Riddle

Chapter Twelve

Ivy fell into one of the worn armchairs by the fire. She closed her eyes, letting herself feel the warmth of the fire. She let herself relax. The cocoon of fear surrounding her heart slowly melted.

"IVY!" The twins aggressively whispered. 

Ivy jumped no longer relaxed. She stood up and turned to face them arms folded.

"She looks cross." George whispered to Fred. Fred snickered. 

Ivy gave them a death glare.  They gave her matching grins, Their eyes flickering in the firelight. Ivy sighed. Sinking back into her chair.

"Have either of you seen Neville?" She asked.

"Yeah. Think I saw him with Luna in the courtyard." George replied.

"Luna?"

"Yeah. Ravenclaw girl? Funky hat?" said Fred. Miming a roaring hat. 

"I know who she is!" Ivy said impatiently. 

"Then why you aski-" Fred elbowed George. "What was that for! Oh..." George began to match Fred's wicked grin. 

"So Ivy has a little crush does she now?" Fred teased. 

"I do not know what you are talking about."

"Yeah right!" The twins grinned.

"Don't worry Ivy, Luna and Neville are not dating!" said Fred.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah! And how could he resist Voldemort's daughter?" George added.

Ivy threw a pillow at him.

"Not helpful!" She glared.

"What! Did you see Tom Riddle! You got good genes!" Fred elbowed George again.

"Yeah okay, not helpful. But do not fear! Cause Fred and George are here!" Fred smiled triumphantly.

"And what can you do?" Ivy asked.

"Ah so you admit! You are crushing on Mr. Longbottom!" George raised an eyebrow.

"I feel very ganged up on right now." 

"Benefits of having a twin." Fred grinned.

Ivy sighed. She stood up and stretched. Wanting to get away and find some place to read quietly by herself.  She had only been here a day! How could her life have gotten so crazy?

"look, I'm not looking for a relationship-" Fred cut her off.

"Ooh you're looking for a friend with benefits!" He laughed.

"No!" Ivy saw a by near by glance over, "Not at all! I just want to try to live. This is all very new. I had no idea Hogwarts existed till yesterday! I appreciate Neville for helping me and the kindness he has shown me but I think I should focus on understanding this world and not getting killed because of my dear old dad." 

"Understandable." The twins answered.

"Right, now then, Why don't you tell me all about your plan and why Hermione does not want me to encourage it." Ivy smiled mischievously.

"Wicked!"

Much to Hermione's dismay the library did not have any answers and Dumbledore was no where to be found. Ivy spent much of her time in the library with Hermione trying to catch up on the various learning she had missed. Ivy knew that Hermione was still worried about Tom Riddle but did not bring it up. Ivy saw Neville less and less. She got the feeling that he was avoiding her.