Chapter Nineteen

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

To say that I didn't get anything out of the study group would be a lie, because I truly did. It had absolutely nothing to do with Charms, but at least it wasn't a complete waste of time. I didn't mention seeing my name doodled on Fred's parchment to anyone, not even Ginny. And as I spent hours studying my various subjects, sometimes I would catch myself scribbling his name amongst my notes.

I was sitting in the Great Hall, my Defense Against the Dark Arts book lying precariously open as I sipped on some tomato soup. Fred and George groaned loudly when I would tune out of their conversation in order to concentrate on my studies, but I ignored them so well that it was like they hadn't groaned at all.

"'Del?" asked George, sipping soup.
"Hmm?"

"Hmm? That's all I get is a hmm? Usually I applaud when I can get you to shut up, but this is just rubbish," complained George.

Fred let out a snicker, but I continued to read my scribbled notes and textbook. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Fred and George mocking me and snickering. I fight the urge to smile because I don't want them to know that I've paid any attention to them at all. Instead I focus harder on the incantations and spells that I needed to so desperately commit to memory.

"This is getting ridiculous," said Fred snatching my book from beneath me.

"Hey! Give that back! I'm not done—" I proclaimed, leaping out of my seat to attack Fred.

"The exam is only four days away," laughed Fred, "and if you don't know it by now, then you never will."

"No! I refuse to believe that!" I said, pining after my textbooks.

Fred laughed at my feeble attempts to grab my book back, while George cheered his twin on. Giving up, I dropped down on the bench again. Fred passed the book to George, who giddily dropped it in his empty bookbag.

"No more studying," ordered Fred.

"For right now," I mumbled.

"You're driving us mad with all this studying. Please, please take a break. I'm worried that this might have an effect on me," said George.

"Let's go for a walk or something. Get your mind off of this exam for a while," suggested Fred.

"Sure," I said, finally feeling optimistic, "I'd love to."

Fred and I finished our lunch and headed down for the loop around the grounds. School was put on hold this week since our OWL examinations took up most of our free time. Even if we had class, none of us could possibly think about the subject at hand when there's a life changing tests merely days away.

"It's nice out," said Fred, "I'm not used to the warmth."

"Neither am I," I muttered, appreciating the way the sun felt on my bare skin.

We walked in silence a bit, enjoying the beauty of nature. Every few seconds I could see Fred look over at me and all of the words that I wanted to say were on the tip of my tongue, but I couldn't do it. For a Gryffindor, I was incredibly cowardly.

"'Del," said Fred, stopping in his tracks, "how long are we going to keep pretending that it didn't happen?"

I was taken aback by his bluntness, something I wasn't used to experiencing with Fred.

"Well, we can't pretend anymore, now can we?"

"No, we can't. I haven't wanted to say anything because I didn't want to remind you of your father."

"I get it," I said, and then in a stroke of bravery added, "I have feelings for you, Fred."

"And I feelings for you, too," said a blushing Fred.

"So where does that leave us?" My voice is but a whisper.

"I like you, truly. I don't want you to think differently, but we can't be together."

His words hung in the air, and when they sunk in, they stung. I nodded my head, afraid to speak for my voice would give away my pain.

"I can't risk losing you. You're a bright girl, 'Del. You know what would happen if we dated and it didn't work out," explained Fred.

"No, no, I get it. You're absolutely right."

"I'm not saying we won't be with each other in the future, ok? In fact, I'd bet money that we will be together one day."

We walked back to the castle in peace with the decision to remain friends for the time being.

Author's note: So they are officially…friends! The agony! I'd like to give a special shout out to Lobo de Fuego who has been so faithful in reviewing! Please go and check her profile out and read some of her amazing stories. Thank you all for taking the time to read this chapter, and if you like it, stay tuned for more! –Rebecca