Cerulean - Fred Weasley

Chapter 14 - December

Simone sat back in her chair, bouncing her leg impatiently. 

It was the end of double period potions: she and Fred had submitted their vial of the draught of living death and cleaned out their cauldrons. Their usually sombre class was buzzing with the kind of anticipation that only came on the last period of a Friday.

"Guess what Shacklebolt," Fred whispered, a mischievous glimmer in his eye.

"What's up?"

He smiled devilishly. "At lunch, I sold a huge vial of polyjuice potion to Pucey for ten galleons."

She snorted. "I thought we weren't selling to creeps." 

"I'd sell you know who a vial for ten galleons."

"Are you kidding me? Charge that bastard twenty." Her business with the Weasley twins had really taken off in the past few weeks, the trio would spend each weekend brewing potions and each weekday selling vials to seedy Hogwarts students. 

"Settle down," Snape said with such venom that the class fell silent. "I have been tasked to give you all an announcement. This year the yule ball will be taking place at Hogwarts." The class broke out in whispers. Roger grinned at her from across the room.

"Silence!" Snape boomed. "This ball will commence at eight o clock on Christmas day. Dress robes must be worn, you may bring a date- if you so please."

Simone let out an uncharacteristically loud snort. 

Snape glared at her with pure malice. "Ten points from Ravenclaw for that hysterical outburst, Miss Shacklebolt."  Fred put his head in his hands to keep from laughing. "Something funny, Mr. Weasley?" 

"No sir," said Fred, fighting to keep his composure. 

"As I was saying," Snape continued. "Hogwarts students must be on their best behaviour. Try your hardest not to embarrass this institution any more than you already have."

The bell rang, and Simone began to pack up her things. 

"The yule ball," Fred drawled in an unconvincing impersonation of Snape.

"It kind of sounds like a bore," said Simone as they set off down the corridor.

"Who knows, maybe there will be a dance competition."

"In what universe-"

"I mean, it wouldn't really be a competition, I'll wipe the floor with everyone." 

"You're off your rocker Weasley"

"Thanks," he said, jogging away.

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Since the announcement of the ball, the school had fallen into a crazed frenzy. Fourth-year girls giggling in hallways, fifth-year boys shoving each other, trying to work up the courage to ask someone. She had never seen the school in such a state. 

"Do you reckon this thing will be any fun?" She asked Cedric as a group of giggling girls walked past them in the corridor. Since the first task, when Cedric and she had made it official, they had been the talk of the school. Whispers followed them everywhere, along with death glares from fifth-year girls.

"It ought to be with you there," he replied. 

"Why'd you assume I'd go with you?" she teased.

"Well, I am the dashingly handsome Hogwarts champion." He reached over to tickle her.