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╰┈➤ ❝ [𝐶𝐻𝐴𝑃𝑇𝐸𝑅 𝑇𝐻𝐼𝑅𝑇𝐸𝐸𝑁 ] ❞ೄྀ࿐ ˊˎ-
⁺⤾·˚.⃗. [ᴀ ᴘʀᴏᴘᴇʀ ʜᴏɢᴡᴀʀᴛs ᴡᴇʟᴄᴏᴍᴇ] 𑁍ࠜೄ ･ﾟˊˎ
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The Room of Requirement
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
- Scottish Highlands
( October, 1994. )

                                 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐘𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐎𝐑 𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 was buzzing with energy as Fred and George Weasley prepared for the long-anticipated welcome party. It wasn't just any ordinary night-it was the night they would finally get to see the Beauxbatons girls up close and personal, along with the fierce, stoic Durmstrang boys. The twins were pumped, and their outfits reflected it.

Fred slipped into his favorite pair of well-fitted jeans-dark and snug in all the right places-and paired it with a black dress shirt that was just tight enough to show off his muscles without being too obvious. He rolled the sleeves up to his elbows, letting the soft fabric slide up his forearms, before slipping into his red Converse, the bright sneakers standing out against the dark jeans. "Looking good, I reckon," he muttered to himself as he eyed his reflection in the mirror. He grinned, running a hand through his messy hair.

George was right behind him, pulling on his own well-fitted jeans and black dress shirt, a little looser than Fred's but still sharp. He was going for the 'effortlessly cool' look, but judging by his furrowed brow, he wasn't exactly convinced. He eyed Fred's outfit, then adjusted his own shirt, unbuttoning a few to show off. "Yeah, but I reckon I look better."

Fred looked up from his reflection, letting out a snort of laughter. "Oh please we all know I'm better lookin'."

Just then, the door creaked open, and in walked Lee Jordan, looking every bit as confident as the twins, if not more so. He wore a tight black t-shirt that hugged his frame, showing off his muscles without trying. His jeans were also snug, but not too tight-just enough to show he could wear them like a pro. Lee completed his look with a leather jacket draped over his shoulder and, of course, a pair of red Converse that matched Fred and George's perfectly. He had that bad-boy vibe down to an art.

"You two really did a number on yourselves tonight, huh?" Lee chuckled, leaning against the doorframe. "You're both going for the 'I'm suave and sophisticated' thing, but I'm not sure it's working for you."

Fred smirked. "Says the guy who's wearing that," he gestured to Lee's jacket. "What, you about to join a boy band?"

Lee grinned, walking further into the room. "Better than whatever it is you two are wearing. Anyways, we're all anout to get some attention tonight, I can already tell. Beauxbatons girls won't know what hit 'em."

"That's the plan," Fred said, a wicked grin crossing his face. "I've got my eye on the honey-blonde one. You know, the one with the long, wavy hair and those big doe eyes?" His voice lowered, as if he was talking about a prize catch. "I'm going to work my magic on her tonight, Lee. She won't know what hit her."

Lee raised an eyebrow. "That so? You're going to work your magic? What are you doing? A little 'Accio love' spell?"

Fred gave him a knowing look. "Nah, mate. This one's all about charm. I'll be using my best moves tonight."

George, who had been listening to his twin's confident boasting with mild amusement, leaned back against the wall and crossed his arms. "Right. You're going to charm her? Because that's your fortè huh" He snorted. "Good luck, Fred."

Fred shot his twin a playful glare. "Shut it. I've got this in the bag." He turned back to Lee, leaning in a bit. "Honestly, Lee, it's not just about her looks, though. It's the whole package. She's got class-and I've got style. It's perfect."

Lee raised both eyebrows, looking impressed. "Alright, alright. I'll believe it when I see it. But don't go getting your hopes up too high, mate."

Lee plopped down on George's bed, "And what about you, George? Are you planning on just standing around like an idiot, or are you going to make a move on her? Olympia's had you all knotted up for weeks."

Fred couldn't help but grin. "Yeah, I've been trying to convince him to talk to her for weeks. He's stubborn as ever.."

Lee leaned in. "Mate, you've had your eye on her for ages. You just need to pull the trigger tonight. You know you've got it in you.."

Fred pulled out a box from under his head, securing a flask from it. "Pregame anyone?"

George and Lee both oblige. Holding out their arms expectantly.

Fred grinned, uncorking the flask and offering it around. "I knew you'd be in," he said with a wink at George and Lee. He took a swig before passing it over. "Just a little something to get the night started."

George laughed, accepting the flask. "You always know how to set the mood, Fred." George sighed, clearly uncertain about what they were discussing before. "I don't know about tonight. What if I make a fool of myself? What if she doesn't-"

Fred interrupted him, shaking his head. "Mate, do you even know us. Making a fool of ourselves is our thing. You can't be scared of it."

"Yeah," Lee added with a mischievous grin. "And you've already made a fool of yourself with her a few times, right? You've got to follow up and make it count."

Fred gave George a sly look. "Remember the last part she was at? She was practically pulling you to the ground when she danced with you. I thought you were going to lose your shirt."

Lee burst into laughter. "I swear, George, I thought Olympia was going to drag you across the floor. You nearly broke your back trying to keep up with her. You'd be crazy not to follow up on that."

George groaned, his cheeks flushing at the memory. "You two are the worst."

Fred slapped him on the back. "Nah, mate, you're just the most obvious one. If she was pulling you down to the ground then, you've got it in the bag tonight. Just ask her to dance."

Lee nodded in agreement. "I'd say if you don't do something tonight, I'll have to step in."

George shot him a look. "I swear, if you try anything-"

"Relax," Lee said with a grin. "I'm just here for the party, but if I have to, I'll ask her to dance for you."

Fred chuckled. "You two are hopeless, I swear."

"Yeah," George muttered, looking at Fred, then Lee, "But it doesn't mean I'm not going to try. I'm just . . worried."

Fred raised an eyebrow. "About what?"

"About not looking like a complete prat," George admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's just... what if she doesn't feel the same way? What if-"

Fred threw his hands in the air. "Mate, you are a prat, and she already knows that. You've got nothing to lose. Now stop standing there like a bloody statue and just go for it."

Lee grinned. "Trust me, you've already made the first move. Just ask her. I'm telling you, it's all in the asking."

Before George could argue further, Fred clapped him on the back and motioned for the door. "Alright, enough talk. Let's sneak past Filch and get to the party. My future Mrs is waiting."

Lee nodded, picking up his wand and giving Fred a thumbs up. "And you, Fred, are going to make a serious impression tonight. Just don't get caught snogging her on the dance floor."

Fred winked. "I don't know. If she's into it, I won't stop her." He grinned devilishly. "Now, let's go before Filch catches us sneaking around again."

The trio carefully made their way through the dark hallways, their hearts pounding with excitement, the sounds of Filch's distant footsteps echoing in their ears. They squeezed through an empty classroom, avoiding the watchful eyes of Mrs. Norris, and hurried on.

"I swear, we should just run straight to the Room of Requirement," George muttered. "I can't take this sneaking around anymore."

"Exactly," Fred whispered. "Now, let's give them a proper Hogwarts welcome."

As they approached the Room of Requirement, Fred grinned ear to ear, already thinking about how he was going to approach that blonde Beauxbatons girl. Lee was ready for a good time, and George... well, George was hoping for the courage to go after Olympia once and for all.

They weren't sure what the night would bring, but they were all certain of one thing: it was going to be a night to remember.

The Room of Requirement was a sight to behold. As Fred, George, and Lee pushed through the door, the noise hit them all at once-laughter, music, and the lively chatter of dozens of students. The lights were dimmed to a soft, golden glow, casting shadows that danced across the walls. A long table, laden with snacks and drinks, stretched across one side of the room, while an expansive dance floor in the center was already beginning to fill with students.

Beauxbatons girls in their elegant blue robes floated around the room like ethereal beings, each one carrying an air of grace and beauty that seemed to heighten the atmosphere. Their silvery-blue robes shimmered in the soft light, making it look like they were walking through a dream. Fred's eyes immediately scanned the room, trying to locate the honey-blonde girl he had been fantasizing about all day.

"You see her?" Lee asked, nudging Fred in the ribs, a knowing look on his face. "The one you've been talking about?"

Fred, his eyes locked on a particular girl standing near the punch bowl, nodded. "There she is. She's even more stunning in person." His voice dropped low. "I think she's the one, Lee. I can already tell."

Lee, who had been following behind, raised an eyebrow. "You've got to be kidding. You're already convinced after five minutes of looking at her? Give it a few more minutes, mate, she might turn out to be a right nightmare."

Fred flashed him a grin. "I've got a good feeling. I'll work my magic, and I'll make it happen. Watch me."

Lee rolled his eyes but couldn't help but grin at Fred's confidence. "I don't know how you do it, mate. It's like you've got some sort of 'I'm irresistible' aura."

"Believe me," Fred said, "I do."

The trio walked further into the room, weaving through groups of students. Fred's eyes were glued to the Beauxbatons girls, but his mind was elsewhere, already rehearsing his approach. He couldn't help but notice how they all carried themselves with an air of mystery, each one more stunning than the next. His eyes lingered on the one with honey-blonde hair, who was laughing at something one of her friends had said. She looked even more radiant under the party lights, and Fred couldn't wait any longer.

"Right," Fred said, clapping George on the shoulder. "You've got this, mate. I'm going to go make my move."

"Good luck," George muttered, rolling his eyes. He wasn't even sure what he was doing yet, but Fred's determination was contagious. "I'll probably end up sitting in the corner, feeling awkward."

Fred gave him a pointed look. "You better not. That's definitely not the Weasley way, can't have you wrecking our image now."

George took a deep breath, giving a quick thumbs-up to his twin, watching as Fred sauntered off toward a group of blue robed girls. George's eyes scanned the crowd nervously. He caught sight of a group of Durmstrang boys standing near the punch bowl, all with broad shoulders and stern faces. But then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw her.

Olympia.

She was standing by the edge of the room, engrossed in conversation with Seraphina and Cho, but George couldn't stop his eyes from locking onto hers. Their gazes met, and for a brief moment, time seemed to slow. Her eyes widened just a little, as though surprised to catch his gaze, but there was something in them-something soft, almost warm. George's heart raced, and he felt his palms begin to sweat.

She smiled, just the faintest hint of a smile, but it was enough to send a jolt of excitement through George. He barely managed to stop himself from walking over immediately.

"Bloody hell," he muttered to himself, trying to act casual, though his nerves were anything but. "Alright, George. Tonight's the night."

Lee grinned, watching the interaction. "Oh, you're in trouble now, mate," he said with a teasing smirk. "She looks like she might actually want to talk to you. Don't screw it up."

George shot him a look, shaking his head. "I'll be fine." But the way his hands were trembling suggested otherwise.

George, still stuck in his nervous daze, saw Olympia move across the room toward the punch bowl. He could feel his heart rate quicken as she passed by him, her eyes flickering toward him again. He wanted to say something-anything-but his tongue was tied.

His mind flashed back to the dance by the lake, and the way she had pulled him closer, her hands on his shoulders, her breath hot against his neck. It had been intense, more intense than he had expected, and now, seeing her so close again, the memory made his skin tingle.

"Alright," he muttered under his breath. "This is it."

Lee nudged him and grinned. "Go on, mate. You've got this. You've been thinking about this for ages."

Before George could even take a step forward, however, Fred appeared at his side, a smug look on his face. "She's into me, Georgie," he said confidently, glancing back at the group of Beauxbatons girls, who were now watching Fred with clear interest.

"Right," George muttered, not sure if Fred was messing with him or not. "Well, I'd better go for a drink before I lose my nerve."

Lee slapped Fred on the back. "Go get her, mate."

The party was in full swing now, and Fred's eyes were locked onto his Beauxbatons girl, George was about to make his move on Olympia, and Lee. . .well, Lee was looking around, waiting to see what trouble he could get into.

Tonight was about to get very interesting.

The energy of the party was building, and the buzz of conversation and laughter filled the Room of Requirement. Fred had already made his move, slipping off to talk to the Beauxbatons girls with his usual confidence, but George, still frozen in place, couldn't tear his eyes away from Olympia.

She stood near the punch table with Seraphina and Cho, laughing at something one of them had said. Her hair shimmered under the soft golden light, her dark eyes scanning the room. But when they met his, George's stomach did a flip. For a split second, time seemed to slow. His breath caught in his throat, and he knew there was no turning back now. She'd caught him staring.

Before he could act on impulse, he looked away quickly, his cheeks flushing. Get it together, George, he thought, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest as his gaze drifted back to Olympia. Her eyes were still on him. He quickly turned to Lee, who was standing next to him, watching the scene unfold with an amused grin.

"She's looking at me, Lee," George muttered, his voice laced with both excitement and anxiety. "What am I supposed to do now?"

Lee, who had been watching the entire thing unfold, grinned widely. "Mate, you've been waiting for this moment, and now you're just standing here like a bloody idiot. Go talk to her."

George didn't know why he was so nervous. She didn't usually make him this spazzy. Usually George Weasley was able to keep calm and collected through things like this, and flirting always came eat. But this was different. Maybe it was because he already felt like she turned him down once, and he was terrified to get hurt again, that it would just be a repeat of last time.

George shook his head quickly. "No, no. I need a drink first. A little liquid courage," he said, nodding firmly. "I'll go get a drink. Maybe a few drinks actually."

Lee raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "George, are you seriously backing out now? You're going to hide behind a drink? You've been making eyes at her for ages!"

George ran a hand through his hair, his nerves getting the better of him. "I'm not backing out. Just-" He motioned toward the drink table. "I just need to... relax a bit, okay?"

"Fine," Lee said with a chuckle. "I'll come with you. Just don't take too long, or I'm going to have to entertain myself by finding something to do. Who knows what trouble I'll get into if I'm left alone."

The two of them made their way through the crowd toward the drink table. The buzz of the party seemed to grow louder as they walked, the music thumping in the background, the chatter of students filling the air. When they finally reached the table, George grabbed a goblet of firewhiskey, his hand shaking just slightly as he lifted it to his lips. Lee took a drink as well, scanning the room with a smirk.

And that's when they saw her.

A blonde girl, about their age, stood nearby, her long hair cascading over her shoulders. She was dressed in a tight, low-cut top that well, left little to none for the imagination-enough to turn heads that's for sure. George's eyes immediately flitted toward her chest, a natural reaction, due to the fact that they were more than noticeable, before quickly averting his gaze. Lee's gaze, however, didn't move his eyes so easily.

The girl noticed them staring and gave them a sly smile, stepping toward them with a confident sway in her hips. "Well, well," she said, her voice smooth and flirtatious. "Looks like I've caught the attention of two handsome boys." She prowled, like a lioness on the hunt.

George recognized her, she was in his year, a fellow Gryffindor, but they'd never spoke much before now.

Lee raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "What's your name?"

The girl leaned closer, her perfume filling the air as she flashed a smile that could've melted anyone's resolve. "Marianna Oakes," she said, her voice almost a purr. "And I couldn't help but notice how handsome you both look tonight."

George gave a wirey smile, feeling his pulse pick up speed. "Oakes? Are you related to Elvira?"

Marianna's eyes widened, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Yes! Elvira's my sister. Why, you know her?"

George nodded, still trying not to be obvious about the fact that it was hard to ignore the girl in front of him and what she was putting on clear display. "Yeah, we're in the same year. She's... a bit of a handful."

Lee, not one to shy away from a conversation, leaned in a little closer. "I think I can see where you get it from."

Marianna smiled knowingly. "I'm very different from Elvira, though. Much more charming, if I do say so myself."

George, still trying to focus, took another gulp of his drink. "Right. Well, you're definitely... catching attention."

Marianna's smile widened, and she subtly tossed her hair over her shoulder. "I try."

From across the room, Olympia, who had been quietly chatting with Cho and Seraphina, noticed George talking to the girl. Her gaze fixed on him as he laughed awkwardly at something Marianna had said. Something about the way they were standing so close, the way Marianna was leaning in just a bit too much, made Olympia's stomach twist with something unfamiliar-jealousy.

She poked Elvira in the side, her eyes not leaving George and Marianna. "Isn't that your sister? Talking to George?"

Elvira followed her gaze and raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "Oh, it is. Looks like she's already working her magic on him."

Olympia's fingers tightened around her glass, the jealousy bubbling up inside her. "Is she always like that?"

Elvira laughed lightly. "You have no idea. Marianna's got a way of making boys fall for her in minutes. If she wants George, she'll have him."

"She's not exactly subtle." Cassie grumbled irritably from next to Olympia.

"No, not even a little." Elvira chuckled.

Olympia's frown deepened as she watched George laughing with Marianna, his hand casually resting on his drink. She didn't know why it bothered her so much. She shouldn't care. They weren't anything. She made that clear in the library. But still, the sight of him with Marianna made her feel... off. She didn't know how to explain it, so she pushed the feeling down, trying to distract herself with another conversation.

Olympia couldn't tear her eyes away from George. It wasn't just the fact that he was talking to Marianna-though that definitely didn't help-it was the way they were standing as close as they were. Marianna's flirty giggles were enough to make Olympia's stomach twist. She felt like she was on the outside, looking in, and the more she watched, the more irritated she became.

"Why does this bother me?" she muttered under her breath, her fingers tightening around her glass of pumpkin juice, though it wasn't doing anything to ease the knot in her stomach.

"You okay, Olympia?" Seraphina asked, noticing the shift in her friend's demeanor. "You've been quiet all night."

Olympia forced a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... tired, I guess."

But even as she said it, her eyes were back on George and Marianna. George was laughing, clearly enjoying her attention, and Olympia's heart sank. What was he thinking? Was he really interested in someone like her? She hated the way her thoughts spiraled, and she couldn't shake the feeling of being completely out of place.

She glanced at Elvira, who was laughing at something Cho had said, clearly oblivious to Olympia's inner turmoil. "Elvira," Olympia said, her voice sharper than she intended.

Elvira turned, raising an eyebrow. "What's up?"

"I need to get drunk," Olympia said flatly, her tone surprising even herself. She wasn't the type to go around trying to drown her feelings with alcohol, but tonight? Tonight was different.

Elvira's eyes lit up with interest. "That's the spirit. I've been waiting for you to crack. Let's find you something stronger than that juice."

Olympia could feel the weight of her own words sinking in. She was serious. She didn't want to stand here, feeling like a fool, watching George flirt with someone else. She wasn't going to stand around being some spectator in her own life.

"I'm going to do something about it," she muttered, pushing herself up from her seat.

Elvira smirked, already on her feet. "That's more like it." She shot a look toward Seraphina, Cassie, and Cho, who were still deep in conversation, and leaned in toward Olympia. "Come on, I know just where to go."

They made their way across the room, weaving through the crowd, Olympia's pulse quickening as she went. She was determined. She was done feeling out of control, and if that meant having a drink-or several-then so be it.

The drink table was crowded, as most of the students were either grabbing a fresh drink or mingling nearby. But Elvira, with her usual confidence, spotted an opportunity near the back corner where a few students had gathered, each holding goblets filled with something darker than the usual pumpkin juice. Elvira's eyes gleamed with mischievous excitement.

"There it is," Elvira said, leaning toward Olympia. "This stuff'll get you where you need to be."

Olympia eyed the drink suspiciously but didn't hesitate to grab a cup. It looked dark and strong, and when she took a quick sip, she felt the warmth spread through her immediately. It was almost too strong, and she coughed a little before settling back against the table.

"How do you feel?" Elvira asked with a grin, her eyes sparkling in the dim light.

Olympia took another gulp, this one with more confidence. "Better," she said with a wry smile. "Much better."

The warmth was spreading through her now, but it wasn't just physical. It was like a fog had settled over her brain, the sharp edges of jealousy and frustration dulling with every sip. She glanced back toward the other side of the room, where George was still chatting with Marianna. She didn't feel that familiar tightness in her chest anymore, though. It was like she could breathe again.

"See?" Elvira said, giving her a playful nudge. "You're already looking a bit more relaxed."

Olympia nodded, her thoughts a little hazy, but she didn't care. "I just needed to stop thinking for a second," she said, her voice quieter now. "I'm tired of overthinking everything."

Elvira raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything. Instead, she filled another cup, handing it to Olympia. "There's more where that came from. We'll have you feeling perfectly fine in no time."

Olympia took the drink, this time without hesitation. Her gaze flickered across the room again, and this time, she didn't feel the sting of jealousy. George was still talking to Marianna, but Olympia didn't feel the compulsion to focus on them anymore. She could handle it, barely.

"Alright," she muttered under her breath. "Let's have some fun."

Elvira flashed her a wicked grin. "That's the spirit."

The music in the room seemed louder now, the chatter of students around her growing more distant. Olympia's mind, usually sharp and aware, began to blur as the alcohol took effect, but she didn't mind. She needed a break from her own thoughts.

And as she glanced back toward George, she felt something shift inside her, a sense of clarity that hadn't been there before. She didn't need to wait for George to notice her. She could make him notice. And maybe, just maybe, she could stop feeling so damn insecure about it all.

Elvira grinned, as if she could sense the change. "Feeling good yet?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Olympia smirked, her confidence rising with every sip of the drink. "Better than I've felt in weeks."

The warmth from the drink spread through Olympia's veins, but it didn't ease the bitterness churning in her stomach. George was still over there with Marianna, laughing too easily, leaning in just a little too close, and Olympia couldn't stand it. The more she watched them, the more it seemed like George was exactly where he wanted to be, and that wasn't with her. That realization hit her like a slap, sharp and cold, and it made her blood boil.

"Enough," Olympia muttered to herself, pushing the drink back to Elvira with a determined look in her eyes. She wasn't going to stand here, silently watching George flirt with Marianna and keep torturing herself.

Elvira, who had been scanning the room for potential trouble or fun, turned her attention to Olympia. "What? You okay?" she asked, her voice still light, though she could sense the shift in Olympia's mood.

"I'm not going to stand here and watch him with her," Olympia spat, her fingers clutching the edge of the table. She didn't even care if Elvira saw the hurt in her expression; she was too far gone now. "I need to find someone else."

Elvira's eyes lit up, an almost mischievous glint flashing in her gaze. "Oh? Someone else, huh?" She raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Like who?"

Olympia's expression turned hard, and she felt a sense of clarity wash over her that she hadn't felt before. "Cedric Diggory," she said confidently, the words flowing from her mouth before she could stop them. "I'm going to find him. I don't care about George or his flirty little game anymore. I'm done."

Elvira's face softened for just a second, the smile dimming slightly. She was happy for Olympia, but there was a hesitation in her eyes that she couldn't hide. She put a hand on Olympia's shoulder, her tone lighter now, though there was an edge of concern behind it. "You sure about that? Cedric's... great, obviously. But I get the feeling you're not really after him."

Olympia's gaze narrowed, her temper rising again. "What do you mean?"

Elvira hesitated before speaking, her voice quieter now, as if she was treading carefully around something delicate. "I don't know, Oly... I mean, I get that you want to move on, but a part of me thinks you're just trying to prove something. Like, if you can get Cedric's attention, it'll somehow make George realize something."

Olympia's breath hitched at the truth of Elvira's words, but she wouldn't let herself think about it for too long. She shook her head, dismissing the thought. "It's not like that. I just want to get over this whole thing. I don't need George Weasley, Elvira."

It was the furthest from true.

Elvira gave her a knowing look, something softer in her gaze, as if she understood more than Olympia wanted her to. "Alright. But if you ask me, you've been eyeing George for a lot longer than you're letting on. And I know you're not just going to forget about him just because Cedric's got a pretty smile."

Olympia clenched her jaw. She knew Elvira was right, and the fact that she was admitting it to herself made her want to punch something. But she wasn't about to admit it out loud, not even to her close friend.

"I'm not thinking about George," Olympia said firmly, forcing her voice to sound steady. "I'm thinking about Cedric. I want to make a move. I don't want to waste any more time."

Elvira didn't look entirely convinced, but she still grinned, her excitement returning. "Okay, okay. You've got my blessing to go after Cedric. He's a good choice, honestly. And who knows, maybe you'll finally get your mind off George-who seems to be busy with other people."

Olympia's eyes flickered back toward the drink table, where George was still laughing with Marianna. It felt like a punch to the gut, but she refused to let it show. She couldn't let herself care anymore.

A part of her wished he'd stop being a bloody idiot and look for her, making Olympia assume he doesn't truly care, or else he'd come and find her right?

With a deep breath, she turned back to Elvira. "I'm going to find Cedric. He's got to be around here somewhere."

Elvira's grin widened, though there was still that edge of doubt in her expression. "You're not going to wait around for him to make the first move, are you?"

Olympia's lips curled into a defiant smile. "No. I'll make it clear that I'm interested."

"Atta girl," Elvira said, her voice full of admiration. "Go get him, then. And don't let that Weasley boy get to you."

Olympia took one last glance across the room, but this time, her gaze was determined. She wasn't going to let George's attention on someone else throw her off. She had a plan now. She was going to find Cedric and show him that she could make him notice her. And maybe, just maybe, she'd stop caring about George entirely. Though she knew that last but was an impossible task for herself.

With that, she turned and strode confidently into the crowd, the weight of her decision settling over her like a cloak. The night was far from over, and Olympia was determined to make it hers.

Cedric Diggory's popularity at Hogwarts was practically legendary. He was the embodiment of what every student aspired to be-handsome, charming, and impossibly talented. As the captain of the Hufflepuff Quidditch team, he'd led his house to multiple victories, his broomstick prowess making him a household name. Add in his academic achievements, his undeniable charisma, and that effortless confidence that made every conversation feel meaningful, and it was clear why he was adored by nearly everyone who crossed his path.

Girls fawned over him, trying to catch his eye in every corridor, while guys looked up to him as the perfect example of what it meant to be both popular and grounded. He had the respect of his peers and the admiration of the professors. It didn't hurt that he had that boy-next-door charm, a smile that could melt anyone's heart, and eyes that always seemed to twinkle with mischief or warmth, depending on the situation.

And tonight, as he stood by the drink table in the middle of the party, Cedric was dressed in a way that only added to his effortless allure. He wore a sleek, fitted dark green button-up shirt that accentuated his broad shoulders and narrow waist. The sleeves were rolled up just above his elbows, giving a glimpse of his toned arms, a subtle but effective display of muscle that made him look both put-together and casually rugged. The shirt itself clung to his frame in all the right ways, showing off the definition of his chest and back, while still looking laid-back enough for a party. He paired it with dark, well-fitted jeans that made his legs look even longer and more muscular, completing the ensemble with a simple yet stylish pair of black boots.

There was nothing over-the-top about his outfit-it wasn't loud or flashy-but everything about it screamed understated cool. He looked like someone who didn't need to try hard to look amazing, someone who could show up at a party with barely any effort and still command the room. His confidence wasn't in his clothes, it was in himself, and that was what made him magnetic.

Even now, as he stood there casually sipping his drink, chatting with a few students, Cedric had the air of someone who was both approachable and untouchable. He could talk to anyone, make them feel like the most important person in the room, and yet there was a sense that he was just a little bit out of reach. And it wasn't in a way that made people feel excluded-it was more that he made everyone want to be around him, to be his friend, to know him.

As Olympia walked toward him, she couldn't help but notice how, despite the crowd of people surrounding him, Cedric still seemed like he was the center of attention. It wasn't because he demanded it-it was because people genuinely liked being near him, and they couldn't help but gravitate toward him. It was a charisma he carried effortlessly, like it was part of who he was, woven into the very fabric of his being.

She'd be lying if she said she didn't fancy him a little. I mean what girl didn't.

Olympia's gaze flicked down to Cedric's glass, then back up to meet his eyes. There was something undeniably magnetic about him tonight, something that made her heart race just a little faster than it should. She didn't want to waste any more time pretending, not tonight. "Hiya study buddy." She mused with a playful grin.

Cedric smiled at Olympia as she approached him, straightening his posture ever so subtly. "Olympia," he greeted smoothly.

With a confident smile, she leaned in slightly, tilting her head toward the drink in his hand. "So, Cedric, think you could share that drink with me?" she asked, her voice low and teasing, the words falling from her lips with a boldness that surprised even herself. The firewhiskey had loosened her up more than she expected, and suddenly she wasn't concerned about playing it cool anymore.

Cedric blinked, caught off guard for a moment, clearly not expecting such a direct approach from her. He looked at her with raised brows, the hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You want to share my drink?" he asked, a laugh in his voice, but his eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Aren't you worried I might drink it all?"

Olympia's lips curled into a flirtatious smile as she shrugged one shoulder nonchalantly. "I trust you," she said smoothly, her tone playful, almost daring. "Besides, I'm sure you'll keep me entertained while you finish it."

Cedric chuckled, his eyes softening with amusement, and he raised his glass toward her. "Well, in that case, I'm happy to share. But I'm warning you-I'm not the one who needs the drink to loosen up." His voice dropped slightly, a teasing edge to it, and there was an unmistakable warmth in his gaze.

Olympia's heart skipped at the way he looked at her, the playful glint in his eyes. She reached out and took the glass from him, their fingers brushing once more. This time, it felt more significant-more intimate-like there was no going back now. As if the decision for the night had been finalized.

She took a small sip, the burn of the firewhiskey warming her from the inside, but she couldn't help but focus more on the way Cedric was watching her.

When she lowered the glass, she gave him a cheeky grin, feeling bold. "Not bad," she said, her eyes locking with his. "But I think I need another one to really appreciate it."

Cedric's lips curled into a smile, clearly enjoying her forwardness. "Guess I'll have to keep up, then," he replied smoothly, his voice low but filled with something that made Olympia's heart beat a little faster. "I'm up for the challenge."

Olympia leaned in closer, her voice dipping lower, as if sharing a secret. "I'm definitely up for it."

The air between them felt charged now, thick with something unspoken but very much present. Cedric's smile deepened as he raised his glass again, and they clinked them together, the sound sharp in the midst of the party's chaos. She took another sip, this time savoring it, but it was clear that what she was savoring most wasn't just the firewhiskey-it was Cedric's attention.

George was still talking to Marianna, though his mind kept wandering. He tried to focus on what she was saying, but his attention kept drifting back to Olympia. She was across the room now, her posture easy and confident as she leaned in toward Cedric, her laugh lighting up the air between them. Cedric was smiling at her-really smiling-and George couldn't quite put his finger on it, but something about the way they interacted made a knot tighten in his stomach.

He couldn't tear his eyes away. It wasn't just jealousy; it was something else. The way Cedric was looking at Olympia, the way she was looking at him-it felt... different. It felt like there was something there, something that George wasn't a part of.

As George continued watching them, Marianna must have noticed his attention drift. She took a step closer to him, her presence suddenly more pronounced. George barely registered her movement at first, still caught in the tension of seeing Olympia so at ease with Cedric, but when Marianna leaned in, he couldn't ignore her anymore.

She moved with purpose, her hand sliding up to his chest as she shifted her top down a little more, revealing even more of what was already... well on display. George blinked, his eyes snapping back to her as she tilted her head, a mischievous smile on her lips.

"Hey, George," she purred, her hand still resting on his chest, her fingers tracing small, deliberate circles. "You know, I've been really enjoying talking to you. Maybe we should find somewhere quieter to... continue this conversation?"

Her words were smooth, enticing, but it was obvious to anyone who was paying attention that Marianna was making it more than clear that she was interested-and she wasn't about to let him get distracted by someone else.

George's eyes flickered back to Olympia and Cedric. Cedric had just taken a step closer to her, their faces leaning in, a private conversation passing between them. It was like the world had stopped, and all George could see was them-Cedric Diggory and the girl he'd been crushing on for what felt like forever.

For a moment, George didn't respond to Marianna. He just stood there, his mind swirling with frustration and confusion, but Marianna wasn't going to let him stew. She pressed herself a little closer, brushing her chest lightly against his as she smiled up at him with sultry eyes.

"Hey," she said, her voice much quieter now, almost a whisper, "you're not really going to let that pretty girl have all of your attention, are you?"

George shook his head slightly, snapping himself out of his thoughts. He felt guilty for being distracted by Olympia, but a part of him couldn't shake the frustration he was feeling. Why did she have to go and talk to Cedric like that?

"Right," George said, trying to regain his composure and give Marianna a half-hearted smile, though his thoughts were still on Olympia and Cedric. "Yeah, right."

But Marianna wasn't done yet. She smiled at him, knowing exactly what she was doing. "Maybe it's time you and I had our own little... moment," she said, her voice deliberately low, as she leaned into him more, making it hard for him to focus on anything else.

Despite himself, George couldn't help but feel his pulse quicken. But as he stood there, caught between Marianna's advances and his own growing frustration, he couldn't shake the feeling that, no matter how close she was, something-someone-else had his heart completely torn in two.

Olympia's gaze, momentarily focused on Cedric, flickered to the side as something caught her eye across the room. Her heart skipped in her chest when she saw it-Marianna, the blonde from earlier, was practically all over George, her hand placed deliberately on his chest, leaning in close, laughing, and flashing him a smile that could melt ice. The sight sent a rush of heat to Olympia's cheeks, her stomach tightening with something she couldn't quite place.

She had no right to feel this way, she told herself. George was free to do whatever he wanted. He wasn't hers, and she wasn't his, but that didn't stop the wave of jealousy that rolled over her, sharp and sudden, leaving her momentarily breathless. The way Marianna was touching him, so confidently and openly-it made something in her chest feel tight, almost painful.

Her eyes narrowed slightly, and she shifted her gaze back to Cedric, who was still looking at her with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. The jealousy bubbling up inside her made her feel suddenly bold, the flush on her cheeks only adding to her confidence.

She straightened up, turning fully to face him, her expression shifting into something more playful yet challenging. Her lips curled into a mischievous smile, and she arched an eyebrow slightly, her gaze locking onto his as if daring him to make the next move.

"Come on, Diggory," she said, her voice carrying just the right amount of flirtation and challenge. "I'm waiting."

Cedric blinked, clearly taken aback by the change in her demeanor. His brow furrowed for a second as if he was weighing her words, his smile faltering for a moment before it returned-this time, a little more aware, a little more knowing.

"You're not shy tonight, are you?" he replied, the corner of his mouth curling up into that signature smile that always made Olympia's pulse race. There was a teasing edge to his voice now, and it made her stomach flip. He had picked up on her challenge, and the way he was looking at her made it clear that he wasn't going to back down.

She tilted her head slightly, not breaking eye contact. "Shy?" she repeated, almost laughing at the thought. "Not in the slightest." She could see it in his eyes now-the curiosity, the spark that told her he was just as intrigued as she was.

Olympia wasn't sure if she was challenging him because she was truly interested or because her jealousy was driving her to do something-anything-to shake the uneasy feeling that had settled in her chest. Either way, the game was on now. She wasn't going to let George and Marianna's little moment dictate her night, not when Cedric was standing right in front of her, offering something entirely different, something exciting.

Cedric stepped a little closer to her, closing the space between them. "Well then," he murmured, his voice just above a whisper.

The tension in the air was thick with a kind of charged energy that neither of them quite understood, but both were feeling. The party roared around them, the music blasting, people laughing and talking, but in that moment, it was just Olympia and Cedric standing in the middle of it all, facing each other, eyes locked, neither one willing to back down.

Olympia's confidence had grown with the firewhiskey she'd been sipping on all night, and it seemed to have an effect on Cedric too. His smile was more playful now, less the steady, dependable Cedric that everyone knew and more a flirtatious, carefree version of him.

"Come on, Diggory," Olympia said again, her voice teasing, but with an edge of daring. "What are you waiting for?"

Cedric's smile didn't falter. If anything, it deepened, and his eyes flickered to her lips for a brief second before meeting her gaze again. His body leaned in just a little, but it was more out of curiosity than anything else.

"I think you're the one waiting," he said, his voice teasing but low, the alcohol making it a little slurred at the edges. "But I'm not the type to back down from a challenge."

The air between them felt thick, and Olympia wasn't sure what had come over her. Maybe it was the jealousy she still felt about George and Marianna. Or maybe it was the alcohol working its way through her veins, but either way, she leaned in, a little too eagerly, and pressed her lips against Cedric's.

It wasn't slow or tender-it was quick, impulsive, a kiss fueled more by alcohol than any deeper connection. Cedric's lips were warm and soft, but there was nothing particularly romantic about it. It was a messy, drunk kiss, the kind that didn't mean anything but the need for something to distract from the swirling emotions inside.

Cedric stiffened for a moment, surprised, but then he relaxed, his hands moving to her waist, holding her closer. Olympia didn't bother with the usual subtleties-she let her lips press harder against his, her breath coming a little faster as the kiss grew more frantic.

It was messy, with a slight urgency to it, like they both knew this was fleeting, temporary, something to do for the hell of it, not because they'd been building toward it. It was a drunken kiss, the kind you didn't think about until later when you woke up with a headache and a few fuzzy memories.

Eventually, they both pulled away, just as quickly as it had started, their faces flushed with alcohol and something a little more mischievous than meaningful.

Cedric's lips curved into a half-smirk as he took a step back, eyes a little more glassy than before. "Well," he said, his tone still teasing, "guess that's one way to make a statement."

Olympia blinked, a small laugh escaping her as she tried to steady herself. "Guess so," she replied, her voice a little breathless, the heat still lingering on her lips. She wasn't sure what she was feeling now-only that the kiss had been satisfying in the moment, like an itch that needed scratching. With a grin that felt just a little bit too confident, she took another sip of her drink, pretending it was no big deal. "I think I'm going to find someone else to talk to," she said with a wink, already stepping away, as though nothing had happened.

The moment George saw Olympia leaning into Cedric, everything around him fell away. The sounds of the party, the clinking of glasses, the laughter-they all faded into a muffled hum, as if he'd been dropped underwater. His entire world narrowed to that single, unbearable sight of Olympia with Cedric Diggory, the way her head tilted as their lips met in a sloppy, drunken kiss.

His chest tightened painfully, a pang of jealousy and something even sharper twisting inside him. She was his friend, he reminded himself, and nothing more. But seeing her with Cedric, watching her lean into the kiss-it felt like a punch he hadn't braced for, leaving him with a hollow ache he couldn't shake.

He swallowed, his jaw clenched, his fists tight at his sides. The weight of it, the anger and jealousy simmering, was almost too much to bear. He barely registered Marianna's hand on his arm or the way she followed his line of sight, a knowing smirk tugging at her lips.

"Guess she's having fun," she said, her voice light and teasing.

George's throat tightened, and without thinking, he reached for a shot of firewhiskey on the table. He downed it in one swift motion, the burn doing nothing to ease the knot in his chest. "Bloody hell," he muttered, the curse slipping out before he could stop it.

Marianna was still watching him, her smirk widening, her eyes playful. Something in him snapped. He wanted to forget. He wanted to drown out the image of Olympia and Cedric, and Marianna was right there, willing, leaning in close. Without another thought, he grabbed her by the waist and kissed her, hard.

The kiss was messy, a tangle of frustration and heat, nothing sweet or meaningful about it. Marianna's hands slid up to his neck, pulling him closer, her lips eager, meeting him with equal intensity. It was exactly what he wanted-a distraction, something to smother the ache and frustration gnawing at him. He didn't care that it was rushed or that it meant nothing. All he cared about was not feeling the ache of jealousy anymore.

After a few breathless moments, he finally pulled away, barely catching his breath. He kept his head down, running a hand through his hair, trying to steady himself.

But then he looked up-and his stomach dropped.

Only a few feet away, Olympia stood frozen, wide-eyed, her face pale and filled with shock. Her lips were parted slightly, like she couldn't believe what she'd just seen. There was something else there, too, something that looked like hurt, quickly masked by a hardened expression. Her hands tightened at her sides, and for a heartbeat, they just stared at each other, the air between them charged and thick.

George's heart sank, guilt cutting through him like a blade as he took in her expression. Olympia's gaze held his, her eyes full of emotions she clearly wasn't ready to voice, emotions he couldn't even fully understand. She looked at him, the hurt flickering just below the surface, and then, without a word, she turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving him standing there, speechless.

Before George could fully process what had happened with Olympia and Cedric, a sharp "Excuse us," cut through the air. He barely had time to react before Cassie and Fred each grabbed an arm, yanking him away from Marianna with a force that left her gaping after him, indignant.

Cassie didn't even look back at Marianna as they pulled George into a secluded corner of the party, her grip firm and her eyes flashing with irritation. Once they were out of earshot, Fred wasted no time-he slapped George upside the head, the crack of it loud enough to make George wince.

"You bloody idiot," Fred hissed, crossing his arms with an exasperated glare.

"What about me?" George shot back, rubbing his head. "She kissed Cedric first!"

Cassie rolled her eyes, arms crossed tightly. "Only because she saw you talking to Miss Tits over there," she snapped, her voice dripping with scorn. "You think Olympia's just going to stand there watching you flirt with someone else and do nothing?"

George opened his mouth to retort but stopped, the weight of their words sinking in. He'd been so caught up in the frustration and jealousy that he hadn't even thought about what his actions might look like to Olympia.

Fred shook his head, a disappointed frown on his face. "Look, mate, you really messed up," he said, his tone quieter but still firm. "If you want to fix this with Olympia, you've got to stop playing these stupid games."

Cassie huffed in frustration, giving George one last glare before she spun on her heel, muttering, "Unbelievable." She stormed off, weaving through the crowd with single-minded determination as she went to find Olympia, leaving George and Fred standing alone in the corner.

Fred took a deep breath, his tone softening just a fraction, but the mischief in his eyes was still there. He looked at George and clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Alright, alright, I get it. You were jealous, and I'll admit, that kiss with Cedric was probably a punch to the gut. But mate," he added with a smirk, "it's not like you were exactly a saint over there either."

George frowned, still feeling the weight of what he'd just done, but before he could respond, Fred let out a chuckle. "You know, I was half expecting you to fall into Marianna's chest and get lost in there for a while," Fred teased, winking.

George blinked, his face going a shade of red. "Fred, seriously? Now?"

Fred shrugged with an exaggerated, innocent look. "What?" He grinned, clearly enjoying George's discomfort. "You know, I bet the poor girl's back must be a right disaster."

George snorted despite himself, shaking his head. "You're unbelievable."

Fred just laughed, clearly relishing in George's reaction. "Look, mate," he said, his tone turning a bit more serious again, "I get it. Marianna's good looking, but don't let that mess with your head. You've got other things to focus on right now."

George gave Fred a weak smile. "Yeah, yeah. I need to fix this with Olympia first."

Fred slapped him on the back. "Exactly. Now stop being a bloody idiot and go make it right with her."

Fred and George made their way through the crowded room, weaving past dancing students and clusters of laughter, their eyes scanning for any sign of Olympia. Fred was a bit more at ease now, cracking jokes to lighten the mood, but George's mind was elsewhere. He was still replaying everything-Olympia, Cedric, Marianna, the kiss-and now, he just needed to find Olympia, make things right.

They reached a quieter part of the party, and there, standing near a table, was Elvira. She caught sight of them and her eyes widened in surprise, a mischievous smirk forming as she looked between the two brothers.

"Fred, George," she said with exaggerated sweetness, "You're looking a bit lost."

"We're looking for Olympia," Fred said, leaning forward slightly, trying to catch her eye. "Have you seen her?"

Elvira didn't seem in a hurry to give anything away. She shrugged innocently, her eyes flicking toward the door. "Haven't seen her around."

Fred narrowed his eyes, sensing there was more to this than she was letting on. "Really? You wouldn't happen to know where she went, would you?"

Elvira didn't immediately answer, pretending to focus on a drink, her lips curling into a playful smile. "I mean... she could be anywhere, right?"

George frowned, now growing a bit impatient. "Elvira, don't mess around. Where is she?"

After a few more moments of pretending to be vague, Elvira finally relented, her voice dropping slightly. "Hufflepuff's dormitories," she said, looking far too pleased with herself.

Fred's head snapped to George, and in that instant, it was like the entire world had come to a screeching halt. George's face paled, his stomach sinking, his breath catching in his chest. His heart pounded as he processed the words-Hufflepuff's dormitories.

"Are you-are you bloody serious?" George's voice cracked, his chest tightening as the realization hit him. He stood frozen for a moment, staring blankly at Elvira. Hufflepuff's dormitories. Of all the places.

Fred stood next to him, knew his twin was seconds before crashing out. "George." He muttered lowly, a warning in his tone.

But George wasn't listening. His mind was racing. "I...I have to go," he muttered, shaking his head as if trying to clear it.

Fred grabbed his arm, pulling him back slightly. "Oi, wait, don't-George, it's not like you're the only one who's made a bloody mess of things tonight."

But George wasn't hearing him. The thought of Olympia-his Olympia-alone in the Hufflepuff dorms, likely nursing whatever hurt he'd just caused her, was more than he could take. The jealousy, the mistakes, the guilt all hit him at once. He felt as though his entire world had shattered. He had no right to feel this way, not after what he'd done.

"Elvira," Fred said with a forced casualness, "You sure about that? You haven't been messing with us, have you?"

Elvira simply shrugged, though her eyes danced with a bit too much amusement for Fred's liking. "I'm not one to get involved in your drama," she said, her tone almost too nonchalant. "But if you ask me, she's probably not in the best mood right now. So, good luck with that." With that, she turned and sauntered off into the crowd, leaving Fred and George in stunned silence.

George grabbed a shot, his hand trembling slightly as he raised the glass to his lips. He didn't even think twice, just downed it in one go-stupidly, as if it would numb the sinking feeling in his gut. His mind was spinning with images of Olympia and Cedric, his jealousy and guilt mixing into something he didn't know how to handle. He was so ready to just escape, to do anything to forget the mess he'd made.

"George, stop it!" Fred hissed, his hand shooting out to grab George's wrist, trying to take the glass from him. "You've had enough!"

But George barely registered Fred's voice. With a determined set to his jaw, he hurried toward the door, ignoring his twin's calls behind him. Fred cursed under his breath and darted after him, pushing through the throng of students in a desperate attempt to catch up. "Bloody hell I need to stop letting this idiot out of my sight."

Lee Jordan and Oliver Wood, who had been chatting nearby, caught sight of the Weasley twins storming out of the party in such a state. Instinctively, they exchanged a glance, both recognizing that something was wrong.

Without a word, Lee and Oliver followed, weaving through the crowd, keeping their eyes on Fred and George as they made their way out of the hall. They didn't know exactly what was going on, but they knew their friends needed help, and that was all that mattered.

Fred finally caught up to George outside the party, just as he was about to disappear down a hallway toward the Hufflepuff dorms. His voice was frantic now. "George! Wait! You can't just go charging off like this!"

George paused, his back still to Fred, his shoulders tense. He didn't turn around, but his voice cracked when he spoke. "I need to fix this, Fred. I have to make it right."

Fred's frustration softened to concern. "And you think rushing off like this is going to help?"

"Don't you get it?" George's voice was tight, almost breaking. "I messed up. I let her think I didn't care."

Fred took a deep breath, trying to keep his voice calm. "Look, I know you're hurting. But you need to stop and think before you do something you'll regret."

Just then, Lee and Oliver appeared, both of them looking serious. "What's going on?" Lee asked, glancing between Fred and George.

George shook his head, still not looking at them. "I'm going to fix this with Olympia. I don't care what it takes."

Oliver looked at Fred, who sighed in defeat. "He's got his mind set, but he's not thinking straight. I'm trying to stop him, but he's just..."

"I know," Oliver said with a grim nod. "You're right. Let's just keep him from doing something stupid."

The four of them stood in the hallway, George still staring ahead, determined to find Olympia and make everything right, even if it meant making a complete fool of himself. Fred, Lee, and Oliver exchanged glances, silently agreeing that they would keep him from being an idiot, even if that meant dragging him to the ground.

Fred grabbed George's shoulder, stopping him from moving forward any further, George tried to push against him causing Fred to force his twin against the wall. "George, you can't just barge into Cedric's room. That's completely insane," Fred said firmly, his voice almost stern. "What the hell are you thinking?"

George was shaking, his mind racing. "I need to fix this. I have to talk to her, Fred-before I lose her."

Fred's expression softened, but he kept his voice serious. "Look, I'm telling you, mate-you don't want to see what's happening in there right now. Or ever, for that matter. Trust me. You'd never be able to get that bloody image out of your head."

At Fred's words, George's entire face drained of color. His body stiffened as if he'd been struck. He slowly met Fred's gaze, his eyes wide with panic. "Oh shit. Oh shit... she's in his room," he murmured under his breath, his chest tightening with each word.

The realization hit George like a ton of bricks. As Fred let him go he sat down heavily on the nearest set of stairs, his legs feeling too weak to hold him up anymore. "Oh god... what're they doing?" he whispered hoarsely.

Lee, ever the instigator, decided now was the time for his usual crass humor. "Maybe Cedric's just teaching her some advanced wand techniques," he said, raising his eyebrows with a grin. "You know, hand here, and right here-" He gave a suggestive motion with his hand, placing them atop one another, clearly proud of his inappropriate remark.

Fred's eyes narrowed at Lee, and before anyone could react, Oliver, looking more annoyed than anything, slapped Lee upside the head with a quick thwack. "Shut the fuck up," Oliver growled, but Lee just rubbed his head with a sheepish grin.

George didn't respond to Lee's comment. His face had gone even paler as his mind spiraled. He could only think of Cedric-Cedric-and what he might be doing to Olympia. His Olympia. A low groan escaped his throat as he squeezed his eyes shut, trying to block out the thought of Cedric's hands on her, the closeness between them that he could never erase from his mind.

Fred crouched down in front of George, his tone softening but firm. "George, mate, listen to me. You need to calm down, alright? You're not gonna fix anything by storming into his room right now."

George barely heard him. His head was spinning, and the jealousy clawing at his chest felt suffocating. "What if..." he whispered, his voice thick. "What if he's... what if he's already... with her?"

Oliver's face darkened slightly at George's tone, but he said nothing, just looked at Fred, who was still trying to keep his cool in the face of George's breakdown. Lee, for his part, leaned against the wall, clearly regretting his earlier joke, though his usual confidence had vanished.

"George," Fred said, now more urgently, "you've got to breathe, alright? Whatever happens, barging in there won't help. You're gonna make everything worse if you just let your emotions control you like this."

George looked at his twin, his eyes desperate. "I've messed up... and now she's in his room. This is all my fault. What do I do?"

Fred's face softened with sympathy, but he couldn't afford to let George stay like this. "You talk to her, mate. When you're both sober and not so stupid."

George nodded slowly, but his eyes stayed unfocused, still caught in the terrible thought of Cedric and Olympia together in that room. He wasn't sure he could breathe, let alone fix anything.

George sat on the stairs, still trembling, as the weight of everything seemed to crash down on him. His mind was spiraling-Cedric, Olympia, the kiss, and the image of them together. His chest was tight, and he felt like he couldn't breathe properly. He looked up at Fred, Lee, and Oliver, but his mind was still reeling.

"I can't go back to the dorms," George muttered, shaking his head. "I can't just sit there and think about... that." His voice cracked on the last word, and he looked around the corridor as though the walls were closing in on him.

Fred frowned, his expression one of concern mixed with frustration. "George, you need to calm down. Let's get you back, alright? You're not thinking straight."

But George wasn't hearing it. His hands clenched into fists as he stood up from the stairs. "No, I'm not going back. I need to-." He thought for a moment, drunkeness clouding his better judgement. "-I need to get high. That'll take the edge off. Make me forget for a bit." He decided.

Lee, who had been unusually quiet, perked up at the mention of getting high. Always enjoying an excuse to get his hands on the substance. His eyes gleamed with that mischievous twinkle. "Mate, that's a marvelous idea! A little smoke, a little relaxation, right? Forget about Cedric and his perfect face—just float away. Sounds like just what you need!"

Fred turned on Lee with a look of pure disbelief. "What the hell is wrong with you? This isn't the time for jokes, Lee!" He turned back to George, his expression more serious. "No, George. Absolutely not. You're not doing that tonight. You're a bloody mess, and getting high isn't going to solve anything. It's just going to make it worse."

George's anger flared. He was tired of everyone trying to calm him down, tired of them telling him how to feel. His jaw clenched, and his fists tightened even more. "You don't get it, Fred. I need something, anything, to stop thinking about it. I need to feel... anything but this. I can't just go back there and sit with my thoughts, not after..."

"Not after what?" Fred cut in, his voice suddenly soft but still firm. "You're upset. I get it. But this, George... this isn't you. You've been here before, remember? It's always been a bloody mess when you go down that road. You're not going to fix this with a high."

George stared at Fred, his anger still boiling but a flicker of uncertainty crossing his features. He didn't have the energy to argue anymore. He looked away, kicking at the stone floor in frustration. "I just... I don't know what else to do."

Fred stepped closer, his voice quieter now but still insistent. "You need to sleep. We're going back to the dorms, George. Come on."

Lee raised an eyebrow, watching the exchange, but he didn't say anything more. He was starting to get the hint that his usual brand of nonsense wasn't going to help tonight. Oliver gave him a look, shaking his head in exasperated disapproval.

Fred reached out and grabbed George by the arm, gently but firmly pulling him toward the direction of the Gryffindor tower. "You're not doing this alone, alright? We're getting you back to the dorms. And you can figure it out tomorrow, when you're not so bloody wasted and pissed off."

George didn't resist, but there was a haunted look in his eyes as he let Fred guide him back through the corridors. The weight of the night, the chaos of everything that had happened, settled heavily on his shoulders. But one thing was certain: he wasn't going to be able to outrun his emotions. Not tonight.