filthy

Shy Smiles [chapter 26]

"I really don't think I can sit through another sorting ceremony," the Slytherin girl grumbled out.

All of Hogwarts' returning students stood just outside the Great Hall, fidgeting as they waited for the doors to open. Honestly, none of them really wanted to sit through the first half (the sorting ceremony), and that statement was especially true for those returning for their fifth, sixth, and seventh years.

It never changed. Kids would be sorted, some would be disappointed and others would be excited, and then they'd get to the feasting part. Also known as the only part people looked forwards to more and more the further they progressed in their schooling years.

"I don't want to hear it from you— who's only been doing this not even half as long as I have," Fred matched her grumblings. They both stood with their arms crossed and matching frowns like upset toddlers. "Six years. It's been six years."

"Godric help us all," George muttered quietly in agreement.

"The last time this has been eventful was—" Lee started but paused as he really started to think about it. "Huh, they seem to have merged together. I can't remember a single event from a specific sorting ceremony besides maybe my own..." He looked slightly troubled by the thought but quickly shook it off and changed topics. "So how late are we showing up at the Hufflepuff party?"

Hannah's brows rose, "There's a Hufflepuff party?"

"Yeah, we found out on the train," Lee nodded his head. He smirked and cupped his hands around his mouth as if to whisper a secret: "Y/n and Cedric were flirting!" A secret he whispered so loud everyone around them turned. Some in envy and some in surprise.

George looked at the Slytherin as if she'd grown seven heads while Hannah gasped and clapped her hands together. She looked excited, which was justified considering she hadn't heard of her best friend willingly flirting with other people. It had always been people flirting with her and y/n eventually giving in to whatever the person's desire was for her own fun.

Fred made a sour face, "And it was disgusting. Georgie, you're lucky you didn't see it."

"Oh my God!" Hannah squealed. She took her friend's hands in hers and jumped up and down excitedly. "Do you fancy him? Are you guys going to be a thing?!"

"Hannah, it was only one interaction," her friend monotoned to try and bring Hannah's energy back down. Even so, it was almost impossible to not notice the small smile on her face and the way she didn't deny either statement. At least, to Fred it was.

Fred turned the attention away from the Slytherin's possible interest in Cedric to the doors that were opening. "Let's get moving. I'm trying to sit as far back as possible."

"Why?" Lee asked.

"I'm a Weasley twin," Fred grinned and walked forwards as if that was answer enough. And quite honestly, it was.

Hannah shook her head in amusement, "Well you don't do anything stupid." Her sentence as addressing George, but her attention shifted when she heard Lee cough rather loudly. "You too, Lee."

"If you're going to be all lovey-dovey, then please have the decency to do it behind closed doors," Lee looked between the two before grabbing George's forearm and dragging him to the spot Fred had begun reserving for them.

"Goodbye, shnookums!" the other Slytherin called out, waving at Lee. "I'll miss you so dearly."

Lee turned around and reached for her, George continuing to pull him away and finish the job Lee started. "Even as the world prays on our downfall, my heart still yearns for you. A tragical love story, yet I will not give up on you. Farewell, my beloved!"