twinfic update! February, part 1
Aug. 7th, 2004 09:56 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
thrihyrneVI. February
“But I thought we were going to go to Diagon Alley. During the Hogsmeade trip,” George said, his voice muffled as he pulled one of his Mum’s less-atrocious jumpers over his head.
Fred shrugged. “We can go anytime. I think it’s definitely more important that we be there to support our dismal Quidditch team while they practise.”
“I told Thalia I’d meet her.”
“Then you’d best tell her you’re not going.”
George shook his head, conflicted. He had finally decided to see her without Fred around, but on the other hand, it was true that he really did want to watch their beleaguered team. And be somewhat encouraging. If possible.
“Right,” he said, after a pause. “But if we lose to Hufflepuff-”
“You mean, when we lose,” Fred interrupted. “Without us and Harry, what’re the chances?”
“Dunno. Anyway, we’ve got to find a bloody shop.” He began rooting around a jumble of half-finished Skiving snackboxes, looking for his wand. “I can barely stand to put my robes on anymore. It’s such a joke.”
“We will,” Fred said, his tone indignant. “You know that I’m in this as much as you are.” He walked over to George and threw his arm around his shoulder. “I’ve even come up with a name, oh ye of little faith.”
George turned, looking skeptically at his twin. “Oh really. Let’s hear it.”
“Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes,” Fred announced, sweeping his arm in an arc in front of them.
“Hmmmm.” George pondered the front of the imaginary shop, the words flashing brightly in his mind’s eye. “Why wheezes? Sounds like a disease or something.”
“Because it starts with ‘w,’ you daft git.” Fred shook his shoulder. “Better go disappoint the lovely Ms. MacGhinty before she simply thinks you stood her up. Though she might be grateful.”
“You tosser! I never gave you grief when you and Angelina-”
“Kidding, George, just kidding,” Fred neatly dodged the fist George aimed at his side. “Blimey, but you take things so seriously sometimes. You need to stop that.”
“Right-o. See you on the pitch?”
Fred nodded.
George flew down the boys’ dormitory stairs and saw Thalia and Vicky and some other sixth years about to walk through the portrait-hole.
“Thalia!” he yelled, and she turned.
“George?” she asked, looking puzzled as he jogged across the Common Room. She took a few steps toward him. “I thought I already saw Jordan and Towler…” Her voice trailed off as he approached. “Let me guess. You’re not going.”
George felt an uncomfortable and complicated churning of surprise and regret. She was disappointed, he realised, suddenly feeling loutish. “That’s right,” he affirmed. “Felt we should really hang around and take in Gryffindor’s practise.”
She snorted, thrusting her hands into her Kenmore Kestrels jacket. “Just won’t be the same without you and Fred,” she sighed. “And Harry.”
“Thalia!” Vicky called out, her look of displeasure painfully obvious.
Thalia looked at the floor for a moment, George feeling more and more like a cad and wishing that he had stood up to Fred.
“Y’know,” she said, looking up at him, her face brightening, “I didn’t really want to go to Hogsmeade anyhow.” She turned around and made a shooing motion toward her friend. “I’ll stay here and watch the Quidditch practise.”
Vicky rolled her eyes, then went through the entryway.
“It’s not like I’ve got any money to speak of,” Thalia said a bit morosely.
“Yeah. Wouldn’t know what that’s like,” George said, grateful at the abrupt turn of events.
“Miss MacGhinty,” a familiar voice sounded behind them. “I assume if you’re still here that George has managed to, if I may say so, weasel his way into your affections.”
“Fred,” George warned as his brother approached, “Shut it.”
Thalia let out a throaty laugh. “I can defend my own honour, George.” She pulled her dark red hair behind her ears. “Let’s go. I’m sure they need all the inspiration they can get.”
She turned around and walked over to the portrait-hole. “I’m going to kill you one of these days,” George promised, agreeably falling into step with Fred.
“Get in line.” Fred winked.
***
The trio stood somewhat sheltered at the stands, trying to avoid the cold drizzle. Some of the drops turned to tiny ice pellets as the temperature dipped seesaw-like first a hair above and then a hair below freezing.
“Our Ginny’s not bad,” Fred said thoughtfully, watching her manoeuver a rather spectacular turn to catch the Snitch.
George nodded. “Ron’s not so dismal either, given a chance.”
“Yes, but that’s only because there’s no pressure,” Fred replied, pulling his scarf up to his chin, frustration in his voice. “He’d as soon as fall of that ruddy broom if the Slytherins yelled his name. His lack of concentration is going to be a catastrophe.”
“He’s certainly not as bad as Sloper,” Thalia interjected. “But we’re going to be absolutely massacred.” She shook her head. “It’s hopeless.”
“Oy!” Fred said, turning to face her. “That’s our family you’re talking about.”
“I know.” She shrugged. “But it’s the truth, and you and George of all people know I’m right.”
“Why don’t you play?” George asked. “You’ve got a brother on the Kestrals.”
“Yeah,” Fred echoed, still disgruntled from her earlier comment.
Thalia looked from Fred to George. “Haven’t you wondered about my nickname?”
“You have a nickname?” Fred appeared less than interested, but asked the question anyway.
“Irie,” George said. “Reckoned it’s ‘cause you’re Irish.”
“No. It’s short for irony. Ironic.” She crossed her arms and gave the twins a defeated look. “I’m the only girl in the family, I’m the youngest, I’m from a line of brilliant flyers. And I’m useless on a broom.”
There was a slight pause.
“You’re joking,” Fred and George said in tandem.
“If only,” she said glumly. “First day of flying lessons when Madam Hooch saw I had no ability at all, well, I think she almost cried.”
“I can’t imagine not flying,” Fred said, then turned his attentions back to the team, thrusting out his jaw so his lower teeth covered the front ones, rubbing them together, a subconscious habit from childhood. “I’m going to watch from the other side of the pitch,” he declared, and walked away, his eyes intent on the team.
“You were a bit brutal,” George said, looking into Thalia’s face, her cheeks pink with cold. “Only other Weasleys get to ream on Ron and Ginny.”
“No. It was honest. The team’s pathetic without you and Fred and Harry.” She thought for a moment, rocking back on her heels. “Ginny is pretty good, though. Looks like she’s had a lot of practise.”
“Lot of practise?” George couldn’t fathom it, and found instead the he was more focused on the drops of sleet nestled onto Thalia’s eyebrows.
“Must’ve,” she said, scooting back against one of the stadium poles. She fell silent, the distant sound of Angelina shouting various encouragements or epithets and the tinkle of frozen droplets settling around them. “George?” she asked, hesitant.
Expectant, George realised. Here goes nothing.
George leaned down. They kissed, his lips meeting hers, cold and soft. He kept pressing his mouth against hers, eyes shut. Wasn’t something supposed to happen? Her tongue flickered out and rubbed against his closed lips. He opened his mouth, thinking how odd it was to be breathing into someone like that, when her tongue met his.
Oh. This is interesting. He took a sudden breath through his nose and felt the cold air burn in his nostrils. He willed his tongue to move forward into Thalia’s warm, open mouth. The sensations were all very intriguing, and yet… Thalia pulled back, breathing a bit heavily. George suddenly felt cold on his neck, realising that she had clasped her hands there during their interchange and had now withdrawn them.
“George,” she whispered, her mittened hands resting on his shoulders. Her expression was pensive.
“Yes?”
“Can we try that again?”
He nodded. He cradled the back of her head in his hands, kissing her deeply, analysing how small her teeth were compared to his own, how she tasted faintly of pumpkin juice and toothpaste. After more inquisitive tongue thrusting and lip nipping she pulled away again, licking her lips. Puffs of warm air drifted between them as they breathed, fragile interlopers that dissipated in moments.
“Um,” she began, pulling him to her until their foreheads touched. “George.”
“Last time I checked.”
She smiled. George felt strangely unmoved. He had just kissed the girl he had a crush on. Or sure reckoned he did. But nothing was stirring in those parts of himself that he knew sure could be. What was the matter with him?
“I think… maybe…” She wriggled her mittens under the hair at his neck. “Did you feel…” her voice trailed off.
“You’re a great kisser,” George said, willing himself to believe it. “I don’t have a lot of experience. Sorry.”
She tilted her head back so she could look at him. There was an odd expression on her face. Disappointment? Bollocks. He was obviously a bloody atrocious kisser.
“That’s not it. I’m awfully fond of you,” she said, moving her hands down and across his back to massage his shoulders. “But I don’t think, well,” she continued, gazing at him, looking at one of his eyes and then the other as though to stay balanced, “that we’re supposed to be together. I mean like a couple.”
The sentences, spoken in her lilting accent, rang in George’s head.
“My kissing’s that awful?” he blurted out, stepping back a pace.
“No, no,” she said, taking George’s hand and pulling him back. “You’re not awful at all. It’s just that there should be some…” She wrinkled her nose, trying to find the right word.
“Sparks?” George offered, then wished he hadn’t. Bloody hell, George. Think, then speak.
“Yes.” Thalia nodded her head with enthusiasm.
Idiot.
“Yes, that’s it. You’re brilliant, and heaps of fun in the best dodgy kind of way, and certainly not an eyesore. It’s just that I didn’t feel any sparks. Oh.” She looked horrified, covering the ‘o’ of her open mouth with her hands. “Did you?” she breathed behind her mittens.
George wavered. Dodgy. Not an eyesore. “No,” he replied. “I guess not.”
“Good. Oh, I’m so glad,” she said in a rush, throwing her arms around him. “I mean, not good that it’s not right, but good that-”
“Look, can we give it one more go?” George interrupted. “Just to make sure.”
Thalia leaned back and gave him an appraising look. “Well, okay.”
George tilted his head down and closed his eyes as they kissed. She was a good kisser, a mixture of tender and intense, their tongues now more familiar in their movements against each other. It was very pleasant, and he liked feeling her hands on his shoulders, though they remained there, and maybe he did feel something…
“Oy! Sir Snogman!”
George and Thalia broke apart in shock at the voice right behind them. Fred had returned. George ran the back of his hand over his mouth, shooting daggers in his gaze at his brother.
“Piss off.”
“So!” Fred draped an arm over Thalia’s shoulders, despite the scowl on her face. “Is he any good?” He thrust his thumb toward George.
“I wouldn’t tell you,” she said crossly. “Unlike you, some people have tact.” She wriggled out from under his arm to step over to George and clasp his hand. “You’re a great friend,” she murmured, kissed him meaningfully on the cheek, then walked back toward the castle.
“Hard luck,” Fred said as George watched her, thinking of what she’d said. Great friend. So that was it.
“Couldn’t you just go get stuffed?” George asked, deflated.
“Yeah, but then I wouldn’t have your charming company.”
George listened vaguely to some more of Fred’s jibes as he was steered back to the stands.
***
The match was brutal. Unsurprisingly, they lost. That it was only by 10 points had everything to do with Ginny, and her spectacular catch of the Snitch. The rest of the game was certainly worthy of an Obliviate spell for all Gryffindors in attendance.
That night, George found himself standing next to Fred at their bathroom sinks, both of them brushing their teeth at the same time.
“Fushking shick of thish,” he said, scrubbing with more ferocity than he usually lavished on his teeth.
Fred only nodded. He knew exactly what George had said, despite the impediment of the toothbrush in his mouth.
George spat into the sink. “No. Really.” He turned to look at Fred, who had stuck out his tongue and was brushing its pink surface. “I don’t care how much Mum turns on her crying faucets, or how loudly she yells. We have got to secure a shop. We have the money. We have the products.”
Fred drank from his cupped hands, then stood up, stowing his toothbrush in the holder, which grasped it. “Don’t you know I think this place is as ridiculous as you do? Piss of a poltergeist.” He leaned back against the sink. “So we'll go to the Alley next weekend. D’you have plans?” He waggled his eyebrows.
George turned and looked at himself in the mirror. No, he really didn’t. He and Thalia, despite an attraction, apparently had no chemistry. Life. Full of fucking irony. But that only made him think of her, which was hopeless.
“Cheer up, old chap!” Fred massaged his shoulders lightly. “There’ll be others. And besides- we’ll need all of our attentions to getting Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes ready once we graduate.”
“Who said that was going to be the name?” George turned around, looking incredulously at Fred. “You just said you’d come up with one. I never agreed to it.”
“Well. Do you have something else, something better, in mind?” Fred stepped back against the edge of a shower stall, his arms crossed, looking defiant.
“Not yet.”
Fred made a vague ‘oh well’ sound, then left the toilets. George took a look around at the institutional facilities that had been a part of his life for seven years, and resolved to make an exit from the school that would go into the famed annals of Hogwarts, A History.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-08 09:49 am (UTC)George felt an uncomfortable and complicated churning of surprise and regret. She was disappointed, he realised, suddenly feeling loutish.
like this, he's such a love.....poor george
(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-08 07:25 pm (UTC)Aw... thank you! I do seem to have pretty much cornered the market of "serious" stories with them in it. I guess nobody else cares; either that, or I just haven't found the other authors interested in the twins like I am!
(besides
Thanks so much for reading it! This afternoon I'm going to work on the 3rd in the George/Remus series; the first part you already read, I think, but now I'm actually going to put in plot and some kind of vampire curse. It's so cool to write about them now that they've had some life experiences together.
*cough*
As though they were real people.
(no subject)
Date: 2004-08-08 11:36 pm (UTC)just read a s/r that i have to req to you
the between time (http://www.livejournal.com/users/circe_tigana/490791.html) marvelous and dark and interesting....
Woot! More fic!
Date: 2004-08-09 01:11 am (UTC)BTW, I have your meme! You're going to kill me. ;)
Re: Woot! More fic!
Date: 2004-08-09 03:57 am (UTC)and no i don't want to kill you re: meme - it is great [*grin*]
Re: Woot! More fic!
Date: 2004-08-09 03:58 am (UTC)Here's the josan fic
Date: 2004-08-09 05:30 pm (UTC)I stayed up until one o'clock last night reading it. It does get a bit rambly, but I love the attention that s/he gives to the Weasley family dynamic, something that is (obviously) close to my heart. Very sniffly and atrociously romantic at the end. I was teary.
My mission for this evening: to send a review to this author, and Fabula Rasa because I've read two of her stories and they're great.
I think my dream is to have my George/Remus set to be recced by switchknife. I can't imagine how many hits I'd get. I swear I've read so many of her recs, at least the ones that don't seem to be waaaaaaay pervy or have a lot of noncon, and stuff that squicks me.
Re: Here's the josan fic
Date: 2004-08-09 11:36 pm (UTC)Re: Here's the josan fic
Date: 2004-08-10 02:32 am (UTC)Is that in betrayal? I'm looking at her website now. Must be. I'll download a bit of that; I'm about to send her a review, because I really did enjoy it. Yeah, I guess it is h/c. Whoops. Mostly I enjoyed the characterizations, especially the Weasley stuff. Y'know, I think I've just repeated myself verbatum from what I wrote earlier to you today.
*headdesk*
I think I'll write you an aerogramme tomorrow. And I have written down the link to the R/S rec that you gave me; tonight I've been working on the third Remus/George, and then am going to read another of Fabula Rasa's great stories. Oh. Dinner. And bed. :P Must enjoy my next to last night of freedom, aka having the house to myself time. But I shouldn't keep staying up until 1 a.m. reading fanfiction. Surely it's not healthy. *wink*
Re: Here's the josan fic
Date: 2004-08-11 12:50 pm (UTC)[*squeee!*] letters!!! love letters, should write you one, but would really like to get my draco/ginny fic into the computer - my next priority.....
that and answering the love post - i really mean to do that....
Re: Woot! More fic!
Date: 2004-08-09 07:46 pm (UTC)