𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐉𝐎𝐊𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍, george weasley

009

NINE

By the time evening rolled around, the Gryffindor common room was buzzing with life. Students gathered in groups to chat, study, or play games, the fire crackling warmly in the hearth. Victoria sat on the rug near the fire with Fred and George on either side of her, Angelina and Alicia sprawled on the couch behind them. Lee was perched on an armchair, twirling his wand idly as he spoke.

"Honestly, I don't know how you lot survived summer without us," Fred said, throwing a crumpled piece of parchment at Lee.

"Survived?" Victoria said, raising an eyebrow. "I had peace and quiet, thank you very much."

George feigned offense. "You wound me, Your Highness."

"You're insufferable," she said, laughing.

"Insufferably charming," Fred corrected, nudging her with his shoulder.

Angelina rolled her eyes from the couch. "How do you put up with them?"

"She doesn't have a choice," George said.

"Exactly," Victoria replied, grinning.

As they laughed, a group of younger students passed by, whispering and stealing glances at Victoria. She pretended not to notice, focusing instead on the game of Exploding Snap Fred was trying to rope her into.

"Victoria," Alicia said, leaning over the back of the couch, "do you ever get used to that?" She nodded toward the retreating first-years.

"Not really," Victoria admitted, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "It's like being on display all the time. Except here, everyone's armed with wands."

"That's one way to look at it," Angelina said.

"At least here you've got us," George said, grinning. "We'll keep you humble."

"More like you'll be the reason I lose what little sanity I have left," Victoria said, laughing.

Just as the laughter died down, Hermione appeared, holding a copy of the Daily Prophet. "Look at this," she said, sitting down beside Harry and Ron, who were at a nearby table.

"What now?" Ron asked, sounding wary.

"Another report about mysterious attacks," Hermione said, spreading the paper out on the table. "It's all over the news. People are starting to get worried."

Victoria leaned over, catching a glimpse of the headline: Muggle-borns in Peril? Ministry Investigates String of Magical Incidents.

Her stomach tightened as she read the details. "Do you think this has anything to do with what happened last year?" she asked, glancing at Harry.

Harry frowned. "I don't know. It feels different."

"Different how?" Hermione asked.

Before Harry could answer, George clapped his hands. "All right, that's enough doom and gloom for one night," he said, standing up. "We've got an important tradition to uphold."

"And what tradition is that?" Victoria asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Introducing the first-years to our legendary Gryffindor pranks," Fred said, grinning mischievously.

"Oh no," Victoria said, standing quickly. "I am not getting involved in whatever chaos you're planning."

"Too late," Fred said, grabbing her hand and pulling her toward the portrait hole.

The rest of the evening was spent sneaking around the castle, leading a group of wide-eyed first-years on an impromptu tour that may or may not have included some enchanted suits of armor and a false ghost sighting courtesy of Lee.

Victoria found herself laughing more than she had in weeks, the stress of her royal duties and the whispers about her title melting away in the warmth of her friends' company.

As they finally made their way back to the common room, Fred threw an arm around her shoulders. "Admit it," he said. "You missed us this summer."

"Not even a little," she said, though her smile betrayed her.

"Liar," George said.

"Maybe just a little," she admitted, laughing.

Back in the common room, they all collapsed into their usual spots, tired but content. Victoria glanced around at her friends, feeling a sense of belonging she rarely experienced outside of Hogwarts.

"You lot are ridiculous," she said softly.

"And you love it," Fred replied, winking.

She didn't answer, but the warmth in her chest said enough.