#george weasely angst

[gigicreates562]

The Bet- Fred Weasley x Reader

Y/n bets Fred that she can get him to admit his jealousy before the end of the week. It does not go how either of them planned. 

TW: none

Word Count: 2,900

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“You’re an idiot” George stated plainly.

“Hang on- what have I done already? It’s only 9 in the morning” Fred retorted.

“The bet”

“Godric, she works quickly. How does everyone know already?”

“Because you’ve gone absolutely mental thinking you can win!” Lee piped in as he sat down at the table, “Everyone’s talking about how badly you’re going to lose”

Fred’s mind drifted back to last night.

…

“What did he kill your grandma or something? Why are you looking at him like that?” Y/n teased.

“Like what?” Fred replied, with his eyes still locked on Draco.

“Hang on are you jealous?”

“No,” He argued, still eyeing the Slytherin boy, “How did he get ahold of your gloves in the first place?”

“I left them there after our one-night stand last week.”

“What?” Fred’s focus whipped to her.

“You are jealous!”

“I’m not! Just …concerned for your well-being. Did you actually?”

“Of course not you twat. I left them at quidditch practice and he picked them up for me,” She answered, watching as Fred went back to eyeing Draco, “Why won’t you admit you’re jealous?”

“Because I’m not”

“Right… Interesting”

“What is?” Fred finally relaxed as Draco went out of the room.

“That you are jealous, but you just won’t admit it,” Y/N replied as she shoved his shoulder playfully.

“I won't admit it because I’m not jealous,” Fred said pushing her shoulder right back, “Why do you care? I think you want me to be jealous,”

“Wanna bet?”

“On what?”

Fred was slightly anxious. Deep down he knew he was a little jealous. Protective even. But he knew if he admitted it, it would mean admitting his feelings for her, which he was NOT ready to do just yet.

“I bet that I can make you admit you’re jealous by the end of this week,” Y/n challenged.

“You’re on.”

“Good,” Y/n stuck out her hand for him to shake.

“Hang on,” Fred took a confident step closer, instantly making y/n hyper-aware of their proximity, “What do I get if I win?” Fred brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear, clearly testing her.

“If you win,” Y/n whispered while taking another step impossibly closer, “I’ll do your potions homework for a week.”

She could feel his chest against hers now but she was not backing down now.

“But if I win,” she continued, “You have to ask me to the Yule Ball- In front of everyone.”

“Deal,” Fred scoffed and shook her hand.

…

“Drag it out as long as you can mate, I’ve started a betting pool” George held up a pouch full of sickles, ever so annoyingly.

“WHY is everyone so convinced I’ll lose?” Fred hissed.

“Because you’re head over heels for her! And because of that,” Lee pointed behind him. All the boys directed their attention to the front of the Great Hall.

“Bloody Hell” George laughed out.

There she was. Standing at the front of the great hall in all her glory was y/n. But instead of her usual sweater and jeans, she sported a tight black turtle neck with a leather skirt resting just below her mid-thigh cleverly directing everyone’s eyes down her toned legs covered by sheer black pantyhose wrapped up neatly by a pair of stunning black heels. She looked absolutely drop-dead gorgeous and much to Fred’s dismay everyone recognized it.

She was currently surrounded by a gaggle of third years, shamelessly trying to catch the older girl’s attention. But there was one specific person who made Fred’s blood boil. To Y/n’s right- stood Cormac, ever the overconfident flirt, making Y/n laugh. Fred couldn’t believe it. He almost, almost, stood up, but at the last second Y/N caught his eyes, so Fred sat back down and directed his attention back to his food.

“Oi! Fred!” Dean Thomas called, approaching Fred, “Are you and Y/N still seeing each other?”

“We were never seeing each other Dean,” Fred hissed through clenched teeth.

“Oh. So you wouldn’t mind if I asked her out?” Lee asked bluntly. George had the nerve to laugh at the 4th year’s audacity, earning a glare from his twin across the table.

“Go right ahead,” Fred approved.

“Wicked.” Dean hurried away towards y/n fixing his robes as he went.

“Have I mentioned you’re entirely, utterly, and completely stupid?” George reminded once more.

“Shut up.”

…

That afternoon Fred sat at the desk in y/n’s room patiently awaiting her arrival. She was supposed to meet him 10 minutes ago, but still no sign of her.

Five more minutes passed and Y/N finally rolled in. Amongst her hair sat a small red flower tucked behind her ear delicately.

“What is that?” Fred pointed to the improvised hairpiece.

“A flower. Dean gave it to me. Red for love or Gryffindor or some rubbish. I don’t know.”

“So now you’re flirting with Dean Thomas? He’s two years below us!”

“Not flirting Fred, simply accepting a gift. Why? Are you jealous?” She challenged crossing to lean on the desk near him.

“I didn’t say that.”

“Right,” She relented rolling her eyes, “Well then, ready to study?”

“If we must”

…

Some days came and went and pretty soon it was Wednesday.

How on Earth is it only Wednesday? Fred thought. He was miserable.

For the past three days, he watched boys trip over themselves just to get near Y/N. He didn’t think she’d carried her own books to class the entire week, not to mention the sweets on her desk had now grown to be a small mountain. It seemed everyone in Hogwarts was determined to make him forfeit. But Fred, just as stubborn as y/n, would not give in that easily.

Today was the Slytherin vs Hufflepuff game. Fred and George routinely made their way up to the stands to support their best friend and third favorite beater: Y/n.

“Bloody hell I’ve never seen the Slytherin stand so packed,” Fred commented as he pushed through the crowd.

“Not to put salt on your wound mate, but I think you know why they’re here” George replied making his own way to the front.

“Unfortunately I’m painfully aware.”

“You have to admit. She does look pretty bloody hot when she’s playing” George poked,

Receiving a sharp smack on his chest from his twin.

“Hey hey! I am not the enemy… Simply pointing out the obvious,” He added.

Smack

“Alright!!”

~~~

“That was mad!” Lee exclaimed.

“I’ve never seen Hufflepuff eat shit that badly” George added.

“Come on. Let’s go find her” Fred said. He may have been in a bad mood, but even he couldn’t deny that it was an amazing game for Slytherin. The boys journeyed down the stairs to wait for the team outside the showers. As they got closer Fred rolled his eyes at the sight before him.

“Sorry gents!” Fred loudly announced to the small village waiting outside the showers for Y/n, “Y/N has already left! Snuck out through the back. Looks like you’ll have to obnoxiously fight for her affections some other time,” he ended, clapping a few of them on their backs.

Fred’s call seemed to clear out most of the crowd including a very disappointed Dean Thomas.

“Right then, that’s better,” Fred sighed.

“You’re encouragable” George muttered.

“Are those my favorite twins I hear?” Y/N exclaimed as she exited the locker room. Her hair was damp and beginning to curl up from the shower and lack of a proper comb.

“That was bloody brilliant,” George congratulated as he hugged her tightly.

“That was a pretty gruesome game,” Fred said, abandoning his usual cocky persona for a more timid one.

“And here I thought you wouldn’t come,” Y/N cood as she crossed over to Fred.

“I’m not jealous.”

“Didn’t say you were”

George cut in, “Right, as entertaining as you two are, I’ve got a date with my pillow. Great game Y/n.” George clapped her on the back and made a quick exit.

“He’s right you know” Fred turned toward the girl.

“About what?”

“You were pretty ‘bloody brilliant’,” he mocked his twin’s tone.

“Thanks, It helped to have my good luck charm in the stands as usual,” she beamed at him.

“Yeah… Well, I’m off then,” Fred said beginning to leave.

“Fred!” She halted the boy, “Um- Well I just… Thanks for coming.”

“Yeah of course.”

~~~

The party was a rager. Gryffindor had just won the Friday match and it seemed like all of Hogwarts was celebrating. The common room was packed with people from all different houses dancing, chatting, and of course drinking.

There was only one rule to get in: you’ve got to wear red and gold.

Fred, however, made sure to deliberately leave that detail a mystery to Y/N. As usual, he had a plan. He figured that this being the last night of their little bet, she would be plotting a scheme of her own, so he would have to beat her before she beat him. His plan was simple: she would show up at the door, not wearing the required colors, and he would graciously offer him his jersey. With no other option, she would be forced to wear a shirt with a big fat “WEASLEY” on the back, easily warding off potential suitors. Now all he had to do was wait for her to show up.

And show up she did. His plan was right on track. She approached the portrait hole confidently; strutting up in an emerald green Slytherin sweater. Perfect.

“Ope, sorry love, gonna have to stop you there.” Fred said blocking her path, “Red or gold required to get in.”

“What?”

“Yup. No entry for green. Sorry darling,” Fred smiled at her oh so sweetly. Y/N tried to ignore the little flutter of her heart when he used that pet name for her.

“But you are in luck!” He continued, “I just so happen to have this!” Fred proudly pulled out and presented his jersey to her, thinking he had won.

“Mhm. Let me get this straight,” Y/n exaggerated, “You ‘just so happen’ to have forgotten to tell me the dress code, and you ‘just so happen’ to have a shirt for me, but it ‘just so happens’ that it has the word ‘WEASLEY’ plastered all over the back?” She saw right through him.

“Yup,” Fred popped the p of the word as he held out the shirt to her.

But Fred had made one fatal mistake, he had forgotten the very reason he fancied this particular woman oh so much: her boldness.

“Right,” She began to speak loudly, as to attract the attention of everyone in the room, “SO I CAN'T COME IN WITH THIS SHIRT, BUT IF I CHANGE TO RED OR GOLD I CAN ENTER?”

“Yes?” Fred hesitated. What was she up to?

“WELL FINE!” She exclaimed, and Fred watched in shock and might he say admiration as the next few actions unfolded in front of him.

Y/n reached down and proudly pulled off her shirt over her head, revealing a bright red bra underneath.

Fred gaped at her. He definitely had not seen this coming, but by god was that attractive. He didn’t know if it was her confidence or just the proximity to her shirtless chest, but Fred Weasley was truly at a loss for words.

“Let the woman in!” Someone shouted from the crowd, and Fred stepped aside to watch as she walked past smirking. How did his plan manage to go that badly?

“It’s alright mate you made a valiant effort,” George appeared patting his shoulder, “But if you do lose I’ve got five galleons on it. I suppose I could share some of the profit.”

“I need a drink,” Fred uttered.

“That’s the spirit.”

~~~

The party raged on, and it was getting dangerously close to midnight. Y/n knew she had to finish this and fast. Luckily, she had the advantage. Fred had been hitting the fire whisky pretty hard, and best of all Cormac had entered the ring once more.

“Hey,” Y/n said approaching Cormac, “You played pretty well, I couldn’t help but watch.”

Actually, she could. She hadn’t even noticed him. In fact, she was pretty sure she was transfixed with a certain Gryffindor beater for most of the game, but she put that aside for now. She was winning this bet.

“Hello beautiful,” He smiled. She internally cringed at his words but persisted.

“Can I sit?”

“Of course” Cormac shoved over to make room for her. Y/n glanced at the clock, getting slightly nervous. 11:30. 30 more minutes- time to be bold. She stole a glance in Fred’s direction, who unfortunately seemed distracted talking to Lee, and with a deep inhalation, sat directly on Cormac’s lap.

“Well hello,” he praised as he placed a hand on her thigh. She fought the urge to move it away and pushed onward once more.

“Hello,” she flirted, glancing back at Fred again. Still not watching. Fuck. Why won’t he look at her? Why won’t Cormac STOP looking at her? Abruptly Y/n became startlingly aware of her shirtlessness.

“You look quite fit tonight. Really a killer outfit,” he joked.

She laughed, LOUDLY, Too loudly to seem natural but it seemed to have caught George’s eye. She hoped he would deliver the news to Fred. The clock was ticking.

Carefully, she placed a hand on Cormac’s chest.

“So do you, but maybe that’s just the fire whiskey talking,” Y/n flirted.

Now it was Cormac’s turn to laugh. Smoothly, he moved his hand from her thigh to her waist, pulling her closer to him. Her chest felt so exposed up against his Jersey, but she had to keep pressing forward. The conversation was going slow, too slow. 11:45. Where was Fred?

“Tell me Y/n- was this bra for me? Or was this just a happy accident,” her brain was screaming at her to bail. To call the whole thing off. But she was so close, Fred would be here soon. She was sure of it.

“Well I-“

“Y/n.” Fred FINALLY cut in. “Can I have a word?”

~~~

Fred ushered her quickly into his room. 11:50.

“The hell was that?” Fred was seething, “Cormac? I knew you were stubborn but I didn’t think you were that cruel.”

“Why? Jealous?” She teased, not quite grasping just how angry he was.

“Why is this a game to you? Why am I a game to you?” Fred sat down facing away from her, raking his fingers through his copper hair.

Y/n was dumbstruck. What just happened?

“What?” She was thoroughly confused.

Fred continued from his seat, “This whole thing. Do you think I wanted to be jealous? Do you think that I like how unreasonably irritated I get when someone else wants to carry your books? Why did you have to go and embarrass me for it? I’m sorry I ever even cared for you like that.”

“Fred- like what? What are you saying?”

“You know well what I mean. It’s already painful enough knowing I’m just a friend.”

“Fred, I guess I’m confused I-”

“I’m in love with you alright? I was perfectly fine loving you in secret! Why did you have to go and mess it all up?” He confessed, his temper getting the better of him. “Just forget it. Clearly, my feelings aren’t that important to you” He stood quickly and headed for the door.

“Fred wait!” He barreled out the door and down to the common room attempting to weave through all the people. Y/n was hot on his tail. “Fred- wait- please- just slow down a minute!”

He continued to push through and out of the portrait.

“Fred!” She followed just behind him, but he didn’t stop. Barreling all the way down through passageways and tunnels until finally reaching the boat house. He stopped on the edge of the dock, and she followed.

“You twat!” She accused.

“Oh, I’m the twat? You’re ridiculous,” He scoffed, turning to face her to argue further, but before he could she cried out.

“Oh for fucks sake!” Roughly, she grabbed the collar of his robes and yanked him closer to her, planting his lips directly on hers before removing them again.

He stared at her shocked, and for the second time tonight, Fred was at a loss for words.

“Did you seriously think I did all of this to embarrass you? Fred, I’m in love with you! I just was tired of dropping hints all the time, so I was hoping this might push you to admit your feelings. I had no idea it would go this far.”

“You- you love me too?”

“Of course I do! Fred, you and I both saw this week, that if I wanted to date someone else I could. But I don’t, okay? Can you get that through your thick skull?”

He stared at her. She stared at him. Gingerly, he approached her raising a hand up to hold her cheek in his palm.

“Y/n?” He whispered.

“Fred?”

The boy slowly moved his hand to grab her chin and pulled her lips closer, but just before they touched he stopped. Smirking he uttered, “It’s 12:05. You owe me some potions homework.”

“You’re insufferable,” she muttered as she finally closed the gap between them.

The kiss was slow and deliberate. The new couple was savoring their first real taste of each other. He tastes just like caramel she noted as he lightly nipped at her bottom lip. Y/n reached up to his neck to pull him closer, but Fred broke the kiss.

“Would you like to take this upstairs?” He asked, “Although the dress code for my room is no red so you’ll probably have to take that off.”

“Prick,” She said with a smile as she brought her lips back down to his. 

[mythiqszn]

Happily ever after- Fred Weasley

Fred weasley x fem!reader

Summary: it’s been 2 years since you’ve been at Hogwarts and you decided to return for your fifth year, you haven’t seen your ex-boyfriend Fred since the huge argument that caused you to not return. However you’re over him…right?!? Warnings: Angst (not bad bad), Fluff at the end, happy ending, it's short, I think that's it? My first fanfic so please give me tips on what I can do better and give me requests!

“Where were you when I need you? Huh y/n? Nowhere.”

“Fred I tried to be there for you but every time you pushed me away. I’m sorry that you are upset but me and Harry? There’s nothing going on between us, I’m trying to tell you but you wo-”

“I give up y/n, I honestly don’t care. I don’t ever want to see you again, I wish I never met you.”

The hurtful words rang through your head while seeing Hogwarts again, You felt a strange ache in your heart but you were pretty much over him. Yet, you couldn’t fight the feeling of sadness. Your thoughts interrupted with the sudden stop at the train station, the feeling of regret filled your body but it was too late. You were here. You grabbed your luggage and walked down the isle seeing the familiar faces that had changed so much over the past two years. Walking off the train your greeted by the embrace of your good friend Hermione, despite being in her third year, you two had become close after the incident with Fred. She knew you were innocent. “God i’ve missed you so much y/n.” you gave her smile before replying, “I missed you to Hermione.”

You settled into your Gryffindor dorm room, but something didn’t feel right. You remembered the astronomy tower, where you used to go every night. With the thought of this you got up and made your way out of your dorm. Your met with the empty and dim lit common room, the room is filled with the scent of firewood. You felt you were home, the warm feeling inside you made you smile. You heard the sound of a door creak and quickly made your way out of the common room and into the eerie darkness that consumed the hallway.

You had reached the astronomy tower and remembered the bittersweet memories that had been lost when you moved away, you leaned over the balcony to watch the stars. The quietness made you think about the memories shared between you and Fred. The place he had asked you out with pink roses, where you shared your first kiss, got high while watching the stars, and then the intense argument that had happened. You felt tears build up in your eyes, you couldn't help but smile as tears started to stream down your face.

“Are you okay?”

A familiar voice you knew all too well had spoken, quickly wiping the tears off your face you turned to face him.

“Yes, Fred I'm fine.”

He bit his lip and his head dropped, his hands were in his pockets and he looked different than when you last saw him those years ago. Though it hurt you couldn't help but stare at him.

“Y/n, listen I'm sorry. Right after you left Hermione told me that she was there with you and Harry and that you were just helping him study. By the time I went to find you to apologize, you were gone. Hermione had told me how heartbroken you were and I decided to keep my distance, I couldn't bear to be apart from you. I still feel your absence in everything that I do and everything I see reminds me of you.”

He stepped closer and was now looking down at you, you couldn't help but notice the tears in his eyes. You gave him a weak smile as you felt his embrace, you finally knew what that funny feeling inside of you was. All you needed was him and you finally had him yet again. The scent of old spice and the slightest hint of weed surrounded you.

“I love you, Fred.”

He looked down upon your face, and you feel his hand on the back of your head and suddenly feel his lips on yours. Your eyes slowly shut as you melted into the kiss, he pulled away with his eyes still closed for a moment until he opens them again to meet your face.

“I love you more, my sweet girl.”

Happily ever after was finally yours and nothing could ever change that. You finally had him for good.

[apparentlytheproblem]

A enemies to Friends to lovers with george weasley 😭💖?

s a f e a r m s

fandom- Harry Potter

pairing(s)- george weasley

a/n: tysmm for requesting agaainn, im sorry this took some time, i wasnt sure how to lead with this but i hope you're happy with how this turned out :)

p.s i love you and this literally has me giggling and smiling

requested- yes

warnings- none i hope

george weasley, the king with all his pride which no one could strip from him, all the cockiness no one could touch, the one so high from all, that no one would play against his will.

then why oh why was everything he had built for himself, his charm, his walls, his cool, all fumbling and crumbling beneath him when you arrived?

why did his heart flutter? or why did heat rise to his cheeks and why did he feel so weak to a pretty smile? you had every power over him and he despised you for it. he despised himself on how easily you could walk all over him and he'd say thank you. he could'nt fathom why he was so desperate for your attention even if it was for a mere second.

walking around the hallways in all his glory he'd immediatley caught you making her way. it was peak rush hour, everyone was squirming their way from one class to another and his girl had seemed to lost her footing

George sweeped in catching her from having a meet with the floor. her arms were hugging him. georgie took a second for him to teach himslef how to breathe again.

"the words are you're welcome" supplied george when your mouth lied open. george weasley had his arms swung around your waist having you pressed to his chest.

georgie didnt want to let go. he wanted to keep you pressed to him, his hands were everyone could see. he wanted to hold on forever and not let go.

"are you planning on letting go georgie?"

fuck. george was officially pudding after he heard georgie roll out of your mouth, he was fullfilled.

"so you can go and fall all over again? let them finish scavengering the halls or you'll become squash." how he managed to sound so confident and steady he didnt know?

maybe it had something to do with rodger holmes on the other side of the corridor, his face filled with jealousy. it gave georgie a kick. the girl he's been pinning for in georgie's arms, pressed against him whispering into eachother's ears. Holmes did not need to know what as long as he could see she was in her weasley's arms. it helped him establish his dominance. you were to be his even if you didnt know it yet, even if you'd thought him to be the cold hearted prankster, and rodger better sit the hell down.

[trashmoutth]

When I see you again (Fred Weasley x Reader)

PART 1. 2.

female!reader, Gryffindor!reader

Summary: It takes place during the Second Wizarding War, months after Bill and Fleur's wedding. Reader is on the run after her family has been caught by the Snatchers. Loosely following cannon.

Pairing: Fred Weasley x reader (mentioned)

Characters: Dean Thomas, Fred Weasley (mentioned),George Weasley (mentioned), Ted Tonks (mentioned)

Warnings: war, mentions of death, angst, english is not my first language so there might be grammatical mistakes, capital letters, etc.

—

It was the break of dawn. You did not dare to travel during the day in case any Snatchers might be creeping around. However, travelling at night seemed even more terrifying considering that’s when dementors, inferi and other dark creatures were most active. You were on your own for months, travelling from place to place, never staying anywhere more than just a few days. You did not think it was wise to come back to the Godric’s Hollow, and all the safe houses provided by the Order seemed to be heavily protected by charms and spells, so you could not find any of them. You spent most of your time travelling through the countryside. Camping in the woods or hiding in abandoned muggle houses. The latter was a lot riskier since the streets were often infested with dementors. Muggles didn’t know what was going on since they couldn’t see them, but the terror they felt by their presence was enough to chase most of them away from their homes.

You were intentionally avoiding all magical places you could think of. You knew there was no place you could go to be completely safe, but there was no way you would not run into a Death Eater in the middle of the Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade. You didn’t even dare to try to go back to the Burrow. To be honest, you feared what you might find there if you did.

Your hiding tactic was going quite well, in fact, you had gotten quite skilled at protective spells and charms and were even getting better at transfiguring objects into something edible. However, being cut off from the rest of the wizarding world had its downgrades. There was no way for you to hear any news of your friends and family. You occasionally turned on this muggle invention called television, but since muggles weren’t really aware of what was actually going on, they weren’t broadcasting much useful information. A part of you was glad, at least you heard no familiar names amongst the ones of missing muggles. But sitting there, completely cut off from everything and everyone, was getting more and more exhausting, and quite frankly, you believed it would be a lot less terrifying to actually get caught by a Snatcher.  

After careful consideration, you decided to go back to your family’s vacation home. The last time you were there, the village was crawling with trolls and acromantulas, but that was months ago! Surely, it must have been cleared out by now! And if not… well you would cross that bridge when you get to it.

So, at the break of dawn, you gathered all of your most valuable things, your wand, a cloak and a couple of tin cans you found in one of the houses you were hiding in, and disapparated.

Two seconds later you felt yourself landing face down onto something sharp and cold. A painful groan escaped your lips as you felt your nose had just been hit by something that felt like a brick. You then realised you didn’t land face down, but instead, bumped right into a tall stone wall you assumed used to be a part of someone’s home. You lifted your wand and quietly whispered:

“Episkey!”

The pain stopped almost instantly only to be replaced by a shocking realisation the moment you turned around to see where you were.

You were exactly in the place you wanted to be, only the place looked nothing like it was supposed to. You were thankful for the absence of trolls and acromantulas, but the reason for their absence was that there was absolutely nothing around that they could possibly prey upon. There were no people, no roads, houses or plants… it was a wasteland. As you turned around trying to find any shape of something that used to be your old vacation home, a terrifying thought had crossed your mind. A thought you were trying so hard to push away for months.

Where… are they?

Tears began to fill your eyes and before you could stop you let out a desperate, heart aching sob. It felt like a punch to the gut. Your legs were no longer listening to you, and you collapsed to the ground.

“Please… please…! Where are they? Someone… anyone…?” you sobbed.

A part of you hoped that someone or something would show up and help you. A Patronus, a house elf, a bird…  at this point you would even greet a troll with open arms

But no one was coming to save you. There you were, all by yourself, in the middle of the rubble that used to be your family’s backyard. During the months of running and hiding you had not once felt as alone and hopeless as you did in that moment. You crumbled completely, thinking of all the people that meant anything to you. You parents, younger cousins still being forced to attend Hogwarts, friends you last saw during Bill and Fleur Weasley’s wedding. Oh, what you would give for just one familiar face showing up, picking you up the ground and embracing you, telling you everything was going to be okay. Telling you all of them were alive and well. That your parents escaped the Snatchers’ grip and were somewhere in a safe location. That your cousins were able to escape this now dreadful place that used to bring you so much joy during your school years. That your friends were somewhere out there, searching for you and wishing you were with them. But no one was coming, and by the looks of it, no one was going to.

You considered just staying there, in the middle of a wasteland. Crying yourself to sleep and hoping to die before you must wake to this dreadful reality.

However, after the tears have dried out, you managed to pluck up all the remaining strength and bravery that was left in your malnourished, sleep deprived body, and somehow, stand back up on your trembling feet. You took a deep breath and forced yourself to take a step forward. Then another one. By the third one you were on the verge of collapsing yet again, but then, something unexplainable happened. You blinked in confusion.

You realised you no longer knew where you were. You knew you were travelling somewhere, that there was a reason for you to be standing here, in the middle of nowhere, but you couldn’t for the life of you remember what it was. You looked around, hoping to gain some clarity, but it was useless. It was as if someone had just gone inside your head and altered your memories. A surge of panic went through your body. You turned back around and returned to the place you were standing two seconds ago. And then you remembered. You remembered everything you knew a moment ago. This was your vacation home. You came here to find someone. Anyone. How could you possibly forget that?

You took two steps forward again, and your mind went blank. Once again, you blinked in confusion and frustration.

What is happening?

You took two steps back again and remembered.

Two steps forward, forgot.

Two steps backward, remembered.  

Through the cloud of bewildering uncertainty caused by this development, another thought hit you like a train wreck. A thought that caused you to feel a spark of something you hadn’t felt in a really long time. A spark of something you never thought you’d feel again. Hope.

A shocked giggle escaped your lips.

It was a spell!

A cloaking spell! Someone was hiding right there in front of you, in your own house! That’s why you couldn’t remember anything when you walked forward. Someone was there, perhaps watching you at this very moment. Someone who didn’t want to be found. Which could only mean…

“Mum?”, you called out.

“Dad?”

No one answered.

“Please, if anyone’s there, it’s me, Y/N! Your cloaking spell is very strong, I can’t see anything!”

You waited patiently for someone to answer, but no one did. You thought to yourself that perhaps it wasn’t such a great idea to be standing here screaming. What if it wasn’t one of your own? What if it was a trap? But you pushed those thoughts away. You were way too tired and desperate to be questioning this miracle that has presented itself.

So what if it was a trap? Nothing can be worse than this uncertainty! You sat down in the rubble and stared at the seemingly blank space in front of you, your eyes scanning every detail of it in hopes of seeing someone appear.

“Maybe they didn’t hear me?”, you thought to yourself.

But before you could do or say anything else, a muffled, but somehow familiar voice yells out something in your direction. You tried to stand up, but before you could do that, the same voice exclaimed,

“Petrificus Totalus!”

Your entire body stiffened up. You couldn’t move. Your eyes widened in terror as you heard footsteps approaching. Then, a figure appeared in front of you. You could see his face clearly.

It was the last person you expected to see there, and yet, despite the fact he had just petrified you, you were never so happy to see anyone in your entire life.

It was Dean Thomas.

...

Dean was just being careful; you couldn’t blame him for that. However, lying there petrified, without the ability to speak, was getting really frustrating. You thanked your lucky stars that it was a classmate and not a Death Eater standing in front of you, because now that you’ve thought of it, that could’ve easily been the case. You should’ve been more careful.

Dean circled around you like a vulture, his wand still up and pointed at you. He examined your face, the clothes you were wearing and your wand. He took the little bag you were carrying and emptied it. When he realised there was nothing in it except two portions of canned beans, he finally sighed in relief and whispered,

“Finite Incantatem!”

Your body relaxed.

“Dean!”

Your mouth was dry and the words that came out of it sounded like a squeak, but you did not let that bother you. Not in this moment.

“Dean, it’s so good to see you…”

“Not so fast!”, he whispered and pointed his wand back at you, “First tell me who you are!”

“You don’t know who I am?”, you asked in confusion.

That was highly unlikely. Dean and you weren’t exactly the closest of friends, but you did know each other. You spent five years in the same common room, often chatting about muggle movies and music, not the mention all the times you spent helping him and Seamus Finnigan with their homework. Two years ago, you even attended the same secret club at Hogwarts called Dumbledore’s Army.

“No, I know who you are”, he said heavily, “I just want to see if you know it”.

You blinked.

He wants to be sure it’s not a trick.

“Oh… okay…”, you started, “My name is Y/N Y/LN. I was in the Gryffindor house at Hogwarts, two years above you. I… I used to watch you argue with Oliver Wood about soccer! Yes, you were saying it’s a more exciting sport than Quidditch… until he accidentally knocked over a candle and almost burnt down the entire Gryffindor tower”.

The memory of that made you chuckle. It felt like centuries ago! Even the corners of Dean’s lips flickered like he was holding back a smile.

“Yeah… do you remember what happened next?”, he asked, still not entirely convinced.  

“Yes… McGonagall rushed in and put out the fire… nobody wanted to tell her who did it and Fred and George blamed it on Peeves…”.

You cleared your throat. The mention of Fred and George Weasley felt like a stab in the heart. You rubbed your eyes before tears could come out, trying to make it seem like a nonchalant action, but Dean wasn’t fooled. However, this subtle burst of emotion at the mention of your two best friends seemed to convince him it was really you, and he finally lowered his wand.

He put his hand on your shoulder, and you threw yourself at him, pulling him into a hug. He was a bit startled by this action, but in the next moment he wrapped his arms around you and returned the embrace.

“Dean… what are you doing here?”, you asked after finally letting him go.

“I’m in hiding, of course”, he said.

“Yes… but what are you doing here?”, you pointed at the wasteland around you.

“Oh, right…”, he smiled apologetically and whispered, “The Unseen Village 32”.

For a moment you were standing there in confusion. Then, two very long seconds later, a large yellow building appeared right in front of you. Before you could stop yourself, you cried out in amazement. It was your family house, a bit rugged and damaged, but it was definitely still standing!

You were lost for words. Dean took you by the hand and led you through the front door. The inside of the house was almost completely preserved.

“It’s a Fidelius charm”, he explained, “I’m the secret keeper of this house, nobody can find it unless I tell them the location”.

“Fidelius?”, you raised your eyebrows, “Isn’t that like, really advanced magic?”

“Well, yes…”, he scratched the back of his head, looking almost embarrassed, “But I had some time to practice it. Ted Tonks taught me how to do it before he… you know”, a flicker of pain appeared in his eyes.

“Ted… Tonks? Nymphadora Tonks’ father?”.

You knew Nymphadora Tonks was a member of the Order of the Phoenix. Her family home was one of the safe houses the Order was using during the night Harry Potter was moved from Little Whinging.

Your home in the Godric’s Hollow was one of the safe locations as well. In fact, it was the house in which Arthur and Fred Weasley showed up. You could see their faces as clear as day. Arthur was bewildered, shaking, and rushing through your house, trying to get to the Potrkey as soon as possible. Fred was on the verge of tears.

 “What happened? What’s wrong?”, you kept asking.

The words that followed your question still haunted you to this very day,

“Someone’s been hit. We think it’s George”.

Dean’s voice pulled you back to the current moment.

“Anyway, this was the only house that was still standing after the acromantulas have cleared up… or so it seemed. You never know, there might be others out here, using protective spells and what not…”

“Right…”, you shook your head, trying to focus on his words, “Well, it’s a very powerful spell. Thank Merlin you came out, I would’ve driven myself insane trying to figure out why my mind is suddenly going blank”.

“Sorry for petrifying you, I had to be sure it wasn’t a trick”.

You nodded,

“I would’ve been offended if you hadn’t”, you said teasingly.

Dean chuckled.

“Well, I knew you were out there, they mentioned you the other day in the PotterWatch”.

You shook your head in confusion.

“In the what?”

Dean seemed just as confused as you.

“In the… PotterWatch. You have been listening to PotterWatch, right?”

“Dean, I have no idea what you’re talking about”, you said sincerely, “You’re the first person I’ve talked to since I ran away”.

“What… you’ve been on your own this entire time?”

“Yes”

“Well how did you… how did you make it?”, he was baffled.

You shrugged.

“Honestly… I don’t know. I’ve been avoiding crowded spaces and scavenging for food… I’ve gotten pretty good at protective charms as well”.

Dean looked almost impressed. You blushed.

“Blimey! That’s… I wouldn’t have lasted three days on my own”, he said.

“Aren’t you on your own now?”, you asked.

He smiled sadly.

“I was with Ted until recently…  Oh!”, he jumped up, startling you, “That reminds me!”

He looked around the room and rushed towards something that was sitting at the small coffee table next to the dusty red sofa on your right. It looked like a small, dirty box. He took the box in his hands and started tapping on it with his wand while mumbling something.

“Oh, I’m sure it was… Padfoot? No… Fawkes! No, hang on…”

After a few minutes of tapping and mumbling, he yelled out in excitement,

“Ah, there it is!”

You heard a couple of muffled voices coming from the box.

It’s a radio, you realised.

The voices were getting louder and clearer, until finally, you recognised who they belonged to.

“…to introduce our new correspondent, "Rodent"!

“I'm not being Rodent! I told you, I want to be "Rapier"!”

“Fred!”, you cried out and grabbed the radio from Dean’s hand.

You couldn’t believe it. It was Fred. And George! They were alive! They were fine! Oh, it felt so good to hear their voices! You felt a warm, excited feeling spreading through you, as if your heart finally started beating properly again.

“Oh alright, "Rapier"! Could you tell our listeners the various stories you've heard about the Chief Death Eater?”

“Yes I can. As our listeners will know, unless they've taken refuge at the bottom of a garden pond…”

This made you chuckle loudly, as tears were filling your eyes yet again. However, this time you didn’t try to stop them, and instead, you just let them silently slide down your cheeks.

“…You-Know-Who's strategy of remaining in the shadows is creating a nice climate of panic! Mind you, if all alleged sightings of him are genuine, there must be nineteen You-Know-Whos running around!”

You didn’t even pay attention to the words he was saying. They weren’t important. Who cares about You-Know-Who? Who cares about Death Eaters? Nothing was as important as the fact that you could hear Fred Weasley’s cheerful voice coming from this small, dusty box. You savoured every sound it made, clenching it firmly in your grip, like you were afraid the voice would disappear if you didn’t.

After a few minutes the broadcast had ended. You raised your eyes to meet Dean’s, almost as if you were silently begging him to bring the voice back. Dean was leaning on the doorway, clearly a bit uncomfortable, but wanting to let you have your moment with the radio. You felt a bit embarrassed. Finally, he cleared his throat and spoke gently,

“This was from a few weeks ago… I actually wanted to show you another one…”

He carefully took the radio from your hands and started tapping on it again, mumbling words that you realised were passwords to access the radio line.

“Ah, yes… this one”, he handed you the radio again.

You sat down at the red sofa and placed the little box near your right ear with the nervous excitement.

“Well, dear listeners, we have a very special announcement today that might lift up your spirits”, you heard George’s voice say.

“It has certainly lifted ours!”, Fred continued.

“We are very happy to inform you that a group of our favourite “Undesirables” and muggleborns has just been rescued from the Ministry and is currently transferred to a safe location”.

“The freed are alive and well and mostly unharmed”.

“Mostly unharmed? What does that mean, mostly unharmed, Rodent?”.

“Well, “Tentacula” …”

“Tentacula!?”

“It means that all off them have managed to keep all of the limbs they had before they were captured!”

“So, if someone was missing a leg before…?

“They didn’t grow it back, but they did most likely keep the other one!”

“What are the names of the freed, Rodent?”

“I told you, it’s “Rapier”!”

“Sorry, Rapier!”

“Well…”

You were clinging onto the radio for dear life while listening to the names Fred was listing. Your heart was racing. You heard lots of familiar names, some of them were your friends, your acquaintances, people you’ve only met once, people you studied with at the library at Hogwarts…

“And of course, last but not least…”

You clenched your jaw in anticipation. When Fred said the names of your parents, a quiet sob escaped your lips.

They are fine! They are fine! They are alive and they are safe! Everything is alright!

Fred’s voice suddenly deepened in uncharacteristic seriousness.

“However, even though Mrs. and Mr. Y/LN are safe and sound, their daughter Y/N is still presumed to be missing”.

“What would you say to Y/N if you knew she was listening?”, George’s voice asked.

“I’d tell her that her family is alive and well and desperate for news of her whereabouts. As are quite frankly, all of us here at the PotterWatch”.

“Well, there you have it, dear listeners! On that note we are ending this very special episode of PotterWatch!”

“Protect yourselves”.

“And each other!”

“And as always…”

“Support Harry Potter!”

You were still holding onto the radio a few minutes after the episode ended. Dean didn’t say anything, and you were grateful for that. You were still savouring the words you just heard. Fred and George’s voices. The names of your friends that were confirmed to be freed from the Ministry. The names of your family. You didn’t even realise you were shaking until Dean gently put his hand on your shoulder. You looked up at him in a surprise, as if you had completely forgotten that he was still there. He smiled at you softly as you put your hand onto his and squeezed it. There was only one thought on your mind. You looked straight into Dean’s eyes in a sudden burst of determination and said, in a quiet but clear voice,

“Dean… We have to find them”.

—

[m0ldymushr00mz]

I want a Fred and George Weasley x reader fanfic where there both in love with me but I can’t find any ☹️

[satansapostle6]

folie à deux

Sometimes poison is sweet.

Selina Romanov and Draco Malfoy met when they were only eleven years old. The two of them have always shared an intense bond, always having gravitated towards one another. But the question still remains, as the years pass by, is their connection one of passion, or delusion?

Warnings: Contains Mature Themes/Language, Themes Such As Sexual Content, Violence, Abuse, Sexual Assault, Eating Disorders

Nineteen.

It was still nonstop partying for Selina as her fourth year at Hogwarts continued. It seemed Kelly and Blaise were more determined to fry their brains with adrenaline and extravagance than usual. All of Slytherin's elite were prone to indulgent, addictive behavior, but they weren't addicted to anything that was treatable. Everyone Selina knew was just addicted to excitement.

Kelly Cross and Blaise Zabini both reveled in the luxurious lifestyles they lived as part of Slytherin's court. Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson commanded the attention of their entire school with their antics, humiliation he damned, knowing they'd rather have their dirty laundry out on display than be passed over. 

Selina and Jasper knew that they both had different places in all of it. Jasper was so enamored with Selina, he hardly recognized anyone else, including himself, while Selina went insane any time she processed anything from the outside world. 

The two of them worked very interestingly together, because while they both had strong beliefs in individuality, they both utilized their individuality very differently.

  "I don't see what the big deal is," Selina remarked passively as she walked down the steps of the stands where they were going to be watching the first of three tasks in the Triwizard Tournament.

  "You don't see what the big deal is?" Jasper questioned in disbelief. "You're drunk."

  "Not drunk, tipsy, at best," she provided with disappointment in her tone. "I barely drank, and I can hold my liquor."

  "You're at a school event," he argued.

  "Exactly!" she pointed out. "I'm not the only one, and I'm definitely not the worst one."

  "You sound like Fred," Jasper groaned. 

  "Everyone loves Fred," Selina pointed out. 

  "Fred also blows up toilets," Jasper reasoned with a dry smile.

Selina sat beside Amana and Pansy as they waited for the First Task to begin, eager to see bloodshed. 

  "Want any Firewhisky?" Pansy called to her.

  "Had some cognac with Fred and George," she responded. "Mum says no, so I suppose I'm all set for today."

  "How moderate of you," Amana said with a smile.

It seemed almost everyone at least nearly of age at Hogwarts was drinking today, heavily. It was the start of the event of the century. As students from Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang alike all watched as the four champions each took on a dragon in their objective to capture a single golden egg, the yelling and cheering was like nothing Selina had ever heard before.

This wasn't like any Quidditch game she'd ever been to, or played in. She watched as Cedric Diggory, the captain of the Hufflepuff team, took on a Swedish Short-Snout, just about everyone in their school cheering for him. 

Selina inquisitively watched Cedric evade the creature with curiosity, wondering if their fantastical perception of him was similar to the way they perceived her, as Slytherin's 'star Chaser' and Amana Tesfaye's best friend. She eventually came to the disturbing conclusion that she and Cedric Diggory certainly had one that in common; they had both done everything, and nothing, to earn everyone's praise. 

She then observed that, although she and Draco Malfoy definitely did not have the same sort of character, that didn't seem to matter to anyone on the outside. Draco and Selina, although being vastly different people, were still cut from the same lush, exorbitant cloth. As she watched Draco tripping a third-year Gryffindor boy as Crabbe and Goyle laughed brutishly, she became increasingly aware of the other side of how people saw her. 

Sometimes, it didn't matter who she really was. Sometimes, all that mattered was what people saw, whether it was something she presented on her own, or something that was only a part of their perception. 

  "Hey. Something wrong?" 

  "Hmm?"

A bit startled, Selina looked up at Jasper, who was sitting in the seat beside her. 

  "No," she said quickly, "Why?"

  "No reason," Jasper assured her in his soft Irish accent.

  "What is it?" she wondered, not understanding the reason behind his gaze. 

  He just smiled, already forgetting his worries as he neatly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Nothing. Just... admiring, is all."

It hit her like a train. He looked at her the same way he looked at Freya when he played with her, as if she were the most pure, precious thing on earth. 

Selina knew she had always liked Jasper simply because his perception of her perfectly matched her own; she didn't feel the need to translate herself to him the way she did with others. With him, she felt understood, like she could be at her most vulnerable with him. 

It hurt Selina a bit that even after all the things she'd done, all the insane and reckless things she'd done that she'd had no business doing at thirteen and fourteen, Jasper still saw the same person he'd seen the day he met. And of course he did. He was willing to put up with Draco Malfoy to be with her; he loved her. 

  "Jas, I..." she cut herself off, deciding that there was only one thing she had to say. "I love you," she reminded him, hoping he knew just how much. 

  "I love you too," he said happily, as if waiting for her to say it. 

He smiled and leaned in for a kiss, a sweet peck on the lips before they both smiled with satisfaction and returned to watching the first task with their friends. Selina eventually joined in on Amana's side conversation with Blaise, the three of them commentating on Viktor Krum's boarish performance against the Chinese Firevall he'd been assigned. 

Draco Malfoy had been sitting between Crabbe and Pansy, and just happened to glance over at the two of them at that moment. He watched as their lips met and they shared a beautiful smile together as if no one else was there. He scoffed in disgust, not understanding Selina's affection for Jasper, someone he felt was decidedly inferior, and ultimately a complete and utter waste of time for her. 

Tiring of seeing her and Jasper Carroll parading about together, he turned to his own girlfriend, who was returning an open flask to Daphne Greengrass in a seat in the row below them, laughing as Firewhisky dribbled down her chin. Making a face as he ignored the unflattering moment, Draco pulled Pansy's face toward him, his hand holding her face almost in captivity as he kissed her. 

Selina and Blaise were laughing at something Jasper had said, and for a moment, she saw Draco. And then, she didn't see Draco, because of the way he aggressively pulled Pansy in toward him. She was a bit startled, but eventually giggled and went along with it. This kiss was nothing like the kiss Selina had shared with Jasper. This kiss was less of a kiss, and more so a declaration of war. 

Draco Malfoy was violently smashing his face against Pansy's, a whole mess of tongue involved that frankly no one wanted anything to do with, even Daphne, who seemed envious of her friend. Selina was disgusted as she watched Draco desperately trying to bite, or bite off, his girlfriend's bottom lip. She was alarmed at the sight, but also concerned that she'd once been kissed by the same person. 

Quickly disregarding the disturbing display, Selina did her best to discard it completely from her memory, cheering loudly for Harry with Amana as he went up against arguably the most aggressive of the dragons, the Hungarian Horntail. By the end of the first task, Selina had completely sobered up, and was headed back to the Slytherin common room with everyone else.

  "Hey!"

One of Jasper's friends interrupted as Selina and Blaise stopped.

  "You two go ahead," Jasper said, planting a quick kiss atop Selina's head, "I'll catch up."

Selina and Blaise turned toward the castle, just as they saw Daphne struggling to keep Pansy's hair out of her own vomit as she nearly collapsed into a bush. 

  "Oh. I'd better go help," Blaise said very reluctantly as he tentatively came to Daphne's aid.

  "I'd better go far away," Selina decided as she turned away.

  "Going somewhere?" 

  She let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through her hair. "What is it, Draco?" she questioned reluctantly.

  "What are you, too good to talk to me now?" he questioned.

She just looked at him, flabbergasted, as he looked her in the eyes, expecting a genuine response. 

  "I talked to you five minutes ago," she said flatly.

  "Yeah; you said 'excuse me'," he huffed.

  "Yeah. I was being polite," her eyes widened with exasperation, "Maybe consider it once in a while."

  "No. No, you weren't being 'polite'," Draco insisted, an air of entitlement about him, "You were icing me out."

  "So what if I was?" she demanded. "You tried to get with me, and I have a boyfriend."

  "Please, you're being completely ridiculous," he complained, "Why would I ever try to snog you? I have Pansy for that."

  "Yeah, we've noticed," Selina pointed out, "Thanks."

  "Oh. I see what it is," he laughed, a wide grin spreading across his features, "Yeah, I saw the way you looked at us, you felt a little jealous."

  "'Jealous'?" she repeated. "That's what we're going with? You were sucking her teeth while Crabbe fixed your hair, and I was jealous?"

  "Come on. It's okay, Sel," Draco chuckled, looking left and right to ensure that no one was around, "We've always had a little thing between us. Everyone knows it, it's nothing to be ashamed of. You're cute."

  "I'm cute?" Selina stared. "I've had pictures taken up my skirt on the way to Charms."

  "And I bought two of them," Draco agreed diplomatically.

She scoffed at his immaturity. Draco couldn't stand to be humiliated, especially when his audience was himself. 

  "Okay. I don't see any point in continuing this conversation, so I'm going to leave," she concluded. 

Draco stopped her, jumping in front of her before she could try to head back towards the castle with everyone else. 

  "You're so predictable, you know," he added, mocking her for the sole purpose of eliciting an emotional response of any kind. "You tease me, and then you play innocent. But don't worry. I think I kind of like this little game we play," he smirked. 

Selina would have punched him if she knew for certain he wouldn't enjoy it.

  "This... This thing we have..." he expressed. "It's the only thing that really makes me feel alive."

She paused for a moment, regathering her composure as she realized this interaction wasn't quite as cut and dry as she thought. 

  "I don't want to stop this, Selina," he said her whole name. "You're fun. You keep me guessing. I'd tell you to break up with Carroll, but I kind of like watching you pretend he feels like me when you kiss him."

  "Listen, Draco, I'm not who I was when I kissed you that night," Selina admitted, a mixture of feelings toward the fact. "That person... That person was reckless, and naive. That person really thought that you actually loved me, one way or another."

Draco stopped, realizing that the 'game' had been ruined for him. 

  "I don't know if you realize this, but I've only ever regretted being there for you to try and kiss," she snapped. "Giving you the benefit of the doubt has done nothing but bite me in the arse. So yes, perhaps I am 'icing you out'."

Selina was too busy storming off to realize that, not ten feet behind her, Fred had heard what she had hoped was only a snippet of the conversation. 

  "What are you looking at, Weasley?"

Draco, furious and glaring at him as he noticed him, disappeared towards the castle, fuming. Selina looked between Draco and Fred, not knowing at all how to respond to the situation. Fred's face was absent of color as he took in everything he heard. 

  "You and Malfoy?" Fred Weasley asked, a look of disgust in his eyes for the first time.

  Selina blinked back tears, horrified. "How much of that did you hear?"

  "Enough!" he exclaimed. "Seriously, Selina, you and Malfoy?! I thought that was just a rumor!"

  "You thought what was just a rumor?!"she cried.

  "You know what!" he gasped. "You kissed him?!"

Selina trembled as tears fell. 

  "I didn't kiss him!" she pleaded with him. "He kissed me, and I stopped him. Jasper knows. We got past it."

  "Clearly you didn't," Fred pointed out.

  "What you heard... That was just Draco being a prick, he does this just to torture me—"

  "He does this, just to fuck with you?" he demanded. "Selina, that's fucked..."

  "You don't know him," she sighed, "He's just a fucking arsehole, there's nothing to it."

  "Clearly there is," he reminded her. "There's obviously something going on between the two of you."

  "No, there isn't, because I made myself very clear to him," Selina reasoned. "He knows I want nothing to do with him."

  "No, he doesn't."

  "Fred," she sighed, exhausted by her own panic, "I told him—"

  "It doesn't matter, Selina," he breathed, a defeated look in his eyes.

Something told her he wasn't just addressing her own situation.

  "If he even thinks he has a chance, he's going to want to take it. Believe me."

  "I didn't want this," she protested, "I never asked him to be anything other than a friend. It's not my problem if he won't accept that."

  "Yes, it is," Fred told her, a faint darkness behind his eyes. "You know it is."

She didn't say anything for a moment.

  "You know I hate Malfoy just as much as the next bloke," he pointed out, "But even I can see it. He fancies you."

  "Please. Draco doesn't 'fancy' anyone," Selina insisted, "This is all just some power play to him."

  "Yeah, it is," Fred nodded in agreement, "But that doesn't mean he doesn't feel something for you, whatever that might be. Everyone knows it; you're his only weakness. He doesn't like it, but he can't keep away, either."

  "You think Draco Malfoy's in love? With me?" she scoffed.

  "Well, it's definitely not with Pansy Parkinson," he remarked. "And you're friends with both of them. That's just a disaster waiting to happen."

  "I can handle it myself," she told him.

  "For your sake. I hope that's true."

Glancing awkwardly at him once more, Selina turned away and left, no longer having anything much to say. On her way back to the common room, Selina came upon Amana and Pansy in the corridor, accompanied by Daphne, who was whispering something as Elspeth and her friends, two Ravenclaw girls, passed by. 

  "I heard from Bulstrode Thomas Gray stood her up at The Three Broomsticks," Daphne barely whispered as Pansy cackled with laughter.

  "Of course he did!"

Selina looked at Elspeth, who seemed embarrassed as she walked past them with her head lowered, whether she'd heard Daphne or not. Selina would have felt sorry for her if she hadn't been so cruel before. Selina knew that they'd had a falling out for a reason. 

  "Selina!" Pansy Parkinson yelled, immediately catching her attention.

Selina approached the girls, wondering what they were up to.

  "Come look at Lavender Brown's top. It's awful!" Pansy giggled, almost as if she were trying to be heard.

Lavender looked over at the girls in humiliation, quickly closing her sweater over her top as she ran off.

  "She looked like she was trying to smuggle two slugs into the castle," Daphne laughed.

  "Oh my God, you're bloody brilliant!" Pansy chuckled.

  "I count on her being Longbottom's date to The Three Broomsticks this weekend," she muttered.

There was a celebration for the Tournament happening that weekend.

  "Oh yeah? Who are you going with?" Amana asked her.

  "Miles has asked me," she told them, a haughty pride to her announcement.

  "Really?" Pansy questioned in surprise. "Draco still hasn't asked me. Or even mentioned it."

Selina remained silent.

  "Really?" Daphne wondered. "But you're together."

  "That's what I was thinking!" Pansy agreed. 

No longer comfortable standing around while they talked, Selina decided she would retire to the dorms after all.

  "I'll catch up with you lot later," she decided.

They all waved to her without a second thought as she left for the dungeons. As Selina entered the dimly lit common room, she found that outside her dormitory, Blaise Zabini was there, waiting for her. 

  "Blaise?" Selina questioned in surprise.

He had been waiting for her, seeming very curious about something. 

  "Selina," he said finally, looking around to make sure no one was listening in, "There you are."

  "What is it?" she questioned, not understanding.

  "You and Draco. Tell me everything," he demanded, not bothering to be polite.

Selina's eyes widened slightly as she realized how much he must've known.

  "Who told you—"

  "Inside," Blaise hissed, following as she quickly led him into her dorm room.

Selina quickly closed the door, alarmed by how much Blaise seemed to know.

  "What do you know about that?" she demanded.

  He rolled his eyes at her, expecting her to understand by now. "You realize Draco will tell

me just about anything, right? Especially after a little Firewhisky."

  "What the hell did he tell you?!" she demanded in horror.

  "Enough," Blaise promised her, "I just don't know how much of it is true-true, and how much of it is Draco-true."

  "Nothing happened. He tried to kiss me at the Valentine's Day party, and we've fought about it a lot," she admitted. "I think he tried to convince me to be with him."

Blaise seemed incredibly perturbed by the idea. 

  "Well, whatever happened, you've got a problem on your hands," he informed her. 

  "Why?" Selina asked him. "Is he going to break up with Pansy?" she realized, horrified.

  "No, it's worse; he isn't," Blaise told her. 

  "I'm not sure I follow," she admitted.

  "Listen. If Draco and Pansy stay together, even with all this, it'll become a mess we'll all have to deal with," he reasoned. "If those two keep going at the same rate, eventually, something will slip, and our entire social ecosystem will fall apart. We'll all be fucked, specifically you."

  "Thanks, Blaise," Selina frowned.

  "I'm serious. You have to fix this," he sighed, "The bigger the argument Draco and Pansy have, the more they tend to implicate other people. And I'm at the top of that list!" he exclaimed.

  "Why do you care so much?" Selina demanded, not understanding his agenda. "You don't care about people, you care about gossip. You've never shown this much interest in anything that has anything to do with other people."

  "Never mind why," Blaise snapped, "Just fix this!"

  "I don't know that I can!" she pointed out in frustration. "Draco's Draco. If he wants to be insane, there's nothing any of us could do to stop him," she stated.

Blaise groaned in frustration, leaving the room and practically slamming the door behind him as he left. Glad he was at least done, Selina sat down on her bed where her cat was resting on her pillow. Why everyone seemed to have something to do with whatever was happening at any given time between her and Draco, she had no idea. 

*****

Upon waking up the next day, Selina found she was in no mood to fake her way through polite conversations. Luckily, it was Igor Karkaroff, the Durmstrang headmaster who stopped her in the hall on the way to class that morning.

  "You. Selina Romanov," the dark-haired man barked her down. 

Selina was automatically irritated upon hearing her name so early in the day. 

  "Yes, sir?" she questioned. 

  "You," Karkaroff repeated, pulling her aside, away from the other students, "Come here."

Selina awkwardly followed him to a more secluded corner, partially concealed by a stone pillar. 

  "Yes?" she asked him again, wanting to leave as soon as possible.

  "You are the youngest of the Romanovs, correct?" Igor Karkaroff asked her, his arms crossed.

Selina did her best not to gauge her brain out through her ears.

  "Yes, I am."

  "You know, many generations of Romanovs attended the Durmstrang Institute," he informed her.

She silently pleaded that that wasn't all he wanted to tell her.

  "Yes, that's true," she said patiently.

  "Your grandfather was the first of the Romanovs not to attend Durmstrang. He and your father would have done well at my school," Karkaroff said in his thick accent.

Selina just listened as he spoke.

  "I have heard great things about you from the staff of Hogwarts," the man continued. "Even Professor Snape speaks highly of you. I would say that I am regretful you aren't of age put your name in the goblet of fire, but I'd be lying if I didn't tell you I'm very glad Krum won't have to compete against a witch like yourself."

  "I see," she followed along, not actually seeing what the point of the conversation was.

  "You know, Selina Romanova, I believe you, too, would have done very well for yourself at the Durmstrang Institute," he thought.

  "Thank you," Selina nodded respectfully.

  "Miss Romanova... I may not be able to indefinitely have you under my tutelage, but I believe you could benefit from lessons different from your current curriculum," Karkaroff explained.

Selina eyed him curiously, wondering where this idea had come from.

  "What are you asking me?" 

  "I believe that I have much to teach to someone like you," he simplified, beady eyes staring down at her for a response, "Without Dumbledore having any part in it, of course."

She immediately knew what the High Master was offering, and decided she wanted no part in it whatsoever.

  "I'm sorry. I don't think so," she replied politely, "If you'll excuse me, I've got to get to class. 

  "I understand. Good day to you, Miss Romanova," he nodded. "You know where to find me if you change your mind, yes?"

Selina just nodded quickly before heading off to class. Draco and Pansy had been lurking about in the hall, half watching as they held hands, judging everyone together as a couple. 

  "Sel. What did Karkaroff want?" Draco asked her once he disappeared.

Selina looked at him, taking a moment to decide whether or not she felt like answering.

  "I don't know, he said he wanted to teach me," she relayed, "Without Dumbledore knowing. So I said 'no'."

  "Why?" Draco scoffed. "It's Igor Karkaroff, he probably would've taught you all kinds of dark magic."

  "You should've said yes," Pansy agreed. 

  "I'd rather not get on Dumbledore's radar," Selina said as they all walked to class. 

  "To hell with Dumbledore," Pansy rolled her eyes, "If you can become an even more powerful witch, you should do it."

  "Hmm," Selina murmured, not having much to offer. 

She was still completely distracted, by more than just Karkaroff's lack of respect for authority. 

*****

Defense Against the Dark Arts was its own headache for Selina. She sat down alone after getting to class early, not feeling she had much to say to anyone. She had been with Jasper earlier in the morning, but that was about it. Selina sat closer to the front, in Professor Moody's line of fire, hoping that would make it easier for her to avoid anyone she normally spoke to. But this wasn't the case.

To her dismay, Draco Malfoy decided to sit down in the empty seat beside her upon entering the room, Crabbe and Goyle taking the seats behind them. Pansy sat in the back of the classroom with Daphne, no doubt quietly discussing something to do with Draco. Selina looked up at him as he sat next to her, calmly rubbing the ring on his finger that matched hers. She could feel the cool metal on her finger warming slightly against her skin.

  "What do you want?" she asked him softly, not in the mood for an aggressive spat.

  "...To sit down," the blond replied, choosing to play his own game. "What's the matter with you?"

  "Nothing," she said coldly, facing forward as Alastor Moody began his eccentric and fairly horrifying lesson.

  "Are you angry?" Draco questioned slyly, studying her as she ignored him. "I know you wanted that peach this morning, but I got to it first, you see."

  "Shut up, Draco," Selina murmured, jotting down unnecessary details of the lesson as she avoided his gaze.

  "That's not nice," he frowned.

  "Mr. Malfoy," a loud bark interrupted their conversation.

Selina looked up at the professor in front of them, who seemed to be in a less-than-pleasant mood today.

  "Do listen to your friend, and shut up," Moody snapped.

Everyone in the room, Slytherin or Gryffindor, snickered as Draco looked around at all of them in anger. 

  "'Shut up'?! My father'll have you sacked!" he spat unpleasantly.

  "Not going down this road again, are we?" Professor Moody demanded, glaring at Draco with his one good eye. 

He gulped in fear, remembering exactly what had happened the last time he decided to act up in front of the former auror. Selina shot him an irritated look, no longer amused by the attention that was being drawn to the two of them. 

  "Now. You'd best give Miss Romanov here a real good apology for pestering her and being an obnoxious little twat before I make you, is that understood?" he warned.

Draco glanced at her awkwardly, fearing the repercussions as he decided not to further provoke her. 

  "Apologize!" Moody thundered.

Some of the Slytherins were whispering and murmuring as they observed. 

  "Sorry, Sel," Draco mumbled unintelligibly.

  "What's that?!" Moody barked. "Can't hear you!"

Draco hung his head in shame as he found he couldn't get out of this one. 

  "I'm sorry, Selina," he said more clearly, as the room teetered with laughter.

Selina no longer cared about the situation at all.

  "What was that?!" the professor demanded. "Can't hear you!"

  Draco cleared his throat quietly, petrified by the mad look in Moody's eyes, or rather, eye. "I'm sorry, Selina."

  "For what?!" Professor Moody yelled. "Say it!"

This startled Draco.

  "For... being an obnoxious little twat!" Draco cried, genuinely afraid of what he might do.

Everyone except for Pansy laughed, as Selina just looked down at the surface of her desk. 

  "You'd better be," Moody reminded him. "Miss Romanov here comes from a family that deserves far more recognition than your own. The Romanov family has a legacy of blood and power that no one in this room could possibly imagine," he declared.

Selina was becoming increasingly uncomfortable.

  "Now. Speaking of the Romanovs... Who can tell me which of the Unforgivable Curses is said to have come from that family, before we move on?"

This, naturally, was one of Selina's least favorite rumors that happened to often be brought up at Hogwarts, one way or another. She remembered that during her second year, someone had brought up the question to Professor McGonagall during a class, which she had eventually personally apologized for afterwards.  

Selina saw Hermione glance at her from the other side of the room. She knew that Hermione knew the answer to the question, of course, but didn't feel like answering upon seeing the expression on Selina's face. Instead, Moody had called on Dean Thomas. 

  "The Cruciatus Curse, sir," he stated promptly.

  "Yes. Correct," Moody nodded.

Selina saw Neville Longbottom glance over at her, seemingly realizing that one of her ancestors was said to have invented the curse that had afflicted both of his parents since he was a baby. She saw the sadness and fear in his eyes, and felt horrible. She wanted to apologize, but for what, exactly, she didn't know. 

  "The curse is said to have been invented sometime during the early fifteenth century by Vladimir the Wicked, but no such records or evidence exist," the former Auror explained to the class of fourth-years. "However, Ivan the Terrible was certainly noted for his use of it. Anyways. On with today's actual lesson."

Selina hated to be reminded that her father's lineage could be traced back to the very worst of the czars of Russia. Even her mother's side of the family had enough scandals to last a lifetime.

*****

  "Alright. It's time for you lot to get out," Professor Moody announced gruffly at the end of the lesson. "Go on. It's nice out."

  "But, sir, class doesn't end for another ten minutes," Hermione reminded him, earning her a spiteful glare from Ron.

  "And?" the man questioned impatiently.

No one said another word. Draco and the others, as well as just about everyone in class, nearly ran out of the room. Only a few remained even after just a few seconds. 

  "Go on! Everyone out! Except Romanov."

Selina looked up at her teacher worriedly, glancing back at her friends. Amana gave her a nervous look before leaving the room with Pansy and Blaise, not wanting to be in the madman's presence any longer than necessary. Selina slowly put her leather book bag over her shoulder, approaching Moody's desk with apprehension. 

  "You wanted to see me, sir?" she asked.

  "Yes, take a seat if you want," he muttered, still distracted by the objects on his desk. "Don't worry. You're not in trouble," he said passively, coming around to the other side. 

  "Then why did you want to see me?" Selina responded, figuring if she could abandon all pretenses of socially acceptable niceties with any teacher, it would be him. 

  "I've been made aware of your private lessons with Professor Snape," Moody informed her, leaning against his desk.

  "Yes, Professor Snape teaches me advanced spells," Selina nodded.

  "Interesting," Moody stated, "That it's Snape who teaches you, and not Flitwick, who, as I understand it, is the Charms professor. Why is that, Miss Romanov?"

  Selina just shrugged, not providing a complete response. "He's my Head of House. He saw my work, and he took an interest."

  "And does Professor Snape... teach you anything particularly off-curricular?" he asked with curiosity. 

Selina did her best not to actually answer the question.

  "Professor Snape teaches me things he believes I might find useful. I'm sorry, but is there anything you need from me?" she asked him.

  Moody studied her carefully, the same way he would a suspect as an Auror, narrowing his eye at her. "Everyone knows you're a talented witch, Romanov. They all want to see your abilities up close, to their full extent," he told her. "Hell. I'm sure Karkaroff's going to try to poach you for Durmstrang if he hasn't already."

  Selina was astounded by his perceptiveness. "You're right about that."

  "I'm guessing you didn't take him up on that?"

  "No," she shook her head. "He said Dumbledore can't know. I wanted no part in that."

  "Smart," Moody nodded his approval. "Karkaroff's a fairly strong wizard, but he's also an idiot. Don't get mixed up in that. You're better off learning from someone who knows what they're doing."

  "Professor Snape knows what he's doing," Selina pointed out coldly, trying to find a way out of the conversation. 

  "Yeah, but does Professor Snape let you reach your full potential? Huh?" Moody demanded, staring her down.

Selina didn't know how to interpret his unorthodox methods in that moment. 

  "What are you playing at?" she asked him.

  Moody just looked down at her, tempting her as best as he could. "Does Professor Snape recognize the full extent of your abilities? Does he really play to your strengths?"

  "I'm not sure I follow," Selina crossed her arms.

  "I'll put it this way," he provided frankly. "You can learn from Snape, and learn the love-and-light approach to things, and achieve mediocrity. Or you can learn from someone who's seen it all. Someone who knows what'll save you out in the real world."

  "I said no to Karkaroff," Selina reminded him, "What makes you think I wouldn't say the same to you?"

  "Because. You know that I used to see true evil every day of my life. You know... that I'm just like you," Moody whispered, the craziest look in his eyes, even apart from his glass eye moving constantly. "Unlike the rest of them, I understand that sometimes, to fight evil, you have to use the same methods."

Selina went silent for a moment, considering her options. Mad-Eye Moody stared at her eagerly, with the tenacity of an entire pack of hungry dogs. 

  "Let's say I was interested," she said carefully, unfazed by his insanity, "What would our first lesson be?"

*****

Selina didn't return to the Slytherin common room until later in the afternoon, closer to dinner time. Jasper was waiting for her, completing his studies in her empty dorm room while Amana was off with Pansy and the others. His face lit up as soon as she entered the room, not unlike a dog waiting for its master. 

  "Selina. There you are," Jasper said, closing his textbook as he got up off her bed, "Where've you been?"

  "Er, I had a lesson with Snape," she lied, as Moody had instructed her to.

  "Really? I thought he scheduled it for tomorrow," her boyfriend remarked curiously.

  "Yeah, he did. He just wanted me to have extra instruction time."

  "Oh. That's oddly considerate of him," he thought. "Well," he shook his head, taking his mind off Snape.

Selina threw off her robe, trying to get comfortable in the clothes that she had on underneath. 

  "Want to go to the Great Hall with Amana?"

  "No, I think I'll rest up before dinner," she decided. "I'm exhausted."

  "Okay. We'll stay in," Jasper Carroll concluded, smiling as he sat beside her on the bed. 

  "Jasper?" Selina spoke up, looking at him with guilt.

  "What is it?" he asked her.

  "I, er... I'm sorry," she said finally, "For everything."

He took a moment to process what she'd said, not  necessarily understanding the reasoning behind it.

  "Why?" 

That was all he had to say.

  "Because... I'm an arsehole," Selina pointed out, feeling as if it were obvious. "I'm not a good person. I don't deserve you."

  "Selina," Jasper murmured, cupping her face with his hand, "I don't believe that's true. At all."

Selina knew that what he said should've comforted her, but somehow it didn't. She was beyond that. Hearing him say that, she didn't immediately feel relieved. Instead, she felt strangely a bit disappointed, subconsciously realizing that her boyfriend wasn't as smart as she believed him to be. 

  "I love you, Selina. I really do," he told her. "You never have to apologize to me, for anything. I love you, for who you are, and I'd do anything for you."

Not knowing what else to say to him, Selina reached up to kiss him, her hands tangling into his hair. She realized she loved him, far too much to allow her own flaws to get in the way. It wasn't long before the two of them ultimately decided their friends could survive without them for the afternoon, and a tie was placed carefully on the doorknob outside. 

*****

  "Hey," Selina said softly, choosing not to head downstairs immediately after dinner. 

Harry looked up at her as he sat on a bench in the hall. He gave her a meek smile and allowed her to sit down next to him.

  "How are you doing?" she asked. 

  "Better, I guess," he thought after a moment. "Ron finally came around."

  "Oh, yeah... Well, that's good then," she said optimistically.

  Harry nodded. "Yeah. Things are normal with my friends again."

  "Then what are you doing down here?" she wondered. 

  Harry just shrugged. "I don't know. Just wanted a moment to myself."

  "Fair enough," she nodded. "I suppose I kind of had the same idea."

  "How are you doing?" Harry asked her. "I feel like we haven't talked in a while."

  "Yeah."

  "How are things with Jasper?" he inquired. "Any better?"

  "Yeah. Yeah, things are better," Selina told him. "It feels like... Like it used to. Or, almost, anyway."

  "I get what you mean," he offered sympathetically, looking down at his lap.

  "Anything on your mind in particular?" she asked.

  "The second task, I suppose."

  "Yeah... That definitely makes sense," Selina thought. "I think you'll do good, though. You're good with challenges," she remarked.

  "Yeah, well, maybe I'm not so sure this time around," Harry expressed worriedly. "I'm afraid this isn't like anything I've ever faced before."

  "Well, you'd be stupid if you weren't," she pointed out. "At least you're smart enough to work out your disadvantages before you go up against everyone else. I think as long as you don't overcomplicate things, you'll do great."

  "Thanks, Selina," he said genuinely. 

  "Of course," she nodded.

  "Hey... I never did get to thank you for what you said in the Prophet," he remembered suddenly.

  "In the Prophet?" she questioned.

She couldn't think of what he was referring to.

  "What you said to Rita Skeeter," he elaborated, reminding her of the interviews that had taken place the day after the Triwizard Champions were announced. 

  "Oh," Selina realized quickly, recalling the interview she'd given that morning, "Yeah."

Despite how problematic Rita Skeeter's interpretation of Selina's interview was, Harry had been able to read in between the lines. 

'Selina Romanov, daughter of Ilya Romanov, infamous for the murder of his wife Adeline, is a close friend of suspect entrant Harry Potter's. When asked about his upcoming participation in the Triwizard Tournament, the notoriously beautiful part-Veela responded, "I think Harry will do well. Now—" Let my record of the conversation reflect that the language that followed cannot, regrettably, be printed. 

Miss Romanov's crass remarks beg the question, is there something between our royalty descendant and Harry Potter?'

  "Thank you for telling Rita Skeeter to fuck off for me," Harry said appreciatively.

  Selina nodded. "What are friends for?"

  "I'm sorry she insinuated that there's something going on between you and me," he apologized.

  "It's what she does," Selina shrugged dismissively, never having been too concerned about it at all.

  "Yeah, it definitely is," he nodded in agreement. "Jasper didn't mind, though?"

  "Oh, no," she assured him, "He definitely doesn't take anything that woman says seriously."

  "Who would?" Harry remarked, as the two of them sat together. 

Selina saw as he looked up, seeing Fred and George Weasley approaching.

  "Hiya, Harry,"  Fred said teasingly, "Why so mopey?"

He and George both ruffled Harry's hair and sat on either side of him, as Fred and Selina made awkward eye contact for a moment. 

  "You're a Champion!" George reminded him. "You should be jumping for joy! You could piss on the walls, and everyone would cheer you on."

  "Well, I'm not particularly in the mood to be pissing on the walls," Harry Potter considered.

  "But you should be!" George encouraged him. "Come on. Cheer up, mate!"

Fred stood and turned to Selina, who was somewhat surprised he had anything to say to her. 

  "You want to go to the library?" Fred asked her.

  She frowned. "That's the first time I've ever heard you say that."

  "It's private," he shrugged, offering her an escape. "Plus, Madam Pince is too busy closing up shop to pay anyone any mind."

  "Alright," Selina agreed, accompanying him. "Let's go."

He nodded with a soft smile, nodding to his twin as the two of them separated from the group. They were both awkwardly silent for a moment, before Fred decided to interrupt.

  "I hope you didn't think I was judging you, before," Fred said politely. "I know, of all people, I have no right to judge."

  "It's alright," she said quietly, in an attempt to retire the subject. 

The two soon found a private corner in the library, as far away from Madam Pince, and anyone else as they could get.

  "You know I don't care about the thing from the other day anymore, right?" Selina asked cautiously. "You and I, we're fine."

  "No, this isn't about that," Fred promised her, "What, we can't just talk?"

  "I never said that," she told him. "If this isn't about yesterday, then... Why'd you ask me here?"

  "Isn't it obvious?" Fred grinned, the conversation taking a happier turn. "I've got gossip for you. We're friends, after all."

Selina smiled as the two of them shared a simple, pleasant moment, as she sat beside him, listening to his story about Angelina Johnson. 

  "Oh my God!" she exclaimed, eager to feel like just a teenage girl again. "She definitely fancies you!"

  "I know. I just... Don't know what I'd do if I fucked it all up," he admitted.

  "I'm afraid there's no real way to avoid all that," she said truthfully. "Fucking up is unavoidable. However, fucking up and being the arsehole is completely avoidable. Speaking from experience, of course," she provided.

  Fred grimaced guiltily. "I'm sorry. That's not what I meant to say..."

  "No, I know. But it's true," Selina sighed. "I fucked up in an insane, avoidable sort of way. And I know you wouldn't do the same," she provided kindly.

  "You're not a bad person, Selina," Fred promised her. "You... You're just a good person, who gets mixed up with bad people."

She smiled, genuinely appreciating the way that he cared. 

*****

  "Did Igor Karkaroff offer to give you private lessons?!"

  Selina frowned. "What happened to 'hi'? 'Hello'? 'How are you'?"

  "This isn't a laughing matter, Romanov, now answer my question," Professor Snape commanded impatiently.

  "How does everyone keep finding out about that?!" Selina cried. "Yes, he did. But I said no."

  "Good," Snape nodded as the two of them stood in the middle of the hall. "Do not trust that man."

  "Why?" Selina questioned inquisitively. "Because he was a Death Eater?"

  Severus Snape scowled at her sarcasm. "Because he's untrustworthy," he replied simply.

  "Great. Very informative, thank you. Can I go now?" 

  "Yes, go," he waved her off, cloak billowing behind him as he rushed off. 

She just shook her head, ignoring the interaction completely as she continued about her day. The school was crawling with people, no matter what school they were from. From what she saw of Fleur Delacour and Viktor Krum, she assumed that a Hogwarts student would eventually be named Triwizard Champion. 

She figured although Harry had a decent chance of winning, Cedric still could easily win. Selina Romanov didn't actually know Cedric Diggory very well. She had played against him and the rest of the Hufflepuff team on the Quidditch pitch multiple times, and knew that he was dating Cho Chang, but other than that, they'd had no actual contact.

After it had been announced that Hogwarts would have two Champions in the Tournament this year, Draco Malfoy, like many Hogwarts students, favored Cedric Diggory purely because he wasn't Harry Potter. But even from what little Selina knew about Cedric Diggory, she knew that this wasn't the type of attention Cedric had intended to garner as a Triwizard Champion.

Cedric was a Hufflepuff, and a seemingly decent sort of person. Everyone knew him to be kind, responsible, and humble. Cedric didn't boast, and he certainly didn't look down on others the way Draco and some of the others did. He was a genuinely kind person who treated everyone as equals, on and off the pitch. Selina had observed that he had a very sportsmanlike attitude, even in situations that had nothing to do with sports at all.

She figured it was the reason he was so popular. He was handsome, and talented, and whatever else, but he was also just likable. Selina had been mostly indifferent to Cedric, until the day she saw him coming to Neville Longbottom's aid.

  "Come on, Malfoy, please!" Neville complained, trying to grab his book bag as Draco, Theo, and Goyle played catch with it. "I need to get to class—"

  "Guess you'd better get running then, eh?" Draco grinned.

Selina rolled her eyes as the boys continued playing with the bag, taunting him as they threw it over his head. 

  "Draco, don't be a prat," Selina remarked in a bored tone.

  "Come on, Sel, you're such a bore nowadays!" he groaned. "You used to love torturing Longbottom."

  "Twat," she said under her breath.

  "Slag," Draco joked, coming across as even less funny than he'd intended. 

He caught the bag from Goyle, and threw it back to Theo. Before Selina could say anything, a voice interrupted from behind her. 

  "Hey. Give it back to him," Cedric Diggory intervened. 

Draco's amusement slowly faded as he saw it was Cedric who was stopping him. Stone-faced and trying to avoid conflict with one of the most popular boys at Hogwarts, he begrudgingly threw the book bag back at Neville, who was startled by the sudden movement. Looking back and forth between Draco and Cedric, Neville took it and ran. Draco took another look at Cedric before taking off. 

Cedric just shook his head, noticing Selina.

  "Romanov. Are you alright?" he asked, seeming livid on her behalf. 

  "Yeah, I'm fine, thanks, Diggory," Selina said politely. "It's okay."

  "Are you sure?!" he questioned. "That was awful, what he said to you."

  "It's fine," she assured him, hardly surprised, "Really, it's just Draco."

  "I don't care who he is. You just don't talk to people like that," Cedric pointed out.

Selina thought it was almost endearing how simplistic his view of the world was. 

  "It's okay, Cedric. Really. That's just how we are," she promised him.

  Cedric nodded, respecting her wishes, but still adamant about his views. "Still. No one should talk to a girl like that," he insisted.

  "No," Selina agreed softly, considering what he had to say. "They shouldn't."

[blankspacefanfics]

Okay to ask for: age regression, adhd, autism, ocd, anxiety, depression, self harm, smut, fluff, angst, poly relationships, canonxcanon, canonxreader

Do not ask: dubcon, rape, animal abuse and other forms of abuse

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HARRY POTTER - Harry Potter, Ronald Weasely, Hermione Granger, Draco Malfoy, Sirius Black, James Potter, Severus Snape, Remus Lupin, Rubeus Hagrid, Neville Longbottom, Luna Lovegood, Ginerva Weasley, Bellatrix Lestrange, Molly Weasley, Cedric Diggory, Fred Weasley, George Weasley, Seamus Finnigan, Lucius Malfoy, Narcissa Malfoy, Lily Evans, Tom Riddle

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[sheetsonfire]

In Pursuit

Fandom: Chicago PD / Chicago Med

Pairing: Will Halstead x Reader, Jay Halstead x Platonic!Reader

Genre: Drama, angst, romance

Warnings: violence, near overdose, drugs, swearing, gun mentions, injuries, sickness

Word Count: 3323

Requested By Anon: I saw that you weren’t really taking requests but I have an idea for a will halstead x reader. Where shes Jay’s partner at pd and she gets hurt on a case, she goes to med and will’s worried, which leads to them both confessing each other’s feelings.

-

“Carl Larkin! Stop! Chicago PD!" You let your legs carry you, another day another case, another afternoon spent sprinting the streets of Chicago with your partner Jay. You knew he had split off from you a few streets back, a move to help you cut the guy off, as you remained on the pursuit ahead.

Like many of the people you caught on drug-related cases, Carl had been selling a way too potent and dangerous product for the streets. Illegal drugs were one issue, but illicit drugs made incorrectly or made irresponsibly were the true headaches of your work. Of course, Larkin wasn’t the "big fish" he was simply the courier for the supplier he was working under, his value lay in the potential to lead Intelligence to said supplier.

It was somewhere around your second block of the pursuit that Larkin had attempted to slow you down with cursory, wayward, shots in your direction. As civilians screamed and ducked for cover, you instructed them to either move to the side or stay back, you hated drawing innocent people into the chaos. This motion forced you to draw your weapon, ready to retaliate if required. Your boots pounded the pavement, ducking in and out of cars, dumpsters, and general junk that often was left at the back of neighbourhoods, the neighbourhood you’d tracked Larkin into.

You turned a corner, kicking up grit and dirt as you go, you key your radio, “Jay! What’s your location?”

“Heading West, I’ll meet you at the intersection coming around!” He radios back, and you feel the confidence in Carl’s capture increase, knowing you were about to force him to converge right into Jay’s path.

“Carl, stop! You just need to talk!” You holler, gaining speed on him as his limbs flailed trying to run faster on his exhausted fumes, a futile attempt to shake you off. 

“Fuck off, bitch! That gun’s not made for talkin’” His voice cracks, but it’s still delivered with venom. It couldn't have been a surprise to him that you would have your weapon drawn. You knew people like Carl, and you knew better than to not take precautions. Unsurprisingly, he fit the bill of a lot of the people you dealt with in the drug world, scrawny, weasely, and a pain in the ass. 

You watch in confusion as Larkin slows right down on the sidewalk, rarely did the command for someone to stop result in the actual compliance you were after. But then you realise what’s happening, and you find it within yourself to run a little faster to get to the vehicle Carl is now slotting himself into.

"Larkin!” You bark, holstering your weapon as you manage to get your body in front of the door before he can close it. You tussle with him as you hear Jay arriving behind you, calling out for assistance on his radio.

“5021 George, requesting backup, suspect attempting to flee via automobile, my partner is engaged in a physical altercation, registration Papa Bravo 2 -” 

Jay finishes the registration recall, moving forward to help you get Carl back out of the car, before he can even pry open the passenger door he hears a resounding slam of the driver’s door not closing but hitting you instead. There’s a sickening crunch, the hiss of a spray, followed by your string of howling expletives.

Your partner runs back to your side, catching the sight of Carl shoving you away from the vehicle as you fall to the ground, the engine starts and Jay can only yell “Hey!” as he protectively crouches beside you, gun aimed at Larkin as he attempts to pull away, still not knowing if Carl would discharge his weapon or not.

It’s the sound of screeching tires that has Jay keying his radio once again, advising dispatch of the progress of your incident, requesting an ambo be sent to your current location. All of this in a matter of seconds as he turns to your hunched, pained, form. 

Jay’s voice is calm, assessing you as you cough and groan, whimpering each time your arm is jarred with your involuntary spasms. Jay sits on the ground with you, securing your weapon and his in his holsters, supporting your weight as he tries to check you for any other injuries. “Y/N, talk to me, what hurts?”

“My- arm… Jay, fuck! He sprayed something i-in my face…” It takes all of your composure to get the words out, this is what you’d been chasing Carl for. N-bomb, a hallucinogen similar to LSD, and it’d been causing havoc on the drug scene. You could feel the fear kicking in, whatever he had sprayed at you was starting to present itself. Well aware that the trip would feed off your agony and stress, it would be a limited time before you really started to react, and you’d need an ambulance quick.

You let out a sob as your arm hangs limply, swelling rapidly by the second, it’s at a sickeningly odd angle and Jay feels his own stomach turn. Larkin had cleanly broken your arm by slamming it in the car door.

“Okay, it’s alright. The ambulance is coming, Y/N. So you just let me help you, alright? Let’s sit you up properly.” 

Jay manoeuvers you between his legs, letting you rest against his chest, making sure you’re upright and secure. You’re grateful your partner is with you, you and Jay had become a great team and he was always someone you could rely on to have your back. In this instance quite literally. 

“J-Jay… I don’t feel good.” You mutter, your vision was starting to blur, you could feel sweat forming at the back of your neck, and your heart was racing with the pain and the adrenaline of the drug inside you. You could hear a loud whooshing sound, accompanied by nausea that stabbed through your stomach. Suddenly fear struck you, the sense of impending doom came from nowhere as the sounds around you started to feel slow, the faces of passers-by distorting into grotesque creatures as they gathered to observe the scene. You were hallucinating already, that wasn't good.

Jay eyes you worriedly, he could feel you trembling, despite the heat that had been created from running he could tell the temperature radiating off of you was something else entirely. Small whimpers of pain and fear escape you. He finds himself squeezing your good hand reassuringly, whether for you or for himself he wasn’t sure. He knew the very real possibility of you having a fatal overdose of the drug. “I know, Y/N, just hold on, the ambulance is coming, I can hear them.”

Amongst the cacophony of worried murmurs and offers of help, you can hear Jay telling the public to stay back and keep the area clear for the ambo. The last thing you remember before passing out is the beginnings of a seizure and Jay’s pleas for you to stay awake amid your slurred attempts to ask for one person... Will.

-

The ride in the ambo is frantic, the paramedic working on you is securing your broken arm whilst attempting to alleviate the symptoms of your reaction to the drug. Jay sits out of the way on the phone to Voight, explaining what happened as he anxiously bounces his foot, looking at your fevered complexion beneath the oxygen mask, how quickly you had deteriorated scared him. Your seizure hadn’t lasted very long, but it made it all the more dangerous for you in the midst of coming through this experience.

Jay has never felt more relieved to pull up outside of the ambulance entrance at Chicago Med, though he himself had a severe aversion to hospitals, he knew everyone inside would do their best for you. He didn’t feel much like losing another partner, especially not one with whom he had bonded so well. It doesn’t take more than a moment for you to be unloaded and wheeled into the ED, rushing forward is Ethan with Monique in tow, and the paramedics reel off the information about your exposure to the N-Bomb as well as the severity of your broken arm. 

In the wake of the bustle, Jay marches through the ED behind your gurney, seeking out that hard-to-miss head of red curls that belonged to Will. 

“Will!” Your partner hollers, jogging over to his brother. 

“Hey, what’s-” Will doesn’t have to ask though, watching you roll by tells him enough and he feels his stomach drop. “Y/N? Jay, what the hell happened?” He asks, expression more urgent now as he follows Ethan, only able to observe from outside the already cramped trauma bay.

“She, uh, we were chasing a suspect, they managed to dose her with a bad batch of LSD, she didn’t react well. He slammed her arm in a car door too, it looks bad, man.” Jay exhales harshly, shaking his head in anger. Already calculating what he would have done differently, how he hoped to god some units would pick up Larkin and have him pay the price for what he'd done to you.

He starts pacing slightly with his hands tucked into his tac vest, an unconscious self-soothing behaviour - he was really worried about how long it took to get you to the hospital for the overdose. In Jay's movements, he looks to his brother, he knew how Will felt about you and vice versa, he had been trying to push you both in the right direction for a few months now.

Will’s filled with anxiousness, he knows he shouldn’t interfere with your treatment, Ethan had it handled and if he was being fully honest with himself he probably wasn’t the most emotionally sound person to help you right now.

He can only keep watch over you as they examine you, checking your pupils, your blood pressure again, your respiratory rate…all of it, hearing the turns of phrase that let Will know you’re having to fight hard. There’s a call to push drugs to counteract your high blood pressure, fever and susceptibility to another seizure. They keep supplying your oxygen as they take a look at your arm, Will watches as the technician x-rays the damage.

Jay stands beside him, reaching out to put a reassuring hand on his brother’s shoulder.

-

Hours pass and the drugs have a few more hours to go before they’re meant to wear off, not yet fully phased out of your system. You’ve been put under light sedation and you’re hooked up to any medicine or machine that can keep the overdose from taking a more lethal hold. Your arm has been splinted for the time being, with regular icing to keep the swelling down. You had surgery scheduled for as soon as you were stable enough.

Will, though not your doctor, keeps vigil, Jay had told him about your request for him right before passing out. He had encouraged Jay to get cleaned up, check in with Intelligence and get something to eat, he could tell his brother was rattled by the whole affair too. 

The redhead sits by your side, watching your vital signs carefully, face pensive in the stillness of the room, only the machines to fill the silence. After a while Will can’t stand it, normally your kind eyes are looking at him with that glint that makes him hopeful for something more, you’re usually cracking a joke or taking an interest in one of his cases, more often than not there would be an invite for dinner with the other people or drinks at Molly’s. The pair of you had been quite shy to ask for anything more, like a real date. 

Looking at you now, like a lot of near-death experiences can do, Will feels more encouraged than ever to not waste any more time dancing around you. He cared about you way too much to let this friendship stall at just friendship, it had always been pretty obvious the both of you were smitten. Jay had told him repeatedly that you felt the same way and Will knew he had to act on it.

He leans forward to kiss your forehead, stroking away your damp hair from the fever still simmering beneath your skin. “I’m here, Y/N. You keep fighting like hell like you always do, I’m not going anywhere and you’re gonna wake up feeling so much better. I promise.” 

Will’s brow stays furrowed in worry, scooting closer to keep hold of your hand not in a cast.

-

The first thing you’re aware of is the weight in your limbs, your chest, your head… It felt like the world’s worst hangover but multiplied by an absurd amount. You feel stiff, your mouth impossibly dry and you felt compelled to let out a low, disgruntled, whine - hoping that would somehow gain the attention of someone to help make the discomfort leave.

You’re yet to open your eyes, you could feel the brightness of the lights in your surroundings, and your eyelids felt sore and still hot to touch. Licking your lips only cracks your dried lips, stinging your mouth unpleasantly.

“Whatthefuck.” You mumble, trying to take a breath and gather your emotions. Shifting your body slightly you realise one of your arms is immobile, your fingers stiff from the pressure surrounding it. Then, the memories start to flitter back into your stream of consciousness.

The chase, the fight, the attack on you from Larkin’s spray, the searing pain of the heavy metal car door crushing your arm. Jesus Christ, not the best day. You fidget, letting out a cross between a growl and a sigh.

“Hey, sweetheart, you’re coming out of a pretty heavy trip, it’s alright, just take it easy, Y/N.” 

The voice is soft, soothing, and familiar. The familiarity and the ‘sweetheart’ release light flutters in your stomach. You hum now, feeling somewhat vulnerable as you blink your eyes open, confirming the comforting voice matches the face you think it does. Sure enough, it’s Will’s warm eyes that meet your tired ones. You smile dopily.

“Will…” You breathe, nose wrinkling. His face changes from pleased to concerned. 

“What’s wrong, what hurts, we can increase the painki-”

“My head itches and my mouth is like sand.” You pout, cutting off his spiral into worry. 

There’s confusion and then a smile, he leans forward in the chair to carefully scratch at the top of your scalp, following your directions as he finds the irritating spot. You sigh in relief.

“Better?” Will lets out a snort of amusement, passing you a cup of water next.

“Much.” You hum, relishing the feel of cool liquid travelling down your throat. You're closing your eyes for a moment, they really didn’t like the light. 

“Too bright in here?” He asks, 

“Mmh, yeah sorry. Everything’s heavy and fuzzy, I feel like I got hit by a truck… even though it was a car door and a spritz.” Your face darkens, anger flashing across it as you start to recognise how easily you could have met death as a result of the overdose. 

Will sighs, jaw clenched, he felt that same anger too. The thought that somebody could so carelessly put your life on the line made him wish he had Jay’s profession and the capacity to convict. He leans up to turn the lights down on the dimmer, slotting his tall frame back into the chair.

“How’s that?” He queries, gentle fingers caressing along your arm, it sends contrasting sensations to the discomfort you were in. Gentle, warm, goosebumps prickle along your skin, and you meet his eyes once more. 

“Perfect.” You sigh. Feeling the pressure dissipate somewhat from your face. Feeling less agitated by the movement, you wriggle your weak fingers to clasp with Will’s, squeezing softly. 

There’s a beat of silence. And then you both try to speak at the same time, laughing awkwardly as you stop, waiting to see who would go first. Will gestures to you, head tilting slightly in a soft expression of fondness. 

You swallow, gratefully sipping at the second sip of water the redhead offers. Taking a brief moment before you take the leap to confess. “So, Will… At the scene, I…I uh, asked Jay to get you for me, right before lights out. When my arm was killing me and my body was freaking out, all I wanted was you with me. As much as I love your brother like a brother, I needed you. Which is to say…I’m so glad you’re with me right now, and I’d really like it if you were always with me.” 

Your heart is hammering, it catches Will’s attention on the monitor and you both chuckle, he reaches to silence the monitor and to spare your cheeks from getting any redder. 

He gets as close to the bed as he can, holding your hand carefully in his, thumb stroking along your wrist in soothing circles. 

“Jay told me what you said…and then he, uh, he told me to “Stop messing around and tell her already.”... So, here we go… I want to be with you always too, and I would really like for us to stop being shy teenagers and finally do this thing for real.”

You are thoroughly exhausted, and all too aware of how badly this could have gone today, so Will’s words hit you that much deeper. Knowing how long you’ve wanted to hear this and to finally hear it brings tears to your eyes. You feel safe around Will, you want to cherish him as much as he seemingly cherishes you.

“It’s settled then.” You sniff, and Will gets worried. 

“Hey, what’s wrong?” He asks, brushing the tears from your cheeks. 

“No, you goof, I’m just happy.” You laugh through your crying, nestling your head on Will’s shoulder as he wraps his arm around you as good as he can, palm rubbing up and down your back in a slow, soothing, motion. You press a kiss to his shoulder, leaning back a little to look at him. He’s smiling still, and you reciprocate, licking your lips as his eyes glance at them. 

“Can I kiss you?” He murmurs, and you nod, “Absolutely”, you match his tone, feeling somewhat sneaky even though you weren’t doing anything wrong, or anything people didn’t already have bets on. Glancing at the doorway before leaning in, using your good hand to gently sink your fingers into his hair, bringing him close as your lips meet.

You both groan into the kiss, pressing a little more with need. You feel his hand on your waist, the rush makes you dizzy enough to need to pull back. 

“Sorry I-” You cut him off, placing a hand over his mouth, breathing a little heavier. 

“No apologies, Will. I’m just still a little wobbly is all.” You smile sleepily, falling against his chest as you drop your hand from his mouth, he cradles you to him, stroking your neck softly.

“You need to sleep, I can kiss you senseless when you’re not full of pain meds and recovering from an LSD nightmare.” 

You giggle quietly, catching your breath, "Sounds good, it's a date."

-

You knew Will had the capacity to fuss, as you had seen Jay be on the receiving end of it countless times, much to your amusement. However, it was totally different when you were the target.

You didn't know if it was because Will changed his tact when it came to you or because you were too medicated to find it irritating, but you found yourself totally enthralled by the doctor-ly yet doting way Will made sure you were okay.

In the pursuit of criminals, you were at the top of your game, there wasn't much left that you could be taught. But in the pursuit of Will Halstead, there was still much to discover, and you were only just getting started.

-

Fin.

A/N: I hope this wasn't too corny!

[horrorxweasley]

Hello Darlings, 

Me and @writing-wh0re​ are planning on collaborating on a fic after Kinktober is over and done with. 

But we thought we should ask you guys, if you have any ideas on what you would like to see, so if you want to send in au’s/tropes/or any of that stuff to either me or @writing-wh0re​ through the google forms where we’ll look at them all and take them into account 

I have made a google form where you can send in anything you would specifically like to see from this collab which I will link below

I’m very excited to see and release what we come up with, I hope yous will be excited as well <3

Link to google form

[theoreticslut]

“What better way to show you that we’re here for you?”

part 1 / part 2 / part 3

pairing: fred weasley x reader x george weasley

requested: no

word count: 3.4k

warnings: depression!! & some mentions of anxiety, cheating, insecurities; ANGST (sorry!)

A/N: Ughhhh; let me start this by saying there is definitely going to be more to this, i’m just still not sure how much exactly. I normally try to have series like this written out long in advance so I have a more concrete idea and schedule for it, but it’s obviously not happening for this one. I still love this one tremendously so I’m excited to see how it goes, but man I’m breaking my own heart writing it. Anyways, I do apologize for being kinda inactive on here the last week or two. I’ve been stressing out a lot over school and just the holidays, but I’m trying to get things up for you <3 I have a few things written, but it’s just a matter of editing them and then getting them formatted on here and I’ve just been so tired lately. So i apologize & I am trying to get things out here. I have a request or two that I’m working on which I will hopefully have up this week so please just bear with me. Also, reminder!! Please feel free to check out my sleepover event that I’ll be keeping open for another week or so as well as my holiday prompt list for requests!! I love you all and hope you enjoy this part of the story!! Xx

Taglist: @justmesadgirl @xuckduck @yikesyikesyikes95 @filipi-yes @aestheticwh0r3 @whoreforlangdons @matsuno-nadeshiko @msmarklee1213 @immajustreadwritereblog @msmimimerton @lauren2408 @mischievous-queen @bunnyboo7 @grandeoptimist @kaitlynw011 @daddystevee @slytherinxhunter @streetfighterrichie @softlyqoos @sarcasticallywitty15 @isthereanymorejello 

^let me know if you’d like to be added/removed! Xx

“Y/n? Are you awake?” You hear hermione ask cautiously, the door creaking slightly as she comes inside your shared dorm room.

You’re not sure what time it is, but it doesn’t really matter right at the moment. All you know is that it’s finally Saturday again and that you didn’t want to get out of bed regardless of whatever time it is.

This past week has been exhausting and you just wanted to sleep it off. You didn’t want to socialize with anyone, you didn’t want to stress about homework, and you certainly didn’t want to move from your current spot.

“I don’t want to be.” You grumble, pulling your blankets up tighter around your head so you were completely buried from your neck down.

“Y/n, you need to come down and eat. You barely eat anything that Harry, Ron, or I bring up for you. We’re worried.”

“Don’t have to be, ‘mione. I’ve dragged myself to the kitchen a few times. I’m not dying.”

You hear her sigh as the side of your bed dips down. You’ve been like this for nearly two weeks now. Ever since the twins told you that they loved you and you said that they couldn’t.

Hermione had you tell her all about it after she saw Fred storm down the stairs from your guys’ dormitory up to his and George’s, George following after him worriedly a couple minutes later, then finding you crying your eyes out alone up here.

She knew that you loved the two redheads, but she could also completely understand you being wary of their words given your guys’ past on top of how tragically your last relationship ended.

She has been giving you time because she knows you need it, but three weeks is concerning without even considering that you’re barely eating and sleeping. Not to mention that you literally drag yourself to your classes as if you’re bound in weighted shackles.

“Maybe not right at this minute, but if you don’t start taking care of yourself you will be.” She states, looking over at you.

She hates seeing you so broken. Sure you were hurt after finding Will cheating on you and the whole smoke-bomb-under-your-fork thing with the twins, but this is far worse. You honestly look like a ghost of a person and it’s terrifying.

“I’m just...not hungry, ‘mione. You’re not going to force me to eat if I can’t, are you?”

“Y/n, I know you’re hurting, but you’re hurting the rest of us as well by not taking care of yourself.” Hermione starts, looking over at you.

“Harry and Ron, they don’t show it well, but they’re worried about you. Those two boys. They’re worried. About you. They hardly ever worry.”

“Not to mention how worried I am. You look as if your soul has been sucked from your body, which is saying something because even with Will you didn’t look this terrible.”

“And I don’t even need to point out how worried McGonagall is. She’s constantly asking whether you’re okay or not, both to you and the rest of us.”

“And I know it probably doesn’t seem it, but Fred and George? They’re worried too, y/n. They’re always watching you during classes to see if you’re okay and they both look for you at meals. I honestly think they’re starting to go crazy since you haven’t been down to any meals lately.”

“You have so many people worried, y/n. So many people that care.” Hermione finishes, watching as you take in a shuddering breath.

You don’t like worrying people or upsetting them, but you just can’t keep pushing. You feel as if every breath is a chore and that your chest is hollow; it feels as if your heart has just got up and left, only leaving behind an aching hole.

You thought that you would be okay, you went to classes the day after their confession, but you couldn’t handle the way the twins were looking at you. Fred looked so angry and took it out by flirting with any other girl he could, but you could see through the anger to all the hurt that you caused. You hated knowing you hurt him so bad that he had to let it out as anger, but you couldn’t bring yourself to say anything about it. You were much too confused of your own feelings to even consider comforting anyone else.

George on the other hand just looked so torn. He looked hurt, sure, but he seemed to be showing more worry for you than anything. It’s as if he doesn’t care what he’s feeling at all and it bothered you. You knew your words had hurt him and yet he just doesn’t seem to care. He still wants nothing more than to be there for you and it was just too confusing. You couldn’t understand how he still wanted to be there for you when you had essentially told him he didn’t know what he was feeling.

The following day wasn’t any better nor the day after that. They kept giving you the same looks, if they’d even look at you. George seemed to never look away from you when you were around whereas Fred tried everything in his power to not have to look at you.

On top of that, they wouldn’t talk to you, but you knew they were talking about you.  And then you just kept seeing them everywhere. It was as if you became hyperaware of their presence which you very much did not want to happen.

You let out a choked sob as everything hits you again and hermione frowns, wrapping her arms around you. She wanted to take all of this pain away, but she really had no idea how. She always had a solution and yet she didn’t have one to this.

“I don’t like this, ‘mione. I don’t like any of it.” You sob, the hole in your chest aching.

~.~

Hermione finally got you calmed down enough to where you could breathe and convinced you to come down for breakfast, promising that as soon as she was happy she would do whatever you wanted, whether that be go to library, go for a walk, or just hang out in the common room.

“Everyone’s going to stare at me, ‘mione. I don’t want them to stare.” You sigh, feeling jittery as your nerves begin acting up.

“Take a breath, y/n. Just walk along beside me and no one will stare.”

You take a deep breath, trying to calm your anxiety, but it doesn’t do much. You still feel like you’re going to be sick.

As soon as you walk through the doors to the great hall, you snap your head down. You don’t want to look at anyone and you don’t want them looking at you. You figure the best way to make that happen is just look away from it all.

Unfortunately, you glance up just as your passing by the spot where Fred and George sit when they aren’t with you guys. If you could go back just those few seconds to not have to see the looks on their faces, you would do so without a second thought.

Fred was surprised to see you, his worry for you showing through only momentarily before he’s smiling at some girl beside him. George, however, was a mix of relief, complete worry, and total devastation. Looking at the two of them made your stomach flip and your heart sink.

“Breathe, y/n.” Hermione reminds you and you nod looking over at her as you try not to be sick.

“Y/n!” Ron smiles as you and hermione sit down.

“Hey, Ron. Harry.” You greet as the two light up at your presence.

“How are you feeling?” Harry asks, concern written in his facial features.

“Like I’m going to be sick, honestly. I don’t know how hermione talked me into coming down here.”

He smiles sadly at you, knowing how much pain you’re in and wishing there was something - anything - he could do.

“Well, grab something. It doesn’t have to be a lot, y/n, but you need to eat.” Hermione urges and you nod, taking a single pancake and a few pieces of bacon. You doubt you’ll even be able to eat that, but you’d at least try.

Just as you go to take your first bite, now realizing how hungry you truly are by the way your stomach cramps, George takes a seat next to you, facing you.

“Y/n-“

“George, now really isn’t a good time.” Hermione states, frowning at the redhead.

“I just, I need to-“

“She needs to eat. It’d be better if the reason she hasn’t been eating wasn’t sitting right beside her.”

“I know, I just-“

“Bloody hell, George. Just leave y/n alone for godricks sake! I can’t stand to see my friend hurt anymore because of you and Fred.” Ron snaps, glaring at his older brother.

“Ron,” Harry warns.

You bite your lip at his outburst. On one hand it’s nice to know that he care so deeply for you, but on the other it made you even more anxious. You didn’t like when people fought.

“That’s not fair, Ron. You know how I feel about her. I just need to see how she is.” George frowns, hurt by his younger brother’s words.

You curl up into yourself, wishing to Merlin you could just disapparate from here and right now. You didn’t want people fighting over you, especially if it was Ron with his brothers.

“Please stop.” You choke out, your voice barely above a whisper. You didn’t want to handle any of this.

“I’m sorry, y/n.” Hermione frowns, having only convinced you to come here so you could eat and she would know. She never wanted to give you more to deal with.

“Not your fault, ‘mione.” You say, trying to give her a small smile, but it was harder than you remember.

“Sorry, y/n.” Ron mumbles sincerely yet still glaring at his brother beside you.

“It’s fine.” You whisper, staring at your plate of uneaten food.

“Are you really not going to eat?” You hear George ask as he watches you stare at your plate, gently pushing the food around after a few seconds.

“I’m not hungry.”

“Bollocks, y/n. I haven’t seen you down here in two weeks and I know for a fact you don’t come down to the kitchens nearly enough to make up for skipping meals. You’re not going to starve yourself.” He states firmly, but not in anger.

“I’m not.”

“Please just eat. Godrick, y/n, I can’t stand watching you not take care of yourself.”

“I can’t, George.” You nearly whisper, trying desperately not to let your tears fall.

Sure it sounds like you’re telling him that you just can’t eat, but there’s so much more meaning behind it and you know that he understands it. You can’t eat, you can’t sleep, you can’t stop crying, you can’t stop hurting, you can’t figure out how to stop worrying everyone. You just can’t do anything anymore.

You loved Fred and George so much, you knew it just as much as hermione did, and she was aware of it long before you were. You loved the two of them more than anything, but even though you wanted to believe them saying they loved you, your heart and your mind were holding you back.

Your heart still hurt so much from what Will had done. It’s not even just the cheating anymore, but everything during the relationship as well. He’d tell you he loves you but would never hold you. He’d tell you that you meant the world to him, yet he very rarely kissed you. He was telling you everything he should, but he wasn’t doing anything to back it up. You suppose your heart was just experiencing some trust issues, which in all honesty, no one could blame you for.

Then your head was telling you no. Not for any reason in particular, just no. It wouldn’t let you believe the twins had any sort of feelings for you other than as friend. No matter how much you tried to reason, your brain kept resisting. Some could argue it was your own insecurities telling you no, but in all reality you had no idea whatsoever.

From any angle you were trying to look at, you just couldn’t do anything. You truly felt like a puppet trapped inside its box. You had all this potential to do what was needed, but unless someone else forced you to do it you were useless.

“Hey. Hey, darling. Shh. No reason to cry. I know it’s all really hard and I am so so sorry. I never wanted any of this to happen. I’m not mad or upset at all. I’m just really worried about you. I care about you so much and I don’t want to see you hurting yourself.” George ushers, gently placing a hand on your back.

He hates seeing you so hurt, but he knows it’s not just because of him and Fred. He’s well aware that you’re still carrying a lot of hurt over Will, even if you don’t show it, not to mention your own insecurities that have had years to imbed themselves in your thoughts. You may have never said any of this out loud, but George knew what was hurting you.

He frowns, sadness completely taking over his features as he looks down at his twin who’s been watching this whole ordeal. He won’t admit it, but Fred has been hurting just as much. He loves you with his very being and would do literally anything for you, but it hurt when you said that he couldn’t love you. He didn’t realize, unlike George, how insecure and broken you were after Will and took your denial of his feelings personally.

He tries to hide the fact of how hurt he is, but George can see through him. In fact, he’s pretty sure most everyone can if they look close enough. He wishes he could take you into his arms and just hold you, tell you that everything is going to be alright, but he can’t let himself.

Watching you nearly break down crying over nothing really happening breaks his heart, however. He wants to walk right over there and pull you into his arms, giving you kisses all over your neck and face until you feel whole again. He wants to make you realize just how perfect you truly are. The only thing that’s stopping him is his pride, which George has already argued with him over.

“Everything hurts...so much.” You whimper, staring at your plate as tears fall down your cheeks.

“Darling...” George frowns, rubbing your back as he’s not sure if you’d let him pull you into a hug.

“I’m sorry. Y-you guys don’t need to see me like this. I’m being selfish, making you all uncomfortable.” You sniffle, wiping at your eyes.

You didn’t like to be the center of attention nor did you like being emotional in front of others. You always felt so weak and pathetic breaking down and you didn’t want anyone else to think that of you.

“It’s alright, y/n. We want to help you, but we don’t know how if you won’t tell us what’s wrong.” Harry speaks gently and you give him a small, grateful smile, your bottom lip quivering slightly at the onslaught of emotions building up inside you.

“Can you try eating a bit, sweetheart? Then we can take you back to the common room where you can let it all out.” George suggests and you shrug, wiping at your cheeks.

You really are hungry, but your just really not sure if you can eat anything. Looking at the food is turning your stomach.

“Y/n, just take one bite. Just to start with.” You hear hermione encourage you and you sigh, stabbing the bite you were about to take when George sat down and shoving it in your mouth.

You chew it slowly, your stomach clenching at the thought of food entering it and not sure if it’s going to accept or reject it.

“Swallow.” George instructs, watching as your face crunches up as you try to figure out which way your stomach is going to go.

He knows that if you just take it slow, eventually when you get enough in your stomach it’ll be fine; it’ll be happy. It’s just getting you to that point he has to worry about.

~.~

Eventually you eat enough to please everyone and they let you head back to the common room. Granted, they all had to come along, George holding you up as you walk because of how weak you feel.

You all sit on the couch; Ron and Harry sitting next to each other, you leaning up against George as he holds you, and hermione sitting next to you on the other side of George.

“You guys don’t have to do this, you know.” You mumble, not really sure how to feel about your friends just sitting here in silence with you.

“What better way to show you that we’re here for you?” Ron responds, smiling at you.

“Yeah, you don’t have to talk if you don’t feel like it. All you have to know is that we’re here if you want to.” George agrees.

You smile slightly, your heart starting to feel something other than ache. How you got to be so lucky with these friends you weren’t sure. They were more than you could have ever asked for, but you really weren’t sure what you’d do without any one of them.

~.~

“How is she doing, Georgie?” You hear someone whisper in your half sleep.

You’re not sure quite how long ago it was, but you had fallen asleep laying there against George as your friends sat with you. As they promised, they weren’t trying to get you to talk, but just sat there so you knew you had them if needed.

It confused you as to how you were able to let George hold you and care for you so easily. You were sure you didn’t want either him or Fred around, but the second he was there you just gave in. Sure you had felt comfortable and safe with the two, but they were part of the reason you were hurting so bad. So why was it so easy to ignore that and let him comfort you?

“She’s in a lot of pain, Freddie. I can’t imagine for how long and I don’t know how long it’ll take her to start feeling better, but this wasn’t just some random outburst. I think she’s been holding a lot in and it finally just got to be too much.”

You sigh, turning slightly into the couch, trying to shut out the light and sound that had started to seep through. You were still so tired, all your sleepless nights finally catching up to you.

“I hate myself for making her hurt so much. I just, I really love her.” The first voice speaks, seeming to choke up at the end.

“I don’t think it’s us that upset her, Freddie. I get the feeling Will wasn’t as good to her as she pretends he was. Not to mention how much it messes with your head to be cheated on. On top of that, I get the feeling she has some pretty deep insecurities she hides real well normally.”

“I just want to help her. I want her to realize how much we love her and how amazing she is. Merlin, George.” The voice chuckles, sniffling a bit as if they were about to cry.

“I love you.” You mumble, not even realizing you’re saying it. All you know is that you need to. Your heart is finally starting to warm up and you know it’s because of the two redheads sitting here with you, even though you haven’t registered that’s who is with you. You know you love them and that they love you given the fact they’re both here with you, wanting to comfort you, even though you had said some pretty mean things to them.

Before you can register any of this, you’re fast asleep again, sighing contently as you unconsciously pull the blanket, that hermione had covered you with after a while, tighter around your shoulders.

The twins watch you happily. Confused, but happy. You have been through some pretty rough water, but maybe there is a chance for you three after all.

[wandsandwheezes]

Traitor | G.W

Warnings // 3.8k // SMUT 18+, Assassin!Reader, murder, character death, assassins, blood, sex, body worship, use of word whore once, happy ending??, praise kink.

A/N // this is a part two to Assassini, one of my all time fav smuts to write. for those who haven’t played the assassins creed games for context the templars are like the bad guys and sworn enemies of the assassins, hopefully that should provide some context.

Days away from him and you were still shaken. Every moment you had alone you felt yourself yearning for his very touch, to breathe in the sultry scent of him and have his lips against your skin. Professionalism was thrown out of the door the second he was between your legs and yet you continued to do what he told you. The days after your first encounter, you were showered with more money than you had ever seen in your whole life, enough coin and gold to last several lifetimes and despite your best instincts you stayed put, got on with doing your job. 

You were due a meeting with your previous contractor any minute now, waiting in one of the many rooms of the order’s headquarters for his arrival. You never considered yourself a great liar, your fallacies would usually hold enough merit to let you do your job, but this was different. You had never in all your years as an assassin lied about your contract, not even ones where your fellow order members had saved you, letting them reap the benefits. When the door opened to the room you found yourself swallowing thickly, closing your eyes for a moment to remind yourself what he had told you to do. 

“What a pleasure to see you again, Y/N, I trust you bring me good news.” He spoke with a tone that was cold, not bothering to take a seat when he entered, pacing around the room as his stare lingered over the floor to ceiling artwork that held the room’s atmosphere. You didn’t trust the man as far as you could throw him, which undoubtedly wasn’t very far at all. Most of the contracts you took on were for obvious reasons; the assassins hating the templars, eliminating any sense of the vile people who seemed to rule the world but this one was different - there was absolutely nothing linking the Weasley family line to the Templars, you were even sure that if you looked back far enough his descendants were one of the first members of the assassin’s order. So why have him murdered?

“The pleasure is all mine, Mr Diggory.” You smiled, only out of courtesy towards the man in front of you. The day you had first met him you only gave him a cold stare as he presented you with your contract. You were blunt and with a mindset that you would be the one to get things done. 

“I take it the contract has been fulfilled?” He asked, head finally turned towards you, something that made you uncomfortable deep down to your very bones, swallowing thickly as his stare loomed over you, the fear of being caught finally setting in and against all your best instincts, you nodded. You reached into the woven bag you had brought with you, pulling out a blood-soaked shirt as well as the necklace you had taken from George. When he had proposed that you were to lie about his death, both items were placed in your possession in order to make it seem more believable. The blood that soaked through the porcelain fabric of the shirt belonged to a sheep and the prized necklace never left your fingertips, keeping a hold of it like it was the most precious thing you had ever owned. 

“As promised, he is dead. I expect my payment will be arranged with haste.” You stated bluntly, stuffing the necklace away in the top of your corset, keeping it close to you, half expecting the man in front of you to snatch it from your grip but before he could even think about it, you had it safely stowed away. 

“Of course.” His fingers trailed over the shirt as a smirk spread across his face, you tried to rack your brain for something, an indication of why someone would have wanted George dead, money and power alone wouldn’t have even given someone as power hungry as Cedric Diggory all the satisfaction in the world. 

“Out of curiosity,” you hummed, crossing your arms over your chest, “Why the contract, what’s so important that needed him dead?” 

“I’d have thought people like you would have no second thought in killing a templar figurehead.” His words cut through you like a knife. People like you? His attitude disgusted you, and yet his words seemed to shock you. You furrowed your brow, there was no way. 

“A templar figurehead?” you questioned, suddenly feeling a tightness in your chest. 

“He orchestrated the murder of your mentor, you didn't know?” You stopped yourself from growing upset over the loss that had been mentioned. Your mentor went missing several years ago, suspected to be working underground before her body was dumped on the doorstep of the order on a cold Sunday morning. She was the best assassin you knew, teaching you every way you could use your femininity to aid you as well as every way that it could hinder you. Her hard work and dedication to the order had meant that her guided watch over you had helped in forming you into one of the best. She was the last known living descendant to the brotherhood, meaning that her death had truly hit the order hard, the solemn silence and tension of mourning ringing loud through the halls even to this day.

The thing about her death however, was that only order members knew she had been murdered, yes, it was public knowledge that she had gone missing, but the information and news surrounding her death had been kept under a strict lock and key in hopes that one day there would be someone who knew too much, someone to blame for her death, furthermore it was only the highest ranking members that knew that she had been buried within the walls of the order headquarters. It struck you immediately that Mr Diggory was the furthest thing from an order member, could have even been a templar himself, so you pressed it. “Murder? Last we all heard she’s been missing for four years.” 

“A body shows up on the doorstep and they don’t even tell you?” He fumbled, you felt yourself reaching for your dagger behind your back. The man in front of you was no friend so you knew that you had to be careful, pace your movements and every step. “I must say that I’m impressed you managed to make a name of yourself, considering that your poor mentor would have opened her legs for any man who showed her affection, just like the common whore she was.”

“I’d watch your mouth in these walls, Mr Diggory, we don’t take kindly to the slander of our own.” Your fingertips had wrapped around the handle of your blade, moving slowly around the table, your eyes watching his every move in anticipation of him doing the same.

“I’d hardly call it slander, consider it a favour that I put her murderer in your hands.” He laughed a little through his words, the way he cockily assumed that he had done good by her made the anger bubble inside of you.

“Really? Because I think I’m looking right at him.” 

You were so quick in the way your blade was released from its hold, slicing quickly along his pale skin, watching as he collapsed to his knees, desperately trying to stop the spew of blood from his neck as he fell. Streams of the deep red liquid had sprayed over you, leaving the white shirt that covered your arms littered with small red splatters. It was only as he fell back against the floor, the necklace he wore flinging out from underneath the collar of his shirt, that your actions had solidified what you had expected; he was a templar. 

You had bolted so quickly out of the room, alerting fellow order members that there had been an infiltration, your thoughts immediately racing to George. You had been left with more questions than answers as you raced out of the headquarters as quickly as you possibly could, expertly climbing over the rooftops, making your way towards his residence. There was one open window at the property, you snuck right through it, easily seeking out the red haired man, tiptoeing around his home until you found his study, seeing him sat at his desk surrounded by parchment.

Something within you still didn’t sit right as the dead man’s words echoed through your head. Your instincts kicked in, he had turned to face you the moment the door was open, leaving you free to pace towards him and hold the sharp edge of your blade at his throat. 

“Tell me you’re not one of them.” You shouted from the pit of your throat, the words scratching like gravel as they came up. You watched as the fear in his eyes shot up tenfold, his breath growing staggered as he held his hands up in surrender, saying nothing. Why did he have to say nothing? You suddenly felt stupid for letting him in, more for trusting him. He was too taken back in shock to even process what you asked, before you were repeating yourself. “You fucking tell me, tell me you’re not a templar.”

“I’m not, I-” He breathed quickly, fingers fumbling to tug open his shirt until it hung over his shoulder, the symbol you recognised quickly now in full view. It wasn’t the mark of the order or the templars but the brotherhood. The roots and origins of the order and the place your blade belonged to. Since the death of your mentor, the brotherhood was believed to be extinct, with no known blood lineage left. Seeing the mark clear as day you knew that everyone was wrong. You were right to trust him, if not by your gut then by the fact that he was willing to admit it to you.  “I’m one of you.”

It suddenly made sense, why he recognised the symbol on your dagger immediately, why he hadn’t killed you when he could have. There was some sense to why he was wanted dead. He was the lone survivor of the brotherhood, the most powerful of your people and the biggest threat among the templars. Half of you was confused as to how Cedric had known considering that the Weasley family had never been explicitly linked to the order. Your blade clattered to the floor, fingertips releasing their grip on it as you flung yourself into his arms, your head against his chest as he wrapped0. his arms around your back. 

“I killed him George, If the templars find out it was me I-.” you whispered after minutes sat in a comfortable silence with him, rambling on until he pressed a kiss to the top of your head as his fingers made light work of beginning to unlace the corset you wore. You quickly pulled the necklace from its stowed place, trying to place it around his neck but he shook his head, taking it from your hands to place it over your own head, brushing your hair out of the loop so that it lay around your neck neatly. “It’s going to be okay, angel.”

He tilted your chin up, pressing his lips to yours sweetly as he pulled you up on his hips with ease once again, leaving the study to make his way towards his bedroom. You stood in front of him, your back facing his chest as he pressed open-mouthed kisses to your shoulder, continuing his efforts to undo the corset, pulling it off of your torso once it was loose enough, leaving you clad in your billowing white shirt and trousers. 

“Sit.” he speaks calmly, disappearing for a few minutes before returning with a dampened cloth in hand, kneeling before you so that he could slowly and carefully wipe away the blood splatters across your face, hands, neck and chest, sat in a content silence as you watched the way he acted with such precise and delicate movements, almost as if he were taking in every inch of your skin.

“What’s wrong, George?” You bit your lip worriedly when he suddenly stopped, staring off into space, his hand still gripping the cloth as his arm fell limp at his side, he was truly lost in his own thoughts.

“I’m just thinking.” He brushed it off, quickly going back to the task he had started as he hoped you would drop the question but instead you cupped his cheek, looking into his eyes as your thumb ran over his cheekbone, a concerned smile on your lips.

“What about?” You whispered softly. He paused, a staggered and defeated sigh falling from his lips as he thought.

“About how you could have killed me, you’re so good at what you do that I know you could have done it if things had gone any differently, it just scares me as all.” You watched as his buried vulnerability began to break through the cracks, but you simply shook your head, pressing your forehead against his. “There isn’t one scenario I can picture where I look into your eyes and not fall head over heels.”

He was silent again, eerily silent. You felt exposed, half admitting that you had fallen for a man who you had slept with once, who happened to be your boss and had managed to occupy your every thought. George Weasley was something different, brought out something else in you that you didn’t know existed; love.

It was only when his lips crashed down onto yours, knocking you back almost as he hovered over you. The kiss grew passionate quickly as he slipped his tongue inside your mouth, hooking your leg over his hip as he ground his hips down into you, causing delicate moans to fall into his mouth at the sensation. You tried to gain some dominance over him, failing miserably as he pinned your wrists down to the bed, chuckling against your lips.

“You want to take control, don’t you? Well, go ahead then” He pulls away from you, lying back against the sheets, his hands placed at the back of his head, propped up enough to look directly at you with darkened eyes. The stance was powerful and made you feel weak at the knees as you considered his words, half wanting to pull him back on top of you but inside you knew that if you did he wouldn’t have let you slip away so easily.

You took the opportunity to stand up off the bed, ridding yourself of your trousers before slinging your leg either side of his thighs, straddling his frame. You leaned down, pressing your lips to his in small tender kisses as you grind your hips down against him, tearing small moans from him as you do so. “How are you so sexy?”

His hands didn’t leave their place behind his head, simply letting you do the work with your pace as words of praise and encouragement flooded the air. Even when you had pulled the billowing shirt from your chest, your breasts being set free and begging to be touched, his hands stayed behind his head.

“Look at those perfect breasts, I can’t wait to watch them bounce when you sink down onto me.” He hummed, cocking an eyebrow at your desperation to set his hard length free, hand quickly wrapping around the shaft, giving it a firm but gentle squeeze before shifting your hips, positioning the tip by your entrance before sinking down onto him. The action pulled sinful moans from both of you as you started off slowly, adjusting to his size as he repeatedly bottomed out, filling you up to the hilt and more with every movement of your hips.

“Fuck you’re so tight,” he hissed, one hand leaving the back of his head so that his thumb could circle your clit, wanting to catch up with the pace of his skilled fingers as you bounced quicker onto him, your hands pressed against his chest as your breasts bounced for him, his necklace slapping against your skin with every movement of your hips. The sight alone could have sent him shooting his load into you at just how possessive it felt, like he was finally claiming his girl.

“You feel so fucking good, taking me so well.” He praised again, his other hand leaving the back of his hand now to grip your waist, helping guide the pace but still leaving it very much in your control.

“You’re an angel, If only you could see how pretty you look when you bounce on me.” His thumb brushed over your hip as he began to buck his hips up to meet the movements of your hips, starting to grow restless and frustrated over his lack of control until both of his hands were on your hips, flipping you back against the bed before sinking back inside you, only this time setting a more relentless pace as his thumb continued circling at your clit, set on pulling orgasm after orgasm out of you as he worshiped your body.

“Fuck, George I’m so close.” You moaned out for him, your hands coming up to tangle in his hair, letting you pull him into a passionate kiss as he pushed himself that little deeper, a loud moan from you falling into his mouth as he felt you squeeze around him, no doubt hitting your first high as he fucked you tirelessly through it.

Before you could register that he was no longer inside you, your thighs were hooked over his shoulders as his tongue found it’s way around your pussy, lapping up at every drop of you while his eyes locked dead on yours, every so often focusing his attention on sucking at the sensitive clit before going back to dip his tongue back inside you. You were absolutely blown away by the sensation, a man had never treated you this well before, certainly never gone down on you like George had, already feeling yourself on the edge again as he began to pump his long fingers in and out of you in a teasingly agonising pace. “You taste like heaven, I never want to stop.”

You were coming incredibly quickly as his fingers curled up to hit your most sensitive spot, scissoring you open with the motion before his lips were on yours again, moaning against each other’s lips.

“Think you can handle another? I wanna fill that tight cunt of yours with my cum, what do you say, angel?” He asked sensually, thumb running over your lip as he reached down to position himself again before slowly sinking into your sensitive pussy. 

“Please, George, I need it.” You whined for him. Hearing you beg sent the man into overdrive. It wasn’t long until his thrusts moved to hit the back of you once again, letting out a guttural and breathy moan as his cum painted your walls, continuing to rock his hips into you as he pushed deeper inside of you, pushing you over the edge of another release.

You were curled up in his arms, chest still heaving as he traced small circles on your upper arm, your fingertips ghosting over the signature burn mark on his chest, tracing over every line as you hummed. “Tell me about the brotherhood, Georgie.”

He could have sworn his heart stopped at the nickname you used, his eyes finding your slightly glazed over ones as he realised just the state of bliss he had put you in. His hand reached up to smooth down your hair, adjusting the necklace again, thumb ghosting over the pendant that hung against your skin.

“Well, my great, great, great grandfather was one of the five who started the brotherhood,” He began to explain, a warm tone to his voice as you lay against his sheets. “There are only three living brotherhood members; myself, my twin brother Fred and our best friend, Lee Jordan. The order doesn’t know that Fred and I are the descendants, our father admitted us into the brotherhood before he died, leaving us with little to no information about who we were.”

“You should be running the order.” You laughed, smiling softly up at him as you did, your hand finding his as you curled your fingers against each other’s. The fact was that George only knew what he knew about the order through his own research, spending days upon days trying to find something that could prove his lineage other than the burn mark. He would have a hard time convincing the order that he was who he said he was without so much as material proof. As for Lee Jordan, nobody knew where he was, assumed again to be dead alongside your mentor. In her last days you knew that it was him who she had been searching for.

“They’d never believe Fred and I, we aren’t trained like assassins, we are fighters, I have no business running a place that I haven’t a clue about.” He laughed nervously. He was right, To be the leader he would need to be the best of the best, an inspiration and a mentor. With the right guidance maybe he could get there but It would be a lost cause if he wasn’t interested.

“Then I’ll teach you everything I know, I’ll be your mentor and you can be the rightful leader.” You suggested bashfully, It was a good offer on your part. Those who you had trained before had gone on to be successful in their own right, besides you were one of the best in the order. If anyone could give him the edge he needed it would be you.

“Yeah, Right.” He brushed the thought off, causing you to sit up and look directly at him, your hand against his chest as you spoke. No part of you was joining around, not even the smallest part.  

“I’m serious. Nobody leads us, it’s contract after contract and no sense of direction, not since-” you felt yourself begin to well up at the thought again. Your mentor’s lineage to the brotherhood had made her one of the prime Templar targets. It was clear to you that someone within the templars knew that George was a descendant, possibly holding the information that he needed to prove who he was. With that information amongst the templars, both him and Fred were at risk, If George knew about Lee too, the templars were sure to know. 

Cedric Diggory would not be the last to set a contract to kill George, especially after the fact that you had gone out of your way to lie about his death to a templar member who was now dead. In his mind, George was protecting you, but really you were the one protecting him. The worst was yet to come, he needed the protection of the brotherhood. 

“Where do we start?” he suggests quickly, watching the way your face had contorted in worry for his well being. You breathed heavily, pushing yourself from the bed to dress yourself, nodding to him as he followed suit and did the same. 

“First thing’s first, we need to find out what the templars know.”

taglist // @starlightweasley @slytherinsunrise @gcdric​ @theweasleysredhair​ @pigwidgexn @vogueweasley @vivianweasley​​ @feetoffthetablee​ @thisismynerdyself​ @witch-and-a-half @loony-loopy-lupinn @rip-us @hopemalfoyweasley @whizboingies @pansydaisy

[mads-weasley]

Always

Fred Weasley x Reader

A/N: Hey y’all! I hope you’ve had a great week! Sadly, I don’t own any of these wonderful characters other than (y/n)! This one’s really short, but I hope you enjoy the story.

Summary: The Battle of Hogwarts took its toll on everyone involved, and you were no exception. Your husband, Fred, is used to you waking up having nightmares, so he knows how to comfort you when you do.

Warnings: mentions of war, torture (cruciatus curse), angst, nightmares, angst, and fluff of course!

(y/n) - your name

(y/n/n) - your nickname

(y/h/c) - your hair color

When you closed your eyes, you were fighting a death eater who had backed you into a corner. He managed to hit you with “Crucio!” And your body felt as if you were being torn apart from the inside. You screamed as the pain worsened with every move you made. After what seemed like forever, the death eater began laughing and inching closer. You knew this was it, so you tried your best to get up off the floor, but the pain was too much.

You gathered enough strength to look at your attacker. He was tall with jet black hair that was greasy and stuck to his sweaty forehead. “Ahh,” he said, “You’re with a blood traitor, aren’t you? Weasley, right? It’s fitting you share their fate. By the way, I was deeply offended that I didn’t receive a wedding invitation. Avad-“

When you opened your eyes, someone was holding you tightly against them, and you freaked out. You started to thrash around until you heard your husband’s voice.

“(Y/n), love, it’s just me. You’re alright. You’re safe.”

“Fred?” You whisper, your voice breaking. Turning towards him, you realize you were crying and quickly apologize.

“There’s no need for apologizing, (y/n/n). You know I get them too.”

What you didn’t know was that all of his nightmares were about losing you that day. He managed to find you right before being killed by the man you were fighting.

He held you tighter asking, “Was it about what happened at school during the battle?” You nod and he takes a big breath. “Do you know what happened after you blacked out?”

Furrowing your brows, you respond with a quick “no.”

“I do.” he whispered

“I was fighting a death eater when I heard your screams. Time stopped, (y/n)... I ran towards the sound of your screams. When I reached you, there was a death eater about to cast the killing curse at you. Without even thinking, I yelled, “Expelliarmus!” Which sent him flying. After he hit the ground, I ran over to you and immediately thought the worst. You were unconscious, so I picked you up and ran you to the great hall, where Madam Pomfrey had set up a makeshift hospital. After a little while, you woke up, and you remember the rest."

You sat there thinking over everything Fred had just said. It was a lot to process. You always wondered how you got to Madam Pomfrey, but now that hole in your memory was filled.

“Why didn’t you tell me, darling?” You asked.

“I didn’t want you to worry like you do.”

“Fred Weasley, I love you more than anything in the world, and I’m so thankful I’ve had you to save me.”

“I’ll always save you, (y/n/n). Always.”

[apparentlytheproblem]

dating george weasley

fandom- Harry Potter

pairing(s)- george weasley

a/n-requests are open luvs :)

requested- yes

warnings- wave crashin sense of lonliness?-

okay i have quite a bit to say abt dating him

he is really into quiditch and is very skilled too so naturally you're gonna have to get into it

he is a god on the pitch lady

wearing his jersey or jacket to his games or to anywhere really. he adores it

you'll always be cheering for him in the stands and later having words with anyone who'd tried to foul him.

he's mad into dueling and he's damn good. it comes in handy when you get yourself in sticky situations kid

i think it comes from hexing for all his pranks

he's also great at doing transfiguration which lets be honest is a very complicated field and she'd deffo help u out

again gained the skill to sneak stuff up

he is amazing and a master in charms

so lets say you have trouble with it or if you're a year younger he'd help you out

but tbh he is a very kind and gentle human. he would not hurt a fly ser but he'd have no problem if its some kid who deserves a good prank

ik he seems like a jokster which he is

deffo funny but he knows when smthn is srs w u

he has a great sense of fairness and would stand his ground on what's right

BUT he is a clutz. like big time, he gets hit by buldgers and brooms and all of that so you always have to make sure he's steady but u know u love it

i think he has a sweet, friendly loud font so there would be too much pda. you'll have the tight hugs, hand holding, kisses in the cheeks.

he prefers to keep all the juice for when you're alone if you are a shy person

oh but the looks you give eachother in classes, halways and the great hall, god damn

calling her georgiee when you feel giddy or estatic

oh my god but when you guys are alone? it gets touchy if you know what i mean sir ;)

you'll be getting to spend alot of time with angela, alicia, weasleys, lee jordan and oliver too

overall perfect boylfriend material :)

[lemon-boy-stan]

crush - fred weasley x reader

warnings: none. butterlfies? based off the song “crush” by tessa violet. characters: fred weasley, reader, george weasley, angelina, professor mcgonnagall.

ever since you’d come to hogwarts you swore to yourself that you would never, ever, fall in love with one of your best friends.

but you couldn’t help it when fred weasley seemed to be getting hotter every year - especially this year at the burrow when you’d been invited over to spend the summer with him, george, and the rest of their family.

but the holidays were over and you were attending your transfigurations class with the twins and the rest of your level and slytherin house.

“if that death eater attack i read about yesterday didn’t spark a kiss between the two of you, i don’t know what will,” said angelina.

“do you ever shut up?” you glared at her and she grinned, “he’s literally right there.”

“five galleons that she asks him to the ball first,” said george despite your words, making you hiss and cross your arms as fred got back up with his book.

“deal,” snickered ange, making you roll your eyes as fred took a seat in between you and george.

“what’s going on in the mother’s group? did i miss anything?” he leaned back so he could talk to the both of you.

“yu -” began angelina, rudely cut in by yours truly.

“nope,” you glared at her again, “nope, you didn’t miss anything.”

professor mcgonagall cleared her throat and looked at the four of you. you nudged fred on your left and angelina on your right and george straightened up. 

angelina wore a smirk darker than marcus flint’s. 

professor mcgonagall cleared her throat again before she started talking.

“today we are going to be learning how to transfigure hair pins,” she held one up, “into skeleton keys - a kind of Muggle item that opens any kind of door in a big house.”

“there goes flitwick,” snorted fred quietly, making you slap his arm in laughter, covering your mouth with your right hand. 

professor mcgonnagall shot you all a dirty look before continuing on like what he said hadn’t been.

“now, for five points, who can tell me why transfiguring an object and transfiguring an animal are different? hmm. miss l/n!”

“yes, professor?” now angelina was covering her giggles as your conscious drifted from look at how splendid his hair is, shining in the light like that, to mcgonnagall’s voice.

“i think you’re going to have to repeat the question, professor, she has an ear injury,” laughed george.

“no, no, weasley,” grinned angelina, “she’s in love.”

“i will seperate the four of you if you don’t stop talking,” the class oohed at this - no one had ever seperated you and the twins.

“guys, stop it,” muttered fred, and at his command they shut up.

professor mcgonnagall rolled her eyes and repeated the question; “why is transfiguring an object and transfiguring an animal different?”

thank god you’d read the chapter on this last night - otherwise you’d be sending the four of you to detention and probably lose at least ten house points. seeing as she liked to deduct twice as many as she would have given.

“because an object takes a shorter amount of time to transform whereas an animal takes a few seconds,” you remembered and she huffed, satisfied. 

“alright,” she said after a few silent seconds, “three points to gryffindor, three for lack of concentration,” someone from slytherin snickered at this, “and another two from slytherin for laughing, mr. zabini,” 

angelina closed her mouth in amusement as slytherin house glared at you but professor mcgonnagall smiled before walking off, pretending not to hear the loud exhale and soft mutter you let out.

MASTERLIST - requests are always open (depending on what fandom it is!)

[magicbystarlight]

One For Sorrow, Two For Joy - Part Five

Masterlist, Part One

Part Five of Eighteen

Summary: For the last three years, you’ve been working a repetitive Ministry job and wrapped your life around an unhappy relationship. After realizing how empty your life has become, you leave everything behind and stumbles across an unlikely job for you - Office Manager for Weaselys' Wizard Wheezes. There you wish to find something you lost in the war: hope.

Word Count: 3937

Warnings: 18+, drinking, angst. Minors DNI.

HP Tag List: @bamboozledflamplant

You stormed out of the Leaky Cauldron and Apparated outside the shop. You went straight to the office, avoiding human contact along the way. You didn’t want to risk snapping at a customer today. There were piles of pre-orders and an ever growing list with everyone's info, anyways

A lot needed to be done and you needed a distraction.

It worked, maybe too well as you didn't even notice when George came in. Not until he was waving his hand right in front of your face. "Hello?"

You blinked up at him. "Yeah?"

"I asked if you heard the show today."

You nodded, looking back at the paperwork in front of you.

"And?"

You scribbled a couple of things down. "It was fine." Four hundred seventy six orders so far. Mostly from Hogwarts students. How much would it cost to send these all out at the same time? Did you even have access to enough owls?

"Fine?" George asked, putting his hand on top of the parchment, blocking out the numbers. "Did I say something wrong? If it's about the donation, I'm sorry I didn't tell you before. I thought it would be a nice surprise." He looked sincerely concerned as he sat at the edge of your desk.

"No, George," you said, covering his hand. "You were wonderful, I'm so happy you're doing the donation. I'm sorry, I - I ran into someone and it put me in a terrible mood."

"McLaggen?" he asked. He must have seen the confusion on your face and added, "I noticed you got uncomfortable whenever his name was mentioned at dinner the other night. And I remember the night of the battle, that you, um, were with him. Figured there might be some history there."

You confirmed with a small nod, leaning back in your chair and pulling up back of your collar that had rolled down. "We had gotten close in the last month of the war. We were inseparable, even ended up working together. Moved in together not long after that. It wasn't perfect, but we were partners. At least we were until I caught him naked on our couch wrapped around another woman."

"The arse cheated on you?"

"Yeah. I haven’t even talked to him since then. I quit my job the next day, moved out of our apartment, ignored all of the letters he sent me. Seeing him today just...it just brought back some painful memories."

George sympathized. He told you that you were better off without him and that you deserved much better, all the usual things someone says to a person after a nasty breakup. He was right, but it didn't soften the pain of someone you loved and trusted betraying you in the home you had built together.

You and Cormac didn't have a great relationship. You were distant and uninterested in doing things he enjoyed. He wasn't a good listener and cared more about the image you gave the public than the actual goings on behind closed doors. The two of you should have either worked on your problems or ended the relationship long before. But he chose the easy way out.

"I appreciate the support, but I really just need to distract myself for a bit. Can we just focus on work for a bit? We only have a few more days before the release, anyway."

Hours passed as you added piles and piles of the joke items only to have them dwindle as you assembled the boxes. It was nearly midnight before you finally stopped.

Stretching out in your chair, you admired the huge stacks of Fred's Fantastic Funboxes compiled. The sound of clinking glass caught your attention as George pulled out something from his desk.

It was a large bottle of Firewhiskey and a couple of glasses. He said nothing as he poured out a small amount into one and slid it across to you. There was something etched on the side. You turned it to find the Gryffindor House Crest.

"Really?" you asked, holding up the cup to him.

He smiled as he poured himself a shot, amused at your feigned distaste. "A toast," he said, raising his glass, "to you. Without you, none of this would have been possible."

The liquid burned your throat as you gulped it down and you took a moment to close your eyes and enjoy the sensation. It had been months since you had a drink.

George looked at you as you set the glass on the table and slid it across to him. You tilted your head towards the bottle and he poured you each another round.

"To us," you said before letting the Firewhiskey slide down your throat again. This time the sensation made its way through your whole body, letting you relax. "You know," you put the glass back on the desk, "he said he missed me? He actually had the nerve to tell me that?"

George responded by pouring another shot.

You held the glass up, about to drink, before setting it down untouched. "The worst part is I don't even think it was because he actually missed me. He seemed more concerned whether or not you and I were dating. Said you Weasleys always want what’s his." You nursed my shot, hoping it would help make more sense. "He's comparing our years-long relationship to a Quidditch position and one date he had with Hermione back in school. That's how little he actually cares. Over three years –literally fighting in a war for our lives together–to a couple of hours at a dinner party and sitting in front of a damned goal post."

"It's not your fault."

A humorless chuckle escaped your mouth. "Isn't it? I spent years expecting him to change, but I did nothing. I wasn't willing to change or compromise either. I didn't try to talk about our problems. I didn't leave." It was impossible to keep the tears away and they fell freely down your face. "I could have done a hundred things different. If I had tried harder, maybe...maybe he wouldn't have done it."

"Just because you made bad choices, it doesn't excuse his shitty one." George kneeled beside you. "Maybe you could have done things differently, but you didn't cheat. You didn't force him to do it, either. He made that idiotic decision on his own. So no, it is not your fault."

Your sleeve became drenched as you wiped your face. "It hurt. Merlin, it fucking hurt. But, at the same time, it felt like such a huge relief. I wasn't happy. Not for such a long time. I think I was too scared of change, of hurting someone I loved, of being alone. I'm not glad that he did what he did, but..." you trailed off, unsure of how exactly you felt.

"Hey, I get it. I'd love nothing more than to kick his arse right now, but I'm also grateful that his fuckup brought you here. I meant it when I said none of this would be possible without you. You've brought life back to this place. To me. So McLaggen can go fuck himself. He lost out on an incredibly beautiful, intelligent woman."

George's small smile didn't miraculously make everything better, but it did make the burden easier to bear. Part of you wanted to tell him more, tell him everything. You wanted to explain why you stayed. Why you were even with him in the first place. But you couldn't. You weren’t drunk enough for that conversation just yet.

"Let's get you home."

-

After another hectic day, George and you were sitting back in the office, nibbling on the dinner he'd bought. Neither of you had taken a day off that week, you’d been too busy fulfilling another influx of mail orders, trying to keep up with the normal day-to-day tasks, and helping in the shop.

"That's done," you said, straightening the pile of parchment. The invoices were cleared, paid for, and, with a tap of your wand, organized. It was the last thing you had to do today.

George didn't look up from his letter. It was the same one he'd been looking at for several minutes, despite having a pile of more next to him. "Thanks. Go ahead home, I'll see you tomorrow." Something in his voice was off.

"Hey, are you alright?"

"Yeah," he said, unconvincingly.

Looking at the letter, you could see dark spots where water had fallen. "George, what's wrong?"

He finally looked up, his eyes and nose were red and puffy. He handed over the letter. "It's from Dennis. Dennis Creevey."

George,

I wanted to congratulate you on the new product. Seeing you commemorate your brother inspired me to do something I've been too afraid to do: I went through Colin's old film rolls and got them all developed. Can you believe he had nearly thirty rolls of film? Almost half were from his first year- a great feat considering he was Petrified for half the year.

It was cathartic to finally go through them all. It gave me a piece back of my brother.

I've decided to send everyone the photos Colin took of them, but I wanted to send you yours first.

Thanks,

Dennis C.

Something heavy landed with a thud on the desk. It was a sealed envelope that you assumed was full of pictures. "I can't open it," he croaked.

"Would you like me to?" He gave a small nod. Pulling out the stack, it seemed like it must have been at least a hundred pictures. The first third of the photos were of Fred and George during their fourth year, when you were a Second Year. There were a lot of Quidditch pictures. One where George was yelling at the former Gryffindor Captain, Oliver Wood.

Then the pictures made a sudden change to the next year. Their hair was longer and they'd gotten quite a bit taller. More Quidditch. A few around the castle. There was a more natural transition into the following year, when Hogwarts had the Triwizard Tournament. There was a photo of the twins putting their names in the Goblet, one of them celebrating, followed by another of them growing white hair and beards.

Then there was a photo of you.

Well not of you. It was of the betting booth they had set up during the First Task. But you were there, with Sarah, talking to them. Sarah had dragged you over so she could place her bet on Krum. You’d even been talked into placing your own by the three of them, but on Harry.

It was the first time you’d seen a picture of Sarah in years, all the ones you had of her were hidden away in your parent's attic. You didn't realize you were crying until George's hand squeezed your shoulder. His curiosity had gotten the best of him and he'd come around to see what had made you stop.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't think you or Sarah would be in there."

Your thumb slid across the image of your giggling friend, taking in the details you’d forgotten. Your heart ached at the hole her loss had left. She was your best friend and had been since your second day at Hogwarts. You had been together constantly, even spending most of your holidays together.

"You know, she spent half the Task talking about Fleur? She went on and on about her and how she smelled like roses last time she had passed her in the halls. She didn't bet on her, cause, you know, Krum and all. But she was a very big fan."

George chuckled. "Ron asked her to the Yule Ball. His face when he found out that Bill had started dating her was priceless. Couldn't talk to her for the first couple months after he started bringing her over. Fred loved it, teased him constantly. Even asked him if he was going to interrupt the wedding and declare his undying love for her."

The two of you stared down at the photo fondly, letting the good memories wash away some of the grief. It'd been a long time since you had let yourself remember more than your failures with Sarah.

"Can't believe Colin actually got a picture of the first time you and I met," he said.

"What?" you laughed. "That wasn't the first time we met."

He stared in confusion. "It wasn't?"

"No! Oh Merlin, you really don't remember, do you? The second day of my first year I got lost heading back to the Common Room after hours. Came across you and Fred. You walked me back to the tower!" You had had a growth spurt between Third and Fourth Year, but had you been so unrecognizable that second meeting?

Recognition flashed across his face. "You were the little Ravenclaw!" His eyes were wide, as if he'd been told you had a tail. "Wow, I can't believe I never realized that. I mean you looked very different, but still."

Rolling your eyes, you put the photo of the four of you aside and continued on. No photos of Quidditch that year, but plenty of Fred and George in the stands or their Common Room. Even one of them before the Ball, both dressed dapperly in dress robes.

The last dozen photos were of their last year. Most of them in the DA. There was the group picture where Sarah had strategically placed the two of you in front of the twins. And then there was another one of you.

"How on earth did he take this one?" You marveled as you stared at the photo of George and you smiling triumphantly at each other, your hand clutching his wrist. It had been the only time you and George had worked together in the DA, when you were struggling to produce a Patronus. Colin had managed to capture the moment right after you produced your first non-corporeal Patronus.

"Blimey, Colin," George said, taking the photo from you. "I didn't even know he had his camera that day."

Colin had managed to capture not one, but two of the handful of times you and George had actively interacted with each other at school. You’d spoken to Fred a few more times after and you’d fought alongside the both of them in the Battle, but otherwise you had barely spoken to each other over the years.

"Did I ever thank you? For helping me that day?"

"Now that you mention it," he said, lifting his eyebrow, "I don't think you ever did. Pretty rude of you."

Your eyes rolled again. George Weasley: The Drama Queen. "My apologies, oh great teacher. Please, accept my humble offering of thanks." He let out a snorting laugh as you raised your middle finger at him.

-

It was impossible for you to resist nuzzling further into the sheets, they seemed softer and more plentiful. It was incredible that you were ever able to actually leave it. And it smelled like Gingersnaps and coffee. Inhaling deep, you let out a content sigh. This was heaven.

Wait.

Your sheets were scratchy and cheap.

They smelled like basic detergent.

This wasn't your bed.

Oh Merlin, this wasn't your bed.

The realization caused you to bolt out of the bed. The room was familiar, but your brain couldn't place where you’d seen it. It wasn't too familiar, so at least you hadn't found yourself back with Cormac. But whose bed was it? You’d never had a one night stand before, and, while you didn't mind the thought of it, you would still want to actually remember doing it. And, more importantly, who you had done. Your eyes adjusted to the darkened room as you attempted to recall the night before.

You had been at work with George. You were organizing all the orders, stocking the shop for the release. You wanted to write thank you notes to some of the larger orders and the two of you had gone up to his loft so he could sign them too.

You drank a bottle of mead.

An entire bottle.

Fuck.

This was George's loft.

This was George's room.

This was George's bed.

Fuck.

Did you...?

No, you don't think so. You were still wearing the same sweater and pants and it really didn't feel like you had done anything with anyone.

But would it be so bad if you had?

Of course it would. He was your boss and you would not start another office romance. This job meant too much to you. George did too.

Shaking the thought from your head, you went in search of him. Tip toeing past the empty washroom and peeking into the living room, you could see him lying on the couch asleep. He laid there peacefully with his chest rising rhythmically. His mouth was slightly open and it seemed like there was a bit of drool on his chin.

His head turned, revealing the disfigured remains of his left ear. You saw it nearly every day. But it was a shock compared to his child-like slumber. A bitter reminder of the innocence you two had lost. A reminder of why today was important.

Your back ached as you silently crept out the front door, doing your best to open and shut it as quietly as possible. It was still dark outside and it was all too tempting to go back to the bed you had crawled out of. With a quick pop home to clean up and change, you got back to work.

There had been a lot of packages, too many to deliver each one by owl. Only those going to private homes or businesses would be sent via owl service, the rest would be a bit more...magical.

A special breakfast fireworks display had been planned for Hogwarts, each package enchanted to go to the right student. No classes would be interrupted on a Saturday and the kids would hopefully enjoy the theatrics. It was loud, obnoxiously bright, and–most importantly–McGonagall approved.

The Headmistress had been very supportive, each of you receiving a letter from her telling you how proud and excited she and the other professors were. She had been the one to give you the idea for the display and had been all too eager to participate. She'd made it mandatory for any student who had purchased a box to attend breakfast that morning so that she could have a 'discussion' about the rules. You’d made sure to send Argus a bottle of Scotch and a box of cat treats in a preemptive apology.

It would be spectacular to see, but youhad other things to attend to. Stopping by Cho's to give her the most recent donation for the home, ensuring the owls were sent out on time, picking up coffee and pastries for the team, conforming lunch delivery, and double checking everything in the store was ready for opening.

Twenty minutes before opening George slipped in the store past the mob that had formed at the entrance. He was beaming as he came in, greeting Bini, Amber, and Naenia with enthusiasm. On seeing you, he jokingly chastised you for not waking him up before you left in the morning. You could see the clerks exchanging curious glances with raised brows. You made sure to mention him sleeping on the couch during your quick apology and thanked him for letting you crash. "I would have been fine on the couch, you know."

"So you could tell Mum and have her yell at me for being a poor host? I think not." He looked around and began to nearly bounce in joy. "I can't believe it. Today's the day!" In a flash he picked you up and spun you around.

"George!" you squealed, clinging on tightly at the fear of him accidentally letting you go. But he gently put you down, leaving you both giggling like children.

Before you opened for the day, he thanked the team for all they'd done recently and for staying with him before. A couple jokes later and the doors opened. Within minutes the display was empty and Bini was quick to replenish it. The day continued, slowing down a bit before picking up again around lunch and after office hours.

George continued to be the center of attention. He seemed to have many female admirers who openly flirted and would wait until he was able to help them. It was hard to tell whether he was flirting or not as he smiled and laughed with them. It was distracting to hear all the pathetic one liners they would throw at him.

But you also got to watch a couple of them glare in envy as he pulled you into a picture with him for an article about the day's success. That almost made up for their gag-worthy attempts. Almost.

Dean greeted as you watched George be pulled into a conversation with another round of women. "Busy day, eh? "

"Yeah," you agreed. Determined to ignore the scene with George, you focused on Dean. "Didn't you preorder? Did you not get your box?"

"Oh yeah, I got it this morning. It's brilliant. Damn near scared the Irish out of Seamus this mornin' with that spider. But I wanted to see the action, you know? Everyone's been talking about it at the shop."

You tilted my head in confusion.

"Flourish and Blotts. I'm the shopkeep there."

Had you really not been to the bookstore recently? "Oh, of course." Maybe you needed to get out more. "Yeah, we've been crazy since we opened. I didn't think we'd have so many people since school is in session, but I guess nostalgia and curiosity got the best of everyone. You included."

He chuckled a bit as you finished restocking some Spell Checking Quills. "I guess it did. You know, I was hoping to talk to you. Maybe we can grab a cup of tea soon? I know Seamus misses you, too."

You shifted uncomfortably, knowing just what he wanted to talk about. "I actually am pretty busy the rest of year, you know, with the store and the holidays coming up. Maybe after the new year?"

He didn't skip a beat. "Yeah, both our shops are closed on New Year's Day. We can have lunch at The Three Broomsticks."

You couldn't think of a worthy excuse. You agreed, hoping he wouldn't notice your reluctance. You’d have to think of a reason not to go later, but at least he'd be satisfied for a few weeks. He left happily and you continued to stock and help customers until the shop finally closed.

You said goodbye to the last patron and sent the clerks home before closing down the registers. You didn't realize George was missing until you heard voices towards the back of the store. A quick check revealed George speaking with Angelina Johnson and Katie Bell in the back. Part of you wanted to step in and remind him that the shop had closed, but you thought better of it. He hadn't spoken to many people in years and they had been close friends at Hogwarts, he deserved to enjoy their company. You finished up restocking the front of the store and left him a note saying you had to go.

He had always had a large social group, always been surrounded by people. Normal for him was a crowd and being the center of attention. That's just who he was.

Bonus Content:

The First Time You Met George

Colin’s Photograph’s #1

Colin’s Photographs #2

Part Six

[satansapostle6]

folie à deux

Sometimes poison is sweet.

Selina Romanov and Draco Malfoy met when they were only eleven years old. The two of them have always shared an intense bond, always having gravitated towards one another. But the question still remains, as the years pass by, is their connection one of passion, or delusion?

Warnings: Contains Mature Themes/Language, Themes Such As Sexual Content, Violence, Abuse, Sexual Assault, Eating Disorders

Seventeen.

  "Jasper. You are a meter ninety."

  "I don't care, I'm tired," he complained.

Selina rolled her eyes, relenting as she allowed Draco to hold her cat while she allowed Jasper to lay his head on her lap, with his long legs taking up half the wall beside him in their train compartment. 

  "There. Are you happy?" she questioned.

  "Very much so," he quipped, smiling ear to ear as he closed his eyes and dozed off.

  "Can you two please stop with the nauseating lovers' quarrel?" Draco requested impatiently, as if it were something obscene. 

  "Oh, come on, they're adorable," Pansy Parkinson remarked as she sat beside Draco, arm linked with his. 

  "Not when you have to sit across from them for eight hours," he rolled his eyes.

  "Fuck," Selina muttered, looking down at Jasper, who was already half asleep on her lap. "I have to piss."

  "And I need to know that why?" Draco asked.

  Pansy just rolled her eyes at him. "Ignore him, he's still grumpy from this morning."

  "Am not!" he argued out of embarrassment.

  "Are too."

  "I really need to get up," Selina murmured, a full fledged dilemma on her mind.

  "I'll go with you," Pansy offered, "I need to use the loo too."

  "See, Sel?" Draco spoke up. "That's how a lady announces her departure to the restroom."

  "Announce this," Selina said crossly, her middle finger inches from his face. "Come on," she turned to Pansy as the two got up.

Selina quickly stuffed her jacket underneath Jasper's head before going to the bathroom, so that he hardly noticed her moving. She and Pansy headed to the restroom together, not saying much as they went. Selina didn't mind being around Pansy, especially when they didn't have to talk.

She was a big fan of any interaction that didn't inherently require speaking. Just as Pansy and Selina were leaving the bathroom on the train, they nearly bumped into Fred Weasley, who had also just been in the bathroom.

  "Watch it, Weasel!" Pansy exclaimed, earning a mere eyebrow raise from Fred.

  "Selina," he said warningly. "Care to rein her in?"

  "Excuse her, she doesn't get better the more you get to know her," Selina assured him. "How are you, Fred? I saw you at the Cup..."

  "Yeah... It was a pretty rough night. Everyone's fine, though, so no worries there," he shrugged nonchalantly. "Everyone you went with alright?"

  "Yeah, everyone was fine," she nodded. "Relatively speaking, of course."

  "Say. You, er... Ever try one of these?" he asked her, pulling a tiny bag from his pocket.

Inside were three little red berries, which could've been easily mistaken for strawberries if they weren't a tenth of the size. 

  "What is that?" Selina questioned.

  "Don't know, exactly. Got them off Lee," Fred explained rather laconically. "Don't know what they actually are, but supposedly they're called 'haze berries'."

  "Why are they called 'haze berries'?" she wondered.

  "Dunno. Never tried them before," he admitted. 

  "Well, you're not selling them very well," Pansy muttered.

  Selina turned to her with angry, widened eyes. "Parkinson. Shut up."

  "Why?" the girl asked defensively.

  Selina frowned. "Do you want free drugs, or not?"

  Pansy seemed overtaken by opportunity. "Well, if you put it that way..."

  "I'll tell you what, Parkinson," Fred grinned, mischievous as ever, "Since you're with my girl Romanov here, you two can pop by our compartment. Me, George, and Lee are having our own little party on our own."

  "Are you game, Pansy?" Selina turned to her friend. 

  She thought for a moment, conflicted. "What about the boys?" she questioned.

  "They'll survive," Selina assured her, making Fred smile at their shared mischievousness. 

  "Can we stop by our compartment first?" Pansy pleaded. 

  "Go ahead," Fred agreed.

  "Perfect," she nodded, as they all went together.

Fred and Selina followed Pansy back to where Draco and Jasper were sitting, now joined by Blaise, who'd gotten sick of Crabbe, Goyle, and Theo. 

  "Draco," Pansy said, poking her head into the compartment. "Me and Selina will be back later."

  "Where are you going?" Draco frowned, displeased by the lack of company. 

  "We're getting high with the Weasleys," she whispered back. 

  This answer only provided Draco with more questions. "You're what with who?"

  Fred leaned into Selina, speaking under his breath so that only she could hear. "You're not letting him come with, are you?"

  "Absolutely not," she muttered.

Fred nodded appreciatively. 

  "We'll be back later!" Pansy declared in frustration, shutting the door as she and Selina followed Fred to where the twins were sitting with Lee Jordan. 

Fred opened the compartment door, allowing the girls in first. 

  "Look who I brought," he said eagerly.

George spotted Pansy, and seemed very skeptical of the whole thing. Lee, however, was more preoccupied with Selina's presence.

  "Blimey! Selina Romanov, in the flesh."

  "Selina Romanov in the flesh," Selina echoed, sitting down on the other side of those two by the window. 

  "There's no room," Pansy pouted, realizing Fred would also be sitting with them. 

  "There's plenty of room," Selina told her, already embarrassed at how high maintenance her friend was being.

  "Can I just sit on your lap?" Pansy complained, not seeming to want to sit beside Fred, or any Weasley, for that matter.

  Selina sighed internally, knowing that it was the only way to ensure that Pansy wouldn't be a problem. "Fine, go ahead."

The girl sighed dramatically with relief as she gently plopped down on Selina's lap. She was very petite, and did not take up much space or weigh much to Selina at all. 

  "This just got a whole lot more interesting," George murmured to Lee, who just nodded with a goofy smile on his face.

  "As you can see," Fred gestured grandly to his brother and friend, "Those two already took theirs. You girls care to partake?" he offered politely.

There were exactly three berries, which seemed only fitting. 

  "I'll have one," Selina volunteered, taking one out of the baggie.

  "But, what if you hate it?" Pansy asked, as Lee and George exchanged amused glances.

  "It's free," Selina reasoned, "I won't."

  "You don't have to do it if you don't want to," Fred clarified sympathetically. "Having one sober person wouldn't be terrible. Not that these cause a particularly intense reaction."

  "Well," Pansy Parkinson looked over at the other two boys, "They seem fine. What the hell?" she shrugged, accepting a berry. 

  "So what, do we just eat them?" Selina asked.

  "Yeah. They taste like candy," Lee told them. 

  "Alright. Down the rabbit hole," Selina decided, popping the berry into her mouth as she chewed. 

The others quickly followed suit.

  "Oh. It's like a gummy," she realized. 

  "Exactly like a gummy," George Weasley agreed.

  "I don't feel anything," Pansy remarked thoughtfully, 

  "Is it immediate?" Selina asked Lee and George.

  Lee nodded. "Yeah. It's not a very intense high, though. You just kinda feel... silly," he provided, chuckling for no particular reason just as he finished his sentence. 

  "Ha-ha," Pansy chuckled slowly, a grin slowly spreading across her face, "I do feel a bit silly."

  "So do I," Fred chimed in, "Like... Like a floating feeling. It's not unbearable or anything, though."

  "Huh. I don't really feel silly," Selina thought, feeling somewhat disappointed. "I just feel, like... Like I'm just really relaxed. Like nothing could possibly bother me."

  "You have the most soothing voice in the world," George blurted out, completely lost for a moment. 

  "It's true though," Selina laughed, "It's euphoric, but in a more calm way."

  "Yeah!" Lee exclaimed, shocked by how much he empathized. "My mum could die, and I'd be alright!"

George consequently burst out laughing, nearly cramping his stomach as he folded over. 

  "Your mum is dead," Fred reminded him, almost laughing himself as he realized he didn't mean to say that out loud.

  "Shit. That's right. Well. Good thing I'm high, then," Lee Jordan shrugged it off as Pansy and Selina both laughed.

  "Does anyone else's head feel funny?" Pansy asked the room. "Like it's going to float away?"

  "Yes," George promised, finding it odd to agree with Pansy Parkinson. 

  "Do you think they call them 'haze berries' because they have you in a haze?" Selina queried, as everyone else seemed blown away by the suggestion.

  "Woah! You're a bloody genius!" Lee exclaimed.

  "See? What did I tell you?" Fred remarked. "If you wanna be fucked up with anyone, it's Romanov."

The five of them all talked and laughed together, getting along just fine despite the various prejudices in the room. A few hours had even passed before Pansy realized that she wanted to head back to the compartment with Draco. Selina was left with Lee and the twins, enjoying their pleasant trip. 

After a little over three hours passed, Jasper decided to look for Selina, having been told earlier by Draco where she was. 

  "Hey," Jasper smiled, opening the compartment door.

  "Hey, Carroll, come join us," Fred invited him, standing up so that he could sit.

  "Hey," Selina smiled.

She stood up, allowing him to sit down in her seat so that she could sit in his lap to save space. Both of them were tall, which made it less awkward for Jasper. 

  "We took haze berries," she explained, her hand resting lightly on his chest as she spoke. 

  He looked down at her, smiling as he observed the blissful expression on her face. "Yeah, I can see that."

  "You want one?" Lee asked him. "I might have another."

  "No, that's alright," Jasper promised him, waving a hand out in front of him, "I don't usually partake."

  "He's a bit vanilla," Fred told the others teasingly. "A few drinks in him, and all he's going to do is go off to bed."

  "That's right," Jasper Carroll nodded proudly.

  "Not Selina, though!" George grinned. "She can knock them back all night!"

  "You must have a liver of steel," Lee stated.

  "Eh. It runs in the family," Selina shrugged.

  "'It' meaning alcoholism?" Jasper teased.

  "Yes, exactly," she nodded, not missing a beat. 

Jasper and Selina stayed with those three until they arrived at Hogwarts, only returning to their friends to fetch their things. Both of them stepped off of the train in their Slytherin robes, heading off towards the castle with Draco, Pansy, and Blaise. 

The annual Welcoming Feast that year was certainly a special one, with Professor Dumbledore announcing that the Triwizard Tournament would be hosted at Hogwarts this year, with both the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students visiting for the rest of the school year, both schools making a uniquely dramatic entrance of their own, along with Alastor Moody, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor and infamously cantankerous former Auror. 

It was also announced that only seventeen year-old students could submit their names into the magical Goblet of Fire to be drawn on Halloween night, which no one was particularly happy about. Due to the Tournament taking place, Quidditch was also canceled for that school year, which Selina was admittedly somewhat relieved about, considering that almost half the team hated her. 

It had been a rather eventful night, and by the end of it, Selina was exhausted, having still been affected by the haze berries she'd taken with the Weasleys. She and Jasper walked alongside Draco and Pansy on the way down to the dungeons. While Selina and Jasper were very much looking forward to silence and bed, Pansy and Draco both could not stop talking.

Draco seemed to be fairly obsessed with the idea of Viktor Krum, the Bulgarians' famous Seeker, being present on Hogwarts grounds. Pansy also seemed fairly interested in this concept, albeit for different reasons. Jasper and Selina both continued to endure them, eager to be able to sleep, until a stranger appeared in front of them, startling Jasper. 

  "Hello," one of the Durmstrang boys said, greeting Selina in a noticeable Polish accent.

  "Hello," she replied, not wanting to be rude, but also not sure why he was talking to her. 

Pansy began whispering to Draco, as the two of them could barely contain their smirks as they watched the situation unfold. 

  "Allow me to introduce myself," the brown-haired boy said as he extended a hand. "Henryk Checinski."

  "Selina Romanov," Selina said, instinctively giving her own full name in response.

She lightly placed her hand in his, not expecting him to raise it to his mouth and press a soft kiss to it. Jasper was now unsure of whether he should be amused or livid. 

  "Romanova?" he realized. "You come from a legendary family."

  "Not particularly anymore," she shrugged in a humble manner, unsure of how to continue the conversation.

  "Forgive me," Henryk said politely, staring at her, "You really are exquisite. Divine, even. Worth not only diamonds and gold, but wars, and blood."

  "Care to back that up?" Jasper asked, stepping towards him as Selina quickly barred him from approaching the strange boy.

  "My boyfriend is inclined to agree with you," Selina said coolly, offering a polite smile.

  "I see," Henryk Checinski stopped to reevaluate the situation, "Your heart has already been won?"

  "It has," Jasper assured him, "By me."

  "Hmmph," the Durmstrang student huffed, "Your height compensates for your crudeness."

  "I'm sorry, is this supposed to win me over?" Selina questioned.

  "No," Henryk replied, "But I will vie for your affections as necessary."

  "I'd rather you didn't," she said finally. 

  "Is there no way in which a goddess such as yourself would provide me the paradise of your company?" he persisted.

  "Sorry, no paradise here," she shrugged. "But if it's a happy ending you're looking for, Parkinson can probably help you."

  "Bugger off!" Pansy exclaimed.

  "Very well. If you find yourself having a change of heart... You know where to find me," he concluded, nodding to her as he walked away. 

Jasper eyed him spitefully.

  "I'm taller than him, right?"

  "Oh, definitely," Pansy nodded. 

*****

  "There. Now shall we continue with our lesson?" Professor Snape said dryly.

Selina shook herself off in confusion, looking around the Potions room as she tried to figure out how long it had been. But strangely, she couldn't even remember the last thing she remembered.

  "What?" she said stupidly. 

  "I gave you an antidote for what I'm assuming those cursed twins sold you," Severus Snape replied impatiently. "I'll admit, you were a very convincing sober act. I almost didn't realize the state you were in, that is, until you forgot the word for 'punching' and told Miss Parkinson to instead 'fist' Mr. Malfoy."

  "What... What day is it?" she demanded, although hardly grasping the concept of time. 

It took her a moment, but she eventually found her place in the chronology of time. The last thing she could clearly recall was the night they'd arrived at Hogwarts, 

  Snape barely humored her. "It's Monday."

  "So we arrived earlier?" she deduced.

  "It's Monday, September eighth," he corrected her.

  Selina was flabbergasted, looking up at Snape in disbelief from where she sat. "But, we arrived here on the first."

  "As I said before, your sober act was very convincing," Snape repeated. "I only just noticed earlier today."

  "I lost a whole week's worth of memory? How is that possible?" Selina asked him.

  "The plants you most likely know as 'haze berries', when ingested, can occasionally cause one to temporarily stop processing information and making memories for anywhere from minutes to

months. Now, can we move on?"

  "You're not punishing me?" she inquired skeptically.

  "Romanov, to put it simply, your existence is punishment enough as of late," he said impatiently, "Now may we please proceed, or do you insist upon wasting both of our time with foolish questions?"

  "Alright," she sighed, setting her various concerns aside, "What are we working on? Legilimency?"

  "Yes. But this time, I would like you to perform the spell both nonverbally, as well as wandlessly. This will significantly ease us into the next chapter of your instruction."

  "Wait, you want me to do the spell nonverbally and wandlessly?" Selina questioned. "That's extremely advanced."

  "Your point being?" Snape questioned. "I thought you came her to push yourself. If you insist upon striving for mediocrity and subsisting at a rudimentary level, I suggest that you find yourself a different instructor."

  "I mean, I'm willing to learn," Selina insisted, "I'm just saying, is it possible?"

  "If it wasn't, would I be teaching it?" Severus Snape pointed out.

  "Can you perform this spell wandlessly?" she asked him.

  "No," he responded coolly.

  "Then why teach it to me?" she asked. "I mean, if you can't do it yourself..."

  "Isn't it obvious?" he demanded, leaning in. "You can push yourself beyond the limits of even my capabilities. You need to think even more ambitiously."

  "Why do you have so much confidence in me?" Selina broke down. "I mean. You don't teach this way with any other student—"

  "Because no other student has shown me the promise you have. Don't misunderstand, I've had plenty of talented students, and plenty of successful ones, but none with capabilities that extended beyond their proclivities," he stressed. "Even the subjects you hate, you seem to excel at. You possess more genuine talent than this entire school combined, most professors included!"

  "You can't honestly believe that," she scoffed.

  "I do, Miss Romanov, although I also believe that you'd be twice as successful as you are now were it not for your crippling alcoholism!"

  Selina stopped, completely thrown off by Snape using those words. "I... I'm not—"

She had no idea at all what to say to that.

  "You forget, I've quite literally explored the very recesses of your mind, on numerous occasions," he stated. "Not to mention, you currently have an entire week that can't be accounted for."

Selina had nothing to say to him, highly uncomfortable with the conversation that they were having. 

  "Although you are arguably far more talented than I am, I do know exactly where your self-destructive habits come from. I can relate to a fair few of them myself," he said, sounding more impassioned than devastated. "You need to concentrate, and more importantly, find a way to live with yourself."

  "Why do you care what I do?" she studied him cynically.

  "I don't care what you do," Snape assured her, his view of her more pragmatic than sentimental in nature, "But the fact of the matter is, you're far more useful to the world trying than not. The world as a collective does not care about your wellbeing, Romanov, which I'm sure you've realized by this point in your life. 

"Throwing away one's own existence should be regarded as completely ethical, because of bodily autonomy. Therefore, the only reason it is considered wrong for you to ruin your own life is because it affects other people."

Selina listened carefully, not saying anything as he presented a perfect metaphor.

  "After all, they refer to suicide as something that is committed, like a crime, because it is considered a crime. Suicide ultimately falls under the respective category of 'destruction of government property'," he relayed. "By taking your own life, you would be depriving your loved ones of affection and validation, and your government of the fruits of your labor."

  "I think so too," she agreed after a moment, a sense of bitterness overtaking her as she spoke to the professor. "Sometimes, I think I should be more enthusiastic about life. Not because of other people, because they're unreliable, but because I do have things about myself that are worth it."

  "So, you should understand," he went on, "That even if I do not care about you as a person, the sobering and, ultimately, more important fact remains that regardless of the feelings of others, you should want to treat your existence with some dignity simply because it really is more respectable. Stop making a mess of your life, and be productive instead."

  "But... I..." she struggled to find the words she was looking for. "There's just a lot of pain there. I don't know if I have it in me to accomplish something so extreme right now."

  "That is all you need, Romanov," Severus Snape told her. "Pain. It's nothing more than a commodity, especially in magic."

  "But most spells that really require emotional pain to cast are considered Dark magic," Selina rationalized.

  "Some, yes," he agreed. "But oftentimes, you'll find that magic is a celestial and amoral force, able to be utilized just as often as it is weaponized. Although school and Ministry policies tend to recognize magic as a more two-dimensional dichotomy, many in history have believed that balance can only be attained by equally respecting all forms of magic as knowledge all else."

  "So, what do I do to perform Legilimency without my wand?" Selina asked readily, pocketing her long black wand.

  "Separate yourself from your wand entirely; it is merely a piece of wood, an instrument invented by western practitioners. You do not need it to perform magic; it's merely a conduit," he spoke slowly as she centered herself, finding a sense of calmness as well as confidence. "Focus on transmitting a signal from yourself straight to your target, without having to go through your wand. It takes practice, but once you feel it for yourself, the possibilities will open up."

  "Okay," she breathed, taking a long, deep breath as she focused her energy inward and outward.

  "Remember. You yourself are invading my mind," he said sternly. "You yourself possess the power to do so, and much more, within you; everything you do, you do on your own."

Selina awoke herself as best as she could, allowing the magic to course through her like electricity. She opened her eyes in one, forceful movement as she narrowed her eyes, focusing visually and mentally on Snape as she used her own mind to pull from his. 

She eventually could feel the magic leaving her body, but she had yet to fully project it outward. She could feel the static energy within her, anxious to be utilized. She inhaled forcefully as she persisted, refusing to stop.

A feeling of relief soothed the heat that had collected in her body. The energy was relaxed, and she could feel things slowly coming to her as it flowed more freely than she had every felt. The number two hundred eighty-one flashed through her mind, as she also saw Snape brewing the potion he'd served to her before. 

Selina was startled by how much she saw. she had not only successfully entered Snape's mind, but she had seen more than he had been allowing her to; she was already capable of completely breaking down his defenses. 

  "There! Now that is acceptable work," Snape announced, allowing her to stop.

Selina nodded, contemplating her abilities as she stood before him with her arms crossed, trying to find a way to replicate that success. 

*****

After her lessons, Selina wandered up toward the Great Hall, where her friends were all waiting for her as they prepared to eat their dinner. Fully aware that she probably had accrued a decent amount of odd behavior to make up for in the past week, she quietly sank down into the empty seat beside Jasper at the table, not saying a word to anyone.

Her discreet approached proved ineffective.

  "Sel," Amana said to her best friend beside her. "You look sober."

  Selina looked at her, uncertain as to how she should answer the question. "Yeah," she murmured, "I'm fine."

Amana didn't seem convinced by this, having been fully aware of Selina's muddled state in the past week. No one who spent enough time with Selina had been unaware of the strange way she'd been acting, apart from perhaps Crabbe and Goyle, of course. 

But the most worried out of the bunch was Jasper Carroll, who was immensely relieved to see the light in her eyes again, especially after the way he'd seen her practically walking around half asleep at the Welcoming Party the Slytherins had held over the weekend.

  "There you are," his eyes lit up again as he gently rubbed her back. "You feeling alright?" he asked her softly.

  "Yeah, I'm fine, Jas," Selina replied, quietly putting a small amount of chicken salad onto her plate.

  "You should eat something," he told her, just as she felt all the sounds surrounding her grow quieter as her ears began to ring a bit. 

Selina was beginning to feel drained and clammy,  no longer able to focus on anything but how much her head was beginning to ache. Truthfully, Jasper's voice was beginning to sound grating in her head.

  "That's what I'm doing," she said quietly, slowly saying her food as she tried to shut out the pain.

  "Sel," Draco's voice cut into her thoughts as she looked up, physically feeling the heavy bags underneath her eyes.

  "What?" she asked, barely conscious of everything that was going on.

  "You good?" he asked expectantly, needing her answer before he could relax.

  "Yeah, I'm fine," she insisted.

  "Are you sure?" Pansy chimed in. "You're looking a bit pale."

  "I'm alright, thanks," Selina nodded. 

Jasper was concerned for her, not having seen her eat very much in the past week. He tried to find a constructive way to encourage her, not sure of what more he could possibly do. 

  "You're not more hungry?" he asked worriedly.

  Selina frowned, feeling herself begin to tremble. "If I was, I'd be eating more," she pointed out, trying to sound calm.

  "Yeah, I know, I just want to make sure you eat enough," Jasper nodded, his hand still slightly supporting her.

  "I'm eating enough," she promised, drinking from her goblet as she tried to ignore how overwhelmed she was by everything at the moment.

Everything sounded so much louder and harsher as she tried to adjust to the ambient noise around her. But instead of sounding distant or comforting, every single sound in the entire room was grating to her. She resisted the urge to cover her ears tightly with her hands and scream perpetually just to drown it all out.

She felt as if she were having a migraine, and everything was beginning to go dark. Her vision was momentarily spotty as she tried to navigate her surroundings, despite being seated at the table. 

  "Do you want some more juice?" Jasper asked her, looking down at her cup.

Selina could no longer control her own shaking, all of the sounds amplified tenfold in her ears. 

  "Bloody fucking hell, I'm fine!" Selina shouted, unable to bear it any longer. 

Half of the Slytherin table glanced over at her dubiously. She was the only one standing up at the table, her hands shaking as her eyes stung. Jasper and Amana were both upset by the sudden outburst. Draco fearfully looked around the table, desperate to make eye contact with anyone else. Pansy, Blaise, and Daphne all remained silent, not knowing how to respond. All of them watched Selina to try and determine her state, which didn't seem to be a good one.

Selina's hands shook aggressively as she jabbed her temples with her fingers, determined to force out the headache. But it didn't seem to lessen.

Mortified by her own behavior, she quickly darted out of the Great Hall, hiding from everyone. Snape joined her shortly in the corridor, his billowing black cloak swishing behind him as he approached her.

  "What?!" Selina demanded impatiently, her face buried in her hands as she tried to soothe the pain. "Come to yell at me again?"

  "You need to go to bed," was all he had to say, "Now."

  "You don't have to tell me twice," she muttered, storming off in the opposite direction.

She could've sworn that the only reason she hadn't lost an absurd amount of points to Snape throughout her time at Hogwarts was because she was a member of his House. 

As she slumped against the wall for a moment, trying to force the pain out of her skull, she found that Fred Weasley had decided to join her out in the hall. She grimaced up at him in pain, not particularly in the mood for laughter at this point. 

  "What?" she asked expectantly.

  "Just came to see that you were alright," he stated, "But I won't bother you," he threw up his hands in surrender.

Selina looked at him, trying not to feel the same anger that had been coaxed out of her by the excruciating pain that overcame her when she was around everyone. 

  "Fine," she said indifferently, not concerned with his existence at the moment.

  "You froze, didn't you?" Fred asked sympathetically.

  "What?" she questioned impatiently, stopping to look at him.

  "That's what they call it," he explained. "You don't remember anything in this past week, do you?" he asked her.

  She shook her head. "No."

  "That can happen, to some people."

  "This would've been great to know about a week ago," Selina retorted, not entirely appreciating his easygoing nonchalance. 

  "It's alright. It doesn't affect your behavior too much when you freeze; it just makes things... automatic, you know?" he offered. "But I'm really sorry, though, Selina, about that... Lee brought them, and I didn't know—"

  "It's fine," she stopped him, holding out her hand for him to stop. 

Her demeanor toward him gradually softened, the more she was willing to recognize that he would have warned her had he known. She also had to admit that, although the recovery from the potion Snape had fed to her was rather painful, the high itself that she experienced was pleasant and convenient, in a way that the complexities of sobriety weren't.  

  "Here, I'll walk you down to the dungeons if you like," he offered, thinking it was what Jasper would've wanted him to do for her.

  "That's fine," she nodded, going along with it.

  "So," he said, seeming to have a specific topic in mind, "Everything alright with you and Jasper?" he asked her.

  Selina paused for a moment before she spoke, not having anything particularly pleasant to say. "I don't know if it's because of the crash I'm experiencing, but he pissed me off."

  "It probably is," Fred offered, "At least partly."

She didn't respond, walking alongside him as she focused on nothing but sleep. 

  "Let me guess," Fred continued, taking a deep breath as he thought, "You feel like he's smothering you? Like he doesn't believe you when you say you're okay?"

Selina met his eyes with curiosity, as if surprised by his insight. 

  "Yeah," she agreed, "Exactly that."

  "Look. Jasper's a good bloke," Fred offered, looking ahead as he tried to think.

  "I never thought he wasn't," Selina remarked simply.

  "That's not my point, Romanov, will you just listen?" he teased, trying to frame his thought with the best combination of words possible. "Jasper's a good guy. He just... doesn't seem to know what to do when people are having a hard time. Even if they don't seem to be bothered by it."

She thought about what he said, more emotionally available than she'd been throughout  the entire conversation so far.

  "He knows you're having a hard time, and it doesn't seem to be getting better, so he keeps you as close as he can because he's afraid he'll lose you one way or another."

Selina couldn't help but be intrigued by Fred's understanding of Jasper's intentions.

  "Yeah... I know," she responded. "But, I just don't understand, what could possibly make someone act so... erratically."

  Fred sighed, his own observation taking a toll on him. "You're very much the kind of girl a bloke does anything to keep," he enlightened her.

Although this wasn't a particularly profound revelation, it was the specific combination of words that he chose that made it interesting to think about.

  "You know. When I was younger... my grandmother used to say that loving me was a bullet she dodged," Selina remembered.

  "That's fucked up," Fred said bluntly, without hesitation. 

  "It is," she agreed. "That's why I didn't even bat an eye when she killed herself."

Fred stopped for a moment, feeling his heart sink for her as he realized just how much she'd been through. Seeing the empathy in his eyes, Selina instantly regretted sharing any detail of her life.

  "I'm sorry..." she said slowly, "I forgot that that wasn't common knowledge."

  "No, don't be sorry," Fred said quickly, not offended by it in any way, "When was that?"

  "The day summer started," Selina replied, watching as he filled with sadness for her.

  "Oh. I'm sorry," he gave her a saddened smile.

  "Don't be. It was probably more a good thing than a bad thing," she offered. "I live with my uncle now."

  "That's good, then," he said optimistically. "At least you have family."

  "Yeah," she thought. "You know. No matter how insane she was, sometimes, I think my grandmother might've been right."

  "Why?" he demanded, unwilling to even hear her out.

  "I don't know. It seems like everyone who cares about me just ends up miserable," she expressed with disgust.

  "How so?" he asked curiously.

Fred genuinely didn't see how someone as intelligent and strong-willed as Selina Romanov could believe something so inherently sad in nature. 

  "I'm a mess, and not one that's getting cleaned up anytime soon," Selina sighed, "I'm surrounded by death, and the only people around me who aren't dead are severely mentally ill!" she exclaimed almost comically.

Fred listened intently, but didn't say anything as he didn't quite know what he could possibly say to make the situation any better.

  "When I was six, I saw my father murder my mother, and then, Flint happened, and then I saw my grandmother kill herself, and try to take me with her. I can't even answer a simple question like 'what's wrong' without someone genuinely reconsidering their entire life!" she laughed painfully. "No one I've ever met, let alone anyone our age, knows how to even respond to that."

  "I... I can see how awful that must be," Fred said after a moment, not wanting to upset her further. "You, er... You said your grandmother tried to hurt you?" he asked hesitantly, not understanding. 

  "Yeah," Selina nodded, much less bothered by telling the story than he thought she'd be. "We got into an argument... Because I didn't want to live with her anymore. So, she decided if I didn't want to live with her anymore, then neither of us needed to live. She started conjuring Fiendfyre, and I... I had to shield myself," she finished. 

Fred was horrified by what she'd told him, not offended by the details of the story, but more appalled by the fact that this was something that had actually happened to someone. 

  "That's a terrible thing to do," he said, immediately feeling stupid for not having anything better to say.

Suddenly, Fred Weasley, the infamous class clown, was disgusted even by the idea of trying to crack a joke. 

  "Yeah," Selina agreed almost indifferently, not seeming to need a particular response from him. 

  "Well, I'm... I'm glad you're alright," he told her. "I know we were never very close friends, or anything, but, it's just good to hear that you're at least alright."

  "Yeah, thank you," Selina nodded, appreciating the sentiment. "That's kind of you."

Fred nodded, realizing that this girl had, on multiple occasions, encountered true evil that most people at their age could hardly imagine. 

  "You know, last year, when I heard about everything that Flint had done, I felt awful. For you, and all of those girls," he said quietly. "Some of them were so young..."

  "Yeah. Even younger than I was," she expressed.

  "You know, even before last year, everyone knew that Flint was an evil piece of human garbage, but no one who actually saw anything ever said anything," he remarked, "They just let it happen."

  "That's always how it goes," Selina told him. "Especially with the Marcus Flints of the world; the people who do fucked up things just because they know they can get away with it."

Fred nodded in agreement. 

  "You know, everyone else seems to think that all Slytherins are like him," Selina thought. "I mean. You saw when the Sorting Hat told Harry Potter to choose between Gryffindor and Slytherin."

Fred's brow furrowed. He agreed that Slytherins were all unfairly misjudged as a collective group, but he didn't quite understand the significance of the event she was referencing, having remembered it fondly as the day his friend, Harry Potter, became a Gryffindor. 

  "Come on. 'Not Slytherin'?" Selina scoffed, thinking back to her first year. "Everyone else thinks we're all just greedy and evil."

  "Like Malfoy and his merry band of yes-men?" he provided.

  "Yeah. Exactly," she agreed. "Slytherin's values are 'ambition', and 'cunning', and 'resourcefulness'. Those aren't inherently wrong."

  "No, they're good things to have."

  "Right. I know why I'm in Slytherin; I'm in Slytherin because I want to have goals for myself in life, goals that mean something, and I won't stop until I achieve them. I'm a Slytherin because the only person I think worth competing with is myself, but I'm still always competing. That doesn't make me a bad person," she insisted.

  "Not at all; I think that's amazing, if I'm being honest," Fred commended her. "It's just... people

are afraid of people who intentionally push the limits. You're not a bad person."

  "No," Selina thought aloud, "But my grandmother always said I was."

  "Did she?"

Fred seemed saddened by this as he looked at her, gently asking for the rest of the story. 

  "Yeah. She blames... blamed me for my mother's death. She said I was born evil, that I break everything that I touch."

  "She's the evil one, if that's how she spoke to her own grandchild," Fred reasoned.

  "Yeah. But, I mean, my mother also died arguing with my father about my future," Selina considered.

  "Still. The only one to blame was your father," he comforted her.

  "I know. Believe me, I know," she nodded slowly. "I spent years wasting my breath telling her the same thing."

Fred stopped to think for a moment, wondering if what he was thinking was too far. But it seemed so far, Selina only welcomed unusual questions and perspectives, so he decided it was okay.

  "How do you think you're going to get through all this?" he asked candidly.

She stopped for a moment, considering every different variation of meaning that the question had. 

  "I don't know. But I figure staying alive is half the battle," she decided eventually.

  "That is true," he nodded. "Selina I don't really know anything about what you're going through, and I won't pretend to, because that would just be pointless... But if there's one thing I can say, it's that family and friends are there to help you through it."

  "They are," she admitted, "But I can't put all of this on them. It's too much."

  "That's why they're there," he reasoned. 

  "Fred," she began, "You don't know what it feels like to have to ruin a friend's mood on a random Tuesday with the image of your mother being murdered."

  "No. I don't," his kind brown eyes looked into hers, "But I can see that Jasper, and your other friends, even Malfoy, the bloody prat, love you."

  "I can't talk to Jasper about this all the time," Selina said darkly.

  "Why not?" he wondered.

  "Because," she breathed, "He's my boyfriend."

Fred Weasley was lost. 

  "You know what a boyfriend is when you're fourteen?" she posed a question. "When you're young, a boyfriend carries your books for you, and open doors for you, and asks you to dances. Fifteen year-old boyfriends don't usually listen to stories about attempted murder-suicides, or keep you from drinking yourself to sleep, or any other existential bullshit," she said in frustration.

  "Jasper will," Fred told her without hesitation, a serious look in his eyes. "He'll do all of that, and more, whatever you need. That's how much he cares about you," he insisted.

  "I can't ask him to do all that!" Selina cried.

  "But, you don't have to," he offered, "If someone cares about you, they'll just do it."

  "Well, what if they shouldn't?!" she exclaimed, a dead look in her grey eyes. "What if I can't handle someone loving me?"

This was a question Fred had no idea at all how to answer. Just looking at Selina, the striking combination of pain and numbness in her eyes made him realize that, although she was two years younger than he was, she'd had thoughts in passing that were potentially more deeply disturbing than anything he could ever experience. 

  "What if I can't stand myself so much, I'm starting to resent him for loving me?!" she questioned. 

Fred watched in a panic as her thought process slowly devolved into something that could more accurately be described as a gradual breakdown. He was beyond not having any idea how to be a good friend to her. 

  "Fuck! Why did I ever think I should be with someone?!" she scoffed bitterly at the idea. "I saw things that fucked me up before my brain was even developed enough to handle it! That's a person that's fundamentally fucked! 

"Most people start out at a blank slate with themselves, but I probably won't be able to work towards that until I'm thirty! Every time someone tells me they love me, a part of me can't even enjoy it because I just get stuck thinking, 'What the fuck is wrong with you?!'"

Fred had to admit, that was one of the single worst things he had ever heard in his life, and it hurt coming from someone he didn't know well, but had always liked and respected. He'd never known much about Selina before, but now that he saw who she really was on the inside, he felt like he'd met the saddest girl alive, not even sad in nature, but simply sad because she had the most to be sad about. 

  "I'm sorry, Selina," he murmured.

  "I'm sorry," she repeated, "That's exactly the kind of thing I know people don't want to hear about."

  "No. That's what I want to hear," he replied.

"Not that you're upset, of course, but I want to hear about what makes you who you are."

  "Well, that's just a lot of different fucked up things," she thought.

  "I don't care. I'd take that over most conversations with most other people," Fred reassured her. "You're a kind, smart person."

  "Before I came to Hogwarts, I never really knew anyone besides my uncle could think so," she confessed. "I never thought that I could find people who liked me."

  "Well, you have, Selina," he said gently. "And for the record, I like you plenty. Off the Quidditch pitch, at least."

  "Thanks. I like you too," she told him. 

  "Jasper loves you. I can tell he does, even if I don't know him well," he urged her, "Don't be afraid to go to him.

His words stayed with her as she went to bed that night, eager to sleep and get away from everything. But Selina didn't sleep well, despite how exhausted and depleted she was. She drifted off to sleep quickly, but waited the entire night for relief. Never did it come. 

She seemed to be condemned to constant misery, trading in the pain of trudging through her days with the visions that plagued her in her sleep. Every time she closed her eyes, all Selina saw were various re-enactments of her worst memories, a different lineup each night.

Tonight, Selina saw a warped, distorted version of her father casting Expulso against her mother, followed by an even more disturbing renditions of what Marcus Flint had done to her. None of this was even surprising to her when she woke up  early in the morning, groggy and disoriented, still in need of sleep.

  "Mana," Selina murmured, "Mana."

Her friend sat up, looking over at their other friend, Reyna, who was still asleep in her bed. 

  "What?" Amana Tesfaye murmured, rubbing her eyes.

  "Do you have any water?" she asked.

  "No," Amana mumbled sleepily. "I have warm vodka, and a Chocolate Frog."

  "Can I have that?" Selina hoped, earning a confused look from her friend.

  "Fine, here."

Too dazed to discern reality from anything else, Amana lazily reached into her bedside table and threw Selina a purple Chocolate Frog box and a half empty bottle. Selina popped open the bottle, shivering in preparation as she took a decent swig, popping the candy in her mouth immediately after as she threw her blanket back over her head, sighing as she attempted to sleep for at least a few more minutes. 

*****

Selina's eyes were somehow red with sleep deprivation when she woke up, despite having slept. Selina never had to apologize to Jasper for their fight from the night before, even if she wanted to. In the morning, when everyone ate their breakfast, he had sat down beside her, resting his hand in hers as he watched her.

  "Jasper—" Selina had began.

  "Don't worry," he shook his head, interrupting her. "It's okay, Selina."

  "Are you sure?" she asked quietly as everyone decided to give them their privacy

  "I love you," Jasper Carroll said, even more so with his eyes than with his mouth. 

  "I love you," Selina told him, trying her best to smile.

The school was abuzz the next couple of days, awaiting the selection of the three Triwizard Champions. 

Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students were everywhere, which was indeed very interesting to watch. Crabbe and Goyle spent much of their time trailing after the Beauxbatons girls, staring them down in their pretty, powder-blue robes, and Draco was screamed at and/or slapped every time Pansy Parkinson even suspected him of doing the same. 

  "Who do you think it's going to be?" Selina asked her boyfriend as they sat at the Slytherin table, waiting for Dumbledore to begin the ceremonial selection. 

  "Dunno. I just know it's not going to be Fred or George," Jasper supplied.

  "I think it's a safe bet," he agreed, watching the blue flames emitted from the legendary Goblet of Fire with curiosity.

  "I hope Potter's name pops out of that goblet," Draco spoke up cheerfully. 

  "He's not even a seventh year," Pansy pointed out, "If he was, I'd bet you his was the first name in there."

  "I hope whoever gets picked from Beauxbatons doesn't die," Vincent Crabbe chimed in. "It'd be a waste."

  "I hope she doesn't die," Gregory Goyle foolishly pointed over at the one of Beauxbatons girls. 

  "I'd rather she died than her," Crabbe pointed at a different girl.

Draco Malfoy rolled his eyes at his friends. 

  "You're both fucking stupid," Draco shook his head, "Have you not seen her?!" 

  Pansy looked at him in disgust, smacking him across the chest. "Draco!"

  "What?" he questioned blankly.

Jasper just shook his head as the rest of them watched Professor Dumbledore begin his speech.

  "If you were seventeen, would you have put your name in?" Blaise wondered. 

  "Of course, I would've," Selina told him, as Jasper sat beside her, listening in.

  "You'd be stupid not to," Draco agreed with a scoff. "This 'Triwizard Tournament' would be either of ours for the taking."

  "You're right," Selina nodded, eyes fixed on the Goblet of Fire, in all its glory. "I could win this thing," she thought, eyes straining as she stared at the flaming chalice. 

Selina and Jasper watched as Dumbledore began drawing names, gracefully shot from the blue flames of the goblet, the first one being a girl from Beauxbatons. 

  "The champion for Beauxbatons... is Fleur Delacour!"

Selina and the others all joined in on the applause, notably except for Pansy, who was too busy scowling at her boyfriend. It seemed Draco's wandering eyes just couldn't be helped as he applauded and cheered with the other boys as she walked up to shake the Headmaster's hand. 

  "The Durmstrang Champion... Viktor Krum!"

Selina and Draco both cheered especially loud, excited to see the famous Quidditch player called up. He shook Albus Dumbledore's hand, returning to his seat as he prepared to announce the next and final Champion, the one from Hogwarts. 

  "And lastly, the Hogwarts Champion... Cedric Diggory!"

  "Pfft," Draco scoffed, looking across the table at Selina, "You and I could take him."

Selina nodded in agreement, still staring in silence at the front of the room. 

  "Cedric Diggory?" Jasper questioned. "The Hufflepuff Prefect? The Hufflepuff Seeker? All in one person? That's who you two think you could take?"

  "Yeah," Draco nodded confidently, "Look at him. No brains, just... hair."

  "Yeah, Cedric isn't necessarily the brightest at times," Jasper agreed, watching as he eventually sat back down.

They were interrupted by a darkening in the room, as the Goblet's calm, blue flames shifted into erratic red ones as another tiny slip of paper shot out of the goblet, shocking everyone in the room. It was almost silent now. Selina could tell that Dumbledore had no idea what was going on.

Everyone in the room watched as he plucked the slip of parchment from the air, reading it.

  "What the hell just happened?" Pansy whispered.

  "Shut up," Draco snapped in response. 

  "Don't tell me to shut up!"

Selina watched intently as Dumbledore stared down at the name written on the parchment in shock. 

  "Harry Potter," he murmured, looking up in disbelief. "Harry Potter?"

  "Bloody hell," Crabbe whispered. 

Everyone in the room consequently lost their minds.

  "No," Draco murmured, unable to believe what he was hearing. "That's impossible!"

  "How did he do it?!" Pansy exclaimed shrilly.

Selina turned over to Jasper, who didn't seem to have anything to say about it at the moment. She looked over at Harry, who seemed more shocked than anyone in the room.

  "He didn't put his own name in there, did he?" she murmured.

  "I don't think so," Jasper Carroll whispered, the both of them just watching. 

  "Harry Potter!" Professor Dumbledore yelled, more loudly and angrily than Selina or anyone else had ever heard before.

They all watched as Harry slowly stood, shamefully walking up to the front of the room as the students all reacted in different ways, staring,  and yelling, and whispering. Dumbledore furiously thrusted the piece of parchment at him, not saying a single word. 

Draco, Pansy, Crabbe, and Goyle were all livid following the selection of the Triwizard Champions. Jasper, Selina, and Blaise were relatively quiet as they left the Great Hall. Selina ended up separating from the rest of the group as she ended up meeting Harry in the hall, noticing the vacant expression on his face. 

  "Harry?" Selina said hesitantly.

He seemed far away, and didn't look at her right away, despite having heard what she said. 

  "Selina," he cleared his throat, looking her up and down, still shaken from what had happened earlier.

  "Hey. Are you in trouble?" she asked considerately.

  "I... er, I don't know," Harry admitted. "You... You don't think I did it, then?" he asked her. 

  "No, of course not," Selina responded. "You're not the type."

  "No. I suppose not," he murmured, stopping in place.

Selina sensed his fear, recognizing the lost expression in his eyes.

  "Hey," she said again, trying to find a way to help. "Is there... something I can do to help?"

Harry thought for a moment, feeling the need to come up with something.

  "Erm... Can you come with me? To Dumbledore's office?" he asked hopefully.

  Selina nodded quickly, perfectly capable of doing so. "Yeah. Yeah, of course," she decided agreeably.

  "Thank you," Harry Potter thanked her as they walked. 

She offered a friendly smile as she accompanied him, thoughtfully giving his shaky hand a squeeze. Harry looked up at her, surprised by the gesture. 

  "You're not alone," Selina told him, careful about the promises she made to the potential Triwizard Tournament Champion.

  "Thank you," Harry said to her, accepting the kindness.

They were both otherwise completely silent as Harry headed up the Headmaster's Tower. 

  "I'll be here when you come back," Selina assured him. 

  "Oh, no," he relieved her quickly, "You don't have to do that—"

  "Do you want me to?" Selina cut him off. 

  "I... No, you really don't have to do that," Harry tried to force a smile.

  "I said, do you want me to?" she asked again.

He thought about it for a second, weighing his options.

  "Could you?" he asked in a small, timid voice. 

  Selina tried to smile and ease his mind. "Of course."

As he headed up, Selina gave him a final nod of encouragement, watching as he ascended. He was gone for almost a half an hour, and returned with a nervous expression still on his face, although he did seem more confident.

  "How was it?" Selina asked him, approaching him hesitantly. "Did they interrogate you?"

  "Yeah," Harry said unenthusiastically as they walked towards the Gryffindor common room.

  "Are you okay? Relatively speaking?" she asked gently.

Harry just shrugged, not knowing if he had an answer to the question. 

  "I think so. I think Dumbledore knows I'm innocent. But they're probably still making me compete."

  Selina nodded, accepting the answer. "Good. I'm sure they'll stop suspecting you eventually. They all seem pretty on edge after what happened... Karkaroff especially."

  "Yeah," Harry agreed, distracted. "Hey, Selina?"

  "Hmm?" she replied, not expecting a question.

  "How are you so kind?" Harry Potter asked her. 

  She frowned, not sure how to appropriately answer the question. "That's a long story," she supplied, "Just know I won't treat you like Draco does."

  "I think I've got the time for a long story," Harry offered kindly. 

  The kindness was something she genuinely appreciated. "Something happened when I was a child. And then a bunch of other things happened."

  "What things?" he asked subsequently.

  "Come on," Selina chuckled, "Surely there's something else you'd rather talk about," she remarked. 

  "No, not really," Harry shook his head, trying to avoid the topic of the Tournament at the moment. 

  "Okay," she decided. "Well. I'm sure you've heard the rumors," she stated.

  "What rumors?" Harry asked, probably the only person at Hogwarts who wouldn't have immediately understood what she was referring to.

  "About my parents," she explained.

  "Oh," he realized. "Yeah. Some of it," he replied nonchalantly.

  "I'm sure you've heard about my father. And what he did to my mother," she said softly.

Harry nodded, knowing the story all too well. Everyone at Hogwarts knew that Ilya Romanov was in Azkaban for murdering his wife. 

  "And then, this summer, my grandmother died," Selina murmured. 

  "Yeah, I read about that," he recalled.

  "She killed herself," Selina added. "But we kept that out of the papers. We also kept out the part where she tried to burn us both alive, with Fiendfyre."

Harry just stared at her blankly, unable to say anything in response. 

  "I've heard what they say about us, you know, when they think we're not listening," Selina confided in him. "They call us 'the orphans'. They think they're funny."

  "Who would 'they' be?" Harry questioned. "Malfoy?"

  Selina shook her head. "No. Draco's at least funnier than that."

  "I'll agree to disagree," Harry provided indifferently.

  Selina smiled. "You can insult him to me, Harry, I'll probably laugh with you."

He nodded in agreement, chuckling along with her. He felt a bit more at ease as they walked together. 

  "I know you don't need it, but... I'll make sure he  leaves you alone," she volunteered. "You've got enough on your plate."

  "Thanks, I guess," Harry sighed, "Although, I don't think it'll work."

  "It's the thought that counts," Selina Romanov provided. 

  "Definitely," he agreed wholeheartedly.

*****

  "What are we doing up here?" Selina complained. 

She groaned reluctantly as she allowed Fred and George to drag her all the way up to the seventh floor after the day's lessons had all ended. 

  "You'll see," George told her, "Just watch."

The three of them stopped in the corridor as Fred silently looked up at an empty wall. Suddenly, out of nowhere, the wall began to slowly change, hidden patterns and mechanisms revealed as the wall turned into two grand doors. Startled, Selina looked to the twins for answers.

  "What room is this?" she questioned. 

  "The one room that can disappear and reappear," George grinned.

  "The Room of Requirement," Fred supplied. "It only appears to those who are in need of it, with whatever it is they might need."

  "And what do we currently need?" Selina asked them, not understanding their intentions. 

  "Let us show you," Fred smiled, opening the door for her. 

Selina cautiously entered first, seeing a well-decorated dining room before her, with Kelly, Blaise, and Draco sitting at a table, waiting for them. 

  "What's this?" she asked.

  "A party," Kelly told her, "In your honor."

  "My honor?" Selina asked, as Fred and George joined the others, standing by the table.

  "Yes," she responded. "Draco and Blaise told me about your little freeze. It was obvious, really. I figured, since you have no recollection of the party we threw for the start of the year, so... We figured we'd throw you another one. With just us, and the entertainment," she turned to the Weasleys.

Selina looked at the twins, who pulled little concoctions from inside their coat pockets. There were six little vials, all full of a pale blue liquid, one for each of them. 

  "What are those?" she asked her friends. 

  "Smilers," Fred replied, a smile on his face as he and George accepted substantial payments from Kelly.

  "Smilers?" Selina questioned. "Those are illegal to brew."

  "Good thing we've got somewhere to brew them, eh?" George said cheerfully.

  "Those will last for two hours," Kelly Cross informed her. "That's pretty impressive, especially for a couple of Sixth-Years. I told the Weasleys they could stay since they went through the trouble of brewing them for us. We are having a party, after all."

  "What do you say, Sel?" Draco asked. "Care to rage?" 

  She grinned excitedly, snatching one of the glass vials from George. "Fuck yes."

Fred and George passed out the other vials to everyone, all of them ready to drink the clear blue liquid as they uncapped the vials. 

  "Alright, everyone," George looked around the room.

  "Bottoms up," Fred said, tipping his head back as he poured the liquid down his throat, everyone else following suit. 

Selina drank hers, shaking as she forced herself to swallow it. It didn't taste quite as strong as alcohol, but it definitely had a strong, unpleasant taste to it. She gasped after she'd managed to force it down, already beginning to feel the effects. 

  "This is fucking amazing!" she raved, an eerily wide smile on her face.

The others were all equally energetic, laughing and hollering as they began to feel the effects of the concoction. Within the next few minutes, everyone was absolutely out of control, barely conscious of anything at all. They all went from running laps around the room, to jumping on the table and chairs, to participating in loud, incoherent conversations.

Blaise and George were both seated at the table, loudly discussing Quidditch for some reason. Kelly and Fred were both determined to try and remember who it was that had punched Cassius Warrnington at the Valentine's Day party the year before. Eventually, the two moved onto other topics. 

  "I can't believe Diggory got picked for the Hogwarts Champion," Kelly said irritably. "I put my name in before he did!"

  "Oh, you're smarter than Diggory!" Fred insisted.

Selina couldn't remember how exactly, but the two of them soon ended up smashing vases and glasses all over the room. They were throwing just about everything fragile they could find, and Selina and Draco both joined in. Only about thirty minutes had passed since they'd all taken the potions. 

  "I'm bored!" Draco complained, no longer interested in breaking glass and porcelain in the Room of Requirement. 

 "What do you propose we do?" Blaise Zabini asked eagerly, crossing his arms. 

  "I don't know about you lot, but I'm getting the overwhelming urge to go climb the trees outside," Draco proposed breathlessly.

  Kelly gasped, jumping up and down at this new development. "Oh, my God! Yes!" she cried.

  "Let's go climb trees, then!" Blaise exclaimed.

  "I'll go climb some trees," Selina agreed, liking the idea.

All six of them ended up rushing through the halls out to the courtyard. It took them about five minutes to decide that they would all climb the same tree for fun, and then another five minutes to decide which tree they would be climbing together. 

  "Whoever's highest should go first," Kelly deduced. 

  "Draco's pretty high," Blaise suggested, as everyone laughed hysterically at that for no real reason.

  "No, seriously, who's going up first?" Kelly asked the group. "Fred? George?" she asked hopefully.

Both twins seemed as if they'd rather observe. 

  "We'll just watch from over here," Fred responded, smiling innocently. 

  "I'll go up first," Selina volunteered. 

She stepped up onto the tree, quickly jumping up as she found her way onto the lower branches as her friends watched. She carefully reached upward, scaling up higher as she left enough room for Draco, Blaise, and Kelly. 

  "No fair! You're tall!" Kelly cried. 

  "Woah! This is fun!" Selina laughed as she looked down at everyone else.

  "How's the view, Romanov?" George called.

  "From here?" Selina asked, looking down at them. "Ugly!"

The twins laughed at her sitting up in the tree.

  "Aw, that's not very nice!" Fred teased.

  "Who's next?!" Selina demanded triumphantly, waiting for her other friends to come up.

  "Erm... On second thought, I'll stay down here with the Weasleys," Blaise decided prudently.

  "Prat!" Selina yelled at him. "Draco! Get up here so you can help Kelly!"

  "Why do I have to help Kelly?!" Draco complained. 

  "Oh, fuck you, Malfoy," Kelly rolled her eyes, jumping up to climb the tree. 

She forcefully lifted herself up halfway to where Selina was above her. The two girls looked down at Draco, who seemed somewhat apprehensive now that he was actually being expected to follow through.

  "Draco! Hurry up and get up here already!" Selina yelled at him impatiently. 

Draco Malfoy's face twisted into various anxious expressions as he tried to convince himself. Laughing nervously, he hoisted himself up onto the tree, almost slipping a few times as he climbed up. 

  "Fuck!" he gasped, somehow out of breath.

Selina and Kelly both laughed hysterically at him as they watched him pull himself up the tree, digging his hands into the grooves so that he wouldn't fall. Selina cackled so hard at the sight that her stomach cramped so hard it felt more like some kind of aneurysm, and she couldn't feel her face at all.

  "Fuck," Draco gasped, looking up at the two girls as he caught his breath, sitting in the tree as he examined his clothes for rips or dirt, "I can't stop laughing!" he exclaimed.

  "Neither can we," Kelly Cross remarked, still impressed by how insanely euphoric she felt. "Everything's fucking hilarious!"

Selina was sitting on a thick branch higher than Kelly, laughing involuntarily and without any cadence or rhythm as she watched everything else happening below her, surveying like a hawk. It was quite the rush, focusing on everything and being naturally aware of things without the usual existential dread. She was so enamored with her own high that she hadn't even noticed Draco had moved onto more bothersome forms of entertainment. 

  "Why so tense, Potter?!"

Selina felt her own laughter beginning to fade and die out as she realized that he had moved onto his regularly scheduled programming that included the harassment of one Harry Potter, who was, in fact, tense. He turned to look up at Draco and the others. 

  "My father and I have a bet, you see!" he called, antagonizing him further. "I don't think you're gonna last ten minutes in this tournament."

A part of Selina wanted to intervene, but she found herself completely unable to stray from the path already laid out for her by her current state. So, she only laughed from up in the tree with Kelly, seeming every bit the Slytherin bully she was thought to be by the rest of Hogwarts. 

Harry was clearly already fed up with Draco, and was beginning to contemplate punching him as he spoke. Draco had now been overcome by a sense of self-confidence that could only be described as arrogance, dropping from the tree without hesitation. 

  "He disagrees," Draco added obnoxiously, Crabbe and Goyle automatically flanking to his side from nearby, "He thinks you won't last five."

Harry lost his temper, which everyone figured was inevitable. Selina could hear a voice in the back of her head telling her to do something and stop this, but all that really came out was laughter. She noticed that Kelly was also on the same page. 

  "Well, I don't give a damn what your father thinks, Malfoy!" Harry yelled at Draco, shoving him away. "He's vile, and cruel! And you're just pathetic," he hissed, at least deciding to walk off instead of escalating the issue.

  "Fuck, I'm so high!" Kelly laughed so hard she was clutching her stomach.

Selina didn't respond, but was feeling the exact same thing as she did her best to force her foolish grin into a more serious scowl. They could see that below them, Draco was completely flabbergasted by what he perceived as disrespect from Harry. 

  "'Pathetic'?" Draco growled, unsheathing his wand to curse Harry.

This alerted Selina, but she still didn't know how to handle the situation, seeing as it all happened very quickly. Laughter was inevitable. Luckily for her, the cantankerous Professor Moody appeared out of nowhere, quickly coming to Harry's rescue. 

  "Oh no you don't, sonny!"

Selina and the rest of her friends all gasped as Moody cast a spell, Transfiguring Draco as he cried out loudly. Selina and the others were all high and laughing hysterically as their friend was transformed into what could only be aptly described as an albino ferret. This, of course, was especially humorous to Fred and George Weasley.

In spite of her shock, Selina only cackled with laughter, doubling over and nearly falling out of the tree as she watched Moody, who was shouting like a maniac and using his wand to move the ferret up and down midair. They all watched Crabbe and Goyle panicking. Selina thought she might die; her stomach was cramping aggressively from all the hysterical laughter. Professor McGonagall had tried to intervene by now, but Alastor Moody was already set on his decision. 

  "Draco?!"

What was even funnier to Selina was that Pansy was now a part of this, horrified by what she saw. She was screaming and probably close to crying, while Professor McGonagall still had no idea what was actually happening. 

Just when she thought things couldn't get any more objectively ridiculous, Moody came up with the clever idea to use his wand to force Draco into Crabbe's pants against the will of absolutely everyone involved. Kelly could hardly stay up in the tree, and wheezed exhaustedly. Crabbe cried and whimpered as Goyle attempted to find a way to get Draco out of his pants, but unfortunately, he was unsuccessful.

Selina saw the little white ferret crawl out from Crabbe's pant leg onto the dirt, looking traumatized even as an animal. She was so shocked by the entire situation she had no idea how to react at this point, and just continued to laugh. Realizing what had actually happened, the Deputy Headmistress waved her wand and returned Draco to his original state, as he hopped  up off the ground, looking disheveled and furious, but also frightened at the same time.

McGonagall did not seem pleased at all. Draco whipped around quickly, glowering in Moody's direction. 

  "My father will hear about this!"

However, he instantly regretted this decision as Moody decided to chase after him. Selina had given up on breathing. 

  "Is that a threat?!" Moody demanded menacingly.

  "Professor Moody!" McGonagall interrupted.

  "Is that a threat?!"

Draco, high out of his mind, now realized what a mistake that was and took off screaming. 

  "Professor...?!"

  "I could tell you stories about your father that would curl even your greasy hair, boy! It doesn't end here!" Moody threatened him further, which everyone found to be completely insane.

Selina could tell Harry was enjoying this thoroughly. 

  "Alastor!" Minerva McGonagall said sternly. "We never use Transfiguration as a punishment! Surely Dumbledore told you that."

  Moody tapped his wand against his chin uncertainly. "He might've mentioned it."

Kelly and Selina still couldn't believe that this man truly existed. 

  "And you will do well to remember it," she scolded him, redirecting her attention to the spectacle that he'd caused. "Away!" 

Crabbe and Goyle both ran away in shame, searching for Draco. The other students were all chased away as Selina and her friends remained, unable to contain their laughter, except for Pansy, who was more freaking out than anything. As Blaise and the twins chuckled amongst themselves down below, Selina and Kelly finally dropped from the tree, overwhelmed by the entire ordeal.

  "Fuck!" Selina gasped. "That was fucking mental!"

  "You can say that again," Fred remarked.

  "That was fucking mental!" George exclaimed.

  "Don't actually say it, you fucking idiot!" his brother cried.

  "I'm going to check on Draco!" Pansy Parkinson exclaimed, running off without another word.

  "Ask him if he needs some kibble, or something!" Blaise called after her, making the others laugh. "God, that was brilliant."

  "I'm going to ask him to teach me that one," Selina remarked, not sure what else there was to do about the situation at this point. 

  "Is anyone else really thirsty?" Kelly Cross questioned, her voice somewhat hoarse now.

  "Yeah. That's one of the side effects," George told her.

  "Let's go get juice," Kelly sighed, as the group made their way to the Great Hall.

As some of her friends sat together at the Slytherin table in the Great Hall, Selina eventually left them to use the bathroom. 

  "I'll be right back," she told her friends.

Jasper nodded as she left them, and they continued their conversations. Eventually, it was time for dinner, and she returned to the table, where Amana, Blaise, Draco, Pansy, and Jasper were all sitting. For some reason, everyone seemed overly relieved to see her. 

  "Where'd you go?" Jasper Carroll looked up at her.

  "The loo," she repeated, a humorous expression on her face. "What's the matter?" Selina questioned as she sat down beside Jasper. "Why do you all look like that?" 

  "Selina," Jasper said in a serious tone, "Where were you?"

  "I told you, I went to the loo," she repeated, feeling as if no one had been listening to her. 

  "Come on, Selina, where did you actually go?" Pansy questioned.

  "I went to the bathroom!" Selina repeated again. 

  "For two hours?" Blaise stated at her in confusion.

  She blinked profusely for a moment, completely dumbfounded by the question. "What do you mean, 'two hours'? I was gone for ten minutes."

  "Selina," Jasper said worriedly, looking her in the eye, "Dinner started twenty minutes ago. I've been here the whole time, and I have not seen you."

She was still incredibly confused by what they were saying to her. Was this just a joke of some sort that she didn't get?

  "You left to use the bathroom before four-thirty," Draco told her, "It's almost six-thirty."

  "What? That doesn't even make sense!" she said in disbelief.

  "Hey. Selina," Jasper said quietly, leaning in to speak to her, "They told me about what you took with the Weasleys. They're worried about you."

  "Why?" she scoffed. "I'm fine!"

  "Then where were you for the past two hours?" Blaise asked expectantly, trying to get an answer out of her.

Selina froze, not knowing how to answer the question. Nothing came to mind, and she knew she was fucked. 

  "I think things are getting a bit out of control, Selina," her boyfriend said softly.

  "'Out of control'?" she echoed, not understanding. 

The truth was, Selina couldn't remember where she'd been for the past two hours or so. As far as she knew, she'd gone to the girls' bathroom for a few minutes and was on her way back. She knew she'd felt pretty much sober once she'd left the Great Hall, and she had no real idea as to how two hours had passed since she left her friends. 

  "The drinking. It's gotten out of control," Jasper said as everyone else was too afraid to say anything further. 

  "How?" she asked him, caught off guard. "I'm fine, my marks are fine—"

  "We're not talking about grades, Sel," Amana pointed out. "We're not trying to criticize you. We're just worried."

Draco, Pansy, and Blaise all stayed quiet from then on, each for different reasons. Blaise, although he cared very much about his friend, didn't know how to contribute to the conversation. Draco Malfoy was uncomfortable with the topic, and Pansy felt she definitely didn't know enough to help. 

  "Why?" she blurted out. "I'm perfectly fine."

  "No," Jasper insisted, "You're not."

  "Stop trying to create a problem that isn't there! I'm— I'm fine!" she stumbled over her words.

Selina had no idea how to prove that something didn't exist. Pansy looked worriedly at her boyfriend, scared that things might get worse. Draco just looked down at his plate, gulping as he  squeezed his eyes shut. 

  "You lost a week of your memory, Selina," Amana reminded her as gently as she could. "And now, two entire hours."

Draco and Pansy both exchanged worried looks as things continued to escalate. 

  "Hey, that could've happened to anyone! It wasn't my fault!" she exclaimed in disbelief, feeling that the argument wasn't fair.

Selina had done everything she could to be responsible, and to keep herself safe. She felt betrayed when her friends and her own boyfriend  accused her of being reckless. 

  "You got so high, you don't remember where you were for the past two hours. We were worried about you, Selina!" Jasper exclaimed out of frustration.

  "No, I didn't! I was perfectly fine when I left, I don't know what the fuck happened!" she yelled. "That's the truth!"

  "You don't even know what happened," Amana repeated her words, "Don't you think things are getting out of control?"

  "Hey, fuck you, you drink too!" Selina exclaimed.

  "Hey, hey, hey," Blaise murmured, trying to keep the conversation calm and civil.

  "I didn't lose my grandmother over the summer," Amana reminded her gently, as Draco shot her a look.

  "Fuck," Blaise muttered. 

  "Fuck you, Mana! You're my best friend!" Selina yelled. "Your mother got cheated on, and your house burned to the ground too, but I didn't hold it against you every time you drank!"

  "Because I don't drink as much as you, Selina!" Amana Tesfaye looked at her with her eyes burning. "I saw your closet. This summer, every time I went to your house."

Everyone in the group froze. 

  "I saw the bottles in your closet," Amana stated, feeling forced to out her friend.

  "All that proves is that you went through my shit!" Selina argued.

  "Selina, stop attacking Amana. She's just trying to help you," Jasper told her. "No one here is attacking you."

  "Stop treating me like a child!" she cried.

  "Stop acting like one, and we will," he replied smoothly.

  "And, there we have it," Blaise said finally.

  "I'm acting like a child?" Selina questioned, seething as she looked into his calm green eyes. "You're acting like a fucking arsehole!"

Jasper said nothing, his lips pursed together as he tried to deal with the scene that had been created. 

  "I don't know what happened the past two hours, and I know it didn't have anything to do with what I took today. I'm as confused as all of you," Selina Romanov insisted. "So either stop blaming it on me, or fuck off."

Before Jasper could say anything, she got up from the Slytherin table, pushing and shoving her way out of the hall. She stormed back to her dorm, her mind overwhelmed with anger and confusion. She truly had no explanation for what had happened, which made her think that it really had been the potion she'd took hours ago with her friends that caused her lapse in memory.