Chapter Nine
The Seeker's Secret
–
If you can't forgive and forget,
pick one.
–
It was pitch-black in Oliver's flat when I appeared in his hearth, looking frazzled as all hell. I contemplated turning around and marching right back into the fireplace and going back to Hogwarts. I know I shouldn't have even allowed the thought to grace my mind, but part of me had an inkling that Oliver had been seeing someone else unbeknownst to be. Silly, I know. I crept from the dwindling green flames and tip-toed around the corner from the dark living room. It seemed completely dead inside, maybe Oliver wasn't even home. I hadn't even been considerate enough to write first. What if he wasn't even in town? Then I noticed a faint light coming from under the bathroom door in the hallway between his bedroom and the small extra bedroom. Thank Merlin, he was home. Smiling thankfully to myself, I knocked lightly on the door and turned the knob gently to peek inside.
"Oliver?" I called in a quiet voice, thoughtful not to frighten him with my presence.
However, it wasn't Oliver who was within the bathroom. Quite to the contrary, it was a tall, excessively tan woman with blonde hair and a chest that could not have been a gift from god but rather from a surgeon. Her face was painted up like a common street walker and she stood only in her underwear... if you could call it that. She turned around and saw me the same time I saw her. She screamed and I screamed in reply. Then lights started to turn on all around us. Though it wasn't Oliver who appeared from behind me. It was Jasper McQueen, stumbling to walk straight with his eyes hazed over from exhaustion. He wore only his boxer shorts and socks. He gripped the door frame, his jaw dropping when he saw me.
"Winnie, what–" he began, looking confused.
"What the bloody hell is going on here?" I seethed.
He yawned nonchalantly and stretched his arms over his head. The blonde bimbo dashed back into Jasper's bedroom, attempting to hide what little shame she had left. Before I could say anything else she reappeared, clothes balled up up in her arms, and sprinted out the door and slammed it behind her.
"Write me," Jasper called, completely dispassionately, eyeing his fingernails before laying his eyes on me again."She won't write."
Suddenly, Oliver's door flew open. He was in his boxer shorts and a t-shirt, his hair handsomely askew. He looked as if he'd thrown on the t-shirt on before addressing the unknown situation, seeing as it was on inside out and backwards.
"What's going on?" he gasped, taking a second to realize I was actually there in person. "Winnie? What are you doing here? What's wrong, are y–"
I didn't let him finish, opting to leap into his arms instead. He hugged me back once he got over the initial shock of my body against his. He held his hand gently against the back of my head and lightly gripped my long unkempt hair in his fingers. He whispered quiet comforting words in my ear and tenderly kissed my cheek just as I had hoped he would. He knew something was wrong without my shedding an impossible tear or speaking a word, he just knew by my expression. Finally, Ollie led my face away from his and stared at me with concerned eyes. I opened my mouth slightly as if to say something, but only a few monosyllabic grunts came out. We'd forgotten Jasper was still in the same room, grinning slyly at us as he leaned against the door frame.
"Don't mind me," said McQueen. "I'll just go entertain myself, keep myself occupied and such. No worries."
"Jasper's flat is being remodeled, so I told him he could bunk here for the week," Ollie explained.
"Ah, well I'm glad you're here, McQueen," I smirked. "If you weren't and that woman was here alone with Oliver I think I'd be a bit more perturbed."
"Well, ole Ollie is still head over heels for you if that's what you're worried about," Jasper smiled. "Honestly, Win, your boyfriend is just about the most dull human being on the planet. He has girls crawling all over him, but all he wants to do is practice and swoon over you. It's adorable in rather pathetic sort of way."
"That does sound pathetic," I said in an amused sort of way, looking up at a blushing Oliver. "Fidelity is rather drab."
"That's what I hear, though my idea of fidelity is never having more than one partner in bed at one time," Jasper smirked, "but I haven't asked what you're doing here. I take it you didn't write Ollie beforehand of your ever so graceful drop in because he doesn't exactly looked prepared?"
"I've just been very stressed out at school," I explained stiltedly. "I wanted to get away and see him for the remainder of the weekend as a sort of release."
"Well, I'm here and I would be more than willing to help you release and–"
"Shut up, Jasper," Oliver frowned, rolling his eyes. "Word of advice, McQueen, never try picking up a girl with a boyfriend just because you strike out with the girl you really want to shag."
"It worked on your friend Spinnet," he grinned as if he was remembering a fond memory. "Remember, Winnie, you turned me down at the pub and–"
"Oh, piss off," I said, turning my back to him and following Oliver towards the kitchen to get me a glass of water.
Jasper's expression changed as soon as he realized we were halfway down the hallway. He grabbed his knee-length maroon robe from the hook on the door inside his room and darted after me, a determined expression on his face.
"No, really," he objected, gripping the corner of the wall as he chased after me, sliding across the hardwood floor on his socks. Ollie pulled a glass from the cabinet above the stove and turned on the sink, filling up my glass and handing it to me.
"Alicia Spinnet is an obsessive bitch who couldn't physically look at another bloke because she can't function without keeping both her eyes glued on her own boyfriend," I said, turning back around and sipping my water with a self-satisfied look on my face.
"Well, she managed to look my way in the women's toilet at Paddy's the weekend you lot came to visit," he grinned deviously.
I froze, remembering that the pair of them had indeed disappeared when I went to see to George that night.
"You lie," I breathed, barely audible.
"I never lie about my conquests," he teased, "frankly because no fabrication of the truth could even come close to comparing to the real thing."
"But, she–"
"– is a minx?" he concluded. "I know."
"No, she has a boyfriend," I objected dumbly. "I mean, she's in love with George."
"I know, and how unfortunate it is that he is still in love with you," he smirked.
The glass in my hand slipped from my numb fingers and fell to the floor, shattering into a million pieces. I didn't even move. Oliver waved his wand and set the newly repaired glass on the counter top.
"You promised me you'd give that horseshit a rest, Jasper," Oliver growled. "You told me you were going to quit writing her."
"W-What?" I breathed, looking from one to the other. "You two write each other?"
He pulled a letter from his robe pocket, Alicia's large and frilly handwriting was easily recognized from my line of sight. He flicked the envelope with his opposing index finger to make a crisp sound and winked at me. Jasper wasn't trying to intimidate me or anything of the sort, I knew this. His angle was arrogance. He didn't like the idea of me doubting his tomcat persona.
"Of course," he shrugged. "I like to keep one lass on retainer at all times. You know, just in case I'm too tired to go out and find me a new one and apparently she's the same."
"So she writes you about me then?" I snapped. "What exactly does she tell you?"
"Not at liberty to say, I'm afraid," he smiled. "I can tell you that she's not too fond of you, however."
"I can hardly believe it," I said, rolling my eyes, "but what about George?"
"Come now, Win, would you turn down a professional Quidditch player for that pond scum?" he snorted. "Well, I guess that's a redundant question seeing as you have already faced such an inquiry and made the same decision."
"If you value your favored appendage I'd take back that insult," I sneered, gripping my wand and glaring up at the arrogant Seeker.
"You know, you and and Alicia really aren't so different when you think about it," he teased.
"Go back to bed, McQueen," Oliver warned. "You've had your fun."
So Alicia had cheated on George and still sort of was. I was fuming, livid. I would rip her hair out the next time I saw her. This was the very last thing I needed after the last 24 hours I had experienced. I gritted my teeth, narrowing my eyes at McQueen as Oliver pulled my hand away from my wand. Jasper playfully lifted up his hands to show he was defenseless and chuckled, muttering nonsense to himself as he headed for the spare bedroom and slammed the door behind him.
"You knew?" I snapped. "You knew all this time that he was writing Alicia, and you didn't tell me?"
"It wasn't my place to say anything," he replied.
"George is my friend–"
"– and Jasper's mine," he interrupted, not in the mood to deal with my attitude. "He may be a prat sometimes, but he's my teammate and has been nothing but a friend to me since I joined the team. I wasn't about to betray his trust–"
"– but you had no trouble betraying mine," I argued. "I'm so pleased to know where your allegiances lie."
"Listen, I'm not about to involve myself in this schoolyard theatrics," he said in an exasperated tone that drew me in to notice the dark circles under his eyes. "I didn't think you of all people would ever lower yourself into participating in such rubbish."
"Do not chastise me," I snapped viciously.
"Then don't come into my home throwing about false accusations of infidelity and degrading immorality," he seethed.
We were both breathing rather heavily and my hands were clenched in to balls so tight that I wondered how they weren't seeping blood.
"It was a mistake coming here," I muttered, pivoting fiercely and striding towards the fireplace. Oliver heaved a heavy sigh and extended his arm to grab onto mine, rolling his eyes in frustration.
"Wait," he frowned, yanking me to meet his gaze. "You came here for a reason, and I doubt it was to start a fight with me. What's happened?"
Truce.
"Dumbledore sent me," I said bluntly. Oliver's tired eyes instantly grew wide. If he wasn't interested before, he certainly was now.
"Dumbledore?"
"My visions are beginning to consume me," I explained. "He told me that I needed a change of environment for the weekend to clear my mind. When he asked me where I wanted to go I told him here."
"I thought your visions were getting better," he said with an upward inflection, leading me into the living area and helping me sit down on his sofa as he positioned himself in the maroon-colored armchair across from me. He leaned over, resting his elbows on his knees and linking his fingers together.
"Yeah, so did I," I confessed. "Things were going so well with Cassandra, and I guess I just suffered a set back when I ran into Karkaroff."
"Karkaroff?" Oliver grunted distastefully. "You had a confrontation with him?"
I explained exactly what had happened between Karkaroff and I the previous afternoon, watching as his eyes grew ever wider after each nauseating detail. I then went into the specifics of my vision, feeling a bit uneasy as I retold the horrifyingly emotional scene. I had told Oliver about my abilities awhile ago, not long after I had arrived at him summer home. I felt obligated. If we were going to survive this relationship then we had to be honest with one another, and we kept up our ends of the bargain thus far. He was extremely supportive about my abilities after I told him, making jokes about me using my power to foresee some of his future Quidditch matches, though I sort of think he was serious.
"The bastard," he grumbled, "taking some sick level of credit for your existence, did he? It's no wonder you had an episode after such a traumatic experience."
"Yeah..." I replied quietly, knowing my incident with George may have added to my distress though I knew to leave that bit out.
"Win, I've got a question for you," said Oliver tentatively.
"What's that?"
"Why exactly don't you... you know, want to be a Seer?" he asked shyly.
"Because I just want to live my life," I said simply. "I don't want this power. I don't want to know the future. I have enough trouble living my life in the present as it is, and I don't need any other tense to interfere."
"But... you do realize how rare this ability is, right?" he asked. "I mean, there hasn't been a Seer born since your great-grandmother, and who knows when the next one will be... or if another one is born at all. You could be the last Seer in our world, Win. Does that mean nothing?"
"It's easy to preach when it's not happening to you," I replied.
"Think of all the good you can do," he insisted.
"Yes, and once everyone finds out then I'll be pressed to be some moronic fortune teller," I snapped. "I can see it now, hundreds of people harping at me to tell the futures. I'm not doing that."
"But you would have the power to change the future, Win," he went on. "Think of all the lives you could save, and besides, who's making you go public about it? I bet you'd have been begging for this ability thirteen years ago. You could have prevented that massacre, and you have a second chance now."
"I– It's not that simple," I frowned, shaking my head at the thought.
"Isn't it?" he said with an upward inflection, gauging my reaction before continuing. "Why don't you just give it a go? Try things Cassandra's way for the remainder of the term and then decide what you want to do. Right now, you're only seeing one side of your powers. Come on, Winnie, do it for me if you won't do it for yourself."
"I'll think about it," I sighed. "That's all I'm promising."
"And that's all I'm asking," he smiled, pleased with himself. "Now, let's get you to sleep. You look like you can use it."
"So could you," I said as Oliver took my hand and led me into his bedroom. "You've been ignoring my letters, and I've been worried about you, about us."
"I've had more than a full plate lately, and I'm sorry for neglecting you," he explained sadly, closing the door behind us. "I just got an assistant, however, so I hope that makes me more available."
"An assistant?"
"Yeah, you met her," he went on, pulling back the covers on his bed for the both of us. "She stayed over with Jasper tonight."
My stomach lurched at the thought.
"Only joking," he laughed. "Mrs. Mary Cattermole is nearly forty and quite married with three children."
"Remind me to tune up your comedic timing," I yawned, curling up beside Oliver and closing my eyes, praying that I could manage a good night's sleep.
–
I would have liked to be able to say that Oliver and I shared some sort of vastly romantic weekend together, including roses and wine, but that couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, I barely saw Oliver my remaining hours spent in his flat. I instead spent my time sleeping and sleeping, and oh yeah, sleeping. Dumbledore had been right, a change of environment had done me a world of good. My eyes didn't ache with the same exhaustion and pain as mind, and I felt as if I could breathe again. I was sad to have to go back to Hogwarts, where a thick musk of fear and uncertainty had began to call home when I was around.
I returned just moments before sunrise on Monday morning, Dumbledore had left his staircase adjacent for me to return when I pleased. He was snoozing upstairs in his bed, and I was careful not to wake him. I'd received two nights of dreamless sleep that I needed ever so desperately, and I was feeling much better though I didn't exactly know how I would be greeted by the others. I'd pushed the eventual confrontation with George out of my mind and tried my hardest to clear my mind of uneasy thoughts.
I tiptoed into the common room, hoping to sneak into my bedroom and change for the day with the intention of hiding up in the Owlry with June for the few hours before Transfiguation. The common room was dimly lit, the night sky visibly turning purple outside the adjacent window. I snuck up the girls' staircase and carefully opened the door to my shared bedroom. I shouldn't have been surprised, I really shouldn't have, Alicia was always up before sunrise. I don't know what I was thinking when I imagined being the only awake patron in our dormitory. I guess I just wasn't. Alicia was admiring her reflection in her armoire mirror when I entered, pinching her cheeks and tilting her face from side to side. I gritted my teeth and stood frozen just steps inside the doorway. I wanted to shout at her, cause an obnoxious row, but once I laid eyes on the still snoozing Angelina I knew I had more respect for her than that. Alicia saw me in the reflection of her mirror and slowly turned about to face me with the same nasty expression I was sending her.
"Ah, Winnie, I was wondering when you'd make your dramatic return," she said in a tone that would have sounded almost murderous if she wasn't speaking in a whisper to avoid waking Angelina.
"Oh, I'm sure you were," I seethed, taking a step forward without an inkling of hesitation. "I bet you've been plotting out what you wanted to say to me all weekend. Well, let's have it then. I'll get you started... 'Winnie, George and I are in love and–"
"You need to need to keep away from him," she threatened, obviously in no mood for my sadistic humor.
"You're mad," I replied. "He's my best friend, and I live with him for Merlin's sake."
"It's not his fault his Mum and Dad had a soft spot for strays," she hissed. "He wouldn't give you a second thought if your parents hadn't croaked and dumped you off on their doorstep like some poor, pathetic mangy mutt."
"Excuse me?" I breathed, feeling as if I had been struck with a mack truck.
"But let's address your current situation instead of the past, shall we? I wager you've gone to see your ickle boyfriend?" she smirked wickedly. "Have you finally realized he's shagging loads of women far more attractive and intelligent than you?"
"No, but I did see yours doing just that," I smiled devilishly, fighting the giant frog that was crawling up into my throat.
"What are you going on about?" asked Alicia, striding towards me defensively. "George was with me all weekend."
"Oh, so sorry, I should have been more specific," I said, mocking her. "I was referring to your other boyfriend."
"What the bloody hell is that supposed to mean?"
"Well, because after the other night I now realize there are at least two," I sneered.
She stared blankly at me.
"Give it a rest, Leesh," I said in an exasperated tone. "McQueen told me everything."
She didn't open her mouth, blink, anything. I watched her throat expand and contract, she was swallowing her next words. I smiled wickedly, retaining the upper hand in this little argument. She finally took a step backwards, her jaw rigid. When she jerked her attention back towards me I barely recognized her anymore. Her eyes were full of such fury, such vengeance that I almost fell backwards. She appeared inhuman.
"Well, it looks like you've finally got your wish," she seethed. "Looks like you've finally gotten both of the men you love all to yourself. Such a success story for a poor little orphan, once a lonely mutt adopted up from the gutter, desiring to be loved above all else, doing anything to get it. I can only imagine that's why you've got so much trouble managing the opposite sex. I would toke it up to you having daddy issues, but you never had one to begin with."
"How dare you?" I breathed, feeling as if the wind had just been knocked out of me again. "We're talking about your relationship with George, this has nothing to do with me!"
"Oh, it has everything to do with you, are you really too thick to see it?" she snapped, waiting for me to reply, when I didn't she went on. "It is impossible to have a normal relationship with either twin when you're around."
"That's ludicrous," I scoffed.
"No, it isn't and deep down you know I'm right," she spat. "You will always come first in the twins' eyes, no matter what, you will always be their number one girl."
"That's a lie," I hissed. "Fred and Angelina have a perfectly healthy relationship."
"And you can honestly say that if it came down between to two of you that he wouldn't choose your friendship over his romance with Angelina every time?"
"He loves Angelina," I insisted.
"His feelings for her don't hold a candle to the platonic love he has for you," she said.
I didn't respond.
"Face it, you're the one thing standing in the way between them and happy relationships," she smiled, knowing she was getting to me. "Subconsciously you know you can't bare the thought of either of them being happy with anyone but you. You know you're their virtual girlfriend, and you never want that to change. You're so used to how things have been over the years that the idea of taking a backseat to another girl kills you, doesn't it?"
I merely blinked.
"Ah, no witty comeback?" she smirked, striding forward and circling me like a lioness stalking her prey. This was the opposite of how I imagined this conversation to go. I was going to regain the upper hand, now. I whipped around, turning as she circled me to avoid losing her gaze. My face returned to its forceful expression.
"Oh, I have dozens, though none worthy of your ignorance," I hissed. "You think you can manipulate me, Alicia, penetrate my mind. Believe me, babes, I've battled far worse than you in that department. If you believe for one bloody moment that you can make me second guess what I have with the twins then you're even dumber than I thought."
"I would never do such a thing," she teased viciously, holding her open palm upon her chest as if she was offended at the thought. "Go ahead and spill the beans to George about my relationship with Jasper. He'd only resent you for it, if he even believed you at all."
"George is my best friend–"
"Exactly," she smirked. "Those we love we treat the worst–"
"Then I'm head over heels for you," I sneered.
"As I was saying," she said coolly, emphasizing each syllable. "He already thinks you poke your nose in our business far too much, trying to sabotage our relationship and such. What makes you believe he wouldn't think you were doing just that, trying to tear us apart?"
"He'd believe me," I insisted.
"Fine, let's say he does," she shrugged. "Haven't you ever heard the expression, 'Shoot the messenger?' Even if he did believe you, he'd still resent you. There you'd be in your perfect little relationship with your perfect little boyfriend, happy as can be. You honestly don't think he'd secretly blame you, loathe you for rubbing your relationship in his face after you were the reason he's all alone again."
"You'd be the reason, not me," I said.
"He wouldn't see it that way," she went on. "Sure, he'd be furious with me, hate me even, but he'd blame you for the hate he'd feel. After awhile he'd even start to wish that you'd never told him the truth, wished you'd protected him from the pain instead, preferred that you'd lied to spare him the shame and sorrow. He'd hate you for being able to look him in the eye and tell him with no sign of remorse, 'I told you so.'"
"I would never say that," I breathed.
"But you could if you ever wanted to," she smiled. "That would be all that mattered."
"All that matters to me is George's happiness," I said flatly. "I would do anything for him."
"Of course you would," she smiled wickedly.
She walked by me and bumped my shoulder with purposeful force as she paused for a moment before turning back and smiling victoriously at me.
"Mutts are always loyal to their masters," she grinned.
Then she descended the stairs, leaving me in stunned silence.
–
"I can't believe she would do that to George," said Angelina, "but what really boils my blood is what she said to you, what she called you. I mean, Merlin, I would have thought you would have slugged her."
"I know, I think I was just too shocked to move," I sighed, "but keep it to yourself. You promised, especially not Fred and George."
"I promise," she replied reluctantly, rolling her eyes.
Angelina was the only one I told about my confrontation with Alicia, and I intended to keep it that way. I wasn't one for spreading rumors, so this incident would stay strictly between the two of us... well, and Alicia. Angelina and I walked along the curving corridors, opting to leave earlier for class and skipping breakfast to stroll the grounds and talk. I wanted to tell her about what I was going through, my abilities and such, but I knew too many people knew already. The only people who knew about my powers were the twins, Dumbledore, Cassandra, Ginny, Molls and Arthur... well, and Percy was up in the air. If he did know then he was keeping that information to himself, and considering pointless information was constantly pouring from his big gob I could take a safe guess that he had forgotten about my situation all together. I'd make my way through the Weasley family eventually, telling them one by one. I'd planned it all out in my head. I'd tell Charlie then Bill and Ron last because he couldn't keep a secret if his bleeding life depended on it. My powers were the last thing on my mind at the moment, however.
"Well, she'll get what she has coming," said Angie with confidence in her eyes. "When are you going to tell George about her and McQueen?"
"I'm not," I replied simply, keeping my eyes forward towards the long hall of classrooms.
Angelina stopped dead in her tracks with her jaw slacked as I continued forward on my beaten path.
"What?" she finally managed to choke out, finally running to catch up with me again. "What do you mean you're not going to tell him?"
"I don't know how I can make that statement any clearer," I said indifferently. "I'm just not going to tell him."
"Have you lost your mind?" Angie exclaimed. "I mean, I can hardly understand why you want to keep her insults to yourself, and now... I mean... Winnie... George deserves to know the truth."
"He deserves to be happy," I said quietly, "and I'm not going to interfere with that anymore."
"It's Alicia who interfered with his happiness the moment she and McQueen, you know..." she said awkwardly, looking around for any eavesdroppers. "You did nothing."
"He'd be devastated if he knew Alicia had cheated on him," I went on, unable to make eye contact with Angelina for some reason. "He'd be broken for more than one reason."
"What's gotten into you?" asked Angelina suddenly. "This isn't you at all."
"What do you mean?"
"You've been all secretive, sneaking off more than when you and Oliver were dating," she said. "You barely speak to anyone anymore, you look like you haven't slept in ages, and now you're letting Alicia Spinnet one up you! What's going on with you?"
"It's nothing," I sighed, wishing wholeheartedly that I could tell her about my power. "Just trust me, Angie, things are just easier this way."
"For whom exactly?" she snorted. "The only person I think this little plan to keep your mouth shut is helping is Alicia."
"I'm not asking you to agree," I said hastily. "I'm just asking you to trust me."
I became suddenly distracted as I caught a glimpse of Montague, Flint, and Bole and for one wild moment I thought they were wearing S.P.E.W. badges – then I saw that they all bore the same message, in luminous red letters that burnt brightly in the dimly lit underground passage:
SUPPORT CEDRIC DIGGORY—THE REAL HOGWARTS CHAMPION!
I must have been looking at the badges longer than I rightfully should because Graham noticed my attention and sent me a disgusting wink that caused me to abruptly turn my head away. He smiled slyly and nudged Flint who laughed as well, then he winked at me, licking his lips.
"Graham, are you developing a tick?" I sneered.
"No, that was wink," he replied dumbly.
"Oh, then you're developing into a tick," I replied, turning away from them without another word.
Angelina wasn't amused my my loss of attention to our conversation so she raised her voice to respond to my previous statement.
"Fine, whatever," she sighed, pretending I hadn't addressed the group of gargoyles, "but I'm letting you know that if I hear Alicia make one more crude remark towards you then I'm stomping right up to Fred and telling him exactly what she said to you. I don't care if you hate me for it."
"Fine," I frowned. I would just have to make sure that even if and when Alicia made an insulting remark that Angelina wouldn't hear about it. "Now come on, who knows what McGonagall would do with us if we're late. Something tells me she's begun to consider unconventional means of punishments since her usual disciplinary tactics have become less effective than usual."
–
The Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws, who were usually on excellent terms with us Gryffindors, had turned remarkably cold toward the whole lot of us since Harry had won the spot as forth champion. The Ravenclaws had apparently taken the side of the Hufflepuffs, who all felt somewhat cheated when Cedric turned out to be not be the only Hogwarts champion after all. I really could understand the Hufflepuffs' attitude, even if it wasn't pleasant; they had their own champion to support. Everyone beside the Gryffindors seemed to think that he had been desperate to earn himself a bit more fame by tricking the goblet into accepting his name. Part of me was selfishly thankful for Harry's unwanted attention because everyone was so obsessed with him that my abrupt disappearance wasn't even a bleep on the rumor radar.
Angelina had also informed me that Ron wasn't talking to Harry a at all amidst all of this. Hermione had been forced to sit between them, making very forced conversation, but though both answered her normally, they avoided making eye contact with each other. I partly couldn't wait to see how comically and moronically tense things were between the two blokes.
The Slytherins sat with smugger expressions on their faces than usual, peering over at each individual Gryffindor with a look of sheer distaste as we walked by. Adrian Pucey, he sent us a weak, fleeting smile beside a clueless Warrington. Since he and Katie had been seeing each other or whatever they were doing, he'd been much more pleasant to our group of friends. Angie and I separated so she could reluctantly take her regular seat beside Alicia and I beside George, who appeared deep in mock concentration as he stared down at his homework. I sat my books down and tentatively slid into my seat beside him.
"Hey," I said faintly, smiling slightly.
George looked over at me like he hadn't noticed me standing there before. He sent me the same sort of smile I'd sent him as he closed his book that he hadn't really been reading to begin with.
"Hey," he said softly. "How was your weekend?"
"Fine," I shrugged, scooting in my chair. "I just caught up on sleep. I don't think I was conscious for more than an hour the entire time."
"That's good," he said.
This conversation started awkward and was only progressing in that direction at a rapid speed. I needed to end the tension and fast.
"Listen, George–"
"Winnie, I'm–" George said at the same time I did. "Oh, sorry, go ahead."
"No, after you," I said politely.
"I was just going to apologize," he said quietly. "I shouldn't have put you into such an uncomfortable position when you were in such a delicate state. I'm sorry for trying to take advantage of you."
"I am too," I said. "If I've been sending you mixed signals then I apologize. I've just been really... crazy lately... oh, and you couldn't take advantage of me if you tried. No worries, mate."
"Fresh start?"
"Fresh start," I nodded.
Fred and Lee turned around and joined George and I in boisterous conversation about Harry being chosen. They caught me up on all of the gritty details of inter-house relations that Angie had left out until McGonagall finally showed up and started class. I sat through the beginning of class in silence for once, debating my decision to not tell George about Alicia. I wanted he and Fred to just be happy no matter who it was that accomplished such a feat. However, my mood slowly managed to brighten after each passing moment and by the end of class I was back to my usual self.
"McKinnon! Weasleys! Jordan! Will you pay attention?"
Professor McGonagall's irritated voice cracked like a whip through the Transfiguration class, and the twins, Lee and I all jumped and looked up.
It was the end of the lesson; we had finished our work; the guinea fowl we had been changing into guinea pigs had been shut away in a large cage on Professor McGonagall's desk (Montague's still had feathers); we had copied down our homework from the blackboard ("Describe, with examples, the ways in which Transforming Spells must be adapted when performing Cross-Species Switches"}.
The bell was due to ring at any moment, and the four of us, who had been having a sword fight with a couple of our fake wands at the back of the class, looked up, me holding a tin parrot, Fred with a plastic bouquet of flowers, Lee a pinwheel, and George, a rubber haddock.
"Now that you three have been kind enough to act your age," said Professor McGonagall, with an angry look at the three of us as the head of George's haddock drooped and fell silently to the floor – my parrot's beak had severed it moments before – "I have something to say to you all."
"The Yule Ball is approaching – a traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament and an opportunity for us to socialize with our foreign guests. Now, the ball will be open only to fourth years and above – although you may invite a younger student if you wish–"
Alicia let out a shrill giggle. Angelina nudged her hard in the ribs. Alicia looked around at George with a giddy smile which he replied with an awkward grin, Professor McGonagall ignored her, which was distinctly unfair, as she had just told us off not a moment before.
"Dress robes will be worn for the boys and dresses for the girls," Professor McGonagall continued, "and the ball will start at eight o'clock on Christmas Eve, finishing at midnight in the Great Hall. Now then–"
Professor McGonagall stared deliberately around the class. I expected this after seeing the gown I Hermione had picked up for me with Molly and Ginny. I also had decided I wouldn't even bother asking Oliver or asking McGonagall if he could attend even though he graduated. It wasn't worth it. I'd just go alone and try to have as good of a time as any. I was far from excited about having to dress up like a git and parade around in heels all night.
"The Yule Ball is of course a chance for us all to – er – let our hair down," she said, in a disapproving voice.
Alicia giggled harder than ever, with her hand pressed hard against her mouth to stifle the sound. Though I could see what was funny this time: Professor McGonagall, with her hair in a tight bun, looked as though she had never let her hair down in any sense.
"But that does NOT mean," Professor McGonagall went on, "that we will be relaxing the standards of behavior we expect from Hogwarts students. I will be most seriously displeased if a Gryffindor student embarrasses the school in any way. That especially applies to you three."
McGonagall looked at the twins and I, narrowing her glare and pointing her finger directly in our direction. Our faces illuminated in devious grins. The bell rang, and there was the usual scuffle of activity as everyone packed their bags and swung them onto their shoulders.
Graham Montague called above the noise, "McKinnon– wait up a minute!"
"Piss off, Graham," I said indifferently, not looking up from my messenger bag that I was stuffing full. The twins informed me they'd be waiting for me down the hall just a second before he stomped over to my desk, slinging his books, held together by a leather belt, over his shoulder.
"Aw, come now, Winnie," he said in a fake offended voice. "I've always been nothing but nice to you, and when I merely ask for a minute of your time–"
"Where is the chase and how do I cut to it, Montague?" I frowned, still focusing on collecting my things. "You're boring me with your delusions again."
"I came to ask who you plan on going to the ball with," he said confidently.
"No one, and that especially includes you," I replied curtly.
"Why won't you go with me, McKinnon?" he asked in a baby voice that made him sound more pathetic than her already was which had seemed impossible until now.
"Well, I have a boyfriend for one," I snapped, whipping my shoulder strap over my head as I stepped swiftly towards the door. "Then there is that whole me loathing every fiber of your being thing."
"Come on, you don't want to be seen going to the ball alone," he insisted, trailing after me. "A boy going alone is one thing, but a girl..."
"I have a boyfriend," I sneered, exiting the door. "Have you forgotten how to speak English again? I'm going to choose to go alone because my boyfriend has graduated and is therefore unable to escort me. Go ask Millicent Bulstrode, I wager she'd go with you even though she's a bit out of your league."
"At least save me a dance," he objected, darting after me down the hall.
"Absolutely not," I spat, keeping my eyes forward.
"I'm only trying to do what ole McGonagall said," he argued as I walked as a quicker pace. "You know, socialize! You're the one being anti-social."
"I'm not anti-social," I growled. "I just can't stand you."
"Come on–"
"Is there a problem?" asked George with his arms crossed over his chest, stepping forward beside Fred and Lee to stop Montague from following me.
"No problem, Weasel," said Graham wickedly, gritting his teeth. "Just confirming plans with McKinnon, here, for the ball."
"Alright, so let's confirm," I spat, pivoting on my heel to make eye-contact with him for the first time. "I'm not going to the ball with you, confirmed. You will end up going with some dodgy Slytherin hag, confirmed. You're a putrescent mass of walking vomit, confirmed. Is that all? Yep, I think we're done here."
–
I carefully released a small drop of potion onto a tiny clear tack. The twins and I had been tediously trying to perfect our newest invention with no avail. It was a clever little endeavor, I must admit. If we finally managed to get the bloody thing to work properly then this little clip of nearly invisible plastic would allow the buyer to track whomever they chose to stick the device upon by watching them move about on the matching designated map once activated.
"Careful!" Fred hissed, causing me to nearly squirt the entire contents of the dropper onto the common room table.
Fred didn't want me to waste any of the potion we made because the ingredients we used were rare and not exactly retrieved from by the most legal means. Snape would certainly not let me off the hook if he caught me dipping my hand in his stash of vampire baby teeth even if I was stark naked this time.
"Well, shut up then," I snapped, jerking my neck towards him.
I dripped one final drop onto the tack and released a relieved breath, setting down remaining potion. George picked up the map as Fred gently lifted the tag that partnered the map.
"Alright," said George with great anticipation in his tone, "give it a go."
Fred slowly walked as if he was atop egg shells to the opposing corner of the Gryffindor common room. I stood up from my seat and looked over George's shoulder, watching with glee as black lines seemed to be painted on the paper with an invisible brush. I gasped and smiled with pride as a small golden dot appeared on the freshly drawn map. It moved as Fred moved, gleaming like a star. George looked up at me and smiled. We'd worked so hard on this invention that it was wonderful to see are efforts finally pay off. Fred rushed behind us to witness the success.
"It worked," Fred breathed quietly at first before raising his voice. "It worked!"
Fred wrapped George and I into a bear-like hug, pushing us up against one another, grinning like a Cheshire cat.
"What should we call it?" I asked.
"I was thinking something like the 'Parent Plotter' or the 'Mischief Map,'" said George, "or what about 'Tack Tracker?'"
"Oh, I like the last one," I beamed. "Good job, Georgie."
"This little invention is going to pay off," said Fred wisely. "Who wouldn't want to be able to know where their superiors are at all times to be able to get away with more shenanigans?"
My eyes caught a glimpse of the large coo-coo clock on the mantle above the Gryffindor hearth that stole my attention away for a moment. I had twenty minutes before I had to meet Cassandra for our latest session. I didn't really know what I was going to say to her. I didn't know if I should flat out tell her I was interested in learning how to use my power as a sort of trial run would go over well, however, part of me had an inkling that any interest in keeping my power would make her ecstatic. I'd mentioned the idea to the twins, and they were obviously more than pleased, but I was still rather nervous. I felt idiotic, really. I'd never really considered what being a seer really meant. I could have the power to change the future. I could prevent any other tragedies from occurring, prevent losing the ones I love. I could get back the power I'd lost the night my Mother died. It seemed so crystal clear now.
"You better get going," said George, catching my line of sight towards the clock.
"I've changed my mind," I said abruptly, desperation in my voice.
"Great, does this one work any better?" Fred smirked.
"Oh, come off it," said George. "You're doing the right thing, and Cassandra will be more than pleased to hear you've decided to take a different route, don't doubt yourself."
"George is right," said Fred. "You don't want to be late."
"No," I scoffed hollowly. "I reserve tardiness for classes and other general mandatory appointments."
"Get a move on then," said Fred, setting my messenger bag upon my shoulder and gently shoving me towards the exit. "We can manage from here."
I nodded, clutching my strap and strode towards the open portrait hole. I turned back for a moment, recognizing George's voice calling out to me.
"Freddie?" he said. "Everything is going to be fine, don't worry."
And I knew he was talking about much more than just tonight.
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I slowly climbed the stairs to the Astronomy Tower to meet Cassandra. She was leaning against the windowsill as she usually did, her bear-sized dog beside her. I didn't feel upset to see her this instance. It was a rather odd feeling, honestly. Cassandra was staring whimsically up at the stars, her familiar eyes that belonged to my Father's family seemed mystified by the moonlight that illuminated her pale skin. I wondered, for a moment, if she was reading them, the stars I mean. I bet she could if she wanted to, and I knew with proper training I could too. The large dog saw me first for once and playfully trotted towards me, standing on his hind legs and resting his paws on my shoulders. He really was enormous, towering over me like a literal bear. His tongue hung out of his jaw, sloppily licking my face before returning to to all fours. I laughed, affectionately ruffling the fur on his horse like mane.
"Good to see you too, Leo," I laughed lightly, patting his side before approaching Cassandra.
"Ah, Granddaughter," she beamed. "The 'eavens tell me you come bearing news. What, may I ask, do you wish to share with me?"
"I've been thinking," I said timidly. "I mean, I've thought about what you said you know about how rare this gift is, how I can help people, and I've sort of changed my mind. I want to be able to use my ability. I want to be able to protect the people I love by preventing future evils."
"Oh, child, 'ow 'appy you 'ave made me!" she said, clapping her hands together. "You will not regret thees decision! I promise you!"
"Well, I have conditions," I said, ignoring her excitement. "I don't want any publicity. I don't want to be well known like you. I have no wish for fame or glory, no interest in being a household name as you are."
"As you wish," she agreed, though some regret was apparent in her voice. "I sometimes wish my abilities remained private."
I found that hard to believe, but I chose not to reply.
"So, anyway," I sighed. "How do we go about doing this?"
"Eet ees actually a much easier process than thee path you 'ad chosen before," she explained. "Eet will just be a much more intense Divination class, seeing as you will be taught be a legitimate instructor unlike that imposter, Sybill Trelawney!"
"Er– alright," I said slowly. "What's your problem with Professor Trelawney? I mean, sure she's a crazy old bat, but she's nice enough, a bit deluded–"
"She ees a descendant of Calchas, thee bloody scoundrel," she huffed.
"The great seer from ancient Greece?" I said with an upward inflection. "I remember reading about him in... well, in your book."
"Ah, eef you read of Calachas then you read of 'is demise as well," she smiled wickedly. "'e was shown for thee true fraud 'e was by Mopsus, thee greatest seer who 'as ever lived, and a descendant of ours as well."
"We're distant relatives of Mopsus?" I said. "Wicked."
"We are, child, 'is granddaughters," said Cassandra. "The gift of Sight remains een a seer's blood for generations."
"I wonder how many 'greats' that would equal out to," I smirked.
"That ees not thee point," she insisted, ignoring my humor. "'er disgraceful family 'as been clinging to their weak ability of Sight for 'undreds and 'undreds of years, as our powers grow stronger after each generation, theirs grows ever weaker."
"Eh, let her hold onto what little power she has," I shrugged. "I'm sure she still has loads more ability than most people without seer's blood. Not to mention, didn't Mopsus end up killing Calachas in a duel anyway. I think we're pretty much square by now."
"I'm going to avoid further argument by changing thee subject," Cassandra frowned, her reddened cheeks slowly losing their color again.
"Sounds good," I smirked, enjoying her outrage thoroughly.
"Well, I think we should start with crystal balls," she began. "I'm sure you are familiar with thee enchanting device by now even eef your instructor ees an embarrassment to thee art of Divination."
"Yeah, I was her best student, especially in crystal ball readings," I said with confidence.
Cassandra led me to a nearby desk and placed her hands on my shoulders to lead me into a chair. I sat down and watched her pull a crystal ball from her large handbag. It was much smaller than the typical crystal balls I had seen in Divination. It was about the size of a ripe tomato and it seemed to shine to a degree I would have thought to be impossible. It was rather beautiful to be honest. I tried not to look too impressed, but I surely failed. Cassandra placed it on an equally small stand and admired it from behind me.
"This, my dear child, ees a treasured family heir loom," she said with pride. "This ees one of thee rarest crystal balls on earth. Eet belonged to Mopsus 'imself, passed down from seer to seer for generations, and now I am leaving eet to you."
"I couldn't," I said breathlessly.
"Eet calls to you," she smiled. "You are now thee rightful owner."
"Thanks," I said awkwardly as Cassandra didn't hesitate to take my hands in her wrinkled ones, leading my palms to the crystal. She did not place my hands upon it however, choosing to pause only an inch or so above the surface instead.
"I can safely gather that you 'ave no trouble seeing images een thee crystals, but I also can deduct that you struggle understanding their meanings," she said. "You must clear your mind as I taught you before, grant thee crystal thee power to etch scenes een your mind, and allow thee images to overtake your very being. We will begin with simply allowing your conscience to direct us down which ever path eet chooses, but once you 'ave mastered this task then we will begin taming your power to follow your commands."
I nodded, closing my eyes for a moment to clear my mind just before Cassandra placed my palms upon the smooth crystal. I felt the same electrifying feeling I was accustomed to every instance I used a crystal ball but something was different this time. I felt like I was about to be lifted off the floor, about to levitate. My body convulsed just once, my head jerked back abruptly, my eyes staring at the ceiling with an inhuman expression for a moment before returning to the crystal ball. I didn't see fog as was common for everyone reading the crystal, including me, everything was perfectly clear.
"What ees eet child, what do you see?" she asked in a twisted tone.
I saw four massive beasts, fire-breathing demons. They were terrifying even now. Cassandra looked over my shoulder, noticing my disturbed expression.
"Dragons," I breathed.
–
A/N: Three months? I am awful. I've had thousands of words written for three months, and I could not manage to battle my writers block enough to update. I did go go from three to seven thousand words after Deathly Hallows came out (which I loved so much that I went to it three times). How amazing were the Fred/George brotherly moments? I love them... obviously, ha ha. Anyways, I've missed Winnie and I can't wait to move on to Part III. The remainder of Part II will move much quicker from now on. I feel like I've reached a stability in their friendship and Winnie and Oliver's relationship to leave out details I would have deemed necessary before.
PS: I just want to thank each and every one of you for reading and reviewing this fic. I have had a rough few years as of late, and I use ff and YouTube as creative outlets and without such amazing feedback from you guys I think I'd be a hundred times more stressed out than I have been. I just need you all to realize that I appreciate you more than you could ever know. Thanks so much again.
PSS: I will update in less than a week, promise. I already have seven thousand words written for the next chapter, so I'm halfway there.
Questions for you: Do you feel like Winnie and the twins have a strong enough bond/friendship? What are your thoughts on Winnie/Ollie (Woillie, ha)?
Coming Soon: The return of Charlie, Winnie's powers grow stronger, The First Task, The Yule Ball brings unimaginable...well, you'll just have to wait and see (It's going to be the most surprising chapter in the series thus far with any luck).
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SATURDAY SHOUTOUTS
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Thanks so very much for your wonderful reviews to:
amberhathaway, Jillianfofillian ,Kat, Kathryn, Miriflowers, Smorze101, Li Ninj, FredsLastLaugh, muladhara, TheDuckSaidMoo, Kath the Dreamer, anonymous, Booklover555, kitcool, fireboltcrazed. Doppleganger13, Taluliaka, imAddicted. 2Myipod, Charlie'sDragon, Maddie Black, megera, Lu Lu Reader, StarletSpotlight, storm-petrel, harlequincabaret, Kumori Gem, CASMERIDITEMIONE,WhatsGoingOn, Rockin'thekneesocks
x7 onlyh0pe: I hope my PM helped clear things up=) the
Ordinari: Thanks so much for being a loyal reviewer! I notice it, and I adore you for it=)
Parella08:Thanks so much! That was such a kind review=) I would never abandon Winnie, I adore her too much. However, I have written other fics and despised the characters enough to abandon them. Winnie is not one of them=) Thanks again!
Quidditchandsonicscrewdrivers: Thanks! I'm so glad you said that! Freddie is like me in a lot of ways, and I must say that I'm quite pleased the way she's turned out. I sort of created her, and she took on a life of her own since then. She started out as a Mary Sue, and I put a lot of effort into making her a believable character... I hope she still is=) I'm sorry the whole Oliver meeting didn't go how you would have liked, but Winnie's character development relies a lot on Oliver still. Their relationship they share is detrimental to Winnie discovering who she truly is and where her allegiances lie. George and Alicia... Alicia sort of does the same to George on a smaller and less important scale. She is much more a speed bump than a lesson. When everything begins to tie together then you'll understand what I'm trying to say. George and Alicia's journey will come to a dramatic end sooner than you can imagine even though Winnie and Oliver still have some mountains to climb together. Thanks again for the review!
PancakeMixUnrated: Alicia is a witch! Ha ha! The Winnie/Oliver and Winnie/George relationships will work themselves out, no worries! Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!
Cassie: I'm going to reply to both of your delightful reviews together=) Okay, you'd be right about the reasons George was comforting Winnie thing. No, they won't come together at the Yule Ball. I completely agree, that would be beyond cliché. Gag. They may have a moment, but they are still not at a place to be together yet. They have a lot of growing to do apart before they can even think about coming together. In regards to Winnie's outfits comment... just wait for the Yule Ball. She may surprise you. I'm glad you're enjoying the read, and I know I do that book thing more than I rightfully should, but as you said before, I'm just trying to make their untold story believable. I'm trying to be much more aware of that transgression, and I'm going to try to keep it to a minimum from now on. I will continue to use the book as a guide for major scenes I see necessary to include to simply remind the reader of the book's true events even if they don't necessarily involve Winnie being the main character. Finally, the Seer thing. I know that now it's sort of just a random side note that comes off as a filler plot, but I can promise you that Part III to Part V will have a whole heck of a lot to do with Winnie's ability. I mean, if Voldemort had the opportunity to see the future, wouldn't he jump at the chance? Dun...dun...dun ;)
Megan: Thank you so very much! I just re-read the seventh book the other day (I went on a tangent and read all night, crazy me), and I did the same thing. Whenever there was a twins' scene I would place her in it out of habit. Here's an update, and I promise to update a lot over my Christmas holiday! Thanks for the feedback=)
Smoky Heather: Thank you so much! I'm glad you're enjoying the read! It's funny you mention the British beta thing because I've been thinking of looking for one. If you'd be interested or know anyone who would be willing to glance over my next chapters I would be eternally grateful! I lived/studied in England over the summer actually (greatest place on earth in my opinion), and I started understanding more British idioms, but I've sadly lost them since my return. I wish I was better at slang! I was talking to some natives in England about slang outside a train station in... Windermere or possibly Derby... I want to say (we were in every corner of the UK so I don't remember where I was half the time), and they said the words and phrases I asked them about would make me sound like a 70 year old woman if I used them, ha! Anyways, greeting from across the pond! I miss the UK so much!
Fanny-kun: Ha! I wish I had a flying motorcycle to have malfunction! Yes, I've been swamped ay school and suffering from extreme writers block in the HP fandom department. I hope this changes! Thanks so much for your lovely and loyal reviews! I appreciate it more than you know! Thanks so much=)
DesireOFfantasy: I'm glad you don't think Winnie is all cliché, etc. I hate the term and well "Mary-Sues" in general as well. I'm glad you like Fred (he's my favorite twin actually). Oliver isn't the unfaithful type (at least not the way his character is now), but he is the self-absorbed type, that could play into a lot of his downfall. I've made Alicia the ultimate villain, ha. She's selfish, crude and heartless. I don't mind her in the books, but I love Angelina and Katie Bell too much to have made them antagonists to our heroes lol. I also am opposed to fics that have a million original characters or I would have just created one. I try to remain as canon as possible by incorporating new background stories to existing characters (i.e. Benjy Fenwick, the Prewett brothers, Karkaroff, Travers, Marlene McKinnon, Caradoc Dearborn, etc). Winnie's grandparents and aunt are the only other original characters I've actually developed so far, but they won't play a big enough role to bother me. Wow, I am in a rambling mood. So sorry! Anyways, thanks so much again for the review!
Cassandra-Jayne: Thanks so much for review 307! I appreciate it! I enjoy Oliver and Winnie a lot as well, they still have a story to tell... who knows maybe their end has a new beginning;)
Cherry Tree Blossoms: Another George/OC shipper? Love it! I will have to give your fic a read next time I have a second to sit down and read for pleasure! I'm so glad you like Winnie! No cheating and scheming, but I hope you're not disappointed! Thanks so much for the feedback!
Sakuraarchibi08: I'd be lying if I said the thought of Ollie cheating didn't cross my mind (it sure would make the story progress quicker), but I just can't see his character being so hateful, at least not yet. Thanks so much for reviewing!
Jillian Mastrano 101: I know, right? Winnie and George are just too... Winnie and George lol. I can tell you with confidence that Oliver's faithfulness will not likely ever be called to question, but I plan on really showing Oliver's selfishness and other flaws from his mixed up priorities to his immature tendencies. It'll develop in upcoming chapters, promise. Alicia does need a swift punch to the face especially after this chapter, but she'll get what she has coming. Thanks for reviewing so much!
GetOffMyCarousel: Thanks so much! The friendship thing was hard to come up with, ugh. Alas, I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks again for reviewing!
Tonidepp16: The twins have started to understand that there is nothing they can do or say to make her feel better, no matter how badly they try or want to. They could never be angry at her for trying to fix herself, but I think if she just laid around and pouted they would be more upset. They're not used to Winnie being so frail, and they really just want to make sure she gets through what's consuming her no matter what the means. I also couldn't force a long, emotional conversation between her and George again. They both know how the other feels, and they both understand that things won't change anytime soon. They're each other's best friends, and they aren't too keen on starting a pointless fight with the other when nothing either of them could say would fix the way they feel. They're relationship used to be simple, and they want to get back to that no matter how difficult that is.
Wiatch: I missed you, lovie! Yes, I adore Juno! I thought that line fit perfectly, so I couldn't resist! I love to hate Alicia, lol. She is a total bitch! I'm glad the Benjy and Igor friendship was a surprise. It came to me at random, and I just went with it. I promise I will sit down and give your fic a read this upcoming week. This has been the semester from hell, and now that I'm finished I plan on having much more time to read! Swear! I'll have to give that web page a look as well! Thanks love!
Angel2: The title is from Winnie and Igor's dialogue when she says, "Your very existence is a constant reminder that the wrong person died that day, that you breathe the oxygen stolen from my Mother's lungs!" You're getting your wish about the Yule Ball! Yay! Thanks so much for reading and reviewing, love!
InsignificantBlimp: That Ollie-Pop comment made me die laughing. Oh, lord that was hysterical! I hope you're feeling better seeing as it's three months since your review. Hell, you could have been sick a dozen more times since then lol. Oh, no! Not Crookshanks! This review made my day! Thanks so much=)
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Review.