“I don’t wanna tame your animal style

                         You won’t be caged in the call of the wild”

           Swinging my cheery red firecracker in a full arch, I strummed the broom handle dramatically to shred to the chorus. Ah, it was good to have my music back.

                             “ Shooting at the walls of heartache

                                             BANG, BANG

                                          I am the Warrior”

             “YES I AM THE WARRIOR!” More yelling than singing, I stumbled a quick side step to not fall into the packed snow or the frozen footpath. I know, I know, I’ve lived here for over a year and I’m suppose to get use to the snow and blahblahlah. See, back in San Francisco now was the PREFECT time to grab your board and hit the coastal waves. With a bit of a cool breeze, it was also an excellent time to avoid tourists. Perfect. England is… wet. Scotland is… angry.

       Dropping my broom back to my side, I snugged my scarf closer to my neck when I finally saw the rooftops of Hogsmeade. I tried my best to keep the cold from 95% of my body (Wearing two baseball tops, three layers of pants, scratchy wool socks, and my “jumper” from Christmas) but I was stubborn to keep the breeze away from my neck. Remember when I said I was thinking of making my dad’s coin into a necklace? Surprise! That’s exactly what I did. It sat comfortably beneath my clothes (at all times) from a dainty gold chain. It was too girly for just anyone to see me wearing, I can’t have them thinking I’m suddenly turning into Lavender or something. The enchantment my dad used (the super dad one where it glows and warms when he’s holding it, (insert one of his dad jokes about holding hands here)) over the past few months the metal feels colder, if that’s possible. I could feel my stomach turn just thinking of it all. Three months ago I couldn’t go three days without the coin giving me the thought of dad, probably hunched over his desk covered in stacks of paperwork but still managing to remember me. I groaned out the built up worry in my gut right before fiddling a piece of droobles from it’s wrapper. If I couldn’t distract myself from THAT- Popping the fat square of blue gum into my mouth, I turned the volume wheel to max on my Walkman. It’s better not to think about it.

      I pressed my lips together into a smile as I approached the front door to The Three Broomsticks. Stop thinking about dad. My first attempt to push the door open, it squealed it response. Stupid sticky door. I threw my shoulder into it a second time before it screamed open. Seems the door hates the cold too.

           It was packed, just like always. You’d think there was something in the butterbeer here. I’d figure not many other kids from Hogwarts would want to leave the super cozy common room during winter. The fireplace and blankets sounds pretty good- why did I agree to this again? Shuffling round about the tables with no sign of my tall, broodsome friend. I took a glance to a near empty table to my left. Oh good, it was just a group of three Ravenclaws studying and taking up a whole table for studying. I jolted to the single empty chair next to the oldest of the three who gave me a “What the hell, crazy face” look.

           “I’m commandeering this chair… Ministry business and all that.” I pulled out the stumpy seat and hoisted myself up onto it. With this view I could see everyone, just as much as everyone lose could see me. I even got a few confused stares from the patrons, which I returned with a cheesy grin. After some leans to the left and right, I pinpointed Theodore’s fancy overcoat at the bar. Hah, sure turn down fire whiskey but take a mystery “House Special” brew here. I hopped down off the chair with a loud THUD before slipping into the mob of a crowd. I never figured myself “Short” till now, everyone in this place had to have been 5’10 and up. Jeez. Parting the crowd with my broom held high I inched the entire way to the bar.

             “Let’s meet at the Three Broomsticks, he said.” I announced myself behind Theodore just before nudging shoulders with him. I scooted myself onto half his stool seat while he was distracted from my sudden ninja appearance. “What’re we having? Hmmm?” I leaned to the bar onto my elbows. Butter beer of course, it’s not hard to miss in that glass pint of his. I just love messing with him, Theodore is so easily tensed. God, you should’ve seen ‘em when Theo just started bringing him around. A solid week I was surprising him- just testing the limits on this seemingly stuffy guy.

       “I am having a butterbeer, you have yet to order..” Snatching his glass from my line of sight, he leaned a bit heavier to his left trying to awkwardly scoot away from me. “The last time you referred to a drink as a plural possessive I turned around and was left with an empty glass.”

       “Aw, that hurts my feelings. Sharing is caring, ya know…” I chuckled and looked to the irritated Madam Rosmerta behind the bar. I’d probably be annoyed too if my place was overpacked with non paying students just looking for a place to hang out. I leaned further over the bar to get her attention and loudly ordered a butterbeer over the crowd. A small nod for confirmation from Rosmerta and a thumbs up for a response from myself, I sat back down and swore I saw a NEAR smirk on Theodore before he raised his pint to his lips. Whatever you might say about Theodore, I know he’s a big ol’ softie underneath. Under the hundreds of layers of smarty, sophisticated, lacrosse player kind of layers. WAAAAY underneath he’s a good, funny guy. Like me. Sort of.

             “So, I heard the Theo/Theodore crime fighting duo- Or would you guy be Batman and Robin… ” I paused only for a few seconds trying to imagine the two. “I mean, Theo would be the Robin, just between the two of us.” I lowered my voice to a near whisper and snorted at the thought of Theo in bright green tights. It would’ve been so much funnier if I wasn’t the only one who understood the image. “Good on you, helping his dad the way you did. Theo said it was a really powerful spell. I guess I now know why I wasn’t invited to the party.”

           Rosmerta rounded the bar again and dropped my mug of butterscotch and frothy goodness in front of me. In return I gave the exact amount of pricing for a mug- the money thing is still confusing BUT I’ve ordered it enough to memorize at least THAT much.

             “The spell was a powerful one- but it was also... highly illegal as well.” Theodore spoke in hushed tones while I took a quick swig of Butterbeer. “If it wasn’t Mad-Eye who came for us, I would be in Azkaban right now. I was willing to take the risk, Theo wouldn’t risk anyone else’s safety so eagerly…”

           You could always tell his seriousness by the monotone whispering. Wow, he really was Batman.

           “Well, while you two were off fighting crime in Gotham City. I was er-“ I looked around us from all sides and sighed nervously. I took two gulps from my pint and wiped my mouth with the backside of my hand dramatically. “Okay, I’m going to tell you something super secret. I know how you’re good at keeping them…”

       “Right, Obviously.” Shaking his head at my bad joke he leaned against the bar and sipped his butterbeer.

       “George Weasley, you know him? I mean, who doesn’t…” I cleared my throat and turned my cheesy grin into a serious one. Batman mode on, Maggie. “Know how I stayed over at Ginny’s? They’re related. I mean, you probably know that… But they’re siblings. So he was there over Christmas and everything. And I’ve had a… small, very small.” I gave an inch between my index finger and thumb. “The tiniest little crush on him-“ I rolled my eyes and avoided looking him in the face. “I lied, it’s… it was pretty bad. But- Ginny, one night she tells me “Maggie, I think George likes you. Weird, right?”” I could feel my face turning pink, in response I shot him a full smile. Hell, I was already grinning telling the story. “I wasn’t sure at first but I’m… I’m pretty sure he does. But I’m… I mean, I’m awesome but… George Weasley?!” I checked my surroundings again after my outburst of his name. I tried my best to keep my voice at a near whisper.

        “Anytime I’ve just… WANTED someone, it usually just works out and I’m kissing them by next Tuesday but it’s different. HE’S different. I can’t just kiss him, I mean not that I haven't thought about it- I mean, first off I can’t even reach his stupid mouth…”  

       “I think...” Theodore cut me off with a small wave, more like an attempt to stop my rambling. Good. I picked at the single burgundy yarn sticking out from the side of my glove. “It is a brave act; to show your emotions instead of hiding them. It’s likely what he finds appealing, your brash nature. You shouldn’t be afraid to act on instinct around him.”

       “What does-“

       “If you want to kiss him, then kiss him.”

       Just KISS HIM. What. WHAT KIND OF ADVICE IS THAT. I could feel an odd vibration in my chest  thinking of… JUST KISSING HIM. Maybe it could work if I was on my broom and I-

       “Ah, Miss Garnet! Just who I was looking for!” The voice came from behind us and on queue, the both of us turned around to see a bundle of copper color plaid named Sluggy. Looking exceptionally excited with his lopsided grin and crooked eyebrow, he looked between us. Ah, no.

       “Professor! Care for a butter beer?” I rummaged in my pocket for some coins.

       “Oh, no. No, my dear girl. I have a meeting with Dumbledore soon. No time to dawdle. Oh- A few recruiters from universities here and there are interested in seeing Gryffindor’s next game. I’ve told them to keep an eye on Potter, Holling and yourself.” Sluggy gave me a not-so-subtle wink before a tiny bow of his head. “Oh, would you kindly inform Mister Holling of the news? I can’t seem to find that rascal anywhere.”

       “Will do professor.” I gave a smile and turned back to my mug. Theodore turned back as well and chuckled into his glass. Was that a laugh? Well that might as well be gold coming from him. Even while I chugged my butterbeer, Theodore’s victory was accompanied with the click of the empty glass mug against the bar.

       “We’d better find that little rascal then.” Theodore’s unemotional tone made it even funnier. I snorted my drink and pulled back to cough/laugh.

Pt 2

After just two weeks, our world renowned war of pranks came to a sticky end when Ron’s prank went completely rogue and backfired in the worst way. My trusty pair of now faded red sneakers were charmed to nip at my heels but they had VERY different plans; instead they found a fondness for Molly and chased her around the kitchen table. Poor things were just scraps by the time we came down from upstairs (luckily she didn’t use a fire spell, so I was able to repair them minus the jut of cloth that’s all sticky out on the tongue). Ron was stuck cleaning the attic for two whole days while the rest of us had to swear off our war and come to a very forced truce, witnessed by the queen warden herself. 

The Burrow became way less entertaining once you took away the practical jokes. No television, no video games, Quidditch was an option, sure, but once it becomes the ONLY thing for entertainment besides just TALKING… You see my point? Diagon Alley wasn’t an option either as Molly refused to let any of us still in Hogwarts go anywhere without supervision. Ginny was shut down immediately when trying to talk her mom into considering Fred and George as “Supervision”, she must’v seen that one coming. 

As the whole Christmas spirit was making a quick exit, so was the guests that stayed at the Burrow this year. For one, the ex professor who brought on a weirdly depressing mood wherever he went left the day after Christmas. Then it was Bill and his perfect French girlfriend on the 28th, where Ron moaned about the fact Fleur was engaged to his own brother (honestly, like he had a chance anyway…). In a sort of sappy way I missed the fullness of the Burrow; not that I wasn’t relieved of finally having some breathing room but it was nice to constantly bump into someone whichever room you stumbled into. Of course, I’m not complaining about my sad life as an only child or anything. Knowing my luck I’d end up with a prat of a younger brother who just wanted to settle down into a snug Ministry job. Kind of like Percy! 

The homesickness didn’t start till George announced to the rest of the family during dinner that they would be leaving right after breakfast in the morning. I was mid action of stabbing another sausage for my plate when he spoke up where I froze to retreat back into the back of my chair. It took me a minute to realize I’d left my fork sticking straight up in the middle of the dinner feast. After the initial “Oh, so soon! You can’t stay till New Year?” From Molly, I swiped my fork and sausage as normal as I could. Fred went on to explain that back in Diagon Alley, Weasley Wizard Wheezes workers were frantic to keep up with the demand of fireworks since everyone obviously loved the flashiness (even if they were marked up around this time of year), Fred and George had to get back like… yesterday to make dozens more. Ginny looked more mad than anything, even without any siblings I know you’re not suppose to pick favorites but her pouty scowl said it all. All summer long I heard Ginny go on about how excited she was for older brothers new joke shop taking off but soon enough she realized it meant not seeing them but three times a year. As much as I wanted to give her a laugh to help cheer her up, I couldn’t. My stomach felt all twisty and scrunchy and I physically restrained from kicking myself for being as dense as I’ve been. 

The sad single sausage on my plate was my object of interest, or so it must have seemed, because I kept staring at it when I caught myself drifting off in thought. Three times a year, if that. How did I think any of this would work out? I’d never see him, he’d always be busy with the store… that’s IF any of this took off, which EARTH TO MAGGIE… it wouldn’t. I’m just making a dolt of myself, fawning over George Weasley of Weasley Wizard Wheezes, businessman, complete genius, hilarious, tall… George Weasley. Giving him a mix tape and a bit of covert flirting wouldn’t change the fact that he is WAY out of my league. I’d throw my head onto the table for theatrics but I think having bits of sausage and gravy on my face wouldn’t help my already doubtful chances. 

You know what? This was it, I’ll make my move tonight. I’m going to have to put my knitted sock down on this whole sad crush thing. If he likes me, GREAT! If he doesn’t, then at least I can get a grip on myself and keep looking elsewhere. It’s been gone on for far too long and if he can’t sense all this, then I’e given him too much credit for his wits. This wasn’t me at all, I’m not lovelorn and hopeless; I’m FUN and cool and LOADS of people would want to date me! I’m the best damn Chaser he could hope to catch.

My stare parted from my therapist of a link to George who was laughing at something Fred must’ve said. I had to swallow the fluttery feeling in my stomach because his laugh was the best thing I’ve ever… OH MY GOD. I stood to my feet abruptly, the chair screeching against the wooden floor made me sound madder than I really was but I couldn’t just stop now.If you ever want to have the entire room’s attention, take notes. I stared at George for a brief few seconds who looked absolutely terrified to be on the receiving end of my sudden outburst and now glare. I took a quick breath and…

“We need to talk. Now.” It wasn’t a question, it wasn’t a request. I sounded like an absolute maniac but instead of clarifying I wasn’t planning on murdering him in the back garden, I stomped around the table to the backdoor and made my exit. That should have them talking for sure. Probably not in the greatest way. I didn’t even know why I was so mad, he wasn’t leading me on or anything at all. I guess that was the part I couldn’t stand. George wasn’t the easiest to read, and I doubted everything he did because I didn’t know if he was just being George or flirting. A seeping stinging cold crept across the bottoms of my feet through my thick wooly socks. These socks from Ginny might be charmed to give off heat but that didn’t make them melting snow puddle resistant. I hopped back and forth from foot to foot all the way to the Weasley’s rounded shed as quick as I could. There was no point in going back in, I made my stand… plus I bet Molly barred the door by this point to keep the crazy out.

I ripped the ugly socks off and threw them in a pile next to the door. I wasn’t sure what my plan was if George didn’t show but loosing a toe to frostbite wasn’t on my list. The shed was magically heated and cooled so there wasn’t going to be any freezing alive tonight, even if I feel like it’d be less embarrassing at this point than being seen after that fantastic display. I heaved myself into the taller stool and pulled my knees into my sweater. I turned the table lamp on with a faint click and I could see Arthur’s current project of an old boom box. I snorted a laugh and flipped it to rest on it’s feet rather than on it’s back. This shed was full of cool muggle junk, Arthur just needed someone who knew what the junk originally was so he could change them to something ELSE (which was awesome). I even spotted an old arcade game back behind the stack of tv’s. Oh, dad loves those things- don’t let his whole Ministry official thing put you off, I saw old photos of him as a teenager- the NON moving no-maji pictures. I almost forgot what I was doing out here until my eyes caught a glimpse of bright red hair in the distance making way to the shed. This is it, this is where I made my stand. That had to be George, had to be, right? I sat up in the stool and lifted my sweater from over my legs and practiced a casual yet impatient head resting on fist, elbow resting on table look. I could feel my face heating as George peeked into the shed. He’d clearly been expecting the worst, he didn’t look this uneasy since Umbridge was around. Jumping to my feet, I ran my lines through my head in rapid succession. What’s the plan, man? No. Where are we going? Nope. Are we ever going to be anything? Oh Merlin no. 

“What’s it going to be George?!” Not exactly what I was going for. I crossed my arms in an attempt to look serious and not insane at all. Good start. Eyebrows furrowed, George opened his mouth to speak but I didn’t want him to say something funny which is exactly what he’d do to break the tension. I couldn’t stop now, I had to get it out. There was no stopping me over explaining everything that need to be said. 

“I firstly need to apologize for the whole… serial killer calling you out thing earlier, I didn’t mean it to be so weird… you were just laughing and…” Wow, this is going great. Remember, talking about feelings is the hard part… don’t freak him out just talking about serial killers and his laugh before we get to the hard stuff. I took a breath and debated the idea in my head to pretend to pass out just to get out of this. Even a mental breakdown would probably go better than my current rate. 

“I’ve had this huge- I mean- not.. huge, probably not? uh… Well, I mean –Oh, I’m making a mess of this…” I threw my hands up and scrunched my nose. George was just… SMILING away. He either knows where this is going or he’s probably scouted out the closest exits. I heard a low humming of static coming from the boxes of old beat up radios beside me. As soon as I looked over, they stopped immediately. This was some horror movie shit that I was NOT ready for right now. I glanced to George for any answer to see he was laughing despite my horrified expression. I shot him a glare and investigated the crate.

“That’s your magic fizzing off around you, happens with less experienced wizards when you’re worked up about something and your magic goes haywire. Happens to the best of us…” Clearing his throat, he made his way behind me to sit on the taller of the two stools. Saved by the magic? Who cares, it stopped me from making an even bigger idiot of myself. Way to go magic, I owe you one. Trying to regain all that was left of my deflated pride, I heaved the bin back onto the wire shelf. I nearly sat down onto the stool next to him before throwing my hands onto my hips again. No, I’ll take as much center stage as I can until he comes clean. 

“I’m not inexperienced. I know how to do magic and everything, I’m just- my WAND does this thing of making spells more… well, MORE.” I gave my best impression of jazz hands before brushing this whole topic off. Why would he care about my stupid wand with all it’s flashy, overdramatic effects. George’s face was again stuck on his infamous smug grin (Yes, you know the one). Probably biting his tongue from saying something like “Right, sure you know magic, that’s why you always have your wand handy”. 

“Trust me, you weren’t the one to cast lumos while sneaking out and end up completely blind for half a day or nearly setting your entire room on fire while lighting a friggin candle. It’s better if I don’t whip my wand out at every occasion.” I glanced back to my soggy pile of hideously colored socks as I found myself jumping onto the stool. I folded both my legs beneath me in a stubborn attempt to keep myself from pulling my knees into my overstretched sweater again. I’ll just look like a ball of purple knit with a head, not my best look. 

“I don’t know, sounds like you could manage some wicked jinxes with that…” I couldn’t help but snort at his attempt to “help”. Sorry you can’t do proper magic, but have you tried turning someone’s tongue into a horn? 

“I’m pretty sure the wand master back in America was a complete psychopath anyway, my first spell I casted with it was auguamenta and you’d think I took a crowbar to a fire hydrant…” I paused half for effect, half for his utter confusion when I mentioned both no-maji items. Do they not have fire hydrants here in England or because it’s not a wizard thing? 

“Anyway, he was so excited that I nearly flooded his shop he said it was a perfect fit and sent me on my way. I think he was just happy to get rid of it, said the pixies wouldn’t stop stuffing his chimney till the last Cornish Pixie heart wand left his store.”

“-Sorry, a Cornish Pixie’s… heart? You’re telling me that’s your wand core?” George leaned back on his stool scrunching his nose and furrowing his brow. “That can’t be normal where you’re from…” 

“Oh, and a dragon’s heartstring is completely sane?” The both of us feigned seriousness until we burst into a chuckle. I know, I know. I’m suppose to be forward, tell him how I feel and own up to it but I couldn’t take the opportunity to just talk with George alone and way from prying ears. Is Ginny and Fred at the door listening? Probably, but I could care less. This was the most normal conversation I’ve had with him since last year we talked plans about the joke shop. Plus, if I was off my rocker about us dating at least we could be friends (Then work from there, friends isn’t a bad place to start, right?).

“Here…” braking my train of thought completely, George drew his wand from the inside of his grandpa like burgundy red knit cardigan pocket and held it out to me. My hesitation to take his wand WASN’T like that whole… cheesy peesy romance movie thing where the girl hesitate because “Oh, he’s letting me borrow his jacket”; This was a wand people. I still had two years before I turned seventeen thus I still had the stupid Trace. As you can imagine, I’ve gotten more than my share of warnings from the MACUSA ( or The Magical Congress of the United States, if your not the acronym sort) about using my magic outside of school. Obviously having a dad in the high ranks gave me an easy excuse when it came to underage magic but he’s not so well known here in England. The howler I would get from him would wake the neighbors miles away from the Burrow. Plus, you don’t know WHAT might happen if the unknown wand doesn’t like you. 

“It’s a wand, not a teacup…” George shot me a clever smile while snatched it from his hand with a fake laugh. It didn’t explode or cause the room to start smoking, so that’s a refreshing start. I turned the wand over in my hand to examine the handle that bizarrely looked like one of those fancy arched French broom seats. 

“And the trace-“

“The trace isn’t exactly known for it’s reliability, it is managed by the Ministry after all.” It was too true that the wizarding government here was heading down a shitstorm of a path with censorship and wishful thinking. I’ve only been here for a year and a half and I’ve only seen the worst of it, which is why MACUSA sent us over in the first place. I’m just hoping things doesn’t get much worse, after the break in and the return of… you-know-who, I had to beg my dad to let me stay instead of going back to school at Ilvermorney while staying with Grams in the midwest. Me! Living in the middle of nowhere, where the biggest attraction is the world’s biggest wheel of cheese! I’d die of boredom in those flatlands. 

“Probably won’t work too well for you considering it’s a Unicorn hair, but just in case… maybe don’t cast something that might leave the shed in ashes? Mum would have both of our ears in a pinch.” I hopped from my stool and waved the wand wildly back and forth to mock spell casting. Not the smartest idea but I was nowhere near getting the non-verbal spells down pat so this was harmless, even if George looked scared shitless of what I might be trying to cast. It had a nice grip and feel about it, different from mine- but it might just be the different cores. Standing up from my action pose, I had to take a breath to stop myself from thinking of the trace or George or how I might still catch the center rug on fire. I would’ve tried a vanish spell on the stool I’d been sitting on but last time I’d tried to make a beetle vanish and I cut the poor thing in half (which made me feel bad for like… an hour). I think a solid patronus would do the trick, plus maybe with this wand it won’t fizzle out into a mass of blue wisps after three seconds like it did in the DA. 

Stealing a glance back to George who in return bowed his head slightly as he held his palm out telling me to get a move on. Right, maybe the memory of winning my first Gryffindor quidditch match would do it? It was a lot like winning the cup for Wampus but felt entirely different. I mean, Wampus always won the cup (most houses stopped trying after a while), but at Hogwarts there’s always an air of competition on the field. It felt better here, king of like I’d been missing this whole extended family that I didn’t even know existed. The silvery blue light slipped dreamily from the tip of the wand to float aimlessly in the open area of the shed. The light shifted to form the familiar shape of my own patronus as a rather showy dolphin. Flipping through and swirling around the shelves of electronic scrap, it whipped around the rounded ceiling before blobbing back into the blue white streaks of light just before fading into nothingness. Damn it, maybe it’s not my wand after all.

“Well that’s about the opposite of your problem- it’s probably the wand’s loyalty and all that…” George added the end half only when he saw how disappointed I must’ve looked. 

“Even with my stupid wand it lasts for a few seconds before it’s gone.” I jumped onto the stool heavily while George piped up again.

“Then it must be what you’re thinking. It’s not powerful enough- has to be something that makes you really happy. Could be something from the past, could be something you want to happen in the future. Surely you can think of something among the limitless possibilities of anything…” 

Were I in some sort of outrageous romcom, I’d have a dramatic spit take following his statement; but as I’m in normal/awkward real life all I could do is hide the pink that was rushing to my cheeks and snort an embarrassed laugh. 

“No, it’s probably my lack of magical talents. I’ve been brushing up on my acrobat skills for when I join the circus instead when I graduate.” This was it, this was one of my most desperate acts of trying to change the topic that might’ve been suggestive. I delicately laid his wand back onto the table before folding my arms in a huff more mad at myself than anything. If I was waiting for a chance to say something super cool and clever, I blew it on a stupid circus joke. A joke he didn’t even understand because he had that face of saying Was this anther muggle joke? 

“I won’t need magic where I’m heading anyway, on the Quidditch pitch it’s all pure talent.” I felt a little better just by thinking of the one thing I’m super good at, things I can DO, feel, touch those are the things I’m great at. George was grinning but shaking his head as well.

 “You’re not wrong about Quidditch but with all that’s happened, what might happen- you need to keep practicing. I mean to say that a blind death eater fumbling about is better than being defenseless” Right, it couldn’t hurt. Especially how it seems that the crazy things happening is getting more and more frequent. All this doom and gloom talk was getting under my skin and I didn’t want to think of it anymore to be honest. I blabbed out the first thing that came to mind.

“Quidditch season just started up again, it’d be really cool if you could come to a game of two- if you’re not busy with the whole owning a business thing.” I threw my hands up to signal flushing lights over the businessman bit. I was nervous to ask him to come see me play, but diffusing it with overdramatic gestures was always a specialty of mine. 

George stood up and gave a stretching yawn use before crossing his arms with a smirk. “Suppose I could manage, have to see how Ron somehow got on the team might as well be sure Holling and Coote are taking well good care of Fred and I’s old posts on beater.” I could feel my cheeks turning pink again so I kept my head down and made way to the pile of socks next to the door. I could care less they were still soaked at the bottoms, I just wanted to make a break for the house before I said something else stupid. I flew open the door just to hear a shuffle outside and George calling after me. 

“See you at breakfast then?” I stopped briefly just to give him a single finger gun and a rushed ramble chirp of “Yep.. Yeah.” Just before the swinging barn door smacked me right in the face when I turned to leave again. I made an abnormal yelp no human should make and sighed holding my nose that would soon start bleeding. As I left I threw a hand up and gave an exhausted wave without looking back at George. I didn’t expect flirting with George was going to kill me in the process.

Pt 1

Nothing eventual happened until about high noon when everyone was picking some leftover scraps for lunch. Most of us staying was huddled in the kitchen eating a bite and fending for our plates. I did see George again after an hour of him holed up in his room; which was well over the 45 minutes it took to listen to both sides. Overall he looked unchanged, but then again he’s not as obvious as I must be. Ginny reached over my plate for a spoonful of potatoes just when a sudden WHOOSH echoed through the house just before a hearty cough. Everyone in the kitchen set off to investigate which was a short lived search when we rounded the corner to see the fireplace intruder. The intruder fanned his face and dusted his torso from the soot (which looked to do more harm than good) while giving us all a perfect ashamed smile. Even covered in the grime, anyone could see his guy looked like some kind of smug model; sharp jaw prickled in short near black stubble, crazy pretty bluish grey eyes, and thick brown curls trapped under a colorfully knitted hat that must’ve been made by Molly it was dead giveaway because of the huge puff of green pompom stuck on top. 

“Piss, I had a whole Father Christmas joke and everything lined up…” Still trying at the dust in his hair, Molly let out a cry of joy before making way to him. The guy stopped her just in time and looked down to his clothes. “Between the last two fireplaces I’ve traveled, I’d hate to get this all over you but I WILL take the hug after.” He and Molly shared a smile until she turned to Bill who was already halfway up the stairs. “Do us all a favor and don’t bring me down dragon skin leather pants mate, it’s not a great sight!” Fred and George both gave a chuckle to his joke and stepped up to talk to him. Ron turned a bit crazy trying to fix his hair and look his absolute best for the stranger. Wow, if Ron’s asking a just as confused Harry how he looks this guy must be important. I leaned to Ginny and asked exactly who this guy was. 

“He’s Sebastian, a sort of family friend whose he’s been around forever, best mates with Bill for… Twelve years, I think?” Holy Hell, how old were these two?! I didn’t imagine Bill being the best of friends with someone this… Outspoken and loud. “Oh, he’s also beater on Puddlemere United. Cool bloke minus that.” Ah, and there it was… THAT’S why, Ron’s a fan. “Last we’ve seen from him was back in May. He’s been in the Prophet about his dad being a Death Eater but they don’t know his parents renounced him a long time ago when he’d stay with us until he graduated Hogwarts.” 

  The single pair of footsteps that went up multiplied on the way back downstairs. Bill had a perfectly stacked handful of clothes he carried for his best friend and Fleur bent down just enough to see this stranger and shoot him a perfect beaming smile. The crowd that formed around the Sebastian was slowly falling away while Molly said she’d make him a plate and Arthur looked dumbfounded to the fireplace questioning if he should clean it out soon. Fred and George had to step aside for Bill to offer his clothes but it was weirdly out of place how cheerful the soon to be newlyweds became upon seeing the guy. Kind of like they were minding to themselves up until now, I think anyone could tell they were all good friends. The three made way to the first floor bathroom while it looked like Fleur was about to burst waiting for her hug once he cleaned up.

Harry must’ve asked about the guy because Ron was not so whispering about how good he is at Quidditch and is a star player. Harry asked something about the guy’s name before slipping off upstairs With Ron on his heels (whatever that was about). While the four of us sat around waiting for… Anything, I had just enough time to look to George who was grinning during a conversation with his twin. I had the weirdest thought of wanting to messy his hair right as the three older wizards reentered the living room. I’m so glad nobody in his house had that mindread-y Magic, or at least they weren’t using it on me this very moment. 

The model- I mean, Puddlemere player wore his sleeves up and the jeans bundled a little around his ankles, the height difference between him and Bill was just enough to look like a sad pair of hammy downs. They were clearly in the middle of a private conversation of some kind as Sebastian told them something about “So much going on” and “Hoping later”, his expression changed completely when he saw the four of us looking back at him. Whatever bummed him out was short lived, at least at the time. Fleur inquired on making them tea and scurried off to the kitchen. 

A knock on the door was barely heard over the private goings on between each smaller groups of people. Arthur answered it with hesitation after peeking through the small peephole in the door. The British Minister of Magic stepped inside the quaint kitchen which brought a hushed silence over the house. Molly broke out in a misplaced excitement when her stickuptheass son walked in behind him. Arthur stepped out beside the hardened looking Minister who looked to be scanning the room and every single one of us. His cold eyes sat on me for a few seconds before he spoke up.

“Miss Garnet” It was’t a polite gesture of hello but rather a “I’m aware who you are and where you are”. When I responded with only a stare, he continued on his line up all the way to Sebastian.

“Exactly where is Dawlish, Mister Gaunt” As soon as his last name was mentioned the otherwise wisecrack gained an irritable smile as he looked anywhere but to the Minister.

“I don’t know, you’ve only had him tailing me for five months. He’s not that sneaky, I’ve invited him in for soup sometimes- or uh, does his reports not include that?” Feisty one, this Sebastian looked to enjoy that but Scrimgeour didn’t enjoy being made a fool of; that statement alone will probably have him pressed harder by the Ministry, more likely he’ll get a secondary auror to watch him. Molly stepped into the living space while wiping her hands on her apron. 

“Sebastian came to visit for Christmas this year, and we’re glad to have him. As far as I’m concerned he’s part of the family here.” She spoke sternly to the Minister so he’d not soon forget her words. Just there in the second hang after Molly spoke, Sebastian’s cocky grin melted into a compassionate look stared between the two of them. I felt a smile on my face but I didn’t really have a reason to be smiling, I mean the guy seems cool but it I felt I was happy because of Molly. Honestly, it’s no wonder the Weasley’s turned out to be great people- Molly was a great mom. The corners of my smile dropped while I pushed any thought of my own mother aside.

In perfect Harry Potter style of always being on cue, he came bounding down the stairs textbook in hand. Was he really planning on studying during Christmas break? Really? Coming to a halt on the squeaky last step, he passed the book to Ron using a not so well hidden slight of hand after being called over by the Minister. With a bit of complaint, Harry followed him out into the garden to have a word in private. Ginny was clearly anxious due to her pacing in the kitchen still trying to get a better look of Harry even after he’d just left. After trying repeatedly to talk her out of her well worn path I retired to my usual stool at the Weasley’s dining table just waiting for the officials to leave. I guess the whole “Dark Lord” stories and rumors couldn’t be taken seriously unless it’s brought up on Christmas as well.

              Waking up Christmas morning was kind of unreal, I mean I expected to wake up just not this excited. I’m by no means a morning person as you’ve guessed but today was different. It wasn’t JUST because of my Christmas fever but the thought that last night actually happened… It did happen right? I threw my layers of blankets off and jumped to my feet. This whole chipper attitude prevented the usual draft that’s caused by jumping out of a toasty bed, I couldn’t feel much of anything besides this spark of energy. Spinning on my heels I pat Ginny’s clump of a cover to wake her up, which was pointless as she was missing from bed. What? Molly didn’t even come to get us up for Christmas breakfast yet which- I froze in spot and turned my head to look up to the ceiling. She wouldn’t have.

              I hopped into the hall wrestling my blue jeans button before rushing to the wooden set of stairs off from the kitchen. After nearly missing the first step and almost breaking my face, I rounded the hall on the first flight and came face to face with Fred and George’s closed bedroom door. I glanced around the corner to see Fleur’s door was wide open with her suitcases lined perfectly at the end of the hall. So, both Fleur and Ginny’s off doing something together (which was very unlikely) or Ginny was in that room telling Fred or George about last night. Ginny would be blab on about how long I’ve liked him and how it took me a full HOUR to stop smiling when I was supposed to be sleeping… I stood there for at least a minute watching the door just thinking of what all she’d say when a sudden tap on my shoulder made me wheeze out a “SHIT!” all while failing to regaining my footing from the scare.

              I bit my tongue to not shout another explicit when my ass hit the wooden floor. I gave the most offensive look to the creep that scared the daylights out of me, which turned out to be Fleur who was giving me a disturbed look (From the language or my reaction, I couldn’t tell). After an uncomfortable few seconds, she spoke up as she regained her usual stern confidence. “Zat is Fred and George’s room… are you sneeking into zey’re room?” I opened my mouth to stutter out an excuse just as the door behind me squealed open.

              “Right… what ARE you trying to sneak in for?” I took in a sharp breath and climbed to my feet looking between Fred and Fleur. I could feel my face growing hot while I stammered about a few rounds of “Well I was just…” before Ginny approached the banisters from the first story.

              “Maggie was just telling my brothers to get down here for breakfast.” Ginny took an almost immediate look of annoyance to Fleur who in return stepped away from me and announced she was going to wake Bill. Thank Merlin for Ginny right now, honestly. I shot her a smile before turning to Fred.  

              “Well you heard her, I was trying to tell you guys about breakfast…” trying my best not to look coy, I gave a sheepish smile and bolted down the stairs. I swooped my arm into Ginny’s and whispered a quick thanks before we sat at our routine seats for breakfast.

              The meal was great and just as filling as last night but I couldn’t help but eat at a quickened rate to hurry to the presents. I knew I wasn’t alone in the race to finish as fast as possible when Molly told Harry and Ron to slow down else they’ll choke. During breakfast both Fred and George asked the sweetheart to pass the biscuits which made Ron cough into his tea and nearly choke to death. I glanced over my chair to see my gifts that I’d brought for the family and smiled to Ginny who also sneaking a peek to the gifts. Don’t forget to talk to George after. Don’t forget to-    

              “Alright, off with you all. Go ahead and open your gifts” Molly sounded like she was giving up on the lot of us but her warm smile gave her away. The four of us dropped our forks and took to the living room. I plopped down onto the couch next to Ginny to wait while everyone else found room to sit. Of course, Ginny and I were evicted onto the floor so Bill and Fleur could sit comfortably. I rummaged through my stack of boxes and passed them to everyone I’d gotten a gift for. Molly and Arthur gave me “You shouldn’t have” rundown after giving them a box each, where I waved them off with a grin. I felt kind of awful for not getting the ex-professor anything even though I’d never met him. By the time I came back to my spot on the floor I had a humble stack of things wrapped in brown paper.

              I tore through them faster than I’d expected as I took a small pause after each gift to thank the gifter. Among my favorites was a comfy knit sweater of deep purple with a dull yellow M displayed on the chest. I immediately pulled it over my shirt and thanked Molly several times, it was perfect for my ongoing battle against England’s cold. Another of my favorite’s was from Ginny who gave me the brightest pair of striped toe socks imaginable, while she told me the socks reminded her of me (which I’m still not sure if I should take as a compliment or not). The socks wasn’t just for looks however, when I put them onto my bare feet they near instantly heated to a perfect warm and fuzzy degrees. Ron and Harry gave me the most creative present of a bunch of candies where I complimented the creativity they’d shown in this gift. I received an unenchanted replica of the nose biting teacup from Fred and a quaffle signed by Holyhead Harpies’ main chaser Wilda Griffiths from George. That one was a complete surprise but when I asked about it he shrugged it off by saying she popped in and he thought it’d be a great gift for me. I blushed a bit when I turned around from speaking to him just in time to see Ginny unwrap a signed poster from Fred. What… and here I was feeling special.

              The bunny shaped Chia-pet I gave Molly was placed in the window immediately after I showed her how it works. Ron and Harry were coming up with strategies on how to beat the bop-it I gave to Harry while Arthur was sitting with the stack of older “Popular Electronics” I’d given him. I glanced around in hopes of finding George when I saw Fred helping his mom in the kitchen with the leftovers. If they’re not together then… I tiptoed through the brown paper that was magically rising and falling into the trash bin. I could hear Ginny in her room making space for her newest poster before I even entered. Posters were peeling from the walls and laying on her bed by Ginny who stood critiquing the poster line ups.

              “Seen George?” I hoisted my suitcase onto the cot to search for my hidden gift that I refused to put under the tree. Ginny took a step back and looked over her walls. Without taking her eyes from her own project, she mumbled something about upstairs. I found the small bag beneath my Hogwarts uniform and hid it behind my back for safe keeping away from Ginny or anyone else to see. I made a quick sprint to the stairs and began the sets of stairs circling the chimney. Stepping back onto the same flight of stairs of the twin’s room I could feel my heart beating way too fast. I’d hoped to say it’s because of the stairs but we all know that wasn’t the case. I pulled the bag from behind me and stared into it wondering if this was the right thing to do. I mean, yes it took me freaking MONTHS to make this but it’s… was it too much? Was I being too much? I mean, Ginny did say she *thinks* he likes me. I was all but talking myself out of knocking on the door when George opened the door just in time to see me hide the bag.

              “What was that?” He had to have seen the bright red and green paper of the bag, damn my colorful giftwrapping. The bag felt so much heavier now that I’m seeing him and contemplating giving it to him. Was I really doing this? A Walkman isn’t such a bad gift, but the mix tape… my mixtape. It was a complication of my favorite artists and their more romantic ballads which wouldn’t be SUBTLE in the least. I scoffed and felt for a step back just as he took a step forward. Fuck well… this was it. I took a breath and outstretched the small bag toward George. There’s no going back at this point, really what’s the worst that can happen anyway? He’d get embarrassed then awkward and never speak to me again? Probably! I was relieved he took the bag from me even if he gave me a suspicious eye because I just knew I was starting to shake from the freaking heart attack I was having. I opened and closed my mouth a few times once he pulled it from the bag. I mean, I could just say it doesn’t work, I mean I don’t-

              “This is one of those things you wear isn’t it? Some sort of headband… accessory?” Turning it over in his hands I laughed a little and shook my head.

              “No, it’s a sort of… wireless.” I took the pair of headphones and reached up to center them onto his ears. I lost him, he was giving it and me the most confusing looks.

              “A wireless? It’s a radio? I don’t hear any-“

              “That’s because it’s-“ I let out a frustrated sigh and shuffled closer and pointed him the switches on the side. “It’s not the Walkman I wanted to give you because the radio and fast-forward button doesn’t work. I make these things..” I pressed the release as the cassette drawer opened. I took out the tape and held it up to him.  I paused and stuttered my next few words because I didn’t notice how close we were standing. “They’re… um… This is a cassette tape and I listen to the radio and record my favorite… m-muggle songs.” He looked between the tape and the player before glancing back to me. I knew I SHOULD move but if he’s in no rush to move then… I was just a mere six inches or so away from him and I was positive he could hear my heart hammering in my chest. See, if this was ANY OTHER guy that I wanted to date I would’ve kissed him at this moment but this was different somehow. I couldn’t in my right mind believe he likes me, plus there was no way I could even reach his face.

               “So I just…” I looked back to the player because I was just staring at him. Oh my God. George placed the tape back in and pressed the play button. How long was I staring at him that he had time to learn the buttons? I hastily pressed stop before laughing.

              “Yeah, don’t play it with me just STANDING here it’s kind of… personal?” Personal? PERSONAL? I scrunched my nose and looked back down to the gift. There’s no going back. Officially. I took a step back and swallowed the fear in my stomach. If he was eager to listen to my mix he’d for sure know my theme in about ten minutes. Opening up with “Somebody to Love” and followed by “Anyway You Want It” it would be abundantly clear to him. At least half of me hoped he’ll catch it and the other half wished he wouldn’t.

              “Sounds wicked, I’ll get right to listening… After you leave, I mean.” George cleared his throat and furrowed his brow. “Thanks for- Oh right. Hang on, I’ve something else to give you.” Taking a small vial from his pocket, he stepped forward to place it in my hand. I held the glass bottle to my face and read the label of WonderWitch.

              “What’s this? You giving me a love potion?” This type of Weasley product was their most famous among the love struck at Hogwarts. One drop of WonderWitch and the apple of your eye would become your very own apple pie.

              “Oh no! Merlin no, it’s a drought of Patented Daydream… Which I’d recommend taking during O.W.L.S”  I couldn’t help but crack up at George’s spooked response. Right, this stuff. It was a big seller when I was in the store last time. Creating one hell of a realistic daydream of your heart’s desire for exactly thirty minutes, it never stayed on shelf longer than two days. Unfortunately it was one of those 16 years and older potions, so even if it sounded like the coolest thing in shop, I could never try it (even if I was a longtime worker).

              “Oooh, this isn’t legal is it? Does Fred know you’ve given this to me?” I held the bottle up to a better light and saw the label of a swarthy pirate all Fabio with a girl aboard a pirate ship.

              “He knows I gave you a potion from the store, doesn’t know exactly which” I looked back to him with a bit of a smirk.

             “So he could think you’ve bought me love potion-“

            “I don’t-  no, I think he knows I wouldn’t… I mean, I wouldn’t do that- not that-“ He paused only to hold out a single index finger. George was… he was rambling? Did that make him nervous? Did I? I covered my smile with a hand to keep from laughing while I waited for him to recover from his malfunction.

            “I’m going to… go and listen to the muggle music now, right.” His face was turning a bit red when he left me to hide away in his room. Oh my God, that mixtape will NOT help with his embarrassment. I think, I think he might like me… like for real and not just in my head. I uncovered my giddy grin and started down the stairs just in time to see two certain redheads rushing from the bottom stairs.  

              “Wait, You like GEORGE?!” I sprang from the overly cushioned window seat where I was sitting and made a quick sprint over my cot to cover Ginny’s mouth with my hand. God, was this really happening?! I wasn’t ready for this conversation, not now- not ever! Of course, she didn’t just guess all of a sudden… in the short amount of time that I’ve been here I probably had that nervous tick of saying the weirdest things in front of George. Let me start from the beginning of these crazy four days, because even I need a second from all this mess.

              The time spent at the Burrow was the most fun I’ve had since the start of school up until that awkward Christmas Eve night. Mrs. Weasley went crazy trying to find the space for everyone that showed this Christmas but she never doubted me sleeping in Ginny’s room thankfully. The pretty French fiancée got her own room when Percy didn’t show. I’ve met him a grand total of once during the summer last year and I’m still convinced he’d sat on a stick somewhere. The rockability Weasley was sharing a room with some… other guy? Ginny said he taught at Hogwarts a few years before my transfer as the Defense against the Dark Art’s Professor. Something about him being fired and is now staying here for Christmas? Yeah, I don’t know why either, he’s just celebrating with the Weasley’s this year (See, everyone knows how cool this family is). My cot was a humble one that hurt my back a bit but I wouldn’t dare tell Mrs. Weasley that, she’d insist on having me sleep on the couch in the living room. I couldn’t be seen sleeping on the couch, I’d be sitting in the prank warzone completely vulnerable.

              Speaking of the prank war, I bet you’re on the edge of your seat in anticipation for the score. As of the first three days of staying at the Burrow the only thing they got on me was a dyeing spell on my Drooble’s gum. Last time I checked my tongue was still an unusually bright shade of blue. I’ll make sure they regret bringing food into this war by the end of it. I DID get away with the Ginger Wolfman master plan, but I didn’t account that the exact night I’d booby-trapped his pillows would be when Molly took some pillows from his room for Bill’s soon to be wife. Waking up to her bloodcurdling ¼ Veela scream at 4am wasn’t too pleasant but seeing her sporting a silky white-blonde beard to rival Dumbledore made it totally worth it. I expected to be kicked out of the house for that but as it was, Molly only gave me a stern lecture to be more careful and the possibility of us only pranking outside. Right, like THAT was going to happen.  

              You’re probably wondering if this is where I’ll pick back up on that train wreck of a conversation with Ginny. Well, not yet. First you have to hear about the makeshift Quidditch game from Christmas Eve. So as you know, between Ron, Harry, Ginny, and I take up a chunk of the players on the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Since I can’t ever talk them into playing Quodpot, Ginny thought that if we invited the twins to play we could at least have two chasers and a keeper for Quidditch. The position of seeker and beater would have to be left out but we all agreed it was the best play. As soon as the mention of our contact rules for chaser and naturally Ron clamored to his precious keeper position. Ginny and Harry had an awkward back and forth “No, you should take the keeper position”; I’m assuming because Harry doesn’t want to scuffle against Ginny but she’s anything but fragile. To my surprise though, Ginny took the bait and agreed to be on the goals.

                 By the time Fred and George came out brooms in hand, I had to take the world’s most obvious double take to George. I know, I know, I shouldn’t be so surprised Ginny caught on after that.

                “So who’s on whose team?” It took all my strength not to look at George as I forcibly looked to Harry who was cleaning his glasses on his sweater.

                 “I’m thinking to make it more fair for you lot, maybe George teamed with-“ My head snapped  up to Fred giving a smirk to his brother. Without hesitation and without thinking, like an idiot, I spoke up a little too eager to sound like a normal human being.

                  “I dunno you moneybags might need all the advantages you can get considering you’re playing against two of the fastest players…” I smiled to Harry just as he let out something of a nervous laugh. Well at least he enjoyed the pre-game taunts, the twins both looked skeptical of my attempted intimidation.

“This coming from a- what was it?” Fred began just as George laughed.

                  “A Wampus, wasn’t it?” Both suppressed a laugh just as Ginny called out for us to hurry up and start the game.

               “I wasn’t just ANY Wampus by the way; I was Minute Mags at Ilvermorny. I was sort of a big deal there were fans and everything.” Giving my most confident smile I kicked my leg over the secondhand broom that I borrowed from the Weasley’s broom shed. “Besides, I already leveled the playing field by not using my own Firecracker.” Ah, right, you might’ve forgotten about that broom that Theo gave me before he went on Christmas break but I haven’t. The near shimmering fire red broom with fresh leather accents was a complete surprise, as I expected he’d all but forgotten about everything minus the mysterious plan with Theodore. The Firecracker was the obvious name I chose because of the near exact firecracker pop sound it would make when I pushed for a speed higher than 150mph. It’s not exactly legal on the Quidditch field since I clocked in at 160mph when I pushed myself for speed. Which, that kind of speed is crazy fun but I gotta admit I felt the smallest hesitation when everything started looking a little… lightspeed. After marking my speed, Theo applied some sort of braking charm on top of my charm that would apply a levitation charm to me if my feet leave the back brakes.

                 The game went about as you’d expect, I was great and constantly fought Harry for the quaffle (funny considering he CHOSE me for this position and suddenly thought he could fill my role so easily). I swear, if we ever play this again I’m not going to be on the captain’s side just so I could kick him a few times. I went all game mode and mostly dominated the game up until around halfway when it struck me “Oh, hey it’s not just ANY player that I’m fighting over a quaffle with!”. Yep, after that you might as well have just jinxed me to have two left hands. I couldn’t keep a grin off my face even as I was aware of how BAD I was doing. Honestly, I didn’t care that they took the lead especially since it also made Harry more annoyed with me being his partner. All that crush stuff aside, the twins won the game narrowly and that’s when Ginny started giving me the eye; the “How did you lose against them, why were you going so freaking slow, this isn’t amateur hour” sort of eye that she kept suspiciously focused on me.

                 For the rest of the day on Christmas Eve was pretty uneventful, I found a proper hiding space in Mr. Weasley’s outdoor shed. I still remember when I wandered out here my first time visiting the Burrow. Since moving to England, I became fast friends with Ginny- it was near instant when I first caught her nearly breaking her neck to hear my conversations about Quidditch with the housemates I just met. Clearly she was a fan and we became the best of friends once she mentioned the Holyhead Harpies. I jumped at the idea of meeting her family during Christmas break of ‘95. Knowing of my interest of “muggle culture” (Ginny’s words, not mine) she introduced me to Mr. Weasley who was over the moon to hear about the No-Majs in America. I told him what I knew, what I assumed and how things are better back home than what the tabloids would have you think. Genuinely interested in my thoughts of their film, music and fashion I barely realized that I’d been sitting with him for over three hours. I felt like a complete tit just rambling on while he was just being polite but he told me that he was glad to have talked with me. The following morning after breakfast he asked me to follow him outside to have a look at a muggle device he was working on- which happened to be an old pair of Ranger walkie talkies. The arc shed was filled top to bottom with electronics, gears, old clocks and odd ends. Arranged in perfect chaos it looked like one of those pawn shops you’d see on the films! Since then Mr. Weasley would ask me to take a look at something or another at least once per visit.

              I gave the bird drinking contraption another lazy flick as I watched it bob its head into my hour old mug of hot cocoa. The bird was tucked away in the useless rummage of the shed that Arthur would soon dismantle into something new but I needed the friend. Funny, that I was now contemplating if the birdy would play therapist tonight; I gave a snort of a laugh toward the image that I must’ve been. Here I was slumped in a stool, chin resting on my knitted sweater of an arm watching a toy bird. The Weasley’s knew I was out here, and left me alone to fiddle with the muggle thingamajigs. I’m sure they’d be sitting around the fire while listening to the wireless Christmas tunes all cozy and family like, I should be there too but I was kind of bummed. The whole crush thing is harder to deal with if I have to keep it hidden from the one person I tell everything. I mean, the only other person who knows about all this is Theo and he’s not my first choice in ‘voices of reason’ when it comes to boy trouble.

              A gentle knock on the door pulled my blank stare from the bird to the silhouette of Mr. Weasley in the doorway. I sat up in an attempt to not look as desperate as I must’ve seemed. I panicked a bit when he made his way to me before I grabbed the closest cluster of metal beside me to look busy.

              “What uh... what are you doing out here? I’m just working on this…” I hesitated while looking the gadget over in my hand. What was this? Half a globe with what looked like a radio built inside? Was this a speaker that barely clung to the globe by a cloth strap? I dumped the weird gadget onto the worktable and sighed. Sitting on an identical stool beside me, Arthur unwound the scarf from around his neck.

              “Ginny’s been asking after you, thought I’d find you in here…” Giving me a warm smile, he looked to the bird dipping int my cocoa. “It’s to drink? But it’s not a real bird, why would the muggles try to feed a wooden bird?” I couldn’t help but chuckle before explaining it was just a kiddy toy which left him with a rather dissatisfied look. We watched the bird bob a few minutes before he cleared his throat and scooted to the table a bit more. “I can’t imagine the real reason you’ve been out here for an hour is to watch this bird.”

              “What’d you mean? This thing is way more fun than your average Rubik’s Cube.” I chuckled and laid my head back onto my crossed arms. I was in no way going to have this conversation with Mr. Weasley. As crazy of a mess this is, telling the parent of my best friend AND parent of the guy I cannot stop thinking about. I mean, it's not even me thinking of how great it’d be to be in a sort of relationship with George, it's like I can’t shut my brain up from just wanting to SEE him and make him smile. Ugh. Oh right, Arthur’s giving me that look again. “It’s an infuriating game where you turn lots of little cubes on a big cube to make the colors-“ There was that face of complete confusion again. I dropped my hands that I was unintentionally using to help him imagine the game. “I’ll see if I have any with my things from back home” I smiled and began picking at the frayed strand of yarn sticking out of my striped gloves Molly made for me last year.

              “Right, well if you need to talk about anything or… Anyone” Arthur gave a small grin and got up to make his quick getaway after dropping that hint. No way, I mean… I’m not that obvious, right? He’s just thinking I’m in a spat with Ginny or I’m upset about my dad not making it back for Christmas, he can’t know it’s… No.

              “Yeah, I’ll um… I’m just so broken up because of my DAD-“ I had to add a real emphasis to the dad part which didn’t even slow him down. I mean, was I sad because my dad wasn’t here? Yes, of course he’s always trying to make Christmas “better than the last one”. I know it’s because he misses mom the most this time of year, so if he was to miss Christmas with me then it must be serious. Arthur stopped as he neared the shed door and gave me a rather smug grin.

              “S’pose that could be it... Molly’s just got the roast out, you should make way inside for some dinner.” He made one last wrap around his already tight patched scarf before facing the cold outside. I mean, he sounded… Not very convinced but I shrugged it off just as my stomach made the most desperate call for food. Fine, I’d go and eat but then it’s straight to bed for me. No thinking, looking, and no speaking about George for the rest of the night. It was a great plan, that is until we all sat around the super long dinner table for a fun family meal. As everyone was eating here (minus the professor who took dinner in his room) we were all elbow to elbow trying to tolerate the person sitting next to us. Molly and Arthur sat at either ends of the table, Fluer sat next to Bill, Harry wanted to sit next to Ron and Ginny, Ron wanted to sit across from Fleur (for some… Reason) which left me sitting by Ginny and Arthur while across from, you guessed it- George. Thankfully most of the dinner conversations were focused mostly on the soon to be married couple, to Ginny’s annoyance (who nearly choked on her radishes when she happened to see Fleur stroking Bill’s face affectionately). This whole couple conversation got pretty awkward when Molly asked Ron about his psycho girlfriend and all he said was a “We’re good” with a string of uh’s and um’s.

                 “You know she’s sent you something for Christmas, I sat it in your room for safe keeping.” Ginny smiled a mocking grin that made Ron’s ears turn bright red.

                 “Brilliant…” Ron sounded like he dreaded the idea of a present while Molly was eager to hear more about Lavender. Harry snorted his drink from a mug when Mrs. Weasley mentioned wanting to meet her and Ron muttered on about how “She’s just… So busy with her… Moon Charts and the like”. I leaned up to take a look at Ron because that was such a terrible lie, and by this point he wore the red across his cheeks as well as his ears. Now all we needed was for Ginny to be asked about Dean, then everyone would be just as eager as I am to leave the table. I finished my potatoes and actively avoided looking at George across the table from me, if I was going to last the week I couldn’t keep turning to pudding every time I looked at him. After that, almost on cue, Ginny announced she was full and gave her mother a small smile of “Please can I go now mum”. Which was granted with a sigh from Molly followed by a “Oh alright, remember to wake in time for presents so no pranks to keep you up”

                The window of leaving alongside Ginny was closing so I smiled to Molly and complimented the cobbler (Which I made it clear I called dibs for a plate of the leftover dessert for tomorrow). She caught the hint and said I could go on as well, Ginny was looking for me earlier so I thought I might as well see what she wanted. I stood and tucked my chair in the quietest way possible and bolted around the living room and into Ginny’s room. I’d never been more relieved to be excused for dinner in my entire life, not even when I had to listen to Umbridge’s everyday speeches before dinner. I closed the door while trying to keep the silence in Ginny’s exceptionally pink room intact. Didn’t seem like she was in here, and I took the opportunity of privacy to change into my pajamas. A thermal and rolled to the knee sweatpants would be comfortable as well as warm and I jumped at the idea of being as lazy as I could.

                 I flopped down onto my cot and hauled my worn suitcase from beneath it. See, my dad might not’ve come through for actually BEING here for Christmas but at least he DID send me something in the mail. Shuffling through my case I finally found a sort of crumpled (probably my on fault for throwing it in here with my professional packing) box that included a “Don’t open till Christmas” tag. I smiled to the box and searched my bag again for another trinket he gave me long ago. “Aha!” I pulled my hand from beneath the mass of wrinkled clothes and there it was. The silver coin was dull until I placed it in the center of my hand and I gave it a squeeze. I pulled the coin a bit closer to my chest and remembered when my father gave it to me. Seeing me off to Ilvermorny, he was so worried I’d find trouble or someone would know me because my dad and his reputation back when he was a Wampus. This coin was his going away present ( or a last minute idea) that he gave me just before I was sent off my first year. Little did I know then that it was a sort of tracking enchantment. See, I use to think it was something to say “I miss you” when it would glow and warm to the touch because HE was there clutching his own duplicate coin. Then I found out it was actually his own way of knowing that if I was holding it and keeping it safe, then I in turn was safe. So when mine glows and warms a bit he’s holding his and vise versa;  I’ve thought about making it into a necklace just to annoy him but- I opened my hand to the cool coin and furrowed my brows. Why wasn’t he responding? My dad was ALWAYS eager to let me know he was there, did something go wrong on his trip-

                 The door burst open just as I was freaking out about my dad so it’s no wonder I nearly jumped out of my skin when Ginny ran in and fought to fight her door shut. “YOU KNOW I COULD JUST HEX YOU!” Ginny taunted another redhead that was fighting to open the door. I knew it was Ron, and I knew it was probably a prank. The distraction was just what I needed, I couldn’t be worried about my dad who I probably wouldn’t even see till April. He would’ve sent Mr. Goodnight, he would write, he wouldn’t be sending me a present for Christmas two weeks ago, he would come to find me here. I laid the coin back into my bag and assisted in holding the door from Ron. Naturally, he didn’t stand a chance against the two of us and we shut the door with a CLUNK before Ginny broke out in laughter. I smiled and sat on her bed while she untied her fluffy pink night robe to hang it on the door.

                 “The gift from Lavender…” She paused to take a breath and tried containing laughter. I waited for her to roll her sweater sleeves and sit on the bed beside me. Motioning a V on her chest, Ginny took a deep breath and started over. “The Christmas present from Lavender to Ron is the daintiest little golden heart necklace with an arrow through it, reads “My Sweetheart”across the bottom. Looked like something my gran would fancy!” Her attempt at words failed her again as she fell back onto the bed in fits of laughter. Wow, I’ll bet that Theo’s glad he got out while he still could wit that one. I shook my head and laughed it off a little less enthusiastic than my best friend here who was nearly rolling on the bed.

                 After the laughter and after our plans for prank war tomorrow, the two of us migrated into bed to try and sleep but I was sure I wasn’t the only restless one. I could hear Ginny tossing in bed and she only stopped when she was facing my way. I couldn’t sleep because I was excited for tomorrow and I hated that most of the day I refused to acknowledge George when it was one of the highlights about being here. So what was keeping Ginny up? I rolled my head to look up to my best friend who was looking straight at me. Woah, way creepy Ginny.

                 “What’s the matter?” I whispered even if I didn’t have to, it just felt right among the silence and natural stillness the night brings. I couldn’t read her face, something between thoughtful and curiosity. The half moon shone in pretty clear through her window and I could see her hesitation. “Ginny…”

               “Can I tell you something and you not go completely mad?” Sitting up a bit in her bed, she turned to look at me as best she could (as I was neck high in blankets due to my hatred of the cold). I tucked the blankets down a bit and wiped my eyes to feign sleepiness. Ginny’s tone was off and it made me hella nervous with the way she started this conversation. “I’m not sure, but I’m very nearly positive that George has a massive crush on you.”

                See, I heard her but I couldn’t comprehend the words. George, George Weasley had a crush… On me? “What?” I whispered a delayed response because I didn’t even, What? I was… I THOUGHT THIS WAS ABOUT HARRY. Ginny rushed to sit up in her bed and leaned to her nightstand to turn on a small lamp. I could feel a gigantic smile on my face even as I couldn’t grasp exactly what she meant. Shit, she’s turning the lamp on to see my reaction! I threw my covers off and hopped to the small window seat closest to the head of my cot. Oh my GOD. George LIKES me? Holy freaking crumpets, I covered my mouth and tried too hard not to start giggling like a complete loon.

              “Maggie, I’m not. What’re you-“ I heard Ginny climb out of bed but she didn’t take a step closer. “Are you LAUGHING? I mean, I thought it was a little weird at first but-“

              “Why? Why- do you think that? I mean, did he tell you or did you ASK…” My voice was too giddy for me to even SOUND upset or normal or anything other than complete hysteria. Ginny’s overdramatic gasp caught me off guard and I turned to her just as she began nearly YELLING about how I like George. I made the mad dash to cover her mouth as she began hiding a laugh. God, they’re right above us. That was her intent I’ll bet.

              “Here I was thinking you were going to be so FREAKED but you like him too!” Ginny pried my fingers from her face as I retreated back to my cot with an intact grin. I didn’t know why SHE wasn’t freaking out, I mean, I was expecting anger and disgust when if I ever told her but... “Why didn’t you tell me sooner? Oh my God, you guys would be great together!”

              “I’ve liked him since…  WAY before, like last year but I didn’t want YOU to hate me! I thought you’d get all weirded out!” Ginny motioned me to slow down and shook her head.

              “No! I mean, it’salittleweird but you’re YOU. George won’t be a knob and you won’t be a nutter, the both of you need a GOOD relationship for a change…” Ginny turned to take her room in for a minute, thinking before she looked back to me. “Oh, you’ll have to tell him tomorrow- better yet ask him out, for once he’ll be speechless…”

              My stomach flipped from the excitement and I stopped to take in the situation. Ginny was now excited for me to… Date her brother, who almost definitely likes me as well? I was trying to sleep just five minutes ago and now Ginny wants me to go ask him out? “No, no… I can’t just ask him out, you… you’re not even sure he likes me and-“

              “He does. I know my brothers and I’m telling you he acts differently when you’re around. He gets all quiet worrying he’ll say something wrong, didn’t you see him at dinner?”

              “Oh no, I was trying to not look at him-“

              “To not have that feeling in your stomach when he looks at you, yeah that doesn’t work…” Ginny spoke without thinking and she instantly looked up to me with embarrassment. Funny how I’m getting advice to ‘just say how I feel’ from the professional lovelorn.

              “I just… I’m glad you told me, I don’t want to force it- does that make sense? I’ve thought about it for so long and I… Don’t want it collapse now that it’s happening because I push for it too hard.” I sat back on my cot and held my head. I couldn’t believe what I’m thinking, I’ve never been afraid to jump into things with anything or anyone. But suddenly it was like I couldn't afford to be… Me because I didn’t want to mess any of it up. I love the Weasley family, they’re all such wonderful people but what if things didn’t work out with the two of us? I’d loose them and my best friend. It was safer if I just DIDN’T. But I wanted to, desperately.

              Ginny sat wth me for a few minutes in silence before she crawled into her own bed. I was clearly done talking for the night and she knew it was best to leave me to think things over. I snuggled back into my pile of blankets and stared to the near purple hued ceiling in moonlight.

              “Hey Ginny, can you not… Make it awkward tomorrow?”

              “It’ll be like you never told me at all” I could hear her smile between her words and knew very well that she would definitely make it awkward.  

              Pranks or thanks? Ginny has been asking for a prank since she put me on those horror-movie like dates. I was sure I was going to wake up with Ritchie sniffing my socks completely Leatherface style those last few weeks. Cormac, of course, went behind my back to ask Ginny if SHE could talk some sense into ME. I’m not sure exactly what she said to him, but whatever it was kept him out of my sight. Even Ron and Harry steered clear of Ginny’s short fuse that day. What I DO know is that Ginny told me not to go to the Christmas party and that was that. I got it out of Harry that Hermione took Cormac to the party where he chased her skirt all night. Figures. So I guess my hotheaded best friend made up for those awful blind dates after all.

              Maybe just a small prank then? I pressed my lips together and plucked a small box labeled “Creepy Crawlies” from the vibrant orange shelf. Ginny’s pretty fearless but I bet she won’t be if I fill her slippers with these. Adding the prank to my pink wire basket, I secured it in place as best I could considering it being overfilled already. Weasley Wizard Wheezes was something of a secondary home. It sounds ridiculous but I’m super proud to have played a piece (albeit a very SMALL piece) in the start of this success story. What do you mean you don’t recall that? I spent like half the year in ’95 selling Weasley products behind toady Umbridge’s back while kicking ass in the DA. Regardless, as I said… small pieces.

              “Might I interest you in a Nose-Biting Teacup?” The daintiest clink of porcine sounded beside my head before I spun on my heel in a panic. Instead of both twins, it was just George who held the teacup by the handle as it bit a few times before morphing into your average grandma like teacup. They weren’t supposed to bite till you get close but I caught a feeling these things could just sense my presence as its first victim.  

              “They sound a little fragile, there was a change in the design?” I crossed my arms and smiled coyly, eyes on the cup. As a former tester and seller of the products, this one was the worst. The twins quickly caught onto my whole non tea drinking history and talked me into “England’s finest” served in the prototype biting cup. Instead of nipping just the tip of my nose as planned, it instead chomped onto my top lip and wouldn’t let go until it was broken apart. I had to walk around with teeth marks on my lip telling everyone that I made out with a dunderhead that didn’t know how to kiss instead of selling the twins out to Umbridge.

              “Had to implement the whole ‘you break it you buy it’ policy after that one” he sat the cup onto the shelf before giving me a half hug. It was kind of weird to see the twins apart even this long, but I wasn’t going to complain. I don’t know if you recall but I had a massive (and I mean massive) crush on George; right he may not  be my usual kind of guy but Ginny got me thinking when she asked about that whole type thing. I mean, as stupid as it sounds I came up with a list. Turns out he left a really high bar for my standards to define ‘perfect’. Since then, I’ll admit that I might have been making a mixtape. I know, I know, see I TOLD you it was ridiculous.

              “Where’s Fred?” I pulled back from the halfhearted hug to see George shuffling through my basket. Of course he would want to see what I have up my sleeve this year. Last year when I spent just a few days with the Weasleys we had a prank war between Harry and Ron against Ginny and myself. The bars were raised and I was sure there would be collateral damage with all these new relatives in the mix.

              “What makes you so sure I’M not Fred?” Pulling out a tin of “Out to Lunch Fake Moustache” he held it up to ask for some answers. “Now why would you need two tins of hair growth ointment?”

              “Hairy Harry or Ginger Wolf Man, I can’t choose. And you’re not Fred.” Snatching the tin I pulled the basket away from his prying eyes.

              “Exactly how could you tell the difference? Only a few can and they’ve told us how but all you’ve said is ‘You just know’. Kind of eerie that answer…” George circled around to my other side as I kept on looking at the display of Extendable Ears. Of course, I wasn’t going to tell them how I tell them apart. It’s creepy to bring up in a casual conversation. Oh, I can tell you and your brother apart because you have a fuller top lip and a freckle just there above your jaw. Jesus, I’m utterly pathetic.

              “It’s the colors, meant to make us distinguishable.” Fred rounded the corner and gave me the same side hug as George. “It’s good to see the scars went in for the most part… right Georgie?” Fred pointed to the two small scars that mostly faded into my lip line. I’d nearly forgotten about them after a year, I couldn’t complain too much about it though; the scars were rather tiny and they did get me a 25% off discount in the shop. George made a quick glance to Fred and myself before he changed the topic.

“Heard about the brutal one-two you gave McLaggen- Would’ve loved to seen the git running from you… Please say you chased him” The both of them lit up immediately at the mention of Cormac getting his ass kicked. How did they even hear about this?!

              “And the broom, Ginny said you left it in splinters…” Oh my God, of course Ginny told them. Now I sound completely insane. In a desperate attempt to change the conversation from my bad breakup I blurted out the first joke I could about Cormac’s broken broom.

              “More like stakes, should’ve just stabbed him with that…” I forced a laugh and immediately kicked myself for that joke, as they weren’t in the loop of muggle films. Count Yorga was such a shit movie too! Freaking broken broom stakes! The two were very much identical in the shared momentary expression of disgust. “Muggle films, it’s erm…” My ramble of apology was cut short when a shatter of glass broke somewhere from the back of the store.

              “There’s my que then! I’ll take care of that…” Fred shuffled backward from our small group just as I caught sight of George staring Fred’s way with his mouth pressed to a hard line. Spinning around to see what the commotion was about, I saw Fred turn heel from walking backward. Were they talking about me? What were they talking about? Fred was in a hurry to leave, it’s… shit I bet I freaked them out with that bad vampire joke. My idle hands were too nerve wrecking so I started straightening the tiny vials of “Weather in a Bottle”.

              “So, you’re staying at the Burrow for Christmas this year? Going to be a crowded one, what with everyone’s girlfriends popping in…”

              “Your… girlfriend?” My back stiffened from the humiliation just as my hands jumped into action that knocked a few vials from the shelf. There was only enough time to swear under my breath before the two bottles smashed into the floor. A swelling storm cloud surrounded the both of us while many customers sprinted from our spot. The grey clouds let loose the coldest raindrops along with the menacing thunder from the bulkhead. Even though George cleared up the prank a mere few seconds of it being unleashed, we were both soaked.

              “I am so sorry, I will pay for those- I…” I stopped talking as soon as I realized George was in hysterics. I quickly pushed my now drenched hair behind my ears and looked around the store for Fred. “What’s…”

              “Your face, I don’t think I’ve seen you so scared before.” George shook his head and began drying the floors, wand in hand. “It happens more than you’d think around here.” Great, well at least that was the biggest distraction from what was the most embarrassing thing I could’ve said. I don’t even know if he heard me, I mean I said it quietly right? Or maybe he misheard me… What girlfriend? York girlfriend? Maybe they sound the same? George glanced up at me while I just stood watching him syphon the water from the shelves. “Keep standing about and you’ll make a puddle, don’t you know how to dry yourself?”

              Ouch. No, I don’t know the ‘drying spell’. I can do some spells, just nothing so advanced. I don’t prefer magic to actually DOING things. Besides, my wand is a bit too excited when I do any kind of magic; I tried making a dimmed lumos and made a friggin flashbang of light.

              “I didn’t bring my wand, didn’t think I’d need it while shopping for presents” George furrowed his brows and motioned a complicated looking spell at me. Just as he finished a heavy rush of hot air threatened to knock me back. I looked down to my clothes and felt the hem of my flannel. Huh, completely dry.

              “Handy” I smiled as he tucked his wand back into an inside pocket of his blazer. George’s brown suit looked dry already which meant he must have some sort of waterproof enchantment on his business suit. Smart. I found myself watching him for just a few seconds longer than I should before his eyes met mine. Immediately I looked down to my basket I had looped in my arm this whole time. I cleared my throat before shooting him a grin.

              “Think I should go before I go all ‘Bull in a China’ shop again.” I could feel my eye twitch after that one. Carefully maneuvering through the shelves and displays I made it to the register and an employee named Verity. Blowing a bubble with neon purple gum she rang up my various boxes and bins. I told her about the two bottles I broke and her response was a little nod. Promptly, the rebel of a cahier packed my things into an oversized brown paper bag. I smiled a thanks to the girl and heaved the bag to rest on my chest. I leaned back a bit to hold the weight as I made for the front door.

              As I turned my back to try and open it, I saw Fred and George standing beside one another. They both watched me open the door and I give a small wave with a few fingers that wasn’t holding the bag. They both waved goodbye as I felt a bit embarrassed of myself. This was ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous. I turned and stomped out into the deep snow outside of the shop to head for my next stop.

              Remember when I said “Theo is my favorite friend who lets me try out his prototype inventions”? No? Well, I take that statement back. Instead I’ll now say “Theo is my favorite friend who broke my favorite Walkman when I asked if he could make it Hogwarts Friendly”. My forever loyal cherry red cassette player WITH AM/FM radio was now a pile of sad electric guts. When I asked if he could’ve used the whole ‘mending charm’ to fix it back to how it was, Theo said that whatever tinker magic he tried on it would stop reparo from working. I couldn’t stay mad about it for long though, you wouldn’t either if you saw Theo’s “please forgive me” face. Considering that happened last month, I was music-less for the last three weekends while I visited Hogsmeade. Ginny, Theo and Theodore was my only source of entertainment these past few weekends and even then everybody was busy. Ginny was busy fighting with her “boyfriend” Dean, about holding a door open for her, buying her sweets. Honestly, I don’t know what’s wrong with Ginny these days. Everyone in Gryffindor tower knows she likes Harry, I’ll bet Harry even knows. Break up with Dean and go snog Harry already. Theodore and Theo (or whatever nicknames they’re calling themselves today) is always busy with some magical thing. Some scheme they don’t want to talk about, but that’s fine because I didn’t want to tell them about what I had planned today.

                 If the boys caught wind of my plans for today I’d never hear the end of it. As it was, I was on my way to a sort of date. Not a real one, I mean, more real than my latest date with Cormac. Oh, that was a catastrophe. Cormac and I thought to give it another go at the start of December. I mean, I was clearly more optimistic for it than he was since I sat in the Three Broomsticks for two hours waiting on him. Since gossip runs fastest in the Gryffindor house, it wasn’t too long before I heard that Cormac was too busy teaching some Hufflepuffs how to play a more intimate kind of Quidditch. It wasn’t a bad play to get girls I suppose, the saddest part was that it was his only play-considering it was the one he used on me. Things ran its course as expected, he called me a bitch before I broke his nose. Cormac was set on needing to go to the Hospital wing while stayed back to break his custom decaled Nimbus 2002. Things are easy to get out of hand while the whole team cheered me on in the common room.

              Two days of detention and two week later I found myself here in The Three Broomsticks yet again. Arriving to this sort of blind date that Ginny was sure I needed. Right. The guy knew who I was so I was just here to wait, again. The only reason I was here was because Ginny was begging me all week to go on JUST ONE date; probably in the hopes of me bringing someone to the Slugclub Christmas party. After hearing her ask about it one too many times I agreed if she wouldn’t set me up on anymore blind dates. Trust me, after a romantic dinner with nose-pick Nick you’d be scared of her choice in guys she thought to be perfect for me too (Thanks Ginny). Ten minutes and one full mug of butterbeer later, I run in with the date. Of course, it’s Rambling Ritchie from our second string team. Really, Ginny? I’m starting to think this is just her own way of pranking me. I’ll have to embarrass her in front of Harry again.

              “Oh, I didn’t know if you’d show up! When Ginny said you were looking for a date I couldn’t believe it. Absolutely bonkers, I thought she was- You look cold Magdal-“

              “Right! No, I’m toasty.” The lung capacity on this one; I’ll be here all day if I don’t get out quick. Anyway, who calls me Magdalen? It’s MAGGIE. I even had to dodge his hand and side step away to evade him wrapping his arm around my waist. A table by the window with two chairs across from each other, perfect. My favorite pair of knitted red mittens was the first to go as soon as I made it to the table. Ritchie made a quick lunge to pull out my chair but fortunately I was quicker. The awkward shuffle to sit down and scoot myself to the table while politely fending him off while acting completely oblivious was near hysterical.

              “So, so you’re into muggle… all that muggle stuff right? I mean, I don’t have a problem with muggles. I love muggles! I met a muggle once and he was kind of-“ Ritchie barely made it into his seat before beginning our newest conversation about muggles he met in a train station. Oh God this is so much worse, Ginny has to be screwing with me. I’ll make a mental note to NEVER, EVER trust Ginny with dates for me. I should have brought a bag, packed some Nosebleed Nougats- Hell, even a Puking Pastel would be preferable to this conversation. Maybe an excuse for the bathroom and sneak out the front door? No that’d make Quidditch practice too awkward, knowing Ritchie he’d wait for hours before thinking to go back to Hogwarts. Crap, I’m stuck here aren’t I?

 ************************************

              “And I said “No way, the beakers on these things are just too plucky!”” I was able to tone out Ritchie’s voice after the first half hour of this longest date in the world. Picking at the few frayed red strings from my mittens, I thought of my Christmas break. Since my dad was outside of England since October, I thought to go home with Ginny for the month long break. This was fantastic news to my best friend, as it meant she didn’t have to share a room with her brother’s new French girlfriend.

              “Hello?” I looked up so see the face of my date as he was looking at me rather confused as well. A laugh seemed reasonable right? He was telling jokes for the last hour, I’m just surprised he didn’t catch on earlier. Giving a smile and chuckle I noticed a familiar black haired celebrity at the bar just behind Richie’s fro. Oh my God, Harry Potter saves the day again. I stood up faster than my squealing chair expected and excused myself. It wouldn’t look so bad if I talked to the Captain and hear of… something that wouldn’t sound bad if I leave. Right? Collecting my gloves and nearly sprinting to the bar, I leaned against Harry heavily.

              “We’re friends, right Harry?” Nearly jumping out of his skin, Harry pushed his round glasses back onto his nose in an attempt to not look TOO scared. “Maggie, you couldn’t be a normal person and just ask? Yes, you’re my friend. Why? What do you want?” I couldn’t help but smile, no not because he thought of me a friend but because he’s always so jumpy. Scaring Harry was one of my favorite pass times, but don’t ever do it when he has his wand (I learned this very quickly).

              “Why do I need to want something from you to talk to you? We can’t just be two friends hanging out outside the Quidditch pitch?” Harry scoffed at my reply, as he knew I really did want something.

              “Fine, but I don’t want Ginny hearing about this.” He suddenly looked all too interested now that I mentioned Ginny. These two are the worst, I swear. “She set me up on this sort of blind date,” Harry’s curiosity instantly changed to amusement as he began to turn and look for my date. With a quick jab in the arm, he looked back and immediately asked who it was. Was he in on this prank?

              “Ritchie from second string” Harry laughed not too subtly before turning it into a cough. “The only thing he’s asked me is if American’s eat fish…” This particular topic lasted for twenty minutes right after the ten minute topic of the Three Broomsticks wooden floor where he guessed what kind of wood it was.

              “But he looks so lonely without you-“ Harry paused as we both watched Ritchie pick up my half drank butterbeer to smell into my mug. Funny, given that he has his own drink. Harry looked back to me with my same expression of weirded out. “You should stay clear of Cooper, I’ll tell him you’re still hung up on Cormac-“ What? No, I’m not- I opened my mouth to tell him otherwise and Harry just shook his head. “It’ll keep him away, won’t it? Unless you want to go back to the creepy sniffing bloke?” I groaned and threw my hands up in surrender.

              “Fine! But stress the point of NOT dating.” Harry nodded and turned around to go talk to the weirdo. I parted on an over exaggerated whisper of ‘THANKS’ to Harry’s back.  

 _________________________

              “Well how was I supposed to know he was weird?! I thought he was just going to bore you to death!” Ginny was fighting tears of laughter as I told her about my date. I knew she was playing a trick on me, no way she’d set me up with Rambling Ritchie if she was serious.

              “I agreed to the whole date idea because YOU didn’t want me going alone to the stupid party. I don’t even WANT to go to the party, you know that right?” Ginny sobered up real fast when she heard my news. The only reason she desperately wanted me to go was so she’d have someone to hang out with other than Dean (Her boyfriend she doesn’t even WANT).

              “Maggie, you said you’d consider-“

              “I would consider going on a few dates if it meant that MUCH to you. Why do you even care if I have a date or not? I’ve gone to parties stag before, it’s no different…” Ginny was looking more and more pathetically sad the longer we talked about the annoying Slug Club Christmas party.

              “I was hoping if I found someone your type, it would make you WANT to go.” Ginny sat on her bed criss cross as I paced around the small circular fireplace in our dorm. My type?!

              “Ginny, what? Which of those last two guys were my type?” I was eager to hear what she thinks I look for in a guy if she expected those to be prime examples.

              “Well, Nick was smart and well enough looking- kind of a prick-“

              “Nick the prick picker” I chuckled only semi-seriously as Ginny laughed and continued.

              “I dunno, Ritchie was sort of talk able and can be funny, I think? I mean he did that thing where he picked up the quaffle to smell it-“ She hesitated and smiled again. “I can now see how weird that is…”

              I crossed my arms as I realized she was picking a pattern here. My type was all modeled after Cormac. Minus the funny part.

              “Ginny, that’s not-“ I stopped to collapse onto my bed beside Ginny’s. I was glad we were in an empty room at the time as I didn’t expect the conversation to turn this way. “I didn’t like Cormac. I mean, I did but I didn’t? Not in the real kind of way... he was just so… fit?” I cringed at the words coming out of my mouth. Ugh. I hated hearing myself talk about “the real way” because I don’t know if there’s even a “right way”. “I mean, we snogged a lot and it was nice but I wanted to punch him in the face so many times he opened his mouth.” I looked to Ginny again who was just watching me lay miserably talking about my love life. “I guess that’s not it then, is it?” The silence from my best friend was comforting. I expect she’s thinking of her own relationship, how it’s not it either. “So no, I don’t have a type for pricks.” Ginny took on a mischievous smile as she stood up to lean on my bedpost while I sat up to unlace my boots.

              “Well this changes everything, I was looking for knobs.” Ginny folded her arms and watched as I threw my boot onto the floor. “So, then what’s your type beyond being fit?” I gave a grin before shaking my head. I’d never thought of that, usually it’s the only quality I look at first. Does that make me a horrible human being?

              “Um, I dunno...” I paused as I yanked my other boot off. “I mean, not wanting to punch them in the face is a good start. Don’t you think?”

“What the Hell do you mean Theo’s gone?!”

Mid- putting my hair in a ponytail, I was told that Theo took off yesterday, just before our first Quidditch playoff against Slytherin. Which, is one of the most important games of the entire season with the exception of the final matches! While everyone was out scrambling to find our second strings, I didn’t get the memo because I was practicing some of the plays half the day, and in Hogsmeade the last half. The pre games and plans we created for this season were maneuvers that me and Ginny tried talking Harry onto for months; finally giving in only when Ginny argued that it was because he thought we COULDN’T do it. Completely filled with tons of moves that are pretty intense- and risky. Ginny is great at spins while I’m fast and on my feet. These moves played to our own strong suits, and our beaters knew exactly where and when we would need them to cover us. So, of course, hearing the news about Theo was a collective grief shared by the team. At least we have that one second string who came to most of our practices.

“Who’s covering for ‘em?” I hastily buckled my elbow pad while shutting my locker door. The look Ginny gave me a discouraging one- she grabbed her broom and began walking beside me out of the Gryffindor locker room. “Remember the one that tried chatting you up after last year’s “Hufflepuff Bump” incident? Jai?” To be honest, I still can’t remember what happened in that accident. I remember it included a beaters bat and a stray Hufflepuff embellished umbrella. I remember waking up in the hospital wing with a well kempt Gryffindor and asking him half-conscious if he was the doctor. His reply: “Yes, I am THE Doctor.”

Stepping out of the tent, we were face to face with “THE Doctor” who looked like he was ready to fly away at any given second. Clearing his throat before he spoke he smiled and gave us a small wave. “Hi, I’m Jai. Harry told me to check in with you two before…”

“He filled you in on the playbook?” Ginny cut his sentence short as the three of us made haste to the starting tunnel. The stands were completely filled, some people were even sitting on the laps of others to get a good seat. Jai struggled to keep up and was filling the silence with “Um” when he caught sight of the crowd between the wooden cracks. “I wouldn’t say, “Filled in” per say. More like skimmed, he sort of threw the book at me and mentioned something about a time-turner?”

“So, you JUST go the book, like..”

“About five minutes ago” Jai looked absolutely unphased by our frustration, likely because he’s told everyone else on the team and they had this exact reaction. “But you know the general plays and…”

“About that, I’m actually trained to be a chaser.” The silence between Ginny and I told gave him the extra vote of confidence he needed, I’m sure. Ginny threw her hands up and groaned as she turned into the opening tunnel. I couldn’t think of any way to make the game smoother than by giving him the best advice I could.

“Just, just try to keep the Slytherins distracted. They can’t catch us, so at least there’s that… and also, try not to get hit in the head. That’d be a player down and we’d definitely lose.” I gave him a quick pat on the shoulder and mounted my broom for the formation.  

________________________

              It was a dreamy state of mind, being unconscious. I wouldn’t recommend it at all. It felt kind of like the quickest nap mixed with dreaming reality? After trying to wake up for the third attempt and only seeing huge blurry things, I gave up and thought to nap away. Being the biggest mistake possible, I woke up to the pounding sting in my chest, arm, and head (Let’s just say everywhere, I was hurting everywhere). My vision wasn’t any better but I could almost make out the burning red Quidditch robes worn by almost all the people surrounding me before I fell back into the fuzzy sleep.

              Opening my eyes again, I didn’t feel the crippling pain. It was still there but it wasn’t near as bad as it was before. No, my chest felt tight and from what I could feel, my arm felt broken. If was only when I lifted my head that I could check head injury off my list as well. Sitting up was a stupidly trying task, my chest was too stiff for any extra movement, which was fine because my head was really starting to hurt from this whole movement thing. Hell, even taking a large breath was teeth grittingly bad. From what movement I was limited to, I just knew my chest was bound. Broken ribs? From my hospital bed, I could see a few of the burgundy robes flung onto backs of chairs that surrounded me. Low and behold, as I pieced together the mess of a circle around my bed, the last chair next to my bed sat Cormac McLaggen.

               Of course, I knew this was McLaggen even though most of his body was hidden behind the latest edition of the Daily Prophet. He was about the only person I know to read the morning paper. The walls of the hospital wing was completely covered with three story windows, all shined in the intensively bright morning sun. A few students buzzed about the room in the white aprons, offering the other patients food, medicine, letters and the like. I spotted three other Quidditch players I knew to be on the Slytherin team asleep in their own beds adjacent from mine. The game must’ve been brutal if it left four players in the hospital wing. The more I thought about it, the more I needed to hear what happened. Grabbing hold of the covers that snugged me firmly to the bed, I flung them off with my unslung arm. I absolutely hate hospitals, why did I have to stay in bed all day when I could be off healing just as well somewhere else. Anywhere else. The massive headache being the only thing that actively hurt (minus breathing), I shimmied to the side of my bed. My bare feet couldn’t touch the floor just yet, I’d have to take a guess that I’d be fine to stand up on my own and go for it.

              “Where do you think you’re going?” The tone was smug, which squashed any thought it could be anyone other than McLaggen. The loudest noise in the room was his haste attempt to fold the Prophet back all while keeping me from springing off the bed. “You’ve a broken arm, three fractured and one broken rib, and had a nasty cut on your head.” Standing, he took off his Gryffindor scarf and placed it in his seat. “No, you’re on bedrest. Besides, you’ve already missed the rager of a party in the common room last night, there’s no need to rush back now…”

              What? An after party? I missed the after party and I hear about it first from Cormac? Cormac can give a good run down of a Quidditch match, but an avid partier he is not. Of course, I was wondering who won the match but that was kind of obvious if the team was partying. Unless it was a “We’ll do our best next time” guilt kind of partying (which sometimes happens… when we don’t win, I mean ((Which is never)). “Party?” I managed it in the form of a groan, all the while I tried figuring just how painful my arm was.

              “The same as it always is up there from what I heard. Someone smuggled in that putrid fire whiskey, loads of it. It was loud, a banner might’ve caught fire, Ron snogged the psychotic Divinations girl… The usual.” Cormac recited it in the most boring tone, giving me a flashback to attending History of Magic in North America back in Ilvermorny (Long story short, Professor Rappe was so old he could’ve SEEN the signing of MACUSA).

              “Wait, Divinations girl? Lavender?” Replying with nothing but a shrug, I continued to try and pry an answer out of him. “Curly blonde?” I exaggerating the poofyness with my one good hand, to make sure he knew who I meant.  Still, he had no answer. “The one who talks on another frequency?” I was grasping at straws at this point, even then, I knew he didn’t know who I meant. Just as I was about to give up the distinct sound of the bell tower rang through the opened doors of the hospital wing. What time was it even? Was that the first period bell? Breakfast? The bell system sounds nice in theory, but really, I’ve been here for over a year and it still amazes me how well everyone keeps up with this whole bell ringing for breaks, lunch, start and end of school day, and “tea time” thing. Standing and packing his things, Cormac was suddenly in student mode. The lack of robe and uniform was a dead giveaway, unless he was skipping class (but this was Cormac, come on).

              “You didn’t get breakfast?” Fitting the metal clasps together on his leather side bag, he threw the strap across his body. “No, well, I did but I thought to stop here on the way” Right. I might be new, and possibly have a concussion but I DO know the hospital wing is nowhere near the Great Hall; it’s actually across the school and at LEAST ten minutes if you’re running. “I mean, I was going to pop into the library to find a book on the magical extensions of Gringott’s architecture before class too” Speaking up, he sounded more like he was telling himself rather than me. This would be kind of sweet, if I wasn’t too preoccupied with the thought of how to get sprang from the med bay instead. Actually GOING to class sounded more fun than going stir-crazy all day stuck in this bed. “I was going to check out the book last night but it-“

              “-Listen, I can’t stay in here all day. You’ll have to distract them while I make a run for it, I’ll-“

“You can go in a few hours when you can stand on your own, but I’ll hear nothing else about it until then.” Pomphrey sat two vials of contrasting size and content down onto the nightstand beside my bed. Of course she snuck up behind me, the woman knows me too well (After about my fifth breakout, she even started calling me by Magdalen). “You’ll lay back down and I’ll see that you don’t hobble off before drinking your potions, now drink.” Cormac saw his opportunity to leave with the most annoying smirk just as Pomphrey turned me back to bed a stumpy, leafy green fizzing potion in hand. 

Oh man, was this a rough crowd. I forgot about this whole dinner thing until about ten minutes ago, I had to run all the way to the Gryffindor dorms to shed my gear and then all the way down here just to get here to this boring looking party.

“Hey! Sorry, I’m late. I uh-” I paused to point in a general up direction. “Practicing Quidditch with the younger kids- What’s that smell, it smells delicious!” I leaned forward to approach the table as I looked to the familiar faces of my friends. I gave a wide grin as I looked to Theo and Theodore (who seemed really distracted for some reason), until Theo gave a jab to Theodore to indicate my presence. Weird. I stood looking to everyone before realizing how crazy I must’ve looked. I started to reach for the chair beside Harry until Slughorn stood to hold an arm out to his left.

“Magdalen! A pleasure to see you. Please sit!” The eccentric look of his smile was pretty goofy but he seemed persistent on my seating. Walking around to the empty seat, I saw the boy who gave me back the stupid tracker coin my dad gave me before starting Hogwarts. He had no idea that my dad probably freaked when he saw someone else with the thing. Some family heirloom or something. The pretty boy with brunette hair looked up at my tap on his shoulder, and smiled at my dramatic wave. Plopping down into the seat, I looked from the pretty guy to the girl that sat to my left. Poppy was the friend of a friend of a friend but she was one of us nonetheless. Being that she sort of knew about Quidditch made her even cooler in my books. Leaning heavily onto Poppy, I gave her a knowing cheeky grin before scooting to the table. Mimicking my same playful hello, I leaned forward to give Harry a quick wave.

“Miss Magdalen, how has your father been? I heard he’s been exceedingly busy since the incident at the Ministry…” Sluggy interrupted my hellos, but as I turned to look at him. There Cormac was, sitting abnormally close as we’ve been since our breakup. A flash of crazy eyes, gave him the hint to scoot away from me a few inches before I continued with the question.

“Oh, he’s always at work. I hardly see him these days, but then again I do sleep here” The burst of laughter from Sluggy made me rethink my last statement, I couldn’t help but smile at the hilarious grin from the professor. I could do a killer impression of that face- I made a mental note in my head to try it out in the mirror before going to bed. Scanning the circle, I could see Theodore concentrating on- I tried my best to follow the death stare he was giving but it was pointless because it was completely obvious who he was watching. Two fancy pants students were talking to each other all hush, it was really flirty though- almost like you’d wait for them to excuse themselves from dinner and go have at it in the hall. The really pale girl must’ve been an ex. Looks that way, anyhow. She was pretty, but not what I expected to be Theodore’s type. Theo looked like he was waiting for his ears to bleed at the way the creepy twins were staring at him. Hah, he looks so focused on his plate- probably hoping the lamb wasn’t poisoned by the creeps. I looked to Poppy as she scooted the weird looking meat around her plate, nudging her with an elbow I nodded to Theo. I whispered to her as Slughorn asked some Blaise guy something about his mom.

“How long before he runs screaming?” I snickered to the image of the famous scene from that muggle cult movie. “Come play with us, Theo!” Covering my muffled laughter with a hand pressed tight to my mouth, I reached for the glass of water to hide my giggles. A snort while drinking, I had to cough into the white cloth napkin. Sluggy looked a bit concerned before I held a hand up and smiled.

“Sorry, water went down wrong” I pressed my lips together and noticed I got the attention of everyone at the table. All I could think to do was to wave an apology and nibble at a red potato to try and act normal. I’d finally gotten the attention of Theo however, which was what I was hoping for since the start. No, he’d love the joke. Watch. Feeling oh so clever, I mouthed the words RED RUM. But of course, Theo couldn’t read lips and was left just giving me a dumbfounded look. The second attempt was just as useless.

“Oh no, I just-” I cleared my throat to cut the one who was gorging himself on little miss Muppet’s missing sheep. I acted surprised to the attention that diverted to me before moving on a bit too soon.

“Professor, is there perhaps any- RED RUM cooked into this delicious meal?” I directed the words to Theo as best I could and gave the red rum bit more emphasis his way. A few at the table mused at the joke but Theo’s mouth pressed to a hard line as he gave me a glare.

“Ah, no but there is a hint of white wine. How could you notice that?” He looked near astonished at my apparent feat, but I just shrugged and gave him a reassuring smile.

“It’s a gift” There was no point hiding the blatant smile that was near permanent on my face.

“I didn’t know you had a penchant for wine tasting” Cormac’s tone was near mischievous next to my ear. If I didn’t know better I would assume he was trying to pick me up or something. Of course, how would he know about muggle films. It’s a good thing he’s pretty.

After nearly ten minutes of picking the potatoes from around the gross looking lamb, Sluggy declared it dessert time. What was brought out next I thought only existed in my dreams. A huge glass dish with like TEN scoops of vanilla ice cream with fudge swirl appeared via magic. The thin wafer sticks that stuck out between scoops was the first things to go. My dinner would be this humongous dish of ice cream and it will be glorious. Picking up the nearest spoon I began digging for the fudge swirls. A clatter of utensils across the table grabbed my attention as I caught what looked like Theo trying to pull Theodore back from his head. A nudge, probably but even when Theodore wasn’t shooting daggers at his ex he looked pissed. It was a drama with those three, then a horror flick with Theo and the creepy sisters. Oh, this was the perfect seat.

Leaning up a bit I could see the pretty coin boy. Eating around the edges of his ice cream stack, he looked near miserable. I guess the other food was horrible. His jet black hair was parted and combed and even jelled down; a shame, he’d look a lot cuter if he’d just mess it up a bit. The corners of my lips perked at the thought of doing him the favor. The huge door to the office opened quietly and nearly unnoticeable until I could see my familiar red haired best friend shuffle inside. I was just wondering why she wasn’t here yet. Ginny left the pitch hours ago saying something about spending time with Dean. My smile brightened a bit before I saw the look of sadness she held. In the year that I knew her, I never saw any other emotion except her usual confident demeanor. Scooting back in my chair, I caught myself from leaving the table to rush to her side. It felt wrong just to sit here while she was completely upset.

Harry beat me to it, standing to his feet looking a bit crazy to pull out her chair. Funny, the captain looked like he might have a crush on Ginny. Apologizing for her lateness, Ginny gave the Captain an odd glance before taking the seat. Eyes wide, I threw myself back into my seat. The captain most definitely had a huge crush on Ginny. This was HUGE. I mean, Ginny had a crush on him since like… forever. Biting my lips I tried to contain my excitement and continue eating my ice cream. Glancing around the table once more, I could see Theodore’s ex looking awfully cozy with that one prissy pants. Instead of leaning and whispering, they were looking all face to face with each other. You’d think she had ice cream smeared on her face the way he looked over her face all craving. By the looks of it, she knew Theodore was watching. She seems like a real bitch.

Nimble fingertips brushed against my cheekbone trailing some hair behind my right ear. Looking to Cormac, he gently touched my cheek clearly focusing on a specific spot.

“You’ve some chocolate-” A swift reflex to wipe my cheek, before the two of us furrowed our brows. That was really weird. I combed my hair behind my ears as I tried avoiding eye contact with the now hesitant Cormac. I mean, I know we’re all friends even after the break up but that- that was weird.

As soon as Sluggy said his thanks and told us all how he enjoyed our company, the room began clearing in groups. I tried scooping as much ice cream I could into my mouth until I started risking a brain-freeze. With a quick wipe of my napkin I jumped from my seat to sprint behind Ginny. Still seated in her chair, I draped my arms onto her shoulders and hugged her. I must’ve startled her because she jumped at my sudden surprise hug. I gave an unspoken apology for her sadness, and I was sure she understood it when she smiled up at me. Releasing my hold, I grabbed her wrist and began walking to the boys that were now standing and talking between themselves.

“Ah I would say ‘you two look nice’ But then again, Theodore always looks that way” I smiled between the two and hugged them both in one huge hug. Ginny gave nods to the two while I remained enjoying the hug. “Well, fun night, eh?”I spoke taking a step back to look between the three.

“You looked like you enjoyed it the most. You nearly ate all your ice cream…” Theodore’s comment lingered as he caught sight of his friend leaving arm in arm with her own friend. Exchanging glances with Theo, I laughed and spoke up in hopes of regaining his attention.

“It was the best ice cream, I should’ve ate the whole ten scoops” The awkward moment of silence fell over the four of us until Theodore turned back with a smile. A small shake of his head, he looked between us trying to regain his composure. He was hurt, I could understand that. It made a bit more sense why he never showed an interest in me. Looking for a quick diversion from the terrible dead silence, I yawned and began speaking in loud drawn out words through my yawn.

“Loooong day… You three want to head back to Gryffindor tower?” Ginny smiled a little at my yawn and agreed. Theo gave a nod to Theodore before agreeing to follow alongside us. Holding an arm to the door, Ginny caught my drift as she walked with Theo out into the hall.

Clearing my throat, I looked up to Theodore who looked more suspicious than anything. My asking for our privacy must have caught him off guard. Hands behind his back, his posture implied his intrigue as he looked down to me.

“I just wanted to say… I understand what it’s like… I-” A quick look to search the floor between my words didn’t help to find my words. “It feels like shit to feel unwanted and…” The pause was due to a raise in his brow. He must think I’m talking about how he wasn’t accepting my flirts over the summer. Crap.

“No, not me.. us. I mean my father and-” I cut my words short when realizing he must be completely lost. I mean, he’s probably thinking how bizzaro it is to hear me serious for once. Giving him a simple smile, I looked up to try and think of a way to recover from this awkward encounter. He loomed over with a growing look of consternation.

“I have no idea why I’m telling you this. I’m sorry for.. this whole-” Palms pressed and writhing them together, I tried not to make an idiot of myself once again. “Language mess, thing.” With a quick smile I turned to leave but stopped on my heel when I heard him clear his throat.

"Thank you, I believe. It is not often that someone claims to know what I am thinking or feeling, and if it is true…" He glanced quickly to the far corner of the room before stuffing his hands into his pockets and walking towards the door. "…Then I am sorry, especially if I lead you on. It’s…hard to explain."

"Sure! No, I get it- but you can uh…" grabbing for his sleeve, I gave him a sincere look. "Tell me about it… if it helps, I mean. No kissing required, I promise." With that, I followed his lead out of the office. Ginny and Theo were leaning against the stone wall patiently, but they looked to perk up a bit when they saw our arrival. My best friends beside me, we all headed out from the down right no good very bad party.

The scent of freshly ignited gunpowder heavy in the air filled the brightly painted shop. Being Ginny's best friend had amazing benefits- one being her brothers own the BEST joke shop in London. Over the summer, Fred and George built Weasley Wizard Wheezes into an actual company (Not just running around selling nosebleed nougats out of a box). I thought about getting a summer job here, but jobs are pretty boring when I could be out and exploring England. In a few weeks, I'll have been living here for a full year (which I still haven’t gotten use to the currency of coins, I mean, it's weird enough England uses POUNDS)! This place was far better than back home, I mean, I still cant believe how attractive the accents are here...

A quick turn of ginger hair nearly hit me in the face before I caught the wide eyes of my best friend staring at me. Ginny and I were nearly inseparable the whole summer, what with my dad being called to work more then ever he let me stay at the Burrow days and weeks at a time.

“It's McLaggin!” Ginny had a wicked grin as she sunk down to hide behind the shelf of Broom Broom kits I was looking at. Of course, Cormac was around, Ginny told me about how he's been after Hermione Granger. It didn't bother me at all, but Ginny was in near hysterics as she tried to remain quiet. The seventh year stood in front of a caption of little pink vials, turning it over in his palm. The heart shaped glass was obviously a love potion, which was why Ginny was in a fit of laughter. Biting my lip to try and remain serious, I shushed Ginny and swatted her hands that she held to cover her mouth. I could've made a joke, or called him out, but I hadne't talked with Cormac since our breakup back in March (and I certainly didn't want to have a casual conversation with him while he held that little love potion). The three months we dated was pretty well, he was a great kisser but unfortunately that's where his talents ended. During one of our Quidditch practices, our usual Keeper Ron, didn’t make it, so we substituted McLaggen for the Keeper. Long story short, just because the quaffle skimmed your hand- if it goes through the goal, it's a point. The argument we had could be heard from the Herbology greenhouse, or so Neville says.

The summer was a blast: filled with fun parties, staying up at sleepovers, I even managed a sort of date with the tall, dark, and handsome hottie Theodore (though it was interesting to say the least, not at all what I'd had in mind for a “date”). Honestly I wouldn't mind a second date, maybe this time without the depressing story and just making out the whole time- yes, what a perfect date.

School was just around the corner, and I was suppose to be getting my supplies with Ginny yesterday, except another attack in Diagon Alley had Mrs. Weasley on edge about us going. The number of shops that hung out of business signs were getting larger each passing day. Everyone was on high alert, but we were to be going back to Hogwarts soon enough. I mean, everyone keeps saying “Hogwarts is the safest place from Death Eaters”, it's boring that a SCHOOL is the safest place though- could've been anything, but it HAD to be a school. 

Of course by the time we reached Hogsmeade all Ginny wanted to do was go to the three broomsticks to meet her hot date. I would’ve refused going straight there but the new beverage, Butterbeer was too delicious to pass up (That and how could I pass up seeing this boy that Ginny never mentioned!). The three of us huddled into the Three Broomsticks, which was absolutely packed but the sudden burst of warmth was a nice change from outside. Ginny then turned to Theo and I, crossed her arms and spoke up over the crowd. “Good luck finding a table here!” Looking above the crowd, she caught sight of her date and looked back to us. “Micheal is ‘round the fireplace! I’ll see you two later!” I furrowed my brows and perched my lips,

“Michael, eh?” I stood on my tip toes to catch sight of the boy before Ginny placed both hands onto my shoulders to hold me down.

“Just go somewhere else, you two! I don’t need a crowd…” She’d tucked the ginger flyaway hairs behind her ears before departing through the crowd. The loud muttering and distant laughter was near deafening and the smell of sweet butterscotch filled the air of silence between Theo and me.

“So, she wont be back for a while…” Theo spoke up and looked to be searching for a table.

“Do you know a Michael?” I practically yelled above the crowd as he lead the way through the crowd. I could see his prolonged shrug even while just seeing the back of him. Stopping past the crowded bar, we looked out to the all occupied tables surrounding us. The place was buzzing with witches and wizards from Hogwarts all around, and it was no surprise that they all had a taste for Butterbeer.

“We could always come back, you know!”

“No, no, Look!” Pointing back to a table taken up by none other than Ginny’s brothers, Fred and George. Rushing nearly completely to their table, I stopped just a a table away from theirs to brush my hair back and causally stroll past the twin’s table. A candid walk past the table, I slowed my pace before I completely passed the squared table. I was recognizable, right? Maybe it was the hat… I glanced up to see a look of suspicion clear on Theo’s face. Brows furrowed he walked to the table and pulled a chair out, watching as I retraced my steps instantly to pull out my own chair beside Theo.

“Ay, it’s Theo… here to buy some more of our smuggled wares?” Fred gave a cocky smile, then leaned back in his chair as soon as I sat down.

“And the star chaser herself, I’m surprised you left the pitch for once…”

It’s always difficult to contain my blushing with these two, so instead I lifted my elbows onto the table and supported my chin onto my hands. “So, are you two showing up at the practice tonight?” Stupid, of course they are… Why do I always mention Quidditch, I could bring up anything! Yet I go for Quidditch! In the corner of my eye, I swear I saw Theo lean back in his chair and gradually turn his head to me. Just glancing toward him, I saw the cryptic smile grow, as though he’d had a revelation. No, he couldn’t possibly- I’m not THAT obvious, right?

“Of course! Wouldn’t miss it, besides the first games coming up. Beating Slytherin at the start of the season always cheers George up!” Fred nudged George who was entirely distracted.

“That Ginny? By the fire?” George pointed toward the direction that Ginny headed off toward, low and behold Ginny was sharing a Butterbeer with her date. Long dark brown shaggy hair, this was apparently Michael.

“Who’s that bloke? That a Ravenclaw scarf?” The two twins wore the same near disgusted wrinkle on their noses.

“That definitely won’t last…”

“I give it a week”

After a refill of two butterbeers, and a couple rounds of two truths and a lie; it was obvious Fred and George were cheaters. No matter the bluff, the two could always see through it- even with Theo. After an hour of sharing a table with the twins, they took their leave still laughing at my last attempt at a lie.

“You really are just like our sister-” George stood and finished his mug as Fred interrupted.

“Merlin, two Ginnys…” The two shared a laugh before they departed.

I couldn’t help but groan and lift my glass of butterbeer to my lips. Theo leaned close and whispered near inaudibly into my ear.

“ I’ll assume Ginny doesn’t know that you’ve got a major crush on her-” I shot my palm to his mouth and shushed him before he could finish his sentence. It was bad enough Ginny sat only a few rows of tables away from us, you never know who might be around the corner!

“No, she doesn’t… and that’s the way it should be” I’d dropped my hand from Theo’s face before turning to face the table.

“That’s a- a bit of a stretch, Maggie” Theo’s face wasn’t as smug now, it was just a bit sympathetic.

“I know, I know, he’s… it’ll never happen, I know that. George isn’t going for "Another Ginny" and besides, Ginny would hate me if she figured it out, and well… I’m really just like Ginny, so obviously…” I held out my hands before laying my head on the table. Now that I’ve completely rambled on about my impossible love life, I could really go for another Butterbeer.

Trying not to become the pity party I was quickly descending into, I raised my mug from the table and swayed the cup; signaling I was getting a refill. Standing from the table, I made my way to the bar before glancing back and catching sight of Ginny snogging the mystery Michael. To be honest, it might’ve seemed creepy by just how long I stared at the two. Was it sad that I wanted that? Not Michael, or the whole creepy part but the romance. I mean, it was obvious that I wouldn’t ever be snogging George Weasley, the chances of that are- well… nonexistent. The longer I stood there, watching creepily, the less I realized the guy who was sitting at the bar behind me absently getting off his stool.

Knocking into me, I caught my balance between the boys puffed winter coat, and the table that was in front of me. It was a good thing I hadn’t gotten my refill just yet, because this guy nearly threw himself against me. “Watch it, man!” My words slipped out just as I turned to see a familiar face. The same guy who first spoke to me during the start of term feast- Cormac, I believe. Instantly recognizing me, his frustrated gaze suddenly became a bright smile as he laughed a bit. A second later, he’d pointed his index finger at me, before giving me a confident smile.

“Maggie Garnet, right?”  

 “I'm telling you, in the states it's called a sweater!”

Scrunching her nose, my best friend Ginny tied her thick ginger hair into a tousled loose ponytail. Ginny held her breath as she finished and held her arms out at her side, waiting to see if the style would hold. Pinching at my knitted sweater, I looked down at the gold band in the center of all the burgundy.

“A jumper is a dress... thing, with overall straps” I'd gestured the straps of overalls in the reflection of the mirror Ginny looked into. It was a common debate between the two of us, not to mention it helped me get use to the slang here. I mean, how was I suppose to know a boot is the trunk of a car? That being called a corker is a compliment? This place is really weird if you don't know the basics, and I had Ginny for that.

“Are you almost done?” I impatiently sat onto her bed and watched as she looked over herself one last time. “I know, I know... How does this look?” turning to face me, she gave me the most awkward grin I've ever seen. Of course, it was strange that Ginny suddenly cared how her hair looked, it was even weirder that she was asking my opinion on the matter.

“Wait a second, this is a date... isn't it?” Ginny was taken aback, she furrowed her brows and crossed her arms. The smile on my face grew the more frustrated she became. “It IS! Who is it?” I stood from her bed as she yanked her coat from the top of her trunk. “Ginny! Who are you meeting?” I couldn't help the excitement in my voice as I followed her out of the girls dorm. The freckles on her face masked the faint pink that appeared upon her cheeks the more I questioned about the mysterious stranger. “Ginny! Is he cute?!” My prodding came to a halt when we got out into the common room, where a studious Theo sat on the overstuffed crimson couch in front of the crackling fireplace. A worn newsboy hat hid the majority of his infamous curls, yet a few peeked out from round the brim. Sadly, he looked like he had all intentions of going out yet he changed his mind to stay here and study. I grabbed Ginny's hand to pull her along toward the lonely Theo. Stealing the cap from atop his head and placing it on mine, I flopped onto the couch squished next to him.

“So what are you reading?” He had barely enough time to comprehend our intrusion before I snatched the book from his hands. I'd looked at the cover before passing it to Ginny, “Confronting the Faceless... I don't recon that's on Umbridge's required readings list” Trying to reach for the book, Theo sighed before looking back to me.

“It's not, she's got us reading barmy textbooks on nothing but theories and defensive spells...” Ginny flipped through the browned pages before tossing it back to Theo.

“Guess it's a good thing we're doing extra credit then” I smirked and fiddled with the corduroy hat. “So where's your girlfriend, Voorhees?” He laughed and tried looking at me with a straight face.

“That's awful...”

“Sorry, Voor-who?” Ginny rested her hands on her hips and stood looking between the two of us.

“It's a scary movie about a boy who drowned in a lake- Mrs. Voorhees is his psycho obsessed mom who kills with a smile on her face” Ginny face scrunched a bit before she laughed.

“Lavender told me we were meeting at the tea shop in Hogsmeade but she canceled because uh...” He cleared his throat and shook his head. “She's with Trelawney for tea”

“The stars not in favor with her leaving the castle or something?” Ginny chimed with a smirk.

“Something about Mars, actually...” I couldn't tell if he was joking or not, but he looked back into his textbook. After a moment of silence, I stood to my feet and pulled on Theo's arm to pull him up. “Come on, you need a break from that dusty old book anyway.”

“I've got my O.W.L.s coming up! I really should-” Looking back to the couch after I'd helped him to his feet, Theo grabbed his textbook before I pulled him away from the fireplace.

“You SHOULD join me in Hogsmeade, because you know you'd rather get a butterbeer with me then be in this stuffy tower alone. Besides Ginny's got a date anyway...” I chuckled as Ginny groaned dramatically. Despite his complaints of coming with us, once I got him out of the portrait frame the hesitation of coming with us vanished as a grin slowly replaced it.  

This new school, Hogwarts, is great! I mean, the classes are still a bore like at the witches institute but my favorite part about this place is the common room. These “Gryffindors” sure do know how to party! During the day, the place is near empty but in the first WEEK they've had three parties in the late hours. It looks like only the older kids stay up to attend the entire event, but I met a few cool people just by hanging about in the common room. Apparently there’s a set of twins gingers who are the star pranksters of the school, I heard they even play on the Quidditch team! Due to their higher stature of popularity, I haven’t been able to introduce myself. Then there was this famous kid who survived death that I should apparently know of, who’s been the seeker since he was eleven. I let myself be known to the crowd that I was indeed interested in playing on the team, that being said, I would play on the team. Dropping a round, full coin purse onto the small table in front the fireplace; I crossed my arms at the opposing crowd. The group of eight surrounding the table doubted my title back home as “Minute Mags”, something I’d picked up when I was given the seeker position in a game. The star seeker was sick with mono, and since the team was all boys they didn't want me on their stupid team. Of course, what could they do? Call the game off? No, they picked me, and lucky for them too- I got that nickname because I caught the snitch in forty seconds flat. “Are you mental? That looks about fifty galleons!” one of the twins leaned in to get a look of the burlap purse spilling a few coins onto the wooden table. The whole currency system here was foggy, but it was all the birthday money I had left from summer. “She’s confident…” Cormac spoke up with a smirk, “Might even give Harry a run for his money” “Bet on someone else if you’d like, just be sure they’ll actually show up tomorrow morning before try-outs” Raising a brow, I dared anyone to challenge me. Just when I expected nothing but silence, I heard a feminine voice sound from across the common room. The crowd all turned to see a former Quidditch player, wearing a red sweater with a golden band stretched across the middle. “You’re bluffing, if you could catch a snitch so quick why go for a beater position?” Dropping an odd assortment of coins onto the table top, she’d crossed her arms. “I’ll have a go against ya, on that Alicia. New girl looks like she means business” An Irish boy slid a few coins from beneath his palm into the gathering pot. A few members of the group nodded and mumbled among themselves; in the far side of the circular room, I saw the boy Teddy with his insane girlfriend. Rather interested in the group surrounding me than his girlfriend who chatted with another girl, he risked giving me a quick, subtle wave before looking down to his book. “Aye, I’ll bet on Harry!” A red-headed boy with a prefect badge spoke above the crowd. A few seconds following that comment, another boy with glasses who relaxed on his couch raised his hands as if to prove innocence. “I’m not getting involved in this!” “You’re really that good then?” A girl with dark red hair approached the table, pressing her hands against the table top. Ginny, I think her name is… she’s a roommate of mine, although she’s usually asleep or not yet in the common room by the time I am. I gave a smile before scooping the pot of coins with my arm into a bag. “I guess you’ll all find out tomorrow…”

 The boy with tousled, coffee colored, curls gave little more than a glance to the chair beside him before I took the seat as my own. “You play Quidditch then?” A raise of a brow, and side glance later he'd finally responded.

“Right, Quidditch. I love Quidditch. But how did you-”

“Psychic”

Leaning back in my seat, I folded my arms and smirked to the brooding guy before me. Apparently he didn't see the humor of my joke as he continued watching me with an arched brow. From what I can tell of everyone except this one specific guy, everybody in this house of Gryffindor loved my jokes and sense of humor. I'd nodded toward the leg of his chair once the awkward stare became a bore toward his rucksack. Leaning over the arm of his chair, he'd swore under his breath at the sight of his cat laying belly up amongst this belongings that scattered floor. “Either the cat's the fan, or you are...”

Snatching the paper beneath his cat, he'd taken the navy blue badge with two cattails crossed from the floor and threw it into his bag. “Puddlemere United, huh?” I'd flashed him a grin when he'd looked up from his mess. “I'm more of a Holyhead Harpies fan...” A quick smile could be seen once he finished packing, “Do you always root for the underdogs then?” He'd given me a cheeky smile before sitting back in his chair.

“TEDDY!” A loud, shrill cry sounded from the second story walkway. A girl in a flowery pink night gown ran to lean over the half stone wall. Strawberry blonde curls tied together under a sleeping cap, she looked down to the boy who sat in front of me. Hastily turning his head up to look at the drama queen, he'd whispered a loud “WHAT?!”.

“Your stupid cat left another DEAD lizard in my bed!!” The girls breathing was shaken and she looked completely traumatized. I had to bite my lip to keep a giggle from slipping as the scene unfolded. The boy took a look down at his cat, who looked utterly pleased with itself. “What do you want me to do about it? He's a cat!” Taking a dramatic inhale, the girl then crossed her arms and turned her nose up, away from us.

“I don't know how I'll get any sleep now...” The girl had gone from being scared, to angry, and now being sulky. “All I can imagine is it's twitching little legs on my blanket” covering her face with her hands, she'd begin to whimper.

“Do you need to tuck her in too?” The silence that followed my comment was unmatched. The boy raised a hand onto his forehead and shook his head subtly. “WOW, okay. Who are you?!” Raising her voice, the boy spoke up to interrupt her psychotic rant.

“Lav, just go to sleep we'll talk about it in the morning...” obviously tired, he left off on a desperate tone. Completely shocked, the girl “Lav” watched us a moment before speaking up again. “I think it's time for YOU to go to bed too then” Crossing her arms, she shot a glare toward me before making way back into the girls dormitory. The slam of the wooden door echoed, and made him sigh. I wasn't sure if the boy needed a moment, so I waited a few before speaking up.

“She's nice” The boy gave a amused chuckle before looking up from the ceiling. “Girlfriend?” I'd known the answer of course, but I didn't think he'd appreciate it if I was to assume. A second too long of a delay, before he answered with a simple “...Yep”.

“Now Magdalen...”

Sitting at the edge of his mahogany polished desk, hands clasped together resting upon his knee. My dad had a tendency to forget just who he was trying to smooth over, working at the Ministry and all. In this office, no, in this very same chair some of the most important people in the entire country sat. Nearly all the presidents of the time; Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and George Bush all sat in this very same chair. You see, my dad isn’t one of those desk jockeys you usually see at the Ministry; he’s the one everybody relies on when they need a charmer to represent the whole Wizarding World.

“It wasn’t MY fault! The girl was dogging me for weeks!” Heaving myself up from the seat, I crossed my legs beneath me. Normally he’d take note of my feet in the seat, but he’s far too into thought about the trouble I was in at school. Which wasn’t my fault, might I add. This one upperclassman thought she was bad just for bullying third years, like me. Well, it was the last day of school before the end of term and she was shouting at a kid (who didn’t even look twelve, mind you) calling her ‘the dirtiest blood in Salem’. Now, how could I just stand by while this sixth year taunts someone who doesn’t even know any spells to protect themselves with? The answer is; I couldn’t. We both walked away learning something though; she learned that she wasn’t so dangerous (considering she cried when I whaled on her), and I learned she was the Headmistresses granddaughter.

 “Yes, well… You can’t just go around hitting people.” Raising a hand to his face, he gave a sigh of disapproval. “Would you rather I hexed her?” I could see a smile surfacing that he tried to hide behind his look of authority. “Now that…THAT would’ve been easier to blow over... Could’ve used any number of reasons: Wand mishap, unknowing your abilities, aiming for someone else.” The disappointed look he tried to hold was long gone, as he stood to his feet. “I’ll go talk with her about allowing you back to the Academy, just no more… PHYSICAL threats from here on.” He strode out of the office, to assembly go have a chat with old Miss. Hadamik. (Try saying that five times fast, eh?)

“Oh, and feet out of the chairs Maggie.”  In response, I did what every other mature teenager would do: I groaned in protest.