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28: Presents and More Presents

Half an hour later George was entering the common room, throwing what looked at sock in our direction before thumbing to the door, just as Oliver came in. I wasn't sure why he looked surprised, he had to have known it was going to happen sooner or later. "Is Melinda still busy?" I asked George as I moved a little away from Fred as George sat in the chair opposite us.

"She's not with me anymore, so, no, she's free, probably bored out of her mind too" George replied as I rolled my eyes.

"Cute" I said as my eyes shifted to Hermione who was starting up the stairs. "Oi, Hermione" I said jumping up and running over to her. "Do you think you could help me out with something?" I asked.

"Sure" she said happily.

"Er, great, um, do you know anything about any special people or families, you know, ones that stood out, in the last, hundred years?" I asked as I watched her eyes dart back and forth as she started to think.

"Well, Harry of course…" she started but I nodded my head.

"Yes, Harry Potter, the wizard baby who defeated Voldemort, as a baby, due to a charm his mother put between them, causing Voldemort's own curse to bounce back at him. How he didn't see that coming was beyond me."

"How do you know about me anyway, you're from America and I know you haven't had a chance to visit the library recently" Harry asked from the table where he and Ron were attempting homework but looking more interested in or conversation.

"Melinda's parents gave her and me, well, us a book, about Harry and Voldemort, had all stuff about Voldemort's past and Harry's parents and what happened that night and um, what you're up to now. As Christmas presents one year, said they were really popular" I explained with a shrug.

"That's odd…" Hermione replied giving me a funny look. "I read they only distributed those books to wizarding families, or decedents of them; 'limited editions.' The publisher wanted to release more, branch out to the muggle community but the Ministry said no. By then though it was too late to go back, muggles were starting to find out about the books so they redid them, some lady named J.H—J.I—something like thing, a well-known witch author rewrote them, it's completely fictional, like made up—"

"But I heard she still uses our names" Lavender said coming down the last few stairs. "I haven't read them, because Witch Weekly said she put a charm on them, if you read that one, you'll forget the original real story" she explained.

"Do they have a copy of both of those in the library?" I asked, both Lavender and Hermione nodding. "And it's just, that one?" I continued as both girls nodded again. "Thanks" I said as I started to head in my room.

"Tammie, the other book, the series the other lady wrote, I don't think you wanna read them, it's bad luck, no one has. Besides, it's in the restricted section" she explained. I nodded and continued up, I never knew there was a kids series for Harry Potter. I shook my head at the thought, glad I wasn't in it.

I spent that evening working on the rest of the little bit of homework before going back downstairs to where George was attempting wrapping a present. "I don't see why you just don't put in those bags you have or use regular wrapping paper and tape" Neville said as he came over to join us. I looked around at the small crowd that had gathered to see George wrap what looked like a brushes. "What are they anyway?" Seamus asked reaching out to touch one but George merely glared at him.

"It's—" he started as his tongue poked out as he finished the last side of the present. "Liny birthday present" he said as Fred taped the spot he labeled. "She likes authenticity and I figured she's missing home a little" he said as he looked down at the sparkle purple wrapping paper.

"I think it's sweet" I told him as he smiled at me. "Horribly wrapped, but she'll love it" I said looking back at the gift which did indeed look like it was wrapped by a nine-year-old.

"Always the thought that counts Allen" he said picking the gift.

"So, what is it?" I asked as I stole his seat next to Fred.

"You'll find just like everyone else" he said cheerfully. "Speaking of, Gryffindors! Oi, listen up. You know that Ravenclaw Seeker?" he asked, a few heads nodding as he moved toward the stairs. "She's my girlfriend and I'm having a little cake for her tomorrow around seven. I know we have break then, but if anyone wants to not study or eat cake come join. I suggest you know and like her if you want to come. Anyways, spread the word, I know you lot have friends in other houses" he said looking around the crowd. "Well, that's it, night!" he said happily before running down the stairs.

"I meant to ask him if Melinda knows about the cake…." I said looking after George but saw Fred shaking his head.

"Just knows they're getting together so he can give her his present" he said.

"Right, well, she loves surprises anyway" I said, feeling a little concerned at the fact that she didn't know and what this could mean.

Had I known the next morning during Defense Against the Dark Arts would've been hell I would've wished Melinda a happy birthday before she disappeared during breakfast. First, Madame Burnner separated me and Melinda, Melinda toward the front, which I assumed she didn't really have a problem with since most of the Ravenclaws were up there, and me, in the back, where I knew she knew all the Slytherins were sitting. Furthermore she restricted any talking, unless it was about the lesson, which I had no idea what it was about.
"Draco" I said in surprise as he greeted me outside Defense Against the Dark Arts. I looked back to see Melinda coming toward us, I smiled and started to wave but Draco was pulling me along. "Hey" I exclaimed at him but he continued walking. I looked back again, but George was already shouting or cheering at her as he moved closer. He hadn't seen her this morning either.

"What's this about a party?" Draco asked when we were a good distance away. I stopped trying to crane my neck to look back at the happy couple, but couldn't help but notice Fred had approached them too.

"Why, what have you heard?" I asked, a little annoyed.

"Melinda's birthday is today" he said looking over my shoulder.

"Yeah" I said trying to keep to small responses.

"I heard from a Hufflepuff, why did I heard from a Hufflepuff and not you?" he asked as I raised an eyebrow.

"Because you're not interested in her; you don't even acknowledge her presence" I said with a little shrug, he had to know that much.

"Do you know how much of a demand I had to make to get a present and how much extra I had to pay for delivery?" he asked in the same annoyed voice.

"I'm sorry to hear that, but Draco, if you want to…get yourself noticed you talk to her, you still haven't done that, it's November." I reminded him.

"I told you what I've done—"

"And I told you that's not enough, to her, in her mind she doesn't think she exist to you" I said wondering if I should even be telling him this.

"You know I know she does" he replied quietly.

"Yes, I know, but I personally don't care; you have to tell her, show her, prove it to her—" I paused, remembering George. "But it won't matter anyway, she's dating George, still" I told him.

"Am I invited to the party?" he asked as he started walking again.

"George said anyone who knows or likes Melinda, but, I don't think you'd be welcomed" I added.

"Can you get me in?" he asked but I shook my head. "Tammie, please, you just went on and on about me showing her I care, I want to show her that, what better chance than her birthday?" he asked with a tired smile.

"Christmas?" I joked somehow feeling it wouldn't be funny.

"Please?" he asked. "I won't cause any problems, I'll just show up and pretend I'm not even there, just place my present on the table, wish her a happy birthday and stay in the shadows" he said with a smile as we finally reached class.

"What's gotten in to you anyway?" I asked as we moved inside, the doors already opened though hardly any students were inside.

"You told me I should admit what happened during the game" he said with a shrug. "This is how I act when I admit things" he said with a smile as he moved his normal seat while I went over where I knew Hermione sat.

"Crash parties, buy nice gifts and make me feel guilty?" I asked with a little smirk as I unloaded my bag.

"Expensive gifts, it's not a crash if I'm technically invited and don't feel guilty for me, you'll never stop" he said just as other students started making their way in. I gave one last look at Draco but he was already focused on.

"Tammie" Hermione called out as she came over, nearly slamming her bag down. I started her then her bag.

"What have you got in there, the whole library?" I exclaimed looking at her big bag with surprise.

"Just a few extra books" she said fixing her hair a bit as she unpacked. "Anyway, I looked up that information for you, are you sure you don't know about Barrass?" she asked giving me a look.

"If I did I wouldn't have asked" I replied as she continued staring at me.

"Books away, wands out, cauldrons empty" Snape said as he closed the door with a bang. "No talking" he added looking specifically in our direction. I cursed him under my breath; at least with Burnner I could still talk freely to Hermione and the others. Granted they were on the other side of the room. "Today you'll be picking a potion you want to work on for the next several weeks, it's most advanced but nonetheless will keep you occupied" he said waving his wand at the board. "I don't expect even the brightest of students to complete this take in a week" he said as several names of potions appeared on the board. "There is no limit during class time, but you since you will be making these potions from scratch there are various potions or liquids you will need first. All of the potions can be found in your book, which is what you'll be doing today" he explained as he waved his hand toward the board again.

"There is no order to the list I have created, therefore there is no degree how hard one potion is from another. All of them are equal, though, I will warn you know, the last two produce a very…unpleasant smell. I suggest if you have a weak stomach you will not attempt these potions" Snape explained pointing to the last two which for a moment grew bigger. I quickly wrote down the names, normally if Snape said something sounded bad, it was usually ten times as bad, so that would be one of the few I would avoid.

"I suggest you all pick one and let me know within the next ten minutes" he said looking around the class. We nodded and quickly went to our books. Futrasyruptomose sounded the most interesting, and like I expected it did exactly like I thought. Put the drinker into a sleeping state that would either enable a 'vision' though it was unlikely it was a real vision or produce a daydream. Either way, it sounded pleasant and since Snape didn't seem to have any concerns when I showed him my choice I carried on with listing what I needed. I tried to get Hermione's attention about
what else she found out but she was quiet and completely absorbed in her work.

By lunch I had forgotten what I wanted to say to her and the sight of Fred didn't help to jog my mind either. "Hey" I said giving him a quick kiss as he held up a rather large present wrapped in red and gold paper.

"It's not my birthday but I do love presents" I said attempting to take it from him but he held it out of reach and shook his head.

"It's a broom cleaning set, a bit pricy, but I figured you'll paid me back" he explained as I looked at him in curiosity before slapping my hand to my forehead. "Yeah, I figured you might forget to get your friend a present, especially since you didn't say anything while George was wrapping his, so, this is from us" he said handing it over. "Mostly from you, but me too since I picked out the color" he said with a smile.

"Purple?" I asked knowingly.

"Of course" he said with a nod as George came over to join us.

"Alright, we have about thirty people joining us, most from Ravenclaw, but there's some Gryffindors in there and Cedric said he had to show and hey, it wouldn't be fair if I said no" he said looking at me and then the box I was holding. "I hope you'll show Fred how thankful you are later on" he said with a wink before stepping back just I went to swat him. "See you at lunch" he said walking off.

"Your brother is awful" I said as I shook my head after him.

"True, but, c'mon, I would do the same thing" he said before we walked off to follow him, but parted as Fred offered to bring the present back up to the room. I went to the Great Hall, half expecting Melinda to be giving me a look and shaking her head as I approached her but I didn't see her anywhere.

"I think Andrew prepared a little lunch for her and some other kids in their common room" George explained as I moved over to him.

"He's not invited?" I asked suddenly thinking of Draco.

"Didn't wanna go, I asked him personally and everything" George replied sounding completely innocent. I looked at him for another minute, narrowing my eyes but he just shrugged, stuck a sandwich in his mouth and walked out the Great Hall. "See ya at the party" he shouted back with a wave.

I thought surely I would've had the chance to wish Melinda a happy birthday before Charms but she rushed in late, taking a seat down in the front row next to a few girls who all whispered and giggled with her as they settled down.

I had even planned to get to the party early with Draco so he'd have time to hide, but I was still waiting outside the Slytherin House. "What is taking so long..." I asked as the wall finally shook and adjusted itself to reveal a big hole. I started to look inside but Draco came out.

"How late are we?" he asked fixing his robe as I shrugged.

"Later than I wanna be…" I mumbled as we started walking to the empty Charms room George had somehow convinced Flitwick to let us borrow. The closer we got the more nervous I felt, Fred was going to be wondering where I was if I wasn't in there already. I told him I was going early; he had no reason to suspect why. He probably figured it because I was wishing her a happy birthday and getting updated on her relationship beforehand.

"Do you have her present?" I asked as we finally reached the room, the music inside softly playing but certainly audible.

"Yeah" he mumbled as I pushed opened the doors. I halted as soon as the doors fully opened. I had expected Melinda to be mingling around or talking with George and the crowd to be taking up the whole room. Instead most people were talking or joking to one side or the other because the stacks of desks and chairs were taking up most of the room. And there, sitting on Flictwick's desk was Fred, George and Melinda. All staring at us.

"Happy birthday" I stuttered out as Melinda refocused her attention on me, both twins looking dangerously close to jumping off the table and strangling us.