Disclaimer: It may surprise you but I don't own Harry Potter. But it's my birthday soon so fingers crossed!
A/N: If you've been to my profile recently then you might have read that I've just edited this entire story. Ff.net screwed up my formatting and put in weird symbols in the early chapters. I painstakingly pasted it all into Word and edited over 300 pages. I really just tidied up the punctuation and typos. I also re-worded quite a bit, but you won't notice unless you've memorised the story. If you've done this I suggest you seek medical help!
This chapter is going to be quite an interesting one. It's also going to be a little on the adult side. It doesn't warrant an R-rating but I figured I should put a little warning here. It's nothing too major but there are adult themes and situations in this chapter. And incase you're wondering the chapter title is Latin and it basically means that people speak the truth when drunk.
This chapter is dedicated to Kaye, who got drunk at a party and rolled around the front yard in front of everyone. Go Kaye!
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Chapter 37
George thought things would have got better for him after Oliver and Alicia broke up. Well, the constant jealousy and sense of inadequacy had all but gone. It was just that Alicia had now jumped to the other extreme and would literally cling to him.
Worst of all, she'd begin to cry at odd times - as Harry and Ron found out. On one of her many visits to the Burrow after the World Cup Harry made a seemingly harmless comment about Quidditch. Alicia immediately burst into tears and ran upstairs to find George.
"Did I say something wrong?" Harry asked, totally perplexed.
"Of course not," Ron answered promptly. "You only told her that you were looking forward to Quidditch."
"Then what's wrong with her?"
Ron shrugged casually. "She's a girl. What isn't wrong with her?"
Hermione glared at him and Ginny whacked him with a cushion.
Lee was just as confused when he made a similarly innocent comment on the Hogwarts Express. In fact, he didn't even get to finish his sentence. He was going to ask the team about Quidditch but someone interrupted him.
"So do you guys think you've got a chance of winning the Qui-"
There was a loud gasp and everyone turned to Alicia. She was sitting by the window and hadn't spoken much since they got on the train. Now she began to sob into her hands.
"Oh, great," George mumbled. He dropped to his knees in front of her. "It's all right, Leesh. Lee didn't mean it."
"Mean what?" he demanded. "I was only going to ask about Qu-"
"No!" George interrupted quickly. "Don't say that word. She'll never stop!"
Alicia let out another painful sob then stood up and ran from the compartment. Her friends all stared after in utter amazement. George sighed and hurried after her.
No one said anything for several minutes. Finally, Lee spoke up. "What the bloody hell was that all about?"
Fred shook his head bitterly. "Neither of them will tell me. She's been doing it for the past week. I'm too scared to talk to her anymore."
Katie frowned in concern. "I wonder what happened?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Fred sneered. "The girl has lost her damn mind! I always thought she was a little odd but she's really done it this time."
"I'm supposed to be her best friend!" Angelina said hotly. "Why can she tell George what's going on but not me?"
"How do you think I feel?" Fred countered. "George is my twin brother and he won't even tell me what's going on! Alicia's determined to tear him away from me."
"That's ridiculous," Lee said firmly. "Crazy or not, she would never knowingly do that."
"How can you be so sure? She's been over at our house everyday and she won't let go of George. She follows him everywhere and hangs off his arm."
"I think it's cute. It's about time they got their act together. Trust me, if you get in the way you'll just make it worse," Katie said helpfully
While Angelina mumbled mutinously to herself Fred folded his arms menacingly. "Well, she had better not hurt him then."
***************
As the saying goes, when it rains it pours. And it poured on the Gryffindor sixth years during their first few weeks back at Hogwarts. In a dramatic turn of circumstance, however, Alicia had become her usual cheerful self again while her friends brooded and generally cursed the world.
Angelina was the worst. Most evenings she could be seen pacing in front of the common room fireplace. Every once in a while she would stop and clap her hands excitedly. Her friends would look up politely and she would explain her latest plan.
"I'll write a strong-worded letter to Dumbledore!" she declared some two weeks after the Headmaster had announced the cancellation of Quidditch. "That will make him change his mind!"
Fred snorted sceptically. "Like following him around the school and trying to get into his office worked?"
"Well, that wasn't very well planned," Angelina admitted. "Every time I caught sight of him in the corridor I chased after him, but when I followed him around a corner he would disappear. It was spooky. I almost got into his office though. If that gargoyle had only let me through."
"And when it didn't move you tried to hex it?" Katie said with a giggle
Angelina just sniffed airily. "How was I to know it was impervious to spells?"
"Yeah, explain that to the poor first year who got hit when the hex re-bounded."
Angelina shot George an acidic look. "I'll have you know, her hair has already grown back! Besides, Dumbledore wouldn't ignore a letter from a concerned student. Perhaps I could even get other people to sign it! He definitely wouldn't ignore a petition!"
Alicia had sudden visions of Angelina accosting frightened students in the corridors and making them sign. As a prefect she felt she had a duty to save the students the trauma of Angelina ordering them to add their names to her petition.
"Angie," she said sweetly. Angelina ignored her expertly; she was still pissed off that Alicia wouldn't confide in her. Alicia remained unperturbed. "Why don't you enter the Tournament? You'll be old enough by then. I think you'd be the perfect school champion."
Angelina frowned as if the thought had never crossed her mind. In fact, it hadn't crossed her mind. Since the Sorting Ceremony she had been thoroughly preoccupied with the prospect of no Quidditch that she hadn't considered entering the Tournament herself. The more she considered it, the better it sounded. Angelina Johnson: Hogwarts Champion.
Angelina thrust out her chest and put her hands on her hips. All she needed was a billowing cape and she would have put Superman to shame. "You're right, Licia. I would be the perfect champion for Hogwarts. I better go start reading up on the Tournament."
"I love her modesty," Fred said, staring after her wistfully.
"That's not the only thing you love about her," Lee said under his breath.
Katie giggled and Alicia hid a smile behind her hand. Fred glared at the three of them. "I'll thank you not to make assumptions about Angelina and I."
"Angelina and me," Alicia corrected automatically.
"Oh, shut up."
Without looking up from his book on Aging Potions George said, "Don't snap at her."
Fred glowered, looking every bit the scorned brother. Time to get George away from her before he started correcting everyone's grammar as well. "We'd love to stay and continue this enlightening chat but George and me have work to do upstairs."
"George and I," Alicia said, smiling innocently.
***************
Things gradually got better for Angelina as she spent all of spare time reading up on the history of the Triwizard Tournament and making notes about useful spells. Unfortunately, the same could not be said for Fred and George.
Ludo Bagman was still refusing to acknowledge them and give them their winnings. They had tried just about everything but he ignored them. The night before the delegations from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang were to arrive the twins were in their room trying to finish their letter to Bagman. It wasn't coming along very well.
"Necessary has one c," George said, pointing to the word.
Fred looked up at him suspiciously. "Did Spinnet tell you that?"
"Of course not."
Fred remained unconvinced but corrected the spelling. He held the letter out and stared at it. In all honestly it didn't look too impressive. Bagman would probably laugh and rip it to pieces.
"Bugger," the twins said at the same time.
"You know," George said casually, "Alicia is pretty good at this sort of thing. I bet she could write us a great letter."
"No!" Fred snapped. "I've already told you that this is between the two of us. You can't tell Spinnet because this is none of her business."
"But everyone knows something is up. Alicia keeps asking me about it. Can't I just tell her? She might be able to help."
Fred's ears turned red in anger, causing George to stand up and back away from him. Fred stood up as well and clenched his fists. "If you tell Spinnet she'll tell Angelina then she'll tell Katie. Once Katie knows the whole school will be sure to hear about it."
"If I ask Alicia to keep it a secret she will. She's good at doing that," George said, thinking of Oliver.
"Why do you insist on bringing her into it?" Fred demanded.
"Why do you insist on keeping it a secret?" George shot back. "Can't we at least tell Lee? He's starting to get all narky about it."
Fred looked at his feet. He didn't really like keeping Lee out of the loop. They normally told him everything. "I just think we should work it out together. By ourselves."
"Why?"
"Because you're my twin brother and you're always with other people and I don't like it!" Fred finally burst out.
George hadn't been expecting that. He had to fight back a smile. Fred was jealous! George didn't fancy getting into a fight so he didn't mention it though. He did smile and held out his hand to his brother. "I'll stop spending so much time with Alicia if you stop ogling Angelina all day. Deal?"
"I don't ogle her!" Fred said immediately. George raised his eyebrows and Fred sighed. "All right, I'll try to stop doing it all the time. I can't make any promises, though."
"Good enough for me," George said. The two of them shook hands. "I still think we should work on our Wheezes with Lee."
"Of course," Fred agreed. "Well, come on, let's try this letter again."
So the two of them spent the whole night re-writing the letter and it still wasn't much better. Fred was almost tempted to let George ask Alicia. The following day, however, the letter was forgotten amidst the excitement of the imminent arrival of the foreign students.
During the Welcoming Feast, George sat in between Alicia and Fred and watched the Beauxbatons students with interest. Particularly the blonde girl who had just spoken to Ron. Alicia noticed him and Fred staring and giggled.
"That's Fleur Delacour," she informed them. "Jasmine told me all about her in the letter she sent after the tournament was announced. Apparently Fleur is their biggest hope. Jasmine practically worships her. She even reckons Fleur called her a 'pretty little girl' one day. "
Lee, Katie and Angelina all turned around to get a look at her. Katie and Angelina turned back around but Lee didn't. He and the twins continued staring, ignoring their quickly cooling food.
"I have the sudden urge to transfer to Beauxbatons," Fred said, more than a hint of awe in his voice.
"I didn't think you were interested in her type," Angelina said casually.
"The completely beautiful type?"
Angelina scowled at him. "Idiot."
Fred raised his eyebrows and finally managed to tear his gaze away from Fleur. "Jealous?"
Angelina bristled. "No! There's nothing to be jealous of anyway. She's way out of your league, Weasley."
"You really think so?"
At this point even George and Lee had turned their attention back to their own table. The threat of another one of Angelina and Fred's famous arguments was even more appealing than the pretty French girl.
"Of course. She wouldn't give you a second look. You might as well quit while you're ahead."
"And what about you? I saw the way you looked at Viktor Krum so don't talk to me about being out of my league!" Fred replied hotly.
"You don't think I'm attractive enough to interest Krum?"
"No," Fred lied. "Why would Krum bother with you if he's already got girls falling all over him?"
"I bet I could get him to go out with me if I tried hard enough. I'll do it just to prove you wrong," Angelina said fiercely.
Fred shrugged. "Fine."
"Fine."
"Good."
"All right."
"Ok."
Alicia watched the progress of the conversation, turning her head from one to the other like a spectator at a tennis match. Angelina and Fred both returned to their dinners at the same time. Alicia had to turn around so they wouldn't see her wide smile. Their level of denial was quite comical at times.
***************
"How do you think he did it?" Lee asked.
The Goblet of Fire had just chosen the school champions and he was wandering around Hogsmeade with Fred and George. After Harry's surprise selection as the fourth champion the Gryffindor students had immediately agreed to celebrate. The three sixth years had their arms full of sweets and Butterbeer and were about to return to Hogwarts.
"I don't know how the hell he managed to do it but I wish he'd have let us know. It must have been something pretty sophisticated to get by that damn Age Line," George said, rubbing his chin and remembering the beard he'd sprouted when he and Fred tried to fool the Line.
Fred wasn't paying attention. He was still worried about Angelina and her vow to try and get Krum to go out with her. Fred had no doubt she could do it if she really wanted to. Why hadn't he kept his mouth shut? What he needed was something to cheer himself up. He even had something in mind.
"Hey, why don't we get a little something to liven up the party?"
George and Lee exchanged an apprehensive look. "Like what?" George asked cautiously.
"Just something to drink."
"We already have Butterbeer and we can get some pumpkin juice and stuff from the kitchens," Lee pointed out.
"I was actually thinking of something with a bit more of a kick," Fred said, his eyes twinkling mischievously.
"You want to get alcohol?!" George hissed, looking around to make sure no one was listening.
"Just some alcoholic Butterbeer. Nothing special. What's wrong with that?"
Lee stared at Fred in disbelief. "What's wrong? You mean apart from the fact that it's illegal?!"
"It doesn't matter, Madam Rosmerta would never give it to us." George shook his head decidedly.
Fred had already thought of that. "We'll go to the Hog's Head and just to be safe we'll get someone to buy it for us."
"That's still illegal."
"Come on, it'll be fun. Besides, we'll only get six bottles so just each of us and the girls will have one. That's hardly enough to get us really drunk."
"I still don't like it," George said hollowly. If Fred had really made his mind up then there was no chance of anyone changing it. He sighed and followed his brother off towards the Hog's Head.
They found a desperate looking man loitering outside the pub searching his pockets for money. Fred offered the man a Sickle to buy them the Butterbeer and he quickly agreed. George was half expecting the man to take their money and not come back. But apparently they had found the only honest drunk in the Northern Hemisphere and he returned a few minutes later with six bottles of alcoholic Butterbeer.
"Cheers, mate," Fred said, grinning widely and taking the bottles.
"I have a bad feeling about this," George mumbled as the three of them made their way back along the tunnel to the castle.
"You've just been spending too much time with Alicia," Fred said dismissively. "You both need to lighten up. I don't even think there is a lot of Firewhiskey in the Butterbeer. It's definitely not enough to get us drunk from only one bottle."
"I know," George said irritably. "I just have a feeling that something is going to happen. We're breaking the law here, Fred. Karma is going to come back to bite us on the arse."
"You sound like bloody Trelawney. Shut up and open the witch's back and check for Filch. If we're caught with this stuff we'll be expelled for sure."
On that ominous note, George scrambled up the dirt ramp and opened the witch's back slightly and peered out, listening carefully for movement. The corridor was silent and still so he opened it all the way and climbed out. The boys quickly managed to get all of the goodies out and were soon hurrying back towards Gryffindor Tower.
When they finally made it back to the common room they were pleased to find out Harry hadn't returned yet. Though some old witch who was sharing the Fat Lady's portrait did say he was on his way back.
"Don't let that stuff out of your sight," Lee whispered and nodded towards the alcoholic Butterbeer bottles Fred was holding.
Fred gave him a disdainful look. As if he would take his eyes off it. He wasn't that stupid. People came up and began to take sweets and Butterbeer, but Fred made sure he kept a tight hold of their special stash. When he heard the portrait open and everyone cheer he set the Butterbeer down on a table to question Harry.
The Butterbeer was forgotten for a few minutes while everyone milled around Harry to congratulate him and to ask how he did it. Alicia, not in the mood for much festivity, sat staring forlornly about the room. It was so like the parties they used to have after Quidditch wins. Like the parties Oliver used to be at.
There was no way she was ever going to be able to forget about him. She might as well face up to the fact that everything at Hogwarts reminded her of Oliver. Even without Quidditch she couldn't stop thinking about him. What was he doing at the moment? Did he miss her? Did he regret breaking up?
Alicia was considering the last question when her eyes fell upon a six-pack of Butterbeer. Except it didn't look like ordinary Butterbeer. The label was different. She pulled it closer and examined the bottle.
Do you ever just feel like letting go? Tired of your regular life? Abandon your inhibitions! Try our special mix of Ogden's Old Firewhiskey and Butterbeer. Enjoy all the smooth sweetness of Butterbeer with the added excitement that only Ogden's can bring. Remember, don't drink and Apparate.
Alicia continued to stare at the label. It might as well have been personally addressing her. She was definitely tired of her regular life. Maybe she should let go. Just for a night. Even if she only forgot about Oliver for a few hours it would be worth it. Anything would be better than the painful regret and longing she was feeling.
She was about to take one of the bottles out when Fred came running over looking frantic. His eyes fell on Alicia and he sighed in relief. He thought he'd lost it already. George and Lee would have throttled him.
"I should have known you'd get hold of it," he said, snatching the Butterbeer away. "Do you have some stupid radar that tells you when a rule is being broken in the vicinity?"
Alicia, seeing her chance at freedom slipping away, glared haughtily at him. "That just isn't against the rules. You're breaking the law. I should tell Dumbledore you're sneaking alcohol into the school."
"Ah, but you won't do that," Fred said, smugness all but dripping from his voice. "If you run to Dumbledore you'll also get George in trouble as well. Not to mention Lee. I know you wouldn't want that."
Alicia had to admit he had her there. Either way, she wanted that Butterbeer. "I should at least confiscate it then," she said a little hopefully.
"Not likely."
"A younger student might get hold of it," she said evenly, crossing her fingers beneath the table so Fred couldn't see.
He just rolled his eyes. "Don't get your prissy little knickers in a twist. I'm not going to let this stuff out of my sight all night." With that said he stormed off with the alcohol securely tucked under his arm.
Alicia slammed her fist down on the table. Now that she had the idea, she wanted that Butterbeer. She deserved to take a break from her life for a while. Drown her sorrows and all that. She would get that Butterbeer from Fred if it was the last thing she did.
While Alicia was busy plotting, Fred took the drinks to the comfy armchairs in front of the fire where Angelina and Katie were talking in hushed tones. As soon as they saw him approach, Katie smiled and excused herself to find George and Lee. Fred took her vacated seat beside Angelina and put the Butterbeer safely by his feet.
"I'm sorry you weren't chosen as school champion," he said hesitantly.
"It doesn't matter." Angelina shrugged and turned to him. "I guess Harry and Cedric will do the job better than I would have."
"I think you would have made a great champion."
Angelina didn't reply. She was feeling a little guilty. Fred was trying his best. The least she could do was return the favour. "Just so you know, I was never planning to ask Krum out."
"You weren't?" he asked, looking at her with wide, hopeful eyes. "But you told me you fancied him!"
Angelina shook her head. "If you cast your selective memory back you'll recall that I never said that I fancied him. You went and decided that for me. I mean, he's a great Quidditch player and everything but I like my guys to not look like giant birds."
Fred fervently hoped he didn't resemble anything with feathers. "You know, I don't even think Fleur is that pretty," he said conversationally.
Angelina grinned at him. "Yes, you do."
Trust Angelina to know when he was lying. "Well, I wouldn't go out with her."
"Yes, you would," she said simply. Fred gritted his teeth in frustration and she continued. "Look, it makes no difference to me if you fancy the bimbo. We aren't dating anymore, remember?"
"Yes, but it-"
"No buts," she interrupted quickly. "You can do whatever you like and so can I."
Fred wanted to yell at her, maybe even shake her a little to bring her to her senses. Most of all he wanted to tell her he didn't want to do anything without her. He couldn't do that. She wanted maturity and throwing a tantrum wasn't going to help. He would have to play it cool.
"Fine," he said solemnly. "We'll do this your way."
Had Fred and Angelina not been so absorbed in their conversation they might have noticed Alicia lurking around them. Well, trying to lurk at least. She wasn't much of a lurker. She kept tripping over things and bumping into people. She almost sent Dennis Creevey flying into a table.
When she finally made it to the sofa that Angelina and Fred were sitting on she casually examined her fingernails. Alicia knew nothing could keep him occupied for more than ten minutes. Except Angelina of course. Alicia had found her way in. She dropped to her hands and knees and crawled carefully to Fred's side of the sofa. Several people were looking at her oddly but she was so set on getting the Butterbeer that she didn't notice.
While Fred and Angelina continued talking Alicia ducked around the corner of the sofa and spied the Butterbeer sitting just beside Fred's foot. Slowly, she reached a hand towards it and began to drag it away. When Fred moved his foot she almost squealed. At that moment she decided to cross MI5 spy from her list of possible occupations.
Alicia finally managed to get the Butterbeer and had to bite her tongue to stop herself cheering in victory. She crawled around to the back of the sofa and hugged the six-pack of bottles to her chest.
"So long, Oliver," she whispered to herself. As inconspicuously as she could, she retreated to an empty corner of the common room to enjoy her spoils…
It was a good fifteen minutes before Fred took his eyes of Angelina long enough to discover the precious Butterbeer had disappeared. Just like that! He was sure it had been there not too long ago. George and Lee were gonna kill him! Not to mention Alicia. He wasn't going to tell her, he wasn't even going to tell his brother and Lee that she knew about it.
Fred stood up and looked around the room then back at Angelina. "Sorry, Angelina, I have to go find George and Lee. It's sort of an emergency."
"What's wrong?" she demanded automatically.
"Nothing we can't handle," he said with false cheerfulness.
It didn't fool Angelina for a second. "Are you in some sort or trouble?" She shook her head. "What am I saying? Of course you're in trouble. I'll just rephrase that. Are you in more trouble than usual?"
"Like I said, it's nothing we can't handle. Thanks for the concern though."
"That wasn't concern, it was merely curiosity," Angelina said unconvincingly. Hell, she didn't even convince herself.
Fred grinned at her then hurried off to find George and Lee. Needless to say, when he finally caught up with them they weren't happy campers.
"You what?!" Lee exclaimed.
George put his head in his hands. "I knew something like this would happen," he muttered.
"Look, it's no big deal. All we have to do is find it and get it back from whoever has it before they drink it," Fred said.
"Easier said than done." Lee looked around at the boisterous students. "It could be anywhere."
"Well, we know someone in here has it. Lee, you stay by the staircases and make sure no one takes it to their room. George and I will take a look around and make a few inquiries. We'll get it back."
George was not as optimistic as his brother. He'd been around the entire common room and already knew it was a lost cause. It had been twenty minutes since Fred had noticed the Butterbeer was missing, whoever had it had probably finished all the bottles by now. He just hoped the thief had been kind enough to share. Six bottles of Firewhiskey and Butterbeer was enough to get anyone drunk, let alone a teenager not accustomed to alcohol.
As he was heading back to the stairs to rendezvous with Fred and Lee he spotted Alicia sitting in the corner at a table with her back to the room. Her shoulders were hunched and George hoped she wasn't crying again. He was getting quite sick of that. After he'd spoken to the others he would return to check on her.
"Find anything?" Fred asked hopefully as he spotted George approaching. His twin shook his head desolately.
Lee swore under his breath. "Six bottles of Butterbeer can't just disappear like that!"
"Someone must have already drank it. Did anyone seem drunk to you, George?"
George snorted and waved his hand at the rambunctious throng of Gryffindors. "You mean apart from everyone? It's going to be like spotting a needle in a haystack."
"We better get started then." Fred rubbed his hands together. "Let's all go take a look around. Question anyone suspicious. If you find someone even the slightest bit drunk keep him or her with you. The last thing we need is one of the prefects getting wind of it. They'll know it had to be us who brought it."
George sighed. So much for an enjoyable party. He spent nearly half an hour keeping his eye out for drunken people. He had passed Alicia's corner a while ago and found her happily chatting to a small group of seventh year boys. At least she wasn't alone.
He was busily questioning Neville Longbottom about why he tripped over a chair when someone tugged on the back of his robes. He heard a quiet voice say, "Mr George?"
Only one person called him Mr George. "What is it, Colin? I'm a little busy here. Whatever it is, I promise I didn't do it."
"I think you had better come see this," he whispered conspiratorially.
"What is it?"
"Your girlfriend."
George frowned. "I don't have a girlfriend, Colin."
Colin tilted his head. "She plays Quidditch with Harry Potter."
"Alicia Spinnet?" George guessed. Colin gave him a blank look. "The girl with the curly hair?"
"That's her!"
Trust Colin to only know her through her association to Harry. "What's wrong with her?"
"I think you had better come see for yourself."
So George followed the little Creevey boy through the crowd. His heart was thumping loudly at the thought that something might have happened to her. This was all because of that stupid alcohol!
"There she is." Colin pointed to the corner and gave a frightened sort of squeak. He scurried off as if scared.
George shook his head in confusion. Why would Colin be frightened? George soon found out. He didn't recognise Alicia for a moment. She still looked the same, it was just that she was sitting on some guy's lap and George had never seen her do that before. A dozen thoughts raced through his mind at once.
Polyjuice Potion maybe? Or perhaps Alicia had an identical twin she never mentioned. Of course, he could just be her new boyfriend. His stomach twisted itself into a knot as he approached the table and listened.
Alicia was talking loudly, not something she normally did. She was also telling a joke, something she never did. "So, this priest walks into a bar and the bartender says, why the long face?" Alicia giggled and the seventh years just stared at her. "Hang on, I think I mixed that up." Alicia bit her bottom lip as she tried to remember the joke.
"Take your time, sweetheart," said the leering guy she was sitting on.
George could see why he wanted her to take her time. His hand was on her knee and was slowly slipping underneath her regulation length Hogwarts skirt. Boyfriend or not, George knew she wouldn't stand for that. He waited for Alicia to slap him, or at least tell him off but she didn't. She didn't even seem to notice he was doing it. There could be only one explanation. It hit George like a freight train.
Alicia Spinnet was drunk.
Without another thought he marched over and tried to drag her away by pulling her arm violently but the guy had his arm wrapped tightly around her waist. Alicia stopped trying to remember her joke and looked up in surprise. "Hey! It's my Georgie! Hi, Georgie!"
"What are you doing?" he hissed, still trying to pull her away.
"Georgie, I'd like you to meet my new friends! Guys this is my Georgie."
"Let her go," George snarled.
"Relax, mate, I'm willing to share her. Just wait your turn."
"Sharing's good," Alicia said with an approving nod.
"See, she doesn't have a problem with it." Alicia's new 'friend' tightened his hold on her.
"She doesn't know what she's saying. If you don't let her go I'll make your life a living hell," George vowed.
The seventh years laughed dubiously. "Just how do you propose to do that, Weasley?"
"You'll never be able to eat any food without wondering what I've put into it. It wouldn't be too difficult to put in a special order with the House Elves. They like helping."
The older students exchanged covert glances and agreed unanimously. "Here, have her then. See if we care."
George grabbed Alicia and held her safely behind his back. "You mention this to anyone and I'll put a Severing Charm in your underwear."
They all winced and nodded quickly in agreement. Alicia waved as George tried to lead her away. "Buh-bye!" she called back.
George gave her a shove and she stumbled and fell ungracefully on her backside. "Whoops" was all she said as George helped her back up. He took her to an empty part of the common room.
"All right, how many of those Butterbeers did you have?" he demanded in a loud whisper.
"One or two…or six?"
"Alicia! How could you drink all of them?!"
"Quite easily actually. All I had to do was take the top off then-"
"But why?"
Alicia shrugged, not once, but twice. Then once more. "I wanted to forget about Oliver." She shrugged again, just for the fun of it.
George put his hands on her shoulders. "Stop doing that. What made you think alcohol would make you forget about Oliver?"
"The bottle said so."
George blinked. "The bottle talked to you?"
Alicia giggled. "No, silly, it was on the label. It said I could let go of my regular life. It also said I could abandon my inhibitions. Isn't that nifty?"
Well, she's definitely thrown her inhibitions out the window, George thought. "It's just dandy, Leesh. Now, I think the best thing to do would be to get you up to your room so you can sleep this off."
"I'm not sleepy," Alicia informed him airily. "I can't sleep if I'm not sleepy."
"I could make you a potion or get-"
"Look! It's Fred and Lee!"
"No! Don't do…that," George finished weakly as Alicia waved the two boys over. "Just don't act drunk. Actually, don't talk at all. Let me handle this."
"Did you find anything?" Fred asked, giving Alicia a wary glance. She just smiled brightly at him.
"Nothing. Look, we might as well give up. It's gone so let's never speak of it again."
Fred gave him a confused look. Lee, meanwhile, was peering at Alicia. "You feeling all right? You look a little flushed."
Dutifully remembering George's orders, Alicia only smiled and nodded. Lee and Fred were still a little suspicious but given her recent odd behaviour they didn't give it a second thought. They soon left to find Angelina and Katie and George sighed in relief.
"All right, one crisis averted. Let's get you upstairs and in bed."
"That sounds like fun." Alicia giggled (she seemed to be doing that a lot) and tried to wink. Unfortunately, she couldn't work out how to only close one eye so she just blinked at him a few times.
Wondering what he could have possibly done to deserve this, George looked around the room for a safe passage back to the girls' stairs. The fewer people they had to pass the better. He was interrupted when Alicia threw her arms around him and buried her face in his neck.
"What's wrong now?" he groaned.
"I thought you could use a hug. You don't look very happy," she said in his ear.
"And I wonder why that is?" He hugged back anyway. "Alicia, what were you thinking? You know better than anyone that alcohol isn't - hey! Did you just lick my earlobe? Stop that!"
He pushed her away and she had the gall to wiggle her tongue at him. "What did you do that for?" he snapped, his voice higher than usual.
"You have a very lickable ear."
George's reply caught in his throat. As intriguing as it sounded, he did not want to get into a conversation about which of his body parts was most lickable. He rubbed at ear lobe with his sleeve and glared at her sternly. "You can't just lick someone's ear. Not without permission anyway."
"George, may I lick your ear?" she asked coquettishly.
"No! That's it. Come on." Ignoring the way his face reddened, George grabbed her hand tightly and pulled her non-too-gently towards the staircase. "Up you go," he urged her. "I'll be right behind you."
With a few minor stumbles Alicia made it upstairs. George followed her, making sure to skip the charmed sixth step that would send him sliding back down. The Founders may not have been the most trusting people but they were also too cheap to bother having all the steps charmed. Fred, George and Lee had learned early on how to get by the charm but they smartly kept it to themselves.
Alicia fumbled her door open and pulled George through after her. She kicked the door shut and locked it then stood with her back against it. Her eyes had a predatory gleam about them. "So. You've got me alone. What now?"
George didn't answered. He gulped and took a step back. He was trying to figure out why he was sweating. It had to be fear. "Er…" was all he finally managed.
Alicia began to walk towards him. "I believe you mentioned something about bed?"
Oh, good Lord. George backed up till he ran into one of the posts on her bed. That seemed to jolt him out of his stupor. "Look, I'm flattered but you're really drunk. Maybe some other time?"
"I'm not drunk. I'm just a tip dibsy." She frowned and cocked her head. That didn't sound right. "I'm a tid bipsy…"
"A bit tipsy?" George supplied.
"That's the one. See, I'm fine."
"I really think it would be better if you slept this off," he said firmly. "By yourself, that is. I'll be sleeping in my own bed," he added quickly.
She disregarded his suggestion with a coy smile. She stepped up to him till their noses were almost touching. "Come on, George. Why deny it? You're a girl and I'm a boy."
George licked his lips nervously. "Uh, I think you'll find that you're a girl and I'm a boy."
Alicia looked down at her chest. "Oh. Right. And you're a boy?"
"Last time I checked."
"Want me to check again?"
George grabbed her reaching hands and held them tightly. "You have lost your damn mind," he said slowly and clearly.
Alicia didn't appear to have heard him. She was staring like she was really only seeing him for the first time. "When did you get so gorgeous?"
"I've always been gorgeous," he replied matter-of-factly. "You just choose not to notice."
"I'm noticing now."
"It doesn't count."
"Why not?"
"Are you kidding?" George gaped. "You're drunker than my Uncle Albert on Christmas Day!"
Alicia giggled. "I like your Uncle Albert. He calls me curly."
"He only calls you curly because he can never remember your name. Alcohol did that to him. You want to end up like him?"
"What? Fat and bald?"
George sighed and ran an agitated hand through his hair. "What am I going to do with you?"
"I can think of a few things," Alicia said, sliding her hands around his neck.
"You can't!" George struggled away from her and retreated to the other side of the room.
"I want you to help me forget about Oliver," she implored. She began to walk towards him again.
"Stop! I can help you just as well from over here."
"I'm lonely!"
"You're also drunk!" he countered. "I bet you couldn't even walk in a straight line."
"Can so!" Alicia put her arms out to balance herself then began to walk. On every step she leant too far to one side and stumbled. George laughed and she scowled. "That's not my fault. The room moved."
"Just face it. You only want me because you're drunk."
"That's not true!" she insisted. "I had a dream about you once. You were wearing leather trousers and we were at the beach."
"Leather on the beach?"
"Well, you weren't wearing them much," she admitted freely. "Have you ever seen The Blue Lagoon?"
George's brain was about five steps behind. Since when did Alicia have dreams about him wearing leather trousers? "Er, the blue what?"
"It's a Muggle movie. This boy and girl get stranded on a beautiful tropical island and they discover their sexuality. I had a dream that we-"
George had run across the room and slapped his hand over her mouth. He'd never moved faster in his life. "Not another word! I really don't want to know!"
Alicia smiled behind his hand and put her own hands on his waist. His eyes widened but he didn't say anything. Slowly, she slid her hands under the hem of his shirt. "That's probably not a good idea," George said without much conviction.
His skin was so hot that when her cold fingers touched his back, it almost burned. Her fingers wandered across his back for what seemed like hours. When they shifted around to his stomach he gasped and tried to pull away. Alicia quickly hooked a finger through one of his belt loops to stop his progress.
"Relax," she cooed, "everything will be all right."
George tried to pull her hand away but she had closed her finger tightly. "Relax? I'm beyond panicking right now! You have to believe me when I say this is wrong on so many levels!"
"It's also right on so many levels," Alicia said. Insightful for a drunk person.
"You're not thinking straight! Let go of my trousers, you…you dirty trousers grabber!"
Alicia giggled again. George was really beginning to hate that. He was about to tell her off again when they were interrupted by a knock. "Alicia? Are you in there?" Angelina called.
George almost had a coronary. Typically, Alicia only giggled. "Tell her yes," George whispered.
"Yeah, I'm in here!"
Silence, then, "Are you in there with someone? Like a male someone?"
"Yeah!"
George slapped a hand to his forehead. Sure enough Angelina said, "Who is it?"
Alicia looked to George for help. He was busy trying to come up with explanations. If Angelina found out he was alone with Alicia while she was drunk out of her mind she would flay him alive. Then Alicia would have to put up with Fred and Lee teasing her forever. When Angelina and Katie also found out who supplied the alcohol the three of them would have to leave the country.
"Alicia?"
Alicia grasped for an answer. "Oh, you know. Er, the guy with…uh, the hair and the eyes!"
"That narrows it down! Look, the party is starting to wind down. Katie and I can give you another hour."
While she was preoccupied George managed to pry her finger from his belt loop and retreat to the other side of Katie's bed. Alicia said goodbye to Angelina then turned back to him. "Well, you heard her. We only have an hour so we better get started." She pulled off her Hogwarts robes and threw them across the room.
"I will not be starting anything with you! You are you going to go to sleep in your bed - by yourself - and have happy dreams about rainbows and unicorns! No leather or beaches allowed!"
Alicia folded her arms angrily. "You still think I'm too drunk."
"I know you're too drunk."
"Well, I bet I'm sober enough to do a handstand," she said fiercely. "I'll do one just to show you how un-drunk I am!"
George's stomach dropped. "NO! STOP! You're wearing a SKIRT!"
It was too late. Alicia was already upside down against the wall. George closed his eyes as quickly as he could but he still caught a glimpse of red lace. He bit the inside of his cheek to stop himself groaning. Red was his favourite colour! If he didn't know any better he'd say Alicia had worn red knickers just to spite him.
"I told you I could do it!" she announced triumphantly. "George! You're not looking!"
"Of course I'm not looking!"
Alicia continued to cheer and congratulate herself. George, on the other hand, was almost hyperventilating. He'd seen his best friend's knickers. That couldn't be good. He was pretty sure he'd go to hell now. Apart from red lace he had also seen lots of smooth, porcelain skin. Well, at least it looked smooth. Perhaps he could just touch - No!
God was so going to smite him. It should have been one of the Commandments. Thou shalt not peek at thy best friend's knickers whilst she is inebriated.
Or something to that effect.
"GEORGE!"
With a jolt he realised Alicia had been calling him for the past few seconds. "What now!?"
"I'm stuck!"
George almost cried in despair. "Stuck?! How can you be stuck?"
"You have to help me! I'll fall on my head otherwise!"
At this point in time George didn't think that would be such a bad idea. There was no way he could help her. Help would involve touching. Which would eventually lead to inappropriate thoughts and one hell of a smiting. "You're determined to kill me, aren't you? That's your plan, isn't it? Freak George out till he has an aneurysm?"
"Hurry! My arms are getting tired and I'll end up breaking my neck!"
"Listen, just push off from the wall," he said desperately.
"I can't! I'll crack the back of my head on the wall if I try to flip! I don't think I did it quite right!"
Again, that didn't sound like such a bad idea. "Look, I'll have to go downstairs and get someone to help. Someone with a uterus."
"I won't last till then! I need you now! Please, George!"
George almost opened his eyes in alarm. "Keep your voice down! If someone hears you screaming like that they'll get the wrong idea!" he hissed urgently.
"George! OH, GEORGE!"
"Stop that! I'll help you down if you promise not to do that ever again!"
"I promise! I promise! Help!"
George slowly opened his eyes and looked at the ground defiantly. "I'm going to burn in hell for eternity," he repeated to himself as he carefully made his way towards Alicia. "Ok. Just k-keep your legs closed."
"Hurry," she whimpered.
George knew he had to look at her in order to help her down. He took a deep breath and raised his eyes. His faced burned in embarrassment but he managed not to faint. That was a good sign. He had to cough violently before he could talk though.
"Right. Ahem. Yes. Ok. I'm going to put my arm across your waist. Just lean into it slowly."
Alicia obviously wasn't in the mood to go slow. She pushed off the wall and George, shaking and agitated, wasn't prepared to take all of her weight. He reflexively put his hand out and grabbed her thigh to steady her. Well. That answered the question about whether her skin was smooth. It was also warm and soft.
"George?"
"Oh! Right. Now, sort of walk forward on your hands while I'm holding you up," he said, his voice strained beyond belief. She did so carefully. "That's enough. You won't hit your head now."
"I don't want to fall forward. Do it the other way," she ordered.
George didn't think she was in any position to make demands but if it meant he could stop touching her sooner he would do it. "Turn your hands then, you don't want to snap your wrists. I'll let you down slowly, ok?"
He moved his hand from her thigh to put his arm across the back off her knees. He slowly began to lower her. "My arms are getting twisted!" she said urgently. She began to wobble so George quickly moved his arm from her waist and put it around her shoulders just as her arms gave way.
The muscles in his upper chest and arms strained as he took all of her weight. He sank to his knees as she threw he arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. "My hero!"
"Piece of cake," he said as sweat trickled down his face.
"Oh, you're so strong!" she gushed while she kissed his cheek.
He let go of her immediately but she kept a tight grip on his neck. He tried to push her away but she just twisted around and wrapped her legs around her waist. He stood up hoping she'd fall off but only tightened her legs around him.
"Get off me!" he growled and continued trying to pry her off him.
"I'd rather get off with you," she whispered huskily.
George stopped trying to push her away to cover his ears. "Don't say things like that!"
"Can I tell you how cute you are when you're aroused?"
George pressed his hands tightly over his ears. He could still hear her! "No! And I'm not aroused!"
Alicia wriggled her hips in a disturbing way and leered at him. "Oh, I beg to differ."
That was the last straw. George began to try to shake her off but she had locked her ankles behind his back and refused to budge. She was still moving her hips around. He was going to need some serious therapy after this.
"All right, you asked for it." He marched over to her bed and began to tickle her. Alicia shrieked and released her death grip on him. She fell back on the bed and lay there looking stunned.
"George?"
"I'm leaving! I don't care if you shag every boy in Gryffindor Tower. I'm getting out of here before I completely lose my mind!"
Alicia just stared up at him in a drunken daze. He shook his head at her then went for the door. He stopped along the way to pick up her robes. Having clothes strewn about the room wouldn't look good. He put the robes on a hook by the door. He knew he should have just walked out, he just couldn't help but turn back.
Alicia lying on her bed still. She was curled up in a tight ball and was sobbing wretchedly into her hands. He really should check that she was all right. Just ask then leave.
"What's wrong?" he asked quietly as he walked back over to her.
She peered up at him with large wet eyes. "I thought you had left already."
"Well, I'm still here. What's wrong?"
"I drank to forget about Oliver but it didn't work. I remember every little thing he ever said or did to me. It won't go away."
George knelt beside her bed and pushed her hair back from her face. "It will go away eventually. You just have to give it time."
Alicia gave him a watery smile. "I know it will. It - it just aches."
George felt his chest tighten painfully. What was he supposed to say to that? He realised there was nothing he could say so he got back up and lay down beside her. He put his arm around her and she buried her face in his chest. They stayed like that for almost five minutes. George assumed she had fallen asleep so he tried to gently pull away from her.
She raised her head and looked at him pleadingly. "No. Please don't go. You're the only one here who cares about me."
"That's not true and you know it."
"Well, Angelina and Fred definitely hate me."
"Oh, they don't hate you. Angelina is just annoyed you're keeping secrets from her. She'll get over it. Fred is just… he's just being Fred. I promise neither of them hates you."
Alicia put her hand on George's cheek and leant forward till their lips were an inch apart. "I hoped you would help me forget about Oliver."
"I wish I could."
"You still can."
She closed the gap and kissed him gently but firmly, then pulled back. George had literally felt his resistance crumble. He never did stand a chance really, not after she had licked his ear. She had been poking holes in his protective barriers till they all finally tumbled over like the Berlin Wall.
He grabbed a handful of her hair and pulled her lips back to his. He'd die if he didn't kiss her again. Besides, he was already destined to go to hell. What harm could a little kiss do?
The 'little' kiss soon became a big kiss and George could still taste the vestiges of Butterbeer in her mouth. Kissing her was just as he imagined. She was sweet and warm and soft in all the right places. Her hands were disconcerting though, they never stopped moving. His hair, his shoulder, his chest, his hip, his stomach…
She suddenly pulled back and giggled. "Good Lord. Where have you been all my life?"
George didn't answered. Talking was too distracting. It also wasted valuable kissing time. He pulled her back down and kissed her chin. He slowly let his lips slide down her throat. Alicia buried her hands in his hair as he flicked his tongue over her pulse point. She closed her eyes and threw her head back to give him better access.
"Oliver."
It took a second for the name to permeate George's passion addled brain. When he realised what she said he stopped kissing her. Alicia groaned in protest and tugged at his hair. He rolled them over so he was on top and stared down at her.
"What's wrong?" Alicia asked, rubbing his neck in a distracting way.
"What did you just say?"
"I asked you what was wrong."
"Before that!"
Alicia slowly realised the horrible mistake she'd made. "I said George."
George shook his head. "You called me Oliver."
"No I didn't!" she insisted and tried to kiss him again.
"Leesh, you practically moaned his name," he said gently. Really, he should have known better anyway. He pulled her hands away and rolled off her. She made one desperate grab for him but he stood by her bed and straightened his robes.
"Don't go!" she pleaded. She struggled to her knees. "I didn't mean to say it!"
"Oh, I think you did mean it. That's the problem."
Alicia crawled to the edge of the bed and George stepped back so he was out of reach. "Please. I meant to say George. Oliver. George. They sound so alike."
"They don't sound alike at all. It was a mistake for me to kiss you. I have to go."
"No!" She made another grab for him but misjudged the distance and ended up falling off the bed. She hit the floor with a thump that made George wince. "Ouch," she groaned.
"Anything broken?"
Alicia sat up very slowly. "Ooh. I think I broke my head."
George helped her to feet and set her down on her bed. "Your head isn't broken. That's just the alcohol."
"It feels like my brain is trying to leak out of my ears." She pressed her hands to her ears just to ensure this didn't happen. "I really don't feel too good."
"Get some sleep and you'll feel a little better in the morning," he advised. "I have to get to my room before Angelina and Katie come back up."
Alicia sighed and lay back. "I'm sorry, George."
She looked so pretty with her cheeks flushed and her lips red and swollen. George knew he had to have just one more kiss. It would probably be the last kiss he ever gave her. He leant over her and pressed his lips to hers. It was a sweet last kiss.
"You're a very good kisser," she told him as he pulled away.
He grinned. "So are you. See you in the morning."
George quietly pulled the curtains around her bed shut and tiptoed out of the room. He made it down the stairs, missing the sixth steps of course, and looked around the common room. It was well past midnight but there was still about a dozen students lingering in the room. He spotted Fred, Lee, Angelina and Katie sitting by the dying fire.
They were having an intense discussion about something so he was able to sneak up to his room without attracting any attention. When he got to his room he fell onto his bed fully clothed and stared up at the canopy of his bed. When Fred and Lee came upstairs about fifteen minutes later he pretended to snore so they wouldn't ask him questions. After they had both fallen asleep he went back to staring.
The morning came too quickly for George. He had stared blankly for hours before finally drifting off to sleep. He had an unsettling dream about swimming in a blue lagoon with Alicia that caused him to wake up again. He'd been awake since then. He stumbled down to breakfast with Fred and Lee and tried to ignore their persistent questions.
"Where were you all night?"
"I told you, I was in our room."
"We checked there but it was empty," Lee said.
"Well, I visited Ron for a bit."
"For how long?" Fred asked.
"I don't know!" George snapped irritably. "I wasn't exactly timing myself."
"Angelina reckons Alicia was in her room with some guy last night. She heard lots of giggling and whispering," Lee said casually. Too casually.
George narrowed his eyes as the three waited in the common room for the girls. "So Alicia had a boy in her room. What does that have to do with me?"
"Well, you were the last person we saw her with."
"I hope you're not suggesting I was with Alicia last night."
"We'd never suggest anything of the sort!" Fred answered, looking affronted. "We merely thought you might know who she was with."
George didn't believe his brother for a second. They all knew he had been with Alicia. Well, they could think whatever they liked. "I don't know who she was with and I'd rather not talk about it."
Angelina and Katie came down the stairs at that moment. Alicia was not with them. The two of them both smiled at George and nudged each other.
"Where's Alicia?"
"She's still in bed. She says she isn't feeling well," Katie replied. She gave George a very significant look.
"She must have had a busy night."
George rolled his eyes. There was no way he was going to be able to handle them at the moment. He wasn't feeling up to lots of snide comments and innuendo. "You guys go on without me. I'm going to go check on Alicia."
The four Gryffindors exchanged knowing looks but refrained from saying anything. They filed out of the portrait hole and George all but sprinted up the girls' stairs. He was unbelievably nervous. Would Alicia slap him or kiss him?
He knocked on her door and waited patiently. "Not so loud," was the groan from inside.
"Sorry. It's George. May I come in?"
"I guess."
I guess? That didn't sound very enthusiastic. George opened the door and entered cautiously. She didn't throw anything at him, which had to be a good sign. He made his way to her bed. She was lying on her side, still wearing her uniform from the night before.
"How are you feeling?" he asked.
"Like my head is going to explode." She smiled weakly. Smiling was good. She couldn't want to yell at him if she was smiling.
George sat on the edge of her bed and stared at his hands. He was never going to be able to look at her the same way. He'd seen her knickers for Merlin's sake!
"George," she said softly. He held his breath. "You might not believe this, but I got drunk last night."
"Er, I know that."
Alicia put her hands over her eyes. "Oh no. I didn't do anything embarrassing did I? I'll never be able to live with myself if I did. I'll have to change my name to Conchita, move to Mexico and make a living selling sombreros to tourists."
George just stared at her, a maelstrom of emotions swirling through him. She didn't remember! How could she not remember? Was he that forgettable? "You don't remember anything?"
She peeked through her eyes. "I remember nicking the Butterbeer from Fred and taking it to a corner of the common room. That's all. Why? Did I make a fool of myself in front of everyone? I'll be expelled for sure!"
Alicia looked so distraught that George put a reassuring hand on her arm. "No one knows you were drunk except me. As soon as I knew something was wrong with you I brought you up here."
She gave a huge sigh of relief. "Thank God. I'm so glad I was with you and not some sleazy guy who would have taken advantage of me. I still didn't do anything to embarrass myself, did I?"
George grimaced. He had almost taken advantage of her! He forced a laugh. "Anything embarrassing? You mean like doing a handstand in a skirt or something?"
Alicia raised her eyebrows doubtfully. "Even I'm not that stupid."
"You're right," he agreed with an affectionate smile. "If it makes you feel any better, as soon as you got upstairs you passed out on your bed. You did nothing embarrassing apart from snore and dribble on your pillow."
Alicia was relieved beyond words. She kissed the palm of George's hand. "Thanks for making sure I was all right. I've definitely learnt my lesson about alcohol."
"It was no problem and I'm glad you learnt something from this."
George went down to breakfast and left Alicia to sleep off her hang over. It was probably for the best that she didn't remember anything. She couldn't speak Mexican anyway. For the moment, George would just have to comfort himself with the fact that she thought he was a good kisser.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A/N: Ahem. The author does not condone underage drinking...nor does she recommend you try to do a handstand whilst under the influence. Glad I got that out of the way! I hope you liked the chapter. It has to be my favourite ever! I've been planning it for ages and I'm glad I got it done.
It's my birthday on the 23rd! Unfortunately, I also have to have an operation to have my wisdom teeth so I'll be in pain for my nineteenth birthday. Sniff. Lots of reviews would be nice! Also I'll have a preview of the next chapter up on my profile in a week or so.
Laverne de Montmorency- Well, I'm just glad you're back. I know what it's like to get distracted by other stuff.
Snowgrl- Thanks muchly for the review!
Star2717- I'm glad you enjoyed that chapter even though there was no G/A. I hope I made up for that with this chapter. You gotta love those Weasley boys!
Tessa1- They are rather cute! Just because you asked so nicely I'll try for 50 chapters.
Faye- Well, the Wallabies did make it to the Rugby World Cup final. We beat the All Blacks to get there which was great. Damn England and Jonny! Lol. They deserved to win though. There is lots of F/A coming up. They really are a fun couple to write. I'm sure Alicia surprised everyone in this chapter. She even surprised me!
Just Kidding Rowling- Thanks. I hope you didn't mind me torturing George in this chapter!
Heck E. Nah- I'm glad you like Charlie and Erica so much. As I said, there will be plenty of F/A coming up. It is the Yule Ball after all.
Oliverwoodschic- Alicia totally tested George's patience! Poor guy.
Ashlee- I'm glad I converted someone else to Charlie! I'm just glad I did him justice. I'm also really pleased that you don't find Erica annoying. That's always a danger with Ocs. I put a little F/A in this chapter for you. That was really just a lead in to the next few chapters.
Rachel- It was a big shift! I wrote it then almost didn't post it because I didn't think it would fit in. I hope your interest in this chapter was justified.
Vereniel Greenleaf- Short and sweet! Thanks.
Stephanie- Sorry I didn't get this out before Christmas! Hehe. I'm glad someone read my profile. From now on I'll put little previews on there just for you! Oh, I love Artemis Fowl. I'd love to write fanfic over there sometime. I just don't know what I'd write. Artemis/Holly has always weirded me out. I quite like the idea of Artemis/Juliet. I might do a little one-shot because you asked so nicely.
NathanPostmark- Thanks!
Marblez- It's always fun to return to a story you haven't read in ages and find lots of chapters! There's plenty more to come!
Bajan Girl- You're welcome! I used to search for exactly the same thing. When I found none I wrote this. Ok. Well, there won't be a sequel to Yule Ball. That was the original plan but this story has just totally taken a new direction and it no longer fits with Yule Ball. They're both separate stories. Yule Ball is over and done with. I don't like that story much anymore. There will be a sequel to Old Faces though. It'll be long and have quite a few twists and turns. I will start it as soon as I finish this one. It carries on straight after graduation. There, I hope that made sense! This chapter was 23 pages in Word! Big enough for you?
OreoLine00- Well, we can't have you being depressed! I love nothing more than eating ice cream and reading. I'm glad you used my story for it!
Frozenwithin- Wow. Thanks. I can recommend lots of G/A stories. Actually, you can find the best ones in my favourite stories list. I know what you mean about characters suddenly falling in love. I don't write like that. That's just me though. Everyone is different. I think I sort of did that in Yule Ball…it happened too quickly for Alicia. I plan to rectify that in Old Faces. I'm in a happy mood too!
Cream-cheese-girl- Tell your friend I said thanks for recommending me! I'm pleased that it's the best you've ever read. I don't know about being the queen of HP fanfiction. I feel more like the scorned princess or the ugly stepsister of HP fanfiction. Lol. Hmm. I wouldn't mind that cookie though…