𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋𝐃 𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐒 || 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐖𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐋𝐄𝐘

F O U R T E E N.

The One In The Library.

The remainder of February flew far too quickly, and the thought of the upcoming exams was really starting to hit the seventh year students. During every free period, Kayla spent her time in the library like many of the other students. The castle was slowly starting to warm up and the sound of spring rushed through the open doors. Kayla longed to be outside, catching the first rays of sun of the year, wanting to tan her pale Malfoy skin. But she rushed straight past the exit, heading towards the library.

Her name was called by a male voice and, of course, Fred came bounding up to Kayla like a puppy. Kayla gave a small smile at his excited demeanour, instead of her usual scowl.

"Where's your other half?" Kayla asked as Fred fell into step with her. "It's usually like you're attached at the hip."

"Fun fact, we suspect we were conjoined at one stage," Fred said, turning his head to look fully at Kayla. "But he and Lee are doing something. While I'm here."

"And why are you here?" Kayla asked. Fred didn't speak for a few moments, just studying her. Kayla wasn't a short person, but she felt small beside Fred. She suspected she could lay her head on his shoulder if she went into her toes—not that she wanted to.

"I was just in the area," Fred shrugged and Kayla rolled her eyes, not believing him at all. "Where are you going?"

"To the library," Kayla hummed, tearing her eyes from Fred's and looking forward while they walked. "To meet Jade to study."

Fred's eyebrows shot up, almost hidden behind the ginger hair that fell onto his forehead. "Zabini? You're still friends with her?"

"Um yeah," Kayla shrugged. "Course I am."

"But wasn't she hanging out with your ex?" Fred asked, trying to catch Kayla's eyes again but she refused to face him. "That doesn't sound like too good a friend to me."

"She'll have a valid explanation I'm sure," Kayla stated. "You should stay out of other people's business, Weasley."

Fred seemed taken aback, for her fell silent for a bit. "Why don't you call me Fred?" he asked. "I can you Kayla."

"Which I don't approve of," Kayla pointed out, glancing at him. He was already looking at her without any emotion.

Fred's blank face soon returned to his usual cheeky one. "But we're friends. You saved my life, which I haven't had the chance to thank you for."

Kayla was confused for a moment, and showed she was with furrowed eyebrows. "Oh," she realised. "You're not talking about Miles I hope."

"Of course I am," Fred exclaimed. His eyes glanced down the hall, where the entrance to the library was looming. "Didn't you see the deathly look in his eyes? He was bound to kill me if you hadn't stepped in."

Fred was smirking, which made it clear to Kayla he was being his usual playful self. "Please," Kayla chuckled. "Miles was stupid for starting that duel. There was no way he was winning."

"Because my duelling skills are the best?" Fred asked, raising his eyebrow.

"Don't be so cocky," Kayla scolded gently. "You're not that good. I could beat you easily."

"Name a time and place," Fred said casually. "And we'll duel."

They came to a stop outside the library. Kayla swung her body around to face Fred, who was looking down at her with a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. "I'm not wasting my time on a stupid duel."

"You seem scared," Fred teased, moving closer to her, as if trying to intimidate her.

Kayla didn't feel an ounce of intimidation. "I don't get scared Weasley."

Kayla turned around and entered the library. Fred called something out after her that Kayla didn't hear, but she expected it was another cheeky and teasing remark.

Kayla found Jade at a table a short way into the library. The dark skinned girl was slumped in her seat, her textbooks closed.

"Sorry," Kayla apologised, in case Jade thought she took too long. "I got distracted."

"No problem," Jade chirped and Kayla sat down beside her, confused. Usually, Jade would pry into Kayla's business, demanding to know what—or who—had distracted her.

Kayla had barely opened her book when Jade spoke up again. "I've been talking to Miles."

Kayla eyed her friend and hummed in suspicion.

Jade sat up straight in her wooden chair, leaning towards Kayla. "He's finding the breakup really hard. Won't you give him another chance?"

Kayla's mouth dropped open, and she felt unable to speak for a few moments. Eventually, she swallowed harshly and glanced around the room. "You know he cheated me on, right?"

"I know," Jade sighed, as if Kayla was making a big deal out of nothing. "But he still really wants to be with you."

"If he wanted to be with me, he wouldn't have cheated, Jade," Kayla spat back, crossing her arms across her chest. Jade opened her mouth to reply, but she got distracted by someone standing behind Kayla.

Turning around, Kayla caught the eyes of Benjamin and Claire, who were obviously planning on studying together. They shared a look before slowly approaching Kayla and Jade, obviously feeling like they had to join them.

Benjamin muttered a greeting as they sat down. An awkward silence surrounded the group. Claire and Jade had hugged and apologised after their last argument, but it wasn't a true apology. Kayla felt a pang of sadness as she struggled for something to say; she didn't want to believe their friend group was slowly falling apart.

"You guys were talking about Miles?" Benjamin tried.

"And you were listening to our conversation?" Jade replied. "I'm not surprised."

"Well it's not like you were trying to be quiet about it," Claire shot back, and Kayla sighed. Claire was usually such a kind and soft spoken person, but lately and because of Jade, the strawberry blonde girl could turn irritated at any moment. "And besides, Kayla is not getting back together with Miles."

"You don't get to make that decision," Jade argued. "You don't even know the whole story."

"The whole story?" Claire repeated. "Miles cheated and doesn't deserve another chance; only an idiot would think so."

"Don't call me an idiot!" Jade cried, pulling out her wand, which made Benjamin and Kayla stand from their seats and attempting to calm the two girls down. "You're no match for me Claire."

"You sure about that?" Claire asked, raising her pale eyebrows. "Go on. Hex me. I dare you."

"No one will be hexing anyone," Benjamin exclaimed. "Jade put down your wand."

Jade scoffed. "Of course you defend her. You-"

"And what is going on here?" came a feminine voice, one that made Kayla internally groan. Professor Umbridge had approached the group with a Dark Arts book clutched in her chubby hands. "A duel? This is not acceptable."

"Professor!" Jade exclaimed, hiding her wand behind her back. "It's not what you think! I-"

"Tusk tusk, Ms Zabini. I'm disappointed," Umbridge said, giving the Slytherin a disappointed smile. "Detention. My office at 7."

"But professor, it was Claire!" Jade exclaimed, pointing her finger at Claire, who was fiddling with her hands in her lap. "She provoked me."

"Then Ms Montgomery-" Umbridge began, her eyes travelling down Claire's form with her nose turned up, "can join you in detention."

Umbridge walked off before Jade could protest. The Zabini girl groaned loudly and shoved her books back into her bag.

"Thanks a lot Claire," she spat. "Some friend you are."

Jade stormed off, slamming the library door behind her. Claire didn't speak, but Kayla could see the tears swimming in her eyes.

"Claire," Benjamin whispered before moving to comfort the girl. Kayla watched them, unsure of where she stood in their friend group anymore.