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I hope you like this chapter! It's a little shorter, but it introduces a few new subplots.
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wildest dreams
VOLUME II

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

"Congratulations, Ron!"

I shoved a Butterbeer into his hand, smiling brightly. He looked as if he still hadn't fully recovered from Angelina's announcement, but was smiling nevertheless. After the Tryouts, we had all gathered in the Common Room to celebrate the nomination of the new Gryffindor Keeper.

I hadn't known Ron was trying out until I had seen him holding his broom like it was his own life on the Pitch earlier that day – and neither had Fred and George, because they had both looked like they had been hit in the face by a Bludger. Ron had been proven to be brilliant – well, better than the others anyway, in my opinion – and Angelina gladly welcomed him into the team. Weasleys and Quidditch, right?

After congratulating Ron, I looked around the room – I first saw Angelina, who was sipping a Butterbeer while talking animately to Melinda. For the first time since we started the term, she actually looked relaxed. Smiling, I looked for the twins with the idea to join them but when I spotted them across the room, they weren't alone.

A tall girl from our year was standing next to Fred, George and Lee – Cassandra Burton. George said something and she started laughing loudly, pushing her long, black hair behind her shoulder. I stared at her for a few seconds, and at the twins who looked so happy to be her center of attention. Where did she come from? Of all our years at Hogwarts, of all the classes we had had together, I had never seen her be so friendly with them. She usually hung out with her own friends, a group of girls from Potions Club, and never really talked to anyone else. Why the sudden interest?

She laughed again, even louder this time, her perfect white teeth almost glistening in the dim-light room. I glared at her as I took a seat on one of the couches, observing them from a distance. Why was George smiling so proudly? Sure, she was pretty, but – she had just put a hand on his arm, still laughing like a broken record. I grabbed the bowl of almonds that was sitting on the table next to me and started chewing one. What was she saying that was so interesting? What was –

Someone sat down on the couch next to me – it was Hermione. She looked horribly pale and had dark circles under her eyes.

"Are you all right, Hermione?"

She glanced at me like she hadn't even noticed I had been there.

"Oh – yeah. I'm fine."

"You don't look fine."

"I am, I'm just tired."

"Already studying for the O.W.L.s?"

She shook her head, sipping on the Butterbeer in her hand.

"No, I'm just – I've been knitting. A lot. The hats and socks I've been making are disappearing like mad."

"Really?"

"Yeah. So I have to make some more…"

"Maybe you should take a night off. You look exhausted."

"Perhaps you're right" she smiled feebly.

She closed her eyes and laid her head backwards – and didn't move anymore. I stared at her for a few seconds, but decided to let her sleep. She probably needed it. Suddenly I remembered about Cassandra – and looked back at where they had been standing, but she was gone. I stood up and walked to them.

"Having fun, boys?"

All three stared at me.

"You certainly looked like you were."

"What on earth are you talking about?" asked Fred.

"Didn't I just see you talking with miss-flipping my hair back and –"

"Who?"

"Nevermind."

The music had been too loud for him to hear me – and that was probably a good thing. I didn't want him to think I was jealous. After all, it's not like he couldn't talk with other girls, he certainly could, even more if it helped business. It just felt shifty to me that she was suddenly so interested in them after seven years.

Lee arrived at that moment with Butterbeers, and quickly the topic changed to how apparently, he wanted to 'score a date' with a Hufflepuff he had a crush on. He then insisted we played a game that involved way too much drinking – being a bit tired, I only watched the boys play. Soon they were juggling bottles in their hands, dancing around, making complete fools of themselves.

It was nearly one in the morning when we all decided to go to bed – fortunately, the next day was a Saturday, and I was able to wake up much later than usual.

At two the next day, the twins, Angelina and Alicia set out for the Quidditch Pitch for their first practice of the year – I decided to stay at the castle to get some work done, as I was already buried underneath readings and essays. They weren't supposed to get back until much later, but it wasn't even 2:45 when Angelina and Alicia entered the Common Room with grim faces.

"How was practice?" I asked hesitantly.

"It was a complete disaster," sighed Angelina.

"It wasn't that bad, it was just…"

Alicia seemed to hesitate.

"All right. It was a disaster."

"What happened?"

"Well, first, there were a few Slytherins there, the gits, making comments and thinking they were real funny – and Ron was having kind of a hard time, you know, but who can blame him with them around – and then Ron threw the Quaffle and hit Katie in the face and she started bleeding, so Fred and George gave them one of their candies, but her nosebleed wouldn't stop and they realized they had given her the wrong one, so then we just decided to stop the practice" said Alicia in one breath.

There was a short silence as I processed everything she had said.

"Wow," was all I could answer.

"We'll never win the Cup this year," moaned Angelina.

I closed my book, staring right at her.

"Don't say that. It was your first practice. You'll have plenty more before the first match. And you could write to McGonagall, ask her to stop giving access to Slytherins during practices."

"Yeah, maybe I'll try that."

The twins entered the Common Room a few minutes later.

"How's Katie?" immediately asked Alicia.

"She'll be fine. Pomfrey gave her something, she'll have to stay the night but she'll be fine."

"What did you give her?" I asked.

"I thought I'd given her the antidote for the Nougats, but I gave her a Blood Blisterpod instead – they're the same color, you see" explained Fred.

"Why do you even carry those in your pocket?" suddenly asked Angelina.

"They're for the –"

"You know what? I don't even care. Let's just hope next time you won't be stupid enough to your teammate something that might have very well killed her."

Angelina then gathered her books and ran upstairs, looking every bit furious.

"I'm really starting to think Wood's spirit has taken ahold of her," said Fred.

"Don't be a git. She's right, it was kind of stupid of you."

"Not you too!"

"Will you ever –"

"Shut up, you two!" sighed Alicia. "I've had more than enough shouting for today!"

I sighed. Alicia didn't get annoyed easily – one of the qualities I most appreciated about her – so I decided to stop.

"You're right. I'll go talk to her."

"I'll come with you," she said.

We both grabbed our stuff and went upstairs. Angelina was sitting on her bed, reading a book. When she was us, she raised the book so that it was in front of her face. I exchanged a look with Alicia, and we both sat down on her bed.

"Angie, just because you're hiding behind your book doesn't mean we can't see you."

A few seconds passed before she finally put down the book.

"What?" she asked with a pout.

"We're worried about you," said Alicia.

"You really shouldn't."

Her voice was cold and abrupt – but I knew her better than that.

"We know it's because of Fr-"

"Please don't say that imbecile's name."

"Angie, he's a git, we all know that. But you shouldn't beat yourself up over this…"

"I'm not!" she sighed. "I just want him to apologize for being so rude and inconsiderate."

"He still hasn't explained himself?" said Alicia.

"No."

I bit my lip. I had asked George to talk to Fred – but perhaps even that hadn't worked.

"Is there something we can do?" I asked pitily.

"If you don't mind ending up in Azkaban, there's always murder."

She had said it completely seriously – but something in her tone made me chuckle, and soon the three of us were laughing our arses off.

On Monday, we woke up to the news that Umbridge had been appointed High Inquisitator of the school. I had no idea what that meant, but I had the feeling we would soon discover – and, indeed she was sitting at the back of the class when we arrived at Charms.

"What is she doing here," I groaned under my breath.

She soon explained that a part of her new job was to do an inspection of all the teachers at Hogwarts, and that was why she was there. She would 'simply be watching the class'. I couldn't help but notice that Flitwick didn't seem overly enthusiastic at the idea. He started his class a little awkwardly, telling us that we would be practicing the spell we had learned about last week – a variant of the vanishing spell.

We all started practicing in usual silence – Umbridge walked along the desks, taking notes. I was so focused on watching her that I hadn't noticed that both Fred and George had succeeded in making their feathers disappear – the latter had to give me a small shove.

Umbridge's voice suddenly rose.

"Miss Spinnet, is it?"

We all looked at Alicia, who looked quite surprised, and also quite worried. I couldn't blame her.

"Yes," she replied hesitantly.

"'Yes, madam the High Inquisitator'" corrected Umbridge.

Fred, George and Lee snickered next to me.

"Yes, madam the High Inquisitator," repeated Alicia.

"This is your last year at Hogwarts, I believe, miss Spinnet?"

"Yes," answered Alicia.

I bit my lip to keep from laughing as I saw Umbridge's face at the lack of 'madam the High Inquisitator' – but the twins couldn't refrain it, as George laughed loudly. He quickly tried to hide it under a cough, but Umbridge was already looking at him.

"Do you have something to say, Mr. Weasley?"

"No, ma'am."

There was a short silence. I decided to step in to save him.

"George, I think you meant, 'no, madam the High Inquisitator."

This time, nearly all the students in the class started laughing – they all tried to do it quietly, without much success. Umbridge's face turned a pink that nearly matched her dress, and pecked her lips.

"Ten points off Gryffindor, miss Harlowe, for your impertinence."

"I was only trying to –"

"Another word, and it will be detention. Now all you go back to work."

I was surprised she hadn't actually given me detention – but perhaps she was in a good mood. She walked away after that, and went to ask questions to a Ravenclaw who seemed more afraid of her than anything. Then again, I couldn't blame her.

Umbridge hadn't showed up in any other of my classes – but soon it was Tuesday, and time to go to Defense Against the Dark Arts. None of us wanted to go. The previous week, she had asked us to read chapter two and copy down a passage four times. I had never been so bored in my entire life – and I had once listened to Percy talk about his cauldrons for two whole hours – I had been distracting him for Fred and George to set a prank in his room.

"Please tell me I don't have to go. Please" moaned George when Alicia said it was time to leave.

"You have to come. You can't leave me alone there, I will die of boredom," I replied.

I pulled on his hand, forcing him to stand up and follow me. We all walked slowly to the classroom – we always arrived at the very last possible minute, so that we didn't have to spend uneecessary time there. Umbridge was already sitting at the front desk when we sat down. At exactly one, she rose and started giving her class.

"You know what we should do?" I whispered to George.

"What?"

"Knit her a new pink cardigan and spray that thing for boils all over it."

We both started chuckling, maybe a little too loud – and of course, Umbridge had to notice it.

"Miss Harlowe, mister Weasley, is there something you would like to add on the matter of Nonverbal Spells?"

"No, Professor – I mean, madam the High Inquisitator," said George.

There were a few chuckles around the room.

"It is not the first I have warned you two. I believe it would be preferable if you switched seats."

"But –"

"Why don't you go sit over there, miss Harlowe? And mister Miller, next to Mr. Weasley."

I stared in horror at Umbridge. If I was to take Brian Miller's seat, that meant I was going to have to sit next to –

Graham Montague flashed me a smile. A horrible, disgusting arrogant smile.

"Quickly now," hurried Umbridge.

Feeling as if I was going to throw up, I gathered my things and walked to my new seat – Miller didn't seem particularly happy about going to seat next to George either. Mixing Gryffindors and Slytherins was never a good idea. What was she thinking?

I sat down at the new desk and quickly put as much space as possible between me and Montague, who was still smiling like a bloody idiot.

"How interesting. Looks like fate brought us together once more, Harlowe" he sneered quietly.

I ignored him, and look straight ahead of me for the whole remaining of the class. As soon as the bell rang, I ran outside like I was running for my life, and didn't stop until I was in the Common Room. Once I was there, I threw my things on the nearest couch and collapsed on it. That bloody ugly, evil tw-

"Addy?"

I looked up to see Angelina, Alicia, Fred, George and Lee staring at me.

"You all right, Adds?" asked Lee.

"No, I'm not all right, Lee."

"Wrong question, mate," said Fred, shaking his head.

I stood up – I couldn't stand still, I felt the anger rise in my throat, and I just couldn't hold it in.

"Who does she think she bloody is? Making me seat next to that rat-faced pillock!"

"Pillock?" repeated Alicia.

"I'm gonna be stuck with him for the whole year. For the whole bloody blithering year! How in Merlin's name am I ever going to put up with that prat?"

"Addy –"

"And he was sitting there, looking all smug and proud! I swear, I would have broken his bloody nose right there and now!"

"Adds –"

"If you ever hear there's been a murder at Hogwarts, don't ask yourself who did –"

"ADDY!"

"WHAT?!"

I stared back at Angelina, who looked a little exasperated.

"There's a letter for you."

"What? From who?"

"Your uncle."

I grabbed the small envelope, sitting back down on the couch.

"Thank Merlin that's over. I thought my ears were gonna start bleeding" I heard Fred mutter behind me.

"Sod off, Fred, or you'll be bleeding soon enough," I yelped.

Luckily he didn't say anything else, and probably walked away as I didn't hear him anymore. George sat next to me as I opened the envelope. I was grateful he didn't say anything. I could still feel my blood boiling – but yelling had calmed me down. I unfolded the parchment and started reading.

Dear Addy,

Sorry I couldn't write to you before. We've just gotten back from Ireland, with our new album all set and done. It's quite good – I'll send you a copy when I get the final product. So, how's it going at Hogwarts? How are your classes? I hope you're not giving yourself too much pressure and that you haven't killed yourself trying out for the Quidditch team…

George, who had been reading over my shoulder, sneered. I gave him a shove.

Anyway, please give me some news. Everything is fine over here, as usual. We did hear about that new Defense teacher – Dolores Umbridge, if I recall? She looks a bit shifty if you ask me, but I might be wrong. Anyway, I'm writing to you because we just heard some big news; Don is getting married! He proposed to Clara a few days ago, and she said yes. The wedding will be held soon – September 22nd, to be exact, and of course, you're invited. It's going to be in a place called Corsia, a small island next to France, and it's supposed to be beautiful and warm (so bring light clothes). The invitation's for two, so if you want to bring your ginger half, he's more than welcome. Please confirm me that you can come, and I'll write to Dumbledore.

I hope to see you on September 22nd!

Myron

"Bloody hell!" I exclaimed when I was done reading.

I looked at George, who looked at me.

"Are we – are we –"

"Going to France?"

We stared at each other for a few seconds.

"We're going to France!" I shouted before jumping out in his arms.

We laughed, and started doing a little dance. Fred glared at us.

"One second she's shouting, then she's dancing. I'm telling you, mad as a hatter."

"Why are you two so happy?" asked Alicia, smiling.

"We're going to France!" we replied in unison.

"Where!?" asked Lee, frowning.

"Why are you going there for?" said Fred, arching an eyebrow.

"Don, the bassist of my uncle's band, he's getting married!"

"In France?"

"Yes!"

"And he wants you to go?"

"Yes!"

"Why?"

"Who cares! We're going to France –"

"Yes, I think we all got that bit right."

I stared back at Fred, biting my lip.

"I wish you could come too, Fred. I wish I could invite all of you, but the invitation's only for two."

"That's fine. The only thing I like about weddings is the food. And there's plenty of that here."

"When is it?" asked Angelina.

"At the end of the month."

"You think Dumbledore's going to let you go?"

"Myron said he'll write to him. I guess we'll see. Oh, I hope he says yes!"

I hugged George again, delighted at the idea to not only see my uncle and the band again – but also at the idea of spending some time alone with George. I slid my arms across his waist, pulling him close.

"Our first trip together," I smiled.

"Well, I'm not sure I'll go –"

"What?" I muttered.

But he smiled, and I knew he was joking – so I kissed him, forgetting about Umbridge and Montague and everything that had made my day miserable, and only focused on how happy I felt at that instant. How that felt good.