Chapter 14
"Wood, is anyone home in there?" Ron called out staring at Wood.
Wood turned his head suddenly breaking out of thought. He looked at Ron who was raising an eyebrow at him. Ron scratched his head of bright cherry red hair.
"What did you say Ron?"
"I had asked you if you wanted to grab a snack."
"Oh no Ron, I think I'm going to go upstairs and lay down for a bit. I'm beginning to feel drowsy, especially after your brother…" Wood spoke and started nervously ruffling his hair.
"Right, I know how Percy is. I guess I'll see you then." Ron agreeably spoke and strode off towards the kitchens.
Wood climbed the stairs lazily and dazed. He rubbed his eyes as he finally found himself at the top. He began walking towards his room, thinking about the comfort of his bed. He was shocked to see that his bed wasn't the only thing waiting for him.
Percy sat on George's bed trying desperately to look busy reading an article in a Quidditch magazine. Wood knew better though, Percy didn't care much for any sports. Wood sighed and almost held his breath as entered and threw himself down upon his navy sheets.
"Wood, what a pleasant surprise…I'm glad I ran into you." Percy said tossing the magazine aside.
"I'm sure you are. And what's up with you? You threw something, you are a neat fanatic." Wood asked with an air of surprise.
"Oh I didn't even notice, I'm a changed man already. It's Fleur I tell you she is amazing."
"Yeah well I hope everything works out for you." Wood mumbled and covered his eyes with one of his hands.
"What's up with you?" Percy questioned interestedly.
"Nothing, I'm just worn out. And you didn't help that at all this evening." Wood shot back dully.
"Well sorry for being aware of my studies, but at least now I know you will not be interfering any longer." Percy spoke reassuring himself.
Wood suddenly sat up and glared at Percy. Percy looked right back at him. Wood slammed his hand down on his mattress.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Wood inquired.
"Just what I said, I don't have to fear you being around her anymore. She has agreed to be with me." Percy defended himself.
"You don't own her Percy, and you just asked her out tonight! You expect your little connection to be perfect at the start? You're a lot more idiotic than I thought!" Wood yelled at him.
"So you do like her! I knew it!" Percy screamed back and came to his feet.
"I didn't say that! Why do you keep implying that?" Wood now jumped up as well.
"You wouldn't have used such choice words if you didn't hold deep-seeded emotions for her." Percy got in his face.
"Percy save your words for someone else." Wood said, not wanting to get into a fight.
Fleur pulled her silk robe around her small waist and tied the belt tightly. She glanced around her room, which was very quiet for this time. Hermione was still with Harry and Angelina was off with Fred and George.
Fleur sat at her desk and began to think of what she could possibly write back to Gabrielle. She took the feather of her quill and brushed it against her lips. She looked down at the cracked open drawer to the side of her desk. Her stomach suddenly growled loudly, causing her to drop her concentration.
Fleur put a hand on her stomach and grimaced. It was definitely time for a bite to eat. She had not eaten much at dinner and it was now catching up with her. She slide off her chair and headed towards the kitchen.
"I am not going to waste my breath on you any longer. I know that even if you do not admit your feelings to me, you know them within yourself. When you realize it I will make sure you are nothing more than a friend to Fleur. Besides, you have hurt her before; I wouldn't want to see it happen again." Percy concluded.
Wood said nothing but just looked after Percy as he walked out of the room and Fred and George passed him coming in. Fred grabbed Percy and then stole his glasses. Percy's face turned as red as his hair and he snatched them back, then stormed out down the stairs.
"Geez, what's wrong with him? He's more testy than usual." Fred noted.
"For a minute I thought he was going to throw a fist at ya Fred." George added.
Wood took a deep breath and lay back down on his bed. Fred and George exchanged looks and then sat on either side of him.
Fleur hummed quietly to herself as she laid her feet on the chilled floor. She had underestimated how cold the tile was and had not worn her slippers. She shrugged it off and then saw a red head bobbing around.
"Hello?" Fleur called out softly.
She heard a scrapping noise and then moved forward knocking herself into someone. They both were startled and jumped backwards. Fleur adjusted her eyes and saw Ron.
"Ron, zank goodness it vas you." Fleur commented, clutching at her chest.
"Yeah, I'm glad to see you as well; I thought you were Filch for a minute. If I was caught I would have to shine his damn trophies again." Ron said, coming out of the shadows.
Ron pulled out a shinny red apple from her pocket and took a big bite out of it as he smiled at Fleur.
"You want some food? I can get a bunch; I know some of the house elves here. Come on…" Ron offered and nodded his head to the dimly lit room a few feet ahead of them.
"All right…" Fleur answered, fully trusting Ron.
Ron offered his arm and Fleur accepted, slipping her graceful arm through his. Ron grinned down at her. He was quite a bit taller than her. Ron was taller than a lot of students though. He had always been the lanky, freckly Weasley that stood above the rest. Fleur found comfort in being around Ron. He didn't want anything from her, just her company.
They entered the kitchen and saw five small house elves scampering around in their clothes bearing the Hogwarts seal. When they saw that it was Ron once again, the largest of the five marched over to his feet.
"Weasley we already gave you the remainders of cake tonight." The elf spoke with his miniscule hands on his waist.
"It's not for me this time, I brought my friend, and she was hungry."
"Oh, oh his Miss Delacour." The elf now noticed her and bowed.
"No need for zat." Fleur smiled down at him.
"Well you two follow me; I think there is a batch of warm muffins."
Fleur and Ron followed suit and saw a large overstuffed basket of blue berry muffins. Fleur grinned from ear to ear. Blue berry was her favorite. Ron looked at her and was mighty pleased with his accomplishment. He smirked and led her to a seat.
"Take what you will, and then off to bed with you!" the little elf spoke and then ran off.
"Don't mind Garber, he's known as Grumpy around here most times." Ron clarified.
"I zought it vas quite nice of him to bring us here." Fleur said looking at the muffins.
"You must be starving; here I'll butter a muffin for you." Ron took initiative.
Fleur watched as Ron carefully handled her food and then handed it to her with a smile.
"Zank you Ron, you are very sweet." Fleur acknowledged.
"You're quite welcome." Ron replied butting himself a muffin.
Fleur and Ron sat for two hours discussing all the secret passageways Fred and George had already found in Hogwarts. Then Fleur finally convinced Ron he had done the right thing in helping his friends along together. They talked so long it seemed like they were old friends. This unfortunately made Ron just fall in love with Fleur more.
