Chapter 9
AN: This is going to become a regular thing, updates every Wednesday (Around 9:45 EST) Please review of course, even if it's negative, and have a nice day! Again, I'm not a fan of this chapter, I feel I'm getting worse. I'm considering taking a few days to write chapters from now on, rather then about 20 minutes xD
When we finally got to Hogwarts, I was grateful. It was horrible being locked in a stuffy room with Fred and Angelina so close; I hated people being close enough to see every flaw. Fred and I did some of what we liked to call mini-pranks while getting off the train (just a few little Dungbombs and firecrackers) and earned a week's detention, so of course we already had drawn too much attention to ourselves. Lowerclassmen were coming up to Fred left and right, gushing about how amazingly brilliant he was. I have no idea how I managed to smile.
The Great Hall was already bustling when we walked in with Katie and Angie. It seemed like the school's population doubled each year. Keeping my head down, I walked to our usually seats, wondering if everyone was talking about me. Fred was kind enough to draw me away from my harried thoughts. He subtly pointed at the stuffy looking portly woman that was in the DADA seat, muttering something about the inspiring pink colour she was wearing.
"That would be the perfect colour for Ton-Tongue Toffees; The current purple doesn't really cut it. She doesn't really look made out for Defense does she? More like a grumpy out cat lady if you ask me, huh?" He whispered with a snicker. I laughed too, but quickly looked down with Hermione spun around to look at me.
Thankfully, McGonagall chose that moment to bring out the Sorting Hat. It sang something about friendship and standing together, so everyone above the age of 12 rolled their eyes. Fred said something to Angelina and Katie, and they both guffawed while he leaned back proudly. I smiled at him, glad he could be so successful, but wishing to know what he had said. It wasn't as if I could go ask.
Eventually, Dumbledore stood up to the podium, and I held my breath hopefully, maybe we were skipping the feast! Unfortunately, he had to be as mystic and eccentric as possible, so he said some quirky remark and the food was suddenly on the table. My arm began to shake in a panic: Everyone was going to be watching! My stomach lurched preemptively and I stood up abruptly, muttering "Bathroom!" before quickly walking towards the lavatory. I could feel hot stares on my back so I tried not to slouch and sucked in my stomach.
When my work was done, I sat on the toilet, waiting for the telltale sign of scraping chairs so I could make my escape and act like I had gone and done some heroic prank. It seemed to be hours, Dumbledore must have had something really interesting to say. Once I was back in the hallway, I quickly found Fred and Lee.
"Where were you?" Fred asked, astonished I could miss food.
"Oh erm, I uh, found an excellent opportunity for a dungbomb trap. Filch will never see it coming." I said trying to fake confidence. Lee nodded and chuckled, but my twin eyed me suspiciously. He continued, nonetheless.
"Well, the new toad is called Umbridge and she talked about reform and all this bloody nonsense. She's from the ministry, and she interrupted Dumbledore, sounds like a right terror." He said cracking his knuckles, something he often did when he was nervous, and lately Lee had been doing it too. I tended to pop my thumb out, but that could change like everything else.
"Hopefully she'll be a joy to prank. Listen, we should maybe put up signs in the common room, so we can get some test subjects cheap? I mean, if you want to, I can make 'em." I babbled, knowing I sounded stupid but at least I sounded animated.
"Yeah, you should Georgie! You're good at drawing." Fred and I made eye contact once Lee said this, sharing a small grin.
"Got a crush? We'll be supportive and all, but maybe you should be more subtle. Subtle always works, I thought you'd learn a few dating tips from hanging around will us all these years!" Fred grinned as Lee punched him. What dating tips could I have possibly given off? I've got nothing, Katie's just looking for a boyfriend so she wouldn't be single, and I was one of the few that were available.
When we got to our dorm, I quickly drew out a sign and we fastened it to the bulletin, hoping for some excellent first years to be victims.