𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐉𝐎𝐊𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍, george weasley

027

TWENTY SEVEN

The cold autumn evening settled over Hogwarts like a thick blanket, the castle glowing softly in the distance as Victoria made her way back from the Gryffindor common room. The warmth of the fire and the laughter of her friends had left her with a lingering smile, but a creeping chill in the corridors reminded her of the danger that lurked beyond the castle walls.

Sirius Black.

His name was whispered in hushed voices around every corner, from students to professors. The news of his escape from Azkaban still hung heavy in the air, and though Victoria tried to push it from her mind, she couldn't ignore the growing anxiety among her friends—especially Harry.

"Stay close to each other," Professor McGonagall had instructed them all more than once. "No wandering off alone, and no late-night strolls."

Victoria had taken those words to heart. She couldn't explain the protective instinct she felt toward Harry—it was as if she could sense something ominous, like a storm brewing on the horizon.

Fred, George, Angelina, Alicia, and Lee had invited her to stay up late at the Black Lake, playing Exploding Snap and recounting stories about their summer, but Victoria had excused herself. She wanted to check on Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

"He's fine," George had assured her, grinning as he shuffled a deck of enchanted cards. "We'd know if he wasn't."

"I know," Victoria had replied softly. "But I'd rather see for myself."

George had watched her leave, a flicker of concern crossing his face, but he didn't stop her.

Now, as she approached the portrait of the Fat Lady, Victoria's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of muffled footsteps behind her. She paused, glancing over her shoulder. The corridor was empty, the torches flickering quietly along the walls.

Relax, she told herself. It's nothing.

But her hand instinctively moved toward her wand hidden in her robes as she muttered the password and slipped into the common room.

Inside, the room was quiet, save for the soft crackling of the fire. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were seated in their usual spot near the hearth, books and parchment spread out around them. Harry looked up as she entered, a tired smile on his face.

"Victoria," he greeted. "Back so soon?"

She crossed the room and sat beside them, pulling her cloak tighter around her. "I wanted to make sure you were all right."

Ron snorted. "We're fine. No sign of Sirius Black hiding under the sofa or anything."

"Ron," Hermione scolded, "it's not funny. He could be anywhere."

Harry gave Victoria a reassuring look. "Really, I'm fine. You don't have to worry about me."

But she did worry. Harry had been through so much already—more than anyone should have to endure—and the thought of Sirius Black targeting him made her stomach twist in knots.

"Still," she said, her voice soft but firm, "I'd feel better knowing you're safe."

Harry opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, the portrait hole swung open, and Neville Longbottom stumbled in, looking pale and out of breath.

"Neville?" Hermione stood, concern etched on her face. "What's wrong?"

"It's—the Fat Lady!" Neville gasped, clutching a stitch in his side. "She's—she's gone! Someone slashed her portrait!"

The room fell silent.

Victoria's heart sank as a cold wave of dread washed over her. "What do you mean, gone?"

Neville pointed toward the corridor. "Her portrait... It's been attacked. Peeves saw it. He said... he said it was Sirius Black."

Ron's eyes widened. "He's here? In the castle?"

Hermione grabbed her wand. "We need to find a professor."

Before anyone could move, Professor McGonagall appeared in the doorway, her expression grim. "All of you, back to your dormitories. Now."

"But Professor—" Harry began.

"No arguments, Potter." Her voice was sharp, but there was a flicker of worry in her eyes. "Go. I'll take care of this."

Victoria stood with the others, her mind racing. As they were ushered back toward the staircase, she felt a tug on her sleeve. She turned to see George standing behind her, his usual playful expression replaced by concern.

"You heard that, right?" he whispered. "Black's inside Hogwarts."

"I heard." Her voice was steady, but her hands trembled slightly. "I need to make sure Harry's okay."

George's eyes softened. "He'll be fine. You're the one who needs to stay safe. You know how important you are."

"I'm not important," Victoria said quietly, glancing at Harry. "He is."

George opened his mouth to protest, but before he could, Fred appeared beside him, tugging him toward the boys' dormitory. "Come on, George. Let's go."

With one last glance at Victoria, George followed his brother, leaving her standing alone at the base of the stairs.

Later that night, as the Gryffindor Tower settled into an uneasy silence, Victoria lay awake in her four-poster bed, her thoughts racing. The image of the slashed portrait haunted her, and the idea of Sirius Black lurking somewhere within the castle sent a shiver down her spine.

She glanced toward the window, where the moon cast a silvery light across the room. Why now? she wondered.

A soft knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts. She sat up, heart pounding. "Come in."

The door creaked open, and George stepped inside, his hair tousled from sleep. "Couldn't sleep either?"

Victoria shook her head. "No."

She opened her mouth again to ask how he had gotten up the stairs, which should've turned into a slide when he stepped on them. She closed it though when she realised he had probably charmed his shoes to levitate.

"Are they asleep?" he asked, pointing to Alicia and Angelina, who were fast asleep.

She nodded in return and watched as he leaned against the doorframe, his eyes searching hers. "He's not going to get to Harry. We won't let him."

"I know," she whispered. "But... what if he does?"

George crossed the room and sat beside her, his presence warm and steady. "He won't," he said firmly. "We'll keep him safe. And we'll keep you safe too."

Victoria managed a small smile. "Thank you, George."

"Anytime, Princess." His usual teasing tone was absent, replaced by sincerity. "Now try to get some sleep. Tomorrow's another day, and knowing Fred, he'll have a hundred new ways to get us into trouble."

Victoria laughed softly. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

As George left the room, Victoria lay back down, her mind a little quieter, her heart a little lighter. She wasn't alone in this. And as long as she had her friends by her side, she knew she could face whatever danger lay ahead.