*Content Warning: Topics teetering on spicy*
Magnolia's POV:
I was able to escape detention. Lee, Juniper, and Roxy, however, were caught up in a string of detentions Professor Sprout passed out the next morning after Liam's party to all the residents passed out in the common room. Surprisingly enough Liam even got out of having detention. Not sure how he managed to stay out of the crossfire.
Juniper had made more of an effort to spend her time split better between us and Lee, but it didn't help with Roxy and me. An awkward silence fell between us more often than not in the past few weeks. I still ate meals and went to class with her and Juniper but if it'd just been us, I kept silent. I felt like I couldn't share anything with her anymore. I'd stare off at Fred talking to his housemates, as Katie latched herself onto him, trying to ignore the jealousy that teased in my chest. I wanted nothing more than to be with him and George right now.
That didn't stop Fred from doing what he could to distract me when we were together. When I finally told him what Roxy had said, he wasn't exactly her biggest fan after that. He'd drag me away every time he noticed her coming by, to save me from as many moments alone as he could. I still needed time to figure out what I was going to say to her anyway.
"What have you got planned for Christmas this year?" Fred questioned sitting beside me in the library. His hand drifted to mine beneath the table, hidden by the tabletop.
I lifted my eyes from my book on the Colour Change Charm glancing at Fred, "Hadn't really put a lot of thought into it, I'm excited to see Mum. Haven't seen her since August, so I think that'll be good." I replied with a shrug, "I can probably make you a batch of snickerdoodles," He made me feel like mush when we were together.
"That'd be great," He smiled, "You know I was serious about getting you set up with the Floo Network, if you wanted us to," Fred offered again, he had mentioned this more than once in the past few days.
"I haven't really had the chat with Elliot about the whole me being a witch thing yet," I reminded Fred.
"We can figure something out before you go back for the holidays, that way we can see more of each other this summer," Fred smirked, his other thumb tapping on the tabletop. I could tell he wanted to hold more than just my hand, but he knew better right now.
George already knew about our kiss, he knew the next morning when he found Fred's shirt collar stained by my lipstick. He had laughed, "There's only one girl we know with this shade of lipstick, so you better get to explaining." Then upon seeing me the next time pinching at my cheeks with a knowing smirk, "I knew you had it in you!" George encouraged me. The entire thing was beyond embarrassing and he had to swear himself to secrecy. So far Fred and I had managed to sneak in time for ourselves once before right now. George taking his role as the third wheel seriously he insisted he had to keep people off our scent if we wanted to keep things secret between Fred and me. If it were the trio no one questioned it.
"And by more of each other, is George included in that deal?" I questioned, with a smirk, "Because I barely signed up for one of you."
"Unfortunately this offer does include George but, with it only being George it'll be easier to distract your mum and Elliot when we wanna be alone," Fred replied simply, he'd thought of it all so far.
I hadn't been the only one daydreaming about the future. I'd be lying if the idea of Fred joining me at the Cottage this summer didn't make my heart flutter up like butterfly wings. The opportunity to sneak out past the garden to the Willow tree that called to me from my window. Giving ourselves a secret place for just us.
"You've got everything planned out then don't you?" I quipped back, earning a cheeky nod, "What do you want for Christmas this year then, Freddie?"
"I want you," He smirked, biting back a wider grin, his gaze dropping to my lips, "Any way you'll allow."
We had only got the chance to sneak in pecks in hidden passing, and the typical kisses on the forehead people had grown to expect of us. If people expected this much from Fred and me, why couldn't I just let them deal with the rest of it, too? But I knew he and I both wanted to feel the red hot coals we both did after the game again.
I found myself fighting the urge to just kiss him now, I forced my forehead to his shoulder resisting the temptation.
"I might be able to arrange something," I shrugged with a small grin, looking back up at Fred, "You'll have to make sure you stay out of trouble though."
Great advice from someone ready to risk it all right now.
Fred arched a brow, his hand reeling back across the table as he gave me a look, "Stay out of trouble? Do you know who you're talking to?"
"All the more reason to try, you can be good for a month, can't you?" I asked.
"For you, I can try," I barely heard Fred whisper out through grit teeth as he avoided eye contact.
"What was that? I can't hear you?" I teased with a knowing grin.
"For you, I'll try to be good. Just until Christmas though. December 26th people better hold on because I'll be coming out hot with the pranks," Fred repeated, shaking his head, "You're lucky I like you,"
"That's good, it'd be boring to be with someone you didn't like." I echoed his words from a few weeks ago, "I like you, too."
Fred bit back a grin, reaching out to close the book in front of me, "I think you're done studying for now,"
"Am I now?" I asked, "Who said that?"
"I did. If I've gotta be good for you until Christmas you can do a little bit bad for me. And since I can't get my hands dirty," He smiled, tucking the book under his arm, escorting me from the library, "You've gotta help me."
What do I always get myself into?
Fred guided me down the steps, moving towards the corridor, the snow had begun to create a thin blanket outside covering the grounds. The night of the quidditch game had been one of the last fall days without winter teasing its nose.
I hadn't been dressed for the snow, only wearing my initial sweater that was growing tighter, along with a pair of jeans. No coat, gloves, or anything to block the cold on my bare skin.
"Where are we going?" I asked, fighting a shiver.
Fred slinked his scarf from around his neck, wrapping it around mine in a fluid movement before resting his arm around my shoulder, holding me close to his chest.
"I'm supposed to be meeting George down in the courtyard later, he said he overheard Harry talking to Ron about sneaking off to Hogsmeade," Fred explained, "So we're going to catch him before he tries to sneak out and give him the map."
"You're just going to give him the map?" I echoed in surprise.
"George and I have the important stuff memorized, and we don't need to spy on anyone. Time to pass it off to the next person," He shrugged, it was odd that they'd grown out of it.
The Marauders Map had given us a lot of help over the years but it'd also caused trouble for us too. Maybe Harry could get good use out of it. Fred flashed it from inside his pocket, patting his chest protectively concealing it again.
"Why can't he just go down to Hogsmeade like everyone else?" I asked.
"His aunt and uncle are horrid, so they didn't sign his permission slip this year," He shrugged.
"That's too bad, are you and George sad to let it go?" I glanced up at Fred.
He wore a small smile, "Certainly the end of an era but I think it's time for someone else to get some good use out of it,"
"Plus it allows us to sneak away from George too, without him having the temptation of the map," Fred adds with an easy laugh.
I glanced off ahead, noticing a classroom door cracked open, we could sneak away from George now if we wanted. Fred had the map, no one would be able to track us down.
"When's he expecting us?" I slowed my feet down as we passed the door, taking a peek to notice it empty. Bad idea, don't do it. But I found myself stopping at the door anyway.
You know you want to do it, so just do it.
I was battling with myself as the flutters in my stomach started up, Fred glanced at me with a smirk, "Depends on why you're asking?" He glanced back at the empty classroom. He knows why I'm asking.
"I think I left something in there the other day," I lied, feigning innocence. I'd never been there in my life, I was Muggleborn, I didn't need to take Muggle Studies.
"We should definitely look for it then," Fred agreed knowingly.
It wasn't the best idea to sneak around, we could get caught in this classroom by anyone but it was exciting in a way. Fred shut the door behind him, immediately wrapping his arms around my waist pulling me into his chest. I backed up into the professor's desk, letting Fred lift me to sit on top.
He pressed his lips along my cheek, making a trail of kisses up to my ear, "Is this what you wanted, Darling?" His voice was a teasing whisper in my ear, sending my heart into skipping beats.
I cut him off, guiding his lips to mine. Fred had a habit of ruining the kiss by grinning. But this time he was serious, it'd been a few weeks since the party and we'd been walking on eggshells hoping to sneak in time alone. His lips crashed onto mine, and I could feel the sparks against them.
His fingers trailed along my back, tickling my back through the knit sweater. The scarf he had helped wrap around my neck moments ago had been pushed from my neck, giving Fred the space to press wet kisses along the soft skin. I linked my fingers in his hair, pulling him back up to my lips again. Deepening the kiss, I pulled Fred closer.
"I swear, I left it here, June!" I heard Roxy's voice from outside the door.
I pushed Fred away as I noticed the doorknob turn, "Let's just hurry, I'm supposed to be meeting up with Lee to go to Hogsmeade," Juniper groaned loudly. I was panicking, I didn't want them to know.
Fred and I had barely gotten a day to ourselves before George knew, that was plenty for now. I panicked, yanking Fred behind the Professor's desk. I crawled underneath, tugging him behind me, it was cramped but we had to hide quickly and this would have to do.
"What are you looking for anyway?" Juniper questioned.
All I could see from where we hid were their shoes, I could hear Roxy's trainers squeak against the floor as she crossed the room, "I had Maggie's Christmas present sent in from Felicity and I thought it was in my bag but it wasn't. I had it here last I remember. I was asking Professor Burbage about it, I wanted to make sure it was something that would be good for Maggie," Roxy explained.
Fred watched me intently, as I eavesdropped. Chewing on my fingernail to keep quiet. His hand reached out to mine, to keep me from picking. I took his hand, feeling as his thumb padded across the back of my hand to distract me.
"What is it?" I could hear Juniper ask as she sat on top of the desk Fred and I hid under.
"One of those Polaroid cameras, like the ones her Muggle friend sends her, except this one is enchanted. It'll never run out of the film. As minimal magic is involved, but I can't seem to find it now. I figured I must've forgotten it here," Roxy sighed.
I could spy Roxy's baby blue polished fingers reaching over the side opening the desk drawer just above Fred's head. I nodded my head nervously to the side, trying to warn him, thumping my head against the front of the desk. The side of the desk rattled, and I felt a slight pounding forming in my head. Fred silently winced, holding my hand tighter.
"Did you hear that?" Juniper asked nervously, moving to her feet, her legs now on the same side that left Fred and I exposed. I clamped my hand over his mouth, trying to keep him as quiet as possible.
I bit my lip nervously, as Fred tried to stifle his laughter from underneath my hand, "Just check that top drawer, and we can go, I'll just check my trunk again later," Roxy sighed.
Fighting a grin, Fred struggled to pull his wand out, mumbling a spell as quietly as he could, just as Juniper's hand came down, opening the drawer by my head. She began bending down. I was sure she could see me but she stared past me looking into the drawer pulling out a black and gray Polaroid camera decorated with hand-painted star-shaped flowers.
"This it?" She asked, lifting her head again with the camera in hand, "It's cute!"
"Yes!" Roxy exclaimed in relief, she came around the desk, taking the camera from Juniper giving her a tight hug, "I've got to try talking to her, I really fucked up. I'm hoping this might help a little bit," She sighed. "Who's scarf is this?" Added in a question.
My hand reached up for the crimson and yellow striped scarf. Shit. Fred bit back laughter again, his fingers touching at my bare neck with a smirk. I swat his hand away. I left it on the desk when I panicked.
"Check the label, most people put their initials there," Juniper suggests, Roxy snickers, dropping it back on the desk.
"Says F.W but it also kinda looks sort of like a 'P' with the center cut out if you ask me, very round edge for an F" Roxy replied, "Not surprised to see him leave his stuff around, except I didn't know he had been taking this class in the first place,"
"He can come find it later himself. Fred probably had met Katie here or something, they're together a lot right now, poor Maggie just has to sit and watch. Let's get a move on though," Juniper giggled, "Lee can get a little impatient and we've got lunch plans to make," June added, nudging Roxy forward.
Fred and I stayed underneath the desk until the door clicked shut again and I couldn't hear Juniper's voice anymore. Fred crawled out first chuckling. He brushed the dirt from his jeans, offering his hand out to me, I rolled my eyes, clutching his hand.
"Bloody hell, I try being spontaneous and end up under a desk hiding from my dorm mates," I grumbled, trying to stretch out from under the desk.
"You've got to admit, that was a little funny," He grinned, his hand reaching to where I had hit my head, "How's your head?"
"My head is just fine, thank you," I groaned, I picked at the misplaced hairs on my head, "Katie huh?" I asked, adjusting my sweater hem next.
"Shut up, I didn't have my hands all over her, kissing her five minutes ago, did I?" He teased me.
I shook my head fighting a blush, "Guess not," I grabbed the scarf from the desktop, "You should probably take this back, since they think you've forgotten it," I passed the knit scarf over to Fred.
Fred grinned, his eyes shifting to my neck, "Maybe keep it for a little bit," He suggested.
I gave him an odd look, my fingers raising to the place his lips had been not long ago, "You didn't?" I groaned.
God, we were marking the other now.
Fred chuckled, replacing my hand with his, as he inspected the spot, "It might be one or two very small hickies but they will fade soon I'm sure," He mumbled.
"You've got to be kidding!" I smacked his chest, shoving Fred away, he hadn't lost his grin. He was so proud of himself.
"Maybe Liam will really leave you alone now," He smirked again, I smacked him again with a pointed look, "You've been marked." Fred laughed
"What happened to, 'Our friends don't need that satisfaction of knowing, 'Fred?" I asked, "This isn't very secret if you ask me."
Fred shook his head, "Hush, I'll fix it, sit on the desk again. " I did what he said, sitting up on the desk again.
He brought his wand up mumbling a similar incantation as before, "It won't last that long, but it should help until they fade more. I'm sorry," Fred apologized, his hands moving to rest by my hips.
Even just the way Fred looked at me could make my heart and stomach flutter. It was always so warm inside despite the chills left on my skin. It was easy but unexpected when Fred and I had a moment alone. His laugh began to feel like a song I could never grow tired of, his honey-toned eyes melting down into my novel that I could read and reread a million times, his copper hair that reminded me of all the warmth I was left with after every touch. Young love was supposed to be quick and fleeting, but each minute I spent with Fred felt everlasting.
"I won't always want to keep you a secret, ya know," Fred admitted quietly, "You're too perfect to keep a secret forever." Fred brought a hand up, tucking my hair behind my ear, holding my cheek in his hand.
I chuckled, resting my head on Fred's shoulder, allowing his hands to trace up my waist, pulling me to his chest. This was different from other guys, the feelings I felt between him and me. This was a silent promise that this was more than a quick fleeting moment to either of us. Fred was the first person I'd ever seen in my future no matter what was happening. I nuzzled my face into his neck holding him closer. Some things were better left unsaid. We didn't need to say anything, we just had to be us.
"We should go find George before he tries to find us," I muttered against his neck.
Fred groaned, pulling away with a lazy smile, "You're lucky you're beautiful."
"Try to charm me however you want to, Freddie, we've still gotta find him," I rolled my eyes, dragging Fred from the empty classroom.
So much for a moment of being spontaneous. Fred and I would have to find a different way to get a moment by ourselves. I couldn't get my mind off of Roxy and Juniper almost catching us either. The effort Roxy was putting forward to find something I didn't deserve, even while I avoided her and ignored her. Doing what I did best again.
His arm slinked around my shoulder again, pulling me to his side again, "Let's help the kid, and then you've got me uninterrupted all day," Fred smiled, pressing a kiss to my forehead, "I'm all yours for as long as you want me."
All mine.
••••••
My Sweet Magnolia,
I can't wait to see you in a few days. For you to see what Willow and I have managed to do with the Cottage to get ready for Christmas. And the book store is even in full decoration for the season. Despite Elliot's arguing for going overboard, the holiday should be absolutely perfect this year. Something about this year feels like celebrating more than usual. I can't wait to tell you all about Europe, you would have adored it there!
Thankfully I think I've finally passed this stomach bug, too. I've been fighting for the past few days, it's been a gruesome few days. And I hate to break it to you, but we can't order food from Quinton's anymore, they changed their produce supplier and I got so sick the last time we ate there. But I want to hear about everything that's been going on with you as soon as I can. I love you. We all can't wait to see you in a few days, Baby. Be safe, I miss you!
With All My Love,
Mum
••••••
Mum's letter was tucked in my coat pocket as Fred and I walked back to my common room from the library, where he pretended to study while kicking at my feet under the table to make dumb faces at me while I tried to study for the last two hours.
"I wish you'd just let me study in peace," I groaned.
Fred rolled his eyes, wrapping his arm around my waist, "But where's the fun in that?" He laughed.
"Studying isn't supposed to be fun, you should give it a try sometimes, you might find it does you some good," I quipped with a smirk, poking at Fred's chest.
"I could show you something fun if you'd like me to," He smirked down at me, holding on to my wrist.
"I'm sure you could," I smiled. I got this giddy feeling in my chest every time he looked at me.
"I could show you right now if you wanted?" Fred offered.
It was getting late, there wasn't anyone around to see us.
My back was pressed against the concrete wall, as I felt Fred ghost kisses over my bare shoulders as he whispered mumbled compliments in their trail. George had snuck off to meet his secret friend, knowing Fred and I needed to say our goodbyes in private. The final evening of the term, then we'd be off to celebrate the holidays, and return to Hogwarts in another calendar year. I was finding myself wishing for more moments like this.
"I'm glad you're mine," Fred smiled against my skin, sending goosebumps up my skin. I nuzzled my face into his, holding his cheeks in my hands I pressed my lips against his.
These moments where neither of us had to say anything, and we just had to be there for the other were my favorite.
Fred sighed as he pulled away, "As much as I'd love to stay longer and keep doing this, I'm trying to stay out of trouble for a little while. There's a girl who's kind of caught my eye," He explained with a smirk, "She says I need to stay out of trouble and make my curfew," I watched his eyes trail over my features as he smiled, "She's brilliant, ya know?" Fred muses.
"A girl, huh?" I questioned, "Tell me about her, just really quick," I knew he meant me now, he tucked a rogue curl behind my ear as it slipped away, "She won't mind it, I'm sure." I gave him a small but confident smirk.
"She's a great friend with my family. A total knockout if you ask me." He described, "She's got these gorgeous grey toned eyes with blue flecks bringing them to life, and this smile that just…" I felt his hands against my cheeks, "Puts the sun to shame,"
I felt my lips curl up higher at his compliments. My cheeks were probably red hot, and I was grinning like an idiot. I tried hiding in his hands.
"There it is," He smiled, bringing my face up to his again. He pecked my lips softly. My lips twisted in a grin against his as I felt his hands trickle up to my waist again pulling me to his chest.
"She seems like a babe, is she your girlfriend?" I teased, as I kissed his neck.
Fred leaned down kissing my lips again. I'd never get tired of this.
"She could be my whole world if she wanted." He mumbled with a tired grin.
I wish we had more time. I wanted to feel the real way we liked to kiss. I dread saying goodnight, but I did ask Fred to stay out of trouble, and he had done so well.
I sighed, pulling away, "You've got that curfew, remember?" I reminded him, holding along his tie.
Fred nodded, "I'll meet you here in the morning and I'll walk you to the train, I want to give you my gift in person before you leave,"
I nodded agreeing in a blissful daze. My body was buzzing more than I'd ever felt before. The goosebumps were still thick on my skin, and if it hadn't been for the long day I'd have tomorrow as I made my way home for the Christmas holiday, I'd have stayed out the entire night with Fred.
"Goodnight Freddie," I held his hand, as I inched away.
"Goodnight Darling," Fred kissed my hand, before dropping it at my side.
It had never been this hard to say goodnight, and I wanted nothing more than to feel his lips on mine one more time. But it was late enough and we'd both have a long day. I turned on my heel, knocking along the barrels to my common room. Fred waited along the wall, waiting for me to get into my common room. He said he had to make sure I didn't get caught up again.
My petrifaction still affected someone else, too. If Fred and I were out past curfew or alone, he'd make sure I made it into the common room before he'd leave. He wasn't going to let what happened last year happen again, even if that was impossible.
I was floating on the butterflies in my tummy as I made my way to my dorm. Juniper and Roxy were quietly sleeping when I came in. Juniper's light snores filled the room, Roxy slept with her eyes covered and her face comfortably smashed against the pillow drooling on her silk pillowcase.
I quickly stripped out of my uniform for the final time of this term, pulling on the pajama pants I'd grown attached to and a thin white camisole tank top. My cheeks still felt warm, the flurries were aggressive in my gut and I replayed the kiss over again in my head.
No one knew, and I kind of loved it. There hadn't been anything else to say, no one was aware of it but us, our little secret. It wasn't like George even had the map to spy either, we'd been completely alone for once. I loved every moment I got to sneak in.
I laid my head back into my pillow fighting the grin on my lips as I fell asleep. My lips felt hot at the memory. That was the best kiss I'd ever had. Even if the others were two minor mistakes and a childhood crush, I hadn't wanted to kiss any of them again. Until it was him. I found myself dreaming of the next moments we'd get together, almost wishing it was more. I wish I was his girlfriend.
••••••
Magnolia woke up to packed bags and a well-wrapped package at the edge of her bed. The tag read her name in pretty blue colored ink, it was Roxy's handwriting, Magnolia could tell. Juniper's bed beside her was empty and made up, she must've gone down for breakfast already. While Roxy was still under her blankets staring up at the ceiling in silence like she'd been waiting for Magnolia to wake up.
Her head turned as she heard the rustling of Magnolia's sheets.
"I, uh, got you something for Christmas, it was from before our fight but I thought you'd still like it," Roxy admits quietly sitting up in her bed, "I get it if you don't want it," She yawned tiredly.
Magnolia looked across the empty bed to Roxy, "Why'd you say such mean things?" She finally questioned.
The question had been hanging from Magnolia's lips for days but this was the first she'd asked Roxy. The blonde sighed, digging through her bedside drawer to pull out an opened letter with the Westbrook seal.
"My mum wrote me a letter that I got before we started getting ready, and I don't know, guess it made me upset and I took it out on you," Roxy explained, passing the letter to Magnolia to read.
The page smelled like heavy floral perfume and tobacco. It was pungent off the page and abrasive but Magnolia endured holding her breath as she began to read the letter.
Roxanne,
It does not bring me pleasure to have to discuss this over parchment yet here we are. It's been brought to my attention that you have been coercing with the Dubois girl. A kiss? Are you daft, child? You know the type of impression the Westbrook name has, and you're expected to project a certain amount of character with it. I will not have you besmirch the Westbrook name so you can experiment with things you know nothing about.
Thanks to you, we will not be returning to Paris this Winter to give ourselves from the family while we grieve. You are not to write to her again, do you understand? I expect a response within the following days. It was difficult enough to accept that you were sorted in a different house, the least you could do is do as you'd been asked. Don't make things harder than they've already been for us.
Eleanore V. Westbrook.
Magnolia noticed the stamp of Roxy's mum's signature. She couldn't even sign it formally. She tried rereading it again to process what she'd just read.
"So your mum found out about Felicity and you got mad at me for it?" Magnolia asked, her voice was annoyed mixed with confusion, what did she have to do with any of it?
"I'm not saying what I did was nice, I'm just explaining myself a little first. I got annoyed with you because you don't get how hard it is." Roxy sat at the foot of Magnolia's bed with a sigh.
"My mum made me feel like being sorted into a different house wasn't a problem until I started like Felicity. She said she didn't like the way I looked at her, even if she had watched me the same way. I'm not like you, I don't just wake up and like boys. I never have," Roxy began to explain, this was the most vulnerable Magnolia had seen the blonde girl, "I want to be able to love whoever I want to, and my mum has made it to where I can't. Not in public at least! I've been bullied into feeling like it's the worst idea I could ever have," she cried.
Magnolia felt some truth to Roxy's words, it had a similar feeling to hiding around with Fred. She just wanted just a little more.
"Juniper and you've got it easier, people see who you like and they never bat an eye. They see who I like and I'm either mocked or fetishized. I have heard the things Liam has said about gay girls, I can't be myself and you can," Roxy continued.
Magnolia was hiding a growing part of herself and she didn't know how to bring it up. George knew already, it was only fair she had one person to tell as well.
"I'm sorry for taking it out on you, I never thought you were a slag or anything like that. But it's not the only thing I've gotta come clean about before you open the gift," Roxy turned away grabbing the wrapped package from the end of Magnolia's bed, as the box sat in Magnolia's lap, she stared down at the camera she already knew was inside.
"I'm not proud of this but I may have made a small wager with George at the beginning of the year and that's why we crashed your date with Fred," Roxy admits.
"You made a bet with George about what?" Magnolia bellowed, "What could you two possibly need to make wagers on?"
Roxy blushed looking away for a moment before forcing her eyes back on Magnolia, "You and Fred." She shrugs with a small sympathetic smile.
Magnolia arched a brow encouraging her to continue.
"Juniper saw that weird little dance the two of you did the night before you all left The Leaky Cauldron, and it struck a terrible idea in George and me. I'm competitive and he just seemed so sure he knew what was going to happen, I had to put my money where my mouth was. I was stupid to let it get to me, I should've just dropped it when you guys went to Hogsmeade together, I'm sorry," Roxy trailed off, her eyes glazing back over the gift box.
"What'd you bet was going to happen?" Magnolia questioned curiosity getting the best of her.
"That'd you would have kissed Fred before New Years, and George said it'd take another year for either of you to make a move. Then George got into specifics and said you had to be the one to kiss him first or else neither of us would get the money. If you kissed Fred, I feel like it'd be obvious though," Roxy hesitated for a moment, her expression changing as she noticed Magnolia begin to bite back a grin, "Oh Merlin! Something happened between you two!" She cheered in realization.
The door clicked open again, Juniper entering with her hair wrapped in a towel from her morning shower. Roxy turned to Juniper with a wicked grin.
"What are you so worked up about?" Juniper questioned hesitantly as she tried to piece together what was happening.
"Maggie has gone and won me five galleons from the red-headed little shit!" Roxy cheered, reaching over to press a wet kiss on Magnolia's cheek before jumping to her feet and doing the same to Juniper.
Magnolia sat back in her bed, watching as Roxy did an eager cheer to herself as she dug around in her trunk, she pinned a yellow badge to her shirt with a wide grin.
"What is that?" Magnolia asked, squinting as she leaned forward in an attempt to read it.
"It says, I was right. And I've got one for George that says the Hufflepuff was right," Roxy grinned.
"I never said I kissed him," Magnolia says with a small smirk of her own, causing Roxy's grin to drop in a fluid motion as she turns her head.
The comment got Juniper's attention as well, now she's got both girls at the foot of her bed eager for the details. Magnolia wasn't anticipating telling anyone about her and Fred aside from maybe Willow but that was for other advice she might want. Now she was faced with both of her dorm mates excitedly waiting for more information.
"Well you've got our attention now, go on," Juniper encouraged.
"Only if you want to, not like either of us are deserving," Roxy added quickly, "The money isn't important as long as you're both happy,"
Magnolia sighed, "I didn't kiss Fred. I kissed Liam."
The statement was far from false and kept her secret between her, Fred, and unfortunately George.
Juniper gagged, "Why would you do that?" Turning her nose up at the thought.
"I told him I would if we had won the game against Gryffindor, which we unfortunately did," Magnolia groaned, she pushed her legs from under the cover, "I thought it wasn't going to happen, no offense Roxy," Roxy shrugged, she knew their record hadn't been the best and after the loss to Ravenclaw, she knew better than to argue.
"Then I kind of just kissed him and left it at that. But hey! He hasn't bugged me about it," Magnolia pointed out, she chuckled to herself remembering, "He's scared of the Twins anyways."
Juniper nodded, "I had kind of noticed, he's always watching them now. He's been super on edge about it, too. I even asked him if he had a crush on Fred the other day and he got so upset," She giggled.
Roxy shook her head, "You don't have to open it now, but I would like it if you at least accepted my gift," She turned her attention to the box abandoned on Magnolia's bed, "It's the last thing I was really able to get from Felicity before my mum found out we were writing again," She trailed off quietly.
"Thank you, I'll save it for Christmas Day. It'll make it more special." Magnolia smiled.
"We should probably get to the train early, my mum said it's best I get on the early train," Roxy sighed.
"I know my judgment isn't always the best but I definitely think your mum is being a bitch about Felicity," Magnolia told Roxy crudely as she changed out of her pajamas, "She can't have a voice on who you love when she's not the one living your life. Love and attraction are some things you just can't decide. chemistry with someone isn't something you can just decide out of the blue, either. Your body just gets this natural reaction and you get all warm inside, you can't help it!" Her final declaration came from beneath the muffle of her knitted sweater as she pulled it over her head.
Juniper snickered from her bed as she gathered the last of her thing, "Sounds like that kiss with Liam really got you wound up," She quickly teased.
Magnolia scoffed, "He wouldn't know what to do I gave him a manual!"
Roxy snorts from the other side of the room, "When'd you become an expert?"
"None of your business. Now, I've gotta go meet Fred and George before we go to the station," Magnolia quickly excuses, tugging her coat over her sweater.
She quickly opens her trunk, putting the wrapped gift from Roxy in her trunk. The blonde glanced over to Juniper who sat in her own daze paying attention to her gift for Lee as she made the final touches. As Roxy looked back to Magnolia she noticed a darkening spot at the base of her neck.
"Oh, Merlin! You!" Roxy gasped, pointing her neck with a wicked grin, "You've been snogging someone! You've got a concealing charm on a love bite!" She was giddy with her realization.
Magnolia's hand flew to her neck, "You've gone mad. I'm running late, I've already overslept enough." She forced her trunk closed.
Magnolia jumped to her feet, racing to the door so she could run before further interrogation but Roxy was quicker, she closed off the space in front of the door before Magnolia could reach the handle. Magnolia looked up to her taller friend biting at her tongue. She needed to think of an excuse quickly, anything. She wasn't ready to lose the secrecy just yet, not without figuring out what it all meant with Fred.
"You don't need to run off, I just want to know whether or not, the owner of the lips who caused them, will win me five galleons or not?" Roxy asked.
"No. I didn't kiss Fred. " Magnolia quickly lied, slipping underneath her arm and forcing herself out of the dorm. Her feet carried her with clear direction all the way to the Gryffindor common room. I've gone and done it again, Magnolia thought to herself.
A/N: Someone called Maggie messy in an earlier chapter and I can't help but feel like this further proves it. We love messy Maggie lol. How's everyone feeling about them so far? Anyone that watches Friends knows Maggie and Fred are giving Chandler and Monica vibes and I'm here for it 3 Anyways Holiday cheer coming early this year, the next chapter will be Christmas! Some of my favorite chapters to write!