INSERT GENERIC DISCLAIMER OF RIGHTS HERE. Bottom line? They all belong to Queen Rowling. I'm simply here to finish this damn story because y'all deserve it. I aim not to make profits, only drama within the world she created. This story is rated M for a myriad of reasons and may contain themes and situations that could be triggering for some.
With that in mind, I present the next installment of: You Never Said This Would Be Easy
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Why George and not Fred?
With more than enough time to spare, I decided to indulge in the memory of that day through the lens of all I've come to learn about fate. To my fourteen year old mind it seemed the most difficult and important decision I would ever have to make.
Maybe it was.
But it was always a decision I had to make on my own. The possibility that anyone else could have been calling the shots the whole time, frankly, pissed me off. I had suffered for nearly two unbearably long weeks of frustration, confusion, and fear as I agonized over the choice I was suddenly forced to make. If I had it my way, I never would have had to pick between the two when I had no idea what it was I was feeling.
Curse Renae and her inability to keep her bloody mouth shut.
I remembered that moment very clearly because not only had it been extremely embarrassing, it was also the root of the only serious fight Renae and I had to date.
We were all sitting at the breakfast table, grouped off in separate conversations. The twins were bouncing new ideas for pranks off of Lee, Renae was shooting pointed looks between the twins and I, and I sat there oblivious to it all as I tried to drown my woes in caffeine. To say I hadn't gotten much sleep that night was a gross understatement. The fact that those responsible for my streak of sleepless nights were sitting only a meter away made me wish it was socially acceptable to claim the entire pot of coffee as my own.
Between the unrelenting dreams and the sneaking around last night to find a solution to the embarrassing problem they created, I barely got three hours of sleep. Even worse, judging by the smirk permanently etched into Renae's face this morning, I knew these events did not go unnoticed by my super-sleuthing friend.
"It's too early for you to be this happy. What gives?" I finally growled out, wanting to get the ordeal over with as soon as possible.
"Oh, nothing." Renea snickered.
"C'mon, don't give me that shite. You're not grinning like that for nothing." I called her out, too tired to take anything other than the most direct route. Politeness be damned.
"I've just been wondering what or should I saw who kept you out until two in the morning?" Renae posed the question with an evil twinkle in her eyes that made it clear she expected an answer.
"What?" I croaked, voice wavering in panic as my brain tried to register the gravity of her accusation.
"Don't play dumb, Andi." Renae hissed,"I heard you leave once the others went back to sleep and I saw you come back hours later with a doofy, blissed out grin on your face. So spill it. What were you doing and who were you doing it with?"
"All I did last night was try and clear my head." I responded calmly, willing her to believe what was the simplest version of the truth-certainly the cleanest one.
"Uh huh, right. And that worked out well for you, did it?" Renae made no attempt to hide her sarcasm.
"No." I answered honestly.
"And how exactly did you try to 'clear your head'?"
"I walked around the castle for a bit and when that didn't help I took a bubble bath. That made me sleepy at least." I shrugged, skimming over all the important details I so desperately did not want to discuss. There were some topics that were too mortifying to speak about with anyone, even my best friend.
"Mhmm." Renae provided unenthusiastically. She gave me a stony-faced once-over before trying again. "So who's the lucky bloke? Or should I say blokes?"
"What are you talking about?" I sputtered, nearly choking on a mouthful of pumpkin juice. Renae's smile stretched wider than ever as I wiped dribble off my chin.
"I heard you say their names, both of them, right before the others came in and woke you up." Renae confessed, expression almost turning sheepish. Almost.
"What?" I repeated with feigned ignorance, heart dropping into my already queasy stomach. I glanced over to see the boys still engrossed in conversation, now a heated argument over who was the better beater.
"No wonder you'd need some time to clear your head if that's what it was filled with." Renae sympathized, eyes squinting as she began to doubt herself. "That's what you were trying to understand, right? Why you dreamt about being with them both...at the same time?"
I shook my head, more as a wish for her to drop the subject completely than as a denial.
"Listen, I'm not trying to judge you. I understand it must be confusing having a sex dream about two people that are not only your best friends-besides me, of course!-but also twin brothers." She persisted, perfectly manicured fingers brushing over my forearm in what I'm sure she thought was a comforting gesture.
"Shut up." I whispered, glaring at her before checking if anyone had heard. My neck snapped back into place so I could face her as she continued on, casual as ever.
"Gives you a lot to think about or you know whatever else you were doing 'alone' for three hours that made you return in such a better mood. It's okay to admit you were with one of them...or both of them, just tell me the details, okay? I mean what's the benefit of you shagging someone if I don't get to live vicariously through the details?" She chuckled, hand patting my now clenched fist before she returned to sipping her morning tea.
"Shut up!" I repeated, now through clenched teeth. It seems my entire body's reaction was to tense while my mind took its sweet time weighing the decision of lashing out. The primal side of my mind begged for me to give into temptation, to strike the smirk right off of her face. But there's too many witnesses and I've just finished my last detention of the week...
"Look, I'm just trying to let you know I'm supportive of whatever sort of relationship you wish to engage with either or both of them, despite what is normally seen as acceptable. Double trouble, eh? I mean how delightfully taboo! I just want you to tell me if anything goes on in more than just your dreams. Even if nothing actually happened last night, it's only a matter of time if you ask me."
"WOULD YOU SHUT THE BLOODY HELL UP ALREADY!?" I shouted, then realizing my error, snapped my hand over my own mouth. My eyes slid over to look at the twins in slow motion.
Two sets of icy blue eyes stared back into mine. Both had been listening in for long enough, judging by the calculating glint hidden in the swirl of emotion in their gaze I had never seen directed my way before. The confusion was the same, but in Fred's mischievous smirk I read flirtation, but George...his expression was unreadable and that terrified me. It was enough to have me sprinting out of the Great Hall without saying a word to answer either of their unspoken questions.
My focus shifted to finding a private place to break down. Now that my body decided to act on the instinctive flight response, I needed to be alone when my problems caught up with me. I found sanctuary in the abandoned second floor bathroom. Moaning Myrtle was out haunting some other U-bend and I was left blissfully alone with my tears. I couldn't help the scene from replaying in my mind, each repetition fueling a fresh round of sobs.
What was she playing at? Bringing all that up while they were sitting barely a meter away? Why couldn't she keep her mouth shut for once? Or for Merlin's sake, at least lower her voice? She was proving to have a knack for exposing my secrets by proxy of her inherent volume, but never had she taken it that far.
The worst part was she wasn't completely off base, and that's what really pissed me off. She was uniquely aware of how difficult this situation was and in that moment it felt like my prior confidence was betrayed for nothing more than her entertainment. Despite her claims of support, how could I forgive her for bringing this up at the crowded breakfast table when it was obvious it was her intent to be overheard? How could it not have been? The sparkle in her eye revealed true intent-Renae did always have a flair for dramatics.
It was my fault for confiding in her in the first place. If I kept my own damn mouth shut, she wouldn't have had the opportunity to open hers.
Thinking back on it, I'm not sure I could be accountable for what was said when Renae found me mindlessly wandering the halls. My thoughts were stuck in a loop, replaying what I had just witnessed not twenty minute before in maddeningly vivid detail.
I was on a mission to find the twins in order to congratulate them on their first victory over Slytherin for the season. It had been a particularly brutal match, between the raging thunderstorm and Marcus Flint trying to knock either of them off their brooms. One exceptionally nasty sideswipe and he nearly succeeded in pushing Fred into an early grave. George was there to catch him, quick to right him. Charlie caught the snitch right before they had to forfeit the win on account of the twins seeking revenge. Their beaters clubs were poised to strike when the whistle ending the match was blown. They shared a regretful look before lowering their weapons in favor of returning to the ground to celebrate their victory.
It took nearly half an hour to get through the crowds and the rest of the team was already leaving the locker rooms. Spotting Charlie, I did not hesitate to make my way over to where he was shaking hands with Oliver Wood.
"Hey, Andi! You enjoy the match?" Charlie beamed, pulling me into his side for a hug.
I was happy that I managed to keep my voice under control as I answered, but my blushing was a lost cause. Damn my treacherous, translucent skin. "How could I not with you two teaching those losers how the game is played?""
"It was a group effort." Charlie insisted, but with a smug glance at Oliver added, "This time at least."
"You know I doubted when you put both of your brothers on as beaters but even I can admit they worked well out there together and with the team." Oliver admitted to his captain.
"That's because Bill and him are the only ones they'll listen to." I explained with a fond chuckle. Their change in behavior around their older brothers might have been missed to the non observant eye, but I found the subtle signs of respect endearing.
"That's not true and you know it, Andi." Charlie laughed, pulling me in closer before he held me at arm's length. Looking into my eyes in such a way I melted. How could eyes be so blue? And thank Merlin his hand was gripping my shoulder-it was providing my singular source of support.
I just about gained the courage to deny his claim but he started talking before I could. "That might have been true once, but now the only one they'll listen to is this feisty blonde who hasn't realized she's too good for them yet."
"Let's hope for their sake she never does." I smiled, proud of my tongue for making up a decent response while my mind was too busy zeroing in on the fact Charlie Weasley's hand was clasped around my shoulder. Why is this even a big deal? He's your best friends' older brother. Stop it. You're being ridiculous.
"While you're at it, make sure you tell them to focus more on defense. They left me wide open to attack when they were off attempting to murder Flint." Oliver complained, jumping back into the conversation.
"We all know how much you love a good challenge, Wood," I shot back without missing a beat, "but do you happen to know where they are?"
"Still in the showers, should be finished by now though." Oliver replied with an ominous laugh.
"Guess that's my cue to chastise. Later Charlie, Oliver." I raised my hand in mock salute.
"Later Andi. And by all means, don't find it necessary to take it easy on them. In fact, as their older brother, you have my full support in using whatever methods you find necessary. The more extreme the better they'll remember." Charlie encouraged before leading Oliver back to the castle for a well-deserved brunch.
Shaking my head did nothing to dispel the image of Charlie's radiant smile, I intruded into the Gryffindor Locker room to find the twins. I heard their laughter echoing around the tiled hall and sped up to find them, ready to give them a verbal lashing for how much anxiety they caused me over the last several hours. I always worried about them-Quidditch is a brutal game-but they usually did not go out of their way to incite violence. I was ready to let them have it, but I was not ready for what I saw when I rounded the corner.
Fred and George stood in the steam of the shower, wearing nothing but white towels hung snug around idententical hips. For a moment, my brain and body stood frozen as they tried to process the image in front of me. They'd gotten taller over the summer and judging on new definition, Charlie must have been drilling them hard in preparation for the team. They still look a bit more like Bill than Charlie, not that that's a detriment either way. They looked good.
My body reacted first, sweaty palms causing me to lose my grip on the muggle megaphone. It clattered to the floor, startling us all. In the next moment, too much happened at once for my overwhelmed mind to properly comprehend them all.
First, George's towel slipped from its loose grip on his waist, falling to the floor in slow motion to reveal he was naked underneath. He quickly yanked it back into position, but it was too late. I had already seen...everything.
Second, Fred's eyes darted between George and I with his infamous grin stretching wider at each pass. My best guess was that he was trying to decide who's cheeks were a brighter shade of red. It was neck and neck, if I had to call it.
Third, after taking only moment to recover Fred's focused his attention on me. As he spoke, I stood there with my mouth hanging wide open, unable to accept the situation I was currently in or the words coming out of Fred's mouth.
"We're comparing battle wounds. Care to be our impartial judge?" Fred asked with a wicked grin. "Georgie's got a nasty bruise forming on his side but I think the one on my thigh's gonna be worse. What do you think?" He lifted his leg onto the bench and pulled the towel up to the hip to reveal his thigh. It was just this side of indecent.
Admittedly there was a giant patch of purpling skin on the inside of his thigh and it probably hurt something awful, but that is not the line of thought my mind provided at the sight. By the way Fred winked at me when I finally met his gaze, he knew it. He didn't say anything as he dropped his leg from the bench and pointed at George, but the look of amusement in his eyes was enough to have me squirming. There was an intensity lurking underneath that had me ready to break eye contact.
Happy to take any excuse, I turned my attention to George. I didn't have to work very hard to locate the bruise blooming across his side. I followed the trail to where it disappeared underneath the thin cotton of his towel...reminding me it was the only barrier between him and his naked skin….
Megaphone be damned.
I muttered something unintelligible even to myself before hightailing it out of there. I ran all the way back to my dorm, not stopping until I was sprawled out on my bed, curtains drawn tight. I skipped dinner that night. I told them all I had a terrible migraine and would like to be left alone. After I ignored anyone's attempt to talk to me. It wasn't far from a lie but it wasn't exactly addressing the elephant in the locker room either. I'd be damned to admit to anyone (least of all myself) what I was trying to avoid thinking about with such ferocity to cause said migraine.
When I woke up with a strange tension in my gut I had never felt before I had the urge to skip breakfast, too. At the thought, my stomach growled in protest. I'd have to face the music, or more accurately the twins-but how? How could I look them in the face after losing the battle to my unconscious? After reacting to them in such a way? How could I face them after thinking about them in such unfriendly ways? Scratch that, too friendly.
When I pulled the curtains away from my four-poster cocoon it was to find I had an audience. Slowly, Angelina and Mary started to clap while Renae let out a whistle.
"What?" I asked dumbly, hand dropping down to my side as I studied each of their odd expressions.
"Whoever you keep dreaming about, well, they obviously know what they're doing." Angelina sniggered, elbowing Mary in the side playfully. "Wouldn't mind having a dream like that even once, am I right?"
"Honestly. All I keep dreaming about is failing our upcoming Charms exam." Alicia sighed wistfully, returning to the task of combing her hair.
"Judging by her praise, whoever was working their charms on Andi was earning full marks!" Renae added, earning a high-five from Angelina and my pillow tossed at her face.
"SHUT UP! I meant it! Not another word! I've got more where that came from!" I threatened, holding up my other pillow.
"Whatever. Go bathe your dirty body and hope it'll cleanse your soul and purify your filthy mind." Renae shot back easily.
"Better make it a cold one." Angelina said with a shameless grin. Her quick reflexes allowed her to dodge the pillow I launched at her head.
Despite their intention to tease me, a shower sounded like Heaven. It turned out to be the last thing I need because as soon as I was lost in the steam of the shower I could not repress the memory of the dream that kept me tossing and turning, touching myself throughout the night.
I had a repeat performance for the following two weeks, each morning waking up to their teasing to wash away the shame of it in the showers before I faced the source of my frustrations at breakfast. But it was becoming too much to handle. Today's explosion on Renae-even if she deserved it-was evidence enough. The sight of the twins in the steam from the shower was confusing enough, but the supplemental images my mind provided in dreams was making my waking life unbearable.
The fact that they knew? That my dirty secret had been found out? That was bad enough in theory, but seeing their reactions? How could our friendship ever be the same? Fred thought it was some kind of joke and George…
I didn't want to think about how George looked before I ran out of the hall. I certainly didn't want to think about how awkward our next conversation would be. But it would seem I had no choice in avoiding the matter.
There was a hesitant knock on the door before it was cracked open, George's voice soft but unmistakable, "Andrella? Are you in here? It's me, George."
I know, I thought, saying instead, "What do you want?"
"I want to talk about why you ran away before. May I come in?" George asked, the clear expectation of being turned away is what changed my mind from lashing out with sarcasm, settling somewhere in between with "If you must."
George didn't hesitate-knowing me well enough to know I could change my mind faster than it was made up in the first place. He entered the room slowly, eyes scanning to find me sitting on the floor with my back propped against the ornate sink.
"Thanks for letting me in. May I sit down?" George asked with the ghost of his usual smile, but it was enough for me to nod my head. I didn't know what to say. He was being so gentle and I didnt know how to interpret his uncharacteristically cautious behavior.
George sat down directly at my right, long legs sprawled out in front of him as I hugged mine close to my chest. For a few minutes neither of us said a word, the tenison building as we looked out at the depressing decor of the neglected bathroom. When George cleared his throat, I was so startled I jumped at the sound. My shoulder brushed his and I pulled away as if it burned me, something he noticed. "'M sorry, 'Drella, didn't mean to frighten you. Its-I'm sorry."
"It's what, George?"
"No, nevermind. That wasn't the right thing to say."
"What wasn't?" I pressed.
"That it's nothing." George sighed, then rushed onward to make sure he wasn't misunderstood, "But what I mean is that it doesn't have to mean anything if it doesn't and not if you don't want it too."
"So you know then?" I asked, looking anywhere but his face.
"Just what I've gathered from your conversation with Renae." George shrugged his shoulders. He was sitting so close that his skin brushed against mine with the movement but this time I didn't jerk away.
"And what did you conclude?" I asked, nerves turning it into a whisper.
"That after you saw us in the locker room you had a...dream about us." George said delicately.
"Are you angry with me?"
"Why would I be angry?" He asked with such an innocent confusion I almost broke my staring-contest with the puddle growing on the floor in the far off corner. Almost.
"Because my stupid brain always finds a way to complicate everything!" I raged, too afraid to assume anything but the worst.
"Can't exactly argue with that." George snorted, before glancing over at me and realizing how I interpreted what he said, "but not in the way you think!"
"What do you mean then?" I asked, curiosity strong enough to speak but still not enough to look at him.
"I mean that your brain might be trying to complicate things by assuming I would be upset with you. I would never be upset with you for something like this." George said with a sincerity that had me risking a glance upward. The shy smile I found was enough to make me raise my head and face him. Of course he then had to ruin it by musing, "If anything, I'm flattered. Even if I had to share the spotlight with Fred, it's an honor really."
"George!" I shrieked, smacking his chest in indignation. "I can't believe you just said that!"
"Really? You can't believe it?" George mocked, not bothering to defend himself against my attack.
"Fine; it's totally believable! Leave it to you to find amusement in my embarrassment!" I huffed.
"See, that's the problem. You keep implying this is embarrassing and I understand where it might be for other people but it doesn't have to be a big deal. I mean, honestly, are we mates or what?" George reasoned, his smile growing as my slaps began to lose enthusiasm.
"That's why it's embarrassing!" I protested.
"No, that's why it doesn't have to be embarrassing!" George persisted. "We're best mates which means we can talk about anything without it being uncomfortable!"
"How can you be so calm about this?" I groaned, chancing another glance at the radiant smile that churned my stomach as much as it soothed my soul.
"Because there is no way I'm going to let something jeopardize our relationship, especially not something that I see as both natural and inevitable." George reaffirmed.
"Excuse me?" I interjected, eyes finally meeting his in a glare. "Inevitable?"
"No, wait! Just hear me out, okay?" George pleaded.
"Fine." I growled, folding my arms over my chest to keep them from shaking.
"Thank you." George sighed, taking a deep breath before continuing, "I should have phrased that better, but we've already established I've a knack for saying the wrong thing. Sorry for that, it's just hard to talk about this stuff with anyone but Fred, cause I don't actually have to verbalize anything, you know? But this is important, so-"
"George?"
"Hmm?"
"You're rambling." I pointed out, hand reaching out to squeeze his shoulder. This was far too gentle a gesture, considering I should still be upset about his implication.
"Right, sorry. It's just that Fred and I are your best mates. You've spent the better part of three years in each other's company and we're getting older now."
"That's all true but what's the point, George?"
"Well, we're all growing up and, um, filling out and, uh, noticing people in a different way. You know, appreciating things we might have never thought about before?" George scrambled to form a proper sentence.
"Like?"
"Like how between the three of us, we're the most attractive in our year, certainly in Gryffindor." George shamelessly boasted.
"George!" I shrieked again, brandishing him with another round of half-hearted slaps.
"What! It's just a fact!" George retorted, still not raising his arms to defend himself. "One you've obviously just started to contemplate after what you saw the other day in the locker room."
"Shut up!"
"I don't mean to sound presumptuous but I'm the first bloke you've seen naked, amIright?" George smirked his question in a tone that presumed many things I wasn't sure I was ready to wrap my head around.
"So? How is that relevant?" I protested, not missing the way his smirk stretched into a full grown smile at the confirmation.
"Between that, Fred's obstinate flirtation, and how you're starting to think about blokes-or birds, or both, honestly, no judgement here!-in uh, more than strictly platonic ways, well, I'd say that it's only natural that your subconscious choose to explore these new...possibilities with the people you feel most comfortable with." George surmised, hand reaching out to grip my own in a reassuring manner. Or at least, I'm sure it was supposed to be reassuring. It only made my stomach flutter with unpleasant gusto.
Finally, I realized the implications of what he said. "Oh My God, George! Are you trying to have "The Talk" with me right now?"
"Well, it wasn't my intention but Hell, why not?" George said with a nervous laugh. "We're not kids anymore; We should be able to discuss this kind of thing. Fred and I do. Obviously so do you and Renae."
When I continued to stare at the floor, George continued, casual as ever. "You've been having sex dreams about Fred and I, so what? Do you fancy us? If you do-wicked. If you don't, that's all right, too. "
"I-I-"I stuttered, unable to form anything past the first syllable. Shock had me looking to his face, searching for well, I'm not really sure what.
But I found it.
I took a deep breath and shook my head. "I don't think so. Maybe. I haven't really thought about it before, but you're, uh, right. You are the first boy I've seen…and I guess you know, my mind needed to work that out."
"Okay, that's fine. Think about it. Take as much time as you need to work it out but don't worry, Drella. You can't get rid of us that easy." George reassured.
I squeezed the hand that was still holding mine, needing the boost of courage before asking my next question. "You're not weirded out then?"
"Not at all. You can't control your thoughts when you're asleep and even it's not just when you're sleeping…I mean to say I won't go jumping to any conclusions like Renae but I want you to feel comfortable enough in our friendship to know you can talk to me about anything. I mean, that wasn't so awful was it?" George chuckled, voice lightening as he asked his question.
His easiness was contagious and I found myself speaking through a small smile. "No, it wasn't. Thanks for that."
"Any time, Drells, but I do have one question."
"Okay?" I said, hesitant to trust the misplaced innocence in his eyes.
"I was wondering, I know it was just a dream, but who was better? Fred or me?" George asked with a completely serious expression.
"George! Shut UP!" I squealed, shoving him away from me as I scrambled to my feet.
"That's my name love and feel free to wear it out!" George cackled, doubled over, clutching his sides in reaction to his own joke.
"I hate you!" I claimed, storming away from him. My cheeks were too red to face him.
"No, you don't." George refuted with a fresh wave of laughter.
"You're awful!" I shouted but was otherwise unable to deny it.
"Is that how you treat your knight in shining armor come to rescue you?" George asked with a playfulness that was better suited than the spot-on sensitivity of before. I turned back just to give myself the satisfaction of making him watch me roll my eyes. He was holding his hand out for me to help him up. He pouted at me until I grabbed it and hoisted him to his feet. I was unable to restit muttering an "as if" under my breath while doing it.
"Your words wound me but alas, ye of little faith, I know you'll be singing a different tune once you feast your pretty eyes upon this!" George exclaimed, dramatically pulling something from his cloak pocket. He placed it on the flattened palm of his outstretched hand. He wiggled the fingers of his other hand in a fanning motion, exclaiming, "Behold this most glorious example of Hogwarts cooking! A still warm pumpkin muffin!"
"You're such a fool." I shook my head at him, hand raising to hide the smile I couldn't fight off.
"So, you don't want this then?" George asked, bringing the muffin up to his mouth and making a show of taking a bite.
"I didn't say that!" I protested, snatching the baked good out of his loose grip. Once it was safely in my possession, I taunted, "I simply said you're a fool."
"A fool or your Savior from Starvation? I'll settle for both." George offered. His case of wiggly eyebrows had returned.
"Nope, just a fool." I tossed back just to mess with him. With an exaggerated wink, I stuffed the entire muffin in my mouth before pulling him out of the bathroom.
Neither of us acknowledged the fact that our hands were clasped tightly the entire walk down to the dungeons. We also did not comment on how both of us seemed reluctant to relinquish our hold on the other, only doing so out of a jolting shock when the door was swung open. Any comments we might have said were forgotten as we were ushered inside the classroom by an irritated Potions master.
We never did acknowledge it. In fact, once the day was over it was like it never existed. It was like we had all made an unspoken agreement to forget everything about the awkward situation building between us. As if choosing to exile it to the recesses of our minds would be any easier than facing it head on.
As I settled back into the present it was to happily note my body worked on instinct. I opened my eyes to see my wrist stop at the 12 o'clock position and turn itself around for just one stroke. Seeing that my body had it under control, I let my thoughts wander again, this time trying to put meaning in the memory.
I hadn't thought about that time in my life in years. Surely there must be a reason my mind so readily supplied the details of conversations I'd been happy pretending I never had. I heard the distinct sound of someone clearing their throat as my muscles continued to act on their own accord, lifting the ladle out of the cauldron and placing in on the drying mat on the desk.
"How long have you been back?" I addressed the empty room.
We never left. Romona's voice sounded clear in my mind.
We joined you when you first returned and as long as your soul remains intact, bound to your mind we shall remain. Neviah added in a light tone that contrasted with the severity of what her statement implied.
"Fine, then. You're supposed to guide me? Help me through things? That's your purpose, isn't it?" I posed the challenge. As displeased as I was to learn I had a mental audience, I would be damned if I didn't take advantage of its benefits.
Of course.Romona answered, her tone leading me to imagine a scowl to rival Professor Snape's.
What do you wish to know? Neviah asked, sounding suspiciously like she was trying to fight a smile.
"Why did I fall in love with George and not Fred?" I asked, too afraid of the answer for bravado.
You have just seen your answer. Neviah said unable to hide her amusement any longer.
"Care to elaborate?" I huffed, the sound of her obvious enjoyment of my suffering getting on my nerves.
There are many paths of Fate. Fate allows choice because no matter the path traveled, the destination does not change-Destiny uses Fate and Choice as tools to reach its own end. Neviah said. Taking a moment to register my confusion, she continued on with a laugh.
You were Destined to fall in love with a Weasley Twin. You could have chosen Fred and you could have chosen to repeat my mistakes by loving them both. But after George chose to come after you alone, that was the day you began to look at them differently.
"Why did George come alone?" I asked.
The better question is why didn't Fred join him? Neviah said cryptically.
"That's the same question only worded differently!"
Everything matters, including wording. Nothing is too insignificant. Neviah's voice had sharpened, as if she was trying to engrave her message into my skull.
Every single detail of every single interaction between the three of you has mattered. Your paths have always been destined to cross but you must ask yourself why that specific interaction set you down the path you currently lead.
"That's what I've been trying to ask you." I grumbled, growing more frustrated the more confused I became.
Sensing this, Romona spoke over her sister. George is the only one who you allow to call you 'Drella' or 'Drells'. Why is that? When did that happen-the very first time he used those nicknames? Think Andrella.
I did as instructed, trying to recall the details. My eyes widened in realization that I had, in fact, just reviewed the memory.
And why is no one but George allowed to call you that? Romona guided.
I thought back to a few weeks after the incident when everything had otherwise returned to normal. Fred had tested out my new nickname for the first time while we were sitting down for lunch. I remembered the argument that seemed to dance between their eyes and George's aggressive insistence that only he could call me that. "George said he had claimed it and that Fred would have to find some other name to call me." I saw the lightbulb go over my own head and felt like an idiot for not realizing it sooner. "He wasn't talk about my nickname, was he?"
No, he was not. Romona replied, smug that she was able to get through to me when her sister could not.
You chose to love George and only George because by the time you had that conversation, George had already claimed you as his alone-at least if the decision came between sharing.
"What?" I asked, feeling even more idiotic needing to ask for clarification but wanting to understand what was being said.
Earning your romantic love is one of very few matters and the very first tasks George decided he would not complete with his twin, even if it meant he would have to compete against him. Neviah supplied.
"Really?" I asked, skeptical of their knowledge of George's inner monologue.
Trust us, Child. Once we found out the identity of your soulmate, we have been doing our research. Fitting that there was such a scandalous wealth of information to wade through, only right for the mate of an Ismerte to give as good as they're destined to get. Romona laughed conspiratorially.
"Really? What else do you know about George or our relationship together?" I asked with piqued interest.
Everything. Neviah answered with a visible smugness in her tone. I was about to ask her to elaborate but she was speaking again, But we don't have time for this right now.
"What? Why?" I demanded.
Someone's coming! You need to be quiet before they hear you talking to yourself! Romona answered.
We'll explain later; We have to go! Neviah promised, her voice fading away as the creaking sound of the door being slowly pushed open. I was instantly on high alert.
It put me on edge for a reason I couldn't explain. Taking their hasty retreat as a warning, I trained my wand at the entrance and waited for the intruder to find me. You've picked the wrong time and place, mate.
"Professor Snape? I knocked by no one answered. Are you in here?"
I heard a distinctly male voice call from around the corner. Unable to break the stirring process now-I called out, aiming to make my voice sound as robotic as possible. "Snape's not in at the mo'. Leave a message at the beep. BEEP!"
"Andrella? Is that you?" The voice asked, sounding closer. "Where are you?"
"In the office!" I shouted back, careful to keep my ladle-hand steady on the final rotation.
"Hey, Andi. You're still working?" The previously unidentified wizard asked coming into view at last.
"For just one…two…three…more stirs." I replied, looking up at Harry with a satisfied grin once the simmering cauldron was removed from heat. "How was your time in the greenhouses?"
"Bloody awful, thanks for asking." Harry grumbled, heaving the now full sack onto Snape's desk with great effort. "Where's Snape gone?"
"Out." I answered with a simple shrug.
"Out where?" Harry pressed, eyes narrowing at the evasive answer.
"You really think he'd tell me?" I pushed to avoid the topic all together with what would hopefully be a successful deflection.
"He just left you here in his office? Unattended?" Harry inquired, skeptical at best.
"Had to finish the potion." I explained vaguely, holding up the freshly filled vials of the shimmering lilac substance before slipping one into my bag. I left the others on the desk and turned back to smile at Harry's confused expression.
"What is that?"
"It's a Prophetic Dream Potion." I said after an internal debate stretched on for far too long to not be considered awkward.
"What does it do?"
"Hopefully it will give me some perspective into the madness that's been clouding my life recently." I offered with a laugh I hoped didn't sound as forced as it felt.
"If it works, you'll have to slip me one of those." Harry sighed, glancing between the remaining vials on the desk and the egg tucked underneath his arm.
"Still giving you trouble?" I asked, nodding to the great, golden burden.
"Yes and now the task is less than two months away and I'm no closer to figuring it out then I was the day it came to be my responsibility." Harry responded quickly, like he'd been repressing his fears for too long. At the sound of his wistful sigh he tensed up, voice turning serious. "Just don't tell Hermione, okay? I've told her I've got it worked out already."
"I swear I won't say a word as long as you let me take a look. Deal?" I proposed.
"Deal." Harry agreed, pushing the egg into my awaiting hands. Evidently more than relieved to pass on the weight of responsibility, if only for a moment.
Seeing as I had been taking quick trips down Vision-Lane more frequently now, I was able to keep my composure when I was met with an unexpected jolt forward into the unknown. As my fingers touched the glittering surface, images began to flash in my mind.
Harry being approached by Cedric Diggory. Harry taking a bath to Mermaid's song. Harry given a package by Dobby. Harry with gills, emerging from the surface of the Black Lake with Ron and Fleur Delacour's little sister, Gabrielle. Harry being cheered on as he was awarded second place to Diggory, tying their scores overall.
"You all right, Andi? You sorta zoned out for a minute." Harry interrupted the vision by placing his hand tentatively on my shoulder.
"Yeah, I'm good and you will be, too." I said with a vague smile, returning the egg to its rightful owner.
"How can you be sure?" Harry sighed again, the self-doubt laden thick in the simple sound.
"Because I have faith, Harry." I assured him, clapping him on the back for good measure. "Things will work out in the way they are meant to, even when it seems like everything is working to defeat our hope."
"That was oddly…profound. No offense, but you got all of that from holding the egg?"
"That and more, my friend." I replied with a laugh. "And no offense taken. It's advantageous to be discounted. It makes victory all that more sweet when you proved that you've earned it."
"I didn't mean anything by that." Harry apologized.
"I know, just remember you're not alone, okay? You've helped many people in very powerful ways, so don't be surprised if they want to return the favor. You've got friends who want to help you. Don't do yourself a disservice by refusing their help, especially when it comes from unexpected sources." I advised, trying not to give myself away more than necessary.
"Thanks, Andi. I'll try to remember that." Harry said.
"Now, C'mon. I don't want us getting locked in the dungeons when we're both got a party to attend." I pulled Harry toward the exit, trying to pick his spirits back up. "Have you seen George or Fred by any chance?"
"Yeah, actually. Funny you should ask." Harry answered, giving me an odd look. "They asked me to tell you they were on their way to the statue. How did you know?"
"I've grown to trust my instincts recently. You'd benefit from doing the same." I advised instead of answering his question.
"You're a strange one, Wendling." Harry noted with a hesitant smile.
"If you're just noticing this, then I'd mind you to work on improving your observational skills as well." I chuckled.
Harry didn't reply and we fell into a tense silence. I say tense because I felt his eyes raise from the floor to watch me in thirty second intervals. With a sigh designed to make Harry uncomfortable, I stopped abruptly and wheeled around to face him.
"What's wrong?" Harry asked with a ghost of a blush on his face. Serves him right.
"Stop staring at me and say what you need to say. Just let it out already. "
"WhydidyoukissRon?" Harry blurted out, sentence turned into a singular word.
"Say that again. Slower this time." I demanded, hoping I had misheard him.
Harry cleared his throat before further elaborating on his original question, "If you love George, why did you kiss Ron?"
"It was a mistake-a cruel one at that. But the twins were trying to guess who I liked and I wasn't ready to answer them honestly. The lie was easier." I answered honestly, too put off by the unexpectedness of the question to stop myself from rambling. "It scared the hell out of me, realizing I loved George. I-I didn't think he could love me back. Sometimes I'm still not sure why he does, especially when I have a tendency to act irrationally under pressure."
"But why Ron?" Harry pressed.
"Because I thought it might be easier if I just gave up on my crush and gave Ron a chance. That way I wouldn't have to risk losing my best friend." I said, making sure to look Harry in the eye no matter how uncomfortable it was do so while admitting a mistake. It felt important that I did.
"And because I knew Ron wouldn't stop me. George would be shocked enough to give me a moment to think. I'm equally as glad George didn't believe it for a second as I am sorry that Ron did. That's why it's cruel. Look I have no right to ask, but he's over it, right? Ron doesn't fancy me still, does he?" I asked, feeling the panic rising back into my chest at the possibility.
"No, he doesn't." Harry answered candidly. A smile growing on his face as he shook his head. "And if I'm being honest, I'm not sure he ever did. Not seriously, at least. I think he's too smitten with Hermione for that, he's just not ready to accept it yet."
"Good. They're a good balance for each other." I concluded, finding a smile of my own.
"Like you and George, just in a less obvious way." Harry agreed.
"I'd like to think so."
"No, I mean it, Andi. You might not appear to be as opposite as those two, but you're just different enough to make it work." Harry said. "I think that's why it was so easy for Ron to give up his crush. Seeing you two together it just makes sense."
"That's a very nice thing for you to say, Harry, thank you." I said, my turn to blush. I cleared my throat and patted his shoulder. "Now let's get moving. Can't leave those two alone for too long or they'll get into trouble without us."
"You're sounding like Hermione again." Harry pointed out with an unattractive snort.
"I think you missed the essential clause in that sentence." I grinned back. "Why should they have all the fun? After hours of hard work, I say we've earned the right to find some deserving Slytherins to use as target practice. There's a new hex I've been meaning to test out. What do you say, Harry?"
"What?"
"Care to join us for some light-hearted mischief?" I offered, beaming at the younger Gryffindor.
"No, uh, I think I'll pass this time." Harry stammered, eyes growing wide at the possibility of being roped into one of our infamous pranks.
"Your loss." I shrugged off the rejection. "See you at the party later?"
"If you don't get caught doing…whatever it is you're about to do, then sure thing, Andi." Harry replied, tension draining now that he was confident I wouldn't force him to participate. As if.
"Oh, Harry. You'll eventually learn to stop doubting my skills." I laughed evilly, not caring that it only served to frighten him again. "Just be happy I've grown fond of you."
"Right, then, see you later." Harry said with a nod, backing down the hall away from me slowly. It was similar to one how one would treat an offended Hippogriff. "Have fun. Don't get caught."
"Don't worry about that, Harry. I've been waiting for years to pull this one out. Just needed a good enough excuse. I have a feeling we'll all be having a very happy New Year, indeed." I answered with a dismissive wave of the hand. "Run along now. Best not to tell anyone you saw me if you don't want to be implicated. Good idea to stay away from the pumpkin juice at tomorrow's breakfast. Unless, of course, you'd like to find out first hand why it's good practice not to underestimate me again!"
Once I was sure Harry was gone, I sprinted to find a private enough space where no one would accidentally stumble upon me. Checking first to make sure I was alone, I made myself invisible and used my ability to breeze through the hallways like a gust of wind. I found myself in the last aisle of the restricted section before I gave my legs permission to bring me there. After a few minutes of waiting and nothing happening, I stopped staring at the shelf and moved over to the potions section. When I realized pulling books at random was getting me nowhere, I decided I was not so consumed by my pride to ask for help.
Romona, to my delightful surprise was not only similar to Snape in her stern outward display, but also in her brewing abilities. After Neviah and Romona were debriefed on my plan both were excited to lend me their expertise. Once Romona told me which ingredients were necessary, she told me envision the cupboard in Snape's office containing his impressive inventory of potions ingredients. I opened my eyes to see them all tucked neatly inside my bag and made a mental note to replace them when I wasn't so pressed for time.
Looking at the clock, seeing how late it was getting, I decided repaying Snape was nowhere near the top of my priority list. I placed cushioning charms on the glass vials, making sure everything was secure before I left the library in a dead sprint. Running like this was liberating. It was the closest to flying I had been since Dumbledore took my broom away what seemed like months ago now.
I made another mental note to ask him to allow me to practice it again and then pushed all worries out of my mind. I focused on nothing but how freeing it felt to move through the halls at impossible speeds. I keep increasing the pace, panting for breath through an unshakeable grin. I let my body take control of itself and allowed my mind to wander.
Acting on impulse added many new tasks on my already long To-Do list but with all the necessary tools already in my possession it was easy to rationalize. I couldn't help but feeling a lightness in my heart that I hadn't felt in weeks. How long has it been since the twins and I played a prank on someone?
With Phase I complete, the decision was already made. I have absolutely no shame in admitting that my newly hatched plan had so excited, I became nothing but a breeze, passing everyone I met with no indication of my existence but ruffled hair and the whisper of ghostly giggles. I wasn't lying when I told Harry I'd been biding my time for years to turn this prank into reality. Now that I finally had the confidence I have the ability to pull it off to the necessary standard….
Let the fun and games begin.
"Why the bloody hell did I let you convince me giving the map to Harry was a good idea?" George grumbled, throwing a glare over his shoulder at the resulting laughter.
"As I recall, it was your idea and you had to convince me to part with it." Fred corrected, watching with equal parts amusement and concern as George resumed pacing the length of the room.
"And who is that fact helping now?" George growled back. "Aren't you supposed to talk me about of stupid ideas? What use are you otherwise?"
"It wasn't stupid; It was the right thing to do. Besides, between the three of us, neither you nor I can claim to be the voice of reason." Fred said. Instead of reacting to the jab, he redirected the conversation to the apparent source of his twin's agitation.
Me?
"Where is she Fred?" George asked, his voice near broken as he paused to give his twin an imploring look. A look of unexplained despair that was almost enough for me to lift my invisibility and reveal myself. Fred's next question was the only reason I paused mid-spell.
"Do you really love her?"
I held my breath as I waited for the answer. George began nodding his head, his body replying before his brain could form words. "With everything I have-my entire heart and soul."
"Do you trust her?"
"Of course, but what if-"
"Stop." Fred interrupted his brother's hypothetical.
"But-"
"No." Fred said firmly, pushing himself off the wall. He walked over to George and placed both hands on his twin's shoulders. George tried to shake him off but Fred only held on tighter, crowding into his space. "Struggle all you want, but I'm still going to say what I need to say and you're going to listen because you need to hear it."
George's body reacted instinctively to Fred's demand. His shoulders sagged and his chin turned up to meet Fred's insist gaze. How could he not when Fred was actually being serious for once...stern even. It demanded a matching attention. Fred gave George's shoulder another squeeze, gentler this time, as a reassuring smile stretched across his face. Now with a softer tone, he asked, "Do you remember our pact?"
"Which one?" George forced a laugh.
"The most important one we keep." Fred snapped back, no patience for George's feigned naivety.
"What about it?" George spoke through his teeth, jaw clenched tight.
"Do you remember why we needed it in the first place?" When George's only indication that he heard him was a narrowed glare, Fred continued, exasperation displayed as sarcasm. "I shouldn't have to remind you of this, but since your current state seems to indicate a decreased level of brain functioning-I'll make this simple.
"It's not a secret that Andrella is a brilliant witch, even without this Ismerte business. Just like it's undeniable fact she's fit as hell. I mean she's always had a beautiful face, but let's just say you're not the only one that's noticed how nicely she filled out over the summer."
"What are you getting at? Choose your next words carefully, Fred." George threatened, clearly unimpressed about what was being implied-I, myself, was having mixed feelings on the subject.
"I'm saying that it wasn't a coincidence that we were both attracted to Andrella even before we know what that meant. It's also not coincidence our bodies, or minds, or both or whatever all decided to suggest the possibility when we were asleep, when we couldn't help but acknowledge-"
"Shut up!" George shouted, trying to drown out what Fred was trying to say.
"No! I know we agreed to never talk about it again, but dammit, you're finally going to listen to what I have to say about this! I've kept my opinion to myself for three bloody years!" Fred insisted. He clamped his hand over George's mouth and spoke loud enough to be heard over his twin's muffled complaints.
"When you left to follow Andi the night after that dream, I had my suspicions. When you came back from talking to her, I no longer had any doubts. You loved her. It might have been sudden or might have been building and I just never noticed it before, but it only took one look at your face and I knew it was true.
"You claimed it didn't matter what happened as long as she was happy, and that's true, too. I knew it as soon as we shook on it and you tried to crush the bones in my hand. You were begging me not pursue her if I wasn't a hundred percent sure. You would never actually ask, especially not if there was a possibility that I and not you could be the source of her happiness. You would never make her choose between us. And not because you were afraid of her choice but because of how unfair it would be to ask her to make one at all.
"That's what got me to agree to the pact." Fred admitted with a sheepish grin. "That's what made me realize you were better suited for her than me. Even if I loved her, I don't think I could do the same if our roles were reversed. I don't think I'd be strong enough to...just let her go if that's what she thought best. But then again, you've always been more selfless than me." Fred finished his monologue by patting George's cheek. He released his hold and stepped away to give George space.
"You loved her?" George asked. Of course, that would be the only thing he'd get out of that.
"No, not in that way, not really. I loved the idea of her, still do if I'm being honest. But I forced myself to view Andrella as my fraternal twin sister for as long as you've loved her romantically. And, no, I've never regretted taking on that perspective." Fred corrected.
"Why not?"
"Because, George, if anyone is good enough to share the other half of my soul-it's her. I don't ever think I've seen you happier than you've been in these last two months than I have all together in the last two years." Fred said simply, returning to his casual lean against the stone wall. He asked. "Am I wrong? Can you name a time that you've been happier? That you've seen her happier?"
George barely took a minute to think before he shook his head "no".
"Then don't ruin it by doubting the strength of what you share. She loves you, George, only you. You know that, don't you?"
"Yeah." George replied, still sounding unsure.
"Good, then wipe that sad, sorry look off your face before Andi pops up and you have to explain what's got your knickers in a bunch." Fred teased, then growing serious again, said, "Not that you shouldn't talk to her about this, but the timing isn't right. You don't want to start the New Year off on unsteady footing, you know? You aren't...having doubts are you?"
"About my love for her? Never." George swore.
"Do you doubt that she loves you? After everything you've been through, you don't actually think-"Fred cut himself off, unable to say the rest of his thoughts as disbelief flashed across his expression.
"No, I don't." George forcefully refuted whatever Fred had been hinting at with his previous statement.
"Then what? What's causing you to doubt?"
"I don't doubt her loyalty or her love for me, but sometimes I doubt her reason to have one in the first place. I'm terrified she's going to wake up one day and realize she doesn't love me anymore, that someone like her can do better than me." George voiced his fears with a waterfall effect-once one fear trickled out of his mouth, the rest wanted to follow.
"Honestly, Fred I'm nothing compared to her. She's basically as powerful as Merlin himself at this point and she barely scratched the surface on what she's capable of! What if one day she realizes that I'll never be able to measure up and she wants to find someone that can? Or worse, what if she feels like she has to settle for me out of fear of ruining our friendship? Oh, god, Fred. I can't lose her. I can't."
"Whoa, wait a minute, George. Let's get something cleared up-you both have options here. You're both quite attractive, young, intelligent, with a whole world of possibility in front of you. You choose to be together because you love one another." Fred pushed himself away from the wall when George resumed pacing.
"Second off, you're not nothing. She might have more powerful magic than you, but so what? I know you're comfortable enough with yourself to appreciate a dominant woman, so what's the problem here, George? You're really going to let that get in the way of what you two have?"
"But-"
"No, I won't listen to you bash yourself." Fred shook his head, expression sobering with every step he took to place himself in George's path. "I know you've been having a hard time with all this bullshite. Yes, I know you didn't want to worry me but I'm your twin, George. I know when something's going on with you whether you want to talk to me about it or not.
"But just like I know you, I know her. I've studied the way she acts around you from the moment she started treating us differently. That's why I knew she returned your feelings and bullied you to act on them. I wouldn't have been so forceful if I wasn't sure. And I'll be honest with you, Georgie, Lee and I have admitted to being jealous of the way she looks at."
Seeing the way his brother's eyes narrowed at the statement, Fred held his hands up in surrender before the accusation could be verbalized. "Not because either of us fancy Andi but because it must feel bloody wonderful for someone to love you so much it radiates from their entire being."
George didn't reply but his gaze softened from a glare. Fred took this as his opportunity to make his final point. "All I'm saying is if I had someone in my life that made me as happy as Andi makes you, I would never stop fighting to make sure she stays in it. I certainly wouldn't let the jealousy of others bring me anything but joy. Remember, George, At the beginning of each day-who does she wake up next to? And at the end of every night-whose arms does she fall asleep in?"
I couldn't take it anymore. With every word said, I had to stop myself from busting out of hiding to give George the reassurance he so clearly needed. Fred was doing an excellent job on my behalf-I'd have to thank him for that later-but it was too painful to hear George voice his insecurities with our relationship. I had no idea he felt this way and the fact I didn't really understand the why only made it worse.
So I walked down the hall and took a few dozen deep breaths to calm myself. It didn't really help but I couldn't lurk in the hallways a moment longer knowing every second I was not there gave George reason to worry. Making sure the hall was still clear, I made myself reappear into others' plane of sight. I marched dutifully to the twins, head held high with my new found mission. I let my feet fall heavier than normal, wanting to give them fair warning of my arrival.
"-Now that's the spirit, Georgie Boy! A master plan to be proud of, indeed." Fred snickered, clapping a hand on his brother's back.
"Care to share this spirit? Or the details of this master plan?" I asked as I stomped into the room, still managing to startle them both despite my noisy arrival.
By the way George looked at me-eyes scorching, devious intent dripping from his smirk-I would have never believed he was anything less than confident. Even after overhearing his conversation with Fred, the way he looked at me now had me convinced there wasn't an ounce of doubt hiding underneath. They way he was looking at me certainly left no doubt what he'd be doing to me if Fred wasn't here…
I drew my focus back to his eyes and away from his lips when they started to move, "Don't worry about that, Drella. You'll find out soon enough."
I hummed in response, not sure of what to say. I was trying instead to think of what he managed to cook up in my two minute absence. I decided not to push it; the satisfaction of having my curiosity sated outweighed by the joy provided in seeing him smile.
"Funny enough because I've come up with a plan of my own." I offered him a smile of my own.
"Is that so?" George asked, eyebrow raising in amusement.
"Do share with the class." Fred waved his hand in invitation.
"Well, for starters-we're not going to Honeydukes." I said, indicating myself and George. At the first sounds of Fred's protest, I snapped my fingers. A half dozen cases of Butterbeer appeared in a stack by Fred's feet, the same amount of bottles of Firewhiskey sitting neatly on top.
"Don't think I'll ever get used to how bloody wicked that is!" Fred exclaimed, inspecting the newly materialized bottles of alcohol with a contagious joy.
"I don't think it's the kind of thing you can get used to." George beamed, pulling me tightly to his side.
"Not only is it wicked, it's also incredibly useful and time-saving! We suddenly have to pull off a last minute prank on the Slytherins. Inspiration struck while in the dungeons, figured I shouldn't let opportunity go to waste!"
"Now, we're talking!" George cheered.
"Yes, do tell us how we'll introduce mayhem into the lives of our slippery friends today." Fred snickered with malicious intent.
"It all begins with you bringing this up to the common room. Find Lee and Angelina. You were going to the kitchen to get snacks for the party anyway, right?" I paused to ask. Fred nodded and I continued laying out the plan. "Good. While you're down there, talk to Spotty and convince her to help us. She's always liked you best so she should agree if you ask her."
"Help us how?" Fred interjected.
"All you have to do is get to her to agree to look the other way for a while. It'll only take a minute and it's probably best if she doesn't know the details."
"Why are you being so cryptic about this? What are you planning?" George asked.
"Something I've been saving for a rainy day. It's something I've imagined before I knew I was a witch who would be capable of making it happen one day. This will be better as a surprise, trust me on that." When they gave me identical looks of skepticism, arms folding over their chests in a coordinated fashion they probably weren't even aware of, I heaved an exasperated sigh. "Honestly, when you see what I have sorted for tomorrow's breakfast you'll be happy enough that I let you help."
"Big talk, Wendling." Fred whistled, "Sure you can back it up?"
"If you don't know that by now Weasley, then you're a lost cause." I scoffed at his doubt but refused to further rise to the bait. I turned to George, looking for support only to see his own bemused grin. "And what's your opinion on this matter?"
"I don't know, love. Sorta sounded like you were challenging our title as Crowned Pranking Masterminds." George shrugged, raising up his hands in surrender.
"You really think you could pull off a prank that could make us jealous? As George said, we are this generation of Hogwarts' Prankster Royalty." Fred taunted, puffing out his chest as he made up the title he claimed to own on the spot.
"And if that's exactly what I'm saying?" I asked George, choosing to ignore Fred for the moment.
"I know you know by now that we're up for the challenge." George replied, leaning down until he was practically purring in my ear.
"Just set the terms and conditions, love." Fred sang.
"Fine, if you want to make this a competition then I'm happy to win." I smiled back sweetly, now trying to ignore George and his wandering lips completely as I addressed Fred. "If what happens at breakfast is enough to truly impress you with my ingenuity, then you have to finally admit that I'm the mastermind of this operation and take your own studies more seriously. All you have to do is convince Spotty to help us out in a light-hearted, totally harmless prank. I wasn't just sweet-talking you, she really does like you best."
"And if it fails to impress?" He asked with a tone that was put on for the benefit of making sure I knew he thought it to be the more likely scenario.
"Your doubts wound me enough, what else do you want-what remains of my pride and dignity?"
"We'll have that if we win." Fred pointed out, smirk turning self-satisfied "I think having you write all our potions assignments for a month is a more profitable exchange. Sound fair enough to you, Forge?"
"No, I'm not as lazy as you, Gred. I'll write my own essays." George laughed, breath hot on the back of my neck as he lowered his voice to address only me. "Besides I can think of many prizes I'd enjoy more than completed potions work."
"You can work out those terms between yourself and leave me out of it." Fred groaned, pulling a face at the intimate display of affection. "Do you agree to the conditions of our deal, Andibear?"
"Hardly seems fair on my end but seeing as I know I'll win-You're on, Freddiekins." I grinned, holding out my hand for Fred to shake. Once his hand slid from mine, I snapped my fingers and pointed at the cases of pilfered beverages. "Now go. Those won't find their way upstairs by themselves. Actually, they could but consider it your punishment for doubting me. And you-" I said, jabbing my finger into George's chest as I turned my wrath on him. "You are in obvious need of a lesson in how unwise it is to doubt my abilities, George Weasley."
"I'll take that as my cue to leave." Fred chuckled, arms laden with tonight's festivities as he backed carefully out of the door.
"First smart thing you've said in the past five minutes." I said, sounding unnecessarily aggressive to even my own ears. I reminded myself of all the kind words Fred said when he wasn't aware I was listening and conceded, "We're leaving anyway."
"We are, are we?" George challenged with stubborn pride.
"Yes, we are." I shot back, allowing Fred to make a speedy getaway. Good. "This specific lesson requires privacy. We'll need all the time we can get so take my hand and no more questions."
As soon as he gave me his hand, I used the leverage to pull his body flush against mine. I wrapped his arms snug around my waist before I threw mine around his neck. I captured his lips in a kiss before he could protest to the manhandling. Using both the distraction it provided as well as an energy boost, I willed us to move to the place we need to be to answer the unacknowledged questions between the two of us. We needed to find a resolution before they were allowed to cause anymore unnecessary havoc. When I opened my eyes it was still as dark as it was with them closed, but even in the total darkness I knew I had succeeded in bringing us back to the place where it all began.
Time to get some answers. Romona's laugh echoed in my mind.
Are you ready? Neviah asked, voice gentler than her sister's.
No, but it doesn't matter. I answered them, smiling past my own doubt when I saw it reflected on George's face
That's the spirit! Neviah, encouraged repeating Fred's earlier sentiments to George.
Let the fun and games begin. With another pointed laugh, Romona used my previous words against me before I felt their presence fade from my consciousness.
I knew that I couldn't keep anything hidden from them for long, but it was comforting that they would not have front row seats to how I was planning to extract the answers I needed from George. Their absence gave me the courage I needed to put the planning for my prank on hold in order to execute the plan sparked by the overheard conversation between the twins. In order for this particular plan to work, I needed to take a firmer hand than George was used to me having.
Let the fun and games begin, indeed.
XOXOXOXOXOXOX
'ELLO THERE!
Soooo...it's been less than two weeks, but what can I say? I finished the chapter and in typical fashion could not wait to get it out to you before I had more typed out. Well, here you are. It's just past 4:00am and I've spent the past two hours editing this chapter. I'm sure there's plenty of mistakes I have missed. Please feel free to point them out to me.
I can't promise another chapter out this quickly anytime soon. I will say, however, that lately I've caught the writing bug. More importantly for you, I've caught the typing bug as well. If my current writing patterns continue at this rate, I'm hoping to get the next chapter out sometime in July.
Also, I've come to realize that these past few chapters have been very dialogue intense. I am not saying this is a habit I intend on breaking, but as readers who have stuck with me thus far, I am interested in knowing what you think about that. Do you like it? Is it too much? Is it boring? Do we have any new formed opinions on Neviah or Romona? I'd love to hear anything you have to say about this story, but these are the questions I've been asking myself while editing.
Anyway...
Until next time, my lovely readers!
Ex's and Oh's
Audrey V. Sullivan