The Flip Side

The Flip Side

Chapter Three

Fred was still so hot under the collar over the argument with Angelina and Alicia that by the time the train arrived at Hogsmeade Station he was standing by himself out in the corridor. The rest of those of his group were still in the car, but Fred was too anxious to sit around. His face twisted into a scowl as he watched Flint and the rest of the Slytherins file out of the neighbouring car, all of them still laughing about their good fortune.

"Summat wrong, Weasley?" Flint sneered, catching Abby by the wrist before she could leave and pulling her close to him. She carefully shifted Nightshade to one arm to avoid getting him squashed before turning a sly gaze to Flint.

"Aye, I've only just realized this starts another year I've got to see your ugly mug everywhere I go," Fred muttered.

"Ooh, better be careful mate. I might take offence to that," Flint replied.

"I wasn't talking about you," Fred shot back, letting his gaze drift to Abby.

Any semblance of glee was wiped from the two Slytherins' faces. "You'd best watch yourself, Weasley," Flint warned.

"And you'd best get out of my way," Fred replied - not intimidated in the least - and stepped up so he was face-to-face with the Slytherin Captain. He was suddenly remembering the day in Diagon Alley and every other time Flint or Abby or any of the Slytherins had insulted him and his family. Something in his brain had been triggered and suddenly he wanted to pay them back for all of that. "And take that little slag with you."

Flint snapped and grabbed the front of Fred's robes and slammed him against the wall. Fred winced as the back of his head bounced off the hard surface. The sound startled Nightshade who dug his claws into Abby's shoulder. Abby yelped and dropped him and he bolted from the train like a Seeker after the Snitch. Abby's cry had momentarily distracted Flint, and Fred used the advantage to throw his knee up into his opponent's gut.

The action caught Flint off-guard and Fred felt the Slytherin's grip loosen on his robes. He had just enough time to wrench free and land a solid punch to Flint's jaw before the other recovered. Flint blocked Fred's next punch and brought his own fist forward, slamming it into Fred's nose with such strength that the Weasley twin was knocked to the floor.

George and Wood were out of the car like shots, as they now realized what was going on, and intercepted Flint before he could go after Fred and pound him into a bloody pulp. Abby, infuriated by the stinging claw marks on her shoulder, kicked Wood in the shin as hard as she could. Wood, who had not been expecting it, released Flint to nurse his throbbing leg and was the recipient of Flint's second punch.

By now the group was surrounded by a load of younger students, all chanting, "Fight! Fight! Fight!" at the top of their lungs. From somewhere in the crowd a camera flashed. Fred swallowed the lump in his throat (along with the blood that trickled down from his nose) and leapt to his feet. He was seeing red and was blocking out the little voice in his head that was trying to tell him that Flint would tear him apart with his bare hands. Echoing that voice, coincidentally, was Angelina, who, flanked by Alicia and Katie (who were keeping Lee Jordan from joining the fray), was trying to hold him back. He could hardly hear her over the blood pounding in his ears.

Pucey and Higgs had returned, after having pushed their way back through the excited crowd. Pucey went straight for Wood and caught him before he could retaliate on Flint for the punch and the two exchanged blows. Higgs grabbed George from behind and pulled his arms behind his back, leaving him exposed for a free shot.

Fred's adrenaline surged as he saw his twin in trouble and he tore away from Angelina, charging back into the fight and driving his shoulder into Flint's solarplexis. He stumbled off-balance and Fred relentlessly continued his enraged assault (though it was not unlike punching a brick wall). George, meanwhile, planted his feet and sprang backward, slamming Higgs into the side of the train.

Abby watched the fight, gingerly trying to keep her distance (which proved difficult thanks to the growing number of cheering students joining the crowd, making the already stuffy corridor seem even smaller) and occasionally having to dodge as one scrap came too close. Her eyes burned with fury and she wished she could help, but she was smart enough to know that she was no match for any of the three Gryffindor boys involved. She had a sudden thought and stealthily pulled out her wand. All eyes were locked on the fight as she pointed it at Fred's back.

"Expelliarmus!"

Almost all eyes were locked on the fight. Abby's wand flew out of her hand and landed not far from Alicia Spinnet, whom had her wand brandished in Abby's direction. She had been keeping watch on Abby and wondering when she would make her move. The two girls glared at each other as Angelina, Katie and Lee turned attention to them, realizing what had happened.

Abby and Alicia stalked toward each other; they stopped only when Wood crashed into the wall between them, but he was quickly back after Pucey.

"I knew it, I just knew you could never stand a fair fight," Alicia spat. "What's the matter? Don't think your toy boy can handle our Fred?"

"You need to keep your nose out from where it doesn't belong, Alicia, "Abby returned.

"My nose is exactly where it belongs, thank you," Alicia replied. "But, if you're so keen to join the fight, I'll gladly help you out."

"You what?"

"Aw, what is it then, Princess? Too good to get your hands mucky?"

"I'd just rather not have them touch the likes of you, if I can help it."

The girls stood at a stalemate, neither one really wanting to make the first move. Several students in the crowd had noticed the confrontation and now the chanting had grown even louder. The six boys fought on, oblivious to the girls' situation. Angelina and Katie tried to shout sense to Alicia over the crowd. Lee's attention shifted across the way as he saw Draco Malfoy had pushed his way to the front of the crowd and was watching his sister expectantly.

Flint took hold of Fred and tossed him down the corridor before realizing he'd done so in the direction of the girls. Fred flew backward and crashed into Abby who, in turn, flew forward and crashed into Alicia. Both girls fell to the floor and Alicia, who had not really registered Fred's unintentional assistance in the matter (as he had already gone back after Flint), had taken it as Abby making the first move. She tore into Abby like a feral cat and Abby, who had certainly not meant for such a thing to happen, took a fistful of Alicia's hair and tried to fend her off.

Suddenly, over the chanting of the crowd, a deep voice roared. "Oi! Wha' the ruddy 'ell is goin' on in 'ere?"

It was Hagrid, the Hogwarts Gamekeeper, who was making his way with great difficulty through the spectators, each and every one of whom fell silent at the sound of his voice. The students squished against the walls to let him pass and as he did so he shooed them off the train. When he came to the site of the action, he reached out with his great hands and separated the closest pair: Fred and Flint. Both Pucey and Wood realized what was going on and pulled apart George and Higgs. Angelina, Katie and Lee stepped in to pry Alicia and Abby off each other.

"Jus' what in the name of all things good an' 'oly d'you lot think yer playin' at?" Hagrid demanded.

Flint and Fred did not break eye contact, though they were pinned against opposite walls of the corridor under Hagrid's enormous fists. In fact, they had barely even heard the Gamekeeper's question. Around them the sudden silence (save for the panting and wheezing of the exhausted fighters) was eerie and the tension was growing again. Angelina and Katie pulled Alicia (now sporting long scratches down the side of her face) to her feet; Lee was gaping at her in awe. Pucey, while keeping an eye on Wood, helped Abby up and they joined Higgs at Flint's side. Wood and George moved next to Fred, followed quickly by Lee and the girls.

"I'm warning you, Weasley," Flint growled, breaking the silence. Blood was trickling down his chin from a wide split in his lip. "Any funny business this year and I promise you won't live to see your next birthday."

"Righ', get outta 'ere," Hagrid smacked Flint upside the head and pointed to the exit. "Go on, clear off, an' don' you worry: Snape'll hear of all this," he called after them as the four Slytherins pushed their way off the train. "An' as fer you lot," he turned to the Gryffindors, "I'm awful disappointed in yeh. I mean, can' says I'm surprised at them four bein' involved in this sorta thing, but I never thought yeh'd sink teh ther level. Though' yeh had more sense'n tha'."

Fred looked up at the huge man and Hagrid frowned at the sight of the bloody nose as well as several bruises decorating his face. Flint had certainly dominated in that fight.

"You're right, Hagrid," Alicia spoke up. "It was a daft thing to do, letting them get to us. But, I guess...sometimes they just go too far."

Hagrid's hairy face softened a bit. "Aye, well, tha' may be, Alicia, but i's still no excuse. Professor McGonagall'll be hearin' of this too, I'm afraid."

The Gryffindors nodded and slowly filed past Hagrid as the Gamekeeper ushered the rest of the students off the train.

*

Draco, who had been shooed off the train by Hagrid along with the rest of the students on his side of the corridor, watched as Flint, Abby, Pucey and Higgs filed down the steps. In his arms he held a trembling Nightshade, who he'd managed to locate hiding under a discarded copy of the Daily Prophet. With Crabbe and Goyle following, begging to know just what had happened, he sauntered over to the group.

"Get a load of the walking wounded," he drawled with a smirk plastered across his face. "Oh, and good form, sis."

"Get stuffed," Abby shot back, tenderly nursing the scratches adorning her neck and shoulders. "That was all that cow Alicia's fault."

Draco took one of Nightshade's paws and made a scratching motion while uttering a throaty meow. Nightshade angrily echoed him. Abby rolled her eyes and turned to Flint, who was sucking the wound on his bottom lip. She used the sleeve of her cloak to wipe the blood from his chin and then noticed his attention was focused elsewhere. She turned around and quickly found out why: the Gryffindors were getting off the train.

"C'mon, Marcus, leave it, hey?" she said softly, trying to make him look at her, but there was a certain gleam in his eye that told her she had no chance. Fred had already locked glares with him and he was aimed to walk deliberately closer to the Slytherins than was necessary. Pucey and Higgs (bearing the beginnings of a black eye apiece) watched their Captain anxiously, seemingly waiting for a trigger to set them off again, and it soon came. As Fred came into range, Flint threw an elbow into him.

Instantly the two boys had hold of each other's shirt collars, fists up and ready and willing to start the whole ordeal again. Pucey, Higgs, Crabbe and Goyle kept Wood, George and Lee at bay (though Draco had slunk back out of harm's way) and the students had quickly gathered round again. In fact, they very well might have picked up where they left off had it not been for Angelina and Abby, both of whom had without a second thought, dove between the two boys and forced them apart, screaming at them to stop. Had circumstances been different, there may have been a formation of respect between them, but then Abby glanced back and caught sight of Alicia. The look that passed between them would have sent a Hungarian Horntail running for cover.

"I though' I tol' you lot ter clear off!" Hagrid bellowed as he squeezed his way off the train. "Should'a known better than ter leave yeh teh yerselves! Go on! Get teh yer carriages!"

Flint and Fred finally broke eye contact and turned to their respective groups. The Slytherins went off in the direction of the waiting carriages and Hagrid watched them all the while to ensure they did not double back. Fred sighed deeply and for the first time noticed Percy standing not far off among the students. Standing at his side with her hand clasped in his was Ginny, watching him with wide eyes and tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Oh, no," Fred breathed. George followed his gaze and closed his eyes after spotting his crying sister. Both realized at that moment something they had never considered: she had seen.

Fred swallowed hard and he and George made their way to where their siblings stood. Lee made to follow but Wood held him back; this was between the Weasleys.

"Ginny-" Fred began as he and George kneeled down in front of her.

Ginny suddenly sprang away from Percy and threw her arms around both twins' necks. "I saw him hit you, Fred!" she sobbed into his shoulder. "I was getting off the train and then a cat ran by me and I wanted to know what had scared it. So I went down the other way and I saw him pop you on the nose! I wanted to help you - I tried to come and help you, but Hermione stopped me."

Fred looked up and saw Hermione standing close by with Seamus, Dean and Neville.

"And then you ran out, George, and I saw you getting hurt too so we went and found Percy and then Percy told Hagrid," Ginny continued. "He wouldn't let me go back inside. Fred, what did you have to go and fight for? I thought he might really hurt you - I thought Hagrid might be too late to help you!"

Fred felt the corners of his eyes stinging and as he stroked his sister's bright red hair he glanced over at George, who looked just as upset as he was, and then up at Percy. He had his arms folded and his jaw set.

"Ginny," George softly said her name as he pulled her away to look into her eyes. "We're all right, hey? Just look and see, everything's all right."

"You don't look all right," she sniffled, wiping her nose and staring especially at the blood on Fred's face.

"Well, you know Charlie's given me loads of worse thumpings than this," he winked and chucked her under the chin. She looked sceptical. "But you're right, Ginny, I am a great big git for fighting and you were right to get Percy." He leaned closer to whisper in her ear. "At least now we know he's not the only Weasley with common sense."

Finally Ginny smiled and Fred wiped her tear-stained cheeks with his thumb. "I'm sorry I scared you, Ginny," he said. "It will never happen again."

"Swear?" she set the big brown eyes on him.

"Cross my heart and hope to die," both twins replied, making the respective hand motion across their chests. Ginny sniffed and hugged them both again.

Hagrid came up behind and when he spoke his voice was softer than it had been only a few minutes earlier. "Fred, George, let's go lads. Ye've got a banquet ter get to." He turned to Percy. "You'll take care of things 'ere, hey?"

"Of course I will," Percy's chest puffed out in pride.

"Righ' then, Ginny? Yer teh come w'me," Hagrid extended his giant hand to her. "Firs' years get ter ride across tha' ther lake. Wouldn' wan' ter miss tha'."

With another wink from Fred, Ginny reached up and took Hagrid's hand and they walked toward the lake as Hagrid called out, "Firs' years! Firs' years follow me!" and all the new students followed him for their boat ride. Fred and George stood and offered a weak smile to Percy. Needless to say, Percy did not look amused, and after sending Hermione, Neville, Dean and Seamus off, he turned to his brothers.

"I certainly hope the two of you have learned something from all of this," he looked at the twins imperiously.

"Oh, come off it, Perce, we feel bad enough as it is," George grumbled.

"Uh, yeah, and you're wasting your breath, since we're to hear this lecture from old McGonagall soon enough," Fred agreed, rubbing his eyes.

"Yes, well, good, but it won't hurt either of you any to hear it twice. Maybe something will get through those thick heads of yours," Percy replied firmly. "Honestly, why do you think I am constantly after you two to take responsibility for your actions?"

"Dunno, Perce. Practicing so you can take over when mum finally gets fed up with us?" Fred folded his arms.

Percy glared at him in annoyance. "It just so happens that, for whatever the reason, Ginny looks up to the both of you. And when she sees you acting in such a way, well, what you do affects a great many more people than just yourselves."

Fred and George looked at each other. "Yeah, we know," they shrugged.

"Yes, well," Percy's icy glare began to melt, "any rate, are you both all right?"

The twins grinned. "'Course we are," George said.

"Aye, don' worry 'bout us, Perce," Fred went on. "Couple of right crackers, we are. Take a licking and keep-"

"Then I'll ask you both to get a move on and get into one of those carriages," Percy cut him off, pointing in the directions the rest of the students had gone.

The twins laughed and headed off. They had only gone a couple of steps, however, before George turned around again. "Oh, forgot to tell you, Perce, only Harry's missing and I'll wager our Ron's missing with him. Just thought you should know."

Percy shut his eyes and sighed. It had just been one of those days.