Chapter Thirty Seven: Trading Places
The next morning Fred met Emalia in the Common Room before breakfast. He greeted her with a wide grin, Emalia smiled at him. 'Do I want to ask?' she said smiling more.
'Couldn't help myself. My girlfriend has a great arse' he grinned. Emalia flushed red and shoved him before laughing and running out of the Common Room.
Fred soon caught up with her, and the walked down to the Great Hall hand in hand. They were in the process of eating and discussing classes when the rest of their friends joined them.
Alicia spotted Professor McGonagall walking down the table, handing out timetables as she went. 'I swear if she gives us a timetable that has us starting or ending the week with double potions I will leave. I will go home' promised Alicia.
When they got handed their timetables, everyone sighed in relief collectively. 'Looks like I am staying' said Alicia celebrating with a little shimmy in her seat.
'Actually, this timetable isn't that bad. We have Defence first this morning with Gilderoy Lockhart' said Angelina with a dreamy look on her face.
'Oh no Angelina' groaned George 'Not you too!'
'What! He's a very talented wizard!' said Angelina defensively.
Emalia and Alicia had dissolved into a fit of giggled as Fred shook his head.
'Anyways' said Angelina changing the subject 'We have Friday afternoons free, and no double potions to end any day. We do have it tomorrow morning though.'
Alicia sighed 'Ok, this year I am going to approach potions and Snape with a positive attitude. I have just decided. So, if I moan about potions you can pinch me.'
The group began to laugh. 'Well, Alicia, I think you are going to get pinched quite a lot' teased Lee. Alicia threw a slice of toast at him, but he ducked and instead it hit a third year Ravenclaw girl, who then proceeded to throw Alicia a dirty look.
They finished their breakfast and made their way to their very first Defence Against the Dark Arts lesson with Gilderoy Lockhart. They were all seated, and chatting when Gilderoy Lockhart sauntered into the classroom, smiling brightly.
'I am Gilderoy Lockhart, Order of Merlin, Third Class, Honourary Member of the Dark Force Defence League and five times winner of Witch Weekly's Most-Charming-Smile Award' he boasted.
Emalia and Fred looked at each other and dissolved into a fit of silent laughter, which caused Lockhart's smile to falter for a second, but the adoring looks and sighs from the other girls in Gryffindor and Hufflepuff gave him a boost and he flashed his smile.
'Seeing as you all have my books, which is fantastic and I am sure have been very illuminating, we will start the class off with a quiz.'
Gilderoy Lockhart waved his wand and paper appeared in front of everyone in the class.
Emalia looked down at it and read the first question:
What is Gilderoy Lockhart's favourite colour?
Emalia looked over at Fred, her mouth agape. 'Is he serious?' whispered Fred looking from the paper to Emalia. Emalia started laughing silently again, trying not to draw attention to herself.
Fred on the other hand, had taken to reading the questions quietly under his breath to Emalia, and suggesting rather rude answers, which only made Emalia double over in silent laughter.
Her face was becoming flushed from trying to stay quiet, and people were beginning to notice her shoulders shaking.
After forty minutes, Professor Lockhart rounded up the quizzes and quickly glanced through the answers, his face alight with the correct ones. Suddenly his face set into a frown.
'Ah! He must have found my paper' said Fred grinning at Emalia.
'Well, I see some of us here need to read their books a little more' tutted Professor Lockhart 'So I think I will spend the rest of this class giving you all a personal reading of the first chapter of Wandering with Werewolves.'
Emalia was glad to be back in a routine, school work and her friends kept her busy; but every morning she woke early to head to the empty bathrooms to practice what she had learned while at the Veela Council.
She had just reached the Common Room on Saturday morning when she heard her name being called. 'Emalia! Emalia wait a second!'
She turned and came face to face with Oliver Wood, the Gryffindor Quidditch captain, all togged out in his training gear. 'Morning Oliver, you're up early' she said warmly.
'Oh, yes. New Quidditch regime this year, new training programme. Going to be the first team off the mark this year!' said Oliver heartily. Emalia smiled at him; his dedication was admirable.
'I was wondering if you could do me a favour? I need to wake the team and I can't get into the girls' dormitories…'
'You want me to wake Angelina, Alicia and Katie?' she asked. Oliver nodded.
'Give me a minute, though if I get injured trying to wake Alicia, I will be holding you personally responsible Oliver.'
Emalia grinned at him before going to wake the three girls. As expected, Alicia did not take too kindly to being woken up so early, but she got up and put on her Quidditch gear half asleep, which resulted in her training top being back to front.
Emalia decided that she would watch the training session, and she pulled on her hat and coat over her clothes. When they arrived down in the Common Room, the girls spotted the boys bleary eyed and tousle haired. Fred smiled when he saw Emalia and wrapped his arms around her sleepily. 'Morning' he whispered before kissing the top of her head.
'Morning Freddie' said Emalia as she nuzzled into his chest, breathing in his scent, a smile lit up her face.
'Ok, leave that for after practice. Come on' said Oliver impatiently.
When they arrived down at the Quidditch pitch, Oliver tried to stop Emalia from coming into the changing room. 'I can't have you leaking our new strategy!' said Oliver.
Emalia looked at him, her eyebrow raised 'I woke up Alicia for you, I am as dedicated to the Gryffindor team as you are, if not more so. I risked my life.'
The twins and Angelina started to titter; Alicia just scowled. Eventually Oliver relented and allowed Emalia to sit in on the strategy and gameplay walkthrough after he made her promise not to share it with a soul.
When Harry arrived, Oliver berated him for being late. Emalia gave him a small wave which he returned before sitting to the left of Katie. Oliver launched into a speech about how this is Gryffindor's year, and how he had planned how they would win the Quidditch Cup.
Emalia, although she had woken up on her own accord, could feel her eyes drooping, and she laid her head on Fred's shoulder. Fred's head rest against hers, as he too fell asleep while Oliver was launching through his strategies.
'So,' said Oliver, at long last, 'is that clear? Any questions?'
'I've got a question, Oliver' said George, who had woken with a start. 'Why couldn't you have told us all this yesterday when we were awake?'
Oliver was not pleased.
'Now listen here, you lot,' he said, glowering at them all, 'we should have won the Quidditch Cup last year. We're easily the best team. But unfortunately, owing to circumstances beyond our control…'
Oliver took a moment to regain control of himself. Their last defeat was clearly still torturing him.
'So, this year we train harder than ever before … Ok, let's go and put our new theories into practice! Wood shouted, seizing his broomstick and leading the way out of the changing room.
The rest of the team followed him, supressing moans of reluctancy. Fred took hold of Emalia's hand as they walked onto the pitch. He leaned down and kissed her on the lips before swinging his leg over his broom and took off into the air.
Emalia spotted Ron and Hermione in the stands and sat beside them, the three of them watched the Gryffindor begin their training session. Further along, Emalia spotted a new first year, Colin Creevey and invited him to join them. He was too busy taking pictures of Harry and the rest of the Gryffindor team to move.
Fred got Emalia's attention while in the air, he started flexing his muscles which succeeded in getting a laugh out of her. Emalia turned to Colin 'If you have any pictures of Fred could I buy them off you?' she asked.
Colin looked taken aback 'Oh – er- I will just give them to you' he said smiling.
Emalia smiled back at him 'No, I'll buy them. Whatever you think is a fair price for the material you used.'
Colin turned a light pink and nodded, before continuing to take photos.
Though the practice was interrupted with the arrival of the Slytherin team. Which caused the Gryffindor team to dismount and confront them.
'Oh, this is not looking good' muttered Emalia to herself as she rushed to get down to the pitch. Ron and Hermione followed quickly behind her.
'What's happening?' Ron asked Harry. 'Why aren't you playing? And what's he doing here?
'I'm the new Slytherin seeker, Weasley,' said Malfoy, smugly. 'Everyone's just been admiring the brooms my father's bought our team.'
Emalia locked eyes with Adrian and saw him roll his eyes at Draco, which caused Emalia to smile.
Ron gaped, open-mouthed, at the seven superb broomsticks in front of him.
'Good, aren't they?' said Malfoy smoothly. 'But perhaps the Gryffindor team will be able to raise some gold and get new brooms, too. You could raffle off those Cleansweep Fives, I expect a museum would bid for them.'
The Slytherin team, bar Adrian, howled with laughter.
'At least no one on the Gryffindor team had to buy their way in,' said Hermione sharply. 'They got in on pure talent.'
The smug look in Malfoy's face flickered.
'No one asked your opinion, you filthy little Mudblood,' he spat.
Flint dived in front of Malfoy to stop Fred and George jumping on him, Alicia shrieked, 'How dare you!' and Ron plunged his hand into his robes, pulled out his wand, yelling 'You'll pay for that one Malfoy!' and pointed it under Flint's arm at Malfoy's face.
Emalia also plunged her hand into her coat pocket to pull out her wand, her face contorted in anger 'Apologise' she spat venomously.
A loud band echoed around the stadium and a jet of green light shot out of the wrong end of Ron's wand, hitting him in the stomach and sending him reeling backwards onto the grass. When Ron opened his mouth to speak, no words came out. Instead, he gave an almighty belch and several slugs dribbled out of his mouth onto his lap.
Hermione and Harry pulled him along as the Slytherin's collapsed in laughter. Emalia stood in between the Gryffindors and the Slytherins.
'You better watch it Flint' she said angrily.
'Oh yeah? Are you going to stop me?' He sneered.
Emalia's eyes flashed black, and Flint took a step back. She muttered under her breath; her wand pointed at him subtly. Flint jumped and slapped his hand to his neck. Some of the Slytherins looked at him curiously. 'Just felt something bite me or something' he said shrugging.
Oliver led the Gryffindor's off the pitch, not wanting to train with the Slytherin team around. Fred pulled Emalia aside, 'What did you do to Flint?' he asked curiously. They both looked back on the pitch and could see Flint randomly swatting parts of his body every so often.
Emalia grinned at him 'I just hexed him a little… he feels like he is being stung every so often. It wears off in a couple of hours.'
'Brilliant' said Fred laughing as he took her hand. The two of them followed the group and made their way up to the castle for breakfast.
Later on that day Alicia and Emalia were sitting in the Common Room, both of them doing homework. Alicia looked up as the portrait opened and someone walked into the Common Room.
'Hey Fred? Come here for a second!' called Alicia when she spotted him.
Emalia glanced up from her book, 'That's not Fred' she said before looking back at her book.
Alicia looked at her, mouth agape. 'How? How did you even know that? You barely even looked at him!'
Emalia smiled at Alicia 'I know, but I am telling you that is George.'
He sat down near Alicia, 'Hello George' said Emalia smiling.
'Hey Em' he grinned back.
'So … You are George?' asked Alicia, unsure of whether Emalia was messing with her or not.
'You don't know who I am?' said George in mock outrage, before he broke out in a grin 'Yeah, I am George'
Alicia turned to Emalia 'How can you tell them apart?' she demanded.
'Probably just a lucky guess' said George.
Emalia frowned and put her book down 'I can tell you apart George' she stated, 'It's not difficult, I just know.'
George looked at her, a mischievous glint in his eyes. 'You always know the difference huh?' he asked.
'Always' affirmed Emalia.
'That is interesting information' said George smiling to himself as he began plotting.
'What is?' asked Fred as he arrived and plonked himself down on the couch beside his brother.
'Well Emalia here maintains that she can always tell us apart' said George grinning at his brother.
'Oh really?' asked Fred his face alight with ideas.
Emalia sighed 'Surely knowing you from your brother is expected seeing as I am your girlfriend Fred!'
Fred smiled and shrugged trying to look innocent. Emalia shook her head; she knew they were going to spend a lot of time trying to trick her.
The next week was pandemonium. Fred and George were adamant to prove that Emalia was not able to tell them apart. At the beginning Emalia furiously insisted that she did not need to be tested by them both.
However, it was not just Fred and George who were insisting. Alicia, Angelina and Lee were also curious about whether or not Emalia could actually tell the twins apart. So, they too joined readily in the fun, eagerly waiting to see when and if the Weasley twins could in fact trick her.
It began one evening in the library. Emalia was busy writing an essay for Professor Snape about antidotes, and while she had reached the two-foot length he had assigned, Emalia continued writing about antidotes, using her mother's book as a reference.
It was during this time that the Weasley twins entered the library, walking through the bookshelves looking for Emalia. They found her sitting opposite Alicia, deeply engrossed in her writing, her brow furrowed as she concentrated.
Fred nearly melted when he saw her. There was something breath-taking about her, something as simple as her furrowing her brow as she read, rendered him almost breathless.
'Shake it off Freddie, focus on the plan' he thought to himself. Though he did have to admit that recently Emalia was becoming irresistible to him. He felt hollow when she was not around, she filled a void inside him that he did not even know had existed.
He shook his head, bringing him back to the present, as he and George took a seat either side of her. Emalia did not acknowledge them but a smile flit across her face briefly, she figured she was about to be tested.
One of them took hold of her hand, intertwining both of their fingers with his thumb gently caressing the length of her thumb. Emalia glanced to her left, where sat the twin who held her hand.
He was not looking at her, instead he was pretending to read the book in front of him. Emalia turned to her right and leaned over and whispered, 'I hope you don't mind George holding my hand, Freddie.'
Fred looked at her and grinned.
'Lucky guess' whined George from her left, the smile he had worn previously had slipped from his face. Emalia sighed and shook her head smiling as she packed away her stuff. She got up and kissed Fred on his cheek.
'You do realise that your book is upside down right George?' she teased as she walked out of the library. Fred laughed at his brother, which resulted in a lot of shushing from Madam Pince. The twins gathered up their belongings and followed their friend out of the library.
'Hey Emalia!' called Fred as he ran after her 'Did you guess?' Emalia looked at him, unsure of whether he was being serious or not.
'Are you joking?' she asked incredulously 'Are you seriously asking me if I guessed who was holding my hand?'
Fred opened his mouth to respond, the smile slipping from his face.
'Fred, I don't know what to tell you. I can just tell you both apart' she sighed shaking her head as she walked off to the Common Room.
Fred was left scratching his head as he waited for his brother to catch up. It wasn't that he didn't believe that Emalia could tell him and George apart, he was delighted that she could, but he could not resist the temptation to try and prank her.
On Saturday morning, Fred and George decided to swap their Quidditch training gear, which succeeded in confusing the entire Gryffindor team. It was a nice morning; the weather was pleasant so Emalia decided to watch the training session from the side of the pitch; she had her charms homework with her.
After training had finished the twins flew down to her and Emalia gathered up her belongings. She walked past George, who was wearing Fred's training gear, over to Fred and took his hand. She smiled at George and stuck her tongue out at him.
The following week was full of Fred and George trading places, each time to try and trick Emalia. Every time she was able to tell them apart, easily. Often times Fred would walk into the boy's bathroom, leaving Emalia waiting outside. Minutes later George would walk out and proceed to convince her that he was Fred; she never bought it.
In the mornings George would be waiting for her in the Common Room, grinning at her, acting exactly as Fred would. But it did not matter how much he mimicked his brother's behaviour, she knew them apart, they just refused to fully accept it. Emalia would usually just head down to the Great Hall after saying good morning to George, acknowledging that she knew exactly who he was.
Towards the end of the week, the twins were beginning to get on her nerves. The testing was becoming relentless, George writing her a note to meet her in the Common Room at midnight was the last straw. When she saw him sitting in the Common Room grinning, she turned on her heel and went back to bed.
She decided that enough was enough. One evening she was standing in the Common Room chatting to a third-year girl she was tutoring, when George came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.
'Hey Em' he whispered into her ear. Emalia, who had seen Fred try and hide himself amongst a group of bewildered first years.
'Payback time' she thought to herself.
Emalia grinned and turned around and wrapped her arms around his neck. George froze, his eyes widened in surprise.
'Hey you' purred Emalia as she looked at him seductively. She could hear the first-years yelp in surprise behind her.
'How about we go somewhere more private?' whispered Emalia with a wink. George looked at her.
'I – er – We- shouldn't – private? No-' stammered George, as he let go of her, backing away slightly to put some distance between them. Emalia tried to supress her laughter.
She was suddenly pulled away, into the arms of a slightly annoyed looking Fred. 'Somewhere private huh?' he asked unimpressed.
'Oh, hello Fred, listening in to my conversation with George, were we?' said Emalia sarcastically.
'Why did you ask him that?' he asked his face flustered.
Emalia put her hands on her hips and looked up at her boyfriend 'Because I am fed up of you two trying to trick me. It's not going to work Fred!'
Fred looked down at her, he could see the annoyance on her face. He took a breath, inhaling and exhaling slowly.
'I've decided. I know what I am using my bet on' continued Emalia 'You and George, no more switching places to test me. Just trust that I know and will always be able to tell you both apart.'
Fred nodded in response 'Ok Em, it's a deal.'
A bright smile crossed Emalia's face; relief hidden behind it 'Finally' she sighed.
Fred grinned at her, a glint in his eye as he leaned down and whispered in her ear 'I never realised you wanted to go somewhere private with me.'
Emalia flushed bright red, his words sending shivers down his spine. She did not know how to respond. Fred winked at her and taking her hand led her over to a quiet corner in the Common Room.
'Fred, I eh-' she stammered nervously, she had definitely not thought her idea through. Fred chuckled lowly
'Relax Em, I am just teasing you' his eyes darkening slightly.
Emalia visibly gulped; she wasn't going to lie to herself. The idea of sneaking off with Fred intrigued her, sent shivers down her spine.
Fred was watching her, he could see her thoughts clearly on her face. He took her hands in his and leaned forward. 'Em, relax. Nothing will ever happen unless you give the go ahead.'
Emalia smiled at him, she leaned in and kissed him gently.
'Although I am always up for some private time, anytime you ask' he whispered in her ear before pulling away to grin at her.
'Hey Fred' called George 'Did you forget?' Fred looked over at his brother momentarily confused. Realisation dawned on him and he quickly bolted up the stairs to his dormitory and came back downstairs carrying a Filibuster Firework and something else concealed in his hand.
Emalia walked over to the twins 'What have you got there?' she asked, trying to peek between the two of them.
Fred and George tried to hide what they had from her, but she managed to push between them. That was one of the benefits of being nearly a foot shorter than the two of them, she could push between them easily.
'Eh, I rescued it' said Fred as he held out his hands, revealing a Salamander. Emalia laughed 'You rescued it huh?' she asked entirely unconvinced with his narrative.
The next couple of minutes the three of them were discussing what would happen if they fed the Salamander the firework, with their discussion gathering a small crowd.
'Well only one way to find out' said Fred as he fed the Salamander the firework. The Salamander sat on the table, smouldering. The crowd becoming slightly larger with people curious to see what exactly would happen.
The Salamander suddenly whizzed into the air, emitting loud sparks and bangs as it whirled wildly around the room. The sight of Percy bellowing himself hoarse at Fred and George had Emalia in stitches. She watched on laughing as the spectacular display of tangerine stars showered from the Salamander's mouth before it escaped into the fire.
'Totally worth it' grinned Fred when Percy had finished with his tirade. George nodded his agreement.
Emalia was sitting on the couch, Fred's head in her lap, her hands playing with his hair absentmindedly as she chatted with Alicia. Before long Percy came along and shooed them off to bed, his voice still rather hoarse.
Halloween was fast approaching and the fourth years were getting assigned more and more work, 'to prepare them for their O.W.L. year.' Everyone was looking forward to a short break, everyone was feeling the stress.
Emalia was finishing her homework in the library one evening, when a piece of balled up parchment hit her in the back of the head. She turned around, a slight frown on her face, looking to see who had thrown the paper at her.
There was no one sitting behind her, which left her baffled. That was until Fred slid into the chair beside her. 'Did I get your attention?' he asked grinning.
Emalia smiled back at him 'It's not hard for you to get my attention Fred' she replied.
'I don't know, sometimes I think you like this library more than you like me' he teased. Emalia rolled her eyes but the smile on her face grew bigger. 'Come with me Em' he said as he took her hand and pulled her out of the library, her belongings lay forgotten behind her.
Fred pulled her along, the two of them laughing for no reason in particular. Up ahead they could hear Professor Snape shouting at a group of students. Emalia pulled Fred through the nearest doorway, which happened to be a broom closet.
They both held their breath, listening intently for Snape to pass by, when they heard his steps approach and disappear, they breathed a collective sigh of relief.
'At least we didn't get detention for being in the corridors. Snape sounded like he was on the warpath' said Emalia.
Fred nodded, his focus was entirely on Emalia, they were pressed up against each other as there was not much space in the cramped broom closet.
'What are you looking at?' she asked looking up at him. He looked at her 'You are so incredibly beautiful' he murmured. Emalia flushed pink
'Oh, shush Fred you-' she started but was stopped short of finishing her sentence, as Fred pulled her closer to him and kissed her hungrily. She kissed him back enthusiastically, pressing herself against him.
He kissed her fiercely, their bodies pushed against each other. Emalia moaned into the kiss, before pulling back embarrassed. She flushed a bright red, but Fred paid no notice.
He looked at her, his eyes hazy with lust 'I like hearing you make that sound' he murmured before capturing her lips once more.
He kissed her more fiercely, pushing her back against the wall, pressing into her. He was getting more turned on and his body was starting to betray him. He pulled back, breathless.
Emalia's lips were puffy, her breathing slightly laboured, a pink twinge across her face. She smiled up at him 'Maybe we should leave the broom cupboard?' she suggested gently.
'Eh, yeah maybe in a minute or two' responded Fred sheepishly. Emalia's pink twinge deepened, she had felt Fred when he was pressed up against her, she did not know where to look so she stared at the door.
An air of awkwardness settled between them, both of them at a loss of what to say. 'So, eh did you feel…?' began Fred before trailing off, his face a bright shade of red. Emalia nodded, not sure she had the words to say anything.
'Sorry' muttered Fred wishing the ground would swallow him whole.
'For what? You don't have anything to be sorry about' said Emalia firmly, finally finding her voice.
'I just don't want you to feel uncomfortable, or like I am pressuring you to do things' replied Fred in a small voice.
Emalia put her hands on his face and brought his attention to hers, she looked deep in his eyes 'I always feel comfortable with you Freddie' she said 'Plus, you're not the only one who erm, you know…' she blushed again and averted her gaze.
Fred gently put his fingers under her chin and lift her head up. When their eyes locked, he kissed her sweetly.
'I am glad I have the same effect on you, that you have on me' he whispered in her ear. Emalia felt those shivers down her spine, she was very aroused, Fred had heightened her senses in the past few minutes in the broom closet.
They both knew they had to get out of there before things escalated again. Once safely outside the cramped confines of the broom closet, Fred and Emalia felt as if they could breathe more clearly. They both were acutely aware that they had begun a new stage in their relationship, one that equally frightened and excited them.
There was a more charged energy between Fred and Emalia, they had not really talked about the broom closet over the next couple of days, nor had they actively avoided it, they just had not had the opportunity to spend time alone together.
Charms was the last class of the day and when it was over Emalia pulled Fred aside hoping to get a chance to talk to him. She felt as if there was something growing between them, a small sense of unease or awkwardness; she could not quite put her finger on it. They were entering unchartered waters for both of them and Emalia wanted them to stay on the same page.
'Can we talk?' she asked quietly as the rest of their friends walked off to the Common Room. Fred nodded, and taking a hold of her hand led her in the opposite direction of everyone else, and they ducked into an empty classroom.
There was silence between them for a moment. Emalia spoke, she couldn't take this anymore. 'I think we should talk about the broom closet; I don't want you thinking that I didn't enjoy it or-'
'Emalia, no! It's not that' interrupted Fred 'I just.. Look, I am attracted to you, obviously. And sometimes when we kiss like we did in the broom closet well; it turns me on. I just don't want you to think that I am forcing you into anything, because I am not, and I would never ever-'
At this point Emalia had thrown herself at him, kissing him fiercely. When she pulled away Fred was looking at her confused. 'I know you would never force me into anything Fred. I know who you are' she reassured him smiling gently 'Can we just get back to normal now? You can stop thinking you're making me uncomfortable and I can stop thinking the same.'
Fred grinned down at her 'Of course' he replied before leaning down to kiss her once more.
The Halloween feast came and went, there was no troll this year and everyone let out a collective sigh of relief. However, when everyone was leaving the feast to return to their dormitories, they came across Mrs Norris hanging by her tail from a torch bracket, water flooding the floor and Harry, Ron and Hermione standing in the midst of things.
Silence fell amongst them as people pushed through the crowd to gain a better view. Emalia looked up at Fred, he too looked confused. The someone shouted through the silence.
'Enemies of the heir, beware! You'll be next Mudbloods!'
It was Draco Malfoy. He had pushed to the front of the crowd, his cold eyes alive, as he grinned at the sight of the hanging, immobile cat. Emalia was about to push forwards to pull Harry, Ron and Hermione away when another voice shouted.
'What's going on here? What's going on?'
Argus Filch came shouldering his way through the crowd. Then he saw Mrs Norris and fell back, clutching his face in horror.
'My cat! My cat! What's happened to Mrs Norris?' he shrieked; his popping eyes fell on Harry.
'YOU!' he screeched, 'YOU! You've murdered my cat! You've killed her! I'll kill you! I'll-'
'Argus!'
Dumbledore had arrived on the scene, followed by a number of other teachers. In seconds, he had swept past Harry, Ron and Hermione and detached Mrs Norris from the torch bracket.
'Come with me, Argus,' he said to Filch 'You too, Mr Potter, Mr Weasley, Miss Granger.'
As they departed, Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape and Professor Sprout directed all the students who had gathered in the corridor to their Common Room.
'What the hell just happened?' asked Alicia when they arrived back in the Common Room. Everyone shrugged, they were at a loss of what to say. Emalia sat waiting for Harry and the others. It was after midnight when they returned, the Common Room save for Emalia who was dozing in an armchair.
She jumped when Harry woke her. 'What happened?' she asked bleary eyed, stifling a yawn. Harry quickly explained what had transpired to her. 'The Chamber of Secrets' she muttered quietly 'Why does that sound vaguely familiar?' She yawned loudly.
'You three should get to bed, I think the prefects will be getting back from their patrols soon' she said as she walked towards the stairs. She tiptoed to her own dormitory, quietly slipping into bed so as not to wake the others. She fell asleep quickly, the mystery of today's happenings playing in her dreams.
Gryffindor's first Quidditch match was upon them, with the entire house hoping to beat Slytherin. Oliver Wood, the captain, had been growing more and more antsy the days leading up to the match.
He had ordered Fred not to think about Emalia for the two days prior to the match. 'You should be thinking only of Quidditch, Fred. Think about beating Slytherin, that's it' he said one evening at the dinner table.
Emalia scowled at him from across the table which he ignored. Fred had seen this and laughed before kissing her temple to reassure her that he was not taking Oliver's advice, which set her at ease somewhat, though every time she looked at Oliver, she sent a frown his way.
At eleven o'clock the whole school was down at the Quidditch stadium, this time Lee had extended an invitation for Emalia to sit with him, to see the view from the commentary box. He was excited to have her there, usually McGonagall only allowed prefects and the captains of the other House teams. Emalia was delighted to be there, she sat behind Lee and the two of them were chatting animatedly when Professor McGonagall cleared her throat, signalling that Lee should pay attention.
The match got underway with Slytherin taking the Quaffle from the whistle. Emalia was excited for this match; she knew that Oliver's training was paying off with the team in prime condition. However, Slytherin had the advantage with the whole team riding the newest Nimbus model.
Emalia's attention was drawn upwards, away from the chasers and the Quaffle, she frowned. Fred and George were circling Harry, who seemed to be targeted by a Bludger. Emalia could see both Fred and George signalling to Oliver, and a few short moments later Madam Hooch blew her whistle for a time out.
'Something is not right' muttered Emalia to herself, as she gripped the edge of her seat, her whole body tense. When the game restarted, Fred and George were no longer guarding Harry, which caused Emalia to grit her teeth in annoyance. Harry on the other hand was flying around in complex patterns to avoid the Bludger from hitting him.
Emalia watched on; her stomach felt as it had dropped out of her completely. There were many near misses, but eventually the Bludger managed to hit Harry, and although she could not hear the crack that it made or hear Harry's grimace, it looked painful from where she was sitting.
Emalia watched on, a silent scream lodged in her throat, as Harry headed straight for the ground, the only thing keeping him on his broom was the fact that he wrapped his legs around his broom. She immediately began to push her way through the stand and made her way to the ground.
Harry landed in the mud with a splattering thud and rolled off his broom. His arm was hanging at a very strange angle. Riddled with pain, he heard, as though from a distance, a good deal of whistling and shouting. He focused on the Snitch clutched in his good hand.
'Aha,' he said vaguely, 'We've won.' And with that he passed out.
Emalia had managed to get ahead of the crowd who were now making their way onto the pitch. She ran straight into Fred as he landed down near her, he had spotted her coming once the whistle had gone. 'What happened?' she asked worriedly.
'Not quite sure. The bludger kept going for Harry and no one else' he said shrugging, looking towards Harry who was now surrounded by a number of people, including Professor Lockhart.
'Why didn't you inform Madam Hooch?' she asked exasperatedly.
'Harry insisted on us continuing...' muttered Fred, not meeting Emalia's eye, for he knew she was not going to be impressed with the full story.
'Fred.' She said looking at him suspiciously 'What are you not telling me.'
Fred looked at the ground and muttered something along the lines of 'he said get the Snitch or die trying… Harry took it seriously.'
'HE WHAT!?' shrieked Emalia, rage filling her, her eyes flashing a bright red. She turned on her heel and sought out Oliver Wood.
He was in the middle of talking to George when Emalia stormed over to him, Fred followed her, half worried that she was about to murder him but more so looking forward to what might happen.
'Did you tell Harry to catch the Snitch or die trying?' she demanded angrily.
'I – er, maybe?' replied Oliver hesitantly when he saw how angry she was.
'AND YOU LET HIM KEEP PLAYING AFTER YOU KNEW THAT BLUDGER WAS TARGETING HIM?!' she roared.
George had stepped away from them both, putting distance between them. Fred was ready to jump in if need be but was enjoying watching Emalia shout at Oliver.
'We would have had to forfeit the match!' he exclaimed. Emalia saw red, the noise around her drowned out. Oliver had put his foot in it but before Fred could pull Emalia away, she slapped Oliver right in the face.
Fred and George froze in shock as they looked on in disbelief.
Emalia stalked away towards her cousin, but turned around before she was out of earshot 'If he is not ok Oliver I swear I will do more than slap you!' she threatened.
Oliver stood there dumbfounded, opening and closing his mouth like a fish as he processed what had just happened. Fred and George watched him and broke down laughing.
Emalia arrived over at the now very large group of people surrounding Harry. She arrived just as Harry stood up, his arm flapping around his waist.
'What happened?' she asked worriedly looking at Harry who nodded his head towards Professor Lockhart who was now making a speedy exit off the Quidditch pitch.
'Not here' muttered Harry quietly as he stared daggers after Lockhart.
Emalia, Ron and Hermione managed to push through the crowd and get Harry to the hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey wasn't at all pleased.
'You should have come straight to me!' she raged, holding up the sad, limo remainder of what, half an hour before, had been a working arm. 'I can mend bones in a second – but growing them back-'
'You'll be able to?' asked Harry worriedly.
'I'll be able to, certainly, but it will be painful,' said Madam Pomfrey grimly, throwing Harry a pair of pyjamas. 'You'll have to stay the night.' Ron and Harry stepped behind a curtain, with Ron helping Harry change into the pyjamas.
'How can you stick up for Lockhart now, Hermione, eh?' Ron called through the curtain. 'If Harry wanted de-boning he would have asked.'
'Anyone can make a mistake' said Hermione, 'And it doesn't hurt any more, does it Harry?' Emalia glared at Hermione when she said this, which caused the younger girl to avoid her gaze.
'No', said Harry 'but it doesn't do anything else, either.'
'I told you all he is a prat!' seethed Emalia. She was still angry, but the rage inside her was subsiding.
The door of the Hospital Wing burst open. Filthy and soaking wet, the rest of the Gryffindor team had arrived to see Harry. Fred gravitated over to Emalia, but Oliver steered well clear of her. Emalia's eyes narrowed when she saw him, and she noticed his cheek was still looking a little pink.
'Unbelievable flying, Harry' said George 'I've just seen Marcus Flint yelling at Malfoy. Something about having the Snitch on top of his head and not noticing. Malfoy didn't seem too happy.'
They had brought cakes, sweets and bottles of pumpkin juice; they gathered around Harry's bed and were just getting started on what promised to be a good party when Madam Pomfrey came storming over, shouting 'This boy needs rest, he's got thirty-three bones to regrow! Out! OUT!'
They all hurried out of the Hospital Wing; none of them wanted to incur the wrath of Madam Pomfrey. Once outside, Oliver approached Emalia.
'Look, er Emalia, I am sorry for suggesting to Harry that he get the Snitch or die trying. I just – eh sometimes lose the run of myself when it comes to Quidditch' he apologised.
Emalia nodded stiffly; she was still mad, but she could hear the sincerity in his voice. 'I am sorry too Oliver, no matter what you may have said to Harry, I should not have slapped you.'
Oliver nodded and walked off with the rest of the team. Fred lingered behind with Emalia and took her hand in his. 'Well, I for one was well impressed. Remind me not to get on your bad side' he teased.
Emalia rolled her eyes 'Oh shush you' she said smiling. Fred pulled her into a hug.
'Fred! Stop you're all wet!' she squealed as she tried to wiggle out of his grip. Fred laughed and held onto her tighter.
'Stooooooop' she laughed as her own clothes grew damp. He kissed the top of her head gently before letting go of her and the two of them walked back to the Common Room hand in hand.