Chapter 15: My hearts running fast enough to make me run out of breath
A/N: I notice that during the summer I write like nothing…I have too much free time, so I tend not to write. Once school starts my stories will probably get a chapter twice a week, though no promises. Enjoy this chapter anyways.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. (And part of this is taking from Order of the Phoenix…which I do not own at all…around page 637 in the American version to about 681)
Crystal's mind was in flurry. She wasn't sure how to take the dinner with Draco, nor did she know how to absorb the information. She did know that from now on she had to be careful. One more false move with the Gryffindor's would cost what little freedom she had left. That was the last thing she wanted.
That didn't stop her though from hanging out with whomever she wanted, but it came with a price. Nightmares. Nightmares that she couldn't shake and that seemed to get worse with each and every move she made that she knew she shouldn't. They woke her almost every night. And each night the torture in her dreams seemed to get worse. At first it was just reliving her childhood, but then it turned into her being her age now and no longer getting tortured just by her dad but Voldemort as well.
As each day was going by she felt like more of her life was slipping through her hands. She had to take action. She knew these dreams were no longer real and if she could help it she would keep it that way.
"Fred" Crystal finally broke down and walked across the common room to the lone twin, ready to spill her thoughts.
"Sweetie, I'm George" The twin rolled his eyes "Honestly" he said with a slight grin as he pulled Crystal down onto his lap.
"Please, I know your Fred." Crystal said confidently as she looked into the familiar shinning green eyes. "Only Fred calls me sweetie and makes me sit on his lap." Crystal smiled and poked Fred's nose.
"You found me out" Fred shrugged before turning serious. "So what do you need? You haven't talked to us in weeks." Fred pointed out and Crystal looked at her feet in guilt.
She had been avoiding the twins. It pained her to near them all the while knowing they were going to leave. She didn't feel like expressing that. Though, knowing the twins like she did, she was sure they already knew that. "Where's George? I'd like to talk to you both." Crystal asked avoiding his question all together.
"He's…out" Fred said in a soft voice. He didn't want to upset Crystal any more than they already had. He knew she had been avoiding them because they were leaving soon. It was only a matter of time. They were just waiting for the right moment to drive Umbridge off her rocker. "Whatever it is you can tell me, I'll make sure George knows about it." Fred grabbed Crystal's hand and gave it a tiny squeeze. He didn't want her to leave or just wait until George came. He was concerned. She was here for help and he wanted to give it to her.
Crystal bit her lip and played with Fred's hand for a bit before she finally spoke. "I'm scared, Fred." She said in a harsh whisper.
"Crissy" Fred leaned forward and whispered to her.
Crystal didn't move at all, but she welcomed his warmth and comfort he was offering. "I've messed up" She admitted bluntly. "If I do anything else, I'll for sure…I'm just not sure I can do this."
"I think you're over reacting." Fred said with a shrug "But just in case let's come up with a backup plan."
Crystal stopped for a moment and took Fred in. Finally she let out a smile. She was glad he was her friend. He always knew what to do. He always knew what to say and he always knew how to protect her. Wasn't that what friends were for? "What do you have in mind?" Crystal asked.
"Darling, we will take care of everything." Fred pulled her into a hug "Just…if anything happens, come straight for us." He pulled away from the hug and grabbed her hair, lightly stroking it "Promise?" He asked gingerly.
Crystal nodded "Of course, but let's hope everything goes according to plan."
"If anyone can play a double agent it's you." Fred smiled as his mind wondered. He couldn't help but feel even if she could do it, he felt it would be too taxing on her. She was only human and with her brain and how much she worried, it would no doubt wear her out. But he knew she was doing this because she loved Draco and that alone let him have the will to push her forward. If she was happy and felt like she belonged with Draco, who was he to argue? He wanted her happy. Fred truly did. She was unlike anyone he has ever met before and he wanted to repay her anyway he could. She had helped the twins so much with their products, he felt like he was in her debut. It was the least he could do to support her and save her when she needed it.
"Fred" Crystal looked over at her friend with weary eyes. "When are you and George…leaving?" She finally sad with a heavy heart, knowing they were close to leaving.
"You know I'll write you every day." Fred said while reaching out for Crystal's hand. She didn't let him grab it and instead threw him a nasty glare for avoiding her question. "Oh relax" Fred laughed as he this time succeeded in grabbing her hand. "We will let you know the day of, but…for now stop avoiding us." Fred commanded seriously.
Crystal let out a sigh. She was avoiding them so she wouldn't be heart broken when they left. But either way she would be heart broken. There was no way around it. Her closest friends were leaving her alone, but she had others. She could make it. "Fine, but you owe me" Crystal growled as she shook a finger at Fred.
"Name it" Fred smirked.
Crystal narrowed her eyes and let a strong smirk trace across her lips. "You and George both have to sneak into my ball this summer."
"Your ball?" Fred ask leaning forward showing how interested he was.
"Yes, my first ball. You know pureblood's dancing and such." Crystal waved airily. "It's a big affair; even the Dark Lord will be there."
"That's asking for death, Crissy." Fred said flatly, but he was still smirking and staring at her in curiosity.
"I know" Crystal responded "But your killing me" She said while letting out an exasperated sigh. For good measure she threw herself into Fred's arms and pretended to feel faint. "I don't know how much longer I can last." She said holding back a giggle.
"Please" Fred laughed but none the less grabbed her tightly. "You look just fine to me."
"I can change that. I'll give you a galleon for a puking pastel." Crystal threw herself up and quickly was rummaging through her pockets for at least a galleon.
"Sorry, can't sell my products to a pretty young lady." Fred smiled and crossed his arms over his chest, showing he wasn't going to budge.
"What about the other day when you sold some of your products to Karrie Clanwood, that 7th year Ravenclaw? Hmmmm?" Crystal teased.
"That wasn't me darling that was George." Fred rolled his eyes as if it was obvious.
"That was not George. We both kn-" Crystal started but stop as soon as she felt arms make their way around her waist.
"What about me?" A sweet voice said happily.
"Nothing George" Crystal said while turning around to hug George. "Just your brother's being super mean to me." She pouted.
"We can't have that!" George said well pushing Crystal aside and pulling out his wand "I must defend this beautiful ladies honor!" He cried.
"George" Crystal laughed while rolling her eyes. "No need to hurt anyone." Crystal reached forward and lowered George's wand.
There was a long pause as the twins stared at her not saying anything. Crystal pulled her arm off of George and crossed her arms over her chest "What" she snapped.
"That bracelet" Both the twins said at the same time and kept staring at her wrist.
Defensively Crystal pulled her wrist towards her and held it close to her heart. "It's from Draco."
"Must have cost a fortune" Fred noted as he stood up and stared at the charm that was dangling.
"With the Nott and Malfoy crest, most likely" George add as he too stared.
"So you two really are getting married?" Fred gave out a sigh and turned his back away from Crystal. He didn't want her to see how upset he was. He doubt that would help anything. It seemed to him that she was finally accepting the truth and he didn't want to ruin that. He didn't want her to go through what she went through last time.
Crystal smiled, but yet her face showed no emotion. "It's not official until the ball you know. But I don't have a choice." Crystal let her arms drop as she looked down at her feet. "I'll be the poster girl, the perfect pureblood."
Fred turned around and looked at his friend in disbelief. Slowly he reached out and grabbed her arm gently. "Is that what you want? Do you really want to be some poster girl?"
"Doesn't matter what I want" Crystal said coldly as she shrugged off Fred's arm. "I'm a pureblood, not a commoner with a choice." She let her eyes linger on the twins for a bit more before she stalked off to her dorm, leaving the twins with a deep frown on their faces.
"What were you two talking about? It looked pretty serious." George said after they had finished watching Crystal up to her dorm.
Fred continued to stare where she was and didn't turn away until he let out a heavy sigh that was weighing on him. "She's worried" He shook out his hair before throwing his body out of the chair. "Come on, let's go somewhere private and talk."
George just nodded to his twin and followed him out of the common room. George knew where his twin was going, the classroom. Their classroom, where they planned everything, though as of lately they have noticed Draco had been taking Crystal there. They didn't mind it gave them a chance to spy on them. They weren't spying to be rude, they were spying for her safety. Ever since she got busted with the DA both twins had worried about her. They were afraid she'd be in a lot more trouble than she was. But from what they gathered, Draco covered for her. For that they were grateful for that spoiled prick, but that didn't mean they liked him. They hated Draco even more. He was the reason Crystal was keeping herself in danger. She could be in safety but she never would, she would stay by Draco's side no matter what. They knew that, even if she didn't.
"We will have to leave sooner than we thought." Fred explained out loud to his twin as he quietly shut the classroom door behind them.
George looked at his twin for a moment before he took a seat on a desk and looked outside the window. "I figured as much" He said in a flat voice as his eyes scanned the setting sun.
His twin took a seat next to him and stared at the floor. "We will need as much money as possible. I know the joke shop will be a success" He said as he kicked his legs. His mind was set. They would have to leave as soon as May rolled around. They had to get everything ready and get the joke shop up and running. If everything went well they would be able to buy everything Crystal would need if she needed to go into hiding. They knew she would need to be pampered. She had been her whole life. She only wore designer dresses on weekends. There's no way she could live in muggle clothing. They had to use some money they make to get her the finest wizarding robes and dresses the wizarding world has to offer. But this was all what if's. They knew if something went wrong, she could fall back on them. And that's what they wanted. She had helped them so much with the joke shop, it's the least they could do.
"Of course it will be." George smirked and looked over at his twin who was mirroring him. "The location we have picked out is perfect and Harry gave us enough money."
"Not to mention how much Crystal did." Fred added "We've got this."
"I know" George nodded "But why is she scared?" George asked once more.
Fred got off the desk and began pacing "Crissy has every right to be" He said in a soft voice as he folded his arms over his chest and picked up his pace. His twin followed his every movement, waiting for the answer to his question. "She's not cut out for this. She belongs with the Order. Her mind set is so different from every other pureblood. She's afraid she'll mess up."
"And she will mess up." George sighed and crossed his arms as well. "Every other night she with Harry Potter and then with Neville Longbottom, something will come up. Someone will get tortured in front of her and she will crack."
"Don't say that" Fred stopped pacing and looked at his twin with sad eyes. "That would be horrible, she wouldn't make it through."
"That's not even the worse! Think if Voldemort wants her to torture or kill muggles! She couldn't! She knows what the rest of us know." George got off the desk and stared at his twin, his eyes just as pained as his brother.
"That they are human beings too." Both twins said at the same time.
"What are you doing Neville?" Crystal asked as she took a seat next to him at the Gryffindor table. It had been a week since she had talked with Fred and George. She had ignored almost all of it, except she would at least try to spend one day with them a week if she could.
Neville was sitting there with a couple of herbs on his lap completely ignoring his food. He was looking at them intently and scratching down notes. He barely even looked up when Crystal took her seat. "Oh…I'm working on something with Professor Sprout." He mumbled shyly and looked back down at the herbs attempting to hide his blushing cheeks.
"Good for you" Crystal smiled genuinely before turning to the food that was laid out before her.
"What about you? I figured you'd be sitting by Fred and George." Neville said in a distant voice, despite him being glad. He figured she would want to spend her time with someone other than him. Why should a girl so sweet and so beautiful waste her time with him, Neville Longbottom? He could never fathom Crystal and the way her mind worked sometimes.
"First off, it's Sunday." Crystal rolled her eyes. She knew what Neville was thinking and she could smack him for not realizing how much of a good friend he was. "Second off we just got back from Easter break. And third off…well. They've been acting odd." Crystal noted as she looked around. The twins were nowhere to be found.
Neville nodded, he knew she was right. Everyone had been causing trouble for Umbridge ever since Dumbledore had to leave the school, the twins especially. But as of lately they've been quiet. Neville noticed it, only because Crystal was so close to them, but he didn't seem bothered by it. Crystal knew better, they were planning on leaving soon. They wanted to go out with a bang. That moment had to have been drawing in close.
"So have you" Neville smiled "You've been spending a lot of time with Draco." He said while nudging her side.
Crystal felt a tiny blush form on her cheeks. "Hardly…" She mumbled "Besides just wait, there will be big news in the Daily Prophet this summer."
Neville looked away from his herbs and raised an eyebrow "What does that have to do with Draco and you?"
"Oh you'll see" Crystal smiled, but Neville knew her whole heart wasn't in it. "Just remember, wasn't my idea. If it was it'd be you."
"Me for what?" Neville asked still feeling confused.
Crystal just smiled and started eating some food. She was telling the truth, but she didn't want to go into details for Neville. Only a couple of people knew about her betrothal with Draco and she wanted to keep it that way for now. At least until the ball, then by that point everyone would know anyways.
"For what, Crissy?" Neville pouted, he knew there were several secrets about her, but he never wanted to press. She'd tell him when she was ready.
"Noth-" Crystal started but was cut off by a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"I'm very sorry to interrupt Crystal, but could I steal you for a moment?" Crystal and Neville both turned around to see Draco standing there with his icy eyes bearing down at Crystal paying no attention to Neville.
"I'm eating dinner with Neville" Crystal said with slight irritation, but deep down she was smiling. She hadn't seen Draco all day and was hoping to see him. She was starting to grow fond of their time together that they spent studying and learning more about each other.
"When you are done then, I shall wait." Draco smiled warmly and without a second thought, took a seat next to Crystal.
The minute he sat down it felt like everything around them went silent. Crystal felt stiff, as if she couldn't move. And Neville felt ready to pass out of fear.
Draco just sat there with a smirk on his face, not saying a word. He was actually enjoying the discomfort that all the Gryffindor's seemed to be suffering for his presence at the table. He was also loving the attention that was being drawn to them. He wanted the world to know how much he loved and cared for Crystal. And the strongest way to do that was sitting at the Gryffindor table.
"I'm really not that hungry." Crystal lied after a moment or two of thick silence.
Neville silently thanked her for her lie.
"Sweetheart you don't have to lie." Draco smiled warmly while reaching out and holding her hand. "Take your time." He said sweetly, ignoring Neville's choking noises.
Crystal tried not to grind her teeth. What was he playing at? "Nev's you okay?" Crystal turned away from Draco and over to her friend and began lightly tapping him on the back. Neville didn't say anything. His voice was stuck in his throat because he was choking and because Draco was here. He instead nodded and took a drink of water. "What is it that you wanted Draco?" Crystal asked after Neville had giving her one last reassuring nod.
"I just wanted to hang out with you, if that's alright." Draco pulled her hand to his lips and gave a gentle kiss.
Crystal pulled her hand away and tried not to scowl. She didn't want the whole Gryffindor table and anyone else who was in DA with her thinking she was a traitor. She knew that day would come, but the later it came the better. People still had a hard time believing she wasn't some Voldemort worshipping girl. Many in fact believed she was plotting against Harry Potter and that's why she's friends with him. She liked Draco. She just hated showing it in public.
"May or may not be, depends how you look at it." Crystal turned her frown that was beginning to form into a smirk. "For you it would be more than alright. For me it might just be borderline alright."
Draco gave out a small chuckle. "You'll be with thee Draco Malfoy, you will be more than alright when I'm done with you."
Neville gave out another small choke. Crystal ignored it this time. She knew this was not what he and the other Gryffindor's should hear. She gave up her meal and got up "I'm really done eating, you are ruining my appetite."
"If anything I should increase it, your heart is racing. No need to deny it Crissy." Draco smirked as he leaned forward and whispered into her ear. "You want m-" He started but Crystal gave him a shove.
"Shush" She threw him a glare but grabbed onto his hand and pulled him out of the great hall. "You really shouldn't do that, poor Nevs." Crystal said the minute they made it out of the great hall and began for their walk.
"That was half the fun. I'm sorry, but he's so easy to tease. He's a buffoon." Draco said in an honest voice. But the minute he said it, he regretted it. Crystal's face was filled with fury. He had said the wrong thing.
"Buffoon, hmm?" She glared "And what are you exactly?" She threw his arm away and crossed her arms over her chest as her voice got louder and louder. "Oh that's right perfect. Perfect Draco Malfoy. The hottest male alive" Crystal let out a cold laugh. "But deep down inside you are just a pathetic little boy. All you ever do is listen to dear mommy and daddy. Every word they say you hang onto it. You could never speak for yourself. Everything you do is for them."
"Crystal" Draco said in a tiny voice as he tried to grab her, but she backed up and was in full fury.
"No, Draco" She growled "I'm not like you, nor will I ever be like you. So if you really loved me, you would just respect my friends and not tell me how horrible they are." Crystal spat before stomping off to her dorm.
Crystal couldn't believe she lost her temper like that. A pureblood always stays calm and collective. They never show such emotions as anger. She was now not only angry and Draco but herself. She was foolish. She was being foolish. If she wanted to live and home and stay with Draco, she couldn't say things like that. She knew she couldn't. Because her and Draco were the same, that's why she couldn't say those things. She was to be controlled by her parents too and now the Dark Lord as well. She couldn't make errors like this again.
Maybe she was destined to defy it every step of the way. Maybe she was really foolish. And maybe she was stupid for thinking she could make a difference. She couldn't…not in the way she wanted too. Her mind was screaming for freedom from this life, so why was she fighting against what her mind and heart wanted? She didn't have to do this right? Shouldn't she not be a coward and fight for what she believes in? But that's what she was doing! She was fighting for what she believed in. She believed Draco was a good person and she wanted to pull him out of darkness. She wanted him to see the light. Crystal wanted Draco to be the person she knew him to be. A pure soul. Not a soul pledge to the darkness.
After a couple hours of thinking, she couldn't take it anymore. She had to apologize to Draco. She didn't even bother wiping away her tears as she trudge down to the common room. Quickly though, she regretted that. When she came down to the common room and she saw the twins talking with Ron, Hermione, and Harry she knew something was up.
With her head held up high she approached them just as it seems a deal was settled. Hermione had looked furious, Harry looked pleased and Ron looked in different. What was going on she wondered as she got close enough to hear the last bits of the conversation.
"Easy" said George with a smirk as Harry stared at the twins with hope.
"What sort of diversion is it?" Ron asked his brothers.
No one paid attention to Crystal as she came up right by Fred, who was wearing a full smirk just like George. "You'll see, little bro" Fred said as he got up off the chair grabbing onto Crystal but not saying anything to her. George followed his twin and grabbed her other arm. "At least, you will if you trot along to Gregory the Smarmy's corridor round about five o'clock tomorrow." Fred finished and gave one last nod before him and his twin pulled Crystal up to their dorm.
Any thoughts Crystal had about running to Draco were quickly forgotten as her brain attempted to process what was going on. "Gregory the Smarmy's? What are you two…" Crystal mumbled as she let the twins drag her forward.
"Now dearest Crissy, let us not worry about that! There are more pressing things at hand." Fred patted her back as George opened the door.
"Yes, he is right!" George grinned as he practically pranced over to his bed. "You have your career date coming up" George said as he bounced on his bed.
"Big decisions there" Fred said calmly as he placed Crystal on his bed which was opposite of George's. "What with a brain like yours, Cri-"
Crystal quickly cut Fred off. "No! This isn't about me right now. I already have that laid out for me. What about you two. What are you two planning? Your leaving tomorrow aren't you?" Crystal asked as her eyes began to swirl with tears.
Fred and George both let out a sigh. "Crissy" They both said at the same time. Fred reached out and pulled Crystal into a hug and George got off of his bed to put a reassuring arm around her.
"You are" Crystal sobbed as the tears began to flow out of her eyes and onto Fred's shirt.
"We have too, we no longer fit in and it will help Harry. You know how he gets. A bit stubborn that bloke." Fred shrugged as he pulled away to look Crystal in the eyes.
"What do you mean you no longer fit in?" Crystal asked with a tiny sniffle.
George grabbed her hand gently. "We don't need this education."
"Our joke shop will be a hit, just you wait Crissy. Then I can steal your heart away with my money." Fred smiled. "I was joking. About that last part."
"No you weren't" Crystal gave weak laugh. "Can I stay here tonight? I mean…last night with you guys?" Crystal asked through her tiny sobs. She felt ripped in two. Her closest friends were leaving. The friends that showed her how to laugh and smile, Fred and George the friends who gave her life they were leaving. She knew that she would see them again, but it wouldn't be the same. The lives they lead are too different. This would be the last time she saw them without having to sneak away. And that thought alone pained her. She couldn't be as free as these twins were.
Fred smiled while gently reaching forward to wipe her tears away. "You can stay with us whenever you like, Princess."
"Princess? That was lame" George snorted "It's more like Princess of Darkness."
"Not even, she's like an angel." Fred turned towards his twin grinning. "Angel of darkness."
"Mmm you may be right" George tapped his finger on his lips. "Or I personally think she's a Goddess."
"I personally believe she's right here." Crystal interpreted with a giggle. Both twins turned to her with a grin and without a second thought tackled her onto the bed and gave her a big hug.
"We personally think you, Crystal, are our bestest friend in the whole wide world!" The twins announced as they held her tightly.
If moments could last forever, this would be the moment that the three of them wished would last forever. But they all knew that moments don't last forever, because tomorrow came with anticipation, heartache, excitement, and memories that would last forever. It seemed to go all too fast. One moment she was in class and the next moment she was rushing towards the corridor they had mentioned. Her heart was racing, she had to see them. Just one last look of what freedom looked like. She deserved that much before she was pushed into her life of following commands.
Crystal was a bit late though. She didn't get to see what happened, but as she pushed through the crowd it became clear by the green slim on some people that the portable swamp had work. Though she was in fear for her friends, she couldn't help but smile at the brilliance. More and more of the swamp came into view as she pushed forward. She could hear Fred's voice through the crowd.
"Pretty amusing yeah" His voice held no fear and when Crystal finally made it through the crowd and to his side, she notice he wasn't afraid at all. Neither Fred nor George seemed to acknowledge her presence, but Umbridge did. Her glare was pretty strong but also full of confusion as to what one of her best students was doing there standing by such trouble makers.
Crystal's mind was buzzing. She shouldn't be standing here next to her friends. She shouldn't be here. She was going to be in trouble. But it was too late now. She was here, she was here supporting her friends. If that was a crime then she didn't want to be right. She had to be here.
Crystal's thoughts snapped away as George gave Crystal's hand a small squeeze.
"Accio Brooms!" Both the twins said in unison with their wands pointed high. Crystal waited in amazement as their brooms came zooming towards them with the chain still attached.
"We won't be seeing you." Fred said calmly as he got onto his broom. He gave Crystal a heartwarming smile before turning back to Umbridge.
"Yeah, don't bother to keep in touch" George said while mounting his own broom. He too turned to Crystal giving her a smile to mirror Fred's. Both of them had the same thought, sorry. They didn't want to leave her, but they were moving on in their lives. They would find a way to see her. And they could feel in their hearts fate would have a way too.
Fred ignored his pulling heart strings to take Crystal with them and turned to the students who were gathered with watchful eyes. "If anyone fancies buying a Portable Swamp, as demonstrated up-stairs, come to number ninety-three, Diagon Alley-Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes" His voice boomed as all students hung on his every word. "Our new premises!"
George grinned and added on "Special discounts to Hogwart students who swear they're going to use our products to get rid of this old bat" George finished while pointing at Umbridge.
"One more thing" Fred smiled and turned to Crystal. Before Crystal could do anything, Fred had grabbed onto her and pulled her into a tight hug. Once he had pulled away he put a gentle kiss on her lips. "I love this beautiful lady." He said loudly before letting her go.
"STOP THEM!" Shrieked Umbridge, but it was too late. They were already flying away in freedom.