ride or die

in the halls

After our convenient detention in Snape's classroom I had gotten so used to seeing Fred and George in the halls, joking and teasing with the two as I passed. Even though we didn't interact for more than a few minutes, it was great to have something constant.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw the boys whispering to each other near the library. Excitedly I ran to them trying not to look too elated, and settled for a weird skip before I said, "Boo !"

Fred and George turned around when they heard me, a smile on their face but it didn't reach both of their eyes. Something was wrong.

But then it's not my place to know or to ask, I don't even know them that well.

George gave me a shove in the middle of my thoughts, "fancy british" he jokingly called me in a really bad impersonation of my American accent.

I squinted at the both of them, trying to understand what they didn't say and what was going behind those heads of theirs.

After a good few minutes of me intensely staring at them and the twins looking at each other in confusion, I came to understand that I probably wouldn't get what was actually happening if they didn't tell me.

So I took both of their hands and dragged them down the hall to the library.

"Woah calm down woman!" Fred exclaimed

"Where are you taking us" George asked as he tripped over his other shoe

I put my lips together and harshly put at the two boys to come with me, and gave me this time to think. To be honest, I'm ashamed that I couldn't tell something was off.

They were one of the closest people I knew at Hogwarts, even if they didn't think of me the same.

Now that I notice, they've had sad and worried looks on their faces for a while now, almost a week.

I dragged them over the corner and let go, crossed my hands on my chest and stared.

They didn't know what to do and looked around in confusion.

"Uh- why exactly did you bring us here, ohmy are you planning a prank !!" Fred asked almost happily

But I knew better.

"No you dumbshits, there's something off about the both of you"

George fake gasped, " How DARE you use such language about me young lady"

I am almost certain I've never gotten this exasperated with a person before.

"What is wrong with you two. Stop acting, I can tell you're both worried about something or you're both sad. So tell me, what happened."

Both of them almost looked shocked as they tilt their to each other, the smallest gesture that anyone could miss but I sure as hell didn't.

I raised my hand up, "and before you try to deny it, I already know. There is no point trying to hide it, so spill. What happened."

"Oh so you DO care for us huh?" Fred asked me teasingly

"Yes I do," I monotonously responded, "So I suggest you tell me what happened or I will not hesitate to scream"

George looked at Fred obviously confused.

Fred had noticeably shuddered when I mentioned screaming, and turnt to me.

"Why do you even care" His face and tone when he said this, completely different from the happy boy in the halls

I stood there, why would I care. These idiots aren't that dense are they?!

"Um why WOULDNT I. You're both obviously going through something and I want to help the both of you. And if you HAVENT NOTICED I've got no other fucking friends so that's why"

I instantly felt bad for yelling at them, but if I didn't there was no promise that they would even listen to me.

Quieter I added, "You don't need to tell me what happened, that's personal and I don't want to force you to say anything. But I am worried, I know a lot of what it's like to hide your feelings and it does not do you any good. But talking does help, only if your comfortable to do it"

Fred and George looked almost surprised of what I said.

"It's just," George said, "No one's really asked us that before. So we're not really sure um- like what are we supposed to say, what are we supposed to do and yeah"

He awkwardly shuffled his feet and looked down.

I brightly smiled, so hard that my face hurt and told them, "well I'm not really sure either. Maybe you could start with explain what you feel, like describing your emotions"

Fred nodded and started, "um worried I think yeah.."

"That's great, do you know why you feel that way"

"Yeah..we're having the triwizard tournament this year right. And uh- me and Fred tried to put out names into the goblet and get chosen so that no one else would need to."

This definitely was not what I was expecting

"I'm sure every one thought we were just joking around and doing it for the glory, but I couldn't help but think if our classmates were chosen, if in some miraculous way harry would be chosen. He's been through so much, and definitely doesn't deserve anymore wrong to him" George explained slowly

"Well I wasn't here to hear about the triwizard tournament and the people chosen, so I don't know much but I think that Harry was chosen right?"

Fred nodded

"And this tournament is dangerous," I confusingly asked, why would they even let kids do this, "It is completely understandable to be worried. You don't want to lose a brother. But this other thing the both of you are feeling, its not only worry. Guilt. You're feeling guilt. And guilt is dangerous- it will...rip a person up from the inside, from their heart. You can most certainly go insane from feeling guilt."

I took both of their hands and gave them a hug, understanding too much of the feeling they were going through

"There was nothing you both could do, and it most definitely is not your fault."

Even though I continued to reassure them, both of their faces were still grim.

I wrapped my arms around their shoulders and started

"Well, now who's going to teach me Potions today" I asked in attempt to lighten the mood and almost got a smile on both of their faces.

"Oh no not us"