Scratches (Fred Weasley)

(130) Expecto Patronum

The next day, reality started to set back down again. Ravenclaw had one more game for the year, that being against Hufflepuff. With their current standing, currently at third place with the number of overall points, Florence hung to the hope of still being able to snag the Quidditch Cup, if they won against Hufflepuff and close the game with atleast three hundred points. For the mean time, she decided to busy herself with academics, giving Hufflepuff and Gryffindor their chance to use the pitch.

Fred and George looked exhausted from where they sat at the Gryffindor table, their foreheads pressed against the surface of the table as Florence glanced their way curiously. Her brows furrowed together, as they were usually very chatty in the morning. Momentarily abandoning breakfast, she sauntered over to where the twins sat, catching Lisa's gaze momentarily, who looked like she was holding back a snicker.

"Fred, George? Are you quite alright? I couldn't help but notice—"

"Love, please stop shouting," Fred groaned, clutching at his temple, puzzling Florence, "I'm not shouting...?" she replied, beginning to question if she was, infact, speaking louder than she was supposed to.

She heard Lisa clear her throat, Florence once more averting her attention to her, who pointed to a whole row of other people who didn't look too okay, including Angelina, who looked downright miserable, "Hangover," Lisa mouthed, before picking up her glass of milk and taking a sip from it.

Florence raised her brows, immediately understanding. She placed a hand on Fred's shoulder, rubbing comfortingly, "Poor thing," she mumbled, "If only someone had told you not to get too drunk, yeah?"

George snorted at this, Florence huffing, "Don't think you aren't part of this, too."

"Can we move out study session to another day? I could use a nap on my free period." he begged.

"Fine," Florence conceded without putting up any argument, figuring they wouldn't really be able to get anything done with throbbing headaches.

The rest of the week went by the same way it had started. Homework was piled high by Friday afternoon, as Umbridge decided to be extra generous, claiming that by giving them more this week, it would decrease the work load they had for the next week.

They had another DA meeting that night as well, Harry picking up on their patronus lesson from the last time. This lifted their spirits, as DA meetings were something everyone always looked forward to.

"Here's hoping I finally get to see my corporeal patronus tonight," Nicolai whispered as she and Florence were tiptoeing to the room of requirements. Florence had shushed her multiple times on their way, however, nothing seemed to stop her from doing so. "I have a few memories that I think will do the trick."

"Lovely, Nic..." Florence sighed, not really appreciating the small talk while they were trying not to get caught sneaking out of curfew. This is why she liked being with Xander, however, he had prefect duties that he couldn't really skip.

A slight scuffle of footsteps caught Florence's attention, immediately pushing Nicolai back against the wall. "Shh!" she whispered, clamping a hand over her mouth for precaution. Several minutes passed, Florence not being able to catch any sign of movement.

"Okay," she whispered, "We have to go. Fast. We're already so late. And stop talking this time, will you?"

Nicolai nodded, before following her, tiptoeing with every step.

"There you two are!" Hermione exclaimed as soon as the duo came into the door, a worried expression on her face, "We were worried that you two might've gotten caught."