"So who'll be staying and going" sighed Lee.
"All four of us are going," laughed Tessa. "Don't let that prude ruin our time together."
Large groups were still together, as they were leaving the Great Hall, talking amongst themselves quietly when they exited the castle.
"This is ludicrous," sighed Lee as Filch split a mass of students at the gate, and glared back at the crowd searching for more groups.
"Tessa and I will go together," stated Fred pushing her lightly forward with him.
Lee and George held back putting space between the four them as Filch glared at Fred and George as each pair walked past.
"So," said Tessa awkwardly.
"So," smiled Fred.
"I'm sorry," said Tessa quietly.
"No worries." He smiled down at Tessa whom smiled back. "It was our experiment. We could've told you and Lee what we were doing, but we didn't."
"It's your business," laughed Tessa. "We help because we want to."
"We are partners though," stated Fred.
"And friends," laughed Tessa.
"I'd like us to be more than that," said Fred quickly.
Tessa stared up at him in shock as he held his gaze on the road his cheeks turning pink.
"I would like that too," said Tessa after a moment of silence. "But it's not that easy."
Fred nodded sighing looking down at his feet.
"You weren't nice to me last year," said Tessa. "And I literally ingested a potion that made me force myself onto you."
"I know," replied Fred rubbing his eyes. "But I want-"
Fred paused shoving his hands into his pockets. Hogsmeade came into view between over hanging limbs covered in orange and red leaves as the roadside formed into a rock fence leading into town at the tree line.
"It's going to take some time," interjected Tessa after a moment of silence.
Fred blushed lightly as he looked onto the road entering the main street of the village.
"Alright," said Fred with a slight smile on his face. "I've gotta go." He shook a small bag filled and veered into the first alleyway before the crowds swarmed together.
Tessa watched him for a second before pulling out the list George gave her earlier. Tessa scoffed as she stuffed the sheet back into her pocket. And sauntered towards The Three Broomsticks.
She closed the thick door behind her snagging a couple of glares from a monochromatic group sitting at the bar. She sat next to the one at the end and the glaring eyes quickly looked away as if she no longer existed, continuing their complaints of homework and essays due on Monday.
"Haven't seen you in a while," said the boy next to her. "Still doing their bidding."
"And good morning to you too, Gregor," replied Tessa and the barmaid placed a shot of fire whiskey in front of her. "A little too early for students to be drinking don't you think."
"Thanks, love," sighed Gregor to the barmaid; ignoring Tessa's comment as he placed coins on the table. "You even of age yet?"
"We're in the same year," smirked Tessa.
"Then why haven't you downed it yet," said Gregor glaring at the glass still at the table.
Tessa rolled her eyes lifted the Fire whiskey to her lips and downing it in one gulp turning to face Gregor now pleased.
"Now that we are all on the same level," stated Gregor turning towards her. "What is it you want?"
Tessa pulled out her list from her pocket and placed it on the table. Gregor snatched the note and scanned the contents.
"You're fucking joking," laughed Gregor crumpling the sheet and placing it on the table.
"I'm not," sighed Tessa. "Which is why I came to you." She straightened in her seat as Gregor slowly glanced back up at her.
"Go on," replied Gregor with a smirk.
"You know I only come to you for restricted materials," stated Tessa.
"Well the old bat's got eyes now," said Gregor smugly.
"What do you mean?" Asked Tessa.
"Don't play dumb," smirked Gregor. "It's bound to happen when the ministry steps in. Everyone is being watched, including us. I cant trust people in my own Common Room." Gregor glared at Tessa. "Let alone you."
Tessa gulped as she felt tension emanate between she and him.
"Luckily," said Gregor quietly. "You have helped me." He grabbed the paper ball and rolled it between his fingers.
Tessa held her breathe for a second as he flattened the wrinkled the paper onto the table and scanned Fred's chicken scratch.
"I can get some of these things to you tonight," sighed Gregor. "But the rest." He rubbed his forehead lightly shaking his head. "It'll take a while."
"How long?" Asked Tessa slightly impatient.
"I'll have it by next Hogsmeade visit," said Gregor. "I can meet with the twins tonight for the first batch."
Tessa reached out her hand and Gregor shook it tightly. She leaped off the barstool and walked towards the door leaving her money and faith behind.
"You gave him all of the money," sighed George slumping into the couch.
"I had to," spat Tessa defensively.
"You don't have to do anything," stated Fred annoyed.
"Did you even bargain with him?" Asked Lee pacing back and forth infront of the Fireplace.
"No but-"
"-NO," shouted the three in unison staring at Tessa in shock.
The Common Room was empty as the sun hid behind the horizon and the fire place crackled behind Lee.
"I couldn't," spat Tessa standing up from her seat. "He said Umbridge is watching everyone now because of our little stunt last week. Do you really think I'm able to negotiate prices with the only House that's able to get away with anything now!"
Fred and George shook their head relaxing into the couch as Lee stopped pacing and slumped to the floor his back towards the roaring fire. Tessa walked over to the Common Room entrance snatching her cat from the steps and walking back towards the group sitting back into the chair clutching a struggling Nyx in her lap.
"He wants to meet you two by the way," said Tessa quietly.
"Oh that's not weird at all," sighed Fred sarcastically.
"When has he ever wanted to meet with us?" Asked George.
"Well he does now," grumbled Tessa as Nyx leaped off her lap and began weaving through the twins legs settling between George's feet purring lightly.
"Okay," said Fred. "But I still don't trust him."
"I don't think any of us do," stated Lee.
"This time we have to," said Tessa quietly.
It was midnight by the time Gregor lumbered into the dim hallway. George leaned away from the wall as Fred stayed there glaring at the shadow moving closer towards them.
"Well," stated Gregor. "Looks like you came after all. I was honestly hoping for Tessa to be here, but unlike you two she doesn't shy away from her agreements."
"Let's get on with it," replied George quietly.
"Oh," pouted Gregor sarcastically. "Don't wanna catch up?"
George and Fred glared at him. Gregor rolled his eyes and pulled a large sack out of his coat and thrusting it towards George to grab.
George reached out and took the bag passing to Fred whom opened quickly and checked for every product.
"Don't trust me? Even with all of the errands I have to run for you two," laughed Gregor. His laugh echoed through the halls causing some sleeping paintings to grumble from their slumber.
"They're all here,' sighed Fred quickly as her turned away quietly signaling George to follow.
"Oh, so soon," sighed Gregor. "Don't wanna hear some news I have for your study group?"
Fred and George stopped in their tracks and slowly turned back towards Gregor their hands on their wands.
"No need to be armed in this transaction," sighed Gregor annoyed. "Meet me here next week same time." He turned to walk away. "Also, I wouldn't send any owls next week if I were you." He yelled over his shoulder causing the paintings to stir once more as Fred and George ran down the halls before they were spotted.