Magnolia's POV:

I let out a muffled scream into my pillow. I closed my eyes taking a few deep breaths before looking up from the pillow to see Roxy and Juniper staring back with worried expressions.

"Are you okay?" Juniper finally questioned after a moment of awkward growing silence.

I let out another deep breath, forcing myself to sit up, "Let me get this right…" I sighed.

"You're telling me that the Fat Lady, as in the one at the Gryffindor common room door, is just gone?" I questioned, "Poof! Just ran from her post?"

They stared blankly, nodding, "And now, not only will I not be sneaking out to see Fred on my favorite holiday, and now we'll all have to pile in sleeping bags on the ground of the Great Hall? Meaning Katie and slimy Liam will also be sleeping in the same room as myself and Fred?" I added.

Another nod, "This night can't get worse, can it?" I laughed.

I couldn't believe it. I fucking jinxed myself. I muffled my face into my pillow again groaning.

"Your costume is cute at least." Juniper complimented, "And the bright side is that Lee asked me to be his girlfriend,"

I lifted my eyes glaring at her, as she gave me a subtle shrug, "Well what else am I s'posed to say?"

Roxy rolled her eyes, "Let's get changed into our pajamas and grab our sleeping bags," she sighed, "Cedric is taking his prefect privileges a little extra seriously today and he was barking orders in the common room."

"So, just curious, do you think we'll have to sleep in our houses, or do you think I could sneak over and zip my sleeping bag to Lee's?" Juniper asked with her head turned as she was hiding her question.

"Are you seriously thinking about that right now?" Roxy grimaced.

I rid myself of the red horns clipped along my hair, discarding them on top of my nightstand. I began to wipe the little bit of makeup from my face, gathering my pajamas from my trunk. At this point, my night was spoiled. The holiday spirit drained from the evening. I grabbed the red flannel pajama pants I found myself wearing more and more often since they wound up in my things. I still hadn't ever found the origin of them or how they ended up in my trunk but they were probably the most comfortable thing I owned. I changed out of my long sleeve, pulling on a plain white cami tank top and covering my shoulders with an orange knit cardigan sweater that Mum made me last Christmas.

I trudged behind Roxy, my sleeping back tucked under my arm, "Are you going to sneak off as well tonight?" Roxy questioned, nudging my shoulder.

"I wasn't planning on it," I shrugged, "It's not like Fred and I are together, today was just a date between friends,"

Roxy snorted, "Friends who almost kissed,"

"Yeah, no thanks to you," I blinked at her in response, her grin dropped.

"Sorry about that," She mumbled, "Would you believe me if I said it was George's idea?"

I shook my head, "Doesn't matter whose idea it was, you've both wrecked it." I sighed.

Two things would happen if Fred and I kissed, I'd feel nothing and make things awkward like I had done with James or we'd have a new obstacle to tackle.

"Just try to stay positive. It's not like you're not gonna see him again," She attempted, "Maybe you should just make the first move?" She suggested.

Cedric stood at the center of the common room stood on a chair, "All the first years come with me! Second and Thirds with Willa, and the rest just follow after one of us," He instructed the filling common room.

The small girl who'd been blushy at Fred slipped past me, making her way to where Cedric stood doing a headcount of everyone in the room. She stared up at him with the same heart eyes and blushing cheeks as this morning. God, I hope that's not what I look like, I'm almost worried. It wasn't long before Cedric was leading the remainder of our house down to the Great Hall.

I didn't wait for anyone to tell me where to go, taking my own lead and slipping past the groups of huddled scared kids. It was bad, I was scared about an escaped prisoner and all but I'd begun to feel numb to all the chaos that seemed to be occurring around me. There wasn't a lot I could do about anything so why put more stress on myself than I already did. With everyone in one room, there'd be no chance for anyone to slip away and get into trouble.

All the tables had been pushed aside, and out of the way. Penelope Clearwater, a Ravenclaw prefect, was already leading the younger students around expertly. Their entire house had already had their sleeping bags out and prepped for the long night ahead. They were all well organized and together. While Willa and Cedric were too preoccupied with the below third years in our house, and Percy was off with Filch hoping to find the Fat Lady, to notice Juniper slip away to where the Gryffindor students had placed their sleeping bags. Not to mention quite a few other students mingling with the other houses.

Roxy and I both hesitated at the door, I sort of felt like we should join Juniper so she wasn't the only one over there but something was telling me to stay here. As she slipped to the other side without another word. I unrolled my sleeping bag beside Roxy as she settled down beside Ernie and Liam in our little corner Cedric and Willa had claimed for our house. I laid my bag closer to Roxy's, trying to give myself some distance from Liam on her other side.

I had ditched him at Hogsmeade and now I was going to be stuck sleeping within the same room as him, how lovely. I bent down, fluffing my pillow, hiding it in my covers. Hopefully, he'd stay over there and not bother me.

"Excuse me," I heard behind me, I ignored it, trying to make the sleeping bag feel somewhat like a bed.

"Yeah… excuse me… I'm just gonna…" I turned around to see Fred maneuvering around a sea of tired Hufflepuffs as they got ready for bed, "Excuse me, I've gotta get over there." He pointed in my direction.

"Mind if I set up camp here?" He asked, dropping his coiled sleeping bag beside mine before I could answer.

As Fred unrolled his bag I noticed he stared daggers at Liam from the other side of Roxy. His jaw was clenched, it was like watching him play quidditch, hyper-focused, and kind of pissed-off looking. It'd be a lie if I didn't admit to liking the jealousy a little bit, now that I'd known he was.

"I guess you've already made yourself comfortable," I shrugged while sitting down, moving my pillow as a support against the wall, "You sure you won't be sent back to your corner?" I questioned.

"Percy is too busy and the professors are all too worried about everything else to be worried about where I'm at as long as I am within these four walls," Fred shrugged, taking a seat beside, propping his own pillows up beside mine.

"You're quite sure of yourself," I shook my head at his confidence, "And what do I get if you end up back beside George?" I challenged him.

"Whatever you want, you can have," He offered with a small grin. I want you to kiss me, I thought.

"And if I'm still here in the morning, you've gotta give me something, whatever I want." He added his grin growing with ideas in his head, does he want to kiss me?

I swore his eyes shifted to my lips before meeting my eyes again. But maybe I still had something on my chin from dinner. I instinctively brought my hand up to wipe it away, Fred chuckled. I felt myself starting to blush before I heard the shuffle of Roxy's sleeping bag.

"I forgot my eye mask, now I've got to use my tie wrapped over my eyes like a clown," Roxy groaned as she sat down.

I turned away from Fred, giving Roxy my attention, "I've never seen a clown do that though, wrapped a toe around their eyes. Is that something new?" I questioned.

"Ha. Ha. You're hilarious." She sneered, "You know what I mean. What am I supposed to do? You know I just sleep better with it," Roxy groaned in explanation.

"I know, it's fine, just try not to think about it. To be honest, I doubt anyone will even notice, you know because there might be a murderer running around the school," I attempted bluntly, it was true. I honestly doubt anyone was paying attention to her.

Roxy actually laughed this time, "Godric you're right," She shrugged, getting comfortable in her sleeping bag beside me.

I watched as Roxy pounded her pillow a few times, before using her yellow tie to cover her eyes, allowing her to sleep without the worry of any light. She could be quite odd sometimes but it made me feel a little normal for the weird things I did. I still gathered a few extra pieces of bread and things like that to snack on, or to give the owls when they came by.

"Goodnight, Squeaks," She muttered tiredly, turning to her side, "Night Fred," She added in a grumble.

The cursed nickname came back to bite me in the ass, "I haven't heard that in a while, I like that one," I heard Fred laugh behind me.

I turned back, giving him a pointed look, "That nickname left when Demi did, don't bring it up," I warned.

Fred grinned, rolling his eyes, "I'm not scared of you," He reminded me.

"Whatever, just call me anything else but that." I pleaded, scrunching up my face.

I hated that nickname, it made me feel so small. I wasn't some mouse, I was a girl, a witch at that. I wasn't ordinary, and Squeaks was so juvenile.

"Okay, I won't call you that, but I'll think of something different. Maggie is too plain, and I'd like to think we've moved to the point of giving each other a nickname," He suggested.

"I think that could be a good idea," I nodded agreeing.

Our pinkies hooked without the need for another word. Making a silent promise along with a single nod. More and more students began to stuff into their sleeping bags, the younger kids hugging their plush toys from home as they crawled away, drifting off to sleep.

I crawled into mine, fluffing my pillow again, staring at the stained glass above us. All the floating pumpkins had been dimmed and pulled down. The night grew quieter. Fred crawled into his own sleeping bag, rolling to his side. I rolled on my side looking at him.

This was the first time I had lied next to him like this. To some, it might not have meant much but it was comforting to know he was right here. I wouldn't have to really worry about Liam or Katie sneaking over because we were together. The moment of silence allowed my mind to wander, someone had broken into our home, scared away one of our portraits, and may still be here. The rest of the room fell asleep, I couldn't, not with my mind thinking about who might be on the other side of the door.

"Do you think he's still here?" I whispered, moving a little closer to Fred.

"Who?"

"Sirius Black; it had to be him," I clarified.

"They've got everyone here for a reason, you've got nothing to worry about," Fred reached his hand out of his sleeping bag lacing his fingers with mine, "I'm right here, too. It'll be okay."

I nodded, he was right. I hope he doesn't get caught over here. I didn't care about the agreement we made. Knowing that he wanted to be here, beside me, was almost enough. I hadn't imagined the flutters, I just wasn't sure what this meant for the future of us.

"Just try to go to sleep, I'll be here all night. I can't just let you win that easily," he smirked, as his eyes dropped tiredly.

He yawned, he glanced at our tangled hands, "Do I have to let go?"

"Not if you don't want to," I replied, "I don't mind it,"

"Good," Fred was getting tired but he was still smiling.

"Goodnight, Freddie." I yawned, pulling my bag up over my arms more.

"Goodnight, Darling," He mumbled tiredly as his eyes fluttered shut, he fell asleep so easily.

Darling.

••••••

I fell asleep quickly and surprisingly easily, waking up in the morning several inches closer to Fred. His arm stretched under my head. I tucked against his chest, as I laid more on his shoulder than my pillow. He had shifted to laying on his back, he snored quietly beside me. Which of us moved first? I pulled away carefully not to wake Fred as I sat up on my elbows, scouting to see how many other people were awake.

I seemed to be the only early riser, must be a baker thing. The professors in the Great Hall had done a bang-up job staying awake all night. Flitwick sat in a chair at the front of the room, snoring wickedly. While Professor Sprout was still fighting sleep in her chair. They'd given up doing rounds.

I laid back down beside Fred, I felt a tug on my sleeping bag, as he rolled over on his side. His arm hooked along my waist, holding me closer to his chest, spooning me. I bit back an actual gasp, hoping Roxy wouldn't wake up to see this. I wasn't the one who did this, he was. Calling me darling and now this.

I wasn't the only one battling teenage feelings here. His heartbeat thud comfortably against my back, it wasn't like I wasn't enjoying this but after years of teasing that I'd be the one to drop the ball, it felt good that it wasn't me. Though it made me want to see what else he was going to do first.

"Stop moving so much, I'm trying to sleep," Fred grumbled in my ear, his morning voice was rough and deep. It was attractive.

This can't be real, I thought.

I twisted a little to see him smirk tiredly. His grip along my waist tightened, pulling me closer. I'd never been close like this with anyone, and I didn't ever think Fred would be the first. I tried to close my eyes and relax into his touch, this was real so I should at least attempt to enjoy it.

I turned around so I could look at Fred's face. He looked so peaceful, the way his red hair clung to his forehead from sleeping. The freckles on dusting his skin so effortlessly. I could feel his heartbeat against mine. I was falling in love with this feeling, maybe it'd be worth risking our friendship if it meant I could spend the rest of my life feeling like this.

Fred's eyes peeked open, "You're up too early," He mumbled tiredly.

"Guess I couldn't sleep anymore," I replied quietly, "Somebody was cuddled up next to me all night," I teased.

Fred gave me a sleepy smirk nestling his head in my neck, "Made it through the night though, which means you owe me whatever I want," he whispered into my neck. His lips brushed the soft skin along my neck.

I felt a shiver down my spine, "We should head up to our common rooms and start getting ready for the day," I whispered as I pulled away. It was nice but I needed to get back to the real world

The room began to brighten as the sun broke through clouds slightly allowing light to pass through the windows. November is officially here now.

I sat up, running my hand through my knotted hair. I had to give myself distance, this was in no way one-sided, but the confirmation came with his lips against the soft spot on my neck. There was more we needed to talk about, things were clearly shaping up differently than I'd expected; much quicker and unguided.

I'd only had two short romances before if it could even be classified as such; James and Cedric. This was all new territory, Fred and I were still under the label of friends and friends don't kiss necks, and cuddle all night. This was messy and too much mess stressed me out and the easy feeling was dwindling as anxiety

"Maggie, why are you rushing? It's still early," Fred questioned in a hushed tone, other people were beginning to wake up around us.

I pushed up a smile, "Just want to get a jump start on the day. We survived the night hooray!" I forcibly cheered.

I elbowed Roxy between the shoulder blades awake but played it off as I did it by accident while I moved my sleeping bag back to its original place before anyone else noticed the proximity we slept.

Roxy let out an annoyed groan rolling over, "Excuse me, I'm trying to sleep here…"She grumbled tiredly.

I nudged her again, causing her to peek from the bottom of her tie, "Whoops!" I played terribly, forcing an awkward laugh.

She gave me a knowing look, shit I must have been blushing. I wiped my hands along my cheeks.

"Sorry, but since you're up now, we should go get changed and out of here so they can set up for breakfast." I rambled out.

"I've just woken up, can I get a few minutes? Doesn't look like anyone else is in a rush to leave." Roxy sat up, removing the tie from her eyes, glazing over the room.

I shrugged, "Early bird gets the worm!" I forced myself awkwardly.

Roxy yawned, stretching out her long limbs, "Alright, let's go then." She rolled her eyes climbing from her sleeping bag.

"Maybe we can sit together at breakfast?" Fred asked as I rolled my sleeping bag up.

I was so confused right now. I couldn't let myself just give Fred the green light. I kept pumping the breaks every time we'd gotten closer. It was different when we were alone. Then the nagging thought of this all being fueled by hormones came to the surface, I had to read all those books on romance over the past summers and get my thoughts jumbled up.

"Yeah, we'll see. Might skip it today, try and get some studying done since I didn't get to it yesterday. Make sure I'm completely caught up," I was making up another excuse, but this was me communicating, I supposed.

"I can meet you down there if you want?" Fred offered, glancing down at the red flannel pants I wore, "Where'd you get those?" He quickly changed the subject, as he just noticed them.

"I found them in my trunk last year, and I figured my mum might've tossed them in or they were Ginny's or something," I shrugged, Fred bit back a smile nodding.

"I've been looking for those, I figured Ron had stolen them though, not you." He smirked finally, "They probably fit you better anyways,"

I forced a nod, "I can give them back, I didn't know," I offered.

He shook his head, "Keep them."

Roxy tugged my arm, "Let's go, now you've got me up, I'm ready to go," she demanded.

I tucked my sleeping bag under my arm, moving to my feet, "I'll see you in the library later, Freddie," I waved him a quick goodbye walking along with Roxy.

She paused at the door, "We've gotta grab June, or else she'll be a pain in the ass later." Roxy sighed.

I waited awkwardly at the doors as she quickly dragged a tired Juniper away. She slunk behind us yawning loudly as she followed us like a duckling after its mother.

"Maggie and Fred have got something weird going on," Roxy blurted as soon as we made it into the common room.

"What do you mean?" June asked waking up at the subject.

"First of all, she's been in Fred's pants for the last year," Roxy began with a giggle, her crude expression makes me break out in a thick blush, "Secondly, something happened last night and I don't know what but I'm gonna find out!"

I felt my cheeks warm up, like the phantom of Fred's hands along my waist. The feeling of his lips brushing against my neck. And the warmth from us nearly kissing yesterday.

"Nothing is going on," I lied, slipping into our room ahead of them.

I changed from my pajamas. Replacing it with a pair of high-waisted black and white striped pants and a deep rust-colored sweater. Replacing my slippers for my high-top sneakers. I brushed the rest of the knots from my hair braiding back a few pieces pulling my hair away from my face leaving the rest down. My fingers fumbled with the chain of my sapphire necklace, clasping it back around my neck.

I didn't want it to get lost while I slept so I usually took it off before bed, laying it out carefully so it wouldn't get tangled either.

"Are you really going down to the library this early on a Sunday?" Roxy questioned as she brushed her own hair.

I nodded, I was proud of myself for maintaining my good grades while making time for Fred last week. I wanted to keep in somewhat good habits. If I was going to do that, I'd have to put my foot down about choosing classwork over a boy. Even if it was a boy I kind of liked. It was at least easy to maintain grades when I had a crush on Cedric as that was one of the only things we did was study together, and with James, he wasn't even here to become a distraction from anything, unlike Fred. All he did was distract me, I'd catch a glimpse of his smile and I was done for.

"It's just better that I stay ahead of schedule, besides you've got a quidditch match to prepare for. Go on and sneak in some extra practice." I suggested dismissing her interrogation.

I changed quicker, grabbing my bag. I tucked my wand back into my bag, escaping the room before Roxy could ask me anything else. She wasn't someone I could easily avoid.

I was able to duck out of the common room before Liam had come back around allowing me to effortlessly escape to the library. Setting my stuff down, I didn't waste time figuring out what books I needed for the essay I had due in DADA later this week.

I got lost in the text about the three Unforgivable Curses. All three were sinister enough, but they seemed to get worse with each turn of the page. To think someone could use a spell and steal away my free will sickened me. Or simply kill me on the spot if they wanted to badly enough.

I rested my head in my hand jotting down notes as I went, it was easy to get in a good rhythm with the quiet library. I got a good hour or so before anyone else had slipped into the library, it was usually vacant on Sunday anyways, most students using their weekends to write to family or spend time with their friends.

Fred trailed in not long after the first person had slipped in. He sat in front of me, propping his feet on the table, stretching himself out comfortably. He rested his head back into his hands casually. My time in the library wasn't going to be accompanied by Fred if he planned to just lounge around. He had to pass at least a few N.E. or Molly would never let him or George live it down. She had begun to get so judgmental of their grades when neither attempted Prefect.

I stood up, swatting his feet from the tabletop, "Get your damn feet off the table," I hissed.

He retracted his long legs leaning back into his chair normally, "What're you reading right now?"

"It's something that goes more into detail on hex-deflection and spells you can use" I mumbled as I sank back into my seat.

"Sounds useful, how long are you planning on being here?" He yawned, as he peered at my notes.

"I'm quite busy, guess I'm just trying to really get all caught up before exams," I smiled, still using academics to hide from my feelings for Fred, but this time the communication was there as he sat across from me with heavy eyelids.

"I guess I figured you'd be done by now," Fred sighed, but pushed himself to sit up, "Guess it wouldn't hurt to try myself."

Fred turned around and reached back at the bookshelf skimming the spines of each book with his fingers. Landing on one with a bright red spine and black leather bindings, the title read Aconite and Other Pretty Poisons.

"Looks good enough to me, sounds like something I've heard Professor Sprout talk about," Fred said as he opened the book in front of him, "Do you have an extra quill and some parchment I can borrow?" He questioned, glancing up from the text.

I raised a brow, this was very out of the ordinary. I'd given up a long time ago on forcing the twins to study with me, it rarely worked and it was easy to just worry about myself sometimes.

"What are you doing?" I finally asked.

Fred gave me an easy smile and a shrug, "I'm studying for my next herbology class," He replied casually, "Do you have any spare stuff?" He asked again.

I sighed, grabbing an extra quill, and handed over some of my parchment, "Here."

He smiled triumphantly and began scribbling at his notes. Fred and I sat in an easy silence among the other students that began to mill about the library. Madam Pince hunched over as she stacked books back into place. It was another one of the rare moments where the silence was comfortable.

I'd glance up from my books occasionally, stealing a look at Fred deep in thought as he read the book on Wolfsbane. His eye caught me staring, sending my eyes back down to my text.

"Is that really something you need for your next herbology class?" I finally asked as I packed up my stuff to leave for lunch, the hunger finally settling in.

Fred glanced at his surprisingly full notes, "I think I did but I wasn't really sure until I was almost done with the first page of notes on it. Did you know there are over 250 different species of Aconite?" He asks as he folds his notes up oddly in his pocket passing my quill back.

I shook my head, "I actually didn't, how interesting," I smirked, "Do tell me more of your new wolfsbane knowledge," I encouraged.

Fred chuckled, rolling his eyes, doing his best to recall what he's been skimming at for the last few hours. I didn't have the heart to tell Fred I had read that book when I was a first-year. One of the many books I had powered through with the curiosity to know more about magic. Though I liked seeing how happy Fred was to brag about what he'd learned.

I nodded along, hooking my arm with his following his lead from the library.

"Even though it's not the best plant to keep around all the time, I do enjoy the color. It's kind of like the garden behind the Cottage," I agreed, as Fred mentioned the rich purple tones of the flower petals.

"Do you think you could show me?" He questioned timidly, "Figured we could have Dad add you back into the Floo Network soon enough, now that you're Mum and Elliot are hitched," Fred suggested.

I nodded, "I'd like that, the fireplace is much bigger than the flat ever was," I agreed happily, "Have you put any thought into what you're going to ask from me?"

The question nagging at my thoughts was what Fred could've wanted. He had made it through the night without being exiled away, in fact, it was the closest we'd ever been. And we made it the entire night without a single peep from Roxy. Despite the circumstances, it was still a successful evening if you ask me.

"The terms of the deal said whatever you want, not whenever so you kind of got to tell me," I added quickly.

Fred chuckled, looking down at his shoes, "Putting me on the spot, I see," He sighed with an easy grin, "I'm still trying to decide what my big request will be, but I also like making you wait." He teased me.

Fred stopped his footsteps just outside the Great Hall, his hand slipping around my wrist, holding me at his side, "Sit with me today?" He asked, "June's probably already sat next to Lee, so you won't be the only Puff at the table,"

Fred had made an effort to sit with me and Roxy at breakfast almost every morning last week, aside from yesterday. I could endure one meal in a sea of crimson loudmouths. Couldn't be any different from the loudmouths I already lived with, I hoped.

"This doesn't count as my request thing, so don't get your hopes up," Fred added, he was still trying to convince me.

"I guess it's not going to kill me," I sighed, Fred's lips broke out in a wide smile as his arm slunk around my shoulder.

For the second time today, I was pressed against Fred's chest, causing my heart to thump against my chest rapidly. I thought I might have grown out of butterflies in my tummy but maybe mine were just migrating to my heart.

"That's my girl," He quipped, leaning down to press a wet kiss to my forehead, pulling me to follow behind him into the Great Hall, and over to the Gryffindor table.

I was in a sort of daze after that, not paying much attention.

His girl.

••••••

Quidditch brought out the best and worst out of Roxy. I'd only seen her take a handful of things seriously, Felicity, pestering Fred and me about what we must've been hiding from her and George, and Quidditch. She brushed her hair back into a tight ponytail, putting on her quidditch sweater and her best game face.

"So not that I should have to ask but who exactly are you two going to route for?" Roxy questions crudely, pointing a finger as I painted a stripe of yellow across my cheeks.

"I'm obviously rooting for Hufflepuff," I scoffed, "I'm not sure what you take me for, a traitor," I glanced to Juniper as she wrapped her neck in her Hufflepuff scarf, before reaching over to tug a red and gold beanie over her braided hair.

Roxy stared daggers at Juniper, "It's not like it's her house playing or anything," Roxy turned to me with a knowing look.

June was completely oblivious to our comments, as she pulled on her sunflower yellow raincoat. Waving us goodbye blissfully as her feet carried her to breakfast, she was barely around anymore. Lee had taken up most of her free time. It was kind of weird for her to be gone. It was like I missed her, but how could that be possible when we shared a room. Sometimes I wondered if Demi was the glue keeping June by our side.

Maybe Roxy would be the same way if Felicity was here. They weren't dating because of the distance but with the amount of passing letters every week in soft blue envelopes that she kept under her pillow until a new one arrived, I knew they may as well have been. But I had to be grateful she was here now.

"She's annoying now," Roxy sighed, tying her shoes.

"If I ever get like that, shoot me," I begged, with pleading eyes.

Roxy giggled, "You'd have to admit you've got a boyfriend for that."

I rolled my eyes tugging her up from the ground as she finished her other shoe. Roxy chuckled as I dragged her along ignoring her comment. Things with Fred continued on the next few weeks since Halloween quite bizarrely. An influx of physical contact was one, typically hidden and discreet. Never around Roxy or George. If we found ourselves alone, some part of the other was touching.

I found myself joined by Roxy in the morning for studying in the library and Fred in the afternoon tucked away somewhere we could hide in the castle on my Saturdays. We were both hungry for any private moment. It was just comforting knowing he could hold my hand without anyone there to ask why. I kept hoping Fred would kiss me one of these days, as he'd kiss my cheeks, or as his lips would brush along my neck as he whispered crude jokes into my ear, just to see me squirm. Part of me thought Fred might enjoy seeing me turn red.

"Heard if we win, Liam's convinced Cedric to zip his lips about a party tonight," Roxy made conversation as we trekked to the Great Hall for breakfast.

I snorted, "You really think Cedric wants to tarnish his precious title of Perfect Prefect?"

"Besides, no offense to you Rox, the team kind of sucks." I added sympathetically, "It's not your fault the other chaser can't throw for shit sometimes. And Liam and Quincy just get so distracted by the girls. Not to mention our keeper, why is Donovan still on the team if he's so slow?" I rambled in my defense.

Roxy giggled at my ramblings, "Trust me, if it were me as captain, Cedric would be about the only thing on that team I'd keep."

The Great Hall was already bustling with school spirit with the first game of the Quidditch Season. I glanced through the room, scouting out where Juniper had ended up. She was cuddled beside Lee, as he munched obnoxiously on a piece of toast. I never had her pinged as a clinger, guess I should have known.

"But it's not like we can borrow from other houses," Roxy added as we sat down with our excited housemates.

Yellow and Black stripes filling the table, we may not have been the best in the past years but the sportsmanship was there, and we could certainly be pretty loud cheering for a losing team.

"I understand the dilemma," I glanced over to Fred.

This was the first time I'd seen him in anything from his quidditch uniform since he had filled out more this past summer he was away. His arms were hugged by the knitted material, showing off his biceps. I watched Fred stretch across the table, thumping Ron's head at something stupid he had probably said. Our eyes met for a moment as he gave me a quick wink before turning his attention back to George. I chewed at my nail watching as he laughed so effortlessly, I wasn't going to let this crush get to me. I'd let the flow be what it wanted to be.

Liam sat in front of me, cutting my attention away from Fred, giving me a dimpled grin.

"Don't know if you heard, but if we win, I've been putting a little gathering together for the playing teams in our common room tonight," He greets.

I give Liam a single nod, "I've been informed."

"I thought you could at least save me a dance?" Liam asked with a smile.

Wow. Even with a warning and ignoring he was persistent, "I'll be sure to get right on marking it in my schedule, Save A Dance for Slime." I scoffed.

"M'Name's Liam, remember?" He mumbled confused, tilting his head, "I'll just count you in for the festivities anyways," He shrugged, raising from the bench, moving down to the other end where Cedric and Ernie sat.

I rolled my eyes, taking a deep breath before I began filling my plate. My eyes raised from my plate looking across to Fred again as he gave me a shifting glare to Liam as if he was trying to ask what he wanted. I shook my head, turning back to my plate. I wasn't going to deal with this right now.

Roxy had barely finished her first bite before Cedric was rushing them off to the field for a team pep talk. Leaving me to walk down alone, not that it bothered me. I took a few shortcuts to the field, giving myself a front seat to the match.

From the Hufflepuff stands I could easily see both teams. They took their positions at the center, the rough wind whipping their robes around them. Roxy had picked up the habit of blowing an obnoxious kiss to me from beside Demi while she'd done the same to Juniper every game. She looked across the field giving me a knowing nod, blowing her kiss. Which I caught excitedly pretending to tuck it away in my back pocket with a grin. This time returning the favor with a big wide gesture that made Roxy giggle on her broom.

As excitement for the first game began to rise in everyone the game began with the blow of the whistle. Roxy zipped forward in pursuit after Angelina with the Quaffle. I had almost forgotten just how much I enjoyed watching Quidditch, the wind had a different feel up in the stands. It truthfully didn't matter who was playing. I couldn't wipe the smile from my lips as I got to cheer on my best friends playing their favorite game.

My grin, however, melted away as Liam drifted from his post. He flew closer to the Hufflepuff stands wearing his signature dimpled smile.

"Oi! Lancaster, what's a guy gotta do to get a kiss like the one you blew to Westbrook?" He called out teasingly, puckering his lips in my direction.

"Win the game you're sabotaging right now by talking to me." I rolled my eyes, there was no way we were going to beat Gryffindor today, "I might consider kissing you!" I called back.

Fred said Oliver has been training them into the ground so far, they were all shaping up their skills. Past games we'd played they always destroyed us, this was likely going to be no different. I loved Roxy, and Cedric was equally as in love with the game as she had but it was clear that the rest of the team struggled with keeping the same passion. There was no way we were going to win, it was just funny to tease Liam.

"I'll be sure to win this one then!" He winked flying back to the game.

A/N: Oh, Wowza! Things are progressing quite nicely. I am ahead on chapters again, so I'm really excited to see what everyone thinks of what's happening. I love Magnolia and Roxy's friendship, the best of friends. What's Maggie gotten herself into now? Thank you for the love and feedback as always! 3 Shi

I shook my head in disbelief, "There's no fucking way."