Equation of you [ George Weasley ]

Chapter eight

Chloe's life had become significantly less fun after she was kicked out of the Advanced Arithmancy class. She had much more free time now, and she wasn't planning on spending any of it on studying for other classes. Instead she had come way further with translating Fred and George's book. She had managed to find some useful recipes, though many of them needed further testing.

Chloe was rather excited for the testing. She had tried finding some people that were willing to volunteer as test subjects, but it was to no avail. Unfortunately, she had to wait until Christmas break was over for the rest of the testing process. All of her friends had gone home for the holidays, but since Remus had to stay at Hogwarts, Chloe had to as well. On top of that it was the full moon, so Chloe was appointed to the other students that had to stay at Hogwarts, namely Harry Potter and his friends.

Harry Potter was quite nice, and Chloe and him got along well. The two of them and Ron shared a hatred towards Snape, giving them enough inspiration for a brainstorming session to get their Professor back. Ron and Harry weren't too keen on having to do the pranking themselves, and since Chloe wouldn't have to take his class next year, they decided she and the twins should do all the pranking. Hermione wasn't enjoying these conversations one bit, so Chloe eventually decided to leave the three of them alone.

Because Christmas had been quite boring, Chloe was even more excited when her friends returned to Hogwarts. Of her friends, Fred and George were at least just as excited as Chloe was, for when Chloe was on her way to her dorm, she got pulled aside by the twins in the Common Room.

Chloe let out a soft yelp at the surprising movement when the twins pulled rather hard on her sleeve.

"Sorry about that, but we need to have an emergency stake-holder meeting." Fred explained.

Chloe was secretly excited that the twins seeked her out after the Christmas break, but she tried her hardest to hide it. "What's up?"

Fred and George shared a look of excitement that Chloe had only ever seen in four year olds. "You say it." George nudged.

"No you can say it, I know you want to." Fred encouraged.

"I'm not a child, you can say it." George argued.

"Well, if you really don't min-"

"We finished the recipe for the Nosebleed Nougats!" George gleefully interrupted his brother. "And we've put up posters where people can sign up to be test subjects."

Fred turned to his brother with a look of offence and hit him in the arm. "You said I could tell her!"

George scoffed. "Fred, get over it, you're behaving like a child."

Chloe could barely keep in her laughter during the entire exchange, though she genuinely was proud of them for finishing the recipe. She hadn't expected them to keep her engaged in the rest of the process, but she was happy they did. "That's great! Did many people sign up?"

"Some, about seven, all first years."

The trio was interrupted by someone clearing their throat rather dramatically. Chloe turned around to see Percy Weasley, an annoyingly smirk expression on your face. "You three are wanted by Professor Dumbledore. In his office." He took another rude pause as if he needed time to enjoy the trio's sour faces. "Now."

Fred and George were about to say something, something rude probably, but Chloe spoke first. "I don't see any reason as to why he must speak to us, we did nothing wrong." She took one look at the twins standing behind her. "Or at least, I didn't."

Percy shook his head, the small smile still obvious. "I would go quickly if I were you, or else I will make you have Prefect duties on Hogsmeade Saturday again."

Chloe rolled her eyes. She decided he was right and walked away, but not without purposely bumping into his shoulder first. "Power abusive prick." She hissed at him.

Fred and George followed her, seeming content enough with her insult so that they didn't have to say anything themselves. Chloe had never been called into Dumbledore's office like this. Her hesitation led to Fred overtaking her and leading the way to the office.

George matched Chloe's pace to walk next to her. "Don't worry Clover," he spoke softly, "we'll take the blame if he's pissed."

Chloe shot him a grateful smile. After her argument with Professor Vector, she wasn't exactly looking forward to being on another Professor's bad side. Fred guessed the password correctly and the trio was allowed entry to the office.

Dumbledore didn't look angry at all when they came in. "Ah, there are three of my most creative students."

Chloe frowned at him, and confusedly took a seat beside Fred and George.

"Fancy a Nougat? I've heard you are quite fond of those." Dumbledore offered as he held out a box full of nougats.

Chloe and George politely declined, but Fred grabbed one with a big smile on his face. "Thanks man!"

"Why are we here?" Chloe asked bluntly, not interested in Dumbledore wasting any of her time. Not that she had better things to do, but she really felt like taking a nap.

"Ah of course. Miss Lupin, patience has never been your strong suit." Chloe rolled her eyes but decided it was not worth getting angry about. "Anyway," Dumbledore continued, "I had the pleasure of speaking to the Headboy, your brother," Dumbledore nodded to Fred and George, "and he informed me of a sign up list for scientific experiments?"

"I wouldn't call it scientific experiments, sir." Fred argued.

"The opportunity to be a part of a creative breakthrough." Chloe explained.

George nodded in agreement, "An entirely different thing, and by no means illegal."

Dumbledore nodded with a small smile. "Good. I agree. I trust you three will keep it safe and prioritise the health of everyone involved?"

The three nodded. "Is that all, Professor?" Chloe asked, pleased with how the conversation was going.

"Not quite. I am aware of the conversation you, Miss Lupin, had with Professor Vector recently." Dumbledore explained.

Chloe sucked air through her teeth as she remembered both of their childish behaviour. "Yeah, that was fun."

"She is willing to forget about it and place you back into the Advanced Arithmancy class."

"Great!"

"That is, if you'll apologise to her."

Chloe felt Fred and George's eyes burning into her head as they waited for her response. Chloe's pride meant a lot to her, but if she ever wanted to prove her being right to the Professor, she had to do so in the advanced class. Chloe took her glasses off and dramatically rubbed her temples in thought. "Fine." she mumbled.

"Wonderful, then you may all go back to your day." Dumbledore ended the conversation.

Fred faced Chloe as they walked out of the office. "I expected more of you Clover, giving up like that."

Chloe frowned. "That's not fair. I need that class to actually get a job later, and it might help me with translating your little recipe book."

George smiled at her. "I'm sure it'll be fine. We could always try slipping her a Nosebleed Nougat, then we'll have our first test subject."

Chloe grinned proudly. "Sounds like a plan."