*Content Warning:* Some underaged heated natured activities occurring here. Underaged drinking and mention of mild drug use (Marijuana; please only use it if you are in a legal recreational area and are of legal age please! Same goes for alcohol too, please only use if you are of age!) The story is rated T for a reason so keep that in mind moving forward. There'll be content warnings when things get hotter than mild but not quite spicy, you know? If I've missed anything that should have a content warning please reach out and I will add one! Thank you!

•••

Magnolia's POV:

My jaw felt tight as I heard the stands erupt in loud cheering and gasps as Harry came down and Cedric was in tow behind him with a wide grin. I couldn't believe it. After a pretty solid losing streak in past years, I'd gotten an idea we didn't have much hope when it came to Gryffindor. My jaw slacked as I watched Liam cheer alongside Quincy before pulling his broom over to the stands, where I stood at the front. He was coming over for that kiss, why'd I have to say anything at all?

"Guess I'll be seeing you later. You can bring your guard dogs tonight." Liam winked before quickly joining the rest of the team before I could say anything else.

Roxy waved me down from the stands, as a group huddled around Harry at center field. The kid always knew how to draw a crowd, that's for sure. I squeezed underneath other students' elbows carefully as I made my way to the field. It wasn't long until Dumbledore and McGonagall were instructing them to take Harry to the infirmary.

His body was motionless at the center of the cot. Not far from the commotion with Harry, Roxy stood beside Cedric nursing his ankle.

"What's up with you now?" I asked, everything towards the end of the game came in like a head rush and I had lost sight of what was happening.

"I was trying to catch Harry on the way back down, but I got caught up a little instead," He explained with a wince.

"Liam, you and Quince should help Ced to the infirmary too," I suggested. Maybe you'll listen for once and do what you're asked.

Roxy rolled her eyes, "Cedric wants to see if we can get a rematch," She groaned, glaring at Cedric.

He limped over to Liam using him to lean on, playing off the injury like he wasn't in pain. But I could see it in his eyes.

"Harry was taken out by something up there, that's game interference. I'm glad we won but it wasn't fair, and I didn't even know he was falling behind me." Cedric winced, "I wanna celebrate a real win, not a technicality, we've been working so hard."

Cedric really took Qudditch seriously. I knew he had enjoyed watching the sport and playing but this solidified just how much.

"You should get patched up, then you can try to be noble." I teased, "Just try to be a little proud of yourself for bringing in a win for us, you did really good out there today."

I was mostly doing anything to avoid Liam's watchful eyes. As I watched the game I didn't think that we'd be able to even pull it out at the end there when Cedric was right behind the snitch. It was still impressive.

"It was a really good catch out there, even without Harry," I smiled, offering him my hand to help him up from the grass.

Cedric blushed at my compliment, "Thank you," He gave me a small smile before nudging Liam, "Let's go, the sooner I'm fixed up, the sooner we can fix this," He said, rolling his eyes he added, "And I guess start getting ready for your party."

Liam glared at Cedric, before crouching under his arm to support his weight. Quincy moved on to his other side so Cedric's wasn't all on Liam's shoulder.

Liam glanced back, "I'll see you at the party tonight," He called back to Roxy and me with a dimpled grin and a wink.

"His name will now be Slime," I groaned, glancing at Roxy as she watched him in disgust as he inched away.

I could tell he was arguing with Cedric as they got further away. Cedric wasn't really one to argue with anyone but the once or twice I had was brief and usually with Liam.

"Why's he gotta be like that?" Roxy shivered.

"Which one?" I laughed, "They both act bizarre but if you're talking about Liam, I'm going to assume he's taken a few bludgers to the head."

Roxy smirked, wrapping a sweaty arm around my shoulder, a good thing my coat was waterproof.

"Guess we've got a party to clean up for," She cheered sarcastically.

"Liam told me to invite my guard dogs, you think he's going to try and do something to Fred and George since they fucked with his hair?" I questioned the concern raising in my voice, "Oh Godric! I told him I'd kiss him if we won, and we did!" I gasped at the memory. I've gone and screwed myself over again, lovely.

Roxy tugged me along beside her with a laugh as we made our way off the field, "You worry too damn much, a party could be good for everyone. It's not like either of us have been to one before. What's the worst that's going to happen?"

I nodded, trying to keep myself from a spiral of worst-case scenarios that could play out tonight. The first thing being, I never considered we'd be able to have people come through the common room, just by us allowing them to come in. During my second year, the twins' attempt was hilarious enough, but the glares I received for encouraging their attempts burned into my head.

I wouldn't ever hear the end of it. There was the fear of Professor Sprout or someone else coming by to shut it down and send us all to detention. Not to mention the fact that Sirius Black broke into the castle the other night, and Liam thought "let's have a party!" But yeah, what's the worst that could happen?

••••••

Juniper sat down on the spare bed in front of me as I got ready, "I need your help." She said simply.

"With what?" I looked up from my compact, as I swiped a little bit of mascara over my eyelashes.

"Could you help me do my makeup? Demi doesn't really wear it and she just uses magic when she does." Juniper explained.

"Depends are you going to hang out with Roxy and me tonight?" I quipped.

Juniper groaned sitting back on her hands, "I'm sorry for neglecting you," she replied sympathetically, "I just really like Lee and I didn't know what was going on with you and Fred either, so I didn't want to make things awkward because they're friends and it might've been weird. I should've been making time for you guys too,"

"It's okay, June. He's your boyfriend now, things are just different. Just make a little time for us tonight?" I asked stretching my hands out to help her with her makeup.

"I will!" Juniper grinned, closing her eyes.

I dipped my fingers into a peach eyeshadow, swiping it across her delicate lids, the shade popped against her deeper complexion. I brought up my mascara to coat her long eyelashes.

Juniper was a natural beauty much like her sister, she was growing into her more angular features taking a similar facial structure to Demi's. Juniper couldn't see the beauty in features the same way other people had, much like most people. As humans, we liked to nitpick ourselves so we could praise those who are just the same as us because we don't even see our reflections the same as other people view us. The perception of ourselves is always skewed slightly in the wrong direction.

"Boys come and go," Roxy argues behind us quietly, "Look how many times it's happened to Maggie, but she still tries to include us."She adds, braiding her hair into a crown-like style.

I turned around with a look of confusion, how many times it's happened to me?! What was that supposed to mean? I've only ever kissed two people. Fred and I may have been touchy and had spent more time hiding from our friends lately, but he still hadn't kissed me yet.

"Twice?" I asked in clarification, "It's only happened twice."

"Maybe on your behalf!" Roxy snorted, "You're clueless to it aren't you?"

I twisted around abandoning Juniper's makeup, Roxy had a clean smirk painted across her lips and raised a brow.

"What are you getting at? I'm not a slag or anything. I've had two crushes, only ever kissed those same two boys. Yes! They weren't my best decisions or brightest moments but how else do you make a mistake and learn?" I was getting upset. I hated the look on Roxy's face.

"You've gotta be the one who's blonde here and not me because you told Liam you'd give him a kiss if he won, talk about false hope?" Roxy blurted out annoyed, which caused Juniper to let out a squeaking sound from behind me. "Look at him and Fred both throwing themselves at you. Fucking Sam Nott's even commented about how you look now, you're a different person." Roxy argued, raising to her feet, "You're a bloody liar if you haven't even noticed the slightest at how they look at you now," Her words were mean. There was that thing about perception of ourselves again, except this time it was directed at me, and the words much crueler.

Juniper sat back on her heels, her eyes shooting open to watch us.

"Come on, you can't look me in the eyes and tell me honestly you don't see how Liam and Fred look at you now," Her words felt like venom in my ears, "You start dressing like that Muggle friend of yours, and now you're a stranger."

This had begun as my attempt to get Juniper to spend time with me and Roxy. Then, Roxy shifted it on me, with pointed looks and cruel words. What happened in the last few hours that changed where we stood? The sudden change in attitude nearly gave me whiplash.

I had managed to keep my temper back but she was making me feel disgusting for things I couldn't help. I didn't think I'd changed that much, a nose ring and some earrings were the most exciting about my appearance I'd thought. I knew Liam had been acting differently but I figured I was simply his next target, he was the type to date quite a bit, which usually began with a heavy pursuit. I never thought we'd win today though with the losing streak we had prior. And Sam was with Helena now (Not to mention, I fucking hated him, as if I'd ever let him touch me with even the longest stick on earth.)

"How do you expect me to look? Like a fucking ministry worker, I'm fifteen? Screw you, Roxy." I cursed, "What does my appearance have to do with you being a bitch out of nowhere right now?"

"This was supposed to be about spending time all together and you've turned into an attack on my character for having a crush or two as though it is a crime." I was seething, "You've got a lot more nerve than I thought you did. You're supposed to be my friend, and here you are making me feel like rubbish! Did a win go to your head already?"

"Maggie I-" Roxy began, she shifted back on her heel. Like she'd been put back into herself again. Her eyes softened.

"No! I'm sick and tired of you both getting on my case about who I like. I have had no comments on Lee or Felicity for that matter. I've never pried for more information on anything. Roxy, you don't get to sit here and look at me like that, some kind of friend you are. Just leave the fuck alone for one bloody night!" I exploded, dropping the mascara tube on my bed.

I moved to my feet, I was shorter than her so there wasn't really an opportunity to intimidate her that way, "I hope you enjoy your party, Champ. Don't bother finding me, I'll be with Fred and George, or whoever else that shows me attention, I guess. Maybe then I can live up to these high expectations you have of me," I glared.

I had to leave, I couldn't sit in here anymore. I'd walk to the Gryffindor tower and wait outside for Fred and George if I had to. I slammed the door behind me, I could hear the quiet hum of music in the common room as Liam flicked through songs. As I entered the common room I was genuinely surprised at how well he'd done with the decorations.

"Maggie!" He cheered from the upper level, "How'd I do?"

I took a better look around the room. The soil smell was still rich in the air and the vibrancy from our plants still stood out amongst the yellow and black decorations hanging from the ceiling and walls.

"Not too bad Liam," I replied, "By hand or magic?"

"A little bit of both," He grinned as he cut down the stairs, "I like doing the finer details by hand and let my wand do the harder work with the streamers and music."

"Surprisingly well done," I complimented, "How's Cedric doing?" I leaned against the back of the couch.

"We keep the win, not his fault the kid got caught up and fell. He'll get over the chivalry thing later, he'll be here later with Cho, his ankle was fine, just twisted it wrong but he'll survive." Liam was making polite conversation for once, instead of a crude comment, or an attempt at flirting with me.

He's throwing himself at you. I kept being reminded. We shouldn't have been alone either, I'd always found trouble when I was alone with a boy in here. I hoped someone else would come in soon, so I could slip out to see the Twins before the party started. It would also just be easier if I was the one who let them in, no way to sabotage if I'm letting them in.

"That's good, well I'll see you later." I waved, "I'll be sure to give you a full review post-party tomorrow," I pushed a smile to my lips, and as I turned to leave the common room I felt his hand stop me.

I turned on my heel, forcing myself to turn and face Liam again, "You don't have to kiss me if you don't want to, I know you and the Weasley have a thing," He says quietly, "I didn't really think we were going to win either, to be honest. Not sure if you've noticed but we're not an all-star team," He chuckled at his confession.

I stared back at his hazel eyes, catching a glimpse of his dimples as he smiled, he still looked pretty. What was with Hufflepuff boys being so pretty? I felt a small familiar flutter in my stomach. Liam could be charming when he didn't try, that's what made him so obnoxious, he knew it and was confident about it too. His eyes shifted to my lips before meeting my eyes again. Don't do that. I found myself silently warning as I felt the flutters again and my heartbeat picked up.

This was a bad idea. I sighed, placing both of my hands to his cheeks, standing up taller, and pressing a quick peck to his lips. I stared back into his eyes for a moment before turning around again and exiting the common room. What the fuck did I just do?

"Maggie, wait!" Liam called, "Don't tell Weasley, he'll kill me!" His voice raised as I got further away.

I'd have to deal with it later but I needed to get out of there. I figured I'd just get the stupid kiss over with before the Twins came down here looking for me, or before Roxy tried to talk to me before I was ready to talk to her again.

The things Roxy said had hurt, but I hadn't just helped my case and I didn't really wanna face that quite yet either. I needed Liam to shut up and leave me alone for good, I knew that pushing off the kiss he would probably keep bothering me about it if I didn't.

I'm not sure if it was the comments Roxy had made about me, or the feeling of general growing up, but my clothes feel tighter and foreign on my skin. I'd probably need Mum to take me clothes shopping when I got home for the holidays. The way her eyes felt on me felt like a microscope, she dissected me with her eyes.

••••••

Magnolia was right about the way a person perceives themselves versus how the world perceives them. Magnolia was beginning to feel insecure in her skin. Roxy's words had hurt, but she hadn't ever felt bad about her appearance. Her personality, intelligence, and confidence; those were all things she was insecure about. Very rarely did she doubt her physical appearance because it hadn't been anything to mention anyways to her.

Now her choice of clothes was making her feel self-conscious. She wore a baggy floral button-up that she kept open over top of a form-fitting black cropped tank top. Along with the jeans that she was filling out finally. Magnolia didn't even notice her limbs growing, her reflection was still the same to her. She honestly hadn't been paying attention to anyone other than Fred. Was she just as different after three months?

Magnolia had never put much thought into her appearance, she just knew she liked what Willow wore. and had gotten a few hand-me-downs from her over time, so she tried to make them her own. The previous summer Magnolia was still swimming in the oversized shirts Willow gave her, now they were almost a perfect fit.

Fred and George were on their way from the Common room as Magnolia made her way up the last of the steps. They both wore short-sleeved button-up shirts in opposite colors, George wearing a dark blue-toned shirt with a multi-toned yellow pattern, while Fred wore a mustard yellow shirt similarly patterned in tones of blue instead. Fred had his shirt unbuttoned at the top exposing his collarbones. While George's was closed a bit higher and he wore a white T-shirt underneath.

"Well it's good to see that you can clean up pretty nicely," Magnolia teased, Fred grinned.

Hooking his arm around Magnolia's shoulder he pulled her into his side, pressing a kiss to her forehead affectionately, causing a blush to raise on Magnolia's cheek. He paid no attention to George, as he reeled his arm around Magnolia. Guilt was teasing its teeth as Magnolia felt Fred's hand trail down to the small of her back. She was going to have to tell him about the kiss she gave Liam, it would kill if she tried to stay quiet about it.

"You look great tonight," Fred complimented as his eyes drifted across Magnolia's body, "Kind of weird for you to be the one meeting us," He joked.

Fred laced his fingers between Magnolia's holding her hand, "I'm the host in a way, so it's better if I just bring you down personally." Magnolia shrugged, tugging Fred down the steps by hand.

"I don't get a handheld escort, too?" George echoed behind them.

Magnolia sighed, stretching her hand back. This was more like the kind of handhold her mother would've done so she hadn't got lost. George laughed, taking Magnolia's hand cheerfully, which earned an odd look from Fred on the other side.

"What the fu-Actually no I don't want to know," Fred sighed.

"Your brother is a child," Magnolia groaned, nudging at Fred.

"But you seem to be encouraging it, so don't complain about this one," Fred grinned.

"I wasn't," Magnolia scoffed, nudging at Fred's shoulder.

"Who's supplying the party favors this evening?" George turned to Magnolia ignoring their previous comments.

"Party Favors?" Magnolia questioned, "It's not that kind of party, George."

George rolled his eyes, glancing at Fred as he fought a smile, "He means like drinks and other indulgences if you get what I mean?" Fred explained.

"And by other indulgences, do you mean?" Magnolia brought her fingers to her lips as if she was smoking. Fred nodded. Magnolia blushed with an affirmative nod, understanding.

"I knew you were smart, Mags!" George chuckled.

Magnolia shrugged, she hadn't ever been to a party before. Last year she had known of a few but she didn't go, they were usually older students. Demi usually came back early and went to their dorm so she wouldn't have to deal with her roommates. Magnolia never knew it was because they were drunk.

Magnolia hadn't seen many drunk people before aside from the handful of times Willow over-served herself while residing at the Cottage, but usually, she'd just turn the music up and dance in the living room before crashing on the couch until Magnolia woke her up with a greasy breakfast to soak up the last of the alcohol in her system.

"I didn't ask. Liam's organizing it, and I didn't really want to hang around longer than I had to," She replied, she couldn't tell them she kissed him and ran, typical Magnolia, "But I'm sure there'll be something there." She reassured them.

So get Fred alone before he's had a drink or two, and gets ballsy enough to do something bad, Magnolia thought to herself, Looks like I'll be babysitting all evening unless I tell Fred now.

"It's okay, I have pretty low expectations for him. I'll get it taken care of, my treat." George grinned, "Give me like twenty minutes and I'll meet you down there," George explained, "You two keep heading down, I'll be right behind you!"

Magnolia watched as George split off going towards the Ravenclaw tower. Magnolia had her moment alone, she could talk to Fred. Get this over with before you screw things up again.

"I like what you're wearing," Fred smiled, moving his hand from hers up to her waist, pulling her closer now that they were alone.

"Thanks, I like yours too." She returned, fixing the back of his shirt collar.

Magnolia noticed how often Fred's shirt collar would be flipped up, he didn't care if it was messed up. It was one of the first details Magnolia had fixed on her own collared shirts, the awkwardly lifted form drove her crazy. The guilt of kissing Liam was really settling as her fingers brushed Fred's skin, drawing her hands back. There had been no feeling, it was just a pair of lips on another pair of lips, the flutters disappeared as soon as their lips had touched. She didn't want him.

Fred looked into her eyes, melting her thoughts together. You know what you want, just fucking do something, you coward.

"I've gotta tell you something," She finally broke out as they got closer to the common room, her voice was shaky and quiet, "Preferably alone, and now would be better."

Fred pulled her off to the side, pausing her walking feet. His eyes drifted down to her picking fingernails as they tugged on hangnails nervously. He looked at her with concern as her fingers ripped at the snagged skin.

"Did something happen today?" He tried hiding the nerves in his voice.

Magnolia took a deep breath, why did this feel like cheating, she wasn't with Fred. Her hands were fumbling around each other as she tried piecing together the best way to explain her freshest mistake. I doubt this was what Willow meant with sampling my options, I was so careless sometimes, she was scolding herself.

"I may have told Liam if we won today, I'd kiss him, Magnolia finally spilled out. Fred remained silent, watching her, doing his best not to react, but his jaw got tight and she could see his knuckles turning white as he clenched his fist.

"So I did. And Roxy and I are fighting now too so that's lovely too. Now with this stupid kiss, I have probably pissed you off too," She continued staring down at her feet. When Fred kept quiet again, she looked up to see his eyes watching her movements.

Was he waiting for something else?

"Roxy seems to think I'm oblivious to people having an interest in me, making comments about who I like, and how I look. Saying that I didn't notice you and Liam throwing yourselves at me. Then, as I was leaving, Liam stopped me and I figured he'd probably just pester me until I kissed him anyway, so I just did it to get it done with. But honestly, Fred, I don't think I wanted to kiss him in the first place, why would I make such a stupid agreement, I've been waiting around for someone to make a move." Magnolia began rambling out every confession she had, "I don't think I even really wanted to kiss James or Cedric either, I just keep doing this to myself. I kiss boys who I've barely talked to, then I'm upset when I don't feel anything. I'm a hopeless romantic because I've read too many romance novels with no romance in my life. I just can't help myself. I want someone to sweep me off my feet with passion and fire-"

Her rambling was cut short by Fred's lips against hers. Magnolia felt herself melt into him, his hands moving up to hold her face. The flutters in her stomach sent shivers across her skin, for the first time something different happened, fireworks rippled through her chest. This was something she never wanted to end.

Fred pulled away looking down at Magnolia silently, waiting for her next move. He'd finally made the first move taking the plunge. He could read her mind before he could see her eyes shift back to his lips. A smile grew across both of their lips as Magnolia let out an easy breath.

"Like that?" He smirked.

A/N: So… that happened. Double update coming so don't hate me for a cliffhanger, buckle up babes next chapter is a doozy. This and the next were originally one full chapter but it was nearly pushing 10k words so I was like mmmm should probably split it. Enjoy the chapters and I'll see y'all on the next one!