𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋𝐃 𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐒 || 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐖𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐋𝐄𝐘

T W E L V E.

The One Where Fred And Miles Clash.

As the January chill gently faded into brisk February days, all seventh year students stood out against all the other students. They were the ones with the overly heavy bags and the arms overflowing with books. They would accidentally bump into professors and other students in the halls, since they'd have their noses stuck in their textbooks, desperately trying to absorb the information into their brains.

"This exam can't be that hard," Kayla commented as she sat at the Slytherin table during a free period. Her transfiguration textbook was propped up against a goblet. She looked over at Claire, who was also studying heavily. "Right?" She asked.

"Right," Claire squeaked, which didn't ease Kayla's mind. Professor Flitwick had set up—what he called—a short and easy test to prepare his students for their upcoming NEWT exam. But neither Kayla or Claire felt anywhere near prepared.

"It's not an important exam, calm down," Jade, who also had a free period, sighed with a smile. "Why don't you have an actual conversation with us?"

"Blimey," Benjamin exclaimed, placed the letter from his mother he had just received. "Mum's got herself a boyfriend."

Kayla's mouth fell open. In all the time she'd known Ms Sawyer, there had never been a mention of a love life. Benjamin's father had left before his son was born, but Ms Sawyer was a strong, independent and very beautiful woman. She'd never seen the need for a man, but Kayla was thrilled to hear the woman she'd met over a dozen times had finally found someone to be with.

"That's so great," Kayla exclaimed. "I'm so happy for your mom."

Benjamin smiled, his eyes scanning the letter once again. "He's from Bulgaria, but moved here to work. That's how they met."

Benjamin then began to basically read the letter out in his own words, increasing the length drastically. He was obviously excited for his mother; she wouldn't be alone while he's away at school now.

"We better go Kayla," Claire cried. "We can't be late and fail this test!"

"You won't fail Claire," Kayla smiled, packing away her textbook. "Like Jade said, it's not very important."

Jade looked smug as she and Benjamin bid goodbye to Kayla and Claire. The two transfiguration students tested each other on their way to the classroom, which was already fairly full when they arrived.

Kayla watched as Claire moved to her usual seat next to Miles. Claire and Miles engaged in a friendly conversation and Kayla's mood deflated. She knew Claire was a naturally friendly person, but a part of Kayla wished Claire wouldn't be as nice to the guy who cheated on her.

Kayla slid into the seat next to Fred, who didn't greet her as cheerfully as he usually did. He hadn't spoken to her properly since they met in the dark corridor. Kayla sat beside him silently, looking around the room.

"Hey," Fred whispered. Kayla turned her head to see him smiling at her.

She smiled back. "Hey."

Fred looked away for a moment, seemingly gathering his thoughts. "Sorry about the other night. I just hadn't expected to be asked about my dad."

Kayla nodded slowly. "I'm sorry for asking so soon," she muttered. "I just- I wanted-"

"To take the focus off you?" Fred finished for her. Kayla scowled since that was not what she was about to say, but it was the truth. Fred titled his head to one side at her reaction. "You were upset that night," he stated.

"Just forget it Weasley," Kayla spat, turning her body away from him and keeping her eyes glued on the door. She was entirely glad when Flitwick walked in and stopped Fred from questioning further. Kayla didn't know if she'd be able to talk about Miles cheating on her without crying.