**The Prank War Escalates**

The prank wars between the different houses at Hogwarts were in full swing, with Fred's group, the Gryffindors, engaging in a heated battle with the Slytherins. Fred's friends, George, Ron, and Harry, were all heavily involved in the prank wars, and Fred was determined to come up with the most creative and hilarious prank yet. As he walked through the corridors, he couldn't help but think about Maria and their brief encounter earlier. He wondered if she would be impressed by his pranking skills, and he found himself hoping that she would be. Fred's mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Maria and the prank wars as he entered the Gryffindor common room. His friends were already there, brainstorming ideas for their next prank. "Alright, we've got a great one," George said, grinning mischievously. "We're going to fill the Slytherin Quidditch team's broomsticks with jelly beans." Ron and Harry burst out laughing. "That's brilliant!" Ron exclaimed. Fred smiled, but his mind was still elsewhere. He couldn't shake the image of Maria's green eyes sparkling with amusement. He wondered if she would think their prank was funny, or if she would be annoyed by it. Just then, Professor McGonagall walked into the common room, a stern expression on her face. "I hear rumors of a prank war escalating between the houses," she said, her eyes scanning the room. "Let me make one thing clear: any further pranks will result in severe consequences. Do I make myself clear?" The Gryffindors nodded, trying to look innocent. But Fred couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement. He loved the thrill of the prank wars, and he was determined to come up with something that would outdo the Slytherins. As the day went on, Fred found himself distracted by thoughts of Maria and the prank wars. He couldn't concentrate in class, and he kept glancing around to see if Maria was nearby. At lunchtime, Fred and his friends sat down at the Gryffindor table, trying to come up with more ideas for their prank. But Fred's mind kept wandering back to Maria. "Hey, Fred, what's going on?" George asked, noticing that Fred was distant. "You've been spaced out all day." Fred shook his head. "Just thinking about the prank wars," he said, trying to sound convincing. But George wasn't fooled. "No, it's something else," he said, raising an eyebrow. "You're not still thinking about that new girl, are you?" Fred's face grew hot, but he couldn't deny it. "Maybe," he said, grinning. George chuckled. "I knew it. You're smitten." Fred rolled his eyes, but he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. He knew that he wanted to spend more time with Maria, to get to know her better, and to see where this newfound connection might lead. As they finished lunch and headed back to class, Fred caught sight of Maria walking down the corridor. He smiled, feeling a sense of excitement. Maybe he would see her again soon, and maybe he would be able to impress her with his pranking skills. But for now, he was content to simply watch her from afar, his heart beating a little faster in his chest. The prank wars would have to wait; Fred had a new obsession, and her name was Maria.