homesick ☆ f.weasley

.:06:.

"So let me get this straight," began George slowly. "You want to prank with us?"

Emmeline nodded feverishly. After she heard how funny Cedric found them, she was desperate to impress him.

"Why? You are aware we break the rules and you like rules a lot," Fred said.

"I'm sick of not living properly."

"What do you mean?" asked George. "You're not dying, are you?"

"No."

Fred and George exchanged a look. "We're still confused."

"I wish you could just see inside my head and then you'd get it," sighed Emmeline, shuffling her feet on the dusty Hogwarts floor.

"Well that's impossible so you're going to have to explain some more."

The girl paused. "I'm very forgettable. And you two are very memorable. I want to be more like you. I'm a coward, constantly living in fear. Cowards never really live. I want to really live."

The twins spluttered and Emmeline folded her arms in frustration and frowned. "If you won't help me fine!"

"We never said we wouldn't," Fred countered. "Me and my business partner must discuss first, we have always been a double act. We need to make this decision wisely." Fred grabbed his brother by the arm and pulled him to one side. They immediately locked themselves in a hushed yet heated discussion.

"We can't just let anyone in," George was whispering, wondering why Fred all of a sudden wanted to become a trio.

"I know, I know. But think about it. Filch glowers every time he sees us. All the professors do. They just automatically know we are up to something. No one will suspect her. Plus she has brains, she could help us think of a way to get past Dumbledore's age line!"

"I guess. She might be just what we need to advance to the next level." George stroked his chin thoughtfully.

"We don't have to tell her everything, just help her come out of her shell a little bit."

George nodded. it had always just been the two of them; for some reason he felt rather envious that there would now be three more often.

They returned to Emmeline and told her the plan. "Meet us after lunch."

"But I have Transfiguration after lunch."

"So do we."

Emmeline's features rearranged into a disapproving scowl. "I'm not skiving lessons," she said firmly.

George turned to face his brother. "Fred, I knew she would be too much of a good girl to skive."

"No, it's not that," argued Emmeline slowly. "Actually, no, it's exactly that. I care about my education. I need a good job."

Fred and George frowned simultaneously. "Are you saying we aren't going to get a good job?"

Emmeline inhaled, carefully deciding her words. "Think about it, how many successful people do you know who haven't had a good education?"

"We are having a good education," Fred argued hotly.

"We're just focusing on our business idea," George contributed.

"I'll believe it when I see it, boys. For now, I'm going to pack my bag ready for Transfiguration." Emmeline bustled off, feeling rather exposed after having that conversation with the twins.

"Fred, she's like our mother. I don't want to hang around with her everyday if it's just going to be like spending time with mum," George said once Emmeline had disappeared.

"I have hope in her," Fred smiled. "You trust me, don't you?"

"Of course."

☆

When Angelina timidly confirmed her and Lee were official, the news spread excitedly around Hogwarts like wildfire. It was almost as discussed as the Triwizard Tournement. George was visibly distressed by this and continuously formed excuses whenever they showed their affection towards each other.

"Is George okay?" Angelina asked anxiously at dinner, as he mumbled his third reason to leave the group of Gryffindors that day. "Its weird not seeing you two together."

The bewitched ceiling reflected pale orange hues and a sheets of chilly rain fell; reminding them that winter was imminent.

"Oh yeah, he's just feeling a bit ill," Fred lied smoothly.

"I hope he gets better soon!" Angelina said. Her and Lee exchanged a knowing look and uttered something about needing to do some homework. Swiftly, they got to their feet and left.

"Lucky you, being left to spend time with me," Fred said.

"Actually, I wanted to speak to you, just us," she answered.

This piqued Fred's interest as he raised a brow. Emmeline rooted through her bag, brandishing a large book proudly. "I think I've found a way you and George can enter the tournament." She opened the book, flicking desperately through the yellowing pages. "I'm not saying it's a good idea you enter-"

"But you think it's fine for Cedric to? I see how it is, Walshaw."

"It's not that I don't think you can do it. Actually no it is, Cedric's stronger than the both of you put together," said Emmeline dreamily.

Fred sputtered a laugh. "Wow, I'll try not get too offended."

"Good because it wasn't supposed to be offensive. I'm just stating the facts."

"You do know the challenges don't revolve around strength don't you?"

"I just don't think it's a good idea. Although, eternal glory would be great for your business..."

"The business will be fine anyway."

Fred expected the girl to argue or at least, express a thousand worries surrounding it.

"I have to say I am rather impressed with your products. You're actually very clever."

Fred blushed slightly. "Why the tone of surprise?"

"You always surprise me."