I walked straight to the closet and swung open the door but, as expected, nothing happened. My emotions were everywhere. I did love them all but I knew that they were probably better without me. Wherever I was, drama was ensured. My intentions were good; it was just my actions that were a little off.
I flopped back down on to my bed, too numb and confused to cry. It was probably best if I just settled down and went back to reality, despite what we wanted. And the first way to get over something was a clear-out. I wanted to keep something's as a reminder but most things needed to go.
I took out my wand and enlarged my trunk which was tied to my belt. I opened it up and began to sort. Broom: keep. I may need it in the future. Photos: keep. They were too sentimental and precious to throw way. Books: keep. They were interesting.
After half hour of this process, I realised I was just coming up with excuses to keep everything. I picked up an old scrappy piece of parchment and started off the 'throw' pile.
I looked at it with interest and then transferred it over to 'keep.' It was the secret note off Fred. The one I could never open.
"Well, I may as well try to open it," I said sadly to myself. I thought back to when I found it in the box of pranks. I tried everything, but it never changed. Although, it did glow when I said a 'p' word. Fred and I always used to banter about, calling each other names beginning with 'P'. I was certain this was the way to open it. But with thousands of 'p' words, I would be here for weeks.
Yet there was something in the back of my mind telling me to open it. I don't know why, it would probably just upset me more. But I had too.
"Psychopath," I tried. It glowed, brighter than it did before. But it did not change. There had to be another word to go with it.
Scaboir's words suddenly popped into my mind. "What's your name Mr..." "Pratt, Psycho Pratt."
"Psycho Pratt," I tapped my wand against the parchment and to my delight, it glowed. Words began to appear, as though being written by an invisible man.
31st August
Dear Ally,
I've wanted to talk to you for ages. But there is just no way to tell you. I know what you're thinking: Fred Weasley, a coward? Well, you're right. And the only way to face you is a letter.
First things first, Happy Birthday. I couldn't have the same unlocking word as the pranks. I know you're probably surrounded by a sea of people and I don't want anyone to read this. Not even Ginny.
There was a large section of crossed out words before the writing began again.
I was such a bloody Pratt last Christmas. One minute you were just Ginny's friend. You were exceptionally beautiful and funny but you were still just a friend. Then I kissed you and I realised that I loved you.
I thought that it was just a spur of the moment thing but then you told me that you felt the same way. I was ecstatic, but then my stupid mind started talking.
You had a reputation and you were very immature. I didn't want to risk getting hurt. I was happy with Verity and you were with Seamus. There was no need to change that.
But I was wrong. I love you so much Ally. And it took to seeing you lying half dead on the floor to realise that.
And now you've turned me down. I don't blame you to be honest. I don't deserve it, but I need you to forgive me. I know you don't want to be with me, but I just need you in my life, as a friend. I would love more, but I know I don't deserve that.
Please think about it before you apparate back here and kick my arse.
Happy Birthday again Ally. Have a good day. I love you.
Fred.
I didn't realise I was crying until I had finished Reading the letter. I never actually realised how much I loved Fred until then. I actually missed him, even though it had only been about an hour since I had seen him. He infuriated and both thrilled me at the same time. I had a feeling that the letter was the key to seeing him again.
I gathered up all my belongings before shoving them into the trunk and shrinking it. I put my grenade belt back on and walked over to the closet.
I swung open the door and found myself in the Entrance Hall, as though I had just come in from the grounds. I ran over to the Great Hall door and swung it open.
It was filled with students, staff and Order Members. It looked like Harry had just done his big reveal. The entire hall looked as I came in.
"Sorry I'm late," I smiled sheepishly, standing at the back of the order crowd. Harry gave me a small smile before turning his attention back to Snape. Fred was grinning at me smugly but I just ignored him.
"How dare you stand there were he stood?" Harry bellowed to Snape. "Tell them what it was like. The night you killed him. He trusted you, and you murdered him!"
Snape shot a curse at Harry but McGonagall stood in front of him and shielded him. The two began to duel as Harry stunned The Carrows. Everyone cheered as Snape fled out of the window. That definitely didn't happen in the books. It was better. I like to think that I had something to do with that.
My grin faltered though as a small pain formed at the back of my head. It suddenly exploded as though i was being stabbed in the head over and over.
I put my hands over my ears and collapsed to the ground. A few people rushed to help me but another girl started to scream followed by Pavarti.
"Give me Harry Potter," a voice whispered from behind me. I could feel their breath on the back of my neck. I looked around but no one was there.
"This is not your war. Just give me Harry Potter. Give me Harry Potter and no magical blood shall be spilled. You have one hour."
The hall stood up and began to compose themselves, but in my head, the stabbing pain was still there. I screeched out as the voice continued.
"I see your heart Alyssa Black and it is mine." Fred and Harry rushed toward me but I could not acknowledge them. "You have great power, great strength. You are on a losing side. Join me... Join me in the Forbidden Forest. Join me, and all will be forgiven."
There was a strange hissing noise before the pain subsided. I looked down at my hands and saw them covered in blood.
"Here," Hermione said, sprinkling dinity into my ear. "I think a veins burst or something." it hurt like hell, but the bleeding subsided. I thanked her graciously.
"What happened?" Harry asked.
"It was Voldemort. He called me a Black and asked me to join him." Everyone's expressions turned stony.
"Will you..."
"Of course not!" I snapped. I stood up and brushed myself down. "We need to get a move on though. Harry, Ron, Hermione. You have the diadem right?" They nodded. "Ok, so go down to the Chamber of Secrets and bring back basilisk fangs and it's skin. We can scatter it around the perimeter so the acromantula won't come near."
The trio stared at me in awe. "That's brilliant," Hermione exclaimed.
"I know. But let's not waste time. Go, go." I pushed them from the hall and turned to Professor McGonagall who was giving instructions to the staff and pupils. I tried to listen, but Fred came over beside me and started smirking.
"Will you shut up," I hissed.
"I'm not saying anything," he said innocently. I glared before turning back to McGonagall who was addressing a tall man.
"You're Oliver Wood, right?" He smiled at me and nodded. I could see Fred jealously looking over, but again, I ignored him. "Well, hi I'm Ally. You don't happen to have a broom on you?"
"No, sorry. I could borrow one though, what do you have in mind." I hollered over Angelina, Katie, Alicia and Seamus and handed them each a grenade, making sure there was one left for me.
"There will be giants. Spells won't work on them. You'll need to fly up and shove these in their ears." They nodded and set off for the grounds. Seamus pulled me to one side and grabbed my face, kissing me forcefully. I spluttered away.
"I'm sorry," he said sheepishly. "It's just that I could die. You could die and I wanted to know how I feel."
"Seamus, I'm flattered, but I that ship sailed a long time ago. Please excuse me."
I walked over to Slughorn, but I was interrupted by Colin. I hugged him tightly as I hadn't seen him in almost a year. But he had different motives, similar to Seamus... I rebuffed him and continued over to Slughorn, but I was intercepted by Sirius.
"Ally, I Love..."
"Oh piss off Sirius," I grumbled. He laughed loudly.
"Oh come on, it's just a bit of fun." I glared again as I finally made it to Slughorn.
"Do you have it?" I asked sweetly. He dove into his robes and pulled out four vials of Liquid Luck.
"I'm so sorry my dear, but the Carrows found out what I was brewing and destroyed the lot. This was all I could save."
I took them off him and smiled gratefully. "You did your best. Thank you so much. Sirius, Remus, Tonks, Fred, get your butts over here!"
They all daunted over looking quite confused. "Here drink this." I handed them the little vials. They stared at them and then back to me.
"How come no one else gets any?" Fred asked.
"Because there's only four," I said simply.
"I would feel better if Harry, Ron, you or Hermione had mine," Sirius said, handing it back to me. The others did the same. They began to walk away but before i could stop myself, I blurted it out.
"You're going to die," I almost shouted. They all froze and spun around.
"What?" Remus whispered, looking sadly down at Tonks.
"Well, I don't know about Sirius, but you guys definitely will. Please just drink it."
"What about everyone else?" Tonks asked.
"What about them? They'll be fine, but you won't. Please just think about your son. If you die he'll be left with me. He'll be an alcoholic by the time he's ten." They stared at each other for a moment, silently communicating. After a few seconds they nodded before downing the vials.
"Sirius..." I gave him my best puppy dog look. He sighed and drank it too. I turned back to Fred.
"Was this the reason you wouldn't let us read the end of that book?" he asked.
"One of the reasons. I read your letter." He didn't answer. I smiled weakly as an awkward pause fell over us. "Please Fred, just drink it."
"What about you?"
"I'll be fine," I shrugged.
"You don't know that," he said defiantly. I looked around the room and saw that people were beginning to depart.
"Please Fred, just drink it." He sighed and took it off me. He unstopped it but then shoved it against my mouth. I pushed his hand away, but the little vial fell to the floor. It smashed it to a thousand pieces, the potions spreading across the floor.
"You Idiot!" I cried. "Do you want to die or something?"
"I would rather you be safe," he said softly. I was too furious to be flattered.
"Ally, we're going to the bridge. Come on!" Neville called. I gave Fred one last seething look before following Neville.
"What's going on?" I asked, jogging alongside Neville, Ginny, Oliver and Dean.
"There are a group of Death Eaters closing in at the other end of the bridge," Ginny explained. "The enchantments aren't up yet but they won't hold forever. We need to get them onto the bridge and then blow it up."
"So a few of us need to go to the Death Eaters end and taunt them. Once the chase ensures, we'll blow it up," I said sensibly.
"I'll go," Neville said immediately.
"Me too. I haven't seen you for a while. We need a catch up," I said. Neville smiled down at me.
We ran out through the court yard as the professors were casting protective spells. Professor McGonagall was even charming the suits of armour to stand guard. It was very impressive. It took a lot of effort not to stand and watch.
Once we reached the bridge, Neville and I ran across it and stood guard at the other end. I could see a group of people in the distance, their faces illuminated by their wands. I looked up to the sky and saw that the shield was not yet in place.
"Are you scared?" I asked Neville nervously.
"Yes," he said simply.
"Me too," I whispered. I gave him a small reassuring smile.
"And we call ourselves Gryffindor's," he joked.
The little shoots of light in the sky began to join to form a protective dome. It spread down onto the floor in front of us. Neville nudged me as the Death Eaters drew nearer. I pointed my wand at them and got ready to run. But as three Death Eaters crossed the threshold, they just disappeared.
The man in front skidded to a stop, holding his arms out to protect the others. I looked closely and saw that the man was Scaboir. I grinned and turned to Neville who was jumping up and down, taunting the Death Eaters and Snatchers.
"Your army is not good enough for Dumbledore's army," he laughed. I joined in and began jumping too. The idea was to piss them off and lure them over, I was sure this would grandly.
A few began to fire spells but they just rebounded off the dome. I could hear banging coming from behind us.
We both spun around and gasped. Hundreds of spells were being fired at the castle. They were crashing against the shield which didn't look like it could stand for much longer.
Neville's eyes were wide with fear but he continued to hold his ground. It was then I realised that we both could die. If my actions could save people then they could certainly doom them.
"Remember when we met," I smiled up at his nostalgically.
"Is that when you went completely nuts at Romilda?" he grinned.
"No, it was when you had that bloody exploding plant," I laughed. "Mibbilus Mibbletonea?"
"Near enough. Do you remember your stupid singing to raise money for Christmas?" he asked. I scoffed in fake anger.
"It was not stupid. I made loads of money! Do you remember what a fool you looked like when you dressed up like Hermione?"
"I'm having trouble forgetting," he muttered. My laugh echoed through the eerie night. I could see the Death Eaters watching our laughing figures with confusion but I ignored them.
A rumbled sounded around us as red cracks appeared throughout the shield.
"I love you Nev," I whispered.
"I love you too Al." he gave my hand a small squeeze before going into battle position.
Parts of the shield began to fall down. Scaboir grabbed a piece with his wand and inspected it. With a grin toward me he slowly placed his foot forward. Nothing happened. He and the other Death Eaters let out a large battle cry before charging forward.
Neville and I screamed as we turned around and ran along the long bridge. They were fitter than us; I could hear their footsteps gaining closer and closer. I just managed to duck down as a spell blasted over my head.
"When should we blow it up?" Neville called.
"On Three. One, two, Three."
We both cast Reduco over our shoulder. The bridge began to buckle and then slowly collapsed like dominos. The Death Eaters were less concerned with us and more concerned with getting away alive. I looked over my shoulder and saw them all running for their lives. Scaboir looked petrified.
Neville and I leapt off the bridge just in time. The place where our feet were just a second ago was now plummeting to the ground.
I caught sight of Scaboir's terrified face as he began to drop further and further.
"Carpe Retractum!" I cried, pointing my wand at him. Purple ropes latched onto his waist and pulled up to safety. He lay by feet, gasping for air.
"Why did you save him?" Ginny shouted. "He's a Death Eater!"
"Because... I know it's a stupid judgement, but I trust him." I bent down to Scaboir and helped him up.
"Your brothers in the Hogs Head. Go to him and then hide. Then, wish to get out of here. Wish with everything in you, and then you'll finally be safe."
He looked a little confused, but he still nodded. "Well, good luck Psycho Pratt."
Ginny gasped. "Oh my god. It's him!"
Scaboir stared at her dumbly. "Yes it's me. It took you this long to clock on." He rolled his eyes, having no idea what she really meant. He hugged me for a second before awkwardly pulling away.
"Thanks. Might see you around." he gave us all a nod before disapparating away. We all stood in silence for a few moments until we heard a large bang coming from the school. As we ran into the courtyard, I could see the smoke coming from inside the school. There was a large crack in the side of the building.
"Shit, Fred!"
I left the others and went bolting up the steps. Fred died in an explosion. There were hundreds going on and I prayed I wasn't too late. In the entrance hall, curses were flying everywhere. I could see people having trouble but I couldn't help; Fred was my only priority.
I ran up to the top of the stairs and looked around wildly.
"Oi, that's Bellatrix's kid," a bald ugly death eater said, grinning at me. A few of his friends stopped their duels and turned to face me.
"You know, the one who brings you in alive gets a big reward," one of them said. There were at least five of them. Three against one I could handle, but these odds were ridiculous.
I gave them a small sweet smile before running off in the other direction. I had spent the last few minutes running and I had a stitch, but I had to keep running. My life depended on it.
I had the advantage though. I knew these halls better than they did. I ruled them every day. They had not been here in years. I ran up the staircase and onto the first floor, throwing books and vases at my pursuers. I levitated the tapestry of Helga Hufflepuff and dropped it on to the group.
I laughed, but as soon as I rounded the corner I stopped. The corridor had been blocked off by debris and bricks. There was no way to escape; I was trapped. I looked around and tried to blast a hole through the debris, but it was too thick.
"Well, well, well," one of the Death Eaters said, coming around the corner. I was proud to see he had a deep gash at the top of his head. But I was not too happy that Greyback was standing behind him. "Alyssa Black, all alone."
"I'm sorry but where did this 'Black' thing come from, it's Tonks. Well, technically it's Brady but-"
"Shut up," Greyback hissed, stepping toward me. "I can't help it if I lose control." he grinned evilly and stepped closer. I held up my wand toward them.
They laughed cruelly. "Five against one, huh? I'm sorry my pretty but you don't really have a chance." He made a strange noise and his eyes rolled to the back of his head. He crashed to the floor with a large thud.
The others turned around but no one was there. I took this as my chance and I stunned another one. They all turned around to face me but another one dropped to the floor. The bald guy went to turn back around but Greyback stopped him.
"I don't know what you're playing at but I will-" he made the same strangled noise before hitting the ground.
The remaining guy looked wildly around before running away.
I laughed with relief. "Who's there?" I called out. Fred's head suddenly appeared followed by the rest of his body. He threw his invisibility cloak and hat onto the floor and ran over to me. I met him half way and hugged him tightly. He enclosed me tightly in his arms and pulled me closer.
"Neville said that you had been chased up here. I'm so glad you're ok," he whispered.
I pulled away and crushed my lips to his, roughly pushing him against the wall. It took a few seconds for him to respond, but he did. It didn't matter that there was a battle going on. All that mattered was that we were together. I knew then that I would never fall out with Fred. I loved him wholly and fully. I couldn't be without him. The feelings calmed and scared me at the same time.
Fred pushed my mouth opened with his and spun us around, so I was against the wall. I snaked my arms around his neck to pull me up taller. We broke away, gasping and leant our foreheads against each other.
"I love you," he whispered softly.
"I love you too." I brought my lips to his and began to kiss him again.
He broke away and smiled, his eyes gleaming. "Marry me?"
I gasped in shock, my grin widening. "Of- Of course," I stuttered, smiling happily. He shook his head and laughed.
"No Ally, you don't get what I'm saying. Marry me... now."
I was quick for once! Has anyone got into Pottermore, or all you all seriously annoyed like me. I got in on day one and I haven't got my email yet : (
Thank you to everyone who reviewed. FredAndGeorge'sAwesomeness, Aerilynblack, LadyOblivious, Avasaya, Spot'sGalFrom1899, ForgeandGred4ever, Sensula, Blue is the Sea, Lenie954, Georgie Monsoon, FutureAuthoress176, Misa-chan46, RoseWeasleyRoxX and GreyHaru.
Thanks for reading, let me know what you think : )