Disclaimer: Not JKR
AN: I think the chapters are going to stay long. 8,902 words of Victoire's life for you – twenty nine pages. This is getting out of hand, I think. Well, anyway…ooh ooh ooooh! Ted gets introduced in this chapter, if you know what I mean. ;)
Couldn't do Hagrid's talk properly, so just imagine him talking the way he does. And I used Skeli-grow wrongly, I just realised.
I am forever loyal to Jacob Black and believers that he's the right guy for Bella.
The Dorm
1 September 2014
9:56pm
Dear Diary,
Oh it feels so good to be back! Benji's already ripped a few curtains, but they've all been fixed. Being able to do magic again feels so good.
Wow. Fourth year. That means that Matt'll be doing his OWLs this year. I didn't even realise when Ted did them last year, he was still so laid back.
Tanya's come to Hogwarts this year – naturally, she's a Gryffindor. There seemed to be quite a few too many Slytherins sorted this year-no doubt Fred will be keeping an eye out for her.
It felt really good to see Kura, Claire and Tom again. I even felt kinda happy when I saw SJ, Mandy and Roxy, not that we exchanged greetings or anything.
Don't ask me why but I brought my broom to Hogwarts. Why not try flying it? Maybe it'll get me out of Transfiguration class. I just need a teacher, maybe Ted, or Matt.
Matt – I swear he's the most adorable guy ever! – sought me out just after the food trolley went passed. Not that Benji let us do much…but I still love that cat.
Gwen didn't sit with us for once, but instead with Heath… and Eddie. I don't think Heath's mentioned the dance with Tim yet, or else I would have heard…and Gwen and Eddie wouldn't have been snogging in an armchair this evening.
Tom's in all my classes. Kura's in Transfiguration and she and Claire are also in Herbology with me. I'm starting off with Care of Magical Creatures tomorrow. Gwen's chosen to do the subject this year and no doubt Hagrid will be pleased. Heath's chosen Magical Creatures too, though purely because it's a bludge subject.
We've got a new matron. Pomfrey finally retired, so we've got Kingsley's daughter, Madam Shacklebolt. I couldn't help but notice a couple of Ravenclaw guys planning a trip to the Hospital Wing as I headed up to the common room. She's quite young and pretty.
Well, anyway, night!
Vicky
The Dorm
13 September 2014
9:32pm
Dear Diary,
Those. First. Two. Weeks. Were. Busy. Edgecombe gave us way too much homework. It feels like I'm in OWL year. And if that's for me, just imagine how much homework Edgecombe's given Matt! It's so unfair; I didn't even get to hug him till this morning.
Fred's been keeping a close watch on me and I don't know why. It's just a little bit creepy, but he hasn't talked to me about it yet. But whenever his accusing grey eyes meet mine, he looks away. WHY?
Matt tried to teach me how to ride a broom today. It was entertaining, to say the least, and I didn't even fall off once. Maybe that was because Matt was sitting behind me, holding my waist.
"I don't think this is going to work," I told him as we flew around Hagrid's.
"Vicky, if I can do it, then you surely can," replied Matt, placing a kiss on the back of my neck.
I put a little bit more effort in after that, but I still think I went badly.
"I saw you flying with Matt," muttered Gwen as I sat next to her in the common room. "You weren't bad."
"Yeah, I wasn't bad, I was atrocious," I replied.
"Can you keep a secret for me?" Gwen asked suddenly, the look on her face bleak.
"Er," I stumbled, "sure."
Gwen seemed to struggle with herself, before resolutely sighing as though she'd finally decided.
"I'm thinking of trying out for the Quidditch team," she mumbled.
"Well, that's great!" I exclaimed. "You're sure to get in, I mean, your dad was great too and…"
"Yeah," Gwen said abruptly, getting up. "Well, night."
And she headed for the stairs without another word. Something tells me that the whole Quidditch thing wasn't what she originally intended to tell me.
Vicky
The Dorm
21 September 2014
11:42pm
Dear Diary,
Where to begin?
Matt and I sneak in time together in every little nook and cranny of free time. After I finish up my homework, I sit talking with Kura and sometimes Ted, keeping an eye on Matt. Then, once he stuffs all his books in his bag and takes a seat on the couch, I walk over and sit on his lap, my arms around his neck as I lay my head against his chest.
He usually starts by placing a soft kiss on my head, his arms around my waist, before kissing my lips. Fred usually glares at us all the while.
Today, when I lay against him, he seemed distracted, not even wrapping his arms around me.
"Matt," I said, taking my arms away and shifting to the seat next to him. "What's wrong?"
He seemed to be glaring at someone, but didn't let me see who as he placed a kiss on my lips a little too passionately.
"What's wrong," I asked, keeping my voice mellow. I turned to see who he might have been glaring at but he or she was gone, or else had blended in with the rest of the Gryffindors.
"Nothing," he said, pulling me back against his chest, "I'm just thinking of quitting the Quidditch team."
"What?"
I stood up in my shock, looking down on his troubled face.
"I can't fit everything in, Vix. I've a load of homework, OWLs coming up, we barely have time together as it is, when Quidditch season kicks in-"
I stopped his rant by curling into his lap and placing a finger on his lips.
"You love Quidditch, Matt," I whispered. "You'll fit it in somehow, even if it means spending less time with me."
"No," he shook his head firmly, "that's not fair on you."
"Matt, I can live without snogging you," I said, curling up against his chest. "We can restrict it to just the holidays or Hogsmeade or something."
"Or never," muttered Matt angrily.
I sighed.
"What happened?"
"Edgecome gave me a detention."
"Are you trying to distract me?"
"No, this is all his fault!"
I cocked my head to the side.
"Who?"
"Fred."
The name came out in a growl as Matt pulled me closer to him.
"Why d'you get a det?" I asked.
"We were fighting."
"Did any of you get hurt?"
"No, it was just an argument in the halls that was a bit too loud for Edgecombe's liking."
"What about?"
There was a pause.
"You."
I raised my eyebrows, internally retching.
"He doesn't want me snogging you," growled Matt. "I told him it was none of his business."
"It isn't," I agreed. "Did he get a det too?"
"Yep."
I suddenly pounced, kissing him so furiously he had to shift his position on the chair, lying over me.
"I don't know what his problem is, but I'm not going to give this up anytime soon," I whispered in Matt's ear before pulling him down from his shirt.
Eventually Matt pulled away and gave me a final kiss before going up to his dorm. I decided that it was a bit too early to confront Fred, so headed up to bed too.
I don't know what to do with him.
Vicky
The Dorm
30 September 2014
11:42pm
Dear Diary,
Wow is tonight a late night. Matt had heaps of homework, so I offered to help out. That just made me feel extremely stupid, so in the end I just sat staring at him, stroking Benji on my lap.
Then, when he was finally done, we spent a moment talking about Quidditch trials. Matt, Ted and Gwen had all gotten in, which is good. Gwen's a Beater, which kinda suits her I guess.
I looked around. Gwen was snogging Eddie in a corner, Fred was sitting in front of the fire talking to Heath, who had a brunette girl draped around him, Ted was out somewhere and Kura, Claire and Tom were down by the Room of Requirement.
"Where's Tanya?" I suddenly asked, getting Fred's attention.
"Yeah, I want to talk to you about that," he said, coming over. He stood in front of Matt and me, waiting patiently.
"Well talk," growled Matt.
"Alone."
I touched Matt's shoulder gently before following Fred to a corner.
"Has this by any chance got to do with your shouting match with Matt?" I asked.
"Yeah," he said. "Look, Vicky, Tanya looks up to you. Don't ask me why, she just does. She thinks your pretty and "loved" and all. I don't want her going off and tonguing a guzzilion guys-"
"I so don't do that!"
"I know, but with you draped around Matt every evening, it's gotta be hard for her to believe that-"
"What about you? How many girls have you Frenched?"
"That's hardly relevant Vix, she doesn't look up to me."
"So you want me to just stop snogging Matt?" I retorted.
"In public, yeah."
"I can't."
"Please."
The look on his face made me melt. I stepped forward and gave him a hug.
"I know you're just trying to look out for her," I said, stepping back. "So how about I talk to her."
"You're a girl, you'll know her better," said Fred with a shrug. "She's with Pete now."
"Pete?" I asked, confused.
"Slytherin."
I let out a growl, which I didn't know was possible.
"I don't like it either," Fred agreed.
"Not all Slytherins are bad though," I said, though I honestly wouldn't hang around a Slytherin. And I'd heard a bit about Pete.
"Have you seen him?"
Suddenly, he took my hand and led me out the portrait hole and down the corridor. I gave Matt a wan smile as I passed, but he seemed a little troubled. Fred let go of my hand and we walked to the potions classroom, now deserted except for two people who were too busy to notice us quickly duck under a desk.
Looking across the room, I saw Pete sitting on a desk, Tanya curled up on his lap. Pete's long blond hair had green tips and Tanya wore a strapless blue dress that's hem was slowly rising up her legs thanks to Pete's hand. Fred cringed and reached for his wand, but did nothing more.
Inspiration suddenly hit me. I snuck back out with Fred and bolted back to the common room.
"Matt!"
I told him the plan, and Fred agreed, so we bade Fred goodnight and Matt and I headed back down to the potions classroom.
"So when's Quidditch tra- Matt not the potions classroom! That place gives me the creeps," I said when we were just outside.
I heard Tanya and Pete shuffling off the desk.
"I want to talk to you," Matt said, his voice pleading, "badly. I'm sorry, but next time we can go into the most brightly lit classroom in the castle."
I followed him into the classroom, smiling, and we didn't even stop to check the ingredients cupboard where we knew Tanya and Pete were hiding. Instead, we sat beside each other on a table.
"When's Quidditch then?" I asked, leaning into his chest.
"Not for a while, and definitely not on Hogsmeade, so I was thinking we could go together?" said Matt.
"Definitely," I consented. "So long as we don't go to Pudifoots."
"Oh, definitely not."
"It's like all them couples in their do is snog, like they never talk or anything. We'll go to the Three Broomsticks, and Honeydukes... oh and we have to stop by Uncle George's."
"Doesn't he have a daughter who started this year?" asked Matt. "Tammy or something?"
"Tanya," I said with a nod. "She seems pretty cool and quite pretty. I think she'll probably get a boyfriend soon. But it'd be way scary if she started frenching though, don't you think? I mean, she's eleven, it would seem so wrong. Or maybe that's just what I think, seeing I've never Frenched anyone."
"It all goes back to the whole never talking, always snogging couples," Matt said, shaking his head. "Pathetic, desperate, it's just…bleh."
I giggled and placed a soft kiss on Matt's lips before we headed back for the common room.
"That better have worked," he whispered once we were in the portrait hole. "Never again am I risking getting a det for breaking curfew to help out that Tanya sl-"
"Matt!"
My growl was back, fiercer this time.
"Woah, take it easy Vixen, but she's tongued a guy already! I don't think Fred should blame you, she was like this before she even saw you with a guy."
"Goodnight."
I headed for my dormitory before plonking on my bed for a nice long chat with Kura as we watched the full moon glisten against the dark sky.
Vicky
The Dorm
5 October 2014
5:23pm
Dear Diary,
I can't keep it anymore, I have to tell someone…or something. Yeah, Tanya's settled down now, but
Gwen. Is. A. Cheat.
And I have proof! Just yesterday she was busy kissing Eddie, but then I walk into an empty classroom this morning and she's pashing Tim like there's no tomorrow. I mean, WTF?
So I sit and talk to her this morning and she says she can't help it.
"I like them both," she muttered, peering up from her Astronomy textbook. "Truly. And this is the only way they can both be satisfied."
"I'm sure Eddie would rather you two split than you cheating on him," I hissed back.
"Oh, you speak as if I'm cheating on a husband! I'm in third year and so is he. People don't feel that much emotion when they're our age; boyfriends are just something to occupy your time," she retorted.
"Gwen," I shrieked. "Boyfriends are neither hobbies nor collections and I might just have to tell Heath about this. I mean, if that's how you feel about the whole emotions thing then why are you even after Tim, or anyone at all."
"Tim doesn't care that I already have a boyfriend."
"Then Tim's not a good sort. You're just going to end up hurting yourself, and Eddie."
"That's why you can't tell anyone, Vix. I'm counting on you," she said, her eyes soft now.
"Gwen-!"
"For Eddie?"
"Eddie has the right to know-"
"He has the right not to know, which is better for him."
"Solve your own problem," I snarled, before stalking out the corridor to find someone to talk to.
I walked passed Matt in the Entrance Hall, still too angry to talk to him, before finding Imogen sitting by the lake, feet dipped in and humming to herself.
"Hey."
She watched as I took my shoes off and submerged my feet too. The cool water was refreshing, snaking between my toes as though it was filling every gap in my soul, healing me.
"What's bothering you?" asked Imogen, taking in my expression.
"Anything and everything," I said, watching two butterflies fly passed. "Hey, do you mind me asking what's up with you and Ted?"
Imogen looked out across the lake, cocking her head to one side in thought.
"I was having a spaz that day on the holidays when we went out," she said. "I didn't mean much of it, but I think Ted's avoiding me."
"Do you still like him?" I asked.
"I don't know, but I'd like to finish it properly instead of just drift apart," she said softly. "But what's up with you? Problems with Matt?"
"Just the one: he dissed Tanya," I said. "She's a good kid, really, just she has a few things to learn on rights and wrongs."
"Mmm," Tanya slipped her feet out of the water and put on some slippers. "Well, I got homework to do."
Her smile was wide as she waved and headed up to the castle. I stayed, wading my feet in the water just a little bit longer.
Oh darn, Benji's ripping the curtains again!
Vicky
The Dorm
10 October 2014
5:32pm
Dear Diary am I glad it's a weekend! Edgecombe has problems, I swear. No one else gives as much homework. Prof. Longbottom hasn't given us any homework for the term yet, but we can't enjoy that because of Edgecombe's work overload.
I haven't told Gwen's secret to anyone yet, but it is kind of weighing me down. Every time I see her talk to Tim in the halls I can only imagine them arranging to meet in a corridor somewhere. I thought I knew Gwen. Boy, does this explain why she keeps trying to get Ted and me together.
I just don't get her. Someone needs to settle her down, and I'd love to, but I don't know how. But Tim is Matt's brother…no, I don't want to get Matt involved.
I need someone I can trust, who's kept a secret for me before, someone responsible and who knows Gwen.
Ooh. I have to tell you about the chat I had with Tanya.
"How're you and Matt?" she asked.
"Alright, we had a fight the other night, but it's all good now," I said, dangling a piece of string for Benji.
"Are you still going to Hogsmeade together?" asked Tanya, reaching out to pat Benji.
"How d'you know about that?" I asked, feigning curiosity and suspicion.
"Er, Pete and I were kinda hiding in the cupboards," she said, then, seeing my face, added, "we didn't mean to eavesdrop, I swear! It's just we were kinda in there before, and…"
"Tonguing?"
"Um…," she stuttered. "Did you mean everything you said that night?"
"Course."
"I…yeah, okay," said Tanya, before staring away in thought.
Y'know, I'm quite pleased with myself how it's all turned out.
Vicky
The Dorm
26 October 2014
10:55pm
Dear Diary,
Gryffindor played Slytherin in the first game of the season yesterday. Gryffindor won, as always, but Slytherin put up a good fight.
Speaking of fights, ever seen a mid-air fist fight? Neither had I until today. After the game had ended, and Ted was hovering in the air cheering, BANG!
One of the Slytherin chasers, James Triscott, smashed his fist into the side of Ted's face. Imogen, sitting a couple of seats in front of me, shrieked as blood started flowing down Ted's face.
Ted, his hair turning red, swung his fist at James and hit his jaw. After that I looked away at Matt, who stood there shocked.
It took Professor Longbottom's shield charm for the fight to stop. I covered my mouth with my hands in shock as I saw the two of them covered with blood, James still trying to punch Ted through the shield charm.
"Ted!" I screamed, running down to the barrier to get a better look. Imogen soon joined me, but Ted was flying to the ground with James. They were soon surrounded by teachers and the two Quidditch teams. I spotted Matt glaring across at James.
"Vicky, c'mon, Hospital Wing!"
Imogen dragged me along to the castle, the two of us glancing back every so often.
"You'll need two beds Madam Shacklebolt," I said to the new matron as we burst through the doors.
Madam Shacklebolt brushed her caramel hair behind her back and bustled about preparing two beds.
"I honestly don't understand why they play Quidditch," she muttered angrily. "Such a waste, how many injuries d'you think they ge-what the-?"
Ted was brought in, supported by two of his friends, closely followed by James, who I was sure could have walked by himself but was leaning on two Slytherin girls just in case.
"Are you okay?" I asked Ted, stepping forward to help him into one of the dimly white beds.
"Just fine," said Ted. He had stopped bleeding, probably by some spell, as had James.
Madam Shacklebolt bustled over with some skeli-grow.
"Boy, how many bones did you break?" she asked angrily, pouring skeli-grow into a ominously big cup and handing it over.
"Ow," said Ted weakly as his hands grasped around the handle. Apparently his hand was broken too. I grabbed the cup and supported him in bringing it to his mouth. He swallowed it in one long sip, which I didn't think was possible, and thumped the cup down on the bedside table.
Madam Shacklebolt bustled over to James as Ted sunk into his bed.
"What's the punishment, then?" I growled quietly, glaring over at James. He winked at me as he drank his skeli-grow and I turned, disgusted, to Ted.
"Four detentions, banned from the next Hogsmeade trip, and that's just me."
"What?"
Imogen and I both looked extremely angry.
"Why are they punishing you?" Imogen asked.
"Apparently he wasn't meant to react," said one of Ted's friends distastefully.
"He would've been killed!" said Imogen. "That's crazy. Well, what's he got then."
"Four dets, banned from Hogsmeade and his next Quidditch game," said Ted.
"Like he was any good this Quidditch match," said Ted's other friend. "Slytherins gonna love that."
"I don't see what Jemma saw in him when she picked him, really," muttered Ted.
"I think I can see where she's coming from," said Imogen. "Though, he's not really my type."
She sighed wistfully and gazed out the window. Ted raised his eyebrows at her before turning to me.
"You better go back to the common room, I expect Matt's waiting."
I didn't know whether it'd hurt if I hugged him, so I kissed him gently on the forehead (Ted's friends wolf-whistling before I happily took aim at their shoulder) and walked out of the Hospital Wing.
"I saw that."
I screamed, before looking up to see Peeves bobbing above me.
"Peeves, don't do that please," I said as melodically as possible.
"So, when are you and Transfiguration guy going to get together then?" asked Peeves, bobbing along beside me.
"You mean Ted?" I said, ascending a set of stairs. Ironic how he called Ted Transfguration guy, isn't it?
"Yuh-huh." Peeves nodded. "I'm sick of hearing the girls talk about you two in the bathroom."
"Peeves, I don't – what have you been doing in the girls' bathroom?" I shrieked, disgusted.
"Peevesy wasn't looking, honest," he said childishly. "Peevesy was just eavesdropping."
"And Peevesy won't do it again, will he," I asked, my voice mellow.
"Ce-certainly not," he stammered.
"Good. Then, I'll be off now Peeves."
And I skipped up to the common room, through the portrait hole and into Matt's arms.
"Congratulations," I enthused as his knees buckled and he took a seat on the couch. I moved beside him to make myself comfortable and kissed his cheek.
"Is Ted alright?" he murmured.
"Just a lot of Skeli-grow."
"Ooh," said Matt empathetically.
"Vicky."
I turned and was dragged to my feet by Mandy, her loose green mini-skirt waving as she pulled me to a corner.
"I saw what your cousin's doing," she said in a low voice, leaning casually against the wall. "It's too wrong, and you've got to stop it."
"I don't know how."
"Eddie doesn't deserve it," said Mandy. "She's got to realise that for whatever reason she's doing it, it's wrong."
"Mandy, I tried once, she doesn't see it that way," I said. "Especially 'cause Tim's going along-"
"Talk to Matt," she commanded, before leaving.
I walked back to Matt and leant against his side as he gently played with my hair.
"What's the matter?" he asked after a moment.
I sighed and sat up.
"Matt, d'you know what your brother's doing?"
"Chris?" he asked, perplexed.
"No, Tim," I said. "But d'you remember Chris's wedding? How Gwen and Tim danced?"
"Yeah," said Matt slowly before catching on. "Oh! What? No!"
"You've got to talk to Tim," I pleaded.
"Hey, what's he got to do with this? She's the one who's with two guys."
"She wouldn't be if Tim didn't let her."
"It's not his fault she's pretty."
"It's his fault he's not looking on the inside."
"Your family is so messed up."
We kept our argument quiet, but our voices were filled with frustration and anger.
"Don't you dare say that about my family!" I said, followed by a growl.
"Okay," he said defensively, hands up in front of him. "But what do you want from me? Tim and I were never really close."
"That's a shame," I muttered.
And then it hit me.
"Ted!" I said, standing up. "Sorry, Matt, I've got to go."
I bent down to kiss him before heading out the portrait hole.
It seemed so clear to me then. Can trust him? Check. Kept a secret for me before? Check. Responsible? Check. Knows Gwen? Check
"Excuse me Madam Shacklebolt," I said, pushing open the Hospital Wing doors. "May I please speak to Ted for a moment?"
"Of course," said the matron, fiddling with some flowers by the windowsill.
"A Veela visiting me as I lay in distress, can this day get any better?"
"Shu'p Ted," I said, sitting on the edge of his bed. "I want to discuss Gwen."
"Gwen?" he asked, confused.
"She's…look, can I trust you with a secret?"
I fiddled with the covers, trying and failing to fray them. Why does everything have to be so perfect in the Hospital wing?
"Sure," said Ted, sitting up with a look of concern on his face.
"Ok, well…Gwen's cheating on Eddie with Tim and she thinks it's okay because she likes them both and Tim doesn't mind and I tried telling Matt but he and Tim aren't close and I'm not even supposed to tell you but it has to stop because it's wrong and Mandy knows too and if Gwen gets found out then she is so stuffed with everything…"I gushed.
"Vixen, calm down," he said, grasping my hand. "It's…o…kay," he said slowly as if I were a little kid.
I freed the hand he was holding and smacked him across the face lightly.
"Ow."
"Oh-my-gosh! I'm sorry," I stood up and fussed over him. "I'm such an idiot."
"Shut up!" he whispered, glancing over at Madam Shacklebolt.
"Are you okay, Ted?" she asked from her office.
"I'm fine ma'am."
"Such a polite young man," she murmured before glaring over at James. He had two girls sitting on either side of his bed, fussing over him, and the Slytherin team had also gathered around him.
"Ted, you have to talk to her," I whispered, sitting gently back beside Ted.
"Aww Vicky, I've so much to do, I mean I've got school, and prefect-ness, and Quidditch, and figuring out something to do next Hogsmeade weekend and-"
"A god-cousin to look after," I said quietly. "Please."
His strangely black eyes gazed into mine and searched the blue-grey thoroughly. Ho
"Fine."
"I love you," I said, excited, before looking down at him, confused.
"What?" he asked, suddenly becoming self-conscious.
"I want to give you a hug," I mock-pouted.
Ted chuckled, pushed himself up a little more and gingerly put his arms around me.
"Thanks," I said. "There's just one more thing."
He cocked his head to the side, eyebrows raised.
"Red hair and black eyes really doesn't suit you," I said with a grin.
"I can't Metamorph," said Ted.
"WHAT?"
"Sh! Jeez, woman, you have problems. I think it's just because of my bones, but after they're fixed up it should be fine."
"And if it's not," I said with a smile, "I'll buy you hair-dye for Christmas."
When I returned to Matt, he seemed a bit disgruntled but nevertheless he allowed me to nestle against him.
"Are you angry with me?" I asked, fiddling with his fingers.
He lifted my chin up and gave me a soft kiss.
"Of course not."
"You are," I pressed him. "You're jealous again."
"I'm sorry," said Matt. "It's not as easy as you think."
Benji hopped up on my lap and meowed. I started patting him absentmindedly, looking over at Heath with that same brunette.
"D'you think I've got to tell Heath?" I asked.
"Gwen's causing you too much trouble," said Matt, wrapping his arms around me. "Can't you just forget it and help me celebrate our victory?"
Of course, I gave in then.
Vicky
The Dorm
31 October 2014
11:32pm
Dear Diary,
I love Ted. Well, y'know. He talked to Gwen, having recovered and everything, and she's agreed to stop. Problem? She's chosen Tim over Eddie. But I guess it's better than nothing, and Heath will be happy now.
Eddie's not going too well. He suspects nothing, of course, but still. Doesn't help that Gwen's sucking Tim's face everywhere now. That part, Heath's not too impressed about.
I must say, I don't know how Ted did it, but I'm so glad that he did. I've got a whole lot off my chest now and Matt's way happier now he's got me back. I must say, I missed being in his arms, and by that I don't mean just being in his arms but really wandering to where Gwen is.
Ted and Imogen are back together, though they're quite, I don't know…they don't look the best together, awkward, y'know.
Tanya's found herself a far more decent boyfriend – Hufflepuff. I think it'll be a while before she goes out with another Slytherin.
It's a Hogsmeade trip on Saturday. Imogen's staying back with Ted for after his detention. I still think it's so unfair, along with three quarters of the Hogwarts population.
And me?
"Matt," I whispered against Matt's chest. "Can we not go to Hogsmeade together? I want to catch up with my friends."
"I thought we'd been spending too much time together," said Matt with a slight smile.
It's not that I've been completely ignoring my friends, but apart from meals and the very few classes we have together, and the dorm for Kura, I've pretty much been with Matt, or someone in my family, what with the whole Gwen and Tanya controversies.
Well, better finish my homework before tomorrow.
Vicky
The Dorm
2 November 2014
7:54pm
Dear Diary,
Yesterday was so fun. Kura, Claire and I were waiting in the Entrance Hall when Claire suddenly asked who we were waiting for.
"Isn't Tom coming?" I asked.
Kura and Claire immediately burst into fits of uncharacteristic giggles.
"He's got a date," said Claire proudly.
"That's so sweet!" I said. "Who with?"
"Jenny Huang," said Kura. "Fourth year, shy but pretty and nice."
"Aww."
We started heading out the grounds and down the path, Kura ranting about Edgecombe.
"Alex could hardly be bothered doing all his homework one day," said Claire. "It took so much persuasion, and I did half of it for him."
"Hey, how's Ted?" asked Kura suddenly.
"He's all patched up, but he's been banned from today's trip and he's got a det," I said.
"Yeah, heard, that's so unfair," Kura sympathised.
We reached Hogsmeade and rushed to Honeydukes. After a full hour, we exited with a bunch of bags, chewing Cockroach Clusters, and headed to Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes.
"Hey Uncle George," I said as we dropped our bags by the counter. "How've you been?"
Uncle George looked up and smiled as we got pushed around by the many students crammed in the shop.
"What've you got then?" I asked. "I want to buy some early Christmas presents."
He recommended a handful of products, which I forked out the money to buy, and we three girls headed to The Leaky Cauldron for lunch. Tom was seated a couple of booths away with Jenny, the couple talking with their hands linked.
"Best not disturb them," said Kura as we sat at the closest booth to the door.
It felt so good just to sit and catch up with them. Kura isn't with anyone, Claire's still with Alex, I told them about Tanya, and everything seems pretty much normal.
"Owen's been talking to Kura a lot during Potions," said Claire excitedly.
"And?" I asked.
"Nothing," said Kura. "I'd never touch a Slytherin."
"But Owen is nice," Claire said. "He was probably only put in Slytherin because he's a bit cunning."
"You really shouldn't discriminate by house," I said.
"I know, but, y'know, I don't think Dad'll be too happy," said Kura.
I was about to suggest that her mum would take care of it, but then realised she didn't have one.
"D'you like him, Kura?"
Claire was leaning forward, studying Kura's face.
"He's – yes."
"Then say yes," I pressed.
"He hasn't asked yet."
"That's a shame.
"Maybe he will now," Claire whispered.
"What?"
"Hey Kura."
Kura and I turned around to see Owen smiling down at Kura, his light brown hair catching the sunlight. I looked passed him to see two Slytherins leaning against the wall, probably Owen's friends waiting for him.
"Hey," said Kura breathlessly.
"How many sweets d'you have?" asked Owen incredulously, looking at our bags below the table. His gaze lingered a little longer than needed, and I pulled my cloak down over my legs, although I knew he was only looking at the candy.
"We went a bit wild," gushed Kura. "Actually, I don't think I can eat all of them. You like Liquorice Wands, right?"
And she took a whole box of Liquorice Wands and handed them to Owen with a smile. Claire and I looked at each other and rolled our eyes. She was in deep.
"Thanks. Yeah, they're my favourite," said Owen as he put the box under his arm. "Well, we're off to the joke shop, bye."
With that, Owen and his friends left. Claire and I both looked at Kura expectantly.
"He so likes you."
"Barely even acknowledged any of us."
"Even though Vic's a Veela
"And he came over to talk to you."
"And he's nice."
"Although he did look down at the bags for a moment too long, but he probably just really likes candy."
"Not that you've got bad legs, but I think he really likes you."
"And you already know his favourite candy."
"Guys!" exclaimed Kura. "I think I already took in all that."
"Sorry," said Claire and I.
"It's been ages since the three of us have had a new boyfriend, and you know the whole hype," said Claire as I nodded enthusiastically.
So we bugged Kura about Owen for a bit but that made our girly side take over so we went to a beauty salon.
When we left, we looked completely different. My hair was cut in layers with the occasional pink streak, my nails were painted Gryffindor colours (too bad there isn't a Quidditch match anytime soon) and I was standing just a little bit straighter after a massage, which all three of us had had. Kura got her hair permanently straightened and nails painted bright pink and bright green with flowers while Claire got her nails painted red and her hair trimmed a tad.
"It feels weird being beautiful," said Claire, admiring her nails.
"Then you must feel weird a lot."
Claire jumped as Alex approached before blushing and kissing him.
"Are you stalking me?" she asked jokingly.
"Of course not," replied Alex with a smile. "Woah you guys got a lot of sweets. D'you need a hand carrying them back to the castle? I mean, you wouldn't want to break a nail or anything."
Claire slapped him lightly before handing over two of her bags.
"Aw, c'mon, I'll carry more than that. I haven't got large biceps for nothing."
Claire, Kura and I exchanged sly glances before dumping all our bags on him. He struggled for a moment but in the end managed after separating the contents of our eleven bags into three – one for each of us.
"You sure you're okay with that?" asked Claire, clinging onto Alex's arm as we headed up to the castle.
"Of course," said Alex.
Once we reached the Entrance Hall, he dropped the bags and held his hand out expectantly.
"Ahem."
"Alex," groaned Claire, reaching into her bag and placing some sweets in Alex's hand. Alex grasped her hand and pulled her closer, wrapping his other arm around her waist as their lips met.
Seeing that Claire might be busy for a while, Kura and I grabbed our bags and headed up to the common room.
Y'know, I really have to start spending more time with them, I've missed so much…and I can't help admiring my hair in the mirror every four seconds.
V.P.W
The Dorm
9 November 2014
6:42pm
Dear Diary,
Jenny and Tom are a couple. And they're the sweetest. I think Tom's done quite well for himself, actually. Better than Gwen has, anyway. I don't quite get how Tim and Matt can be related, really. Or what Gwen sees in Tim.
Matt inspected my nails carefully Monday afternoon before taking a glance at my hair.
"Well, that's different,' he muttered. "Are you feeling okay? You don't usually do this stuff."
He was looking at me as if I had suddenly decided to run off with a Death Eater.
"You need to stop worrying," I told him. "We all just felt a bit high."
He still looked a little concern so I gave him a soft kiss.
"Next Quidditch match I'll die my hair Gryffindor colours," I offered.
He smiled at that.
"I'm just trying to imagine how horrid that'd look compared to your usual hair."
Owen comes and sits with us on occasions at the Gryffindor table. That causes a few stares, and Sarah-Jane's already informed me of the rumours that are going around. Why doesn't Owen just ask Kura out somewhere already? I mean, even Trelawney could tell that she'll say yes.
Matt's started spending less time with me, busy with OWLs and Quidditch, and he spends his spare time more with his friends, which I think is fair.
Benji tore up Roxy's skirt but she insisted it was an old one. I reckon she just loves the cat. She brought her cats this year and I think Benji's smitten for them. It's sweet; but not sweeter than Tom and Jenny.
Vicky
The Dorm
14 November 2014
11:56pm
Dear Diary,
Long night today, I'm yawning like mad, but I had to stay up for him.
By the time Matt bade me goodnight, the whole common room was basically deserted. Except for Ted, lying on the sofa, legs swung over one arm and staring up at the ceiling.
"What's wrong?" I asked, sitting beside his legs.
"Imogen and I broke up for good."
"Ted."
I bent down and gave him a hug, which was kind of awkward, and he sat up after that.
"But I think something else is wrong," I pressed.
"Never mind," said Ted, standing up. "Night."
I stood up and took his hand in mine, causing him to turn around.
"Tell me," I said, trying to be as gentle as I could. "I'm your friend."
Ted shrugged out of my grasp and sat back on the couch.
"I miss them," he whispered.
I knew what he meant exactly. Even though Ted probably didn't even remember them well, he would miss his parents a fair deal. Uncle Harry still misses his parents sometimes, apparently.
I sat down next to Ted, wishing I knew how to help.
"What made you think about this now?" I asked.
"You don't want to know," said Ted, shaking his head.
"I do."
"I'll be back, I'm going to the toilet," he said, standing up and crossing to the portrait hole in a few long strides.
I waited patiently, pretty sure he wouldn't be back until he thought I'd retired to bed. Benji came up and sat by my side and I stroked him, reading my Charms for revision. I had completely forgotten about exams coming up till last Monday.
I hardly noticed Ted come back through the portrait hole until he sat back down next to me, sooner than I thought. I took my hand away from Benji to give Ted some more room, before placing it back and patting Benji again. Or at least that's what I thought, as it felt like him.
"Vic?"
"Hmm?" I looked up and nearly swore. It wasn't Benji I was patting, he was on Ted's lap. Instead, it was Ted's very hairy arm. "Okay, Ted, I hope I'm not being rude, but what happened?"
"It's my time of the month," said Ted with a smile. "Full moon. I don't get a full transformation, just a little hairy at, like, ten in the night. It only started a month or so ago."
"And that's what made you remember?" I asked quietly.
Ted looked away and nodded. I wrapped my arm around his and leant against his side.
"I reckon they'd be proud of you," I said genially.
He looked up and raised his eyebrows.
"I mean, such a responsible, nice, smart young wizard as yourself. Not to mention the fact that you've probably got the whole female population after your devilishly good looks."
He laughed and lifted my chin up with his finger. My breath caught. His eyes were melted chocolate against his pale face, the occasional strand of golden hair blocking my view of them.
"You're a laugh, Vix," he said, before getting up and stretching. "Well, I'll be shedding all night. I'm surprised the house-elves don't hate me already."
He bent down, pecked my cheek, and headed over to the boys' dormitories.
"I love Ted Lupin," I whispered, as though the words couldn't possibly make sense.
I can't believe it. All this time, I never listened to Gwen, or anyone. But they were right. Ted is probably the nicest guy to ever walk the earth. He's a laugh too. And it doesn't do any harm that he looks pretty good, even when he's not Metamorphing.
He probably didn't realise how much of a workout he gave my heart. His eyes, melted chocolate, his usually light brown hair… and I found my thoughts straying to that time last year when I woke him in his room. Quidditch has done him well.
But then I thought about Matt. I was with him. What has Ted got over Matt? I asked myself. Matt definitely was not a bad kid, and he almost matched Ted in personality. Almost.
Matt was the slightest bit insecure, especially when it came to me. He'd even predicted that I'd run away with Ted. How could I do this to him? Guilt flooded through me. How could I even think of Ted that way when Matt's so…
But Ted's been through tough times, and none of his relationships end well. Even worse than that is the fact that he's an orphan. That makes me want to reach out and pull him into my arms, to be able to shield him from everything.
Is it right to let sympathy carve my future? I'm not sure. The only thing I know, when I wake up Saturday morning, I'll still be Matt's girlfriend.
A thoroughly confused Victoire Pax Weasley
The Dorm
21 November 2014
11:57pm
Dear Diary,
Trust Ted to have a new girlfriend in a week – Greta from his Quidditch team. But there's something about Greta – isn't this the second time they've dated? –that makes her different. I've got tough competition.
But I'm with Matt. I have to remind myself of that almost every time I talk to Ted. Matt's… I'm confused. Why am I with him again? I'm sure I wouldn't have my doubts when I'm with him, but when I'm away from all that, which is a lot of the time now, Ted clouds my view.
Tim and Gwen have stopped sucking face, Eddie's gotten over everything (he really liked her) and Heath's still with that brunette. Fred I think is trying to stay single, but a fairly pretty third year has her eye on him.
Every time I see Tom - in every class – I can't help but bring up Jenny. I used to do it out of pure curiosity, but now I think it's just to see him blush. He's adorable – not in that way.
Mum sent a letter. I thought I'd go all term without a scrap of news. I'll stick it in.
Hello Vicky,
I must ask you whether you are coming back home for the holidays. Bella and Cassie are becoming very moody. They throw worse tantrums than you did. So Dad and I understand if you are going to stay there.
How is Matt? Oh, you'll think I'm intruding, won't you? Well, never mind then.
Aunt Gabrielle's been hanging around a lot. She's got a baby due in March and wants all the advice she can get. But Chris is so nice, I don't understand what he sees in her. That is probably a very mean thing to say, I know.
Uncle Charlie tells me Gwen has afternoon tea with Hagrid this Saturday. I want you to go along to, he said it was alright.
That's basically it. I'll write later. Dad sends his love.
Love, Mum
So I'm going to Hagrid's tomorrow.
Au revoir!
Victoire
Hagrid's Hut
22 November 2014
11:46pm
Dear Diary,
Coming here wasn't all that bad. Did I tell you Hagrid's got the cutest dog? Fang 2, the tallest greyhound you'll ever see. But he's a nice gentle dog who just likes curling up on the couch next to someone.
"'ello Gwen, Vicky," said Hagrid, holding the door open for us. "How's that bruise from last lesson, Gwen?"
"Alright," said Gwen as we shrugged out of our coats.
"I think I could see ye going down Charlie's path, I could," said Hagrid. "Ye goin to do Magical Creatures for NEWTs?"
"I haven't thought that far yet," said Gwen, a bit lost for words. I don't think she's going to do anything like her Dad's job.
"Of course ye haven't, but Vicky, what will you do?" said Hagrid, bustling around making tea as we took a seat at the table.
"I haven't figured out what I'm going to do with my life yet," I said truthfully.
"Well then ye can keep Magical Creatures just in case. It's darn handy," said Hagrid, setting the tea down in front of us.
"Oh, Hagrid," I said, remembering. "D'you think you could help me for the test? I've been a bit behind with my study."
"Ye'll be fine, Vic," said Hagrid confidently, waving his giant hand in the air. "Best student in the year, ye are."
"Please?" I begged.
Gwen agreed too. I could only imagine how much harm her sucking Tim's face had done to her schoolwork.
So we spent the afternoon studying Care of Magical Creatures with Hagrid. He didn't show us the test, but he told us what we needed to know, which wasn't much help because it's basically everything we learnt for the whole term.
At one point, Hagrid let out a snort as Gwen and I poured over our books.
"What?" we asked.
"I was jus' remembering when Charlie came tuh me for advice on girls," chuckled Hagrid.
Gwen and I exchanged interested expressions before closing our books and turning to Hagrid.
"Spill," said Gwen.
"'Twas in 'is third year, and he was smitten o'er Tonks."
"Ted's mum?" I asked, surprised.
"They were in the same year, see," continued Hagrid. "Anyway, so he came up here absolutely a mess. I can still remember 'is face as he staggered in – 'e never had to knock, see – and told me how Tonks had rejected her.
"Now, if ye can imagine a young Charlie. 'e was quite a popular young lad, not nearly as much as Bill, but that's something different all together. Charlie was on the Quidditch team and had a fair bit of muscle even at thirteen, but I'd always thought he spent way too much time down with me tuh even notice girls. He'd complained several times before about girls asking him out and flirting with him.
"So it came as a bit of a shock to me when Tonks said no. But Tonks was the popular sort, see. She was already dating guys a couple of years her senior, and so I guess it did no help that Charlie's voice was still breaking. "She said no," Charlie'd said."
As Hagrid spoke Charlie's words, I swear his voice went through a whole octave. Gwen and I spit our tea out in our laughter.
"Well, anyway," said Hagrid, nonchalantly throwing us a tea towel to clean ourselves up with. It landed on, and completely covered and soaked, my head. "I never was one with the whole romance thing so I just sat and listened to his little anecdote. It was kinda hard not to laugh with his voice breaking so much.
"'I don't understand, Hagrid'," said Hagrid in a Scottish accent, voice changing pitch a lot.
"Woah, since when did Dad have a Scottish accent?" asked Gwen.
"He was a funny one at school, picked up a Scottish accent easily from his friends. Anyway, "She was just standing there, and so I thought, why not? I was so surprised I didn't stutter or anything. But she said no, so casually, not even with a reason. Why is it that the one girl I actually like doesn't like me, life is so unfair."
"And then, he announced that he was going to give up girls for life. Didn't date once during Hogwarts. He eventually got over Tonks."
"Where'd Mum come in then?" asked Gwen curiously.
"They met at a pub while he was doing some work in Ireland," said Hagrid. "Neither was under the influence," he added at our faces. "Grace was a dragon keeper then too. She was in love with them as much as Charlie was, so I guess that's how it happened. He told me she was the first female dragon keeper she'd ever met, which was quite extraordinary considering he'd done quite a bit of work at the time."
"Then what about my dad?" I asked eagerly. "What was he like?"
"I saw 'im from afar. Didn't take Magical Creatures." Hagrid shook his head as though that were the biggest mistake someone could make. "But whenever I did see him he was always with a girl. Always a pretty one, too. Charlie mentioned him every so often, but I gathered that even though they were pretty close Charlie didn't agree with Bill's…frivolity.
"He settled down a bit when NEWT year came along, but never was serious about dating. Sure he always had someone on his arm, but they were always casual relationships. The only time Charlie had directly mentioned Bill with a girl was in a letter during the war. Bill can't stop talking about his new workmate Fleur. I think she was the one at the Triwizard Tournament? Yeah, well, he never usually is this serious about anyone. Reckon she could be "the one"?"
"He believed in the one?" Gwen asked, surprised.
"Oh, yeah," said Hagrid with a nod. "Charlie was a very good kid. He didn't see the point of dating if it wasn't going to be serious. And he believed there was one person out there who you were meant to be with.
"Now, Fleur... Madame Maxine told me about her. When she came for the tournament, I thought she was, er, indecent, if you know what I mean. But Madame Maxine said she hardly dated and loved her family and friends a lot. She did go with a Hogwarts boy to the Yule Ball, and I do think they did a bit of snogging, but that behaviour was unusual for her.
"Would ye look at the time? It's already past curfew. Let's get out the sleeping bags then, you're staying the night."
Hagrid got out and pulled two sleeping bags out of the cupboard before laying them on the floor. Gwen and I hopped into sleeping bags, Fang 2 lying beside me. I soon heard Gwen's steadied breathing and Hagrid's loud snores, and took you out.
Can you believe how much Hagrid remembers? Tonight was really insightful. Course, I already knew a bit about what Mum and Dad were like, but to find out Uncle Charlie's view on it all, and how Tonks fit into the family story. Uncle Charlie seems like a really decent guy.
Well, night.
Vicky
The Dorms
28 November 2014
8:59pm
Dear Diary,
I wrote back to Mum, telling her we went to Hagrid's and that I'm still coming home for Christmas. Truth be told, I consider Aunt Gabrielle a better reason not to go home than my sisters throwing tantrums, but I'll still go home.
I'm going to have to get myself a new diary at Christmas and stick it onto the back of this one. I've been writing so much this term, what with everything going on.
Exams next week so nothing much has been happening. Whenever I see Ted his forehead is creased as he bends over textbooks. Maybe the work's finally starting to get hard for him. Kid's a genius, I swear. I usually never see him study.
The last few weeks Matt's been taking me out flying. But I'm still pretty bad.
Roxy's a bit worried about one of her cats, Minnie. She's been acting funny, so she's going to take her to the vet when she gets home. Poor Minnie. Benji's been hanging round her more than usual, but he doesn't seem concerned.
Vix
The Train
6 December 2014
4:32pm
Dear Diary,
Exams went okay. Aced Care of Magical Creatures, thanks to that revision/gossip session with Hagrid. We're nearly at King's Cross, and Claire's fallen asleep. Kura's staying at Hogwarts for Christmas and so is Tom.
Ooh! I must tell you. I'm giving Ted a special Christmas present at the Burrow Christmas lunch. I talked to Hagrid after my exam and he gave me a few things. I just have to stop by at Gwen's sometime soon.
I better wake Claire. We've got to change into our Muggle attire.
Vicky