A prank war is all it takes for a wild and carefree Gryffindor to change an isolated Hufflepuff's perspective on life and teach her that they are more alike than she thinks.
Companion books:
- Other Eyes (Ginny Weasley)
- Gravity (Percy Weasley)
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Maxine was ashamed to admit that when she arrived to her dormitory, she spent too much time messing with her hair, picking a jumper that didn't look as frumpy as the one that she was already wearing, and putting on boots that looked far less shabby than the trainers she had been wearing. There's no logical reason that she did this, and she really didn't want to think to much more about it as she tucked her hair behind her ears and pulled on her knitted hat.
Maxine shrugged on her jacket and looked in the mirror once more. Hopefully this trip to Hogsmeade with Fred didn't prove to be catastrophic. She left her dormitory, wrapping her Hufflepuff scarf around her neck and suddenly hoping that she did not run into Tamsin or Heidi on her way out.
Fred was already waiting by the doors to the courtyard, bundled up in sweater and jacket. Maxine could see that his dark green sweater had an F on it. He was leaning against the stone wall, picking at a loose thread on his jacket.
"Took you long enough," Fred grinned as he saw her approach. "I was thinking of starting a solo snowball fight. I think I would have won."
Maxine rolled her eyes. "I was debating whether going with you was a good idea."
He pressed a hand to his chest, mock-offended. "You would me, Maxine. I promise, as before, no pranks. Scout's honor."
"I doubt you were ever a scout."
"Details," he said cheerfully, as he pushed the door open and held it open for her. "After you, Miss Skeptical."
The two stepped out onto the snow covered ground, their boots crunching softly against the frozen path. The walk to Hogsmeade was quiet and calm. Maxine stayed stuck in her thoughts, wondering what it specifically was that led her to invite Fred to Hogsmeade. Is she betraying her friends, technically fraternizing with the enemy? What would she and Fred even talk about?
As they reached the village, Fred began to narrate their route as if he were given a guided tour. "And over here," he said, gesturing is to the Hogsmeade Post Office, "Is the zoo of owls. Be warned, they do not let you mail toilet seats. And there," he pointed to a bench that sat outside of Madame Puddifoot's Tea Shop, "is where George and I once tried to sell singing roses on Valentine's Day. The roses may or may not have just screamed."
Maxine couldn't help but smile as Fred continued to tell the insane stories of him and George.
The village was busy as they walked down the street. Students bustling from shop to shop; snow was beginning to fall gently and wind was beginning to blow, so they were trying to get into the warmth of shops. Maxine slowed as they passed Honeydukes, taking in the smell of chocolate and the bright the sound of laughter echoing through the window. She hesitated, staring at the rows of sweets and Ambrosius Flume enchanting chocolate frogs to hop through the air.
Was this what Tamsin was wanting? For her to go with them to Hogsmeade and spend every Knut and Sickle on candy?
Fred caught her pause and tilted his head. "Come on," he said lightly, grabbing her arm and steering gently away. "There's something better than Honeydukes."
