chapter nineﾠ✶ ﾠthe weasleys.

AS EASTER WEEK PROGRESSED, the weather became windier, sunny and warmer, but Layla was stuck inside the castle, like the rest of the fifth and seventh graders, with no other occupation than reviewing and going to and from the library along with Megan and Wayne.

⠀⠀It even seemed like a joke to say that she had spent so little time with Ron in those weeks, and that was because as he told her, Hermione worked out a study schedule for both of them and Harry, in which she left him two nights off: one for practice, and one to see her.

⠀⠀The following Sunday when the brunette was in the Library alone, as she had gone to pick up a Herbology book, she was surprised when Ron suddenly walked in and stood next to her, hugging her by the shoulders.

⠀⠀"Did you miss me?" Asked the girl amused, turning around and putting her arms around the boy's shoulders and smiling. The redhead smiled and kissed her on the lips.

⠀⠀They had seen each other three days before, actually. She was surprised that Ron and the golden trio often didn't seem to be at school, because while she and her friends went from one place to another, meeting other students walking around, they never showed up. Therefore, it was always very unlikely that she would meet them by chance in the corridors; they had to plan ahead.

⠀⠀"Yes... I brought you this," he said, pointing to a box wrapped in brown paper and placing it on top of the table Layla planned to sit at; it was obvious that it had been unwrapped and carelessly rewrapped. On the paper was a note written in red ink that read, 'Inspected and approved by the Hogwarts High Inquisitor'. "These are Easter eggs my mother sent us."

⠀⠀The Hufflepuff frowned, not understanding why Ron was bringing her a box of Easter eggs, even more so, made by his mother. She didn't know Molly Weasley, so she didn't understand what the point of the quest to her person would be. Had he said 'us'...? She blushed all over, embarrassed. Even though her friends and people she knew said she gave off a good vibe and made everyone like her, she couldn't help but think the opposite with Molly. On top of that, the mere idea of the woman thinking about her was too much. Still, she couldn't help but think she liked her.

⠀⠀She sat down in the chair she had been in, and the Gryffindor took a seat beside her. An idea flashed through his mind, which she was very curious to discover, and embarrassed to find out.

⠀⠀"There's one for you," he murmured, his face as red as his hair. Layla blushed as well, still thinking it was a joke. "Here..."

⠀⠀Ron handed her a pretty chocolate egg decorated with little red glazed hearts that, according to the wrapper, contained a bag of fizzing whizzbees. She appreciated that detail, too much.

⠀⠀Her parents used to celebrate Easter, and in fact in her neighborhood they had a game where each family would bring three chocolate eggs and hide them, so that the other children (including her) would look for one that wasn't their family's near the local library. She smiled, remembering that the last time she had participated in that game had been just a year before entering Hogwarts and when she still had her butterfly. It was amazing how time flew by, and even more so because she remembered it as if it were yesterday; even if you asked her what decorations that egg had had, she could describe it accurately.

⠀⠀"For Helga..., Ron, she didn't have..." She mumbled in embarrassment, having started to blush. She knew that at that point her face looked as red as a Weasley's hair, and she hated that, because her skin being so white, she instantly turned red.

⠀⠀"She's anxious to meet you," he smiled shyly, and ran his hand down his neck, also embarrassed, "and she said it would be a nice touch if I gave you one. She made them herself... I just ate mine."

⠀⠀After saying that, Layla noticed that Ron was wearing the Quidditch team uniform, and remembered that that day was his training.

⠀⠀She carefully opened the wrapper of her egg, and after seeing how the red-headed boy was looking at her anxiously, she broke off a large piece and put it in her mouth. The taste of chocolate began to spread through her mouth, and she savored the fizzing whizzbees as well, smiling. The first thing she would do upon meeting Molly Weasley personally would be to ask her to teach her how to cook.

⠀⠀"Damn..., sweetie, it's so good," she said when she finished swallowing that piece, laughing. "Thank your mom, and tell her for me too, please."

⠀⠀"I will," said the red-haired man, smiling and carefully holding up his uniform. "By the way, I'm going to..."

⠀⠀"BUT WHAT ARE THEY DOING?"

⠀⠀"¡Oh!," Ron whispered, and jumped to his feet. "I'd forgotten..."

⠀⠀Mrs. Pince pounced on them with her wrinkled face marred by anger. Even if Layla was a great friend of hers, she knew there was one thing she never forgave, without exception: eating in the Library.

⠀⠀"Chocolate in the Library!" She shouted. "Get out! Get out! GET OUT!"

⠀⠀And, waving her wand, she had Layla's books, backpack, and inkwell follow her and Ron to the Library door, and on the way hit them several times on the head.

⠀⠀"Can I come with you to your training?" Asked the brunette, putting everything in her backpack so that it stopped hitting them. She felt her head throbbing from so much hitting.

⠀⠀Ron scratched the back of his neck, hesitating. She knew he would say no, because from what Ginny had told her, he didn't always do well when he trained, and maybe he was embarrassed for her to see him doing it. She understood that, but she was curious if he would be able to.

⠀⠀"W-well, if you want to come..."

⠀⠀"Pleased," she interrupted him with a smile, hanging up her backpack and taking him by the arm. She kissed him on the cheek. "Let's go."

⠀⠀The boy blushed and, nodding, began to walk with her towards the Quidditch pitch. She still couldn't really believe that he had accepted, but she was glad. She would try to do everything she could to make him feel comfortable and maybe do better: sometimes what people like Ron, without much self-esteem, needed was support.

⠀⠀"Did you like the egg?"

⠀⠀It had not lasted in Layla's hand at all; she had eaten it the instant she left the Library. She nodded.

⠀⠀"It was really good," she admitted, still savoring the taste of chocolate in her mouth. "I don't know how to cook like that! She has to teach me."

⠀⠀"She would be happy to, believe me," he smiled. They had already left the castle, and with daylight beginning to hide behind the Forbidden Forest, they walked carefully so as not to trip over something they didn't want to.

⠀⠀"Does she know who I am?"

⠀⠀Although she already knew the answer, it wasn't the same as Ron himself confirming it. None of his brothers, as far as she was aware, had girlfriends, so she imagined that Molly Weasley hadn't had to meet many girls who were interested in her sons. The reality was that she was terrified of the idea of her disliking her, because sometimes she was too shy that she might not know what to say in front of her and make a bad impression. Her heart began to race a little, realizing that she had gotten nervous for no real reason, so she took a leisurely inhale and exhale. She couldn't help but laugh at the redhead's response.

⠀⠀"I... uh... well, so to speak, sort of, I mean, no! Well, yes?"

⠀⠀She stopped the laughter that came out of her at that, and gave his arm a squeeze the moment she spoke again.

⠀⠀"Is that a yes, or a no? There are only two options."

⠀⠀"Yes, she does," he muttered, clearly embarrassed. "Remember... the time of the accident, we gave her your message."

⠀⠀She said an'uh-huh', not believing him, and smiled. Sometimes Ron was so shy that she felt like a complete extrovert next to him, and it was funny to her. Who knew her almost-boyfriend could be this embarrassed? Knowing it was wrong to compare, she couldn't help but think that Roger was the opposite of an introvert, and maybe that was why they had broken up, in part, as it caused a lot of arguments (everything really).

⠀⠀"I just hope Angelina doesn't mind."

⠀⠀Layla looked at him, nodding.

⠀⠀"Because of Megan?"

⠀⠀Her best friend was the 'second' on the Hufflepuff team, so she understood that she might think she would go and tell them strategies or what they had planned for the next match. It was obvious she wouldn't, but she would have to make up a good excuse towards her if she came to ask what she had been doing, since she couldn't tell her what she had actually done. It would slowly kill her for the night.

⠀⠀"That... and because she is very hysterical lately. She expects us to win, which I see as very difficult, and although we are not so bad in training, we get worse afterwards."

⠀⠀"I'm sure all but the newest ones are amazing," she smiled at him, stood on her tiptoes and gave him a thunderous kiss on the cheek. I say that because Ginny has told me they're really bad, the ones who came in instead of the twins.

⠀⠀"You became good friends with my sister, didn't you?" She nodded. "I've noticed. You've been spending more time with her lately than with me."

⠀⠀The Hufflepuff opened her mouth, very indignant. She hit him on the shoulder, and Ron grimaced but started laughing. He was often so dramatic, he'd end up lying on the floor pretending the light punches she gave him were real. She rolled her eyes at how he was about to make a scene, but they heard a voice behind them.

⠀⠀"It's about time!" Layla was the first to turn around, and saw Ginny smiling, with her hair tied in a ponytail and proudly holding two brooms: hers and Ron's. "Come on, Angelina will kill us if we take another minute."

⠀⠀When she was at their side, she greeted her brother with a wave and her with a quick hug. Layla truly adored the redhead, she gave off an amazing vibe and had always included her in everything she did without a problem.

⠀⠀"What time did she schedule you?" She asked to put an end to the silence.

⠀⠀"In..." Ron looked at the watch on his wrist, "ten minutes."

⠀⠀"But there is still time left," said the brunette hesitantly. Ginny nodded and answered:

⠀⠀"That means getting there first, so that when she arrives we can get started."

⠀⠀Layla was beginning to believe that Oliver Wood had passed his Quidditch obsession on to Angelina, in a bad way. They seemed to have become identical. Even Smith didn't do that with Hufflepuff's. She understood that it was all about winning, especially at times like that when the team was going through its worst run.

⠀⠀She ignored the chatter the two Weasleys were having and looked around. Smoke was billowing from Hagrid's hut, and everything looked relatively normal, though the reality was that the world in those days was anything but ordinary. She sent letters to her parents often to make sure they were both well, without any problems with the magical world. But mostly, because of Lord Voldemort. It was annoying that not even her family could be calm and peaceful, and all because of that wizard who was out to wipe out Muggles and mudbloods, like her.

⠀⠀If she could turn back time, perhaps she would have made her first four years at Hogwarts much more interesting, because ever since she had learned of the return of He-Who-Must-Not-be-Named she knew it would never be the same again, in every way. People would live in fear of the outside, of all people, even their own lifemates. People were never finished getting to know each other, and even though they might think they did, their true selves would come out in the end.

⠀⠀When they reached the pitch, they realized that only they were missing. Ginny handed Ron his broom, and he walked over towards the stands to leave Layla there.

⠀⠀"I hope you won't get bored," he warned her, laughing in embarrassment. The brunette shook her head.

⠀⠀"I'd never get bored if it's about you, silly," she teased, giving him a kiss on the cheek. She patted him on the shoulder and encouraged him onto the pitch. "Good luck!"

⠀⠀The redhead turned and blew her a kiss dramatically before walking over to the others. Layla laughed again, and when she looked over to the rest of the team, she saw Angelina look at Ron and walk over to her. Ginny shot her a quizzical look from her position, but didn't say anything.

⠀⠀"What are you doing here?" The brunette asked her with a tone of annoyance as she stood in front of her. The Hufflepuff swallowed dryly, remembering that she didn't have to be intimidated by her. If she could handle Megan, she could handle anything.

⠀⠀"I'm here to support Ron, is that wrong?" She countered, raising an eyebrow. Angelina pursed her lips. "I know he hasn't been the best, and I just hope my presence can help somewhat."

⠀⠀"And how do I know you don't...?"

⠀⠀"If I had any idea of going to Megan and telling her about your tactics," she interrupted her, steeling herself, "I would have done it so long ago and you'd have me here every training session, Angelina."

⠀⠀The girl's cheeks flared, and without a word ( she just kept giving her a dirty look), she nodded and walked away, kicking off the training. Layla laughed and blew a kiss to Ron, who smiled and began to heed her captain's directions.

TO EMPHASIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE UPCOMING EXAMS, a series of flyers, brochures, and advertisements related to various magical careers appeared above the tables in the Hufflepuff common room shortly after the vacations ended. In addition, on the bulletin board hung a sign that read:

CAREERS ADVICE

All fifth year students will, during the first week of the summer term, have a short interview with their Head of House to discuss future careers. The dates and times of the individual interviews are listed below.

⠀⠀Layla checked the list and saw that Professor Sprout was expecting her in her office at nine o'clock on Monday, which meant she would be skipping most of Potions class. She and the other fifth-year students had spent a considerable part of the last weekend of the Easter break reading the information about different careers that had been left in the room for the students to peruse.

⠀⠀"I'm interested in being an auror," Megan commented on the last night of vacation. "I really want to help the magical world with all of this..."

⠀⠀Layla smiled unconsciously, believing that indeed her best friend would do an excellent job in that profession. Her thing was helping people who couldn't make it on their own, standing up for injustices, and above all, never keeping quiet about things, but doing the right thing. In fact, she had once thought about it, when she heard Cedric the year before talking about how he was doing his best to be an auror (unfortunately he had not been able to fulfill it...). But, after that event, she knew she wasn't strong enough to be able to protect people. At least not like Megan or Cedric, of which being an auror would be being in their comfort zone, the opposite of her situation.

⠀⠀"You'd be very capable," Wayne said, flipping through a brochure. "Listen to this: 'Are you looking for an interesting career involving travel, adventure and substantial cash bonuses linked to dangerous experiences? Then consider whether you want to work for Gringotts, the Magic Bank, which recruits Curse-Breakers and offers them exciting opportunities abroad.' They ask for Arithmancy, you could give it a go, Lay!"

⠀⠀The brunette was engrossed in a brochure, the cover of which bore the crossed bone and wand emblem of St. Mungo's, and pursed her lips. It was too much of a risk for her.

⠀⠀"I'm more interested in Healing, I think that's my thing," she replied with a smile. "I don't know what you think. At the same time I want to be a teacher at Hogwarts..."

⠀⠀"Both ideas sound perfect to me for you," Ernie interrupted by coming and sitting down next to her. He too was carrying several brochures in his hand and looked very smiley. "Your ability to teach is amazing, and then to help, wow, speechless."

⠀⠀"What about you, Macmillan?" Inquired Megan curious, settling in better and placing her head on his arm, which was resting on his legs.

⠀⠀"I thought we'd dropped the formalities, Megan," he teased. The blonde shrugged. "I'd be interested in working at the Ministry, in the Department of International Magical Cooperation, what do you guys think?"

⠀⠀Megan was about to say something mocking, but Layla interrupted her.

⠀⠀"Sounds amazing, Ernie. What about Hannah, do you know what she'd like?"

⠀⠀"She hasn't told me yet," she sighed, "but really, we have to decide properly what we're going to exercise. It's not just any decision, and since we're all very good at many branches, we shouldn't struggle."

⠀⠀"How flattering," the blonde sneered. "You should tell Hannah to take it easy. I mean, at night she won't let me sleep because of her terrible crying, I don't know how you guys can sleep!" She referred to Layla and the other girls in the room.

⠀⠀"We don't all cope the same way with so much pressure, Meg," the chestnut scolded her. "Leave her alone."

⠀⠀"And where is she, by the way?" Wayne asked, trying to change the subject. "Hannah, I mean."

⠀⠀"I have no idea. Because of the stress she's under, lately, she's usually in the Library with Neville."

⠀⠀Layla vaguely remembered seeing the two of them there when she had gone with Ron to study, and had been surprised. She'd always thought she and Ernie would have a thing, but apparently she'd been wrong.

⠀⠀After that, she did not pay any more attention to the rest of the conversation between her friends and the blond, in which they started to talk about more choices of professions, because she was clear about her two options.

⠀⠀Among her passions had always been to help others in any way she could, so her mind was divided between being a Healer or a Professor. On the one hand, being the first one, she could do many useful things for the people of the magical community, and at the same time she could even discover a treatment for a disease still without cure. As for the second, the idea had arisen because she loved teaching, explaining and supporting people with her knowledge. As her parents were preschool teachers, she had always wished she could do something similar; and what better than to do it at Hogwarts.

⠀⠀The next day when she woke up she was pleased to see that it was a truly splendid morning. The sky was a clear, misty, opalescent blue. She was terrified at the thought of having to interrupt Potions class just before the halfway point, but it was necessary. Professor Snape didn't treat her badly, but not well either, but like all Hufflepuff, he ignored her.

⠀⠀She went with Megan and Wayne walking to the Great Dining Hall for breakfast while they talked about what they would say in front of Professor Sprout. She was someone extremely attentive, understanding and friendly, so she knew there would be no problem as she told her about the possible professions she had been interested in. The boy had been scheduled for the next day at two o'clock and the blonde for Wednesday at seven. She was also afraid that Professor Umbridge might attend her interview, and she couldn't deny that it was the thing that terrified her the most.

⠀⠀She went to her first class with a false calmness, as her mind was only thinking of one thing: the interview. She didn't even know why it bothered her so much, if it wasn't really a big deal and besides many would have crazier ideas compared to hers.

⠀⠀"Professor, I have to leave," Layla warned him, handing Snape a vial of the potion he'd asked for at the beginning of class. She had made it in ten minutes because she didn't have much time. "I have the interview with Professor Sprout."

⠀⠀"She already told to me," he merely replied, slurring his words. He glanced at the bottle, and having no complaints about it, she knew he was done corroborating how she was doing. "Go."

⠀⠀"Thanks," she murmured, smiling faintly. She made her way back to her seat, emptied the contents of her cauldron, and after slinging her backpack over her shoulder, she left straight for the professor's office.

⠀⠀She was actually on time, as Snape hadn't questioned the exact time, so she gave herself the opportunity to walk slowly and quietly.

⠀⠀Despite still being inside the castle, the cool air wafted through the corridors, causing her to have to push strands of her hair behind her ear every minute because it blew away. Her hands, even so, were sweating a bit, so she ran them through her uniform skirt several times in an attempt to dry them.

⠀⠀"What a surprise to find you," someone muttered in mock, fake surprise, causing Layla to turn around. She was very shocked to see Draco Malfoy at her side, walking as if he had nothing else better to do. "You're always with that Weasley or your entourage."

⠀⠀"They're my friends, that's why I'm with them," she replied reproachfully, starting to walk faster as an attempt to run away from him. It didn't work. "What do you want?"

⠀⠀"Help," he said simply, smirking. He had his hands stuffed in the pockets of his uniform pants, and shrugged. "I need a Potions essay."

⠀⠀She pursed her lips, annoyed. Draco Malfoy had never spoken to her willingly if it wasn't to insult her or because he was with Megan and Wayne. The Slytherin was not her favorite person in the world, and after calling her a 'mudblood' on multiple occasions, it provoked a great deal of curiosity in her, and not exactly the good kind. If he wanted her help, as he said, it had to be something important, otherwise there would be no need to go to Layla.

⠀⠀"Did I leave you speechless, Dunnet?" Laughed Malfoy.

⠀⠀The worst thing is that besides being arrogant, he was an idiot; always believing that he was better than others. Besides, since he was now a prefect and a member of the Inquisitorial Squad, he thought he was even more superior, dropping points for insignificant things and giving punishments to children from lower grades and, above all, Gryffindors.

⠀⠀"Shut up," she muttered annoyed. Her feet started to go with more speed, but again the snake caught up with her.

⠀⠀"Is that a yes or no? I'll pay you, badger, if that's what you're so worried about."

⠀⠀The brunette turned to face him a couple of feet away from Professor Sprout's office. If anyone could ask her any quality about her person, without hesitation it would be to be patient, because she truly possessed it... but in those moments with Malfoy in front of her, she could have sworn she would cast a paralyzing spell just to get him to stop following her. Even after she had gone with the gossip to Professor Umbridge that she charged for homework, she still couldn't believe the cynicism he had to ask her for that favor.

⠀⠀"I'm not interested in your money, Malfoy," she reproached, looking him in the eyes annoyed, "let alone being around you. I know you went with that gossip... Is this a test? Because let me tell you then, it's not going to work for you. Leave me alone."

⠀⠀She was surprised at the bravery that had come out of her in standing up to him. Normally when she was in similar situations, she would shrink back and not know what to say, so they would end up teasing her or annoying her more. She thought that maybe, after the time when Roger Malone had behaved horribly to her and Ron had stood up for her, she had caught some kind of self-confidence that would allow her to not let them walk all over her. It was an idea she didn't dislike, and she hoped that, just as she had been able to do with him, she would always be able to do so in the face of any injustice. If she became a teacher, she would never allow cases like that to happen: of superiority and arrogance. It was the thing she hated most about Hogwarts, because although it had many good things, it had bad things, and that was the worst.

⠀⠀She continued her short walk cautiously and quickly, arriving at the office. Before she opened the door, she turned to see Draco and watched as he grinned, surprised and incredulous, turned and walked away from the corridor like a shadow. Maybe it was indeed a test, after all, she thought, shaking her head and stepping inside.

⠀⠀"Good morning, Professor," she nodded, sitting down in the chair in front of the desk. She gave a slight glance around, checking to make sure Umbridge wasn't in her interview. At least that would put her at ease.

⠀⠀"Are you ready to begin?" The professor asked, smiling at her. Layla nodded. "Well, Layla, this meeting is to talk about possible careers you've thought you might like to study, and to help you decide what subjects you should take in sixth and seventh. Have you thought yet about what you might fancy doing when you leave Hogwarts?"

⠀⠀"Something like that," she was embarrassed, and her cheeks heated.

⠀⠀She began to explain to her the two options she had in mind, also adding why she would like it and the doubts she had about which one to choose. The teacher at all times listened to her and began to make notes on a parchment in front of her, nodding. When she finished she pulled the booklet about being a Healer from under the pile covering her desk and opened it.

⠀⠀"First of all, to be a Healer you would need very good grades," replied Professor Sprout. "You would need at least an 'E' at NEWT level in Potions, Herbology, Transfiguration, Charms and Defence Against the Dark Arts. I guess you know why in those subjects..." she nodded. "And well, to be a teacher at Hogwarts you need to have a place available and only have a good grade in the subject you want to teach, there's not much science to it."

⠀⠀"I love both options, Professor, I don't know which one to choose," she confessed, nervously. At that point, her leg twitched uneasily, unable to control it. At least her times of nervous, leave-taking episodes to go for a walk to clear her head had slowly lessened over the course of the year, and while she didn't dismiss the idea that they might return, she tried to stay calm.

⠀⠀"If you like them so much, I would recommend that you try both. That is, get the NEWTs they ask for you to be a Healer, and in case you want to decide to become a teacher in the end, well, that would be no problem."

⠀⠀She nodded, smiling sideways.

⠀⠀Hours later, she didn't even know where she was going, only that Megan had insisted that they had to be in the lobby at a certain time. Wayne hadn't understood her either, but as they all arrived at the place and saw in front of them a large swamp, spanning the entire hallway, and Professor Umbridge yelling at the Weasley twins, she knew where it was all going. Quickly her gaze went to her best friend, and discovered that she had a couple of tears gathered in her eyes, and she was smiling proudly. She must have felt terrible at those moments, and she hoped she could be strong.

⠀⠀The students were congregated standing in a large crowd along the walls. In addition to students, there were also teachers and ghosts. Prominent among the onlookers were the members of the Inquisitorial Squad, looking very pleased with themselves; and Peeves, who was nodding suspended in mid-air, from where he gazed down at Fred and George, who were sitting on the floor in the middle of the hall. It was evident that they had just caught them.

⠀⠀"All right!" Shouted Professor Umbridge triumphantly, who was only a few steps lower than her and was gazing down at her prey from above. "You guys think it's pretty funny to turn a school corridor into a swamp?"

⠀⠀"Well, yes, actually," replied Fred, who was looking at the teacher without any sign of fear. She saw him wink in her direction, and Megan blushing.

⠀⠀Filch, who was almost in tears of happiness, pushed his way over to Professor Umbridge.

⠀⠀"I already have the permission, ma'am," he announced hoarsely as he waved a piece of parchment. "I have the permission and I have the whips ready. Let me do it now, please..."

⠀⠀"Very well, Argus," she replied. "You two," she continued without taking her eyes off the twins, "are going to find out what happens to troublemakers at my school."

⠀⠀"You know what?" Replied Fred. "I don't think so," he looked at his brother and added. "I think we're old enough to be boarders in a school, George."

⠀⠀"Yeah, I'm under that impression too," George concurred pertly.

⠀⠀"It's about time we put our talents on trial in the real world, isn't it?" Fred asked him.

⠀⠀"Certainly," George replied.

⠀⠀And before Professor Umbridge could say a word, the Weasley twins raised their wands and shouted together:

⠀⠀"Accio brooms!"

⠀⠀Layla heard a loud clatter in the distance, looked to the left and ducked just in time. Fred and George's brooms, one of which was still dragging the heavy chain and iron bar with which Professor Umbridge had tied them to the wall, were flying at full speed down the corridor towards their owners; they twisted to the left, flew down the staircase like an exhalation and stopped dead in their tracks in front of the twins. The noise the chain made as it clattered against the stone slabs of the floor echoed through the hall.

⠀⠀"Good riddance," Fred said to Professor Umbridge, and swung a leg over the broom.

⠀⠀"Yeah, don't bother sending us any postcards," George added, and also mounted his broom.

⠀⠀Fred looked around at the students who had congregated in the hall, who were watching them intently and silently.

⠀⠀"If anyone is interested in buying a portable swamp like the one you've seen above, you'll find us at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, number ninety-three Diagon Alley," he said loudly.

⠀⠀"We give special discounts to Hogwarts students who pledge to use our products to get rid of that old hag," added George pointing at Professor Umbridge.

⠀⠀"STOP THEM!" Shrieked the woman, but it was too late.

⠀⠀As the Inquisitorial Squad began to encircle them, the twins stamped their feet on the ground and soared over four meters, while the iron bar swung dangerously a little lower. Layla couldn't realize precisely at what point Fred had come up beside her riding his broom, but he gave Megan a huge kiss on the lips, blowing her away.

⠀⠀"I love you!" He exclaimed, grinning. The blonde grinned goofily.

⠀⠀"I love you more!"

⠀⠀The redhead, winking at her one last time, looked across the hall to the other end, where the poltergeist was hovering, nodding at the same height as them, above the crowd.

⠀⠀"Make her life miserable for us, Peeves."

⠀⠀And Peeves, whom Layla had never seen take an order from a student before, removed the belled hat from his head and made an ostentatious bow as the twins circled the foyer amidst rousing applause from the students and flew out the open doors into a splendid sunset.