October 20th, Cloudy to Sunny

Filch hadn't expected to run into his old nemeses at the corner. He stood there smugly, Mrs. Norris purring at his feet. "Well, well, look who we've caught? The Gryffindor trio, out after curfew. It's been a while since you've visited my office."

Joey shot Fred a glare. "This is all your fault," she thought.

George laughed nervously. "Why are you calling us the 'big three'?"

"Because I've been catching Harry Potter's little trio lately," Filch said with a nasty grin. "But you three? You're the originals."

Joey grimaced at the sight of Filch's yellow, jagged teeth. She really wanted to punch him.

The trio followed Filch to his office, a cluttered, dusty room that hadn't changed in years. Joey glanced around, disgusted. "How has he not cleaned this place since first year? The Marauder's Map was in that drawer, and the broken book by the table leg is still there!"

"Maybe he spends all his time catching rule-breakers," Fred suggested.

"Or trying to prove he's not a Squib," George added.

Joey snorted, earning a sharp look from Filch. "You don't seem the least bit ashamed of breaking the rules," he sneered, pointing to the chains and whips on the wall. "I'd be thrilled if I could use these on you one day."

Joey rolled her eyes. "You'll have to wait until a dark wizard takes over the school for that. Dumbledore would never let you."

Filch's face turned red with anger. He stepped closer, fists clenched, but Fred and George moved in front of Joey, blocking him. "Let's not get carried away," Fred said calmly. "We've got history, Filch. No need to make it worse."

Filch glared at them but backed off. "Empty your pockets. Let's see what contraband you've got."

The trio exchanged glances. They'd hidden their stash in the Room of Requirement, so they had nothing to worry about. But as Filch searched Fred and George, Joey realized with a sinking feeling that she'd forgotten about the tiara in her pocket.

Filch's eyes lit up as he pulled out the dirty crown. "What's this? Stolen property?"

Fred quickly stepped in. "It's a family heirloom. I gave it to Joey as an engagement gift."

Filch smirked. "Engagement? You two won't last until graduation. I'll hand this over to Dumbledore tomorrow. Maybe he'll let me have you for a week of detention."

Fred lunged forward, but George held him back. "Not worth it, mate."

Joey, meanwhile, was already plotting how to deny everything if Dumbledore questioned her. But days passed, and no one came for her. Filch never mentioned the tiara again.

———

In Potions class, Joey and Fred were working on a cough potion. Joey leaned over the cauldron, watching the liquid turn bright yellow. "It's not like the crown was ours anyway," she said, shrugging. "It was filthy. Even if Filch wanted to give it to his girlfriend, he'd have to clean it first."

Fred nearly dropped his stirring rod. "Filch has a girlfriend?!"

Joey laughed, but her amusement turned to pain as she accidentally touched the hot cauldron. Fred grabbed her hand and stuck her finger in his mouth, earning snickers from their classmates.

Professor Snape appeared behind them, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Are Miss Forest's fingers delicious, Mr. Weasley? Or do you find it more hygienic? Focus on your potion, unless you want to be the first couple to die from a botched brew."

The class erupted in laughter, and even Flami, the only Slytherin laughing, had to cover her mouth. Snape glared at her before turning back to the Gryffindors. "Since you all find me so amusing, perhaps you'd like to sample your cough potions. Let's see if you'll be laughing then."

The Gryffindors groaned, but they worked diligently for the rest of the class. By the end, only one student choked on his potion, much to the disappointment of the Slytherins.

———

Outside the classroom, Joey complained to Flami. "I thought I was going blind from staring at that cauldron. If Fred and I had messed up, we'd be the first couple to die from a potion."

Flami smirked. "I'll write you a eulogy. 'Romeo and Juliet of the Magic World.'"

Joey groaned. "Please don't."

Fred, overhearing, grinned. "I'd rather die holding your hand than live without you."

George burst out laughing. "Fred, you're such a romantic!"

Joey blushed, pulling Fred's robe to hide her face. Flami watched them with a small smile, her eyes filled with envy.

———

The weekend trip to Hogsmeade was a welcome break. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were at the front of the line, permission slips in hand. Joey, Fred, and George waited outside, keeping an eye out for Flami.

"Everyone says Harry's trio is our successors," George said, nodding toward Filch, who was thoroughly inspecting Harry's group. "Look how long he's taking with them. It's like old times."

"You sound proud," Flami said, appearing behind them. She wore a dark green tweed dress and a black lace hat, looking effortlessly elegant.

Joey nudged George, who was staring at Flami like a deer in headlights. "Someone's speechless," she whispered to Fred.

Fred chuckled. "Looks like George finally met his match."

As they headed into Hogsmeade, Joey couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. Despite the chaos, life at Hogwarts was never dull. And with Fred by her side, she was ready for whatever came next.