dedicated to KeyTree004 for the pretty & hella elegant cover on the side!

unimportant a/n: you guys ! I had a dream last night in Elle's perspective (it was really weird) - I was in the Burrow and the roof was leaking due to the rain, and I thought 'why is our roof leaking?' and then, 'wait our roof?'. And then, I had this really sinking sensation of panic in the pit of my stomach, and I kept thinking 'where's Fred?' while searching the house for him.
                                 I woke up before I found him.

Ch. 32: Douches & Douchettes

Song For This Chapter: Say You Like Me - We The Kings (for hermione)

     What.
          The hell,
               Am I doing here?

     My eyes flickered around the heavily loaded table of sweets and I hunched more over my bowl of ice cream. It was more ice cream that I could have managed to even think about eating in front of all these people. If I was in the comfort of the Gryffindor Common Room, sure, I could eat it all. But, not under the awkward small talk between Professor Slughorn and Cormac.

     "So, tell me Cormac," Slughorn grinned as Cormac stirred his sundae, shoveling spoonful after spoonful of the dessert into his mouth, "Do you see much of your uncle Tiberius these days?" 

     "Yes sir," he nodded, a snarky smirk glinting over his lips as he set down his spoon and rubbed his fingers together. For some reason this motion made me feel very uncomfortable. Brow crumpling, I gave Hermione a pointed look but she pretended not to see it.

     Slughorn continued to ask questions to each of his guests and I tried to sink into my chair, feeling rather out of my element beside my twin. I could tell that Hermione and Harry were just as anxious to get out of this dinning setting; Harry was doing a better job covering it up though.

     "So, Hermione, Elle," Slughorn finally directed his probing questions onto the both of us, "What do your parents do? They are Muggles, correct?" 

     "Er, yeah," I fought the urge to roll my eyes. The way Slughorn tacked 'they are muggles' onto the end rubbed me the wrong way. "They are dentists."

               "Dentists? Fascinating. And, is it a dangerous profession?" 

     Hermione nodded while I watched Slughorn's confusion with my own confused expression. Did wizards really not know what dentists were? Jenna and Lana were pureblood, but they weren't that sheltered. "Yes, dentists tend to people's teeth. Although, it's not a particularly dangerous job, one boy named Robbie did bite my father once. He needed ten stitches." Hermione chuckled at the memory and I offered a few giggles as well, it had been funny at the time. 

     The rest of the guests watched us in confusion as our laughter faded out into more awkward silence. 

     Conversation eventually began to pick up once more, and I noted the empty space across from Harry. Ginny was late, if she was even planning on arriving at all. I hadn't seen much of the spunky Weaslette for a few days, and I was beginning to wonder if I should be concerned. 

     The door to the dining area creaked open, displaying a shy Ginny who kept her head down as she stepped into the room. Slughorn greeted her while Hermione leant against my shoulder, whispering to Harry and I as I noticed Ginny's red-rimmed eyes. 

     "Look at her eyes," Hermione sighed, "They've been fighting again."

          "Her and Dean?" I questioned. Dean Thomas and her were definitely not the most well functioning couple at Hogwarts, but I didn't think it would get as bad as having Ginny cry due to arguments. I suddenly felt rage towards Dean Thomas - no one should make Gin cry.

     Ginny grabbed the vacant seat across from Harry and apologized, "Sorry, I'm not usually late -" 

     She paused in her explanation when Harry scooted up from his chair and stood in her presence, taking me back to the 1920s. My eyes widened in surprise at the sight and I wasn't sure whether to laugh at the awkward action, or feel uncomfortable. Beside me, Hermione mimicked my facial confliction as Harry realized how awkward he was, standing by himself as Ginny sat down.

     Hermione and I offered Harry a sharp look as he scooted his chair back in. "What?" 

          "Nothing," we responded, turning back to our desserts with mock smirks. 

     The rest of the dinner party passed in more quiet, awkward small talk that only added to my regret in coming to this 'celebration' with Hermione. She'd practically begged me not to force her to attend the meeting alone with only Cormac and Ginny for company. 

     She hadn't known that Harry was going to be attending, but apparently Dumbledore wanted The Chosen One to be 'collected' by Professor Slughorn - whatever the hell that meant, I didn't know. I didn't want to know either. As I glanced up, I made eye contact with McLaggen as he sucked chocolate syrup from his fingertips.

          "Ew," I breathed out, flinching away from the rest of the ice cream in my bowl, losing the will to eat it. Hermione cringed and averted her eyes, knowing that seduction trick was for her. 

     Once Slughorn professed that the dinner should be finished, I scrambled up from my chair, feeling scummy by the gross gestures I had witnessed Cormac throwing at my sister. I felt as if I needed to bathe in boiling water to ever be clean again. Hermione latched onto my sleeve so we could both make a steady escape, but she paused when she noted Harry still seated.

        "Harry?" 

     He glanced up at the two of us with a sure smile and nodded. "Oh, go on head - I'm going to talk with the Professor about a couple things, alright?" 

     "Okay, Harry..." I pushed Hermione out the door, but paused to offer him a wicked smirk, once it was really only Harry and I left in the dining room. "Oh - and, Slughorn won't give you that powerful love potion, so don't ask!" 

     His face screwed up into an appalled state, "W-What, er, why would I want that?" 

     "Oh," I shrugged, stepping out into the dimly lit corridor where Hermione was patiently waiting for me. Honestly, she was probably afraid of getting ambushed by McLaggen. "No reason, Potter. No reason." 

          "Huh?" He prodded, adjusting his glasses with a small, faint blush on his cheeks. 

     "They're on sale though," I whispered, almost completely out the door, murmuring towards him just before I closed it for good, "At Weasley's and Weasley's." 

     Once the door was closed, Hermione and I began walking down the corridor, dwelling over the events of that dinner. That terrible, horrible, no good, very bad dinner. 

     "Were you just advertising love potions to Harry?" Hermione nailed me, hands on her hips as she stared me down. I thought, only for a moment, about how strange it looked for someone to walk with their hands on their hips, but she seemed to pull it off fine. 

     "No, it was a joke," I whined, "it's not like I'd actually tell Harry to use one - that's so unethical."

          "But still Fred and George are making them?"

     "Yeah, don't talk about it." I waved her off, feeling agitated by the whole subject. Love potions were by far the most ridiculous things that the Ministry allowed to be produced. How could that be morally okay? "It's messed up."

     "Ugh, they ... they just allow people like Cormac to poison girls for cheap thrill," Hermione ranted, tossing hands into the air, "He's just so vile. Did you see the way he was acting at dinner?" 

          "He wants some," I agreed, snicker on the edge of my voice, yet trying to be completely serious. Hermione only huffed as a response and crossed her arms over her chest, annoyed with everything.

     As we climbed the stairs to the Gryffindor tower, I spared her a small nudge to the side. "Don't worry though, 'Mione. If you ever suddenly start flinging yourself at Cormac, I'll hex the douche and give you the antidote."

          "That's reassuring." Her sarcasm was real.

     "I'm so tired," I moaned, cradling my head in my hands as I glared at the goblet of orange juice in front of me, cursing which ever teacher that had come up with the brilliant idea to remove the coffee from being served to children on certain days. Supposedly, they limited the amount of coffee available because of 'health'. 

          What a load of bullocks.

     A brown ball whizzed past my face and was caught, one-handed, by Lana who was busy reading her Potion's book, catching up on late homework assignments.

     "Blimey, Lana," Seamus called from behind the table where he, and the other Gryffindor team, was pumping up for the big game after breakfast. It was the first game of the season and Ron was sweating bullets. "You've got quite the reflexes there - have you ever thought about being a Chaser?"

     "No," she shot him a surprising glare, "But, I will consider being a Beater if you don't stop throwing this bloody ball around me." With that, she nailed him in the chest with the leather quaffle and turned back to her book. 

     "Damn," I snickered, nudging her, "You're hot when you're angry."

          "That'd be the Veela," Luna's voice quipped up, eyes wide with curiosity. "Have you two visited Jenna in a while?" 

     Frowning, I took in the interesting girl's lion headdress, it was pretty intricate and... well, hardcore. "Nice headdress, Luna. And, no. Why do you ask?" I asked, feeling a small twinge of guilt in the pit of my stomach. I'd been meaning to swing by the Infirmary, but school kept dragging me down.

     "Oh," she shifted, "Neville says that Madame Pomfrey thinks she may recover soon. But, he's not sure about Katie Bell." 

          "Neville?" Lana egged Luna on, brow crumpled in confusion.

     "He's been frequently visiting her," Luna nodded, as if this was common knowledge. "He has a crush on her."

     "Shut up." Lana snapped her Potion book shut, getting the attention of Ginny and Hermione as well. 

          Luna's eyes widened in concern, "Did I say something?" 

     I quickly shook my head, afraid that Lana's outburst offended the quirky Ravenclaw. "N-no, don't listen to Lana's fat mouth. She's French." Beside me, Lana flipped me off. "We're just taken by surprise, is all. How do you know for sure?" 

     Luna shrugged her shoulders, light smile on her lips, "He's been acting strange. Nervous." 

     "Hm," I tapped a finger to my chin. "Well, I guess there's not much to do for now, perhaps when Jenna gets better..." 

          "Perhaps," Luna trailed off, dropping our conversation and turning her attention back to her plate of eggs. For a moment, I felt something stir in my chest at her reaction. Was she... disappointed? 

     Hermione stirred her porridge from across the table, keeping her eyes down. "You know, Ron, there's supposed to be a Christmas dance party for the SlugClub. We are expected to bring a guest -"

     "-You'll be bringing McLaggen then?" Ron sneered, not touching is food in front of him. For a moment, I almost wanted to pinch myself - it had to be a dream if Hermione was making a move and Ron wasn't eating. 

     My sister frowned, putting down her newspaper. "Actually... I was going to ask you." 

          "Really?" Ron and I blurted out at the same time. Hermione shot me a special glare. 

     The sound of chipper footsteps made their way towards our table and the sent of lavenders filled my nostrils, making me nauseated. Lavender Brown leant over me and tapped Ron lightly on the table, all the while Lana and I watched from the sidelines. 

          "Good luck today Ron," she blushed, ducking her head, "I know you'll be brilliant!" She breathed out heavily for a moment, staring him down.

     "Beat it, douchette," Lana blurted out, "He's taken -"

          "-Shhhuuutttt up!" I smacked a hand over her lips, feeling bad for the sad look that took over Lavender's eyes, "Sorry about her - PMSing, sorry." Lavender's face didn't quite let up from the bitter tint, but she nodded, pushing a smile back onto her lips before prancing away.

     Hermione sent Lana a horrified expression while Ron's face was smothered with confusion. Harry ducked his head down to his pumpkin juice, trying to stay out of everything. 

     "Why'd you say that?" I sighed, shaking my head. "Without Jenna you really do lose your filter."

          "I'm pissed off!" Lana growled, clenching her fist. "Jenna is in the hospital wing. And people are just flitting about, trying to make moves on other people." 

     "Uh?" Ginny questioned, not understanding the reasoning that Lana claimed was okay for biting at everyone who attempted to be pleasant this morning. "You know what... I'm just going to pretend that your excuse is a legit one."

     "Good choice," I rolled my eyes. "I feel bad for Lavender - we hate her for no reason." 

          "I have a reason," Lana sniffed.

     I thought about fourth year and how Lana was planning on asking Seamus Finnigan to the dance, but Lavender asked first. "That's not a good reason."

          "I hold grudges."

     Beside Lana and I, Luna smiled at Ron. "You look dreadful, Ron," she turned to Harry with a polite smile, "Is that why you put something in his cup? Is it a tonic?"

     Harry clasped his hand around the golden vial in his hand and quickly pocketed it. "Liquid luck?" I rose a brow. Harry actually wasted a luck potion for Ron's game?

     Hermione furrowed her brow, leaning over the table to shoot Ron a strict look as he lifted the goblet to his lips. "Don't drink it, Ron!" 

          "Drink it!" I pressured him, "Otherwise, it will go to waste." Lana nodded in agreement, a grin plastered on her lips. Ron closed his eyes tightly and shot the juice back, swallowing mouthful by mouthful until the drink was completely gone. Harry's smug grin would be forever stamped into my mind as I high-fived him.

     "You could be expelled for that -" Hermione lectured.

          Harry shot her a faux look of innocence. "I don't know what you're talking about."

     Ron nodded, a slow simper spreading on his mouth, "Come on, 'Arry. We've got a game to win."

          "Idiots," Hermione huffed, crossing her arms over her chest as we watched all the Quidditch players, including Ginny, leave for warm-ups on the field. "They're idiots."

     The snow glowed white on the mountain as the fans cheered from the sidelines, snowflakes melting against our body heat. The Quidditch match was pretty exceptional, Slytherin was playing it's hardest. But, Ron was doing well at keeping up.

          "Ron's doing exceptional," I nudged Lana with a wink.

          Lana nodded, "Yeah, he's on fire."

     Hermione rolled her eyes in a snit and crossed her arms over her chest as we watched the game heat up, Blaise taking the Quaffle and chuckling it at Ron's undefended goal post. Almost with expert precision, Ron hit the ball away, grin on his face. 

     Ball after ball, play after play. Ron defended them all.

               'Weasley is our King,
               Weasley is our King,'

     The chorus was being chanted by Slytherin and Gryffindor fans alike. One side sneering about Weasley sucking, the other side cheering him on. Lana and I cheered the loudest every time someone got injured on the snow covered field, not discriminating between Slytherin or Gryffindor. 

     The jests won us a few glares from a few Gryffindors around us, but we didn't care too much. We didn't talk to them. My sister couldn't help but clap along for Ron - he was doing rather well, luck potion or no.

     Gryffindors ended up beating the Slytherins 190-0 once Harry caught the snitch. The whole crowd exploded with joy and fans began celebration planning, scampering off to get supplies and drinks. Smirking to myself, I couldn't help but think of Fred and George, wondering how they were doing today.

     Christmas was coming up a lot sooner than expected and once again, I was behind on my Christmas shopping. Not that it mattered, I still had some time. As the crowds of cheering fans flowed into the Common Room, Lana elbowed me with a grin.

     "Oh, come on, Elle. Why are you so distracted?" 

     "I'm thinking about Fred," I admitted, ducking my head. "Christmas is coming soon and I haven't even considered what to get him. Or, anyone else really."

     "Oh, please," Lana scoffed as we watched Ron be carted around on shoulders, crowd surfing the ecstatic Gryffindors. "It's only November. You'll be fine." 

     "Yeah yeah," I waved her off with a half-smile, linking my arm through my twin's as she stood in the midst of the crowd, apprehensive smirk on her face as she glared lightly at Harry, "He really shouldn't have done it."

     "I know," Harry grinned boyishly, pulling the vial of Felix Felicis from his pocket, "I suppose I could have just... used a Confundus charm."

     "Ha!" I blurted out, smacking my lips together while shooting Harry an appreciative smirk, "Nice one, Harry." He grinned and offered me a grateful nod. 

     A shocked look passed her face as she cringed away, "T-Thank was different. That was try-outs, this was an actual game." Harry nodded, lifting the vial up for us to see clearly. None of the golden liquid was missing. 

     Surprised, Hermione and I turned to look at Ron, then I chuckled under my breath, "That wanker! It was a placebo effect?"

     "You didn't use it," Hermione breathed out, a real, proud grin spread on her lips, "You only made Ron think you did. Ron did it on his own."

     I watched Ron jump from the crowds shoulders and land on the floor, cheering him on. Well, cheering him on just until the point when a certain Lavender Brown flung her arms around Ron's shoulders and laid a fat kiss on his mouth. Harry chuckled and clapped a bit, surprised by the action, but Lana and I gave one another a sharp glare, irritation fueling both of us. 

     A pained gasp sounded from my side and I felt Hermione pull away from my arm locked with hers, stepping away from the crowds quickly. "H-Hermione," Harry screwed up his face, a small twinge of confusion on his features as he began to follow her, but I latched onto his arm, stopping him.

     "No," I murmured, swallowing a lump in my throat as I thought about how she'd been there for me. "I'll go." Despite my protest, Harry came along with me. I forgot that he'd been there for my sister longer than I had.

     Weaving through the hordes of people, we maneuvered our way out of the Gryffindor Tower, losing sight of Hermione for only a moment before I laid eyes on her once again. "Hermione - wait!"

~~~~~     

[shameful advertising:] Hey fellow Game of Thrones fanatics! I am starting a GoT ff - and, you should read it, because you love me and support me with what ever I do, right? RIGHT?!

Sorry for taking so long to update, I've been sick, at work, busy with homework, sick again, and sleeping. And... maybe working on my GoT ff.... heheh...ha... 

150 votes to next chapter

^^WHAA?!! Yea - this is what writer's block does to me. Don't worry, I know you guys can't make it - so, I'll update when I can. But, if you some how manage it, there may be a special surprise. 

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