Title: Empty Wallets, Full Hearts
Rating: PG-13
Summary: [sequel to Fred and George or Gred and Forge?] Fred/Angelina, and George/Alica. who is the blackmailer????
Author's Note: thanks for all u'r reviews!!! i'm glad u guys liked the first part.. i hope i don't disappoint you !! : {
Jennifer: : ) thank you, u are very encouraging! Get a pen name and post u'r story soon; i'm curious to read what u wrote about George and Alicia: )
Chapter 2: The Sacrifices For Love
FRED's POV
Roger Davies is the most insufferable git I have ever met. He gives insufferable gits all around the world a bad name. What a moron! What a total and complete imbecile! He is the biggest prat that has disgraced the very ground he walks on. I bet the little dustbunnies under his bed cower in his presence. He's- he's- just- a- stupid-
"ARGHHH!" I punched the scarlet wallpaper with clenched fists. Ignoring the pain in my knuckles and the obvious dent in the wall, I gritted my teeth so hard, I thought it wouldn't be long until they'd break apart.
"I thought it was a pretty good game." I turned to find Harry's grinning face. The others weren't grinning; in fact, they were all staring at me as if I had a sign over my head: "Associate at your own risk. Not entirely sane. Do not feed."
"Ahh, don't worry about him; you saw that bludger he took in the head from drooling over the lovely Ms. Johnson," George winked, but at the same time held a firm grip on my shoulder. A few people laughed and Angelina's cheeks tinged pink, but looked curiously at me still. I managed a small, but clear smile before being steered to the corner by George.
"Calm down, Fred, no need to sabotage the Common Room," George muttered, patting me on the back lightly. "That's right, Fred, breathe." I sighed as I plunked myself down on the armchair.
"S'alright, I'm fine," I replied, grinning so hard at him, I imagined it looked more like a grimace. "Go get some food, I'm okay." He cast one last dubious look at me before turning to the crowd of people milling over the Honeydukes sweets we smuggled inside.
My face dropped back to a scowl, as I continued to mentally bash that git Davies. For about a month, it's "Got a problem with that, Weasley?" and "No, you're not doing it right, prat!" all through Herbology which he, by the way, is a complete dunce at. And during the whole Quidditch match, it's nothing but foul words hissed at me for no particular reason at all (except when I pelted him with a bludger, but that's beside the point).
I shook my head, and turned to look at the people about me. Lee was going through the whole game step-by-step with witty comments making several of our housemates burst into hysterical laughter. Katie was having a debate with one of our reserved-chasers concerning a foul she made during the game. George and Alicia were sitting comfortably on the couch talking to themselves in a friendly manner (since they were in public), but I noticed George's hand covering hers very slightly. Her eyes glanced around nervously for an eaves-dropper then smiled shyly at him, shifting her palm closer.
I looked away, embarrassed, feeling as if I had been prying into one of their most private secrets. I've never seen my brother look so content and pleased since we put a dungbomb in Percy's underwear drawer (please don't ask; its a rather gruesome tale to tell). Seriously, he's practically skipping down the hallways now. There is just something wrong with that.
I found a pair of slim arms encircle my neck from behind. I inhaled the scent and grinned. A soft, hidden smell of wild berries which I knew too well.
"Are you all right?" Angelina sat on the side of the armchair. I nodded, enclosing her waist with an arm naturally.
"Just peachy," I mumbled looking at my brother yet again. His forehead was turning red as he stroked one of Alicia's pale fingers, whispering quiet words in her blushing ear. She bit her bottom lip carefully and murmured back causing my brother's cheeks to flare up pleasantly.
I turned to Angelina, wisps of hair falling carelessly about her face, waving to and fro to the soft breeze leaking from the open window. Her hair was coming out of her tight ponytail, sticking up distinctly at the back. There were several smudges on her cheeks from the game and her robes were still rumpled with many creases; though in my opinion, she was looking just as radiant in all her dingy splendor.
Everytime I look at George and Alicia, my mind is completely and utterly set on what to do, but when I turn to Angelina, my insides freeze, and its so hard to string two words together, forget trying to explain our predicament. Her eyes found mine, long lashes closing over them innocently making me wonder how I could even think of giving her up.
"You can tell me anything, you know," she said softly. I swallowed hard, but nodded. Can't keep this off much longer, she has a right to know.
"Meet me here at midnight," I murmured, though making my words clear and strong, "I'll explain then."
*********************************
ROGER DAVIES's POV
What the hell was I thinking?
I ran a hand through my disshelved hair in frustration, barely peeling my scalp off with rough fingernails.
"Ohh, come on, Roger, buck up, it wasn't too bad a loss." I raised my eyebrows at me fellow chaser, Jonathan McCraney looking very dejected himself.
"No, not bad, not bad at all," Thomas Johanson rolled his eyes for the fiftieth time after the game, "Considering bloody Gryffindor kicked our bloody arses because bloody Potter caught the BLOODY SNITCH FIRST!!"
"Are you implying that it's all my fault?!" Cho Chang glared at him.
"Oh, please, not again," Gabriel Flatthery moaned, covering his face with his hands and leaning down on his elbows in defeat. "Thomas. Please. Shut. Up."
Breaking out of my trance I had to agree with him; Cho was an amazing seeker, but it would have been a miracle if she had caught the snitch before Potter considering she was on the other side of the field. I tuned out before Thomas and Cho had another row.
What was I thinking? I never thought I was a rash sort of person, but I was desperate. But blackmail, Davies?
It was a plan, I'll give myself credit for that, even if it was a stupid plan. A Hufflepuff could come up with a better plan! I couldn't believe I basically told Fred Weasley to give up on Angelina or I'll tell everyone about his brother and Spinnet. Weasley was good though, real loyal.
"What about him and Alicia?" he tried to say airily. I rolled my eyes.
"Don't bother, Weasley, I saw them in the entrance hall," I replied cooly. "I also know that Mrs. Spinnet would never approve," I added, gaining confidence, "Last time I heard from my mum, Alicia's practically betrothed."
Now I know why I wasn't put into Gryffindor. Blimey, one look on Weasley's face and I almost ran for it. But with my pride at hand, I stood my ground and looked him steadily in the eye. This was my chance- my last chance to win Angelina's heart. Ever since I saw her in my second year, flying steadily on her broomstick, like an angel from heaven, I must admit I was rather taken with her. Don't seem like the sentimental type, you say? Well, for your information, I am very, very sentimental.
"Oh, shut up, Bruce, I'm trying to think!!!" I snapped at my cousin who was trying unsuccessfully to "cheer" me up. Blimey, can't he see I'm thinking of way to be sentimental with Angelina? It's very trying.
I wonder. Would Weasley actually give her up? My eyes widened then relaxed. He must. He and George are brothers, after all. That's what brothers do, right?
Damn it, what have I gotten myself into?
*******************************************
3rd Person POV
"HE WHAT?!" Alicia was beside herself. Her hands were balled into fists and her eyes were reduced to dark, angry slits. George flinched, looking very interested at the non-existent patterns on the rug.
No one spoke for several moments after Alicia's hysterical outburst. The crackling of the fire in front of them filled the room. Fred shifted his weight uncomfortably. Angelina's face was remarkably expressionless, though the edge of her mouth twitched compulsively. She finally looked up from the flames.
"So, what do we do now?" she asked tactfully. Fred winced at her words.
'All right, calm down Weasley,' he comforted himself, 'Just tell it like it is.' He looked up to Angelina's eyes, bright from the flames. He opened his mouth and found his throat dry. It was a second or two before he actually spoke.
"I- Iloveyou," he croaked in a jumbled rush. He blushed deeply at her amazed expression. He cleared his throat nervously. "I-I just wanted you to know." He looked back at her and was surprised to see her face wearing a hurt expression.
"You- you're not actually thinking of-of," she blinked nervously at him. His heart was pounding painfully in his chest as he took her hands in his.
"Angelina, it's the only solution I can think of," he replied quietly. "As George's older brother- by two minutes," he couldn't help but add, for he was indeed Fred Weasley, "I feel- obligated to- to give up my needs for his ..well-being.
He had practiced this speech, she could tell. And she couldn't help but feel that he was right in a way. His eyes bore down upon hers, begging her with silent words, 'Please don't make this harder than it is, please.'
" 'Older brother' my arse," George cut in, glaring at Fred accusingly. "You really think that I am just going to stand here and let you give up on a girl that you've fancied for three years or so? You feel obligated for my well-being? Honestly, you'd think Hermione made that speech up for you," he grinned at his brother.
"There must be another way," Alicia said looking from Angelina to Fred.
"He doesn't have proof," George cut in triumphantly. "Like your mother would believe him."
"On the contrary, in fact, she would," Alicia replied sourly. "Just because Davies gets better grades than I do and he acts like a perfect gentleman when his family comes to visit makes him a perfect child in her eyes." She seemed to be talking to herself more than to her friends. "And just because I didn't get to be Headgirl this year, she doesn't have to scold me and remind me of my- my failures every letter I get from home- like she was ever Head Girl in her day- honestly! It's not my fault that father's company is almost bankrupt-"
George put a finger to her lips which were trembling out of frustration. "No, it isn't your fault, don't get upset," he murmured into her ear.
"What does your father's company getting bankrupt have anything to do with it?" Angelina asked curiously.
"Mum's got me practically betrothed to my father's biggest investor's son. It's absolutely horrid. I haven't even met him! That's all Mum's been talking about, 'This is the most important contract, Alicia.' 'We're all counting on you, Alicia.' Honestly!" she let out an aggravated sigh.
"But no one's going to know here at Hogwarts," Fred reasoned. Alicia winced.
"Not if the son's here," she muttered.
"He's here?!" George exclaimed, eyes widening.
"That's it then." They turned to look at Angelina. Fred took her hand in both of his and stroked it delicately, running his fingers across hers.
"Yeah," he agreed softly, "That's it."
*************************************
When they finally left the Common Room, the clock chimed two. The fire had died down, and the logs were degraded to black ash and scorched stumps. Alicia had pulled away from George and made her way up the dormitory, casting a single glance at Angelina.
"Well, goodnight, then," Fred said in such a soft voice Angelina had ever heard. Her arms came 'round his waist as he gripped her back tightly, tilting her face up to his. Their kiss started soft and sweet until Fred pried open her mouth with his. She buried her face into his shoulder, shuddering as his lips traveled sensuously down her neck. With one last kiss, she wrenched herself away and put her hand on the railing. With a look of sheer pain on his face, Fred turned to the stairs on his left.
"Fred?" He stopped and looked back. Her body was illuminated by the full moon beaming into the Common Room. Her white robe contrasted vividly with her dark skin, black tresses flowing down over her shoulders.
"Yes?"
"I love you, too." And she was gone.
Fred let out a long-awaited sigh. He dragged himself up to the staircase and found himself face-to-face with his mirror image.
"Are you sure about this?" George asked nervously. "I mean, we could-"
"No, it's all right." Fred smiled at his brother. "We'll figure it out somehow."
*********************************
The next morning, Angelina woke up to find dismal clouds swiftly approaching the castle. She cursed mentally, remembering she had Care For Magical Creatures outside. She pulled on her robes with a wide yawn and trudged downstairs to find Katie and Alicia talking near the fireplace. They stopped abruptly as she approached. With furrowed eyebrows, Katie looked pityingly at Angelina.
"Ange-"
"Let's go to breakfast," Angelina cut in, swiftly turning on her heel. "I'm really hungry."
With apprehensive glances toward each other, Alicia and Katie followed her shortly.
Angelina stepped through the portrait hole and instantly caught a bit of red from the corner of her eye. Instinctively she turned slightly and stared longingly at the boy, who gazed hungrily back.
"Angelina." Dutifully, she jerked her gaze away, feeling her heart drop several hundred feet with an audible thump. She followed Alicia and Katie down the hallway, head drooping slightly as she felt his eyes tearing into the back of her head. As she reached the staircase, she found a dark-haired boy with a large grin on his face waiting for her.
Every step felt excruciating; her legs felt like lumps of lead as she picked them up. Her brain was numb and so was every other part of her body. But the thing she acknowledged the most was the fact that Fred had not turned away from her; she still could see him gazing at her through her subconciousness. And she never turned back.
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arghh! i'm sorry... i know.. the end was terrible : ( but thanx for reading... hopefully, the next chapter will be better.... please review NO FLAMERS... but constructive criticism is welcome: )