Nikki had moved back into Ravenclaw tower, though Fred had protested her decision greatly.
It was time for the first Quidditch game of the year, Gryffindor versus Slytherin. Nikki desperately hoped Gryffindor won. She really didn't like the chances Ravenclaw had if Slytherin won. At least Gryffindor had a chance, even if Slytherin managed to beat them. Nikki gave Fred a kiss for good luck and went to join Hermione, Ginny, and Abbey in the stands. She proudly wore Fred's jersey, along with his Gryffindor scarf, under her winter cloak. The scarf flew out behind her as she hurried through the crowd, searching for her friends. She finally found them just before Hooch blew the whistle. "And they're off." Lee Jordan announced.
Nikki, along with her fellow Gryffindor supporters cheered. "And Bell has the quaffle. Flint is right behind her. Ouch! That looked rather nasty. Fred or George Weasley hit Flint with a bludger. And Bell passes to Johnson, who passes to Spinnett. Spinnett passes back to Bell. She shoots, she SCCORES! 10 POINTS TO GRYFFINDOR!" Lee shouted, his excitement clear in his voice.
The entire left side of the stadium erupted in loud cheers, as Katie did a victory lap around the pitch. "Montague throws the quaffle to Flint, who passes it to Smith. Smith passes it back and Johnson tackles him in the side, allowing Spinnett to steal the quaffle back. She passes to Bell. Bell passes to Johnson, who throws it at the goal. Montague misses and SCORE! 10 POINTS FOR GRYFFINDOR! Gryffindor lead 20 to zero." Lee announced.
The game continued with Gryffindor in the lead. Soon, Harry had spotted the snitch and was chasing after it, Draco Malfoy on his heels. Nikki and her seatmates jumped up, watching the battle between the two seekers intently. A loud roar erupted within the red and gold side of the pitch. "POTTER'S CAUGHT THE SNITCH! GRYFFINDOR WINS BY 200 POINTS!" Lee yelled, but his announcement was drowned out by the sound of the excited crowd.
Nikki, Lauren, Hermione, and Ginny quickly ran onto the pitch, hoping to get to their boyfriend and friends before the rest of Gryffindor descended upon them. Nikki jumped into Fred's arms and kissed his cheek. "You were brilliant!" She exclaimed, grinning.
Fred grinned, hugging her tight. "Now, we just have to destroy Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff and we've got the cup again." He said, smirking down at her.
She huffed, shooting him a glare. "Ravenclaw will take you down, you know. Carter and Davies won't stand to loose to you." She said, rolling her eyes.
Fred rolled his eyes and said "Look, Nikki, Gryffindor is the superior Quidditch team. No other House measures up."
Nikki smacked his arm. "Ravenclaw is just as good as your team, Fredrick." She said, defending her House.
"Shut up, Malfoy!" Harry and George yelled, drawing attention to the little spat the two were having with the blonde ferret.
Fred instantly flanked his twin, dragging Nikki with him. "Malfoy, you should shut your mouth before something happens." Nikki said, rolling her eyes.
Malfoy, of course, ignored her and continued to run his mouth. Suddenly, Fred and Harry attacked him, knocking Nikki to the ground. Hermione quickly helped her up and the two joined Lauren, who was holding George back for dear life. McGonagall appeared and took the two brawling Gryffindors away. Malfoy simply smirked and walked away with his two minions following behind him. Nikki, Lauren, and Hermione quickly got George out of the stadium and up to the common room. "George, you've got to calm down! You don't want to get another detention, do you?" Nikki exclaimed, forcing him to sit in an arm chair.
"Did you not hear a word of what that ferret said about my family?" He demanded, glaring at her.
"Yes, George, I heard what he said, but with Umbridge taking over the school, you don't know what sort of crazy power the Ministry will give her next. She just might expel you." Nikki said, sighing.
George continued to glare at her and said "It doesn't matter. Fred and I are planning on leave as soon as we can."
Lauren gasped, staring at him in shock. "You're going to leave?" She asked, tears welling up in her green eyes.
"Yes, we're going to leave, to get the shop running." George replied, trying to ignore her tears.
"But you're leaving!" Lauren exclaimed, turning away from him.
He jumped up, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. "Don't cry, Ren. We would be leaving at the end of the school year anyway, so it's not like it wasn't totally thought out." He said, trying to comfort her.
"I forgot you were graduating this year." Lauren mumbled, as Fred and Harry stalked into the common room.
"What happened, you two? Please tell me that ferret got some sort of punishment!" Nikki asked, looking worried.
"Someone needs to tell Angelina she needs to find another seeker and beater." Harry muttered, darkly, as he and Fred plopped down on the couch near George's chair.
"Make that two beaters." Fred said, glaring at the fire.
"What are you two talking about?" Hermione asked, quietly.
"We've been given life long bans from Quidditch. George too." Harry answered, growling slightly.
George froze, his arms tightening around Lauren. "W-what?" He stuttered, glancing at his twin and the Boy-Who-Lived.
"McGonagall would never do that! She wants to win the cup just as bad as the rest of us!" Lauren yelled, throwing her arms in the air, though George was still holding her shoulders.
"Not McGonagall didn't do it. Umbridge did it." Harry said, darkly.
"She is now in charge of all punishments. It's Fudge's newest degree." Fred explained.
Nikki frowned deeply. "That's the most absurd thing I have ever heard. She's taking over the school! This is getting ridiculous! How can one person control the punishments? There has to be about a thousand students here and about a third of them break a rule or two a day. It would be impossible to keep up with the demand." Hermione said, looking thoughtful.
Nikki grinned and said "You know, this year has been rather tame compared to previous years, don't you agree, Fred, George?"
The twins eyed her, wondering what had gotten into her. "I think it's time we remind the student body why we're the supreme pranksters of this place." Nikki said, smirking mischievously.
Hermione frowned, her expression worried. "Nikki, please think about what you're doing. Umbridge is just looking for any excuse to get us in detention with her on a more permanent basis." The younger girl said, but her protests were lost on deaf ears, as Nikki and the twins had started planning their revenge.
Lauren, who was still upset over George's announcement, had left the commons. She sighed, wondering if he would ever realize how she felt about him. She also wondered where he had gotten the idea she was in love with Harry from. She threw herself on her bed and tried not to think about George. That boy wasn't good for her health.
A/N: I know it was George, not Fred, who jumped Malfoy, but for the benefit for the plot of this fan fiction, Fred is the one who helped Harry beat up Malfoy.
