The Girl who lived

Chapter 18

Nothing big happened in the last few weeks. We all went to our classes, we practised with the DA, Fred, George and I worked on some new pranks and products for their store and Harry and I only talked to each other in private to convince Umbridge we were in a fight. So yhea, nothing special. Since her plan with me and my brother didn't seem to work, Umbridge decided to create an 'inquisitorial squad' where students could sign up to earn extra credit. Of course, only some Slytherins signed up for it since the others weren't thrilled with Umbridge and her rules. 
Things are a little weird between me and Fred but we decided to act like nothing happened to keep George happy. Although George seemed very distracted these days, I figured it was because of his N.E.W.T.S. coming up, so I didn't bother asking him what was happening. 

"So that's it for this lesson. Now we won't meet again until after the holidays, so keep practicing on your own as best as you can. And well done everyone, great work." Professor  Potter dismisses everyone after a few hours of practising. As everyone was leaving we all wished everyone a happy Christmas. Fred, George and I stayed behind to share our brilliant idea with my brother. "We've been thinking, Professor Potter. We could always slip Umbridge some puking pastels into her tea." I start. "Or fever fudge they give you these massive puss-filled balls," George suggests. "Sounds great guys," Harry says in a hurry. "And Bell stop calling me that, please?" He asks me, referring to 'Professor Potter'. "Would you excuse me?" He asks before turning around to walk towards Cho Chang. "Bet you five galleons she's gonna spend the night with him." Fred bet his brother. "Ew, Fred that's my brother," I remind him while I try to get that image out of my head. "You're on, brother." George accepted, making it harder to think of something else. So I decided just to turn to walk towards the common room, the two loving idiots following right behind me. "Make sure to do it safely," Fred winks at Harry before getting dragged along by his brother. 

The next day I studied in the Gryffindor common room with Hermione as George sat next to us experimenting with his products. "Damn it," George says as he messes something up. "Where is that idiot when you need him?" He asks more to himself. "What's wrong?" I ask because any excuse not to study is a good excuse, right? "It won't work. This is why Fred does these things." He says, not clearing up anything. "Where is Fred anyway?" I ask only now noticing I hadn't seen the boy all day. "No idea," George answers and as if on cue, Fred walks through the portrait, laughing with Angelina Jhonson. The two didn't even notice the people watching as they made their way upstairs. "I'm guessing they made up," Hermione says after the couple disappeared into Fred's room. "I'm going to get some fresh air," I exclaimed, shocked by what I had just witnessed.

I was sitting at the Astronomy tower, enjoying the view when I heard someone behind me. "Hey Georgie," I say not bothering to turn around. Without a word, he took place next to me. "You okay?" He asks, looking at me with a concerned look. "I'm fine," I lie and he knows it. "I'm sure it was not what it looked like," George tries to comfort me. "Thank you George but you don't have to defend him. He's a free man, he can do whatever he wants." I say resting my head on his shoulder. "I know. I just wished he wouldn't make that mistake over and over again." He says resting his head on top of mine. "He loves you, Bella. He just doesn't know it yet." George tries to convince me but he knows I'm not believing it.

"I think I might like someone," George breaks the comforting silence. I look up at him with a smile, waiting for more information. "I don't think it's mutual," He says with a sad smile. "You don't know unless you ask," I say. "You're the one to talk," He teases, lightly pushing my arm. "This isn't about me, is it?" I argue with a grin. "Tell me about her," I demand as I lay my head down on his lap, allowing him to play with my hair. "It's complicated. We're good friends and I don't want these feelings to affect our friendship but somehow it already has." He starts. "Or maybe it's just all in my head." He says looking down at me. "Come on you're friends with almost everyone. I'm gonna need more information than that." I say getting curious about his love interest. "What do you want to know?" He asks as he strokes my hair. "A name," I try, knowing he wouldn't fall for it. "I'm not telling you who it is. Not yet," He says with a smile. "Okay, What house is she in?" I asked something he would answer. "Gryffindore," He answers a little shy. "So I know her?" I ask with a smile, looking up at him. "Yhea, you do," He admits, making me smile even more. "What year?" I ask. "My year," He answers smiling to himself. "She must be very special, you haven't stopped smiling since you brought it up," I say teasingly. "Yhea," He laughed. "He is,"