Begin Transmission
Lacy here kids, with another update. Check the chapter number, people. We're on chapter twenty. *grabs computer screen* THIS BOOK IS NEVER GOING TO END! *sees scared faces* Oops...Well, if anyone's left, we've got another, somewhat light-hearted, chapter ahead of us. I know, I'm getting weirded out too. What we have ahead is Heidi and Hermione finding out that the twins may not intend to stick out all of their final year at school. Then we move on to Harry and Heidi receiving their copies of The Quibbler with their interview with Skeeter published in it. Heidi carries it around with pride, not caring about Umbridge's reaction. Finally, Seamus sees the glaringly obvious light and apologizes to Heidi. But is disappointed when she refuses to leave Fred and go back to him. And we end with a lovely scene between Heidi and Fred to reassure ourselves of the strength of their relationship. Now, after a long AN, read on!
Disclaimer: I own Heidi.
End Transmission
~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~
Heidi hummed to herself as she sat in the back of the library, working on her Charms essay. She had been tempted to join the twins to watch Gryffindors practice but she wasn't sure she could handle seeing the disaster the team had turned into without the twins and Harry. She knew Ginny was a good player, you don't steal your brothers' brooms from the age of six on and not get good at flying. But Ron was terrible, everyone knew it and the new beaters, well they should let the bludgers hit them a few times. Maybe it would improve their skills.
"Heidi," Hermione showed up and sat across from the Ravenclaw. "I wanna talk to you about Fred and George."
Heidi shoved her work aside. She loved school but her boyfriend and his twin were more important. Especially if Hermione was putting her own work aside to talk about them.
"What's wrong?" Heidi asked. She feared they'd gotten detention with Umbridge but knew Fred would have told her.
"They're talking about not finishing out their last year," Hermione said. "they brought it up in the common room after getting back from watching Quidditch practice."
Heidi sighed. "Well, it can't be easy for them to watch others do what they've been doing for years and be completely rubbish at it."
Hermione echoed Heidi's sigh. "I know. George and I have talked about how hard it is for him. I may not get Quidditch but I understand how much it means to them. But is it really a good idea for them to leave before they finish?"
"I think if they want to," Heidi said. "then we should support them. I mean, they've got the space in Diagon Alley for their shop, they've got plenty to get the place going, pranks and money, do they really need to stay?"
Hermione tapped the table as she thought over what Heidi said. Heidi had already given a good bit of thought to the twins leaving before the year was up. Fred had dropped a few hints on Valentine's Day about it. She knew it wouldn't be easy to tough out the rest of the year without him but at the same time, she didn't want him trapped and miserable.
"I suppose you're right," Hermione said, breaking Heidi's thoughts. "but when their mother finds out, they're on their own."
Heidi laughed. "Oh definitely."
~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~
The grin on Heidi's face threatened to split it in two but as she read the new Quibbler that Xenophilius Lovegood had sent to her personally, she couldn't help it. He'd printed the interview she and Harry had done with Rita Skeeter and it was better then Heidi could have ever imagined.
For once, reading about what happened in the graveyard wasn't causing Heidi any pain or flashbacks. Instead, she was imagining the look on Umbridge's face when she saw the article herself.
"Luna," Heidi turned to one of her best friends. "Your father is amazing."
Luna smiled. "You like it? Daddy says it's selling so fast. He plans on reprinting it!"
Heidi laughed. "That's amazing! I can't believe how well this worked!"
Luna looped her arm through Heidi's. "I'm glad the true story's out there."
"Me too," Heidi said. "and I know it's only a matter of time until Umbridge bans the article and probably the magazine but it'll be worth it for others to know."
Luna nodded. "I agree," she yanked on her arm. "Come on, let's go see if the others have read it yet."
~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~
Heidi scribbled on her parchment as she worked on her Astronomy homework atop the named tower. She didn't technically have to be there but she wasn't sure she wanted to be in her common room. The reaction to the Quibbler article was as expected, the school was pretty much split on their beliefs while Umbridge nearly had a stroke just seeing it. And had seen that Harry and Heidi had another week of detention. So much for her promise to Remus. But Heidi held on to the truth and used it to get her through the hell that was still going on.
"Heidi,"
Heidi froze at the unexpected voice behind her. Setting her quill down, she faced Seamus, who was shifting a bit uncertainly by the door.
"Seamus," she greeted. She really didn't know what else to say.
"I, uh, I just had a talk with Harry," Seamus said. "and I wanted to talk to you too."
Heidi crossed her arms. "What about?"
"I read the Quibbler article," Seamus admitted. "And I just wanted you to know, you both to know, that reading it, reading everything you went through, I believe it now."
Heidi tried not to scoff. It had taken an article, someone else writing the exact words she'd told him, for him to believe.
"I also sent a copy to me mam," Seamus went on. "so she can read it too. Hopefully it'll make her believe as well."
Heidi nodded. "Okay, well good. I'm glad to hear that. Now-"
"Is there any chance for us getting back together?" Seamus asked.
"What?" Heidi asked. "Seamus, no. I'm with Fred."
Seamus was the one to scoff. "You can't be serious."
Heidi glanced away for a moment, knowing Seamus was talking like this because he was up she wouldn't go back to him.
"Seamus," she turned back slowly. "I'm happy with Fred and if you care about me, even a little, then you'll let me be happy. Please." she shrugged. "I won't say we can still be friends, I'll leave that entirely up to you, but if we do, I have to know you're not doing it in some hope of getting me back."
Seamus sighed. "I guess asking for you to take time and think about it wouldn't get me anywhere."
Heidi shook her head. "Unfortunately, no. Like I said, I'm happy with Fred and, while I know it wasn't your intention to hurt me, never once have I doubted his belief in me. And that means the world to me."
Seamus nodded. "Alright, I understand. I really am sorry, Heidi."
Heidi smiled a bit. "I know,"
After Seamus left, Heidi turned back to her homework but her mind was no longer on Astronomy. Now that things were fixed with Seamus, Heidi felt the need to see Fred, to reassure herself that he was the right choice. She knew, deep down, he was but she still needed to see him.
"Ladybug?"
Another voice broke Heidi's thoughts but this one didn't cause her to freeze. Just the opposite. She spun around and launched herself into Fred's arms, holding him tightly, feeling relief run through her as he held her back.
"I saw Seamus come down," Fred said quietly. "and wanted to make sure you were okay."
Heidi nodded into Fred's chest. "I'm fine," she pulled back and brushed her hair from her face. "he came to let me know that the article changed his mind. He believes us now."
"Where does that leave us?" Fred asked.
Heidi looked at him, knowing the seriousness of the question. "That leaves us exactly where we were this morning. Happy and very much together."
Fred smiled. "Very happy to hear it."
Heidi broke into her own smile as Fred pressed his lips to hers. Things were definitely looking up. At least, for now. And she would take what she could get.
~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~
Begin Transmission
Wow, two chapters in one day and they both end on happy notes. I'm on a roll today. I also posted a CSI: NY story too! Yeah, I'm waiting for the end of the world. It should be coming soon. So, let me know what you think, flame policy stands and thanks for reading!
End Transmission