A/N-Thank you all for stopping by! Please enjoy this story, I enjoyed
writing it. The pairing is unique, it's slash, and it's totally hot! The
Latin translations are at the end of each chapter, as is the title, but
I'll put it here for convenience. Ad Hominem-To the person (to appeal to
feelings rather than reason). That's pretty much what this story is about.
Enjoy! Thank you all for your support! Love, Luna
Ad Hominem
Chapter 1-Quid Pro Quo Day I
My shoes kicked up grass and mud still fresh with dew as the sun came up over the tree line. I quickened my pace as I finished my final lap around the grounds. I reached the doors to the great hall and I sat on the step to cool down. I gulped down my water and poured a little over my head. I sat and looked at the sunrise that was slowly growing redder by the minute. I smiled at the warmth creeping over my sweat-drenched body and sighed. It seems like my morning run never lasts long enough. I sighed one last time and got up to go change in time for breakfast.
I was early for breakfast; everyone was still asleep. I looked around at my sleeping companions and laughed. I'd been getting up to run since fourth year, and now I can't go a day without it. Seventh year had come and hadn't brought change, but I didn't really think it would. I showered and dressed and when I returned to the dorm they were starting to wake. George yawned and looked at me from his sitting position on his bed.
"How was your run?" He asked groggily. I smiled at him.
"Fine. Thanks. Were you up late? You seem tired."
"Kinda. Lee and I lost track of time discussing Quidditch over exploding snap." George scratched his chest and stood up to get dressed.
"Fred?"
"Yeah?" I answered while towel-drying my hair.
"You talk to Angelina yet?" He grinned my smile at me.
"No, I think I'll do it today though. Think I should? Has she said anything to you?" I asked, only mildly interested.
"Sorry mate. You should definitely go for it though." George left to wash up and I headed to breakfast, the rest of the guys still asleep. I love the great hall when it's empty. So peaceful, and yet it still has that expectant feeling in the air. A sound from the far end of the hall broke the silence and my head spun with curiosity. Usually I'm the only one here this early. The noise had come from the Slytherin table, but I didn't see anyone. I wrote it off as Mrs. Norris, and sat down in my usual place at the Gryffindor table. Students started to file in after about five minutes and I was soon joined by my twin. Lee and the gang were with him, and we started talking animatedly. Lee had apparently had a bit of a brush with Snape the other day and it was a popular topic for the raging Gryffindors. George elbowed me as Angelina walked by.
"Ask her!" He hissed in my ear. I shook my head and looked down at my plate.
"Not around so many people!" He sighed and mumbled something about me never asking her. I felt my eyes dart to the Slytherin table, but was unsure about what I could be looking for. I looked at all the horrible people in Slytherin and laughed to myself.
"What?" Or out loud, as it would seem.
"Nothing George, just thoughts."
"Sure Fred. Right. I'll leave you to that then." He laughed and stood up. "Come on, Transfiguration first, we'll walk, and you can tell me about it." He laughed again and hit me on the shoulder. I shoved a last bite of cereal into my mouth and we walked toward McGonigal's room. "So what's been distracting you?"
"This morning when I was alone in the hall I heard a noise from the Slytherin table but I didn't see anyone. Then during breakfast I couldn't stop looking to their table and I don't know why," I answered.
"Weird. Heard it before?" George and I turned into the Transfiguration room and sat down.
"No. Never. I'm in there every morning for four years and now I'm hearing things? It's weird. From the most suspicious and dirty table too." Angelina and Lee walked in and took the table next to ours. We said our 'hellos' and started to pull out our books.
"What are you two on about?" Angelina laughed at us.
"Fred's been hearing things all alone in the wee hours of the morning." George told them in a voice that simply screamed 'gossip'.
"What are you? Some kinda girl? (No offense Angelina.)"
"Thank you, Lee. No. I'm not some kind of girl (no offense Angelina), it was just weird is all." Professor McGonigal walked in and began the lesson, much to the disappointment of George and Lee, who were not done taunting me. I felt my thoughts slipping away as McGonigal droned on and on, and found them on the Quidditch pitch. Tonight was the match against Slytherin, and we needed the win. Angelina had been after Harry for four days about how we needed a quick victory. Personally I think she's been driving him crazy and he'll probably be worse for the wear, but whatever. Man I wish I was outside running. I'm lucky I've got Care of Magical Creatures today or I wouldn't get out at all. Great. I think it's with the Slytherins. The bell rang and there was a collective sound of books being stuffed into bags. I felt George elbow me to ask Angelina, and I shook my head. My heart just isn't in it.
"George. Forget it. I won't ask her out so that we can double date with you and Katie!" George looked hurt, but only in a one-sided way.
"Fine. Go snog some random Slytherin! It's all your thinking about anyway." George stormed off and left me frozen in a room full of Slytherin impurities. They started to laugh and my face flushed as I ran out after him. Great, now it looked like...oh never mind what it looked like.
I was mildly surprised to find George walking next to me outside to Care of Magical Creatures.
"No hard feelings Fred?" He smiled timidly, oddly worried that I was still angry. You'd think that after eighteen years he'd have figured out that we never stay mad at each other.
"Course not." The Slytherins were worse than usual. Apparently our outburst at the end of Transfiguration had spread like wildfire to those in our other classes.
"I'm not liking this. Not at all." I whispered to George while keeping a weary eye on the Slytherin mob.
"Neither am I. Do you think that they think that we're...you know?" George whispered, low enough that only I could hear him, and I think we were slightly telepathic.
"I think so. This is bloody awful! But you've got Katie so they can't make too much of it. Don't worry about it." I tried to smile an encouraging grin at him, but failed miserably.
"Yeah, you're right. Always the level-headed one Fred." George chuckled and we went back to our work. For the rest of the lesson I couldn't help but notice all the sideways glances the Slytherins gave us. I think even Lee and Angelina kept some distance.
I didn't show for lunch so the team was full of worried questions before the game. I put up a hand to silence them.
"Fine, I'm fine. Wasn't hungry and decided rest would be more beneficial." Only George gave me a questioning look. He gripped my shoulder before we went out, but thankfully didn't ask. Funny thing was; I had mostly told the truth. I hadn't slept though. I just lied there.
"Another ten points to Gryffindor! They now lead by thirty, but the Slytherins are at seventy points and rising! This is the closest game I've seen all year folks! They are brutal out there, and both teams really need this win." Lee's magnified voice rang out through the air and spurred me on. I sent a bludger at an unidentified Slytherin, saving Katie. I tore after another that was looking to unseat Harry. He waved in thanks and took off in a sudden dive, with Malfoy right beside him. Everyone held their breath, and waited.
"Yes! They've seen the snitch! Potter and Malfoy in a dive! Aww, missed it boys. Better luck next time!" The crowd groaned. It was bitter cold, and the game was getting dirtier and dirtier.
"Wait! It's Spinnet with the Quaffle! He dives to block, Spinnet scores! 110-70 Gryffindors!" This was getting really bad. The Slytherin keeper had grabbed Alicia's robes after she scored, nearly pulling her off her broom, but Hooch didn't notice. Come on Harry! I hit a bludger toward the Slytherin end and took off after the other. I heard George yell (or perhaps it was in my head) but it was too late. The other bludger had found me first. It collided with my leg and a horrible cracking sound filled my ears.
"Fred!" George was next to me, helping me to the ground, and I awoke in the hospital wing.
"Harry caught the snitch! We won Fred!" Evidently the entire team, Hermione, and Ginny were all gathered around my bed, for I was assaulted when I opened my eyes.
"Really? That's great! I would love to have seen it. Well-done Harry." I beamed at everyone and sat up. I noticed another occupied bed and asked who it was.
"Malfoy. You hit him with a bludger right before you got hit. It's what won the game." George answered me with a smile and a ruffling of my hair. I looked over at Malfoy's broken form.
"How bad is he?"
"Who cares?! As soon as you get out we'd better see you at the party in the common room!" Katie had answered, and kissed George before they walked out. Ginny stayed behind a minute while everyone else left.
"Seven broken ribs. He'll heal, but he'll be sore. You got him worse than they got you."
"Thanks Gin. Go party. I'll join you guys soon."
"Take your time, you earned it." She smiled and walked out. She's so smart sometimes. How she knew that I really wanted to know how Malfoy was is anyone's guess, but I'm glad she did. I leaned back into my pillows with a sigh, and gasped as pain seared up my leg.
"Hurting Weasley? God I hope you are." A cool voice rang from across the room in a predictable sneer.
"No, thank you. I'm fine. Quite pleased to hear you're fine as well." I sneered back at Malfoy, who seemed slightly shocked that I could fume with the best of them.
"Touching display of concern, might I say. Asking how I was. Sickening really." Man he was snide for a fifteen-year-old.
"You looked so beat up, I just wanted to know exactly what I had to brag about." I answered calmly, almost lazily.
"You cheeky git! Don't think we won't be celebrating your pain in our common room tonight!" Ha. I had made him angry. It was pathetically easy.
"No Malfoy. They may party, but it'll be without you." I laughed and blew out my candle. I could practically feel the anger radiating from him.
I awoke later that day with only a dim recognition of where I was, and that turned to surprise as I realized my leg felt fine. I got up to knock on Pomfrey's door.
"Yes Mr. Weasley? Ah. All healed I trust? You may go, as long as you can walk on it."
"Thank you. Actually, I was wondering if you had found any traces of a curse or spell on me when you examined me."
"I beg your pardon! We don't...how did you?" She stuttered and stared at me in shock.
"My brother and I have been in here enough to know that you do a routine check for magic on every admitted patient." I laughed and gave her a smile that could only be described as charming. She smiled back at me and spoke.
"You two are clever, I'll give you that. I didn't find anything Mr. Weasley. Hope I didn't disappoint...?"
"What? Oh, no. Thank you." My disappointment must have shown in my face. Oh well. She kept her secrets. She and I exchanged nods and she vanished into her office. I changed back into my robes and headed for the door. I glanced at Malfoy on my way by, and he appeared to be asleep. I had just realized I had no idea what time it was when I ran into Professor McGonigal. Literally.
"Mr. Weasley! Do watch where you are going!" She smoothed her robes and fixed her glasses.
"Sorry Professor. Oh, do you have the time?"
"Dinner has just finished Mr. Weasley. Head to your common room." She turned and walked down the hall toward the hospital wing.
"Thank you!" I called after her, not really expecting her to hear me. I headed to the common room and found it scattered with various students studying, finishing homework, socializing, and, in Neville's case, sleeping. A slight cheer broke out as George and Katie saw me, soon joined by Angelina and Lee, and the rest of the team.
"Fred old boy! Long time no see! How was the hospital wing? Fix you up right?"
"Yes, George, you know she always does." I grinned at him and we hugged quickly. "So did you all party without me?" I asked, looking around. Katie laughed.
"Surprise! We waited for you!" The party lasted until one a.m., when everyone started to settle down. We said goodnight and headed to our respective stairways. George and Katie stayed behind. Man, right in the common room. I'll have to remember not to sit on that sofa ever again. I laughed and changed for bed. I was just settling down and pulling my hangings shut when something outside distracted me. I looked down and was surprised to see someone running. They were lapping the school, similar to my morning ritual. The sky was too dark for me to see who it was so I settled back into bed. I was oddly contented by the night runner. Night for my day. I wonder who it is. With that thought I drifted off.
Quid Pro Quo-A Thing for a Thing
Ad Hominem
Chapter 1-Quid Pro Quo Day I
My shoes kicked up grass and mud still fresh with dew as the sun came up over the tree line. I quickened my pace as I finished my final lap around the grounds. I reached the doors to the great hall and I sat on the step to cool down. I gulped down my water and poured a little over my head. I sat and looked at the sunrise that was slowly growing redder by the minute. I smiled at the warmth creeping over my sweat-drenched body and sighed. It seems like my morning run never lasts long enough. I sighed one last time and got up to go change in time for breakfast.
I was early for breakfast; everyone was still asleep. I looked around at my sleeping companions and laughed. I'd been getting up to run since fourth year, and now I can't go a day without it. Seventh year had come and hadn't brought change, but I didn't really think it would. I showered and dressed and when I returned to the dorm they were starting to wake. George yawned and looked at me from his sitting position on his bed.
"How was your run?" He asked groggily. I smiled at him.
"Fine. Thanks. Were you up late? You seem tired."
"Kinda. Lee and I lost track of time discussing Quidditch over exploding snap." George scratched his chest and stood up to get dressed.
"Fred?"
"Yeah?" I answered while towel-drying my hair.
"You talk to Angelina yet?" He grinned my smile at me.
"No, I think I'll do it today though. Think I should? Has she said anything to you?" I asked, only mildly interested.
"Sorry mate. You should definitely go for it though." George left to wash up and I headed to breakfast, the rest of the guys still asleep. I love the great hall when it's empty. So peaceful, and yet it still has that expectant feeling in the air. A sound from the far end of the hall broke the silence and my head spun with curiosity. Usually I'm the only one here this early. The noise had come from the Slytherin table, but I didn't see anyone. I wrote it off as Mrs. Norris, and sat down in my usual place at the Gryffindor table. Students started to file in after about five minutes and I was soon joined by my twin. Lee and the gang were with him, and we started talking animatedly. Lee had apparently had a bit of a brush with Snape the other day and it was a popular topic for the raging Gryffindors. George elbowed me as Angelina walked by.
"Ask her!" He hissed in my ear. I shook my head and looked down at my plate.
"Not around so many people!" He sighed and mumbled something about me never asking her. I felt my eyes dart to the Slytherin table, but was unsure about what I could be looking for. I looked at all the horrible people in Slytherin and laughed to myself.
"What?" Or out loud, as it would seem.
"Nothing George, just thoughts."
"Sure Fred. Right. I'll leave you to that then." He laughed and stood up. "Come on, Transfiguration first, we'll walk, and you can tell me about it." He laughed again and hit me on the shoulder. I shoved a last bite of cereal into my mouth and we walked toward McGonigal's room. "So what's been distracting you?"
"This morning when I was alone in the hall I heard a noise from the Slytherin table but I didn't see anyone. Then during breakfast I couldn't stop looking to their table and I don't know why," I answered.
"Weird. Heard it before?" George and I turned into the Transfiguration room and sat down.
"No. Never. I'm in there every morning for four years and now I'm hearing things? It's weird. From the most suspicious and dirty table too." Angelina and Lee walked in and took the table next to ours. We said our 'hellos' and started to pull out our books.
"What are you two on about?" Angelina laughed at us.
"Fred's been hearing things all alone in the wee hours of the morning." George told them in a voice that simply screamed 'gossip'.
"What are you? Some kinda girl? (No offense Angelina.)"
"Thank you, Lee. No. I'm not some kind of girl (no offense Angelina), it was just weird is all." Professor McGonigal walked in and began the lesson, much to the disappointment of George and Lee, who were not done taunting me. I felt my thoughts slipping away as McGonigal droned on and on, and found them on the Quidditch pitch. Tonight was the match against Slytherin, and we needed the win. Angelina had been after Harry for four days about how we needed a quick victory. Personally I think she's been driving him crazy and he'll probably be worse for the wear, but whatever. Man I wish I was outside running. I'm lucky I've got Care of Magical Creatures today or I wouldn't get out at all. Great. I think it's with the Slytherins. The bell rang and there was a collective sound of books being stuffed into bags. I felt George elbow me to ask Angelina, and I shook my head. My heart just isn't in it.
"George. Forget it. I won't ask her out so that we can double date with you and Katie!" George looked hurt, but only in a one-sided way.
"Fine. Go snog some random Slytherin! It's all your thinking about anyway." George stormed off and left me frozen in a room full of Slytherin impurities. They started to laugh and my face flushed as I ran out after him. Great, now it looked like...oh never mind what it looked like.
I was mildly surprised to find George walking next to me outside to Care of Magical Creatures.
"No hard feelings Fred?" He smiled timidly, oddly worried that I was still angry. You'd think that after eighteen years he'd have figured out that we never stay mad at each other.
"Course not." The Slytherins were worse than usual. Apparently our outburst at the end of Transfiguration had spread like wildfire to those in our other classes.
"I'm not liking this. Not at all." I whispered to George while keeping a weary eye on the Slytherin mob.
"Neither am I. Do you think that they think that we're...you know?" George whispered, low enough that only I could hear him, and I think we were slightly telepathic.
"I think so. This is bloody awful! But you've got Katie so they can't make too much of it. Don't worry about it." I tried to smile an encouraging grin at him, but failed miserably.
"Yeah, you're right. Always the level-headed one Fred." George chuckled and we went back to our work. For the rest of the lesson I couldn't help but notice all the sideways glances the Slytherins gave us. I think even Lee and Angelina kept some distance.
I didn't show for lunch so the team was full of worried questions before the game. I put up a hand to silence them.
"Fine, I'm fine. Wasn't hungry and decided rest would be more beneficial." Only George gave me a questioning look. He gripped my shoulder before we went out, but thankfully didn't ask. Funny thing was; I had mostly told the truth. I hadn't slept though. I just lied there.
"Another ten points to Gryffindor! They now lead by thirty, but the Slytherins are at seventy points and rising! This is the closest game I've seen all year folks! They are brutal out there, and both teams really need this win." Lee's magnified voice rang out through the air and spurred me on. I sent a bludger at an unidentified Slytherin, saving Katie. I tore after another that was looking to unseat Harry. He waved in thanks and took off in a sudden dive, with Malfoy right beside him. Everyone held their breath, and waited.
"Yes! They've seen the snitch! Potter and Malfoy in a dive! Aww, missed it boys. Better luck next time!" The crowd groaned. It was bitter cold, and the game was getting dirtier and dirtier.
"Wait! It's Spinnet with the Quaffle! He dives to block, Spinnet scores! 110-70 Gryffindors!" This was getting really bad. The Slytherin keeper had grabbed Alicia's robes after she scored, nearly pulling her off her broom, but Hooch didn't notice. Come on Harry! I hit a bludger toward the Slytherin end and took off after the other. I heard George yell (or perhaps it was in my head) but it was too late. The other bludger had found me first. It collided with my leg and a horrible cracking sound filled my ears.
"Fred!" George was next to me, helping me to the ground, and I awoke in the hospital wing.
"Harry caught the snitch! We won Fred!" Evidently the entire team, Hermione, and Ginny were all gathered around my bed, for I was assaulted when I opened my eyes.
"Really? That's great! I would love to have seen it. Well-done Harry." I beamed at everyone and sat up. I noticed another occupied bed and asked who it was.
"Malfoy. You hit him with a bludger right before you got hit. It's what won the game." George answered me with a smile and a ruffling of my hair. I looked over at Malfoy's broken form.
"How bad is he?"
"Who cares?! As soon as you get out we'd better see you at the party in the common room!" Katie had answered, and kissed George before they walked out. Ginny stayed behind a minute while everyone else left.
"Seven broken ribs. He'll heal, but he'll be sore. You got him worse than they got you."
"Thanks Gin. Go party. I'll join you guys soon."
"Take your time, you earned it." She smiled and walked out. She's so smart sometimes. How she knew that I really wanted to know how Malfoy was is anyone's guess, but I'm glad she did. I leaned back into my pillows with a sigh, and gasped as pain seared up my leg.
"Hurting Weasley? God I hope you are." A cool voice rang from across the room in a predictable sneer.
"No, thank you. I'm fine. Quite pleased to hear you're fine as well." I sneered back at Malfoy, who seemed slightly shocked that I could fume with the best of them.
"Touching display of concern, might I say. Asking how I was. Sickening really." Man he was snide for a fifteen-year-old.
"You looked so beat up, I just wanted to know exactly what I had to brag about." I answered calmly, almost lazily.
"You cheeky git! Don't think we won't be celebrating your pain in our common room tonight!" Ha. I had made him angry. It was pathetically easy.
"No Malfoy. They may party, but it'll be without you." I laughed and blew out my candle. I could practically feel the anger radiating from him.
I awoke later that day with only a dim recognition of where I was, and that turned to surprise as I realized my leg felt fine. I got up to knock on Pomfrey's door.
"Yes Mr. Weasley? Ah. All healed I trust? You may go, as long as you can walk on it."
"Thank you. Actually, I was wondering if you had found any traces of a curse or spell on me when you examined me."
"I beg your pardon! We don't...how did you?" She stuttered and stared at me in shock.
"My brother and I have been in here enough to know that you do a routine check for magic on every admitted patient." I laughed and gave her a smile that could only be described as charming. She smiled back at me and spoke.
"You two are clever, I'll give you that. I didn't find anything Mr. Weasley. Hope I didn't disappoint...?"
"What? Oh, no. Thank you." My disappointment must have shown in my face. Oh well. She kept her secrets. She and I exchanged nods and she vanished into her office. I changed back into my robes and headed for the door. I glanced at Malfoy on my way by, and he appeared to be asleep. I had just realized I had no idea what time it was when I ran into Professor McGonigal. Literally.
"Mr. Weasley! Do watch where you are going!" She smoothed her robes and fixed her glasses.
"Sorry Professor. Oh, do you have the time?"
"Dinner has just finished Mr. Weasley. Head to your common room." She turned and walked down the hall toward the hospital wing.
"Thank you!" I called after her, not really expecting her to hear me. I headed to the common room and found it scattered with various students studying, finishing homework, socializing, and, in Neville's case, sleeping. A slight cheer broke out as George and Katie saw me, soon joined by Angelina and Lee, and the rest of the team.
"Fred old boy! Long time no see! How was the hospital wing? Fix you up right?"
"Yes, George, you know she always does." I grinned at him and we hugged quickly. "So did you all party without me?" I asked, looking around. Katie laughed.
"Surprise! We waited for you!" The party lasted until one a.m., when everyone started to settle down. We said goodnight and headed to our respective stairways. George and Katie stayed behind. Man, right in the common room. I'll have to remember not to sit on that sofa ever again. I laughed and changed for bed. I was just settling down and pulling my hangings shut when something outside distracted me. I looked down and was surprised to see someone running. They were lapping the school, similar to my morning ritual. The sky was too dark for me to see who it was so I settled back into bed. I was oddly contented by the night runner. Night for my day. I wonder who it is. With that thought I drifted off.
Quid Pro Quo-A Thing for a Thing