💌🏹

╰┈➤ ❝ [𝑁𝐼𝑁𝐸𝑇𝐸𝐸𝑁] ❞ೄྀ࿐ ˊˎ-
⁺⤾·˚.⃗. [ʜᴏɢsᴍᴇᴀᴅ's ғɪɴᴇsᴛ] 𑁍ࠜೄ ･ﾟˊˎ
﹋﹋﹋﹋﹋﹋﹋﹋﹋

Hogsmeade
— Scottish Highlands
( November 30th, 1994. )

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐋𝐄𝐘 𝐓𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐈𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 sauntered down the path toward Hogsmeade, their boots crunching against the fresh powder. The air was crisp, their breaths puffing like tiny clouds as they laughed and joked on their way to the village. The world around them shimmered under a blanket of white, the trees frosted as though dipped in sugar.

Olympia walked slightly ahead, her light blue sweater catching the sunlight and making her hair glisten like spun gold.

George found himself glancing at her more often than he meant to. The soft hue of the sweater complemented her icy blue eyes, and it was hard not to notice how striking she looked against the wintery backdrop.

Cassie walked beside her, dressed in a matching ensemble, her red sweater as vibrant as her smile. She tugged at the thermal leggings under her plaid skirt, complaining half-heartedly about the cold but grinning all the same.

Atlas, walking with a more casual air, had on a Gryffindor hoodie, its deep red and gold emblem standing out boldly against his dark jeans. His hands were stuffed in his pockets, and he kept teasing Cassie, which earned him a few playful nudges from her.

Fred and George brought up the rear, nearly identical in their red sweaters, matching scarves, and jeans. Their voices carried above the group, the two joking about how they could pull off matching outfits better than any other pair of siblings. Fred nudged George at one point and gave him a knowing smirk.

"You're awfully quiet," Fred said low enough for only George to hear. "Admiring the view, are you?"

George shot him a warning glance, but his twin's teasing only widened his grin.

When they reached Hogsmeade, the sight before them was nothing short of magical. Snow-covered rooftops and twinkling fairy lights adorned every building, giving the village the look of a Christmas postcard. The windows of the shops glowed warmly, their displays decked out with festive decorations. Children laughed as they threw snowballs, and the scent of hot cocoa and roasted chestnuts wafted through the air.

"Wow," Cassie breathed, letting out a content sigh, her eyes wide as she took in the scene. "This is perfect."

Olympia smiled, pulling her scarf tighter around her neck. "It really is."

George watched her, the corners of his mouth lifting as he admired the way her cheeks had turned pink from the nip in the air.

Olympia spun around to take in the view of the village, her boots crunching against the snow as her eyes lit up with delight. "I just love Hogsmeade at Christmas," she said, her voice warm and wistful. "It's my favorite time of year — everything feels so magical, like you're stepping into another world."

Cassie grinned, her cheeks pink from the cold. "I don't blame you. It's beautiful here." She reached out to catch a snowflake on her mitten. "And the snow makes it perfect."

"I'll admit," George said, "it does feel like something out of a storybook."

Olympia turned to him, her smile wide and genuine. "Exactly! It's like every little detail was made just to make people happy."

George chuckled softly, the thought crossing his mind that her smile was doing a pretty good job of that already. Fred shot him a knowing glance from behind, but George ignored him, focusing instead on Olympia as she pulled Cassie into the nearest shop, already excited about the festive decorations inside.

The warmth of Gladrags Wizardwear enveloped them as they stepped inside, the rich smell of wool and fabric mingling with the faint cinnamon scent of enchanted holiday candles. The shop was alive with festive energy — scarves in Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, and Hufflepuff colors floated around mannequins, charmed to wrap themselves in elegant knots, while glittering holiday robes hung on display racks.

Olympia browsed through the racks, running her fingers over soft fabrics, but her focus kept slipping. George was acting. . . off. He'd been like this for a few days now — smiling too much, his laughter a little too forced. She turned toward him, catching him staring at a garish pair of Christmas socks with little enchanted penguins waddling on them.

"George," she said, tilting her head as she studied him. "What's wrong?"

George glanced up, startled, and immediately plastered on his usual grin, a little wider than usual, as if he trying to force it. "Wrong? Me? Nothing at all, Harrington. I'm peachy. Look at these socks — think Fred would wear them?"

Olympia wasn't buying it. She crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "You've been weird all day. Actually, scratch that, you've been weird for a while. Spill it." She raised a brow, as if challenging him to tell her what was truly bothering him.

For a second, George hesitated, his fingers fiddling with the hem of his sweater. He forced another laugh, light and airy. "Weird? That's just my natural charm. Ask Fred. I've been weird since birth."

She narrowed her eyes. "George."

"I'm fine, really," he insisted, shrugging and reaching for a ridiculously shiny robe as if it was the most interesting thing in the world.

Olympia sighed, letting the silence stretch. Maybe it was about her, perhaps the article about her and Cedric. Everyone thought they were a couple now, even though it was fake. But. . . was it really fake? That question had been gnawing at her ever since people started assuming. Cedric had been so sweet, so thoughtful — it was easy to imagine he might actually like her for real.

Her chest tightened at the thought, and she glanced at George again. "You don't seem fine," she said softly, not letting him off the hook just yet.

George forced another smile, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Really, Olympia, I'm great. Better than great, actually. Fantastic. Can we just chalk it up to holiday jitters? Or maybe it's the pressure of finding the perfect gift for Fred a he's impossible to shop for, you know."

Olympia studied him a moment longer, her brows knitting together. She knew him, better than most people, and everything about him screamed that he was hiding something. But for now, she let out a sigh and relented. "Fine. But I'm not buying this 'fantastic' nonsense."

George exhaled, relieved she wasn't pressing him further. He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye as she turned back to browsing. She'd been so perceptive, as always, and it was getting harder and harder to keep his feelings in check. Every time he saw her, he felt torn — between the gnawing jealousy of Cedric and the guilt of knowing he should be happy with Marianna.

It wasn't fair to anyone. Not Marianna, not Cedric, not Olympia, and certainly not him.

Olympia disappeared into the changing rooms with Cassie, the two of them giggling about the stack of sweaters they had collected to try on. George lingered by the checkout counter, clutching the ridiculous penguin socks in one hand. He smirked, imagining Fred's reaction when he unwrapped them.

As he moved toward the counter, a glimmer caught his eye. On a nearby display shelf sat a delicate snow globe, its glass dome encasing a perfect miniature of Hogsmeade. Snow swirled around the tiny rooftops and fairy lights, just like the real village outside. George's smile softened as he remembered Olympia's words from earlier.

'I just love Hogsmeade at Christmas. It's my favorite time of year—everything feels so magical.'

Before he could think twice, he picked up the snow globe, turning it over in his hands. It felt like the perfect gift for her, something that would remind her of her favorite time of year no matter where she was. He placed it on the counter alongside the socks.

Fred sauntered up as the cashier began wrapping the items. "Socks for me, eh? I'm touched, George. Really."

George rolled his eyes. "Bloody hell you just love ruining a good gift don't ya? Well jokes on you I'm not buying you anything else so."

Fred laughed, swinging his arm around his twin's shoulders, his gaze shifting to the snow globe. "What's that for? Don't tell me you're starting a snow globe collection."

George hesitated for a moment before muttering, "It's for Olympia."

Fred raised an eyebrow, a knowing smirk tugging at his lips. "Olympia, huh?"

George felt heat rise to his face but forced a casual shrug. "She loves Hogsmeade at Christmas. Thought she'd like it."

Fred leaned closer, grinning wickedly. "Maybe fancy getting something for Marianna too, hm?"

George gave his twin an awkward sideward glance, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, I suppose. Just don't really know what she would fancy."

Fred let out a dramatic sigh, clapping George on the shoulder. "You've got a lot to learn about girlfriends, mate. But don't worry, I'll help you pick something out. Perhaps a bra?" He snorted.

George let out a forced laugh, nodding as Fred dragged him toward another display of some jumpers.

As the group gathered their purchases and stepped back into the snow-covered streets, Atlas couldn't stop grinning as he tried on a pair of absolutely ridiculous glasses he'd found at Gladrags. The oversized frames were bright green, with little dangling charms of enchanted holly that jingled every time he moved his head.

"What do you think?" he asked, striking a dramatic pose in front of Olympia and Cassie.

Cassie burst into laughter. "You look like a Christmas tree, Mum would rip them off your face."

Olympia giggled, pulling her scarf tighter around her neck. "You look ridiculous. Oh wait, you were asking about the glasses?"

"Har har." Atlas rolled his eyes, turning to the twins, "hm?"

Fred and George chimed in with mock approval. "Fashion icon, right here," Fred said.

"You'll start a trend, for sure," George added with a grin, though his gaze lingered on Olympia as she laughed.

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐖𝐀𝐋𝐊 to The Three Broomsticks was quick, the warmth of the pub calling to them like a beacon. They stepped inside, greeted by the comforting smell of butterbeer and the low hum of chatter from the other patrons. The pub was festively decorated, with garlands of holly and ivy draped along the walls and enchanted snowflakes twinkling in the air.

They found a cozy booth toward the back, where it was a little quieter. The seats were soft and warm, and a flickering lantern on the table cast a golden glow over their faces.

Madam Rosmerta bustled over with a tray of steaming butterbeer mugs, setting them down with a cheery smile. "There you go, dears. Let me know if you need anything else."

The group thanked her and eagerly took their mugs. Olympia wrapped her hands around hers, letting the heat seep into her cold fingers. "This is exactly what we needed," she said, taking a sip and sighing happily.

Cassie nodded in agreement, already halfway through her drink. "It's so cozy in here. We should make this a tradition."

Atlas adjusted his absurd glasses, the holly charms jingling again. "You mean coming here just to watch me look fabulous in these?"

Fred snorted into his butterbeer. "Mate, you've outdone yourself. Truly. The wizarding world thanks you for your service."

As the laughter died down, George glanced at Olympia out of the corner of his eye. She was chatting with Cassie, her cheeks still pink from the cold. He took a sip of his butterbeer, the sweetness warming him from the inside, but it didn't stop the slight pang in his chest.

Fred leaned closer, giving him a pointed look. "You alright, George?" he asked under his breath, low enough that the others wouldn't hear.

George forced a grin. "Peachy, Fred. Absolutely peachy."

Fred didn't look convinced but didn't press. Instead, he raised his mug. "Alright, then. To the holidays and butterbeer! And to Atlas for sacrificing his dignity for a laugh."

The group raised their mugs, laughing and clinking them together. For a little while, the warm, cozy atmosphere of The Three Broomsticks made everything else fade away.

The conversation shifted to classes as they sipped their butterbeer, the warmth of the drink making it easier to relax after the cold walk. Cassie leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. "So, how's everyone doing in their classes so far?" she asked, glancing around at each of them.

Atlas gave an exaggerated groan, sinking further into his seat. "Not great," he admitted with a sheepish grin. "I mean, I've been kind of slacking off, but I'm planning on doing better. Maybe even get a tutor to help me out."

Olympia raised an eyebrow. "A tutor, huh?"

Atlas looked around the table before locking eyes with her. "Yeah, but not you, Ols."

"Why not?" she asked, puzzled.

He smirked, leaning back in his chair. "The point of having a tutor is to have someone to snog in between study sessions, and you're my sister, so obviously that doesn't work."

Olympia rolled her eyes, taking another sip of her butterbeer. "Maybe if you spent less time snogging and more time studying, you wouldn't be in this predicament in the first place."

Atlas just shrugged, clearly amused with himself. "Well, I'll take the slacking off for now, but I'll buckle down soon so Mum and Dad don't send me a bloody howler."

Cassie chuckled, shaking her head. "Idiot." Turning to Olympia, she asked, "How about you, Ols? How's your year going?"

Olympia shrugged, "Top of class," she said with a shrug, not wanting to seem full of herself. She wasn't really, she just knew that she wanted to be the best academically speaking.

Fred raised an eyebrow, as if he'd been expecting this answer. "Well, duh," he said, grinning. "What Ols, do you do your essays say — three weeks in advance?"

Olympia smirked, leaning forward slightly. "Two, actually."

The group laughed, Fred shaking his head in mock disbelief. "Only you, Olympia. How do you even have time for that?"

She gave a playful shrug, her smile widening. "I make time. Besides, if I don't keep ahead, I'll never hear the end of it from professors."

"Right, right," George added, leaning back and stretching his arms out across the booth. "Can't afford to disappoint all those professors who clearly think you're a walking textbook."

Olympia grinned, "What can I say, I'm an overachiever."

Fred raised his mug again. "To Ols, the smartest of us lot."

Everyone clinked their mugs together, laughing, and for a brief moment, everything felt perfect — like they could enjoy these little moments forever without a care in the world.

As the laughter died down, Fred leaned in a little, giving George a sly look before turning to the group. "Oh, speaking of the holidays," he began, his voice dropping slightly as if he were about to reveal some secret. "Mum says we should all stay at Hogwarts this year for Christmas."

"Yeah," George added, leaning in with a grin. "Apparently, something big is happening, but she won't tell us what."

Olympia raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Something big? Like what?"

Fred shrugged. "No idea. She's being all mysterious about it. But I mean, if Mum says it's big, then it probably is."

"That's... weird," Cassie said, looking between the twins. "Why would she want everyone to stay here?"

"Beats me," George replied, glancing at Fred. "But knowing Mum, it'll probably involve some sort of grand feast or... maybe a surprise visit from some wizarding celebrity."

At that, Atlas, who had been listening quietly, leaned in closer to the group, a mischievous glint in his eye. He lowered his voice, making sure no one else was within earshot. "I overheard Professor McGonagall and Professor Sprout talking in the hall the other day," he whispered, clearly excited. "And guess what? They mentioned a dance."

"A dance?" Cassie repeated, leaning forward. "Like a ball?"

Atlas nodded, looking pleased with himself. "Yeah, something like that. They were saying it was going to be a big deal — something the whole school is going to be invited to. But it's all hush-hush right now."

George's eyes widened. "A dance? At Christmas?"

Fred grinned. "That's interesting. Mum doesn't usually make us stay here for stuff like that."

Olympia's gaze flickered to the twins, her mind racing with possibilities. "A dance, huh?" she murmured, tapping her fingers against her mug.

"Wonder who'll be the first to ask the new famous Miss Harrington to dance." Cassie jeered playfully at her twin sister.

Fred shot her a playful look. "Oh, I'm sure Cedric will be first in line," he teased.

Olympia gave him a sharp glance, rolling her eyes. "You're insufferable."

"Just speaking the truth," Fred replied, clearly amused by her reaction.

Atlas chuckled, but then his grin faded slightly. "I don't know, though... it sounds like it might be more than just a regular dance. Something's up."

"Well, whatever it is," George said, sitting back and taking another sip of his butterbeer, "it sounds like it's going to be interesting."

"Let's just hope it's a good party," Cassie added, grinning. "Maybe they'll have more than just butterbeer."

As they chatted, the anticipation of the mysterious event started to hang in the air, making the cozy warmth of the pub feel a little more charged with excitement. Whatever was going to happen, it seemed like the holidays at Hogwarts were going to be anything but ordinary.

As the conversation continued, the soft chime of the pub door rang through the air, and Olympia turned her head to see Seraphina and Elvira making their way over to their booth. The two of them looked as if they'd just stepped out of a fashion magazine, Seraphina with her usual air of elegance and Elvira with her bold confidence.

"Well, well, well," Seraphina said, her voice light with amusement as she slid into the booth next to Olympia. "What's all the gossip here? We could hear you lot laughing all the way across the room."

Elvira, standing beside the table with her arms crossed, shot a teasing smile at them. "If you've got any real news, now's the time to spill."

Fred leaned back in his seat, grinning. "Nothing we can't share. Just plotting how we're going to make it through the holiday with a dance in the works, apparently."

Elvira raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A dance? At Christmas? Now that's a real piece of gossip. Tell me more."

Atlas leaned forward, lowering his voice as he did before, clearly enjoying being the center of attention. "I overheard McGonagall and Sprout talking about it. Apparently, it's going to be a huge event, but it's all hush-hush for now. The whole school's supposed to be invited."

Seraphina's eyes lit up, and she leaned in with a grin. "A school-wide dance?"

Elvira smirked, clearly more focused on the idea of who would be attending than the event itself. "I just want to know if anyone will be brave enough to ask me."

Atlas snorted. "Oh, I'm sure someone will. You're impossible to miss, Elvira."

As the conversation flowed on, Elvira's eyes sparkled with mischief as she turned to Olympia. "So, if this dance is really happening, I'm sure Cedric will be asking you, right?" she asked, her voice laced with a playful edge. "I mean, you two are technically together now, aren't you?"

Olympia hesitated for just a beat, her smile slipping into something more neutral as she took a sip of her butterbeer. "Something like that," she said quietly, not quite meeting Elvira's eyes.

George, sitting across from Olympia, felt his stomach tighten. He had been following the conversation, but at those words, everything seemed to freeze for a moment. He swallowed hard, the knot in his chest growing. He tried to push the thought away, but it lingered. Cedric. Olympia. Technically together.

He suddenly felt like an outsider to the conversation, his eyes flickering between Olympia's calm expression and Elvira's smug grin. He took a slow drink of his butterbeer, his thoughts swirling with something darker than the usual playful banter.

Just as the conversation settled back into a more comfortable rhythm, the door to The Three Broomsticks swung open again, and in strode Marianna, her presence instantly commanding attention. Her long blonde hair was sleek and straight, framing her face with perfect precision. She wore a snug red long-sleeve top that hugged her frame, paired with a short skirt and matching red heels that clicked with each confident step she took toward their table.

The group watched as she approached, and Olympia felt a flicker of something uncomfortable in her chest — something that didn't quite sit right. Marianna, with her cool, effortless grace, was everything Olympia wasn't in that moment: bold, polished, and undeniably confident.

Marianna let out a small laugh as she sat down beside George, wrapping her arms around herself as she snuggled into the booth. "Merlin, it's freezing out there," she said, her voice smooth and composed. "I was worried I'd turn into an ice cube before I got inside anywhere." She gave a playful smile, leaning her shoulder against George's. "You're warm," she murmured, a teasing note in her voice as she settled closer to him.

George, a little caught off guard but clearly pleased, slid over to give her more space. "Am I?" he said with a grin, though his focus seemed split between Marianna and the rest of the group.

Olympia, who had been watching the interaction from across the table, felt an unfamiliar tightness in her chest. "Wonder why." she muttered quietly under her breath, her voice barely audible even to herself.

Cassie, always attuned to Olympia's moods, shot her a look, but said nothing. Elvira, sitting across from them, gave a sly smile as she noticed the exchange but kept quiet, sensing the undercurrent of tension.

Marianna, oblivious or simply unbothered by the subtle shift in the air, smiled warmly at the group. "So, what've you all been chatting about? I hope I didn't miss anything fun."

Her tone was sweet, almost too sweet, and while it was clear she was trying to blend in with the group, there was a palpable sense of ownership in her presence beside George. It didn't go unnoticed, least of all by Olympia, who found herself instinctively feeling distanced from the conversation now that Marianna was there.

Fred gave a playful nudge to George. "Don't worry, mate. We were just discussing the big dance coming up. You know, the one that's apparently going to be the highlight of the year." He shot a knowing look at Olympia, but her eyes were elsewhere.

Marianna's eyes twinkled with interest. "A dance? Oh, I'm definitely in," she said, glancing at George with a raised brow. "I'll be expecting you to ask me, of course."

George managed a small smile, though he was still slightly distracted by the whole situation. "Right, of course."

Marianna grinned and took a sip of her butterbeer, clearly unaware — or maybe purposefully ignoring — the simmering tension. Meanwhile, Olympia's gaze remained on her, feeling the weight of her words and presence more than she cared to admit.

Olympia felt the heat rise in her cheeks as she sat in the booth, her thoughts spiraling uncontrollably. Her eyes darted between George and Marianna, and she couldn't help but feel the sharp sting of jealousy that had been quietly building inside her. Why does it bother me so much? she asked herself, trying to make sense of the tightness in her chest. The way Marianna leaned so close to George, how easily they slipped into their own little world.

She glanced over at the door, trying to distract herself, but that was when Cedric walked in. The familiar buzz of excitement in her chest flared up again. His group of Hufflepuff friends surrounded him, laughing and chatting as they moved toward the bar, but it was Cedric who drew Olympia's attention the moment he stepped into the pub.

Their eyes met across the room, and for a split second, everything else faded. Cedric's gaze softened as a small, comforting smile tugged at his lips. It wasn't anything grand or overly dramatic — just a quiet, sincere smile that made Olympia feel instantly at ease, as if everything would be alright. She let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding.

But then, the sharp reality of Marianna's presence next to George hit her again, and before she could think about it any longer, she excused herself from the booth. "I'll be back in a bit," she said quickly, barely making eye contact with anyone as she stood up, the need to escape overtaking her.

George stiffened immediately as she left, his eyes following her retreating form, a subtle frown tugging at his features. He didn't understand why her leaving affected him so much, but there was no denying the pang of unease that had settled deep in his chest.

Marianna, noticing the shift in George's mood, leaned closer to him with a curious look. "What's wrong?" she asked softly, her voice laced with concern, though there was also a tinge of possessiveness. She placed her cold hands on his arm, her fingers lightly brushing the fabric of his sleeve.

George forced a smile, trying to brush off his discomfort. "Oh, it's nothing," he said, his voice a bit too light. "Your hands are cold, that's all."

Marianna, oblivious to the lie, laughed lightly, the sound sweet and light. "Well let me warm them then." She glanced down at her hands, clearly not noticing that George's smile didn't quite match his words. She nestled herself closer, sliding her hands around him, the tension in George's posture lost on her as she settled into the booth.

But George wasn't paying attention to her now. His mind was elsewhere, his thoughts swirling back to Olympia and the way she'd walked out of the booth so quickly. The flicker of jealousy that had sparked in him earlier now felt more real, more pressing.

Fred and Cassie exchanged a knowing glance from across the table, both catching the subtle shift in George's demeanor. They had known him well enough to see right through his forced smile and the way he had stiffened when Olympia left. It was obvious to them that something was off — something more than just the coldness of Marianna's hands.

Cassie, ever perceptive, raised an eyebrow as she watched Marianna snuggle closer to George, oblivious to the tension radiating from him. She gave a small, almost imperceptible nod to Fred, who leaned back in the booth with a small sigh. Neither of them needed to speak much — they both understood that Marianna, despite being George's girlfriend, didn't yet know him well enough to pick up on the little signs of when something was truly bothering him.

"Fancy a trip to the bar Cass?" Fred offered, which was just another way of saying 'walk with me so we can go talk shit.'

Cassie nodded almost too quickly, shoving herself up from the table. As the neared the bar Fred shifted his gaze between George and Marianna, his eyes narrowing slightly. "She's nice," he muttered under his breath, his tone more neutral than usual. "But she doesn't really get him, does she?"

Cassie nodded in agreement, her gaze flicking toward George, who was clearly lost in his own thoughts. "I don't think she does," she said softly, though the sympathy in her voice was clear. "He's not good at hiding it when something's bothering him. I can tell. He's upset, but he's not letting anyone in."

Fred chuckled lightly, though there was a hint of concern in his voice. "Typical George," he said with a smirk. "Always cracking jokes to cover up how he's really feeling. Doesn't like to show when he's upset." He paused for a moment, then his expression softened. "But that doesn't make it easier for him, does it?"

Cassie bit her lip thoughtfully, watching as George and Marianna continued their conversation, the air around them more strained than either of them seemed to realize. "No. He's trying to keep up appearances, but I think it's clear he's not quite as okay as he's pretending to be."

Fred sighed, leaning back against the booth. "Yeah, and if he doesn't deal with it soon, it's gonna eat him up inside." He glanced at Cassie, a slight frown on his face. "And as for Olympia . . it's obvious there's something going on there too. What do you think, Cass?"

Cassie didn't reply right away, her thoughts heavy. She watched as Olympia disappeared into the crowd, her mind clearly somewhere else. "I don't know," she said finally, her voice quiet. "But I don't think she's been herself lately. Not since Cedric and the whole... 'technically together' thing."

Fred followed her gaze to where Olympia had left the pub. "Yeah. She's been acting a different around George too. Maybe it's all getting to her. You know she pushes herself way too hard." He paused, his eyes flickering between George and Marianna.

"Yeah." Cassie frowned, leaning against the bar, "she doesn't know when to give herself a break. I worry about her, her mental health is shit."

Fred's eyes drifted back toward the booth where George and Marianna were sitting, still oblivious to the tension building around them. Cassie stood next to him at the bar, her arms folded as she leaned casually against the counter, though the expression on her face was anything but relaxed. Both of them had been silent for a while, caught up in their own thoughts about their friends and everything that seemed to be shifting under their noses.

Finally, Fred broke the silence, his voice low but firm. "I think they're in love with each other."

Cassie blinked, turning to look at him with a raised eyebrow. "What?"

Fred let out a soft sigh, still watching George as he absentmindedly played with the edge of his drink. "Olympia and George. I mean, it's so obvious."

Cassie paused, her eyes narrowing as she processed what he was saying. "I know who you meant... Do you really think that?"

Fred hesitated for a moment, as if weighing the thought. "I don't know about Olympia. I'm not sure if she's figured it out herself, but I think George... yeah. I think he's in love with her." He shrugged, glancing over at Cassie to gauge her reaction. "He's fancied her since we were kids, but now... I don't know, I think it's becoming real. You can see it when he looks at her. He can't hide it."

Cassie's face softened, and she took a deep breath, the weight of Fred's words settling in. She had always known George had a soft spot for Olympia, but hearing it spoken out loud like that made everything feel so much more... real. She chewed on her lip thoughtfully, her eyes flicking toward the booth where George and Marianna were laughing together, completely unaware of the conversation taking place. "I agree with you," she said quietly, her voice almost wistful. "I know my sister. And I see the way she looks at him... it's like she's trying so hard not to admit it, but I can see it in her eyes. She feels something for him too."

Fred nodded, his gaze sharpening as he took in the whole scene. "Yeah, they're both bloody stupid about it," he muttered, shaking his head. "They're just too damn thick to admit it to themselves, let alone each other."

Cassie let out a small laugh at his choice of words, but the sadness behind her smile was clear. "It's true," she agreed softly. "They've been dancing around each other for years, and now they're both so caught up in their own heads about it that they can't even see what's right in front of them." She paused, looking back at George and Marianna, her expression conflicted. "And the worst part is... I don't think they realize how much they're hurting each other by not just... talking about it."

Fred's jaw tightened. "Exactly. They're both so stubborn. If they just talked — I don't even care how they go about it — but if they were atleast  honest, maybe they'd see it for what it is. But no. They're both so afraid of ruining what they already have that they're just... making it worse."

Cassie sighed deeply, her fingers tracing the edge of her cup absentmindedly. "It's like they're both waiting for the other one to make the first move. But neither of them will." She shook her head, a small, frustrated chuckle escaping her lips. "I mean, honestly, sometimes I feel like I need to give them both a good kick in the arse just to wake them up."

Fred smirked, clearly agreeing. "Don't think I haven't considered it."

Cassie looked back at her sister, then at George, and sighed. "I just want them both to be happy. They don't need to make it harder on themselves. They're already walking around pretending, and it's only a matter of time before they both crack."

Fred studied her for a moment before nodding solemnly. "Yeah... I think you're right. They need to stop pretending. It's getting to a point where it's only going to hurt them more the longer they drag it out."

They both stood in silence for a few moments, the weight of the situation hanging between them. Cassie's heart ached for her sister, and Fred's mind was racing with thoughts of George. Neither of them had the answers, but it was clear that if things didn't change soon, the consequences would be more than either of them were prepared for.

Fred's mind was still spinning with the realization that Olympia and George were both too blind to see what was right in front of them, and in his frustration, he blurted out the first thing that came to his mind. "They almost kissed. Twice, actually."

Cassie froze, her eyes snapping toward him, incredulous. "What?? And I'm just finding out about this now?" Her voice was a mix of shock and rising irritation, and her hands instinctively balled into fists as she turned toward Fred.

Fred immediately winced, sensing the brewing storm. He hadn't meant to spring it on her like this, but the words were already out. "Look, it's not like I wanted to keep it from you, okay? I didn't know how to bring it up. The first time was at the Burrow over the summer, and then again on the train."

Cassie's jaw dropped as she processed the information. "Are you serious? They almost kissed? And Olympia didn't tell me?" Her voice was tight with frustration, and her eyes narrowed, a fierce protectiveness for her twin kicking in. "What the hell, Fred? How could she keep something like that from me?"

Fred opened his mouth, unsure of how to respond to the growing anger in her voice. "I don't think it's about keeping it from you, Cassie. I just—"

"Don't defend her," Cassie snapped, her arms crossed over her chest. She was beyond frustrated now. "This is huge, Fred! She's my sister! My twin! And she didn't say a word to me? I should've been the first person she told. We're supposed to tell each other everything!"

Fred was taken aback by the intensity of her reaction, his face softening as he realized just how hurt she felt. He'd feel the same way if George had kept it from him. "Cass, I know. I know. But maybe she's just... scared. Or confused. She probably didn't know how to talk about it with you, or maybe she didn't want to admit it to herself. You know how she is with feelings."

Cassie's chest heaved with a sharp breath, her eyes flashing with both anger and concern. "That's not the point. We've always been able to talk about everything. Everything, Fred. She shouldn't have kept this from me, especially if it's about George. She's been acting weird around him for weeks, and I'm just now hearing about this?"

Fred's gaze softened, and he stepped closer, resting a hand on her shoulder. "I don't think she's trying to shut you out, Cass. She's just... scared of what this means. For her. For George. For everyone."

Cassie closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as she tried to process everything. When she opened her eyes again, there was a touch of vulnerability in her gaze. "I just wish she would've told me. I hate being the last to know."

Fred gave her a small, understanding smile, his hand still resting on her shoulder. "You're not the last to know now. And you'll be there for her when she's ready to talk. You've always been there for each other. She just needs a little time, that's all."

Cassie let out a sigh, her shoulders slumping slightly. "I know... but it just feels like she's pushing me away, even though we're supposed to be the closest people in each other's lives." She paused, then her lips twisted into a small, rueful smile. "Guess we've both got our fair share of dumbasses in our lives, huh?"

Fred chuckled, squeezing her shoulder gently. "Yeah, something like that."

𝐒𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐃𝐍'𝐓 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐏 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐆𝐄𝐎𝐑𝐆𝐄 𝐖𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐋𝐄𝐘, as she sat at a table near the back of the Three Broomsticks, Cedric and his friends surrounding her in a comfortable, lively conversation. They were laughing, enjoying the warmth of the pub and the bustle of the Christmas season, but Olympia's mind wasn't entirely focused on the conversation. Her gaze kept drifting to the booth across the room, where George sat with Marianna, Fred, and the rest of the group.

Each time her eyes met George's, there was a brief moment of recognition between them—something unspoken but understood. Their eyes would lock for a second, and for that fleeting instant, the noise of the pub, the chatter of everyone around them, seemed to fade away. It was like the whole room held its breath, as if waiting for something neither of them were ready to acknowledge.

She quickly looked away each time, trying to focus on Cedric's voice, on the way his friends were teasing him about something, but the pull of George's gaze was hard to ignore. It wasn't like before, when she could just pretend there was nothing between them. Now, with everything that had happened over the past few weeks, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was there. Something they weren't talking about.

Cedric noticed her quietness and leaned in slightly, his smile warm but concerned. "Hey, is everything okay? You've been awfully distracted tonight."

Olympia blinked, snapping out of her thoughts and offering him a smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Yeah, sorry. Just a lot on my mind." She shifted her gaze back to George, who was laughing at something Fred had said, but her eyes flickered away quickly when she realized she was staring too long.

Suddenly, Cassie appeared at the edge of the table, her eyes flickering with an understanding that Olympia didn't quite have the energy to explain. "We're about to head back," Cassie said softly, her voice carrying a hint of both affection and urgency. "Are you coming with?"

Olympia hesitated for a moment, glancing back at Cedric, who was still talking with his friends. Just as she started to stand, she felt a gentle pull on her hand. Before she could process what was happening, Cedric was leaning in, his arms slipping around her in a quick, yet warm hug.

The surprise caught Olympia off guard. She stiffened for a split second, but then relaxed into his embrace, her heartbeat quickening at the unexpected tenderness. As she hugged him back his lips brushed into a soft kiss against her cheek, a fleeting gesture that left her momentarily breathless. The warm scent of his cologne mixed with the comforting smell of butterbeer and snow outside, and Olympia felt a rush of warmth spread through her.

As Cedric pulled away, his eyes met hers with a soft smile, his voice low and warm. "See you around, Olympia."

Her face flushed a deep red, her thoughts momentarily scattered. She smiled, a nervous laugh escaping her lips. "Yeah, see you." She bit her lip as she turned to Cassie, her heart still racing, and began following her sister toward the door.

Cassie, who had seen the whole exchange, shot Olympia a knowing glance, but didn't comment. She simply nudged her lightly. "You okay?"

Olympia nodded quickly, still flustered. "Yeah. Just... didn't expect that."

Cassie smirked. "Didn't expect Cedric to kiss you on the cheek? Or did you not expect to like it so much?"

Olympia shot her a half-hearted glare, though she couldn't fully hide the smile tugging at her lips. "Shut up, Cass." But her sister only laughed, slipping her arm through Olympia's as they stepped back out into the snowy evening.

As Olympia stepped outside into the chilly air, the snow crunched underfoot, and the biting cold nipped at her skin. She adjusted her scarf, pulling it tighter around her neck, the weight of the evening's conversation still swirling in her mind. Her gaze immediately found George across the street, standing with Marianna. His arm was draped over her shoulders casually, but Olympia couldn't help but notice the way his posture was stiff, as though he was forcing the affection.

Marianna, oblivious to the tension, was smiling brightly, her laughter cutting through the cold night air. But George's eyes were distant, his focus elsewhere as he tried to maintain a relaxed expression. Despite his best efforts, there was a tightness in his features that Olympia couldn't ignore. She felt a sudden pang in her chest, a sharp twist of jealousy she hadn't expected.

Before she could process the feeling, a snowball whizzed past her head, followed by a loud laugh from Atlas. She turned to see him and Fred goofing around, tossing snowballs at each other, their laughter light and carefree in contrast to the heavy moment with George.

Fred's face lit up when he spotted her, and he quickly hurled a snowball directly at Atlas, knocking him off balance. "Oi! Care to get your arse beat Cass?" Fred called, his grin wide.

Cassie shook off the snow and grinned back. "You're on, Weasley!"

Olympia couldn't help but smile at the playful scene unfolding before her. The contrast between the lightheartedness of Fred and Atlas and the heavy feeling she had from watching George with Marianna was almost too much to bear. She tried to shake off the unease, but it clung to her like the snowflakes falling softly around them.

Fred tossed another snowball, this time aiming it at Cassie, and a playful chase ensued, lifting some of the weight from the air. But Olympia couldn't tear her eyes away from George, her heart inexplicably heavy as she watched him, wishing things could be as simple as a snowball fight.

As they began the walk back to Hogwarts, the snow crunching beneath their boots and the cold air biting at their faces, Olympia fell into step beside Cassie, her mind still clouded with thoughts of George. Fred, walking a few paces ahead, suddenly slowed his pace, glancing back at Olympia. Without a word, he pulled her gently to the side, his arm swinging around her shoulders as he steered her away from the others.

"Hey, I need to talk to you," Fred said quietly, his voice low enough that only Olympia could hear.

Olympia raised an eyebrow, surprised by the sudden shift in his demeanor. "What's up?" she asked, glancing back to see if anyone had noticed their detour.

Fred's arm tightened around her slightly, and he gave her a subtle nudge, guiding her a little farther from the rest of the group. His thoughts were racing, but he kept his voice even. "It's about... well, about you and George." He paused for a beat, his eyes searching her face, trying to read her reaction. "I know things are... complicated, but I think you both know what's going on, right?"

Olympia stiffened slightly, the mention of George making her heart skip a beat. She tried to keep her expression neutral, but the tension was palpable. "What do you mean?"

Fred bit his lip, wishing he could be more direct, but also afraid of pushing her too far. He had seen the way she and George interacted, the way they couldn't seem to stop looking at each other, even when they were with other people. But Fred also knew that both of them were too damn stubborn to admit what was really going on.

"I just... I want you two to be honest with each other," Fred said, his voice low but firm. "You're both dancing around it, but it's obvious that there's something there. And it's frustrating as hell to watch, because neither of you will just say it. Just — just admit it. I think you both deserve to stop pretending."

Olympia's breath caught in her throat. She had known for a while that Fred was observant, but hearing him speak so plainly about her and George made her heart race. She felt exposed in a way she wasn't sure she was ready for, the walls she had built up around her feelings starting to crumble.

She swallowed hard, trying to keep her composure. "I don't know what you're talking about, Fred," she said, her voice faltering slightly.

Fred shook his head, an exasperated sigh escaping him. "Yes, you do. Look, I'm not stupid. You don't need to hide it from me, okay? I'm not trying to make things awkward, I just want you both to stop pretending. You're both clearly in your own heads about it."

He paused, searching her face again, this time softer. "I just... I want to see you both happy. You know? And I think, deep down, you both feel the same way. You just need to be honest with yourselves."

Olympia's chest tightened, the words hitting closer to home than she was willing to admit. She couldn't bring herself to say anything for a long moment, her gaze drifting away from Fred as she tried to process what he'd said. Her heart and mind were in a whirlwind, and the last thing she wanted was to confront her own feelings, let alone admit them to someone else.

"Just... think about it, okay?" Fred added, his tone gentle now, as he pulled her a little closer, his arm still around her shoulder. "You and George deserve more than just dancing around the truth."

Olympia nodded silently, her mind racing with everything she'd been trying so hard to ignore. Fred gave her a small smile and, without saying anything more, guided her back toward the others, the weight of his words hanging heavily in the cold night air.

Olympia's thoughts were spinning, her heart pounding in her chest. Fred's words, meant to push her toward honesty, were lingering in her mind, but she couldn't bring herself to face them. She glanced up, trying to regain some semblance of control, and her eyes immediately locked onto George and Marianna.

Marianna was laughing, her arm linked through George's as they walked ahead, completely at ease with one another. George's arm was around her shoulders, his posture relaxed, but his eyes... his eyes betrayed something that made Olympia's chest tighten, though she couldn't quite place it.

Olympia's frustration bubbled to the surface, and she shook her head, trying to force the emotions down. She turned to Fred, her voice dripping with a bitter edge. "Doesn't matter, Fred," she said coldly, looking him dead in the eye. "Never will, because I don't want George. And he obviously doesn't want me."

Her words were sharper than she meant them to be, and the sting of them lingered in the air between them. She saw Fred's expression falter, his brows furrowing as if he wanted to say something, but she didn't give him the chance. Without waiting for a response, she turned sharply, walking away from him and toward the rest of the group, her pace quick and determined.

Inside, her heart was aching, but she refused to let anyone see it — not even Fred. She didn't need to confront her feelings. Not now, not when things were already so complicated.

As Olympia walked away, her back stiff with the weight of her words, Fred stood frozen for a moment, watching her retreating figure. The bite in her tone, the sharpness of her rejection — it hit him harder than he expected. He had wanted to push her to be honest with herself, but now that it had come to this, it felt like a betrayal.

Cassie, who had been walking ahead, noticed the tension in the air. She glanced over her shoulder, her gaze landing on Fred just as he lowered his head, clearly affected by Olympia's dismissal. The hurt was obvious in his expression—his eyes dark with a mixture of confusion and disappointment, his lips pressed into a thin line.

Cassie's brows furrowed, and she slowed her pace, turning back to Fred. Their eyes met, and Fred didn't bother to mask the hurt in his gaze. It was raw, vulnerable.

Cassie stepped closer to him, her voice quiet but firm. "Fred..." she said softly, but he shook his head, cutting her off.

"I didn't mean to make her feel like that," he muttered, his voice strained. "I just... wanted her to stop running from it, but I guess I pushed too hard."

Cassie stood still for a moment, processing. She could tell he was wrestling with guilt, unsure whether he'd made the right choice by intervening. Her heart softened at the sight of him, knowing how much Fred cared for both Olympia and George, even if they couldn't see it yet.

"I know you meant well," Cassie said gently, her hand resting on his arm in reassurance. "But she's not ready to hear it, Fred. She's been shutting those feelings down for a long time, and pushing her like this... it's just gonna make her shut off even more."

Fred sighed, frustration building again. "I just want them to be happy, Cass. I hate seeing them like this. And I hate that George doesn't seem to get it, either. They're both so blind."

Cassie squeezed his arm, giving him a small, understanding smile. "They'll figure it out. Just... give it time. And, maybe, lay off a little. We both know they need to come to terms with it themselves. And we both need to just shut the hell up at this point." She laughed softly.

Fred didn't respond immediately, but his gaze lingered on Olympia, her figure now far ahead. He knew Cassie was right, but that didn't make it any easier.