Great Hall
Hogwarts School Of WitchCraft and Wizardry
- Scottish Highlands, Scotland
( September, 1995. )

                 𝓘n the Ravenclaw dormitories, Olympia was putting the finishing touches on her costume. She stood in front of the full-length mirror, adjusting the shimmering gold skirt of her golden snitch outfit. The costume, equal parts cute and daring, featured a fitted bodice that sparkled like enchanted starlight and a pair of delicate, translucent wings attached to her back. Her legs were bare except for knee-high white socks with golden stripes, and her shoes—golden heels (enchanted for comfort of course) matched the ensemble perfectly. A golden headband with tiny wings perched atop her wavy blonde hair, which she'd left loose to cascade down her back.

"Damn, Oly!" Elvira exclaimed, throwing a dramatic hand to her forehead as she leaned against the bedpost. "You look phenomenal. George is going to lose his bloody mind."

Olympia laughed, her cheeks warming as she turned toward her friend. "You think it's too much?"

"Too much?!" Elvira scoffed, gesturing to her own outfit, a scandalous black leather ensemble with fishnet tights and spiked boots. She'd added a pair of glowing red devil horns to complete the edgy look. "Sweetheart, you're radiant. I look like I crawled out of Knockturn Alley, and I'm still thriving. Own it!"

Seraphina, sitting at her vanity and adjusting the tiara atop her intricately braided hair, turned and smiled. "She's right, Olympia. You look amazing. George is going to love it."

Seraphina's costume was the polar opposite of Elvira's—an elegant, pale blue princess gown that shimmered like moonlight. Silver embroidery lined the bodice, and her matching heels were enchanted to glimmer with every step. The final touch was her delicate silver tiara. "Though I think Lee might steal the show tonight in his frog costume," she added with a laugh, clearly excited about their matching outfits.

"Lee is going to adore your costume," Olympia said, grinning as she added the finishing touch to her outfit: a golden bracelet shaped like a snitch. "You two are going to look perfect together."

"And you and George won't?" Elvira teased, raising an eyebrow as she smoothed her skirt. "A golden snitch and a Quidditch star? You're going to be that couple tonight."

Olympia rolled her eyes but couldn't help the smile tugging at her lips. "It's not like we planned it to be that dramatic."

"Sure you didn't," Seraphina said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "But we all know George thrives on being dramatic."

Olympia laughed as Elvira struck a pose in the mirror, adjusting her devil horns one last time. "Alright, ladies, are we ready to make an entrance?" Elvira asked, twirling once to check the fit of her outfit.

Seraphina grabbed her small silver clutch and stood. "Absolutely. Let's go find Lee and the others before they start something without us."

The crisp autumn air outside was thick with the scent of fallen leaves and the faint hum of magic as students worked to prepare the hidden site of the Halloween party. The seventh years had outdone themselves, weaving enchantments to conceal the gathering from prying eyes. Deep at the edge of the Forbidden Forest, the clearing was transformed into a vibrant, eerie space aglow with floating jack-o'-lanterns, flickering fairy lights, and tables laden with magically refilling snacks and drinks.

The clearing at the edge of the Forbidden Forest was alive with the sounds of music and laughter as students arrived in waves, their costumes as creative as the magical decorations surrounding them. The floating jack-o'-lanterns cast a warm, flickering glow over the scene, while enchanted bats swooped through the air, adding an eerie charm.

Olympia spotted Fred almost immediately. He was leaning against one of the magically illuminated trees, dressed as a dragon tamer, complete with a bright red cloak and a toy dragon perched on his shoulder. He spotted them and waved dramatically.

"Well, well," Fred called as they approached. "Look what the devil dragged in, and a princess for balance. Stunning, ladies!"

"Where's George?" Olympia asked, her heart fluttering slightly as she scanned the crowd.

Fred smirked, straightening his cloak. "He's over by the drinks, trying to charm them into being stronger. You know how he is. Go on, I'll entertain these two."

Elvira shot Olympia a wink. "Go find your Quidditch star, Golden Girl."

Olympia rolled her eyes playfully but felt the excitement bubbling in her chest as she made her way toward the drinks table. The crowd parted slightly, and there he was. George stood with his back to her, dressed in his Gryffindor Quidditch uniform, the deep red and gold catching the light of the floating lanterns. His hair was slightly messy, as if he'd just come from practice, and his broomstick was propped casually against the table beside him.

As if sensing her presence, George turned, his eyes lighting up the moment he saw her. A slow, mischievous grin spread across his face as he took her in from head to toe.

"Well, if it isn't my favorite snitch," he said, closing the distance between them. "I feel like I should be chasing you around the forest."

Olympia laughed, stepping closer until they were only inches apart. "You'll have to catch me first."

He leaned down, his voice low and teasing. "Oh, I'd always catch you, love."

Her cheeks warmed at his words, but before she could respond, Fred appeared behind them with Elvira, Seraphina, and Cassie in tow. "Oi! None of that sappy stuff just yet," Fred called, tossing George a bottle of pumpkin ale. "There's a a whole party to enjoy first."

George took the bottle with a grin, but his gaze remained on Olympia. "Fair enough. But I'll be keeping an eye on you all night, snitch."

Olympia leaned into George, her golden wings brushing against his arm as they watched the crowd. The Forbidden Forest clearing, with its magical ambiance and cleverly concealed boundaries, felt like a world away from the suffocating rules of Umbridge's Hogwarts.

"Oi, Harrington!"

Olympia turned just in time to see Gideon Thyme bounding toward them, his Slytherin green-and-silver pirate costume glittering under the light of the floating jack-o'-lanterns. A feathered hat perched rakishly on his head, and a cutlass hung at his hip. His arm was slung casually around Judeth, who was dressed as a glamorous mermaid, her shimmering green skirt catching the light with every step.

Gideon held up two glowing glasses filled with a pale blue liquid that sparkled faintly. "You two look like you're in dire need of a drink!" he declared, his grin wide as he handed the glasses to Olympia and George.

Olympia took hers cautiously, peering into the glass. "What is this?"

"Vodka with a splash of something magical," Gideon said with a wink, taking a swig of his own drink. "Judeth's idea—she called it 'Witch's Brew.' Strong enough to keep things interesting, sweet enough to go down easy."

"Go on," Judeth said, her smile warm as she nudged Olympia. "It won't bite."

George raised his glass in mock salute. "To questionable beverages and even more questionable pirates."

"To rebellion," Olympia countered with a grin before clinking her glass against his.

The drink was surprisingly good—a burst of sweetness followed by a warm burn that settled comfortably in her chest. George drained his in one long gulp, letting out an appreciative hum as he set the empty glass on a nearby table. "Not bad," he admitted, his eyes sparkling as he turned to Gideon. "But you're still not stealing the show tonight."

Gideon chuckled, tipping his hat dramatically. "We'll see about that. I've got plans."

"Do those plans involve making a fool of yourself by the bonfire later?" Fred's voice called out from behind them as he approached with Elvira on his arm. She was leaning into him, her devil horns glowing faintly under the lantern light.

"Always," Gideon said with a mock bow, his grin never faltering. "But only if you're joining me, Weasley."

Fred smirked, clearly considering it. "Depends on how much more of that 'Witch's Brew' you've got."

As the drinks flowed, the energy of the party shifted, the music growing louder and more upbeat. The clearing transformed into an impromptu dance floor, students letting loose in a way they hadn't been able to for months under Umbridge's watchful eye.

George pulled Olympia toward the center of the crowd, his hand firm around hers as he spun her into the music. Her laughter bubbled up, bright and unrestrained, as he twirled her under his arm.

"You're enjoying this," she said, grinning as she caught her balance.

"Can you blame me?" George replied, his hands sliding to her waist. "My girlfriend's the most radiant thing at the party."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't stop the blush that crept across her cheeks. "You're laying it on thick tonight, Weasley."

"It's the truth," he said simply, his grin softening into something more genuine.

Seraphina and Lee were close by, their matching princess-and-frog costumes a hit among the crowd. Lee spun her dramatically, earning an adoring laugh from Seraphina as her tiara tilted sideways.

Later in the evening, the crowd began to drift toward the massive bonfire at the edge of the clearing. The flames cast flickering shadows across the forest, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere. Students lounged on logs and conjured cushions, their laughter mixing with the crackling of the fire.

Olympia sat with George, her head resting against his shoulder as they watched the flames dance. His arm was wrapped around her, his fingers idly tracing patterns on her arm.

"Crazy to think we managed to pull this off," she murmured, tilting her head to look at him.

"Crazy to think Umbridge hasn't caught on," he replied, though his tone was more amused than worried. "But then again, we're brilliant at this sort of thing."

She laughed softly, the sound muffled against his Quidditch robes. "It's nice to feel normal for a night."

He kissed the top of her head, his voice warm and steady. "Normal's overrated. But this?" He gestured to the glowing party around them. "This is perfect."

Fred and Cassie joined them a moment later, Fred holding two more glasses of Witch's Brew. He handed one to Olympia and one to George, his grin as mischievous as ever. "We're thinking about trying a round of Firewhisky shots by the bar. Care to join?"

George raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Trying to one-up Gideon again?"

Fred shrugged. "It's tradition."

Olympia glanced at George, her lips quirking into a smile. "You're not going to let him outshine you, are you?"

George downed the last of his Witch's Brew and stood, offering Olympia his hand. "Not a chance."

As the night stretched on, the party became a blur of music, laughter, and warmth—a rare escape from the looming tension of the school year. For now, they were free, and that was more than enough.

Laughter echoed through the clearing as Olympia, George, and Fred approached the bar. Cassie trailed behind them, her red gown catching the glow of the flames, her expression already daring someone to challenge her boldness.

Gideon was there, lounging dramatically against the makeshift bar as Judeth chatted animatedly with another group nearby. He spotted the group approaching and raised a shot glass in greeting.

"Ah, the Weasley twins!" Gideon declared, his pirate hat slightly askew. "Come to finally face your match? I've been holding court here all night."

Fred smirked, plucking a bottle of Firewhisky from the bar and inspecting it like a connoisseur. "I'd hardly call you a challenge, mate. But I suppose I'll humor you."

Judeth rolled her eyes, sidling up beside Gideon. "He's been rambling about how much he can handle Firewhisky for the last twenty minutes. It's exhausting."

"I'm building anticipation," Gideon shot back, grinning as he poured another round of glowing Witch's Brew for himself and Judeth. "You lot just don't understand the art of showmanship."

"Let's see how much showmanship you've got after three shots," George said with a grin, grabbing a set of small glasses from the bar. He lined them up neatly, pouring the amber Firewhisky with precision. The rich, fiery scent wafted up, making Olympia's nose wrinkle slightly.

Fred turned to Olympia and Cassie, holding up one of the glasses. "You in? Or are you going to let us outshine you tonight?"

Cassie snorted, stepping forward and snatching the glass from his hand. "You'd have to do a lot more than this to outshine me."

Olympia hesitated for only a second before George handed her a glass. His smile was warm, his gaze steady. "You don't have to," he said softly, leaning close so only she could hear.

She met his eyes, her lips curving into a playful smile. "You think I'd let you do this without me?"

"That's my girl," George said, his grin widening as he lifted his own glass.

"Alright, everyone," Fred said, raising his glass as the others did the same. "To rebellion, bad decisions, and the best bloody Halloween party Hogwarts has ever seen."

"To rebellion!" the group chorused, their voices ringing out over the music and crackle of the fire.

The Firewhisky burned all the way down, a searing heat that spread through Olympia's chest and warmed her from the inside out. She coughed slightly, her eyes watering, but the laughter of the group was infectious. George clapped her on the back, chuckling as he downed his own shot with ease.

"That wasn't so bad," Olympia said, her voice rasping slightly as she set her glass back on the bar.

Fred raised an eyebrow, already pouring the next round. "That was the warm-up, Oly. The real challenge starts now."

Fred grinned like a mischievous child as he lined up another round of Firewhisky shots, his movements exaggerated for dramatic effect. "Alright, everyone," he announced, his voice loud enough to draw the attention of a few other partygoers. "This round determines who's truly worthy of the Weasley name."

"Don't you have to be born a Weasley for that?" Cassie quipped, leaning lazily against the bar as she picked up her next shot.

"Absolutely not," Fred replied, feigning offense. "We're an equal-opportunity dynasty, but the standards are high."

"And by standards, he means who can drink the most before falling over, it's a family tradition really," George added, smirking as he handed Olympia another glass.

Olympia eyed the amber liquid suspiciously, already feeling the heat of the first shot lingering in her chest. "You lot are mad."

"Mad, yes," Fred said, raising his glass dramatically, "but also deeply committed to shenanigans. Now, bottoms up!"

The group clinked glasses with varying degrees of enthusiasm, the sound lost in the roar of the bonfire and the thrum of music in the background. Olympia took a steadying breath before tipping the shot back. The Firewhisky burned even more this time, the intensity nearly knocking her off her stool.

She coughed violently, slamming the glass down on the bar as George burst out laughing beside her. "You alright there, Snitch?" he asked, his grin wide as he set down his own empty glass with ease.

"Fine," she croaked, wiping at her watering eyes. "Completely fine."

Fred clapped his hands together, his laughter ringing out as he poured yet another round. "That's the spirit, Harrington! It only gets easier from here!"

"That's a lie, and you know it," Cassie muttered, though she was already reaching for her next shot.

Lee joined them then, his frog costume slightly askew but his grin as wide as ever. "What's this? A drinking contest without me? Shame on you all."

"You're late, Jordan," Fred declared, handing him a glass. "Catch up, or suffer the shame of being sober while the rest of us are legends."

Lee took the challenge with a wink, downing the shot in one go before slamming the glass down. "Legendary enough for you?"

"Hardly," Fred replied, already pouring another round.

By the fourth shot, the group was a mix of laughter and chaos. Cassie was leaning heavily on the bar, pointing at Fred with exaggerated seriousness. "You... are the worst influence... and also maybe my favorite."

"Thank you," Fred replied, tipping an imaginary hat. "I pride myself on being both."

Olympia, still trying to catch her breath from the last shot, turned to George, who was watching her with amusement. "Why does this feel like a bad idea?"

"Because it probably is," George said cheerfully, his own cheeks faintly flushed. "But bad ideas make the best memories."

She rolled her eyes, but her smile didn't fade. "If I fall over, you're carrying me back to the castle."

"Deal," he said, raising his glass. "But only if you promise to tell everyone I carried you heroically."

"Deal," she laughed, clinking her glass against his before taking another sip. This time, the burn was more tolerable, or maybe the previous shots had numbed her to the sensation.

Meanwhile, Fred was leading the charge, egging on anyone who dared to join them. Elvira, now fully invested in the chaos, approached the bar and snatched a shot off the counter. "What's the tally? Who's winning?"

"Winning?" Gideon Thyme appeared beside her, his pirate hat askew and a glass of glowing green liquid in hand. "This isn't about winning—it's about survival."

"Survival?" Olympia managed through a cough, her eyes watering again as the last shot hit her harder than she expected. "Why does that sound ominous?"

"Because it is," George said with mock gravity. "There's no glory in this. Only chaos."

"And bragging rights," Fred added, grinning as he raised his next glass. "To questionable choices!"

"To questionable choices!" the group chorused, their laughter nearly drowning out the music.

By the sixth shot, the world was a little blurry around the edges, and Olympia couldn't stop giggling as George told a wildly exaggerated story about their last Quidditch practice. Cassie was practically hanging off the bar, laughing so hard she could barely breathe, while Fred and Lee engaged in a mock duel with empty shot glasses.

"You're all ridiculous," Seraphina said, appearing behind them with her tiara slightly askew and a glass of water in hand. "You do know we have class tomorrow, right?"

Fred waved her off, his grin wide. "We're celebrating freedom and bad decisions, Sera. Don't ruin the magic."

"You're going to regret this in the morning," she muttered, though her fond smile betrayed her disapproval.

Olympia leaned into George, her head spinning but her heart light. "I think she might be right."

"She probably is," George admitted, his arm wrapping around her shoulders. "But you know what?"

"What?"

"Totally worth it," he said, pressing a kiss to her temple as the group erupted into another round of laughter.

The laughter and chaos around the bar started to fade into the background as George gently took Olympia's hand, his fingers lacing with hers. His grip was warm and steady despite the slight sway in his step as he tugged her away from the group.

"Come on, Snitch," he said, his voice softer now, though still carrying that playful edge she loved. "I think we need a moment to ourselves."

Olympia let him lead her through the crowd, her golden wings catching the glow of the jack-o'-lanterns floating overhead. The warmth of the Firewhisky still buzzed in her chest, and her head felt pleasantly light as they reached the bonfire. The flames crackled and danced, sending sparks into the crisp night air. Around the edges of the clearing, other students were laughing, chatting, and dancing, but this spot felt quieter, almost secluded.

George settled on a conjured cushion near the fire, pulling her down beside him. She leaned against him, the heat of the flames blending with the warmth of his body. His arm wrapped around her shoulders, and she rested her head on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

"You're quiet," George murmured, his fingers brushing against her arm in lazy circles.

"Just... taking it all in," she said, tilting her head to look up at him. The firelight flickered across his face, highlighting the faint flush on his cheeks and the soft curve of his grin. "This feels... nice. Peaceful."

He chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest. "Who knew we'd find peace at a party hosted by Fred Weasley?"

Olympia laughed, nuzzling closer. "It's the last place I'd have guessed, honestly."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the sounds of the party fading into the background. George's hand moved to her hair, his fingers threading through the loose waves as he spoke, his voice quieter now. "You know, I think this is my favorite part of the night."

"Really?" she asked, glancing up at him. "Not the drinking? Or the chaos? Or Fred and Lee's ridiculous dueling?"

"All good moments," he admitted, his lips quirking into a smile. "But this... this is better. Just you, me, and the fire." His gaze softened, his thumb brushing against her cheek. "And the way you're glowing right now? Couldn't top it if I tried."

Olympia felt her cheeks warm, though whether it was from his words or the Firewhisky, she couldn't be sure. "You're so sappy when you're drunk."

He grinned, leaning down so their foreheads touched. "Can't help it. You make me that way."

Her heart fluttered, and she tilted her head slightly, her lips brushing against his in a soft, unhurried kiss. His hand cupped her cheek, his touch gentle as he deepened the kiss, the world around them fading away. The heat of the fire seemed to intensify, or maybe it was just him—his warmth, his presence, his everything.

When they finally broke apart, their foreheads still touching, George let out a soft sigh. "I love you," he murmured, his voice quiet but firm, like he needed her to know it, to feel it.

Olympia smiled, her fingers tracing lazy patterns on his chest. "I love you more," she whispered, her voice steady despite the flutter in her chest.

George chuckled softly, pressing a kiss to her forehead before leaning back slightly. "You know," he said, his tone lighter now, "when I saw you in this costume tonight, I thought, 'That's it. I'm done for.'"

She laughed, swatting his chest playfully. "You're ridiculous."

"Maybe," he said, his grin widening. "But you love me for it."

"I do," she admitted, resting her head against his shoulder as she gazed into the fire. "I really do."

The flames crackled softly, the warmth wrapping around them like a blanket as they sat there together, the world beyond the bonfire feeling far, far away. For a little while, it was just them—no Umbridge, no rules, no stress. Just George, Olympia, and the quiet comfort of being together.

"Promise me something," Olympia said after a moment, her voice soft.

"Anything," George replied without hesitation.

"No matter what happens," she said, her gaze fixed on the fire, "we'll always have this."

He tightened his arm around her, his voice firm. "We'll always have more than this," he said. "But yeah... we'll have this too."

She closed her eyes, letting his words settle over her like the warm glow of the fire.