"Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it." - Rumi
Chapter Thirty-Six - Puking Pastilles
Come Monday morning, Ankaa was up and about before the other girls in her dormitory. Ankaa quietly got ready for the day, and made her way down to the Common Room. There were a few early birds, trying to finish their homework that was due today, or practicing some spells in light of the news that they would be learning DADA in their Common Room.
No one paid Ankaa any mind as she made her way past the emerald green couches and towards the main entrance. On her way out, she ran into Draco, who was making his way back into the Common Room. Ankaa gave him an amused glance, taking into note his disheveled appearance.
"Walk of shame, then?"
Draco snorted good-naturedly. "Something like it," He admitted. "Although, I don't believe there is anything shameful about my activities last night. Perhaps you'd like a go?"
"And get the STD you no doubt picked up from one of your nightly visits? No thanks." Ankaa scowled, "Why on a Sunday night though? I doubt you even got sleep. We've got Potions today, you're going to be copying off me the entire class today aren't you?"
"Okay, there's a lot of things about that I need to correct," said Draco, crossing his arms. Condescendingly, he said, "There's not scheduled day for my nightly activities—"
"You make it sound like you went exploring with Columbus," Ankaa smirked, "Just say you were—"
"As I was saying," glared Draco, "my nightly activities—"
"Bumping uglies?"
"Get out of my sight," snapped Draco, turning in irritation and walked into the Common Room. Ankaa followed him with a laugh, enjoying how irritated he was. Last night must have truly atrocious.
"Okay, okay, I'm sorry," Ankaa pulled on his arm with a laugh. "I won't refer to your nightly activities as anything other than said nightly activities."
Draco considered her for a moment. He turned his nose up at her, and said, "I'd like to set this straight of the record, once and for all. I find it shameful that you think I would be fooling off at such a crucial time. If you must know—"
"I really don't want to—"
"I was just getting to know her better."
"Please stop talking."
With a devious grin, Draco wrapped his arm around Ankaa's shoulders and pulled her in the direction of the stairs. "It's alright, Ankaa," consoled Draco sweetly, "I'm sure when you find a guy—or a girl, I don't care as long as you're happy—ow! Anyway, when you find someone, you'll understand that getting to know someone doesn't just mean having se—"
"I will castrate you if you keep talking."
Draco looked down at her, considering her threat. However, he didn't seem to find her threatening in the least, and so gave her a smile and nodded as if to say, 'Of course you will, little one.'
"And yes, I will be copying off of you in Potions," Draco gave her a cheeky smile, "We were up pretty late, and I didn't get a chance to read over the new potions."
"Sounds tiring."
"As tiring as the late night rendezvous you had with Weasley?"
Ankaa tensed under his grip. Cursing herself for giving herself away, she forced herself to relax and meet Draco's eyes. He was peering at her carefully, and his expression was void of any emotion. If he was bringing this up now, after she had walked into this trap, Ankaa knew Draco had probably been waiting for quite some time to corner her.
And what better place to do it than their own Common Room, where she couldn't make a scene or threaten to curse him.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Oh, you don't?" Draco stepped away from her and stood in front of her. "I was there that night, I followed you. I was going to apologize, but I couldn't when I saw you cozying up with Weasley."
"It must have been someone else."
Draco sighed tiredly. "Ankaa, why can't you just admit it? I heard everything—and don't give me a lecture about eavesdropping, you know it won't work on me—and I know it was you. Just tell me what's going on."
Ankaa examined him carefully. If he had wanted to, he could have already spread this news about her and Fred around the school, Merlin knows he had enough time and motive to. But he was here, in a deserted Common Room, trying to understand, or at least hear, her side of the story.
"I hope you're not seriously considering being with him?" questioned Draco, lowering his voice after noticing some of the other early risers glancing at the duo curiously.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Ankaa pulled her arm out of his grip roughly. She was aware of others staring at her, especially now that she was fuming. However, her rage was hardly quelled.
Undeterred, Draco said, "You know exactly what I mean." He shot a glare towards the onlookers, who turned their gazes elsewhere, but remained listening. Taking Ankaa by the arm once more, Draco pulled her closer to the stairs and away from the couches. "Look at yourself! The old Ankaa would never have lost her temper like that. You're becoming like them—you're becoming stupid."
"They're not stupid," Ankaa spat vehemently.
"This is exactly what I mean," Draco murmured, "Don't you see? This careless attitude that you're adopting, it's dangerous. I didn't say anything when you put up a fight with Umbridge, and I didn't say anything when you had that little heart-to-heart with Weasley, but you have to reign it in." When she opened her mouth to retort, Draco held up his hand. "I'm not telling you to stop, just be careful."
"… You're okay with it?"
"Of course not," Draco rolled his eyes, "but you're hardly one to listen. But you're my friend, and I know if I was in your position, you'd do the same for me."
Taken aback, Ankaa blinked at the blonde in surprise. Draco's lips quirked up slightly, and he nodded his head slightly. Ankaa felt a surge of gratitude towards him. Reaching forward, she gave his hand a gentle squeeze. Draco returned the gesture but pulled his hand away quickly.
"Okay, now get lost," He turned and bounded up the stairs, "I don't want to get your germs. I'll see you in the Great Hall."
Ankaa smiled at him, though he did not turn back to see, before turning back and heading out. On her way out, her eyes caught the large corkboard that was placed on the wall right beside the exit of the Common Room. Amongst the frayed and worn out papers for second-hand spell books and tutoring lessons, was a crisp new parchment paper with an official-looking seal plastered at the bottom.
Ankaa made her way over to the notice board, regarding Decree Number Twenty-four with great apprehension. Umbridge had banned the formation and continuation of all student organizations of any sort, under threat of expulsion. Ankaa knew it was nothing but a scare tactic, designed to intimidate weak minded students from forming groups to overthrow her.
"D'you reckon she knows about your plan? About training in the Common Room?"
Ankaa turned to find a couple of fourth years standing behind her, looking as dismayed as she felt. Ankaa wondered if Warrington had gone and tattled to Umbridge, given the fact that he was the one who was least enthusiastic about the plan in the first place. But even Warrington wasn't stupid enough to put himself directly in the line of fire.
"No," assured Ankaa. "I doubt Umbridge knows about that. Don't worry."
"So we're still practicing then?"
Ankaa nodded at the boy. "Next week," she told him. "Get the word to your friends as well, will you? Don't talk about it outside, only when you're here."
The students nodded gleefully before bounding off to their friends on the couch. Ankaa turned back to the Decree, reading it thoroughly once more. A part of her hoped that if she read it with enough concentration, the words would begin to blur together into a great jumbled mess that would leave the decree null and void. Sadly, the Decree remained unchanged.
Ankaa glanced down at her watch. The Common Room had begun crowding with students, waiting for their friends before they would head down to the Great Hall. Her talk with Draco had taken up more time than she had wanted, and now talking to Mopsus would have to wait until after her lessons with Professor Snape tonight.
As she made her way down to the Great Hall, Ankaa could only concentrate on Umbridge's latest Decree. When she entered the Hall, Ankaa immediately spotted the old turd sitting on the Staff Table in her obnoxiously coloured clothes.
Umbridge was looking between the students who had already settled themselves at their house tables. Though the Professor had a smile on her face, Ankaa felt that old woman was everything but happy. Upon spotting Ankaa, Umbridge's eyes widened in glee and her smile widened. Ankaa's eye twitched in irritation before she took a deep breath and made up her mind.
She had to apologize. Ankaa had to reconcile with Umbridge. It was imperative to get back in her good graces, especially if Harry had indeed decided to start that ridiculous study group of his (and especially if Fred and George were going to be a part of it). If Ankaa could reconcile with the crazy witch, she could ensure getting insider access to Umbridge and keep her away from her friends.
With her head held high, Ankaa walked determinedly towards the Professor.
"Good morning, Professor Umbridge," Ankaa greeted her with a smile. "I hope I'm not disturbing."
"Not at the moment, Miss Rhyther."
Ankaa tried to appear as if she was sorry. Sheepishly, she said, "Actually Professor, I wanted to apologize for what I had said to you… about Cepheus."
Umbridge regarded her carefully. She didn't seem to be surprised at Ankaa's apology, which led the young girl to believe that the Professor was expecting an apology all along. Most likely because Umbridge expected people to beg after she had them serve detention with those monstrous Blood Quills.
"I hope you understand that this apology does not mean you are excused from your detentions."
"I do," Ankaa nodded immediately, trying to appease the old hag. "I just wanted you to know that you were right, and I was wrong. I was foolish enough to listen to Mister Potter's lies in a deeply troubled time, Professor, and I hope you can excuse that. I understand now that Mister Potter wants nothing more than fame. Minister Fudge was, and will always be, right."
That should do it, Ankaa thought, watching in satisfaction as Umbridge seemed to reconsider. Sometimes you just have to tell exactly what they hear to get them off your back, even if it isn't close to being the truth.
With a sickly sweet smile, stirred her tea and nodded softly. "I'm glad you see the error of your ways, Miss Rhyther," she said. "I'd like to see you in my office later tonight, Miss Rhyther. You will still be serving detention with me."
"Of course, Professor."
With that, Ankaa turned and walked away. At the Gryffindor table, she spotted an unusual amount of people surrounding Harry, Ronald, and Hermione. Immediately, Ankaa sighed. These idiots couldn't possibly be more conspicuous about Umbridge's suspicions.
Ronald's eyes narrowed at Ankaa's form as she crossed the Gryffindor table after turning away from Umbridge. He noticed Ankaa looking at Fred, who gave her a smile and a subtle wink. Ronald looked back at the Slytherin girl in time to see her lips tug into a small smile before she turned towards the rest of her lot.
"Maybe Ankaa told Umbridge," Ron muttered.
Beside him, Fred turned to him quickly. Slapping the back of his brother's head, Fred admonished, "Don't be stupid in public, Ron, it's not a good look."
"I'm serious!" Ron cried, massaging the back of his head.
"And I'm the Minister for Magic," George retorted, just as angrily.
"Oh yeah?" Ron glared, "How can you be so sure she wouldn't tell Umbridge? She was talking to the hag right now!"
"Just stick to being a Prefect Ron," snapped Fred, "It's all you're good at."
"He's mediocre at that too," George muttered. Turning back to Harry, who was now looking to the Slytherin girl in deep thought, he said, "Don't listen to Ron, Harry. He's lost his marbles ever since he found out the rat he used to sleep with was a full grown man."
Flushing a deep red, Ron muttered sullenly, "Don't remind me."
"Then don't talk about her like that," threatened Fred. "You don't know what she was talking to Umbridge about. Besides, if she really was on Umbridge's side—which she is not, Ron—she wouldn't have had detention with her."
"She had detention with Umbridge?" asked Harry. "She always told me to stay out of trouble, and now she's the one causing it."
George shrugged. "She got it because she told Umbridge she was lying about what happened in the graveyard, and that you were right."
"What?"
"Yeah," Fred looked down at his astonished younger brother with a serious look, "Might want all the facts before you start accusing her, Ron."
"Bloody hell, what's crawled up your arse?"
George placed a hand on Fred's shoulder to calm him down before he decapitated Ron in the middle of the Great Hall. Fred, thankfully, seemed to realize that the scenario was much too public for him to say anything else.
Fred was sure that if Ankaa knew he was arguing like this she would have his head on a silver platter. Not only did she not need his help (she would most likely say that), but Fred was being blatantly obvious about his friendship (or more because were they even considered friends at this point, or had they crossed into the 'it's complicated' territory?).
Fred glanced towards Ankaa, noticing that she was sitting with her back to him. She had no doubt thought that if she faced him, he would keep casting her sly glances and winks. She was right. He definitely would have.
"C'mon, mate," George slapped a hand on Fred's back. "Time for class."
Reluctantly, Fred rose from his seat and tore his eyes away from the curly haired girl.
Later that day, Ankaa stood beside Pansy as they waited outside Professor Snape's classroom for Potions. Ankaa idly listened to Draco drone on about getting permission from Umbridge about reforming the Slytherin Quidditch team. Ankaa watched Draco wave around the official-looking piece of parchment (it was currently his most prized possession, along with the howler his dad sent him a couple of years ago, no doubt).
Luckily for Ankaa, Hermione seemed to be smarter than her usual self today. Ankaa could see the Gryffindor girl reigning Harry and Ronald in, advising them not to rise to Draco's goading. It all seemed to be going remarkably well, at least until Neville Longbottom of all people, decided to charge past Harry and straight towards Malfoy.
Neither of the Slytherins reacted while Neville was being held back by Harry. The sight of it was just enough to render them into shock. Ankaa glanced towards Draco, who looked as surprised as she felt. Ankaa examined Longbottom carefully, taking note of how frantic he was to get out of Harry (and now Ron's) grasp to lay his hands on Draco. Whatever Draco had said must have really rattled him.
"Fighting, Potter, Weasley, Longbottom?" a cold, sneering voice interrupted Ankaa's trailing thoughts. Snape's black eyes were trained on the wrestling trio. "Ten points from Gryffindor. Release Longbottom, Potter, or it will be detention. Inside, all of you."
Draco snickered as he made his way inside. Beside him, Pansy turned one last time to shoot Longbottom a look before she scurried past Ankaa, and into the classroom. Ankaa did not say anything, seeing as Longbottom was still fuming, and everyone else was too frozen to even react.
"You will notice," said Snape as Ankaa entered the classroom, "that we have a guest with us today."
Ankaa swallowed an irritated sigh that was bubbling in the back of her throat as she settled herself into the spot beside Blaise. Umbridge just could not leave her sight. The Pseudo-Professor was sitting in a corner, with a clipboard on her knee. Ankaa cast one look at her before turning back to Professor Snape, knowing that this was a showdown for the ages.
"We are continuing with our Strengthening Solutions today, you will find your mixtures as you left them last lesson if correctly made they should have matured well over the weekend—instructions"—he waved his wand—"on the board. Carry on."
Ankaa watched her Potion bubble wearily. She hadn't been paying attention during their last class, having been distracted by Draco and Pansy arguing. Not only did she have to spend extra time with the potion last class, she had to actively make sure she put in the right ingredients to counter the effects of the extra powdered snake fang that she had let slip into her cauldron.
About fifteen minutes before their class was to come to an end, Umbridge made her way over to Ankaa's table. Her beady eyes were fixed on Pansy, who was far too eager to respond to any question. When Umbridge finally left a few minutes later, and the bell rang to dismiss the students, Ankaa carefully put her turquoise solution into a vial and made her way over to Snape's desk.
"Your lessons begin tonight, Miss Rhyther," said Snape quietly, despite the fact that no one but he was left in the classroom.
"I've still got detention with Umbridge—"
"So I've heard," Snape sneered, sounding completely unconcerned with her predicament.
"Can we reschedule for—"
"This is not a vacation, Miss Rhyther, I do not work on your beck and call," said Snape, eyes narrowing dangerously. "If you cannot manage your activities, perhaps I should remove you from them? I'm sure Miss Parkinson would like to be a Prefect—"
"No!" Ankaa narrowed her eyes at him, and he did the same. Pursing her lips, she said, "I'll be there tonight. Thank you, Professor, I appreciate it."
Snape merely raised a brow. Recognizing her dismissal, Ankaa turned and walked away. She wondered if she could skip going to Divination entirely, but knew that if she did, Draco and Blaise would question her about her whereabouts which would just end up complicating things even more. She wanted some peace and quiet to think about how to get out of detention with Umbridge tonight. If she didn't make it to Snape's lessons, Ankaa was sure the man would never teach her again.
"Ankaa!"
Ankaa spotted George running up the stairs to the tower behind her. George hunched over, panting as he tried to catch his breath.
"Gotta—show—you—somethin'," he grimaced as he stood up, immediately clutching a stitch in his side. Still breathless, he asked, "Are you free later tonight? Fred and I just finished one type of the Skiving Snackbox. We wanted you to take a look at it before we start selling it."
"Tonight?" Biting her lip, she reluctantly told him, "I've got detention, and Snape's lessons, and then my Prefect rounds."
"Can't you just skip the rounds? Make Malfoy do them instead?"
No, Ankaa thought, he'll know I'm skiving off to meet up with Fred.
"He's not the type of cover," Ankaa lied. "Just start selling them, I'm sure you guys made it perfectly."
"We know we did," said George smugly, "which is why we need you to see it."
"I can't tonight George," said Ankaa, sounding genuinely sorry. "Just start selling them, okay?"
George made a face. Crossing his arms, he said, "We wanted you to be there for the inauguration, y'know. Fred's been really excited since… well, you know—" He gave her a cheeky smirk, "—so we were hoping you'd be there, to see how it works…"
Ankaa glanced at the ladder leading up to Trelawney's room. Did she really need to go to Divination? She could already see the future (theoretically, of course, seeing as she was still working on the practical applications of actually being able to see the future on command), did she really need a crazy old teacher to talk to her about her dreams? Besides, Ankaa could always lie to Draco; he wouldn't believe her, of course, but he wouldn't look into it either.
"Go on then," said George, giving her an exaggeratedly sad look as he turned back towards the stairs. "I'll just tell Fred you're going to be busy."
"Haven't you got class right now?"
"Nope," shrugged the boy, "Free period. Well… not really, we just decided to skip."
Ankaa grinned.
"Go," said George happily, not seeming at all saddened by the fact that she wasn't coming, "you're already late."
Ankaa looked at the ladder once more before turning to smile at George. "Can't be late if I don't show up at all, right?"
George laughed, "That's the spirit!" Taking her hand, he pulled her along excitedly back down the tower. "I'm glad you're finally becoming more like us. It's good to see Fred's got good taste."
"Are you going to keep teasing me about that?" asked Ankaa dryly.
"I haven't even started yet," George teased. "You'll want to murder me by the time I start teasing you."
"I don't need you to tease me to feel that way."
"Touché, my dear," George chuckled, "Does Fred know you feel that way about me."
Ankaa slapped his arm without a moment's hesitation, which only made him laugh harder. After George's laughter died down, Ankaa waited for him to say something else about her and Fred, but he remained silent. Cautiously, Ankaa looked at him from the corner of her eyes. George was already staring at her with a smug look on his face, his eyes as mischievous as ever, lips pulled into a wide smirk.
He didn't have to say anything for Ankaa to know George was still incredibly amused about how easy it was to tease her. Ankaa blushed in embarrassment before groaning in irritation, all of this just made him laugh harder.
Fred looked away from the small orange and purple candies in front of him as his brother entered with tears of mirth rolling down his cheeks. George was laughing loudly, wiping at his eyes, and shaking his head as he settled himself on the desk with a deep sigh. Behind him was Ankaa, a face void of all expression, but her eyes were glaring daggers at George.
"What's so funny?" asked Fred, looking between George and Ankaa.
"Nothing," answered Ankaa immediately, glaring at George when he opened his mouth to respond.
"I was teasing her," George supplied, completely undeterred by the Slytherin's glares.
"Teasing about—" Fred trailed off in thought. Ankaa saw a look of understanding dawn on his face before his face broke out in an identical smug and mischievous grin like his brother. George and Fred both turned to Ankaa, looking extremely pleased with themselves.
"Stop staring at me."
They only grinned wider.
"Stop. Staring."
Fred settled his elbows on the table and placed his head on his hands so that he could lean on the table and keep staring at her more. George, on the other hand, leaned back in his chair lazily and continued smirking at her, crossing his arms and give her an amused look.
"If you're just going to keep staring at me, I'm leaving," growled Ankaa, turning to head back to the door. "I can't believe I skipped class for this."
With a loud laugh, Fred took a hold of her wrist and pulled her back so she was sitting down right next to him. With a smile, Fred placed his arm around her shoulders. As he expected, Ankaa brushed him off of her in anger.
"We appreciate you skipping class," said Fred, nudging her with his shoulder, "but that's why we told you to come later tonight."
"I've still got detention with Umbridge, and on top of that my lessons with Snape start tonight, and of course, Prefect rounds."
"Sounds packed," commented George. "See, this is exactly why Fred and I chose not to become Prefects."
"You make it sound like you had a chance, to begin with."
"You'd be surprised," laughed Fred, "I have a feeling McGonagall is actually fonder of us than she lets on. All teachers are."
"I aspire to have this level of confidence in myself one day."
"All in due time, little one!" George stood with a flourish, "Come, then, Fred. Let's show her what we've got."
Fred nodded enthusiastically before leaving Ankaa's side to stand in front of the desk with George. Both of them were smiling down at her, an air of excitement surrounding them. Fred held up the candy in his hand.
"This, m'lady," he gestured to the candy between his thumb and forefinger with a great flourish, "is the latest invention of the Skiving Snackbox! Latest, but certainly not the last, isn't that right Forge?"
"Right you are, Gred! Take the orange end of this little wonderpill here, and you'll be projectile vomiting into Umbridge's face in no time!"
Ankaa laughed. There was no doubt in her mind that Skiving Snackboxes would be a complete hit with the students, especially to get out of Umbridge's classes.
"I'm guessing the purple end stops it?" Ankaa took the little chew from Fred's hands, "Have you tried it yet?"
"Actually," said Fred, "we were going to make you do it." At Ankaa's uncomfortable look, Fred laughed. "Just kidding!" Holding up a bucket, he took the little chew from Ankaa's hands. "Step back, lady and gent! I'm about to show you what I wish I could do every time I see Umbridge's face."
Fred carefully bit into the orange end of the chew. Immediately, he retched into the bucket and vomited. Ankaa grimaced and took a step back. As amusing as it was to see the twins with their ideas, seeing and hearing Fred vomit into a bucket was just as unappetizing. Finally, after a few more rounds of retching, Fred forced the purple end of the candy in his mouth and the vomiting stopped.
George immediately vanished away the vomit. Smiling, both twins turned to Ankaa before proclaiming, "Ta-dah!"
Ankaa clapped for them, "Bravo! What a marvelous display!"
Fred and George bowed at the waist, grinning widely as they did so. With a grimace, Fred wiped at his mouth. He muttered something about needing to rinse his mouth out before he left to go to the washroom.
"You'll start selling them tonight then?" Ankaa asked George as she helped him gather all the little chews that were placed on the table.
George nodded. "We're still trying to come up with a name yet, but that's okay since we're just taking pre-orders at the moment."
"Sign me up." When George looked at her in surprise, she laughed, "You didn't think that I'd just stand here while you two came up with some of the best prank gadgets I've ever seen, did you?"
"No," George conceded slowly, "but we don't want you to buy one."
"What? Why not?"
George laughed, "Relax, I didn't mean it like that. I just meant you don't have to buy one, Ankaa. None of this would have even been possible if you and Harry hadn't given us the money."
"It was an investment," Ankaa huffed, "I'm not going to be freeloading off of you."
"Think of it as a gift then."
"You already gave me the Canary Creams."
"Think of it as a welcome to the family gift then," George gave her a sly smile.
Ankaa gave him a look which only made him smile more. With a quiet chuckle, George packed away the last of the candies before propping himself on the desk where she stood.
"On a more serious note—"
"I didn't know you could be serious."
George flicked her in the head before continuing. "I really am glad that you and Fred are getting together," he said.
"Er, we aren't." Ankaa muttered, "At least not…"
"Yet?" offered George. With a laugh, he wrapped his arm around Ankaa's shoulders. "Whatever the case," he said, "I'm glad you two are at least back to normal now. The tension between you two was stifling."
"You're telling me," Ankaa murmured.
"What was that?"
"Nothing."
Giving her a look, George continued, "Anyways. Just wanted to say that I'm glad to have you back."
"I never left."
"Sure, whatever you say." Reaching over her head, George shook the box of chews. "Any ideas for names?" he asked.
"The spew chew?" offered Ankaa uncertainly. George considered the name. "But it doesn't stick to the rest of your theme."
"Theme?"
"The alliteration," Ankaa explained, propping herself up on the spot beside him. "You guys always have names with amazing alliteration—see what I did there—Canary Creams, Ton-Tongue Toffee…"
George nodded. Weighing the box of the chews in his hand, he muttered, "Puking… Pastilles?"
"Puking Pastilles?" Ankaa considered it for a moment, "I like it!"
Fred walked in then, wiping his hands on his trousers. When George and Ankaa told him of the tentative name for the candies. Fred liked it so much that he immediately started ruffling through his backpack to write it down on the order sheet.
"Well, this was fun," said Ankaa as she stood up and slung her bag on her shoulder. "Sadly, I've got Defense Against the Dark Arts next, and I can't be late, especially if I'm to convince Umbridge to let me out of detention tonight."
"The bell hasn't even rung yet!" Fred frowned, "Can't you stay for a little while? You're going to be too busy for us to see you later."
From behind Fred, Ankaa could see George laughing silently. George gave Ankaa a wide smile before making a heart with his hands, winking at her. He also made kissy faces, looking between Fred and Ankaa. The Slytherin girl, though she could feel her body temperature rising, glared at the boy.
"I won't if George keeps doing that."
Fred whirled around to his brother quickly, to see what he was doing. George stood still, a completely innocent expression on his face. George shrugged, pretending he had no clue of what Ankaa was talking about. Over Fred's shoulder, George could see Ankaa flip him off, a self-satisfied smile on her face.
"Besides," Ankaa spoke, "don't you guys have class too? Please tell me you don't make Lee take notes for you all the time."
"Nope," said Fred, hauling the Puking Pastilles in his backpack as well and closing the flap. "We've got Arithmancy now, which we won't be missing."
"You took that class?"
George nodded as the three of them exited the classroom and started walking towards the Arithmancy classroom, which happened to be on the way to the DADA classroom.
"It'll be good for business," said George. "Hermione said it's necessary, even though Freddie and I are pretty good at it naturally, as I'm sure you can imagine."
Ankaa only smiled.
"Besides, it was an easy O." Fred shrugged, "We figured we might as well take it for N.E.W.T level."
"Speaking of Snape," said George, completely off topic, "What're your lessons with him about?"
"Legilimency," Ankaa muttered, "Dumbledore wants me to start practicing so that I can begin to shield my mind."
Fred pursed his lips, deep in thought. He knew somewhere down the line, Ankaa would have to face Voldemort. It was as sure as Umbridge handing out useless detentions. He just hadn't expected her to begin training for it so soon. It was surreal to him, that all these teenagers, like Ankaa and Harry, were under such a distinct and dangerous threat.
"Fred!" Ankaa pinched his arm to get his attention. Fred looked down at her, looking a little shaken up. "Did I pinch you that hard? Are you alright?"
"Yeah," Fred looked to George. The two shared a look before George nodded and walked ahead and around the corner to their Arithmancy classroom.
"Is everything alright?"
Fred nodded slowly. "I was just thinking about this whole thing with"—Fred gulped slightly—"Voldemort, and I just realized how much danger you'd be in."
Ankaa bit her lip. "It's not that bad," she said quietly, trying to console him, "just think of it as an early start for an exam, that's all."
"An exam won't try to kill you if you don't know the answer Ankaa," Fred retorted dryly, completely serious.
"You're right, that was a bad analogy," Ankaa frowned in frustration, wringing her hands. She couldn't understand why Fred was so concerned about her all of a sudden. He had known for a while that she was a Seer. If anything, Ceph's death should have been a wakeup call for him.
Not everyone's like you, Ankaa reminded herself.
"I know you'll be alright," Fred muttered after a moment, looking carefully at her. "It just feels a lot more serious now, especially with Umbridge around."
Ankaa snorted. In an effort to change the topic, Ankaa said, "I'm more worried about you and the Puking Pastilles, actually. You're going to vomit all that you eat."
Fred raised a brow at her. With the same sly smile that she had been seeing a lot of recently, he stepped closer to her. "You're worried about me, are you?" he whispered. "You can always come to the Common Room, help take care of me."
"I mean I'm worried about whoever has to keep eating those Pastilles to test them—"
"—which is me."
"—and it just happens to be you, it doesn't mean anything—"
Fred nodded with a wide smile. "I'm sure it doesn't." His eyes darted from Ankaa's eyes to her lips. He was so close. Fred looked back to her eyes, noticing the apprehension. With a gentle smile, he stepped back. Someday, when the doubt, apprehension, and fear were absent from her face, Fred would lean down all the way and kiss her. But today was not that way. Instead, he held out his hand.
"Here," he deposited a Puking Pastille in her hand with a smile, "I know you've probably got something planned already on how to deal with Umbridge, but in case that doesn't work, use these to get out of detention. I'd rather you didn't miss your lesson with Snape."
"Thank you," Ankaa released an uneven breath, still reeling from how close he had been to her. Clutching the Puking Pastille, she told him, "I appreciate it."
"You're welcome." Fred stood straight again, "Let me know if you need any help dealing with that old coot. George and I will be more than happy to wreak some havoc to get you out of detention."
Ankaa laughed and nodded her assent.
The silence between them stretched on for a moment, but Ankaa did not consider it uncomfortable in the slightest. She was aware the two of them were just standing there, smiling at each other like dolts when the bell rang.
"Go on then," Fred gestured with his head, "don't want Umbridge to keep waiting."
"Guess not," Ankaa mumbled, glancing down the end of the hallway. It was still empty, but she could hear the crowds of students clamouring towards them. The excited chatter, the shouts and laughs were steadily getting closer and closer. If she had to act, she had to do it now.
In an uncharacteristic show of affection, Ankaa reached for Fred's sweater and pulled him down slightly. She stood on the tips of her toes quickly and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. She was aware that her hands rested on his shoulders, feeling them tense and relax under her touch, and his hands had taken a hold of her waist in surprise.
Lingering only for a moment, Ankaa whispered, "Thanks Fred," against his cheek softly before turning and heading down the hallway just as the hoard of students made their way around the corner.
Before she turned the corner, Ankaa turned one last time to spot Fred Weasley still standing frozen in his spot. His fingers were on his cheek, in the same spot she had just kissed. Fred was giving her a soft smile, filled with pure affection and amazement.
Smiling at him, Ankaa turned away and headed to Umbridge's classroom. Even the thought of spending the next hour with Umbridge did not wipe the dazzling smile off her face.
It was a good day.
Notes;
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