8.

Days later, Aria was dragged by Fred to the room of requirement, where all the students, except for Slytherins, decided to work together and learn how to defend themselves in the magic world against Voldemort and his fellows. They believed that a magic war would happen soon or later.

Everyone wasn't happy to see a Slytherin join in the club, they were afraid that Aria would tell Umbridge everything and ruin them, or simply go to her housemates and betray the other students.
Aria looked at Fred like to say 'I told you they wouldn't like me in the group' but Fred was determined to stand by her side and let her in.

"She can't join our group" Said Hermione crossing her arms as Ron and the other students nodded in agreement.
"Why? We are all here to learn, regardless of our houses. Besides, she's brave enough to be here despite the risks, and is very clever" Fred argued, defending Aria's presence in the group.
Aria looked up at him, she admired the fact that he was taking her defense.
"I doubt that" Whispered Hermione as other students still didn't trust a Slytherin join their the group.
Aria sighed.
"Of course Hermione doesn't want me here, I'm better than her" Said her as Hermione was red with anger.
"Can you try to not provoke others, Aria? You are not helping, besides we're all in this together" Said Fred as Aria rolled her eyes, but he was right, it was just her defense mechanism and she had to let her walls down to get along with others and be accepted into the group, that clearly didn't like her.
Aria sighed and calmly said:" I don't want to be in the group either, but Fred said you are learning spells to fight into the magic world against Voldemort and his fellows, so I'm here to help"
Hermione scoffed.
"You're only here because Fred insisted. Don't expect us to trust you or befriend you just like that"
Aria mimicked her, Hermione really got on her nerves but didn't want to argue right now, especially after Fred told her to behave well.

"How do we know she won't betray us? She is a Slytherin and is Draco's girlfriend, she will tell him and Umbridge about us and will ruin our project!" Some nodded in agreement at those words from the Gryffindor's students.
Fred felt a pang on his chest when he heard about Draco, but then Aria spoke.
"Look, first of all, Draco and I broke up a long time ago, secondly I don't see why I should say something to someone that will ruin this project. Just because I'm a Slytherin?"
"We can't trust someone just because they say so, Aria. Actions speak louder than words"
Hermione was really challenging Aria's patience.
"Look, I am at fifth year and I probably know more than all of you together, I'm just here to help. Accept my help is up to you, not me" Said Aria crossing her arms confidently"
Hermione was surprised to know that Aria was that smart and that had private lessons with the teachers, but still unsure to trust a Slytherin.
"Let's vote. Who wants Aria to join the group and be our guide?"
All the students thought for a moment.
Fred and Aria exchanged a look, then he raised his hand, followed by George, Harry and other students.
Aria blinked, surprised, but deep down she felt overwhelmed.
Besides Hermione's skepticism, Aria's confident demeanor was enough for the majority of students to vote her in. They were desperate for any help they could get in defeating Voldemort.
"You may have convinced the others, Aria, but I still don't trust you. One wrong move and I will make sure you regret ever joining us" Hermione glared at her as Aria simply smiled satisfied.
"Alright Hermione, until then I am your professor and you have to learn from me"
Hermione couldn't shake off her distrust towards Aria, but with her knowledge and assistance, she couldn't deny that they were making progress in their fight against Voldemort.

Aria was teaching a lot of new spells and tricks to the others, trying to explain clearly and calmly, even if she was known to loose her patience easily. After all, for Aria those were easy spells and she couldn't understand why were so complicated for the others.
Fred spent more time with Aria, faking the fact that he needed her help with spells just to have her by his side.

Weeks went by, it was almost two months, and everyone had to admit that Aria had a big knowledge and they were making progress with her teaching.
George changed completely his opinion towards the girl, she wasn't an obnoxious Slytherin like the other, and Fred was secretly happy to hear those words from his twin.

"Okay, today we will improve the patronus charm, you ready guys?" Asked Aria showing how to handle the wand and telling to think about a happy memory.
The only thing that Fred was thinking about was a way to have Aria by his side during the class.
"Um, Aria, I think I'm doing it wrong. Do you think you could show me how to hold my wand again? I'm still not getting it" Said smirking at the girl.
"I just want to make sure I get it right, you know? For the sake of the mission, of course"
Aria nodded sarcastically and walked towards him.
"Oh yeah, right"
She took his hand and placed his wand in the right way, touching gently his fingers. Fred's heart raced at her touch and smiled.
"Thanks, Aria. You have such delicate hands, like a fairy's... Sorry, I mean like a powerful witch's. Shall we continue with the lesson now?" Asked nervously scratching his head.
She blushed and stepped back.
"Y- Yeah... Go on..." Said leaving to help a group of young Hufflepuff.

"Looks like I'll have to "mess up" my spells more often to get her attention. But who wouldn't want her as their teacher? Right, George?" Fred smirked and winked at George, who rolled his eyes.
"Okay, ready? Go" Said Aria once the students were ready.

Fred was very confident, so he tried his expecto patronum, but nothing appeared from his wand.
George looked at him and laughed as Fred felt embarrassed. He wanted to amaze Aria but nothing appeared from his wand and she covered her mouth to suffocate her giggle.
"Go easy on him, Aria. Fred's not used to having such a talented teacher like you" Said George smirking to his twin, who glared at him.
"Don't worry Freddie, you just need practice" Said her softly while walking to Harry and Ron.

"Losing your touch there, Freddie? Maybe it's a sign that you shouldn't rely on a pretty face to learn spells. Oh wait, you never relied on your own skills anyways" Said Angelina crossing her arms.
"Oh come on. At least I am learning, unlike some people" Replied glancing at her, who simply turned around and left.
George nudged at Fred.
"Maybe next time you should focus on the wand movement instead of the teacher, Fred"
"Alright alright, enough with the teasing. Maybe I was just distracted by the beauty in front of me, but..." He stopped as his eyes fell on Aria, who was was helping some students from the first year with a big smile on her face.
"Well, I think it's safe to say that Fred has definitely met his match with Aria. Looks like someone finally caught the infamous prankster off guard, uh?" George playfully winked at Fred as he blushed, denying it.
"Shut it George, I'm not interested into Aria, she's just a friend to me"
"Oh really, Fred? Then why do you always have that dopey grin on your face whenever she's around? You may be able to fool everyone else, but you can't fool your favorite twin"
"Alright, alright, you caught me. Aria is smart, beautiful, and has a killer sense of humor. How could I not be head over heels for her?" Admitted Fred shrugging with a blush.
"Mate, we all know how much you fancy Aria. It's written all over your face every time she's around. But I don't think she's interested in a bloke who can't even produce a decent Patronus"
"Hey, I'll have you know I'm not a one trick pony. I have plenty of other skills that could impress Aria. Maybe I'll show her some wandless magic next time she's around" Fred grinned confidently.
"Well, I can't wait to see you make a fool of yourself trying to impress her with your "wandless magic". I'm sure it'll be hilarious" George simply laughed and nudged Fred.
"But for real, mate. Just be yourself. I'm sure that's all Aria wants"
"Trust me, I know how to make her laugh. But seriously... Do you think that is a bad thing that I may fancy her?" Asked Fred in total seriousness.
"Well, Fred, it's not about whether it's a good or bad thing. It's about whether she feels the same. And I think it's about time you ask her"
"I know, I know. It's just... I don't want to ruin our friendship, you know? Then things would be awkward between us" Confessed looking down worried.
"Mate, if she's really your friend, then even if she doesn't feel the same way, she'll understand. And if she does fancy you back, you'll regret not asking her sooner. Just take the leap, Fred"
"Yeah, you're right. But I want to wait the right time, it must be magical, you know?"
"You can never plan the perfect moment. It will always be spontaneous and unexpected - said George grinning mischievously - but follow your time"

At the end of the class, Fred nervously approached Aria.
"Hey, Aria. I made you this flower. It may not be as impressive as a Patronus or wandless magic, but it's from the heart. I hope you like it" Said smiling shyly and putting it gently in her hair. It was a yellow hibiscus, her favorite.
She smiled lovingly.
"It's my favorite flower in my favorite colour, it's splendid indeed, thanks"
"I knew yellow was your favorite color, Aria... You told me. It suits you perfectly"
She looked sweetly into his eyes and that made Fred more nervous.
"But enough about the flower, I've been meaning to ask you... Would you like to go to Hogsmeade with me this weekend?" Fred said it all in one breath, smirking confidently.
She blinked surprised.
"Me?"
"Well, you know I only asked because I've always wanted to try the Butterbeer at Three Broomsticks and I didn't want to go alone... But I guess if you don't want to, I can just go with George. He's always up for a good time" Added acting nonchalant but secretly hoping she would say yes. But Aria just forced a smile to not show her disappointment by Fred's words.
"Oh... Well... Don't worry, you can go with George, I have homework to do after all... Have a nice weekend then"
Noticing Aria's disappointment, Fred's heart sank. He knew he messed up with his words and regretted it. He facepalmed as she walked outside the room and George shook his head before talking.
"Mate, you really know how to mess things up. You should have just asked her without bringing me into this. Now she's disappointed and you're not going to Hogsmeade. Well, it's your loss"

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