Ron began to laugh, and I don't mean a little chuckle or anything, I mean flat out laughter. Now I was the one just standing there, staring at Ron blankly. I tell him I was in love with his brother…and he laughed at me. Well, if this was Ron's reaction I knew for certain that I would never be telling George.
"Ah, that was a good one, Andi. You really had me going there for a minute," Ron tried to explain, his laugh fading to a dully amused smile. I didn't say anything, but just remained to stare at him, trying to figure what on earth he was talking about. And then the smile left his face completely. "Wait, this isn't a joke? You actually…love George?"
"Yeah…" I mumbled while avoiding eye contact. I could feel my cheeks heating up again and didn't want to make it any worse.
"How long have you known?" He questioned in all seriousness.
"When I stayed over your house for a few weeks before your third year," I admitted, still feeling embarrassed.
"For that long? And he doesn't know?" He asked incredulously, trying to work that one out. Even I hadn't managed to figure that one out yet.
"Neither George nor Fred know, and I would very much like to keep it that way. So…can we keep everything I just said between us?" I asked, having no idea what I would do if he insisted on telling his brothers.
"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone," he paused for a while and I waited, knowing he wasn't finished yet. "Are you planning on telling him anytime soon?"
"And risk six years of friendship? No, definitely not. It would be useless anyway, he doesn't feel the same way about me," I sighed, knowing that the entire thing was hopeless. George was a very good-looking guy, and I wasn't the only one who had noticed. I knew at least ten girls off hand that wouldn't mind meeting him in an empty broom closet after hours. But I was only a friend to George, practically just another one of the guys.
"I guess," Ron shrugged weakly, obviously not knowing what else to say.
"Okay, come on. Let's go back to the Great Hall, it should be time for dinner soon, and they're announcing the Triwizard Champions tonight," I grinned, happy to change the subject.
"What are we going to tell everyone…about before?" Ron's cheeks reddened a bit as he said this. Probably just remembering how badly he had gotten rejected, even if it wasn't really intended.
"Oh, don't worry about that. I've got it covered," I laughed, knowing exactly the best cover story.
"Andrella Raynee Wendling, you better explain yourself right this second! What do you think you're doing leading him on like that!" Renae hissed in my ear, pulling me away from Fred and George. Ron and I had come back down to the great hall and had explained that we both thought it best if we remained as just friends. Still, no one could believe that I liked Ron in the first place, especially the twins. After we all finished eating, the tables were pushed to the sides and everyone was waiting to find out who the three Triwizard champions were going to be.
"Calm down, Renae," I whispered back, to make sure that no one would over hear us. "It was just a joke I was playing on those two, I never liked Ron like that. However…there was a slight problem," I mumbled, glancing over at Ron momentarily.
He was deep in conversation with Harry, and I was almost positive he was telling him what had happened, or at least the version we made up to tell everyone else. Since he was the one rejected, we turned it around, to make him look better and more "manly" as he put it. Whatever, I didn't honestly mind as long as my actual secret remained a secret.
"What do you mean, there was problem?" She asked cautiously, not looking too pleased. She had always thought my flirting with Ron was terribly wrong because it was obvious how he felt about me, and yet I had no intention in actually returning those feeling or letting it develop into anything further.
"He kissed me," I replied, looking down at the floor.
"He kissed you! AndI, I can't believe you let him do that!" she began to yell but I told her to quiet down immediately not wanting this to go around the school.
"Relax, I stopped him. That isn't the biggest thing though," she looked at me blankly, waiting for me to continue, trying to work out what could possibly be bigger than Ron kissing me. "he looked so sad, and I hated that I had lead him on like that…so I had to explain. I told him who really liked, "
"You did? What did he say to that?" Her eyes were wide and alive with curiosity.
"Well, at first he laughed at me. But when he realized I wasn't kidding he just wanted to know how long I had liked him for. And I made him promise to never tell anyone. We made up that story we told you for Fred and George; to make Ron look cooler," I explained.
She nodded her head, but if she was about to say anything I didn't hear her because at that moment Dumbledore rose from his seat and began to talk. In front of him, the Goblet of Fire glowed with blue flames. I found myself transfixed on the flames, and their beauty. I most of zoned out for a minute because now Dumbledore was standing in front of the flame, waiting for the first champion's name to pop out from the fire.
Everyone was anxiously waiting to hear the first name. All the seventeen year old students from Hogwarts, Durmstrang and Beauxbatons who had entered their name were nearly on the edges of their seats. And then a piece of parchment exploded from the goblet and floated down into Dumbledore's hand.
"The Durmstrang champion is Viktor Krum!" He shouted once he had unfolded the paper. After a brief display of happiness with his fellow classmates, Krum walked to the front of the hall.
Two more names were drawn from the goblet, from the two remaining schools. The Beauxbaton champion was a girl named Fleur Delancour, a pretty, blond French girl. The Hogwarts' champion was Cedric Diggory, a seventh year Hufflepuff who I had never spoken too before.
With all the champions now selected, Dumbledore began with the closing speech. But with a cackle from the goblet and an eruption of red flames, he was interrupted. The goblet spat out another piece of parchment, blowing it high into the air. Dumbledore was quick to snatch it, and we all watched his bewildered face as he read the name to himself.
"Harry Potter," He called, searching the crowd frantically.
Hermione, who was sitting besides Harry pushed him forward and encouraged him to go on. Harry looked downright horrified as he walk stiffly over to Dumbledore, who thrust the piece of charred parchment into his hands.
There was a angry murmur then, claiming that Harry was a cheat. I simply watched him, awestruck. There was no way that Harry could have entered his name, the goblet was enchanted by Dumbledore himself. Harry was an exceptional wizard, but there was no way he could have broken the spells Dumbledore cast.
Dumbledore, Karkaroff, Madam Maxine, and some of the other Hogwarts Professors disappeared with the four Triwizard champions. McGonagall stood then in front of all the students who were talking to their friends excitedly about what had just happened, and simply cleared her throat and said, " All students are to report to their houses' common room immediately,"
Everyone was quick to do as she commanded. I stood up silently, rushing forward to reach Fred and George who were talking to themselves quietly. "What do you think is going to happen to Harry, now?" I asked, worried for him. This tournament had an age limit on it for a reason, it was extremely dangerous.
"I'm not sure, Drells. But whatever does happen, don't worry about it. Harry can handle himself," George reassured me, resting his arm over my shoulder. I snuggled closer to him, his presence was very relaxing at the moment.
When we had finally reached the common room, I didn't feel like sticking around and waiting for Harry to come back. With everything that had happened today, I was exhausted. Hopefully in the morning everything would calm down just a little bit and become slightly more manageable.
Fred and George both sat down on the couch nearest the fireplace and looked to me expectantly, wondering why I hadn't joined them. "I'm just going to go to bed, okay? I'm really tired," I yawned, proving me point furthermore.
"Try to get some sleep, yeah?" Fred smiled, relaxing in the heat of the fire. I nodded my head at him, planning on doing just that.
"G'night, Drella," George told me quietly, his voice soothing.
"Goodnight, George," I replied, not being able to keep the small smile from my face.
The Girls' Sixth Year dorm was empty when I got there, everyone being downstairs. I was very thankful for that, not wanting to talk to anyone right now. I meant it when I said I was exhausted, I wanted nothing more than some sleep right now. I changed into my pajamas, a tank top and running shorts, and put my dirty clothes into the hamper under my bed. I usually did laundry every other day, and by laundry I mean magically washing my clothes.
There was a bathroom attached to the dorms, and it was big enough for the five of us to share in the mornings without anything getting too hectic. I went to go brush my teeth before going to bed like I usually do. I didn't do as thorough of a job as I should have, hurrying to get to bed. However, I must have taken longer than I thought, because when I walked back to my bed there was a piece of folded parchment awaiting me.
I stared at it blankly for a few seconds, not exactly sure of what to do. It probably would have been wiser to just throw it away without looking at it. But my curious mind wouldn't allow me to do that. Even though I was nervous to open the note up, I was going to do so anyway. The note was in my hands about to be opened when the door swung in and Renae walked in, looking a bit flustered.
Quickly I stuffed the note under my pillow and turned to her. Putting on my most convincing smile, I asked as nonchalant as possible, "What's up?"
"Nothing," she sighed, stalking over to her bed and plopping down in a very unladylike manor. 'What's that you're hiding?" She motioned to the pillow.
"Uh, it's nothing…" I mumbled, not being able to think of a good lie while being this worn down with exhaustion.
"I honestly have no idea how you get away with have the stuff you do, you're a terrible liar," She told me matter-of-factly. Maybe she was right, maybe I was a terrible liar, but at least the things I need to stay secret do, for the most part anyway.
"Come on then, what was it?" she persisted, but I said nothing, simply shrugging my shoulders. "It was another one of those notes, wasn't it! AndI! let me see it!" She insisted, looking very displeased. I groaned, not wanting to make this into any bigger than it was, but knew it was a hopeless case. If I didn't give it to her now, she would go get Fred and George and have them get it from me.
I handed the parchment to her reluctantly, looking down as she read it. I glanced up when she made a made a weird sound, it almost sounded like a growl. Renae, well, she is a very nice girl, but when she gets angry she goes full throttle. And I could tell now that whatever was written on the paper had gotten her very angry.
"Andrella, we have to go to Dumbledore as soon as possible. Did you read that? It's disgusting and absolutely terrifying! You can't let this go on any longer, it's not safe," Renae exclaimed, thrusting the paper into my chest. I unfolded it and began to read. My curiosity out-weighed my terror and I needed to know what the paper said to get Renae this fired up.
You are trying to tempt me, aren't you, with those lacey little things? I can't wait to have my way with you. Pull on your blond hair as you beg for death. Your days are numbered, Mud Blood.
The paper fell out of my hands, as the words played over and over in my head. The voice of the man from my nightmare growled menacingly in my ear, as I stared blankly at Renae. I was a considerably brave person, being in Gryffindor and all, but this had me terrified. There was someone in the room while I was changing and I didn't even see them. For all I know they could still be here…hiding.
With that thought I sprinted out of the room, not caring that I was barely wearing anything. I just needed to be away from there…where he had been. Someone wanted to hurt me, kill me, and whoever it was saw me at my most vulnerable state.
There were only a few people left in the common room; the rest of my dorm mates, a few strangling second years and who I wanted to see most right now, the twins. I didn't even think about what I was doing, I just ran and hide myself between Fred and George in the couch. People were staring at me, but I didn't care. I was so far beyond that point at the moment. I just wanted to feel safe even if it was false security, and I knew that being by George would do that for me.
I threw my arms around him, laying my head in his chest, and just simply breathed in his scent. For a second there was only him, nothing else. He returned the hug unsurely, not really sure what I was doing. That didn't matter either right now because he was simply there, and already I was starting to think a bit clearer. I saw Renae walk up to Fred and hand him the two notes, the one I got earlier today in The Three Broomsticks and the one I had just gotten.
I watched Fred get so angry while reading that his hands clenched the paper so hard I was amazed it didn't rip. George looked worried and confused as he reached for the note with one hand and kept the other arm around me. I could feel his grip tighten around me every second that he read, until it almost actually hurt. He threw the paper on the floor and looked straight into my eyes.
"Nothing is going to happen to you, Drella. Do you understand? We are going to Dumbledore right now, and we are doing whatever we can to keep you safe and make sure this sick freak gets caught," He stated passionately, and I could tell how angry he was just by the way his lips had formed into a hard line. Fred looked just enraged and nodded to his brother's words, standing up and starting toward the door.
"O-okay," I muttered, my voice coming out a lot more hoarse than I had planned. I had never seen the twins so angry in their lives. It was scary and at the same time sort of endearing because I knew that they were mad because they truly cared about me and didn't want anything to hurt me.
George held my hand the entire time down to Dumbledore's office, and to be honest it was making everything a lot better. Renae had acquired the other note to show Dumbledore so he would see everything and hopefully make catching the whoever was threatening me easier. Fred began to knock on the door impatiently, not taking the late hour into consideration.
There were some muffled footsteps and then the door was opened. Dumbledore stood there in tan sleeping gowns looking very disheveled and surprised. "All of you out of bed at this hour. I assume whatever the occasion it is of utter importance?" he asked in that quizzical way he did. When we all shook our heads gravely, he stepped out of the doorway. "Then by all means, please do come in,"
George led me into the office and continued to hold my hand when I sat down in the small cushioned chair in front of Dumbledore's desk. George looked like he had seen a ghost and refused to let go of me for even a second. Fred looked like he was about to hit something, and Renae looked absolutely horrified.
"To what do I owe this pleasure?" Dumbledore questioned, settling down behind his desk.
"These," George told him, tossing the three pieces of parchments on the desk with a disgusting expression. "Someone is threatening Andrella. They've been stalking her and sending her these notes,"
Dumbledore read them quickly, keeping a composed face. "I see," He murmured, stroking his very long beard. "When and where did you receive each note?" He asked me in a very serious voice.
"The first one was when I was in the library with Fred and George. I thought someone sent it as a joke, maybe a Slytherin or something because they don't like me very much," When no one said anything I continued. 'I got the second one in the girl's bathroom when we were all in the Three Broomsticks today," Fred and George glanced at me accusingly for a second, not having know that I had gotten the note then. "And I got the third one just ten minutes ago. In my dorm, I…I thought I was alone. After I had changed for bed, I went into the bathroom to brush my teeth. When I came back the note was on my bed,"
"Very well,' Dumbledore said in a serious tone, looking to be deep in thought. "We'll get to the bottom of this as soon as possible. But for now I do not suggest you stay in your dorm room, nor ever be alone until we figure out who is behind this,"
"But where will I sleep? And what about the other girls?" I asked thinking about Angelina in bed right now in the dorm where that monster had watched me undress. I cringed noticeably and George began to rub comforting circles on the back of my hand with his thumb.
"You'll stay in the boy's dorm with us, of course," Fred countered. It looked like if anyone apposed his suggestion they would be the very first one to be hit.
"Whoever sent you these notes seem to interested in you alone. I believe the other girls will be perfectly unharmed in staying there. I believe that Mr. Weasley has the right idea, however I will deny that I ever said that if asked, and pretend that I don't remember," Dumbledore proclaimed, looking very sure of his decision.
"Now, if that is all. I suggest you all get back to bed and not to linger in the hallways on the way back," He added on, looking wary still.
We agreed that sleep would be the best thing right now, even though I knew that I wouldn't be able to sleep even if I tried. My mind was racing in every direction possible trying to figure out who was behind all this and how someone could have been in the room without me seeing them. The walk back to Gryffindor Tower seemed very short, and before I knew it we were all in the boy's sixth year dormitory.
The twins shared the room with Lee Jordan and three other boys, all of them were fast asleep and didn't notice us come in. Renae refused to go back to the girl's dorm and leave me alone, even if she knew I would perfectly safe with Fred and George. Even though we both protested, the boys insisted on us staying in their beds while they slept on the floor. Seeing that arguing with them would be useless, we finally caved and agreed to stay in their beds.
George transfigured the clock on the wall into a cot and placed it directly next to his bed, where I was supposed to be sleeping. I was still preoccupied with fear, but somehow I still managed to feel butterflies in my stomach when George looked at me.
I pulled the blankets around me, remembering how little I was wearing. And as silly as it sounded it made me feel better, like when we were children and believed that the monster in the closet was out to get you. If you pulled the blankets over your head, he couldn't get you. I was feeling the same way, and I wished that it would be enough to just hide under my blankets.
I felt something touch my hand under the covers and for a second I froze, thinking that somehow the monster had found its way to my hiding spot. But when I saw it was only George's hand I took it without thinking. Then the impossible happened. My mind was driving itself crazy asking questions, but somehow the combination of the warm blankets, exhaustion and George's warm hand resting in mine, I feel into a deep, dreamless sleep.