Disclaimer: I do not own the Harry Potter series.
Chapter 11
A Quidditch Fiasco
Effie hugged her knees to her chest, back flat against the wall, and eyes glumly staring at the floor as she listened to the muffled shouts of Bill Weasley from the ground floor. She already attempted to sleep through it, but she realized after thirty minutes of rolling over her mattress wide awake it was no use.
"What were you thinking?"
Effie closed her eyes, imagining how Dominique was feeling. She was somewhat hurt that her best friend did not think of disclosing this information with her but she supposed it was easier said than done.
"You knew how much Teddy meant to Victoire!"
She thought of her friendship with Dominique throughout the years. What initially brought them together was their shared awkwardness around people, Effie due to her nature and Dominique due to her last name. They were never the girly types and while they did have their moments of boy talk, the general topic of feelings was regularly stalled.
"We didn't raise you to be like this, Dominique!"
That was probably why it took Dominique seven years to open up about her family and since then Effie could not help but wonder if she knew her best friend at all.
With a sigh, Effie realized she could not stay any longer. Bill's screaming seemed to get louder by the second; her ears throbbed at the volume and the sudden hostility building up in her chest. She quickly walked to her trunk, thankful she did not bother to unpack. She grabbed a stray piece of parchment on the floor and a quill on Dominique's desk then began scribbling a note.
Halfway through the door abruptly burst open. Effie jumped at the sound and turned back, only to see Dominique stomping her way in. Her breathing was heavy and face stained with tears. She stopped at the sight of Effie, fully dressed with her trunk ready at her feet.
"Where are you going?" Dominique asked, tone soft and vulnerable.
Effie avoided her eye. "I have to go home, Dom."
"But aren't your parents in Wales?"
Effie sighed and ran a hand through her hair.
"You can't be angry at me too," Dominique said, louder this time with more conviction.
When Effie could not give a reply, she scoffed and shook her head in disbelief.
"I couldn't tell anyone," Dominique began to explain. "James was the only one who knew."
"Yeah, I get it," Effie said quietly.
"Do you really?" Dominique said with a sarcastic chuckle, catching her bluff.
With a surge of aggravation, Effie snapped.
"Well, no. I don't. I really don't, Dom. I've tried. I've tried for months to understand and I always just gave you the benefit of the doubt because I thought that if anything went bad, you would tell me!"
"It's not easy, Effie."
"Dom, do I even know you?" Effie asked, throat constricted. "Hell, if I don't know you then I can't possibly know anyone in your lot!" Effie turned away to hide the tears forming in her eyes. "Maybe Andy's right, you know. Maybe I shouldn't have gotten involved in the first place. I should've just apologized to James and went back to writing about Hagrid's bowtruckles."
"I told you this dinner party was going to shit," Dominique said snippily. "I warned you. If you knew you couldn't handle it–"
"I thought I could, Dom!" Effie cried. "But all of this… It's too much. I can't–"
Dominique scoffed, cutting Effie off. "This is so typical of you, Ef. I knew you were gonna start running as soon as you experienced no less than twenty minutes with my family. You say bullshit about wanting to be a friend to James but listen to yourself now!"
Effie turned her head away feeling a bit of shame. Yet, a part of her felt it was unfair. Friendship was a two-way street and while Dominique could have been correct in accusing her for underestimating the severity of getting herself involved, the dominant feeling in Effie's chest was still hurt.
"Forget, James," Effie said quietly. "It's us, Dom. You've been my best friend for six years and it's like I don't even know you."
Dominique was quiet, breathing heavily, and staring blankly at the opposite wall. She lowered herself on her mattress and Effie watched the gears turn in her head as she thought of what to say. Effie stood in place, still expecting to leave once she and Dominique settled the conversation.
"Fine," Dom said so softly that Effie almost missed it. "Ask me whatever you want."
Effie blinked dumbly at her, taken aback.
"W–What?"
"You heard me." The blonde rolled her eyes. "What do you want to know?"
"Just–just what you're comfortable with telling–"
"Effie," Dominique said sternly.
Effie paused for a moment, waiting for her to take it back but she did not. When an impatient look set on Dominique's face, Effie quickly asked the first question in mind.
"Why'd you sabotage Victoire's relationship?"
"I didn't mean to," she answered smoothly, clearly expecting the question. "When I went to Diagon Alley last summer, I fell on my arse after slipping on owl droppings in Eeylops. Teddy was there too and brought me back to his flat to fix me up. We had a moment then kissed."
"Wait, so Teddy kissed you back?" Effie asked, confused. "But you said–"
"Yes, he kissed me back and no one knows but you, James, and Victoire," Dominique cut her off quickly. "So please you can't tell anyone, Ef."
Effie nodded slowly, head almost throbbing at the information Dominique was giving her. She sat on the mattress she meant to sleep in for the night and regarded Dominique once more.
"Do you fancy him?"
Dominique hesitated but eventually answered with a simple, "Yes."
"Dom, that's–"
"Mental, I know," Dominique laughed bitterly, hastily wiping stray tears with the back of her hand. "He loves Victoire."
Effie softened.
"Since when have you fancied him?"
"Fifth year," she said. "That was the Christmas–"
"Steve Cormac broke up with you," Effie said, catching on and briefly remembering Dominique's first boyfriend.
"Yeah," she said in between sniffs. "And Teddy saw me crying in the kitchen and he said the sweetest things to cheer me up."
Effie nodded, wholly understanding. If there was one thing she knew about Dominique, it was how easily she fell for guys who blatantly complimented her.
"And I don't know, I didn't realize I could hate Victoire more than I already did." Dominique sighed and leant numbly against the wall.
Effie braced herself as she asked, "Why didn't you tell me?"
Again expecting the question already, Dominique answered quickly, guilt laced in her tone.
"I was embarrassed… I thought it'd scare you off," she said softly then giving Effie a pointed look. "Well, I wasn't wrong."
Effie sighed. "I think I was just scared of how little I knew about you."
"That's not true, you know. I'm still the same me, Ef. Just with a touch of homewrecking drama and a wonky family tree."
A small smile tugged on Effie's lips and Dominique returned it with her own. The mood lightened somewhat.
"You're close to James, aren't you?" Effie said.
"Yeah… he's the only one I've got," Dominique said, looking distant. "If James had Fred, I had him. Could be because I was the only other Weasley who could take his ego at the time."
There was a pregnant pause before she continued.
"I wish the war would just stop," she whispered. "It's hard acting this way around each other when our parents are best of friends. It's even worse to think how much they've been through, only to see their spawns ruin their peace."
"It's not your fault, Dom," Effie assured her.
"Maybe not," she said. "But I actively contribute. Hell, my sister just yelled at me in front of everyone for jumping on her fiance behind her back. Like, Merry Christmas! Your daughter's a slut!"
Effie grimaced. Dominique sighed. A crescent moon shined through the lone bedroom window, casting a shadow across the blonde's grim face. Silence drew on as two best friends stared blankly at opposite directions, lost in their thoughts.
"Have you ever considered fancying someone your age?" Effie said teasingly, deciding Dominique had enough serious talk for the night.
Her head snapped to look at Effie incredulously. "Chang is literally in our year!"
"The exception, it seems," Effie said laughingly. "Steve was in seventh when we were in our fifth, Teddy's like–what? Twenty-five?"
"Twenty-three, if you must know!" Dominique said snippily but a smile tugging at her lips.
"Oh, right, it's Callahan who's twenty-five…"
"You cannot possibly be insinuating what I think you are!"
The banter went on throughout the night, Effie and Dominique too restless to catch on sleep. By five in the morning, the sky transitioned from black to orange and only then did the exhaustion take over. Effie passed out on the mattress next to Dominique, packed trunk in the corner forgotten.
The following days were much less eventful than how Effie began her holiday with the Weasleys. Bill and Fleur cooled down from the dinner party, looking chippier in the mornings. There was no mention yet of Dominique's scandal under the Delacour-Weasley household which seemed to bring Dominique's spirits up.
Effie had not seen Victoire show up once in her parents house throughout the current duration of her stay. There was no mention of her name either. Bill was still having difficulty addressing Dominique over meals but Fleur seemed determined to keep the family dynamic less awkward than it should have been.
One morning, Effie busied herself in Dominique's room after breakfast, scribbling a letter to Andy. She was halfway through when she jumped at a sudden knock on her door. She slipped off her mattress and curiously answered the door, only to be greeted by a groggy Louis Weasley.
"Hullo," he said, lazily raking his honey blonde hair.
"Good morning," Effie said, blinking in surprise. "If you're looking for Dom, she's–"
"Out with my mum, I know. I'm here for you actually," Louis said pointedly. "I'm heading off to the Potters' for some Quidditch. Dad's at work."
"Oh, okay," Effie said, quickly catching on. "Sure, I'll watch over the house."
"No," Louis chuckled. "I was going to ask if you wanted to come with me. Would be rude to leave you here by yourself."
Speechless, Effie stared dumbly before she gained her composure and hurriedly formulated a reply.
"I–I don't play Quidditch."
Louis chuckled, a low hearty series of breaths that should not have been as attractive than it was. Effie briefly wondered how Veelas were even allowed to procreate. She could hardly concentrate.
"I'm sure you'll find someone there to watch with," Louis said.
"Er, I don't think…" Effie began, frantically thinking of an excuse. "I mean, I don't want to intrude…"
Louis rolled his eyes and said, "This isn't a dinner party, Greengrass. We're just a bunch of lads playing Quidditch. We're not there to socialize and pretend to like each other."
Effie stood silent, considering his words. Louis sighed and tried a different approach.
"Dad's gonna kill me if he finds out I left you here by yourself," he said with pleading eyes. "I promise it won't go bad. Al doesn't even play if he can help it. Maybe you can ask him to keep you company."
Comforted by the mention of Al, Effie finally gave in and excused herself to grab her coat. She followed Louis downstairs who was already dressed in thick black joggers and a Ravenclaw hoodie. He snatched a beanie on the way down and when they reached the fireplace, he handed her the piece of headwear.
"It'll be cold," he said simply.
Effie did not find the voice to refuse so she gratefully accepted it and wore the beanie over her brown curls, relishing the warmth traveling down to her ears. Louis stepped in the fireplace first, reminded her to listen to his words carefully, then disappeared in a fury of green flames.
For a moment, Effie hesitated, wondering why she was throwing herself back in the tornado that is the Potter-Weasley clan. She mulled over Louis' words in her head, trying to decide if she should believe him or not. Assuming they were just there to play Quidditch, the cousins would most likely be incomplete which would be good.
Also knowing boys and their sports, petty cousin drama was no doubt sidelined for the time being. Yet, she could not help but think twice about another encounter with James. Her last ended terribly and her conversation with Dominique made her hesitant.
Nevertheless, Effie trudged in the fireplace with a sigh, knowing Louis was getting impatient. Rightly so, she appeared in her destination in front of the irritated sixteen year-old. His face slightly softened at the sight of her.
"Took you long enough," he said.
"Sorry," Effie said pathetically, cheeks flaming as she stepped in the familiar living room of the Potters' country house. "Er, spaced out."
"Sure you did," Louis chuckled.
She followed him towards the back, taking the same path during her first visit. A couple of muffled voices could be heard from the kitchen and her nostrils danced at the smell of cookies baking in the oven.
When Louis slid the back door open to reveal their makeshift Quidditch pitch on the Potters' backyard, Effie recognized the faces present. Standing by the side under a large outdoor umbrella in thick sports gear with broomsticks in hand were James, Al, Fred, Lily, Hugo, and Roxanne. There were also a couple of adults including Harry, a redhead whom Effie easily connected the face to the infamous name of Ron Weasley, and his brother George.
The field was nearly fully covered by white with snow continuously falling in moderation. This did not faze the Potter-Weasleys, however, most of them chattering amiably amongst each other. Effie spotted James in the crowd, discussing something with Fred. She looked away before he caught her staring.
"Bloody hell, it's cold," she muttered as she stepped outside with Louis. "You can't possibly like playing Quidditch in this weather…"
"There could be a hailstorm and Uncle Ron would still call for Quidditch at the Potters'," Louis said humorously.
"I genuinely question how boys survive as long as they do," Effie said, shaking her head.
Louis snorted but their conversation was cut short at Harry's approach, a large smile on his face as he acknowledged them.
"Louis! Effie! Glad you could both make it!"
"Hey, Uncle Harry," Louis said with a polite smile.
"Hello, Mr. Potter," Effie said with a shy wave.
"You two ready for some Quidditch?"
"Oh, Greengrass doesn't play Quidditch," Louis said quickly.
"Wow," Harry gasped, hand to his chest. "You have not lived, Effie,"
Effie laughed at the dramatics. "I think I swore off brooms the moment I was thrown off during my practical in first year."
"Oh, come on," Harry said kindly. "I'm sure Louis could teach you a few moves today. Or if you prefer James–"
Effie began stuttering the moment she saw the teasing glint in Harry's eyes.
"No, no, I–I don't think that's necessary," she spazzed.
She could see Louis holding a snicker next to her and she lightly shot him a glare. Harry laughed heartily and assured her he was only kidding. Effie chuckled with him despite herself, still embarrassed by her reaction but at the same time enjoying his company.
It was incredible how often she came across his name growing up. She harbored so many expectations for the man who saved the wizarding world but she never quite expected a quirky, smiley Harry Potter teasing her with his first born.
"You can head inside, Effie," Harry said kindly. "Ginny and Hermione are in the dining room. If you change your mind with the Quidditch, we've got enough spare brooms in the shed."
Effie gave her thanks and watched him and Louis go, the latter looking back to give her a parting nod which she returned with a small smile. They approached the big group by the umbrella and she caught a familiar pair of hazel eyes staring in her direction.
James blinked twice before turning away, offering no other gesture of acknowledgement. Effie cleared her throat and walked back inside, ignoring the bubble of hurt in her stomach.
Finding her way to the dining room, she was greeted by a pair of kind faces. Ginny and Hermione Weasley sat opposite each other on the far side of the long table.
"Effie!" Ginny said in surprise. "Why aren't you outside playing Quidditch?"
"Oh, I don't play," Effie said shyly. "Louis just brought me along."
"Hi, Effie," Hermione said with a soft smile, stretching her arm out. "I'm Hermione. I don't think we've formally met."
"Pleasure to meet you." Effie returned the smile and shook her hand.
"I heard you started the school paper." Hermione looked at her, eyes full of interest.
Effie nodded and accepted the seat Ginny silently gestured for her to take.
"Brilliant, isn't it?" Ginny said. "I was wondering why Hogwarts didn't have one in the first place. They've got a frog choir, for Melin's sake!"
"A school paper in our time would've been disastrous actually," Hermione chuckled lightly. "Imagine the headlines. Fifth year Hufflepuff's family of four found dead in West London."
Ginny grimaced. "You're probably right."
Effie shrugged and said, "Ironically there aren't too many interesting things to write about from a regular day in Hogwarts." She ignored the guilt building in the pit of her stomach, erasing the memory of James' scandalous headline at the beginning of the year from her head.
"Wait, wasn't there something that happened in the castle? Something about…"
Effie held her breath as Hermione drifted off trying to recall.
"Oh! The new Charms professor!"
Effie exhaled in relief.
"Right, the fit one with the nice hair!" Ginny said eagerly.
"Professor Callahan's very popular with the students," Effie said with a soft chuckle. "Dominique hates it."
There was a pregnant pause at the mention of Dominique and Effie almost slapped herself for being so stupid. Hermione sipped at her coffee and Ginny cleared her throat. Effie almost spoke up to apologize if Ginny had not hurriedly switched the topic first.
"So where's your family, Effie? I heard something about Wales?"
"Oh, erm, my stepmother's from Wales," Effie said. "My dad and I are from Bristol."
"Are you?" Hermione said in surprise. "I thought the Greengrasses were from London? I mean, not to sound creepy or anything." She trailed off with a guilty look.
"It's alright." Effie smiled softly. "Yeah, my dad grew up in London but we moved to Bristol for my mum. She died when I was ten though. Heart attack."
"Oh, we're so sorry, Effie," Hermione said sadly, reaching for her hand.
Effie shrugged, ignoring the pang in her chest. "It's okay. It was a long time ago."
There was a brief pause but before Ginny could switch the topic again, thunderous steps resonated down the hall, causing the three women to look to the door simultaneously. Soon Louis' tall figure appeared, hair windswept and eyes wide in alert, completely contrast to how Effie left him in the yard.
"We need one more player," he said between pants.
Effie and Hermione immediately turned to look at Ginny, who recoiled at the attention and shook her head.
"Don't look at me," she said desperately. "I still have to prepare lunch."
"I thought you were even?" Hermione asked Louis.
"Uncle George had to leave early," he said. "Something about a love potion emergency in Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes."
Effie slowly turned to Hermione, having a gut feeling she knew what was about to happen.
"Do you mind filling in for George, Effie?" Hermione expectedly asked. "I'll be helping Ginny with lunch."
The two adult women looked at her expectantly and Effie could have sworn she heard Louis say, "Merlin, help me," under his breath. She blinked dumbly at the three, trying not to feel completely betrayed that they threw her under the bus.
Unable to say no to Ginny and Hermione's pleading looks, Effie begrudgingly stood. She acknowledged their thanks with a half-hearted smile and followed Louis out the door. The boy was sweating profusely despite the cool weather, cheeks pink from exhaustion.
With absolutely no idea what she was getting herself into, Effie blankly stared forward.
"Louis, I've zero knowledge on how Quidditch works," she whispered desperately. "Are you sure this is necessary?"
"Uncle Ron refused to play against Uncle Harry and James without a replacement for Uncle George," he said, sounding amused. "Don't be offended if he takes it back though."
"Trust me, I'd travel back in time and thank Merlin's saggy bottoms myself."
Louis laughed, the first real laugh Effie heard from him that wasn't held back. It was a low, breathy chortle that was almost contagious. Despite herself, Effie giggled with him, mind in an absolutely frenzy at what she just agreed to.
For her first real Quidditch experience outside first year flying lessons, she definitely did not expect half the Potter-Weasley clan to witness her pathetic athleticism. Certain she was going to embarrass herself, she thought at least she left the two mothers to make lunch.
When Louis slid the door open for her to step out, Effie's heart dropped at the intimidating sight of both teams gathered on the pitch, whispering amongst each other. They instantly caught the attention of Ron Weasley, who marched straight to Louis.
"Where's Ginny?" he asked gruffly.
"Making lunch," Louis drawled.
"What?" Ron exclaimed, panic clouding his eyes. "How the hell are we supposed to play then?"
"I brought Effie," Louis said calmly, placing a hand on Effie's stiff shoulder.
Speechless, Ron turned to her, open-mouthed. Louis clearly held in a snicker at his reaction. Effie did not feel offended in the least. She sincerely hoped he would just tell her to go back inside and help with lunch.
"Bloody hell, Louis, can she even fly?" Hugo said rudely.
"We'll find out," Louis said with a comical grin.
"Good to see you, Effie," Al said, looking amused.
Effie forced a smile back. "Hey, Al."
"Oh, cheer up," Al chuckled before turning to his motionless uncle. "Come on, Uncle Ron. We need her."
Ron sighed and nodded dejectedly. "Right, okay. Gather 'round team."
Effie timidly watched the four huddle and Louis pulled her by the arm to move closer.
"Before anything else," Ron began, eyes fixated at Effie. "Hi, I'm Ron."
"'Lo," Effie said, pitch about three times higher.
"I expect you know the rest of the team. We're playing two Chasers, Louis and Hugo, one Keeper, me, one Seeker, Al, and one Beater, which is going to be you, filling in for George. I desperately hope you know what a Beater does... Please…"
Effie showed an uneasy grin and did a shrug that was hopefully understood as 'I sort of do but not really.' She assumed Ron got the memo when his head dipped down with a sigh.
"Okay, well, that would have to do," he muttered.
Then he relayed a set of Quidditch tactics and jargon that Effie could barely keep up with nor understand. Louis glanced at her from time to time just to snigger at the bewildered look on her face. When Ron decided they were ready, they separated from the huddle and went into position.
Al handed Effie a spare broom which she reluctantly accepted. After stripping off her coat and hat, she approached Louis by the kick off. The other team took note of her appearance, whispering amongst themselves. James stood next to Harry who was still on the quest to ignoring her completely although Harry acknowledged her happily.
"I see you changed your mind!"
"I was bullied," Effie said humorously.
Harry laughed at her statement then returned to his team as Effie turned to her own. She could have sworn she heard Roxanne exclaim, "Look at her! She's playing Quidditch in a turtleneck!" but she did not bother to look back and check.
Right before kick off, Louis whispered in her ear, "All you have to do hit the big black ball that tries knocking everyone off their brooms. And don't worry about flying. Al gave you the broom with the training wheels. It's magicked to keep you balanced no matter what."
"Isn't that cheating?" Effie said in shock but Louis shook his head.
"Uncle Harry gave it to Al himself. He doesn't want any serious injuries."
Feeling a wave of gratitude for the older Potter, Effie significantly felt lighter. Soon enough it was kickoff and Effie was soaring up with her special broom and the Beater's bat in hand. The built-in balance definitely helped but Effie still had trouble steering. She comically flew slower than all of the Potter-Weasleys in the air as if someone shot immobulus at her figure.
For a minute Effie was preoccupied with figuring out how to steer that she nearly forgot about her situation. Only when a bludger hurtled towards her causing her to flatten her chest against her broom to evade it was she brought back to the game.
"You're supposed to hit it, Greengrass, not dodge it!" a voice that sounded like Al yelled from below her.
"Right, sorry," Effie mumbled, utterly frazzled.
Effie halted in place, head whirling around the chaos and trying to identify the Bludger from the Quaffle. She assumed the smaller ball passed between Louis and Hugo was the Quaffle. So the remaining ball in the air, whizzing dangerously close to people's heads, must have been the Bludger.
Racking her brain for any useful information she may have gotten from Dominique's Quidditch monologues, she vaguely remembered the Beater's main job, which was defending her team from rogue Bludgers and beating it towards the opposition.
Effie muttered furiously to herself, wondering which idiotic part of her decided this was a good idea. She eventually managed to roughly figure out how the steering worked, allowing her to glide in a steady pace around the pitch.
When a second Bludger hurtled in her direction, instinct caused her to dodge it again, only to result in a loud "Ow!" from someone behind her. She whirled around in panic and her worst scenario shot her a vicious glare.
"Get it together, Greengrass!" Hugo hissed before flying off to retrieve the Quaffle he lost.
Feeling like she could cry, Effie exhaled to calm down. She felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to see Louis floating next to her. He adjusted Effie's two-handed hold on the Beater's bat.
"Now all you gotta do is swing," he said briskly, squeezing the back of her hands. "Bludger's big. You can't miss it. Roxanne's been hitting Bludgers at you for a laugh. Next time she does, I want you to hit it back right at her."
Louis sped off before she could say a word, catching Hugo's pass in the process. Effie breathed in and searched the pitch for Roxanne. She found her floating by the other side, wearing a grin on her face and glancing manically in Effie's direction. She sharply turned and had her grip on the bat ready, awaiting a Bludger that zoomed in her direction.
Feeling ready this time, Effie tightened her hold on the bat. Just as she watched Roxanne swing, Hugo yelled, "James' seen the Snitch!"
While the rest of the pitch stopped in place to watch the Seekers' duel, Effie determinedly waited as the Bludger flew towards her. The moment it was close enough she swung with all her might. The loud whack echoed in the pitch, catching the attention of most of the players that stopped to watch James and Al battle for the Snitch.
Effie watched her Bludger hurtle completely out of her initial aim. Her grin dropped when it zoomed towards the Seekers who flew closer and closer to the ground with James leading the chase. Right as the tips of his fingers grazed the tiny golden ball, the rogue Bludger knocked him off his broom and he limply rolled over the snow.
Al swooped in instantly and caught the Snitch for himself.
The cheers that followed were deafening. Ron ecstatically landed on the ground and squeezed Al in a bear hug. Louis and Hugo joined the huddle, Louis laughing incredulously at the change of events.
Effie flew down in panic, trying to get a good look at James who groggily pushed himself up to a sitting position. Before she could approach him however, Ron enthusiastically called her over. Effie slowly approached their group.
"Is he gonna be okay?" Effie asked guiltily. "I didn't mean to–"
"Effie, that was incredible," Ron said, looking all too happy for someone whose nephew was groaning in pain no less than five feet away.
"But–"
"James is fine, Greengrass," Hugo said. "He's taken worse hits in Hogwarts."
Effie pondered on the statement and decided he was right. She had been witness of his many injuries as Gryffindor Seeker, being rushed to the hospital wing more than twice.
"It was a lucky hit," Effie laughed, shying away from their looks. "I was actually aiming for Roxanne."
Louis grinned at that. "Well, it's not Quidditch without a bit of luck. Good job, Greengrass."
"With a bit of practice, maybe you could play for real," Al added goodnaturedly.
But Effie vehemently shook her head. "No, no, no… I think I'll stick to running the school paper."
Ginny eventually called everyone in for lunch, effectively saving Effie from another round of Quidditch. She and Hermione prepared an array of dishes that satisfied the hungry athletes. Reminiscent of the dinner party however, only the adults happily chattered over the meal while the Potter-Weasley children mostly kept to themselves.
As Effie finished her plate, Fred approached her side of the table and greeted her cheerily, the only cheerful Potter-Weasley kid it seemed.
"Great game, Effie," he said with a wide grin. "Didn't take you for the Quidditch type."
"Still not," Effie said pointedly. "But it was fun."
"You've accomplished what Quidditch players could only dream of," Fred said dramatically.
"Which is?"
"Knocking the bloody lights out of James Potter."
Louis snorted loudly from his seat.
"Hear, hear," he said, raising a glass.
Effie chuckled despite herself, knowing Fred meant no disrespect. James was the perfect type of athlete that could rile anyone up. With his fair share of controversies and clear talent, he was bound to have at least a house full of enemies, jealous of his skill and the attention he got despite being the cheat he was exposed as.
They were in the same year, but for most of Effie's life in Hogwarts, James was always on a different level of person. Everything about him screamed exclusive and not many people bothered to climb that mountain to reach him. It was almost hilarious how much things had changed in the last year, not only with James but with Effie as well.
Lunch finished up and one by one the Potter-Weasleys returned to the yard for another round of Quidditch. Effie slipped into the living room before they could force her outside. When she did, she noticed a figure through the front window. He stood far away, likely by the edge of the cliff, but the head of black hair gave him away.
Adjusting the beanie over her ears, she boldly stepped out, the cool winter wind nipping on the back of her neck. She steadily made her way towards him, footsteps muffled by the sheet of snow on the ground.
"They've gone and played Quidditch again," Effie said once she reached his side.
James looked at her, his lack of headwear visibly showing his pink cheeks and a small cut on the side of his forehead.
"Why are you here?" he asked rather harshly.
Effie blinked twice, taken aback.
"You were alone so I thought–"
"I meant, why are you back here," James said voice hard.
Catching on, Effie frowned at his hostility.
"Louis brought me with him," she explained calmly. "Dominique was out with her mum and her dad was at work. He didn't want to leave me alone. He said it wouldn't be a problem."
"This isn't Louis' house, is it?"
Effie raised her eyebrows in surprise.
"What's the matter with you?" she said irately, clearly hurt by his words.
"Nothing," James muttered, avoiding her eye.
"You invited me here for Christmas! You act like were friends then you ignore me for weeks!"
James hollowly laughed. "That didn't seem like a problem to you before. You entertained me anyway. Why's that? Because you were guilty? Is that why?"
"Guilty?" Effie repeated in utter confusion. "Why on earth–"
"Because you published those bloody pictures of me!" James exclaimed, eyes almost manic. "I'm not your sodding pity party, Effie!"
"I'm not pitying you, James," Effie desperately snapped back. "I thought we were friends!"
James glared down by the cliffside which offered a view too beautiful to match the terrible conversation they were having. The beach was close by, waves crashing continuously and birds hawking over the unsettled waters. A strong gust of cool wind struck the pair, nearly taking Effie's beanie with it.
"You know, you're not any different from the rest of them," James said quietly. "I should stop thinking that you might be."
Effie felt a thickness in her throat and the temperature must have dropped. She wrapped her arms around her torso, keeping her coat down.
Still thoroughly perplexed by the happenings, Effie could not find the voice to answer back. She did not even want to think about what he meant, knowing it would probably hurt her more than she thought it would.
"If you're looking for a friend, I'm not it," James harshly continued. "You can go laugh it up with Louis and Fred instead."
With that, James took one last longing look at the beach before heading back inside the country house. Effie was left dazedly staring forward, a mixture of emotions clouding her thoughts.
Hurt, angered, and impossibly confused, she turned to follow him back inside, but her eye caught something on the beach that made her stop in place. Squinting down, she realized it was a girl with long coils of hair with a color that matched the sand beneath her closed shoes. Hands buried in her long coat, she gazed blankly at the ocean in front of her.
Effie tilted her head curiously before continuing to head back inside.
A/N
You all deserve a fast update. Thank you for all your support. I genuinely feel more motivated to write by your criticisms and comments. Hopefully this continues.
As usual, I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. If you want an idea how your reviews really inspire me, I bulldozed through this chapter after one of you requested more insight on Effie. I really enjoyed this chapter as it is meant to showcase her building relationships and experiencing her own doubts in her decisions.
Next chapter, we'll be back in Hogwarts and Effie's newspaper drama continues. Stay tuned.
-Finner
