Slytherins, Kisses and Other Disasters
Copyright© 2026 by Caroline Stanton
Chapter 19: Nothing Gets Past Your Friends
Victoria had almost made it out of the classroom when Georgina Goyle appeared beside her.
“Vic.”
Victoria glanced over.
“Georgie.”
Georgina fell into step with her, wearing an expression of exaggerated innocence.
“Good lesson?”
“All right.”
“Learn anything interesting?”
Victoria shrugged.
“Not particularly.”
“Really?”
“Yeah.”
Georgina nodded thoughtfully.
“Funny.”
Victoria looked at her.
“What?”
“Because you look like you’ve learned something.”
Victoria narrowed her eyes.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing.”
Georgina smiled. Victoria knew that smile. It was the smile Georgina wore when she knew something Victoria didn’t want her to know.
“Oh, fuck off.”
Georgina laughed.
“I haven’t said anything!”
“You’re thinking it.”
“Thinking what?”
Victoria glared. Georgina grinned. Then Draconia Malfoy joined them.
“Good morning, ladies.”
Victoria glanced at her.
“Morning.”
Draconia studied her face. Then looked at Georgina. Georgina looked back. Something passed between them. Victoria became suspicious.
“What?”
Draconia raised an eyebrow.
“What?”
“Don’t start.”
Draconia smiled pleasantly.
“Start what, darling?”
Victoria stopped walking.
“Both of you. Whatever you’re planning, don’t.”
Georgina burst out laughing. Draconia’s smile widened.
“Oh, Victoria. You really do make things terribly easy.”
They continued down the corridor. For approximately twenty seconds, Georgina behaved herself. Then she said, “So. Harry.” Victoria groaned.
“Oh, for Merlin’s sake.”
Draconia looked interested.
“Yes. How is Mr Potter?”
“Fine.”
“How lovely.”
Victoria glared at her.
“Draco.”
“What?”
“Don’t.”
Draconia looked genuinely puzzled.
“I’m merely asking after your gentleman friend.”
“He’s not—”
Victoria stopped. Georgina grinned.
“Not what?”
“Nothing.”
Draconia’s expression grew thoughtful.
“Interesting.”
Victoria looked at her.
“What is?”
“You didn’t deny that he’s your gentleman friend.”
Georgina laughed. Victoria closed her eyes.
“Why am I friends with you two?”
“Because you love us,” Georgina replied cheerfully.
“Unfortunately.”
They reached a staircase. A pair of fourth-years hurried past, whispering. One glanced at Victoria. Then at Georgina. Then back at Victoria. Georgina noticed.
“Morning, boys.”
Both boys nearly stumbled.
“Morning, Georgina!”
They hurried away. Georgina watched them go with a satisfied smile. Victoria raised an eyebrow.
“Enjoying yourself?”
Georgina grinned.
“Immensely.”
Draconia smiled.
“And why shouldn’t she? Two invitations in one morning.”
Victoria laughed.
“Careful, Georgie. At this rate you’ll need a secretary.”
Georgina snorted.
“Yeah, right.”
They started down the stairs. Then a portrait of a plump witch carrying a basket of flowers leaned out of her frame.
“Oh! There she is!”
Victoria stopped.
“Oh, no.”
The witch smiled delightedly.
“Miss Crabbe! Congratulations!”
Victoria stared.
“For what?”
The witch giggled.
“Oh, don’t be modest, dear.”
Georgina looked interested. Draconia turned towards the portrait.
“Congratulations on what, precisely?”
The witch clasped her hands.
“Why, her young gentleman, of course!”
Victoria went still. Georgina slowly turned towards her. Draconia raised an eyebrow. The witch continued happily.
“Such a lovely couple. And such a sweet kiss!”
Silence. Victoria stared at the portrait. Georgina stared at Victoria. Draconia stared at Victoria. Then Georgina said, very quietly, “Kiss?” Victoria closed her eyes. Oh, fuck. For several seconds, nobody moved. Then Georgina grabbed Victoria’s arm.
“VIC.”
Victoria sighed.
“Georgie...”
“YOU KISSED HIM?”
Several students turned. Victoria hissed, “Keep your bloody voice down!” Georgina stared.
“You kissed Harry Potter?”
Draconia’s expression had become one of profound interest.
“Victoria.”
Victoria looked at her. Draconia smiled.
“Is there something you’d like to tell us?”
Victoria groaned.
“Oh, Merlin.”
The portrait witch looked delighted.
“Oh, it was terribly romantic!”
Victoria spun towards her.
“YOU!”
The witch blinked.
“Me?”
“How the bloody hell do you know?”
The witch looked surprised.
“Why, Mr Wetherby told me.”
“Who the fuck is Mr Wetherby?”
“The gentleman in the portrait outside your classroom, dear.”
Victoria stared. Then slowly covered her face. Georgina began laughing. Draconia’s shoulders were shaking. The witch continued cheerfully.
“He said it was a little awkward at first, but that you improved considerably on the second attempt.”
Georgina made a strangled noise. Victoria looked up.
“HE SAID WHAT?”
Draconia turned away, pressing a hand to her mouth. Georgina bent double. The witch nodded earnestly.
“Oh, yes. He was quite complimentary in the end.”
Victoria stared at her. Then shouted, “I’M GOING TO BURN THAT FUCKING PAINTING!” The witch gasped.
“Well!”
Draconia caught Victoria’s arm.
“Darling, please don’t threaten the artwork.”
Georgina was laughing so hard she could barely breathe. Victoria glared at both of them.
“I hate this castle.”
They escaped down the staircase. Or rather, Victoria marched down it while Georgina and Draconia followed, laughing. At the bottom, Victoria turned on them.
“Not. One. Word.”
Georgina held up both hands.
“Wouldn’t dream of it.”
Draconia nodded solemnly.
“Naturally.”
Victoria stared. Neither looked remotely trustworthy. She sighed.
“Fine.”
Georgina lasted approximately three seconds.
“Was it nice?”
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