"I can't believe her! Slytherin got their team instated no problem! What does she have to think about anyway, it's quidditch for Merlin sake," Angelina scathed.
I didn't dare answer Angelina's question while the others looked shattered that their last quidditch year might be revoked under Umbridge's new decree as High Inquisitor.
Harry and his friends had also joined in the sulking party, discreetly handing me a note that said Same time same place on it. I knew it meant that Sirius would be appearing in the fireplace again tonight so I stuffed the note in my bag. The only ones who didn't seem very perplexed were the twins and Lee who were cavalierly demonstrating their new Skiving Snackbox called the Puking Pastille. Of course, that meant they were repetitively taking turns vomiting into a bucket before Lee whisked it away with a vanishing spell. For this particular demonstration, I wasn't too keen on volunteering my time.
"Can't you make them stop Marnie?" Katie asked, grimacing in disgust as George heartily threw up into a bucket behind her.
"It's actually pretty impressive what they've come up with," Alicia said in defense.
"Yes, well I'm trying to finish all this NEWT homework for Transfiguration and I can't concentrate when they keep taking turns vomiting. It's disgusting!" Katie replied repulsively.
"Well, we should all be busy with practice, so I guess let them have their fun," Angelina ordered, much like a captain instructing her teammates.
"Look Marnie, we made 26 galleons already!" George came over, beaming after most of the students had gone to bed.
"That's great," I replied, setting my book down to see him rattling a wooden box full of coins.
"We want to start operations on the Fainting Fancies, will you help us with those later on?" he asked.
"Yea, as long as I'm not bleeding, vomiting or oozing, I'll help you with it," I replied.
George smiled in return before he smugly rattled his box for Hermione to see. I rolled my eyes, watching as both twins finally left the common room. I figured it was almost midnight by this point and turned my attention towards the fireplace. Unsurprisingly, Sirius had already appeared and was smiling back at me.
"Sirius!" Harry exclaimed excitedly as he bolted towards the fireplace to kneel in front of it.
I followed after Hermione and Ron and beamed at him, seeing that he looked less annoyed than last time.
Sirius asked how things were going now with Umbridge as High Inquisitor. Harry and Ron both frowned, explaining that quidditch might be cancelled if their team didn't get reinstated.
"And what about secret Defense Against the Dark Arts Groups?" Sirius asked smugly.
"How do you know about that?" Harry asked incredulously.
"We're still being followed?" I asked knowingly.
Sirius nodded. "Mundungus was watching you in disguise. He's been dressing up a lot as a woman lately to go unnoticed."
Harry looked uneasy at Sirius, probably contemplating how careful we would need to be in the future if we were going to carry out this secret club.
"And I also have a message for you Ron from your mother. She says that under no circumstance should you be involved with any illegal club so not to ruin your future. She also wanted me to pass along a similar message to you three as well," Sirius eyed Harry, Hermione and myself but I could see a spark which gave away his true feelings on the matter. "Although, she knows she is not your guardian and has no authority on your decisions."
"And what about your authority? And dad and Remus'?" I asked, knowing the three men would all definitely have an opinion about mine and Harry's involvement.
"Well, Joss is worried like always, but he surprisingly doesn't object as resolutely as Molly. Remus hasn't said a word which I know means he doesn't object and is just trying to keep the peace. As for me, I couldn't be prouder. Harry and Marnie, taking things into your own hands to go against the Ministry. Sounds a lot like something James and Lena would have done. Although Lena was a prefect herself, she definitely wouldn't have let a hag like Umbridge stop her," I could see the confidence in Sirius' eyes that made me smile.
Dad always liked to make my mother out to be a gentle soul, always caring and doting which I never questioned. But, part of me wondered if when she was at school with Sirius that she showed more of a bolder side.
"What if we get expelled?" Hermione asked.
"Better that than remain defenseless when there's someone on the outside who is planning on killing us all," Sirius said more grimly. "So, how are you organising the whole thing?" Sirius asked with keen interest.
It made me happy to see how seemingly proud Sirius was of us to be doing something despite how reckless our parents seemed to find it.
"Well, we don't know where to practice yet," Ron replied.
"How about the Shrieking Shack?" Sirius proposed.
"That might work," Ron replied eagerly but Hermione shook her head.
"There's no way we could sneak almost thirty students in there undetected," she replied.
"Hmm, well I'll think about it some more," Sirius said.
I knew there were few others who knew the Hogwarts grounds like Sirius so I had faith that he might be able to come up with something. However, before any of us could say another word we all watched as a hand appeared in the fire and swiped where Sirius' head had been only moments ago. Thankfully he had seen it coming and popped out of the fire before the person could grab onto him. I could tell the hand belonged to Umbridge based on its aged appearance and pink cuff from her robes. The four of us sat there in shock, relieved that Sirius hadn't been caught. Knowing this though, after the initial shock wore off, Hermione ordered us up to bed so we wouldn't be caught.
Once I was upstairs, I quickly but quietly got ready and climbed into my bed, so not to wake the girls if they were asked when I came to bed. I didn't want to ask them to lie, but I also didn't even want them knowing how late I came to bed to avoid suspicion. I thought fearfully of how Sirius had almost been caught, which would surely earn him a one-way ticket to Azkaban where Fudge would smugly put all the blame of the recent disappearances on him. The Death Eaters, if they were smart, would even halt their plans for a few months to avoid further suspicion which would cement the Minister's opinion of Sirius.
The next morning after class most of the Gryffindors found a classroom to study in while it was pouring outside. Peeves was taking advantage of the rainy day by wreaking havoc and dropping ink balls down on people.
Harry, Hermione and Ron were also sitting a little ways away. They caught my attention when I heard Hermione mention Snuffles. I looked over and saw Hermione appearing miserable while Harry looked like he was fuming.
"I just think that Snuffles is living vicariously through you and Marnie. I mean, he brings up James and Lena whenever we talk to him," Hermione said.
At the mention of my mother I stood up, narrowly dodging an ink ball before I stood beside where Hermione was sitting. Ron looked upset but Harry looked like he was about to explode.
"Hermione, I know you're concerned about how Snuffles has been acting lately, but maybe don't go retracting your own idea now that he agrees with you," I said rather harshly.
I know I was always seen as the voice of reason whenever the twins or Harry were acting up, but my own patience was pretty thin these days with everything else going on.
"Marnie, I don't mean to offend anyone," Hermione said quietly, looking like she was struggling with her own opinion.
"My mother put up with the same thing when she was in school. So, maybe instead of doubting our allies we can take by their example. I've seen my mother standing up to Death Eaters in my dreams and I'll do anything I can to follow in her footsteps," I replied evenly.
Harry nodded severely and Ron looked smug that I was telling off Hermione. I didn't want to upset her or belittle her own opinion, but I didn't see the sense in quitting now with our plans or to be setting off Harry any more than he already was these days. I knew she was used to being the voice of reason between the three of them but this time I thought that her own doubt was just getting in the way.
"Ugh!" I turned around to see that Peeves had emptied an entire ink bottle onto Katie's head so she was now throwing things at him.
"I better go. And don't worry Hermione. We all think your idea is a good one," I said more reassuringly before I went to Katie's aid.
"Why are you walking funny?" I asked the twins as I walked them to quidditch practice later that night.
"The Fever Fudge… it has some unfortunate side effects," Fred explained vaguely.
"It gave you a limp? Maybe you should go see Madam Pomfrey if it's having muscular or skeletal side effects," I said worriedly.
"Oh, don't worry Marnie, it's nothing severe like that… just a pain in the arse," George said irritably but then changed his expression to a grin like he said something funny.
"Are you sure?" I asked skeptically.
"Yea, it's just—" George was cut off by Fred from explaining.
"Hare doesn't need the gory details!" he said rather harshly. "Anyways, are you sure you don't want to watch the practice?"
We were now at the doorway that would lead the twins down to the pitch.
"In that rain? I think I'll pass," I said.
It was pouring outside and I felt bad that all my friends would have to practice in this type of weather.
"Wait up for us?" Fred asked.
"Of course," I replied before waving them off.
The minute they stepped foot outside they were already soaked. I knew they would be pretty miserable by the time they all came back so I decided I would bring them all some hot chocolate from the kitchens. I then walked towards the kitchens instead of the common room where I figured I would sit in quiet before meeting them all back upstairs. When I made my way down and entered through the fruit portrait, I was soon met by a familiar voice.
"Miss Marnee!" Posy exclaimed, running towards me merrily.
"Hi Posy, how are you?" I asked, causing her to beam even more.
"Miss Marnee is always so polite for Posy. Posy is most happy when Miss Marnee comes to visit. Can I bring you anything to eat Miss Marnee?" the house elf asked happily.
"Maybe some pumpkin juice? And do you have any more of that pie from supper?" I asked, remembering how delicious it was.
"Yes! Posy will bring a piece right away!" Posy then jetted off so I went to the small table and sat down in the corner.
"Marnie O'Hara!" another voice greeted as I looked up from the book I had just pulled out of my rucksack.
"Dobby!" I greeted the house elf who was adorned with several scarves around his neck.
"Are those all the scarves Hermione has been making?" I asked.
"Yes! They are all quite warm! None of the other house elves will clean the Gryffindor common room, but Dobby does not mind. Dobby is always hoping to see Miss Marnie's brother Harry Potter," Dobby beamed.
"Erm—Dobby, you shouldn't have to do all that work yourself. And I'll let Harry know that you would like to see him," I replied.
Dobby ignored what I said about all the cleaning and beamed instead that I would talk to Harry for him. Posy then returned with a platter of juice, tea and pie, shooing Dobby away in the process.
"You know Posy, Dobby is never a bother to me," I said, noticing that Posy always steered him away.
I noticed Posy frown but she didn't say anything more. "Posy, you know that you are a very good friend."
I realised that maybe Posy felt jealous that I gave Dobby the same amount of attention when she seemed to always push past the others elves whenever the twins and I came to the kitchen and doted on us.
Posy's eyes widened and her expression turned into a beaming smile.
"Miss. Marnee thinks that Posy is a very good friend," Posy recited back slowly as if in disbelief.
"Of course Posy. You are the very first elf I ever met and you are always so nice to me. I always feel so welcome when you greet me," I paused before pulling some pieces of paper out of my rucksack. "Would you like another picture?"
I fanned out three drawings I had done recently that I worked on whenever I didn't want to do homework.
"Posy can pick one?" she asked excitedly.
"Whichever one you would like. You can also take more than one," I offered.
Posy studied each one closely. The first was a drawing of a crup I had drawn from learning all about them in Care of Magical Creatures. The second one was of some venus flytraps growing in the greenhouse. The last one featured a drawing of a phoenix, something that I started during the summer at Grimmauld place because of the Order.
"Can Posy have this one?" she asked, pointing to the third picture.
"Of course," I replied gently, watching Posy carefully pick up the parchment and then scurry off to probably put it under her pillow.
I stayed in the kitchens for over an hour before I figured Angelina would have finally called it a night with practice. I asked Posy if I could borrow the tray she had brought my snacks on and to fill it with mugs of hot chocolate. She obliged happily, telling me not to worry about bringing it back since Dobby could do it this evening on his rounds. I smiled and thanked her before carefully making my way to the common room.
"Are those for us?" Ron asked, eyeing the tray happily as I entered.
I nodded, causing the mud caked team to hurry over and grab a mug. There were a few left over which meant Hermione, Neville and Lee could also grab a cup. I refused since I had already gotten my fill down in the kitchen.
"You are a saint," George said, folding both of his hands around the steaming cup.
"Yea, thanks a lot!" Fred added.
"So, how did practice go?" I asked, watching as their eyes sank.
Angelina looked like she was stressed enough to grow gray hairs so I dropped the subject.
"I think I'm going to call it an early night. Oh, Harry," I called, grabbing my brother's attention. "Dobby says hi and wanted you to know that he's been cleaning the Gryffindor common room at night and has been hoping to run into you."
Harry smiled back and nodded in acknowledgement. Then I turned and headed upstairs, followed soon by the girls who took turns showering and then collapsing onto their beds in exhaustion.
"Lena?" I looked up to see my father sitting in his usual spot at our table.
"Yes dear?" my mother responded back with a smile.
I could tell this must have been right after my parents had gotten married since my father looked much like he did in their wedding picture on the mantle.
"I'm only going to ask this once and I already know the answer, but I know I have to say it to try," my father said.
He looked like he was struggling with whatever he wanted to say because the gleam in his eyes turned to worry. I continued looking at my father expectantly through my mother's eyes as she waited for him to speak again.
"Please don't join the Order," he said simply but with desperation in his eyes.
My mother didn't change her position or outwardly argue like I had when he forbade me from joining.
"Joss, this is something I have to do. I know we just got married and Marnie is still a baby, but if I don't fight then how can I expect to live in a peaceful world when You Know Who is finally destroyed," my mother replied evenly.
I could hear the conviction in her voice which I knew my father had been expecting. He didn't argue against her but looked sad and conflicted. I knew he wanted to say more but was interrupted by the sounds of my waking cries from upstairs. My mother went to stand up but my father put up his hand.
"I'll get her," was all he said before he left the kitchen and started walking up the staircase.
I woke up feeling more determined to start the Defense club and fight against the Ministry. I didn't care about Umbridge and her authoritarian rules. I knew she was dangerous and didn't care, just like my mother had fought for what she believed in. She entered the war with certainty and now I felt that same sureness running through me.
I threw myself out of bed and quickly showered. Staring in the mirror to brush my hair after I was dressed, I thought about how much I really did look like my mother now that I was getting older. Once I was ready I went downstairs and saw Harry looking rather determined himself.
"We found a place to practice," he said eagerly but in a lowered voice.
Now we knew that anyone could be listening.
"Spread the word," he said and I nodded.
He knew I would tell the rest of the quidditch team and Lee. I didn't waste any time and ran up the stairs to wake up the girls. Despite their evil glares from me waking them up, they quickly changed their tune once I told them Harry's message. I then bolted down the stairs and ran up the boy's staircase before pausing at the door. It was a possibility that they were already up and moving around but I wanted to tell them right away. Instead of barging in, I decided to knock loudly. I heard some stirring before someone walked towards the door and opened it.
Fred answered, obviously having been woken up by my knocking. "Hare, why didn't you just come in like always?"
I blushed, feeling that it might be odd how comfortable Fred was with me entering their room at all hours of the day and night.
"Well, I didn't want to see anything I wasn't supposed to since it is morning time," I replied.
Fred looked behind him and nodded. "George is in the shower and Lee is still sleeping. Come on in, I'll tell George not to come out without his clothes."
Fred led me inside and disappeared into the lavatory to presumably talk to George. It seemed Kenneth was probably already down at breakfast which I felt relieved about. I didn't even know if he knew I spent some nights in here or not. Fred came out a moment later and crawled back into his bed. I was sitting up on his pillow but Fred pulled me back down so that he had his arm wrapped around me and pulled the covers over top of us.
"So, what do I owe the pleasure of having you barge in here this morning?" Fred asked, still sounding groggy.
"I didn't barge! That was the whole reason I knocked," I said defensively but Fred only shrugged. "And the reason I came up here was to tell you lot that Harry found a place for us to practice!"
Fred's eyes opened again and smiled back at me excitedly. "Does that mean we're having our first official meeting?"
"Yea, Harry's going to pass the word. I think it's tonight," I replied gleefully.
"It's nice to see you this happy about something," Fred said, throwing me off guard a bit.
I realised that having a purpose like this and believing in what I was doing filled me with more energy than I had felt in a while.
The next thing I realised was that Lee was now getting out of bed wearing nothing but his boxers. My face turned red from embarrassment and Fred looked over disapprovingly. He then threw the covers over my face and reprimanded Lee to put some clothes on.
"Hey, what happened to the no girls rule Fred! You know, Marnie is always in here and I think it's only right then that I can invite Katie up here," he said indignantly.
This only caused me to laugh from under the blankets while Fred scoffed. "Good luck with that. But yes, if Katie agrees she can spend time up here. But keep it PG Jordan!"
"Hey, Katie!" Lee called out on our way to breakfast.
"Good morning Lee," Katie greeted from her seat beside Alicia.
"So, did you want to spend the night or something?" Lee went ahead with his usual bluntness.
I panned before shaking my head and sitting down beside Angelina.
"Did he just ask that in front of all of us?" Angelina asked looking remorseful for Katie.
Alicia scooted over, wanting to give Katie some space before she completely exploded on Lee.
"Zero tact that one. How is it that Katie has put up with him this long?" Fred asked, scooping himself a hearty bowl of breakfast.
Although we were all cringing at the situation unfolding in front of us, this didn't seem to ruin either of the twin's appetite.
"How dare you ask me something like that in front of all our mates," Katie seethed at Lee who was finally realising how much he just messed up.
"Wait! Katie, I didn't mean tha—" Katie cut him off as she pushed back her bowl and stomped off towards the exit.
Once she was out of earshot from Lee's stuttering apologies she turned around and glared at us for leaving her alone.
"Hhh, that's my cue," I said, only having eaten one bite of my porridge.
"You just cost me my breakfast Lee," I said irritably at him.
"Just—please make sure I still have a girlfriend after this," Lee pleaded.
"When did I become the appointed clean-up crew for this group?" I asked but the twins only laughed.
I then turned and trudged along after the girls who were huddled on either side of Katie, most likely agreeing with her at how much of a git her boyfriend was being. Katie and Lee hadn't really ever given us a concrete definition for their relationship, but to us they were together. It was obvious that Lee really cared about her in his own way, and that Katie somehow could put up with it, most of the time. I wasn't too worried that they wouldn't make up, especially since Lee realised how much of a fool he had just made of himself. But it really put a damper on my morning so I only hoped that Harry's plan would succeed and we would officially start our club tonight.
"This was a broom cupboard last time we used it," Fred said as we approached the given location that night for Harry's meeting.
"Well, I'm sure Harry figured out something better than a broom cupboard," I replied.
"Marnie! We aren't speaking to them!" Katie hollered back at me.
I sighed before jogging to catch up with her and the other two girls who were several paces in front of the boys. The twins were walking together with Lee sulking behind them.
"Hey, it's not like Fred got kicked out of the group when we had our row last year," I replied once I reached the girls.
I looked back and saw that Fred must have heard me since he was frowning after me now.
"Yea, well, I need you to be on my side for a little longer before I forgive the idiot," Katie mumbled, not wanting Lee to hear her.
"You're really going to forgive him?" Alicia asked disbelievingly.
"Yea, well Marnie explained what he meant by it since she was with the guys this morning. I figure he didn't mean anything over PG by it, but I'm still too annoyed to make up yet," Katie explained.
"Fair enough. Make him sweat it out a bit," Angelina agreed.
"You know, you two are pretty well-suited for each other if you can understand and forgive him this easily," I observed, causing her scowl to drop.
"Like you and Fred?" Katie replied.
Angelina and Alicia gasped but Katie kept my gaze with an even look.
"Me and Fred?" I asked, feeling uncomfortable that this topic seemed to always come up.
"Hey, I know things with Cedric ended in the absolute worst way, but we all saw how Fred was last year. While you two were ignoring each other all he did was stare after you and look all gloomy," Katie explained candidly.
"Katie, this isn't the best time to talk about this," Alicia frowned.
"It's never a good time, but I just want to say my piece. I'm on your side Marnie, so please don't think I'm not. If you don't want to date that's fine, no one here is going to blame you. But, you have to realise how Fred feels about you and always has," Katie finished in a quieter voice before we arrived inside the secret room.
I almost wasn't taken by the amazement of the room as my mind went into overdrive about what Katie just told me. The truth was that I did know Fred liked me, George nearly told me as much last year at the Yule Ball. Fred also wasn't my best friend for nothing, so I knew how to read him. I knew he had changed around me, that crawling into bed with him when I had a nightmare meant more to him than it might have when we were younger. Not that I thought he was perverted or anything, but me going to him when I needed something had a lot of meaning in itself. Since I stopped just inside the doorway, the others passed me before they realised I was rooted in place. Of course, Fred was the first one to turn around and raised his eyebrow like a question. I snapped myself out of it since I really didn't think I could face him when my own ignorance had just been lifted. I hadn't really considered Fred's feelings up until now, which meant I certainly hadn't considered my own.
I noticed Neville and Luna standing further inside the room so I went over to join them. Fred seemed to take this as a good thing since he stopped approaching me and went back to talk to George and Lee.
"Hey Marnie, your aura is very purple today," Luna said in greeting.
"What does purple mean?" Neville asked in interest.
"Hmm, I think it means you haven't eaten enough soup this month," Luna replied dreamily.
"I'll make sure to eat more at lunch and dinner," I said absentmindedly.
"This place is pretty amazing, don't you think Marnie?" Neville asked.
"Yea, what is this place exactly?" I asked, realising I had never seen it in all seven years I had gone adventuring with the twins.
"I think Harry called it the Room of Requirement," Neville answered.
I nodded, looking around to see that the room was amply stocked with dark magic detectors, books on defensive spells and other materials we might need for training.
"Alright everyone, it looks like we're all here. I think the first thing's first is to elect a leader," Hermione started.
"Harry should be leader!" I heard Cho pipe up eagerly.
As per Ginny, my source on all Gryffindor gossip, Harry seemed pretty happy after his Hogsmeade date with Cho. I hadn't seen the two of them really interact since then, but I had seen them walking in the corridors together between classes.
"Yes, but let's make it official so we'll have a vote. Everyone in favour of Harry being leader?" Hermione asked.
Everyone in the room raised their hand, although I noticed that loud-mouth Zacharias did so begrudgingly.
"Alright, and I think we also need a name," Hermione continued once she counted all of the hands in the air.
"Oh, what about the Anti-Umbridge League?" Angelina asked.
I knew she was still feeling bitter towards Umbridge about the whole quidditch reinstatement delay. Plus, there was everyone's overall dislike for the professor who was determined to spout Ministry propaganda nonsense.
"What about the Ministry of Magic are Morons Group?" Fred asked eagerly.
Hermione seemed displeased by Fred's suggestion, maybe because his father did still work for the Ministry.
"What about Defense Association, or DA for short?" Cho suggested.
I frowned at any idea coming from her, but agreed with most others that DA was catchy.
"Yea, but how about we make DA stand for Dumbledore's Army?" Ginny asked, sounding very cunning as she said it.
There was an excited murmur of agreeance before Hermione nodded and wrote down the name onto the top of the parchment we had all signed at the Hog's Head.
"Alright, now that that's settled. I guess we should begin."
Hermione turned towards Harry and so did everyone's gazes.
"Right, how about we start with Expelliarmus?" Harry suggested.
"Really, the Disarming spell?" the Smith kid remarked snidely towards Harry.
"It's the spell I used against him last June. So, if you don't want to do it then you can leave," Harry replied evenly.
The room went pin drop silent before everyone started pairing off.
"Let's be partners Neville," I offered, not wanting Fred to pick me since my reeling thoughts were returning.
"Really?" Neville asked, self-doubting that I would want to choose him as my partner.
"Of course Neville, show me what you've got," I said encouragingly.
"Alright, but I haven't actually been able to do this spell before," he admitted nervously.
"It's alright, that's why we're practicing," I replied with a smile.
Neville smiled nervously before taking his stance. I let him make the first attempt but my wand only wobbled in my hand. Neville looked timid as I changed my stance.
"Expelliarmus!" I said, moving my wand and watching Neville's leave his hands.
As soon as I grasped it, I walked over to hand it back to him. Neville was still bashful but I nodded at him encouragingly before returning to my spot. I looked around the room and noticed that Neville wasn't the only one having difficulties with the spell despite it being one of the basics like that idiot Hufflepuff pointed out. My gaze landed on Fred who was aiming his wand towards the idiot in question and disarmed him before he could try disarming his partner. I wanted to see how the scenario played out, but I felt my own wand leaving my hand. I looked over to see Neville proudly lifting it over his head.
"I did it Marnie! I've never done it before, but I really got your wand away from you!" he sounded truly proud of himself so I smiled back.
"That's great Neville! Let's go again," I let him perform the spell a few more times and each time he was successful in prying the wand out of my grip.
"You've really gotten it Neville," I praised him, knowing he could always use some more confidence in himself.
"You go Marnie," he replied more happily now that he had the hang of it.
I nodded before casting the spell without verbally saying the incantation. I figured this was a good opportunity to practice and was successful in casting Neville's wand away from him.
"You used a nonverbal spell!" Neville said in awe.
"Yea, you'll start learning those this year. You can try it too, perform the same wand movement and really concentrate on what you want to happen," I instructed.
Neville looked less sure of himself and began waving his wand around erratically.
"Alright," Harry interrupted before Neville could try the nonverbal spell again.
"This is a good start but there's room for improvement. We have to wrap it up tonight, so this time next week?" Harry asked.
Some people objected since they wanted to meet sooner, but with three different quidditch team schedules to consider Harry agreed to next Wednesday. I approached Harry as he instructed people to leave in pairs while checking the Marauder's Map to make sure the coast was clear.
"So, how was your first hand at teaching?" I asked.
"Yea, it's not as bad as I thought," Harry admitted.
"That Zacharias guy is still a git," Ron added from beside Harry.
"Our turn Hare," Fred called out and I realised the rest of our friends had already been directed to leave by Harry.
"Erm—right," I replied, knowing it would be too suspicious if I refused him.
Harry gave me a questioning look but I smiled back and joined Fred as we got the all clear.
"So, is Katie going to forgive Lee?" Fred asked on our way back.
"Yea it seems that way," I replied.
"Good, he's been a whining mess all day," Fred complained.
Katie's words came flooding back into my head and I realised that I had to say something if I wanted to avoid feeling uneasy every time I was around Fred.
"Fred, were you gloomy last year?" I asked, deciding to use the same word as Katie.
"That's an odd choice of wording, but yea, last year was a mess," Fred replied more seriously.
"Is it because you liked me?" I asked straight to the point.
"Is this because of something Katie said?" Fred asked, sounding impatient.
"Well, yea, but—" Fred sighed, causing me to pause in what else I was going to stay.
"Can we talk about this later?" Fred asked, giving the Fat Lady the password since we had arrived at the common room.
"Erm—sure," I replied, feeling uneasy that I had been too direct.
I then watched as Fred retreated straight for the boy's staircase and disappeared up them. My chest tightened and I immediately regretted my direct approach. I didn't want a reoccurrence of last year and hadn't mean to offend Fred. I had only wanted to avoid any misunderstanding but it seems maybe I made things worse. Rather dejectedly I made my way up to my own dormitory and flopped onto my bed, worried I might lose Fred again when I felt I needed him most.