Disclaimer: I don't own the characters or the songs featured in this chapter.
A/N: Yay! A double post! It's just to thank you all for putting up with my extended delays. I wrote this chapter a while ago and decided I might as well post it. It takes place just before the end of term.
As you may have gathered from the chapter title, this is a songfic chapter! I should probably forewarn you that I've never done one of these before so it may turn out crap. I just felt like mixing it up a bit. I've taken lines from various songs and inserted them into appropriate parts throughout the chapter. Chances are you might not know all the songs so I'll name them at the end. Hope you enjoy it!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Chapter 34
George was moping around Gryffindor Tower. Things were only getting worse. Alicia and Oliver were starting to get serious now. Whatever remote chance he had with her was long gone.
"Katie, do you know where Alicia is?"
Katie looked up from her book. "Sure, she went to the library to read up on Potions. She's all worried because she thinks she only got an A in the OWLs. Is something wrong, George?"
He forced a smile. "No. Why would there be?"
Katie remained unconvinced but decided not to push the issue. She went back to her book and George left for the library.
As he hurried through the corridors, George prayed that Alicia wasn't with Oliver. It was time to end this now. If Alicia wanted to stay with Oliver then that would be that. He just had to make his feelings known. He pushed open the heavy wooden doors that led to the library that he rarely - if ever - visited. George bustled past Hermione and Madam Pince and headed for the tables at the back.
Alicia was there at a table by herself. George breathed a sigh of relief. He was standing behind a bookshelf that gave him a perfect, unhindered view of her as she worked. He stood entranced as she twirled her quill between her fingers and studied the open book in front of her.
I keep tryin' to find my way
But all I know is I'm lost without
I keep trying to face the day
I'm lost without you
The sunlight was streaming through the window behind her and her curls caught the light and shimmered. It gave her an almost ethereal look. George stayed rooted to the spot. Now that he saw her he couldn't bring himself to disrupt her, not when she looked so perfect.
And I wish that I could have just one more chance
And I wish that I could be your pillar of strength
And I pray that you will see that what I'm sayin' is true
'Cause I, I wish for you
Alicia mumbled to herself and shoved the book aside angrily. George smiled to himself mainly because he knew how much she hated Potions but also because she looked really cute when she was angry. He sighed and the smile left his face. Why did he have to fall for his best friend?
Baby can't you see
There's nothing else for me to do
I'm hopelessly devoted to you
But now there's nowhere to hide
Since you pushed my love aside
I'm out of my head
Hopelessly devoted to you
Perhaps things would have turned out differently if Oliver hadn't come along. George still didn't understand her attraction to Oliver. As far as he could see, the Quidditch Captain was an obsessive jock who really wasn't boyfriend material. Alicia deserved a devoted boyfriend who would do anything for her.
I'll be your dream, I'll be your wish, I'll be your fantasy.
I'll be your hope, I'll be your love, be everything that you need.
I love you more with every breath truly, madly, deeply do.
I will be strong, I will be faithful 'cos
I'm counting on a new beginning.
A reason for living. A deeper meaning.
Alicia stood up and went to a bookshelf. She stood on tiptoe and ran her finger along the spines of the books. She found what she wanted on the next shelf up but couldn't reach. She stretched then stomped her foot in frustration. George was about to go help her when an older Hufflepuff boy appeared and pulled the book down for her. Alicia smiled gratefully and the boy winked then sauntered away.
Looking back on when we first met
I cannot escape and I cannot forget baby
You're the one, you still turn me on
You can make me whole again
Giggling to herself, Alicia returned to her table and opened the book. George silently watched her work. She was humming to herself and flashing a dazzling smile that George pretended was for him.
And through it all she offers me protection
a lot of love and affection
whether I'm right or wrong
and down the waterfall
wherever it may take me
I know that life won't break me
when I come to call she won't forsake me
I'm loving angels instead
George was reluctant to ruin her good mood but he knew he had to talk to her. He was gathering his courage when Oliver appeared out of nowhere. The Quidditch Cup winning captain looked around to make sure no one was watching then put his hand on Alicia's shoulder. She greeted him warmly and he knelt down beside her and whispered something in her ear. As he spoke Alicia's eyes widened. Oliver gave her the tiniest kiss on the cheek then left.
Does he whisper your name?
Can he love you like this?
Does he love you the way that I love you baby?
Alicia quickly gathered up her parchment and returned the books to their shelves. With a distinct bounce in her step she came towards George's hiding spot. Knowing she'd have to pass him to leave the library, George snatched up a book and opened to a random page.
"George! What are you doing in here?!"
He looked up and tried to appear surprised to see her. "Oh, hi. I didn't realise you were in here. I was bored so I thought I might as well do a bit of reading."
"What are you reading?" she asked.
George held up the book so she could see the cover. Alicia began to laugh and George frowned. He soon discovered what was so funny. He'd been 'reading' Helpful Hair Tips for Young Witches. Of all the books in the library he had to pick that one.
Alicia pinched his cheek. "Well, whatever floats your boat, honey."
"Have you got a minute? I have to talk to you about…stuff," stammered George. Then he mentally kicked himself for sounding so stupid.
"Stuff, eh? Well, I'd love to stay and chat but I'm off to meet Oliver on the Quidditch pitch. He has a surprise for me," she told him excitedly.
"Oh, that's all right. You go do what you have to do." George waved her away weakly.
Alicia gazed at him with sudden concern. "Are you sure? If it's important I'm sure Oliver wouldn't mind waiting."
"Go enjoy yourself. It can wait."
Alicia tilted her head. "Are you feeling all right? You look…odd." She pressed her hand to his forehead.
"What is it with everyone thinking something's wrong with me?" demanded George.
"You just haven't been yourself lately."
"How do you mean?"
"Well, for starters you're in the library in your spare time and on top of that you've been a little distant. George, you can tell me anything."
"I know," he said softly. Alicia was so happy. A messy love triangle was something she definitely didn't need. "I'm fine, really. Never better, actually."
"You sure? I better go then. Don't want to be late for my surprise. See you later, George." She brushed past him and disappeared around the corner.
If I were you I would notice me
If I were you I would wait for me
If I were you I would easily hold me
And say, it's all gonna be ok.
"Yeah," he whispered to himself. "Later."
***************
Alicia practically skipped all the way back to Gryffindor Tower. As she entered the common room, two familiar voices could be easily heard over the usual din. Angelina and Fred were standing towards the back of the room having an intense argument.
Katie was sitting on the floor beside Lee. They were both calmly watching the fight as if it were for their own entertainment. Alicia noticed a pile of silver coins in front of the pair. Forgetting that she had to meet Oliver in a few minutes, Alicia knelt beside Katie.
"What is it about this time?" she asked as Angelina shook with barely suppressed anger.
"Well, Nathan in sixth year was hitting on Angelina and Fred told him leave her alone, though of course he didn't put it so nicely. Nathan refused to go so Fred threatened to hex him. I think you can guess where it went from there," Katie answered without looking away.
"What's the money for?"
"I bet Katie five Sickles that Angelina slaps him," Lee said brightly.
"You're placing bets on them?" Alicia gaped.
"You want in?"
"I don't have any money on me," she said regretfully.
"Oh, by the way, did George find you in the library?"
"Find me?"
"Yeah, he asked me where you were earlier. Did you see him?"
Alicia frowned, confused by this new story. "He was in the library…but…"
Katie ignored the fight for a moment and turned to her. "But what?"
"Never mind." She shook her head and glanced at her watch. "Blast, I have somewhere to be. I'll see you later sometime. Lee, Angelina won't slap Fred and Katie knows it. You've just thrown away five Sickles."
Katie smiled and snatched up the coins. "It's too easy sometimes."
Alicia ducked between her rowing friends and ran up the staircase. She dumped her quill and parchment on her bed then hurried into the bathroom to freshen up.
Absently, she pulled a brush through her stubborn curls. According to Katie, George had been in the library looking for her specifically. George said he just happened to be in the library. One of them wasn't telling the full truth and Alicia had a feeling it was George.
Why would he lie to her though?
She pushed the thought from her mind and rushed back down stairs. The fight had ended without bloodshed and the opponents had retreated to opposite sides of the room. Katie and Lee were still sitting in the middle. Katie was gloating and Lee was demanding his money back.
Alicia ignored them all and slipped out of the common room without attracting any attention. She walked through the corridors that were largely unused by anyone. Her heels clicked smartly in the silence as she headed for her secret rendezvous.
At first sneaking around had been fun and exciting. Now it was only an annoyance. The adrenaline no longer pumped as Alicia weaved her way through the castle, dodging teachers and fellow students.
'Cause I only have one second, this minute today
I can't press rewind and turn it back and call it now
and so this moment, I just have to sing out loud
and say I love I like and breathe in now
"It's time to tell him," Alicia reasoned with herself as she darted across the grounds. "Enough is enough."
Oliver had booked the Quidditch Pitch so they wouldn't be interrupted. Much to Alicia's amusement he was sitting right in the middle of the pitch on a red picnic blanket. Food he'd obviously had specially prepared was scattered around him.
As she approached he stood up and spread his arms to encompass the food. "Do you approve, Ms Spinnet?"
"You did this for me?" she asked.
"Of course," he pulled her to him and gave her a welcome kiss.
Alicia pulled back and stared into those deep brown eyes. "And here I was thinking you didn't have a romantic bone in your body."
"I can be romantic when I want to be." He shrugged sheepishly. His no nonsense attitude was being corroded away by this girl. Never had he contemplated a picnic on the Quidditch pitch. The pitch was for Quidditch and nothing more.
The lines were blurred now. All he'd once thought was proper and just had been thrown into disarray by Alicia. Her very presence made him second guess everything. It was exhilarating yet frightening at the same time
I'll be there with you
Whatever you do
With all of my heart I promise you
And I'll be there with you
Just know that it's true
With all of my heart I'm there for you
"Oliver, are you listening to me?"
He hadn't even realised she'd been talking to him. "Sorry, what were you saying?"
"I'm sick of sneaking around. I want to tell everyone about us and get everything out in the open," she said cautiously, knowing what his reaction would be.
"We will tell them. Just not yet. Soon though. I promise." He smiled.
Oliver smiled and Alicia melted. That was how it always worked. She nodded and returned the smile then sat down amidst the food.
You've got a way with words
You get me smiling even when it hurts
There's no way to measure what your love is worth
I can't believe the way you get through to me
***************
Angelina was seething. Fred had just chased Nathan away and she was sure he had been about to ask her out. As soon as Nathan had fled the room Angelina advanced on Fred.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?"
"That guy is a prat," he said simply.
"For liking me?" she hissed.
"No, for thinking he had a chance with you."
You were amazing
We did amazing things
And I wouldn't change it
We were amazing things
"He did have a chance with me! At least until you stuck your nose in my business!"
"You were actually interested in him? Your standard is slipping, Angie."
She scowled nastily. "I like to think of it as trading up."
"I was protecting you. He's notorious for treating his girlfriends like crap," Fred explained.
"Sounds a lot like you. Anyway, since when do you care about me?"
I'm not, not sure
Not too sure how it feels
To handle every day
And I miss you love
"I do care about you," he insisted rather unconvincingly.
"Really? You've never bothered to show it before so forgive me if I don't believe you now," Angelina folded her arms as Alicia squeezed between them.
"I - well, it's…it's hard," Fred stammered.
"It shouldn't be hard! Three words. That's all."
I'm never gonna say goodbye
Cos I never wanna see you cry
I swore to you my love would remain
And I swear it all over again and I
I'm never gonna treat you bad
Cos I never wanna see you sad
I swore to share your joy and your pain
And I'd swear it all over again
Fred opened his mouth then closed it again. He took a deep breath and tried again. His mouth snapped closed for the last time and he looked at his feet.
"I don't even know why I bother!" Angelina snapped. She turned to walk away but he grabbed her arm.
Maybe I didn't know how to show it
Maybe I didn't know what to say
This time I won't disguise
Then we can build our lives
And we can be as one
"Please, Angelina…"
"Let go of me and leave me alone to get on with the rest of my life." She yanked her arm from his grasp and stormed off.
Fred watched her walk off and swore. Why did everything have to be so difficult? He knew what he wanted to say to her but saying it was proving to be the problem.
A thousand angels dance around you
I am complete now that I found you
I knew I loved you before I met you
I think I dreamed you into life
I knew I loved you before I met you
I have been waiting all my life
Fred missed Angelina more than he thought was possible. He hated seeing her hurt and knowing that he was the cause of her pain. She deserved better then that.
As my soul heals the shame
I will grow through this pain
Lord I'm doin' all I can
To be better man
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A/N: I hope you liked it! Here's the list of songs in order of appearance:
Lost without you- Delta Goodrem (Very talented Aussie singer. She's gonna be huge.)
Wishes- Human Nature. (Chances are you haven't heard of them if you aren't from Australia)
Hopelessly devoted- Olivia Newton John (That's what I get for listening to my Grease soundtrack over and over again)
Truly, madly, deeply- Savage Garden. (One of the best love songs ever)
Whole again- Atomic Kitten
Angels- Robbie Williams (Best song ever!)
Whisper your name- Human Nature (Again)
If I were you- Kasey Chambers (Aussie singer/songwriter. Very talented)
Breathe in now- George (Yes, that's the name of the band. Ironic, isn't it)
Be there with you- Human Nature (What can I say? They have nice songs)
You got a way- Shania Twain
Amazing- Alex Lloyd (My graduation song! Aah, memories)
Miss you love- Silverchair (My fave Aussie rock band. Best thing to come out of Newcastle since the Knights!)
Swear it again- Westlife
If you come back- Blue
I knew I loved you- Savage Garden
Better man- Robbie Williams (I love Robbie! *swoon*)