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Nov. 24th, 2010 10:57 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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hogwashWho: Katie Bell, Alicia Spinnet, Ginny Weasley
What: Teammate pow-wow
Where: Katie's flat
When: November 19, 2002, evening
Rating: PG-13 (language)
Status: Complete
It was odd standing outside Katie’s flat, waiting to be invited in. Ginny felt she had been neglecting her best mate lately--she felt especially guilty because she was too busy getting her jollies off. To be fair, Ginny had to make the first move this time--and Katie had been a bit withdrawn lately, she thought. Oh well, nothing a bit of treacle tart won’t cure, Ginny reasoned. Knocking a few times on the door, she waited patiently for a head of blonde, windswept hair.
Katie had indeed been a bit withdrawn. It wasn’t that she was upset with anyone, she reasoned. Just that she didn’t want to take sides, or make anyone uncomfortable, and it had the unintended effect of alienating her. So it was that she was home alone on a Thursday night-- as if she ever properly went anywhere on Thursday nights-- lying on her sofa with a magazine splayed open on her stomach, nodding off a bit. At the knock on the door, she stirred sharply, as if she’d been caught doing something that was against the rules. She sat up, putting the magazine aside.
“Wh’sit?” she said blearily.
“It’s Ginny and I’ve got some treacle tart with your name on it!” Ginny called back. As she waited for Katie to hopefully get her arse up and moving, she shifted her weight from foot to foot. She was really feeling uneasy, no matter how much she tried reasoning justifications for her own behavior to herself. There was also the added bonus of absolutely needing to have a very uncomfortable conversation(at least for Katie) that Ginny wasn’t quite sure she could delicately start off.
Ginny. Katie lurched up off of the sofa, putting her magazine on the coffee table. The hems of her sweatpants dragged on the floor a bit, worn-out slippers scuffing. She took her wand from its place at her hip-- it was the one thing Katie had retained from the war, really, the need to carry her wand on her at all times.
“Alohomora,” she muttered, and then more loudly: “Come on in, then.”
Ginny shifted the box under her arm before using her free hand to twist the knob and push open the door. She smiled brightly on seeing Katie, before she stepped inside and closed the door. “You’re a sight for sore eyes, mate. I feel like the only time we’ve seen each other is when I’m throwing the quaffle at you during practise.” Moving closer to her, she unceremoniously dropped the box of treacle tart on Katie’s couch and drew her into a hug. “Sorry I’ve not been the best friend lately, yeah? I’ll make it up to you by making you this brilliant dinner I learned to make. I even asked Molly to teach me.”
“Oi, it has been a while, you’re going soft,” said Katie, but she rested her head on Ginny’s shoulder for perhaps a fraction of a second longer than she would have otherwise, a gesture that seemed tired. “I think you’ve got a bit of grey coming in your hair--”
“Sod off,” she said, barely able to contain her laughter as she nudged Katie away from her. “Bloody hell, I try to be nice and bring you a bit of something to eat and here you are, telling me I’m getting old...” Ginny wrinkled her nose and fixed Katie with a dirty look. Pushing past her, Ginny snatched up the box on the couch before she flopped down onto it while ripping into the packaging. “Want some?”
“Yeah, I’ll have a bit-- what’s the point in bringing me candy anyway, mate, you eat most of it every time...” Katie was smiling as she reached into the box. “No, wait, we need napkins or plates or something, this stuff is a mess--”
She leaped up from the sofa and went into the kitchen. Amidst the rattling of plates, she called, “So where’ve you been?” It was a calculated nonchalance, a little too casual.
Ah, the question she was dreading. Ginny paused mid-chew, and could distinctly feel the chill of anxiety chasing away any desire to actually eat. Finishing the bite off and swallowing hard, Ginny cleared her throat. “Well, it’s a bit of a tale, mate. It’s kind of got a bit to do with when I snapped at you when we visited Nev. You remember I told you I’d tell you and then all this bleeding business with everything else happened?”
“Yeah, I do.” Katie was still a little unreasonably hurt by the little debacle, but thought it unfair to say so; it wasn’t Ginny’s fault that she held onto things a bit, thought about them too much for too long. “By the way, how is Neville? I’ve wondered, I just... thought it might not be the kindest thing to go see him on my own, you know, if he’s not expecting me.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you but honestly, I didn’t know how you’d take it...” Ginny started biting at her thumb, a nervous habit. “And before we get into it, Neville’s doing well. I’d think he might like if you just dropped in for a bit. He loved your stew.” Taking a deep breath and steeling her nerves like she did before she took a particularly foul tasting potion, Ginny started. “All right, well, couple weeks ago I met Alicia in the Harpies’ Nest and we had a few shags until I read in the Prophet that she replaced me. ‘Course, I overreacted and that was when I ballsed it all up by being a right prat to you. And, all right, so please don’t be cross but I think I’d really like to not just shag her and I’d actually like to maybe date her.” Ginny bit her lip and looked rather pathetic, waiting for Katie to react.
Katie was standing in the kitchen doorway, the plates propped on her hip as she felt in the drawer for two forks. At that, however, she fell still. “Er,” she said, because it was expected that she ought to say something, but words weren’t exactly forthcoming. “I-- how’s-- that again?”
Ginny furrowed her eyebrows, confused. Generally, she thought herself pretty direct and clear, especially in situations where there was little to sugarcoat. Katie was usually following her--was there something particularly befuddling that Ginny had overlooked? “I want to date Spinnet. Fuck the rules, unless it gets in the way of our playing, of course.”
“You and Alicia?” Katie was dumbstruck. “How long’s this-- you’ve been shagging since before she replaced you? And you didn’t-- neither of you told me anything?”
“Katie, it’s not that... it was only just before she replaced me! I was going to tell you, mate, I swear. Plus, I didn’t think I really wanted anything and I knew she didn’t want that and I was upset she replaced me because at this rate I’m going to bloody rot in the reserves...” Ginny shook her head. “Anyway, I don’t even know if anything’s going to come of it.”
Katie felt deflated, upset for a reason that she couldn’t quite put her finger on. After a moment, it came to her, and she nearly said it, something so sour and ugly that she was shocked. Well, mate, maybe it’s not Alicia that replaced you, maybe she went and replaced me. “I’m just... just surprised, that’s all, I didn’t have any idea or... or anything, I’m just a bit gobsmacked. Alicia’s the best, that’d be... I mean you’d keep it a secret? Not tell Jones?”
“‘Course not, we couldn’t. Not that Alicia would suffer from it, really, I’d think Jones would be quick to ship me off to the bleeding Cannons before anything else.” Katie’s reaction had Ginny feeling a bit uneasy, but she didn’t quite understand. She hadn’t overreacted or said anything particularly out of character, but something about the way she was saying it was what made Ginny uncomfortable. “Listen, Katie, I’m really sorry. And I’ve been a real wanker for not being around more, yeah? I got all swept up, planning a stupid date. I’ll make you dinner for an apology.”
“No, mate, things aren’t that dire.” Katie smiled, swift but genuine. “Though I’d like to see what you can do. I just... I missed you, is all. Hard not to feel a bit left out of things, yeah? And I don’t want to lie to Jones, Ginny, I don’t want to. I’m a rubbish liar, you know me-- what d’you want me to even do?”
Her smile put Ginny’s heart at ease and she smiled back in response. “I understand that, yeah, and I missed you, too. I promise that this is an isolated event, mate, and that it won’t be going on again. We’ll spend more time together.” Ginny listened patiently to what Katie had to say--she did have a point. She was a rubbish liar. Fortunately, Ginny was a brilliant one. “You won’t need to lie if we do our jobs right, yeah? We’re not exactly the most cuddly affectionate types, you know. So as long as we keep the same, er, relationship on the pitch, then Jones shouldn’t be sticking her nose in where it doesn’t belong and getting suspicious.”
“I suppose, yeah...” Katie didn’t sound entirely convinced. “Just... what if it starts working out, mate? I mean, say the pair of you really start to date and-- cor, that’s weird. I’m sorry, I’m not used to it yet, don’t grin at me like that. What if it ever gets to the point that the pair of you can’t hide it? What happens then? It’s something you’ve got to think about. I know you’re not really much for planning ahead, Ginny, but this is your career...”
Ginny sighed, resting her cheeks in her hands. She supposed she hadn’t thought of that. “Well, to be honest, I don’t really know, Kate. I mean, if things sort of take off, y’know, I think we’d have to talk it over. I could always put in for a trade somewhere if it really gets serious. Bloody hell, Katie, you’re talking like I’ve got a flat picked out for us and our first born’s name.” She grimaced, shooting her a look of disdain.
Like Ginny, Alicia was feeling quite a bit of guilt for having not contacted Katie in quite some time. But really, Alicia’s surprise transfer to the Harpies didn’t exactly get the warmest welcome from her long-time best mate, and that left her walking a bit softer around her. Of course, Ginny had filled that best friend spot after she’d disappeared to Australia, so Alicia pieced together why Katie had such a conflicted reaction. Now that she was settled back in England, she vowed to make more of an effort to patch up the gaping hole her absence created in their friendship.
Alicia never could forget when she visited Katie’s family for Christmas hols during her fifth year and they introduced her to pizza. She remembered how much Katie loved the muggle delicacy, so she picked up a large cheesy pie and apparated on over to Katie’s flat. Not thinking to knock, Alicia barged into the flat, beaming. “KATE! Oi, Kate-- I’ve got a--” Her words were lost on her when she saw not only her best mate, but her new bed mate, standing in the middle of the room.
And just as Alicia thought that Katie was growing more comfortable with the idea of having both Alicia and Ginny on her team, she took one look at Katie’s expression and then glared at the redhead. “You told her already?”
Bollocks. As Alicia stormed into Katie’s flat, Ginny inwardly groaned--though she was quick to notice how her shirt seemed to cling to her curves--and knew that this was going to be a right disaster. When the brunette realised that she was there and the subsequent glare she was on the receiving end of, Ginny suddenly got defensive. “Yes I told her, Spinnet! I felt like a prat for keeping my gob shut about the whole thing, all right? I didn’t know you’d marked ‘tell Katie you’re shagging her best mate’ on your calendar, too.” She rolled her eyes and pushed up from the couch. “Now, are you going to offer me a piece of pizza or no?” Ginny arched her eyebrow at Alicia, motioning to the box with her hand.
“Was I not supposed to know?” Katie was startled by the sharp crack, not expecting Alicia to simply materialize-- speak of the devil, she supposed, which made her laugh, but she rubbed a hand through her hair. “Look, if you’re going to be dating, you lot probably ought to get yourselves together a bit. Coordinate schedules. And it was a sort of rubbishy thing to do, keeping it from me, y’know. Ginny has informed me that I am about to become a liar to keep you two on the Harpies, yes.”
“Of course you’re supposed to know!” Alicia took two heavy steps toward Katie and thrust the pizza into her hands. “I just thought I was going to tell you...” Her eyes shifted from Katie’s to Ginny’s. “...y’know, so I didn’t look like the completely spineless arsehole who was keeping it from you.” She folded her arms over her chest, her attention going back to the blonde. “Kate, we obviously can’t ask you to keep anything a secret, particularly since your emotions are always right there on your face. And don’t worry-- it’s not like we’re bloody rushing off to the east isles to elope. We went on one date, and it was all planned out enough so that nobody knew about it. Of course rumours will happen, it’s part of our job-- but hell, it’s not like people actually believe them! Like that rubbish one I read a few weeks back-- that you shagged Graham Montague. As if you’d ever lay a finger on that pompous git.” She snorted, rolling her eyes and shaking her head simultaneously.
As Alicia made eye contact with her, Ginny rolled her eyes at the comment and interjected before she went on. “I didn’t realise you were going to act like a git if I took the initiative, Alicia.” Ginny genuinely tried listening to Alicia’s diatribe but the overwhelmingly inviting smell of pizza had her getting up and moving closer to Katie. Opening the box, she skillfully removed a slice just as Alicia started talking about Graham and she stopped, giving Katie a knowing look as if to say see, everyone else thinks he’s a git, too. Instead of saying anything, she took a bite of pizza that was a bit too large to be considered at all lady-like.
“It wasn’t... exactly... a finger,” said Katie from behind her hand-- she was gnawing at her thumbnail. “Um-- oi, look, that’s neither here nor there, the point is that I wouldn’t care, not really, except that you two didn’t tell me. And you seem right apologetic, so I’ll forgive you, except that you think I’ll be soothed by food, which is... not wrong and is a trifle embarrassing to realize. But--!”
She reached out and took a slice of pizza, sliding down onto the floor to eat it over the table at the very least. “Ginny, don’t get that on my sofa. --But! You’re risking a lot. I mean, yes, you’re fond of each other, but can’t you keep your trousers on for the sake of the team?”
Alicia picked up a piece of pizza and placed it on a paper plate, moving to the opposite side of the couch, away from Ginny. She kicked off her trainers as she focused solely on Katie. “Look, Kate, it’d be different if I knew Ginny was on the Harpies before we... got involved. Or if she knew I was on the team. I’m sure we would’ve thought twice before we’d gone and-- y’know,” she shrugged, clearing her throat and hoping she wasn’t blushing. “I dunno, I think at this point it’d be more of a detriment to the team if I broke Weasley’s heart and started going after someone else. She’s quite the jealous type-- would probably try to sabotage my broom somehow.” She knew Katie was probably looking for a more serious response, but Alicia couldn’t just divulge how strong her feelings for Ginny were while the redhead was sitting right there. So she just took a bite of her pizza and got a bit comfier on the couch.
Ginny scoffed and rolled her eyes at Alicia. “How in the hell did you not know I was on the Harpies anyway? You said you’d planned on coming back to the British League, I was in the bloody papers!” Sighing, she took another big bite of pizza and listened to the brunette speak, noticing that she jokingly jabbed at Ginny’s habit of getting jealous. Blood rising to her cheeks, she shot a look at Alicia. Ginny wasn’t about to admit that she would most certainly be jealous, and very upset, if Alicia suddenly moved on to another bird. Swallowing the bite, Ginny cleared her throat and piped up. “I reckon I would sabotage your broom, Spinnet. If I can’t date you, then I want my starting Chaser spot back, yeah? Anyway, Katie, listen, we’re not going to be putting you into any tough spots, all right? We’ll be good. Sort of.”
“Listen, is ‘sabotage your broom’ some kind of euphemism? --Never mind.” Katie lifted a hand to ward off any possible responses, turning her head away. “Never mind. Okay. I-- wait, what does ‘sort of’ mean? You are both going to be good and if you’re caught, you’ll never once mention my name to Jones. Yeah? Are we in agreement?”
Alicia shrugged, finishing off her pizza crust before responding; she nodded at Kate while directing her answer to Ginny first. “Well I saw this one hamming it up on the cover of Quidditch Monthly and I didn’t really bother to do much research before calling my agent and putting in for a transfer. It was all so fast-- I only had three days to sell my flat in Wollongong, say goodbye to my teammates and friends down there, and find a decent flat in Holyhead before I had to report to Jones on the first day. And no, Cover Girl, it’s not a euphemism. At least not that I’m aware of, anyhow.” She raised a suspicious brow over at Ginny and reached for another slice. “I’d never sell you out to Jones or anyone, you know that. Don’t worry, Kate. It’ll all be just fine.”
“Excuses, excuses.” Ginny waved off Alicia’s response as she finished off her pizza and looked thoughtfully at the box. “No, I’m not much for those kinds of euphemisms.” She grinned at Alicia and decided that she was still feeling a bit peckish, taking another slice. “I’m really positive the rest of the Harpies aren’t going to be worried one way or the other as long as you keep winning us games, Spinnet. Though, Hughes has been looking a bit peaky lately... I was a brilliant center at Hogwarts, right, Kate? Speaking of Hogwarts, Spinnet, Katie and I were convinced you weren’t gay. Good job hiding it, mate.” She reached over and clapped her on the shoulder, chuckling. Her hand stayed there on her shoulder, lingering for a moment too long, before her fingertips glided over her arm and Ginny focused on eating her pizza again.
Katie was a little pink in the face-- any reference to her publicity embarrassed the hell out of her more often than not, filling her with a shy, awkward pride. Her glance slid across Alicia’s for a moment, hesitating, but there was a brightness in her eyes. She cleared her throat a bit. “Yeah,” she said mildly, but it was dry. “Absolutely convinced. No doubt in anyone’s mind, absolutely not.”
Alicia gave a soft laugh and then caught Katie’s eyes as Ginny reached for another slice, and recognised that meddling expression. “Oh shut it, Kate. As if you haven’t told your new best mate here about us...” She wasn’t a great liar, but she could be for the sake of a joke, so she busied herself with another slice even though she wasn’t necessarily hungry.
With furrowed eyebrows, she glanced between Katie and Alicia in a desperate attempt to gauge the truth of Alicia’s confession. Biting her lip, Ginny couldn’t help but look pathetically confused. “What in Merlin’s trousers are you getting at, Spinnet? Katie’s the least sapphically-inclined bird I know. And really, it’s not very nice to crack jokes like that with,” Ginny paused thoughtfully, wondering what her title was. “Well, with me, all right?” Fixing Alicia with a warning look, she took another bite of pizza.
Katie stabbed idly at the crust of her pizza with one of the forks she’d brought in from the kitchen for the treacle tart. She lifted one shoulder a little, not quite meeting Ginny’s eyes. “Alicia’s a convincing type,” she said, her face still scarlet.
Alicia’s eyes widened and she winced, averting her gaze to her pizza. “Oh-- er, sorry, Kate, I sort’ve figured you would’ve said something...” She cleared her throat and forced a laugh. “Not like it’s a big deal, y’know? I mean, we’ve all experimented at some point, yeah? You wouldn’t have known, Weasley-- you were busy learning Wingardium Leviosa while we were having after-hour snogs in the greenhouses...”
Ginny looked hot under the collar, feeling both jealous and a little angry that such a thing would go unmentioned. Taking a deep, calming breath, she gave Katie a curious look. “I understand why you wouldn’t have really divulged, mate, but you,” she turned her attention to Alicia, heat rising to her cheeks again, “you really ought to have! I told you about what I’ve gotten up to and you didn’t think it was important enough to share?” Putting the piece of pizza down on top of the pizza box, she gave Alicia a little shove and narrowed her eyes.
Katie was still making tiny holes in the crust, twisting her fork back and forth, breaking up the bread. “It was just so long ago that I didn’t think it’d matter, mate,” she said, rubbing the back of one hand across her forehead. “I’m sorry, Alicia, I shouldn’t have said anything...”
“Me??” Alicia scoffed, shaking her head. “We haven’t exactly played the guess who I snogged game yet, have we?” She sighed. “Well, now that the snitch is out of the trunk, I’m sure you’ve been wondering, Weasley-- and I can confirm, Katie’s a top-notch snog.” She looked over at Katie and tossed her an enthusiastic wink.
Ginny felt her cheeks heat up as she steadily got more jealous and she didn’t handle jealousy very well. “Well, why don’t you just snog her instead then?” Directing a glare toward Katie, she huffed. “You know, you could have just been bloody honest about it and then I wouldn’t have... fuck.”
Katie couldn’t help it. She was making every effort she could not to make a sound, but she was red in the face and she could feel her throat working to hold down the laugh. She snorted, covering it with her hand, but it was her death knell; a few moments later she was face-down on the rug, her arms wrapped around her head, nearly convulsing with laughter so hard and merry that it made her cough. “Oh God, wait’ll I tell George, he’ll be right proud of me for this one--”
Katie’s laughter had always been contagious, and as soon as Alicia heard the snort she was instantly in stitches. “You-- slag! We could’ve-- had her going-- for much longer!” She chucked the nearest pillow at Katie’s head and nudged Ginny’s leg with her toe. “Are you mental? George’ll be disappointed we didn’t come up with a more elaborate tale...”
Ginny’s ears flushed a brilliant pink. Though she was rather used to being teased by her brothers, she apparently wasn’t much for these kinds of jokes from her--well, whatever Alicia was. As the anger began to ebb away, she just sighed at the pair of them laughing on the floor. She grumbled and moved away from Alicia’s toe, fixing her with a dirty look. “Finished having a lark yet? And George’ll be bored with your stupid little joke as it has nothing to do with flatulence, genitals or anything crude.” She crossed her arms huffily.
“Oh, don’t be a sourpuss,” said Katie merrily, putting the pillow under her head and rifling a hand through her wild curls. She was certain enough that George would be impressed with her for managing to keep a straight face for even a short amount of time-- he knew her that well, at least. She pulled a face at Ginny, sticking out her bottom lip and furrowing her brow. “Thundercloud,” she teased.
“Speaking of that dunderhead brother of yours...” Alicia started, moving even closer to Ginny after the redhead pulled away, placing both of her feet on Ginny’s lap rather obnoxiously. “I still haven’t had the chance to pop in on him. I’m trying to figure out the best method-- I don’t reckon an owl will do our reunion justice.”
Ginny gave a look of disgust , nudging at Alicia’s feet, before relenting and simply deciding that it would do her a bit of good to forget the joke. “Fine, Kate. Wouldn’t want to look like that anyway.” She motioned to the expression on Katie’s face. Looking thoughtful for a moment, Ginny squeezed Alicia’s feet and tried to rub her fingers against the arch of her foot. It gave her something to do. “You could always do some kind of disguising charm, I suppose, give him a right scare.”
Katie averted her eyes, staring up at the ceiling. It wasn’t that she felt uncomfortable with the little display of affection-- well. Yes, it was. She was a little uncomfortable and the pang of jealousy that ricocheted underneath her breastbone was painful. “We could maybe all go to dinner together,” she offered casually. “You know, just... a bunch of mates. Haven’t seen George for a while either.”
“Hmm... disguising charm... perhaps...” The wheels were turning and Alicia was trying to come up with something a bit more... exciting. She was thinking so deeply that she didn’t even notice the foot massage she was getting. She raised a brow and grinned. “Blimey, you’re even better than that one trainer we’ve got-- what’s her name, the blonde?” She wanted to make some smart arse joking comment about a back-up career in case a Chaser spot doesn’t re-open, but bit her tongue; Ginny’s taken enough abuse tonight, at least for now. “Oh! I’ve got an idea!” Katie’s idea was inspiring, and that wicked smirk played on her face again. “Why don’t you two tell George you’re setting him up. Blind date. Then I’ll show up and it’ll be a hell of a surprise-- I can even disguise myself and give him hell for a bit before I reveal myself, and then we can all go out together!”
“Uh, Harriet? I think that’s her name, isn’t it, Katie?” Ginny glanced over at Katie, who appeared somehow out of sorts. Realising that she was being rather affectionate and perhaps making Katie feel like a third wheel, Ginny stopped rubbing Alicia’s feet. “Maybe if you’re lucky and you apologise properly for taking the mickey out of me like that, I’ll finish later.” The gears audibly turning in Alicia’s head made her groan inwardly--it was quickly becoming clear to Ginny that if she was thinking, there was mischief to be had. “Oh bloody hell, Alicia. If you can convince George in your disguise that you’re not a todger dodger, I’ll be impressed. But.. well, maybe I ought to not go, yeah? I don’t want to be a tag along. And, ah, I don’t want to give you away, Alicia. Haven’t really gotten around to telling George yet...” She cleared her throat, twisting her fingers together.
Katie choked. “Todger dodger, my God,” she said, dissolving into another fit of giggles. “That’s bloody awful-- no, come on then, wouldn’t it be best to tell George together? Height of practical joking, that. He’d think it was hilarious, wouldn’t he, until he realized you were serious and then... tears. Wailing. Agony. He’d send a Howler to your mum. He’d throw himself off the top of Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes...”
“Kate! What the bloody hell have you been drinking before I got here, eh?” That contagious laughter had Alicia giggling now, as she shifted on the couch and pulled her legs up under her. “Really, Weasley-- my plan is more of a... horrible-blind-date-turned-celebration and you two can just happen to be at the same establishment after I reveal myself...” She was distracted as she explained, looking around for any open bottles of alcohol. “And you very well know George won’t mind, won’t make you feel like a third-- er-- fourth? Wheel... and you certainly don’t have to tell him anything you’re not comfortable telling him. Not like it’s a double date, yeah?”
Ginny glanced at Alicia quizzically once she drew her feet away from Ginny and up under her. Had they not been in the presence of Katie, Ginny probably would have demanded Alicia to at least move closer to her but she made an effort to be considerate. Clearing her throat, Ginny furrowed her brows in thought. “I dunno, Spinnet, I don’t think you can keep your hands off me. And Kate, I swear, you had better not have any Seer blood in you. Molly would have my head if she found out!”
“You ought to call her ‘mum’ properly,” Katie said, but it was nothing new; she got after Ginny for it quite often. “Oi, Alicia, just go have a look in the cabinet, there’s firewhisky in there. --You’ll have to tell them all eventually, mate. Not the kind of secret you can take to the grave, is it? And... no. Definitely not... not a double date, not with me and George along, no. Definitely no, that’s... of course.”
“Bugger you both, always spoiling my fun...” She hopped off of the couch and made her way to the cabinet, pulling a face. “Firewhisky? Haven’t you got any wine? Rum? Whisky knocks me off my arse and we do have a match tomorrow. Reckon I better hold off, do the responsible thing... Where’s the damn treacle tart?” She sighed, making her way back to the couch. “Fine then. I’ll just disguise myself as a disgruntled customer and give George hell that way. That way we don’t have to risk any unintentional coming out, though you’re one to talk, way-more-obvious-todger-dodger-than-me.”
“Ogden’s is my drink of choice. Seeing as I won’t be playing, fetch it for me, yeah?” Ginny grinned at Alicia, holding out her hand expectantly. “The treacle tart’s over here, you git. And I think the disgruntled customer is a brilliant idea anyway. I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear your last comments, because I bloody know and I’m a bit skittish about it, all right? Maybe you ought to come with me for... support. I’d bet my broom that Mum’s planning a brilliant bash for the hols.” She gave Alicia a meaningful look and raised her eyebrows.
“Would the pair of you like some alone-time? I could light a few candles. Draw you a bubble bath.” Katie rolled her eyes, turning over onto her stomach to pull the cushion beneath her chin, watching Ginny and Alicia. She did indeed feel a bit awkward, which made no sense at all-- if she had been bumming around with Ginny and Alicia without knowing they were together, she would have been fine. Maybe. She wanted to say things like what about Hermione or I thought you two hated each other, but instead she just rested her chin on the pillow, watching them.
"No I don't want any bloody alone time with this one. I came here to see you, remember?" Not wanting to get up again, Alicia drew her wand and cast Wingardium Leviosa, carefully floating the very full box of Treacle Tart over to the coffee table so she could snag a piece. She then cast the same charm over at the bottle of firewhisky, floating it into Ginny's expecting palm. "Regardless of what you decide, I'll be expecting an invitation to the Weasley family holiday party-- as your date or George's mate, doesn't matter much to me. Your mum loves me, reckon she'll be thrilled to see me." Unless, of course, Ginny decided to tell her of their arrangement and banned her from the household, but even if she did tell her family about her witch preference, she really didn't think Ginny would tell her about their... relationship, or whatever it was.
Ginny rolled her eyes dramatically at Alicia, snatching the firewhiskey out of the air. “Listen here, mate, Katie’s the new Molly Weasley favourite. She’s charming, polite, helpful... just can’t compete with that.” Grinning, she twisted off the top and took a quick swig from the bottle, sighing at the burn. Admittedly, she was nervous--very nervous--about the thought of telling anyone but her closest mates about her inclination. Guilt twisted in her gut as she recalled the only person in her family who knew was Charlie. “Kate, are you sure I can’t take this sort of thing to the grave? I mean, I suppose I could get really pissed, but you’ll both have to promise to keep me in line, yeah?”
“I’m the daughter-in-law Molly’s always dreamed of having,” said Katie dryly, although she didn’t look up, pressing her cheek to the pillow. It was a funny little thing, thinking of being part of the Weasley clan, the wistful longing that filled her chest. Don’t be stupid. “And I’m pretty damned sure, Gin. Your mum will grind your bones to make her bread-- oi, you don’t know that story, do you? I’ll save it for a rainy day. --Is your mum planning dinner again sometime soon?”
“All right then, Katie Weasley, seeing as you’re the new favourite, you should already know if she’s planning dinner again, and exactly when.” It broke Alicia’s heart that Ginny was struggling with telling her family about her own identity-- the part they don’t know, that is-- but knowing the Weasleys for so long, she couldn’t imagine that they’d just ban her as they did Percy. Though on the flipside, Molly was fairly traditional... but she has loosened up quite a bit since the war. Alicia was fairly close with her mum, but she never told her about her inclination towards women; to be fair, Alicia hasn’t really explored that curiosity until after her mum’s death, so it’s nothing she really should have brought up, but she did wonder sometimes how her mum would take it. “Oi, Weasley-- not you, Kate, the real one-- perhaps I could pull-a-potter and you know, sacrifice myself for the cause? Let’s let slip that I’m dating women, and we can see how she reacts. I know it’ll be a bit different since I’m not her daughter, but even so, it might put your mind at ease a bit when she reacts warmly.”
Katie crawled on her belly to the edge of the rug and thumped her forehead against the wooden floor. “If you lot are going to plot to destroy the heart and soul of one Molly Weasley, I will not be a party to it, thank you very much,” she said. “That woman’s practically a mum to me too, you know. --Look, I’m a bit... I’m a bit exhausted and this has been a bit overwhelming. I’m not upset or anything, I just... maybe just need some time to wrap my head round it? If you two could?”
“I wouldn’t try to crush my own mum’s heart, all right? That’s the reason I’ve been... tentative. She’s bound to be disappointed, Kate.” Ginny avoided Katie and Alicia’s eyes, feeling a unpleasantly familiar tightening ache in her throat. Admittedly, Ginny felt that Katie was being quite short with her about it and it hurt, strangely. She didn’t want to get all ruffled in front of them. “All right, mate. Rest up for the match. I’ll leave the tart here for you.” Gathering herself up off of Katie’s couch, Ginny moved over to her laying on the floor and bent, to lightly rest her hand on the blonde’s shoulder for an instant before she started out. She threw a glance over her shoulder at Alicia, as if to say Coming?.
With a heavy sigh, Alicia got back to her feet and stretched her arms over her head. “Right. Match. Tomorrow.” She leaned down to grab another piece of treacle tart from the box on her way out. “Let me side along apparate Miss Ogden here before going to sleep in my own flat. See you bright and early at the pitch, Kate. Hope you enjoyed the treats, even if the company was a bit... overwhelming.” She laughed and nudged Ginny out the door, hoping that Katie wasn’t feeling too ambushed.
“Night, you two,” said Katie, fondly enough, sitting up with her arms around the pillow as they left. When the door closed behind them, however, she stretched out on the rug again, lying on her back. She didn’t know why, but she felt like a good cry.
What: Teammate pow-wow
Where: Katie's flat
When: November 19, 2002, evening
Rating: PG-13 (language)
Status: Complete
It was odd standing outside Katie’s flat, waiting to be invited in. Ginny felt she had been neglecting her best mate lately--she felt especially guilty because she was too busy getting her jollies off. To be fair, Ginny had to make the first move this time--and Katie had been a bit withdrawn lately, she thought. Oh well, nothing a bit of treacle tart won’t cure, Ginny reasoned. Knocking a few times on the door, she waited patiently for a head of blonde, windswept hair.
Katie had indeed been a bit withdrawn. It wasn’t that she was upset with anyone, she reasoned. Just that she didn’t want to take sides, or make anyone uncomfortable, and it had the unintended effect of alienating her. So it was that she was home alone on a Thursday night-- as if she ever properly went anywhere on Thursday nights-- lying on her sofa with a magazine splayed open on her stomach, nodding off a bit. At the knock on the door, she stirred sharply, as if she’d been caught doing something that was against the rules. She sat up, putting the magazine aside.
“Wh’sit?” she said blearily.
“It’s Ginny and I’ve got some treacle tart with your name on it!” Ginny called back. As she waited for Katie to hopefully get her arse up and moving, she shifted her weight from foot to foot. She was really feeling uneasy, no matter how much she tried reasoning justifications for her own behavior to herself. There was also the added bonus of absolutely needing to have a very uncomfortable conversation(at least for Katie) that Ginny wasn’t quite sure she could delicately start off.
Ginny. Katie lurched up off of the sofa, putting her magazine on the coffee table. The hems of her sweatpants dragged on the floor a bit, worn-out slippers scuffing. She took her wand from its place at her hip-- it was the one thing Katie had retained from the war, really, the need to carry her wand on her at all times.
“Alohomora,” she muttered, and then more loudly: “Come on in, then.”
Ginny shifted the box under her arm before using her free hand to twist the knob and push open the door. She smiled brightly on seeing Katie, before she stepped inside and closed the door. “You’re a sight for sore eyes, mate. I feel like the only time we’ve seen each other is when I’m throwing the quaffle at you during practise.” Moving closer to her, she unceremoniously dropped the box of treacle tart on Katie’s couch and drew her into a hug. “Sorry I’ve not been the best friend lately, yeah? I’ll make it up to you by making you this brilliant dinner I learned to make. I even asked Molly to teach me.”
“Oi, it has been a while, you’re going soft,” said Katie, but she rested her head on Ginny’s shoulder for perhaps a fraction of a second longer than she would have otherwise, a gesture that seemed tired. “I think you’ve got a bit of grey coming in your hair--”
“Sod off,” she said, barely able to contain her laughter as she nudged Katie away from her. “Bloody hell, I try to be nice and bring you a bit of something to eat and here you are, telling me I’m getting old...” Ginny wrinkled her nose and fixed Katie with a dirty look. Pushing past her, Ginny snatched up the box on the couch before she flopped down onto it while ripping into the packaging. “Want some?”
“Yeah, I’ll have a bit-- what’s the point in bringing me candy anyway, mate, you eat most of it every time...” Katie was smiling as she reached into the box. “No, wait, we need napkins or plates or something, this stuff is a mess--”
She leaped up from the sofa and went into the kitchen. Amidst the rattling of plates, she called, “So where’ve you been?” It was a calculated nonchalance, a little too casual.
Ah, the question she was dreading. Ginny paused mid-chew, and could distinctly feel the chill of anxiety chasing away any desire to actually eat. Finishing the bite off and swallowing hard, Ginny cleared her throat. “Well, it’s a bit of a tale, mate. It’s kind of got a bit to do with when I snapped at you when we visited Nev. You remember I told you I’d tell you and then all this bleeding business with everything else happened?”
“Yeah, I do.” Katie was still a little unreasonably hurt by the little debacle, but thought it unfair to say so; it wasn’t Ginny’s fault that she held onto things a bit, thought about them too much for too long. “By the way, how is Neville? I’ve wondered, I just... thought it might not be the kindest thing to go see him on my own, you know, if he’s not expecting me.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you but honestly, I didn’t know how you’d take it...” Ginny started biting at her thumb, a nervous habit. “And before we get into it, Neville’s doing well. I’d think he might like if you just dropped in for a bit. He loved your stew.” Taking a deep breath and steeling her nerves like she did before she took a particularly foul tasting potion, Ginny started. “All right, well, couple weeks ago I met Alicia in the Harpies’ Nest and we had a few shags until I read in the Prophet that she replaced me. ‘Course, I overreacted and that was when I ballsed it all up by being a right prat to you. And, all right, so please don’t be cross but I think I’d really like to not just shag her and I’d actually like to maybe date her.” Ginny bit her lip and looked rather pathetic, waiting for Katie to react.
Katie was standing in the kitchen doorway, the plates propped on her hip as she felt in the drawer for two forks. At that, however, she fell still. “Er,” she said, because it was expected that she ought to say something, but words weren’t exactly forthcoming. “I-- how’s-- that again?”
Ginny furrowed her eyebrows, confused. Generally, she thought herself pretty direct and clear, especially in situations where there was little to sugarcoat. Katie was usually following her--was there something particularly befuddling that Ginny had overlooked? “I want to date Spinnet. Fuck the rules, unless it gets in the way of our playing, of course.”
“You and Alicia?” Katie was dumbstruck. “How long’s this-- you’ve been shagging since before she replaced you? And you didn’t-- neither of you told me anything?”
“Katie, it’s not that... it was only just before she replaced me! I was going to tell you, mate, I swear. Plus, I didn’t think I really wanted anything and I knew she didn’t want that and I was upset she replaced me because at this rate I’m going to bloody rot in the reserves...” Ginny shook her head. “Anyway, I don’t even know if anything’s going to come of it.”
Katie felt deflated, upset for a reason that she couldn’t quite put her finger on. After a moment, it came to her, and she nearly said it, something so sour and ugly that she was shocked. Well, mate, maybe it’s not Alicia that replaced you, maybe she went and replaced me. “I’m just... just surprised, that’s all, I didn’t have any idea or... or anything, I’m just a bit gobsmacked. Alicia’s the best, that’d be... I mean you’d keep it a secret? Not tell Jones?”
“‘Course not, we couldn’t. Not that Alicia would suffer from it, really, I’d think Jones would be quick to ship me off to the bleeding Cannons before anything else.” Katie’s reaction had Ginny feeling a bit uneasy, but she didn’t quite understand. She hadn’t overreacted or said anything particularly out of character, but something about the way she was saying it was what made Ginny uncomfortable. “Listen, Katie, I’m really sorry. And I’ve been a real wanker for not being around more, yeah? I got all swept up, planning a stupid date. I’ll make you dinner for an apology.”
“No, mate, things aren’t that dire.” Katie smiled, swift but genuine. “Though I’d like to see what you can do. I just... I missed you, is all. Hard not to feel a bit left out of things, yeah? And I don’t want to lie to Jones, Ginny, I don’t want to. I’m a rubbish liar, you know me-- what d’you want me to even do?”
Her smile put Ginny’s heart at ease and she smiled back in response. “I understand that, yeah, and I missed you, too. I promise that this is an isolated event, mate, and that it won’t be going on again. We’ll spend more time together.” Ginny listened patiently to what Katie had to say--she did have a point. She was a rubbish liar. Fortunately, Ginny was a brilliant one. “You won’t need to lie if we do our jobs right, yeah? We’re not exactly the most cuddly affectionate types, you know. So as long as we keep the same, er, relationship on the pitch, then Jones shouldn’t be sticking her nose in where it doesn’t belong and getting suspicious.”
“I suppose, yeah...” Katie didn’t sound entirely convinced. “Just... what if it starts working out, mate? I mean, say the pair of you really start to date and-- cor, that’s weird. I’m sorry, I’m not used to it yet, don’t grin at me like that. What if it ever gets to the point that the pair of you can’t hide it? What happens then? It’s something you’ve got to think about. I know you’re not really much for planning ahead, Ginny, but this is your career...”
Ginny sighed, resting her cheeks in her hands. She supposed she hadn’t thought of that. “Well, to be honest, I don’t really know, Kate. I mean, if things sort of take off, y’know, I think we’d have to talk it over. I could always put in for a trade somewhere if it really gets serious. Bloody hell, Katie, you’re talking like I’ve got a flat picked out for us and our first born’s name.” She grimaced, shooting her a look of disdain.
Like Ginny, Alicia was feeling quite a bit of guilt for having not contacted Katie in quite some time. But really, Alicia’s surprise transfer to the Harpies didn’t exactly get the warmest welcome from her long-time best mate, and that left her walking a bit softer around her. Of course, Ginny had filled that best friend spot after she’d disappeared to Australia, so Alicia pieced together why Katie had such a conflicted reaction. Now that she was settled back in England, she vowed to make more of an effort to patch up the gaping hole her absence created in their friendship.
Alicia never could forget when she visited Katie’s family for Christmas hols during her fifth year and they introduced her to pizza. She remembered how much Katie loved the muggle delicacy, so she picked up a large cheesy pie and apparated on over to Katie’s flat. Not thinking to knock, Alicia barged into the flat, beaming. “KATE! Oi, Kate-- I’ve got a--” Her words were lost on her when she saw not only her best mate, but her new bed mate, standing in the middle of the room.
And just as Alicia thought that Katie was growing more comfortable with the idea of having both Alicia and Ginny on her team, she took one look at Katie’s expression and then glared at the redhead. “You told her already?”
Bollocks. As Alicia stormed into Katie’s flat, Ginny inwardly groaned--though she was quick to notice how her shirt seemed to cling to her curves--and knew that this was going to be a right disaster. When the brunette realised that she was there and the subsequent glare she was on the receiving end of, Ginny suddenly got defensive. “Yes I told her, Spinnet! I felt like a prat for keeping my gob shut about the whole thing, all right? I didn’t know you’d marked ‘tell Katie you’re shagging her best mate’ on your calendar, too.” She rolled her eyes and pushed up from the couch. “Now, are you going to offer me a piece of pizza or no?” Ginny arched her eyebrow at Alicia, motioning to the box with her hand.
“Was I not supposed to know?” Katie was startled by the sharp crack, not expecting Alicia to simply materialize-- speak of the devil, she supposed, which made her laugh, but she rubbed a hand through her hair. “Look, if you’re going to be dating, you lot probably ought to get yourselves together a bit. Coordinate schedules. And it was a sort of rubbishy thing to do, keeping it from me, y’know. Ginny has informed me that I am about to become a liar to keep you two on the Harpies, yes.”
“Of course you’re supposed to know!” Alicia took two heavy steps toward Katie and thrust the pizza into her hands. “I just thought I was going to tell you...” Her eyes shifted from Katie’s to Ginny’s. “...y’know, so I didn’t look like the completely spineless arsehole who was keeping it from you.” She folded her arms over her chest, her attention going back to the blonde. “Kate, we obviously can’t ask you to keep anything a secret, particularly since your emotions are always right there on your face. And don’t worry-- it’s not like we’re bloody rushing off to the east isles to elope. We went on one date, and it was all planned out enough so that nobody knew about it. Of course rumours will happen, it’s part of our job-- but hell, it’s not like people actually believe them! Like that rubbish one I read a few weeks back-- that you shagged Graham Montague. As if you’d ever lay a finger on that pompous git.” She snorted, rolling her eyes and shaking her head simultaneously.
As Alicia made eye contact with her, Ginny rolled her eyes at the comment and interjected before she went on. “I didn’t realise you were going to act like a git if I took the initiative, Alicia.” Ginny genuinely tried listening to Alicia’s diatribe but the overwhelmingly inviting smell of pizza had her getting up and moving closer to Katie. Opening the box, she skillfully removed a slice just as Alicia started talking about Graham and she stopped, giving Katie a knowing look as if to say see, everyone else thinks he’s a git, too. Instead of saying anything, she took a bite of pizza that was a bit too large to be considered at all lady-like.
“It wasn’t... exactly... a finger,” said Katie from behind her hand-- she was gnawing at her thumbnail. “Um-- oi, look, that’s neither here nor there, the point is that I wouldn’t care, not really, except that you two didn’t tell me. And you seem right apologetic, so I’ll forgive you, except that you think I’ll be soothed by food, which is... not wrong and is a trifle embarrassing to realize. But--!”
She reached out and took a slice of pizza, sliding down onto the floor to eat it over the table at the very least. “Ginny, don’t get that on my sofa. --But! You’re risking a lot. I mean, yes, you’re fond of each other, but can’t you keep your trousers on for the sake of the team?”
Alicia picked up a piece of pizza and placed it on a paper plate, moving to the opposite side of the couch, away from Ginny. She kicked off her trainers as she focused solely on Katie. “Look, Kate, it’d be different if I knew Ginny was on the Harpies before we... got involved. Or if she knew I was on the team. I’m sure we would’ve thought twice before we’d gone and-- y’know,” she shrugged, clearing her throat and hoping she wasn’t blushing. “I dunno, I think at this point it’d be more of a detriment to the team if I broke Weasley’s heart and started going after someone else. She’s quite the jealous type-- would probably try to sabotage my broom somehow.” She knew Katie was probably looking for a more serious response, but Alicia couldn’t just divulge how strong her feelings for Ginny were while the redhead was sitting right there. So she just took a bite of her pizza and got a bit comfier on the couch.
Ginny scoffed and rolled her eyes at Alicia. “How in the hell did you not know I was on the Harpies anyway? You said you’d planned on coming back to the British League, I was in the bloody papers!” Sighing, she took another big bite of pizza and listened to the brunette speak, noticing that she jokingly jabbed at Ginny’s habit of getting jealous. Blood rising to her cheeks, she shot a look at Alicia. Ginny wasn’t about to admit that she would most certainly be jealous, and very upset, if Alicia suddenly moved on to another bird. Swallowing the bite, Ginny cleared her throat and piped up. “I reckon I would sabotage your broom, Spinnet. If I can’t date you, then I want my starting Chaser spot back, yeah? Anyway, Katie, listen, we’re not going to be putting you into any tough spots, all right? We’ll be good. Sort of.”
“Listen, is ‘sabotage your broom’ some kind of euphemism? --Never mind.” Katie lifted a hand to ward off any possible responses, turning her head away. “Never mind. Okay. I-- wait, what does ‘sort of’ mean? You are both going to be good and if you’re caught, you’ll never once mention my name to Jones. Yeah? Are we in agreement?”
Alicia shrugged, finishing off her pizza crust before responding; she nodded at Kate while directing her answer to Ginny first. “Well I saw this one hamming it up on the cover of Quidditch Monthly and I didn’t really bother to do much research before calling my agent and putting in for a transfer. It was all so fast-- I only had three days to sell my flat in Wollongong, say goodbye to my teammates and friends down there, and find a decent flat in Holyhead before I had to report to Jones on the first day. And no, Cover Girl, it’s not a euphemism. At least not that I’m aware of, anyhow.” She raised a suspicious brow over at Ginny and reached for another slice. “I’d never sell you out to Jones or anyone, you know that. Don’t worry, Kate. It’ll all be just fine.”
“Excuses, excuses.” Ginny waved off Alicia’s response as she finished off her pizza and looked thoughtfully at the box. “No, I’m not much for those kinds of euphemisms.” She grinned at Alicia and decided that she was still feeling a bit peckish, taking another slice. “I’m really positive the rest of the Harpies aren’t going to be worried one way or the other as long as you keep winning us games, Spinnet. Though, Hughes has been looking a bit peaky lately... I was a brilliant center at Hogwarts, right, Kate? Speaking of Hogwarts, Spinnet, Katie and I were convinced you weren’t gay. Good job hiding it, mate.” She reached over and clapped her on the shoulder, chuckling. Her hand stayed there on her shoulder, lingering for a moment too long, before her fingertips glided over her arm and Ginny focused on eating her pizza again.
Katie was a little pink in the face-- any reference to her publicity embarrassed the hell out of her more often than not, filling her with a shy, awkward pride. Her glance slid across Alicia’s for a moment, hesitating, but there was a brightness in her eyes. She cleared her throat a bit. “Yeah,” she said mildly, but it was dry. “Absolutely convinced. No doubt in anyone’s mind, absolutely not.”
Alicia gave a soft laugh and then caught Katie’s eyes as Ginny reached for another slice, and recognised that meddling expression. “Oh shut it, Kate. As if you haven’t told your new best mate here about us...” She wasn’t a great liar, but she could be for the sake of a joke, so she busied herself with another slice even though she wasn’t necessarily hungry.
With furrowed eyebrows, she glanced between Katie and Alicia in a desperate attempt to gauge the truth of Alicia’s confession. Biting her lip, Ginny couldn’t help but look pathetically confused. “What in Merlin’s trousers are you getting at, Spinnet? Katie’s the least sapphically-inclined bird I know. And really, it’s not very nice to crack jokes like that with,” Ginny paused thoughtfully, wondering what her title was. “Well, with me, all right?” Fixing Alicia with a warning look, she took another bite of pizza.
Katie stabbed idly at the crust of her pizza with one of the forks she’d brought in from the kitchen for the treacle tart. She lifted one shoulder a little, not quite meeting Ginny’s eyes. “Alicia’s a convincing type,” she said, her face still scarlet.
Alicia’s eyes widened and she winced, averting her gaze to her pizza. “Oh-- er, sorry, Kate, I sort’ve figured you would’ve said something...” She cleared her throat and forced a laugh. “Not like it’s a big deal, y’know? I mean, we’ve all experimented at some point, yeah? You wouldn’t have known, Weasley-- you were busy learning Wingardium Leviosa while we were having after-hour snogs in the greenhouses...”
Ginny looked hot under the collar, feeling both jealous and a little angry that such a thing would go unmentioned. Taking a deep, calming breath, she gave Katie a curious look. “I understand why you wouldn’t have really divulged, mate, but you,” she turned her attention to Alicia, heat rising to her cheeks again, “you really ought to have! I told you about what I’ve gotten up to and you didn’t think it was important enough to share?” Putting the piece of pizza down on top of the pizza box, she gave Alicia a little shove and narrowed her eyes.
Katie was still making tiny holes in the crust, twisting her fork back and forth, breaking up the bread. “It was just so long ago that I didn’t think it’d matter, mate,” she said, rubbing the back of one hand across her forehead. “I’m sorry, Alicia, I shouldn’t have said anything...”
“Me??” Alicia scoffed, shaking her head. “We haven’t exactly played the guess who I snogged game yet, have we?” She sighed. “Well, now that the snitch is out of the trunk, I’m sure you’ve been wondering, Weasley-- and I can confirm, Katie’s a top-notch snog.” She looked over at Katie and tossed her an enthusiastic wink.
Ginny felt her cheeks heat up as she steadily got more jealous and she didn’t handle jealousy very well. “Well, why don’t you just snog her instead then?” Directing a glare toward Katie, she huffed. “You know, you could have just been bloody honest about it and then I wouldn’t have... fuck.”
Katie couldn’t help it. She was making every effort she could not to make a sound, but she was red in the face and she could feel her throat working to hold down the laugh. She snorted, covering it with her hand, but it was her death knell; a few moments later she was face-down on the rug, her arms wrapped around her head, nearly convulsing with laughter so hard and merry that it made her cough. “Oh God, wait’ll I tell George, he’ll be right proud of me for this one--”
Katie’s laughter had always been contagious, and as soon as Alicia heard the snort she was instantly in stitches. “You-- slag! We could’ve-- had her going-- for much longer!” She chucked the nearest pillow at Katie’s head and nudged Ginny’s leg with her toe. “Are you mental? George’ll be disappointed we didn’t come up with a more elaborate tale...”
Ginny’s ears flushed a brilliant pink. Though she was rather used to being teased by her brothers, she apparently wasn’t much for these kinds of jokes from her--well, whatever Alicia was. As the anger began to ebb away, she just sighed at the pair of them laughing on the floor. She grumbled and moved away from Alicia’s toe, fixing her with a dirty look. “Finished having a lark yet? And George’ll be bored with your stupid little joke as it has nothing to do with flatulence, genitals or anything crude.” She crossed her arms huffily.
“Oh, don’t be a sourpuss,” said Katie merrily, putting the pillow under her head and rifling a hand through her wild curls. She was certain enough that George would be impressed with her for managing to keep a straight face for even a short amount of time-- he knew her that well, at least. She pulled a face at Ginny, sticking out her bottom lip and furrowing her brow. “Thundercloud,” she teased.
“Speaking of that dunderhead brother of yours...” Alicia started, moving even closer to Ginny after the redhead pulled away, placing both of her feet on Ginny’s lap rather obnoxiously. “I still haven’t had the chance to pop in on him. I’m trying to figure out the best method-- I don’t reckon an owl will do our reunion justice.”
Ginny gave a look of disgust , nudging at Alicia’s feet, before relenting and simply deciding that it would do her a bit of good to forget the joke. “Fine, Kate. Wouldn’t want to look like that anyway.” She motioned to the expression on Katie’s face. Looking thoughtful for a moment, Ginny squeezed Alicia’s feet and tried to rub her fingers against the arch of her foot. It gave her something to do. “You could always do some kind of disguising charm, I suppose, give him a right scare.”
Katie averted her eyes, staring up at the ceiling. It wasn’t that she felt uncomfortable with the little display of affection-- well. Yes, it was. She was a little uncomfortable and the pang of jealousy that ricocheted underneath her breastbone was painful. “We could maybe all go to dinner together,” she offered casually. “You know, just... a bunch of mates. Haven’t seen George for a while either.”
“Hmm... disguising charm... perhaps...” The wheels were turning and Alicia was trying to come up with something a bit more... exciting. She was thinking so deeply that she didn’t even notice the foot massage she was getting. She raised a brow and grinned. “Blimey, you’re even better than that one trainer we’ve got-- what’s her name, the blonde?” She wanted to make some smart arse joking comment about a back-up career in case a Chaser spot doesn’t re-open, but bit her tongue; Ginny’s taken enough abuse tonight, at least for now. “Oh! I’ve got an idea!” Katie’s idea was inspiring, and that wicked smirk played on her face again. “Why don’t you two tell George you’re setting him up. Blind date. Then I’ll show up and it’ll be a hell of a surprise-- I can even disguise myself and give him hell for a bit before I reveal myself, and then we can all go out together!”
“Uh, Harriet? I think that’s her name, isn’t it, Katie?” Ginny glanced over at Katie, who appeared somehow out of sorts. Realising that she was being rather affectionate and perhaps making Katie feel like a third wheel, Ginny stopped rubbing Alicia’s feet. “Maybe if you’re lucky and you apologise properly for taking the mickey out of me like that, I’ll finish later.” The gears audibly turning in Alicia’s head made her groan inwardly--it was quickly becoming clear to Ginny that if she was thinking, there was mischief to be had. “Oh bloody hell, Alicia. If you can convince George in your disguise that you’re not a todger dodger, I’ll be impressed. But.. well, maybe I ought to not go, yeah? I don’t want to be a tag along. And, ah, I don’t want to give you away, Alicia. Haven’t really gotten around to telling George yet...” She cleared her throat, twisting her fingers together.
Katie choked. “Todger dodger, my God,” she said, dissolving into another fit of giggles. “That’s bloody awful-- no, come on then, wouldn’t it be best to tell George together? Height of practical joking, that. He’d think it was hilarious, wouldn’t he, until he realized you were serious and then... tears. Wailing. Agony. He’d send a Howler to your mum. He’d throw himself off the top of Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes...”
“Kate! What the bloody hell have you been drinking before I got here, eh?” That contagious laughter had Alicia giggling now, as she shifted on the couch and pulled her legs up under her. “Really, Weasley-- my plan is more of a... horrible-blind-date-turned-celebration and you two can just happen to be at the same establishment after I reveal myself...” She was distracted as she explained, looking around for any open bottles of alcohol. “And you very well know George won’t mind, won’t make you feel like a third-- er-- fourth? Wheel... and you certainly don’t have to tell him anything you’re not comfortable telling him. Not like it’s a double date, yeah?”
Ginny glanced at Alicia quizzically once she drew her feet away from Ginny and up under her. Had they not been in the presence of Katie, Ginny probably would have demanded Alicia to at least move closer to her but she made an effort to be considerate. Clearing her throat, Ginny furrowed her brows in thought. “I dunno, Spinnet, I don’t think you can keep your hands off me. And Kate, I swear, you had better not have any Seer blood in you. Molly would have my head if she found out!”
“You ought to call her ‘mum’ properly,” Katie said, but it was nothing new; she got after Ginny for it quite often. “Oi, Alicia, just go have a look in the cabinet, there’s firewhisky in there. --You’ll have to tell them all eventually, mate. Not the kind of secret you can take to the grave, is it? And... no. Definitely not... not a double date, not with me and George along, no. Definitely no, that’s... of course.”
“Bugger you both, always spoiling my fun...” She hopped off of the couch and made her way to the cabinet, pulling a face. “Firewhisky? Haven’t you got any wine? Rum? Whisky knocks me off my arse and we do have a match tomorrow. Reckon I better hold off, do the responsible thing... Where’s the damn treacle tart?” She sighed, making her way back to the couch. “Fine then. I’ll just disguise myself as a disgruntled customer and give George hell that way. That way we don’t have to risk any unintentional coming out, though you’re one to talk, way-more-obvious-todger-dodger-than-me.”
“Ogden’s is my drink of choice. Seeing as I won’t be playing, fetch it for me, yeah?” Ginny grinned at Alicia, holding out her hand expectantly. “The treacle tart’s over here, you git. And I think the disgruntled customer is a brilliant idea anyway. I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear your last comments, because I bloody know and I’m a bit skittish about it, all right? Maybe you ought to come with me for... support. I’d bet my broom that Mum’s planning a brilliant bash for the hols.” She gave Alicia a meaningful look and raised her eyebrows.
“Would the pair of you like some alone-time? I could light a few candles. Draw you a bubble bath.” Katie rolled her eyes, turning over onto her stomach to pull the cushion beneath her chin, watching Ginny and Alicia. She did indeed feel a bit awkward, which made no sense at all-- if she had been bumming around with Ginny and Alicia without knowing they were together, she would have been fine. Maybe. She wanted to say things like what about Hermione or I thought you two hated each other, but instead she just rested her chin on the pillow, watching them.
"No I don't want any bloody alone time with this one. I came here to see you, remember?" Not wanting to get up again, Alicia drew her wand and cast Wingardium Leviosa, carefully floating the very full box of Treacle Tart over to the coffee table so she could snag a piece. She then cast the same charm over at the bottle of firewhisky, floating it into Ginny's expecting palm. "Regardless of what you decide, I'll be expecting an invitation to the Weasley family holiday party-- as your date or George's mate, doesn't matter much to me. Your mum loves me, reckon she'll be thrilled to see me." Unless, of course, Ginny decided to tell her of their arrangement and banned her from the household, but even if she did tell her family about her witch preference, she really didn't think Ginny would tell her about their... relationship, or whatever it was.
Ginny rolled her eyes dramatically at Alicia, snatching the firewhiskey out of the air. “Listen here, mate, Katie’s the new Molly Weasley favourite. She’s charming, polite, helpful... just can’t compete with that.” Grinning, she twisted off the top and took a quick swig from the bottle, sighing at the burn. Admittedly, she was nervous--very nervous--about the thought of telling anyone but her closest mates about her inclination. Guilt twisted in her gut as she recalled the only person in her family who knew was Charlie. “Kate, are you sure I can’t take this sort of thing to the grave? I mean, I suppose I could get really pissed, but you’ll both have to promise to keep me in line, yeah?”
“I’m the daughter-in-law Molly’s always dreamed of having,” said Katie dryly, although she didn’t look up, pressing her cheek to the pillow. It was a funny little thing, thinking of being part of the Weasley clan, the wistful longing that filled her chest. Don’t be stupid. “And I’m pretty damned sure, Gin. Your mum will grind your bones to make her bread-- oi, you don’t know that story, do you? I’ll save it for a rainy day. --Is your mum planning dinner again sometime soon?”
“All right then, Katie Weasley, seeing as you’re the new favourite, you should already know if she’s planning dinner again, and exactly when.” It broke Alicia’s heart that Ginny was struggling with telling her family about her own identity-- the part they don’t know, that is-- but knowing the Weasleys for so long, she couldn’t imagine that they’d just ban her as they did Percy. Though on the flipside, Molly was fairly traditional... but she has loosened up quite a bit since the war. Alicia was fairly close with her mum, but she never told her about her inclination towards women; to be fair, Alicia hasn’t really explored that curiosity until after her mum’s death, so it’s nothing she really should have brought up, but she did wonder sometimes how her mum would take it. “Oi, Weasley-- not you, Kate, the real one-- perhaps I could pull-a-potter and you know, sacrifice myself for the cause? Let’s let slip that I’m dating women, and we can see how she reacts. I know it’ll be a bit different since I’m not her daughter, but even so, it might put your mind at ease a bit when she reacts warmly.”
Katie crawled on her belly to the edge of the rug and thumped her forehead against the wooden floor. “If you lot are going to plot to destroy the heart and soul of one Molly Weasley, I will not be a party to it, thank you very much,” she said. “That woman’s practically a mum to me too, you know. --Look, I’m a bit... I’m a bit exhausted and this has been a bit overwhelming. I’m not upset or anything, I just... maybe just need some time to wrap my head round it? If you two could?”
“I wouldn’t try to crush my own mum’s heart, all right? That’s the reason I’ve been... tentative. She’s bound to be disappointed, Kate.” Ginny avoided Katie and Alicia’s eyes, feeling a unpleasantly familiar tightening ache in her throat. Admittedly, Ginny felt that Katie was being quite short with her about it and it hurt, strangely. She didn’t want to get all ruffled in front of them. “All right, mate. Rest up for the match. I’ll leave the tart here for you.” Gathering herself up off of Katie’s couch, Ginny moved over to her laying on the floor and bent, to lightly rest her hand on the blonde’s shoulder for an instant before she started out. She threw a glance over her shoulder at Alicia, as if to say Coming?.
With a heavy sigh, Alicia got back to her feet and stretched her arms over her head. “Right. Match. Tomorrow.” She leaned down to grab another piece of treacle tart from the box on her way out. “Let me side along apparate Miss Ogden here before going to sleep in my own flat. See you bright and early at the pitch, Kate. Hope you enjoyed the treats, even if the company was a bit... overwhelming.” She laughed and nudged Ginny out the door, hoping that Katie wasn’t feeling too ambushed.
“Night, you two,” said Katie, fondly enough, sitting up with her arms around the pillow as they left. When the door closed behind them, however, she stretched out on the rug again, lying on her back. She didn’t know why, but she felt like a good cry.
