A/N: Hiya! How's everyone feeling out there tonight! ( sorry for the bad Bo Burnham reference) Anyways, how is everyone liking the story so far? I think I'm gonna keep doing split chapters because they're kind of fun to write, but that's enough from me for now! Thank you for all the love so far ❤️
Magnolia received three nights of detention alongside the twins scrubbing cauldrons from Professor Snape after Fred and George misread who was coming around the corner. Two full buckets of water intended for Professor Lockhart's fresh curls ended up drenching Professor Snape instead much to his dismay as well as theirs.
"If you've got that crummy map then why'd we get the wrong Professor." Magnolia groaned, scrubbing along the edge of her last cauldron.
"We know the map well but not 100% yet," Fred argued.
"What a good start to the year, Maggie." George laughed with an accomplished grin.
Magnolia threw down her rag, wiping her hands on her skirt. The final cauldron was finally scrubbed clean, Fred and George tossed their rags down beside Magnolia's.
"What do you have planned for your birthday?" George asked as he stacked the clean cauldrons up on the shelf.
"I haven't planned anything, you know how my birthday is." She shrugged, stacking a few cauldrons together. "It's not all that big of a deal."
"You always say that but I think we should be making a big deal out of it." Fred scoffed, adding his cauldrons to the shelf behind George.
Magnolia didn't feel the need to do anything major for her birthday, there were other things she'd rather focus on. Quite honestly all she was hoping to get was a letter from her mum soon. Within just a matter of days Magnolia had written to her mother, she wanted to know how unpacking the Cottage was going and if she could send pictures of the Cottage.
"It's not though," Magnolia dismissed pulling her cardigan back on.
"I think you should at least consider something small," Fred suggested, nudging my shoulder.
Professor Snape stepped back in with arms crossed and his signature scowl, "You're free to go now, we'll see how long until you wind up back scrubbing cauldrons again."He always spoke so slow and monotone, Magnolia thought. He waved the three students out of his classroom.
Magnolia felt relieved to know that was the last night she would be stuck in the potions classroom. She was ready to wash the grime away from under her fingernails, and change out of her uniform. Her day began before dawn when Roxy began chattering in her sleep about fighting Nifflers for a lemon square, she didn't have much of another choice but to force herself from bed after attempting to piece together the meaning of her rambling. Her day was growing longer and longer.
"You've got a week to decide what we're doing for your birthday." George finalized as they stopped beside the barrels outside the Hufflepuff common room.
"I'll be sure to get right on that." Magnolia rolled her eyes knocking along the barrels mindlessly.
George thumped the back of her head playfully, Magnolia turned around quickly catching his hand before he could do it again.
"Watch it Gingey!" She scolded, pushing his hand away.
He chuckled, "Oh she's got words." George teased.
Fred shook his head, stepping between the two as Magnolia lifted her hand to punch George's arm.
"You two have spent too much time together." Fred rolled his eyes. "We'll see you tomorrow, goodnight." He nudged George to walk away.
"Goodnight, Freddie." Magnolia smiled.
Magnolia stuck her tongue out at George before slipping into her common room. His laugh bounced from the walls as he and Fred left for their dorm. They both knew it was all healthy banter between them, although he'd get under her skin, George was her best friend and like the brother she never had growing up.
Magnolia was exhausted, dragging her body to the third year girls' dorms was a trek. Roxy was already bundled under her covers peacefully asleep when Magnolia returned from her detention, while Juniper sat up in her bed scribbling in her journal.
"How was scrubbing cauldrons?" She asked, closing her journal and setting it aside.
"Exactly as expected, boring and exactly like it was last night," Magnolia began peeling out of her uniform and into a pair of clean pajamas. "Thankfully it's my last night so as long as I manage to avoid getting tangled in Fred and George's mess, I'll be fine."
"You always go along with them, I give it a week before their next scheme." Juniper chuckled, laying her head back on her pillow. "You'll be right there with them."
Magnolia rolled her eyes climbing under her blankets. She blew out the candle that was lit on her nightstand, darkening the room more. All that remained was a faint glow from the candle Juniper used. As she let her body relax she warned herself about going along with their pranks next time. Magnolia had learned that it didn't matter how many detentions Fred and George got themselves, it wasn't enough to steer them away from pranks.
••••••
Juniper wasn't far off about the twins trying to rope her back in but Magnolia was able to push herself into a good studying routine just in time to avoid being roped back in. Roxy and Juniper sat across from Magnolia with their own books stacked beside them, Roxy read a book for Divination, Juniper focused on her Charms homework. Magnolia was on her third book about Astronomy, cramming her brain with as much on the stars as she could.
"What's their plan anyway?" Juniper asked, looking up from her book.
Magnolia shrugged, "They said there was some kid in our year that's been annoying them in the common room, Cormac or something like that," she flipped to the next page, "They said they were going to sneak into his dorm and do something to his bed. I try to know as little as possible."
"Probably a good idea," Roxy added.
"I wish they'd just relax for more than just a few days before they're back in trouble again." Magnolia shook her head disappointedly, leaned closer to the center of the table, "Don't let him know you know, but I was reading Fred's charms essay the other day and it was good. Like fully written, grammatically correct, and well-worded sentences." She whispered.
Magnolia leaned back again, "And I overheard Professor Flitwick talking to Professor McGonagall about how much potential they'd have if they just calmed down."
"Sounds like they're too smart for their own good," Juniper snorted,
"Unbelievable," Roxy quickly added. "It's almost unfair, a big happy family, popular, and bloody smart." She shook her head in disbelief.
Magnolia shrugged, "I just wish they'd focus more on school and less about pranks, if they did maybe one of them could take after their brothers for prefects."
A muffled crash came from behind the bookshelf behind Magnolia, causing the three girls to turn their heads around to the sound. From around the corner, Hermione tiptoed around, carrying a stack of thick books. Magnolia moved to take a few books off the top of the younger girl's stack. Hermione looked over the top book with a relieved smile.
"Thank you, mind if I set these down," Hermione asked, Magnolia, who nodded, helping her with the haul.
"Damn Granger, you can make more than one trip to the shelves." Juniper teased.
"I wasn't entirely sure what I needed." Hermione blushed.
"Don't worry I've done it too, there's so many to choose from, it's easy to go a little crazy with it," Magnolia reassured the younger girl, Hermione sat down.
Magnolia couldn't help but notice how tired Hermione already looked, the school year had barely begun and the younger girl was already loading up her workload. Hermione joined the other girls, sitting beside Magnolia while skimming from the stack of books while scribbling out notes.
••••••
Mum,
It's so good to hear the bookstore is doing great, and it's even better to know you won't be stuck working at the diner anymore. Things are finally perfect for us. I loved the Polaroids Willow threw in the last letter of everyone. Make sure she keeps taking pictures for me. I don't want to miss a minute of anything at home. I miss you guys. I can't wait to see you all at Christmas. I've already got so much to share with you. I hope you're able to write back before my birthday but I understand if you're busy with the store and all. Fred and George want me to have some sort of celebration for my birthday. Can't believe I'll be fourteen!
I'm also going to have to come clean about something that happened over the summer. And you have to hear from me first so I can give my side of the story. However, long story short, we snuck and went to Surrey to rescue Harry shortly after I got to the Burrow but you can't be horribly mad because I'm still in one piece, came back alive, and Molly didn't even get mad at me. You know they drag me into their trouble sometimes. But I've been good the entire time I've been at school. Mostly.
I love you. Please write back as soon as you can. I miss you. Tell me how everyone is!
Magnolia
Magnolia's POV:
"Figure out a plan for your birthday yet?" Roxy asked, she laid on her bed as she flipped through magazines mindlessly.
"Nope." I replied, "Is this you asking, or have the boys gotten to you as well?" I asked, looking up from my worn copy of Little Women.
"I'm asking." She retorted, rolling her eyes.
I let out a sigh, "I've got no real plans except to write to my mum again."
"Maybe it'd be fun to do something, something small of course." Juniper suggested, "It wouldn't have to be anybody else but us and the boys."
"I'm not sure, I've got to think about it," I responded half-heartedly, I was content doing nothing but all my friends were all insistent that I should do something.
I went back to my book, I never had a problem falling back into the story. Little Women gave me a sense of comfort, maybe it was just because it was an easily relatable story or maybe it was because it was the one book I always had with me to remind me of home. The worn pages reminded me of Elliot and the bookstore, and I was reminded of my mum.
"Perhaps we could work something out." I finalized, earning an excited squeal from Juniper.
She plopped on my bed, "I'm so glad you changed your mind."
I shook my head returning to my book, ignoring her rambled planning. Roxy let out a loud yawn as she flipped her magazine shut.
"Can you continue this later?" Roxy questioned, as Juniper broke out her journal and began writing out a list.
I hadn't even made up my mind about what exactly I wanted in regards to a birthday celebration but Juniper seemed to have it all planned out perfectly. It was perfect, it just wasn't perfect for me.
"I'm just going to write down this last thought and then we can put the lights out." Juniper mumbled as she shuffled back over to her bed.
Her head was shoved in her book focusing on her planning. I laid my head back into my pillow, holding my book above my face. Rereading the story for what was now my sixth time, I let Jo March and her sisters put me to sleep for another night.
••••••
Mags,
First off, that lovely boy James came by the bookstore with a card for your birthday. I attached it to my letter. Now, I know I'm your mum and just get soft this time of year, but you're my baby girl and you always will be. I know so much has changed over the last few years. I'm so proud of you, and the young woman you're becoming. I hope you let Fred and George throw you a celebration, you're worth celebrating.
The bookstore is doing better every day. Elliot is talking with the cafe owner next door about potentially opening the wall between the spaces, sharing customers, and offering a split business-type thing. He's got all the plans in the works, I'm sure he'd love to tell you all about it at Christmas. Elliot has also been great also, the Cottage is settling down perfectly and we've got most of the rooms painted, aside from yours and the spare room upstairs.
Willow's been stepping up at the bookstore more. She always helps so much and everyone loves her. She says James misses you also, she asked me to put that hit in. He's been helping Elliot get the garden in order, won't be much longer as winter rolls in but he's offered his help in the spring. James seems quite lovely, I know you don't want to hear it from me but he could be good for you. I like him!
I love you, Maggie. You're growing up too quickly. Please don't get in any more trouble, I'm not sure I'd like to have you in detention all the time.
Love,
Mum.
••••••
I walked out of divination with a belly full of tea and a confused head of thoughts from Professor Trelawney's lesson. My books tucked under my arm protectively, walking beside Roxy.
"What time are we meeting with the boogeys?" Juniper asked cutting between Roxy and I, her arms hooked around our shoulders.
"George said they'd be down after dinner, then they've got something to show us." I replied, "I don't really know much else, they won't tell me." I shrugged.
"I'm not sure if I'll come tonight, I'm feeling a little under the weather." Roxy fanned herself with her hand.
"Do you need me to walk you down to the infirmary?" I swapped places with Juniper, and raised my head to Roxy's forehead. She didn't feel unusually warm, but maybe it was her stomach or something I couldn't see.
"I'm fine," She waved my hand away, "Just a mild headache, I'll just try to eat supper and see if that helps." Her shoulders slumped and she looked exhausted.
"She's been fine all day, whatever she can miss out." Juniper scoffed.
After dinner, Juniper and I quickly went back to our dorm to change. The dress code was specifically established as what Fred called "Whatever you find most appropriate for sneaking out on your birthday."
Which I did, I traded my uniform out for a pair of black jeans Willow passed down to me over the summer along with a worn light grey Led Zeppelin T-shirt, also passed down by Willow.
Juniper wore a pair of black sweatpants and a black t-shirt, inevitably stolen from Demi's room. She pulled her curls up into a fluffed bun on top of her head.
"Do we need to grab anything?" Juniper paused at the door.
I grabbed my bag slinging it over my shoulder, "Not sure, but I've got almost anything we might need. Band-aids, crackers if I get hungry while we're out, I'm sure I've got a water bottle in here somewhere." I mumbled as I rummaged through the bag mindlessly.
"Band-aids?" Juniper echoed, giving me an odd look.
"They're like bandages but Muggles use them, they're like small and have an adhesive on the side to hold it in place." I explained, her eyes growing wider, "It's not important, let's go." I shooed her out the door.
Blowing Roxy a kiss goodbye I slipped into the hallway, which she weakly returned before covering her head under her blanket. As Juniper and I made our way to the common room, I had to remind her to be quiet, she didn't usually come along when I snuck out past curfew to go with Fred and George.
Behind us I heard a light chuckle, "Hmm, what do we have here?" Demi. Shit.
I slowly turned on my heel, Demi stood on the upper level of the common room, she wore a mischievous grin. Juniper was ready to make a run for as she gripped my hand to drag me along. Demi quickly made her way down the steps, skipping the last few steps to reach us quicker.
She blocked Juniper, blocking us from the door, she held her hand up, "Wait up, now I've never stopped you from going along with those trolls you're friends with," She pointed at me, before turning her head to Juniper, "But you baby sister, you're my responsibility and I'm not about to have you receive a howler from Mum, embarrassing us both."
Juniper groaned, "Please just let me go, it's for her birthday." She argued, "I didn't even rat you out about the thing that happened with that Muggle boy, or what happened with the girl either!"
Demi smacked her hand over Juniper's mouth before she could spill anything else about their holiday in the states, "Now you're definitely going back up now."
Demi nudged Juniper back towards the dorms before turning back to me, "I'm going to pretend I never saw you, just go enjoy your birthday, and maybe June can join you next year when I'm not here." She smiled.
"Enjoy your night though, my lips are sealed on your whereabouts," Demi called as she dragged Juniper down the hall behind her.
"Just curse me, that's easier," Juniper's voice trailed off and became muffled.
I left the common room as quickly as I could to avoid any other delays. As my party dwindled to less and less, I felt a weight off my shoulders, there were far fewer variables in getting caught when there were fewer people. I learned anytime Lee and I both were involved in one of Fred and George's schemes we'd all wind up in trouble. I was just hoping tonight might be a night we'd be able to avoid any trouble at all.
As I turned around the corner I spotted Sam, beside his younger brother Theo, walking back to the dungeon. I felt a pair of hands tug me back behind a column just as they were about to pass me, another hand covered my mouth as I went to scream. I didn't hesitate and bit down on the finger over my lips.
They pulled their hand back with a wince in pain, "Maggie, it's us." It was George. I turned my head to find Fred biting his lip fighting a grin, his hands on my shoulders.
George inspected his finger in the light stepping out from the column now that Sam and Theo had left.
"That hurt," he groaned, showing me the marks left in his finger from my front teeth. "You're lucky it's your birthday at midnight, or I'd cancel the entire trip." He shook his head, walking away.
"Pardon me for mistaking it as an actual kidnapping this time." I argued.
Fred rolled his eyes, linking his arm with mine, "He's just mad because Roxy cancelled." Fred explained, "Our little Georgie here has a crush on Roxy."
Fred leaned forward pinching at George's cheeks teasingly.
"Good luck with that, she finds you both insufferable." I teased along.
George's cheeks stained pink as pulled the Marauders Map from his pocket. "Lee's already standing at the statue, but it doesn't look like anyone else is over there right now so we should go quick." George explained avoiding the subject, staring down at the map.
"I've been meaning to ask, what have you got planned exactly?" I asked nervously.
"You're going to love it, trust me," Fred reassured me.
•••••
"Are you sure this is even safe?" I stared down the dark tunnel hidden behind the one-eyed lady statue.
"George and I've gone a few times now without a problem," Fred lifted his wand, "Lumos"
The tip of his wand barely lit up the tunnel, only really lighting up what small perimeter was around us. I didn't get a good feeling about how it looked at all, my stomach flipped. I wasn't usually frightened by the dark but truthfully living in the city my whole life never gave me time in the dark, streetlights were always lit at night.
I stretched my hand out nervously, trying to shake my nerves away. Fred's hand found mine in the dark, lacing his fingers between mine. There was a flutter in my stomach, he actually held my hand. There wasn't the same hesitation as that night during the summer.
My palms were definitely sweaty, and there was no way of hiding them. His hands felt different than James's when we had held hands. James had smooth hands bare of any callous and roughness, his grip was soft and felt like how my mum used to hold my hand. Fred's hands were rough and I could feel the calluses from playing quidditch without gloves, his grip was like a reminder that he was right there, it wasn't going anywhere. Not now and hopefully not ever.
"You're okay, I'm right here." He was always reassuring me even when we both knew it was trouble on the other side.
Lee lifted his wand, lighting up the tunnel beside George. George led the way confidently only occasionally glancing back at the map. Fred loosened his fingers like he was going to pull away but I felt myself grip his hand tighter.
"Can we?" I glanced down at our hands, "At least until we get out of here?" I felt myself almost beg. Fred smiled nodding and went back to how we were.
George and Lee didn't seem to notice the closeness between Fred and I. It was quiet except for the sound of our shoes on the concrete tunnel. It was cold, and the air felt damp. I was ready to get out of this eerie tunnel. It was dark, and I was more than ready to get wherever they had planned. George stopped at what looked like the end. A small ladder was leaned aside the wall, George passed his wand to Lee, shoving the map back in his pocket. He climbed up the ladder and pushed on what looked like any common cellar door.
"Now, prepare yourself," George grinned, taking his wand back. He climbed up the ladder disappearing into the dark room we were climbing into.
Lee went up next, keeping his wand pointed at the ladder illuminating for Fred and me. I went next, taking George's hand as I climbed up the last rung of the ladder. I took a look around and could faintly recognize the packaging of Chocolate Frogs on one of the shelves.
Stepping into the room further I started recognizing even more brands of sweets, Exploding Bon Bons, and packaged bottles of butterbeer. They'd found a secret way into bloody Honeydukes. I no longer thought they had sugar addictions, this was proof to me that they certainly were.
"You've got to be kidding me?" I gaped, " We can now officially add breaking and entering to our list of ever-growing crimes." I shook my head disapprovingly. "And robbery because I haven't got any money either."
This was the worst thing I could've done so far, I'd already snuck out of a home I was a guest in, now a robbery was sure to wind me into so much more trouble.
"It's our treat, George and I helped Bill with a few odd jobs last summer before you came. He gave us a little bit of money for the work." Fred flicked his wand, lighting up the room with the addition of another wand.
I was able to see the green paint on the walls along with the brightly clashing pink shades across the store. I had to see the store in the daylight or the rest of Hogsmeade as I peeked through the windows. I saw the small wizarding town now was silent and vacant.
Lee didn't waste time loading up his hall, shouting out what he was grabbing as he went along the shelves. George was writing out Lee's haul as he went, keeping track of every item Lee grabbed. I watched the three boys move about the store confidently, Fred grabbed a few things for himself, allowing George a moment to track it down. It was incredible, they just didn't even mind what they were doing.
"You can grab a few things, George and I always pay for what we take and keep track of it for their inventory," Fred explained, putting a sugar quill in my hand.
I looked down at the quill unsure, "Is it required?" I asked.
"Of all the days in the year, today it is." He finalized, forcing my hand closed around the quill, "One sugar quill!" He shouted off for George to tally out.
My cheeks felt warmer, but I tried to ignore it, taking myself around the store, grabbing a few chocolate frogs, along with some Whizzle Bees. I was still battling the nerves of getting caught, I couldn't really plan on grabbing much of anything.
"I've got two Chocolate Frogs and some Whizzle Bees." I walked over to George showing him what I've grabbed.
"That's all? Your fourteenth birthday and all you want are a pair of lousy Chocolate Frogs and a package of Whizzle Bees?" He asked with slight confusion.
I nodded very sure of my choices, "This is good."
••••••
Fred and I led the way back, I held my wand ahead of me, it felt a little better knowing I was in control of the light. Although I secretly wanted Fred to hold my hand again, I didn't want George or Lee to tease us about it either, especially if they knew it was because I was scared of the dark. I kept my hand shoved in my pocket.
The walk back was much quicker than the walk there, I think it was due to my rushed footsteps, I wanted nothing more than to get out before we were out any later. The three had already taken longer than I was comfortable with at Honeydukes.
Fred paused at the end of the tunnel, he pulled the map from his jacket,
"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." He spoke, pressing his wand to the parchment.
I peered around him and watched footprints scatter around the map. I could see his eyes follow down to a cluster of feet. I realized we're ours. I could see a pair labeled as McGonagall's walk past us, once our prints were the only ones visible near us Fred pushed against the edge of the tunnel revealing the one-eyed lady statue once again. We slipped through the statue closing behind us.
"Would you like to do the honors?" Fred smiled, passing me the map.
I nodded, pulling my wand from my pocket and pointing it down at the map, "Mischief managed." I spoke half-heartedly. This was the first time I'd ever gotten the offer.
Lee groaned from behind us, shoving Fred, "Hey! Why does she get to do it but every time I've asked you tell me it's a twin-only thing."
"It's her birthday," Fred argued, "Now shush or you'll get us all detention." He pressed his finger to his lips, before waving us forward through the clear hallway.
I tiptoed behind Fred quietly throughout the castle, George and Lee didn't want to risk getting caught down in the dungeon by my common room, not that I blamed them, but Fred insisted on escorting me back to my common room.
"Did you have a good time?" Fred asked, I could see his hands fidgeting together, was he nervous about something?
"It was a good time, thank you. You're sure we won't get caught?" I nodded, shoving my hands in my pockets.
"I promise we won't get caught," He pointed his pinky out for mine, "I'll pinky promise if that makes you feel better?"
I grinned, hooking my pinky with his. I pulled my hand back to knock on the barrels outside the common room, but Fred tugged on my hand again.
"I'll make another promise that for my birthday you can pick what we do, and George will do whatever it is too. You're always up to go along with us and I think it's only fair."
I nodded agreeing, "I'll get to planning right away." I joked.
Fred gave me an affirmative nod and let his hand slip from mine. He left with a subtle wave before he pulled the Marauder's Map from his coat pocket and disappearing to the Gryffindor common room. Both of my hands suddenly felt heavy. One holding a bag of sweets and the other could still feel the weight of Fred's hand. Escaping back to my common room I tried to slip back in unnoticed. Juniper was still sat up in bed, the candle beside her bed barely lit, but her eyes were closed and she sat in the same clothes I left her in.
I used the light of her candle to quickly change into pajamas, stashing my sweets in the drawer of my bedside table. Once I was changed, I woke Juniper enough to help her in bed, her half asleep and limp limbs were harder to manage. She was under her covers and back asleep without a problem. I glanced over to notice Roxy had a bag at the foot of her bed spilling out Quidditch gear, it was freshly wet. Maybe she was just washing it, I didn't know enough about the sport to know the terms of caring for gear. Roxy was asleep, and maybe her headache had started to go away. I tried to it, and go to bed. It was already getting late enough, I was exhausted.