XXIII
The Gryffindor Common Room had transformed into a sanctuary of warmth and camaraderie, the usual hum of chatter replaced by a quieter, more subdued atmosphere. Students from the other houses, who had taken refuge in the Common Room, had dragged pillows and blankets from every corner of the room, fashioning makeshift mattresses on the floor. Groups whispered quiet reassurances, friends fell asleep in each other's embrace, everyone trying to find comfort and warmth. Despite the exhaustion etched into every face, there was an unspoken sense of solidarity that kept everyone grounded.
It was late when George had gently taken Thalia’s hand and led her up the spiraling staircase to his dormitory. The room was dimly lit, the moonlight filtering through the window casting silvery streaks across the wooden floor. George rummaged through his trunk, pulling out the clothes she’d worn the previous night and handing them to her with a small smile. There had been no awkwardness between them, just an easy understanding that seemed to come naturally. Once under the duvet, Thalia instinctively nestled against him, her head resting on his chest. His arms wrapped around her without hesitation, squeezing her slightly in soft reassurance.
George had been the first to drift off, his hand moving instinctively to trace soothing patterns across her shoulders and down her back until his breathing slowed into the deep, steady rhythm of sleep. Thalia lay awake, listening to the quiet rise and fall of his chest, feeling the way his fingers had stilled against her back, cradling her against him. She traced invisible shapes on his shirt with her fingertips, letting the calm of the moment wash over her.
Later the door creaked softly, and Fred slipped into the room, his usual mischief replaced with a quiet understanding. He paused when he saw Thalia still awake, a knowing smile tugging at his lips.
"Alright, Winterbourne?" he asked in a low voice, careful not to disturb his sleeping brother.
Thalia nodded slightly, her cheek still resting against George’s chest. "Alright. Alright, Weasley?"
Fred chuckled, shaking his head as he rummaged for his pyjamas. "Alright," he echoed, his voice laced with a warmth that made her smile despite the ache in her hand.
He lingered at the door to the bathroom, his hand resting on the frame. Turning back to her, his expression softened further, a rare glimpse of something deeper behind his usual playful demeanor. "Thank you, Lia."
Thalia frowned slightly, her brow furrowing in confusion. "For what? I should be thanking you—your balm saved us."
Fred shook his head, his grin tilting toward something more genuine, "Not for that. For looking after him. For being so understanding with him. George doesn’t show it much, but he feels things deeply. He worries more than people realise, and you help him with that. You make him happy, so... thank you."
The words caught her off guard, her cheeks flushing with warmth. She opened her mouth to respond but found herself speechless. Fred didn’t seem to expect an answer, though. With a small nod, he disappeared into the bathroom, the door clicking softly shut behind him.
For a long moment, Thalia lay there, staring at the ceiling, Fred’s words echoing in her mind. They settled into her heart, a warm, cheesy smile spread across her face despite her best efforts to suppress it. Her chest swelled with a strange mix of pride and happiness, the kind that made her feel light and buoyant even as sleep began to claim her.
~.~.~.~
The following morning, sunlight filtered weakly through the high dormitory window. Thalia stirred awake to the sound of soft snores and rustling duvets. For a moment, she was disoriented, the events of the previous night flooding back in a rush. The detention, the healing, the quiet comfort of George’s presence—it all felt like a strange mix of chaos and calm.
She realised she was still nestled against George, his arm draped protectively over her. His face was peaceful in sleep, the tension that often lined his features completely gone. He looked innocent, almost childlike. The sight made her heart ache in a way she wasn’t sure she could put into words.
Carefully, she shifted to sit up, not wanting to wake him. As she did, she caught sight of Fred sprawled out on his own bed, one arm hanging off the edge, snoring softly. A small smile tugged at her lips as she remembered his words from the night before.
"You make him happy."
The thought warmed her even as it made her chest tighten with a mix of emotions she wasn’t ready to unpack. She tried to shake it off, focusing instead on finding something to wear. Her gaze landed on one of George’s jumpers draped over the back of a chair—a soft, navy, woolen one with a periwinkle blue "G" embroidered on the front. Smiling faintly, she pulled it over her head, the fabric oversized and comforting. It smelled faintly of peppermint.
Crossing to the mirror, she huffed as she tried to tame her wild curls. Finally, she gave up and pulled them into a high ponytail, a few strands rebelliously framing her face. She didn’t bother fighting them today; there were bigger battles to face.
Slipping out of the dormitory quietly, she padded down the stairs, her sock covered feet barely making a sound on the worn stone steps. The Common Room greeted her with a soft murmur of voices and the warm, flickering glow of the fireplace. The space was still a mess of blankets and pillows. Weary faces dotted the room, some sipping tea, others still curled up under blankets. Despite the exhaustion etched into their features, there was an undeniable sense of unity in the air.
Ginny was sitting cross-legged on the floor, her nimble fingers braiding Kristen’s hair. Nova was nearby, balancing a tray of steaming cups, offering them to anyone who walked by. Colin was perched close to the fireplace, his pale face lit by the flames. Though he still looked shaken, a small, genuine smile played on his lips as he listened to something Ginny was saying.
“Morning,” Thalia said softly as she approached, wrapping her arms around herself for warmth.
“Morning,” Nova greeted her with a kind smile, holding out a cup of tea. The steam curled invitingly into the air. “How’d you sleep?”
Before Thalia could answer, Ginny looked up, her expression instantly mischievous. “Yeah, Thalia, how did you sleep?” she asked, wiggling her eyebrows in a way that made the other girls snicker.
“Shut it, Ginevra,” Thalia shot back, though she couldn’t stop the blush creeping up her cheeks.
“Oh, come on,” Nova teased, her eyes sparkling as she nudged Thalia. “One minute you were sitting here with us, gossiping, and the next, a handsome, tall ginger was leading you off to his bed.”
“That’s where you disappeared to!” Alicia chimed in from a nearby sofa, her voice loud enough to draw the attention of Katie and Angelina, who immediately joined the conversation.
“And it’s not the first night you’ve spent in his bed!” Ginny added, her grin wicked as the girls dissolved into fits of giggles.
Thalia groaned, hiding her face behind her cup of tea. “You lot are impossible.”
Kristen, now free of Ginny’s hands, leaned over with a conspiratorial grin. “You’re not exactly helping your case, Lia. You’re wearing his clothes!” she said, gesturing to the jumper and pyjamas she hadn’t bothered to change.
Thalia glanced down at herself, realizing too late how obvious it must look. She groaned again, though she couldn’t help the small smile tugging at her lips. “Alright, alright, get it out of your systems now,” she said, trying to sound exasperated but failing to hide the warmth in her voice.
The girls only laughed harder, the sound filling the room and momentarily chasing away the heaviness that had lingered since the night before.
“Wait, your George Weasley’s girlfriend?” Colin’s voice cut through the chatter, and Thalia’s eyes widened in shock. She hadn’t realized he’d been listening so intently from the outskirts of the group.
Her tea nearly shot out of her mouth, and she choked it down, spluttering loudly before quickly shaking her head. “No!” she exclaimed, her voice much louder than she intended. Her eyes darted around the room, panic creeping in at the thought of the Hogwarts rumor mill kicking into gear. “We’re just friends, Colin. Best friends.”
Colin, looking unconvinced, mumbled under his breath, “Charlie Cavanaugh and I are best friends, but we don’t cuddle and hold hands all the time.”
At that, the entire group of girls burst into laughter, the sound filling the room bouncing off the high ceilings. Thalia couldn’t help but smile, though her cheeks flushed crimson from the teasing. Colin’s innocent observation had struck a chord, and the girls seemed to find it utterly hilarious.
Before the conversation could spiral further, the Common Room was filled with a burst of energy. George, Fred, and Lee entered, their laughter and chatter filling the space with an infectious warmth. They were still dressed in their mismatched pyjamas, their hair tousled from sleep. It was clear they had the same idea—to gather with the others, though their energy was far more contagious than Thalia had expected.
“Morning!” George greeted loudly, his voice bright and easy.
Without missing a beat, he threw himself onto the couch beside Thalia, his arm naturally draping over her shoulders as he pulled her closer. The weight of his arm was comfortable, familiar, however the moment he settled beside her, Thalia was acutely aware of the silence that fell over the group. Every single pair of eyes in the group was trained on her and George, their gazes filled with sly grins and knowing expressions. Her cheeks flamed once more as she tried to ignore them, focusing instead on the conversation that was beginning between George and Ginny. George’s voice was animated and light as he bantered with his sister. Thalia couldn’t help but glance up at him, her thoughts suddenly swirling in a confusing mix of emotions. The quiet whispers echoing in her mind, Fred’s words repeating like a soft refrain. You make him happy . Did she? Did she make George happy? And if so, did that mean he felt the same way about her that she was beginning to feel about him?
She felt a knot form in her stomach, a mixture of excitement and uncertainty as the thought lingered. What if she was reading too much into things? What if George was just being his usual self, the fun-loving, carefree friend she’d always known?
She shook her head slightly, trying to dispel the thoughts that were beginning to overwhelm her. This was not the time. Not now. She forced herself to focus on the conversation at hand, diving back into the chatter with the others, trying to push aside the fluttering feeling in her chest. It was easier said than done, especially when George was so close, his arm still around her shoulders, his presence so comforting and yet, so confusing.
Eventually the sounds of hunger began to permeate the room, rumbling stomachs and low dulcet whines, made it clear that the inhabitant of the Gryffindor Common Room needed food. However, despite the relative safety of the Gryffindor Common Room, the fear from the night before had yet to dissipate. The younger students, particularly, were still too shaken to leave the sanctuary of the room and venture down to breakfast. The thought of facing the rest of the school, especially after everything that had happened, was too much for them. They clung to the comfort of the familiar, huddling together, seeking solace in the presence of others who understood.
Thalia, who had been quietly observing the room, couldn’t help but notice the way the younger students lingered in silence, their eyes darting nervously at the door. The weight of the fear was palpable, a quiet hum that filled the space and seemed to settle into the corners of the room. She understood it, of course. She could feel it too, the unease that still clung to her own chest like a heavy stone. But she also knew that they needed to move past it, to take that first step toward normalcy, or at least toward a semblance of it.
Looking at the twins, who were sitting together near the fire, Thalia gave them a knowing smile. "Come on then," she said, standing up and brushing off her robes. The twins exchanged a glance before jumping to their feet, their usual mischievous energy returning as they rushed toward their dormitories to change.
Turning to Ginny, who had been sitting nearby, Thalia hesitated for a moment before asking, "I don't suppose you've got a pair of leggings I can borrow?"
Ginny’s face lit up with a smile as she stood up, "I might have some from my second year buried at the bottom of my trunk," she teased, laughing as Thalia rolled her eyes. "Come on, let’s go see."
As the two of them made their way up to Ginny’s room, the door closing softly behind them, there was a shift in the atmosphere. Ginny, who had begun rummaging through her trunk, paused for a moment, her voice suddenly quieter, more serious.
"Look, Lia, about earlier..." Ginny began, her head half buried in the trunk as she searched for the leggings. "I know we probably made you a bit uncomfortable, but... I think you two are perfect for each other." She pulled out a pair of old leggings and turned to face Thalia, her expression softening. "George loves having you around, and he always seems so much happier and at ease when you're beside him. Whatever relationship you choose to have, I just want you to know I support you both."
Thalia’s breath caught in her throat at Ginny’s words. This was the second time in twenty four hours that one of George’s siblings had discussed their relationship. She hadn’t expected such an open admission, especially not from his younger sister. But there was something so sincere in Ginny’s voice, something that made Thalia’s heart flutter in a way she wasn’t quite ready to acknowledge.
"I... I don’t know what’s going on between us, Gin," Thalia admitted quietly, her fingers absently tracing the edge of the bedpost as she tried to process the weight of Ginny’s words. "But I do know that George is one of the few people who makes me feel... safe. Like nothing can be that bad, just because he’s there."
Ginny gave her a knowing smile, her eyes soft with understanding. "I can see that, Lia. And I think he feels the same way. But, I think you’re both worried that if you address those feelings, it’ll change the relationship you have now. Maybe just take things slow?”
Thalia nodded, her heart swelling with gratitude for the support she was receiving, even if she still wasn’t entirely sure what it all meant. As Ginny handed her the leggings, the moment of quiet connection between them seemed to lift some of the weight in Thalia’s chest. "I think I need to work it all through in my head before I even begin to figure out how I go about discussing it with him," she said, a nervous laugh escaping her lips. Her hands fidgeted with the edge of the leggings as she tried to put her scattered thoughts into words, but the anxious flutter in her chest made it difficult to focus.
Ginny, sensing the uncertainty, smiled warmly and rubbed Thalia’s arm in a comforting gesture. "Take your time, Lia. Don’t let anyone else force you to do something that you're not ready for." She stepped back, giving Thalia space. "I’ll let you change,” she smiled, slipping out of the room. The quiet that followed felt almost sacred, as if the world had paused for just a moment, allowing her to breathe and think without the pressure of expectations.
Thalia hurriedly pulled on the borrowed leggings, tucking the ends into her fluffy socks to keep them from dragging. She caught her reflection in the mirror and couldn’t help but smile at the sight of George’s jumper draped over her frame. It hung loosely, the sleeves almost swallowing her hands. The soft wool still carried his scent, and it made her feel inexplicably safe. For a fleeting moment, she allowed herself to revel in the comforting embrace of the oversized garment, as though it could protect her from the uncertainty swirling in her mind.
She gave herself one last look in the mirror, squared her shoulders, and took a deep breath. One step at a time, she reminded herself firmly. She couldn’t afford to get ahead of herself, not with George. There was too much to figure out, too much at stake.
Steeling her nerves, she turned and made her way down the stairs. The moment she stepped into the common room, she felt his gaze on her. George’s head lifted, his eyes finding hers almost instinctively, and his face broke into a smile that seemed to light up the entire room. The warmth in his expression sent a ripple of emotion through her chest, and she couldn’t help but smile back.
“Ready?” he asked, his voice light but tinged with a quiet eagerness as he stood and crossed the room to meet her. Without hesitation, he took her hand in his, his fingers curling gently around hers.
“Ready,” she replied, her grin widening as a surge of excitement bubbled up inside her. She turned to call over her shoulder, “We’re going to get food for everyone! We’ll be back soon.”
As cheers of relief and excitement broke out amongst the younger students, her friends, scattered across the room, all exchanged knowing glances, their eyes sparkling with barely contained amusement. Ginny gave her a little wave, smirking as she mouthed, Have fun! Kristen and Nova shared a giggle, while Alicia gave her a dramatic thumbs-up, clearly enjoying the spectacle.
As they stepped out of the common room and into corridors of the castle, the chill of the morning air brushed against her skin, the hallways were completely deserted and eerily quiet.
The atmosphere in the castle was heavy, the weight of Umbridge's oppressive presence seeping into every corridor and shadowed corner. It was as though the very walls were holding their breath, waiting for the next decree or punishment to descend. Most students had chosen to retreat into the relative safety of their common rooms, avoiding any unnecessary movement that might draw her ire.
Thalia could feel the anxiety bubbling in her chest, a sharp, insistent pressure urging her to turn back and retreat to the comfort of her friends. The corridors felt too open, too exposed. She fought the instinct, focusing instead on the steady warmth of George’s hand in hers. His presence was grounding, a quiet reassurance that they weren’t alone in this.
She glanced up at him, studying his profile as they walked. His jaw was set, his eyes darting around the hallway, scanning for any sign of trouble. He was on edge too, his shoulders tense, but when he felt her gaze, he turned to her with a grin. The expression was quick, fleeting, but it carried a warmth that chased away some of her nerves. He gave her hand a light squeeze, as if to say, We’ve got this.
“Hey,” George said, breaking the silence as they approached a dimly lit staircase. “You disappeared this morning. Everything okay?” His tone was casual, but Thalia caught the subtle note of concern that slipped through. His brow furrowed slightly as he looked down at her, waiting for her response.
She smiled softly, touched by his worry. “Of course. I just wanted to check on everyone downstairs—Nova, Kristen, Colin. Make sure they were alright after everything.”
George nodded, his shoulders easing as some of the tension drained from his frame. “Good,” he said quietly. “They’re lucky to have you looking out for them.”
Before Thalia could respond, a voice called from behind them, breaking the moment. “What’s the plan? Snatch and run?” Fred’s playful tone echoed down the corridor as he caught up to them, Lee trailing close behind.
“Pretty much,” Thalia replied with a grin, grateful for the levity Fred always seemed to bring. “Unless Umbridge is in there stuffing her face. Then we’ll need to get creative and covert.”
Fred let out a bark of laughter, bumping her shoulder with his in a friendly gesture. “Spies, huh? I like it. Do we get code names?”
“Only if you promise not to blow our cover,” George quipped, shooting his brother a look. “We don’t need you announcing our presence with one of your dramatic entrances.”
Fred clutched his chest in mock offense. “Me? Dramatic? Never.”
Thalia chuckled, shaking her head as she adjusted the bag slung over her shoulder. “Let’s just focus on the mission, shall we? We shove as much food as we can into the bag and hope it’s enough to feed the vultures in the common room.”
“Solid plan,” George agreed, his grin returning. “Though if we’re caught, I’m blaming Fred.”
“Hey!” Fred protested, though his mischievous smile betrayed him. “I’m the brains of this operation. You’d be lost without me.”
“Keep telling yourself that,” George teased.
The group moved through the castle in hushed tones, Lee and Thalia listening to the twins' jokey bickering. Their lighthearted banter echoed faintly in the stone corridors, a welcome distraction from the tension that had settled over the castle. However, as they reached the empty and eerily silent entrance hall, the mood shifted; The jokes died away, replaced by a cautious silence.
George instinctively moved closer to Thalia, his posture subtly protective. He walked at her side, his hand brushing hers occasionally, as if ready to reach for her if anything went awry. Thalia couldn’t help but notice the way his eyes constantly scanned their surroundings, his jaw set in quiet determination. It was both reassuring and endearing.
The Great Hall loomed ahead, its massive doors slightly ajar. With a shared glance, the group entered, their footsteps echoing in the cavernous space. Relief washed over them when they found it empty. The long tables were still laden with food, untouched and waiting as though the house-elves had anticipated their arrival.
“Alright, let’s move,” George said in a low voice, his eyes darting around the room one last time before they all rushed toward the Gryffindor table.
The group worked quickly and efficiently. Thalia, her wand in hand, cast wrapping charms on platters of food, ensuring they were neatly sealed before tucking them into the bag. She moved with precision, carefully avoiding crushing anything as she packed the dishes. Fred and Lee grabbed whatever was within reach, occasionally tossing quips at each other as they worked, while George loaded up his own bag with practiced speed.
“Thank Merlin for undetectable extension charms,” Thalia muttered as she placed a tray of pastries into her bag, marveling at how it seemed bottomless.
When they had nearly cleared the Gryffindor table, Thalia’s attention drifted to the Hufflepuff table. She couldn’t resist grabbing a crumpet, slathering it with a generous helping of butter, and taking a massive bite.
“That was really classy,” Lee snickered, watching her with amusement as he grabbed a croissant for himself.
“I’m starving!” Thalia groaned through a mouthful of crumpet. “I’ve been surviving on a dinner of one chocolate biscuit and an earwax-flavored Bertie Bott’s bean, courtesy of Fred over there.” She shot a glare at the twin, who was busy stuffing handfuls of bacon into a napkin.
Fred grinned unapologetically, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “I was almost positive it was going to be orange, Lia!” he said mockingly, his tone dripping with faux innocence.
“You’re lucky I didn’t hex you on the spot,” Thalia retorted, though her tone was more playful than threatening.
“Hex him anyway,” George suggested, smirking as he grabbed an apple and tossed it to her. “Just on principle.”
“Not a bad idea,” Thalia replied, catching the apple and taking a bite. The group chuckled, the tension lifting slightly as they continued their task.
The group froze at the piercing screech that echoed through the Great Hall. Heads snapped upward, and they spotted a lone owl gliding down from the rafters. Its dark wings cut through the still air, and Thalia’s stomach twisted as recognition struck her. She knew that owl.
The bird swooped low, dropping a letter onto the table in front of her before disappearing back into the shadows. Thalia stared at the envelope, her heart pounding in her chest. A nauseous feeling crept up her throat, and her hands trembled slightly as she reached for the letter. Without hesitation, she tore it open, her fingers fumbling with the seal.
Her breath hitched as her eyes landed on the parchment. Two words stared back at her, written in a dark, ominous shade of blood-red ink:
Home Now.
The ink seemed to pulse on the page, and a cold sweat broke out along her spine. She felt the weight of the message settle over her, suffocating and heavy. Her hands shook as a million possibilities raced through her mind. Why now? Why in this way? She hadn’t been home in weeks—her grandfather had insisted she remain at school while he handled "business" in London. She hadn’t heard from him since, and this sudden demand felt wrong. Ominous.
“Thalia?” George’s voice broke through her spiraling thoughts. He was at her side in an instant, his hand brushing hers as he gently took hold of it. His touch was grounding, but it couldn’t stop the fear clawing at her insides.
“Everything alright?” he asked softly, concern etched into his features as he studied her pale face.
Thalia forced a smile, her tone unnaturally light. “Yes, of course,” she replied, the words coming out far too quickly.
George’s brows furrowed, and she could feel Fred and Lee exchanging glances behind her. They didn’t buy it. Not for a second.
“I need to send a quick letter,” she mumbled, shoving her bag into George’s chest before he could respond. “I’ll meet you back in the common room once I’ve been to the owlery.”
“I’ll come with you,” George offered immediately, his voice tinged with worry.
“No,” Thalia said firmly, shaking her head as she stepped back. “Take the food back. I’ll see you later.”
“Thalia—”
“Later,” she repeated, cutting him off as she turned and rushed from the hall, her footsteps echoing loudly in the vast space.
George stood frozen for a moment, her bag clutched in his hands, his eyes fixed on the door she had disappeared through.
“What was that about?” Fred asked, his tone unusually serious.
George shook his head, his jaw tight. “I don’t know,” he muttered, his gaze darkening with worry. “But something’s not right.”
George barely registered the weight of the bag as he thrust it into Fred’s arms, his focus entirely elsewhere. Without another word, he took off toward the Entrance Hall, his long strides echoing loudly in the vast, empty space. His eyes darted around frantically, scanning every shadowed corner, every staircase, every flicker of movement.
“Lia!” he called, his voice cutting through the silence, but the only response was the faint rustle of the castle settling around him.
His chest tightened as he realized she was gone. She’d moved fast—faster than he expected—and now she’d vanished into the labyrinth of Hogwarts.
Fred and Lee appeared behind him, Fred still holding the heavy bag of food. “She’s probably headed to the owlery,” Fred said, his voice calm but tinged with concern. “You know how she gets when she’s worked up—needs space.”
George shook his head, his jaw clenched. “She’s upset, Fred. That letter… It wasn't good. I can feel it.”
Fred exchanged a glance with Lee, who nodded. “You go after her,” Lee said. “We’ll take this back to the common room and cover for you if anyone asks where you are.”
George hesitated for a split second before nodding, gratitude flickering in his eyes. “Thanks.”
Without wasting another moment, he turned on his heel and sprinted toward the staircase that led to the owlery, his heart pounding in his chest. He couldn’t shake the image of her face when she’d read that letter—pale, scared, and trying desperately to hide it.