The Forgotten Twin

Chapter 26

"And as I've said, if you phrased it right, it's not," Delilah added.

They opened the Owlery door with a bang and went over the threshold before freezing at the sight of Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

"What're you doing here?" Ron and Fred said at the same time.

"Sending a letter," said Harry and George in unison.

"What, at this time?" said Hermione and Fred.

Fred grinned. Delilah would have as well, if she wasn't aware of Harry noticing her and sending her that glare she was now all too familiar with.

"Fine — we won't ask you what you're doing, if you don't ask us," Fred said, shifting the letter so that they wouldn't see the name.

"Well, don't let us hold you up," Fred said, making a mock bow and pointing at the door.

Ron didn't move.

"Who're you blackmailing?" he said.

Fred's grin vanished. Delilah glanced at Fred. George smiled at Ron.

"Don't be stupid, I was only joking," he said easily.

"Didn't sound like that," argued Ron.

Fred, George, and Delilah looked at each other. Then Fred said abruptly, "I've told you before, Ron, keep your nose out if you like it the shape it is. Can't see why you would, but —"

"It's my business if you're blackmailing someone," said Ron. "George's right, you could end up in serious trouble for that."

"Told you, I was joking," said George.

Delilah took the letter from Fred and began attaching it to the leg of the nearest barn owl while George continued.

"You're starting to sound a bit like our dear older brother, you are, Ron. Carry on like this and you'll be made a prefect."

"No, I won't!" protested Ron hotly.

Delilah carried the barn owl over to the window and it took off. George grinned at Ron.

"Well, stop telling people what to do then. See you later."

He, Fred, and Delilah left the Owlery.

"He really needs to learn to keep his nose out of our business," Fred complained as they reached the bottom.

"I think all younger brothers do," Delilah muttered.

Fred and George nodded.

Despite Delilah's growing frustration at her ignorant, oblivious younger brother, the Hogwarts grounds were quickly growing to look spectacular.

Sadly, she didn't have time to go outside. Classes were getting more intense, and workloads were increasing as the exams drew nearer and nearer.

"Ugh!" Draco complained, dramatically leaning against Delilah.

"What?" she asked, trying not to laugh.

"McGonagall gave us more homework! Can you believe her? And I bet Vector will give me loads in Arithmancy!"

"At least we have Alchemy, and Snape doesn't like giving homework in that class. Probably so he doesn't have to grade as much, but still.

Just as Delilah was about to leave, an owl flew in front of her. That was odd, it was lunch time, and they usually came at breakfast. But she knew this owl, it was Pad, Remus's owl.

She untied the letter and stroked and fed Pad, who flew away just after he finished the last bit of bread.

Delilah quickly read the letter.