The Mudblood

Chapter 70 : Year 4

I refused to talk to Draco Malfoy for the rest of the evening, even though he insisted on discussing what form of punishment I should receive for my rebellious pranking. Instead I locked myself in my dormitory and snubbed all of my roommates, including Astoria who had about a million questions. Apparently I "smelled like I'd just snogged someone," which had her convinced that I had actually snogged someone, though how she knew that particular scent was a mystery.

But, even though I was completely infuriated with Malfoy for sprawling himself on top of me in that closet and I was frustrated that George did not believe that I'd never willed any of that to happen, I didn't let my negative feelings deter me from the comedy that was sure to ensue on that Tuesday morning.

When I walked into the Great Hall with Astoria, Ashley, and Melody, I was unpleasantly surprised to see that neither Umbridge nor Snape were seated at the staff table, meaning I would not have the opportunity to make a spectacle of my two least favorite teachers in front of the entire school. Instead of dwelling on this minor disappointment, however, I left my three roommates and hurried over to the Gryffindor table, where I approached a chatting group of seventh years. Angelina and George were having a lighthearted conversation, and Lee waved as soon as he saw me. Fred was absent from the group since he was giving out Skiving Snackboxes to some second years at the other end of the table, and luckily he hadn't spotted me yet. Just seeing him sent a sharp pang of remorse and guilt through me, one that would endure regardless of his knowledge of last night's unwanted events.

After giving Lee a mild wave, I positioned myself behind George and Angelina and cleared my throat. While Angelina's jovial smile remained at the sight of me, George's face faded into a grimace.

"Er-Fred, could I have a word?" I asked rather timidly.

"Thanks for saying hello, Lainey," Angelina joked casually. My lips twitched into a forced smile, though it was impossible to sustain because of the unusually hostile expression on George's face: his lips were pressed into a hard, neutral line, and his eyebrows were narrowed with clear mistrust.

"Sorry, Angelina," I replied cordially. "Nice to see you... Er-Fred, now please?"

After sending a wary glance in the real Fred's direction, George reluctantly stood from his seat and gave his girlfriend a dull wave before following me over to an empty corner of the Great Hall. A few eyes lingered on us as we went, though no one we knew paid us much mind as we huddled in the shadow of a gargoyle statue.

"We need to talk," I whispered, my eyes darting around nervously, "about last night."

George stiffened, but he did not seem surprised about the subject. "Well, what of it?"

"Malfoy snuck in before Snape came," I explained rapidly. My heart was pounding from the direness of the situation, yet George seemed coldly calm. "He threatened to tell Snape what I was doing-and then Snape came so I panicked and shoved Malfoy into the closet to hide. I didn't think he would try to...snog me...or whatever..."

George snorted, his posture mollifying slightly. "Or whatever... Judging by Malfoy's character, I'm sure he would have tried a bit more than just snogging if he got the chance... Even if you are Muggle-born, Malfoy does like to believe he has power over others, doesn't he? Foul git, he is... Well, I believe you, anyway. Thought about it a lot after you two left. It's just so obvious that you fancy Freddy. Can't imagine that you'd go off snogging anyone else..."

"Oh George!" I gushed before excitedly wrapping my arms around his torso. It only took me a brief second to realize how odd this may look, and I quickly withdrew, straightening myself and composing my facial expression. "Erm-sorry-I just-thought you'd never believe me or forgive me-"