War Without Victors (180). Perhaps because they had come down with Holiday Syndrome, the young people who had just spent christmas in Avalon all looked sluggish, as though they could barely be bothered to move.
They gathered around the stove in twos and threes, leaning against cushions as they enjoyed the leftover desserts from last night's feast and quietly discussed what had happened during the night.
The men who already had partners in particular were animatedly recounting their exploits, earning eye rolls from everyone nearby.
Then, no one knew who casually asked, "So when are you planning to get married?" The young people who had been laughing and fooling around fell into a deathly silence, as though someone had seized them by the throat.
"What are you going to do if someone accidentally gets pregnant?"
Cedric, carrying a large platter of pancakes, swept his gaze over the few who had been the most smug earlier. He set the platter on the small table before them. "You'd better pray that you..."
"Alright, Cedric, there's no need to scare them." Fred poured Cedric, who had brought over the food, a cup of freshly warmed Butterbeer, interrupting him.
There was no denying that Fred had had a wonderful night, and his relationship with Angelina had rapidly deepened through their exchanges. What Cedric said was indeed a problem, but Fred hoped they would have a child soon, so Angelina would give up her desire to become a member of the Quidditch team.
As for the others, that depended on whether they had that kind of luck.
If they really did accidentally hit the jackpot, the days ahead would not be easy.
After all, marriage was far too distant a prospect for people who had only recently graduated from Hogwarts and had not even had