Liesel and Fred strolled together, elbow to elbow, heavy breathed, and pair fell into step with the other students easily, blending with the hundreds of students eager to arrive at Hogsmeade Village. Crisp leaves covered crunched beneath their boots, and the smoke from chimneys wafted to their noses, welcoming them as they ventured nearer. Liesel's hands were tucked in her pockets, palms sweaty from nerves, accompanied by hunched shoulders.

"C'mon, Liz," Fred jibed. "Could you be any slower?" He grinned at her, thin, pink lips spread from ear to ear.

Liesel sighed; she was in no rush to keep up with Fred's rushed paces, and it was especially hard to do so when his legs were so much longer than her own. "It's not my fault if you're moving so quickly," she retorted. "Besides —- I'm enjoying the scenery." Chapped lips managed to twist into a wry smile. "What are you in such a rush for, anyway? Am I boring you already?"

"No. Never," he responded. A strong gust of wind hit their faces. The breeze caused Liesel's hair to fly about in all directions and Fred grinned as he tried his best to flatten it back into place for her. "Some weather we're havin', eh?"

"Typical November weather, I suppose," Liesel replied.

"Speakin' of November," said Fred, "your birthday's comin' up."

Liesel let out a slow breath. "Please, no. I don't want to do anything for my birthday, all right? I just want to have a peaceful day. Nothing special."

"But, Liesel—"

"Fred!"

Fred looked as though it were his own birthday party that had been cancelled. "Fine. Not like I had anything planned."

Liesel grimaced. Of course, she found that she wasn't surprised that Fred had already had something up his sleeve. Fred made the mistake of mentioning his plans to her; he should've known better.

"It sure is cold," he said after a long pause. He rubbed his palms together. "Think maybe you could help me out, here?" he said, offering a hand her. His hazel eyes glistened.

Liesel stared at his hand. "I mean, I can try to charm them, if you want," she said slowly, reaching into her pocket to draw her wand.

"No, no," Fred laughed, urging her hand away from her pocket. "I meant like this," he took his hand from his pocket and took a hold of her own, and laced them together. She shivered; his fingers felt like icicles. Liesel wondered if this was his banal idea of a romantic gesture or if his hand actually needed warming.

"There—now we won't have to worry about losing each other." Rather chuffed, Fred's strides had become quicker, seemingly even more eager to get to Hogsmeade than he had been before. The the rest of the way was spent in silence, accompanied by moments of shared glances and shy smiles. The pair passed groups of other students by and Liesel wasn't surprised by the alarming amount of her classmates that sported the Support Cedric Diggory! Badges. That is, until she spotted Ernie MacMillan and his own friends: Hannah Abbott, and Justin Finch-Fletchley, all of whom sported the badges as well. The Hufflepuff trio looked as happy as any group of best friends could be; Liesel assumed they were laughing at some sort of inside joke by the glances they exchanged. The acidic green of the buttons clashed with their clothing, however. Through their laughter, it seemed that Ernie noticed her. Liesel looked away immediately, disbelieving of the sight before her.

Just as her gaze had fallen, a slender figure made rough contact with Fred A small figure— a girl—clung to his arm. "Watch where you're going," snapped Draco, as though Fred had been the one to bump into him. He scowled over his shoulder at Fred and just before before he turned away, gray eyes focused Liesel. It was then that she realized that Draco hadn't expected to see her with Fred Weasley, hand-in-hand.

She couldn't bring herself to look at him, and so she looked at Pansy Parkinson, whose eyes were ablaze with envy. Liesel inhaled sharply through her nose, Pansy's grasp on Draco's arm tightened. "Erm." Liesel finally met the gaze of her once-boyfriend. "Nice to see you, Draco." She nodded politely, feeling embarrassed. She did tried her best to catch his eye, but Draco's gaze was set upon their hands, and the only thing Liesel could think to do was let go.

"Don't you talk to him," seethed Pansy, "dirty half-blood."

Liesel was so taken aback that she couldn't think of a remark, and so she resorted to silence instead; there was no point in arguing with someone she hardly knew, anyway. She just wished that Pansy would let go of Draco's arm; there was no need to be so possessive. After all, the former couple had broken up months ago, and now she knew why he hadn't sought her out as of late; he was far too preoccupied with his new girlfriend.

Draco's nostrils twitched slightly as he wrenched his arm from her grasp, causing her to stagger backwards a step or two. He inclined his chin as he smoothed out his robes, eyes staring through Liesel as though she weren't there. Pale eyes void of emotion, Draco turned on his heel to continue his journey to Hogsmeade Village.

Pansy stared after him, jaw slacked and Draco came to an immediate halt. "Well, are you coming or not?" he called over his shoulder cooly. Pansy stammered before shuffling to catch up with him. A thick feeling set in Liesel's chest that wouldn't go away no matter how deep of a breath she took.

"The bloody hell was that?" murmured Fred as he began to amble along the path once more.

"No clue," answered Liesel faintly as she fell into step with him.

If Draco and Pansy were dating, Liesel would say it seemed far different than the relationship she and Draco had once had. She tilted her head as she pondered the subject more: Never would Draco have left her alone the way he had done Pansy, never snatch his arm away from her (not that she would have held onto his arm for dear life in the first place).

It was then that another thought struck her: perhaps Draco didn't really fancy Pansy at all. Liesel knew all about arranged marriages, and Draco and Pansy's blooming relationship could easily be a result of just that. But, really—she was only trying to make herself feel better. It didn't matter how many excuses she came up with. All that mattered was that they were together.

"Er...you don't still—?"

"No," said Liesel right away, quickly abandoning such thoughts. "No, no. Of course not," she said. It was a lie, of course, but not a complete one. Getting over someone was hard, she learned. More than anything, Liesel wished those around her (more specifically, Fred) would take that into consideration.

She glanced at Fred from the corner of her eye and wished to be close with him, wanted to feel something. She grasped his hand once more, determined not to let go this time. "C'mon. Let's head to the Three Broomsticks like we planned."

The brisk weather didn't seem to bother Liesel; She felt warm — mostly because Fred was playing the part of the perfect gentleman. He'd even gone as far to hold the door open for her as they entered the restaurant. As Liesel walked inside, her ears were met with the muffled sound of chatter. It was crowded—much more crowded than what she was used to with the Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students being there as well.

"Do you see anywhere t' sit?" said Fred as he craned his neck.

Just by the window, she spotted an empty booth. "There," she murmured. Still holding his hand, she led him through the aisle until they stood before the booth. Liesel slid in first and Fred followed. He began removing a few layers, namely his jacket and hat. The two were seated so close that their shoulders pressed against each one another.

Liesel found herself going rigid and willed herself to relax. It was only Fred, after all. "Erm," she said quietly. "I think I'd like a Butterbeer...Do you want one?"

"Oh, yeah," said Fred. "I'll get them. Anything t' eat?" he inquired.

Liesel shook her head. "No, just the Butterbeer."

"Right then."

Fred left the booth, and Liesel relaxed right away. Why was she so tense around him? Things had been going just fine, what was there to worry about? "Don't tell me you're here all alone, Greenwood."

Green eyes met with that of a single blue one and her insides went cold. Anxiety churned in her stomach at the very sight of the man. She wondered why he would approach her with such a question when Fred's things were clearly visible beside her. Why then, she wondered, would he approach me? There was no need for him to speak to her outside of the classroom. If anything, she wished he would disappear. "No, Professor Moody," she said through gritted teeth. "I'm here with a friend."

"Hpmh," was the Professor's response, his eye roaming to the back of his head. Liesel tried not to gag. "Where are you friends, then? Miss Granger, I've seen already... What about Miss Funbar? The Hufflepuff and Beauxbatons girl?"

Liesel sneered. "Around, I suppose," she replied. "I'm not here with them." Creep. How he knew who her friends were, she didn't want to know.

"Back!" said Fred as he placed two butterbeers on the table. "'Ello, Moody," he said as he sent the professor a keen nod. He then slid into the booth again. This time, however, he placed an arm over her shoulder, bringing them closer together. "Didn't think Hogsmeade was really your scene—nice seein' you here, though."

Moody stared at the two, his eye rolling around like mad. He let out a low grunt; nothing that neither Fred nor Liesel could make out. Without a goodbye, the gruff old man limped away. Liesel would have happily sent him a rude gesture behind his back, but she didn't want the risk the chance of the eye seeing it.

It was a good thing he didn't have heightened hearing, however. "I hate that man."

Fred rolled his eyes as he brought his butterbeer to his lips. Setting his tankard down, Fred shook his head, the corners of his lips upturned in a small smile. "I don't see why. The man's brilliant."

"And he also makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up," Liesel retorted. "There's something off about that man, I'm telling you."

"Oh, give it a rest," sighed Fred as he slid the other warm tankard of butterbeer her way, "and drink your butterbeer before it goes cold."

Liesel obliged, finally sipping her drink. "So, Dominik's birthday passed on Sunday," she said after a moment.

Fred glanced at her from the corner of his eye. "And?"

"Well, I was planning on getting him a gift, but I'm not sure what," she said thoughtfully. "He's just so picky about everything; I'd be better off getting him something like a lifetime supply of coffee."

Fred snorted. "Dunno why you're askin' me for help. Think I'd be better use if you were asking what not t' buy him. I'm sure you'll figure somethin' out, though. Besides, there's a more important birthday comin' up."

Liesel set the tankard on the table, top lip covered in froth as she speaks, "Fred," she said softly. "You don't always have to make such a big deal out of this...I just said—"

"But, I want to," he implored. "I don't see why you're so against it...but, if you want, I won't do anything too big. Something small...Not everyday that you turn fifteen. C'mon, Liesel? Please?"

Liesel reluctantly agreed, "Fine. Something small."

However, she couldn't shake the feeling that she actually appreciated the lengths Fred went to to make her feel special for her birthday. It made her stomach feel odd and she could feel her cheeks growing warm. Liesel sipped her butterbeer shyly, at a sudden loss of words; she was scared to speak. But, why was she afraid? Was it because she wanted to avoid saying the wrong thing?

Fred Weasley was her best friend. Never, in their three years of friendship had she ever felt uncomfortable or nervous. So, what was the cause of her newfound anxiousness?

"Liesel." Fred's fingertips brushed over the back of her hand. She gasped quietly as she was awakened from her thoughts. The warm feeling in her stomach intensified.

She looked at Fred through blonde lashes. "Yes?"

Fred moved a closer, and his musky scent invaded her nostrils. He smiled timidly. "Just wanted t' tell you how glad I am that you're here with me," he confessed. All Liesel could do was bring herself to stare at his mouth. Something wasn't right. Fred was her closest friend, very much like a brother. "I've been wanting to do something like this for a long time."

But, no—she felt something more for him—something much more intimate than what she would feel for a sibling. In her eyes, George was more of a brother. But, with Fred it was just—different.

"Fred?" Green eyes sparkled as they focused on Fred's lips, always, quirked up at the corners, prepared for a smirk. Liesel had never realized how much she loved that, or how his eyes shone when he went on his passionate rambles about the joke shop he and George would one day own. As Liesel thought about the small things she appreciated about Fred, her chin inclined slowly and her eyes closed as her lips prepared to meet his.

A loud clank sounded behind them. Liesel opened her eyes slowly, eyebrows pressed together. She remained still for a moment and thenturned her head and her eyes came upon her fallen tankard of butterbeer, frothing on the wooden surface of the table. Fred breathed through his nose. "I'll get it," he said gently. He stood from the booth. "Napkins, too. Don't go anywhere. I'll be back before you can say balderdash!"

Liesel suddenly felt furious, so furious, that she could punch the air—and so she did, knowing very well who would be sitting beside her. A muffled groan came from thin air. "How dare you, Harry! How dare you! You've got two minutes to explain yourself before I snatch that cloak from your head and set it on fire," she hissed. When Harry said nothing, Liesel elbowed him. "Answer me, Harry!"

"Why aren't you with your friends?"

"Because Fred asked me to go with him," replied Liesel. "But that doesn't explain why you're here spying on me—us. Weren't you the one who asked me to leave you alone? What the hell d'you want?"

Harry was silent for a moment, more than likely thinking of a response, Liesel assumed. She was very wrong, however. "Is this a date?"

"How long have you been sitting there?" She asked turning to glare at him only to see nothing. "Just because Ron's not speaking to you doesn't mean—"

"So it is a date, then?"

"Just—shut up! We're not friends! I don't need to tell you anything! Go away."

"I didn't mean it," Harry said after a short pause. "What I said to you that night. I was just upset..."

"Well, it's too late. You never seem to 'mean what you say', do you? Good luck in the Triwizard Tournament and with the rest of your life. Goodbye."

"Here we are!" said Fred as he arrived to their booth, a new butterbeer in one hand and a handful of napkins in the other. Liesel felt Harry shift beside her once more as Fred leaned forward to wipe up the mess. "Wonder how this fell," he mused as he finished up. Liesel smiled timidly and shrugged in response. "Doesn't really matter, I s'pose," he shrugged, seating himself beside her again, idly setting his arm over her shoulder.

She glanced at where Harry had been seated from the corner of her eye and wondered if he was still there. Nonchalantly, she kicked up her legs on the rest of the seat, which confirmed her suspicions. Liesel stretched her legs, sending Harry falling out of the booth, followed by a soft thump as he hit the floor, but Fred didn't seem to hear it. Liesel moved closer to him, basking in his warmth—and the smell of his jacket, which smelled of—

"Gunpowder," Liesel said to herself, but loud enough for him to hear. "You...smell like gunpowder," she laughed. "Of all things."

"Oh? Really?" said Fred as he slid the new tankard of butterbeer her way. "I mean, George and I've been workin' with it a bit...can you really smell it?"

"Yeah," she admitted sheepishly as she reached forward to take another sip of the warm beverage.

She glanced at him one last time before letting her eyes wander around the crowded restaurant until her eyes rested upon Professor Moody, who was staring at her. She swallowed, averting her gaze to the table as her stomach went to knots. "I was thinking—maybe we should get out of here," she said. "It's starting to get crowded. We could around for a bit."

"Alright, then," Fred nodded. "C'mon." He slid out of the booth and Liesel followed. As they eased their way toward the exit, Fred's fingers locked with hers once more.

"Oh, Liesel!" cried Eloise as she rushed over to the couple, greeting them both with eager kisses on both cheeks.

"Hello, Eloise..." said Liesel slowly.

"Were the two you just in The Three Broomsticks? Together?" inquired Fay as she and Melanie caught up with Eloise, beaming at couple. Her blue eyes wandered to their hands and her smile managed to grow wider.

Fred grinned, "Yeah."

"'How fun!" said Eloise, glancing between the pair and clapping her hands. Liesel hoped she wasn't blushing too much.

Melanie remained quiet. "So. How are you guys?" Liesel asked. "Having fun? Do you like Hogsmeade?"

"Oh, yes—but we did run into my brother and his crazy girlfriend—em, sorry—your cousin," said Eloise shakily. "But, she ees very loud—and rude, too."

"That sounds like Tabitha," Liesel sighed.

"You know, you've got some interesting family members," noted Fay. "There's Dominik, who's weird, but in the mysterious, attractive kind of way. And then there's Tabitha...who's kinda mean and snobbish—but also really pretty..."

"Yes, it would seem that way," Liesel said softly.

"Well, we'll see you lot later, then," mumbled Fred, ushering Liesel away.

He sat down on a nearby bench and Liesel followed suit. "How could all of this—which hardly has anything to do with me—be affecting me so much?" Liesel sighed.

"You talkin' about the Triwizard Tournament?"

"Yeah," answered Liesel. "I didn't ask for this to happen, yet Harry's being a complete git, and I can't even get Melanie to look me in the eye. What's next?"

"Good thing you've got me, then, eh?" He threw his arm around her shoulder.

Liesel smiled in return. "It sure is."

It was later that afternoon that things had taken a sharp turn. Bunched together in Honeydukes, Liesel and Fred had a hard time maneuvering their way through the aisles, full of students from Hogwarts, Durmstrang, and Beauxbatons alike. On the opposite side of the shop stood Dominik, Cameron, and Vanessa, lined up against a wall, all of whom appeared to be rather tense. Liesel grimaced, wishing things could be worked out properly for the couple; she thought that Vanessa and Dominik had been perfect with the way they acted toward each other, and he seemed to genuinely like her. But, she had to constantly remind herself that Dominik had problems of his own, and personal problems tended to affect any and all relationships.

From his 'strong dislike' of his mother, to his worrying about Sirius, and finding out more information about his father, Dominik had enough on his plate. The drama between Vanessa, Cameron, and possibly Melanie would more than likely be enough to drive him mad if he wasn't there already.

What Liesel couldn't quite figure out was when he'd begun to develop feelings for Melanie—if what Cameron claimed happened to be true. Dominik had declared Cameron's assertion was absurd. Not only that, Liesel wasn't very familiar with the way Dominik acted around someone he fancied— unless, of course, Vanessa was included.

Whatever the case, Cameron wouldn't have gotten quite as worked up had there not been some truth to the situation. If there was one thing Liesel knew, Cameron Deligure was not the sort to lose his temper, and Merlin, had he been angry that day. Liesel supposed that if Dominik ended up hurting Vanessa, Cameron made it clear just whose side he'd be on.

Watching the trio from the corner of her eye, it was evident that Dominik was in a sour mood, his lips pursed and his back turned to his friend. Vanessa looked as though she were holding back tears. Liesel couldn't shake the feeling that Cameron and Dominik had been arguing all afternoon.

"What's goin' on with them?" inquired Fred.

"I wish I knew," Liesel admitted. "I'm worried..." While she knew that it was normal for friends to have disagreements, she'd never known the two to fight.

"So, what was it that we witnessed that day, anyway? Has it got somethin' to do with Melanie and Dominik? Y'know, that whole ordeal."

"Well...yes," said Liesel hesitantly. "Cameron is under the impression that Dominik may fancy Melanie because of his...actions toward her..."

Fred flinched. "What?"

"He's also very upset because he thinks that Dominik's alleged feelings for Melanie are the blame for Dominik and Vanessa's recent...issues, so to speak," she sighed. "Dominik and Cameron have been at each others' necks for a while now and I think it needs to be stopped."

"Melanie doesn't fancy your cousin, does she?"

"No, I highly doubt it..." Liesel bit her lip, watching as Dominik hissed a few words over his shoulder, and Cameron replied just as fiercely; Vanessa's lip trembled. "I'm going over there. I can't watch this happen anymore."

"Well, Angelina, George, and Lee are over there," said Fred, nodding toward the display of Liquorice Wands. "When you're done, I'll be over with them—I'll even grab those Liquorice Wands you wanted."

Liesel nodded before taking a deep breath and shoving her way through the crowd. A hand grasped her arm and stopped her in her pursuit of her friends. "So you're here with Weasley, then?"

She turned to meet Draco's gaze. "Yes." She'd expected to feel annoyed, peeved, even, at Draco's presence, but she found that she didn't mind him so much. His approach wasn't spiteful, and his expression was neutral, no sneer in sight.

Wringing his hands and casting his eyes elsewhere, Draco's mouth curved into a frown, and his bottom lip emerged, forming a pout. "Why?"

"Because I wanted to," she replied impatiently; she really wished people would stop questioning her actions. "Draco," she said gently, "will you please leave me alone for right now? I promise you that I will speak with you another time about whatever you please, but right now, there's just something that I need to do."

Draco's gray eyes searched her own for any hint of a lie. "Do you promise?" Liesel didn't like Draco's tone of voice; it was almost hesitant, maybe even desperate. "Yes," she replied impatiently, her eyes focused on Dominik as he hissed something to Cameron. Draco grasped her forearm, to catch her eye

"I promise, Draco," she said sincerely.

He let go of Liesel's arm, appearing relaxed and far less anxious. "I'll find you another time."

"Thank you," Liesel mouthed as she backed away, toward Dominik and Cameron. Finally, she turned and stood before the pair.

"You're always looking—" Cameron began, stopping himself as he noticed Liesel.

"What is going on?"

Cameron scowled, "Ask him," he said, nodding toward Dominik's back. "Tell him to make up his bloody mind!"

"I'm here, aren't I?" Dominik shot back over his shoulder again. "What more do you want from me? There was never a choice to make, Cameron—just drop it."

"While that's what you claim, you've put forth no effort to suppress your feelings for Melanie whatsoever! Just admit it already!"

Finally, Vanessa burst into tears, her face in her hands. She sobbed heavily. "Now, look what you've done," Liesel sighed.

Dominik placed an arm around his girlfriend, holding her to his chest. "For the last fucking time, stop saying that! It's not true!" Vanessa managed to sob even harder, burying her face in Dominik's shirt.

"Come on," Dominik murmured to Vanessa, urging her through the crowds of students and outside the shop.

Liesel's eyes remained on Cameron, whose nostrils were still flaring. "I think he's really trying, and I don't think you're giving him enough credit."

"Be that as it may, I know what's underneath the surface, and he's lying to himself and to her," Cameron stated as calmly as possible. "And I'm not going to let him hurt her."

"From what it looked like, Cameron, Dominik wasn't the one to make her cry just now," Liesel reasoned. "It was you," a few third years shoved their way past her. "You're the one planting the doubt in her mind, and it seemed like Dominik was the one trying to reassure her of how he felt."

"But, you saw him that day, Liesel!"

"Cameron," said Liesel, "what I saw was Dominik being very apologetic to Melanie for whatever reason, and he gave her a note more than likely explaining himself. You don't know what's in that note, and neither do I. Maybe the reason we don't know is because it's none of our business," she explained. "Listen—I'm not telling you that you're wrong, but perhaps you're looking into it a bit more than necessary. Plus, I'd expect you to think more highly of your friends."

"Liz, you don't understand. There's more going on than you know, Dominik is keeping something from you—Melanie, too. I suggest you ask them because I can't sit by and watch all of this unravel."

Liesel sighed. "Cameron, what are you going on about?"

He pursed his lips. "Nothing. Just forget I said anything, all right?"

"If it'll get you off of Dominik's case, so be it...Just try to patch things up? Please?" she begged. Cameron seemed hesitant, the word no forming on his lips. "If you won't do it, don't think that Dominik is going to," she added. "Besides, I know you don't like fighting with him."

"I'll talk to him," Cameron said after a moment. "Later–Maybe once Vanessa's calmed down, but I'm not going to promise you that things'll be straightened out."

"I also think you owe her an apology." Liesel watched Cameron carefully, and when she saw that he didn't protest, she continued. "He treats her like a princess, and I don't think he'd ever go out of his way to hurt her." She placed a hand on Cameron's shoulder. "You and I both know that when Dominik decides that he cares about something or someone, there's nothing more to it. There's no changing his mind."

"I'm just trying to look out for my friend, that's all; I'd do the same thing for you in a heartbeat."

Liesel beamed at Cam, wrapping her arms around him. "Don't worry. I understand."

Hello, all!

I know you all are probably wondering where I've been for the last two years! I am alive and well!

When I began this story, I was fifteen years old. Now, I'm nineteen and am a sophomore in college (yikes, amiright?). Because of the huge gap between my writing this story and now, my writing style has changed tremendously. Not only that, but I don't feel quite as passionate about this as I once was. I've jus outgrown it, I think. So, I'm not sure if I'll rewrite this story, continue it or leave it abandoned. I really would hate to leave this story behind for good, just because I don't want to leave so many of you unsatisfied.

Know that I'll be returning to this site, but under a different alias. I'll keep this account for the purpose of this story only.

So, with love I give you this chapter and I wish you all the best.

Veritaserum Girl xo.