American Teen [George Weasley Love Story]

Back to School

I was walking with Tonks on the way to King's Cross Station. We had grown really close over the weeks I spent at Grimmauld place. She was hilarious and could entertain me for hours with her own Hogwarts stories. She reminded me a lot of the twins. As we were walking, we talked about her seventh year when she asked me, "What's going on between you and George?"

I looked over at my best friend. "Nothing, why do you ask?"

"I see the way he looks at you. We all do. It's obvious he wants you. But you're harder to read. I see you looking at him a lot, but not the same way George looks at you. My theory is that you're denying your feeling for him. I don't why you would. He seems funny and not to mention pretty attractive. What's stopping you?"

"Honestly?" I sighed. I was still looking at him. "I don't know."

---

The whole train ride I couldn't stop thinking about my conversation with Tonks. I couldn't date George. I couldn't. But there's nothing stopping me. Every excuse I come up for in my head makes no sense. What if he doesnt like you. It's quite obvious he does. I sat there for an hour making a pros and cons list for him. Pros: Hot, athletic, funny, kind, caring, knows me better than anyone....... cons: the fight last year. But even that con I tell myself-he's changed. And before I knew it I found myself staring at him. He got a haircut this summer and he looks gooooood. Like really good. He looked good with long hair too, but this haircut. Damn.

"What're thinking about Mags?" Fred asked me. Shit.

"Oh um the future. This is our last year at Hogwarts. I'm not sure if I'm ready to face the world." Ok that was believable.

"Really? Mags, you're like the strongest person I've ever known. There's no way you wouldn't thrive out there. And don't you already know you want to be a healer? I bet within 5 years of graduation you'll be the head healer and be happily married to whoever you want. No one could resist you" George smiled. Married to you. Fuck. What was that. Did I just say I wanted to marry George? Oh no Oh no. Tonks was right.

"Yeah there's no need to worry, Mags. No one could resist you." Fred playfully winked at me and George, who had thrown an arm around my shoulder. I grew tense at his touch, something that had never happened before.

"Stop it Fred." Angelina said, slapping his arm. "Anyways, you're legit perfect Margaret. The twins are right."

"Yeah, and we can be healers together!" Katie stated enthusiastically. We had talked about our dreams and it turns out she wanted to be one too.

"Anyways, I still need to find out what to do about quidditch. I was made captain this year since we didn't have it last year." Angelina said.

"ugh, don't bring that up. I still can't play." Alicia huffed, sinking further into Lee's chest. They had gotten together over the summer.

"Maybe you can be a commentator with me, Ali" Lee said. "Of course, you won't be as effortlessly hilarious and brilliant as I am, but with some work you'll get there." Alicia shot him a glare.

"That's so exciting that you're captain Angelina! I can't wait. Margaret, didn't you mention you play? You should try out for the open chaser position!" Katie practically squealed. "Imagine how fun that would be-you, me, Angelina, Fred, and George all on the same team."

"That would be really fun. I feel bad for whoever the keeper is and Harry. They'll be so left out. But no matter who the keeper is, there's no stopping this power team right here." I replied, a smile on my face. It would be nice to play with all my friends. "And Alicia, you could be the team manager or something. I don't know if those exist, but it wouldn't be fair if you're the only one not participating."

"I'll consider it, thanks Margaret" Alicia smiled my way. I returned it. I had a feeling this was going to be a good year. I had great friends, I was trying out for chaser, it was my last year, and I was on the verge of having a new boyfriend.

---

We sat in the Great Hall eagerly gulping down the food. It's always amazing no matter what. I had finally gotten used to the strange British food over the last year. During dinner Angelina, Alicia, Katie, and I were talking quidditch strategy while the twins were showing Lee some new products.

After we had all finished eating, Dumbledore stood up to give his speech. "Welcome everyone to another year at Hogwarts! I would like to once again remind everyone that the Forbidden Forest is off limits. Mr. Filch has updated the list of items banned from Hogwarts. All items can be found on a list on his office door. I am pleased to announce two changes in the teaching staff. Professor Grubby Plank will be filling in for Hagrid." That made me sad. I liked Hagrid and, while his lessons were dangerous, they were always very amusing. "And our new Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher, Professor Umbridge" Light applause sounded from across the tables. 

"Hem Hem" A sound from the teacher's table. Who would be rude enough to interrupt Dumbledore's speech? My question was quickly answered when a short woman dressed head to toe in a ruffly pink outfit came up to the podium. Elle Woods would be shocked.

"Thank You Headmaster, for those kind words of welcome. And how lovely to see all your bright...happy faces smiling up at me." Absolutely no one was smiling. Most were glaring actually. "I'm sure we're all going to be very good friends."

"That's likely" the twins said in unison. I burst out laughing and had to cover it up with a cough. Prof. Umbridge glared at me. I smiled back with murder in my eyes. She resumed her speech.

"The Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of young witches and wizards to be of vital importance, Although, each Headmaster has brought something new to this historic school...progress for the sake of progress must be discouraged." What's that supposed to mean? Shouldn't we always try to be better, no matter what? That's the American motto. Just do it. No consequences. 'Murica. Maybe it's different here, but based on other people's looks I'm guessing that's just an Umbridge thing. "Let us preserve what must be preserved. Perfect what must be perfected. And prune practices that ought to be prohibited." There were so many p's in that I wonder if she was trying to send a message.

As Prof. Umbridge walked back to the teacher's table, I saw McGongall glare at her. Queen M. I caught her eye and smiled. She smiled back. I love her. And if McGongall doesn't like Umbridge, that means I definitely won't.

"Thank you, Professor, for that illuminating speech."

"oh yes quite illuminating. It made perfect sense. Perfect, progress, prohibit, prune. Got it" I rolled my eyes. George heard me mutter that under my breath and laughed at me.

"Why would she even make a speech? It made no sense." Fred questioned.

"It wasn't supposed to be easy to follow. She couldn't explicitly state what it was about." I told Fred.

"and what is it about?" George asked, a look of concern on his face.

I sighed as I broke apart a piece of bread. "The Ministry is interfering at Hogwarts."

"But why would they do that?" Katie asked me.

"Did you read the papers? They don't believe Voldemort is back." Everyone cringed at the name. "They're here to stop us from rising up and trying to fight back. Obviously by any means necessary." I stared at the pink abomination. I had a feeling she was going to be an obstacle to  my best year ever.