Hey guys! As you can see, we have a new title! 'Hyacinths' was something temporary until I found another title that I liked and here it is! It's a song by the Beatles which I love dearly. Here are the updates! I'd love to know what you guys think and thanks for all the reviewers who let me know how they felt. I appreciate the feedback whether it's good or bad so thanks! Anywho, on to the story...
Fifth Year
Molly Weasley stood in front of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, a giant building that promised bags of fun and ridiculous contraptions. After mouthing the words on one of her sons posters, she walked into the shop to see it filled with people of all ages. She saw Jade reaching for a box of U-No-Poo's, wearing a magenta robe with the golden lettering of the joke shops name written on it. Fred jumped on to the ladder and shook it, standing behind Jade.
"You stole my cauldron but you can't have my heart! Baby you've cheated and have it down to an arrrrrrt!" Fred belted out, scaring Jade.
"Fred! Stop it! GEORGE!" Jade screamed, clutching the ladder. Fred laughed and kissed the back of her arm.
"How do you know I'm not George?" Fred asked quickly.
"Fred I have a client! I'm trying to work!" Jade growled.
"Mr. Weasley, we've just received an order of 500 shield hats, gloves and cloaks each from the Ministry." Verity said, holding up a clipboard of the order.
"You've got to be joking! The Ministry ordered 500 of them? George did you hear that?" Fred asked, turning to George who was offering a group of boys a Punching Telescope.
"What was that?" George asked.
"Fred I swear if you don't get out of my way, I'll push you off this ladder!" Jade said.
"I love it when you threaten to spank-well hello there Mum!" Fred said seeing Molly pursing her lips.
"Why are you harassing the poor girl? She's clearly trying to do your work!" Molly said as Fred hugged her.
"What can I say Mum? I love the way she looks in that robe! Doesn't she look like you could eat her up?" Fred asked gesturing towards Jade who stepped down the ladder and handed a customer the box from the shelf.
"You shouldn't treat someone you care about that way! She could have gotten hurt." Molly said. Jade grabbed a Rubby O' Chicken and hit Fred's back with it.
"Exactly what I said but he'd have to care about me first if he didn't want me to break my head." Jade said, hugging Molly.
"Be grateful she hasn't filed a sexual harassment suit against you." George said.
"I don't think you should hear this Mum. You're a little too old for this conversation." Fred said, ducking when his mother went to swat his head.
"Come with me Mum, I'll take you on a tour around the shop." George said, steering his mother away.
"I have to go, the gang's here." Jade said, walking away.
"No side chatter Longbottom! I don't pay you to lounge around you know!" Fred said.
"You don't pay her to fool around in the office either." Ginny said seeing Fred grin.
"She's my girlfriend; she has to fool around with me for free otherwise she'd have to reconsider her future profession." Fred said.
"What the hell are you on about? I work for free here." Jade said.
"Of course you would, you're here for me after all." Fred said. Jade ignored Fred and walked towards Hermione and Ginny.
"Hey Hermione! I haven't seen you all summer, where have you been?" Jade asked.
"With my parents for the most part. You've cut off all your hair and your weight's down too!" Hermione said.
"My Aunt Augusta thought I needed to keep myself slim and pretty for whoever she wanted me to get married to." Jade said.
"She's still after you about getting married? Who is she suggesting anyways?" Hermione asked.
"Some bloke whose uncle is in the Ministry. I've seen him." Ginny said.
"And?" Hermione asked.
"And what? Do I like him? Fred would murder me if he knew!" Jade said.
"No! Who is he?" Hermione asked.
"Look at you two pretty women." Cormac said, appearing next to Jade.
"Hey Cormac! We were just talking about you!" Jade said.
"Good things I hope. I actually spent time on my Quidditch this summer. Look at that." Cormac said, flexing. Jade smiled and patted his shoulder.
"Cormac's also spent his entire summer flexing and I spent the entire summer watching." Jade said.
"Pookie over here-"
"Oh dear god Cormac…please stop calling me that." Jade said.
"But that Weasley fellow isn't around!" Cormac said, looking around.
"I don't care if he's around or another planet away, you cannot call me 'Pookie' it sounds stupid." Jade said.
"But I thought we made nicknames for each other." Cormac said, frowning. Jade looked at Hermione and Ginny who busied themselves to the love potions, trying to stay straight faced.
"We never made nicknames for each other. I call you Cormac and you call me Jade." Jade said.
"I thought your name was Jane!" Cormac said.
"I'm developing an ulcer." Jade said rubbing her stomach.
"Why? Were you eating too much again? You lost all that weight, now you want to gain it back again? You know when I started dieting at the age of 2-"
"Cormac look! Pretty girls talking about you!" Jade said, pointing towards the storeroom filled with Dungbombs that were shipped this morning.
"Excuse me ladies." Cormac winked, walking away.
"You're excused forever." Ginny said, glaring after him.
"He's the one Neville's grandmother is fixing you up with?" Hermione asked seeing Jade nod and sigh.
"Imagine my relief when I found out. He has absolutely no interest in me and would keel over and die than have a date with me." Jade said.
"Ow! Pookie! I've been hurt!" Cormac yelled from the storeroom. Jade rolled her eyes.
"I'll be right back. You both can look at those Daydream Charms, they're wonderful!" Jade said, leaving Hermione and Ginny. She walked into the storeroom to see Cormac coughing from the dung bombs that he accidentally exploded. He was on the floor with Pygmy Puffs nibbling on the ends of his robe, smiling when he saw her walk in.
"I think you should go outside and get some fresh air. Even though Fred and George would be delighted to see you in the middle of exploded dung bombs, they won't like the smell chasing away the customers." Jade said covering her nose.
"You said there were pretty girls in here, talking about me!" he said, getting red in the face.
"They must have ran away when they saw you." Jade said, helping him up.
"Why would they do that?" Cormac asked.
"Um…probably shy?" Jade asked.
"It happens all the time. I'm glad you're not shy when you see me. Why is that? I'm really attractive." Cormac said.
"I know you are, Cormac. I just don't see you that way." Jade said seeing him straighten his robes.
"That's rubbish. I know we're best friends and all but you have to admit…you've thought about being with me all the time, right?" Cormac asked.
"Nope, not really." Jade said.
"Why not?" Cormac asked firmly.
"Well I told you a hundred times, I'm seeing someone." Jade said.
"So?" he shrugged. "Can't you think about me even when you're with him?" he asked.
"No! Cripes Cormac, why on earth would I do that? Some people, believe it or not, are happy with the person that they're with and don't think about anyone else but each other. I know it's a little hard for you to believe but it happens." Jade said.
"Oh…I think I know why it is. It's because of what happened because of the Yule Ball isn't it? You wanted to ask me but I made fun of you? I admit it was a childish thing to do but you have to get over it! We're friends now!" Cormac said.
"I am over it…trust me." Jade said, unable to believe that he hadn't heard a single word from her.
"Listen, I have a lot of things to do. Why don't you look at a few things?" Jade asked.
"Are we going to have lunch?" Cormac asked.
"Not today. I promised Fred I'd eat with him today." Jade said seeing Cormac's lip curl.
"He shouldn't be as important as me. I don't go around, giving my friends black eyes. Does he like you or something?" Cormac asked.
"You know…if I answer that, I'm afraid you wouldn't remember. I'll just go." Jade said, leaving.
"How about tomorrow? Are you free tomorrow?" Cormac asked.
"Sure! Why not? I'll send you an owl." Jade said, quickly running off to see Ginny holding a Pygmy Puff.
"Isn't he a sweet little thing?" Ginny asked, stroking the small ball of purple fur.
"God no, he's a nightmare." Jade said, watching Cormac walk out, winking and grinning at a few girls who blushed.
"But Fred and George said they were harmless little things." Ginny said, nuzzling the Pygmy Puff.
"What? Oh, those! I thought you were talking about Cormac." Jade said.
"You're probably one of the nicest and patient people I've ever met. I haven't seen someone sit still next to McLaggen for over a minute." Ginny said.
"He has his moments. Even though he talks about himself 99.99 percent of the time, he just needs a friend like all of us do." Jade said.
"As long as he isn't my friend." Ginny said.
"Where did Hermione go?" Jade asked seeing Ginny look around.
"She was here a minute ago. Then again, so were Ron and Harry. I suppose they went off in an adventure again." Ginny said.
"And Dean? Where is he?" Jade asked knocking her shoulder against Ginny's.
"He won't come back until next week. By the way, thanks for telling Fred and George everything!" Ginny said.
"Trust me, I didn't tell them anything. Fleur told your Mum who told Ron who told Fred and George." Jade said.
"Oh well, it makes things less awkward now doesn't it?" Ginny asked.
"You know who I haven't heard from all summer?" Jade asked.
"I know…but there's nothing we can do, can we?" Ginny asked.
"I wish I could have at least seen her or have her write a word to me. Anything to know she was all right." Jade said.
"I guess we'll find out when we go back to Hogwarts." Ginny said. Jade felt Fred wrap his arms around her from behind. He buried himself in her neck, smelling deeply.
"Helga Hufflepuff's beard! Do you have to go to the bathroom?" Fred asked, still holding onto Jade.
"I'm going to slap you so hard; you'll be coughing up your gums!" Jade said, trying to shake him off.
"No seriously, why do you smell like that? Ginny did you try to snog my lady here?" Fred asked.
"Not before you spilled your scent to claim her." Ginny said.
"I walked into the storeroom where the Dung Bombs exploded. I have to take go shower; can I have the keys darling?" Jade asked.
"Allow me to run the bath for you." Fred said, kissing her.
"You both are sickening. I'm going home. Will you be over tonight Jade?" Ginny asked.
"Not tonight, it's your turn to stay over at my house." Jade said.
"That's a little rude. You ask Ginny to stay over but you never asked me to stay over. I let you stay over all the time in my flat!" Fred said.
"Fred, I hate your joking! Just give me the keys and let me go! I have to be home in an hour." Jade said, taking the keys from Fred and walking off.
"You know…if you want to make your relationship long lasting with her, I think you should stop annoying her." Ginny said.
"I stopped annoying her ages ago! Ever since that night where she blew up on me for using the Bald-For-Two-Minutes charm, I stopped! It all grew back in two minutes but wow, I've never seen her that upset in all my life." Fred said.
"That's the most horrible thing I've ever heard someone do to their girlfriend. It's an actual mystery why she still forgave you. I would have requested you to snip off both your balls." Ginny said.
"You're disgusting like that, it's not my fault. Anyways, I have to go upstairs for something important. Don't go without saying goodbye, little sister." Fred said, leaving. He left the shop and walked towards the door to the flat that was directly upstairs from his shop. Fred went upstairs and unlocked the door to his flat. He walked in, hearing the water flowing from his bathroom.
"Jade?" Fred called, walking into his room.
"In the bathroom!" Jade said from the bathroom.
"Are you naked?" Fred asked.
"Is George out there?" Jade asked.
"It's just me, don't be too disappointed." Fred said smiling next to the door. He heard her sigh and imagined her shaking her head.
"You're not funny." Jade said.
"I'm sorry love. May I come in?" Fred asked.
"No!" she said firmly, playing around in the water.
"Why not?" Fred asked.
"You're never serious Fred. You keep saying stupid things before you think them through." Jade said.
"How else do you expect me to tell you…I mean, I'm funny like that." He said, closing his eyes tightly. He was waiting for a while to tell her the three hardest words of his life but this wasn't the right time. Telling her through a locked bathroom door wasn't probably the most appropriate way of telling someone he loved that he actually did love them.
"Did you come up here for something?" Jade asked.
"Coincidentally I needed a bath too. I think this is why we're together, its destiny! We both need a bath at the same time and there's a global epidemic with wasted water. It'll be both better for us and the world to share a bath." Fred said.
"That kind of smart talk won't let you in." Jade said. Fred sighed.
"Well I was going to say something important but I was waiting until you opened the door so I could tell you when we were face to face." He said.
"Don't tell me! You're pregnant!" Jade gasped. Fred grinned and knocked his head against the door.
"Close…I love you." he said. He waited, hearing nothing inside.
"What was that?" Jade asked hoarsely.
"I love you." Fred repeated. He heard the water slosh and in a few seconds, the door opened. Jade stood in front of him in a towel, gaping, her short hair dark hair curling around her ears and neck.
"Please tell me this is a joke before I actually believe it." Jade said quickly.
"It's not a joke Jade. I've been in love with you longer than I actually realized…which is the case for everyone for the most part." He said.
"Say it again." Jade said.
"Back by popular demand…'I love you'!" Fred said.
"Seriously Fred." Jade said, looking weary. Fred wrapped his arms around her, placing a gentle kiss on her lips.
"I love you, Jade Longbottom. More than anyone else. I've never thought about another woman the way I think about you and no one's moved me the way you have. Maybe we're young but I do believe what I have for you is stronger than I can control and it's worth everything to be with you." he said, watching her cry. "Great…the first time I've ever told a woman I love her and she cries! I thought you were supposed to jump on me and have crazy passionate-whoa!" Fred said when Jade yanked him inside the bathroom and locked the door.
"My Mum and Dad are going to kill me if I come home late again." Jade whispered as Fred hugged her tighter.
"Tell them one of Mrs. Weasley's sons is taking really good care of you. How good, it's up to you." he murmured, kissing up her neck. Jade grinned and looked down at Fred seeing him lift his head, touching his nose with hers.
"My parents are going to have a heart attack. I don't think they want me to feel that special." Jade said.
"No kidding. Your parents are older than my grandparents." Fred said. Jade sharply slapped him on his back and pushed him off, gathering her clothes. "I'm joking. That was completely inappropriate." Fred said, slipping his legs through his boxers.
"Are you still trying to be funny?" Jade asked, quickly wearing her shirt.
"No! I thought you were going to laugh at that! I didn't mean to be mean. Jade!" Fred said seeing her pick up her bag and turn around.
"I'm a little slow Fred. I had no idea that you wanted me to laugh! Say it again and this time, tell me exactly what part of it should have struck me as hilarious?" Jade asked.
"I'm sorry! I love you!" Fred said. Jade went to open her mouth to yell at him again but softened, feeling herself smile suddenly.
"I love you, I love you, I looooooove youuuuu!" Fred sang softly, swaying from side to side. Jade bent her head, shaking in laughter and Fred walked over to her, gently pulling her towards him. "I'm really sorry. I'll try to think twice before saying anything stupid like that." He said.
"This is your last chance and telling me you love me won't work all the time." Jade said, kissing him.
"Good to know it'll still work sometime!" Fred said. They walked out of his room to see Angelina and George on the sofa, naked. Angelina shrieked and picked up a shirt from the floor, trying to cover herself. Jade reddened in embarrassment and looked away.
"Why play coy Angie? This is the third time I've come across you both like this." Fred said, standing there, watching Angelina and George.
"Turn around and stop staring at them!" Jade said, turning Fred.
"Don't you two ever knock?" George asked, quickly wearing his pants.
"Oh!" Fred said, smacking his own head. "I should have realized that knocking on your bedroom door before entering the living room is common courtesy for the two people shagging there, while they have a perfectly good second bedroom right across the hall!" Fred said.
"It's common courtesy to get back at the both of you for being so loud in your rooms." George said.
"What?" Jade asked. George and Angelina nodded. "You need to reposition your bed on another wall because your bed nearly took the wall in my room down!" George said.
"I swear the building moves an inch every time you two shack up." Angelina said.
"Yeah well…you're still naked!" Jade said, flustered. George gave Jade a sly grin and wagged his eyebrows.
"I never pegged you as a growler, Jade." George said. Fred snorted.
"That's not true. I don't growl. You're only making these things up because we caught you again." Jade said.
"Angie?" George asked, turning to Angelina who smirked.
"You're a growler and you're a sissy Fred." Angelina said, turning to Fred. He gingerly touched the top part of his hair.
"Try having sex with a woman who keeps trying to encourage premature balding, then we'll find out who's the sissy." Fred said.
"Why don't you shut your mouth and stop offending your girl, mate?" George asked nodding towards the door.
"What are you talking about?" Fred laughed, looking behind him to see that Jade left.
Jade walked out of the building to see Fred apparating in front of her wearing only his boxers. She stopped, looking at him calmly as everyone passed by, giving him odd looks and pointing.
"I lo-" Fred started to say but Jade held up her hand.
"Before you even say the three words I am quickly going to find annoying and eventually hate, you better say something else." Jade warned.
"…I…loathe…you?" Fred said slowly.
"Finally! You said something that makes sense! It explains why you're constantly saying all these fucked up things to me!" Jade said.
"I didn't say that! George started it!" Fred said.
"So it's okay for George to make fun of me for something that's strictly supposed to be between you and I?" Jade asked.
"Jade, if we're being loud-"
"You're absolutely ridiculous and make McLaggen seem mentally healthy!" Jade said, rushing past him.
"I'm trying to make a point!" Fred said, trying to get a hold of her.
"Don't touch me!" Jade yelled.
"Miss, is this pervert bothering you?" a tall burly man asked, walking towards her with a few other men.
"He's been bothering me for a few years now." Jade said, still staring hard at Fred.
"I don't do it on purpose! Jade, you can't be joking!" Fred said.
"No Fred, I'm not like you. I don't treat everything as a joke." Jade said.