𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐉𝐎𝐊𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍, george weasley

034

THIRTY FOUR

Victoria Windsor wasn't the kind of person to sit idly by while a friend was hurting, but as the winter snow melted and the days grew longer, she found herself with little choice. Hagrid, one of the kindest souls at Hogwarts, was facing the loss of Buckbeak—the proud Hippogriff who had once bowed to her before their very first Care of Magical Creatures lesson. Now, because of a petty grudge from Draco Malfoy, Buckbeak was facing trial and possible execution.

It didn't help that things were... complicated with her friends. Or rather, one friend in particular.

"Come on, Victoria, we're meeting Hagrid in a bit," Hermione called, adjusting her bag filled with books. "He asked us to stop by."

Victoria glanced at the Gryffindor common room from where she stood, just near enough to see Fred and George sitting on the couch. George was slouched comfortably, flipping through a Quidditch magazine, and across from him sat Alicia Spinnet. Alicia was perched on the arm of the chair, leaning a little too close, laughing a little too hard.

Victoria's stomach tightened.

"Coming," she said quickly, pulling on her cloak and following Hermione through the portrait hole. She caught up with Harry and Ron, who were already halfway down the corridor.

"I thought you'd stay back with Fred and George," Ron said, glancing at her. "You've been spending a lot of time with them."

Victoria forced a smile. "I just... needed a change of scenery."

Harry raised an eyebrow but didn't press. The truth was, ever since Christmas, Alicia had been hovering around George more and more. Victoria told herself it was silly to care. They were friends. Just friends. But every time Alicia flipped her hair and George chuckled, Victoria found herself needing air.

Why the hell did she care?

Hagrid's hut was exactly what she needed. She could breathe there—away from the complicated mess of feelings she couldn't quite figure out.

When they arrived at Hagrid's hut, the door creaked open, and Hagrid's drooping face greeted them. His eyes were red-rimmed, and he looked like he hadn't slept in days.

"Oh, it's you lot," he said, stepping aside to let them in. "Come in, come in."

Victoria was the last to step through, and Hagrid placed a massive hand on her shoulder. "Thank yeh fer comin', Princess."

Victoria flinched at the title. "Just Victoria, Hagrid," she said softly. She hated the reminder of what she was—or rather, what she would be.

Hagrid nodded. "Right. Victoria."

Inside, the hut was warm but filled with an oppressive silence. Hermione immediately busied herself by making tea, and Ron and Harry sat down, exchanging uneasy glances.

Victoria walked over to Hagrid, who was staring into the fire. "We'll figure something out," she said, her voice determined. "We won't let them take Buckbeak."

Hagrid sighed. "It's Malfoy's word against mine. And yeh know what that means. Them Ministry folks... they don't care about a Hippogriff's life."

Harry stood up, his fists clenched. "It's not fair! Buckbeak didn't do anything wrong!"

"Except scratch that little git," Ron muttered.

"Well, he deserved it," Hermione said sharply, pouring tea into chipped mugs. "If he hadn't been so arrogant..."

Victoria accepted a mug from Hermione and sat beside Harry. "Hagrid," she said softly, "is there anything we can do? My mother... well, she has some influence. Maybe—"

Hagrid shook his head. "Nah, it's kind of yeh to offer, but it's a magical matter. Not sure even the Queen could fix this."

Victoria felt a pang of frustration. She wasn't used to feeling powerless. At home, people listened to her. Here, she was just another student—one who couldn't even help save a friend's beloved creature.

"I wish we could just hex Malfoy," Ron grumbled, taking a sip of tea.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "That's not helpful, Ron."

Victoria managed a small smile. "Tempting, though."

Hagrid chuckled weakly. "Appreciate the thought, but don't go gettin' yerselves in trouble on my account."

Later, as they made their way back to the castle, the four of them walked in relative silence. The sky was painted in soft shades of pink and orange as the sun began to set, and the warmth of spring was just beginning to creep into the air.

"Poor Hagrid," Hermione said quietly. "I don't know how he's holding up."

Harry shoved his hands into his pockets. "We have to do something."

Victoria was about to respond when a voice called from behind them. "Oi, Victoria!"

They turned to see Fred and George jogging toward them, their usual mischievous grins in place.

"Where've you been?" Fred asked. "We've barely seen you."

"Been busy," Victoria said, her tone light but guarded.

George looked at her closely. "Everything alright?"

"Of course," she said quickly. "Just helping Hagrid."

Fred nudged George. "Hagrid, eh? I told you she had a soft spot for tall blokes."

Victoria rolled her eyes, but her heart wasn't in it. She could feel George's gaze lingering on her, even as Fred launched into a story about a prank they were planning.

They walked back to the common room together, but as soon as they entered, Victoria saw Alicia again, waiting near the fireplace. The girl lit up when she saw George and quickly made her way over.

Victoria's heart sank.

"You know," Hermione whispered as they settled into a corner, "it's okay to feel how you feel."

Victoria glanced at her. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Hermione gave her a knowing look. "Sure you don't."

Across the room, Alicia was laughing at something George said, and Victoria felt a pang of something she couldn't quite name—jealousy? Longing?

Maybe both.

But why?

"I think I'll go to bed early," Victoria said, standing abruptly.

Harry looked up from his seat. "You alright?"

"Yeah," she said softly. "Just tired."

But as she climbed the stairs to the girls' dormitory, she couldn't shake the feeling that things were changing. And she wasn't sure she liked it.