"Ready to go?"
"Yeah, I guess" I shrugged at him in reply.
George grabbed my hand and started walking towards the bridge to Hogsmeade. As we walked I saw Daphne giving me a look and Blaise give me a happy looking wave. My guess was his happiness had more to do with her annoyance. I didn't blame Daphne too much for that, in a way she and Draco were right. In a way. I was spending a lot more time with George lately. But it wasn't my fault he wasn't a Slytherin; these were the only times I could spend with him.
A little ways in front of us I spotted Vik. He was walking onto the deck of the Durmstrang ship. Instead of his usual uniform he wore a pair of swimming trunks. Calmly he made his way to the edge of the ship, stretching out his arms, just before diving into the lake. I must've not been the only one to notice as some talking started up around us. Next to me George frowned in his direction.
"What is he doing? Isn't he freezing?" George made a face as he watched the calm but freezing lake Vik had just jumped into.
"I don't think so" I shook my head. "Being in the water, his body will adjust to the temperature while he trains. It would be a lot worse to have him out of the water now. Which means he really shouldn't come to Hogsmeade today."
Even though this was supposed to be a date George had never specified so I invited Vik. George might've not been too happy but Vik needed some time off. Although, there was nothing to worry about, because Vik had declined. One day of not training wasn't going to make that much difference but he insisted. He was really nervous about the second task. Although, if he needed more help, he could always ask. Still, it was nice to see his determination towards it. I smiled at him.
"What's he training for?" George asked, bringing my attention back to him. I shrugged back.
"I think he's trying to build endurance for the next task. He's a very impressive wizard to say the least" I smiled at Vik, whose head had resurfaced to get some air. George grabbed my hand and began to walk faster.
"Come on, so we can be early to some of the shops."
"Like it will make that much difference" I rolled my eyes but followed behind.
We crossed the bridge, along with several other students, to Hogsmeade village. Just like last time the village was filled with students from all three schools. It must have been convenient for the shopkeepers but it was a little annoying to see such a crowd. As the shops came into view George slowed down. He pointed ahead, to one of them in particular.
"Want to get something to drink before we start?" George asked, looking at the tea shop farther ahead.
"I don't really want tea right now" I shook my head at him.
"Oh now you don't want tea" he repeated with a smile, shaking his head too.
"Yes, that is what I just said" I replied with a small frown. George gave me a playful smirk back.
"Fine, we won't get tea right now. So, lead the way."
Following my lead George and I stopped by a few of the usual places. The herbology shop was our first stop. There were some new ingredients I had wanted to get my hands on. Afterwards we headed to a few more places. Most of the time I spent looking through the new inventory of Tomes and Scrolls. Since reading was basically the only thing I did at Hogwarts I thought it a smart decision. Normally I didn't spend too long in shops but George really didn't seem to mind so I took some time to browse. And, in the end, I walked out hands free.
"Why didn't you buy anything?" George asked, holding onto my hand again.
"I will" I answered and continued walking, heading nowhere in particular.
"No, I mean like right now. Why didn't you buy anything? I would normally assume it's because you don't have enough but this is you we're talking about" George added making a face. I giggled and his smile returned. "Wouldn't it save us some time? We're already here."
"Why now?" I frowned slightly at him. "If I got things now I would have to carry them everywhere else we went. Instead I can have the shopkeepers hold a few things and pick them up once it's time to leave. Then I'll only have to carry them across the bridge to Hogwarts.
"I could carry them" George offered.
"Fine, you can carry them across the bridge" I agreed, waving the topic away. George gave me a smirk.
"That's not what I meant, but alright. I should be happy you're letting me do things for you" George said happily and lead me forward.
I smiled at George as we walked. He always tried to insist on doing things for me. It made me glad he wasn't as stubborn as Draco at least. George knew better than to argue with me too long. Draco would argue with me until I caved. But that was most likely due to the fact that we were equally stubborn people. Neither of us liked giving in so we settled things the only way we knew how, by arguing.
"You know," George started, calling my attention, "it's our one month anniversary in a week. I'll just get you something for that."
"There's no such thing as a one month anniversary" I rolled my eyes at him.
"Sure there is."
"No, there really isn't" I insisted. "The word itself, 'anniversary', has the root word 'annual' which stands for 'year'. Meaning that, in no logical way, can there be a—"
"Sure there is" George repeated, waving away the comment.
Without another word he gave me one of his usual playful smiles and walked forward. A little ahead of us was the Three Broomsticks Pub. When it came into view George paused. As he did his expression changed. It became a little more serious than usual. Noting my glances he turned to look at me.
"Hey I know you're in charge but, um, do you mind if we make a stop?" George asked with a smile but it was clear he needed to go into the pub. I shrugged my shoulders and began to lead the way. Behind me George let out a sigh.
The pub was crowded, of course. With Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students also wanting to visit the village it was inevitable. There was the usual chatter of people enjoying their time though it wasn't coming from everyone. In one corner Bagman was sitting with a group of goblins, talking quickly and quietly, seeming to want to avoid others' attention. Normally I wouldn't care what he did but suspicious behavior always caught my eye. We didn't step too far into the place before Fred found us.
"Hey Kitty" he greeted me cheerily before turning to give his brother a meaningful look. Both turned to look to where Bagman was sitting and gave each other a nod. Fred turned back to me. "Mind if I take him for a second?"
"I don't own him" I replied. Both of them gave me a smile. George leaned in and gave me a kiss on the cheek.
"Be right back" he called and began to walk.
"Hermione is over there by the way, if you want to talk to her" Fred called, pointing to the bar, before turning to follow his brother.
Bagman stood up and walked over to Harry, leaving the group of goblins behind. Within a few moments he took Harry away, leaving Hermione and Ron alone together. He walked with Harry to a more private area as I step closer. Neither seems to notice me.
"Hi" I smiled, taking Harry's seat for my own. Ron turned to scowl at me as Hermione smiled back.
"Part of the paper, were you?"
"What paper?" I asked, frowning at Ron's vague remark.
"He means the article on the Daily Prophet; the one about Hagrid" Hermione clarified.
"Oh, who cares about that? That hag only writes because her life is too boring to matter to anyone" I waved the comment away, as well as ignored his aggravation. Hermione let out a giggle as Ron continued to frown, although slightly less so. "Who cares what Hagrid is; he's still a decent teacher. Not the best, I will admit, but neither was that temporary professor we had. You know, the one who brought in the unicorn."
Hermione seemed satisfied enough with that. She gave Ron a look, as if proving a point. He rolled his eyes at her and looked back. As he did his eyes paused at where Harry was still sitting with Bagman. His expression changed a little with that glance but he turned back to us before Hermione could notice.
"So, how is Harry doing with the egg?" I asked, remembering about the task.
"He says he's almost solved it" Hermione smiled, looking almost proud of Harry. I smiled back though guessed what he told her wasn't true. With the Golden egg it was either you knew or you didn't. It wasn't an actual puzzle but rather a tool, one that had a specific use. If he hadn't solved it yet then he did not know how it worked.
"Why are you asking, anyway?" Ron asked, lowering his eyes at me. "Are you going to tell your little Durmstrang friend? Spying for him, are you?"
"Don't be silly. He doesn't need my help right now" I smiled in response, though I was surprised at how accurately he had guessed the spy thing. Then again, he was probably just paranoid and grasping at straws.
"So are you here by yourself?" Hermione asked changing the subject. She looked around for a second with a small frown. I smiled again, guessing she was looking for Draco.
"No, I'm not. George went to do something with Fred though, so right now in just waiting."
"Gross" Ron mumbled, remembering his brother and I were now dating. Hermione kicked him under the table. It was apparently a pretty hard kick because he jumped up in pain. "Ow! What? It is!"
"Oh, stop it!" Hermione scolded.
I smiled at her before turning back for a second. In one of the corners of the pub Fred and George stood, away from everyone. They looked to be mumbling to each other. I let out a sigh. For one, they looked busy and I didn't want to interrupt. But, for two, I was getting bored.
"I'm going back to the village" I announced and stood up. Hermione stood too, out of courtesy, and Ron stayed where he was. "If George comes back can you tell him I'll be out there, walking around."
"You're not staying?"
"As much fun as it would be to stay and watch you two argue" I smiled at her, shaking my head, "I'm going to go for a walk. It's nice weather outside and all. I might as well enjoy it before the snow melts away."
"You really are mental. Ow!" Ron complained as Hermione kicked him again.
"I'll see you back at the castle, then" Hermione hugged me goodbye. Next to us, where Hermione couldn't see, Ron made a gagging motion with his finger.
I waved goodbye as I walked out of the pub. It wasn't a bad place really I just didn't feel like being bored for who knows how long while George did who knows what. Instead I made my way past the shops to the edge of the village. There were always quiet places to sit there, away from everything going on in Hogsmeade. The view held a small, almost forest-like area covered in a sheet of white snow. But before I got too comfortable I saw a figure walking towards me.
"I wasn't really expecting you" I said a little surprised as the redhead approached even closer.
"I'm guessing you thought I was George" Ginny replied as she met me.
"You don't exactly look alike, you know."
"You're right, I look more like Fred" she shrugged and I let out a laugh.
Without another word Ginny sat down next to me. She turned to look at me, waiting to hear an objection, but I merely shrugged.
"So, still don't like me?" I asked after a moment of silence. Ginny smirked and shook her head.
"I'm more or less indifferent of you really. But now that you're dating my brother it's going to be a little harder to ignore you" she said with a light tone though I guessed she was speaking the truth. I smiled back.
"Who says you have to stop ignoring me?"
"George, for one" Ginny mumbled. I rolled my eyes at that. She turned to look forward and let out a sigh. "So you honestly didn't know how he felt about you?"
"No, how would I?" I frowned at her. Ginny let out a laugh at that. When she was done she turned to give me a smile.
"I'm sure that basically anyone within a hundred meter radius could tell. Well anyone besides you I mean. Although that does explain the Malfoy thing" Ginny muttered the last bit.
"What 'Malfoy thing'?" I frowned again. She continued to smile and shook her head.
"Speaking of my brother" she started, completely ignoring my question, "I wanted to make some things clear."
"What things?" I asked, though no longer assuming she would answer anything I asked her.
"Well, for one, I thought that you were aware of how he felt and we're just leading him along" she started. Ginny shrugged at me before continuing. "Sorry. But in my defense he was being pretty obvious. How was I supposed to know you were so dense?"
"Don't call me that" I said with a look. Her smile got smaller but she otherwise kept it.
"Yeah, yeah, Slytherin" Ginny said, returning my look. "Anyway, now that you are dating, I better not hear that you hurt my brother. If you overstep your bounds in any way I will come after you."
"You're very confident with yourself, aren't you?" I said with a smile. This time she frowned.
"Don't underestimate me."
"I think you're underestimating me" I clarified. Ginny rolled her eyes.
"Oh, I wouldn't think of underestimating the Volkov family" she said sarcastically, making me smile.
"For someone who doesn't want her family to be judged you sure go around doing that a lot."
"Maybe I do but I have my reasons," Ginny looked at me for a moment before shaking her head. "I just don't see it. Why George, and Fred, and even Hermione, all seem to think you're great. Even Harry thinks you're okay."
"Really?" I asked sounding genuinely surprised. Ginny smirked at me. "He's never said that to me."
"Well I heard Ron complaining about it, so that's probably why" she said, sounding like that would be a good enough reason to keep anyone quiet.
"Well, if it makes you feel any better, I don't really know why they like me either" I said honestly. "I think I'm a bitch."
"I think you're one too" Ginny said with a nod. I smiled at her and she smiled back. "Though, you know, that's not always a bad thing."
"You're kind of a bitch too."
"I can be" she admitted. "But keep to my good side and you'll be fine."
"I'm not scared" I shrugged in reply. "Still, I'm not planning on doing anything against your family. If I ever do then by all means come after me. Just know it won't be as easy as you think."
"It won't be as difficult as you think either" Ginny said and stood up.
"Well, have fun on your first visit" I said as she started to walk away.
"I have been here before" Ginny informed me. I gave her a look and she rolled her eyes. "This is my first year here but there was a visit during fall, remember."
"Well just have fun then. Quit nitpicking everything" I rolled my eyes at her as well. She smiled at me before continuing on her way.
"Yeah, you too. Just remember what I told you" Ginny called back.
I waved to her as she made her way back to the village. There was something about Ginny that I liked. She was much like the twins in a sense. The fact that she never seemed careful about offending me was endearing too, in a way. And she obviously cared for her brothers as she felt the need to "warn" me about what could happen if I did anything to them. That sort of thing I could understand.
I had been that way in the past, whenever Nikolai spent too much time with a girl. Honestly, Ginny had taken better care of this type of situation than I had. It wasn't all of them, mind you, but a decent enough amount that, after a while, they were more careful. I wasn't stupid; even at a young age I could tell when a girl started craving too much attention. They always wanted something from him, and I wasn't going to let them have it.
Most of the time merely telling Nikolai I disapproved of their presence was enough to keep him away. Every once in a while though one would stay, or try to at least. It was only a few and I generally kept my actions to nonphysical means. Once I did put red ants down one of the girls' shirt but she had deserved it. She was trying to convince my brother to spend his free time with with instead of me. Also she called me Katrina.
Either way, Nikolai was mine and they should've known better. That was probably why it had hit me so hard when he met the muggle... I hadn't been there to stop it. If I had things might have been different. Very different actually. But, no matter what might be lost, the price still seemed worth it to have him by my side again.
"Hey" I heard someone call out to me.
I turned and found the twins walking towards me. Looking forward for a moment I sat up and wiped my face, just to be sure. I hadn't been crying. Good. I turned back just as they were about to reach me. As I did I heard George let out a sigh. He paused, noticing I had heard, and gave me a smile.
"Done?" I asked when they didn't say anything.
"Yeah" Fred grumbled, not bothering to hide his disappointment. I smiled at him.
"I'm guessing it didn't go as planned" I said but neither looked in a rush to answer. Instead George came and sat next to me. He put an arm around me and placed his face on my shoulder. Fred smiled at his brother.
"Well, we're done, so I'll leave you to your alone time now" Fred said, sounding a little better now.
"Want to join us?" I asked though George, who was still resting comfortably against me, was already waving him goodbye. Fred chuckled and shook his head.
"No, it's fine. I'm here with Angelina."
"Who?" I asked with a frown. George smirked at me.
"The girl he took to the Yule Ball" he chuckled against my shoulder.
"Oh, right, the loud one" I said to myself, making both of them let out a laugh.
"I'll see you around" he called and began to walk away. Fred walked towards Hogsmeade village the same way Ginny had.
"So what was that about?" I asked George once we were alone again.
"It wasn't important" he mumbled a reply, sitting up straight.
"You're sure?" I asked with a smile, knowing better. He groaned slightly and nodded. I rolled my eyes at him and stood up. "Fine. Now I do want some tea."
"Wait!"
George grabbed my arm, pulling himself up and pulling me closer to him. Gently he placed a hand on my cheek and leaned in to give me deep kiss. The gesture took me by surprise, so much so that I didn't say anything even after he pulled away. Once he did George smiled to himself and nodded.
"Yup, I feel better now. So, tea then?" he asked, pulling me forward. I followed quietly after.
George led me through the village to Madam Puddingfoot's Tea Shop. A small bell chimed as we stepped foot inside the shop. Inside the place looked as happy as ever, a little too much so but not that bad. It was covered with frills and other girly things just like the last time we were here. We made our way to a table as Madam Puddingfoot came to take our order. I asked for tea, George asked for coffee, and within a few minutes we were served.
George held my hand on the table with one of his as the other stirred his coffee. It was strange, looking around, realizing we were not the only couple. Others were sitting, holding hands and making cutesy faces at each other. I wasn't sure if things had been the same last time we came. I never really noticed.
"I'm sorry that Fred and I took so long" George sighed, before taking a drink. I shrugged at him.
"Eh, it's fine, you had things to do. You know, like that thing..." I said, making him smile.
"I told you, it's not important" he repeated, squeezing my hand. "But I'll make it up to you."
"Make what up to me?" I asked. Before he could reply I rolled my eyes at him to stop him. "It wasn't a literal question. I told you, it's fine."
"But it's really not" George frowned down at his drink. "I'll make it up to you. Tomorrow we'll do something together. Meet me on the grounds and we'll do something special."
"Fine" I sighed and took a drink of my tea. George smiled.
"Fine" he repeated with a smirk and leaned closer to me. I gave him a look and poked his nose.
"George" I scolded. He gave me a sigh.
"Are you ever going to let me kiss you in public?"
"No."
"Then I'll just have to keep trying" he smirked at me before taking a drink. I rolled my eyes at him.
We finished our drinks before heading out. On the way back to Hogwarts we stopped by to pick up some items. George kept his word about carrying my things back to the castle. Though I insisted he didn't need to do so George insisted as well. He helped me get my things to the dungeon before we parted ways.
The next I sat in front of the forest, waiting for George. Another thing he insisted on was making it up to me. It didn't help that Draco was acting up either. Going to Hogsmeade with him was one thing, spending allegedly all weekend with him was apparently unthinkable. I was still hoping for the day when Draco would give it a rest.
To my side I could see the Durmstrang ship at a distance. It lulled side to side as the wind made waves on the surface of the lake. Although a pretty sight I was more interested in what was in front of me. A horde of Thestrals had wandered closer to edge than they normally ever did.
"So you can see them too" Theodore's voice sounded behind me. I turned to give him a surprised look.
"That's what you meant the other day, isn't it?" I asked as he sat down next to me. "That's why you told Pansy... that she couldn't see what I could see."
"Horrid creatures" he made a face at them.
"I don't think they're that bad" I smiled, over the original surprise of his arrival. Theo smiled back.
"Yes, well, you have a monster for a pet so who are you to say" he rolled his eyes at me. I laughed at his joke and he smirked in reply. But when he turned back to the creatures he gave them a frustrated look. "So do you know anything about these things? I haven't found a thing."
"Thestrals" I told him, turning back to them too. "Apparently they can only be seen by those who have witnessed a death."
"Is that so? Seems morbid, I thought they just looked it" he commented, resting his elbows against his knees. With a sigh he turned back to me. "I'm guessing that is why no one else seems to notice them."
"To be honest, I only noticed them last year. Before then I hadn't paid much attention to them when getting into the carriage to Hogwarts; I had thought they were just regular horses at first glance. It wasn't until I heard someone say they were supposed to be horseless carriages that I realized what they were."
"I had a similar experience" he nodded. "I never thought of bringing it up, though. It's a bit difficult to explain that, in reality, there are decaying death horses taking us to Hogwarts every year."
"Especially when the requirement to see them is having to see someone die" I agreed. He gave me an apprehensive look at my words.
"So, who did you see die?"
I took a moment before answering him. Witnessing death wasn't exactly a common topic of conversation. For a moment I pondered whether or not it would be a mistake to tell him the truth. Theo didn't say anything as I contemplated my response. He wasn't as impatient as some of the others. Still, I could tell he was curious. With a shrug I began to answer.
"I'm not sure" I said honestly, turning back to the Thestrals in front of us. "Most likely it was one of two events. As I was younger the timeline is a little skewed in my memory so I don't know for sure... One was a childhood friend, Daniel Harris. On a vacation to a nearby beach he was stupid enough to go too far in without supervision. By the time someone got him out, he was already dead. I'm not sure if it counts since I didn't actually see him die, just dead."
"What about the other one?" Theo asked curiously.
It made me smile a little how disconcerned he sounded. People could call it heartless but that was one thing I appreciated about Slytherins; we knew when it was necessary to be sensitive and when it was needlessly stupid. Theo smiled back and waited. I took another moment before answering. I didn't like the memory. Losing a friend was one thing but... that second memory had caused me nightmares. Subconsciously I touched my cheek at the thought. I sighed and looked back at Theo.
"I went on a trip with my father to Southern Europe when I was about 6 or 7. Bored, I wandered off into the woods. In doing so I ran into some of the wildlife..." I paused and suppressed the shiver trying to crawl its way up my spine. I could still remember those snakes. "I got lost; I was only a kid after all. Realizing that, my father sent a search party after me. One of the crew found me but was attacked and killed trying to get me back to safety. That one I did see."
"That sucks" he muttered though sounding sincere. I nodded.
"It does, doesn't it" I nodded, looking at one if the creatures. It had turned to look at us curiously and cautiously. I doubted many students ever stopped by to watch them. Theo shifted next to me.
"And does Malfoy know about this?" he asked looking at me.
"He knows about the incidents, of course, but not about the Thestrals. And I'd rather he didn't" I said with a look. Draco knew a lot of things about me, things I would never even think to repeat to anyone else, but there was no need to needlessly worry him. He did enough of that as it was. Theo gave me a smile and nodded, understanding my reasoning. "So, how about you? Who did you see die?"
"I'm not too sure on who it was either. I've seen a few things I probably shouldn't have at that age. But there's not much I could do to stop it. Some were accidents... and some weren't. After a while it all just becomes a blur. It's just one of those family things we learn not to talk about, you know" his voice drifted away as he finished that sentence.
"Yeah, I know" I sighed.
Though my mother insisted my father keep that sort of thing away from home from time to time it happened so I knew what he meant. It's not always the most favorable choice to play nice and as their children we sometimes witnessed that firsthand. We both turned back to watch the morbid creatures in front of us. They were surprisingly tranquil beings considering their appearance.
"Thestrals, you said?" Theo spoke after a moment. I nodded.
"I have a book. If you want to read more about them I could lend it to you, once I get back to the dungeon. Just remind me later."
"Alright" Theo nodded and stood up. He offered me his hand but I shook my head.
"I'm waiting here for George."
"That explains why you're not with Malfoy" he smiled as if I had just answered another of his questions. Theo started to walk away but sounds back around suddenly. "Although, that does remind me of something."
"Of what?" I asked curiously, sitting up. Theo let out a breath and have me a fake look of disapproval.
"You are ruining your whole life with this stupidity. How dare you date him. You terrible, terrible person you" he crossed his arms and shook his head at me. I let out a laugh, knowing those were not his words, and shook my head.
"Draco?" I guessed.
"And Daphne. She's almost as upset as he is. Almost" he repeated when I gave him a look.
"Why does she care so much?" I asked, wondering if he had an answer.
"She likes planning other people's lives" he shrugged as if that were a common hobby. "I think it's obvious that you dating the Weasley had not been part of her plan. Though, if it makes you feel any better, she had you working as a healer at Mongo's straight out of Hogwarts."
"Well at least she listens" I rolled my eyes. Theo replied with a smirk. "Well, while we're on the subject, how do you actually feel about all of this?"
"Honestly I'm sure you'll make a more than decent healer, but it's your sympathy skills, or lack thereof, that will need improvement for the job" he said with a carefree smile. I gave him a look.
"You know that's not what I meant."
"I know" he said then began to think. "Completely disregarding the fact that he's a Gryffindor, and that he's as poor as they come, and that you could honestly do much better considering both your status and upbringing—"
"Is this going anywhere?" I mumbled and he smiled.
"As I was saying, disregarding that, I've heard he does quite well in some of his classes. So at least we can say he's not a complete idiot. I don't really think there's a problem with you dating for him, especially not one as big as those two are making out of it. Either way, it shouldn't matter what I think. This is your life, so do whatever you want with it" he shrugged at me.
"Good point" I smiled at him. Leaning back against my hands I let out a sigh. "How is it that you're being more reasonable about this than my own best friend?"
"He has his reasons" Theo frowned at me.
"Not very good ones" I grumbled.
"But that's where you're wrong" he said, crouching down to be closer to my face. "I know you don't get it, and I'm not going to be the one to explain it to you, but believe me when I say he has a good reason. Don't be too hard on the guy. I live with him, so I understand how annoying he can be, but he cares about you so at least trust in that."
"When did you get so sappy?" I asked with a smile. He smirked back.
"I think I've been spending too much time with that girl" he shook his head, thinking of Daphne. Theo stood again. "Anyway, I'll see you later."
Theodore walked back towards the castle. He gave me a small wave before fading from sight. I stayed sat a bit longer before standing up as well. With a stretch I began to walk away from the Thestrals. Instead I moved closer to the edge of the forest. As I moved forward I saw George making his way towards me.
"So where are we going?" I asked once he stopped in front of me. He smiled and closed the distance between us.
"You'll see" he smirked and leaned in to kiss me. After a second I pushed him away. I gave him a look and he rolled his eyes at me. "Yeah, I know."
"If you know then why do you insist on doing it?" I asked though rhetorically. George merely smiled in return. "Well, whatever the case, we don't have to go anywhere. I am perfectly comfortable here. I told you, I don't mind that you left."
"Well, I do, now come on" he kissed my cheek and took hold of my hand.
George walked us back to the castle. Instead of heading up to the one-eyed witch's statue, like I had expected, he turned and made his way down the stairs towards the Hufflepuff dungeon. Without saying a word he walked us to the portrait of fruit, the entrance to the Hogwarts kitchen, and opened the door. Inside, the house-elves were working diligently though they stopped to greet us as we passed, like house-elves normally do. I gave George a curious look but he ignored it. Continuing to walk, George led us to the far back of the kitchen where a small table sat, waiting. He smiled at me and moved to hold out my chair for me before moving to sit himself.
"I thought we might have a snack" George commented as the house-elves around us began to fill the small table with plates.
"I am a bit hungry" I shrugged and reached for one of the nearby servings. I smiled to the house-elves as a thank you before they scattered back to their work.
"Did Hermione tell you about spew?" George asked, taking a bite of his steak.
"Is she still talking about that?" I asked turning back to him. George nodded.
"Yeah, or she was. Tried to get me to join" he answered.
"I suppose, being muggle-born, she doesn't understand some things like we do" I sighed, looking around at the working house-elves. I took a drink of my tea before turning back to George.
"Maybe you're right" he shrugged. His expression changed slightly as he moved to take a drink. "So, did you join?"
"No, I thought that would be hypocritical on my part."
"So... you have a house-elf then?" George asked though sounding like he knew the answer already. I nodded.
"Yes, we do. Her name is Bonny. Well, we have a couple, but she's the one I talk to most" I shrugged. George frowned.
"You have two house-elves?" He asked, not sounding very happy about it. Again I nodded.
"Bonny is the one that takes care of a lot of the cooking and cleaning. Sometimes she does a few things around the grounds but she mostly stays inside. The other one is more of an assistant to my father. He helps him around his office and sometimes travels to the Ministry with him."
"But, if you already have two house-elves, why have people working for you too?" George asked, most likely thinking of Alla.
"They've been with our family for a long time" I shrugged, taking a bite of one of the breadsticks on the table. "Besides, my mother likes having people to talk to when she's at home. And my father likes keeping my mother happy so he hired some staff."
"Huh" George mumbled to himself. I shrugged again and took another drink of my tea.
With one more sip the tea in my cup disappeared. I held out the cup to my side and waited. A few seconds later one of the house-elves came to my side, kettle in hand, and filled the cup once more without spilling a drop. I smiled as a thank you and the house-elf bowed before quickly getting back to her duties. I turned back to find George frowning as she walked away.
"Huh" he repeated and took another drink.
It took me a second to realize the cause for his expression. George was a pureblood but that didn't mean we had experienced the same things. He hadn't been raised around servants let alone house-elves. But looking around I didn't see anything that made me feel out of place. Although, in the middle of the kitchen, one house-elf did stand out from the rest. His jumper, tie, and mismatched socks certainly looked out of place from the regular elf attire. After a moment George noticed my glance and, not too long after that, so did the house-elf.
"May Dobby be of any service to Young Master's Miss?" he asked, scurrying over to our table.
"Oh I was looking at your socks is all" I smiled looking down. One was mustard yellow, the other a deep violet.
"Dobby is wearing what was gifted to him by Harry Potter and his wheezy" he said happily, looking down at his clothing. I had no idea what a wheezy was but nodded anyway.
"How do you two know each other, Dobby?" George asked, but looked at me as he did.
"Visit a lot the Young Master's Miss did."
"Dobby used to work for the Malfoys" I answered more clearly. George didn't seem to like that answer better though. He frowned down at his drink.
"Young Master's Miss was always very kind to Dobby she was" Dobby said, nodding vigorously. Making sure we didn't need anything else Dobby retreated back to work. But even after he left George didn't look any happier.
"He used to work for the Malfoys?" George asked, taking a rough bite of his chicken.
"Yes, he was their house-elf for quite a long time" I began to explain. "Some time ago, I think it's been almost a couple of years now, Harry tricked Mr. Malfoy into freeing Dobby. He wasn't happy, as you can probably guess. Normally I would've thought that cruel to release a house-elf like that but Dobby seems to like his freedom, so I suppose it was for the best. He was always a particular house-elf."
"Seems like it" George mumbled, stretching his arm forward. Softly he ran the pads of his fingers across my cheek. With a small smile he pulled them back and moved to his food. "Let's talk about something else now."
"Talk about what?" I asked but George merely shrugged. He took a quick look around before turning back to me.
"What do you usually do when you're at home?" he asked, reaching for my hand on the table. "I don't really know much of that outside of Hogwarts."
"It's not really much different than what I do here. Mostly I read."
"What about during summer? This was the only one I've spent time with you. I'm guessing you don't always go to the World Cup tournament" he said with a smile.
"No, I don't" I smiled back. "Usually, like I said, I don't do much. If I do go out it is either going to Diagon Alley for some shopping or to some party my mother most likely talked me into attending. Although, during holiday, I usually spend most of my time with Draco. It became a habit for us to spend our days together. With our parents often working together we were left to ourselves. Sometimes we even had sleepovers."
"You don't still, do you?" George said in a rough voice. I frowned, being confused by it.
"No, not lately" I shook my head. "I don't like spending too much time at his home so we mostly always stayed at mine. But my father has been more reluctant than usual to allow him to spend the night. The last time he stayed over was on my birthday, but even that took some insisting."
"So your father doesn't like him" George said sounding almost happy. I smiled at him but shook my head.
"On the contrary, my father is actually quite fond of Draco. He's told me several times that he approves of our relationship. That is actually why it surprised me that he's being so reluctant to let him spend the night. He never used to mind before."
"What about your mother?" George asked, sounding like he wanted to change the subject.
"She thinks Draco is cute."
"So... she likes him?" he asked making me laugh. George gave me a curious look but waited.
"I suppose you wouldn't know, seeing as you've never met her, but yes. My mother cares for anything she finds endearing. I find it to be a bit of a flaw on her part but that's just who she is" I shrugged.
"Then she must adore you" George grinned making me laugh again. He smiled and let go of my hand. After a breath his face turned a little more serious.
"Why do you keep doing that?" I asked watching his frowning face. George kept his expression and didn't answer. "Why do you keep frowning?"
"I'm not frowning" he replied, while frowning. I gave him a look and he let out a sigh. "Fine, I am. It's just... I've noticed something. He keeps coming up a lot, doesn't he."
"You mean Draco" I noted and his scowl only deepened.
"I guess I never realized how big of a part he has in your life."
"He's my best friend" I reminded him.
"Yeah, I know" George grumbled, his voice sounding bitter.
With a sigh I decided to let the subject go. His feelings towards Draco weren't going to change any time soon. And I doubted Draco's feelings for George were any better. Thinking about them I became distracted so it took me a moment to realize what George had done until our lips touched. He leaned in, across the table, and kissed me. After a moment George pulled away from me and gave me a smile.
"So how are you liking your meal?" he asked as he sat back down, his carefree smile on his face once more. I smiled at him, happy to see him back in his usual mood.
We sat for a while having small conversations, drinking our drinks and eating our food. The house-elves were quiet, letting us enjoy some peaceful time together. Although I had spent a lot more time with George recently I hadn't done so peacefully. Even after our supposed agreement Draco and a number of the other Slytherins never failed to remind me who I was choosing to spend time with. But Theodore was right, this was my life and I should be able to do as I please with it. Still I didn't understand what Draco's supposed "good reason" could be. Either way I doubted I would find out any time soon.
"I want to meet them" George said suddenly, finishing what was left on his plate. For a moment I didn't reply, not really understanding who he was talking about.
"Who?" I asked once he didn't elaborate. Then, after a second, I realized. "No, you don't. Trust me you do not want to meet my parents."
"Why not?" he asked but before I could answer he held up his hand. "I do understand why you wouldn't want me to meet your father. Trust me, I know of Mikhail Volkov. My father does work for the Ministry."
"Then you only meant my mother" I stated. George seemed to think about that a second then shrugged. I shook my head at him. "I still wouldn't recommend it."
"But why? I'm adorable" he said with an impish smile. I giggled and he squeezed my hand.
"My mother is an intricate mix of things. I just wouldn't recommend it is all."
"It'll be fine" George smiled before standing from his seat. He extended his hand to me and helped me out of my seat. "Either way, we are spending some time together this summer. I'll take you out."
"To where, might I ask?"
"We'll figure that part out later" he shrugged and led me out of the Hogwarts kitchen. George took my hand and walked us past the kitchen's secret door. Once it closed he frowned at the portrait for a moment before turning back to me. "Why did Dobby call you that?"
"You mean the 'Young Master's Miss' thing?" I guessed. George gave me a nod. I shrugged back and began to walk out of the dungeon. "I suppose he got into the habit of it over the years."
"But why not just Miss?" George insisted, following after me. He seemed more bothered by the name than I was. But I thought about it for a second before answering him.
"Well... I suppose it's because of Draco" I began and George let out a sigh. But when he didn't say anything I continued. "When we were children I was around Malfoy Manor quite a lot and got to know Dobby. Because of this, and the fact that I was one of the few people Draco referred to as 'his' friend, Dobby must have thought I was Draco's property somehow."
"And you never thought to correct him?"
"It didn't seem like a big deal. The name never bothered me so I left that up to Draco, seeing as Dobby was his house-elf. But it didn't bother him either so the name just stayed. That's it really" I concluded, noting that George was looking like he wanted more of an answer.
"You're not his property" George frowned. I rolled my eyes at him.
"Of course I'm not his property. The name doesn't mean anything."
George paused for a moment. I stopped walking too, though that was mostly due to the fact that he was still holding onto my hand. He was looking down at the ground, seeming to think about something. Then, suddenly, he turned to smile at me. Using the hand he was already holding George pulled me towards him. Grabbing onto my waist he leaned us against the corridor wall and kissed me. I pushed lightly against his chest as he continued to lean closer. But even so he waited a moment before letting me go.
"You're right. It means nothing" George smirked as I felt my face getting warmer.
"George, someone could see us" I scolded, hitting his arm lightly. Instead of feeling sorry he let out a laugh.
"So what?" George continued to chuckle. "Why are you so hung up on that? It's not like it's a secret you're my girlfriend. A Gryffindor and a Slytherin dating is bound to catch some attention."
"It doesn't matter, we still shouldn't do this in the middle of the passage" I frowned at him. That didn't seem like a good enough reason for him, however. "I already explained this to you; it's weird."
"No one is here!" George exclaimed, extending his arms to prove his point. I gave him a look. "Okay, okay, I get it. Don't give me that look. Besides, technically we weren't in the middle of the passage."
"George" I said simply and he sighed.
"Fine" he grumbled. "But hey, since we're already in the dungeon, want to head over to your secret room?"
"This is the Hufflepuff dungeon, my room is in the Slytherin dungeon."
"I'll take you wherever you want" he smiled, hugging me to him. I rolled my eyes and he kissed my cheek.
"Let's go to the library then" I said and began walking again. George made a face.
"What? Why?"
"You said wherever I wanted; I want to go to the library" I reminded him and headed for the stairs. George followed unenthusiastically after.
"But there's people there" he complained, meeting me at the top of the steps.
"So?" I asked and he gave me a look. "Really? You literally just kissed me. You've kissed me several times today, in fact. You can't wait, what, an hour to do it again?"
"I don't think you understand just how cute you are" he grinned at me.
"Come on," I rolled my eyes at him, taking hold of his hand. George gave me another smile and followed obediently after.