The first exams of O.W.L.S were going smoothly. Tessa was able to balance Lupin's detention, which was studying and tutoring, along with her relationships. She would eat Breakfast with Cedric, and the rest of the day she would hang out with the twins and her friends. It was easy enough since Cedric was more than willing to give her space until they went home for the Holidays.
"Ready to begin Potions?" Fred asked as they walked out of Trelawney's class for the last time.
"Certainly," stated Tessa with a smile. They walked down the Grand Staircase and reached the hall that housed the library. Fred cleared a path through the throng of students and floating books going back to their respective homes.
"This seems like a good spot," stated Fred. He pointed at a nook of the potions section and headed straight for it.
"You've got a good eye," stated Tessa sitting her bag down.
"Learned from the best," said George. He walked over to the other side of the table and placed his book bag down in one of the empty seats on the table.
"Surprised to see you out early," said Fred watching his brother get comfortable in the seat across from him.
"Only on the last prediction when you left," said George coolly. "Lee should be coming soon." He finished placing the tattered potions books on the desk and lifted out sheets of organized notes.
"Alright, so with this potion I only wait ten minutes instead of five?" Angelina asked with little confidence on the advice she had been given.
"Well yeah, it's more potent," said Fred holding up his purple stained note sheet.
"You're doing better," mumbled George quietly. With a table filled with chattering students, their conversation would be private even at a normal volume. Tessa glanced over at Fred and Angelina. They were precariously close and isolated compared to earlier.
"Well yeah. He made his decision I can't hold on forever. It would cause a lot of issues," said Tessa smiling. George nodded snagging the last of Tessa's notes.
"I would be more worried about Lee," said Tessa, laughing, while snagging George's notes in return.
"Looks like he's doing great," laughed George.
Tessa looked over to find an empty seat. She broadened her search around the library until her eyes rested on a nook where Lee and a gorgeous Ravenclaw sat quietly comparing each other's' notes.
"She came to him," said George. "Good," mumbled Tessa in response proud of Lee for snagging such an intelligent girl.
George and Tessa called it an early night as they were the only two willing to depart from their section of the table. They packed up their belongings and heard an unnerving squeal in the aisle next to them.
"I don't understand!"
Tessa and George rounded the corner to witness a very disgruntled Malia trying to shovel piles and piles of scattered notes into her bag only having them spewing back out into the hallway.
"And that's why you don't mess with a Weasley," said Tessa softly as they stepped over her notes with some weaving through their legs. George smirked with pride.
"If she'd stop panicking the spell would wear of immediately, but—,"
George shrugged and smiled as they both kept moving towards the center of the Library.
"I'm more worried about making sure my potion is correct by the end of the day," said George rubbing his face with his hands.
"Snape does keep a classroom open," said Tessa quietly. George stepped in front of Tess cutting her off before she could reach the next section filled with desks and stressed students.
"Why haven't you told me? Us," said George raising an arm in the direction of their friends.
"It's not for everyone," said Tessa sternly. George lowered his arm and shook his head.
"They'll be fine," said Tessa in response. "Fred is excellent. Snape reveres him as one of the few he sees making a living off of it and succeeding. Angelina and Lee will be fine. You, I'm not so sure about." George nodded his head slightly. "You're great at research and experimenting with different ingredients, but Fred makes the potions," said Tessa walking past George towards the entrance of the library.
"So how do you know that Snape said this about Fred?," Asked George.
"Detentions from covering your asses all these years" said Tessa with laugh.
She entered the quiet hallway making her way towards the dungeons. George followed quietly behind.
"Don't we need to wait for the Professors to finish making their rounds?" George whispered looking around before descending into the dungeons.
"No," said Tessa looking back at George. "Snape gave me permission." She whipped her backpack off her shoulders and unbuckled the straps. She flipped open the latch of the top of her bag and pulled out a faded pink slip stained with multiple shades of colors.
"Been a while since he's written one of those," laughed George staring at the permission slip.
She opened the door to the Potion's classroom and shut it quietly behind George. "We have to use our own ingredients. Or, the ones in the excess bin," said Tessa as she placed her bag on the desk furthest from the door.
"George picked up two cauldrons on the table to the right of the door and placed them onto the desk next to Tessa's bag.
"Snape will do a series potions that are possible, but very time consuming. You need patience," said Tessa placing her Potions book on the desk in-between the Silver cauldrons.
"I have plenty of that," said George smirking at Tessa.
"That you do," mumbled Tessa pulling out ingredients from her cabinet.
"We'll start with very simple potions. It's only six, so we have plenty of time to do at least three. We should push for five," said Tessa starting up the burner and placing a mortar and pestle on the desk in-between them.
"It'll help calm your nerves," said Tessa after George's silence gave away his detest.
"Fine, but they need to be easy," mumbled George. He flipped his textbook open and scanned the Table of Contents. Tessa chuckled and opened her book to Chapter One.
"So how did you get the note?" George asked as he stretched his arms over his head.
"He gave it to me," said Tessa turning the pages in her book to the last potion.
"Snape doesn't give things to people Tess." Tessa closed her book and turned around to face George.
"He's not as bad as you think. He's hard on us, but he's not always bad," said Tessa defensively. George nodded and turned to get more ingredients.
"I'm serious," said Tessa again. "People make him out to be this terrible guy, but he's not…that bad." George nodded again. He turned around holding the ingredients in his arms and placing them on the table.
"I'm guessing the many detentions that you had has forced you into liking him," said George smiling at Tessa.
"Yeah that's it," said Tessa glancing down at her closed book.
"It's really hard to see him as kind," said George placing his hand underneath Tessa's elbow. "He's not always kind."
"Not to us," replied Tessa.
She made her way to the supply cupboard and put away the last of the ingredients George missed on the table. She pulled her wand out from her pocket as she closed the closet and tapped the locked. It snapped shut with a click. George came beside her and placed the cauldrons on the top shelf. He handed Tessa her bag and walked over to the table to grab his.
Tessa walked out with George in front of her and closed the door quietly. She winced at the sound echoing through the hallway from the heavy door hitting the rocked walls.
"Great job," whispered George. He turned around and winked at Tessa who glared in return. George placed an arm around Tessa and put his freed hand in his pockets. He gave her a slight push and moved forward with her down the dreary hallway.
The Grand Staircase was eerily quiet. "It's nine at night," muttered Tessa quietly. She looked over the ledge after hearing a pair of third years stifling their laughter on the ground floor below.
"They're hiding," said Tessa very confused.
"From?" George asked peering over Tessa's shoulder to get a better look.
"Still trying to figure that one out," muttered Tessa leaning back into George. She pushed him up the stairs towards the Common Room.
"Mr. Weasley."
They both froze at the slow drawl of George's last name coming from a darkened hallway in front of them. "And Miss Thornhill. Why am I not surprised?" said Professor Snape. He slowly walked into the low lit stairway.
"Professor," Tessa and George said in unison.
"It is ten minutes passed curfew and you're not in your Common Room," replied Snape.
"We were studying," said Tessa.
"Time keeping is still a responsibility even during this time of the year," said Snape ushering the two down the stairs.
"I have the slip to use your classroom," said Tessa reluctantly.
"That is only for my classroom, and I highly doubt you were actually there given your chosen party," said Snape glaring at George.
"You can check. I'm sure you'll find quit a few ingredients used including some of our own still in the cupboard," said Tessa. She side-eyed him to see his expression was still un-phased.
Tessa and George trudged back into the classroom they were in before. Snape quickly picked up his pace to the cabinet and yanked the door open. He picked through every bottle until he stopped at a jar labelled with Tessa's name on it. He walked back over to two pair and held out his hand. Tessa placed the slip on top and let it drop into his palm.
"I'm surprised you kept it this long. Should've used it long before this day, or so I presumed," said Snape ripping the note in half.
"We'll be heading back to the Common Room now, since we are thirty minutes passed curfew," said George pushing Tessa out the door.
"Don't leave in haste Mr. Weasley. I am still docking five points, each, from Gryffindor for this," said Professor Snape. He walked passed the table as both Tessa and George turned back around.
"That's rubbish," said the two in unison. "You can't do tha—,"
The door slammed shut before Tessa could finish.
"THIS ISN'T RIGHT," yelled Tessa throwing her book bag at the door.
"All right," mumbled George as he swiftly picked up Tessa before she threw herself as well. Tessa's foot kicked the door as George threw her over his shoulder.
"Put me down," yelled Tessa as her bag slowly floated and followed the pair.
"MAKE THAT ANOTHER TEN," yelled Snape as he whipped his door open to find the disarray of a flailing girl and a book bag dodging Tessa's reach around George's head.
"Way to make a scene, but it would have been better after the O.W.L.S," said George cheerfully.
"I am quite proud of you though, never thought you had it in you." He continued his monologue of how happy he was to see this moment until they reached the grand staircase.
"Can you put me down now," said Tessa once he finished.
"I don't know. Will you throw another tantrum," said George tossing Tessa's bag away from them both.
"Maybe," said Tessa as George threw her off his shoulder and placed Tessa in front of him.
"I'm fine," said Tessa. She scooped her bag throwing it over her shoulder and trudged up the stairs.
"So are we going to talk about the tantrum," said George after a long silence of walking three flights of stairs.
"He told me the note was for other Professors, and if he ever caught me it would be okay," said Tessa quietly. "It doesn't matter. It's the end of the semester." George shook his head and mumbled little profanities until they reached the Fat Lady.
Hog Wallups.
The door swung open to reveal an array of students taking every seat and table in the Common Room.
"Like Percy's new password," said Tessa giggling after the door shut.
"Very creative," replied George walking over to Fred on the couch.
"Took you long enough," said Angelina with a smile. Fred's face lit up as well after seeing the two. He shut his potions book and scooted over to one side to make room for Tessa and George in the middle.
"We were delayed," said George placing his bag on the table.
"D'you get caught too?" Asked Lee. He walked down the stairs of the dormitories and sat on the arm rest next to Angelina.
"Walked Elizabeth back to her Common Room and was caught by Lupin." George and Tessa nodded.
"Lucky you," replied George. "Snape caught us." Tessa glared into the fireplace.
"Ten minutes past curfew," mumbled Tessa as Lee sat on the arm rest next to Fred.
"Oh that's way too long to be out," replied Fred sarcastically.
"Should've been here sooner," said George winking at Angelina.
Tessa sat on the couch longer than her friends whom departed shortly after the fire went out. She stared blankly at the fireplace until soft padding of footsteps stopped beside her.
"Come one Tessa," said an exhausted voice. Tessa glanced up at Hermione holding Crookshanks and stifling a yawn.
"Okay," Tessa responded. She grabbed her bag and lifted it to her shoulder. She followed Hermione up the stairs and to her dorm.
"Night," whispered Tessa.
"Night," responded Hermione continuing up the stairs without looking back.
Tessa quietly shut the door behind her.
"Good morning," whispered Katie. Tessa fell back against the door to reveal all of her roommates sitting around a pile of papers and books. Tessa's body vibrating the door startled her cat sleeping on the edge of her bed.
"Also your cat was missing for quit sometime. how'd you not notice?" Angelina asked lifting Nyx into her lap.
"She was with Cedric," said Tessa taking off her shoes.
"Only been together a month and it's already on to the next level," said Hannah giggling.
"Of course," said Tessa sarcastically at her friends. "Next month we'll be sharing homes with her." She sat down in between Hannah and Katie and pulled away notes from the center.
Rosie leaped out of Angelina's arms and walked over to her owner's lap. Nyx pawed the notes off Tessa's and fell over into her owner's body.
"She didn't even get comfy," said Angelina laughing at the cat who laid half way on and off Tessa's legs.
"She's a treasure," said Katie scratching the cat's hind leg.
"She is," responded Tessa stroking the cat's head. "I think it's time to go to bed too," said Hannah stretching her arms high above her head and clasping them together.
"I just sat down," stated Tessa.
"Yeah, but it's also three in the morning, and we have a test in six hours," replied Hannah stretching her back.
"True," mumbled Tessa quietly. She walked over to her wardrobe with a purring Rosie in her arms and nudged door open. She picked out her standard sleeping clothes and used her hip to shut the door.
She walked over to her bed and place Rosie at the end. She changed quickly and jumped into the warmth of her bed. She situated herself into her normal fetal position and reached to turn off her muggle lamp.
"Mew."
Tessa felt her cats pawing at her blanket before she could hear her and looked down to see Rosie trying to hide from the cold.
"Alright get in," mumbled Tessa as she lifter her comforter enough to let that cat dart into sheets. Tessa waited for Rosie to get situated and dropped the comforter over when she finally laid down.
She clicked the light off and shifted around again, with the help of her cat, and dosed off before the room fully went out from each of the roommate's' lamps or wands.
Tessa silently reached for her wand in the shadowed darkness. She felt the unique carving of the handle and grasped it quickly, pulling it back into the covers.
"Lumos," whispered Tessa illuminating the sheets. She creeped out of bed and tip toed over to her wardrobe.
"That'll do," thought Tessa while looking at her Athletic pants, trainers, hoodie and beanie in the mirror. She tip-toed to the door and pulled on the latch to unlock it. She cringed at the sound of the door creaking open until she made a wide enough gap for her to slide through. She shut the door quietly and lumbered down the stairs quickly. She leaped off the last step and jogged to the Common Room entrance.
"About time you showed up," said a voice to the right of the Fat Lady's painting.
"Glad to see you waited a little longer," replied Tessa sarcastically.
"Welp, let's get a move on," said Wood pushing himself off of the railing. "We've only got two hours until our final exams." He smiled broadly once he reached Tessa and walked passed her towards the stairs.
"So what do you have planned for the Summer?" Wood asked half was down the Grand staircase.
"Erm. Nothing much. Visiting family," said Tessa keeping her family "visits" as vague as possible.
"Well, I have a friend who wants to meet with me in two weeks in London, and I was wondering if you would like to come," said Wood hopefully.
"Yeah. Who's this friend?" Tessa asked coolly.
"Well he works for Puddlemore United," said Wood.
"Oh," replied Tessa with surprise.
"Yeah. Talked about you," said Wood vaguely.
"Really," replied Tessa leaping of the last step.
"Yup," replied Wood with a smirk.
"And?," Asked Tessa waving her hand around for him to keep going.
"And he wants to meet you," said Wood. "He saw the match where you dive bombed into the hoop, and he likes you." Tessa smiled broadly.
"Well I'll give'em a run for his money," said Tessa as she sprinted to the Herbology building and continued towards the Lake.
"Nice run," panted Wood as he stopped and the Herbology building. The sun began to rise over the horizon that created a soft glow over the lower half of the castle still hidden from the rays.
"But you still can't beat me," Wood smirked at Tessa who finally came to a stop beside him.
"Fuck off," panted Tessa bending over and placing her hands on her knees. Wood nudged Tessa slightly. Tessa laughed trying to recover her balance and pushed him back.
"Time to head back I suppose," said Wood helping Tessa regain balance.
"Yeah," mumbled Tessa walking towards the castle.
"Hurry up!" Tessa yelled across the Great Hall towards her friends. She ran down the stairs of the dungeons and speed walked to the potions classroom.
"Save us a seat," yelled the twins in unison trying to hold back a few of their fellow peers at the stairs. Tessa reached the entrance of the room first and walked over to their usual spot. Lee and the twins came second sitting on either side of her adjusting their bags next to their stools.
A hoard of students ran in seconds later wheezing from the stench that oozed into the room from the hallway.
"Oh god."
"It's horrible."
"Let me in! Let me in!"
Fred and George bowed slightly at the few people who glared into their direction or mumbled profanities at their table.
"Gotta leave the best for last," said Fred once Angelina and few other Gryffindors walked in.
"It was the best," mumbled Angelina through her sweater.
"More to come," said George proudly at the chaotic aftermath continuing to progress in the classroom.
Nine on-the-dot, the door slammed open to reveal Professor Snape barging in quickly and shutting the door with a swish of his wand. The loud bang echoed through the room and ended to a chilling silence with only the rustling of his ebony robes gliding against tables and the floor until he stopped at his desk in the front.
"There's no need for notes. Put them away," said Snape whipping around and leaning against his desk. "We'll start with Chapter four."
Snape walked over to the stand alone chalk board and wrote a list of potions. "I expect you all. To Finish these. By the end of this period," he drawled out the sentence until he finished the list. A soft groan of protest from the students forced Snape to whip around and face the students.
"Would you like more? I beg you try and finish at least one of these at the rate this class has been. You are by far the worst class I have ever had the privilege to teach for O.W.L.S. I'm even given you an easy test," he seethed the last sentence through his teeth as he stood straight and situated his clothes.
"This is ridiculous," said Tessa placing crushed herbs into her potion.
"It's not that bad," replied Fred whom was already on his third. The group groaned at him and rolled their eyes.
"You're the only one making progress," stated Lee nearly tipping over an open jar of nightshade.
"Just relax," said Fred tipping over a small sand timer and walking back to the cupboard.
"Easy for him to say," muttered Lee placing the jar far away from him and his potion.
"See wasn't too bad," said Fred walking out of the classroom with the group.
"You finished an hour ago," said Angelina placing her potions book into her bag.
"And now we are finished together even before the time limit is over," said George walking passed to stand by his brother.
"Not too bad," said the twins in unison looking into the room filled with Slytherin students struggling to finish their potions.
"How long do we have?" Tessa asked again looking around the hallway for other students.
"Erm, maybe two hours," said Lee looking at his watch.
"Perfect time for us to give last minute presents then," said Tessa smirking.
Tessa walked to Snape's closet first. She rearranged a couple of items until she found the ones she needed.
"Perfect," Tessa whispered as she stuffed the vials into her robes. She walked out of the closet and towards the classroom again. The twins leaned against the wall and stared at her with satisfaction as she walked past. She bumped into a a group of Slytherin Seventh years waiting for their exam to begin.
"Excuse me. Coming through," shouted Tessa causing a massive eruption of profanities and shoving as she tried to walk through the sea of Black and Green.
"Watch where you're going," said Flint holding onto Tessa.
"Just trying to leave," responded Tessa innocently.
"You can wait," he smirked as he shoved her towards the twins.
"Hey!" shouted the twins in unison running to Flint.
"What is going on here," shouted Snape over the noise in the Hallway.
"You three leave now," said Snape pointing in the opposite direction.
"So who's the lucky chum," said Fred as the shouting and laughter faded.
"Don't know," said Tessa shrugging. "Should find out by lunch."
The twins smirked and opened the trap door to the Astronomy Tower.
"So we're leaving in a few days," said Fred quietly once George shut the door.
"Yes," said Tessa in response.
"Would you like to stay with us. You know for a couple of weeks," said George. Tessa smiled.
"In a few weeks I'm meeting with a Puddlemore United…person," said Tessa.
"We know," said The twins in response.
"how could you know," said Tessa whipping around to face the two.
"We were hiding in the Herbology building," said George.
"Putting back last minute ingredients," said Fred proudly.
"Do you two ever sleep," muttered Tessa turning around and continuing up the stairs.
"Not during this time of year," responded the twins in unison.
The astronomy tower was silent.
"Looks like their done too," said Tessa looking around. The warm air blew into the trap door from a small breeze whipping through the building.
"And it's sunny," said Fred looking around trying to adjust his eyes.
"Rare sight," finished George as he shut the door.
"Mhm," responded Tessa and Fred in unison. The walked towards the stairs that lead back inside the castle. They speed walked to the Common Room entrance of the Gryffindor Tower.
"Hog Wallops," said the three in unison and barged into the small opening they ran to their respective rooms. Tessa quickly changed into athletic leggings and a Hogwarts Hoodie. She grabbed her broom leaning against her wardrobe and ran back towards the Common Room she beat the twins by a few steps and sprinted towards the exit.
"Astronomy Tower," she yelled behind her as she ran out the door and up the stairs. She didn't wait for a response as she skipped each step trying to reach her destination.
She ran up the stairs of the Tower to the open space. She jumped onto her broom and flew out of the gap in the tower into the open sky. She slowed to a stop and turned around waiting for the twins.
She watched them run up the metal stairs to the open floor, their ginger hair showing first and push off their brooms to exit the opening of the tower. She zoomed towards them and motioned them to follow over the castle and towards the lake. She zoomed low enough to touch the tree line of the forbidden forest and curved towards the water dropping lower and lower until she could feel sprays of water splashing against her feet. She looked at Fred, on her left, curve towards the beach.
She followed suit and slowly stopped to hover above the rocky beach staring at the castle.
"No school," said Tessa looking over the grounds taking it all in.
"Yep," said the twins in unison.
"Wanna race to the pitch?" Asked Tessa turning to look at the twins with a sly grin. They pushed towards the pitch in response and slowly picked up speed.
Fred and George laughed at Tessa falling behind from their head start until she zoomed past at a speed that they both were trying to get to. "Not fair," yelled the twins in unison.
The mud on Tessa's shoes flinging off due to the wind showed her kicking off with a much faster force than the twins whom tried to regain speed in mid-air instead. They leaned further on their brooms to pick up speed slowly closing the space between them and Tessa. She leaned in closer to her broom to gain speed, and, instead, it groaned at the unusual weight causing it to slow significantly.
"YA-HAS." The twins yelled zooming past Tessa.
"Damn," Tessa whispered in frustrating. She lifting her body and changed the brooms direction to fly towards the sky. She reached an optimal height and dove towards the nearing Quidditch Pitch. She leaned further into her broom, again. This time it was able to adjust to her weight and push faster towards the pitch at a record breaking speed, to Tessa anyways. She nearly crashed into the front of Fred and George's brooms while lifting her broom back into a horizontal alignment.
"Yes!" Tessa shouted as she passed the top of the stands. "And the crowd goes wild," she yelled at nothing while lifting her arms in the air and slowly lowering onto the chunky green grass.
"Well the imaginary one anyways," said Fred floating beside her. "Daring move," said George floating over them and placing himself across from Tessa.
The floated there in a makeshift triangle for a while. They took in the sun's rays while laughing at one another's jokes and relishing in the plans they had for the night.
"It's so simple," said Tessa. The cool, still dewy, grass engulfed her shoes as she landed and a thick coating of loosened blades caked her white Asic trainers as lifted her foot into motion towards the exit.
"We'll just break into her office and put it in an opposing House's Common Room," said Tessa laughing uncontrollably.
"It would be great, but it's literally impossible," said George laughing.
"Not to mention the time it would possess," said Fred elbowing Tessa.
"Anyway we should go check the Great Hall. It's nearing lunch," said Tessa walking out of the stadium.
Tessa smiled broadly from the lack of Seventh years at the Slytherin Table.
"What did you do," whispered Fred. Before Tessa could answer the group slumped into the Dining Hall leering at any students they made eye contact with and whipped out every profanity in the wizarding dictionary, and muggle dictionary surprisingly, that their minds could think of as they sat down at their side of the table.
Snape walked in through the Teacher's entrance and wiped of some black dust from his sleeve nonchalantly with his other hand.
"Guys you'll never believe what happened," said Lee briskly walking in.
"You know, I had to do my last detention by cleaning up after our exam, but one of Snape's students broke into his personal supple closet and stole some ingredients. They completely destroyed their potion with Snape's supplies. The entire room was covered in soot, and the class went into chaos as they tried to cover their own potions and books from the debris. It was beautiful," said Lee with a sigh and looking up at the ceiling.
"Anyways, Snape was furious and dragged the student out of class. He's still passing though sadly," said Lee digging into the array of food in front of him.
"How'd they know it was him?," Asked George.
"He had a few of Snape's ingredients in his bag. He kept on saying he had no idea how they got there, but he also said he wasn't going to not take advantage of the excess ingredients. The guy didn't even know what some of them meant. He just knew they were a part of a complicated recipe in his book!" said Lee excitedly.
"Snape inspected his wand and the last spell was "Alohomora", so he didn't have a lot going for him," said Lee quietly after being shushed by Hermione earlier.
"Now that was luck," said Tessa once Fred and George whipped their heads to look at her.
"Whoa, Whoa, Whoa, wait. You did this?" Lee asked in a whisper. Tessa nodded slightly.
"Clever," said the twins in unison.
"But not as clever as us," said Lee with a smirk.
"I'm getting there," responded Tessa boring her eyes into Lee's.
"We'll see," said Fred as Tessa stood up.
"We will," said Tessa looking back at the twins as she walked towards the Hufflepuff table.
"Hello," said Cedric once Tessa sat down at the table. "Looks like you've had a Good morning." Tessa looked around see the old Beater of the Hufflepuff team smirking at her.
"Saw you flying. With the twins," he said again.
"We had a bit of a race," said Tessa mimicking his expression.
"Saw that you won," he responded. "Nearly knocked'em off their brooms to win."
Tessa laughed as he leaned back on the bench narrowing his eyes.
"You of all people should know that you've got to do anything you can to win," said Tessa. "After all you were signed to one of the top teams in the country and it not for your chivalry." The guy smiled broadly.
"So you read the paper," the beater responded.
"You look like a Saint, but you play like a Slytherin," said Tessa jokingly. She's remembered numerous times she and the twins encountered this guy on the pitch. He also broke Wood's jaw once. He felt awful after the fact, but in the heat of the moment she knew he didn't care.
"That I do," he said in response snapping Tessa away from her thoughts. "But you're calling the kettle black if you don't think the same about yourself."
The group laughed along with Tessa.
"You're right. I can't deny that," she replied with a proud smile.
"Can't wait to play you on the field again Miss Thornhill," said the Beater again jovially.
"It'll be quite a show," said Cedric putting an arm around Tessa.
"That it will," said Tessa with a smile. Cedric took a long gulp of his tea and began to get up.
"Well as you all know I am finished with my exams, so I will see you later tonight," said Cedric. He helped a confused Tessa up and motioned her towards the door.
"Oh, okay. Well bye guys," Tessa laughed along with the group as Cedric escorted her out of the room.
He walked her out of the Great Hall and towards the Herbology Building.
"Where are we going?" Tessa asked excitedly.
"You'll see," said Cedric grabbing her hand. They walked past the Herbology Building and towards the pitch.
"I'm glad I left my broom," said Tessa jokingly.
"Wait here," said Cedric once they reach the entrance of the pitch. He weaved through the skeletal frames of the stadium to the Hufflepuff Cupboard and opened it.
"You know I can see you," said Tessa. She watched him as he stared into the closet looking at each broom intently.
"Can still see you," said Tessa a little more annoyed. "Well then close your eyes," responded Cedric with a laugh.
She marched towards the cupboard weaving through the beams as Cedric did earlier.
"Patience my dear," said Cedric kissing her forehead.
"You know I have none," said Tessa wrapping her arms around his waist.
"Mhm," said Cedric quietly leaning into her.
"That one," said Tessa pointing at Cedric's broom.
"Good choice," said Cedric giving his broom to Tessa.
"Thanks," she responded giving Cedric a peck on the lips.
"That's it," yelled Cedric as Tessa walked towards the overgrown field she has graced with her presence for the second time today.
"For now," yelled Tessa over her shoulder.
She got on her broom once she reached the center of the field and kicked off flying towards the hoops closest to the Lake. She looped around to see Cedric coming up behind her full speed with a Quaffle. She tried to keep up with his speed and dove towards the hoop he aimed for, but missed the Quaffle by a few centimeters as it swooshed perfectly into the left ring.
"This is why I date you," thought Tessa while diving towards the ball and snatching it of the ground quickly.
"Let's play H.O.O.P.S," said Cedric once Tessa reached his level of flight.
"What are the stakes this time," said Tessa motioning, with her hands, the cutting of a filet. Harshly due to the Quaffle under her left arm. Cedric laughed and Tessa's chest filed with warmth.
"Each letter we gain we tell each other a truth," said Cedric with a grin.
"Better than last time," said Tessa after taking off her hoodie to reveal her red and yellow sports bra.
"You only lost your trousers and top," said Cedric looking at Tessa up and down.
"Yeah in freezing weather," responded Tessa as she flew away to gain speed for her attempted goal. All she could hear was wind and a faint sound of Cedric's laugh by the time she slowed to a stop.
She sighed and stared at the three hoops in front of her. "Don't think too hard. Don't think too hard," thought Tessa as she closed her eyes. She opened them and zoomed towards the center goal. She curved to the left slightly and watched Cedric follow her motion. She quickly changed direction nearly clipping Cedric's broom handle and threw the ball into the far right goal. It was a perfect throw until she felt the bristles at the end of Cedric's broom scratched her torso and smacked the ball towards the ground. It hit the pole just below the ring and plopped onto the dirt at the bottom.
"Fuck," mumbled Tessa ignoring the annoying pain in her left ribcage.
"Truth," said Cedric with a grin.
"I'm meeting someone from Puddlemore United in a few weeks," said Tessa not skipping a beat.
"Congratulations, but you would've told me that anyway," said Cedric high fiving Tessa.
"But it is a truth," said Tessa winking at her boyfriend.
"It is," said Cedric circling her and flying down to the ball. He picked it up and flew to the end of the field.
"Shit," said Tessa squinting trying to follow Cedric's flight patterns. He zoomed towards her in a zig-zag pattern until he reached the half mark. He curved towards the left hoop until he was close enough to reach Tessa if she stretched out her left arm and lobbed the ball over her head into the center hoop.
Tessa looked over her shoulder and kicked off Cedric's broom. Her left foot made contact and kicked the ball away from the hoop and somersaulting down until she briskly stopped ten feet above the ground.
"You're getting better" said Cedric as he floated next to her.
"Thanks," said Tessa reaching for his shoulder and giving him a quick kiss.
"I forgot your Birthday," said Cedric.
"The twins scolded me for an hour while helping me go to every store in Hogsmeade for your present. Angelina distracted you at the café." Tessa laughed along with Cedric.
"That's a good truth," said Tessa patting Cedric's shoulder and flying up to her post. "And I know they still do."
"Alright neck and neck," yelled Cedric. The sun hung low over the forest with clouds filling the sky. It was getting late and Tessa was growing tired.
"He forgot my birthday," thought Tessa. "He's the one who let Rosie go into the forbidden section." Tessa giggled at remembering her cat skittering between tables and knocking over all of Hermione's books.
"He's afraid of enclosed spaces; his friends let a Veela get him lost on his trip to Barcelona last year," Tessa shuttered at the thought.
"Alright let's do this," said Tessa. Neither one of them made a goal yet against each other. Blood was shed numerous times and there is now a massive grass stain on Cedric's bare back from his skid across the grass on a very close goal he made a few seconds ago.
She took a huge breath and raced towards the three goals. She curved to the right and flew towards the ground she zoomed up once she couldn't she Cedric from her peripheral vision and looked up. She barely missed Cedric's head with the end of her broom as she flew high enough over his head that she lobbed the ball towards the center hoop.
"That's it," thought Tessa as she saw it make fly through and fall towards the ground.
"Yes," yelled Tessa.
"Hoops," said Cedric with a smile and shook her hand. Tessa laughed at his professional demeanor, she flew towards the ground.
"So," said Tessa once they both placed both pairs of feet on the ground.
"Well," started Cedric looking at Tessa intensely. "I love you."
A ringing in Tessa's ears began to grow louder and louder. "I love you too," she could hear herself say. She felt Cedric's arms wrap around her into a tight hug. His sweat enveloped her face and mouth as she tried to push him away.
"Oh, sorry," said Cedric with a laugh. "I'm just so…I don't know," said Cedric still holding her.
"I know," said Tessa smiling at him. The sound of her voice went back to normal, and she could felt the heat rising away from her face.
"It's getting late," said Tessa looking at the sky above them.
"It's almost five," said Cedric.
"Let's get some dinner," said Tessa walking over to her hoodie lying on the ground in the middle of the pitch. She held it in her arms and followed Cedric to exit.
He placed the brooms back into the cupboard, and walked over to Tessa's side meeting her in the middle of the shadowed tunnel. Cedric placed an arm around Tessa's shoulder and put his free into his shorts pocket. Tessa looked at the ground and watched the shadows slowly fading to light as they were reaching the exit.
"It's getting colder," said Cedric.
Cedric slammed into the small wall of the tunnel. He tried to gasp in surprise but was engulfed into a kiss. He closed his eyes and felt Tessa's hands roam his torso down to his waist.
"Finally," thought Cedric as he tried to pick up Tessa. She obliged and he wrapped her legs around his waist. He pinned her against the wall and let his hands roam along her body.
Tessa forgot about what was intended to be a distraction, and turner her into wanting it to be more. She kissed him more passionately and let his hand reached higher to the front of her sports bra. He cupped her breast and groaned pushing into the wall harder. She gasped for air once Cedric obliged her consent.
"This is the first time someone's done this," said Tessa breathlessly. "Hoops."
Cedric grinned from ear to ear walking towards the Great Hall. Tessa blushed and situated her hoodie.
"I'll see you tomorrow," said Cedric pulling her into his body. He kissed her passionately one more time.
"See you," said Tessa. Cedric opened the door of the Great Hall and motioned Tessa to go in first. She walked in quickly and towards the center of the Gryffindor table.
"You're glowing," said Angelina once Tessa sat down. Tessa blushed and watched Cedric sit down.
"Tell you later," said Tessa as she noticed more than Angelina listening to their conversation.
"You and Cedric," said Angelina excitedly. Tessa laughed and shook her head.
"Not IT, but he would've been okay with that," said Tessa laughing. She walked over to their bathroom and turned on the shower. She left the door open as Angelina paced back and forth at the door until Tessa closed the curtain. Angelina walked into the bathroom and sat crossed legged on the counter.
"So what did you do?" she asked without hesitation.
"He, uh, third base," Tessa stuttered.
"HE DID," said Angelina. "You know we know what that means. I mean I've told you about the time that beater on the Ravenclaw team had a go with me after the Quidditch match against Slytherin a few months ago. I know what you're talking about Tess it's okay," said Angelina with a laugh.
"Alright; Alright," said Tessa with any less comfort from before.
"How was it?" Angelina asked easing into the mirror behind her.
"It was good," said Tessa without hesitation.
"I mean he didn't seem experienced, but more passionate really."
"Well that's good," said Angelina with a smile.
"Do you think you're ready?" Tessa stared at the shower faucet for a moment.
"I don't know," said Tessa. "I know I did want that in the moment, but now I feel okay. Satisfied really."
"So that's why you're glowing." Tessa nearly jumped at the sound of Katie Bell's voice in the bathroom.
"Did that deed I see?" Hannah asked. Tessa could hear her roommate's wardrobe creak open and a loud squeak of the bed as someone sat on it.
"Not the deed," said Angelina with a smirk. Tessa didn't even have to see her friend's faces to know they were proud of her.
"So, I guess a congrats goes for both sexes," Tessa joked.
"Well of course," said Katie.
"Now Katie's that last one" said Hannah jokingly.
"My time will come," yelled Katie from across the room. All four girls laughed and finished getting ready for the end of the year party.
The Common Room was booming with people, loud music, and games of snap bang illuminating every corner of the open space. Lee Jordan was making out with a Sixth year girl in the darkest corner of the room.
"Even I know she's lucky on that one," stated Angelina as she walked past Tessa and into the sea of students.
"Tess!"
Tessa looked around to see Fred waving at her.
"Hey what's going om?" She asked confused.
"Need your help," said Fred with a smirk swaying towards. Tess rolled her eyes and led the way to the exit.
The Grand Staircase was silent once the fat Lady shut her door.
"Looks like everyone's having a party," said Fred quietly. He stumbled on a step and Tessa caught him.
"Uh, you...alright?" Tessa asked still holding onto Fred.
"Yeah don't worry 'bout me," Fred replied straightening his hand-me-down shirt.
"Alright," thought Tessa still watching her friend walk down the stairs with a slight hop to his step.
Once they reached the dungeons Fred stepped louder and more lazily. "Snape's gone from the dungeons around this time, so no need to worry," said Fred waving his hand.
"I know," said Tessa cautiously.
"Heard you had fun today," said Fred again winking at Tessa.
"I did," said replied tartly. She began to close herself off anticipating the turn of the conversation.
"Wanna know how I heard it?" Fred asked opening the door to the kitchens.
"Not now," said Tessa quietly.
"Oh come one," said Fred whipping his body loosely around. Tessa was finally close enough to Fred's face that she could smell the stench of fire whiskey on his breath.
"Looks like Hagrid's stash is still under his house," said Tessa staring into Fred's eyes.
"Lee's worse," said Fred ignoring Tessa's question. "But, at least, he had the balls to talk to that girl. Never knew he had it in em," said Fred whirling around again towards the massive barrels shrouded in darkness.
"He's always had it in em," said Tessa cautiously.
"But Cedric," said Fred a little louder.
"Not here," said Tessa firmly.
"But, Cedric," whispered Fred. "He's sober and he had the balls to do that in public. Should've been in Gryffindor with that bravery," said Fred jokingly. "And you." He slung the backpack over his shoulder, which looked visibly lighter than before, and walked back over to Tessa. He leaned on the other side of the doorway. "I want to know why you let him of all people do it."
Tessa glowered at Fred with such ferocity that she could feel her vein nearly popping out of her forehead. "I mean we had plenty of moments where I asked. I asked and he didn't," said Fred his voice rising in volume. Tessa shook her head.
"What?" yelled Fred.
"You only asked when you were like this," responded Tessa walking out of the kitchens. She reached the top of the dungeon steps with Fred hot on her heels.
"So can we talk about it now," said Fred quietly. "We are gonna talk about it tonight."
Tessa stopped and braced herself for Fred's body to slam into her. She looked around until she found an out of order bathroom and yanked Fred towards it.
Tessa slammed the door behind Fred and placed a silencing charm in the room. "Yes. You want to know why this all happened today," stated Tessa.
"He actually stuck with me. He tried to get to know me, and he didn't get mad when he found out that I would be spending a majority of my time near his village. It happened because he was actually excited to know that I would unexpectedly drop by whenever I could, and he actually enjoys our time alone together."
Fred stood in the middle of the room silent kicking his left foot at a raised corner of tile near his toe.
"He doesn't turn the lights out when he wants to make out with me, and he sure as hell didn't care that he did that on the fucking pitch where anyone could've walked on us. He actually wants me to hang out with his friends and get to know them rather than have me pretend to like a person for an hour and stuff a potion into their food." Tessa stopped herself and turned around to face the door.
"I'm sorry," said Fred. "For all of it, but that still doesn't mean you have to go around and put out for the guy you rebounded with." Tessa took in a sharp breath of air.
"Fuck you, Fred Weasley," she said shakily. She turned around and opened the door of the bathroom. She ran up the stairs ignoring Fred's footsteps trying to reach the stairs behind her. She skipped each step until she reached the Fat Lady.
"Don't bother my dear," said the Fat Lady after one look at Tessa's brooding face. "I'll hold'em off."
The door swung open and Tessa sighed as she walked into the room.
"Ouch," muttered Tessa as the door smack her ass sharply not letting Fred in. She walked into the crowd of people looking for a tall ginger haired boy. She finally found him patting Lee on the back by the fireplace.
"Tess! Tess, our boy did it. Got a kiss from Angelina," said George sharply. Tessa only high fived Lee and glared at George.
"Now?" Asked George. Tessa nodded her head.
"He didn't," said George sharply. Tessa shook her head again.
George and Tessa sat in the shadows until Fred was let into the Common Room.
"Fucking old prat," mumbled Fred as he pushed through the crowd. They both swooped out quickly and walked up to the Astronomy Tower.
"We made a new invention," said George. "It's these ears." He pulled out a set of badly molded jelly like ears.
"Can't do much, but if we can get close enough to the desired conversation we can hear what's happening." George shoved the prototype back into his pocket and looked out into the night sky.
"Fucking prick," muttered Tessa.
"We didn't know that's what Cedric would talk about," said George quietly.
"It's what humans do," said Tessa with a laugh.
"Who else knows," said Tessa looking at George. "And how much do you know?" George laughed and shook his head.
"Lee and well Ginny," said George shrugging.
Tessa rolled her eyes. "And you didn't reciprocate how in the hell did you get away with that?," George Asked. Tessa laughed along with George.
"Well I'm glad you're taking it a lot better than Fred," said Tessa.
"Everyone is," said George with a sigh.
"This is all him, you know," said Tessa. "I mean I moved on I'm fine and he just had to pull that." Tessa shook her head trying to calm down again.
"He snapped?" George asked.
"I don't know. Brought up past things," said Tessa.
"He's jealous," replied George.
"If you knew how many times Fred has wanted to be your first, in everything, you would be amazed at how many more times he tried." Tessa turned to face George.
"But he hasn't," said Tessa very confused.
"Not to you he hasn't," said George walking away from the railing. Tessa nodded her head and followed him back into the tower.
"Thanks," said Tessa once they made it back into the Common Room.
"Anytime," said George patting Tessa's shoulder. "I'll hold him off you should get some rest." Tessa nodded and stealthily walked back up the stairs to her room. She quickly shut the door and stripped herself of her clothes. Tessa hopped into her bed and drifted into sleep before she even felt Nyx snuggle up to her. She was exhausted and she had a day to prove it.
Tessa and Fred treated each other like they would on any other day. Fred acknowledged the understanding of the events the perspired over the course of a few hours that night, and he was lucky that Tessa spoke no more of it. The group walked though Hogsmeade buying snacks and last minute meals before leaving the town.
"It easy for you," mumbled Fred as Tessa followed the twins around Fuzzywigs.
"Can't you at least be nice to him," begged Tessa. "I'm tired of going back and forth, making plans, and scheduling times of day to do projects with you guys or with Cedric. Come on," said Tessa following them down each aisle.
"That's not going to happen Tess," bellowed the twins in unison. They split into opposing sides of the shop leaving Tessa in the center. George turned around and winked at her.
Tessa sighed and trudged over to George. "What are you getting?" Tessa groaned as she asked.
"Oh, glad you asked. I was hoping to get a few chocolate frogs, and some sour straws," said George beaming at her. Tessa rolled her eyes. She walked over to a basket at the end of the aisle and yanked a bag off the tray in the center.
"How many," stated Tessa as she opened the bag for George to place snacks in while he continued talking about all the sweets he couldn't decide on.
"We could try this one," said Fred behind Tessa.
He lifted a lid to a few muggle candies placed them into the bag. "Those aren't healthy for you," said Tessa with a laugh.
"And you think wizarding candy is," said the twins unison. "Such a shame." Tessa waved the twins away as they began naming off all the ingredients in muggle candy compared to wizarding sweets.
"Ohh Boom berry," said George.
"Very unhealthy indeed," said Fred sarcastically. He threw a couple of the Boom Berry lozenges into the sack and headed towards the counter. Tessa placed her bag as next in line on the table until Fred pushed it against his.
"This one's on me." He said as he pulled out a few more coins. He sheepishly grinned at Tessa who nodded with approval.
The last feast was to begin shortly and Tessa patiently waited in the Common Room with her pointy hat sitting in her lap.
"Alright who's ready to eat," yelled Wood running down the stairs.
"Seventh years," muttered Fred coming down from behind.
"Let's eat," replied Tessa as she got up and situated her robes.
The room was filled with bright colors of each house as students steadily flowed into the Great Hall. The Professors and Headmaster already seated at their own table watched the growing crowd settle into their respective placement throughout the room. Each professor stood to say their outcomes at the end were a success and how proud they were for each and every student.
Dumbledore was last and his speech was quick and very poetic if Tessa could say so herself. She cheered and roared along with her table once he announced the winners of the House Cup and Lee swore he could see Wood sweeping a tear away from his face as he sat back down in his seat. The dinner was going well and every one tried to sneak out leftover dessert once they were ushered to go to their dorms.
"Hurry up or we'll miss the good seats," shouted Ron hobbling across the courtyard toward the Express. Tessa laughed and watched him scoot obstacles out of his way to reach the open entrance soon to be filled with First Years.
"Glad to know he made," said George sinking into the comfy sofa.
"I know right," said Tessa sitting next to him.
"Fred is sorry you know," said George quietly.
"I know he's been telling me that for two days," said Tessa annoyed.
"He didn't mean to," George continued.
"Yeah," said Tessa scooting further into her seat.
"Fire whiskey," said the two in unison.
"It's okay," said Tessa smiling at George.
"Okay," he replied back.
They found a compartment big enough to fit all four of them with ease.
"Pays to be in an upper year," said Lee placing his and Tessa's bag on the rack above them.
"I'll say," said Fred stretching his legs across. Tessa laughed and pushed his legs off, so she could sit down.
"What'll be going for you Lee," said George once the train left Hogsmeade.
"I'll visit the states. Going on Holiday," said Lee with a smile. "Mum's got a few friends in the muggle radio business," said Lee nodding head. "I'll get to check them out."
"What of you Tessa?" Lee asked turning his body to face her.
"My parents are going on a dig in Romania," said Tessa.
"So I'm staying with the Weasleys, and then I have a meet up with a Puddlemore United agent. Thanks to Wood," said Tessa looking out the window.
"Brilliant," whispered Lee. "I'll be sure to comment on your games." Tessa laughed along with Fred and George.
"I hope you do," said Tessa. "I hope you do."