𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐉𝐎𝐊𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍, george weasley

016

SIXTEEN

The roar of the Gryffindor crowd echoed through the stands as Harry grasped the Golden Snitch, ending the match with an exhilarating victory. Fred and George, along with Angelina, Alicia, and the rest of the team, were swept up in the cheers, their brooms raised high in celebration.

George beamed, nudging Fred as they landed. "We're unstoppable."

Fred laughed, pulling his friend into a one-armed hug. "What did I tell you? Gryffindor for the win."

Angelina was the first to land beside them, sweat plastering her hair to her forehead. "Brilliant catch, Potter," she called as Harry descended. "Even Malfoy couldn't ruin that one."

As they made their way back to the castle, the jubilant team chattered excitedly, but Fred suddenly stopped mid-step.

"Where's Tori?" he asked, looking around.

George frowned, scanning the crowd. "She was in the stands, wasn't she?"

"She said she'd meet us after the game," Angelina added, her voice tinged with concern.

Alicia's brow furrowed. "She's probably just waiting back at the common room. You know how she gets about avoiding the crowds."

But Fred and George exchanged uneasy glances. It wasn't like Victoria to miss celebrating with them, especially after a victory.

The mood shifted entirely when Professor McGonagall approached the group, her expression grave.

"Professor Dumbledore requests your presence in his office," she said, her voice unusually quiet.

"What's this about?" Fred asked, his stomach twisting.

McGonagall didn't answer, simply nodding for them to follow her. Harry, Ron, and Hermione exchanged worried looks, and George grabbed Fred's arm tightly. Angelina and Alicia fell silent, their earlier excitement gone.

The group followed McGonagall through the corridors in tense silence, their footsteps echoing ominously.

"What do you think this is about?" Ron whispered to Harry.

Harry shrugged, his mind racing. "No idea."

Fred's voice was sharp. "It's about Tori. I know it."

When they reached the stone gargoyle guarding Dumbledore's office, it sprang aside without a word, revealing the spiral staircase. The group ascended, their hearts pounding in their chests.

The door opened to reveal Dumbledore standing behind his desk, his expression unusually solemn. But it wasn't him that caught their attention—it was Diana, standing by the fireplace.

"Victoria's mum?" Angelina whispered, eyes wide.

Before anyone could say another word, Diana turned toward the group, her composure breaking the moment she saw Fred and George. Tears streaming down her face, she rushed over and enveloped the twins in a tight hug.

"Are you both all right?" she asked, her voice trembling. "You're safe, aren't you?"

Fred and George, usually so composed, both nodded mutely, their throats tight with emotion. Fred managed to croak, "We're fine, uh- your high-."

"-Diana," she corrected softly, pulling back just enough to cup their faces in her hands. "I couldn't bear it if anything happened to you. You're her family here."

George looked away, blinking rapidly. "Where's Tori?"

Dumbledore stepped forward, his tone heavy. "That's why I've called you here. I'm afraid Victoria has been petrified."

The words hit like a thunderclap.

"No," Fred said, shaking his head as if to deny it. "No, she—she was fine."

Diana's composure shattered further. "How could this happen?" she demanded, turning to Dumbledore. "I trusted you. Not as the Headmaster of this school, but as the man who promised me you would keep my daughter safe!"

Dumbledore inclined his head, his blue eyes shadowed with regret. "I understand your anger, Diana. I can assure you, every precaution is being taken to ensure no further harm comes to the students. But Victoria's unique position makes this matter even more urgent."

Diana's voice rose, trembling with rage. "Her unique position? You mean her title? I don't care about that right now. She is my daughter, Albus! My little girl. And she's lying somewhere in this castle, petrified, while you speak of politics and titles."

Fred and George stood frozen, their fists clenched at their sides.

"Can we see her?" George asked suddenly, his voice cracking.

Diana turned to him, her anger melting into tenderness. She placed a hand on his cheek, nodding. "Yes, of course. Go to her."

Dumbledore nodded gravely. "Madam Pomfrey is keeping her in the hospital wing. I'll arrange for you to visit."

Fred and George entered the hospital wing in silence, their usual joking demeanors gone. The sight of Victoria, stiff and lifeless on the hospital bed, sent a wave of grief crashing over them.

"She looks so small," George whispered, his voice trembling.

Fred swallowed hard, his hands gripping the foot of her bed. "Tori..."

They sat down on either side of her bed, neither saying a word for a long time. George reached out hesitantly, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

"You'll be all right," he said softly, as if she could hear him. "You always are."

Fred leaned forward, resting his forehead on the edge of the bed. "We'll fix this. I don't know how, but we will. You don't get to leave us like this, Tori."

Diana stood at the doorway, watching the twins with tears streaming down her face. She turned to Dumbledore, her voice barely above a whisper. "She's not just my love, Albus. She's theirs, too."

Dumbledore nodded solemnly. "She has a family here, Princess. One that will fight for her with everything they have."

Diana wiped her tears and stepped forward, placing a hand on each twin's shoulder. "Thank you," she said softly. "For loving her."

Fred looked up, his eyes red. "She's family."

George nodded, his jaw tight. "We'll do whatever it takes to get her back."

Diana squeezed their shoulders, her own resolve hardening. "Then we'll fight for her together."