Chapter 16:
A/N : I just wanted to say SORRY for the long wait but this chapter is fairly long. I'll have my usual rambling at the end of the chapter. And sorry for typos, I tried to get this uploaded as fast as possible! Enjoy!
You told me I was pretty when I looked like a mess,
Today was a fairytale
Time slows down whenever you're around.
-Taylor Swift
The Gryffindor Quidditch team had beaten Ravenclaw which got them back in the race for the cup. Nora was still studying like a madwoman, but tried to find some time to spend with her friends that she usually ended up regretting because it was endless amounts of awkward conversation and deadly glares from Angelina. Nora had time to think about everything Fred had said and realized that maybe she had been overly critical and quick to judge. She had thought about leaving Cedric, but he had been so supportive and kind throughout the past months she could not even consider that possibility. And seeing as Angelina was still glued to Fred's side 24 hours a day, Fred did not seem interested in any relationship change either. Neither seemed to speak much to the other unless it was necessary.
Towards the end of March, things were starting to look up. Nora was finally back to a normal size and only looked tired instead of on the verge of fainting. She and Fred were able to have short conversations without much content, but at least they were civil towards each other which made everyone's lives a whole lot easier. On the first of April Nora was woken up by an overly excited Aveline.
"Wake up! Wake up!" She said as she pulled on Nora's covers. Nora shifted and looked at the clock. It was only six thirty and they did not have a class before ten o'clock.
"What the bloody hell is so important?" Nora asked as she sat up in her bed and rubbed her eyes.
Aveline rolled her eyes. "What's the date?" She asked as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"The first of April." Nora answered as her eyes widened. "Oh crap!" She added covering her mouth as she remembered it was the twins' birthday.
"Exactly." Aveline said with a grin. "I already went to the kitchens to get everything ready and we're having breakfast there like we do every year. The four of us. And in two days we'll be having supper together for your birthday!"
"Ava..." Nora sighed. "I'm not sure it's the best idea. Fred and I are barely talking. He'd probably rather be with Angelina."
"If you'd hang out with us more you'd realize she's driving him insane lately. And I don't care what's going on between you two. You're coming. It's also George's birthday so do it for him at least."
"Fine. I'll get ready. But if Fred kicks me out and brings Angelina don't be surprised!" She called from the bathroom which made Aveline roll her eyes. Nora came out a few minutes later wearing her Gryffindor uniform with a thick grey jumper. She hadn't bothered to wear any make-up and had simply tied her hair in a fishtail braid. Aveline was nowhere to be found. Everyone else in the dorm was sleeping so Nora headed downstairs. She found Aveline and George chatting away in the common room.
"Happy birthday Georgie." Nora said with a grin as she went to hug him.
"Why thank you. It's so nice of you to grace us with your presence." He teased.
"Told you I'd get her to come!" Aveline said with a proud smile.
"What about Fred?" Nora asked.
"I'm here." He said from the staircase.
"Oh. Happy birthday." Nora said with a light smile.
"Thanks." He said as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Okay then...Let's get going." Aveline said trying to defuse the tension as she took George's hand and headed towards the kitchen. Nora and Fred walked a few meters behind the couple in silence.
"They seem really happy." Nora said with a smile.
"Yeah. They do." Fred chuckled as they arrived at the kitchens.
"What are you two talking about?" Aveline with a grin asked as everyone sat down.
"We were just saying that you two are quite adorable." Nora answered.
Aveline blushed lightly as George laughed and kissed her on top of her head. They all ate their breakfast while laughing and talking about Quidditch, their studies and making endless jokes. As they all got up, Aveline and George rushed off leaving Nora and Fred together.
"What are you doing for the rest of the morning? It's really nice outside." Nora asked as they walked around.
"I don't know yet." He answered. "Do you want to go for a walk?"
"Oh...Yeah, sure." She smiled. "Not sure how Angelina is going to feel about that, but alright."
"She'll get over it." Fred chuckled. They walked around the ground for a while before making their way towards the willow by the lake.
"So what does it feel like to be a year older?" Nora teased.
"It's completely different. I don't recognize myself anymore." He joked. "You'll know how it feels in two days."
"I'm sure it'll change my life forever." She laughed.
"Maybe not forever, but at least for a few days." He teased which made her laugh even more. "You still laugh like a four year old." He said with a grin.
"I do not!" She chuckled.
"Well seeing as I'm the eldest person here, I think I get to judge."
"You can only play the age card today and tomorrow." She rolled her eyes lightheartedly.
"And I plan on using it a whole lot." He smiled.
They stayed by the lake talking and laughing like they used to for quite some time before they heard a voice.
"Fred! There you are!" Angelina called a few meters away. Nora simply rolled her eyes and sighed. She could swear she had seen Fred to the same. "I was looking for you everywhere!" She added dramatically as she stopped in front of them without acknowledging Nora's presence.
"Hey Angelina, how are you this lovely morning?" Nora asked with a forced smile.
"I'm good." She answered dryly as Fred rubbed the back of his neck. "What are you two doing?"
"We went out for a walk." Nora answered.
"I wasn't talking to you." She snapped.
"Alright then, I think I'll leave you two kids alone." Nora said as she got up. "Good luck Fred!" She called as she walked towards the castle. She heard him chuckle and Angelina start whining before she got too far to hear anything.
The next day went by uneventfully as Nora started to feel more at ease since she and Fred were back on good terms. On the morning of the third of April, Nora was woken up by Aveline and Alicia.
"Happy birthday!" They yelled with sly grins. Nora laughed and looked over at Nataleigh who was finding it a lot less funny.
"Thanks. And Happy birthday to you Nat." She said with a grin seeing her twin's angry expression.
"Happy birthday Nora. Can I go back to bed now? It is Saturday after all." She asked as all the girls laughed.
Nora quickly got ready. She put on a dark blue tunic, thick black leggings and her favorite boots before heading down to the common room. She was greeted by a loud cheer by most of her friends and a few Gryffindors who had been in the common room.
"So how does it feel to be a year older?" Fred asked with a grin.
"I don't recognize myself." She teased repeating what he had told her two days ago.
"Well congrats Nora and welcome to the older kids club." George said from the armchair he was sharing with Aveline.
"Thanks Georgie." She smiled.
"Is Nat planning on gracing us with her presence any time soon or can we go eat?" Erik asked with a smirk. "Happy birthday by the way."
"Thank you and I don't think we'll be seeing Nat for a few hours." Nora answered.
"You guys go, I'll wait for her." Oliver said.
"Alright then, let's get going!" Fred said as he flung his arm around Nora's shoulder as they headed out the portrait hole in front of the others.
"You seem rather cheerful this morning." Nora looked at him with a questioning look.
"Maybe because I am cheerful guy Freckles." He said with a grin.
"You haven't called me that in months." She smiled to herself.
"Well we've been pretty messed up for the past months." He shrugged his shoulders.
"What happened to you and what have you done with my awkward friend who couldn't stay in the same room as me for more than five minutes?" She teased.
"Are you complaining about my oh so great cheerfulness?" He joked.
"Not complaining. Just curious about what brought on this sudden change."
"It's spring Freckles, it's a cheerful time of year." He answered with a grin.
"You're acting strange." She laughed.
"Aren't I always?" He smiled.
"This is strange even for you. But good strange."
"Well as McGonagall says, 'we're all a bunch of misfits'"
"Very true." Nora said as they arrived at the Great Hall. "I'll catch up with you in a minute." She added as she made her way towards the Slytherin table.
"Well, well, a Gryffindor coming over to the dark side." Niko teased.
"Happy birthday to you too." She smiled as she sat down next to him. Even if she and her twin brother had their differences they were family after all.
"Happy birthday." He said with his trademark smirk.
"And I wouldn't even try to hex me if I were you Flint because I can do more damage than you could ever dream of doing." She said with a smirk matching her brother's as she looked at the Quidditch captain who was taking his wand out from his pocket.
Nikolaus and Avery laughed knowing very well Nora was right seeing as she had hexed them quite a few times during their childhood.
"So how've you been? Still trying to find ways to hex us in libraries?" She asked referring to the Slytherin keeper hexing Alicia eyebrows to grow a few days before.
"What did you expect?" Avery asked with a smirk.
"Here I thought we could all be great friends?" She said sarcastically. "You are my twin's best friend after all. Where's Yaxley? You three are always glued at the hip."
"I can be anything you want me to be." He teased. "After all I'm not on the Quidditch team. And he's sleeping."
"In your dreams Dom." She said with a smile.
"Don't worry you are Norabel." He countered with a smirk.
"As fun as this is, I'm actually going to head back to the civilized beings of my own house." Nora said with a smirk.
"You mean them?" Niko pointed at the Gryffindor table where Fred was throwing a loaf of bread at his brother and Lee fell off the bench laughing taking Aveline down with him.
"Well, we might be a bunch of misfits, but we'll still beat you next week." She said as she got up. "Always nice catching up Domhnall! Happy birthday Niko! And see you on the Quidditch pitch Flint!"She added as she walked away.
"Back from the evil side Freckles?" Fred teased as she took a seat next to him.
"Yep! Why were you throwing a loaf of bread at George's head?" She asked as she poured herself a bowl of cereals. Everyone around them snorted or tried to suppress a laugh except for Lee who burst out laughing. "What am I missing?" She asked looking at them curiously.
"Well George kind of called Freddy here out because he was staring...and then a loaf of bread was flying through the air." Lee said though fits of laughter as everyone else laughed while Fred rolled his eyes.
"I'm not getting any more information am I?" She asked.
"Nope. Sorry Freckles." George said with a grin.
"Alright then." Nora said shrugging her shoulders. Nothing was going to ruin her day, especially not her friends being cryptic which she was more than used to by now.
"So what was going on with the Slytherins?" Lee asked with a grin.
"I went over to wish my brother happy birthday." Nora answered looking at him with suspicious eyes.
"So you would deny the fact that Avery was flirting with you?" Erik asked without looking up from the Daily Prophet he was reading.
"No! Dom is always flirting!" She laughed. "Is this why you're all acting overly weird?"
"No." Everyone mumbled.
"Yeah, that's why they're weird." Erik said.
"At least someone's honest." Nora laughed. "You all deserve a loaf of bread across the head." She teased as everyone laughed and started to joke around. Everyone was having fun and laughing at the table. They were eventually joined by Nataleigh, who seemed in a better mood, and Oliver.
"Penny for your thoughts." Nora told Fred who seemed deeply immersed in thought.
"I was thinking about you actually." He blurted out. He blushed slightly, but laughed it off. "Do you remember your fourteenth birthday?"
"Of course! You turned my hair ginger and it took a week to fade out!" She laughed.
"I had blue hair for a month so you did get me back." He grinned.
"You prank me, I prank you." Nora smiled.
"Oi! What are you two talking about?" Lee asked poking Nora in the ribs. She fell to the ground and everyone burst out laughing. Nora laughed as she saw Cedric stop in front of her.
"Need any help birthday girl?" He teased as he helped her up.
"Always." Nora answered with a chuckle.
"Do you guys have any plans for today?" Cedric asked to no one in particular.
"Actually, before Lee pushed Nora off the bench I was going to ask if anyone wanted to head outside. You're more than welcome to come. After all Nora will probably need moral support. We like laughing at people when it's their birthday." Aveline teased.
"Alright then. You're definitely coming." Nora laughed as she took Cedric's hand.
They all headed to the lake where they sat on the grass. Nataleigh sat next to Oliver who had his arm around her shoulder. While Alicia, Lee, Lucy and Erik all sat alone arguing about something Erik had said. Fred, who was looking a lot less cheerful, sat next to George and Aveline while Nora and Cedric sat together. After a few minutes of chatting, Aveline cleared her throat and got up.
"Seeing as it is Saturday and Nora and Nat's birthday, I propose a game of truth or dare." She said with a proud smirk.
Everyone seemed to be quite welcoming at the idea. Nora looked back at Cedric who shrugged his shoulders, but smiled. They all gathered into a deformed circle.
"So seeing as it's Nora and Nat's birthday one of you two should start the game." Aveline said.
"Well seeing as we woke Nat up this morning I think she should get to start. But don't we need rules?" Nora asked.
"Of course the prefect wants rules" Fred teased.
"They'll just end up like our dear Percy." George added.
"I'm pretty sure Nora and Cedric will actually be head boy and girl." Nataleigh said which made both prefects laugh.
"Anyways, Nora's actually right. We need a way to make sure no one is lying. And everyone is allowed one pass. And no kissing random people, it's stupid. And no dares that take more than a week." Aveline said.
"I can do a truth spell." Nora offered. "But it's going to make everyone spill their guts."
"Does anyone object? And I say no passes." Nataleigh said with a grin.
Everyone shook their heads. Nora did the spell as everyone chatted amongst themselves.
"How do we know if this even worked?" Erik asked sceptically.
Nora rolled her eyes. "Where did you lose your virginity?" She asked.
"The boat house." He blurted out. "Alright, it works." He laughed.
"So Lu truth or dare?" Nataleigh asked while rolling her eyes at Erik.
"Dare!" Lucy grinned.
"Alright. Go jump into the lake, fully clothed and then come back."
"Fine." Lucy mumbled not too happy about the dare seeing as even though it was quite warm, it was still April and the water would be freezing. She came back a few minutes later soaking wet and not very happy.
"Had a nice swim?" Nora asked with a grin.
Lucy glared at her. "Delightful. Diggory, truth or dare?"
"Truth." He answered.
"Do you hate Fred?" Lucy asked sending Nora a satisfied smirk. Nora sent a death glare at Lucy and held her breath while looking from Cedric to Fred who was looking especially uneasy.
"No." Cedric finally answered as Nora let go of the breath she was holding. "Nat, truth or dare."
"Truth. I don't feel like getting up." She laughed.
"Alright. Name one quality and one flaw for every person here."
"Good one!" Lee said approvingly as everyone else nodded. Nora caught Fred looking at her and smiled. He grinned back at her before turning his attention to Nataleigh.
"Alright. Sorry if I offend anyone. Oliver, you're pretty damn near perfect to me, but you're overly obsessed with Quidditch. Erik, you're incredibly good looking, but your ego is the size of the moon." Everyone laughed as Nataleigh paused to think of her next answers. "Lee you're hilarious, but you talk too loud. Lucy, you're a whole lot of fun, but you can be a wee bit naive. Aveline, you put up with my nutter of a twin as a best friend, but you're overly tensed. George you always make me laugh, but you don't always think your pranks through. Fred, you're like a brother to me but, you let people, well at least one person here, push you around. Cedric you're always nice, but sometimes you're trying to be too perfect. And my dear twin, you're gorgeous and smart, but overly neurotic." Nataleigh finished finally taking a breath. "And again. Sorry, truth spell!" She said lifting her hands up in defense as everyone laughed. "Satan! Truth or dare?"
"Dare Slob." Nora answered with a smile.
"Alright. Next potions class you must charm the chalk or write on the blackboard: I love Severus' shiny hair."
"Done." Nora said rolling her eyes.
"I'm sure Snape will love that." George laughed.
"He'll probably just end up giving me a detention. Nora will never get into trouble." Fred chuckled finally seeming a little more at ease.
"Maybe so Freddykins. Truth or dare?" She asked him.
"Dare Freckles. Bring it on." He teased.
"Next transfiguration class you will walk up to McGonagall and hug her for five seconds and then tell her how much you appreciate her.
"Deal." He said with a grin.
They kept going for a while. Oliver had to recall his most embarrassing moment, while George had to write Trelawney a love letter and Lee had to ask out the first five people he met on his way back to the castle out on a date whether they were boys or girls. Nora was truly enjoying herself. Her head rested on Cedric's shoulder as she laughed at her friends' misfortunes. She would occasionally catch Fred's looking at her, but he would look away which made her shake off the idea thinking she had been imagining things.
"Alright Fred!" Lucy called. "Truth or dare."
"Always dare." Fred said with his trademark smirk. Nora smiled at his expression. It had been a while since she had seen her best friend truly happy and she could not help, but smile at this.
"Just give me a moment so I can think of something entertaining." Lucy said. "Alright. You have to do Nora's make-up." Everyone burst out laughing.
"And how am I supposed to do that?" Fred asked looking rather perplexed.
"Easy!" Lucy answered. "Accio make-up box!" She waved her wand. A few moments later, a fair size box flew towards them.
"Is he really going to do this?" Nora asked looking at the box with a nervous look. "And why me?" She laughed.
"Because she said so." Lee said with a grin.
"Alright. Do we have to do this in the middle and everyone's staring or will you lot keep playing?" Fred asked.
"Ummm... I think we'll keep playing. But I'm sure it'll be quite entertaining. And Fred, no magic and Nora you cannot say anything to him about makeup." Lucy said after thinking for a moment.
"Alright." She said. "Don't laugh at me too much." Nora added to Cedric as she got up from her place next to him and sat facing Fred. "Alright Lucy, let's get your huge box of crap over here!"
"First of all, it is not crap." Lucy said as she got up and brought them the box. "Second, you have to take off what you have on your face now." She added throwing her a wipe. "And third, just because you called my make-up crap, I'm filming this. It'll be a nice thing to show your kids in a few years." She teased.
Nora rolled her eyes and looked over to see if Cedric had overheard Lucy's comment, but he seemed fully invested in a conversation with Oliver and Nataleigh.
"No one is allowed to laugh when I take all my make-up off alright?" Nora said.
"You'll look beautiful" Fred answered making Nora blush a light shade of pink. "So where do I start?" He added as he looked curiously at the box full of products. Nora was about to open her mouth, but Nataleigh cut her off.
"You can't tell him anything!" Nat laughed.
"Don't get your wand into a knot!" Nora teased. "And aren't you guys supposed to keep playing or are you just going to enjoy the show?"
"Let us be Satan and get back to Freddy's dare."
"Fine. Come on Fred, what do I always start with?" Nora said turning to him.
"You barely put anything on!" He laughed. "But you put skin stuff first.. I think."
"Right. Skin stuff." Lucy laughed as Fred picked a bottle of foundation from the box.
"So do I need a brush or do I use my fingers?" He asked while reading the back of the bottle as if it was a complicated potion.
"Am I allowed to answer?" Nora asked turning to Lucy who was holding a camera.
"Nope!" She said. "Think Fred!"
"Fine. I think you use your fingers. I hope you're enjoying this." He told Lucy as Nora chuckled. "So I just put that on your face?" He asked his fingers full of foundation.
"That's the general idea Freddykins." Nora laughed.
"You should never tease a guy who's about to put face stuff on you." He laughed as he started rubbing it all over her face.
"Fred! You're putting it everywhere!" She laughed trying to pull her head away from him.
"Well you do have an overly large forehead." He said with a grin as Nora hit him on the shoulder, but laughed. "This is actually kind of fun. See now your skin looks all nice and perfect." He teased.
"Are you saying it looked like rubbish before?" She asked raising her eyebrow.
"Well, yes." He teased as Nora laughed. "So what's next?"
"Ask Lucy, she's going to kill me if I talk!"
"I'd say concealer, but with Nora you can skip it." Lucy answered.
"Which means?" Fred asked.
"Do whatever you want Fred!" Lucy grinned.
"Don't tell him that when he's applying products to my face!" Nora laughed.
"Stop worrying so much Freckles! You'll get wrinkles and ruin the nice makeup I put on your face. So next we're going to put...Pink stuff on your cheeks!" He said taking a blush out from the pile of make-up.
"It's called blush Freddykins." Nora laughed as Lucy handed him a brush.
"Now you look like a doll with crazy pink cheeks." Fred grinned as Nora burst out laughing. "Your laughing like a four year old doesn't help you seem like a proper lady." He teased even though he truly loved her laugh. He felt as if it was contagious and could not help, but smile at her.
"Do I look that bad already?" She asked looking at him.
"You look great." He smiled. "Like a fairy princess." Fred added.
"Right." She rolled her eyes.
"What color do you want on your eyes?" He asked with a mischievous grin.
"You can't say anything!" Lucy jumped in.
"Alright fine!" Nora said. "Are you going for a day look or a night out look Freddykins?"
"I think I like you with light makeup." He said seeming to have put a fair amount of thought into his answer. Lucy handed him a pallet of neutral colored shadows.
"We'll be back in a while, we're just getting food." Aveline said as everyone got up.
"And you have to be eight people to get food?" Nora called after them.
"Yes!" Nataleigh called. "And don't worry we'll take good care of your boyfriend." She said ruffling Cedric's hair.
"Now I feel like a third wheel." Lucy grinned.
"Oh hush Lucy." Nora sighed.
"So this brownish color or this coppery brown color?" Fred asked.
"Which ever one you want." Nora answered with a smile.
"Alright then." He said as he applied a very thick layer of the copper colored shadow.
"How much did you put on?" Nora burst out laughing.
"You're blowing my concentration Freckles. Let me at least make them match." He laughed as he made a mess of her left eye as well. "At least now they look the same."
"Great. Now I look like I've been beaten on both sides." Nora chuckled.
"Oi! Don't undermine my makeup artist skills." Fred laughed.
"Alright. You're the best Fred." She rolled her eyes lightheartedly. "Can we skip eyeliner, I don't want my eyes poked out anymore than they have with the eye shadow brush."
"Sure." Lucy said. "I'll just leave you two and go see if the others need anything. Stay here!" She said as she got up.
"Does this mean you can stop disfiguring me?" Nora grinned.
"I'm not losing a dare so I'm finishing." He laughed. "We only have lipstick left right?"
"Well yeah, there's other stuff you can do, but it's not necessary." Nora smiled.
"Ok then, how about this color?" He asked taking out a bright pink lipstick.
"Are you serious?" Nora laughed. "Weren't we going for a natural look? And when have you ever seen me wearing bright pink lipstick."
"Never, but there's a first time for everything." He grinned. "Now stay still, I don't want to get it all over you face." He added concentrating for a moment. "There! Done! Oh wait! Finishing powder he said as he took it from the box.
"You're enjoying this way too much!" Nora laughed.
"It's quite entertaining. So I just put this all over your face?" He asked holding a brush.
"Whatever you think Freddykins."
"Well I think so." He said as he generously applied the powder. "Done!" He added proudly.
"Great! How do I look? Do I at least get to see?" She asked taking a mirror from the box. As soon as she saw her reflection Nora burst out laughing, her face was full of glitters, her cheeks were overly pink, but matched her bright pink lips and her eyes looked horrible. "I look like rubbish! And glittery rubbish at that!" She said between fits of laughter. They were both laughing for a while without being able to say much.
"You still look beautiful." Fred said his laughter dying down. Nora looked at him and smiled which made them both slightly blush. "Do you think they'll come back or they just dumped us here?" He added as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"I think Aveline and George are trying to get us to talk." Nora said looking into his warm brown eyes.
"So maybe we should." Fred said as he pushed a strand of hair from her face.
"Maybe so." Nora said not able to look away from him. "I'm sorry." She added after a moment.
"What for?" He asked looking at her curiously.
"For a thousand things." She chuckled looking down at the grass. "I'm sorry for being so emotional, and for blowing up at you for no reason, and for actually blowing things up in your face, and for ignoring you, and being a bloody horrible best friend, and for being a bitch to Angelina, and..." She kept rambling, but Fred cut her off.
"Nora it's fine." He said with a light chuckle.
"No it's not fine! You're always there for me, you have been for the past years and I've been too stupid to see that. It took me forever and you being in a real relationship to actually notice what was right in front of me and I'm sorry for that." Nora finished, but still kept staring at the ground.
"Nora." Fred started. "Will you look at me?" He asked with a smile as she blushed a light shade of pink and looked up at him. He stared into her eyes with had a light tint of blue in them today instead of their usual mix of green and gray. "Now look who's blushing?" He teased.
"So? And you can see that through the pile of foundation and blush you put on my face?" She asked slightly embarrassed.
"Well after seven years of me blushing it's nice to see you blush a little." He smiled.
"I haven't been making you blush for seven years. Have I?" Norahe chuckled
"Well I was blushing the day we met when I helped you up so yeah." Fred laughed at the memory.
"I'm sorry." She said again.
"For what? Making me blush?"
"I guess? Oh Merlin, I'm just sorry." She laughed as she hid her face in her hands.
"Will you stop apologizing for a minute and let me talk?" He asked as she looked back at him and nodded. "I don't care about any of those things. You can scream at me, blow things up in my face and be as emotional as you want. I don't care. I still feel the way I do and nothing will change that."
"SURPRISE!" Everyone had come back with a huge cake and presents. Nora shot up and attempted to smile. Fred got up and placed his hand on her shoulder.
"I left Angelina." He whispered in her ear before going to help the others. Nora stood there completely gobsmacked.
"We really surprised you didn't we?" Aveline asked.
Nora swallowed the lump she felt in her throat. "Yeah. I'm really surprised." She sighed looking at Fred laughing with George. He caught her eye and gave her a sweet smile.
"Wow. Fred really did an awful job with you!" Lucy laughed.
"What?" Nora asked wondering how her friend could have known anything that they had said.
"The makeup, it's awful." She said. "What did you think I meant?"
"Oh nothing." She chuckled nervously.
"I think awful is a harsh word." Cedric said as he hugged her from the back. "You don't look so bad." He added pressing a kiss on her temple. "Are you enjoying your day?"
"Yeah." Nora smiled. "It's pretty great." She added looking at Fred.
"Cake!" Nataleigh yelled.
"Why were you even in on this if it's also your birthday?" Nora asked her twin.
"I wasn't really, Oliver and I went for a walk." Nataleigh said. "And you look like hell Satan."
"Oi! Don't mock my makeup skills." Fred teased.
"I always mock you Freddy!" Nataleigh grinned.
"Settle down everyone!" Aveline said before everyone started to sing Happy Birthday to Nora and Nataleigh. They cut the cake and everyone was chatting and having fun. Nora kept glancing over at Fred not knowing how to react to his confession.
"Are you alright?" Cedric asked.
"Oh yeah. Of course." She smiled. He looked at her curiously and then looked at Fred, but did not say anything.
"Can I take this off my face now?" Nora asked Lucy who was talking about dresses with Nataleigh.
"Yeah sure! It is your birthday after all." She smiled and handed her a wipe from the box.
After the cake, Nora and Nataleigh opened their gifts and everyone headed back to the castle around suppertime.
"You're having supper with Aveline and the twins right?" Cedric asked as they arrived in front of the Gryffindor common room and everyone else went in.
"Yeah. I'll catch up with you afterwards though. Meet me in front of the kitchens at eight?" She smiled.
"Sure." He said before kissing her softly. "I love you, you know that right?" He smiled.
"You too." She smiled, but was not entirely sure she was telling him the truth. She entered the portrait hole leaving Cedric sighing in defeat.
Nora went up to her dorm and put down the bags of gifts next to her bed. She laid down for a moment while staring at the red drapes and sighed thinking about everything she and Fred had said.
"What's going on?" Aveline asked entering the room.
"Just thinking." Nora answered sitting up.
"What about?" Her friend answered with a grin.
Nora looked at her friend suspiciously for a moment. "You know Fred left Angelina." She stated.
"Guilty as charged." Aveline answered. "Fred told George and George told me."
"Right." She sighed.
"You don't want to talk about it."
"Guilty as charged." Nora teased.
"Fine birthday girl! Let's get going then!" Aveline said with a grin.
They met Fred and George downstairs and headed out the portrait hole. Aveline and George went ahead and left Fred and Nora to walk behind them in a not so subtle attempt to get them to talk.
"They aren't subtle at all anymore." Fred chuckled.
"They never were." Nora answered with a smile. "Did you really leave her?"
"Yes. I don't see why I would have joked about that." He answered.
"Why? Was it for me?" Nora asked.
"Do you really have to ask?" Fred smiled.
Nora slightly blushed. "I do. I need to know why."
"Well I finally realized how stupid it was. Dating Angelina. I was just trying to get over you, but I wasn't quite successful." He chuckled rubbing the back of his neck.
"So now what?" She asked.
"Now I'll wait. However, long it takes, I'll be there whenever you're ready to leave Diggory."
"And you're positive I will?"
"You're a smart girl" He winked at her as they entered the kitchen.
They all ate and laughed for hours recalling some of their most embarrassing and funniest memories at Hogwarts.
"What time are you meeting Cedric?" Aveline asked looking at her watch.
"Eight. What time is it?" Nora questioned.
"Five to eight."
"Oh crap!" I'll see you guys later!" She said jumping out of her chair.
"Do you have to go?" Fred asked. George and Aveline grinned at each other and then looked to see Nora's reaction. She looked at Fred and smiled at his new found confidence. He smiled back at her and at that moment, she knew exactly what to do.
"Actually I do." Nora said as she went out.
"Hey! Have you been waiting long?" She asked Cedric who was leaning against the wall.
"Not really." He smiled as he took her hand and led her to the seventh floor. The room of requirements had become their usual place now whether it was to study or to get away from everyone. They went in without saying a word to each other and they sat on the couch near the fire.
"You seem happy." Cedric finally said moving a strand of hair from her face before taking her hand in his.
"I think I am." She smiled. "Thank you for putting up with everyone today."
"It was fun." He answered with a chuckle before falling silent again. Nora looked at him and sighed deeply.
"Ced, I..." She started.
"Wait. I have something I want to say first. I have noticed you seem happier lately. And I think I know why. I saw you today. You were laughing like you haven't in months and you were really enjoying yourself. It's Fred isn't it?He makes you happy?" Cedric asked with a sad smile.
"He does." Nora almost whispered. She felt so guilty tears were welling up in her eyes. She waited for him to scream at her, but it never came. He simply took a deep breath before looking at her.
"I love you Nora. More than anything or anyone. And I want you to be happy. If that means that I have to let you go. I'll do that. If he makes you happy, you should be with him." Cedric finally said.
"Are you serious?" She asked flabbergasted.
"Sadly yes." He chuckled.
She wiped away tears that were threatening to fall. "You truly are perfect you know that? And someday you'll find a great girl who'll give you everything and more." Nora smiled squeezing his hand.
"Maybe." He sighed. "I just hope you can be as happy with him as I was with you. You deserve it."
Nora pressed her lips softly to his for a moment."Thank you." She said hugging him tightly not wanting to let go. She felt as if she was saying goodbye to an entire chapter of her life and to a part of herself. "Promise me we'll stay friends. I still need you." Nora smiled through the tears.
"Always. And trust me I need you too." Cedric smiled wiping away tears from her face. "Happy birthday." He added.
"I forgot about that." She laughed. "Do you realize we broke up on your birthday and on mine?"
"True." He chuckled lightly.
"Will you still walk me back?" She asked.
"Of course Nora." Cedric smiled.
They walked to the Gryffindor common room mostly talking about the upcoming Quidditch matches. Hufflepuff was playing Ravenclaw the next day and Gryffindor was playing Slytherin for the cup the following week. They stopped in front of the Fat Lady's portrait.
"I guess I'll see you around." Cedric said.
"I'll see you at the game tomorrow!" Nora said as she hugged him. "Goodnight Ced."
"Goodnight Nora." He smiled.
Nora told the Fat Lady the password and entered the common room with a slight smile on her face. Her smile quickly faded as she saw Fred and Angelina kissing on the couch. Fred pushed her away and turned to Nora with a pained expression on his face.
"Nora I swear it isn't what it looked like." Fred said jumping off the couch as she made her way towards the girls' dormitory.
"Oh really? When you said you'd wait I thought you meant more than five minutes!" Nora shouted.
"Nora it isn't like that! She..." He started.
"Just forget it Fred. You don't owe me an explanation. I'm just your best friend nothing more." She said coldly before heading upstairs.
A/N : I am so sorry! It's been over two weeks...The next chapter should be up soonish and something important might be happening :) I couldn't make it too easy for them to get together, it wouldn't be real. Sorry for those who thought they were getting together in the chapter. But you won't have to wait for long. Once more, THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone who has reviewed, put the story on alert and read the story. Reviews really mean the world to me and they give me the kick I need to finish the chapters faster. I love you all! I've been thinking about changing some of the pictures of some of the character but no one major...Possibly Megg, Neil,Lucy and Nora's father. I'll keep you updated! Anyways, I love you all! If you have any questions about anything or about a character don't hesitate to message me or ask in the reviews, I'll be more than happy to answer! I love you all! Xoxo.
To KhAeL: Hahaaa! Women are quite complicated. And I know, Fred is quite patient... I probably wouldn't be either. Thank you so much for taking the time to review! It really means a lot to me :)
To ForeverTeamEdward13: They're getting there soon I swear! And I really dislike Angelina as well! But I felt bad for Cedric because he's a character that I really like. But oh well, Nora and Fred are perfect for each other. Anyways I hope you enjoyed this chapter and thank you so much for taking the time to review! It means the world!
To KellyLupin: I'm glad you liked the last chapter! I hope you enjoy this one as much! And as I've said they'll be together soon! And talk about a small world... My boyfriend and I both work there, it would be hilarious if we'd actually met but it is a big hospital. :P Anyways, I hope you keep enjoying the story!