For the last week of summer vacation, Jade finished her school shopping with Ginny and Hermione. On the day of leaving to King's Cross, Jade struggled to close her luggage that had been filled with her new cauldrons and books.
"Knock, knock!" a voice said from the doorway.
"Hey Neville!" Jade said, seeing Neville standing in front of her in a light blue cardigan. "Ready for the new year?" he asked.
"I don't know yet. Haven't got a clue how this year is going to start. As long as no one dies, I guess." Jade said, tapping her luggage with her wand. It gently rose from her floor and floated out of the room and down the stairs.
"How bored have you been? There are flowers and paper birds here everywhere!" he said, unraveling one. "There's something written in here…The smell of your skin and your hair as you sleep-" Jade jumped forward and snatched the note from Neville's hand. "So is it true then? You and Fred?" Neville asked. Jade quickly gathered the rest of the paper doves and put them into her bag, reminding herself to straighten them and put them away in her dormitory tonight.
"Mum and Dad don't know Neville! Ssh!" Jade said. Neville quickly nodded.
"But he's really nice. He always sticks up for me whenever those Slytherins give me a hard time." Neville said seeing Jade smile sadly. "Are you unhappy Jade?" Neville asked.
"It's a little complicated Nev." Jade said.
"Did you both break up?" Neville asked.
"No…I don't know. We haven't been speaking to each other in a week." Jade said.
"You or him? I know he's been trying to get in touch with you through these letters." Neville said, picking up another dove. Jade took it from him and put it in her bag.
"Sometimes you just have to teach the ones you love a lesson." Jade said seeing Neville sigh.
"Hannah's been giving me the cold shoulder too. All summer, Gran's been asking a hundred questions about where I was going and sometimes wouldn't let me out." Neville said.
"You should have told her you were seeing me." Jade said.
"Then she'd want to come. It's not fair you know; I'm sixteen." Neville said. There was a knock on the door and the two teenagers looked up to see Augusta standing at the doorway with her large dark green hat perched on her head.
"Neville go downstairs. I need to share a few words with Jade." Augusta said.
"See you downstairs Jade!" Neville said, getting up and leaving.
"Sorry about my room Aunt Augusta. I've been packing all week…have a seat!" Jade said, collecting another dove from her bed.
"It's all right. I just wanted to speak to you since you're…grown and all. How is your friend Ginny?" Augusta asked.
"Wonderful…couldn't be better." Jade said.
"Tell her I said hello. Are you still speaking with that Greengrass girl?" Augusta asked.
"Not lately." Jade said, cleaning up the floor.
"That's good news. And what about boyfriends?" Augusta asked. Jade dropped her dustpan and looked at Augusta with the blood drained out of her face.
"Boyfriends?" Jade asked.
"Well since you're a young woman now…girls at your age started sorting through suitors to find a husband and settle down with." Augusta said.
"Oh well in that case…I'm in no rush. Every generation takes a longer time to mature I guess." Jade said.
"I met your Uncle when I was 14. You're 15 now, that's when I became pregnant with Frank." Augusta said softly.
"That's really nice Aunt Augusta." Jade said.
"So I've heard that you are good friends with Cormac McLaggen?" Augusta asked.
"He's great!" Jade said, feeling uncomfortable to know where this was leading.
"He's an extremely handsome young man." Augusta said.
"You can say that." Jade said.
"He is polite, intelligent, thoughtful and sensible." Augusta said.
"One could argue, one could argue, one could argue and one could argue." Jade said under her breath.
"What was that?" Augusta asked.
"I said one could not agree more." Jade said.
"His Uncle Tiberus is well known and liked at the Ministry. Have you ever thought of considering the idea of having this boy court you?" Augusta asked.
"Jade! I think I lost Trevor again!" Neville yelped from downstairs.
"I'm coming to help! Sorry Aunt Augusta!" Jade said, running out of her room with her bag.
When Jade and Neville's family reached Platform 9 ¾, they had started to say their goodbyes. Jade tried avoiding Augusta as much as she could, quickly hugging and kissing her goodbye so she wouldn't engage her in another conversation about a potential marriage with Cormac.
"I'm so sorry I've forgotten your bag! Your wand was in it too!" Enid said.
"It's all right Mum, you can just owl them to me! Don't forget that! Dad! Be sure to remind her!" Jade said, seeing her father look at her, puzzled.
"What?" he asked softly.
"Are you feeling all right Dad?" Jade asked, touching her father's arm.
"I'm not sure I had breakfast this morning." Algie said. Jade looked at Enid who giggled.
"Algie and his never ending stomach. You have a wonderful year Jade and please write every night. I'll owl you your things by tomorrow morning." Enid said.
"Thanks Mum. Bye Aunt Augusta." Jade said, starting to leave with Neville.
"Wait now! Hold on for a minute! There goes Tiberus and his wonderful nephew Cormac!" Augusta said, pointing towards Tiberus who was rather tall and dark haired man wearing a dark green velvet robe. Cormac was walking next to him, two inches shorter than his uncle.
"Augusta." Tiberus nodded. He looked over to Neville and shook his hand. "How are you, young man?" Tiberus asked. Neville squeaked out an answer and Tiberus acknowledged Jade, Enid and Algie.
"It's good to finally see you Miss Longbottom. Your Aunt speaks highly of you and you seem to be a wonderful friend to my nephew here." Tiberus said seeing Cormac smiling at her.
"Pookie and I-sorry, Jade and I couldn't wait to get this year started! I mean, she's been working at that joke of a joke shop with those horrid red haired twins. I think one of them fan-"
"Constantly working throughout the entire summer and making sure I started preparing for my O.W.L's which by the way Cormac performed wonderfully!" Jade said quickly.
"All thanks to Pookie." Cormac said, sending a charming smile towards Enid who looked won over. Jade wanted nothing more than to punch Cormac in the face.
"Hopefully my nephew here can return the favor! You'll be taking your O.W.L.s this year, yes?" Tiberus asked, clapping Cormac's back.
"Yes sir." Jade said.
"You don't need to worry about anything Mr. and Mrs. Longbottom, I will take care of Pookie like your own son. It is my obligation as your son to take care of your daughter since she is such a good friend of mine." Cormac said, reaching over to hold Enid's hand.
"What's 'Pookie' and why does he keep calling you that?" Neville breathed behind Jade.
"I don't know…he's got an illness or something." Jade said through her teeth.
"Well Jade, I must say I am very disappointed!" Enid said, staring at Cormac.
"Why is that Mum?" Jade asked.
"You've never told me that you were friends with such a sweet boy!" Enid said. Algie grunted and put an arm around Jade.
"Naughty Pookie!" Cormac said, wagging his finger at Jade and laughing with Enid and Augusta.
"Well I wish we could talk about this but the train's ready to leave. It's good to see you sir." Jade said, shaking Tiberus's hand. Tiberus nodded and Jade quickly hugged her parents goodbye. "Take care everyone! Come along Neville!" Jade said, dragging him off by his sleeve.
"Keep a watchful eye on my niece and grandson, will you Cormac?" Augusta asked Cormac.
"Don't ever open this door! And if he asks where I am, tell him I jumped off the train and killed myself!" Jade said, sitting down. Neville looked worried and stood in front of the door.
"Maybe you should tell Gran about Fred! Maybe then she'll stop trying to match you with him." Neville said.
"I can't tell Aunt Augusta about Fred." Jade said.
"Why not?" Neville asked.
"The same reason why you won't tell her about Hannah." Jade said, seeing the door open. "I'm sorry! Compartment's-"
"Pookie! You just left me all alone at the station!" Cormac said, walking in.
"What was that all about?" Jade asked, standing up.
"What was what?" Cormac asked innocently.
"You acting all sweet, trying to be charming and nearly telling them about Fred!" Jade said.
"Who's Fred?" Cormac asked. Jade stared at Cormac, her eyes blazing in anger.
"Maybe you should go." Neville suggested from the corner.
"Oh! Wred Feasley? Or is it the other way around? The joke who owns a joke shop? What about him? I didn't say anything about him! I only mentioned that you worked in his joke shop! I thought your parents knew about that." Cormac said.
"Yes they knew but they don't know that…forget it. Can I be left alone today? My head is starting to hurt." Jade said.
"Pookie you look upset! Tell me what's wrong! Tell your best friend Cormie what's-"
"STOP MAKING UP NICKNAMES! I HATE POOKIE!" Jade yelled.
"But-"
"Get out!" Jade yelled. She pushed Cormac out of the door and Neville ran out, seeing her close the compartment door.
"Pookie!" Cormac yelled, knocking on the door.
"Let me guess! Jade's in there?" Ginny asked. Cormac and Neville turned around.
"You're her friend! Tell her to open the door!" Cormac said.
"Actually Professor Slughorn's looking for you. You've gotten the owl about the meeting right?" Ginny asked.
"I did but Pookie's mad at me." Cormac said.
"That's nothing new. Why don't you go away so I can talk to her?" Ginny asked, knocking on the door.
"I'm not going away! She's my best friend!" Cormac said.
"Am I going to take you out by force or should I call my brothers?" Ginny asked.
"This is harassment!" Cormac said. They heard a short laugh from inside the compartment. Ginny nodded towards the door.
"You hear that? She's going insane because of you. By the way, there are the most gorgeous group of seventh years that were saying how handsome and sexy you were." Ginny said seeing Cormac's eyes light up.
"Really? Where?" he asked, looking around.
"The compartment all the way at the end to the right." Ginny said.
"Tell Pookie I'll be back…you'll calm her down right? I mean, I think you might need me since…you know, I'm the better friend and she's like…you know!" he whispered.
"No…I don't know." Ginny said slowly. Cormac sent a nervous glance towards the door and leaned closer towards Ginny.
"She's in love with me!" he whispered. Ginny's lips twitched and she nearly exploded in laughter.
"Hmm, right, of course." She said.
"She keeps talking about this Fred character, your brother obviously and I think you should tell him to leave her alone." Cormac said seeing Ginny nod.
"You know, I absolutely agree. He's complicating everything isn't he?" Ginny asked. The door opened and Jade pulled Ginny in, closing the door shut again.
"I can feel your smirk from the other side of this door!" Jade said.
"But the funny thing is that he doesn't! Good grief, what did you do to make this poor thing run after you like a faithful lap dog?" Ginny asked. Jade told her about the exchange in the station just before they had boarded the train. Ginny burst out laughing and Jade sat there, watching her for a few minutes before Ginny could recover and apologize.
"You look like you were holding back." Jade said seeing Ginny grin.
"I'll just get to Hogwarts, lock myself in the bathroom and laugh until I piss myself. No need to make such a mess in the train." Ginny said.
"I always thought you were so different from your brother but now I see why you're Fred's sister." Jade said.
"Jade! Fred told me everything that happened!" Ginny said, taking Jade's hand.
"Good." Jade said.
"You should have seen his face when he walked in and started telling me what happened. He looked so miserable." Ginny said.
"Gin, I love your brother-"
"You love him?" Ginny asked.
"Didn't he tell you?" Jade asked.
"Tell me what? I only know that George and Angelina started to tease you about the things you and Fred do…you know…and you were rightfully upset and left." Ginny said.
"Fred told me he loved me for the very first time." Jade said seeing Ginny look pleasantly surprised.
"That's so sweet of him! I never thought he was capable of feeling or saying something like that in his life!" Ginny said seeing Jade nod.
"I was taking a bath at the time and he was outside and told me through the door. We actually spent a few of the best hours of my life in his room until we walked out, into the living room. You know I love George but sometimes those two can become so comfortable with teasing someone. It just wasn't romantic after that and I really didn't want that day to go wrong in any way." Jade said.
"I didn't know that Jade, I really didn't. I would be upset too if that happened to me and you're right; Fred and George really do get too comfortable with the teasing. If you want, I'll speak to him-"
"It won't be necessary. I'll send him a letter tonight." Jade said seeing Ginny smile. "But enough about my sob stories, what about you? You seem so much happier with Dean." Jade said.
"Oh Jade, I really wish I can tell you now but Professor Slughorn has a small meeting and I've been invited." Ginny said.
"Neville told me about that but go ahead. I'll see you at Hogwarts and if your meeting ends earlier, you'll know where I am." Jade said, seeing Ginny nod.
Ginny left the compartment and Jade sat back, trying to relax in her seat. She took out a few pages of parchment and a quill to write Fred a letter. The door opened and Jade looked up to see Astoria quickly walk in, shutting the door behind her. She looked thinner and her hair was a short braided mess.
"I'm not here." She said, hiding behind the cloak that Cormac hung.
The door opened and Jade looked at Pansy Parkinson who stepped in.
"Where is she?" she immediately asked.
"Who?" Jade asked.
"I know you saw her, Longbottom! Tell me where she is." Pansy said, looking around.
"Do you see anyone around here yourself Parkinson? You can leave me alone now." Jade said. Pansy snatched the parchment from Jade's hand and started reading it.
"What is this? Love letter for your weasel boyfriend? 'I miss you and love you terribly'." Pansy read, laughing. Jade calmly sat there, watching Pansy ball the letter up and throw it to the ground. "Have a nice year Longbottom." She said, leaving the compartment. When the door shut, Astoria removed the cloak to see Jade unraveling the letter she had been writing to Fred.
"I'm really sorry you have to deal with that cow." Astoria said.
"It's okay." Jade said, still examining the paper. Astoria stood there, watching Jade smooth out the wrinkled parchment, unwilling to look up.
"So how was your summer?" Astoria asked, sitting down in front of Jade.
"It was good. I'm sorry; did you want something from me?" Jade asked looking up.
"I can't ask you about your summer?" Astoria asked.
"I don't know. Can you? Seeing as you haven't asked how I was doing for almost a year." Jade said.
"Look at you doing all the talking for yourself." Astoria said, looking amused.
"What do you want from me, Ass? Do you want me to tell you how wrong you were about Fred?" Jade asked.
"Look Jade, I didn't come here to fight with you." Astoria said quietly, growing pale as her nose and the rims of her eyes started to redden.
"Then what? What made you remember me all of a sudden? Did the boyfriend turn to the dark side?" Jade asked.
"Oh god…" Astoria breathed, placing her hand over her chest. Tears immediately sprang to her eyes and Jade felt unsettled, seeing Astoria sob and get up.
"Ass, are you okay?" Jade started to say but Astoria ripped out of the compartment and ran off. Jade got up and ran out of the compartment to see that Astoria was nowhere to be found.
After the train ride, Jade kept a close eye on Astoria, watching her sit around the terrifying group of Slytherins she always loathed. She kept looking at Malfoy, trying to win his affection. From what Jade saw last year, his attention and enthusiasm for her plummeted and he seemed more interested in what Dumbledore had to say than what Astoria was trying to tell him. Somehow looking at what their relationship was turning out to be, Jade was more thankful she had someone like Fred and knew that she had been taking him for granted. She'd rather live through Fred's annoying habits than spend a minute with someone as heartless as Malfoy.
Dear Fred,
It's been a week since we last spoke and I just wanted to let you know that I've finally reached Hogwarts. It's a brand new year for me with O.W.L's to focus on but a few less people to spend it with; one of them being you. I miss you Fred, I really do. I wish you were with me in the compartment. I wish you were with me during the carriage ride. I wish you were with me during dinner. I just wish you were here every single day like you used to. I also wish I wouldn't get as mad as I am every time we're together. I'm a screw up aren't I? But how lucky am I to be with someone as funny, handsome and loving as I am unfunny, odd looking and unlikable as me? I'm very sorry about how I reacted the other day and even sorrier for never returning your owls. Each message was sweeter than the next one and they went unanswered because of the unfathomable git that I am. Please forgive me? Will telling you that I love you too do the trick? In that case, I love you. More than anyone else. More than Viktor Krum, himself! And you know how serious I am about him don't you? I have more posters of him in my room than the number of times you and George collected detention. Please write back, I miss you and love you terribly.
Yours only,
Jade.
Jade watched her owl fly off and disappear into the dark sky. She crept into bed and looked at Ginny who had been lying on her bed, watching Jade.
"Night love." Jade said, switching off the lights.
"Night." Ginny yawned.