Bad Romance : Theodore Nott

4: The Aces

[victoria's pov]

"Come on, Victoria! We need a break just this once," Fred said as George dragged me through the tunnels of Hogwarts.

The past few weeks had gone by pretty quick, as Theo and I had met up once a week like we agreed. And each time, he never failed to surprise me with more tactics to pass Snape's class. I had to admit he was rather smart–maybe one of the most clever Slytherins I knew. He almost could've passed for a Ravenclaw.

It also happened to be that we had history of magic and study of ancient runes together.

On the other hand, with Fred and George, they had shown up a total of four times only with reasonable excuses. Lately, they had been focusing a hunt for ageing potions as well, which is what got them into detention with Snape after they tried to raid his closet. But they got accused of stealing polyjuice potion at first, until it was discovered they were looking for an ageing potion, so I guess there was another potion thief in the school.

As the twins dragged me through the windy October air as I asked, "Why can't Magnus come with you two instead? I've got plenty of homework waiting for me."

"He said he's got studying to do," George answers. "Besides, he thinks we're doing homework in the common room."

"That's a first," I say, surprised. "He'd never skip an opportunity to Hogsmeade even if it meant detention."

Fred and George shrug with an, "Eh, beats us."

Fred pauses and holds up a hand, "Wait, we're going the wrong way, I can hear Filch around the corner."

He redirects us as George and I follow close behind.

"I miss Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs," George said, dragging me quicker.

"Hey," I say. "What if we had our own group of mischief? Us three and Magnus."

Fred and George look at each other and cock their heads. "What would we call ourselves?"

"The fun-tastic four!" I suggested.

"That's stupid," they chorused.

I scoffed and asked, "Okay, then what do you two suggest?"

We made it to the backroom of Honeydukes as they looked around and thought about it.

"I know, I know!" I suddenly figured, dragging Fred by the shoulders. "The Aces!"

"What now?" George asks.

"The Aces!" I exclaim. "There are four in a deck, remember? We'll go by the suits."

"Bet, I'm diamond," Fred claimed before George could.

"Damn it, I'm spade then," George said. "Victoria can be heart."

I didn't protest as we made our way to the Three Broomsticks. That made Magnus club. As the twins and I entered the toasty shop, we sat ourselves down and settled down by the counter. Fred and George ordered us butterbeers as I examined the pub, seeing that it was busier than usual.

As Fred and George chug down their drinks, I'm distracted when I see Milicent sitting with a Durmstrang boy. I almost gasp to myself when she sees me and I wave excitedly. She returns with a small wave as I face the twins again and they have a smirk on their face.

"What?" I ask.

"We've been wanting to talk to you about something," Fred said.

"Been about a few weeks now," George added. "Didn't think we'd notice, huh?"

I raise my brow. "What in the world are you two buffoons talking about?"

"Nott much," Fred says, wiggling his brows.