Chapter Thirty Two: Hogsmeade

The first Hogsmeade weekend was taking place two weeks before Halloween and all students, especially the third years were looking forward to going. Fred, George and Lee were all ecstatic about visiting Zonko's joke shop, for they had used quite a bit of the giant box of pranks they had received from Emalia for their birthday and needed to restock on some items.

Emalia on the other hand was looking forward to exploring the town, and she was especially looking forward to having Butterbeer with her friends in the Three Broomsticks. Fred and Emalia were chatting animatedly on Friday evening about their plans for the next day when George plonked in between them. 'Emaliaaaaaa' he sung sweetly.

Emalia looked at him, her eyebrow raised. 'Could you help me with my Transfiguration homework pleaseeeeeeeeee?' Emalia looked at Fred who was avoiding eye contact with her. She grinned at George 'I'm guessing both if you need help?' The twins looked at her sheepishly.

'I mean we have most of the work done, but we would appreciate if you looked over them for us. Can't afford McGonagall giving us detention this weekend cause our homework is not up to her standard' said Fred as he ran his hand through his hair.

'Give me your parchment' smiled Emalia as she held out her hand. Immediately Fred and George handed her their parchment. Twenty minutes later, Emalia handed back the twins their essays. 'I don't know why you wanted me to look over them, they were brilliant!' she said. Fred and George laughed and high fived each other.

Moments later Alicia and Angelina walked into the Common Room. 'Emalia, I know it's your favourite place here, but I hate the library almost as much as I hate potions' she moaned. Emalia picked up a cushion and threw it at Alicia 'Oi, the library isn't my favourite place here' she exclaimed.

Everyone in the group snickered at the interaction. They spent the rest of the evening chatting and planning tomorrow.

The next morning most of the third years were up early for breakfast. Even though they would not be heading to Hogsmeade until the mid-morning. The twins, Lee, Emalia and Angelina were down eating breakfast when Alicia came storming over.

'Why didn't anyone wake me?!' she demanded looking at Emalia and Angelina. 'Eh- Alicia, we tried but you told us, very rudely, to let you sleep' replied Emalia.

'Yeah, I do not appreciate being called all those names off the Quidditch pitch' said Angelina trying hard not to laugh at Alicia's face as she realised what had happened this morning. All the colour drained from her face. She mumbled something like 'I didn't realise, I'm sorry' before Emalia laughed and pulled her down to sit beside her.

'Don't worry about it Al, we forgive you' said Emalia as she put her arm around Alicia and squeezed her shoulder. Alicia sat down and began to eat breakfast.

'At least we can believe Oliver when he says you swear like a sailor, Alicia' teased Fred. Alicia made a face at him before breaking out into a fit of giggles. They group discussed their plans for Hogsmeade, Angelina was adamant about Emalia and Alicia joining her in Gladrags Wizardwear. Much to both girls' annoyance as neither of them were big on clothes shopping, nevertheless they promised her that they would join her.

At 11 o'clock the third years and others from the years above gathered in the Courtyard, and each person handed Professor McGonagall their permission slips. When each slip was collected McGonagall gave them all a speech about how they should uphold the school's reputation while at Hogsmeade and ran through each of the rules. She kept her eyes fixed on the twins when emphasising certain rules.

Once she finished, they all turned and walked towards Hogsmeade, each of them wrapped up. It was drizzling but not cold. When they reached Hogsmeade the large group of students broke out into much smaller groups of twos, threes and fours and filtered off into various shops.

Angelina pulled Emalia and Alicia instantly towards the wizardwear shop. 'See you in the Three Broomstick in half an hour?' called Fred as he walked with George and Lee towards Zonko's. 'Definitely' called back Emalia. Alicia looked at the boys and mouthed 'Help me' which ended up setting them off laughing and Alicia scowling as she meant it as a serious cry for help.

As it turned out, Angelina hated clothes shopping as much as Alicia and Emalia, but her mother's birthday was next month, and she wanted to get her a new set of robes. Half an hour later, Angelina had gotten what she wanted, and the three girls left the shop relieved.

When they arrived in the Three Broomsticks, they could see that most of the seats had been taken already. They were scanning the crowded room, looking for the boys when Alicia pointed and exclaimed 'Oh, I see them, they are over in that corner.' Angelina led the way followed by Alicia and Emalia when suddenly Emalia felt an arm grab hers.

'Hey Emalia, I'm glad you came' purred a voice 'We can finally get our date started.' Emalia turned and was greeted with the smug face of Roger Davies. She rolled her eyes and gently pulled her arm from his grasp.

'I don't know what you thought I said to you the other day Roger, but I did not agree to a date with you' she said politely as she turned to walk towards her friends. Alicia and Angelina had already seated themselves, and all of the group was watching her.

Roger grabbed her arm again, and Fred stood up suddenly a stony look on his face. 'Come on Emalia, one date' he said again smiling brightly at her. She pulled her arm away from him, this time not as gently.

'I would rather try hug the Whomping Willow. Now, if you will excuse me my friends are waiting for me' she snapped. George pulled Fred back down to his seat and shook his head at his twin 'Leave it Freddie.'

Emalia walked away leaving Roger standing watching her with a gormless look on his face. Fred watched Roger, his eyes narrowed as Emalia made her way over to the group. Only when she sat down beside him, did he turn his attention to Emalia. 'What was that about' he asked, careful to keep his tone normal.

'Just someone who doesn't understand that the word no' she muttered back to him.

Alicia went up to Madame Rosmerta to order a round of Butterbeer and minutes later they were all drinking hot foaming tankards of was talking and joking together, except for Fred who was still keeping an eye on Roger. Emalia could feel how tense he was, and she sought out his hand underneath the table. As soon as she took a hold of his hand, Fred visibly relaxed. He looked at her smiling and became more involved with the group conversation.

'What did you get in Zonko's?' asked Alicia curiously. A mischievous look crossed the three boys faces 'That would spoil the surprise Al' whispered George.

'What did you get Ang?' asked Fred, quickly changing the subject. Emalia looked at him, her eyebrow raised, throwing a suspicious look his way. Fred however just smiled at her. Angelina told them what she purchased for her mother. Once everyone had finished their Butterbeer, they planned to split up once more.

Alicia and Emalia wanted to visit Zonko's and Honeydukes. The others made their way to Honeydukes with the two girls promising to meet up with them later. Emalia walked up to Madame Rosmerta and handed her a Galleon for everyone's drinks before leaving.

'Are you going to join the boys on their pranks?' asked Alicia eagerly as they walked around Zonko's in awe. Emalia laughed and contemplated her answer. 'I probably won't join them,' she remarked, Alicia looked slightly disappointed 'but I may prank them' she grinned wickedly which cause Alicia to laugh.

Fifteen minutes later, Emalia's bag was full of a variety of prank materials, from joke lollies, sugar quills, dungbombs and frogspawn soap. When they met back up with the group in Honeydukes, the twins swarmed both girls, curious about what they purchased.

'Oh' began Emalia 'I don't want to spoil the surprise' she grinned.

'Touché' grinned Fred.

After buying, what some may consider, half of Honeydukes shop, the group left and began to make their way up past a store that caught Emalia's attention. She stopped, and it was a second or two before the others noticed and turned back to face her.

'I am going to go in here, I'll meet you back at the castle' she said as she walked into the shop. Surrounding her were records stacked high, some were in boxes while others were just lying out in the open. Her eyes grew as wide as dinner plates as she took everything in.

Less than thirty seconds later, the door to the shop opened, and someone took Emalia's hand. A smile enveloped her face and she turned to see Fred Weasley standing beside her. 'I told the others I would stay with you' he informed her. He paused and looked around the shop before speaking again 'So, music records huh?'

Emalia nodded 'I love music. I have loads of records at home, some of them are muggle bands and singers.'

Emalia walked forwards pulling Fred along with her, showing him what records she love and what she loved about them, sharing with him a passion of hers. They spent nearly an hour exploring and playing different music.

'Soooo' asked Fred as he flipped through various records 'who is your favourite?' Emalia took a second to ponder her answer 'I like the Weird Sisters.'

Fred laughed and rolled his eyes 'Of course, what witch doesn't.' Emalia shoved him playfully. Fred hitched his voice up to a higher pitch and continued to tease Emalia 'I love them for their music, I don't care that they are incredibly good-looking. Myron is just such a sensitive soul, and his music just speaks to me on a spiritual level.'

Emalia was laughing hard at Fred but when he finished, she tried to compose herself before saying 'I didn't realise you and Myron Wagtail had an epic romance going on' before convulsing with laughter once again.

Fred was beaming, Emalia's laugh was like music to his ears, and hearing her talk so passionately about something she loved made him want to love it as much as she did.

'I do like muggle music' she continued once she recovered from her laughing fit 'but I don't know very many muggle bands. I was talking to a girl in first year, she is muggleborn and she was telling me about some muggle bands. She's nice, doesn't have too many friends, so I have been trying to get to know her.'

Fred squeezed her hand, 'You're a good person Emalia.'

Eventually, they left walking back up to the castle side by side laughing and joking the entire way. When they arrived back in the castle, they made their way straight to the Common Room. However, Peeves had taken to flooding the second floor to prank Filch. So, when they reached the small flood of water, they looked around them to see who was around.

As if on cue, Mrs Norris creeped up behind them and meowed loudly and wherever Mrs Norris is, Filch was usually not far behind. 'We better run' said Emalia as she grabbed Fred's hand and pulled him along running through the giant puddle that covered a significant part of the corridor. Emalia and Fred shouted and laughed as they ran through the puddle, drenching themselves with water.

They ran together, hand in hand to the portrait. They leaned against the wall to catch their breath, their faces flushed red and their eyes shining. Emalia leaned her head back against the wall, looking up at the ceiling. Fred watched her mesmerised as a faint silvery glow radiated from her.

Emalia looked at him and supressed a giggle. 'You are soaked' she whipped out her wand and pointed it at him 'Siccesco'. Hot air enveloped him and soon enough his clothes were completely dry. Emalia then turned her wand on herself.

Fred turned to the Fat Lady 'Caput Draconis' and they both entered the Common Room. Fred made his way over to the couches where his friends were sitting. Emalia on the other hand walked over to Harry and Ron who were sitting at the tables doing homework.

'I come bearing gifts!' she announced cheerily as she dumped two giant slabs on Honeydukes chocolate on the table in front of them. 'Wow, thanks Emalia!' exclaimed Harry. Ron looked from the chocolate to Emalia back to the chocolate. 'Eh- yeah- I- Er'- stammered Ron.

'No problem' she said peering down at what they were writing 'have fun with your charms essay' as she turned and walked over to another table where sat another first-year girl.

'Hello Hermione' smiled Emalia as she sat down opposite her. Hermione looked up from her book and smiled briefly at the older girl sitting in front of her, before turning her attention back to her book.

'I got you something Hermione' continued Emalia as she pushed a bar of Honeyduke's chocolate towards her 'Might make the studying easier'

Hermione looked up, eyes wide 'Thank you Emalia, you really did not have to.'

'I wanted to say thank you for telling me about those Muggle bands, and also I am hoping you will share more with me?' she said hopefully. Hermione smiled and nodded 'Of course!' Emalia smiled back at her.

'Oi Em, come over here!' called the twins. Emalia looked back at them and nodded. 'Hey Hermione, I have a charms book that you can borrow if you'd like. Just let me know' smiled Emalia as she walked back over to her friends.


Halloween rolled around, and everyone was looking forward to the feast. Fred and George celebrated the week by pulling pranks left, right and centre. Even Emalia didn't escape their pranks. She was in the library in the middle of writing her Transfiguration essay when suddenly her inkwell exploded all over her essay and her face, causing her to shout out in surprise.

Which promptly caused Emalia to be thrown out of the library by Madam Pince 'How dare you get ink all over the books' she seethed.

Emalia walked back to the Common Room covered in ink and was greeted by the Weasley twins. They dissolved into a fit of laughter.

'Oh, don't worry I will be getting you back for this' promised Emalia as she cleaned the ink off herself with a smile on her face.

Emalia did not have to wait long for her opportunity to get her revenge. Two days before Halloween, as everyone was making their way from Potions to Charms the Weasley twins were lagging behind Emalia and Alicia.

'Alicia' whispered Emalia discreetly 'Take the next stairway to Charms, don't walk the normal way.' Alicia looked at her confused.

'Al, it's so you don't get blamed for what is about to happen' Emalia said nodding her head towards the Weasley twins.

Alicia grinned at her 'Ok Em, just try not to get them into too much trouble' before taking the next stairway.

Emalia ducked into the same stairway and waited for Fred and George to pass her before walking behind them. She kept a close eye, she had to get the timing right or else she was going to be the one in the firing line.

She opened her bag and took out five water balloons, looking up she saw Professor McGonagall standing in her usual spot supervising the changeover of classes. Emalia whipped out her wand and quietly muttered the spell that sent three of the water balloons flying.

Chaos quickly broke out, and in the commotion, Emalia ran forward to the twins and handed them two water balloons

'Can you hold these for me? Thanks!' she muttered as she ran past them into the crowd. The two of them stood there confused until Professor McGonagall descended on them.

Twenty minutes later Fred and George arrived at Charms, they made their excuses and took their seats to the right of Emalia. They did not say anything until after class, when they cornered Emalia.

'That was' began George

'Brilliant' finished Fred.

'So how bad is it?' asked Emalia laughing. Fred grinned 'Oh just detention tonight, I think McGonagall found the funny side of it.'

'Minnie loves us really' agreed George.

'Although Emalia, how about we call a ceasefire? I get the feeling that we will end up trying to one up each other until the school comes crumbling down'

'Agreed' said Emalia holding out her hand to solidify their peace treaty with a handshake.

The twins promised Professor McGonagall that they would not pull any pranks at the Halloween feast and they were true to their Great Hall was covered in decorations for Halloween. A thousand live bats fluttered from the walls and ceiling while a thousand more swooped over the tables in low black clouds, making the candles in the pumpkins stutter.

The feast began, Emalia watched on laughing as Alicia and Oliver Wood argued about Quidditch. She looked over at her cousin who seemed slightly preoccupied but was nonetheless enjoying the feast with Ron.

Fred had just asked her to pass the baked potatoes when Professor Quirrell came sprinting into the Hall, his turban askew and terror on his face. Everyone stared as he reached Professor Dumbledore's chair, slumped against the table and gasped, 'Troll – in the dungeons – thought you ought to know.'

He then sank to the floor in a dead faint. There was uproar. It took several purple firecrackers exploding from the end of the Headmaster's wand to bring order and silence. 'Prefects, lead your houses back to the dormitories immediately!' he decreed.

Percy Weasley was in his element. 'Follow me! Stick together, first-years! No need to fear the troll if you follow my orders! Stay close behind me now. Make way, first-years coming through! Excuse me, I'm a prefect!'

Fred had taken hold of Emalia's hand as they pushed through the crowd to make their way back to the Common Room. George, Lee, Alicia and Angelina followed them closely.

'Move it along Percy, you're taking forever to move the first years out' muttered Fred to himself.

Fred however didn't follow Percy up the stairs directly out of the Great Hall, he turned to the right and lead them to a smaller staircase. The group arrived back in the Common Room before Percy and the first years.

'See' said Fred smugly 'I know this castle like the back of my hand.'

Moments later Percy arrived at the Common Room, surprised to see his brothers had arrived ahead of him. Emalia looked around 'Where's Harry?' she asked Percy.

Percy looked around and frowned 'He was with the group; he may have gotten separated.'

'Ok, I am going to find him' stated Emalia as she made a move towards the door. Percy stepped in front of her 'You are not going anywhere' snapped Percy.

Emalia looked up to look him directly in the eyes 'I'd like to see you try stop me' she seethed her temper beginning to rise.

'I am a Prefect! What I say goes, I was given this authority by the Headmaster himself' bragged Percy his self-importance growing with each word he spoke.

Emalia was trembling with rage now 'Look here Percy, you're not stopping me from going to find my cousin. You're definitely something beginning with p; a class A prat.'

'You cannot talk to me like that Emalia' said Percy who was taken aback that anyone would speak to a prefect like that.

'I can speak to you however I want, especially if you're stopping me from going to look for my cousin, who is in first-year by the way, and is lost in the castle when a troll is loose!' Emalia's voice was getting louder, she was almost shouting at Percy.

Fred could see the tensions rising on both sides and jumped up to try and defuse the situation. 'Hey, hey look how about we all just take a deep breath and sit down. I'm sure Harry will be here in a few minutes; he is probably with one of the other prefects.'

He took a hold of Emalia's hand; he could feel her trembling as he led her over to the couch and sat her down. 'Emalia' he spoke gently 'I am sure Harry will be fine, him and Ron probably just got separated from the group.' Emalia nodded tersely.

Fred held onto her hand, even well after it stopped trembling with anger. Emalia took deep breaths; she had been ready to snap Percy's neck until Fred stepped in. She had let her anger get the better of her.

When Fred had taken a hold of her hand her anger just dissipated instantly. He brought her back down to zero and she knew she had completely overreacted. Until now she had been keeping a lid on her anger by focussing on schoolwork and her friends.

Fred seemed to have that magic touch though, anytime she was near him she felt centred, like nothing could possibly go wrong, she felt safe. Emalia let out a sigh and relaxed into the couch, subconsciously moving closer to Fred.

Food had been sent up, but Emalia could not eat. Harry and Ron still had not returned to the Common Room, even Fred and George seemed uneasy. Suddenly the door flew open and in arrived Harry and Ron, they looked around and began talking to Hermione.

Once Emalia spotted Harry she ran over and pulled him into a hug 'Where have you been?!' Harry was taken aback at her worry 'Er, I'm ok Emalia.' She looked at him 'Where were you?' she demanded.

'Er, well see we had to go find Hermione and well, we found the Troll'

'I'm sorry, what? You found the Troll?!'

'Yeah'

Emalia stared at him incredulously, as Harry shared the complete story. Even Fred and George were impressed 'Well done Ron, bloody hell' murmured George in amazement as Fred clapped Ron on the back heartily.

Eventually Emalia made her way over to Percy who was sitting in an armchair reading.

'Percy?' she called gently. He looked up at her, and after a brief moment closed his book and kept it on his lap. 'Yes Emalia?'

Emalia took a deep breath before speaking 'I want to apologise, for what I said to you. I was worried about Harry and I let my emotions get the better of me.'

Percy held up his hand as if to stop her from speaking 'I understand Emalia, there is no apology needed. Just do not let it happen again.' Emalia nodded and smiled briefly before returning to her friends.

'How did it go?' asked George. 'Yeah did he give you a hard time?' questioned Fred. Emalia shook her head 'He accepted my apology.'

Fred and George looked at each other in surprise, that was thoroughly unlike their brother especially when there is a perceived slight against him.

After a couple of hours, Professor McGonagall came up to the Common Room and informed them that the Troll had been taken care of and sent them all off to bed. Most people visibly relaxed when they heard that the Troll was no longer roaming the halls and gladly went off to bed.

Emalia on the other hand was worried, she lost her temper over nothing. She should have been able to cut herself off, swallowed her anger and just sat down with her friends. Once everyone in her dormitory had fallen asleep she slipped out of her bed and made her way to the Headmaster's office.

She knocked on Albus's office, hoping that he would still be awake, she had not looked at the time before she left. 'Come in' called a weary voice. She pushed open the door, and she could see that Albus looked tired.

'Emalia' he exclaimed 'To what do I owe the pleasure?' he looked at the clock that sat on his desk 'At such a late hour.' His blue eyes twinkled with amusement, she was out of bed way after curfew and she knew it.

'Albus, you said before I started back that you had ideas on how I could channel my emotions' she began. Albus nodded at her, confirming her statement. 'I can't keep a lid on my temper, I need a way to channel it. So I have an idea.'

Albus looked at her expectantly.

'Teach me how to duel.'

Albus smiled at her, and took in her statement, for it was a statement rather than a request. 'Teach you how to duel' he repeated as he watched her face, she was staring back at him expectantly. 'Yes' she affirmed.

'I cannot teach you how to duel Emalia' he spoke. Her face dropped with disappointment 'But I am sure Filius would be more than happy to train you on how to duel, I will ask him in the morning.'

Emalia paused for a second in disbelief. 'Really?' she said. When Albus nodded she ran over and hugged him 'Thank you' she sighed into his shoulder.

Albus chuckled 'I think it would be wise if you made your way back to your bed before you get detention.' Emalia nodded, bid him goodnight and made her way back to her dormitory and soon drifted off to sleep.